Sorry! This content is not available in your region Beijing has hit out at foreign interference and malicious slander after a group of UN human rights experts wrote to express concern that Hong Kongs new national security law could infringe on certain fundamental freedoms. In a press conference on Friday, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the central government strongly opposed the politicisation of human rights issues. Some people have ignored facts, maliciously slandered Chinas human rights situation, and publicly politicised human rights issues, she said. Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China. We urge them to truly respect the objectives and principles of the UN Charter, and abandon ignorance, prejudice and double standards. [They must] stop interfering with Hong Kong affairs, and Chinas domestic issues through any means. Hua was referring to a 14-page letter, which became public on Friday, sent to the Chinese government on September 1 by six special rapporteurs of the UN including Fionnuala Ni Aolain, an expert on the protection of freedoms while countering terrorism and the vice-chair of the UNs working group on arbitrary detention. Chinas top legislative body imposed the national security law on Hong Kong on June 30 to prohibit acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with external forces. Full letter to Beijing from UN human rights experts over national security law: Critics argued the sweeping legislation would deal a heavy blow to Hong Kongs civil liberties and threaten its status as a hub of international financial activities and academic exchange. But Beijing and local officials said the law was necessary for the city to restore peace, after it was roiled by months of anti-government protests, sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill in June 2019. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government also said on Friday that it objected to interference in Beijing and Hong Kongs internal affairs in any form. Story continues Every country has laws and duty to safeguard its national security and sovereignty. The national security law is enacted to maintain prosperity and stability of [Hong Kong]; as well as protect the lawful rights and interests of [the citys] residents, the spokesman said. The national security Law does not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. The human rights experts began their letter by reminding Beijing that under multiple global documents, including the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, Hong Kong was under a duty to ensure that the individual freedoms were protected by law. But the content and measures adopted in the security law, they said, posed a serious risk to fundamental freedoms. We express concern at the broad scope of the crimes defined as secession and subversion; the express curtailment of freedoms of expression and the interference with the ability of civil society organisations to perform their lawful function. They also expressed concern about a provision allowing Beijing to exercise jurisdiction over cases involving special circumstances, as well as how the security law defined terrorism in some instances. We caution that terrorist activities included in Article 24 describing damage to physical property such as sabotage of transport facilities or public services risk criminalising conduct that goes beyond the Security Councils definition of terrorist conduct if the damage is not committed with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, the letter stated. Under Article 44 of the national security law, the citys leader may designate a number of legal professionals as judges to handle cases concerning offences endangering national security. Those who have made statements deemed to endanger national security, including sitting judges, cannot be designated. Appointed persons who are later found to have made such statements are to be removed. The UN human rights experts said such provisions are broad and imprecise and appear to undermine the right to freedom of expression held by the legal profession under [ICCPR], they wrote. On the national security laws provisions that the legislation apply to offences committed by non-residents outside Hong Kong, the UN experts urged Beijing to provide information on how it intended to enforce the extraterritorial jurisdiction. We suggest the appointment of a fully independent reviewer of the application, operation, and compliance of the law with international human rights obligations. The rights experts said while they recognised Beijing had a primary responsibility to maintain national security, it must also respect personal security and liberty as an acknowledged fundamental human right. They asked the Chinese government to explain how the legislation was compatible with its international obligations, and how it might remediate inconsistencies between the law and international human rights standards. Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kongs sole delegate to Chinas top legislative body, said he did not believe the central government would have any problem doing just that. If its possible, just explain it to them. International covenants have allowed countries to take action in response to threats against national security and public health. The national security law has mentioned that two important international covenants on rights should be upheld, and the law only deals with four kinds of serious crimes, he said. This article Beijing slams foreign interference, malicious slander after UN rights experts letter of concern on Hong Kong national security law first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. A lone crew member from the Gulf Livestock 1 had been rescued so far Coast guards rescuing a Filipino man off Amami Oshima island, about 120 km northwest of the sea. Japan's coast guard said on September 2 one person was found during a search for a cargo ship with 43 people on board after receiving a distress call from the East China Sea during a typhoon. (Photo by Handout / 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters / AFP) Tokyo: More than 40 crew members were missing after a ship carrying cattle from New Zealand to China capsized in stormy weather in the East China Sea, the Japanese coastguard said on Thursday. A lone crew member from the Gulf Livestock 1 had been rescued so far. Three vessels, four airplanes and two divers were taking part in the search, the coastguard said. The ship, with a cargo of nearly 6,000 cattle, sent a distress call from the west of Amami Oshima island in southwestern Japan on Wednesday as Typhoon Maysak lashed the area with strong winds and heavy seas. Sareno Edvarodo, a 45-year-old chief officer from the Philippines, was rescued on Wednesday night, Japans coastguard said. By Thursday evening, he was still the only person rescued so far, a coastguard official said, adding the bodies of some cattle had been recovered. The crew of 43 was made up of 39 people from the Philippines, two from New Zealand, and two from Australia, the coastguard said. According to Edvarodo, the ship lost an engine before it was hit by a wave and capsized, a coastguard spokeswoman said. When the ship capsized, crew were instructed to put on lifejackets. Edvarodo told the coastguard he jumped into the water and did not see any other crew members before he was rescued. Pictures provided by the coastguard showed a person in a lifejacket being hauled from choppy seas in darkness. The Philippines government said it was coordinating with the Japanese coastguard in the search. Typhoon Maysak made landfall in South Korea on Thursday, bringing lashing winds, and at least two people were killed in the southern city of Busan. Another storm, Typhoon Haishen, was brewing south of Japan and is expected to hit the Korean coast on Sunday or Monday. LIVE CATTLE EXPORT IN SPOTLIGHT The Gulf Livestock 1 departed Napier in New Zealand on Aug. 14 with a cargo of 5,867 cattle bound for the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, China. The journey was expected to take about 17 days, New Zealand foreign ministry officials told Reuters. The 139-metre (450-foot), Panamanian-flagged vessel was built in 2002. UAE-based Gulf Navigation issued a statement saying Gulf Livestock 1 was their vessel. Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time, a Gulf Navigation spokesman said. We also express deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board. We are monitoring the situation closely and working closely with those involved in rescue efforts. We pray that there are other survivors. The young cows were exported by Australia-headquartered Australasian Global Exports, which specialises in live animal exports and owns quarantine facilities in China. The cows were worth around 20,000 yuan each, said a manager at AGEs subsidiary Beijing Muhuayuan International Trade Co Ltd. New Zealand animal rights organisation SAFE said the disaster showed the risks of the live animal export trade. These cows should never have been at sea, said campaigns manager Marianne Macdonald. This is a real crisis, and our thoughts are with the families of the 43 crew who are missing with the ship. But questions remain, including why this trade is allowed to continue. China has imported more than 46,000 head of cattle from New Zealand so far this year, according to data from Chinas customs, mostly to stock the countrys expanding dairy farms. Last year, New Zealand launched a review of its live export trade, worth around NZ$54 million ($37 million) in 2019, after thousands of animals being exported from New Zealand and Australia died in transit. New Zealands Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said it had temporarily suspended live cattle export applications after the Gulf Livestock 1 went missing. DUBLIN, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Private LTE Market by Component (Infrastructure and Services), Technology (FDD and TDD), Deployment Model (Centralized and Distributed), Frequency Band (Licensed, Unlicensed, and Shared Spectrum), End User and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global private LTE market size is projected to grow from USD 4 billion in 2020 to USD 7.5 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.6% during the forecast period. Availability of unlicensed spectrums such as CBRS and MulteFire bands, growing demand in industrial and commercial IoT, and mobile robotics and ML are expected to shape the future of the private LTE market. Major factors such as the need for unique and defined network quality are expected to drive the growth of the global private LTE market. However, the fragmented spectrum may limit market growth. The TDD segment to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. It is used with data transmissions (data or digitized voice). The LTE-TDD mode is complementary and the perfect choice for providing high-speed mobile broadband access in an unpaired spectrum. Several operators have deployed both FDD and TDD modes in their networks. LTE-TDD also provides a path for Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA). The unlicensed segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. 3GPP has industrialized a new approach with LTE License Assisted Access (LAA) to enable access to LTE-U in the 5GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. Globally, a substantial amount of unlicensed spectrum available in the ISM band can be used across a wide range of applications. Enterprises can design, develop, and operate private LTE networks in unlicensed bands. For instance, MulteFire, with its unlicensed band, provides optimum network coverage, improves network capacity, offers seamless mobility, and increases QoS. Apart from enterprises, telecom operators can also use unlicensed bands with carrier aggregation technology to extend their network coverage. Unlicensed bands have opened up several opportunities for enterprises, ISPs, CSPs, MSPs, MNOs, and cable operators by acting as a neutral host to support multiple business use cases. Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to record the highest market share in the private LTE market in 2020. APAC is an emerging region in the private LTE market. China, Japan, and Australia are the major countries contributing to the growth in APAC. APAC also constitutes major economies, such as Singapore, South Korea, and India. Japan, China, and Australia as essential for the growth of the private LTE market in this region. Japan and China are the largest manufacturing economies that produce automobiles, IT products, and electronic products. The manufacturing paradigm has changed considerably with industry seeking advanced technologies such as robotics and big data analytics becoming popular among them. Research coverage The market study covers the private LTE market across different segments. It aims at estimating the market size and the growth potential of this market across different segments based on component, technology, frequency band, end-users, and regions. The study also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key market players, along with their company profiles, key observations related to product and business offerings, recent developments, and key market strategies. Key Topics Covered 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction to COVID-19 1.2 COVID-19 Health Assessment 1.3 COVID-19 Economic Assessment 1.4 Objectives of the Study 1.5 Market Definition 1.6 Market Scope 1.7 Stakeholders 1.8 Summary of Changes 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the Private LTE Market 4.2 Market, by Frequency Band 4.3 Market in North America, by Component and Deployment Model 4.4 Market in Europe, by Component and Deployment Model 4.5 Market in Asia Pacific, by Component and Deployment Model 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Drivers 5.2.1.1 Availability of Unlicensed Spectrums: CBRS and Multefire Bands 5.2.1.2 Open Networking Model and Infusion of the Cloud and Virtualization 5.2.1.3 Dedicated Network with Higher Security, Privacy, and Control 5.2.1.4 Need for Unique and Defined Network Qualities 5.2.1.5 Digital Transformation Initiatives in Businesses, Paving the Way for Advanced Wireless Networks 5.2.2 Restraints 5.2.2.1 Frequency Bands Interference 5.2.3 Opportunities 5.2.3.1 Emergence of Industrial and Commercial IoT 5.2.3.2 Convergence of 5G and Private LTE 5.2.3.3 Upsurge in Business Use Cases Across Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Mining, and Government Sectors 5.2.3.4 Rising Adoption of Mobile Robotics and Machine Learning 5.2.4 Challenges 5.2.4.1 High Initial Cost of Deploying Network Infrastructure 5.2.4.2 Long Term Investments on Leasing Licensed Frequency Bands 5.3 Regulatory Implications 5.3.1 General Data Protection Regulation 5.3.2 California Consumer Privacy Act 5.3.3 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard 5.3.4 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 5.3.5 Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine 5.3.6 Health Level Seven 5.3.7 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act 5.3.8 Sarbanes-Oxley Act 5.3.9 Service Organization Control 2 5.3.10 Communications Decency Act 5.3.11 Digital Millennium Copyright Act 5.3.12 Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act 5.3.13 Lanham Act 5.4 Architecture 5.5 Ecosystem 5.5.1 Network Infrastructure Enablers 5.5.2 Government Regulatory Authorities 5.5.3 System Integrators 5.5.4 Industrial Partners 5.5.5 Strategic Consultants 5.5.6 Original Equipment Manufacturers 5.5.7 Customer Premises Equipment 5.5.8 Virtualization Vendors 5.5.9 Cloud Service Providers 5.5.10 Mobile Network Operators 5.6 Value Chain Analysis 5.7 Patent Analysis 5.8 Average Selling Price Trend 5.9 Case Study Analysis 5.9.1 Energy 5.9.1.1 Nokia and Elektro 5.9.2 Oil and Gas 5.9.2.1 Cisco and Beach Energy 5.9.3 Mining 5.9.3.1 Challenge Network and Gold Fields 5.9.3.2 Ericsson and Ambra Solutions 5.9.3.3 Nokia and Minera Las Bambas 5.9.3.4 Athonet and Smartfren 5.9.4 Smart Ports 5.9.4.1 Nokia 5.9.5 Government 5.9.5.1 Parallel Wireless and the UK Emergency Services Network 5.9.6 Manufacturing 5.9.6.1 Nokia and Airtel 5.10 Technology Analysis 5.10.1 Wi-Fi 5.10.2 Wimax 5.10.3 Small Cell Network 5.10.4 LTE Network 5.10.5 Citizens Broadband Radio Service 5.10.6 Multefire 5.10.7 Private 5G 5.11 COVID-19 Market Outlook for Private LTE Networks 5.11.1 Cumulative Growth Analysis 6 Private LTE Market, by Component 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Infrastructure 6.3 Services 7 Private LTE Market, by Frequency Band 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Licensed 7.3 Unlicensed 7.4 Shared Spectrum 8 Private LTE Market, by Technology 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Frequency Division Duplex 8.3 Time Division Duplex 9 Private LTE Market, by Deployment Model 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Centralized 9.3 Distributed 10 Private LTE Market, by End-user 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Utilities 10.3 Mining 10.4 Oil & Gas 10.5 Manufacturing 10.6 Transportation and Logistics 10.7 Government 10.8 Healthcare 10.9 Others 11 Private LTE Market, by Region 11.1 Introduction 11.2 North America 11.3 Europe 11.4 Asia-Pacific 11.5 Middle East and Africa 11.6 Latin America 12 Competitive Landscape 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Market Evaluation Framework 12.3 Revenue Analysis of Top Market Players 12.4 Historical Revenue Analysis 12.4.1 Introduction 12.5 Ranking of Key Players in the Market, 2020 13 Company Evaluation Matrix and Company Profiles 13.1 Company Evaluation Matrix, 2020 13.1.1 Star 13.1.2 Emerging Leaders 13.1.3 Pervasive 13.2 Company Profiles 13.2.1 Nokia 13.2.2 Ericsson 13.2.3 Huawei 13.2.4 ZTE 13.2.5 NEC 13.2.6 Affirmed Networks 13.2.7 Athonet 13.2.8 Redline Communications 13.2.9 Samsung 13.2.10 Airspan 13.2.11 Asocs 13.2.12 Boingo Wireless 13.2.13 Casa Systems 13.2.14 Cisco 13.2.15 Comba 13.2.16 Commscope 13.2.17 Druid Software 13.2.18 Extenet Systems 13.2.19 Fujitsu 13.2.20 Lemko 13.2.21 Mavenir 13.2.22 Quortus 13.2.23 Star Solutions 13.2.24 Tecore 13.2.25 Telrad Networks 13.2.26 Wireless Excellence 13.3 Startup/SME Evaluation Matrix, 2020 13.3.1 Progressive Companies 13.3.2 Responsive Companies 13.3.3 Dynamic Companies 13.3.4 Starting Blocks 13.4 Startup Company Profile 13.4.1 Accelleran 13.4.2 Air-Lynx 13.4.3 Altiostar 13.4.4 Amarisoft 13.4.5 Baicells Technologies 13.4.6 Celona 13.4.7 IPLook 13.4.8 JMA Wireless 13.4.9 Parallel Wireless 13.4.10 Phluido 13.5 Other Key Ecosystem Vendors 13.5.1 Netnumber 13.5.2 JI Technology 13.5.3 Verizon 13.5.4 Sierra Wireless 13.5.5 Future Technologies 13.5.6 Ambra Solutions 13.5.7 Ursys 13.5.8 Geoverse 13.5.9 Cradlepoint For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j3d6pu Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Jaime said this about his book: "In Cholula, Mexico, the city surrounded by the Iztaccihuatl, Popocatepetl, and Malinche volcanoes, the city that refuses to leave behind its pre-Hispanic magic, and which is home to the Quetzalcoatl pyramid, the largest in the world. In 1914, when not only the great world war broke out, but Mexico was the bloody heart of the Mexican revolution led by Zapata and Carranza and that it had been contained by the bloody and chilling coup of Victoriano Huerta and Ambassador Lane Wilson in the tragic decade of 1913, which resulted in the deaths of Madero and Pino Suarez. 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About Page Publishing : Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors' books, including distribution in the world's largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1248699/Jaime_S_nchez.jpg SOURCE Page Publishing Related Links https://www.pagepublishing.com The figure is equivalent to more than 10 percent of overall public spending on healthcare projected by Armenias 2020 state budget. The budget was drafted by the government and approved by the parliament late last year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A report released by the ministry says that more than a quarter of the sum has financed the current expenditures of Armenian hospitals treating COVID-10 patients. Another 2.9 billion drams has been spent on the purchase of medical equipment for those hospitals and medical labs. According to the report, the ministry has also bought 1.8 billion drams worth of medication as well as protective gear for medical personnel worth 876 million drams. Bonuses paid to Armenian healthcare workers at the frontline of the fight against the pandemic have cost the state an additional 826 million drams. The Ministry of Health stressed that its coronavirus-related expenditures do not cover measures against the pandemic that have been financed by other Armenian government agencies. The ministry has recorded 44,271 coronavirus cases and at least 887 deaths caused by them so far. In addition to the extra healthcare expenditures, the government has allocated about 150 billion drams ($310 million) for wide-ranging financial assistance to people and businesses severely affected by the pandemic. The stimulus package has included cash handouts to various categories of the vulnerable population as well as loan subsidies and grants to businesses and farmers. The state budget for this year calls for a total of 1.88 trillion drams ($3.9 billion) in government spending. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 03:01:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2020 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia shows G20 foreign ministers attending the virtual G20 Extraordinary Foreign Minister's Meeting. The Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers highlighted on Thursday coordination of cross-border management to protect lives and livelihoods during coronavirus crisis, according to a statement by the Saudi G20 Presidency. (G20 Saudi Arabia/Handout via Xinhua) RIYADH, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers highlighted on Thursday coordination of cross-border management to protect lives and livelihoods during coronavirus crisis, according to a statement by the Saudi G20 Presidency. During the extraordinary meeting, the foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of opening borders and promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive in accordance with the protective measures given by health organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said reopening borders would inspire human faith in cooperation in overcoming the pandemic. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the G20 countries have been holding regular meetings to deal with impacts of the deadly virus on various sectors. During a summit in March, the G20 leaders vowed to pump more than 5 trillion U.S. dollars into the international economy. 'It's A Whole New Situation': Russia's Liberal Opposition Determined To Keep Fighting During Navalny's Absence By Robert Coalson September 03, 2020 Much of the Russian electorate is still seething over a package of constitutional amendments that were foisted on the country this spring, and could pave the way for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036. And anger against the ruling United Russia party over a reviled reform that raised retirement ages has not abated. The Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk has been rocked by mass protests for months, after the region's popular governor was arrested in connection with killings that happened well over a decade ago. And the example of neighboring Belarus, where hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, is increasingly hard to ignore. It has been more than a decade since the political landscape in Russia seemed so promising for the country's liberal opposition as the country heads into local elections on September 13 that are seen as a harbinger of the national elections for the State Duma set for 2021. But the opposition goes into the fight without its charismatic leader, the lawyer, anti-corruption crusader, and politician Aleksei Navalny, who was poisoned on August 20 and is currently in an induced coma at a hospital in Berlin, where doctors say he is expected to survive but could be incapacitated for months. German doctors say he was poisoned by a substance from the Novichok group of nerve agents, the same type of toxin that was used to poison a former Russian spy and his daughter in England in 2018. "[The authorities] want to sideline Navalny so that his 'smart-voting' project would collapse," political analyst Fyodor Krasheninnikov told Current Time, referring to a Navalny initiative designed to defeat United Russia by creating a list of candidates deemed most likely to defeat rivals from the ruling party and urging opposition-minded voters to vote for them. "Without Aleksei, it will be much harder to carry out this campaign." Anlayst Abbas Gallyamov agreed. "Navalny was genuinely dangerous to the Kremlin in the context of the [2021] Duma elections," he said. "Thanks to his smart-voting project, the Kremlin's plans to take control over the next Duma could have been foiled." Recalling Nemtsov Russia's liberal opposition is still stinging from a similar situation, in which former Deputy Prime Minister and popular opposition politician Boris Nemtsov was shot dead outside the Kremlin in February 2015. "I see a parallel with the murder of Boris Nemtsov," said Vladimir Milov, a former deputy energy minister who is a leading activist in Navalny's movement. "He was murdered a little over a year before the [September 2016] Duma elections. The purpose was obvious -- he couldn't be given a chance to form a powerful coalition. If Nemtsov had lived, we would be in the Duma now." "Now it is clear that Navalny is the leader who is in a position to unite people," Milov added. Krashennikov also points to Nemtsov's assassination. "The authorities hate people who can organize things and they attack them," he said. "Recall the murder of Boris Nemtsov. He was murdered at the very beginning of the election campaign for the State Duma so that he would not be able to organize a strong list for the PARNAS opposition party, which by the way most likely would have included Navalny. Nemtsov was killed and the project fell apart." But there are reasons to think that this time things could be different. Navalny's smart-voting project is already well developed and has shown encouraging signs of success. In 2019, the initiative was able to win 20 of 45 seats on the Moscow City Duma. "Although we weren't able to break United Russia's majority in the Moscow City Duma, the deputies that we did get in there are making our work in future elections in Moscow much easier," Milov said, arguing that such success leads to increased opposition activism. "First there is 'smart voting'; then we get access to power at the regional level; and then people will come out into the streets to defend that power." The 2018 gubernatorial election in Khabarovsk Krai is another example. Navalny hailed the election of Sergei Furgal, who was on the smart-voting list and who soundly defeated the longtime United Russia incumbent. When authorities from Moscow arrested Furgal in July and whisked him off to the capital for trial on murder-related charges, the Khabarovsk region rose up in a wave of protests that continues to this day. Grassroots Organization A key test for Navalny's organization is whether it will be able to amicably create its list of smart-voting candidates, which the group normally announces just days before the elections in order to prevent the authorities from disqualifying the listed candidates. It remains to be seen if the list can be developed and promoted without divisive infighting. Although Navalny has been enormously popular on social media and as a public speaker at protests and regional rallies, he has been blocked by Kremlin-controlled television and other media from developing a national image. His name recognition in many regions is low and when people do know of him, they often associate him with Kremlin smears, such as that he is a tool of the West. His real strength as a leader has been his ability to develop a genuinely grassroots organization that has proven it is capable of working without him during his many trials and spells in jail. "A clear plus regarding Aleksei Navalny is that he is really a good manager," said supporter and political analyst Aleksandr Kynev. "He has been able to create one of our country's very few networked organizations that can work even when he is not around. He has been arrested many times and there have been situations when virtually the entire leadership of the organization has been knocked out of commission, as happened last year and a few times earlier. But nonetheless, the organization worked." "In this regard, he is a unique talent in Russian politics as a political manager," Kynev added. "I don't think that even this extremely difficult situation will lead to the destruction of this unique network." Kremlin-connected political analyst Gleb Pavlovsky also credits Navalny with building a powerful national network. "This is a person who was chosen by history," Pavlovsky told RFE/RL's Russian Service. "He has done his part, but history selected him. History made him unique in his own way. The fact that he has been able, as this unique person, to build up a team, a strong team, and not only in Moscow, but all over Russia -- that is a rare quality that few people have. That is why I think he is doing a great thing." "We are in a whole new situation," he added. "What has changed compared to what Aleksei himself said? The fact that he himself cannot say it now -- that has changed." Milov said pro-Kremlin sources have already begun spreading false rumors that the opposition has been "paralyzed" by Navalny's absence. "Nothing has been paralyzed," he said. "We will see what nonsense it is to accuse Navalny of building a leader-based structure. Look how many bright, hard-working, independent people are on Navalny's team. It is a genuine, broad structure and not some leader-based structure. And we know what to do. We have prepared ourselves for situations, such as we have seen in the past, when Navalny is removed from the scene. He always says: 'There is a plan and all we need is for everyone to do their work.'" Navalny himself emphasized this in a post to Instagram made just hours before he boarded the flight from Siberia to Moscow on which he very nearly died. Posting a selfie with a group of young volunteers in Tomsk, he wrote: "In order to defeat the United Russia candidates, we need more volunteers. The party of power has a lot of money, but we have to rely only on the help of good, honest people. The thieves aren't going to drive themselves from power!" Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson. RFE/RL's Russian Service and Current Time contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny -absence-poisoning-opposition-whole-new- situation-elections/30819250.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 school in Buckinghamshire has been forced to stagger its reopening after a group of Year 13 pupils contracted the coronavirus on a holiday abroad. A group of around 20 students from at Sir William Borlases Grammar School in Marlow reportedly brought back Covid-19 after a trip to the island of Zante in Greece. The pupils and several of their family members are now self-isolating after testing positive, headteacher Kay Mountfield told parents in a letter published in the Maidenhead Advertiser. However, the school was deemed safe to reopen to some year groups from Thursday after the headteacher consulted council and Public Health England officials. These cases are all linked and were acquired abroad during the school holidays, said councillor Anita Cramer, Buckinghamshire Councils cabinet member for education. The school is clean and safe to return to, and there will be a staggered start to the school year with the older students returning slightly later to allow pupils to complete the self-isolation period. Video posted on TikTok showed one of the schools pupils saying there had been virtually no social distancing during their trip to the Greek island, according to a report in The Sun. The outbreak comes as health officials in Scotland said they had found evidence of coronavirus spreading within two secondary schools in Glasgow. Officials from the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board (NHSGGC) are now carrying out contact tracing at Lochend Community High School and Hutchesons Grammar School in the city. A spokesperson for the health board there was evidence of transmission of the virus amongst a small number of cases in school settings. Scotlands education secretary John Swinney told the Scottish parliament that 127 pupils had contracted Covid-19 since classes started back up again on 11 August. Matt Hancock said a decision on quarantine restrictions would be revealed on Friday (AP) Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on authorities in England to consider imposing quarantine rules on travellers arriving from Greece and Portugal. Health secretary Matt Hancock said a decision on whether to impose restrictions on the countries would be announced on Friday. Rising Covid-19 cases prompted the Scottish government to announce travellers from Greece would have to self-isolate for 14 days from Thursday, while Wales began asking arrivals from the island of Zante to enter quarantine. The Independent has contacted Sir William Borlases Grammar School for further clarification. Recently the surfacing of a Russian submarine in Alaska has caught the U.S. military off guard, near the Bearing Sea. This is regarded by the American as not the usual soviet activity. According to the Russian Pacific fleet, the surfacing of the Omsk, a guided missile submarine that was detected out of the water near the Bering Sea near Alaskan Territory. Russian officials cited the event as normal. The submarine is part of the largest Russian naval exercise that is currently underway, one off the biggest since the disjointing of the Soviet Union. Russian are increasing their activities in the artic which is the next area, where armed forces are establishing themselves, reported The Drive. USS Seawolf started operations in the north, which is far from its usual Pacific sorties. It was also one of those rare events when the US Navy decided to let everyone know where their super-secret sub was. Reported by the Russian outlet RIA Novosti remarked on the comments that did not emphasize on August 28, 2020. A day before the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) said it was keeping tabs on the Omsk, that was sailing above water and in international waters. Not knowing the status of the sub, preparations were ready if assistance was needed. Aaron Amick, a veteran U.S. Navy submariner, said that if there is no indication of distress then it means these non-American subs are working close to US boundaries. He indicated the surfacing of the USS Seawolf in Norway that startled the Russians prompted this reaction. The submarines are clandestine and rarely seen about water, and one of the most shadowy Naval services. Having the Russian surface one of their own is like saying we can do that too. Also read: Chinese Submarines Using Underground Base in Hainan Island Captured in Satellite Photos These spaces are utilized to install about a dozen launchers, that fires the huge P-700 Granit anti-ship cruise missile that is called the SS-N-19 Shipwreck. Onboard the are 24 of the ship busters that are lethal to any opponent. Equipped with four torpedo tubes that are 533-millimeters each, used to fire heavy torpedos, or maybe use a dedicated anti-sub missile RPK-6 Vodopad to knock out another sub, and the SS-N-15 Stallion that is an unusual weapon in the Omsk's arsenal. Omsk is part of a 50-ship flotilla that includes several submersibles and warships that practicing with live weapons, held in the Bering Sea. On August 27, 2020, a video was sent out by the Russian Ministry of Defense, showing footage from the fleet exercises. One of the images was the Omsk launching of its shipwreck missiles, during exercises. Other ships that fired their salvo was the Slava class guided-missile cruiser Varyag, did live firing with a P-1000 Vulkan anti-ship cruise missiles too. One unidentified vessel shot a P-800 Oniks used for anti-shipping, as part of the live firing drill. By analysis, the Bering Sea drill with 40- aircraft that were part of it, the Omsk was a surprise for the Americans. When the ships were in the practice area, they surprised fishing boats who did not expect them. Increased activity of the Russian navy in the artic is drawing attention, and the current administration is adjusting to changes. But the Omsk is only one of the surprises in the changing scenarios. Related article: One of the Most Advanced Attack US Navy Submarines Sighted in Troms @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China opposes US release of report hyping 'Chinese military threat' PLA Daily Source: China Daily Editor: Huang Panyue 2020-09-03 00:50:02 The People's Liberation Army opposes the United States' Pentagon releasing a report hyping up the so-called "Chinese military threat". It also promises to take further action in accordance with the development of the situation, the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on Wednesday. The Pentagon published its annual assessment of the Chinese military on Tuesday, titled "Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2020". The report claimed China is seeking to build overseas military facilities in over a dozen countries, double the size of its nuclear arsenal and develop a military by mid-century that is equal to -- or in some cases superior to -- the US. The ministry said the report is chock-full of Cold War and zero-sum game mentalities to hype the so-called "Chinese military threat". The report also has "misunderstood China's defense policy and military strategy, and smeared the PLA's modernization effort, defense spending, nuclear policies and other issues". The ministry accuses the US report of driving a wedge between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, thus stirring up tension in the region. "These actions are extremely erroneous, and China resolutely opposes them," the ministry said, adding it will take further action in accordance with the development of the situation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former foes Kosovo and Serbia have agreed on a historic pact to normalize economic relations, US President Donald Trump announced Friday at the White House. A truly historic day, Trump said, with Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic sitting beside him in the Oval Office. Serbia and Kosovo have announced economic cooperation on a broad range of issues. Serbia and its former territory, which declared independence in 2008, remain bitter over a bloody war fought two decades ago. The European Union failed for nearly a decade to broker a thaw in relations. The US effort focused on business and commerce, however, with Serbian negotiators insisting they would not go as far as recognizing Kosovo as a fully-fledged state. It took decades because you didnt have anybody trying to get it done, Trump said of the deal. There was a lot of fighting and now theres a lot of love. Vucic said Trump had done a great job and praised the US presidents commitment to the region, inviting him to visit Serbia. The air ambulance was in attendance following a crash on the M2 motoway in Belfast on Friday afternoon. The M2 southbound was closed for a time between Fortwilliam Roundabout and the Duncrue Street offslip, causing long tailbacks. It has now fully reopened. It follows a road traffic collision involving a red Volkswagen Beetle and two motorcycles shortly after 2pm. Emergency services and police attended the scene and two men, both of whom were riding motorcycles, were taken to hospital. "The M2 motorway has now re-opened following an earlier road traffic collision," a PSNI spokesperson said. Expand Close Emergency services at the scene (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emergency services at the scene (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have captured the collision on dash-cam to contact them at Sprucefield on 101 quoting reference number 995 04/09/20. 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. I am 100% ANTIFA all the way! he posted on Instagram in June, referring to a loose collection of activists who have mobilized to oppose groups they see as fascist or racist. I am willing to fight for my brothers and sisters! Even if some of them are too ignorant to realize what antifa truly stands for. We do not want violence but we will not run from it either! In the Vice interview, Mr. Reinoehl said he had acted in self-defense, believing that he and a friend were about to be stabbed. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color, but I wasnt going to do that, he said. An hour before his fatal encounter with law enforcement, Mr. Reinoehl was on the telephone with Tiffanie Wickwire, who was helping him set up a GoFundMe page, Ms. Wickwire said in an interview. We were talking about his kids and what to do for them if anything happened to him, she said, referring to his 17-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. Stay safe, they told each other at the end of the call, she said. The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force that attempted to arrest Mr. Reinoehl included members of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Lakewood Police Department, the Pierce County Sheriffs Department and the Washington State Department of Corrections. After Mr. Reinoehl was killed by law enforcement, Attorney General William P. Barr said in a statement that the streets of our cities are safer. The federal governments ability to track Mr. Reinoehl down, he said, was an unmistakable demonstration that the United States will be governed by law, not violent mobs. Mr. Barr formed a task force this summer to investigate the proliferation of violent anti-government extremists as citizens across the country protested the killing of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police. The F.B.I. has opened hundreds of investigations related to extremist activity, but has predominately charged actors on the far right. An eCommerce company specializing in natural health products chronicles latest revenue, strategic acquisitions and partnerships, expansion and trajectory VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / Global natural health products and eCommerce technology company Thoughtful Brands Inc. (CSE:TBI)(FSE:1WZ1)(OTCQB:PEMTF) (the "Company" or "Thoughtful Brands"), which recently changed its name from Mota Ventures Corp. to better reflect the Company's long-term growth strategy, is proud to announce its second quarter 2020 earnings results, as reported on August 31, 2020. During a period of three months that ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded revenue of $12,842,934, which was primarily due to the operations and strong sales performances of the Nature's Exclusive CBD brand, whose product line led to a major sales boost amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Cost of goods sold amounted to $11,293,727 during the three months ended June 30, 2020. Cost of goods sold included costs for product fulfillment, as well as eCommerce campaign costs including customer acquisition. Revenues grew by 68% in the second quarter. Customers acquired for the twelve months ended June 30, 2020 reached 202,564 up from 44,207 compared with the twelve months ended June 30, 2019. Gross margin in Q2 2020 increased to 12%, as compared to gross margin in Q1 2020 of 8%, due to increased efficiencies in operations and increased customer acquisition due to online marketing campaigns in the current period. "The Thoughtful Brands team would like to emphasize the Company's commitment to its partners, the integral role of supply chain across its businesses, and its unrelenting effort to provide the best possible experience for its customers," said CEO Ryan Hoggan. "Each of the ventures outlined below is part of our broader expansion plan and we're looking forward to the remainder of 2020 and beyond." Key Highlights for the six months ended June 30, 2020 Financing In April 2020, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $4.5 million. Acquisitions & Joint Ventures On June 1, 2020 the Company completed its acquisition of Verrian, which owns and operates a 110,000 square foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Radebuel, Germany. Operations within this full suite pharmaceutical manufacturing site include analytical laboratory and finished dose manufacturing, which exceed all international quality standards. The facility and equipment of Verrian have been independently appraised at Cdn$10,600,000 and include an analytical laboratory and full pharmaceutical manufacturing suite. Verrian also specializes in the development of psychedelic-derived medicines with the goal of formulating treatments for addictions-including opioids and alcohol. The move propelled Thoughtful Brands into the burgeoning psychedelic market and supports the Company's forays into the natural health sector beyond the cannabidiol ("CBD") market. On April 7, 2020 the Company acquired a 20% ownership interest in Folium Life Sciences Inc., a Health Canada-licensed cannabis cultivator. Folium is expanding its licensed indoor cannabis production facility on Vancouver Island to produce a high quality and consistent cannabis product on site. On March 25, 2020 the Company, through its Spanish subsidiary Global Zifar S.L., acquired the intellectual property and trade names of "Sativida" in Spain, and will license both back to Sativida in exchange for a royalty associated with the gross revenues generated by Sativida. Sativida is a producer and online retailer of CBD and branded CBD products in certain jurisdictions in Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, France and the UK. Sativida is also the top search-ranked online retailer of CBD products in Spain and Mexico and plans to continue expanding its footprint in Europe and Latin America. On January 17, 2020 Thoughtful Brands completed its acquisition of First Class CBD (which was re-branded as Nature's Exclusive on April 6, 2020), an online direct-to-consumer retail distributor in the United States. Nature's Exclusive offers a CBD hemp-oil formula intended to provide users with the therapeutic benefits that hemp-derived CBD may offer. The hemp oil used in the products is derived from hemp grown and cultivated in the United States. The extraction process is designed to maintain all the beneficial qualities that hemp may offer. Natures Exclusive offers a range of products, which include CBD oil drops, CBD gummies, CBD pain relief cream and CBD skin serum. In January 2020, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Ihuana S.A.S entered into a research cooperation agreement with La Fundacion Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (The University Foundation of Health Sciences) located in Bogota, Colombia. Pursuant to the agreement with the university, the parties agreed to engage in research and formulation of medicinal products made with non-psychoactive cannabis and cannabis byproducts. In January 2020, Ihuana completed its 2,000 square foot research and development facility in Guasca, Colombia. The purpose-built R&D facility is for a seed registration program on Ihuana's licensed land. This was a significant step, as it allows Ihuana to register the genetics of its high-CBD, low-THC strains of cannabis with the Colombian Agricultural Institute (Instituto Colombiano Agroprecuario, or ICA). Key highlights subsequent to June 30, 2020 On August 22, 2020, the Company, through its wholly-owned US subsidiary, Ecommerce Tech LLC, acquired the rights to an eCommerce software platform from Unified Funding LLC's wholly-owned subsidiary, Offer Space LLC. Prior to the Software acquisition, the Software was being used by the Company's Nature's Exclusive brand, and by the newly acquired brands, Golden Path and Wild Mariposa, through service agreements with Offer Space. The acquisition of the asset provides the Company with the opportunity to capture previously unrealized value from the products it launches in the online natural health market. The Software facilitated over Cdn$350 million in consumer transactions, including Cdn$93.8 million in 2019. The asset enhances the management of the Company's already profitable online brands, and allows the Company to launch new products and enter into emerging natural health markets worldwide, more efficiently. On August 19, 2020, the Company acquired Golden Path LLC and Wild Mariposa LLC, two direct-to-consumer eCommerce brands offering a range of natural health products, including nutraceutical and hemp-based CBD, within the United States. Every product manufactured is third-party tested for purity and manufactured in the United States in GMP certified facilities. The acquisitions expanded the Company's portfolio in the nutraceutical and hemp-based CBD product space. On July 21, 2020, the Company entered into a binding agreement with Franchise Cannabis Corp. to form a joint venture in Europe to sell and market Franchise-manufactured CBD, hemp and cosmetic products in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom. Sales of the custom-manufactured products will be sold online utilizing the Company's eCommerce infrastructure. Franchise is a European-focused cannabis and pharmaceutical distribution company based in Germany with two Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certified distribution facilities, exporting to over 18 countries and currently serving a network of over 1,500 pharmacies within Germany for medical cannabis sales. About Thoughtful Brands Inc. Thoughtful Brands Inc. is an eCommerce technology company that researches, develops, markets, and distributes natural health products through various brands in North America and Europe. Through continuous strategic acquisitions, the Company has a strong footprint in the CBD market, as well as the burgeoning psychedelic medicine sector. Thoughtful Brands owns and operates a 110,000 square foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Radebeul, Germany, where its highly skilled team conducts clinical studies utilizing naturally occurring psilocybin and other compounds found in psychedelics for the treatment of opiate addiction, while planning for future opportunities to create proprietary psilocybin products. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS THOUGHTFUL BRANDS INC. Ryan Hoggan Chief Executive Officer For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President at +604.423.4733 or by email at info@thoughtful-brands.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to its plans to the acquisition of the eCommerce platform from offer space providing the Company with the opportunity to capture previously unrealized value from the products it launches in the online natural health market. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. SOURCE: Thoughtful Brands Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604784/Thoughtful-Brands-Inc-Announces-Q2-2020-Highlights "The servicemen and women he served with, particularly those who did not come home, were not losers. If these statements are true, the president should humbly apologize to every Gold Star mother and father and every Blue Star family that he's denigrated and insulted," Biden added. "When my son was an assistant U.S. attorney and he volunteered to go to Kosovo while the war was going on as a civilian, he wasn't a sucker," Biden said. "When my son volunteered and joined the United States military as the attorney general and went to Iraq for a year, won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he wasn't a sucker," Biden said. Biden, the Democratic nominee, invoked the military history of his own son Beau Biden, who died of cancer in 2015 as he denounced the president, who has denied making the reported comments. WASHINGTON A furious Joe Biden demanded Friday that President Donald Trump "humbly apologize" to the families of fallen U.S. service members following reports that Trump called them "losers" and "suckers." Democratic presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden speaks on the state of the US economy on September 4, 2020, in Wilmington, Delaware. Biden's remarks came a day after The Atlantic reported that Trump declined to visit an American cemetery near Paris in 2018 and referred to U.S. Marines buried there as "losers" and "suckers." "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump told aides after scrapping the visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, according to The Atlantic. The magazine did not identify the aides. The report said Trump later referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who lost their lives in the Battle of Belleau Wood in France as "suckers" for getting killed. At the time, Trump publicly blamed his decision to scrap the visit on bad weather that scuttled his helicopter flight. He never explained why he didn't take a car to the site. The 1918 Battle of Belleau Wood dragged on for 20 days and ended with U.S. Marines successfully clearing out German camps. The Allied victory became an enduring symbol in U.S. Marine Corps history. "I've just never been as disappointed in my whole career," Biden later said in the remarks. "It is a disgrace." Trump had used the same word to describe the article itself. "To think that I would make statements negative to our military and fallen heroes when nobody has done what I've done," for the U.S. armed forces, Trump told reporters Thursday night. "It's a total lie ... It's a disgrace." Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said in a statement to CNBC that, "The bogus attacks are the same as we heard in 2018 immediately following the trip to Paris and they are just as false now. "Every aspect of this charade should be dismissed out of hand," Murtaugh said in the statement, which did not directly address Biden's remarks. Members of the Trump administration also denied that the president spoke disparagingly about fallen U.S. military personnel buried at the cemetery. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during an interview on "Fox & Friends" that he has "never heard the president use the language that is certainly said in that article about him calling military suckers and losers." "Indeed, just the contrary, he has always had the deepest respect. I'm a veteran, too. I care deeply about these young men and women, and I have watched the president honor them and every situation that I've been in with him as well," Pompeo said. In a statement Friday, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Trump "has the highest respect and admiration for our nation's military members, veterans and families," adding, "That is why he has fought for greater pay and more funding for our armed forces." Vice President Mike Pence told CNBC on Friday that he was not on the particular trip referenced in The Atlantic article but, "it never happened." "I talked to the president that day, I know how disappointed the president was that there was a bad weather call. I've never been with anyone who cares more deeply about the men and women of our armed forces or respects them and their families than President Donald Trump," Pence said. Armenian Noah hosts representatives of Spanish Celta Quake hits Armenia: 28 km northwest of Jermuk Crete island lighthouse illuminated with colors of Armenian tricolor Aurora Humanitarian Initiative to allocate $500,000 to projects in Artsakh Sajid Javid: Britain must learn to live with COVID-19, it could be with us forever Erdogan suggests Putin and Zelensky meet face to face EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus meets Aliyev Mariam Mkrtchyan becomes chess champion of Armenia US imposes sanctions on Ukrainians related to 'Russian harmful foreign activities' Sabah: Ankara refuses to hold next Armenian-Turkish meeting in a third country US general discusses regional security and bilateral cooperation in Armenia Secret graves of alleged protesters discovered in Almaty Armenian side members to Armenian-American Intergovernmental Commission confirmed Juventus ready to sell De Ligt for 65 million euros WHO advises countries to lift or ease international travel restrictions Bed scene with Lady Gaga and Salma Hayek was cut from House of Gucci US sanctions against Vladimir Putin, Ruben Vardanian and members of the Russian government Armenian Foreign Ministry discusses Mirzoyan's participation in Turkey forum Thailand to resume non-quarantine travel scheme from February 1 Instagram introduces paid subscription feature NEWS.am daily digest: 20.01.22 Europe considers new strategy to combat COVID-19 How to get rid of sugar addiction? Al Nassr want to buy Aubameyang Norwegian prosecutors refuse release Anders Breivik, 2011 mass murderer Netflix shows first shots from new season of Bridgertons Erdogan urges Turks to sell foreign currency for liras Azerbaijan not yet returned about 300 sheep of Armenia villager Media: Israeli President thinks about visiting Turkey Dollar quite stable in Armenia Trade turnover between Ukraine and Armenia increases by 24% Armenia legislature speaker meets with of International Republican Institute president, and director for Eurasia Kremlin does not exclude new call between Putin and Biden EU Special Representative for South Caucasus to soon visit Armenia, Azerbaijan State Duma discusses work of biolaboratories near Russia's borders US lawmakers to parliament speaker: Armenian POWs must be returned to their homeland immediately Security Council chief: Armenia expects OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to visit region Armenia government does not approve plan to considerably raise minimum wage Manchester United to buy Aston Villa midfielder Turkish FM: Armenian representatives invited to diplomatic forum in Antalya Twitter suspends Mexican billionaire's account over offensive behavior Armenian PM says Omicron strain is slowly spreading Technical supplier of VAR system in Armenia to be Hawk eye company Azerbaijan says it supports launching border delimitation process with Armenia with no conditions Zakharova speaks on Aliyev's visit to Kyiv Zakharova does not comment on Azerbaijan president's threats against France presidential candidate for her Artsakh visit Memory problems even after mild COVID-19 experience Cavusoglu: Steps to increase mutual trust will be discussed at next meeting with Armenia John Malkovich not allowed hotel because of invalid COVID-19 certificate US gives go-ahead to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to send missiles and other American-made weapons to Ukraine Zakharova: Russia, as OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, supports continuation of work in this format Cyber attack on Red Cross: data of over 515,000 people compromised Pashinyan: UK has been strong partner of newly independent Armenia Israel hopes UN will unanimously condemn Holocaust denial Armenia, Ukraine depositories sign memorandum of cooperation Azerbaijan advises Armenia to correctly assess the new geopolitical realities and draw conclusions Australia, UK to fight back against cyberattacks from China, Russia and Iran Protesting residents of Armenias Parakar community march to territorial administration ministry Armenia government approves protocol on implementation of readmission agreement with Lithuania Iran suspends gas supplies to Turkey MFA: Armenia has no preconditions for border delimitation 621 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Paris to have place named after Hrant Dink Armenias Parakar enlarged community residents protesting outside government building Gaspard Ulliel dies in skiing accident for not wearing helmet Turkey opposition party MPs petition for parliamentary inquiry into Hrant Dink assassination France, Germany, Italy and Spain call on Israel to halt construction in East Jerusalem Armenia parliament speaker in US, meets with Nancy Pelosi Iranian MFA: Relations between Iran and Russia have moved into a new diverse, intensified direction Czech Rep. singer dies after intentionally catching Covid Biden says invasion of Ukraine will be disaster for Russia Newspaper: Armenia PM Pashinyan plans to hold Presidents office What foods reduce the risk of heart attack? Newspaper: Opposition Armenia bloc, led by ex-President Kocharyan, starting new processes Coppa Italia: Inter advance to quarterfinals Copa del Rey: Atletico Madrid are out DFB-Pokal: Hoffenheim lose, Armenias Adamyan does not play Taliban PM calls on Muslim countries to be first to formally recognize their government Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria, Egypt reach Round of 16 Saudi Arabia records lowest temperature in 30 years Erdogan's visit to Ukraine scheduled for February 3 Russian peacekeeping contingent establishes order of passage through Lachin corridor French Senate votes to ban hijab at sporting events Armenian FM: All necessary conditions to be created for Demarcation Commission work Olaf Scholz: Borders in Europe cannot be changed by force Gareth Bale returns Real Madrid squad list Lavrov presents Armenian Ambassador to Russia, with the Order of Friendship Bill Gates warns of pandemics far more serious than COVID-19 FM on mirror withdrawal of troops: Not a single Armenian village will be left without proper protection Macron: EU countries must work together on agreement for stability and security How to stay in shape after losing weight? PM Pashinyan assumes accountability for Armenia special representative for negotiations with Turkey Turkey Central banks and UAE sign agreement worth almost $5 billion Djokovic buys 80% stake of COVID-19 treatment researching company Blinken: Western countries need unity to stop Russian aggression against Ukraine Iranian President performs evening namaz in Kremlin after talks with Putin Turkish police detain women protesting price hikes in hygiene products Delegation headed by Chief of the Cypriot National Guard General Staff has meetings in Armenia Merkel refuses job in UN structure Bichakhchyan scores spectacular goal against Zorya Pakistan has high stakes in peace and stability in Afghanistan and a lasting solution to Afghan issues was only possible through comprehensive dialogue between all stakeholders, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Thursday as he held talks with his Afghan counterpart. During a telephonic conversation with Afghanistans acting foreign minister Haneef Atmar, Qureshi congratulated him on successfully holding the second round of Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) dialogue in Kabul on August 31. Atmar called Qureshi and discussed bilateral relations and progress on the Afghan peace process, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office. Qureshi reiterated that peace in Afghanistan was the highest priority as Pakistan had high stakes in return of stability to Afghanistan and the region. Qureshi assured his Afghan counterpart of Pakistans consistent support to Afghanistan on its path to peace and development. He said that it was important that the Afghan leaders seize this historic opportunity and achieve an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan. He welcomed the recent developments on the release of prisoners and urged all parties to take requisite steps for the commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiation at the earliest. Qureshi underlined that the Intra-Afghan Negotiations would also provide an opportunity to address the return of Afghan refugees to their homeland with dignity and honour. It was critical that the return of Afghan refugees should be part of the peace and reconciliation process, he said. He expressed satisfaction at the successful holding of the Second Review meeting of APAPPS in Kabul. Qureshi emphasised that the positive momentum after the APAPPS should be followed up by implementing all its decisions. Both sides agreed that APAPPS provides a comprehensive and pertinent forum to address all issues on key tracks of the bilateral relations. He said that the return of peace and stability in Afghanistan would strengthen trade and energy corridors between Pakistan and Central Asia and beyond. The foreign minister also appraised his Afghan counterpart on the details of a recent meeting with an Afghan Taliban delegation in Islamabad. A high-level delegation from Afghan Talibans Qatar-based political office met with Qureshi on August 25 and discussed issues impeding the start of the intra-Afghan dialogue for ending the 19-year-long conflict in the country. During the meeting, the Afghan delegation, led by Mullah Baradar, the director of the political office, informed Qureshi of the progress made on the peace deal inked between the US and the Taliban. The peace deal, which calls for the intra-Afghan negotiations, was signed by the US and the Taliban in February. The deal was brokered to provide for America's exit from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years of war and calls on the Taliban to fight against militant groups. STAMFORD Administrators have decided to delay the opening of Westhill High School next week, after teachers bombarded them with concerns about returning to the building. All other Stamford schools are to open on schedule Tuesday. We knew we were going to be down to the wire, said Superintendent Tamu Lucero about getting schools ready for reopening in a historic year. We came up to the 1 yard line and we just couldnt get into the end zone. Lucero made the comments during an emergency meeting of the Stamford Board of Education Friday night, which was called after many Westhill teachers sent emails to administrators earlier in the day suggesting they would call in sick Tuesday, when students are to return to classrooms after a six-month hiatus. Principal Michael Rinaldi proposed the delay after meeting with Lucero. The school is now to open two days later, on Thursday, Sept. 10. In a letter to staff, Rinaldi wrote that the delay would allow custodians to finish cleaning the building and prepare it for reopening, and would give the district more time to ensure that every staff member and classroom receives protective equipment. Teacher Kate Tobin, a union representative for the school, was one of the teachers to email administrators Friday. Westhill is not ready to open, she wrote. In the email, Tobin listed uncertainties about assignments, problems with the school building and a lack of in-place safety measures as reasons why teachers felt it is premature to open. No one knows what they are teaching, Tobin wrote, saying teacher assignments had yet to be finalized the day before the holiday weekend. Further, she wrote that protective equipment for teachers and cleaning supplies were sorely lacking. So far, she said teachers had received one face shield and a cloth mask. No extra masks for students, she wrote. No plexiglass barriers for our desks or student desks. On Friday, Lucero addressed that issue, saying state guidelines call only for a mask for teachers in terms of personal protective equipment to go with hand sanitizer. She said those two things are being provided to every teacher classroom in the district and would be in place by the opening of school. But Tobin wrote that the majority of teachers reported that they still had no hand sanitizer in their classrooms by Friday and that student bathrooms only had one soap and one paper towel dispenser. Yet all students will be able to clean their hands between periods? she wrote. Mathematically no advanced degrees necessary here we think not. Tobin ended the email saying she is terrified for her students. I am not sleeping, she wrote. My anxiety is through the roof ... I sincerely doubt my stress will resolve over the weekend, and to that end, I believe I will likely have to call out sick on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Tobin emphasized on Friday that the teaching staff was not placing blame on custodians or the administration. According to Tobin, about 100 of the 160 SEA members in the school had as of Friday joined the effort to call for the reopening of the school to be delayed. She said every tenured teacher at the school signed on to the cause. Teacher Ruth-Terry Walden also emailed administrators calling for school reopening to be delayed. The teachers of Westhill are anxious and apprehensive with the lack of clearly defined procedures and protocols that are not in place at this time, she wrote. She added, A global viral disease with no cure isnt to be played with or guessed about. ... Students and staff deserve to be in a safe learning environment and Westhills building at the present time is not safe, nor does it support those universal precautions that need to be in place in order to make it so. Jennifer Leveille, another teacher at the school, said she didnt know what her assignment was for the school year. We literally do not know what we are teaching, she wrote to administrators. All of this is to occur at some point, but really, shouldnt this point have been figured out weeks ago? She added, How are we prepared to accept students on Tuesday? We are literally running blind here, completely unable to plan for anything as everything is still up in the air. Concerns from teachers seemed to mount earlier in the week when they met virtually with Superintendent Tamu Lucero, as well as facilities managers Kevin McCarthy and John Perna of the Stamford Asset Management Group. The meeting was meant to provide an update on ventilation issues at the school. Late last month, the Stamford Board of Education approved two allocations, totaling roughly $550,000, to address deficiencies in the HVAC system in the building. The school has three main HVAC systems that include 85 unit ventilators that sit under windows and a 1960s-era air handler system that services the inner core of the building, as well as the auditorium, gym and other rooms. McCarthy said staff patched the units back together so that they were operating as they should have been when they were installed in 1960s. Nonetheless, he said the decades-old units still leak, and the interior of the air handlers are rusted. We cleaned it out as best we could and got it operating and up to standards of when it was installed in 1960, he said, during the meeting. Many teachers on the call, including Tobin, didnt seem reassured by status of the HVAC system. Whats coming through is a fair amount of frustration, Tobin said during the meeting. It seems that the biggest answer to everything is that the system is from the 1960s, its not designed to do certain things and its not running so great anymore. She added, Last year at this time, Mike Handler was telling all of us that our building was unfit, was going to be torn down, we were going to be moved to swing spaces and then the building was going to be rebuilt. Now were here again, so the big question from everyone seems to be, Are we safe? Handler, who was the head of the Stamford Asset Management Group, stepped down in February. ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com Millions of students across Canada are going back to school this week and next, returning to unsafe and overcrowded classrooms as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the country and internationally. The back-to-school drive has one overriding aim: to force working parents to return to work so they can resume generating massive profits for big business. It is being jointly orchestrated by the provincial governmentsLiberal, Conservative, Coalition Avenir Quebec, and NDPand by the Justin Trudeau-led federal Liberal government. Among its most ardent promoters is Quebec Premier Francois Legault and his CAQ (Coalition for Quebecs Future) government. Legault has refused to offer worried parents the alternative of e-learning, insisting it be reserved only for children with a doctor-certified medical condition. After a spike in COVID-19 cases this week, including at many newly reopened schools, Legault blamed the public for ignoring social-distancing rules and vowed to keep the schools open even as teachers and students fall sick. "Above all, I do not want to close the schools," he declared. In Quebec, the epicenter of the pandemic in Canada, the Ministry of Health is refusing to provide official updates on school-related COVID-19 cases. But according to data compiled by a Montreal father on the covidecolesquebec.org website, more than 30 schools in the province have already had at least one positive case. Across the province, workers, parents and medical experts have expressed deep concern about the governments school reopening plans: A group of parents has sent a formal notice to the Ministry of Education to demand the implementation of online school learning. Politimi Karounis, a member of this group, said he has received thousands of messages from parents who are concerned about their children going back to school. Sarah Gibson, a mother of two teenage girls in a Montreal suburb, launched a petition to demand the plan be revised to provide an online-learning option, reduce class sizes, and incorporate other science-based safety measures. To date more than 30,000 people have signed the online petition. Refuting the government's lies, the text accompanying the petition states that it is "increasingly clear that children are as contagious as adults." The text draws attention to airborne transmission, in the presence of often antiquated ventilation systems, as an important vector for the spread of the virus. And it stresses the need for regular testing of students and school staff. A group of 150 doctors, epidemiologists and other scientists have signed an open letter to the Legault government denouncing the reopening of schools. "The current back-to-school plan in Quebec needs to better consider all the available scientific evidence to prevent outbreaks in schools, to avoid jeopardizing the safety of our children, teachers and parents, as well as, to prevent a resurgence of SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) in our community," the letter states. In Quebec, as in the rest of Canada, the trade unions have been working for decades with the ruling class to impose capitalist austerity. Today they are fully collaborating in the back-to-work campaign, merely making timid criticisms of the premature return to school in order to camouflage their collaboration with the authorities. But workers, in all fields of activity and on an international scale, are beginning to draw lessons from the treacherous role of the unions. Comments posted to social media by Quebec teachers underscore that they are searching for an alternative to the union bureaucracy, which has no intention of protecting the health and safety of education workers. Particularly significant are the trenchant criticisms of the Autonomous Federation of Teachers (FAE/Federation autonome de l'enseignement), a union that claims to be more militant. These include the following comments, each from a different teacher. I thought my union was mobilized, but I was wrong! There is no ventilation system in our schools, no reduction in [pupil-to-teacher] ratios, no visors, no Plexiglas, no windowless classrooms, and on top of that, at the secondary level we have to disinfect ourselves every time we arrive in a new classroom. Our unions... Forget it! We have to mobilize ourselves and then kick them out! I've always been the first one to defend the FAE, but I don't understand... High school teachers will be teaching in windowless, poorly ventilated environments... I'm speechless and very disappointed! Its not a matter of demanding answers, what we need is action! We have been denouncing this problem for the past six months right here in connection with Covid and we ask you not to let the government expose us to this additional danger. The new school year has already begun and all I still see is a wait for some to die attitude. The Socialist Equality Party insists that the only way to stop the homicidal reopening of schools, and save lives, is for the working class to take matters into its own hands through the establishment of safety committees made up of rank-and-file workers, independent of and opposed to the pro-capitalist unions. Such rank-and-file committees must demand the immediate closure of schools until the pandemic is contained, as well as a massive increase in public education funding to ensure that all students have access to online education and necessary support services, including mental health, special education and food security. The ruling elite will inevitably claim there is no money to implement these demands. Workers must respond by showing that resources are plentiful, but they are being diverted to further enrich the corporate-financial aristocracy. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government, Bank of Canada, and other government agencies have funnelled hundreds of billions of dollars in bailout funds into the financial markets, banks, and big business to ensure the investments and profits of the rich and super-rich. The fight against the reckless and premature reopening of schools must be combined with the political mobilization of the working class and the preparation of a counteroffensive in defense of human lives. That is why rank-and-file safety committees in schools must make a broad appeal to all workerseducators, school bus drivers, custodians, maintenance and other support staff, as well as construction, health care, logistics, food, retail and restaurant workers. In the United States, where thousands of infections among teachers and students have been reported across the country since schools reopened in late July, several groups of teachers have taken the decision to establish rank-and-file safety committees. (See: Second call-in meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee attracts large audience across the US) This example must be followed in Quebec and across Canada. We urge all school staff, parents and students who agree with such a program to contact us. Singapore: Coronavirus cases have resurfaced in the dormitories of foreign workers in Singapore, which were last month declared virus-free after extensive disinfection works were conducted, according to media reports on Friday. The city-state reported 40 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, including three imported infections, taking the total number of cases in the country to 56,948, the Ministry of Health said. The virus has so far claimed 27 lives in Singapore. The three imported cases have been placed on 'stay-home notice'. The remaining 37 new cases are foreign workers living in dormitories. Several new virus clusters in foreign worker dormitories have come up, though they were cleared of the disease a few weeks ago, the Channel News Asia reported. On Thursday, new clusters were identified at two foreign worker dormitories 'Cochrane Lodge and at Westlite Toh Guan dormitory' both were cleared of the disease last month. New clusters have also been identified at Sungei Tengah Lodge, Homestay Lodge, Tuas View Dormitory, Changi Lodge II, North Coast Lodge and Toh Guan Dormitory. Meanwhile, the five imported cases reported on Thursday were arrivals from Bangladesh, India, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines between August 22 and 31. All of them are on 14-day 'Stay-Home Notice'. With 137 COVID-19 patients being discharged from hospitals and community care facilities on Thursday, the total number of recovered patients stands at 56,028. Currently, 52 confirmed cases are admitted in hospitals and 801 cases are isolated at community care facilities. KYIV, Ukraine - Hundreds of students, information technology workers and others rallied again in Belarus capital Friday to protest the disputed reelection of the nations authoritarian president, while the main opposition challenger in the vote urged the United Nations to help end the crackdown on protests. Information technology workers and other protesters formed chains of solidarity in various parts of Minsk to keep pushing for the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, who extended his 26-year rule in an Aug. 9 election that the opposition challenged as rigged. Belarusians have turned out in en masse for nearly four weeks to protest the official election results that gave Lukashenko a sixth term with 80% of the vote. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition challenger in the vote, addressed Fridays meeting of the U.N. Security Council via video link, asking it to stop blatant human rights violations and cynical disregard for human dignity right in the middle of Europe. She accused Lukashenko of stealing the election and asked the U.N. to condemn the crackdown on protesters, send a monitoring mission to Belarus and call a special session of its Human Rights Council to discuss the situation in the country. I call on the international community to use all mechanisms to stop the violence, including sanctions on the individuals that committed electoral violations and crimes against humanity, she said. During the first few days of post-election protests, police detained nearly 7,000 people and beat hundreds, drawing international outrage and causing the anti-government demonstrations to swell. The government has since shifted tactics, seeking to squelch protests with threats, the selective detention of protesters and the prosecution of activists. On Friday, police entered the State Linguistics University in Minsk to disperse an action by students who were expressing solidarity with classmates detained earlier. Officers rounded up several participants. Later in the day, hundreds of students rallied in front of the university in a show of defiance, chanting Shame! In another part of the city, hundreds of IT workers formed a human chain outside the High Technology Park a day after the authorities raided one of the companies there and detained several workers, including its top manager who was accused of financial abuses. Searches and arrests at big IT companies only cause a wave of solidarity and fuel protest, said IT expert Dmitry Boronovsky. The Belarusians have felt the taste of freedom and will never agree to return to the dictatorship. Earlier on Friday, several government websites were attacked by hackers, who added Lukashenko and his interior minister to the list of wanted criminal suspects posted on the Interior Ministrys page. In recent years, Belarusian authorities have sought to promote the IT sector in a bid to diversify the Soviet-style economy relying mostly on aging heavy industries. It has expanded quickly over the past few years thanks to tax breaks and other benefits, generating a growing chunk of government revenues. The High Technology Park in Minsk houses 750 IT companies that employ 58,000 people and currently account for more than 6% of the nations GDP. When the post-election protests erupted, IT workers were quick to join the demonstrations. Many talked about their plans to leave the country, saying they wouldnt continue their work amid the crackdown on the opposition. Last month, dozens of top IT entrepreneurs put out an open letter, warning authorities that repression against dissent would trigger massive brain drain. Trampling on the law will bring nothing good, they said. If it continues, thousands of talented IT experts will leave the country together with their families in the next few months. Belarus is in big trouble, dreams about its future are dying before our eyes. A leading IT company, EPAM, has launched a training program that offers IT careers to people who lost jobs because of their support for the opposition. Seeking to stem the tide of protests, Belarusian authorities have specifically targeted members of the Coordination Council that opposition activists set up after the election to try to negotiate a transition of power. Two of its members were given 10-day jail sentences on charges of staging unsanctioned protests last week, and a court in Minsk handed them new 15-day sentences Thursday. Earlier this week, six Belarusian journalists were detained while covering a student demonstration and charged with taking part in unsanctioned protests. During a Friday court hearing, police officers in ski masks testified against them via a video link. The court handed them three-day sentences, the time they already have spent in custody. Dozens of colleagues met them outside the court as they walked out, chanting Freedom! Authorities also have revoked the accreditation of many Belarusian journalists and deported some foreign journalists, including two Moscow-based Associated Press journalists. APs Belarusian journalists were among those told their press credentials had been revoked. On Thursday, two popular TV anchors who resigned from state TV in solidarity with the protesters were handed 10-day sentences for taking part in unauthorized rallies. They beat journalists, they put them on trial, strip them of their credentials and deport them from the country, Andrei Bastunets, head of the Belarusian Associaton of Journalists, told The Associated Press. The law doesnt work, they accuse journalists with cameras of co-ordinating the protests. The United States and the European Union have criticized the Aug. 9 presidential election as neither free nor fair and urged Belarusian authorities to engage in a dialogue with the opposition, a demand Lukashenko has dismissed. Weve made very clear that this election was not a real election. It was fraudulent; it wasnt fair, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday in an interview with conservative radio show host Hugh Hewitt, adding that the U.S. is working with its European partners to ensure basic freedoms for the Belarusian people. Facing Western criticism, the Belarusian leader has sought to secure support from Russia, which has a union agreement with Belarus envisaging close political, economic and military ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is ready to send police to Belarus at Lukashenkos request if the demonstrations turn violent. On a visit to Moscow on Friday, the Belarusian defence minister accused the West of waging a hybrid war against the Belarusian state, applying unprecedented diplomatic, political and economic pressure. ___ Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of Belarus at https://apnews.com/Belarus Read more about: 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 Stock Market News VOD Shares - Where next for the Vodafone share price after its 20% decline in 3 months? 04-09-2020 03:58 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk There is an "urgent need" for UK-wide action to help the aerospace industry, an MP has said, after Bombardier announced it is moving to a four-day week for staff as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to staff, seen by the Belfast Telegraph, the firm said that it would now close its Belfast plant on Fridays. More than 600 jobs are set to go as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Read More Bombardier said in a letter to staff: "As you are aware, the global coronavirus pandemic continues to significantly impact the aviation and aerospace sectors. "We have felt the consequences of this directly in recent months with unprecedented levels of instability in our production schedules as our customers are forced to continually adjust to market realities. "As an industry, we know that our recovery will take considerably longer than other areas of the economy, and while in some ways it may feel like things are 'getting back to normal' in our society, we must accept that the situation for aerospace will continue to be volatile in the months to come." The firm said it has been able to mitigate redundancies due to using the UK Government's furlough scheme. It said it would continue to use it as long as it's available and starting today until the end of October will be "treating Fridays (and Thursday night shift) as furlough days for the vast majority of our employees". Bombardier told staff the plan would be reviewed on a rolling weekly basis and may include employees who had not previously been furloughed. Mr Gavin Robinson, the East Belfast MP, said Bombardier's decision underscores the need for urgent action to help the industry and the importance of selling the Northern Ireland operations. "The skills within our aerospace industry are world-class and we cannot risk such expertise being lost from the sector locally," he added. Police in Malava, Kakamega County, Kenya have launched a hunt for a 30-year-old man accused of hacking his wife, 25, in the thighs and arms. Evelyne Muchite, a resident of Mkavakavaka Village, said her husband, Meshach Japheth, returned home Monday mid-morning while drunk. As he was leaving, I asked him to give me money so that I could buy sugar and make breakfast for the children, who were complaining of hunger. He ignored me at first. I, thereafter, told him that he was wasting money on alcohol, yet his children and I, his wife, were suffering from hunger. It was at that point that he reached for a panga and hacked me several times in the arms and thighs, Muchite told K24 Digital. The suspect, who escaped to an unknown destination after the incident, is said to have, of late, developed a habit of assaulting his spouse. Japheths brother, George Bush, says his sibling, a mason, has a drinking problem. He has assaulted his wife on two previous occasions. I am afraid he would kill her the third time he abuses her physically, said Bush, who took Evelyne to Malava Sub-County Hospital, where she was treated and discharged. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Belarus' opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is currently living in an exile in neighbouring Lithuania, has urged the United Nations to intervene in an ongoing crackdown on protesters. Tikhanovskaya on September 4 urged the global organisation to use all mechanisms possible to halt the crackdown, including sanctions on individuals working closely with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Read: Belarus Leader Reshuffles Lieutenants To Tighten Control Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who emerged as the main challenger in the August 9 presidential poll, said that a "nation cannot be hostage to one man's thirst of power" urging the United Nations to immediately send a team to the Balkan country to document the situation on the ground. The informal meeting between Tikhanovskaya and the United Nations came after police in Belarus arrested students, who were peacefully protesting in the capital Minsk. Read: Belarusian Journalists Face Charges For Covering Protests IT workers join protests Scores of IT workers and students took to the streets of capital Minsk on Friday to join the ongoing mass protest against the "last living dictator of Europe". The protesting IT workers on Friday formed chains of solidarity in different parts of the city demanding Lukashenko's resignation. Belarusian authorities on August 10 had declared the controversial election result which announced the authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko as the clear winner with over 80 percent of votes. The opposition leaders, including Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, immediately called out authorities for the result calling it rigged in favour of Lukashenko. The disputed result was followed by people taking to streets and clashing with police, where one demonstrator lost his life. The international community was quick to respond, including the European Union, which urged Lukashenko to respect the basic human rights of the Belarusian people. Read: Belarus IT Workers Take To Minsk Streets To Protest Against Disputed Election Read: Belarus Opposition Leader Appeals To EU To Reject Election Result Three people were arrested after the fatal shooting of a police officer and another person on the west side of Cleveland on Thursday night, law enforcement officials said. The Cleveland police said on Twitter that an on-duty officer was shot at about 10 p.m. at an intersection. Jeff Follmer, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmens Association, said the second person was not believed to be a suspect in the officers death. A spokeswoman for the F.B.I.s Cleveland office on Friday identified the officer as Detective James Skernivitz. The spokeswoman, Vicki Anderson, said that the F.B.I. was helping the local police in the investigation and that Detective Skernivitz had been sworn in as one of the F.B.I.s violent crimes task force officers on Wednesday. The Cleveland police chief, Calvin Williams, at a news conference on Friday declined to share details of Detective Skernivitzs assignment the night he was killed or discuss the circumstances in which he was shot. He also declined to identify the second victim or that persons connection to the detective. Authorities are offering a reward for information the shooting death of an Elba man more than seven months ago. Donta Jaqun Rogers, 26, was killed Jan. 16 inside a residence in the 600 block of Putnam Street. He was taken by ambulance to Medical Center Enterprise and later to Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery where he was pronounced dead in the early-morning hours. The suspect or suspects fled the scene. Court records indicate Rogers was involved in a robbery in the hours before his shooting. His father, 46-year-old Jonathan Rogers, and another family member, Yatchauntaneeya Henderson, 25, were arrested and charged on Jan. 23 with first-degree robbery. Charging documents state the pair assisted Rogers in an armed robbery against another man. Additionally, Henderson is charged with tampering with evidence. According to documents, she removed a gun from Rogers waistband after he was shot and put it in a bag under a bed in another room. Investigators are asking for the public to come forward with any information and a $1,000 reward offered. Tipsters can call police or Crime Stoppers at 334-215-7867 or via the P3-tips app. Were full steam ahead for September. The goal, of course, to have the maximum number of kids in our schools as we begin school. Amid a raging national debate over how to safely reopen schools, the nations largest public school system, New York City, has pledged to let every student return to the classroom, citing months of low infection rates. Nothing replaces the in-person experience. There are some out there who suggest that remote education should be our future. And I want to say, no, it cant be. But from the start, its been a messy process. Families are deeply divided about whether to send their children to school for two to three days a week, what the city is calling blended learning, or to opt for fully remote learning. I dont see enough information for me to make a decision yet. So whats the schedule? I mean, how is it going to work with lunch? I mean, all this stuff just is not clear. Im pissed off. You would think that with the challenge that we are facing, the city would have brought its A-game And they didnt. They just didnt. Today, what the run up to the first day of school has looked like through the eyes of a single teacher, Iolani Grullon, who spoke to The Dailys Lisa Chow. archived recording (lisa chow) Ive just come out of the 181st subway station. And I am headed to meet a teacher. Is that her? Hi. How are you? archived recording (iolani grullon) Good. How are you? archived recording (lisa chow) Good. My names Lisa. archived recording (iolani grullon) Hi, Lisa. How are you? Im Iolani. Im doing well, thank you. archived recording (lisa chow) Yeah. I like your mask. [LAUGHS] archived recording (iolani grullon) Thank you. archived recording (lisa chow) OK. So let me so why dont you just tell me, like, where we are right now? archived recording (iolani grullon) So were in front of PS 48 on 186th Street and Broadway in Washington Heights. And this is where I teach kindergarten dual language. archived recording (lisa chow) And how long have you been working here? archived recording (iolani grullon) This is my 15th year [BACKGROUND CONVESATION] archived recording (lisa chow) At this school? archived recording (iolani grullon) Mhm. This is Ms. Frances. archived recording Im so camera shy. archived recording (lisa chow) Hey. No cameras. Just audio. archived recording (iolani grullon) Oh, even better. Wonderful. This is my good friend and colleague. archived recording (ms. frances) Hi. Im Ms. Frances. Im Iolanis good friend and colleague. [LAUGHTER] archived recording (iolani grullon) Are you walking with me? archived recording (lisa chow) Im going to walk with you. archived recording (iolani grullon) All right. Cool. archived recording (ms. frances) OK. See you soon. archived recording (iolani grullon) Ill call you tonight, Ms. Frances. archived recording (ms. frances) OK. OK. archived recording (lisa chow) OK. So actually, lets just first describe what were doing here. So I have a mask on. You have a mask on. Were walking to your home. And have you been doing this walk every day during training? archived recording (iolani grullon) I havent done it every single day, but mostly. archived recording (lisa chow) Yeah. archived recording (iolani grullon) I feel a little antsy getting on the bus. I mean, it makes me anxious to get to be in the building as well, you know. And every day, we hear, you know, oh, another school has positive cases. Oh, another school has I mean, I dont even know what number were up to at this point. I think its, like, 55 teachers. And you know, theyre expecting that. And theyve said theyre expecting it. archived recording (lisa chow) So the conversation among teachers, I mean, what has that been like? Like, what are people feeling? archived recording (iolani grullon) Anxious. There isnt a lot of direction. The difficult part, what we were talking about today, some of my colleagues and I, spending the entire day in a mask is really hard. I cant even imagine, like, teaching kindergarten through a mask. I have to do letters and letter sounds in two languages. Because Im a dual language teacher. So I teach in English and in Spanish. archived recording (lisa chow) How does the mask complicate things? archived recording (iolani grullon) Well, because they cant see my mouth. I think Im going to get one of those with the clear plastic or where the lips are. Maybe Ill invest in some of those. archived recording (lisa chow) What do you think you would need to be like, what do you think the schools would need to be ready? archived recording (iolani grullon) We need to go remote for a little bit. You know? Im listening to doctors and scientists. I know thats, like, controversial these days. But what Ive been reading, experts are saying that we need to brace ourselves for this fall and winter. So why not? We still have time to come up with meaningful remote lessons, learning. We can meet about it. We can create things together. Weve been so busy cleaning classrooms and setting them up like its a regular school year. It feels like the higher ups are in denial. archived recording (lisa chow) What do you mean? Well, weve been putting together our classrooms as if it were a regular year. Meanwhile, weve also been told, be prepared to go remote at any given moment. How can I prepare to go remote at any given moment if Im busy setting up a room? I dont even know. Im not even sure whats going to be allowed. I heard a rumor, I read it somewhere. I dont know how true it is. That were not going to be giving students paper and collecting paper from them. So what am I doing? Am I teaching them on an iPad. I dont know. I dont know that yet. So what have your feelings been over the course of the past week and kind of coming into this week? archived recording (iolani grullon) I go through waves of, like, anxiety, to being hopeful that it works out, to just being worried. Am I going to be prepared? I need to know what Im doing when Im teaching in person. Like, is there somebody thats going to be teaching those kids when theyre home, the kids that are blended, but when theyre home, am I going to be responsible for that? How am I going to pull that off? archived recording (lisa chow) Its like three different jobs. archived recording (iolani grullon) Yes. Yes, it is. archived recording (lisa chow) Its the full remote, the in-person, and then, the blended. archived recording (iolani grullon) And then the blended remote. Yes. And I think about that. Like, my eyes will pop open at 3:30 in the morning and thats it for me. Im awake. You know? And then my own, of course, personal situation, where I cant bring this to my daughter. And I could be asymptomatic and bring it home. And that is what weighs on me the most, of course. Oh my goodness. archived recording (lisa chow) OK. So we just have arrived in your apartment building? archived recording (iolani grullon) Yes. This is my building. [DOOR OPENING] Hey. Please come in. Im just going to wash my hands, Lisa. archived recording (lisa chow) Can you just walk me through your routine? archived recording (iolani grullon) So Im washing my hands. Usually when I get here, I go immediately to take a shower. But Im not going to make you wait. So since Im not going to do that today, I make sure to wash my hands. As a matter of fact, I usually take those shoes off and leave them by the door. Because my routine is to just go straight into the bathroom and shower and spray some Lysol in there. This is Leila. archived recording (lisa chow) Hi, Leila. archived recording (iolani grullon) Leila, thats Lisa. archived recording (lisa chow) Hi, Im Lisa. Yeah. archived recording (iolani grullon) Shes recording. I want you guys to say hi. archived recording (lisa chow) Its just audio. Its no video. archived recording (iolani grullon) Its not your face. archived recording (lisa chow) Hi, Im Lisa. archived recording (iolani grullon) These are two 13-year-olds, Lisa. archived recording (chloe) Hi. archived recording (lisa chow) Whats your name? archived recording (chloe) Im Chloe. archived recording (lisa chow) And whats your name? archived recording (leila) Leila. archived recording (lisa chow) OK. Hi, Leila. archived recording (iolani grullon) And lets go to lets go sit in the living room, because its easier. Were going to sit here, because I can socially distance with Lisa from here. archived recording Yeah, go ahead. archived recording (iolani grullon) So can I sit on one end of the couch [SPEAKING SPANISH]. Lisa, come in. archived recording (lisa chow) OK. So tell me about your kids. archived recording (iolani grullon) So my kids are great. Theyre very independent. Liam is an amazing big brother. You know, hes very attentive with his sisters. He will be in charge of remote learning, cause hes learning remotely. So theyll be home together, the three of them. The girls are obviously not going to go into the buildings. Chloe, being immunocompromised, its not advised that she go in the building. So theyre going to be learning remotely. archived recording (lisa chow) And so on the walk, you were talking to me about how this is weighing on you, obviously. And we didnt get into it much. But can you talk to me a little bit about that, in terms of just your work and thinking about your family? Like, what keeps you up at night? archived recording (iolani grullon) Possibly infecting my daughter, absolutely, thats number one. She was born with a congenital heart defect. She had her heart transplant at about 15 months old. Even though she has a heart transplant, shes a healthy girl. But you know, there have been a lot of bumps in the road as well. There have been times that weve done Christmas in the hospital for different things or whatever. Whenever she does have a fever, I have to bring her to the emergency room. She cant just, like, sit out a fever at home. She cant do that. So whenever she does archived recording (lisa chow) And why is that? archived recording (iolani grullon) Because you dont know what it could be from. It could be her heart. I mean, rejection could sometimes show in a fever. So yeah. But taking care of her and her heart is a full-time job as well. archived recording (lisa chow) So this is something that you live with day in and day out. archived recording (iolani grullon) Yes. Im very stressed out by it. Because I know for a fact that Chloe wouldnt do well with COVID. She just wouldnt. I dont even like to really think about what could happen. But I know what could happen. archived recording (lisa chow) Lets go back to the end of the school year. So back in June when school wrapped up, what was the message coming from your principal, from the mayor? Were city leaders basically saying, were going to be opening in person? Or archived recording (iolani grullon) There was no message. There was no message. Nothing was said until about maybe sometime in late July. The mayor announced, we will be reopening. archived recording (lisa chow) Do you remember what your reaction was? archived recording (iolani grullon) Yeah. Complete disbelief I could not believe that they were going to open this way, with no real concrete plan, just pick a model. Let us know what the model is. And make it work. And principals then decided which of the models their school would be using as far as blended and remote. Families were told, your children can be remote only. But schools couldnt go remote only. archived recording (lisa chow) But teachers couldnt? archived recording (iolani grullon) Right. archived recording (lisa chow) When the mayor announced that schools would be reopening and have a blend of remote, in person, and you were in complete shock, after that, then what happened? And you have this situation at home, you know, with your daughter, like, were you reaching out to the D.O.E.? archived recording (iolani grullon) I filled out an application for remote accommodations immediately. They came out I believe they came out July 15, a few days after the announcement was made. So teachers could apply for remote accommodations based on their own health. I applied anyway. And I submitted a letter from my daughters transplant team. Immediately denied, because Im not the one at risk. But it just doesnt make sense. When you look at the C.D.C. list of possible health issues that you have in order to receive remote accommodations, at the very top, one of the top three things is immunocompromised because of a solid organ transplantation. It literally says it. OK. So Im not the one with the solid organ transplantation, but my daughter is. And were dealing with a highly infectious virus. It just doesnt make any sense. It doesnt make any sense. My daughters one of her cardiologists, actually, asked me the last time we spoke, are you going to stay home? And I was, like, no. They were, like, what? Are you really? Do you need a letter? What do you need? And I was, like, no. You guys have given me what I would need. But its not its not enough. archived recording (lisa chow) So its just denied. It was flat out denied. archived recording (iolani grullon) It was just flat out denied. And Ive had advocates that have pushed for me from the city. And the city has told theres a person that has been pushing for me. I taught her daughter. Coincidentally, she happens to work for a New York senator. Coincidence, right? And she said to me that when shes asked about it or pushed for it, what the city has said to her, the D.O.E. has said to her, is that teacher sure she doesnt have one of these listed conditions? Its, like, of course, Im sure. Who wouldnt be sure of their own health? Are you trying to get me to come up with a condition? Like, what are you doing? Why would they ask are you sure? Thats been twice. Yes, Im sure. You know, Im not going to lie. I do not smoke. And thankfully, I am healthy. My daughters condition should be enough. archived recording (lisa chow) So you think that theyre trying to push you into saying that you have one of these conditions so you can get exempt, but not tell the truth, which is that you dont have these conditions but your daughter does? archived recording (iolani grullon) Yeah. What are you supposed to make of that? archived recording (lisa chow) Well, it sounds like they might want to help you, but also, you know, theyre trying to follow the rules. archived recording (iolani grullon) Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Future Market Insights (FMI) offers a 9-year forecast of the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market from 2018 to 2027. In terms of the overall market value, the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market is estimated to record a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. This market study showcases the global market trends and dynamics across six business regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, APEJ, Japan, and MEA that influence the existing nature and the future status of the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market during the forecast period. Report Description This market report offers a detailed analysis of the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market and provides insights on different factors driving the demand for ultrasonic pulse velocity testers. The market study features an exhaustive analysis on the key challenges, trends, market drivers and the overall market structure. The market research report provides a comprehensive and complete assessment of the stakeholder imperatives and strategies for succeeding in the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester solution business. The report segments the market based on application, end user vertical, transducer frequency range and different regions globally. For more insights into the Market, request a sample of this report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7924 The ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market is estimated to witness a steady growth rate during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the simplicity and automation of the overall ultrasonic pulse velocity testing process and the ever-rising demand for laboratory-grade non-destructive ultrasonic testing equipment. The market report begins with an overview of the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market in terms of its value. In addition, the overview section includes an extensive analysis on the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester markets key challenges, trends, and drivers from the economy, demand and supply sides influencing the market. A detailed analysis has been presented for each segment in terms of the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market size across various regions. The next chapter in the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market report features a detailed analysis of the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market across different regional countries. It offers a market outlook for the forecast period 20182027, and showcases the forecast within the context of the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market. This section includes the latest technological offerings as well as key technological developments in the market. This market study discusses the key regional trends contributing to growth of the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market, and analyses the intensity at which the drivers are influencing the market in each region. Regions and countries assessed in the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market report include North America (U.S., Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and the rest of Latin America), Europe (Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy and the rest of Europe), Japan, APEJ (China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and the rest of APEJ) and MEA (GCC Countries, South Africa, Israel and the rest of MEA). This report on the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market evaluates the current scenario and the future prospects of growth in regional markets across the globe for the forecast period 20182027. The year 2017 is considered as the base year, and the data has been provided for the remaining 12 months. In order to determine the accurate forecast, we have begun the market study by sizing the present market that forms the basis of determining the markets future growth. With regards to the characteristics of the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market, we have considered the outcomes of different analysis types based on the technological trends. As highlighted previously, the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market is segregated into a number of segments. All the market segments in terms application, end user vertical, transducer frequency range and region have been studied and later analysed in terms of basis points in order to fully understand the relative contributions of each segment to the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester markets growth. This information is important for the identification and recognition of various key market trends in the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market. Another key feature of this market report is the analysis of key segments in terms of segmental absolute dollar opportunity. This is otherwise overlooked while forecasting the market. Absolute dollar opportunity is critical in analysing the opportunity level that a manufacturer or a supplier can look to achieve, and it facilitates the identification of potential resources from sales as well as delivery perspectives in the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market. The final section of the report includes a competition landscape that provides a dashboard view with respect to the categories of various providers in the value chain, and their intensity and presence in the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market. The competition landscape is primarily designed to offer detailed and objective comparative assessment of the key players specific to a particular market segment in the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester supply chain and the potential players in the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market. Clients can gain segment-specific product vendor insights to identify the key competitors on the basis of an in-depth assessment of their success and growth capabilities in the marketplace. Detailed company profiles are included in the scope of the market report to evaluate their key offerings, recent developments, and their short-term and long-term strategies the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market. Some key players profiled in the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market report are PCTE - Papworths Construction Testing Equipment; Controls S.p.A.; Roop Telsonic Ultrasonix; Stanlay; Canopus Instruments; Proceq Group; Impact Test Equipment Ltd.; James Instruments Inc.; Aimil Ltd.; Humboldt Mfg. Co.; Mitech Co., Ltd.; Cygnus Instruments; Olson Instruments Inc.; Qualitest International Inc.; and Novotest. For Information On The Research Approach Used In The Report, Request Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-7924 Key Segments By Application Non-destructive Strength Measurements Void and Crack Detection Homogeneity Detection Elasticity Measurements Infrastructure and Construction Testing Material Science and research Other Applications By End Use Vertical Aerospace and Defence Chemicals and Petrochemicals Concrete, Glass and Building Materials Educational Research Oil and Gas Refineries Sewage and Water Treatment Facilities Construction Engineering, Remodelling and Design By Transducer Frequency Range 24kHz - 50kHz Above 50kHz, upto 100kHz Above 100kHz, upto 150kHz Above 150kHz Key Regions If you've been away on Mars for the past five months, it will have been a huge surprise to learn this week that the economy is now "officially" in recession. For the rest of us, the news is the size of the recession, how it compares, what contributed most to the contraction, and the cloudy outlook for recovery. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' "national accounts" show real gross domestic product fell by 7 per cent in the June quarter, on top of the 0.3 per cent fall in the previous quarter. This is by far the largest fall in any quarter since we began measuring quarterly GDP in 1959. The economy will need budgetary support from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to recover from the corona shock. Credit:Matt Davidson The next biggest was a fall of 2 per cent in the June quarter of 1974. As Callam Pickering, of the Indeed global job website, reminds us, our total fall since December compares with peak-to-trough falls of 1.4 per cent in our previous recession in the early 1990s, and 3.7 per cent in the recession of the early 1980s. So, no doubt this is indeed the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Why so bad? Because, as David Bassanese of BetaShares tells us, "this is a recession like no other", being caused by the almost instantaneous spread around the world of a deadly virus and the consequences of our efforts to suppress the virus by ceasing much economic activity. She is known to frequently change up her hair with the help of colorful wigs. But Kylie Jenner admitted that her own hair which is naturally in a dark brown, but has been bleached a golden blonde, needed a root touch up. The 23-year-old mogul shared selfie videos to her Instagram Story on Thursday rocking a natural glam makeup look. Hair in need: Kylie Jenner admitted that her own hair which is naturally in a dark brown, but has been bleached a golden blonde, needed a root touch up, in an Instagram story on Thursday The Keeping up With the Kardashians star recorded videos near the kitchen her luxurious mega-mansion. She ran her non-recording hand through the side of her hair, gripping it toward the top and back of her head. Her hair, done in a golden to lighter blonde ombre, was styled in loose sleek curls. 'Need these roots done asap,' she captioned the photo, commenting on the less than half an inch of dark brown that had grown out from her last bleach job. Lowkey: For the afternoon, Kylie opted for a lowkey makeup look with a flawless contoured and blushed complexion The Kylie Cosmetics founder wore a tight block mock-neck top that clung to ample assets. She went on to share a boomerang video that she said 'was an accident' though she seemed to like it and posted it anyway. For the afternoon, Kylie opted for a lowkey makeup look with a flawless contoured and blushed complexion. She went with little makeup on her eyes and eyebrows but her signature plump pout was in a blush pink color. Paris vacation: She was spotted throughout the City of Lights, where she traveled for in-person business meetings with executive of Coty Cosmetics, which bought a majority stake in Kylie Cosmetics Kylie recently returned to the United States following a short trip to Paris. She was spotted throughout the City of Lights, and also shared multiple snapshots from the photo to her Instagram. Kylie took business meetings with executives from Coty Cosmetics, the company which bought a majority stake in Kylie Cosmetics, making her a near-billionaire. However, the trip sparked outrage from some social media users over her trip for non-essential reasons in the midst of a pandemic. Pandemic outrage: The trip sparked outrage from social media users, as she ignored California guidelines not to travel, and she seemed to have ignored EU travel bans on Americans 'You don't have to deal with COVID if ur rich,' sniped one fan in the comments of a post. 'Is the pandemic over for rich people? I just see them taking luxurious vacations to tropical places or Europe like how is Kylie Jenner in Paris rn I don't understand,' wrote another. Another remarked, 'Kylie Jenner going to Paris during Covid while the rest of the world can't travel or visit family in other countries/states due to border restrictions just doesn't sit well with me.' Heavier makeup: Kylie recently returned to the United States following a short trip to Paris. Kylie seemed to have ignored guidelines issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom restricting travel. The state government's official website website currently urges people to only travel for 'urgent matters.' There have been nearly 13,000 deaths from the pandemic in the state of California, with over 700,000 cases. In all of the US, 183,000 people have succumbed to COVID-19, while a stunning six million have tested positive for the illness. By PTI NEW DELHI: The pending by-election to one Lok Sabha and 64 assembly seats spread across 15 states and the Bihar assembly polls will be held "around the same time", the Election Commission said on Friday. The term of the Bihar assembly ends on November 29 and elections are likely to be held sometime in October-November. Among the 64 vacant assembly seats, 27 are in Madhya Pradesh. Most of these 27 seats fell vacant when rebel Congress members resigned from the party and the assembly to join the BJP. With the resignations of the Congress members, the Kamal Nath-led government fell and the BJP returned to power. "One of the major factors in clubbing them together is the relative ease of movement of central forces and related logistics issues," a Commission statement said. "Considering that General Assembly Elections of Bihar are also due and required to be completed before November 29, 2020, the Commission has decided to conduct all the 65 by-elections and the General Assembly Elections of Bihar around the same time. ...Announcement of schedule of Bihar General Assembly Elections as well as these by-elections will be done by the Commission at appropriate time," it said. The issue of holding the by-elections came up at the meeting of the Commission on Friday. "The Commission reviewed the reports and inputs from chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of many of the concerned states seeking deferment of the by-elections in their states in view of several factors including the extra-ordinary heavy rains in some places and other constraints like pandemic," the statement said. An official said that the EC took the decision after taking into account various factors. The bypoll to the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha seat in Bihar has been pending. One assembly seat each in Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka and West Bengal; two seats each in Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu and Odisha; five assembly seats in Manipur and eight each in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh are also vacant. In July this year, the Election Commission had deferred the by-elections to one Lok Sabha and seven assembly seats beyond the six month period due to the onset of monsoon and possibilities of floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Aggressive Privatization May Accentuate Exclusion Further | D. M. (...) by D. M. Diwakar The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) was approved by the government of India in its cabinet on July 29, 2020, after a gap of more than three decades. This NEP2020 is a concise final report of about 65 pages out of 477 pages of the Draft New Education Policy 2019 (DNEP2019), which was prepared by an 11-member committee, headed by Dr K. Kasturirangan, a former Chairman of the ISRO, Bangalore. I have already written an article on DNEP 2019 in Mainstream earlier. This article is intended to understand the NEP 2020, which appears generous to accommodate bunch of good words with choicest rhetorical expressions, such as quality universal education, that too in mother tongue, equitable access to education, inclusive, education as public goods, autonomy, romanticism of Indian tradition, values and prides, quality higher education and research, principles and visions, etc., which bagged very high expectations too. However, it earned a little appreciation with contradictory provisions of aggressive privatization and digitization. This 65 page report uses 32 times the words private and often uses public and/or private interchangeably. Needless to mention that education being one of the important instruments for social reconstruction and social change, education policy is a reflection of a vision of a social order that a society cherishes to achieve. This vision is generally built on perceived ideals, which change with the growing consciousness of society. This NEP 2020 in reference claims to be rooted in ancient Indian knowledge, tradition and ethos. It is worth mentioning here that popular perception of ideals rooted in literature of Indian tradition (i.e., Shruti, Smriti, Upanishads, etc.,) may be traced broadly as peace and universalization of happiness, healthy lives, welfare, away from discrimination, scarcity, crises and sorrow ingrained in traditional value system. However, it was also the perception (in Subaltern and Folk literature,) that our society has been divided into several castes and class and a large section of society remained historically discriminated despite having a legacy of composite learning from inter alia Vedvyas, Valmiki, Shukrcharya, Shambuke, Kalidas, Buddha, Kabeer, Narayan Guru, Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, Periyar, Sahuji Maharaj, Gadge, Ambedkar, Tagore and Gandhi, etc., who have their visions of social order. Although this NEP 2020 claims, a vision rooted in Indian ethos, surprisingly this Indian ethos and wisdom of composite tradition has neither found a place in NEP 2020 nor there is clarity about Indian ethos. It is worth mentioning here that Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar was influenced by the values of the French Revolution, i.e., Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, a vision of social democracy. These values of the French Revolution have become so universal that no society can now publicly refuse to acknowledge. These values were perceived long back by Mahatma Buddha and Kabeer, Narayan Guru, Mahatma Phule and Jyotiba Phule, before Ambedkar took it up. Rabindranath Tagore advocated for inclusive vernacular education well connected with nature for local and global context. Viswa Bharati became a monumental experiment for modern education system. Mahatma Gandhi brought this vision into broader socio-political spectrum. He developed a vision of non-violent social order of Mahatma Buddha and a corresponding education system, i.e., Nayi Talim, a life cycle education. This vision was formulated during freedom struggle after national level discussion and deliberation at Vardha Conference in 1937 and subsequently a committee headed by Zakir Hussain was constituted to draft education policy for independent India. The National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by D. S. Kothari also commissioned many studies and after informed deliberations education policy was framed. However, unlike Kothari Commission Report, Kasturirangan Committee lacks such intellectual exercises and informed bases for this NEP 2020. Like DNEP2019 this final NEP2020 report has retained its structure, which has been divided into four parts. Part one deals extensively with school education since early child care, pedagogy, teachers, inclusive and equitable education, rights and protection besides proposals for what to teach, how to teach, numbers, languages, curriculum framework, diversity, school cluster, accreditation, etc. Part two discusses higher education along with liberal arts, quality, learning environment, capacity building for teaching and research, hard and soft infrastructure, equity and inclusion, vocational education, effective governance, leadership and regulations. Part three deals with additional key focus area, such as professional education, adult education and promotion of Indian languages, arts and culture, integration of technology, ensuring equity in digital education. And part four focuses on strengthening Central Advisory Board of Education, financing affordable and quality education to all, and implementation. The policy claims that earlier policies were focused on equity and access but this policy is full of all good words for all-round development of education, such as, recognizing, identifying, and fostering unique capabilities of the student, achieving foundational literacy and numeracy, flexibility, integrated, multi-disciplinarity and holistic, emphasis on conceptual understanding, creativity and critical thinking, ethics and human and constitutional values, multilingualism, life skills, extensive use of technology, diversity and local context, full equity and inclusion, synergy, integrity, transparency and efficiency, autonomy, governance and empowerment, outstanding research and continuous review, rootedness and Indian pride, education as public goods, substantial investment for strong, vibrant and public education system, encouragement and facilitation for true philanthropic private and community participation in education. These bunches of good words sound extremely rhetorical without any direction of social order and with contradictory provision of agressive private investment. This NEP 2020 has many positive propositions, which received appreciations but those propositions lose grounds when this policy depends heavily on philanthropic private initiatives. This claims to facilitate a liberal approach to education aimed at transforming the education system to bring in high-quality education and research for national development aligning with global sustainable development goals. It accepts all good words with noble intentions for education, such as education as a public service, universal quality education, equitable, vibrant, not for profit and market, reforms in curricular, examination and restructuring pedagogy, breakfast in primary schools, recruitment of teachers and their capacity building, multiple language learning, school complexes, networking, curtailing drop out rates by ensuring 100 per cent gross enrolment ratio by 2030, etc. However, this NEP 2020 is a mixed bag having many contradictory provisions as well. For instance, it proposes to replace 10+2 by 5+3+3+4 years without any appealing justification, advocates to group or nationalize with semi-autonomous status for curricular framework, pedagogy, and finance for education, which will necessarily promote marketization of education, where equity and social justice inevitably will be compromised. Proposal for the pairing of public and private school is a dangerous proposition to access public resources. This policy did not forget to recommend emphatically that private school must be encouraged (NEP2020: pp.31-32). However, this policy ignored the Right to Education (RTE) Act completely, as there is no such emphasis on implementation of the RTE. This policy for higher education demarcates universities into research intensive, teaching intensive and degree granting autonomous colleges with all subjects and thousands of students. At the same time it recommends for national test for admission and recognizes local variations and plurality. Unless they are brought at common ground, this sounds un-implementable. It claims quality education with much more dependence on technology and open and distance learning. It allows private players, setting their fees, self-accreditation and assessment, and still aspiring liberal gestures from so called public spirited private institutions for generosity towards education becoming public services. This policy categorically recommends to ensure all legal provisions to encourage private education (p.39). It advocates internationalization and world-class quality education with large number of students and independence for their pedagogy without making any reference to the ingredients for denoting parameters of world-class. At the same time it argues for different categories of universities also and still for a National Testing Agency and Higher Education Commission. Privatization of education and fundraising through philanthropic private partners has been emphasized. Needless to mention that corporate social responsibility (CSR) has enough vulnerability, knowing fully that CSR violation is not a crime now, as the government has already announced in Atmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package. This report, on the one hand, recommends for entry of foreign universities in India for global integration (p.39) but it delinks research from teaching and under graduation. Moreover, commitment to excel in research a provision of direct admission to Ph.D has been proposed and there is the proposal to do away with initial training for research through an M. Phil programme, which prepares not only for Ph. D. but also for community-based organisations. At the same time, it emphasizes community participation in education too. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is conspicuously missing in the list of coordinating national agencies for research. Proposal for Higher Education Commission of India, National Higher Education Regulatory Council and proposal of a single National Entrance Test by a Central Agency is another paradox and efforts to centralize educational governance, particularly when the committee recognizes the need of autonomy and diversity in education in forms, contents, curriculum framework, pedagogy, regional language, art and culture. Thus, the NEP 2020 appears a bag full of everything in a dark tunnel with or without a logical end and informed direction. This is precisely why this report is broadly a bundle of good wishes and lacks the backing of evidence like earlier education policies. The NEP claims to be inclusive but constitutional social categories, such as, SC/ST/OBC/Minorities are conspicuously replaced by socio-economically deprived groups. This NEP 2020 claims that it has derived guiding light from the Indian rich heritage of knowledge, wisdom and truth. But surprisingly, subaltern streams and heritage of knowledge, such as, Valmiki, Shambuk, Shukracharya, Buddha, Kabeer, Raidas, Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, Sahuji Maharaj, and Ambedkar, etc., who emphasize on inclusive education for liberation, are conspicuously missing even for the sake of mentioning their names if not ideas at all. Spread of vocational education is very poor in the country. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized education through vocational skills (i.e., learning by doing) and not vocational education as such, right from the beginning, but it is not vocational education in isolation. The Gandhian framework of education emphasizes on vocational skills for entering into the ocean of knowledge not letters and numbers. This NEP fails to capture the depth of that vision and spirit and emphasizes on numeracy and literacy. Moreover, this NEP 2020 sets goal of reaching 50 per cent coverage of vocational education by 2025, which is merely 5 per cent today. No mechanism has been suggested for this highly ambitious target. Proposal to spend 6 per cent of GDP on education is not a new recommendation. It has been pending since Kothari Commission and this policy also reiterated and acknowledged that in 2017-18 only 0.69 per cent of GDP was spent on research and innovation and 4.43 per cent on total education. Needless to say that the situation is quite blink to increase funding on education, when economic situation of the country has become worst ever after series of disasterous macro policy interventions, such as, Demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and unplanned lockdown of the economy after corona virus pandemic. Demonetisation brought financial emergency and unprecedented loss of jobs, which affected the demand of the economy heavily. This was further aggravated by unprepared implementation of GST. The revenue of the government has been in precarious condition to such extent that the Government is exploring to refuse legal binding to compensate states for revenue losses because of GST implementations. I have already dealt at length on failures of Government to handle Novel Corona Virus 2019 (nCOV19) sensitively, in my earlier article in Mainstream which resulted into mass unemployment and poverty. This has serious implications on demand, investment, employment and drastic decline in revenue collection. Provisions in the Union Budget have become meaningless, as Government of India has no money to spend on development expenditure, therefore, it has announced moratorium on new projects. Mishandling of Government of India has brought the economy into unprecedented crises, which it is taking a lame excuse in the name of act of God. Basically it is inefficient and uninformed policy decisions of the Government, which has forced the people of India into uncalled for sufferings. Even without COV19 the economy of India was sliding down. In order to meet committed expenditure, the government has been leasing/selling/auctioning public enterprises one after another to meet basic commitments of establishment cost. Rail, Civil Aviation, BSNL, ISRO, BARC, etc., have already opened for private players. One needs to deliberate that people of India elect their government for five years and the government is leasing public sectors to private players for 30 to 50 years. Who will be accountable? Whether the government has mandate to sale the country? The fact remains that the Government of India is not in a position to pay the salaries of its employees and has already announced cut as well. The dearness allowances and increments have already been frozen. Hence, in such a situation higher investment as has been envisaged in the NEP2020 will come from private sectors. The NEP2020 has opened the gate for it and privatization of education will go with higher speed, which will further exclude deprived section from the access to quality education. Self-finance courses have already destroyed educational environment in the universities. Not only premises of schools, their land and infrastructure but also that of colleges and university will also be opened for private players. Therefore, the claims for equity and inclusion remained mere rhetoric. Thus, to be safe, one may say that this NEP 2020 lacks a proper vision as to what is to be achieved by implementing this policy and what kind of social order this policy wants to build up does not match. It remains a mix bag of everything sounds good without any clear direction. However, fact remains that this policy is clearly directed for privatization with rhetoric of universal education, public services, equity, inclusion, romanticizing Indian pride to create illusions, which will easily camouflage the inherent dark side of profit motive of private business of education. Professor & Head, Division of Economics & Agriculture Economics, Former Director, A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna, Email: dmdiwakar[at]yahoo.co.in References: Government of India (2020): National Education Policy 2020, Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi. Government of India (2019): Draft National Education Policy, MHRD. Diwakar, D. M., (2019): Envisioning Gandhi in Draft New Education Policy in India, Mainstream, Vol. LVII, No. 43, October 12. Diwakar, D. M., (2020): NCoV19 and Selling India Inc. Model of Self-Reliance with Local Rhetoric, Mainstream, Vol. LVIII, No. 25, June 6. It's nice to see the SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SD) share price up 14% in a week. But only the myopic could ignore the astounding decline over three years. In that time the share price has melted like a snowball in the desert, down 90%. So we're relieved for long term holders to see a bit of uplift. But the more important question is whether the underlying business can justify a higher price still. We really hope anyone holding through that price crash has a diversified portfolio. Even when you lose money, you don't have to lose the lesson. See our latest analysis for SandRidge Energy SandRidge Energy wasn't profitable in the last twelve months, it is unlikely we'll see a strong correlation between its share price and its earnings per share (EPS). Arguably revenue is our next best option. Shareholders of unprofitable companies usually expect strong revenue growth. Some companies are willing to postpone profitability to grow revenue faster, but in that case one does expect good top-line growth. Over the last three years, SandRidge Energy's revenue dropped 17% per year. That's definitely a weaker result than most pre-profit companies report. The swift share price decline at an annual compound rate of 24%, reflects this weak fundamental performance. We prefer leave it to clowns to try to catch falling knives, like this stock. There is a good reason that investors often describe buying a sharply falling stock price as 'trying to catch a falling knife'. Think about it. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic. A Different Perspective SandRidge Energy shareholders are down 64% for the year, but the broader market is up 24%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. The three-year loss of 24% per year isn't as bad as the last twelve months, suggesting that the company has not been able to convince the market it has solved its problems. We would be wary of buying into a company with unsolved problems, although some investors will buy into struggling stocks if they believe the price is sufficiently attractive. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand SandRidge Energy better, we need to consider many other factors. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for SandRidge Energy (1 doesn't sit too well with us) that you should be aware of. Story continues Of course SandRidge Energy may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges. 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. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A lawsuit filed Friday claims that Cuyahoga Community College officials hired now-indicted dance instructor Terence Greene in 2015 after a pre-employment background check report showed he was fired from his previous job due to allegations with students. The lawsuit, filed Friday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on behalf of a 17-year-old student at Tri-Cs Dance Academy who accused Greene of sexually abusing him October 2019, claims the schools officials never reviewed the report before offering Greene a position as a part-time instructor and later promoting him to program director. The boy sued Greene, Tri-C and several administrators, including the schools Dean of Creative Arts Paul Cox, former human resources employee Amber Smith and Greenes former supervisor at the school, Emanuela Friscioni. The 18-page complaint seeks to take claims of breach of contract, negligent, wanton and reckless conduct, sexual battery and hiring and retention to a jury for compensatory and punitive damages. Tri-C spokesman John Horton declined to comment on the lawsuit when reached on Friday, citing the ongoing investigation into Greene. He pointed to a July statement that said Tri-C was not aware of Greenes history of accusations when he was hired. The lawsuit was filed Friday morning, just hours after a grand jury handed up a 74-count indictment charging Greene with rape, kidnapping, sexual battery and gross sexual imposition. Greene is accused of abusing the boy who filed the lawsuit while he was an instructor at Tri-Cs Dance Academy, and eight other teenage boys between the ages of 13 and 17 during his time as an instructor at the Cleveland Metropolitan School Districts Cleveland School of the Arts, from 1998 through 2013. Greene is currently freed on a $100,000 bond and is set for a Sept. 18 arraignment. He also faces a lawsuit in federal court in Cleveland, filed by five men who accused him of abusing them from 2008 to 2012 at the Cleveland academy. Those men also sued the Cleveland Board of Education and several school administrators. The lawsuit filed on Friday reveals that in addition to Greenes history of abuse allegations dating back to 2003, a relative of Greenes filed a report with Cleveland police in 2011 accusing Greene of sexually abuse that began in 1985 and spanned the next two decades. Greene was never charged with a crime in that case, the lawsuit says. CMSD terminated its contract with Greene in 2014 after several students accused him of sexual abuse. He was also not charged at the time. Greene applied for a position at Tri-Cs dance academy in September 2015, and on his application wrote that he left CMSD to start his own dance company, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit says that Tri-C used a company called TrueScreen to conduct a pre-employment background check report on Greene. The report, which the lawsuit says was delivered to Smith on Oct. 2, 2015, showed that Greene had been terminated from CMSD, according to the lawsuit. The report also showed that Greene was not eligible to return to work at CMSD because the subject had allegations with students, and noted that CMSD gave the screening company a negative response about Greenes departure, the lawsuit said. Smith on Oct. 8, 2015 sent a letter to Greene offering him the position so long as he passed a background check, the lawsuit says. He was promoted two years later in a letter that also mentioned he would be subjected to a background check, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit says that in October 2019, after a class outing for pizza, Greene offered to give the 17-year-old boy a ride home. Greene instead told the boy he would take him back to his home in Garfield Heights to teach him a gospel dance, according to the lawsuit. Greene told the boy to go to the basement, where he proceeded to sexually abuse him, the lawsuit says. The boy soon dropped out of the program and became despondent and reserved at home, the suit says. He confided in his former school counselor about the incident in January, and the counselor reported the incident to the authorities and to the boys mother. The lawsuit says that documents provided by Tri-C included notes from a meeting between Cox, Greene and a human resources official on Jan. 21 that suggest that the school did not review Greenes background check until after the allegations surfaced. The school released a statement after Greene was charged in July that said officials moved to fire him after learning of the allegations against him, but allowed him to resign instead after the accuser opted not to move forward with prosecution. The statement also said that a background check conducted on Greene turned up no active charges against him, and would not have turned up the 2003 instance. Tri-C does not have any policies that disqualify a candidate based on allegations of sexual abuse or any other crime, the statement said. At the time of his hire, Tri-C was not aware of the history of accusations. Read more stories Former CMSD, Tri-C dance teacher sexually abused nine students over two-decade span, indictment says U.S Marshals arrest former Cleveland School of the Arts dance instructor accused of sexual abuse Five former students of Cleveland School of the Arts sue school board, alleging sexual abuse by teacher Former Cleveland School of the Arts dance instructor accused of sexually assaulting student has history of sexual abuse accusations Using the weapon that guided him, Terence Greene brings holiday classic Black Nativity to Tri-C stage System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. 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So, to keep both himself and his fans entertained during the trying time the 44-year-old is hosting an online Scottish cooking class on Saturday via his social media channels. The Glasgow born chef will be making an iconic Scottish breakfast of rolls with a square sausage. Cook-up: To keep both himself and his fans entertained during the Victorian lockdown Jock Zonfrillo (pictured) is hosting an online Scottish cooking class on Saturday 'During the Cook-Up I'll prep and cook both recipes from start to finish,' he wrote on Facebook. 'You should be set for a cracking Sunday breakfast or if you are anything like me a late night snack! Don't forget the Heinz Ketchup and HP sauce!' In an earlier post he explained that the delicacy is 'one of the first things' he eats when he returns to Scotland. Follow along: The Glasgow born chef announced on Facebook that he will be making an iconic Scottish breakfast of Glasgow rolls with a square sausage and he shared images of the equipment needed 'If you're Scottish living away from home you know exactly what I mean,' he wrote. 'Most people outside of Scotland have no clue what it is meanwhile us Scots count down the days, hours, minutes and seconds till we're reunited with it once again.' For those that wish to cook along, the lesson is scheduled to take place at 4pm Sydney and Melbourne time. Heritage: In an earlier post he explained that the delicacy is 'one of the first things' he eats when he returns to Scotland. Pictured Jock (centre) and fellow judges Melissa Leong (left) and Andy Allen (right) Since appearing on the Channel Ten cooking show, Jock has made quiet the impression on MasterChef Australia fans, with viewers going wild over his rugged good looks. However, the chef told The Daily Telegraph earlier this year that he's a little 'embarrassed' about it all. 'I find it embarrassing. It's very flattering... but I'm Captain Awkward,' he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 03:09:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Forces loyal to Yemen's government killed a leading member of the Houthi rebel group in the southern province of Dhalea on Thursday, a military official told Xinhua. "A mid-level field commander along with his bodyguards was killed during armed confrontations with the government forces north of Dhalea province," the local military source said on condition of anonymity. He said that the Houthi group deployed heavy reinforcements of its fighters in attempt to recapture the areas in north of Dhalea. The government forces managed to repulse the Houthis, leaving a leading rebel member and four of his bodyguards killed during the fighting, he added. Local residents told Xinhua that fighting intensified recently between the two warring rivals over the control of key areas in north of Dhalea. A number of mortar shells landed on residential houses as a result of the sporadic fightings there. Last year, the Iran-allied Houthi fighters launched a series of intense armed attacks on the positions of the Yemeni government forces and succeeded in seizing key areas on the outskirts of Dhalea. The areas in the north and west of Dhalea have been witnessing non-stop fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters for about four years. Yemen has been plagued by a civil war since late 2014 when Houthi militias forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile. Enditem House-Arrested Iran Reformist Leader's Family Deny He Encourages Election Participation Maryam Sinaiee September 03, 2020 The family of Mehdi Karroubi, one of the leaders of Iran's Green Movement who has been under house arrest without being officially charged since February 2011, say that he has been granted opportunities to meet people outside his home, but denied that he has encouraged people to vote in next year's presidential election. Karroubi was put under house arrest along with Mir-Hossein Mousavi, another reformist voice in Iranian politics, on February 14, 2011 after they called for demonstrations in Iran in the wake of the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. According to Karroubi's sons, security authorities have relaxed their restrictions over the past month, allowing him to meet with friends and former associates. Karroubi began to enjoy relaxed restrictions in early 2018, his sons said, which included access to some news channels on satellite TV and occasional meetings with selected political figures, though his meetings were periodically cancelled when Karroubi would make sensitive statements related to politics. Speaking to the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) on Tuesday, Mohammad-Hossein Karroubi, one of the 82-year-old politician's sons, added that the authorities had relaxed the restrictions on his father's meetings with friends earlier in 2020, but cancelled all meetings when Karroubi made a statement criticizing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran on January 8. In the statement, Mehdi said Khamenei lacked the qualifications required by the Constitution for the leadership of the country, with Mohammad-Hossein later being taken into custody after his father's statement was released. Esmail Dousti, one of the members of Etemad-e Melli Party who was present in one of Karroubi's rare recent meetings outside his own home, was quoted by Tabnak website on Wednesday as saying that Karroubi had "stressed" that next year's presidential elections must be held with "great splendor" and that Iranian citizens should be enthusiastic participants in the voting process. With most reformists choosing to boycott the February 2019 parliamentary elections after the hardline election group, the Guardian Council, disqualified most of the election's reformist candidates, Mehdi's encouragement of voting seemingly marked a change in his stance. On social media, some users have expressed their disillusionment about the idea of fair and free trials in Iran, and reacted very angrily Mehdi's call to vote in the elections. One Twitter user warned others "to be vigilante as reformists are surrendering," adding "[Reformist Leaders] Mir-Hosseien [Mousavi] and Karroubi are surrendering." However, speaking to Iran Wire on Wednesday, Mehdi's other son Mohammad-Taqi Karroubi refuted Dousti's account of Mehdi's stance about next year's election, calling it "his own interpretation." Mohammad-Taqi stressed that his father's stances will always only be expressed in writing or through family members. Karroubi, who was the speaker of the parliament from 1989 to 1992 and again from 2000 to 2004 and a founding member and former secretary-general of the Association of Combatant Clerics party, founded his own party, Etemad-e Melli and a newspaper of the same name in 2005. The moderate cleric ran for presidency twice, in 2005 and 2009 against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, both times alleging that the Revolutionary Guard and its Basij militia force had conspired to bring the hardliner Ahmadinejad to power at any cost under the supervision of Supreme Leader Khamenei's son Mojtaba. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/house -arrested-iran-reformist-leader-s- family-deny-he-encourages-election -participation/30818925.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 Tough spot for steel ventures as pandemic cuts off progress According to a World Steel Association report, global production in the industry witnessed a fall in the first seven months of 2020, with crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the association sitting at 152.7 million tonnes in July, a 2.5 per cent decrease compared to 156.7 million tonnes in July last year. In response to the slower demand at home and abroad, a number of giant steelmakers such as Nippon Steel Corporation and Tata Group said they will possibly halt the production of further blast furnaces to cope with the situation amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And while Vietnam is relatively better off than many in terms of the pandemic, it will not be an exception to steel industry impacts. The World Steel Association also noted recovery is on trend but the steel picture remains less rosy than in other areas. Locally-invested Hoa Sen Group is set to withdraw its capital contribution from the $10 billion Ca Na steel complex in the central coastal province of Ninh Thuan, instead looking to focus on other areas such as plastics and corrugated iron. Insiders remarked that it would be a wise move for Hoa Sen, but it would not be easy to find investors for the project anytime soon. Hoa Sen used to bet on this project. Constructing the steel complex was planned to help Hoa Sen overtake Hoa Phat as the largest Vietnamese steel producer, following only Taiwanese Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Co., Ltd., which has an annual capacity of 7.5 million of tonnes in its first phase. The Ca Na steel complex is set to be carried out towards 2031 in multiple stages and will have final capacity of 16 million tonnes a year, including long and flat steel. COVID-19 has bitten into the profits of Formosa Plastics Group, which operates a $10.5 billion steel and port complex in the central province of Ha Tinh. Although there is no official data from the company, a provincial report said that in the first half of the year, Formosas production output and consumption of steel billets and finished steel products fell sharply because the price of finished steel products continues to decline while raw material prices continue to move in the opposite direction. The initial impact of the pandemic also caused problems. Facilities suffered shutdowns for maintenance and repair of hot-rolled machinery for 20 days in January and 10 days in February. Over the first six months, it is estimated that the Formosa steel facilitys billet output hit 2.67 million tonnes (down 12.7 per cent) and steel output was 1.96 million tonnes (down 18.3 per cent) over the same period in 2019. The Formosa steel facility is now capable of producing 7.1 million tonnes of crude steel per year, but the slowing growth of the company has reduced the index of industrial production for Ha Tinh. Last year, Formosa announced that it could increase its capacity in both 2021 and 2023 after its first blast furnace went into use in 2017 and the second came a year later. However, the current pandemic has ensured the moves are currently a non-starter. Besides the slowing demand, Nguyen Van Sua, former chairman of the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), said that the industry currently endures other problems such as the difference between the domestic demand and production capacity, as well as the competition created when other countries use trade remedies to protect their domestic production. However, locally- invested Hoa Phat is one of few steelmakers reaping profits despite COVID-19. In the first seven months of 2020, it exported 160,000 tonnes of high-quality roll steel, up 2.3 per cent on-year. The key export markets were the United States, Japan, Canada, China, South Korea, and Singapore. It will export 30,000 tonnes in this September and October to Kenya and Ghana. The VSA suggested that the local authorities should be wary of accepting a new steel project in order to avoid the unbalanced supply and demand as well as trade disputes between nations. The VSA also said that it is necessary to consider many factors when adopting a steel project. Some of the history was saved. The landmark General's Residence in Madison was dismantled as historically significant portions of the 18th century house were extracted and saved, prior to its total demolition. The result of hours of recent work was the successful removal of more than 30 original beams, 12 planks of sheathing, 18 doors, about seven fireplace fronts, a corner cabinet, more than 12 cut stones and "an amazing grouping of pieces of wood," said architect Duo Dickinson. Defence minister Rajnath Singh paid his tributes at Moscows monument to the Mothers of Winners on Friday. Paid tributes to the fallen soldiers by laying of flowers at the monument to the Mothers of Winners in Moscow, Russia, he tweeted. The union minister is on a 3-day visit to Russia to attend the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Earlier in the day, he visited the main Cathedral of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, where is planted a sapling, and the Museum Complex in Moscow. Visited the main cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces and the museum Complex, Memory Road in Moscow today, Rajnath Singh said. During his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of SCO-CSTO-CIS member states, Singh said, As we mourn our losses, let us not forget tens of millions of martyrs and sacrifice of an entire generation suffering destruction and agony in the Second World War or Great Patriotic War, as our Russian brothers and sisters recall those years. Memory of the War teaches us of the follies of aggression of one State upon another, which brings destruction to all.Our forefathers, including those from India & former Soviet Union, who made supreme sacrifices to resist aggression & expansionism from the then Military States, he added. A crowd gathers outside Grace Lutheran Church , as Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden arrives for a round table with community leaders in Kenosha, Wis., on Sept. 3, 2020 (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Visits Kenosha, Presents Himself as Unifying Figure KENOSHA, Wis.A small crowd of Biden supporters and Black Lives Matter protestors showed up during Democratic presidential nominee Joe Bidens visit to Kenosha, just days after President Donald Trump visited the city. On Thursday, former Vice President Joe Biden met with community leaders, business owners, and law enforcement officials inside Grace Lutheran Church, following days of protests and violence. He also met with the family of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old man who was shot by police in August, setting off protests, riots, and arson attacks in the city. Blake was a suspect in a felony sexual assault case who was shot by police while resisting arrest, according to police. Supporters of Biden told The Epoch Times they believe the Democrat nominee would be more suited at tackling issues such as police brutality and social justice than Trump. I know Donald Trump was here but I actually thought that was a more divisive move to create more hate and division in America, Brad Serda, a Biden supporter said. I think actually Joe Biden is here to express concern and to help this community heal, he added. Trump flew to Illinois and then was driven across state lines into Wisconsin on Sept. 1 to survey the damage on the city inflicted by rioters. After touring buildings reduced to rubble by fires, Trump told a group of business owners and managers: Were going to work with you. Were going to help you, OK? Well help you rebuild. Trump sent federal officers to Kenosha after a few days of rioting. The president said his administration would provide economic aid in addition to help with law enforcement. President Donald Trump views property damaged during riots in Kenosha, Wis., on Sept. 1, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) There appeared to be fewer supporters showing up for Bidens Kenosha visit compared to Trumps. Multiple groups gathered at most intersections in the city ahead of Trumps visit. For Biden, most supporters gathered at one location. During the visit, Biden tried to emphasize an argument that hell be a unifying figure following months of protests, riots, and looting incidents in major cities since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Fitzgerald Scott, a Biden supporter who showed up outside the church, said it was a big deal to get a chance to see the former vice president. But if you noticed, you cant see him, he said. He comes in one door, goes out the other. Its politics, hes got to protect himself if thats the precaution they need to take, Im alright with that. Ill get another chance. Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Grace Lutheran Church in the aftermath of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Scott, a political organizer who says he supports the defund the police movement, said he showed up in support for Biden, but more importantly to support the community and to encourage people to vote. He accused Trump of not being in touch with the people. The biggest difference is Biden is going to sit down and talk with people who are affected by this, he said. I feel that. Meanwhile, a local Kenosha business owner told The Epoch Times she felt it was important that Trump came to see what was happening firsthand. I am appreciative that [Trump] is open to having dialogues with places that this is happening at, the owner said. Everyone has to come and meet. The governors need to meet with the president; these need to be conversations that are happening. Don Tran and Jack Phillips contributed to this report. The protesters themselves are the key to ground-level mobilization and change. During the Arab uprisings of 2011, external observers were sometimes too quick to present social media as the primary driver of unrest, instead of merely an accelerator of its spread. Though proud of his role, Mr. Svetlov is wary of making similar claims today. Its the people who are initiating this whole process against Lukashenko and the regime, Mr. Svetlov said in an interview on Wednesday afternoon in Warsaw. We are just helping them to achieve this. Yet in truth, Mr. Svetlov and Nexta are more than just a vessel for other peoples dreams. In the days before the election, Nexta issued detailed instructions for how government critics should organize and protest on polling day. To ensure unity between protesters, the Nexta team coordinated these plans in private with members of rival Telegram feeds and leading activists, Mr. Svetlov said. There is quite a cooperation going on with other Telegram channels, to try to have the same message, Mr. Svetlov said. Its happening on a constant basis, day and night. Having reached a consensus, Nextas staff members published times and places for protesters to meet. They suggested routes that protesters could use to reach particular gathering points and proposed alternatives in case those routes were blocked. They offered advice on how to obstruct police vehicles, and instructed protesters to remain peaceful. In the hours after the polls closed, they also called for a general strike, explained how protesters could help people evade arrest and suggested buying helmets, goggles, gas masks and shields to guard against police violence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian Embassy here on Thursday. Singh arrived here on Wednesday on a three-day visit to attend a crucial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This is his second visit in the over two months. Offered flowers at Bapus statue in the Indian embassy in Moscow. My tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Singh tweeted. Singh was accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Russia D.B. Venkatesh Varma. Wearing a mask, Singh was seen with folded hands and bowed head in respect towards Gandhi. The defence ministers of all eight SCO member nations are expected to deliberate on regional security challenges like terrorism and extremism and ways to deal with them collectively here on Friday, officials said. On Thursday, Singh held an excellent meeting with his Russian counterpart Gen. Sergey Shoigu here and discussed a wide range of issues, especially how to deepen defence and strategic cooperation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Zainal Abidin Bakar (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, September 5 2020 The month of August will always represent a significant milestone for Indonesia and Malaysia. It marks the celebration of Independence Day of Indonesia and Malaysia, and as its founding members, the anniversary of ASEAN, an organization that continues to advance the growth of the region. More importantly, and in the context of our presence in Jakarta and other important cities in Indonesia, we celebrate the establishment of our official diplomatic relations immediately after Malaysia gained its independence on Aug. 31, 1957. Historically, our relations with Indonesia can be traced to as far as the 7th century when both countries were part of the ancient empires and kingdoms of Majapahit, Aceh, Srivijaya and Johor-Riau. Some of the ethnic groups, including Minang, Bugis and Javanese had migrated to the Malay Peninsula and formed significant communities in modern day Malaysia. 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 A mother is speaking out about the false assumptions that are made about her as a Black parent to a white child. On Aug. 26, Jeena Wilder of Dallas, Texas, and her 6-year-old addressed the comments in a viral video shared with Wilder's 90,000 Instagram followers. "There were specific questions people would ask like, 'Are you the nanny? Are you babysitting these kids?'" Wilder told "Good Morning America." "No. These are all my children...all four of them." "Instead of thinking of other avenues on how people can become mothers, they automatically assume," she added. "It's saddening." PHOTO: Jeena and Drue Wilder, who also have a biological 7-year-old, 3-year-old and another 6-year-old, officially adopted their daughter in October 2019. (A Goodyears Photography) MORE: Two dads adopt 6 siblings who spent nearly 5 years in foster care: 'We instantly fell in love' Jeena and Drue Wilder first had their daughter placed with them four years ago after her biological parents were no longer able to care for her. The child's biological parents are related to dad, Drue, so it was a kinship adoption, Wilder explained. The Wilders, who also have a biological 7-year-old, 3-year-old and another 6-year-old, officially adopted their daughter in October 2019. "She's really sweet and super forgiving and is the happiest child," Jeena said. "She loves being around people and she is my social butterfly." MORE: Mom's photo of son crying on 1st day of virtual kindergarten hits home for parents PHOTO: On Aug. 26, Jeena Wilder of Dallas, Texas, and her 6-year-old addressed the comments in a viral video shared with Wilder's 90,000 Instagram followers. (Jeena Wilder) Wilder shares her journey on Instagram, where she also talks about transracial adoptions; emphasizing how she has the modern all-American family. Wilder's video of herself with her daughter has been viewed by more than 57,000. Many parents commented, revealing how it resonated with them. PHOTO: Jeena and Drue Wilder of Dallas, Texas, first had their daughter placed with them four years ago after her biological parents were no longer able to care for her. The child's biological parents are related to dad, Drue. (A Goodyears Photography) "I always get mistaken for my daughters nanny," one wrote. "Shes half Indian like me & half Caucasian like Daddy, but shes still all mine!" Story continues "As the biological mom of biracial girls Ive ALWAYS been asked if I was their mom," another mom wrote. Wilder said she hopes to inspire more BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) to adopt. "Then, it will not only be the norm," she added. "But we will see more children getting adopted." Black mom and white daughter address strangers' comments in viral video originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday said that the situation along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) was delicate and serious, and the army has taken some precautionary measures to enhance security in the wake of the standoff with China in the Ladakh sector. He said the troops were prepared for all contingencies, and that India would use existing mechanisms to reduce tension and ensure that the status quo along the LAC is not unilaterally changed. The situation along the LAC is tense. We have undertaken precautionary deployment in some areas. The troops are prepared for all contingencies that may arise. All these actions have been carried out only along the LAC, the army chief said in Ladakh. Top commanders briefed Naravane on the armys operational preparedness and the logistics arrangements for sustenance of forces through the winter, the army said in a statement. The army is preparing for a long haul in the sensitive sector, with no immediate resolution of the border row in sight. The Indian Army has moved 30,000 extra troops, several squadrons of front line tanks, additional artillery pieces and mechanised infantry squads to the Ladakh sector, as part of its efforts to strengthen its deployments in response to fortified Chinese military presence in the region during the last two to three months. We cant take things for granted in the Ladakh sector keeping in mind the behaviour of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). No matter what diplomatic statements come from China, we should not trust the PLA. Chinas leadership is arrogant, overambitious and land greedy. The PLA is not going to go back in the winter months and we have to stay vigilant 24x7 as a nation and as a military, said Lieutenant General DB Shekatkar (retd), whose report on enhancing the armys combat potential is under implementation. Naravane reached Leh on Thursday for a two-day security review of the Ladakh sector, where the Indian and Chinese armies have deployed almost 100,000 soldiers and weaponry in their forward and depth areas. He said the LAC situation has been delicate for more than three months and talks were on at the military and diplomatic level to resolve the situation. I am confident that talks can help resolve the border problem fully. The Indian side is firmly committed to resolve the current situation along the LAC through engagement. We will continue to utilise all existing mechanisms to reduce tension and to ensure that the status quo is not unilaterally changed, said Naravane, after visiting several forward areas to get a firsthand assessment of the situation along the LAC. He said soldiers were highly motivated and fully prepared to deal with any situation. Our officers and men are the finest in the world and they will not only make the army proud but also the nation proud, the army chief said, while appreciating the high standards of professionalism shown by units in safeguarding Indias territorial integrity. He asked them to remain vigilant and maintain a high order of operational readiness. The Indian Army is known for its commitment and resolve. The nation can count on us, he said. The Indian Army has rejigged its deployments at multiple points along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, including the northern bank of Pangong Lake, to prevent the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) from making aggressive manoeuvres to unilaterally alter the status quo in contested areas. Tensions flared in the sensitive sector after the Indian Army occupied key heights on the southern bank of Pangong Lake to stop the PLA from grabbing Indian territory in a stealthy midnight move on August 29. Brigade commander-ranked officers from the two sides have held a series of talks to de-escalate tensions but the dialogue hasnt yielded any results with neither army prepared to make concessions. Amid rising tensions with China in the Ladakh sector after provocative Chinese actions on the southern bank of Pangong Tso and Indias counter-manoeuvres to occupy key heights, chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said Pakistan could try to take advantage of any threat developing along Indias northern borders but warned that the Pakistani army would suffer heavy losses if it attempted any misadventure. Rawat highlighted the threat of coordinated action by the militaries of China and Pakistan along the northern and western borders and stressed that the Indian armed forces were capable of handling the joint threat. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rouhani hails Iran's "historic" success against U.S. attempts to restore UN sanctions People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:50, September 03, 2020 TEHRAN, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani celebrated on Wednesday the Iranian diplomacy's "historic" success against the U.S. efforts at the UN Security Council to restore UN sanctions on Iran. "I don't know of any case in history where the U.S. submitted a draft resolution in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and only obtained one vote," Rouhani said in a cabinet meeting broadcast by official IRNA news agency. The Iranian president derided as "childish" the U.S. attempts to use a mechanism in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to reinstate UN sanctions, after Washington "completely" abandoned the agreement in 2018. Referring to his recent phone conversation with the sitting president of the UNSC, Indonesia's Permanent Representative Dian Triansyah Djani, Rouhani said the UNSC chief also believed Washington has no right to use the mechanism. Referring to the JCPOA Joint Commission meeting in Vienna on Tuesday, Rouhani said all P4+1 members explicitly shared Iran's view on the matter. The United States not only has pulled out of JCPOA, but even threatened to punish any state committed to respect the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 issued after the JCPOA agreement, he added. According to the Iranian government's predictions, Rouhani said, the non-oil sector of Iran's economy will be growing again next year, after two years of contraction caused by the U.S. sanctions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address STRATFORD A man allegedly involved in a series of robberies, car thefts and carjackings in Stratford and Bridgeport back in March pleaded not guilty Thursday to the federal charges brought against him by a grand jury earlier this week. The accused, 20-year-old Tyiese Warren, appeared in federal court via video conference around 1:45 p.m. He also faces state charges. The prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Karen Peck, said Warren was charged on an indictment from a federal grand jury Wednesday that alleges on or about March 25, Warren was involved in a series of robberies, car thefts and carjacking throughout the Bridgeport and Stratford area. On that night, Warren and an accomplice allegedly stole a car in front of the Cigto gas station in Stratford, a release from the Connecticut U.S. attorneys office said. Warren, a Bridgeport man, was charged with Hobbs Act robbery; brandishing, carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and federal carjacking, Peck said. He waived his right to have the full indictment read before the court and pleaded not guilty to the three charges. The victim of one of the carjackings suffered severe injuries when they were dragged hundreds of yards by the vehicle. Peck said the victims skin was ripped off their torso when they were dragged. Warren and an accomplice then engaged in a carjacking involving a Toyota Corolla in Bridgeport, holding the owner at gunpoint and ultimately driving away in the car, the statement from the U.S. attorneys office said. Minutes later, Warren and an accomplice committed a gunpoint robbery of the Citgo in Stratford, taking cash from the store and a cellphone from a store employee. Police said they caught up with Warren later that night after he crashed another stolen car on an Interstate 95 on-ramp. The three federal charges combined carry a maximum sentence of 42 years in prison. Peck said she filed a motion with the judge to have Warren held pending trial on the federal charges. The case was continued to Sept. 15. Court records show that Warren also faces state charges of first-degree larceny, interfering with an officer/resisiting arrest, engaging police in a pursuit and operating a motor vehicle without a license after an arrest by Stratford police on March 25. Hes next in court on those charged on Oct. 13. Staff writer Peter Yankowski contributed reporting 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 GARY A man was killed in a shooting late Thursday on the city's west side, records show. Landen Cowart, 38, was found dead in the 2300 block of Colfax Street about 11:25 p.m. after police responded to a report of shots fired with a possible gunshot victim, according to police records and the Lake County coroner's office. Cowart, who lived at the address where the shooting occurred, was pronounced dead at 12:30 a.m. Friday at the scene, a coroner's release said. The cause of death was homicide. Police asked anyone with information to call detectives at the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit at 219-755-3855. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP. Check back at nwi.com for updates to this story. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 4 Sad 0 Angry 2 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. Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday all set to start shooting for their upcoming project. The shooting for Shakun Batras next is likely to start from mid-September in Goa. Earlier, it was reported that the film will be shot in Sri Lanka. A source revealed to Mumbai Mirror that shooting was not feasible in Sri Lanka owing to COVID-19 pandemic so the makers have changed the shooting location to Goa. The source was quoted as saying, The delay gave Shakun time to work on the script. Since shooting in Sri Lanka is not feasible, they changed the setting to Goa which has a similar landscape of beaches and vintage churches. An overseas shoot would depend on several factors, like travel protocols, shooting permissions and the number of coronavirus cases in that country. Its easier to shoot in India. As per various reports, Shakun and his team had taken off to Goa last month to find the lesser-seen spot. The indoor portions of the film will be shot in City studio in Mumbai. The entire team will be in Goa for over a month and will shoot at real locations. While Shakun flies off in a day or two for prep, the cast will join him around September 15, the source added. While talking about his role in the upcoming film, actor Siddhant had told Bombay Times, At first, when I read it, I didnt know what it meant, but when Shakun shared his vision with me, I figured that it was a new-age and a contemporary story. It will be an experience for me to play a character with such layers. I am waiting to start shooting for it." Siddhant was last seen in Gully Boy with Ranveer Singh while Deepika was last seen in Chhapaak. Meanwhile, Ananya will be next seen in her action-packed film Khaali Peeli with Ishaan Khatter. Fans of The Real Housewives franchise are probably entertaining themselves with the ladies of Potomac or the RHOBH reunion right now. As some of the other cities are gearing up to drop new episodes in the coming weeks, other shows are filming. The Atlanta Housewives are currently shooting season 13, and Cynthia Bailey recently spoke about Nene Leakes presence (or lack of) on the show. Cynthia Bailey at Bailey Wine Cellar, June 2020 | Paras Griffin/Getty Images Nene Leakes RHOA status has been a great mystery For months, RHOA fans and cast members have been wondering if Nene will return for the next season of the show. After a tumultuous season 12 reunion, off-camera tension with co-stars such as Kenya Moore, and clashes with Bravo brass, many assume Leakes is finished. The fact that she abruptly deleted her Instagram account without any explanation only added fuel to the rumors, as did her cryptic tweets. Did Nene Leakes quit? Was she fired? For a while, some thought her contract negotiations soured, but for viewers, its a true mystery. If i have to stand alone I WILL NeNe Leakes (@NeNeLeakes) July 31, 2020 RELATED: RHOA: Nene Leakes Deletes Instagram Amid Rumors Shes Been Fired Cynthia Bailey talks about Leakes filming status During an interview with E!s Just the Sip host Justin Sylvester, Bailey spoke about whats happening with filming in Atlanta for season 13. She touched on the COVID-19 safety protocols, her relationship with fiance Mike Hill, and life in quarantine. At the tail end of the conversation, Bailey dished on the rumors surrounding Leakes return to the show. She only had a few words. I dont really have any real answers for you to be honest. All I know is what I read and see on the blogs too. So, I can just tell you I havent filmed anything with her yet or seen her, she said. So, thats that. In terms of contract negotiations, its not unusual for people to still be negotiating their contract. Weve been over here filming for about two months now but Im just saying its not super unusual. Bailey added that she still has love for Nene and wants her to do whatever is best for her. She acknowledged Leakes is an OG and is great for show, but made it clear its Leakes business. Fans and RHOA cast members want to see Nene return Leakes has a strong fan base thats grown over the past decade. People want her to come back on the show and some vowed not to watch if she doesnt. And though she had major issues with Leakes this past season, Kandi Burruss also wants her to return. Back in July, she told Hollywood Life that Leakes is an integral part of RHOA and shed love for her to show up for season 13. I feel like it would suck if she decided not to come back, she said. I feel like why wouldnt she come back, but I feel like ultimately that is up to her, so well see. I have not talked to Nene either and I do not know what her plans are, so I dont know and honestly. Season 13 started just started filming this summer so its too early to tell when it will air. In the meantime, Leakes Twitter account is still active and she may surprise fans with an announcement. R apper Silento is due in court today over claims he attacked two strangers while wielding a hatchet after walking into their LA home. The 22-year-old real name Richard Lamar Hawk was first arrested and then released last Friday after reports of a domestic disturbance at a property in Santa Ana, in Orange County, California. The following day, it is said he walked into a strangers unlocked home while brandishing a hatchet, and attacked two people before being disarmed. It is believed Hawk was looking for his girlfriend at the time of the incident. Hawk, who also goes by the name Prince Silento, rocketed to worldwide fame in 2015 with his viral hit Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) and the accompanying social media dance craze. The song, which he penned in his basement at the age of 17, peaked at number three on the US Billboard charts while the dance video has been watched 1.7 billion times on YouTube, despite one critic panning it as "one of the most annoying things to ever exist". News of Hawks arrests broke last night as it was confirmed he is in custody and awaiting a court hearing before an LA judge later today. He was charged with inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant following the first alleged incident in Santa Ana, and faces two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon over the second incident. The LA County District Attorneys office said the rapper allegedly entered a home in the Valley Village area of Los Angeles while wielding a hatchet. The occupants and their children were present but no one is said to have been injured. Hawk is currently being held on 79,000 ($105,000) bail. If convicted of the felony charges, he could face up to six years in prison. 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 Storyful An observatory in Hawaii captured atmospheric pressure waves created by the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai volcano on January 15.The Gemini Observatory in Hawaii was 5,000 kilometers (3,000 miles) away from the eruption when it captured the atmospheric pressure waves on three different cameras. They are the faintly red waves seen in the footage, NOIRLab explained.The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai volcano erupted on January 15, triggering a tsunami on the South Pacific nation of Tonga with waves up to 15 meters, according to information released by the Tongan government. At least three people were killed and dozens of properties were damaged across the islands. Credit: NOIRLab via Storyful LONDON Barbour introduced its new, premium luxury subbrand, Barbour Gold Standard, during Paris Fashion Week Mens in January, and while the COVID-19 outbreak may have turned the world upside down since then, the label believes there is still a place for it. So the company is forging ahead with a launch this month with help from the British actor and Peaky Blinders star Sam Claflin, and a new augmented reality experience. Claflin will feature in the campaign for Barbour Gold Standard and act as ambassador. The brand will also introduce a new AR experience on its platforms in order to allow customers to learn more about the label from home. The initial aim for extending the brands offer to a more premium category was to cater to some of its luxury wholesale partners that were looking for more elevated collections, according to Paul Wilkinson, the companys global marketing and commercial director. Barbour Gold Standard is targeted at premium retail partners such as Mr Porter, Flannels and Selfridges in the U.K. and Saks and Bloomingdales in the U.S. These are partners we have worked with before, but Barbour Gold Standard gives us an opportunity to develop our business with them further, Wilkinson added. By elevating the collection, it is more relevant to the consumers shopping with these partners and it gives us the opportunity to align more strongly with their strategies. He added that there will be a special emphasis on digital sales as more customers have been buying online due to COVID-19. The debut collection includes 10 reworked archival styles mainly featuring quilted and waxed cotton fabrics, which can be re-waxed multiple times to last longer. [The range] represents the pinnacle of our mens wear offering celebrating expert craftsmanship and a high attention to detail and quality in the fabrications and trims, said Wilkinson, adding that future seasons will see addition archive styles reworked in new fabrications. Story continues At the heart of Barbour Gold Standard will always be the artisanal craftsmanship and attention to detail which will make them instantly recognizable and different from our core lines, he added. Prices range between 319 and 599 pounds. The label has also been working with its signature wax styles on the womens wear front, too, introducing Re-Engineered for Today for fall 2020, a capsule of parkas and jackets all done in waxed cotton. It is also launching another season of its collaboration collection with Alexa Chung on Sept. 4. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Chennai, Sep 4 : The blaze on board huge oil tanker 'New Diamond', laden with about 300,000 tonnes of Kuwaiti crude, was brought under control in the second day of fire fighting by the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan naval ships and aircraft, the Indian Coast Guard said on Friday. The Coast Guard also added that its specialist team and tug ALP Winger connected a tow at 7 p.m. "ALP Winger commenced towing to prevent drifting of vessel (oil tanker) to shallow waters," it said. The 20-year old very large crude carrier (VLCC) vessel, sailing under the Panama flag and chartered by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), was on fire since Thursday morning, about 37 nautical miles off the Sri Lankan coast and in the Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone. On Friday, the New Diamond's Captain along with a Coast Guard officer and a sailor boarded the blazing oil tanker and assessed towing and anchoring facilities of the massive vessel that was still blazing. "The towing and anchoring facilities are in good condition for those activities. Where the vessel would be towed will be decided by the Central government," a Coast Guard official told IANS. He also said the cargo pumping facility is also intact and the cargo area has not been affected. According to him, the fire is on the vessel's port side and there is not much heat on the deck. The fire in the crew accommodation area has been put out. The Indian government has decided to deploy two emergency towing vessels to tow New Diamond. The Coast Guard was working on a multi-pronged strategy to prevent an oil spill from the massive vessel, which would be a huge environmental disaster if it occurs. Two Coast Guard Dornier aircraft, with pollution response spray pods and oil spill dispersants, were being launched from Tuticorin to Mattalla as a preventive measure towards any oil spill contingency, the Coast Guard said. The aircraft were to augment the Coast Guard and Sri Lankan Navy ships engaged in dousing the blaze. Coast Guard ship Sarang had also reached the spot and joined the fire fighting operations. According to the Coast Guard, its ships Sarang and Sujay with Pollution Response Equipment and a Chetak helicopter had been pressed into service. Further, two Coast Guard Fast Patrol Ships Ameya and Abheek have been deployed from Karaikal and Chennai, respectively, with 1,000 litres of Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD), Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) and others to augment pollution response efforts. Also, its Pollution Response Ship Samudra Pahredar is deployed specifically for any oil spill contingency. The Coast Guard's Pollution Response Teams and vessels were on standby with embarkation plan of equipment at short notice. The Coast Guard also said a two-metre crack has been observed near the port aft portion of New Diamond, 10 metres above the waterline. "If the crack propagates, and there is every likelihood of that but cannot be predicted, then the ship's stability could be affected. A ship at a standstill is still subjected to tremendous stresses and could break and capsize," M. Kalayanaraman, Technical Editor, Riviera Maritime Media, told IANS. Kalyanaraman also said if the fire is still raging, it means availability of fuel for the blaze, which could be bunker oil. A Coast Guard official, however, told IANS that the crack has not grown further. Owing to the concerted joint action by the Coast Guard ships and the Lankan Navy, 22 crew from the oil tanker have been rescued while a search for a missing Filipino crew member is on. As per www.marinetraffic.com, the New Diamond oil tanker departed from Mina Al Ahmadi on August 23 and was headed to India's Paradip port. The oil tanker was expected to reach Paradip in Odisha on September 5 where the IOC has a large refinery. The Coast Guard said the Sri Lankan Navy had sought assistance to fight the fire and the explosion on board the New Diamond. According to reports, another oil products tanker Helen M, sailing under the Panama flag, had reached the location of New Diamond for rescue after receiving a distress message. Helen M was sailing from Mangaluru to Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, officials of IOC remained silent and were not available for comment. On Monday, September 7, at 12:00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference entitled: "Citizens' New Sociological Assessment of Activities of All Government's Branches and Detailed Attitude of Ukrainians to Former USSR Legacy" based on the results of a sociological survey conducted by Active Group and Expert Club. Participants include Head of the Active Group sociology company Oleksandr Pozniy, Co-founder of the Expert Club, political scientist Danylo Bohatyriov, political expert Valentyn Haidai (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be broadcast on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Shares of Vodafone Idea extended gains for the third consecutive session on Friday and hit a fresh 52-week high of Rs 13.45 on BSE, ahead of the board meeting to consider raising capital. Earlier on Tuesday, the telco informed stock exchanges that "a meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled to be held on September 4, 2020, to consider and evaluate any and all proposals for raising of funds in one or more tranches by way of a public issue, preferential allotment, private placement, including a qualified institutions placement or through any other permissible mode and/or a combination thereof as may be considered appropriate, by way of issue of equity shares or by way of issue of any instruments or securities". Vodafone Idea stock opened at Rs 11.31, also its intraday low and later touched an intraday as well as a new 52-week high of Rs 13.45. This was a rise of 7% against the last close of Rs 12.56 on the BSE. The stock of the telecom services provider has risen 51.29% in the last 3 days of gains from Rs 8.89 on September 1. Vodafone Idea share is trading higher than 5, 20, 50, 100 and 200-day moving averages. Vodafone Idea shares have gained 24% in one week, 45% in one month and 103% since the beginning of the year. Market capitalisation of the firm stood at Rs 36,005 crore as of today's session. In a move to pursue fundraising options for clearing AGR dues and invest in its network, Vodafone Idea has reportedly resumed talks with US-based e-commerce giant Amazon and telecom operator Verizon to buy "a significant stake" in ailing telco for more than $4 billion. This comes after the Supreme Court on Monday ordered telecom operators to clear 10% of AGR outstanding dues this year and the rest in equal instalments over 10 years, starting FY22. The telco has already paid Rs 7,854 crore to the department of telecom and owes the government Rs 58,254 crore. Although, the company has denied such media reports stating "Currently, there is no proposal as reported by the media that is being considered at the board," in a separate regulatory filing on Thursday night. The telecom operator also added that as part of the firm's corporate strategy, it is constantly evaluating various opportunities for enhancing stakeholders' value. "As and when such proposals are considered by the board of directors of the company warranting disclosures, the company shall comply with the disclosure obligations," the telco added. On Vodafone share, Keshav Lahoti, Associate Equity Analyst, Angel Broking said, "On September 1, Vodafone Idea stock corrected by 13.2% as the Supreme Court allowed a 10-year staggered payment timeline to pay AGR dues against 15-20 years anticipated by the market. On September 2, Vodafone Idea rallied by 11.9% on company announced the board of directors is scheduled to meet on September 4 to evaluate all proposals to raise funds. This clearly indicated that the Company is not planning to shut the shop post the Supreme Court verdict. Today also stock is trading up by 11% on the basis of media reports that retailer Amazon and Verizon, one of the largest communication technology companies may invest more than $4 billion (more than half of the pending AGR dues) for a stake in the company. He added," If this report turns out to be true then certainly Vodafone Idea will survive in the industry for at least next few years. So this will solve the first problem of the Company i.e. paying AGR dues for the next few years. The second problem company needs to fix is to maintain its losing revenue market share by developing a proper strategy. The third hurdle for the Company is ARPU hike in the industry. Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel are in favour to hike tariff plans steeply, although Jio is not ready to hike its plan rates. So Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel are not able to hike tariffs as it will lead to a loss in subscribers for them." "We believe if these three actions happen then Vodafone Idea will survive successfully raising the desired quantum of funds, preventing its losing revenue market share and ARPU hike in the industry," he added later. Stocks in news: Tata Motors, RIL, SBI, Infosys, Vodafone Idea Gold price rises for 2nd day; silver rates at Rs 66,700 " " The city of Marrakech, home to Morocco's largest souk, is known around the world. Peter Adams/The Image Bank/ Getty Images Mention Morocco, and many people's thoughts immediately turn to Casablanca: Its crowded streets and markets, the palm trees swaying in the breeze, Sam sitting at the keyboard in Rick's Cafe. Those images come from the classic 1942 movie of the same name, of course, and aren't necessarily reflective of Casablanca, or Morocco, today. In fact, while people have long been fascinated by this compact country sitting atop northwestern Africa, most don't know much about its history or traditions. Thousands of years ago, the land now known as Morocco was occupied by the Berbers, an indigenous people spread across northern Africa. Although various groups of people passed through the land over time, such as the Carthaginians and Romans, no one stayed too long until the Muslims arrived during the Arab invasion in the 7th century. From that point on, the land became home to both Arabs and Berbers, who frequently battled for control. More recently, the region was colonized by the French, who brought their language to its shores. Finally, in 1956, it became the independent country of Morocco [source: Morocco]. Advertisement So who, exactly, are the Moroccans today? Well, 99 percent are Sunni Muslims, whether they're of Berber or Arab descent [source: Every Culture]. But religion aside, Moroccans are considered a warm, welcoming people who go out of their way to be generous to others. "Feed your guests, even if you are starving," is a famous Moroccan proverb, for example, and it's not unusual to be invited to someone's home for a meal. (And if you are, it's likely to be unforgettable, as Moroccan food is deemed top-notch.) While visitors don't forget the people of Morocco, they're also typically wowed by its towns. Moroccan cities are distinguished by their thriving souks, or open-air markets, and their architecture and design, which feature geometric patterns, Islamic calligraphy and bold colors. The country's most famous cities, furthermore, are known the world over: Casablanca, of course, but also Rabat, the capital; Fez, one of Islam's holiest cities; and Marrakech, home to Morocco's largest souk. But movie references and shopping aren't the only draws of this coastal country. Some people come simply to sample the local flavor. BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The commemoration of the 75th victory anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, held Thursday in Beijing, is a significant occasion for China to draw inspiration from history and bravely tackle the new challenges of today. During the 14-year war against Japanese aggression, the Chinese people demonstrated to the world their patriotism, national character, heroism and a strong will to win. With more than 35 million casualties, China knows only too well the heavy toll of this victory. Experience, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future. Remembering the war allows all those countries concerned to learn from history and never allow such a tragedy to happen again. China has long been committed to its role as a staunch defender of world peace, a facilitator of globalization, and a major contributor of the building of an open world. It was the first country to sign the United Nations Charter. It has joined almost all the inter-governmental organizations and has sent more peacekeepers to UN missions than any other permanent members of the Security Council. Commitment to peace and harmony is deeply rooted in the minds of the Chinese, who would never inflict the sorts of sufferings they have experienced on any other nations. However, the development of history does not always follow the will of those people who love peace. Today's world is still ravaged by hegemony, unilateralism, and zero-sum and Cold-War mentalities, which pose severe challenges to China's development. Certain U.S. politicians have launched unfounded attacks on China in a barefaced and shameless way, smearing China's political system, grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, launching provocative moves in the South China Sea, attempting to drive a wedge between China's governing party and the Chinese people, among other aggressive actions. Such behaviors are in breach of international norms, jeopardizing bilateral relations and hurting the interests of people in both countries. These foolhardy and reckless acts by some U.S. politicians should be recorded within the pages of history in a chapter dedicated to shame. Those evil forces within U.S. society, which hardly represent the common will of the U.S. people, deserve the title of "paper tiger" and are doomed to fail. Never forget that China is a country that survives and thrives on ordeals and hardships. In the face of hegemony and power politics from any country, no matter how powerful, China will never flinch or surrender, displaying the same bravery it demonstrated in the prolonged and arduous struggle against fascist aggressors. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people have made good preparations for whatever further difficulties, uncertainty and volatility lie ahead. The Chinese people will never agree with any person or any force that attempts to distort the history of the CPC, to smear its character and mission, and to split the CPC from the Chinese people. Any attempt to bully and impose external will on China, to change the direction of China's development and to sabotage the Chinese people's pursuit for a better life is doomed to fail. It is particularly imperative for some U.S. politicians to know that the widely-discussed decoupling of China and the United States is a foolhardy venture at best. While China and the United States are both big and important countries, it is always better for them to join hands in building a better tomorrow, rather than making their livings separately. History has proved again and again that cooperation is still the best choice for both nations. There is no exception to this principle at this moment. It is also important to know that certain unwise U.S. politicians are undermining China-U.S. relations, and they should take responsibility for their mistakes. The friendship between the peoples of the two countries remains solid and deep. The Chinese people will continue to deepen their exchanges and cooperation with people of other countries and make greater contributions to the great cause of world peace and development. The perseverance and national solidarity that the Chinese people demonstrated on the front line against the fascist aggressors will only be passed on to those who face new battles. Australias Freedom of the Press was achieved in 1824 . Before then the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser the first newspaper printed in Australia was considered a government publication and was censored by Governor King. When Robert Howe took over the printing from his convict father George, this new freedom. Robert Howe Perched on a stool, bent over trays of typeset, Robert Howe was just eight years old when the Kings Representative inspected the printing office of Australias first newspaper. Astonished to see such a small boy hard at work on the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, he smiled at Roberts convict father and noted how ingeniously the press was run. Despite a shortage of ink, paper and press typeas well as paying subscribers (there were plenty who took it then refused to settle their debts)the newspaper soldiered on. It was regarded as of inestimable value to both the settlers and the government. The Gazette kept the settlers in touch with the news from home. Published three times weekly, it contained excerpts from English literature which not only helped keep loyalty to England alive but also encouraged education. Roberts father, George, published material that fostered a love of literature and aimed to aid both teachers and pupils as they used it. He published his own poems as well as those of others and has a strong claim to the title of Father of Australian Literature. By the time Robert was 25, his life had taken a downhill turn. He was deep into a world of reckless and careless self-indulgence when he experienced a spiritual awakening. In his own words, he was wonderfully and mercifully visited by God and snatched from infamy in this world and Hell in the next. Early Methodist community Influenced by the early Methodist community in Sydney, he began Australias first periodical magazine: The Australian Magazine; or, Compendium of Religious, Literary, and Miscellaneous Intelligence. He also inherited the printing and publishing business of his father at this time and, under his direction, the tone of the Sydney Gazette, changed completely. On 14 October 1824, under the editorship of Robert Howe, it ceased to be censored by the colonial government Robert considered that to be Printer to Immanuel was far more important than being government printer, so morality and religion became two of the main themes of the publication. The Gazette began to reflect his conviction that faith was the only possible means of progress in Australia and the only way to rescue the colony from the depths of awful depravity to Righteousness in the Son of God. Eventually he succeeded his father at the Gazette, by then Australias first daily newspaper. However, his policies of promoting Christianity as the solution to national problems brought him into conflict with many in the establishment. He was physically attacked, was subjected to several libel actions, and publicly horse-whipped. Jesus said, Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:10 NIV) Robert Howe learned this first-hand as he strove to shine the light of Christ in the early days of Sydney and the New South Wales colony. He died while out fishing when his boat overturned. Yet he pioneered a pastime for Australians that is still going. Even in this digital age, about 60% of Australians read a print magazine each week. The foundation stone of all this magazine production was a Christian periodical which spanned the turbulent transition of Sydney settlement from a penal colony to the premier city of a free state. Written by Annie Hamilton for The DIDUNO Network http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/howe-robert-2252 http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/howe-ann-12994 Uttar Pradesh B Ed joint entrance exam 2020 result will be declared on Saturday, September 5, said Amita Bajpai, state co-ordinator for B Ed joint entrance examination. The exam was conducted by University of Lucknow. She said candidates will be able to check their results like state rank, category rank and marks obtained by visiting Lucknow University official website (www.lkouniv.ac.in). Candidates will be informed about counselling schedule at the earliest. A total of 3,57,696 candidates appeared for the B Ed joint entrance exam at 1,089 examination centres in 73 districts of UP despite spike in numbers of COVID-19 cases. Total 4,31,904 candidates were registered for the exam that was held on August 9. The new session is likely to commence in October-November 2020, said Monika S Garg, additional chief secretary, higher education department, UP government in a press statement. Conducting this examination has been an experience worth sharing. It showcases the sensitivity and caution of state governent and sets the trend for upcoming competitive exams during COVID times. It is an example for others to emulate, right from selection of centers, of how fair examinations can be held, even in trying and testing times, Garg said. She said, Last year, the exam was conducted in only 15 districts with 60 to 130 centres in a district. This year there were twin targets of least movement and ample social distancing. It was decided to host the entrance exam in all districts indicated by candidates and the number of districts was increased to 73. Further, to reduce the number of candidates congregating at one centre, the number of candidates being allotted a centre was halved. Thus, the number of centres also increased proportionately. Special care was taken to ensure that girls and physically disabled candidates were allotted the district of their first choice, while other candidates were accommodated at or near to their place of preference, she said. In the past, B.Ed Entrance exams were conducted by the nominated university with the help of other state universities, with negligible role of the higher education department. This year, the nominated university, Lucknow University, sought the departments help due to the special circumstances arising out of COVID and consequently the department had already made inroads in the process, she said. . If one talks to enough people in the broadband game, its not unusual to hear the opinion that satellite Internet doesnt cut it in terms of speed and reliability. Despite this viewpoint, more than 2 million customers in the United States pay for satellite Internet, and big-name players like Amazon and SpaceX are spending billions to enter the market.Steve Hill, president of the Satellite Broadcast and Communications Association, said the beginning of the pandemic was an eye-opener in terms of the increasing demand for satellite Internet.We were seeing a lot of business in [a matter of] days that we hadnt seen before, Hill said.Assuming that the various complaints about satellite Internet have some merit, why is the industry growing so much?The simple answer is evolution and necessity. Commercial satellite Internet has only been around for about 20 years, and it was highly limited at first, Hill said. Despite the technologys weaknesses, such as low speeds and data limits, satellite offered a path to improved connectivity for rural markets that had no other options.In 2017, the two major satellite Internet providers, HughesNet and Viasat, launched new satellites that dramatically increased both capacity and performance, Hill said. Today, both providers can, when the conditions are right, deliver Internet speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commissions broadband definition of 25 Mbps/3 Mbps. In some cases, Viasats service can achieve download speeds up to 100 Mbps.Satellite technology has the advantage of quick installation. Hill said the average wait time for a satellite connection is between three and five days, which explains why the satellite industry received such a boost during COVID-19. It takes far more time to connect underserved rural customers with wired solutions.Danny Bax, who owns Affiliated Technology Partners (ATP) Solutions with his wife Kathy, has been in the telecommunications business for about 40 years. Baxs organization, which is agnostic when it comes to tech, represents hundreds of Internet and phone companies and helps architect network infrastructure.ATP Solutions, formerly known as WiFi in the Park, started focusing on rural and satellite Internet within the last four years. Bax explained that in the world of rural broadband, there are many instances where you cant get Internet through fiber, cable or DSL.Im working on a particular project thats 55 miles from Area 51, Bax said. Its 45 miles down a dirt road with no signs. If you dont have an escort, youre lost, that kind of thing. Theres nothing out there. Theres no cellular. Theres no fiber. Theres nothing. The only way to get Internet into those areas is to bring it in through a satellite or multiple satellites. Period.Hill spoke about the importance of satellite Internet in disaster recovery situations. Disasters like fires, tornados and hurricanes destroy infrastructure, and the fastest way to get affected areas reconnected is through satellites. Hill cited the example of Puerto Rico, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017.Without satellite, they probably wouldnt have had Internet for close to a year in certain communities, Hill said. Some Puerto Rican government officials still use it.Both Hill and Bax cited satellite Internet as a quality back-up for customers who want to remain connected when their main source of connectivity suffers or fails. Hill cited the story of a local liquor store that added satellite Internet because of the unreliability of a primary Internet solution. Bax called satellite the only true back-up because its not terrestrial. Even cellular can go out if fiber is damaged.Anytime theres been a major outage, satellite is the only thing working, Bax said.Bax did point out that a shared satellite connection, which is the main commercial offering, can suffer during congested periods. However, he said congestion affects all types of oversubscribed Internet services, and customers who are willing to spend more can purchase a dedicated satellite package for the most reliable service. The U.S. military, for instance, utilizes dedicated satellite.Dedicated satellite is very expensive, but its whats required in certain applications, Bax said.Both Hill and Bax said the capacity of satellite Internet will significantly increase when HughesNet and Viasat launch new satellites in 2021.Then theres the other type of commercial satellite technology with which Amazon and SpaceX plan to provide service. HughesNet and Viasat use geosynchronous satellites, which are located about 22,000 miles above the equator and match the rotation of the planet, meaning that they appear to be in a fixed position and only require line of sight for a connection. Amazon and SpaceX will use low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that zip around the planet more quickly at lower heights, meaning that tens of thousands of LEO satellites are needed to maintain Internet connections on the ground.The advantage of LEO satellites, Hill said, is that they can bring reduced latency, which would be ideal for gaming and stock trading. Bax said one drawback of LEO satellites is that they need to be replaced more often than geosynchronous satellites. The jury is still out on the speeds that will be achieved by LEO satellites. Although the satellite Internet market continues to grow, there are still unknowns about its potential.This is frigging rocket science, Bax said. Telecommunications is not for the faint of heart. Its deep. New Delhi: The Supreme Court Friday dismissed the plea of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is serving life imprisonment in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, seeking interim bail on health grounds. Sorry. We are not inclined. Dismissed, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Kumar, argued that interim bail can be granted to Kumar on health grounds as he has been in jail for 20 months, has lost nearly 16 kg weight and needs to recover from past ailments. Singh said Kumar would abide by all the conditions which would be imposed by the court. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who has been appearing for some of the riots' victims, opposed the plea and said the required treatment is already being given to Kumar at the hospital. We will hear you finally someday but cannot grant you bail like this, said the bench, also comprising Justice A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian. We are not treating the judgement (of the Delhi High Court which convicted and sentenced Kumar in the case) as faulty merely because it has reversed the earlier verdict. We will hear you finally someday, the bench said. Kumar is serving life imprisonment after the Delhi High Court had convicted him and others in the case on December 17, 2018. The high court had reversed the acquittal of Kumar by the trial court in 2013 in the case related to the killings of five Sikhs in the Raj Nagar Part-I area in Palam Colony in southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and the burning down of a gurdwara in Raj Nagar Part-II. The riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards. On May 13, the apex court had dismissed the plea by Kumar who had sought interim bail or parole on health grounds, saying he did not need hospitalization as per medical report at the moment. In its verdict, the high court had convicted and sentenced Kumar to imprisonment for the "remainder of his natural life" in the case saying the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature. Europe Strikes in Belarus suppressed but action continues Workers in Belarus are continuing opposition to the fraudulent re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko with go-slow action. The threat of dismissals and legal action have temporarily suppressed recent mass strikes, including one of 15,000 workers at the Minsk Tractor Works. Miners in state-run mines, however, have reduced production by 90 percent through work to rule measures. According to a Euronews website article of August 28, 7,000 people have been arrested for protesting the outcome of the election. The imperialist powers, who are backing opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, fear that Lukashenkos violent crackdown will only further ignite the anger of substantial sections of the working class. Underground protest by Ukrainian miners On Monday, miners at the Nadiya coal mine in western Ukraine remained underground in a protest over wages arrears. They began their sit-in on August 28. Wage arrears at the mine amount to more than $2 million. Strikes by journalists in Midlands, UK Journalists working for the Bullivant media group held two days of strikes Tuesday and Wednesday this week, following two days of strike action last week. The Bullivant media group publishes 18 newspaper titles in the West Midlands area including Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members are protesting the groups plans to make redundancies, introduce new working practices and its underpayment of journalists for several months. NUJ chapel members at the newspaper group voted unanimously for the stoppages. Picketing took place outside Bullivants offices in Redditch. Protest by redundant UK retail workers in Manchester Workers made redundant by high street retail chain store Debenhams held a protest in Manchester in northwest England on Saturday. They are demanding enhanced redundancy terms. On top of closures and 4,000 job losses announced earlier in the year, the company announced a further 2,500 job losses last month with the closure of department stores and distribution centres. Former employees at Debenhams in Ireland have also recently held protests, as the company pulled out of Ireland. About 30 workers and supporters took part in the Manchester protest. It was addressed by an official of the shop workers union USDAW and a Manchester trades council member. Workers held home-made banners, one with Debenhams Dont make us redundant extend the scheme, and another, Debenhams give us what were owed now!. Chris Winwood, USDAW Executive Committee member, appealed to the company, saying, Consult with the staff, consult with a trade unionit makes no sense to me why this company has never recognised a trade union ever. A further protest is planned Saturday at 3 p.m. outside the Debenhams store on Market Street in Manchester. High street stores, which began shedding jobs before the pandemic due to competition from online retailers, have been particularly hard hit since lockdown. The unions have organised no effective action, limiting their demands to no compulsory redundancies, and, as at Debenhams, to be included in talks to facilitate restructuring. Further protests in support of bus workers in northwest England A further protest started at 4 a.m. Wednesday outside the Go North West bus depot at Queens Road in Manchester, England. Drivers are balloting on industrial action to oppose increased productivity, attacks on sick pay and a 2,000 cut in annual salary at the Queens Road depot. The company tried to impose the attacks during lockdown, when 80 percent of the workforce was furloughed. Protesters, including Unite union members, walked up and down the exit road to the depot, slowing the departure of buses. Eventually police moved in to stop the protest, manhandling protesters according to one tweet. Later in the day, protesters lobbied the Greater Manchester Combined Chief Executive in support of the bus workers. They also went to Manchester Town Hall to call on Labours Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to intervene in support of the bus workers. The mayoral office is responsible for transport in Manchester. Earlier action took place on August 27, when Unite trade union members protested outside Manchesters Shudehill Interchange bus station. During the dispute, a senior Unite trade union representative was suspended and is now facing a disciplinary hearing. Bus drivers have already taken on extra cleaning duties, as well as risking their health as essential workers during the pandemic without adequate safety measures. Workers report bullying and harassment by management, as well as homophobic comments. Unite is avoiding industrial action and instead appealing to top executives of the Go Ahead group nationally to resolve the dispute. Drug and alcohol support workers in northwest England in further strike action Drug, alcohol and mental health support staff working for the charity We Are With You, in Wigan and Leigh, northwest England, voted for further strike action. The 29 Unison members are to strike this month. The vote for action was unanimous on an 87 percent turnout. The workers have so far taken 16 days of strike action in a fight to bring their pay and work conditions in line with those of National Health Service staff. The rehab workers previously worked for the NHS and were promised their previous terms of employment would remain when they transferred to the charity. According to the Unison union, the workers could each lose an average of 9,500 over the next five years. Protest by Hungarian drama students On Monday, drama students at Budapest Theatre and Film University occupied the building and held a press conference. They are opposed to the appointment of a new supervisory board at the institution and a new funding mechanism. The students are calling for the resignation of the board and the resumption of state funding. The leadership and senate body at the university resigned on Monday in opposition to the changes. Strike vote by Irish construction-related workers Around 4,000 plumbers, fitters, welders and construction workers in Ireland have voted unanimously to strike. The Unite union members have threatened to walk out if employers attempt to cut pay and impose inferior conditions. They are also demanding a 2.7 percent pay rise, due this week. The threat by some employers to reduce their terms and conditions follows a recent high court ruling. The ruling stated legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders (SEO) made between unions and employers relating to pay and conditions across a whole sector were unconstitutional. The challenge was initiated by electrical contractors. The result of a Unite ballot covering non-mechanical construction employees is expected September 14. A ballot of Connect union members, representing over 23,000 workers, over the same issue is expected mid-September. The Services, Industrial and Professional Trade Union (SIPTU) is also balloting for possible strike action if the construction SEO is broken. Irish airport staff to be balloted over pay cuts Workers at Shannon airport, Ireland, are to be balloted over airport plans to impose 20 percent pay cuts. SIPTU represents around 75 percent of Shannon airports 245 staff. COVID-19 has had a huge impact on flights from the airport. Flight activity is still down almost 90 percent compared to last year. Shannon airport opened a voluntary redundancy scheme, which closed on August 28. The Irish airline Aer Lingus is rumoured to be considering pulling out of its Shannon base and transferring its bases to the UK. This would leave only American Airlines offering transatlantic flight to America. Protest by former Irish nursing home staff Former Irish care staff who worked at nursing homes run by the Sisters of Charity in Dublin protested on Wednesday outside St Monicas nursing home. The Sisters of Charity announced in July its intention to close St Monicas and St Marys homes due to a financial shortfall. At a hearing at the beginning of August, the Labour Court ruled the 64 Forsa, SIPTU and INMO trade union members made redundant by the charity were entitled to redundancy terms in line with public sector employees. The protest is to demand the charity pay the redundancy terms in line with the Labour Court ruling. German public sector workers lodge pay claim Around 2.3 million German public sector workers in federal government and municipalities have lodged a 4.8 percent pay rise claim for the next 12-month period. Initial talks between the Verdi and Deutsche Beamte Bund trade unions and employers representatives took place in Potsdam on Tuesday. Further talks are scheduled for later in the month and in October. Public sector workers, particularly in health care, play a leading role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and are demanding a fully funded pay rise. However, the financial impact of the pandemic has heavily hit municipalities. Middle East Israeli public sector workers dispute On Tuesday, the Israeli trade union confederation Histradut declared a labour dispute involving public sector workers. The Israeli government is intending to impose pay cuts on the 700,000 public sector workers. Under Israeli law union bodies must give two weeks notice of a dispute before taking action. Strike of Israeli lab staff Around 2,000 Israeli laboratory staff based at around 400 public medical laboratory facilities began an all-out strike on Sunday. The staff, who want higher pay, are continuing to process COVID-19 tests but only notifying positive results so further epidemiological tests can be completed. They are also carrying out other emergency diagnostic procedures. On Tuesday, hundreds of striking lab workers picketed the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They demanded he intervene to resolve the dispute. Some held slogans reading, No medicine without labs! Africa South African workers plan general strike South African workers are planning a general strike on October 7 in protest against corruption in the country and the governments failure to protect workers in the COVID-19 crisis. Congress of South African trade unions members oppose government plans to cut $10 billion from public sector wages over the next three years. South Africa has 630,595 cases of COVID-19 and 14,389 deaths. Health workers in South Africa set for national strike South African health care workers are planning a national walkout on September 10, unless the government agrees to provide greater protection from COVID-19 and an increase in salaries that should have been awarded in April. Workers at South Africas National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) had planned to strike nationally on August 28 over low pay and lack of PPE but were prohibited by a Labour Court order, which deemed them essential workers. The order means that the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) members will be breaking the law if they promote or encourage any strike action or other conduct in pursuit of their demands. The NHLS can then call on the South African Police Service to force them back to work. Despite this, the workers still plan to join the national strike in September. South African Ivanplats miners in Limpopo protest over jobs and pay Miners at Ivanplats mine in Limpopo province, South Africa, marched through the town of Mokopane on August 27, to protest against 313 planned redundancies. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) members appealed to the countrys Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The firm is blaming job losses on the COVID-19 situation even though they have not applied to the government for COVID-19 relief funding. They have also not consulted the governments Department of Mineral Resources, which administers mining rights. At another mine, Kumba Iron Ore, the largest iron ore mining operation in South Africa and the fourth largest in the world, the NUM went to the CCMA to dispute the failure of the employer to honour a previously agreed wage increase. The firm says it will only implement the salary rise if workers agree to forgo up to 120 days sick leave. The miners say they have already made enough compromises. Nigerian doctors stoppage in capital city Doctors in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, began indefinite strike action starting on September 1. The strike will continue until payment of the COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance and the implementation of promised promotions. The Nigerian government promised a special COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance of 50 percent of Consolidated Basic Salary to health workers in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals and other medical centres. The doctors say they are in financial hardship and their complaints are ignored. Nigeria has 54,463 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 1,027 fatalities. Nigerian industrial court issues order banning strike On August 24, the industrial court in Enugu State, Nigeria, issued a ruling banning the planned strike action by the states health workers. No details are yet available how far the court ruling has stopped the strike. Doctors are angry that the hazard allowance being paid by the state government is half that recommended by the Federal Government. Local government workers protest non-payment in Rivers State, Nigeria On August 27, more than 110 local government workers in Rivers State, Nigeria, stormed the State Government House and House of Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The workers have not been paid their wages for more than a year. Diamond miners in Letseng mine in Lesotho demand payment for overtime Diamond miners at Letseng mine in Lesotho are demanding closure of a government loophole allowing employers not to pay for overtime. Most employers in Lesotho are legally bound to pay for overtime, but the government issued an exemption for the mining companies. In October 2019, the government renewed Gem Diamonds lease to work Letseng mine for another 10 years and gave it exclusive rights for further renewals. Letseng mine is 70 percent owned by Gem Diamonds with the rest owned by the Lesotho government. Since Gem Diamonds took it over in 2006, it has extracted more than 60 white gem-quality diamonds over 100 carats each, making Letseng the highest dollar-per-carat diamond mine in the world. Judiciary staff members hold protest in Liberia against nonpayment of salaries Employees of the judiciary in Liberia demonstrated at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia on August 26 in protest at 11 months without payment of their salaries. The employees complained that they had not been paid since October 2019. The amount owed to each member of staff is about 250,000 Liberian dollars. Stoli Vodka launches limited edition bottle in support of LGBTQ community Stoli Vodka has announced the launch of a new Harvey Milk limited-edition bottle in the UK. Designed to celebrate the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, the Stoli Harvey Milk bottle celebrates Stolis long-time history supporting the LGBTQ community in the UK, Europe and beyond. The limited-edition bottle commemorates the work of Milk (who was the first openly gay elected official in California in 1977), and is the second in a series beginning with a first edition for the United States in 2018, originally celebrating 40 years since Milk was sworn into office in 1978. Each bottle is individually numbered and the bottles label was inspired by a mural by Paraguayan artist Oz Montania featuring the famed Milk quote, Hope will never be silent. The initiative will helps raise funds for the Harvey Milk Foundation. Stoli has worked with The Harvey Milk Foundation for several years, and this marks the second year they have worked in partnership on a commemorative bottle. For over a decade, the Harvey Milk Foundations work in the UK has included programming and talks on LGBTQ rights at dozens of primary and secondary schools through the Foundations partnership with UK LGBT History Month, Schools Out and the Proud Trust. The bottle is also part of the Stoli Serves Pride programme, the brand platform dedicated to LGBTQ equality. Stoli Serves Pride celebrates individuals and organisations central to advancing diversity and originality within the LGBTQ community. The bottle is now available in Sainsburys, Tesco and Waitrose stores around the UK. 4 September 2020 - MUMBAI : Moodys Investors Service on Friday downgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of Bank of Baroda (BoB), Bank of India (BoI), Canara Bank, and Union Bank of India (UBI) to Ba1. Moodys also downgraded baseline credit assessments (BCAs) of these banks from Ba3 to B1. The rating agency maintained Punjab National Banks long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings at Ba1 and the BCA at B1. The economic shock from the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating an already material slowdown in Indias economic growth, weakening credit profiles of borrowers and hurting the asset quality of Indian banks," it said. Prolonged financial stress in households, weak job creation, and credit crunch for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) will lead to a rise in non-performing loans, delaying the ongoing clean-up of the balance sheets of banks, Moodys said. The BCA downgrades take into consideration rising risks to the asset quality of banks because of the severe economic contraction, which will increase credit costs, the agency said. The increase in credit costs will hurt profitability, strain the modest capitalization of banks, and reverse recent improvements, Moodys said. Funding and liquidity continue to be key credit strengths considering their status as public sector banks, which results in good deposit franchises, it said. The rating agency also said that it will subsequently withdraw the ratings of Bank of India and Bank of India (London), citing its own business reasons". On 25 August, Moodys had also downgraded State Bank of Indias (SBIs) baseline credit assessment by one notch from Ba1 to Ba2, citing an expected deterioration in the lenders asset quality and profitability. 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 Frankly, I blame Barbara for initiating me into the cult of Apple and sparking an addiction Ive been unable to shake off since. It was six years ago this autumn when the PA, whose services I shared with a handful of colleagues, took one look at the antiquated mobile phone Id been allocated by my employers and shook her head in dismay. Nothing but the best will do for my boys, she told me (the average age of her boys at the time was a little over 60). Just you leave this with me and Ill make sure you get a proper phone. As it happened, I was perfectly happy with the reconditioned model that so horrified her. Tom Utley was initiated into the cult of Apple, sparking an addiction he has been unable to shake off since True, it wasnt a thing of beauty, its camera wasnt very sophisticated and its general performance was a little sluggish. But since all I asked of a smartphone was that it should enable me to make and receive calls and messages, it seemed perfectly adequate for my needs. Yet there was no point in arguing with Barbara. Once she had decided that my mobile was an affront to my dignity as a senior journalist, nothing would shake her determination to make the management issue me with something better. Sure enough, a few days later she presented me with a spanking new iPhone 6 at the time, the last word in cutting-edge technology (although I note that no fewer than 14 models have been released over the six years that have passed since, each claiming to be more miraculous than the last). Reader, it was love at first sight of its beautifully designed packaging that simple white box, adorned only with the globally recognised logo of a bitten apple, whose lid fitted so perfectly that it slid open with the gentle whisper of a Chippendale drawer. Never mind that as a fully paid-up member of Technophobes Anonymous, I knew very well Id master only a handful of the hundreds of extraordinary things it could do. Nor did I care when one of my sons sneered that entrusting me with an iPhone 6 was like handing a Ferrari to an orang-utan. All that mattered to me was that it looked lovely and was completely reliable. It made me happy just to feel it in my pocket, knowing that, for the first time in my life, I was the envy of my young. He was given a spanking new iPhone 6 at the time, the last word in cutting-edge technology (although no fewer than 14 models have been released over the six years that have passed since, each claiming to be more miraculous than the last) The trouble is that, from the day I took delivery of that iPhone, Ive been hopelessly hooked on Apple products, shelling out a fortune on a desktop, a laptop, an iPod and now my third new iPad (but Ill come to that in a moment). I must, therefore, be held partly responsible for this weeks astonishing news that the stock value of Apple Inc has overtaken the combined worth of all 100 companies in the FTSEs blue-chip index put together. As recently as August 2018, it became the first publicly traded U.S. firm to be valued at more than $1 trillion. Just two years later, it had broken through the $2 trillion barrier. Then on Tuesday this week, its shares rose another 4 per cent, increasing its total worth to $2.3 trillion. Call that 1.7 trillion or roughly the entire national output of Canada in 2019, as reported by the IMF. Truly, Apple has come quite a way since Steve Jobs sold his VW Microbus for a few hundred dollars to co-found the company back in 1976. So what is its secret, and how can we learn from it? As it happens, on the very day that Apple overtook the FTSE 100, I had my first, eye-opening experience of the ethos that sets Apple apart from any other company Ive encountered. I was on my way to lunchtime drinks with friends in Central London, when I stupidly left my iPad Mini on the train. Either that, or somebody picked my raincoat pocket on the Tube, but I find that less likely, since social distancing and half-empty public transport have put all sorts of difficulties in the way of the capitals pickpockets. Anyway, it was only when I discovered it was missing that I realised how much I had come to depend on it. As withdrawal symptoms kicked in, I couldnt face the thought of a day without my iPad, while I waited on the off-chance that some kind soul would hand it in at Lost Property. So I went straight from my drinks to Apples flagship shop in Regent Street, 20 minutes away, to buy myself a new one. The first thing I noticed was that this was the only shop in the whole street with a queue of customers on the pavement. Outside Hamleys, the toyshop on the other side of the road, staff in striped dungarees were performing a comical dance, vainly trying to lure people inside. Apples problem, by contrast, was limiting the numbers it could admit. Inside, it was unlike any shop Id visited before more like a Bond villains lair, indeed, or a scene from a science fiction movie set in the 22nd century. There were no shelves stacked with goods for sale. Just examples of Apple devices tastefully displayed on bare wooden benches, with trees stretching up to the ceiling between them. The Apple store on Regent's Street was more like a Bond villains lair or a scene from a science fiction movie set in the 22nd century Everywhere, highly trained shop assistants or Geniuses, as Apple prefers to call them were gliding about, talking customers through the marvels on offer. No sooner was I through the door than a Genius swooped on me, smothering me in flattery and charm. In an accent I took to be French, he asked me what interested me and declared himself entirely at my service. At one stage, he even told me that I seemed to know more about technology than 90 per cent of Apples customers. I looked round at my fellow shoppers, asking intelligent questions about gigabytes, processor speeds and heaven knows what, and reflected that this was a dollop of soft soap too far. I may possibly know more about computers than the average orang-utan. But more than most Apple fanatics? Pull the other one! Everywhere, highly trained shop assistants or Geniuses, as Apple prefers to call them were gliding about, talking customers through the marvels on offer To my surprise, at first my Genius urged me to wait for a while, rather than rushing to replace my lost iPad. Lost Apple products had a way of turning up, he said, thanks to the companys app for tracing them. But I told him I couldnt wait, claiming that Id come to depend on my iPad for work. It would have been slightly more honest to admit that my initial panic on losing the old one had rapidly given way to delight at this excuse for treating myself to a bigger and better model although, God knows, the old one did its job perfectly well. The upshot is that Im now 349 poorer, and Apple is that little bit richer. Therein lies a great part of the companys success. By constantly bringing out new models, Apple cashes in on our irrational desire to own the latest thing, whether we need it or not. Add the brilliance of the companys packaging, design and marketing, the excellence of its products, the first-class customer service offered by its Geniuses in those sci-fi stores and the trend for working from home, thanks to the coronavirus and you begin to understand how a company founded only 44 years ago has grown to become the most successful on Earth. Amazon is destroying our High Streets and putting publishers and booksellers out of business. Pictured: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos But, oh dear, I know theres a terrible price to pay for feeding American giants such as Apple, Amazon and Uber. They may do a brilliant job of satisfying our every wish. However, Apple is utterly merciless to its competitors, and arguably takes advantage of musicians and media companies by deducting a large percentage of their earnings from music and news-streaming apps. Meanwhile, Amazon is destroying our High Streets and putting publishers and booksellers out of business, while Uber exploits its employees and throws qualified cabbies out of work. Oh, and all such companies hire the sharpest tax lawyers in the world, to help them dodge their social responsibilities. Yet here I am, rejoicing in my possession of a brand new iPad, a little bit slicker than the last. Oh Barbara, Barbara, what have you done to me? 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. 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| 2020-09-04 07:26:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CARACAS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza on Thursday accused U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of hypocrisy after he questioned the legitimacy of upcoming parliamentary elections in Venezuela. "The nerve of @SecPompeo pretending to question our elections! In his country, the plutocracy of 2 elitist parties rules thanks to an electoral system so fraudulent and racist that yesterday @realdonaldtrump called on supporters to vote for him more than once. It's shameless!" Arreaza said via Twitter. Earlier in the day, Pompeo alleged, also via Twitter, that recent pardons granted opposition leaders in Venezuela so they could run for office were simply a "ploy" by President Nicolas Maduro's government to make the legislative elections "appear free and fair." Elections to renew Venezuela's National Assembly will be held on Dec. 6, with some 107 parties and political movements eligible to participate. Several sectors of the opposition have announced they will take part in the elections, but the faction led by hardline opposition leader Juan Guaido has refused, claiming the process is marred by fraud. The number of deputies that will make up the legislative body has been expanded from 167 to 277. Enditem Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe in Moscow on Friday in the first highest level contact after border tension erupted in Ladakh in May as the Indian leader said peace and security in the region demands a climate of trust, non-aggression, peaceful resolution of differences and respect for international rules. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe in Moscow. Photograph: ANI Photo Singh's comments seen as a veiled message to China ahead of his bilateral talks with Wei came at a meeting of the defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in the Russian capital. According to Indian government sources, the bilateral meeting was requested by the Chinese defence minister. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has previously held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the border standoff. Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Indian Ambassador to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma are part of the Indian delegation at the talks that began around 9:30 pm (IST) at a prominent hotel in Moscow. The meeting took place amid heightened tensions between the two countries triggered by China's fresh attempts to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh. As both sides increased deployment of troops in Ladakh, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane, wrapping up a two-day visit to the region, said the situation along the Line of Actual Control is "tense" but added that the nation can count on the Indian Army. "The situation along the LAC is tense. We have undertaken precautionary deployment in some areas. The troops are prepared for all contingencies that may arise. All these actions have been carried out only along the LAC," he said after holding a series of meetings with top army commanders. In his address at the SCO meet, Rajnath Singh referred to the Second World War and said its memories teach the globe the "folies of aggression" of one state upon another that brings "destruction" to all. Both India and China are members of the SCO, an eight-nation regional grouping which primarily focuses on issues relating to security and defence. "Peaceful stable and secure region of SCO member states, which is home to over 40 per cent of the global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other's interest and peaceful resolution of differences," Singh said in the presence of the Chinese defence minister. Separately, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said there will be no compromise on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and asserted it cannot be "business as usual" in bilateral ties unless there is peace and tranquility in the border areas. At the same time, he said India is open to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue. "This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades," he said, adding "we have not seen this magnitude of amassing of forces on the border also in recent years". Shringla was speaking at an Indian Council of World Affairs webinar. In the meantime, Brigade commanders of Indian and Chinese armies held a nearly three-hour-long interaction near Chushul in eastern Ladakh, exploring ways to bring down tensions. The outcome of the interaction is not immediately known. Three rounds of brigade commander-level talks between the two armies earlier this week remained inconclusive. Tensions flared up again in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the prolonged border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following China's transgression attempts. Following China's fresh attempts to change the status quo in the southern bank of Pangong lake, India has further bolstered its military presence in the region. "It was very satisfying to see our soldiers and local commanders in high morale and good health. It gives me confidence that they are well prepared to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation. The Indian Army is known for its commitment and resolve," Gen. Naravane said. "We will continue to utilise all existing mechanisms to reduce tension and to ensure that the status quo is not unilaterally changed," he added. "Over the past three months, both sides are engaged in resolving the situation. Military and diplomatic channels are functioning. Indian side is firmly committed to resolve the current situation along the LAC through engagement," Gen. Naravane said. In a statement, the army said Gen Naravane interacted with soldiers and local commanders deployed in difficult high-altitude forward areas. It said he appreciated their high morale and standards of professionalism exhibited by the units in safeguarding the country's territorial integrity. The army chief was briefed about the overall security scenario by Lt General Y K Joshi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command and Lt Gen. Harinder Singh, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that on issues left over from history, like the boundary issue, China always believes finding a fair, reasonable, mutually acceptable solution through peaceful consultations. Another 117 members of the mainland nucleic acid testing team arrived in Hong Kong Thursday for the Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) that started on Sept. 1, bringing the total number of the team members to 427. Among them, 207 are from Guangdong Province, 109 from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 110 from Fujian Province and there is also a team leader. Amid a resurgence of the novel coronavirus, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has sought assistance from the central government to launch a universal screening for the virus. Sophia Chan, secretary for food and health of the HKSAR government, expressed gratitude once again to the support and assistance from the central government at the welcome ceremony. She said about 820,000 residents had registered for the universal community testing program as of 8 a.m. Thursday, adding that with the support from the mainland testing team, silent carriers will be identified more quickly. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR government Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said the smooth operation of the UCTP could not be realized without the efforts of the mainland team, pointing out that the HKSAR government could not possibly launch such a large-scale screening in such a short period of time without the assistance of the central government. He Jing, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said the central government has attached great importance to Hong Kong since the third wave of the epidemic, and swiftly sent a testing team to assist COVID-19 fight. He said the testing work has been going smoothly and efficiently, which will hopefully help the HKSAR government to break the transmission chain as far as possible. Memories: children from the Ulster Project prepare to come home from the US The 'visionary' founder of the groundbreaking Ulster Project will be laid to rest today. Canon Albert Thomas (Kerry) Waterstone, who passed away on Monday, arranged for teenagers from both sides of the community to travel to the United States each summer. The young people would reflect on tackling prejudice and inequality in a safe space away from the violence of the Troubles. To date, 15,000 teens from across Northern Ireland have become part of the Ulster Project, thanks to Canon Kerry. That number doubles if their host teens in America are included. A death notice said he passed away peacefully in his 98th year. Back in the 1970s Canon Kerry travelled to America and saw their "melting pot" society where people learned to live together. From 1975 onwards, host families throughout the United States took Northern Irish teenagers into their homes. One of the first people on the project was Cate Carey in 1979, who went to Louisiana from her Belfast home, during the height of the Troubles. She remembered meeting Canon Kerry, who offered what she called "a life-changing experience." "I remember walking into a shop and putting my arms out to be frisked, and they looked at me as if I was completely mental," Cate, who is now 56, said. "There was just a complete sense of freedom." Over 40 years after Cate travelled to America, Canon Kerry's legacy lives on with the project still continuing to this day. This is the first year since 1975 that no one travelled to America because of Covid-19, in what would have been Canon Kerry's last Ulster Project. Among those who will remember Canon Kerry as his funeral is held today in Tullamore, Co Offaly will be Irene Hewitt from Londonderry, who is now the joint co-ordinator of the Ulster Project. "Ulster Project was Kerry's most treasured possession and Kerry, to us, was our most treasured possession," Irene said, adding that tributes to Canon Kerry have also poured in from the United States. Irene, and her husband Malcolm, who won an MBE for his services to the community, both became involved with the project when their son was selected to take part in 1978. "We've since had people who have come back and said that 'Ulster Project changed their lives forever'." Irene also recounted the many Ulster Project workshops they still run. She added: "We show people what it's like to be a Protestant living in Derry and what's it like to be a Catholic living in Derry. "They swap blazers to see if they are any different just because they are wearing a different blazer, and obviously they're not. "This is all because of Kerry - he was the loveliest man." "He was a visionary and he was the life blood of the Ulster Project," she summed up. Canon Kerry is survived by his wife Edie, his children Vici, John, Aidan and Mark. Inside Hook Its the end of a weird era. The first lady cookie competition, in which the spouses of presidential candidates submit cookie recipes to be voted on by Family Circle magazine readers, will not take place this election cycle for the first time since 1992. While it may come as a surprise that this seemingly dated tradition wasnt already retired years ago, its demise actually has nothing to do with the contests regressive air of domesticity or even the coronavirus pandemic, which is the main reason most things are canceled this year. Rather, the cookie contest has finally come to an end because Family Circle, the magazine that has hosted the competition since its inception, ceased publication last year. A rep from Meredith Corporation, Family Circles former publisher, told the Washington Post that the company has no plans to bring the cookie contest back to any of its other brands, which is probably a good thing. Given our current political climate coupled with the general state of literally every other aspect of life in 2020, the idea of Melania Trump and Jill Biden engaging in a folksy cookie competition seems, frankly, a little jarring and vaguely grotesque. Moreover, while this competition may seem like a relic leftover from the 1950s, this particular ode to wifely domesticity in the White House was actually launched in 1992 as an act of damage control after Hillary Clinton made the grave error of publicly identifying as a woman with a career. After Clinton defended her career to a reporter with the now-infamous line, I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, the Clinton campaign decided baking cookies might in fact be the perfect way to rehab the prospective first ladys unwifely image. Thus, the first lady cookie competition later re-branded as the gender-neutral Presidential Cookie Poll was born. The contest was a staple in the past seven election cycles, correctly predicting the election results five times. The two misfires happened in 2008, when Cindy McCains oatmeal butterscotch cookies beat Michelle Obamas shortbread recipe, and 2016, when the nation chose the Clinton familys chocolate chip cookies over Melania Trumps sour cream stars. The fact that the American political landscape was ever a hospitable enough place that such a contest could have once come off as cute and folksy instead of tone-deaf and garish sheds a somewhat unflattering light on the current state of our nation, but ultimately, the cookie contests demise is probably long overdue. RIP to a weird, potentially misogynistic tradition. The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is unprecedented and it cannot be business as usual in the relationship with China until the status quo is restored on the disputed border, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said on Friday. The standoff on the LAC is one of the most serious challenges India has faced in several decades and the current magnitude of amassing of forces on the border hasnt been witnessed in recent years, Shringla said while speaking on the theme of Indian diplomacy amid the Covid-19 pandemic during a lecture organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). We have had an unprecedented situation on the India-China border, we have never had this sort of situation since 1962. We have lost the lives of soldiers which has not happened in the last 40 years, he said, referring to the brief but bitter border war fought almost six decades ago. We have also seen that there has been an attempt to take unilateral action that seems to be an effort to change facts on the ground. We will be firm and resolute in resisting this, and as far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise on our sovereignty and territorial integrity, Shringla said hours ahead of a planned meeting between the Indian and Chinese defence ministers on the margins of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Moscow. Though India remains willing to talk with China and has kept the lines of communication open amid the pandemic, Shringla warned that it cannot be business as usual unless there is peace and tranquillity in our border areas. He added, The normal bilateral relationship will be affected. There is a linkage between what is happening on the border and our larger relationship and that fact is very, very evident. The only way to take things forward will be revert to the status quo that existed before such aggressive actions took place and to de-escalate and disengage frontline troops, he said. India have held several rounds of talks at the military and diplomatic level and even contacts between the two foreign ministers and Special Representatives on border issues havent led to a breakthrough since the standoff emerged in the open in May. Following a fresh faceoff on the south bank of Pangong Lake, there have been four rounds on inconclusive talks between brigade commanders on the ground. Shringla described the standoff as one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades but India remains committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also focused on how Indias foreign policy is coping with the challenges brought on by the pandemic, which he described as perhaps the greatest shock to the international system since World War 2. The Covid-19 crisis has made India take a close look at the fundamental drivers of globalisation and the deficiencies and limitations of the existing global system, he added. At a time when every country is looking at its own interests, there is a need for some sort of balance and to broaden the agenda of the international system and institutions, he said. The world order also has to focus on ensuring that a Covid-19 vaccine is accessible and affordable, and that there is some level of equitable distribution for it, he added. India also has been at the forefront of digital diplomacy because its global spread of interests and stakes makes us vulnerable on many fronts, Shringla said. The government is now working to make the country the nerve centre of global supply chains and promoting it as an alternative manufacturing hub and innovation destination, he said. The government remains committed to its neighbourhood first policy, Shringla said. However, he acknowledged that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) had taken a back seat to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) because one of our neighbours has been consistently involved in blocking Saarc in all of its constructive activities. Though Shringla didnt name any country, it was obvious he was referring to Pakistan. Bimstec, he said, had emerged as an alternative mechanism because it was a vital link between South and Southeast Asia. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Mostly clear, breezy, and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills by morning. . Tonight Mostly clear, breezy, and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills by morning. Boris Johnson was facing a dramatic revolt from his own MPs last night over Covid testing at borders. Former ministers joined furious business chiefs in demanding immediate action to get Britain flying again. David Davis, Chris Grayling, Theresa Villiers and Paul Maynard were among senior Tories to speak out against the Government. MPs reported a groundswell of anxiety in the partys ranks over the massive damage 14-day quarantine is inflicting on the economy. It is thought that 40 backbenchers could join a rebellion over the shambles ahead of a Commons debate next week. Rolls-Royce and Airbus yesterday joined the Daily Mails Get Britain Flying Again campaign. It calls for a virus testing regime to rescue the economy and save thousands of jobs. Despite the uproar, Mr Johnson yesterday insisted tests at airports and ports would create a false sense of security and quarantine was vital to tame the pandemic. Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Pictured) has insisted tests at airports and ports would create a false sense of security and quarantine was vital to tame the pandemic And Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested he was looking at a two-step testing system to reduce quarantine to perhaps seven or eight days. However he warned it was not a silver bullet for air travel. In return, industry leaders accused the Government of completely disengaging. They claimed ministers had cancelled all meetings on the issue two weeks ago and had failed to properly analyse data from the dozens of countries using airport testing. Henry Smith, whose constituency includes Gatwick, led the Tory anger, saying: We are supposed to be looking to be global Britain and yet we are at a competitive disadvantage to those countries like Germany, like France, that are testing passengers. I would urge the Government to reconsider. That is a very important part of public health confidence, confidence in flying and competitiveness of the UK economy. Senior Tories Patrick McLoughlin, Iain Duncan Smith, Jeremy Hunt and Damian Green all also support testing. As Labour demanded a rapid review of the chaotic self-isolation scheme: Ryanair threw its support behind the Mails testing campaign while Rolls-Royce and Airbus warned thousands of jobs were at stake; Virgin Atlantic said it would cut 1,150 more jobs and Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye warned of an unemployment pandemic; Pilots union Balpa said the Governments response was lamentable and wrote to Mr Shapps to demand airport testing; Airlines UK said quarantine had led to the worst year for British aviation in three decades; Economists said the restrictions were costing the economy 650million a week. 5 questions they WON'T answer The Daily Mail put these five questions to Downing Street yesterday but has so far not had a response 1 - Why has Britain failed to introduce an airport coronavirus testing regime when more than 30 countries worldwide have done so? 2 - Why cant we bring in two-step testing when the Governments own scientists say it could detect the vast majority of cases and slash quarantine? 3 - When will the Government commit to making a decision on introducing such a scheme? 4 - Why have ministers not even been to visit Heathrows ready-to-go testing facility? 5 - How can the Government claim that Britain will become a global trading nation after Brexit when the airline industry is crippled by quarantine? Advertisement On a visit to Solihull in the West Midlands, Mr Johnson said a single test on arrival would detect only 7 per cent of cases, adding: So 93 per cent of the time you could have a real false sense of security, a false sense of confidence when you arrive and take a test. Thats why the quarantine system that we have has got to be an important part of our repertoire, of our toolbox, in fighting Covid. Industry leaders said this disregarded official research suggesting a second test after five days would catch 85 per cent of cases, and 96 per cent after eight days. Former Brexit secretary Mr Davis claimed the quarantine policy had been based on guesswork from the beginning. If you have to have a quarantine, you can reduce your timescale to less than five days, he told the BBCs Week in Westminster. For most people, its manageable. But two weeks for a factory worker or two weeks for somebody who works in a garage, who works as a salesman or saleswoman and in a store, thats crippling for many of my less well-off constituents. Mr Grayling, a former transport secretary, told the Commons: The industry is suffering badly in the current crisis, and the level of job losses is profoundly concerning. It is really important that we get the transatlantic routes going again. Mr Maynard, who was the aviation minister until February, said: The Government needs to introduce testing. Quarantine is causing immense complications for holidaymakers and the travel sector and I congratulate the Daily Mail for leading the charge on this issue. Another former aviation minister, Miss Villiers, said: There is great anxiety among Conservative backbenchers because we know so many businesses in our constituencies will go under without support for aviation. The Mails call for airport testing has received the backing of almost every airline and airport boss in the country. The Department for Transport is also being lobbied by US businesses and airlines desperate to reopen economic artery routes across the Atlantic. Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye told the BBCs World at One: Weve got to avoid this becoming an unemployment pandemic. A Department for Transport spokesman said financial help had been given to the aviation sector and work was being done to assess how testing could be used to reduce the self-isolation period. Logistics firms Swissport and Collinson, which have built a Covid testing facility at Heathrow, yesterday wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying the efficacy and safety of Covid-19 testing on arrival is now beyond dispute. Shapps and Co will not even talk to us, says airport boss By Tom Payne, Transport Correspondent for the Daily Mail Aviation bosses last night accused ministers of completely disengaging from the industry over airport coronavirus tests. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has not held an official meeting with Heathrow airport in recent weeks despite mounting evidence of an industry in crisis. Derek Provan, the boss of Southampton, Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: We are isolated as an industry and they are not interested in talking to us about testing. We are trying to tell the Government we are experts in transport but they are completely disregarding us. Why can they not at least have a conversation about it? Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) has not held an official meeting with Heathrow airport in recent weeks despite mounting evidence of an industry in crisis A senior aviation source said that a fortnight ago, as criticism of the quarantine policy mounted, the Department for Transport stopped all engagement with the industry this was a crazy move given the severity of the crisis. The source added: Many in the industry are very angry at the lack of engagement. It has been a wall of silence. John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow, is in regular contact with Mr Shapps but has told of his frustration at the lack of official meetings to discuss testing. He has pointed out that the boss of Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris has had numerous official meetings with the transport minister in France, where airport testing is in place and passenger numbers are recovering. Pressure is now mounting on Mr Shapps to hold urgent crisis talks with Airlines UK and the Airport Operators Association, the trade bodies representing Britains aviation sector, as well as Heathrow. Heathrow said: We urge all decision makers to start more effective engagement to ensure the right and safe solution is found. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: We urgently need to get passenger connectivity with key markets going again and that needs a smart testing regime instead of quarantine. The urgency cannot be overstated and we are losing time. The DfT said it has held regular meetings with the industry and work is being done to consider if and how testing could be used to reduce the self-isolation period. Anger for British families caught in Portugal fiasco By John Stevens and Liz Hull for the Daily Mail Ministers faced a furious backlash from holidaymakers yesterday as they were forced to admit the Governments quarantine policy was confusing passengers. Angry travellers branded the quarantine policy a shambles after racing home from Portugal and Greece only for both to unexpectedly remain on Englands travel corridor list. At the same time, the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales imposed restrictions on travellers arriving from the two countries, leading to a divide across the UK. Last night, there were questions over whether the Government had heeded the recommendations of its Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), which advises on the threat faced by travel from foreign nations. Downing Street did not deny that the advice from the JBC had been that travel from Portugal and the six Greek islands restricted by Wales should be subject to quarantine. Angry travellers branded the quarantine policy a shambles after racing home from Portugal (pictured) and Greece Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tried to defend taking a different decision from Scotland and Wales, but accepted it created problems for travellers. I do realise it creates confusion for people not to have a single rule, but we do have this devolved approach throughout the United Kingdom and I can only be responsible for the English part of that, he told Sky News. The Cabinet minister said he had concluded no changes were necessary partly because test positivity for example in Portugal actually came down, while the number of cases overall in Greece had fallen. But Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said he had acted in line with the risk assessments from the Governments own advisers. Scotland and Wales imposed 14 days of isolation on arrivals from Portugal, while Scotland included Greece on its quarantine list, and Wales added seven Greek islands. A No 10 spokesman said: Ministers assess the data which is provided by JBC and the JBC risk assessments are assessed by ministers. Jonathan Lake, from Cardiff (pictured) is on holiday with his family in Crete, which was added to the Welsh Governments red list yesterday Hundreds of Britons forked out thousands of pounds for return flights as they cut short their holidays over concerns a rise in coronavirus cases in Portugal in particular would prompt ministers to bring in restrictions. Others cancelled their breaks amid fears they would not be able to work or their children go to school on their return. Jonathan Lake, from Cardiff, is on holiday with his family in Crete, which was added to the Welsh Governments red list yesterday. He said: Its the lack of consistent messaging and management across the whole UK Government that Im really angry about now. People on that flight from England, they can just go and live their life as normal, but because I live in Wales, Vaughan Gething has said, screw you, Im going to make you sit in your house for 14 days. Its a joke, an absolute joke. Bristol father John Cushing said he had to cut his Portugal holiday short to beat the quarantine that never happened and get his daughter Georgie, 12, back to school. He paid 1,000 for flights home on Thursday after seeing reports it could have been added to the list. He said: My daughter was in tears yesterday at the thought of not being able to go back to school and see her friends. The airlines have us over a barrel. Boris Johnson insisted last night that overwhelmingly the UK is proceeding as one. He said different devolved administrations had different rates of infectivity and approaches to the crisis. But he added: I think you will find if you dig below the surface... you will find overwhelmingly the UK takes the same approach. Bristol father John Cushing (pictured right) said he had to cut his Portugal holiday short to beat the quarantine that never happened and get his daughter Georgie, 12, (left) back to school UK's top bosses: We are crash landing By Francesca Washtell and Tom Payne for the Daily Mail A string of business leaders yesterday issued dire warnings about the disastrous economic consequences of failing to get Britain flying again. Rolls-Royce, which makes and services engines for airlines around the world, threw its weight behind the campaign to bring in an airport Covid testing regime. Experts said quarantine rules for travellers coming to Britain are costing the tourism industry 650million a week. It came as Virgin Atlantic announced it would cut another 1,150 jobs in a further blow to the aviation sector. Industry leaders, airlines and airports have warned the economy will nose dive until crippling 14-day quarantines can be eliminated and passengers can move smoothly through borders. Meanwhile, leading American businesses and airlines have called on UK ministers to take action to introduce airport testing to open up transatlantic travel. Airlines and aircraft manufacturers have suffered huge losses after lockdown restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus brought global air travel almost to a standstill for several months. Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East said increasing air travel would be crucial to preserving thousands of jobs in the UKs world-leading aerospace manufacturing industry. Mr East said: Aviation has a vital role to play in helping the world recover from the pandemic. But this is not only about reconnecting people, trade and tourism. The aerospace industry employs tens of thousands in the UK and generates revenue and intellectual property for the country. Getting people flying again needs to be a high priority for the Government. Rolls-Royce has been forced to axe 9,000 staff nearly one in five workers and to raise 2billion by selling off parts of its business as it struggles to survive the crisis. Paul Everitt, the chief executive of aerospace and defence industry body ADS, said companies could halt job cuts and keep staff on their books if there was greater demand for flights. Britains aerospace and defence industry employs around 250,000, both directly and in the wider supply chain. Some 60,000 of these are either on furlough or at risk of redundancy, according to ADS. Mr Everitt said: If we at least had the confidence that there would be a growing number of air passengers and if we had a testing regime to build back that passenger base, then we would know we had reached the bottom and would start rising back up. The quarantine measures have also damaged the UKs hospitality and in-bound tourism sectors. According to the latest estimates from Visit Britain, the number of foreign visitors has dropped by 73 per cent compared with last year a loss of 31million tourists. Spending by visitors was down by 79 per cent, equal to 24billion. Virgin Atlantic said yesterday it would be forced to make more sweeping cuts despite securing a 1.2billion rescue deal that will keep it going for the next 18 months. It had already laid off 3,500 employees out of the 10,000-strong workforce it had at the beginning of the year and shut its base at Gatwick. Virgin, alongside other groups including Heathrow Airport and Airlines UK, has urged the US and UK governments to launch a passenger testing trial for flights between New York and London by the end of the month. At the moment Britons cannot enter the US directly from the UK, and those travelling from the US to the UK must self-isolate for two weeks when they arrive. Industry bodies British American Business (BAB), which represents top US and UK banks and businesses, and Airlines for America, whose members include all the major US airlines, said testing was the only way to reopen transatlantic travel. BAB chief executive Duncan Edwards said: Covid-19 testing before departure or at airports will be an effective risk mitigation measure for destinations considered to be at higher risk. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 2.00 am ET Friday, Destatis is set to release Germany's factory orders data for July. Orders are forecast to grow 5 percent on month, but slower than the 27.9 percent increase seen in June. Ahead of the data, the euro held steady against its major rivals. The euro was worth 1.1848 against the greenback, 125.79 against the yen, 1.0781 against the franc and 0.8928 against the pound as of 1:55 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. British tourists flocked to Greece in droves after the country reopened its borders on 15 July, soaking up its Mediterranean lifestyle and enjoying the beauty of its islands. But a spike in cases, as well as a number of tourists testing positive for coronavirus on their return, led the UK government to kick a handful of Greek islands off the safe list. Since then, with careful management, the islands struck off were reinstated. For weeks, Greece remained one of the last spots in the Mediterranean that UK travellers could visit without having to self-isolate on return. Then a sustained rise in cases on the Greek mainland meant that the entire country was placed on lockdown. The lockdown has since been extended several times, and is currently in place until 6am on 7 January 2021. The lockdown meant the mainland and many islands were removed from the UK governments travel corridors as well as the Foreign Office (FCDO) safe lists. And yet, a handful of the most popular tourist islands still remain on both lists, which means UK travellers can still visit them without having to quarantine on return or risk invalidating their travel insurance. So, what does all this mean for British travellers keen for a fix of Grecian sun? Heres everything you need to know. Am I allowed to travel to Greece from the UK? The FCDO is currently advising against all non-essential travel to Greece, with the exception of the islands of Rhodes, Kos, Zakynthos (Zante), Corfu and Crete. While the FCDO advice is not legally binding, it does invalidate most travel insurance if you do decide to travel. Recommended All the countries UK holidaymakers can now visit without quarantine In addition, you should check the travel restrictions in the area you live in. For example, international leisure travel from England is now permitted. But non-essential international travel from Wales is banned. Scotland has its own rules around travel, with different restrictions depending on what tier your region is in. Find out more here. Northern Ireland advice states, You should avoid all unnecessary travel, but international travel is not formally prohibited. How could I get there? Air links with the UK resumed from 15 July, but some airlines will undoubtedly have cancelled flights in light of existing travel restrictions. However, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Wizz Air and Aegean Airlines all offer direct flights to various Greek destinations. What are Greeces new lockdown rules? Under the new countrywide restrictions, which came into effect at 6am on 7 November and will last until 6am on 7 January 2021, all retail businesses are shut with the exception of supermarkets and pharmacies. There are just six reasons for being outdoors, apart from going to work. These are: Going to a pharmacy or visiting a doctor, if this is recommended after contact with them. Going to an essentials supply store (supermarket, grocery shop), where they cannot be shipped/delivered to your home. Going to the bank, only if the transaction is not possible online. Going to help people in need (including e.g. driving a family member to work, driving or accompanying a child on their way to or from nursery or school). Going to a ceremony (e.g. funeral, marriage, baptism) under the conditions provided by law; or moving to a divorced parent or parent who is necessary to ensure the communication of parents and children, in accordance with the regulations. Physical exercise outdoors or moving with a pet, individually or as a group of up to three people, in the latter case keeping the necessary distance of 1.5 metres. (Physical exercise should be conducted only in the local area around your home or accommodation (i.e. you should not travel any further). Activities including fishing and hunting are explicitly prohibited). If youre going outside for any of these six reasons, you will have to have a certificate for your reason for travelling. You can self-certify by writing a note explaining your reason for being outside, and show it to the authorities when requested. Your handwritten note will need to include your full name, home address, the reason youre going out, and the address of your destination. You will also need to date, time and sign it. Between 10pm and 5am, theres an even stricter curfew. The only reasons you should be outside of your accommodation during this time is for travel to or from work; to walk a dog (in which case, movement must be limited to an area close to your home or accommodation); or for medical emergencies. You should also carry your passport or other ID with you at all times. Do I need a PCR test and will they let me in when I arrive? Currently yes, although with some stipulations. You will need to take a PCR swab test for Covid, which must be taken within 72 hours before your arrival into Greece. You will be expected to provide evidence that it has come back negative. Even on arrival, you maybe be expected to take additional tests and quarantine until tests come back negative. In addition, from 6am on 18 December, you will need to take a rapid Covid-19 test on arrival and quarantine for three days even if it comes back negative. If it comes back positive, you will be required to quarantine until further notice. There is currently no end date specified for this directive. Travellers must also complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before their arrival in Greece. The form is online, and in English. The Foreign Office has warned that if you dont fill in the form before you travel, it may result in your carrier not allowing you to travel, a 500 fine on arrival or the Greek authorities not allowing you to enter the country. If youre travelling as a household, you only need to fill in one form with details of all the adults and children included. Additional family members can be added to the top of the form before you hit submit. Otherwise each adult over 18 will have to fill in their own form, for example if youre travelling with a group of friends. Some airlines will ask for separate forms for every adult, and you should check with your carrier before you travel to see if thats the case. Duchess of Cambridge visists the Natural History Museum ahead of wildlife photographer of the year award.mp4 Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email acknowledgement and, in a separate email, a QR code. This code is likely to be sent up to 24 hours before travel, regardless of how early the form is filled in. When you receive your code, either print it or ensure you can display it on your mobile phone. You will need to show your code to Greek authorities on your arrival into the country, and some airlines may also ask to see it before they let you board. There have been multiple cases of passengers being denied boarding because they did not fill in the PLF or didnt fill it in correctly. A British mother of two was denied boarding by easyJet on a flight to Greece because the airline claimed she had not filled in the forms properly, while travellers were turned away by Wizz Air for failing to fill in their middle names on the form even though the form said this was optional. When you arrive in Greece, the authorities will scan the QR code and may direct you for health screening (including testing for coronavirus). If youre not a Greek citizen or a permanent resident in Greece, you will also need to fill out the form at least 24 hours before you leave Greece. For those travelling by ferry to Greece, the ferry operator will ask you to complete an additional form ("Pre Boarding Information"), alongside your PLF. This additional form will be provided by the ferry operator, either via their website, or at booking offices: you should contact them directly if you need further information. Temperature checks may also be carried out before boarding. Additional rules may apply if youre not travelling from the UK or if youre not a British passport holder. Will I have to quarantine when I arrive? Possibly. According to the FCDO, the Greek authorities may require you to undergo testing for coronavirus as part of a health screening when you arrive in Greece. Any passenger may be asked to undergo a test, but you are more likely to be asked if youve arrived from a country outside of the EU (including the UK), either directly or via indirect flights. After testing, youll need to self-isolate at the address given on your PLF form until you receive the results, which should be available within 24 hours. You should also self-monitor to check whether youre showing any symptoms of coronavirus. If your test is negative, you will no longer need to self-isolate. If your test result is positive, the Greek authorities are likely to ask you to quarantine for 14 days. Depending on the nature of your accommodation, you may be instructed to move to government-provided accommodation, the costs of which will be paid by the Greek authorities. Be aware that even if you dont have coronavirus, you may be asked to self-isolate if someone else from your flight tests positive. Will I have to quarantine when I come home? It all depends on where you want to travel to in Greece. Most of Greece is no longer on the governments travel corridors list, which means if you visit any of those places, even in transit, youll need to quarantine for 10 days on return. You can shorten this to five days through the governments test-to-release scheme. The only exceptions are several Greek islands, which remain on the low-risk list: Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos (Zante) and Kos. Can I travel within Greece including between Greek islands? Not right now. There is currently a ban on travel between different parts of the country, except for essential reasons. The permitted reasons include returning to your residence or accommodation address; for family reunification reasons; for health emergencies; for essential business reasons- in which case your employer must provide you with certification that your travel is essential. Are hotels open? Hotels are permitted to open, but many may shut during lockdown - if youre booked to stay somewhere, check before you travel. Are restaurants, shops and attractions open? All attractions and non-essential shops will be closed during the lockdown. Restaurants, fast-food joints and cafes will be shut barring takeaway and delivery services. What rules and restrictions are in place? At present, it is mandatory to wear a mask in all public places (both indoors and outdoors), in all areas of Greece. During lockdown, residents and visitors will be required to stay indoors as much as possible, and must only venture outside for essential reasons; they will need a permit to go outdoors as mentioned above. A suspect in the shooting of a Donald Trump supporter in Portland has been killed by federal agents as they moved in to arrest him. Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, was shot dead on Thursday evening by officers sent to detain him in the city of Lacey in Washington state. An official said the father-of-two, an antifa supporter, was killed after pulling out a gun in a confrontation with officers. Thurston County Sheriffs Lieutenant Ray Brady said four officers fired their weapons. Reinoehl had been a suspect in the death of Aaron Jay Danielson, 39, at a pro-Trump rally on August 29. The rally was held to counter the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that have gripped Portland for the past 100 days, and saw the Trump supporters fight with anti-racism protesters. At almost the same time as The New York Times reported Reinoehls death, Donald Trump used Twitter to call for his arrest. Why arent the Portland Police ARRESTING the cold blooded killer of Aaron Jay Danielson, the US president wrote. Do your job, and do it fast. Everybody knows who this thug is. No wonder Portland is going to hell! On Monday, Reinoehl appeared to have confessed to the killing of Danielson, a member of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer. But he suggested he had acted in self defence, in the belief that he and a friend were going to be stabbed by Danielson. In an interview published by Vice, he said: You know, lots of lawyers suggest that I shouldnt even be saying anything, but I feel its important that the world at least gets a little bit of whats really going on. Portland mayor blames 'racist' Trump for violence He added: I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of colour. But I wasnt going to do that. Antifa, or anti-fascist, refers to a group of far-left activists. In an Instagram post in June, Reinoehl wrote that every revolution needed people willing and ready to fight. I am 100% ANTIFA all the way! I am willing to fight for my brothers and sisters! ... We do not want violence but we will not run from it either! ... Todays protesters and Antifa are my brothers in arms, he said. Police in Lacey, 60 miles southwest of Seattle, had no immediate information about the shooting of Reinoehl and directed The Independents enquiries to the US Marshals Service, a federal law enforcement agency that is part of the department of justice. The agency provided no further details on the incident. A COVID-19 vaccine candidate, co-developed by the American multinational company Johnson and Johnson, raises neutralising antibodies that robustly protect hamsters against severe infection with the novel coronavirus, according to a study. The research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, demonstrated that the vaccine elicited robust immune response in Syrian golden hamsters, and prevented severe clinical disease including weight loss, pneumonia, and death. The vaccine, co-developed by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Johnson & Johnson (J&J), uses a common cold virus, called adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26), to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into host cells, where it stimulates the body to raise immune responses against the coronavirus. "We recently reported that an Ad26-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine provided robust protection in rhesus macaques, and this vaccine is currently being evaluated in humans," said Dan Barouch, Director of BIDMC Center for Virology and Vaccine Research. "However, nonhuman primates typically don't get severe clinical disease, and thus it was important to study whether this vaccine could prevent severe pneumonia and death due to SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters, which are more susceptible to clinical disease," Barouch said. The scientists developed a series of vaccine candidates designed to express different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is the major target for neutralising antibodies. In the current study, they immunised Syrian golden hamsters with a single injection of the Ad26-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which induced neutralising antibodies in all the test animals. Four weeks later, when the hamsters were exposed to a high dose of SARS-CoV-2, the study found that vaccinated animals lost less weight, had less virus in their lungs and other organs, and also demonstrated lower mortality than unvaccinated control animals. The scientists also found that neutralising antibody responses were inversely correlated with weight loss and viral loads in respiratory tissues. They said the vaccine is currently being evaluated in clinical studies to establish the performance of the vaccine candidate in humans. "This hamster model of severe COVID-19 disease should prove useful to complement current nonhuman pri-mate models in the evaluation of candidate vaccines and therapeutics," Barouch said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. 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!! Sunil Jakhar Chandigarh: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunil Jakhar has said that the dual role of SAD and BJP stands exposed on the issue of scholarships to students. He said that the Modi government had scrapped the scheme in 2017 and deprivied the SC students of Rs.800 crore worth of assistance that was being disbursed every year to them. The SAD and BJP were playing politics on the issue now to cover up the failure of the NDA government. Advertisement Sunil JakharAssuring that the Punjab Government would soon complete the ongoing inquiry into the controversy over distribution of scholarships in a timely manner, he said that by politicizing the issue, the non-congress parties were trying to cover up the right to education of the weaker sections of the society by shutting down the scheme. The state congress chief said that action would be taken against anyone found guilty during the inquiry in this case but none can deny that the scholarship dispute was inherited from the previous government. The Post Matric Scholarship Scheme was started in 2006-07 by the then Congress Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led government to provide higher education opportunities to the children of our weaker sections. But in 2017, the Modi government arbitrarily scrapped the scheme. Advertisement Those who were taking to the streets today should raise their voice with the Central Government for resumption of the scheme, he said. Sunil JakharReferring to 2016, Jakhar said that even during the tenure of SAD-BJP government, the state government had admitted in the Vidhan Sabha that there was a big mess in the scheme and the then Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal had assured a vigilance inquiry. During the tenure of the present government, only the scholarships of the previous government for the year 2016-17 were distributed and no new grant was received from the Government of India. Advertisement In fact Akali Dal and BJP were politicizing the issue to cover up the anti-poor decision taken by the Modi government whereas the stand of the Punjab government was very clear that there would be a timely inquiry and whoever was found guilty. The law will deal with that, he said. Jakhar recalled that he had staged dharna three times outside Parliament against scrapping the scheme by the Modi government so that the right to education was not taken away from the poor children but there was no change in the anti-poor mind-set of the government. Prime Ministers Skill Development Scheme launched by the central govt by scrapping the old scheme didnt bear fruit. Punjab government Advertisement Jakhar said that the Congress party would continue to put pressure on the Central Government to re-introduce the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme and if the latter dont mend Punjab Government would look for other alternatives. Although the financial condition of Punjab was not good at present but still the Congress government would make all out efforts for the education of its students. In unforgettable fashion, Hanley, a Pulitzer Prize winner, tells the story of the Korean War, one of the most savage conflicts in history, through eyewitness accounts of 20 people, most of them victims. An estimated three million died during the three years of fighting, about two-thirds of them civilians. I firmly believe Korea is as close to hell as anyone can get! said one American infantryman who had been haunted by his role in the mass slaughter of refugees at Nogun-ri. Park Sun-yong, clinging to her Bible and wounded in the arm and torso, was one who survived the Nogun-ri massacre. Her two toddlers, a boy and a girl, were killed. What have we done to deserve this? she asks. North Koreans had infiltrated columns of fleeing South Koreans, and G.I.s, following orders, were indiscriminately shooting at the panicked crowds, even when they posed no threat. As Hanley tells us, Korean farmers reported seeing ghost flames or spirit fires over the fields where people perished. Phosphorous from rotting bones, mixed with rain, can shimmer in moonlight, but according to local lore, a ball of light, hon bul, leaves the body upon death. In Korea, two mighty coalitions were locked in the Cold Wars first armed collision. The fighting stopped in 1953 with only an armistice, not a peace treaty. And as we see through the anguish of its survivors, the hidden war is still not over. KIM JONG UN AND THE BOMB Survival and Deterrence in North Korea By Ankit Panda 416 pp. Oxford University. $27.95. With determination and deceit, three generations of the Kim family of North Korea have built an arsenal of nuclear weapons and the ballistic missiles to deliver them. In November 2017 Kim Jong-un declared that his regime had finally realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force. The boast, as this book details, capped a program spanning perhaps as many as six decades. Its not clear that the North has the heat shielding necessary to protect a payload re-entering the atmosphere but it nonetheless appears that Kim can now detonate a thermonuclear device over any portion of the United States. On Wednesday, September 9, at 11:00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference entitled: "Poltava, Rivne, Khmelnytsky: Ratings of Candidates for Mayors, Political Parties" based on the results of sociological research in the period from September 3 to September 7, 2020. Participants include political strategist, Director of Robotic Telesystems LLC Anton Sokolov; Call-center supervisor Olena Voloshko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be broadcast on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Additional info by phone: (095) 178 9787. The national consensus on coronavirus is over, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying no government had an "excuse" to maintain a border restriction with NSW. There was no reason for Queensland to keep its border closed to NSW under the preliminary definition of a coronavirus "hotspot" discussed at national cabinet on Friday, Ms Berejiklian said, given neither Sydney nor the rest of her state fell within the definition. Gladys Berejiklian ... by Christmas "there shouldn't be an excuse for any state to have a border that isn't open with NSW". Credit:Kate Geraghty She also urged Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to show compassion and take a step back from a state-focused approach that has resulted in a patchwork of border restrictions across the country. "I think really during a pandemic you need to look at this issue from a compassionate perspective, from a human perspective," Ms Berejiklian said. Washington: About 93 per cent of the racial justice protests that swept the United States this northern summer remained peaceful and non-destructive, according to a report released on Thursday, making the violence and property damage that has dominated political discourse a minute portion of the thousands of demonstrations that followed the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. The report, produced by the non-profit Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), also concluded that an escalation in government response to protests and a sharp rise in extremist activity means the United States faces a growing risk of "political violence and instability" before the 2020 election. Beth Shafa waves an American flag near the White House. Credit:AP ACLED, which monitors war zones and political upheaval across the world, produced the US Crisis Monitor report with Princeton University's Bridging Divides Initiative. Using press accounts and other public information, the report identified 7750 protests from May 26 through August 22 that were linked to the Black Lives Matter movement. The protests took place in 2400 locations across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The group identified about 220 locations where the protests did become "violent", which authors of the report defined as demonstrators clashing with police or counter-protesters, or causing property damage. India Sets World Record for Coronavirus Infections in 24 Hours By VOA News August 30, 2020 India reported 78,761 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours on Sunday, the highest single day rise in the world since the pandemic began, while the county is continuing to open its economy. It was the fourth consecutive day that India has registered more than 75,000 infections. With a population of 1.4 billion people, India is the third most infected nation in the world, behind the United States and Brazil, with 3.5 million cases and more than 63,000 deaths, according to official statistics provided by the country's health ministry. In several European cities Saturday demonstrators rallied against restrictions that have been imposed since the COVID-19 outbreak began. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Berlin to march against mask-wearing and social distancing rules. Police say they arrested about 300 protesters. In London, demonstrators in Trafalgar Square rallied against what they said is the "medical tyranny" that has been placed on them by masks and distancing. A few hundred protesters in Paris demonstrated against the capital's mandatory mask-wearing mandate. In Zurich, about 1,000 demonstrators skeptical of COVID-19 rules called for a "return to freedom." U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement Saturday night that he is extending the federal cost-sharing for the deployment of the National Guard in Louisiana to help with the state's response to COVID-19 and to help facilitate the Southern state's economic recovery. Public health departments throughout the United States are calling on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reverse changes the federal agency recently made to its public coronavirus testing guidelines. The Big Cities Health Coalition and the National Association of County and City Health Officials, which represent thousands of local departments, sent a letter Friday to the heads of the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requesting that the agencies reverse a decision to stop testing people who have been exposed to the virus but are asymptomatic. The organizations called on the government agencies to reinstate recommendations that people who have been exposed to the virus be tested even if they are asymptomatic. At least 33 states are not following the new CDC guidelines and continue to recommend testing for all people who have been exposed to COVID-19 regardless of symptoms, according to an analysis by Reuters news agency. Johns Hopkins University reports there are more than 25 million COVID-19 cases worldwide. The United States has almost 6 million infections, followed by Brazil with 3.8 million and India with 3.5 million. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A fear for health and safety that crosses party lines has driven a record number of American gun sales during the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests, raising the potential for accidental deaths and the need to address gun safety and mental health, UC Riverside economists suggest in a new paper. According to the FBI, a record-setting 3.7 million firearm background checks were completed in March 2020, the month COVID-19 shutdowns began in the United States. This record was shattered only a few months later as protests for racial justice following the police murder of George Floyd rocked the nation, leading to 3.9 million firearm background checks. Bree Lang and Matthew Lang, associate professors of teaching in economics, used state-level background check data from 1999 to June 2020 to compare the current surge in gun buying with previous surges. They found background checks increased 43% in the early stages of the pandemic and 47% during the protests. "The record surge in firearm sales during such a unique time has the potential to lead to increases in gun violence," Matthew Lang said. The increases in background checks over this period were four to six times larger than the increase in background checks following widely reported mass shootings with 10 or more people killed. The authors argue that unlike previous surges, the current increases were not driven by potential changes in gun policies often discussed in the aftermath of mass shootings. The researchers also show there was no statistical difference in the surge in background checks between Republican-leaning and Democrat-leaning states. This differs from November months during election years and months following mass shootings. Following these events, background checks increased significantly more in Republican states due to uncertainty about changes to gun laws, a subject of great concern to many Republican party members. These findings reinforced the idea that firearm enthusiasts worried about changes in gun policies were not driving the increased sales in 2020. The economists argue that the rush to buy guns is concerning because quarantine fatigue and social problems are taking a toll on Americans' mental health. The Los Angeles Times reported more than 41% adults nationwide have symptoms of clinical anxiety or depression, compared to 11% a year ago. "It has been shown that waiting periods reduce suicides," Matthew Lang said. "One solution would be to apply waiting periods, or cooling off periods as they are sometimes called, evenly across the board to all firearm purchases." "We've never really dealt with a surge like this before," Bree Lang said. "The issue of gun policy is more divisive now than it was 20 years ago, but we need policies to address the health and safety of people buying all these guns, and that of the people they live with." The authors suggest expanding background checks could help, but they note the background check process is not uniform across all states. They also recommend governments implement more comprehensive gun safety education, expand mental health assessment and treatment, and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The paper, "Pandemics, protests and firearms," is under review at the American Journal of Health Economics. It is available on the preprint server SSRN. Explore further Comprehensive background check policies effective in Oregon but not in Washington More information: Bree J. Lang et al. Firearm Sales and the COVID-19 Pandemic, SSRN Electronic Journal (2020). Bree J. Lang et al. Firearm Sales and the COVID-19 Pandemic,(2020). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3593956 A millionaire construction tycoon who escaped Victoria's coronavirus lockdown by sailing to Queensland on a luxury superyacht has been fined by police. Mark Simonds and his entourage embarked on a 15-day sailing trip up Australia's east coast on his 30-metre long superyacht, Lady Pamela. The vessel docked at six stops along the coast before it arrived at its final destination at Gold Coast Marina on August 25. The multimillionaire and six others on board were not allowed to disembark until they were tested for coronavirus by Queensland Health medical staff. Simonds Group executive Mark Simonds looked very relaxed with wife Cheryl (pictured together) during their 15 day voyage along Australia's east coast on board Lady Pamela On the same day, NSW Police launched an investigation into the movements of the vessel while it was in NSW waters. Inquiries found the travellers illegally disembarked the superyacht in NSW on three occasions - at Eden on August 12, Port Stephens on August 16 and Yamba on August 21. On Friday, NSW Police issued nine penalty infringement notices to six of the people on board the yacht. 'Nine Penalty Infringement Notices have been issued after crew members and passengers on board a vessel travelling along the NSW coast from Victoria disembarked onto NSW soil, contrary to current Public Health Orders,' a statement read. The 64-year-old skipper was fined $3,000 and the 61-year-old owner of the vessel was hit with a $2,000 penalty. Three passengers, aged 51, 20 and 18, were fined $1,000 as well as a 40-year-old crew member. The vessel docked at six stops along the coast before it arrived at its final destination at Gold Coast Marina on August 25 The vessel was initially granted an exemption to carry out routine maintenance and repairs when it arrived on the Gold Coast but that was later revoked. Mr Simonds' wife Cheryl, their son, and Hannah Fox, daughter of Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox were among the six other passengers and crew. The Simonds family has a Gold Coast property, while Ms Fox's family is currently renting a home in nearby Palm Beach. Victorian and NSW residents are currently banned from entering Queensland as both states have been declared virus hotspots. Earlier on Friday, the skipper was handed a court notice by Queensland Police. Police allege he breached the Public Health Act by providing false information to an emergency officer. The 64-year-old is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on September 11. Amid the ongoing war of words between Shiv Sena and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, on Friday, the Queen actor has said that she will return to Mumbai on September 9. Taking to Twitter, she said that she has decided to return as many people are threatening her to not come back to Mumbai. Kangana is currently at her hometown Manali. Kangana Ranaut issued an open challenge saying 'himmat hai toh rok le' adding that she will also share the exact time of her arrival at Mumbai Airport. I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le https://t.co/9706wS2qEd Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2020 READ | Raveena Tandon refutes Kangana Ranaut's '99% Bollywood consumes drug' claim; read here Kangana Ranaut hits back at Sanjay Raut Kangana Ranaut hit back at Sanjay Raut after the Shiv Sena leader asked her not to return to Mumbai amid her comments against the Mumbai Police. The actor, who has been attacking the Mumbai Police among others in the wake of Sushant Singh Rajputs death, called the statement as an open threat. The Queen star taunted the politician, asking why Mumbai was feeling like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. READ | Kangana Ranaut slams Sanjay Raut's outrageous 'open threat' to her to not return to Mumbai Raut in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece had slammed Kangana for her treachery after she criticized the police force, despite living in the city and working in the film industry in Mumbai. He urged the National Award-winner, to not return to the city. Also questioning the 'Aazadi' graffitis and now the 'open threats', Kangana asked why was Mumbai feeling like 'Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.' READ | Kangana Vs Sena: 'Queen' actor says, 'Shame on Sanjay Raut'; Babita Phogat backs actor Rauts statement came in the wake of Kangana's tweet that she did not trust the Mumbai police and will prefer protection from the Himachal government or the Centre in the wake of her allegations of drug use in Bollywood. Kangana had also fumed at the Mumbai Commissioner liking a derogatory tweet of her, something that the police denied, despite there being screenshots. The actress has previously hit out at the force for their investigation into the Sushant Singh Rajput case, accusing them of protecting the bigwigs of the film industry. READ | Kangana Ranaut blocks Kubbra Sait, latter says, 'We are katti & she didn't even tell me' WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump defended himself Friday against accusations that he mocked American war dead as his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, intensified efforts to frame the election as a referendum on the presidents character. The allegations, sourced anonymously in The Atlantic, describe multiple offensive comments by the president toward fallen and captured U.S. service-members, including calling World War I dead at an American military cemetery in France as losers and suckers in 2018. The reported comments, many of which were confirmed independently by the AP, are shining a fresh light on Trumps previous public disparaging of American troops and military families and opening a new political vulnerability for the president less than two months from Election Day. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! Trump tweeted late Thursday, as aides mounted a concerted defence of the president, with Trumps campaign and allies taking to social media and broadcast interviews to denounce the report. Ive done more for the military than almost anyone else, he added Friday in the Oval Office. The president was alleged to have made the comments as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France in Nov. 2018. The White House said the visit was scrubbed because foggy weather made the helicopter trip from Paris too risky and the 90-minute drive deemed infeasible. Trump, who travelled to Pennsylvania on Thursday, told reporters after he returned to Washington that the Atlantic report was a disgraceful situation by a terrible magazine. I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes, Trump told the reporters, gathered on the tarmac in the dark. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? On a call with reporters hosted by the Biden campaign Friday, Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth lambasted Trump for belittling the sacrifices of those who have shown more bravery than hes capable of. Of course he thinks about war selfishly, Duckworth said of Trump. He thinks of it as a transactional cost, instead of in human life and American blood spilled, because thats how hes viewed his whole life. He doesnt understand other peoples bravery and courage because hes never had any of his own. Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who lost both of her legs in the Iraq War, has been a prominent critic of Trumps handling of military issues. Knocking Trump for allegedly inventing an injury to avoid serving in the Vietnam War, Duckworth said that shed take my wheelchair and my titanium legs over Donald Trumps supposed bone spurs any day. Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who drew national attention after criticizing Trump during the 2016 Democratic National Convention, joined Duckworth on the call and said that Trumps life is a testament to selfishness. Words we say are windows into our souls. So when Donald Trump calls anyone who places their lives in service of others a loser, we understand Trumps soul, he said. Khans son, Humayun, was killed in action in Iraq in 2004. In 2016, Trump responded to the criticism from Khan by claiming hed made sacrifices of his own and making an Islamophobic attack on Khans wife, Ghazala Khan, who was wearing a headscarf at the Democratic convention, saying, She had nothing to say. She probably maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me. Biden said that if the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States. Duty, honour, country those are the values that drive our service members, Biden said in a statement Thursday night, adding that if he is elected president, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. Bidens son Beau served in Iraq in 2008-09. Trump also denied calling the late Arizona Sen. John McCain, a decorated Navy officer who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, a loser after his Aug. 2018 death. Trump acknowledged Thursday he was never a fan of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Trump publicly blasted McCain, saying Hes not a war hero. He added, I like people who werent captured. At the time, Trump also shared a news article on Twitter calling McCain a loser. Trump only amplified his criticism of McCain as the Arizona lawmaker grew critical of his acerbic style of politics, culminating in a late-night no vote scuttling Trumps plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That vote shattered what few partisan loyalties bound the two men, and Trump has continued to attack McCain for that vote, even posthumously. Its sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody, said White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Thursday. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox & Friends on Friday that he was with the president for a good part of the trip to France. I never heard him use the words that are described in that article, Pompeo said. Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that she was part of the discussion about visiting the cemetery. This never happened. I have sat in the room when our President called family members after their sons were killed in action and it was heart-wrenching. ... I am disgusted by this false attack. AP writers James LaPorta and Jill Colvin contributed. 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 During L.A.'s August heat wave it was so hot in Irma Macedonio's apartment that she had to take a cold shower and wrap herself in wet towels just to cool down enough to try and get some sleep. It didn't work. The towels dried out in indoor temperatures that never dropped below 90 degrees, even at night. The 74 year-old has lived in her Boyle Heights home for the past 15 years. She used to work in downtown Los Angeles, but now she's retired and living on a fixed income of $800 a month. Her air conditioning -- a central air system -- has remained broken for about a year, she said. And she has made multiple requests to the landlord to have it fixed. "I have fans, but those fans blow hot air," said Macedonio in Spanish. "Because I have high blood pressure it felt like my heart was going to stop." The maximum temperature in downtown during the last heat wave was 98 degrees, but forecasts say it could reach 108 this Sunday. They're predicting some areas of SoCal may see the highest temperatures ever recorded. L.A. County's opening more than 30 emergency cooling centers, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Still, Macedonio's wary of heading to one for fear of catching the virus. It's a gamble, because her age and health condition mean she's both vulnerable to COVID and to the deadly impacts of high heat. She's worried about surviving the weekend. Air Conditioning Is A Luxury Macedonio's situation is tragic and scary, but not unique or unpredictable. This heat wave is yet another threat that many people are unequipped to deal with, and a clear example of how people with less money are more susceptible to the ravages of our fast-changing climate. The tools needed to survive our new reality are often unavailable to those without means, a large portion of whom are people of color in L.A. County. An estimated 30% of renters in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area don't have air conditioning. It makes clear who and what we prioritize as a society. "Air conditioning is definitely a luxury and most of our residents do not have air conditioning," said Favian Gonzalez, a coordinator with Strategic Actions For A Just Economy, a tenants' rights organization that's been advocating for Macedonio. Gonzalez said there are a number of reasons people they work with don't have access to AC. In his experience, landlords rarely provide it. Then there are the cases where units break and landlords are unwilling to fix them. That leaves low income tenants who are barely making ends meet without many options to cool down. And the reality is that for people living on strict budgets, even if they do have air conditioning it may be too expensive to run. Plus, people have been stuck at home, and electricity bills are higher than normal, with many out of work and unable to cover the extra costs. "There's a worry because everybody's home and their electricity bills are astronomical," said Gonzalez. Who Has The Money To Accommodate Climate Change? The larger scope of the problem is laid out in recent research from USC, which examined the vulnerability of different neighborhoods and socioeconomic groups to extreme heat across Southern California. "Basically the richest census tracts have way more access to air conditioners compared to the poorest communities," said Mo Chen, a former Ph.D. student at USC and lead author on the paper. "One area that stands out is the South L.A. area ... Compton, South Gate, Lynwood," he said. Residents there have tended to benefit, at least in part, from cooling from the nearby ocean, making AC less necessary compared to other parts of the county. But as time goes on, the number of extreme heat days will continue to increase, making it crucial to survival. "Historically they have a cooler climate, but as more and more extreme heat events are striking the L.A. area, they're also communities that are less prepared," said Chen. The question becomes who has enough money to be able to afford to install, maintain, and run air conditioning. If that's even an option where they live. The issue of extreme heat is compounded by the fact that poorer neighborhoods tend to have less tree cover than rich ones, which contributes to higher temperatures. The city of L.A. is trying to plant 90,000 trees by the end of next year, with an emphasis on helping to create more shade in lower income communities over the long term. With movie theaters, malls, and stores shut down, the lack of safe indoor space to cool off is also a complicating factor this year. There are also more than 66,000 homeless people in L.A. County, with few options besides cooling centers -- which close around 7 p.m. -- to beat the heat safely. "The human influence on extreme heat waves is quite clear," said Michael Wehner, scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "Almost everywhere in the world we can say that climate change has caused extreme heat waves to become hotter. In California ... climate change has caused these heat waves to be three to four degrees fahrenheit warmer than they would have been in the absence of human interference in the climate system." When asked if Macedonio could be classified as a victim of climate change he said, "She would be a classic example of that." Potential Good News For Macedonio Hours after we spoke, after a year of requesting her airconditioning be fixed, her building's management company sent workers to try and get it working. Gonzalez is skeptical as there's been a similar situation with the elevator in the building. Management has repeatedly sent out people to fix it, but it keeps breaking down. We'll check in with Macedonio next week to see if her air conditioning held up. Ngolo Silue was among people registered at a UNHCR-supported documentation drive for villagers at risk of statelessness in Olleo, Cote d'Ivoire, February 2019. UNHCR/Mark Henley UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes Cote dIvoires adoption this week of Africas first Statelessness Determination Procedure. This will help protect thousands of people in the country who are without a nationality. Two regulations signed on 2 September formally establish procedures that will regularize the status of stateless people and fulfil a crucial component of Cote dIvoires National Action Plan, in line with the countrys pledge at UNHCRs High-Level Segment on Statelessness. Formal recognition of statelessness status will pave the way for people who until then had no recognized legal existence to receive identity documents, enroll in school, access health services, seek lawful employment, open a bank account, and buy land. This is a huge leap forward. We commend the bold action taken by Cote dIvoire and its firm commitment to tackle this issue, said Aissatou Ndiaye, Deputy Director for UNHCRs Bureau for West and Central Africa. This significant milestone will help protect stateless people, allowing them to access basic rights which have remained out of reach for decades, she said. Statelessness blights the lives of millions of people around the world, depriving them of basic rights. In 2014, UNHCR launched a global #IBelong Campaign, aimed at ending statelessness within a decade. A 2019 study led by national authorities and supported by UNHCR identified 1.6 million people as stateless or at risk of statelessness in Cote dIvoire, which hosts one of the worlds largest stateless populations. The risks for stateless people have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic as they can be left out of national responses or be unable to seek care if they fall ill. In recent years, the Government of Cote dIvoire has stepped up action to end statelessness consistent with its accession in 2013 to the two Statelessness Conventions and the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration on the Eradication of Statelessness by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2015. In 2017, ECOWAS Member States made West Africa the worlds first region to adopt a binding Plan of Action to end statelessness. Cote d`Ivoire has also adopted a National Plan of Action against statelessness and enacted important legal and institutional reforms to prevent individuals from becoming stateless. Authorities in Cote dIvoire have now established two committees to identify stateless people in need of protection, before a lasting solution is found to their predicament. Cote dIvoire is showing an example for other countries in Africa to follow, said Angele Djohossou, UNHCR Representative in Cote dIvoire. Challenges in the country remain and efforts must now be redoubled to ensure everyone in the country has a nationality, she added. UNHCR is closely supporting national authorities to help prevent and resolve statelessness and stands ready to assist Cote dIvoire in implementing its Statelessness Determination Procedures. Nine more West and Central African countries have also pledged to put in place similar procedures, and 11 countries from the region have launched studies on statelessness or included questions to collect data on statelessness in upcoming population censuses. Some 4.2 million stateless people are reported in 76 countries, but UNHCR believes the actual number to be significantly higher. Since UNHCR launched its #IBelong Campaign launched six years ago, 95 governments, civil society and international and regional organizations have made commitments to tackle statelessness. For more information on this topic, please contact: Navalny, center, and his wife Yulia, right, walk with demonstrators during a rally in Moscow in February 2019. Navalny, center, and his wife Yulia, right, walk with demonstrators during a rally in Moscow in February 2019. Credit - Andrey RudakovBloomberg via Getty Images The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, confirmed what many had suspected on Sept. 2 that the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, currently in a coma in a Berlin hospital, had been poisoned by a nerve agent developed in the Soviet Union and Russia. Merkel said testing by a special military laboratory had shown unequivocal proof that Navalny, who has published multiple allegations of corruption by officials, including those from President Vladimir Putins United Russia party, was the victim of the nerve agent known as Novichok. The German leader called Navalny a victim of a crime that was intended to silence him. This raises very difficult questions that only the Russian government can answer, and has to answer, she said. Few people knew what Novichok was before 2018 when U.K. officials detected the military grade nerve agent in the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal, and his daughter Yulia in the city of Salisbury, England. Local resident Dawn Sturgess was later exposed to the same nerve agent and died in hospital. The U.K. accused two operatives from Russias military intelligence service (G.R.U.) of the attack, charges that Russia denied. Navalny, 44, collapsed on Aug. 20 on a flight from Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow. His spokesperson said she suspected he was poisoned from a cup of black tea he drank at an airport cafe earlier that day. The hospital where he was initially being treated in Omsk said on Aug. 21 they found no traces of poisoning and diagnosed Navalny with a metabolic disease that may have been caused by low blood sugar. After intense lobbying by his family and supporters, the Kremlin gave permission for Navalny to be transferred to Berlin on Aug. 22, where he has been in an induced coma since. In a letter addressed to the Russian presidents administration on 21. Aug, Yulia Navalnaya wrote that her husband needs qualified medical assistance. Story continues Navalnys condition continues to improve the Charite hospital treating Navalny said on Sept. 3. But doctors warned that recovery is likely to be lengthy. It is still too early to gauge the long-term effects which may arise in relation to this severe poisoning. But beyond the activists health, the effects for his country and the world may be similarly lengthy: Does the discovery of Novichok prove that Putin poisoned him? Navalnys supporters say the nerve agent carries the hallmarks of Kremlin involvement. Choosing Novichok to poison Navalny in 2020 is basically the same thing as leaving an autograph at the scene of the crime, Leonid Volkov, Navalnys chief of staff, wrote on Twitter, attaching an image of Putins signature. Ivan Zhdanov, a Navalny aide, tweeted: Only a government can do this. Ben Noble, a lecturer in Russian politics at University College London, says the use of Novichok suggests one of three scenarios: either Putin ordered Russias security service or military intelligence to take out Navalny; or Putin gave his tacit approval for another actors initiative to poison Navalny; or the state was not involved and Putin no longer has control over how chemical weapons are used in his country. Some experts say its not inconceivable that a private citizen obtained the nerve agent. If youre in the inner circle of Putin, if youre the rich and powerful, you can probably get access to Novichok, says Mark Galeotti, a Russia expert at the Royal United Services Institute. This is not a deeply regimented country that people sometimes assume, he says. Tatiana Stanovaya, founder and CEO of political analysis firm R.Politik, doubts Putin made the order even if the secret service might have been involved. Putin does not see Navalny as a big threat, but there are many players around him who do see him as an enemy and would be willing to protect the regime from him, she says. The president may not even know what happened yet, she adds. How are international leaders pressing the Kremlin? Merkel has promised an investigation by the E.U. and NATO. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the poisoning as outrageous. The Russian government must now explain what happened to Mr Navalny we will work with international partners to ensure justice is done, he tweeted. The U.S. National Security Council (NSC) said the suspected poisoning was completely reprehensible and that it will work with allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable, wherever the evidence leads, and restrict funds for their malign activities, in a series of tweets on Sept. 2. But U.S. President Donald Trump has remained quiet on the issue. When asked on Aug. 20 about Navalnys hospitalization, Trump said We havent seen it yet, were looking at it, and Mike [Pompeo]s going to be reporting to me soon. The E.U urged Russia to conduct a transparent investigation into the poisoning, and Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary-General of the NATO defence alliance, also called for an inquiry in a tweet. NATO members will discuss the poisoning at a special meeting today. Galeotti warns that a Russian investigation will not be transparent or have necessary international involvement, citing its limited investigation into the 2015 killing of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov as one such example. Are there likely to be fresh sanctions on Russia or on Putin? Its possible. Some analysts say they expect the Western governments to expel Russian diplomats and bring in sanctions. The E.U. said on Sept. 3 that sanctions would be possible only when it was established who was responsible for Navalny being poisoned. In the Skripal case, the U.K. persuaded over 20 countries to expel a combined total of more than 150 Russian diplomats in the largest collective diplomatic punishment since World War II. It was a triumph of British diplomacy and it really took Russia aback, says Galeotti. It put a significant shift in their intelligence activities and it was embarrassing for a country that tries to present itself as a great power, he added. However, Stanovaya says she doubts there will be a strong diplomatic pushback because Navalny was attacked on Russian soil, whereas Westminster took the poisoning of the Skripals in Salisbury as an attack on U.K. national security. In March 2018, then Prime Minister Theresa said this was not only a crime against Sergei and Yulia Skripal. It was an indiscriminate and reckless act against the United Kingdom. In Germany, some political figures favor more severe measures than diplomatic expulsions. Norbert Roettgen, a leading lawmaker in Merkels party and a potential successor to the chancellor, said diplomatic rituals are no longer enough, in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio on Sept. 2. Pressure is now mounting across the German political spectrum for the Chancellor to take punitive action over the Nord Stream 2, a 760-mile gas pipeline that is being built to carry natural gas directly from Russia to Germany. Some E.U. countries say it will increase Europes dependence on Russian gas, and Trump, who considers the pipeline a security threat to Europe, introduced sanctions last year on some firms involved. We must respond with the only language Putin understands that is gas sales, Roettgen said. But its unclear if Merkel will submit. Asked last week whether Germany should pull out of the project because of the attack against Navalny, she said the two issues were separate. Its not appropriate to make a linkage between the Navalny issue and a project that is commercially driven, she said. How is Russia responding? Russia has rejected Merkels claims on Navalny and accused Germany of not providing Moscow with any evidence about his condition. The Russian side has not received a single document on this issue, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in a Sept. 3 interview with Russia 24, a state-backed news channel. Theres nothing to reply to, she said. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins spokesperson, said on Sept. 2 that no toxic substances were found in Navalny before he went to Germany and said there was no reason to accuse Russia of poisoning him. Id speak carefully about accusing the Russian state. After all, there are no charges and theres no reason to accuse the Russian state, he said. For Putin, experts say, these accusations are a geopolitical attack. Its not about Navalny, its about destroying Russia, says Stanovaya. Russia will push for Germany to obtain all the proof. But it will never be enough, she says. How will Navalnys poisoning affect the opposition? It is a big strike against the opposition, says Stanovaya and one that comes after Putin has already spent years threatening, arresting and jailing Kremlin critics, introducing laws that cast certain kinds of criticism of the government as threats to state security, and forcing civil society organizations to shut. In July, Navalny was forced to close his Anti-Corruption Foundation due to hefty court fines imposed over one of its investigations. But the apparent attempt on Navalnys life could also mobilise anti-Putin sentiments and prompt discontent and anger. Its possible that people who are unsure about their political views will be outraged and turn to supporting an anti-Putin figure, she adds. Sergei Shnurov, a public figure and member of the center right Growth Party, said that before the possible poisoning of Navalny he was indifferent to him and now he is for him, in a poem posted on his social media. He also suggested he will send money to the opposition leaders anti-corruption activists. Putin will continue to distance itself from any involvement in Navalnys poisoning, says Noble. Given the recent mass protests in the Russian city of Khabarovsk over disputed charges against the former governor, the prospect of another reason for Russians to protest on the streets will be deeply troubling for Putin, says Noble. W hen the Chancellor announced his Eat Out to Help Out scheme it seemed a gimmick with a good slogan. It turned out to be a lot more than that: spending in restaurants soared, jobs were saved and a little optimism returned to life. The lesson is that smart ways to get business going again can work. That lesson has been obvious for a while, so the question is, wheres the Governments next scheme? Now is the moment for some innovation, and its clear people respond to discount offers and a bit of clever marketing. Well, one idea in the pipeline is the First Ride Free scheme . It would give cut-price travel to people who havent been into central London since the spring, creating a chance to get back into the centre of the city, to use shops and visit galleries and museums. The details are being worked out the Government wants West End businesses to pay some of the cost. Getting people on the Tube is vital, and this seems like the way to do it. We hope it goes ahead. Central London is safe, but far too empty. It has so much to offer, but people need to be encouraged to return and see that it is safe. A free ride on the Tube might not be quite as much fun as a discount lunch but every bit helps in bringing London back to its best. Hurry up with HS2 There are children starting secondary school this week who were not even born when the Government announced plans to build a new high-speed rail line from London to the north. No wonder lots of people ask if HS2 will ever really happen. Well, from today we know the answer: it will be built, it will work and once it is open we will use it. Ministers signed off contracts for HS2 at the height of lockdown and building work is already well unde rway , as anyone who has seen the area around its main city station at Euston will know. The line HS2 will replace was built before Victoria came to the throne. Time to upgrade But today marks the formal start of construction. That will support a lot of jobs but the project will only really be useful once it is running. So its vital it gets built quickly and without the delays that have spoilt the opening of Crossrail. Something else matters, too: getting the design right so that it lives up to that over-promised word transformational. That means making sure the new Euston matches the stunning area around Kings Cross and St Pancras. It means linking the line properly with the Tube and Overground so that passengers dont have to queue something thats still not sorted. And it means a service thats cheap to use, not a luxury for a few. Once it is open London to Birmingham will be quicker than some journeys from one end of the Central line to another. To get the most out of the line, it needs to be busy. Right now, trains are often empty, because of Covid. Some will ask if homeworking will replace the need for good infrastructure. The answer is no. People will need to travel and they need to do so fast, reliably and safely. The line that HS2 will replace was built before Queen Victoria came on the throne. Its time to upgrade. Loading.... Once it is open, our only question will be: why did it take so long? AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Ratings (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of "a" of Ascot Bermuda Limited (Ascot Bermuda) (Bermuda), Ascot Insurance Company (AIC) and Ascot Specialty Insurance Company (ASIC) (both headquartered in New York, NY). The outlook of the FSRs is stable. The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect the consolidated balance sheet strength of Ascot Group Limited (Ascot), which AM Best categorises as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Additionally, the ratings benefit from rating enhancement, in the form of a lift, from Ascot's ultimate parent, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). CPPIB is considered to be of superior financial strength, and AM Best expects it to support Ascot's strategy. Ascot Bermuda is the group's internal reinsurer and a platform for growth in Bermuda's reinsurance market. AIC and ASIC (collectively referred to as Ascot U.S.) are sources for diversification and growth within the U.S. admitted lines market, and are supported by a net worth maintenance agreement with Ascot. The three entities are fully integrated within the group's operations and management. Ascot is a property and specialty (re)insurance group, with 2019 gross written premium (GWP) of USD 1,162 million. In past years, the group's business was sourced primarily via its flagship risk carrier, Lloyd's Syndicate 1414 (Syndicate 1414), which is managed by Ascot Underwriting Limited. The group is led by an experienced and stable management team. Ascot Bermuda started underwriting in 2018 and grew to GWP of USD 224 million in 2019. Ascot U.S. started underwriting in May 2019 and reported USD 70 million of GWP in its first eight months of operation, with strong growth anticipated in future years. Both operations currently provide moderate diversification to the group's underwriting portfolio, which historically has had concentration to property risk (in particular, U.S. catastrophe risks). Expansion in Bermuda and the United States remains subject to execution risk. The revision of the Long-Term ICR outlooks to positive reflects AM Best's expectation that Ascot's underwriting portfolio will continue to diversify as the group develops its U.S. and Bermudian operations, which could impact the business profile assessment positively. Ascot's balance sheet strength is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation that is expected to be maintained at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), supported by prudent capital management. The balance sheet strength assessment benefits from the excellent financial flexibility offered by CPPIB. Since acquiring Ascot Underwriting Holdings Ltd. in 2016, CPPIB has made several capital injections to support the group's growth, demonstrating its ongoing commitment. Ascot has a track record of robust underwriting performance, evidenced by Syndicate 1414's five-year weighted average combined ratio of 96.0% over the period 2015-2019, which was approximately six percentage points below the same metric for the overall Lloyd's market. After challenges in 2018, largely due to expenses stemming from the startup nature of Ascot U.S, Ascot's profitability improved markedly in 2019. AM Best expects profitability to remain stable in the medium term, subject to sustainable growth from the group's new undertakings in the United States and Bermuda. 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 specializing 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/20200904005445/en/ Contacts: Stanislav Stoev, ACCA Financial Analyst +44 20 7397 6264 stanislav.stoev@ambest.com Tim Prince Director, Analytics +44 20 7397 0320 timothy.prince@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Manager, Public Relations +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Jim Peavy Director, Public Relations +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644 james.peavy@ambest.com KEARNEY Police have arrested a North Platte man in connection with a drive-by shooting last week in south Kearney. Richard Fries, 47, was arrested on a Buffalo County warrant charging him with felony discharge of a firearm near a vehicle or building and felony possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in the Aug. 26 incident in the Lake Villa Estates Subdivision. He was arrested Tuesday at the Lincoln County Jail in North Platte. Around 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 Kearney police investigated a report of shots fired in the area of 107 Huron Dr., south of Interstate 80. Two adults and minor three children were inside the house when they reported hearing three shots fired and glass shattering. The rear window of a car sitting in the driveway was damaged along with front glass windows of the house and glass panes of the front door. Court records indicate all the damage appeared to be from BB gun projectiles from a shotgun. No injuries were reported. Kearney police located shotgun shell wads on the lawn and near the road. San Francisco, Sep 4 : Google has said that it is important that regulation keeps pace with change and the company supports Europe's effort to create a more responsible, innovative and helpful Internet for everyone. As the deadline to submit responses to the new European Digital Services Act (DSA) ends on September 8, the tech giant said that creating a more responsible, innovative and helpful internet is a societal challenge. "We acknowledge the need for companies, governments and civil society to work together towards reaching our shared goals. That's why we support modernising rules for the digital age," Kent Walker, SVP of Global Affairs at Google, said in a blog post on Thursday. Apple is also changing how it pays developer fees on the App Store in the UK. The move came after countries including the UK, France, Italy and Turkey implemented digital services levies, which force tech giants to pay more taxes, reports the CNBC. Last month, Amazon also said it was increasing charges on sellers after the UK government approved its digital tax. Walker said that the Google response focuses on three key areas. "A more responsible internet, a more innovative internet and a more helpful internet," he said. "In order to ensure that fundamental rights are respected, it's important for the DSA to focus on capturing illegal content, so lawful speech isn't caught in the net. "However, this should not prevent further actions on lawful-but-harmful content, such as cyber-bullying, through self- and co-regulatory initiatives, such as the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation and the EU Code of Conduct on Hate Speech, both of which Google joined from the start," he explained. "The DSA should support constructive transparency measures while ensuring that platforms can continue to protect user privacy, ensure commercially sensitive information is not revealed and prevent bad actors from gaming the system". To foster innovation, the DSA should reflect the wide range of services offered by the tech industry. "No two services are the same and the new act should be rooted in objectives and principles that can be applied, as appropriate, across this broad, diverse ecosystem," Walker said. "New rules should encourage new and improved features and products which help European consumers get things done and access information quickly and easily". As new rules are being evaluated, he said, the question is not whether data mobility or data access should be facilitated, but "how to achieve their benefits without sacrificing product quality or innovation incentives". Mumbai, Sep 4 : Shweta Singh Kirti, sister of Sushant Singh Rajput, has applauded the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for its action in the ongoing probe, raiding a number of locations including the residence of Showik Chakraborty. Showik along with his sister, the late Sushant's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and their parents, have been accused of abetment to the actor's suicide, among other charges, in an FIR filed earlier by Sushant's family. The NCB is investigating Sushant's death along with the CBI and enforcement Directorate (ED). "Good going NCB... Thank You God. #GreatStartNCB," Shweta wrote on her Twitter handle. On Friday, the NCB carried out raids at a number of locations here, including at the homes of Showik Chakraborty and the late actor's house manager Samuel Miranda. The NCB also took Showik and Miranda for questioning at its office after conducting searches for two hours. NCB Deputy Director KPS Malhotra told the media that the homes of Showik were being searched, but declined to elaborate. On June 14, Sushant was found dead in his home in Mumbai. At that time, Mumbai Police had concluded it was a case of suicide, and investigated reasons that might have caused Sushant to end his life. Many conflicting theories have emerged since then, adding to the mystery. Sushant's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family has been accused by the late actor's father KK Singh of abetting his son's suicide, among other charges. Now, there is a drug angle to it. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery New Zealand's health chief Ashley Bloomfield acknowledged the anxiety New Zealanders may be feeling after the latest death New Zealand recorded its first Covid-19 death in more than three months on Friday when a man in his 50s succumbed to the virus. Health officials said the man was part of a second-wave cluster of infections that emerged in Auckland last month, ending a spell of 102 days free of community transmission in the South Pacific nation. The death at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital on Friday afternoon takes New Zealand's death toll from the virus to 23, with the most recent previous fatality on May 24. "I acknowledge the anxiety New Zealanders may be feeling about todays news, both in the wider community and also for the family and whanau (relatives) grieving over this death," health chief Ashley Bloomfield said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family and community at this time of loss and grief." The man was reportedly the youngest to die from Covid-19 in New Zealand. Health authorities did not say whether he had a pre-existing medical condition. The Auckland cluster emerged in a family of four and has since grown to 152, including three new cases recorded on Friday. It has proved difficult to eliminate despite a two-and-a-half week lockdown in Auckland that ended on Sunday night. "We have always recognised that further deaths linked to Covid-19 were possible," Bloomfield said. "Today's news reinforces the importance of our shared vigilance against Covid-19, the very serious consequences the virus can carry with it." - 'Caution required' - While Aucklanders were allowed out of their homes this week, the government limited non-school social gatherings in the city of 1.5 million to 10 people and made masks compulsory on public transport nationwide. Authorities said earlier on Friday, before the latest death was announced, that the restriction would remain in place until at least September 16. The source of the Auckland cluster remains unknown but genome testing indicates it is not linked to the virus strain that New Zealand experienced earlier this year, which was largely eliminated in a seven-week lockdown that began in late March. Story continues Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said indications were that the Auckland cluster was contained but there was no room for complacency. "We've been prepared and, by going hard and early, particularly with Aucklanders pitching in, we look at this early stage to have contained our resurgence," she told reporters. "But (there are) also areas which suggestion caution is very much required... every country has faced second outbreaks in this global pandemic, and some have turned into significant second waves." New Zealand, with its low death rate of 23 in a population of five million, has been hailed as one of the countries most successful in handling the virus. Its response to the latest outbreak has included a blitz of around 600,000 tests in recent weeks, accompanied by extensive contact tracing and the pre-emptive quarantine of close contacts linked to confirmed cases. ns/arb/je The bodies of two missing teenage girls were on fire when villagers spotted them on the side of a road in western Mexico, authorities said. The victims were identified as Andrea Lizeth, 14, and Brenda Guadalupe, 16, of Sinaloa. According to Mexican news outlet Milenio, authorities confirmed that an Amber Alert was never issued for their search after they were reported missing Sunday. It's unknown why the child abduction emergency system was not activated. The bodies of 14-year-old Andrea Lizeth and 16-year-old Brenda Guadalupe were still on fire when they were located by the police in Sinaloa, Mexico, on Wednesday. The girls had been reported missing August 30, but an Amber Alert was never issued. Authorities have not announced any arrests following the gruesome finding of two teenage girls who were strangled and set on fire in Costa Rica, a municipality in the western Mexican state of Sinaloa Police in the municipality of Costa Rica were alerted of the gruesome finding Wednesday at 7:30am. A preliminary report showed the girls had been strangled before their bodies were dumped next to an empty grass field and set ablaze. One of the girls was found lying back down while the other victim was lying face up. Both girls were identified by their families at a morgue Thursday. DailyMail.com couldn't verify if Andrea Lizeth and Brenda Guadalupe knew each other. Investigators canvass the area where two girls, aged 14 and 16, were found dead Wednesday in Sinaloa, Mexico. Data from the Sinaloa state prosecutor's office show that 101 male and female minors have been killed in the state since 2005 'These acts of horror and true savagery cannot and should not go unpunished,' said Reyna Araceli Tirado, director of the Sinaloan Institute for Women. 'We urge the State Attorney General's Office, as the governing body for the administration of justice in Sinaloa, so that these criminal acts are thoroughly investigated and thus can impart justice.' Data from the Sinaloa state prosecutor's office show that 101 male and female minors have been killed in the state since 2005. At least 29 females have been been murdered in Sinaloa this year. We 21 women of Italian American ancestry, of Central New York, have seriously considered the monuments to Columbus and their symbolic statement of Italian immigrant pride. Italians have a deep and rich history of which we can be proud. However, we know that this monument of Christopher Columbus, erected in Syracuse in 1934, is no longer a suitable symbol of pride, and not one that we would offer to represent our Italian ancestry. We know and understand that the monuments to Columbus were greatly significant to those early immigrants from Italy, especially to those who made their home in Syracuse. We understand, too, the community response and feeling of accomplishment Syracuses Italian community felt when, after 10 years of fundraising, they raised enough money to hire an Italian sculptor, Lorenzo Baldi, to create the Columbus monument that stands today. We also understand the desire of those who love and honor their relatives, and other Italians who were part of this great effort, to keep the memory and legacy of Syracuses early Italian community alive. Italian history in Syracuse and this country is significant. The difficulties these immigrants encountered were numerous and included discrimination, persecution and racism by the (then) established colonial whites, and others. The extent of this ill treatment was as violent and raw as the 1891 lynching of 11 Italian-Americans in New Orleans to the more subtle discriminatory treatment by a 20th century society where Italians were not permitted to live in certain neighborhoods, obtain certain jobs or join certain clubs. The collective pride in Columbus grew as the Italian population grew, and with that, a desire for respect. That romantic, idealized story of Columbus was the vehicle pride and respect for some Italian American communities. However, what was erected to bring Italians up, occurred at the expense of the truth. To expose the truth of the man does not denigrate Italians. Many of the facts related to the brutality Columbus unleashed on the inhabitants of Hispaniola are from his own writings as well as those of Bartolome de las Casas; they will not be written here. We know Columbus followed the lead of the Catholic Church with its own Doctrine of Discovery which sanctioned and encouraged colonization through conquest and exploitation. The truths regarding Columbuss violent entry into the New World shatter the myths and can be profoundly difficult to accept. Textbooks and the majority of childrens biographies of Columbus were powerful teachers of colonialisms right not only to exist, but to exploit resources. These texts taught us that the domination of a country is a White, Christian right. Columbus is described in mythical terms as a man of courage, with almost superhuman attributes, bringing Christianity to savages. The writings for our youth were intentionally misguiding, romantic portraits. The journey Columbus made was, notable. He bumped into an island, Hispaniola, a place the Europeans did not know existed. Greater than that, he bumped into the doorway to the Americas. It was a surprise, not a discovery. Rather, it was the beginning of the end for the lives and ways of life of indigenous populations living there, here and across the planet. So, how do we change? The first step in the process of change is knowledge: recognition of the true facts of our history. Once we see it, we need to feel it, own it and embrace it even if it hurts and even if it shakes the foundations of our beliefs. From there we can act with honesty and integrity. Cristoforo Colombo: navigator, con man, slave trader, violent missionary and perpetrator of genocide. Saying the truth about this man does not denigrate Italian-Americans, our families nor our Italian ancestry. It lifts us up to better knowing and seeing and brings us to that collective, heartfelt space of empathy and understanding. As many Americans grapple with the knowledge of the cruelty and violence of our slave-based history, those of us with Italian heritage must do the same. Some have suggested a special museum for our fallen heroes. This may be an educational answer to this dilemma, not only for Columbus, but also for those of the defeated Confederacy. As monuments are put aside for educational purposes around the world to show the hurt, hate and pains of the past, we can do the same in our country. Then let us lift up again, with truth and dignity, those who are deserving of our honor and respect. Through community dialog we can come together with open hearts and minds. Respectfully, Hilary Anne Coppola, Carmen Viviano-Crafts Andrea DeSantis, Maria DeSantis, Stephanie Donato, Julia Donato, Gloria Ruta Eagan Shannon Fabiani, Tarki Lombardi Heath, Dorothea Barraco Hetnar Donna Inglima, Natalie LoRusso, Diane Theresa Ogno, Rubina DeFina Ogno, Hana Pandori Gerry Russo Augusta (Pat) Sorrentino Deborah Sorrentino Rose Viviano, Colleen Eagan Zawadzki, MaryAnn Zeppetello Read more Supporters rally for Columbus statue in Syracuse. Its about 1934, they say, not 1492 Syracuses Columbus statue debate: Why we should remove it and why we should keep it (video) 1934: Even before its unveiling, Syracuses Columbus statue was controversial Write us How to submit letters and commentary to Syracuse.com As long as she can remember, Humble ISD has been part of Gaby Diazs life. She started attending school there soon after her family moved from Venezuela, and she was so inspired by the teachers she met that she became one herself, working in the northeast Houston district for 15 years. This year, though, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her into a choice: leave the district or follow her doctors recommendation that she quarantine away from her high-risk daughter for the first month of in-person instruction. She left this summer, taking a job with Houston ISD where she will work remotely until at least mid-October. It was just not something I was going to do, Diaz said. Not many educators, however, followed Diazs path, according to a Houston Chronicle review of districts human resources data. Despite some vocal groups of teachers who pushed back against how some Houston-area districts planned to reopen schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, the data shows fewer educators resigned or retired this summer in some districts compared to the previous year. Of 13 of the regions largest school districts that responded to a public records request, nine had fewer teachers leave this summer than left in the summer of 2019; six had fewer leave this summer than the previous two summers. Houston ISD, for example, had hundreds fewer teachers leave this summer than in previous years, with 1,286 departing compared to 1,662 in the summer of 2019 and 2,016 the year before. Four districts Cypress-Fairbanks, Katy, Spring Branch and Alvin ISDs only saw slight dips in the number of educators leaving their posts. In Cy-Fair ISD, where a group of 50 teachers and supporters protested returning to schools in-person just before an August school board meeting, 222 teachers left the district this summer. The previous summer, 203 departed, and 226 resigned or retired in the summer of 2018. Those numbers are far short of what some had predicted. A USA TODAY/Ipsos poll taken in May showed that one in five teachers nationwide said they were unlikely to go back to school if their classrooms reopened in the fall, fearing they could contract COVID-19. Richard Ingersoll, a professor of education and sociology at the University of Pennsylvania who studies teacher workforce issues, said decisions on whether to stay or leave may be more a matter of economics than health concerns. The national unemployment rate was at 10.2 percent in July, and school districts in Texas had been warned by state lawmakers that budget cuts likely will be on the table when the Legislature convenes in January. Even if you dont like your job, if there arent other options out there, youre going to be loath to leave. There arent a lot of options out there, Ingersoll said. And what about retirements? Theres so much uncertainly out there. People dont just retire at a set age, they calculate when its best to do it. That may be happening in Lamar CISD, said Kathleen Bowen, the districts chief human resources officer. This summer 189 teachers left, compared to 247 who left in the summer of 2019, and 191 the summer before. She said smaller numbers of teachers also left after massive state budget cuts in 2011 and 2012 made educators less certain about their futures. I will say thats not a surprising pattern to me in times of economic stability, Bowen said. We have had several staff members, anecdotally, who have come in and said their spouses lost their jobs and they were kicked off of their benefit plans. Turnover steady Despite predictions that a wave of teachers would resign or retire rather than return to the classroom this fall, a Houston Chronicle analysis shows the region's largest districts did not see massive spikes in teacher turnover this summer. Here's how many teachers left each district this summer compared to the summers of 2019 and 2018: Houston ISD 2020: 1,286 2019: 1,662 2018: 2,016 Cypress-Fairbanks ISD 2020: 222 2019: 203 2018: 226 Katy ISD 2020: 173 2019: 162 2018: N/A Fort Bend ISD 2020: 35 2019: 51 2018: 414 Aldine ISD 2020: 223 2019: 252 2018: N/A Conroe ISD 2020: 117 2019: 134 2018: 101 Pasadena ISD 2020: 95 2019: 159 2018: 156 Alief ISD 2020: 29 2019: 73 2018: 27 Humble ISD 2020: 122 2019: 146 2018: 152 Spring ISD 2020: 151 2019: 204 2018: 181 Spring Branch ISD 2020: 79 2019: 59 2018: 71 Lamar CISD 2020: 189 2019: 247 2018: 191 Alvin ISD 2020: 24 2019: 17 2018: 4 See More Collapse Despite the lower rates of teacher turnover, Bowen said it has been more challenging than usual to fill vacant teaching positions. She said teachers may be scared to leave their districts due to job security concerns and that new teachers entering the workforce may wait to apply for jobs. Candis Houston, president of the Aldine chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, said it also could be fear that is keeping people from applying. Teachers in her north Houston district return to their classrooms Sept. 14, and while face-to-face classes will be phased in starting Sept. 21, some educators have told her they are worried that social distancing may not be feasible in classrooms with higher numbers of students who opt for in-person instruction. Two hundred and twenty three teachers submitted their retirements or resignations in Aldine ISD between June and mid-August of this year, according to data provided by the district; 252 left last summer. Of those who left this summer, 11 wrote that they decided to leave because of COVID concerns. I think what people need to realize is, its the high risk of exposure, Houston said. Because kids K-12 can be positive for COVID but be asymptomatic. While that fear drove Diaz out of Humble ISD, that district also had fewer teachers leave this summer than in the previous two 122 this summer compared to 146 last summer and 152 in 2018. Superintendent Elizabeth Celania-Fagen said she understood the concerns. She said campus leaders and administrators were told to work with every employee who expressed concerns to see if they could come to a solution. If that failed, human resources employees followed up to try to find a win-win. Still, sometimes they could not reach agreements. We really tried to say, Tell us what would make you comfortable, and we will try to get there, Fagen said. But if youre never coming on campus, or a bus driver says theyre never going to be on a bus, we dont have a lot of avenues except to take leave, retire or resign. Diaz said it felt like too much was being asked of her and her colleagues. She said they are used to helping their schools and communities recover from disaster after their experiences with Hurricane Harvey and several flooding events in the three years since, including Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019. She was eager to step up to help her students then, but now, with the health of her daughter in the balance, she does not want to risk it. What youre asking teachers to walk into is nothing like what we knew we were walking into when we were dealing with kids who we knew were displaced, their homes were displaced, Diaz said. This is an unknown. This is an experiment. shelby.webb@chron.com savannah.mehrtens@chron.com Ghislaine Maxwell got a visit from her lawyers that was three times longer and with twice as many lawyers than usual. The alleged chief recruiter for Jeffrey Epstein saw her attorneys for three hours compared to one hour for usual visits, court documents have revealed. The British socialite met with two members of her legal team at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn on August 28, including white collar defense attorney Christian Everdell. Yet normally only one lawyer it allowed in for inmate visits. The disclosure will raise further questions about Maxwell, 58, being given preferential treatment while awaiting trial for her alleged role in Epstein's sex trafficking operation. Ghislaine Maxwell met two of her lawyers on August 28 at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn for three hours - while typically allowed just one hour, court documents reveal (seen in a court sketch in July) Maxwell, 58, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as she awaits trial on sex trafficking charges Prosecutors disclosed the details in a case brought by federal public defenders against the Bureau of Prisoners (BOP) over conditions inside the MDC. The prison suspended in-person visits seven months ago due the coronavirus pandemic. The New York Daily News had reported that Maxwell was the first inmate at the MDC to see her lawyers in person, sparking outrage from attorneys for other prisoners. Sean Hecker, who is involved in the case against the BOP, called it 'absurd and unjust' But in a letter to the court in the Eastern District of New York, Acting US Attorney Seth Ducharme - who was appointed by Attorney General William Barr in July - denied that Maxwell got the first visit. Defense attorney Christian Everdell was one of two of Maxwell's attorneys to be spotted arriving at the prison on Friday to visit his client In fact another prisoner got a visit the day before, on August. However, Ducharme revealed that Maxwell's visit lasted three hours and passed 'without incident'. In a footnote to the letter, he wrote: 'While routine legal visits will be scheduled in one-hour blocks, case-by-case visits can be longer, if requested. 'Additionally, routine legal visits can also be longer than one hour, but the time slots for those visits are more limited'. Ducharme claimed that when the BOP was considering restarting in-person visits at the end of August it wanted to do a few test runs so they looked at requests from the previous two weeks. Maxwell's lawyers were among those and were available on the slots available. Maxwell is not referred to by name in the letter but Ducharme talks about a 'defendant in a high profile case'. In response to Ducharme's claim, Hecker said in a letter to the court he was 'troubled' by the fact that Maxwell got one of the first visits. He wrote that at the time of her visit she had been detained for less than two months which was 'far less than a significant number of MDC inmates, including individuals (facing the death penalty), individuals with serious mental health issues, and individuals who have never met their court-appointed counsel because of the pandemic'. Hecker said that normally inmates can meet with one of their attorneys for one hour and not two of them for three hours, as was the case for Maxwell. Hecker said it was 'puzzling' that Maxwell was put ahead of other inmates and said federal defenders had made repeated attempts to request a visit, one of whom did so in mid August. He wrote that this all 'begs serious questions about what criteria the BOP intends to use to determine which inmates will be allowed to receive in-person legal visits, what those visits will look like, and how they will be scheduled'. In his letter Hecker also revealed that guards were not following 'basic protective health measures' to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This included not taking the temperatures of visitors, no social distancing by guards and one inmate having to sew together her own mask because the MDC did not give her one. The mask fell off 'repeatedly' during the visit by her lawyers, Hecker said. In a letter to the court in the Eastern District of New York, Acting US Attorney Seth Ducharme denied that Maxwell got the first visit from her lawyer. The letter (pictured) was obtained by DailyMail.com Maxwell's lawyers have repeatedly complained about her treatment in custody after she was denied bail and said she is suffering 'uniquely onerous conditions'. They have griped about her being woken up every few hours at night and how she has to wear special clothing because she has been deemed a suicide risk. They have claimed the lights are on in her cell 24 hours a day and that she was not allowed to shower for 72 hours. But reports in the Daily News have painted a very different picture and claimed that other inmates had to clean and polish the floor in the area she is being held. Female prisoners said that Maxwell has an entire floor to herself and has security outside her cell 24 hours a day. She is also being given three hours of exercise time a day compared to two hours for other inmates, the reports said. Maxwell, a British socialite, has denied six charges against her. Maxwell, who is accused of acting as Epstein's 'madam' by finding him young women to abuse and then 'training' them to comply with his desires, was arrested on July 2, nearly a year after his death Prosecutors say that she lured girls as young as 14 to Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 1997 and in some cases took part in the abuse. As well as the criminal case against her, Maxwell is also having to deal with a defamation case brought against her by Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts. That has already seen hundreds of pages of sensitive documents made public including emails between her and Epstein. Later this month the Second Circuit Appeal Court will hold a hearing on whether a deposition by Maxwell which discusses 'extremely personal' details about her sex life should be made public. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available A general view of Covid-19 signage at the entrance to Craigavon Area Hospital in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland (Niall Carson/PA) Health bosses believe three people who have died with Covid-19 contracted the virus while being treated in Craigavon Area Hospital. The Southern Trust is currently carrying out an investigation, including a genetic analysis of samples of the virus, to try and establish the source of three outbreaks in the hospital. And the trusts medical director, Dr Maria OKane, has warned further outbreaks in the hospital are possible. Dr OKane was speaking after the trust announced two patients who had been receiving treatment on the hospitals haematology ward died in the last two days after testing positive for the virus. A third person, who had been treated on the same ward and was subsequently discharged, has also passed away after they were diagnosed with Covid-19. However, the trust has stressed the virus was not the primary cause of death. Dr OKane said the trust first became aware of an outbreak at the emergency department at the hospital on August 17 and the outbreak at the haematology ward came to light on August 24. A further cluster in ward three south, a medical ward in the hospital, was identified in the last few days. We arent completely sure at this point in time [about the source of the clusters] because we actually think it has come from a variety of sources, explained Dr OKane. We have been working with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and have undertaken genetic testing on the virus samples to try and ascertain the source and the spread. Asked if the patients who have died contracted the virus while being treated in Craigavon Area Hospital, Dr OKane continued: We suspect they did. The senior medic said eight patients with Covid-19 remain in the hospital and the clusters have had a serious impact on the day-to-day running of the hospital. One theatre list was cancelled as a result of the outbreak in the ED, which has since been brought under control, and Dr OKane said anyone who requires emergency medical attention should feel safe in attending the casualty unit. While she said she is confident no further theatre lists will be cancelled in the coming weeks, she said the outbreaks are proving challenging in relation to staffing of wards. There are currently 56 staff who are connected with clusters at Craigavon Area Hospital who are off self-isolating. Other staff are also self-isolating as a result of family and social contacts. In total, 14 patients connected to the haematology ward have tested positive, while 17 members of staff are off after testing positive. There are 42 staff members who have been identified as potential contacts and are currently self-isolating. The ward remains closed to new admissions. In Ward 3 South, two members of staff and one patient have tested positive. There are currently 14 staff members self-isolating. Health Minister Robin Swann has expressed his distress at the news of the patients deaths. My deepest sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have passed away, he said. The Southern Trust has made clear that a detailed investigation is ongoing following the clusters at the hospital. This situation demands a thorough and expeditious investigation. Patients and bereaved families are entitled to answers. I will continue to closely monitor the management of these clusters and will be receiving updates from the trust. Todays sad news underlines once again that we are in a public health emergency, fighting a virus that can be lethal. And as Dr. Gonsalves prepares to meet with LIAT workers here, Administrator Seaforth is working on ways to put a reorganized LIAT in the air. Following on a report last week that a request would be made by LIATs Administrator Cleveland Seaforth that regional governments write off LIATs debts to them, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has reported that he has received correspondence to that effect. The Prime Minister confirmed that the request was made to write off the full amounts totaling some EC$14.5 million, and that a response was expected by September 25. Seaforth in his letter stated that writing off the debt "will go a long way towards enabling the airline to flying operations. Readers will recall that the Administrator, who was appointed in late July, was tasked with preparing proposals "of one sort or the other, for a reorganization that would make it possible for LIAT to return to the sky. He promised a report within 120 days. Now, with the formal request in hand, Prime Minister Gonsalves has had a turnabout with respect to meeting with LIAT workers here in SVG. Previously, he had said that he would not meet with the workers since he had nothing new to say to them. The Union representing the workers had complained that they had had no official response to a letter requesting a meeting with him. That letter was delivered to the PMs office some ten or so weeks ago. Now that it appears the write offs could well enhance the prospects of the airlines employees having their outstanding payments (salaries, severance pay, etc.) settled, Dr. Gonsalves is ready to meet with the Vincentian workers, since, as he said, "I now have something new to tell them. Prime Minister Gonsalves had also said that he will give serious consideration to a request that his government write off LIATs debt to this country. Confirmation of this is still forthcoming. In addition to the EC$14.5 million owing to SVG by LIAT, this country also carries guarantees in an amount of EC$48.7 million on behalf of the grounded airline. This article will reflect on the compensation paid to Giulio Cerroni who has served as CEO of IXICO plc (LON:IXI) since 2017. This analysis will also assess whether IXICO pays its CEO appropriately, considering recent earnings growth and total shareholder returns. View our latest analysis for IXICO How Does Total Compensation For Giulio Cerroni Compare With Other Companies In The Industry? At the time of writing, our data shows that IXICO plc has a market capitalization of UK38m, and reported total annual CEO compensation of UK546k for the year to September 2019. That's a notable increase of 41% on last year. While we always look at total compensation first, our analysis shows that the salary component is less, at UK216k. On comparing similar-sized companies in the industry with market capitalizations below UK150m, we found that the median total CEO compensation was UK151k. Accordingly, our analysis reveals that IXICO plc pays Giulio Cerroni north of the industry median. What's more, Giulio Cerroni holds UK88k worth of shares in the company in their own name. Component 2019 2018 Proportion (2019) Salary UK216k UK211k 40% Other UK330k UK176k 60% Total Compensation UK546k UK386k 100% Talking in terms of the industry, salary represented approximately 49% of total compensation out of all the companies we analyzed, while other remuneration made up 51% of the pie. IXICO pays a modest slice of remuneration through salary, as compared to the broader industry. If non-salary compensation dominates total pay, it's an indicator that the executive's salary is tied to company performance. A Look at IXICO plc's Growth Numbers Over the past three years, IXICO plc has seen its earnings per share (EPS) grow by 104% per year. It achieved revenue growth of 45% over the last year. This demonstrates that the company has been improving recently and is good news for the shareholders. The combination of strong revenue growth with medium-term EPS improvement certainly points to the kind of growth we like to see. Historical performance can sometimes be a good indicator on what's coming up next but if you want to peer into the company's future you might be interested in this free visualization of analyst forecasts. Story continues Has IXICO plc Been A Good Investment? Most shareholders would probably be pleased with IXICO plc for providing a total return of 133% over three years. As a result, some may believe the CEO should be paid more than is normal for companies of similar size. In Summary... As we noted earlier, IXICO pays its CEO higher than the norm for similar-sized companies belonging to the same industry. But EPS growth and shareholder returns have been top-notch for the past three years. So, in acknowledgment of the overall excellent performance, we believe CEO compensation is appropriate. The pleasing shareholder returns are the cherry on top. We wouldn't be wrong in saying that shareholders feel that Giulio's performance creates value for the company. We can learn a lot about a company by studying its CEO compensation trends, along with looking at other aspects of the business. We identified 3 warning signs for IXICO (1 is a bit unpleasant!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Switching gears from IXICO, if you're hunting for a pristine balance sheet and premium returns, this free list of high return, low debt companies is a great place to look. 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. Joe Biden last night accused Donald Trump of legitimising the "dark side of human nature", as he met the family of Jacob Blake, the black man shot seven times in the back by a white police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Speaking to a small, socially distanced group at the Grace Lutheran Church, the Democratic presidential candidate said: "I made a mistake. I thought you could defeat hate. It only hides. When someone in authority puts oxygen under those rocks, it legitimises people to come out from under those rocks. "It legitimises the dark side, the dark side of human nature. "Racism has been institutionalised in the United States, it still exists, it's existed for 400 years. So we end up in a circumstance like here in Kenosha." Mr Biden, wearing a mask, added: "As much as they say that Black Lives Matter has lost some standing since the president's gone on this rant about law and order, you still have more than 50pc of people supporting it. "People are beginning to figure out who we are as a country. This is not who we are." Mr Biden and his wife Jill met Mr Blake's father, brother and two sisters privately in an airport building two days after Mr Trump visited the area and declined to speak to them. It came as new protests erupted in Rochester, New York, over the death of an unarmed black man who suffocated when police put a spit hood over his head. His family said he had been "lynched". Daniel Prude (41), who was mentally ill, unarmed and running naked through the street, died as officers used a spit hood and pressed down on his scalp for two minutes while he shouted "You're trying to kill me!" The incident happened on March 23 but footage was only released this week. Police said they had used the hood because Mr Prude spat at them and they were concerned about contracting the coronavirus. A coroner concluded the death was a homicide caused by asphyxia. Joe Prude, the dead man's brother who called emergency services, said: "I placed a phone call for my brother to get help. Not for my brother to get lynched." Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the police headquarters in Rochester, blocking roads, chanting "black lives matter" and demanding the officers involved be charged with murder. Police released pepper spray and made arrests. Further protests were planned in Times Square last night. In Kenosha, Mr Blake (29) was left paralysed after being shot on August 23, and the incident led to days of riots and violence. Mr Biden said his visit would be a "positive influence". He added: "This is about making sure that we move forward. It is time to heal. What an enormous opportunity to bring the country together." He arrived shortly after breaking the US record for election fundraising, collecting $364.5m (307m) in August. The candidate said he was "humbled" by donations from families suffering in the pandemic. Mr Biden was also meeting police, business figures and city leaders in Kenosha, as Mr Trump did. A curfew in Kenosha has been lifted but shops remained boarded up, many of them daubed with murals saying "Kenosha strong" and "Where is the love?" For Mr Biden it was a key test of his pledge to "unify the country" following a summer of nationwide protests. It was also his first campaign visit to the key state of Wisconsin, which Mr Trump won unexpectedly in 2016. David Bowen, a Democrat state representative, said: "Mr Trump came here to fan the flames and it's important for Joe Biden to come with a fire extinguisher, to come with a hug." Mr Trump mocked his opponent's foray out of his home state of Delaware, calling him "Joe Hiden". Bill Stepien, Mr Trump's campaign manager, said: "This is not the time to be injecting politics into a really serious situation." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] A man has been found guilty of murdering two women before stuffing their bodies inside a freezer in his flat. Zahid Younis, 36, is facing a life sentence for killing Hungarian national Henriett Szucs, 34, and mother-of-three Mihrican Jan Mustafa, 38. Szucs vanished in August 2016 and Mustafa went missing in May 2018. Their bodies were found inside a small, padlocked, chest freezer in Youniss flat in Vandome Close, Canning Town, in east London on 27 April last year. Younis, a convicted sex offender known as Boxer, admitted putting the women in the freezer and pleaded guilty to two counts of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body. He denied two counts of murder but was found guilty of both charges by a jury at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday after 16 hours and six minutes of deliberations. Younis showed no emotion as the verdicts were read out while members of Mustafas family, who attended every day of the three-week trial, said yes in the public gallery. Her older sister, Mel Mustafa, said: Thank you God, thank you. The judge, Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb, told Younis she will sentence him later on Thursday. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding, of the Metropolitan Police, told the PA news agency: Zahid Younis is a particularly dangerous and what I would describe as a repugnant individual who preys on vulnerable women in particular and abuses them, brings them into his control and causes them significant injury. Younis married a 14-year-old girl in an Islamic ceremony at a mosque in Walthamstow, east London, in 2004. He was eventually jailed for two-and-a-half years for assaulting the teenager and unlawful sexual activity with a child and was put on the sex offenders register. Younis was later sentenced to four years and 11 months imprisonment for two counts of wounding and one of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an abusive relationship with a 17-year-old girl, which started in 2007 after his release from jail. Prosecutor Duncan Penny QC told jurors at his double murder trial both Szucs and Mustafa were vulnerable women living somewhat chaotic lives, including periods of homelessness and class A drug addiction. The court heard Younis bought a freezer shortly after killing Szucs for the sole purpose of concealing her body. Mr Penny said police had gone to his flat to look for Younis when a uniformed officer found the appliance surrounded with flies in a cupboard before prying it open with a crowbar. Police officer Mr Harding said the officer was acting on an old-fashioned police hunch when he discovered the womens bodies, which had started to decompose after periods when the flats electricity had been cut off. The victims had been subjected to very significant violence and suffered injuries consistent with kicking or stamping, Mr Penny said. They had both suffered numerous rib fractures while Szucs had sustained dreadful head injuries and Mustafas sternum and larynx had been fractured. Younis claimed he was out when Szucs died at his flat and did not tell police because he was panicking. He told jurors he did not kill Mustafa and did not know how she died. Younis said he paid a man to help him get Szucs body into the freezer and that his accomplice later blackmailed him into putting Mustafas corpse in the same place. Mr Harding said Younis had shown no remorse as he subjected his victims families to a trial. They have been incredibly brave throughout this entire ordeal. It is an ordeal in court listening to his lies. It is hard to listen if you are a family, he added. Additional reporting by Press Association OTTAWA - Canada's national unemployment rate was 10.2 per cent in August. Here are the jobless rates last month by province (numbers from the previous month in brackets): Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - Canada's national unemployment rate was 10.2 per cent in August. Here are the jobless rates last month by province (numbers from the previous month in brackets): _ Newfoundland and Labrador 13.1 per cent (15.6) _ Prince Edward Island 10.7 per cent (11.7) _ Nova Scotia 10.3 per cent (10.8) _ New Brunswick 9.4 per cent (9.8) _ Quebec 8.7 per cent (9.5) 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. _ Ontario 10.6 per cent (11.3) _ Manitoba 8.1 per cent (8.2) _ Saskatchewan 7.9 per cent (8.8) _ Alberta 11.8 per cent (12.8) _ British Columbia 10.7 per cent (11.1) This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2020, and was generated automatically COVID-19 has surely affected the lives of many -- whether its people who got infected with the novel coronavirus or the working class that has layoffs and salary cuts looming on top of their head along with stressful never-ending work from home, or businesses where people had to scrap what they were initially doing and start all over again to make ends meet. Unsplash However, amidst all this, its kids and their education which has also gotten severely affected. Kids not only spend most of their summer vacation locked indoors but now due to social distancing norms, schools arent opening and classes have gone digital. But not all kids and schools are equipped with the tools to follow digital learning. Many kids studying in rural villages of the nation cannot afford a phone or a laptop for studies, let alone pay for data; nor do the schools and teachers in the villages have the necessary infrastructure to execute such digital classes. AFP However, teachers from Asha Marathi Vidyalaya in Neelam Nagar area in Solapur, Maharashtra decided that they cannot let this be a reason for kids to not get their education. They came up with a rather interesting workaround -- they decided to take the classes on the streets. Reported first by AFP, the village has a total of 1,700 students from the age of six to sixteen. Teachers, with the help of a local artist, have painted murals related to the curriculum on common walls across the village. AFP Ram Gaikwad, a teacher at Asha Marathi Vidyalaya school, told AFP, "Since most of the families lack resources to educate their kids digitally, we had to come up with an innovative method to keep children invested in education," Each day kids gather in small groups at different walls, either sitting or standing (whilst maintaining social distancing) and taking notes. These murals have drawings ranging from complicated trigonometry to languages in English as well as Marathi. AFP 3-year-old Yashwant Anjalakar says, When my mother sends me to buy milk, I walk through the village and look at the lessons on the walls." A small patch of water at Lake Wetherell in the Darling River area in Menindee, Australia on Aug.14, 2019. (Mark Evans/Getty Images) Murray-Darling Basin Authority to Be Overhauled The Murray-Darling Basin Authority will reportedly lose its enforcement powers and environmental water buybacks are to be scrapped in a major overhaul. Water Minister Keith Pitt will also on Friday announce details of plans to save water by upgrading infrastructure for irrigators, The Australian says. Communities along the Murray River including battling small irrigators who have railed against buybacks are likely to support the changes but they will no doubt upset environmental groups. The Murray-Darling authority has supervised the competing interests of irrigators and communities, and environmental concerns for more than a decade. However its powers will be handed to the Inspector General of Murray-Darling Basin Water Resources, former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty, The Australian says. As recently as July, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission called for a shake-up of Murray-Darling water markets, warning of serious problems needing urgent action. The watchdog released and interim report into the $1.5 billion-a-year trade, in which it found market intermediaries like brokers and water exchange platforms operated in a mostly unregulated environment which fostered conflicts of interest and dodgy reporting. It concluded there were few safeguards against price manipulation and nobody monitoring trading activities of market participants. Information failures limited the openness of markets and favoured better-resourced and professional traders. ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said water markets had brought significant benefits to irrigators across the Murray-Darling Basin. However these markets have significant problems, he said. He criticised complex regulation across some areas and concerning lack of oversight in others. The encampment on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Aug. 20. While some say closing encampments is just necessary to protecting public space and preserving order, critics describe it as squeezing a balloon moving people from one location to another, without addressing underlying causes. Read more The way Faith Burdick sees it, the encampment outside the Philadelphia Housing Authority headquarters in Sharswood saved her life. Burdick, who has a heart condition that has nearly killed her three times, was standing on the corner near the encampment when she collapsed, and an older resident of the camp, Teddy Munson, rushed to her side. He helped her to the very lawn chair where she was sitting last week, ahead of a posted eviction date of Sept. 9. As she waited, organizers at this and a larger encampment on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway tried to negotiate with the city for an alternative to whats become of a half dozen other encampments in the last few years all closed through a program the city touts as a humane national model. That model relies on persuading people to enter shelter rather than merely forcing them off the premises but Burdick, 46, said shed tried taking them up on it and wasnt sold. Though her nine months on the street had brought gunpoint robbery, rape, and hunger, the shelter seemed worse. It was too far from her doctors, and it too felt unsafe. Within two weeks, she was back at the encampment. This is home, she said. READ MORE: Instead of clearing homeless encampments, city leaders should create plans for permanent housing | Opinion The number of homeless encampments nationwide has increased tenfold since before the recession, an analysis by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty found. And the encampments, which started in June and have drawn more than 100 residents to intentionally prominent (and controversial) sites, have forced a larger conversation in Philadelphia. Now, shutting them down wont be simple: Theyve resisted two previous eviction orders with volunteer defense teams and legal petitions. The city also says theyve prevented outreach workers from entering. But while some say closing encampments is just necessary to protecting public space and preserving order, critics describe it as squeezing a balloon moving people from one location to another, without addressing underlying causes. Philadelphia has already closed three encampments this year, despite guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that doing so during the pandemic poses a public-health threat a concern echoed by local experts, who have urged the city to leave current camps intact. Mike Dunn, a spokesperson for the city, said in an email there is a larger strategy at play that has connected half of those leaving encampments with city services. The city has used the encampment resolution to expand long-term housing opportunities, which is the solution to homelessness, he wrote, adding that 115 people in the encampments already have moved into shelter. He said 34 more applied to a new street-to-home rapid-rehousing pilot that will provide 24 months of rental subsidies. Some are skeptical, though. I think theyre trying to alleviate the problem by not having the people visible, said Margaux Murphy, whose Sunday Love Project serves meals in Kensington and Center City. And she worries about those who are moved into housing without adequate services putting them at greater risk, for instance, of overdosing alone. Its all about optics, said Stephanie Sena, a professor of poverty and policy at Villanova University. The city will do whatever it can to get people away from the encampment, but often its only temporary. A decades-long struggle Whats playing out on the Parkway and in Sharswood is just the latest chapter in Philadelphias decades-long struggle to manage how and where people live on the street. Going back to the 1990s, the city leaned on defensive design, like installing wrought-iron gates to stop people sleeping on the sheltered steps of the old Family Court building; enforcement of Fairmount Parks 1 a.m. curfew to push people off the Parkways green spaces; and a mix of shelter placements and threats to clear hundreds out of the underground subway concourses. In 2012, officials tried banning volunteers from serving meals outside on the Parkway though church groups sued to overturn that ban and won. READ MORE: Philadelphias last major drug encampment closes in bitter cold, but the opioid crisis persists The current approach was pioneered in Kensington, where the city closed the infamous El Campamento that was tucked into a railroad gulch in 2017 but four new encampments sprouted in its place, clinging to nearby underpasses. Thats when the city developed what it calls its encampment resolution process, promising a social-service approach rather than a police-led one. Outreach workers compile a list of residents and identify beds for everyone, plus storage for their stuff. The city also set up navigation centers in Kensington: low-barrier shelters with no sobriety requirements or curfews, designed to transition people into treatment or permanent housing. The city has touted the success of the process: About two-thirds of those displaced accepted services, housing, or both. A year later, 48% were still housed. But, a city-commissioned study found that, even as people were moved into housing, the encampments didnt shrink. Meanwhile, the number of unsheltered people in Kensington increased to an unprecedented 700. Stephen Metraux, a University of Delaware professor who cowrote that study, said it speaks to a problem clearing encampments wont solve. The solutions are structural, he said. You need a lot more housing than is currently available. So in the short term, solutions need to be a lot more creative. Theres been talk of tiny homes, of sanctioned camps, of longer-term arrangements that arent ideal but at least buy people time. READ MORE: Once-homeless Philly families are squatting in PHA houses. The agency wants them out. To Casey ODonnell, who heads the Kensington nonprofit Impact Services, its hard to say what clearing the encampments accomplished, in the face of the larger, intersecting problems of homelessness and addiction. What he calls fluid encampments remain scattered through the neighborhood. They get chased away and cleaned up, and then they come back. Looking at a place like Emerald Street, the encampment is no longer there but if you travel north two blocks and look at the conditions there for residents, for the people in addiction and for the guys selling narcotics, you dont get any sense of improvement. A tug of war Back on the Parkway, the encampment stands as a protest for the right to housing, and against the sweeps that this year have cleared people off Vine Street, away from the Convention Center, out of the airport. Some homeless-service providers say the encampments dont necessarily reflect a systemic failure, and dismantling them is necessary to restoring order. Jeremy Montgomery, who runs the shelter Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, said hes now at 25% capacity. He said people have left the shelter for the encampment, hoping to jump the line for permanent housing. READ MORE: The opioid crisis has tripled deaths among Phillys homeless population in the last decade In Montgomerys view, theres an important distinction between Philadelphia and West Coast cities where semipermanent encampments are sanctioned and supported. Those cities have no other place for them to go. Thats not the situation in Philadelphia. There are sufficient numbers of shelter beds that are an option that individuals in encampments refuse. Paul Levy, chief executive of Center City District which last year began partnering with Project HOME to conduct outreach in Center City said this tug of war is about balance. Before the encampment resolution there, the Convention Center was spending hundreds of thousands of dollars each year cleaning debris from the homeless encampment, a situation he said was neither humane nor sustainable. The resolution got many of those people to come indoors at last, he said. He acknowledged that represents a fraction of the 500 or 600 people sleeping unsheltered in Center City on a given night, and that closing an encampment puts strains on the entire system. There is a risk when you set aside a lot of beds for an encampment, other people have to wait longer. Its not a perfect system. Resources are scarce, he said. Encampment resolutions tend to be reactive. Service providers would like to see something proactive, innovative: a treatment campus, ODonnell suggests. Tiny houses, Sena proposes. A rapid inventory and reuse of the citys thousands of vacant properties, advises Michael Hinson, the chief executive of emergency-shelter provider SELF. The Convention Center kicked in $500,000 toward creating the PHLCares Fund, which proposes a business-led solution to homelessness. We have to do everything in our power to bring more permanent housing solutions and do it with the understanding that people still want to create community with each other, Hinson said. READ MORE: Neighbors recognize plight of Parkway homeless, but are fed up with trash, needles, nudity, and human waste For now, back at the Sharswood encampment, Kenneth McCain, 51, said though he has nowhere to go, no income, not even a photo ID, hes getting ready to pack up and leave on his own. I dont want to get into a fight with the police and end up in jail. Metraux said hes watching to see what happens next. My prediction is a couple of months from now well see another camp, regardless of how this situation resolves. It will be a different location, a different set of circumstances, and well be having this conversation all over again. Staff writer Aubrey Whelan contributed to this article. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 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. An Iranian lawmaker says Tehran and Beijing will work together to create a national Internet for Iran as part of a 25-year partnership agreement they are discussing. China is the world's worst abuser of Internet freedom, according to Freedom House, while Iran is also known for its harsh Internet censorship, which includes banning tens of thousands of websites and a state-imposed Internet shutdown in November that resulted in tens of millions of Iranians being denied online access. Closer "cybercooperation" between the two could result in even tighter censorship in the Islamic republic where the Internet is often referred to as the "filternet" due to its many restrictions. Lawmaker Mohammad Saleh Jokar said earlier this week that work on a national Internet is cited in a section in the draft deal with China that focuses on cybercooperation between the two countries. Jokar, head of the parliamentary commission on domestic affairs, did not give details about the proposed cooperation on the centralized national Internet, which would work independently from the World Wide Web. Iranian authorities have promised for more than a decade to implement the national network and have worked on it since 2002, according to Reporters Without Borders. Some analysts believe Iran's development of a sanitized Internet known as Iran's National Internet Network, or SHOMA, enabled the unprecedented, near-total shutdown of the Internet in November that came amid violent antiestablishment protests sparked by a sudden hike in gasoline prices. Fereidoon Bashar, the executive director of the Toronto-based technology group ASL19, which helps Iranians bypass Internet filters, told RFE/RL that Iran has already been working with China to tighten online censorship. "It's been no secret that Iran has been looking to China and relying on their expertise and equipment for the past decade when it comes to Internet censorship," Bashar said. Iranian officials said previously that Tehran was hoping to use China's experience in the field of information technology. The former head of Iran's Information Technology Organization, Nasrollah Jahangard, said in 2014 that Iran welcomes "the activities of the strong Chinese Internet companies to implement and enforce the National Information Network in Iran." "Now the Iran/China draft agreement calls for even further collaboration between the two countries with projects ranging from setting up 5G networks to help with the development of Iran's National Information Network," he added. A purported copy of the draft agreement that has been circulated on social media and published by Iranian news sites says the two sides "will expand and strengthen their scientific, technical, legal, and economic cooperation in different areas of cyberspace." It also says the two sides will cooperate in the field of technology and telecommunications, including services such as search engines, electronic mail, and social messengers. "With the recent push in parliament for legislation to implement even further restrictions on Internet freedom, citing China and Russia as examples to follow, the state is getting ever closer to their vision of establishing the China model of information controls and state surveillance," said Fereidoon Bashar. Lawmaker Jokar said a draft parliament bill that proposes measures that could lead to harsher online censorship and give control of the Internet gateways to armed forces, "insists" on the implementation of the national Internet. He also said that the national Internet won't create restrictions. "Today, in many countries, there is a national information network, but unfortunately, this has not yet happened in our country," he said, also suggesting that there wasn't "a will" on the part of the government. Officials have thus far not reacted to Jokar's comments. Authorities have in past weeks dismissed concerns by lawmakers and others over the controversial pact with China, including claims that Iran will sell discounted oil to China or that Chinese soldiers will be deployed in the country. It is still unclear when the pact that was proposed in a January 2016 trip to Iran by Chinese President Xi Jinping will be finalized. A draft agreement was reportedly approved by the Iranian cabinet in June, but details have not been released. A Canadian judge on Thursday dismissed an application seeking leave to appeal the judgement that confirmed the grounding of a luxury private jet purchased by a former Nigerian oil minister, Dan Etete, with some of the alleged proceeds of the controversial $1.3 billion Malabu OPL245 oil deal. The suit was filed before the court by Tibit Limited, an anonymously owned company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), claiming ownership of the jet. The judge, Robert Mainville, noted that the seizure before judgment of the aircraft was authorised on May 30, at the request of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) on the principal ground that its true beneficial owner is Chief Dauzia (Daniel) Loya Etete (Dan Etete), a former minister of petroleum in Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES obtained fresh details of Thursdays judgement through this newspapers London partner, Finance Uncovered. The court noted that Mr Etete is alleged to have transferred valuable petroleum assets for his personal benefit in a series of fraudulent and corrupt transactions carried out in breach of his duties as a minister. The Nigerian government further alleges that Mr Etete purchased the aircraft with his illicit gains from the Malabu Scheme and through various intermediaries. He is also alleged to hold and operate the aircraft through the applicant, Tibit. The Nigerian government asserts that Tibit serves as a front for Mr Etete with respect to the ownership and operation of the aircraft, the court said. Since the veracity of all these allegations has not been challenged, the appeal on the sole question of their insufficiency presents no reasonable chance of success, the judge said. He thereafter dismissed the application and denied leave to appeal the judgment of August 4, 2020, with legal costs. Background On August 7, PREMIUM TIMES reported how a Canadian judge confirmed the grounding of the luxury private jet purchased by Mr Etete. The judge, Martin Castonguay, ruled that the plane, which landed in Montreal on May 29, must remain there. He also agreed with the claims put forward by the attorney to the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the grounding of the plane. Earlier in June, PREMIUM TIMES reported how Nigeria tracked the luxury private jet. Asset recovery lawyers acting for the Nigerian government swooped after the Bombardier 6000 jet, tail number M-MYNA, soon after it touched down at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Canada on the evening of May 29. It had just flown from Dubai via Shannon Airport in the west of Ireland at the time. Olabode Johnson, an attorney for the Nigerian government, told PREMIUM TIMES that an order was served on the jets owner, Tibit Ltd, which was expected to file court papers opposing the grounding. BVI company records suggest Tibits sole director is Giuseppina Russa of J. Russa Consultants, a company based in Montreal. Ms Russa, who appears to have previously been an executive assistant of sales for Bombardier, is not thought to be Tibits beneficial owner. Judgement Details In his judgement Thursday, Judge Mainville noted that the seizure was challenged before Castonguay, J.S.C. on the sole basis of the insufficiency of the allegations. On the contrary, Castonguay, J.S.C. found the allegations in the affidavits to be amply sufficient, he said. Though the Applicant raises various specious arguments with respect to various errors of law which Castonguay, J.S.C. is alleged to have committed in his judgment, in essence it seeks to have this Court review anew the allegations in the affidavits in order to reach a different conclusion. With respect, the allegations in the affidavits are detailed, clear, cogent and convincing on all aspects, including with respect to FRNs reasonable fears that its claims may be jeopardized without the seizure. The affidavit of May 29, 2020 in support of the seizure before judgment was sworn by Babatunde Olabode Johnson (Johnson), a Nigerian lawyer mandated by the FRN to identify and manage claims on its behalf for the recovery of the proceeds of corruption by Nigerian politically exposed persons, including Etete. That affidavit incorporates another affidavit sworn by Johnson on May 20, 2020 in support of proceedings in the Virgin Islands which resulted in a Proprietary Freezing Injunction being issued on May 27, 2020 against the Applicant by the High Court of Justice of the Virgin Islands. These affidavits contain detailed information about Etetes fraudulent and corrupt activities, the purchase of the aircraft by Etete and the circumstances in which the Applicant came to hold and operate the aircraft as a front for Etete. The affidavits are supported by numerous documents, including detailed references to European disputes and judgments pertaining to Etetes corrupt activities and FBI reports concerning his money laundering activities. The judge noted that the affidavits also contain detailed information explaining how Mr Etete channelled money through various intermediaries in order to purchase the aircraft and how the applicant, Tibit Limited, eventually came to hold the aircraft as a front for Mr Etete. Advertisements The affidavits also set out the reasons why the FRN reasonably fears that the recovery of the aircraft may be jeopardized without the seizure, he noted, quoting extensively details of the applications filed by Nigerian lawyers. The judge said the veracity of the allegations has not been challenged, and therefore dismissed the application filed by Tibit Limited challenging an earlier judgement delivered in favour of the Nigerian government. Malabu Scandal The Malabu OPL245 scandal is subject to a corruption trial in Italy, where Mr Etete is an accused. Mr Etete and all other parties in the Milan trial have denied the charges against them. The Nigerian authorities have also charged Mr Etete and several others linked to Malabu with money laundering in connection with illicit flow of funds from the OPL245 deal. Mr Etete has, however, denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed the allegations as political propaganda. A total sum of $57m was alleged to have been paid for the jet in 2011. It has a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles and a luxurious interior for 17 passengers. It has a current market value of approximately $20m, according to dealers, and is registered with the Isle of Mans aircraft registry. Prosecutors allege that it is part of an epic spending spree Mr Etete allegedly embarked on after receiving over $800million from the OPL 245 deal. 75-year-old Mr Etete reportedly divides his time between Dubai and France. Nigeria has , however, issued an arrest warrant for him, while authorities are said to be seeking his extradition. Spain will extend furlough scheme 'as long as necessary' FILE PHOTO: The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Barcelona MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's ERTE furlough scheme will be extended "as long as necessary", Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz told IB3 radio station on Thursday, before talks with unions and employers on the issue scheduled for Friday. The scheme, which is currently due to end on Sept. 30, provides furloughed workers with 70% of their base salary for the first six months, before dropping to 50% for the following months. "The key to the mechanism is that it stays. It's absurd to put an end date on it. I believe that the ERTEs should stay in place. For how long? As long as necessary," she told IB3. On Friday, the minister is due to meet union representatives and business leaders in Palma de Mallorca to negotiate the conditions of how to extend the programme. In a separate interview with La Sexta television, Diaz described the drop in coverage to 50% as "profoundly unfair". "It is a substantial decrease in income and we are very interested in correcting it," said Diaz, who is allied with hard-left coalition partner Unidas Podemos (Together We Can). "We want to maintain the protection at 70%." Introduced in March to help workers and employers weather the storm of Spain's strict coronavirus lockdown, the programme supported around 3.4 million people at the height of the pandemic. As Spain exited its state of emergency and many businesses reopened their doors, the number of enrolled workers had fallen to just 812,438 people in August, according to social security ministry data. But Diaz stressed the recovery has been unequal, with 94% of auto-industry employees already back at work but a similar resurgence in the devastated tourist sector still a remote prospect. Given the weakness in tourism and related industries, and the resurgence in Spain's coronavirus infections, Diaz said she would prefer not to put a fixed date on the end of the ERTEs. "They're working very well. As such, we want to make it a permanent mechanism," she said. (Reporting by Nathan Allen; Editing by Alison Williams) WASHINGTON - The Pentagon on Friday reaffirmed Microsoft as winner of a cloud computing contract potentially worth $10 billion, although the start of work is delayed by a legal battle over rival Amazons claim that the bidding process was flawed. The department has completed its comprehensive re-evaluation of the JEDI cloud proposals and determined that Microsofts proposal continues to represent the best value to the government, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon had requested time to review how it evaluated certain technical aspects of the bids after the judge who is presiding over Amazons bid protest in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a preliminary injunction on Feb. 13. The judge said that Amazons challenge likely had merit in some respects. The contract was awarded to Microsoft last October, prompting Amazon to cry foul. Amazon Web Services, a market leader in providing cloud computing services, had long been considered a leading candidate to run the Pentagons Joint Enterprise Defence Infrastructure project, known as JEDI. The project will store and process vast amounts of classified data, allowing the U.S. military to improve communications with soldiers on the battlefield and use artificial intelligence to speed up its war planning and fighting capabilities. In April, a government watchdog concluded that the contracting process was in line with legal and government purchasing standards. The Defence Department inspector general found no evidence of White House interference in the contract award process. But the report said investigators could not fully review that aspect of the matter because the White House would not allow unfettered access to witnesses. Amazon has asserted that the bidding was improperly influenced by President Donald Trumps dislike of Amazon and its CEO, Jeff Bezos. Bezos owns The Washington Post, a news outlet often criticized by Trump. BEIJING: Hit hard by India's move to ban 118 apps, including popular online gaming app PUBG, China on Thursday (September 4) said India's decision to ban 118 Chinese apps is not beneficial to Indian users nor to China's businesses and claimed it violated WTO rules. Responding to a question on India's fresh ban on Chinese apps at a Commerce Ministry briefing in Beijing, spokesman Gao said, "The Indian side abused the concept of 'national security' and adopted discriminatory restrictive measures against Chinese companies, violating relevant World Trade Organisation rules. China urges India to correct its wrong practices." "China-India economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. It is hoped that the two countries will jointly maintain the hard-won cooperation and development situation and create an open and fair business environment for international investors and service providers, including Chinese companies," state-run CGTN quoted Gao as saying. At a separate Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesperson Hua Chunying in her reaction to the ban on Chinese apps, said, "By banning these hi-tech, easy-to-use and popular apps, the Indian side is sacrificing first and foremost the rights and interests of the Indian users, and damaging those of Chinese companies. Therefore, no one gains from such an action." India, on September 2, banned 118 more mobile apps with Chinese links, citing data privacy concerns and a threat to national security, taking the total count of Chinese-linked mobile apps banned by New Delhi to 224. India's move came amid fresh border tensions with China in eastern Ladakh. With this, the total number of Chinese-linked mobile apps banned by India has risen to 224. "The Government blocks 118 mobile apps which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order," a statement from the Electronics and IT Ministry had said. The 118 apps banned on Wednesday include Baidu, Baidu Express Edition, Alipay, Tencent Watchlist, FaceU, WeChat reading, Government WeChat, Tencent Weiyun, APUS Launcher Pro, APUS Security, Cut Cut, ShareSave by Xiaomi, and CamCard, besides PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite, according to an official government release. Staff at the National Disability Insurance Scheme's watchdog say complaints about providers are falling through the cracks because they are overworked and hampered by clunky IT systems and poor communication. NDIS Minister Stuart Robert on Friday announced the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission would receive 100 more staff and $92.9 million extra funding over the next four years to expand its compliance and investigative capacity and start operations in Western Australia. Two-thirds of staff at the NDIS watchdog have told the public servants' union they can't adequately investigate complaints. Credit:iStock "We will take no chances with the safety of people with disability," he said. The boost to resources came as the Commonwealth and Public Sector Union told a parliamentary committee the commission urgently needed more staff, upgraded equipment and training, and improved management structures so it could protect the nation's most vulnerable people. Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and moderator Lester Holt at the first presidential debate in 2016. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images ) The head of the National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists sent a harsh message to the Commission on Presidential Debates regarding the lack of a Latino moderator in the upcoming sanctioned face-offs between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. NAHJ President Hugo Balta said in a video posted Wednesday night that the commission that sanctions the debates expected to be watched by as many as 80 million TV viewers is perpetuating the "erasure" of Latinos by failing to represent them in the moderator choices announced earlier that day. "Three white co-chairs of the Commission on Presidential Debates have once again denied Hispanics and Latinos a seat at the table approaching election 2020," Balta said. "It is preposterous to look at the state of our country and increasingly polarized communities across the nation and not be left to wonder how is it possible that our community remains excluded? When the people in the positions who sincerely inform 32 million eligible voters do not fulfill their responsibility, it is not a question to us as to why Latinos' civic engagement ... is low each election year." The moderators announced for the debates are two white men, Chris Wallace of Fox News and Steve Scully of C-SPAN, and two women, Susan Page of USA Today and Kristen Welker of NBC News, who is Black. The first debate will be held Sept. 29 at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The commission, a nonprofit body that has organized the presidential debates since 1987, did not respond to a request for comment on Balta's remarks. The NAHJ has about 2,300 members, made up of working Latino journalists and journalism students. Balta said the lack of Latino representation is particularly glaring in a campaign where one of the major issues the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects underprivileged portions of the population. There is no shortage of qualified Latino anchors who could have served as debate moderators, said one network correspondent who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and requested anonymity. Story continues Jose Diaz-Balart, a bilingual anchor who works at NBC News and Telemundo; Tom Llamas and Cecilia Vega, weekend anchors for "ABC World News Tonight"; Lulu Garcia-Navarro of NPR; and Ed O'Keefe, a political correspondent for CBS News, are among the Latino journalists who have been immersed in coverage of the 2020 White House race. Network news executives are tight-lipped about their discussions with the commission, but an executive with knowledge of the situation who asked not to be named said at least one of those names was suggested for the debates. It's not the first time the debate commission has faced criticism over its selection of moderators. In an open letter to the commission in 2016, Randy Falco, then president and chief executive of Univision, conveyed his "disappointment" and "disbelief" that the commission did not select a Latino journalist to moderate one of the debates, according to a report in CNN. Falco welcomed the addition of CBS' Elaine Quijano, who is of Filipino descent, who moderated the vice presidential debate in the last election. But he said it was "insufficient when taking into account past presidential cycles, future demographic trends and the important role Latinos play in the economic and social fabric of this great nation. Simply put: it's an abdication of your responsibility to represent and reflect one of the largest and most influential communities in the U.S." The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the bail plea filed by former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is lodged in Tihar jail after he was convicted by the Delhi High Court in 2018 for his role in the 1984 anti-sikh riots. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI), SA Bobde said that this was not an ordinary case, brushing aside concerns raised by Kumars lawyer regarding his health. This is not a small case. We cannot grant you bail at all, CJI Bobde remarked. The CJI, however, said that he will list the appeal filed by Kumar challenging the High Court verdict as soon as physical hearing restarts. The Delhi High Court had, in December 2018, convicted the 74-year-old politician and sentenced him to life imprisonment for his role in the 1984 massacre. The 1984 anti-sikh riots, targeting the Sikh community, broke out in retaliation for the killing of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Kumars counsel Vikas Singh said that his client had already spent 18 months in jail and asked for an interim bail for one month so that Kumar could regain his health and weight. I will abide by any condition Your Lordships impose. Your Lordships may at least grant interim bail for 1 month, Singh pressed. Senior counsel HS Phoolka, along with Jagjit Singh Chabra, who were representing the riot victims, opposed the bail plea. Phoolka said that loss of weight was merely an excuse and Kumar is being given good care in jail. The court, after taking note of a March 11 report of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, noted that Kumars weight has, in fact, increased, contrary to the claims made by him. We will put it (appeal) for final hearing as soon as the physical court starts, CJI Bobde said. The Foreign Secretary held talks on Thursday with German foreign minister Heiko Maas during which the pair agreed the need for Russia to explain what happened. It comes after Downing Street warned there would be "severe consequences" for the people behind the attack, and did not rule out sanctions or the fresh expulsions of diplomats. Mr Raab said that the poisoning of Mr Navalny was "utterly deplorable and a violation of international law". Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny (file photo) / REUTERS "Have just spoken with (German) FM HeikoMaas - we agreed that (Russian) gov must explain what happened and international partners must work together to support an investigation into this attack," he wrote on Twitter. Boris Johnson has described the suspected deployment of the same chemical weapon used in the 2018 Salisbury poisonings as "outrageous" and vowed to ensure "justice is done". The Prime Minister's official spokesman, pressed on whether sanctions could be imposed on Russia or diplomats expelled, did not explicitly blame Moscow and said he would not "pre-empt what might happen next". He said the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons would play a key role in investigating what he described as an "attempted murder" and said the UK had offered support to the German investigation. Mr Johnson and his Foreign Secretary also met US President Donald Trump's senior adviser Jared Kushner and, although the conversation was centred on the Middle East, it was likely Mr Navalny was discussed. The opposition politician and corruption investigator fell ill on a flight back to Moscow from Siberia on August 20 before being transferred to Berlin. The 44-year-old remains on a ventilator in intensive care. On Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Mr Navalny was the victim of "attempted murder by poisoning" with Novichok and added that the aim was to "silence" the opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Britain has long accused Russian operatives of using the Soviet-era poison on Sergei Skripal, the former double agent targeted in the 2018 attack in Salisbury, Wiltshire. In response, Mr Johnson as foreign secretary helped corral a wave of expulsions of Russian diplomats across the EU and US after Britain told 23 envoys to leave. Merkel: Russian poisoning of Navalny is attempted murder Mr Skripal and daughter Yulia were two of five people exposed to the substance in Wiltshire, both spending weeks in hospital recovering. But Dawn Sturgess, 44, of Amesbury, Wiltshire, died in July that year after coming into contact with a perfume bottle thought to originally contain the poison, while her partner Charlie Rowley spent nearly three weeks in hospital. Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey was also exposed to the substance while responding to the attack, and almost died. Sharing Mr Johnson's tweet calling for justice, the officer said: "I have so much that I want to say about this tweet. But I can't, and I won't." Det Sgt Bailey later tweeted: "I think I need to clarify some things; I don't hold any information relating to National Security, the UK Government, Russia, or the investigation into the 2018 or recent nerve agent attack. "IF I did I wouldn't say it because I'm a Police Officer. My views are based on being a victim and are entirely my own. "In hindsight I wish I hadn't written such an ambiguous tweet. Emotion got the better of me last night and I wanted to say something, without saying anything." The founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Jose Maria Sison, who is responsible for repeated betrayals of the Philippine masses, launched an extraordinary tirade last week against historian Joseph Scalice who, in a lecture on August 26, documented the CPPs treacherous record and explained that its roots lay in the nationalist ideology of Stalinism and Maoism. The CPP devoted an entire special issue of its newspaper Ang Bayan to an interview with Sison attacking Scalice, which, among his other lies, branded the historian, without a shred of evidence, as a paid CIA agent. The interview, which was published on the day before the lecture, was aimed at intimidating those who had registered for the event. It is a clear sign of the deep crisis in the Maoist party. A particularly sinister aspect of the interview was Sisons accusation that Scalice and the Trotskyites were engaging in red-tagging by referring to the CPP in connection with its multitude of legal front organisations. According to Sison, associating organisations such as the electoral party-list Bayan Muna, the peasant-based KMP, and the trade union umbrella KMU with the CPP was red-tagging and opened their members up to the death squads of the military and fascistic administration of President Duterte. In the course of denying Scalices exposure of the CPPs role in assisting Duterte into office, Sison lashed out at Scalice, declaring that he had exposed himself as a red-tagger, communist-baiter and anti-communist agent by calling them front organisations of the CPP. He continued his slanderous diatribe, branding the historian as both a liar and incorrigible anti-communist agent of imperialism and reaction. Indeed, he is practically a wild informer for the benefit of the Duterte death squads. Sison uses the technique of the Big Lie pioneered by the Nazis, hoping that if the lie is colossal enough and repeated often enough then it will be believed. To suggest that Duterte and the Philippine armed forces are not aware that the CCP and its front organisations are connected is absurd. It is well known to anyone who is politically literate in the Philippines that organisations such as Bayan Muna, the KMP and KMU parrot every opportunist shift and turn in the CPPs politics, and have done so for decades. Extraordinarily, Sison in the very same interview boasts about the achievements of the CPP in establishing front organisations. It has developed mass organisations of various classes and sectoral categories whose members total in the millions. It has built alliances of various types under the auspices of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, he declares. In other words, while denouncing Scalice for red-tagging, in the next breath Sison admits what Scalice has said is true! Sisons accusation of red-tagging does nothing to protect the grassroots members of these organisations. The CPP uses this charge to silence anyone who might criticise their opportunist politics. Any attempt to connect the rotten alliances which the party has formed through its front organisations over the course of decades with the party itself is denounced as somehow assisting the assassination and murder of activists. In reality it is the leadership of the CPP who are responsible for endangering the lives of grassroots organisers and activists, by facilitating the rise to power of figures like Duterte. Sisons hue and cry over red-tagging serves to intimidate anyone who threatens to expose this fact. In his attitude to the CPP, Scalice has taken a principled stancedenouncing the murders of members of its front organisations, while maintaining his criticism of the CPP and its Maoist politics. As Scalice explained in his lecture, he issued a statement on August 14 condemning the brutal killing of two members of the National Democratic movement and warning that it was an attack on the working masses of the Philippines and marked a dramatic step toward police-state rule. This statement is in complete contrast to the utterly unprincipled methods of Sison who believes that he can brand his critics as imperialist agents and accuse them of red-tagging with impunity. He and the CPP have exploited this lie for decades in an effort to intimidate its political opponents. Moreover, to accuse an opponent of red-tagging is not simply a matter of verbal bullying but a very definite threat of physical violence and assassination. Sisons bald denial that the CPP has killed its own members is another of his lies. On multiple occasions in the 1980s, the party conducted internal purges against alleged military deep-penetration agents. Using torture and coerced testimonies, they executed over a thousand of their own cadre, burying them in mass graves in Mindanao, Laguna and elsewhere. In the 1990s and early 2000s, a number of political opponents, the majority of whom were former leaders of the party, were labeled by Sison as Trotskyites and assassinated. Many were gunned down in public. The unprincipled methods and thuggery of the CPP are not simply a product of bad individuals but flow directly from the unprincipled and reactionary politics of Stalinism and its Chinese variant, Maoism. Sison and the CPP rejected the fundamentals of Marxism from the outset: their program was nationalist not internationalist, and their orientation was never to the proletariat but to sections of the national bourgeoisie and layers of the peasantry, that is, the rural petty bourgeoisie. Their objective was summed up in the Stalinist two-stage theory, which seeks alliances with factions of the Philippine capitalist class to carry out the national democratic revolution, and relegates any struggle for socialism to the long distant future. The two-stage theory is what underpinned Sisons 1970 book Philippine Society and Revolution, the central text of the party, in which he asserted that Philippine society was semi-colonial, semi-feudal. This political line, which denied that what existed was capitalism, has had a poisonous influence in Philippine politics and justified the CPPs opportunist alliances with bourgeois political figures. It was Scalices detailed, definitive exposure of the role that Sison and the CPP played in hoisting into power the man now denounced by them as a fascist and a murdererPresident Rodrigo Dutertethat prompted Sisons vitriolic and libelous attack on the historian. It is Sison and the CPP leadership who bear political responsibility for the deaths of its supporters at the hands of the death squads, not Scalice who warned of the consequences of its opportunist politics. In his accusations of red-tagging, Sison betrays his Stalinist pedigree. By slandering Trotskyites as agents of imperialism, he invents nothing new. This is the reactionary Stalinist politics of the Popular Front of the 1930s that branded the Trotskyist movement as splitters and reactionaries for refusing to support the bourgeois republican regime and fighting to mobilise the working class in the struggle for power. In the Spanish revolution, Stalinist thugs tortured and murdered thousands of their left opponents on that basis. In the Soviet Union, Stalin and Moscow gangsters, facing a rising tide of working-class opposition, perpetrated the lie that Trotsky was an agent of Hitler to justify the mass murder of an entire generation of revolutionary fighters who had carried out the 1917 revolution, as well as scientists, artists and intellectuals. This culminated in the political crime of the centurythe assassination of Trotsky in August 1940. In his interview, Sison openly declares his admiration for Stalin for building socialism in the Soviet Union, while being critical for mistakes in the handling of contradictions within socialist society. The phrase taken from Mao is never spelled out and has never included a condemnation of Stalins murderous purges. Sison reserves his real venom for Trotsky, repeating the lies of Stalin that Trotsky became brazenly counterrevolutionary and opposed the socialist revolution and construction in the Soviet Union because he had the crazy notion of having to attain first a permanent seamless world revolution. Trotsky defended the achievements of the Russian Revolution, which he co-led with Lenin, to his death at the hands of a Stalinist assassin. He warned the Stalinist bureaucracy and its program of Socialism in One Country would result in the restoration of capitalism unless it was overthrown by the working class. That prognosis proved to be completely accurate when in 1991 Stalinist leadership presided over the dissolution of the Soviet Unionfollowing in the tracks of the Maoist leadership in China that transformed it into a giant cheap labour platform for global corporations. Sison does not, and cannot, explain how and why the so-called achievements of Stalin resulted in the liquidation of the gains of the Russian and Chinese revolutions. Sisons denunciation of Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution as a crazy notion of a permanent seamless revolution simply repeats Stalinist caricatures. Trotskys insisted that in countries of a belated capitalist development such as the Philippines, the proletariat, leading the peasantry, was alone capable of carrying of the tasks of the democratic revolution, and in doing so would be compelled to make deep inroads into bourgeois private propertythat is, to begin socialist tasks. The fate of the revolution in any one country would be completely bound up with the struggle of the international working class for socialism. It was not an argument for the working class to wait for simultaneous global revolution, but, in the epoch of imperialism, for workers to wage their struggles as part of the necessary global fight to overturn capitalism. What is crazy is Sisons notion that workers, youth and peasants should commit their lives to a national democratic revolution to assist the venal Philippine bourgeoisie establish its own national industriesin a world where production is globalised and the Philippines is integrated in global production chains. There is an intuitive recognition among many working people that todays problemssavage attacks around the world on living standards and democratic rights, environmental disasters, and the rising danger of world warare global issues and cannot be resolved within the nation state. That recognition accounts for the interest and support shown for Scalices lecture, particularly in the Philippines, which Sison desperately sought to block. Furthermore, those who commented on the lecture, applauding the historian for exposing the truth about the CPPs record and commending his courage, reveal that there is thirst among workers, youth and intellectuals for a genuinely revolutionary alternative to Stalinism. Scalices lecture is an important contribution to the exposure of Stalinism and Maoism that has had such terrible consequences for the working class in Asia and around the world. We call on our readers to come to his defence with statements of support in opposition to oppose the litany of Stalinist lies recycled by Sison. At the same time, we encourage workers and youth to go further and make a study of the works of Leon Trotsky and the International Committee of the Fourth International. There they will find the necessary theoretical and political weapons for the revolutionary struggles by the working class against capitalism, which above all requires the building of the ICFI throughout the Asia Pacific and internationally. RTE has come under fire for 'glossing over' aspects of the life of Martin McGuinness in a documentary on the former Deputy First Minister. The son of a prison guard, shot in the back by the IRA in 1983, said the most glaring omission of all was the one that summed up the character of Martin McGuinness better than any. Austin Stack's father, Brian, chief prison officer at Portlaoise Prison, died 18 months after being shot by members of the Provisional IRA and remained in hospital until his death in September 1984. After watching the documentary exploring the life and legacy of Martin McGuinness he said the most telling omission concerned the allegations over the role Mr McGuinness played in the death of Derry man Frank Hegarty. Mr Hegarty was abducted from Buncrana, Co Donegal, and shot in the head in May 1986 after he had been lured home with claims he would be safe. "That murder tells me more about Martin McGuinness than anything else," said Mr Stack. "But they have ignored the murder of Frank Hegarty when McGuinness promised Frank's mother that if he came home 'not a hair in his head will be touched'. Frank was found on a border laneway murdered. That story tells you the type of man he was known as. "There is a very, very dark past over decades, but instead we are paying homage to a peacemaker. Mr McGuinness was reached out to many times by victims of Enniskillen, by the Hegarty family, by the family of Patsy Gillespie, but despite those repeated attempts he never reached back. "None of that came across. Instead we hear how he reached out to political unionism in his latter days. "Speak to the families of victims and they will paint you a very different picture. "What I watched was a typical revisionist attempt to rewrite history. Derry produced two men during this time: one was an evil terrorist and the other a true patriot and statesman. John Hume and his legacy is what we should be paying homage to." Mairia Cahill, who has campaigned for years over sexual abuse of IRA members, agreed that the non-inclusion of Frank Hegarty's story was a major flaw. "Frank Hegarty is a fundamental part of the Martin McGuinness story," she said. "It seems to have been ignored. "While the film did a good job of balancing commentators, there were still niggles over inaccuracies." Speaking on behalf of Innocent Victims United, Kenny Donaldson said: "The RTE documentary on Martin McGuinness omitted to deal comprehensively with the big elephant in the room: his membership and senior role within the Provisional IRA which involved the commanding of countless murders of his own neighbours. "The brutal murder of Frank Hegarty and his role in securing Frank's return to Northern Ireland to then be assassinated was simply airbrushed away. "Martin McGuinness was a systemic terrorist who had not been made to account for his actions. In the latter years of his life, did he contribute to violence reduction? Yes. Was he a proponent of the Peace Process? Yes, but like others he was whilst it served his and their specific interests." RTE had not responded to a request for comment last night. I let things down there grow out during the pandemic craziness. It made me wonder: How are people wearing their pubic hair these days? Is there a trend I should know about? It doesnt seem very ladylike to ask around. (Im kind of joking, but only kind of.) Trisha, Toronto While visiting a friend of mine who lives in the charming and sunny town of Charleston, South Carolina back in the distant days when you could, you know, visit friends I decided to try out a well-reputed local oyster bar. I dug in eagerly when the icy tray of oysters was set down gently in front of me, feeling true bliss as I slurped them down. (Im not even a diehard oyster fan, but these were fantastic.) An elegant Southern gentleman was seated beside me at the packed bar and he smiled as he watched me begin to enjoy my meal. We are feeling this joy together, I thought; proof positive that the best part of travel is often a moment shared with strangers. Now, miss, he turned to me and said gravely, thats not how a lady eats oysters. A man, he lectured me with ridiculous seriousness, can eat them directly from the shell, but a true lady must use a fork instead (though he didnt mention that then one misses out on arguably the best part which is the sea-flavoured brine.) His perspective was ludicrous, but my fizzy feeling was burst nonetheless. That is my long-winded way of cracking open this pearl of wisdom: Dont waste a moment worrying about what is ladylike. Worry about what is gracious, what is respectful and what honours those whose company you share, but ladylike? Id wager thats a term used almost exclusively by those who want to make sure there are no skirts at the proverbial table, those who want to make sure you dont get to slurp up the best life has to offer. Theres a degree of fear behind a lot of womens choice of pubic hairstyle, says Sina Zere, founder of ultra-inclusive Edmonton-based grooming hub Buff Wax Spot, when I call her to discuss your question. People are worried about whether waxing it all off will hurt, she says and I would add that many are also fearful about not fitting in, about not having a look that is deemed appropriate or acceptable. Zere, however, works to break down these insecurities and create an open forum for information, for conversation and for everybody to simply feel good about their body. Doing intimate waxes is a polarizing job, she explains with a laugh. But I love it because Im able to connect with people on a deep level; there is such openness and vulnerability. That trust leads to real talk. And real talk is something we could all use more of. Amy Pennoyer, head of engagement for Buff Wax Spot, agrees. This shouldn't be hush-hush, she says. Most of her clients arent shy about saying what theyre looking for: a totally bare Brazilian look is the style overwhelmingly preferred by clients of all ages male and female, and yes, there are lots of male clients. A smaller proportion of people prefer a classic little geometric strip of hair to remain. Regardless of style though, the most important factor is freedom of personal choice, says Pennoyer. (And, she notes, most people mention that they care what their partner thinks of the look.) Either way, its not healthy to be tiptoeing around the subject. Vaginal health is a key point that, shockingly, is discussed even less than pubic hair. In fact, up until recently, self-care for down there didn't really exist for women, says Zere. There were old-school douche kits available for sale, but those werent created from a place of respect; they were created to cover and hide and deodorize. So Zere and her team set out to craft a line of products that would care for the genital area, which is sensitive and easily irritated by the fragrance, dyes, additives and pH levels of many of the soaps and cleansers we reach for in the shower despite the fact that they may not be suited to the area. Your vulva is actually slightly acidic, and soap can be very alkaline, which means it can be too harsh for that area and could cause irritation, explains Zere. When your pH balance is off, you may experience things like itching, dryness, irritation, or you may notice excessive discharge; you may notice an odour. And tight restrictive clothing is often added to the mix often in the context of, say, a sweaty workout. So a lot of women experience some level of irritation, but aren't even aware thats what it is, she explains. Using products that are gentle and that dont cause irritation can boost your vaginal morale and even help your cosmetic results. A wax is only as good as the condition of your skin, says Zere. Exfoliating and moisturizing your skin is really important. If you can do that before a wax, that's great, but it's even more important after your wax to help prevent ingrown hairs and ensure that the grow-back period isn't uncomfortable. A lot of what feels so uncomfortable during the regrowth period is just dry skin and the hairs becoming brittle and coarse. If you're exfoliating and moisturizing your skin, you're also doing the same for your hair. Once youve gotten a handle on those basics, think about what you might like to see below your beltline, rather than assuming you must do as others do. (And talk to your friends if you want to! Lord knows Ive talked to my friends about far stranger topics.) Just dont be afraid to change things up, says Zere. Life gets really busy and, personally, there are times when I can't commit to a Brazilian every four weeks or I don't feel like constantly looking at regrowth, so I take the opportunity to mix it up and keep things interesting, season to season. After all, when you get your nails done, you don't pick the same colour every single time, do you? And you certainly wouldnt feel pressured to pick a certain shade of polish just because the woman sitting next to you just chose it. Shop the advice These products will help you care for any style Buff Experts Carrot & Calendula Intimate Salve, $23, buffexperts.com Sade Baron Body Scrub Cloth, $9, sadebaron.com Parissa Face & Bikini Wax Strips, $8, well.ca Lycon Handheld Hair Trimmer, $48, waxon.ca Fuzz V-Mask Bikini Care Mask, $35, fuzzwaxbar.com This article contains affiliate links, which means The Kit may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our journalism is independent and is in no way influenced by advertising. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set. More information. New Medical Oncologist/Hematologist to practice in Polk County Chief Executive Officer Nathan Walcker; President & Managing Physician Lucio Gordan, MD; Medical Oncologist Swati Pathak, MD Chief Executive Officer Nathan Walcker; President & Managing Physician Lucio Gordan, MD; Medical Oncologist Swati Pathak, MD Fort Myers, Fla., Sept. 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) welcomes medical oncologist and hematologist Swati Pathak, MD. She is caring for patients at the FCS Davenport office at 40107 US Highway 27, Suite 200 Davenport, FL and the FCS Lake Wales office at 2 FL 60 West, Lake Wales, FL. Board-certified in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine, Dr. Swati Pathak earned her medical degree from the Moti Lal Nehru Medical University in Allahabad, India. She trained in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, NHS, UK and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, NY, where she was awarded her Hematology/Oncology fellowship, which was completed at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Prior to joining FCS, Dr. Pathak served as director of the Breast Cancer Center at Simmons Cancer Institute in Springfield, Il., and worked as an assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She has mentored many fellows, residents and medical students through their academic research and training. Dr. Pathak has a keen interest in clinical research and her work has been featured in multiple peer-reviewed journals. She has also presented and published abstracts during many annual scientific meetings, including the American Society of Hematology (ASH). She was awarded P20 grant via NIH in population health science and research. The results were published in Journal of Cancer Education and the study was presented at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Maryland. One of her studies was recently accepted as standard of care in UpToDate. Dr. Pathak is an active member of the peer-review panel for international journals, where she actively reviews submissions for publication. Story continues FCS CEO Nathan Walcker said, Dr. Pathak has extensive experience as a medical oncologist, educating medical students and serving patients in community settings. We are excited to have her join the FCS family. "Dr. Pathak comes to us with outstanding credentials. Given her expertise in caring for patients with breast cancer and utilizing cutting-edge treatments, she will be a strong addition to our network in the Polk County community, said FCS President and Managing Physician Dr. Lucio Gordan. ### About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com) Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. Over the past 5 years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in such prestigious medical schools and research institutes as Duke, Stanford, Harvard, Emory, MD Anderson, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report. Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy. Our values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians, and staff. *Prior to approval Attachment CONTACT: Shelly Glenn Florida Cancer Specialists (770) 365.6168 SGlenn@FLCancer.com Michelle Robey Florida Cancer Specialists (813) 767-9398 Michelle.Robey@FLCancer.com Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah says he is absolutely convinced that former President and NDC 2020 Presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama will be overwhelmingly defeated for the second time in the general elections. According to Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah, it will take divine intervention for Mr. Mahama to win the elections because Ghanaians have tasted his poor leadership and would not make another mistake to bring him back to power. He said this during a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show ''Kokrokoo''. The Regional Minister was discussing the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal when he settled on former President John Mahama due to the latter's determination to cancel the deal if re-elected. Mr. Mahama, during a tour of the Upper West Region, vowed that his government will disregard the deal stressing we will do everything legitimately in our power to oppose the agreement and make sure it doesnt happen. But to Hon. Osei Mensah, Mr. Mahama needs not worry himself because ''it will be one of the wonders of the world for them (Mahama and NDC) to win this election. Looking at the good works by Nana Addo, Ghanaians will appreciate his work and give him four more years''. 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 Early electoral count gives centre-right JLP 49 of 63 seats in polls marked by low turnout. Jamaicas governing party has cruised to a landslide re-election victory marked by low turnout, prompting Prime Minister Andrew Holness to promise to work on restoring voters trust in politics and continue fighting the countrys coronavirus outbreak. The centre-right Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) won 49 of 63 seats, an addition of 16 seats, according to an early count released about 9pm local time (02:00 GMT) on Thursday by the Electoral Commission. There is cause for celebration, but there is also significant cause for consideration, Holness said in a subdued televised speech claiming victory. There are many Jamaicans who did not participate, there are many Jamaicans, who for fear of the virus, did not come to the polls, but for other reasons, apathy, frustrations, decided not to participate. Holness pledged to continue our good policies in order to keep Jamaica on the path to prosperity. We will be responsible with the power that you have given to us. Disappointment for opposition Peter Phillips, leader of the opposition Peoples National Party (PNP), appeared to have retained his seat, but he had previously declared that he would step down and retire from politics if his party lost the election. The JLP captured the polls in 2016 with a one-seat margin, winning just 32 seats out of 63, then gaining one more seat in November 2017. This time, even former PNP Prime Minister Michael Manleys stronghold seat fell to the JLP, surprising observers. The PNP are barely holding on in traditionally safe territory. This election represents a massive realignment of Jamaicas political landscape, albeit with lower than expected voter turnout, political analyst Ricardo Brooks told Reuters news agency. The turnout was 37 percent well down on the 48 percent turnout at the last general election in 2016 [AFP] In the run-up to the election, Holness credited his administrations tax cuts and other reforms with bringing down unemployment to an all-time low and sharply reducing poverty. He also highlighted the construction of affordable housing and new roads. But the prime minister has also been strongly criticised for his governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, with cases soaring in recent weeks. Holness called the vote six months early, despite the islands virus spike a move some said put politics over public health. He defended his decision during a debate last weekend, saying the pandemic will only end when there is a safe and widely-distributed vaccine, which he said was expected well outside the constitutional limits to call an election. Low turnout However, many Jamaicans decided voting was not worth the risk, with just 37 percent casting their ballots well down on the 48 percent turnout at the last general election in 2016. All voters had to wear a mask, have their temperature checked, clean their hands before entering polling stations and maintain social distancing. 200128200425590 Voters infected with COVID-19 were only allowed to leave isolation and cast their ballots after the polls closed, wearing a mask, face shield, gloves and a disposable gown. Jamaica has recorded just under 3,000 coronavirus cases, while the death toll stands at 29, according to a tally by John Hopkins University. The Caribbean island initially won plaudits for keeping the virus in check, but infections have tripled since early August, when the country celebrated its Emancipation and Independence holidays. The government has been accused of ignoring expert advice by failing to impose restrictions during the celebrations, which have been partly blamed for the soaring caseload. Amid increasing concern and rising criticism that election-related activities would further fuel the spread of the virus, Holness suspended his campaigning in the run-up to the vote. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said the prime minister wanted to send a strong message to the country that this is the responsible thing to do. A small shark hung onto a Florida beachgoers arm relentlessly over the weekend, and the victim acted like it was no big deal. In video widely seen on social media, an unidentified bearded man in blue trunks is seen standing with a gray nurse shark latched on to his upper arm as he cradles it like a baby. A beachgoer was bitten by a shark and it wouldnt let go A beach patron came up to the tower and advised me that this guy needed help out on the sandbar with a shark that was stuck to his arm, Lifeguard Brian Bricious told 12 News. Just when you think youve seen it all, something comes along and surprises you. A Martin County Fire Rescue spokeswoman confirmed to the Miami Herald that a crew responded to the incident just after 1 p.m. Sunday. In the clip, shot by bystander Jeremy Porter and posted on Facebook, you see people gathered around the individual while an MCFR crew attempts to pry the fish off. At one point, alcohol is poured on the fish. Nothing. Does it hurt? asks a young boy off camera. Looks like you have a friend for life, says a girl. I just wanted to play volleyball today, OK? said the victim, looking completely nonplussed. Porter says on his Facebook post that the guy wasnt totally innocent, writing in the caption that the man went after the shark and it bit him. MCFR spokeswoman Bethany Alex could not confirm the speculation that the man was the aggressor. We would like to use this as an opportunity to tell people that its important to respect the wildlife, she said. Were in their domain, theyre not in our domain. Alex added that the man was treated on the beach and his injuries did not require hospitalization. Pilbara miner BHP has awarded a tender for five LNG-powered iron ore carriers that will carry 10 million tonnes of iron ore from WA to China annually from 2022. The world-first, LNG-fuelled, 209 deadweight tonnage Newcastlemax bulk carriers were expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 30 per cent compared to their diesel cousins. BHP has awarded a tender for five new LNG-powered ships. Credit:Robert Peet The tender was awarded to Singapore-headquartered Eastern Pacific Shipping while the gas supply contract was expected to be awarded in October. As one of the largest dry bulk charterers in the world BHP recognises the role we play in working with our suppliers and customers to drive actionable reductions in GHG emissions across the maritime supply chain, BHP chief commercial officer Vandita Pant said. "At Jeff Cook Real Estate, growth has always been the main focus of our mission and we look forward to continuing our expansion efforts in the Myrtle Beach market." - Jeff Cook With over 9 locations across the Carolinas, Jeff Cook Real Estate is proud to now be serving the Myrtle Beach area. Jeff Cook Real Estate headquarters are in Charleston with 5 sales offices and a full operations center in the Lowcountry. So far in 2020, Jeff Cook Real Estate has served over 1,100 families sell or buy their homes. Jeff Cook Real Estate plans to continue growing in the southeast region of the United States. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, growth has always been the main focus of our mission. We put a lot of time and energy and hard work into our expansion efforts and are indebted to our clients and employees for helping us reach new heights. We cant wait to see what the future holds and plan to continue expanding in the areas we currently reside in while also seizing opportunities in successful markets such as Myrtle Beach." - Jeff Cook Jeff Cook Real Estates leadership, employees, and agents plan to continue striving towards excellence in the real estate industry and will continue to successfully serve the community throughout the effects of the pandemic. About Jeff Cook Real Estate: Jeff Cook Real Estate focuses on leveraging each other's strengths to provide exceptional service while maximizing each team member's talents. In a company where entrepreneurship and out-of-the-box thinking are the driving factors of our success, we welcome industry leaders who challenge the norms and are looking to take their business to new heights. To learn more about Jeff Cook Real Estates services visit JeffCookRealEstate.com The first-ever Brian Andrew Memorial trot stake was fittingly claimed by a stallion from the late horsemans Meridian Farms as Dusty Lane Milo, sired by Tad The Stud, was victorious Thursday evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. Dusty Lane Milo was sent to the lead in the $17,250 Brian Andrew Memorial for two-year-old trotters and controlled every split on his way to a 2:04.2 victory over a sloppy track rated two-seconds off. Adam Merner commanded the lines of the Tad The StudMuscle Mannequin trot colt as he scored an eight-length win over A Little Go Go (Driven by Marc Campbell) and Treasureonthewater (Brodie MacPhee) for an all Tad The Stud Trifecta. Ron Gass trains the winning trotter for Marsh Knox of Stanhope. The Thursday card also featured a pair of $3,950 divisions of the Island Oceans Trot Classic for aged trot mares presented by JD Marine & Diving Inc. Sailor Blue was upset bound in the first division with a front-end score of 2:02 for driver Ken Murphy and trainer Cindy MacDonald of Montague. Hop Up delivered as the popular favourite in the second split with an 11-length romp in 2:00 over the off-track with Corey MacPherson above the wheels for Keith Campbell of Victoria West. Marc Campbell celebrated a catch driving triple on the program with a 22-1 upset on Sophist from the Chris MacKay stable of French River in 1:58.3, an on top at every call win in 1:58.2 with Traces Of Purple for Robert Phillips of Belfast and a 2:00.1 score with Paythelinebluechip for Jay Noye of Cornwall. Berazzled front-stepped to a 1:56.1 victory in the $2,850 Fillies and Mares Open pace for driver David Dowling, trainer Jonah Moase and owner Neal Moase of Warren Grove. (Charlottetown Driving Park) To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results Charlottetown Driving Park. Never mess with a man's Swastika, or there will be hell to pay. A woman found out the hard way when: she thought it a good joke. instead, 5.56-mm slugs took her down. That day was a holocaust for her. He said it was his right to gun her down, and it was acting in self-defense when he squeezed off rounds into the hapless woman. The accused used an AR-15 long rifle, based on the documents filed in court, The Smoking Gun. Alexander Feaster, 45, in asking for a reducing his bail charges of $500,000 for shooting the victim like a dog, said in his defense the following statements. He describes himself as a true-blue patriot and American subject to harassment, and even threats, with his flags, stolen. Arguing his neighbors were impinging on his freedom, to express his sentiment, reported Knowledia. The accused Feaster was arrested and with charges of assault and battery using a deadly weapon. This is in connection with him pumping the victim, Kyndal McVey, 26, with several shots. He was arrested on the 28th of June. One of the instances of probable cause according to the affidavit, the victim, McVey, was partying at a nearby house across Suspect's home. She randomly went across to Feaster's home at exactly 2:55 a.m., rushed over, and got one of two Nazi flags outside the house. She got one and ran fast trying not to get caught. But, he saw the fleeing woman and shot several rounds in the belly and legs that toppled her, cited NBC News. Also read: Joe Biden's Family Record Show Drug Usage, Drunk Driving, and Other Charges But No One Was Jailed The victim's wounds were serious enough for surgeries, and get laid up recuperating from the shots. A motion filed for the lessening of the bail, the shooter said McVey is the real perpetrator not him. The woman is guilty of several offenses like larceny, trespass, intoxicated in public, also a hate crime, which is all applicable to her actions. In his defense for gunning down the victim, the accused said he fired at the woman because of self-defense bodily harm too. But, the investigators made an argument using footage of the Nazi-admirer, that captured images of the victim running away with nothing but a flag in hand. According to the cops, who thought he has always been on watch to see if anyone would purloin his Nazi flags. One indication is a chair placed facing the porch, with a good view of the flags. Also found were cigarette butts and handcuffs. A deputy commented that he was lurking and waiting intentionally. More observations of the mindset of Feaster was beside the rifle used, inside were unconcealed firearms. This is included military paraphernalia inside his home. He works as an oilfield worker, with a decade in the army sent to Afghanistan and Iraq, a veteran. In the motion for bail, it is stated the suspect shot at McVey at least seven times, he is not inherently violent. Using the rifle to scare away felons and he shot below the chest so he won't kill her. Motion to lower bail was granted, and the troublesome swastika stealing was put to rest. Related article: Suspect Who Skinned Two Puppies, Stabbed a Dog Hunted by Missouri Police With $5k Bounty @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Investigators work near a tarpaulin covering the body of Michael Forest Reinoehl in Lacey, Wash., late Sept. 3, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Suspect in Portland Murder Killed in Washington State The man suspected of shooting dead a President Donald Trump supporter in Portland over the weekend was killed by law enforcement officers in Lacey, Washington, late Thursday. Michael Forest Reinoehl, a member of the far-left anarcho-communist Antifa network, was spotted by officers part of task force led by U.S. Marshals in Thurston County. The suspect exited an apartment shortly before 7 p.m. and got into a vehicle to leave, the Thurston County Sheriffs Office said in a statement sent to The Epoch Times. During the attempt to apprehend him, shots were fired at the suspect in the vehicle and he fled from the vehicle on foot. Additional shots were fired at the suspect and he was later pronounced deceased at the location, the office said, declining to identify the suspect at this time. Lt. Ray Brady told reporters on the scene that the suspect produced a firearm. Other law enforcement agencies identified the suspect as Reinoehl. A U.S. Marshals Service task force was tasked with tracking down Reinoehl after the Portland Police Bureau earlier Thursday issued a warrant for his arrest, a Marshals spokesperson said in a statement. The fugitive task force located Reinoehl in Olympia and attempted to peacefully arrest him. Initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers. Task force members responded to the threat and struck the suspect who was pronounced dead at the scene, the spokesman said. Attorney General William Barr said the tracking down of Reinoehl was a significant accomplishment in the ongoing effort to restore law and order to Portland and other cities. Officials work at a scene where a man suspected of gunning down another man in Portland, Ore., over the weekend, was killed by investigators in Lacey, Wash., late Sept. 3, 2020. (Ted Warren/AP Photo) A car with shattered windows and likely bullet holes stands in the area where a man suspected of gunning down another man in Portland, Ore., over the weekend, was killed by investigators in Lacey, Wash., late Sept. 3, 2020. (Ted Warren/AP Photo) Investigators with the Washington State Crime Lab collect evidence at Tanglewilde Terrace, where law enforcement officers shot a man reported to be Michael Forest Reinoehl, in Lacey, Wash., Sept. 3, 2020. (Caitlin Ochs/Reuters) Witnesses told The Olympian that they saw two unmarked SUVs converge on the suspect in his vehicle. The suspect then got out of his vehicle and fired at the SUVs using what was believed to be an assault rifle. Witnesses said they then heard 40 to 50 shots. Officers quickly returned fire, shooting the suspect, witnesses said. Officers performed CPR on Reinoehl but were unable to revive him. Officers from the Washington state Department of Corrections, the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, and the Lakewood Police Department were part of the Marshals-led task force. Reinoehl was suspected of killing 39-year-old Aaron Jay Danielson. A supporter of the conservative Patriot Prayer group, Danielson was shot in the chest Saturday night in downtown Portland. A witness said Danielson was executed because of his affiliation with the group. Aaron Jay Danielson shot in Portland, Ore., is treated on Aug. 29, 2020. The man later died. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Aaron Jay Danielson in an undated photograph. He was shot dead in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 29, 2020. (Danielson family via AP) In this still image from video, Michael Forest Reinoehl speaks to a reporter about the shooting in Portland, Ore., in an undated interview. (Vice News) They identified our hats, [said] got a couple of them right here, got a couple of them right here. Pull it out. Pull it out, the witness, Chandler Pappas, said. A video from Stumptown Matters, a Portland YouTube channel, captured a man shouting, We got a couple right here, before several gunshots rang out. The manner of death was a homicide, according to an autopsy performed on the victim. The cause of death was a gunshot wound. The shooting took place in the area of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Alder Street around 8:45 p.m. Reinoehl attended a number of protests and riots in Portland in recent months. He called on people in June to stand aside and support the ones that are willing to fight before affirming he was 100 [percent] ANTIFA. The far-left, anarcho-communist group has been linked to violence in multiple states, including California, Wisconsin, and Washington. Reinoehl wrote that Antifa members do not want violence but we will not run from it either! It will be a war and like all war there will be casualties, he wrote. The body of Michael Reinoehl is lifted onto a stretcher in Lacey, Wash., in the early morning hours of Sept. 4, 2020. (Ted Warren/AP Photo) Officers work a scene where a man suspected of gunning down another man in Portland, Ore., over the weekend, was killed by investigators in Lacey, Wash., late Sept. 3, 2020. (Ted Warren/AP Photo) A Washington State Patrol Crime Lab worker looks at evidence markers in Lacey, Wash., in the early morning hours of Sept. 4, 2020. (Ted Warren/AP Photo) The man told Vice News in a recent interview released just before he was shot on Thursday that he was not a member of Antifa, but that he is 100 percent anti-fascist. Antifa stands for anti-fascist. He also admitted to shooting Danielson. I had no choice, he said. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasnt going to do that. Reinoehl described himself on social media profiles as a professional snowboarder and has said he served in the military. He was arrested twice this summer, once during a riot in Portland and once for speeding in eastern Oregon with his 11-year-old daughter and a loaded handgun in the vehicle. Reinolhls death came shortly after President Donald Trump tweeted, Why arent the Portland Police ARRESTING the cold blooded killer of Aaron Jay Danielson. Do your job, and do it fast, he added. Everybody knows who this thug is. No wonder Portland is going to hell! Katabella Roberts Follow Katabella Roberts is a reporter currently based in Turkey. She covers news and business for The Epoch Times, focusing primarily on the United States. The institute made waves earlier this year when its aggressive forecasts contrasted with President Donald Trump's repeated statements that the coronavirus would disappear. But deaths have surpassed some of the institute's dire predictions, which have been frequently updated to reflect new data, revised assumptions and more sophisticated information sources. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issues forecasts only four weeks in advance, and its latest estimate is for 200,000 to 211,000 dead by September 26. But the institute said with so many Americans still refusing to wear masks, there remains "an extraordinary opportunity" to save lives. "Increasing mask use to the levels seen in Singapore would decrease the cumulative death toll to 288,000, or 122,000 lives saved compared to the reference scenario," it said. "Mask use continues to decline from a peak in early August. Declines are notable throughout the Midwest, including in some states such as Illinois and Iowa with increasing case numbers," the report said. Although US infections have declined to about 45,000 per day from a peak of around 70,000 per day in July, COVID-19 was the second leading cause of death, the institute said. That would place it behind only heart disease, having surpassed cancer as a cause of death in the US. Infection rates have recently fallen in large states such as Texas, Florida and California, leading to the national decline in cases. But 10 states, many of them in the Midwest, still average more than one secondary case per infected person, an indication of rapid spreading, the report said. Berlusconi in hospital with COVID-19 pneumonia Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, in hospital after contracting coronavirus, has mild pneumonia in both lungs but is breathing on his own, and his condition is not worrying, his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said on Friday. Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has been admitted to hospital. Credit:AP Zangrillo said the infection had been caught at a very early stage. "His clinical condition at the present time ... is quiet and comforting," Zangrillo told a news conference at Milan's San Raffaele hospital, which admitted Berlusconi late on Thursday, a day after the 83-year-old tested positive. "The clinical indicators are reassuring and I am optimistic," said the doctor. Zangrillo, who stirred controversy in May when he said coronavirus was losing its potency, told reporters he had decided to hospitalise Berlusconi as a precautionary measure given his age and previous health problems. The media tycoon underwent major heart surgery in 2016 and has also survived prostrate cancer. France's daily COVID-19 cases hit record France recorded almost 9000 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, setting a record since the beginning of the pandemic, while more people were also hospitalised as a result of the disease. Health authorities said in a statement that there had been 8975 new confirmed cases, almost 1500 higher than the previous March 31 daily peak of 7578, when France was in one of Europe's strictest coronavirus lockdowns. The surge in parts of France, which is partially due to increased testing, has meant a dozen schools have been forced to close just days into the new academic year. Loading The seven-day moving average of new infections stood at an eighth consecutive record of 6011, versus a low of 272 on May 27 - two weeks after authorities lifted the two-month-long lockdown. The cumulative number of cases now totals 309,156. As the rise in infections has mainly affected young people, who are less likely to develop complications, there has so far been less strain on French hospitals, which were almost overwhelmed at the end of March. But after falling steadily for months after an April 14 peak of 32,292, the number of people hospitalised was up by 28 on Friday to 4671, rising for a sixth day in a row. Among those, the number of people in intensive care units for COVID-19 rose by 9 to 473, far below the April 8 record of 7148, but increasing for an eighth consecutive day. UN: No vaccine to be endorsed before it's safe and effective The head of the World Health Organisation said the UN health agency will not recommend any COVID-19 vaccine before it is proved safe and effective, even as Russia and China have started using their experimental vaccines before large studies have finished and other countries have proposed streamlining authorisation procedures. At a briefing on Friday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said vaccines have been used successfully for decades, and credited them with eradicating smallpox and bringing polio to the brink of being eliminated. "I would like to assure the public that WHO will not endorse a vaccine that's not effective and safe," Tedros said. He said newly developed Ebola vaccines helped end the recent Ebola outbreak in Congo, noting that stopping the deadly virus was complicated by the dozens of armed groups operating in the region. Tedros appealed to people opposed to vaccination to do their own research. "The anti-vaccine movement, they can build narratives to fight against vaccines but the track record of vaccines tells its own story and people should not be confused," he said, appealing to parents in particular. "They can have a look for themselves on how the world actually used vaccines to reduce under-5 mortality to save children." Last week, Britain said it was preparing to revise its laws so that any effective coronavirus vaccine could be used before it was fully licensed. Loading Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 4 : The Congress on Friday said that the controversial gold smuggling case and the recently busted Bengaluru drug mafia have close links. What's even more surprising is the revelation by Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of CPI-M state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, that he knows one of those arrested in the narcotics case, it added. Speaking to the media, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said Balakrishnan has to break his silence. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, when confronted with this revealation, had brushed aside the queries, said Chennithala. "Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case managed to escape from Kerala and reached Bengaluru. The drug mafia which was recently busted also operated from there. From what has come out now, it's very clear that there are close links between these two cases. The son of Balakrishnan himself had revealed that he knew one of the arrested -- Anoop Mohammed in the drug case and this is a shocking revelation," said Chennithala. "What's the relation that Balakrishnan's son has with all this. Moreover, his silence is baffling. He has to break his silence. All sorts of cases which have links with the Vijayan government are floating around," added the Congress leader. Chennithala pointed out that news has surfaced and been confirmed about a night party at a resort in Kumarakom during the Covid lockdown. Though Bineesh has denied such a party taking place, after his picture was posted on the social media, he said that it was taken long back and he had not visited Kumarakom recently. "We recently read about the police taking action against those people who took part in a night party at Idukki. Why is the Vijayan government not probing the Kumarakom night party. We demand that the police should probe this night party," said Chennithala. CA Church Takes Worship Ban to Court of Appeals NEWS PROVIDED BY Liberty Counsel Sept. 4, 2020 RIVERSIDE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry has appealed its case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding Governor Gavin Newsom's unconstitutional orders. The governor's orders prohibit ALL worship, including home Bible studies and fellowship with anyone who does not live in the home. Yet, Gov. Newsom continues to encourage mass gatherings of protestors throughout the state. Following the argument on August 12, Judge Jesus G. Bernal orally denied the request for a preliminary injunction. However, he waited until September 2 to release the written order. The appeal was filed, but it could not be effective until a written order was issued. Now that the order has been issued, the appeal can proceed. Liberty Counsel will also file for an injunction pending appeal. On August 13, the Pasadena Assistant Prosecutor in the Criminal Division sent Harvest Rock Church and Pastor Che' Ahn a letter demanding that ALL in-person worship services cease. The letter threatens daily criminal charges and fines to Pastor Ahn, the church, staff, and parishioners. The letter states that each criminal charge is punishable by up to one year in prison. The lawsuit challenges both the total ban on in-person worship (including in private homes) in the counties on the "County Monitoring List," and the ban on singing and chanting in the remaining counties. In addition to in-person worship at Harvest Rock Church, the church also has many "Life Groups," which are home Bible studies and fellowship groups. These too are prohibited under Gov. Newsoms July 6 (no singing and chanting) and July 13 (no worship) orders. Yet while he discriminates against churches, home Bible studies and fellowship meetings, the governor continues to encourage thousands of protestors to gather throughout the state. Like Gov. Newsom, Pasadena has allowed hundreds and thousands of protestors. Neither the Pasadena Public Health Department nor the Pasadena Prosecutor have attempted to stop the protests in which people are crowded together, many of them not wearing masks. In Governor Newsom's response to the motion for the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, he argues that churches are not "essential." Regarding feeding, counseling and housing people in the same building where worship services occur, Newsom argues that only the worship services should be prohibited while the other non-religious services should be allowed. Concerning home Bible studies, Newsom argues that he has authority to prohibit home fellowship groups. As to protests, Newsom publicly encourages them, saying "God bless you. Keep doing it." Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "Now that we have the written order from the court, we can finally move forward with the appeal. The Supreme Court has clearly stated that under the First Amendment, the state cannot prohibit people from attending church against their will. Yet, that is what Gov. Newsom has done. The church has been essential for 2,000 years, and the First Amendment recognizes that the free exercise of religion is essential. The church is now more essential than ever because there are so many hurting people, especially in California, where the governor has decimated the economy and hurt many people by his draconian restrictions." 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/ ROCHESTER, N.Y. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren ordered the immediate suspension of seven police officers involved in the death of Daniel Prude. She also rebuked Police Chief La'Ron Singletary for his handling of the case, including a failure to inform her of the full details of the March 23 incident until early August. The actions were announced at a press conference late Thursday afternoon. The steps came hours after members of City Council sent her a letter calling for stronger actions in response to Prude's death. The officers suspended are Troy Talladay, Paul Ricotta, Francisco Santiago, Andrew Specksgoor, Josiah Harris, Mark Vaughn and Sgt. Mark Magri. "The only way we can confront systemic racism in our city is to face it head-on," Warren said. "There can not be a justice system for white people and a justice system for Black people." She also accepted the blame for the city's lack of transparency regarding the case. Daniel Prude "I know that I must do better as a leader in this community," Warren said. "The buck stops today with me, here, at City Hall. We must as a society, a city, a community face the truth. Institutional and structural racism led to Daniel Prude's death." Warren outlined a number of steps, including changes to policies for reporting in-custody deaths to her and a call to double funding for the Forensic Intervention Team, which assists individuals with mental health needs and who have frequent contact with law enforcement. Rochester City Council's letter to Warren, delivered hours before the mayor's press conference, had called for placing the officers on administrative leave, dismissal of all charges against demonstrators arrested Wednesday, and a financial commitment to mental health services. Council members also asked for a less aggressive police response to protests. "We do not need any militaristic outfitting and use of pepper balls at this incredibly sensitive time for our community," read the letter. "Peaceful protesting is a critical part of our community grieving process." Story continues Prude died from asphyxia during an incident with police in March. News of the incident was not revealed until Wednesday, when family members released video of the fatal encounter. The demand was being made by the full council, she said, adding: "We recognize the possible consequence of that." What we know about Daniel Prude's death: Police used 'spit hood' on Black man who died of asphyxiation Daniel Prude: A Black man pinned to the ground by NY police died two months before George Floyd The consequence, council members said separate interviews, was the possibility if not likelihood of being sued by the police union. That at least was the explanation given in briefings with the administration on Wednesday, they said, as members had pressed for pulling the officers off patrol. City Council Vice President Willie Lightfoot said the city also should drop charges against demonstrators arrested Wednesday. Both demands were included in a letter to Mayor Lovely Warren, released mid-afternoon Thursday that also asked that police meet protests "with respect and to de-escalate tension. We do not need any militaristic outfitting and use of pepper balls at this incredibly sensitive time for our community." Asked about his confidence in Police Chief La'Ron Singletary to continue leading the department, Lightfoot said: "I gotta wait and see. I gotta have more information," then added: "It's very dim, brother. Right now it's very dim." Lightfoot is chairman of the Council's Youth and Public Safety Committee. Council members are incensed that they learned of Prude's death from the news media just 24 hours ago, or by watching a broadcast of the Prude family's press conference. Seeming to contradict Warren's timeline, City Council President Loretta Scott said that two weeks ago the mayor "mentioned we had a notice of claim from someone, the family of someone who had died in custody who had been high on PCP." Warren said she saw the video of Prude's arrest on Aug. 4. Scott said she was told it was confidential such notices are public record but didn't understand the significance as there was "no indication it was part of an arrest, but it was somebody who was in custody and had overdosed on PCP and was in the hospital. It was a whole different kind of situation." In a separate letter, City Council members called on New York state Attorney General Letitia James, whose office is investigating Prude's death, to expedite that investigation a push later reiterated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and to come to Rochester and address the community about the process. Both the letters to James and Mayor Warren are signed by all eight sitting members of the nine-member City Council (one seat is vacant). The letter to James also seeks an opinion on whether the city was, as the administration claimed, unable to disclose information about the case because of the executive order giving her office authority over the investigation. Warren has blamed the state investigation and the attorney general's "instructions" for her not disclosing details of the case. That was roundly dismissed, however called "bull----" by City Council member Michael Patterson. Singletary said the state probe paused the department's internal investigation. In a statement Thursday, James said: As my office continues our investigation into the death of Daniel Prude, it is important for the Rochester community to know that we are working diligently to ensure a swift but thorough investigation. At this time, we have not asked the city of Rochester nor the Rochester Police Department (RPD) to refrain from launching an internal investigation. In fact, we encourage both Rochester and the RPD to proceed with an internal review simultaneous to our investigation. The Prude family and the greater Rochester community deserve answers, and we will continue to work around the clock to provide them. Wednesday's briefings of City Council members came at Lightfoot's request and were done in small groups of four, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. By not involving a majority in either session, the meetings did not require public notice and were not open to the public. Warren, Singletary, Deputy Mayor James Smith, Deputy Police Chief Mark Simmons and city Corporation Counsel Tim Curtin attended. Joe Prude speaks with the media in front of City Hall during a press conference about the death of Daniel Prude (his brother) during an arrest by Rochester police. Little if any new information was provided, council members said. That there is no indication the Police Department or administration took any responsive or corrective action in policy, procedure or otherwise in response to the deadly encounter was also alarming. "There was absolutely nothing done to, number one, remedy the situation, or number two, prevent it from happening again," City Council member Jose Peo said. "That shows a complete lack of leadership, in my opinion." City Council meanwhile is working on legislation some expect could be introduced in the next couple weeks to address police response to mental health calls. That could include added funding for the Forensic Intervention Team, a county program that partners with Office of Mental Health and area law enforcement, helping connect people with outpatient services through assessments and referrals. However it is not currently funded or staffed for the level of intervention council members are wanting, which would be something of a mobile crisis response team that would be assisted by police. Follow Brian Sharp on Twitter: @sharproc. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Daniel Prude: 7 Rochester police officers suspended in Black man death The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 891 new coronavirus cases Friday, marking an uptick in infections in recent days. The new report raises the statewide total of COVID-19 cases to 137,662. The report comes a day after the health department reported 1,160 new cases Thursday, the largest number of new cases in a single day since July 24. It also marked the first time since July 28 the state had reported more than 1,000 new cases in a single day. The number of new cases had dropped throughout much of August, but cases have risen in recent days. Over the past 7 days, the state has reported 5,671 new cases, an average of 810 per day. Thats back to the level of early August. Still, the percentage of positive cases and hospitalizations remain well below the peak in the spring. And the state is reporting fewer deaths than in the spring. Across Pennsylvania, 7,742 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, including 10 newly reported fatalities Friday, according to the health department. More than two-thirds of the states coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities. There were 22,808 test results reported to the health department through 10 p.m. Thursday. The state has administered 159,676 tests between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3. Fewer people are requiring treatment in hospitals. There are 530 coronavirus patients being treated in hospitals, according to the health department. In late July, more than 700 COVID-19 patients were in hospital beds. At the peak in the spring, about 2,800 coronavirus patients were hospitalized. Most of those who are infected suffer mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and can recover in their homes. But the virus poses more serious complications for seniors and those with health conditions. Since the pandemic began, 81% of those who have been infected with the coronavirus have recovered, according to the health department. The department considers patients to have recovered when they are 30 days past the point of infection or the onset of symptoms. More than 1.5 million people have tested negative for the coronavirus, the health department said. State health officials continue to monitor infections among younger adults. In August, the health department reported roughly 1 in 5 new cases in eastern Pennsylvania involved those between the ages of 19 and 24. In northcentral Pennsylvania, nearly a quarter of the new cases in August came in that age group. On Thursday, Temple University announced it was suspending nearly all in-person classes for the fall semester due to an increase in students testing positive for COVID-19. Several other colleges and universities have opted to move to online courses due to the pandemic. Here is the look at the week-by-week trend going back to early July. July 4-10: 5,135 new cases, an average of 733 per day July 11-17: 5,602 new cases, an average of 800 per day July 18-24: 6,093 new cases, an average of 870 per day July 25-31: 6,477 new cases, an average of 925 per day Aug. 1-7: 5,231 new cases, an average of 747 per day Aug. 8-14: 5,671 new cases, an average of 810 per day Aug. 15-21: 4,693 new cases, an average of 669 per day Aug. 22-28: 4,358 new cases, an average of 622 per day Aug. 29-Sept. 4: 5,671 new cases, an average of 810 per day More from PennLive Pa. nursing homes will allow visitors to help care for some residents In the COVID-19 pandemic, heres why you should hurry up and get a flu shot Concentration of sex offenders in Harrisburg is well-documented. How to address the issue isnt that simple. Mexico is likely to cut its crude production goal for 2021 after missing this years target, said a senior lawmaker from the ruling party, in a sign of continued trouble for the state-owned oil company and the countrys public finances. The governments preliminary 2.027 million barrels a day output goal for Petroleos Mexicanos next year is stretched, the lower houses Budget Committee Chair Erasmo Gonzalez told Bloomberg News ahead of the governments budget release next week. The company known as Pemex is still in position to increase its production from current levels after hitting in July its lowest output since October 1979, he said. Despite being a priority for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Pemex produced on average 1.692 million barrels of crude a day between January and July, below the 1.83 million expected by the Finance Ministry. Together with lower selling prices, the production shortfall has slashed the governments oil revenue to just 56% of its goal. OIL CRASH: Crude inventories fall more than expected The government is finalizing the budget proposal for next year, to be handed to congress by Tuesday, trying to square plunging oil income, growing social spending demands and Lopez Obradors push for austerity. The importance of public health amid a severe Covid-19 outbreak makes the proposal very difficult to design, according to Gonzalez, whose committee will play a central role in approving it. The budget will be the most complex of the last nearly 100 years in the modern history of our country, due to a factor that we all know: the pandemic, Gonzalez said in a video interview on Wednesday, adding that the government will probably boost spending on health care faster than on Pemex. The producer was already struggling to reverse 15 years of oil output declines and reduce debt of $107 billion, the highest of any major oil company, before the coronavirus pandemic plunged oil prices to record lows in April. Its heavy tax burden, coupled with loss-making refining business and the project to build a new $8 billion plant in the presidents home state are adding to its woes. Moodys Investors Service and Fitch Ratings downgraded Pemex in April, driving the companys bonds further into junk territory. S&P Global Ratings took the companys credit assessment to BBB, two notches above junk, in March. FUEL FIX: Now more than ever, you need our energy news in your inbox Finance Minister Arturo Herrera had told lawmakers oil exports will be budgeted at about $40 per barrel, or around 22% less than in 2020, Gonzalez said, confirming a local media report. The lawmaker, a member of the presidents Morena party, said he expects the Finance Ministry to lock in the nations oil revenue via its traditional annual hedge before the end of the year. Gonzalez didnt rule out Mexico reducing its fiscal deficit as the country resumes growth next year. Gross domestic product will climb 3.4% in 2021 after shrinking 10% this year, according to economists polled by Bloomberg. Lawmakers arent looking to hike taxes to fund extra expenses and cuts are likely to be spread in many items instead of large reductions to any particular sector, Gonzalez said. We dont have a new tax planned. Theres no initiative to increase existing ones, he said. Lopez Obrador has said the proposal will include more budgetary reductions overall. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 09:33:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHANGHAI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai reported five imported COVID-19 cases and no increase in domestically-transmitted cases on Thursday, the municipal health commission said Friday. The five cases are all Chinese nationals returning from work or study abroad. They arrived at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport from Singapore, the Republic of Guinea, Mali, the United States and the Philippines, respectively. All the cases have been transferred to the designated medical institution for treatment, and 95 close contacts have been put under quarantine. As of Thursday, Shanghai had reported 571 confirmed imported cases and 342 locally transmitted cases. Enditem Singapores Urban Redevelopment Authority has just released the official September new-home sales data. As in August, the numbers are surprisingly strong, according to interpretative comments released by Singapore agents OrangeTee & Tie and their global parters, Juwai IQI. Juwai IQI Executive Chairman Georg Chmiel said, "Foreign buyer transactions were down in September as offshore buyers were replaced by locals. Local buyers' market share hit an 11-year high. "Foreigners accounted for 12.5% Provincial Minister for Health and Finance, Taimur Saleem Jhagra Friday said total eradication of polio from the society was among top most priorities of the KP government and no negligence would be tolerated towards this end PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Sep, 2020 ) :Provincial Minister for Health and Finance, Taimur Saleem Jhagra Friday said total eradication of polio from the society was among top most priorities of the KP government and no negligence would be tolerated towards this end. Total eradication of polio needed combined efforts of the departments concerned and district health officers have to show the spirit of leadership to achieve this objective. The Health Department would stand by their side and provide every possible assistance to them. He was addressing a meeting of district health officers held to review anti-polio measures here at the Emergency Operation Center wherein briefing on polio campaigns and upcoming polio drive were given to the participants. The meeting beside others was also attended by Secretary Health KP, Sayed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, Special Secretary Health, Mian Adil Iqbal, Coordinator EOC, Abdul Basit, DG Health Services, Dr Niaz Muhammad, DHOs from 21 KP districts and representatives from WHO and UNICEF. The Health Minister said polio caused disability to our children and shed a bad impact on the image of our country. Eradication of this crippling disease was not only essential from the province but from the entire country to protect the future of our coming generations. To achieve this objective was our top most priority. He said in fact it was the fundamental responsibility of Health Departments and district health officers have to show a sense of leadership in this regard adding they should utilize all their energies for this cause. He made it clear to the participants that the process of reward and punishment has started in the Health Department and officers with extra abilities and active services would replace those with poor performance. Officers showing negligence would strictly be dealt with and not to be recommended for higher posts. Likewise, he said no negligence on part of any health official in total eradication of polio would be tolerated. He stressed on district health officers to keep close contact with district administrations and eminent social figures as the dream of a polio-free Pakistan could only be realized when people from all sects of life were on the same page. Jhagra directed all stakeholders to adopt every needed measure for the upcoming anti-polio drive starting from September 21 to ensure access to every child for immunization. CLAREMONT, Calif., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pitzer College President Melvin L. Oliver's Racial Justice Initiative, will launch its inaugural panel on Thursday, September 10, from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. PDT, with a virtual conversation among activist scholars on police violence and racial justice in the 21st century. To join the webinar, go to: https://pitzer.zoom.us/s/98352582604. Panelists include Melvin L. Oliver, president of Pitzer College, co-author of the seminal book Black Wealth/White Wealth and noted expert on racial and urban inequality; Andrea Ritchie, activist, author and currently a researcher-in-residence on race, gender, sexuality and criminalization at the Barnard Center for Research on Women; john a. powell, professor of law, African American studies and ethnic studies and director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley; and Phillip Atiba Goff, co-founder and CEO of the Center for Policing Equity, and a professor of African-American studies and psychology at Yale University. In announcing the initiative in spring 2020, Oliver said: "What we do best at Pitzer College is take scholarship and community engagement and direct it at the most intractable of problems. Let us focus on this one, for it is truly a roadblock upon our road to social justice." The inaugural panel brings together an impressive set of activist scholars who have combined scholarship with engagement in advocacy that advances racial justice. They will address a range of topics, including the distinctiveness of this moment for transformational change; police brutality and the limits and possibilities of police reform/abolition; the nature of systemic racism; and the political uses of racial violence. The panelists will reflect upon their work, providing a varied set of examples to emulate in the struggle for racial justice. Pitzer College has a distinguished history of community engagement and an institutional commitment to social justice. Pitzer is a leader in justice-based work that combats systemic racism, discrimination and violence. The goal of the President's Racial Justice Initiative is to support productive discussion, analysis and activism around racial justice. The inaugural panel discussion is just one of several events to take place throughout the academic year as part of the initiative. The current national context calls for bold leadership and ideas; Pitzer College aspires to be at the forefront in the fight for racial equality and justice. The President's Racial Justice Initiative invites members of the community to envision themselves as part of the solution and to work together to fight for justice on our own campus, in our nation, and in the world at large. About Pitzer College Pitzer College is a nationally top-ranked undergraduate liberal arts and sciences institution. A member of The Claremont Colleges, Pitzer offers a distinctive approach to a liberal arts education by linking intellectual inquiry with interdisciplinary studies, cultural immersion, social responsibility and community involvement. For more information, please visit www.pitzer.edu. SOURCE Pitzer College Related Links www.pitzer.edu The Tema East Constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vowed to retain the seat with at least 60,000 votes in the December 7th general elections. Mr Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, MP and Parliamentary Candidate for the NPP in Tema East, said his team was strategizing to meet the 60,000 target given to them by the partys Greater Accra Regional office. Mr Titus-Glover revealed this during the outdooring of a 70-member campaign team for the area towards the presidential and parliamentary elections. He said with about 95 days to the elections, his team would not rest on their oars, recalling how they used 45 days to win the elections with a difference of three votes in 2012 when the current Tema East constituency was created. We have been given a task by the Regional Office of about 60,000 votes, in 2016, the total registered voters were about 95,000 I won by 31,000 now in 2020, it is about 112,121, and we are to produce 60,000. This is a very herculean task, but we believe with this team that we have formed, and the support and cooperation of all the members, we are going to work hard and reach that mark, he said. He encouraged the campaign team to be dedicated and focused saying, being a member of the campaign committee should be seen as a privilege. He said their duty was to work hard and be committed while respecting the voters and showing humility. According to him, his opponents could not beat him to grassroots campaigning as they were ready to go down to everyone in the constituency with the good message of the party. Nene Sakitey, Chairman of NPP Tema East, said he believed their target was achievable when they apply the various models in their forecasting and planning. He expressed strong conviction that looking at the unprecedented development they have brought to Tema, voters in the area would retain them in power, adding however that even though they were yet to fully achieve their target of giving the area a hospital, they had performed creditably. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The BIS hosts nine international organisations engaged in standard setting and the pursuit of financial stability through the Basel Process. Read more about BIS committees & associations - Mbaru was arrested alongside four others among them the CDF staff and a contractor - The five suspects were arrested over irregular awarding of tenders and questionable payments to various companies tasked to construct ICT hubs and various schools projects - The arrest of Mbaru came barely a week after the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered for the arrest of Malindi MP Jumwa over related charges Detectives from the Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested Lari MP Jonah Mbaru over embezzlement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) kitty amounting to KSh 27 million. The anti-graft agency which has been investigating the lawmaker alongside his CDF staff over the scandal concluded the inquest and pounced on the suspects on Friday, September 4. READ ALSO: Kirimi Mbogo: Prominent Meru lawyer rushed to hospital after being shot at his office Lari MP Jonah Mbaru has been arrested over KSh 27 million CDF scandal. Photo: Citizen Digital. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Jamaa amnyang'anya afisa wa polisi simu ya KSh30,000 na kutimua mbio The CDF officers nabbed alongside the MP during the raid were identified as Ayaan Mahadhi (funds account manager, Peter Mugo Mwangi (chairman), Grace Muthoni Macharia (contractor), and Francis Gachoka Kamuyu (Clerk of Works). The sleuths ordered another contractor, Paul Nyanjui Mucheru, to appear before it. READ ALSO: Alexis Sanchez reveals he wanted to leave Man United after his 1st training session Irregular awarding of tenders The five suspects were arrested over irregular awarding of tenders and questionable payments to various companies tasked to construct ICT hubs, sports activities and various school projects. Mbaru's arrest came barely a week after the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered for the arrest of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa over related charges. Haji noted that a file from the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) indicated the MP had misappropriated KSh 57.7 million. Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa. Photo: Aisha Jumwa. Source: Facebook Jumwa, whose warrant of arrest was issued on Friday, August 28, disappeared for two days before resurfacing on Sunday to record a statement at Port Police Station. She was, however, arrested and later charged with misappropriation of public funds, conspiracy to commit economic crime among other charges. The vocal lawmaker was released on a KSh 2 million cash bail. Do you have an inspirational story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Tuko news Follow up: My husband's family took everything from me after he died and called my children garbage I TUKO TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Over 60,000 people signed a petition to replace a statue in Anderson, S.C. with one Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, but its protected by a heritage act. Over 60,000 people signed the petition to replace a Confederate statue in Anderson, South Carolina with one of Chadwick Boseman, the celebrated native-son actor who passed away Aug. 28 after a four-year colon cancer fight. A spokesperson for the Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts told TMZ that the city is enthusiastically working on a permanent public memorial in honor of the Black Panther star. However, that new tribute will not replace a Confederate statue that currently stands outside the citys courthouse. According to South Carolina law, Confederate statues are protected by a heritage act and require a two-thirds vote from the state legislature to remove. Actor Chadwick Boseman, an Anderson, S.C. native, attends the premiere of Netflixs The Black Godfather in Hollywood. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) Andersons monument depicts a standing Confederate soldier atop a platform and sits in front of the Anderson County Courthouse. An inscription reads, The world shall yet decide, in truths clear, far-off light, that the soldiers who wore the gray, and died with Lee, were in the right. The city told TMZ that Boseman will be honored with a remembrance that will include a mix of sculpture with mural and/or other art elements. Mayor Roberts office is currently calling for public input. Read More: Bosemans agent says he, Tessa Thompson turned down slave roles Boseman was born and raised in Anderson, attending T.L. Hanna High School before eventually graduating from Howard University. The creator of the petition in his honor says Boseman made it a mission to give back to his community. Upon the release of his film Black Panther, Mr. Boseman took it upon himself to rent out a theatre in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina to show the film for free, DeAndre Weaver wrote on Change.org. So that young boys and girls could be inspired by the film without the financial barrier. Story continues Weaver recently graduated from Anderson University and was a theater student. He credited Boseman as a role model. Read More: Wire actor Clarke Peters breaks down over Chadwick Boseman The city of Anderson held an official Boseman tribute event and Black Panther screening last night at the Anderson Civic Center, at which James Browns daughter, Deanna Brown Thomas, spoke about her friend. He portrayed her pioneering father in the 2014 film, Get On Up. The AmStar Cinema that Boseman rented for local kids reportedly plans to show his films there soon, with the proceeds being donated to charity. Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now! The post Bosemans hometown approves memorial but wont remove Confederate statue appeared first on TheGrio. In a statement in Chennai, Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami said the fire was caused due to a short circuit and condoled the death Salem/Chennai: Five members of a family were burnt to death after a fire broke out in their house near Kuranguchavadi in Salem early Friday, police said. All the five were asleep when the fire erupted. Chief Minister K Palaniswami expressed grief over the incident and condoled the death of the five people. One person is admitted to the Government Hospital in Salem with serious burn injuries, police said. On receiving information, fire fighters rushed to the spot and doused the flames. In a statement in Chennai, Palaniswami said the fire was caused due to a short circuit and condoled the deaths. "I extend my condolences and sympathies with the family of the deceased," he said, adding he has directed the district administration to ensure best medical treatment to the injured. Google is likely to face an antitrust case by from the Department of Justice (DOJ) by the end of the month. This news comes as Attorney General William Barr put pressure on career lawyers at the DOJ to complete work on the potential antitrust case against Google, The New York Times reported. It is the government's latest move in a long-simmering battle about the tech behemoth's dispute on the Silicon Valley. The antitrust charges will be filed against Google's parent company, Alphabet, possibly as early as this month. Other than this probe, Google is already a target in the European Union. It was probed over its $2.1 billion deal to acquire Fitbit, noted Forbes. The EU was concerned Google's acquisition will further stress its dominance in online advertising. It also raises concerns with access to personal data collected from Fitbit's health tracking. Uncommon Agreement in Antitrust Antitrust enforcement against Google has lately become a rare issue of the agreement for both parties. There are 50 states and territories bringing their own antitrust charges against Google, reported Ars Technica. That means most states are taking part in the effort, no matter which party controls it. Commonly, Liberals have favored strict enforcement of antitrust laws all over the economy. Meanwhile, Conservatives favored more restrictions. But they did seem keener in enforcing these laws against tech companies. It is believed that these companies are more biased against conservatives. DOJ Lawyers Need More Time DOJ lawyers are being rushed by Bar. But, according to a report from The Verge, they need more time. The lawyers are still not ready with their case and are worried that pushing to file charges this month will weaken their case. They said they still need to read through millions of pages of documents they have obtained from Mountain View. The timing of a possible lawsuit made fault lines emerge as Election Day approaches. Some DOJ staffers are worried that Barr is pushing for quick action so that parties can tout achievements for the coming elections. They opened their probe against Google last June. It was reportedly focused on its massive search business and other parts of the company. The department also opened a broader case last July. It looked into whether big tech companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google were making a monopoly out of their services. They said the July review would review concerns from consumers, businesses, and entrepreneurs. This will include concerns with search, social media, and some online retail services. Barr had been looking to have a probe on Google for some time. He told senators at his confirmation hearing in January that he would like to see the DOJ look into tech giants. "I don't think big is necessarily bad, but I think a lot of people wonder [how] these big behemoths have taken shape in Silicon Valley," he said. President Trump himself has also complained, though without evidence, that Google has been biased against him. In a 2018 tweet, he said that a search for "Trump News" led him to negative results. He added in the tweet that "Google & others are suppressing voices of Conservatives and hiding information and news that is good." Big tech company CEOs testified before Congress last July. It was part of the probe on antitrust. All of them were grilled with questions about their companies' business practices. Check these out! Big Techs Alleged of Bullying Small Techs, Congress Hearing With Top Tech CEOs Postponed Mark Zuckerberg's Net Worth Balloons to More Than $100 Billion Apple Installs COVID-19 Contact Tracing Feature Into iOS 13.7 As Mexico struggles to pay a water debt to the United States, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Thursday he might personally appeal to President Donald Trump for clemency, or invite United Nations experts to audit water payments. Mexico has fallen behind in the amount of water it must send north from its dams under a 1944 treaty, and time is running out to make up the shortfall by the October 24 deadline. But farmers in the northern state of Chihuahua want the water for their own crops. The water treaty has become a burning political issue in northern Mexico, with conspiracy theories and violent protests springing up. Lopez Obrador has advocated paying the debt, noting that Mexico receives four times more water under the treaty from the Colorado River than it contributes in the Rio Grande area. He claims Mexico has enough water in dams to supply local farmers and repay the debt, which built up over a number of years. I am asking people to help us and trust us, Lopez Obrador said. If there is a problem of a lack of water, I will go to Chihuahua immediately and speak to the US president and seek, as I have done in other cases, understanding of our situation. Given that conspiracy theories have sprung up in Chihuahua that the United States may have overstated it water payments, or paid with infrastructure improvements instead of water, Lopez Obrador said he would be open to a review by outside experts. On whether the accounting is bad and whether we are in agreement with the UN verifying whether things are being done correctly, of course we are willing to accept that, but we do not want these to be dilatory practices, legal maneuvers that would delay us fulfilling our commitement, Lopez Obrador said. The US Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, the bilateral body that oversees treaty issues, said it has not received any proposals from our Mexican counterparts to have the UN come in to audit water deliveries. Under the 1944 treaty, Mexico owes the United States almost 345,600 acre-feet (426 million cubic meters) this year that must be paid by October 24. Payment is made by releasing water from dams in Mexico. Mexico has fallen badly behind in payments from previous years and now has to quickly catch up on water transfers. In mid-July, the US Commissioner of the water commission, Jayne Harkins, said they need to increase their water releases to the United States immediately, adding Mexico has failed to implement releases promised earlier and continuing to delay increases the risk of Mexico failing to meet its delivery obligation. The issue is a difficult one for Lopez Obrador, who said he fears the US government could impose tariffs on Mexican products or close borders in retaliation. Imagine that, for failing to comply, they close the border on us, the president said. A danger lies also in the series of angry protests the issue has sparked. In late July, demonstrators in Chihuahua burned several government vehicles, blocked railway tracks and set afire a government office and highway tollbooths to protest the release of water from local dams to pay the US. Lopez Obrador has said the protests are being fanned by opposition politicians for their own motives. The expansion of water-hungry crops has meant that Mexico has used 71 per cent of the northward-flowing Conchos River, while under the treaty it should use only 62% per cent of the water, letting the rest of it flow into the Rio Bravo, also known as the Rio Grande, on the border. In the past, Mexico has delayed payments, hoping that periodic tropical storms from the Gulf would create occasional windfalls of water. But while Hanna made landfall in Texas in July, the storms rains did not reach far enough inland to fill dams in Chihuahua. Israel Engaged in 'Many More' Secret Talks With Arab Leaders on Establishing Ties, Netanyahu Says Sputnik News 12:32 GMT 30.08.2020(updated 13:59 GMT 30.08.2020) Earlier this month, Israel signed a landmark agreement brokered by the United States that paved the way for establishing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, making the Gulf monarchy the third Arab country to forge ties with Israel. Israel is holding behind-closed-doors talks with Arab leaders on establishing bilateral ties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, following talks with Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brian. "Two years ago, I visited Oman, one year ago, I visited Chad, half a year ago I met with the leader of Sudan. And these are a few of the publicised steps. There are many more unpublicised meetings with Arab and Muslim leaders to normalise relations with the state of Israel", Netanyahu said. Kushner and O'Brien arrived in Israel to discuss the country's normalisation of ties with the United Arab Emirates in the wake of the signing of an agreement earlier this month on the establishment of full diplomatic ties. The deal, announced on 13 August by US President Donald Trump, also paves the way for an exchange of embassies and the conclusion of a number of treaties in various fields of cooperation. If concluded, it will make the UAE the third Arab country to have a full peace deal with Israel after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. On Saturday, UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree on abolishing the economic boycott of Israel, allowing companies and individual entrepreneurs in the UAE to conclude trade and financial agreements with Israeli businesses, while Israel can export any goods and products to the UAE. Netanyahu applauded the United Arab Emirates for ending its boycott of the Jewish state, saying the move paved the way for economic cooperation between the two nations. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dozens of hospitals in the United States expressed their opposition to the use of convalescent plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 patients, despite being authorized by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization in Aug. 23 about the use of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 patients. However, dozens of major hospitals in the country are considering either committing only to the clinical trial or avoiding or minimizing convalescent plasma use. They request more studies about the use of convalescent plasma to treat patients who are suffering from the virus. Even though some patients already recovered using the treatment, health experts are still looking to identify gaps. According to principal investigator Dr. Todd Rice, around 45 hospitals from coast to coast have already expressed their interest in collaborating for the clinical trial sponsored by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Rice said some officials in several hospitals are only committed in the clinical trials and will not maximize the use of convalescent plasma as a treatment. The convalescent plasma has already been administered to more than 77,000 COVID-19 patients across the country. President Donald Trump has decribed convalescent plasma as a powerful treatment. Despite the significant number of patients who recovered from the virus because of convalescent plasma use, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) panel cautioned this week that this should not be used as the standard care for treating COVID-19 patients. The panel added that well-designed trials are needed to determine whether the treatment is beneficial because data so far suggest that treatment is not definitive. In reply, Rice said he doesn't have the answer yet to this scientific question. The convalescent plasma treatment has been used on an experimental basis for more than a century to fight other virulent diseases, including the 1918 flu, measles, Ebola, SARS, and H1N1 influenza. Rice's study on convalescent plasma has received funding worth $34 million from the NIH officials and country music superstar Dolly Parton. Rice noted that the study's results, which is expected to be released in October, will help change COVID-19 treatment in the country. He said they are expecting 1,000 COVID-19 patients to participate in the trial. Rice noted that half of the participants will receive convalescent plasma with high levels of disease-fighting antibodies from a stockpile of more than 150 units of the product already collected. The other half will receive a placebo solution. Even though the trial was launched in April, the number of participants joining has been slow. The funding allows enlistment in over 50 sites nationwide. "I'd rather frame it as not rejecting the FDA, but simply taking the longer view," said Dr. Claudia Cohn, director of the Blood Bank Laboratory at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Meanwhile, officials of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center announced that they will join the convalescent plasma's human clinical trial and will consider it the first option in treating COVID-19 patients. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The judge did not say laws were broken, despite allegations by attorneys for some companies, and she did not specify who should now get a license or not. TIERRA AMARILLA A Rio Arriba County jury has found a man guilty of murder in a triple homicide case in northern New Mexico after less than three hours of deliberation. John Powell, 36, was found guilty Wednesday. Powell and his brother Roger Gage, 35, were accused of fatally shooting two men and a woman in 2018 in a small village home near Dixon, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported. April Browne, 42, Abraham Martinez, 36, and Kierin Guillemin, 27, were killed in the shooting at Brownes home in the village of Canoncito. Both men were charged with three counts of first-degree murder, along with burglary, conspiracy and tampering with evidence, authorities said. Trial dates for the case against Gage havent been set. Powell and his girlfriend, Sonya Chavez, were former roommates of Brownes who moved out shortly before the shootings after Browne accused Chavez of stealing drugs from her, according to trial testimony. During the trial, jurors saw surveillance footage of the shooting. Powell said in court that he shot Browne twice and Guillemin once. Chief Deputy District Attorney Anastasia Martin said Powell planned the murders with his brother to steal heroin, methamphetamine and money from Browne, a drug addict and dealer. Martin pointed to the fact that Powell parked at the bottom of the hill, entered through an unlocked back door, arrived with loaded weapons and shot the victims before stealing a safe. Powells defense attorney Sydney West argued visitors to the house regularly parked at the bottom of the hill and the men were known to be armed at all times. West further asked jurors to find Powell not guilty on all charges except those related to Brownes death, arguing that even though Powell admitted shooting Guillemin, Gage had fired the first bullet that killed him. Rio Arriba County sheriffs deputies took Powell into custody after the verdict. A sentencing hearing is expected in about 30 days. A middle-aged man has admitted to beating and stabbing his elderly parents to death in the house the trio shared in southern Sydney. David Reid, 47, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in the New South Wales Supreme Court on Friday. The IT worker killed his mother Dianna Reid, 71, and father Victor Graham Reid, 75, in their Sutherland home in August 2019. His defence barrister said there is a 'significant medical issue that needs to be explored' and said four psychiatrists are set to testify at a February sentencing hearing, according to The Daily Telegraph. Reid was arrested at the Tudar Rd property in the south Sydney suburb of Bonnet Bay after he called police and allegedly threatened self-harm. He led officers inside the house where they discovered his parents' bodies. Police said his parents died from 'multiple injuries.' After he was arrested he spent five days in hospital with serious injuries on his hand and was later put on suicide watch while in custody. David Reid (pictured) has been charged with murder after his elderly parents were found dead at their home on August 6 Reid is in a vulnerable position in custody and needs protection as he recovers from injuries sustained during the alleged attack, according to his barrister Reid, who had worked for casino gaming manufacturer Konami for the past 20 years, had reportedly battled mental health issues in the past. Concerns were raised last week when Reid showed up at work acting 'more strange than usual'. He had 'a noticeable amount of blood' on the back of his neck and shirt collar when he arrived at his Botany office on last Monday, a colleague told the Sydney Morning Herald. The worker said no one wanted to ask him about the blood as his behaviour had changed. Mr and Mrs Reid had been members of their local Jannali Anglican Church for more than 50 years. Neighbours say Reid had been living with his parents his entire life. Senior Asset Management Specialist Banking, Reserve Management Advisory Services Omar Zulaica joined the BIS in 2017. He supports central banks in their reserve management activities and the BIS in its asset management capacities, with a special focus on strategic asset allocation. Before joining the Bank, he worked for over six years at the Bank of Mexico, where he was Head of Strategic Asset Allocation in the directorate of foreign reserves. He's earned a BSc in Actuarial Science from Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM) and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford. Fields of interest A makeshift memorial is seen, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, in Rochester, N.Y., near the site where Daniel Prude was restrained by police officers. Seven officers involved in the response to a call where a Black man was put in a hood and later died have been suspended, the mayor of Rochester, New York, announced Wednesday. Mayor Lovely Warren said at a news conference the officers involved in the response to Daniel Prude were suspended with pay "against the advice of counsel." Warren indicated she might be in for a fight with the local police union over the suspensions. "I have never shied away from taking action and holding our police, or anyone, who fails in their duties to our community accountable," she said in a statement. "I understand that the union may sue me for taking these officers off our streets. They should feel free to do so." The officers had stopped Prude, who was nude at the time, after 3 a.m. on March 23, according to police body camera video obtained by his family and released to the media. Officers cuffed him, placed him on the wet street face down, put a spit hood on him, and pushed his head into the asphalt and placed a knee on his back, the video appears to show. Prude, 41, had told police he suffered from COVID-19, prompting officers to put the hood on his head, apparently to prevent him from spitting on them. SAN DIEGO, Calif., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Twelve Health Center Partners of Southern California member health centers received more than $1.6 million from the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) as recognition for providing effective and high-quality health care services. HHS, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced more than $117 million in Quality Improvement Awards to 1,318 federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia. HRSA provided these awards to celebrate the achievements in overall quality, efficiency, and value of the preventive and primary health care services provided by the nation's FQHCs. "These quality improvement awards support health centers across the country in delivering care to nearly 30 million people, providing a convenient source of quality care that has grown even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "These awards help ensure that all patients who visit a HRSA-funded health center continue to receive the highest quality of care, including access to COVID-19 testing and treatment." Health Center Partners of Southern California (HCP) is proud to acknowledge its member health centers which placed among the nation's top performing FQHCs, as recognized by HRSA. Collectively, there were awarded more than $1.6 million to strengthen quality improvement activities and expand preventive and primary health care service delivery across Riverside, Imperial and San Diego Counties. "These awards recognize the highest performing health centers nationwide as well as those health centers that have made significant quality improvement gains from the previous year," said HCP President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry N. Tuttle. "Our members deliver high quality, low cost, culturally and linguistically competent comprehensive preventive and primary health care to those living amongst us who are low-income, under- or uninsured or who face other obstacles to accessing health care. Since March, our FQHCs have been on the front lines responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency, including providing more than 50,000 COVID-19 tests." Improving Quality of Care Awards recognized federally qualified health centers in these three categories: La Maestra Family Clinic and Imperial Beach Community Clinic were recognized as National Quality Leaders . Health centers that received this recognition ranked in the top 1-2% of all health centers in one or more clinical quality measures that promote behavioral health, diabetes health, and heart health in 2019. and were recognized as . Health centers that received this recognition ranked in the top 1-2% of all health centers in one or more clinical quality measures that promote behavioral health, diabetes health, and heart health in 2019. Health Center Quality Leaders were recognized for achieving the best overall clinical performance among all health centers. Awards this year went to San Ysidro Health Center , Neighborhood Healthcare , Vista Community Clinic , North County Health Services , La Maestra Family Clinic , San Diego Family Care , and Imperial Beach Community Clinic . were recognized for achieving the best overall clinical performance among all health centers. Awards this year went to , , , , , , and . Clinical Quality Improvers were health centers that demonstrated at least a 15% improvement for each clinical quality measure from 2018 to 2019. La Maestra Family Clinic, Community Health Systems Inc., San Diego Family Care, and San Diego American Indian Health Center were recognized in this category. Other Quality Improvement Awardees were recognized for achievements in advancing health information technology (HIT), and/or sustaining certification as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH). Awards in these categories went to Borrego Health, Clinicas de Salud de Pueblo, and Samahan Health. Top funding awardees included: La Maestra Family Clinic ($248,561) , also recognized for HIT and PCMH. , also recognized for HIT and PCMH. Neighborhood Healthcare ($246,505) , also recognized for increasing the number of patients served, reducing health disparities, HIT, and PCMH. , also recognized for increasing the number of patients served, reducing health disparities, HIT, and PCMH. San Ysidro Health ($208,016) , also recognized for HIT and PCMH. Full list of FY 2020 Quality Improvement Awards Recipients HRSA's Health Center Program Health Center Partners of Southern California, a family of companies, includes a 16-membership organization of federally qualified health centers, Indian Health Services Organizations, both urban and sovereign, and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, collectively serving 850,000+ patients each year, for 3.6 million patient visits each year, at 160 practice sites across San Diego, Riverside, Imperial counties, with the seventh largest provider group in the region. Read our award winning 2018/2019 Impact Report. Media Contact: Brad Fagan 619-542-4344 [email protected] SOURCE Health Center Partners of Southern California Related Links http://www.hcpsocal.org TAIPEI, Taiwan - The mayors of Prague and Taipei announced new areas of co-operation for the two sister cities, including orchestra tours, on Friday as a Czech delegation concluded a weeklong visit to Taiwan that was bitterly criticized by China. Taipei also donated 100,800 face masks and will share its experiences in controlling the coronavirus, Mayor Ko Wen-je said. The head of the 80-plus member delegation, Czech Senate leader Milos Vystrcil, is the highest-ranking Czech official to visit the democratically ruled island since 1989, according to Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Since the delegations arrival on Sunday, it has met with Taiwanese counterparts to develop co-operation in a range of areas including trade, cybersecurity and the coronavirus pandemic. Vystrcil also met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Wu said Taiwan is looking into starting direct flights between Taipei and Prague using its flagship airline, China Airlines. Vystrcil has faced strong anger from China, which issued multiple warnings over the week about the visit, as well as criticism from the pro-China Czech president. China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and objects to any official contacts between other countries and the island. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Monday that China will definitely make them pay a heavy price for the visit, which Beijing sees as support for Taiwanese independence. Throughout the visit, Vystrcil and others have emphasized the shared democratic values of Taiwan and the Czech Republic. Relations have soured between part of the Czech government and China in the past year. Prague cancelled a sister cities agreement with Beijing last year after the Chinese side insisted on adding a clause to the deal stating that Prague supports the one-China principle, which says Taiwan is part of China. In reaction to Pragues decision to sign a new sister cities agreement with Taipei, China cancelled the tours of several Prague classical music ensembles and orchestras. Part of the dispute is over trade. There were a lot of promises of China investment roughly around the year 2013, 2014. However, all those promises turned out to not be fulfilled, Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib said Friday, After spending 41 months in Lucknow jail for allegedly gang-raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter, former UP minister Gayatri Prajapati was granted an interim two months bail by the Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court on Friday. A Chitrakoot-based woman had alleged that Prajapati and his six aides had gang-raped her and attempted to outrage the modesty of her minor daughter when he was a minister in UP. The court granted Prajapati, who was in jail since March 2017, bail on a personal bond of 5 lakh with two sureties of 2.5 lakh each. The bench of justice Ved Prakash Vaish granted the bail considering the medical grounds presented by the defense counsel. The counsel stated that the former minister was suffering from various diseases, including urinary tract infection and diabetes. The former minister had also undergone treatment at King Georges Medical University for multiple health issues while in judicial custody. The bench asked Prajapati to not leave the country during the bail period and also sought proper assurance that he will not cause any hindrance in the prosecution process. The bail order reads that the former minister should deposit his passport, if he had any, to the superintendent of jail and also share his contact number so that he could be approached whenever required. Also Read: 3-year-old girl raped, murdered in UPs Lakhimpur Kheri, third such incident in 20 days It further reads that the bail period of two months will be considered from the time of his release. In the past, Prajapatis bail plea was turned down multiple times by different courts. He had been in jail since he was arrested from Lucknows Alambagh area on March 15, 2017. On February 18, 2017, the 40-year-old woman from Chitrakoot had lodged an FIR against Prajapati and his six aides for allegedly gang-raping her and making a bid to rape her 17-year-old daughter at his official residence allotted in Gautampalli, Lucknow, when he was the mining minister in the Samajwadi Party government in UP between 2015 and 2016. Also Read: Lucknow man sets himself on fire at home, triggers blast The police had booked the former minister for rape and other serious charges, including sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Much of the money raised was allegedly embezzled. The U.S. Justice Department says more than $4.5 billion flowed from the fund through fraudulent shell companies to corrupt officials and their associates. According to the U.S. indictment, a small coterie of Malaysians, led by businessman Low Taek Jho (known as Jho Low), diverted money from 1MDB into personal accounts disguised to look like legitimate businesses, and kicked back some of those funds to officials. There were questions about a $681 million payment that landed in Najibs personal bank account (he has said most of the money was returned). Malaysias then-attorney general cleared Najib of wrongdoing in 2016. But after losing office, Najib was charged with corruption, breach of trust and money laundering. The first trial involved $10 million deposited in his personal accounts from a former 1MDB unit. He was found guilty July 28 on all seven counts and sentenced to 12 years; his lawyer promised to appeal. Jho Low, a fugitive, has also denied any wrongdoing. (Alliance News) - Irish budget airline Ryanair Holdings PLC said Friday it has raised EUR400 million in a share placing to institutional investors. First announced after the London market close on Thursday, Ryanair said the funds were being raised to help position the firm to "move quickly" should opportunities in the sector be thrown up. "Post Covid-19 growth opportunities include gaining market share from peers retrenching, further European airline failures and competitive unit cost advantage over other carriers. The placing will provide Ryanair with greater financial flexibility to capture these opportunities," said Ryanair on Thursday. The placing should also "significantly de-risk" the group's debt repayments over the next 12 months. A total of 35.2 million shares were placed at a price of EUR11.35 each, Ryanair said on Friday morning, the price representing a 2.6% discount to Thursday's closing quote. The airline was trading 1.8% higher at EUR11.88 on Friday morning. "Ryanair consulted with a number of its major shareholders prior to the placing and has endeavoured to respect the principles of pre-emption through the allocation process insofar as possible. The company is pleased by the strong support it has received from new and existing shareholders," the airline said. Following admission, Ryanair will have 1.13 billion shares in issue. Ryanair on Thursday added that 2020 has proven to be "the most challenging period in Ryanair's 35-year history", though believes it has responded well. On Wednesday, Ryanair said traffic in August dropped by 53% to 7.0 million passengers versus the 14.9 million passengers it carried a year earlier. The carrier said it operated about 60% of its normal August schedule, with a 73% load factor. Despite August showing sharp declines, it represented strong growth from July, when the budget airline saw passengers crater 97% to 400,000. By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. She refused, and this is where her tale took an even-more remarkable turn. Escaping first to a swamp, and then to her grandmothers house, Jacobs hid in the attics crawl space only 9-feet-long, 7-feet-wide, and 3-feet-high for nearly seven years. Finally, in 1842, she escaped to a ship, then to the North, where she found a home in New York. Her brother John Jacobs had made it to freedom, as well, and she took refuge with him in Boston the following year when Norcom came hunting for her in New York. Harriet and John Jacobs became active in the abolitionist movement. During the 1850s, white and black friends alike urged Harriet to tell her own story, as Douglass had done. But she worried that readers would condemn her morals for initiating the affair with Sawyer in order to escape Norcoms advances. Finally, after several false starts, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl was published in 1861. Although presented as a novel with names and places changed, it became widely known that Jacobs had written her own story in its pages. Contrary to her expectation, readers across America and beyond admired her fortitude and perseverance amidst great suffering. (Among other things, her seven years hiding in the crawl space had permanently impaired her health.) Real Housewives of Potomac star Monique Samuels has shared her thoughts on late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman following his death last week. The reality star, 36, and her family were devoted fans of the actor, even going as far as to name their pet bird T'Challa after Chadwick's Black Panther character. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Monique said that the late star's role in the Marvel movie and the way he carried himself in his personal life was an inspiration to the black community. EXCLUSIVE: Real Housewives of Potomac star Monique Samuels (pictured) has shared her thoughts on late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman following his death last week 'It was a moment for black America and the world to see a character that we could relate to and look up to, even though it was a movie,' the mother of three explained. 'The excitement that my kids had to finally see this successful black superhero,' she added. 'It was such a big deal and a great movie and all those things, but to think about myself growing up, if I had something like that, so the fact that my kids were able to witness such a great movie and such a great person who played the role was just amazing. Role model: 'It was a moment for black America and the world to see a character that we could relate to and look up to, even though it was a movie,' she said. Pictured: Chadwick Boseman 'You didn't hear about any Chadwick Boseman scandals behind the scenes, you didn't hear about any of those things, so not only did he play such a great character but he was a great person.' Monique said that both she and her family were huge fans of Black Panther, to the point that she named her bird T'Challa and themed her son Christopher's sixth birthday party around the Marvel movie. 'It's hard to put into words the devastation, just knowing that wow, this great person is gone, we lost another person that really represented our community so well,' she continued. 'The fact that my kids were able to witness such a great movie and such a great person who played the role was just amazing': The mother of three said that Chadwick was an inspiration to her family. Pictured with her husband, Chris, and their three children 'I'm really proud about the legacy that he left and the fact that he did leave us these incredible movies that we can watch.' Monique is currently starring on the fifth season of the Real Housewives of Potomac, which airs on Bravo in the U.S. and Hayu in Australia. Outside of the show, she recently released the hip-hop single Drag Queens and published a parenting book titled Potty Training "Mommy & Daddy": A Guide For Introducing Infant Potty Training As Early As 6 Months Old. Close to home: The reality star, 36, and her family were devoted fans of the actor, even going as far as to name their pet bird T'Challa after Chadwick's Black Panther character 'I'm in tears': Monique threw her son Christopher a Black Panther-themed birthday party for his sixth birthday Chadwick died last week at the age of 43 after a secret four-year battle with colon cancer. His family announced his passing on Friday night via his social media accounts. In their note, they wrote that he had been 'diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016,' which later 'progressed to stage IV'. 'A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,' they added. The actor's family also confirmed that many of his greatest movie roles were filmed 'during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy'. Brazil became the second country to reach four million cases of coronavirus last night amid hopes that infections are starting to slow. The latest rise of 43,773 cases brought the total to 4.04million, while another 834 fatalities took the death toll to more than 124,000. On Monday, average daily cases fell below 37,000 for the first time since mid-July, raising hopes that the pandemic has finally peaked. However, the average has since risen above 40,000 again and medical specialists say the improvement is 'very timid'. Brazil is currently recording around 40,000 cases per day, lower than in late July and early August - leading to hopes that the pandemic has finally peaked The average daily death toll is currently 852, with the total at more than 124,000 - second only to the United States Brazil's 4,041,638 cases and 124,614 deaths are the second-highest tallies in the world after the United States. However, India is now seeing the world's fastest growth in cases and is poised to overtake Brazil's infection count in the coming days. Brazil reached a million cases on June 19, and the tally had doubled to two million 26 days later on July 16. The three-million mark was reached 23 days later, on August 8 - but the rise to four million has taken slightly longer at 26 days. Paulo Lotufo, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Sao Paulo, said the numbers suggest that Brazil could be on the verge of improvement. 'In the last two months, we have seen a curve that mixes regions that are increasing, with others that are decreasing,' said Lotufo While infections have spiked in in the south and west, they are falling in the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as well as in the north, he said. 'This is the beginning of what we hope is in fact an improving trend,' said Mauricio Sanchez, an epidemiologist at Brasilia University. However, he warned the trend was 'very timid' and said the slowdown in cases should be maintained for two or three weeks to be able to draw any firm conclusions. In such a vast country the national curve could be skewed by what was in effect '27 different epidemics,' he said, referring to Brazil's states. The state of Sao Paulo has piled up 838,000 cases on its own, more than most countries, while the region around Rio has 230,000 infections. There has also been untold damage to indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest, who have a history of vulnerability to outside diseases. Cemetery workers carry the coffin of coronavirus victim Luzia Santos, 82, at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery in Brasilia on Thursday Brazil's right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, pictured at a restaurant on Thursday, has played down the pandemic and scorned social distancing rules Brazil confirmed its first case of the virus on February 26, a Sao Paulo businessman returning from a trip to Italy. It recorded its first death on March 16. Experts say that unlike in Europe where the virus surged and then subsided, Brazil's outbreak has advanced at a slow but devastating pace. Brazil is unique in the world. Since the start of the pandemic, its curve has been different from other countries', much slower,' Christovam Barcellos, a researcher at public health institute Fiocruz, told AFP. 'It has stabilized now, but at a very dangerous level: nearly 1,000 deaths and 40,000 cases per day.... And Brazil still isn't past the peak.' Experts warn the situation could suddenly worsen again if local and regional governments re-opened the economy too quickly. Last Sunday, the beaches of Rio de Janeiro were crowded with people without masks. Many Brazilian cities are currently studying how and when to reopen schools, while many bars, restaurants gyms and churches are already open again. Brazil's strategy for dealing with the virus has been a highly political matter because president Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the crisis and raged against lockdowns that regional leaders imposed against his will. Like Donald Trump, he has touted the unproven anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and used it on himself. Bolsonaro claimed again on Saturday that the controversial medication had 'saved thousands of victims' lives' in Brazil. Bolsonaro has also rallied with supporters in defiance of social distancing rules, and twice changed his health minister after disagreements over the pandemic. Brazil has suffered a record contraction of its economy, and the loss of nine million jobs. Lehigh Valley voters will have multiple chances to hear from the two candidates for Congress on the ballot Nov. 3, without even having to leave home. U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Lisa Scheller in her bid for a second, two-year term representing Pennsylvanias 7th Congressional District. The district covers all of Lehigh and Northampton counties, and southern Monroe County. Wild this week challenged Scheller to a fourth debate, on top of three already scheduled. Scheller accepted on Thursday. The other debates scheduled begin Oct. 5 on Business Matters with Tony Iannelli. That is slated to be taped that morning with a limited audience and air at 7:30 that night on WFMZ-TV 69, said Iannelli, the host and president/CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Next up, on Oct. 8, is a forum with the candidates being hosted by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. That event starts at 4 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the LVEDCs Facebook page, with a digital recording remaining available through Election Day on the LVEDC website, lehighvalley.org. This forum provides the candidates an opportunity to share their positions on issues related to the regional economy, jobs, and the workforce, LVEDC President and CEO Don Cunningham said in a statement. This event will be informative and enlightening for voters in the 7th District, and we appreciate the participation of both candidates. The candidates also agreed to take part in an election program being scheduled for Oct. 13 by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. Details for that one have not been announced on the federations website, jewishlehighvalley.org. Wilds invitation for a fourth debate called for it to be held in October, when many PA-07 voters will be receiving and filling out mail-in ballots, and for it to be televised, free and accessible to all district residents -- with neutral moderators and hosting organizations agreed to by the two campaigns. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been committed to making government more transparent and accountable to the people, Wild said in a statement. My constituents deserve debates that are open and accessible to everyone. I look forward to debating ideas and drawing distinctions between myself and my opponent in the weeks to come. Schellers campaign manager, Alex Meyer, said in a statement accepting the challenge, Lisa is excited to participate in a fourth debate where we can openly and freely discuss Congresswoman Wilds far left voting record. Meyer went on to reiterate the Scheller camps label of Wild as in-step with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, saying: I presume we should invite her as well -- well be sure to make the adequate arrangements -- three stools on stage, with a microphone where Nancy can tell Susan how to respond, since Susan already votes with Nancy 99% of the time. Wild addressed how Im not a Nancy Pelosi puppet in a June interview with lehighvalleylive.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Jodhpur: The Union Home Ministry has allowed a visa extension for 410 Hindu refugees stranded in Pakistan due to the coronavirus lockdown. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday told this to the Jodhpur bench of Rajasthan High Court during a hearing on problems faced by refugees from Pakistan. This comes as a major relief for immigrants who were staying in India on long-term visa (LTV) and had gone back to Pakistan for short trips on the special No Objection to Return to India (NORI) visa before the lockdown was imposed in March. The NORI visa allows LTV holders with no Indian citizenship to travel to Pakistan and return within 60 days. Due to the lockdown, the 410 people got stranded there as the visa period of 60 days had expired, said Hindu Singh Sodha, President of Seemant Lok Sangathan, a welfare organisation working for such refugees. During the previous hearing on August 19, the high court was apprised of the plight of stranded NORI visa holders in Pakistan and had sought a reply from the the Centre about helping them come to India. In its reply to the court through its counsel, the MHA said, It has been decided that return visa in respect of such LTV holding Pakistani nationals, who had gone to Pakistan on NORI visa before the lockdown and stranded there due to travel restrictions, may be treated as deemed extended for a period up to 15 days from the date on which travel restrictions from Pakistan to India are lifted by the Government of India (GoI). The extension of NORI visa will help the stranded immigrants to register with the High Commission of India (HCI) in Islamabad with all supporting documents that would enable the MHA to take up the matter with security agencies. The HCI will, then, have to provide the MHA with the names and particulars of all such Pakistani nationals who register with them for return visa extension. The visa extension will be stamped on their passports at Attari border in Punjab on their arrival, where they will be tested for coronavirus after entering India. The issue had hit the headlines in July when one such Hindu refugee, Janta Mali, had gone to visit her ailing mother in Mirpur Khas, Pakistan in February on NORI visa with her husband and children, but was not allowed to return later due to the expiry of her visa. She got stranded there while her husband and children, who are Indian citizens, returned back home. Two shuttle services were rolled out after lifting of lockdown curbs for the return of the immigrants in July, but these 410 refugees had been left out due to expiry of their visa period. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Frankly, weve had enough of it, the messages read. Were not the mask police, we actually love dogs and each day we make it a priority to send each and every customer home feeling safe about their visit simple as that. You may have different thoughts on our procedures and thats fine, but while youre here, its our rules and if weve got our backs turned, you can help us by politely addressing your fellow humans if you feel uncomfortable (and then reaching out to us if things escalate). BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese leaders led by Xi Jinping on Thursday morning attended a commemoration in Beijing for the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The other leaders included Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan. The event was held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression near Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, in the western suburb of Beijing. It was also attended by representatives from all walks of life, including veterans who took part in the war, relatives of military officers and martyrs who fought in the war, and relatives of foreign friends who contributed to the victory of the war. The commemoration started at 10 a.m. All participants sang the national anthem and then paid a silent tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the war. After the mourning, 14 honor guards laid seven flower baskets, with characters "Eternal Glory to Martyrs Who Died in Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" on their red ribbons, in the entrance hall of the museum. Xi and other leaders ascended the steps and stopped in front of the flower baskets. Xi straightened the ribbons on a basket. Then, other senior officials and representatives from all walks of life presented bouquets of flowers to martyrs. MUNICH, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IDnow, a leading provider of Identity Verification-as-a-Service solutions, is welcoming Bettina Pauck as Chief Operations Officer to its management team. She will head the Operations division at the Munich site as well as the Leipzig site, which will be part of the IDnow Group as of September. IDnow took this new subsidiary over as part of the acquisition of Wirecard Communication Services. Following the successful takeover of Wirecard Communication Services GmbH at the beginning of this week, IDnow announces the appointment of Bettina Pauck as Chief Operations Officer to the management team of the Munich-based identity verification provider. Within the scope of the acquisition, she has already assisted in the valuation of the company. Her main task in the coming months will be to integrate the former Wirecard Communication Services GmbH - now IDnow Services GmbH - into the existing processes and to optimally position the business unit for the foreseeable growth. In the last 12 years Bettina Pauck has been working with her own company as a consultant for companies like N26, reBuy or Axel Springer and has optimized their customer operations. She has been working in customer service since 2004 and now brings her many years of experience in strategic, tactical and operational customer management as well as in the conception and control of service structures to IDnow. "Identity verification is at the heart of many industries, but most of all it ensures the security and sense of security of many customers. Since the customers are the focus of all my activities, I am particularly pleased to be able to make a real difference for the customers - and for IDnow - in this central function," says Bettina Pauck. "IDnow is a company with a strong vision and my goal is to take the Operations division to a new level together with the outstanding team," she adds. "I am pleased that we were able to win Bettina Pauck as COO for IDnow. She will play a central role in the scaling of our operations area, also and especially in the context of the recent strong increase in demand. With the acquisition of Wirecard Communication Services, we have created additional capacity and infrastructure in order to further improve our range and service quality," says Andreas Bodczek, CEO of IDnow. About IDnow With its Identity Verification-as-a-Service (IVaaS) platform, IDnow has set out to make the connected world a safer place. IDnow's unmanipulable identity verification is used across industries conducting online customer interactions that require a high degree of security. IDnow uses Artificial Intelligence to check all security features on ID documents and can therefore reliably identify forged documents. Potentially, the identities of more than 7 billion customers from 193 different countries can be verified in real-time. In addition to safety, the focus is also on an uncomplicated application for the customer. Achieving five out of five stars on the Trustpilot customer rating portal, IDnow technology is particularly user-friendly. IDnow covers a wide range of use cases both in regulated sectors in Europe and for completely new digital business models worldwide. The platform allows the identity flow to be adapted to different regional, legal, and business requirements on a per use case basis. IDnow is supported by venture capital investors Corsair Capital, BayBG, Seventure Partner, G+D Ventures as well as a consortium of renowned business angels. Its portfolio of over 250 customers includes leading international companies from various industries such as Bank of Scotland, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, eventim, Raisin (Weltsparen), Sixt, solarisBank, Telefonica Deutschland, UBS and Western Union as well as fintechs such as Fidor, N26, smava, and wefox. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1195347/IDnow_Logo.jpg Press contact: Christina Schwinning [email protected] +49 89 41324 6054 SOURCE IDnow GmbH Related Links https://www.idnow.io ATV It happened last week in the small and isolated community of Igiugig in Alaska, head tribal clerk Ida Nelson explains for CNN . She was taking a steam bath when she heard the sound of a plane coming in low and she immediately knew that something was wrong: in rural Alaska, planes dont fly that low in the middle of the night.The plane was a medevac aircraft that had been called in to take a small car to hospital in Anchorage. It was flying low because the pilot couldnt turn on the runway lights, as neither could the operator on the ground. Without lights to show the runway, the plane couldnt land safely.Nelson jumped on herand rushed to the airstrip, where she learned all this from the operator. The two made 32 calls to locals, asking them to drive in and offer assistance. It took some organizing, but the locals who responded were able to recreate the runway lighting by using their cars headlights. There were 20 vehicles at the scene and they were positioned on the same side of the runway, shining the lights on it.The plane landed safely, the girl was carried on board, and it took off to Anchorage. During the entire time, the drivers had been instructed not to move and not to turn off the lights. The little girl made it to the hospital in stable condition, so it could be that the locals quick thinking and incredible display of solidarity saved her life.It's an ordinary thing to happen here in such a small community, Nelson says. And what I'm finding out is that it's extraordinary to other people it's kind of a normal deal.Still, hope in humanity (temporarily) restored. Neatos newest robotic vacuum, the Neato D10, uses LIDAR-based technology and a HEPA filter that captures virtually 100 percent of allergens, the company says. It offers a runtime of 150 minutes, the widest brush and largest dirt bin on the market, supposedly, and a new and improved MyNeato app. The LIDAR-based system makes the Neato D10 up to 30 percent faster than competitors with camera-based navigation. Like Neatos previous models, the D-shape allows the vacuum to reach edges and corners, and as a result, the D10 offers up to 70 percent more coverage than its rounded competitors. Thanks to the upgraded app, users will be able to set up their Neato D10 in just six steps. As promised, Neato vacuums now work with Siri Shortcuts, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant. You can map up to three floorplans, set zone cleaning, get cleaning summaries, choose turbo and eco modes and use remote start and scheduling. Neato revealed the Neato D10, along with slightly paired down Neato D9 and Neato D8 models, at IFA 2020 in Berlin today. The Neato D9 and Neato D8 use the companys LaserSmart mapping technology and have shorter run times than the D10, 120 minutes and 90 minutes, respectively. The new product line is set to arrive in North America, Europe and Japan this fall, but the company has not yet revealed pricing. For reference, its existing Botvac D7 Connected cost $800. That puts Neatos robotic vacuums in the range of the iRobot Roomba i7+, which originally sold for $1,000 but is now on sale for $700. Q. My late father taught law in high school. He wrote to former prime minister John Diefenbaker and received this large print of the Canadian Bill of Rights. It bears a handwritten greeting, with signature to my father and the students of his classroom, September 1975. Its about 61 cm wide (24 inches), in good overall condition with a bit of discoloration and crumpling on edges. Is this collectible or worth donating to a museum? Robyn, Waterloo A. You have a document The Canadian Bill of Rights that is An Act for the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. It became federal law through Diefenbakers government in 1960. It is still effective today but, in 1982 it was superseded by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These do show up but autographs of distinguished personalities are always of interest and yours is unique being personalized. Have a paper conservator look at arresting the darkening. It is a great piece of history worth $375. Q. I have my grandmothers parasol that dates back to the early 20th century. She was born in 1901. I wonder if it is a childs size at 67 cm long (26 inches). Open, the diameter is 57 cm (22.5 inches). Its rusting in spots and has three tiny holes. Any interesting thoughts about it and its preservation are welcome. Thanks very much. Louise, Osgoode, Ont. A. This ladys parasol makes quite a statement with the concentric frills. A childs would be about 33 cm long (13 inches). There is much conjecture surrounding the parasol/umbrella name discussion but, generally parasols are associated with shading from the sun while umbrellas are for protection from rain. The Egyptians were using parasols 4000 years ago. Eatons of Canada offered Sunshades colourful versions of their white or black parasols. Parasols were both fashion statements and status symbols as a lady. The original cost of yours was about two dollars. Those with fancy handles cost more making them expensive today. These are great props for personal photo use or film production which boosts the value to a sunny $75. Q. I inherited this tea set for two from my aunt (born in 1919). I do not know when or where she acquired it. A professional translator said the marks meant Satsuma the brand of the Japanese ware and Satsu Porcelain Company,which makes sense considering the crackled cream glaze, gilt and the golden bamboo and chrysanthemum design. The set was obviously made for western trade though the tea cups are small. The teapot is 14 cms tall (5.5 inches) including the lid and each cup (without the saucer) is 5 cms high. I would appreciate knowing more about this. Thank you very much. Satya, Chelsea, Que. A You have described the distinguishing characters of Japanese Satsuma pottery. I wasnt able to find the company mentioned. One main centre of production was in Kyoto but blanks were also sold for decorating by artists in many other places such as Tokyo and Yokohama. Satsuma values are largely based on the quality of the artistry and yours with the enamels and gold depicting bamboo and flowers is above average. The blue flowers are termed Gosu blue named for the artist, Gosu Gombei, who developed a blue enamel 300 years earlier. Your tea set was produced during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) a time of high production of this type. You might approach the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto for another opinion on the character marks. It is worth $550. Voters cast their ballots for the Florida presidential primary, in Bonita Springs, Fla., on March 17, 2020. (Elise Amendola/AP Photo) Senate Democrats Urge Trump Admin to Sanction Russia Not China Over Election Interference A group of Senate Democrats on Thursday urged the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Russia for recent efforts by Russians to interfere in the upcoming U.S. elections. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), along with 10 other senators, sent a letter (pdf) to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin calling on him to impose sanctions on individuals linked to the Kremlin. Congress mandated a broad range of sanctions tools, and it is long past time for the administration to send a direct message to President Putin: the U.S. will respond immediately and forcefully to continuing election interference by the government of the Russian Federation and its surrogates, to punish, deter, and substantially increase the economic and political costs of such interference, they wrote. The letter was also signed by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The lawmakers in their letter mentioned a recent statement by William Evanina, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, which concluded that China, Russia, and Iran are attempting to interfere in the 2020 election. Some specific Russian entities are favoring President Donald Trump, while Chinese and Iranian actors are interfering in favor of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. Evanina wrote that Kremlin-linked actors were trying to boost President Trumps candidacy on social media and Russian television, and that pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption to undermine Bidens candidacy. We assess that China prefers that President Trumpwhom Beijing sees as unpredictabledoes not win reelection, the Intelligence analysis stated. Read More US Capital Is the Lifeline of the Chinese Communist Party: Roger Robinson Interview The senators urged Mnuchin to use the authority given by a 2018 executive order to impose sanctions in the event of foreign interference in the U.S. election. While Evanina emphasized election interference more broadly, the senators letter only addressed Russian interference and made no mention of Chinas interference in the upcoming 2020 elections. As many of us have observed, there is virtually no national security threat more serious than that posed by those who would undermine confidence in, and the effective operation of, our democratic elections, the senators added. Democrats have voiced opposition this week to the decision by Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to terminate in-person election security congressional briefings and instead submit written documents. Ratcliffe said on Fox News last week that he had been frequently briefing not just the oversight committees but every member of Congress. But, he said, within minutes of one of those briefings ending, a number of members of Congress went to a number of different outlets and leaked classified information for political purposes. He said that it was designed to create a narrative that simply isnt true, that somehow Russia is a greater national security threat than China. I dont mean to minimize Russia. They are a serious national security threat, but day in, day out, the threats that we face from China are significantly greater, Ratcliffe said. Anyone who says otherwise is just politicizing intelligence for their own narrative. On Tuesday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) sent a letter to Ratcliffe demanding that he reinstate the in-person hearings for Congress or face repercussions. We thus urge you to draw upon the conclusion of the Intelligence Community to identify and target for sanctions all those determined to be responsible for ongoing election interference, the Senators wrote. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to The Epoch Timess request for comment on the letter. More than a month after being reinstated as the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner (SEC), following a prolonged legal battle with the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government, retired IAS officer Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar on Friday moved the high court again seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the state Crime Investigation Department (CID). In a petition, the SEC brought to the notice of the court that the Director-General of Police and the CID authorities had filed a false and frivolous case against him on April 21 at the behest of the ruling YSR Congress party. He requested that the high court directs the Central government to order an inquiry through any Central agency, preferably the CBI, into the case filed against the SEC by the CID. Ramesh Kumar also wanted the court to stop the state government, the DGP and the CID authorities from interfering with the functioning of the election commission, thereby stifling its autonomy guaranteed under Article 243 K of the Constitution of India, as being illegal, manifestly arbitrary and in contravention of the spirit of Article 243K of the Constitution. He also asked the court to quash the FIR registered against the SEC and grant a stay on the CID inquiry, pending disposal of the petition. All the material seized by the CID from the office of the SEC be returned forthwith, Ramesh Kumar said. The petition is likely to come up for hearing on September 7. It may be mentioned that the CID, based on a complaint lodged by YSRC general secretary V Vijay Sai Reddy, registered a case on April 21. The CID charged Ramesh Kumar with forcing his staff at the SEC to destroy certain files in the office computer pertaining to his complaint to the Union home secretary seeking protection by the central agency. Ramesh Kumar wrote to the Union ministry stating that he needed security form central forces as he was facing threat to his life from the YSRC leaders. He pointed out that none other than chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy himself made wild allegations against him and his cabinet colleagues had used abusive and threatening language against the SEC. As part of the investigation, the CID seized the central processing unit (CPU), scanner and laptop of the SEC, postal register and mobile phone of one of the employees K Samba Murthy, who allegedly erased all the files in the system. Ramesh Kumar expressed the apprehension that the seizure was aimed at tampering with the election process that was underway. Subsequently, the Jagan government removed Ramesh Kumar from the SEC post through an ordinance but the latter moved the high court challenging the same. After a prolonged battle in the high court and later in the Supreme Court, the Jagan government reinstated him as the SEC on July 30. PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- "Today's report sums up New Jersey's journey in improving maternal health there is much to celebrate, but also more that we have yet to accomplish. Each year, New Jersey's 49 birthing hospitals welcome more than 100,000 babies into the world, and they have committed themselves to ensuring the safety and well-being of the mothers and babies in their care. We thank them and their care teams for always being there, on the frontlines. We also appreciate the leadership of First Lady Tammy Murphy and Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli for keeping maternal health in the spotlight. "We are pleased that over 80 percent of birthing hospitals in our state have reduced their C-section birth rates for low-risk, first time mothers and that others are learning from their colleagues' experiences as they continue their work to improve outcomes for moms and babies. Areas that demand further work include complications that lead to severe maternal morbidity and mortality and the racial disparities that are evident in those numbers. Because birth data isn't deemed complete until one-year post-partum, this data is two years old. Rest assured that quality improvement efforts continue and we look forward to seeing their impact in future reports. "Hospitals are committed to closing racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes in New Jersey. This is an area we have been tracking through NJHA's Center for Health Analytics, Research and Transformation. CHART's analysis of 2018 data identified racial disparities in the rate of improvement for overall C-sections, with the rate declining 16.4 percent for white women, 9.5 for Asian women and 6.7 percent for black women. Disparities also existed by age group, with mothers age 20-24 showing the most significant reduction in the overall C-section rate, at 21.3 percent. The overall C-section rate declined 12.3 for women ages 30-39, while mothers age 45 and older experienced a 4.7 percent increase in the overall C-section rate. The data provides valuable insight for targeting our efforts to ensure that all New Jersey women are part of the progress being made in safe, successful deliveries." SOURCE New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) Denise Richards had been filming the medieval drama series Glow And Darkness in Madrid, Spain when the coronavirus outbreak forced the production to be shut down in mid-March. Months later, the 49-year-old reality star returned to set with her Spanish producer and director Jose Luis Moreno and costars, including Natalie Radmall-Quirke and Victoria Summer. Before slipping into a costume for the period drama on Wednesday, she could be seen sporting a blue tank top with a lighting bolt and a relaxed pair of sweatpants. Filming: Months after production was halted, Denise Richards has returned to the set of her series Glow And Darkness in Spain The actress, who is a mom to two teenage daughters with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and a nine-year-old girl she adopted while single, rocked her signature messy bun. As she sat outside and engaged in a lively conversation, Richards elected not to wear a mask and could be seen embracing someone on set. The beauty appeared comfortable mingling without makeup, just two weeks after revealing to fans on Instagram she was flying to Siguenza. Cozy: Before slipping into a costume for the period drama on Wednesday, she could be seen sporting a blue tank top with a lighting bolt and a relaxed pair of sweatpants Risky: As she sat outside and engaged in a lively conversation, Richards elected not to wear a mask and could be seen embracing someone on set 'On my way to Spain. Back shooting #glowanddarkness started before we were all on lockdown,' the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star captioned a selfie wearing a face mask on an airplane. In the same post, she graciously thanked 'everyone that jumped through hoops' to get her back to Europe amid the ongoing pandemic. Since her initial post, she has been teasing a number of elaborate looks from the international series, which include her wearing medieval gowns and crowns. She's back: Richards had been filming the medieval drama series Glow And Darkness in Madrid, Spain when the coronavirus outbreak forced the production to be shut down in mid-March Staying safe: Her glam team appeared diligent about keeping their noses and mouth, as they applied her makeup wearing white CDC-recommended masks Her glam team appeared diligent about covering their noses and mouth, as they applied Richards' makeup wearing white CDC-recommended masks. In the behind-the-scenes selfie at the end of August, Richards smiled brightly in a pastel pink dress with a gold headpiece in her tightly curled hair. She appeared to be loving her looks with tiaras, as she posed for another picture in a silver and jeweled tiara the next week. Cheeky: While rocking a Guns N' Roses t-shirt, the mother-of-three joked about adding a 'bit of sparkle' to her graphic tee While rocking a Guns N' Roses t-shirt, the mother-of-three joked about adding a 'bit of sparkle' to her graphic tee. 'Adjusting my crown for the last shot... before getting into my big dress that weighs more than heavy drapes at the fanciest hotel. cant we have both?' she asked her 1.3 million Instagram followers. Two days ago, she also snapped a picture of a rehearsal, while appearing to be enjoying coffee with the cast and crew. Set life: Two days ago, she also snapped a picture of a rehearsal, while appearing to be enjoying coffee with the cast and crew This comes after Lisa Rinna angrily accused Richards of 'gaslighting' her castmates during The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills season 10 reunion that aired Wednesday on Bravo. During the first of three virtual reunion episodes, Lisa, 57, vented her fury at Denise for her repeated criticisms of the cast. Above all, she couldn't let go of the fact that Denise had chastised them for discussing threesomes during a barbecue at her house, within earshot of her kids. Season reunion: Lisa Rinna angrily accused Richards of 'gaslighting' her castmates during The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills season 10 reunion that aired Wednesday on Bravo Lisa quickly reminded Denise that she'd shared plenty of her own dirty stories on camera. 'You bring up your husband's penis almost every show,' she yelled, referring to a remark the actress made about her husband Aaron Phypers, 47, at that same dinner. 'I think she was trying to make us as a group look bad,' Erika Girardi, 49, opined, recalling the proximity of the kids' table to the adults', where sex talk was sure to be had. Lisa also mentioned a tale Denise told last season about the sexual encounters she and Aaron had enjoyed with certain masseurs. Under fire: During the first of three reunion episodes, Lisa, 57, vented her fury at Denise, 49, for her repeated criticisms of the cast 'The whole world knows about Denise's husband going and getting a happy ending from like, a 100-year old woman,' Lisa shouted. Erika recalled that Denise had taken her out to coffee to talk to her about the threesome conversation, and emphasized that she'd felt singled out by Denise's anger. 'I took it on the chin; I apologized sincerely,' Erika said. 'Then I find out you take it to Teddi [Mellencamp-Arroyave, 39] and Sutton [Stracke]. Motherf***er, I'm out. That's bulls***.' Denise denied singling out Erika or complaining about her, which made Erika apoplectic. 'Denise, oh my God,' she blurted. 'Am I on another f***ing planet?' 'No, you're just being gaslit, Erika,' Lisa cracked. Kofi Bentil 04.09.2020 LISTEN WHAT IS NEW? Complaints about neutrals, loudmouthed CSOs, naysaying Jeremiahs, empty critics and the like have been coming nonstop from politicians throughout my 20 plus years of public policy analysis, advocacy and activism. Auntie Lizzie earned her place in the annals of our countrys history when she stood up to military bullies in dark days of the early 80s, and for that she has my eternal respect. She literally put her life on the line for the values of free speech and conscience, so thank God she is still with us. Imagine then my discomfort that I have to cross swords with her on the issue of free conscience, but there comes a time when we must hold people to their own professed values, and I intend to do that today. Ms. Elizabeth Ohene is dyed-in-the-wool NPP, as is her right to be. she was not merely a Minister and a parliamentary candidate on an NPP ticket, she has been an ardent activist of the party. Which means she tows the party line, which right now is that CSOs are worrying NPP. It is not strange that she would take umbrage at citizens speaking up. Especially in these times when a close business associate and fellow leading member of the NPP, my friend Gabby, has been under the spotlight due to CSO advocacy. I have been an Activist since 1991; this is standard fare, plain vanilla government clapback! Nothing strange, we take it in stride, but facts cannot be buried under emotion. FOCUS My first problem with Auntie Lizzies commentary is focus. But it is standard fare. Whenever IMANI or other activist CSOs take a stance and make submissions, people refuse to focus on the specific arguments we have made. Instead they circle around, indulging in all manner of roundabout speak. Auntie Lizzie does not depart from this template, hence I struggled to understand why people kept asking me to take note. Puzzled, I returned to Auntie Lizzies article again. I read it line by line. I thought I should cluster and categorise the ideas into buckets so it would be easier to address the arguments. I often taught my business strategy students to focus on the key nodes in an issue and address them, meaning avoid the other distractions, no matter how shiny they are. With Agyapa we addressed the key issues, so clearly that we even put out a mathematical formula, because 2+2 is 4, whether in Adeiso, Adabraka or Alabama! The key issues or nodes in that affair were the valuation and the nepotism/self-dealing. I intend to apply the same disciplined analysis to Auntie Lizzies article. CSOs claim to love Ghana more than anybody in politics? Where or when is that from? Is there some public manifesto CSOs have issued proclaiming this special love? or is the point that complaining about government policies makes one automatically guilty of this charge? If so, then what about the Catholic Bishops who routinely express misgivings about various social issues? The Chiefs, constantly lamenting about political decisions? The social media crowd? The Trade Unions? GUTA? Concerned Small-Scale Miners? The morning show radio hosts? Why not then say: everyone? What is distinct about CSO criticisms? CSOs are disdainful of politicians and think all governments are corrupt. Which CSOs? In 1982 when Elizabeth Ohene became Acting Editor of the then Peoples Daily Graphic, there were about 80 NGOs in Ghana. In 2008, we had more than 5000 NGOs in Ghana. These are only those registered with the Department of Social Welfare. When I speak to my friends who track these things, they tell me that there are more than 50,000 companies registered by guarantee who self-identify as NGOs or CSOs. In 2019 alone, more than 7000 companies limited by guarantee were registered. Nearly 8% of total registrations. Over half of these self-identify as CSOs by my friends framework. How many of these fall in the bracket created by Auntie Lizzie? How many does she know by name, deed or reputation? So, on what is she basing her assessments? Such broad sweeps dont help any debate. Groups like IMANI, CDD, IDEG and others make it our business to understand government activities so that we can criticise constructively. We are fair critics who put in the work. We spend hours conducting research and mounting advocacy to try and influence policy and shift national discourse. And we accept criticism. CSOs want to be seen as a repository of all wisdom Who, or where has this claim been made? When we fiercely resisted the STX project, did we attack the architectural plans? Did we not focus on public interest valuation metrics, a common tool that can be applied across many contexts, whether public housing or sovereign gold royalties? Is that not evidence that whatever we take on, we focus on public policy analysis and not everything as the likes of Auntie Lizzie claim? This accusation of all-knowing hubris is like many others in the article, without any clear target. Less than 0.1% of CSOs in Ghana comment on government policy or seek to impact decision making at any level beyond their immediate community. There are also CSOs that do comment on policy but only as dispassionate analysts. E.g. ISSER, ACET or CEPA. They stay in safe spaces as they have a right to. Others like CDD, IFS, ACEP, IEA, IMANI, and IDEG combine policy analysis with advocacy. Overall, CSOs come in many hues, along a wide spectrum. No broad brush does justice when describing what they do. Some CSOs seek to promote change from within and conduct their advocacy by building long-term relationships with political actors and the bureaucracy. Others like TWN, ISODEC, IMANI, ASEPA, ILAPI, GUTA and WACAM are activist in their advocacy. They seek to enlist public sympathy against policies they find wrong. They also believe in inoculation theory, which is a fancy term for immunising the population against government propaganda. It is this last function that is most dangerous. Less than 0.001% of Ghanaian CSOs use this tactic. It is dangerous because it sounds like accusing very powerful people of lying. No one likes to be told that they are lying. Auntie Lizzie also evidently cant stand CSOs who do this. Imani used this tactic when we declared after serious research, that Komenda Sugar factory was bound to be unworkable. We said publicly that the project was defectively planned. We had facts and research to back that, and time proved us right. What is one to do when faced with the situation like the EC one where they claimed that since 2011 they have never bought electoral equipment knowing full well that it is a blatant provable lie? Or when the Ministry of Communications said that Kelni GVG has led to the recovery of evaded taxes when they knew that nothing like that has happened? Shouldnt Ghana feel lucky that out of the 50,000 CSOs we have in the country, about 5 are willing to openly and brazenly call out such lies so corrosive to the national interest? It looks like Auntie Lizzie would prefer a Ghana where not a single CSO will openly call out leaders and bureaucrats when they lie. Her article is luminous with incredulity as to why anyone will suggest that Agyapa was undervalued and problematic, how dare we! CSO Financial Issues The article then veers off into bizarre territory, asking who is paying CSOs. She insists CSO donors tend to be foreign. That CSOs are accountable to foreigners. This is yet more groundless, unresearched, claims, not fair criticism. Of the CSOs that operate in Ghana, the vast majority are community based. Many are sponsored by churches, mosques, and even traditional authorities. Less than 1% of CSOs, have even the standing and relationships to attract overseas funding. I hereby challenge Elizabeth Ohene to produce an alternate figure. Most foreign funders shy away from activist CSOs like Imani. The majority of CSOs who get funding from abroad are into development projects not political advocacy. As SVP of Imani Im interested in raising more money for our work, and we know if we became less critical, we will attract more funding, but we have refused to change, insisting on our unique identity. IMANIs indomitable group of Senior Fellows are all unpaid. Its most well-known advocates run businesses that are their main sources of livelihood. The organisation maintains a research unit that competes for research projects and obtains funding that way for its day to day upkeep. Donations constitute a very small proportion of income and are almost always tied to specific audited projects. Many CSOs in Ghana are like IMANI. Who are these CSOs then that she claims are unaccountable to Ghanaians etc? Why cant she name names so we can deal properly with her concerns? Of course, if anyone is paid from taxes, they must absolutely be accountable to tax payers! The International Women Media Foundation that Auntie Lizzie happily advertises as part of her credentials, may I humbly ask if it is accountable to Ghanaians in any way? Policy Disputes & Know it All If a person believes they have a challenge with policy prescriptions made by CSOs, they have every liberty to engage and address them, with rebuttals, superior alternative ideas or counterproposals. Our counter proposal in Agyapa is that the valuation must be over $2.5 billion, and we have gone to lengths to demonstrate this mathematically. It is wrong to turn a policy debate into a platform for lobbing potshots over irrelevant matters. The various policy controversies that Auntie Lizzie refers to are deep and weighty and deserve focused engagement. For instance, which CSOs does Auntie Lizzie disagree with over what they said or didnt say about the banking crisis? What are her specific counters? Who said the Government was massaging figures on COVID and what were their specific complaints? Was it true or not? Which CSOs published what about COVID and have now gone quiet? How many Ghanaian CSOs have even issued a report on COVID? Can she bring some real case studies so we dont have to engage with phantoms and floating arguments? In fact, silence among professionals would be a fairer accusation against the CSO community. Why do we have academics at a University of Mines and an actuarial society, yet no academic research opinion on Agyapa? Where are the professors of finance in our business schools etc? Is this the kind of calm and peace Auntie Lizzie prefers? Clearly, CSOs that gain the limelight do so NOT because they are deemed wiser than everyone but because they speak up bravely on issues that matter to the public, risking the onslaught of persons in power like Auntie Lizzie. Media owners and editors are not fools. They watch their ratings. They know which CSOs speak the minds of large segments of society, and grant them more space to do so because it benefits everyone to hear clear voices on important national issues. Because the areas we fall short on policy as a country tend to be repetitive and consistent, it is not surprising that the same CSOs would often be heard applying the same concepts and sounding the same cautions. What we should be worried about is why the country keep making the same mistakes! And with Covid-19, the over 100 medical professionals who wrote about these matters, were they CSOs? Was their intervention fundamentally different from the CSO approach? What is it about politicians like Auntie Lizzie that they cant bear to hear any other voices apart from their own? Who is on radio morning, noon and night, more than politicians? Why do politicians tend to suggest that activists must become politicians if they want to speak? Is politics the only lens to wear for an issue? What about economics, sociology, policy, religion, morality, logic, rationality, and history? The other basis for accusing CSOs for feeling like they know it all is, according to the likes of Auntie Lizzy, is that we dont accept our mistakes. This is another unfair and untrue claim. Lets take the EC issue for example. The EC publicly announced to the whole world that they will implement safety protocols in registration centers. A tiny proportion of CSOs, notably under the CODEO umbrella, and separately IMANI, visited these centers. We took video and photographic evidence that showed clearly that these measures were simply disregarded in many centers. Earlier claims that the EC could not register more than 12 million people if they followed these guidelines were in support of a proposition that they increase the number of days in order to avoid disenfranchisement. Instead of doing that, the EC simply abandoned the health guidelines, proceeded to use National ID cards to register over 50% of the people registered and allow a very flawed Guarantor system to put in another 20% and then declared that we have a new more credible register. What is Elizabeth Ohenes specific argument here? Why does she have a problem with CSOs rather than taking on the EC? CSOs brook no criticisms CSOs criticise when we deem it fit, and listen when criticised. We consider criticisms as a sharpening tool, as useful feedback. Criticisms with no head or tail, on the other hand, are not useful. When Dorothy Gordon, one-time senior ICT official in this country, questioned the lack of gender balance at the top of IMANI, we thought hard about it. Because IMANI was formed organically, this was not deliberate. But we made very conscious attempts that whenever we were hiring, gender shall play an important role. When Yao Graham commented at a forum that we tend to flit from campaign to campaign, leaving issues hanging, we decided that on the matter of EC, we are in it for the long haul. When some people argued that our failure to work for change from within the policy system itself could lead to a loss of effectiveness, we altered our cocoa policy advocacy effort to closely engage with Cocobod. And so on and so forth. I could go on but this is too long already. Evidence abounds that CSOs make Ghana better not worse. There are things CSOs have achieved which politicians have woefully failed or refused to deal with out of neglect or plain incompetence, from Auditor General Surcharging to stopping the Toll Levy, through to forcing Right to Information into effect etc. Justified or not, there is a palpable sentiment in Ghana that our Politicians have become the same, that they band together to loot the nation, and that if we citizens dont rise up, NOT to become politicians, but to speak up and be activists, they will rob us till we drop! Whether right or wrong, articles like Auntie Lizzies are fuelling a perception of tone-deafness. Someone remarked that it will be a happy day when the government accepts that criticizing them doesnt mean you are against them. We citizens must band together and compel this reality into being by staring down bullying politicians. The day they succeed in silencing all of us, starting with the loudest and most strident, is the day we should all pack up and leave for the woods! Next time, Auntie Lizzie has real criticism with some actual content to offer, she should send it my way. I will send it to all the CSOs. All 50,000 of them. P riti Patel has been condemned for her comments about activist lawyers frustrating the removal of migrants. The Home Secretary on Thursday posted on Twitter that the Government had removed people who had arrived to the UK in small boats and had no legal right to be in the country. She then added that efforts to remove more migrants were being frustrated by activist lawyers. Her comments come a week after the Home Office was forced to abandon using a video which accused activist lawyers representing migrants of trying to disrupt the asylum system after a barrage of complaints. Amanda Pinto QC, chair of the Bar Council, said that lawyers should not be political targets for simply doing their jobs. She added: Irresponsible, misleading communications from the Government, around the job that lawyers do in the public interest, are extremely damaging to our society. Legal professionals who apply the law and follow Parliaments express intention, are not activists. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought into Dover, Kent / PA They are enabling people to exercise their statutory rights and defend themselves against those in power. Without those lawyers, our system would crumble. The justice system provides a vital check and balance and should not be attacked for the sake of political point-scoring by the Government. We strongly condemn the use of divisive and deceptive language that undermines the rule of law and those working to uphold it. Border Force in the English Channel / AFP via Getty Images The Home Office published a video on Wednesday August 26 showing a moving graphic of planes leaving the UK with the caption: We are working to remove migrants with no right to remain in the UK. But currently return regulations are rigid and open to abuse Allowing activist lawyers to delay and disrupt returns. A university professor lodged a complaint with the departments top civil servant, Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft. Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics at Kings College London, said he complained to Mr Rycroft about the video, and in a post on Twitter, on Thursday August 27, quoted his response as: I agree the phrase you quote should not have been used on an official government channel. I have made clear to the team this post should not be used again from Home Office accounts or anywhere else by civil servants. The Home Office press office confirmed the response was accurate and that it would no longer be using the video or the phrases included in the footage. A record 416 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats on Wednesday, the most ever on a single day. The figure was revised up from 409 by the Home Office on Thursday morning. The total number of migrants who have crossed the sea to Britain in 2020 is now more than 5,600. T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert has reportedly argued in a private against the reelection of President Trump, and he has warned that Democrats risk losing in November if the party embraces a "Defund the Police" message. In a Facebook post last week, Sievert wrote that if Democrats "want to LOSE THIS ELECTION, we should keep saying and repeating the phrase Defund the Police and associate the phrase with our candidates," according to Politico, Sievert, who wrote the message after the unrest and at-times violent protests in Kenosha, Wis., called the rhetoric a "surefire" way to hand Trump and other congressional Republicans another term. TRUMP'S $400 UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIKELY JUST $300 FOR MOST AMERICANS T-Mobile did not respond to a FOX Business request for comment. A long-time T-Mobile executive, Sievert succeeded John Legere as chief executive at the beginning of April, when the nation's second-largest mobile carrier completed its merger with Sprint. The deal was valued at $26 billion. In the post, Sievert expressed sympathy with the goals of the Defund the Police movement, which garnered traction earlier this summer after the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a White Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for at least eight minutes. He also said he was "aghast" at the police shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, by Kenosha police. But supporting the tactic could drive away moderate voters, he said. JOB GROWTH OVER NEXT DECADE EXPECTED TO BE SLOWER THAN AFTER 2008 CRISIS [I]f the mantra becomes Defund the Police or worse, if we start to riot and tear down buildings or incite violence in response, the other guy wins. THE OTHER GUY WINS, Sievert reportedly wrote in the post. And the changes we want, and demand, dont come about anytime soon." Trump has tried for months to tie Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden to the Defund the Police movement, which is supported by some left-leaning lawmakers such as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Story continues Biden has instead called for reforms to law enforcement. "Let's get the facts straight, I not only don't want to defund the police, I want to add $300 million to their local budgets to deal with community policing to get police and communities back together again," Biden said this week. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Related Articles Empty streets of the city are seen in Melbourne, Australia, on July 27, 2020. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) 59 Deaths, 81 New Cases Recorded in Victoria Victoria has reported an Australian-record 59 COVID-19 deaths, although only nine of the fatalities are new. The state toll soared past 600 to 650 and the national figure to 737. The figure from Sept 4 easily surpasses the previous Australian record of 41 deaths on August 31. Throughout this week, Victorias daily toll has included earlier aged care deaths as the sector reconciles data with the state and federal governments. The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said 50 of Fridays reported deaths were at aged care fatalities from July and August. The state also had 81 new cases, a significant drop from Thursdays spike of 113. The fall in case numbers is encouraging news, two days from the announcement of the much-anticipated roadmap out of lockdown. Premier Daniel Andrews will announce separate pathways for how and when Melbourne and regional Victoria will come out of respective stage four and three lockdowns. There is no confirmation yet that any restrictions will be eased on September 13, and Andrews is not deviating from his pre-set timeline for unveiling the state governments strategy. The time to announce what things look like in the weeks and months ahead is not today, he told reporters on Thursday. Andrews reiterated the roadmap could not be released as it was not finished yet and needed contemporary data from the next few days. There is an enormous amount of modelling going on at the moment, he said. Literally thousands of scenarios are run through various computers and processes, and that does take some time. The premier also dismissed a leaked document indicating Melbournes 8pm-5am curfew could be extended by a further fortnight as out of date. Meanwhile, Victoria Police has defended the arrest of a pregnant Ballarat woman for allegedly inciting a planned anti-lockdown protest in the regional city on Saturday. Police are determined to stop a Freedom Day protest planned at locations in inner Melbourne, including at the Shrine of Remembrance, on the same day. Melbourne Dear President of the Republic of Ghana, The Organisation of Ghanaians Abroad has received several complaints and concerns from Ghanaians living across the world on the recent guidelines on travel to Ghana in the context of the Covid-19 virus pandemic. The concern is centered on the 150 USD charge that has to be paid for the COVID-19 test at the Airport in Accra. We find this charge exorbitant. Taking into account that another test needs to be done 72 hours before departure, the 150 USD is too high especially when one travels with family members. We, therefore, request that the fee of 150$ be reduced considerably to match the average fee in Ghanaian laboratories. We hope that this request will meet your consideration. Warm regards Mr. President Osei Mensah Michael President, Organisation of Ghanaians Abroad (OGHA) To The President of the Republic of Ghana Jubilee House, Accra. cc Director of DAOOP, Jubilee House, Accra. (Natural News) President Donald Trump has, for months, asked Portlands riot-enabling mayor, Ted Wheeler, to step up, be the man he was elected to be, and accept federal help to protect citizens of Portland who have been terrorized by mobs of anarchists for months. But like a good Lefty, Wheeler has consistently refused the presidents offers of federal officers and agents, even claiming recently that the protests will simple burn themselves out. Of course, that was just a few days before many of those same rioters launched mortars and other fireworks at the apartment complex where he lives and is now moving out of because his neighbors will probably toss him out if he doesnt leave on his own. Antifa rioters set off fireworks at @tedwheelers NW Portland condo. Theyve also started a large fire on the street. #PortlandRiots pic.twitter.com/A3KnDvCBCv Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 1, 2020 That said, if Wheelers refusals of help werent bad enough, there is always the fact that Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, himself an Antifa enabler, wasnt going to prosecute anyone who was arrested anywaybecause he isnt now. Arrested at the violent #antifa protest, charged & quickly released without bail: Fnu Solo, who was previously known as Solomon Bradley Ediger, listed as a 30-year-old female in Portland. https://t.co/hR95rq3P8d Katherine Sherman, 35, of Portland https://t.co/ZLkF6ux73v pic.twitter.com/BJ5CrFDzJ0 Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 1, 2020 Time and again, many of the same rioters are arrested and quickly released, never to be charged, because Schmidt enacted a policy in recent weeks informing everyone that his office isnt going to make criminals out of young criminals. So while Portland Police make the arrests over and over again, Schmidt repeatedly lets the same perps walk. Now, however, the Trump administration has found a way around both problems: Not getting federal agents into Portland and not getting the local prosecutor to act. The Epoch Times reports: Oregon State Police (OSP) personnel sent to Portland in a renewed bid to end the unrest there have been federally deputized, a spokesman confirmed to The Epoch Times. Most of OSP resources assigned to Portland have been cross deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service, Capt. Timothy Fox, the spokesman, said in an emailed statement on Sept. 2. OSP is not criticizing any officials and we respect the authority of the District Attorney, but to meet the Governors charge of bringing violence to an end we will use all lawful methods at our disposal. Translated, this means that Oregon State Police officers are now doubling as federal officers, which means a) Trump wins; and b) repeat rioters will be charged with federal crimes when, if theyre convicted, they will spend their full sentences behind bars because there is no parole in the federal system. (Related: All thats wrong with our society: GoFundMe account for Kenosha THUG Jacob Blake raises millions while good cops are slandered, fired, ruined.) Already, state police are working with the local U.S. Attorneys Office to look over arrests they have made for potential prosecutions. Seventy-six people arrested in relation to Portland unrest have been charged on a federal level, a Department of Justice spokeswoman said this week. Approximately 774 arrests have been made since May 28, according to city and federal data, The Epoch Times added. It should be noted that Oregon troopers were in Portland recently to assist city cops with the endless rioting. But a day after Schmidt announced his new policy of non-punishment, they withdrew and havent been back. Whats more, a recent plan developed by Left-wing Gov. Kate Browns office that would utilize deputies from local sheriffs departments was widely rejected by a number of them because there is no law and their is no order when it comes to Schmidt declining to prosecute a shameless act of irresponsibility that puts officers lives at risk for absolutely no reason. The rejection by Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts was typical. The only way to make Portland safe again, is to support a policy that holds offenders accountable for their destruction and violence. That will require the DA to charge offenders appropriately and a decision by the Multnomah County Presiding Judge not to allow offenders released on their own recognizance, and instead require bail with conditions, he wrote. The same offenders are arrested night after night, only to be released by the court and not charged with a crime by the DAs Office. The next night they are back at it, endangering the lives of law enforcement and the community all over again. Sources include: TrendingPolitics.com TheEpochTimes.com TheBlaze.com NaturalNews.com (Newser) Mail balloting was set to begin Friday in the presidential election as North Carolina starts sending out more than 600,000 ballots to votersresponding to a massive spike in requests that has played out across the country as voters look for a safer way to cast ballots during the pandemic. The 618,000 ballots requested in the initial wave in North Carolina were more than 16 times the number the state sent out at the same time four years ago. The requests came overwhelmingly from Democratic and independent voters, a reflection of a new partisan divide over mail voting, the AP reports. While ballots go out in two weeks in other battlegrounds like Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, all eyes are on North Carolina as it leads off. story continues below The GOP has historically dominated North Carolina mail voting, but this year the people asking for the ballots are not generally Republicans. Democrats requested more than 326,000 ballots, and independents 192,000, while only 92,000 were sought by Republicans. Voters in the state can continue to request the ballots up until Oct. 27, though that may be too close to the Nov. 3 election for them to receive the ballot and return it to their local elections office in time. The Democratic lead in mail ballots isn't only in North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, Democrats have requested nearly triple the number of absentee ballots as Republicans. In Florida, where the GOP once dominated mail voting, 47.5% of requests have come from Democrats and 32% from Republicans. (The White House denies that President Trump told people in North Carolina to vote twice.) 'Social smokers' are more than twice as likely to die of lung disease and more than eight times as likely to die of lung cancer than non-smokers, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] The study also shows that the risk of lung cancer death for 'social smokers' - those who smoke less than ten cigarettes per day - is not substantially lower than those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day. Researchers say their study suggests that cutting down, or combining fewer cigarettes with vaping, is no substitute for quitting. The research was by Dr Pallavi Balte and Dr Elizabeth Oelsner at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA. Dr Balte told the virtual conference: "Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, but it's easy to assume that if you only smoke a little, the risks won't be too high. "Previous research suggests that people are cutting down on smoking, for example in the USA the proportion of smokers smoking less than ten cigarettes per day has increased from 16% to 27%. So, we wanted to study the risks to social smokers compared to people who don't smoke and compared to heavier smokers." The study included 18,730 people selected from a multi-ethnic sample of the general US population with an average age of 61. Researchers followed the people for an average of 17 years, during which time 649 died of respiratory disease and 560 died of lung cancer. Among non-smokers, the proportion of people who died from respiratory diseases was 1.8% and the proportion who died of lung cancer was 0.6%. Among social smokers (people who smoked less than ten cigarettes a day), around 3.3% died from respiratory diseases and 4.7% died from lung cancer. For heavy smokers (people who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day), these proportions were 10.1% and 12.9%, respectively. The researchers calculated the death rates from respiratory disease and lung cancer and compared these rates between non-smokers, social smokers and heavy smokers. They took account of other factors that can influence death rates, such as age, sex, race, educational attainment, and body weight. They found that social smokers were 2.5 times as likely to die of respiratory disease and 8.6 times as likely to die of lung cancer, compared to non-smokers. Social smokers had around half the rate of death from respiratory disease as heavy smokers, but their rate of lung cancer death was two thirds that of heavy smokers. Dr Balte added: "You might think that if you only smoke a few cigarettes a day you are avoiding most of the risk. But our findings suggesting that social smoking is disproportionately harmful. "Smoking is dangerous, regardless of whether you are a heavy smoker or a social smoker, so if you don't want to die of lung cancer or respiratory disease, the best action is to quit completely." Dr Balte and her colleagues continue to study the effects of social smoking as well as investigating the effects of new habits such as vaping. Jrgen Vestbo, who was not involved in the research, is Chair of the European Respiratory Advocacy Council and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, UK. He said: "Although the proportion of people who smoke habitually is falling in many countries, we should still be concerned about those who identify as social smokers. Cutting down on smoking is a step in the right direction, as quitting tobacco is one of the best ways to protect the lungs and our overall health, but it's clear that there is no safe level of smoking. "This large study is important because it shows that smoking less will probably not have the effect that people are hoping for. We need to do all we can to support smokers to quit completely using evidence-based means, for example with access to support services, and nicotine patches or gum." ### University students in Boston are being housed in luxury hotels, including one where 11 students were caught partying and were then thrown out of school, as social distancing guidelines were put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. Undergraduates enrolled at several Hub-area colleges and universities are amazed at their new living quarters this semester, which includes king-size beds, personal baths, a housekeeper who changes the sheets, Nespresso machines, and scenic views of downtown. Some students, however, appear to have taken advantage of their good fortune. Northeastern University announced on Friday that it has dismissed the students who were found together in a room at the Westin Copley Place Hotel on Wednesday night without masks on their faces and not socially distanced. The university released a statement on Friday saying that the 11 students are no longer part of the Northeastern community for the fall semester. Northeastern University has reserved 11 floors of the Westin Copley Place (seen above), a luxurious Boston hotel, this semester for its students so that they can be socially distanced Emerson College, another local school, is housing some 200 of its students at the W Hotel. Before COVID-19, a room at the W would cost upwards of $600 a night A room at the W Hotel is seen in the above file photo. Emerson students describe their 'bougie living' conditions which include private bathrooms, personal Espresso machines, personal thermostats, and king-size beds Northeastern University on Friday announced that it was dismissing 11 students caught partying at the Westin Copley Place in violation of social distancing guidelines The students were asked to move out immediately and get tested for COVID-19. If they test positive, they are to enter quarantine and then leave. The university said that it will not provide refunds to the students for housing payments. Last week, Northeastern sent a warning to students after dozens of them vowed they would violate social distancing guidelines and have parties in their living quarters. Northeastern has reserved 11 floors of the Westin Copley Place this semester for its students, according to The Boston Globe. Before the pandemic, a room at the Westin Copley Place would have set guests back in excess of $460 a night. Since tourism has been ground to a halt during the pandemic, however, colleges and universities that have invited students back to campus have rented out hotels to house undergrads so as to enable them to remain socially distanced. Other schools have also booked rooms at expensive hotels. The New England Conservatory is housing students at Revolution, a hostel in the citys South End Emerson College, another local school, is housing some 200 of its students at the W Hotel. Before COVID-19, a room at the W would cost upwards of $600 a night. Its been crazy, Tom Teahouse, 20-year-old Emerson junior, told The Boston Globe. I took a bath the other day. Another Emerson student, junior Brianna Arends, said the new housing conditions are quite a contrast to her freshman year dorms. We didnt even have a living room, she said of her first-year living quarters that includes four bedrooms for eight people. It was like a little baby kitchenette and a hallway. This fall, Arends, who is studying visual and media arts, will have an altogether different living experience. When Im walking in, Im across the street looking at this place, and Im like, This is really where I live? she said. Suffolk University has placed some 280 students at the Wyndham in Beacon Hill (seen above) Its more space than I can ever do anything with, said 19-year-old Emerson sophomore Richard Lathrop. Its bougie living, said Brynn OConnor, 19, who is majoring in journalism at Emerson. My moms like, You better not get used to this. Another Emerson student posted a video to social media showing off his living spaces which include a Nespresso machine, floor-to-ceiling glass encasing of a large shower, a king-size bed, and personal thermostate. 'Welcome to my Emerson College single *dorm*,' the student wrote. 'I get to spend this semester in a hotel.' Other schools have also booked rooms at expensive hotels. The New England Conservatory is housing students at Revolution, a hostel in the citys South End. Suffolk University has placed some 280 students at the Wyndham in Beacon Hill, the DoubleTree near Tufts Medical Center, and The Boxer in the West End, the Globe reported. Goldkey Properties Limited, a wholly-owned Ghanaian real estate development company has handed over a four-storey office complex to the Cantonment Divisional Police Headquarters in Accra. The complex, among other things, comprises an armoury, a conference hall, and male and female cells. In a speech read on his behalf the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia by the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery, the government indicated its commitment to partner with appropriate stakeholders in solving the accommodation and logistical constraints of the security services. Since coming into office, the government has supplied over 700 vehicles to the Police Service with many more on the way, he said. In 2008, the Government of Ghana, signed an agreement between the Ghana Police Service, Goldkey Properties, and Alema Properties for the construction of residential accommodation for the Ghana Police Service at Cantonments Barracks with a Divisional Command as part of the project. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh, commended the government for its commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of personnel of the service. The IGP also commended past IGPs for their contribution towards the building project. Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh further assured the government of the Polices effort to maintain the building and be more professional in the delivery of their duties to serve the community better. He said as the lead security organisation the need for the infrastructural facility is crucial and would positively impact the work output of officers. Ms. Fuseina Abu, Managing Director, Goldkey Properties Limited, expressed gratitude to the government, the Ghana Police Service and stakeholders for the cooperation from the inception to the completion of the facility. Ms. Abu said, This project is a testament to what the police and private sector can achieve working together, and Goldkey looks forward to collaborating further with the Ghana Police Service. The length of time laid off City of Welland transit employees will have to wait before being called back will be based on ridership, says the citys interim chief administrative officer, Steve Zorbas. In mid-August, the municipality learned it would be receiving $2.16 million from the federal and provincial governments in relief funding being provided to towns and cities to help recover from the pandemic. The city was forwarded $743,580 for transit and another $1.4 million to serve the remaining municipal operations. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1633 president Chris Moore said recently he did not know what exactly the transit funding would be used for. On Friday, Zorbas, who was appointed temporary head administrator by council Tuesday night, said all the transit funding received will be utilized to offset the transit revenue shortfall, as well as covering increased cleaning costs, and installation of protective barriers in all city buses. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Zorbas, as corporate services general manager, has provided council with updates on the citys financial situation during the pandemic. He is scheduled to make his fourth presentation on the topic Oct. 6 and said it will include information on restoring the citys transit system to full service. Asked about the $1.4 million meant for other city costs, he said it will be used to cover revenue shortfalls, increased operating expenses, all related to the impact on the city due to COVID-19. Welland Transits full service has buses run every half-hour Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays have half-hour and hourly service from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays feature hourly service 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the end of March, the city reduced levels to Sunday service, and then switched to a program that saw seven days a week service, with two buses running 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., operating on a two-route, 45-minute schedule in early April. Within a week and ridership numbers steadily declining, Welland Transit switched to a reserve-a-ride system, through which residents had to call in and reserve a pickup time at the nearest bus stop. The service is now operating 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, with hourly service between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on some routes and half-hour service on busier routes. Thats about 70 per cent of regular service. A motion is expected to council soon about a full restoration of transit service, said Moore. One full-time transit employee and about nine part-time staff remain laid off due to the pandemic, said Moore. Moore said hes getting mixed messages from the city on how it plans to spend the money designated for transit purposes. It doesnt seem like any of this is going down to the service level, said Moore, adding the current service level is unacceptable. Moore said the city should be aware transit riders have not been happy with the schedule in the last few months. The public is screaming at them, he said. If you cant take a bus from Walmart to the south side of the city within three hours, then theres something really wrong with the transit system, said Moore. Federal-provincial funding of $15 million was recently announced for a new transit operations facility in Welland. The project will replace the existing site, built in 1972, at 75 Federal Rd. It will be on the current Welland Transit site, which is adjacent to public works headquarters and provides synergies between the two departments, the city said in June. Another union spokesperson for city employees is speaking out against the local government. Steve Leavitt, staff representative for Canadian Union of Public Employee Local 1115, said two full-time members remain at home, off since March. City councillors approved giving themselves a 47-per-cent raise Tuesday night. Its hard to take, especially when we have members not employed, he said. Why not put that money into getting people back to work? The citys contract with its CUPE workers expires at the end of this year. In April, the city handed out 101 temporary layoff notices to various casual and full- and part-time staff. There are about 150 CUPE Local 1115 members at Welland city hall. Unifor Local 199 represents outside workers including parks and recreation staff, water and sewer worker and facility workers, such as those at arenas. With files from Dave Johnson The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 879,000, with more than 26 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 Hospitals are being inundated with patients showing acute COVID-19 symptoms in Turkmenistan, the only country in Central Asia where no coronavirus cases have been officially registered. RFE/RL correspondents in the tightly controlled country said medical personnel at hospitals in the Turkmen capital, Ashgabat, said on September 3 that the situation had been worsening over the past three weeks and that the number of fatalities had been on the rise as well. In a sign of the deteriorating situation, medical personnel complained that they were being forced against their will to work in quarantine zones for two-week stints while having to pay from their own pockets for personal protection equipment. In some cases, experienced nurses said they were barred from leaving quarantine zones for more than two months. Turkmenistan's government still clings to its narrative that the country has no cases of coronavirus -- even though practically no one believes the claim. Many people say they prefer to stay home for treatment, fearing that they may be infected with the coronavirus while staying at hospitals that are overwhelmed with patients with COVID-19 symptoms. The bodies of those who have died of COVID-19-like lung diseases are being delivered to their relatives in special plastic bags and the number of fresh graves across the country is increasing exponentially. The World Health Organization on August 7 expressed concerns over the increase of atypical pneumonia cases in Turkmenistan and called on Ashgabat to allow it to organize independent coronavirus tests in the country. Armenia Armenias parliament has approved a bill allowing the government to continue to enforce coronavirus-related restrictions and rules after lifting a state of emergency declared in March. The bill -- passed in the first reading on September 4 -- involves amendments to several Armenian laws. They will allow authorities to impose nationwide or local lockdowns, seal off communities hit by COVID-19 outbreaks, close the countrys borders, and isolate people infected with the virus. The authorities can also ban or restrict public gatherings. The government drafted the bill to avoid extending the state of emergency again on September 11. Deputies from two parliamentary opposition parties, Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia, voted against the bill, saying the government was hastily pushing it through parliament without a proper debate. The two parties had for months criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians government for repeatedly prolonging the emergency rule. Some senior opposition figures had said the government wasnt lifting the emergency rule in order to keep in place a coronavirus-related ban on street protests. The government lifted the ban last month but set strict physical distancing requirements for organizers and participants of rallies. The daily number of new coronavirus cases in Armenia has shrunk by more than half since a peak in mid-July. Authorities said in the morning on September 4 that 190 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past 24 hours. It brings the total tally to 44,461 in the country of about 3 million. With reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen and Armenian services Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday claimed to have solved Pandach militant attack case, in which two BSF jawans were killed by militants in May on the city outskirts and their weapons were snatched, with the arrest of five persons and seizure of two ambulances and 2 two- wheelers allegedly used to ferry attackers into Srinagar from south Kashmir. Police spokesman said five uncategorized militants of ISJK, who helped in transporting, logistics, planning and executing the attack, have been arrested. During the investigation, four vehicles were seized, which includes two private ambulances functioning at SKIMS, a bike and a scooty, he said, adding that the DGP has accorded approval for the seizure of the vehicles used in the attack. Also Read: J&K: 1 terrorist killed and army officer, police official injured in Baramulla encounter Giving further details, the spokesman said the ambulance JK01AD0915 was used to transport the militants from Bijbehara to Pandach, Srinagar. Also Read: Five vehicles in Kashmir seized, cops say they were proceeds of terrorism Bike no JK01AH2989 and Scooty no JK01V 8288 were used to carry out the attack and escape after the looting of weapons from the injured jawans. Ambulance JK01AF 9417 was used to transport the militants back to Bijbehara from Srinagar, the spokesman said, adding that categorized militants of ISJK involved in the attack have also been neutralized in two separate encounters at Zadibal, Srinagar and Hatigam, Bijbehara and the looted weapons of BSF jawans were recovered from them. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Cambodian government has proposed the establishment of a national internet gateway to control and monitor online traffic, drawing concerns among rights groups and businesses. The proposal was detailed in a July sub-decree titled the Establishment of the National Internet Gateway (NIG). The sub-decree, obtained by VOA Khmer last week, states that once the NIG is established it will control all internet operations in the country. Further, the document states that the purpose was to enhance national revenue collection, to protect national security and to assure social order, terms often used in other vaguely-defined legislation. NIG is established to facilitate and manage domestic and international internet connections, reads Article 4 of the sub-decree. Human rights groups have said the NIG proposal will likely be used to block people from accessing content on the internet that is critical of the government. The government has arrested dozens of people recently for allegedly posting fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic, using the outbreak to justify these arrests. A number of these people were affiliated to the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party. Also, the government blocked at least 17 websites days before the 2018 national election because they were likely to obstruct the elections. The blocked websites included Voice of America, Radio Free Asia and Voice of Democracy. Ith Sothoeuth, media director at the Cambodian Center for Independent Media which runs Voice of Democracy, said the sub-decrees vague language could be used against those who express their concerns or post negative comments about the governments actions. The terms used in the sub-decree are vague, so it is easy for the government, as well as the authorities, to use the sub-decree or the content of the sub-decree to delete or to omit any information that they are not happy with, he said. Article 6 of the sub-decree states that an NIG operator will be appointed by the government and has to work in coordination with the Telecom Ministry, Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia, and other relevant authorities. There is no clarity in the sub-decree over who can or will operate and manage this gateway, except that the entity will have near-complete control of internet infrastructure and traffic. This operator will store and provide routine status reports as frequent as weekly updates to the government and telecom regulators, while having the broadly defined power to take action in blocking and disconnecting all network connections that affect safety national revenue social order, dignity culture, traditions, and customs. Phil Robertson, the Asia deputy director for Human Rights Watch, said the contents of the sub-decree made it clear that the intent was to control and monitor the flow of information of Cambodians. The sub-decree's language and intent show a truly rights-abusing, a dictatorial mindset that seeks to control everything the Cambodian people see and hear. He added that the development should raise red flags for the business community, given the potential to slowdown and filter information flow, which is critical for business processes. Robertson said a similar proposal in 2015 was made in Thailand but quickly shut down after the local business community protested the move. This is what sank this idea in Thailand, when the business community revolted against the NCPO junta's efforts to force all internet traffic through one channel, he added. Stephen Higgins, a managing partner at the Phnom Penh-based Mekong Strategic Partners, said that sub-decree seemed to have a more negative than positive impact on the way the internet is run in Cambodia. I think it is likely to add cost and complexity. It is not clear what benefit it has, other than giving RGC more control over internet traffic which most people wouldnt see as a positive, he said. Cambodia has seen an increase in internet usage in recent years, especially mobile data usage. Social media has become integral to how citizens communicate, with a lot of online activity conducted via social media platforms. According to Geeks in Cambodia, a platform covering the online space, around nine million people in Cambodia used Facebook in 2019, of which 70 percent were in the 18 to 30 age brackets. by Sumon Corraya The High Court has ruled that women can benefit from all the assets of their late husbands. For a human rights lawyer, this is first time the rights of Hindu widows are heeded; historically, governments have tended to be uninterested in their fate. The ruling restores "honour and peace" and provides the women with a certain degree of "self-sufficiency". The beneficiaries can rejoice at their newly found sense of self-worth. Dhaka (AsiaNews) In a landmark decision, the Bangladesh High Court ruled that Hindu widows can benefit from all the assets of their late husbands On Wednesday, the Court decided that no separation can be made between agricultural and non-agricultural lands. Until now, women could only inherit their husbands (or fathers) homestead, not other land and assets. Rights activists and legal experts hail the decision, which represents a fundamental step towards equality between men and women, including in matters of inheritance and land ownership. For Sultana Kamal, a leading human rights lawyer, this is "good news" for human rights advocates. Now Hindu widows can benefit from their late husband's property, something which we were demanding for some time. Hitherto, no government in Muslim majority Bangladesh had paid much attention to Hindu women". Now, thanks to the verdict, widows will be able to lead a dignified life without having to beg for hospitality in their parents' home or with other relatives. This ruling restores honour and peace" to women who now can "be self-sufficient, without financial worries, Kamal explained. Rana Das Gupta, general secretary of Oikya Parishad, an NGO that promotes dialogue between Hindus, Muslims and Christians, calls the court ruling a landmark decision. Hindu women are certainly happy and satisfied with it; Dipaly Rani is one of them. After the death [of her husband], a Hindu woman returns to her father's house with the children, for shelter. We had no rights to our husbands land. This is why we celebrate the verdict. Now Hindu women will be able to live in society with a greater sense of self-worth. A terrified care home resident believed he would be taken away in handcuffs after staff called police "as a deterrent" when he reacted angrily to an incident that started over a slice of toast. Officers spoke to the resident, who has severe learning disabilities, accompanied by the manager who reported the matter, but no independent appropriate adult was present. Read More It has also emerged the issue was not reported to the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). The resident suffers from multiple conditions which have required specialist care since childhood. He has spells of challenging behaviour when frustrated or upset - a common feature associated with his condition - dealt with by varying techniques including situation distraction and de-escalation. But in December a different tactic was deployed at Dungannon Care Home. Documents obtained by BBC Local Democracy show police were called to the Four Seasons Health Care facility by the manager claiming the resident had assaulted staff. Officers were told he became angry after asking for a second slice of toast with his breakfast and being told to wait. Staff "wished to report the matter hoping it would act as a deterrent". The documents state that "police spoke to him with the manager present. He showed very limited understanding ... Police informed him it is not okay to hit people even when he feels upset". The resident said he wouldn't do it again "and showed a lot of concern that staff took his ball of wool from him." A superior officer noted: "It would appear the suspect has limited/no capacity to understand the actions are wrong. He has been in care since childhood and lashed out at staff due to not receiving toast. In the circumstances I do not believe it would be possible to interview (resident) due to his impaired mental capacity." When informed, family members were horrified their relative was left fearful, upset and humiliated. This was heightened on learning an independent appropriate adult was not present, making the ratio three-to-one against a vulnerable individual. A family spokesperson explained: "We know (the resident) becomes upset and don't condone his outburst. It's part of his condition and not intentional. Had we been contacted immediately we would have spoken to him about this." Instead a decision was taken to call police. The family added: "He was petrified when confronted by two police officers and the manager in his room. He was left traumatised and afraid to go for breakfast the next morning, only settling after when we rushed in to reassure him. He was able to say the officers said he would be taken away in handcuffs and 'he had been warned'." A PSNI spokesman said: "Officers conducted initial enquiries into the report of an assault. No interviews were conducted as no formal complaints were made and no further police action was required. If anyone has a complaint regarding police actions they should contact the office of the Police Ombudsman." The Police Ombudsman has been informed and the family spokesperson added: "When did it become acceptable to call police on a vulnerable, disabled adult to act as a deterrent?" An RQIA spokesperson confirmed the incident was not reported, adding: "We understand this was referred to the PSNI as a result of an injury sustained by a staff member." However regulations state RQIA must be to be notified of anything which may adversely affect the well-being or safety of any patient. Four Seasons Health Care did not respond to requests for comment. Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday accused President Donald Trump of stoking division by threatening to cut federal funding to New York and other cities that the president says have permitted anarchy, violence, and destruction amid protests and unrest over racial injustice. Trump sent a memo this week asking the U.S. attorney general and the federal Office of Budget management to consider slashing funding to New York City, Portland, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. The Republican president blamed Democratic leaders in those cities for not quelling the discord. My administration will not allow federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones, Trump wrote in the memo. During an appearance Thursday afternoon on MSNBC, Murphy, a Democrat, was asked what he thought about the threat and whether hes worried it will hurt people in northern New Jersey, many of whom work in New York. The governor did not call out Trump by name but said when youre dealing with a pandemic, an all-time economic crisis, and, at long last, a reckoning with the stain of racism and social justice, the last thing we need is leadership at the highest levels of our country to be dividing us. This is a time we have to find the right rhetoric and the right actions that bring us together, Murphy said on Meet the Press Daily. The governor stressed that hes not excusing rioting or violence. If there are criminal elements that are taking advantage of this period in our nations history, they need to be found and prosecuted and dealt with, Murphy said. Theres no question about that. But painting this with a broad brush, at a time when we need to come together ... America is overwhelmingly crying out for help with the pandemic, help with unemployment and the economic crisis, and a reckoning with the stain of racism, he added. We need leadership that brings us together and does not try to separate us right now. Trump tweeted Wednesday night that his administration will do everything in its power to prevent weak mayors and lawless cities from taking Federal dollars while they let anarchists harm people, burn buildings, and ruin lives and businesses. Were putting them on notice today, he added. My Administration will do everything in its power to prevent weak mayors and lawless cities from taking Federal dollars while they let anarchists harm people, burn buildings, and ruin lives and businesses. Were putting them on notice today. @RussVought45 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2020 There have been a wave of protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, as well as other incidents involving police force against Black men and women. Many protests have been peaceful, but some have included rioting and violence. Many Democrats including former Vice President Joe Biden, Trumps Democratic opponent in the November presidential election have accused Trump of ignoring systemic racism in law enforcement and instead focusing his attention on the riots. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo dismissed Trumps funding threat as an illegal stunt. President Trump has actively sought to punish NYC since day one. He let COVID ambush New York. He refuses to provide funds that states and cities MUST receive to recover. He is not a king. He cannot defund NYC, Cuomo, a Democrat, tweeted Wednesday night. President Trump has actively sought to punish NYC since day one. He let COVID ambush New York. He refuses to provide funds that states and cities MUST receive to recover. He is not a king. He cannot "defund" NYC. It's an illegal stunt. Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 2, 2020 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Abu Dhab, Sep 4 : An Indian expat based in Sharjah, who won 10 million dirhams in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi raffle draw, thought it was a prank call when the organisers phoned him to inform him about it, a media report said on Friday. It Manager Gurpreet Singh, who won the raffle on Thursday, purchased the ticket on August 12, the Khaleej Times reported. The 35-year-old from Punjab has been in the United Arab Emirates for the past 32 years and hopes to finally settle down in his "second home". "I was busy at work. I was surprised. You can imagine if someone calls in the afternoon and says: 'You have won 10 million dirhams'. "I don't follow the draw live but check the media reports on the winner," the newspaper quoted Singh as saying. The Indian expat has been participating in the Big Ticket raffle for more than two years but to no avail. One raffle ticket costs 500 dirhams, but for 1,000 dirhams one can three tickets in a buy-two-get-one-free offer. Tickets can be bought from the official website www.bigticket.ae or through Big Ticket stores at the Abu Dhabi International Airport arrivals hall counter and Al Ain International Airport. Peru has approved the resumption of international flights starting from October 1, but under strict safety measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Minister of Transport and Communications Carlos Estremadoyro said. The first routes to resume include those to Mexico and Chile, which form the Pacific Alliance trade bloc with Peru and Colombia, Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying on Wednesday. Brazil, the US and Spain are also among countries with which Peru is coordinating on the restart of flights. According to Estremadoyro, Peruvian authorities are discussing the details of health measures with their counterparts in other countries. He stressed that people who come to his country should undergo a coronavirus test within one week. Also Watch: Peru suspended international flights in March as part of lockdown measures against the pandemic. The country, one of the worst-hit in Latin America, has so far reported a total of 657,129 Covid-19 cases and 29,068 deaths. Similarly, after 6 months of being shut, Beijings main international airport on Thursday began again receiving international flights from a limited number of countries considered at low risk of coronavirus infection. Passengers flying in from Cambodia, Greece, Denmark, Thailand, Pakistan, Austria, Canada and Sweden, must show a negative nucleic acid test for coronavirus before boarding, city government spokesperson Xu Hejian told reporters. The presidents attempts to highlight the clashes in cities have clearly had an impact: In its polls of Pennsylvania and Florida, Quinnipiac gave voters a choice of eight top issues and asked them to identify their No. 1 concern. In Pennsylvania, where Mr. Biden led by eight percentage points among likely voters, law and order was roughly tied for second place, along with race relations and the coronavirus. Only the economy was cited more often. In Florida, nearly one in five voters cited law and order as the main concern again, second only to the economy. In both cases, conservatives following Mr. Trumps lead were far more likely than others to name law and order as their biggest concern, but 12 to 15 percent of moderates chose it too. An ABC News/Washington Post poll of the country conducted just before the party conventions asked voters whether they thought they would be safer or less safe from crime under a Biden administration. The most popular answer, chosen by four in 10, was that things would probably be about the same either way. But among those who picked a side, there was a seven-percentage-point tilt toward those who thought they would be less safe under Mr. Biden, not Mr. Trump. White suburbanites a group being targeted by both campaigns were 20 points more likely to say Mr. Biden would make them less safe than to say Mr. Trump would. Still, its not clear that most voters see the protests as a dire threat, as Mr. Trump is encouraging them to do. According to a USA Today/Suffolk University poll of the nation released this week, Americans said by a 21-point margin that even though some protests had resulted in violence, peaceful demonstrations should not stop. That poll was conducted before news emerged that a Black man had died in Rochester, N.Y., in March after police officers placed a mesh hood over his head, adding fresh fuel to the fire of protesters frustration. Fox News released three polls on Wednesday from battleground states: Arizona, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Tourism-dependent suffered a huge drop in economic output in the second quarter of the year, plummeting 15.2% on an annual basis, but the government insisted Thursday that the figures did not worsen the country's annual outlook. The Greek Statistical Authorities reported the drop in gross domestic product on Thursday, adding that the loss from the previous quarter was 14%, based on available seasonally adjusted data. The Greek is expected to shrink 9% this year due to the effects of the pandemic and the lockdown measures that have severely affected travel, according to the current European Commission forecast. says it expects the contraction to be slightly milder. Government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Thursday said the latest figures reflected the effects of the lockdown and had not changed Greece's annual expectations, which are of a 7.9% decline in GDP this year. The pandemic, however, is likely to hamper Greece's efforts to overcome many long-term problems, including high levels of public debt, a large volume of distressed private sector loans and high unemployment. Those problems were caused by a major financial crisis that forced to seek bailouts and spend most of the previous decade in recession. The European Union's as a whole is set to contract 8.3% with Italy, Spain and Croatia expected to suffer the worst financial consequences with a 2020 downturn of around 11%, according to the commission. (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.) Facebook is expanding its policies to guard against voter suppression and removing a wider swath of misleading posts ahead of the 2020 U.S. election. The company will also block campaigns from submitting new ads in the week leading up to November's poll, preventing candidates from posting uncontested messages ahead of the vote. The changes are part of a broader update on Facebook's election strategy, which was outlined Thursday in a post by Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg. The CEO is particularly worried about election night uncertainty, when there may be hours or even days between the polls closing and any valid results. Facebook will add labels to posts from politicians that try to claim victory before official results on the night, Zuckerberg wrote. The labels will direct users to accurate updates compiled by Reuters. The social network already removes explicit misinformation about voting, such as posts that suggest people would still be able to vote on the day after the election. But now the company says it will also remove posts that include implicit misinformation, like claims that anyone with a driver's license gets a ballot. Facebook plans to highlight its voting information center, a dedicated section of the service where Americans can register to vote and learn more about the process, atop users' Facebook and Instagram pages almost every day between now and Nov. 3, a company spokesman said. The Silicon Valley company has made combating misinformation and manipulation around the 2020 U.S. election a top priority. It's keen to prove to users, politicians and regulators that it can police its own platform and avoid a repeat of the 2016 scenario, in which some believe Russian operatives exploited the service to help Trump defeat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Facebook announced this week that it removed a small network of pages and accounts tied to Russia's Internet Research Agency, the main group behind much of the disinformation and meddling from 2016. Facebook's voter suppression and political ads policies have been targeted by critics who believe they don't go far enough to protect the vote. A third-party auditor found that Facebook did not enforce its own voter suppression policy against U.S. President Donald Trump after a series of posts he shared back in May misrepresented how a number of states were handling mail-in ballots. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The expanded policies and enforcement around the election will not be enacted retroactively, a company spokesman said, and may not change how Facebook handles Trump's posts. Among Facebook's policy changes, the company will start labeling, but not removing, posts that aim to "delegitimize the outcome of the election" by making unfounded claims about, for example, fraudulent results. The distinction between a post that aims to delegitimize the poll and one that includes implicit misinformation about voting is not entirely clear, which may prove problematic given the different enforcement mechanisms for each. Facebook's block on campaigns submitting ads in the week ahead of the election, Zuckerberg wrote, was motivated by the shortage of time for competitors or journalists to combat misleading claims that close to polling day. The company does not fact-check ads from politicians or their campaigns. Facebook has previously considered a full ad blackout ahead of the vote, but it will still let campaigns promote ads that had run previously. 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! BEIJING, Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression that lasted from 1931 to 1945 forever changed China and China-Japan relations. China is still remembering it, 75 years on since the end of the war. Earlier on Thursday (September 3), Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), went to a museum in the suburb of Beijing to commemorate the anniversary. After a minute of silence mourning the fallen heroes, Xi, along with other leaders of the CPC Central Committee, laid wreaths for the martyrs. Speaking at a symposium later in the day with the presence of veterans who survived the war, Xi hailed the Chinese nation's great spirit, stressing patriotism and heroism in the effort to achieve China's national rejuvenation. He said the Chinese nation as a whole fought and won the war with great spirits of patriotism and heroism, which is invaluable today and can motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation. The COVID-19 pandemic has sent the already strained China-U.S. relations on a rapid downward spiral. Despite fast and effective control of the epidemic in China, the U.S. has constantly attacked China over its handling of coronavirus. In recent months, the U.S. government has also escalated attacks on the CPC, viewing it as a "global threat and enemy." Under the CPC's leadership, the Chinese people have not only won the war against Japanese fascism but made remarkable achievements in economic and social developments since then, Xi highlighted in the symposium. China's reform and opening-up have completely overhauled its economy, urbanized society and improved living standards. China is now the second-largest world economy following the U.S., and before the end of 2020, it will lift all people out of poverty. To achieve China's national rejuvenation, Xi said the country must stick to the leadership of the CPC, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the people-centric approach as well as peaceful development. "The Chinese people will never agree with any one or any force that attempts to distort the history of the CPC and stigmatize the nature of the CPC," Xi said. "The Chinese people will never agree with anyone or any force that attempts to distort and divert the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and attempt to deny and stigmatize the great achievement under the path. The Chinese people will never agree with anyone or any force that attempts to split the CPC and the Chinese people." He also rejected the attempts to bully and impose their will on China as well as hinder Chinese people's communication with people in other countries. Little-known facts about the scale of war in China It's important to remember the suffering and loss of World War II, but one must not forget the war in China in extent, consequences and legacy. People from all across the country found themselves embroiled in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). China was the main battlefield against Japanese fascism. Before the Pacific War (1941-1943), Japan deployed about 80-94 percent of its troops in China, and after 1941, Japan still kept over 50 percent of its soldiers in China. When Japan surrendered, a total of 1.86 million Japanese troops were deployed in China, accounting for nearly 52 percent of the total number of combatants sent abroad. During the war over 1.5 million Japanese troops died in China, while more than 35 million Chinese military and civilians died during the war, accounting for nearly 8 percent of China's total population in 1928. China says it suffered more than 100 billion U.S. dollars of direct economic losses and 500 billion U.S. dollars of indirect economic losses (at the price in 1937). Opportunity for reflection In the past decades, China's relations with Japan have experienced ups and downs. During the Osaka meeting last June, leaders of both countries reached a 10-point consensus to jointly promote a healthy development of bilateral relations. Xi also agreed in principle to pay a state visit to Japan, which was interrupted by the COVID-19, turning a new page on ties between the two countries. China and Japan are close neighbors, and a long-term peaceful relationship benefits people from both countries, as well as the stability of Asia and the world, Xi said while reflecting on the war. Properly reflecting on Japanese fascism and its aggression and invasion to China is an important political foundation of the establishment and growth of the China-Japan relations, Xi said. We should take the opportunity to remember and reflect on history as we cherish peace and friendship between the two countries, he said. Original article: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-09-03/Xi-delivers-speech-at-symposium-to-mark-WWII-victory-anniversary-Tud3lrn8Y0/index.html Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e48L1K4Kgf0 Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEAO3ONZLJY Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1248744/infographic_one.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1248745/infographic_two.jpg In Coral Gables, the well-heeled city thats home to pricey restaurants, Spanish-tiled mansions and the University of Miami, officials tout an initiative called the Justice Advocate Program. Its run by a well-known former Miami-Dade judge, whose firm charges the city $250 an hour to help prosecutors and advocate for the maximum effect of the criminal justice system for habitual criminals who victimize Coral Gables residents. But six years into the program as calls for justice reform have resonated across the country critics question whether it accomplishes anything beyond pressuring prosecutors to call for harsh sentences while unfairly targeting minorities who get arrested in one of South Floridas richest cities. And not everyone tracked by the program is a habitual hardened criminal. Among them: a group of teens who broke into the house of ex-NBA star Ray Allen, two teens accused of shoplifting at the swank Merrick Park mall, two girls ages 12 and 13 accused of breaking into cars and a mentally ill homeless man who set fire to a dumpster, according to court records. As a longtime Coral Gables resident, this seems like a waste of resources, said Aubrey Webb, a former Miami-Dade assistant state attorney and current defense lawyer. The prosecutors are plenty capable of handling these cases. They dont need a city attorney whispering in their ear, trying to get max punishment. City officials and Israel Reyes, the former judge who works with Coral Gables, defend the program as valuable. Having an extra set of eyes on a case as it travels through [the court system] is a benefit to the residents of Coral Gables, said city attorney Miriam Ramos, noting that prosecutors have large caseloads. My sense, generally, is they appreciate the help. Reyes told the Miami Herald that, despite the programs stated goal to seek punishment, he doesnt always do so, particularly in cases involving mental health concerns. The program is not to make sure that the people are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Its to make sure theres justice, Reyes said. It doesnt always mean that the way to prevent crime is to throw the book at someone. Story continues Israel Reyes presides over a hearing in 2008 while serving as a Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge. The Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office would not say whether it finds the Justice Advocate Program effective, or if city-hired lawyers actually offer substantive help. The SAO works cooperatively with every municipality that has a plan/approach to decrease criminal activity within their jurisdictions, said Ed Griffith, a spokesman. The Coral Gables approach is unique. Hard-line approach Coral Gables has long taken a hard-line approach to property crimes in the name of keeping residents safe. Last week, after police said they caught five teenagers on camera spraying graffiti on storefronts and walls from Miracle Mile to the Coral Gables Youth Center, Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli called it a heinous destruction of property. We will prosecute to the full extent of the law, he said. Prosecuting crimes, of course, isnt the mayors job. Instead, city officials hope the Justice Advocate Program will help. The program has received little attention outside of Coral Gables some prosecutors involved in the cases told the Herald they werent even aware of its existence. Created in 2014 under then-Mayor Jim Cason and city attorney Craig Leen, the Justice Advocate Program was expanded two years later to include all felonies (except drug-related crimes) and misdemeanors such as trespassing. Program documents say Reyes could also work on any case in which a city employee is the victim, or in which members of the media have responded or are likely to be involved. In 2017, the city expanded the program again, giving officials authority to review State Attorney memos that explain why criminal cases were dropped. The goal: to see if the city could impose its own civil citations for violations of city code. The idea behind the expansion of the program is to ensure that every crime committed in the city is addressed, Ramos wrote in an internal memo at the time, and that, to the degree possible, every perpetrator faces a consequence for his/her criminal act. Coral Gables stopped that after the city said it was deemed not to be effective, according to a memo. Reyes, 61, is an influential figure in Coral Gables and South Florida legal circles. A former Miami-Dade police officer turned prosecutor, Reyes served eight years as a circuit judge before moving to private practice in 2011. His office is located in Coral Gables less than half a mile from city hall. The city has paid over $192,000 to The Reyes Law Firm P.A. for work related to the program, including $38,000 in 2019. Recent invoices show the firm charges the city $250 an hour a rate that Reyes said is deeply discounted from what he typically charges clients. Its nowhere near that, he said. Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak said he absolutely believes were getting a bang for our buck. He represents us and the victims to make sure nothing falls through the proverbial cracks, Hudak said. He makes sure the city and the victims wishes are expressed. How does the program work? The police department refers cases to Reyes, or his law partner and son Christopher, who then reach out to Miami-Dade prosecutors to offer their assistance on cases: doing legal research, facilitating contact with victims, or attending bond hearings to present the citys position and to tell them when the city has a particular interest in seeing a conviction. In one case, officials boasted in a presentation to the city commission, they helped convince a judge to increase a defendants bond amount from $8,500 to $50,000 after charges of burglary and indecent exposure. The logic of that approach, city officials say, is that higher bond amounts increase the likelihood of convictions and guilty pleas although bail is supposed to ensure defendants appear in court, not serve as punishment. Reyes says his role also involves advocating for court-issued stay-away orders when residents are victimized, and maintaining contact with the victims to encourage them to cooperate with prosecutors. But in many cases, Reyes precise role is unclear. Spreadsheets and presentations from his firm often indicate a justice advocate made initial contact with prosecutors but say little else about their involvement. Invoices from the firm suggest much of the work involves reviewing and sending emails. Each time Reyes or his son reviews an email related to the program, they charge the city $25. In one spreadsheet, the email addresses for prosecutors on more than a dozen 2018 cases were incorrect, using the first initial, last name format instead of the first name, last name format used by the State Attorneys Office. Test emails sent to some of those addresses by Herald reporters bounced back. Sarah Waters, a former Miami-Dade prosecutor who handled one burglary case listed as part of the Justice Advocate Program, remembers receiving a few emails from the Gables-contracted lawyers but said they played little role in how the case unfolded. Instead, she said, the strength of the evidence collected by Gables police and existing sentencing laws led to two burglars getting sent to prison for more than a year. A third got probation. The overall result of a program is not necessarily less crime, but certainly Coral Gables benefits by publicizing a tough on crime reputation and encouraging criminals to stay outside the city limits, she said. Waters, who now runs her own law firm, added that Miami-Dade prosecutors are entrusted with seeking fair justice for victims from all parts of the county, not just Coral Gables. Still, Gables officials and residents have a right to be heard on issues of crime, she said. Prosecutors are overworked, and the office is grossly understaffed, so a program like this may force them to pay more attention to some of these cases, Waters said. In six years, the Justice Advocate Program has tracked the cases of at least 183 defendants arrested in Coral Gables for a range of offenses, records show. About 28% of those defendants were Black, a Herald analysis found, compared with 3.4% of the citys population and about 23% of all defendants arrested in the city, according to a 2018 study by the ACLU. Police chiefs from various cities in Miami-Dade County, including Chief Ed Hudak, of Coral Gables, knelt during protests over George Floyds death. ACLU has concerns About 14% of the defendants tracked have been white non-Hispanic, compared with 24% of all defendants in Coral Gables and 34% of residents. Another 46% of defendants tracked were white Hispanic, slightly less than the 48% that group comprises among Coral Gables defendants and the 56% it comprises among city residents. (The Herald used a U.S. Census list of Hispanic surnames to determine, as accurately as possible, whether a defendant was Hispanic. Miami-Dade circuit court records dont list that information.) Nicole Sinder, the president of the board of directors for the ACLU of Floridas Greater Miami chapter, said the ACLU wasnt aware of the Justice Advocate Program but said its stated goals were concerning. Programs like these perpetuate the tough-on-crime mentality that dominated the United States for a period of time, Sinder said. What we ended up with was overcrowded prisons and jails, communities ravaged by over-policing, zero-tolerance and broken windows policies that destroyed lives, with the undercurrent of stark racial disparities at all stages of the system. Nicole Sinder, an attorney and president of the Greater Miami chapter of the ACLU of Florida, takes part in a protest in downtown Miami on June 8, 2020. Ramos, the city attorney, said referrals to the program are based on various factors, including the crime committed, the severity of the crime, whether the subject is a habitual offender, whether an employee of the city is a victim, and whether the case is likely to acquire a high-profile nature. Neither the offenders race nor his/her ethnicity is a factor in whether a case is referred to the program, Ramos said in an email. Still, while the city commission presentations have said the Justice Advocate Program was aimed at repeat offenders, those guidelines werent always followed from the start, records show. In one high-profile case, the program highlighted seven teens who broke into the Coral Gables house of former Miami Heat star Ray Allen in 2014. The teens were charged with misdemeanor trespassing not felony burglary after prosecutors said they could not prove forced entry, criminal intent or that anything was stolen. It is unacceptable to the city of Coral Gables that an individual can walk into someones home in the middle of the night and not face immediate arrest, Reyes told the Herald at the time, advocating for lawmakers making trespassing into an occupied house a felony. Other cases on the list: Two girls, ages 12 and 13, who were part of a group of young people arrested on allegations they were breaking into cars in November 2018, and two 14-year-old boys who were alleged to have shoplifted at a Neiman Marcus department store at Merrick Park. In another example, the program listed the case of nutritionist Simon Sullenberger, who was cleaning his shotgun in his yard when confronted by two Gables officers. Prosecutors wound up dropping two attempted murder charges against Sullenberger after video showed he never pointed the weapon at officers, as they initially claimed. Defense lawyer Roberto Pertierra, who learned about the Justice Advocate Program from a reporter, bristled at how Sullenbergers case was described in a city commission presentation that officers brave actions prevented a volatile situation with a firearm from escalating. Im offended these cops lied under oath in the filing of their reports, Pertierra said. This situation was volatile because they made it volatile. Making the Gables safer? The Gables insists that the city isnt technically a party to the criminal cases, and that prosecutors are ultimately in charge. Still, Ramos touts safer streets. She told the Herald that the types of crimes the Justice Advocate Program initially sought to address including home and car break-ins decreased after the program began. The fact that the concerns in place in 2014 went away speak to the success of the program, she said. But crime data from the FBI shows that the rate of property crimes reported in Coral Gables had already been declining steadily, starting in 2012, two years before the program began. Miami-Dade police have similarly seen a decrease in property crimes reported over the past decade mirroring state and national data. Webb, the former prosecutor, called the idea that crime is down because of the program dubious. Said Webb: The idea that would-be criminals are shaking in their boots, avoiding breaking the law in Coral Gables because of the Justice Advocate Program, is laughable. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:30:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Dana Halawi BEIRUT, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Economic and geopolitical factors stand behind the two visits of French President Emmanuel Macron to Lebanon following Beirut port's explosions, experts said. Macron visited Lebanon on Aug. 6, two days following the blasts which killed around 191 people and wounded at least 6,500 others. He paid another visit to Lebanon on Sept. 1 where he met with Lebanese officials and representatives of the civil society, vowing to hold an aid conference for Lebanon by mid-October on condition that local authorities achieve the required structural reforms within eight weeks. Hilal Kashan, chair of the Political Studies Department at the American University of Beirut, told Xinhua that France has a "moral commitment" toward Lebanon. Khashan explained that the French were given by the Ottoman Empire a concession in Lebanon to protect the Maronite sect while France created Greater Lebanon after World War I. "France has a genuine interest in Lebanon. Every French president has previously shown a keen interest in Lebanon not to forget that our country has a francophone character," Khashan said. Khashan noted that geopolitical factors also stand behind France's interest in Lebanon. "Turkey is expanding in the region and one of the objectives of France is to stop Turkish advancement in the Middle East. Lebanon here is a central country for the French in their efforts to fight against Turkish influence," he said. Khashan explained that the United States is leaving the Middle East and no Arab country can fill the vacuum created by the departure of the Americans. "Iran and Turkey are trying to fill this gap knowing that Turkey is establishing itself in Akkar and Tripoli by involving itself in aid programs in northern Lebanon. Also, Turkey has deals with the Iraqi Kurdistan, and Libya while they are also collaborating with Ethiopians on the issue of the controversial Renaissance Dam," Khashan added. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized his French counterpart following Macron's first visit to Lebanon by accusing him of "putting on a show," and aiming "to bring back a colonialist structure." Erdogan's remarks also came following Macron's announcement that France plans to strengthen its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean region with the cooperation of European partners, including Greece which has seen rise in tension with Turkey since Ankara resumed energy exploration on Aug. 10. Rafic Nasrallah, director of the Lebanese International Center for Media and Research, told Xinhua that France is looking for an economic and strategic role in Lebanon besides its aim to prevent Turkey's expansion in the region. "France knows through its oil and gas companies that Lebanon's oil and gas wealth is estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars, and its presence in Lebanon guarantees a share of this wealth," he said. Nasrallah added that France does not want Lebanon to collapse which would give Hezbollah more dominance over Lebanon's governmental institutions. "France believes that if Lebanese governmental institutions collapse, Hezbollah will become more powerful since it is the biggest organized power in the country and it has strong financial capabilities," he said. Amin Hoteit, instructor and researcher at Al Maaref University, also said that France aims to prevent Hezbollah from filling the gap that would be created if the country collapses entirely. Hoteit also noted that France and all of Europe fear the collapse of Lebanon which would prompt Syrian and Palestinian refugees to leave the country for the West, threatening European security and economy. Lebanon has been going through its worst economic and financial crisis amid shortage in U.S. dollar and the weakening of the local currency which led to the rise in unemployment and poverty rates. The country has so far not been able to unlock funds by the International Monetary Fund due to its lack of efforts in implementing necessary reforms. France is trying to push Lebanese officials to implement reforms in the electricity, banking sectors and the fight against corruption to unlock aid by the international community and save the country from further collapse. Enditem How long have you lived in Portland? asks Allen Levin. Hes wondering if Ive been here long enough to remember Garbonzos, the small chain of late-night falafel bars he ran for nearly 15 years and which if old reviews are to be trusted seems to have introduced many Portlanders to falafel. Turns out, I just missed it. The Garbonzos in Northwest, the restaurants original location, was sold in 2005, becoming an early outpost of burrito nouveau spot Laughing Planet; its now home to neighborhood bar Bantam Tavern. I moved here from Taipei the following year. So when I say that the falafel and grilled eggplant sandwiches at the new Garbonzos food cart parked in the Mittleman Jewish Community Centers parking lot are among the best in town, know that its without a whiff of nostalgic tint. Garbonzos opened its sky-blue Southwest Portland food cart in August, offering a short menu of falafel, grilled eggplant and portobello mushrooms plus a spiced vegan kofta made from Beyond Burger meat, each served either as a sandwich or on a plate with hummus, baba ghanouj and tabbouleh. In sandwich form, the falafel comes in a soft, round pita (brought in from a New York bakery, Levin says) stuffed with cucumber, tomato, cabbage, creamy hummus, tahini and four or five crunchy chickpea balls. The falafel is made fresh daily, packed with herbs, and fried to order while you wait. We make our falafel from fresh garbanzos, spices and garlic and we fry them in a smaller ball than most people do, Levin says. The hummus and salads are made fresh every day, which I find really important, because salads dont hold. Its all very simple. A lot of work but very simple. The freshness shows. Though just a few weeks old, Garbonzos is already climbing my personal falafel rankings, a list that has been topped by Palestine-born chef Sam Hazzas garlic-y version at Cedos Falafel & Gyros at least since ChickPeaDX closed in 2018. Levin didnt disappear from the food scene 15 years ago. After selling his restaurants, he turned full-time to his Century Catering, Oregons lone kosher catering company, which has grown large enough to tackle the Waterfront Blue Festival, Hood to Coast relay and as many as five bar and bat mitzvahs each weekend, not to mention running the community centers kosher in-house cafeteria, the Cafe @ the J. But the pandemic hit Americas catering companies early and particularly hard. With festivals and other large gatherings canceled in Oregon from March until a vaccine is developed, Levin decided to revive his old restaurants name for a new food cart in an effort to keep his staff employed. Weve just got to see how the coronavirus affects things in the long run, Levin said of his future plans for the cart. I dont think were going to snap back to the old 300-person bar mitzvahs. I cant see that happening for a long time. Once upon a time, Garbonzos was the name in Portland falafel. In a 1991 review of the restaurant in The Oregonians Northwest Magazine, writer Matt Kramer described such exotic ingredients as pita (also known as Middle Eastern or pocket bread) and hummus (a semiliquid mixture of mashed, cooked chickpeas) to an audience presumably unfamiliar with the terms, declaring the sandwich at Levins restaurant to be the real thing. In those days, Kramers main critique of Garbonzos was the lack of condiments, hoping for the kind of 20-deep selection you might find at an Israeli falafel bar. Im tempted to second that here, nearly 30 years later, with the caveats that self-serve condiment bars are forbidden during the pandemic, and that I could still be mourning for ChickPeaDXs tangy amba, a pickled mango hot sauce of Iraqi origin that I hope one day becomes mainstream enough that it will look silly that I just had to describe it here. Garbonzos is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 S.W. Capitol Hwy., 503-475-4875, oregonjcc.org. This story is part of our annual guide to Portlands best new food carts. Know of a cart that opened in the past year that you think we should know about? Drop me a line at mrussell@oregonian.com and let me know why you love it. -- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Subscribe to The Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. A dog was found with more than 60 wounds from a pellet gun in North Lanarkshire. The dog was discovered by a local dog warden on August 19 in Newhouse, and taken to the Scottish SPCA rescue centre in Lanarkshire. The lurcher, who has been named Ashton by the charity, was very fearful of anyone approaching him, and was especially protective of his head and neck area. Vets had to sedate him to check him over and discovered he had been shot a number of times. Claire Aiton, rescue centre assistant manager, said: "The dog warden had quite an ordeal trying to catch Ashton as he was so nervous. "When he first arrived he was terrified and showing visible signs of distress. "We were astonished to find pellet wounds all over his body and tail when he was x-rayed. "Once the pellets had been removed and Ashton had recovered from the operation, his temperament changed quickly. "He was no longer aggressive and we suspect he was reacting negatively due to the pain he was in. "Our team has dedicated time to coaxing Ashton out of his shell and although he is still nervous, he has come on leaps and bounds. "He lets us put a lead on him and he enjoys going out for walks. "He's even letting us cuddle and clap him. "We would like to find out what happened to Ashton. "It might be that he wandered too close to farm animals and a farmer has shot him. "It is lawful for farmers to be able to do this to protect their animals." She said Ashton is not currently available for rehoming as he requires some rehabilitation first. If anyone can provide further information on how Ashton came to be injured they can contact the Scottish SPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Press Association By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The authors of the book Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story filed a complaint of cheating against Bloomsbury Publishing India Pvt Ltd, two news portals and some others on Thursday. The complaint was filed under Sections 403, 405, 406, 409, 415, 420, 425, 426 of IPC for criminal breach of trust, cheating, mischief and misappropriation of property. It alleged that the publisher deliberately, willfully with dishonest intentions expunged the work, effort and skill of the author. The complaint names news portals The Quint and Newslaundry, academic Nandini Sundar, authors Aatish Taseer, William Dalrymple, Meena Kandasamy, journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani and activist Saket Gokhale, apart from the publisher of the book. One of the authors and main complainant, Monika Arora, later took to Twitter saying Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava had assured strict action. Bloomsbury had withdrawn the book recently after a controversy erupted over its online launch as the authors had invited as guest of honour BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who had allegedly has played a role in inciting violence through his speech in northeast Delhi against anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters. The riots broke out a day after his speech. The complaint accused Sundar and the news portals of illegally accessing a PDF version of the book. It alleged that those named engaged in a venomous campaign on social media to kill the book by pressurising, intimidating, bullying and blackmailing the publisher. ALSO READ | Authors withdraw pending publications from Bloomsbury India after it decides against book on Delhi riots After details of the complaint emerged, Kandasamy tweeted, We will not allow literature and publishing to platform hate. Calling the complaint a joke, Gokhale said, This is an attempt at intimidation by BJP-linked authors using Central agencies bcoz we spoke against their vile book full of lies & minority-blaming on the Delhi Pogrom. He said he would file a complaint with the Maharashtra Police on the contents of the book. The complaint alleged that those named engaged in a venomous campaign on social media to kill the book by pressurising, intimidating, bullying and blackmailing the publisher. After details of the complaint emerged, Kandasamy tweeted, We will not allow literature and publishing to platform hate. There have been allegations that several leaders, including Mishra, made inflammatory speeches targeting anti-citizenship law protesters before the violence broke out in Northeast Delhi on February 23. Later, Bloomsbury after facing a massive backlash on social media withdrew itself from the book, saying the virtual launch was "organised without its knowledge". The book found a new publishing house in Garuda Prakashan the very next day. According to the complaint, signed by Arora, Bloomsbury "wilfully with dishonest intentions expunged her work and also leaked a PDF version of the book in public to hamper any future sales". "The present complaint seeks investigation. For being the publisher of my authored book and having deliberately, willfully with dishonest intentions expunged my work, effort and skill thereby diminishing my goodwill, reputation and standing, without my knowledge and consent rescinded from performing its obligations under the terms of the agreement dated 29.5.2020 and leaked a PDF version of the book in public to hamper any future sales," read the complaint. Contrary to what Bloomsbury India had claimed, the complaint said that an e-poster of the book launch event in question with the list of "confirmed speakers" was sent to the publishing house and that they had acknowledged it too. It alleged that the publishers withdrew only after being pressured by its parent company Bloomsbury UK. ALSO READ | After Bloomsbury's withdrawal book on Delhi riots gets new publisher "The book launch event was widely publicized on social media platforms with full knowledge of the Publisher. 100 physical copies of the book were delivered as per the terms of the agreement by the Publisher to the Author on 1. 8.2020. On the date of the launch, at 3:30 PM, the Publisher phoned the Author to say that it was considering withdrawing the book on account of pressure of its parent company, and from certain other persons on social media," it added. In the complaint, Arora claimed that a "venomous campaign" emerged on the social media and a "group of individuals/ propagandists'', whom she referred to as 'Urban Naxal Gang', "conspired and went all out to kill the book by pressurizing, intimidating, bullying and blackmailing the publishers". She also put out tweets by activist Saket Gokhale, along with journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani and poet Meena Kandasamy, all named in the complaint, alleging that they were congratulating one another for being able to put a stop on the release of the book. The complaint also accused media houses The Quint and NewsLaundry, and professor-activist Nandani Sundar for critiquing the book and attempting to discredit the authors' work based on a leaked or "stolen" PDF copy of the book. "How in the world would they have got their hands on the book if not for this unauthorized circulation. As on date, there is no other physical copy in existence except for those 100 copies that had been delivered to me. Thus, despite knowing such a version was 'stolen property' neither the aforesaid media houses nor Ms Sundar chose to take any appropriate legal measures to bring it to the notice of authorities," it said. Some individuals who have been named in the complaint have reacted to it through tweets. "I'm actually glad this has happened. This should remove all doubt, in anyone's mind, that these were not independent writers at all, but a state-sponsored syndicate, dedicated to whitewashing the role of certain BJP leaders in the Delhi Riots," tweeted Taseer. "This is an attempt at intimidation by BJP-linked authors using Central agencies bcoz we spoke against their vile book full of lies & minority-blaming on the Delhi Pogrom. This complaint is a joke. But the one I file about the contents of the book with @DGPMaharashtra won't be," tweeted Gokhale. "Wow. Just learnt this. Now coming after us with state machinery. We will not allow literature and publishing to platform hate," tweeted Kandasamy. Book saw light of day After Bloomsbury Publishing India announced withdrawing the book, Garuda Prakashan had stepped in to publish it. Gardua claims itself to be a platform where stories that bring forth the perspective and narrative of the Indian civilisation can be told. (With PTI Inputs) Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, center left, greets a worker during a visit to the HS2 Solihull Interchange building site in Solihull, England, Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. Construction is set to formally begin on Britain's 106 billion-pound ($140 billion) high-speed railway project, aiming to forge better connections between cities for decades to come. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defended the project, which has its "shovels in the ground" moment just as the country is wondering whether the over-budget and often-delayed project offers good value at a time when the the COVID-19 pandemic has enshrined the idea of working from home. (Andrew Fox/Pool Photo via AP) Construction formally began Friday on Britain's 106 billion-pound ($140 billion) high-speed railway project, aiming to forge better connections between cities for decades to come. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defended the HS2 project, which has its "shovels in the ground" moment just as the country is wondering whether the over-budget and often-delayed project offers good value at a time when the the COVID-19 pandemic has enshrined the idea of working from home. "We're building this ... for 150 years and still going strong," he told the BBC. "So I think the idea thatunless we work out a way of tele-transporting peoplewe won't want a system to get people around the country ... is wrong." Rail travel has collapsed amid the pandemic, with commuters padding to their kitchen tables for teleworking rather than getting on a train. In the meantime, all revenue and cost risks from existing rail franchises were transferred to the U.K., Scottish and Welsh governments in March to ensure services stayed afloatcosting taxpayers at least 3.5 billion pounds. Construction on the new high-speed railway was given the final go-ahead by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in February, despite the project being chronically over budget. Work will begin with stations and tunnels, followed by the main viaducts and bridges. "Transport connectivity is at the heart of the build back better, build back faster and build back greener recovery," Johnson said as he attended the opening event. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, center, during a visit to the HS2 Solihull Interchange building site in Solihull, England, Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. Construction is set to formally begin on Britain's 106 billion-pound ($140 billion) high-speed railway project, aiming to forge better connections between cities for decades to come. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defended the project, which has its "shovels in the ground" moment just as the country is wondering whether the over-budget and often-delayed project offers good value at a time when the the COVID-19 pandemic has enshrined the idea of working from home. (Andrew Fox/Pool Photo via AP) Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to the HS2 Solihull Interchange building site in Solihull, England, Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. Construction is set to formally begin on Britain's 106 billion-pound ($140 billion) high-speed railway project, aiming to forge better connections between cities for decades to come. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defended the project, which has its "shovels in the ground" moment just as the country is wondering whether the over-budget and often-delayed project offers good value at a time when the the COVID-19 pandemic has enshrined the idea of working from home. (Andrew Fox/Pool Photo via AP) Explore further UK approves high-speed railway despite soaring cost 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. CHEERS ... to U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce of Bainbridge Township for sponsoring House Resolution 8125 in Congress to create a pilot project to tackle the unacceptable number of military suicides. He seeks to do so by an unorthodox means: pre-programmed suicide prevention resources on smart devices issued to members of the U.S. armed forces. Joyce has attracted co-sponsorship from fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Rocky River and Democratic Reps. Jimmy Panetta and Gilbert Ray Cisneros Jr., both of California. Joyce noted that 541 service members died by suicide in 2018, underscoring the depth of the need. JEERS ... to Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish for returning to the no-bid trough once more -- this time for up to $450,000 in coronavirus screening work -- and to County Council for again going along with this anti-competitive practice. As our editorial board wrote in July, unless the public speaks up and County Council shuts the door on these practices, it could become the anti-competitive, wink-wink new normal for how Cuyahoga County spends the taxpayers money. That remains the bottom-line truth about a practice that fails to seek a bottom-line bid. CHEERS ... to the city of Euclid, which had the original idea and bore the bulk of the cost so far, and to Cuyahoga County officials for their vision and help in completing the first leg of what the county hopes will be a lakefront trail extending well beyond Euclid. The trail now runs for less than a mile along the Euclid shoreline, but will allow walkers, cyclists and others far greater access to this regions jewel -- Lake Erie. And a related CHEERS ... to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, which has awarded a $250,000 planning grant to help Lake, Cuyahoga and Lorain counties explore the possibilities of a much longer, multicounty lakefront trail. About our editorials: Editorials, including Cheers & Jeers, express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email suggestions for future Cheers & Jeers, general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. On Thursday night, Twitter user DataInput posted a short video of a car driving through a Times Square antipolice brutality rally. The footage shows a car pausing in front of two bicyclists standing within the crowd before speeding directly through them, stopping again, and then taking off, with protesters screaming and following behind. About an hour later, as the protesters marched to Columbus Circle, another car was seen stopping near them, with the driver apparently waving a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one seems to have been seriously injured, and many protesters were able to get out of the way. However, concerns immediately arose that they had been targeted: Protests over police brutality have increasingly been met with violence by vigilantes and police officers alike. Thursdays rallygoers were speaking out against the treatment of Daniel Prude, who ended up in the hospital after being suffocated and detained by cops in Rochester, New York, in March. Raw police footage was released Wednesday, showing cops placing a mesh hood over Prudes head, pushing him to the ground, and holding his head down for two minutes, before later administering CPR. 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. New York Police Department Commissioner Dermot Shea says police are still investigating whether a crime was committed in Thursdays collision. But some observers and activists, including the videos original poster, alleged that the car was an undercover police escort for Trump supporters. The car did not appear to have any visible NYPD branding, and the department itself denied that it belonged to the NYPD. However, a video posted by Twitter user @haram_drip shows men in U.S. flag merchandise and red caps entering what appears to be the same car moments before the collision, surrounded by NYPD officers in masks. [Update, Sept. 5, 2020, at 9:06 a.m.: Gothamist has confirmed that the NYPD interviewed the cars six passengersall pro-Trump counterprotestersand released them without charges, although an NYPD spokesman says the incident is still under investigation. One of the passengers told Gothamist that she felt threatened by the protesters and feared for her life.] Shortly after the boarding, the car is seen going off into a Times Square crowd, and soon afterward, screams are heard as the crowd devolves into chaos and the same officers initially guarding the car run into the protest to ostensibly check out the situation. An NYPD spokesperson told Gothamist that the car was full of counterprotesters who were being ushered by police through a hotel parking lot, but missed the turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement just so theres no more confusion.. the unmarked police car driver through protesters tonight in Times Square? driver by NYPD escorting trump supporters pic.twitter.com/uCtmPdDdxy THEMME GDS (@haram_drip) September 4, 2020 Another video posted by @haram_drip shows police standing guard for Trump supporters, reportedly before that same car had arrived. DataInput, the first videos reporter, noted the license plate number of the car and wrote a thread based on an eyewitness report with claims that would seem to back up the allegation by @haram_drip. According to Gothamist, the plate number matches that of a pro-NYPD activist named Hakim Gibson, who had reportedly joked that because of additions he had made to his car, people have mistakenly identified him as a cop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspicions that the attack was aided by the NYPD are not entirely unfounded. If an NYPD vehicle was indeed used against demonstrators on Thursday, it wouldnt be the first time. Back in May, shortly after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, an NYPD SUV was captured on camera running into a large group of Black Lives Matter protesters in Brooklyn, striking two. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio responded at the time by condemning the protesters, berating them for surround[ing] a police vehicle and threaten[ing] police officers. He scolded the police a couple days later, saying, There is no situation where a police vehicle should drive into a crowd of protesters or New Yorkers of any kind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of whether the NYPD was involved, the attack is part of a troubling pattern of responses to protests against police brutality. From May onward, vigilante drivers acting of their own volitionand, often, of their own fury at antipolice brutality protesters blocking streets, as well as with racist motiveshave driven through crowds of protesters in cities like Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle, injuring and in tragic (but rare) instances even killing people. And despite public outrage, the frequency of these rammings is growing. Advertisement Before this year, the murder of Heather Heyer during the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, was the most prominent killing by a counterprotester in a car in the U.S. Yet even before that, right-wingersincluding cops and state legislatorshad long fantasized about running over Black Lives Matter protesters who block streets to bring publicity to their cause. This year, that twisted dream is coming true: By early July, there were at least 68 vehicle attacks on BLM rallies. Advertisement And theres no sign that this particular form of violence will stop anytime soon. Even as awareness of racism in policing and domestic militarism has grown, many political leaders have hesitated to condemn violence against Black Lives Matter protesters, or even defended the aggressive drivers. After all, police unions still have major political clout even in Democrat-run cities and states. Despite growing calls to defund the police, few cities have even considered such a measure. And as seen in Portland, Oregon, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, anti-BLM protesters are growing even more militant, while local police departments stand by and watch. SRINAGAR: In a joint operation, security forces on Friday (September 4) killed at least two terrorists in an encounter in Yedipora, Pattan area of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter had broken out at the Pattan area in the wee hours of Friday after forces received specific inputs about the presence of a few terrorists in the area. However, the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired upon a search party of the forces, who then retaliated strongly to the gunfire. An army officer along with an Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel was injured in the gunbattle. They were immediately rushed to the 92 Army Base Hospital where their condition was said to be stable. Meanwhile, the identities of the slain terrorists are yet to be ascertained. On September 3, forces arrested three Overground Workers (OGW) of a terror group in Baramulla's Pattan area. By Akbar Mammadov Armenia uses water resources in occupied territories as a means of environmental terror against the Azerbaijani population living near the frontline, Nagorno-Karabakhs Azerbaijani Community has said in a letter sent to the Council of Europe. The community urged the Council of Europe to closely monitor the situation and help put an end to Armenias ecological terror, which leads to humanitarian and environmental disaster in the entire region. The community reminded that Armenia is deliberately blocking the rivers flowing from the Armenian-occupied upper Karabakh region with artificial dams. Yerevan is also constructing illegal canals in the direction of Karabakh below the Sarsang reservoir which is under Armenian occupation. It was also emphasized that using water resources as a means of pressure, Armenia has made it virtually impossible for the people living in the lower reaches of the rivers to engage in farming. Thus, in winter months, especially, the Sarsang dam is opened, and suitable lands are exposed to erosion by artificial floods. In the summer months, when there is a great need for domestic water, Armenia creates an artificial drought by blocking the water, thus inflicting a serious blow on agriculture, as well as flora and fauna, the community said. The community recalled the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) of 2016 that Azerbaijani population in the frontline areas is deliberately deprived of water, as well as the final decision of the European Court of Human Rights about "Chiragovs and others against Armenia" in 2015 that exposed Armenias occupation policy. Azerbaijan and Armenia are locked in a conflict over Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh breakaway region, which along with seven adjacent regions was occupied by Armenian forces in a war in the early 1990s. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and around one million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by the United States, Russia and France has been mediating the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict since the signing of the volatile cease-fire agreement in 1994. The Minsk Groups efforts have resulted in no progress and to this date, Armenia has failed to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions (822, 853, 874 and 884) that demand the withdrawal of Armenian military forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Sushant Singh Rajputs sister, Shweta Singh Kirti, shared a jubilant tweet after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted a raid at Rhea Chakrabortys house on Friday morning. Good going NCB... Thank You God. #GreatStartNCB, she wrote on Twitter. The NCB joined the investigation into Sushants death after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found evidence of a drugs angle while looking into financial irregularities. The late actors family has alleged that Rhea administered drugs to him without his knowledge, a charge that she has denied. Good going NCB... Thank You God. #GreatStartNCB shweta singh kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) September 4, 2020 NCB sources told Hindustan Times that Sushants house manager Samuel Miranda and Rheas brother Showik Chakrabortys names were revealed during the interrogation of two alleged drug peddlers. The agency conducted searches at their residences on Friday morning and summoned them for questioning at their office in South Mumbai. A senior IPS officer from NCB said, Some evidence has been collected from the house of Miranda and Showik during the searches conducted. But the investigation is at a very preliminary stage and details of the evidence gathered from their residence cannot be revealed at the moment. Also see | Sushmita Sen wishes daughter Renee, her first love, on 21st birthday: What a journey this has been Earlier, in an interview to India Today, Rhea denied any links with drugs and claimed that Sushant was a recreational marijuana user. Yes, Sushant used to smoke marijuana, he used to take it even before he met me. He started this during Kedarnath. I used to control him in this department only. He was a man of his own choices and nobody could stop him, she said. Rheas lawyer Satish Maneshinde had also issued a statement that she had never taken drugs in her life and was willing to undergo a blood test to prove it. Sushants father KK Singh filed an FIR against Rhea in July, alleging abetment to suicide. Vikas Singh, the lawyer representing Sushants family in the case against Rhea, said in a press conference on Wednesday, After the events that have unfolded after the registration of the FIR, the family has doubts that it could be murder as well. But we are leaving it to the investigation. We hope that the CBI will get to the bottom of this. 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 Advertisement Good old Italy is one of those countries whose cities are often admirably suited to particular tastes. If it's Roman ruins you're after, there's no better destination than Rome itself; if art's your bag, you can't beat Florence with its world-renowned Uffizi Gallery. But if churchspotting is your thing head for the Puglian city of Lecce. Dubbed the 'Florence of the south' thanks to its magnificent architecture, it is also known as 'the city of 100 churches' and there are indeed more bell towers than you can shake a crozier at. The Piazza del Duomo in Lecce, which has been dubbed both the 'Florence of the south' and 'the city of 100 churches' And while in any normal year you would be jostling with hundreds of other tourists, in the era of Covid that certainly won't be a problem. Given the ubiquity of Lecce's places of worship it is important to ration your nave-gazing, though. The ecclesiastical equivalent of the safari's Big Five are: the Duomo, the basilica of Santa Croce, the Churches of Santa Chiara, Santa Irene and San Matteo, with the Duomo the lion in the pack. You can get a pass to enter all these (plus all the other fee-charging churches in town) from the Palace of the Ancient Seminary on Piazza Duomo. Known as a Ticket LeccEcclesiae, it costs just 8. On the same square as the seminary is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, popularly known as the Duomo, and so that's as good a place as any to start. The Duomo's facade is - as is obligatory in these parts - a riot of baroque features: pillars lined with acanthus leaves, windows topped by cherubs and gargoyles, and enough bunches of grapes to produce a healthy vintage. From the Duomo it's a short hop to Santa Croce, whose ornate exterior recently underwent painstaking renovation work. The interior, while impressive, cannot compete with the grandeur of the facade but does have 17 altars - including a beautiful one dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola. There are distinguished works of art, among them a depiction of the Holy Trinity by Gianserio Strafella set into the ceiling. The Roman Amphitheatre in Lecce, which was erected during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD The most striking buildings were primarily the work of three architects - Giuseppe Cino, Giuseppe Zimbalo, and Emanuele Manieri - who transformed the city into a sort of holy Disneyland during the 17th and 18th centuries. But there's more to Lecce than churches. Three of the ancient limestone gates to the city - Porta Napoli, Porta Rudiae and Porta San Biagio - remain in good condition and the centre of the old town is dominated by the 16th-century Charles V Castle, that is now a cultural centre. But perhaps the most remarkable attraction is the Roman theatre on Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Erected during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, it was lost for hundreds of years after being built over. It was only rediscovered in 1929 when construction workers stumbled across it while digging foundations for a new bank building. Lecce also provides a perfect opportunity to eat like a Puglian. And that means sampling the local cuisine known as cucina povera, or peasant food. As well as having beautiful buildings, Lecce also allows visitors to eat like a true Puglian, says Dominic Midgley, who visited the Italian city A portion of Orecchiette pasta which is a Puglian speciality It might as well be known as cucina fill-you-up-a. I'd defy anyone to order a meat or fish course once they'd been served a portion of zucchini crudo and an obligatorily massive plate of Puglia's signature blend of pasta - orechiette and fricelli - with beef ragu. That didn't stop the proprietor of one restaurant piling on the hospitality. When he discovered my wife was a classically trained chef, he ordered a second table to be placed next to us and a succession of complimentary dishes were served. For an authentic cucina povera experience in Lecce, try Le Zie Trattoria. Le Zie translates as 'The Aunts' and the women-only kitchen churns out local classics such as horsemeat in a salsa piccante. And if it's seafood you're after, you could do worse than Il Gambero Rosso - the Red Prawn - in the historic centre. The local wine is also wonderful. Primitivo - made from a grape we know as Zinfandel - is a muscular red that is often served chilled. A fabulous little hotel about a 12-minute drive from Lecce is Masseria Trapana, and a perfect spot to stay while you're discovering the charms of Lecce's food, wine and architecture. Co-owned by an affable Australian, if you're not happy here you won't be happy anywhere. After comparing Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and being criticised for it, actor Kangana Ranaut has announced that she will travel to the city next week. She has challenged anyone to stop her. The actor, who has been staying at her Manali house, wrote in a tweet on Friday, I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le. She was responding to a tweet by MP Parvesh Sahib Singh, who had written in Hindi, Does Mumbai belong to just one person? What is happening in Maharashtra? I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le https://t.co/9706wS2qEd Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2020 The actor had previously called Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Rauts comments about her in the partys mouthpiece Saamana an open threat and said that Mumbai was feeling like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The politician had slammed Kanganas recent attacks on the Mumbai Police in his editorial. Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? the actor tweeted. The Shiv Sena leader had criticised Kanganas repeated negative comments about the Mumbai Police, despite having worked there for several years. We kindly request her not to come to Mumbai. This is nothing but an insult to Mumbai police. The Home Ministry should take action over it, he wrote in Saamana, according to The New Indian Express. Recently, Kangana had slammed Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh for liking derogatory tweets about her, which the Mumbai Police denied. Kangana shot back alleging that the force was lying. Also read: Kangana Ranaut responds as Renuka Shahane slams her comment on Mumbai: Were you also waiting like a blood thirsty vulture Kanganas comments have been criticised by several actors such as Renuka Shahane, Riteish Deshmukh, Urmila Matondkar and others. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo awaits the start of a joint news conference by U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he sits between National Security Advisor John Bolton and Vice President Mike Pence in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, on June 7, 2018. (Reuters/Carlos Barria) Current, Former White House Officials Deny Alleged Comments Made by Trump on Fallen US Soldiers Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, a critic of President Donald Trump, denied a report that alleged Trump made disparaging remarks about World War I soldiers in Paris as other White House officials echoed the claims. The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg, citing anonymous sources, asserted that Trump made disparaging about Americans who died in the war. It also said that he skipped a visit to a Parisian cemetery because he allegedly feared the rain would mess up his hair. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Secretary John Bolton have vigorously denied the report. Now, former adviser John Bolton, who left the administration last year, said that he never heard Trump make the remarks. I didnt hear that, Bolton said in an interview. Im not saying he didnt say them later in the day or another time but I was there for that discussion. White House Officials Deny Report Earlier in the day, Pompeo denied the Atlantics account. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks to reporters following a meeting with members of the U.N. Security Council in New York City on Aug. 20, 2020. (Mike Segar/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Ive been with this president coming on four years. Ive never heard the president use the language, he told Fox News on Friday. Ive never seen that. Indeed, just the contrary. Going further, he said Trump has the deepest respect for the U.S. armed forces. Im a veteran too. I care deeply about these young men and women. I watched the president honor them in every situation that I have been in with him, Pompeo, a former U.S. Army officer, said in the interview. Pence also denied the report, saying that Trump never scuppered his visit to the cemetery because of his hair. It never happened. I talked to the president that day. I know how disappointed President Trump was that there was a bad weather call that did not permit him to fly to Belleau Wood to honor our fallen there, Pence said in a televised interview. The Atlantic Magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance. Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against. Just like the Fake Dossier. You fight and and fight, and then people realize it was a total fraud! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 Instead, he said Trump cares deeply about the military and their families, noting the administrations efforts to boost funding for the military and reform the Department of Veterans Affairs. I reject this out of hand as everyone who has spoken out on it, Pence said. I think the American people see through this for what it is: just one more anonymous smear job with an election just a couple of months away. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that Trump respects military members, saying in a statement that it is why he has fought for greater pay and more funding for our armed force. Trump himself also denied the allegations, describing them as fake news. He blasted The Atlantic for being a dying publication that is seeking relevance by making up a fake story. Following the report, Democratic nominee Joe Biden attempted to seize on the comments and demanded Trump apologize. New Army-funded study looks at effects of sleep deprivation, which can greatly affect Soldiers on the battlefield. Research conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Center and funded by the Army Research Office, an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory, suggests that people who rely on sleeping during daytime hours are at greater risk for developing neurological disorders. The study, published in Nature Communications, details how the complex set of molecular and fluid dynamics that comprise the glymphatic system - the brain's unique process of waste removal - are synchronized with the master internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Establishing a role for communication between astrocytes and the significant impacts of circadian timing on glymphatic clearance dynamics represent a major step in understanding the fundamental process of waste clearance regulation in the brain. This knowledge is crucial to developing future countermeasures that offset the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation and addresses future multi-domain military operation requirements for Soldiers to sustain performance over longer periods without the ability to rest." Dr. Frederick Gregory, program manager for ARO's neurophysiology of cognition initiative The glymphatic system, first discovered by the URMC Nedergaard lab in 2012, consists of a network that piggybacks on the brain's blood circulation system and is comprised of layers of plumbing, with the inner blood vessel encased by a 'tube' that transports cerebrospinal fluid. The system pumps the fluid through brain tissue primarily during sleep, washing away toxic proteins and other waste. "These findings show that glymphatic system function is not solely based on sleep or wakefulness, but by the daily rhythms dictated by our biological clock," said neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard, M.D., D.M.Sc., co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at URMC and senior author of the study. The research team and others have shown the role that blood pressure, heart rate, circadian timing, and depth of sleep play in the glymphatic system's function and the chemical signaling that occurs in the brain to turn the system on and off. They have also shown how disrupted sleep or trauma can cause the system to break down and allow toxic proteins to accumulate in the brain, potentially giving rise to a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Circadian rhythms, 24-hour body clocks, are maintained in a small area of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This clock regulates several important biological functions, including the sleep-wake cycle. The new study, conducted in mice, showed that when the animals were anesthetized all day long, their glymphatic system still only functioned during their typical rest period - mice are nocturnal, so their sleep-wake cycle is the opposite of humans. Circadian rhythms in humans are tuned to a day-wake, night-sleep cycle. Because this timing also influences the glymphatic system, these findings suggest that people who rely on cat naps during the day to catch up on sleep or work the night shift may be at risk for developing neurological disorders. In fact, clinical research shows that individuals who rely on sleeping during daytime hours are at much greater risk for Alzheimer's and dementia along with other health problems." Dr. Lauren Hablitz, first author of the new study and research assistant professor in the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at URMC The study singles out cells called astrocytes that play multiple functions in the brain. Scientists believe that astrocytes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus help regulate circadian rhythms. Astrocytes also serve as gatekeepers that control the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the central nervous system. The results of the study suggest that communication between astrocytes in different parts of the brain may share the common goal of optimizing the glymphatic system's function during sleep. The researchers also found that during wakefulness, the glymphatic system diverts cerebrospinal fluid to lymph nodes in the neck. Because the lymph nodes are key waystations in the regulation of the immune system, the research suggests that cerebrospinal fluid may represent a fluid clock that helps wake up the body's infection fighting capabilities during the day. Samantha Bee has slammed the $4.5 trillion wellness industry for touting potentially dangerous 'pseudoscience,' while calling out her 'favorite offender': Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand Goop. In a recent segment on her show Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, the 50-year-old railed against alternative health products and treatments that are targeted at women without any real scientific backing. 'What can seem like innocuous woo from charging your crystals in the moonlight to lighting a candle to ward off Mondays can quickly change into pseudoscience that at best is a waste of money and at worst is dangerous,' Bee explained. Scroll down for video Using her voice: Samantha Bee called out Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle company Goop in a recent segment on her show Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Ire: The comedian said companies like Goop prey upon women by 'making impossible claims' without any real scientific backing. Paltrow is pictured at a Goop Health Summit in 2019 'Women, in particular, are relentlessly preyed upon by companies that work to exploit their insecurities while making impossible claims,' she continued. 'It's pseudoscience, and we can't talk about it without first addressing my favorite offender: Goop.' Paltrow's Goop empire, which was valued at $250 million in 2018, includes a lifestyle website, a range of vitamins, skin-care products, and a Netflix docuseries, The Goop Lab, among other things. 'Goop sells products that are perfect for the woman who has everything but the weirdest s**t in the world,' the host said. 'Things like vitamins that claim to help someone function at an "intense pace," rip-off Lisa Frank stickers that boost "cell turnover," psychic vampire repellent, and a vibrator that is also a necklace finished in 24 karat gold.' Bee stressed that Goop has recommended 'questionable spa treatments' like vaginal steaming, which involves sitting over a bowl of boiling water and herbs. Opinion: 'Goop sells products that are perfect for the woman who has everything but the weirdest s**t in the world,' the host said 'Pseudoscience': Bee called out a number of products sold by Goop, including $90 vitamins (left) and $27 psychic vampire repellent (right) Just saying: Bee pointed out that Goop's jade and rose quartz vagina eggs put women 'at risk for bacterial vaginosis or toxic shock syndrome' 'If that sounds dangerous and unnecessary, it's because it is!' she said, noting that one woman suffered from second-degree burns after attempting to steam her vagina. Gynecologists have repeatedly warned that vaginal steaming can cause infections and is not proven to work. 'Of course, none of that is going to stop Goop. They still sell products and treatments that claim to fix various medical issues even as they're called out for fraud,' Bee said. In 2018, Goop agreed to pay a $145,000 settlement over a false advertising lawsuit in which prosecutors from the California Food, Drug and Medical Device Task Force alleged that three of the company's female sexual health products were 'not supported by competent and reliable science.' Just say no: Bee stressed that Goop has recommended 'questionable spa treatments' like vaginal steaming, which involves sitting over a bowl of boiling water and herbs Money maker: Paltrow's Goop empire, which was valued at $250 million in 2018, includes a lifestyle website, a range of products, and a Netflix docuseries, The Goop Lab (pictured) Among the products in question were Goop's jade and rose quartz eggs, which sell for $66 and $55, respectively. The company claimed the eggs could balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles, prevent uterine prolapse and increase bladder control when inserted into a woman's vagina. 'Some women even sleep with that jade egg in their spunk huts, which can put a person at risk for bacterial vaginosis or toxic shock syndrome. It's truly the worst thing Paltrow has endorsed putting inside your vagina since Chris Martin,' Bee said, referring to the actress's ex-husband. Goop settled the lawsuit, but the wellness brand suggested that the power of the quartz vagina eggs was still up for debate. Big picture: Bee ended the segment by noting that the country's health is being put at risk because of wellness companies that encourage people to be suspicious of science 'While Goop believes there is an honest disagreement about these claims, the company wanted to settle this matter quickly and amicably,' the company told SFGate in a statement. Bee pointed out that Goop is just one of countless wellness companies that take advantage of the FDA's loose regulations by promising claims 'they can't possibly deliver.' 'As long as the product doesn't claim to mitigate, treat or cure anything, companies don't have to prove it actually does what it's advertising,' she explained, adding: 'Because theres no legal definition for terms such as "clean" or "natural" those words can mean whatever the f**k companies want them to.' The host ended the segment by noting that the country's health is being put at risk because of wellness companies that encourage people to be suspicious of science. 'Mistrust in science, in general, is the reason why so many people believe masks cause coronavirus and 30 per cent of Americans believe coronavirus was created in a lab. This is a terrible time to consciously uncouple from science,' she said, mocking the term Paltrow famously used to describe her split from Martin. Former Biggest Loser trainer Steve 'Commando' Willis has spoken candidly about fatherhood and being a single dad to four children. The 44-year-old, who is a new ambassador for Karitane, has four kids to three different mothers, and has shared his approach to juggling it all. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Friday, Steve said he prioritises talking about his ex-partners in a 'positive light' for the sake of the children. Big family: Former Biggest Loser trainer Steve 'Commando' Willis has spoken candidly about fatherhood and being a single dad to four children to three different mothers 'My children are their mother and me and [you need] to be mindful of that part within them and talk of the other parent in a positive light because otherwise children start to question their identity,' Steve said. 'You want them to focus on just being the age that they are.' Steve added that he relies on 'routine' to juggle his commitments to his children. Family: Steve has four children, Brianna, 21, Ella, 12, Jack, nine, and Axel, four. Pictured with Ella and Jack at a film premiere in September 2015 The fitness buff added that his children are his 'greatest teachers' in life. 'They have taught me a lot about life and things that I felt fell short for me when I was younger,' he said. Steve's four children include his eldest daughter Brianna, 21, from an early relationship; daughter Ella, 12, and son Jack, nine, from his relationship with ex-partner Froso; and son Axel, four, whom he shares with Michelle Bridges. Proud dad: The fitness buff said that his children are his 'greatest teachers' in life Steve and Michelle began dating in 2015, after splitting from their respective partners. They announced their split in January this year. After their break-up, Michelle was arrested for drink driving on Australia Day and was later convicted. She was fined $750 and had her licence disqualified for three months, after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving. Making headlines: In January this year, Commando and Michelle announced their shock split. Pictured together with Axel A tearful Michelle said outside court: 'I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep remorse, shame and humiliation [over] this incident and extreme lack of judgment. 'I would like to apologise to my family, friends and community for this gross error in judgment and the consequences of these actions will haunt me forever.' Commando is now dating F45 trainer Harika Vancuylenberg. The social media giant should disclose any information it has relating to crimes against the Rohingya in Myanmar. Last month, Facebook moved to block a bid by The Gambia in a US court, in which it sought disclosure of posts and communications by members of Myanmars military and police. This legal step is related to a case brought by The Gambia before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in which it has accused Myanmar of genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority. The social media giant urged the US District Court for the District of Columbia to reject the extraordinarily broad request, saying it would violate a US law that bars electronic communication services from disclosing users communications. In a consequent public statement, Facebook confirmed that it would not comply with The Gambias demand, but claimed to be cooperating with the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) an investigative body established to collect and analyse evidence of serious international crimes committed in Myanmar. A few days later, however, this was refuted by the IIMM head Nicholas Koumjian. Koumjian explained that while Facebook has indeed been in talks with the IIMM for a year, it had failed to share highly relevant material that could be probative of serious international crimes with the investigators. Again, a few days after this, there were reports confirmed by the IIMM that Facebook has shared the first data set that only partially complies with requests from the IIMM. Facebook has stated that it supports action against international crimes by working with the appropriate authorities. However, this series of actions on the part of Facebook may lead to the opposite conclusion, and rather than supporting The Gambias legal efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, is obstructing a case relating to genocide. In August 2017, the Myanmar military launched a so-called clearance operation in Rakhine State, home to Rohingya and other ethnic minorities. Over several weeks, soldiers committed atrocities in the region, killing thousands, committing mass rapes, burning villages to the ground, and driving more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh. Since then, it has been established that Facebook was used as a medium for the dissemination of hate speech as a precursor to these atrocities. In September 2018, in a report on the situation in Myanmar, the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar highlighted the role Facebook played in creating an enabling environment in the country for the commission of atrocities. Around the time of the release of the report, Facebook suspended several Myanmar military accounts, including that of the head of the army, and subsequently commissioned a human rights impact assessment into its Myanmar operations. The latter was quite tepid, and the former, a case of too little, too late. In November 2019, The Gambia filed an application at the ICJ, claiming that a conflict exists between it and Myanmar regarding the interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention, based on how Myanmar was treating the Rohingya population, which The Gambia claimed rose to the level of genocidal acts. This was a legally unprecedented move the first instance where a case was filed by a state not directly affected by the international crimes alleged. Nevertheless, The Gambia obtained an initial positive ruling this January from the court a ruling relating to protective measures, which includes directions to Myanmar to cease and desist from certain actions that would violate the Genocide Convention, and to provide the court with regular updates on its compliance with the order. However, The Gambia needs to take many more steps and overcome several hurdles to bring the case to a successful conclusion. One of these steps is to obtain more evidence that demonstrates the Myanmar militarys genocidal intent against the Rohingya. One likely repository of such evidence is Facebook. Knowing that there is a trove of information accessible only to Facebook, which may shed light on various aspects of the international crimes alleged, in June 2020, The Gambia initiated legal proceedings in the US, to compel the company to hand over information that would be of assistance for the case before the international court. The request, made in accordance with a US federal statute, was opposed by Facebook because it violates a US law that protects billions of global internet users from violations of their right to privacy and freedom of expression. However, the provisions of the law invoked Stored Communications Act, 18 USC 2702(a) do not seem to be a complete bar to sharing the information. As argued by The Gambia in response to the opposition by Facebook in court, the act aims to protect the privacy of private individuals in the US and not the unlawful acts of state actors such as the Myanmar government. Moreover, it would not apply to information already removed from the system which is much of what is being requested given the prior removal for violating Facebooks own terms and conditions. The optics of not supporting the disclosure of evidence that may assist in establishing the crime of genocide are truly terrible. As bad, is the obfuscation that seems to accompany this position. Facebook, a company that has built its entire business model on monetising user data, is likely aware of this. August marked the third anniversary of the mass exodus and atrocities committed against the Rohingya a time for reflection and a time to act in support of the survivors, in their quest for accountability and justice. Facebook must walk the talk now. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Chinas online government administration platforms have flourished, providing more convenient services for companies and individuals. A citizens uses an government service app to search for information in Chongqing. (Photo/Chinanews.com) According to statistics, the number of users of online government services in the country hit 694 million as of March, up 76.3 percent from the figure at the end of 2018. The users account for 76.8 percent of the number of internet users in China. While local governments have advanced the transformation of online services, 29 provincial governments have set up special sections on their online government service platforms to provide better services to meet the needs of the public more efficiently. South Chinas Guangdong province has set a great example in this regard. Relying on its integrated online government service platform, the province has provided online services for enterprises during the period of COVID-19 epidemic control, facilitating work and production resumption, and invigorating the market. I stayed at home and got things done. Now electronic certificates, seals and signatures are all that I think about, said Jiang Weikai, an executive of Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co., Ltd., a lighting equipment producer in the southern coastal provinces capital city Guangzhou. Jiang benefited from the contactless government services during the period of the outbreak. So far, Guangdong has published 2,106 items of government services that individuals and businesses can access without providing certificates, according to Gao Shangsheng, deputy head of the Guangdong Government Service Data Management Bureau. Guangdong also launched a WeChat mini program called Yueshitong, roughly translated in English to saving the trouble in Guangdong for the construction of digital government. When Wang Jun from northeast China had a dispute with his employer over compensation, he sent an application to the program for labor mediation to solve the problem. A mediator immediately communicated with his employer, and Wang received the compensation on the third day upon his application. According to Gao, the program has handled over 900 million cases since its launch. At present, on average, half of the residents in the province have used the program to access government services. The program has provided 1,195 items of government services, including 988 ones that allow people to complete tasks without going to government offices, and 105 items residents can handle without the need for a second visit. The province has also ensured information sharing and connectivity among departments at different levels to remove isolated islands of information. The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates. Whats happening The police killing of George Floyd in late May ignited a nationwide protest movement that saw thousands fill the streets in cities across the country. The goals of the Black Lives Matter movement cover many areas of American society, but the most immediate demand is reforming the role of police in communities. Floyds death, along with the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor, helped draw public attention to reform measures that activists have been promoting for years. At the height of the protests, it appeared that lawmakers in many places were ready to make substantial changes. New York City and Los Angeles announced they would reduce police budgets. The use of police chokeholds was banned in several states. The House of Representatives passed a sweeping police reform bill. The most substantial move was taken in Minneapolis, where the City Council voted to disband the police entirely. As time has passed, though, the momentum for reform appears to have waned, and many of those planned changes have stalled. New York lawmakers have been accused of using funny math to hide the fact that police funding wasnt really being cut. The House bill died in the Republican-led Senate. Minneapoliss plan to dismantle its police force has gotten bogged down in bureaucratic red tape. The shooting of Jacob Blake on Aug. 23 offered, for many, a stark reminder of how little has changed about policing in the U.S., despite the massive social movement that was ignited just a few months earlier. Why theres debate All the various hurdles and delays that have impeded police reform efforts in recent months may mean the country has missed its chance to truly reimagine the role of police in society. After spiking in June, support for Black Lives Matter has gradually trended downward and public opinion of the police has improved, polls show. The issue has also become increasingly politicized, with Republicans holding up reform bills at the national and local levels. Story continues Reform advocates have also expressed disappointment with Democrats. The partys presidential nominee, Joe Biden, has proposed some criminal justice reforms, but many activists say they fall well short of the systemic changes needed. A collection of modest reform bills in California failed to pass earlier this week, despite Democratic control of both chambers of the state Legislature. The fact that even small changes are falling short shows that a truly comprehensive reshaping of law enforcement may be next to impossible, pessimists say. Others see reason for optimism, despite recent challenges. Comprehensive police reform was never going to happen overnight, they argue, and each incremental step counts as progress toward the larger goal. They also believe there has been a fundamental shift in the way the U.S. public views law enforcement. That change in attitudes will put pressure on current and future lawmakers to continue pushing forward on the issue, they say. Perspectives Pessimists Bidens proposals arent enough Biden, unfortunately, is not yet on board with the push to revisit the role of policing in America. Nor has he advocated shifting funds from departments to other needs of overpoliced communities, such as hiring more mental health professionals instead of more cops. Jamil Smith, Rolling Stone Any reforms are happening in a haphazard, piecemeal way The problem is that what we are seeing is a patchwork response. And when you have a patchwork response, where you see varied responses from different municipalities, its very hard for that to do anything more than be a band-aid. Sociologist Dana Fisher to USA Today Public support for reforming the police is slipping away For those like myself who have believed in and advocated for police abolition for some time, it was a moment of rich opportunity. And yet it already seems to be fading, at least in actionable ways. Mychal Denzel Smith, Atlantic Much of the support for Black Lives Matter was performative We must come to the conclusion that some of what we saw as a racial awakening was prone to wither. Some of what we saw was people cosplaying consciousness, immersing themselves in the issue of the moment. America has a sterling track record of dashing Black peoples hopes. Charles M. Blow, New York Times Congress is incapable of coming to a deal on even small reforms People are still being abused at the hands of police. Anger over injustice is still building in the streets. And any suggestion that lawmakers in Washington will be able to reach agreement on even the most basic reforms is wishful thinking. Editorial, Boston Globe Powerful police unions stand in the way of true reform Police unions, like all unions, were designed to protect their own. But unlike other labor unions, they represent workers with the state-sanctioned power to use deadly force. And they have successfully bargained for more job security than whats afforded to most workers, security they can often rely on even after committing acts of violence that would likely get anyone else fired or locked up. Samantha Michaels, Mother Jones Optimists The Blake shooting has thrust police reform back into the national conversation The way the media cover events such as George Floyds death and the protests that followed, and the way the white public consumes them, creates the impression that they are individual episodes occurring within a context, to be sure, but ultimately with discrete start and end dates. Blakes shooting shows how that view falls short, though it also offers a chance to correct it. David A. Graham, Atlantic The racial awakening that happened this year cannot be reversed Now that millions of white people understand the severity of police brutality against Black people, the possibility that they ultimately see the end of policing as a solution is hardly utopian, especially as each passing day seems to bring more visual evidence of the racism and brutality of police across the U.S. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker Reforms can succeed if they remain focused on practical solutions We remain hopeful that opportunities for ongoing reform, better training of police officers and curtailing of police abuses ultimately prevail. But its imperative that the focus returns to and remains as much as possible on tangible solutions that are within our reach. Editorial, Orange County Register Democrats disagree on specifics but share a common belief that change is needed Even as different generations of organizers debate tactics, there remains a sense of community and understanding about the common goals of the movement and the life-and-death consequences of what it is pushing for. Maya King, Politico Important reforms are occurring in local jurisdictions This will be a fight waged at the local level a war fought in city council chambers, budget offices, and other modest rooms, led by city officials who feel emboldened by the emergence of the largest protest movement in American history. Those fights rarely make national headlines, but their effects can be more important than the bigger ones. Andrew J. Hawkins, Verge Progress is slow, but its happening Change is both cyclical and incremental and oftentimes nonlinear. Many of the proposed police budgets for 2021, including in Minneapolis, remain largely intact. But words that were rarely spoken in mainstream arenas defund, white supremacy, racism, abolish are now being earnestly discussed. Victories are slow, but they are happening. Jenna Wortham, New York Times Is there a topic youd like to see covered in The 360? Send your suggestions to the360@yahoonews.com. Read more 360s Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images From the world's best coffee to hearty liquors, premium chocolates, fruit preserves, and gourmet nuts and snacks, Costa Rica's got your cravings covered SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Costa Rica's not just about rainforests and beautiful beaches. The prosperous Central American nation is a competitive world leader in agricultural exports. Over 100 years of experience in the food industry, coupled with innovative growing processes, superior soil quality, and a year-round growing season, have resulted in a cornucopia of high-demand crops sought worldwide. The country's vibrant coffee industry is known across the globe for setting standards of consistency and caliber and as well as breaking the 2018 Coffee Association's Cup of Excellence price record for high-quality beans. Costa Rica is also the world's leading exporter of carbon-neutral NAMA coffee. Let's talk about chocolate - Costa Rican cacao boasts the Cocoa of Excellence award, the Central American Chocolate Award, and Silver and Bronze medals from the International Chocolate Awards 2017 Americas competition. "Applied international standards for sustainability, supply chain integrity, and social progress initiatives set us apart as a country and directly impact the food we produce," says Costa Rica's Export Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) CEO, Pedro Beirute. "More than 300 products leave our borders every day to reach over 100 international destinations." In fact, 9 of the top 40 global food processing companies have operations in Costa Rica. What's on the menu of export delicacies? In addition to coffee and chocolate, there's pineapple, hearts of palm, exotic fruit and vegetable preserves, aromatic and spicy sauces, gourmet nuts (macadamias, cashews, and peanuts), and of course world-class rum, craft beer, and other spirits. Recent developments to meet market demand include the introduction of superfoods. Chia, aloe vera, virgin coconut oil, algae, and other high-nutrient crops are requested with increasing frequency. Certifications, including USDA Organic, Fair Trade, FSSC 222000, among others, are all testimony of Costa Rica's dedication to offering exceptional produce. "Costa Rica has high-quality products and a promising future in the development of new crops. We want our relationship to be lasting, and we can grow together for years to come." Says import specialist, Miguel A. Romero of E. Sanchez S.L., Spain. The Essential COSTA RICA Brand PROCOMER is the government agency responsible for promoting the export of Costa Rican goods and services to the world. Qualified agricultural producers are required to live up to the country's brand standard of excellence, known as Essential Costa Rica. These companies are recognized as industry leaders for meeting the brand's strict criteria of Excellence, Sustainability, Innovation, and Social Progress in their operations, products, and services. For more information on how PROCOMER can satisfy your business's needs, visit Procomer.com. "Costa Rica is paramount in the success of our supply chain." Said CEO of EXP Group, USA, Anthony Serafino Contact: Seth Artavia sartavia@procomer.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1246189/Cafe.jpg NEW DELHI (AP) A blaze erupted at a fireworks factory in southern India on Friday, killing six workers and the owner, all women, and injuring another two. Police officer Pandiyan, who uses one name, said that the injured had been taken to a hospital while the cause of the fire is being investigated. Pandiyan said five people died on the spot and another two during treatment of severe burns. All workers were accounted for at the small licensed manufacturing unit in a village near Cuddalore, 190 kilometers (118 miles) south of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state. Fireworks manufacturing is a big business in India, with firecrackers often used in festivals and weddings. Many illegal factories with little safety precautions produce firecrackers that are cheaper to buy than legally made ones. In September last year, a large explosion at a fireworks factory killed 22 people in Batala, a town in northern Punjab state, about 460 kilometers (285 miles) north of New Delhi. S ophie Ashby, a high-profile designer of luxury interiors, recently called her industry elitist and exclusionary in an outspoken critique, adding that you often need the right connections for success. Her views were crystallised by the death in the US of George Floyd at the end of May, the explosion on Instagram of #blackouttuesday where black squares were posted in solidarity, and the ensuing Black Lives Matter movement, which also triggered the Activism Now September issue of Vogue. Meanwhile, black interior designer Alexandria Dauley, with her own successful south London practice and a teacher at KLC School of Design, had been nurturing ideas to combat prejudice within the profession. I am a minority in my industry there just arent many black interior designers out there, she says. Happily, Ive had positive experiences, but I have heard too many sad stories of discrimination blighting too many design careers. Accordingly, the two professionals together have founded a charity called United in Design (UiD). They have devised a diversity pledge for the interior design industry, and are asking would-be UiD members to commit to least three of its tenets, which include support for apprenticeships/mentoring, and an outreach programme for schools. It all begins with education, says Dauley. Already they have 125 signatories, from individual supporters to small and large brands and practices, each contributing financially according to their size. They include internationally famous Martin Brudnizki, Taylor Howes, David Collins, Joyce Wang and Katharine Pooley. Already signed up is globally successful designer Eva Sonaike, whose Nigerian heritage feeds into vibrant patterns for fabrics, cushions, lamp shades and furniture. I have experienced discrimination and prejudice on many levels, she says. UiD will change perceptions and open doors. London-based homeware designer Eva Sonaike's Nigerian heritage feeds into vibrant patterns for fabrics, cushions, lamp shades and furniture Also on board is architect Charu Gandhi, with her own design company Elicyon. She had an Indian childhood, and then travelled to the Far East, California and Europe. Now I move seamlessly between cultures. In schools, she works with the Mayors Fund for London Access Aspiration programme. Design should bring us together not push us apart, says Mimi Shodeinde. Born in London of Nigerian heritage, her functional sculptural art was in a debut show in Mayfair in 2016. Im inspired by multiple cultures, she says of her furniture, glass, woodwork and vessels. London-based Design Can is also pushing for design diversity. Launched last year, it is a hard-hitting website with a rolling feed of inspirational stories and educational resources. On its committee is Londons multi-disciplinary artist/designer Yinka Ilori, whose Nigerian roots are reflected in exuberant works such as last years summer pavilion for the Dulwich Museum. According to the Design Council, the UK design industry is 78 per cent male and only 13 per cent of employees are from BAME backgrounds, he says. Hopefully we can change that. Also on the steering committee is Priya Khanchandani, former editor of Icon specialist architecture and design magazine and now head of curatorial at the Design Museum. Her grandfather came from India in the 1950s having trained as a doctor in Bombay. She was brought up in Luton, and has degrees from Cambridge and the RCA. She says: "Sadly, there is clear indication of structural bias and practices within the design industry which are excluding certain groups." The steering committee also included young designer Mac Collins, whose family come from from Jamaica and the UK. He won multiple student awards for his Iklwa chair, named after a Zulu spear and reminiscent of a tribal throne. My one-off pieces often explore my cultural heritage, he says. Trained in India and at Central Saint Martins where she is now a teacher, Londoner Kangan Arora creates print for fabric, rugs and more. Its in my blood as my family have a textile business in Ludhiana in North India, where I grew up. Her assured layered geometrics have won clients such as Ikea, Heals, the Tate and Floor_Story. She favours apprenticeships and mentoring. Design firms should hire more diversely and share voices and perspectives. Of second generation Indian heritage is the Acton-based industrial designer Tej Chauhan, whose award-winning practice has done hi-tech products for Nokia, Lexus, Tesco and many more. His approach is emotive and the results are intuitive to use. My heritage is a richness which helps me connect, an extension of my personality. With Jamaican parents, Annette Taylor-Anderson says: I think of myself as a designer not a black designer. Born and raised in London, she makes large-scale murals for homes, hotels, bars, offices and care homes, often inspired by scenes from the capital. Artist/designer Simone Brewster, with Mother, a piece in plywood and tulipwood from her Tropical Noire collection of large interior sculptural vessels London-based artist/designer Simone Brewster has a degree in Architecture from the Bartlett, UCL, plus an MA in Design Products from the Royal College of Art. She is making large-scale sculptural furniture and other artefacts and took to painting during lockdown. I have a black female view, she says. I am the voice of a Londoner with Caribbean parents that grew up in a multicultural society. But the cold fact is that, according to a recent survey by an American business magazine reported on dezeen.com, just 0.32 per cent of the furniture produced by leading brands is created by black designers. UNITED NATIONS: The president of the U.N. General Assembly is warning that a vaccine for COVID-19 must be made available to everyone who needs it because if just one country is left out the world will still face a crisis from the coronavirus. As the world looks to a vaccine and a post-COVID-19 world, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande also says that inclusion is key, because without inclusion the suffering of those who are already left behind, will continue and we cannot guarantee peace in that kind of a context. He said in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press that statements from those developing vaccines have said they intend to make them widely available, which he stressed is important. I believe that there will be protocols and agreements to guarantee affordability and accessibility to the product when it is available, he said. Muhammad-Bande said the pandemic, perhaps ironically, has defied initial predictions that developing countries would be hardest hit because many of their health systems are poorer. What has happened, he said, is that death rates and infections are far lower in percentage terms in developing countries, including in Africa, than in the major developed countries of the world. The point that is absolutely fundamental, both in rich and poor countries, developed and developing countries, (is that) it mattered how you responded to the disease, whether you are poor or rich, Muhammad-Bande said. In dealing with the virus, he said, richer countries had better health care and financial support while developing countries reliant on tourism and oil, for example, are suffering from severe economic hardships. Go to each country, see how the pandemic affected differentially rich and poor people, he said. This is the big issue and it has to be addressed. Asked what needs to be done most urgently to return the world to some sense of normality, he said, Solidarity and partnership and empathy for the other I think are key to how we go forward. Muhammad-Bande was interviewed on the day that ambassadors from the 193 U.N. member nations attended their first in-person plenary meeting in the General Assembly chamber since the pandemic forced diplomats from the world body to work remotely. The presidency of the General Assembly rotates annually by region and Muhammad-Bande, who is Nigerias U.N. ambassador, was chosen by the African group for the post. When he took office in September, he was dealing with issues of human rights and development, and focusing especially on education and poverty eradication. The new coronavirus, which just came," created a unique presidency, he said. The United Nations was created to solve problems and the problems keep coming at it, and this is but one unique one, he said. It certainly complicated the way we had worked. It was not easy to work from homes. It was not easy to hammer out agreements or to negotiate, but it was understood that we had to do something we had to work. Members had to agree on difficult issues including what constituted an official meeting and consensus, how to change the rules of procedure, and how to hold remote meetings with simultaneous translation in the U.N.s six official languages English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic, he said. Diplomats credit Muhammad-Bandes calm manner and diplomatic skills for the accomplishments of his past year, first and foremost getting all countries to agree on a declaration commemorating the U.N.s 75th anniversary that is scheduled to be adopted by world leaders Sept. 21. We were able to have a declaration by consensus as to the meaning of our 75-year history that, I think, for me, was remarkable because there were deep differences between countries and regions, Muhammad-Bande said. This is not a small feat for the organization, no question about that. The declaration recalls the U.N.s successes and failure and vows to build a post-pandemic world that is more equal, works together and protects the planet. It calls the COVID-19 pandemic the largest global challenge in the history of the United Nations. When Muhammad-Bande took over the presidency he said the 75th anniversary of the United Nations presents a unique opportunity for us to reduce the trust deficit between nations. And he said if the U.N. is to achieve the vision of its founders, we must ensure that indifference and cynicism do not creep into our organization. Despite agreeing on the declaration, he said, Im not very sure we have pushed the needle beyond what it was for this year, other then to stay the course, to insist that because of the pandemic multilateral cooperation is absolutely important for our peace and security. Muhammad-Bande pointed to difficulties in relations of big powers, an issue U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also raised, especially growing U.S.-China tensions. The assembly president also said there are difficulties among members on many other issues that prevented much headway, including expanding the 15-member U.N. Security Council to reflect the 21st century, not the post-World War II world. Looking ahead, Muhammad-Bande said he hopes the General Assembly will adopt an omnibus resolution on COVID-19 before he hands over the presidency to Turkish diplomat and politician Volkan Bozkir on Sept. 15. He said discussions among U.N. members are also under way on a proposal by the Nonaligned Movement, which represents about 125 mainly developing countries, for a special General Assembly session on the pandemic. Muhammad-Bande, who will return to being Nigerias U.N. ambassador full-time Sept. 16, said he has read, seen and heard people make comments that the U.N. doesnt matter. It matters absolutely crucially for the world, he said, pointing to the U.N.s role in setting norms" for all countries and providing a space to discuss problems and exchange ideas. Of course, the U.N. has its limitations because its a combination of governments, each with its own sovereignty, he added. But if we dont have the United Nations, the world must create something that will look to the interests beyond official boundaries and borders, Muhammad-Bande said. And there is absolutely for me, no ground of cynicism about the importance of the United Nations. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Kathmandu, Sep 4 : Nepal has reported 1,228 nw coronavirus cases, the highest single-day spike as the pandemic was raging in the Himalayan country. With the new cases, the national infection tally reached 42,877, according to the Ministry of Health and Population, reports Xinhua news agency. The active cases stood at 18,413. "A total of 1,228 cases were identified in the last 24 hours," Jageshwor Gautam, spokesman at the Ministry, said at a press meet on Thursday. The previous single-day high was on August 30 with 1,221 new cases. Although Nepal had been witnessing sharp decline in Covid-19 cases since July 3, the cases started to surge once again after the government ended the lockdown on July 22, allowing almost all economic and social activities to resume. While the cases were mostly confined among the Nepali migrant workers, who had returned home from abroad, particularly from India before the lockdown was lifted, the cases are now spreading to several community clusters, according to Ministry. Suresh Tiwari, a senior official at Ministry, said that around 96 per cent of the cases were now locally transmitted, a reversal of a trend observed until July. Over 70 per cent cases have been concentrated in just 12 districts suggesting the community transmission. The capital Kathmandu has emerged as a new hotspot of the pandemic with over one third of the total cases reported on Thursday. As many as 445 cases were identified in the Kathmandu Valley in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry. So far, there are 7,038 cases reported in the Kathmandu Valley. Government officials have been repeatedly warning against the crowding. But, on Thursday, defying the prohibitory orders, the Machhindranath Jatra was organized in Kathmandu Valley, which led to clashes between police and the locals. Meanwhile, six new Covid-19 fatalities were reported, which took the total death toll to 257. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Matt Hancock has dismissed protests that people are being forced to drive hundreds of miles for a Covid-19 test, insisting the vast majority get one easily. An official website has advised residents in London to travel to Wales and those in Cumbria to head to Scotland triggering fresh criticism that the much-criticised testing system is failing. Public health experts are warning that new coronavirus spikes could be missed, as increased testing in high-risk areas sparks big shortages in other places. Mr Hancock was told it made a mockery of his claim of a world-beating testing regime. People still having to go more than 100 miles for a test, it's not working, a BBC Breakfast presenter said. But the health secretary brushed off the criticism, saying: Of course, there are operational challenges in any system. He added: If you have symptoms, you should go and get a test and the vast majority of tests are available at the testing centre closest to you. Mr Hancock announced a community-wide trial of repeated, saliva-based tests for coronavirus in Salford, alongside 500m of funding for trials of a 20-minute test. But he repeatedly refused to set a date for those rapid tests being widely available, admitting he was relying on relying on brand new technology. When Mr Hancock said the long-called for mass testing would happen over the coming weeks and months, the presenter replied: That sounds a bit vague, can we be a bit more specific? Coronavirus: The global gap in education Show all 12 1 /12 Coronavirus: The global gap in education Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Paddy Dowling/EAA Coronavirus: The global gap in education Photos Paddy Dowling/EAA On the government's coronavirus test booking service, people with symptoms entering their home postcodes were told to travel:* From London to testing sites in Cardiff and the Isle of Wight between 50 and 135 miles away. * From Devon to Carmarthen 200 miles away. * From Cumbria to Dumfries, in Scotland 50 miles away. A Conservative MP in Hampshire, Caroline Nokes, revealed the website told her daughter to travel to Inverness. Meanwhile, Mr Hancock hailed the potential for mass testing, a task he has dubbed Operation Moonshot. Short of a vaccine, this is the best chance we have of reducing social distancing whilst controlling the virus, especially with winter coming, with all the challenges that brings, he said. But Professor Alan McNally, from the University of Birmingham, said mass testing should have been introduced over the summer when infections were lower. I think the time was right to think about scaling up testing to the wider community and asymptomatic testing over the summer when we were relatively Covid-secure, knowing that autumn and winter would come, he said. Ideally, we would be far more advanced in our ability to handle what we're already beginning to see, an increase in requirement for Covid testing and respiratory infection testing. CLEVELAND, Ohio An improved Customs facility, more parking, better entry and exit roadways, consolidated TSA checkpoints those are all features that are likely to be included in a reimagined Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The airport hosted the first of three public meetings Thursday to solicit input from travelers about what they want from a revamped airport. Hopkins is in the middle of a once-in-a-decade planning process, where city and business leaders, travelers and dreamers can offer suggestions on what they want from their airport. Theres no guarantee that any of the suggestions will be implemented thats a separate process, which will require city approval, financing and likely years of planning. Now is the time for ideas, suggestions and questions. Florida firm RS&H is leading the master plan process, which should be complete early next year. The company has spent several months taking stock of airport facilities and projecting passenger trends. The dramatic downturn in travel due to the coronavirus pandemic made forecasting future passenger numbers complicated, said Gary Logston, senior aviation planner with RS&H. Current consensus, he said, is that air traffic will take at least three to four years to recover to 2019 levels, when Hopkins welcomed just over 10 million passengers. By 2029, the airport should see traffic between 11 million and 13 million people, according to the firms forecasts. What will those passengers want? Among the suggestions: Wider concourses, a better location for the rental-car facility and more widespread use of public transportation. The fate of Concourse D, built in 1999 for Continental Airlines and shuttered since the closure of Uniteds hub in 2014, remains up in the air, said Airport Director Robert Kennedy. He called the concourse a distressed asset that will require a substantial investment for any future use. It was designed for an aircraft that will never return to this airport, he said, referring to smaller planes that were used when Cleveland was a hub airport. Kennedy also was asked if Cleveland would ever be a hub airport again. His answer was direct: Thats not going to happen, he said, due to airline consolidations and other factors. Other questions that were posed: * Any chance the airport will be moved to another location? Kennedy called that a remote possibility due to its expense. The master plan will determine what is best, he said. * What about nonstop flights to Europe? John Hogan, deputy chief of marketing and air service development, said Cleveland will land another transatlantic flight. But it wont be tomorrow, he said, particularly with the dramatic downturn in international travel due to the pandemic. * Whats the fate of the Sheraton hotel on the grounds of the airport? Kennedy said it was yet to be determined. But I feel that a good hotel is needed at an airport of our size, he said. Meanwhile, work continues on one capital improvement that isnt part of the master plan process a new Ground Transportation Center that is under construction just north of the terminal. This is where travelers catch shuttles to off-site hotels and parking lots. The new facility will feature covered seating areas, wider walking areas, heat, internet access and more. It is expected to be complete in November. The next meeting on the master plan is 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. The meeting will take place online. For information: clevelandairportmasterplan.com. Read more: Is Cleveland Hopkins really that bad? Thoughts on what needs to be improved at our airport Russias ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine remains one of the key threats to national security, so the level of funding for the security and defense sector for the next year cannot be reduced. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov said this during a meeting on the defense budget for 2021, the NSDC press service reported. Danilov called the ongoing military aggression in eastern Ukraine one of the key threats to national security. The NSDC Secretary stressed the importance of rearmament of the army, strengthening intelligence capabilities, cybersecurity, and support for the domestic defense industry, the report reads. At the same time, Danilov noted that given the existing threats, it is impossible to reduce the current level of funding for the security and defense sector. The participants of the meeting discussed the needs of the subjects of the security and defense sector for funding for the next year, emphasizing the priority areas. Following the discussion, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine was instructed to shortly work out the possibility of increasing funding for national security and defense needs. The next meeting on this issue is scheduled for the nearest future. ish The months to come may be devastating for craft wineries throughout Niagara and across Ontario, warns Ontario Craft Wineries president Richard Linley. After dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to pay what Linley described as unfair taxes, the preliminary results of a new survey conducted by his organization warn dozens of small- and medium-sized wineries may be forced out of business, he said. Vineland Estates Winery president Allan Schmidt is warning the impact on wineries will start to become apparent within the next few weeks, when unused grapes start dropping to the ground. Youre going to start to see the first wave of the impact in about four weeks, Schmidt said. Youre going to see thousands of tonnes of surplus grapes in Ontario falling on the ground. Schmidt said its not the result of an abundance of grapes, but instead its a shortage of shelves and sustainable margins within which to sell those grapes. Linley said the full results of the Ontario Craft Wineries survey are still being tabulated, but last week he shared some of the preliminary findings with the provinces standing committee on finance and economic affairs, a group comprising representatives from across Ontario including Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. We surveyed wineries to get a better understanding of the impacts of April to July from a sales standpoint One in four wineries think theyll have to close temporarily, and one in 10 would have to close permanently if things continue the way they are, Linley said. With about 180 wineries across Ontario, Linley said thats about 45 facing temporary closures and 18 shutting down permanently. Schmidt said Vineland Estates has turned away as many people as we were able to serve because we can only allow so many people in the wine shop. We have to obviously respect social distancing. Were only doing tastings outside and they have to be by appointment only, and we have to write down all the contact information for people who do tastings, he said. Were at about half the rate we would normally do in the summer. But while dealing with the pandemic restrictions, Linley said the industry continues to struggle with a 6.1 per cent Ontario tax charged on top of the HST for wine sold in retail shops. In addition, he said, wineries have for years been charged an import tax on product sold in LCBO stores. Weve argued that the government should be rebating up to 35 per cent of the overall markup from the LCBO back to wineries, Linley said. Its basically a tax on our retail stores, Schmidt said. When it comes to wine that we sell in our own retail stores, the LCBO isnt getting a cut on it They put an additional tax of 6.1 per cent on top of the HST for doing nothing. Its just a sin tax on tourism. Schmidt said he could afford to hire three more people if he wasnt paying the added tax, which would help Vineland Estates increase its limit on customers while remaining within COVID-19 requirements. Meanwhile, he said LCBO is bracing for new fees that will cost wineries about $1.20 per bottle beginning within the next two years, due to a successful trade challenge by Australia. Were really being hit at all angles, he said. In comparison, Schmidt said the biggest challenge wineries based in British Columbia are facing is they cant hire qualified people fast enough. I would love to have that problem, he said. The industry is flourishing in B.C. There are hundreds of millions of dollars being invested there. There is considerable support for the local wine industry, including a private members bill by Gates, as well as nearly 4,000 signatures added to an online petition. However, Schmidt said the changes cant happen fast enough. Ontario wineries should have an advantage over foreign competitors when selling their products locally, he added. Instead, only seven per cent of wine sold at the LCBO is locally produced. I want that same advantage that every other winery in the world has. I want that in my own market in Canada, Schmidt said. Linley said there will be a substantial economic impact on Niagara, and Ontario, if wineries that are now at the brink are forced to close their doors. The industry is mostly concentrated in Niagara, but there are jobs that could potentially be impacted across the province and thats our concern in terms of trying to protect the industry over the long term and create a path for recovery and renewal, he said. We need business certainty sooner rather than later. Read more about: President Donald Trump declared this week that hes going to try to win New York in November, citing his support among voters in Upstate New York and Long Island. Its the latest claim Trump has made about his chances in New York since the 2016 election. At various times he has predicted that he would win New York or at least make it a competitive election. Trump lost the Empire State by more than 22 percentage points to Hillary Clinton four years ago, and theres no indication to date that hell be any more competitive against Joe Biden this year. Here are seven key indicators of why New Yorks not in play for Trump in the 2020 election: New Yorkers view Trump unfavorably Trumps approval rating in his home state has remained consistently low since the 2016 election. Trump was viewed unfavorably by 62% of New York voters in the latest Siena College poll from June. Only 33% have a favorable view of the president. Biden was viewed favorably by 53% and unfavorably by 39% of New York voters. Even where Trump boasts of his popularity Upstate New York he is viewed unfavorably by voters, the poll found. Only 37% had a favorable view and 57% had an unfavorable view of Trump. Biden led Trump in New York state by 25 points (57-32%) in the same poll. Biden also leads Trump among Upstate New York voters, 50-40%, according to the poll. Sienas polling revealed deeper signs of trouble for Trump in New York. Hes having problems solidifying the states Republican vote. The percentage of New York Republicans planning to vote for Biden in the June poll was at 17%. Only 7% of Democrats planned to vote for Trump. Biden had the support of 86% of Democrats; Trump had the support of 78% of Republicans. National pollsters show Trump losing New York A poll from Public Policy Polling two weeks ago showed Biden with a commanding lead of 31 percentage points over Trump in New York, 63%-32% The trend is in the wrong direction for Trump. A Quinnipiac University poll completed May 4 showed Biden leading Trump by 23 points in New York, 55-32%. An average of all New York polls shows Biden leading Trump 60-33% as of Thursday, according to the website Five Thirty Eight. Trump trails in a key Upstate NY congressional district If Trump wants to flip New York, hes going to need to win Upstate New York by a wide margin. But recent polls show the president trailing Biden in one key swing district, the 24th Congressional District in Central New York. The district has been represented in Congress by a Republican for the past six years. A poll by GBAO Strategies of Washington, D.C., last week showed Biden with a 12-point lead (52%-40%) in the district. The poll was commissioned by Democratic congressional candidate Dana Balter. A separate poll done two weeks earlier for GOP Rep. John Katko showed Biden with a 2-point lead over Trump in the district. Biden had a 4-point lead over Trump (50%-46%) among those who said theyve made up their mind or are leaning toward one candidate in the presidential race. Clinton won the 24th District over Trump by about 4 percentage points in the 2016 election. Trumps not advertising on TV in New York Neither Trump nor Biden have aired TV ads in New York, one key indicator of whether the respective campaigns view the state as a 2020 battleground. In fact, only two presidential candidates bought TV ads in New York this year billionaires Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer and both dropped out of the race before New Yorks Democratic presidential primary election on June 23. Bloomberg and Steyer aired 47 ads in the state at a cost of $21 million, according to the website Five Thirty Eight. Trump told the New York Post last month that he intends to spend money in New York to make it a competitive race. Trumps campaign did not respond when asked Thursday about its New York campaign plans. Trumps not campaigning in New York The president has been a regular visitor this summer to key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina and Wisconsin. But he hasnt held a single campaign event in New York. Trumps last official visit to New York was Aug. 14, when he stopped to see his gravely ill brother, Robert Trump, in a Manhattan hospital. Robert, Trumps younger brother, died the next day. President Trump told the New York Post on Aug. 13 that he plans to make campaign stops in the state. Were going to invest in there, well visit, Trump said. Im going to put it down, as you know, on the list. Bidens not worried A key indicator that New York could be competitive would be a sudden surge in ad spending or campaign visits to the state by Biden. The former vice president, with deep professional and personal ties to Syracuse, has been a regular visitor to Central New York in previous years. But Biden hasnt held a campaign rally or public event in the state since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, nor is he airing TV ads. He has visited Manhattan for some private fundraisers. History is not on Trumps side No Republican has won deep blue New York state in a presidential election since Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984. In fact, no Republican has won a statewide election in New York in 18 years. The last one to do so was George Pataki, when he was elected to his final term as governor in 2002. Trump showed in 2016 that he could win in Upstate New York and Long Island (he won 45 of 62 counties) but that couldnt make up for the lopsided vote that he lost in New York City. Trump lost his hometown by a landslide, with 88 percent of voters in the Bronx and 86 percent in Manhattan choosing Clinton. MORE ON THE 2020 ELECTION Trump suggests voting twice. If you do that in NY, your vote counts only once New York opens web portal to accept applications for absentee ballots New York recruits poll workers to ease shortage caused by coronavirus Absentee ballot vs. mail-in ballot: Whats the difference? How to get an absentee ballot in New York Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Nigerias Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire has collected samples of the COVID-19 vaccine from Russias Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin. The development was contained in a statement delivered during a visit to Abuja, by the Ministrys Director of Information, Media, Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi. Recall that prior to the announcement of development of the vaccine by Russia, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it will access the level of potency and effectiveness of the virus before taking further actions. Health Minister, Ehanire said the vaccine would be sent to other health agencies such as, the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) amongst others for further examination. Oyetomi explained as contained in the statement that the Emissary to Russia upon delivery, said details that will guide the Nigerian research team on how to carry out further studies, as well as application of the vaccine were also provided. He quoted the Minister of Health by saying, Nigeria has for sometime now being liaising with research institutions from different countries on possible solution to the pandemic. As Russia announced immediately the availability of the vaccine, the Embassy of the countrys Federation stationed in Nigeria was contacted. An agreement was quickly reached, one that will forward the vaccine to different health bodies for further review to take place. Worries about the coronavirus pandemic are expected to push tens of millions of people to vote by mail in US elections. Mail-in voting in the United States presidential elections is set to begin on Friday as North Carolina starts sending out more than 600,000 ballots to voters responding to a significant increase in requests across the country as voters look for a safer way to cast ballots during the coronavirus pandemic. The 643,000 ballots requested in the initial wave in North Carolina were more than 16 times the number the state sent out at the same time four years ago. The requests came overwhelmingly from Democratic and independent voters, a reflection of a new partisan divide over mail-in voting ahead of the November 3 election. The North Carolina numbers were one more bit of evidence backing up what experts have been predicting for months: Worries about the novel coronavirus are likely to push tens of millions of voters to cast their ballots by mail for the first time, transforming the way the election is conducted and the vote is counted. Workers prepare absentee ballots for mailing at the Wake County Board of Elections in Raleigh, North Carolina [Gerry Broome/AP] In 2016, just one-quarter of the US electorate cast votes through the mail. This time, election officials expect the majority of voters to do so. Wisconsin already received nearly 100,000 more requests compared with the 2016 election. In Florida, 3,347,960 people requested ballots during the 2016 election. The state has already received 4,270,781 requests. While ballots go out in two weeks in other battlegrounds like Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all eyes are on North Carolina as it leads off. Wake County, which includes the capital city of Raleigh, accounts for more than 100,000 absentee ballot requests so far. This week, the office groaned under the twin stresses of record mail-in voting and the pandemic. On Thursday, workers in yellow vests and masks sat at folding tables spaced apart in a county warehouse, affixing address labels to envelopes and then putting the ballots inside. Board of Elections Director Gary Sims said the pandemic presents new challenges for the workers, including staying spaced out and using hand-sanitiser as much as possible. Were already at over three times the amount of requests that weve ever had in its entirety in an election. So thats caused us to change some of our business processes, Sims said. The increase in interest has come with an increase in partisan division. The Republican party has historically done well in North Carolina mail-in voting, but this year, the people asking for the ballots are not generally Republicans. Democrats requested more than 337,000 ballots, and independents 200,000, while only 103,000 were sought by Republicans. Voters in the state can continue to request the ballots up until October 27, though that may be too close to the November 3 election for them to receive the ballot and return it to their local elections office in time. The Democratic lead in mail-in ballots is not only in North Carolina. In Maine, 60 percent of requests for mail-in ballots were made by Democrats and 22 percent by independents Democrats requested nearly triple the number of absentee ballots as Republicans. In Florida, where the Republican party once dominated mail-in voting, 47.5 percent of requests came from Democrats and 32 percent from Republicans. These numbers are astronomical, and on top of that theres these clear partisan differences, said Michael McDonald, a political scientist at the University of Florida who tracks early voting. The party split comes as President Donald Trump baselessly derided mail-in ballots as vulnerable to fraud, even though multiple studies have debunked the notion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the mail-in ballots as a safer alternative to in-person voting during the pandemic. The numbers in North Carolina and elsewhere suggest Republicans are listening to Trump, shying away from mail-in ballots while Democrats rush to use them. A worker prepares absentee ballots for mailing at the Wake County Board of Elections in Raleigh, North Carolina [Gerry Broome/AP] The Democrats advantage in mail-in voting will not necessarily translate into an advantage in the election, however. Ballots cast on Election Day are expected to be mostly Republican. Even if the Democrats build up a huge lead in the early vote ballot, I still need to see the Election Day votes, because thats going to be that red wave, McDonald said. Tom Bonier, chief executive officer of the Democratic data firm Target Smart, agreed. But he has seen one hopeful indicator for his party 16 percent of the mail-in ballot requests so far have been from voters who did not vote in 2016. They are younger than typical mail voters, as well. Seeing younger Democrats adapting to the technique is the first sign of a potential enthusiasm gap, Bonier said, noting it will not be possible to know if the Republican party catches up until the election. Campaigns usually want their voters to cast ballots by mail because they can bank those early votes and focus their scarce resources on getting their remaining supporters to the polls on Election Day. Trump has complicated that effort among Republicans by repeatedly condemning mail-in voting, even though in the five states that routinely mail ballots to all voters there has been no large-scale fraud. On Wednesday, while in North Carolina, the president suggested supporters vote once by mail and a second time in person to test whether the system could weed out voter fraud. The next day, the executive director of North Carolinas board of elections, Karen Brinson Bell, warned that voting twice in the state is a felony, as is trying to induce someone to vote twice. Heres what we know so far about the killing of Michael Forest Reinoehl by members of a federal fugitive task force. He was wanted in the fatal shooting in downtown Portland last Saturday of a man during a confrontation after a pro-Trump car caravan rolled through town. Deadly confrontation: Reinoehl, 48, was shot about 7:30 p.m. Thursday after he walked out of an apartment at a complex near Lacey, Washington. He ran to a car nearby and got in but it was blocked by police SUVs. Officers shot at the car. He got out, tried to run and officers fired again. Reinoehl died at the scene. Its not clear why he was in Lacey or at the apartment. Witnesses reported hearing 30 to 50 shots. A neighbor said kids and families were running for their lives and cars were struck when the officers fired at Reinoehl. Who was there: Reinoehl was alone. He was armed with a handgun, said Thurston County Sheriffs Lt. Ray Brady. Its not clear yet if he fired it, Brady said. Witnesses in the residential neighborhood described an exchange of gunfire. Four officers with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force fired their guns. Theyre from the Pierce County Sheriffs Office, Lakewood Police Department and the Washington Department of Corrections, all assigned to the fugitive task force acting in their role as marshals. A Marshals Service spokesperson said Reinoehl produced a gun and task force members responded to the threat and struck the suspect. The task force members had the apartment complex under surveillance when Reinoehl walked out, authorities said, but offered no further details. Coroner report: Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock said Reinoehl was shot multiple times but he didnt know how many. He said an autopsy is scheduled for next Wednesday due to the holiday weekend. U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr response: In a statement Friday, Barr said the streets are safer with this violent agitator removed. The tracking down of Reinoehl a dangerous fugitive, admitted Antifa member, and suspected murderer is a significant accomplishment in the ongoing effort to restore law and order to Portland and other cities, the statement read. " The streets of our cities are safer with this violent agitator removed, and the actions that led to his location are an unmistakable demonstration that the United States will be governed by law, not violent mobs. Call for calm: Reinoehls sister said shes deeply saddened by her brothers death but doesnt want it to trigger more violence. The peaceful majority can still talk things out and reason and find solutions, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive. When we were contacted by people filled with anger, we were able to deescalate the situation. No matter how angry they were, when you choose not to reflect back the anger thats reflected on you, you can start a ripple of change that doesnt rely on violence. Elected officials also called for an end to the violence. A Multnomah County judge signed the warrant for Michael F. Reinoehl's arrest on Thurs. afternoon, Sept. 3. It was entered into court records on Friday. Portland police: Portland police on Thursday issued a warrant for Reinoehls arrest on allegations of second-degree murder with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon in the fatal shooting Saturday of Aaron Jay Danielson, 39, of Portland. Danielson was a participant in a car caravan and rally in support of President Donald Trump. The caravan had drawn hundreds of trucks and cars and some ended up in downtown Portland after traveling there from the Clackamas Town Center mall. The caravan ended shortly before the fatal encounter unfolded in seconds on a mostly empty street. Danielson was wearing a cap with an insignia of Patriot Prayer, the loosely organized right-wing group based in Vancouver known in Portland for a series of clashes with anti-fascists. Danielson was a friend and supporter of the group, Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson has said. New information on the Portland shooting: Reinoehl appeared to have targeted Danielson, emerging from an alcove of a parking garage before firing two gunshots, one that hit Danielsons bear spray can and the other that proved fatal, according to a police affidavit unsealed Friday. A collapsible metal baton was found near Danielsons body, police said. Danielson also was found carrying a loaded 9mm handgun on his waistband and had three magazines of 9mm red-tip ammunition in his right cargo pants pocket, the affidavit said. Portland police released this photo on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, of a witness they're seeking in the fatal shooting of Aaron "Jay" Danielson the weekend before in downtown Portland. Searching for a witness: Portland police on Friday asked the public for help identifying a man who was at the scene and witnessed the shooting Saturday. They released a picture and said they wanted to interview him. Police asked anyone with information to contact Detective Rico Beniga at 503-823-0457 or rico.beniga@portlandoregon.gov. Investigation of Reinoehls shooting: Under a state law that went into effect in Washington in January, the shooting will be investigated by officers from agencies that werent involved, with the Thurston County Sheriffs Office taking the lead. The Marshals Service said it wont release the names of the officers involved in Reinoehls shooting until the investigation is completed. The apartment complex where Reinoehl was found is in an unincorporated area of Thurston County with about 6,000 residents, not far from the state capital of Olympia. Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, died on a residential street near Lacey, Wash., after he was shot multiple times by police officers attempting to arrest him Thursday night, Sept. 3, 2020, in the 7600 block of Third Avenue, SE, police said.Screenshot from submitted video Reinoehl interview: Reinoehl has described himself on social media as an anti-fascist and said he provided security at some of the Black Lives Matter protests that have continued in Portland since late May decrying the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd. He appeared to acknowledge his role in the shooting of Danielson in an interview with a freelance journalist published Thursday by Vice News. I was confident that I did not hit anyone innocent. And I made my exit, Reinoehl said. Amateur video of the scene showed Reinoehl running away. I had no choice, Reinoehl also told the interviewer. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color, but I wasnt going to do that. Another man dressed in dark clothes was at the scene of the downtown shooting and also ran away. More on Portland shooting: Danielsons shooting was caught on video by Justin Dunlap, who was livestreaming the demonstration on his Facebook page. I saw the victim pull something up from his hip with his right hand and a big cloud of mace goes in the air. And then half a second later, there were two pops, Dunlap said. Danielson can be seen stumbling two or three steps before collapsing on Southwest Third Avenue, south of Alder Street. Portland resident Nate Millsap also caught part of the shooting on video. Millsap, who runs a YouTube channel called Stumptown Matters, had videotaped the pro-Trump caravan heading into downtown over the Morrison Bridge and was downtown until the last trucks appeared to leave. At one point, he said: All of a sudden, I heard a voice yell out, Hey we got two right here. Pull it. And then two shots. Danielson was with his friend, Chandler Pappas, another supporter of Patriot Prayer, when he was killed. In an interview posted Wednesday to YouTube, Pappas said he and Danielson became isolated from other participants in the caravan when the suspected shooter approached. He said these guys were shouting at Pappas and Danielson, prompting Danielson to turn around. He said Danielson did raise his can of bear mace. He said he didnt know if Danielson had a chance to deploy the spray before he was shot. Reinoehls background: He described himself on social media as 100 % ANTIFA all the way! but in the Vice News report he said hes not a member of antifa or any group. He has posted photos of recent protests hes attended in downtown Portland and elsewhere in the wake. Hes also had several recent run-ins with police involving guns this summer. Shortly after 2 a.m. on July 5, Portland police seized a 9mm handgun from him in downtown Portland and arrested him on allegations of possessing a loaded gun in a public place, as well as interfering with police and resisting arrest. While officers were struggling with him and trying to arrest him, the gun dropped from Reinoehl , according to police. He was cited and released, and its unclear if the gun was ever returned to him. Police havent responded to a public records request for the police report. On July 26, Reinoehl tried to wrestle a gun away from a man who was involved in a skirmish downtown. Reinoehl was shot in the upper right arm when the mans gun discharged during the chaotic brawl. The guns owner, Aaron Collins of Colton, said he ended up running from the scene and left his gun behind. Reinoehl was also wanted on a failure to appear warrant stemming from a June 8 speed racing case in Baker County in eastern Oregon. He and his 17-year-old son were racing in two different cars at speeds of up to 111 mph heading east on Interstate 84 after midnight near North Powder, state police said. He was driving a Cadillac with his 11-year-old daughter as a passenger, police said. Inside the car, police said they found marijuana, unidentified prescription pills and a loaded Glock pistol for which Reinoehl didnt have a concealed handgun license, state police said. Patriot Prayer Facebook accounts removed: Facebook has taken down the personal account of Joey Gibson and that of the loosely organized group he leads, Patriot Prayer. He said the accounts were closed Friday morning. Staff writer Noelle Crombie contributed to this report. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 22:45:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Tourists visit Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy, on Sept. 4, 2020. The coronavirus infection rate in Italy is on the rise. The country saw more than 1,000 infections a day in nine of the past 13 days through Thursday, a figure that had previously not been surpassed since May 12. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua) ROME, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been admitted to Milan's San Raffaele Hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. The hospital confirmed Friday that Berlusconi checked into the hospital late Thursday and was under observation. The hospital did not provide information about Berlusconi's condition when being contacted by Xinhua, but an official did say Berlusconi was not in the hospital's intensive care unit. The development came as the coronavirus infection rate in Italy is on the rise. The country saw more than 1,000 infections a day in nine of the past 13 days through Thursday, a figure that had previously not been surpassed since May 12. According to Deborah Bergamini, a member of parliament from the Forza Italia party Berlusconi founded, the hospital visit is mostly precautionary. "He has a small cough, and obviously, because of his age, it's safer for him to be taken care of in the hospital," Bergamini told state broadcaster RAI on Friday. On Mediaset, the broadcaster Berlusconi controls, Forza Italia Senator Licia Ronzulli called the decision to keep Berlusconi at the hospital "precautionary." Berlusconi's staff confirmed he tested positive for the coronavirus late Wednesday. He was reported at the time to be asymptomatic and self-isolated at his villa in Arcore, a town just outside of Milan. Media reports on Friday said that Berlusconi went to the hospital for an exam late Thursday when a CT scan showed signs of bilateral pneumonia, a common complication for coronavirus patients. Doctors suggested he stay. Berlusconi is believed to have contracted the virus in Sardinia, where he has a sprawling vacation villa. Over the last three weeks, Sardinia has emerged as one of Italy's largest coronavirus hotspots. His girlfriend and two adult children also tested positive, according to media reports. Berlusconi is widely considered to be the most influential Italian politician of the last quarter-century. The Forza Italia party led by Berlusconi has candidates standing in six regional elections set to take place later this month. In a social media post on Thursday, he vowed to continue working despite his illness. "I am fine and I will keep working," he wrote. "I will participate in every possible way for his election campaign." Hospital officials did not say how long Berlusconi would be hospitalized, though Italian media reports speculated he would be kept in the San Raffaele Hospital's isolation ward at least until his case of pneumonia subsides. Right under the nose of a president who promised to drain the swamp, one of the governments shadiest handouts to large banks and big companies looks like it will be renewed for another 25 years. It will not get adequate oversight and congressional review. All it will take is the approval of two out of three U.S. Export-Import Bank directors, who are political appointees. That entity is called the Private Export Funding Corporation, or PEFCO. I study corporate welfare, and even I was surprised to discover a government entity with such unchecked cronyism and self-dealing. How did it fly under the radar? Despite increasing taxpayers exposure to bank debt, it hasnt received a public review since it made its first loan in 1971. At the urging of banking lobbyists, the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Uncle Sams credit agency that provides financing to encourage American exports) created PEFCO, a private entity owned by over two dozen banks and a handful of big corporations. It has operated under consecutive 25-year mandates with an exclusive arrangement, under special terms, to acquire Export-Import Bank loans from commercial lenders; because these loans are fully backed by taxpayers, they impart no risk for the banks that issue them. PEFCOs current authorization expires at the end of December, but the chair of the board of the Export-Import Bank apparently believes there is a rush and wants a vote next week. It should not be renewed and in the meantime, its cozy dealings with big banks and corporations deserve far greater scrutiny. Health workers across the country and around the world are on the front lines of the novel coronavirus pandemic. So, it is curious why it has taken more than six months to have any official or authoritative numbers of the deaths of health-care workers from COVID-19 in Canada. The World Health Organization noted early on in the pandemic that a human tragedy was unfolding, with thousands of health workers being exposed and becoming sick. However, information on deaths among health workers in Canada were hard to come by. Recent data released by the Canadian Institute of Health Information are our first official Canadian numbers, but there remains some troubling variability. According to data CIHI gathered from federal, provincial and territorial public health agency or ministry of health websites, 12 health workers have died from COVID in Canada. These are broken down by province: nine in Ontario and three in Quebec but not by sector. Yet, according to Public Health Ontario, there were 13 reported deaths amongst health-care workers in Ontario as of June 22, 2020 and, in a more recent release, eight of these deaths were noted to be health-care workers in long-term care. Across Canada, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions has gathered information concerning 19 health- care workers who have died as of July 14. This is not just a data issue, but a matter of who counts as a health worker and how much they count to the government agencies tasked with safeguarding them. These are also more than just numbers to the countless family members, colleagues and communities affected by the deaths of these critical workers. The Canadian Health Workforce Network began to assemble a memorial of the Canadian health workers who have died from COVID-19 to put faces to the numbers and remember their sacrifice. The memorial is incomplete, just like the sources of Canadian data. One thing that has become clear, however, is the overrepresentation of racialized health workers among the list, particularly in the long-term-care sector. Through our independent compilation, we have identified that, of the 12 deceased health workers who provided long-term-care services, eight belonged to racialized groups. This is not a coincidence. Racialized and immigrant Canadians are often funnelled towards working in the most precarious parts of the health system, resulting in their overrepresentation in sectors like long-term care. In Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, more than 70 per cent of care workers are immigrants, and 87 per cent are women. These jobs have disproportionately lower rates of pay, less-secure full-time positions and fewer sick days than in acute and primary care. These issues have contributed directly to the spread of COVID-19, with estimates that long-term-care staff represent 10 per cent of all those infected. The vulnerabilities of long-term-care workers are closely intertwined with the vulnerability of long-term-care residents. When a vulnerable population cares for a vulnerable population, the results can be deadly. Their vulnerability does not stop at work. Racialized health workers move from high-risk work to high-risk home environments. More diverse neighbourhoods have 3.2 times more COVID-19 cases, according to Public Health Ontario. Other countries collect better race-based data on COVID-19 cases. Data from the United States reveals that Black people are dying at 3.6 times the rate of white people. Although provinces like Ontario previously committed to collecting data to identify systemic racism, there is still no systematic and co-ordinated collection of socio-demographic data on COVID-19 beyond age and sex. The lack of basic demographic data on the most important resources of our health system, our health workers, is unconscionable, especially during a pandemic. Deaths among health workers should not be forgotten. The government has distributed 113,000 cashew seedlings to 343 farmers in the Dormaa Central Municipality under the Tree Crop Module of the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) Programme. Mr. Drissa Ouattara, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) stated in an address at the first ordinary meeting of the Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region. Assembly Members (AMs), chiefs, staff of the Assembly, heads of departments and representatives of trade associations attended the meeting. Mr. Ouatarra said since the past three years, the Assembly had provided funds for the supply of improved cashew seedlings for free distribution to promote cultivation by rural farmers for sustainable income and development of rural communities. He said a target of 150,000 cashew seedlings and 100,000 coffee seedlings would be distributed to farmers this year, stressing "More than 1,654 farmers have planted more than 1,765 hectares of cashew seedlings supplied under the PERD". "The Municipality is recording massive increase in cashew investment with individual farmers and private sector companies aggressively adopting the initiative, the MCE stated. The Municipal Directorate of Agriculture has been providing extension services to the cashew farmers in the areas of lining and pegging in farms, pruning, pest and disease identification and control and training on management of cashew plantation to promote sustainability of the programme, Mr Ouatarra added. He announced the Dormaa-Ahenkro zone of the poultry industry was piloting a poultry value chain project, which involved the piloting of a "a layer value chain in the Dormaa East District, whilst Dormaa Municipal is earmarked for the broiler value chain to supply day old chicks". The MCE said on June 1 this year, there was a reported case of rabies outbreak in the Agapet Community in the Municipality and the Assembly in an effort to stem the spread of it supported the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) with GH2,500.00 to procure anti-rabies vaccine to vaccinate dogs and cats in the affected communities and 104 dogs and 16 cats were vaccinated. Mr. Ouattara admonished them to educate residents in their electoral areas to patronise the services of the VSD to maintain their pets for public safety. On development projects, Mr. Ouattara said the Assembly was carrying a number of them which ranged from the construction of school blocks, U-drains, sanitation facilities and reshaping of selected roads in the Municipality. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:36:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and two others were injured when a fire broke out in a firecracker factory in south India's state of Tamil Nadu on Friday, a local official told Xinhua over phone. Most of the dead were women, said the official. The factory is located in Kurangudi village in Cuddalore district, around 190 km from state capital Chennai. The two injured were said to be in a critical condition, and admitted to a nearby government hospital, according to the official. The factory building reportedly collapsed in an explosion due to the fire. According to the official, local police, administration and rescue teams were present at the site to take stock of the situation and carrying out rescue operations. Enditem If youre looking to export photos or videos from your Facebook account, you now have more options. Beginning today, Facebook is allowing users to export those files to Dropbox and the EU startup Koofr, as well as Google Photos. Facebook users worldwide have been able to transfer photos to Google Photos since June. These changes are part of a larger Data Transfer Project, which aims to make it easier for users to download and transfer data between Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter. The goal, at least partially, is to keep regulators happy. Data portability is required by the EUs GDPR privacy rules and the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). Increased data portability could also address some larger antitrust concerns. As Reuters notes, a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hearing on September 22nd will examine the potential benefits and challenges of data portability. Facebook says it will require users to re-enter their passwords before transferring files, and the data will be encrypted during the transfer. But the company also says that it needs clearer rules about what kinds of data should be portable and who is responsible for protecting it. That, the company says, is up to policy makers. To transfer photos and videos from Facebook to Google Photos, Dropbox or Koofr, select Your Facebook Information in settings. Select Transfer a Copy of Your Photos or Videos, enter your password, choose a destination and confirm. Armed police converged on the scene of the robbery, cordoned off the area and questioned employees of the gas station. Inset: Commissioner of Police Colin John Persons who follow legal matters keenly have raised questions with respect to the naming of three persons, who were said to be assisting the police with investigations into a report of three robberies at Wilson Enterprises Inc. (Sol Gas Station) at Arnos Vale on Friday, August 28. The naming of the men held for questioning first appeared in a release, dated August 30, 2020, from the Public Relations and Complaints Department of the RSVG Police Force. Those persons were identified, in the release, by their names, addresses and ages, and a number of media houses carried the story repeating the information on the men, even though the men were not charged with any offence. The police release had also stated that the robbers escaped with EC$1,626, the property of Wilson Enterprises; EC$1,500, from a resident of Arnos Vale, along with EC$180 and a bag valued $80, the property of a resident of South Wood. Commissioner of Police Colin John, confirmed, while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, that no charges were laid, and the persons whose names were stated in the release as being detained in connection with the matter, were released pending further investigations. According to persons who were in the area at the time of the incident, the robberies were effected without any real commotion. "The thing happen in broad day light, around minutes to five. But nobody really knew anything until the police start arriving, one person told THE VINCENTIAN. Another person said that there was no discharge of firearms, and it appeared that no one was hurt. That person added that while he did not see what took place, he became suspicious after a car sped away from the gas station, about the same time the incident is said to have taken place. An armed contingent of officers of the RSVG Police Force were quickly on the scene and, up to late Friday, could be seen questioning the gas station employees who were present during the time of the incident. The Arnos Vale Gas Station robbery took place just under three weeks after three men were charged for, among other things, attempting to rob the Peruvian Vale Gas Station on Sunday 9th August. Campden Park resident Keithon James was shot dead by police during their effort to botch the robbery. The police are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information that could help with the investigations into this latest robbery. House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) at a press conference in the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 9, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) McCarthy Says No to Potential Chamber of Commerce Endorsement, Claiming Theyve Sold Out House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told Fox News on Thursday he does not want an endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) after reports that the worlds largest business organization is planning to back nearly two dozen freshman Democrats. While the USCC has yet to release its full list of official endorsements for this election cycle, Neil Bradley, the Chambers executive vice president, confirmed in a tweet that the organization was backing 23 first-term Democrats. He explained the USCC selects candidates in a non-partisan fashion, based on scorecards. While some focus on @USChamber endorsing 23 freshmen Ds, take note, Chamber also just endorsed GOP challengers to 4 freshmen Ds b/c they were below 70 [percent] on scorecard & challengers earned endorsement, he wrote. Bradley also released a list of 29 Republican freshmen the USCC is endorsing. McCarthy claimed the USCCs endorsements of Democrats was hypocritical. I dont want the U.S. Chambers endorsement because they have sold out, McCarthy said, in an interview with Lou Dobbs. It is hypocrisy that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce would endorse the Democrats that are part of this socialist agenda that is driving this country out, and its fighting this president. In a recent interview with The Hill, Bradley further explained the USCCs rationale for its decisions to back certain candidates. The Chamber conducts its endorsements of incumbents based on the voting record the incumbent has and how often they voted on the Chambers priorities, Bradley, the Chambers executive vice president and chief policy officer, told The Hill in a recent interview. In rejecting the USCCs prospective support, McCarthy cited partisan efforts to impeach President Donald Trump, and touted the Republican leaders track record on policy. Remember, these are the people who voted for impeachment, when this president has done so much for this nation, McCarthy told Dobbs. You know it, Lou. You show it every single day, built us the strongest economy ever, rebuilt our military, got criminal justice reform. And hes going to do all of this again. McCarthys remarks come as the battle for the White House heats up between Trump and Democrat nominee Joe Biden, who the California Republican accused in his interview on Fox News of hiding in Delaware, not willing to campaign to be the leader of the free world. Biden, meanwhile, is set to criticize Trumps stewardship of the pandemic-ravaged economy on Friday as both campaigns kick into high gear with less than two months to go before Americans go to the polls to determine who will lead the country through a challenging period of economic recovery. The Democrat challenger will deliver remarks from his home base of Wilmington, Delaware, after his busiest campaign week in months. Both campaigns have launched new ad blitzes in the swing states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, with Biden hammering Trumps handling of the pandemic and Trump hewing to his law and order theme criticizing recent riots and protest-related violence. Democratic lawmakers on a committee developing police reform and accountability proposals said Thursday they want Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and legislative leaders to organize a third special session so they can vote on more changes this year. I urge the presiding officers and the governor to push for a third special session so that we can take care of these really pressing needs, Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer of Portland said after the Joint Committee on Transparent Policing and Use of Force Reform took more than two hours of public testimony Thursday on a batch of proposals. The number of novel coronavirus cases continues to grow in Toronto By Julie Gordon OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada added 245,800 jobs in August, the fourth consecutive monthly increase though the pace of new gains slowed, bringing employment within about a million jobs of pre-pandemic levels, Statistics Canada said on Friday. The unemployment rate in August fell to 10.2%. The headline numbers were slightly weaker than analyst expectations of 275,000 new jobs and an unemployment rate of 10.1%. "We are seeing some, as expected, cooling down in decent job gains. Still quite robust though," said Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets. "Weve got a long way to go to before we make up the deep losses that we saw in March and April," he added. "But this is another big step in the right direction." The Canadian dollar was trading 0.1% higher at 1.3115 to the U.S. dollar, or 76.25 U.S. cents, even as the greenback <.DXY> rallied against a basket of major currencies.Employment rose at a faster pace among women than men in August, as they continued to claw back from sharper losses. Employment for core-age women is at 95.6% of pre-pandemic levels, StatsCan said, while employment among core-age men is at 96.6% of its February level. The jobless rate, meanwhile, remained far higher for non-white Canadians, with Arabs at 17.9% and Blacks at 17.6%. Analysts noted that there would challenges ahead for employment to fully return to pre-pandemic levels, particularly if there is a second wave of COVID-19 in the fall or winter. "With provincial reopening plans having largely gone as far as they will go before a vaccine is available, we will be entering a new phase of the recovery where the path higher for employment is slower and potentially uneven," said Andrew Grantham, senior economist at CIBC Capital Markets. Full-time employment rose by 205,800 compared with 40,000 new part-time positions. Employment in the goods-producing sector grew by 27,600 jobs, while the services sector grew by 218,100 positions. If those who wanted to work but did not look for a job were included as unemployed in August, the adjusted unemployment rate would have been 13.0%, StatsCan said. (Reporting by Julie Gordon, Steve Scherer and Dale Smith in Ottawa, Fergal Smith in Toronto and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Andrea Ricci) The Samajwadi Party (SP) has voluntarily sealed its Uttar Pradesh (UP) headquarters in Lucknow for six days after some people working at the office tested coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positive on Wednesday. The party in a tweet on Wednesday night announced that the office would stay closed until Monday. Some people working at the SP office indicated initial symptoms of Covid-19. Later, they tested Covid-19 positive. As a precautionary measure, the party office in Lucknow will remain closed until Monday. May all recover at the earliest, said the tweet from the SPs official handle. This is the first instance of any political party in Lucknow closing its office due to the viral outbreak. However, restricted entry was in place at the SPs UP headquarters since end-March, following the initial reports of the coronavirus disease outbreak in the country. The SP has also stopped all mass gatherings and public events because of the raging viral outbreak. NEW DELHI: Amid heightened tensions in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday (September 4) evening in Moscow on the sidelines of a ministerial meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), government sources said. It will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh in early May. Earlier, Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the row. Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers on Friday. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Sources said that Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had on Thursday requested for a meet with Singh on the sidelines of the SCO meet. Sources had earlier said that a meeting with his Chinese counterpart during the 3-day event was not on Singh's schedule. India has urged China to sincerely engage with it to restore peace and tranquillity in border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation. On Thursday, India had said the ongoing situation at the LAC is due to 'direct result of action' by China. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. India recently outflanked China by taking control of strategic height near Pangong lake's southern bank. It thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh.At least two rounds of Brigade-Commander level talks have taken place ever since China tried to unilaterally change the status quo. New COVID-19 testing strategy needed: Experts Experts have suggested a review is needed of Vietnams testing strategy, in particular stepping up antigen testing, to match the developments of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country. Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam, head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, chairs the meeting. (Photo: VNA) The steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control, at a meeting in Hanoi on September 3, therefore assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health to help businesses and units in studying and implementing the antigen testing method. Regarding a scenario of 10,000 COVID-19 cases, the committee asked the Ministry of Health to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance in building a new testing strategy and present it shortly to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. The finance ministry reported that Vietnam has so far spent nearly 400 million USD fighting the pandemic. Professor Dang Duc Anh, head of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that as antigen testing can produce accurate results in a short period of time, it should be used in public places like airports and concentrated quarantine areas, contributing to effectively fighting the pandemic. The institute is working with the US on the transfer of the testing technology, which is expected to be rolled out in Vietnam at an early date, he added. Other delegates at the meeting proposed Vietnam use all testing methods, including antigen testing and Realtime-LAMP, and that businesses join hands in the testing work. According to the health ministry, as of 3 pm on September 3, Vietnam had 1,046 COVID-19 cases, including 748 recoveries and 35 deaths. The ministry pointed to the risk of community transmission, particularly in the time ahead, when weather conditions are more favourable for the development of respiratory diseases. Preventive measures therefore need to be maintained and enhanced, it said. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A closely watched report released by the Labor Department on Friday showed employment in the U.S. jumped by slightly less than expected in the month of August. The Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment surged up by 1.371 million jobs in August compared to economist estimates for a jump of about 1.400 million jobs. The report also showed the spike in employment in July was downwardly revised to 1.734 million jobs from the previously reported 1.763 million jobs. Meanwhile, the Labor Department said the unemployment rate dropped to 8.4 percent in August from 10.2 percent in July, while economists had expected the rate to dip to 9.8 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. In a fast-paced world, slow contemplation has a distinct power and place. This is possible only in an environment conducive to thought and stillness, though. National parks and other nature spots provide such an environment while museums bring this pensiveness indoors. If you treasure a certain pursuit or group of people, consider opening your own museum, even if its small. Consider the necessary steps to establish a museum for guidance. Determine Your Purpose and Visit Other Museums Before doing anything, ensure your museum will sit on a solid ideological foundation. When considering how to present your subject matter, dont go too broad or narrow. Keep it tight and focused to leave visitors with an impression of awe, admiration, and fascination. Tell a story without leaving out any crucial details, even the ones that wander a bit from the narrative. Its best to model your museum after others that find success. Visit as many as you can and consider why they arranged things this way, how they used their space, and what mediums they employed. Take notes so you can refer back. Talk to Community Leaders In order to make your museum a reality, youll need the advocacy of local leaders and businesses. Refine your pitch and talk with a host of people; if your subject matter is significant, youll connect with people who care. From there, you never know who your local network will connect you with and how they can ease your burden. Finance and Fill It Another step to establishing a museum is securing funding. Your relationships with community leaders help here while there are thousands of potential grants you can access beyond that. As you assess your needs, make sure you estimate your construction costsbuilding out a museum costs at the very least $75 per square foot in most projects. When it comes time to display plaques, artifacts, and art, tread carefully. Recruit people to do exhaustive research on each description you write. Also, professionally transport your pieces so they arrive in one piece, especially valuable and old pieces. Thoroughness when completing these final stages will help you produce a refined and impactful product that people love. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS NEWS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. SECURITIES ACT") OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. THIS NEWS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SALE OF SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / Bluerock Ventures Corp. (TSXV:BCR.H) ("Bluerock") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent dated August 27, 2020, with Tombill Mines Ltd. ("Tombill Mines") pursuant to which Bluerock proposes to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Tombill Mines in exchange for the issuance of shares of Bluerock (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will result in a reverse take-over of Bluerock where the existing shareholders of Tombill Mines will own approximately 90% of the outstanding common shares of Bluerock upon completion of the Transaction but prior to the financing described below. Bluerock, after completion of the Transaction, is referred to in this news release as the "Resulting Issuer". Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will be a Tier 2 Resource Issuer. Trading in the common shares of Bluerock (the "Bluerock Shares") has been halted and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation in connection with the Transaction has been filed with and accepted by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and permission to resume trading has been obtained from the TSXV. The Qualifying Transaction Bluerock is a capital pool company and intends that the Transaction will constitute its "Qualifying Transaction" under the Capital Pool Companies policy (the "CPC Policy") of the TSXV. The Transaction is arm's length and is therefore not a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction under the CPC Policy. Accordingly, the CPC Policy does not require Bluerock to obtain shareholder approval of the Transaction. The current issued and outstanding share capital of Bluerock consists of 7,585,000 Bluerock Shares. Prior to completing the Transaction, Bluerock will carry out a forward split, resulting in the issuance of four (4) new shares for every three (3) old shares, such that Bluerock will have approximately 10,133,333 Bluerock Shares outstanding prior to closing the Transaction. It is expected that an aggregate of 93,220,000 Bluerock Shares will be issued to the shareholders of Tombill Mines in exchange for their shares of Tombill Mines ("Tombill Mines Shares") pursuant to the Transaction. There are no other classes of shares, convertible securities, options, warrants or rights outstanding to acquire common shares in the capital of Bluerock. Tombill Mines currently has 3,000 Class Z shares outstanding, which will be split and redesignated into 93,220,000 Tombill Mines Shares prior to the completion of the Transaction. The subsequent share exchange will be on a one for one basis. Certain of the shares of the Resulting Issuer ("Resulting Issuer Shares") issued to the principals of Tombill Mines who will become management of the Resulting Issuer, will be subject to escrow in accordance with TSXV policies. The final structure of the Transaction is subject to the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both Bluerock and Tombill Mines. No deposit or advance has been made or is anticipated to be made by Bluerock to Tombill Mines in connection with the Transaction. About Tombill Mines Tombill Mines is a private company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, and has ownership of various mineral exploration and past-producing gold properties in the Geraldton and Beardmore region, Ontario. Tombill Mines' primary business is mineral exploration, primarily gold. They have 74 claims; of which 60 are owned and patented; 5 leased; and 9 where they own the mineral rights. Of these, Tombill Mines Main Group (the "Property") comprises 54 owned patents, and 4 mineral rights. The Property is located in the Township of Greenstone (population 4,636), about 4 km southwest of Geraldton, Ontario, and is accessible year-round via the TransCanada Highway 11 - which crosses the Property laterally east to west, and vice versa. Closest major city is Thunder Bay located 285 km to the southwest. The geological setting of the Property is within the Archean-aged Superior geologic Province. The most detailed and up-to-date geological map of the Property was created by the Ontario Department of Mines by Pye, 1951; and Horwood and Pye, 1951; which covered all the producing mines in the Geraldton region at that time. The majority of surface exploration at Tombill Mines was conducted in the 1930's and 1940's. The last diamond drill-hole conducted within the Property was in 1950. Original records, such as drill logs and assay certificates have not survived, therefore, the historical exploration data is not 43-101 compliant and cannot be relied upon. The historic surface exploration data at the Property was utilized to plan a surface stripping and sampling program. There are also 3D targets that have been created from historic data adjacent to the Property. Tombill Mines intends to execute a detailed exploration program, including diamond drilling and non-drilling support, on the Property whereby each hole is designed to intersect 3D targets comprised of 5 "parent" drill pads spaced 100 metres apart. If mineralization is intersected, then two accompanying "daughter holes" are planned, wedged off the "parent hole". The program is estimated to take four months to complete, at an approximate investment of $4,500,000. Tombill Mines is not a reporting issuer and its securities are not listed or posted for trading on any stock exchange. Further information about Tombill Mines, including financial information, will be provided in a subsequent news release. Insiders of the Resulting Issuer Upon completion of the Transaction, the board of directors (the "Board") and management of the Resulting Issuer will be reconstituted to consist of a minimum of four directors, of which two shall be independent, all of whom shall be appointed and designated by Tombill Mines. Brief biographies for the anticipated insiders of the Resulting Issuer are set out below: Adam Horne - President and Director Mr. Horne is Managing Partner of Caledon Partners, a hedge fund based in London. Prior, he ran the European Media Investment Banking Group at Credit Suisse First Boston in London, and was at Morgan Stanley in New York. At both firms, he executed many equity/debt financings and M&A transactions. He has sat on various other boards, and is a director of a large charitable foundation. John Alexander - CFO and Director Mr. Alexander is a qualified accountant with more than 20 years of experience in accounting, international finance and commerce. He graduated from Oxford. He qualified as an accountant with, and worked for PWC. Ian Stalker - Technical Advisor and Director Mr. Stalker is a senior international mining executive with over 45 years of experience in resource development. He has directed over 12 major gold, base metal, uranium and industrial minerals projects at various phases, from initial exploration drilling to start-up. Mr. Stalker was President & CEO of LSC Lithium, and is Director of K92 Mining (which Ian founded and was CEO). Mark Colman - Director Mr. Colman worked in investment banking and equity capital markets for 25 years with Morgan Stanley (London, NY, Tokyo), Bear Stearns, and Bloomberg before founding his own financial consulting business, Alta Capital. He serves on a number of corporate and philanthropic boards. Ray Davies - Director Mr. Davies is CEO of Talmora Diamond Inc. (TAI on CSE) an exploration company exploring for diamonds in Canada's NWT. Previously, he was Director of Corporate Geology for Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting and VP of Lytton Minerals. He has been on the Board and provided consulting services to a number of exploration companies. Tombill Mines Concurrent Financing Prior to or concurrent with the completion of the Transaction, Tombill Mines intends to conduct a brokered private placement involving the issuance of 43,333,333 subscription receipts of Tombill Mines (the "Sub Receipts") at a price of $0.15 per Sub Receipt (the "Concurrent Financing") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $6,500,000. Tombill Mines has entered into an engagement letter with Beacon Securities Limited ("Beacon") and Eight Capital ("Eight Capital" and together with Beacon, the "Co-Lead Agents"), pursuant to which Beacon and Eight Capital have agreed to act as co-lead agents and co-bookrunners, on their own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of agents (the "Agents") which may be formed in connection with the Concurrent Financing Upon closing of the Transaction, all Sub Receipts issued in connection with the Concurrent Financing will automatically convert without additional consideration or further action on behalf of the holder into units of Tombill Mines and immediately exchanged on the same exchange ratio as the Tombill Mines Shares for units of the Resulting Issuer. Each Resulting Issuer unit will consist of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Resulting Issuer (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Resulting Issuer common share at a price of $0.23 per share for a period of 24 months from the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions (the "Release Conditions"). On closing of the Concurrent Financing (the "Sub Receipt Closing"), the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing less the Agents' expenses shall be placed in escrow with a Canadian trust company or other entity acceptable to Tombill Mines and the Co-Lead Agents, to be held in escrow and released either: (i) to Tombill Mines (other than the Agents' fees, which shall be released to the Co-Lead Agents) on satisfaction of the Release Conditions; or (ii) to the holders of the Sub Receipts in the event the Release Conditions have not been met within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the Sub Receipt Closing, or if prior to such date Tombill Mines advises the Agents that it does not intend to satisfy the Release Conditions. In the latter case, the Sub Receipts will be cancelled on return of subscription funds to Sub Receipt investors. Tombill Mines has agreed to pay a cash commission of eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing to the Agents on satisfaction of the Release Conditions. As additional consideration the Agents will be granted on the Sub Receipt Closing non-transferable compensation options ("Compensation Options") equal to eight percent (8%) of the number of Sub Receipts issued under the Concurrent Financing. Each Compensation Option will be exchanged into a Resulting Issuer Compensation Option and will be exercisable into one Resulting Issuer common share at an exercise price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months following the date of satisfaction of Release Conditions. Tombill Mines has also agreed to pay the Co-Lead Agents a work fee of $100,000 (subject to completion of the Concurrent Financing) if the Release Conditions aren't satisfied. Tombill Mines intends to use the net proceeds from the Concurrent Financing for working capital and general corporate purposes. Finder's Fees Bluerock does not intend to pay a finder's fee in connection with the Transaction. Significant Conditions to Closing The completion of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions that are standard for a transaction of this nature, including but not limited to (i) execution of a definitive agreement on or prior to October 15, 2020; (ii) the completion of the Concurrent Financing; (iii) the approval by the shareholders of each of Bluerock and Tombill Mines to complete the Transaction (if required), (iv) receipt of all requisite regulatory, stock exchange or applicable corporate or securities laws; and (v) the completion of satisfactory due diligence by each of the parties. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed on the terms proposed above or at all. Each of Bluerock and Tombill Mines will bear their own costs in respect of the Transaction. Sponsorship Bluerock intends to apply to the TSXV for a waiver of the TSXV's sponsorship requirements on the basis that it is not a foreign issuer, the management of the Resulting Issuer will possess appropriate experience and qualifications, the Resulting Issuer will be a mining issuer with a current geological report and the size of the Concurrent Financing. However, there is no assurance that this waiver will be granted. About Bluerock Ventures Corp. Bluerock is a capital pool company created pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. It does not own any assets, other than cash or cash equivalents and its rights under the Letter of Intent. The principal business of Bluerock is to identify and evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of an interest in assets or businesses and, once identified and evaluated, to negotiate an acquisition or participation subject to acceptance by the TSXV so as to complete a qualifying transaction in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the 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 a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Bluerock assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking- statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Bluerock. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Bluerock with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com. The Bluerock Shares will remain halted until such time as permission to resume trading has been obtained from the TSXV. Bluerock is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. For more information, please contact: Bluerock Ventures Corp. Praveen Varshney, FCPA, FCA President, CEO, CFO and Director Email: praveen@varshneycapital.com Tel: 604 684-2181 Tombill Mines Ltd. Adam Horne President and Director Email: adam@caledonpartners.com Tel: +44 (0) 207 529 2351 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Bluerock Ventures Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604755/Bluerock-Ventures-Corp-to-Acquire-Mineral-Resources-Company-Tombill-Mines-Ltd Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 19:09 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42c6808 1 World ASEAN,Retno-Marsudi,Foreign-Affairs-Ministry,Foreign-Minister-Retno-Marsudi,Foreign-Ministry,south-east-asia,Vietnam,regional-grouping,foreign-affairs Free ASEAN expects members to commit to regional political and economic stability during a series of ministerial meetings next week, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said on Friday. Retno said at least 19 virtual meetings, including the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) and the Post Ministerial Conferences (PMCs), would take place from Sept. 9 to 12, under the chairmanship of Vietnam led by Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. In this series of ASEAN meetings, several outcome documents are planned to be adopted, including the joint communique of the AMM to emphasize the commitment of the foreign ministers to maintain regional political and economic stability, Retno said in a virtual ministry press briefing on Friday. The ratification of the Plan of Action between ASEAN and dialogue partners, as well as several other outcome documents, are still to be negotiated, she added. Retno further said that on the sidelines of the meeting, ASEAN foreign ministers would also attend several other meetings, including the Dialogue on Strengthening Womens Role for Sustainable Peace and Security, the AMM Interface with AICHR Representatives and the ASEAN Coordinating Council Special Meeting on Sub-Regional Cooperation. The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting is an important forum for the ten-nation bloc, underpinned by the issuance of the joint communique, a policy document that lays out the collective regional stance on various issues of common concern. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / Silver Range Resources Ltd. (TSXV:SNG) ("Silver Range" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to the news release dated Aug. 17, 2020, the Company has signed a final definitive option agreement with Supernova Metals Corp. [TSX-V:SUPR] ("Supernova"), granting Supernova the right to acquire a 75% interest in the Cold Springs gold/silver project (the "Property") by paying Silver Range an aggregate of $300,000 in cash and performing a minimum of 2,000 meters of drilling on the Property over a three year period. The Property is subject to a 2.5% net smelter return in right of Silver Range that can be reduced to 1% for a cash payment of $1,250,000. About Cold Springs Cold Springs is a high-grade low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver prospect. It lies approximately 80 km east of Fallon and is accessible by road from Highway 50. The Property consists of 22 Federal Lode Claims, centered on a small hill bounded by a range front fault. The claims cover an 800 m by 350 m hill-top exposure of altered and silicified rhyodacite breccia hosting a series of northwest-striking, sub-parallel gold and silver-bearing quartz veins. Previous sampling of these veins by Silver Range and others has yielded values of up to 64.9 g/t gold and 1,770 g/t silver. Limited drilling on the Property has been confined to exposed mineralization in the eastern portion of the claims. Geophysical surveys conducted by Silver Range defined a compelling drill target with geological support in an overburden covered area west of the known mineralization. Nevada Exploration Update Having recently optioned several of its drill ready Nevada projects including Gold Point, Cold Springs and Skylight, Silver Range has focused summer exploration on advancing several other prospects in its portfolio to the drill stage. After June's resurgence in silver prices, work was completed on a high-grade silver prospect and a camp-scale silver target. Property exploration was also conducted on two high-grade gold targets. The Company expects to release results from these exploration programs in late-September through October, following receipt of assays. Silver targets Silver Range has consolidated its Bellehelen and Kawich properties together with an additional recently staked target into the Bellehelen Project. Collectively these claims cover the principal prospects in the Bellehelen Mining District aside from the adjoining Peterson and Bellehelen Merger Mines, currently in private hands. High grade silver mineralization was discovered in the Bellehelen Mining District, 70 km east of Tonopah, in 1904. By 1910, the district had a small town (Bellehelen) of about 500 people and a post office although this was short-lived. Production between 1910 and 1935 which can be attributed to specific prospects totaled about 311,000 oz Ag at an average grade of 105 OPT Ag. Since the 1980's, the area has been subsequently staked but only lightly explored by Seabridge (Pacific Intermountain), AngloGold and Homestake. Grab samples of material from dumps and adits in the district sampled by Silver Range have returned up to 430 g/t Ag and 10.35 g/t Au. During July and August, Silver Range conducted soil sampling; ground total magnetic field and horizontal loop electromagnetic (HLEM) surveys; and prospecting near the Ajax Mine. The Company also recently staked an additional high-grade target near the Bellehelen Merger Mine. Exploration work consisting of soil sampling, ground total magnetic field and horizontal loop electromagnetic (HLEM) surveys was also completed on the Legal Tender Project, a high grade silver prospect in the Royston Hills, about 62 km northwest of Tonopah in Nye County. In past programs, Silver Range has collected grab samples from dumps and adits on the property returning analyses up to 1,875 g/t Ag. The summer exploration program consisted of 10 line-km of geophysical surveys and soil surveys covering a portion of the geophysical survey grid. Gold targets The Sniper Property is located 65 km west-northwest of Beatty in the Tokop Mining District. Acquired by Silver Range in fall 2019, the property hosts high grade gold and silver mineralization developed in veins along the contact between Precambrian Wyman Formation and the underlying Jurassic Sylvania Pluton. Grab samples collected by Silver Range have returned up to 121 g/t Au and 1,375 g/t Ag. A soil geochemical survey was completed in August covering the area straddling the exposed contact to investigate the size of the mineralizing system. The Loner Property is 35 km south of Winnemucca in Pershing County. The property hosts low sulphidation epithermal gold mineralization in quartz-adularia veins cutting Jurassic granodiorite. This has been high-graded from several adits and inclined shafts. Acquired by Silver Range in 2018, initial grab sampling returned up to 16.60 g/t Au and chip samples returned up to 1.83 m @ 25.70 g/t Au. Silver Range soil sampled the property in fall 2019 and during July and August extended the soil survey and conducted ground total magnetic field and horizontal loop electromagnetic field surveys. Additional work including hand trenching is planned later this fall. Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mike Power, M.Sc., P.Geo., President and CEO of Silver Range Resources Ltd. and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. Information concerning historical exploration, development and mining in the Bellehelen Mining District is in part based on Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology archive material. About Silver Range Resources Ltd. Silver Range is a precious metals prospect generator working in Nevada and Northern Canada. It has assembled a portfolio of 43 properties, 11 of which are currently under option to others. Silver Range is actively seeking other joint venture partners to explore the high precious metals targets in its portfolio. ON BEHALF OF SILVER RANGE RESOURCES LTD. "Michael A. Power" President and Chief Executive Officer For further information concerning Silver Range or its exploration projects please contact: Investor Inquiries Richard Drechsler Vice-President, Communications Tel: (604) 687-2522 NA Toll-Free: (888) 688-2522 rdrechsler@silverrangeresources.com http://www.silverrangeresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from the expected results. SOURCE: Silver Range Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604759/Silver-Range-Resources-Ltd-Signs-Definative-Agreement-on-Cold-Springs-and-Provides-Nevada-Exploration-Update Youve heard politicians rant for years about the elites. What about the Boat Elite? For Joel Stein, the pro-Trump boat parades are giving him unexpected attention during the campaign season. Stein is a former staff writer and columnist at Time Magazine and a former columnist at The Los Angeles Times, who wrote the book In the Defense of Elitism: Why Im Better Than You and Youre Better Than Someone Who Didnt Buy This Book, in which he introduces the term Boat Elite. The book was released in October, long before the pro-Trump boat parades or Trumptillas - started. The first of the parades surfaced in Florida around May and have swelled throughout the nation. Seeing his phrase come to life, freaked me out, said Stein. I think a lot of people, when they write a book, hope for a seven-figure advance or a Pulitzer Prize, said Stein, recognized nationally for his humor writing, during an interview with AL.com on Thursday. I got a metaphor come to life instead. My metaphor from my book has sprung to life: The Boat Elite. A primer from Sunday's @latimes: https://t.co/UOnV4n1HPK https://t.co/6FPQSsJIjc Joel Stein (@thejoelstein) August 20, 2020 My column in tomorrow's @latimes explaining how it feels to see your own metaphor come to life with the Boat Elite's Trump flotillas: https://t.co/UOnV4n1HPK Joel Stein (@thejoelstein) August 15, 2020 Stein, in an LA Times Op-Ed, summed up the present political conflict between two different elites, which could come to describe the Democratic and Republican parties in 2020: The Intellectual Elite and the Boat Elite. Sarah Palin and Trump and Republican candidates have been railing against the elites for a long time, and then there was this weird moment when Trump was speaking in Minneapolis where he was railing against elites and then he said, wait a second. We have the bigger houses and boats. We should be called the Boat Elites. I thought, thats right. Youre the Boat Elite. Stein, in his book, goes into a history of when the term elite was coined for political purposes by economist Vilfredo Pareto, who wrote in 1901 about a theory called the circulation of elites which means that, despite any populist uprising, there would be always be those who make up 20% of the population and have 80% of the power. I renamed them Intellectual Elites, who care more about giving TED talks, said Stein. Then there are the Boat Elites, who are more interested in a zero-sum game than cooperation, said Stein. The idea is you have two elites competing for power. Related: Trumptillas: Boat parades become popular rallying events in Alabama and beyond In his LA Times Op-Ed, published last month, Stein described the two competing groups this way: The Intellectual Elite are innovative, cooperative, sneaky, experience-seeking, cautious whereas the Boat Elite are tough, loyal, hardworking, tribal, traditional and focused on wealth. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, Stein said, has the full support from the Intellectual Elites. He noted that 81 Nobel laureates endorsed Bidens candidacy on Wednesday, and that they show their support more quietly than the Boat Elites. If youre a Biden supporter and seeing one of these boat parades, it confirms everything you think in that the other side is money wasting, white privileged and out-of-touch, said Stein. If youre a Trump supporter, youre like look at these rich and powerful people who support (the president). I think to the Biden people it looks super trashy. I can see the boat parades as being a campaign poster for either side. He added, Its a Lincoln Project video waiting to happen, referring to a group of anti-Trump Republicans that are campaigning against the presidents re-election. On the other hand, Stein said, Trump has, during the week after the (Republican) convention, sent out (a) fundraising letter that was more focused on the boat parades than the convention. And for $25, you can get a flag to put on your boat. Stein said that every time there is a pro-Trump boat parade, he gets at least 20 emails from people asking him about it. He said he believes the parades are a little tone deaf during the coronavirus pandemic, at a time when the country is battling high unemployment. I dont know if a bunch of rich people on yachts is a great advertising campaign, but maybe it is? said Stein. Maybe there are some people who are super excited about one day owning a yacht and following them. The bulletin doesnt cite any particular statements by Trump, Barr or other U.S. officials, but it states that Russia is amplifying claims that mail-in voting is prone to fraud. This week, Trump, who has railed against mail-in balloting for months and said it could help Democrats win elections, urged voters to cast ballots twice, by mail and in person, to ensure that their votes are counted. Intentionally voting more than once is illegal, and in many states it is a felony. File image Actor Kangana Ranaut's comment comparing Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has drawn ire of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition in Maharashtra, with leaders from Shiv Sena and Congress targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for defending the actress. Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the political party backing Ranaut over such comments does not have any right to seek votes in Mumbai. "The Mumbai police have constantly saved the city in all types of challenges including 1992 riots, terrorist strikes, etc. If some people not connected to Mumbai are making such statements, then this a systemic campaign to defame the Mumbai police. The state home minister and police chief should take strong action otherwise the morale of the Mumbai police will be affected," Raut said, according to a report by Hindustan Times. "Any political party, backing the one calling Mumbai, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, does not have the right to seek votes in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Their representatives, who are elected from Mumbai, have they been voted in by people from PoK? That party should clarify this and they should be ashamed of equating Mumbai to Pakistan. Does this mean that Mumbai police is Pakistan police?" Raut added. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, meanwhile, said that the Twitter handle, Kangana Team is equal to "Kangana + BJP IT Cell." "For the past few days, Kangana Ranaut through the IT Cell has been continuously defaming the Mumbai police. Now, she has compared Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir and insulted Maharashtra. Instead of condemning her actions, BJPs Ram Kadam is supporting her, which is utterly shameful," Sawant said in a statement. Earlier, state minister Anil Deshmukh too had reacted to Ranaut's comment, stating that the actress does not have any 'right' to live in Maharashtra or Mumbai. On its part, the BJP said it does not support Ranaut's statement. Speaking to India Today TV, BJP MLA Ashish Shelar said the actress should not "try to teach Mumbai, Maharashtra and its people how to behave." "We also request Sanjay Raut not to try and attack BJP and misdirect the investigation in the death case of Sushant Singh Rajput. We also want to tell Sanjay Raut to stop deviating attention," Shelar told the news channel. A $109 moisturiser has been crowned the best in Australia by thousands of women, who claim it is their 'secret' for glowing and 'dewy' skin. The Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream beat out stiff competition from the likes of major skincare brands Dr Dennis Gross, Origins and Sunday Riley to take out the prize for Best Moisturiser in the 2020 Mecca Beauty Election. Online, the cream has hundreds of devotees who say the delicious-smelling cream has completely transformed the look and feel of their complexions. A $109 moisturiser has been crowned the best in Australia by thousands of women, who claim it is their 'secret' for glowing, and 'dewy' skin (pictured wearing Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream) Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream (pictured) beat major skincare brands Dr Dennis Gross and Sunday Riley to take out the prize for Best Moisturiser in the 2020 Mecca Beauty Election 'My skin feels amazing, and this is probably one of the best skin creams I have tried!' one recent reviewer noted. 'I have used it for few months now and it leaves my skin supple and hydrated the next day. Recently repurchased, would highly recommend,' another added. A third fan wrote: 'Absolutely love it! I use it under my makeup for dewy glow and omg it makes your skin look so silky and fresh'. Key ingredients within the award-winning formula include Japanese purple rice bran, which is rich in antioxidants which help the skin to recover and prevent stress (pictured in use) Key ingredients within the award-winning formula include Japanese purple rice bran. This is rich in antioxidants which help the skin recover from and shield itself against harsh external aggressors and stress. The moisturiser also boasts ceramides, which improve the skin's barrier functions for optimal moisture retention, as well as Okinawa algae blend, which helps to boost the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin. 'The Dewy Skin Cream is incredible for normal to dry skin types,' the Tatcha Global Director of Artistry Daniel Martin said. 'It has an emollient texture that acts as a magnet to lock down makeup you apply on top.' The moisturiser also boasts ceramides, which improve the skin's barrier functions for optimal moisture retention, as well as Okinawa algae blend (pictured in use) To use the cream, Mecca's skincare experts recommend you use the golden spoon supplied with the cream to scoop out one to two spoonfuls of cream. 'Gently massage into cleansed skin using upward motions. Use morning and night,' they said. The product is made without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulphate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA and phthalates. As a majority of students in Vietnam are set to return to school to begin the new academic year, UNICEF is calling on parents and students to share on social media special thank you notes to their teachers in recognition of the crucial role that teachers have played in the last months to keep children learning while schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This call to action is built on the simple but powerful phrase thank you a positive, unifying sentiment that can bring people together in the face of a crisis, Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Vietnam, was quoted in a press release as saying. Its a chance to unite parents and students around Vietnam behind an uplifting conversation on the need to keep children learning, she added. UNICEF asks parents to photograph their children or people holding a decorated sign saying 'Dear teacher, thank you for ... and share the photo with the child's or persons name, age and quote about what they love or miss about their school or teacher. By launching the thank you teacher campaign, we want to celebrate teachers who have shown persistence and creativity in the face of enormous challenges, who believe in the right of every child to learn, Flowers said. Building on the work of those passionate teachers, its important to invest in education to bridge the digital divide, reach every child with remote learning, and, most critically, prioritize the safe reopening of schools, she added. While many lessons have been learned and many challenges identified, there were also numerous teachers across the country who recognized that their students could not get online and who went to extraordinary lengths to get notes and worksheets to their students. Our hope is that these teachers will be among those who are sincerely thanked, Flowers said. In Vietnam, since early February, the learning of 21.2 million school children has been affected by school closures as parents and caregivers struggled with finding alternative childcare and learning support arrangements, according to UNICEF. While online learning was rolled-out, the crisis exposed a significant digital divide between those with access to both a device and internet and those without. Although schools reopened in April 2020 after the first wave of COVID-19, it remains uncertain how the pandemic will impact the next school year. As children prepare to return to schools in September, digital and online learning is recommended as a solution for keeping children learning in pandemic or emergency situations. Beyond this, however, online lessons offer a wonderful opportunity to reimagine education. introducing problem-based methodologies, encouraging group work sessions, [and] helping teachers learn how to introduce and practice the skills that employers are pleading for, said Flowers. The COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on Vietnams education system has created a renewed sense of urgency to adapt the education system to prolonged periods of distance learning and to enable all students to benefit equally. Continuing its work on digital literacy, UNICEF Vietnam is working with the Ministry of Education and Training to enhance distance teaching capacities of teachers and schools and working with the private sector and other partners to create an enabling and inclusive distance learning environment that ensures no child is left behind as education draws increasingly on online tools and assets. The pandemic has also opened opportunities to strengthen digital and virtual engagement of adolescents and young people. UNICEF, or the United Nations Children's Fund, works to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children in more than 190 countries and territories. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! PORTO JOFRE, Brazil A record amount of the worlds largest tropical wetland has been lost to the fires sweeping Brazil this year, scientists said, devastating a delicate ecosystem that is one of the most biologically diverse habitats on the planet. The enormous fires often set by ranchers and farmers to clear land, but exacerbated by unusually dry conditions in recent weeks have engulfed more than 10 percent of the Brazilian wetlands, known as the Pantanal, exacting a toll scientists call unprecedented. The fires in the Pantanal, in southwest Brazil, raged across an estimated 7,861 square miles between January and August, according to an analysis conducted by NASA for The New York Times, based on a new system to track fires in real time using satellite data. Thats an area slightly larger than New Jersey. The previous record was in 2005, when approximately 4,608 square miles burned in the biome during the same period. New Delhi: At the G-20 foreign ministers meeting held, India has proposed for the development of voluntary 'G-20 Principles on Coordinated Cross-Border Movement of People'. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers` Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday (September 3) made the proposal, which includes calling for standardised-testing procedures and universal acceptability of test results as well as standardisation of movement and transit protocols. "Participated at G20 Foreign Ministers` Extraordinary Meeting. To facilitate more cross-border movement of people, proposed that we standardise-testing procedures and universal acceptability of test results, quarantine procedures and movement and transit protocols," EAM S Jaishankar's Tweet said. Participated at the #G20 Foreign Ministers Extraordinary Meeting. To facilitate more cross-border movement of people, proposed that we standardise- Testing procedures and universal acceptability of test results Quarantine procedures Movement and transit protocols pic.twitter.com/8YHSimu8KH Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 3, 2020 This virtual meeting of the G20 was convened by the current G20 Chair, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, chaired the meeting. In a statement, the external affairs ministry said that the EAM called on governments around the world to ensure that interests of foreign students are protected and movement of stranded seafarers back to their home country is facilitated. During the meeting was convened in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions centred on strengthening international cooperation across borders in the wake of COVID-19 crisis, the ministry said. The Ministers also exchanged national experiences and lessons learned from the cross-border management measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.In his remarks, Jaishankar commended Saudi Arabia for its proactive approach in bringing G20 countries together for dealing with the pandemic. EAM highlighted the steps taken by India in the wake of the pandemic. He apprised the G20 Foreign Ministers about the steps taken by India including Vande Bharat Mission and creation of `travel bubbles` for the welfare and protection of foreign citizens stranded here as well as its own citizens abroad. EAM called on Governments around the world to ensure that the interests of foreign students are protected and movement of stranded seafarers back to their home country is facilitated. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 14:51:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Yemeni woman suffering from kidney failure receives dialysis treatment at a hospital in Sanaa, Yemen, Sept. 3, 2020. The dialysis center faces a severe shortfall of essential supplies such as medication and fuel to run hospital equipment, as well as a lack of funds to pay health care workers regularly. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) She shocked onlookers over the weekend when she stepped out of a Byron Bay spray tanning salon sporting a very bronzed hue. But after washing off the product hours later, Samara Weaving achieved the desired results. The 28-year-old actress showed off her tan as she caught up with friend at the famous Beach Hotel on Monday. She's glowing! Samara Weaving revealed her tan as she caught up with pals at a Byron Bay pub with friends on Monday, right... after stepping out of a beauty salon looking VERY bronzed over the weekend, left The blonde beauty, who is in town to film the series Nine Perfect Strangers, was simply glowing as she smiled and chatted away with her pals. Samara also flaunted her super slender figure in a pair of black leggings paired with a grey sweater. She carried the new coveted Louis Vuitton handbag, the $5650 LV Pont 9, revealing her clawlike acrylic nails, which were painted in a light shade of grey. Trim: Samara also flaunted her super slender figure in a pair of black leggings paired with a grey sweater Expensive taste: She carried the new coveted Louis Vuitton handbag, the $5650 LV Pont 9, revealing her clawlike acrylic nails, which were painted in a light shade of grey New project! The star is in town to film Nine Perfect Strangers - a series based on the book by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty The star is in town to film Nine Perfect Strangers - a series based on the book by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty. The series will see the rising star appear on-screen alongside actors Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon and Bobby Cannavale. Hollywood took note last year when Samara starred alongside the likes of Adam Brody and Andie MacDowell in horror Ready Or Not - a role for which she won acclaim. Exciting times: The series will see the rising star appear on-screen alongside actors Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon and Bobby Cannavale Her performance as the bride fighting for her life in a deadly game of hide-and-seek had producers scrambling to cast her in Scream 5. However, while speaking to Collider on Friday, Samara revealed the reason she had to turn down the exciting role. 'We talked about it a lot, but unfortunately, because of scheduling, I couldn't do it,' she said. The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety. None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a "clear signal" of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said. Russia granted regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy. U.S. public health officials and Pfizer said on Thursday a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the U.S. election on Nov. 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term. "We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Harris told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. "This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate. All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added. The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance is leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute shots fairly. The focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers. COVAX aims to procure and deliver 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021, but some countries that have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals, including the United States, have said they will not join. "Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines," Harris said. Sure, it might be warm Wednesday, but what about the rest of the week? local Take some strict new rules and a bunch of cooped-up teenagers. Add some anxious adults and a system already marked by systemic discrimination. Welcome to the reopening of high schools in Ontario. When Toronto students return to the classroom this fall, they will be required to wear masks indoors where social distancing cannot be maintained, subject to medical exemptions. The public health evidence is clear: social distancing and wearing masks significantly reduces the risk of transmitting COVID-19. But what will happen to students who forget? Who lower their masks, remove them, and lose them? Teens who walk the wrong way down a hallway now marked one-way, or friends caught sharing a snack? How will school officials and teachers respond when adolescents breach, as they inevitably will, the new rules and guidelines? Making mask wearing and physical distancing a condition of school attendance seems a logical extension of a rule imposed on or adopted by businesses in many jurisdictions: no mask, no service. But a no mask, no entry policy in schools raises more questions than it answers. While we have some assurances that compassion and patience will be the approach to younger elementary students, Ontarios current plans for reopening secondary schools are silent about enforcement. Will momentary or accidental failures to follow the new rules be treated differently than outright refusals? What about students who cannot comply because they lack the necessary items thermometers, masks, a lunch packed at home? In recent decades, policy-makers, courts and the public have become rather obsessed with school safety. Schools have deployed harsh discipline, zero-tolerance policies, police officers and surveillance cameras in their safety mission. But demanding punishment in the name of safety can create its own dangers. Too often, parental calls for protection of my child are invitations to neglect and subordinate other children. These concerns are amplified by what we already know about how discrimination can infect both school discipline and the policing of public health. In March and April, as COVID-19 hit Canada, many locales experimented with punitive enforcement of health-related rules. Researchers with the Policing the Pandemic project found highly inconsistent enforcement. Some people received hefty fines for breaking rules that were nearly impossible to know about, or for activities that were not in any way illegal. Authorities failed to collect data on race or income, but anecdotal reports suggest enforcement targeted working-class neighbourhoods and racialized people. Most of these punitive approaches were significantly scaled back. New public health rules will be layered on top of a school discipline system that is already unevenly deployed. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has repeatedly found that Black students, Indigenous students, students of colour, poor and working-class students, and students with disabilities are disproportionately punished, especially under strict discipline policies. Data collected in recent years by the Toronto District School Board and York University Prof. Carl James found a staggering 42 per cent of all Black students in the TDSB had been suspended at least once by the time they finished high school. A punitive approach to the new rules will only drive these numbers up. Attending to race and class is all the more urgent because neighbourhoods with significant working-class and racialized populations have been hit hardest by the pandemic. COVID-19 rates in Toronto are disproportionately high for all racialized groups except East Asians ironic, given the rise in anti-Chinese racism during the pandemic. Anxiety, fear and parental pressure might push local school administrators into heavily surveilling, scapegoating and punishing specific groups of students. We must make equitable access to quality education a priority in implementing adaptations to in-person schooling. That means ensuring that schools do not default to policing the pandemic in ways that replicate discriminatory approaches to surveillance and punishment. Harsh punishment will not end this pandemic. It will not protect adolescents or anyone else. With all eyes now on schools, perhaps we might finally acknowledge and confront the inequalities that have long defined education in so-called normal times. Every high school student deserves respect and a chance at an education in our strange new reality. All of them are learning, and they learn, in part, from how adults act. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept.3 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Kazakhstan has exported 282,301 tons of crude petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 61.2 million euros to Greece in June 2020, Eurostat official told Trend. In turn, Kazakhstan exported 2.7 million tons of petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 832.01 million euros to Greece in 1H2020. Thus, the June volume of petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals from Kazakhstan to Greece is 50.3 percent less than in volume compared to May 2020 (569,099 tons) and is 31.6 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (413,010 tons). Junes export value is also 20.5 percent less than in May 2020 (77.01 million euros) and is 67.6 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (189.3 million euros). The value of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Greece amounted to $781.1 million over 1H2020, compared to $695.2 million during the same period of 2019. Kazakhstans export to Greece amounted to $772.6 million over the period from January through June 2020, compared to $686.7 million during the same period of 2019. In turn, Kazakhstans imports from Greece stood at about $8.44 million over the reporting period, compared to $8.43 million during the same period of 2019. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh Two Chhattisgarh villagers from Dantewada district were killed allegedly by Maoists on the suspicion that they were police informers, while they were on a trip to attend a function in Bijapur district, police said on Friday. The incident took place on Thursday night in a forest near the border of Dantewada and Bijapur districts. The deceased-Ashok Kunjam and his friend Bandara Kunjam--were brutally beaten up due to which they died, Dantewada Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Pallava told HT. The SP said that Ashok, with his five family members and friend Bandara, all natives of Kirandul town in Dantewada, had gone to fix his marriage with a girl of Dudi Tumnar village in Bijapur. The villagers brought the bodies to Kirandul and it seems that they were beaten and strangled, the SP said. Maoists have thrown a pamphlet, which was recovered from the spot, in which they claimed that the two men were police informers and were killed in Jan Adalat (Maoists kangaroo court). Also Read: Maoists deny Ganapathi surrender reports, call it Centres conspiracy The Maoists also alleged that Dantewada SP was responsible for the deaths of the duo. The deceased never had any association with the police. They were living peacefully in Kirandul. The Maoists want to create fear among the villagers so that the villagers never dare to cooperate with the police, said the SP. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Lancet medical journal says none of 76 participants showed serious side-effects to the Sputnik V vaccine. Russias coronavirus vaccine produced an antibody response in all participants in two early-stage trials, according to results published by The Lancet. The medical journal said on Friday the results of the trials conducted in June-July and involving 76 people showed 100 percent of participants developing antibodies to the new coronavirus and no serious side-effects. The two 42-day trials including 38 healthy adults each did not find any serious adverse effects among participants, and confirmed that the vaccine candidates elicit an antibody response, The Lancet said. Large, long-term trials including a placebo comparison, and further monitoring are needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing COVID-19 infection, it added. Russian President Vladimir Putins announcement on August 13 that Russia had become the first country to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine raised scepticism. Some health experts warned against its use as the Sputnik V vaccine named in homage to the worlds first satellite launched by the Soviet Union had not completed its phase-three trial, which involves wide-scale testing with thousands of participants. However, with the results now published for the first time in an international peer-reviewed journal, and with a 40,000-strong later-stage trial launched last week, a senior Russian official said the results answered Moscows critics abroad. With this [publication] we answer all of the questions of the West that were diligently asked over the past three weeks, frankly with the clear goal of tarnishing the Russian vaccine, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has backed the vaccine, told Reuters news agency. Now we will start asking questions of some of the Western vaccines, he said. Dmitriev said at least 3,000 people had already been recruited for the large-scale trial of the Sputnik V vaccine launched last week, and initial results were expected in October or November this year. Commenting on the results of the early-stage trials, lead author Dr Naor Bar-Zeev of the International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States, said the studies were encouraging but small. Bar-Zeev, who was not involved in the study, said clinical efficacy for any COVID-19 vaccine has not yet been shown. Russia has said it expects to produce between 1.5 million and two million doses per month of its potential COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year, gradually increasing production to six million doses a month. NEW DELHI: India and Russia will hold 11th edition of INDRA NAVY exercise, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between the two naval forces in the Bay of Bengal from September 4-5. 11th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy is scheduled in the Bay of Bengal from September 4 to 5, Indian Navy spokesperson said in a release. Initiated in 2003, INDRA NAVY epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two Navies, the spokesman said. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding & imbibing best practices between the two navies, & would involve surface & anti-aircraft drills, firing exercises, helicopter operations, seamanship evolutions etc, the Indian Navy said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is in Russia these days, noted that these exercises demonstrated the common interests of both countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. There was a substantial commonality in positions with respect to challenges at the regional and international levels in the areas of peace and security, reflective of the deep trust and confidence that both sides enjoy as strategic partners," according to a statement by the Defence Ministry. Singh conveyed appreciation for the steadfast support provided by Russia consistent with the defence and security needs of India, and in this context, particularly noted the timely manner in which the Russian side had responded to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems. Both sides would continue to maintain contacts to ensure the timely delivery, the statement said. The Defence Minister briefed Gen Shoigu on the `Make-in-India` defence programme in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision. Both sides welcomed the advance stage of discussions for the establishment in India of an India-Russian Joint Venture for the production of AK203 assault rifles, which are considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces. ROCHESTER, N.Y. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren was both angry and apologetic Thursday as she addressed the multiple failures that led to the death of Daniel Prude in March. Mr. Daniel Prude was failed by our police, our mental health care system, our society, and by me, Warren said at the outset of her remarks. And, for that I apologize to the Prude family and all of our community." But she said those failures were a stark reflection of longstanding inequities, including separate health care systems, separate school systems, and separate justice systems for white people and for Black people in Rochester. Warren said it was time to deal with those problems in our community that we have never wanted to face. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announces she has asked that all Rochester Police Officers involved in the death of Daniel Prude be suspended, during a press conference at City Hall Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. "It is time for all of that to change. It is time for our community to join forces with the advocates, with the people who are protesting in our streets, and the government to stand up for what is right," Warren said "And what is right is that everyone is treated humanely. That everyone is treated with justice." "The only way we are going to change institutional and structural and systematic racism in our city is to face it head on," she said. Warren said she joined with the advocates who are calling for police reform and those calling for justice in this case, whatever that may be. "We have a lot of work to do here. We are at a moment in time not only in this city but in this country, to deal with the very issues that this country has failed to face century after century, generation after generation," Warren said. She said she was filled with grief and anger at herself for all of the failures that led to Prude's death. Daniel Prude death: Rochester mayor suspends 7 police officers with pay "I know that I must do better as a leader of this community," Warren said. "We cannot continue to fail Black lives this way. We can't improve our city or improve our nation until we face the reality, the undeniable truth: racism is alive and well in every system in America. And the buck stops here today with me at City Hall." Story continues Reforms and suspensions Prude died from asphyxia in March while police were attempting to subdue him during an apparent mental health crisis. News of his death was not made public until the family held a press conference Wednesday and released video they had obtained from officers body cameras. Warren plaintively accepted blame for the death of Prude. But she also said both the officers present at the scene and the Rochester Police Department failed the 41-year-old Chicago man. She said, effective immediately, all seven officers at the scene would be suspended with pay. They are: Officer Mark Vaughn; Officer Troy Talladay; Officer Paul Ricotta; Officer Francisco Santiago; Officer Andrew Specksgoor; Officer Josiah Harris; and Sgt. Mark Magri. Because of the state Civil Service Law, Warren said she could not suspend the officers without pay. She said this was a prime example of institutional racism. Warren also revealed she reprimanded Police Chief LaRon Singletary, stating Singletary failed to inform of her of the specifics of the incident. Until she viewed the body camera videos on Aug. 4, she believed Prude had died of a drug overdose while in police custody. Singletary wasnt at the press conference and was unavailable to comment. Singletary must provide video of any in-custody death or use-of-force incident within 24 hours now, Warren said. I have addressed with Police Chief LaRon Singletary how deeply disappointed I am in him personally and professionally for failing to fully and accurately inform me about what occurred to Mr. Prude, Warren offered. Warren said she still has faith in Singletary. She also directed the chief to provide updates on the criminal and internal investigations into the seven suspended officers. Warren said the investigations stalled when the state began its investigation. But in a statement Thursday, the state Attorney Generals Office emphatically asked the city to continue its investigations. After conversations with City Council, Warren said the city would make available additional mental-health resources, including doubling the availability of the Forensic Intervention Team (FIT) or potentially retooling the Family Crisis Intervention Team (FACIT). FIT's current budget is $700,000, with six full-time staffers working either 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 2 to 10 p.m., according to Monroe County. The goal is to pair mental-health professionals, when available, with police officers on 911 calls. Funding must still be reconciled with City Council. Warren said she wants to create a permanent funding stream for an expanded FIT or FACIT program. Warren said she is charging the co-chairs Nazareth College professor Muhammad Shafiq, former Mayor William A. Johnson Jr., and ESL Federal Credit Union senior vice president Arline Santiago of the Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) commission to compile solutions to improve mental-health emergency calls. Warren asked the RASE commission to remove Singletary and Locust Club President Michael Mazzeo from leadership positions in the commissions work. While unsuccessful so far, Warren said she has reached out the Prude family and tried to continue dialogue with area Black Lives Matter organizers. Some of those same organizers, however, have called for Warren to resign. Warren requested all charges brought against protesters after the Prude incident became public be dropped. We are in a moment in time, not only in this city, but in this country, to deal with the very issues this country has failed to face, Warren said. Follow Sean Lahman on Twitter: @seanlahman. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY Mayor Lovely Warren apologizes for Daniel Prude death Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:21:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Yu Yuanfeng(R) shows his pottery works to visiting friends in his studio in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 1, 2020. Yu Yuanfeng, a master degree graduate in ceramic art of China Academy of Art, is fascinated by making coffee in different forms of pottery. He resigned from a university after working as a teacher for 11 years and set up a studio in the outskirts of Hangzhou to make various types of pottery to brew coffee. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) Brie Larson revealed she turned down the role of Captain Marvel at first, because she didn't think she could 'handle that' kind of pressure. The actress, 30, spoke candidly about the audition process for the Marvel's first female-led film during a video on her YouTube channel, which she shared with fans on Thursday. Detailing how she was working on Kong: Skull Island in Australia at the time, she said: 'I remember them calling and saying my role and [asking] if I was interested in playing Captain Marvel? I said "Oh I can't do that, I have too much anxiety, that's too much for me, I don't think I can handle that so tell them no." Candid: Brie Larson revealed in a YouTube video on Thursday that she originally TURNED DOWN the role of Captain Marvel as she thought she 'couldn't handle' the pressure of the part 'And my team were like "okay sure", and then a couple of months later they told me "hey they called again are you sure?" and I was like "yea I'm too much of an introvert, that's way too big of a thing for me, it was beyond my comprehension and no". 'Then they called a third time to ask if I was sure, so the point is every time I was saying no, and I thought my team were telling them no, they were not because I think they were thinking she would be great at this.' Brie went on to explain that she has trouble working on more than one project at a time as she 'can't think of anything else', which meant her agents felt the need to wait until she was done filming Kong to ask her about Captain Marvel again. Struggle: When she was offered the part she remembered telling her agents: '"I have too much anxiety, that's too much for me, I don't think I can handle that so tell them no" Thoughts: She added, 'My team were like "okay sure", and then a couple of months later they told me "hey they called again are you sure?" and I was like "yea I'm too much of an introvert"' 'Time skips ahead and I'm back from filming, I had a meeting with [Marvel] and they had a pitch and they had a mock-up of the costume and I was very moved by what they were trying to achieve, what they were talking about, and it felt very progressive. 'I was very surprised by that, by the way that they were talking about feminism, the way they were handling it. 'They were like all female writers, female director, gonna have as many female voices in this as possible.' She went on: 'Part of what was amazing about it and scary about it was that I wasn't allowed to talk to anybody about it. Not a multi-tasker: Brie was working on Kong: Skull Island (pictured) at the time, and explained that she 'can't think of anything else', so her agents waited til she was done filming to ask again Convinced: Brie explained, 'Back from filming I had a meeting with [Marvel] and they had a pitch and a mock-up of the costume and I was very moved by what they were trying to achieve' 'Looking back on it I don't think the Marvel police was going to come to my home if I told my mum, but I'm such a goody goody I couldn't tell anyone about it. 'So I thought about it and the next step was I said I really want to meet with the writers, let me talk to them and see if the story makes sense. 'To me I don't need to be that, that's a whole level of fame that I never expected to participate in and I thought okay the only way this works is if I believe in the story and the message it has and if that's the case then okay, this is here and it's happening, so it would be against the flow if I said no.' Progressive: Brie (pictured with co-star Lashana Lynch) said of the meeting: 'They were like all female writers, female director, gonna have as many female voices in this as possible' Delighted: Of their meeting, Brie added, 'I was very surprised by that, by the way that they were talking about feminism, the way they were handling it' Brie described her meeting with the writers as 'amazing' as she 'loved everything they had to say' and believed in the story they were trying to tell. 'I remember going home thinking oh my god, I'm going to do this,' she added. 'I remember exactly where I was, I was in my dining room and I was staring at my really crappy bookshelf that I got from Salvation Army, still a broke actor, and I thought oh my god, I'm going to do this. 'Then I agreed, and I remember laughing a lot, I remember my team being really proud of me because they knew it was a big step for me in embodying myself, believing I could do something so big, in my confidence as a leader, in the belief in storytelling.' Moved: Brie described her meeting with the writers as 'amazing' as she 'loved everything they had to say' and believed in the story they were trying to tell And the rest is history: 'Then I agreed, and I remember laughing a lot, I remember my team being really proud of me because they knew it was a big step for me,' Brie added Detailing the aftermath of accepting the role, she went on: 'After that I didn't tell anybody, I had friends texting me saying you're going to be Captain Marvel that's amazing and I said I don't know what you're talking about. 'I was so scared, it felt really good when I was on the stage at Comic Con and it was open, of course I had to hold many secrets after that about what it was about and all that, but at least I was placed as Captain Marvel.' Brie is set to return to her superhero role in an as-yet-untitled Captain Marvel sequel, which will be released in 2022. With the Ceneri tunnel open the new rail route through the Alps is finally complete Switzerland opened its Ceneri tunnel on Fridaycompleting a mammoth project cutting a new route through the Alps which should transform rail links between northern and southern Europe. After opening the Lotschberg Base Tunnel in 2007 and the Gotthard Base Tunnel in 2016, the Ceneri in Switzerland's southern Ticino region is the final stage of the New Railway Link through the Alps project. The route should ease the flow of goods along a railway freight corridor running from the North Sea at Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport, to Genoa, Italy's biggest port, on the Mediterranean. It is hoped the link will slash the number of trucks rumbling through the Alps by offering an alternative rail route. But the 15.4-kilometre-long Ceneri tunnel, which fully enters service in December, will also cut travel time for passengers crossing western Europe's greatest mountain range. For example, travel times between Zurich and Milanalready significantly shortened by the Gotthard tunnelwill be cut by 40 minutes to just three hours. Transporting freight in Switzerland has long required powerful locomotives to navigate the mountain passesand also heavy operations to load containers onto trains at the border before crossing the landlocked country. "This is the final link that gives us a flat line straight through the Alps," Swiss Federal Railways chief executive Vincent Ducrot told AFP at the tunnel's media launch on Thursday. "In the future, we will be able to have freight trains 750 metres long that can carry up to 2,100 tonnes of goods" per convoy, he said, highlighting the environmental benefits. By taking the equivalent of 3,000 trucks off the roads and transporting those containers on the new rail route, it should be possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 900 tonnes per day, he said. 'Project of the century' The tunnel, at 329 metres above sea level, should see 170 freight and 180 passenger trains passing through per day. Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga officially opened the tunnel in a ceremony marked by alphorns and musicians from German-speaking parts of Switzerland and Italian-speaking Ticino, symbolising the new link between the north and south of the mountainous country. Sommaruga cut the ribbon at the northern end as the first freight train passed through, heading south. "This new train line through the Alps is the project of the century for our country," the president told AFP. "It is the biggest investment we have ever made,", she said, calling it "a strong sign of an intelligent transport policy." The NRLA plan was initially approved by a referendum in 1992. The three-tunnel project cost 24 billion Swiss francs ($26.4 billion, 22.7 billion euros) and was partly financed by licence fees on heavy goods vehicles. The Ceneri tunnel cost 3.6 billion francsfar behind the 12.2 billion invested in the Gotthard tunnel, which is the world's longest at 57 kilometres. 2020 AFP Canadas airports are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step up relief efforts for industries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, as the governing Liberal Party prepares to roll out a recovery package for the nations economy. The Canadian Airports Council will issue a request Friday for the government to extend rent relief to airports beyond this year, and to provide long-term interest free loans and other funding to help the sector stave off a historic revenue loss. Daniel-Robert Gooch, president of the Ottawa-based advocacy group, said hes hoping the government will provide enough help to cover a big chunk of the almost $3 billion airports will need to borrow through the end of next year to cover expenses and keep workers employed. Weve been talking to anybody in government who would listen, going on seven months, Gooch said in an interview. Our sector has not seen anything like this. Hopefully we never see anything like it again. Trudeau has been reluctant to make any moves that could be seen as bailing out specific companies or industries, even in troubled sectors like air travel. Instead, the government has launched a series of less-targeted lending and subsidy programs for business. Difficult decisions If some key decisions arent made in the next couple of months, we start to look at really difficult decisions, Gooch said, adding those range from fare increases to the potential closure of smaller airports, he said. The council represents more than 100 airports across the country, including global hubs like Pearson in Toronto, Montreals Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport, and Vancouver International. But theres hope that with his flagship income support program winding down, Trudeau may show more love for Corporate Canada as his government prepares new longer-term measures to bolster the economy. In addition to the airline sector, Trudeau is facing pressure to help the broader tourism industry as well manufacturing, tech, autos, and oil and gas. Few sectors have fared worse than air transport, however. Air Canada, the countrys largest carrier, has lambasted the countrys stringent travel rules and lack of direct financial aid, and has threatened to suspend more routes and cancel orders of locally made planes. Airports in Canada will lose $4.5 billion in revenue by the end of next year, making it necessary to borrow $2.75 billion to cover expenses over that period, the council said. It estimates traffic will drop 72 per cent this year, with hardly any recovery expected in 2021. The government has provided some help, waiving ground lease rents until December, but airports want that extended for as long as revenues are depressed. Many airports benefit from a wage subsidy program, yet thats not enough to cover mounting losses, Gooch said. Some airports qualify for a new business loan programs, Gooch said, noting that American airports receive direct grants from the U.S. government to keep them afloat. The government understands its been a disproportionate impact in terms of revenue losses and job losses relative to other parts of the economy, Gooch said. I am optimistic that we will see something, he said, adding we hope that its enough. Read more about: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- President Donald Trumps chief adviser for the White House Operation Warp Speed vaccine program said there is a very, very low chance that an immunization would be ready by Election Day partially deflating assertions that suggested one could be available by the end of October. In an interview with National Public Radio, Dr. Moncef Slaoui said it was extremely unlikely, but not impossible that a vaccine could be ready by that date, adding that the development of the vaccine was not politically motivated. This has absolutely nothing to do with politics, Slaoui said. Its irrelevant, frankly. Concerns about the potential timing of the vaccine were raised after reports indicated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent documents to public health officials in each state to prepare for a vaccine by November, the New York Times reported. While Stephen Hahn, the embattled commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said the agency would be willing to approve a coronavirus vaccine before Phase 3 clinical trials the largest and most rigorous of the approval process were complete, Slaoui said there is currently no intent to do so. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** The two vaccines, which are developed by Pfizer and Moderna, will only complete trials when an independent board affirmed the effectiveness of the vaccine, he said in the interview. While the Election Day timeframe appears unlikely, Slaoui said he believes a vaccine will be available to immunize patients at the highest risk, including older people and those working in jobs with high exposure to the virus. There will likely be enough vaccine by the end of the year to immunize around 20 million people, he said in the NPR report, adding that there can be enough doses to immunize the entire United States by the middle of 2021. AIB has yielded to public pressure and dropped plans to introduce a fee for contactless payments. The bank said in March it planned to bring in a 1c per tap fee for using contactless cards from May. A public outcry forced it to say it would hold off on this until the Covid-19 outbreak was over, as people have been encouraged to avoid using cash during the pandemic. Now it performed a U-turn as it has decided to ditch plans to introduce a new tap-and-pay fee. But it still intends to go ahead with fee changes that will hit around 200,000 current account customers. From November, the 10pc of customers who have been able to avoid fees and charges by keeping a certain amount of money in their current account will no longer have this option. The largely State-owned bank has around two million current accounts, meaning charges will apply to 200,000 customers. Currently, customers who keep a balance of at least 2,500 in their account at all times can avoid quarterly maintenance fees and other charges. But from November 28, AIB plans to end fee-free transactions and account management for customers who avoided fees and charges up to now by maintaining a balance of 2,500 in their account. It will mean average annual costs of around 72 for these customers. It comes as rival Bank of Ireland plans to charge all its customers a monthly fee of 6 from November 23, a move that will see four out of 10 of its current account customers paying more. AIBs withdrawal of the free banking for those who could keep 2,500 in their current account will negatively impact around one in 10 of its current account customers, it said. They will be hit with quarterly maintenance fee of 4.50. In addition, transaction charges will apply. These range from 20c for an automated transaction, to 35c for an ATM withdrawal. And an over-the-counter transaction cost of 39c will apply no matter how much money is kept in the current account. The new costs will apply to accounts from November, but will not be charged to accounts until the end of next March. The average quarterly fees paid by personal customers who pay fees are 18, the bank said. The U-turn by AIB on charging for the use of contactless cards leaves only Ulster Bank charging for the use of tap and pay, as Bank of Ireland is eliminating this fee. AIB free banking will still apply to those over the age of 66; students; those with a basic bank account, provided as part of the Governments Strategy for Financial Inclusion; and customers who pay their AIB primary home mortgage from their AIB current account. Managing director of retail banking at AIB Jim OKeeffe the banks research shows that 77pc of customers are using contactless on a weekly basis. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce the extension of free contactless payments for all our customers, he said. It emerged earlier this week that consumers are facing higher charges as the Central Bank is considering a dozen applications from banks to increase the fees they impose on customers. Already this year banks have been granted permission to increase a string of customer charges. The rest of the week passed similarly, finding parking places out of sight so his co-worker could snack, smoke, talk on the phone. When Kevin said he was eager to start using some of the tools in the truck bed, his partner pulled rank and questioned his arrogance in trying to upset the apple cart. Senior Ibama inspectors, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal, said Bolsonaros rhetoric and policies have emboldened gold miners and made their own work all but impossible. When investigators are allowed to go out, they say, illegal miners mock them. They say that nothing will stop them. That the gold is coming out of the forest, one way or another. That Bolsonaro is on their side. London: The British government has defied a growing backlash over plans to appoint Tony Abbott as a trade adviser by formally approving the former Australian prime minister's new position. Abbott will serve as one of 12 advisers to the United Kingdom's new-look Board of Trade but, contrary to claims in the UK media, will not be the co-president. The government also stressed Abbott and other appointees would have "no direct role in striking trade deals". "Board members and advisers will meet quarterly and use their influence to help Britain make a stronger case for free trade on the international stage, helping the government forge a stronger global consensus for free trade at a time of increased protectionism," the Department for International Trade said in a statement. Abbott joins academics, business leaders and other political figures on the board, which is being revamped as Britain negotiates a raft of new global trade deals following its departure from the European Union. A spokesperson of the Indian Navy said that India and the Russian Navy will begin the 11th edition of the Indra Navy exercise- a biennial maritime exercise in the Bay of Bengal from September 4 to September 5. Earlier, defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu in Russias capital Moscow, where the two ministers had a discussion about deepening defence and strategic cooperation between the two countries. He termed the meet with the Russian defence minister as excellent. Singh, who arrived in Moscow on Wednesday is on a three-day visit to attend a crucial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along with defence minister of seven member nations- Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India became a member of the SCO in 2017. Fridays meeting is taking place amid a fierce border row between India and China, both members of the influential bloc. Meanwhile, it was taken into account that Thursdays meetings coincided with the Indra Navy exercises which will be conducted off the Straits of Malacca over the course of the next two days. Singh noted that these naval exercises demonstrated the common interests of both the nations in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. (With inputs from ANI) Antibody fragments found in alpacas may help stop coronavirus infecting humans, scientists believe. Researchers say that the tiny proteins made by the animals immune system has the ability to block Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, from entering human cells. A recent study by the Rosalind Franklin Institute and Oxford University also found that antibodies derived from llamas can combat Covid-19 infection. KI researchers have identified a small neutralizing antibody, a so-called #nanobody, that has the capacity to block #SARS_CoV_2 from entering human cells and may play a role in future antiviral treatments against #COVID19. @NatureComms @LeoHanke2 https://t.co/vAD7XUppzR pic.twitter.com/AwdxnYz9C8 Karolinska Institutet (@karolinskainst) September 4, 2020 Camelids such as llamas, camels and alpacas are able to naturally produce small antibodies with a simpler structure, known as nanobodies, that can help fight viral infections. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden say that nanobodies from camelids can be engineered to work in humans. They believe nanobodies are better than conventional antibodies when it comes to developing coronavirus treatments because they are small, about one-tenth the size of regular antibodies, and are easier to produce cheaply in large quantities. The team believe their work, published in the journal Nature Communications, could pave the way for developing antiviral treatments against Covid-19. Story continues Study author Gerald McInerney, an associate professor of virology at Karolinska Institutet, said: We hope our findings can contribute to the amelioration of the Covid-19 pandemic by encouraging further examination of this nanobody as a therapeutic candidate against this viral infection. Coronavirus particles have a corona (crown) of proteins that resemble spikes, which enable the virus to attach to, and enter, human cells. Prof McInerney and his colleagues injected an alpaca with the Sars-CoV-2 spike protein. Blood samples collected from the alpaca 60 days later showed a strong immune response against the spike protein. Using a technique known cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers were able to identify a specific nanobody, which they called Ty1, that was able to neutralise the virus. The researchers found that Ty1 attaches itself to a part of the spike protein that the coronavirus uses to bind a receptor in human cells, known as ACE2. This blocks the virus from slipping into the cells and prevents infection, the researchers said. Study author Ben Murrell, also an assistant professor at Karolinska Institutet, said: Our results show that Ty1 can bind potently to the Sars-CoV-2 spike protein and neutralise the virus, with no detectable off-target activity. He said the team is now carrying out animal studies to investigate the role of Ty1 in preventing Covid-19 infection and understand more about its therapeutic potential. Ivan Provorov scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime period of Game 6 to keep the Flyers' Cup hopes alive. (Getty) What began as a mostly non-competitive second round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs will now suddenly feature at least two Game 7s. After the Colorado Avalanche pulled two wins back to force a win-or-leave-the-bubble clash versus the Dallas Stars, the Philadelphia Flyers have done the same versus the New York Islanders, clinching a victory in Game 6 on Thursday night on Ivan Provorovs double-overtime winner. IVAN PROVOROV THE OVERTIME WINNER. WE WILL HAVE GAME 7#AnytimeAnywhere pic.twitter.com/lRiqqvrk7d Dump and Change (@DumpChangePod) September 4, 2020 The Flyers certainly deserve credit for hanging around and taking advantage of their opportunities, but it feels like an unjust result for the Islanders, who delivered one of their best performances of a series in which they have mostly dominated. New York outshot the Flyers 53-31 in the contest, firing more than 100 attempted shots and exceeding five expected goals across nearly five periods. Despite that, the Islanders must take their third and final chance to eliminate the Flyers when the two teams clash again Saturday. The winner of that game will face a quick turnaround with the added variable of travel, with Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final versus the Tampa Bay Lightning scheduled for Monday in Edmonton. More NHL coverage from Yahoo Sports A sister of one of the Takoradi girls that were kidnapped and later killed has said she heard her sister screaming on the telephone the kidnappers used to contact them. Rita Quayson, who is the fifth prosecution witness in the case of kidnapping and subsequent murder of four Takoradi girls, told a Sekondi High Court on Wednesday that her younger sister, Ruth Love Quayson, whom DNA results conducted by the police showed she is dead, had begged her family to find GH500 for the kidnappers for her to be released. She told the court presided over by Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong that her sister was kidnapped on December 4, 2018 and when she was not being found, the kidnappers used her sister's mobile phone to call their mother to inform her that Ruth Love had been kidnapped. My mom gave the phone to me, so I was the one who spoke to her. She told me the kidnapper was demanding GH500 ransom. My sister was crying as she spoke, the witness narrated. Looking For Job She said on December 4, 2018 around 9:30 a.m., she was with her mother when Ruth Love left home for the MTN office at the Takoradi Market Circle. She said her younger sister told them that a friend had called her that there was a job vacancy at MTN and so she was going for that job. She said Ruth Love went out with her friend, Stacy, who is a next-door neighbour at Diabene, near Takoradi. She said around 1:00 p.m. same day, Ruth Love called their mother to inform her that she had been kidnapped. She said the mother gave the phone to her (Rita) and after speaking with her younger sister, she asked for another sister of theirs, Rebecca Quayson, to go to the police station to report the matter. Calling Pastor My mother also asked me to call our pastor who was already in Takoradi for a meeting. My sister and the pastor met at the police station and made the report, she said. According to Rita, when Stacy (Ruth Love's friend) returned, she indicated that before the two of them left for Takoradi, Ruth Love was charging her phone while she went to have her bath. Sammy N/F Stacy said while Ruth Love was bathing, a number which was saved as Sammy N/F called several times and that while they were in a car going, the same number kept on calling so Ruth Love had to get down from the 'trotro' between a place called BU and Nkroful Junction, the witness said. She said later she went to give the police that information and a police CID called Ametepey asked that she should go to the police station with Stacy and so they went and Stacy gave her statement. She said later in the evening, the one alleged to have kidnapped the sister called their mother again with Ruth Love's number and because my mom's phone was put on loud speaker I could hear the kidnapper demanding more money before she would release my sister. Informing CID The person who called was a male. Immediately, I called Mr. Ametepey to inform him about all that the kidnapper had said. The CID told us not to send any huge amount and so I sent GH100 through my sister's MTN number on the instructions of the kidnapper, she told the court. The witness said the next day, December 5, 2018, early in the morning, the kidnapper called my mother and asked for a GH10,000 ransom but my mother told him she did not have that amount and the kidnapper asked my mom to pay GH8,000. We decided to go back to the police station and on our way the kidnapper kept calling and repeated his demand for the ransom. When we got to the police station the CID told us that the best thing to do in that situation was to get the call list on Ruth Love's phone, she added. Court Order She said the CID explained that they needed a court order in order to get the call list on her sister's phone. She said later the CID asked for financial assistance to enable him to process for the court order and so he was given GH200. Rita Quayson said the CID told them that when the kidnapper called again, they should tell the criminal the family was making the arrangement to get the money for him. She said the order for the call list was delaying and so she sought the assistance of the BNI, who later assisted in getting the call list. She noted that on the call list, some three numbers were consistent and so they gave it to the police for further investigations. SMS Alert She said the following day in the afternoon, the kidnapper sent an SMS message which read, You want to joke with us right? and added that she had the message on her phone. She said in the evening, the kidnapper sent another message which also read, Your daughter is sick; you better pay so that she can come back home. She said the kidnapper followed it with a call and demanded the money again, and she recorded the conversation and sent it to the CID officer. She said her phone developed a fault so she used the pastor's phone to call the kidnapper on her sister's phone and told him they were arranging to pay the money. Kidnapper Arrested So one Sunday, the kidnapper called the pastor's number and our pastor managed to send him GH500. So later, the police called to inform us that someone had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping. When we went to the Takoradi Central Police Station we realized from the accent that Samuel Udoetuk Wills who was arrested, was the one who demanded the ransom, she pointed out. She added that after the arrest, the call to demand ransom ceased but continued after the suspect escaped from police custody. Skeletal Remains She said sometime in January 2019, the police made a discovery of skeletal remains at the uncompleted building at Nkroful, the same place where the prime suspect in the case, Samuel Udoetuk Wills, was rearrested. She said later samples of her mother and herself were taken for the DNA test and also said that the Inspector General of Police organized a press conference in Accra and announced that the test conducted indicated that the skeletal remains belonged to the missing girls including my sister. Cross-Examination During cross-examination, the Counsel for the suspect, Mark Bosia, of the Legal Aid Board, asked the witness, The first time you met Samuel Wills was at the Takoradi Police Station, right and she answered in the affirmative. He asked again When you spoke to the alleged kidnapper, how did he introduce himself to you? The witness answered, He only said he had kidnapped my sister. The lawyer asked, What was so unique about the voice? She answered the person spoke broken Twi and English with a Nigerian accent and used the same accent when he was before the Takoradi Magistrate Court for causing damage and escaping from custody. The lawyer said to the witness I suggest to you that the alleged kidnapper never spoke Twi in court and that it was your own opinion. The witness responded, He spoke broken Twi and I have recorded his voice on phone. Sitting continues next Monday. ---Daily Guide Mayor President Josh Guillory holds press conference at City Hall. Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. LAFAYETTE, La. Lafayette Consolidated Government is suing the man who created fake ANTIFA social media events, claiming the hoaxes have cost the city "considerable sums of money." The lawsuit, filed in the 15th Judicial District in Lafayette, alleges John Merrifield cost the city-parish government money when he created two fake Facebook events that said Antifa would show up in the city's high-end River Ranch community and the Acadiana Mall. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages of less than $75,000. "I think he should bear the brunt of some of the costs, if not all of the costs, that his actions cost the taxpayers," Mayor-President Josh Guillory said on his Thursday morning radio show. "We will always take these threats seriously, but were not just going to always respond and say, OK, thank you. Let us pay all this overtime from the taxpayers. Heck no. We will stop at no measure to recoup the costs that the taxpayers have to pay for this kind of stuff," Guillory said. Merrifield, who lives in New York but grew up in Lafayette, said he consulted legal counsel and that his outlook is optimistic. "Fool you once, shame on me. Fool you twice, shame on you," he said. "Im not going to apologize to the citizens of Lafayette who were gullible enough to fall for a satire event created by a comedy meme page run by a satirist and comedian twice." The city-parish's lawsuit claims that after President Donald Trump tweeted that ANTIFA should be designated as a terrorist organization, hoax events started to pop up around the U.S. targeting smaller cities because the information could easily spread on social media. MORE: What is antifa and what does the movement want? ANTIFA, short for "anti-fascists," is the name for loosely affiliated, left-leaning anti-racist groups that have been involved in some violent clashes in recent years. The movement has no unified structure or national leadership. Story continues First hoax event was intended to be 'satirical' Merrifield, who owns the Facebook page "cajUUUn Memes," created an event in July called "ANTIFA takes River Ranch." . The social media post was satirical and the event's description included jokes to tip people off, Merrifield told The Daily Advertiser at the time. The event called for "cajun comrades" to take over River Ranch and set the event to start at 4:20 p.m., citing the 420 number popularly associated with marijuana. Merrifield said the post clearly was satirical because it invited only "card-carrying" ANTIFA members, which he said means no one would show up. The post also references armed demonstrators protesting against COVID-19 restrictions, saying "Arms optional. Legs encouraged." "I initially worded the section so that anyone with discernment could figure out that it's satirical," Merrifield said in July. "Good satire blurs the line between reality and fiction." A hoax "ANTIFA Takes River Ranch" event created by a meme page has caught the attention of Lafayette city officials. But "concerned residents flooded" Lafayette Consolidated Government with phone calls, city-parish lawyers James Gibson and Michael Adley argued in their lawsuit. The Lafayette Police Department and Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office investigated the event. No credible information was found to support the post," according to the lawsuit. "Because the hoax continued to be believed and spread, Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government feared armed counter protesters, and perhaps actual ANTIFA-inspired agitators, would appear at Ruffinos on the River and lead to violence and/or destruction of property." Antifa hunter: Man gets 3 years for racist threats against Black political candidate, activist Lafayette police positioned a surveillance station at the Camellia Boulevard restaurant, and on the day of the supposed rally, "numerous police officers and sheriff deputies" were sent to Ruffino's to "ensure no harm befell any citizens or property from people taking the ANTIFA hoax seriously." Second hoax event highlights Trayford Pellerin shooting Trayford Pellerin, right, died after Lafayette police shot him Friday night during a confrontation. His sister Treneca Pellerin, left, set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family. The lawsuit mentions a second event, "ANTIFA Takes Acadiana Mall," that was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29. The social media post called for Antifa "membership cards" and noted the goal was to make "Mayor-President Josh Guillotine (Guillory) to park as many empty patrol cars as they can fit in the parking lot." A link to the social media event "updates" to send viewers to a GoFundMe created by the family of Trayford Pellerin, a Black man who was shot and killed by Lafayette Police. Lafayette police received panicked calls from mall employees and customers, according to the lawsuit. "Numerous police officers were dispatched to the Acadiana Mall, and the mall had to close early," the lawsuit states. A Facebook event, organized by John Merrifield, claimed that ANTIFA was ready to protest at Acadiana Mall. Merrifield said the fake event was designed to show the Lafayette Police Department quickly responds when "wealthy white sensibilities are affected." Mall security indicated the stores were closed after 2 p.m. and customers were told in an announcement to leave. The social media post promoted an event that was scheduled after protests had taken place in the prior week around the city in response to the fatal Lafayette police shooting of 31-year-old Pellerin. A week earlier, protesters had gathered at Acadiana Mall and stopped traffic on nearby Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Johnston Street when they marched in the road. Merrifield said the fake event was supposed to highlight how police treat some groups differently, and "fail to offer the same protections to the working poor and mentally ill people of color, such as in the case of Trayford Pellerins execution." That night, Lafayette Police Chief Scott Morgan said during a press conference the response at the mall was not because of protests. He said the abrupt way the mall closed may have "given people the wrong idea." Prior to the closure, there had been no threats, protests or riots, a department spokesman said at the time. The fake Antifa events cost the city money, which the lawsuit claims was Merrified's intention. "The hoaxes have caused Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government considerable sums of money both in investigating and responding to the hoax events," according to the lawsuit." Contributing: Andrew Capps, Lafayette Advertiser. Follow Ashley White on Twitter: @AshleyyDi. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Lafayette police shooting: Fake Antifa social media event creator sued Lucknow, Sep 4 : The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has granted interim bail to former Samajwadi Party minister Gayatri Prajapati for a period of two months. He has been asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh and two sureties. The court has said that Prajapati will not move out of the country during this period. Prajapati was arrested from Lucknow in March 2017 on charges of rape and has spent the past three and a half years in jail though he was also in a Lucknow hospital for some months. Prajapati was arrested when a 35-year-old woman had accused him of raping her when she met him for a job. The former minister allegedly molested her minor daughter too. He was also accused of taking obscene photos of the victim and threatening her to make the pictures public and raping her for the past two years. However, Prajapati claimed it to be a conspiracy of the BJP in order to distract people's attention from the Assembly polls. Prajapati, who was considered a favourite of SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, had won the last Assembly poll from Amethi constituency and was inducted in the state cabinet as mining minister later. He enjoyed immense political clout during the SP government. Irans stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase and now stands at more than 10 times the limit set down in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, the UN nuclear watchdog said in a report on September 4. But the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also said that Iran has begun providing access to sites where the country was suspected of having stored or used undeclared nuclear material. According to the IAEA quarterly report, Iran as of August 25 had stockpiled 2,105.4 kilograms of low-enriched uranium, up from 1,571.6 kilograms last reported on May 20. The 2015 deal -- known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- allows Iran only to keep a stockpile of 202.8 kilograms. The IAEA said that Iran has also been continuing to enrich uranium to a purity of up to 4.5 percent, higher than the 3.67 percent allowed under the deal with world powers. Before the JCPOA, Tehran had enriched its uranium to 20 percent, which is considered a quick technical jump to weapons-grade level of 90 percent. According to the Washington-based Arms Control Association, to produce one nuclear bomb Iran would need 1,050 kilograms of uranium enriched at 3.67 percent, and would then need to enrich it further to 90 percent purity or above. Experts say if Iran chose to produce a nuclear bomb its breakout time would be at least three to six months, but that it would take much longer to actually weaponize a device. While the JCPOA was in full effect, Irans breakout time was estimated at more than one year. However, Irans stockpile of heavy water had decreased and is now back within the limits set by the JCPOA, the nuclear watchdog said. The nuclear deal signed with the United States, Germany, France, Britain, China, and Russia -- promised Iran economic incentives in return for the curbs on its nuclear program. In 2018, President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the United States out of the nuclear deal and reimposed crushing sanctions, saying it needed to be renegotiated. Since then, Iran has announced gradual violations of JCPOA restrictions. The remaining parties to the deal maintain that even though Iran has been violating many of the pacts terms, it is important to keep the deal alive because Iran has continued providing the IAEA with critical access to inspect its nuclear facilities. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP Dozens of armed men on Friday stormed Bunia, the capital of DR Congos northeastern Ituri province, to demand the release of jailed militia fighters, the regional governor said. They are in front of the central prison and are demanding the release of their men, Jean Bamanisa told AFP. They are negotiating. We are trying to calm them. An AFPTV journalist said the men were ringed by soldiers for the moment. They are carrying white flags but they are heavily armed with rockets, AK-47 assault rifles and machetes. However some local sources said the men had come to give themselves up. Several militia and rebel groups have been staging attacks in the region but this was the first time in recent years that they had entered a major city in the Great Lakes area bordering Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Locals blamed the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), an armed group accused of ethnic attacks and killing over 1,000 civilians since December 2017, according to the United Nations. CODECO is drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, a predominantly farming community who have historically clashed with the Hema, a group of traders and herders. The two communities were embroiled in a bloody conflict between 1999-2003 which led to the European Unions first foreign military mission, the short-term Operation Artemis. Governor Bamanisa said the men were from a faction of the CODECO which unilaterally wants to end hostilities. His deputy Gracien de Saint-Nicolas said: We will not allow blood to be spilt in Bunia. The CODECO is Congolese and ready to give up arms but you are not facilitating the task for them to be reintegrated into the peace process. The UNs human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, visited Ituri in January and denounced what she called crimes against humanity there. India has been famously shy of science fiction, especially when they are home-bred. The fault perhaps lies with the makers who get so busy with the shining lights and fancy gizmos when experimenting with this genre that logic goes missing. JL50 hopes to subvert that trend. Originally made as a science fiction movie, JL50 has now landed on SonyLiv as a web series and features a stellar cast including Abhay Deol, Piyush Mishra, Ritika Anand and Pankaj Kapur in lead roles. A novel experiment in a way, JL50 explores time travel via Indian mythology. To make sure that the audience isnt lost in all the heavy words, the filmmaker slap on emotion and an intriguing mystery too. JL 50 follows a CBI officer, Shantanu Das (Abhay), who is tasked with investigating a plane crash. It turns into a top secret mission as they realize that the plane that crashed somewhere in northern Bengal took off from a Kolkata (then Calcutta) airport 35 years ago. Piyush and Pankaj essay the roles of scientists who are supposed to bring clarity to this complicated puzzle. Abhay is the investigator with a past that hangs heavy over him. When Pankaj suggests time travel is how a plane crashed three and a half decades after it took off, Abhay refuses to believe him, concluding instead that the entire accident is being staged with an ulterior motive behind it. One of JL50s strengths is how it brings a uniquely Indian perspective to the concept of time travel. The show forays into science fiction without trying to kowtow to how Hollywood has always presented it to us. The result is a real India original science fiction feature, unlike what we have mostly had in the name of films made under the genre. Pankaj Kapur in a still from JL50. Director Shailendra brings in Emperor Ashoka, his peace treaties and some more Indian history to add the desi touch. One of the best moments of the show comes when Pankaj delivers a speech about the time warp India is caught in, getting in an opinion as well. He says we refuse to accept what India has to offer, focussing instead on the mandir-masjid, Hindu-Muslim, andhvishwas. Emphasising on the need for scientific temperament, he says, If we spot an object in the sky, we fold our hands and begin worshipping it. We do not ask what, why, how? Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs brother-in-law counters Rhea Chakrabortys claims: 5 times my wife left me behind to be with her brother JL50 may also find takers in those who do not care much about quantum physics and science fiction but love thrillers. In the spirit of Dark, the science comes enveloped in a mystery that keeps you hooked. Written and directed by Shailendra Vyas, JL50 offers an interesting story, innovative fusion of Indian storytelling with science fiction and brilliant performances from the entire cast. However, it is in the execution that the film fails quite often. We spot inconsistencies in the milieu, language and accent of the characters as they oscillate from the 1980s to 2019. The twists are also quite predictable, but well-explained. JL50 may not be flawless,but it certainly is an intriguing, gripping thriller that is also a remarkable step in the sci-fi genre in India. Interact with the writer @swetakaushal Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 05:55:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egypt and China's tech giant Huawei on Thursday discussed the gradual transformation of Egypt's electricity network to a smart grid, Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy said. Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker met with Huawei's regional president Li Jiguang in Cairo, where they discussed the cooperation, the ministry said in a statement. The meeting is part of Egypt's plans to develop its energy sector based on the latest technologies, it added. During the meeting, Shaker hailed the existing cooperation between Egypt and China in several mega projects, welcoming further cooperation with China to benefit from its expertise and technological progress. "The future vision of the Egyptian electricity sector is based on the gradual transformation of the current network from a typical one to a smart grid that would help absorb the large amounts of generated power," Shaker said. Shaker highlighted his ministry's efforts to improve its services, including power generation, transportation and distribution. Li, president of Huawei Northern Africa Enterprise Business Group, commended the rapid and remarkable development of the projects implemented by the Egyptian ministry to establish a strong infrastructure along with a smart grid that supports the digital transformation. The Huawei official added that despite the challenges the corporation faced in the first half of 2020, it has managed to achieve revenues growth, which shows Huawei's strength and stability amid global challenges. In late February, Egypt's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Huawei discussed plans to provide training to develop the skills of Egyptian university students talented in information and communications technology. Enditem Katie Price has compared her broken feet to 'something out of the Saw movies'. In her latest YouTube video, the former glamour model, 42, is seen taking her daughter Princess, 13, for a day at the spa. Katie broke both her feet while on a family trip to Turkey a few weeks ago, and asked Princess to explain to the camera what they look like beneath their bandages. In her latest YouTube video, Katie Price, 42, is seen taking her daughter Princess, 13, for a day at the spa, and comparing her broken feet to 'something out of the movie Saw' 'It's literally like from her heel down to there is like a massive scar like outside the skin,' was Princess' graphic explaination. Painting a further picture, Katie admitted: 'It looks like something out of the movie Saw.' Saw is a 2004 torture porn horror film in which a man has to slice off his own foot in order to escape a trap, set by a serial killer. The film launched a super-successful franchise of movies that were released every Halloween for seven successive years, all with similar themes of civilians having to go through acts of violence - to themselves or to others - in order to survive a 'game'. I saw it first! Saw is a 2004 torture porn horror film in which a man has to slice off his own foot in order to escape a trap, set by a serial killer Legs akimbo! Katie broke both her feet while on a family trip to Turkey a few weeks ago The franchise made a comeback in 2017 with eighth film, Jigsaw, and a ninth is set for release in 2021, titled Spiral. Katie, meanwhile, was seen enjoying a lunch date with her Love Island star boyfriend Carl Woods at Mayfair's swanky Novikov restaurant on Tuesday. She is recovering from the surgery she underwent earlier this month on her feet, and was spotted as Carl pushed her along in her wheelchair. Katie is also getting around on a scooter. She is currently in the middle of a two year driving ban. A source told MailOnline: 'Katie will be able to claim back a bit of independence. The scooter has been given a total make over by Robbie at Valetmagic... 'He reached out to Katie offering his team to work their magic, putting a smile back on her face will certainly be speeding up her recovery.' If you've got it, flaunt it! She explained to the camera what her feet look like beneath their bandages The happy couple: Katie was seen enjoying a lunch date with her Love Island star boyfriend Carl Woods at Mayfair's swanky Novikov restaurant on Tuesday The star added to The Sun: 'I won't be breaking any speed limits on this - that's for sure.' The scooter has been customised to Katie's standards and features a 'Pricey' registration plate. Katie recently revealed she was stepping out of the spotlight on Thursday on medical advice as she has been told to 'rest in order to heal'. Amid the social media hiatus, Katie appeared in a promotional fake tan video shared on her Instagram on Sunday evening - with her representatives confirming this was a pre-scheduled post. They said: 'I can confirm that Katie has not returned to social media. Katie's team posted the Instagram and this was not posted by Katie herself. 'It was filmed prior to her hiatus.' Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd has praised the noticeable drop in active cases and hospitalised patients in the past few weeks. Professor Kidd said the past few weeks had seen new cases dropping over the past month. This figure continues to fall and compares to the previous week when we saw 951 new cases, Professor Kidd said on Saturday. The week before, with 1600 new cases. 2354 new cases the week before that. And 3493 cases a week for that. This continuing and welcome fall in new numbers of cases is the result of the restrictions in place over the past month in Melbourne and across Victoria stop and the personal responsibilities that the vast majority of people in Australia are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I acknowledge the sacrifices that have made and continue to be made by people across Australia and especially the people of Melbourne and Victoria. Professor Kidd said 327 people were in public or private hospitals with COVID-19 on Saturday which was 30 people less than the previous day. He said 510 people were in hospital last Saturday. There are 27 people currently in intensive care and 19 of them on ventilators. Professor Kidd also reminded Australians to not breach any border or lockdown restrictions during Fathers Day tomorrow. Please do not breach any restrictions in your local area to see your father or put his health and wellbeing at risk, especially if you are living in an area of community transmission or under restrictions, Professor Kidd said. And for those of you who no longer have your father in your life, tomorrow will be a sad day. We can still take some time to reflect on our dad's and the love and wisdom they shared with us, and think about what he would have had to say about this pandemic and the challenges we are all living through at this time. Oracle suffered yet another defeat this week in a years-long legal dispute over a controversial military technology contract known as JEDI, as an appeals court rejected its latest legal challenge. But the company's repeated failures in court have masked more subtle victories in its broader campaign to undermine the Pentagon's winner-take-all approach and damage its rival, Amazon. Although Amazon itself was once again cleared of wrongdoing, the court concluded that two former defense officials "ignored their ethical responsibilities" by negotiating employment with the e-commerce giant while they worked on JEDI as government officials. And a long-running influence campaign led by Oracle spurred President Donald Trump's involvement at a critical moment last summer, people familiar with the matter told The Washington Post at the time. Trump's alleged intervention prompted still more litigation and controversy, as a bid protest brought by Amazon has centered on his antipathy toward Bezos and his companies Amazon and The Washington Post. As result, a military technology project that top defense officials say is critical to America's artificial-intelligence arms race with China remains bogged down in lawsuits more than two years after it was first announced. In response to a request for comment, Defense Department spokesman Russ Goemaere pointed out that the courts had once again ruled that "none of the alleged conflicts of interest had an impact on the integrity of the procurement." Representatives from Oracle and Amazon declined to comment. Wes Hallman, a vice president for policy with the National Defense Industrial Association, said he is worried that bid protests in general have slowed down the military's efforts to acquire new technology. "Delaying this by two years is not the right answer," Hallman said. "The Chinese are not having this same issue, are they? They are not being hamstrung through any bid protests. Let's be expeditious about this, because we as a nation need to move on and iterate faster with this great power competition mentality." The Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, better known as JEDI, is meant to create a massive, centralized computing system for U.S. military agencies operated by a single tech company. If implemented, it could help lay the groundwork for the military's eventual use of artificial intelligence to enable weapons systems, intelligence gathering and other pursuits. The contract, which the Pentagon has insisted should go to a single tech company, is worth up to $10 billion over 10 years. It was awarded to Microsoft in late October following a last-minute intervention by Trump, who said he asked for an investigation based on "serious complaints" from Microsoft, IBM and Oracle. That sequence of events became the subject of a lengthy investigation from the Defense Department inspector general and a still-pending bid protest lawsuit from Amazon. In a mark of the contradictions that have come to define JEDI's chaotic, winding journey, Amazon has technically been in the position of simultaneously opposing and defending JEDI in two parallel bid protests. As part of Amazon's lawsuit, the court once again halted progress on JEDI, and the Pentagon asked to revise its award to fix some procurement mistakes it made. It has until Sept. 16 to issue another award. Oracle, whose database business is threatened by the Defense Department's broader move to the cloud, was the most vocal among a cadre of companies that resisted JEDI early on. Oracle Chief Executive Safra Catz, one of Trump's closest allies in the tech world, raised the issue at a dinner with him in April 2018, just a month after the contract was announced, The Post and Bloomberg reported at the time. Oracle lobbying documents eventually reached the president's desk, people familiar with the matter told The Post. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., whose campaign has received donations from Oracle founder Larry Ellison, wrote to the Pentagon and the White House asking that the contract be delayed. Ellison also hosted a fundraising event for Trump's campaign at his California estate, according to the local newspaper Desert Sun. Throughout it all, Oracle has pressed on with a bid protest that began more than two years ago, culminating in Wednesday's appeal decision. It is unclear whether the company can appeal again. An Oracle spokeswoman declined to comment Thursday on whether the company will try to do so. Oracle brought its first bid protest against JEDI in August 2018, months before bids were due, arguing that giving one company too much control over the military's information resources was a bad idea. That protest was rejected. Oracle then pressed its case further in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, this time taking direct aim at Amazon. It alleged impropriety on the part of several former officials who had business relationships with Amazon. One of them was Deap Ubhi, a start-up founder whose work on JEDI while he worked at the Defense Department official was bookended by jobs at Amazon. Several of Ubhi's statements cast doubt on his objectivity as he contributed to early procurement documents for JEDI. For example, while he was a public official working on JEDI he tweeted "Once an Amazonian, always an Amazonian" in response to an article about Bezos. The opinion released Wednesday affirmed an earlier court's decision that rejected almost all of Oracle's arguments. The courts concluded that none of the Amazon-linked officials named in Oracle's lawsuit did enough to corrupt the procurement process itself. And it supported the Defense Department's decision to limit the award to the market-leaders Amazon and Microsoft, a decision that tossed out Oracle's bid. "It is kind of a status quo in government that everything gets protested," Teresa Carlson, AWS public-sector vice president, said at a conference last year, adding, "which is kind of sad, because it delays innovation." (Carlson's comments came before AWS filed its bid protest.) The court did, however, conclude that Ubhi and another former official had shirked Defense Department ethics rules as they left government to join Amazon. In Ubhi's case, an earlier court concluded he had lied to both the Defense Department and Amazon about the terms of his departure. The Inspector General reported that it referred the matter to the Justice Department, which declined to prosecute the case. Mandy Smithberger, director of the Center for Defense Information at the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight, said the experience shows that the Defense Department needs to do a better job of enforcing ethics restrictions. "It appears in this case the contracting officer assessed those conflicts did not impact the actual award, but it certainly put a cloud of uncertainty and doubt around this program," Smithberger said. Steven Schooner, a leading expert in procurement law at George Washington University, said the case actually shows how bid protests can be beneficial if they dig up instances of government malfeasance. (Schooner disclosed that he has previously worked for the Justice Department and for both of the law firms involved in the case, but has no current business relationship with either Amazon or Oracle.) "Oracle provided a public service, ... and here, you could analogize to whistleblowers ... by helping expose some of the flaws in the JEDI procurement process that, if not for Oracle's efforts, might not have come to light," Schooner said. Goemaere said the DoD "has a robust ethics program and provides extensive training and tools to educate and assist employees in complying with their ethics requirements," adding that the Inspector General's report prompted it to put in place additional ethics training. Amazon declined to comment on whether Ubhi had been reprimanded in any way, or whether the company has reexamined its hiring or recruiting practices as a result of the controversy. Ubhi, for his part, seemed to fire back at Oracle in a March 25 tweet, saying, "Oracle and the White House totally deserve each other." Ukraine's Ambassador to France Vadym Omelchenko has officially started performing his diplomatic functions, Ukraine's Embassy in France has reported on Facebook. On Thursday, September 3, Omelchenko presented his credentials to Director of the State Protocol Department of the French Foreign Ministry Philippe Franc. Franc said that the French side was ready to provide comprehensive assistance to bilateral initiatives to intensify relations between Ukraine and France. According to international diplomatic practice, after receiving copies of credentials, an accredited representative of a foreign state can officially perform his functions in the host country. On June 11, 2020, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree appointing Omelchenko as Ukraine's ambassador to France. Photo credit: Ukraine's Embassy in France Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Representative Thomas Massie (R., KY) said Thursday that if he were a juror, he would not convict 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse on any of the charges he is facing in connection with the fatal shooting of two people in Kenosha, Wis. during rioting in the city. The strongest thing in his favor is actually the video of the event the video of him running down the street and falling, Massie said on the Tom Roten Morning Show. He was fulfilling his obligation to retreat. He fell down. He responded in self-defense. I would not convict. He also exhibited incredible restraint and presence and situational awareness, Massie continued. He didnt empty a magazine into a crowd. On the third night of unrest in the city following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, Rittenhouse allegedly shot and killed two men Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and shot Gaige Grosskreutz, who was carrying a pistol, in the arm. The teenager has been charged as an adult with six criminal counts, including two counts of first-degree homicide, one count of attempted homicide, and possession of a dangerous weapon by an underage individual. If I were on a jury and all I had was the evidence that I have been able to acquire through social media and the videos that are out there, I would not convict him of a single one of these charges, Massie said. Video footage from that evening appears to show a shot being fired before Rittenhouse fired his own weapon in the first incident that left one man dead. Video of the second shooting purportedly shows the 17-year-old tripping and then being attacked by a man wielding a skateboard and a man carrying a gun. Representative Paul Gosar (R., Ariz.) similarly spoke out in support of Rittenhouse in a tweet calling the killing 100% justified self defense, Do not try to take a weapon away from a man or bear the consequences. The criminals here: Kenosha local government that allows the riots, burning and looting night after night. Armed citizens defending themselves will fill the vacuum, he said. Story continues Rittenhouses lawyer John Pierce said the teenager had traveled from a nearby town in Illinois with a medical kit and picked up the AR-15 rifle once in Wisconsin. Rittenhouse told reporters who interviewed him before the shootings that he was attempting to protect local businesses from rioters and looters. Pierce has argued that Rittenhouse was acting in self-defense. Where are the charges for aggravated assault against Kyle Rittenhouse? Pierce said in an appearance on Fox News earlier this week. As a 17-year-old, he was legally entitled to have that firearm in his possession. This is 100% self-defense, Tucker. More from National Review Panaji, Sep 4 : The Opposition in Goa on Friday took note of a photo posted by Chief Minister's Office, who is in home isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier this week, in which CM Pramod Sawant is seen examining files without using gloves. "While doing photo-op for @goacm tweet claiming that CM is working despite testing COVID +Ve @DrPramodPSawant is spreading d virus further through d files, which is handles without using gloves. No wonder, Govt officers & staff using these files gets infected with virus," state Congress president Girish Chodankar said soon after the CMO released the photo on social media. The text accompanying the Chief Minister's photo on Twitter said that despite testing positive, Sawant was going about his official business as usual. "As stated, Chief Minister @DrPramodPSawant continues to discharge his duties," the CMO said. The Congress' charge comes days after the state government reduced its staffing at the Secretariat to 50 per cent amid a spate of Covid-19 cases among bureaucrats working there. On Thursday, Goa for the third day in a row posted record daily tally of Covid-19 cases with 713 persons testing positive. Apart from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, five other legislators have also tested positive for Covid-19. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) School formals will go ahead in New South Wales this year after all, following outrage from parents and students at the previously announced cancellation due to coronavirus. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday that school formals and graduations will go ahead, as the state remained largely on top of the virus with just eight new cases recorded in the previous 24 hours. 'The health department's edict in relation to formals and graduation ceremonies was always about Term 3,' she said in a press conference. 'And I have every confidence that in Term 4 we would see formals, we would see graduations, but obviously in a COVID safe way.' Year 12 NSW students will be allowed to celebrate at formals in a COVID safe way (stock) The ABC reported that it expected the restrictions would mean attendees would need to be seated and there would be no dancing. Ms Berejiklian explained that the larger schools would still be able to celebrate but on the basis of 'multiple events of the same occasion'. This means that bigger schools would have to have to break up their formals into multiple events so as to limit numbers at each and reduce the risk of COVID infections. 'But I just want students who are doing the HSC to please not stress about that,' Ms Berejiklian continued. 'Please know our focus is to provide the best environment for you to have an uninterrupted exam period.' The exciting announcement comes after NSW recorded a further eight cases of COVID-19 on Friday. Seven cases were linked to known coronavirus clusters in Sydney and one was a returned traveller in hotel quarantine. Bunnings Padstow (pictured) has been put on alert after an infectious customer visited the store between 12pm and 2pm on August 27 One new case was a returned traveller in hotel quarantine and the other seven locally acquired cases have been linked to a known source. Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Jeremy McAnulty confirmed three of the new cases were linked to the growing cluster in Sydney's CBD. Bunnings and Aldi have been also put on high alert after an infectious customer visited the stores in western Sydney. Two new cases were household contacts linked to the Liverpool Hospital cluster and two were linked to St Paul's Catholic College in Greystanes. Two previously announced cases were linked to the CBD outbreak, originating with the City Tattersalls gym, and brought the total number of cases in the cluster to 57. Fitness First in Randwick is now undergoing a deep clean, with all visitors on August 23 and September 1 asked to watch for symptoms and undergo urgent testing. Regents Park Christian School, in western Sydney, is also closed, with anyone who attended after-school care on August 31 or September 1 considered a close contact. A virus alert was sent out for Aldi in North Strathfield after a positive coronavirus case visited the store between 10am and 10.30am on September 1. A positive coronavirus case also visited Aldi in North Strathfield (pictured) between 10am and 10.30am on September 1. Customers have been urged to monitor for symptoms Ambassador of Belarus S.Chepurnoy meets Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia On September 2, 2020, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Mongolia, Stanislav Chepurnoy, met with the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia, Chairman of the Mongolian part of the Joint Belarusian-Mongolian Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation, Zagdjav Mendsaihkhan. The sides discussed a number of actual issues of the Belarusian-Mongolian trade and economic cooperation, including the practical implementation of bilateral projects in the framework of the General Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of Mongolia on extending Export Loan. The prospects of holding bilateral commissions and working groups. print version Ronan O'Meara has been scouring the TV schedules (free-to-air channels only) to find films to watch over the next week here are 16 to choose from. Hopefully you'll find something to hit the spot and maybe you'll even be introduced to a future favourite. Lucy - Saturday, E4 @ 9pm While muling a mysterious drug shipment inside her stomach, a woman undergoes a drastic transformation when it leaks. Luc Besson directs Scarlet Johansson in this bonkers film that has a final 10 minutes which has to be seen to be believed. You'll either love it or hate it but you definitely haven't seen anything like it before. Johansson is solid as Lucy and Morgan Freeman & Min-Sik Choi are always a pleasure. Essential Killing - Saturday, TG4 @ 11.20pm Mohammed is on the run. He's a member of the Taliban who's been captured in Afghanistan and the yanks are transferring him to an eastern european blacksite for interrogation and fearing for his life he's gotten away. An unusual one, looking at a conflict from a point of view rarely seen and focusing on a character who'd be a faceless goon in a US production. Vincent Gallo does good work as the lead of a mature, gritty film. Ginger & Rosa - Sunday, BBC2 @ 12.45am London. The early 60's. Society is in upheaval and the spectre of the Cuba Missile Crisis is looming large. The two teenage girls of the title are loving life, living in each other's pockets. Until one day.... A complex, thoughtful coming of age drama from director Sally Potter that deviates from the usual teen dramas. Pristine work from Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Alice Englert and Alessandro Nivola. Odette - Sunday, BBC2 @ 11.30am The true story of Odette Sansom, one of the unsung heroes of World War 2. A French woman and mother who joined the SOE and learned spycraft and espionage before falling foul of the nazi war machine. A gripping and tension packed watch about a side of history rarely mentioned & led by an excellent Anna Neagle as Odette. Reliable old British faces such as Peter Ustinov and Trevor Howard are great back up. The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty - Sunday, Film4 @ 4.40pm A chronic day dreamer trying to save his job finds himself on an adventure that tops anything even his wildest imagination could come up with. A delightful bit of family viewing, perfect for a sunday evening. Highly amusing, imaginative, exhilarating, lovely looking and ably led by Ben Stiller who for once is surprisingly likable. Nice support too from the always welcome Kristen Wiig and Kathryn Hahn. A Matter of Life & Death - Monday, BBC2 @ 2.30pm A WW2 fighter pilot jumps to his death from a burning plane but due to an administrative error in Heaven he gets a chance to argue for his life. This is, simply put, a outstanding film. Yeah, it sounds silly but in the hands of Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger it becomes a genuinely affecting piece of work. It's wondrous stuff, packed with imagination and superb acting from David Niven and Kim Hunter amongst others. Jallikattu - Monday, Film4 @ 11.35pm A butcher in a small Indian village finds himself in a lot of bother when a buffalo due for slaughter rears up and escapes during a ceremony. It causes chaos that soon spreads through the populace. A powerful, almost primal tale about the machinations existing beneath the surface of smalltown life. Dark, exciting, visceral and very unique. Chemban Vinod Jose & Santhy Balachandran both do mighty work. The Life & Death Of Colonel Blimp - Tuesday, BBC2 @ 2.30pm Clive Candy has had hell of a life and we get to bear witness to how it all plays out from the Boer War to WW2 and meet all the people who shaped him along the way. This Powell and Pressburger film from 1943 is masterful and more than transcends it's original purpose as wartime propaganda. A warm, witty, upsetting and layered story powered by impressive turns from Roger Livesey & Deborah Kerr times three. Yup (x) 3. A Fistful Of Dynamite - Tuesday, ITV4 @ 11.45pm During the revolution of 1910 an IRA member is recruited by a Mexican bandito to rob a bank but he has other ideas. Rod Steiger and James Coburn are loads of fun in this at times hilarious and gorgeous looking western from the master, Sergio Leone. It's quite different to his more well known films but its still really worth a go. A couple of scenes from this were filmed in Toner's on Baggot Street in Dublin. See if you spot them. In The Heart Of The Sea - Tuesday, RTE2 @ 9.30pm In 1820 a whaling ship was attacked and destroyed by the animal it was hunting. The story inspired Moby Dick but that famous tale was only half of what happened. This was a fine film but christ it's tough going. The gory details and harsh existences of the times are never soft pedaled but some first class turns from a cast that includes Brendan Gleeson, Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy will keep you going. Bridge Of Spies - Wednesday, More4 @ 9pm Cold war intrigue abounds in this gripping drama from Steven Spielberg. An American lawyer hired to deal with a Russian spy finds himself sucked into a negotiation involving a downed U.S. pilot in a Berlin divided in two. Initially slow moving and confusing, but when it settles it turns into both a very entertaining movie and a decent history lesson. Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance and Amy Ryan are all on fantastic form. Jihad Jane - Wednesday, RTE1 @ 9.35pm Colleen LaRose and Jamie Paulin Ramirez were two American women who became involved with radical Islamic terrorists in the early part of this decade. The media demonised them but there was a lot more to their story than what we heard. A compelling documentary that humanises it's subjects while looking at the issues that attract lonely individuals to this way of life. Plus there's an Irish link to the story that proves fact is often stranger than fiction. The Sessions - Thursday, C4 @ 2.50am A man trapped in an iron lung feels he is missing out on living to his fullest so hires a therapist to help him out with one of life's most important rites of passage. Brave performances from Helen Hunt & John Hawkes fuel an affecting story. This is about a side of life with disability that most of us never have to think about. It's a frank film that's both uplifting and upsetting and you'll be glad you watched it. Paradox - Thursday, Film4 @ 11.30pm Pattaya in Thailand is a dark and sleazy place as Hong Kong cop Lee Chung Chi finds out when his teenage daughter is kidnapped while on holiday. So he does what all good fathers would do. A dark and violent thriller that will not be for everyone but it's worth sticking with for some blisteringly well choreographed fight scenes. Think Film Noir crossed with South East Asian cinema and you're there. Louis Koo is a solid lead. The Mechanic - Friday, Syfy @ 9pm Arthur's deadly at his job. Literally. When he's hired to do something he does it right. He's an assassin and people pick him because they know he's reliable. But his latest job is a complex one. Jason Statham's remake of the Charles Bronson thriller is a satisfying watch, muscular, bruising, brutal in places, exciting in others. The Stath does his usual thing but Ben Foster and Donald Sutherland add a touch of class to proceedings. Zodiac - Friday, BBC1 @ 10.45pm Someone is killing people in the bay area around San Francisco and three men become obsessed with finding out who. An obsession that became all consuming and unending. Forget Fight Club, this is David Fincher's masterpiece. A meticulously put together film full of darkness that still manages to find time for some much needed humour. Robert Downey Jr, Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo put in career best turns here. Read more at hamsandwichcinema.blogspot.com/ 1,400-y-o Christian cup uncovered in Britain 'important' to understanding early Christian church Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Archaeologists have unearthed a unique 5th-century cup etched with symbols of early Christian iconography while excavating a ruined 6th-century church in Northumberland, northern England. According to a statement from the Vindolanda Charitable Trust, the lead cup or chalice was recovered in 14 fragments from the Vindolanda Roman fort near Hadrians Wall, a 73-mile stone barrier constructed around 122 A.D. to identify the edge of the Roman Empire. Though in poor condition, symbols identified on the cup include a chi-rho (or monogram said to represent Jesus Christ), a happy bishop, ships, a congregation, a fish, and a whale. Additionally, Latin, Greek and potentially Ogam an early medieval script letters appear alongside the drawings. The combination of so many of these etchings and the context of the discovery makes this artifact one of the most important of its type to come from early Christianity in Western Europe, reads the statement. It is the only surviving partial chalice from this period in Britain and the first such artifact to come from a fort on Hadrians Wall. Andrew Birley, director of Vindolanda excavations, told the Independent that the inscriptions may have conveyed Christian stories at a time when Bibles were difficult to acquire. So far, when we find etchings on stones in churches, or on mosaic floors, unless they are an integral part of the structure we have thought that they are graffiti left by worshipers or the early Christian equivalent of Banksy but this artifact changes the narrative quite a bit, he said. The etchings are no random act, and a chalice is a holy Christian artifact. It is the only portable artifact from this period yet to have been found that is festooned with graffiti or etchings. The symbols are a Christian code of sorts, mechanisms by which Christians could identify with and tell the stories to each other. Remember this is long before anything like the Bible would have been commonly available. Studying the chalice, he said, could help reveal what was important to congregations almost 1,500 years ago and just after the fall of Roman Britain. The chalice is being examined by Dr. David Petts, a researcher in the Department of Archaeology at Durham University. He said the cup has the potential to tell us much about the development of early Christianity in beginning of the medieval period. This is a really exciting find from a poorly understood period in the history of Britain, he said. Its apparent connections with the early Christian church are incredibly important, and this curious vessel is unique in a British context. The excavation also discovered the foundations of a significant church of the 5th or 6th century, large enough for about 60 parishioners, according to The Guardian. Through the church had collapsed, the chalice had been securely sealed under the rubble perhaps in a ceremony marking the end of the church, notes the outlet. Being able to prove youve got a church of the 5th or 6th century is hard unless you find associated material within it, Birley said. Whats really important about this chalice is that it is a definite Christian artifact. It helps us to reevaluate the other similar buildings on Hadrians Wall of the same period, which have similar features but dont have artifacts preserved. Birley also told BBC News that finding a chalice smothered in Christian symbols offers an opportunity for increased understanding of Christianitys spread across the region. "Many potential church structures have been located from this period, but without the Christian artifacts to back that up, they could not be proven beyond doubt, he said. Prior discoveries at the fort included a board game and a scrap of leather cut into the shape of a mouse, according to The Smithsonian. BARAMULLA: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday (September 4) morning. According to reports, an army officer has been injured during the gunbattle with terrorists in Baramulla. The injured army officer has been rushed to the 92 Base Hospital for medical treatment. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Yedipora in Pattan area of Baramulla district after receiving specific information about the presence of terrorists in the area. However, the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired upon a search party of the forces, who then retaliated strongly to the gunfire. The exchange of firing is going on and additional forces have been rushed to the area, a police officer said. Kashmir zone police twitted, "#Encounter has started at #Yedipora #Pattan area of #Baramulla. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice." The development comes hours after security forces arrested three Overground Workers (OGW) of a terror group in Baramulla's Pattan area on Thursday. A fire at a five-unit apartment building in Welland is deemed suspicious. Firefighters were called to an address on Frazer Street Wednesday at about 6 a.m., said Welland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Chief Adam Eckhart. There were six occupants in the building, two of them having to be assisted out by firefighters before receiving assessment for smoke inhalation, he said. The fire appears to have started in the ground-floor apartment and spread to others above, he said, while noting the building is under renovations in response to previous fire inspection orders. Smoke alarms were operational and were vital in notifying tenants to the fire, Eckhart said. Two dogs, two cats and a rabbit also survived the fire, he said. Eckhart estimated damage at up to $15,000. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal was called in as well as Niagara Regional Police. The fire was possibly a result of arson. Eckhart said police are now leading an investigation. Police spokeswoman Stephanie Sabourin also said the fire is considered suspicious and that the Fire Marshals Office remains involved in the investigation. Kris Dube is a St. Catharines-based reporter for the Welland Tribune. Reach him via email: kris.dube@niagaradailies.com 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. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alya Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, September 5 2020 As Indonesia strives to get on top of the ever climbing number of COVID-19 cases, 82 percent of physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers across the country have been suffering from moderate levels of burnout and chronic mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress, a recent survey has revealed. Experts have said the number is concerning and that health workers are in dire need of help, as burnout can affect their well-being and job performance. We have to be more vigilant, as many health workers are already experiencing moderate burnout. Once it gets severe, it will be more difficult to treat, dean of the University of Indonesias (UI) School of Medicine Ari Fahrial Syam said on Friday. 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 Covid woe: Robert Pattinson is the star of the new film The Batman which has halted filming after a crew member on the UK set tested positive for the coronavirus Filming on the new Batman movie has been halted after a crew member on the UK set tested positive for the coronavirus, dealing a setback to one of the highest profile productions to resume after an industry-wide shutdown. The unidentified person is "isolating in accordance with established protocols," Warner Bros. said in a statement about the film, which is titled The Batman and is directed by Mark Reeve. "Filming is temporarily paused." The suspension is a sign of the challenges facing Hollywood as more shows and movies attempt to resume production. The pandemic brought the industry to a grinding halt in March, and many projects are still on hold. The film, which stars Robert Pattinson as Batman and Irish actor Barry Keoghan as a policeman, was under particular scrutiny because it's one of the biggest movies to return to shooting - and a key tentpole for Warner Bros. It was being filmed outside London. The studio had previously pushed back its release date to October 2021 from June 2021. The movie still needs about three months to finish shooting, according to Variety magazine. J acob Blake has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges filed prior to the shooting. The 29-year-old black man was shot by a white police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin last month, reigniting nationwide protests over racism and police brutality. Mr Blake has been accused of criminal trespass, third-degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct in charges which predate the incident. The woman told police Mr Blake broke into her home on May 3 and sexually assaulted her before stealing her truck and debit card. Jacob Blake's father Jacob Blake Sr makes a speech during protests / REUTERS On Friday, Mr Blake entered the plea through his lawyer during a livestreamed court hearing. It came as his first public appearance since he was shot in the back by a white Kenosha police officer on August 23. Mr Blake, who was left paralysed from the waist down by the shooting, was propped up in his hospital bed, dressed in a blue shirt and yellow tie, with his lawyer, Patrick Cafferty, sitting in a chair to his side. Mr Cafferty noted that Mr Blake had been working as a painter and that he had no prior criminal record or convictions in any state. Mr Blake raised his hand to greet Loren Keating, a Kenosha County judicial court commissioner when addressed. He said: "Yes sir," when asked if he could hear clearly and whether he understood the terms of his $10,000 signature bond. "The state recognises that these are serious charges but also that the defendant has serious injuries and he's recovering at the hospital," said Zeke Wiedenfeld, a prosecutor. The court set trial to begin on November 9 with jury selection. A North Carolina court ruled Friday that outstanding restitution, fees or other court-imposed monetary obligations cant prevent convicted felons from voting if theyve completed all other portions of their sentence. The ruling, which may face appeals, could pave the way for an influx of thousands of felons to have their voting rights restored amid hotly contested races for the presidency and U.S. Senate in the battleground state. It wasnt immediately clear how many were affected by the ruling, but lawyers for the plaintiffs said it was in the thousands. A statement issued by Forward Justice, one of the advocacy groups involved in the challenge, said that the ruling would allow some convicted felons to start registering to vote immediately. This ruling is a major victory for the thousands of North Carolinians who have been denied access to the ballot due to an inability to pay financial obligations, said Dennis Gaddy, executive director of Community Success Initiative, one of the organizations behind the legal challenge. Asked whether the state government defendants would appeal, Laura Brewer, a spokeswoman for the state attorney generals office, said lawyers were reviewing the ruling. The three-judge panel of Wake County Superior Court, which was considering a challenge to state law governing the restoration of voting rights, declined to settle the lawsuits arguments that probation, parole and post-release supervision are also unfair impediments to voting for those who have completed their incarceration. The judges said further proceedings were needed to address those issues. In North Carolina, felons can register to vote again once they complete all aspects of their sentence, which can range from prison time to court fees or restitution. In a 2-1 decision, the judges ruled that a portion of state law requiring felons to pay all monetary obligations before voting again violates the state constitution because it conditions the ability to cast a ballot on ones financial means. In the majority opinion, the judges note that the state constitution requires that ones property, or financial means, must not affect their ability to vote. Yet, under current state law, the ability for a person convicted of a felony to vote is conditioned on whether that person possesses, at minimum, a monetary amount equal to any fees, fines and debts assessed as a result of that persons felony conviction, the judges wrote in the opinion. Therefore, they ruled that the provision of state law regarding the payment of financial obligations violates the equal protection clause of the state constitution. A separate preliminary injunction issued Friday bars the state from stopping felons from registering to vote if the only remaining portion of their sentence is satisfying a monetary obligation. An attorney for the plaintiffs has previously told the judges that an estimated 56,000 felons who completed their incarceration still couldnt vote because of other unfinished aspects of their sentence. It wasnt immediately clear how many of those were prevented from voting solely because of monetary obligations and would benefit from Fridays ruling. The plaintiffs, which include advocacy groups and several ex-offenders seeking to vote again, have argued that the 1970s-era state law on restoration of voting rights disproportionately hurts minorities and is racially discriminatory. The plaintiffs have said that African Americans represent 42% of the people on probation, parole and post-release supervision in North Carolina and are unable to vote, even though they make up 21% of the states voting-age population. State lawyers representing legislative leaders and state elections board members have said the law doesnt violate constitutional rights because it treats all people convicted of felonies the same by withholding the right to vote. The chairman of the North Carolina GOP, Michael Whatley, said in a statement: It is outrageous for these judges to change the rules for an election when absentee ballots have already started going out and voting has begun. ___ Follow Drew at www.twitter.com/JonathanLDrew Technavio has been monitoring the application lifecycle management market and it is poised to grow by 1.78 bn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 9% 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/20200903005149/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Application Lifecycle Management Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. Technavio's in-depth research has all your needs covered as our research reports include all foreseeable market scenarios, including pre- post-COVID-19 analysis. Download a Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts Frequently Asked Questions: What are the major trends in the market? Emergence of next-generation ALM is a major trend driving the growth of the market. Emergence of next-generation ALM is a major trend driving the growth of the market. At what rate is the market projected to grow? The year-over-year growth for 2020 is estimated at 8.23% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be 1.78 billion. The year-over-year growth for 2020 is estimated at 8.23% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be 1.78 billion. Who are the top players in the market? Atlassian Corp. Plc, Broadcom Inc., CollabNet Inc., HP Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Micro Focus International Plc, Microsoft Corp., Perforce Software Inc., SAP SE, and Siemens AG, are some of the major market participants. Atlassian Corp. Plc, Broadcom Inc., CollabNet Inc., HP Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Micro Focus International Plc, Microsoft Corp., Perforce Software Inc., SAP SE, and Siemens AG, are some of the major market participants. What is the key market driver? The improved cost savings is one of the major factors driving the market. The improved cost savings is one of the major factors driving the market. How big is the North America market? The North America region will contribute 33% of the market share. The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Atlassian Corp. Plc, Broadcom Inc., CollabNet Inc., HP Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Micro Focus International Plc, Microsoft Corp., Perforce Software Inc., SAP SE, and Siemens AG are some of the major market participants. The improved cost savings will offer immense growth opportunities. To make most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing 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. Application Lifecycle Management Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Application Lifecycle Management Market is segmented as below: Deployment On-premise Cloud-based Geographic Landscape 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=IRTNTR43869 Application Lifecycle Management 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. The application lifecycle management market report covers the following areas: Application Lifecycle Management Market Size Application Lifecycle Management Market Trends Application Lifecycle Management Market Industry Analysis This study identifies the emergence of next-generation ALM as one of the prime reasons driving the application lifecycle management market growth during the next few years. Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Application Lifecycle Management Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist application lifecycle management market growth during the next five years Estimation of the application lifecycle management market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the application lifecycle management market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of application lifecycle management market vendors Table of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2019 Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 2024 Five Forces Analysis Five forces summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Deployment Market segments Comparison by Deployment On-premise Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Cloud-based Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Deployment Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market drivers Demand led growth Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Atlassian Corp. Plc Broadcom Inc. CollabNet Inc. HP Inc. International Business Machines Corp. Micro Focus International Plc Microsoft Corp. Perforce Software Inc. SAP SE 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 focuses 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/20200903005149/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/ September 04, 2020 / 10:55 PM IST and West Bengal. Yet, Indias recovery rate continues to rise and now stands at 77.1 percent. 'Unlock 4.0' is underway. Globally, there have been over 2.61 crore confirmed cases of COVID-19. More than 8.63 lakh people have died so far. Catch the latest updates here: Coronavirus India News highlights: Today is the 165th day since India implemented a nationwide lockdown, to help curb the novel coronavirus pandemic. So far, India has recorded 39,36,747 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 68,472 deaths. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh PHILADELPHIA - A Reading woman has admitted to her role in the sex trafficking of children in Berks County. Melissa Madera pleaded guilty to multiple charges of child exploitation and pornography, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Madera, 27, forced two girls, ages 15 and 17, to meet with "sex buyers" at motels in Muhlenberg Township and Wyomissing between August and October 2017, charging the customers $200 per hour, authorities said. The feds added that Madera plied the girls with drugs like Ecstasy and cocaine to ensure their compliance, enough so that they were sometimes unable to attend school the next day. "Predators come in many different forms," said Michael J. Driscoll, special agent in charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "Make no mistake, Melissa Madera fits that bill. She has now admitted to selling minors for sex, drugging them to maintain control of their minds and bodies. Such despicable treatment does serious lasting harm." Madera also obtained a sexually explicit image of one of the girls and used it to market her illegal services on a commercial sex trafficking website, officials said. "Here, Madera advertised children like objects to be sold online and gave them drugs so that they weren't in their right minds," said U.S. Attorney William McSwain. "This is a parent's worst nightmare." McSwain added that sex trafficking has become a serious problem in Pennsylvania's eastern district, which includes Berks, Chester, Lancaster, and Lehigh counties. +2 Gang's 'rampant violence' triggers more indictments "Its members protected their power and their territory through intimidation, violence, threats of violence, assaults, and even murder." "We are committed to rooting it out," he said. Last year and earlier this year, McSwain's office handed up indictments against more than a dozen people after the raid of a rooming house on South Fourth Street in Reading. Authorities said the building served as the headquarters for a violent sex trafficking gang. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan Railways and McKinsey& Company are working on the development of the Corporate Strategy of Azerbaijan Railway until 2030, the companys press service reported on September 4. During the videoconference held on September 2, representatives of McKinsey & Company provided detailed information about the progress of the project, and discussed the strategic goals of the Azerbaijan Railways. Chairman of the Azerbaijan Railways Javid Gurbanov spoke about the latest political and economic events in the country, noting their possible impact on the activities of the company. He emphasized the strategic importance of purposeful and effective investments into the railway, optimization of operating costs and increase of profitability, especially in transit corridors. Moreover, speaking about importance of investment in the railway, he stated that this is needed in order to successfully continue the companys social responsibility in passenger traffic, and to maintain level of infrastructure services. In turn, international experts in the railway sector of McKinsey & Company presented examples of the most successful railroads in the world and gave advice on how to formulate strategic goals of Azerbaijan Railways. It should be noted that Azerbaijan Railways signed an agreement with McKinsey & Company on May 21, 2020 to develop the corporate strategy of the Azerbaijan Railways for the period up to 2030. Earlier it was reported that Azerbaijans Ministry of Energy and McKinsey & Company signed an agreement to conduct a detailed diagnostics of the countrys gas supply system. Under the agreement, the company will provide consulting services to the ministry, when preparing proposals for reforms in this area in order to improve the efficiency of the countrys gas supply system, taking into account best international practices, to ensure reliable satisfaction of consumers needs. McKinsey & Company is management consulting firm, founded in 1926 that provides advice on strategic management to corporations, governments and other organizations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In April, eligible Americans received an Economic Impact Payment, better known as a stimulus check, from the federal government to help combat the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The checks were worth up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 per married couple, plus an additional $500 for each child under 17. Another round of payments could go out before the November elections, but negotiations have stalled in Congress. The general consensus is that those who received a payment the first time around will receive a payment the next time as well. If another round of checks does go out, how should people use the money? First, let's examine how they used the initial round of checks. In June, more than 85% of respondents to a U.S. Census Bureau survey said they or someone in their household received or expected to receive a stimulus payment. According to the Census Bureau, the majority of adults in households that got a stimulus check put or planned to put most of the money toward a variety of household expenses. Here are some of the highlights of the survey responses: 80% used the money for food 78% spent the money on rent/mortgage and/or utilities 58% used the money for household supplies and personal care products 20% spent the money on clothing 10% planned to spend the money on household or recreational goods 33% planned to use the money to pay off debt or add to savings While most people said they'd use their stimulus check for living expenses, a specific demographic had different plans. Adults making between $75,000 and $99,000 a year said they're more likely to add to their savings or put the money toward paying off debt. For people who can still pay their bills comfortably, the stimulus check has presented a unique opportunity to focus more on repaying pesky debts. Looking ahead to a potential second round of checks, Americans who are in a position to continue paying down their debts should consider doing so. For any debt repayment plan to be successful, it's important for people to formulate a strategy that works for their individual situation. Some common strategies to repay debts include the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods. Credello an information source that simplifies hard-to-understand scenarios around managing debt can help those who are looking ahead to another round of stimulus checks make smarter decisions with their money, especially when it comes to debt relief. SOURCE Credello Related Links https://www.credello.com Kharagpur: Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed confidence India will soon emerge as a global player in digital economy while claiming that in the next 3-4 years, big software companies will start emerging from India. India will be a global player in the digital economy and it will be competitive with any country in the world. There is a timing issue. We are doing well as a country. We need to stay at it. We need a few more years and we will get to it. I am absolutely confident, Pichai said at IIT Kharagpur campus. Also Read: Google CEO Sundar Pichai gets emotional at alma mater IIT Kharagpur He was asked by a student to comment on whether India can take on China.He said within the next five to ten years, they will see big global software companies coming out of India. Also Read: Surprised to find young IITians with IIM aspirations: Sundar Pichai Pichai advised Indian companies to aim higher and compete with MNCs, as the local market is not large enough to invest in technology.Part of the problem is that in India, the potential is there and market is developing. It will take a few more years for it to realise its potential. Digital market is still developing, Pichai said, while asking Indian companies to set their sights higher as trends are in their favour. John Louie leaned over and pinched tiny bits of broken glass between the prongs of his trash grabber and placed it gently into a bag at his side. It was a clear morning at Pioneer Square in downtown Portland, just a few blocks from The Benson hotel, where he works as a server. After over 50 years here, this is the worst Ive seen it, Louie said. Who wants to stay downtown in this mess? It had been nearly six months since Louie was back at work because of the struggles hotels have faced during the coronavirus pandemic. And, he said, crimes committed amidst the nightly protests and the inaction of city leaders have only made things worse. Im doing my job, he said. (City leaders) need to do theirs. As a citizen, I dont go downtown anymore. Were doing our job to make the city better, but the next day, its just more of the same. Louie was one of more than 500 volunteers who gathered in downtown around the Benson and other hotels to pick up trash as part of the Hospitality with Heart event Thursday morning. The event, organized by the Portland Business Alliance, Portland Lodging Alliance and SOLVE, meant to send a message that the business district is a safe and clean place to visit despite the ongoing protests and the pandemic. Donning brightly colored jackets and shirts, volunteers picked up about 3,290 pounds of trash from more than 181 blocks across the downtown area, including Lownsdale and Chapman Squares, the main gathering area for many of the nightly protests in downtown. Downtown business owners and neighborhood groups have expressed concerns for weeks about the conditions of the central city. On top of Portlands ongoing homelessness crisis, the coronavirus and clashes between protesters and police have fomented deep discontent downtown. One major employer temporarily relocated employees from downtown to the suburbs and suggested that workers only return when things improve after the pandemic. Other businesses have remained closed since the pandemic first hit Oregon in March or shut their doors for a second time due to the protests. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler speaks with media ahead of a cleanup event downtown hosted by SOLVE, Portland Business Alliance and Portland Lodging Alliance on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Sean Meagher/Staff Among those in attendance Thursday was Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who said he wants to see improvements in the way the city holds repeat-offenders accountable amid nightly protests. It doesnt sit well by me that the police make an arrest, somebody is processed in the jail, and then they are right back on the streets, Wheeler said. You have to hold people accountable for criminal acts ... Theyre doing a lot of damage and a lot of harm to people in this community, and if you let them get away with the small stuff, that can lead to further escalation. That should be concerning to all of us. After weeks of mounting pressure from frustrated local businesses and groups, Wheeler last week rushed to put together meetings with groups like the Portland Business Alliance to discuss plans for reviving downtown. For Kris Carico, the CEO of SOLVE, a statewide non-profit that has led several downtown cleanups since June, Thursdays event was not in response to the protest. Rather, she said, it was an effort to bring Portlanders together in a space that had remained largely vacant and uncared for throughout the pandemic. It makes me proud to be a Portlander and an Oregonian, she said. For Geri Berg, a retired pediatric social worker and volunteer, the national narrative about Portland as a violent city is a distraction that doesnt represent the city she knows. She looked down at the trash she had picked up and shrugged. We cant even fill our buckets. -- Bryce Dole; bdole@oregonian.com; 541-660-9844; @DoleBryce L Phaung Sho, former chief minister of Kayah state, speaks to reporters outside the parliament building in Loikaw, capital of eastern Myanmar's Kayah state, Sept. 3, 2020. Myanmar President Win Myint on Thursday removed the chief minister of Kayah state, two days after state lawmakers voted to impeach him over the alleged misuse of public funds from renting out state machinery and land designated by the legislature as public space. L Phaung Sho, a politician from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, who had held the position of chief minister since March 30, 2016, was accused of embezzling nearly 400 million kyats (U.S. $293,100) in state funds from the rental of publicly owned machinery and park facilities to private companies. Despite his ouster, L Phaung Sho remains a lawmaker in the Kayah state parliament and will compete for reelection in upcoming nationwide elections as a candidate for the NLD, which defended him on Thursday and condemned the impeachment as driven by a personal grudge. He is the first head of a state or regional government to be ousted by a parliamentary vote under constitutional procedures, with 16 of 20 Kayah lawmakers supporting the measure. The lawmakers voted Tuesday after receiving a report by a five-person investigative committee that examined the allegations. Prior to the vote, L Phaung Sho suggested that the committee chairman and two others had abused their power in filing the motion against him. L Phaung Sho defended himself on Thursday, saying that the decision to impeach him was not impartial and that he did not do anything wrong. I was stabbed in the back as the members of parliament misused their power, he told RFAs Myanmar Service. The politician went on to say that the accusations had already been cleared by parliament two years ago, because the body had approved annual state budget audits and submitted them to the president. I performed my duty very well, he said. During the motion to impeach him prosecutors performed as judges and made the decision that they wanted. L Phaung Sho said. There was no justice in the process, he said. I already had reported all facts to the constitutional court through the president. A personal attack The NLD issued a statement on Thursday saying that L Phaung Shos removal was a personal attack by the speaker of the state parliament and other NLD lawmakers, who have not been nominated for reelection in November. Given the fact that the state parliament chairman is not included in the list of candidates selected for contesting in the upcoming election, the partys central committee concluded that the chairman has acted on a personal grudge rather than complying with the laws and procedures, utilizing other party members who have not been selected for election and trying to tarnish the reputation of the party ahead of the elections, the statement said. Of the 20 lawmakers who comprise the Kayah state parliament, 10 are members of the NLD, five are military appointees, four are from the army-backed opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), and one is from the Kayah State Democratic Party. L Phaung Sho is the second chief minister to be sacked for alleged corruption under the NLD government, following the 2019 dismissal of Lei Lei Maw, another NLD politician who was chief minister of Tanintharyi region. She was jailed on corruption charges in May. A month later, Yangon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein, also an NLD member, survived an impeachment vote in the Yangon regional parliament. He was accused of seven offenses, including attending a Buddhist religious event in violation of COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and questionable spending on public works. Despite L Paung Shos removal from his post, he remains a legislator in the eastern states parliament and will run for reelection in the Nov. 8 general elections for his seat representing Kayahs Mese township constituency. Bosco, Kayah states minister of agriculture, livestock and irrigation has been appointed acting chief minister. Reported by Soe Soe Htet, Khaymani Win, and Soe San Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Laung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Tokyo/Singapore: A third crewman from a ship that capsized this week off Japan with more than 40 crew and a cargo of cattle on board was found alive on Friday after he was spotted by a search plane, Japan's coastguard said. The man, 30-year-old Filipino Jay-nel Rosals, was found on a life raft waving for help two kilometres off Kodakarajima, a small island in Japan's southern Kagoshima prefecture, the coast guard said. The 30-year-old can be seen on the left of the life raft waving for help. Credit:Getty Images He was conscious and was able to walk when the coastguard rescued him. Rescuers also found an overturned orange lifeboat floating at sea some four kilometres off Kodakarajima, but no one was found on that boat. Rosals was only the third crew member to be found so far from the Gulf Livestock 1, which capsized in the East China Sea on Wednesday and is believed to have sunk. EU research funding in the millions for Saarbrucken-based computational linguist People infer things beyond what is literally said - and everyone makes his or her own assumptions. This fact poses a major difficulty for computers. For her research project on this topic, Vera Demberg has received the prestigious ERC Starting Grant from the European Research Council, which provides 1.5 million euros over five years. In this research project, Vera Demberg is working with computer systems that can explain or summarize content. So-called chatbots, programs that automatically ask customers about problems and offer them solutions, are an example of this. "The goal of my research project is to ensure that systems that automatically generate language adapt to individual users in their manner of expression. In this way, I want to reduce misunderstandings and ensure that people can communicate with computers more naturally," says the Saarbrucken-based computational linguist. Current voice-based computer systems react to a specific user only to a very limited extent, for example by recommending certain products. "People, however, adjust not only the content but also the spoken form of their statements to their counterpart, so that as much as possible of what they say is understood. This is exactly what I want to achieve for computer systems," explains Vera Demberg. In the future, a computer system should be able to recognize whether it is, for example, talking to an expert or a layperson, and adapt the frequency of technical terms or the sentence length accordingly. To achieve this, the researcher must first analyze how people understand language on an individual level and how this process can be modeled in a computer. "An essential component of individual language comprehension is what conclusions one draws when hearing an ambiguous statement," explains Vera Demberg. For example, the sentence "Today Anna arrived precisely at three o'clock" allows two different interpretations: Anna came on time (as always), or Anna came on time (as an exception). Explicitly emphasizing the word "precisely" allows both interpretations. It is essential to model such individual conclusions, so-called inferences, in a computer so that the system can anticipate and prevent possible misunderstandings. "The project is therefore very interdisciplinary. I am working together with colleagues from computer science, language science and psycholinguistics to get to the bottom of this question," explains Demberg. As an application for her basic research, Demberg mentions dialog- and task-oriented systems in which facts are explained and summarized or users are provided with a virtual tutor. The new technology could also be used in cars to create driver assistance systems that are able to adapt their language to the traffic situation - just like a real co-driver. The project, titled "Individualized Interaction in Discourse (IDDISC)," is located at the Saarland Informatics Campus at Saarland University. It is funded by the European Research Council with a grant of 1.5 million Euros over five years, creating five scientific jobs. The award is already the tenth ERC Starting Grant and the 21st award of the European Research Council assigned to a project at the Saarland Informatics Campus. ### Questions can be directed at: Prof. Dr. Vera Demberg Chair of Computer Science and Computational Linguistics Tel.: +49 681 302 70024 E-Mail: vera@)coli.uni-saarland.de Background Saarland Informatics Campus:? 800 scientists and about 2000 students from more than 80 nations make the Saarland Informatics Campus (SIC) one of the leading locations for computer science in Germany and Europe. Five world-renowned research institutes, namely the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the Max Planck Institute for Computer Science, the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, the Center for Bioinformatics and the Cluster for "Multimodal Computing and Interaction" as well as Saarland University with three cooperating departments and 21 degree programs cover the entire spectrum of computer science. Public relations work at the Saarland Informatics Campus is supported by the Competence Center Computer Science Saarland, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Saarland State Chancellery. This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. THERE is growing anger among rural publicans and that is teetering on a protest movement - as wet pubs mark almost half-a-year of closure. A small protest took place in Dublin city centre on Thursday by Monaghan Publicans For Common Sense and Independent.ie understands discussions have been taking place across rural Ireland. Larger protests are now being discussed to highlight just how many publicans are struggling financially after the long closures. Charlie Chawke, one of Irelands best-known publicans, has signalled publicans displeasure is on the rise. The people from Monaghan, thats just the beginning of it - there will be more - the Government needs to knock this on the head, let them open, Mr Chawke told Independent.ie. Read More Mr Chawke said the Government now must open up the wet pubs, to allow people to start rebuilding their lives. Let the decent publicans prove to Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar they can open and abide by the regulations, Mr Chawke said. If the Government doesnt open all pubs, including those in rural Ireland, where people rely on their local pubs as a social outlet, it might as well build bypasses and close the towns. Noel McNally, owner of McNallys bar in Carrickmacross, is a member of the Monaghan protest group and hes aware of the growing anger in rural Ireland at the wet pub closures. Rural wet pubs, in particular, are suffering, after almost six months of closure, Mr McNally said, and bills still have to be met. However, even some well-established Dublin city bars are finding operating in the pandemic a challenge. With many people working from home and a Government instruction for the public to avoid public transport, where necessary, the city is suffering a lack of footfall. Mr Chawke added: A few of my pubs are doing okay and a few not. Hopefully the ones doing okay will balance the others but if it gets worse then we will have to close them (the less well performing bars) down. Suburban pubs are doing better. Before Covid, it was the opposite - the city pubs were busier. But this is a result of a loss of tourism, people working from home and people being asked not to use public transport. But it has a lot to do with Covid-19. Mr McNally said he took a phone call from a young publican in recent days and was greeted by a man crying, unable to pay his bills - worried about his future, his familys future. The publican said at least three local pubs have closed in rural Monaghan and many are now in debt and worried about the mortgage moratorium coming to an end. For Mr McNally and other wet pub publicans the issue is clear: Serving a burger or a pizza, doesnt make a difference. A socially distanced pint is exactly the same thing. The Government needs to let us open, this is peoples livelihoods and a Covid payment isnt enough to maintain a business, workers and families. The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) labelled the Governments treatment of the pub industry as appalling, adding that the latest measure, on pubs keeping receipts for 28 days, was implemented at minimal notice with zero advance communication. The new measure states pubs and restaurants serving food must keep till receipts recording the food customers eat. Many feel this is just another step by the Government to make operating more difficult for publicans currently operating in tough circumstances. An LVA spokesperson said: This is not the way to help a sector which is really, really struggling due to decisions that have been made by the Government. The Government has claimed these measures will help the pubs that are still closed to reopen. How does pubs and restaurants taking note of all food provided to customers for 28 days help the pubs that are still closed, because they dont serve food? Common sense would have seen the Government announce a proper plan for pubs months ago. It would also have seen them provide a meaningful support package for businesses whose doors they are keeping closed, rather than make a hollow announcement that consisted mainly of spin. Instead most of the pubs still closed will get a total of 1,600 extra grant aid for being closed for six months. The same measure as was provided to businesses in Kildare who were closed for about four weeks. A man has been rescued after being pinned under a tree for more than four days while cutting trees on his land in Minnesota, officials said. Jonathan Ceplecha, 59, was cutting down oak trees with a chainsaw near Redwood Falls on August 27 when one fell and trapped both of his legs, Redwood County Sheriff's Office said. Mr Ceplecha was found with both of his legs pinned on Monday and was rescued from the ravine, which was around 91 metres from his house. Jonathan Ceplecha, 59, was trapped under an oak tree for four days after both his legs became pinned in a 'freak accident' while he was cutting down oak trees on August 27 in Minnesota He was airlifted to hospital after Redwood Falls Fire Department spent around two hours trying to free him. He was said to be in a stable condition. A GoFundMe page, set up by his son Miles Ceplecha, says Mr Ceplecha survived the 'freak accident' by eating 'plants and insects'. It reads: 'Throughout his isolation, Jonathan ate plants and insects within arm's reach, drank sweat and rainwater that he collected in his clothes, and covered his head in his shirt during the nights to keep the insects off as he slept. 'He kept his sanity by breaking down every day into hours, and each hour into 5-minute segments. As someone of a heavy faith, he prayed to himself often, and tried to distract himself from panic by meditating and inventing rhythms to follow from dawn to dusk.' Police deputies attended his home after a high school in Marshall, where Mr Ceplecha teaches English, asked for a welfare check when he had not shown up for work. Chief Deputy Mark Farasyn said there was no sign of him so the police started searching the property, with help from his ex-wife and daughter. Mr Ceplecha (above) was rescued on Monday from the ravine on his land, just 91 metres from his house near Redwood Falls, and airlifted to hospital Chief Deputy Mark Farasyn said the 59-year-old English teacher and Iraq War veteran was conscious and surprisingly alert after being found And just before 4pm on Monday, the Redwood County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call saying that a tree had fallen on a person. Farasyn added that Mr Ceplecha was conscious and surprisingly alert after being found. When Farasyn asked him how long he had been stuck there, Mr Ceplecha responded '100 hours' without hesitation, KARE-TV reported. Mr Ceplecha is an Iraq War veteran and his training probably helped him survive, Farasyn added. 'He had the will to live, and he wasn't ready to go,' Farasyn said. Mr Ceplecha has undergone surgeries but it is likely that he will be able to keep both of his legs even though he still faces 'a long road to full physical recovery', the GoFundMe says. Demonstrators protested in New York City on Thursday, September 3, following the release of police body-camera footage showing the March 23 arrest of Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York, that led to his death. Protesters gathered in Times Square Thursday night. This video shows marchers on West 46th Street chanting and beating a drum. Prudes death was ruled a homicide, caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint," media reported. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announced Thursday that the seven officers involved in Prudes death had been suspended, local media reported. Storyful verified video of a vehicle driving through a crowd of protesters in Times Square on Thursday night. The New York Police Department (NYPD) said on Twitter that they were investigating the incident with the car, and said that the vehicle did not belong to the police department. Credit: Megan Watson via Storyful Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When news broke that Australian-raised TV anchor Cheng Lei had been detained by Chinese authorities, ambassador Graham Fletcher was quietly meeting with another imprisoned Australian in Beijing. The second prisoner's resolve was unshakeable. Despite more than 18 months of isolation, shackled interrogation and bright lights puncturing his sleep, Yang Hengjun declared he was unbroken. Yang, the Australian writer who once worked for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, knows China's brutal confession-based system better than most. "I am innocent and will fight to the end," he said. Australian writer Yang Hengjun says he is innocent of vaguely defined charges of espionage. Credit:Sanghee Liu The future of Yang and Cheng now rests on navigating a notorious judicial system, as concerns grow their detentions are partly driven by Australias deteriorating relationship with China. They are individuals caught in the middle of diplomatic rumble that threatens to keep them in jail long after the tensions between Beijing and Canberra have passed. The public declaration by 55-year-old Yang is a calculated risk. One of the driving reasons behind the statement of defiance was the need for his two children to hear that he was innocent, even if he was found guilty. He faces vaguely defined charges of espionage, which can carry the death sentence in China. The Chinese-born Australian citizen wants the claims tested in court. "We call it the prisoner's dilemma," says Feng Chongyi, Yang's friend, who was himself detained by Chinese authorities for a week after a university research trip to China in 2017. "Either way he will be punished." Advertisement Yang, the former Chinese government official and businessman, had become increasingly disenchanted by China's political system after he moved to Australia in 1999. He wrote spy novels under a pen name, before turning from fiction to political analysis. Across hundreds of blog posts he wrote nuanced critiques of the contradictions of China's state apparatus, interrogated Xi Jinping's speeches and lashed senior Chinese Communist Party figures for ramping up their corruption just as they were hitting retirement. Yang's "crime", Feng says, was his conviction that China sooner or later would move towards universal values and a constitutional democracy. "That is the cause that he has been fighting for all of these years," he says. Yang Hengjun with his wife Xiaoliang Yuan. The Australian government's surprise at the time of his detention in January 2019 was palpable. It still is. Diplomatic wrangling can be nebulous. If a government believes there is any chance the allegations against an Australian held overseas are true they often opt not to say anything or skirt around responses. In this case there is no grey zone. The Australian government has no doubt Yang is innocent of the espionage claims against him. The trouble for Australian negotiators is they have little to no leverage in China's judicial system, a situation made worse by diplomatic relations between the two countries plummeting to their lowest level in more than four decades under the weight of the coronavirus, China's crackdown in Hong Kong, persecution of Uighur's and incursions into the South China Sea. Advertisement In an attempt the balance the equation there are now two processes being put into play. The first are Magnitsky-style sanctions that would target individual Chinese officials for human rights breaches. The Morrison government established a committee last December to inquire into the establishment of US-style Magnitsky laws, which would target the Chinese officials on Australian soil by going after their local properties, investments and even the university education of their children. When the Australian government's findings are handed down at the end of this year, it is expected to recommend implementing them. Loading The second is an inter-parliamentary push that is gathering momentum. Australia is not the only country in the world to have its citizens arbitrarily detained. Sweden and Canada also have citizens in Chinese prisons facing vaguely defined allegations of espionage and breaches of national security. Amnesty International is now in contact with MPs across the three countries to make a joint statement condemning the Chinese Communist Party. "Sanctioning officials, incorporating human rights clauses in any bilateral agreement they make and pressuring the Chinese government together are all important steps," says Yaqiu Wang, the China researcher for Human Rights Watch. Wang adds that the treatment of Yang and Cheng happens to Chinese citizens all the time. "Anybody who is sucked into China's black hole of a justice system, their rights are not respected," she says. Advertisement "But this is all happening against the backdrop of the worsening China-Australia relationship and they are Australian citizens so there is more attention on them." Cheng, the University of Queensland accounting graduate who rose to become one of the most prominent TV anchors on Chinese state TV, has now endured more than three weeks of "residential surveillance" on charges still unknown to Australian authorities. The moniker, which suggests a house-arrest style arrangement, is not an accurate reflection of her circumstances. China's judicial system allows for six months of interrogation without charge under the category, in an undisclosed location, without guaranteed access to legal aid. Cheng had been a faithful Chinese state media reporter on the CGTN network up until her arrest in mid August, providing business interviews and analysis that waded carefully through Chinese government guidelines. But on her private Facebook page she was highly critical of the government's response to the coronavirus crisis and the leadership of Xi Jinping, mocking him as "dear leader". "In China, the belief 'do as I say, not as I do' runs deep in public office. 'Serve the people' goes the slogans, [the] reality is the opposite," she said in March. Feng points out that many of Cheng's posts were made in the first three months of this year, a time when censors had relaxed restrictions on Chinese state media to allow for some complaints. The temporary catharsis allowed people to vent frustration as the country came to grips with the coronavirus crisis. Advertisement But since then at least four high-profile critics of Xi and the Chinese Communist Party have been detained since the beginning of the pandemic as the party also increases its already vice-like grip over the legal system. In August it revoked the legal licences of 661 attorneys in one province alone, official notices from the Hunan Department of Justice show, sweeping up human rights attorney and those accused of holding dual nationalities. China's Foreign Affairs Ministry this week strongly rejected any criticism of its judicial system, stating it was a "country of the rule of law". Loading Navigating the complexities of this legal behemoth is a challenge that Cheng now faces. The 45-year-old Chinese-born Australian has two young children waiting for her at home in Melbourne. Wang says what makes Cheng's case interesting is her work for Chinese state media. "If she can be detained, what about other journalists who work for other non-state media outlets," she says. "Whenever a foreign citizen gets detained in China, it creates a chilling effect. People intuitively understand they should be careful what they say." Advertisement The mayors of Prague and Taipei announced new areas of cooperation for the two sister cities, including orchestra tours, on Friday as a Czech delegation concluded a weeklong visit to Taiwan that was bitterly criticised by China. Taipei also donated 100,800 face masks and will share its experiences in controlling the coronavirus, Mayor Ko Wen-je said. The head of the 80-plus member delegation, Czech Senate leader Milos Vystrcil, is the highest-ranking Czech official to visit the democratically ruled island since 1989, according to Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Since the delegations arrival on Sunday, it has met with Taiwanese counterparts to develop cooperation in a range of areas including trade, cybersecurity and the coronavirus pandemic. Vystrcil also met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Wu said Taiwan is looking into starting direct flights between Taipei and Prague using its flagship airline, China Airlines. Vystrcil has faced strong anger from China, which issued multiple warnings over the week about the visit, as well as criticism from the pro-China Czech president. China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and objects to any official contacts between other countries and the island. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Monday that China will definitely make them pay a heavy price for the visit, which Beijing sees as support for Taiwanese independence. Throughout the visit, Vystrcil and others have emphasized the shared democratic values of Taiwan and the Czech Republic. Relations have soured between part of the Czech government and China in the past year. Prague canceled a sister cities agreement with Beijing last year after the Chinese side insisted on adding a clause to the deal stating that Prague supports the one-China principle, which says Taiwan is part of China. In reaction to Pragues decision to sign a new sister cities agreement with Taipei, China canceled the tours of several Prague classical music ensembles and orchestras. Part of the dispute is over trade. There were a lot of promises of China investment roughly around the year 2013, 2014. However, all those promises turned out to not be fulfilled, Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib said Friday. Humanitarian aid work is difficult. Workers helping people without food, water, shelter, or healthcare must often face natural disasters, slow governments, and even war. Now they have another enemy to consider -- COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Here we will talk about three stories of humanitarian workers in hotspot areas. Fighting locusts in Somalia Earlier this year, Somalia faced its worst invasion of desert locusts in 25 years. In February, the country declared a state of emergency over swarms of the crop-destroying insects. The swarms can grow to several hundred square kilometers. Each square kilometer can contain 40 to 80 million locusts. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says the huge swarms can eat the same amount of food in one day as about 35,000 people. As a child in Somalia, Mohamed Mohamud remembers the locusts. The swarms darkened the skies. The insects ate his small tomato plants the ones he carefully grew for his family. Today, Mohamud is an insect expert with the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi. The center fights poverty and food insecurity by developing ways to control crop-destroying insects. To do that, it depends on equipment and people from other countries. However, now borders are closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. So, the center can do little to help. Mohamud told VOA that in the past when swarms became too big, helicopters would drop insect-killing chemicals. Other vehicles would also come to help. He said with COVID-19 and blockades everywhere, the situation has worsened. Movement across borders is now impossible. Border closures between countries is one problem. There are also blocks within governmental agencies that have created other problems. Feeding the poor in Nepal Neera Sharma manages the World Food Program's school meal program in Nepal. She said that the early days of the coronavirus crisis were difficult. During that four-month period, the food program changed from an in-school format to a take-home format. The new format is based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and instructions from the Nepalese government. But the program also needed approval from the Nepalese government and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which helps pay for the program. Sharma explained that in May, June, July three months there was nothing. Then, schools were closed during Nepals national lockdown. They were temporarily made into quarantine centers. This made giving out food even more difficult. Sharma said that there were countless children in Nepal who went to school on an empty stomach. The coronavirus has made hunger worse. The World Food Program estimates that 2.4 million children did not get necessary food when schools closed. Civil war in Yemen Yemen is currently experiencing what many observers say is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. The rainy season there is now taking place. Some people have lost their homes to flooding. These flood waters have also caused an increase in diseases, such as cholera and dengue fever. Yemens civil war has continued since 2015 and it has worsened poverty. People in Yemen are still in need for very basic things, said Sonia Almassad. She manages two offices in the U.N.s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA. These basic things, she said, are water, food, shelter, blankets, and health services. Now, Yemini people must also face COVID-19. Humanitarian efforts in Yemen have been delayed because operations take longer now and cost more. Giving out supplies takes place over longer periods of time to permit physical distancing. People also need personal protective equipment, which raises costs. OCHA and other U.N. agencies are struggling to find the money to continue operating in Yemen. Since July, Almassad has been organizing all her work from her home in Syria. She did spend four months working in Yemen but was only able to move from room to room. She said that during the disease outbreak, she has spent more time working but not getting the same results. When will things get better? In Somalia, Mohamud fears that heavy rains will cause another wave of locusts. His organization expects that one in every four Somalis -- 3.5 million people -- will face severe food insecurity by September. In Yemen, three of Almassads U.N. colleagues recently died. The U.N. would not say if COVID-19 was the cause. Still, she expects to return to the country in the next month. In Nepal, Sharma appeared hopeful. The school meal gave out the first round of take-home food in July. It will continue giving the 1,500 metric tons of food donated by the U.S. in a second round in late September. The food program has done very well. So, in this years national budget, the Nepalese government agreed to expand coverage of the program from 60 percent of the country to 100 percent. Sharma said knowing that a child wont go to bed tonight with an empty stomach because of [this] program -- thats extremely rewarding. Im Anna Matteo. And I'm Caty Weaver. Leslie Bonilla wrote this story for Voice of America. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _________________________________________________________ Words in This Story locust n. an insect similar to a grasshopper that gathers in huge numbers and eats crops swarm n. a large number of insects moving together food insecurity n. a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to enough food format n. the way in which something is designed lockdown n. a situation in which people must stay in their houses or prisoners in their cells for security reasons quarantine n. being kept away from other people in an effort to stop the spread of a disease round n. one of a series of similar events or actions rewarding adj. giving a good feeling that you have done something valuable or important The US election is officially open: North Carolina on Friday launched vote-by-mail operations for the November 3 contest between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, which is getting uglier by the day. Worries about the unabated spread of the coronavirus are expected to prompt a major increase in the number of ballots cast by mail, as Americans avoid polling stations. In a country on edge over the health crisis and a national reckoning about race, the next two months will test the ability of the world's largest economy to organize its election profoundly changed by the pandemic. North Carolina was to begin mailing out more than 600,000 ballots, in response to a major spike in demand. Other key battleground states such as Wisconsin will follow in the coming weeks. How Americans vote has become another flashpoint in an increasingly divisive political landscape. A recent poll by USA Today and Suffolk University showed that 56 percent of Republican voters surveyed said they would go in person to vote, while only 26 percent of Democrats plan to do the same. One out of every four Biden voters said that if the Democratic former vice president loses on November 3, they would not be ready to accept a Trump victory as "fairly won." About one in five Trump voters said a similar thing. - Seeds of doubt - As he seeks a second four-year term, Trump has for months sowed doubt among his base about the legitimacy of an election with a significant number of mail-in votes. Trump -- who himself votes by mail in his adopted home state of Florida -- has repeatedly, and without evidence, said mail-in voting could lead to widespread fraud. He even has suggested to his supporters that they try to vote twice to test the system -- earning him scorn on social media and from Democrats. Facebook, the world's largest social network, reminded users that voting by mail has a "long history of trustworthiness" in the United States, as does voting in person. Story continues - 'Losers' - The tense campaign battle between Trump and Biden heated up Thursday when The Atlantic magazine reported that the Republican incumbent had referred to US Marines buried in a World War I cemetery in France as "losers" and "suckers" for getting killed in action. The backlash was swift, and Trump sent a barrage of tweets Thursday and another on Friday to defend himself. "The Atlantic magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance," Trump wrote. "Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against." The story refers to a visit to France made by Trump in November 2018, for the centenary commemorations of the end of the Great War. Trump did not visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris, officially because his helicopter could not take him there due to bad weather. But The Atlantic, citing four anonymous sources who said they had firsthand knowledge of the discussions, reported that he had told senior staff: "'Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers'." On the way back to Washington from a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump erupted, slamming the allegations as "disgusting, grotesque, reprehensible lies." "I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes," he said. His top aides quickly launched a counteroffensive, flooding social media with pictures of the president with US soldiers. But excerpts from his campaign speeches in 2016, when he mocked late senator John McCain -- a prisoner of war for years in Vietnam -- also quickly returned to the fore. - Swing states - On Friday, both Trump and Biden were staying close to home. The former vice president was to speak Friday in his home state of Delaware on "the economic crisis that has been worsened by Trump's failure to get the virus under control," his campaign said. Trump was not expected to stray far from the White House during the three-day Labor Day holiday weekend. With two months to go until Election Day, all eyes are turning to the key swing states that could tip the election one way or the other. Pennsylvania and Florida -- both won by Trump in 2016 in tight contests over Hillary Clinton -- are particularly in the spotlight. According to the latest poll by Quinnipiac University, Biden has a solid lead in Pennsylvania, with 52 percent support to 44 percent for Trump. In Florida, the two men are running neck-and-neck, with 48 percent for the Democratic challenger and 45 percent for the incumbent. jca/sst/ec One million, three-hundred-fifty-four thousand, six-hundred-sixty-four. That's an estimate of U.S. military who have given their lives to protect the U.S. Constitution. These are fellow citizens who have cared enough to put everything on the line to protect the right for all of us to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." They didn't want to give up life itself, but they knew that their lives were at stake, and they were willing to risk it anyway. Because it mattered. It mattered because ours was the first and most critical test of whether a new nation conceived in liberty can long endure. Endurance is not automatic. We are not experiencing a routine repetition of our four-year election cycle. We are at a critical moment in democracy. We are going to determine whether this government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the Earth. If our president can corrupt the election by disabling the Post Office, that is exactly what will happen. Washington President Donald Trump said Thursday that people who vote early by mail should show up at their local polling places on Election Day and vote again if their ballots havent been counted, a suggestion that experts said would lead to chaos, long lines and more work for election officials during a public health crisis. In a series of tweets, Trump encouraged voters to go to their polling site to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted). If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly. But information on whether a ballot has been counted is typically not available right away. In several states, absentee ballots arent even counted until after polls close. What can be checked is whether an absentee ballot has been received, and in some cases, whether it has passed a security review and will be submitted for counting. Election officials warned that a flood of voters showing up on Nov. 3 to check the status of their ballots would mean even more disruption during the coronavirus outbreak and lengthy waits. Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, said it also could undermine public health efforts. The board strongly discourages people from following the presidents guidance, Brinson Bell said in a statement. That is not necessary, and it would lead to longer lines and the possibility of spreading COVID-19. Trumps latest remarks raising questions about the integrity of mail voting came the same day that the Department of Homeland Security sent a memo to election officials warning that Russia is likely to continue amplifying criticisms of vote-by-mail and shifting voting processes amidst the Covid-19 pandemic to undermine public trust in the electoral process, according to an official familiar with the memo but not authorized to speak publicly. Its the latest warning by U.S. officials that Russia may be using some of the same criticisms as Trump. Many states offer ways for voters to verify the status of their ballot online that provide information on when an absentee ballot request has been received, when a ballot has been sent, when the ballot has been received by a local election office and whether it has passed the security review and been accepted. These are typically available on the website of the state election board or the secretary of state. Voters in the few states that dont provide this information online have the option to call their local election office. Trump has for months claimed without proof that there could be widespread voter fraud in November. Thats despite officials in states that have relied on mail-in ballots saying there is little evidence of fraudulent activity. Multiple studies have also debunked the notion of pervasive voter fraud in general and in the vote-by-mail process. On Wednesday, Trump first seemed to urge absentee voters to go to their polling place on Election Day to see if they could vote again. His remarks drew widespread alarm from various officials and voting rights groups, saying that if voters were somehow able to cast a second ballot, they could face prosecution for voting twice. Let me be perfectly clear: voting twice is illegal, no matter who tells you do to it. The presidents idea is a great one for people looking to go to jail, said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Karen Hobart Flynn, president of Common Cause, said: You cannot test election integrity rules by breaking them, any more than you can rob a bank to make sure your money is safe. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany blamed the media for taking Trumps words out of context. She said the president said mail-in voters should go to the polls to make sure their votes got tabulated, and if they werent, they should vote in person. The president does not condone unlawful voting, McEnany said. Trumps tweets on Thursday appeared to be an effort to clarify the earlier remarks. But they continued to cause concern for election officials who would have to deal with voters showing up at polling places on Election Day to demand information on their absentee ballots. All states track absentee ballots, so they know which voters have requested an absentee ballot and, of those, how many have returned their ballots. This information is available to poll workers on Election Day for the check-in process, either through paper or electronic poll books. If a voter shows up at a polling place on Election Day, after having requested an absentee ballot, this will be readily apparent. Depending on state rules, a voter might be able to cancel their absentee ballot but some might be instructed to cast a provisional ballot that will trigger a review process to determine whether the person is a valid voter and whether their absentee ballot was received and counted. Provisional ballots are the last to be reviewed and counted. If a voters absentee ballot was not counted, their provisional ballot would be counted. Having large numbers of people casting provisional ballots would create long lines at polling places on Election Day because its more time consuming for poll workers to work through than issuing a regular ballot. Once polls close, its much more work for election officials. Its just going to increase the strain on the system, said Jennifer Morrell, a former election official in Colorado and Utah. All those provisional ballots that have been issued, they are all going to have to be researched. You need to be so thorough. You dont want to disenfranchise anyone who has the right to vote and you also dont want to let a vote be processed if it shouldnt be. (Adds quote from Biden speech) By Ann Saphir Sept 4 (Reuters) - An unexpectedly steep drop in the U.S. unemployment rate last month looks to offer fresh ammunition for President Donald Trump as he stumps for votes contending he is the better choice for the U.S. economy in the run-up to the Nov. 3 presidential election. But the Labor Department's monthly jobs report also contains tinder for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to make his own case against Trump's economic stewardship, with fewer job gains and widening disparity among racial groups. Trump was quick off the draw with his take: "Great Jobs Numbers!" he tweeted, adding that the unemployment rate had fallen below 10%, the peak during the Great Recession, sinking "faster and deeper than thought possible." Biden, meanwhile, took Trump's economic stewardship to task in a campaign speech on Friday. "The economic pain remains unrelenting for millions of working people from every race and background who aren't getting the relief they need." Historically, incumbent presidential candidates are hurt by a weak economy, and the coronavirus pandemic touched off the worst quarter in modern U.S. economic history. But a sharp recovery could offset that. With just one more national employment scorecard due before Election Day, here's a look at some highlights of Friday's report and what they may mean for each political candidate: FALLING UNEMPLOYMENT RATE LOOKS GOOD FOR TRUMP: At 8.4%, the unemployment rate is lower than many top economists had expected it to be even by the end of the year. The drop surprised economists, who forecast a slide to 9.8% from July's 10.2%. While still well above the pre-crisis rate of 3.5%, the steep downward trajectory plays into Trump's narrative of a quick return to a strong economy as businesses re-open. SLOWING JOB GAINS NOT SO GOOD FOR TRUMP Including the 1.37 million jobs gained in August, U.S. employment has recouped just about half its losses since the crisis began, still leaving the total number of employed short by 11.5 million compared with six months earlier. Moreover, the pace of gains has slowed, particularly in the hard-hit leisure and hospitality sector. Story continues Just 174,000 leisure and hospitality jobs were created in August, less than 10% of new jobs in the sector created in June. "If this sector has run out of steam, high levels of joblessness will last longer than initially thought," wrote Nick Bunker, chief economist at job search website Indeed. In fact, private-sector hiring overall at just over 1 million fell well short of the median estimate among economists in a Reuters poll, and the big overall driver was government hiring - mostly for 238,000 short-term jobs for the 2020 U.S. Census. WIDENING RACIAL GAP COULD BOLSTER BIDEN'S CASE The strengthening job market benefited white people more than Black people, marking the fourth month of reversal of a pre-crisis trend that had brought Black and white unemployment rates much closer to parity than ever before. Among Black people the jobless rate dropped to 13% in August, from 14.6% in July; for white people it fell to 7.3% from 9.2% a month earlier. The gap was the biggest in six years, underscoring racial inequalities that have become a flashpoint in the presidential election campaign. WOMEN'S GAINS STALL, DINGING TRUMP The share of the U.S. population who had a job or were seeking a job - a yardstick of labor market vibrancy - rose in August, but gains were driven almost entirely by men. The male labor force participation rate climbed to 67.7% from 67.1%, while the rate for women barely changed, inching up to 56.1% from 56% a month earlier. For those in their peak working years, ages 25 to 54, the gender split was even more pronounced, with the participation rate for women declining for a second straight month, while it edged up for men, pushing the gap between them to 13.2 percentage points, the widest in more than a year. With both political candidates courting the female vote, a stall out in women's labor force gains in August bodes poorly for Trump. (Reporting by Ann Saphir; additional reporting from James Oliphant in Wilmington, Delaware Editing by Dan Burns, Andrea Ricci and Aurora Ellis) Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Robin Williams won an Academy Award, six Golden Globe Awards, five Grammy Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. In a listing of the 25 Funniest People of All Time, he was ranked first. But his remarkable success and popularity could not insulate him from the pain of this broken world. He dealt with cocaine and alcohol addictions, heart problems, and severe depression before taking his life in 2014. Now we know the rest of the story. A documentary, Robins Wish, captures the actors battle with Lewy body dementia (LBD), a type of brain disease that affected his thinking, memory, and movement control. This is the second-most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimers disease. However, Williams was misdiagnosed by doctors; it wasnt until years after his death that his family discovered the truth of his internal battle. His widow, Susan Schneider Williams, called LBD the terrorist inside my husbands brain. One brief shining moment that was known as Camelot In other celebrity news, a Kennedy lost an election in Massachusetts for the first time ever when Sen. Ed Markey defeated Rep. Joe Kennedy III in their Democratic primary. John F. Kennedy was elected to the House of Representatives from Massachusetts in 1946, serving six years before his election to the Senate in 1952 and 1958 and his election as president in 1960. His brother, Robert, was elected to the Senate from New York. Ted Kennedy was elected to Johns seat in the Senate, serving until his death in 2009. Joseph P. Kennedy II (Roberts son) and Patrick J. Kennedy (Teds son), both served in the US House of Representatives, as did Joseph P. Kennedy III (Roberts grandson) before losing his race against Sen. Markey. I read The House of Kennedy by James Patterson and Cynthia Fagen this week. It tells the story of this familys remarkable achievement but also their deep grief. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963; Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 on the night he won the California primary and seemed on his way to the presidency. Ted Kennedy made an abortive run for the Oval Office in 1979 but was tarnished by his role in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969. John F. Kennedys son, long seen as his heir apparent, died in a plane crash along with his wife and her sister in 1999. But theres more. I learned from the book that John F. Kennedys great-grandfather died of cholera at the age of thirty-five on the exact day the president was assassinated 105 years later. John F. Kennedys older brother was killed in action during World War II; his sister Kathleen died in a plane crash in France. His sister Rosemary never advanced intellectually past the fifth grade, became the victim of a botched lobotomy, and was institutionalized for the rest of her life. Numerous other family members struggled with substance abuse and legal issues. After President Kennedys assassination, his widow gave an interview to noted political writer Theodore H. White for Life magazine. She told the story of the week that led to his death and focused on the Broadway play Camelot, a musical the president had especially appreciated. It ran from December 3, 1960, to January 5, 1963, roughly paralleling his presidency. The lines he loved to hear, Jackie told White, were Dont let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot. Your steadfast love is better than life One of the enduring lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is the frailty of human life. No matter our celebrity status, financial wealth, political power, or cultural success, Camelot is more fiction than fact in our fallen world. A Washington Post article explains that the 1918 flu pandemic, which led to least fifty million deaths worldwide, is still causing problems today. Mutations descended from the 1918 H1N1 virus make up the influenza viruses were fighting now. Health experts warn that the upcoming flu season is likely to exacerbate the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. As a result, my wife and I got our flu shots yesterday (I urge you to get yours soon). We all need to be prepared for the descendants of the 1918 pandemic as we fight the current pandemic. And we need to be prepared for an uncertain future the only way we can: by walking closely with our Lord today. David spoke for us all when he testified, O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1). As a result, he says, I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you (vv. 23). He continues: My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night (vv. 56). Receiving the present grace The key to preparing for an uncertain future is rejecting the spiritual vs. secular dichotomy of our culture by seeking intimate communion with our Lord each moment of each day. As C. S. Lewis noted, God wants humans to be continually concerned either with eternity (which means being concerned with him) or with the presenteither meditating on their eternal union with, or separation from, himself, or else obeying the present voice of conscience, bearing the present cross, receiving the present grace, giving thanks for the present pleasure. Did you remember God upon your bed last night? Have you looked upon him and beheld his power and glory yet today? Are you receiving the present grace of your Lord right now? If not, why not? Originally posted at denisonforum.org While families and educators are gearing up for the first day of school, the familiarity of yellow school buses pulling up at the end of the street is still a ways off for many school districts across the state. Several communities are deciding how to approach the fall semester as the coronavirus pandemic continues to pose as a public health dilemma. While some families grasped remote learning by the reins in the spring, others fear the most at-risk students, including those with special needs, will fall through the cracks in a structureless, isolated environment. Spring semester was no walk in the park, as to be expected, said Demarise Edwards, a special education paraprofessional and student teacher in Waltham Public Schools. Edwards noted while the drastic shift was challenging for all educators, special education teachers faced a very specific set of challenges. Edwards works with students in the districts connections program, which includes children with autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, blindness, epilepsy, and deafness, which are frequently comorbid with a complex medical diagnosis. Some students utilize g-tube feedings, tracheostomy tubes, and oxygen masks, she added. While teaching remotely, Edwards noted virtual learning was definitely difficult within her classroom. Edwards explained her students learn best with a hands-on educational experience and not being able to do so impacted their ability to learn effectively. Not being able to provide individualized support, unless the parents were right there to aid them, had its impact as well, Edwards admitted. It was definitely frustrating and upsetting for me as an educator to feel like my students were not gaining as much from this experience as they were from our typical in-person learning, especially given the importance of consistent and strong instruction in their ability to make progress. Despite this, Edwards said she stands by the belief that her students health and safety comes first and virtual learning was a necessity for this. Some parents of special needs students are struggling to adapt to the role of teacher while balancing their workloads and everyday life. My husband and I work full-time in law enforcement, said Katie Deschene of Middleton, who has three young children, including a preschool-aged son with autism. One parent is always home with our family dynamic. We didnt, obviously, have daycare at the time since it was shut down. Deschene said she feels the teachers were fantastic and put in a lot of effort, however, sitting down with remote learning was almost impossible. Deschene felt her son regressed due to the lack of a real classroom environment, which offers in-person and one-on-one learning, special services to aid with her sons autism, in addition to social interaction with fellow classmates. I dont think he gained anything from it, said Edwards, who noted at her sons age, he wont fully learn the fundamentals of preschool, including sharing and taking turns, at home by himself. Hes just so young we couldnt really explain it to him, she said. He is very attached to one of the teachers, she is an assistant, her name is Mrs. Burke. Whenever Mrs. Burke would do [remote learning] videos he would get upset and say he wanted to see her. When remote learning began, Deschene admitted she didnt know what services her family was entitled to. Her son, who is on an Independent Learning Plan (IEP), receives occupational therapy treatment and meets with a school psychologist. While learning remotely, Deschene said her son received Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy at home five days a week, two hours per day. I was emailing the school and the line of communication was extremely open, but it wasnt working with us, Deschene admitted. The Middleton School District plans to bring students back to full-time, in-person learning for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Deschene said she is eager for her son to return to the classroom and receive the assistance he needs, however, she worries about a potential second wave of Covid-19. Honestly if we go back to remote learning, I dont know what well do, Deschene said. Were lost for what we will do. Michael Guthrie, 5, of Tyngsborough. Christi Guthrie and her son Michael, 5, of Tyngsborough, faced similar challenges. Michael is enrolled in school choice, in which he receives speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, while being involved in an inclusive environment. All of Michaels services were offered online, said Gutherie, who added the district offered weekly check-ins by phone to see how they could better accommodate her sons needs. Guthrie said teachers at Tyngsborough Elementary School went the extra mile and offered car/driveway conversations to say hello. While sources like Seesaw and Google Classroom were helpful, Guthrie said Michael wanted in-person learning. For our family, and specifically for Michael, remote learning did not work, Guthrie admitted. It was merely a means to socially connect. I was OK with that because it was temporary, or [so] we all thought. Tyngsborough Public Schools has developed a hybrid learning model for the fall. Although Guthrie is stressed about COVID-19, she is equally as stressed because she sees the wonder and curiosity in children is being replaced with worry and confinement. We have to not only provide a safe environment to learn but also teach our children coping skills, she said. In addition, Guthrie advocates that physically going to school provides more than just an education. It gives children a platform to engage socially, strengthen manners, manage schedules, manage emotions and so much more, she explained. At home, children are so comfortable that many times emotional, mental, and physical boundaries are non-existent. Families and pediatricians in the Somerville School District wrote a letter to the School Committee and Gov. Charlie Baker, advocating for statewide in-person learning for the upcoming school year. Elizabeth Pinksy, a child psychiatrist with children in the Somerville School District, said the push of the letter is to get the most vulnerable students, including the youngest learners, learners with special needs, and learners with limited English proficiency back to school. Pinksy noted some students who have disabilities are receiving special services that cannot be delivered remotely, whether it be physical therapy, occupational therapy, ABA services, among others. Below a certain age, Pinksy said, children cant engage with a screen the same way they engage with a teacher in person. Much of their learning has to do with regulating their behavior and figuring out how to interact with peers and negotiate conflicts and those arent things you cant readily learn remotely either, Pinksy cited. Those are things that all kids need to do, whether or not theyre receiving special services, its just that those kids needs are greater. According to the letter, while there is an associated risk with reopening, the prioritization of schools should be made during the pandemic. The letter cites Massachusetts has kept the rates of infection under 3%, oftentimes less than 1%. In addition, the letter notes masking and distancing will remain effective in school buildings. In order to maximize learning and minimize infection rates, Somerville families are recommending to have school outside as long as possible, including setting up tents on school property, according to the letter. Staggering drop-off and pick-up times, ensuring appropriate PPE is available for teachers and staff, and implementing a district-based testing initiative were other recommendations in the letter. Kalpana Shankar, an emergency physician in Boston with students in the Brookline School District, said a lot of the active, self-driven learning occurs at a childs own pace or is pushed along by adults with other students in their age bracket. For special needs students on IEPs, she said, parents arent equipped with the tools to progress a student through their IEP, since it is a legal contract between the school and the child. Now youre in remote learning and if your child has an IEP, what tools are you given to execute it? she posed. You have a lot of working parents who now need to put extra thought and time into how to deliver that material to their child. On top of the teaching aspect that comes with classroom-based learning, Shankar highlighted social impact is just as crucial. When you remove a child from the classroom and put them at home where theyre comfortable and arent used to being taught, it can pose an additional challenge. Home school parents sometimes have separate rooms for their children to learn and be taught, Shankar said. As adults, we have home offices, but not all parents have the ability to create learning rooms in their homes. Ultimately, it will be up to families to choose whether to send their children back to school, participate in a hybrid model, or continue remote learning. School districts are required to put together curriculums for remote learning, including meeting the specialized needs of children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and English Language Learners. While each school district is different, Shankar said fear and risk is real, however, in-person learning or a hybrid model is ideal. You cant convince [parents and educators] that the risk is low, they have to follow the data, but there is some fear-mongering that happened early on, Shankar said. There are vivid pictures in some peoples heads of people getting sick and dying and I dont think that is our reality here. Hairdressers work on customers seated inside for the first time in months at Angelo's Barber Shop in downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 3, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) As Orange County Hair Salons Reopen, Rejoicing Is Subdued IRVINE, Calif.Orange County hair salon owners were permitted to reopen to 25 percent capacity on Aug. 31, under Gov. Gavin Newsoms new reopening guidelines. But challenges still loom ahead for hair salons serving fewer customers and struggling to pay the bills. And beauticians who run other types of salons say theyre left in the lurch. Tam Nguyen, a nail industry leader in the county who runs the Advanced Beauty College, told The Epoch Times, Working outside, its not ideal, and very cumbersome. We cant open inside right now, so we would like to advocate to open inside immediately. From what nail salon owners have told him, it seems about half of them might close for good. Nguyen said the industry is very disappointed with the new tier system, as they were expecting to receive guidelines for reopening. The color-coded tier system places Orange County in purple, or widespread. Purple is the worst tier, essentially placing Orange County back where it was when it was on the state COVID watch list, under the previous classification system. Counties that are in the purple tier report more than seven new cases for every 100,000 residents per day and have a positive testing rate higher than 8 percent. Nguyen said, nail salon owners have the protective equipment, we have the professional training for that. So to be discriminated against as an industry and not treated fairlywe know theres many businesses right now that are opening indoors that are not as safe as nail salons. Tam Nguyen is president of Americas largest beauty school, Advanced Beauty College, in Orange County, Calif. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) On March 7, Gov. Newsom said the first communal spread of COVID-19 occurred in a nail salon, which Nguyen believes was the starting point for the industry to be singled out. We have found that to be incorrect. That only exacerbated and made the aggressive anti-Asian bias surrounding the coronavirus even more hurtful, he said. Hair Salon Business at 25 Percent Stacy Sutherland, owner of Synergy Salon and Spa in Orange County, is now able to serve clients indoorswhats left of her clients, anyway. She said staying under the 25 percent capacity maximum, unfortunately, wont be hard to accomplish. The number one reason that people are not coming in is because of fear that we are the super-spreaders, and that the reason it was locked down in California so tightly is because we must be the reason why its spreading. [Thats] what our clients are telling us, even though theres no science to back that up, Sutherland told The Epoch Times. Shes not sure her salonwhich has been in business for 17 yearswill make it another two months, even with the current guidelines. The damage from the initial shutdowns was too great, and she has taken on loans from the Small Business Administration. Even if I lose the salon, Im still on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars that I now owe the Small Business Administration, which they are happily tacking on interest as fast as they can. I just got a statementfound out Im already owing them over $2,000 worth of interest for two months, she said. She rents out booths in her salon to independent stylists, allowing them to make their own schedules. Theyre self-employed, which makes it difficult for them to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. She forgave their rent, but now to stay afloat, shes had to start collecting. To comply with sanitation protocols, Sutherland spent $10,000 when salons were allowed to reopen in June for about two weeks. They were forced to close again after a surge in COVID-19 cases following the 4th of July weekend. Freelance Law and COVID Impacts Another Orange County beautician, Jen, has been doubly hitby the pandemic and by AB 5, the controversial law that went into effect Jan. 1, prohibiting most freelance work. Jen, who preferred not to publish her last name, is a freelance makeup artist and licensed esthetician. She specialized in events such as weddings. After AB 5, she was hoping to rework her business model and hadnt made much progress when events came to a halt anyway. People arent getting married; the entire wedding industry shut down, and production shut down, Jen told The Epoch Times. Its not just makeup artists; its photographers, its musicians who rely on the wedding industry, its florists, its wedding planners, she said. Jen is frustrated and confused by the states classification system for counties. I cant even understand it. Thats the problem with it. It just seems like were going backwards. Prince Harry is being urged to get a Netflix musical about his mother pulled, days after he signed a multimillionaire-pound deal with the streaming service. Netflix will screen the controversial musical, named 'Diana: A New Musical', which features a fictitious scene where the Queen labels her a 'tart'. Other controversial lines include the Queen saying to Diana: 'In the old days we would have chopped off your head,' while another scene sees Diana in bed with James Hewitt. Now a former bodyguard of the late princess is calling on her son to get the musical pulled from the streaming service. The calls come after the prince and Meghan Markle signed a deal, believed to be worth up to 112million, with Netflix this week for their new yet-to-be-named production company to make documentaries, feature films, scripted shows and children's programming. Ken Wharfe, 72, Diana's former bodyguard, The Sun: 'The Diana musical, soon to be premiered on Netflix, presents a huge dilemma to them both. Netflix will screen the controversial musical, named 'Diana: A New Musical', which features a scene where the actor playing the Queen labels her a 'tart'. Pictured: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who this week signed a deal with Netflix Other controversial lines in the musical (pictured left and right) include the Queen saying to Diana: 'In the old days we would have chopped off your head,' while another scene sees Diana in bed with James Hewitt Roe Hartrampf playing Prince Charles and Jeanna de Waal playing Diana, during a preview for the musical "Diana" at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway 'If the critics are to be believed, this musical story is not a joyous journey of love with a happy ending but an episodic account of untruths, scandal and sex. 'He now has the chance, irrespective of his lucrative deal with Netflix, to stand alone from his wife and make clear his abhorrence of such a musical and call Netflix to account.' The musical began previews in March but never officially made its debut on Broadway due to the coronavirus pandemic. In an unconventional step, the musical is set to skip Broadway and go straight on to Netflix. The musical began previews in March but never officially made its debut on Broadway due to the coronavirus pandemic In an unconventional step, the musical is set to skip Broadway and go straight on to Netflix. Controversial lines in the musical 'Diana' The musical features a number of controversial lines including one in which the Queen says to Diana: 'She's going out dressed up like a tart'. In another line, Charles says to Diana: 'Another boy. It seems you ignored my request for a girl,' while the Queen also says: 'In the old days we would have chopped of your head.' James Hewitt also remarks 'You'll like my horse,' when Diana asks for a riding lesson, while butler Paul Burrell calls a dress Diana wears as a 'f**kety, f**kety, f**kety, f**ket, f**k you dress.' Advertisement The cast and crew are set to reunite in an empty theatre this month to perform the musical for cameras and put the finished product on the digital platform for broadcast next year, before the show welcomes a live audience again. 'We speak for the entire company when we say that we couldn't be more excited to finally be able to share our show with theatre lovers everywhere,' the show's producers said in a statement last month. Diana is advertised as the tragic and yet inspiring story of a young woman learning to break free of the confines of the British royal family. It has songs by Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan and a story by playwright Joe DiPietro. The pair also collaborated on the Tony-winning Memphis. Diana stars Jeanna De Waal in the title role, and explores Diana's glamour and charity work and the slow public crumbling of her relationship with Prince Charles. She died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi. Her story is also featured in season four of The Crown and her sons - princes Harry and William - are a source of constant news. But it also features topics including the breakdown of Diana's marriage to Prince Charles, with swathes of vulgar dialogue and scenes of fiction, reports The Sun. Diana is also shown to self-harm after Charles moans about 'another boy' when Harry is born, the paper says. The drug has so far only been tested on a total of 76 people and will need to progress to a much larger 'phase 3' trial - Dmitry Kurakin/TASS Russias fast-track Covid-19 vaccine is safe and produces two forms of immune response against the virus, according to a study in the Lancet. The findings appear to justify some of the claims made by Vladimir Putin in early August, and follow weeks of demands for transparency from the international scientific community. However, the new study of two early-phase trials reveals that the drug has so far only been tested on a total of 76 people - and not by the most rigorous of methods. This means it will need to progress a much larger phase 3 trial, involving thousands of participants, before experts can know how well it works. UK scientists on Friday called on Moscows Gamaleya Centre, where the vaccine is being developed, to resist political pressure to release doses to the general public before all the results are known. Nevertheless they welcomed data suggesting that the 'Sputnik V candidate stimulates an antibody response, and also a T-Cell response. Antibodies have been the original focus of many of the prominent vaccine candidates, but virologists have always cautioned that coronavirus antibodies may only last a matter of months and that there is no guarantee they prevent infection. Far less is known about T-cells, but there is some emerging evidence to suggest they do provide good protection and last far longer. The vaccine has been developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) - Russian Direct Investment Fund/Reuters The Russian vaccine is behind other candidates, such as one by Oxford University, which is already conducting a multi-arm international phase 3 trials. Lasting 42 days, one part of the Gamaleya trial studied a frozen formulation of the vaccine, which is envisaged for large-scale use, while the other analysed a freeze-dried formulation intended for hard-to-reach regions as it is more stable. The two-part vaccine includes two adenovirus vectors which have been modified to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. These types of vaccines are based on weakened versions of adenoviruses which are a group of viruses that typically infect membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, urinary tract, intestines and nervous system, and include the common cold. Story continues The candidates induced an antibody response in all participants within 21 days and a T-cell response within 28 days. The drug was judged to have a good safety profile at 42 days. Mild side effects included pain at the injection site, a high temperature and headaches, findings which appear to correspond with President Putins account of one his daughters trying the vaccine. "After the first injection her temperature was 38 degrees, the next day 37.5, and that was it. After the second injection her temperature went up slightly, then back to normal, he told a press conference in August. President Putin confirmed his daughter was given the Russian vaccine - MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/AFP The results were published in the latest edition of the Lancet, whose editor Richard Horton has been an outspoken critic of Boris Johnsons handling of the pandemic response. On Friday, independent experts said results were weakened by the fact the trial was both open-label and non-randomised, meaning participants knew they were getting a vaccine, raising the chance of a placebo effect, and were not chosen at random, meaning doctors may have tried the drug on only the most healthy. Lead author Dr Denis Logunov, of the N F Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, explained that when adenovirus vaccines enter cells, they deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, which causes cells to produce the spike protein. This helps teach the immune system to recognise and attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus, he said. To form a powerful immune response against SARS-CoV-2, it is important that a booster vaccination is provided. Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, said public confidence in the quality of any new vaccine was vital. This manuscript confirms some of the public statements from a few weeks ago, namely that this appears to be a promising vaccine candidate. "Phase 1 and phase 2 trials have been carried out, and there is sufficient reason to scale up into much larger phase 3 trials. He added: Concerns do remain around some of the previously-made ambiguous comments that this vaccine is about to be formally approved and licensed. "At this stage, we do not know if the vaccine actually works that is what the phase 3 trials will tell us. Professor Eleanor Riley, from the University of Edinburgh, said: The key question is whether the next step for this vaccine is indeed (as we would expect) a randomised, blinded, placebo controlled phase III trial or whether the vaccine developers will come under political pressure to release doses of vaccine for administration to the general public. The approval granted for the vaccine apparently under a law introduced after the onset of the pandemic allows for both. The scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have revealed an interesting take on the rust found in the Moons atmosphere. In their latest study, scientists have blamed the Earths oxygen for the presence of rust on the Moon, which has been there for billions of years. Scientists have found the presence of haematite, an iron oxide mineral, at high latitudes on the moon. In these areas, the surface area as well the core is almost entirely scarce of oxygen. As it is well known that irons reaction to oxygen, which is both highly reactive metals, results in the formation of reddish rust, which is often found on Earth. Another factor is the presence of hydrogen in solar wind blasts the lunar surface. This acts as a counter-reaction to oxidation. The lead author of the study, Shuai Li has explained that the hypothesis claims that lunar haematite is formed through oxidation of lunar surface iron by the oxygen from the Earths upper atmosphere. Li is an assistant researcher at the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) in the UH Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). The researchers have also studied the locations where they found the presence of haematite. They believe it to be related to the water content at high latitude. This oxygen has been continuously blown to the lunar surface by the solar wind when the moon is in Earths magnetotail during the past several billion years, Li explained it further. The study was published in the journal Science Advances. It also added to our knowledge that haematite is not completely unavailable at the far side of the moon, the areas where it might be difficult for Earths oxygen to reach. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:48:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Japanese police on Friday said a suspect in a murder case here 17 years ago had been taken into custody in South Africa where he'd been living as a fugitive until the COVID-19 pandemic caused him to lose his job and seek a route back to Japan through the Japanese embassy. On Aug. 21, the 46-year-old suspect So Kamiya turned himself at the Japanese Embassy in South Africa, local media reported. He reportedly said that life had become untenable after the pandemic due to a lack of finances after losing his job and he wished to return to Japan. He was arrested by the Japanese police on Thursday at Narita airport close to Tokyo after being identified by his fingerprints. The suspect had been on an international wanted list. Kamiya is suspected of abducting 26-year-old Shinya Kogawa in September 2003 in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, where he confined the victim in a car before allegedly murdering him and spreading the body parts around a mountainous area in western Tokyo, according to media accounts. Kamiya is believed to have murdered Kogawa at the request of Tomoyuki Matsui who had argued with Kogawa over his plans to open a new bar. Sources close to the matter said that Matsui is also believed to have fled to South Africa and was put on an international wanted list, but killed himself in 2016. Ten other suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder case, Tokyo police said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 02:27:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (R) speaks during a joint press conference with visiting EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 3, 2020. Borrell held talks with Sameh Shoukry in Cairo on Thursday over regional issues including the Libyan crisis, the Palestinian issue and Ethiopia's dam built on the Nile River. (Str/Xinhua) CAIRO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi met on Thursday with visiting EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to discuss regional issues including the Libyan crisis, the Palestinian issue and Ethiopia's dam built on the Nile River, said the Egyptian Presidency. During the meeting, Sisi reiterated Egypt's fixed position that supports a political solution for the Libyan crisis away from foreign interventions and involvement of armed militias, welcoming any positive steps that would lead to peace, construction and development in Libya, according to the statement. With regards to the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Egyptian president and the EU diplomat agreed on the necessity of a collective international action toward the resumption of peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. Sisi and Borrell expressed aspiration for a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue in accordance with international references in a manner that achieves security, stability and prosperity for all the peoples of the region. The talks also addressed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) built on the Nile River, which raises Egyptian concerns that it might affect its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of Nile water. Sisi "affirmed Egypt's adherence to its water rights through reaching a balanced and binding legal agreement that guarantees clear rules for the filling and operation of the dam and achieves the common interests of all parties," said the Egyptian presidency. He also highlighted the importance of the water issue for Egypt as a key matter of national security. For his part, Borrell underlined the distinguished relations between the EU and Egypt, commending the political weight of Egypt regionally and internationally and its role in maintaining security and stability in the Middle East region. The top EU diplomat described Egypt as "an important strategic partner for the European Union," according to the statement. Earlier in the day, Borrell held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry over similar regional crises. National cabinet has fractured over plans to ease state border controls and open the economy by Christmas, with premiers pushing back at a bold federal agenda out of concern it could erode their power. State premiers split over the roadmap to reviving social and economic activity in a fundamental dispute over whether the peak group needed to reach a consensus on how to respond to the coronavirus crisis. PM Scott Morrison abandoned the usual consensus model of the national cabinet after encountering strong objections. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Prime Minister Scott Morrison secured an agreement in principle to remove barriers by Christmas and negotiate the best way to define "hotspots" where infections are too high, in a limited deal that is subject to further talks. But Mr Morrison abandoned the usual consensus model of the national cabinet after encountering strong objections, with West Australian Premier Mark McGowan refusing to sign up to the new timetable. Logo of the Exxon Mobil Corp is seen at the Rio Oil and Gas Expo and Conference in Rio de Janeiro By Luc Cohen (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp is limiting output at its flagship offshore project in Guyana to 100,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) due to more issues with the reinjection of natural gas, the South American country's environmental regulator said on Friday. Exxon, which operates the Stabroek block in a consortium with Hess Corp and China's CNOOC Ltd, had initially planned to ramp up output for this first phase of the Liza project to its full capacity of 120,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) in August, Exxon Senior Vice President Neil Chapman said in a July earnings call. But mechanical issues with gas compressing equipment are preventing Exxon from reinjecting all of the natural gas produced alongside the light, sweet Liza crude, prompting the company to limit output so as to not flare an excessive amount of the gas, Guyana Environmental Protection Agency executive director Vincent Adams told Reuters. "We know that they're doing their best to try to fix it, but the bottom line is it's not fixed," Adams said. Natural gas flaring is a significant source of climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Guyanese authorities say Exxon should eliminate all flaring except for a "pilot" flame, necessary for safety. The first phase of the Liza field "demonstrated" its full capacity of 120,000 bpd in the second quarter, Chapman said in July. But in June, the company slashed output to around 30,000 bpd due to gas reinjection issues, before ramping back up to around 90,000 bpd. "We continue to safely complete final commissioning of the gas handling system," an Exxon spokesperson said on Friday. "Once the system is fully commissioned, we will be able to produce at full capacity." Exxon and its partners have discovered more than 8 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas off Guyana's coast, which is expected to transform the poor country's economy. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Neil Marks in Georgetown; Editing by Marguerita Choy) All political action tells a story. These stories teach us something about what is good or evil, what is heroic or cowardly, and which ideasor even peopledeserve a public hearing. Immersion in these stories is deeply formative, and that formation, when it goes unnoticed, can subvert our imitation of Christ. How are our politics molding us? And what does it mean to pursue habits of spiritual maturity with politics in mind? Kaitlyn Schiess, an author and seminarian whose formative years in American evangelicalism culminated with graduation from Liberty University in 2016, explores these questions in The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor. CT columnist Bonnie Kristian spoke with Schiess about her book. The Liturgy of Politics begins by looking at the intersection of Christianity and politics in America over the past half century. How would you characterize the problem you see, and whats the new way forward youre proposing? The books thesis is that our political formation shapes us in spiritual waysbut also that our spiritual formation should shape us in political ways. We have not sufficiently examined the state of our hearts and the power of the political stories we have taken for granted. We dont recognize, necessarily, the ways we are shaped on a lower register by the political media we consume and the political habits we practice. That shaping is not content to stay in the political realm; inevitably, it will influence us spiritually. My goal in the book, then, is to look at that problem and say: Maybe the answer we need is not a new answer. Maybe the answer we need is to return to the historic practices of the church that have always been ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. R.N.C. 2020 I watched the R.N.C. last week. Its becoming harder to put into the words the dread that many of us feel. Whats really happening? Toxic levels of corruption and collusion are devouring the U.S. Christian extremists want to turn the country into a religious state straight out of The Handmaids Tale. After bombarding us with media campaigns pressuring us not to wear masks in March and April, the U.S. now contains 22 percent of all COVID deaths. I personally know three New Yorkers who died in April as a result of this official guidance. Trump has stoked racist police violence in the U.S. to even more atrocious heights. Scaring voters with fake tales of impending anarchy and dark shadows, Trump then promises that if re-elected he will crush BLM protesters and restore law and order. Is he getting this stuff from Steve Bannon or Mein Kampf? Probably both. Trump is hosting Federal executions in the countdown to the election as another prong of his racist, fake law and order platform. Last Thursday, the U.S. government defied Navajo tribal sovereignty and executed Lezmond Mitchell, injecting him with a massive quantity of Pentobarbitol in a death chamber in Indiana. Behind this curtain of carefully orchestrated chaos, the network of corporate lobbyists that form the core of the Republican party pillage the U.S. Treasury and dismantle scores of environmental regulations, driving the country and the world even more hopelessly into global boiling and mass extinction. Australian Rupert Murdoch blares his obscene propaganda into American homes, hypnotizing viewers with lies, rage and fear-mongering. Meanwhile, 40,000 square miles of Australian wilderness burned last summer, killing over a billion animals. More than half of the Great Barrier Reef has collapsed in the last five years due to rapidly increasing ocean temperatures. The same kinds of awful, permanent losses are engulfing nature on every continent. For many people, economic suffering looms while Amazon, Facebook, Google, Tesla, Apple and others expand their global footprints, sucking dry local economies. Some of the CEOs pour the wealth of the world into colonial space programs. They fantasize that they might finally shed their dependence upon Mother Earth and become the heroic Creators and patent-holders of life on Mars. Unlike the Koch brothers, who paid for the malevolent spread of climate change denial, todays tech billionaires scent themselves with a pheromone of liberal philanthropy while monetizing the dismantling of checks and balances that once helped to protect us. They take meetings with Trump, provide him with the viral platforms he needs to retain the presidency, advertise themselves as having done the opposite, and then hedge their bets in private. Huge swaths of Californias ancient redwood forests continue to burn around the perimeter of Silicon Valley. Incessant, nihilistic assaults on truth, empathy and the biosphere ensure that life on earth will become much, much worse. On the campaign trail in 2016, Trumps team described him as the first presidential candidate since Harry Truman with the guts to drop the bomb. Trump stood there, grinning with pride, and a wave of nausea spread through me. I had the same feeling a few months ago, when I heard Trump utter the words the Chinese virus. What waits for us on the other side of this is a world undone by endless cataclysm and aching with senseless loss. The sound of this track R.N.C. 2020 is pretty rough. The loop is from a concert I did at a club in New York City in my early twenties. So thats me screaming in the past... for the present. Can you visualize a different path forward? We All have to focus on this now, with everything weve got. ANOHNI September 3rd, 2020 #HastenApocalypse #LetThemDie #TriumphoftheWill #ControlWomensBodies #SlashandBurn #WhiteCollarCrime #ItsOnlyFourDegrees #DreamTilYouGetItRight Republican senators urge FDA to label abortion pill as deadly,' hazard to women's health Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A group of nearly two dozen Republican senators have signed onto a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn asking him to protect women and girls by removing abortion-inducing drugs from the U.S. market. In the letter, lawmakers urge the FDA to "classify the abortion pill as an 'imminent hazard to the public health' that poses a 'significant threat of danger.'" Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, one of the lawmakers who signed onto the letter, took to Twitter Wednesday to proclaim that pregnancy is not a life-threatening illness, and the abortion pill does not cure or prevent any disease. The letter comes less than a week after the Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift an injunction on an FDA rule requiring abortion clinics to schedule in-person appointments with patients before dispensing or prescribing the abortion-inducing drugs sold as Mifeprex in the U.S. The rule came as the abortion industry has used the coronavirus pandemic to push for the expansion of TelAbortions, where women receive Mifeprex, formerly known as RU-486, in the mail. TelAbortions enable abortion clinics to circumvent the Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategies, or REMS, which require a qualified medical professional to dispense the abortion pills at a clinic, hospital or other medical facility. As the senators explained in the letter, Under the REMS, an abortion pill prescriber must guarantee his competence to properly date a pregnancy, and to provide or arrange for surgical intervention in case the pill fails, or in case the woman needs emergency intervention. The senators proceeded to make the case that forcing women to engage in a form of DIY chemical abortion comes with significant risks. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Sue Turner, director of Physicians for Life, said that when Mifepristone first came out, the FDA had a protocol for it to be used through seven weeks, or 49 days from conception. But the longer you wait," she said, the less effective it is. Because many abortion clinics were ignoring the FDAs protocol and using the drug in chemical/medical abortions up to 60 days, states began passing regulations saying they had to follow the FDAs protocol. They (abortionists) didnt want to have to follow the FDA protocol," Turner said. "So [then President Barack] Obama made the FDA change it to the later date, the 60 days, to match up with what the abortion providers were doing. The drug was less effective and abortionists then had to also perform a surgical abortion, which meant that women were being charged for both chemical and surgical procedures. In their letter, the senators noted: According to FDA reporting, the abortion pill has taken more than 3.7 million preborn lives, caused 24 maternal deaths, and resulted in at least 4,195 adverse maternal reactions including hemorrhage, excruciating abdominal pain and severe life-threatening infections. The fact is that the abortion pill poses a four-times higher risk of complication than surgical abortion in the first trimester. The senators letter to the FDA also cited a report from the pro-life group Live Action called Abortion Pill Kills. The report explained in detail the complications experienced by women who take the abortion pill, which can include severe cramping, contractions, and heavy bleeding. According to the FDA, women can expect the bleeding to last 9 to 16 days on average, while 8% experience bleeding for more than 30 days, the report states. It also warns that the ultimate goal of the abortion industry is to make abortion pills available over the counter and remove all requirements mandating that licensed physicians be involved in the process. While the senators praised the FDA for continuing to fight to defend the REMS and monitor dangerous clinical studies, they argued that these measures alone fail to protect the thousands of women harmed even by compliant usage of this drugor the millions of children killed. These senators are not the only group expressing concerns about abortion pills and calling for their removal from the market. A group of six dozen Republican members of the House of Representatives sent Hahn a nearly identical letter seconding the concerns of their Senate colleagues. Earlier this summer, a coalition of pro-life groups wrote a letter to Hahn calling on the FDA to ban abortion pills. Signatories included the presidents of Live Action, the Susan B. Anthony List, Samaritans Purse, and the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists a group of practitioners who broke away from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists after it began advocating for abortion on demand and abortion for minors without parental consent. BREAKING: Live Action President @LilaGraceRose & 22 Pro-Life Leaders have sent a letter to @SteveFDA urging the @US_FDA to BAN the abortion pill. The deadly drug is an imminent hazard to public health and poses a significant threat to the lives of women & children. RT! pic.twitter.com/4kYbxs8DEy Live Action (@LiveAction) July 28, 2020 Pro-abortion activists were quick to condemn the push to label Mifeprex as dangerous. Ilyse Hogue, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, slammed the fear and lies featured in the letter and declared that medication abortion is incredibly safe. A toddler aged three died suddenly in his sleep after suffering from seizures and developing an 'extraordinarily rare' brain condition, an inquest heard. Frankie Grogan was found unresponsive in his bed at his family home in Timperley on May 19, 2019. His parents Sarah and James Grogan said he seemed 'out of sorts' in the hours leading up to his death after he woke up in the night for a drink and felt warm. Tragic Frankie with his parents Sarah and James Grogan who died suddenly in his sleep after suffering from seizures and developing an 'extraordinarily rare' brain condition So they gave him medicine and checked on him while he was sleeping, but woke up the next morning to find him 'blue' in his bed. He tragically died less than an hour later. Frankie had suffered with febrile seizures in his early years but had not had a fit for five months leading up to his death. After he died, doctors found that he had developed an 'extraordinarily rare' brain condition hippocampal malformation - a condition associated with sudden death. On Thursday (September 3), an inquest into Frankie's death held at Stockport Coroners Court heard how the toddler had suffered with convulsions since shortly before his first birthday. Frankie had suffered with febrile seizures in his early years but had not had a fit for five months leading up to his death. But his mum Sarah Grogan told the hearing how despite this, he had 'thrived' as a child. 'He was born three weeks early but was healthy', Mrs Grogan said. 'At about seven months he started with a childminder and he settled in straight away. 'He hit all the milestones in his life even though I am biased as a mum.' Mrs Grogan said Frankie had his first seizure just before he turned one and was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital where he underwent tests. Doctors said that he had a febrile convulsion and allowed him to go home. He went on to have several more seizures in 2017 and in 2018, triggered by a high temperature caused by viral infections such tonsillitis or ear infections. 'We were taking him to hospital every time', Mrs Grogan said. 'We did try with one to deal with it at home but they were just so scary that after that we kept taking him to hospital. 'We were told with the seizures that the majority of children could grow out of them. 'He had a seizure in December 2018 then around two weeks later in January. Then the next was five months later which is suspected when he died.' Recalling the night before his death, Frankie's mum said he seemed to be 'out of sorts' and 'did not really seem himself'. His parents took his temperature which showed he was 'warm' but 'just above normal' for him, so they gave him Nurofen and eventually put him to bed. Stockport Coroners Court heard Frankie seemed to be 'out of sorts' and 'did not really seem himself' 'As a parent I just knew that he was not 100 per cent. Me and James were just going in and checking on him. He had a little fan in his bedroom to keep him cool.' Frankie then woke up at 4.30am and asked his parents for a drink. 'He felt warm so I gave him Calpol and a drink of water and put him back to bed', his mum added. 'James was meant to be running the Manchester 10K the next day. Frankie was excited about that so I told him we've got to go to sleep. Frankie was looking forward to seeing his dad (right) run the Manchester 10K when he went to bed 'James had set an alarm for about 7am but it was odd that the alarm had gone off before Frankie had woken up so he went to see him and found him.' Frankie's dad found him unresponsive and 'blue' in his bed. His mum gave him CPR on the landing before paramedics arrived and attempted to resuscitate him. He was rushed to Wythenshawe Hospital in cardiac arrest where he sadly died less than an hour later despite the best efforts of medics. Rajeev Shukla, a consultant paediatric pathologist at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, gave Frankie's cause of death as hippocampal malformation associated with sudden death. A senior doctor was shocked after reading the report as he had never heard of hippocampal malformation before Paediatric consultant Lapkong Yeung, who was involved in Frankie's treatment for his seizures, told the inquest he was 'shocked' after reading the post-mortem report and 'had not heard' of the condition before. Mr Yeung, who works at Wythenshawe Hospital, said: 'It is not capable to diagnose this condition in life that I am aware of. 'I discussed this with my colleagues after receiving the report and none of us had heard about it before. And there are over 100 years of experience between us'. Recording a conclusion of death by natural causes, coroner Chris Morris said: 'For all intents and purposes Frankie was a healthy and happy little boy. 'I can certainly see the steps that were taken by his parents to try and monitor and manage the seizures that Frankie had very carefully. Mr and Mrs Grogan have now set 'Friends of Frankie' to raise funds for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood UK 'Frankie was seen as an outpatient and at the time, there was no knowledge of the hippocampal malformation. 'This was not something that was easily identifiable.' Mr and Mrs Grogan have now set 'Friends of Frankie' to raise funds for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood UK, a charity which conducts research into sudden death syndrome. Following memorial ceremonies in Wiltz and Differdange, another ceremony took place in memory of the victims of the general strike against the forced recruitment during Nazi occupation of Luxembourg. The memorial took place on the site of the Post group at Cloche d'Or. In 1942, two postal workers were gunned down by German soldiers for participating in the general strike. Video reports in Luxembourgish: Gedenkzeremonie op der Cloche d'Or No de Commemoratiounsfeieren zu Wolz an zu Deifferdeng am Kader vum Generalstreik vun 1942 war um Donneschdeg och eng Zeremonie op der Cloche dOr. Around 20 people took part in the ceremony on Thursday afternoon, including members of the victims' families, and Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot. Fayot paid tribute to the victims who put their lives on the line in order to defend their values, and warned against forces which would always seek to disrupt our values. Washington: US President Donald Trump confronted a crisis on Friday that could undercut badly needed support in the military community for his re-election campaign as he sought to dispute a report that he privately referred to US soldiers killed in combat as "losers" and "suckers". Trump came under intense fire from Democrats and other opponents who said a report in The Atlantic demonstrated his actual contempt for those who serve their country in uniform. US President Donald Trump has denied a report that he called fallen soldiers "losers" and "suckers". Credit:AP Speaking with reporters next to Air Force One after returning from a campaign rally on Thursday night, Trump heatedly denied making the comments, as reported by the magazine. "If people really exist that would have said that, they're lowlifes and they're liars," Trump shouted above the noise of the plane's engines. "And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more." The plan to use private security in the state's hotel quarantine program was recommended by the chief commissioner of Victoria Police. The officer in charge of the taskforce that oversaw hotel quarantine confirmed during cross-examination before the inquiry into hotel quarantine on Friday afternoon that it was the chief commissioner's preference. Graham Ashton retired in June. Credit:Jason South The decisions were made at the end of March when Graham Ashton, who retired in June, was the chief commissioner. According to a statement to the inquiry by Commander Tim Tully, who led Operation Soteria, it was a "CCP recommendation that private security is to be the first line of security". The past few months, like most summers, have been a busy season for moving. While reports differ on whether 2020 is seeing a mass exodus from major cities or simply the acceleration of an ongoing and predictable trend, the reality of the coronavirus pandemic's impact on migration patterns is likely somewhere in between. With that said, recent home price gains suggest there may be more demand in relation to supply for lower-priced homes in affordable suburban and rural areas. For movers hoping to take advantage of an extended or permanent work-from-home arrangement, it may be helpful to know where their new neighbors have a history of succeeding and supporting their community while working remotely. For example, 20.2% of residents in the Truckee-Grass Valley region of California regularly worked from home in 2018, according to a Bloomberg analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau's 2018 American Community Survey. By comparison, at a national level, just 5.3% of U.S. employees reportedly worked from home that year. The analysis ranks the top metropolitan and micropolitan areas (ranging in population from 10,000 to 500,000 people) with the highest shares of people who regularly worked from home in 2018, doing so at two to four times the rate of the national average. Other small cities with high shares of remote-working communities are scattered throughout Minnesota, southwestern Utah, northern Colorado and pockets of Florida. These smaller communities may offer residents the space and lower cost of living to invest in a home-office setup. A precedence of remote working communities could also indicate solid city-wide infrastructure to support teleworking, such as reliable internet connectivity or proximity to rising, mid-size cities that boast more job opportunities. Truckee-Grass Valley is about an hour's drive from Sacramento and three hours from San Francisco, for example. Indeed, employers have been moving beyond major city limits for quite some time, says Mark Muro, a senior fellow with the Brookings Institutions Metropolitan Policy Program. "There have been instances of people and firms moving out [of big cities], but in aggregate we still see concentration," Muro tells CNBC Make It. Referring to the new realities of social distancing due to the coronavirus, he says, "will the next five years be the period it reverses? Maybe so. It might be better for the country." According to Muro's research, more than 90% of the country's growth in innovation jobs between 2005 and 2017 happened in just five cities: Boston, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and San Diego. This labor market growth, and resulting concentration, has contributed to rising costs of living in these areas, greater income inequality and homelessness, while also drawing resources and investments away from neighboring metros. A greater embrace for remote work could help redistribute economic opportunity, Muro says, and it could spur better innovation in technology, research and development: "I think we're leaving behind a lot of people and missing out on great ideas," he says. Here are the top 10 small cities with higher-than-average shares of residents who worked from home in 2018, along with cost of living and housing information based on most recent Census data. Vallejo officials have agreed to pay $5.7 million to the family of Ronell Foster, who was shot and killed by a Vallejo police officer in February 2018. The officer, Ryan McMahon, was cleared of wrongdoing in January by the Solano County District Attorneys Office, which declared McMahons deadly use of force justified after an investigation that included body camera footage. But Fosters family brought a federal civil rights lawsuit against McMahon and the city. Vallejo officials announced the settlement Friday. The city itself will pay the Foster family only $500,000. The rest will be paid by the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities, a municipal insurance provider. The Foster family is happy the truth has finally come out, Adante Pointer, a lawyer for the family, said Friday. Ronell did not deserve to die, Pointer said. True justice would be to see Officer McMahon walking into court as a criminal defendant. What the family found most disturbing are the lies the city put out to justify his death when they knew the whole time Ronells death was not justified and the officers conduct flat-out wrong. Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams indicated his intent to fire McMahon in March, based in part on his conduct during another fatal shooting, that of 21-year old Willie McCoy. The termination is pending, a spokeswoman for the city said. In a March letter to McMahon that was made public, Williams said McMahon endangered the lives of other police officers, neglected basic firearm safety and demonstrated unsatisfactory work performance including, but not limited to, failure, incompetence, in connection with the McCoy incident. McMahon was temporarily placed on paid administrative leave following the fatal shooting of Foster, but was later cleared to return to duty. One year later, he was one of six officers who shot and killed McCoy, who was asleep in a car in a Taco Bell drive-through lane. Vallejo police spokeswoman Brittany Jackson declined to provide details about McMahons leave, calling it a pending personnel matter. McMahon was paid $219,433 in salary and benefits in 2018, the year he shot Foster, according to public records. Foster, 33, was riding a bike in downtown Vallejo without a headlamp the evening of Feb. 13, 2018, when he was spotted and pursued by McMahon, who later told investigators that he stopped Foster in order to educate the public on the dangers that this person was creating for himself and the traffic on Sonoma Boulevard. After a brief pursuit, McMahon said, Foster grabbed his metal flashlight and tried to strike him during a physical altercation, prompting McMahon to open fire. Foster died at the scene after being shot in the back of the head. Police later said McMahon had no choice but to use deadly force after Foster threatened him with the metal flashlight. Dark, grainy body camera footage released by the Vallejo Police Department at the time did not clearly show whether Foster presented the flashlight in the threatening manner that police described in statements following the shooting. Fosters family disputed the Police Departments account of the encounter. Nora Mishanec is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @nmishanec Eileen Rothschild at Wednesday Books has acquired, in an exclusive auction, North American rights to Three Kisses, One Midnight, a Halloween collaboration by Roshani Chokshi (l.), Sandhya Menon (c.), and Evelyn Skye (r.), told in the tradition of Let It Snow. Set in a town reminiscent of Stars Hollow, the book features interconnected stories about three witchy best friends and their romantic quest involving love potions (that may or may not work) and true love's kiss before the clock strikes midnight. Publication is set for 2022; Thao Le at the Dijkstra Agency did the six-figure deal. Foyinsi Adegbonmire at Feiwel and Friends has bought, in a preempt, a debut YA thriller and another untitled YA novel by Faridah Abike-Iyimide. Pitched as Gossip Girl meets Get Out, Ace of Spades takes place at a private school where a mysterious source spreads rumors about two of the very few Black students, who must not only fight for their reputations, but also for their lives. Publication is planned for June 2021; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency represented the author for this North American deal on behalf of Zoe Plant, also at the Bent Agency. Anne Schwartz at Random House/Schwartz has acquired world rights to an untitled YA nonfiction book about Leopold and Loeb by Candace Fleming (The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh). Examining the event known at the time as "the crime of the century," the book explores two college-aged criminals, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who, in 1924, murdered a boy in their effort to commit a "perfect crime." Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Ethan Ellenberg at the Ethan Ellenberg Agency brokered the deal. Stephanie Stein at HarperTeen has bought, at auction, North American rights to The Upper World by Femi Fadugba. This debut YA novel follows Esso, a teen boy from south London, caught up in a deadly feud when he slips through to a world where he can see glimpses of the past and the future. While Esso tries to use this new gift to avert a crisis, in 2035, a girl named Rhia is about to meet a mysterious stranger who desperately needs her help to change his past. Publication is slated for winter 2022; Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge and White negotiated the two-book deal. David Linker at HarperCollins has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson (We Are the Ants), a historical fantasy set during the 1909 AlaskaYukonPacific Exposition in Seattle. Jack, an orphan and magician's assistant, spies on their rivals to steal secrets of their magic tricks to find that the other magician's assistant, Wil, can perform real magic. This truth will result in death, so Jack and Wil face the ultimate choice to trust one another or vanish from it all. Publication is set for fall 2021; Katie Shea Boutillier at Donald Maass Literary did the deal for world English rights. Beverly Horowitz at Delacorte will publish a YA edition of Notes from a Young Black Chef, by Kwame Onwuachi with Joshua David Stein. Publication is scheduled for spring 2021; Lori Galvin at Aevitas Creative Management negotiated the deal for U.S., Canadian, and open market rights. Elizabeth Lynch at HarperTeen has bought world English rights to Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey. Inspired by You've Got Mail, the debut YA follows a teenage girl who tries to save her family's indie bookstore by taking down the flashier bookstore that moved in across the streetand the cute boy who works there. Publication is planned for summer 2021; Bridget Smith at JABberwocky Literary brokered the two-book deal. Joanna Cardenas at Kokila has acquired Tumble, a middle grade novel by Celia C. Perez (The First Rule of Punk and Strange Birds). Adela "Addie" Diaz has a big life decision to make when her stepfather proposes adoption, but before she makes it, she reaches out to her estranged biological fathera lucha libra legend in New Mexicoand the eccentric extended family of wrestlers she has never met, which brings her closer to understanding the expansive definition of family. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary handled the deal for world rights. Kaylan Adair at Candlewick has bought, at auction, The Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson (Midnight Without a Moon and A Sky Full of Stars). In a story centering a family trying to keep hope alive in the face of poverty and racism, 11-year-old Ellis Earl Brown discovers that being a hero sometimes means being in the right place at the right time when he crosses paths with Senator Robert Kennedy during his Poverty Tour of Mississippi in 1967. Publication is set for spring 2022; Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic negotiated the deal for world rights. Amanda Ramirez at Simon & Schuster has bought Finley Walsh Adventure Agency, a middle grade novel by Briana McDonald (Pepper's Rules for Secret Sleuthing). Finley and her best friend Sophie were adventurersuntil Sophie found new friends. So, when Finley and her brothers are sent to stay with their estranged uncle, she decides that they'll accompany her on adventures instead. But they soon find themselves at odds with each other and realize some places are better left unexplored. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Jennie Kendrick at Red Fox Literary did the two-book deal for world rights. Phoebe Yeh at Crown has acquired middle grade novel Operation Sisterhood by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. Eleven-year-old Bo has gotten used to it just being her and her mother in their cozy New York City apartment. But when her mom gets married, Bo must adjust to instant sisterhood, and a music-minded blended family that is much larger, louder, and more complex than she ever imagined. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary brokered the deal for North American POM rights. John Morgan at Macmillan/Imprint has acquired world English rights to Fellowship of the Castle, a middle-grade adventure by Jess Rinker. It chronicles the wilderness adventures of three kids searching for a rumored castle in the woods near their town. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Linda Epstein at Emerald City Literary Agency negotiated the deal. Chris Hernandez at Razorbill has bought, in a preempt, world rights to middle grade graphic novel Lost Time by debut author-illustrator Tasha Mukanik. Pitched as a mix of Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, and Lost in Space, the story follows a girl who travels back in time and gets trapped in the Cretaceous Period with no one to help her survive or get back homeexcept for a pterosaur she befriends and learns to ride. Publication is set for spring 2023; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary handled the two-book deal. Alyson Heller at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to The Ghost of Spruce Point by Nancy Tandon. Set in a coastal Maine town, this middle-grade novel follows a group of friends as they work to unravel a witch's curse while contending with an even more terrifying prospect: growing up and growing apart. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Emma Sector at Prospect Agency brokered the deal. Lisa Sandell at Scholastic has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Poison, Predators, and People: Not Your Typical Book About Monarchs by Dana L. Church, in which middle grade readers can explore the world of monarch butterflies, the science of monarchs, the scientists who study them, and the people with whom they share their habitat. A publication date has not been set; Stacey Kondla at the Rights Factory did the deal. Candice Keimig at ABDO has acquired world rights to Murky Creek Phantom Finders, a six-book chapter book series by Brigitte Henry Cooper, about brother-and-sister phantom finders investigating the ghostly happenings in the spooky coastal town of Murky Creek. Publication of the series is slated for spring 2022; Clelia Gore at Martin Literary & Media Management negotiated the deal. Feather Flores at Chronicle has bought world rights to Maria Mariposa by Karla Arenas Valenti (l.), a bilingual story about a girl who receives a gift from her home in Mexico, on her first day of school in the U.S.and how she finds a way to share the magic of that gift with everyone around her. Ana Ramirez Gonzalez will illustrate; publication is scheduled for fall 2023. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator. Yasemin Ucar at Kids Can has acquired world rights to Up and Adam, a picture book by debut author Debbie Zapata (l.), illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. Adam, a boy with Down Syndrome, and his dog, Up, help their town in the aftermath of a big storm, lifting spirits as they go. Publication is planned for spring 2022; James McGowan at BookEnds represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Ariel Richardson at Chronicle has bought world rights to There Is a Rainbow by Theresa Trinder, illustrated by Grant Snider, a picture book about hope and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, inspired by the rainbows placed in windows and drawn in sidewalk chalk during the coronavirus pandemic. Publication is set for spring 2021; Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group represented the author, and Judy Hansen at Hansen Literary represented the illustrator. Beth Terrill at NorthSouth has acquired world rights to Carmen Oliver's (l.) picture book The Twilight Library, illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora, in which the "Night Librarian" spins a tale of mystery for the creatures of the forest. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary represented the author, and Valentina Colombo at Phileas Fogg Agency represented the artist. Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee has bought world rights to Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi, Second to None, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Chris Hsu. The picture book biography chronicles the life of Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House, demonstrating her strength and leadership in her more than 30 years in public office. Publication is slated for fall 2021; Rubin Pfeffer at Rubin Pfeffer Content represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself. Vicky Holifield at Peachtree has acquired world rights to Serengeti, written by Leslie Bulion (l.), illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. A series of interconnected verses, adapted from a traditional Swahili poetry form, follow the great migration of wildebeest, zebras, and others into and out of the Serengeti short grass plain, mimicking the web of life in the Serengeti. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Jenna Pocius at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Asia Citro at the Innovation Press has bought world rights to Queen of Leaves by Stephen Briseno, a picture book biography of Mexican-American botanist Ynes Mexia, illustrated by Diana Toledano. Publication is set for fall 2022; Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary represented the author, and Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary represented the illustrator. Christopher Robbins at Familius has acquired world rights to What Will I Be, from A to Z by Laura Wadsworth Carter, introducing 26 STEAM career possibilities from astronauts to zoologists. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Victoria Selvaggio at Storm Literary represented the author. Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Stand as Tall as the Trees: How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain Forest, a picture book autobiography by Patricia Gualinga (l.), environmental and Indigenous-rights defender of the Pueblo Kichwa de Sarayaku, a community in the Ecuadorian Amazon, co-written with Laura Resau (c.). Ecuadorian artist Vanessa Jaramillo (r.) will illustrate. Simultaneous publication in English and Spanish is slated for summer 2022; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary represented Gualinga and Resau, and the illustrator represented herself. "Now with Covid, I think everybody needs a bar in their house." That's interior designer Tineke Triggs, who is clearly a very wise and sane woman with her finger on the zeitgeist. Perhaps we are biasedwe also love mezcal and Mexico, two of the San Francisco design maven's favorite things (since shelter in place, we have no qualms about shaking up a mezcal margarita when 5pm rolls around, or maybe earlier, don't judge)but we're ready to call it for Cala Mezcal as the most inspired room in the 43rd Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase. Built in 1926, the 6,500-square-foot manse in the Outer Richmond's tony West Clay Park has five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths spanning three levels. In total, 27 spacesincluding a media room, reading room, and wine cellarhave gotten the midas touch from 21 Bay Area designers for the annual benefit for SF University High School's financial aid program. The showcase house will make its all-virtual debut to the public on Saturday, September 5th. But back to Cala Mezcal. As Triggs says, when you have a house this large, "you need a space that feels like your own nightclub"a sexy "getaway club that's very sophisticated and interestingwith the underbelly of the Latin culture." We're listening. For the 2020 SF Decorator Showcase, designer Tineke Triggs combined her loves of mezcal and Mexico into a design that feels like a destination barat home. (Photography by Christopher Stark) From the home's media room called the Liquid Loungean '80s-chic hangout, also designed by Triggs, with low-slung furnishings and geometric patterns galoreyou'll get a tease of a view into Cala Mezcal through a gold chain curtain. Pull it back and ta-da!your very own cocktail lounge that has the plushness of a Mexico City nightspot, the rustic hipster vibes of a San Jose del Cabo cantina, and floating shelves for all your artisanal Oaxacan spirits. A mural of the Mexican desert planted with shadowy agave, by the decorative painter Caroline Lizarraga, sets a moody tone, relinquishing all the pop to a rosy velvet banquette and a one-of-a-kind, melting digital artwork by the Spaniard Daniel Canogar. In the bar portion of the space, ipe wood panels climb the wall and curve over the ceiling with the intent of hugging you in while you take your shots. Speaking of which, if you've ever thrown one back from a jug with a snake it at La Revolucion, you know that the serpent is inextricable from Mexican culture and lore, both drinking and otherwise. Slithering across the table here is a mighty bejeweled reptile, also hand-painted by Lizarraga and "affectionately named Shakira." Find more photos and details of Triggs' Cala Mezcal and Liquid Lounge in the slideshow below. When the Decorator Showcase goes live, also look out for the fabulous, art-filled living room by Applegate Tran and the luxurious Listening Room by Chad Dorsey Design. *UPDATE Sept. 21: You may now shop furniture, accessories, and art from the SF Decorator Showcase via Chairish! // The 43rd Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase launches live online Saturday, Sept. 5. Admission ($25) includes access to a virtual video tour, self-guided 3D tours, and video interviews with designers. For more info and tickets, go to decoratorshowcase.org. A Warren County man injured when he crashed his motorcycle last month in Phillipsburg has died, the Lehigh County Coroners Office reported Friday. Stewart Lee, 62, of Pohatcong Township, was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. Thursday at St. Lukes University Hospital, Fountain Hill, according to a news release from the coroners office. The cause was multiple blunt force injuries from the crash, and the death was ruled accidental. Lee was riding north about 2 p.m. Aug. 23 in the 800 block of South Main Street when he hit a street drain and lost control, colliding with a car and the wall of a building, investigators said. The driver of the southbound 2016 Chevrolet Malibu involved in the crash suffered a minor injury, police said at the time. The death remained under investigation by the Phillipsburg Police Department. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Royal officials 'will examine Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix deal' after they agreed to approval of any new commercial ventures when they quit public life. A palace source claimed that despite ditching official duties any profit-oriented plans would be 'subject to discussion'. There are questions over how it will look to the taxpayer when the Sussexes have still not paid off the 2.4million spent on refurbishing Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Harry and Meghan said on Wednesday they had founded a production company to make documentaries, feature films, scripted shows and children's programmes. They vowed to make 'impactful content that unlocks action' and name-checked Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos and spoke of the firm's 'unprecedented reach'. They are expected to make content including on 'mental health', an animated series about women, a nature documentary and shows on community service. A palace source claimed that despite ditching official duties any profit-oriented plans from the Sussexes (pictured in February last year) would be 'subject to discussion' There are questions over how it will look to the taxpayer when the Sussexes have still not paid off the 2.4million spent on refurbishing Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Pictured: The Queen The source told the Mirror: 'Harry and Meghan did leave as working members of the family with everyone's best wishes and it is sincerely hoped they find the happiness that appeared to be lacking in their lives. 'However, it goes without saying any deals they are making will be scrutinised by the royal household. 'Under the terms of their deal to forgo their royal duties, they agreed any commercial deals would be subject to discussion.' Harry and Meghan got the green light to broker commercial deals in January - but the moneymaking projects will be scrutinised by the Queen after a year. The historic agreement ruled the couple will drop their HRH titles, pay back 2.4million of taxpayer cash and no longer receive public funds. In exchange, they were allowed to quit frontline duties and given licence to expand their Sussex Royal brand. Yet Her Majesty, who is understood to be anxious the couple could use their royal credentials to line their pockets, will be watching them closely. Insiders told MailOnline the blueprint thrashed out at Sandringham is subject to an annual review in the Spring of 2021, although a date has not yet been confirmed. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plant flowers during an LA pre-school visit last weekend Harry and Meghan's new $14million home in Santa Barbara where they moved this year The Netflix pact was compared to the Obamas $65m deal which saw the former president's production company win an Oscar with his first film American Factory. The Sussexes, who recently bought a $14 million mansion in Santa Barbara on a mortgage, stepped into Hollywood after ditching royal duties in March. But public relations expert Mark Borowski said the couple had put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed. He told MailOnline: 'An old Hollywood friend of mine once told me you can never have too big a hit. But you have got to manage expectations. 'When you switch on the hype machine you have got to deliver. If it's something that lets people down it's going to backfire. 'If you pull it apart, who wouldn't want Harry and Meghan it's huge publicity for Netflix. 'But for Harry and Meghan, they just understand this media circus. They have been naive. What to expect from Megflix? Harry and Meghan's film projects in their own words Our lives, both independent of each other, and as a couple have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience, and the need for connection,' they said. Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope. As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens. We are pleased to work with Ted and the team at Netflix whose unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action. Advertisement 'This is a money-raising exercise. They have got this inferiority complex they are going to have to come back cap in hand to the Royal household. 'It all sounds great, but what have you got? What names are attracted, what is the first project? 'It's like someone in the pub saying 'I am going to start making productions for Netflix'. 'This is incredibly dangerous and overhyped, they have got no chance to fail, they have got to succeed. If they lose they have got a lot of egg on their face. 'For Harry and Meghan, this whole shooting match that they get involved with, it heaps a lot of pressure on them. 'They are looking for attention all the time. On this occasion I think they may have overstepped the mark. 'The proof is obviously in the pudding. It's going to be very difficult, hits are very hard to come by. How many Downton Abbeys, The Crowns and Ordinary Peoples are there? They are from British producers who will tell you that you have got to have a few flops to make before you get a hit. 'This is a naive double-act, who are living on hype.' Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE, Chairman of InterTalent, said he thought the par would be a hit. He told MailOnline: 'Of course they have to deliver. They are going to have a fantastic time working with them, they are both bright, intelligent, young people. 'I think it will be a huge success, when you are judging success on Netflix it's different from a terrestrial network. 'Netflix are not driven by ratings, it's more about the portfolio they offer. 'Meghan and Harry will be appealing to subscribers and they are alongside the Obamas. 'I think it's an equally brilliant deal for both the couple and Netflix. It also solves their financial problem overnight.' British TV producer Gub Neal, of award-winning hit The Fall, said he thought it was a good move and Netflix could have been attracted to their woke credentials. Mr Neal, creative director of Ringside Studios, told MailOnline: 'From a branding point of view Harry and Meghan, they are kind of woke and there is a lot of appetite for them. Prince Edward at the launch of his production company Ardent, later closed in 2009 'A lot of people have had very successful conversions in the market whether it's the Obamas or Michael Portillo, why should Harry and Meghan be any different? 'If I was at Netflix I would think the deal was a no-brainer. The question is really will Meghan and Harry be persuadable to the right people and right subjects. 'Viewers will by buying into them, not particularly their production skills. I think what Meghan and Harry will have the advantage of is being more relaxed and less restrained away from the Royal family. 'I would think it's a great deal for Netflix and it's not a bad deal for Meghan and Harry. 'To be seen to be working and not just living a 'playboy lifestyle' this is a great way to declare they are working. 'This is conspicuous way of saying we do have a purpose. You can do woke and adventure at the same time. 'You can be environmentally crusading and at the same time making exciting programmes.' He added: 'For Netflix it is going to be very appealing I think it's great recipe for both sides.' Public paperwork for their Archewell firm in America, gives a flavour of the topics the Sussexes are likely to focus on in their films. Filings mention the areas of sport, mental health, as well as physical fitness, children's programming and even cartoons. Royal expert Ingrid Seward said: 'This proves it's not what you can do, it is who you are. It's very nice for them to be able to just step into that. Steve Bognar, Michelle Obama, Julie Reichart and Barrack Obama celebrate their Netflix hit 'I imagine Prince Charles will be relieved as they will be off his payroll now, and the British public will be relieved because they can pay back what they owe now on Frogmore Cottage, so it's a win-win situation.' Obamas' Netflix and thrill projects American Factory This documentary, which won an Oscar, tells the story of a Chinese billionaire who opened a factory in a former General Motors plant and hired 2,000 people. It was billed as 'early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America'. Bloom A series looking at women and people of colour in New York after World War II, described as looking at an era 'marked by hurdles but also tremendous progress'. Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom This documentary is based on the biography of the same name written by David W. Blight. Frederick was an escaped slave who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. Overlooked This series will be based on a New York Times feature of the same name which tells the stories of people whose deaths have been unnoticed by the media. Crip Camp A film exploring the origins and growth of the disability rights movement Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your Parents A series for pre-school children said to take them and their families 'around the globe on an adventure that tells us the story of our food'. Advertisement They will be hoping to avoid the bad publicity given to Prince Edward's production company after he founded it in 1993. Ardent Productions had started well with a documentary on Edward VIII's abdication but was later branded a 'sad joke' by some industry insiders. Backers pumped 2.2million into the project but when it folded in June 2009 only 40.27 was left over. Media analyst Rich Greenfield said: 'The total deal could be hundreds of millions of dollars.' The Sussexes decision to work with Netflix is also a move reminiscent of former President Barack Obama and his lawyer wife Michelle. In January, sources confirmed the couple had discussed their plans with the Obamas and wanted to mimic the way they had managed to build a successful, but dignified, life for themselves after the White House. Since leaving the White House, the Obamas have earned a small fortune by selling rights to their autobiographies and setting up their own production company, which has bagged a lucrative deal with Netflix. 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.' After stepping down as senior royals, Meghan and Harry signed with New York-based Harry Walker Agency in June, which represents the Obamas and the Clintons. Meghan has made several appearances as a speaker at various online summits, however it is understood that she did not receive payment for these engagements. Tom Harrington, a broadcast industry expert at Enders Analysis said 'The Sussexes may imagine they will dictate the shows they want to make but Netflix will have a firm hand on the tiller. A senior industry source said that Meghan would 'believe she's getting full creative control' but that the executive producer's credits she was likely to receive were 'thrown around like confetti'. 'TV networks, Netflix included, don't let the lunatics run the asylum,' the source said. 'Meghan will no doubt want to cast herself as Mother Teresa but that's not how it's going to pan out.' President Donald Trump is accused of disparaging soldiers who died in combat, in a new report. The Atlantic published a piece Thursday documenting times in which the president expressed contempt for soldiers killed or injured, citing multiple officials with firsthand knowledge of such conversations. On a visit to France in 2018, Trump said he didnt want to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris because, he said its filled with losers, the Atlantic reported. The Atlantic report is based on the statements of four people with firsthand knowledge of the remarks. The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is located in Belleau, France, at the foot of the hill where many American soldiers were killed in World War I. Later on in the trip, Trump reportedly referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed, according to the Atlantic. Initially, the president cited poor weather making it too risky to travel by helicopter to the cemetery and said that the Secret Service did not want to drive in such conditions. Trump categorically denies the allegations reported in the Atlantic, saying that they are totally false, a disgraceful situation and a terrible magazine. This is 100% false. I was next to [Trump] the whole day, tweeted Jordan Karem, Trumps former personal aide. The President was greatly disappointed when told we couldnt fly there. He was incredibly eager to honor our Fallen Heroes. A memorial chapel, surrounded by pine and oak trees, towers over the graves of World War I soldiers at the World War I Aisne Marne cemetery in Belleau, France. The World War I battle of Belleau Wood in northern France pitted untested U.S. forces against the more-experienced Germans, who were making a push toward Paris. It became a defining moment, proving the Americans military mettle and helping turn the tide of the war. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)AP It is not the first time the sitting president has been accused saying something insensitive about military veterans. In 2015, when on the campaign trail in Iowa, Trump attacked the late Sen. John McCain for being captured and living in torturous conditions in Vietnam for almost six years. I like people that werent captured, Trump said, doubling down on his belief that McCain was not a war hero. I was never a big fan of John McCain, tweeted Trump late Thursday. Disagreed with him on many things including ridiculous endless wars and the lack of success he had in dealing with the VA and our great Vets, but the lowering of our Nations American Flags and the first class funeral he was given by our country, had to be approved by me, as president and I did so without hesitation or complaint. Trump told friends that he was betrayed when McCain strode to the floor of the Senate and voted against a bill that would have repealed the Affordable Care Act, driving a stake through the administrations first big legislative priority. Seven months after the Arizona senators death, Trump continued the feud. At a tank plant in Lima, Ohio he said he gave McCain the funeral he wanted, and I didnt get thank you, according to the New York Times. The president frequently credits himself with accomplishing more for the military and veterans than any other president in recent memory. I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than heroes. This is more made up, Fake News, given by disgusting and jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election, Trump added. Got a news tip or want to contact MassLive about this story? Email newstips@masslive.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also call our news tips line at 413-776-1364. Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. participates in a town hall meeting on the opioid crisis as part of first lady Melania the first lady's "Be Best" initiative at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on March 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. After parting ways with President Jerry Falwell Jr in the wake of personal scandals, Liberty University has hired a firm to investigate "all facets" of Falwell's tenure, including the school's financial and real estate operations. There may be much to untangle. Falwell, who took over as president of Liberty in 2007 after years as a lawyer handling its real estate interests, intertwined his personal finances with those of the evangelical Christian university founded by his father. He put his two sons - and their wives as well - on the universitys payroll. He arranged the transfer of a multi-acre Liberty facility to his personal trainer. He enlisted a friends construction company to manage an ambitious campus expansion costing hundreds of millions of dollars. And before becoming school president, Falwell set up two companies that enabled him to cut property deals with one of the many nonprofit entities affiliated with the university, Reuters found. In each of the deals, Falwell played multiple roles with potentially conflicting interests: He was an officer of the university, a board member for the nonprofit selling the land, and a private developer who could profit from the transactions. Its very worrisome to have these sorts of financial arrangements going on and they deserve intense scrutiny, said Michael Bastedo of the University of Michigan School of Education. In 2001, property records show, Falwell set up a private company while he was a lawyer for Liberty, used it to buy an undeveloped tract of land from the school, and then developed a strip mall on the plot. The company sold the property five years later at a significant premium. In 2005, property records show, Falwell again acted as a private businessman when a university nonprofit affiliate and a company he operated joined together to sell land to a third company - controlled by Falwells real estate partner. And in 2012, in a project Falwell launched as Libertys president, the university spent more than $2 million to build a tunnel that links the campus to another shopping plaza near campus. Falwell is a part owner of that shopping plaza. Falwell told Reuters that each of these transactions benefited Liberty University. None was inappropriate in any way, he said. He stepped down last week after Reuters reported that a business associate alleged a years-long affair with Falwell and Falwells wife, Becki. The associate, Giancarlo Granda, says the relationship involved him having sex with Becki Falwell while Jerry Falwell looked on. Becki Falwell declined to comment; Jerry Falwell has denied involvement in the relationship, which he says was between his wife and Granda only. Falwells departure marked a dramatic fall for one of the most powerful figures in Americas evangelical Christian movement. In 2016, Falwells endorsement of Donald Trump was widely credited as helping propel Trump to the U.S. presidency. Falwell said in interviews that Liberty will pay him $10.5 million as part of a severance and retirement package. Liberty declined to comment on the terms or the amount. Libertys board of trustees subsequently announced it was hiring one of the leading forensic firms in the world to conduct a thorough investigation that will examine the schools operations under Falwell, including financial and real estate matters. It declined to name the firm. The outside investigation may not examine the 2001 and 2005 deals that Falwell handled while he was a Liberty lawyer, however. Asked about those transactions, a Liberty spokesman said: At this time, the forensic investigation is limited to Jerry Falwells term as president. After initially referring questions to his legal and public relations representatives, Falwell called Reuters late Wednesday afternoon and said he looked forward to the Liberty investigation. I welcome it because it will prove that all you guys are liars, he said, referring to members of the media. You got nothing. He also warned Reuters not to question his two adult sons, both of whom still have jobs at Liberty. Trust me, Falwell said during the call, you do not want to mess with me, OK? Liberty employed a private firm - JF Management - formed by Jerry Trey Falwell III, Falwells elder son, to manage university properties. The company received more than $58,000 in compensation in 2017, according to the schools most recent public filing of tax form 990 with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Trey Falwell also serves as a Liberty vice president, with total compensation from the university of $189,000 a year, according to the tax filings. Falwells other son, Wesley, drew compensation in 2017 from Liberty of $54,744, the filings show. Laura Falwell, Wesleys wife, earned $57,751 that year from Liberty, and Sarah Falwell, Treys wife, earned $63,315. None of the Falwell children or their spouses could be reached for comment. In a statement released by Falwells lawyer, Falwell said: Trey, Wesley, and their spouses get paid fair value for their work and have performed that work very well. A school spokesman told Reuters that examining the Falwell familys dealings with Liberty is within the scope of the forensic investigation. Company insiders - in this case, Jerry Falwell - arent legally barred from conducting personal business transactions with the nonprofits they run, such as those identified by Reuters. But some governance specialists say such deals can raise concern about conflicts of interest or potential breaches of fiduciary duty. Nonprofit entities, such as Liberty and most other universities, are meant to serve charitable, educational or religious interests. Under tax laws, their proceeds cannot be used for the private benefit of individuals. Eric Chafee, a law professor at the University of Toledo in Ohio, said Falwells real estate deals predating his presidency are worthy of further scrutiny. These sweetheart land transactions are certainly eyebrow-raising, he said. The tax-exempt Liberty relies on hundreds of millions of dollars in Pell grants and government-backed student loans. Liberty students received $618 million in federal taxpayer loans and aid in a single year, according to a 2018 audit report. By Online Desk Action packed, fast paced, with traces of the usual Bond humor, is what the new trailer of the 25th film in James Bond franchise is offering. 'No Time to Die', which saw it's release date delayed multiple times due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, brings back Daniel Craig as James Bond, alongside an equally promising star cast which includes Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Lea Seydoux, Ana de Armas and Christoph Waltz. In this close to 2 minute 30 second trailer, we see 'retirement' is a distant dream for James Bond, who is vacationing in Jamaica. But what does James do when an old friend from the CIA, Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), arrives asking for help? After a series of action sequences, we get a glimpse of the new 007 (actor Lashana Lynch), who now has the license to kill, joining James Bond (Daniel Craig) in yet another mission to help MI-6. With the help of 'Q' (actor Ben Whishaw), Bond 'equips' himself for what seems like a journey of revenge, deaths, revelation of secrets and a possible heartbreak. 'No Time to Die', is set to release in theaters in November 2020 and will also be the last time we see actor Daniel Criag reprising the role of Bond. The worldwide release dates will follow after UK and USA releases. WATCH TRAILER HERE: A Rohingya woman looks out from her makeshift home at a refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Aug. 22, 2020. Rohingya rights groups in Bangladesh published an open letter to Myanmar election officials on Thursday urging them to allow all Myanmar nationals, including Rohingya refugees, to vote in and contest that countrys general election Nov. 8, community leaders told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Their letter came after Myanmars Union Election Commission had lately rejected at least five Rohingya men from competing in the upcoming polls. The commission disqualified four of them, saying their parents werent Myanmar citizens when the candidates were born. In recent weeks, the Union Election Commission rejected several Rohingya candidates for office in Myanmar, said the letter from 14 rights groups. We call upon the Election Commission to reverse these decisions and uphold the right of Rohingya to participate in the elections. As citizens of Myanmar, we hold the right to vote. In July, the commission announced that Myanmar nationals living abroad could vote in this years national election by casting early ballots. The government similarly provided absentee voting in the 2010 and 2015 elections. The rights groups who wrote to the election commission represent many of the more than 740,000 Rohingya who fled to neighboring Bangladesh after the Myanmar military launched a brutal crackdown on Rohingya communities in northern Rakhine state three years ago, in the wake of attacks carried out by insurgents on police and army posts there. Southeast Asia-based rights group Fortify Rights also issued a statement Thursday supporting the 14 Rohingya groups letter, urging that members of the stateless minority group be allowed to vote in the upcoming elections. Rohingya globally should have the right to vote and participate in their home countrys political life, said Ismail Wolff, Regional Director of the group, in a statement. The international community should reignite their moral imagination and call for refugees right to vote it is possible. The Muslim Rohingya have centuries of history in Myanmar, a former British colony that became independent in 1948. But they are considered illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh and denied citizenship and voting rights, prevented from obtaining jobs and formal education, and restricted from traveling freely. In 1982, Myanmar passed a Citizenship Law which stated that only members of the national races who settled in Myanmar before British colonial rule began in 1824 were entitled to citizenship. The Rohingya were excluded from the 135 officially recognized ethnic groups, which then left them without full citizenship and therefore without the right to vote. The [Myanmar] government should amend the 1982 Citizenship Law to bring it in line with international laws and standards and ensure equal access to full citizenship rights, regardless of ethnic identity, race, or religion, Fortify Rights said on Thursday. The group also said that Myanmar should do away with its requirement of multiple forms of identification for Rohingya. National Verification Cards, National Registration Cards, and White Cards are three key identity documents among a plethora of government-issued and U.N.-issued IDs for the Rohingya. The law should provide for a single status of full citizenship as opposed to three and cease basing access to citizenship on ethnic categories, according to Fortify Rights. In their letter, the Rohingya rights groups said they were citizens of Myanmar and therefore had a right to vote. We are Myanmar nationals. Before the elections, the Myanmar government should restore our citizenship rights and uphold our rights to vote and participate in the general election, the rights groups said in their letter Thursday. Myanmar: They must be citizens In Myanmar, election commission spokesperson U Myint Naing did not respond to a BenarNews email seeking comment on the prospect of Rohingya refugees voting in the upcoming election. In an interview last month with Radio Free Asia (RFA), a sister agency of BenarNews, commission chairman U Hla Thein set out two requirements to be allowed to vote. We do not look into who they are and what religious background they believe in, but only two requirements, he said. One, they must be 18 years of age, and two, they must be citizens or approved-citizens. Just the two things we look for [not whether they are Rohingya or Muslim]. Delwar Hossain, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University, however believes Myanmar wont allow Rohingya refugees to vote. Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens, even as a small ethnic group. They have been claiming that Rohingya are illegal immigrants, Hossain told BenarNews. There is no such situation in Myanmar that the authorities will heed the demands of Rohingya or will give any importance to their letter at all. Still, he said, the letter was a positive effort because the Rohingya had made their demands democratically in an open letter, which would now remain a document for the future. Some Rohingya refugees are hopeful, though. We hope the international community will put pressure on the Myanmar authorities so that we can participate in the elections, which will be held under a government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, Rahim, a Rohingya refugee leader, told BenarNews. Five Rohingya candidates disqualified The rights groups in their letter also urged the election commission to allow Rohingya to run for election in November. Dil Mohammad, a Rohingya leader stranded at the zero line along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, isnt optimistic that will happen. Rohingya were not allowed to run in the 2015 elections, he said. The Burmese have already drawn up a blueprint to prevent them from participating in the elections this year. He called the situation disgusting. Last month, Abdul Rasheed, a member of the Rohingya-led Democracy and Human Rights Party, who filed to contest a parliamentary seat in the November polls was disqualified. Election authorities said his parents werent Myanmar citizens when he was born. The disqualification shows that Myanmar officially discriminates against Rohingya, Rasheed told RFA. It is obvious that my mother became a citizen before I was born because she has a three-fold national ID card, he said, referring to one of the three main forms of identification issued by the government. Im disappointed that other people who hold the same types of ID cards are allowed to be candidates. Their citizenship is not being questioned. Why is my citizenship as a Muslim or a Rohingya being questioned? Myanmars election commission chairman told RFA that Rasheed being Muslim or Rohingya had nothing to do with his disqualification. We are not approving candidates based on their race and religion, U Hla Thein said. Regardless of their race and religion, we approve all candidates if they fulfill the qualifications required to be a candidate. Days after Rasheeds disqualification, four other Rohingya candidates were considered ineligible to run by the election authorities. These candidates too were told their parents werent citizens when the candidates were born. This is our fundamental right the basic rights of an ethnic group since the time of Myanmars independence, Kyaw Min, one of the four candidates told RFAs Myanmar Service. They are now rejecting us, claiming our parents are not citizens. Since the crackdown on Rohingya in August 2017, the international community has criticized the Aung San Suu Kyis government for its handling of the militarys brutalities. Myanmar also faces genocide-related charges at the International Criminal Court for the treatment of the Rohingya during the crackdown. Suu Kyi and the military have denied these charges. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. The island of Taiwan has historically been an inalienable part of China. Throughout recorded history, Taiwan has never been a sovereign state. The island is referred to as Taiwan Province in the constitution of the People's Republic of China. As the preceding republic, China has inherently owned the province in accordance with its pre-1949 boundaries. In line with the provisions of international law and regulations, the Chinese claim over Taiwan is bonafide and legitimate. The world has also recognized the island as being an inseparable part of China. The United Nations (UN) has adopted a resolution to accept the legitimate claim of China over Taiwan. Photo taken on July 21, 2019 from Xiangshan Mountain shows the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) On October 25, 1971, the 26th session of the UN General Assembly passed Resolution No. 2758. The resolution announced in clear and definitive language that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China. The UN General Assembly recognizes that the representative of the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal representative of China in the United Nations and that the People's Republic of China is one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and decided to restore all rights to the People's Republic of China and recognize the representatives of its government as the sole legal representatives of China in the United Nations Organization. On July 23, 2007, then secretary-general of the UN Ban Ki-moon rejected Taiwan's membership bid to "join the UN under the name of Taiwan", citing Resolution 2758 as acknowledging that Taiwan is part of China. The UN is an international organization composed of sovereign states. Taiwan, as a province of China, is completely unqualified and has no right to participate in the global body. Alongside the UN resolution, the United States, in three Joint US-China Communiques, has also acknowledged that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The US government attaches great importance to its relations with China and reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in China's internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan. However, successive US administrations have continued to maintain informal and unofficial relations with the Taiwan authorities, going against their own word given to China, because the US wants to use the Taiwan authorities to contain Chinas rise. Under the superpowers auspices, the authorities have also kept up their diplomatic efforts to gain recognition as a sovereign territory from different countries. They are even trying to cash in on the pandemic to get into some international organizations and agencies. In a counter move, China seems to have taken the Taiwan issue as the bottom line of its diplomacy, as China has no option of compromising on the issue of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. China, therefore, builds cooperation with countries on the basis of the understanding of the bottom line - the Taiwan issue. As a result, every friend and partner of China has always remained very cautious and sincere when it comes to dealing with Taiwan, always respecting this bottom line of Chinese diplomacy. However, a few countries have tried to put one foot in both camps, in the past maintaining deep relations with China and simultaneously colluding with Taiwan. These two-faced countries have eventually failed to remain in the good books of China, let alone become its true and trusted friends. Under changing global circumstances, Taiwan has become the litmus test for becoming a true and sincere friend of China over the years. Even the ranges of partnership with China widely vary from country to country depending on this test. Global circumstances have left China with no option but to make Taiwan a more serious issue when it comes to building and forging ahead in cooperating with any country from any region on the planet. Under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has elevated its relations with China to a strategic cooperative partnership. The people of Bangladesh expect to reap the highest dividends of these elevated ties with China. The author is the China Correspondent of the Bangladesh Post. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Raking your brain to plan a perfect proposal for your partner? Gauahar Khans rumoured boyfriend Zaid Darbar sorted it for all the lover boys out there as he simply went down on one knee, with a ring, to propose marriage to the diva. Setting the Internet on a frenzy, Gauahar recently shared a video which redefined couple goals for everyone out there as it established that old school romance still rules the roost. Taking to her Instagram handle, the Chokra Jawaan star shared a video featuring her in a white base gharara set with pink floral prints and a pink dupatta while Zaid was dressed in a brown shirt with blue checks and teamed with black baggy pants. The video is one of the many dance videos of the duo who are often seen collaborating together off late. Grooving to the Punjabi track, Diamond Da Challa, Gauahar is seen grabbing the attention of her on-screen lover, Zaid, in the video choreographed by dancer Shaikh Razi. Seen asking her PubG-obssessed partner to get her a diamond ring, Gauahar gets her wish fulfilled as Zaid goes down on his knees to propose marriage to her at the end of the video. Gauahars priceless reaction set fans wondering whether this was a part of the act or Zaid real feelings flowing along since the diva captioned it, Ye hai Gaane ka asar YA mann ki baat .... ??? Jaldi Batao ..... (Is this the effect of the song or real message from the heart .??? Tell quickly ..) #GaZa killing it ... #dropYourLove @zaid_darbar Ssshhhhhhhhhhh ... #diamonddachalla (sic). While Gauahars sister Nigaar Khan commented, Hahah (sic), actor Ridhima Pandit fuelled the rumour mills by her Congratulations in the comments section. The voice of the sensational track, Neha Kakkar too commented, #JustSaw How beautiful you two (sic). Nigaar Khan and Ridhima Pandits comments on Gauahar Khans Instagram post (Instagram/gauaharkhan) Neha Kakkars comment on Gauahar Khans Instagram post (Instagram/gauaharkhan) Though Gauahar has previously denied such claims and called Zaid her friend, the mushy video inevitably won fans hearts. Our biggest takeaway from it is the fact that going down on one knee to propose your partner will never be out of fashion to stir up some romance in the air. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary election campaign has officially begun, with 15 political parties contesting 120 seats in the Jogorku Kenesh (Supreme Council). Central Election Commission (BShK) Chairwoman Nurjan Shaildabekova called on the parties officially registered for the October 4 vote to stick to the principles of fairness and openness during the process. Shaildabekova's statement came after she signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of 13 registered parties as the campaign kicked off. Representatives of the opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) and Reforma (Reform) parties did now show up for the signing ceremony on September 4. "We can achieve success only by striving to have clean and open elections. Therefore, in order to make sure that all political parties are ready to hold proper and fair elections, we proposed they sign this memorandum. I hope that all of the obligations the parties agreed upon will be met. The memorandum is a document of honor, a kind of a code," Shaildabekova said. A day earlier, the last day of the registration, the BShK said two parties, Aktiv (Active) and Butun Kyrgyzstan (United Kyrgyzstan), had been rejected as they didn't meet the requirements laid out for participation. Butun Kyrgyzstan called the commission's decision political and said it will appeal in court. Ata-Meken and pro-government parties, including Birimdik (Unity) and Mekenim Kyrgyzstan (My Homeland Kyrgyzstan), are widely expected to gain seats in the legislature. No party is allowed to hold more than 65 seats in the Supreme Council. Yves here. While the plural of anecdote is not data, I was struck by the fact that a successful mid-range black-owned restaurant here, Grille29, shuttered very quickly after the Covid restrictions were implemented here. By happenstance, I picked up one of the very last orders the evening the state ordered restaurants to stop providing live service, and the manager was stunned by the lack of warning. I think they tried a week of carryout. I couldnt fathom why they didnt try to hang on, the way pretty much all the other restaurants we frequented have, including ones that were completely closed for a few months and only recently started offering curbside service. But not getting emergency funding could explain what happened. And since it was banks that were processing PPP loans, any de-prioritization of applications from black-owned businesses would most likely be their doing. By Jeff Bryant, a writing fellow and chief correspondent for Our Schools, a project of the Independent Media Institute. He is a communications consultant, freelance writer, advocacy journalist, and director of the Education Opportunity Network, a strategy and messaging center for progressive education policy. His award-winning commentary and reporting routinely appear in prominent online news outlets, and he speaks frequently at national events about public education policy. Follow him on Twitter @jeffbcdm. Produced by Our Schools, a project of the Independent Media Institute The charter school industry has done much during the COVID-19 pandemic to add to systemic inequities that afflict black communities by hijacking small business relief aid originally intended for minority-owned businesses and redirecting these funds to schools that further isolate black families. When emergency aid for small businesses hit by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic rolled out in North and South Carolina, black-owned businesses were mostly bypassed. Only 3 percent of loans worth $150,000 or more went to black-owned businesses, according to Charlotte-based WCNC, which analyzed loans awarded to small businesses that included race on their applications. Of the 2,026 small business owners and nonprofits who got the loans, only 64 of them were black, and 1,791 were white. In Tennessee, the story was much the same. When a Nashville Fox News affiliate compared the amounts of small business emergency aid given out to businesses in black communities in the city to those in whiter, wealthier parts of town, it found a huge [negative] discrepancy when it comes to historically black neighborhoods. This pattern held true on the other side of the country where San Diego public media station KPBS reported, Storefronts in underserved communities south of I-8 couldnt get any money. In heartland Kansas City, KCTV reported, out of 4,677 emergency loans given to small businesses in the region, less than 5 percent went to minority-owned small businesses, and only 24less than 0.5 percentwent to black-owned firms. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV reported, Only 17 business owners identified as African American, representing 0.62 percent of small businesses, were loan recipients. According to a nationwide survey conducted by Color of Change and UnidosUS, only 12 percent of black and Latinx business owners who applied for federal small business loans received the full amount of their requested relief. As a summary of that survey states, Almost two-thirds [of black and Latinx small business owners surveyed] report they have either received no assistance (41 percent) or are still waiting to hear whether they will receive any federal help (21 percent). While local news stories spun an emerging narrative of small black-owned businesses as losers in the federal aid program, other reports, often from the same cities and regions, clarified who a surprising winner was. At least 22 San Diego County charter schools or charter school organizations have collected at least $23 million in federal aid to small businesses hit by the pandemic, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. According to Tennessee Lookout, at least eight Nashville charter school organizations received between $9.05 million and $22 million in small business aid. (The loan amounts have been reported in dollar ranges, not exact values.) In Wisconsin, Urban Milwaukee reported, A large number of voucher and charter schools that describe themselves as public schools, and receive public money, have also received millions of dollars from the federal governments small-business loan program. In North Carolina, NC Policy Watch found that at least 50 charter schools in the state received between $21.1 million and $53.6 million. NC Policy Watchs findings were drawn from a report by the Network for Public Education that found, nationwide, charter schools and their nonprofit or for-profit management companies secured between $926 million and $2.2 billion in funding from the small business loan program. Another analysis of the small business loan program by Good Jobs First found that approximately 1,200 charter schools received an estimated $1.3 billion from the program. (In its analysis, Good Jobs First used a midpoint to estimate each loan amount rather than the range.) There is a concern here, said Good Jobs First research analyst Mellissa Chang in a phone call, because of the question of whether charter schools are public schools or private businesses. They walk a fine line between the two, she said. There is justifiable unease, wrote Network for Public Educations Carol Burris and Marla Kilfoyle in the Washington Post, about [charter schools] taking from a fund intended to keep the paychecks of parents coming. Its even more disconcerting when those paychecks were from black families the charter industry purports to serve. An Uneven Playing Field Its far from clear whether charter schools actually needed the funding. When Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, it provided over $30 billion in an Education Stabilization Fund for governors, state and local education agencies, and institutions of higher education. Within CARES, $13.5 billion was directed to K-12 schools. All public and charter schools were eligible to apply for these funds. Another pot of money in CARES was for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide loans to small businesses and nonprofits, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which provided loans to businesses and nonprofits experiencing revenue losses due to the pandemic, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to cover payroll costs and overhead, including mortgages, rent, and utilities. EIDL emergency aid included an opportunity to receive a $10,000 loan that did not have to be repaid. PPP loans were 100 percent forgivable, essentially making them grants. Public schools were not eligible to apply for EIDL or PPP loans. According to a May 2020 report by the SBA inspector general, the original intent of PPP was to prioritize borrowers in underserved markets, including rural, minority and women-owned businesses and nonprofits. That guidance was not adhered to, and lobbyists for the charter school industry successfully influenced lawmakers to ensure their schools would have access to loans for small businesses. While SBA authorities are focused on small businesses, wrote Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, we worked with federal lawmakers to ensure that the loan funding for this crisis is offered to charter schools. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools received a PPP loan of $350,000$1 million, CNN reported. According to Education Week, charter lobbying groups including Reess urged charter schools to consider applying for the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program. In an interview with NC Policy Watch, Burris charged the charter industry with double-dipping. She also wrotein the Washington Post that charter schools, which never saw an interruption in their per-pupil funding, could take from both federal CARES Act funding and the Paycheck Protection Program. Its an unfair playing field, said Good Jobs First communications director Arlene Martinez. Her organizations analysis points out that the CARES Act allocation of $13.2 billion to all 98,158 public schools in the country averages out to $134,500 per school. In comparison, if 1,200 charter schools received an estimated $1.3 billion, as Good Jobs First found, thats an average loan of $1,083,333 per schooleight times more per school than what public schools received. This gap will likely widen, Good Jobs First concludes, as more research unearths how much charters drew from CARES Act funding and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Isolating Black Communities The harm charter schools may have inflicted by sopping up relief funds that could have gone to Black-owned small businesses is in addition to the industrys already troubling track record of isolating Black communities. Nationwide, low-income black childrens isolation has increased, warned the economist and author Richard Rothstein in 2014. Rothstein pointed to evidence that The share of black students attending schools that are more than 90 percent minority was growing rapidly. He wrote, It is inconceivable that significant gains can be made in the achievement of black children who are so severely isolated. Numerous studies over the years have shown charter schools have contributed to this growing racial isolation of black students. A 2017 analysis of the racial composition of charter school enrollments as of 20142015 conducted by the Associated Press found, Charter schools put growing numbers in racial isolation. According to the analysis, the presence of charters added to segregation, and those levels of segregation correspond with low achievement levels at schools of all kinds. Similarly, a 2012 study by the Civil Rights Project of the University of California, Los Angeles, found, Charter schools are more racially isolated than traditional public schools in virtually every state and large metropolitan area in the nation. There is ample evidence that small business relief funds went to charter schools that contribute to the growing isolation of black students. Contributing to Racial Segregation In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district in North Carolina, the racial composition of students is 36 percent black, 26.6 percent Hispanic, and 26.8 percent white, but many of the charter schools located in and around the district that received Paycheck Protection Program funds have student enrollments that differ greatly from the diversity of the district. Pioneer Springs Community School in Charlotte received $350,000$1 million, and the school is nearly three-quarters white. Charlotte Lab School received $350,000$1 million, and nearly half of its students are white. Small business relief funds also went to many of the charter schools in suburban and exurban communities that ring the district, adding to the flight of white students that already affects the district. Socrates Academy in the suburb of Matthews received $350,000$1 million. The school is over 62 percent white. Lake Norman Charter School in Huntersville received $1 million$2 million. The school is over 65 percent white. Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville received $350,000$1 million. The school is over 83 percent white. Conversely, many Charlotte-area charter schools that received PPP aid contribute to racial isolation by concentrating black students in their schools. Sugar Creek Charter School, which received $2 million$5 million in small business aid, says on its website it believes in embracing diversity, but of the schools 1,724 students, 1,451 are black and only eight are white. Invest Collegiate, also in Charlotte, received $350,000$1 million in small business relief. Of the 367 studentsenrolled in the school, more than 300 are black and 11 are white. In Durham, North Carolina, where the student population of the district in 201718 was 45 percent black, 31 percent Hispanic, and 19 percent white, there is a similar pattern of small business aid going to charter schools that isolate black students. Central Park School for Children received a PPP loan of $1 million$2 million. The school is 47 percent white. At Reaching All Minds Academy, which got $350,000$1 million, there are no white students at all out of 344 total students enrolled, and Maureen Joy Charter School, which received a loan in the same range, has only one white student out of 640 total students enrolled. North Carolina is not the only state where small business aid during the pandemic went to charter schools that contribute to racially isolating black students. In the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, Minneapolis public schools have a highly diverse mix of students who are 38.1 percent black, 34.7 percent white, 17.7 percent Hispanic, 5.9 percent Asian, and 3.5 percent Native American. Across the river in Saint Paul, 21 percent of students are white, 26 percent are black, 31 percent are Asian, and 14 percent are Hispanic. Yet many of the charter schools that received checks from the Paycheck Protection Program do not reflect this diversity. Minnesota Transitions Charter School, which operates eight schools in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, received a loan of $2 million$5 million. The enrollment of its combined schools is 60.8 percent white, 19 percent black, 9 percent Hispanic, and 1.8 percent Asian. Minneapolis charter Prairie Seeds Academy received a loan of $1 million$2 million. The combined enrollmentof its elementary, middle, and secondary schools is 73.2 percent Asian, 13.4 percent black, 10.4 percent Hispanic, and 1 percent white. Best Academy in Minneapolis got $1 million$2 million. Of the 731 students who attend the school, 711 are black and only one is white. In Saint Paul, Nova Classical Academy, which operates an elementary and a secondary school at the same address, received $1 million$2 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds. The enrollment of its combined schools is 67.2 percent white, 9.9 percent Asian, 6.7 percent black, and 8 percent Hispanic. Another Saint Paul charter, the German Immersion School, was awarded $350,000$1 million and is 86.3 percent white. Taking the Higher Road In defense of charter schools taking the small business emergency funds, Greg Richmond, founder of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, wrote in the pro-charter media outlet the 74, The reality is that the law clearly states that all 501(c)3 organizations are eligible to apply for paycheck protection, and charter schools are 501(c)3 organizations. Richmond now works for a nonprofit called Bluum Inc., which received a nearly $9 million grant from the federal Charter Schools Program to start more charters in Idaho. Another reality is that some charter schools, rather than taking the money, took the higher road of foregoing economic privilege when the needs of chronically underserved people should come first. To their credit, some charter schools in Rhode Island, according to the Boston Globe, recognized the ethical dilemma of taking relief funds meant for small businesses and nonprofits, especially when their income stream had not been interrupted at all, and chose not to apply for the aid. But its apparent many charter schools and their industry lobbyists and supporters had no ethical struggle at all. When Nina Rees of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools informed charter school operators of her organizations success at making sure charters would be eligible for federal small business aid, she stated, Challenging times bring out the best in Americans. Well, maybe not always. JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- As COVID-19 numbers across the state and locally continue to show improvement, Mississippi no longer holds the top spot in the U.S. for new cases of the coronavirus per capita, per day. Last week, the state moved into the top spot nationally with an average of 29 new cases per 100,000 residents each day, or about 6,000 weekly cases. But with the number of daily cases dropping, so too has the states national ranking, which now has Mississippi sitting at 7th in new daily cases per capita. South Dakota holds the top spot with at 39.3 new daily cases per capita, followed by Iowa (36.9), North Dakota (34.0), Alabama (26.2), Tennessee (22.1), Missouri (21.3) and Mississippi (20.6). However, Mississippi still ranks third in total COVID-19 cases per capita since the outbreak began, with 2,860 cases per 100,000 residents, trailing only Louisiana and Florida. Fridays update from the Mississippi Department of Health reported 823 new cases statewide -- the first time since Aug. 26 the state has exceeded 800 new cases. The health department also reported 23 new deaths across the state. Mississippi now totals 85,939 cases and 2,558 deaths. The news was largely good for the Mississippi coast, where for the second time in the past week no new deaths were reported. Jackson County reported 31 new cases and now totals 3,126, along with 60 deaths. Harrison County had 37 new cases for totals of 3,445 and 61, respectively, while Hancock County had two new cases and totals 510 cases and 20 deaths. The Mississippi coast totals as of Friday stood at 7,081 cases and 140 deaths. Other data in Fridays MDH update shows the 18-29 age group still continues to be the driving force behind a large number of new cases in the state, now with a total of 19,103 cases -- nearly 6,200 more than any other age group. The 60+ age group, while accounting for only 22.8 percent of all cases, still has far and away the highest death rate, with 83.8 percent of all deaths statewide involving patients 60 and above. The number of cases requiring hospitalization remained unchanged from Thursday at 13.5 percent. Total testing increased by 5,715 from Thursday to Friday for a total of 641,625, or 21.6 percent of Mississippis population of 2.97 million. The positive rate increased slightly to 13.4 percent. In Saturdays mail, I received an ad from the SuperPAC Congressional Leadership Fund, obviously intended to benefit Nicole Malliotakiss campaign, though she was not named. The language on both sides of the ad was incendiary, misleading and divisive, repeating the words liberal mob. One side pictured a street with burning car next to one of Rep. Max Rose calmly walking in a protest march and the words Our city is Burning. Chaos in the Streets. New York is not burning and there is not chaos in the streets; there have been several incidents of demonstrations that got out of hand, but many more that remained peaceful. A march is not a mob, though it may become one, and neither would be occurring were it not for Breonna Taylor being killed by police while asleep in her bed (initial police report listing injuries as none); George Floyd being suffocated by a police officer kneeling on his neck for nine minutes; Jacob Blake being shot seven times in the back by police; and too many similar incidents over decades. The other side of the ad accused Rose, who opposes defunding the police, of siding with the liberal mob over the NYPD and cited signs some carried at protests. Some people at those marches carried signs with which Malliotakis and I and Rose would disagree; this can happen in a free society and is their First Amendment right. I wonder if Malliotakis has agreed with -- or even seen -- every sign at every event she has attended? Like cities and states around the country, New York faces drastically reduced revenue, increased expenses, and an uncertain outlook due to the pandemic. With a $9 billion shortfall, cuts must be made everywhere, including the police, yet $400 million of the $1 billion being cut from the Police Departments $6 billion budget -- nearly half -- will be achieved by moving school safety officers under the Department of Education (in many ways a cut in name only). This is not gutting the budget as the ad says. The Department of Education is being cut $182 million. One hundred million dollars was cut from the Department of Sanitation. The Housing Departments budget was cut by 40%, etc. Yes, there will be fewer police; there will also be reductions in sanitation services, potentially 9,000 fewer teachers, and so on. Help to cities and states has been distinctly lacking from the federal government, and the reality is more cuts will be necessary if aid does not arrive. The extreme Us-vs-Them approach of the mailing is detrimental not just to Staten Island and our city, but to the nation as a whole. I recognize that elections are about differentiation, not commonalities, but painting any individual or party as wholly other and the enemy demeans us all and, ultimately, makes it impossible to govern something of which we have seen far too much in recent years. I call on Ms. Malliotakis to repudiate it. (Janet E. Vetter is a St. George resident.) Teachers are the bedrock upon which any quality education is built, and they are perhaps one the few people in our lives that rejoice when students outdo them. Teachers have an extremely significant role in society, especially in Hindu mythology where the guru is given the same designation as God, even more so than parents. ALSO READ: Importance, Significance, And History Of Teachers Day In celebration of this, September 5 has been assigned as National Teachers Day, and on this occasion students all over the country express their gratitude and respect for their teachers. It is an especially significant day as it also marks the birth anniversary of one of Indias most prolific scholar, philosopher and the second President of India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in whose honour this day was designated. For the celebrations of this day, students wish their teachers and give them cards and gifts. To help you celebrate, here is a list of gifting ideas that you can give to your teachers. Stationery: This one probably does without saying but is perhaps the most useful gift that you can give to your teachers. This can include a box full of whiteboard markers, or chalks, if they prefer the old school way. From premium fountain pens to penholders, you have a wide range of items to choose from in this category. If you want to go for a more personalised touch, you can shop online from places that specialise in personalisation. B0107Z3J9Q, B082V7VXV9 Teachers Tote: Another practical and useful gifting idea is a teachers tote. You can choose a handmade, recycled one, or just make one yourself, decorating it with block painting or other such patterns, your teacher will be sure to appreciate your gesture and creativity. Flowers: Nothing brings a smile on someones face more than receiving flowers on a grey monsoon morning. Whether you are going to school or attending online classes, you can send flowers to your teachers to brighten up their day. Homemade earrings/cufflinks: With the latest fashion trends, you can turn almost anything into earrings. Those metal soda and beer caps you have been saving, tiny feathers, extra wool, tassels, beads, and even old laminated stickers, you can make the most unique items to give your teachers. Desk Organisers: Even if your teachers are working from home, this gift will surely get you in the good books with them. You can get personalised desk organizer and pen holders all-in-one, with the class picture or a personal one with them. B07G5BMR3M, B00PBVJ1FS Travel Coffee Mug: If early morning classes are hard for you, chances are that they are just as hard for your teachers. Get them a travel tumbler for that early morning coffee. If you give it to them in person, be sure to fill it up with their favourite brew, in advance. Tiny Plants/succulents: Teachers are by nature very nurturing and capable of making everything they touch flourish and grow. What better gift could there be for someone like this, if not tiny potted plants. Even colourful succulents can liven up a workspace or bedroom. B07D74TVFW, B01E3XANII Planners: Teachers usually have a lot on their plate, giving them something that would help them organise their time and work will benefit them greatly and express your gratitude to them in a brilliant fashion as well. Good Grades/Attention: This is perhaps the most important gift any student can give their teacher. There is nothing more significant to the teacher other than the success and growth of their students. Your good work bears the fruit of their labour. So, the greatest gift you can give them is your success, attention, and respect. (At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter WASHINGTON: As President Donald Trump sows doubt about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, hes found a powerful partner in Attorney General William Barr. Like Trump, Barr has repeatedly sounded alarms about the November vote despite a lack of evidence pointing to pervasive problems with the process. Thats important and worrisome to Democrats because Barr is no ordinary Cabinet member. As head of the Justice Department, he can shape investigations into election interference and voting fraud. Though the department doesnt oversee elections, it could inject itself into court fights over disputed contests. And any statements from Americas top law enforcement officer questioning election results could further shake public confidence in the vote at a time of widespread disinformation and rumors. Those who think that Barr is watching over the interests of Trump rather than the interests of the country have reason to be concerned that he would weaponize the Justice Departments investigative authority to help Trump at least politically, if not legally, in any post-election challenge, said Richard Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California, Irvine. Concerns about Barr among Democrats and election experts outside the department are heightened because he is seen as a loyalist to the president, as well as an ardent defender of broad executive power and a passionate critic of the FBIs Russia probe. Barrs comments, most recently in a CNN interview Wednesday, have been consistent with efforts by Trump and his campaign to attack mail voting as rife with fraud and to potentially lay the groundwork for lawsuits challenging election results. The attacks have continued even though research contradicts the idea of pervasive fraud in the vote-by-mail process and even though intelligence officials say they dont have information to suggest some of Barrs gravest concerns, like adversaries printing counterfeit ballots, are close to becoming reality. Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said Barr has pledged again and again to make decisions according to the law and facts, without regard to political considerations. Barr has also said he will abide by longstanding Justice Department policy against taking any investigative steps, including prosecutions, designed to affect the outcome of an election. There are critical limits on the Justice Departments potential impact on the election. The federal government, for instance, doesnt administer elections and most core voting functions, like tallying ballots and certifying results, are the responsibility of state and local governments. Though the department can prosecute voter fraud cases, it is not empowered to decide which votes count and which do not, nor could it intervene in an unresolved local election and declare a winner, said Justin Levitt, a Loyola Law School professor and former Justice Department voting rights official in the Obama administration. There is no piece of litigation, there is no case that I can think of, that the attorney general can bring in mid-November to sort out who won, Levitt said. But, he added, Barr and the department could very well take to the airwaves and take to the TV stations and bang the drum against mail-voting. A potent public messaging campaign from the Justice Department bully pulpit could go a long way in weakening confidence in the election results. In the event of a challenge over a disputed election, brought by an aggrieved campaign or someone else, the Justice Department probably wouldnt have grounds to initiate a lawsuit but could try to intervene or file a brief supporting a campaigns argument. Such a move may not have much practical sway on a court but would have symbolic value. Having to wait until a campaign files a lawsuit, would not be an enormous barrier to the Justice Department still being able to play a very active role in the litigation, said New York University law school professor Richard Pildes. The departments National Security Division was intimately involved in the 2016 election as it investigated ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. This week, Barr tightened restrictions for national security surveillance of federal candidates and advisers, and though he said Wednesday that Russia may look to interfere again, he believes China is a more assertive threat. He did not disclose the intelligence he said had led him to the conclusion, but an intelligence assessment last month indicated the opposite: that Russias interference was so far more direct than Beijing. Historically, and particularly before foreign interference came to occupy public attention, the Justice Departments most direct connection to the election process has been through its Civil Rights Division, which enforces laws including the Voting Rights Act and generally brings cases designed to ensure that voters are not denied access at the polls. That includes a 2009 lawsuit in the waning days of the George W. Bush administration alleging voter intimidation by the New Black Panther Party and a 2013 case challenging North Carolina provisions seen as discriminating against minority voters. We used to get immense pressure from the liberal advocacy organizations who wanted us to get involved and wanted us to put our thumb on the scale in order to achieve whatever policy aims they wanted, said Bradley Schlozman, who led the division during the Bush administration and supervised voting rights issues. He said he didnt view Barr as sowing doubt in the process but rather vowing to address what he sees as a legitimate problem. In the last few months, as states have scrambled to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic, the public discussion from the Justice Department has centered less on general voting access and more on the possibility of fraud in a vote-by-mail system expected to be in far broader use this year. Barr described that rapid expansion on Wednesday as playing with fire. Experts say while voting by mail raises additional concerns in relation to in-person voting, there is no evidence of rampant fraud. The notion that the attorney general would invent widespread fraud in a system that many and maybe most Americans are going to use in November is deeply concerning, Levitt said. The notion that he would cast doubt on the validity of the election results even before the election has happened is deeply concerning. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 17:38:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NUR-SULTAN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper on Thursday released a short documentary titled "Never forget the lessons of history" in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which fell on Thursday. The 13-minute documentary, which has been released on the newspaper's website, app and social media accounts, depicts the contribution made by the Chinese people to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, with interviews with Kazakh historians, veterans and their descendants. The documentary also highlights the friendship between the 20th-century Chinese musician Xian Xinghai and Kazakh composer Bakhitzhan Baykadamov, who took care of Xian when he was stranded in the Kazakh city of Almaty after the Soviet Union was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1941. Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of the newspaper, said China was the main battlefield in Asia during the Second World War (WWII), and the Chinese people endured great difficulties and sacrifices in their fight for world peace, justice and fairness. Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao said the peoples of China and Kazakhstan have both stood the test of the brutal war and paid a painful price to achieve victory. More than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or injured in the anti-Japanese war, accounting for one-third of the total casualties of all countries during WWII, according to official statistics. Around 1.2 million Kazakh people were sent to the front during WWII, with half never returning. Enditem New Delhi, Sep 4 : The Supreme Court on Friday allowed consolidation of multiple FIRs lodged in Uttar Pradesh against foreign nationals in connection with the Tablighi Jamaat activities, and also agreed to the transfer of pending trials before specified courts. A bench comprising Justices A.M. Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna directed the UP government to move the principal bench of Allahabad High Court with an application on the number of courts, which would take up pending trials across the state. The bench also asked the High Court to identify the specific courts within a period of one week for hearing of these matters, and that these courts should attempt to wrap up the trial within 8 weeks. The observation from the top court came while considering applications by foreign nationals facing trials across UP, seeking consolidation of FIRs and an expedited trial, as granted by the top court with respect to the original matter led by 34 petitioners from Delhi. On September 1, the apex court had allowed the transfer of all trials pending before trial court in Bihar to one particular court. Senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy, representing the petitioners, suggested a total of two to three courts, should be tasked with taking up the trials in UP. The bench expressed willingness to allow one court per zone in UP. Guruswamy cited the example of Zone 3, Bareilly, where eight Indonesian nationals were granted bail. She contended that the first three bail conditions are fine, but the fourth condition sought the presence of the First Secretary of the Embassy before the court. She argued that only a few special courts should be designated to hear the trials of applicants. Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center are two of five sites selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for Phase III of COVID-19 vaccine trials, according to the Department of Defense. As part of Operation Warp Speed, which is focused on delivering safe and effective vaccines by January 2021, the DOD has picked five locations to test AstraZeneca's vaccine candidate, AZD1222. RELATED: Coronavirus updates: Mask up like you buckle up: Officials urge Labor Day caution Naval Medical Center San Diego, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital are joining the two San Antonio sites in the trials, according to DOD. The Department of Defense continues to play a key role in the development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine, Honorable Tom McCaffery, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, said in a release. Now that vaccines have passed the first phases of testing for safety, dosing and response, we are ready to move into the next phase where volunteers are needed to join large clinical studies. We are excited to have several sites identified to support the next steps in the vaccine development process. The DOD says the participation from members of communities hit hardest by the virus is "critical" to ensure the vaccine works. The trial is looking for people who are essential workers, live in densely populated areas or congregate settings, have underlying health conditions or are members of racial/ethnic groups like African Americans, Latino and Native American populations. AstraZeneca is looking to enroll up to 30,000 adults for the trial of the vaccine. Participants will be administered two doses of either the potential vaccine or saline control at random, four weeks apart, the pharmaceutical company says. Twice as many volunteers will be given the AZD1222 than the saline control. "The trial is assessing efficacy and safety of the potential vaccine in all participants, and local and systemic reactions and immune responses will be assessed in 3,000 participants," AstraZeneca says. Those interested in volunteering are asked to visit the Coronavirus Prevention Network website to complete the survey. Once submitted, local coordinators will contact volunteers who are a good match for the trial. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye RTHK: Biden reaches out to black man shot by police Joe Biden called out the "underlying racism" in America on Thursday as he sought to soothe the protest-scarred Midwestern city of Kenosha, where the presidential hopeful spoke with a black father shot in the back by a white policeman. Biden sat down for a private talk with Jacob Blake's father and other relatives, and revealed later that he had spoken for about 15 minutes by telephone with Blake as the 29-year-old was recovering in hospital. "He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not, he was not going to give up," Biden said of Blake, whose lawyers say he is likely paralyzed from the waist down. Describing himself repeatedly as an optimist, Biden -- speaking through a face mask -- told a small community gathering in Kenosha that the majority of Americans support the Black Lives Matter movement for racial equality. But he also warned that President Trump has fueled the racial hatred which has roiled the nation in recent months. "Not all his fault," but Trump's heated and racially charged language "legitimizes the dark side of human nature," Biden said at Grace Lutheran Church, where a crowd of mostly-masked supporters gathered outside. The president's rhetoric has exposed "the underlying racism that is institutionalized in the United States, and still exists, and has existed for 400 years," he added. "I promise you, win or lose... I'm going to go down fighting the good fight for racial equality," Biden said, adding: "We're not going to go down." The optics in Wisconsin offered a contrast from two days earlier when Biden's Republican rival brought his law-and-order message to Kenosha, where he survey damage and met law enforcement and business owners. Unlike Biden, Trump did not speak with Blake or his family, and he visited in defiance of pleas by the mayor and state governor, both Democrats, who feared that his presence would stoke tensions. During Trump's meeting with police, he equated the demonstrations demanding racial justice with "domestic terror" by violent mobs. Biden's visit, his first major trip since June due to months of coronavirus-driven lockdown and restrictions, marks an intensification of his presidential campaign two months before the US election. The campaign has announced Biden trips to battlegrounds Michigan next Wednesday and Pennsylvania on September 11. As the Democrat emerges more from his Wilmington, Delaware home, Trump is already barnstorming across battleground states, warning voters that a Biden administration would leave them less safe and repeating his baseless attacks on the integrity of mail-in voting. In recent weeks Trump has visited Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, New Hampshire and North Carolina, with a rally scheduled for Thursday evening in Pennsylvania. Trump mocked Biden's foray into Wisconsin, pushing a new nickname for the challenger that presumably refers to lower recent profile on the campaign trail. Until now Biden has hesitated to hit the road, rigorously adhering to local pandemic health guidelines and campaigning through webcasts, advertising and television. "Joe Hiden' gets off his airplane, grabs and shakes a rather stunned man's hand (like in the old days), then touches his (Joe's) face and mask with the same hand," the president tweeted. "No crowd, no enthusiasm for Joe today. Law & Order!" Biden leads Trump in national polling but the gap is closer in swing states including Wisconsin, which Trump narrowly flipped from Democrats in his improbable 2016 election victory. He is no doubt using security fears to hammer home his law-and-order message. Demonstrations in Kenosha began peacefully the night Blake was shot, but descended into violence for several nights running. It culminated August 25 when two people were shot dead. A 17-year-old white Trump supporter has been arrested and charged with murder. The president has refused to condemn the killings or the growing presence of armed vigilantes at protests, and during his visit he equated the demonstrations demanding racial justice with "domestic terror" by violent mobs. Community leader Tim Mahone, who moderated the roundtable, applauded Biden for presenting a more optimistic vision. "We're hurting right now," he told Biden. "Your leadership is important, in Kenosha and in our country." (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By Kim Bo-eun Standard Chartered (SC) Bank Korea CEO Park Jong-bok is in the spotlight after securing a third term as the lender's chief. SC Bank said Park was reappointed after shareholders and board meetings Thursday Park's third term will begin Jan. 8 next year. SC Bank said the board made the appointment five months in advance to remove uncertainties and achieve organizational stability. Park began his first term Jan. 8, 2015. Born in 1955, Park earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Kyung Hee University. He joined Korea First Bank, later acquired by SC Bank, in 1979. The British banking group took over the local bank in 2005. Park has extensive experience in sales, as he worked at local branches for 20 years. He headed the sales division and the retail banking division before being appointed to double as SC Financial Group chairman and SC Bank CEO in January 2015. He was reappointed as the lender's chief in January 2018. Park has been acknowledged for his leadership skills and ability to communicate with employees. He took bold measures to reorganize the bank and set up a base to ensure stable growth. This has led to improved profitability. During his terms, he turned a chronic deficit at the retail banking sector to a surplus. As a part of Korea First Bank, Park managed to strategically utilize the two bank brands Korea First Bank and SC Bank for various business partnerships. Park has been credited with leading the bank's strengthening of its digital capabilities and the growth of its wealth management business. His latest achievements are SC Bank's solid earnings at a time when other lenders have seen their profits falter amid COVID-19. The lender posted 182 billion won in net profit in the first half of this year 21.1 percent year-on-year growth. This has been attributed to diversifying revenue sources. SC Bank's non-interest income was driven by its wealth management division, the lender said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 22:01:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua Writers Yao Yuan, He Wen and Zhang Wenjing LANZHOU, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Xu Xi was engrossed in each stroke of the imprinting knife when carving a mold, knowing that the bronze pot it produces may one day become a symbol of wealth for a Tibetan family. Without written instructions or a sketch, the 33-year-old artisan engraved the eight auspicious patterns of Tibetan culture all by memory, adding another tint of mystery to the bronzeware craftsmanship that has been passed down orally from father to son for five centuries. Using recyclable sand to make single-use molds, the bronzeware making technique is an intangible cultural heritage in Qingshui, a Han-ethnic village in the impoverished county of Minxian, northwest China's Gansu Province. Despite the absence of copper mines in the proximity, the craft has thrived in the village by melting waste copper collected from nearby, which in the modern era includes electric wires and vehicle radiators. Their main clients have been Tibetan families in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan and Tibet, whose fondness for copper utensils and ornaments and rising purchasing power have helped many Qingshui villagers shake off poverty. "All my bronze pots have sold out, and the orders kept me busy throughout the year," said Xu, who earns between 100,000 and 200,000 yuan (about 14,600 to 29,200 U.S. dollars) a year. In an exhibition hall of a local cooperative dedicated to bronzeware production, a variety of bronze works are on display, from discreet kettles to gigantic pots used by Buddhist temples to cook congee. Xu Fanglong, one founder of the cooperative, recalled the days when they sold their products to itinerant traders, who then traveled to heavily Tibetan regions to barter with herdsmen for rare herbs and cattle. "Nowadays many Tibetan families drive cars to our village to directly buy from us using cash," said the 45-year-old veteran craftsman. Their growing wealth is also evident in the surging orders for more pricey, opulently decorated bronzeware that can be passed down as family assets, said artisans in Qingshui. "In my father's era, copper kettles were sold without lids," he said. "Now customers prefer those with a lid, even though an ornate lid could be as expensive as the kettle." The market boom has helped keep the complicated craft afloat. The production involves over a dozen manual procedures and culminates with the smashing of the molds to retrieve the finished products. This makes each bronze work unique but also time-consuming to produce. Around 2007, the lack of profitability and laborious nature of the craft prompted many artisans to leave the village for better-paying jobs in cities, Xu recalled. Xu also considered taking up a mason's job back then, but eventually decided to stay upon the persuasion of local officials, who conferred on him an honorary title as the master of the cultural heritage. In recent years, the local government also revved up efforts to preserve the ancient technique while integrating it into the local poverty-reduction drive. "We've been asking master artisans to recruit more apprentices, especially those from needy families," said Yang Fengming, Party secretary of Qingshui Township, which administers the village. The prospering trade helped slash the village's poverty incidence from about 26 percent in 2013 to 3.8 percent by the end of 2019, Yang said, adding that they have been injecting funds into the cooperative, hoping its production expansion would benefit more low-income families. Xu Fanglong is now proud of his new job offering guidance to any villagers working at the cooperative. He lost count of the number of his "apprentices" but said some were even older than him. "Most importantly, many young people are willing to stay in the village and train in the craft," he said. "Parents in the village no longer have to toil in faraway cities and leave their children behind." Enditem LONDON, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis will modify its Independence Day programming in regard to the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19. The twin-island achieved independence from Britain on September 19th, 1983. This year, the nation will celebrate its 37th year of sovereignty. Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris took the difficult decision and disclosed the cancellation of some events, while others will be scaled back or virtually delivered. Prime Minister Harris, speaking on his weekly television programme on Tuesday night, said the annual Independence Day Ceremonial Parade would be cancelled this year. Due to the country's pro-active containment measures and a robust healthcare system, St Kitts and Nevis has the lowest confirmed cases among CARICOM states, and there are currently no active cases. Zero deaths have also been recorded deaths due to the virus. "There will be no Independence Parade this year. This is to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus with thousands of participants attending the Independence Parade. This decision was a painful one given the seminal importance of independence at the fulcrum of our sovereign state," Prime Minister Harris said. However, he encouraged citizens "to wear national colours, carry their national flags with them and display their flags on their homes and public buildings [] to mark the day, [and be] mindful to comply with our COVID-19 Regulations." The islands will reopen their borders for international tourism in the next month. The reopening will allow for the continuation of air and commercial sea traffic carrying international passengers into the Federation's ports. The nation is training over 5,000 tourism industry workers in health and safety protocols in preparation for October. After a year of its independence, St Kitts and Nevis founded the world's first Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme in 1984. The Programme allows applicants who have passed rigorous due diligence checks to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, the applicant, and their family, should they apply jointly, can obtain citizenship for life. For a limited time under the CBI Programme's Sustainable Growth Fund, a family of up to four can obtain citizenship for US$150,000, instead of US$195,000. This option remains the fastest route to second citizenship. In return, the contribution supports socio-economic development across the islands. Contact: [email protected] www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners Related Links https://csglobalpartners.com Its unlikely Doug Ford and Justin Trudeau stayed up late Thursday to watch the election returns from Jamaica. But if they had, the Jamaican vote held some instructive lessons about the politics of pandemics for both Canadian leaders as the delicate matter of election timing is pondered. Andrew Holnesss term as Jamaican prime minister didnt expire until next year. But he shrewdly called a snap vote to capitalize on encouraging poll numbers for his handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Its a similar gambit being taken by Premier Blaine Higgs in New Brunswick, where voters will cast ballots on Sept. 14 just two years after their last contest. Holness, who has been praised for Jamaicas pandemic response, was rewarded with a landslide victory for the centre-right Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), winning 49 of 63 seats. Like Higgs in Fredericton and possibly Justin Trudeau in Ottawa he wanted to get in front of any looming bad economic news or a second coronavirus wave. The Jamaican leader, whose party had 33 of 63 seats at dissolution, called the election last month when COVID-19 numbers were low. That was thanks to top-notch contacting tracing, temperature checks at markets, quarantining hot spots, and imposing a strict curfew for everyone except essential front-line workers. (Its in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Sept. 30.) Even so, Jamaica, like Ontario, has seen an uptick of new cases because the economy is reopening and people are travelling more. Perhaps not surprisingly, voter turnout was low 37 per cent compared with 48 per cent in the 2016 election. Combined with the prime minister dominating Jamaicas daily news cycles throughout the pandemic, that boosted JLP candidates throughout the island. The health emergency also meant voters were not transfixed by a fraud and corruption scandal that cost Holnesss education minister his job last year or a procurement fiasco involving used vehicles for Jamaican police. For an incumbent prime minister like Trudeau, who lost his finance minister last month in the wake of the WE Charity scandal, that might be an encouraging sign. His minority Liberals will table a throne speech on Sept. 23. If the opposition rejects it that will trigger an election. The latest Campaign Research poll for the Star suggests Trudeau may want to go to the polls sooner rather than later. In his electoral stronghold of Ontario, Trudeau has 47 per cent approval and 47 per cent disapproval with six per cent unsure for a net zero. But newly minted federal Conservative Leader Erin OToole, who is from Durham, has 24 per cent approval and 25 per cent disapproval with 51 per cent unsure for a net -1 per cent in his home province. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has 42 per cent approval, 36 per cent disapproval, and 22 per cent unsure for an overall 6 per cent. Provincially, Premier Doug Ford has 64 per cent approval, 31 per cent disapproval, and six per cent unsure for a net 33 per cent. The premier compares favourably with rookie Liberal Leader Steven Del Ducas 23 per cent approval, his 28 per cent disapproval with 49 per cent unsure for a net -5 per cent. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, who has led her party into three elections since 2009, has 37 per cent approval, 33 per cent disapproval and 29 per cent unsure for an overall six per cent rating. The pollster surveyed 1,129 people across Ontario on Wednesday and Thursday using Maru Blues online panel. It is an opt-in poll, but for comparison purposes, a random sample of this size would have a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Campaign Research principal Nick Kouvalis, who has worked with Conservative and Liberal candidates across Canada and managed the winning Toronto mayoral campaigns of John Tory and Rob Ford, said such data could portend early elections. Considering New Brunswick is having an election in 10 days, Premier (John) Horgan in British Columbia is considering a snap election call, and the Trudeau government prorogued Parliament, which could lead to an election, its not out of the question the Ontario government wouldnt also consider attaining a fresh mandate, said Kouvalis. In July, Ford told the Star he was ruling out a snap vote in Ontario, saying the next election would be in June 2022. Of course, that was before an intriguing result in Jamaica. (Full disclosure: Dr. Peter Phillips, defeated and departing leader of the centre-left Peoples National Party that won just 14 seats, is my cousins first cousin, but were not directly related. Notwithstanding my mothers family supporting the JLP for decades, Im politically agnostic.) Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: The coronavirus pandemic has added to the workload and stress of mothers. Credit: Shutterstock Following her recent installation as Canada's first female finance minister, Chrystia Freeland was quick to acknowledge that a promotion such as hers was a rarity for a woman in the era of COVID-19. "The economic challenge created by the coronavirus is hitting women particularly hard," said Freeland in a media scrum following her appointment. "It's hitting mothers particularly hard. We are seeing women's participation in the workforce falling very sharply." Freeland's comments echo mounting evidence of the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women around the world. Women pushed out A recent report from the Royal Bank of Canada found that women's participation in the Canadian labor force fell by 4.7 percent between February and May. There are multiple factors that have contributed to what has been dubbed the "shecession," but childcare obligations are one of the most frequently cited. During the same period, employment among women with toddlers or school-aged children fell by seven percent, whereas men with children in the same age groups only saw a decline of four percent. The evidence indicates that in households with children, the ramifications of shelter-at-home measureswhich shuttered schools and child-care centers across the country while at the same time prohibiting families from soliciting support with child care from anyone outside the homehave fallen disproportionately to women. A Global News report on the impact of child-care centre closures. Widening the gap In the middle of an economic crisis where all child-care supports are suddenly withdrawn, parents cannot be faulted for reaching the difficult but ostensibly rational conclusion that the higher income earner should remain in the workforce. But the pervasive gender gap in earnings, which sees women make less on average than men, means that a man's career is generally favored in this calculus. In addition, it's not clear that the difference in earnings between men and women always determines how child-care obligations are allocated. Research has shown that, even in cases where women are the primary breadwinners in a household, they assume more of the household duties. But employment statistics are just the tip of the iceberg. Not every household with children in Canada had a parent leave the workforce in order to tend to their children during the pandemic. Many Canadian families with young children at home have had to to balance full-time jobs and full-time child care. Parents have had to take on additional homeschooling responsibilities. All Canadian families, regardless of employment, have had to do more with less. But how has that workload been distributed? In a recent study published in Politics & Gender, my co-authors and I sought to better understand how increased child care obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic were shared between women and men in Canada. Drawing on findings from the COVID19Monitor.org initiative, an ongoing public opinion research study by Vox Pop Labs on social impacts of the pandemic, we found striking disparities in Canadian households when it came to the self-reported number of hours spent on child care by women and men even before the pandemic. These disparities are significantly exacerbated by government responses to COVID-19. Vox Pop Labs surveyed 4,070 Canadians over a two-week period in late April and early June regarding the number of hours they spent on various tasks in an average week before the pandemic compared to during the pandemic. Average self-reported hours per week spent on child care prior to and during the pandemic by gender. COVID-19 Monitor. Credit: Vox Pop Labs Both men and women in Canadian households with children under 15 reported spending an average of 39 percent more time on child care during the pandemic. So, at least in terms of the proportional increase in hours spent taking care of the kids, men and women seem to have rolled up their sleeves in equal measure (although men are known to overestimate their respective contributions to child care). But this measure belies a massively uneven distribution of child care obligations between men and women in Canada prior to the pandemic, which set the conditions for even greater disparity once the pandemic hit. Tracking child care Even before COVID-19 triggered shelter-at-home measures, women with children at home reported spending more than twice as many hours on child care than men. Men reported an average of 33 hours per week spent on child care prior to the pandemic compared to 46 hours during the pandemic. Women reported spending 68 hours on child care on average in a given week before COVID-19 struck, and 95 hours thereafter. To put things into perspective, these findings suggest that the average Canadian mother spent 13.5 hours per day on child care in late April and early Juneroughly equivalent to the average waking hours of young children. While the sample includes stay-at-home-parents, who already spend the majority of their waking hours on child care, it also includes women who report being employed full-time. Working full-time hours coupled with full-time child care would theoretically allow for just 2.5 hours of sleep per night. Obviously, this is untenable. Something has to give. Alarming impacts These findings are some of the most alarming yet when it comes to measuring the impact that the pandemic-related measures have had on mothers in Canada. They show that Canadian women with children at home have taken a hit to their mental health when compared with their male counterparts, which comes as little surprise given the circumstances. Once the pandemic begins to subside, the focus on economic recovery must take stock of the gendered implications of emergency measures, particularly for women in households with young children. This is essential if we are going to make up for the uneven burden shouldered by Canada's mothers during this crisis. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Round 3 of University of Alabama testing numbers for COVID-19 dropped as Labor Day Weekend dawns. A total of 846 students in Tuscaloosa tested positive from Aug. 28-Sept. 3 for an average of 120.9 per day. Combined with the first two releases, a total of 1,899 UA students have been infected since classes began Aug. 19. UAB reported nine positive tests while UA-Huntsville had seven over the same timeframe. UA reported 481 positive tests last Friday recorded from Tuesday-Thursday to bring the total to 1,043 since classes began Aug. 19. The other number to watch is capacity of quarantine dorms set aside on campus. The occupancy was listed as 39.97% in Fridays numbers after checking in at 36.09% last week. Capacity is up to 600 beds including three dorms and space at the Hotel Capstone, a UA spokesperson said this week. The school shows no indication it plans to end in-person classes as evident in a Wednesday news release on the dangers of sending infected students home. Friday at noon was also the deadline for students to pay their tuition and fees for the fall semester. Since the initial outbreak, UA and city officials instituted changes to curb large social gatherings viewed as the cause of the high number of positives. The impact of those moves wont likely be reflected in the testing numbers for a few weeks, said Dr. Ricky Friend, the Dean UAs College of Community Health Sciences. Friend said Wednesday he wasnt aware of any UA student requiring hospitalization as a result of a COVID-19 diagnosis. From an epidemiologic standpoint, the 18- to 25-year old group is not going to suffer much disease burden, Friend said. But they will spread the virus and its incumbent of every campus member -- faculty, staff, students -- to practice these guidelines wherever they go. Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook. Police in Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City were still hunting for the robber of a baby clothing store on Wednesday night, who had left a female shopkeeper injured. Tr.D.A., 31, the owner of the shop located on National Highway 13 in Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, said he was at home on Wednesday when he received a phone call from his niece L.T.T.D., 23, whom he hires to work as a shopkeeper. D. informed him that a robber had stabbed her in the arm and taken away some cash, jewelry, and a cellphone, A said. As the CCTV camera at the store is connected to my mobile phone, I [opened a smartphone app to see] what was happening. D. showed me her injured arm through the camera, and it was bleeding badly, A. recalled. A. rushed to the shop and took D. to the hospital. CCTV footage of a robbery at a baby clothing store in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 2, 2020. CCTV footage showed the robber had arrived at the shop on a scooter. According to D.'s account, the man said he wanted to buy some clothes for his son. He selected some items worth VND260,000 (US$11) in total and brought them to the cashier. When D. opened the safe box, the robber suddenly pulled out a knife and threatened her, before stabbing the shopkeeper in her arm. He took around VND1 million ($43) in cash from the cashier's drawer, an iPhone 8, a bracelet, and a bangle of D. before getting away. The robber stabbed her twice in her left arm, leaving a serious injury that required 14 stitches. He threatened to kill D. if she dared to shout or chase after him, A. said. By 9:30 pm on the same day, relevant forces in the district had finished crime scene investigation and collection of testimonies and camera footage. A hunt for the suspect is underway. Police officers investigate the scene of a robbery in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 2, 2020. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Mayor John Tory met with construction leaders Friday to condemn anti-Black racism within the industry following the discovery of nooses at construction sites over the summer. Nooses were found at four construction sites in the city since June. In June, nooses were found at three sites, including one at Michael Garron Hospital in East York, and two more on Bay Street and Regent Park. Nooses were also found at the Eglinton Crosstown construction site in late July. This incident led to an employee being kicked out of their union. In recent months, Toronto has witnessed a number of disturbing incidents of anti-Black racism on construction sites across the city. We discussed, this morning, the searing hatred and the very real threat symbolized by a noose, and this underlined the horrific, unsettling and unacceptable nature of these events, said Tory in a statement about the meeting with senior executives in the building and construction industry. Police investigations, internal and third-party investigations have been opened into the recent incidents. Tory said he is committed to collaborating with different companies, unions and associations to ensure the intimidation and racism is eradicated. Black Torontonians are currently underrepresented in the industry, and this needs to change, the Mayor said. (We) also discussed options for addressing the root causes of racism along with policies and approaches to be implemented in this industry to confront anti-Black racism, Tory said. I was impressed by the fact that a number of the leading companies and their industry associations have already begun to take potentially significant steps to directly address this problem, he said. They indicated their intention to make these initiatives public in the coming weeks. The City and its anti-Black racism team is expected to meet with unions in the industry sometime next week. Premier Doug Ford has said there will be consequences for those caught leaving nooses at construction sites. We will get to the bottom of this despicable act of hatred. This will never be tolerated here in Ontario and when we find who did this, there will be consequences, he said, after the discovery of nooses at the Eglinton Crosstown site in July. In July, another noose was spotted at a site in Montreal near the parking spot often used by a Black employee. It resulted in the firing of an employee. Miriam Lafontaine is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @mirilafontaine Read more about: BEREA, Ohio -- An Elyria woman and a South Euclid woman, both 20, were cited at about 2 p.m. Aug. 25 after someone saw them fighting on Tauton Drive and called police. By the time police arrived, the fight was over. Police learned after talking to a witness that the Elyria woman worked at a group home on Tauton, so they knocked on the door there. The Elyria woman told police that the South Euclid woman was her ex-girlfriend. The South Euclid woman had been babysitting the Elyria womans son at her home. The South Euclid woman then returned the boy to the Elyria womans workplace. The two women started arguing in the street. The South Euclid woman grabbed the Elyria womans cell phone and smashed it on the ground, then swung her fist at her ex-girlfriend, who said she defended herself. They fought for a couple of minutes before the Elyria woman gave up and said she was done. The Elyria woman went to the South Euclid womans car and retrieved her son. While police were interviewing the Elyria woman, the South Euclid woman returned to the scene. She told police that she was watching the Elyria womans son when the woman called, demanding that she return her son immediately to her workplace and threatening to request an Amber Alert if she did not. The South Euclid woman said she feared getting in trouble, so she rushed the boy to Tauton. She said she tried to talk to the Elyria woman, but she didnt want to talk. The South Euclid woman said she grabbed the Elyria woman more than once in an attempt to talk to her, but the Elyria woman kept pushing her away. She admitted smashing the Elyria womans cell phone. Read more from the News Sun. New Delhi, Sep 4 : The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice on the application filed by senior advocate Indira Jaising seeking implementation of the court's guidelines on conferring senior designations. A bench comprising Justices Rohinton Nariman, Navin Sinha and Indira Banerjee issued notice to the registrar general of the apex court, returnable in four weeks, on the application filed by Jaising. The apex court would examine whether the process of designating senior lawyers begin with online interviews in terms of its 2018 guidelines. In August, Jaising had moved the top court seeking proper implementation of the 2017 Supreme Court judgement, where it laid down the guidelines for the designation of lawyers as senior advocates, for a uniform and standardised process for conferment of the senior gown on lawyers in the Supreme Court and the High Courts. Applications were invited by the committee for the designation of senior advocates in August of 2018. In March 2019, the first round of senior designations, in line with the new guidelines, finalised 37 applicants. However, in the past two years, applications have not been invited by the committee and the process has been frozen since then. "Many High Courts have dutifully implemented the judgment of this Court in Indira Jaising (matter). However, by initiating the senior advocate designation process only once, post August 2018, this court has failed to comply with its own judgment and 2018 guidelines. This inertia has adversely impacted several deserving members of the Bar, who are otherwise eligible to be designated," said Jaising's application. In the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic, the application states that the initial process of the designation can be carried out in the electronic mode. About one-third of the New York Citys 240,000 small businesses may never reopen after the coronavirus pandemic is over, according to a report by the business group Partnership for New York City. Among them are small businesses owned by women. Nina Vishneva spoke with female entrepreneurs Sound Energy slipped 11 per cent to 1p this week after the Moroccan authorities slapped a $14million tax bill in relation to a previous transfer of interest between two of its subsidiaries. The firm said this assessment is based on a misunderstanding and is formally refuting it. Just over two months ago, the junior upstream company raised 2.75million reaching a cash balance of 4.2million, at the time estimated to last until next March. Sound Energy slipped 11 per cent to 1p this week after the Moroccan authorities slapped a $14million tax bill in relation to a previous transfer of interest between two of its subsidiaries The news is just the last blow for a stock that was trading at 93p just three years ago. The explorer has focussed on gas assets in Italy and Morocco but ultimately disappointed in both countries. The Italian portfolio was sold to Coro Energy in April 2018, when the Tendrara assets were still expected to hold 377bn cubic feet of recoverable gas based on analysis of just 1 per cent of the total permit area. However, in May 2019 Sound did not find commercial flow rates so it started a partial divestment process. No transaction has been completed as of today, but in the meantime chief executive James Parsons, chief financial officer JJ Traynor and exploration director Brian Mitchener have all jumped ship. Looking at the wider market, the AIM All-Share dipped 0.6 per cent to 957, outperforming the FTSE 100 index, down 1.3 per cent to 5,876. The roll-out of 5G networks and renewables utilities has sparked interest in geospatial analytics, which collects location data from GPS and satellites to identify patterns. The market is expected to jump 13 per cent to S$96billion in five years, with stocks such as IQGeo rising 21 per cent to 69p in the year to date. This week fellow software company 1Spatial, up 12 per cent to 30p in the same period, saw a crosstrade between shareholders, with Oryx International chopping its stake to 9.96 per cent from 10.86 per cent and Canaccord Genuity upping its holding to 14.1 per cent from 13.3 per cent. Among the fallers, music provider 7digital plans to support its projects within the spheres of home fitness, artist monetisation, and social media. This demands new funding. Placing new shares at 23 per cent discount this week prompted a 32 per cent price drop to 2p. ImmuPharma also stood out after tapping investors. The pharma company lost 23 per cent to 12p after completing the issue at 24 per cent though it was launched in response to investor demand. Meanwhile, smart meter network specialist CyanConnode tumbled 14 per cent to 3p after delays in an Indian contract saw revenue slump 44 per cent to 2.5million in the 15 months to March, compared to the previous 12 months. Software company for the financial industry Arcontech shed 9 per cent to 181p after saying the outlook remains uncertain with its traditionally long and complex sales cycles potentially getting even longer. Elsewhere, Revolution Bars dipped 6 per cent to 15p despite announcing trading has been ahead of expectations thanks the UK governments Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme in August. Riser Kodal Minerals soared 222 per cent to 0.1p after agreeing with Chinese state-owned engineering firm Sinohydro to collaborate on the Bougouni lithium project, in southern Mali. Fellow miner Alien Metals rocketed 91 per cent to 0.8p despite placing shares at a 36 per cent discount to raise 1million to fund exploration in Mexico and Australia, while also promoting technical director Bill Brodie Good to chief executive. Sticking to the mining sector, Orosur Mining shot up 47 per cent to 6p after NYSE-listed mining giant Newmont paid the final cash payment of $500,000 for the Anza gold project in Colombia. Commercial kitchens specialist Filta Group jumped 16 per cent to 104p after securing exclusive rights to a new disinfectant which can help combat the spread of coronavirus, as it doesnt require rooms to be emptied nor extensive use of personal protective equipment. Allergy Therapeutics advanced 12 per cent to 18p after expanding its licensing agreement with vaccine groups Saiba and DeepVax to take it into oncology. The group developed a virus-like particle technology for a peanut allergy candidate which has shown early promise. Finally, engineer Renew added 11 per cent to 465p after upgrading its full-year results expectations on the back of strong trading. BOSTON HEIGHTS, Ohio Police are searching for a suspect they have dubbed the moronic macer after he pepper sprayed the manager of Costco store as he was being escorted out for refusing to wear a mask. The suspect, who was dressed in all black and wearing cargo-style tactical pants and boots, entered the Costco on Bass Pro Drive at about 11:15 a.m. Thursday, police say. He was confronted by a manager because he would not wear a mask, which is required in Ohio in public places because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The female manager was escorting the male out of the store when he turned and pepper sprayed her in the face, police say. He then ran from the store and left in a white Ford Crown Victoria with a spotlight attached. Witnesses were unable to get a license plate number because it had a dark cover, police say. The manager tells police she suspects the male was intent on using the pepper spray because he was carrying it in his hand during the entire incident. Police ask anyone with information to contact the department at 330-653-5911. More crime-related content on cleveland.com: Cleveland police officer dies in shooting on citys West Side Operation Safety Net recovers 2 missing girls on Clevelands West Side Judge declares Cleveland man who spent two decades on death row wrongfully imprisoned Canton couple accused of keeping 7-year-old in dog cage Bedford man accused of sexually assaulting 11-year-old girl Deputies searching for Akron man accused of firing shots during road rage incident near Portage Lakes Senior French Military Officer Detained Over Reported Ties With Russian Secret Services August 30, 2020 A senior French military officer is under investigation for "security breaches," the country's defense minister has said. French radio Europe 1 reported that a lieutenant colonel serving on a NATO base in Italy is suspected of having transmitted "ultra-sensitive" documents to the Russian secret services. Speaking on the radio station on August 30, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said a judicial procedure had been launched against a French senior military officer and that the country's military has taken "necessary protective measures" after the alleged breaches. Parly or the Defense Ministry have not provided further details about the case. Europe 1 reported that the man was detained by France's secret services about 10 days ago as he prepared to return to Italy after his vacations. He remained in custody in Paris, it said. Based on reporting by Europe 1 Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/30811427.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 Saoirse Ronan and Kate Winslet appear together on screen for the first time in a new film called Ammonite, which premieres next week at the Toronto Film Festival. Written and directed by Francis Lee, it's a period drama based on the life of Mary Anning, a 19th century Dorset woman who became a great dinosaur expert and collector of fossils. Which doesn't sound terribly racy, but before anyone has even seen the film, the cultural conservatives are up in arms over its central dramatic theme - a lesbian love affair that may never have actually happened. In the film, which was shot last year in Lyme Regis, Winslet plays Mary Anning, who has made a name for herself collecting and identifying fossils found along the Dorset shore, but is something of a social outcast, unmarried, eccentric. Her life changes when she meets Charlotte Murchison (Ronan), a much younger, married woman who shares her enthusiasm for fossils and introduces Mary to passionate physical love. It's a wonderful hook for a period drama, but although we know that Mary and Charlotte were great friends and shared a close correspondence, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest they were lovers. Does this matter? Opinions differ. When Ammonite began shooting, one of Mary's descendants, Barbara Anning, said she did not think there was any evidence to "back up portraying her as a gay woman" and wondered if "film-makers have to resort to using unconfirmed aspects to somebody's sexuality to make an already remarkable story sensational?". The love angle, she concluded, "adds nothing to her story". Well, in fact, it does, but is it ok to retrospectively bestow sexual orientations on real people who may not have been so inclined? It's a vexed question, but one the director Francis Lee has robustly dismissed. He's a fine filmmaker, an actor turned director whose semi-autobiographical 2017 feature debut God's Own Country explored gay love among Yorkshire farm hands and was widely praised. "After seeing queer history be routinely 'straightened' throughout culture," he wrote on social media in response to criticisms of Ammonite, "and given a historical figure where there is no evidence whatsoever of a heterosexual relationship, is it not permissible to view that person within another context?" And he wondered mischievously, "would these newspaper writers have felt the need to whip up uninformed quotes from self-proclaimed experts if the character's sexuality had been assumed to be heterosexual?". It's a valid point. Mary Anning is a fascinating character in her own right, with a life story that needs no sexing up. She was born in Lyme in 1799 and grew up in a house so close to the sea, it was regularly flooded. Her father Joseph, a cabinetmaker, supplemented his income by collecting fossils from the Blue Lias cliffs, a geological formation dating back to the Jurassic era. Collectors sold them as trinkets and didn't initially realise what they were, but after Joseph dug up the 4ft skull of an extinct marine reptile called ichthyosaurus, his 12-year-old daughter became fascinated by these traces of a hidden past. Despite her scant schooling, Mary became incredibly knowledgeable on the subject of dinosaurs, and her discoveries greatly expanded scientific understanding of dozens of lost species. But all her work, her writings, drawings and fossil finds, were appropriated by male scientists who bought the artefacts and presented them as their own discoveries. She was broke when she died at the age of 47 and her reputation was slowly rescued from obscurity thereafter. She may have inspired the popular rhyme She Sells Sea Shells On The Sea Shore. Video of the Day What would Mary think if she were here to see the tug of war surrounding her sexual identity? We'll never know and it is of course entirely possible she was an active lesbian in a time and place were all gay people would have had to carefully hide their orientation or risk social ruin. But then again, she may not have been gay at all, and Ammonite appears in an age that seems increasingly determined to paint all others in its own image. In God's Own Country, Lee described the life of a young man in 1990s Yorkshire whose need to hide his sexual orientation leads to much unhappiness. In Ammonite, he may be exploring similar themes. Early reactions to his film have been glowing and it's already being touted as a 2021 awards favourite. A central moment involves a love scene between the two women, which Winslet recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about. Lee, she says, was "naturally very nervous" about directing the sex scenes. "I said to him, 'listen, just let us work it out'. And we did. 'We'll start here. We'll do this with the kissing, boobs, you go down there, then you do this, then you climb up here'. "I mean, we marked out the beats of the scene so that we were anchored in something that just supported the narrative. I felt the proudest I've ever felt doing a love scene on Ammonite," Winslet added. "And I felt by far the least self-conscious." To be fair, Lee's film does not pretend to be exhaustively accurate. Winslet is 18 years older than Ronan: in real life, Mary Anning was 10 years younger than Charlotte Murchison. In other words, this is a drama, not a documentary. It all sounds sensitively done, and pertinent to our time, if not necessarily to Anning's. Does it matter that Lee has imposed this reading on a woman whose true sexual orientation can never be known? Say it does matter and you'll be condemned as a binary reactionary. Say it doesn't and you're a 21st century Maoist intent on ramming the mores of the present down history's throat. Either way, you cause offence, the go-to emotional reaction of our time. And meanwhile, all the furore has given many column inches of free publicity to a film that promises to be fascinating. Yahaya Shariff-Aminu, who was sentenced to death for blaspheming Prophet Mohammed, has filed a notice of appeal. Shariff-Aminu was sentenced to death by an Upper Sharia Court on August 10, 2020. He was given 30 days to file an appeal and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje expressed readiness to sign his death warrant once timeline lapses. However, in the notice of appeal marked CR/43/2020 and filed by his lawyer, Kola Alapinni, before a Kano State High Court, the convict sued the Attorney-General of the state and Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He based his appeal on one ground which is that Sharia law which formed the basis of his conviction was illegal and unconstitutional. It read in part, The appellants trial, conviction, and sentencing by the Upper Sharia Court of Kano State pursuant to the Kano State Penal Code Law 2000 were unconstitutional, null, void having grossly violated and conflicted with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended and having violated the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights respectively. The Penal Sharia Code Law is only applicable and permissible in Islamic theocracies or countries whose constitution allows for such whereas Nigeria is a secular state with constitutional democracy and the constitution being the supreme law. The convict said the state was quick to charge and convict. He noted that he was denied legal representation even though there is an existing framework for legal aid in Kano State. He said the trial was a secret one and was a breach of his right to a fair hearing. The appeal further read, The Kano State Government as a party and prosecutor to the complaint is was a complicit party when it failed to provide adequate security and equal enforcement of secular laws and good order for all citizens/residents regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliations and thereby encourages religious fundamentalism, vigilante activities, insecurity, lawlessness, mob actions, all of which blasphemy law or provisions seek to justify unlawfully in order to placate Muslims. He said the entity called Kano State is a creation of the constitution and thus cannot operate outside the constitution. The musician, therefore, prayed the court to set aside the trial, conviction, and sentencing handed down by the Sharia Court and entering a judgment in his favour. Share this post with your friends: It's best to skip kissing and advisable to wear a mask during sexual activities at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is raging across the world, Canada's lead medical doctor said while issuing a public statement on staying safe from the virus while having sex. "Sexual health is an important part of our overall health. However, sex can be complicated in the time of Covid-19..." Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer said in the statement, adding that the "lowest risk sexual activity" involves "yourself alone". However, she has advice for those who want to "engage in an in-person sexual encounter", starting with establishment of a trusting relationship and using a mask that covers nose and mouth. "Current evidence indicates there is a very low likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus through semen or vaginal fluids. However, even if the people involved do not have symptoms, sexual activity with new partners does increase your risk of getting or passing Covid-19 through close contact, like kissing," Tam's statement said, according to a report by CNN. The statement also added that sexual contact should be avoided if either person is displaying COVID-19 symptoms. The statement also suggests "limiting" alcohol use to "make safe decisions". 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 "By taking these precautions and staying conscious of the risks we assume, Canadians can find ways to enjoy physical intimacy while safeguarding the progress we have all made containing Covid-19," the statement added. Tsikhanouskaya also called on the international community to impose sanctions on the individuals responsible for electoral violations "and crimes against humanity." Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on the United Nations on Friday to condemn the crackdown by President Alexander Lukashenko on protesters who charge he rigged his re-election victory last month. Speaking to a virtual informal session of the U.N. Security Council, Tsikhanouskaya also urged the United Nations to send an international monitoring mission to Belarus and said the U.N. Human Rights Commission should hold a special session on the human rights situation there, according to Reuters. Read alsoFM Kuleba: Russia trying to present "green men" in Belarus as Ukrainian "extremists"Tsikhanouskaya also called on the international community to impose sanctions on the individuals responsible for electoral violations "and crimes against humanity." "We, the Belarusian people, need the help of the United Nations, in order to stop blatant human rights violations and cynical disregard for human dignity," Tsikhanouskaya said, making her first call for international involvement in the crisis. "We ask the United Nations to condemn the use of excessive force by the Belarusian security services against protesters." The opposition leader spoke from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, where she fled after Lukashenko launched his crackdown. Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, has faced a wave of opposition protests since his August 9 election victory. He has denied accusations by the opposition and Western countries that the vote was rigged and has resisted demands to step down. Human rights experts from the United Nations said this week they had received reports of hundreds of cases of torture, beatings and mistreatment of Belarusian protesters by police. The government has denied abusing detainees and has said its security forces have acted appropriately against demonstrators. "We urge the United Nations to send the needed international authority mission to Belarus to document the situation on the ground," said Tsikhanouskaya, adding that the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Belarus must be allowed free access to and movement in the country. Read alsoBelarus protests: Students take to streets in Minsk on Sept 1 (Photo, video)Tsikhanouskaya, a political novice, emerged as the consensus opposition candidate in last month's election after better-known figures, including her jailed activist husband, were barred from standing. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia imposed travel bans on Lukashenko and 29 other Belarusian officials last month, signaling impatience with the West's cautious approach by announcing sanctions without waiting for the rest of the European Union. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States and European partners were together reviewing imposing targeted sanctions on anyone involved in human rights abuses in Belarus. A senior U.S. State Department officials told Reuters this week Washington was considering imposing sanctions on seven Belarusians it believes were involved in falsifying the election results and in violence against peaceful protesters. The EU is still negotiating the exact list of people to be hit with travel bans and asset freezes when its foreign ministers meet on September 21, diplomatic sources said. Belarus is a close ally of Moscow, which sees it as a vital strategic buffer between Russia and NATO. Lukashenko has accused foreign powers of being behind the protests, but has provided no evidence. The opposition has denied that there is foreign involvement in the protests and NATO has also denied his allegations that it is massing forces near the Belarusian border. Lucknow, Sep 4 : Dr. Kafeel Khan, who has emerged as a poster boy for atrocities on Muslims in the Yogi Adityanath regime, is likely to opt for a political career in the coming days. The doctor who has shifted to Jaipur "before I am implicated in another case and put in jail" has been getting feelers from some opposition parties. He has, however, shown an inclination towards the Congress. "During the tough times, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra supported me. She even spoke to me on the phone after my release from the Mathura jail," he said. Khan has chosen to find refuge in Rajasthan, a Congress-ruled state. Former Congress Legislature Party leader, Pradeep Mathur, who was present at the jail when Kafeel was released, said, "On the direction of senior party leaders, I was in regular touch with the district administrations of Mathura and Aligarh to complete formalities for the release of Kafeel. I escorted him to the Rajasthan border as well." The Congress leader said, "Priyanka had raised her voice in his support for the sake of humanity and to oppose the atrocities committed by the Yogi government on innocent people in Uttar Pradesh. It's for Kafeel to decide if he wishes to work for the Congress." The doctor has already announced that he will visit Bihar, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to organise a health camp in the flood-hit areas. A senior Congress leader, who did not want to be named, said Kafeel had potential to become the Muslim face of the party in the crucial 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, for which the party is working to regain the lost ground. "His constant battle against the state government and his victimisation has earned him a large support base among his community members in Uttar Pradesh as well as in other states," he said. Meanwhile, a family source said that Kafeel had suffered enough in the past three years and, perhaps, the only way left for him was to join politics. "There are offers from various parties, but he will decide which one to join. It will probably be the Congress, which has a pan-India presence," the family member said. Dr. Kafeel Khan was first arrested in August 2017, following the oxygen tragedy in the B. R. D. Medical College, Gorakhpur in which about 70 children had died over three days. The departmental inquiry gave him a clean chit later, but Khan has not been reinstated yet. Mane attraction: A painting of the The Byerley Turk, Held By A Syrian Groom by Thomas Spencer is estimated to fetch between 67,000 and 90,000 at Sotheby's Irish Art Sale in London on September 9 A portrait of one of the three great-granddaddies of all thoroughbred racehorses is coming up for auction at Sotheby's annual Irish Art Sale in London on September 9. The painting, The Byerley Turk, Held By A Syrian Groom (Lot 27: est 67,000 to 90,000) is attributed to Thomas Spencer, a British artist who was active between 1730 and 1763. It comes from the collection of Sir Michael Smurfit and used to hang on the wall of the Byerley Turk Restaurant at the K Club, Co Kildare. It is by no means the finest or most valuable painting in the sale, which includes dazzling works by Jack B Yeats, Louis le Brocquy and William Orpen, but it is certainly the largest. The painting measures 221cm by 305cm. The Byerley Turk (c. 1678-1703) was a dark horse. It's commonly accepted that he is one of the foundation sires from which all racehorses are descended. The others are the Godolphin Barb (1724-1753) and the Darley Arabian (foaled c.1700). Not much is known about his early years, but his biographer, Jeremy James, tells the story of his foaling in the Balkans, his career as a war horse with the Ottoman cavalry, and his capture by the English at the Siege of Buda in Hungary in 1688. The following year, the Byerley Turk arrived in Ireland. He came as the mount of Captain Robert Byerley of the Sixth Dragoon Guards under King William III of Orange. In March 1690, he won an impromptu race in Downpatrick and went on to carry his rider safely through the Battle of the Boyne, the Battle of Aughrim, the Sieges of Limerick, and the second siege of Athlone. By this stage, the Byerley Turk had become a bit of a legend. Following the Treaty of Limerick, the horse returned to England, where he spent the remainder of his life at stud. "It's not the most brilliant of 18th century depictions of horses, and it's a little bit bashed about, but as an object, it's a magnificent thing," says Julian Gascoigne, Early British Paintings specialist at Sotheby's. "It's weakness is in its condition, it's been retouched over the years and it's fairly loosely painted." He describes the artist, Thomas Spencer, as "a disciple of James Seymour but not quite as good". The painting, going by the dates, could not have been painted from life. "Spencer was active several decades after the horse died," he says. "The artist focused on the defining attributes of the horse - bay colouring with dark legs - and painted him within the tradition of 18th century horse portraits." If there are aspects of the horse's anatomy that don't quite add up, that's because artists of Spencer's generation had limited knowledge of how a horse was put together. "It would be another couple of decades before George Stubbs came along. He dissected horses and studied their anatomy," Gascoigne explains. The horse in the painting has both presence and character, and is broader and more muscular than a 21st century racehorse. This, as Gascoigne points out, is historically accurate. The racehorses that we know today have been refined by breeding for 300 years and are raced before they reach physical maturity. "Eighteenth century horses raced at a later age and over a longer distance," Gascoigne explains. "They had more staying power." The painting came to Ireland with John and Gertrude Hunt, antiquarians and collectors who settled in Ireland in 1940 and whose collection is on display at the Hunt Museum, Limerick. Howard Ricketts, a director at Sotheby's, recalled their home Drumleck in Howth during an interview with Hunt's biographer, Brian O'Connell, in 2008: "What they did was to go 'off-piste', buying large pictures that were unfashionable. A painting by Wootton (1682-1764) of a horse in the hall - it was life size, provenance uncertain - would have been cheap in the sale because of all those attendant problems." The painting is now attributed to Seymour, rather than John Wootton, whose portrait of the Byerley Turk is considered the gold standard. Both paintings include a Syrian or Turkish groom. This, according to James' biography of the horse, was a real person who travelled with the horse from the Balkans to England, where he disappeared without a trace in 1689. See sothebys.com In the salerooms Adam's A Lalique glass tulip vase (c.1927) created some excitement when it sold for 4,200 at Adam's At Home Auction on August 23. The vase, which carried an upper estimate of 800, was 21cm high and circular in form, with a blue-toned body moulded with flower head and curling stems. Expand Close A George III silver samovar sold for 4,400 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A George III silver samovar sold for 4,400 In the same sale, a George III silver samovar sold for 4,400. Showing an interesting blend of Irish and Russian tea-drinking traditions, it was made in Dublin in 1803 by Robert Breading. A George III serpentine brass fire grate (c.1790) also performed well, exceeding its upper estimate of 1,200 to sell for 3,200. A Chinese carved wood model of a 62cm long hunting dog, Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), with an upper estimate of 1,200, sold for 2,300. Such pieces are notoriously hard to put a price on. See adams.ie. Gormley's Andy Warhol achieved (another) 15 minutes of fame when a limited edition screenprint, printed on wallpaper, sold at Gormley's Fine Arts online and in-house July auction for 15,800. The print, Cow (FS II.12A), was one of around 100 signed copies. It showed a pink and purple cow in the artist's characteristic colour block style and had been estimated to sell for 11,000. Expand Close Show me the moo-ney: Cow, a limited edition signed Andy Warhol screenprint, sold for 15,800 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Show me the moo-ney: Cow, a limited edition signed Andy Warhol screenprint, sold for 15,800 Other pieces that sold within their estimates include Neil Shawcross, To Kill A Mockingbird (2,250); Colin Davidson, The Station (3,150); Brian Ballard, Poppies In Jug (2,000); and Charles McAuley, Potato Planting (2,250). The next online sale at Gormley's auctions takes place on September 23. See gormleysauctions.com. City Auction Rooms The auctioneers at City Auction Rooms in Waterford reported a steady market for antique furniture at their auction on August 24. A 10-door bookcase in antique pine sold for 4,000; an antique mahogany four-door breakfront bookcase for 2,600; and a brass bound military chest for 1,000. An Iranian Heriz rug (330cm x 235cm) sold for 1,900 and a four-drawer side table with carved top mirror for 1,750. The sale also included some smaller objects, the highest selling of these was a John F Kennedy commemorative coin in 22k gold, which sold for 2,500. The next sale at City Auction Rooms is a small pub auction will take place on September 9, followed by a mid-autumn rug, glass and book sale. See antiquesireland.ie. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has cited some members of the two major political parties for their use of indecent expressions on radio talk shows. Some Members of Parliament and radio programmes have also been found culpable for the same act. The report specifically cites Johnson Aseidu Nketia, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); John Boadu, the General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP); and Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, former NPP MP for Upper Denkyira West for using indecent language on radio. Other persons cited in the report include Oheneba Boamah Bennie, host of Accra-based Power FM's The Battle Ground and Mugabe Maase, host of Power FM's Inside Politics. Over the monitoring period (July 1-31), a total of 2,749 radio programmes were monitored on 35 selected radio stations across the country. The programmes included news bulletins, and political/current affairs discussions aired on the 35 radio stations. A total of 66 indecent expressions were recorded by 36 individuals. The 66 indecent expressions include insults, offensive comments; unsubstantiated allegations; threats of inciting violence, specific insults targeted at a specific gender, expressions or comments promoting divisiveness; and expressions promoting prejudice and bigotry. The 36 individuals who made the indecent expressions featured on the radio programmes as hosts, discussants/panellists, interviewees and texters. The NDC within this period recorded the highest number of indecent expressions (27) with NPP and United Front Party (UFP) recording 13 and 3 indecent expressions respectively. 16 out of the 35 radio stations monitored recorded indecent expressions. Accra-based Power FM recorded the highest (22) indecent expressions on three of its major programmes Inside Politics (15), The Battle Grounds (6) and Dwaboase (1). Ahotor FM also based in Accra, recorded seven (7) indecent expressions on its morning show titled Adej kye mu nsem. Accra-based Oman FM followed with six (6) indecent expressions while Kumasi-based Fox FM and Accra-based Okay FM recorded five (5) abusive expressions respectively. The Elections Campaign language monitoring project seeks to promote issues-based campaigning and use of decent language/expression before, during and after Ghana's 2020 elections. In Ghana, the project is being implemented with funding support from STAR-Ghana Foundation and OSIWA. The project is also being implemented in Cote d'Ivoire and Niger with funding support from OSIWA. Click here for the full report DOWNLOAD FILE: 942020100920-0e72xlkwwr-third-language-monitoring-report.pdf citinewsroom French President Emmanuel Macron returned to Lebanon and pushed for urgent reform a month after the devastating Beirut blast that compounded the misery of a nation in economic crisis. Also this week, FRANCE 24 covered the start of the long-awaited Charlie Hebdo terror attacks trial, the unspoken legacy of slavery in France and challenges to centuries of male dominance in the French language. ARTICLES As it happened: Macron pushes for new government on return to Beirut French President Emmanuel Macron pressed Lebanese leaders to form a new government and enact urgent reforms as he returned to Beirut for his second visit since the devastating August 4 blast. The French leader planted a cedar tree to mark the stricken nation's 100th anniversary and toured neighbourhoods ravaged by last month's deadly port explosion. France to relive Charlie Hebdo attacks as landmark terror trial opens in Paris The trial of the deadly January 2015 terrorist attacks on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, police officers and a kosher supermarket opened in a Paris court Wednesday after five years of investigations and a delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Charlie Hebdo defiantly marked the occasion by republishing controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. Behind sketch of black MP in shackles, a French failure to confront slave legacy A row over a right-wing magazine depicting a black lawmaker as a slave in shackles has cast a stark light on the toxic and largely unspoken legacy of slavery in France, a country more accustomed to discussing its abolitionist past than the lucrative slave trade it took part in. Iranian women go online to break silence over sexual abuse Dozens of Iranian women have taken to social media to share their stories of sexual harassment and rape, breaking years of silence and shedding light on a legal system that is weighted against the victims. Frances students go back to school amid concerns over Covid-19 Story continues With school bags on their backs and masks on their faces, Frances students headed back to class this week at the start of a school year in the shadow of the coronavirus. No country for grieving men as artist Ai Weiwei turns a lens on Wuhan outbreak "Coronation", Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiweis latest documentary directed remotely from Europe, probes how ordinary citizens in Wuhan coped during the height of the coronavirus pandemic under the gaze of the all-monitoring state determined to relay a narrative of efficiency, not human loss or sorrow. Can Frances Greens unite the left and avert a Macron-Le Pen rematch? President Emmanuel Macrons drift to the centre-right of Frances political spectrum has opened up a sea of opportunity for the countrys fractured and rudderless left a space the Greens, long a byword for factionalism and division, are hoping to span and unite. Deauville's annual toast to US film swaps Hollywood flash for Cannes cameos The coastal Normandy town of Deauville prepared to kick off its annual ode to American cinema despite the coronavirus pandemic. This year's red carpet may be conspicuously short on Hollywood stars but the fete promises to be an inclusive one, with some feature-length imports from the cancelled Cannes Film Festival joining the party. VIDEO REPORTS A meeting with Imam Mahmoud Dicko, who led the movement to oust Mali's president Talks to resolve a political crisis in Mali remain at a standstill after military commanders toppled president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in an August 18 coup. West African leaders want power ceded to a civilian government within a year but the ruling junta proposes waiting until 2023. FRANCE 24 met with de facto opposition leader and Imam Mahmoud Dicko, who led the movement to oust Keita. A memorial for 122 murdered women: French anti-femicide poster campaign marks anniversary The names of 122 women murdered by men over the past year in France were plastered onto a Paris wall on Sunday night as part of a memorial to mark the first year of a poster campaign that has put the countrys femicide crisis in the spotlight. Parisians queue for hours for Covid-19 tests amid rising infections Parisians are having to wait hours for a Covid-19 test as demand increases amid soaring new infection rates across the capital. THE INTERVIEW Charlie Hebdo terror trial: Widow of cartoonist Wolinski speaks to FRANCE 24 As the trial of the Charlie Hebdo terror attacks opened in Paris, FRANCE 24 spoke to Maryse Wolinski, widow of cartoonist Georges Wolinski, who was killed with 11 others in the attack on the magazine's offices in Paris. She has written a book in which she addresses Cherif Kouachi, the elder of the two brothers who carried out the massacre. Ayad Allawi, former Iraqi premier: 'I don't think PM Kadhimi will be able to succeed' As French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up an official visit to Baghdad, former Iraqi prime minister Ayad Allawi spoke to FRANCE 24 about the challenges facing the country's new government and its increasingly complex relations with neighbouring Iran, saying Tehran's interventions "weaken the whole region". FRENCH CONNECTIONS Is French a sexist language? French is a tricky language. On top of the complicated grammar, theres the masculine and feminine. It makes you wonder: Is the French language inherently sexist? REPORTERS After the Beirut blast: The hopes and fears of Lebanon's youth Lebanon is on its knees following the deadly explosion that hit the port of Beirut on August 4 and destroyed part of the city against a backdrop of government negligence, corruption and popular revolt. Our reporters followed the daily life of a group of young friends who opened up about their fears, hopes and dreams with the sincerity of those who have nothing left to lose. ENCORE! Cinema sails back into Venice as 77th Mostra goes ahead despite Covid-19 It's being touted as the first major international film festival since the outbreak of Covid-19. Culture editor Eve Jackson gives us the lowdown from Venice as the curtain rises on the Mostra, with strict health and safety measures in place. We also take a musical journey to Marseille, where the MUCEM museum has an exhibition exploring music and oral traditions from the Middle East. Bordeaux reborn: A cultural guide Bordeaux is best known as France's wine HQ. But over the past decade, this wonderful old metropolis that's 10 times smaller than Paris has been enjoying a new lease of life thanks to huge investment in culture and transport that includes an impressive wine museum. Eve Jackson travels to this UNESCO-listed city to discover its buzzing arts scene with a visit to the Cite du Vin and a tour of the regenerated banks of the Garonne river. FOCUS Picking up the pieces: The psychological aftermath of the Beirut blast In the Karantina neighbourhood of Beirut, which was devastated by the colossal August 4 blast that killed almost 200 people and injured thousands more, psychologists are meeting residents who have lost everything in a bid to help them overcome their trauma. BUSINESS DAILY France unveils 100bn stimulus, a third earmarked for green investment The French government has unveiled the next phase of its coronavirus stimulus plan. The 100bn will be used to boost economic activity, protect businesses, and create jobs. A third of the funds are earmarked for green investment with the environment a key pillar of the administration's vision. THE 51 PERCENT Dismantling the boys' club The 51 Percent returns for its eighth season and kicks off by asking: What will it take to demolish the boys club culture that still exists in so many workplaces? We speak to professor Herminia Ibarra, a specialist in leadership and career development, on what it will take to level the playing field. REVISITED The search for missing soldiers 70 years on from the Korean War Seven decades after the end of the Korean War, Seoul embarked on a painstaking task to search for and identify the bodies of fallen soldiers still missing since the war. Our reporters witnessed this unprecedented programme in action that developed along the border between the two Koreas, thanks to an agreement forged with Pyongyang two years ago. Health Minister urges caution when analysing coronavirus figures Health Minister David Ashford has urged caution when analysing Covid-19 figures in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows English cases have jumped to their highest weekly level since the end of May, although the death rate is currently low. The Isle of Man Government has consistently said the situation across the water will be a determining factor in when the borders here re-open. Mr Ashford says testing in the UK has been ramped up, meaning more cases are being identified: Media ashfordtests India will hosting the Quad foreign ministers meet later this year, the external affairs ministry has confirmed. "We look forward to holding QUAD meet later this year and details are being worked out," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on Thursday. Foreign ministers of the group had met last year in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Along with India, Quad Quad or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue includes Australia, Japan and the United States. Apart from the Quad meeting, details are also being worked out for the India-US 2+2 dialogue. Both of these meetings are taking place at a time when China is facing the global ire for trampling democracy in Hong Kong, human rights violations in Xinjiang, alleged breach of internet privacy in various countries and attempting to unilaterally change the status quo at the India China border violating all bilateral agreements and protocols. Beijing is also displaying strong-arm tactics in the South China Sea and is being blamed by some quarters for the spread of COVID-19 globally which originated in its labs in Wuhan. US President Donald Trump has referred to COVID-19 as "Chinese virus". The US had also imposed restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the country. India has also banned several Chinese apps and popular game Pubg and Indian Railways has cancelled Chinese investment. As major powers of the world get sceptical about China, India is looking forward to replacing the Asian giant as a production and services hub of the world. Quad countries including Australia and Japan have assured huge investments in India's infrastructure technology and supply chain. The United States has also hailed India as a big power in India-Pacific. China watchers here feel that Beijing will be watching Quad and 2+2 meet very closely as it views this grouping of democratic powers with a sense of alarm. (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.) Seattle scoffed at the $650 million Bayer AG agreed to pay to settle class-action claims by about 2,500 cities, counties and ports over pollution from polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, saying it plans to opt out of the deal. According to a filing by Seattle last week in federal court in Los Angeles objecting to the proposal, the $550 million that would be available to the class of 2,500 government entities doesnt even cover the projected $600 million it will cost the city to abate the nuisance from PCBs manufactured decades ago by Monsanto Co., which Bayer acquired in 2018. The city considers the proposed settlement to be a gift to Monsanto and its new parent company, Bayer, Seattle said. The proposed settlement, in the citys view, is a Trojan Horse for many of the class members, providing them a pittance to monitor their stormwater for PCBs and blocking them from getting funds they will need if PCBs are found. Bayer in June said it would pay about $12 billion to settle litigation it inherited when it acquired Monsanto two years ago, with the bulk of the money earmarked to resolve lawsuits alleging that its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. The settlement of 125,000 Roundup cases has also run into problems with plaintiffs lawyers and the federal judge overseeing the cases airing concerns about Bayers handling of the settlement process. Though Seattle plans to opt out, the city said it is objecting to the proposed settlement because its concerned that the terms of the deal will prevent it from pursuing its own claims. The city of Seattle makes a very narrow objection to the class release language, said Scott Summy, an attorney representing the cities that agreed to settle. The court will sort out if a small change is even needed. Seattle claims that it is potentially opting out and, if so, the release language doesnt apply to it. More than a dozen cities including Seattle, San Diego, Portland, Oregon, and Oakland, California, have sued Monsanto the exclusive maker of PCBs, which were used to cool heavy-duty electrical equipment for more than 40 years before being banned in the 1970s. The non-biodegradable chemicals sometimes fouled manufacturing areas and the pollutants ended up in the soil. The PCBs would also run into major water bodies when it rained, killing fish and making the water a health hazard. It is not uncommon to receive a few number of objections to a class agreement especially when there is a large class as there is here with over 2,500 municipal entities, Bayer said in a statement. We remain confident that this settlement is a fair resolution, and parties on both sides continue to strongly support the motion seeking the courts approval. The case is City of Long Beach v. Monsanto Co., 16-CV-03493, U.S. District Court, Central District of Califoria (Los Angeles).4 Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. CEO of Mai Linh Group Rahn Wood at his appointment in February Rahn Wood, the CEO of Mai Linh Group has been removed from his position from September 1 after only seven months to be replaced by current deputy general director Pham Minh Suong. Previously, Ho Huy, chairman of the Board of Director held the CEO position, however, according to the regulation, he is not allowed to hold these two positions at the same time. As a result, Rahn Wood was assigned as CEO in February 2020. With an experience of 33 years working at both local and international banks and 10 years staying and working in Vietnam, Rahn Wood has deep understanding of Vietnamese culture. Especially, he has a great deal of experience in digital transformation. Thus, he was expected to guide Mai Linh to get its leading position in the taxi playground. At the inauguration ceremony, Ho Huy said that this assignment showed Mai Linhs determination in adopting technology into its operations. Accordingly, technology was to be applied in sectors, including cashless payment, to run Mai Linh into a global company and the leading enterprise in transport and logistics. At its annual shareholders' meeting in July, Mai Linh shared its ambition to operate 20,000 technology taxies after 2021 and dominate the ride-hailing market. Regarding its business result, in 2019 the first year the two subsidiaries Mai Linh Mien Bac and Mai Linh Mien Trung merged to become Mai Linh Group it reported bleak business with an accumulated loss of VND1 trillion ($43.48 million). Notably, last year, it acquired VND2.22 trillion ($96.52 million) in net revenue, down 10 per cent on-year. The net loss was VND148 billion ($6.43 million), up 32 per cent on-year. Thanks to having a disclosed profit worth VND150 billion ($6.5 million), Mai Linh reported a net after-tax loss decreased to VND6 billion ($260,870) from VND26 billion ($1.13 million) last year. It had only VND53 billion ($2.3 million) in cash by the end of 2019. Although the business results of the first half of this year have yet to be disclosed, however, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mai Linh faces difficulties to create a breakthrough. Bengaluru-based IT firm Happiest Minds initial public offering (IPO), which opens on September 7, is the first public issue by an IT company in four years. And it comes bang in the middle of the worst pandemic the world has seen in a century. The IPO consists of a fresh issue of Rs 110 crore, which the company wants to use for working capital purposes. It will also include an Offer for Sale component of up to 3.56 crore equity shares by the promoters 84,14,223 shares will be put on the block by founder Ashok Soota, and 2,72,49,362 shares by investor CMDB II, a private equity fund managed by JP Morgan Investment Management Inc. For the record, L&T Infotech, the last IT company to be listed, saw its IPO oversubscribed 11.67 times in 2016. Mindtrees public issue was oversubscribed 100 times in 2007. Happiest Minds IPO success or otherwise will be telling about perceived prospects of the IT industry, which has seen its growth taper to 8 percent from 12-14 percent in 2016 and 40-50 percent back in the 2000s. A different world Soota, 77, started Happiest Minds in August 2011 after leaving Mindtree, which he co-founded in August 1999. Back then, Digital was not the buzzword it is today, though companies were working on certain digital segments such as analytics. However Soota, who has seen no less than five recessions in his lifetime, knew the disruptive role technology could play better than anyone else. When he headed Wipro Infotech between 1984 and 1999, the companys IT business grew from $2 million to $500 million. He weathered the dotcom bust in the 2000s, when Mindtree had just been founded, and later the global economic crisis that began in 2008. Perhaps it is not surprising then, that Soota chose to focus on digital. We were the only ones to say we will do digital technologies. Which is why we say we are born agile, he explained. Happiest Minds has 97 percent of its business coming from the Digital segment. The company grew 19 percent year-on-year in FY20 with total revenues of 714 crore. Digital now accounts for 35-40 percent of IT firms revenue and this segment is growing upwards of 20 percent annually. However, the overall growth of legacy and digital services combined is 8 percent, on average, since legacy services have not been growing as rapidly as the latter. Nine years after it was founded, Happiest Minds is going for an IPO, which Soota said is demonstrative of the fact that new-age companies can quickly gain size and profitability to go public. Staying happy amid a pandemic Joseph Ananthraju, President and CEO, Product Engineering Services, said that when the pandemic hit, the company shifted its focus to identify technologies that would drive growth. These include edu-tech and hi-tech, which account for about 42 percent of the companys revenues. Sridhar Mantha, Chief Technology Officer, said Happiest Minds continues to invest in new-age technologies such as drones, robotics and blockchain. In fact the company won two small drone deals in the last six months as the pandemic accelerated tech adoption. Amid the Covid outbreak, the company was also able to win a tender floated by the Airports Authority of India, beating more than 40 companies, including large Indian IT players. In a way, the pandemic has helped, says Ananthraju, enabling smaller firms to compete with large IT players. Clients want companies that have delivered such projects rather than those that have done legacy work, he said. Stable ownership structure Soota has no plans to dilute his shareholding further. After the IPO, the public shareholding in the company will rise to 28 percent, while Soota and his family will own a little over 53 percent after diluting a 6 percent stake. The rest will be owned by the senior members of the company. Current shareholder CMDB II, which will exit with the IPO, has a 19.4 percent stake. According to Soota, this is a stable structure and will ensure there is no threat of the management losing control. Last year saw the hostile takeover of Mindtree by the engineering major L&T. The founders, who had a 13 percent stake, could not fend off the takeover after the late VG Siddhartha, founder, Cafe Coffee Day, sold his 20 percent stake to reduce his debt burden. It is still not clear why Soota left Mindtree abruptly in 2011. He sold his 3 percent stake in the company to Siddhartha in 2012. Doing things differently Unlike traditional companies, the company does not have a CEO designate. Instead it has an executive board that collectively functions as the CEO of the company. We could say we were also the same (as traditional companies) earlier. But we thought of this, socialised among themselves and the board that existed at that time, and decided that it was a good thing to try. It is working very well, Soota explained. The company saw two of its CEOs, Vikram Gulati and Sashi Kumar, exit in 2014 and 2018, respectively. The change in organisational structure came in early 2018. The board consists of three former Mindtree executives Joseph Ananthraju, President and CEO, Product Engineering Services; Chaluvaiya Ramamohan, CEO, infrastructure management and security services; and Venkatraman Narayanan, CFO apart from Rajiv Shah, CEO, Digital Business Services. I am not poking my nose in everyday business, said Soota, who is the Executive Chairman. He gets involved only during the quarterly board review and in other board-level decisions such as financial plans. The board runs the company and resolves any issues that arise. For instance, it takes calls on how to develop an account (client). The company has performed well under the executive board and it has also seen a lot of cross-collaboration that is yielding good results, Soota said. So, there is really no need to touch something that is working really well. The fact that it is different frankly does not really matter, he explained. The idea is to try and do things differently. Otherwise we can all continue to follow traditional models, he said, signing off. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) The Department of Justice is mounting another motion for reconsideration to challenge a court decision that ordered convicted US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton's early release from jail. The DOJ intends to file its own motion for reconsideration early next week, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a statement on Friday. The department hopes that the Office of the Solicitor General, the governments top lawyer, will join the complaint. Pemberton was convicted of homicide for the 2014 killing of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude a gruesome case that has raised emotions in the country. He has served five years and ten months at Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces in Quezon City, in line with the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US. On September 1, the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court's Branch 74 ruled that Pemberton should walk free after crediting to him four years worth of good conduct time allowance a privilege given to detainees who exhibit exemplary behavior in prison. The release order has rekindled complaints that American servicemen get special treatment in the Philippines, a former US colony. It has also been condemned by left-wing groups who have long been calling for an end to US military presence in the country. The Laude camp has filed a motion for reconsideration, saying theres no proof of Pembertons good conduct, except for a certification that came from his guards one from the US Marine Corps, and the other from the Philippines Bureau of Corrections. Pembertons lawyer on Friday asked the court to junk the petition, saying its based on mere speculation that Pemberton misbehaved in jail. The Justice Department earlier asked the BuCor to put the release on hold pending court resolution on the Laude appeal. In October 2014, Laude was found dead in an Olongapo City motel room after a night out with Pemberton, who confessed to killing her after finding out she had male genitalia. Laude's neck was blackened with strangulation marks, head rammed into a toilet. The Court of Appeals initially sentenced Pemberton up to 12 years of imprisonment, but this was later reduced to a maximum of 10 years. CNN Philippines' Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. AS a child, Micheal O Scannail used to avidly watch RTEs news2day. Little did he realise that he would one day present the news programme which is designed specifically for children. For O Scannail, his new job is a dream come true. The show returned to our screens this week, and although Micheal had to face some tough criticism from his young nephews who wanted to see even more of their uncle on TV, the Wexford native is really enjoying his broadcasting debut in the 10-minute daily segment. The programme has been on air since 2003, and Anne-Marie Smyth, a co-editor of news2day along with Avril Hoare, says that it has a tradition of telling news to children using language they can understand. Our motto is truth and hope because basically we tell the stories that are hard to tell in a way that doesnt use overly dramatic or scary language. We tell it factually and truthfully. The remit of news2day, which is aimed at seven to 12-year-olds, is wide and varied. Everything from Brexit to terror attacks to climate change is covered but in a way that is suitable for young ears. Well use appropriate language that is clear and neutral and hopefully reassuring, says Smyth, because we try to focus on the positive in every story the people who help, the emergency services, the good neighbours. O Scannail believes children want to know what is happening in the world and they want to be involved in the conversation. I think a lot of the time they are excluded because people, even parents, dont really understand how to tell children about the news. A parent herself, Smyth says that her daughter, who is now at college, really benefited from watching news2day because she was the type of child who thought a lot about news stories and questioned why things such as earthquakes happened and asked if they could happen here. O Scannail , who is 24, echoes this, saying that when he watched news2day as a child. The lightbulb would flick in my head and youd think oh thats what theyre talking about, thats what that means. While a lot of stories that happen in the world can make children feel threatened, Smyth says studies have shown that children are more afraid and anxious about conflict and images of war in countries that dont have a news service designed for them compared with those in nations that do. Aisling Moloney and Micheal O Scannail news2day, RTEs news programme designed specifically for children. Watch news2day Monday-Friday at 4.20pm on RTE2, RTE News channel and on the RTE Player. News2day is perfect for children who question what happens, who get anxious about the news because its actually a reassuring space where theyre given the news in a very truthful, factual fashion, but theyre also given the explanations about what supports are there, where the good is in all the bad things that can happen. The programme was on air at the start of the Covid-19 crisis and it addressed the pandemic by asking its young viewers to submit their questions and inviting the now acting Chief Medical Office Ronan Glynn to come into the studio and answer them. Later, the then Minister for Health Simon Harris would do the same. Smyth says the news2day team try to find out what is bothering their young audience, what they need to know and how it can be explained to them. Children are very astute. They really get quite often to the nub of the matter and theyll ask very direct questions so we try, as far as possible, to answer what they need to know and then fill in the gaps around that. This gives them a safe space to talk about news that is affecting their lives so directly. O Scannail believes that understanding about coronavirus and its impact on people will settle a childs anxiety a lot more than half hearing things but not actually knowing what it means. Many teachers also use news2day as a reliable source of information for their charges. It gets children talking and helps to generate debate within the classroom, says Smyth, who adds the challenge about writing for youngsters is that you cant rely on jargon, you have to explain. If there is a story about, for example, a tracker mortgage crisis, you cant go for the shorthand that you think a lot of people will understand. In fact, sometimes when you drill down into it, people dont understand as much as they think. The main challenge for us is finding the language that really explains and works well for children. The continuing Covid crisis means that its not business as usual for the news2day team but they are determined to work around the new normal, says Smyth. Weve been saying to schools that if they have a story, well have a way to tell it. Schools are doing things differently, were doing things differently, but were still bringing the stories that matter to them. And shes quick to point out that a lot of what they do in news2day is fun, something that is echoed by O Scannail, who says hes looking forward to going out to schools, talking to children and seeing whats going on with them. It really puts a smile on your face. Im very childish in some ways, I really do enjoy having fun with kids. He also thinks its really important for children to see that it is possible to achieve their dreams. If you cant see it, you cant be it. Growing up in rural Wexford, there werent too many regional accents on the news and there was no-one I could see who had the same background as me... I would love if some kid from round where I live or other part of rural Ireland looked at me and said thats how you go to from where I am to achieving that dream. News2day is on Monday to Friday at 4.20pm on RTE2, RTE News channel and on the RTE Player. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment If there was one thing we could all agree on, you would think it would be this: minors should be protected from sexually aggressive adults. Yet, with a nod to equality under the law for the gay community, the California Assembly has voted to lessen the potential penalty for 24-year-olds who have sex with children as young as 14. Shockingly or should I say, revoltingly this is one of two, similar bills that have just been passed by these legislators. As explained by Greg Burt of the California Family Council, The California legislature finished its 2020 session on Monday by passing a controversial bill that reduces the penalties on some adults who have consensual sex with minors as young as 14 years of age. Why on earth would they pass something like this? Why would they want to potentially reduce these penalties? I understand that the sexual acts are allegedly consensual and that the difference in age can be no more than 10 years. And I understand that some people end up having to register as sex offenders who really do not fit the bill. But thats the whole issue when it comes to children. Can a child that young make a truly informed, consensual decision? And is not the adult required to take responsibility and not engage in sexual acts with a child, no matter how willing that child may be? Isnt this the difference between adults and children under the law? Burt explains that, Senate Bill 145s author, LGBT Caucus Leader Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), said the bill was necessary because current law is harsher if the crime involved homosexual sex between an adult and a minor as opposed to heterosexual sex. All the Republicans and even some prominent and powerful Democrats did not buy that argument. As detailed by Equality California (which celebrated the bill), Currently, for consensual yet illegal sexual relations between a teenager age 14 to 17 and a partner within 10 years of age, sexual intercourse (i.e., vaginal intercourse) does not mandate that the offender to go onto the sex offender registry; rather, the judge has discretion to decide, based on the facts of the case, whether sex offender registration is warranted or unwarranted. By contrast, for all other forms of intercourse specifically, oral and anal intercourse sex offender registration is mandated under all situations, with no judicial discretion. Gay activists felt this was unfair, sponsoring SB 145, which allows the judge to have the same discretion with all other forms of intercourse. In other words, men who have gay sex with boys shouldnt be punished anymore strictly than men who have heterosexual sex with girls. And this leads to two very serious (and revealing) questions. First, why would we want to protect an adult who commits a sexual act with a minor as young as 14? Second, how prevalent is adult-minor sex in the gay community? (For the answer to that question, see here. Or just read more about the life of gay icon Harvey Milk. Note also that Im not talking about pedophilia but rather so-called consensual acts between adults and teens as young as 14.) The real focus should have been on the protection of the children rather than on lessening the penalty for certain sexual acts. With that in mind, a bill could have been passed calling for equal penalties for any of these sex acts, be they heterosexual or homosexual acts. Instead, gay activists pushed to lessen penalties for sexual acts even more common in the homosexual community. How telling. Among those opposing the bill was Democrat Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez. She said: Any sex is sex. I don't care who it is between or what sex act it is. That being said, I cannot in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual, how it could ever NOT be a registerable offense. She continued, We should never give up on this idea that children are not, should be in any way subject to a predator. And that is what it is. But theres more. Burt reports that the Senate also passed AB 1145, a bill to lower the mandated reporting requirements for some statutory rape cases. The bill was sponsored by Equality California. The bill was approved 25 to 10, with the Republicans voting no. Is it any surprise that Equality California was elated about this bill as well? And does this not confirm what conservative activists have argued for years, namely, that many in the gay community want to lower the age of consent? (Almost 50 years ago, the 1972 Gay Rights Platform called for Repeal of all state laws governing the age of sexual consent.) As Burt notes, This means high school teachers or counselors who know or suspect one of their 16-year-old students or counselees is having sex with a 20-year-old, they are no longer required to report it to authorities. This bill is especially concerning in light of how many LGBT organizations are sponsoring social events between young teenagers and young adults. See the following fliers for LGBT social events. Groups like Mass Resistance have pointed out for years that many a young person got initiated into homosexual acts through their teachers and mentors. Now, California legislators have voted to protect the abusers. Let the outcry begin. Advertisement Climate change protesters in London have been warned they risk a large fine this weekend if they fail to comply with coronavirus rules banning gatherings of more than 30 people. The warning comes after Extinction Rebellion (XR) protesters last night glued themselves to the pavements outside the Department of Transport, Westminster, and covered them in fake blood in a demonstration against High Speed 2 (HS2) railway. The Met Police said risk assessments explaining how Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists were minimising the possibility of Covid-19 transmission 'did not meet the required standard'. The force said XR's latest round of demonstrations 'pose a risk, not only to those involved, but to the wider public and communities of London'. This comes as the group plans to hold tens days of protests across central London to using civil disobedience to highlight climate change, with police already making numerous arrests. Extinction Rebellion (XR) protesters glued themselves to the ground outside the Department of Transport, Westminster, in a demonstration against High Speed 2 (HS2) railway Masked Extinction Rebellion protesters outside the Bank of England holding a globe containing fake blood and signs that say 'business as usual is killing the earth' Protests continued today across London today. This comes as more than 300 people were arrested yesterday during a third day of demonstrations Police stand beside protesters who have glued themselves to the pavements, which had been covered with fake blood, in a demonstration in London today Last Sunday, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's brother Piers was fined 10,000 for arranging a protest in Trafalgar Square involving hundreds of anti-mask and anti-vaccination activists. In an open letter to XR protesters on Friday, the Met said: 'It is your responsibility to check the position and ensure you are not committing an offence by being involved in a large gathering. 'We urge anyone arranging a gathering to inform your local police. We all need to continue to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus.' There were protests today outside the Bank of England, as masked demonstrators held pots of fake blood and a sign that read 'business as usual is killing the earth'. Demonstrators protested claiming that 'apologies are not enough to address the legacy of a financial system rooted in enslavement and supporting ecological devastation'. More than 300 people were arrested yesterday during a third day the protests in central London, with the Metropolitan Police saying more than 200 of these were linked to a demonstration on Lambeth Bridge. Protests continued today but the Met imposed conditions meaning the gatherings can only take place off the main roads at Parliament Square between 8am and 7pm. A protester is arrested after demonstrating against the HS2 railway outside the Department of Transport in Central London Demonstrations continued in London today, with protesters wearing suits and masks covering their hands in fake blood outside the Bank of England A protest in Bank, London, with people wearing face coverings and holding a 'reparations rebellion' banner Protesters wearing signs reading 'faceless bureaucrats' pinned to the back of their suits talk to a police officer during demonstrations today Protesters hold a banner that reads 'bank of death your fossil fuel investments will kill us' outside the Bank of England as part of demonstrations Protesters demonstrate outside the Department of Transport against the HS2 railway as work began on the controversial project yesterday XR wants the Government to declare a climate and ecological emergency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and establish a 'citizens' assembly on climate and ecological justice'. Earlier on Thursday, some protesters glued themselves to the ground around Parliament while others staged a sit-in elsewhere around the perimeter of the parliamentary estate, including at the Carriage Gates. A separate protest, carried out by XR ally Animal Rebellion, saw activists glue themselves on top of and inside a pink slaughterhouse truck parked sideways across nearby Victoria Street. The campaigners said they were demanding 'a plant-based food system as a means to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis and reduce the risk of future pandemics'. They have previously used fake blood in their demonstrations. Some 160 arrests were made on the first day of action on Tuesday, for offences including breaching public order conditions, obstructing the highway, obstructing police and assault on an emergency worker. There were 72 arrests made on Wednesday, with the majority being for breaching conditions imposed on the Parliament Square demonstration. People hold signs reading 'HS2 = ecoside' and 'stop HS2'. Some 160 arrests were made on the first day of action on Tuesday, for offences including breaching public order conditions and obstructing the highway Police cordon off protesters who have glued themselves to the pavement. Earlier on Thursday, some protesters glued themselves to the ground around Parliament while others staged a sit-in elsewhere around the perimeter ER have been banned from taking a 20ft model boat named after teenage activist Greta Thunberg to the streets of Westminster. On Friday Met Police Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolf warned the group not to take The Lightship Greta into an area stretching from Green Park to Lambeth. She imposed an order under Section 12(3) of the Public Order Act 1986, saying: 'I reasonably believe that the procession may result in serious disruption to the life of the community.' The Lightship Greta features the words 'Sound the alarm - Climate Emergency' on its side. Claudia Fisher, 58, of Extinction Rebellion Brighton, said of the boat: 'The voyage of Lightship Greta aims to highlight the journey that many climate refugees are taking right now and many millions more will be forced to undertake. 'More of us will be displaced and have to leave our homes for each degree of heating of our earth. 'As the seawater rises and the fires burn, where would you go? This is a crisis that will impact us all - it is just a matter of time, and time is running out.' Tensions between the West and Russia have increased again following the allegations that prominent Russian opposition political figure Navalny was poisoned. Navalny was taken ill on a domestic flight in Siberia and eventually transferred to a hospital in Germany. According to Germany, Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent, the same agent used in the 2018 poisoning of the Skripals in the UK. The US dollar/ruble (USD/RUB) exchange rate has strengthened to 4-month highs above 75.0 while Euro/ruble (EUR/RUB) is close to 5-month highs near 89.0. Image: USD/RUB Germany calls for full explanation from Russia German Chancellor Merkel has stated that there is unequivocal proof and called for a full explanation from Russia. The Russian government has denied any involvement in the affair. Rabobank notes; the latest revelations provide those European officials who insist that the EU must penalise Russia with a very strong argument. Merkel has also stated that a potential response will be discussed with its allies in the EU and also NATO. US political developments will be crucial for sanctions Rabobank notes that developments in the US are likely to be crucial. Last year, the US Senate Intelligence Committee agreed the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act (DASKA) which would impose severe sanctions on Russia, including penalties for any transaction between US companies and parastatal entities owned or affiliated with the Russian government. Rabobank notes; essentially, the bill includes a wide range of severe sanctions which would have serious negative consequences for Russia. The domestic political developments will inevitably play a crucial role over the next few months. The legislation still needs to be approved in Congress and signed by President Trump. If we get to that stage, the key question will be whether Putins good relationship with President Trump will prove sufficient for Russia to avoid the harsh measures. Trump may veto the bill or opt for a relatively modest response. In Rabobanks view, a victory for Democrat candidate Biden and control of Congress would increase the likelihood of penalties against Russia, especially with Democrats still angry after allegations of Russian involvement in the 2016 elections. Ruble liable to remain under pressure The relationship between the EU/US and Russia will remain a major driving factor for the rouble in the coming months. The bias is skewed in favour of USD/RUB and EUR/RUB extending their gains due to rising odds of a new set of Western sanctions being announced against Russia. EUR/RUB could gain some relief if the ECB voices increased concerns over Euro strength, but, the bank expects rouble recoveries to be relatively limited. Image: EUR/RUB exchange rate chart Ice Sheet Melting on Track With Worst-Case Scenario TreeHugger (Re Silc). The mystery of the Murray-Darlings vanishing flows ABC Australia Germany Ends Probe Into Wirecard Accusations Of Journalists PAYMNTS.COM The Wirecard scandal is a warning to the EU to think twice before cutting itself off from Londons financial expertise City AM Five Eyes nations start new club for competition regulators and paint target on digital giants The Register Inside the Hidden World of Legacy IT Systems IEEE Spectrum #COVID19 China? India Lifting of restrictions untimely and dangerous The Daily Star. Bangladesh How the coronavirus pandemic has propelled modern slavery in Asias garment industry South China Morning Post Syraqistan Mauritius Tug Involved in Mauritius Cleanup Sinks Killing Three Maritime Executive Brexit Brexit: Significant gaps in UKs border plans BBC Learning for government from EU Exit preparations (PDF) National Audit Office (summarized here). Page 18: 29 While government quickly developed a view on where its work was affected by EU Exit and its own actions, it was much slower in developing an understanding of how to achieve a good outcome when this required action from many parties, not just government. The issue was exacerbated by an uncertain political climate where significant policy decisions happened late in the day. We found that the civil service response was to delay communication in the hope of increased certainty , rather than beginning to share thinking or preparations at a time or in ways that would have helped stakeholders with their own preparations. For example, in 2018 both Defra and DfT told the Committee of Public Accounts that at that time they had asked third parties to sign non-disclosure agreements when discussing departmental plans, and particularly the development of Technical Notices, with stakeholders. The Committee set out the risk that these agreements undermined transparency and hampered the spread of information to the business community at large.13 Across government, 106 Technical Notices were published over the course of August, September and October 2018 two years after government started planning for EU Exit, and at most nine months before a possible no-deal exit in March 2019. 30 More widely, the government underestimated the challenge involved in preparing stakeholders outside government for EU Exit. DExEUs own monitoring of progress focused on what departments needed to do and did not consider who else needed to take action and whether they were ready. This meant that departments simply didnt put enough thought, or give enough time, to what their stakeholders needed. Third parties, including businesses and taxpayers, were not told early enough or in enough detail what they needed to do to be ready, particularly for a no-deal exit . Crucial parts of systems development, such as operational testing, were limited in scope because of the time available or were only able to be carried out after the deadline for EU Exit was extended. Im not sufficiently well-versed in UK official-ese to know how brutal this caning is. However, it is clear that more than secrecy is the problem, as the Guardian would have it. UK/EU New Cold War 2020 Trump Transition Protests and Riots Police State Watch Gunz Groves of Academe Black Injustice Tipping Point Mader: We Must Learn From Defiant Debtors Progressive International Class Warfare New York and San Francisco Cant Assume Theyll Bounce Back Noah Smith, Bloomberg Remote Work Is Killing the Hidden Trillion-Dollar Office Economy Marker Is the American Dream over? Heres what the data says World Economic Forum Antidote du jour (via): Bonus antidote (dk): The best thing youll see today! Keeper Katherine with Blondie the Echidna at Healesville Sanctuary pic.twitter.com/99CLDsDroJ Zoos Victoria (@ZoosVictoria) September 1, 2020 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. (Natural News) A series of raids in Laredo, Texas, disrupted 12 human smuggling stash houses and led to the arrest of a total of 229 illegal aliens, according to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. August 27 capped off the ten-day period of raids. On that day, Laredo police officers and South Station Border Patrol agents were watching a suspected smuggling stash house on Juarez Avenue when they saw a person sneak through a hole in a fence of the house to get inside. After detaining the man, they determined he was a Mexican national who was in the U.S. illegally and arrested him for an immigration violation. They then carried out a welfare check on the home, which is situated in a known human smuggling hot spot. They discovered 20 people packed inside, none of whom had personal protective equipment. All 20 were subsequently identified as illegal aliens from Guatemala and Mexico and were brought into custody for further investigation. Many illegals are spreading coronavirus Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said: As the number of illegal aliens testing positive for COVID-19 increases, these stash houses represent an increasingly significant threat to our agents, to public health, and to our health care system and our health care professionals. The acting Head of Customs and Border Protection, Mark Morgan, said that some illegal immigrants are making the trip to the U.S. knowing they have coronavirus and spreading it as they are packed inside stash houses, trucks and motel rooms, which serve as perfect incubators for COVID-19. Its not about migrants risking their lives any longer, he stated. Its way beyond that. Now theyre risking the lives of everyone they come in contact with. Customs and Border Patrol noted there was a rise in illegal border crossings of 25 percent in July compared to June. Almost 41,000 people were caught throughout the month trying to enter the country illegally. These people are being packed into small spaces in horrible conditions with no regard for their safety or well-being, and they are often treated as commodities rather than human beings. Sadly, many human smugglers also commit human trafficking. Many of these individuals are taken advantage of through fraud and coercion, subjecting them to forced labor, sex and indentured servitude. Raids earlier in August found even more human smuggling victims An August 19 traffic stop in Mission found 15 migrants stored in the back of a commercial box truck. On August 11, law enforcement agencies worked together to close down three stash houses in one day in Laredo. Acting on tips, they managed to arrest 35 people from Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador who had entered the U.S. illegally. In a separate raid that took place earlier in August, police apprehended 51 migrants in a house five blocks away from the Rio Grande River border with Mexico after Laredo North Station Border Patrol agents were tipped off to the human smuggling stash house. An initial knock and talk investigation found 14 illegals. Information obtained from the migrants prompted officials to secure a search warrant for an apartment unit next door, where police found 37 more people being held after crossing into Texas illegally. All 51 individuals came to the U.S. illegally from Mexico and Guatemala. Of course, these are just the ones who were caught; there is no way of knowing just how many migrants managed to elude agents and sneak into country, potentially spreading coronavirus along the way. Those who are not caught are often shuffled from stash house to stash house until they make their way into other parts of the country. This is a problem that should concern every American even in normal times, but the stakes are far higher now as these people enter the country and spread COVID-19. Sources for this article include: CBP.gov TruePundit.com Breitbart.com Breitbart.com FoxSanAntonio.com Greek and French vessels sail in formation during a joint military exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. With a new state mandate requiring nearly all students to get an influenza vaccine by the end of the year, getting free flu shots to students will be a focus of Worcester Public School nurses during the first quarter of the year. Worcester is starting its school year with remote learning. The goal is to bring students who need the most assistance back into school buildings after the first quarter ends in November. While nurses wont be able to help students in a traditional sense, they will use the remote learning months to get to know students and families, Superintendent Maureen Binienda said during the school committee meeting Thursday night. Nurses will be able to join Google Classroom to meet students virtually, Binienda said. For the first two weeks of the school year, nurses will be in school buildings to organize student forms on immunizations and yearly physicals, Binienda said. After that, nurses will have the choice of working from home, an option available for other educators as well. On Oct. 2, nurses will work on a flu Friday event, the superintendent said. Tents will be set up at Burncoat Middle School and the field next to Worcester East Middle so students can get free flu shots. This summer, Massachusetts public health officials announced that a flu shot will be mandatory for nearly all students. Students in districts that are using a remote education model are not exempt from the requirement, per the state Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, the school district is working on HVAC updates that are necessary to keep students safe in school buildings amid the coronavirus pandemic. Those updates will also help with air quality during future flu seasons, said Brian Allen, the districts chief financial officer. The school committee on Thursday unanimously voted on a motion for the district administration to provide monthly updates on the HVAC repair progress. The district plans to have the work complete at all schools by the end of the year. For a group of schools, the goal is to have updates finished by the end of the first quarter so that some students who need the most instruction can return to classrooms. Related Content: Ex-police officer heading up arrest of journalist Golunov to stay detained until winter Moskva city news agency, Kirill Zykov 18:40 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) - The Basmanny District Court on Friday extended detention of a former drug control police department chief for Moscow's Western Administrative District Igor Lyakhovets charged with abuse of power during arrest of journalist Ivan Golunov until December 7, Golunov's lawyer Sergey Badamshin told RAPSI. Earlier on Friday, the court extended detention of three former police officers,Maxim Umetbayev, Akbar Sergaliyev and Roman Feofanov as part of the case and house arrest of ex-police officer Denis Konovalov, who confessed and gave testimony against the others, for the same period. In late February, Alexey Kovrizhkin, the lawyer for Lyakhovets, told RAPSI that another defendant Konovalov had testified against his client, saying it was him who had ordered to plant drugs on Golunovs bag and apartment. Investigators believe Lyakhovets, who does not admit guilt, is the organizer of the crime. The defendants are charged with abuse of power, evidence tampering and illegal drug trafficking. Only Konovalov pleaded guilty. He was later released from detention and put under house arrest. Investigators believe that they planted drugs on Golunov. Thus, they falsified the results of operative search activity that later became inculpatory evidence against Golunov in a drug dealing case; however, the drugs had been earlier illegally bought and kept by the police officers, according the Investigative Committee. In late December 2019, investigators opened the case over arrest of Golunov. The journalist was recognized as an injured party. All five defendants in the case have been dismissed from police. Golunov was arrested in Moscow on June 6, 2019. On June 8, the Nikulinsky District Court of Moscow placed him under house arrest for 2 months. According to the Interior Ministrys official statement, police seized nearly 4 grams of methylmethedrone from Golunov. The journalist pleaded not guilty, insisted that the drugs were planted on him during the arrest and claimed that his prosecution is related to his journalistic investigations. According to his defense, an examination showed no drugs in his biomaterial. On June 11, 2019, charges against Golunov were dropped because of a lack of evidence that he participated in the crime, and the journalist was released. On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed two generals of police on the back of the arrest of Golunov. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. American International School System in Lahore, Pakistan. I am extremely proud of my team at the American International School System as well as our American and Pakistani staff. Each and every staff member worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic thus far, to ensure we could open the school back up and continue to educate our children. The American International School System is prepared to open all school locations in Pakistan in late September, and will see students return to school five days a week. Even before the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, AISS has had safety protocols implemented for students. Since the school's opening in 2007, AISS has kept students a steady distance from one another, to promote individual learning and integrity. The Premier American School flagship campus and each satellite Premier Grammar School campus holds close to 2000 students and close to about 300 staff members. At all times in the classroom, students are required to maintain an 8-foot distance from others. The same measures will apply along with stronger safety protocols, to protect against the spread of the virus at the Premier American School in Lahore and each Premier Grammar School location. Students and staff will be required to wear masks or face coverings at any time they are less than six feet away from another individual. Students who are not able to afford a mask or do not have access to one will be provided one from AISS free of charge. Social distancing will be enforced and frequent hand washing and sanitizing will be encouraged. Every student and staff member will have their temperature checked at the beginning of each day. Staff will identify any individual who has a fever and therefore might be infected with COVID-19, and will then provide testing. Any student or staff member infected with the COVID-19 will be mandated to stay home and receive treatment for themselves and their family members, if necessary. All staff members are required to be regularly tested and free rapid testing is available for all staff, students and family members. AISS will additionally offer students and their families free medical services, such as antibiotics and hydroxychloroquine. I am extremely proud of my team at the American International School System. Each and every staff member has worked tirelessly during the global pandemic, to ensure we could open the school back up and continue to educate our children, said Dr. Munr Kazmir, Founder of AISS and the AISS Foundation. As the international health crisis increases poverty levels in Pakistan, AISS will issue a larger number of financial support or scholarships, which are already awarded to approximately 70 percent of students. AISS will continue to provide all standard courses and add additional classes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instructors are gearing up to educate parents and students on how to maintain safety, health and cleanliness during the pandemic. AISS also plans to rearrange lunch and break time by staggering student lunch periods and providing additional spaces to eat outdoors. Cleaning staff will thoroughly disinfect an area each time a space is used between groups. To learn more about the American International School System and Dr. Kazmirs work, visit https://americanschoolfoundation.org or https://kazmir.org. ABOUT AISS The American International School System Foundation is a U.S. non-profit teaching American values through primary education to children in Pakistan. By providing a world-class education to Pakistani children, The American International School System Foundation is helping them become more prosperous, secure, democratic and able to stand up against violence and extremism. 04.09.2020 LISTEN World Vision Ghana has organized a training workshop dubbed " WASH IN SERMON " for Faith Leaders in the Asutifi North District, Ahafo Region, as part of the measures to have a successful implementation of the ANAM - WASH programme in the District. The 4 - day training workshop which was held at the Assembly Hall in Kenyasi the District capital assembled Pastors and Imams. The Faith and Development Coordinator of World Vision Ghana, Jacob Ayeebe said, the idea behind the exercise is to build the capacity of Religious Leaders to play a major role in assisting their communities to have good water, sanitation and hygiene. According to Jacob Ayeebe who facilitated the entire training workshop, Faith Leaders are powerful and influencers in their communities so once they are equipped with the relevant knowledge, awareness and skills under WASH initiative they can easily sensitize their congregants and others. He explained that " WASH SERMON GUIDE " has been drafted to help them know and understand the link between the scriptures and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in order assist residents who are their members. Jacob Ayeebe mentioned, now Faith Leaders have realised the need to dedicate time during their sermons for promoting good water, sanitation and hygiene per the presentation exhibited at the workshop. He passionately said Religious Leaders ought to have their master plans after the training workshop to help address water, sanitation and hygiene-related issues in their communities. He commended them for their contributions showcased which clearly indicate their readiness to help communities to have good water and sanitation to enhance their health. Some of the Faith Leaders in an interview thanked World Vision Ghana and the Asutifi North District Assembly for organizing such a training workshop because a lot has been learnt when it comes to helping communities to have good water, sanitation and hygiene. They revealed that the capacity building workshop has broadened their knowledge in areas of water, sanitation and hygiene which play a major role in Christianity and Islam. The Faith Leaders mentioned, the training has made them know that communal labour must be part of their activities often to keep their members healthy and also assist people to enjoy good water, sanitation and hygiene. Biden campaign appears to walk back apology over condemning Linda Sarsour By Jackson Richman (JNS) The Biden campaign has been sending conflicting messages over whether or not it regrets comments directed at Linda Sarsour, a prominent pro-BDS activist. On a private call on Sunday with dozens of prominent Arab and Muslim activists, the Biden campaign expressed regret over how it construed a statement condemning former Womens March leader and Bernie Sanders surrogate Linda Sarsour. Sarsour was featured last week at the Democratic National Conventions Muslim Delegates Assembly, despi... Local, and more affluent, consumers are yearning for quality products like from Japan Japanese drugmaker ASKA Pharmaceutical has announced an agreement to acquire 24.9 per cent equity in Vietnamese counterpart Ha Tay Pharmaceutical JSC (Hataphar), making it the first overseas sales base for the Japanese company. ASKA plans to buy over 6.575 million shares at Hataphar. The transaction is expected to be completed in the next few months. In 2019, Hataphar generated VND2.04 trillion ($87.45 million) in net sales and VND90 billion ($3.86 million) in net income, ranking as the second-biggest pharmaceutical producer in sales in Vietnam. ASKA, established 100 years ago, is a speciality pharmaceutical company in the fields of internal medicine, obstetrics, gynaecology, and urology. The company set up its international business division in April with the aim to provide sustainable growth and development through overseas business. ASKA believes that the collaboration through the transaction will create synergies between Hataphars commercial structure and its own pharmaceutical development and manufacturing technology capabilities. According to a VIR source, other Japanese IT companies are looking for opportunities to snap up Vietnamese counterparts with a view to ramping up presence in the country. Among them, a Japanese firm, which already has a subsidiary in Thailand, is seeking a merger with Vietnamese partners in software outsourcing, digital transformation, project management software, human resources, and big data. Meanwhile, another Japanese company providing call centre services in Vietnam is also looking for a potential IT firm with an expected value below $10 million. Vietnam has become a darling for Japanese investors in ASEAN. A survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization late last year pointed out the reasons for the attractiveness of the Vietnamese market. Specifically, the proportion of Japanese companies that selected market size/growth potential as an attraction or advantage of doing business in Vietnam has continued to increase. In the last financial year it increased by 11.1 percentage points to 86.1 per cent compared to 2013. Other attractions and advantages that have increased include clustering of customer partners, political and social stability, availability of low-cost land and offices, and ease of local procurement. Most recently, the Japanese government is paying about 12 billion ($114 million) to 30 companies to increase production in Southeast Asia, in the first round of a multi-billion dollar fund to diversify supply chains after COVID-19 and worsening relations between the United States and China. Half of them will be using that money in Vietnam, as reported by Bloomberg. Fujikin Inc. makes parts used in semiconductor manufacturing and is the one benefiting from the incentives. The Osaka-based manufacturer will receive subsidies worth two-thirds of its costs to shift production out of China and into Vietnam. Wed been thinking about increasing our capacity in Vietnam before the subsidy was announced, and it fit right in, said company president Shinya Nojima. Another Japanese investor, Showa International Co., is a Tokyo-based clothes-maker with 25 years of experience in Vietnam. The pandemic has seen it ramp up production of medical gowns and masks, with Kazuo Nishizawa, leader of the company, projecting it should be able to produce up to 150,000 gowns a month. Theres still a large shortage of gowns and masks, he said. With the demand surging across the world, we have a mission to first be able to provide stable supplies to Japan. Similarly, Japanese retailer Muji has recently launched a pop-up store in Ho Chi Minh City. Muji already manufactures a large number of products in Vietnam. With this advantage, the company can reduce transportation costs and provide its products at a more reasonable price. Together with the growth of the economy in recent years, is the rise of a new group of Vietnamese consumers who yearn for quality products that are safe for the environment, said Nagaiwa Tetsuya, general director of Muji Retail Vietnam. Even though there are a lot of alternative options at cheaper prices, we believe that our products can deliver the quality Vietnamese consumers are looking for. " " Barbed wire surrounds the cemetery of the Manzanar War Relocation Center, where 10,000 Japanese-American citizens and Japanese aliens were interned during World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. David McNew/ Getty Images News The United Kingdom's National DNA Database (NDNAD) has been received with mounting criticism at each change. Many people have wondered why the government has not simply required everyone to submit a sample instead of slowly broadening its coverage to include more and more citizens. They call for more openness on the part of the government. Parents, educators and many child behaviorists have been especially bothered by the suggestion that all children deemed to display behavioral problems or tendencies should have samples of their DNA put into the database. They feel that it is unfair to punish a child for something that he only might do, but has not yet done, and that inclusion into the database can only create a stigma and possibly cause problems for the child. Advertisement A representative of one British civil rights group, Liberty, pointed out that there is a disproportionate number of ethnic minorities in the database, which could lead to racial profiling. Specific socio-economic groups are already thought by many analysts to be more prone to violent crime; some critics argue that classification in a database could exacerbate the problem and reinforce stereotypes. The director of human rights watchdog group Privacy International, Simon Davies, said that it is "obscene" for the Metropolitan Police Homicide Prevention Units "to suggest there should be a 'crime idol' list of those who might commit an offence" [source: Bannerman]. Databases in the United States have also come under fire. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has blasted the continued expansions of DNA collection in the CODIS database, citing violations of citizens' right to privacy and the potential for institutionalized discrimination. They argue that DNA is very different from fingerprints in that it contains a vast amount of private information, including mental and physical defects and ancestry. Every 10 years, census takers collect all kinds of information about the people living in the United States. This data is used for things like apportioning the correct number of seats in the House of Representatives, and it's not available to the public for 72 years after the data was taken. The Census Bureau is currently not allowed to reveal any identifiable information about the individuals they encounter. However, in the past the FBI has legally used census information to identify people. During World War II, it compiled a list of potential enemies of the state, which eventually resulted in the internment of Japanese-Americans. If a national future crime database were in the works, Congress could once again make census data minable by other law enforcement agencies in the name of safety. Medical and mental health records are currently protected by state and federal privacy laws as well. Doctors and psychologists, for example, cannot release specific information about your condition without written consent from you -- for the most part. There are exceptions; a psychologist in California must break confidentiality if he suspects that you are a danger to yourself or others, or are abusing a child or elderly adult. A judge can also compel a psychologist by court order to speak about your treatment in the course of a trial. Finally, assuming you have insurance coverage, your insurance company knows all about your various diagnoses. Again, there are privacy laws, but legislation could make all of this information available to law enforcement officials and analysts. The same goes for financial records and employment records. Concerned? Keep in mind that the "Minority Report" scenario is still a long way off (assuming we ever scientifically prove the validity of pre-cognition); more likely, a future crime database would be used to monitor and treat potential criminals rather than actually arrest them for as-yet-uncommitted crimes. A single drop of your blood could be enough to tell whether you're one of them. For lots more information about crime and the long arm of the law, see the articles on the next page. Minister calls for new sanctions, ban on Nord Stream 2 pipe completion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says measures should be taken against Russia over the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. "There is no reason not to trust the conclusions of the German laboratory. Ukraine immediately issued a statement in which we recognized the results of these analyzes and condemned the use of the Novichok chemical substance by the Russian Federation against the opposition leader," he said at a briefing on September 4. This is not an isolated event, the minister said. "This is another step by the Russian Federation in the fight against dissent. There are no boundaries for them to poison someone. This is done all over the world, these stories are well known," he said. Kuleba reiterated the statement of the Organization for the Prohibition of the Use of Chemical Weapons, which regarded the Kremlin's actions as the use of chemical weapons. "This is a starting position from which it is necessary to assess the Russian Federation's actions. We proceed from the fact that this crime must not go unpunished. Logic shows us that impunity only encourages the Russian Federation to new aggressive actions and crimes," the minister said. Read alsoNavalny poisoning: OPCW Director-General issues statementKuleba added that partners and all countries opposing Russia should use effective mechanisms of influence. In particular, the adoption of new sanctions and the ban on the construction of Nord Stream 2. According to the foreign minister, if the Nord Stream 2 project is completed, Russia will have additional investments for its aggressive actions both inside the country and abroad. "Therefore, now we need to take a comprehensive approach to the issue and take measures that will maximize the price for its [Russian] aggressive actions," Kuleba added. Navalny poisoning: background This article was updated to correct the number of daily confirmed cases for Isabella County. The originally reported number included probable cases as well as confirmed. Midland County recorded 10 more confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, Sept. 4, for a pandemic total of 354, 95 probable cases and 11 deaths, according to the state report. Midland County added 10 cases yesterday, Sept. 3, as well. The Midland Countys website states there are 347 confirmed cases, less than what the state is reporting. This is because case numbers can change or fluctuate depending on when various laboratory results are received or recorded. "It is impossible to present real time data during this constantly changing event," said Fred Yanoski, Midland County Department of Public Health director/health officer. As of 3 p.m. on Friday, Central Michigan District Health Department had identified 260 cases (245 confirmed and 15 probable) related to students returning to the Mt. Pleasant area. Case counts include current students, former students and those living both inside and outside of the community who were identified as being associated with other cases related to return to school. Friday, Sept. 4 daily numbers: Bay County: 14 cases and one death were added; pandemic total stands at 775 cases, 91 probable, 43 deaths. Gladwin County: One case was added; pandemic total stands at 73 cases, eight probable, two deaths. Isabella County: 13 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 501 cases, 56 probable, 10 deaths. Saginaw County: 37 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 2,448 cases, 175 probable, 129 deaths and three probable deaths. The state on Friday added 982 new cases and seven deaths. Overall, Michigan is at 105,377 cases and 6,526 deaths. Testing The state report shows as of Sept. 4, Midland County has performed 11,447 diagnostic tests and 773 serology (antibodies) tests, totaling 12,220 tests. Gladwin County is listed as having administered 4,358 diagnostic tests and 132 serology (antibodies) tests, totaling 4,490 tests. Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on Aug. 31 was listed at 3.2%, and medium risk of spread. Gladwin County was listed at 0.4% and low risk. The Saginaw region, which includes 12 counties, including Midland, Gladwin, Bay and Saginaw counties, was listed at 2.5% and low risk and Michigan at 3%, a medium risk. A positivity rate of less than 3% indicates a lack of community spread, according to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive. As of Aug. 31, MidMichigan Health which covers a 23-county region and has medical centers at seven sites, including Midland has completed a total of 20,503 tests. Of those, 19,430 were negative, 237 positive and 836 are pending. Nursing Homes Brittany Manor in Midland is listed in the state report as having four cumulative cases and one death among residents as of Sept. 3, and five cumulative cases and no deaths among staff. Midland King's Daughters is reporting one cumulative case among staff and Medilodge of Midland is reporting two cumulative cases among staff. The other reporting facility, Stratford Pines, is reporting no cases. Gladwin Pines Nursing Home is listed as having two cumulative confirmed cases and no deaths among residents as of Sept. 3, and one confirmed case and no deaths among staff. Gladwin Nursing & Rehabilitation Community, the other long-term health facility reporting to the state, is reporting one cumulative confirmed case among residents and three cumulative cases among staff and no deaths. Recovered As of Sept. 3, the Midland County health department website lists 308 recovered cases and 31 hospitalizations since the pandemic start. The state lists the total recovered at 76,151 cases, as of Aug. 28, which represents COVID-19 confirmed individuals with an onset date on or prior to July 29, according to the state website, mich.gov. Midland County Health Department data People younger than 40 make up 55.4% of total Midland County cases, confirmed and probable, as of Sept. 3. Of Midland County's 442 confirmed and probable cases, 92 cases are in 0-19 age range; 88 in 20-29 age range; 64 in 30-39 age range; 59 in 40-49 age range; 68 in 50-59 age range; 29 in 60-69 age range; 26 in 70-79 age range, and 14 in 80+ age range, as of Sept. 3. Of Midland's 11 deaths, five have been female and six male. One was between the ages of 50-59; four were between ages of 70-79, and six were 80 years and older. As of Sept. 3, 81% of cases have fallen within the 48640 and 48642 (mostly Midland) zip codes. Next highest were 48657 (Sanford) with 6.8% of cases and 48618 (Coleman) with 5.9% of cases. Cases by race, as of Sept. 3: 86.3% were listed as Caucasian; 2.4% as Black; 3.3% as Asian; 0.9% listed as two or more races; and 6.4% were unknown. MidMichigan Health statistics Patient census: MidMichigan Health system is listed as having 13 COVID-19 patients, including one COVID-19 patient in ICU, and 57.70% bed occupancy, as of Sept. 3. PPE days on hand as of Sept. 3: The health system reported 7-14 days for N95 masks; 0-6 days for surgical masks; 7-14 days for surgical gowns; 21+ days for shields and 7-14 days for gloves. Recommendations for public: Socially distance at least 6 feet from non-household members. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Wear face coverings in public. Stay home when sick. Covering coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues in the trash right after use. Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning wipe or spray. COMOROS : As many as 19 Indian citizens, who were stranded in Comoros, boarded a specially chartered flight to Tanzania on Sunday. They will join other stranded Indians in Tanzania on the flight back to India tomorrow. "19 Indian citizens stranded in #Comoros start their journey back home to #India today on a special chartered flight via #Tanzania. Thank you @Azali_officiel and @IndiainTanzania for your timely support. We wish all the passengers a safe and happy flight!," Indian in Madagascar. They were stranded in Comoros due to the coronavirus lockdown. Speaking on the occasion Ambassador Abhay Kumar said that it would not have been possible without the active support of the Comoros government, especially President Azali Assoumani and the High Commission of India, Tanzania. The Embassy of India in Madagascar and Comoros in a tweet wished all the passengers a safe and happy journey back home. Earlier in June this year, the Indian Embassy in Madagascar had brought back 85 stranded Indians living and working in Madagascar. Comoros is a strategically located island in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu visited the island in Oct 2019, a first visit of a very high political dignitary from India during which a defence cooperation agreement was signed between India and Comoros. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. 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 A fundraiser to help cover the cost of repatriating the remains of Thiago Cortes to Brazil has raised almost 60,000 in 24 hours. The GoFundMe page was set up yesterday following the death of the 28-year-old, who was knocked off his bike by a car on North Wall Quay on Monday night. Family and friends held a vigil on Wednesday evening in Dublin. The driver fled the scene and gardai say no arrests have yet been made. Gardai believe the car involved was being driven by a teenager. Friends and colleagues on O'Connell Street Thiago's fiance Teresa Dantas says the collection began to cover the cost of bringing him home. "We are going to need lawyers at some point, we are going to need a lot of things to be done, a lot of work and there will be a lot of cost involved. "So the money is just for this - not for me, not for his family at all. It is for him to make him rest in peace and to get some kind of justice. "If/when we find who did it and we need lawyers and everything." Speaking on Ireland AM this morning, Ms Dantas renewed her appeal for those involved or anyone who has any information to come forward. He didn't deserve what happened but if you did it or you know who did it just be brave and come forward please. She also expressed her thanks to the gardai and to the Irish community who she said have been very supportive. "A lot of people from all over Ireland have sent me a lot of messages and throughout the Brazilian community. "I would just like to thank you a lot." Gardai have appealed for witnesses to the incident, particularly anyone who was in the area of the North Wall Quay, North Wall Avenue, East Wall Road, Sheriff Street Upper, Castleforbes Road or Castleforbes Square between 10.15pm and 10.30pm on Monday night. They are also appealing to road users with camera footage, including dash-cam, from the area at the time to make it available to them. Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Store Street Garda station 01 6668000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. Rating Action: Moody's affirms ratings of Texas-New Mexico Power, changes outlook to negative Global Credit Research - 03 Sep 2020 Approximately $770 million of debt outstanding New York, September 03, 2020 -- Moody's Investors Service, ("Moody's") affirmed the ratings of Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP), including its A3 Issuer rating and its A1 senior secured rating, and revised the outlook to negative from stable. TNMP is a transmission and distribution (T&D) utility subsidiary of PNM Resources, Inc. (PNMR, Baa3 stable). RATINGS RATIONALE "The negative outlook for TNMP is driven by Moody's expectation that the company's financial profile will weaken as it executes its capital expenditure program with increasing leverage" said Robert Petrosino, VP -- Senior Analyst. "TNMP pays regular dividends to PNMR and is funding its external capital needs with a greater proportion of debt to align more closely with its authorized regulatory capital structure." In December 2018, TNMP completed its first general rate case in Texas since January 2011. The rate order was generally credit supportive, settling many issues, setting base-line values for future interim updates to TNMP's T&D rates and authorizing TNMP to begin to utilize Texas' distribution capital rider which will reduce regulatory lag. However, the approved capital structure included significantly less equity than the company historically retained, and the utility has been adjusting its actual capital structure accordingly. The more leveraged capital structure will continue to negatively pressure cash flow credit measures. Prior to tax reform, and the conclusion of its last rate case, TNMP produced strong credit metrics with a cash flow from operation excluding changes in working capital (CFO pre-WC) to debt ratio above 20%. The company also maintained a debt to capital ratio around 40% and cash flow was supported by a 10.1% allowed return on equity (ROE). In its last general rate case, TNMP was authorized with a 9.65% ROE and affirmed its 45% equity ratio. The effects of tax reform and higher levels of capital spending are contributing to TNMP's levering its balance sheet to about 55% debt, in alignment with its authorized debt to equity ratio. Story continues As a result, going forward, we expect TNMP's ratio of CFO pre-W/C to debt, which for the twelve months ending June 2020 was around the 18% threshold we have indicated as a potential trigger for a downgrade, will move to a range of 16-17%. Environmental, social and governance considerations incorporated into our credit analysis for PNMR and its subsidiaries are primarily related to carbon regulations and social risks related to demographic and societal trends, as well as customer and regulatory relations. TNMP has a low carbon transition risk within the regulated utility sector as an electric transmission and distribution utility that owns no generating assets. Social risks are primarily related to societal and demographic trends, health and safety as well as customer and regulatory relations. From a governance perspective, financial strategy and risk management are key considerations. The rapid spread of the coronavirus outbreak, severe global economic shock, low oil prices and asset price volatility are creating a severe and extensive credit shock across many sectors, regions, and markets. The combined credit effects of these developments are unprecedented. We regard the coronavirus outbreak as a social risk under our ESG framework, given the substantial implications for public health and safety. However, we do not consider the impact of the coronavirus outbreak to be a material credit driver for TNMP. As events related to the coronavirus continue, we are taking into consideration a wider range of potential outcomes, including more severe downside scenarios. The effects of the pandemic could result in financial metrics that are weaker than expected; however, we see these issues as temporary and not reflective of the long-term financial or credit profile of TNMP. OUTLOOK TNMP's negative outlook reflects our expectation that TNMP will move toward the 45% equity layer approved by its regulator through dividend payouts and funding its external capital needs. Despite a credit supportive regulatory environment in Texas, including the ability to use timely transmission and distribution cost recovery mechanisms, we expect the utility's CFO pre-W/C to debt ratio to further decline to the 16% to 17% range. FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS Factors that could lead to an upgrade While an upgrade is unlikely over the near term, TNMP's rating could be upgraded if regulatory environment under the PUCT becomes more credit supportive leading to higher returns and an improved financial profile, such that its ratio of CFO pre-W/C to debt were to increase to above 22% on a sustainable basis. Factors that could lead to a downgrade TNMP's rating could be downgraded if we believe the regulatory framework under the PUCT has become less credit supportive or predictable resulting in lower returns or higher risks; or if financial metrics continue to deteriorate such that CFO pre-W/C to debt were to fall below 18% on a sustained basis. Affirmations: ..Issuer: Texas-New Mexico Power Company .... Issuer Rating, Affirmed A3 ....Senior Secured Bank Credit Facility, Affirmed A1 ....Senior Secured First Mortgage Bonds, Affirmed A1 Outlook Actions: ..Issuer: Texas-New Mexico Power Company ....Outlook, Changed To Negative From Stable TNMP is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PNM Resources, Inc. (PNMR: Baa3 stable), a utility holding company whose largest subsidiary is the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM: Baa2 stable). TNMP is an electric transmission and distribution (T&D) utility with over 10,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving over 250,000 end-users in three non- contiguous areas in Texas. Since TNMP's transmission and distribution services are solely within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) system, TNMP is not subject to rate regulation by the FERC. TNMP is regulated by the PUCT and operates solely within ERCOT in Texas. The principal methodology used in these ratings was Regulated Electric and Gas Utilities published in June 2017 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1072530. Alternatively, please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology. REGULATORY DISCLOSURES For further specification of Moody's key rating assumptions and sensitivity analysis, see the sections Methodology Assumptions and Sensitivity to Assumptions in the disclosure form. Moody's Rating Symbols and Definitions can be found at: https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_79004. For ratings issued on a program, series, category/class of debt or security this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to each rating of a subsequently issued bond or note of the same series, category/class of debt, security or pursuant to a program for which the ratings are derived exclusively from existing ratings in accordance with Moody's rating practices. For ratings issued on a support provider, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the credit rating action on the support provider and in relation to each particular credit rating action for securities that derive their credit ratings from the support provider's credit rating. For provisional ratings, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the provisional rating assigned, and in relation to a definitive rating that may be assigned subsequent to the final issuance of the debt, in each case where the transaction structure and terms have not changed prior to the assignment of the definitive rating in a manner that would have affected the rating. For further information please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page for the respective issuer on www.moodys.com. For any affected securities or rated entities receiving direct credit support from the primary entity(ies) of this credit rating action, and whose ratings may change as a result of this credit rating action, the associated regulatory disclosures will be those of the guarantor entity. Exceptions to this approach exist for the following disclosures, if applicable to jurisdiction: Ancillary Services, Disclosure to rated entity, Disclosure from rated entity. The ratings have been disclosed to the rated entity or its designated agent(s) and issued with no amendment resulting from that disclosure. These ratings are solicited. Please refer to Moody's Policy for Designating and Assigning Unsolicited Credit Ratings available on its website www.moodys.com. Regulatory disclosures contained in this press release apply to the credit rating and, if applicable, the related rating outlook or rating review. Moody's general principles for assessing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in our credit analysis can be found at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1133569. The Global Scale Credit Rating on this Credit Rating Announcement was issued by one of Moody's affiliates outside the EU and is endorsed by Moody's Deutschland GmbH, An der Welle 5, Frankfurt am Main 60322, Germany, in accordance with Art.4 paragraph 3 of the Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009 on Credit Rating Agencies. 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IPART member Deborah Cope said this recommendation was aimed at ensuring a "standard service at a fair price" and it would not be a one-size fits all. IPART's draft report, to be released on Friday, proposes regulating the cost of a standard lawn burial at each cemetery, taking into account the different conditions and costs. Other packages won't be regulated, but cemeteries will be required to publish pricing lists. Cemeteries, such as Rookwood, will be required to publish pricing lists for burials under a recommendation by the NSW pricing regulator Credit:Louise Kennerley Some consumers faced high prices, confusing information and minimal options at a time when they were vulnerable, according to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, which has been investigating the pricing of burials in NSW. "To provide greater transparency in cemetery pricing, we are recommending that all cemetery operators be required to publish itemised prices using consistent terminology. We are also recommending that the NSW government set up a website to allow people to easily compare prices across all cemeteries," Ms Cope said. With space for new burials running out at many Sydney cemeteries, IPART also recommends operators make financial provisions to care for cemeteries in perpetuity. "People want to be confident that their loved ones' graves will be cared for into the future. Our recommendations will help ensure that cemeteries are financially able to do this, even after all burial plots have been sold," Ms Cope said. IPART found many cemeteries didn't have the funds or hadn't provided for the ongoing costs of maintaining burial plots and cemeteries after income from burials stopped. "Everyone has a right to a dignified burial. While many people choose cremation these days, it is important that those who want a burial are able to access an affordable plot that meets their needs," Ms Cope said. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. The government approved the bill, drafted by the Armenian ministries of justice and health, last week as it signaled plans to lift the state of emergency which expires on September 11. The draft amendments to several Armenian laws would empower the authorities to impose a nationwide lockdown, seal off local communities hit by serious coronavirus outbreaks, quarantine infected people and require all citizens to wear masks in public spaces. They also allow other anti-epidemic measures such as a ban on street gatherings or closure of schools in the absence of emergency rule. The government already lifted last month a coronavirus-related ban on rallies strongly criticized by the Armenian opposition. But it set strict physical distancing requirements for organizers and participants of public gatherings. Vladimir Vartanian, the pro-government chairman of the Armenian parliament committee on legal affairs, approved of the proposed legal alternative to the state of emergency. He said it is in line with Council of Europe recommendations to member states successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus cases in our country seem to be falling, Vartanian told RFE/RLs Armenian service. I hope that this decrease will continue and will not face a second wave [of infections.] The daily number of new confirmed cases in Armenia has shrunk by more than half since mid-July after growing rapidly during the previous three months. The Armenian Ministry of Health said on Thursday morning that 196 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing to 44,271 the total number of cases recorded in the country of about 3 million. The ministry also reported the deaths of five more people infected with the virus. It said the total number of people killed by the disease thus reached 887. It said 271 other infected persons have died from other, pre-existing conditions. Vanessa Kirby pulls out all the stops when she prepares for a role. To portray Princess Margaret in The Crown, the actress papered her home with photographs of the Queens sister to imbue herself with her style and spirit. And for the smouldering, scheming White Widow in the Tom Cruise film Mission: Impossible Fallout, she studied screen legend Lauren Bacall. The actress along with screen husband Shia LaBeouf (above) and director Kornel Mundruczo wanted the birth scenes early on in the film to be as authentic as possible In Pieces Of A Woman (her first lead role), one of two pictures starring Kirby that will screen at the Venice Film Festival over the weekend, the 32-year-old South Londoner plays Martha, a Boston woman who loses her baby during a traumatic home birth. Kirby will dominate the red carpet in Venice over the weekend. Tomorrow, she will make an appearance for Pieces Of A Woman. She is pictured above on the red carpet for the Tom Cruise film Mission: Impossible Fallout where she plays the scheming White Widow I couldnt have acted that, because Ive never given birth myself, she told me. So instead, she spent a lot of time with a midwife and a paediatrician at the Whittington Hospital in North London. Just by pure chance an amazing woman allowed me to watch her give birth, Kirby said, explaining that the health experts she was shadowing arranged for her to be a witness. I didnt know her but she was so generous and allowed me to be there when her boy was born. The actress along with screen husband Shia LaBeouf and director Kornel Mundruczo wanted the birth scenes early on in the film to be as authentic as possible. Theres a 26-minute continuous shot of me, as Martha, giving birth, so Id better know about contractions and everything else, she said. The child, a girl, does not survive and Martha embarks on an odyssey of grief, from the crumbling of her marriage to a harrowing court case. Kirby spoke to several women about how they coped after losing their baby. She noted that theres often, totally unfairly, a stigma attached to the mothers in such cases; and the film is as much about that as it is about a couples relationship imploding. She observed that a friend of hers had been through several miscarriages and she said she received more support when her dog was put down by the vet. Another key theme is Marthas estrangement from her forceful mother, played by Oscar-winner Ellen Burstyn. Kirby said she and LaBeouf went over some scenes at Burstyns New York apartment. In the room with all her awards! Kirby marvelled, as we discussed Burstyns movies, including Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore, which Martin Scorsese directed in 1974. Scorsese is an executive producer on Pieces Of A Woman (Ellens really happy to be reunited with him). Kirby will dominate the red carpet in Venice over the weekend. Tomorrow, she will make an appearance for Pieces Of A Woman. And on Sunday its the turn of The World To Come, a film set in the Wild West, in which she and Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts) play two women who arent happy being home on the range. For the smouldering, scheming White Widow in the Tom Cruise film Mission: Impossible Fallout, she studied screen legend Lauren Bacall I couldnt believe the extent to which the women were owned, Kirby said. These women were the property of their husbands. They didnt have a choice to do what they wanted to do, let alone love who they wanted to. Kirbys trip to Italy (she was flying out yesterday) is the first time she has been out of London this year. She spent lockdown in the house she shares with her sister and some friends. Venice is like the first coming together of the film industry since lockdown, Kirby said. Its going to be a morale-booster. Jury head Cate Blanchett will be in attendance, as will Tilda Swinton. There will be a socially distanced red carpet, masks (perfectly suited to Venice) and health and safety protocols. To portray Princess Margaret in The Crown, the actress papered her home with photographs of the Queens sister to imbue herself with her style and spirit Once she returns from Venice, Kirby will prepare to resume her part as the White Widow for Mission: Impossible 7. Tom Cruise will be heading to Norway soon to shoot action sequences, but she wont join the party until producers work out where to film next. She told me shes looking forward to playing the enigmatic femme fatale again. Shes disarming, fun and strange, she said. Kirby admitted she misses Princess Margaret and would have enjoyed carrying on playing her. But she said she was beyond proud that first Helena Bonham Carter and now Lesley Manville (who will portray Margaret in the final two seasons of The Crown, which begin shooting next year) are building on her groundwork. By Baek Byung-yeul Hyundai Motor made its first appearance at the IFA electronics trade fair in Berlin in an effort to promote its eco-friendly products and technology including its IONIQ electric vehicle (EV) brand and hydrogen fuel cell technology, the carmaker said Friday. "Hyundai Motor decided to participate in the IFA for the first time to strengthen its eco-friendly mobility technology leadership in Europe which has seen soaring demand for EVs and fuel cell vehicles due to stricter environmental regulations," the company added. The IFA, one of the three large tech fairs in the world along with the Consumer Electronics Show and the Mobile World Congress, is currently taking place in Berlin and features many related online events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At an online event, the company held a discussion on the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company also introduced its EV models which will be released under the IONIQ EV brand. The upcoming EVs will be manufactured based on its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai Motor said. For Hyundai Motor Group, the European market is regarded as one of the core pipelines as the market accounted for 14.2 percent of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors' total sales volume in 2019, following 18.2 percent from the North American region and 17.3 percent from the domestic Korean market. "Hyundai Motor has been continuously developing future mobility technology. We are also pursuing a future where various kinds of eco-friendly mobility ranging from EVs to fuel cell vehicles can co-exist," Albert Biermann, president at Hyundai Motor, said via a company statement released in Korean. Hyundai Motor is also a leader in the fuel cell vehicle sector. The carmaker shipped 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks to Switzerland in July, Korea's first exports of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. The company plans to export 40 additional hydrogen fuel cell trucks to Switzerland by the end of the year and will export a total of 1,600 trucks to the country by 2025. White House Asks US Agencies to Detail All China-Related Funding WASHINGTONThe White House has asked U.S. government agencies for extensive details of any funding that seeks to counter Chinas global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing, amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing. According to an Aug. 27 White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) document seen by Reuters, the OMB directed U.S. agencies to submit cross-cutting data on federal funding that aids or supports China, or that directly or indirectly counters Chinas unfair competition and malign activities and influence globally. China denies it engages in unfair competitive practices. The document, titled Strategic Competition with China Crosscut, does not say how the information will be used other than that it will inform policymakers of the myriad ways U.S. government spending involves China. The United States and China have grown antagonistic toward each other with disagreements that stretch from a two-year-old trade war, to the Trump administration blaming Beijing for a lack of transparency about the spread of COVID-19. The sweeping budget data request will be used to help policymakers and notes all funding should reflect strategic priorities when responding to China. Some U.S. programs and spending under review date back a decade or more. The document directs federal agencies to respond by Sept. 21. A spokesman for OMB confirmed the agency effort, telling Reuters that to ensure that the United States remains strong and in a position of strength against rival nations like China, OMB has asked federal agencies for all funding meant to counter China, or which could aid China. The memo includes instructions on how to submit both classified and unclassified U.S. spending details and seeks details of all U.S. government funding directed for spending inside China. The White House document asks for data for all U.S. government funding used to counter malign Chinese influence or behavior incongruent with American interests. It cites as examples funding for programming to counter the One Belt One Road (OBOR) or Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); funding for military operations, equipment, and infrastructure, the primary purpose of which is to deter aggressive Chinese behavior. It also seeks details of secondary U.S. efforts on China like marginal contributions which were necessary to maintain a U.S. lead over China in terms of voting power within key international organizations and funding for other U.S. efforts. The document also seeks data on U.S. government funding for programs whose primary purpose is to counter Chinese technological prowess in key sectors like 5G and wireless communications, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum computing, cyber and system security, advanced manufacturing and robotics, autonomous and electric vehicles, biotechnology, advanced energy, and space technologies. The White House sought details of spending on technical assistance from U.S. government experts, bilateral funding for the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research center, and any other U.S. bilateral economic assistance programs. It also seeks data on HHS (Health and Human Services) funding for CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), NIH (National Institutes of Health), and other programming in China. The request also seeks details on any spending that would overall contribute to Chinese GDP or technical capacities, including to Chinese government or military entities, State-owned commercial or industrial entities, and entities functionally directed by Chinese government leadership as well as grants or credit provided by U.S. supported international organizations. Agencies must submit data on 2019 and 2020 budgets enacted into law, the 2021 Trump budget proposal, and 2022 agency budget requests. The budget review is just the latest effort that could lead to more actions against China. Last week the United States blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and targeted individuals it said were part of construction and military actions in the South China Sea, the first such U.S. sanctions move against Beijing over the disputed strategic waterway. By David Shepardson No price has been listed but it's available in store this A Sydney bakery is celebrating Father's Day with the launch of a unique croissant meat pie. Created by Rollers Bakehouse in the northern beachside suburb of Manly, the limited-edition pie crust is filled with slow-cooked beef ribs from Fairlight Butcher and topped with a buttery croissant lid. The meat is coated in a spicy dry rub of paprika, onion powder, garlic, cumin, salt and black pepper, then marinated in brown sugar, golden syrup, beef stock and Worcestershire sauce for a powerful flavour explosion. A post on the page of Fairlight Butcher who supplies the meat for the pies describes it as 'slow cooked to perfection, then packed generously into a classic pie with a croissant top'. Scroll down for video Manly's Rollers Bakehouse is celebrating Father's Day with the launch of this croissant meat pie, filled with slow-cooked short ribs marinated in spices and sweet syrups It comes with sweet chutney relish on the side, a gourmet upgrade from the classic tomato sauce usually supplied with pies. No price has been listed for the croissant pie, but it's available this weekend from Friday to Sunday along with other decadent creations like sticky date scrolls and danish pastries stuffed with cookies and cream. And it's already proving a hit on the bakery's Instagram feed, where people have left comments like 'stop it', 'looks like the bees knees' and 'I want this now'. 'This looks like the best pie,' one woman said. A second added 'now that's inventive!', while a third tagged her friend and wrote: 'When our two greatest loves collide.' The pie (pictured) is already proving a hit on the bakery's Instagram feed, where people have left comments like 'stop it', 'looks like the bees knees' and 'I want this now' It's available this weekend from Friday to Sunday along with other decadent creations like sticky date scrolls and danish pastries stuffed with cookies and cream (pictured) Rollers Bakehouse was launched by Australian entrepreneurs Bo Hinzack and James Sideris in July 2018 following two years of meticulous planning. The duo wanted to share their love of good quality coffee, quirky snacks and unusual flavour combinations. The idea is to have some fun with the croissant [and] just be adventurous with what we can achieve so when you bite into it it's like, "Holy s**t, that's different",' Mr Sideris told Broadsheet in an interview to mark the opening. The bakery is open from 7am to 3pm Monday to Saturday and 7.30am to 2pm Sunday. Lagos, September 4, 2020 - Managing Director, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Tony Okpanachi has commended the setting up of the MSME Academy, an initiative of the African Union Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD in partnership with the Ecobank Group. Okpanachi who was speaking at the virtual launch of the first Pan-African MSME Academy said the AUDA- NEPAD and Ecobank partnership must be lauded as the entrepreneurial potential and critical role of MSMEs in economic growth and development in Nigeria is clear. He noted that DBN will continue to collaborate with financial institutions to assist them with all necessary support to play their role in the economy. In his presentation titled: How MSMEs can access funding - opportunities from financial Institutions/banking sector, Mr. Okpanachi, said to be bankable, the MSMEs should have accurate financial statement, collaterals, good credit history, viable business model and sound corporate governance, listing the sources of funding to include equity, grants and credit. Also speaking, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan pledged the banks support for small businesses operating in the country, stressing that the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sub sector remains the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and needs support in the revamping of the nations economy. Akinwuntan maintained that MSMEs are the drivers of post COVID-19 economic recovery for Nigeria, noting that the sub sector should take advantage of technology, financial services, and support from the government to drive the survival and growth of their businesses. Further, Mr Akinwuntan said the MSME Academy which is an initiative of the African Union Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD in partnership with the Ecobank Group provides easy access to practical training and resources on financing opportunities in various countries in Africa, how to build a digital presence for businesses and how to adapt business operations in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. In his words, as an MSME friendly bank, we have been helping them with capacity building; providing simple and easy access to loans in various sectors including agriculture, creative industry, healthcare and commerce amongst others; access to markets via our e-commerce solutions and simple but robust digital platforms for collections and payments. We have also provided a channel to enable MSMEs to open various accounts via self-service on our webpage. I encourage all MSMEs in the country to avail themselves of this opportunity to grow their business. Representing AUDA-NEPAD, Amine Idriss Adoum, Director, Programme Delivery & Coordination, explained that the MSME Academy aims to build the capacities of MSMEs across Africa through a combination of relevant content library, a network of institutions specialized in MSME support such as incubators and accelerators, and a community of peers, mentors, and advisors. He noted that the key objectives of the academy is to radically expand access to finance by aggregating smaller financial institutions such as micro-credit institutions and credit unions that have access to micro-enterprises, standardising their processes, and building trust in their capabilities. The MSME Digital Platform is a one-stop-shop for all MSMEs across Africa to access all these three programmes which jointly address MSMEs challenges with access to capacity building, markets, and capital. He explained. The first Panafrican MSME Academy is open to Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises in Nigeria and across Africa . The programme provides support to African MSMEs and is structured along three pillars, namely: the MSME Academy, MSME Marketplace, and MSME Financing Support Programme to be delivered through an MSME Digital Platform. The Academy provides easy access to practical training and resources on financing opportunities in various countries in Africa, how to build a digital presence for businesses and how to adapt business operations in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also offers free access to market intelligence, mentors with a diverse experience and assisting with access to funding opportunities. All images in Legend of the Phoenix are inspired by traditional Chinese culture. [For China Daily] A Chinese picture book for children highlights elements of traditional culture. When Yang Fan's son was 18 months old, he had the idea of creating a picture book, featuring patterns and colors from traditional Chinese culture, as a birthday gift for his baby boy. The book is now ready after two years. "Better later than never. I hope it helps to develop kids' appreciation of our art and culture," says the 35-year-old illustrator. He recently published the picture book, Legend of the Phoenix, which won the Key Colors Award 2019, a biannual contest for illustrators of children's books organized by Clavis Publishing. The English version will be published for an overseas audience at the end of the year. The 24-page book tells the story of a child's travels in his dreams. The little protagonist is brought into an old world-about the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)-by riding on a stone lion. He witnesses birds paying homage to the phoenix, whose colorful feathers are given by hundreds of birds because the king of the birds shares its food with others to help them get though a hard time when food is in shortage. All images in Legend of the Phoenix are inspired by traditional Chinese culture, such as a street scene of a bustling ancient city. [For China Daily] All images in the book are from traditional culture, Yang says. For instance, the stone lion is inspired by a relic at the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, in Beijing. Trees and clouds are from murals of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gansu province, which houses the finest Buddhist art in China. Images of birds come from various brocade styles. "I hope my son has access to good picture books featuring Chinese culture," says Yang, adding that bestselling children's picture books in the country are often introduced from the West. To create the phoenix in his book, Yang went through more than 100 images of the mythical creature, with its origin in ancient Egypt, illustrated in both the West and the East, and tried to find the best features to produce the final result. All images in Legend of the Phoenix are inspired by traditional Chinese culture, such as a city enveloped by clouds. [For China Daily] The appearance of the book's little boy, named Tuanzi, is based on his son. When Tuanzi goes into his dream, his appearance changes into a chubby boy wearing a red bellyband and a lock around his neck (which symbolizes longevity, according to traditional Chinese culture). The image is commonly seen in woodblock paintings used for Spring Festival decorations. Colors are another highlight of the picture book. Yang says colors favored by children are different from those favored by adults. Children get excited by bright and vibrant tones while adults are comfortable with gray and subtle palettes, such as those found in the works of Italian painter Giorgio Morandi. The protagonist of Legend of the Phoenix rides on a stone lion traveling back in time. [For China Daily] The main colors used in the book-red, green and yellow-are from porcelain pieces, murals and brocade work used in imperial times in China. When Yang first showed the book to his 3-year-old son, the little boy was so excited that he kept yelling while staring at an image of fire, Yang says. "At that moment, I had the confidence that other kids would also like it." Philippe Werck, publisher of Clavis Publishing, says it's the vibrant colors and vivid images of the book that touch him. His publishing house will launch the book's English and Dutch versions later this year. It is the first picture book by Yang, who has been influenced by Chinese culture through education. Yang Fan [For China Daily] Yang graduated from the art school of Tsinghua University, majoring in brocade art. He then studied design at Shandong University for his master's degree. He will go to Zhejiang University this month to study porcelain art for his PhD program. He worked on the book while studying in Shandong Province. At that time, he also remotely worked as a design director for a textile company in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Yang created the book along with his team of four schoolmates, who work in such fields as urban planning, industrial design and environmental art. They mostly worked at night-usually from 8 pm to early morning. "It's like producing a film, and I'm the director," says Yang. Talking about his future plans, Yang says Legend of the Phoenix is a beginning on his "road to picture books for children". The book's folklore shows the virtues of sharing with others and being kindhearted, which the author says are found in Chinese culture. And there're more for him to explore. Of course, all will be integrated with elements from Chinese art. "I hope my books can provide an alternative to parents who want their kids to learn more about Chinese culture," says Yang. (Source: China Daily) President defended himself Friday against accusations that he mocked American war dead as his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, intensified efforts to frame the election as a referendum on the president's character. The allegations, sourced anonymously in The Atlantic, describe multiple offensive comments by the president toward fallen and captured U.S. service-members, including calling World War I dead at an American military cemetery in France as losers and suckers in 2018. The reported comments, many of which were confirmed independently by the AP, are shining a fresh light on Trump's previous public disparaging of American troops and military families and opening a new political vulnerability for the president less than two months from Election Day. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! Trump tweeted late Thursday, as aides mounted a concerted defense of the president, with Trump's campaign and allies taking to social media and broadcast interviews to denounce the report. I've done more for the military than almost anyone else," he added Friday in the Oval Office. The president was alleged to have made the comments as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France in Nov. 2018. The White House said the visit was scrubbed because foggy weather made the helicopter trip from Paris too risky and the 90-minute drive deemed infeasible. Trump, who traveled to Pennsylvania on Thursday, told reporters after he returned to Washington that the Atlantic report was a disgraceful situation by a terrible magazine. I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes, Trump told the reporters, gathered on the tarmac in the dark. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? On a call with reporters hosted by the Biden campaign Friday, Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth lambasted Trump for belittling the sacrifices of those who have shown more bravery than he's capable of. Of course he thinks about war selfishly, Duckworth said of Trump. He thinks of it as a transactional cost, instead of in human life and American blood spilled, because that's how he's viewed his whole life. He doesn't understand other people's bravery and courage because he's never had any of his own. Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who lost both of her legs in the Iraq War, has been a prominent critic of Trump's handling of military issues. Knocking Trump for allegedly inventing an injury to avoid serving in the Vietnam War, Duckworth said that she'd take my wheelchair and my titanium legs over Donald Trump's supposed bone spurs any day. Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who drew national attention after criticizing Trump during the 2016 Democratic National Convention, joined Duckworth on the call and said that Trump's life is a testament to selfishness. Words we say are windows into our souls. So when calls anyone who places their lives in service of others a loser, we understand Trump's soul, he said. Khan's son, Humayun, was killed in action in Iraq in 2004. In 2016, Trump responded to the criticism from Khan by claiming he'd made sacrifices of his own and making an Islamophobic attack on Khan's wife, Ghazala Khan, who was wearing a headscarf at the Democratic convention, saying, She had nothing to say. She probably maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me. Biden said that if the revelations in today's Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States. Duty, honor, country those are the values that drive our service members, Biden said in a statement Thursday night, adding that if he is elected president, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice always. Biden's son Beau served in Iraq in 2008-09. Trump also denied calling the late Arizona Sen. John McCain, a decorated Navy officer who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, a loser" after his Aug. 2018 death. Trump acknowledged Thursday he was never a fan of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Trump publicly blasted McCain, saying He's not a war hero. He added, I like people who weren't captured. At the time, Trump also shared a news article on Twitter calling McCain a loser. Trump only amplified his criticism of McCain as the Arizona lawmaker grew critical of his acerbic style of politics, culminating in a late-night no vote scuttling Trump's plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That vote shattered what few partisan loyalties bound the two men, and Trump has continued to attack McCain for that vote, even posthumously. It's sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody, said White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Thursday. I think weve reached an inflection point in American history. I honest to God believe we have an enormous opportunity that the screen, the curtains been pulled back on just whats going on in the country, to do a lot of really positive things, Biden told a group of community residents at a Kenosha church just a few blocks from where several businesses burned during the violent unrest following Blakes shooting. Ike Papadopoulos, Managing Director for Zieglers New England market stated, We are very appreciative of the opportunity to once again work with the Pennichuck team Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of the $73,630,000 Series 2020C bond issue (taxable bonds) for the Pennichuck Corporation (Pennichuck), headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire, which is located approximately 45 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. Pennichuck is engaged in the collection, storage, treatment, distribution, and sale of potable water in southern and central New Hampshire. Pennichuck is a closely held corporation with a sole shareholder, the City of Nashua. Pennichuck has two operating business segments: regulated water utility operations and non-regulated water management services. The proceeds of the Series 2020C bonds were used to (i) advance refund the Series 2014A, Series 2015A, and Series 2015B Bonds of which the original proceeds were used to finance long-term capital projects, (ii) current refunding of the outstanding AULI loan, (iii) new money financing for the Rate Stabilization Fund, and (iv) pay certain costs of issuance related to the bond offering. The bonds carry a credit rating of A with Negative outlook from S&P. The Bonds were issued through the Business Finance Authority of the State of New Hampshire with an overall arbitrage yield of 3.87% and an All-in TIC of 4.01%. Ziegler was able to provide significant debt service cash flow savings for the first 17 years. Larry Goodhue, Pennichuck Water Works CEO stated, The team at Ziegler once again helped us bring a crucial transaction to a very successful completion. They worked with us in a truly seamless way, bringing their expertise and professionalism to the table. This enabled the entire team working with Pennichuck to complete a transaction that was quite complicated, to fruition in the most time and cost-effective manner. Ziegler worked with us in utilizing other technical and legal resources that already had institutional knowledge of the company and its debt structure, in order to accomplish this. Goodhue continued, With their market knowledge, deal structure expertise, and sales efforts, Ziegler guided us through to a successful completion of our transaction, in spite of continuing market uncertainty in such unsettled times in the U.S. economy. We are highly appreciative and grateful for their work and look forward to a long-term relationship with Ziegler, as we focus on other bond issuance transactions in the future. Ike Papadopoulos, Managing Director for Zieglers New England market stated, We are very appreciative of the opportunity to once again work with the Pennichuck team. This was a critical transaction for Pennichuck, which will allow the Company to continue to serve the City of Nashua, and the 10 surrounding municipalities in southern New Hampshire by providing water in the most cost effective and efficient manner. The Ziegler team worked diligently and was able to successfully price the transaction with very attractive rates, which yielded significant savings for Pennichuck. Ziegler Investment Banking has a unique expertise in complex credit structures and financial advisory, serving the healthcare, senior living and education sectors. We specialize in advisory services, bond financing, private placements, seed capital, M&A and FHA/HUD programs. Our deep knowledge and commitment to the specialty sectors we serve enables our banking professionals to customize creative, tailored solutions to meet our clients strategic and financial goals. For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com. About Ziegler: Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com. Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This clients experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees. /* custom css */ .tdi_75_455.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_75_455 .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_75_455.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_75_455.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_75_455.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } Advertisement I want to commend the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu and the detectives who through the mighty hand of God arrested the killers and rapists of Uwaila, murdered in Redeemed Christian Church of God, Benin City. I have written in the earlier article that it is a disgrace to christendom and that the rapists should be apprehended before something worse happens to the church. I wrote in the piece titled Covid-19 Murder Rape in RCCG, Disgrace to Christendom that Rape and murder occurred in RCCG church amidst coronavirus pandemic and a great disgrace has been brought to Christendom, yet church leaders have not read the handwriting on the wall. Since the history of Nigerias amalgamation in 1914, for the first time a virgin girl was tied, gagged, blindfolded, raped, filmed and murdered in a church in Nigeria.-and everything is wrong with it. /* custom css */ .tdi_74_fac.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_74_fac .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_74_fac.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_74_fac.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_74_fac.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } People have been killed in churches. In 2011, Jihadist Christmas bomber attacked St Theresas Catholic Church, Madalah and killed over fifty worshipers. Churches have been bombed in Nigeria. In Anambra State, South African based drug barons carried their killing spree into St Philips Catholic Church,Ozubulu and in the process thirteen worshippers were shot dead , even though propagandists blamed herdsmen. These are different aspects of desecration of worship places in Nigeria during conflicts, but never had someone been raped and killed in a church during peacetime. This is the initial results of the abdication of the spiritual edge of the church in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. I argued further that The churches in Nigeria have been severely struck. More strikes will come between now and when governments have the magnanimity to open up the worship space. The church in Nigeria had lost control to the Illuminatic government officials. A faithful church worker by name Uwaila Vera Omozuwa, 22- year-old and 100-level student of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria was murdered on Wednesday 27th May, 2020, inside the Ikpoba Hill branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Benin, Edo State. This is not a denominational problem; it is just a warning strike from the kingdom of darkness to the Nigerian church that they have arrived. Before the church receives more strikes, let them employ the services of all the spiritual resources at their disposal to ensure that the criminals, murderers and privies are apprehended. The rape and murder of Uwaila Vera Omozuwa, in RCCG church is a slap on Christendom and the earlier our religious leaders use spiritual powers to fish out the perpetrators, the better for the battered image of the church. I thank God for all the persons who prayed for the criminals to be apprehended, and thank God who answered the prayers. Those who joined the outcry against rape in Nigeria deserve commendations. Pastor Adeboye said that he will not rest till God apprehends the rapists. The police put on the garb of professionalism and brought the vermins to the law. Let the police continue this good work and apprehend all the other rapists all over Nigeria including those who sponsored the rape of Chibok school girls to death. Let us all outcry against all the injustice against women in Nigeria, including child marriage, domestic rape, sexual harassment, rape, murder and all stone age behaviors which has surfaced in the fabled Giant of Africa. According to the good news of arrest of the wicked which is worth rehearsing- The Edo State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection to the brutal rape and murder of Uwaila Omozuwa. The 22-year-old first year student of the University of Benin, was raped and fatally wounded while reading inside a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish on May 27, 2020. She died three days later and her case became the rallying point for resurgence in the national campaign against gender-based violence in Nigeria. The Edo State Police Command paraded Nelson Ogbebor, Akato Valentine, Tina Samuel, Mary Ade, Nosa Osabohien, and Collins Ulegbe as suspects on Wednesday, August 26. The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, told journalists that the suspects have already made confessional statements to the Police. What we are seeing today, is a result of the uniting efforts of the police to get at the root of the crime, Kokumo said. Uwas brutal rape and murder reignited conversations about sexual crimes in Nigeria [Punch] Uwas brutal rape and murder reignited conversations about sexual crimes in Nigeria [Punch] Osabohien, a phone repairer, was the first to be arrested by the police because he bought Uwas phone for N17, 000, prompting him to lead authorities to Ulegbe whos been identified as the principal suspect. Ulegbe confessed to striking Uwa with the fire extinguisher that has been identified as the murder weapon and left at the scene of the crime. He named Ogbebor and Valentine as other suspects who were similarly at the scene of the crime with him. They both denied their involvement. Ade, identified as the mastermind, allegedly offered the sum of N1 million to the gang to kill Uwa for ritual purposes. She denied the allegation and said she would prove her innocence in court. Samuel was arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers who wanted to arrest her son, Lucky, who has also been identified as a suspect but remains at large. She said she hasnt seen her 21-year-old hair stylist son in five months. Ulegbe denied that the gang raped Uwa, but Kokumo said a post-mortem examination confirmed that she was, in fact, raped Obinna Akukwe , Writer, Columnist , profetobinna2@yahoo.com, @obinnaakukwe By Express News Service BERHAMPUR: Migrant workers from Ganjam district are returning to their work places in large numbers over failure of the administration to create jobs for them and utilise funds released by the Central Government for the purpose. The Central Government had released Rs 324 crore under MGNREGS and other welfare schemes to the district to provide jobs to migrant workers for 125 days and create around 1.14 crore man-days. But the administration spent around 25 per cent of the fund and created 31.92 lakh man-days benefiting only 45,000 workers of the over 4 lakh who had returned to the district. Sources said the funds were released in June and were supposed to be utilised within 125 days. Over 10 lakh people from the district work in around 22 states of the country and 4 lakh of them had returned. Apart from the Centres scheme, the State Government too had spent a huge amount to accommodate the workers and engage them under MGNREGS. The migrants were also given Rs 2,000 after completion of their quarantine period. But, the steps failed to serve the purpose as the workers, especially skilled ones, were not keen to do menial jobs. The ones willing to work had trouble finding jobs in their villages. Meanwhile, the district recorded 107 fresh positive cases in the last 24 hours of which eight are Covid warriors and the rest local contacts. With this the tally in the district has gone up to 18,345 of which 16,794 have recovered. The district also reported three deaths on the day. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4 2020 For the first time in Indonesia, a court has sentenced an unlicensed miner to multiple crimes in an attempt to create a deterrent effect to curb environmental and forestry crimes. The Koba District Court of Central Bangka regency in Bangka Belitung Islands found Azeman, 44, guilty of two crimes for mining illegally in the protected forest area of Lubuk Besar in the regency. The panel of judges, which was presided over by Yuliana and included members Subroto and Magdalena Simanungkalit, found the defendant guilty of mining in a forest area without a permit and deliberately causing environmental damage. 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 Tara Simon has been named senior vice president and global general manager of Too Faced, effective Aug. 31. Simon is a retail veteran who was most recently senior vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty, where she is credited with establishing the retailer as a player in the prestige sector. She left that role in November. At Too Faced, she will report to John Demsey, executive group president of parent company The Estee Lauder Cos. Inc., and succeeds Eric Hohl, who is leaving the brand. Tara is a brand-builder, said Demsey, who noted he met Simon more than two decades ago when she was a buyer at Foleys in Houston. She is inspirational, tough-minded and she is Texan-bold. Given her strength in building makeup in multi-specialty retail and understanding digital and new ways of selling, we thought this was an extraordinary opportunity. Simon has also worked closely with brand founders Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson, and her outgoing personality aligns well with the brands ethos. Weve loved working with her in retailer market meetings over the years and truly appreciate her enthusiasm and support throughout our relationship, said Blandino. She always had a uniquely Too Faced spark and great perspective and outlook on the brand and the business. Lauder acquired Too Faced for $1.4 billion in 2016, its largest acquisition to date. The brand was one of the buzziest players in what was a boom time for makeup. Since, then, though, the category has declined dramatically, particularly in the U.S., a situation exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. While Too Faced ranked number eight in the makeup category in the U.S. for the 12 months ending May 2020, according to The NPD Group, overall category sales plummeted, down 52 percent in the second quarter of this year. Lauder is looking to Simon to help reverse that trajectory. We didnt buy Too Faced to be a niche brand, said Demsey. Granted, its been faced by the same challenges as everyone else, but we believe it has an extraordinary opportunity. It lives well in the world of digital and influence, and has the ability to move and inspire a younger generation. Story continues Demsey said Simons top priorities will be establishing a platform for growth in the U.S. and internationally, doubling down on attracting new customers and identifying white space that makes sense for the brand. That could include hybrid products that capitalize on the skin-ifcation of makeup, rather than completely separate treatment products as Too Faced launched last year. Having a merchant as the head of the brand, shaping the innovation and the levers of brand development and helping Jerrod and Jeremy channel their creativity and leverage the Estee Lauder strengths will be hugely helpful, said Demsey, who added that its also good for overall category growth. Our industry needs a few things to be successful for other things to be successful, he said. When people start to buy, they buy more. Having some products or successful new branded activities is good for the overall business. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) holds her newborn daughter while waiting to vote before the legislative deadline in Sacramento on Aug. 31. (Handout) To the editor: I read your articles on the dysfunction in the California Legislature with dismay. With so many problems facing our state, it is unconscionable that our representatives ran out the clock on many important bills before the midnight deadline on Monday. Adding insult to injury, Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) was forced to vote in person with her baby while she was on maternity leave. What does it say about civic duty and responsibility when a lawmaker on maternity leave, who is willing to vote remotely, is made to risk her health and that of her newborn so she can vote in person, while other legislators avoid voting at all on bills that impact all our lives? In my job I cannot walk away from work that I don't want to do. Wicks is to be admired, but her colleagues are to be denigrated, and we'll remember all their names when we vote on Nov. 3. Bonnie Voland, Los Angeles .. To the editor: There is still a $54-billion deficit in California's state budget caused by the pandemic. Homelessness remains a significant problem. Income inequality persists. Infrastructure projects are misguided or ignored. Solutions for prison and police reform are badly needed. Yet, the Legislature is out of session. Gov. Gavin Newsom is left to act unilaterally; perhaps, like President Trump, maybe he figures that he alone can fix our problems. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) forced his colleague Wicks to travel to Sacramento with her newborn daughter so she could vote on a bill that ended up failing in the Senate, which ran out of time to vote on it. Rendon later apologized for being inconsiderate, but he didn't consider maternity leave a good enough excuse for Wicks and her baby not to return to Sacramento in the middle of a pandemic. Newsom should immediately call the Legislature back to Sacramento; otherwise we are left with ineffective leadership. Craig Simmons, Northridge .. To the editor: Well the result is in, and it is a landslide: California is now a police state. Story continues The most important police reform bills failed to pass this legislative session. This outcome was not the result of public will; in fact, polls show that between 60% and 80% of Californians want police reform, depending on the particular proposal. So, we can conclude that our elected representatives will not do the bidding of those who elected them, but rather that of police groups, which can can arrange to pass or block any law they wish. Oh sure, there is always next year, but the circumstances will be the same. Money and the threat of withholding a police endorsement are all that matter. Civil rights activists might as well concede defeat and save their time and money. Nothing is ever going to change until the electorate wises up and votes out every single legislator who does not serve the public's interest. Joel Drum, Van Nuys By now it is abundantly clear that President Trump faces furious opposition not just from the Democrats, the establishment Republicans, and the mainstream media, but from a shadowy, determined cabal of unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats who are deeply embedded in the government: the deep state. Paradoxically, the ability of such a cabal to grow and operate freely can be traced back in American history to well-meaning efforts to end government corruption -- as well as to the evil act of one deranged assassin. As Rating Americas Presidents: An America-First Look at Who Is Best, Who Is Overrated, and Who Was An Absolute Disaster explains, todays deep state is a result of efforts to reform what was known as the spoils system. In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected president on promises to end the hegemony of a privileged aristocracy, and to drain that swamp, he would need his own men in key positions. He removed a large number of civil service employees and replaced them with men of his own faction, which came to be known as the Democracy, or Democratic Party. This came to be known as the spoils system, after the old adage To the victor belong the spoils. This practice led to numerous incompetent people being placed in positions of responsibility; after the Civil War, a movement grew to remedy that problem by making civil service jobs based on merit rather than party affiliation. In 1880, a champion of civil service reform, James A. Garfield, was nominated for president by the Republicans; to mollify the Stalwarts, or Republicans who favored the spoils system, the vice-presidential nod went to Chester Alan Arthur, a man who had been fired from his job as Collector of the Port of New York by President Rutherford B. Hayes for ignoring Hayess civil service reform executive order forbidding forcing federal officers to make campaign contributions. The Garfield/Arthur ticket won, and immediately as president, Garfield pushed for measures that would end it. When a scheme to steal the public revenues was discovered in the Post Office Department, he moved swiftly, firing those implicated and calling for the prosecution of anyone involved, no matter how high a position he occupied. Accompanying this was his insistence on adopting a merit-based system that would, he hoped, reduce corruption by removing federal offices from the realm of partisan politics. He did not live to see this come to fruition. Garfield had only been president for four months when, on July 2, 1881, he and Secretary of State James G. Blaine were walking through the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, on their way to board a train to spend part of the summer in New Jersey, away from the heat of the capital. Just then, a man stepped up behind Garfield and fired his gun twice at the president, hitting him in the back and arm, and crying, I am a Stalwart and now Arthur is President! That man was Charles Guiteau, who has been described in so many history books as a disappointed office seeker that the label has practically become a Homeric epithet. A disappointed office seeker Guiteau undeniably was, but he was much more than that. After repeatedly pressing Chester Arthur for a chance to campaign for the Garfield/Arthur ticket during the 1880 campaign, Arthur relented, likely just to end his harassment, and Guiteau delivered his speech, Garfield against Hancock, a single time. Guiteau thought he was owed a federal office as a result and had pestered White House officials repeatedly for a chance to see Garfield, who did meet with him at least once, and then Blaine in order to make his case for an appointment as consul to France. Guiteau was, however, not an ordinary office seeker. He wanted a position in France but did not speak French. His sister recounted that in 1875, six years before the assassination, he had raised an axe to her with a look on his face like a wild animal. She explained: I had no doubt then of his insanity. He was losing his mind. In 1881, before the assassination, he also pressured Senator John Logan of Illinois for a federal job; Logan recounted: I must say I thought there was some derangement of his mental organization. There was. As he bought a pistol and hatched his plan to murder Garfield, Guiteau wrote: The Lord inspired me to attempt to remove the President in preference to someone else, because I had the brains and the nerve to do the work. The Lord always employs the best material to do His work. On September 19, 1881, Garfield died. At his murder trial, Guiteau stated that he was pleading insanity, in that it was Gods act and not mine. The Divine pressure on me to remove the president was so enormous that it destroyed my free agency, and therefore I am not responsible for my act. Guiteau was not a disappointed office seeker first and foremost; he was a madman. That he has gone down in history as the former rather than the latter can be attributed to attempts to discredit the spoils system and advance the merits of civil service reform. Although Guiteau thought that by elevating Arthur to the presidency he was protecting the spoils system, his crime had the opposite effect: national revulsion over the killing of Garfield made civil service reform the most pressing issue of the day. The time for that reform had come at last, even as the Stalwart Arthur took the oath of office. Rating Americas Presidents details how, when he became president, Arthur proceeded to shock the entire nation, and especially his Stalwart friends, by supporting civil service reform. His determination that he had a responsibility to do what Garfield would have done outweighed his commitment to the Stalwarts. He declared his support for civil service legislation, explaining that not he, but Garfield, had been elected president, and that he consequently had a responsibility to carry out his policies. On January 16, 1883, Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which mandated that some employees of the government would be hired on the basis of written tests, not political affiliation, and forbade the firing of government employees for political purposes. Arthur demonstrated immense personal courage and honor in choosing to carry out the wishes of his slain predecessor rather than implement his own contrary agenda. His decision to do this effectively ended his political career, as he almost certainly knew it would, and yet he stood firm. Whether his stance was entirely wise in the long run is a separate question. Historians take for granted that civil service reform was good for the country, and there has been no significant indication that it wasnt until quite recently, when a president has been thwarted in numerous endeavors by an army of unelected bureaucrats within the various departments and agencies of the government, who are determined to impede his agenda in every way possible. The proponents of civil service reform never envisioned a situation in which deeply entrenched opponents of a sitting president in the FBI, the Justice Department, and elsewhere would be determined to destroy the president -- or at very least make it impossible for him to carry out his policies -- and could not be removed from their jobs because of civil service regulations. Would not government work more smoothly, and the executive branch be able to operate more effectively in the way the Founding Fathers envisioned it would, if the president were able to clear out the employees of these agencies who opposed him and replace them with people more in line with his vision? Charles Guiteaus madness helped pave the way for the deep state. The spoils system has no defenders today and has had none for over a century. It should have more. Robert Spencer is the director of Jihad Watch and a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center. He is author of 21 books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and The Truth About Muhammad. His latest book is Rating Americas Presidents: An America-First Look at Who Is Best, Who Is Overrated, and Who Was An Absolute Disaster. Follow him on Twitter here. Like him on Facebook here. Image: {{PD-US-expired}} France probing senior officer with NATO for suspected espionage for Russia Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 10:59 AM France has confirmed that it has placed a senior officer under investigation over an unidentified breach of security, amid reports that the officer had been engaged in espionage for Russia. French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said on Sunday that her ministry had informed prosecutors about the case of the officer. She did not elaborate on what the officer was suspected of having done. Parly, who was asked about the reports of espionage for Russia, merely said, "We have taken all the necessary safeguard measures." Europe 1 radio had reported earlier that a French lieutenant colonel based in Italy and stationed with NATO was suspected of having transferred sensitive documents to the Russian intelligence services. According to the Europe 1 report, the officer was detained by the French security agency when he was about to return to Italy and was remanded in custody at La Sante prison in Paris. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump administration halts election security briefings, Democrats complain Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 10:10 AM The US' top intelligence office has announced that it would bring to a halt in-person briefings on election security citing leaks from congressional committees. The office would send written reports instead, John Ratcliffe, new director of national intelligence, told the House and Senate intelligence panels on Friday, according to an official in Ratcliffe's office. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said the office was "concerned about unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information following recent briefings." The move, which would give lawmakers less opportunity to press for details as the presidential election approaches, drew heated rejoinders from Democrats who have focused on alleged foreign efforts to influence the 2016 US presidential election and again the upcoming one. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff have condemned the move, saying in a statement, "This is a shocking abdication of its lawful responsibility to keep the Congress currently informed, and a betrayal of the public's right to know how foreign powers are trying to subvert our democracy." Ratcliffe's office, which had originally offered to hold in-person briefings for the House and Senate oversight panels next month, later rescinded the offer. On Saturday, Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican and acting chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said Ratcliffe had promised to fulfill the intelligence community's obligations to keep Congress members informed. Rubio said Ratcliffe, a close political ally of Republican President Donald Trump, had told him that the committee would continue receiving briefings on all oversight topics, which also include election matters. Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, told reporters that Ratcliffe would "ultimately give full briefings, in terms of not oral briefings, but fully intel briefings." Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said this month that Russia, which allegedly interfered in the 2016 presidential election in favor of Trump, was trying to "denigrate" his 2020 Democratic opponent Joe Biden. Both Trump and Russia have repeatedly dismissed the accusations of any collusion. "For clarity and to protect sensitive intelligence from unauthorized disclosures, we will primarily do that through written finished intelligence products," the ODNI official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Biden said in a statement late on Saturday that ODNI was limiting one of the intelligence community's most basic duties, describing the move as "nothing less than a shameless partisan manipulation to protect the personal interests of President Trump." Biden is leading in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BLACK PANTHER, Chadwick Boseman, 2018. ph: Matt Kennedy / Marvel / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection Given how 2020 has progressed, with nationwide unrest and the disproportionate devastation of COVID-19's impact on communities of color, now is a good a time as any for Black Americans to look towards an icon. The Universe or God or whatever supreme force you worship, however, has instead taken away one in the making. Chadwick Boseman's death following a four-year battle with colon cancer has marked a local maxima on the Black community's graph of oscillating anguish. Boseman, a South Carolina native, was on his way to becoming the next Denzel, an actor so respected and ubiquitous that he joined the exclusive league of first-name status among fans who knew him no better than they knew his roles. There's no set science on when society's simultaneous adoration and relatability towards an artist transcends formality, but given the outcry of sentiment upon the news of his death, Boseman was only a few films from becoming Chadwick, and was already there for some. Chadwick and I, though we had never crossed paths, had a one-sided connection that presented itself whenever he ordained my screen. For Black Panther audiences, this connection was both untenable and unavoidable. He was only playing a role, doing what a good actor does, but his charismatic embodiment of the film's message forced you to lock eyes, holding your stare until he set you free for the credit scenes. 42, (aka FORTY-TWO), Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, 2013. Ph: D. Stevens/Warner Bros. Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection This air of stoic authority, most prominently on display when he played Black Panther's T'Challa, was a fixture of his presence, infiltrating his every role. His big break came in 2013 when he stepped up to the plate as Jackie Robinson in 42. Since then, he has breathed a second life into a legends whose shoes only few actors could fill. His raw, emotional depiction of James Brown in Get On Up (2014) and indomitable rendition of Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (2017) were other moments to symbolize his fortitude as a leading man. It takes a certain presence to rightfully embody the characters and lives of the roles Chadwick took head on, so let there be no confusion in the following: Chadwick Boseman's kingliness was not the result of his time spend playing T'Challa or any other cultural icon, but a necessary pre-requisite to do so. Story continues Though ever-present, his regal aura was not overbearing or condescending. He didn't float above the people looking down on them from his great heights, but instead occupied higher ground to survey the faces of those he was asked to represent. Black Panther raked in over a billion dollars worldwide and Chadwick became a genuine sensation, but his majesty never lost sight of his reigning principle: unfettered loyalty to his community. Every awards speech was a moment to celebrate Black art or call out prejudice in Hollywood and the country as a whole. He was an artist for for the sake of activism, a superhero for the sake of a cause that has too long been ignored. Whenever he was on screen, he was always there for us, and he will forever be remembered for it. Chadwick will be remembered as a king, or an artist, or an activist. But perhaps the best way to honor his legacy is to remember him as the last released role he played, Army squad leader Stormin' Norman in Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods (2020). When asked to describe Norman years after his death, his close friend and squad member Otis, played by Clarke Peters, says, "That brother was the best damn soldier that ever lived." Chadwick Boseman was all the things he will be remembered for, but he was firstly a leader who wasn't afraid to fight in the trenches with his brothers; a man who was called to do more, and answered without hesitation. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Its shortly after 6pm as the sunset dips its golden light over the Rio Grande river that separates the United States from Mexico. For centuries, this border has been the flashpoint of fractious dispute. America and Mexico waged a two-year war over it in the 1840s. Geronimo led the Apache raids across the river to strike US and Mexican settlers alike. Bootleggers and later drug dealers used the region to help ply their trade. Then, Donald Trump decided that the border needed a big, beautiful wall to curtail Americas southern neighbour. Now, a passionate Texan community is suing the US President over his policy, showing that the border is never settled. Laredo resident and lawyer Carlos Flores overlooking the Rio Grande river. Credit:Farrah Tomazin We dont want his racist monument, says Carlos Flores, a South Texan lawyer who has filed a lawsuit against the wall on behalf of landowners and the Zapata County local government. A border wall here will destroy the environment, it will involve seizing thousands of acres of land that belongs to people, and it will potentially impact our main source of drinking water: the Rio Grande. The one thing standing in his way is our sleepy little community. Advertisement Its a scorching summer day in the Lone Star State, and Flores is standing on the waters edge, gazing quietly at the grasslands in the distance. Behind him is San Ygnacio, a historic settlement dotted with sandstone forts, heritage houses and an old Spanish church. To his right is a tranquil bird sanctuary, where white-collared seedeaters breed in the marshland along the riverfront. And 48 kilometres to the north is his hometown of Laredo, a thriving regional city with a population of 265,000, most of whom are Mexican-Americans. A historic home in San Ygnacio that is set to be affected if a border wall is built. Credit:Farrah Tomazin All three sites are now at the centre of this David-and-Goliath battle over one of Trumps most incendiary policies. It was June 2015 when Trump announced his candidacy for president, insisting he would build a wall along the US-Mexico border to thwart the flow of illegal immigrants and narcotics into America. Advertisement Mark my words, he said at the time, I will build a great, great wall on the Mexican border, and I will have Mexico pay for that wall. Five years later, the rhetoric often struggles to match the reality. The United States-Mexico border spans about 3145 kilometres, and about a third of it contains walls erected by successive governments over several decades. Today, most of the barriers Trump claims to have built have merely replaced fencing that was previously installed by his predecessors. Furthermore, Americans - not Mexicans - are footing the bill. And last month, Trumps former adviser, Steve Bannon, was charged with fraud for allegedly fleecing thousands of well-meaning donors through a shonky online fundraiser and company known as We Build the Wall. But even as the wall was gradually constructed over the years, Laredo and its citizens had largely been left untouched until now. If the Trump administration gets its way, residents face the prospect of a nine-metre steel and concrete wall stretching for 111 kilometres across Webb and Zapata counties, where no barriers previously existed. Advertisement Not surprisingly, many locals are furious. Some are now taking the matter to court, suing Trump on the grounds of racial discrimination. Time and again President Trump speaks of immigrants, Mexicans, Mexican Americans and people from the border as criminals and dehumanises them in order to justify the construction of a border wall, says the lawsuit filed by Flores on behalf of Zapata County and two local landowners. An untouched section of the Rio Grande river, which separates the US from Mexico. Credit:Farrah Tomazin Like other communities of colour, who have suffered comparable or worse injustice(s) at the hands of the United States government, the Plaintiffs seek refuge in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution on multiple grounds. Boiled down, the lawsuit argues that Trumps policy effectively creates a second class of US citizen who can have their land seized by the government based on white nationalist motives. As such, the plaintiffs say, it violates the constitution, which is meant to provide due process and equal protection under the law. The sentiments are shared by many of the South Texan residents and business owners who spoke last week as the election campaign kicked into gear. Advertisement Opponents believe the wall would do little to stem the tide of narcotics from Mexico, much of which are smuggled in vehicles through legal ports of entry. Theres also the risk to the Rio Grande itself, an iconic waterway covering three US states Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. As the fifth longest river system in North America, the basin is both a wildlife corridor for deer, cattle and horses, and a lifeblood for the communities surrounding it. An aerial shot of a new "Defund The Wall" mural that was painted outside the Laredo federal courthouse. Laredo is not usually an activist city, but locals feel so passionately about this issue some have now joined a grassroots group, the No Border Wall Coalition, in a bid to gather strength. Last month, they painted a massive street mural, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The words Defund The Wall now stretch across the entire length of Laredos federal courthouse. This is a place where I want my kids to raise their own children," says Melissa Cigarroa, who is one of the two key landowners fighting the wall in court. "But how are they going to do that if their community has been defiled by this monstrosity? Advertisement New Delhi: As tensions with China flared up, Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane on Thursday landed in Leh to review the operational preparedness of the forces deployed in Ladakh. Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, on Wednesday visited frontline airbases in the eastern sector to take stock. The IAF is on high alert in Ladakh. Gen. Naravane, on a two-day visit to Ladakh, will visit forward areas to assess the emerging situation with China on the ground. Gen. Naravanes Leh visit at this juncture is crucial as the Chinese have not taken well to Indias moves to pre-empt them and occupy over two dozen strategic peaks on the southern banks of Pangong Tso. Some of these were taken by the Indian Army for the first time after the 1962 war and allows Indian forces to overlook Chinese garrisons. Another round of brigadier-level India-China talks on Thursday again failed to reach any breakthrough. This was the fourth meeting in the last four days on de-escalation in southern Pangong Tso. India is now well prepared to face the Chinese threat after it has built up forces that are well acclimatised, brought in tanks, artillery and stocked up supplies in the past few months after being initially surprised by the Chinese intrusions in May. Gen. Naravane will meet top commanders in Leh to strategise on how to counter any aggressive move by the PLA. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat said Thursday Indias forces were capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in best suitable ways. Gen. Rawat said Indias policy of engagement, if not backed by credible military power and regional influence, would imply acknowledging Chinas pre-eminence in the region. Of late, India has seen some aggressive actions by China but we are capable of handling these, Gen. Rawat said, warning that Pakistan will pay heavily if it tried to take advantage of the current India-China tensions. A 22-year-old man hacked his 45-year-old stepfather to death early on Friday morning after the latter refused to give him money to buy alcohol. The incident took place between Kings Circle and Mahim railway station. Government Railway Police at Wadala arrested the accused Suraj Kamble. Kamble will be produced before a court on Saturday. Rajendra Pal, senior police inspector at Wadala GRP said, After Ganpati visarjan, the family was having a get-together. After it got over, the deceased Chandrakant Mohan Solanki went towards the railway track and was drinking liquor. Kamble came to him and asked him for 400 to buy alcohol, which Solanki refused. Kamble left in a fit of rage and when he found a sharp-edged weapon near the railway track, he came back and stabbed Solanki on his neck, and then fled from the spot, said Pal. When Solanki did not return for hours, his wife went in search of him and found him lying in a pool of blood. She along with family members rushed him to Sion Hospital where he was declared dead before admission, said Pal. On Friday morning, in a joint operation with Shahu Nagar police, we arrested Kamble for murder, added Pal. Dublin, Ireland -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/04/2020 -- DIDWW, the leading telecommunication platform for businesses and professionals, is pleased to expand its popular list of services to provide its growing customer base with a brand new porting tool. The porting process enables end-users to keep their existing telephone numbers when switching between different telecommunication service providers. This is often a much sought after requirement for businesses. Not only does switching telephone numbers require the need to update all marketing materials, including any printed brochures and business cards, but it can also mean you run the risk of losing customers. Telephone numbers are an integral part of how customers connect and interact with a brand, so a new number requires that business to then reconnect with existing clients to inform them of the change. Both of these are expensive and time-consuming processes, so the ability to port a number can help save a company significant amounts of money, and free up their time to focus on the business operations. DIDWW understands this importance, that is why the global telecommunication provider is offering all customers this new porting solution directly through their existing user panel. This simple tool allows users to initiate and manage the entire porting process online through their account. The functional interface has been created to be as easy to use as possible, and lets each user monitor and follow their porting requests for each phone number. To get started, DIDWW customers simply enter the telephone numbers that they wish to port into the dedicated online area, and the platform will guide them through a few quick and easy steps. DIDWW is also providing many of its customers with free porting services, allowing them to quickly transfer their numbers and focus on their business with minimal disruption. To get started, businesses just need to provide copies of set documents which are required by the regulatory authorities in each country. Although Local Number Portability (LNP) services are not usually standardized globally, DIDWW will attempt to provide its porting capabilities in as many countries as possible, and its dedicated team is at hand to assist all customer requirements. Raimonda Martinkiene, the COO at DIDWW, added, "We understand just how important a telephone number is to any organization. No matter whether they have been in business for many years or are just starting out, customers get used to a certain number and having to change it can be a vast wasted expense. That is why DIDWW is pleased to be able to offer our customers the ability to port their existing number through our easy to use online platform. This simple process is predominantly free and just requires them to input their numbers and follow some short instructions, with our platform taking care of the rest." About DIDWW DIDWW is a platform for telecommunication professionals with full self-service access and real-time provisioning, API and all the necessary building blocks for the ultimate control over voice and SMS services. The company offers the largest fully compliant international coverage of local, national, mobile, toll-free voice and SMS-enabled virtual phone numbers, two-way local and global SIP trunks, access to local emergency services, flexible capacity options, free global number portability, number selection tool, and more. DIDWW delivers premium quality services to thousands of operators worldwide through a private and fully geo-redundant network with mission-critical reliability and guaranteed SLA. Their customers enjoy advanced solutions coupled with a unique service experience and superior value, all driven by a highly motivated team of professionals. Press Contact: Rugile Bertule Marketing Manager rugile.b@didww.com +1 (212) 933-90-60 www.didww.com The U.S. federal government has told health officials in all 50 states to be ready for a coronavirus vaccine by November 1. The date is just two days before Election Day on November 3. Some public health experts have raised concerns. They worry that politics rather than science is driving the vaccine approval process. Dr. Robert Redfield is director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He sent a letter to governors and state health officials dated August 27. In the letter, he said states will receive permit applications to provide vaccines to state and local health departments and hospitals. He asked the states to consider waiving requirements that would prevent these facilities from becoming fully operational by November 1, 2020. The health director noted the approval process will not compromise the safety or effectiveness of the vaccine. Several news organizations, including McClatchy, The New York Times and the Associated Press, received copies of the letter. The CDC also sent planning documents, saying vaccines could be available as soon as the end of October and approved by the Food and Drug Administration under its emergency powers. The documents described two unnamed vaccine candidates that must be stored at temperatures of minus 70 and minus 20 degrees Celsius. The requirements appear to be those from drug-makers Pfizer and Moderna. The document, however, warned that only a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccine may be available by early November and that the supply will increase greatly by 2021. The health agency also asked state officials to make them available free of cost to health workers, national security workers and people at nursing homes. James S. Blumenstock is a senior vice president at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. He told the Associated Press that the CDC was offering an aggressive but necessary timetable to approve the vaccines. However, several public health experts said that drug makers are still in the process of signing up volunteers for final trials. Some questioned how information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine candidates could be available before November 1. Being ready is reasonable. Cutting short phase 3 trials before you get the information you need isnt, said Paul Offit. He is a Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia immunization expert who sits on the FDAs vaccine advisory committee. Peter Hotez, dean of Baylor Universitys tropical medicine school, said he was very concerned about the timetable. He wondered if the FDA would use its emergency power to approve a vaccine before knowing whether it is safe and effective. It gives the appearance of a stunt rather than an expression of public health concern, Hotez added. Michael Osterholm is a University of Minnesota infectious disease expert. He told the Associated Press that he was concerned about an October surprise with a vaccine being introduced before the election. An October surprise describes an action or event close to Election Day that can affect election results. When asked by CBS News whether politics rather than science is leading the vaccine approval process, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Thursday: Thanks to President Trumps leadership of this Operation Warp Speed. Were making historic progress towards a vaccinePresident Trump has made it clear. And I have made it clear. These decisions will be driven by the standards of science and evidence Kris Ehresmann is infectious disease director for the state of Minnesota. She told the AP the state would only move forward once we know it is safe. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is a member of Trumps Republican Party. He said the effort to stop the virus will take more than a few months. I would hope that the federal government would kind of take the lead on that. He added, Hopefully, they have a plan to do it and will really focus on those vulnerable among us. Im Bryan Lynn. Hai Do adapted this story from reports by the Associated Press and other sources. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story waiving v. to officially say that will not require something that is normally required facilities n. (pl.) a building or equipment used for a specific purpose; something that makes an action, operation or activity easier to get done timetable n. a plan of things that need to be done and the time buy which they need to be completed phase 3 n. (medical) describes the part of drug tests that involves many people and is meant to find out if the drug causes bad reactions stunt n. something done to get the attention of the public standard n. a level of quality that is considered acceptable or is required focus v. to direct attention on something vulnerable n. easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally or emotionally We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Wildfires have changed the landscape in and around the Methow Valley. Credit: Mark Stone/University of Washington Agencies that are well practiced in putting out wildfires are now learning a new skill: how to set the spark and fan the flames. That's the case for the state Department of Natural Resources, which is starting to use prescribed burning as part of its strategy for fighting wildfires. "The DNR is good at putting out fires," said Susan Prichard, a University of Washington researcher who lives and works in the Methow Valley, an area prone to wildfires. "Now they're laying the groundwork to use more intentional burning in dry forests." That's what will happen along Wolf Creek in the Virginia Ridge Timber Sale, a 671-acre area below Sun Mountain Lodge near Winthrop, Wash. The forest has been thinned and pyres of forest debris are seasoning. They're scheduled to burn the piles in late 2020 and are considering options for prescribed underburning of the thinned forests. This kind of forest management is important, say key community stakeholders. "Prescribed burning is an essential tool that our community continues to look to, along with other forest management practices, to ensure our forested areas are healthy and resilient for future generations," Twisp Mayor Soo Ing-Moody said. "I appreciate Susan's participation at the table when it comes to sustainable best practices for forest management in our community." The importance of forest restoration and management is vital to this region, said Jasmine Minbashian, executive director of Methow Valley Citizens Council, a conservation group. "We want to go at it in a way that's consistent with the latest science," Minbashian said. "So having Susan helping us and guide us and giving us a really strong foundation of science to enable us to evaluate these projects has been hugely helpful." How prescribed fires can play an important role in restoring forests to health is pivotal to Prichard's work, which is gaining recognition both from her neighbors and, increasingly, a national audience. She's been quoted in Outside magazine, Nature and other high-profile publications. "I like to think about fire in a complex way," she said. "We can't just sit back and be passive about fire." Increasingly, Prichard said, her message is: How do we work with fire? "Because it's going to be here," she said. "It's not a matter of if, it's when. So can we bring in some fire now to prevent the destructive fire later?" It's a question she's been studying for nearly two decades, using the forests around her as a laboratory. And its answers can mean a vital link between surviving wildfires and fighting off the devastation that wildfires bring, experts agree. Before white settlers displaced Native peoples in the Methow Valley, fire was a regular part of the landscape, Prichard said. Forests were burned, either by lightning strikes or by people. It wasn't until European settlers moved in that humans started suppressing fire, building up fuels in the forests. Now, Prichard is advocating a return to intentional use of fire in these forests. She's studying the buildup of carbonin the form of forestsand how to mitigate climate change, while restoring forests to their more natural conditions. Through the study of how past thinning and prescribed burning worked in large wildfire events, Prichard and colleagues have proven evidence that dry forest restoration, including thinning and burning, can make forests more resilient to fire with much higher tree survivorship than in untreated forests. Prichard, 50, grew up on Whidbey Island and spent time hiking in the Cascades and Olympics. As a young teen she saw the scarred landscapes left behind by logging companies. "Clear cutting really bothered me," she said. It was then she knew that she wanted to be an environmental scientist. "That idea latched onto my 13-year-old brain and I never let it go." After graduate work at the UW (MS '96; PHD '03), she moved to the Methow, where she conducts research as part of the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory and a research scientist at the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. In 2006, she believed the Tripod Complex Fire would be the worst she ever saw. That was before 2014 when the Carlton Complex erupted. Credit: University of Washington All the signs were there that year, Prichard said. Dry winter, hot spring, low snow pack, gusting winds. Then, on July 17, 2014, with sustained winds of more than 35 mph, lightning struck and ignited the forest near Carlton and Cougar Flats. Fueled by the winds, "the fires took a huge walk," Prichard said, some 40 miles to the banks of the Columbia River. "I've never seen anything like it," she said. "This entire valley was lit up and glowing." Smoke rose 25,000 feet into the atmosphere. Flames destroyed more than 350 homes and burned some 256,000 acres. It remains the largest wildfire in Washington state history, running a tab of about $98 million. But despite the destruction, there's a flip side to fire. "Fires often are renewal agents," Prichard said. They burn accumulated fuelsthe scientific term for combustible biomass in the form of live and dead vegetationand prepare the ecosystem to start over. That renewal can be true for people, too. Scientific knowledge about fires also is spread over soup at the dinner table. That's wherein pre-COVID timesneighbor and friend, Derek Van Marter, shared a meal and news of the valley. Van Marter's home burned in 2014, the same year of Carlton Complex Fire. Feeling trapped among smoke and debris from the massive Carlton Complex wildfire, Van Marter and his family had fled to Port Angeles for some downtime away from the smoke. That's when another fire, the Rising Eagle Road Fire, erupted near his home. The news that his home was destroyed came via phone calls. By the time he returned to the Methow, only burning embers remained. "We came back and it was just a waste land," he said. "It was like an alien wasteland." The house, including cats and chickens, imploded on itself just because of the heat of the fire, Van Marter said. Firefighters reported that the fire burned hotter than 2,000 degrees F. "It was devastation," Van Marter said. It also was a pivot point. Van Marter, his wife, daughter and dog survived the fire. They couldand didrebuild. And today, like many in the Methow Valley, they've rebuilt being "FireWise." He's adapted his new home for fire, growing an irrigated lawn, cutting back tall shrubs and "limbing up" the nearby treesthat's making sure the limbs are trimmed so only the tree's canopy thrives. It's all meant to reduce fire fuels and protect property. Being prepared isn't just prudent, it's neighborly, Van Marter said. "The more you can do as a property owner, the better neighbor you are." Here in the Methow, that kind of fire thinking is the stuff people talk about in the grocery store. It's also exactly what the community needsand actively is doing, Prichard said. "I'm surrounded by fire experts," she said. Fire here is personal and the community is deeply engaged in understanding the need for forest management. "I believe we need to continue to have the valuable conversations needed to make informed decisions about wildfire management at the local level," Ing-Moody said. "Having Susan here enables us to have the dialogue needed to ensure our forests are managed in a healthy way." Explore further Thinning, prescribed burns protected forests during the massive Carlton Complex wildfire P lans for Londons first alligator park have been scrapped after protests from residents and animal welfare groups. The Standard revealed in January that developer Avanton wanted to create the attraction and educational centre within a Grade II listed disused gasholder in south east London. It would have formed the centrepiece of a 230 million regeneration project at a former gasworks near Old Kent Road that included hundreds of new homes. A spokesman for Avanton said: The proposed alligator park was something devised along with several other options including a community park, and also a lido with water features. "After consultation with both the council and local community, there was significant push-back on the alligator park concept, so it has been shelved. Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection wildlife campaigns manager said: We are pleased to hear that plans for an alligator park alongside a property development in London have been shelved following push back from the council, local community and World Animal Protection. "Alligators are wild animals and should be in their natural environment, not living in a busy urban environment as part of a novelty commercial venture. "We urge the developer to think twice in future before creating plans that include wildlife exploitation. In a statement that comes as a disappointment to billions of people globally, the World Health Organization on Friday said that they dont expect a vaccine to be ready until middle of next year. None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a clear signal" of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said. She was speaking at a briefing of the United Nations in Geneva. This phase III must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she said. It is important to note that phase III trials involving tens of thousands of healthy volunteers that test experimental vaccines against a placebo are considered necessary to determine safety and efficacy before they are given to hundreds of millions of people to prevent or lessen the severity of Covid-19. All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we dont know is whether the vaccine works. At this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety." she added. Meanwhile, the tug of war between the WHO and the US continues. The word body on Monday warned against moving too quickly on the vaccine. If you move too quickly to vaccinate millions of people, you may miss certain adverse effects, said Mike Ryan, the head of WHOs emergencies programme. The obvious reference was to President Donald Trump asking two thirds of states in the US to be prepared to vaccinate before the presidential elections on November 3. The statement from the WHO invited the ire of the White House with spokesperson Judd Deere saying, The United States will continue to engage our international partners to ensure we defeat this virus, but we will not be constrained by multilateral organisations influenced by the corrupt World Health Organization and China." In its draft landscape for Covid-19 vaccines, the World Health Organisation, lists Russias Sputnik V as in phase 1, which means that the vaccine has only been tested for safety yet. The minimum requirement for a Covid-19 vaccine is a good safety profile, and at least 30 per cent protection at the population level, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist, WHO, said at the organisations press briefing on Monday. For many vaccine candidates, phase III is only beginning, and it will be the real test of their efficacy, Swaminathan said. Russia today, however, has in its scientific paper, published in The Lancet, said that Sputnik-V Covid-19 vaccine produced an antibody response in all participants in early stage trials. Large long-term trials including a placebo comparison and further monitoring are needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing the infection. Secondary outcomes from the trial suggest the vaccines also produce a T cell and neutralising antibody response within 28 days. The two 42-day trials also confirmed that the vaccine candidates elicit an antibody response. The two trials including 38 healthy adults each did not find any serious adverse effects among participants. Conclusion: encouraging, but small. Large phase III studies are ongoing and much needed," said Richard Horton, Editor and Chief of The Lancet, in a tweet. The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has funded the study. Russia licensed the two-shot jab for domestic use in August, the first country to do so and before any data had been published or a large-scale trial begun. In India, meanwhile, sources in the government have indicated that the country has sought more details from Russia on Sputnik V. The government has not ruled out procuring the vaccine from Russia and is in fact waiting for an application for starting the trials in India. Sputnik V is being developed by Moscow-based Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is in Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting, has expressed confidence over the efficacy of Russias Covid-19 vaccine and said that India and Russia have had a long-running partnership. A former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Zamfara, Bello Dankande, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the bye-election in Bakura constituency. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed October 10 for the by-election following the death of Tukur Jekada, member representing Bakura constituency in the state House of Assembly. Two other aspirants, Saidu Danbala and Lawal Birnintudu, withdrew from the contest, leaving the former commissioner as the sole candidate. He was later ratified by delegates as the partys candidate. The Chairman of the Primary Election Committee appointed by the APC National Working Committee, Umar Lawan, told journalists on Thursday in Gusau that due process was followed during the primaries. Four candidates indicated their interest to contest in the primaries but one candidate had been disqualified by the screening committee at National Headquarters. We have three candidates qualified to contest in the primaries. In line with the constitutional provision of our great party, primaries are done in three ways, either direct, indirect, or consensus. We gave the three candidates time to go and dialogue with their stakeholders so as to possibly come up with one candidate. We are happy two out of the three candidates, Alhaji Saidu Danbala and Alhaji Lawal Birnintudu announced their withdrawal from the primaries. I commend them for their sacrifice to ensure peace, unity and success of the party. I also commend the party leadership in the state led by Alhaji Lawal Liman. Since our arrival in the state for this assignment, we have met with stakeholders of the party and I thank them for their kind support to move the party forward in the state, he stated. He cautioned people of the state against political thuggery, urging them to remain law abiding for peace to reign at all times. In their separate remarks, Messrs Danbala and Birnintudu said they withdrew from the contest to promote peace, unity and development in the party. They pledged to support the candidate to ensure victory for the APC during the polls. In his comment, Mr Dankande thanked the two aspirants who stepped down for him and promised to work with them and the entire APC stakeholders in Bakura for the success of the party. (NAN) The Union Health Ministry on Thursday said the optimal capacity of the RT-PCR tests for detection of COVID-19 is not being utilized in some states and that it has asked them to scale it up. "There are states where the optimal capacity of RT-PCR off late is not being utilised and we have in the health ministry drawntheir attention to the fact that they do havean installed capacity of conducting more RT-PCR tests and hence they need to scale it up," Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary in the Union Health Ministry, said at a press briefing on Thursday. Over the antigen tests being carried out in the country, Bhushan said thereis no uniform practicebeing followed across the states. In Tamil Nadu more than 90 per cent tests today are RT-PCR tests while there are other states where the RT-PCR testing, TrueNat and CBNAAT testing capacity is limited, he said. Therefore in those states if there are containment zones or buffer zones, one cannot be satisfied with limited testing, he stressed. "The ICMR's guidelines clearly lay down that rapid antigen tests are ideal screening tests for densely populated areas, containment and buffer zones,so why not use them there," he said. Cumulative tests for detection of COVID-19 surged to 4,55,09,380 in the country with a record 11,72,179 tests being conducted in a single day on Wednesday, the ministry said, underlining that "India's daily testing numbers are one of the highest in the world". Also read: Who will get coronavirus vaccine shots in India first? Centre working on priority list Also read: COVID-19 pandemic: Sanofi, GSK kickstart trial for protein-based vaccine An Australian veterinarian among 42 crew still missing after a live export ship capsized in the East China Sea penned a heartbreaking Facebook post days before he vanished. Lukas Orda, 25, from the Gold Coast, was on board Australian-owned Gulf Livestock 1 when the captain sent a distress call to the Japanese Coast Guard at about 1.20am on Wednesday. Mr Orda and his wife Emma welcomed their first child, Theo, six months ago. And just days before he boarded the ship in June the wrote: 'And the first 20 day stretch of my trip starts' along with a map of his journey. Lukas Orda (left) left his new wife Emma (right) and their six-month-old son, Theo, to embark on his first long journey taking care of the 6,000 animals on board Gulf Livestock 1 Lukas Orda, 25, wrote about his long voyage to Yantai, China on Facebook as he left in June Young father and veterinarian Lukas Orda (pictured with wife Emma) is among 42 crew members still missing after their live export ship disappeared in the East China Sea Mr Orda joined the livestock company as a veterinary officer in June and is one of two Australians on board the ship which went missing after leaving Port of Portland in Victoria three months ago. The ship left New Zealand on August 14 and was due to arrive in Tangshan, China on Friday but the captain sent a distress call to the Japanese Coast Guard at about 1.20am on Wednesday. Chief executive of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC), Mark Harvey-Sutton, told ABC Radio they are waiting 'anxiously' for news. He said the second Australian on the cargo ship is believed to be a stock handler. 'It is a very close-knit community the live stock industry both here and in New Zealand, so everyone is very concerned about the situation and were just hoping for the best,' said Mr Harvey-Sutton. A Filipino crew member (pictured) who was rescued after a distress signal was sent by the Australian owned Gulf Livestock 1 said the ship capsized and sunk in rough weather caused by Typhoon Maysak Rescue teams are continuing their search for the ship and the remaining 42 crew members which include 38 from the Philippines, two from New Zealand and two from Australia The vessel had almost 6,000 cattle on board when it disappeared west of Amami Oshima in south-western Japan. Japan's coast guard dispatched planes and rescue boats to hunt for the ship and late Wednesday found a sole survivor, Sareno Edvarodo, the ship's 45-year-old Filipino chief officer. Dramatic photos released by the coast guard showed Edvarodo floating in the darkness in an orange life jacket and being pulled onto a boat with a rope as rescuers battled violent, rolling waves. He was quickly brought to a large vessel, where coast guard personnel with surgical masks and gloves wrapped him with blankets. 'Water,' he said, identifying himself as a Filipino in the video. 'Thank you, thank you very much.' According to Edvarodo, the vessel lost an engine before it was hit by a wave and capsized, a coastguard spokeswoman said. The crew were instructed to put on life jackets and Edvarodo said he jumped into the water and didn't see any other crew member before he was rescued. Rescue teams are continuing their search for the ship and the remaining 42 crew members which include 38 from the Philippines, two from New Zealand and two from Australia. Based on the last known location of the ship it would have been sailing in high winds of 58 knots (107km/h). The Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC) is waiting 'anxiously' for news of Lukas Orda (right) and his fellow crew Author Beth Doane, a female-founded and led global creative agency. With nearly a decade of experience creating, growing, and selling several companies by the age of 30, today Beth serves as a trusted advisor for some of the worlds most innovative CEOs, nonprofits, and governments. From delivering insights that pioneer digital movements to overseeing creative concepts for multi-million dollar campaigns, she is the driving force behind ROI-driven work. Previous to founding Main & Rose, Beth established Raintees, one of the first sustainably and ethically produced fashion brands on the market, as well as founded and later led the private acquisition of Parlor, the first open marketplace for freelancers in a diverse set of industries. An award-winning author and writer, Beth frequently contributes to Forbes and Darling Magazine and has advised on literary strategy for several New York Times best-selling books. She sits on The Pacific Council on International Policy, and The Forbes Young Entrepreneurs Council and was named one of the world's top branding experts by Inc. Magazine. Beth also speaks frequently about branding, social impact, and the importance of mental health initiatives in the workplace. She has spoken at conferences and events for prestigious organizations including Google, Harvard, MIT, The United Nations, and the Concordia Summit. More about Beth Doane Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans top aide Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa resigned on Friday after allegations that he used his offices to help family set up several off-shore businesses. Former Pakistan Army spokesman Bajwa, who also served as Commander of the Southern Command, rejected the allegations against him and resigned as special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on information and broadcasting. However, he would continue working as chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority. The development followed after a report on a website alleged that Bajwa had used his offices in setting up off-shore businesses of his wife, sons and brothers. The report alleged that Bajwas younger brothers opened their first Papa Johns pizza restaurant in 2002, the year he started working as a Lieutenant Colonel on the General Pervez Musharrafs staff. It claimed that his brother Nadeem Bajwa, 53, who started as a delivery driver for the pizza restaurant franchise, another three brothers, his wife Farrukh Zeba and three sons now own a business empire which set up 99 companies in four countries, including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated USD 39.9 million. Out of the total 99 firms, 66 are main companies, 33 are branch companies of some of the main companies while five firms are dead now. The Bajwa familys companies spent an estimated USD 52.2 million to develop their businesses and USD 14.5 million to purchase properties in the United States, according to the report. His wife was a shareholder in all the foreign businesses and also associated with or is a shareholder in 85 companies including 82 foreign companies (71 in United States, seven in UAE and four in Canada). The report showed that some of these American companies (all jointly owned by Zeba) also have investments in the real estate sector and own 13 commercial properties in the US, including two shopping centres. Interestingly, Bajwa after joining the Cabinet declared his assets in June this year which did not mention his wifes foreign assets. Bajwa has rejected the allegations, saying they are incorrect and false and he was ready to prove it to any judicial forum. I have not shied away to explain the allegations shamelessly leveled against me. These allegations have been hurled at me to tarnish my image, he claimed. 04.09.2020 LISTEN As part of lifelong learning, literacy skills dont just mean better job opportunities now. They also set people up with the ability to develop their skills and find better livelihoods in the future. International Literacy Day, would be celebrated next week Tuesday thus September 8, 2020. Like other countries across the globe, Ghana would equally be observing the day with the global theme 'Literacy teaching and learning in COVID-19 crisis and beyond' As the theme suggests, this year is providing us with the opportunity to express views on "Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond" especially on the role of educators and changing pedagogies. The theme highlights literacy learning in a lifelong learning perspective, and therefore, mainly focuses on youth and adults. The recent Covid-19 crisis has been a stark reminder of the existing gap between policy discourse and reality: a gap that already existed in the pre-COVID-19 era and negatively affects the learning of youth and adults, who have no or low literacy skills, and therefore, tend to face multiple disadvantages. During COVID-19, in many countries, adult literacy programmes were absent in the initial education response plans, so most adult literacy programmes that did exist were suspended, with just a few courses continuing virtually, through TV, radio, online or in open-air spaces. What is the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on youth and adult literacy educators and teaching and learning? What are the lessons learnt? How can we effectively position youth and adult literacy learning in global and national responses and in strategies for the recovery and resilience-building phase? By exploring these questions, International Literacy Day 2020 provides an opportunity to reflect on and discuss how innovative and effective pedagogies and teaching methodologies can be used in youth and adult literacy programmes to face the pandemic and beyond. The Day will also give an opportunity to analyse the role of educators, as well as formulate effective policies, systems, governance and measures that can support educators and learning. International Literacy Day is celebrated to create awareness among people about the need and importance of literacy and education for every human being. On this day events and programmes are planned and organised to motivate and inspire people to achieve literacy and in order to eradicate illiteracy and ignorance from the world. As a matter of fact, a blind person cannot see anything of the world. He or she cannot enjoy the beauty of nature and the strangely beautiful world. He or she has no eyesight. He or she cannot enjoy light and remains in darkness. He or she leads a very helpless and dependent life. In the same vein, an illiterate person cannot read or write. He or she is to some extent like a blind person. He or she cannot enter the world of knowledge without the help of others. Though, he or she can see books, magazines, newspapers, posters, he or she cannot understand the writings therein. For want of literacy, he or she also depends on others as a blind person does. Illiteracy is a curse on him or her. To remove this evil curse of global illiteracy and to promote literacy rate all over the world, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) proclaimed the 8th September as the International Literacy Day. The proclamation was made at the 14th session of UNESCOs General Conference on 26 October, 1966. Thereafter, the day has been celebrated around the world since 1967. The issue of literacy is a key component of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN's Sustainable Development Agenda, adopted by world leaders in September 2015, promotes universal access to quality education and learning opportunities throughout peoples lives. Sustainable Development Goal 4 has as one of its targets ensuring all young people achieve literacy and numeracy and that adults, who lack these skills are given the opportunity to acquire them. Currently, about 83 per cent people around the world are literate and about 17 percent persons are still illiterate, and fumble in darkness. This large and vast number of people is deprived of literacy or minimum education. But education is the fundamental rights of every man, woman, and child. The fact remains that, we express our thoughts, ideas, sense of right and wrong, justice and injustice by means of education. Education gives us knowledge and knowledge is our power, and this power comes from education. Education is very essential for our life and livelihood. Without education we are like blind people. So, everyone must have the right of having education. Education in Ghana is a fundamental right of men, women and children. This right is enshrined in our Constitution. Though it is a constitutional right. Ghana, has not yet achieved hundred percent literacy rate. It means therefore, as a country more effective drive is needed in order to eliminate and eradicate illiteracy from Ghana in the near future. Around 1901 the standard of literacy was set in the Census Document. According to the document literacy at that time meant the ability of a person to write and know only the letters needed to write his or her own name. Towards 1940, the definition of literacy was changed. Here literacy meant ability of a person to learn the skill needed for mere reading and writing. In 1960, the definition of literacy was a bit modified and expanded. This time literacy meant a persons ability and skill in calculation in addition to the ability for mere reading and writing. In 1980, again the definition of literacy was further expanded. This time awareness and ability of a person to read the visible writings were added to the definition of literacy. Currently, literacy embraces communication, empowerment, and means of livelihood, protection and organising power including all other previous criteria of the definition of literacy. If we can bring down the illiteracy rate to the zero point, we shall be able to raise our heads with pride in the world. We can feel proud as nationals of Ghana. Primary schools can play very important role in saving the nation from the curse of illiteracy with the help of parents. Many parents are equally not helping their children at home as far as issues of literacy are concerned. Government is very much aware of the inability of basic school pupils to read and write yet no special budget allocation specifically for literacy promotion. It is sad to that since independence majority of our basic schools across the country are without libraries and adequate reading materials. Like a tree, poverty has many roots. But among the many causes of global poverty, one factor stands out: education. Not every person without education is living in extreme poverty, but most of the extremely poor do lack a basic education. Those living below the poverty line will also be more likely to keep their children out of school, which means that their children will also have a greater chance of living in poverty. Literacy is the secret ingredient to eradicating poverty in Ghana. So, for us to eradicate poverty, let us promote literacy. In a nutshell, I must draw a conclusion with the urge to all concerned to realize that illiteracy is a serious impediment to our development as a nation. We have to overcome this impediment in order to reap the success of development. And with the progress of literacy rate, we have to develop and improve our moral character, moral values, and build a peaceful society. otherwise, the enhancement of literacy rate will be valueless. And in doing so, concerted efforts, cooperation, dedication, honesty and sincerity will essentially be needed. As Literacy Ambassadors Ghana, we are committed to the fight against eradicating illiteracy and we are doing so by inspiring a life of reading among school pupils. As we mark the day on next week Tuesday, we expect every Ghanaian to do something special as far as reading,writing and comprehension are concerned. Alongside that, theres an enormous degree of suffering that happens in human life. We say, Oh, well, I grew up and I moved away from the town where I lived, as though thats nothing, but in fact, for the young person who moved away, that can be incredibly painful. We say we take it for granted that parents and loved ones pass away, but that is cosmic tragedy on the maximum scale that human beings can comprehend. I think the notion that we are all migrants, the notion that migration does involve suffering and therefore something that we all have to deal with, both of those notions relate to a kind of counter-tendency, which is to pretend otherwise: to pretend that we dont suffer. And that counter tendency whether its kind of a politicized nostalgia that says we can go back to the way that things used to be or its a personal closing off and denying your own pain I do think that both of those things require a kind of response. They require a response on the human level, so that we arent made monstrous by our own suffering, we arent made into unempathetic, closed off, wounded, unexamined human beings. But also, as a group, as people who form societies, theres a component that we have to act. We have to muster a certain degree of optimism in the face of the story. Because if we arent able to muster that optimism, then we condemn ourselves to the nostalgia and the monstrous closing off of human feeling. And I think we see signs of that all over the world right now. Mayor Lovely A. Warren speaks to media following the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest on March 23, in Rochester, New York, U.S. September 3, 2020. REUTERS/Lindsay DeDario Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren suspended seven officers involved in the death of Daniel Prude. Prude died a week after police officers placed a "spit hood" over his head and pressed his face into the pavement for two minutes on March 23. His brother had called the police because Prude was having a mental health crisis and had wandered out of the house unclothed. Prude initially complied with police orders but became agitated when they place a bag over his face. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announced Tuesday that seven officers involved in the March death of Daniel Prude would be suspended. "I never shied away from taking action and holding our police or anyone that fails their duties in our communities accountable," Warren said in a press conference. "That is why I am suspending the officers in question today." Since April, the case has been under investigation by New York state Attorney General Letita James. "I urge the attorney general to complete her investigation. I understand that the union may sue the city for this, they shall feel free to do so I have been sued before," Warren said. Local outlet WROC reported that the suspended officers are Mark Vaughn, Troy Talladay, Paul Ricotta, Francisco Santiago, Andrew Specksgoor, Josiah Harris, and Sgt. Mark Magri. Prude, a Black man, was visiting his brother from his home in Chicago when he had a mental health crisis. His brother Joe called the police on the night of March 23 after Prude wandered outside unclothed, hoping they would get him help. "I placed a phone call for my brother to get help. Not for my brother to get lynched," Joe Prude said at a press conference on Wednesday. "When I say 'got lynched,' that was a full-fledged on-going murder, cold-blooded." Story continues Joe Prude, brother of Daniel Prude, right, and his son Armin, stand with a picture of Daniel Prude in Rochester, N.Y., on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey A video, which attorneys for Prude's family gave to the Democrat & Chronicle, shows Prude complying as officers tell him to get on the ground, and one points a taser at him. Prude told officers he had the coronavirus. Police then placed a white bag or a "spit hood," used to protect officers from bodily fluids over Prude's head, and he became agitated. One of the officers then pressed Prude's head into the pavement for two minutes. Prude was hospitalized and died a week later, after being taken off life support. "Mr. Daniel prude was failed by our police department, our mental health care system, our society and, he was failed by me," Warren said. "Daniel Prude's death has proven yet again that many of the challenges that we faced in the past are the same challenges that we face today." An autopsy report concluded Prude was asphyxiated Monroe County Medical Examiner Dr. Nadia Granger ruled Prude's death a homicide, writing in an autopsy report it was caused by "complications of asphyxia" while physically restrained. The Associated Press reported that acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP, was also noted on the medical examiner's report. During the press conference, Warren said Police Chief La'Ron Singletary told her that Prude died of "an apparent overdose while in custody." "I only learned of those officers' actions on August 4 when cooperation council Tim Curtin reviewed the video for the FOIL request by Prude's family," Warren said. "At no time before August 4 did Singletary or anyone make me aware of the officers' actions in regard to Mr. Prude's death." A makeshift memorial is seen, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, in Rochester, N.Y., near the site where Daniel Prude was restrained by police officers. AP Photo/Adrian Kraus Following the publication of the video Wednesday, Prude's family and local activists demanded that the officers involved be fired and charged in his homicide. "The Rochester Police Department has shown time and again that they are not trained to deal with mental health crises," Ashley Gantt, a community organizer for Free the People Roc and the New York Civil Liberties Union, told the Democrat and Chronicle. "These officers are trained to kill and not to de-escalate. Daniel's case is the epitome of what is wrong with this system and today we stand firmly seeking justice for Daniel and his family, and for all the victims who have been murdered and terrorized by the Rochester Police Department." Read the original article on Insider For a populist politician supposedly gifted with a unique ability to commune with the British people, Boris Johnson seems strangely reluctant to meet that many of them even when he publicly promises to do so. There are always risks as well as benefits to a prime minister listening and talking to those whove been affected by government policy, and sometimes it can serve little purpose in any case. The worst of all worlds, though, is to accept the obligation and then attempt to wriggle out of it on second thoughts with some unconvincing excuses. So it is with Boris Johnson and the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK group. Having, in the groups term, dodged five letters from them asking for a meeting, the prime minister was confronted about it on Sky News last week. I am not aware of those letters ... but of course we will write back to every letter we get, and of course I will meet the bereaved who have suffered from Covid. Of course I will do that. Except that now the prime minister has said he cant meet the group or any representatives of the 1,600 families concerned, even though I am acutely conscious that a letter will be of little comfort against the grief and heartache that families have suffered. Multimedia Specialist Anthony Zilis is a multimedia specialist at The News-Gazette. His email is azilis@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@adzilis). HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (September 4, 2020) interacted with Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers and asked them to respect their job, their uniform through a video conference during the Dikshant Parade Event at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. PM Modi said that it is very important that the IPS probationers should be proud of their uniforms instead of flexing the power of it. Never lose respect for your Khaki uniform. The human face of Khaki uniform has been engraved in the public memory due to the good work done by police especially during this COVID-19, the PM said. Interaction with young police officers. https://t.co/J5eX6RI4qx Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2020 During his address, the PM said that he often interacts with young IPS officers who have passed out from the academy, but this year due to coronavirus pandemic he was unable to meet them. But Im sure that during my tenure, I will surely meet you all at some point, he added. Addressing the IPS probationers, PM Modi said, Yours is a profession where the factor of encountering something unexpected is very high, and you all must be alert and prepared for this. There is a higher degree of stress, and which is why it is important to keep speaking with your near and dear ones. From time to time, maybe on a day off, meet someone like a teacher or someone whose advice you value. Giving a piece of advice to the IPS probationers, the PM said, ''Yoga and Pranayam is good for all those working under stress. If you do any work from your heart, you will always benefit. You will never feel stressed no matter how much work is there.'' Shifting his focus to terrorism, PM Modi said, we need to prevent youth from taking the wrong path at the early stage itself, adding that women police personnel can do that by involving women there. An official statement said that 131 IPS probationers, including 28 women, have completed their 42 weeks of basic course phase-I training at the academy. The IPS probationers joined the academy on December 17, 2018, after completing their foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, and at Dr Marri Channa Reddy HRD Institute of Telangana, Hyderabad, with those from other central services like IAS and IFS, the statement added. During the basic course, probationers have imparted training in various indoor and outdoor subjects like law, investigation, forensics, leadership and management, criminology, public order and internal security, ethics and human rights, modern Indian policing, field craft and tactics, weapon training and firing, the statement said. Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed that certain air routes to and from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Taiwan (China), Laos, and Cambodia be resumed on September 15. In a plan submitted to the Ministry of Transport, the CAAV suggested the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Guangzhou in China be reopened with one flight conducted each week by each side. Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines will be permitted to operate flights on the route using 343-seat B787 aircraft, while the Chinese side will designate one of its carriers to conduct flights. A maximum of 540 passengers are to be quarantined in HCM City each week as a result. Regarding Japan, the CAAV proposed the resumption of Hanoi - Tokyo and HCM City - Tokyo flights for both Vietnamese and Japanese airlines, with one flight a week on each route for each side. Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines will work together to operate the Hanoi - Tokyo route using B787 aircraft, while Vietjet Air will conduct flights on the HCM City - Tokyo route using A321 aircraft with 240 seats. A maximum of 560 passengers from Japan will therefore be placed in quarantine in Hanoi and HCM City each week. With the RoK, the aviation authority has sought permission to allow Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines to conduct one flight each week using B787 aircraft on the Hanoi - Seoul route while Vietjet Air will use A321 aircraft on the HCM City - Seoul route. A maximum of 650 passengers from the RoK will therefore be quarantined each week in the two Vietnamese cities. Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines are set to operate flights between HCM City and Taipei using B787 aircraft, while Vietjet Air will ply the Hanoi - Taipei route using A320 aircraft. Some 620 people will be quarantined in Hanoi and 700 in HCM City each week. The CAAV also suggested routes to and from Laos and Cambodia be reopened, with one flight each week operated by Vietnam Airlines. Under this plan, nearly 5,000 passengers overall are expected to arrive in Vietnam every week. To carry out the plan, the CAAV proposed that the Transport Ministry ask the Health Ministry to publicise the mandatory medical requirements for people intending to enter Vietnam, along with a list of Government-approved PCR testing facilities for partners and passengers to make the necessary arrangements. " " Hieroglyphic inscriptions and relief on a wall of the the Temple of Seti I at the archaeological site of Abydos near Egypt's southern city of Sohag, near Cairo. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images In 196 B.C.E., 13-year-old Ptolemy V was crowned King of Egypt. One year later, the priestly council of Memphis an ancient Egyptian river city commemorated the occasion (and affirmed his royal cult) by issuing a routine decree. Their words were carved onto a granodiorite rock slab in three different scripts. Toward the bottom, the message appears in ancient Greek. Halfway up, we see it expressed in Demotic, a popular handwriting system the Egyptians had used for over a thousand years, from the seventh century B.C.E. until the fifth century C.E. Then, up at the very top, the council's decree was written out again in an intricate, endlessly fascinating collection of symbols: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. French engineers rediscovered a large chunk of this slab in 1799 C.E. (alas, the rest has been lost to the ages). Since it turned up in Rashid, Egypt, formerly called "Rosetta," the artifact became known as the "Rosetta Stone." " " Discovered by Napolean's troops in 1799, the Rosetta Stone is a rock stele (a stone or wooden slab erected in the ancient world as a monument) inscribed with a decree issued at Memphis, Egypt, in 196 C.E. on behalf of King Ptolemy V. The decree appears in three scripts; this is the upper section, written in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Universal History Archive/Getty Images Perennially, it's the most popular exhibit at the British Museum in London, England. And for good reason: The Rosetta Stone helped scholars decipher Egypt's long-mysterious hieroglyphic system. Advertisement Ancient Wonders Janet Johnson is a professor of Egyptology at the University of Chicago and the director of the Chicago Demotic Dictionary Project. "The hieroglyphic writing system was developed in the early dynasties of Egyptian history, before 3000 B.C.E.," she tells us in an email. It stuck around for quite a while; the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions were made at the Temple of Isis at Philae in about 394 CE. Sometimes, the script was chiseled into rock (as in the Rosetta Stone's case). It could also be painted onto temple walls or on ancient metals and ceramics. Any writing system that lasts for thousands of years is bound to inspire derivatives. And this one was no exception. Hieroglyphs look terrific on monuments, but they were ill-suited for everyday use. Enter Hieratic, a simplified cursive script based on Egyptian hieroglyphics. First introduced in the Old Kingdom (which lasted from 2700 to 2200 B.C.E.), it went through a few different iterations over the millennia. According to Johnson, Hieratic was committed to papyrus and ostraca; the latter were basically notepads made of pottery shards and limestone fragments. Hieratic wasn't the only alternative to hieroglyphics. Says Johnson, it was later "supplemented by ... [Demotic] in the middle of the first millennium, B.C.E." Meanwhile, she notes that "hieroglyphics continued to be used for their decorative, as well as communicative value, on limestone monuments" such as temples and tombs. " " Hieroglyphics from the Temple of Khnum in Esna, Egypt. DEA/C.SAPPA/De Agostini/Getty Images Advertisement Talking It Out: Symbols and Sounds About 25 symbols in the Egyptian hieroglyphic "alphabet" denote specific sounds. "But very few words were written purely alphabetically," cautions Johnson. Context is king; some signs were used to express ideas rather than sounds. On one tomb that was made sometime between about 2181 and 1640 B.C.E., a jackal is pictured sitting atop a shrine just to the right of three other symbols. This jackal sign acted as a "determinative." Its purpose was to tell the reader that the preceding symbols collectively mean "Anubis," the name of an Egyptian god. Plus, a few of the hieroglyphic signs are "biliteral" or "triliteral." As Johnson tells us, these indicate "two or three sounds in a specific order." (E.g., "R+N" versus "N+R.") Altogether, hundreds of Egyptian hieroglyphic symbols are known. Advertisement The Advent of Rome With the possible exception of King Tutankhamun, none of ancient Egypt's rulers or co-rulers are as well-known today as Cleopatra VIII. A famous alliance with Mark Anthony of Rome put her on the losing side of a Roman Civil War and in consequence, Cleopatra took her own life in 30 B.C.E. Once the dust settled, her homeland became a province of the Roman Empire. "The hieroglyphic writing system and its derivatives ... were replaced by Greek as an administrative language during the Roman occupation," says Johnson. Then, as Christianity took hold across Egypt, the hieroglyphic system fell into disuse. So did the Hieratic and Demotic scripts it inspired. "The spoken language continued in the Egyptian Christian church (where it is called Coptic)," Johnson explains. "Coptic is still used as a liturgical language in the church, but it is written in the Greek alphabet, supplemented by some signs from Demotic for sounds in the Egyptian language which were not found in the Greek language." But what became of the neglected hieroglyphics? Well, for centuries, their decipherment was a forgotten art. Historians who longed to make sense of them finally caught a big break when the Rosetta Stone popped up. Decoding the 44 by 30-inch (112 by 76-centimeter) slab was an project that took scholars Thomas Young and Jean-Francois Champollion two decades to complete. And Egyptology would never be the same. Now That's Interesting Memphis, Tennessee, was named after the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt. That's because both settlements bordered a great river; Elvis Presley's longtime home sits on the Mississippi while ancient Memphis overlooked the Nile. In an address to the British Policy Exchange think tank earlier this week, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott branded any measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19 as a health dictatorship and called for the elderly to be left to die from the virus. Abbott, who held the highest political office in Australia between 2013 and 2015, sketched out a homicidal program that would not have been out of place in Hitlers Nazi Germany. Its essence was a call for governments to explicitly adopt a policy that would lead to tens or hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths and to remove any obstacles to corporate profit-making activities. The former PM gave unvarnished expression to the socially-criminal response to the pandemic by governments internationally. He nevertheless complained that not enough politicians were thinking like health economists trained to pose uncomfortable questions about the level of deaths we might have to live with. Abbott cited figures, for which he provided no evidence, claiming that the Australian government was spending up to $200,000 to prolong the life of each elderly COVID-19 patient by as little as a year. The clear implication was that such basic health care was not a good investment. He repeated the familiar refrain of capitalist politicians throughout the pandemic, warning that the cure could not be worse than the disease. Abbott delivering his address to the Policy Exchange think tank (Photo: Screenshot from Policy Exchange video of the event) Abbott couched his reactionary proposals in pseudo-philosophical musings: In this climate of fear it was hard for governments to ask how much is a life worth? Because every life is precious, and every death is sad, but that has never stopped families sometimes electing to make elderly relatives as comfortable as possible while nature takes its course. In this case, letting nature take its course means subjecting the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals considered surplus to the requirements of big business, to an agonising death by denying them medical treatment. Abbott was very explicit about the purpose of his statements. It was above all necessary, he insisted, for workers to return fully to their places of employment. Abbott warned of People once sturdily self-reliant looking to the government more than ever for support and sustenance, a something-for-nothing mindset, reinforced amongst young people spared the need of searching for jobs. This, he said, risked establishing a new normal, where ordinary people expected governments to assist them. In other words, the main issue is for workers to be on the job, so that surplus value can be pumped out of them, regardless of the danger to their lives. Even minimal unemployment benefits must be wound back, as part of a broader austerity offensive against the working class. Abbott attempted to justify his proposals by concluding: Fear of falling sick is stopping us from feeling fully alive. The limited media commentary on Abbotts speech has focused on the undeniable right-wing proclivities of the former Liberal Party politician. He was a protege of B.A. Santamaria, a reactionary ideologue who helped split Australias pro-capitalist Labor Party in the 1950s, declaring that it had been over-run by communists. Abbotts entire political career has been associated with nationalist militarism, anti-immigrant xenophobia and anti-communism. Others have noted the apparent hypocrisy of Abbott, a fervent Catholic who has invoked the sanctity of life to oppose abortion and euthanasia, coming out in favour of what amounts to state-enforced euthanasia. It is hardly a revelation, however, that Abbott, like his colleagues in official politics, secular and religious alike, worships first of all at the altar of profit. Much of the coverage has missed the main point. What Abbott was outlining has already been carried out by capitalist governments around the world, including in Britain, the US and Australia, whether they are led by establishment parties of the right or the supposed left. Abbott, who is in line to become a trade envoy for the British government, has been promoted by that countrys Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The British government responded to the pandemic by adopting a policy of herd immunity, allowing COVID-19 to spread unchecked throughout the country, because of the impact on big business that lockdown measures would have. This included a mass culling of the elderly in aged-care homes, which Abbott now lauds and promotes. The WSWS, moreover, has previously documented the fact that the Policy Exchange think tank where Abbott spoke is the scene of high-level discussions of the British state and the Conservative Party, along with its US ally. It is notable that Abbott has come under fire from Britains liberal press, including the Guardian, who have denounced his putative position as a trade envoy. Demonstrating the selfish concerns of the upper-middle class, they have passed over Abbotts homicidal speech, instead condemning his record of misogyny and homophobia as incompatible with their fixation on individual identity. By this they have signalled that they have no fundamental opposition to the policy of herd immunity. The implications of Abbotts speech for domestic Australian politics have also received scant attention. The entire Australian establishment, including the official media, the governing federal Liberal-Nationals and Labor opposition, and the various state administrations, have centred their response to the pandemic on the same back-to-work and reopening of the economy campaigns that have been carried out by their counterparts internationally. While they did not explicitly adopt the program of herd immunity, all Australian governments, Liberal-National and Labor alike, rejected expert medical advice in April which called for a policy aimed at eliminating coronavirus transmission. This, they claimed, would be too costly. The financial press published death calculases, along the lines of Abbotts speech, weighing the cost of treatment against its impact on profits, and invariably concluding that the latter would need to take priority. As has happened elsewhere, the premature lifting of lockdown measures beginning in May has resulted in a new surge of the pandemic, centred in the state of Victoria. There, the state Labor government of Premier Daniel Andrews rejected calls from epidemiologists for immediate workplace and school shutdowns as daily case numbers soared. Mass outbreaks have occurred in aged-care homes. This is the direct outcome of the corporatisation of the sector by federal governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, over decades. Minimal health precautions were rejected by many of the private operators, while staff are primarily low-paid casuals without any medical expertise. State Labor authorities prevented the hospitalisation of residents infected with COVID-19, instead consigning them to treatment that amounts to palliative care. Thousands have been infected and hundreds have tragically died. It was only when Victorias hospital system threatened to be completely overwhelmed that Andrews implemented Stage Four restrictions, involving the closure of Melbournes retail sector, the resumption of online learning and some restrictions on other workplaces. Those Stage Four measures are set to elapse in less than a fortnight. Abbotts speech was a carefully-timed intervention. The former PM retains close ties to the federal Liberal-National government and the Murdoch press: the forces spearheading a stepped-up campaign for the lifting of virtually all remaining COVID-19 restrictions. It was hardly a coincidence that the day before Abbotts speech, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg gave a series of interviews demanding that lockdown measures be overturned in Victoria, to provide businesses with certainty. Signalling yet again the bipartisan character of the pro-business response to the pandemic, Andrews immediately promised to present a road map out of the restrictions this Sunday. Being worked out in secret with the representatives of ten industry groups, it will undoubtedly involve the sort of workplace and school reopenings that resulted in the last resurgence of the virus. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 10F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 10F. Winds light and variable. China's President Xi calls for 'impregnable fortress' in Tibet Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 8:32 AM Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on senior leaders to build an "impregnable fortress" to maintain stability and national unity in Tibet, in an effort to build a "united, prosperous" community in the remote Himalayan region. Xi told a senior Communist Party meeting that more efforts were needed to "plant the seeds of loving China in the depths of the hearts of every youth," in Tibet. The president pledged to build a "united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful new, modern, socialist Tibet." Xi said Tibetan Buddhism also needed to adapt to socialism and to Chinese conditions. China seized control over the Himalayan region in 1950. Tibet, officially referred to as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), is devoted to Buddhism. Its spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India following a failed 1959 Tibetan revolt against Chinese rule. Tibet shares borders with India, Bhutan and Nepal. Back in July, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States supported "meaningful autonomy" for Tibet. He also said that Washington would restrict visas for some Chinese officials involved in blocking diplomatic access to Tibet and engaging in "human rights abuses." China has repeatedly warned the US against meddling in its internal affairs. Washington has the same stance toward other Chinese territories including Taiwan, Hong Kong and the northwestern region of Xinjiang, which is home to the ethnic minority of Uighurs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address YEREVAN. The legislative initiative proposed by the government, in fact, introduces eleven new types of fines for the people who violate the quarantine regime. Karen Simonyan, a member of the opposition Bright Armenia faction, said this at Fridays special session of the National Assembly during which the package of bills on making amendments and addenda to the law on ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population and to the related laws are being debated on Thus, according to him, the government, represented by the Ministry of Justice, imposes new fines which are not in the interests of the people. To note, the violation of the special regime when entering and leaving the epidemic (quarantine) zone in Armenia shall be punished with a fine of 50 thousand to 70 thousand drams. At the same time, the violation of the restriction of the right of free movement of people or the movement of vehicles, as well as the obstruction of their inspection during the quarantine period shall be punished with a fine of 10 thousand drams. At the same time, the fine for wearing the face masks improperly will remain the same10 thousand drams, whereas the violation of the measures and restrictions set by the educational institutions during the quarantine shall be fined from 50 thousand to 100 thousand drams. The response to a protest Thursday outside an east Portland law enforcement building could signal changing police tactics to the nightly demonstrations entering their 15th week. When Portland police moved in on the crowd, officers made few arrests and quickly retreated. It was a contrast to many August nights when police often arrested 20 or more people and frequently used tear gas, smoke, less-lethal munitions and physical force to break up crowds. Police instead used the element of surprise Thursday night and early Friday morning. Dozens of officers advanced toward the crowd after emerging from behind a row of police vehicles during a calm moment. After they detained at least one person, who appeared to have been targeted, in the middle of the crowd, officers retreated. It was unclear what police believed that person had done. Protesters were stunned and energized by the arrest. But the overall atmosphere stayed notably subdued, with few people taking actions to provoke police. The demonstration unfolded as protesters and police reacted to the death of Michael Reinoehl, the man sought in the fatal shooting of right-wing demonstrator Aaron Jay Danielson Saturday in Portland. Reinoehl had been killed when members of a federal fugitive task force tried to arrest him in Washington. He was killed around the same time Vice News published an interview with Reinoehl. He described the shooting as self-defense and said he often provided security to nightly protesters. A few people in the crowd blamed Portland police for Reinoehls death, shouting at officers and spray painting similar messages on the street. Here are the other key moments of Thursdays protest, the 99th straight night: About 200 marched from Laurelhurst Park to the Penumbra Kelly Building in East Portland. Beth Nakamura/Staff Gathering spot: About 200 demonstrators gathered at the Penumbra Kelly Building shared by Portland police and Multnomah County deputies. The building, on East Burnside Street at 47th Avenue, is a frequent site of protests. The events usually draw out police after protesters take actions such as throwing things or stepping on the property. Police warned protesters immediately when they arrived around 9:40 p.m. to stay off the property or risk arrest. Police cars with bright lights pointed toward the crowd. Some protesters formed a line and held shields covered in reflective material to shine the light back at police. A few people threw water bottles onto the property. Police later said in a press release that people had also thrown rocks and spray-painted part of the property. Most people chanted and listened to music. We wont quit until you quit! people shouted in unison. The crowd parted for a TriMet Line 20 bus, and the driver honked in appreciation. The overall scene remained calm for more two hours until about midnight. By then, the crowd had decreased by half. About 200 marched from Laurelhurst Park to the Penumbra Kelly Building. Beth Nakamura/Staff Sudden appearance: Around midnight, dozens of Portland police suddenly rushed into the crowd and surrounded at least one person. As some officers took the person into custody, dozens more officers formed a circle around them. Police used a loudspeaker to warn the crowd not to interfere. Officers retreated all at once, with the detained person. Police later said they made multiple arrests at that time but did not specify the exact number. Oregonian/OregonLive journalists saw one. Police said those arrested had continued to throw rocks toward the building, parked vehicles and officers. The arrest agitated the crowd that had been shrinking. People shouted at police and pointed flashlights at the building, where the lights had been turned off. Close call: A gray sedan drove quickly past the crowd on Burnside Street, forcing some people to rush out of the way around 12:20 a.m. People criticized officers for failing to stop the car. Police used a loudspeaker to respond. The officer told people the street remained open to vehicle traffic, then continued: In regards to the car that just sped by you, were having officers try to stop the vehicle. The announcement angered the crowd, and some people moved to block other cars from driving on to Burnside. In the press release, police said patrol officers cited the driver, but provided no further details. About 200 marched from Laurelhurst Park to the Penumbra Kelly Building, a law enforcement building shared by the city and county at East Burnside Street and 47th Avenue Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. The demonstration comes on the night Michael Forest Reinoehl, sought in the fatal shooting of a man in downtown Portland, was killed in Lacey, Wash., by a federal fugitive task force. Beth Nakamura/Staff Traffic enforcement: Dozens of officers again walked through the crowd around 12:50 a.m. Demonstrators followed police west on Burnside. Officers quietly and collectively made their way to two cars parked on the street. Their reasons were initially unclear. Officers reappeared about 15 minutes later and walked back toward the cars parked on Burnside. Protesters again gathered around them, according to videos on social media posted after Oregonian/OregonLive journalists left the scene. The face-off between the two sides lasted about 40 minutes. Police left after a truck towed away one of the cars. In its statement, Portland police said officers were trying to clear the vehicles from blocking traffic. Some of the vehicles were cited. Police said over the course of the night, officers arrested two people, one person on charges of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct and the second person on charges of interfering with a police officer and failing to display a drivers license. It was the second straight night that protesters had marched to a law enforcement building. On Wednesday, a smaller crowd gathered outside the Portland Police North Precinct on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Police said they made targeted arrests after some protesters walked past a police-tape line and threw things in the direction of officers, but police did not say how many people were arrested. Read more: Beth Nakamura of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report. -- Andrew Theen; atheen@oregonian.com; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen Gita got married when she was 12 but, like most married girls in her village in Rajasthan, continued to live with her parents and go to school. Her gauna, when the bride moves to her marital home, would happen years later. But when the lockdown began, her family decided it was time. Gita, on the verge of completing secondary school, was dispatched to her husbands home. When she left, three other girls from her village had their gaunas too. The surge in child marriage is an unanticipated side-effect of the pandemic. Between March and May, Childline India, an organisation helping children in distress, intervened in 5,333 such marriages. Given that there was a lockdown and no events, no movement and no mobility, the number is very high, a Childline official explained. When the lockdown eased in June and July, child marriages spiked, marking a 17% increase over the previous year. Theres a strong correlation between Covid-19 and child marriage. Schools, and mid-day meals, are shut and families facing economic distress are keen to offload what they consider their burden. Adolescent girls are now at a higher risk of child marriage, or if already married, being forced to move to their marital home earlier than planned, with the resulting sexual exploitation, said Safeena Husain, founder of the NGO, Educate Girls. Years of activism that resulted in a 19% decline in child marriage for girls over the past decade are being negated. In a parallel development, the government has set up a taskforce to consider increasing the legal age of marriage for girls from 18 to 21 at a par with boys. Increasing marriage age improves maternal and child health outcomes. An older bride, and an educated one, also has a better chance of resisting domestic violence. But some NGOs are concerned. They say maternal and child health outcomes are determined by economic status, not just age. A 16-year-old with good nutrition will have a healthier baby than a girl of the same age from a marginalised background. A coalition of 21 NGOs told the taskforce that increasing the age limit would also criminalise the poorest girls and their families. Moreover, they said, 65% of cases under the existing law are filed by parents against daughters who had chosen their own partners. The law has become a way to enforce parental and community control over them, said Madhu Mehra, executive director of Partners in Law and Development. Stopping child marriage will involve increasing access to education, opportunities for employment and learning to listen to girls aspirations. The proposed change is removed from ground reality, Mamta Janrid of Sankriya village in Rajasthan told me. My village school is only till the 8th grade. After that everyone says, Shes sitting at home doing nothing. Lets get her married. Single at 20, Mamta is in her first year of a masters degree. People say its time for me to marry. But Im studying, so Im safe. Namita Bhandare writes on gender issues The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Among education reform advocates, improving urban education is often the focus. Thats no surprise since tens of thousands of kids in cities suffer from decades of educational failure and limited opportunity. But often overlooked are the challenges and problems plaguing rural education. Sometimes opportunities for success are just as limited, or even more so, than for students in cities. One example of this is found in Mattoon, Wisconsin, a village of just 400 residents. When the elementary school closed in 2016, most students from the North Central Wisconsin village found themselves riding the bus 45 minutes to Antigo. The distant, sprawling Unified School District of Antigo has five low-performing schools but only one high-performing elementary school. For the kids in Mattoon, attending a high-performing school isnt really an option. The problem of high-performing school deserts is highlighted in in a new study from the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL). The study identifies ZIP codes and regions in the state of Wisconsin without access to high-performing schools. High-performing school deserts are defined as locations that have no high-performing schools within ten miles, based on WILLs value-added analysis of state test data. The study, released last month, identified 134 high-performing school deserts out of approximately 899 ZIP codesabout 15%. About 40,000 students live in these primarily rural ZIP codes. High-performing school deserts arent typically found in urban areas because high-quality schools can exist side-by-side with low-quality ones. Though students from low-income areas may not have ready access to these schools, they are relatively close by. In rural areas, there is often only one option at a particular grade level. And if it happens to be a low-performing school, families are left with nowhere to turn. There are a number of ways that policymakers could address this problem. First, more than 15 states now have private educational choice programs, but bureaucratic barriers to entry remain high in many of them. Research shows that more requirements make high-quality schools less likely to participate in these programs. Advocates should work to remove the limitations on these programs that disincentivize participation. Removing enrollment caps, which can make it difficult for schools to launch that are focused on serving students on vouchers, would encourage participation. Policymakers could also look at changing requirements for choice schools such as participating in state testing, as many private schools prefer to use nationally norm-referenced tests like the MAP. But special solutions will be needed to address rural areas. Programs that allow students to supplement the education they are receiving in their home district with classes from another district are relevant. These can be done in person, but virtual options are likely to be more promising and available in the future. The coronavirus pandemic has made virtual education more popular than ever before, and there is a real opportunity for a broader embrace of such programs. Another factor for policymakers to consider is increasing access to facilities in rural areas, including vacant schools. Three years after Mattoons elementary school closed, a religious group called Shepherds Watch approached the Antigo School District about purchasing the vacant building. Antigo was willing to sell the building, until they learned that Shepherds Watch wanted to use the vacant building to open a private school in the choice program. WILL is now assisting Shepherds Watch in a lawsuit against the Antigo school district. Policies that encourage the sale of vacant school buildings could also help bring school choice to rural areas. The education reform community cannot ignore rural communitieswhere public schools are failing, and families have few options. In many ways, this will require a difficult and more nuanced approach that addresses the unique challenges and needs of rural America. It may not be as simple to serve the children who live in sparsely populated regions. But that doesnt eliminate our responsibility to meet their needs. Children in every community, rural and urban, deserve high-performing school options. By PTI NEW DELHI: Five-nation influential grouping BRICS, which includes India and China, on Friday said conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations irrespective of their historic background. The BRICS stressed on resolution of conflicts in a declaration issued after a virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of the member nations of the grouping. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Though the declaration mentioned about conflicts in various parts of the world, the reference comes at a time when India and China, the two key members of the bloc, are engaged in a bitter border row for four months in mountainous eastern Ladakh region. "They concurred that, irrespective of their historic background and distinctive nature, conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations in line with principles and norms of international law, particularly the UN Charter," it said. Besides India and China, the BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia and South Africa. In his address, Jaishankar called for boosting cooperation among the grouping in dealing with the threat of terrorism besides emphasising the need to reform the United Nations to reflect contemporary global realities. Jaishankar also called for expansion of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories besides pitching for reforms in international bodies like World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund and World Health Organisation. The meeting was chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended by Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, China's Wang, South African Foreign Minister Grace Naledi Pandor and Jaishankar. The joint declaration said the ministers expressed concerns at the rise of violence and continuing conflicts in different parts of the world that have significant impact at both the regional and international levels. It said the ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, adding that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. "They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to contribute further to the global efforts of preventing and countering the threat of terrorism on the basis of respect for international law and the UN Charter, emphasising that States have the primary responsibility in combating terrorism," the declaration said. The BRICS foreign ministers also called for establishing long-term peace in Afghanistan on the basis of successful, direct and inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations supported by international partners. "The peace process should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. They condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks that took place in Afghanistan," it said. It said the ministers noted with appreciation the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in infrastructure and sustainable development financing and its contribution to the efforts of BRICS states to address the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. "They welcomed the decision of the NDB Board of Governors to establish an emergency assistance facility up to USD 10 billion to meet related needs and the approval of four loans in the total amount of USD 4 billion," the declaration said. It said the ministers reiterated the pressing need to preserve jobs and income, in particular for the most vulnerable groups of society. "They underscored the urgency of restoring international growth and international trade, strengthening markets stability and resilience. The Ministers stressed the value of cooperation between States, both bilaterally and multilaterally," it said. In his address, Jaishankar said the BRICS has an important role to play in the wake of grave challenges in economic, political and social, health fields. He also highlighted the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative of India as a "dynamic" and mutually beneficial global economic engagement, covering five key pillars, including economy, infrastructure, technology, demography and demand. PTI MPB ZMN 09042337 NNNN BOSTON The Massachusetts Democratic Committee has asked Cheryl Jacques, a former state senator and past president of the Human Rights Campaign, to review the partys role in misconduct allegations leveled against congressional candidate Alex B. Morse in the run-up to this weeks primary election. State Democratic Committee members were told of Jacques appointment in a email Friday. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, defeated Morse, the mayor of Holyoke, by nearly 20 percentage points Tuesday. He won every major population center in the 1st Congressional District, including Holyoke. In August, the University of Massachusetts Amherst College Democrats sent a letter to Morse disinviting him from its events. The letter stated Morse, who is openly gay, had made college students uncomfortable by contacting them through dating apps and a private Instagram account. The letter was made public by the UMass student newspaper, the Massachusetts Daily Collegian. Morse, 31, who previously taught a political science course at UMass, acknowledged relationships with college students but said they were consensual. At first Morse apologized and said he needed to be more cognizant of how power dynamics impact relationships. But later he derided the letter as a homophobic attack after a UMass College Democrats member said one of the students who helped formulate the letter wanted to work for Neal. Morse blamed the Springfield political machine for the controversy. Neal and his campaign both said they had nothing to do with the letter. The state Democratic Party acknowledged that it connected the College Democrats with legal help. The party has said the students were advised not to make the letter public. Jacques, a former administrative law judge, will conduct and independent review as to whether Democratic leaders violated the partys charter, rules, bylaws, and/or practices and issue a report within 45 days. She represented the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District in the state Senate from 1993 to 2004. Jacques, whi came out as lesbian in 2001, served for less than a year in 2004 as president of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ advocacy group and lobbying firm in the U.S. In a series of Tweets Friday, Massachusetts Democrat Chairman Gus Bickford turned the page from what had been a contentious primary season in Massachusetts, congratulating the campaigns on record voter turnout and focusing attention on supporting the presidential campaign of Joe Biden. Morse didnt respond to calls and emails Friday requesting comment. Separately, UMass Amherst has asked an attorney to do an investigation of Morses conduct.at the college. Natashia Tidwell, a partner at the Boston law firm Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, is looking at whether Morse violated UMass policy or federal Title IX anti-sexual harassment rules. There is no timetable for the results of the UMass investigation. A Louisiana woman facing eviction from her apartment has been accused of setting the 25-unit complex on fire, leaving a dog dead and 26 residents displaced, authorities said. Jazlynn Major, 25, was arrested on Sept. 1 in Hunstville, Texas, and charged with 26 counts of aggravated arson, news outlets reported. Major appeared in court on Aug. 31 and received a 24-hour eviction notice, requiring her to leave the Amies Paradise apartments in New Orleans by 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, according to First City Court Clerk Austin Badon. Later that evening, witnesses told investigators that Major left her apartment around 8:40 p.m. and a glow could be seen from her window. The glow grew brighter and witnesses realized it was a fire, officials said. A New Orleans Fire Department spokesperson said 70 firefighters were on the scene battling the three-alarm blaze. Twenty-six residents in 20 units left their apartments unharmed but a dog belonging to one of the residents died, the spokesperson said. Major could face between two to 20 years in prison if convicted. Its unclear whether she had an attorney who could comment on her behalf. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Louisiana ALTAMONT Before Indian Ladder Farm's guest workers arrived from Jamaica, they had to quarantine in their country for two weeks as a protection against carrying coronavirus into the U.S Once at the farm, their shifts and meal times have been staggered to ensure they are a safe distance from one another. Masks are mandatory while they work in Indian Ladder's cider mill. But orchard manager Chris Carballeira said his biggest worry is the thousands of American customers who will descend during harvest season, starting with Indian Ladder's pick your own apple operation Saturday, Sept. 5, who could spread the virus to workers, who are here on H-2A temporary agricultural worker visas. The farm erected a fence around their guest workers' buildings not to keep them from customers, but to keep customers away from them. "There is the concern with public compliance, its been disappointing," Carballeira said about some people's refusal to wear masks and socially distance. "Its scary not just for the frontline workers, but H-2A workers. "The farmer is the original social distancing job," he continued. "If we were left to our own devices to operate an agricultural operation it would be easier." Indian Ladder, like so many New York fruit and vegetable farms, makes much of its money from agritourism - the time between Labor Day and Halloween when the public's thirst for pumpkins, apples and cider donuts is voracious. And considering people have been restricted from doing normal activities since the pandemic shutdown in March, interest in farm visits are likely to be more sought after than ever. RELATED: Despite pandemic, hay rides, haunted houses and corn mazes can proceed New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said he wrote to Gov. Andrew Cuomo in April asking for the state to provide formal guidance for how agricultural enterprises should protect themselves during the pandemic. In May, the state issued recommendations, such as providing separate places for guest workers to sleep, and splitting up workers so not too many are on a shift at one time. Free COVID-19 testing has recently been offered to seasonal workers currently in Clinton, Genesee, Orleans, Ulster and Wayne counties - where a large influx of workers from out of state is expected. Indian Ladder expressed that the safety of their guest workers - a more preferred term for them than the traditional "migrant worker" description - is top of mind. But immigration advocates worry not all employers are as conscientious, or have the money or resources to put all pandemic safety protocols in place. Paul Buckowski/Times Union Immigrants make up 16 percent of New York's agricultural employees, and almost 30 percent of workers in food and beverage manufacturing and processing, according to the Center of Migration Studies, a New York-based think tank. According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, 8,104 guest workers had H-2A visas last year to work on farms in New York. Many began arriving in August to assist in the harvest. But language barriers and the congregate way workers live presents a particular challenge at workplaces - as witnessed by large COVID-19 outbreaks that have already happened in New York. At Green Empire Farm greenhouse in Oneida County, 169 of the 340 workers tested positive for COVID-19 in May. A month later, Champlain Valley Specialities, an Oswego apple-packaging facility, had 82 employees test positive for COVID-19. Closer to the Capital Region, seven quarry workers from Vermont who lived together in Washington County also tested positive. The business is not an agricultural one, but the case appeared to involve seasonal workers. The Vermont Department of Health has not identified the quarry; there are at least two just over the New York border near Fair Haven, Vermont. The outbreak in June involved about 15 workers, some whose primary language was not English and others who were guest workers. "There wasnt one portrait of the individuals impacted," said Dan Daltry, administrative lead for Vermont's contact tracing team at that state's Department of Health. "There was a diversity among the folks impacted in terms of language and housing situation." The Oneida greenhouse outbreak caught Gov. Andrew Cuomo's attention, and he mentioned it during one of his daily press briefings, attributing the spread to a high worker density. It turns out, workers slept in hotels four people per room, and two in each bed, according to a report from Syracuse.com. RELATED: Leaf peepers get on the bus: Not this year The state said recently that it has seen an increase in clusters associated with farms that employ seasonal workers who have traveled from out of state. The clusters are due to the higher number of workers in close proximity since farms and food production facilities have remained open as essential businesses. Jessica Maxwell, the executive director of Workers Center of Central New York, a grassroots organization focused on workplace issues, said she heard about the situation at the apple packing facility anecdotally through workers within her network. Shes spoken to several farmers across Central New York, and language barriers seem to be a recurring theme in many workplaces. In this case there may be supervisors that dont speak the language of the people they are supervising and getting good information to people can be a real challenge, Maxwell said. The states guidance for farm owners and operators suggests posting signs reinforcing social distancing and hand-washing in multiple languages. Maxwell said this is a good start, but adds that informational signs may leave out certain individuals. If you have a population that isnt all literate, posting signage -- even in a native language -- may not be a good way of communicating, Maxwell said. She said verbal communications, demonstrations and illustrations may be additions worth considering. The New York Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension said they have been conducting outreach to county health departments to assess preparedness and quarantine housing options should an outbreak occur on a farm. The Farm Bureau also established a worker relief database to connect farms with potential temporary employees should they be needed. A recent farm bureau survey said 84 percent of farms reported having safety plans in place to protect their employees. Carballeira, orchard manager at Indian Ladder, had to hire an extra person so the proper amount of people could work the split shift. They also had to hire more people to do extra sanitations around the farm. Farms without H-2A workers are also nervous. They spent money paying their regular employees to get crops in the ground. But if there is another shutdown because of COVID-19 cases rising again in New York, they too will have to close and make no money on their harvests. Garth Ellms, co-owner of Ellms Family Farm on the border of Charlton and Ballston in Saratoga County, said he recently ordered $5,000 worth of hand sanitizer alone, in addition to having to close some indoor spaces to the public. "Were definitely concerned we will be able to harvest," he said. Farms have also posted detailed instructions for how customers should conduct themselves on property. At Samascott Orchards in Columbia County, masks are required when paying and near other visitors, and customers must wash their hands before picking their own apples. The farm's orchard map also lists where hand sanitizing stations are. Meanwhile, COVID-19 clusters on farms and in food production continue to appear. In July, there were 20 cases reported in Ulster County, and some of those cases came from guest workers at an apple orchard in southeastern Ulster, according to a spokesperson for the Ulster County Executive office. Advocates have been hearing anecdotally about clusters emerging, but its hard to tell just how frequently its happening, said Emma Kreyche, advocacy director for the Worker Justice Center of New York, a legal organization that focuses on agricultural and other low wage workers. Its been difficult for us as a farm worker organization, as well as I think for other advocates across the state, to get a true handle on the total number of farmer workers affected by the pandemic, Kreyche said. Partly its because there is no centralized mechanism for tracking cases associated with agricultural operations. The state Departments of Health, Labor and Agriculture and Markets put out guidance for farm owners and operators. But unlike restaurants and bars - where the state created a State Police Task Force to do sweeps of those not compiling with serving and social distance rules - worker advocates are worried that there is not the same enforcement mechanism to ensure farm and manufacturing employers are instituting the recommendations. We know those changes can cut into profit, Kreyche said. There is really no way of knowing what the compliance rate looks like in agriculture, and unfortunately, the way we tend to learn about whether a farm is complying with these recommendations is when we hear complaints or about an outbreak. The state Department of Agriculture and Markets said in a written statement to the Times Union that it continues to do routine inspections of farming operations - including more than 30 visits to produce farms since the pandemic started. It acknowledged that there have been COVID-19 investigations of agricultural workspaces after getting reports of outbreaks or non-compliance. But the state provided no further details. Ensuring the safety of the farming community has always been our first priority, and throughout this public health crisis, we have worked to protect farm workers health, issuing and enforcing official guidance, which was sent directly to hundreds of growers and also distributed to our farms through partnerships with Cornell Cooperative Extension, NY Farm Bureau, and other farm associations and advocacy groups," read a statement provided by Agriculture and Markets spokeswoman Hanna Birkhead. Language barriers - and an unwillingness for workers to complain and jeopardize their jobs - also means any flouting of pandemic recommendations is likely not being reported. Workers who are sick are also not likely to report their symptoms for fear of losing their jobs. RELATED: Siena poll: 86 percent of New Yorkers fear a COVID-19 wave this fall Rossana Coto-Batres, director of the Northeast NY Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, said that some workers she had spoken with werent aware of the new paid sick leave laws that came about during the pandemic. It wasnt until this past January that a new state law became effective requiring farm workers to be given 24 consecutive hours of rest every calendar week. Getting paid days off is not something theyre really used to, Coto-Batres said. This chilling effect can be dangerous from a public health standpoint. If individuals dont report their symptoms due to fear about jeopardizing their status, it could lead to further spread of the virus. Washington County health officials stressed that they would not be asking any questions regarding immigration status after the quarry cluster. We are not asking that question. It leads people to distrust us, Washington County Attorney Roger Wickes said. From a public health perspective we dont want to know their status. Wickes said there is only one thing the local health department is concerned with: Were worried about healthy versus sick. Think Downton Abbey meets Apocalypse Now with a love triangle thrown in and you'll get some idea of what ITV's new six-part period drama The Singapore Grip is all about. Even the team behind the show admit it's a difficult series to pin down. 'It's not your regular period drama,' says producer Farah Abushwesha, speaking on the set in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. 'We're totally off-brand with this one.' Director Tom Vaughan puts it more succinctly. 'It's like Jane Austen has written a comedy of manners then the Japanese decide to bomb it!' David Morrissey stars as Walter Blackett (pictured) in ITV's new six-part period drama The Singapore Grip Walter's wife, Sylvia, is played by Jane Horrocks (pictured). The characters are expats enjoying the fruits of success in the Far East rubber trade Based on the 1978 novel by JG Farrell, which drew on real events, The Singapore Grip is initially the story of rich Brits living lives of excess in the Crown colony in the early 1940s. But the invasion of the island by Japan in 1942, one of the key events of the Second World War, throws their lives into turmoil. David Morrissey and Jane Horrocks appear as Walter and Sylvia Blackett, expats enjoying the fruits of his success in the Far East rubber trade. Walter's business partner Mr Webb is played by Charles Dance, with Colm Meaney as his associate Major Archer. Australian actress Georgia Blizzard plays the Blacketts' scheming daughter Joan, a woman with her sights set on Mr Webb's son Matthew (Luke Treadaway). A love triangle develops between Joan Blackett, Matthew Webb and Vera Chiang, with Joan pursuing Matthew for all she's worth. Pictured: Luke Treadaway plays Webb But will Matthew fall for enigmatic Chinese refugee Vera Chiang (former Coronation Street actress Elizabeth Tan), who was taken in by his father after escaping from the Japanese in China? Sir Christopher Hampton, who won an Oscar for his screenplay of the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons with Glenn Close, has adapted the novel for TV. He knew JG Farrell, who died in 1979, and has long been fascinated by the author's work and the catastrophe at the heart of The Singapore Grip. 'One of my uncles, Robert, was working in the Far East at the time for Cable & Wireless, and managed to secure a berth on one of the last ships to flee Singapore before the Japanese invasion,' says Christopher. The expats' lives are thrown into turmoil by the Japanese invasion of Singapore, which came in 1942 'He was fortunate to avoid the huge number of deaths that followed. When Jim Farrell wrote about this period in history in The Singapore Grip I devoured the book immediately, so I relished the chance to adapt it.' The events of The Singapore Grip are true to life and painful to observe. 'Britain's big guns were pointing out to sea when the Japanese attack was coming overland, and its troops were deployed in the wrong sector of the island in defiance of all intelligence,' says Christopher. The heat really is on The Singapore Grip was shot entirely on location in Malaysia, which was preferred to Singapore because the latter is now dominated by skyscrapers, and the tropical weather proved a challenge for cast and crew alike. 'We used the old British High Commission located on a hill overlooking Kuala Lumpur as the Blacketts' house and grounds, and during one storm the swimming pool was struck by lightning. It turned the water green,' says producer Farah Abushwesha. Storms weren't the only challenge, as temperatures regularly hit 35C or more in the Malaysian capital. 'The trick is to turn off the air conditioning so you don't keep getting hot and then cold,' says Charles Dance. 'Your body has to take it in. Unfortunately, when you need to look presentable you do depend on the air con. 'The other trick is to walk very, very slowly.' Jane Horrocks agrees. 'We had places we could go to for shade but if I was out in the heat, I found the best thing to do was just to stay very, very still!' David Morrissey reveals the crew came up with some novel solutions. 'One of the costume department turned old electric paint-strippers into fans, which you operated like hairdryers. We all fought over those! It was uncomfortable, but it gave us a taste of what it would have been like for the Brits in colonial Singapore.' Advertisement 'Britain's befuddled military leadership transitioned from complacency to panic with no intervening stage of common sense, which meant that the colony was poised for an inevitable debacle.' Even somebody as worldly wise as Walter Blackett a fictional character, like all the civilians in the drama seems oblivious to what's about to happen as he enjoys the trappings of his success. He organises a lavish birthday party for Mr Webb in episode one in scenes that could have come straight out of Downton Abbey, with the party held on the manicured lawn of his magnificent mansion. The party is not to everybody's liking, not least the man it's been thrown for. 'Webb would rather observe from the sidelines than be the centre of attention,' explains Charles Dance. 'He hates sitting on show like some prize animal.' As the guests sip Champagne and a band plays in the background, the sky darkens and the trumpets compete for attention with rumbles of thunder, the prelude to a tropical downpour. It's a meteorological metaphor for the vicious storm the Japanese are about to inflict on the Brits. The invasion begins with an aerial attack on the Singapore docks by the Japanese, a blitz that leaves hundreds of buildings on fire. These scenes were filmed at an abandoned town an hour outside Kuala Lumpur. 'It was perfect,' explains director Tom Vaughan. 'We were able to set fire to buildings and incorporate them into the story.' The Japanese then invade with boots on the ground from the north, and the drama takes a much darker turn. The Battle of Slim River, a decisive victory for the Japanese, was re-created south of Kuala Lumpur. Among the props was a fully functioning replica Ha-Go 95 Japanese tank, constructed by production designer Rob Harris and his team. Eagle-eyed viewers will also spot anti-aircraft guns and 25lb field guns, which were either borrowed from the Malaysian Army or left behind by British and Australian soldiers. Also re-created later in the series although it's not in JG Farrell's book is the Japanese assault on the Alexandra Hospital in Singapore. 'Hundreds of people were massacred including doctors, nurses and British soldiers recovering from injuries, and thousands were taken prisoner,' says Christopher. 'It was a brutal massacre, and I thought it important to include as we wouldn't otherwise have been conveying enough of the menace and the terror of the Japanese invaders.' Meanwhile, amid all the carnage, a love triangle develops between Joan Blackett, Matthew Webb and Vera Chiang, with Joan pursuing Matthew for all she's worth. Colm Meany (pictuered) also stars, as Major Archer, the associate of Charles Dance's character Mr Webb 'Walter thinks that if Joan can make Matthew like her then they can marry and combine the two families of the firm,' says Luke Treadaway, who plays Matthew. 'They think it will be pretty easy, that one evening will be enough. They almost assume the wedding is on. But perhaps Matthew is more taken by Vera...'. And Georgia Blizzard, who plays Joan, thinks viewers may be on Vera's side. 'Because Joan is so manipulative, I suspect viewers will be Team Vera. 'But I'm definitely Team Joan! She's strong and intelligent and ruthless in a positive way, and the product of two parents keen to see her married off well. Walter seems oblivious to what is about to happen, even though he is worldly wise The Blacketts' scheming daughter Joan is played by Georgia Blizzard, while Luke Newberry plays Monty Webb 'I admire her, even if I sometimes didn't feel as glamorous as I needed to. I was very lucky that between takes people would dab me and powder me when I wasn't feeling as fancy as Joan was on paper. 'Christopher's directions that said, "Joan sweeps into the room looking dazzling" put a bit of pressure on me!' For David Morrissey and Jane Horrocks, who worked together on the 2000 movie Born Romantic, the show was a lovely reunion. 'Our characters had to salsa dance and had a sexy bedroom scene in Born Romantic,' remembers Jane. 'We do have several bedroom scenes here but they're not sexual. It's just the two of us lying together I suspect Sylvia probably suffers from migraines!' The Singapore Grip comes to ITV later this month. LANSING, MI Michigan regulators have signed a $35.2 million settlement with a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corp. to pay for toxic site cleanup at dozens of gas stations where leaking underground storage tanks were discovered. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Attorney General Dana Nessels office announced the consent agreement on Thursday, Sept. 3. The settlement pays for cleanup at 79 gas stations in 28 counties in the Lower Peninsula formerly owned by the Premcor Refining Group, which is owned by Valero Energy. Most of the sites are current or former Clark stations where the initial pollution was released more than 20 years ago. Premcor previously owned the properties before transferring them to a company that later went insolvent, according to EGLE. The state will receive payments over the next year. About $1.2 million will reimburse the state for past taxpayer-funded cleanup work at Clark stations in Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion and Holt. Leaky underground storage tanks are a big pollution concern in Michigan and nationwide. There is a significant backlog of sites that need cleanup in Michigan, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Of the 23,663 tanks that have released contaminants in Michigan over the years, the EPA says 8,185 still require cleanup. There are 17,709 active petroleum storage tanks in Michigan, as of March. The states regulatory program is overseen by the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA). This significant influx of funding from Premcor will be used to protect the public health, safety, and the environment at former Premcor sites and other sites throughout the State of Michigan, said EGLE director Liesl Clark. The settlement will provide important funding at a time when resources for state programs are scarce. Nessel called the agreement a positive step forward for the environmental health of our state. The settlement doesnt cover 51 former Premcor gas stations around the state where leaking tanks have also been found. Premcor previously operated the stations under the name Clark Refining and Marketing. Valero bought Premcor in 2005. A message seeking comment from Valero communication staff was not immediately returned. The settlement was signed by Valero senior vice president Richard Walsh. Valero, a Fortune 50 company based in San Antonio, Texas, operates 15 petroleum refineries and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under VLO. Valero owns an ethanol refinery in Lenawee County near Riga. Related stories: Michigan claims PFAS makers hid firefighting foam danger Odor violations mount at paper mill seeking big tax break PFAS site list surges past 100 as new standards take hold Marathon fined over rotten odors, soot emissions 3M to pay $55M in Michigan PFAS settlement Michigan PFAS polluter named Business of the Year Sometimes, the press, in its Trump derangement, asks us to believe the fantastical. That's the case with the anonymously sourced story that ran in The Atlantic about President Trump supposedly calling fallen U.S. servicemen "losers." When President Donald Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018, he blamed rain for the last-minute decision, saying that "the helicopter couldn't fly" and that the Secret Service wouldn't drive him there. Neither claim was true. Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day. In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers." In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as "suckers" for getting killed. "Neither claim was true"? Actually, both claims were true. It was in the news after the press previously tried to create a brouhaha about it at the time. But for Jeffrey Goldberg, who's reporting this "story," or rather, this "told a story," he's spinning a new narrative and calculating that readers won't remember what came before. Most really good lies, like most heresies, start out with a kernel of truth, a hook, a little anchor. Goldberg cites then-candidate Trump's ill considered heated personal attack on John McCain, a former POW who served honorably in Vietnam, as "not a hero," adding "I like people who weren't captured" as his proof as if nothing had ever happened between those ill-considered remarks and what we see now. Trump made those stupid remarks because he was fighting with John McCain, who was serving as the errand boy for the now discredited Steele dossier around that time, and the only reason he got away with it is that voters, for multiple reasons, don't like McCain. But Trump's never made disrespectful remarks about servicemen injured or killed in the line of duty. He's always celebrated servicemen and servicewomen. He's visited injured servicemen and made trips abroad to be with servicemen. One of the most notable things he's done has been to call in enlisted and noncommissioned soldiers and sailors to solicit their input about how to make things better in the service for them. He's beefed up the military budget and demanded military parades to celebrate events. He's celebrated military victories. He's raised military pay. He's also cared deeply for the welfare of soldiers and sailors specially calling up the family of young servicewoman Vanessa Guillen, who was murdered by a sex-harassing stalker also in the military and talking with them about a plan of reform. He's ordered Saudi "students" out of U.S. military facilities after one of them tried an al-Qaeda-style attack. He's put veterans first in the Veterans Administration, reducing waiting times and raising customer satisfaction. He's been ultra-respectful of the military brass, defending a naval commander who broadcast the presence of COVID on his ship to the press (and America's enemies) instead of up the chain of command, recognizing that if he was misguided, or "had a bad day," as Trump put it, he was trying to look out for the welfare of his sailors. Trump explicitly said he "didn't want to ruin" the captain's career with a relief of command. The captain was reinstated, and the naval bureaucrat who derided him was fired. If anything, Trump's been a little too solicitous and trusting of the Pentagon brass. He hired Deep-State political animals such as H.R. McMaster, Jim Mattis, and John Kelly, all of whom turned out to be major disappointments, with at least some of them compulsive plotters and leakers on the side. Trump adores the military and honors America's heroes. He adores them so much that the left, up until now, has called him a "Nazi" for it, which is about par for the left. Now the canard is going out that he doesn't like them at all. It's another shape-shifting "narrative" unmoored in facts. To claim that Trump would make remarks about not wanting to get his hair wet and would therefore refuse to visit a storied military cemetery in France because the dead all were "losers" defies belief. It's clearly false. Trump himself has utterly denied it, with an edge of fury, given all he has shown of his care for the military. And a lot of the people who were there, with names attached, said it was garbage, too. Breitbart has that story: "What animal would say such a thing?" [Trump] asked. "If people really exist that would have said that, they're lowlifes and they're liars," Trump said. "And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects that more." Several members of the White House team, who were present for the trip, also publicly denounced the story on Twitter. "The Atlantic story on Donald Trump is total BS," wrote former White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. "I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussion this never happened." Sanders said she was "disgusted" by the attack published in The Atlantic, recalling the moments that President Trump met with veterans. "These were some of the moments I witnessed the President show his heart and demonstrate how much he respects the selfless and courageous men and women of our military," she said. Jordan Karem, the president's body man during the trip, also weighed in on Twitter. "Again, this is 100% false. I was next to the president the whole day!" he wrote. "The President was greatly disappointed when told we couldn't fly there. He was incredibly eager to honor our Fallen Heroes." It's not just refuted by people willing to go on the record with names attached saying it, it's also completely out of the character to the voters who have observed President Trump's term. Trump is a populist who is always looking out for the little guy - he hurls lots of insults, but he never insults ordinary people. His targets are pious media poobahs, assorted pompous asses in the celebrity-American community, Democratic opponents, and crazed leftists. He never attacks the little guy, which is the chief thing that distinguishes him from Mitt "46%" Romney, Hillary "deplorables" Clinton, Joe "Hey, fat" Biden, and Barack "bitter clingers" Obama. It's a disgusting lie, and anyone who's been watching things will know it. That's it's reported anonymously makes it doubly disgusting, for who knows what these sources really said? And if they are out of power, why would they need to hide their identities anyway, except of course that they know they will be exposed as liars. Third, who knows if this whole thing hasn't been distorted from enemies out to Get Trump and willing to say anything to do it, or else completely made up? There's no names attached to this despicable slew of lies, so anything goes. Which is why it ought to be treated with complete contempt. It's pretty creepy what kinds of lies you can get out there if you find the right media vehicle and hide behind the curtain of anonymity. Image credit: CNN screen shot via shareable YouTube. Hugo Weaving is definitely done with Middle Earth. The actor who portrayed Elrond in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies says he wont return to play the character in Amazons upcoming TV series based on the works of author J.R.R. Tolkien. Hugo Weaving says absolutely no to The Lord of the Rings Hugo Weaving | Morgan Lieberman/Getty Images Weaving recently chatted with Variety via phone about his new movie Measure for Measure. When asked if hed ever be interested in playing the elf Elrond again, he made his position very clear. No way. Absolutely no, he said. While the actor said that he would have been up for reprising the role of Agent Smith in the upcoming fourth Matrix film, the new Lord of the Rings has no appeal to him Matrix might have happened, Weaving said. But Lord of the Rings, no, I would never Im not interested in that at all. Look, I loved being in New Zealand with all those great people, and it was like going back to a family but actually, to be honest, I think everyone had more than enough of it. Amazons Lord of the Rings takes place before the movies Welcome to the Second Age: https://t.co/Tamd0oRgTw The Lord of the Rings on Prime (@LOTRonPrime) March 7, 2019 RELATED: Lord of the Rings Series Finally Gets Its Main Villain What Fans Will Recognize Him From Amazon has kept many details of the new Lord of the Rings series under wraps. But we do know the first season will consist of 20 episodes, according to SlashFilm, and will take place long before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The show will explore events that happened in the Second Age of Tolkiens fictional land of Middle Earth. (The films were set in the Third Age.) But the Second Age spans thousands of years, meaning there is a lot of ground the show could potentially cover. There are some limitations on what stories the show can tell, though. Amazons rights to Tolkiens work apparently only include The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, not the authors other books relating to Middle Earths earlier history, including The Silmarillion, Empire explained. However, the appendices to The Lord of the Rings contain many details about events not explored in the movies. It seems like those are likely the source material for the show. Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey, who is working with Amazon on the show, says the series could, in theory, address Saurons conflict with the Atlantis-like civilization of Numenor, according to Empire. The Lord of the Rings cast A grand journey is defined by its travelers. Meet the first members of our fellowship. #LOTRonPrime. A THREAD. The Lord of the Rings on Prime (@LOTRonPrime) January 14, 2020 While plot details are scarce, Amazon has revealed some of the actors who have been cast in the show. The list includes two Game of Thrones alums: Joseph Mawle, who played Benjen Stark, and Rober Aramayo, who played a young Ned Stark. Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Tom Budge, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Codova, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, and Daniel Weyman have also joined the cast. Production on the show began earlier this year and was paused due to the coronavirus, but resumed this summer. Amazon has not yet announced a premiere date for The Lord of the Rings. Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook! DECATUR Two men have been arrested and a warrant issued for a third in connection with three recent shootings in Decatur, one of which resulting in a death. Decatur police announced Thursday that Delahn L. Amos, 28, is wanted for the first-degree murder of Demetrius D. Maclin. Maclin, 31, was found dead on Aug. 26 in the 1200 block of North Edward Street at 4:17 a.m. by police patrol officers responding to reports of shots fired. Maclin was slumped inside a vehicle stopped in the roadway. Macon County Coroner Michael E. Day said at the time that Maclin suffered "multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and upper extremity" of his body. An additional warrant has been issued for Amos in connection with an attempted murder that occurred in the 1100 block North College Street on Aug. 27. At the time of that incident, authorities said police were called to the area by residents who reported hearing multiple gunshots. Responding officers found a 36-year-old man with several gunshot wounds in the 500 block of West Leafland Avenue. Police said the man was taken to a hospital for treatment. Bond for Amos has been set at $10 million for the murder charge and $1 million for the attempted murder charge. Those with information regarding his whereabouts are asked to call the Decatur Police Department at (217) 424-2711 or CrimeStoppers at (217) 423-8477. On Wednesday, Decatur police announced the arrest of Levron K. Hines, 37, on preliminary charges of attempted murder in connection with the College Street shooting. Police also announced the arrest Wednesday of Joseph L. Williams, 22, in connection with an attempted murder that occurred on Aug. 30 in the 700 block of East Clay Street. At the time of the incident, authorities said police were dispatched to a home at about 10:55 p.m. to a report of shots fired. They arrived to find a 21-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman with gunshot wounds, police said. They were taken to a hospital for treatment. Hines and Williams were arrested and booked into Macon County Jail Wednesday. The preliminary charges of attempted first degree murder are are subject to review by the state's attorney's office. The arrests were made by the Decatur Police Patrol Division, Adult Investigations Unit and Street Crimes Unit, while working in conjunction with the Macon County Sheriffs Office and U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. There has been a string of shootings recently in Decatur, prompting an Aug. 21 statement from Decatur Police Chief Jim Getz. In the statement, Getz referred to five separate incidents of gunshots coming within hours of each other on August 17 and nine that occurred the next few days. Describing the acts as "senseless," Getz said the shootings were not believed to be random acts of violence. The chief said cooperation from witnesses and victims had been almost non-existent in most cases. "We will continue to actively investigate all these incidents," Getz said in the statement. "The Department will aggressively pursue those individuals in the community looking to inflict violence on others." 2020 mug shots from the Herald & Review Contact Garrett Karsten at (217) 421-6949. Follow him on Twitter: @GarrettKarsten Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny delivers a speech during a rally to demand the release of jailed protesters, in Moscow, on Sept. 29, 2019. (Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters) NATO Agrees Novichok Used on Navalny, Demands Probe BRUSSELSNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday condemned the appalling assassination attempt on Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and called on Moscow to answer questions about the poisoning to international investigators. Navalny, a Kremlin critic and corruption investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow on Aug. 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk. He has been in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital since he was flown to Germany for treatment more than a week ago. German authorities have said that tests showed that he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group. British authorities previously identified the Soviet-era Novichok as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018. Exterior view of the Charite hospital where Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny receives medical treatment in Berlin, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Michael Sohn/AP Photo) There is proof beyond doubt that Mr. Navalny was poisoned using a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group. The use of such a weapon is horrific, Stoltenberg said after chairing a meeting of NATO ambassadors during which Germany briefed its allies on developments. Any use of chemical weapons shows a total disrespect for human lives and is an unacceptable breach of international norms and rules. NATO allies agree that Russia now has serious questions it must answer, he told reporters. Stoltenberg said Moscow must cooperate with the international chemical weapons organization in an impartial, international investigation and provide information about its Novichok program. After the attack in the English city of Salisbury in March 2018on the territory of a member of the 30-nation allianceNATO withdrew the accreditation of seven staff at Russias mission there and rejected the applications of three others. No such action was announced on Friday. President Vladimir Putins spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning the Russian leaders most determined critic and said Thursday that Germany had not provided Moscow with any evidence about Navalnys condition. The man accused of fraudulently obtaining personal data of millions of South Africans from credit bureau Experian has been revealed to be Karabo Phungula, the founder of Hi-Pixel Communications. However, Phungula stated that he has had no dealings with Experian and that he is being framed for the leak of the personal data of 24 million South Africans and 793,749 businesses. Phungulas identity was first revealed by iAfrikan. MyBroadband has been able to confirm his identity and interviewed him telephonically for this report. Basically, I have no idea whats going on, Phungula told MyBroadband. After being accused of gaining access to the personal data of millions of South Africans by impersonating a legitimate Experian client, Phungula found himself on the receiving end of an Anton Piller order. He said that a Sheriff of the court arrived at his parents home, which is the registered address of his business, and requested all of his computing devices. An Anton Piller order is a court order which gives the Sheriff the right to search and seize evidence without giving the subject of the order warning. It is granted in civil matters, not criminal, to prevent the potential destruction of evidence. Phungula said he went with the Sheriff from his parents home to where he lives so that they could seize his computer and two phones to search them for evidence. Experian told iAfrikan that it found data containing the keywords of the Anton Piller order on the hardware that was seized. History in direct marketing Phungula has worked in the direct marketing industry for the better part of a decade. He said that from 2010 to 2011, he was an IT consultant for the Direct Marketing Association of South Africa (DMASA). His role at the DMASA included acting as webmaster for the organisation. In 2011, he responded to MyBroadbands questions regarding the DMASA website being hacked. Later that year he launched an ad-supported SMS service called KujoSMS. For the past ten years, he has also been doing lead generation through Hi-Pixel Communications. He explained that he works as an affiliate with other lead generation companies and he helps to generate sales leads in return for a commission. Some of the work he has done includes generating sales leads for firms in the financial services sector. Phungula also said that as Hi-Pixel Communications he had a business relationship with the credit bureau Compuscan in 2017, which was acquired by Experian in 2019. He said that there was a payment dispute between him and Compuscan, as they charged him for data he did not receive. To resolve the matter, he signed an affidavit declaring that he had not received the data he was being billed for and provided a copy of the data in his possession. Phungula said that he believes he is being targeted because of this transaction between him and Compuscan that turned sour. Impersonation of a director of Talis Holdings When information about the Experian data leak was first reported by the South African Banking Risk Information Centre on 19 August, Experian soon issued its own statement to explain that it was not hacked and assure that no financial information was compromised. According to Experian, an individual in South Africa who claimed to represent a legitimate client fraudulently requested services from Experian in May 2020. iAfrikan reported that Experian confirmed that the individual who was impersonated was Tebogo Mogashoa, a director of Talis Holdings. Phungula said he doesnt know who Tebogo Mogashoa is, and that he has never dealt with him or Talis Holdings. He also said that he has received multiple notifications of unknown sign-in attempts on his personal Gmail account and notices of successful sign-in attempts on Gmail accounts that he does not recognise. One of the unknown sign-in notifications came from [email protected] on a Samsung Galaxy S9 device, which Google states has Phungulas personal Gmail address listed as the recovery address. I have no dealings with those people. I dont know any of them, stated Phungula. MyBroadband asked Tebogo Mogashoa for comment via his personal assistant, but he did not respond by the time of publication. Leaked Experian data discovered online When news of the misappropriation of the personal data of millions of South Africans from Experian first broke, Experian was quick to assure the public it had secured the data through an Anton Piller order. However, security researcher Troy Hunt and iAfrikan reported at the start of September that the data had been found on the Internet. In addition to discovering the data on the Internet, it was also found that the dataset was far more extensive than Experian first stated. The database reportedly contained fields for ID numbers, names, addresses, contact information, and employment information. While Experian had said that no financial information had been compromised, the database contained fields for bank account numbers and branch codes for the 793,749 businesses that were part of the leak. Experian confirmed the discovery and said it would take all steps available to us to reduce further dissemination if possible. Criminal charges Phungula said that since the day of the Anton Piller order, he has not been contacted by any law enforcement. He said he is not certain whether a case has been made against him. However, Experian told iAfrikan that it has laid criminal charges against Phungula, affirming earlier statements that it is pursuing criminal charges against the alleged fraudster. MyBroadband asked Experian for comment on iAfrikans report and for the case number of the complaint against Phungula. The companys full response is reproduced below. A box of photo negatives handed in anonymously to the State Library turned out to be images taken before World War II of Germans celebrating in Brisbane streets, complete with swastikas. A parade float, flags decorating the street and a crowd gathering in Nundah in 1938 was pictured in one of seven rolls. One of the mystery photos of a pre-war parade in Nundah in which a German float displays swastikas. Credit:State Library of Queensland Senior research librarian Reuben Hillier said he was given a small box of unprocessed rolls of photographic negatives from an anonymous donation. "It looked interesting and it looked like a procession so I sent it to get digitised to get a better look," he said. by Shafique Khokhar The Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation demand authorities intervene following police failure to act on the kidnapping of Saneha Kinza, a 15-year-old Christian girl. Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - The police authorities are failing to intervene for the return of Saneha Kinza, the 15-year-old girl, kidnapped on July 22 by a married Muslim father of four, Saeed Amanat. With the help of the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM), the abductee's family was able to submit First Information Report (FIR) # 826/20 in section 365-B of the Penal Code of Pakistan (PPC) at the Jhang Bazar Faisalabad police on August 19, 2020. The family fears forced religious conversion and the marriage of their daughter. But Mazhar Iqbal, Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI), Jhang Bazar Faisala Police Station did not take any steps to return the girl. The family says it is a forced religious conversion and marriage as the girl is a minor and a 10th grade student at the government girls' upper secondary school, Shadab Colony Jhang Road, Faisalabad, 2km from her home. Pastor Morris Masih, Saneha's father, said the age is not appropriate for making decisions about religious conversion and getting married. He also complains that the fact that the delay in the intervention of the police was intended to provide ample time for the kidnappers to prove that their request for conversion and marriage is fair. Speaking to AsiaNews, Saneha's mother, Rukhsana Bibi, said: "Saneha is lovely to everyone." us. We count on the police, but their partial gestures have disappointed us ", he added. Saneha's father, Morris Masih, said: "The delay in recovery of my daughter is exacerbating our concerns, but it doesn't matter to the police. Though the police lodged the FIR on August 19, 2020, the department has not taken any measures to recover our daughter. In crucial hours, we are waiting for the divine help to recover our daughter as the state institutions and authorities are not cooperating with us." High Court lawyer, Sajid Husnain Gillani, said he wanted to ask the authorities: to arrest the people named in FIR no. 826/20, adopting punitive measures against the authors, presenting the kidnapped before the court and arresting the authors and proceeding as per law ". A fellow High Court lawyer Rabia Tabbasum, commented: It is an unacceptable social more for an underage girl to be married without her parents' permission. They are not even allowing her to meet her parents. " Nazia Sardar, executive director of the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) stressed "the increasing ratio of forced conversion of minor minority girls that always concluded on marriages demonstrate that the state authorities are failed to act as per the aspirations of the religious minorities. The law enforcers partial attitude in Sanehas abduction, which later revealed as the forced religious conversion and marriage as exposed that the state authorities are negating the ground realities. The AWAM calls upon the lawmakers to accept the fact and urge them to notice such practices and encourage them to introduce laws and policies to influence the high ratio of forced conversions of minority girls ". AWAM is calling on the international community and human rights defenders to extend their support by writing to the government of Pakistan to take the following measures: Establish a committee under the supervision of a senior police officer to investigate the facts relating to the case, taking into account the age factor of the girl and the Supreme Court ruling of June 19, 2014 encouraging lawmakers to take measures to change the trend of converting underage girls. In addition to this, the commission must consider that all cases of conversions are associated with girls (usually minors) and subsequently concluded with marriage. The National Human Rights Commission (NCHR), the National Commission on Minorities and the National Commission on the Status of Women, must be mandated to intervene in the situation and act according to their mandate to ensure justice. The abductee must have psychosocial counselling to be aware and be able to express herself without any pressure or fear. The police authority must present the abductee before the magistrate to ascertain her free will and the parents must be allowed to meet their daughter. Hong Kong and Singapore, rival finance hubs in Asia, may have vastly different housing markets, but one thing they share in common is a relative abundance of co-living options. Last year, a study by Knight Frank ranked Hong Kong as fourth and Singapore ninth among 20 Asia-Pacific cities that are likely to see growth in the co-living segment. The study tracked attributes such as housing affordability, university population, venture capital deals and quality of life. Analysts and operators said both markets were doing well and relatively successful, with occupancy rates of between 80 and 90 per cent in Hong Kong and over 90 per cent in Singapore as recently as July. This despite a pandemic that has crushed the global economy and caused unemployment on a massive scale. At the peak of the first wave of the outbreak in Hong Kong in the first quarter, co-living operators said they had to slash rates between 15 and 50 per cent to keep tenants. Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China. Some operators like Weave Living decided to ride out the pandemic, making a conscious decision not to accept new tenants in Hong Kong between March and May for the safety of their existing tenants and staff. In a co-living property, tenants have their own bedrooms but share other spaces like kitchens and living rooms. Photo: Handout We see both markets being resilient for the co-living sector given the nature of accommodation being one of the basic needs, and our co-living offering, and the industry in general, being an attractive and competitive one, said Aaron Lee, founder of Dash Living, which operates co-living units in Hong Kong and Singapore. Founded in Hong Kong in 2014, Dash first operated serviced flats and a hotel before venturing into co-living space in the city. It expanded its co-living business into Singapore in January and now has more than 1,000 units in the two cities. The company said it enjoys a 90 per cent occupancy rate in both cities despite the pandemic. Demand for inner city living especially from the millennial workforce, as well as a strong gig economy, are the key reasons for the co-living market to be relatively successful, said Desmond Sim, head of research for Singapore and Southeast Asia at CBRE. Story continues Despite the housing markets of both cities being vastly different, their co-living sector is thriving. While 90 per cent of Singaporeans own homes compared with only 50 per cent in Hong Kong, Singapores co-living success is all the more surprising, said Sim. Housing standards are also different. Hong Kongs Urban Renewal Authority stipulates that home sizes should be at least 300 square feet (27.9 square metres), while average size of Singapores privately owned homes is three times larger at 915 sq ft. But there are similarities too. Both Hong Kong and Singapore are among the worlds most expensive cities to own a home, ranking first and third, respectively, according to CBREs Global Living 2020 report released in April. Both cities also have a sizeable expatriate population and their universities are among best in the region, attracting large numbers of international students. It is against this backdrop that other Hong Kong co-living companies are eyeing Singapore. Sachin Doshi, Weaves founder and group CEO, said that the company will expand into Singapore next year and is looking to acquire five to six properties with a local partner. In Hong Kong, we have a 50-50 [mix] of locals and expats as tenants, [but] in Singapore we expect maybe a higher proportion of expats, 70 per cent, and 30 per cent of locals, said Doshi, alluding to Singapores high home ownership rate. Generally speaking the dynamics are similar both are expensive cities to own real estate in [but] very attractive cities when it comes to global talent, Doshi said. The company opened Weave on Anchor its third co-living property in Hong Kong this week. The 35,000 sq ft property in Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, is its largest and contains 193 private living units. More from South China Morning Post: This article Vastly different Hong Kong, Singapore housing markets find common ground in booming co-living segment first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. A former Labour MP has voiced his support for the Palestinian doctor facing terror charges after MI5's sting against the New IRA. Chris Williamson said it was "no surprise" that Dr Issam Bassalat would sympathise with the dissident republican party Saoradh. The former MP, who was blocked from re-standing as a Labour candidate in Derby North last year in a row over anti-Semitism, said that a left-wing legal fund was willing to help Dr Bassalat fight the charge against him. The 62-year-old Palestinian was working as a GP and living in Edinburgh when he was arrested last month. He faces a single count of preparatory acts of terrorism in connection with an alleged New IRA meeting in Omagh in July. According to the charge, he "attended and addressed a meeting of the IRA". It was alleged in court that the New IRA discussed developing a relationship with foreign governments "hostile to the UK" with Dr Bassalat. But his solicitor, Gavin Booth, told Belfast Magistrates Court last week that his client was a GP who chaired the Palestinian Society in Scotland. "This is a peaceful and democratic organisation which raises awareness of the Palestinian cause," he said. Mr Booth claimed that Dr Bassalat was "pestered" by an MI5 agent to attend meetings in Scotland and Northern Ireland. "At the earliest opportunity we will be putting forward the entrapment case," he added. Mr Williamson, who has long championed the Palestinian cause, tweeted that any "use of underhand tactics - including entrapment - by MI5 to harass Irish republicans and anti-imperialists is an abuse of power". Dr Bassalat addressed Saoradh's first ard fheis in Newry in 2016. Mr Williamson tweeted: "Irish republicans and Palestinians share an anti-colonial struggle and they're bonded by mutual solidarity, so it's no surprise that Dr Issam Bassalat expresses support for Saoradh and the demand for a united Ireland." The former Labour MP said that the intelligence services should be "rooting out Israeli and Saudi influence in our political system, not wasting public finances harassing activists like Dr Bassalat or republican campaigners in Saoradh". He said there must be a "robust defence" for the Palestinian GP in court. "The Left Legal Fighting Fund, which I helped to found earlier this year, stands ready to assist Dr Bassalat if necessary," he added. Mr Williamson was suspended by Labour last year after he claimed that the party had been "too apologetic" in response to criticism of its handling of anti-Semitism allegations. A former close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, he had been a party member for 44 years. Labour's National Executive Committee blocked him from standing as the party's candidate in last December's general election. Responding to his removal, Jewish Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge tweeted: "Good riddance!" Mr Williamson resigned from the party and stood as an independent, losing his seat and his deposit. He has formed a new grassroots organisation, the 'Resistance Movement", to "fight for change and social justice". Meanwhile, the Ulster Unionists have said that new measures to jail those convicted of terrorism offences for longer must apply here in exactly the same manner as the rest of the UK. MLA Doug Beattie said: "At a court hearing in Belfast on Thursday it was stated that the alleged New IRA leadership had been planning a joint venture with a 'Middle Eastern grouping'. "This prospect of such a joint enterprise reinforces my belief that the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill - currently going through Westminster -- must fully apply here. "Northern Ireland cannot be allowed to become the soft underbelly of the UK, and it is therefore imperative that we future proof our justice system to look not only at domestic terrorism, but also international terrorism." Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE New Mexico is preparing to offer coronavirus vaccinations to frontline health care workers and nursing home residents as soon as November if vaccines are available by then. And the shots, state officials say, could be available to everyone else in January. But the timing is no sure thing. State health officials said this week that New Mexicos rollout of coronavirus vaccines will hinge on how much is available from the federal government and definitive answers on their effectiveness and safety for the general public. The state is expecting more than one vaccine to be approved most of which will require two shots, three to four weeks apart. We do not know what the vaccine supply chain timelines will be for each vaccine, Jodi McGinnis Porter, a spokeswoman for the Human Services Department, said Thursday in a written statement to the Journal. To be clear, the state is not going to simply take the federal administrations word for it, and no vaccine will be distributed here in our state without an independent review of its efficacy and safety. Human Services Secretary David Scrase said New Mexicos priority will be health care workers and residents in long-term care facilities a population particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The vaccine could be available to them as early as November or December, Scrase said. Depending on supplies and other factors, he said, the vaccines could be available free to the general public in January. New Mexico, Scrase said, has a broad network of potential distribution sites at public health offices, hospitals, pharmacies and other locations to handle the expected demand for coronavirus vaccinations. If the demand were dramatically bigger than it is for the flu vaccine which we seem to do pretty well every year vaccinating everybody who wants a vaccine I think we should be able to handle it, Scrase said in a media briefing Wednesday. A variety of vaccines Bryce Chackerian, a University of New Mexico professor who studies vaccine development, said a variety of potential vaccines have produced encouraging results so far. Theres a chance, he said, that enough preliminary data could be available to result in federal licensing of some vaccines by November or December. I think the data so far is pointing in the direction that were going to have a vaccine soon, Chackerian said in an interview. Information from the early-stage trials, he said, shows the leading vaccines seem to be safe, and later phases indicate the vaccines induced the kind of immune response researchers want to see. The more-advanced trials underway now, Chackerian said, include enrolling tens of thousands of research participants. Some participants get the vaccines, and others get a placebo, allowing researchers to examine the effects on both groups. The whole clinical trial process has been accelerated, Chackerian said, but theyre doing the exact same thing they do with any vaccine. I dont think there have been sacrifices that have been made for the sake of speed. Chackerian, a professor of molecular genetics and microbiology, runs a lab at UNM that has studied the virus. Researchers all over the world, he said, are working to develop the coronavirus vaccines. When you have this combination of scientific know-how and financial muscle to move vaccines forward, Chackerian said, that makes things happen a lot faster than in the past. Two vaccines are farthest along in the development process, he said, but others are close behind, leading to the possibility that a variety of vaccines will be available eventually. Get a flu shot The federal government has told states to be ready for a coronavirus vaccine Nov. 1, or just two days before the presidential election. Asked about whether the timing might be politically motivated, Scrase said he couldnt speak to the motivations on that. McGinnis Porter said federal officials, not the state, developed the timeline. She noted that no vaccine has been recommended yet for emergency authorization. Given the uncertainty, she said, it is impossible to establish a confidence level for the November-to-January timeframe. Nonetheless, a large team in New Mexico, Scrase said, has been preparing since June for how to handle the vaccines once theyre available. The group includes medical providers, epidemiologists and ethicists, he said. Even with a vaccine, however, life wont suddenly go back to normal right away, state health officials said. A vaccine that is safe and effective is only the first step and, it is important to note that the federal governments approval threshold is 50% effectiveness, McGinnis Porter said. So even with a bunch of widely distributed safe and effective vaccines, it could be quite some time before we get back to (any) kind of normal. Developing herd immunity, she said, will require a significant percentage of people to be vaccinated. In general, we would need to see a fairly dramatic decline in case counts even after all this occurs to consider removing mask requirements, McGinnis Porter said. To help prepare, Scrase said, New Mexicans should get a flu shot this month or in October. Lets get those done with, he said, so our distribution system can handle COVID. Cowtown Crackdown Explained U.S. Attorney Defends Operation LeGend Results Operation LeGend has made 355 total arrests with 33 connected to homicide cases and 122 firearms confiscated since July. The Kansas City Police Department has been publishing violent crimes statistics since the operation started noted U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison, adding, "That transparency should give the public confidence that what we're reporting is true." Local Voter Discourse Kansas City man launches initiative to empower Black voters KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Missouri, man is spearheading a voter outreach initiative called "Just Factz" after a conversation with his barber. "If you're familiar with the barbershop, we're always talking about how can we make a change or what are some issues going on in the world?" Fighting For Homefront Local family blasts Kansas City's self-proclaimed 'largest wholesale dealer of homes' KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- A local family says Marcus Bray took their money and crushed their dreams of home ownership. They've filed a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General and hired an attorney to go after the owner of Pride Properties. "For someone to come and take advantage of me and my family, it's very sad. Celebrate Kansas City Metro Good Enough Degrees Local community colleges seeing spike in university transfers as pandemic continues OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - During the pandemic, some families are nervous to send kids off to large universities to live in crowded dorms or Greek life housing. At the same time, many colleges are also shifting classes online. That's now having an impact on local community colleges. Diva Vs. Talker Miley Cyrus opens up about marriage to Liam Hemsworth and more with Joe Rogan Miley Cyrus' breakup with Liam Hemsworth didn't happen the way you might believe. Prez Trump Disputes Claims Of Comments Against Troops White House denies report claiming Trump called dead American soldiers 'losers' and 'suckers' The White House denied a blistering report published Thursday that claimed President Donald Trump called dead American soldiers "losers" and "suckers." "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump allegedly told aides after he scrapped a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 to honor the dead soldiers, according to The Atlantic, which cited four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion. Shooter Suspect Dead Suspected Portland protest shooter Michael Reinoehl killed during arrest attempt Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, died in Lacey, Wash., where federal agents were attempting to take him into custody for the shooting - the same night his recorded interview on the shooting aired on Vice News, The New York Times reported. Veep Gets Weird Biden makes awkward 'they'll shoot me' quip during Kenosha appearance Former Vice President Joe Biden used an unfortunate choice of words Thursday while visiting Kenosha, Wis. in the afternoon of the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Biden's speech aimed at addressing racial unrest veered into talking about inequities in taxes at one point. Race For COVID Cure A Trump vaccine is still a vaccine A COVID-19 vaccine could be here sooner than we thought. "I believe that by the time we get to the end of this calendar year that we will feel comfortable that we do have a safe and effective vaccine," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Wednesday. Newspaper Rehashes Downtown Summer Story Heading into Labor Day weekend Power and Light concert has smaller crowd, few masks Kansas City's Power and Light District kicked of Labor Day weekend by hosting Hot Country Nights on Thursday, three weeks after images of the event prompted frustration and concern from residents and public health officials about potential spread of the coronavirus. The crowd around 8:30 p.m. Mexico Via KCI New direct flight from KC to Cancun will be connecting ASAP The proposed new terminal outline. Kansas City international airport has now added direct flights from Kansas City to Cancun amid a global pandemic. Back in March, at the beginning of the Pandemic, the travel industry took an exponentially substantial financial hit with flights dropping 77% back in April. Mild Weather For Workers Sunny, dry and warm through the holiday weekend There is no chance of rain showing up through the holiday weekend The humidity drops significantly Friday behind a cold front with a cool morning in the 50s Labor Day weekend will still feel like summer as temperatures approach 90 KANSAS CITY'S MOST ACCURATE FORECAST Thursday: A cold front moves through during the afternoon as the wind picks up and comes from the north. Our 2nd favorite diva inspires this quick peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines for right now . . .is the song of the day and this is thefor right now . . . 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: President Ilham Aliyev provided the greatest support to Turkey, Erdem Eren, Turkish foreign policy expert and chief coordinator of the Beyaz Hareket political movement, told Trend Sep.4. According to him, the fact that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, accepting the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece, outlined Azerbaijan's decisive position is of greatest support to Turkey. "Officials of both Azerbaijan and Turkey are well aware that the real political and energy opportunities that Ankara will receive from the newly discovered hydrocarbon fields in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea will serve the interests of not only Turkey, but also Azerbaijan. Because strong Turkey also means strong Azerbaijan," he said. Eren noted that Azerbaijan's support in "one nation, two states" spirit given to Turkey's research in the Eastern Mediterranean will undoubtedly give the latter strength. "As there is no doubt that Turkey is forever next to Azerbaijan, it is also certain that Azerbaijan is forever next to Turkey," Erdem Eren said. Statements in support of Turkey, voiced by President Ilham Aliyev on September 2 when accepting the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece to Azerbaijan, were widely disseminated by the media of the brotherhood country. In response to the current state of the world, fashion brands big and small are doing their part to make a difference. From St. Mark's Couture donating profits to Black led organizations to ALOHA Collection responding to the Coronavirus pandemic, and Senreve donating net proceeds to She should Run, kindness is all around. FEMAIL rounds up labels that are giving back to causes that matter. Empire state of mind: St. Marks Couture is a New York-based streetwear and clothing brand founded by Yasir Dhannoon and Daniel Salmon Empower: All profits from the Don't Walk/Vogue tee are be donated to Black led organizations St. Marks Couture is a New York-based streetwear and clothing brand founded by Yasir Dhannoon and Daniel Salmon. The collection was born out of the love two New York transplants have for the Big Apple. 'We were inspired by St. Mark's place for its uniqueness, diversity and unique history being the origin of art movements, nightlife and what represents NYC,' said Yasir. The brand offers all the athleisure essentials, including hoodies, hats and sweatshirts, with their most recent design being the "Don't Walk/Vogue" t-shirt. 'The Don't walk/Vogue was inspired by our love for NYC nightlife, and because the vogue movement is a queer/trans staple in the community,' said Yasir. Given the state of the world, 'we decided to donate all profits to Black led organizations each month, especially those supporting trans black population in NYC.' They poll organizations on Instagram to choose which one to support. So far they've donated to: GLITS, Martha P Johnson and NYC Anti Violence Project. 'We believe that it is our duty to support and pay back to that community in any way we can.' Strike a pose: 'The Don't walk/Vogue was inspired by our love for NYC nightlife; and because the vogue movement is a queer/trans staple in the community,' said Yasir One of a kind: 'We were inspired by St. Mark's place for its uniqueness, diversity and unique history being the origin of art movements, nightlife and what represents NYC,' said Yasir The perfect bag: Senreve is a direct-to-consumer luxury handbag brand designed for the multi-faceted modern woman Your best self: Empowering woman to be the best that they can be, the label is donating 20% of all net proceeds until 9/9 to She Should Run Senreve is a direct-to-consumer luxury handbag brand designed for the multi-faceted modern woman. One-third of the San Francisco-based company's investors are female. Forever inspiring woman to be the best that they can be, the label is donating 20% of all net proceeds until 9/9 to She Should Run. She Should Run is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to empower and dramatically increase the number of women considering a run for public office. Additionally, as part of its promotion, Senreve will be offering a free hand-painted icon representing womens equality for all purchases over $700+ while supplies last. Their newest design, the Alunna, is set to debut this October. The adorable little purse is a sleek minimalist and streamlined take on Senreves iconic maestra bag. Size matters: Their newest design, the Alunna, is set to debut this October. The adorable little purse is a sleek minimalist and streamlined take on Senreves iconic maestra bag For good: Additionally, as part of its promotion, Senreve will be offering a free hand-painted icon representing womens equality for all purchases over $700+ while supplies last Tavel must: ALOHA Collection are the original Splash-Proof pouches that keep your dry stuff dry and your wet stuff separate ALOHA Collection are the original Splash-Proof pouches that keep your dry stuff dry and your wet stuff separate. The bags are made of 100% coated Tyvek, and perfect for a day at the beach or post workout. ALOHA Collection is donating 10% of sales from their Limoncello and Capri prints to Medicina 2000 in Italy, one of the nations worst hit by the global coronavirus pandemic. They also donated over 4,000 bags to nurses, doctors and first responders. Five percent of total profits of the entire site go to Hawaii based conservation. Hawaii-based conservation organization as a way to give back to the community and to help preserve the cultural heritage and natural beauty of their home. That's amore: ALOHA Collection is donating 10% of sales from the Limoncello and Capri prints to their friends at Medicina 2000 in Italy, one of the nations worst hit by the global coronavirus pandemic. Sweet dreams:Recliner pajamas are engineered to improve bedtime comfort. They are designed with a Dreamtech fabric that's light, soft and breathable, working to naturally deodorize and regulate body temperature during sleep Recliner pajamas are engineered to improve bedtime comfort. They are designed with a Dreamtech fabric that's light, soft and breathable, working to naturally deodorize and regulate body temperature during sleep. This year's election in the most important in our lifetime. It's time to speak out and take action that will spearhead meaningful change for future generations. It is in that spirit that fueled Recliner to launch their "Newsprint" pajama set and donate 5% of all profits to support the First Amendment Coalition. The Coalition is dedicated to advancing free speech and public participation in civic affairs. GlaxoSmithKline has stepped up its battle against Covid-19 with clinical trials of a potential vaccine it is developing with French drug maker Sanofi. The early-stage study will evaluate how safe the vaccine is and what kind of immune response it triggers in 440 healthy adults tested at 11 sites across the US. If the results are conclusive, GSK and Sanofi are hoping to get the vaccine approved in the first half of next year. Trial: If the results are conclusive, GSK and Sanofi are hoping to get the vaccine approved in the first half of next year The pair are planning to produce up to 1billion doses in 2021 if they are successful. Covid-19 has killed more than 860,000 people worldwide and 41,500 in the UK, according to official figures. GSK's vaccine uses the same technology as one of Sanofi's seasonal flu vaccines, which will be coupled with a substance made by GSK that enhances and boosts the impact of the vaccine. Britain and the US have already signed deals with Sanofi and GSK and the two companies are in talks to supply the European Union with up to 300m doses. A number of other pharmaceutical firms and swiftly formed alliances are developing their own vaccines. Astrazeneca, GSK's rival on the FTSE100, is working on a vaccine with Oxford University that is already in late-stage trials. Astrazeneca said it could have data available by the end of October to get sign-off from US regulators for emergency use of the vaccine. Russia approved a controversial vaccine, called Sputnik V, after less than two months of human testing. GSK shares fell 1.2 per cent, or 18.4p, to 1470.8p, after it announced the trials were starting. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fiachra Gibbons (Agence France-Presse) Venice, Italy Fri, September 4, 2020 16:34 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42c01e6 2 Entertainment Germany,Holocaust,film,nazi,Italy,Venice-Film-Festival,documentary,World-War-II,Final-Account Free A "vanishingly small number" of Germans were unaware the Holocaust was going on during World War II, the makers of a chilling new documentary said Thursday. The acclaimed British director Luke Holland interviewed more than 300 elderly Germans and Austrians, including many former SS members, for Final Account, which is being premiered at the Venice film festival. Holland, who died in June, spent more than a decade befriending former Nazis and persuading them to talk about what they knew for his monumental work, which drew prolonged applause from critics. The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as "exceptional" and said it may be the last chance to hear from "active participants in the horrors of the concentration camps". Producer Sam Pope said the remarkable testimony Holland gathered was because he spent years gaining the trust of his subjects. While many struggled with their consciences, others were unrepentant and proud of serving in the SS "where you could rely on every man 100 percent". Others denied the Holocausts while openly admitting they knew about massacres. "Don't blame Hitler," one said. "The idea was correct... (but the Jews) should have been driven out of the country" rather than killed. But Pope said the interviews with non-combatants, particularly women, gave the lie to the idea that few ordinary people in Germany and Austria knew what was going on. "A common refrain was that it was after the war that we learned of these horrible crimes," the producer told reporters. "In the process of these interviews I think that as a possibility becomes vanishingly small. "Even if you weren't there or didn't participate you knew someone, or had heard a rumor. Your brother who was a soldier came home and told you stories," said Pope. Read also: Holocaust survivor says Germans have not learned from the past 'Perpetrators are made' Yet one of the film's most chilling scenes comes from modern Germany, when an elderly former SS soldier is shouted down by young neo-Nazis for making them feel "ashamed to be German" by talking about his guilt. The long emotional exchange happens around the table in Wannsee House, the stately home in a Berlin suburb where the Final Solution -- the deportation and extermination of all Jews in German-occupied territory -- was drawn up. With far-right activists trying to storm the Reichstag building in Berlin which houses the German parliament at the weekend, the lessons from history are clear, Pope said. "These powerful and vicious ideologies are still present and gaining strength, not just in Germany and Austria but around the world." In his epigraph for the film, Holland -- who grew up speaking German and whose mother's family perished in the Holocaust -- refused to damn his subjects, most of whom were in their 90s. "Perpetrators are not born, they are made," he wrote. Yet he did not pull away from asking the hard questions of men and women he had befriended. Co-producer Riete Oord said it was clear many knew exactly what was going on "but they repressed it. There is a guy who says, 'If 99 people in front of me thought it as OK to slaughter Jews, I would go with it too.' The abnormal becomes very normal in such circumstances." The documentary is being premiered in Venice on the same day as a powerful drama about the massacres of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys by Serb forces at Srebrenica in 1995. Quo Vadis, Aida?, which paints an unsparing picture of how Dutch UN peacekeepers handed the civilians over to general Ratko Mladic, also got a long ovation from critics. Mladic is currently appealing his conviction for genocide at a tribunal in The Hague. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut on Friday got mired in another controversy after she described Mumbai as 'blood-addicted' and compared its law and order with the Taliban. Earlier, the actress had termed Mumbai as Pak-occupied Kashmir where she is afraid to come back and expressed her distrust in the Mumbai Police. ALSO READ | Ruling parties in Maharashtra slam Kangana Ranaut, BJP distances itself from her Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh had said that if Kangana had no trust in the Mumbai Police and feel insecure in Mumbai, then she should not come to Mumbai at all. He said that they will not tolerate if anyone defames Mumbai Police and hurts the sentiments of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had earlier remarked that Mumbai belongs to Marathi manoos only. We have given blood and sweat for Mumbai. We don't believe in threat but actions, said Raut. Maharashtra Congress president and revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat said that Kangana Ranaut got the name, money and fame because of Mumbai and now she is defaming the city. Calling Mumbai PoK is an insult to 13 crore people of the state and they will not tolerate such remarks. ALSO READ | Kangana Ranaut's comments on Mumbai, its cops ridiculous: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh The BJP IT cells are operating Kangna Ranaut's tweeter handle to defame Mumbai Police and Maharashtra. There is a bigger conspiracy. This is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which will never forget and forgive her. BJP is plotting all this due to the upcoming Bihar elections, Thorat alleged. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde said Kangana's controversial behaviour tells us two things -- one is she is ungrateful to Mumbai and the second, she could be mentally unstable. Meanwhile, BJP distanced from Kanganas statement and its MLA Ram Kadam who had called Kangna 'Jhansi ki Rani'. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the Cabinet of Ministers has no plans to introduce the strict coronavirus-related quarantine curbs, as was the case in the spring 2020. Read alsoUkraine not going to reintroduce tough quarantine amid second wave of COVID-19 "We understand, both the government and the state leadership, there can be no second lockdown in Ukraine. Most countries realize this. That is, closing down the country over the quarantine as it was in the spring, is impossible, therefore we switched to the adaptive quarantine," he said at SME Forum. Reboot 2020 on September 4. Its not yet clear, but it may depend on if theyre sick. Children younger than 5 with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 have higher concentrations of the virus in their upper airway than older children and adults, doctors in Chicago reported in July. This could make them more infectious. However, another study published in Nature found the vast majority of infected kids in this age group dont have symptoms, which reduces their likelihood of transmitting the virus. In another, much-cited study of 5,706 coronavirus patients and their contacts in South Korea, researchers concluded that children younger than 10 spread the virus within a household at the lowest rate, but those age 10 to 19 were more likely to spread it than even adults. Additional data later cast doubt on the rate of spread for older children but not those under 10, with an overall finding that the ability to transmit seems to increase with age. In the U.S., school closure was associated with a 62% drop in Covid-19 cases and 58% decline in deaths, researchers in Cincinnati reported in July. They acknowledged that the trends were largest in states with a low cumulative incidence of Covid-19 at the time schools were shut, and that its possible some of the reduction was due to other measures. Interior. (PHOTO: ChaTraMue) Rejoice, Thai tea lovers! The famous Thailand-based tea shop ChaTraMue has opened their Singapore flagship store at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ)! If you have been to Thailand, chances are that you have tried ChaTraMues Thai teas, or bought a tin of their Thai tea mix back home. The new ChaTraMue outlet at PLQ promises to offer over 20 varieties of Thai teas, signature milk series, Western-style coffees, drinking chocolates, and indulgent soft serves. Established in 1945, ChaTraMue has been brewing their blend of teas, made from tea leaves from their own tea plantations in Chiang Rai, across Thailand for the past 75 years. Home of the Original Thai Tea, ChaTraMue now operates over 100 outlets across Asia. Original Thai Tea. (PHOTO: ChaTraMue) Keeping up with the latest trends of tea drinking, ChaTraMues Thai teas will include toppings such as tapioca pearls and brown sugar jelly. The brands signature items include Thai Milk Tea, Milk Green Tea, and Assam Red Tea. For those who prefer to create their own Thai tea experience or experiment with their teas at home, ChaTraMues teas will also be available for purchase at the outlet. Following the opening of the flagship outlet at PLQ, the brand will also be launching their second outlet at 1 Raffles Place in late September. The hydro-power dam is being built by a consortium of Egyptian companies, the Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and a number of officials have discussed the latest developments in the construction of Tanzania's Julius Nyerere dam, a joint venture implemented by a consortium made up of the Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric, a cabinet statement said on Friday. The discussion was attended by Electricity Minister Mohamed Shaker, Housing Minister Assem El-Gazzar, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nile Basin Countries Yousry Khalil, and others including representatives from state-run Arab Contractors. "President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has given directives to implement the project at the highest level of quality to reflect the Egyptian contracting sector's capabilities to complete major projects," Madbouly told the officials at the meeting. The consortium was awarded a tender to establish the hydropower dam on Tanzania's Rufiji River in December 2018. The project comprises a main dam with a concrete body and four other saddle dams to form a reservoir with a capacity to impound approximately 34 billion cubic meters of water in addition to a hydropower station. In the same month, an agreement on building the dam was signed by representatives from state-run Tanzania Electric Supply Company, Elsewedy Electric and the Arab Contractors in the presence of Tanzanian President John Magufuli and Madbouly. The $2.9 billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station has been under construction since 2019 and is projected to produce 2,115 megawatts of power. As many as 5,233 labourers are taking part in the project, including 526 Egyptians, 3,974 Tanzanians, and 733 workers from other countries, according to Friday's statement. Search Keywords: Short link: When it comes to raising money, nothing is off limits for airlines mired in their worst-ever crisis. From fresh vegetables to peanuts and pajamas, theyre selling almost anything to make it through the pandemic. Even airlines that received government bailouts and slashed costs are looking for new revenue streams as they burn through cash while fleets are largely grounded and people stay at home. A recovery is expected to take years and cost carriers billions of dollars more. Heres a look at what airlines are peddling as they try to make up for the hit from ... CAIRO - Egyptian security forces have arrested two journalists, including one sick with COVID-19, the latest step in a sweeping crackdown on news media during the pandemic, an international press watchdog reported Friday. On separate days in late August, officers burst into the homes of Hany Greisha and El-Sayed Shehta without warning, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Both work as editors for Al-Youm Al-Sabae, or Seventh Day, a prominent pro-government news outlet. Greisha was ordered detained for 15 days on charges of spreading false news and joining a terrorist group, CPJ said, citing his familys official complaint to the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate. Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Egyptian prosecutors have frequently brought vague terrorism-related charges against reporters, secular activists and online critics, in addition to Islamist political opponents, drawing widespread scorn from human rights monitors. Earlier this week, security forces raided Shehtas home in northern Egypt, confiscating his laptop, cellphone, money and IDs, CPJ said, adding that it remains unclear whether he faces any charges. The deputy managing editor had been in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus a few days earlier, according to a statement from his wife. Officers took Shehta to a police station in the Nile Delta city of Zagazig, where he collapsed and lost consciousness, CPJ reported. He remains shackled to a hospital bed in the city. The Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment by The Associated Press and a government media officer did not answer calls seeking comment. It was not immediately clear why security forces targeted the two editors. Egypts counterterrorism legislation broadly empowers authorities to exert tight controls over traditional media and crack down on all kinds of dissent. Amnesty International released a report earlier this year detailing how a growing number of journalists at state-owned media outlets have landed in jail for expressing their private views on social media. The coronavirus pandemic has presented new challenges for the government. When infections surged this summer, threatening to overwhelm hospitals, authorities arrested journalists who questioned official virus statistics and doctors who complained about their working conditions. As of Friday, the country had reported more than 99,000 cases, including 5,479 deaths, one of the highest death tolls in the region. Although Egypts daily virus case count has declined in recent weeks, reports of suspected coronavirus outbreaks in the countrys crowded prisons have increasingly come to light. In July, a prominent Egyptian journalist who had been jailed on charges of broadcasting false news died of COVID-19 just days after his release, stoking fears of unchecked contagion in what rights groups describe as packed and dirty cells. Egyptian authorities should be urgently releasing journalists from its prisons because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Sherif Mansour, CPJs regional program co-ordinator. Instead, (Egypt) is diligently rounding up more to throw in jail including now one who was sick and in quarantine. Read more about: A Toronto bar manager who sexually assaulted a female employee in a basement office, knowing that it was being video-recorded by the bars security cameras so that his boss could watch it later, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail. Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein also sentenced Enzo DeJesus Carrasco, 35, to three years probation, during which time he is banned from taking photos or videos of any women under any circumstances without first obtaining their consent. If he does take any such photos, he must show them to his probation officer and he is banned from sharing those photos on social media or by text or email. Should he work as a manager in the hospitality sector again while on probation, he must not be alone with a female employee under his supervision. After a short trial in August, DeJesus Carrasco, the former manager of the now-closed College Street Bar, was found guilty of sexual assault and voyeurism and acquitted of sharing an intimate image without consent. A female employee testified that DeJesus Carrasco invited her to the basement office, started massaging her shoulders and legs without her consent, and then pulled her pants down and groped her. The womans identity is covered by a publication ban. Goldstein ruled he could not find beyond a reasonable doubt that DeJesus Carassco penetrated the woman with his fingers, but that it probably happened. I have no doubt whatsoever that he touched (the victim) for a sexual purpose and that he purposefully violated her sexual integrity, he said. DeJesus Carrasco also surreptitiously filmed her so that his boss could watch and exploited their employee-employer relationship to coerce her into the basement office, Goldstein said. It was predatory and misogynistic, he said. They engaged in this scheme for sport. This is DeJesus Carrascos second sexual assault conviction with another sexual assault trial involving two women set for February. All his charges have been linked to the bar. Last year he and his former boss and bar owner Gavin MacMillan were convicted of gang sexual assault and drugging a woman at the bar. They were each sentenced to nine years in prison but were released on bail pending appeal over possible errors in jury selection. No date has been set for the appeal. MacMillan was not charged in connection with this case. However, in a statement to the court before his sentence was issued, DeJesus Carrasco sought to place some of the blame on his former boss for a practice, documented in their text messages, of deliberately capturing and viewing explicit images of women on the bar surveillance cameras. I was painted by the Crown as the orchestrator but that wasnt my bar. That wasnt my camera ... at the time, what I understood was that it was his bar, his DVR, that was his image and his right to see it, DeJesus Carrasco said. The texts are there and they are very clear ... But I was introduced to it. DeJesus Carrasco said he did not intend to appeal this sentence, and wanted to begin serving his time immediately, after which he expects to be deported to the Dominican Republic. If I had any desire to still be part of this society, it was shattered by your words (at the judgment), he said to Goldstein. In her victim impact statement, the woman described the serious physical and emotional toll the sexual assault and the knowledge that it had been filmed had on her. She was hospitalized repeatedly due to severe stress-induced pain, has anxious flashbacks and struggles with feelings of guilt though Goldstein noted in his decision that she has nothing to feel guilty about. It also impacted her ability to trust people, especially men, Goldstein said. The trust issue also affects the broader community, he said. People, especially women, are entitled to work environments that are safe. They are entitled to trust that their supervisors will not lure them into a basement and film them without their knowledge. The Crown had asked for a two-year sentence followed by three years probation. The defence sought a sentence of 120 days and asked the judge to consider that DeJesus Carrasco still faces a nine-year sentence for gang sexual assault, although it is currently under appeal. This sexual assault took place before the gang sexual assault in December 2016 but the woman reported the sexual assault to police in 2017 after DeJesus Carrasco had already been arrested. Goldstein ruled that the 18-month sentence will be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed on DeJesus Carrasco. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the proposed definition would be "the starting point" for further discussions with the premiers and chief ministers. "Weve got a very hard border which is operating in Queensland at the moment and so what we have agreed to do is to move towards and adopt a hotspot model with as far as possible a common definition and the Commonwealth definition provides the starting point for how that is defined," Mr Morrison said. Late Friday, Ms Palaszczuk stressed Queensland had not agreed to the Commonwealth definition of a COVID-19 hotspot. Dr Young said she was keen to nut out the exact details of how the restrictions would work ahead of the next national cabinet meeting later this month. "Im keen to work with my chief health officer colleagues ... to come up with a way to best determine how we guide decisions in regards to measures like border restrictions," Dr Young said. Currently, Queensland's borders would only reopen to New South Wales and Victoria after those states recorded 28 days - two incubation periods - of no community transmission of coronavirus. There is an "exemption zone" for Queensland-NSW border towns. Queensland's stance has triggered a border feud with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian who believed the benchmark might be impossible to reach. Mr Morrison said every state and territory, excluding Western Australia, had agreed in-principle to a goal of reopening borders in December. Ms Palaszczuk was keen to reopen the Sunshine State to help prop up the Queensland's ailing tourism sector, but would wait until community transmission was under control in New South Wales and Victoria. "What I said very clearly is if we as a nation can focus on Victoria and NSW and get everything under control there, then the whole country can open up," Ms Palaszczuk said. "I don't think anyone would be against that. I don't think you'd hear criticism from anyone about that. Dr Young said her advice at present was to keep the borders closed, as she still had concerns about the number of cases in NSW and Victoria. "Although we are seeing some encouraging signs of those numbers reducing, there are still too many cases, I believe, for us to be able to safely open the border between Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT," she said. Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland had "done extremely well by relying on the expert health advice of Dr Young". "Let me make it very clear - I will not be changing that course any time soon because you have seen the great results that have been occurring here in Queensland," she said. Dr Young defended her handling of border exemptions after images emerged of people drinking and playing by the pool at the AFL hub in a luxury Gold Coast resort where the code's staff, players and family members are under quarantine ahead of the Brisbane AFL grand final. Loading "Last week we treated 900 New South Wales residents in our hospitals in Queensland, along the border," she said. "We are continuing to provide essential and emergency healthcare to people who live northern NSW, because we have always done that. "Whatever people may hear or learn about, that has not changed." KEY FACTS 8:12 a.m. Premier Doug Fords anti-price gouging push sparks more than 26K complaints 7 a.m. The Madrid regional government is further restricting family reunions and social gatherings 4:20 a.m.: The number of people confirmed to be infected in India rose by another 80,000 The latest coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Friday. This file will be updated throughout the day. Web links to longer stories if available. 5 p.m. Ontarios regional health units are reporting another 128 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the Stars latest count. As has been the case this week, the vast majority of the new cases came in the GTA, where Toronto reported another 43 new cases, Peel Region added 32 and York Region 22. Among Ontarios 34 health units, Ottawa was the only other to report in the double digits, with 13 new cases. As the rate of infection has gone up steadily inside the GTA since early August, most of the rest of the province has seen cases continue to slow. Overall, Ontario has seen an average of 132 cases reported daily over the last week. The same seven-day average hit a recent low of 85 cases a day on Aug. 16. Even with the recent increases, the rate of infection remains well below the worst of the pandemic; Ontario saw that seven-day case average reach a mid-April peak of nearly 600 cases daily. No new fatal cases were reported Friday, although the Eastern Ontario health unit reported it had added a death to its tally following a change in definitions. The province has now seen a total of 44,981 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, including 2,851 deaths. The vast majority of the provinces COVID-19 patients have since recovered. The province lists 1,282 active cases of the disease, a number that has been rising in recent weeks. 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. The province cautions its separate data, published daily at 10:30 a.m., may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in the reporting system. In the event of a discrepancy, data reported by (the health units) should be considered the most up to date. 3:42 p.m. There have been 130,838 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 9,140 deaths, according to The Canadian Press. These break down as follows (NOTE: The Star does its own count for Ontario; see elsewhere this file.): Quebec: 63,117 confirmed (including 5,767 deaths, 55,724 resolved) Ontario: 42,834 confirmed (including 2,811 deaths, 38,741 resolved) Alberta: 14,310 confirmed (including 242 deaths, 12,653 resolved) British Columbia: 6,041 confirmed (including 210 deaths, 4,644 resolved) Saskatchewan: 1,638 confirmed (including 24 deaths, 1,578 resolved) Manitoba: 1,273 confirmed (including 16 deaths, 835 resolved) Nova Scotia: 1,085 confirmed (including 65 deaths, 1,014 resolved) Newfoundland and Labrador: 269 confirmed (including three deaths, 265 resolved) New Brunswick: 192 confirmed (including two deaths, 186 resolved) Prince Edward Island: 46 confirmed (including 44 resolved) Yukon: 15 confirmed, all of which have been resolved Repatriated Canadians account for 13 confirmed cases, all of which have been resolved Northwest Territories: five confirmed, all of which have been resolved Nunavut reports no confirmed cases. 3:03 p.m. Public health officials on Prince Edward Island are reporting one new case of COVID-19, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to three. Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, said today the latest case involves a male in his late teens who travelled to P.E.I. from outside Canada. She says he arrived on Prince Edward Island Aug. 29 and developed COVID-19 symptoms while in isolation. Meanwhile, travel information is now known for the two positive cases of COVID-19 reported Thursday. Both men travelled from Vancouver to Charlottetown on Air Canada flights 128 and 8358 on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, respectively. Morrison says all passengers who were on those flights should monitor for symptoms. Prince Edward Island has had a total of 47 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. 3 p.m.: Toronto will move to make masks and face coverings mandatory in common spaces of its shelter system, the city has announced, marking a change from previous rules that dictated that only staff and essential visitors were required to wear masks in shelter and respite facilities. Shelters, under the previous set of rules, are considered by the city to be peoples residences, not public spaces meaning they have been exempt from the city bylaw mandating the wearing of masks in indoor spaces. The change announced Friday came after talks with partners in the homeless service sector, the city said, and the new policy would be in place at all shelter locations by the end of September with a directive issued to providers next week, then a set-out transition period. The lack of mandatory masks for shelter residents had been criticized by outreach workers like street nurse Cathy Crowe, since it was confirmed in a memo to homelessness service providers on Aug. 11. A draft of a shelter recovery plan created by Torontos Shelter, Support and Housing Administration alongside the United Way which was obtained recently by the Star, and is set to be released in its final form later this month says coordinating the provision of personal protective equipment to both frontline staff and clients in the shelter system had been recognized as helpful and important to infection prevention and control. 1:51 p.m. The head of the World Health Organization says the U.N. health agency wont recommend any coronavirus vaccine before it is proved safe and effective. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the comment Friday, even as Russia and China have started using their experimental vaccines before long-term studies have been completed. Other countries have proposed streamlining authorization procedures. He says vaccines have been used successfully for decades and credited them with eradicating smallpox and bringing polio to near elimination. He pointed to newly developed Ebola vaccines that helped end the recent Ebola outbreak in Congo. Tedros appealed to people opposed to vaccination to do their own research. The anti-vaccine movement, they can build narratives to fight against vaccines. But the track record of vaccines tells its own story and people should not be confused, he says. They can have a look for themselves on how the world actually used vaccines to reduce under 5 mortality to save children. He says hes hopeful thered soon be an effective coronavirus vaccine so the world can get back to normal. 1:51 p.m. Spain is nearing a half a million coronavirus infections since the beginning of the pandemic after adding more than 10,000 new cases on Friday. The new Health Ministry data showed a significant increase in the latest wave of contagion sweeping Spain, although authorities say the situation has no comparison with when the outbreak peaked. Health authorities say Spain is testing more, most of the cases discovered dont require hospitalization and the treatment of patients has improved. There were 184 deaths added on Friday for a total toll of 29,418. 1:20 p.m. Dr. Theresa Tam says the fall will bring new risks in the COVID-19 pandemic along with its colder weather and holidays that usually bring families together. Canadas chief public health officer says Canadians need to consider their own risk factors and the details of the plans for any gathering before deciding to go mark an occasion in person with friends and family. She says knowing the people youre with does not protect you from catching the virus that causes the respiratory illness. Tam says government agencies, employers and individuals understand the virus better now, so the situation were facing is different from the one in the spring when COVID-19 first spread. But an average of 525 COVID-19 cases a day have been reported in Canada the past week, a noticeable uptick from earlier in the summer, and schools are reopening across the country. Tam says downloading the governments COVID Alert app is one way to mitigate the risks of catching and spreading the illness unknowingly although it is currently only operational in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. 1:20 p.m. Despite authorities reporting more than 180 new COVID-19 infections for the second consecutive day, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said Friday the contagion in the province is under control. The Health Department said there were 184 new cases of COVID-19, three fewer than on Thursday. Legault, speaking to reporters northeast of Montreal, asked Quebecers to be prudent ahead of the long Labour Day weekend. I am asking you not to let your guard down, he said. I know there are people who are tired of these measures its been six months. But its important that we cant let up. Its important that there is the least amount of propagation of the virus possible. Although he issued a warning, the premier also downplayed the latest COVID-19 figures that indicate the infection rate is rising in the province. He said we arent anywhere near the days back in April and May when the province was regularly reporting hundreds of new daily cases. We are still in control. But the premier said Quebecers still need to wear masks and keep their distance from one another. The trend isnt good. Im asking all Quebecers for their help in lowering the infection rate. 12:40 p.m. The federal government has started providing cash for food processors across the country to help them deal with COVID-19. A $77.5-million emergency fund was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in May to help food processors adapt to COVID-19 protocols, including acquiring more protective equipment for workers. It was also supposed to help upgrade and reopen meat facilities shuttered due to outbreaks of the novel coronavirus. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau visited the Exceldor chicken processing plant in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que., on Friday to announce the first wave of funded projects. We thought Exceldor was a good example of a chicken plant that was challenged by COVID quite a bit. And they will receive $262,000 to provide PPEs to their workers, hand-washing stations, that type of Plexiglas they install to separate workers from others, Bibeau said in an interview with The Canadian Press. Its that type of investment that they probably started to make for a while to protect their workers. The government has so far approved 32 projects worth $10.5 million, including nearly $805,000 to JBS Food Canada for its meat- processing plant at Brooks, Alta., and $1.8 million for Maple Leaf Foods operations in Ontario. Sofina Foods, which has 16 facilities across Canada, including the Lilydale poultry-processing plant in Calgary, is to get $995,000. Olymel, with 10 plants across Canada, is to receive nearly $1.8 million. Cargill, which operates a large beef-processing plant in High River, Alta., is not on the initial list of funded projects. Officials are still reviewing other applications and future announcements are planned over the next few weeks. 12:37 p.m. Federal transport officials have issued the first fines to air passengers who refused to wear face masks on Canadian flights, in violation of a government order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Transport Canada says two unnamed people have been fined $1,000 each for refusing to follow directions from air crews to wear their face coverings. The first incident occurred June 14 on a WestJet flight from Calgary to Waterloo while the second took place July 7 on a WestJet flight from Vancouver to Calgary. Transport Canada says the passengers were each directed repeatedly by the air crews to wear their face coverings during the flights and in both cases the individuals refused. Under the federal order, all travellers must have face masks and wear them while boarding, during the flight and when leaving the aircraft. In addition, travellers must comply with any instructions given by a gate agent or a crew member with respect to wearing a face covering. 12 p.m. Slovan Bratislava lost its appeal Friday against exclusion from the Champions League by UEFA after players tested positive for COVID-19 in pre-game checks. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld UEFAs ruling last week that ordered the Slovakian champion to forfeit a first qualifying round game in the Faeroe Islands without playing. Public authorities in the Faeroe Islands put two different squads of Slovans players into quarantine when a virus infection in each group was reported in tests required by UEFA. The game was postponed twice, then UEFAs appeal panel awarded Faeroes champion KI Klaksvik a 3-0 win to advance to the next round. Slovan later said all 35 players tested negative on returning to Slovakia. Fridays urgent ruling from a CAS judge without yet specifying reasons was the second verdict Slovan lost there within 10 days. 11:33 a.m. Quebec is reporting more than 180 cases of COVID-19 for the second consecutive day. Health officials said today there were 184 new confirmed COVID-19 infections. The province also reported one additional death attributed to the coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Quebec has now reported a total of 63,117 cases of COVID-19 and 5,767 deaths linked to the virus. The total number of deaths remained stable, however, because one death previously added to the tally was found to be unrelated to the pandemic. Hospitalizations increased by two compared with the prior day, to 102, while the number of intensive-care patients decreased by two, for a total of 18. 11 a.m. Russian scientists have belatedly published first results from early trials into the experimental Sputnik V vaccine, which received government approval last month but drew considerable criticism from experts, as the shots had only been tested on several dozen people before being more widely administered. In a report published in the journal Lancet on Friday, developers of the vaccine said it appeared to be safe and to prompt an antibody response in all 40 people tested in the second phase of the study within three weeks. However, the authors noted that participants were only followed for 42 days, the study sample was small and there was no placebo or control vaccine used. One part of the safety trial included only men and the study mostly involved people in their 20s and 30s, so it is unclear how the vaccine might work in older populations most at risk of the more severe complications of COVID-19. International experts remained cautious over the vaccines effectiveness and safety. Nevertheless, its Russian developers made some bold claims Friday after presenting the findings to reporters. Professor Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Moscow-based Gamaleya Institute that developed the vaccine with assistance from Russias Defence Ministry, told reporters that the vaccine triggers sufficient immune response to counteract any imaginable dose infecting (a person) with COVID-19. We are ready to assert that the protective effect of this vaccine will be detectable and remain at a proper level for 2 years, or maybe even more, Gintsburg said, without providing any evidence to back up the claim. 10:48 a.m. (updated) Ontario is reporting 148 new cases of COVID-19 today, with the provinces health minister saying nearly half of them are concentrated in one area just west of Toronto. Christine Elliott says in a tweet that 72 of the new diagnoses are in Peel Region, long one of the provincial hotspots for the novel coronavirus. Elliott says Toronto itself accounted for 41 of the new cases, with 13 found in Ottawa. The province did not report any new COVID-related deaths today. Elliott says the rest of the provinces public health units reported five or fewer cases, with 12 recording none at all. The province completed more than 28,500 tests in the past 24 hours. The new diagnoses bring the provinces total number of confirmed cases to 42,834. 10:32 a.m. The next big test of whether Californians can slow the spread of the coronavirus will come this holiday weekend, with officials hoping the public will refrain from the large gatherings and risky behavior that contributed to a spike in COVID-19 infections and deaths after a disastrous Memorial Day weekend. California spent much of the summer paying the price for a rapid reopening of the economy in late May and early June, with a coronavirus surge from mid-June through the weeks after the Fourth of July that led to record deaths and new concerns about the virus spreading among young people and essential workers. Now, Labour Day weekend the final big holiday of the summer poses new risks as it coincides with the easing of additional COVID-19 restrictions. Health officials are hoping the shock of the summer will prompt people to play it safe this weekend, in part because so much is riding on keeping numbers down and to prevent history from repeating itself. If infections continue to decline, some classrooms could reopen this fall. There are also hopes that conditions will improve enough by the holiday season to allow for more in-person shopping. 10:26 a.m. Ontario is reporting 148 cases of COVID-19 as the province processed over 28,500 tests. Peel is reporting 72 new cases, with 41 in Toronto and 13 in Ottawa. Every other public health unit is reporting five or fewer cases, with 12 units reporting no new cases. 10:04 a.m. German pharmaceutical company CureVac says it is receiving a further $298 million (U.S.) to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The company says its request for additional funding has been approved by Germanys Ministry for Education and Research, provided certain milestones are reached. Germanys state-owned KfW bank has already taken a 23 per cent stake in CureVac for 300 million euros. The company launched an initial public offering of shares, but its main shareholder remains Dietmar Hopp, the co-founder of German software giant SAP. CureVac is among a small number of companies that aim to develop a COVID-19 vaccine using mRNA technology that experts say could allow rapid inoculation on a larger scale than traditional forms of vaccination. 10 a.m. Statistics Canada says the economy added 246,000 in August as the pace of job gains slowed compared with July, when 419,000 jobs were added. The figure marked the fourth consecutive month of gains from COVID-19 related lockdowns this spring, bringing the number to within 1.1 million of pre-pandemic levels. Gains in August were largely concentrated in full-time work, which had been lagging behind gains in part-time employment. Full-time work rose by 206,000 while the number of part-time workers rose by 40,000. Full-time employment is now almost six per cent away from pre-pandemic levels compared to the 3.9 per cent shortfall in part-time work. Employment also rose at a faster pace for women than men for the third straight month as Statistics Canada reported women gained about 150,000 positions in August compared with 96,000 for men. 9:30 a.m. The U.S. unemployment rate fell sharply in August to 8.4 per cent from 10.2 per cent even as hiring slowed, with employers adding the fewest jobs since the pandemic began. Employers added 1.4 million jobs, the Labor Department said, down from 1.7 million in July. The U.S. economy has recovered about half the 22 million jobs lost to the pandemic. Fridays report added to evidence that nearly six months after the coronavirus paralyzed the country, the economy is mounting only a fitful recovery. From small businesses to hotels, restaurants, airlines and entertainment venues, a wide spectrum of companies are struggling to survive the loss of customers with confirmed viral cases still high. After an epic collapse in the spring, when the economy shrank at a roughly 30 per cent annual rate, growth has been rebounding as states have reopened at least parts of their economies. Yet the recovery remains far from complete. Many economists think significant hiring may be hard to sustain because employers are operating under a cloud of uncertainty about the virus. Daily confirmed case counts have fallen from 70,000 in June to about 40,000. The decline has levelled off in the past week and the viral caseload remains higher than it was in May and June. 9:20 a.m. With students and teachers preparing to return to classrooms across the country this month, experts say ramping up testing protocols is one way to help provide a safe transition back to school. Some epidemiologists believe testing a group of COVID nasal-swab samples together a strategy known as pooled testing or batch testing might be a more efficient method for dealing with a large number of tests that could potentially be coming in. Colin Furness, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, envisions an ideal scenario where teachers would be tested for COVID twice a week. If that were to happen in Ontario, a province with roughly 160,000 teachers, Furness says labs would be processing more than 300,000 tests each week just on teachers. We dont really have the capacity to do that. And that is extremely concerning to me, Furness said. So pooled testing would be one way of saying all right, we have an existing laboratory processing capacity. Lets multiply it. Pooled testing works by mixing a number of samples together Furness suggests eight and screening them for the novel coronavirus at the same time. This could theoretically include a group of teachers working at the same school, or students and teachers in the same cohort. 8:30 a.m. Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who has COVID-19 and a history of heart and other medical problems, was admitted Friday to a Milan hospital, where tests found he has the beginnings of pneumonia, state radio said. One of Berlusconis top aides, Sen. Licia Ronzulli, told RAI state TV earlier that the 83-year-old media mogul was undergoing precautionary monitoringand had spent the night well. Berlusconi tested positive for the coronavirus earlier in the week. A CT scan done at San Raffaele Hospital found the beginnings of pneumonia in both lungs, the late-morning radio report said. Sky TG24, reporting from outside the hospital, said Berlusconi had been given oxygen at the hospital to aid his breathing. Italian media have stressed Berlusconi isnt in intensive care. 8:11 a.m. Premier Doug Fords push against retailers pandemic price gouging has triggered more than 26,000 consumer complaints to the government, newly available data reveals. But it appears as if public concerns over the practice have tapered off in recent months. Early in the COVID-19 outbreak last March, Ford blew a gasket after a Toronto grocer was selling Lysol disinfectant wipes for $29.99, which usually cost a fraction of that. Even though Ontarios state of emergency, which ran from March 17 until July 24, has officially ended, the Progressive Conservatives extended the order against price gouging. We recognize that Ontario families still need access to necessary goods, including protective supplies, to address the ongoing threat of COVID-19 as the province continues its path to recovery, Government and Consumer Services Minister Lisa Thompsons office said in a statement to the Star. Read the full story from the Stars Robert Benzie 7 a.m. The Madrid regional government is further restricting family reunions and social gatherings to curb a sharp spike in confirmed coronavirus cases as schools are set to re-open, although officials said Friday that new infections in and around the Spanish capital were being brought under control. Authorities said an existing ban on outdoor meetings of more than 10 people is being extended indoors because most recent infections have been tied to gatherings in private homes. Attendance at funerals, burials, weddings and religious celebrations, as well as group visits to museums or guided tourism will also be restricted starting Monday, authorities said. Nearly one-third of Spains new virus infections are in and around Madrid, a region of 6.6 million with high population density and a hub for economic activity for the rest of the country. At least 16% of the beds in Madrids hospitals are occupied by COVID-19 patients, the highest rate of all Spanish regions. Regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero said that despite the recent trends, the situation has nothing to do with what we went through two months ago. The pandemic in the Madrid community is stable and is controlled, Ruiz Escudero said. We are not alarmed. Madrid is also expanding the number of contact tracers, which has been one of the weakest links in dealing with the new wave of virus cases, and purchasing 2 million rapid coronavirus test kits. Spain, which is edging to a half-million confirmed cases since February, is leading the pandemics second wave in Europe. The country had a rate of virus prevalence above 212 cases per 100,000 residents for the past two weeks. At least 29,234 people have died in Spain during the pandemic. 5 a.m.: Ontarios public health agency will soon begin evaluating a rapid and purportedly highly accurate COVID-19 test an indication we are edging closer to the day when screening for the virus becomes a routine chore, experts say, while warning that scientific and logistical hurdles remain. If the test functions as claimed offering results in under 20 minutes, with 93.3 per cent sensitivity, using a point-of-care device that functions like a pregnancy test and if it is authorized by Health Canada, Public Health Ontario (PHO) hopes to get a jump on obtaining many more, the agencys lab lead says. Read the full story from Kate Allen here. 5 a.m.: Ontarios largest childrens mental health advocacy group is warning that kids struggling with serious mental health issues amid the pandemic could be left behind unless the province steps up with more support. Childrens Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), a group representing almost 100 publicly funded child and youth mental health centres, is calling on the province to provide more funding for community mental health centres for youth. The ask comes on the heels of new data that reveals children and youth with mild to severe mental health issues are suffering disproportionately during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full story from Nadine Youssif here. 4:25 a.m.: France has closed 22 of its 62,000 schools since in-person classes resumed this week because of virus infections. Of those, 10 were on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where access to health care is poorer than on mainland France and the number of virus patients in hospitals has jumped in recent weeks. Education Minister Jean-Blanquer told Europe-1 radio that overall, French schools have reported about 250 suspected virus cases per day since they started reopening Tuesday. Not all those cases turn out to be positive, but once a suspicion is reported, schools must follow an extensive government protocol that can include sending a whole class home for online learning or shutting the whole school. The French government, like many around Europe, ordered the in-person reopening of all schools this week to tackle inequalities worsened by lockdowns and get parents back to work to revive the economy. 4:20 a.m.: The number of people confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus in India rose by another 80,000 and is near Brazils total, the second-highest in the world. The 83,341 cases added in the past 24 hours pushed Indias total past 3.9 million, according to the Health Ministry. Brazil has confirmed more than 4 million infections while the U.S. has more 6.1 million people infected, according to Johns Hopkins University. Indias Health Ministry on Friday also reported 1,096 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total fatalities up to 68,472. Indias case fatality rate of 1.75% is well below the global average of 3.3%, the ministry said. Experts have questioned whether some Indian states have undercounted deaths. India added nearly 2 million coronavirus cases in August alone. 4 a.m.: The latest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada as of 4 a.m. EDT on Sept. 4, 2020: There are 130,493 confirmed cases in Canada. _ Quebec: 62,933 confirmed (including 5,767 deaths, 55,615 resolved) _ Ontario: 42,686 confirmed (including 2,812 deaths, 38,625 resolved) _ Alberta: 14,310 confirmed (including 242 deaths, 12,653 resolved) _ British Columbia: 6,041 confirmed (including 210 deaths, 4,644 resolved) _ Saskatchewan: 1,634 confirmed (including 24 deaths, 1,574 resolved) _ Manitoba: 1,264 confirmed (including 16 deaths, 791 resolved) _ Nova Scotia: 1,085 confirmed (including 65 deaths, 1,014 resolved) _ Newfoundland and Labrador: 269 confirmed (including 3 deaths, 265 resolved) _ New Brunswick: 192 confirmed (including 2 deaths, 186 resolved) _ Prince Edward Island: 46 confirmed (including 44 resolved) _ Yukon: 15 confirmed (including 15 resolved) _ Repatriated Canadians: 13 confirmed (including 13 resolved) _ Northwest Territories: 5 confirmed (including 5 resolved) _ Nunavut: No confirmed cases _ Total: 130,493 (0 presumptive, 130,493 confirmed including 9,141 deaths, 115,444 resolved) This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2020. Thursday: British Columbia is at a critical point when it comes to a potential surge of COVID-19 infections, B.C.s provincial health officer warned on Thursday. Dr. Bonnie Henry said the province still has the ability to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases currently being seen, but people need to follow public health protocols. She urged people to avoid activities that are considered high-risk, such as spending time with groups of people they may not know, particularly ahead of the Labour Day long weekend. Read more here: B.C. at a precipice to flatten COVID-19 curve, Henry says ahead of long weekend Read more about: President Trumps suggestion that people vote twice could make voters vulnerable to being accused of a crime and lead to longer lines and confusion at the polls, said former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Whats most worrisome to me is that people who were not the voters he was trying to encourage but are low-information about how the process works which is most Americans that youre going to have good-intentioned people who are voting for the first time, who were drawn to this process because they want to do whats right, who are going to be ... disproportionately and discriminatorily treated, Abrams said in an interview with Yahoo News. Stacey Abrams. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for the Hollywood Reporter; AP) Abrams, a Democrat who ran for governor of Georgia in 2018 and was considered a potential running mate for Joe Biden, is the president of Fair Fight Action, a voting rights group. She said that while Trump was speaking to his own supporters this week, she is worried that those who dont support him will also be confused and misled by his comments. On Wednesday, Trump told supporters during a trip to North Carolina to send [a mail-in ballot] in early and then go and vote. He made several versions of this comment, telling a local TV station that it was part of an effort on his part to implore supporters to make sure their mail ballots were counted. Let them send it in and let them go vote, and if their systems as good as they say it is, then obviously they wont be able to vote, Trump said. Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, issued a statement noting that it is illegal to vote twice in an election and that soliciting someone to do so also is a violation of North Carolina law. The State Board office strongly discourages people from showing up at the polls on Election Day to check whether their absentee ballot was counted. That is not necessary, and it would lead to longer lines and the possibility of spreading COVID-19, Brinson Bell said. Story continues Abrams also said she is concerned that Trumps comments would lead to longer lines at polling places, while also discouraging some voters from taking part at all. Abrams spoke to Yahoo News alongside filmmakers Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortes, who co-directed and co-produced a new film about voter suppression and Abramss run for governor called All In: The Fight for Democracy. Cortes defined voter suppression simply this way: Are you able to register, are you able to cast your vote and will your ballot be counted? And if you are facing obstacles in exercising this most important right, then that is voter suppression. That definition includes any form of difficulty voting, and somewhat avoids the question of whether obstacles to voting have been erected with discriminatory intent. But part of the reason that Abrams has become a prominent national voice, despite having lost her race for governor to Republican Brian Kemp, is that she is one of the most articulate and powerful spokespersons for the argument that the Republican Party has engaged in intentional voter suppression over the past two decades. Georgia gubernatorial candidates Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp debate in Atlanta in 2018. (John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images) Those who are using voter suppression in this era, they are mimicking past eras, but what they are doing is they precision-attack based on demography, Abrams said. Where they see pockets of people who were finally coming, not only into their power, but into the population for that power to matter, theyre doing their best to block them in their tracks. The film traces the history of voting rights back to the founding of America, through the post-Civil War era of Reconstruction and Jim Crow, and hinges much of its argument around the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County vs. Holder, which removed a key portion of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Prior to 2013, many Republican-controlled state legislatures had begun to pass voter ID laws aimed at stopping voters from fraudulently impersonating someone else to vote multiple times. Yet the past 20 years have seen little evidence of voter impersonation, despite zealous attempts to find it. And in some states, the specific rules on which IDs are valid for voting have had every appearance of having the intent to help certain voters and make it harder for others to vote. In Texas and Tennessee, those with gun permits can vote using that ID, but college students cant use their student identification. Barack Obamas reelection in 2012 led states like North Carolina and Wisconsin and other states to start pulling back things like Sunday voting and early voting, Abrams said. Early voting was a key driver of increases in Black voter turnout, especially on Sundays when many churches organized Souls to the Polls events after services. After the Shelby decision, voter suppression tactics hit warp speed, she said, pointing to laws passed hours after the decision in Texas and the shutting down of more than 1,600 voting precincts since then, along with the removal of 19 million voters from rolls in different states. Some election officials contest that voter rolls need to be kept up to date, and voting rights advocates agree but say that partisan officials who oversee elections in most states are incentivized to maintain voter rolls in an unfair manner. A solution, they say, is to make voter registration automatic when a citizen interacts with state government at the Department of Motor Vehicles or an equivalent agency, rather than forcing voters to register themselves. Inaccurate rolls cause confusion, expense, and disenfranchisement, wrote Myrna Perez, deputy director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, in a report on election security. They also create security risks because they are more vulnerable than clean rolls to bad actors trying to exploit out-of-date entries (for example, by voting under a persons name or mailing a ballot for someone who is lawfully voting somewhere else). An automatic registration system would keep voter information far more up to date, and it would reduce the amount of confusion that results from having clerks enter information into their database from registrations filled out by hand. Both these things would greatly reduce the need for partisan officials to remove voters from the rolls or place their registrations on hold because of problems with their information. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) In Georgia, Kemp was secretary of state for eight years before he ran for governor, and during that time he removed 1.5 million voters from the rolls, according to a report by the Brennan Center. Some were removed simply because they hadnt voted in the last few elections. In 2018, Kemp oversaw the election in which he was a candidate, and placed more than 50,000 voter registrations on hold under his exact match policy, which flagged any small discrepancy between the registration form and information in the state databases. These policies were found to affect low-income voters and minorities disproportionately, as did the lack of sufficient polling places in major urban areas in and around Atlanta, where long lines were experienced far more by Black voters. Abrams established Fair Fight Action after losing to Kemp by 55,000 votes out of 3.9 million cast. She said at the time that she recognized that Kemp is governor under the law, but pointedly refused to refer to him as legitimate. She did not go so far as Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, who said that it was a stolen election. But Abrams did say Kemp engaged in a deliberate and intentional program of systemic disenfranchisement of voters, primarily African-Americans. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might be hoping to tap into an audience of 193 million captive viewers as they sign a mega deal with Netflix to produce documentaries. But while the mammoth subscription service might command a huge fan base, it doesnt necessarily dictate what they watch. And a poll suggests Harry and Meghan are going to have an uphill battle in getting people to tune into their programming, with only 3% of UK respondents saying they are very interested. YouGov polled more than 2,700 British adults about how interested they were in watching the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs content, and 64% said they were not interested at all. The poll showed more women were very interested than men, at 4% of respondents to just 1% of male respondents. It also revealed women were more likely to be fairly interested. There was some regional split, with the highest level of very interested people living in Scotland and London, at 5% in each place. But every region polled at more than 50% for not interested at all. Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sign mega deal with Netflix Women are more likely to be keen to watch Harry and Meghan's shows. (YouGov) Those who voted remain in the Brexit referendum were more likely to say they were very interested than those who voted leave - but it was still only 4% of people to 1%. Of those who voted remain, 59% said they were not interested. The duke and duchess look more likely to have success with younger audiences. Those aged 18-24 were more likely to say they were very interested than any other age range, and they also polled the highest rate of fairly interested responses. Those aged above 65 were most likely to say they were not interested at all. Meghan, 39, and Harry, 35, have signed a megawatt deal with the streaming service to make documentaries, docu-series, childrens programming and scripted series for Netflix. The couple will be setting up a production company, which will be separate from their non-profit organisation Archewell, and is not yet named. Story continues Read more: The 360: What has been the reaction to Harry and Meghan's huge deal with Netflix? They already have two projects underway - a nature series, and an animated series celebrating inspiring women. Although Meghan made her name on Suits, she has no plans to return to acting. However both of them may appear in front of the camera in documentaries. Meghan recently worked with Gloria Steinem and Makers US on a recorded interview which encouraged women to vote, and Harry appeared in a documentary called Rising Phoenix, about the Paralympic Games. Speaking to some of the documentary participants about it, he said: My biggest hope is that people will watch this film and go No matter how hard my life is, no matter how hard a day or a week can be, this what I aspire to, not just for me but for my family and all the loved ones around me. It is that element that I think will end up changing the world, so well done and thank you very much. Teachers' Day is celebrated every year on September 5, which also marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned scholar and the second President of India. Dr Radhakrishnan was later sworn as the President of India. He had once famously said: "Teachers should be the best minds of this country". And it is this belief that is honoured every year on this day. Dr Radhakrishnan was a star teacher and a celebrated academic. He believed in the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna's Sutram in the Pali language, 'shikshanam shrenitam, rida shesham' which translates into teaching is the noblest profession and the rest does not matter. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5,1888 in a Telugu-speaking family. He had a master's degree in philosophy and an enormous academic career. He taught at Chennai's Presidency College and Calcutta University. He served as the Vice Chancellor of Andhra Pradesh University from 1931-1936. He was invited to the prestigious Oxford University to teach Eastern Religions and Ethics in 1936, a position he held for 16 years. On this day, while students remember the former President of India, they also honour their own teachers by taking part in many cultural programmes. Students often bring gifts and cards for their favourite teachers in schools and colleges and tell them how they have shaped their world view and inspired them. This year, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students may have to meet their teachers virtually. Here are some messages, quotes and wishes they can share to make this Teacher's Day a special occasion: "If a country has to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. The father, the mother and the teacher."- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam "True teachers are those who help us think for ourselves." - Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan "Your teachings will always be etched in my mind. Happy Teachers' Day!" "If you were successful somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life."- Barack Obama "I am extremely lucky to have you as my teacher in life. I will never forget your gentle smile. Happy Teachers' Day 2020" "I have always felt that the true text book for the pupil is his teacher."- Mahatma Gandhi "Whatever I am today is because of you. Wish you a long and healthy life. Happy Teachers' Day 2020" "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."- Nelson Mandela Also read: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, family test positive for coronavirus As students and staff return for a school year like no other, they will wade into an environment that could risk their health and safety as the coronavirus continues to spread. Teachers have voiced their fear of returning to the classroom, and some parents have opted to keep their kids at home. It seems the concerns of some have already become reality at colleges: Temple University closed in-person classes after just one week, and others have watched as the number of infected students jumped to more than 1,000. In a major boost to the wildlife there, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has been allocated over 3000 hectares of additional land. Assam government on Thursday approved the additional land include areas from where illegal encroachment has been removed. afp The 7th, 8th and 9th additions to the park will see encroachment-evicted areas and the suitable wildlife habitat at the riverine islands (sapori) which were also vulnerable to encroachment becoming part of the crucial reserve. Good move The 176 hectares of the seventh addition includes Deosur, Palkhowa and Deosur Hill PRF (Proposed Reserve Forest) in Nagaon district; the 307 hectares of the eighth addition comprises Banderdubi in Nagaon district; and 2,570 hectares of the ninth addition includes Mokua chapori in Sonitpur district. The ninth addition will be under the Biswanath Wildlife Division. It is a move to consolidate the wildlife areas anticipating better wildlife conservation and reduction in the human-wildlife negative interactions in future. AFP The new addition will help animals including tigers to move freely and beyond Kaziranga to other protected areas. Human-animal conflict solution This is good news for the wildlife especially the big cats as recently following the sighting of a golden tiger it was revealed that there was excessive inbreeding caused by habitat destruction and loss of connectivity. Parveen Kaswan Kaziranga which is also home to the endangered one-horned Rhinos has been hit by massive flooding in recent years, devastating the wildlife. In July, the Centre had accepted Assam's proposal to construct a 32-km artificial highland inside the Kaziranga to shelter animals from the flood. Currently, the park has 20 km of natural highland. Also, there are 144 artificial highlands. Of these 111 highlands were created back in 1990 and 33 were made in 2019. However, these are not enough to accommodate the large number of animals that come out of the park seeking refuge from the annual devastating floods. AP This will be the largest artificial highland inside the park. The highland will begin from the Kaziranga forest range and stretch up to the parks sixth additional areas under Biswanath forest range. When floods hit the national park, animals will take shelter on this highland, and after the monsoon is over, forest officials will use it for patrolling, said P Sivakumar, Director of the national park. Environmentalists have long opposed the idea of more artificial highlands inside Kaziranga and argue that it is not the real solution. They say that it will do more harm to the ecology in the long run than good as the artificial highlands in a floodplain ecosystem will alter the natural course. (Natural News) New Yorkers wanting to eat out again will not be able to do so until a vaccine for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) becomes commercially available, according to a decree from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Indoor dining will remain off-limits in the Big Apple at least until June 1, 2021, de Blasio announced, and only on the condition that New Yorkers agree to get whatever WuFlu jab is ready at that time. We do expect and pray for and expect a vaccine in the spring that will allow us to get more back to normal, de Blasio stated at his daily press briefing. But I will absolutely tell you, were going to keep looking for that solution where we can push down the virus enough where we would have more ability to address indoor dining. Despite a meager 0.59 percent infection rate one of or lowest since March, de Blasio admitted NYC is on track to remain closed indefinitely. Meanwhile, nearby New Jersey is reopening its restaurants for indoor dining at 25 percent capacity starting Friday. Even other areas of New York state, including neighboring Long Island and Westchester, have had limited indoor dining for several weeks now. But not NYC, which remains under total lockdown for reasons that even de Blasio himself could not elucidate. Is there a way where we can do something safely with indoor dining? he asked during the presser. So far we have not had that moment, honestly. Reopening NYC will require a huge step forward, de Blasio warns Failing to disclose what metrics he is using to determine when it might be safe to reopen the city, de Blasio went on to warn that it is still going to take a huge step forward to get to that point, suggesting that returning to any type of normalcy is still a long way off. As for when a vaccine from President Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed program might become available, federal officials have already indicated that one could be ready before the end of the year, and possibly even in time for the election. Since it is still summer, outdoor dining has worked for some NYC establishments less than half are currently open, though. But the al fresco program currently in place is set to expire on Oct. 31. After this time, NYC will be too cold for most types of outdoor dining, save for those restaurants that have heavy-duty heat lamps. But de Blasio is planning to extend the al fresco measure regardless, as if this will somehow help restaurants stay afloat through the winter months. Were looking at that right now, he is quoted as saying. Were trying to get a sense from the restaurant community how much interest there is in going longer. Theres definitely openness on our part to going longer if we think it will contribute something. On Twitter, one user responded with what most were probably thinking following de Blasios announcement: Who is the psychopath that is going to dine outdoors in NYC in November? There are currently more than 300,000 service industry workers in NYC that remain unemployed due to de Blasios continued lockdown orders. All of these are on unemployment waiting for a time, which may never come, when de Blasio will end his reign of terror and get out of the way. Andrew Rigie, head of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, is one such person who is urging the mayor to cut the crap and bring indoor dining back as soon as possible. We need to extend outdoor dining and allow heaters past October, but thats not a sole solution, he is quoted as saying. We need a plan for indoor dining immediately, not a re-evaluation in a month. Sources for this article include: NYPost.com NaturalNews.com NYPost.com Grieg Seafood is granted five new farming licenses in Newfoundland, reaching eight licenses in the region, corresponding to a total production capacity of up to 30 000 tonnes of annual harvest. The allocation is part of the previously communicated plan for the development of the Placentia Bay operations. This is another important milestone on our journey of sustainable growth. With these five new licenses we have come one step further in the development of a new farming region in Newfoundland. With close proximity to the important US East Coast market, the Newfoundland farming operations is core to our 2025 strategy. Here, we aim for global growth, cost leadership in the regions where we operate and value chain repositioning, evolving from a supplier to an innovative partner for selected customers in the US and European markets, says Andreas Kvame, CEO of Grieg Seafood ASA. Farming activities in the Newfoundland region is expected to contribute with 15 000 tonnes of annual harvest by 2025 and has a long-term annual harvest potential of 30 000-45 000 tonnes. The first harvest is expected to be in 2022/2023. Grieg Seafood Newfoundland has long-term exclusive farming rights to the Placentia Bay area. The project comprises 11 licenses. Previously, Grieg Seafood had received three of the licenses. The remaining licenses are in different stages of application. We will build the Newfoundland region step-by-step and in line with best practice from our best performing operations in our Norwegian regions. We are committed to farm with as low environmental impact and as high fish welfare as possible, and to contribute to local jobs and value creation in the Marystown area. It is important for us to be a good partner to the local communities and local authorities to create value for all, says Kvame. A RAS fresh-water facility, including hatchery, nursery, smolt and post smolt divisions, is currently under construction in Marystown. Grieg Seafood Newfoundland reached another milestone in July 2020, as the first eggs were placed into the hatchery. Story continues For further enquiries, please contact: Andreas Kvame, CEO +47 907 71 441 / andreas.kvame@griegseafood.com Atle Harald Sandtorv, CFO +47 908 45 252 / atle.harald.sandtorv@griegseafood.com For media enquiries, please contact: Kristina Furnes, Global Communications Manager +47 48185505 / kristina.furnes@griegseafood.com About Grieg Seafood Grieg Seafood ASA is one of the world's leading salmon farmers, targeting 95 000 tonnes of harvest (GWT) in 2020. Our farms are in Finnmark and Rogaland in Norway, British Columbia and Newfoundland in Canada, and Shetland in the UK. Our headquarter is located in Bergen, Norway. Grieg Seafood ASA was listed at the Oslo Stock Exchange in June 2007. More than 800 people are employed by the Company globally. Sustainable farming practices are the foundation of Grieg Seafood's operations. The lowest possible environmental impact and the best possible fish welfare drive economic profitability. Towards 2025, we aim to harvest 150 000 tonnes, to achieve cost leadership in each region and to evolve from a pure salmon supplier to an innovation partner for selected customers. To learn more, please visit www.griegseafood.com. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. One New Year's Day, Rob Purdie woke up with a headache that wouldn't quit. Vision problems, body aches and a slight fever followed. At the emergency room, the Bakersfield, California, resident was given antibiotics, which didn't touch his symptoms. His headache turned into cluster headaches and the fatigue became worse. "I was not really functional," he said in a recent interview, recalling the beginning of his eight-year struggle with the mystery illness. After five weeks, he ended up at Bakersfield's Kern Medical, home to the Valley Fever Institute. A resident physician quickly realized the cause of the symptoms. A spinal fluid sample confirmed Purdie was suffering from valley fever, a fungal infection that occurs in the deserts of the Southwest, primarily Arizona and California. The infection had spread from his lungs into his brain, causing inflammation and headaches. He was in and out of the hospital for a year with debilitating symptoms. There is no cure for valley fever; doctors use existing antifungal medications that often don't relieve the symptoms. He tried three oral antifungal drugs and finally ended up with injections of amphotericin B "salvage therapy," meaning it is a drug of last resort which he is still on, eight years later. Purdie, 39, now works for the Valley Fever Institute, teaching others about the poorly understood disease. He still has no clue how he inhaled the spore that causes it. "I was probably out doing yardwork," he said, "and took the wrong breath." Valley fever coccidioidomycosis ("cocci" for short) is the scientific name is an "orphan disease." An orphan disease is defined in the U.S. as one affecting fewer than 200,000 people. Valley fever is diagnosed in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 cases a year in the U.S. with 160 fatalities, though both numbers are likely several times higher in reality because many cases are never identified. That's why it's often hard to attract attention to developing a vaccine. In the 1980s, a promising vaccine candidate failed in clinical trials. There has been no other candidate for a vaccine until recently. Now, with mouse studies showing promise, there is a renewed push. Dr. John Galgiani, head of the University of Arizona's Valley Fever Center for Excellence, is heading up vaccine research there and believes the vaccine shown to prevent valley fever in mice should be available for dogs, which also get infected in large numbers, as soon as next year. A veterinary vaccine company, Anivive, is developing it. "It's very promising," said Galgiani. The same vaccine is in the early stage of development for humans, though it's still years away. In addition to Galgiani's research, the National Institutes for Health's National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases is funding two other cocci vaccine research projects. One drug, nikkomycin Z, has cured the disease in mice; experts believe it could do the same for humans. It's being developed by the University of Arizona with funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and other sources. Valley fever is getting more attention for a few reasons. The number of cases has been increasing, and a study last year predicted it may spread north through the West as the climate warms. By 2095, five more states may be added to the list of 12 where the fungus now lives, growing its range in a swath across the West and into the Great Plains from Texas to Montana and North Dakota. The fungus is also found in Mexico and in Central and South America. U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy represents parts of California's Central Valley, where cocci is prevalent. It's a voting issue there and the Republican has made it a priority, bringing federal dollars to bear for research, surveillance and awareness. The big problem with developing a vaccine is the relatively small market. The cost of studies to bring the drug to market, Galgiani estimated, is $50 million, while a federal study in 2000 pegged the cost of developing a vaccine at $360 million though Galgiani believes it could be done for half that, still a hefty cost for a small group of patients. "We don't compete effectively against other investment opportunities," he said. Two types of the fungus Coccidioides cause valley fever. They dwell in desert soil between 2 inches and a foot deep and when disturbed become suspended in the air and are occasionally inhaled. Cocci, sometimes called "desert rheumatism," causes fever, cough, body aches, extreme exhaustion and difficulty breathing. There is no person-to-person spread. Because the pneumonia-like symptoms are similar to those caused by the novel coronavirus, many cases of valley fever are likely being reported as COVID-19, Galgiani said, which means they are not getting treatment with antifungal medications that can temper symptoms if applied early on. The infection can spur inflammation that "causes scarring and damage to parts of your nervous system," Galgiani said. "Early diagnosis means less damage." Valley fever case numbers have grown substantially in the past five years, though they are down this year, perhaps because many doctors mistake the condition for COVID-19. Most cases resolve on their own without treatment. Yet in 5% to 8% of diagnosed patients, the disease spreads to skin, bones and organs, and can be deadly. If it reaches the brain and spinal cord, as it did with Rob Purdie, it can cause meningitis, or swelling of the membranes. These patients, if they don't die, may need antifungal treatments for life. Blacks and Filipinos are four times more likely to have these serious effects than other demographic groups, according to Galgiani. An epidemic devastated prisoners in the San Joaquin Valley, the southern section of California's Central Valley, in the early and mid-2000s. Investigation showed the rate in two prisons which had populations with higher numbers of minorities than the surrounding communities was hundreds of times higher than in the surrounding area. Eventually, more than 30 prisoners died and many more had serious chronic infections. The high season for infection is late summer and fall. Some 95% of the cases occur in the Central Valley and the Phoenix area. "They are in urban areas; you don't have to be out on the desert to be infected," Galgiani said. Compounding the effects of valley fever is that it often goes undiagnosed. Even in Phoenix's Maricopa County where the fungus is endemic in the desert soil and 50% of the nation's cases occur it's not on the radar screen of many doctors. Further complicating a diagnosis is that test results are often wrong and it may take two or three tests to identify the disease. The lack of awareness of valley fever is one of the factors that led Purdie to take a job last year as outreach coordinator of the Valley Fever Institute. "There's a lot of misinformation about it," he said. The vaccine that experts are banking on is called Delta CPS-1. It has proved very effective in mice in published studies and could be on the market as soon as next year for dogs. It's estimated that 60,000 dogs contract valley fever every year in what's known as the "Valley Fever Corridor" between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, and the numbers are probably similar for Bakersfield and other parts of the Central Valley. Symptoms in canines are similar to those in humans. The same vaccine could one day prove effective in humans, though trials are years and many millions of dollars away. "It's a great candidate for human immunization," said Dr. Tom Monath, managing partner and chief scientific officer of Crozet BioPharma, which is working on the vaccine. "It's hard to offer any promises, but it could take less than 10 years." Trump said he wont allow the Pentagon to cut funding for the militarys independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes. Read more WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that he wont allow the Pentagon to cut funding for the militarys independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, effectively halting Defense leaders plan to shut the paper down this month. The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch, Trump tweeted. It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military! Trumps tweet came as he fought off new accusations that he called service members killed in World War I losers and suckers during an event in France in 2018. The comments, first reported by The Atlantic and confirmed by The Associated Press, are shining a fresh light on Trumps previous public disparaging of American troops and military families and they delivered a new campaign issue to his Democrtic rival Joe Biden, less than two months from Election Day. The Defense Department has ordered the paper to halt publication by Sept. 30, and dissolve the organization by the end of January. The order, in a recent memo to Stripes, follows the Pentagons move earlier this year to cut the $15.5 million in funding for the paper from the Defense Department budget. And it is a reflection of the Trump administrations broader animosity for the media and members of the press. The Trump White House hadnt spoken out against the Pentagon plan to close the paper before Friday, even though its been in the works and publicly written about for months and was in the presidents budget request. Friday afternoon, however, Trump worked to shore up his reputation as a staunch supporter of the nations armed services. Ive done more for the military than almost anyone else, he said Friday in the Oval Office. Trump was alleged to have made the comments about the war dead as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France in November 2018. The Pentagon had no immediate comment on Trumps tweet or how it may affect Espers plan to ultimately shut down the paper. Members of Congress have objected to the defunding move for months. And senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper this week urging him to reinstate the money. The letter, signed by 15 senators including Republicans and Democrats also warns Esper that the department is legally prohibited from canceling a budget program while a temporary continuing resolution to fund the federal government is in effect. Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nations freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom, the senators said in the letter. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a separate letter to Esper in late August, also voiced opposition to the move, calling Stripes a valued hometown newspaper for the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian employees across the globe. He added that as a veteran who has served overseas, I know the value that the Stars and Stripes brings to its readers. In the memo, the department says Esper made the decision as a result of his department-wide budget review. Signed by Army Col. Paul Haverstick, acting director of the Pentagons Defense Media Activity, the memo says plans to close the paper are due on Sept. 15 and the last newspaper is to be published on Sept. 30. The memo adds that if the paper continues to be funded by either a continuing resolution or other unforeseen circumstances then Stripes must submit a plan by Sept. 15 to shut down at the end of the next budget year, Sept. 30, 2021. Haversticks memo says that in that case, the last date for publication of the newspaper will be determined based on budget or other circumstances. The Stripes ombudsman, Ernie Gates, told The Associated Press on Friday that shutting the paper down would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations. The first newspaper called Stars and Stripes was very briefly produced in 1861 during the Civil War, but the paper began consistent publication during World War I. When the war was over, publication ended, only to restart in 1942 during World War II, providing wartime news written by troops specifically for troops in battle. Although the paper gets funding from the Defense Department, it is editorially independent and is delivered in print and digitally to troops all over the world. The Pentagon proposed cutting the papers funding when making its budget request earlier this year, triggering angry reactions from members of Congress. The House-passed version of the Pentagon budget contains funding for the papers publication, but the Senate has not yet finalized a defense funding bill. The number of total Covid-19 cases in India surpassed the 4 million-mark on Friday with little sign of the viruss pace slowing in the country. States with a large number of cases, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka (Nos 1, 2, 3, 4 by cases), continue to exhibit signs that the contagion is spreading fast with no peak in sight, according to data analysed by HT. States such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Punjab face the risk of becoming the new hot spots due to a rapid increase in new cases, rising positivity rates and (in the first two) low testing. To identify the new hot spots of the outbreak, HT analysed data from Indias 20 most populous regions, looking for three factors a rising positivity rate, a high growth rate of daily cases, and low tests per million residents that have marked all hot spots globally. A similar analysis by HT on July 27 identified Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar as possible outbreak states and all reported a sharp increase in cases through August. Delhi, the only region in the country that had reported a clear turnaround with performance improving on the three parameters at the beginning of August, saw its performance drop in two of these parameters it has seen a significant resurgence of daily cases coupled with a rise in positivity rate. To be sure, with improved testing, the Capital has been showing glimpses of improved numbers in the past few days. Bihar, meanwhile, appears to have set an example of how a state can improve its numbers by aggressively improving testing numbers as both its doubling and positivity rates improved. CASE RATE The rate of increase in cases for a region is generally measured by what is known as doubling rate the number of days it takes for the total infections in the region to double (the higher the number, the better). At 13.7 days, Chhattisgarh has the worst doubling rate in India and is one of only three states that have seen this metric worsen in the past month (the other two being Haryana and Delhi). It is followed by Jharkhand (16.5 days), Odisha (22 days), and Punjab (24.1 days). To be sure, the national doubling rate is 32.4 days, which has improved from 20.7 days at the start of August, but this has come even as the quantum of cases has risen sharply India had 1.7 million cases at the start of August and was adding around 55,000 cases a day; this has since increased to around 80,000 daily cases in the last week or so. Among the major hot spots, Karnataka features in the bottom quartile with a doubling rate of 27.2 days. Andhra Pradesh has a doubling rate of 28.6 days. The doubling rate in Maharashtra, the countrys worst-hit state, is only slightly above the national average 34.6 days. In Tamil Nadu, the plateau of cases is evident in its relatively better doubling rate 48.3 days. The resurgence of cases in Delhi, meanwhile, has seen its doubling rate drop from nearly 90 days to 57.7 days the biggest change among the states analysed. However, it still has the best doubling rate in India. Bihars doubling rate went from one of the worst in the country in August (11.9 days) to 49.4 days on September 3, the third highest. POSITIVITY RATE AND TESTING In 12 of the 20 states analysed, the positivity rate the proportion of people testing positive to those tested increased in the last month. Positivity rate shows how widespread the virus is in the region, and when coupled with a rise in new cases, indicates that the virus is spreading fast. Maharashtra continues to have the highest 7-day average positivity rate in the country at 21.7% (up 3.4 percentage points in the last month; the data is for the week ended September 3). Even at the start of August, the state had the highest positivity rate in the country, a statistic that highlights the magnitude of the challenge that faces the western state. Andhra Pradesh, with the second highest caseload in India, has the second highest positivity rate as well 17.1% (up 2.3 percentage points). Chhattisgarh has the third-worst positivity rate 13.8% over the last week (an increase of 8.1 percentage points). Though Karnatakas positivity rate dropped 3 points to 12.9%, it remains in the worst performing zone. Delhi, meanwhile, saw an increase of positivity rate from 5.9% to 9% which means the Capital had the fifth worst figure in the country. In Punjab, the positivity rate increased 1.8 percentage points (from 6.3% for the week ended August 1 to 8.1%) over the last month. For the week ending September 2, 7.7% of tests came back positive across the country (an improvement of 2.9% from August 1). In total, 8.4% of tests have come back positive across the country till date. Bihar, meanwhile, witnessed the biggest improvement in positivity rate. For the week ending August 1, 14% of the tests were positive for Covid-19 in the state; this dropped to 1.7% for the week ending September 3. Much of this is because of the increased rate of testing average daily tests in the state went from 20,000 at the start of August to 113,000 by September. In terms of testing rate, Madhya Pradesh was at the bottom, with 17,554 tests performed per million of the population, followed by West Bengal (20,853) against the national average of 35,020. Chhattisgarh was again among the worst performers, with the third lowest testing rate 21,430. It was followed by UP (26,893) and Jharkhand (27,206). Testing, however, is a parameter that offers hope for residents of Delhi (84,251 tests per million, the highest in India), Andhra Pradesh (74,793), and Karnataka (47,477) all perform much better than the national average of 35,020 tests per million. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A full closure of the A6 will be in place this weekend between Dungiven and Derry, with traffic to be directed through Feeny and Claudy. The closure is part of continuing work on the completion of the A6 D2D Dualling Project and will take effect from Friday, September 4, at 7pm until Monday, September 7, at 7am. GAA supporters travelling to Derry could be affected, with Ballinascreen taking on Bellaghy at Celtic Park on Saturday evening, while Magherafelt play Lavey at the same venue on Sunday evening. Road users have been asked to leave extra time for their journey due to the diversion. Meanwhile, A new tour is offering visitors the chance to explore part of County Derry's mythological history on the slopes of Slieve Gallion. Embrace tours is run by Hugh McCloy, a native of Moneymore who now lives in Draperstown, and has been running for a number of months after lockdown presented an opportunity for its launch. Hugh has focused the first phase of the tours on the area's links to Ireland's mythological past and in particular, the presence of giants in the area. I had an idea years ago to do something called Spirit Safaris. As time went on it kind of morphed into Embrace the Giant spirit, Hugh explained. Lockdown gave you the chance to have a good think about it and we launched it there this summer. It's building on the story of the Slieve Gallion giants. We are a country based on the myths and legends of giants. You can go back to the early mythology of the Tuatha De Danann and the Fomorians. The Fomorians were giant warriors and the Tuatha De Danann were these child-like gods. There is probably a bit of truth to the giant stories because in Ulster, there are giant men. The tallest twins ever, the Knipes, came from Magherafelt. The last giant to come out of Mid Ulster was a guy called Charles Byrne, who was eight foot, who came from outside Moneymore. 1 in 150 people carry the giant gene. Signs could be having big hands or big feet, or medical conditions associated with gigantism. Hugh has previously worked on Game of Thrones tours, and has spent years researching the project, which is offering an initial three tours on Slieve Gallion. He said the history of Mid Ulster and the rich potential for tourism had been largely untapped. All through history there have been traces of giants in the Mid Ulster area. We all know Slieve Gallion has been a mountain out there on its own. We've all grown up in the shadow of Slieve Gallion and some of us might not know it used to be called Callan's Mountain. It was called after a giant called Callan. As time went on, it was renamed Slieve Gallion. Callan is also supposed to be buried on Slieve Gallion as well. He was also the grandson of a High King of Ireland. We've only started to discover our history. Most of the history of Ireland, going back to ancient times, is towards Armagh, or Newgrange. What I've done is devise a series of walks in Mid Ulster that will celebrate the history of the giants. I want to take that Fionn MacCumhaill myth and link it to more modern giants. The current routes for Embrace Tours take in large swathes of County Derry. Beginning in Tirkane, Hugh brings visitors through the mountains of Swatragh and down into St Lurach's in Maghera. From there, the tours head for Slieve Gallion and the stone circles, giving visitors the opportunity to hear about the lives of the giants who are said to have lived there. With the tours already attracting interest from American operators, Hugh is hoping to develop the experiences and has enlisted the help of the local community. Apparo Restaurant in Draperstown are supplying food for a number of the tours, while visitors can also avail of a story-telling session in the town's Shepherd's Rest Pub. Plans to develop the tours are ongoing, with Hugh hoping to focus on local links to the origin of Bram Stoker's well-known novel, Dracula. The next story we're going to build on is that Dracula was Irish. He was an old chieftain from Glenullin and his grave is still there, said Hugh. Abhartach was a cruel wee chief who was supposed to have gotten into the dark arts. If you look at history, Moneyneena was where ancient Irish warriors went to train in herbal medicine and magic. Abhartach couldn't be killed, so they enlisted the help of the local giants at Slieve Gallion, who went to what was likely St Lurach in Maghera. He said to take the branch of a yew tree, carve it into a dagger and stab him through the heart, place him face down in the grave, cover him in thorns and put a huge stone over his head. Over in Glenullin, there is a place called Slaghtaverty, named after the chieftain. Since then, his grave has sat there. The origins of the vampire is Irish, and it's here in the Sperrins. Hugh is keen to move from the idea of the giant as a 20-foot tall myth to having a tangible link between giants and the Slieve Gallion area. He is hoping the experience of being physically present in the area they are said to have inhabited will help develop that link. What's sitting under the ground in Mid Ulster is going to re-write history, he said. Are you going to find a Newgrange in Ulster? No, but you're going to find significant monuments that can be traced back through history. Ulster men were always renowned for being big, hearty warriors. I've played Gaelic all my life. If people don't believe there are giants in Mid Ulster, they've never played against Swatragh. The Delhi government will set up next week pop-up Covid-19 testing centres in and around central government offices in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area, and mobile ones in weekly markets held around the city, a senior government official said on condition of anonymity. The centres are part of the governments effort to scale up testing in Delhi, in light of an increase in cases and positivity rates. Over the past few days the number of tests have increased significantly from 24,198 according the states Tuesday bulletin to 36,219 according to the Friday bulletin, even as the positivity rate dipped from 9.55% to 8%. The number of tests was the highest for the third consecutive day. The official said that the locations where the centres will be set up will be decided over the next few days. The focus will be to make it convenient for central government employees in the city to get tested, even though the centres will be open for all, added the official. Weekly markets, once a common sight in Delhi, have been restarted on a trial basis according to the official, will also see on-site testing through mobile centres using vans that district authorities already have. This strategy is a part of a larger plan to scale up Covid-19 tests in the city, the official explained. On August 26, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said the capital would double its testing from the around 20,000 level it was at the time and take it up to 40,000 in a week. The official said that the temporary test centres would use rapid antigen kits which are capable of showing results within 45 minutes. Individuals who test negative despite having influenza-like symptoms will be sent for RT-PCR tests, he added Delhi on Friday recorded 2,914 new Covid-19 cases taking the total number of cases recorded in the Capital to 185,220 so far. It also recorded 13 deaths, taking its death toll to 4,513. Of the total 36,219 tests recorded on Friday, 8488 (23.43%) were RT-PCR tests and the remaining 27,731 were rapid antigen tests. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are considered to be more accurate and the office of the Director General of Health Services in Delhi is working on a plan to increase the number and proportion of RT-PCR tests in the coming days, a second government official said, also on condition of anonymity. Dr Lalit Kant, former epidemiology and communicable diseases head at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said: It is a good thing that the government has scaled up testing. But they should rely more on RT-PCR tests at this juncture. Rapid antigen tests can be done aggressively in containment zones, in hospitals and among high-risk groups and special surveillance groups. Currently, 207 government dispensaries and 38 public hospitals in the city have Covid-19 rapid antigen testing facilities open for all, free of charge. Temporary test centres have been set up in the Anand Vihar inter-state bus terminal and New Delhi railway station, which witness a high footfall of migrants who are returning to the city as lockdown restrictions are eased. There are also centres outside the Delhi High Court , Supreme Court, and Delhi Secretariat buildings, said the second government official. The first official said Delhi will reach the 40,000 tests-a-day mark in two to three days. On Tuesday, Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal directed officials to draft a policy to introduce a test-on-demand programme, where people can call a helpline and fix an appointment at the nearest Covid testing centre without having to wait in a queue. He also directed the government to set up test centres near prominent construction sites in the city. KALAMAZOO, MI As students return to Western Michigan Universitys campus this fall, so have the off-campus parties. In an effort to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, WMU is inserting several new policies into its student code of conduct this fall in hopes of stopping large gatherings altogether. Student gatherings in violation of those new policies have already been happening on campus, students say. Chloe Ammond, a sophomore at WMU, told MLive on Tuesday that she has witnessed multiple gatherings that violate the universitys plan since returning to her apartment at Goldsworth Valley Complex, an on-campus student housing complex. Multiple large volleyball games happened at the complex volleyball court without social distancing or masks, Ammond said. She said it was not until the next day that she heard a response from the university. The delay after she reported the issue left Ammond wondering how it would be possible to enforce the new standards. There were about 20 people at each game, and they were gathered for multiple hours, Ammond said. I emailed my resident manager asking if anything would be done about this and the lack of mask wearing in the apartment complex common areas. I received a reply stating the code of conduct on large outside gatherings, which showed that these students broke the code, and that she was trying her best. WMU President Edward Montgomery has repeatedly warned that the universitys ability to remain open rests largely in the hands of its students. Back in March, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety used a police zone to hold back large crowds predicted to gather for annual St. Patricks Day celebrations in off-campus student areas. At the time, there were 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive order limited large gatherings to a maximum of 250 people. Read more: Police zone declared to prevent St. Patricks Day student parties in Kalamazoo Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Anderson told MLive on Tuesday that the university is in the process of finalizing revisions to the student code of conduct with the schools board of trustees. She said the expectations to comply with rules in Westerns Safe Return Plan and to hold students accountable are clear, and that violators will be penalized. Hosting, organizing or attending any gathering on or off campus where attendees are not required to adhere to coronavirus mitigation standards like social distancing and wearing a mask is a violation of the universitys updated policy. While the threshold for large gatherings, at least according to WMUs student code of conduct, is currently capped at 10 people more stringent than Gov. Whitmers 25 person executive order limit Kalamazoo Public Safety officers do not have any plans to use enforcement measures like those seen in March, one officer said. There is no plan for anything like we saw on St. Patricks Day, KDPS officer John Resseguie told MLive on Wednesday. I think that with Western stepping up and doing their student code of conduct, were not going to have the issues like weve seen in the past. Resseguie said that KDPS will work with the school and refer any policy violations to the universitys student conduct office. KDPS does not actively enforce the governors executive order, he said, instead acting in an educational role and advising people what the executive order says. With everything going on this year has been really calm so far, Resseguie said. With Western changing that student code of conduct I think its really helping us out a lot, were really appreciative WMU has stepped up to ensure the spread of COVID doesnt happen. A representative for WMU Public Safety, the universitys on-campus police department, could not be reached for comment. During the back-to-campus briefings last week, the university assured students and community members that students who violate the rules in WMUs Safe Return Plan, or those who have violated executive orders, will be held accountable, with potential consequences that may include suspension. The university recently announced it will ask every student and faculty member to take a daily self-monitoring questionnaire that includes coronavirus exposure risks and symptoms. The survey will feed into the universitys electronic health record and be used to identify those who may be at high risk of carrying and transmitting COVID-19. The results of the survey will be translated into a QR code that students will be required to have scanned in order to enter buildings on-campus. The university is not requiring students to be tested for COVID-19; however, the university has strongly encouraged students living in on-campus housing to do so. Those on campus at WMU who need to be tested for COVID-19 can make an appointment by calling Sindecuse Health Center at 269-387-3287. Also on MLive: 7 things to know about Western Michigan Universitys back-to-campus plans Western Michigan students protest, share concerns with universitys reopening plan New Kalamazoo ordinance targets nuisance parties and rolling X-trains With regular international flights stalled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to operate direct flights between Kolkata and London, primarily for the purpose of repatriation, under the Centre's mission, a spokesperson for the airline said. The flights between NSC Bose International Airport here and Heathrow in London will operate twice a week from September 16 to October 24, he said here on Friday. According to the spokesperson, the service would be available on Thursdays and Sundays from Kolkata, and Wednesdays and Saturdays from Heathrow, he said. These flights would be in addition to the existing fleet operating between India and the UK, he said. Bookings have opened, and the response has so far been encouraging, travel agents in the city said. As the Bengal government had earlier disallowed evacuation flights to Kolkata from international destinations due to safety concerns in the midst of the pandemic, many people couldn't return to the city from the UK. Several of them are now opting for these direct flights, one of the travel agents said. Air India, which had started operating regular passenger flights between Kolkata and London in 2006, discontinued the service in 2010 over poor load factor. (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.) Efforts to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from US mobile networks are going to rack up costs for small carriers. Thats according to a recent report from The Verge, citing statements from the FCC. In fact, it could cost small providers in the country more than $1.8 billion. Specifically, thats those carriers that tend to service underserved areas. Those carriers receive support from the Universal Service Fund, meant to help ensure that more Americans have ready access to mobile connectivity. That means that the figure reported by the FCC is not the full figure. It doesnt, for example, account for all carriers that use the Chinese equipment. Or for small carriers who havent reported in yet, the figure is likely a lot higher. Advertisement How are small US networks going to cover costs to replace equipment? Among those carriers that are reporting, some are also reporting that they wont be able to handle the cost. At least not on their own. Eastern Oregon Telecom is one such carrier, the source reports. The equipment the carrier needs to replace, it says, is valued at just $500,000. But removing it and replacing it will cost the small company as much as $1.5 million. A similar circumstance exists across many of the less mainstream carriers within the US. As much as $1.6 billion, conversely, is set to be provided to the carriers in the form of federal reimbursement. Or at least thats how much of the cost is eligible for reimbursement. That leaves around $200 million unaccounted for, anyway. But Congress has not approved or allocated the funding to cover those expenses yet. Advertisement FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has called on Congress to act in the interim. But the costs to remove Huawei and ZTE from US networks are not being met, as of this writing. Thats despite approval for the process to allow the spending happening back in March as part of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. Why is Huawei and ZTE equipment being removed? The removal of Huawei and ZTE equipment from US networks follows in lock-step with the long decline of trust in Chinese OEMs. Thats at the state and federal level. The concern, of course, is that Huawei and other tech giants could potentially be turned into spy tools for the Chinese government. The movement has culminated in not just plans to reimburse US carriers but also incentivization for allied countries to do the same. The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives says the delegation he led to Ghana for a two-day fact-finding mission has concluded that Ghana is not at fault in the trade impasse. Addressing President Akufo-Addo and senior members of his administration including the Speaker of Ghanas Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Ocquye, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the issue at hand is basically a misconception and misinformation, which he and his delegation had come to understand of the situation during their visit. The people, perhaps, the media on both sides as well As to what exactly is going on in Ghana as far as Nigerians are concerned, we have taken time to educate our people here about those misconceptions. We deliberated and resolved that whatever needs to be done on both sides, to make sure that this relationship remains the relationship it used to be and still is, we will do. Nigerian foreign minister The Foreign Affairs Minister of Nigeria, Geoffrey Onyeama, on the 17th of August 2020 made an announcement in a tweet, as he expressed his governments displeasure with a video that went viral showing the closure of some shops that allegedly belong to Nigerian traders in Ghana. In his tweet, Foreign Minister Onyeama said, Nigerian government has watched with dismay the painful videos of the forceful closure of the shops of Nigerian traders in Ghana. Urgent steps will be taken The visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria to Ghana to meet with the Speaker of Ghanas Parliament, and subsequently the President of the Republic, can be seen as a legislative diplomatic attempt to arrest the unfortunate rhetoric of the Nigerian diplomat. Request for Legislation Review Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, in his statement to President Akufo-Addo, said he has suggested to the Parliamentary leadership of Ghana to reconsider the legislation that imposes a huge surcharge on foreigners who intend to trade in Ghana. We have appealed to Parliament that if it is possible at all, and it is an appeal if it is possible at all to please look again at the issues as far as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act is concerned, then they should please do so. If it is not possible, then let us look at ways where the pain can be a little bit reduced, or the difficulties in meeting those expectations espoused in the law can be reduced, Speaker Gbajabiamila noted. We have proffered suggestions which we are working on, one of which is, as he did mention, was the establishment of a Ghana, Nigeria Business Council backed by legislation on both sides, the Nigerian Speaker of the House of Representatives addressed. President Akufo-Addo Addressing the Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila-led delegation, President Akufo-Addo, said he was really taken aback and alarmed by the statement of the federal Minister for Information of Nigeria. I was alarmed when I read the statement. If these are really the attitudes and sentiments of the federal government of Nigeria, then we were in a really serious problem, President Akufo-Addo said. Review of Legislation President Akufo-Addo assured the Nigerian Speaker of the House of Representatives and his delegation that all the suggestions they had made from the establishment of the Ghana-Nigerian Business Council to legislative reviews are all welcomed and they will be given opportune attention by his government. The review that you are asking for, why not? If that is worth doing from our mutual perspectives, it will make a lot of sense, so you can take it for granted that the request that you have made will be treated seriously and we will have a look at it, President Akufo-Addo said. --Starrfm.com. Brazil reached the mark of 4 million confirmed coronavirus cases, doubling the infection count in two months as large parts of the Latin American nation emerge from isolation. The country reported 43,773 new cases on Thursday, pushing the toll to 4,041,638. Deaths rose by 834 to 124,614, according to data from the Health Ministry. Globally, the nation lags only the U.S. in both cases and deaths from the disease, though India is fast closing in when it comes to infections. On a per capita basis, though, Brazil recently passed the U.S. and Chile for most deaths per million people and is primed to overtake Italy for the 5th spot globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Brazil has been adding about a million cases a month -- in mid-July, it had 2 million confirmed infections -- as the virus hits areas of the country that were spared earlier in the pandemic. But the pace of new infections appears to have slowed since mid-August. After four weeks with over new 300,000 cases, figures for the past two weeks have been closer to 265,000. The number of weekly deaths fell to below 6,500, the lowest since May. The rich Southeast region of the country, home to highly-populated states like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, continues to be the hardest hit region, with more than 1.4 million cases, followed by the Northeast with 1.1 million. The North of the country, largely blanketed by the Amazon rain forest and where hospital beds are scarce, has the highest mortality rate in the nation: 73.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, more than double the rate seen in the more developed South. Brazils response to the pandemic -- no national approach, a shortage of testing and a push to reopen before the disease receded -- turned the country into a global hotspot. President Jair Bolsonaro pushed the scientifically-unproven drug hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the outbreak and criticized severe lockdown measures implemented by governors. Contradicting policies made predicting when the infection rates would recede even more difficult than it already was in a country of 210 million people where some states are the size of France and where many live in poverty and cant afford not to work. Researchers from the PUC University in Rio say the viruss reproductive rate rose to 1.01 after more than a month of decline, though it varies wildly across the country. Its below 1 in 20 states and the Federal District, and above 1.5 in Santa Catarina, which was largely spared early on in the pandemic but has seen cases spike to over 180,000 from 87,000 in the past month. The group forecasts cases will top 4.55 million by mid-September, with deaths reaching 136,000. The pandemic brought on the largest economic slump on record, a 11.4% decline in the second quarter from a year ago. But Bank of America said last week that its internal data indicates there was a strong rebound in Brazils economic activity. The bounce was so significant that BofA says growth as measured by the central banks economic activity index, or IBC-Br, may have returned to pre-Covid levels as social isolation measures wane and mobility indicators continue to rise. Over recent weeks, local media have repeatedly shown pictures of packed beaches and parks, and crowds gathered at recently reopened bars and restaurants. The state of Sao Paulo, which has been the epicenter in the country since the first reported case in late February, has seen isolation rates fall to around 40%, from as high as 60% back in March. Starting Grants from the European Research Council (ERC) are highly coveted, because they provide young researchers with funding of up to 1.5 million euros over five years. In economics, three researchers from the University of Bonn and the Behavior and Inequality Research Institute (briq) will now benefit from this funding. The successful candidates are also members of the Clusters of Excellence ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy and the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics (HCM). Prof. Dr. Francesc Dilme works at the Institute for Microeconomics at the University of Bonn and is a member of the Clusters of Excellence ECONtribute, Hausdorff Center for Mathematics and a cross-locational Collaborative Research Center with Mannheim. He wants to use the ERC Starting Grant to investigate price negotiations in dynamic markets: "The aim is to develop a new systematic analysis of markets where market participants have different levels of information." Dilme expects the EU funding to enable him to attract leading researchers from his field to Bonn and to have more time for his research. "The Starting Grant allows me to contribute to the understanding of how information is transmitted through prices in decentralized markets, such as real estate and financial markets," he says. He also wants to examine the efficiency of these markets and assess the effectiveness of different regulations. Dilme studied physics and mathematics in Barcelona (Spain) before graduating in economics at the London School of Economics (England) and completing a doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania (USA). He joined the University of Bonn in 2013 and has been a professor there since 2019. In 2017 he spent a six-month research stay at the University of California, Berkeley. New possibilities for data analysis Prof. Dr. Joachim Freyberger from the Institute of Finance and Statistics at the University of Bonn is a member of the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics and plans to use his Starting Grant to develop new statistical methods. "The increasing availability of large data sets and, at the same time, the greatly increased processing power of computers offer new possibilities for analyzing data," says Freyberger. The new methods should yield more reliable conclusions in various empirical applications. He would like to use the EU funding to strengthen his networking with international researchers and to train doctoral students. Born in Bonn, he studied econometrics and operations research in Maastricht (Netherlands) and received his doctorate in economics from Northwestern University (USA). After six years at the University of Wisconsin (USA), Freyberger has been a professor at the University of Bonn since 2019. How do our memories influence opinions and expectations? Economics assumes that people act with foresight. Decisions depend on individual perceptions and expectations, for example when buying shares. "The aim of the project is to better understand the process through which opinions and expectations are formed," says Prof. Dr. Florian Zimmermann. "The approach here is to use insights from memory research." The researcher works at the Behavior and Inequality Research Institute (briq) at the University of Bonn and is a member of ECONtribute. The project, which is supported by the ERC with a Starting Grant, is based on the assumption that when forming opinions and expectations, people frequently consult their memory about relevant prior knowledge and experiences. "Belief-based decisions are not only relevant for individual economic outcomes but may also have important effects on the economy as a whole," says the researcher. Zimmermann studied economics in Mannheim and at the University of California, Los Angeles (USA) and earned his doctorate at the Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) at the University of Bonn. After research stays at the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University as well as a postdoctoral period at the University of Zurich, he joined briq in 2017, where he has been a professor since 2019. ERC Starting Grants support excellent young researchers The European Research Council awards Starting Grants to outstanding young researchers. The funding from Brussels is up to 1.5 million euros for five years. Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute and Hausdorff Center for Mathematics ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy is the only economic Cluster of Excellence and a joint initiative of the universities of Bonn and Cologne. The Cluster's research focuses on markets at the interface between business, politics and society. The Cluster aims to advance a new paradigm for the analysis of market failure in light of fundamental societal, technological and economic challenges, such as increasing inequality and political polarization or global financial crises. The Hausdorff Center for Mathematics (HCM) is a Cluster of Excellence of the University of Bonn. With six units, its research spectrum ranges from pure and applied mathematics to mathematically oriented questions of economics and interdisciplinary research. A central goal of the HCM is the promotion of young researchers in an independent and international environment. ### Media contact: Prof. Dr. Francesc Dilme Institut fur Mikrookonomik der Universitat Bonn Exzellenzcluster ECONtribute und Hausdorff-Zentrum fur Mathematik Tel. +49-(0)228-737957 E-mail: fdilme@uni-bonn.de Prof. Dr. Joachim Freyberger Institut fur Finanzmarktokonomie und Statistik der Universitat Bonn Exzellenzcluster Hausdorff-Zentrum fur Mathematik Tel. +49-(0)228-739268 E-mail: freyberger@uni-bonn.de Prof. Dr. Florian Zimmermann Behavior and Inequality Research Institute (briq) Exzellenzcluster ECONtribute Tel. +49-(0)228-3894704 E-mail: florian.zimmermann@briq-institute.org COLOMBO : The Sri Lankan Navy with assistance from Indian ships was battling for a second day on Friday to douse a major fire raging on an oil tanker carrying crude from Kuwait to India that left one of its 23 crew members dead. The Sri Lankan Navy on Friday confirmed that a Filipino sailor died in a boiler explosion in the engine room of the Panama registered tanker MT New Diamond that caught fire on Thursday. The Navy said that 22 of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker. The tanker was carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil from Kuwait to India when its engine room caught fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in the eastern district of Ampara. The Navy said that so far the 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil it was carrying had not been affected by the fire. Steps are currently being taken to stop the spread of fire to the cargo," it said in a statement. The Sri Lankan Navy is also taking steps to ensure that there will be no seepage of oil to the sea from the tanker. The distressed vessel is in the waters 23 nautical miles off the eastern coast where the sea depth is measured at 3100 metres. The operation to douse the fire resumed early this morning under the supervision of the Greek national captain of the tanker. The Indian Naval Frigate INS Sahyadri joined the operations by 0200 hours on Friday. The Navy said two more Indian Coast guard vessels are to join the rescue operations. The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday said that it pressed into action three of its ships and a Dornier aircraft after the Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance to control the fire onboard the oil tanker. In a swift sea and air coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the Coast Guard said it immediately diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for the firefight on the oil tanker. The Sri Lankan Navy said that the two Russian vessels which were docked at the Hambantota port since August 31 and dispatched to the area to join the rescue operations departed Sri Lankan waters this morning. On Thursday night, MV Helen, a vessel sailing in the area, rescued 3 Greeks and 16 Filipino crew members from the distressed vessel. The Navy spokesman said that at least four ships had been dispatched to carry out the rescue operation. The naval ships were dispatched from the eastern port of Trincomalee and the southern port of Hambantota. At the time the fire broke out, the Panamanian-registered ship was about 38 nautical miles (70 kilometres) east of Sri Lanka. 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 As students across the US return to school, many are adapting to virtual learning amid the ongoing pandemic. But critics claim Edgenuity, an online learning program adopted by tens of thousands of schools, is flawed. Edgenuity grades assignments and quizzes using artificial intelligence and one middle-schooler was able to outsmart the system. By adding a jumble of relevant keywords to their answers, such as 'word salad,' the student figured out they could trick Edgenuity's scoring algorithm and earn perfect scores on short-answer tests - his grade went from a 50 to 100. Scroll down for video Lazare used the word salad technique for this question about Constantinople. 'Algorithms can't judge what learning history means,' said his mom, Dana Simmons. 'Learning history is not about submitting the correct word' Dana Simmons, a history professor at the University of California Riverside, says she knew an AI was grading her son, Lazare, when it spit back his score almost instantly. 'Algorithms can't judge what learning history means,' Simmons told WBUR. 'Learning history is not about submitting the correct word!' On Monday, Simmons tweeted that Lazare was in tears over his failing grade. 'I see this hurt unfold in my child, caused by an automatic grading algorithm that values only rote repetition.' Dana Simmons, a history professor at the University of California Riverside, says she knew an AI was grading her son's test when it spit back his score almost instantly. She showed him how to game the algorithm by including a 'word salad' of relevant keywords at the end of his answer. So she showed him how to game the algorithm: 'Write long answers, include lots of proper names, read the 'right' answers and replicate them.' 'The questions are things like... 'What was the advantage of Constantinople's location for the power of the Byzantine empire,' Simmons told The Verge. 'So you go through, okay, what are the possible keywords that are associated with this? Wealth, caravan, ship, India, China, Middle East -He just threw all of those words in.' Following that formula, Lazare's score on the next test shot up 30 points to an 80. 'What is he learning here?' Simmons asked on Twitter. Simmons shared the formula her son uses to breeze through Edgenuity's short-answer tests 'without learning a thing' By Tuesday, Simmons announced Lazare had fully cracked the code. 'Two full sentences, followed by a word salad of all possibly applicable keywords,' she tweeted. '100% on every assignment.' 'Students on @EdgenuityInc, there's your ticket,' she added. 'He went from an F to an A+ without learning a thing.' Edgenuity has not commented on the hack, but a developer familiar with the platform told The Verge that short answers make up less than five percent of it's course content. And teachers can always read answers and override Edgenuity's computer-generated scores. But other current and past students told The Verge they also used keyword mashing to game their answers with Edgenuity, and none have seen a teacher change a grade. According to a FAQ on the Edgenuity website, only 510 percent of its coursework needs to be graded by a human teacher. Started in 1998, the company offers more than 300 online classes for grades K-12 and is being used more than 20,000 schools nationwide. It provides instructional videos for topics ranging from math to history, plus virtual assignments and online quizzes and exams, which it grades. Edgenuity offers more than 300 online classes for grades K-12 and is being used more than 20,000 schools nationwide. It's system was overwhelmed by the spike in demand following the pandemic and many schools reported problems registering students Edgenuity has also faced criticism for technical problems and an impersonal teaching model that favors repetitive lessons. It's system was overwhelmed by the spike in demand following the pandemic and many schools reported problems registering students. Kennedy Curtis, a junior at Chico High School in Northern California, told the Enterprise-Record she only spends about 15 minutes on Zoom with her real teacher before the class is turned over to a video featuring an Edgenuity instructor. When Edgenuity assigns homework, Curtis says, the amount of time it estimates to complete an assignment is woefully understated. 'I would spend two hours on homework for all classes and maybe more for projects. Now I'm spending two hours on one class alone.' Curtis says she spends 12 hours a day on the computer, plus hours on the weekend trying to catch up. The program has been in use for barely two weeks in the Chico Unified School District and a petition to abandon it has already garnered more than 1,500 signatures. John Shepherd, director of secondary and alternative education for CUSD, said he understands the new system is presenting challenges to students, parents and educators. 'We are attempting to address as many of those challenges as we can knowing that there's no replacement for in-person instruction,' he told the Enterprise-Record. 'We're going to make adjustments.' And this week, the Minnesota Department of Education notified schools in Red Wing that outsourcing online education with Edgenuity violated state law, according to PostBulletin. Any instructor - real or recorded - had to be licensed and under contract with the district they taught in. Kabul Says Almost All Taliban Prisoners Released, Ready For Talks By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan September 02, 2020 KABUL -- Afghan authorities say they expect peace negotiations to start soon after they released the remaining 400 Taliban prisoners they had been detaining, except "a few" because of opposition from other countries. Kabul this week pressed ahead with the release of a group of 400 "hard-core" Taliban inmates as part of a prisoner swap that has been key to the launch of stalled peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the militant group in the Qatari capital, Doha. "The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has received our commandos held hostage by Taliban, after which the Gov't released the remaining 400 convicts, except the few for which our partners have reservations," National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal tweeted on September 3. "Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. We expect direct talks to start promptly," Faisal added. Australia and France are reportedly opposed to the release of at least seven Taliban prisoners jailed for killing foreign soldiers in Afghanistan. An Afghan government source told RFE/RL that the seven would be transferred to Qatar, where they will remain under U.S. surveillance until the issue is resolved. Taliban figures were quoted as confirming the prisoners had been freed and that those who raised concerns were still in government custody. It was earlier reported that the Taliban were holding more than 20 Afghan commandos in captivity. Kabul's announcement comes as a technical team from the government is in Doha, where the militant group has a political office, to prepare the ground for long-delayed talks to end nearly two decades of war in Afghanistan. Kabul's main team of negotiators will also leave for Qatar "very soon," officials have said. It was not immediately clear when the talks would start. "The Afghan government has removed all the obstacles for the direct talks to start," said Najia Anwari, a spokeswoman for the State Ministry for Peace Affairs. "The negotiation team of the Islamic republic is now in full preparation to attend the talks," she added. The Taliban has said it was willing to begin peace talks after the prisoner exchange is completed, and blamed Kabul for delaying the negotiations. The process is part of an agreement reached between the militants and the United States in February in an effort to end the Afghan conflict. With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kabul-says-almost -all-taliban-prisoners-released -ready-for-talks/30818670.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 (Natural News) Three professors who attended a Back the Blue rally in Saratoga Springs, New York are having their careers threatened. A group of cry-bully students from Skidmore College are demanding that the president of the college terminate the three professors because they attended a rally in support of American police officers. Skidmore College President Marc Conner has yet to reject the student demands. By hesitating in weakness, the college President gives this insane student mob more negotiating power, as if he owes them an apology. Chaos is the only philosophy thats allowed at universities now. Bow to the Left and denounce law enforcement or lose your career The group of social justice warriors not only want the professors terminated, but they claim that all pro-police faculty should be required to explain themselves for supporting police officers. In other words, college professors must think, believe and support the mobs demands, no matter how disrespectful their demands are. Whats being proposed: If a professors fundamental belief system angers the mob, the professor must appear on trial before the mob, confess their beliefs and denounce their support of law enforcement in order to retain their careers. The targeted faculty include art professors David and Andrea Peterson, a married couple, and music lecturer Mark Vinci, a Grammy-nominated jazz musician. These fine professors are being told they must explain their decision to attend a rally that supports law enforcement. The social justice warriors go by the name Pass the Mic. They claim that the Petersons decision to attend the rally was unacceptable. The student group demands that the college administration address the two professors pro-police stance and explain to them how this stance impacts their teaching skills. The group emailed nineteen other demands they want the college administration to follow. I am emailing you absolutely outraged at the fact that Skidmore studio art professors David Peterson and Andrea Peterson, were seen protesting with Blue Lives Matter protestors, while Skidmore alumni and students were being teargassed and attacked on the other side of the street, the letter reads. This is absolutely unacceptable and reinforces what we art students have always known. The letter accuses Professor David Peterson of being racist sexist, and non-inclusive. The social justice warriors accused Professor Peterson of consistently mistreating non-cis white male students. They wrote that because Peterson supports law enforcement officers, he is openly advocating and preaching exclusionary, racist and fascist ideology. Students demand that professors undergo reoccurring anti-racist training Even more, the students demand that the college force all professors and students to undergo reoccurring anti-racist training and to give more money to fund new departments that focus on the study of African history and African diaspora. Their demands have reportedly been sent to the Art Department Chair Janet Sorenson, Dean of Faculty Michael Orr, Associate Dean of Faculty for Diversity Janet Casey, Dean of Students Cerri Banks and President Marc Conner, all of whom have yet to stand up to these students and put them in their place. (Related: Its time to deny all government funding to liberal colleges that cannot stand up to their own deranged, intolerant students.) Skidmore spokesperson Diane OConnor did not stand up for the faculty members at all, but instead succumbed to the mob. Skidmore College is committed to actively listening to our students and community members and participating in ongoing dialogue around issues that affect our community with the goal of improving the Skidmore experience for all individuals, she said. More news like this is available at Crybullies.news. Sources include: Breitbart.com TheCollegeFix.com NaturalNews.com * Euro zone periphery govt bond yields http://tmsnrt.rs/2ii2Bqr By Olga Cotaga LONDON, Sept 4 (Reuters) - German government bonds stabilised on Friday on the back of a selloff in tech stocks and a survey showing the euro zone's rebound from its deepest downturn on record faltered in August. Traders will be watching for the U.S. payroll data later in the day for confirmation of whether the U.S. economy is indeed in trouble after a disappointing ADP report on Wednesday which tends to act as a predictor for the official release on Friday. "A disappointment in todays U.S. jobs report could add to the gloom, but after the recent vicious moves a lot may be baked into the cake already," said ING analysts in a note to clients. Economists polled by Reuters expect 1.4 million jobs to have been added in August, less than 1.8 million the months before. The unemployment rate, though, is expected to fall to 10.1% from 10.9%. Two European Central Bank monetary policy committee members - Francois Villeroy de Galhau and Philip Lane - are due to speak on Friday, ahead of the ECB meeting next week during which analysts foresee more stimulus being added through the pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP). "If the added stimulus were indeed to materialise in the form of an expanded PEPP envelope, that would be welcome news given that even Germany now plans at least 80 billion euros of new debt next year," ING analysts said. German 10-year benchmark yield last traded neutral at -0.48% , having fallen on Thursday to a 1-1/2-week low of -0.50%. Two-year yields fell 1.8 basis points to -0.70% after touching a one-month low of -0.71% the day before. Italian 10-year yields fell 3.4 bps to 1.02%. (Reporting by Olga Cotaga, Editing by William Maclean) Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday said that the situation along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) was delicate and serious and the army has taken some precautionary measures to enhance security in the wake of the ongoing developments. Naravane reached Leh on Thursday for a two-day security review of the Ladakh sector, where India and China armies have deployed almost 100,000 soldiers and weaponry in their forward and depth areas. He said the situation has been delicate for over three months. The army chief said talks were on at the military and diplomatic level to resolve the situation. I am confident that talks can help resolve the border problem fully, said Naravane, after visiting several forward areas. Also read: President Xis plan for Tibet fuels a pushback and a nudge to India He said soldiers were highly motivated and fully prepared to deal with any situation. Our officers and men are the finest in the world and they will not only make the army proud but also the nation proud. Also Watch | Situation along LAC slightly tense: Army Chief speaks on border row with China Amid rising tensions with China in the Ladakh sector after provocative Chinese actions on the southern bank of Pangong Tso and Indias counter-manoeuvres to occupy key heights, chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said Pakistan could try to take advantage of any threat developing along Indias northern borders but warned that the Pakistani army would suffer heavy losses if it attempted any misadventure. Rawat highlighted the threat of coordinated action by the militaries of China and Pakistan along the northern and western borders and stressed that the Indian armed forces were capable of handling the joint threat. Also read: President Xis plan for Tibet fuels a pushback and a nudge to India The CDS said Indias military strategy to deal with a twin challenge would be based on identifying a primary and a secondary front for conduction operations. The Indian Army has rejigged its deployments at multiple points along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, including the northern bank of Pangong Lake, to prevent the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) from making aggressive manoeuvres to unilaterally alter the status quo in contested areas. Tensions flared in the sensitive sector after the Indian Army occupied key heights on the southern bank of Pangong Lake to stop the PLA from grabbing Indian territory in a stealthy midnight move on August 29. Brigade commander-ranked officers from the two sides have held a series of talks to de-escalate tensions, but the dialogue has yielded no result with neither army prepared to make concessions. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Maria Galli Stampino discovered her passion for the United States higher education system in Lawrence, Kansas. It was a far cry from her hometown of Gallarate, not too far from Milan, Italy. But she relished the contrast. In her native country, Stampino said college is viewed as an intellectual practice where professors deliver knowledge and students absorb itnot as a transformative period of life for young adults. In Italy, theres no sense of the fact that these are crucial years in a young persons life, she said. There are no dorms or residential colleges, and theres no sense of the entire experience that makes you into a more mature human being. Her fascination with the U.S. college experience led Stampino to a position in the University of Miamis administration in 2013, as a senior associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Now, she can make an even larger impact on the Universitys student body. Stampino was recently named dean of Undergraduate Affairs in the professional internship program, where she will work and train with Jeffrey Duerk, the Universitys executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Stampino has plenty of familiarity with helping students advance their education. At the University of Miami, she has spent more than 20 years teaching Italian in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, where she has tried to infuse the U.S. philosophy of education into her classes. In the U.S., the classroom is seen as a place to learn from each other, which is important in a country with so many different constituencies and racial and ethnic backgrounds, she said. And the idea that everyone has a contribution to make is crucial. She will use that same point of view in her new position. And Stampino hopes to learn from her colleagues, just as she has learned from her students. In her new role, Stampino will oversee the Universitys Office of Civic and Community Engagement, the Registrar, Study Abroad, Toppel Career Center, the Office of Academic Enhancement, Undergraduate Education, and Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach. According to Duerk, Stampino was tapped for the position because of her ability to overcome challenges with grace and her experience working at the University. Stampino has served as an administrator in the College of Arts and Sciences since 2013, and recently took a one-year leave of absence to serve as vice president and dean of academic affairs at the American University of Rome. She returned to serve as senior associate dean of faculty affairs and diversity in the College of Arts and Sciences. Maria has vast experience in higher education leadership, and she listens very well to everyones concerns. She also brings an exuberance to the administration that will help us further improve our solid undergraduate program, Duerk said. She doesnt always agree with me, but we find strong solutions together. Stampino, a dual citizen who is the only member of her extended family to leave Italy, said part of her decision to return to the U.S. last year came from her appreciation for the collaborative nature of its colleges. Stampino witnessed this firsthand in 2012, when she worked with faculty members across the University to found the da Vinci program, which supports students who want to pursue their interests in the arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Soon after, she joined the administration of the College of Arts and Sciences. In her new position, Stampino said that she hopes to establish an early start advising program that could help incoming students navigate the Universitys academic platforms before they arrive on campus. Therefore, an advisor would help them learn to register for classes and understand financial aid packages (if needed) while they are still in high school. She will also continue working with Darby Plummer, the Universitys director of retention, to look for ways that they can refine academic advising across all undergraduate colleges and schools. I want to deepen the conversation with academic affairs deans about how to support advising for our students, Stampino said. According to Stampino, another way she wants to improve students experience at the University is by giving undergraduates more avenues to engage in research. Although there are opportunities for these students to do research in the sciences, she thinks that its a worthwhile experience for students of all disciplines. Research is a qualitatively different experience [from being in a classroom] and it asks questions to which nobody has answers, she said. Its what allows you to hone your analytical and critical thinking skills. So, when you have a job and theres an issue, you have the tools to solve it. When she is not working with faculty members or students, Stampino delves into her own research in Italian culture, literature, and drama. In between her administrative responsibilities, she often teaches independent study courses where she explores a piece of literature with a student. And Stampino pointed out that her research opportunities helped shape her career as well as her view on working with others. In universities, we are very good at creating specialized knowledge, which is important, she said. But research allows you to look at something from various points of view. This is critical because nobody ever has the answer by themselves. Two years ago, a detective in North Carolina gained access to a chat group on the messenger app Kik where strangers were exchanging child pornography, according to court filings. The discovery and subsequent investigation reportedly saved eight children from sexually abusive situations. Now the first person police brought down in the investigation has been sentenced to prison. Dustin Davis Haynes, 34, will spend more than five years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of transporting child pornography, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of North Carolina said in a news release Wednesday. Haynes who lived in Lexington, North Carolina, before his arrest in January told investigators that he has been attracted to children since he was approximately 13 years-old, prosecutors said in court filings. His case was just the tip of the iceberg for law enforcement. Cop posed as 14-year-old girl on Kik The investigation dates back to September 2018, when prosecutors said Detective Jason Reid with the Boone Police Department in Western North Carolina started looking into child exploitation on Kik Messenger. Otherwise known as Kik, the free app built by a Canadian software company has come under fire for giving potential child predators relative anonymity on the Internet, The New York Times reported in 2016. According to court filings, Reid posed as a 14-year-old girl to gain access to a public chatroom on the app. An administrator of the chatroom then asked the detective to verify his identity, prosecutors said. This is a yung(sic) to very yung(sic) share and chat group, the person asked. Will u(sic) be offended if u(sic) see nude young to very young. After Reid gained entry to the group, prosecutors said he was invited to other similar chat groups where people frequently posted images and videos of child pornography. Haynes was reportedly among them. The State Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations subsequently executed a search warrant at Haynes house, which led to his January arrest on federal child porn charges. Despite multiple requests to be released from jail over COVID-19 concerns, court filings show Haynes has been in custody since his arrest. Story continues Leads sent to other law enforcement agencies In the months since Reid infiltrated the chat group, investigators have helped uncover the identities of other members. Many of the offenders had taken significant steps to mask their identities, prosecutors said in Wednesdays news release. The investigative team engaged these offenders online and tricked them into revealing personal identifying information. At least 38 leads were sent to other law enforcement agencies across the country, which led to the arrests of 23 people and the rescue of eight children, prosecutors said. One of the accused offenders was a man in Ohio who had reportedly been sexually abusing his 14-year-old daughter for 10 years, according to the news release. Another accused offender was arrested on an oil rig in the North Sea, a body of water between the UK and Norway. His 5-year-old daughter was also rescued, prosecutors said. Protecting children is a high calling, U.S. Attorney Matt Martin said in the news release. The Boone Police Department, the NC SBI, and the Department of Homeland Security are answering the call. The excellent proactive work of the investigators in this case has undoubtedly changed victims lives for the better and safeguarded others. I am proud that an investigation that began here in North Carolina has resulted in such a positive impact across the country, and even abroad. He wonders all the time if someone Diamond recognized happened by while they were out and took them, and each time the phone rings with an unknown number, he cant help but believe its Diamond because his is the only number she knew. He just knows in his being that the two are still out there. Mexico will likely cut its crude oil production targets for next year, according to Bloomberg, citing a ruling party lawmaker in Mexico. The shift in strategy signals that Mexicos state-run oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), is still struggling under a mountain of debt. Pemex just dropped its production in its largest offshore field, Maloob, by 30.8% year over year, to 276,000 in July, according to IHS Markit. That is down from nearly 400,000 bpd in July 2019 and 460,000 bpd from April 2018a high for the field. Although it was understood that Maloobs production would gradually decline through 2030 as the field depletes, the dropoff was sharper than anticipated. That output reduction in Maloob brought Mexicos crude production to 1.54 million barrels per daya level not seen since the 1970s, according to data from Mexicos National Hydrocarbon Commission. That output loss isnt going to help Pemexs dire financial straits. Mexico had targeted more than 2 million barrels per day next year, but this is looking increasingly unlikely, according to lower house Budget Committee Chair Erasmo Gonzalez who spoke to Bloomberg. It wont hit this years target of 1.83 million bpd either. From January to July this year, Pemex has produced an average of just 1.692 million bpdalthough the pandemic certainly played a hand in depressing Mexicos output. Mexico will release its official budget next Tuesday, but Gonzalez confirmed that Mexico would plan on $40 oil next year. Mexican President Lopez Obrador made big promises to the country regarding its oil industry, claiming that Pemex would be the linchpin in the declining industrys turnaround. Mexico is still betting heavily on its oil industry despite the pandemic and its debt issue, with plans to build an $8 billion oil refinery in Obradors home state of Tabasco. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The statement of the Director of the Syrian Immigration and Passports Department, Naji al-Numair, about barring the entry of Syrian citizens who do not have $100, sparked uproar on social networking sites. Syrians wishing to enter the country are required to exchange $100 at the Central Banks rate at the border. Al-Numair said, in an interview with local Ninar Radio Station, that whoever does not have the required amount must contact one of their parents or relatives to bring them the money so they can enter the country without complication. Al-Numair did not mention how the family of a Syrian who does not possess the amount could be of any help, especially if they reside in Syria and have no way to obtain U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate. He did confirm, though, that whoever is not allowed to enter the country will continue going about their life normally, at the border. Activists on social networking sites spoke about the many Syrians who live and work in Lebanon and who used to visit their families in Syria on a monthly or even weekly basis who are unable to secure the required amount, especially in light of the economic crisis afflicting Lebanon following the Beirut port blast. The decision to force every Syrian who wishes to enter their country to exchange $100 at the border has sparked angry reactions among Syrians, who described it as a fee to enter their own country. Pictures of stranded Syrians at the Syrian-Lebanese border were circulated on social media. 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 number of new confirmed coronavirus cases is has been growing steadily. Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Bogomolets National Medical University, Professor Olha Golubovska has said all schools should be transferred to distance learning across the country. The move should be made since the number of new coronavirus cases has been growing steadily, she said at the Pravo Na Vladu ("Right to Power") TV panel show on TV Channel 1+1 on September 3.. "In general, I was in favor of distance learning. We're now only at the beginning of this growth. Everyone should understand that it's already impossible to put risk-group patients in hospitals," Golubovska said. Read alsoDaily COVID-19 spike in Ukraine hits new high with over 2,700 cases on Sept 4"So, everyone should understand if they do not adhere to rules, they should get ready to get treated at home. And this, of course, is quite a different thing," Golubovska believes. 2020 Academic Year amid quarantine: background Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Turkey Kubanychbek Omuraliyev met with newly appointed Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Professor Alparslan eylan, Trend reports citing Kabar. During the meeting, the sides discussed the issues of activities of Manas University, as well as cooperation between the two countries in the field of education and science, the press service of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported Thursday. Ambassador Omuraliyev urged eylan to promote cooperation and strengthen ties between the two countries in these areas and wished success in his new post. The newly appointed rector expressed gratitude to the ambassador and informed him about the planned projects in Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. The U.S. Department of State is seen in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2020. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) 13 People Monitored By State Dept Officials in Ukraine: Judicial Watch State Department records made public on Sept. 1 reveal that in the spring of 2019, U.S. diplomats at the embassy in Kyiv monitored the social media accounts of 13 people, including journalists and a member of President Donald Trumps family, for posts about Ukraine without their knowledge. The records (pdf), obtained by conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch, show that the officials targeted the Twitter accounts of Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, Fox Newss Lou Dobbs, the presidents personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, military and intelligence analyst Sebastian Gorka, investigative journalist John Solomon, One America Newss Jack Posobiec, The Daily Wires Ryan Saavedra, Fox News contributor Sara A. Carter, the presidents eldest son Donald Trump Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Russia under the Obama administration Michael McFaul, and American activist Pamela Gellar. Ukraines top prosecutor had just opened an investigation at the time into whether the countrys law enforcement illegally leaked information in order to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election in favor of Hillary Clinton. The 13 accounts were monitored using CrowdTangle, a Facebook-owned social media analytics company, for terms including; Yovanovitch [former U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch], Ukraine Ambassador, Ukrainian Ambassador, Ukraine Soros, Clinton campaign, and Biden-Burisma, the documents show. Read More Top Prosecutor Probing Ukrainian Plot to Boost Clinton in 2016 Election According to internal emails made public by the watchdog group, Yovanovitch and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent were aware of the monitoring efforts. Yovanovitch was dismissed from her diplomatic post in May 2017 by Trump. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch is sworn in prior to providing testimony before the House Intelligence Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 15, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) The records, which were obtained in a January 2020 FOIA lawsuit, show that a contractor at the U.S. Department of State also warned his colleagues that they could be breaching privacy laws with their monitoring of the accounts of the 13 Americans. Going to chime in hereso regarding the influencers, there are some legal implications of making a list of Facebook influencers of Twitter influencers since they are technically private citizens (even though theyre publicly on the internet) and we cannot compile them into a list and monitor what they are saying using a third-party application without their knowledge, the contractor wrote in an email in May 2019. To see what theyre saying, you unfortunately need to use the old school way and manually go to their feeds and view that way. Cumbersome but its in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement that the documents confirm Deep State officials at the Ukraine Embassy seemed to set up an enemies list to help illicitly monitor and report on the social media postings of President Trumps family and lawyer, as well as journalists. The State Department hid these smoking gun documents for months. This was an enemies list, Solomon told Fox Newss Hannity, noting that the targeted individuals had previously raised questions about Russia and the conduct of things like Joe Biden. The embassy was monitoring us, not for national security reasons, but for reasons about the reputations of people in the past administration, the Obama-Biden-[Hillary] Clinton administration, the investigative journalist said. Solomon said he has grave concern and believes other communications may also have been monitored based on the information he saw in the newly released documents. He called on the ODNI and the State Department to come forward and let the American people know if this was the case. The State Department and the embassy was told that these actions violated the Privacy Act [of 1974] of the 13 Americans whose accounts were monitored and the real question now is, is this the only thing they did? he added. The State Department didnt respond to a request for comment. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. The Cubs have released right-handed relievers Cody Allen and AJ Ramos, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com was among those to report. They also outrighted catcher Josh Phegley and outfielder Ian Miller to their alternate site after the pair cleared waivers, Jay Cohen of the Associated Press tweets. Allen, who signed with the Cubs in July, was a dominant closer during his heyday. The former Indian logged a sub-3.00 ERA in each season from 2013-17 and racked up 122 saves during that span. Allen totaled another 27 saves in 2018, his final season with the Indians, but his production tailed off significantly then and continued to worsen during a 23-inning run with the Angels in 2019. The Halos signed Allen to an $8.5MM contract before last season, but after he struggled to a 6.26 ERA/8.38 FIP with 7.83 BB/9 and a career-worst 92.3 mph average fastball velocity, they released him in June. The 31-year-old hasnt pitched in the majors since then. Ramos, who will turn 35 on Sept. 20, had a terrific run in Miami from 2012-17, when he notched 99 saves and posted a 2.78 ERA in 327 1/3 innings. They traded him to the Mets in the last of those seasons, though, and Ramos proceeded to slump to a 5.59 ERA in New York over 38 2/3 frames in parts of two seasons. Ramos hasnt pitched in the majors since May 2018 after undergoing shoulder surgery, though he hoped to make a return to the bigs as a member of the Cubs. Hell now have to try to latch on elsewhere if he still plans on continuing his career. Both Phegley and Miller became Cubs on minor league contracts last offseason, but the team designated the two for assignment in recent days. Phegley, formerly the As starting catcher, went 1-for-16 as a Cub before they kicked him off their roster. The fleet-of-foot Miller appeared in one of Chicagos games, but he didnt record a plate appearance. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled today that a hearing held by the Public Service Commission in November on a fee charged by Alabama Power was not a meeting under the states Open Meetings Act. The justices ruled in favor of the commission and against Laura Casey, the Democratic candidate for president of the PSC. Casey filed a lawsuit under the Open Meetings Act after she was removed from the hearing for recording and live streaming the hearing on her cell phone. Caseys cell phone was taken and she was not allowed to return to the meeting until she agreed not to record. Casey said today the ruling conflicts with the principles of government agencies being open about issues that affect the public that they serve. Its not surprising but it should sadden everybody in Alabama to have a court that says a public utility rate hearing is not a public meeting that the public should have access to, Casey said. Its just contrary to all notions of government. And it does lead to the question, what are they hiding, and why? The hearing was open to the public. But Casey said the hearing room overflowed. She said people should have access to PSC hearings, via live stream, without having to take off work and drive to Montgomery. Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh issued a statement commending the court rulling. We are, and always have been, committed to the highest levels of ethics and transparency at the PSC, Cavanaugh said. It is gratifying to see the states top court affirm that commitment. If the plaintiffs intent was to waste taxpayers money to find out something everyone already knew, then goal met. The hearing was about complaints over a fee Alabama Power charges customers who have solar panels on their roofs. Casey sued commissioners Cavanaugh, Chris Chip Beeker, and Jeremy Oden, alleging they violated the Open Meetings Act by prohibiting her from recording the meeting and by failing to give proper public notice of the meeting. The Open Meetings Act says citizens can record public meetings as long as they are not disruptive. In February, Montgomery County Circuit Judge Greg Griffin ruled that the hearing was not a meeting and that the allowance to record meetings did not apply. Casey appealed to the Supreme Court. Todays decision upheld Griffins ruling. Eight of the nine justices agreed with the result. Justice Kelli Wise recused. The justices agreed with Griffins reasoning on what distinguished the hearing from a meeting. PSC Administrative Law Judge John Garner presided over the hearing, which was to take testimony about the complaints against the solar panel fee. The three commissioners did not deliberate during the meeting, one of the activities that defines a public meeting, Associate Justice Will Sellers wrote in the opinion. Nothing in the transcript of the hearing indicates that the commissioners themselves participated in the exchange of relevant and substantive information during the hearing, Sellers wrote. Rather, it appears that they listened passively to the information provided by the parties in attendance. On Tuesday, the PSC voted to allow Alabama Power to raise the fee to $5.41 per kilowatt, or about $27 a month for the average solar array, one of the highest fees in the nation. In March, the PSC approved rules prohibiting people who attend hearings from recording, posting to social media, and using digital devices, including phones or laptops, during hearings. Casey said PSC hearings should be as accessible as possible to the public. The PSC regulates Alabama Power, Casey said. People do not have a choice of power providers. The decisions they make there are directly the rates we must pay Alabama Power. That access should be opened and unquestioned. AXT has further consolidated its position as a diversified supplier of life science products with the addition of LabTIE Internationals innovative range of laboratory products and consumables. Their range of products will help researchers generate more reliable data by enabling them to prepare more consistent samples as well as increasing productivity. Labtie Internationals innovative solutions for bead, seed and powder dispensing. LabTIE International have a range of ball, bead, powder and seed dispensers that speed up sample preparation procedures and accurately deliver materials into vials, wellplates etc. The modular design of these systems allows them to be easily customized to deliver the precise amount or weight of powder or grinding media to your specific receptacle. The other key product from LabTIE International is their OP50 freeze dried food source for the C. elegans nematode that is used widely in life science research. This easy to store and administer food ensures quality and repeatability for this highly relevant biological model that shares many human characteristics and is used in genomics, drug development and several other research areas. We have successfully forged an excellent business and reputation in Europe and the US in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food. We look forward to working with AXT to do the same in Australia and New Zealand." Bas Millenaar, Director, LabTIE International We are pleased to bring on board LabTIE Internationals range of products that have a great synergy with our existing product range in particular those from SPEX Sample Prep which will expedite the valuable work being performed by our life science researchers." Richard Trett, Managing Director, AXT For more information about LabTIE Internationals bead, seed and powder dispensers and their freeze dried OP50 C.elegans food as well as AXTs broad range of life science products, please visit www.axt.com.au. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described the partys manifesto as a realistic and human-centred plan carefully designed to rescue the nation and address the needs of Ghanaians. According to her, the NDC manifesto, which is to be launched on September 7, is without empty promises, but well-tailored programmes to enable the citizenry to achieve their aspirations in a progressive and prosperous nation." Addressing the chiefs and people of Bekwai as part of her campaign tour of the Western North region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang explained that the party took time to hold broader consultations across the country to ensure that manifesto covered all critical issues of Ghanaians. Developing a manifesto is not about gathering some 10 people in a room to write a document on what they think the people need. You end up with misplaced priorities and empty promises. The question is, who are you doing it for, and what are the people saying are their actual needs and wants?. Giving a glimpse of the manifesto programme on education, for instance, she said Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) would be enhanced with support from the $10billion Big Push agenda President John Mahama announced to fast track infrastructural development across key sectors of the economy, when the NDC returns to power. That, she added, would make TVET more attractive and accessible to the youth to address youth unemployment in a proactive manner. The plan for enhanced TVET, she explained, fed into the objective of upgrading polytechnics to technical universities, envisaged under the previous NDC administration. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang thanked the chiefs and people of the area for the warm reception and urged them to vote for the NDC for meaningful national development. She also called on all Ghanaians desirous to vote for the NDC to rescue the country from further destruction. 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 Amid the race to produce a novel coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year, the World Health Organisation today said it does not expect widespread vaccinations against COVID-19 until the middle of next year, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety. "We are not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," spokeswoman Margaret Harris told journalists at a briefing in Geneva, reported news agency Reuters. "This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added referring to vaccine clinical trials. Earlier, the head of WHO said that that his agency was setting up a review committee to evaluate the performance of its International Health Regulations (IHR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement to Geneva diplomats hours ahead of a press conference. "The Committee will make technical recommendations on the functioning of the IHR as well as regarding possible amendments," he said, according to his remarks as cited by Reuters. He said the review committee's first meeting would be on Sept. 8-9. Moreover, WHO had also stressed earlier that the emergency authorisation of COVID-19 vaccines requires a "great deal of seriousness and reflection", after the United States announced it was considering fast-tracking candidate drugs. Although every country had the right to approve drugs without completing full trials, "it is not something that you do very lightly", WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told a news conference. The WHO's preferred approach would be to have a full set of data which could be used for the pre-qualification of vaccines, Swaminathan said. The WHO would then consider the efficacy and safety of each drug on a case by case basis, she added. Meanwhile, Russia has already granted regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik' this month after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy. The WHO has used experimental drugs to combat Ebola in Africa, a measure which proved successful, Mike Ryan, the head of the organisation's emergencies programme, said. But he stressed that a fast-track approach without full trials required intensive monitoring and safety follow-up work, and should be halted immediately if problems occur. "If you move too quickly to vaccinate ... millions of people, you may miss certain adverse effects," Ryan said. 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!! Children react as they sit on a path at Wazir Akbar Khan hilltop overlooking Kabul on Sept. 29, 2019. (Sajjad Hussain/AFP via Getty Images) Efforts Ramp up to Get Taliban-Afghan Peace Talks Started KABUL, AfghanistanOfficials on both sides of Afghanistans protracted conflict say efforts are ramping up for the start of negotiations between Afghan representatives and the Taliban while a top U.N. envoy expressed hope on Sept. 3 that a formal launch will take place in the coming days, not the coming weeks. The so-called intra-Afghan talks are a critical next step to a U.S.-negotiated peace deal with the Taliban. They are expected to start in Qatar, where the Taliban maintain a political office, perhaps within days. The aim of the negotiations is to lay out a road map to a future Afghanistan, with the first item on the agenda expected to be a cease-fire agreement. Calling it a historic moment, U.N. special representative Deborah Lyons told the U.N. Security Council that after four decades of war the people of Afghanistan have more reason than ever to hope that this devastating conflict, which has brought so much suffering, may finally come to an end. But lets be clear, this will be a long and challenging process, she said, noting that the issue of prisoner releases took five months to resolve. Lyons urged all countries to amplify the U.N. call for a humanitarian cease-fire as the negotiations beginand they will begin. Despite the air of cautious optimism, the level of violence on the battlefield remains deeply worrying, she cautioned. The last few weeks have seen near-record numbers of security incidents, including egregious attacks by spoilers targeting civilians involved in the peace process. As we look towards the peace talks, this violence also creates an atmosphere of mistrust that risks derailing negotiations, she stated. The U.S.Taliban deal, which calls for the intra-Afghan negotiations, was signed by the United States and the Taliban in February and was seen at the time as Afghanistans best hope for peace after four decades of war. The deal was brokered to provide for Americas exit from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years of war and calls on the Taliban to fight against militant groups. Although Washington has pushed the warring sides to the negotiating table, Americas exit isnt dependent on the success of the talks, but on the Taliban fulfilling their commitment to not support terrorist groups but fight against them, and ensure that Afghanistan cant be used as a staging arena for attacks against the United States and its allies. Washington has already begun reducing its troop levels, and by November, it is expected to have less than 5,000 soldiers still in Afghanistandown from around 13,000 when the U.S.Taliban deal was signed. This week, the Afghan government and the Taliban have quietly moved to reduce the last hurdle to the start of talksthe mutual release of remaining prisoners. Neither side has spoken publicly of the releases, but both Taliban and government officials who have spoken to The Associated Press say each side has completed the releases as outlined in the agreement. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they arent authorized to speak to reporters. The Afghan government was to free 5,000 Taliban members, which it had been delaying, particularly on the final 400, and the Taliban were to free 1,000 government and military personnel. The latest holdup from the Taliban side was apparently over 22 Afghan commandos whom they reportedly have now freed. President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the High Council for National Reconciliation, the umbrella organization overseeing the government side of the talks, say a reduction of violence or cease-fire will top their agenda. Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen earlier told the AP that a cease-fire would be among the first items on the negotiating table. The groups 20-member negotiation team reports directly to Taliban chief Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. Both sides have been short on specifics but the Taliban have said in recent statements and interviews with the AP that they dont want to monopolize power and that they are ready to share power, accept that women should have the right to work, and girls the right go to school and become judges. However, they say a woman wouldnt be accepted as a Supreme Court chief justice or president of Afghanistan. They have also talked of constitutional changes, without offering specifics. In all their statements, the Taliban have said that whatever rights and privileges are agreed on, they would be in keeping with the tenets of Islam, without specifying what that means. The government side includes an array of representatives, and also a few hard-line Islamic conservatives such as Abdul Rasul Sayyaf and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who have also publicly stated that a woman president or chief justice wouldnt be acceptable. They too have in the past advocated for strict interpretations of Islamic injunctions. The women on the governments negotiation team will carry a heavy burden to defend and protect rights for women and girls, analysts say. Lyons, the U.N. envoy, said womens rights are already emerging as one of the most difficult issues confronting the conflict parties as they enter negotiations and one where any compromises will pose a difficult dilemma for member states. This issue of womens rights will be more central in the Afghan peace process than we have ever seen in any other peace negotiation in recent memory, she said. Lyons said a key U.N. role will be to ensure human rights and take into account the concerns of the victims of war, ensuring that their voices are included in peace negotiations. Eventually, the negotiations will have to tackle a range of profound questions about the kind of country Afghans want, she said. These can only be tackled by Afghans talking with other Afghans. Solutions will not be found on the battlefield, we know this, nor can they be imposed from the outside. She called for sustained international support as the peace process unfolds. A peace process, and even a peace agreement, does not peace make, Lyons stated. All of us must each do our part to create a conducive environment for peace talks. In parallel, we must ensure that the ground is prepared for peace to flourish once an agreement is reached. By Kathy Gannon & Rahim Faiez A North Korean defector who fled the country aged 13 has described the horror of seeing bodies in the streets and eating insects to survive because of mass starvation in the secretive state. Yeonmi Park said cold, darkness and starvation were part of everyday life in the pariah kingdom where she grew up and blamed the regime's nuclear ambitions for wrecking the country's economy. After fleeing North Korea and crossing the frozen Yalu River into China, Park and her mother were trafficked and raped before escaping again to Mongolia. Now 26, she told the New York Post there were 'no friends, only comrades' in North Korea and that feelings of affection were reserved for the ruling Kim dynasty, which has ruled the one-party dictatorship for more than 70 years. North Korea defector Yeonmi Park (pictured) has spoken of the horrors of eating insects and seeing bodies in the streets when she grew up in the secretive country Park, pictured as a girl in North Korea, blamed the ruling Kim dynasty and its spending on nuclear missile tests for wrecking the country's economy The UN warned last year that more than 10million people were facing 'severe shortages' in North Korea, and the economy has been further damaged by coronavirus restrictions - although the country claims to have no cases. 'Youd see so many people just dying. It was something normal for us to see the dead bodies on the street,' Park said. 'I have visited slums in Mumbai, I have visited slums in other countries, but nothing is like North Korea because North Korean starvation, its a systematic starvation by a country that chose to starve us.' Park's grandmother and uncle both died of malnutrition and as a child she was forced to eat insects to survive, she said. 'If they would spend just 20 per cent of what they spent on making nuclear weapons, nobody would have to die in North Korea from hunger but the regime chose to make us hungry,' she said. She also described how school children were taught to revere the Kim family as god-like leaders with supernatural powers. When Park was a child, Kim Jong-il was still the country's supreme leader, before he died in 2011 and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong-un. Park said there was 'no concept of friends' in schools where pupils were forced to turn against each other in so-called 'criticism sessions'. After fleeing North Korea and crossing the frozen Yalu River into China, Park (pictured) and her mother were trafficked and raped before escaping again to Mongolia Kim Jong-un (pictured) succeeded his father Kim Jong-il as supreme leader of North Korea after the elder Kim's death in 2011 Very few people cross the DMZ into South Korea, but some defectors such as Park and her mother escape the hermit kingdom through China. Then aged 13, Park says she was 'sold' to traffickers for $260 and both she and her mother were raped by their captors. Park previously spoke of gangs who specialise in the trafficking of North Koreans in China, which has a shortage of women as a result of its one child policy. Some women worked as prostitutes so they could make money to send home, Park said, while brothels in Shanghai and Beijing allegedly drugged them to stop them leaving. After nearly two years with their captors, Park and her mother risked their lives to escape to Mongolia by crossing the frozen Gobi Desert. Park then moved to Seoul and later New York City and Chicago, but says that some of her relatives in North Korea have disappeared. She fears her relatives could have been executed or sent to prison camps in North Korea. Political prisoners face 'torture, sexual violence, forced labour and other inhuman treatment', according to Human Rights Watch. Park blamed military spending on missile tests (pictured, a test-fire of a rocket launcher in March this year) for the economic crisis in North Korea They are also subjected to 'back-breaking forced labour in dangerous conditions, sometimes in winter weather, without proper clothing,' the group says. North Koreans can be sent to prison camps for trying to defect to the South or for working or living in China. The defectors are a source of tension between the two Korean states and are denounced as 'human scum' by official media in the North. Some defectors have been known to send propaganda leaflets across the DMZ, enraging the North which has threatened military retaliation. In June, the North blew up a liaison office meant to foster better ties between the two countries after voicing anger about the defectors' activities. Kim Jong-un has ramped up North Korean measures against the coronavirus despite the regime's claims that no cases have been found. Last month, the town of Kaesong was put in lockdown after a defector slipped back into the town with what state media described as virus symptoms. But the lockdown was lifted after three weeks and it was never revealed whether the person had tested positive. Thanks to this achievement, they will participate at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) , the world's largest genetic engineering competition. "We are very happy. This sponsorship allows us to present our project to the international scientific community and, thus, generate a major impact in solving the frost problem in the Andes," said Ruben Velasquez, member of the CrioProt Project and grant holder of Peru's National Scholarship and Educational Credit Program (Pronabec) CrioProt is made up of 11 young researchers from Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) and San Marcos (UNMSM) Universities, who prevailed over 67 teams from countries like the United States, Canada, India, Turkey, Israel, Greece and France. "We want to thank everyone in Peru. Thanks to your support (via online voting), we will participate in the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree," said Velasquez, who studies chemistry at UPCH. He highlighted the importance of science development in Peru, especially in the field of biotechnology. "We will continue researching and will prepare to present our project to the scientific community in November." iGEM is an annual competition organized by a non-profit foundation of the same name, which brings together young researchers from around the globe to come up with solutions through synthetic biology to different problems that the world is faced with on a daily basis. CrioProt's aim was to identify a gene from a plant that is resistant to low temperatures, as is the case of Lolium perenne, a type of grass from which researchers extracted the antifreeze protein gene. The next step was to find a bacterium that is suitable to express such gene: Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens, which is of marine origin and easy to cultivate. The goal is to make this technology available to Peruvian farmers and, thus, impact their economic activity. (END) NDP/RRC/RMB/MVB Peruvian university students, creators of CrioProt an antifreeze protein capable of combating frosts affecting agricultural crops have won the MolecularCloud/GenScript sponsorship competition.Published: 9/4/2020 Cairo, Sep 4 : Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the international community to "show seriousness and exert more efforts for pushing the peace process in Libya." In a press conference with the visiting European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Shoukry on Thursday said that "consultations continue with European partners to maintain the sovereignty of the war-torn country and to boost the rights of the Libyan people in facing terrorism, military and foreign interventions." He highlighted the fixed Egyptian vision that supports reaching a consensus political solution among the Libyan conflicted parties, and stressed Egypt's keenness to continue coordination with the EU partners to finalise a political solution, Xinhua news agency reported. Shoukry said that Egypt backs reaching such a solution that preserves the unity and territorial integrity of Libya and restores the role of state institutions, hailing the efforts at the economic level that aim to better manage and distribute wealth in a fair manner. Borrell's visit to Cairo came one day after he concluded a visit to Libya, where he reiterated the EU's unwavering support for the resolution of the conflict and the need for concrete actions to follow the recently announced cease-fire. On August 21, UN-backed Prime Minister of Libya Fayez al-Serraj and Speaker of the eastern-based House of Representatives Aguila Saleh called for cease-fire in the country, presidential and parliamentary elections, and resumption of oil exports. "Cairo supports any step to reach a truce and a political settlement in Libya that achieves security and stability for the Libyan people," Shoukry added. Libya has been locked in a civil war since the ouster and killing of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The situation escalated in 2014, splitting power between two rival governments with warring forces, namely the UN-backed government based in the capital Tripoli, and the other in the northeastern city of Tobruk allied with the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar. Iran has condemned as a "provocation" French magazine Charlie Hebdo's republication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed to mark the opening of the trial into a 2015 attack on its offices by Islamist extremists. In a statement issued late Thursday, the foreign ministry said the reissue of the cartoons, first published by a Danish newspaper in 2005, was an "insult" to more than one billion Muslims around the world. "The offensive act by the French publication... is a provocation," the ministry said. "Any insult or disrespect towards Islam's holy prophet... or the other prophets of God (the Jewish and Christian figures also recognised by Muslims)... is absolutely unacceptable," it added. It called for freedom of expression to be used in a constructive manner to forge "greater understanding between religions". Twelve people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were killed on January 7, 2015, when brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi went on a gun rampage at the magazine's Paris offices. The perpetrators were killed in the wake of the massacre but 14 alleged accomplices in the attacks, which also targeted a Jewish supermarket, went on trial in Paris on Wednesday. Despite its outrage at the cartoons, Iran condemned the deadly attack on the paper's offices. The Justice Department, which has been conducting an antitrust investigation of Alphabet Incs Google, plans to bring a lawsuit against Google as soon as this month, according to two sources familiar with the probe, who said the focus remains on search and advertising. Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen told Reuters last month that the Justice Department was moving full tilt on a probe of Google and other Big Tech platforms. A complaint, which had been expected around Labor Day, is now expected this month but potentially as late as mid-October, and is likely to focus on two sets of allegations, the sources said. A person briefed on the matter confirmed that some career Justice Department attorneys have pushed to delay filing of a case pending further work, while Attorney General William Barr has pressed to move faster. Barr told the Wall Street Journal last month that he was hoping to make a decision by the end of the summer on the Google probe. The department is focusing on allegations that Google violates antitrust law by favoring its own businesses, for example YouTube, in search results rather than presenting neutral search results, the sources said. A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) probe of Google that included this allegation and wrapped up in 2013 found no justification to take action on it. Since then, the European Union has fined Google $2.6 billion for favoring its own price-comparison shopping service over smaller European rivals. Executives knowledgeable about the advertising industry have alleged that Google abuses its dominance in display search advertising by requiring companies that want to use Googles popular ad exchange to also use Google Ad Manager to serve their ads. This has pushed several ad tech companies to switch to other businesses. While we continue to engage with ongoing investigations, our focus is firmly on providing free services that help people every day, lower costs for small businesses, and enable increased choice and competition, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said. The Justice Department had no immediate comment. A lawsuit would be the next big step in an investigation that the Justice Department said in July 2019 it opened to determine whether major technology firms engage in anticompetitive practices. The FTC is probing Facebook Inc and Amazon.com Inc. Parallel to the Justice Department, a large group of state attorneys general are probing Google and holding regular meetings with federal law enforcers. At least 12 of these will likely sign on to the Justice Department lawsuit, and perhaps many more, one of the sources said. There is some concern among Democratic state attorneys general that the federal government will move too fast and file a lawsuit that needs more work, the second source said. A third source agreed. Advertisement Real Housewives of Dallas' star Kameron Westcott has sold her stunning $5.1M pink-filled mansion in Dallas' prestigious Highland Park neighborhood. While she has worked hard to transform herself into a real-life Barbie over the years, her affinity for the doll clearly transcended to her home's interior, as just about every room had a pop of pink. Kameron, who says 'just because I look like Barbie doesn't mean you can play me' in her RHOD season four tagline, has previously shared glimpses of her Louboutin-lined closets and entirely pink office on social media and on her hit reality show. Saying goodbye: Real Housewives of Dallas' star Kameron Westcott has sold her stunning $5.1M Tuscan-style mansion in Dallas' prestigious Highland Park neighborhood The 37-year-old Bravo star and her husband, Court Westcott, put their unique 7,409 square foot five-bedroom, six-bathroom and two-half-bathroom home on the market in May. After more than a decade of living in the home they built as newlyweds, the pair announced they were 'ready for a change,' according to the Westcott's realtor and longtime friend, Kelli Macatee. 'This has been a treasured home for them for over 10 years, but like all of us, they're ready for a change,' Macatee told Page Six in May, while confirming they still plan on staying in the area. 'Because of that, someone is going to get a fabulous home.' 'Kameron has built a pink empire in this house that everyone loves to escape into for just a minute to be refreshed from this crazy world,' Macatee told People Wow! While she has worked hard to transform herself into a real-life Barbie over the years, her affinity for the doll transcended to the home's interior, as just about every room had a pop of pink As for the home's inspirations, Kameron wanted to pay homage to her Santa Barbara roots with a 'fresh, airy and seamless flow of indoor and outdoor living in the residence.' The reality star's signature shade was heavily incorporated throughout the property, including an office near the entrance painted in pink, a portrait of Marilyn Monroe blowing a bubble in the dining area and vases of bright flowers. The pictures also give close-ups of a number of different spots in the home, which are decked out in blush and cotton candy hues, including a neon piece of art, which reads: 'wink' in the kitchen. Stunning: In addition to the home's high-end amenities, it is complete with fireplace, pool and a fully finished basement The realtor noted that is the home 'they brought babies into, the home they built businesses in, the home they built friendships in, the home they lived life in' during an interview with People 'Kameron has built a pink empire in this house that everyone loves to escape into for just a minute to be refreshed from this crazy world,' Macatee told People. 'I know they are excited for what the future holds and will now build memories into the walls and foundation of a new home in the Dallas area.' The property, designed by architect Will Snyder and built by George Lewis in 2008, includes an elevator, a movie theater and a wine cellar. In addition to the home's high-end amenities, it is complete with a fireplace, pool and fully finished basement. Feeling at home: As for the home's inspirations, Kameron wanted to represent her Santa Barbara roots in North Texas with a 'fresh, airy and seamless flow of indoor and outdoor living in the residence' Lush: The property, designed by architect Will Snyder and built by George Lewis in 2008, includes an elevator, a home movie theater, a wine cellar and tasting area Other custom touches include an expansive white kitchen and a backyard designed for entertaining guests with multiple seating arrangements, overhead fans, a retractable screen, playhouse and a slide. Kamerons former office contains a secret storage closet behind the pink bookshelves, which face her zebra chairs and gold chandelier. The couple's realtor previously pointed out her clients, who share their daughter Hilton, 9, and son Cruise, 6, are leaving more than the 'home they custom built.' Custom: The reality star's signature shade is also heavily incorporated in the property, including an office near the entrance painted in pink, a portrait of Marilyn Monroe blowing a bubble in the dining area and vases of bright flowers 'This has been a treasured home for them for over 10 years, but like all of us, they're ready for a change,' Macatee told Page Six in May, while confirming they still plan on staying in the area 'Not just the amazing floor plan and very special features, but the home they brought babies into, the home they built businesses in, the home they built friendships in, the home they lived life in,' she noted to People. She added: 'This is the start of a new and exciting chapter for the Westcott family. It's particularly fun for me because I grew up with Court and it's so fun to watch his marriage blossom and bloom.' Macatee also gushed she loves seeing Court get a 'twinkle in his eye when he watches Kam be Kam.' The couple's realtor remarked: 'This is the start of a new and exciting chapter for the Westcott family. It's particularly fun for me because I grew up with Court and it's so fun to watch his marriage blossom and bloom' Discretion: Since Texas is a non-disclosure state, the final price the home was sold for has not been confirmed Since Texas is a non-disclosure state, the final price the home was sold for has not been confirmed. Kameron joined The Real Housewives of Dallas during its second season in 2017. She is also known for creating a dog food brand targeted to female pet owners, called SparkleDog Premium Dog Food, which features pink heart-shaped kibbles. Reports Of Vote-Buying And Criminal Finances Cast Ominous Shadow Over Kyrgyz Elections By Bruce Pannier September 02, 2020 Since the early 1990s, Kyrgyzstan has been called an "island of democracy" in Central Asia, a relative statement that, despite some setbacks, remains true today. One main feature that separates Kyrgyzstan from its authoritarian, undemocratic neighbors is the country's recent string of parliamentary elections, which have been widely judged to be largely transparent and legitimate. There has also always been an element of unpredictability in the votes, and the October 4 elections should be quite difficult to forecast as the two parties that hold the most seats in the Jogorku Kenesh -- the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan and Respublika/Ata-Jurt -- are fractured. So although the field is wide open, the legitimacy of these elections is being threatened. Reports are surfacing of voters being offered money to cast their ballots for certain parties, and there are accusations of organized crime groups funding some of the parties as well. RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Azattyk, recently spoke with "Zhibek," from the village of Novopokrovka, a few kilometers east of the capital, Bishkek. She said she had been offered 2,000 soms (about $25) for her vote by a representative of one of the political parties taking part in the parliamentary elections. She did not say which party, but did say there was a group of people who "went to each home" on her street in the village making similar offers. Those who accepted were given 1,000 soms (about $12.50) and promised the remainder would be paid after the elections, she said. In Kara-Balta, some 60 kilometers west of Bishkek, resident Mirbek Suranchiev said voters were being offered 3,000 soms (about $37.50) for their vote. Suranchiev did not say specifically who, but he spoke of "wealthy parties," so it seems more than one political party may have been at work in Kara-Balta. "In Kara-Balta, they will pay 500 soms up front, promising to give the remaining 2,500 after the elections," Suranchiev said. "As far as I could tell, there were only a few who declined to sell their vote." Form No. 2 The parties' financial offers come with the condition that voters register under Form No. 2 at a polling station chosen by the parties. Form No. 2 was first used in the presidential election in 2011. It was introduced to address the problem of growing internal migration in Kyrgyzstan and allowed eligible voters to register in the district closest and most convenient for them to cast their ballot, rather than in the district where they officially resided. In our party, we do not have any members of organized criminal groups, [but] we see them among the members of other parties. Some of them are even candidates to be deputies." Abdyjapar Bekmatov, the former deputy head of the CEC, explained to Azattyk that at first "any person could bring a Xerox copy of the passport of another person and fill out Form No. 2 for the owner of the passport." But "according to the new regulations, each voter must come personally to hand over the documents on changing their place of voting," he said. Such voters are fingerprinted and photographed to check their identities. Both Zhibek in Novopokrovka and Suranchiev in Kara-Balta said one of the conditions for being paid for their votes was to register in a district specified by these unnamed parties. "To begin with," Zhibek said, "I would have to go and register at the polling station that was opened in a local school." Suranchiev said that the parties paying the money told the people which district to register in and promised transportation to take them there on election day. "They are massively registering residents of one district in another [district]," Suranchiev said. The independent Kyrgyz news site kaktus.media posted a report on August 22 that had photos and video taken between August 19-21 of vans bringing people to School No. 47 in Bishkek, which is also the location of polling station No. 1047. An unknown man gives instructions to the small groups as they arrive, and they go five at a time into the school, it said. When they finish, the vans drive them away. Kaktus reported that "among the passengers were many representatives of national minorities." No one wanted to talk about which parties might be engaging in this illegal practice, but one person is sure he knows some of the people who are helping some of the at least 16 Kyrgyz political parties that are registered to participate in the elections. Omurbek Suvanaliev stepped down from his post as Kyrgyzstan's deputy security council chief on August 23 so he could run as a candidate for the Butun Kyrgyzstan party. At the Butun Kyrgyzstan party congress on August 19, he fired an opening salvo at the government by saying it had lost the battle against criminality in the country. Suvanaliev further claimed that a "number of political parties included in the preelection battle are sponsored by criminal boss Kamchy Kolbaev." The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) wrote this about Kolbaev: "According to the U.S. Treasury Department, [Kolbaev] was wanted for crimes related to transnational drug trafficking and the use of weapons and explosives. More recently the department alleged his involvement in human trafficking for forced prostitution and forced labor." It added: "In 2007, the U.S. State Department said he was 'considered to be the leader of the most influential criminal group in [Kyrgyzstan].'" Kolbaev, aka Kolya Kyrgyz, has served several short prison sentences in Kyrgyzstan, the last ending in 2014. His current whereabouts are unknown. Suvanaliev connected Kolbaev to what the former Security Council deputy chief called "pro-government parties": Birimdik, Mekenim Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyzstan party, and Zamandash. Zamandash leader Jenish Moldakmatov said his party does not have any connection to organized crime, but he agreed the influence of criminals in the elections is growing. "In our party, we do not have any members of organized criminal groups," Moldakmatov said, but "we see them among the members of other parties. Some of them are even candidates to be deputies," he added, without naming any particular party or candidate. General Keneshbek Duyshebaev has served as the head of the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry and its State Committee for National Security. Dyushebaev told Azattyk that Suvanaliev must have some grounds for making these allegations since he served as the deputy head of the Security Council, but questioned why, if Suvanaliev had evidence of Kolbaev's connections to political parties, he did not do something about it while he was in the Security Council. "All the same, his statement is an alarm bell," Duyshebaev said. Bektur Asanov, a veteran Kyrgyz politician currently in the Butun Kyrgyzstan party, said that "buying votes and the use of administrative resources has already started," and he suggested there was already sufficient evidence to officially ban three parties from the elections. Asanov did not names the three parties, but said they could be considered pro-government. In a public appeal to President Sooronbai Jeenbekov in early August, Asanov mentioned Raimbek Matraimov as being a sponsor of certain parties competing in the elections and called on Jeenbekov to take action against Matraimov and his associates. Matraimov was the subject of an extensive investigative report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, the independent Kyrgyz media outlet Kloop.kg, and Azattyk, and a report from Kloop.kg connected the Matraimov family to the Mekenim Kyrgyzstan party. It also tied him to Matraimov's brother, Iskender Matraimov, currently a parliament deputy who abandoned the floundering Social Democrats and joined Mekenim Kyrgyzstan. In a recent Azattyk report, a Bishkek resident named only as Kayyrbek said the owner of the apartment complex he lives in told all the residents that if they voted for Mekenim Kyrgyzstan that, in return, their apartment building would receive a new sewage system and have better water. The reports are all very ominous and suggest the Kyrgyz government and the country's election officials should investigate and take action before the vote is held in order to preserve the country's reputation as a country with promising democratic credentials. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/reports-of-vote -buying-and-criminal-finances-cast-ominous- shadow-over-kyrgyz-elections/30818886.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 This years Arctic Circle wildfires, still ablaze, have already surpassed the record set in 2019 for CO2 emissions, adding to the carbon pollution humanity needs to curtail, the European Unions Earth observation programme said Thursday. Uncontrolled forest fires across one of the planets coldest regions has sent a quarter of a billion tonnes of CO2 spiralling into the atmosphere since January this year, topping by more than a third the total for 2019, according to satellite data. The Arctic Circle includes latitudes upwards of 66 degrees North. Almost all of the fires are in Russia, the EUs Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts jointly reported. Russias Eastern Federal District, which includes parts of the Arctic Circle, emitted more than half-a-billion tonnes of CO2 from June to August 2020, also the highest amount to date. The Arctic fires burning since mid-June with high activity have already beaten 2019s record in terms of scale and intensity," said CAMS senior scientist Mark Parrington. While satellite images do not reveal how these fires start, many of the blazes early in the summer are thought to have been caused by zombie" fires that smoulder through the winter and then reignite, he said. Freakishly warm weather across large swathes of Siberia since January combined with low soil moisture likely a consequences of global warming have fuelled the flames. - Arctic warming - Siberia and the Arctic Circle are prone to large year-on-year temperature fluctuations, but the persistence of this years warm spell is unusual, Carlo Buontempo, director of the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service noted last month. What is worrisome is that the Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the world," he said. In both polar regions, average temperatures have risen more than two degrees Celsius since the mid-19th century, mostly in the last 50 years. That is twice the global average. Worldwide, CO2 emissions from fires have averaged about seven billion tonnes a year since 2000, and were even higher in the 1990s, according to Copernicus. But humanitys output of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels 37 billion tonnes last year has increased by nearly 50 percent over the same period. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, who heads up WWFs climate and energy work, said it was clear that the planet was facing an emergency". We need a cohesive global response to limit the worst impacts of climate change, and to help improve public health and protect the places we live," he said. Current commitments by governments to fight climate change are completely inadequate, and could lead to an Arctic that is 10 degrees Celsius warmer than it is today." Out-of-control wildfires in the western United States, meanwhile, have been fanned by high winds and heatwave conditions, according to CAMS, which tracks fires around the globe. And the number of fires in Brazils Amazon basin last month were at their second highest level in a decade, according to official figures released this week. Israel scored two diplomatic gains Friday when majority-Muslim Kosovo agreed to recognize the Jewish state and Serbia said it would move its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Those decisions came out of a White House-brokered agreement between the two Balkan archrivals and announced by President Donald Trump Friday to normalize economic relations two decades after they fought a bitter war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Serbia will become the first European country to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem, following Washington's ground-breaking recognition of contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital almost three years ago. Kosovo will also set up its Israel mission in Jerusalem and in exchange earn Israel's recognition, as it seeks to further legitimize its 2008 declaration of independence and statehood. "I thank my friend the president of Serbia... for the decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to transfer his embassy there," Netanyahu said, saying the controversial move would happen by July 2021. "I would like also to thank my friend President Trump for contributing to this achievement," he said in a statement. It was the second big news out of Washington in a month for Israel on the diplomatic front. In August the United States brokered a deal for the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations with Israel, symbolically marked on Monday by the first commercial air flight between the two countries. The agreement, expected to be signed at a White House ceremony in coming weeks, would be Israel's first with a Gulf nation, and the third with an Arab country after those it reached with its neighbours Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. - Election ploy? - Palestinians reacted with cynicism about the Kosovo and Serbia announcements, suggesting they were more to bolster Trump's reelection prospects in two months while victimizing them. "Palestine has become a victim of the electoral ambitions of President Trump, whose team would take any action, no matter how destructive for peace... to achieve his re-election" in November, tweeted Saeb Erekat, the secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). "This, just like the UAE-Israel agreement, isn't about Middle East Peace," he added. "What else will Trump procure for Israel before November?" said senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi. But in Washington Trump senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner, a key player in Middle East negotiations, said the moves advance peace and make Americans safer. "Today's breakthrough really is historic," Kushner said at the White House. "This is just another chapter that this administration has been able to write towards making the world a safer and more peaceful place," he said. - Contested Jerusalem - Traditionally, most diplomatic missions in Israel have been in Tel Aviv as countries stayed neutral over the disputed city of Jerusalem, holy to the three Abrahamic faiths, until its status could be settled in an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. Israel seized control of East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in moves never recognised by the international community. Israel considers the city its undivided capital, but Palestinians see the mostly Arab eastern part of Jerusalem, including the Old City with its holy sites, as the illegally occupied capital of their future state. The United Nations and the European Union, Israel's top economic partner, say the city's final status must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians, and say that until then countries should not locate their embassies there. But Trump smashed that taboo in December 2017 by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and shifting the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the city. The decision triggered Palestinian outrage and a diplomatic shockwave. So far only Guatemala has followed in his footsteps, also opening up its diplomatic mission in the holy city in May 2018. WhatsApp has launched a website dedicated to security disclosures, with 6 new vulnerabilities already listed on it. Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp has launched its own security disclosure portal. As the name would suggest, the websites purpose seems to be the official disclosure of vulnerabilities found on WhatsApp to the general public. The launch of the website finds 6 new vulnerabilities already listed on it. According to the WhatsApp security bulletin, five of the six vulnerabilities were fixed on the day of discovery. WhatsApp has said that in their audit, they have not found any evidence of these vulnerabilities being exploited by wild elements. 3 of the security vulnerabilities were brought to the companys attention via the bug bounty program while the other three were discovered during regular code audits performed internally. One of the vulnerabilities in question could have resulted in a URL being malformed, making WhatsApp download an image from a sender-controlled URL, without user permission. This vulnerability was noted only on the Android versions of WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business. Another vulnerability alludes to how a specially crafted video stream could have been used to execute an out-of-bounds write operation on Android-based smartphones. The new security focussed website comes as part of an effort by Facebook to be more transparent about many things, including security. While WhatsApp has remained mostly free from serious security lapses, one blot on the company's otherwise stellar record is the one where the Israeli NSO Group exploited a vulnerability to infected smartphones of high-value individuals and human rights activists with their Pegasus worm. Pegasus embeds itself into the operating system of a target smartphone, giving the hacker full control over the device and the data stored on it. It was alleged that Jeff Bezos had fallen prey to this attack as well last year. The NSO Group has denied all such allegations. Besides addressing vulnerabilities, the WhatsApp team is also busy trying to incorporate new features into the app. Rumour is that the company may be testing a way for users to sync their chat history across platforms. Beta releases for WhatsApp also suggests that the company may be bringing back vacation mode and a whole lot more. When a government announces its readiness to use the army against its own citizens in peacetime, when it baselessly accuses its neighbors of interference and aggression, and when it is prepared to sacrifice the sovereignty of the country and the independence of its institutions in order to stay in place at all costs, it is international peace and security that are threatened, Marin said. Jonetta Ewing, the partner of the late Dijon Kizzee, breaks down while addressing the crowd of activists gathered for a weekly Black Lives Matter protest outside the Hall of Justice on Wednesday. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP-Getty Images) Dijon Kizzee loved riding bicycles anything with wheels, really, his uncle Anthony Johnson recalled. As a youth, he would build go-karts and used to drive his mother crazy with his passion for mini motorcycles. Thats why it wasnt surprising, Johnson said, that 29-year-old Kizzee was on a bike Monday afternoon when he was flagged for an alleged vehicle code violation in a South Los Angeles neighborhood. He tried to flee and subsequently was fatally shot by L.A. County sheriffs deputies. The shooting has spurred anger and nightly protests in the Westmont neighborhood. Many view Kizzee as another victim of police violence against Black people amid the national public outcry over the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The Sheriffs Department hasnt indicated what vehicle codes Kizzee allegedly violated. Officials have said deputies pursued Kizzee as he dropped his bicycle and ran. They said deputies opened fire after he made a motion toward a gun that fell to the ground when he dropped a jacket he had been carrying. Family members said that he lived in Lancaster and was visiting friends in L.A. They recall a family-oriented man who was hit hard by the death of his mother as a young adult and had been working on finding his way in life. Neighbors who witnessed the killing said deputies kept firing at Kizzee after he had fallen to the ground. Attorneys representing the family said Wednesday that he was shot at 15 times. Dijon Kizzee, 29, was killed by L.A. County sheriff's deputies Monday in the Westmont neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Kizzee family) Who knew this would hit our home? Who knew this would happen to us? an anguished aunt of Kizzee told several dozen protesters gathered Tuesday evening at the spot where he was killed. They killed my nephew in cold blood. They killed my nephew. Kizzee, an unemployed plumber, grew up in South L.A. and later moved with his mother and younger brother to the Antelope Valley to escape violence in the area. They moved to get away from the crime a lot of gang shootings were happening, Johnson said. Story continues Johnson, a resident of Palmdale, lived a short drive from Kizzee. He described him as someone who was generous with his relatives and friends, recalling how Kizzee had recently insisted that Johnson use his car as if it were his own. When his mother died in 2011 due to health issues, Kizzee was left grieving and trying to care for his younger brother. He was a mommas boy for sure, Johnson said. Theres really two Dijons. The Dijon before she passed away and the Dijon after she passed away. By that point, Kizzee had a social life in both the Antelope Valley and L.A., often going back and forth to visit family and friends. He was convicted for various crimes in L.A. and Kern counties over the last decade and served two terms in state prison totaling more than a year between 2016 and 2019, according to officials. The prison terms related to charges including evading or attempting to evade a peace officer while driving recklessly, as well as possession of a firearm by a felon or addict. He was trying to work on himself, but that was definitely an obstacle, Johnson said. He was still trying to find his way. Kizzee received his high school diploma in the L.A. County jail system, said Shanley Rhodes, a principal at the time for Five Keys Charter School, which runs higher education programs for inmates. When Rhodes heard about Kizzees death, she immediately recalled a good-natured man who put in extra work to graduate on time, studying independently after taking several hours of classes during the day. Its hard to stay motivated, its hard to have hope, its hard to look forward when youre incarcerated, she said. It takes a really strong person to say, 'Im going to keep my eyes forward.' That was all of our students, and that was certainly Dijon. In the weeks before he died, Kizzee had been coping with more personal loss. Kevin "Twin" Orange, a gang intervention worker, said he ran into Kizzee about three weeks ago in South L.A. while visiting the family of a man who recently died. When Orange got to the family home, Kizzee was there and gave him a hug. The recent loss was one in a string for Kizzee, Orange said. Two other people that Kizzee knew had been killed recently in the Westmont community. "He said: 'I just can't take it. It's too much,'" Orange said. Etta Clark, Kizzees grandmother who lives in Lancaster, said Kizzee called her "Granny" and would often check on her. He was always very kind, always a loving child, very respectful to me, she said, recalling how hed offer to help her with yard work without being prompted. Her son and Kizzee's uncle, Aaron Clark, a hip-hop artist who goes by Pro, said that Kizzee would sometimes come to his home and they would sit in his studio talking about his music. They once played with the idea of writing a song based on the loss of Clarks brother, who was killed years ago, and the incarceration of Kizzees father, Edwin. Despite his absence for much of Kizzees life, he would speak to his son frequently. He gave his son advice, tried to help him learn from his mistakes, Clark said. He was a very big part of his life, even though he wasnt there physically a lot of the time. Clark and Kizzee would sometimes talk about what it meant to be a Black man in the Antelope Valley, which has a history of racism, harassment and discrimination by law enforcement. As Black men, we are profiled every day, Clark said. We sit in our cars at the light, and were profiled. He was on his bike. What threat does a man on a bike really cause? He spoke about being profiled because he was. No matter what was going on, he didnt deserve to be gunned down in the streets like that, he said. Were going to miss Dijon terribly. Times researcher Scott Wilson and staff writers Alene Tchekmedyian and Nicole Santa Cruz contributed to this report. The superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point said this week that he has started to take action about allegations of racism at the historic institution. Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams told an audience at a discussion on race hosted by the Association of the United States Army Wednesday that he takes it very seriously that former West Point graduates described personal experiences with racism. A number of West Point alums came to the school June 25 with a 40-page proposal to create an "Anti-Racist West Point." "I directed my inspector general to do a formal investigation; he has a report out to me, and we are going through the process of it," Williams said. "It's an investigation, so I have to be careful about commenting on it, but we took that and are taking it on and looking at it in a very deliberate way." Read Next: The Worst of the Jobless Spike May Be Over for Veterans The letter lays out an in-depth plan for "uprooting the racism that saturates" the history of West Point, and features several examples of the racist treatment former cadets' experiences. One cadet wrote, "I was called a 'n-----' during my freshman year at West Point. Another described how he found a note in his room that contained "a picture of me holding a rifle, photoshopped with a monkey's face over my own." The proposal makes many suggestions for how the academy's leadership can work to eradicate trappings of past racism at West Point, such as removing all names, monuments and art honoring or venerating Confederate figures. In addition to "Lee Barracks," which honors Gen. Robert E. Lee, there is also a six-foot painting of Lee that hangs in the lobby of the library, "in which his Black slave stands in the bottom right leading Lee's white horse." "Racism has no place at the United States Military Academy," said Williams, who is Black. "Like the United States Army, we are committed to eradicating racism within our ranks." Williams did not say when the investigation will be complete, but said he welcomed the feedback from the former cadets that raised the issue of racism at West Point. Williams did not say anything about Confederate monuments, but said West Point "will be considerate of the things that were mentioned in the letter." "But I will tell you, we are taking action now; we were already on a path," Williams said, describing how the institution is "aligned with the Army's Project Inclusion, an effort launched in late June to weed out unconscious bias and other forms of discrimination in the force. "Throughout summer training, we have engaged in some frank and honest conversations, tough conversations with our cadets. "We've got to do a lot of listening, and that's really the heart of what we are doing as part of our diversity and inclusion program." West Point has also started holding "honorable living days," which focus on issues such as sexual assault. The next one will be held later in September, and will focus on racism and inclusive leadership and how we ensure all of the academy feels like they are a part of a squad, rather than in a squad." As future leaders, cadets are making an effort to tackle tough issues like racism at the institution, Williams said. "They want to be engaged; they want to make sure their leaders are engaged in this space and are taking action," Williams said. "And we will take action and address the issues that were mentioned in the letter and welcome it. It was a great opportunity." -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Review Launched into Allegations of Racial Persecution, Bias at West Point Professional freestyle motocross rider and rally car racer Brian Deegan is selling his modern North Carolina mansion for $4.95 million. Completed in 2018, the Morganton, NC, home brings a distinct California vibe to the Carolinas. Overlooking Lake James, the home features huge windows on the backside to show off the gorgeous views. Set on 5 acres with over 800 feet of beach frontage, the 7,699-square-foot residence has five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Upon entry, you'll notice the glass everywhere, which allows for an abundance of natural light and gorgeous views. The chefs kitchen features a massive butler's pantry, along with ample countertop space. Adjacent to the indoor kitchen, youll find a tempting outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill and sink. The master suite has a private balcony overlooking the lake. The suite also has a massive walk-in shower and tub area enclosed with glass, as well as two large walk-in closets. A floating staircase leads up to top-floor bedrooms and down to the home's lower level. Below, you'll find the personal home gym area, a hot yoga room with a half-bathroom, sauna, guest suite, wet bar, and an office. Exterior realtor.com Glass hallway realtor.com Living area realtor.com Chef's kitchen realtor.com Master bedroom realtor.com Master bathroom realtor.com Back patio realtor.com Home gym realtor.com Three-car garage with workshop realtor.com Covered boat dock realtor.com Aerial view realtor.com High-end amenities include an intercom system and a pre-installed Sonos sound system. Gearheads will appreciate the three-car garage with epoxy flooring, plus a workshop area with built-in cabinetry. To enjoy all the lake has to offer, there's a covered dock for a boat and lake accessories. On Thursday, a few hours after it was announced that Saif Ali Khan has been confirmed as antagonist opposite Telugu superstar Prabhas in the Om Raut directorial Adipurush, a section of netizens demanded Saif should be removed from the film. Interestingly, there seems to be no unity of reason why netizens feel Saif should not be cast in the film! While some feel the actor should be removed because it is a historical drama and he doesnt have much knowledge on Indian history, another section of netizens allege that he threatened Sushant Singh Rajput to leave his daughter Sara Ali Khan at a time when the two of them were allegedly in a relationship. Yet another set of users allege he is a product of nepotism. Still others feel Rana Daggubati would have been a better choice. As Twitter was flooded with posts demanding Saif Ali Khans removal from Adipurush", the actors name kept trending throughout the day. Hmlog wo kisi v actors/ actresses ka film nhi dekhenge jo Sushant Singh ke Support nhi kar rhe hai. #SaifAliKhan (We will not watch any actors film who does not support Sushant)," tweeted a user. Saif Ali Khan threatened, Sushant to leave his daughter Sara Ali Khan. #SaifAliKhan," alleged another user. Talking about the ongoing nepotism debate, a user wrote: Please dont take it lightly. You know what audience has done to #sadak2 @PrabhasRaju? Please remove #SaifAliKhan from this movie." Dear Prabhas sir if u allow any Khans n Bhatts n their Sugarbabies - sorry to say you public this time very serious - we have to boycott the film , we love you - Pls dont spoil ur image with these. #SaifAliKhan," urged another user. Alleging Saif Ali Khan is not suitable to be cast in a historical film because he doesnt have much knowledge on Indian history, a user wrote: Dearest, @omraut & @prabhasRpB kindly remove #SaifAliKhan who believes that there was no concept of india before British. Remove him from the cast or we will have to boycott it!" Several users felt, Rana Daggubati would have been a better choice for the role of Ravana. Highlighting the same, a user wrote: We dont want #SaifAliKhan as #ravana. Who dont even know the history and make comments. We want @RanaDaggubati as Ravana. Thats all. Review it." BAD CHOICE ..pls reconsider would love Rana as Ravan #Prabhas22 #SaifAliKhan #Adipurush," tweeted another user. Another group of users took a sarcastic jibe at the comments made by Saif Ali Khans wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan in a recent interview where the actress spoke about nepotism saying: The audience has made us, nobody else has made us. The same people pointing fingers, they are only making these nepotistic stars. Aap jaa re ho na film dekhne? Mat jao (Are you going to watch the films? Dont go). Nobody has forced you." Sharing the quote by Kareena, a user tweeted: @omraut my dear director. Pls take this into consideration. Ppl have agreed to Kareena statements some of public will reject watching this movie pls remove him #SaifAliKhan." The world is changing at high speed and one of the forces that will most profoundly change human society over the next decade is the continued ascendency of women. Their growing status as leaders and consumers is a phenomenon across the world. Old stereotypes are falling away as more women move into the upper echelons of business and politics. Photo by CoWomen on Unsplash Nestle Japan is using AI, social media, and home-testing DNA kits to create personalised diets for consumers and help predict what diseases they could be at risk for. LOreals Technology Incubator arm is currently investing heavily in research in hormonal and gut health, and also skin pH levels. Somnox is a robot that helps users fall asleep by regulating breathing. The liberated woman Mompreneur The innovationist Beyond binary The Tailory which specialises in ungendered clothing was started by Shao Yang who felt she could not find a place for herself in the fashion industry. Thinxs MENstruation ad considers a world where men and women have periods. The tag line is if we all had them, maybe wed be more comfortable with them. The brand has also featured ads with a transgender model. Ageless woman Get In The Groove is a lifestyle site for age-defying women. Speax by Thinx create underwear for bladder leak protection. Pepper & Wits by P&G offer products for women experiencing painful vaginal dryness, hot flashes, brain fog, sleep problems, night sweats and other symptoms. Adapting your marketing strategy to a world in flux The Urban Village concept is a new community format structured around the idea that cities should be more communal, more affordable and more sustainable. The design combines private living with shared spaces such as communal kitchen and dining areas in an effort to foster social connection. WeLive, the co-living arm of We Company (parent to WeWork), has its sights set on the global market, with plans to launch in India. Beyonce asked fans to share videos of themselves dancing and consequently launched #BeforeILetGoChallenge sharing her favourite ones on Instagram story. Starbucks in China has committed to supporting local farmers and is working towards better health and education services for children in 30 villages across the country. Haeckels biocontributing packaging is crafted from mycelium with an outer wrapper made of seed paper. When buried and degraded, the wildflower seeds are contributed to the land. At the same time as their influence in society and the commercial world is expanding, womens financial power is growing, too. Women are expected to control 75% of discretionary spending around the world by 2028, according to Boston Consulting . McKinsey predicts that women globally could gain 20% more jobs by 2030.Women are also gaining more autonomy in terms of their bodies. There is a corresponding trend towards singledom and self-care that will affect nearly all industries in powerful and subtle ways. Women are prioritising their careers, taking care of their health and breaking all the gender norms to create the new normal which is no normal.The single lifestyle is creating an increased need for single servings and convenient services. But dont imagine that this means the single woman is selfish or solitary. She may not be as quick to marry and bear children, but her need to connect and nurture remains strong. There is a rise in sharing spaces for co-living and co-working, as well as an increased interest in pets and plants.Increased longevity means women, young and old, are looking after their bodies to ensure they live not just a long life, but a happy and healthy one too. Digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) will be seen to play a growing role in supporting physical and mental health with an influx of apps and innovations in this sector:Having first-hand experience of being discriminated against and marginalised, the woman of 2030 is inclusive and will not be judged by age, beauty, race, disability or gender and she expects brands to do the same. While the women of 2030 will not be stereotyped, research from Wunderman Thompson identifies five emerging female archetypes for the modern marketer to consider:The liberated womans mission is to correct societal wrongs and upend biases. She is an outspoken and independent figure with firm values and global views. Climate change activist Greta Thunberg embodies this archetype. Brands that take a stand on social, political and environmental issues will gain the liberated womans trust, provided they do so authentically and transparently.Mompreneurs focus on the benefits of momming while full-time-jobbing. They are unapologetic about working hard and getting real about the challenges of motherhood. Ambitious and financially independent, they embrace the good and bad of motherhood.Brands would do well to understand that the mompreneur has a more collaborative approach to family life. Her children will strongly influence her purchase decisions but gone are the days of bunnies on bags. Todays moms want to be taken seriously and are replacing kid-centric products with adult design sensibilities.Women are strongly represented in the next generation of inventorsexperimenting, creating and building to solve gaps in the market. They are bold risk-takers and inventors. Brands that provide opportunities to collaborate and co-create will see their stars rise along with these innovators.Rejecting outdated and sexist biases in everything from dress codes to dialogue, many young female leaders are distilling feminine into a biological classifier rather than a prescriptive behaviour. An example of this self-empowered, nonconformist humanist is the actor and model, Ruby Rose.Brands that actively breakdown stereotypes, stand for inclusivity and embrace gender-neutral design will have strong appeal to this archetype:Women in their 50s, 60s and 70s are defying expectations and upending the status quo. They refuse to be overlooked and celebrate life. Brands that normalise ageing and that are accommodating and supportive of womens changing needs as they grow older will stand the test of time:The woman of 2030 cares about herself, her community and her environment. Brands should look at ways to support her new lifestyle by providing convenient services, collaboration opportunities and experiential spaces for connecting with others. She will choose and shun brands based on their inclusivity and their contribution to the greater good.Brands that lead with values-based marketing, avoid stereotyping and actively communicate what they are doing to address social, political and environmental issues will gain her trust and loyalty:Physicality, passion, agency, sweat, and grit are the new hallmarks of femininity in our rapidly changing world and leading brands should be taking note of how womens position in the world and perceptions of themselves are changing if they want to get ahead of this massive social shift. The woman of 2030 is taking a stand, and she wants the brands she buys from to do the same. New COVID-19 testing strategy needed: Experts Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam, head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, chairs the meeting. Experts have suggested a review is needed of Vietnams testing strategy, in particular stepping up antigen testing, to match the developments of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country. The steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control, at a meeting in Hanoi on September 3, therefore assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health to help businesses and units in studying and implementing the antigen testing method. Regarding a scenario of 10,000 COVID-19 cases, the committee asked the Ministry of Health to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance in building a new testing strategy and present it shortly to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. The finance ministry reported that Vietnam has so far spent nearly 400 million USD fighting the pandemic. Professor Dang Duc Anh, head of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that as antigen testing can produce accurate results in a short period of time, it should be used in public places like airports and concentrated quarantine areas, contributing to effectively fighting the pandemic. The institute is working with the US on the transfer of the testing technology, which is expected to be rolled out in Vietnam at an early date, he added. Other delegates at the meeting proposed Vietnam use all testing methods, including antigen testing and Realtime-LAMP, and that businesses join hands in the testing work. According to the health ministry, as of 3 pm on September 3, Vietnam had 1,046 COVID-19 cases, including 748 recoveries and 35 deaths. The ministry pointed to the risk of community transmission, particularly in the time ahead, when weather conditions are more favourable for the development of respiratory diseases. Preventive measures therefore need to be maintained and enhanced, it said. No new COVID-19 cases reported on September 4 morning Vietnam confirmed no new COVID-19 cases in the morning of September 4, keeping the national count at 1,046, including 691 locally-transmitted cases, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. A total of 755 patients have been given the all-clear. Meanwhile, there have been 35 fatalities so far. Among the active patients, 24 have tested negative for the coronavirus once, 52 twice, and 23 three times. The committees treatment sub-committee said a number of COVID-19 patients are in serious health conditions and may die any time, most of them suffering from severe underlying diseases. Nearly 61,970 who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or came from pandemic-hit regions are under quarantine nationwide. The Ministry of Health has warned that the risk of community transmission still exists, and the weather in the time ahead is favourable for the development of respiratory diseases. Therefore, preventive measures must be maintained and enhanced, it said. Vietnamese expats support Da Nang hospital in combating COVID-19 Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) and families with Vietnamese adoptive children in Italy along with Italian friends have donated 4,200 EUR (nearly 5,000 USD) to Da Nang Hospital in the central city of Da Nang for emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital was the site of a cluster of COVID-19 cases when a new outbreak hit Da Nang City in late July. In a letter sent to the Vietnamese community in Italy, the Italy Vietnam assistance association praised Vietnams efforts in controlling the pandemic. It noted that at the initial outbreak of COVID-19, Vietnam recorded only 415 cases of COVID-19 and no deaths. This success was attributable to the Government's appropriate and timely preventive measures and communication work. However, after almost 100 days without any locally-transmitted cases, a new wave of COVID-19 began on July 25 from the central tourist city of Da Nang, it noted. The association decided to launch a fund-raising programme to support Da Nang hospital to overcome the challenging time. Hospital visits restricted browser not support iframe. Ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks at hospitals have revealed a need to change the long-held practice of visiting family and friends in hospital, with hospitals urged to introduce preventive measures and impose restrictions on visits. Vietnams second outbreak of COVID-19, in central Da Nang city, was found to have originated in three of its hospitals. Figures show that as many as 11,000 people visited Da Nang General Hospital during the time in question. Around 40,000 people visited Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi during March, when it experienced an outbreak. Hospital Ks extension unit in Tan Trieu, Hanoi, has 10,000 people walk through its doors every day. Since early August, both outpatients and inpatients can only be accompanied by one person, which has received a positive response and support from patients. As well as temperature checks and health declarations at the front gate, each hospital department must check temperatures once again and screen anyone considered a risk. This policy has also been adopted at other hospitals. But some people still break the rules, even taking fever-reducing medication so they can pass a temperature check or making untruthful health declarations. Hospital visits can result in a high risk of cross-infection, making hospitals a likely centre of an outbreak. Visiting practices need to be re-considered, for the well-being of both patients and visitors. Deputy PM calls for global unity to overcome COVID-19 crisis International and regional cooperation is more important than ever before for the world to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said on September 3 when attending a virtual conference of the Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers. Minh spoke highly of G20 countries efforts and contributions to the battle against the pandemic, and thanked them for supporting Vietnam to response to the outbreak and bring its citizens home safely. Vietnam, in its role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020, has worked closely with international partners to maintain cooperative activities, as well as proposed many initiatives to promote joint work in fighting the pandemic and recovering the economy, Minh said. Sharing ASEAN and Vietnams experience in the prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic, he laid stress on enhancing border management based on the premise of ensuring epidemic prevention and facilitating cross-border trade, investment and travel at the same time. Minh expressed his hope that the G20 members will join hands with international organisations and other countries to form a set of principles on cross-border management and international travel facilitation. All parties should share information and experience in ensuring health safety at border gates, apply technologies in detecting and tracing COVID-19 cases, while working together in vaccine development at rational costs, he added. At the event, leaders of major international organisations and foreign ministers of G20 countries and invited countries reiterated the commitment to international collaboration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic so as to lessen its impacts on the economy and support post-pandemic recovery. They said they will promote joint cooperation frameworks to enhance preparedness and response capacity for future medical crises. The special G20 foreign ministers conference took place amid the complex development of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world. It drew the participation of foreign ministers of G20 members and guest countries, along with leaders of international organisations such as the UN, WHO, WB and OECD. Vietnam was invited to attend the event in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN in 2020. Labourers from informal sector to benefit from second support package Labourers from the informal sector who have been seriously affected by COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from the second support package proposed by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA). According to the ministry, the package targets business households and small companies to help them recover, maintain and develop their business and production, thus improving income for labourers. The MoLISA said labourers from the informal sector are a vulnerable group that face high risks but have access to few support policies. Statistics in 2018 showed that 19.3 million people worked in the informal sector, accounting for 35.6 percent of the total employed labourers in the country. Their average income was 4.8 million VND (nearly 208 USD) per month, equivalent to only two thirds of those in the formal sector. So far, a number of policies have been designed to support the group, including vocational training for rural labourers, employment consultations services, voluntary social insurance, and those related to labour safety and hygiene. Over 7,000 aid packages presented to COVID-19-hit families The Saigon Childrens Charity organisation (Saigonchildren) said on September 3 that it has raised over 10 billion VND (434,000 USD) from domestic and foreign entities and individuals, equivalent to over 7,000 aid packages since April. Each package is enough for a four-member family for one month, which is being sent to poor households in the southern provinces of Dong Nai, Hau Giang, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang and Tra Vinh, and Ho Chi Minh City. Executive Director of Saigon Childrens Charity Damien Roberts said the COVID-19 pandemic has affected job of over 30 million Vietnamese people. The hardest-hit ones include women, manual workers and those without labour contracts. He added that the ultimate goal of the organisation is facilitating childrens best access to education. Therefore, it used part of donations to present scholarships to children of families economically hit by COVID-19 pandemic. The organising continues raising fund to assist pademic-hit areas like Da Nang and Quang Nam and help children in need to go to school. According to the organisation, Da Nang's economic growth dropped by 3.61 percent in the first half of this year, marking the first time the city failed to post growth. The Da Nang municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs said the city is now home to over 216,300 uncontracted workers. Over 50,000 poor and near-poor households are seriously hit by the pandemic./. Thailand reports first new locally-transmitted case of COVID-19 after over 100 days Thailand on September 3 reported the first locally-transmitted case of COVID-19 after more than 100 days, which was a man recently imprisoned in Bangkok. In an announcement, the Thai Ministry of Corrections said the 37-year-old tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during weekly tests. He worked as a DJ at a night club and had neither travel abroad nor have close contact with COVID-19 patients. Thailand has recorded no locally-transmitted case of COVID-19 since May 26. All cases reported during the past three months were imported cases detected in quarantine. Meanwhile, Singapore confirmed new COVID-19 clusters at foreign worker dormitories. The health ministry said on September 3 that clusters were detected at three more dormitories with 43 cases. Also on September 3, Indonesia announced 3,622 new cases and 134 new deaths, bringing the total count to 184,268 and fatalities to 7,750. The same day, the Philippines reported an additional 1,987 cases, the lowest daily for the past five weeks, and 65 more deaths. The country has so far confirmed 228,403 cases of COVID-19 and 3,688 fatalities. Cambodia reduces charge on COVID-19 tests for arriving foreigners Cambodia will charge only 100 USD from foreigners for each of the required two COVID-19 tests and the rest of their deposit will be returned to them, the Health Ministry announced on September 2. The ministry said in a notification that the first test will be conducted upon their arrival and the second test will be done on the 13th day of their quarantine. Foreigners can get the tests done at the assigned health establishments closest to them and the payment will be deducted from their deposit with commercial banks which are the ministrys partners. The remainder of the deposit will be returned to the owner within three days after the second test shows a negative result. In early August, the Cambodian government also lowered the cash deposit for the COVID-19 service charges from foreign travellers from 3,000 USD to 2,000 USD. In the morning of September 3, Cambodia reported no new case of COVID-19 while five more patients recovered. The countrys total count was at 274, with 271 patients having recovered. Vietnam confirms 35th COVID-19 death The Ministry of Healths anti-COVID-19 task force in the central city of Da Nang on the afternoon of September 3 reported the death of another COVID-19 patient, the 35th fatality in Vietnam. The 83-year-old woman from the south-central province of Phu Yen died at the Hoa Vang Medical Centre due to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure caused by COVID-19, and sepsis. The patient had end-stage chronic kidney failure and a history of high blood pressure and gastrointestinal bleeding. According to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Vietnam did not record any new cases of COVID-19 on the morning of September 3, keeping its case tally at 1,046. To date, 691 community infections of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have been confirmed in the country, including 551 linked with Da Nang since the new outbreak began in the central city on July 25. As many as 746 patients have recovered while 35, mostly elderly with serious underlying health conditions, succumbed to the disease. Among those still under treatment, 27 have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, 53 twice, and 37 others three times. Some patients remain in a critical condition, according to the treatment sub-committee. There are 63,651 people that had close contact with confirmed cases or came from pandemic-hit areas under quarantine at present, including 1,009 in hospitals, 15,949 in other quarantine facilities, and 46,693 at home. Five additional COVID-19 patients receive all-clear A further five novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients who had been treated in the central city of Da Nang and the northern province of Nam Dinh were declared to be free from the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the morning of September 3. Three of the patients, all of whom reside in Da Nang, were discharged from the Da Nang Hospital for Lung Diseases after getting the all-clear from health experts. Of them is a 19-year-old student from the Da Nang University of Technology who had been receiving treatment for 37 days after suffering from a prolonged fever. It is believed that the young man contracted COVID-19 during a visit to his grandmother at Da Nang Hospital, later being admitted to the Da Nang Hospital for Lung Diseases on July 27 after testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Along with the three cases in Da Nang, two imported cases from Russia were announced to have made a full recovery from COVID-19 at a general hospital in the northern province of Nam Dinh. Each of the cases are now in a stable health condition and have tested negative for COVID-19 at least three times. They will now undergo a period of home quarantine for a further 14 days in line with regulations put forward by the Health Ministry. At present the nation has recorded 1,046 infections and 35 COVID-19 related deaths. Three Covid-19 mobile positive pressure isolation chambers donated to Dong Nai Province TPC VINA, a joint venture between SCG, Vietnam Chemical Corporation, and Vietnam Plastic Company has handed over three Covid-19 mobile positive pressure isolation chambers to the Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front of Dong Nai Province. When collecting the sample, the medical workforce is prone to get contacted with the virus in micro-droplet from the talking, sneezing, and coughing often happen during the swap. These mobile positive pressure isolation chambers aim to avoid direct contact between the sample collecting staff and the person providing the sample. Having tested through the peak time of Covid-19 in Thailand, the mobile positive pressure isolation chamber concept is once again brought by SCG to Vietnam. The first batch of 04 chambers was delivered to Da Nang Center for Disease Control (CDC) early this August by SCG Cement Building Materials LLC. This time, TPC VINA presented three chambers to medical centers of Dong Nai Province including Dong Nai General Hospital, Dong Nai Lung Hospital, and Dong Nai Center of Disease Control (CDC). Over 350 Vietnamese citizens brought home from Japan More than 350 Vietnamese citizens have returned home safely from Japan on a flight on September 3. ThE flight was arranged by Vietnamese authorities in conjunction with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, Vietnam Airlines and Japanese authorities. The passengers included children under 18 years old, pregnant women, the elderly, the sick, students who have finished their learning but lack accommodation due to dormitory closure, workers with expired labour contracts and those living in difficult circumstances. Security, safety and disease prevention measures were seriously carried out during the flight. Right after the plane landed at Cam Ranh International Airport in the central province of Khanh Hoa, all people on board received check-ups and were sent to concentrated quarantine sites in line with regulations. New Delhi, Sep 4 : For India to take full advantage of the demographic dividend,Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday called for a well-strategised collective action on multiple fronts to ensure the well-being of young children. "...there should be well-strategised collective action on multiple fronts. Ensuring the well-being of the young child assumes greater importance if India has to take full advantage of its demographic dividend," Naidu said. He emphasised on child development as the foundation of development architecture, while releasing 'The State of Young Child in India' report, a comprehensive account of the challenges related to early child development in India. Quoting from the report, the Vice President said that of the 159 million children aged below 6 years in India, 21 per cent are undernourished, 36 per cent are underweight and 38 per cent do not receive full immunisation."These figures underline the crucial importance to invest in early childhood for realizing the full potential in later years," he said. Pointing out that poor nutrition hampers physical as well as intellectual development of children, the Vice President said it would make them vulnerable to illness and affect their performance in school. "We need to understand the crucial importance of this aspect of national development and take effective steps to ensure all children have a healthy start to their lives", he added. Underlining the importance of ensuring healthy, happy, caring and playful early years for children for their holistic development, he observed that adequate nutrition and a positive caring environment at home play an important role in a child's development. The years from birth until the age of five were critical, he pointed out. Referring to several comprehensive policies and flagship programmes such as the ICDS and India's conscious efforts to meet international commitments like the UN Convention on Rights of the Child, he said the challenges were still huge and needed to be addressed. Naidu said it was important for all stakeholders, including the government, policy makers and civil society organisations to intensify their efforts in ensuring the well-being of the young child through better policies and effective programmatic interventions. Naidu emphasised the need for uplift of the last man in the true spirit of Antyodaya as espoused by Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. Discount clothing retailer Burlington announced an opening date for a store that will replace the vacant Toys R Us in Raritan. It will open Sept. 10 in the Somerville Circle Shopping Center at 451 Route 28. The store originally was supposed to open in the spring but was delayed due to the coronavirus, according to a Patch report. More commonly known as Burlington Coat Factory, Burlington is a discount retail chain store that offers off-priced items on womens, mens and kids apparel; beauty products; jewelry; home goods; and toys. The company, which is headquartered in New Jersey, also has plans to open in Brick, according to a report by the Asbury Park Press. The report said the store will replace a shuttered Bon-Ton in Brick Plaza at 100 Cedar Bridge Ave. Last year around this time, Burlington expanded into Princeton and Toms River. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Halloween candy is on sale even earlier than usual. Here are the best deals. Target to replace shuttered Kmart in Wall Uniqlos AIRism face mask is finally available in the U.S. Heres how to buy a 3-pack for $15. 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 President Trump, the White House and the Trump campaign all mobilized last night to push back on a damaging article from The Atlantic, by editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, reporting that the president "has repeatedly disparaged the intelligence of service members." What they're saying: When Trump landed at Andrews Air Force Base last night after a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump told reporters: "To think that I would make statements negative to our military and our fallen heroes, when nobody's done what I've done ... It is a disgraceful situation by a magazine that's a terrible magazine I don't read it." Here's a passage from Goldberg's article: On Memorial Day 2017, Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery ... He was accompanied on this visit by John Kelly, who was then the secretary of homeland security, and who would, a short time later, be named the White House chief of staff. The two men were set to visit Section 60, the 14-acre area of the cemetery that is the burial ground for those killed in Americas most recent wars. Kellys son Robert is buried in Section 60. A first lieutenant in the Marine Corps, Robert Kelly was killed in 2010 in Afghanistan. He was 29. ... [A]ccording to sources with knowledge of this visit, Trump, while standing by Robert Kellys grave, turned directly to his father and said, "I dont get it. What was in it for them?" General Kelly declined to comment to The Atlantic. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday hit out at the government over the alleged rise in unemployment and poverty, as it demanded that solutions must be provided for the problems being faced by the youth. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over a media report which claimed that unemployment rate has gone up in August as rural jobs dipped. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also slammed the government over the alleged rise in unemployment and privatisation. She raised the issue of Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Exams allegedly being in a state of limbo. "2017- No appointments till now under SSC CGL. 2018 - Even results are not out of the CGL exam. 2019 - CGL exam was not held. 2020 SSC CGL - No vacancies taken out," Priyanka Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi. "If vacancies come out, then no exams. If exams take place, then no results. If results come out, then no recruitment," she said. "The future of the youth is being ruined by private sector layoffs and a halt on government recruitment, but the government is serving lies in advertisements and speeches to hide the truth," Priyanka Gandhi tweeted with the hashtag 'stop privatization'. In a tweet in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi appealed to the Narendra Modi government for "employment, reinstatement, results of exams". "Provide solutions to the problems being faced by the youth of the country," he tweeted. Meanwhile, Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala attacked the government over alleged rise in poverty. He cited growth and poverty figures from the UPA era to hit out at the current dispensation. Citing a UN report, he said it shows a rapid rise in poverty among women. He also claimed that according to the International Labour Organization, 40 crore Indians are being pushed below the poverty line. The Congress has stepped up its attack on the government after the country's economy suffered its worst slump on record in April-June, with the gross domestic product (GDP) contracting by 23.9 per cent as the coronavirus-related lockdowns weighed on the already-declining consumer demand and investment. It turns out, amid the existential crisis, there really is a group of sober people who are militant about America, who can see reality unblinkered by the lens of partisanship, and who are finally compelled to organize. They understand that, like so many American tragedies, this is largely about race. Its about the transition from a certain kind of white-dominated America to a diverse America and the people who will do anything to stop it. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once argued that sin is buried so deep in the human soul that sweet words are insufficient to get people to give up their unjust power. Instead of assured progress in wisdom and decency, he wrote, man faces the ever-present possibility of a swift relapse not merely to animalism, but into such calculated cruelty as no other animal can practice. But the realist militants who walk in Kings shadow also know that it is the U.S. Constitution that keeps us from slipping into chaos, along with all the norms and values built around it over the centuries. They know, too, that this crisis is not just about race, but also the greatness of American institutions, so scorned and derided of late, so neglected and abused. If Trump claims a victory that is not rightly his, a few marches in the streets will not be an adequate response. There may have to be a sustained campaign of civic action, as in Hong Kong and Belarus, to rally the majority that wants to preserve democracy, that isolates those who would undo it. Two themes would have to feature in such civic action. The first is ardent patriotism. The country survives such a crisis only if most peoples love of nation overwhelms the partisan fury that will threaten to envelop us. The second is the preservation of constitutional order. Through epic acts of self-discipline, the nonviolent civil rights marchers in the 1960s forced their foes to reveal that if there were to be any violence and anarchy, it would come from the foes. Thats how the movement captured the moral high ground and won the mind of the nation. QuantumScape, a 10-year old battery company backed by Volkswagen Group, is looking to go public through a reverse-merger with SPAC Kensington Capital Corp. The San-Jose California based battery company is looking to become an industry-wide supplier of electric vehicle batteries and has recently partnered with Volkswagen to produce so-called solid-state battery cells. Solid-state battery cells are seen as a potential game-changer for electric vehicles as they offer high performance and safety at a low cost. Low flammability, higher electrochemical stability, higher potential cathodes, and higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion are crucial features in new-generation electric vehicle batteries. QuantumScapes prototype batteries use a solid ceramic electrolyte which the company sees a safer alternative to liquid electrolytes. The lithium-metal anode which replaces a graphite/silicon anode could reduce charging time. The company claims that the battery can be charged 80 percent in just 15 minutes. Next to reduced charging time, solid-state batteries also boast a higher energy density than its lithium-ion peers. Currently, the best lithium-ion batteries pack about 250Wh/kg, while solid-state batteries already exceed 400Wh/kg. Related: Goldman Expects Oil To Reach $65 Next Year Back in June, the Volkswagen group announced an additional $200 million investment in the U.S. battery specialist in order to accelerate the development of solid-state batteries. The German automotive giant has already been collaborating with QuantumScape since 2012, and is the largest automotive shareholder. The QuantumScape-Volkswagen joint venture looks to start producing batteries somewhere in 2024. The electric vehicle space is increasingly popular with both retail and institutional investors, with Tesla (TSLA) and Nikola (NKLA) stealing the show. And its not just Volkswagen, venture backers include Bill Gates, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, and even The Qatar Investment Authority, the petro-nation's $320 billion sovereign wealth fund participated in the latest funding round. Story continues The so-called SPAC deal with Kensington Corp. is expected to close at the end of 2020, and the new company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol QS. By Tom Kool of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Read this article on OilPrice.com Universal Studios Japan will skip its annual horror-themed offerings this Halloween season to help alleviate crowding, instead creating a festive entertainment program for guests wanting a break from the new coronavirus. Rather than being chased by zombie hordes at night, visitors to the Osaka theme park will be greeted during the day by "Minions" monsters and other Universal characters under plans announced Thursday. The popular dance that guests would otherwise do with the zombies will return -- but before dark, and with social distancing. Attendance will remain limited to no more than half of the park's capacity during the Halloween program from Sept. 18 to Nov. 8. Responding to a growing trend of taking a day off during the week in the new normal, USJ is also offering new discounted packages. A weekday stay at an affiliated hotel that comes with an adult park ticket and a hotel dinner is priced at 14,300 yen ($134) per person. A turtle known for its goofy grin has been brought back from the brink of extinction after 20 years. After rediscovering a handful of the Burmese roofed turtles in Myanmar, scientists have grown the population to nearly 1,000 animals, the New York Times reports. Some of the giant Asian river turtles, known for their bug-eyes faces, have also been released into the wild over the last five years. Steven Platt, a herpetologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, told the newspaper: "We came so close to losing them. If we didn't intervene when we did, this turtle would have just been gone." Dr Platt said the conservation programme is a collaborative effort between the Myanmar Forest Department, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Turtle Survival Alliance. He wrote on Facebook: "We employ a combination of captive-breeding, conservation measures designed to protect the few remaining wild turtles, and head-starting of hatchlings with eventual reintroduction to the wild." Years ago, hundreds of the turtles would be found at the Irrawaddy river, south of Yangon in Myanmar. But fishing techniques started to kill many of the adult turtles and Western scientists were unable to monitor the species due to border closures. Later, in the 1990s, scientists found no trace of the species and many presumed it to be extinct. But after researchers secured permission for a joint expedition with the Myanmar Forest Department, they found three of the turtles. Gerald Kuchling, a biologist now at the University of Western Australia, told the New York Times: "I was very excited, and definitely flabbergasted." The turtles were transferred to a zoo and now 1,000 Burmese roofed turtles live in three facilities in Myanmar. Rick Hudson, president of the Turtle Survival Alliance, told the newspaper: "This is one of the best global-level turtle conservation successes we have." The same day a Media Matters report came out detailing violent, bigoted tweets posted by Texas Assistant Attorney General Nick Moutos, a spokeswoman for the office said he no longer works there. The spokeswoman did not provide a reason for Moutos departure nor respond to questions about whether the tweets played any role. Moutos, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment, had been working in the office since 2017 and was paid $100,652, according to the Texas Tribune salary guide, which pulls its information from state records. The attorney, who lost a race for the 35th Congressional District in the Republican primary, has supported QAnon, a right-wing, pro-Trump conspiracy theory, Media Matters reported. The theory alleges without evidence that there is a cabal of pedophiles tied to Satanism who are plotting against President Donald Trump and running a child sex trafficking ring. In a tweet Thursday that cited the author of the Media Matters report, Moutos defended his support of the theory and spoke out against censorship of QAnon supporters. I oppose the #Censorship of #FreeSpeech & #Purging of QAnon followers & supporters, he wrote. Q does not support violence. I support #2A & promote #SelfDefense. I have warned terrorists to stay away & will defend myself & my family. How is fighting #ChildTrafficking & #Pedophilia bad? In a separate tweet, Moutos also seemed to allude to losing his job. Speaking out against the #ChinaVirus #Plandemic & #Democrats using it to steal #Election2020 makes people angry, he tweeted . Stories slamming me & others in #Salon #MensHealth #AlterNet were enough to cost me my job. Moutos tweeted last month that U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib were terrorists who belong in Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, and he has made similar comments in various other tweets. Hes also called Black Lives Matter protesters terrorists and encouraged violence against them in reacting to St. Louis couple Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who pointed guns at demonstrators, saying that if they came to my neighborhood it would have been open season on terrorists. When asked about Moutos and the tweet, the spokeswoman said he no longer worked for the Texas Attorney Generals Office and had no other comment. It was unclear whether he was fired or had quit. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan and Iran are working on cooperation in the field of electric power industry, the Ministry of Energy has reported. As part of the measures taken in this direction, another meeting of the Joint Technical Commission on continuing construction and operation of hydroelectric power plants and installations Khudaferin and Maiden Tower on the Araz River has been held in the videoconference format. During the meeting, the calculation of construction costs and damages of Khudaferin and Maiden Tower hydroelectric power plants over Araz River were discussed. In addition, parties discussed issues on purchase and installation of hydroelectric installations and equipment. Moreover, at the same time, the first meeting of the Joint Technical Commission for the construction of Ordubad and Marazad hydroelectric power plants was held in the videoconference format. The parties exchanged views on speeding up the construction of the Ordubad hydroelectric power plant and assessing its environmental impact. Additionally, it was decided to hold next meeting in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in late September 2020. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 18:39 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42c5e13 1 World Foreign-Minister-Retno-Marsudi,Islamic,symbols,condemnation Free The Indonesian government has strongly criticized a series of acts targeting Islamic symbols that occurred in at least three foreign countries recently. They include the destruction of the Quran in Sweden and Norway as well as the republication of cartoons mocking the Prophet Muhammad by a French magazine. These acts are irresponsible and provocative and have offended hundreds of millions of Muslims in the world, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said on Friday. They are contrary to the principles and values of democracy and may potentially disunite religious communities, just when the world needs unity to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Last Friday, a demonstration of about 300 people led to at least 10 people being arrested and several police officers being injured in the Swedish city of Malmo, foreign media reported. The violence was triggered by an illegal protest earlier that day in Rosengard, a largely migrant neighborhood, where far-right activists burned a copy of the Quran. Read also: 'Indonesia wont be military base for any country', Retno says, dismissing Pentagon report The leader of Danish far-right anti-immigration party Stram Kurs, Rasmus Paludan, was expected to attend that rally, but was stopped by the police at the Swedish-Danish border and subsequently banned from entering Sweden for two years. Last year, Paludan was in the spotlight after burning a Quran wrapped in bacon. In June, he was sentenced to three-months imprisonment in Denmark over racism and defamation. Following Paludans detention last Friday, members of anti-Islam group Stop the Islamization of Norway (SION) held a protest in the Norwegian capital of Oslo on Saturday, where protesters tore out pages of the Quran and spat on them. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo republished controversial caricatures of Prophet Muhammad. The cover of the special edition showed the controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad along with the headline: All that for that. The cover was published to mark the start of the trial of the alleged accomplices of the Islamist gunmen who attacked the magazines offices in 2015 and killed 12 of its staffers. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 15:40 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42bca6d 1 World Retno-Marsudi,Foreign-Minister-Retno-Marsudi,Foreign-Ministry,China,military-base,Pentagon,US,US-China Free Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi has asserted that Indonesia will not be the military base for any foreign country, including China, following a report from the United States Department of Defense that states China is planning to build an overseas military logistics facility in Indonesia. I want to emphasize that, in accordance with the lines and principles of Indonesian foreign policy, Indonesian territory cannot and will not be used as a military facility base for any country, Retno said during a press briefing on Friday. I repeat, Indonesian territory cannot and will not be used as a military facility base for any country. Previously, the US Department of Defense released its annual report titled Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China 2020. The report was mandated to US Congress as an authoritative assessment on military and security developments involving China. Read also: Thawing out Cold War declaration, ASEAN sets stance in great powers rivalry It analyzes the contours of Chinas national strategy, its approach to security and military affairs and potential changes in Chinas armed forces over the next 20 years. Beyond its current base in Djibouti, the PRC [Peoples Liberation Army] is very likely already considering and planning for additional overseas military logistics facilities to support naval, air and ground forces, the report says. The PRC has likely considered locations for PLA military logistics facilities in Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola and Tajikistan. China, according to the report, is seeking to establish a more robust overseas logistics and basing infrastructure to allow the PLA to project and sustain military power at greater distances. A man in the US has been rescued after spending more than four days trapped under a tree. Jonathan Ceplecha, 59, was cutting down oak trees on his land in southern Minnesota last Thursday when one of them landed on his legs, the local sheriffs office said. He was found Monday in a ravine just under 100 metres from his house, with both of his legs pinned down. His son Miles explained how Mr Ceplecha maintained little pieces of hope during his ordeal. The 59-year-old was able to keep from panicking by breaking up the days into hours and then breaking up the hours into five-minute segments so that he could have little victories throughout the day," Miles said. "He just tried to keep his mind distracted," he added. Mr Ceplecha managed to maintain 'little pieces of hope' / AP Police began looking for Mr Ceplecha when he was reported missing after he failed to show up for work. They found no sign of him and began searching the property with help from his ex-wife and daughter. Despite the long ordeal, Mr Ceplecha was conscious and surprisingly alert after being found, Chief Deputy Mark Farasyn of Redwood County Sheriff's Office said. Mr Farasyn asked him how long he had been there, and Mr Ceplecha responded "100 hours," without hesitation, local broadcaster KARE-TV reported. "He had the will to live, and he wasn't ready to go," Mr Farasyn said. Mr Ceplecha is an Iraq War veteran and his training probably helped him survive, he added. It took about two hours for the Redwood Falls Fire Department to free Mr Ceplecha, who teaches English at a school in the town of Marshall. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he was said to be in stable condition. New Delhi: Union Minister RK Singh on Friday (September 4) said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (NJP) is capable of forming government of its own in Bihar, but his party does not want to break its partnership with the Janata Dal (United). RK Singh, which is the Lok Sabha MP from Arrah, told ANI, "We can form a government on our own in Bihar, there's no doubt in it. But, we've been in partnership with the JDU since 1996, and we do not want to break it, neither do they. We don't leave our friends." The Union Power Minister further said, "Our seat share will be decided soon. The process will be finished smoothly as there are no differences among us... Lok Sabha Poll results have clearly displayed the vote base of BJP and PM Modi. Hence, the seat division should be based on that only." With just a few months to go for the Bihar Assembly Election, RK Singh's statement came in the backdrop of recent tensions between Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) and the Chirag Paswan led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Earlier on Wednesday, former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) joined the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which currently consists of the BJP, JD(U) and LJP. The BJP and JD(U) came together to form government in the state in July 2017 after the collapse of the then-ruling Mahagathbandhan. Meanwhile, the Election Commission said today that the pending by-election to one Lok Sabha and 64 assembly seats spread across 15 states and the Bihar assembly polls will be held "around the same time". The EC said, "Considering that General Assembly Elections of Bihar are also due and required to be completed before November 29, 2020, the Commission has decided to conduct all the 65 by-elections and the General Assembly Elections of Bihar around the same time." "Announcement of schedule of Bihar General Assembly Elections as well as these by-elections will be done by the Commission at appropriate time," it added. Notably, the term of the Bihar assembly ends on November 29 and elections are likely to be held sometime in October-November. Susan Walker, the psychotherapist who was treating Sushant Singh Rajput, told the Mumbai Police that the actor had being medicated for anxiety when he was young. Sushant died on June 14 and Susan has gone on record to say that, in her professional opinion, the actor was suffering from bipolar disorder. Her statement to the Mumbai Police was accessed by India Today. In it, she had said that Sushants illness had worsened over the years, and that he was convinced that he could never be cured. Sushant was aware of his condition, she said, because hed received treatment for anxiety when he was young. His condiction had deteriorated in 2013-14, which is when he is also said to have consulted professionals about it, according to his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty. Susan said in her statement, His anxiety had increased a lot in 2013-14. When he was young, he had taken Adderall medicine, twice every week to increase his concentration, as a treatment of ADHD. He was very shy. Hence, his peers used to tease him. When he was 15 -16 years old, his mother had passed away due to panic attack. According to what he told me, he was very close to his mother. After her death, he was close to his sister, but I found him not close to his father. Mr Sushant Singh discussed about space, astronomy and physics. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajput had suicidal thoughts in 2019, according to Rhea Chakraborty: Susan Walker to Mumbai Police She said that after her first meeting with him, Sushant appeared to be extremely anxious. Taking a scale of 1 to 10 for anxiety, his mental condition had reached 9, she said. Based on her conversations with Rhea, the psychotherapist said that she felt Rhea was taking great care of Sushant, but that he was negligent about his illness. She said that in June, Rhea had reached out to her to tell her that Sushant had once again stopped taking medicines, and that his mental health was deteriorating. Sushant died by suicide on June 14. Sushants family lawyer, Vikas Singh, in a Wednesday press conference had said that the actors family was aware of his anxiety attacks, but did not believe that he had depression. Sushants family has so far hesitated to accept that the actor was suffering from any kind of mental health issues, and continues to allege that he was driven to suicide because Rhea drugged him, isolated him, and stole his money. 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 PLYMOUTH Buddy the Beefalo, a 1,000-pound bull that escaped from a slaughterhouse, is still alive and wandering in the woods in northwest Connecticut. The bull a cross between a bison and domestic cattle has been in the woods in area of Route 72 and Judd Road since early August. Police efforts to take Buddy into custody have, so far, been unsuccessful. Capt. Edward Benecchi said there was a Facebook post Wednesday that claimed the bull was shot and killed in Bristol. The Facebook post also offered cow steaks. The post was later confirmed to be false after a Plymouth man caught the bull in his yard on a home-security camera Wednesday afternoon. The beefalo, named Buddy by Plymouth police, escaped after a truck took him to a Terryville meat processing plant. As the truck was backing into the loading dock, Buddy pushed his way out and fled into the woods, police said. Since his escape, Buddy appears to be in good shape with no apparent attack wounds from wild animals. Beefalos will eat any kind of vegetation and food and water are abundant in the area where Buddy has been roaming, Benecchi said. He said the video from the home-security camera shows Buddy to be very agile. On Monday, state environmental conservation officers helped Plymouth police track down Buddy by using a drone. The bull was seen in a swampy area. As police moved in, Buddy moved away. Benecchi said Buddy has been staying in the same area, moving around in a circular pattern on trails. Plymouth polices first encounter with the bull was about two weeks ago. As officers attempted to take control of the animal, it demonstrated behavior that it was going to charge by putting down its head down and scratching the ground, police said. As officers moved away, it retreated into the woods. Police urged people not to approach the beefalo. The plan to catch Buddy is to lure him into a trailer with grain, Benecchi said. Were consistently checking on the trailer, Benecchi. Once Buddy is inside, a safety gate will secure the bull from escaping. Benecchi said Buddys story could have a happy ending. The bulls owner has agreed to return Buddy to a 100-acre farm in Becket, Mass. Ive had several calls with the owner who agrees that the beefalo has earned his freedom, Benecchi said. Any beefalo sightings should be reported to Plymouth police at 860-589-7779 or call 911. Subscriber content preview BERLIN (AP) A German museum said Wednesday that it will return two mummified, tattooed Maori heads that were part of its collection for more than a century. The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation said the repatriation to New Zealand of the two heads, known as Toi moko, would take place as soon as possible. . . . Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dzulfiqar Fathur Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 14:10 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42b558b 1 Business micro-and-small-businesses,micro-small-medium-enterprises,MasterCard,Visa,Cooperative-SME-ministry,teten-masduki,cyber-attacks,cyber-security Free The government has partnered with financial service company PT Mastercard Indonesia and nonprofit organization Mercy Corps Indonesia for a mentoring program on business and cybersecurity for micro and small businesses. Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Teten Masduki said during the launch of the program on Thursday that the mentoring program would accommodate 40,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across 18 provinces nationwide. The partnership integrates the ministrys online training platform edukukm.id with Mercy Corps Indonesias micromentor.org. I am grateful to Mastercard Indonesia and Mercy Corps Indonesia, which have provided mentoring to MSMEs that join the training on edukukm.id, so they are ready for onboarding with deeper knowledge on information technology, Teten said at the programs virtual launch on Thursday. The program came after the government launched similar partnerships with e-commerce companies to encourage 10 million small businesses to go online. With people staying at home or avoiding unessential contact, online transactions have seen a 26 percent increase from pre-pandemic times, according to Bank Indonesia data. However, with the rise of online shopping, small businesses are prone to cyberattacks because they do not have adequate cybersecurity, especially for their own websites, according to Agrian Pangestu, cyber and intelligence product manager at Mastercard Indonesia. The country recorded more than 88 million cyberattacks in the first four months of the year, according to the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN). More than half of the cyberattacks were malware and phishing scams. Agrian suggested that small businesses assess the weak spots of their websites to protect consumer data, including phone numbers, addresses and financial information. He said small businesses should prevent unauthorized apps from accessing their devices. We are trying to inform MSMEs about cybersecurity issues because there is a lack of awareness on this matter, said Agrian. Based on surveys, MSMEs think they will not get attacked because their businesses are too small. But apparently many hackers and cybercriminals want to attack MSMEs. Agrian also said small businesses that had joined e-commerce platforms might be more secure because they benefited from the platforms cybersecurity. However, e-commerce platforms Tokopedia, Bukalapak and Bhinneka reported data breaches in May, leaving customers information at risk. Despite being a home to 175.4 million internet users as of January 2020, Indonesias digital literacy, including awareness of online safety, is relatively low. The Global World Digital Competitiveness Index, which includes digital literacy among other indicators, ranked Indonesia 56th out of 63 countries in 2019, far below Singapore and Malaysia, which were ranked second and 26th respectively. Separately, financial service company Visa suggested that e-commerce companies adopt tokenization, which replaces sensitive data such as credit card numbers with tokens. This has the potential to help users protect themselves from data breaches, as hackers cannot use tokens for anything. Our fear is that because the merchants are new, they themselves do not have the experience or the skills or the infrastructure or the tools or systems to protect sensitive information that they capture, Joe Cunningham, Visas regional risk officer for the Asia-Pacific, said in an interview with The Jakarta Post on Aug. 26. There was a large gap between bids and offers in the key Southeast Asian market of Vietnam in the week to Friday September 4, although buyers still purchased some quantities of bulk Japanese H2 scrap. There was limited negotiation in the start of the week due to the Vietnamese Independence Day public holiday on September 2, with market participants not actively in the spot market. There were transactions concluded at $299 per tonne and $301 per tonne cfr southern Vietnam, as well as at $304 per tonne cfr northern Vietnam. The last two cargoes amounted to slightly less than 20,000 tonnes. Offers for bulk Japanese H2 cargoes were at $300-310 per tonne cfr northern Vietnam, while southern Vietnamese steel mills were receiving offers at $300 per tonne cfr. Bids were heard at $295 per tonne cfr Vietnam, although no sellers accepted them. "There's a really big mismatch between bids and offers in the spot market. It's not possible to get reasonably priced materials for buyers at the moment," a scrap trader in Singapore told Fastmarkets on Friday. A trader in Vietnam said Vietnamese steel mills would likely need to come back into the spot market soon. "Regardless of how prices move in the near term, the steel mills will need to replenish their inventories to be able to keep the meltshops running," a Vietnamese trader told Fastmarkets. Negotiations for bulk Japanese HS were at $322-327 per tonne cfr Vietnam, with market chatter of a transaction concluded at $325 per tonne cfr Vietnam. Offers were at $330 per tonne cfr Vietnam. Fastmarkets weekly price assessment of steel scrap H2, Japan-origin import, cfr Vietnam was $299-301 per tonne on Friday, up $3-6 per tonne from $293-298 per tonne last week. Deep-sea bulk cargoes of HMS 1&2 (80:20) were offered to Vietnam at $320 per tonne cfr this week, with bulk shredded offered at $325 per tonne cfr Vietnam. Bulk P&S were offered at $330 per tonne cfr Vietnam. "Many sellers are hiking their offers and taking advantage of the latest prices to Turkey. They are also waiting for the next Kanto Tetsugen auction result to be out before they set their next offers," a buyer in Vietnam told Fastmarkets on Friday September 4. There were no bids from buyers for deep-sea bulk materials due to the high offers. Fastmarkets weekly price assessment for deep-sea bulk cargoes of steel scrap, HMS 1&2 (80:20), cfr Vietnam was $307 per tonne on Friday, unchanged week on week due to the absence of spot price negotiations. Containerized HMS 1&2 (80:20) was sold at $270-273 per tonne cfr Vietnam. Stacker explores snacks and other food items banned in the U.S. From tasty cheeses to the famed Scottish dish haggis, these 30 foods arent welcome in most of the United States. Real Estate Guide Your guide to finding a house or apartment in Connecticut Our easy-to-use guide will help you navigate some of the most popular housing markets in CT. What Trump said in Kenosha: From repeating the refuted claim that he "saved Kenosha" from anarchy, to how he disagrees with medical experts and that we are "rounding the curve" of coronavirus, to claims of "Peace in the Middle East" while Armenians and Turks kill each other near Artsakh. A furious Kangana Ranaut announced on Twitter that she will be travelling to Mumbai on September 9, 2020, and asked her haters to stop her if they have the guts to do so. She tweeted, "I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le." I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le https://t.co/9706wS2qEd Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2020 The Queen actress shared the tweet in the wake of receiving all hatred and criticism, after she slammed the Mumbai police and said that she doesn't feel safe in Mumbai. Her tweet was criticised majorly by celebrities like Swara Bhakser, Farah Khan Ali, Renuka Shahane, but many netizens also came out in support of her. After coming across Kangana's yet another blunt tweet, a netizen wrote, "No one is threatening you half knowledge starlet , we are just saying if you have so much problem with Mumbai then dont come. Hope your IAS parents had taught you well, using BAAP and other things wont look good on most successful actress ever on this earth." Netizens Slam Aamir Khan Yet Again And Come Out In Support Of Kangana Ranaut! Another netizen wrote, "Kangana didn't say anything about Mumbai city. She was given threats by the Bollywoodians, police and maha Gov't. She loves the people of city and its culture. Don't divert the topic. Kisi ke abba mai dam nhi kangana ko mumbai mai na gussne ka." The entire hullabaloo around the Mumbai police began after the sudden demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who breathed his last on June 14. Apart from Kangana, many netizens too took a sharp jibe at the Mumbai police, and expressed their disappointment towards them. Meanwhile, it is yet to be seen how netizens would react to Kangana's open challenge. (Social media posts are unedited.) By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijans Deposit Insurance Fund has paid AZN 505.6 million ($297.4M) to the 21,398 depositors of four banks that were liquidated in the past few months, the fund has reported. According to the report, the International Bank of Azerbaijan has paid over AZN 176.2 million ($103.6M) to 7,266 depositors of AGBank and NBCBank as a compensation in the process of liquidation. The payment of compensations to these banks were made in non-cash form in 20 branches through debit cards of the International Bank of Azerbaijan. As of September 3, AZN 68.1 million ($40.1M) was paid to 3,601 depositors of AGBank and AZN 108.1 million ($63.5M) to 3,665 depositors of NBCBank. Moreover, Kapital Bank has paid AZN 329.3 million ($193.7M) to 14,132 depositors of Amrahbank and Atabank as compensation in the process of liquidation. The compensations to these banks were paid in non-cash form in 35 branches through Kapital Bank debit cards and Khazri fast money transfer system. During this period, AZN 128.7 million ($75.7M) was paid to 5,397 depositors of Amrahbank and AZN 200.6 million ($118M) to 8,735 depositors of Atabank. According to Article 28.3 of the law "On Insurance of Deposits", the Deposit Insurance Fund accepts applications from depositors within one year from the date of first publication of the notice on compensation. The licenses of Azerbaijans AtaBank OJSC and Amrahbank OJSC were canceled on April 28 upon the decision of the Board of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA). On May 12, the licenses of AGBank OJSC and NBC Bank OJSC were canceled and the bankruptcy process was launched. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Russia has reportedly attempted to amplify concerns about the legitimacy of mail-in voting, as president Donald Trump has falsely claimed for months that the practice will lead to widespread fraud. Analysts in the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) intelligence branch issued a warning to federal and state law enforcement officials on Thursday that Russian malign influence actors have focused misinformation campaigns around mail-in-voting, according to a bulletin obtained by ABC News. In the bulletin, analysts wrote that they believe with high confidence that the Russian malign actors have been spreading disinformation about mail-in-voting since at least March. Russian state media and proxy websites in mid-August 2020 criticised the integrity of expanded and universal vote-by-mail, claiming ineligible voters could receive ballots due to out-of-date voter rolls, leaving a vast amount of ballots unaccounted for and vulnerable to tampering, analysts wrote in the bulletin obtained by ABC. These websites also alleged that vote-by-mail processes would overburden the US Postal Service (USPS) and local boards of election, delaying vote tabulation and creating more opportunities for fraud and error, analysts added. Recommended Homeland Security withheld warning about Russian misinformation attack Due to logistical concerns around the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it is expected that more Americans will vote absentee in Novembers presidential election than ever before, according to ABC. However, Mr Trump has repeatedly spoken publicly against people being able to vote by mail in this years presidential election and has claimed without evidence that it will cause a large increase in voter fraud. In May, the president falsely claimed that mail-in voting will enable thousands of forgeries, despite voting by mail in Florida himself in March for the Republican primary. After months of criticising mail-in voting, the president told Chris Wallace of Fox News in late July that he might not accept a losing result in Novembers presidential election, because mail-in voting is going to rig it. Additionally, on Wednesday, Twitter and Facebook flagged a post from the president, after he told North Carolina residents to vote at the polls after voting by mail to make sure it counted, despite the practice breaking federal law. John Cohen, the former undersecretary for intelligence at DHS under president Barack Obama, told ABC that there is a worrying amount of parallels between the Trump campaign and the alleged Russian misinformation scheme. He added: This most recent DHS intelligence report along with other recent reporting by intelligence and law enforcement entities should put to rest any doubts that Russia is spreading conspiracy theories and lies in an effort to influence the outcome of the 2020 election by undermining confidence in the election process and influence voter opinion. News of the bulletin comes one day after ABC reported that the DHS withheld the publication of an intelligence bulletin, which warned the agency of a Russian scheme to spread misinformation about the mental health of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. The bulletin, titled Russia Likely to Denigrate Health of US Candidates to Influence 2020 Election, was sent to the agencys legislative and public affairs office for review on 7 July, according to internal emails and a draft of the bulletin obtained by ABC. In the draft, analysts said with high confidence that Russian malign influence actors are likely to continue denigrating presidential candidates through allegations of poor mental or physical health to influence the outcome of the 2020 election. The bulletin was not sent out to law enforcement agencies, and a DHS spokesperson told ABC that its circulation was delayed because it did not meet the agencys standards The DHS spokesperson added that the agency generally does not comment on leaked documents, this particular draft product lacked the necessary context and evidence for broader dissemination outside of the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Intelligence and Analysis. They added: After briefing the acting secretary and he asked questions, career leadership decided to delay the product for further review. Trump campaign spokesperson Tim Murtagh told ABC about the claims of Russian misinformation schemes: We dont need or want any foreign interference [in the 2020 election]. He claimed that president Trump will beat Joe Biden fair and square. Find all of the most important pandemic education news on Educating N.J., a special resource guide created for parents, students and educators. Though students have begun heading back to school for in-class and online learning, state officials say they are still reviewing reopening plans in about 25% of New Jerseys school districts. The state Department of Education has received plans from 804 school districts, including public schools, charter schools and private schools for students with disabilities, officials said. The plans are required to detail how schools are planning to reopen with social distancing, health screenings and other measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. As of Thursday, 607 plans were approved. Another 180 were returned to be revised or have questions answered and 17 had not yet been reviewed, state officials said. I know (state Education) Commissioner Kevin Dehmer and his team are pushing to get every plan approved on time, and I have every confidence that our school year will get off to a safe start, Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday at his latest coronavirus briefing in Trenton. The delay in approving plans is not expected to force school districts to reschedule their first day of classes, Murphy said. State officials did not release the names of the 197 districts that either do not have approved plans because they were being revised or hadnt been looked at yet. Murphy said he did not think it was fair to name the school districts while they were being asked to rewrite parts of their plans. State Department of Education officials have previously said they are prioritizing approving reopening plans with students returning for in-person classes. Murphy had previously said he wants the reopening plans to be approved by the state before a district brings kids and teachers back to school. But he said the state is working closely with the districts that had their plans sent back for revisions. The department has kept an open, active line of communication with those districts to ensure that these plans end up where they need to be, Murphy said. Keep up with the latest in N.J. schools coverage. Sign up with your email here: Of the 607 plans that have been approved, 354 are reopening with hybrid in-person and remote learning, 59 with all in-person learning and 172 are all-remote with all children learning at home. The remaining 22 districts have a combination of hybrid, remote and in-person plans varying by school. State officials did not say how many of the remaining 197 unapproved plans plan to reopen hybrid, all-remote or in-person. Murphy announced in June that he wanted all New Jersey public schools to reopen with some in-person classes. The state Department of Education released more than 100 pages of guidelines on how schools should screen students and staff for COVID-19 symptoms, keep desks six feet apart and institute other safety measures. School districts were required to submit detailed school reopening plans to the state a month before reopening. But Murphy announced in August that districts would have the option of opening with all-remote learning if they felt they were unable to reopen safely. That prompted many districts to revise their reopening plans with only a few weeks left until the school year was set to begin. Under the system, school districts submit their plans to county and state education officials for review. But the plans can be sent back if the reviewers have questions or ask for changes. The process has been slow for many districts. In Paterson, one of the states largest school districts, the reopening plan was approved by county officials Tuesday and sent to the state less than a week before schools were set to reopen remotely. We met all of the requirements on the checklist, said Paul Brubaker, a spokesman for the Paterson School District. Under its plan, Paterson is scheduled to begin the school year remotely on Tuesday and bring students back for in-person classes in November, at the earliest, Brubaker said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia has asked the people of Dagbon to vote for President Akufo-Addo as a reward for bringing peace to the area after protracted conflict lingered for years. Dr. Bawumia says the restoration of peace in Dagbon should be seen as a major achievement of the New Patriotic Party (NPP. The coronation of the new Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II on January 25, 2019, brought to an end nearly two decades of conflict in Dagbon over the skin after years of mediation. The conflict dates back to when Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II was murdered in March 2002 after an eruption of violence during the Yendi traditional fire festival. Speaking at a meeting with the overlord of the Dagbon traditional area, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, Dr. Bawumia called on the Dagbon land to fulfil the perceived obligation and vote for the NPP. The Dagbon people, the Northern people and Ghanaians as well are indebted to Nana Akufo-Addo for bringing peace to Dagbon and once you owe somebody a debt, you should pay it, the Vice President said. The people of Dagbon will pay that debt on December 7 by voting massively for him and the NPP government, he added. As part of his address, Dr. Bawumia also promised an upgrade of the Yendi Airstrip. At the National Security Council meeting, the president agreed that we are going to have the resurfacing of the Yendi Airstrip. He also assured the Overlord, Paramount Chiefs and their subjects of President Akufo-Addo's desire to ensure the development of the northern part of Ghana, having demonstrated his commitment with development projects across all parts of the north. citinewsroom Near-record violence in Afghanistan in the last few weeks creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks derailing the peace negotiations set to begin soon between the Afghan government and the Taliban, according to a top UN official in the war-ravaged country. The planned negotiations stem from a landmark pact the US signed with the Taliban in February to promote a peaceful settlement to the Afghan war, the longest overseas military intervention by the American military. "As I speak, Afghans representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are preparing to sit with other Afghans representing the Taliban to discuss, at long last, a political settlement to the conflict. This is truly a historic moment," Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday. "After four decades of war, the people of Afghanistan have more reason than ever to hope that this devastating conflict, which has brought so much suffering, may finally come to an end, Lyons, also the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said. She, however, warned that this will be a long and challenging process and already, the pre-talks phase has raised difficult issues related to prisoner releases, which have taken five months to resolve. Eventually the negotiations will have to tackle a range of profound questions about the kind of country Afghans want. These can only be addressed by Afghans talking with other Afghans. Solutions will not be found on the battlefield, we know this, nor can they be imposed from the outside, she said. Lyons cautioned that despite the air of cautious optimism, the level of violence on the battlefield remains deeply worrying and the last few weeks have seen near-record numbers of security incidents, including egregious attacks by spoilers targeting civilians involved in the peace process. "We must keep in mind the terrible consequences of this violence. The conflict continues to kill and injure hundreds of Afghans every week. And as we look towards the peace talks this violence also creates an atmosphere of mistrust that risks derailing negotiations, she said. With the negotiations, hosted by Qatar, set to launch soon, she exhorted parties to place a humanitarian ceasefire atop the agenda, and pressed all countries to amplify this call. "The coming days will hopefully bring the formal launch of intra-Afghan negotiations. I said the coming days, not the coming weeks, she said thanking member states, including Qatar and the United States as well as many others who have engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to get us to this point. For our part, the UN will be working with international partners to support both parties and the host countries throughout the process. She added that a peace process, and even a peace agreement, does not peace make. All of us must do our part to create a conducive environment for peace talks. In parallel, we must ensure that the ground is prepared for peace to flourish once an agreement is reached, she said. Women's rights are also emerging as among the most difficult issues confronting the parties as they enter negotiations and one around which any compromises will pose a difficult dilemma for member states, she said. This issue will be more central in the Afghan peace process than we have ever seen in any other peace negotiation in recent memory, she added. Lyons said she has initiated a series of meetings with a countrywide network of Afghan women on the peace process, which is giving the UN important insights into their concerns, as well as possible avenues for greater engagement. But we all know that it is women's representation at the peace table that offers the best opportunity to ensure that their own rights are upheld, and that their vision for elements of a peaceful Afghanistan is reflected in all aspects of the talks, she said. Lyons commended the women members of the Afghan negotiating team and other peace structures for their energetic outreach and substantive preparations for intra-Afghan talks. As of this moment, we are not yet aware of any women's representation on the Taliban side, but we remain hopeful that they, too, will find a way of meaningfully including women, the other 50 per cent of the population, in their negotiation team, she said. . An oil tanker, MT New Diamond, carrying crude oil from Kuwait to India burst into flames off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 3, that left one of its 23 crew members dead, a navy spokesman said. The Panama-registered tanker New Diamond, was carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil from Kuwait to India, when its engine room caught fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in the eastern district of Ampara, Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Capt Indika Silva said. Ships, boats and aircraft from Sri Lanka and India were engaged in efforts to douse a fire raging on the oil tanker for a second day. The Sri Lankan Navy on Friday confirmed that a Filipino sailor died in a boiler explosion in the engine room. Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders leaves the court following the verdict in his appeal in Schiphol near Amsterdam, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters) Dutch Anti-Islam Politician Wilders Acquitted of Inciting Discrimination AMSTERDAMDutch politician Geert Wilders was acquitted by an appeals court on Friday of discrimination, in a partial legal victory for the right-wing lawmaker who leads the opposition in parliament and who is known for his anti-Islam rhetoric. The panel agreed with a lower court ruling from 2016 that dismissed the separate offense of inciting hatred and rejected a prosecution request that Wilders pay a fine of 5,000 euros ($5,900). However, it upheld his conviction for intentionally insulting Moroccans as a group. Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders speaks to the media following the verdict in his appeal in Schiphol near Amsterdam, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters) Wilders is one of Europes most prominent right-wing leaders and is polling in second place ahead of March elections. He has been a key figure in shaping the immigration debate in the Netherlands over the past decade, although he has never been in government. Wilders, who has lived under constant police protection for more than a decade due to death threats, has already paid a high price for years for expressing his opinion, the presiding judge said. The court cleared Wilders of incitement to hatred or discrimination because Wilders intent was not aimed at encouraging his audience to do so, the judges found. Wilders, 56, said he would appeal the charge of insulting a group for which he was convicted. Of course we will appeal and we will go to the Supreme Court because the verdict and the guilty sentence are ridiculous. Im very happy on the other hand that I was found innocent when it comes to charges of incitement of discrimination and hatred, he told journalists at the court. Wilders, whose Freedom Party has at times topped national opinion polls, had argued he did nothing wrong, and merely expressed openly what many Dutch people think. He was convicted in 2016 of inciting discrimination at a campaign rally two years earlier, when he led supporters in asking whether they wanted more or fewer Moroccans in the country. Fewer! Fewer! Fewer! his supporters chanted. Were going to take care of that, Wilders said. Presiding Judge Jan Maarten Reinking said on Friday that respect for all social groups, especially minorities, must be defended. Although offensive statements are protected to a certain extent by the right to freedom of expression, in this case the suspect has gone too far and is thus guilty of a criminal offense, he said. Wilders was acquitted in a 2011 hate speech trial for remarks likening Islam to Nazism and calling for a ban on the Koran. By Toby Sterling and Anthony Deutsch Agartala: A trial run of an inland waterways protocol route between India and Bangladesh began on Thursday with a cargo vessel leaving for Sonamura port in Tripura from Munshiganj in the neighbouring country, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has said. With the arrival of the vessel, the Sonamura-Daukandi inland waterways protocol route between Tripura and Bangladesh would be made operational on Saturday. The route connects Tripura with the National Waterways of India through Bangladesh. The boat-sized vessel with a consignment of cement set sail for Sonamura port in Sepahijala district of the northeastern state from Munshiganj on Thursday. The chief minister in a tweet on Thursday night said, First Vessel with consignment started its trial run today from Munshiganj, Bangladesh for Sonamura port, Tripura.With the successful run, Indo-Bangla waterways will open up new avenues for economic development in both the countries where Tripura will play an important role". At present, ships and steamers ply from Haldia in West Bengal to Daukandi, which is only 80 km from Sonamura sub-division. Union Minister for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya will welcome the vessel carrying 50 tonnes of cement from Daukandi in Bangladesh to Sonamura on Saturday through video conferencing from Delhi, officials said. The inland waterways protocol route would be made operational in the presence of the chief minister and chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) Aditya Mishra, secretary of Tripuras Industry and Commerce Department Kiran Gitte said. The 90-km long Sonamura-Daudkandi route, included in the list of Indo-Bangla protocol (IBP) routes in May this year, is expected to boost trade, Gitte had told reporters on Sunday. All Tripura Merchant Association (ATMA) general secretary Sujit Roy said that a small vessel from Premier Cement Company has started its trial run for Sonamura port. It is a historic day for Tripura. A total of five crew members has left for Tripura for the first trial run. The vessel is supposed to reach Tripura on Saturday. However, due to the flow of the river, the vessel will take a little longer time to reach Tripura," Roy said. A floating jetty was set up on the Gomati river on July 4 as part of the Indo-Bangla international inland waterways connectivity project. Traders of India and Bangladesh had demanded a trial run of vessels on the Gomati river to operationalise the Indo-Bangla protocol route between Sonamura and Daukandi, officials said. A high-level team of officials of the Bangladesh Shipping Ministry had surveyed the riverine protocol route on August 12, Sonamura sub-divisional magistrate Subrata Majumder had said. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor (Newser) President Trump said Friday that he won't allow the Pentagon to cut funding for Stars and Stripes, effectively halting the plan to shut the military paper down this month. "The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch," Trump tweeted. "It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military!" Trump's tweet came as he fought off new accusations that he called service members killed in World War I "losers" and "suckers" in 2018. The Trump White House hadn't said anything about the plan to close the paper before Friday, the AP reports, even though it's been in the works and publicly written about for months and was in the president's budget request. On Friday afternoon, however, Trump worked to shore up his claim of being a staunch supporter of the armed services. "I've done more for the military than almost anyone else," he said in the Oval Office. story continues below The Pentagon had no immediate comment on Trump's tweet or how it may affect the plan to ultimately fold the paper. Stars and Stripes says digital subscribers are up 432% over the past year and email newsletter subscribers 320%, per NBC. Recent coverage has included the Pentagon's decision to keep schools open on US bases in Japan, per the Washington Post, even as the nation's own schools were being shut because of the pandemic. "No other organization was covering the effect of COVID on the military to the extent Stars and Stripes was," the paper said. Some observers consider the planned shutdown part of the Trump administration's war against the news media, per the New York Times. Stars and Stripes is editorially independent and often demonstrates that. The paper's website on Friday, for example, included a report on the "losers" and "suckers" allegations against the commander in chief. (Read more President Trump stories.) A drug raid at an Etowah County home led to the arrests of four people and the seizure of a pound of methamphetamine and other drugs. On Tuesday, the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit carried out a search warrant at 609 Henry Street in Gadsden. The raid culminated an extensive investigation involving drug sales in that area. Investigators seized one pound of meth, one pound of marijuana, six grams of heroin, and a half pound of Salvia. Two guns were also confiscated, Sheriff Jonathan Horton announced on Friday. Those charged are: -Harryko Charjuan Jackson, 40, of Gadsden, four counts of trafficking ethamphetamine , one count of trafficking synthetic substance, one count of trafficking heroin, unlawful possession of marijuana, and possession of a pistol by a felon. Bond set at $612,000. -Braxton Alexander Dowdy, 26, of Gadsden, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking synthetic substance, trafficking heroin, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Bond set at $302,000 -Meleah Sharda Johnson, 25, of Pell City, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking synthetic substance, trafficking heroin, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Bond set at $302,000. -Jerborey Lajuan Williams, 28, of Gadsden, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking synthetic substance, trafficking heroin, unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of a pistol by a felon. Bond set at $307,000. The Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, Gadsden Police Department, Etowah County Sheriffs Office, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the North Alabama FBI Criminal Enterprise Task Force participated in the case. The Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, the Gadsden Police Department, the Etowah County Sheriffs Office, the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the North Alabama FBI Criminal Enterprise Task Force took part in the case. The investigation ongoing and there could be additional state and federal charges. By Ayya Lmahamad Test shipment of Azerbaijani natural gas from Shah Deniz-2 gas condensate field to Europe via Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline has started, Turkish media has reported. According to the statement, the gas will pass through the Adriatic Sea via Trans- Adriatic gas pipeline, which connects to TANAP on the Turkish Greek border, and will be delivered to Italy. Moreover, it was noted that Trans-Adriatic pipeline will start operating at full capacity in the first quarter of 2021, after the testing. TANAP is the central part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which connects the giant Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan to Europe through the South Caucasus Pipeline and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline. The pipeline has a strategic importance as it allows the Azerbaijani gas exports to Europe. The capacity of the pipeline is 16 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year at initial stage and would be increased later up to 23 billion cubic meters by 2023, 31 billion cubic meters by 2026, and at the final stage 60 billion cubic meters. Trans Adriatic Pipeline is a pipeline project to transport natural gas, starting from Greece via Albania and the Adriatic Sea to Italy and further to Western Europe. The pipeline would be supplied by natural gas from the second stage of the Shah Deniz gas field development in the Azerbaijani section of Caspian Sea through the South Caucasus Pipeline and the Trans Anatolian Pipeline. The initial capacity of the pipeline will be about 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, with the option to expand the capacity up to 20 billion cubic meters. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz President Donald Trump called US soldiers injured or killed in battle 'losers' and 'suckers' according by a new report that the White House is calling 'patently false'. The report, published by the Atlantic Thursday, and credits four separate military sources, claims that Trump cancelled a visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in November 2018 because he was worried his hair would be disheveled by the rain. In a conversation with senior staff before the planned visit, Trump reportedly asked aides: 'Why should I go to that cemetery? Its filled with losers.' During the same trip, the president allegedly later referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who lost their lives in the Battle of Belleau Wood in France as 'suckers' for getting killed. A senior Defense Department official with firsthand knowledge of events and a senior U.S. Marine Corps officer who was told about Trumps comments confirmed some of the remarks to The Associated Press, including the 2018 cemetery comments. Trump, however, has emphatically denied the report Thursday night, calling it 'a disgraceful situation' by a 'terrible magazine.' 'It's a total lie. It's fake news. It's a disgrace, and frankly it's a disgrace to your profession,' Trump said. President Donald Trump talks with reporters at Andrews Air Force Base after attending a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pa., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base Trump vehemently denied the claims, which were first reported in the Atlantic , that he referred to the American war dead at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery (above) in France in 2018 as 'losers' and 'suckers.' The president's alleged comments are in stark contrast to Trump's public persona as a self-proclaimed champion of the military and its veterans. A source described to have first-hand knowledge of the president's views said Trump 'doesn't see the heroism in fighting'. Other sources said Trump is deeply anxious about dying or being disfigured, and that fear manifests itself as disgust for those who have suffered. The day of the planned visit at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, November 10, 2018, was also the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. 'Who were the good guys in this war? Trump on the First World War The Battle of Belleau Wood, which lasted 20 days in June 1918 and ended with German forces soundly defeated, was a defining moment in World War I for the Marine Corps. But Trump, on the same trip, reportedly asked aides, 'Who were the good guys in this war?' He also said that he didnt understand why the United States would intervene on the side of the Allies, the Atlantic reported. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Trump said he's be 'willing to swear on anything' that he never said anything derogatory 'about our fallen heroes.' 'There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing?' He also wanted to go to the cemetery in France but said he was unable to because of heavy rainfall in Paris, and that the U.S. Secret Service would not allow him to motorcade there. 'The helicopter could not fly. The reason it couldn't fly, because it was raining as hard as I'd ever seen. And on top of that it was very, very foggy,' Trump said on Thursday. He added that staffers tried to arrange a motorcade, but that it would have meant going through busy parts of Paris. 'The Secret Service told me, you can't do it. I said I have to do it. They said you can't do it,' Trump said. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, also decried the report, saying 'Its sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody.' Trump was meant to join John Kelly in paying his respects to Kelly's son's grave and comfort the families of other fallen service members in Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day, 2017 (above). However, Trump reportedly turned to Kelly and said: 'I don't get it. What's in it for them?' Tombs are pictured at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, on November 10, 2018 In another account, detailed by the Atlantic, the president told senior advisers that he didnt understand why the U.S. government placed such value on finding soldiers missing in action because they had performed poorly and gotten caught and deserved what they got, a source said. The president allegedly said that those who served in the Vietnam War were also 'losers' because they failed to dodge the draft. Trump received a medical deferment from Vietnam over alleged bone spurs. In a conversation with then-Chief of Staff John Kelly, Trump reportedly complained bitterly that he didn't understand why John McCain, who was imprisoned and tortured during Vietnam, was so revered. 'Isnt he kind of a loser?' Trump asked, according to the four sources. Trump has previously derided McCain's legacy as a war hero publicly. On the 2016 presidential campaign trail in Iowa, Trump said: 'He's not a war hero. I like people who weren't captured.' At the same event, Trump said 'I don't like losers' referencing McCain losing the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama. 'I supported him. He lost. He let us down. But, you know, he lost. So I have never liked him as much after that, because I don't like losers,' he said. The senior Marine Corps officer and the Atlantic, citing sources with firsthand knowledge, further reported that Trump said he didnt want to support the August 2018 funeral of Republican Sen. John McCain. The Atlantic reported that Trump was also angered that flags were flown at half-staff for McCain, saying: 'What the f*** are we doing that for? Guy was a f***ing loser.' Trump acknowledged Thursday he was 'never a fan' of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his 'first-class triple-A funeral' without hesitation because 'I felt he deserved it.' The magazine said Trump also referred to former President George H.W. Bush as a 'loser' because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in World War II. In a conversation with then-Chief of Staff John Kelly (seen above), Trump reportedly complained bitterly that he didn't understand why John McCain, who was imprisoned and tortured during Vietnam, was so revered Trump has previously derided McCain's legacy as a war hero publicly. On the 2016 presidential campaign trail in Iowa, Trump said: 'He's not a war hero. I like people who weren't captured.' The Atlantic also details another exchange between Trump and Kelly on Memorial Day, 2017, at the graveside of Kellys son, Robert, who died at 29 years old in Afghanistan in 2010. Trump was meant to join Kelly in paying his respects to Robert's grave and comfort the families of other fallen service members. However, Trump reportedly turned to Kelly at his son's graveside and said: 'I don't get it. What's in it for them?' The Defense officials also confirmed to The AP that Trump made the remarks. One of Kelly's friends, who is a four-star general, told the Atlantic: '[Trump] cant fathom the idea of doing something for someone other than himself. He just thinks that anyone who does anything when theres no direct personal gain to be had is a sucker. Theres no money in serving the nation. 'Trump cant imagine anyone elses pain. Thats why he would say this to the father of a fallen marine on Memorial Day in the cemetery where hes buried,' the source continued. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday, 'If the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States.' 'Duty, honor, country those are the values that drive our service members,' he said in a statement Thursday night, adding that if he is elected president, 'I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice always.' Bidens son Beau served in Iraq in 2008-09. Lori Van Buren/Times Union Television advertisements touting U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, as politically independent are utterly dishonest. Anyone paying attention knows she has gone all in on Trumpism, becoming one of the leading enablers of policies that harm our country, our state and her own constituents. Stefanik enables a president who defends Russia even as Russian President Vladimir Putin arms the Taliban and puts bounties on our troops. She enables his failure effectively confront the pandemic, and his anti-science fairly tales about miracle cures. She enables Trumps authoritarian threat not to accept the results of the November election. Touzani obviously knew why she wanted to write about a woman like Samia. It was only after she wrote the script, she says, that she realised how much Ablas bitterness reflected her own experience of grief. I started making films when my father passed away, because I felt that I had a real need to express myself, says Touzani. In Moroccan tradition, women are excluded from death; they cannot even go to a family burial. I really felt the need to speak about the way we are allowed to grieve in my society and the way society treats women as well, the things you are allowed to do and the things you are not allowed to do because youre a woman. Abla was made from all that. Film director Maryam Touzani working on her film Adam. Credit:Sharmill Baking becomes both metaphor and vector for Ablas rediscovery of her emotional self. Samia shows her that kneading dough is not just a job, but a sensual pleasure. To be able to make their traditional festive cakes, constructed like nests strips of dough pinched, bunched and thrown together, is a beautiful gift. Both actors practised to master these traditional techniques for real. It was very important to me that they experience this kneading, says Touzani. That its something that is not acted. I wanted it to be something that was really felt. It was also significant that this represented a tradition, those recipes handed down through generations of women. Its about all these things we are losing as well, beautiful things that make us who we are and define our identity. But then, of course, there are a lot of things in tradition I want to question as well. Touzani is married to another filmmaker, Nabil Ayouch, with whom she has collaborated on previous films. Making serious films in Morocco is a challenge, she says, because there are only 40 cinemas in the country, which largely show American blockbusters or the handful of broad comedies made in Morocco each year. Arthouse films will be shown in festivals, but are rarely seen by the people about whom they were made. Adam was the exception. The first screening was for an audience of unmarried mothers. Ever since her family took in their pregnant guest, Touzani has been involved with several NGOs helping pregnant single women, helping where she can and listening to their stories. Now she watched as they saw one of those stories told back to them. I think this was the most beautiful, emotionally intense moment I have experienced in my life, she says. They said that for the first time, they felt dignified. They werent just numbers or statistics, but human beings being looked at in the eyes, you know. Loading The film was then shown widely, she says, stimulating a vigorous public debate. About abortion, about the place of unwed mothers, about the place of these children, she says. What is interesting about Morocco is that when there are films that really tackle these issues in a certain manner, the debate can be very rich. You realise that at the end of the day there are a lot more people who are open to debate than most people think. It also coincided with a broader push for liberty partly centred around the case of Hajar Raissouni, a 28-year-old journalist imprisoned after having allegedly had an abortion. What was wonderful was that there was a huge social movement to defend this journalist and liberate her, says Touzani. Sentenced to a year in prison, Raissouni was released after a month following a pardon from the king. Eskom has confirmed that stage 2 load-shedding will continue on Saturday and Sunday. This follows the power utility initiating stage 3 load-shedding on Friday. Eskom will implement Stage 2 load-shedding between 08:00 and 22:00 on Saturday and Sunday, said Eskom. This is necessary to replenish the emergency reserves, which were depleted over the past week, in order to better prepare for the coming week. The system remains unreliable and vulnerable and Eskom will continue to communicate the stage of load-shedding should there be any further developments, it said. In total, unplanned breakdowns amount to 11,090MW of capacity, while a further 5,371MW is currently not available due to planned maintenance. We urge the people of South Africa to help reduce electricity usage in order to assist Eskom to reduce the instance of load-shedding, said Eskom. Power constraints to continue The outlook for load-shedding in South Africa is bleak, with power cuts set to continue over the next few years. Eskom has said it expects power constraints to persist for at least the next year, adding that load shedding may extend into 2022 depending on the pressure on the system. Research by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has an even worse outlook, warning that South Africa should brace itself for exponential increases to load-shedding until 2022. Not only will load-shedding continue over the next few years it will get significantly worse, said Dr Jarrad Wright and Joanne Calitz of the CSIR. It is not only Eskoms generation capacity which is in shambles. Its finances are in an even worse state. Eskoms debt ballooned to R488 billion at the end of March 2020, up from R440 billion a year earlier. The increasing debt is partly a result of the companys continued losses, which exceeded R20 billion in the last financial year. Mumbai is the city where your dream of becoming a Bollywood star has been fulfilled, one would expect you to have some respect for this wonderful city." A single tweet from Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has led to an outpouring show of love for Mumbai by the stars of Hindi film industry. It all began on Thursday when Ranaut fired shots at Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut for asking her not to come back to Mumbai, claiming that the remark seemed like an open threat to her. The actress shared a news article link which stated that Raut had asked her to refrain from travelling to Mumbai after her admission that she feared the city police force more than the movie mafia". Ranaut concluded her tweet by saying Mumbai felt like Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?" Kangana tweeted from her official Twitter account. This was when actress Renuka Sahane stepped in and without mincing any words asked Ranaut to respect the city that has fulfilled her dream of becoming a star. Dear @KanganaTeam Mumbai is the city where your dream of becoming a Bollywood star has been fulfilled, one would expect you to have some respect for this wonderful city. It's appalling how you compared Mumbai with POK! https://t.co/FXjkGxqfBK Renuka Shahane (@renukash) September 3, 2020 While Ranaut had the final say, her tweet likening Mumbai to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir stuck like a sore thumb for many stars from the industry, who without naming names, expressed their love for the city. Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) September 3, 2020 .. sonu sood (@SonuSood) September 3, 2020 Mumbai meri Jaan lived and worked here for almost twenty years. Moved here to live on my own at age 19. This city embraced me with open arms and kept me safe. A cosmopolitan, inclusive, diverse, beautiful city. Dia Mirza (@deespeak) September 3, 2020 As an outsider, an independent working woman & resident of #Mumbai for the past decade. Just want to say that Bombay is one of easiest & safest cities to live & work in. Thank you @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice for your relentless efforts & service to keep #AamchiMumbai safe. Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) September 3, 2020 Maharashtra is cultural n intellectual face of India..land of Great Shivaji maharaj. Mumbai has fed millions of Indians n given them Name Fame n Glory.Only ungrateful can compare it with POK..Shocked n disgusted #EnoughIsEnough # #mumbaimerijaan # Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) September 3, 2020 I love Mumbai !!! Swwapnil Joshi | (@swwapniljoshi) September 3, 2020 I was 17, I wanted to run away to Mumbai. At 27, I chose to make it home. At 37, I still live here.I love Mumbai.This is MY HOME as it is to millions. #ILoveMumbai Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) September 3, 2020 Not just the celebs, the aam janta also chimed in to shower love over Mumbai. Mumbai is the safest city to live in India thanks to @MumbaiPolice Mumbai is the soul of our nation#mumbaimerijaan #AamchiMumbai pic.twitter.com/jM6QnJtGQ1 $ihesh (@IamSiddhesh92) September 3, 2020 Earlier, responding to Shahanes tweet, Ranaut wrote: Dear @renukash ji when did criticising the poor administration of a government became equal to the place being administered, I dont believe you are that naive, were you also waiting like a blood thirsty vulture to pounce and get a piece of my meat? Expected better from you (sic)." Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. "A kick in the stomach." That was the reaction of one former employee of Canadas embattled Governor General on Wednesday after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waded into the controversy swirling around the vice-regal he appointed, Julie Payette, by praising her performance to date and stating theres no consideration being given to replacing her. Mr. Trudeau, while appearing on a Vancouver radio show, was asked about the complaints lodged against Ms. Payette for excessive spending and, more particularly, abusive behaviour toward staff. "We have an excellent Governor General right now," the prime minister replied, "and I think on top of the COVID crisis, nobodys looking at any constitutional crises." When asked more directly about whether Ms. Payette could be removed from office, he added, "Thats not something we are contemplating right now." GRAHAM HUGHES / THE CANADIAN PRESS Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: We have an excellent Governor General right now. No wonder the aforementioned erstwhile Rideau Hall staffer experienced something resembling a body-blow reaction to Mr. Trudeaus remarks. Its safe to say that that person, as well as a dozen others who have complained of being belittled, berated or humiliated in public by the Governor General, would consider the vice-regals comportment to be something other than "excellent." And by expressing admiration for Ms. Payettes performance, even while pointing out that the federal government has hired a consulting firm to investigate allegations of a toxic work environment at Rideau Hall, the prime minister effectively downgraded or perhaps outright dismissed the validity of current and former staffers complaints regarding the Governor Generals behaviour. A single, simple question leaps to the fore: why? Want more great journalism? Get our best news and features delivered in your inbox every weekday evening. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Mr. Trudeau is no doubt fully aware of the numerous complaints that have been lodged against the Governor General, and referred directly in the radio interview to the ongoing investigation of same. As an educated individual and well into his second term in office a somewhat experienced politician, he surely should know better than to insinuate himself into a conflict whose resolution must be free of meddlesome outside interference. SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Gov. Gen. Julie Payette has been accused of humiliating Rideau Hall employees to the point where some have quit. An Ottawa agency is investigating the workplace harassment accusations. And yet, doing the wrong things for what he blithely perceives to be the right reasons seems very much to be Mr. Trudeaus way. He attempted to coerce an attorney general to intervene in a criminal proceeding because he thought it would be good for Quebecs economy (and, presumably, his own electoral fortunes in that province). He opted not to recuse himself from cabinet discussions related to the awarding of a massive government contract to a charity from which numerous members of his family had received large payments for speaking engagements, because he thought the charity was the "only" organization capable of delivering a much-needed youth-engagement service during the chaos of a pandemic. It isnt just that he gets it wrong; its that Mr. Trudeau clearly doesnt get it. At all. To be sure, the prime minister would suffer a loss of face if he were to speak critically about the former astronaut he hand-picked for the Governor Generals job. But seeking to avoid an embarrassment of such limited magnitude, given the much larger humiliations he has brought upon himself, seems an unlikely rationale for Mr. Trudeaus ill-considered radio-show blurt. More likely, its a continuation of the privilege-driven myopia that seems to afflict Mr. Trudeau in moments that require an understanding of how the real world works. To him, its undoubtedly just another trifling annoyance. But to those whose concerns are minimized by his off-the-cuff defence of the apparently troublesome Governor General, such a blissfully ignorant dismissal could very much feel like a boot to the gut. ALBANY Albany police have arrested a 23-year-old city man who they claim fired shots toward a group of people from inside a vehicle Wednesday night. Jaiquan Allah was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon following an investigation into shots that were fired at the site of other violent incidents in the city recently. Police say that on Wednesday at around 8:20 p.m., Allah fired several shots from a vehicle toward a group of individuals standing outside on the 500 block of First Street between Quail and Ontario streets. No injuries were reported, they said. That area and the blocks immediately surrounding it have been the site of multiple shootings in recent months, including several that were fatal. Allah was arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court and taken to the county jail, police report. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. On Thursday morning, as detectives continued their investigation into the incident, police say they apprehended a 15-year-old girl at Woodlawn and Grove avenues after she allegedly attempted to flee officers. In the attempt, they say she discarded a backpack containing a loaded .40 caliber handgun. Police say they are not releasing her name due to her age. She was taken into custody and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property after it was revealed the handgun had been reported stolen on July 1, 2016 from Columbia, South Carolina. The girl is scheduled to be arraigned in Albany County Family Court, police said. 04.09.2020 LISTEN On the 22nd-24th January, 2008, representatives of governments in Sub-Saharan Africa together with developing partners, professional associations and academic institutions met in Maputo, Mozambique in a consensus meeting on Clinical Laboratory Testing, Harmonization and Standardization. The meeting that was meant to change the story of medical laboratory practice in Sub-Saharan Africa among many others recognized the need to expand and further develop quality-assured laboratory services as part of a greater framework of health system strengthening within resource-limited settings. There was also a recognition that in resource-limited settings, several challenges have resulted in inadequate laboratory systems to support the scale-up of programs. These include a lack of leadership and advocacy, human resources, career path and retention of staff, national laboratory policy, strategic planning (budgetary concerns), insufficient physical infrastructure, supply chain management, and quality management systems (quality assurance). After several deliberations, there has a call on governments to support laboratory systems as a priority by developing a national laboratory policy within the national health development plan that will guide the implementation of a national strategic laboratory plan. Governments were and are also encouraged to establish a department of laboratory systems within the Ministry of Health. Again, the meeting called on national governments with support of their donors and partners in resource-limited settings to develop national strategic laboratory plans that integrate laboratory support for the major diseases of public health importance including HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. There was also a call on donors and implementing partners to make sure that in supporting laboratory strengthening, there is proper consideration given to fostering national ownership. Also, worthy of mentioning was the call on academic institutions and research funders to accelerate efforts to develop new diagnostic tools applicable to resourced-limited settings. Some years after this declaration, donor partners supported Ghana with close to One Million Dollars in order to put together a National Health Laboratory Policy through a formal consultative process. The process led to the development of a final document signed by the then Minister of Health in 2013. The anticipation was that the final launch and implementation of the documents would have confirmed Ghanas commitment to the Maputo Declaration. Unfortunately, the opposite is the case. The document was abandoned by the Government of Ghana. Till today, the document remains on the shelves of the Ministry of Health of Ghana gathering dust. In 2014, the World Bank group recognizing the importance of medical laboratories as a backbone of diagnosis in the world over inclulding Africa, reviewed the medical laboratory system in the entire African continent and concluded the following; since the 2008 Maputo Declaration of Medical Laboratory Strengthening, there has not been much more importance placed on laboratory services and the role of qualified medical laboratory professionals in the provision of quality, timely and reproducible results for patients care. The question one may ask is whether or not if the conclusion is fully reflective of the situation in Ghana. This conclusion is not very different from our situation in Ghana owing to the challenges facing the profession in the country. Ghanas respond to the Maputo Declaration has yielded some results for the sector. Before 2013, medical laboratory professionals were unregulated by a law of parliament. The commitment of government led to the passage of Act 857:2013 establishing the Allied Health Professions Council; even though professionals still keep complaining about the many numbers of professional groupings regulated by the council making the council less effective. This has brought some level of sanity in the sector regarding the training and eventual qualification of professionals to practice. It is important noting that beyond the law, parliament is yet to pass a legislative instrument to fully operationalize the Act 857 especially the part one that established the AHPC. Also, the passage of the Health Institutions and facilities Act in 2011 has brought some sanity in the establishment of medical laboratory facilities in Ghana. With all these support from Government of Ghana, medical laboratorians continue to complain about the continuous neglect of medical laboratory services. In 2018, medical laboratory professionals in Ghana laid down their tools in industrial action on issues of implantation of National Health Laboratory Policies, conditions of service of medical laboratory professionals and representation of medical laboratory professionals in healthcare governance. The reason for this industrial action is not far from the calls for change proclaimed in Maputo in 2008. Till today, the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists continue to advocate for the implementation of the National Health Laboratory Policies that will help in the proper coordination and control of medical laboratory sector. With the support of donors like DANIDA, USAID, The European Union through the BUSAC Fund, the advocacy continues till today. The question one may ask is whether or not the duty bearers are seeing the importance of the advocacy work and the need to bring the medical laboratory professionals to the discussion table to resolve all issues for the implementation of these important documents. The global pandemic of COVID-19 further exposes the weak structures of medical laboratories in Ghana. At the initial stages of the pandemic in Ghana, only two research facilities belonging to the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology were testing for the virus which resulted in high turnaround time for results. The overall effect was that, at some points, the surveillance capacity of the health service was affected. Currently, testing has been extended to some few laboratories in the country. The lead role played by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research (KCCR) underscore the fact that governance structure is very paramount in ensuring effective coordination of medical laboratory sector of Ghana. Thankful to COVID-19, the President of the Republic of Ghana in one of his addresses to the nation on Strategies for Combating the Effects of COVID-19, recognized that Ghana has a weak medical laboratory system and promised improvements in the laboratory systems. This was refreshing to hear. It is said that a problem identified is a problem half solved. But with commitment, the problem will continue to be half solved. Beyond the recognition, laboratorians are expecting commitment from duty bearers in improving the medical laboratory sector holistically. It is worth noting that medical laboratories, both in the public and private sector, will thrive if the enabling environment is created by government for the sector. Medical laboratory practice in Ghana definitely has improved over the years. Today, Ghana can be proud of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science degree mounted at the University of Development Studies; a degree to replace the four years Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. It is refreshing to note that Ghana is the first country in the West African region to mount this programme. Ghana can also boast of a youthful profession with a lot of postgraduate qualification. It also worth noting that the medical laboratory profession in Ghana contributed to the establishment of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS). Ghana hosted the first regional meeting to set the ball rolling for the final investiture of the college with its headquarters located in Nigeria. Ghana can also be proud of at least one public sector laboratory accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 with others making efforts towards achieving accreditation status. These achievements and efforts made by scientists in Ghana give hope to the future of the profession in the country. With all these, we can but say that the profession has a bright future. What is now left is for the Government of Ghana to revisit the Maputo Declaration and review the calls made on governments to help improve the sector. This will not be in the interest of the professionals but also the population served by these professionals. There is also the need for government to see the professional body (Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists) as partners in the development of the medical laboratory practice in the country. It is time for government and corporate organization to lend some support to the health professional bodies including the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists so that the body continue to remain relevant. In conclusion, medical laboratory practice has improved over the years in Ghana even though governmental support can be better than it is now. The professionals continuously are putting in effort to improve the training and practice of the science. We can only continue to move forward and grow together as we call on the Ministry of Health to renew efforts to keep the practice relevant as an important profession in the diagnosis and public health. Government will improve the practice by the implementation of the National Health Laboratory policy and other related documents. Solomon Dzidzornu Yao Kwashie Medical Laboratory Scientist ( [email protected] ) South Korean minister of foreign affairs, Kang Kyung-wha, speaks during a Group of 20 nations' ministerial forum, held in a video conferencing, at the ministry's headquarters in Seoul's Jongno-gu District, Sept. 3. Yonhap Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has attended a Group of 20 nations' ministerial forum to discuss global cooperation in responding to the new coronavirus and fostering economic recovery from its fallout, her office said Friday. The special video session, which came ahead of the regular G-20 foreign ministers' gathering slated for November, took place Thursday (Korea time), as the member states step up efforts to jointly overcome the pandemic and its repercussions. At the session, Kang stressed that for the restoration of global supply chains and the overall economic recovery, it is crucial for countries to allow essential trips overseas by entrepreneurs and their workers. Healthcare digitalisation promises access to high-quality services for patients According to a VIR source, multinational corporations (MNCs) are reinforcing their digital transformation with longer-term investments in Vietnam, not only to deal with restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic but also to catch up with the digital trend in pharmaceuticals, following the Ministry of Healths (MoH) mid-August announcement of the digital transformation scheme in the pharmaceutical industry. Nitin Kapoor, chairman cum general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam Co., Ltd. said that the scheme aligns with the companys own digital transformation strategy that is already being implemented. The company is investing in digital technology and innovation to improve health services for Vietnamese patients and enhance the healthcare ecosystem. AstraZeneca Vietnam is promoting and actively using webcasts, video-based continuous medical education, and telehealth forums with hospitals and others to help enhance healthcare professionals (HCPs) capabilities and improve the quality of disease diagnosis and treatment, particularly in non-communicable diseases like respiratory and gastrointestinal, cardiovascular metabolism, and oncology. In less than six months, our digital acceleration initiative has seen us host 52 virtual events with the participation of 20,000+ HCPs. More than 60 per cent of our target HCPs have engaged with us via digital platforms, either one-on-one or in groups, Kapoor said. All the information about our latest innovative products and treatments, clinical data, and international guidelines, as well as materials from virtual and offline conferences will be made easily accessible to HCPs via our new HCP portal website that will soon be introduced. By the end of this year, the group will complete building 60 Smart Neb rooms for children hospitals in Vietnam, deemed a treatment model for the future and allowing for more accurate analysis of clinical data and generation of real world evidence. We are also partnering with medical associations to support the launch of an application to help doctors easily keep track of patients GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) treatment on smartphones, thereby improving treatment adherence and outcomes for patients, Kapoor added. AstraZeneca Vietnam in July signed a pharmaceutical distribution partnership with National Phytopharma JSC, one of the first such agreements between a Vietnamese pharmaceutical distribution company and a MNC. Building on the investment of VND5 trillion ($217.4 million) last year during the Vietnamese prime ministers visit to its global manufacturing site, this is the next step to expedite its innovative solutions to address local healthcare needs and create value for patients and society. Similarly, other MNCs including Sanofi, GSK, and Pfizer have been drawing up new plans for Vietnam. Novartis plans to continue reinforcing its digital transformation with longer-term investments by shifting its business model to utilising virtual engagement, providing digital platforms for customer-facing activities, and equipping HCPs with enhanced digital capabilities in the new environment. We will apply digital transformation to both internal operations and external customer-facing activities as a way to align with the digital transformation scheme of Vietnams MoH, a representative of Novartis Vietnam told VIR. We apply digital solutions in communication and connection activities with HCPs to ensure continued provision of information by organising virtual conferences and video calls, conducting remote detailing, establishing dedicated medical social media platforms for HCPs to update information, and strengthen the virtual capabilities of HCPs through training on attractive virtual engagement and interaction. The Novartis representative elaborated that the company applies flexible working space to reduce crowding in the office and provide comfort for associates. At the same time, it is acquiring digital capabilities and infrastructure facilities for its staff to ensure virtual interactions with HCPs are conducted in a face-to-face manner and align with HCP preferences, while also remaining fully compliant with industry standards and regulatory requirements. The sales team is also encouraged to engage virtually and meet at home or any appropriately comfortable place. Since last year, Novartis has prepared for this transformation journey in Vietnam by adjusting its business and customer-facing model to adapt with new requirements, enhancing capabilities for its staff, and helping customers move forward with new engagement models. The digitalisation of healthcare is improving disease prevention and treatment, and increasing patient access to high-quality and timely healthcare services despite geographical distance. It is also standardising and streamlining health records, freeing up doctors time to better diagnose and treat patients while empowering patients to play a more active role in managing their own health. With the announcement of the scheme, the MoH has marked a new breakthrough in digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry, helping to further facilitate business activities, increase peoples satisfaction, and increase transparency in state management. As part of the strategy, the Drug Administration of Vietnam will continue to increase technology application to connect with plants so as to manage the data of about 700 active elements used in drug production in Vietnam and apply the advanced technologies of Industry 4.0 such as the Internet of Things, big data, analytics, and AI to successfully promote digital transformation in the industry while strengthening international cooperation in the field. President Trump and Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a White House event in April. In the push for a COVID-19 vaccine, neither is showing much concern for public health. (Associated Press) The Trump administration is plainly counting on a vaccine for COVID-19 becoming approved by the Nov. 3 election, in the expectation that news of the discovery will inspire a tide of public optimism that will sweep Trump to reelection. Here's a more judicious counsel about how you should be reacting to the administration's push for rapid approval of a vaccine: Be afraid. Be very afraid. Premature approval of a COVID-19 vaccine will sabotage public confidence in its safety. That in turn will give fuel to the anti-vaccine movement, undermining public health by allowing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles. When I hear things like 'emergency use authorization' I get very worried, because we've never done that for a vaccine that's going to be given to a large segment of the population. Dr. Peter Hotez, Baylor School of Medicine Trump's attacks on the Food and Drug Administration, which must certify that any vaccine is safe and effective, already have undermined public confidence in the agency's determination to hew to hard science in approving a vaccine, rather than crumbling to political pressure. The reputation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a second key federal public health regulator, has also been sapped by indications that it has tailored its recommendations related to COVID-19 to fit Trump's political strategy. In late August, the CDC abruptly tightened its guidelines on who should get tested for the disease, suggesting that people without symptoms shouldn't bother. That ran counter to recommendations by public health experts, who maintain that widespread testing is crucial for controlling the disease. But it fit Trump's desire to have less testing, and therefore less evidence of new COVID-19 cases. In a recent poll by the healthcare news website Stat, more than 70% of respondents said they worried that politics is driving the approval process and more than 80% doubted that a quickly approved vaccine would be safe. Story continues Concerns have been heightened in recent days with the disclosure of a letter from CDC Director Robert Redfield asking governors nationwide to waive health regulations in their states in order to allow government-funded vaccine distribution centers to open by Nov. 1. It was lost on no one that the deadline comes two days before the presidential election, and that under normal circumstances there would be no reason to clear away state and local regulations on such a tight schedule. Indeed, experts are highly skeptical that any vaccine could be established as safe and effective, or ,ready for large-scale manufacture just two months from now. Officials in California, New York and Washington state have said that they will need solid evidence of a vaccine's safety and effectiveness before allowing it to be distributed in their states, regardless of any federal clearance. Other states may follow. The performance of FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, an oncologist, has fed doubts about whether he can guide his agency through political shoals as it faces its most consequential regulatory decision in decades, maybe ever. A COVID-19 vaccine is seen as the key, possibly the only key, to restoring the U.S. and global economies to post-pandemic normality. Skepticism about the approval process for a COVID-19 vaccine is already disturbingly high, with more than 70% of respondents to a Stat poll worrying that politics is driving the process and more than 80% doubting that a quickly approved vaccine will be safe. (Stat) Public acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine and therefore its potential to stop the spread of the virus will depend not merely on the vaccine's safety and efficacy, but the public's perception of those qualities. And that requires confidence in the FDA's commitment to scientific rigor and in the CDC's integrity. "I would feel completely confident in taking as a patient or giving to my family any vaccine that gets licensed in the U.S.," Peter Hotez, a virology and vaccine development expert at Baylor College of Medicine, told me. "The U.S. has a very robust system for approving vaccines for licensure with a great track record for picking up safety issues and determining whether vaccines are effective." What gives Hotez pause, however, is the prospect that "there will be an attempt to mess with that system." Hahn, for example, has said that he might be willing to circumvent the full approval process, possibly by issuing an emergency use authorization allowing a vaccine to be used on certain patients even if it has not passed through complete review. Hahn acknowledged in an interview with the Financial Times that the prerequisites for such authorizations fall far short of those for full licensure, but they may be appropriate if "the benefit outweighs the risk in a public health emergency. "When I hear things like 'emergency use authorization,' I get very worried," Hotez says, "because we've never done that for a vaccine that's going to be given to a large segment of the population. There's a good reason for that, because an EUA is a substandard type of review. We're talking about an EUA for a brand-new technology that has never achieved licensure for anything." Only once has the agency issued an EUA for a vaccine for anthrax in 2005. The FDA's recent record on EUAs is not encouraging. The agency issued an EUA for use of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 cases on March 28, almost certainly in response to Trump's relentless public championing of the drug and despite the lack of solid scientific evidence that it was useful. Embarrassingly, the FDA revoked the EUA on June 15, after scientific studies showed that it was ineffective and in some cases even dangerous. Then, on Aug. 24 after Trump had accused the FDA of blocking approvals for COVID-19 nostrums to hurt him politically, the agency approved an EUA for convalescent plasma, a blood component from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 that is thought to have treatment potential against the disease in new patients. At a White House news conference announcing that EUA, Hahn grossly misstated the scientific data supporting the treatment, exaggerating it in a way that conformed to Trump's statements, but didn't reflect the clinical evidence. Hahn had to walk back his statement a day later, but his and his agency's reputations may not have recovered. Three vaccine candidates have launched Phase 3 trials in the U.S. The biotech company Moderna and Pfizer and research partners are separately testing vaccines based on an immunization model employing messenger RNA that has never been used before. AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford have launched a U.S. arm of a global test of a vaccine developed from a chimpanzee virus. Phase 3 trials are the final step in vaccine approval. They involve recruiting thousands of healthy individuals and comparing their experience upon exposure to a disease with that of thousands of subjects receiving a placebo, with the two groups selected at random. Recruitment for the Moderna and Pfizer trials, which will require 30,000 subjects each, only began on July 27 and is not yet complete. U.S. recruitment for the AstraZeneca vaccine, which also seeks 30,000 volunteers, only began within the last few days. That means the CDC's timeline is highly improbable. "You need to enroll 30,000 people, you need to administer the vaccine and watch for any adverse outcomes, you need to do follow-up testing, and if it's a two-step vaccine [requiring two separate doses] you need to bring them back 28 days later," says Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist at the University of Arizona. "Then you need to analyze the data. These things take time, and one or two months to have all that happen seems not even feasible." The three vaccine trials are all being undertaken in part with funding from Operation Warp Speed, a White House initiative to hasten vaccine development that has already invested $10 billion, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Moncef Slaoui, the chief scientific advisor to Warp Speed and a former Moderna board member. It's true that progress on finding a vaccine against COVID-19 has been made at an unprecedented rate. Several dozen vaccine candidates have entered clinical trials around the world, although most are in early trial stages aimed at determining safety and involving relative handfuls of test subjects. Experts acknowledge that carrying large-scale human trials through to their ultimate conclusion might not be necessary. Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health said recently that Phase 3 trials could be halted early if interim results were so overwhelmingly and indisputably positive that they left no doubt about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. But that would be an extreme case, and might shave only a few weeks off the trial process, Fauci told Kaiser Health News. The consequences of a botched rollout whether because unexpected side effects surface after the vaccine is in wide use or because of flaws in the manufacturing or distribution process could be dire. In 1955, one such manufacturing glitch halted the nationwide campaign to vaccinate children against polio in its tracks. A small Berkeley manufacturing firm, Cutter Laboratories, allowed a live polio virus to contaminate some of its batches of the Salk vaccine, which was based on a deactivated virus. An estimated 40,000 children contracted polio from the Cutter vaccine. About 200 victims were permanently paralyzed, and 10 died. Public confidence in the polio vaccine evaporated, not to be restored for years. Another glitch occurred in 1976, when President Gerald Ford called for a warp-speed vaccination of the entire U.S. against the swine flu. Safety lapses led one manufacturer to produce a vaccine for the wrong virus, the approved vaccine failed to immunize many children, and troubling side effects appeared. All this added to the early momentum of the anti-vaccine movement, observed an article published by JAMA Network in May. What generates doubts about the administration's commitment to rigorous vaccine testing and oversight is an approach that combines adherence to a political timeline and confused and self-contradictory messaging in all other respects. "The appearance is that things are in disarray," Hotez says, with the FDA, CDC and the National Institutes of Health contradicting each other's assertions. On Wednesday, after Redfield's letter bearing a Nov. 1 deadline, for instance, NIH Director Francis Collins told CNN that having a vaccine by the end of October was "unlikely." The FDA's EUA on convalescent plasma was delayed for a time because Fauci and other NIH authorities objected that it was premature. Meanwhile, Operation Warp Speed has done no communications outreach at all to explain its principles or timeline to the public. Instead, it has left that task to the drug companies, which are not habitually inclined to be circumspect. As a result, the public has been inundated with manifestly premature reports on incomplete trials, invariably expressing optimism about their progress. No one benefits from this process except the drugmakers, their executives and their shareholders. A perfect example comes from Moderna, the money-losing biotech company that announced encouraging results from an early-stage vaccine trial, based on exceedingly thin data, in May. As we reported, the firm's top executives reaped a $29-million windfall by selling stock after its shares surged on the vaccine news. The confusion from Washington is presenting the anti-vaccination lobby with a golden opportunity to sow more doubt about the safety and effectiveness of all vaccines. "They say vaccines aren't adequately tested for safety and they're rushed," Hotez says. "Everything this administration is doing is all feeding into that." Michael Forest Reinoehl, sought on a warrant in the fatal weekend shooting of a man in downtown Portland after a pro-Trump rally, was killed Thursday night in Washington as members of a federal fugitive task force tried to take him into custody. Officers with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force were watching an apartment complex near Lacey where they believed Reinoehl was hiding out, according to the Marshals Service. Portland police had issued a warrant for Reinoehls arrest on a murder charge earlier in the day. Reinoehl walked out of the apartment about 7:30 p.m., authorities said. He ran to a station wagon parked outside the complex, Thurston County Sheriffs Lt. Ray Brady told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Officers trying to stop him fired rounds into the car, Brady said. The wagon was boxed in by officers cars, prompting Reinoehl to run. He produced a gun and officers fired again, Brady said. Reinoehl died at the scene, his body lying in the street. (oregonlive.com) Featured stories President Donald Trump speaks Thursday during a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pa. (Evan Vucci, Associated Press)AP Trump angrily denies report he called fallen soldiers losers and suckers (New York Times) Seven police officers suspended after video shows hood placed on head of Black man who later died (Washington Post) Joe Biden meets privately with family of Jacob Blake during visit to Kenosha (CBS News) Twitter, Facebook slap warning labels on Trumps posts on voting twice (NBC News) National news White House and Congress reach informal deal to avert a government shutdown at end of month (USA Today) Salon owner responds to Nancy Pelosis setup claim after video of her salon visit surfaces (CBS News) Facebook to ban new political ads in week before presidential election (CNBC) HHS Secretary Azar says Nov. 1 coronavirus vaccine deadline has nothing to do with elections (CNBC) Another big event starts up in South Dakota as infections from Sturgis motorcycle rally rise (ABC News) Car drives through Black Lives Matter protesters in Times Square: NYPD (WABC Channel 7) Gov. Abbott considers state takeover of Austin Police Department (Austin American-Statesman) Police release bodycam footage in fatal shooting of Deon Kay that sparked protests (ABC News) Blue Lives Matter supporters arrested with slew of firearms outside Kenosha after police received tip about possible shooting, DOJ says (ABC News) A white professor says she has been pretending to be Black for her entire professional career (CNN) Over 50 million people will be under extreme heat alerts this holiday weekend (CNN) World news Police officer poisoned by Novichok in UK issues cryptic tweet on Navalny (CNN) Rescued crewman dies, records reveal defects with cattle ship sunk off Japan (Reuters) France in huge coronavirus recovery plan focusing on green energy (BBC) Lebanons military finds 4 tons of ammonium nitrate near scene of Beirut port explosion (NBC News) Rival Palestinian factions hold rare joint meeting over Israel-UAE deal (Reuters) U.S. troops to start extended exercises in Lithuania amid tensions over Belarus (Reuters) Slovak tycoon Kocner cleared of murder of journalist and fiancee (BBC) Joe Biden came to the Wisconsin city of Kenosha on Thursday to set out an alternative vision for how a president should respond to civil disorder and racial justice. Just two days after Donald Trumps visit, the former vice president sought to draw a dividing line between his rivals focus on law and order and a presidency that would address systemic racism and unify a divided country. Theres a chance for a real awakening here, and the point is, I dont think we have any alternative but to fight, Mr Biden told a community meeting at the Grace Lutheran Church in Wisconsin. Its really not about me but if there are four more years, were going to have four more years of the exact same thing, only its going to impact us for a couple generations, he said. For the second time in just three days, a battle-scarred Kenosha became the backdrop to one of the most divisive and acrimonious political campaigns in recent US history a testing ground for two vastly different approaches to the issue of racial justice ahead of elections in November. Donald Trump tours an area affected by civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on 1 September 2020 (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty) Both of the candidates itineraries mirrored their message. Mr Trump met with police and business owners on Tuesday to emphasise the violent nature of the protests that followed the police shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake and highlight his commitment to an uncompromising law and order platform. Mr Biden, meanwhile, made Mr Blakes family the focus of his visit. He spent more than an hour with his father, Jacob Blake Sr and his siblings, and later spoke by phone to Mr Blake, who is recovering in hospital, paralysed, after being shot seven times in the back. I think the difference between the two of them is peace versus violence, said Ingrid Verhulst, a 71-year-old retiree, outside of the Grace Lutheran Church. Biden brings peace and understanding and an effort to reconcile differences. Trump essentially foments violence. Just days ago, during the presidents visit, Mr Trumps supporters had said the same thing about Mr Biden, accusing him of playing down the violent nature of the demonstrations and of not showing enough sympathy with innocent business owners caught up in chaos. Mr Biden has repeatedly condemned rioting and looting, and did so again on Thursday during his visit to Kenosha. Regardless how angry you are, if you loot or you burn, you should be held accountable, he said. This week, his campaign spent $45m on a nationwide campaign commercial in which he forthrightly condemns rioting of the kind that happened in Kenosha. He also echoed protesters calls for racial justice, and made a call for unity. I think weve reached an inflection point in American history. People are beginning to figure out who we are as a country. This is not who we are. It was that healing message that many wanted to hear. Collette, a Kenosha resident who came with her 13-year-old son and gave only her first name, said she felt his visit was needed. He spoke with the families for over an hour. At least he showed he cared, she said of Mr Biden. Trump didnt want to speak to the family. I want to hear some kind words, some healing words Maurice Thomas, Kenosha resident Both Mr Trump and Mr Biden had been urged to stay away by local leaders to give the city a chance to heal. Mr Trumps visit led to confrontations between his supporters and racial justice protesters in downtown Kenosha. Mr Biden said he decided to come after receiving requests from community leaders. Inside the church, he heard from residents impacted by the recent rioting. I look at the buildings in our community that are gone, said Barb DeBerge, owner of DeBerge Framing & Gallery, which still stands. I dont think I really grieved as much as I should because being a business owner, I have to keep going, I have to keep working. He also heard from local activists who called for urgent reform. We have yet to see action. And I was always raised to go off action, not words, Porsche Bennett, a Black Lives Matter organiser told Mr Biden. But not everyone welcomed the former vice presidents visit. Theres no reason for him to be here. Hes not our president. He doesnt have anything to offer us, said Amy Dillon, a Kenosha resident, who stood across the road with a Trump sign. If hes for healing, why are all of the cities that are run by members of his party on fire right now. That doesnt make sense to me. As Mr Biden arrived for the meeting, a small group of Black Lives Matter protesters blocked traffic, forcing the vice presidents motorcade to drive around to the back of the church. Protesters stand in front of Trump supporters during the presidents visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin. (Richard Hall / The Independent ) (Richard Hall / The Independent) But there were good reasons for both candidates to come. Wisconsin, a swing state, is crucial for both campaigns path to victory. Mr Trump won Kenosha county by only 250 votes in 2016, and the state of Wisconsin by a margin of 0.7 percent. Democrats have made inroads with suburban voters since then, and Mr Biden is currently leading in polls. The competing visits have underscored the division that still permeates this once-quiet city of 100,000 on the shores of Lake Michigan, which has been thrust into the national conversation in recent days. In the chaos of the election motorcades, some feared that the issues that sparked the disturbances in the first place were being overshadowed. I want to hear some kind words, some healing words, Maurice Thomas, a 51-year-old plumber and father of two sons, said of Mr Bidens visit. I didnt come for Mr Trump, because I didnt think I would get that from him. I worry about my sons. Ive taught them how to interact with the police. Do what they say. Every black parent has had that talk with their kids. There aint no way they should have shot that guy like that, said Mr Thomas, referring to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, which sparked the protests in Kenosha. Mr Blake was shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha police officer during an attempted arrest on August 23. Violent protests erupted for the days following, leading to the destruction of property and looting. Most of that damage has yet to be repaired. The situation was made even worse when an alleged vigilante shot and killed two protesters during the disturbances, raising fear of civil conflict. A 17-year-old Trump supporter, Kyle Rittenhouse, has been charged with two murders. You can see the difference when the police let that kid walk past them after shooting some people with a military-style weapon. I want that to stop. A Darien-based animal rights group has filed a lawsuit seeking to block Mystic Aquarium from importing five new Beluga whales from Canada, claiming doing so would violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the National Environmental Protection Act. The lawsuit, filed in Connecticut district court Thursday, names Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross as a defendant, along with the commerce departments National Marine Fisheries Service. The suit asks the courts to vacate a permit from the fisheries service allowing Mystic Aquarium to import the five beluga whales from Marineland in Ontario. The suits complaint claims Beluga whales in captivity are subject to extreme emotional and physical suffering, Beluga whales do not belong in captivity. They are highly social and intelligent animals who roam large distances in the wild. Captivity robs them of their most basic needs, the opening lines of the complaint read. An email seeking comment from Mystic Aquarium went unanswered Thursday evening. The suit claims importing the marine mammals violates federal environmental protection laws because the whales were born in captivity from populations that were already depleted. Shamefully, their wildness, what makes them whole, was already stolen from them before they were even born, Stephen Hernick, an attorney for Friends of Animals said in a prepared statement Thursday. They were born to belugas ripped from the wild in the early 2000s from what is now a depleted population of belugas off the coast of Russia. Not only is it unprecedented for the government to issue a permit to import members of a depleted species of belugas for purported research, it is illegal, Hernick said. The suit notes that Canada banned the display of captive marine mammals in 2015. Friends of Animals also claims the move would tear the animals away from social bonds they have established at Marineland, and the long and foreign voyage on trucks and airplanes would emotionally and psychologically scar them, the nonprofit organization said. The organization has a history of filing suits aimed at protecting wild animals. In 2013, the group sued several federal agencies over the practice of shooting snowy owls near John F. Kennedy airport, after several jets reported striking the birds. The Yoruba Summit Group (YSG) on Thursday supported the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) in opposing the proposed amendment of the Nigerian constitution by the National Assembly. The group also supported the proposal of the Northern Elders Forum that the Nigerian constitution will be better amended if the Nigerian people assemble to negotiate a new constitution. The Publicly Secretary of the Yoruba Summit Group, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, in a statement on Thursday acknowledged the statement of the Northern Elders Forum on the planned review of the constitution by the Senate. He remarked that there is now a unanimity from all sections of the country to jettison the 1999 Constitution and fashion a new one acceptable to all Nigerians. The Yoruba Summit Group observed that the banditry and insurgency ravaging the north, in addition to the dire state of the economy may have concentrated the minds of the northern leaders to what Yoruba leaders have been saying all along that: We need to sit down together to determine anew how different sections of our country would live together! The Group lamented that years after independence, Nigeria had continued to falter, fumble and wobble in a morass of administrative confusion due primarily to structural defect occasioned by a series of military incursions that dissolved regionalism in favor of a centralized structure that finally forced a skewed constitution on the nation. The Group declared: the Yoruba will not forget the evil done to them in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, elections and all the other events culminating into the birth of the obnoxious 1999 Constitution written mostly by the then Attorney General, Yadudu. We can never forget the blood of our sons and daughters upon which this unworkable constitution was berthed. The Yoruba Summit Group indicated that the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) perceives the planned constitutional review as an exercise in futility and wastefulness. This is based on previous attempts and the little delivered in satisfying the concerns of majority of the country. The Yoruba Summit Group (YSG) cannot fault the NEF on this, the statement read in part. The YSG further agreed that Nigerias future rests largely on its willingness to address major constraints to equity and justice, a functional structure, consistent good governance, security for all citizens, a credible electoral process, growing understanding between and among all groups and an economy that grows and narrows inequalities between and classes and regions. This cannot be achieved by a process that routinizes wasteful expenditure around false hopes. The Group argued that while the Senate is the path recognised to amend the constitution, it is not difficult to see the reluctance of the National Assembly to do what is needful. The truth is, the bi-cameral legislature and the presidential system is unsustainable, given the state of our economy. The Parliamentary system is what is needed, and it would require sustained pressure from all sections of the country for our senators to tow the path of patriotism rather than their personal benefits and ambition. Hence, we agree with The NEFs recommendation for leaders of thought, elders, groups and professional organizations and representatives of government to freely discuss every element of our co-existence as a country, Yoruba Summit Group declared . YSG said it is aware of all sorts of tricks and delay tactics that can be used to dampen the clamour for the restructuring of the country, noting that this review embarked upon when 2023 is around the corner, may be one of them. If the senate is honest and serious about solving the constitutional problems, they have enough information and resources at their disposal to use and do what is right without a time-wasting call for memoranda. The 2014 CONFAB report and the Draft Constitution by Afenifere, Voice of Reason, among others, are available and in the public domain, Yoruba Summit Group further declared. The Yoruba Summit Group cautioned that the Nigerian polity is bursting in her seams and has very few credible options for survival left. The Covid-19 Pandemic and the attendant decline in world economy should tell us not to expect any help soon from abroad. A teeming unemployed youth population, rising food prices, seemingly unstoppable insurgency and banditry, low morale in the Army and the recent events in Mali should tell our senators that Time is. indeed, of essence, Yoruba Summit Group highlighted. According to Adejumo, the YSG, therefore, recommended: That NASS should set up a Technical CONSTITUTION DRAFTING Committee to work out a new framework into a document as basis for all ethnic nationalities to live in peace as collaborative neighbours, using existing documents in the public domain. The Committee should be mandated to produce guidelines that will facilitate the voluntary reconfiguration and realignments by ethnic nationalities, sub-ethnic nationalities, clans and communities as would later form the basis of their mutual accommodation to live together in a True Federation or to actively seek self-determination in order to actualize their God-given human rights under international laws. The outcome is to be the subject of a National Referendum in order to secure the consent of the Nigerian people. National Assembly to adopt the Doctrine of Necessity once again, by making the Law with provisions on processes to guide the historic transition from the 1999 Constitution until the enactment of a new Constitutional order is attained. The Yoruba leaders advocated that the new order shall be the basis of any further elections in Nigeria. This means that there should be no election before this exercise is completed. Waiting till 2023 without providing a brand new framework for mutual coexistence is a gamble no patriot should be willing to take, the Group warned. The YSG, hereby extends a hand of fellowship to our brethren in the Northern Elders Forum and other community leaders in the Southern and Middle Belt Regions toward making the above proposals for peaceful and orderly change possible, so that all communities can have their faith restored in a nation where justice, fairness and equity shall reign once again, the statement concluded. PV: 7 Srinagar, Sep 4 : An encounter had started between terrorists and the security forces at Yedipora in North Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday. The encounter started after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area on the basis of a specific information about terrorists in that area. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter. "Encounter has started at Yedipora Pattan area of Baramulla. Police and security forces are on the job," police said. (Photo : Win McNamee/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 09: Elon Musk, founder and chief engineer of SpaceX speaks at the 2020 Satellite Conference and Exhibition March 9, 2020 in Washington, DC. Musk answered a range of questions relating to SpaceX projects during his appearance at the conference. (Photo : Ross Gerber/Twitter) Did you take astronomy at Penn? It almost killed me.. (Photo : Elon Musk/Twitter) Sorry sir I think I have momentinertiaphobia. (Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) FREMONT, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during an event to launch the new Tesla Model X Crossover SUV on September 29, 2015 in Fremont, California. After several production delays, Elon Musk officially launched the much anticipated Tesla Model X Crossover SUV. Elon Musk was surprised to find his old notes and homework in Physics kept by his college professor whom he got connected again through another physics professor. On August 31, Musk shared on Twitter that his physics professor at the University of Pennsylvania still has some of his college homework. "Just learned that my physics prof from Penn is head of Fermilab and still has some of my old homework," Musk said in a post on Twitter. Just learned that my physics prof from Penn is head of Fermilab & still has some of my old homework Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 30, 2020 It was quite intriguing how the billionaire was doing in the university, so it immediately went viral as soon as Musk shared it. As of this writing, the tweet now has more than 150,000 likes, 5,000 retweets, and over 400 quote retweets. The thread led to a question and answer between the Tesla CEO and his followers. One Twitter user asked if Musk took astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania, which he agreed on by saying: "Wow, I super loved astronomy." The billionaire added that he took astronomy at Queen's University in Canada, which is one of his favorite classes, while the quantum mechanics class was the hardest. "Senior year quantum mechanics at Penn was the hardest class I ever took. That stuff will mess with your mind," Musk said. When his fans requested him to share pictures of his college homework, Musk begged off at first as it is "embarrassing." He later agreed to do so, well, after some encouragement. Tesla Owners Silicon Valley joined the conversation and asked: "Do you even know what he has?" Musk replied "Yeah" then shared some pictures of his old stuff. Just learned that my physics prof from Penn is head of Fermilab & still has some of my old homework Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 30, 2020 "Yeah, he sent it to me through a mutual physics prof friend at Caltech/CERN. Very basic stuff," Musk said and shared pictures of his homework. In the first photo, Musk seemed to get a 5 out 5 scores for his Physics calculation while on the second one was a note that says: "Hey, it works!" While it is not clear who wrote the note or what exactly it is for, but fans cannot help but notice his "terrible" handwriting. Meanwhile, Musk shared another photo of an old yellow paper. While it got 1 out 1 score for both items, the in-between the two calculations is a note: "Sorry sir I think I have momentinertiaphobia." Again, it is something to ponder on, but not sure what the meaning is. Read also: Elon Musk's 5 Seemingly Crazy Ideas That Actually Came True Who is Elon Musk: Education and Companies Well, it is fun to know some new information about Musk before he became a billionaire and CEO of all his companies. Musk was born in South Africa. He moved to Canada to attend Queen's University in 1989 at age 17 and avoid mandatory South African military service. Later that year, he obtained his Canadian citizenship. In 1992, Musk moved to the United States to study business and physics at the University of Pennsylvania where he got an undergraduate economics degree. He pursued a second bachelor's degree in physics. After graduation, Musk went to Stanford University in California to study a Ph.D. in energy physics, but after two days, he dropped out and launched his first company, Zip2 Corporation in 1995. In his late 20s, Musk became a multimillionaire after he sold his start-up company, Zip2, to Compaq Computers for $307 million in cash payment and $34 million in stocks. Aside from Zip2, he also founded X.com in 1999 (which he later called PayPal and sold to eBay), SolarCity in 2000, and SpaceX in 2002 when he also became a U.S. citizen. In 2003, he started the electric vehicle company Tesla Motors as well as the Boring Company and Neuralink in 2016. Read also: Elon Musk Would Need 300 'Ready to Die' Persons a Day as Soon as 1,000 Starship Flights are Launched This is owned by Tech Times Written by CJ Robles 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ontarios largest childrens mental health advocacy group is warning that kids struggling with serious mental health issues amid the pandemic could be left behind unless the province steps up with more support. Childrens Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), a group representing almost 100 publicly funded child and youth mental health centres, is calling on the province to provide more funding for community mental health centres for youth. The ask comes on the heels of new data that reveals children and youth with mild to severe mental health issues are suffering disproportionately during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kimberly Moran, the CEO of CMHO, said more than 130,000 children and youth across Ontario access help at community centres instead of schools, but those centres havent had any further support from the province to expand their services in recent months. She added funding school-based mental health services alone will not help children with more severe issues. The research is clear that theres going to be an increased impact to the mental health of kids and their families, Moran said. The Ontario government had already pledged $20 million in the summer to bolster mental health services in schools. But in a new report released Friday by CMHO and The Ontario Centre of Excellence in Child and Youth Mental Health, experts are warning it is wrong to only focus on and fund school-based mental health supports. Moran said her worry stems from knowing that mental health centres in Ontario are not prepared for the anticipated increase in demand. What were saying is weve got to get ready, she said. Were here, were ready to help, but we need the government to help too. Studies and polls conducted by clinicians in Ontario between April and June on the mental health of children and youth in the province reveal that two-thirds of young people aged 12 to 25 said their mental health has gotten worse since the pandemic. In particular, those who were already getting help before the pandemic were more vulnerable, according to research led by Dr. Ashley Radomski at the University of Ottawa. Most respondents reported experiencing mild to moderate levels of anxiety, while 20 per cent reported severe anxiety. Children and youth struggled the most with disturbed sleep patterns and difficulty concentrating, and some experienced physical symptoms of anxiety like stomach aches and headaches. This is a result of losing routine and structure during the pandemic, Moran said, as well as the general added stress financially and emotionally on households and families. Radomskis research further showed that those who were older than 18, female, living in a northern community and from a poorer economic background were at an increased risk for mental health distress. Moran said those who are particularly struggling need more specialized care than what is provided through Ontario school boards, like long-term behavioural therapy and counselling. But these supports, she added, have always had exceptionally long wait-times even before the pandemic. The research shows the pandemic will add a heightened demand for these services, especially with some children seeking support for the first time. What we worry about is that for kids who have more serious issues that they are going to wait, and thats just not acceptable, she said. Its not acceptable now and its not acceptable before. Mario Cappelli, a child psychologist in Ottawa, said while demand for his services slowed down at the beginning of the pandemic, his practice has seen an increase since the beginning of August as families prepare to send their children back to school. There has also been an increase in new client referrals, Cappelli said, of about 10 to 20 per cent in the last few weeks. None of this comes as a surprise, he said, though he added there has been a notable increase in parents worrying about their children displaying external challenges, like acting out or increased cannabis use. The funding Ontario had already announced for in-school mental health support will be used to hire more social workers and psychologists, the Ministry of Education said, as well as offering new programs to help students connect with those mental health professionals. But advocates have criticized the funding as not enough to help boost an inadequate support system that will experience additional strain due to COVID-19. Pre-pandemic, there were about only 1,000 social workers and other regulated mental health professionals working with Ontario schools, serving around two million students. Schools were already struggling to help those kids prior to the pandemic, Cappelli said, particularly children with more severe concerns. Youre working with an uber underfunded system. Radomskis research revealed that almost all of 1,300 children and youth surveyed 92.4 per cent felt certain mental health services would be helpful for them in the future, while 30 per cent said they already were getting help at the time of the survey with a health-care provider, either in person or online. Moran said the impact of not bolstering existing community services will bleed into other sectors. It would strain hospitals, Moran said, as statistics show childrens hospital visits due to mental health disorders have more than doubled in the last decade, at a time when hospitals have limited resources as they try to treat those ill with COVID-19. About 70 per cent of adults with mental health issues began experiencing symptoms as children, Moran added, and earlier intervention is the best tool to ensure these kids are best supported as they transition into adult life. The province has previously pledged $3.8 billion in 2019 to mental health and addictions over the next 10 years. With the strain of the pandemic on youth, Moran said she believes the time to act is now. Nadine Yousif is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering mental health. Her reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. Follow her on Twitter: @nadineyousif_ SOUTHFIELD, MI - A suburban Detroit paramedic repeatedly failed to recognize that a woman was alive and misled a doctor by phone in declaring her dead, according to state documents. 20-year-old Timesha Beauchamp, who has cerebral palsy, had been in a body bag for two hours and was about to be embalmed when she gasped on Aug. 23, Ed White reports for The Associated Press. A state license suspension filed last week provides details of the bizarre case. The suspension was filed against Michael Storms, a Southfield firefighter and paramedic, who responded with three others when Beauchamps family called 911 due to breathing problems, the report said. RELATED: 2 medics licenses suspended in case of woman declared dead then found alive Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee previously said he shares the familys anguish, while insisting the paramedics acted appropriately. Last week, he pointed to Lazarus syndrome - the name for when people come back to life without assistance after attempts to resuscitate have failed - as a possible explanation for the strange events. RELATED: Chief describes Lazarus syndrome of Michigan woman declared dead, found alive According to state license suspension documents from the health department, Storms stopped resuscitation efforts six minutes before getting permission from a doctor who was contacted by phone. He also misled the doctor by giving a false description of vital signs, The AP reports. After Beauchamp was declared dead, Storms was called back into the home twice because family members saw her breathing, felt or a pulse or noticed other signs of life. The first time, Storms placed her on a monitor that clearly showed she was alive, but no action was taken, the report said. The second time, he indicated that Beauchamps visible chest movement was normal due to her medication. In both instances, Storms failed to recognize the patient was still alive, the report said. Beauchamp was taken to a hospital when the funeral home called 911 hours later. Funeral home staff saw her chest moving when they picked up the body, the state said, but the family told them the medical crew had assured them she was dead, The AP reports. Beauchamp remains in critical condition at a hospital. RELATED: Michigan woman discovered alive at funeral home was in body bag for two hours, attorney says The state also has suspended the license of firefighter/paramedic Scott Rickard, The AP reports. A lawyer for the Storms and Rickard, T. Joseph Seward, said they will contest the states conclusions. Menifee told the AP Wednesday that the states report is very alarming and very concerning. But its not how we understand what happened, he added. READ MORE: Police find Michigan man living with wifes decomposing body, 11 animals Motorcyclist dies after crashing into cement wall Sheriffs deputy was beaten to death by inmate while checking cell doors Barry York recalls running from baton-wielding police and hearing the order stop or Ill shoot before one of his fellow protesters fell behind and was arrested at gunpoint. It was 50 years ago this month. Police dealt firmly with anti-war protesters at the second Waterdale Road protest. Credit:The Age Melbourne has long been the setting for protest marches but a small anti-war demonstration by La Trobe University students in September 1970 is remembered as the bloody catalyst for the right to protest in suburban streets. Mr York was a radical activist at the time but 50 years later he has a message for those planning to protest against Melbournes coronavirus lockdown: stay home. President Donald Trump boasted Friday about another great day for peace with Middle East. Another great day for peace with Middle East Muslim-majority Kosovo and Israel have agreed to normalize ties and establish diplomatic relations. Well-done! More Islamic and Arab nations will follow soon! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 Advertisement The agreement hes discussing, however, doesnt actually have much of anything to do with the Middle East, or peace for that matter. In fairness to the administration, it is a step in the right direction toward resolving a long-running conflict in the Balkans, even if it is again greatly exaggerating what was achieved, and even if the agreement came about in very strange, Trumpian fashion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, about a decade after a brutal war that killed more than 13,000 people and resulted in a NATO intervention. One hundred and sixteen countries, including the United States, currently recognize Kosovos independence, but Serbiaand crucially, its ally Russiado not. Until relations between Serbia and Kosovo are normalized, it will be almost impossible for Kosovo to attain membership in the United Nations or for either country to join the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Achieving a peace deal between the two longtime enemies has been a pet project of Richard Grenell, Trumps former ambassador to Germany and former acting director of national intelligence.* Grenells initiative has annoyed European governments, who have pursued their own Balkan peace efforts for years. To Grenells credit, he managed to get the two governments to agree to a summit with Trump at the White House last June, though that meeting had to be postponed after Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was indicted on war crimes charges. This week, the meeting finally happened with Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti taking Thacis place for talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and on Friday afternoon the two sides reached a dealor rather, deals. As Axios reports, Grenell later clarified that Serbia and Kosovo had signed separate documents that were nearly identical, while Trump had signed a third document signaling his approval for the initiative. Advertisement Advertisement The deal mostly involves economic issues, and some of it just confirms commitments to previous agreements. It does include a commitment from Kosovo to halt its campaign for membership in international organizations and for Serbia to halt its campaign to get other countries and organizations to derecognize Kosovo, for one year. This is something Grenell had been pushing for without much success until now. It does not include Serbian recognition of Kosovos independencesomething the Serbs had firmly ruled out before the meetingwhich actually would be a major diplomatic breakthrough if it happened. Advertisement Advertisement Theres also a grab bag of priorities in the deal that seem like things that matter more to the Trump administration than either of the two other parties. Both sides agreed not to use 5G equipment provided by untrusted vendori.e., Chinas Huaweiand both agreed to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Then there was the thing Trump was most excited about: the deal involving Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Putting aside the fact that Kosovo is not in the Middle East by anyones definition, Trumps effort here to cast this as some sort of sequel to last months Israel-UAE deal is highly misleading. Advertisement Advertisement Unlike the UAE, Kosovo has not been resisting diplomatic relations with Israel. Its staunchly pro-American government has been desperately courting Israel, with Thaci vowing in 2018 that he would build an embassy in Jerusalem if Israel recognized Kosovos independence. Israel is the one thats been wary, partly out of fear of the precedent Kosovos independence could set for Palestine. Trump reportedly called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Fridays meeting to seal the deal. Serbia also agreed to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following the U.S.s lead. You could say this is another example of Netanyahu doing Trump a favor, allowing him to claim a diplomatic win and burnish his pro-Israel credibility ahead of the election. But how many U.S. voters are there who see Kosovo-Israel relations as a front-burner issue? Shoptember is here! Make sure you stop by our participating stores each week to register for our weekly shopping spree drawings; we'll draw at the end of Tradio for three $100 gift cards from Reynolds Market on September 18th. Once you register for those, you'll be in for a chance at one of three shopping sprees where you can collect up to $500 in groceries from Reynold's Market - we'll draw for that on September 25th! If you hear your name, you'll have three minutes to call us at 228-9336 to confirm your shopping spree reservation. Winners will get to go on a 3 minute shopping spree at Reynolds Market at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sep 26th, for a chance to collect up to $500 in groceries. You must be 18 years or older to be eligible to win. Tobacco, alcohol and lottery tickets are all excluded from the shopping spree. Congrats to our 3 shopping spree winners: Roger Roness, Megan Wersal and Alison Neumiller! We also witnessed PUBG Mobile getting banned and an Indian developer revealing its alternative too, Google revealing how Maps work, a new Apple iPhone 12 rumours and more. So, heres our tech wrap of the day! Today we saw a bunch of launches, one of which was the entire catalogue from Honor at the ongoing iFA 2020 conference. We also witnessed PUBG Mobile getting banned and an Indian developer revealing its alternative too, Google revealing how Maps work, a new Apple iPhone 12 rumours and more. So, heres our tech wrap of the day! Instagram rolls out a dedicated tab for Reels in India Instagram started testing a dedicated Reels tab on its app in India last month. The new Instagram Reels tab has now been officially rolled out to users in India. This comes shortly after Instagram launched its TikTok-like feature Reels this July in India. Honor launches new smartwatches, MagicBook laptop and more at IFA 2020 Honor has launched a bunch of products at the IFA 2020 conference today. The Huawei sub-brand has introduced Honor Watch GS Pro, Honor Watch ES and Honor MagicBook Pro. The company also announced processor upgrades for the existing MagicBook 14 and 15 and Honor Pad 6. This is PUBG Mobile's Indian alternative FAU-G: Here's what we know so far It looks like Indian companies are already at work in launching PUBG Mobiles alternative. And while many of them are out there already, the newest one to be announced its FAU-G. Yes, spelled as (Faw-ji), the new title has just been announced on social media but few details are yet to be revealed. Facebook makes image, video transfer easier with Dropbox and Koofr integration Earlier this year Facebook made it easier to export all your images and videos you have ever uploaded on your account, to Google Photos within a few clocks. However, not everyone here uses Google Photos that often. So, the social media firm has now partnered with Dropbox and Koofr as well. Now, while exporting images from Facebook, you will also see the options of Dropbox and Koofr. WhatsApp's latest beta update for iPhones reveals expiring messages, group call updates and more WhatsApp has rolled out a new update for iPhone users on its iOS beta app. The new update brings some features that WhatsApp has been working on for some time. It also contains bug fixes and improvements that will soon be available to WhatsApps public version for iPhone users. Google reveals how it uses AI to predict traffic jams, suggest best routes on Maps Google in a new blog post details how Maps uses AI to track and identify traffic jams, and suggests the best possible routes to users. Google Maps is available in over 220 countries and territories where more than 1 billion kilometres are driven using it on a daily basis. Facebook Messenger now limits forwarding messages to only five people at once Facebook has added a forwarding limit to its Messenger app. Facebook Messenger users can now forward a message to only five people or groups at a time. This is similar to WhatsApp introducing a forwarding limit in India back in 2018. Similarly, the new forwarding limit on Facebook Messenger is aimed to help stop the spread of misinformation on the platform. PUBG Mobile removed from Google Play Store, Apple App Store in India The Indian government banned an additional 118 China-linked apps in India. The list included PUBG Mobile, one of the most popular gaming apps in India. After almost two days since the ban, PUBG Mobile has now been removed from the Google Play Store and the App Store in India. Only one model of Apple iPhone 12 series will support the fastest 5G Apple is expected to introduce four new iPhones 12 models this year, but according to reports, only one of them is going to support the fastest 5G connection. Fast Company reports that only the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max model will be the only one supporting the faster millimeter-wave version of 5G. All the iPhone 12 models are expected to support sub-6GHz 5G connectivity. MINSK -- Six Belarusian journalists detained earlier this week while covering an anti-government protest in Minsk were sentenced to three days in jail, as authorities continued their crackdown on dissent and media freedom following a disputed election that gave President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a sixth-straight term. The verdicts came just ahead of a scheduled address by Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the self-exiled presidential candidate who has become a leader of the Belarusian opposition, to the UN Security Council later on September 4. The journalists were covering a student rally demanding the resignation of Lukashenka on September 1 when they were detained by police near the Dinamo district stadium. A district court in the capital sentenced the journalists to three days' administrative arrest after finding them guilty of participating in an illegal rally, an accusation they denied. They were later released having already served their terms while in pretrial detention. The reporters work for the Belarusian independent news website Tut.by; the local Komosomolskaya pravda v Belarusi daily; and the independent news agency BelaPAN. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets across Belarus to protest the "rigged" results of the August 9 vote. The protesters are calling on the 66-year-old Belarusian leader to step down after 26 years in power, release all political prisoners, and hold free and fair elections. The authorities have tried to halt the protest movement with threats and the prosecution of protesters, political activists, and journalists covering the demonstrations. On September 4, police detained several student protesters gathered inside the Minsk State Linguistic Institute. A witness said the students started singing the French national anthem La Marseillaise, which contains words about the fight against tyranny, when riot police entered the building and dragged the students away. Officials at the institute had warned students it would call in the police unless they halted their protests. Those detained were later released from police custody after reportedly being charged with taking part in illegal rallies. The Interior Ministry earlier said that a total of 26 people were detained during protests in Minsk on September 3 for violating the law on public events, adding that seven of them will remain in pretrial detention. A photographer working for the news outlet Tut.by., Zmitser Brushko, was detained for a few hours and charged with petty hooliganism for allegedly pushing a police officer. The crackdown on protests, strikes, and the media has drawn condemnation from human rights groups, media freedom watchdogs, and the international community. On September 3, Britain and Canada said in a joint statement to the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that they were "extremely concerned" by the treatment of journalists and independent media in Belarus. The statement cited "numerous credible reports" of the "excessive use of violence" by Belarusian authorities against journalists, as well as peaceful protesters, and human rights defenders, and political opponents since the disputed presidential vote. Crisis In Belarus Read our ongoing coverage as Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka continues his brutal crackdown on NGOs, activists, and independent media following the August 2020 presidential election, widely seen as fraudulent. "Though the strain faced by independent media has been made evident before, during, and after the presidential elections, in the past week Belarusian authorities have made greater moves to hinder the free press," the statement said, adding that more than 70 independent news websites had been blocked. About 50 journalists were detained on August 27-28 for accreditation checks and some foreign reporters were subsequently deported and banned from Belarus for five years, it also noted. At least 17 journalists, including four from RFE/RLs Belarus Service, had their accreditations revoked. A GoFundMe campaign set up to help the owner of the salon visited by Nancy Pelosi has raised more than $115,000 in just 24 hours. Erica Kious, the owner of eSalon SF, said she has received death threats in the wake of exposing the House Speaker's trip to her business on Monday. After footage of the Democrat's trip went viral a day later Kious told Tucker Carlson Wednesday that her business was 'done'. Now a fundraiser - set up by former Nevada State GOP chairman Amy Tarkanian - has raised $115,125 as of Thursday evening to help Kious 'to pay off any debts from the business that she is forced to shut down, expenses to relocate and reopen in a new location'. Pelosi has said she was set up by the salon she visited on Monday, where video footage showed her getting her hair done while not wearing a face mask. Her stylist defended the speaker, suggesting the owner of eSalon had deliberately set up Pelosi and had authorized the controversial hair appointment. But Kious has denied that, telling Fox News: '[Pelosi] had called the stylist, or her assistant did, and had made the appointment so the appointment was already booked so there was no way I could have set that up. 'And I've had a camera system in there for five years, I mean I didn't go in there and turn cameras on as soon as she walked in and set her up so that's absolutely false.' On Thursday a tearful Kious again denied setting up Pelosi, adding: 'In fact, not only did I not set her up, her assertion that she is a victim and set up is totally false and outrageous.' A GoFundMe campaign set up to help Erica Kious, pictured, has raised more than $115,000 in just 24 hours. Kious, the owner of the e Salon SF, said she has received death threats in the wake of exposing the House Speaker's trip to her business on Monday Pelosi is drawing criticism for patronizing a hair salon to get her hair done despite the salon being closed to in-person visits due to COVID-19 restrictions A fundraiser - set up by former Nevada State GOP chairman Amy Tarkanian - has raised $115,125 as of Thursday evening to help Kious 'to pay off any debts from the business that she is forced to shut down, expenses to relocate and reopen in a new location' San Francisco beauty parlors weren't supposed to open until September 1, the day after the speaker had her treatment. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health requires face masks to be worn in public indoor places. The fundraising campaign to help single mom-of-two Kious was set up by Tarkanian, according to The Washington Examiner. Her husband Danny has run for public office, gaining the support of Donald Trump Jr. and girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle who spoke at a 2018 fundraiser in support of the then Republican congressional candidate. The fundraising campaign to help Kious was set up by Tarkanian, according to The Washington Examiner; her husband Danny has run for public office. The couple are pictured in 2018 Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle tweeted about the incident Amy Tarkanian, who hopes to raise $300,00 for her friend of 20 years, wrote on the fundraising page: 'Erica Kious, a single mother of two and owner of eSalon, where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi got her hair done on Monday, is now being forced to shut down and relocate her business and family due to outrage and threats she is receiving. 'A maskless House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited eSalon on Monday afternoon for a wash and blow-out, despite local ordinances keeping salons closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jonathan DeNardo, the San Francisco cosmetologist who did Pelosi's hair before the city allowed salons to operate again, released a statement through his lawyer on Wednesday 'I have been friends with Erica and her family for roughly 20 years and wanted to help. Thank you for taking the time to do the same. She is overwhelmed by the flood of support and is grateful for those who are willing to speak out and stand up along her side.' Earlier Thursday Donald Trump mocked Pelosi, calling her 'crazy' and asking why a speaker could be 'so easily set up?' Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany came out swinging at the top of her press briefing on Thursday, playing on a loop the footage showing Pelosi in the salon - hair wet, face mask around her neck - as she blasted the Speaker, accusing her of holding up negotiations on another round of coronavirus relief legislation to get her hair done. Pelosi held a press conference in San Francisco on Wednesday to address her controversial visit, saying: 'I take responsibility for trusting the word of a neighborhood salon I've been to over the years many times, and when they said we're able to accommodate people, one person at a time, and that we can set up that time, I trusted that. As it turns out, it was a setup,' she said. 'It was a set up, and I take responsibility for falling for a setup,' she added. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany holds a briefing at the White House while a video of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi plays in the background Thursday San Francisco beauty parlors weren't supposed to open until September 1, the day after the speaker had her treatment. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health requires face masks to be worn in public indoor places 'I just had my hair washed. I don't wear a mask when I'm washing my hair. Do you wear a mask when you're washing your hair? I always wear a mask,' Pelosi said. 'And that picture is when I just came out of the bowl.' Jonathan DeNardo, the San Francisco cosmetologist who did Pelosi's hair before the city allowed salons to operate again, released a statement through his lawyer on Wednesday. 'The fact that Ms. Kious is now objecting to Speaker Pelosi's presence at eSalon, and from a simple surface-level review of Ms. Kious' political leanings, it appears Ms. Kious is furthering a set-up of Speaker Pelosi for her own vain aspirations,' the statement read. 'Ultimately, Ms. Kious authorized Mr. DeNardo to proceed with Speaker Pelosi's appointment;, it added. No matter how you measure it demand for camping equipment and bicycles, provincial park reservations, traffic on local rail-trails, or sales of feeders and bird seed the pandemic has led to a huge uptick in the number of people engaging with nature and the outdoors. If youre looking for a way to further enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of the natural world and contribute to science at the same time you should consider an online identification tool and community science network called iNaturalist. Although Ive been aware of it for years, I must admit that Id never taken the time to explore all it offers, namely a universe of information and possibilities. It was thanks to a Zoom workshop in July led by Mike Burrell, a zoologist at the Natural Heritage Information Centre, that Ive become hooked. In the process, Ive learned to identify many new species, especially in challenging groups such as lichens, mushrooms, and beetles. In short, the iNaturalist app and website is a nature information and identification platform by which you record your observations be they flora, fauna, or fungi using photos or even sound recordings. In addition, you automatically connect with other users in the iNaturalist community who can confirm your identification usually taken from a list of suggestions generated by the app or propose a different one. All the while, you are creating important scientific data. And, you dont have to be an expert. Most people start by exploring plants and insects in their own backyard or neighbourhood. Started in 2008, iNaturalists popularity has exploded. In Ontario alone, there are over 40,000 users, and more than 1.7 million observations have been made. About three-quarters of the observations are of plants and insects since these are the easiest to photograph with a smartphone. As of 2019, nearly 3,600 plant species had been logged and 6,000 kinds of insects! Although you can submit photos of birds as well, eBird is a better platform for this purpose. But iNaturalist is not just about science and becoming more knowledgeable. A reward of sorts is provided. Charts, which rank users based on their number of observations and species, incentivize people to submit more often. This competition aspect is a great motivator and definitely adds an element of fun. Although the app itself is extremely powerful, you need to visit the website to appreciate all that iNaturalist offers. This includes rich data visualization tools. For a given species, you can bring up pages with a graph of when during the year it can be seen, the total number of observations, and the latest observation. There is also a map page showing where in Ontario, for example it has been found. Knowing where and when youre most likely to see a given species allows you to head out to find it more easily. Its also fun and inspiring to simply know what other people are discovering. How to use it Start by downloading the iNaturalist app on your iPhone or Android or visit the website at iNaturalist.ca. The next step is to create an account. You can then head outside with your smartphone, making sure the location (geotag) function is turned on. The location, however, can also be added manually. Look for a species of interest and take some photos. Its often best to take several shots in order to show different features the flowers and leaves of a plant, for example. Your photo will appear on the iNaturalist Details page, along with the date, time, and location. Click on What did you see, and the app will compare your photo to the iNaturalist photo library. The probable genus along with ten suggested species will pop up. The app will also tell you if the species has been seen nearby. Click on the species that looks most similar and compare your photo to the photo iNaturalist provides. The two will appear on the same screen. You can then select it if youre convinced theres a match. If you feel its important to add more information, you can use the Notes section. You can also add the observation to a project (explained below) and edit the location visibility if necessary. iNaturalist works even if you dont have an internet connection. Just click on the upload button and the observation will be saved. Dont forget to check back to see if the iNaturalist community has confirmed or identified the species. Review process The app is set up as a community network of naturalists in which members can review each others observations for accuracy. Users can suggest changes to or confirm another users observations. For example, if someone identified the genus of a plant, and you know the species, you can suggest that species. When an identification is precise enough and has community support, it can become research grade and used in science data banks. To get others to review your photos, add as much detail as possible and make sure your settings are set up to receive notifications. In order to protect rare species, there is also a geoprivacy function. You can choose the level of geoprivacy when you submit. Open shows exactly where its located, obscured tells you roughly where it is, while private simply indicates the species is somewhere in Ontario. For an endangered species the Wood Turtle, for example iNaturalist automatically makes the location private. Projects You can also join and/or set up iNaturalist projects. These are often for a specific group of species (e.g., invasive plants) or for a specific location (e.g., Stoney Lake). If you visit the page for a given project on the iNaturalist website, you can see the number of observations, species, and observers (along with their names) taking part. In the Stoney, Clear and White Lake Bioblitz project, for example, 188 observers have made over 2,600 observations and identified nearly 1,100 species. Projects are a great way to connect to people. They are also an incentive for people to either start using iNaturalist or to make more observations. The Invasive Species in Ontario project has over 10,000 contributors! It can also be fun to set up your own property as a project. In this way you can keep track of all youve seen there. Just be sure that if you photograph flowers or trees that have been planted, you mark them as "captive/cultivated" from the app. Scientific value When I attended the iNaturalist workshop, I was surprised to learn just how valuable iNaturalist data is to the scientific community. Mike Burrell, who led the session, works on reviewing and incorporating community science data into the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) database. NHIC tracks rare species in Ontario. He explained that data from platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist makes up nearly half of their database. Observations from individuals, when combined with thousands of others, can become hugely significant and even inform conservation policy. By posting an observation of an early spring lilac bloom, for example, you may be providing data showing how flowering dates are changing as the climate warns. Visitors to Algonquin Provincial Park recently snapped a picture of a Canada Lynx as it darted across a bike trail. They then submitted the photo to iNaturalist, providing one of the first confirmed lynx records for the park in recent history. iNaturalist has also developed an introductory app called SEEK. It is primarily for kids but also fun for families who want to spend more time exploring nature together. A live view through your phone tells you what youre looking at. Kids also earn badges for observing different types of species and participating in challenges. At its essence, iNaturalist provides a way to reconnect with nature something so many us are trying to do these days. It reminds us to pause and look closely at the natural world, and then to share those moments. With autumn on our doorstep, make a point of getting outside and exploring with your smartphone in hand. Who knows? Maybe youll even finally put a name to all those fall mushrooms youve wondered about for years! Drew Monkman is a retired Peterborough teacher and coauthor of The Big Book of Nature Activities. Reach him at dmonkman1@cogeco.ca . To see past columns, recent nature sightings and his other books, go to www.drewmonkman.com Climate crisis news Only a tiny fraction of the public feels a true sense of alarm for what is in store for us if we continue on the present climate trajectory. But even alarming people wont necessarily inspire action. Most people need to be equally aware of reasons for hope and encouragement, hence this weekly update from both perspectives. ALARM: The California wildfires, which have already burned 2,800 structures and 1.5 million acres, have hastened another climate crisis: homeowners who cant get insurance. Because of the staggering losses insurers face, they have been pulling back from the huge swath of fire-prone areas across the state. The insurance crisis is making California a test case for the financial dangers of climate change, as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters create economic shock waves around the world. (CO2 update: September 1 412 parts per million and rising. Pre-industrial Revolution 280 ppm. Highest safe level 350 ppm) ENCOURAGEMENT: A British firm hopes by the end of 2020 to begin manufacturing the worlds most efficient solar panels. Oxford PV claims that its panels will be able to generate almost a third more electricity than traditional silicon-based solar panels. This is achieved by coating the panels with a thin layer of a crystal material called perovskite. The breakthrough represents the biggest improvement in solar power generation since the technology emerged in the 1950s. For local climate news and ways to take action, go to https://forourgrandchildren.ca/and subscribe to the newsletter. For Our Grandchildren is also on Facebook. Engineers have developed a battery-free Game Boy that harvests energy from the user to allow infinite gameplay. The Engage device reimagines the Nintendo gaming icon using cutting-edge computer technology and can play the original cartridges of games like Tetris and Super Mario. The breakthrough was made by researchers at Northwestern University in the US and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (TU Delft). Its the first battery-free interactive device that harvests energy from user actions, said Josiah Hester, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northwestern University. When you press a button, the device converts that energy into something that powers your gaming. Recommended Elon Musk says Tesla batteries could power electric planes by 2023 The device currently only works with a small LED screen and is unable to play sound, while the power is also prone to shutting off occasionally. As a result it has been designed to shut off without losing game progress and can be reactivated with the push of a button. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty Researchers hope it will eventually enable gaming to last forever without the need for recharging mobile devices. The goal is to also reduce societys reliance on costly battery technology that is environmentally hazardous and ultimately ends up in landfill sites. Sustainable gaming will become a reality, and we made a major step in that direction by getting rid of the battery completely, said Przemyslaw Pawelczak, an assistant professor at TU Delft. With our platform, we want to make a statement that it is possible to make a sustainable gaming system that brings fun and joy to the user. A research paper detailing the battery-free technology will be presented virtually on 15 September at the UbiComp 2020 conference. Trump Administration Imposes Restrictions on Chinese Diplomats By VOA News September 03, 2020 The U.S. State Department has imposed a new set of restrictions on Chinese diplomats working in the United States. Under the new rules, which were announced Wednesday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, senior Chinese diplomats must get prior approval to visit college campuses or meet with local government officials, and to host any cultural events outside of the Chinese Embassy or consular posts if the audience is larger than 50 people. Pompeo also said the administration will require the Chinese government to properly identify all government-run social media accounts. Pompeo said the imposition of similar rules on American diplomats working in China was the reason for the restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the United States. "We're simply demanding reciprocity," he said. The Chinese Embassy in Washington issued a statement calling the move "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier" on their diplomatic and consular personnel. The new restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the United States is the latest sign of worsening relations between the world's two largest economies. The two sides have clashed over numerous issues, including trade, technology, the new national security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong, and China's increasingly aggressive behavior toward Taiwan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Centre has expressed concern over the high dropout and low transition rates in the state government-run schools in Punjab. The Union ministry of education, which recently reviewed the performance indicators and progress made by the school education department, has flagged the high dropout rate in elementary and secondary classes, particularly in aspirational districts Ferozepur and Moga, in the state. In 14 of the 22 districts, the boys dropout rate is more than 12% at secondary level whereas it is very high in Ferozepur and Moga districts at 14% and 16%. The dropout rate of Scheduled Caste children is also 16% at the secondary level, according to the minutes of the meeting of the project approval board for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a centrally sponsored scheme, issued by the Union ministry of education on Thursday. Similarly, the decline in transition rate percentage of students advancing from one level of schooling to the next, say from middle to secondary is another concern highlighted by the ministry. The transition rate from secondary to higher secondary is less than 80% in districts. The lowest transition rate of 55% is in Tarn Taran district and 65% in Ferozepur district, it said. The Central ministry has asked the state to take measures to reduce the student dropout and improve the transition rate at all levels. The school education department officials had informed the ministry that to reduce the dropout rate, increase the transition and improve the learning levels, the department had started an enrolment drive in all districts, introduced English medium, improved educational and infrastructure facilities and undertaken a learning enhancement programme. The government schools have seen a 10% increase in student enrolment this year with many parents, who were financially-stressed due to loss of job or income during the coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdown, shifting their children from private ones in the past five months. Also, there are reports that several migrant workers have moved back to their home states with their families. School education secretary Krishan Kumar, who attended the virtual meeting of PAB chaired by Union school education secretary Anita Karwal on June 25, could not be contacted. 281 SINGLE-TEACHER SCHOOLS The school education department has also been asked to carry out rationalisation of teaching staff to make sure there is no single-teacher school as well as maintain subject-wise pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) in the government-run schools in the state as per the norms under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. As per the document, Punjab has 281 single-teacher schools 279 are primary schools and two middle schools and each of these is managed by a lone teacher. Though the overall PTR at various levels is better than the national norm, the department is facing a problem in maintaining subject-wise PTR at secondary level with one science teacher for every 84 students. The PTR for mathematics is one teacher for 79 students. The ministry has asked the state to ensure required number of subject teachers at the secondary level. 37% SEATS VACANT IN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS FOR GIRLS Of the 3,950 seats in 35 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBVs), 1,454 seats, or say 36.81%, remained vacant with the maximum unfilled seats being in the residential schools for girls of classes 6 to 8. As against the targeted enrolment of 1,000 girls in 10 such schools, almost half the seats were vacant. Similarly, several seats remained vacant in two other categories of special KGBV schools for classes 6 to 12. The state government has been asked to restrict the large dropouts from these residential schools in classes 11 and 12. KGBVs were established to provide access and quality education to girls from disadvantaged groups to ensure their transition from elementary to senior secondary level. RS 1,294 CR BUDGET APPROVED FOR SSA A budget of Rs 1,294 crore, including spillover of Rs 191 crore from the previous year, has been approved by the ministry for the state under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan for 2020-21 with funds for strengthening of school infrastructure in existing schools, running pre-primary classes, digital initiatives, teacher training and inclusive education. The programme aimed at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education is jointly funded by the Centre and the state on 60:40 sharing basis. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Donald Trump is angrily denying a report that he made disparaging remarks about US service members who have been captured or killed, including that he described US war dead at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 as losers and suckers. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! Mr Trump tweeted. The allegations were reported in The Atlantic. A senior defence department official with firsthand knowledge of events and a senior US Marine Corps officer who was told about Mr Trumps comments confirmed some of the remarks to The Associated Press, including the 2018 cemetery comments. The White House swiftly mounted a concerted defence of the president, with Mr Trumps campaign and allies taking to social media and broadcast interviews to denounce the report. In the article, defence officials said Mr Trump made the comments as he cancelled visiting the cemetery outside Paris during a meeting following his presidential daily briefing on the morning of November 10 2018. Staffers from the National Security Council and the Secret Service told Mr Trump that rainy weather made helicopter travel to the cemetery risky, but they could drive there. Mr Trump responded by saying he did not want to visit the cemetery because it was filled with losers, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorised to discuss it publicly. The White House blamed the cancelled visit on poor weather at the time. In another conversation on the trip, The Atlantic said, Mr Trump referred to the 1,800 Marines who died in the First World War battle of Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed. Mr Trump, who travelled to Pennsylvania on Thursday, told reporters after he returned to Washington that the Atlantic report was a disgraceful situation by a terrible magazine. I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes, Mr Trump told the reporters, gathered on the tarmac in the dark. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? Mr Trump also reiterated the White House explanation of why he did not visit the cemetery. Expand Close John McCain (John Stillwell/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John McCain (John Stillwell/PA) The helicopter could not fly, he said, because of the rain and fog. The Secret Service told me you cant do it. They would never have been able to get the police and everybody else in line to have a president go through a very crowded, very congested area. Its sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody, said White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox & Friends that he was with the president for a good part of the trip to France. I never heard him use the words that are described in that article, Mr Pompeo said. Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that she was part of the discussion about visiting the cemetery. This never happened, she said. I have sat in the room when our president called family members after their sons were killed in action and it was heart-wrenching. I am disgusted by this false attack. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told reporters that you know in your gut Mr Trumps comments, if true, are deplorable. Ive just never been as disappointed, in my whole career, with a leader that Ive worked with, president or otherwise, Mr Biden added. If the article is true and it appears to be, based on other things hes said it is absolutely damning. It is a disgrace. He added that the president should humbly apologise to every Gold Star mother and father, to every Blue Star family that hes denigrated Who the heck does he think he is? Heres my promise to you: If I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice. Always. https://t.co/wMFHHscD51 Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 4, 2020 Duty, honour, country those are the values that drive our service members, Mr Biden added in a statement, saying that if he is elected president, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. Mr Bidens son Beau served in Iraq in 2008-09. The defence officials also confirmed reporting in The Atlantic that Mr Trump on Memorial Day 2017 had gone with his chief of staff, John Kelly, to visit the Arlington Cemetery gravesite of Mr Kellys son, Robert, who was killed in 2010 in Afghanistan, and said to Mr Kelly: I dont get it. What was in it for them? The senior Marine Corps officer and The Atlantic, citing sources with firsthand knowledge, also reported that Mr Trump said he did not want to support the August 2018 funeral of Republican Senator John McCain, a decorated Navy veteran who spent years as a Vietnam prisoner of war, because he was a loser. Expand Close President Donald Trump (Keith Srakocic/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump (Keith Srakocic/AP) The Atlantic also reported that Mr Trump was angered that flags were flown at half-staff for Mr McCain, saying: What the f*** are we doing that for? Guy was a f****** loser. Mr Trump acknowledged he was never a fan of Mr McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Mr Trump publicly blasted Mr McCain, saying: Hes not a war hero. He added: I like people who werent captured. Mr Trump only amplified his criticism of Mr McCain as the Arizona politician grew critical of his acerbic style of politics, culminating in a late-night no vote scuttling Mr Trumps plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That vote shattered what few partisan loyalties bound the two men, and Mr Trump has continued to attack Mr McCain for that vote, even posthumously. The magazine said Mr Trump also referred to former president George H.W. Bush as a loser because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in the Second World War. With about 48 percent of its students heading back to campus on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Katy Independent School District has a new system that allows parents and staff members to daily track COVID-19 cases across the district. Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires that school districts report positive cases weekly, but Katy ISD has gone further to keep its community healthy with the COVID-19 Case Dashboard. Related: Katy ISD ranks near top of Forbes list of Texas best employers The purpose of the dashboard is to provide up-to-date data on our self-reported COVID-19 positive cases for all of our schools and facilities. The goal of it was really to be transparent and communicate with both our families and our staff, said Jamey Hynds, Katy ISD technology director of business intelligence. The dashboard offers a daily look at overall data and breaks it down by campus and facility. Through a search function on the dashboard, users can input their address to see how many cases have been reported around them. We really want our Katy ISD parents to be in a position to make timely and informed decisions about their childs schooling, their health and their well-being as we kind of navigate through this COVID pandemic, Hynds said. Related: Katy ISD board approves budget with tax rate decrease Additionally, as in-person instruction begins, parents and staff members will receive email notifications when there is a reported positive case at their school or facility. The numbers for positive COVID-19 cases will come from a self-reporting app and from a new district employee testing site. The numbers are broken down by zip code, county, staff members or students and by in-person instruction or Katy Virtual Academy (KVA). The dashboard will show a schools campus condition, which is a staging system based on how many cases there are. While a campus that has no current positive COVID-19 cases is in the prevention stage, another campus with one case would move to the mitigation stage, Hynds said. It makes it easy for a parent to wake up in the morning, log in, and this data is tracked as of each night. So if Im looking at it in the morning before school, I know that it is as of last night at five oclock, he explained. Mental health: Suicide Prevention Month: The value of telehealth during COVID-19 Hynds said while TEA has its weekly reporting requirements, the district is trying to better help its families with more timely information produced in an understandable and transparent manner. He said with the KVA opt-in and opt-out period for the second grading period underway, parents can use the dashboard information to make decisions for how their children will be taught in the weeks ahead. The dashboard was built using analytics that Katy ISD had already been using, combined with a geographic information system (GIS) that creates the maps. Hynds said because the analytics were already in place, the district did not have to spend any new funds on the project. Visit www.katyisd.org/returntoschool for more information on the COVID-19 Case Dashboard, the self-reporting app and the testing site for district employees and their dependents. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com A man from the southern Vietnamese province of Tay Ninh who was in a critical condition after being bitten by a king cobra has sent a thank-you message to his benefactors after making a positive recovery, according to the hospital where he is treated. The intensive care unit (ICU) of Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where Phan Van Tam, 38, is being treated, said on Thursday afternoon that the man has made encouraging improvements. The patient can now breathe on his own while his heart, kidneys, and lungs have started functioning normally again. The necrotic tissues in the patient's right abdomen and right thigh have healed. It is expected that today the patient will be transferred to the tropical diseases department and continue to be monitored there, Dr. Nguyen Qui Hung of the ICU said on Thursday. Tam was bitten by a king cobra, which measured 2.5 meters long and weighed 4.6 kilograms, on August 19 while catching it in order to sell it for money to pay his childrens tuition. The man was hospitalized in a critical condition with the venomous snake still grasped in his arm. Many people have donated to help Tams family overcome their financial difficulty and cover his hospital fees. Both he and his wife worked as day laborers to raise their two children. Tam has been unable to work for some months as an accident had left him with a broken leg before the snakebite. Upon his recovery, Tam expressed his gratitude to the doctors and nurses for saving him and to the people who have supported him and his family, doctors said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Throughout England in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the largest population of accused poisoners consisted of mothers, wives, and female servants, Sarah Penner writes in the historical note at the end of her debut novel, The Lost Apothecary (Park Row, Mar. 2021). From factual elements like these and a wild, awe-inspiring imagination, shes crafted a wickedly wonderful time-traveling historical of female power. Nella Clavinger owns an apothecary shop in 1791 London where she dispenses potions and curesand also lethal poisons to women aiming to rid themselves of the problematic men in their lives. Clever 12-year-old Eliza Fanning stirs the pot (and the plot). Meanwhile, in present-day London, Caroline Parcewell finds an old apothecary vial while mud larking (salvaging in the mud for treasure) near the Thames. When she researches its origins, she discovers that it could be a clue to solving the centuries-old apothecary murders. During many visits to London, Penner fell in love with the architecture and twisty alleyways. About five years ago, she tells me, I was with my husband in a pub and we found out that it had been a brothel, which made me start thinking about the hidden stories in these old buildings. She spent time in the British Library with documents from the 18th century and became obsessed. Penner works full-time in finance and hopes to live in Europe someday. The odds are good: born and raised in Kansas, she and her husband Marc joked about leaving (after too many beers, she says) and then did it. We quit two good jobs, sold a beautiful house, and just packed up and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. The Lost Apothecary is Penners debut novel, but its not the first one shes written. Her first historical novel was rejected by 130 agents. Her women characters were vulnerable, she realized, and when she decided to write Apothecary in 2018, she wanted women with agency front and center. After Penner finished Apothecary in 2019, she went to a workshop in Tampa, Fla., to pitch agents. When two of them were interested, she decided to send query letters to her top 10 agents. In 20 minutes I got my first request to see the full manuscript, she says. Ultimately, there were five offers. Stefanie Lieberman at Janklow & Nesbit found Penners query letter and 10 pages in the slush pile. I immediately wanted to read more, Lieberman says. There was a real energy in the story, and as soon as I finished reading, I got back to Sarah to set up a call. It was a beauty contest with several other agents interested. Facing the choices made Penner physically ill for a couple of days, she says, but I went with Stefanie for many reasons: her great track record, her top-notch agency, and her doing the kind of book I had written. Lieberman signed Penner in June 2019 and felt lucky to get her. Sarah is a rare breed of historical writer, she says, deeply feminist without being anachronistic. Shes so talented at creating atmosphere and setting, and her message is powerful and believable. Three or four grueling passes later, according to Penner, Apothecary was finished in November 2019. Lieberman called Penner the day before she sent it out to tell her the market was weird, that she had just been to Frankfurt and historical fiction was not high on publishers lists. Stefanie told me I should keep my expectations low, Penner says, so I decided to settle down and expect a long process. But within 24 hours of Liebermans wide submission of the manuscript, Natalie Hallak, an assistant editor at Park Row Books, made a preempt offer. Stefanie called me on a Tuesday afternoon to say she had a book for me, Hallak says. She described it as a secret poisoner. It was a high-concept premise that grabbed my attention right away. I was up until two a.m. reading, completely hooked by the voice. You cant edit voice; its a special something. Hallak calls the pairing of plot and voice wildly addictive and the ending a jaw-dropping twist. She pulled in two other editors who felt the same way. Also, there was an instant connection when Hallak spoke to Penner on the phone. She liked our vision for the book, Hallak says. The deal memo was signed in November for one book, world rights, mid-six figures. Within days, Park Row had sold Apothecary in 11 territories (its now up to 12). This is my most exciting acquisition, Hallak says. Its a breakout recipe, tapping into something I havent seen in fiction: isolated women navigating a world stacked against them and combating this through relationships with other women, a reaction against the patriarchy. Weve made it a lead title for 2021. Hallak and Penner worked on revisions and Sarah hit it out of the park, Hallak says. Penner compares rewriting to running in circles with a moving goalpost. Stefanie had me add a character and plot, and Natalie had me remove it! But I realized this was what I signed on for and I needed patience. Natalie was helpful with the theme of Nella keeping a record of the women who came for poison as a desire to memorialize them. So often what women do is not acknowledged. Beneath the ink strokes of my register hid betrayal, anguish... and dark secrets, Penner writes in the opening chapter. Secrets about the vigorous young man who suffered an ailing heart on the eve of his wedding, or how it came to pass that a healthy new father fell victim to a sudden fever.... These were not weak hearts and fevers at all, but thornapple juice and nightshade slipped into wines and pies by cunning women whose names now stained my register. All to say: watch it, boys. Correction: This story initially misspelled the first names of agent Stefanie Lieberman and of Penner's husband, Marc. In this screenshot from the DNCCs livestream of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses the virtual convention on Aug. 19, 2020. (DNCC via Getty Images) Self-Exposure: The Left in Their Own Words (and Deeds) Commentary We can learn a lot if we listen to what public figures tell us. Ive saved a few choice quotes from the left over the past year, but lately the revealing statements have been coming in droves, so lets review a few. In an interview last fall, Hillary Clinton, still smarting over her loss in the 2016 election, longed for the good old days when there were only three commercial broadcast networks and a few dominant national newspapers. Back then, she said, It was a much more controllable environment. These days, she lamented, its a lot harder for Americans to know what theyre supposed to believe. Somehow, I doubt most Americans believe that the role of the media is to tell us what we are supposed to believe. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) shares Clintons displeasure with the notion that Americans can make up their own mind on vital issues. In fact, she seems to distrust democratic elections. Last November, after failing to persuade Congress to remove Trump from office for his phone call to Ukraines president, Pelosi scolded her Democratic colleagues in the House. The Speaker said that the weak response was to let the election decide whether they wanted Trump as president. She called that a dangerous position. (By the way, PolitiFact accused Trump of a falsity by tweeting, Pelosi just stated that it is dangerous to let voters decide Trumps fate. Yes, the president paraphrased, and so he shouldnt have used quotation marks, but he restated the essence of Pelosis message accurately.) In my previous article, I wrote about the seething hatred on the left and the nihilistic, destructive behavior resulting from that dark state of thought. The green movement is stewed in the rantings of misanthropic environmentalists who characterize the human race as a disease, virus, vermin, cancer, etc. Then you have a Bernie Sanders campaign staffer getting his kicks from proclaiming, guillotine the rich. Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBacay, a Democrat, re-tweeted a California womans tweet that said, For the record, if I do get the coronavirus, Im attending every MAGA rally I can. Also, theres an appalling two-minute video compilation showing everything from Pelosi wondering why there arent more riots to various celebrities and talking heads yearning to burn down the White House and assassinate President Trump. Most recently, there was the ugly incident in Portland when a Trump supporter was shot to death and some not-so-peace-loving protesters cheered when one of their mob used a bullhorn to exult, I am not sorry that a ffascist died tonight! Wow. That clearly illustrates an important difference between left and right. Every conservative I know agrees that passing counterfeit currency (George Floyds deed that got him embroiled with the police) wasnt a capital offense, that his death was a tragedy, and that his death was wrong. The heartless comment in Portland indicates that leftists believe that being a Trump supporter is a capital offense. How long can democracy survive such fascist fanaticism? Indeed, this summers riots have elicited all sorts of revealing nonsense from the lips of the left. Writer Vicky Osterweil has gained popularity on the left for publishing In Defense of Looting. In her NPR interview promoting the book, she makes such stunning observations as without police and without state oppression, we can have things for free (thereby ignoring, but not repealing, the first law of economics: TANSTAAFLThere Aint No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. Oserweil also said, Its just property. Its not actually hurting any people. Uh, excuse me, try telling small business owners whose dreams and livelihood have gone up in rioters smoke that stealing or destroying property doesnt hurt people. How would she like it, I wonder, if her home or business, or her parents home or business, were looted or torched? Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot sounded like a law-and-order public official when she ordered police to arrest protesters on the block where she lives because, We have a right in our home to live in peace. Of course, like most leftists, she doesnt really have a heart for the common people, because she gave the Chicago police no similar orders when the protesters were active in other neighborhoods. In fact, Chicagoans, many of them Democrats, are moving out of the city because they fear for their safety and feel that Mayor Lightfoot has failed to do her job. By the way, one Chicago citizen, wanting to show her progressive bona fides, stated, I think people forget that people do live here, tooits not just the Guccis and the Jimmy Choo stores. And I completely support it all [i.e., the rioting]. You stealing shoes means nothing to methat doesnt hurt me at all. Its just the fact that that brings more crime, and that does endanger me. Go ahead and plunder the rich, she is saying, as long as you leave me alone. How incredibly heartless and morally obtuse! The rich are people and often American citizens, too. If we are to be equal in the eyes of the law, those peoples lives and property must be safe, too. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler showed that hes not the sharpest tool in the shed when he said of President Trump, We know youve reached the conclusion that images of violence or vandalism are your only ticket to reelection. Well, then, sir, if thats the case, why have you not been doing everything in your power to re-establish calm and order so that your mortal political enemy cant benefit from violent images emanating from your city? In fact, Mayor Wheeler has failed in his misguided attempts to appease the thugs, and now the thugs attacks against his condo have caused Wheeler to announce his intention to move. And then theres presidential candidate Joe Biden. He showed his true colors during a typical confuse-the-issues-with-lies-and-half-truths speech in Pittsburgh on Aug. 31. Buried within the touchy-feely baloney was this ominous nugget: Does anyone believe therell be less violence in America if Donald Trump is reelected? Tell us, Joe, was that a threat? Is that what your leftist buddies have told you? Have they promised you that theyll hold the riots in check if youre elected so that you can move full-speed ahead with the socialist agenda? Finally, I owe The Epoch Times readers a follow-up to my recent article on Kamala Harris misusing the Good Samaritan parable. Sen. Harris (D-Calif.) showed her compassionate heart in June when she tweeted an appeal for people to give financial support to people in need in riot-torn Minneapolis. Did Harris start a crowdfunding campaign to help innocent citizens whose businesses had been vandalized, robbed, and destroyed? No. Instead, she helped raise bail money for those who had been arrested for vandalizing, robbing, and destroying those businesses. I think Harris needs to go back to Sunday School and get that Good Samaritan story straightened out. The Samaritan gave his money to help the innocent victim of an attack, not to start a legal defense fund for the attackers. Friends, I leave it to you to decide whether the pattern and tenor of the above sentiments accurately reflect the values of todays progressives, or whether you believe that I have taken them out of context. Please dont forget to vote in November. And choose wisely. Mark Hendrickson, an economist, recently retired from the faculty of Grove City College, where he remains a fellow for economic and social policy at the Institute for Faith and Freedom. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author. As a nonpartisan public charity, The Epoch Times does not endorse these statements and takes no position on political candidates. Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday said that even as the situation at LAC is tense, the Indian troops are completely vigilant and capable of dealing with it. Naravane said this while reviewing the situation in Ladakh, days after China made fresh attempts to change the status quo along the southern bank of Pangong lake triggering further escalation in tensions. Naravane also said that he is confident that the ongoing border stand-off with China could be resolved through talks. "We are sure that the problem can be resolved fully through talks," Naravane told ANI during a visit to the Ladakh region. Later, at Leh, Lt Gen YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command and Lt General Harinder Singh, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps briefed him on the state of operational preparedness and on the logistics arrangements for sustenance of forces in winters. The COAS expressed satisfaction on the efforts being made to ensure operational effectiveness and capability enhancement of the forces. On Thursday, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat had said that India's armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in "best suitable ways". His remarks came against the backdrop of China's attempts to change the status quo in certain areas in eastern Ladakh. "Of late, India has been seeing some aggressive actions by China but we are capable of handling these in the best suitable ways," Gen Rawat had said at the online event. Indian armed forces will have to be prepared to meet immediate crisis and concurrently prepare for the future, he had said. Meanwhile, strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney had today tweeted, "Indian Army chief says the border situation is very tense but his forces are prepared. China thus far has never waged war when the foe was ready and prepared. It has launched a lightening war when the foe least expected." Also read: China's state-aligned Global Times calls Indian Army's actions 'fanatical', 'misguided' Also read: India-China border tension: Both sides position tanks within firing distance at Pangong Tso The Foreign Ministry said that it was surprised that some Western countries continue to threaten security and stability in many countries and promote projects of chaos and division, SANA reports Syria expressed its standing by the friendly Republic of Belarus, in the face of foreign intervention attempts in its domestic affairs, and its solidarity with the elected president Alexander Lukashenko. Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said in a statement to SANA on Thursday, that the Syrian Arab Republic is following with big concern the developments of events in the friendly Republic of Belarus and expressing its standing by its side in the face of foreign intervention attempts in its domestic affairs. The ministry added that Syria affirms its support and solidarity with the elected Belarusian president, Mr. Alexander Lukashenko, it also expresses its rejection and condemnation of the insistence of some well-known countries to undermine the legitimate elected governments in independent and sovereign countries. It is surprised that some Western countries continue to threaten security and stability in many countries and promote projects of chaos and division in an effort to dominate peoples choices and decisions and control their capabilities and resources, the Ministry also said. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The highlight of this current year in terms of security is particular antitrust issues with a number of big tech companies. One of the biggest primary targets this year is actually Google! According to a recent report coming from The New York Times, the whole United States Department of Justice is actually getting ready to issue an official antitrust case against Google itself! The report states that the antitrust case could actually be rolling out sometime during the end of September, with a particular Attorney General William Barr pushing this case to its finalization as soon as possible. What the report says The Justice Department is currently planning to bring an official antitrust case against the company Google as soon as this month just after Attorney General William P. Barr recently overruled certain career lawyers that explained that there needs to be more time spent in building a case against a company that is part of the world's wealthiest and also most formidable tech companies, according to five different people briefed on the internal department's conversations. The Justice Department officials already told the lawyers that are involved in the whole antitrust inquiry into Google's mother company Alphabet, to bring their work to a wrap by the end of this current month, reported by three anonymous sources. Most of the whole 40-odd lawyers who had tirelessly been working on the whole investigation opposed the given deadline. Some have said that they will not even sign the given complaint while a number of them actually left the case during this summer. Read Also: Google CEO Sundar Pichai Apologizes To Trump: What is This About? Google's move The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, was recently joined by other CEOS namely from Apple, Amazon, and even Facebook back on July 29 for a huge antitrust hearing that regards the four companies. Although the biggest moves played out in the past were with regards to Facebook, Google could be looking at a pretty rough case depending on the findings and case argument of Attorney General William P. Barr. There is a video on Reuters showing the whole meeting of the four powerful CEOs as they face Congress in the recent antitrust hearing. The video is 6 hours long and shows the full transparent hearing presented against these tech giants. What is an antitrust case? For those who are unfamiliar as to what exactly is an antitrust case, it is helpful to describe the antitrust laws first. The laws proscribe certain unlawful mergers and other business practices in the most general terms, these leave courts to decide as to which businesses are operating illegally based on the presented facts of every single case. The courts have been applying the antitrust laws towards different changing markets all the way from the time that both horses and buggies were a thing and now up to this present digital age. Read Also: Heads Up! Google Plus Users to Receive $12 After Lawsuit Settlement: Here's How to Qualify This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Urian Buenconsejo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. EDWARDSVILLE The Nickel Plate Depot has been anchored in what is hopefully its final resting place since March 11, on a 7,500-square-foot concrete pad in proximity to South Buchanan Street, the Nickel Plate Trail and Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C). While some exterior refurbishment had taken place, the depot still needed some major TLC. On Tuesday, the Edwardsville City Council paved the way for Millennium Construction and Jamie Henderson of Henderson Associates to refurbish the more than 100-year-old station. Next, there will be a pre-construction meeting within the next couple of weeks and construction should begin by Sept. 30, said Alderman SJ Morrison. The projected construction timeline is 90 to 100 days, so the building could be finished by Dec. 31. I want to thank Mayor Hal Patton and my colleagues on the city council for their foresight in supporting the preservation and renovation of this landmark in our community, said Morrison, for whom this has been a passion project. I would be remiss if I didnt compliment our hard-working City of Edwardsville staff for once again coming alongside us and helping to make this idea a reality. The project is estimated to cost $190,300. The base bid was $172,500 while an additional bid to refurbish the existing windows was $17,800. Over the past two years, the city has dedicated $200,000 in funding from other city accounts for this work, including $35,482 last month. As far as the rest of the exterior work, crews will scrape the exterior paint and trim before installing new, weather-resistant James Hardie Plank Siding; and new exterior doors and locks for security. The roof was previously replaced in 1999 or 2000. The windows will be insulated for energy-efficiency and restored to keep the original look, along with the rest of the exterior. On the inside, there will be an ADA-accessible restroom; new floors, new heating-ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units; new insulation, a new electrical system; new plumbing; new interior doors; and either new drywall, or in the front rooms case, crews may recycle some walls and use them in the front room, which will be the first space visitors and tourists see after they enter. Earlier this year, there were a few alternate bids that Morrison and his board of conductors thought of, such as a wraparound deck for one side of the building. We decided the most important thing was to get the exterior restored and maintain the stations originality, Morrison said. For nearly 70 years, the Nickel Plate Station was one of the most active places in Edwardsville, and thanks to the support of city council and the generosity of this community, it will once again be a hub of activity, as both a visitor information center and a satellite location for the Edwardsville Childrens Museum. Built by the Toledo, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad and completed in August 1883, the depot has seen many important moments in Edwardsville history. The Goshen Preservation Alliance formerly maintained the building. On May 10, 1991, the alliance had the 1,000-square-foot depot moved from its original location at 508 S. Fillmore, alongside Madison County Transits (MCT) Nickel Plate Trail, to its former location, several hundred feet away on the college campus. When we undertake projects like the Nickel Plate Station, were not just preserving history, were enhancing the character and uniqueness of our city and adding another community amenity in the process, Morrison said. I also want to thank the more than 50 individuals, businesses and organizations that have generously contributed to this project, he said. Your financial support has brought us to this point. To date, he said he and his board of conductors have raised at least $55,000. With that and any future donations that arrive, he and the board will discuss putting those funds toward the other alternate bid projects. To donate, visit http://www.nickelplatestation.org/. To contribute by check: please make checks payable to Edwardsville Community Foundation (with Nickel Plate Station in the memo line) and mail to: Edwardsville Community Foundation P.O. Box 102, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Tanker carrying 2,00,000 tonne crude to India catches fire off Sri Lanka coast Crude oil carrier MT New Diamond carrying 2,00,000 tonnes of crude from Kuwait to Paradip port in Indias east coast caught fire near the Sri Lankan coast raising prospects of an oil spill likely causing massive environmental damage besides loss of precious oil. Lankan Air Force has dispatched maritime assets to assist disaster relief operations and has sought assistance of Indian Coast Guard in fighting the fire. According to 'Marine Traffic', the vessel departed from Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait on August 23 and was slated to reach Paradip on 5 September. Sri Lankan Navy reported the fire and explosion on-board oil tanker 'MT New Diamond' 37 nautical miles east of Sri Lankan coast. Sri Lankan Navy's spokesperson Captain Indika de Silva told local publications that the fire began in the engine room of the vessel and the crew had been making attempts to bring it under control. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said ICG ships and aircraft have been deployed for immediate assistance. "ICG ships Shaurya, Sarang, Samudra Paheredar and Dornier aircraft have been diverted for fire fighting on oil tanker 'MT New Diamond' 37 nautical miles east of Sri Lanka coast," Coast Guard said in a tweet. According to the latest update shared by ICG at about 5 pm, ICG ships Shaurya, Sarang, Samudra Paheredar and Dornier aircraft were carrying out the operation. The crude oil tanker, built 20 years ago, is currently sailing under the flag Panama. The vessel is 333-metre long and 60-metre wide. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 15:33:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- An administrative subdivision of Zavkhan province in western Mongolia is under quarantine for an indefinite period after a suspected case of bubonic plague was reported on Thursday, local government said Friday. A 38-year-old resident of Tosontsengel soum has showed symptoms of high-grade fever and swollen glands after eating marmot meat last week. He is now under isolation at a local hospital. So far, at least 25 people in close contact with the person have undergone quarantine at a local hospital. Up to 17 out of all 21 provinces in Mongolia are now at risk of bubonic plague, according to the country's National Center for Communicable Diseases. Although hunting marmots is illegal in Mongolia, many Mongolians regard the rodent as a delicacy. A total of 18 suspected cases of bubonic plague have been reported across the country so far this year, with four confirmed by laboratory test results. A 42-year-old man died of the bubonic plague in Khovd province last month, while a 15-year-old boy died of the plague in Govi-Altai province in western Mongolia in mid-July. The plague is a bacterial disease that is spread by fleas living on wild rodents such as marmots and can kill an adult in less than 24 hours if not treated in time, according to the World Health Organization. Enditem The Department of Homeland Security's intelligence branch warned law enforcement Thursday that it believes Russian-controlled social media trolls and state media are likely to continue trying to sow distrust in U.S. election results and mail-in ballots, ABC News first reported. Why it matters: Americans are expected to vote by mail in record numbers in November's election due to the coronavirus pandemic, which means it may be days or weeks after election day before it's clear who won the presidency and down-ballot races. The big picture: President Trump has raised alarms about the alleged danger of election fraud, warning that "lots of things can happen" with voting by mail if the presidential race isn't decided on election night. Trump has vowed to block funding for mail-in voting and the U.S. Postal Service, while baselessly claiming that more mailed ballots will cause widespread voter fraud. for mail-in voting and the U.S. Postal Service, while baselessly claiming that more mailed ballots will cause widespread voter fraud. States that allow mail-in voting generally have a wide variety of security measures in place, including requirements that people request ballots with personal information like driver's license numbers. What they're saying: "We assess that Russia is likely to continue amplifying criticisms of vote-by-mail and shifting voting processes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to undermine public trust in the electoral process," the intelligence bulletin said. The agency based its report on Russian state media and proxy websites criticizing mail-in voting since March this year, and Senate-sponsored social media analysis. "We continue to release intelligence on foreign influence activities we never stopped including those targeting U.S. elections and democratic processes," an agency spokesperson said an emailed statement. Flashback: The DHS withheld a separate intelligence briefing to law enforcement, reviewed in July, that warned of a Russian campaign to promote allegations about Democratic nominee Joe Biden's "poor mental health," per ABC News. The agency's report echoed allegations from the Trump campaign on Biden's mental fitness. The White House declined to comment. Rescuers are continuing to search through rubble for a potential survivor of the Beirut blast last month - but a pulsing signal thought to be a human heart beat has now dropped to seven beats per minute. It comes as the Lebanese military said it discovered more than four tonnes of ammonium nitrate near Beirut's port on Thursday. Search operations began on Thursday afternoon after a sniffer dog belonging to a Chilean search and rescue team detected something as the team was going through the neighbourhood of Gemmayzeh and rushed towards the rubble. After hours of searching the work briefly stopped following sunset before some protesters arrived at the scene claiming the Lebanese army had asked the Chilean team to stop the search. A Chilean rescue worker uses a sensitive listening device to locate vital signs of a survivor at a site of the Beirut blast on September 4 A rescue worker chains concrete to a crane while removing debris at a site of the Beirut blast on September 4 Rescue workers clear debris. A sniffer dog with a Chilean rescue crew responded to the suspected presence of a person in the rubble of a building damaged in the deadly explosion The origin of the pulsing signal was not immediately known but it set off a frantic search and raised new hope The protesters started searching themselves until members of Lebanon's Civil Defence team arrived an hour after midnight and resumed work. The army issued a statement on Friday saying the Chilean team stopped work half an hour before midnight because of fears that a wall might collapse, endangering them. It added that army experts inspected the site and two cranes were brought in to remove the wall and the search resumed. On Friday morning, rescue workers were slowly removing debris with their hands and shovels. The more they dug, the more careful the work became to protect any possible survivors under the rubble. On Thursday, the team used audio detection equipment for signals or heartbeat, and detected what could be a pulse of 18 to 19 beats per minute. As night fell, rescue workers set up light projectors to work through the darkness. Every now and then, the team asked people on the streets to stay quiet for five minutes so as not to interfere with the sounds being detected by their instruments. The origin of the pulsing signal was not immediately known but it set off a frantic search and raised new hope. Rescuers work at he site of a collapsed building after getting signals there may be a survivor buried in the rubble, early Friday It is extremely unlikely that any survivors would be found a month after the blast that tore through Beirut when nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate ignited at the port Every now and then, the team asked people on the streets to stay quiet for five minutes so as not to interfere with the sounds being detected by their instruments The army issued a statement on Friday saying the Chilean team stopped work half an hour before midnight because of fears that a wall might collapse, endangering them On Friday morning, the beats dropped to seven per minute according to reporters at the site. It is extremely unlikely that any survivors would be found a month after the blast that tore through Beirut when nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate ignited at the port. The explosion on August 4 killed 191 people and injured 6,000 others and is considered to be one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded. Thousands of homes were damaged. There were 2,750 tonnes of the hazardous chemical held in the warehouse at the time of the explosion - which measured as the equivalent of a 3.5 earthquake. 'Ninety-nine percent there isn't anything, but even if there is less than 1% hope, we should keep on looking,' said Youssef Malah, a civil defence worker. But a Chilean volunteer said their equipment identifies breathing and heartbeat from humans, not animals, and it detected a sign of a human. Rescuers are searching through the rubble of a building in Beirut after reports that a heartbeat was detected The worker, Francesco Lermonda, said it is rare, but not unheard of, for someone to survive under rubble for a month. Meanwhile, according to the military, army experts were called in for an inspection and found 4.35 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in four containers stored near the port. There were no details on the origin of the chemicals or their owner. The military statement said that customs officials had called in the army to inspect containers at a facility near the port, where they found 4.35 tonnes of ammonium nitrate. A sniffer dog belonging to the Chilean search and rescue team first detected something as the team was going through a street in one of the worst hit areas The team then used audio detection equipment for signals or heartbeat, and detected what could be a pulse of 18 to 19 beats per minute as they search the rubble Every now and then, the team asked people on the streets to stay quiet for five minutes so as not to interfere with the sounds being detected by their instruments Fires were still burning at the destroyed port following the blast as the full extent of the devastation - in a country that was already in the midst of an economic crisis - was laid bare It said army experts were 'dealing with the material', suggesting it was being destroyed. Lebanon's president and prime minister were warned last month that a stash of ammonium nitrate at the port of Beirut could destroy the city if it exploded. Security officials wrote a letter on July 20 saying the industrial chemicals which had been idling in a warehouse since 2013 needed to be secured immediately. Thousands of protesters continue to take to the streets and clash with police. The prime minister and his cabinet resigned after the devastating explosion. Turnout: Students in Minsk protesting this week against the results of last months election. PHOTO: TUT VIA REUTERS Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko promoted hardline loyalists to top posts in his security apparatus yesterday in an effort to strengthen his grip on the former Soviet republic after weeks of protests and strikes. Mr Lukashenko, facing the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule, accompanied the reshuffle with instructions to act tough in the face of what he alleges is foreign aggression. "Belarus finds itself confronting an external aggressor one-to-one," he told the new security chiefs. "Therefore I ask you to take this to the people. They shouldn't condemn me for any sort of softness. There's no softness here. The country is working, although many, especially our neighbours, would like us to collapse." Retaining the loyalty of the security forces, who have helped him crack down on dissent, is vital to Mr Lukashenko as he tries to crush protests that show no sign of abating after nearly four weeks. Mr Lukashenko removed Andrei Ravkov, head of the security council, and replaced him with Valery Vakulchik, previously head of the KGB security police. Mr Vakulchik was replaced by Ivan Tertel, formerly head of the state control committee which investigates economic crime. In that role, Mr Tertel had led a criminal investigation against banker Viktor Babariko which led to the latter being banned from running against Mr Lukashenko in last month's election. Another loyalist, Vasily Gerasimov, was named acting head of the control committee, and Anatoly Sivak, the mayor of Minsk, was promoted to deputy prime minister. Mr Lukashenko has provided no evidence that foreign powers are behind the protests. The opposition has denied this, and Nato has denied his claims that it is massing forces near the Belarusian border. Belarus is an ally of Moscow, which sees it as a vital strategic buffer between Russia and Nato. President Vladimir Putin said last week the Kremlin had set up a reserve police force at Mr Lukashenko's request but it would be deployed only if necessary. Human rights experts from the UN said this week they had received reports of hundreds of cases of torture, beatings and mistreatment of Belarusian protesters by police. The Belarusian government has denied abusing detainees and has said its security forces have acted appropriately. Unions representing Michigan state workers are suing Michigan Civil Service Commission members in federal court over a recent rule change requiring workers annually consent to having union dues deducted from their paychecks. State union workers dues payments were previously automatically deducted after a one-time authorization, and workers had the option to opt-out at any time. In July, the commission voted 3-1 to require workers to opt-in to paying dues fees annually. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District this week, claims the new rule requiring annual authorization conflicts with previously approved collective bargaining agreements and violates workers constitutional rights to free speech and association. Representatives of AFSCME, SEIU and UAW said in a joint statement the change is particularly galling considering many state workers are currently working remotely or taking on additional risks in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Related: An attack on working people: State rep rips proposal to require union workers to sign up annually to pay dues The suit claims there is no legally supportable reason for changing the commission rules. Plaintiff Unions and, we believe, many of their members, have come to the unavoidable conclusion that the Commissions action was motivated by hostility towards unions, the suit reads. The four-person commission voted 3-1 in favor of the amendment during a July hearing. Supporters said at the time the move protects state union workers rights and is in line with the states Right to Work law. I do not agree with claims that it impacts rights to collective bargaining, Commissioner Jase Bolger said at the commissions July 13 public meeting. Instead, unions will be able to make their case, but I do believe it protects individual workers rights. Workers will remain free to make their choice. Bolger and Commissioners James Barrett and Jeff Steffel voted in favor of the rule change, while Chair Janet McClelland voted against it. All of the commissioners were appointed by former Gov. Rick Synder. Bolger and Barrett are registered Republicans. Steffel and McClelland are Independents. The change was opposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Nessel has said the rule change causes a burdensome process for an employee to exercise his or her rights to associate with a union and financially support it. In a statement after the suit was filed, several union members expressed frustration that major changes to how union members pay their dues were being rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ive been working around 10 hours a day, six days a week at the Unemployment Insurance Agency, trying to process all the skyrocketing claims so struggling Michiganders can keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table, said Roland Whitelow, a Detroit unemployment insurance agent and member of SEIU Local 517M. State employees are dedicated to supporting the people of our state, and all we ask for in return is fair treatment, he continued. Related: Commission approves controversial rule change on union dues for state workers Syria's Assad issues decree on forming new government Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 5:05 PM Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree on forming the new government, days after confirming Hussein Arnous as the Arab country's prime minister. In a decree carried by Syria's official news agency SANA, the Syrian president on Sunday retained the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, interior, economy and information in their posts, but replaced other cabinet portfolios, including the ministries of finance, energy and public health. The 29-minister cabinet, which includes three female ministers, is the fifth to be formed since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. The official mandate for the Syrian government is scheduled to expire next July at a time that presidential elections are to be held across the country. The Syrian president named Arnous as prime minister on Tuesday after dismissing Imad Khamis, who had been at the helm of the government for the past four years. No official reason has been given for his removal. Arnous was born in Idlib and had served in a long succession of government posts, including governor of Dayr al-Zawr province that borders Iraq, from 2009 to 2011, and Quneitra province in southern Syria in 2011. The 67-year-old was also the minister of public works and housing from 2013 to 2018. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed terrorism since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies have been aiding the Takfiri terrorist groups that were wreaking havoc in the Arab country. The government forces have already managed to undo the terrorist gains across the country and bring back almost all of Syrian soil under government control. The government gains in Syria have enraged the US, which has long been collaborating with anti-Damascus terrorists and stealing Syria's resources. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volunteer Yash is injected with the vaccine as part of an Imperial College vaccine trial, at a clinic in London, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Imperial College is working on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Scientists at Imperial College London say they are immunizing hundreds of people with an experimental coronavirus vaccine in an early trial after seeing no worrying safety problems in those vaccinated so far. Read more The federal government has told states to be ready to distribute doses of a coronavirus vaccine by Nov. 1 two days before the election. The move raises major questions we cant answer yet. Is President Donald Trump exerting political pressure to make good on his promise of a vaccine before the end of the year, or maybe even sooner? Is it possible to bring vaccines to market that quickly without leaving doubts about safety and effectiveness that will discourage their use? Here are some facts to help make sense of the situation. Is there time for any vaccine to complete the standard three phases of clinical trials by Nov. 1? Thats not clear. Partly it depends on whether the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in communities where vaccines are being tested against placebo. The two vaccines that are farthest along are made by Pfizer and Moderna. Both require two doses, given three or four weeks apart. On Thursday, Pfizer said it is on track to seek regulatory review by late October. On July 27, Moderna announced it had started the pivotal phase 3 clinical trial, in which effectiveness is established in addition to safety. Whats an Emergency Use Authorization? The EUA program, established in 2004, gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to grant temporary, accelerated approval to a medical drug or device needed in a public health emergency. The EUA review process is less rigorous than a regular approval. During the coronavirus pandemic, the FDA has granted EUAs to hundreds of tests some so worthless that the FDA later ordered them off the market and two treatments. But the only immunization ever approved for emergency use was against anthrax, in 2005. The FDA has said the decision to grant an EUA to a COVID-19 vaccine before final testing is completed would be made on a case-by-case basis considering factors including the totality of the available scientific evidence. READ MORE: Distributing a COVID-19 vaccine will be a logistical nightmare. Phillys going to help solve it. Pennsylvania Health Commissioner Rachel Levine said Thursday that she would feel better if a new vaccine had completed testing before approval. Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said he likely would not recommend the vaccine for everyone without final data. How good would a vaccine have to be to get full approval? A COVID-19 vaccine would need to prevent or decrease the severity of the disease by 50% or more, according to FDA guidelines. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn has repeatedly stressed that the agency wont cut corners. I want the American people to hear me when I say we will use the science and data from those trials, and will ensure that our high levels of standards for safety and efficacy are met, he said during a U.S. Senate committee hearing. Is this political? The United States has had an estimated 6.1 million cases of COVID-19 and 186,000 deaths. The Trump administration, which has invested heavily in vaccine development, could use a preelection win. Paul Offit, director of the vaccine education center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, who serves on the FDAs vaccine advisory board, worries that the FDA will cave to pressure. He pointed to two controversial EUAs of COVID-19 treatments for the drug hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma that FDA officials initially opposed because studies had not shown them to work. Those two EUAs were, to me, warning signs, Offit said. Why is vaccine hesitancy a concern? In this country, vaccine hesitancy skepticism about vaccines that have been huge public health successes is a growing problem, so there is concern that rushing a COVID-19 vaccine will add to distrust, said Jose Romero, who chairs the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group that will help the government decide who gets priority access to new coronavirus vaccines. In meetings between CDC staff and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, public perceptions have come up. If people dont have faith in this vaccine, it is going to make our job impossible, James Garrow, a department spokesman, told CDC employees. Offit said that even if a vaccine now in development proves to be 75% effective which public health officials would consider fantastic many people would still be at risk of infection. That means people would still need to wear masks and comply with social distancing. That will be a hard sell, he said. Who gets the vaccine first? Two groups, ACIP and a newly formed panel from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, are working on how to prioritize vaccines, because doses are expected to be limited at first. The academies committee released its draft recommendations earlier this week and ACIPs may come later this month. It is not clear who will make the final decision on who gets initial doses. Both groups are suggesting prioritizing health-care workers because they are at high risk of exposure to the virus and of spreading it. The academies proposal includes nursing home employees, and first responders such as police and firefighters. READ MORE: Medical workers, nursing homes top list of who should get COVID-19 vaccine first, says academy of medicine advisory group Both groups are likely to to give special consideration to people at high risk of serious illness and death, including older people and those with chronic health conditions. Can states start distributing vaccine in November? Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Philadelphia officials say yes. Farley said it makes sense to prepare now even if a vaccine isnt ready right away. Sooner or later were going to have to distribute a vaccine, he said. Nate Wardle, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Health Department, said the state has a team that is always preparing for big vaccination efforts. Our current planning includes multiple pathways to provide vaccine to the public and high-risk groups, including working with doctors offices, pharmacies, and other locations where other vaccinations are readily available. Philadelphia, along with four states, was asked in August to prepare a distribution plan that could be used as a model for other places by Oct. 1, Wardle said. Now, he said, it appears that the CDC has asked all states to come up with their own plans One big challenge will be vaccine storage. The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at minus-70 degrees Celsius, requiring special freezers usually only found at large hospitals. Modernas vaccine needs minus-20 degrees. Another is making sure people get both doses, properly spaced. Garrow, with the city health department, also cited the challenge of data. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses, three or four weeks apart. The timing of each dose must be tracked, and patients must be reminded to get the second dose. A big remaining question is whether a person can get doses in different hospitals, cities, or states. GREENWICH A village home that displayed a "Black Lives Matter" banner in its window was spray painted in the early hours of Thursday with racist graffiti. Underneath the flag supporting racial justice, an unknown vandal scrawled in black paint "White N___" (the epithet was rendered in full on the house). On Thursday, the owner scraped and repainted his green house with white primer. The "Black Lives Matter" sign has also been removed. Cambridge-Greenwich police Officer Christopher Davis-Flynn said that they had a witness to the crime, "a male, heavy set male" who defaced the house and the window where the banner was hung. Police also described the vandal as sporting "a bowl cut-style hair." The police were on the scene again on Friday and are now looking for surveillance video in the Salem Street neighborhood. They were also questioning neighbors. Davis-Flynn said the perpetrator could be charged with criminal mischief and, perhaps, a hate crime. He also said there is a working theory that the same vandal hit the Tedra Cobb sign on Main Street. Both sides of the large sign, promoting the Democrat who is running against Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in the 21st Congressional District, were also defaced with the word "Lies." On Friday, Greenwich Supervisor Don Ward said his heart is broken over these acts and others that have occurred in his community. He has heard of a homeowner displaying a President Donald Trump flag who received a postcard calling him "a traitor." He said he was made aware of another incident in which a Blue Lives Matter supporter was allegedly almost hit by the car of a person who yelled "white racist" before driving away. The latter also took place in the village, near Mowry Park, Ward said. Village police said they did not know anything about these two incidents. "It's really disturbing," Ward said. "But it's not surprising me because the atmosphere politically, it's toxic. I see no need for it. We need to respect and tolerate. We are all Americans with different political views. We should be free of fears of intimidation, to be able to discuss political candidates without fear. I'm really tired of the intolerance from people on both sides, Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives." Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The Republican also said the people of Greenwich are good and those who attack other's political beliefs, he said, are "just a handful." However, he said what happened with Salem Street vandalism rises to another level. "It's criminal," Ward said. "I hope they find who did it. I was a sheriff's marshall for 30 years and I'd bring them in myself if I could find him ... Decency has drifted away from us." Taco Bell is removing a longtime fan favorite from its revamped 2020 menu list. Fans of the Mexican Pizza will have to say good-bye to this iconic dish starting Nov. 5 as the company announced it's removing a few items to make room for new innovations, according to a press release. THE BURGER JOINT TO OPEN THIRD LOCATION: The Burger Joint to open third and largest Houston-area location to date in Webster Were constantly evaluating ways to provide a more efficient restaurant experience, and have already begun to see progress from streamlining our menu, said Mike Grams, Taco Bell president, global COO. While we know fans may be understandably sad to see some of their favorites go, this evolution of our menu truly paves the way for fresh new ideas," said Grams. At least they admit fans aren't going to be happy about some of their favorites going to fast food heaven, which also includes Pico de Gallo and Shredded Chicken taking their last bow. Also: no more Shredded Chicken Soft Taco! People on Twitter didn't shy away from sharing their feelings about their beloved Mexican Pizza. One Twitter follower is even proposing a petition to stop the removal. Some of the items you can look forward to on the new menu include a Chicken Chipotle Melt, which will be available nationwide, along with a Dragonfruit Freeze. Many regional restaurants will also include a new and improved green sauce. So what are your thoughts on the new menu? Will you miss the iconic Mexican Pizza? STAY INFORMED: Sign up to receive breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. A team of NCB at the residence of Samuel Miranda in Mumbai. (Image: ANI) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on September 4 conducted searches at the premises of Showik Chakraborty, brother of main accused Rhea Chakraborty, and Samuel Miranda in connection with the drugs probe linked to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, officials said. A team of NCB sleuths accompanied by police officials raided the residence of Showik in Santa Cruz (west) area and Mirandas house in suburban Andheri (west) area of the western metropolis from 6:30 am. Showik lives with Rhea. The search teams included some women officials and they were seen wearing masks and gloves and using multiple vehicles. NCB Deputy Director (operations) KPS Malhotra, who is heading the probe team of the agency, was seen leading the search and he told media persons on the ground that the houses of Showik and Miranda were being searched and that this is a "procedural" action. Another senior official said the agency is looking to gather additional evidence through this action and some documents have been seized by the search teams. They said both Showik and Miranda, house manager of Rajput, were handed over summons to join the investigation during the search. "They have intended to go along (with the search team) due to media presence," an officer said. They are being taken by the NCB search team and will be questioned now at the agencys zonal office in the Ballard Estate area, the officer said. The NCB, till now, has arrested two alleged drug peddlers operating in the capital city of Maharashtra in this case and it has detained one person. The two arrested are Zaid Vilatra (21) and Abdel Basit Parihar while Kaizan Ibrahim is being questioned since September 3. Bandra resident Parihar was arrested after interrogating Vilatra. Parihar is learnt to have "links" with the narcotics case registered against Rajputs live-in partner Rhea, 28, and others. Parihar is linked to a person who in turn was allegedly reported to be featuring in chats recovered from the mobile phone of Rhea and Showik, officials have said. Rhea is the main accused in the death case of the 34-year-old actor that is being probed by the NCB, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency is probing the drug angle in this case under the criminal sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after the ED shared with it a report following the cloning of two mobile phones of Rhea. The NCB has said that it is looking into "the drug citadel in Mumbai, and especially Bollywood" in this case. According to officials, the mobile phone chats and messages indicated procurement, transportation and consumption of drugs and these leads were shared by the ED with the NCB and the CBI. The NCB is understood to have obtained the phone records of other accused in the case too. Rajput was found dead at his Bandra flat on June 14. New crime scene photos from the Breonna Taylor investigation show a number of shell casings in and near the EMT's apartment after she was shot dead by police - as other images show that at least one officer was wearing a bodycam during the fatal raid. The photos were taken by Louisville Metro Police investigators in the hours after Taylor was gunned down in the early-morning raid on her apartment on March 13. The images offer, for the first time, a glimpse into the scope of the fatal shooting when officers served a 'no knock' narcotics search warrant on Taylor's apartment in relation to a drug investigation involving her ex-boyfriend. They also raise questions about previous statements made by law enforcement who have said there is no body cam footage of the raid because narcotics officers don't wear cameras. Scroll down for video Bullet holes and blood smeared on the walls could be seen in one evidence photo Bullets were found lodged within Taylor's underwear drawers inside her bedroom Pants worn by Sgt Jonathan Mattingly, who was shot by Taylor's boyfriend, were displayed Sgt Mattingly's wallet, covered in blood, was pictured by police showing the aftermath Sgt Mattingly's wallet likely served as protection from Walker's bullet, fired at the officers Kenneth Walker, Breonna Taylor's boyfriend, is pictured in the apartment after the shooting The handgun which Taylor's boyfriend fired out the window, hitting Mattingly, was shown The handgun's magazine was also located by the police after Walker pulled the trigger Images from inside Breonna Taylor's bedroom have been revealed for the first time Taylor was asleep in bed when the shooting began on March 13 in Louisville Taylor's living room was left riddled with bullets after the March 13 shooting by police 'The various trajectories of the bullets that they fired, I mean, they're literally wildly shooting,' said the attorney representing Kenneth Walker, Breonna Taylor's boyfriend New crime scene photos from the Breonna Taylor investigation show a number of shell casings in and near the EMT's apartment after she was shot dead by police on March 13 In the crime scene photos, a body camera can be seen on officer Anthony James' right shoulder. The photos raise questions about previous statements made by law enforcement who have said there is no body cam footage of the raid because narcotics officers don't wear cameras The 1,232 photos, which were only obtained by media outlets on Friday, were included in the now-closed criminal case against Taylor's boyfriend Kenneth Walker. Walker, who filed a lawsuit against police this week, was initially charged with attempted murder after firing a single shot that police say wounded an officer when they stormed into the apartment as they served a 'no knock' narcotics search warrant. Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical worker, was shot dead by police serving the 'no knock' narcotics search warrant at her apartment on March 13 The charge was later dropped without prejudice, which means he could potentially be charged again in the future. Several photos show bullet casing scattered on the ground throughout Taylor's apartment and out into the parking lot of the complex. At least 10 bullets went into Taylor's apartment through a sliding glass door located in the living room and also through a bedroom window. The window and door had the blinds drawn at the time. There are also five bullet holes lodged in two neighboring apartments. Steve Romines, who is representing Walker in his lawsuit against the police department, told WDRB that the crime scene photos show Taylor's apartment looked like a 'war zone'. 'I've been doing criminal defense for 30 years, and I've never seen a crime scene like this,' he said. In the crime scene photos, a body camera can be seen on officer Anthony James' right shoulder Another officer, Myles Cosgrove, can be seen in the photos wearing a body camera holder Louisville police previously said no bodycameras were worn during the raid on the apartment Several photos show bullet casing scattered on the ground throughout Taylor's apartment and out into the parking lot of the complex Bullet casings are seen around the door mat, which warns: 'Nothing inside is worth dying for' 'The various trajectories of the bullets that they fired, I mean, they're literally wildly shooting. They're in various walls. They're in the ceilings. They're in the floors. You know, they're through pots and pans in the kitchen. 'I mean, they're just shooting everywhere.' Other evidence photos, first reported on by Vice, show that at least one officer who raided the apartment was wearing a body camera at the time. In the crime scene photos, a body camera can be seen on officer Anthony James' right shoulder. Another officer, Myles Cosgrove, can be seen in the photos wearing a body camera holder. Immediately after the fatal shooting, police chief Steve Conrad and Mayor Greg Fischer, said no footage existed of the raid because narcotics officers were not required to wear body cameras. 'This incident was related to the execution of a search warrant by members of our Criminal Interdiction Division and some of the officers assigned to this division do not wear body-worn video systems,' Conrad, who has since been fired, said. The french window into Taylor's apartment was shattered in the gunfire Police fired inside the apartment from the parking lot outside, killing Taylor At least 10 bullets went into Taylor's apartment through a sliding glass door located in the living room and also through a bedroom window Glass was shattered during the gunfight, which cost Breonna Taylor her life White L shapes were used to mark the entry of the bullets in the glass doors The shots fired into the walls and smashed a mirror that was hanging in the apartment Bullets wedged in the wood within the apartment with what appeared to be blood stains visible At least 10 bullets went into Taylor's apartment through a sliding glass door located in the living room and also through a bedroom window. The window and door had the blinds drawn at the time Taylor and Walker's apartment was badly damaged during the raid in Louisville The dining room chairs were damaged in the hail of bullets fired into the apartment The dining room table also bore the signs of the destruction that had been unleashed A bullet was fired into the desk, slicing into the wood beneath a laptop Even saucepans in the cupboards were left with bullet holes after the March 13 raid Bullets were found inside the saucepans, having pierced the cupboards and the metal Bullets pierced the side of the oven in Taylor's kitchen - shown with the orange plastic straw Bullet casings littered the parking lot following the March 13 shooting in Louisville Several photos show bullet casing scattered on the ground throughout Taylor's apartment and out into the parking lot of the complex The Mayor has repeatedly said that the officers involved in the raid were not wearing cameras. The Louisville police department did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment about the presence of the bodycam. Officers have to activate the cameras themselves. Romines, Walker's attorney, said there was no excuse for the officer not to activate it. 'That begs the question, you have it on your shoulder for that specific reason,' he said. 'What possible excuse is there not to have it on?' Police are now required to wear body cameras in the wake of Taylor's shooting. Police say one of the officers, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, was shot in the leg by Kenneth during the raid. Romines, however, has since said there is evidence that Walker didn't fire the shot that injured the officer. Romines said officers likely fired about 40 bullets into Taylor's apartment in two different waves after Kenneth fired the initial shot. Breonna Taylor's boyfriend Kenneth Walker filed the civil lawsuit in Jefferson County District Court in Kentucky on Tuesday Bullets were found all over the flood, in addition to a battering ram used to enter the apartment The floor was covered with spent bullet casings, showing the frenzy of fire that was unleashed The passageway outside Taylor's home was littered with bullets from the shooting 'We know police are firing wildly from various angles,' Romines said. 'The timeline and evidence at the scene is more indicative of (police) actually shooting Mattingly than it is Kenny Walker.' While Walker was not injured during the raid, his 26-year-old EMT girlfriend was shot eight times. Officers never found any drugs in her home. Walker fired his gun when officers stormed into the apartment and has since said he thought he was defending against a home invasion. At the time, Walker told police that he could hear knocking on the night of the shooting but did not hear police announce themselves. Walker said he was 'scared to death' so he grabbed his gun and when the door was knocked down, he fired a shot. He said his intention was to fire a warning shot downward toward the ground. 'I am a legal gun owner and I would never knowingly shoot at a police officer,' Walker said on Tuesday. "You Next" is a photo book by Philly-born photographer Antonio Johnson that explores the universal, yet varied, experience of the Black barbershop. Read more As a kid, one of two things would occur every Saturday morning for photographer Antonio Johnson: His fathers barber would cut his hair, or his uncle would. Either way, by noon, Johnson sported a fresh, low-even fade. At the shop on 52nd and Market Street, where his late uncle Jason Gavin was a barber, Johnson remembers sitting as still as a statue while his uncle gingerly lined his head with a straight-edged razor. And at the Southwest Philadelphia shop where his father would get a haircut, Johnson remembers staring at the style charts that were taped to the walls and thumbing through the issues of Jet Magazine that were scattered about the shop. In 2016, Johnson visited Havana and was inspired by the dozens of barbershops that lined the streets. They were vibrant physically and culturally. Johnson pulled out his Leica D-lux camera to document. When he returned to Brooklyn, where he lived at the time, Johnson came up with the idea to create a photo book that would document the varied, yet universal experience of the Black barbershop. He decided to name it, You Next. The book was published Sept. 1 by the Chicago Review Press, and retails for $26.99 on Amazon and other online retailers. Originally, You Next was meant to collect scenes in Black literature where the barbershop had a significant presence, like in Toni Morrisons Song of Solomon, and Ralph Ellisons Shadow and Act, and Albert Murrays Train Whistle Guitar. Johnson broadened the idea to be able to create more original content and be more representative of the real-world experience. I love photography, Johnson, 31, said. This was something that I wanted to do as a part of my legacy and my contribution to the world. During the early stages of putting together the book Johnson wrote a proposal and launched a Kickstarter campaign. By March of 2018, he raised nearly $12,000, which allowed him to embark on a 10-city tour to take photos for the book. In June of the same year, he traveled to Philadelphia and then made his way to Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and a handful of other cities, snapping thousands of photos. Johnson said he chose the black-and-white motif to add a sense of uniformity to the variety of shops and settings. I wanted to combine everything together into one cohesive expression, he said. The black-and-white images added a classic, timeless feel that will last forever. Johnsons intention in creating You Next was to celebrate the space that has given me so much, but has also given my community so much. he said. I wanted to highlight the Black men who are in that space and start a conversation around investing in the spaces where we feel whole. The Black barbershop is solely for us, Johnson explained. It cant be replicated. Vox writer Aaron Ross Coleman agrees. Coleman is a friend of Johnsons and penned an essay for You Next titled, The Undefeated Business of the Black Barbershop. The essay explains why the business model has sustained generations. Coleman describes the Black barbershop as a unicorn of a business. Despite the macroeconomic hardships that Black people may face, such as poverty and discrimination, the Black barbershop remains (in most cases) Black-owned and staffed, and supplies grooming and cultural needs. Its actually pretty exceptional as far as there being not a lot of barriers to entry, Coleman said. Heres an accessible, practical, feasible, [business opportunity], for aspiring Black entrepreneurs. While barbershops have long been heralded a sanctuary for Black men and one of the cornerstones of the Black community, they have not always been inclusive to women and the LGBTQ+ community. I have considered that, Johnson said. [You Next] doesnt shy away from the fact that the barbershop is not a perfect place. [The book] shows many barbers who are gay. It also highlights a barbershop in Brooklyn called [Camera Ready Kutz], which is a safe space for LGBTQ+ identities. Johnsons father, Ron Johnson, remained loyal to the same barber for over 30 years: the late Mr. Leon, whose eponymous shop sat at the corner of 56th and Catherine. I only had to tell him how to cut my hair one time, Ron Johnson said. From then on, he just knew what to do. According to Ron Johnson, Mr. Leon knew everything. And when he needed a haircut at 3 a.m., Mr. Leon would be there. When my son [Antonio] got bigger, I took him there, Ron Johnson said. For all of my sons major events, for all of my major events, we went to Mr. Leon. At the barbershop, I had a chance to really see my dad as a person that was bigger than my dad, Johnson said. Johnson learned that his dad was someone who had friends, someone who had full life experiences that were before me. As Mr. Leon grew older, his health began to fade and the Johnson men had to find another barber, and a good barber is hard to find, said Ron Johnson. While in the eighth grade, Johnson found a new barber, G., and began to experiment with different styles to show off his wavy hair texture. Johnson still sees the barber when he visits Philly. Johnson credits the Black barbershop for introducing him to hip-hop, developing his sense of style, and an understanding that we all come to this place but live very different lives. Johnson now lives in Atlanta and has been a photographer for five years. His work has been exhibited at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the Hamilton Landmark Gallery in Harlem, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He studied broadcast journalism at Morgan State University in Baltimore. You Next is a launching point for Johnson. He wants to continue to photograph spaces that feel like home. Turkmen In U.S. Protest Berymukhammedov's Plan To Change Constitution By RFE/RL's Turkmen Service September 02, 2020 WASHINGTON -- Dozens of Turkmen citizens have held rallies in Washington, as well as in the cities of Houston and Pittsburgh, protesting the plan by Turkmenistan's authoritarian leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, to introduce amendments to the constitution, the details of which remain unknown in the tightly-controlled Central Asian nation. One of the organizers of the rally in front of the Turkmen Embassy in Washington, D.C., on September 1, Murat Gurbanov, who is the leader of a group called Democratic Choice of Turkmenistan established abroad, told RFE/RL during the rally that the protesters were demanding the Turkmen government cancel the plan to change the constitution. "Some 30 Turkmens residing in different parts of the United States gathered today in front of the Turkmen Embassy and we demand that the constitution of our country can be changed only via national referendum," Gurbanov said, adding that a change to the constitution without the involvement of citizen would "deprive us all of our rights forever." Berdymukhammedov initiated the constitutional changes a year ago and has led a commission he established that prepared a bill of amendments. Turkmen citizens have yet to be informed about the exact changes to the constitution of the tightly controlled, energy-rich country, except that the single-chamber parliament, the Mejlis, will merge with the People's Council and become a two-chamber institution. The People's Council (Halk Maslahaty) was created in 2017 on the basis of the Council of Elders. Berdymukhammedov is the council's chairman. On August 19, the commission announced that it had sent the proposed constitutional amendments to the People's Council, which is expected to approve the amendments at its session on September 25. The protesters in the United States say that Berdymukhammedov plans to use the constitutional amendments to secure his lifetime presidency and its eventual succession to his son and grandchildren. They held posters demanding Berdymukhammedov's resignation and challenging his policies. Gurbanov said that nobody from the embassy came out to talk to the protesters, while one person appeared with a videocamera and recorded the picket. When protesters tried to talk to that person, he quickly retreated back inside the building. After rallying in front of the embassy, the protesters walked to Capitol Hill, where they demonstrated in front of the U.S. Congress. Since June, protests against Berdymukhammedov have been staged by Turkmen citizens residing in the United States, Turkey, and Northern Cyprus. Government critics and human rights groups say Berdymukhammedov has suppressed dissent and made few changes in the restrictive country since he came to power after the death of autocrat Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006. Like his late predecessor, Berdymukhammedov has relied on subsidized prices for basic goods and utilities to help maintain his grip on power. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmen-in-u-s- protest-berymukhammedov-s-plan-to- change-constitution/30818842.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 Daniel Prudes family calls for the arrest of the police officers involved in death by asphyxiation. The police officers involved in the arrest and asphyxiation death of a Black man in New York state have been suspended, the mayor of Rochester said on Thursday, one day after harrowing footage of the March incident was released. Daniel Prudes family on Wednesday released body camera footage from his arrest in March in Rochester, in upstate New York, which showed a group of officers putting a hood over Prudes head as he knelt on the ground, handcuffed and naked. Local newspaper Democrat and Chronicle reported on Thursday that Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren had ordered the immediate suspension of seven police officers involved in the incident. The newspaper did not identify the officers. Mr Daniel Prude was failed by our police department, our mental healthcare system, our society, and he was failed by me, Warren told reporters. We cannot continue to fail Black lives in this way. Prudes family has called for the arrest of the officers involved in his death, which came seven days after the incident. Prude was 41. The Monroe County medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint, according to an autopsy report, the New York Times reported. Body camera footage emerged this week showing police officers holding down Daniel Prude on March 23 [Rochester Police via Roth and Roth LLP via AP] Prudes asphyxiation occurred two months before the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, which spurred international protests against police brutality and racial injustice in the US. Prudes family obtained video of the arrest after filing a freedom of information act request, CBS-affiliate WROC-TV reported. The video prompted protests in Rochester on Wednesday, with dozens of people calling for the police to be held accountable and removed from the department while the investigation proceeds. Nine protesters were arrested, according to the local Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. Several dozen people also held a demonstration in Times Square in New York City, 300 miles to the south, on Thursday. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called for expeditious answers. For the sake of Mr Prudes family and the greater Rochester community, I am calling for this case to be concluded as expeditiously as possible. For that to occur, we need the full and timely cooperation of the Rochester Police Department and I trust it will fully comply, Cuomo said. The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating, as state law requires whenever police are involved in a civilians death. The Prude family and the greater Rochester community deserve answers, and we will continue to work around the clock to provide them, James said in a statement. Daniel Prude died on March 30 after he was taken off life support seven days after his encounter with police [Courtesy: We the people/GoFundme] In the video, an officer placed a spit hood over Prudes head apparently to prevent his spit from possibly transmitting the novel coronavirus. Prude could be heard shouting, Take this off my face! and Youre trying to kill me! before his shouts turned to cries and became muffled. Officers were heard saying Calm down and stop spitting. Later, the video showed an officer kneeling on Prudes back while Prude was silent and snow fell around them. Someone was heard saying, start CPR. Minutes later, the video showed Prude being loaded into an ambulance on a stretcher. Rochester police chief LaRon Singletary told reporters on Wednesday that internal and criminal investigations were under way. I know that theres a rhetoric that is out there that this is a cover-up. This is not a cover-up, Singletary said. Warren, the mayor, said Thursday that Singletary failed to provide her with the full details of what happened during the March incident until early August, the Democrat and Chronicle reported. The only way we can confront systemic racism in our city is to face it head-on, Warren said, as reported by the newspaper. There can not be a justice system for white people and a justice system for Black people. Events known as 'drag socials' have been banned by a university's student union because they believe they are used to ridicule trans people. Student representatives at Aberystwyth University said that people attending the events were trying to be 'as funny as possible'. The student union at the university in Wales spoke to the local LGBTQ+ society, who said the events were used as a way to 'ridicule trans people'. And now all such events will be banned at the university. The student union at Aberystwyth University spoke to the university's LGBTQ+ community, who said the events were used as a way to 'ridicule trans people' A spokesperson for AberPride, the university's LGBTQ+ community, said: 'The decision was made with input from AberPride members, especially members of the trans community, because we feel that most societies who have drag socials do so in a mockery of trans women and the trans femme experience. 'Often cisgender (and frequently heterosexual) males will take drag socials as an opportunity to ridicule trans people, and AberPride will not stand by and accept that. 'We are unlikely to want to have a drag social at this time, due to the fact that it would make a large proportion of our members uncomfortable. 'The SU has said that they are happy to discuss the situation and make an exception based on a case by case basis, to ensure that any drag socials will not become hugely offensive.' Aberystwyth SU said the rules have been put in place to protect their LGBTQ+ students and drag community Speaking to students news site The Tab, Aberystwyth SU said: 'Including "Drag socials" as an example of a banned theme is because they are usually about members of random groups dressing up as the opposite gender in a general way that has the intention of being as funny as possible and not as a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride or sexual liberation in the same way that drag is. 'If a society or club wanted to organise a drag social to celebrate drag and LGBT pride then the SU would be supportive of that and would put students in touch with relevant people who could help make that event a success. 'We would also consult with our relevant Liberation Officers and societies to make sure that it considered a range of angles and factors to ensure maximum inclusivity. 'These rules arent about banning fun but have been put in place to protect our LGBTQ+ students and drag community, and brings us in line with the rest of the sector and follow a range of complaints received from those communities throughout previous years. 'We encourage all clubs and societies to contact us directly if they have any queries about a social theme and as ever well be as helpful as possible.' Cubas Quandary: A Market Economy or Famine The result of the totalitarian model has been the destruction of its main sources of resources and their replacement by fragile and uncontrollable solutions. According to the 1958 sugar industry almanac, a year before the revolutionaries took power Cuba produced 72% of everything that was consumed in the country, and imported the other 28%. Today it produces approximately 20% and imports 80%. There were inequalities to work out, but the economy was growing. The secret: only what is produced can be distribute. To solve Cuba's inequalities Fidel Castro promised in 1959 that he would "increase agricultural production, double the consumption capacity of the agricultural population, and achieve a standard of living for the people higher than that of any other nation." To this end, he eliminated the market economy, replaced private property with state property, implemented centralized planning, and limited Cubans freedoms, erasing the traditional concept of the citizen. In August of 2020, 61 years later, the vice-secretary of the Communist Party, Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, called on Cuba to "take advantage of every opportunity to produce food, because the country cannot continue with these high imports of food and animal feed, which we can produce internally." What happened between the promise of 1959 and the current shortage? Economics has laws all its own. If it is subordinated to ideology, it stagnates; if the stagnation is prolonged, it regresses; if the involution is maintained, it leads to famine. In July of 2007, after multiple failures, Raul Castro criticized the country's inefficiencies in agriculture, emphasized the vital importance of producing in Cuba what is bought abroad, and recognized the existence of huge swathes of land overgrown with marabou. In February of 2008, when he was appointed president of the Council of State, Raul Castro recognized the error of having nationalized almost all the country's property, and announced the introduction of a minimal reform plan aimed at developing strong and efficient agriculture, getting people to feel the need to work for a living and reject illegalities and other manifestations of corruption; shrinking the workforce, and promoting self-employment. Then, on December 18, 2010, in the National Assembly of Popular Power, he emphatically stated: "Either we rectify the situation or the time to continue treading near the precipice is running out; we will fall, and we will squander the efforts of entire generations." At the Sixth Party Congress, held in 2011, the reform plan was accepted as an agreement and set forth in the Guidelines of Economic and Social Policy. The problem stemmed from the fact that, instead of restoring the market economy, the cause of Cuba's failure was preserved: socialist planning and state enterprises as the main instruments. Proof of the above is that a few days after the Sixth Congress, at the Party's 15th provincial conferences, held between May and June 2011, Machado Ventura repeatedly endorsed basing the economy on ideology. Some of his proposals were: the Party has to determine what everyone gets, everywhere, with names and surnames; we have to know in advance what each producer is going to sow and harvest; we have to pursue those whose lands are not productive; etc. As 2015 gave way to 2016, the worsening of the crisis was reflected in the central report to the Seventh Party Congress: "the existence of an attitude of inertia and lack of confidence in the future; foot- dragging in the implementation of the approved policies; improvisation, superficiality and lack of integrity due to the improper execution of work; and a lack of foresight and agility in the implementation of the Guidelines." The starkest example of the regression is Cuba's sugar industry: in 1905 1,230,349 tons were produced; in 1925, more than five million; and in 1952 the figure of 7.1 million tons was reached. In contrast, with a strident effort that rattled the entire economy in 1970, just over 8.5 million were produced. In 1990 the decline began. In 2001 just 3.5 million tons were produced. With the decline 71 of the 156 mills were closed, and production fell to 2.10 million tons in 2003. In 2005 another 40 of the 85 surviving mills were closed, and production fell to 1.3 million tons. The Sugar Ministry was then replaced by the AZCUBA Business Group, which proceeded to fail to comply with all the plans. By 2020 the drop was so dramatic that, for the first time, the quantity produced was not even disclosed. A similar thing happened with two other key industries between 1958 and 2020: beef cattle dropped from about six million head to just over three million; while coffee fell from 60,000 tons to about 6,000 and the population has almost doubled since then. Despite the "orientation tours" in provinces and municipalities implemented by Machado Ventura and other party leaders, it was impossible to halt the decrease, indicating that the nationalized economy, combined with ideological orientations, was utterly incompatible with growth. The result: Cuba, which was once the largest sugar producer in the world, is now among the countries with the lowest sugar and agricultural production and productivity, in general. The loss of autonomy (to the economy what oxygen is to living bodies), together with voluntarism, centralized command and planning, the incompetence of bosses and administrators, and the loss of incentives for producers, all shapes the agricultural inefficiency that characterizes sugar production, and all Cuban agriculture. Gustavo Pittaluga, in his book Dialogues on Destiny, wrote that a country's destiny cannot be to sell sugar in order to buy cars. He added: "in our economy and in our social policy the growth of the sugar industry must be favored; meanwhile, collateral agricultural diversification and the growth of small industries must be encouraged as much as possible." The result of the totalitarian model has been the devastation of Cubas main sources of resources, and their replacement by fragile and uncontrollable solutions, such as the hiring of professionals under conditions of modern slavery, tourism, and family remittances. The totalitarian model is simply unworkable, and time is running out. The Government faces a thorny contradiction: the incompatibility of changes with preservation of the model, which has placed Cuba in a real bind. The country must now embrace a market economy to overcome shortages, or famine will be inevitable. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has debunked claims that listing Agyapa Royalties limited on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) has been suspended. "There's no going back . . . gold has been mined in this country for several years; the trading of gold is over 500 times more and that is where the money is so we are not changing our mind. At this point in time in the history of the world's highest gold price; we have to take advantage of that and it is for our good," he told Kwami Sefa Kayi in a phone interview Friday morning. According to him, "the only thing is to explain more to Ghanaians and clear away any form of mischief". Speaking in an interview on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Ken Ofori-Atta reiterated that Agyapa Royalties Limited will trade up to 49% of its shares on Ghana Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. CSOs tussle The meeting was to assure them that there's no mischief, Finance Minister said. "The London stock exchange is one of the most transparent; at any point in time, every stockholder is listed. There's nothing untoward. This is purely Ghana owned." "What I got from them is that we should explain it more to people..." he indicated. Advantageous to only Govt officials The Finance Minister has also responded to claims that government officials will be the only ones benefiting from the shares. According to him, the shares will be opened to everyone and that if someone has money to buy it "why not; what's wrong with that?" "If you have your money it is up to you to determine what you use the money for; the pricing will be an international price of value so if you have your money why should I be worried what you use your money for?" "It's well thought out," he added. Parliament on August 14 approved the Agyapa Mineral Royalty Limited agreement with the government of Ghana despite a walkout by the Minority.Two years ago, the house passed the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act 2018 which establishes the Fund to manage the equity interests of Ghana in mining companies, and receive royalties on behalf of government.The fund is supposed to manage and invest these royalties and revenue from equities for higher returns for the benefit of the country. Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The white George Washington University associate professor who has admitted to pretending to be black her entire career allegedly only outed herself after other scholars started questioning her background last week. Despite assuming various black identities over the years, Jessica Krug revealed in a Medium blog post on Thursday she is actually white and that she has been deceiving her friends and colleagues. George Washington University said it is currently investigating the blog post but refused to comment any further. 'We are aware of the post and are looking into the situation. We cannot comment further on personnel matters,' a spokesperson for the university said. As details of the 38-year-old's deception continue to emerge, it has been claimed that Krug only came clean after realizing that several scholars had started questioning her background. Despite assuming various black identities over the years, Jessica Krug revealed in a Medium blog post on Thursday she is actually white and that she has been deceiving her friends and colleagues It has been claimed that Krug only came clean after realizing that several scholars had started questioning her background. Yomaira Figueroa, who is an associate professor of global diaspora studies at Michigan State University, claims a young black scholar approached two senior scholars on August 26 with allegations that Krug was lying about her identity Yomaira Figueroa, who is an associate professor of global diaspora studies at Michigan State University, claims a young black scholar approached two senior scholars on August 26 with allegations that Krug was lying about her identity. Figueroa, who does not know Krug personally, would not identify the scholars. Figueroa said the allegations came up during a discussion about that late novelist H.G. Carrillo. It emerged after his death in April that he was not a black Latino from Cuba like he had claimed but, instead, was an African American from Detroit In an interview with the New York Times, Figueroa said the allegations came up during a discussion about that late novelist H.G. Carrillo. Carrillo's sister revealed after he died in April that he was not a black Latino, who fled Cuba with his family as a child, like he had claimed his entire life. His sister said he was an African-American born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Figueroa said the junior scholar came forward with claims that Krug had also been lying about her identity. In a series of tweets, Figueroa said there was no 'witch hunt' but claimed Krug published the blog post in an attempt to control the situation. 'The only reason Jessica Krug finally admitted to this lie is (because) on Aug 26th one very brave very BLACK Latina junior scholar approached two senior Black Latina scholars & trusted them enough to do the research & back her up. Those two scholars made phone calls & reached out to other senior scholars & institutions with proof. 'There was no witch hunt, but there was a need to draw the line. Krug got ahead of the story because she was caught & she knew the clock was ticking bec folks started to confront her & ask questions. Krug, who lives in East Harlem, New York and has previously described her as an 'unrepentant and unreformed child of the hood', went to the exclusive Barstow school in Kansas City where she was said to have identified as a white, Jewish girl. She is pictured in her yearbook Krug has been teaching classes on African history at GWU since 2012. She is pictured above during a panel discussion last year on African studies at Columbia University 'DO NOT BELIEVE FOR ONE SECOND that she would have come out with the truth on her own. She made a living & a whole life out of parroting Black Rican trauma and survival.' Figueroa told Inside Higher Ed that Krug was a respected historian and couldn't understand the need to lie about her background. 'I do know that she's a very well-respected scholar who has done really incredible work, so this is not an issue about her not being a talented academic or good at her job,' Figueroa said in the interview. 'But she did it all in this guise, building on the worst types of stereotypes, calling herself a hood academic, taking on accents and talking about specific kinds of trauma.' It has since emerged that Krug, who lives in East Harlem, New York and has previously described her as an 'unrepentant and unreformed child of the hood', went to the exclusive Barstow school in Kansas City where she was said to have identified as a white, Jewish girl. One of Krug's former peers, who did not want to be named, said Krug was 'very political', boycotted prom and planned a flag burning while at the school from where she graduated in 1999. Her current neighbor, Anna Anderson, told the DailyMail.com that Krug would call her 'white trash' and tell Anderson she was 'gentrifying' the neighborhood by going running. Following a dispute over their bikes Anderson said Krug asked her: 'Do you know what the police do to black people like me?' Anderson told DailyMail.com: 'She called me white trash, which is ironic.' In a video posted online under her activist pseudonym, Jessica La Bombalera, Krug denounces 'all these white New Yorkers who waited four hours with us to be able to speak and then did not yield their time for Black and Brown indigenous New Yorkers' In a video posted online in June of this year under her activist pseudonym, Jessica La Bombalera, Krug denounced 'all these white New Yorkers who waited four hours with us to be able to speak and then did not yield their time for Black and Brown indigenous New Yorkers'. She adds: 'Much power to all my siblings who were standing up, my black and brown siblings who were standing.' Krug has been teaching classes on African American history at George Washington University since 2012. Her biography page on the university website says she also specializes in subjects including Latin America, Africa, imperialism and colonialism. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, according to the GWU page. Krug has also written several books and essays on blackness and black culture. Some of the outlets who have published her work started deleting the posts on Thursday after the revelations. She has taken financial support from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The Guardian reports. In 2009 she is understood to have been award as Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship. Her book Fugitive Modernities includes the acknowledgement: 'My ancestors, unknown, unnamed, who bled life into a future they had no reason to believe could or should exist...Those whose names I cannot say for their own safety, whether in my barrio, in Angola, or in Brazil.' In her blog post titled 'The Truth, and the Anti-Black Violence of My Lies', Krug wrote: 'For the better part of my adult life, every move I've made, every relationship I've formed, has been rooted in the napalm toxic soil of lies.' Krug has been teaching classes on African American history at George Washington University since 2012. George Washington University said it is currently investigating the blog post but refused to comment any further 'To an escalating degree over my adult life, I have eschewed my lived experience as a white Jewish child in suburban Kansas City under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim: first North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness. 'I have thought about ending these lies many times over many years, but my cowardice was always more powerful than my ethics. 'I know right from wrong. I know history. I know power. I am a coward. There is no ignorance, no innocence, nothing to claim, nothing to defend. I have moved wrong in every way for years. Her scathing online confession is reminiscent of the scandal involving Rachel Dolezal - a former NAACP leader in Washington state who was exposed in 2015 as a white woman pretending to be black 'You should absolutely cancel me, and I absolutely cancel myself. 'I have built my life on a violent anti-Black lie, and I have lied in every breath I have taken. 'I have not lived a double life. There is no parallel form of my adulthood connected to white people or a white community or an alternative white identity. I have lived this lie, fully, completely, with no exit plan or strategy. I have built only this life, a life within which I have operated with a radical sense of ethics, of right and wrong, and with rage, rooted in Black power, an ideology which every person should support, but to which I have no possible claim as my own.' She acknowledged that it would be unlikely she could repair any relationship she has made given the extent of her lies. 'I have burned every bridge and have no expectation that any of my relationships are flame resistant. I would never ask for nor expect forgiveness. 'To everyone who trusted me, who fought for me, who vouched for me, who loved me, who is feeling shock and betrayal and rage and bone marrow deep hurt and confusion, violation in this world and beyond: I beg you, please, do not question your own judgment or doubt yourself. You were not naive. I was audaciously deceptive. 'I have a very clear, loud conscience, but I have acted as if I had none. I gaslit you. I begged for your compassion and love for my isolation and loneliness - real and raw feelings, but borne of the avalanche of deceit. In her blog post, Krug said she has battled 'unaddressed mental health demons' her entire life and that she first assumed a false identity as a child. She wrote that her mental health issues could never explain or justify why she pretended to be black. Hari Ziyad, a black author and screenwriter, claimed that she had only penned the post because she had been 'found out' Krug has also written several books and essays on blackness and black culture. Some of the outlets who have published her work started deleting the posts on Thursday after the revelations 'When I was a teenager fleeing trauma, I could just run away to a new place and become a new person. But this isn't trauma that anyone imposed on me, this is harm that I have enacted onto so many others. There is nowhere to run. I have ended the life I had no right to live in the first place,' she said. 'No white person, no non-Black person, has the right to claim proximity to or belonging in a Black community by virtue of abuse, trauma, non-acceptance, and non-belonging in a white community. The abuse within and alienation from my birth family and society are no one's burden but my own, and mine alone to address. 'Black people and Black communities have no obligation to harbor the refuse of non-Black societies. I have done this. I know it is wrong and I have done this anyway.' Following the revelations in her post, Krug has since been slammed on Twitter by several black writers and scholars who she had contact with throughout her career. Hari Ziyad, a black author and screenwriter, claimed that she had only penned the post because she had been 'found out'. In a series of scathing tweets, Ziyad said he considered Krug to be a friend until she called him a few hours prior to the Medium post being published to confess. 'Jess Krug... is someone I called a friend up until this morning when she gave me a call admitting to everything written here. She didn't do it out of benevolence. She did it because she had been found out,' Ziyad tweeted. 'For years I defended her work, and her from her own self-loathing. I did it despite warnings from Black friends, from those who said she wasn't Black enough even if they could accept that she was Black, and from my own mind and body. 'I always knew there was something off. It was in her persistent negativity and jealousy, her always needing to prove her authenticity at the expense of everything else. 'I kept her at arm's length, but still close enough that she could harm Black people around me. I owe so many people apologies.' Cookies op Tweakers Tweakers maakt gebruik van cookies Tweakers is onderdeel van DPG Media en maakt gebruik van cookies, JavaScript en vergelijkbare technologie om je onder andere een optimale gebruikerservaring te bieden. Functionele en analytische cookies die door Tweakers zelf geplaatst worden, worden gebruikt om de website goed te laten functioneren, bezoekersstatistieken bij te houden en a/b-testen uit te voeren. Ook kan Tweakers hiermee het gedrag van bezoekers vastleggen en analyseren. Cookies kunnen daarnaast worden gebruikt om op Tweakers advertenties te tonen die aansluiten bij je interesses. Daarbij kan gebruikgemaakt worden van bezoekersprofielen die door derden zijn opgesteld. Ook kunnen derden je internetgedrag volgen, zoals bijvoorbeeld het geval is bij embedded videos van YouTube. Tot slot kunnen cookies worden gebruikt om op sites van derden relevante advertenties te tonen. Content van derde partijen, zoals embedded videos van YouTube, wordt met een trackingvrij abonnement standaard uitgeschakeld. Indien je deze content wilt zien, kun je hier expliciet toestemming voor geven. Wil je meer informatie over cookies en hoe ze worden gebruikt? Bekijk dan ons cookiebeleid. Accepteer cookies ... Om deze pagina op Tweakers te kunnen bekijken, moet je cookies accepteren. Cookies accepteren Heb je al een account? Dan kun je hier inloggen! ANDOVER, Mass., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Byrna Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: BYRN) (CSE: BYRN) today announced the election of Chris Reed to its Board of Directors effective September 1, 2020, as well as the expansion of its senior management team with the recent appointment of three senior executives. David North has assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer, Sandra Driscoll is the Company's new Director of Human Resources, and David Schultz is joining in the position of Chief Supply Chain Officer. Chris Reed, is a senior law enforcement professional who, prior to joining the Company, served as the Special Agent in Charge and Director for the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), where he led a team of professional and highly trained special agent supervisors, foreign and civil service special agents, investigators and intelligence analysts that conducted global investigations into fraud, waste, abuse and criminal activity. Before that, Mr. Reed served with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) for 16 years, where he last held the position of Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Division. In this role, he had direct responsibility for five ATF Field Offices throughout Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Mr. Reed is also the managing partner of Garcia Reed Investments, LLC, a real estate management entity. Reed is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and received a BA from Indiana University, a Master of Administration from Northern Arizona University, an MBA from Champlain College and completed Georgetown University's Congressional Fellow Program and Columbia Business School's Executive Development Program. David North, Byrna's new Chief Financial Officer, brings 35 years of financial management experience to the Company. After starting his career as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche, he held various titles of increasing responsibility before his most recent role at Velcro Group Corporation, where he was a Vice President and Corporate Controller. In this position, Mr. North was responsible for the operational turnaround of all global accounting functions, board and annual reporting, external audit coordination, and other internal controls. Prior to that, Mr. North spent six years as the Corporate Controller at The L.S. Starrett Company, a publicly traded multinational manufacturer of measurement tools. Mr. North is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and received a BA from Dartmouth College and an MS in Accounting from New York University Stern School of Business. Sandra Driscoll, Byrna's new Head of Human Resources, also brings with her a wealth of experience in her field. She previously worked at Eze Castle Integration (ECI), a managed services and technology company, catering to the investment management industry. At ECI, Ms. Driscoll was a Manager, Director and Vice President of Human Resources and Operations, before being promoted to the role of Vice President of Global Human Resources, a position she held for the past nine years. Ms. Driscoll attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. David Schultz, the Company's new Chief Supply Chain Officer, has held various leadership roles in relation to supply chain management, including 14 years as President and General Manager of Perimeter Brand Packaging, a joint venture with Nypro, Inc. (A Jabil Company) which he co-founded and successfully sold his position in 2014. Most recently, David served as Chief Procurement Officer of ConMed Corporation, where he was responsible for all global procurement and sourcing activities for direct and indirect materials. Earlier in his career he was Director of Global Sourcing at Boston Scientific Corporation and spent 13 years at General Electric in various roles including in technical sales and marketing, business development and operations and, in his final 3 years, as Vice President, Sourcing & Dealer Operations for the Fleet Services Division of GE Capital. Mr. Schultz graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Chemical Engineering from University of Massachusetts Lowell and completed his graduate MBA degree with a concentration in Finance and International Business from Bentley University. He also continued his education by completing the Start Smart Executive Education Program, of the MIT Enterprise Forum, the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, and the GE Executive Leadership Program. "We're thrilled to welcome these four highly qualified individuals to Byrna's leadership team," said Bryan Ganz, CEO of Byrna Technologies. "We expect their collective backgrounds and skill sets to be extremely valuable as we work toward further developing our product line and distribution, both nationally and worldwide. They are joining at a very exciting time for the Company, as we are experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, and we anticipate that they will play a key role in our continued expansion. We look forward to working with them to generate increased value for our shareholders, ever better products for our customers, and a supportive work environment for our employees. On behalf of Byrna's management and Board, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Chris, David, Sandra and Dave; we look forward to working with them in the coming months and years." All four new team members join Byrna during a period of record sales, as consumers increasingly recognize the need for an effective personal security device that can stop a would-be attacker without the risk of permanent injury or death to either party. The Byrna HD combines the range and accuracy of a pistol with the non-lethal deterrence of a chemical irritant and can de-escalate confrontations before they become life-or-death situations. It is safer and more effective than devices currently used by police departments, and is effective in deterring, disarming and disorienting an individual at standoff distances of up to 60 feet. About Byrna Technologies Inc. Byrna is an emerging non-lethal technology company, specializing in the development and manufacture of innovative less lethal equipment and munitions. For more information on the Company, please visit the corporate website here or the company's investor relations site here. The Company is the manufacturer of the ByrnaHD personal security device, which looks to be the leading choice in the consumer and private security markets for non-lethal home protection, personal safety, and security. About the Byrna HD The Byrna HD is the Company's first personal security device designed for the consumer and private security markets. The Byrna HD is engineered with patented designs and proprietary parts to provide an effective non-lethal option for home safety and personal security with the form factor of a compact handgun. The Byrna HD is easy to use, with virtually no recoil and can be fitted with a laser or light to facilitate accurate shooting even by non-gun owners. Unlike pepper spray and stun guns or Tasers, it provides a safety zone of 60 feet and comes with multiple easily reloadable magazines that can hold five .68 caliber hard kinetic rounds or highly effective payload rounds designed to burst on impact. Payload rounds include the Company's proprietary chemical irritant and pepper rounds designed to burn an assailant's eyes and respiratory system upon contact. The Byrna HD is not a "firearm" and does not require a background check but it is subject to certain state and local regulation. Always check local laws before purchasing or travelling with a Byrna HD or other CO2 powered or "pepper spray" type device. To purchase Byrna products visit the Company's e-commerce store or locate a dealer here . Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities legislation. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "guidance", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "strategy", "target", "intends", "objective", "goal", "understands", "anticipates" and "believes" (and variations of these or similar words) and statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might," "occur" or "be achieved" or "will be taken" (and variations of these or similar expressions). Forward-looking information is also identifiable in statements of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future, such as "providing the Company with", "is currently", "allows/allowing for", "will advance" or "continues to" or other statements that may be stated in the present tense with future implications. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by this cautionary note. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to the Company's expectations relating to the value of the new personnel, including their expected contributions and terms of service, the Company's planned global and national expansion, the Company's ability to increase shareholder value, integration of new employees and managing expansion, and the future success of the Byrna HD in effectively and safely de-escalating confrontations. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The material factors or assumptions that the Company identified and were applied by the Company in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability hire and train qualified workers and effectively integrate new personnel, risks from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic related to expanding and maintaining operation of the Company's manufacturing and distribution centers and risks to the supply chain which includes third parties outside of the Company's control, parts or finished goods product recalls, legal developments or personnel turnover that could impact the sale of or market for the Company's products or prevent or threaten to prevent the Company's sales, timely financial reporting, or the listing of the Company's securities, the company's reliance on new and untested vendors, unanticipated production issues, reduced demand due to competition, inability to fill orders promptly, insufficient cash to meet increased production costs or increased costs of sales and one time transaction costs whether related to the pandemic or otherwise, negative market response to the Company's products, negative events or events and political and civil movements that could potentially reduce demand for the Company's product or cause cancellations, and a possible decline in market price of the Company's stock or market wide events that result in an unanticipated number of order cancelations. Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency, or other factor materialize, or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE Byrna Technologies Inc. Related Links https://byrna.com/ Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:35:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) via video on Sept. 4, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday made three proposals at the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services via video. Firstly, all countries should jointly foster an open and inclusive environment for cooperation, Xi said. China will stay committed to further opening up, with measures including the establishment of a sound negative list management system in cross-border service trade, and the advancement of constructing open platforms for piloting innovative development of trade in services, Xi said. The country will also continue to ease market access in the service sector and actively expand imports of quality services, he said. Secondly, all countries should work together to invigorate momentum for cooperation driven by innovation. China will work with all countries in enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights and actively promote the development of digital economy and sharing economy, Xi said. Thirdly, Xi called for joint efforts to break new ground in win-win cooperation. All countries should strengthen coordination in their development of trade in services, innovate the ways of cooperation, deepen the areas of cooperation and seek to maximize common interests in development. Enditem Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday renewed his push for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use by adults, making an appeal for the economic windfall and the criminal justice reforms that would result were the Commonwealth to join the ranks of states that have decriminalized cannabis. I am renewing that call, said Wolf, who was joined by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and state Sen. Sharif Street of Philadelphia. Now more than ever, specially right in the middle of a pandemic, we have a desperate need for the economic boost that the legalization of cannabis could provide. The governor noted Washington and Colorado, which in 2018 generated hundreds of millions of dollars in state revenue as a result of legalized recreational marijuana. Washington added $319 million to its treasury; Colorado $266 million. Both states are much smaller than Pennsylvania, the governor noted, and the figures do not factor in the secondary economic impact of jobs creation and additional money circulating throughout the economies. The push comes as voters in New Jersey prepare to vote on a referendum Nov. 3, on whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Wolf called for the revenue from such a program to be earmarked to benefit historically disadvantaged businesses and restorative justice programs, in particular giving priority to repairing the impact the criminalization of marijuana has had on hundreds of thousands of individuals and the justice system. Fetterman noted that according to state police data, on average over the last few decades, roughly 20,000 state residents are arrested each year for marijuana related offenses. If you go over the span of decades we are talking nearly a quarter of a million Pennsylvanians that now have some affiliation with the criminal justice system for nothing more than consuming a plant thats actually legal in 12 jurisdictions across this country, Fetterman said. Thats counter productive. Fetterman pointed out the uneven racial enforcement of marijuana laws, with Blacks and Latinos disproportionately arrested or imprisoned. The lieutenant governor also stressed the economic impact of such a proposal. I would pitch this as a jobs bill as much as anything, he said. Legalizing marijuana would create tens of thousands of jobs that require no subsidy. No kind of guidance other than to rewrite the law and allow this business to flourish in Pennsylvania. Its a turnkey solution and I would challenge anyone, my most intensely opposed critics to name one other policy decision that could have so much immediate impact and so much unambiguous benefits both in terms to our treasury, to our employment statewide. To our social justice concerns. While the proposal has significant support from state residents, it is getting little to no traction in the Republican-led Legislature. Calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana is another inconsistency and contradiction from this governor who just recently renewed a disaster declaration for a drug overdose crisis that continues to devastate and destroy Pennsylvanias families, said Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus spokesperson Jason Gottesman. He noted that the state is under a disaster declaration related to the opioid epidemic. ...Pennsylvanians are still struggling to survive and provide for their families amid the governors unilateral and overbroad economic shutdown orders, Gottesman said. Instead of legalizing drugs as a way to tax and spend on new government programs, the governor should work with the General Assembly to help get Pennsylvanians safely back to work, get our children get the best educational opportunities, and provide the return to normalcy Pennsylvanians long for. The head of the state Chamber of Business and Industry cautioned against rushing into substantial policy changes without appropriate consideration of the impact on Pennsylvanias workforce and business community. Pennsylvania legalized marijuana for medical purposes only a few years ago and employers report significant confusion interpreting how theyre expected to manage medical marijuana among the workforce, said Gene Barr, president and CEO of the chamber. It stands to reason lawmakers ought to at least address issues with the medical program before authorizing this massive expansion. Barr called on elected officials to focus on policies that, he said, would remove barriers to growth and help to jumpstart the economy. Job creators have been clear about what policies are needed to help their business survive, including tax and regulatory reform, infrastructure build out and liability protections against unwarranted pandemic-related lawsuits, he said. These pro-growth policies will help the business community navigate the uncertainty brought by the pandemic, while at the same time setting Pennsylvania on a course to increase our competitiveness and improve our business climate going forward. A thriving private sector will in turn lead to more robust tax revenues for the Commonwealth. Both Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster County, and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, have strongly opposed the proposal and accused the governor of grandstanding just weeks ahead of the election. Street noted that marijuana would economically benefit farmers. The crop works well in rotation with corn, for instance, he said, and would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and related jobs in struggling small counties. Regulation of cannabis would also make it more difficult for street sellers to sell to minors, he said. Wolf pushed back on the idea that some conservatives in the Legislature are framing their opposition to the proposal on moral terms. Wolf said he has spoken to some Republicans who dont see it that way, noting that the prohibition of alcohol did not work. 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. Dr Kafeel Khan, who stepped out of the Mathura jail late on Tuesday following the revocation of the charges under the National Security Act against him, landed in Jaipur on Thursday and claimed that Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi assured him of safe stay in Rajasthan. The suspended Uttar Pradesh doctor said his family feared that the Yogi government could frame him in another case and put him in prison again. We were assured of a safe stay in Jaipur by Priyankaji, who spoke to my mother and wife and said that the UP government may slap other charges against me. We feel safe here in Rajasthan, Dr Khan said during a press conference at Pink City Press Club in Jaipur on Thursday. Dr Khan was released after the Allahabad high court set aside the charges pressed against him for a speech on Citizenship Amendment Act in Aligarh Muslim University in January this year. He was arrested on January 29. The paediatrician from the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur said he would appeal to UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath to revoke his suspension. I shall write to UP CM urging him to revoke my suspension and give my service back so that I can work as a corona warrior. I want to volunteer in the vaccine research programme, he said. Khan added that he will knock at the high courts doors again if the suspension wasnt revoked. He said despite the high courts order to release him, the Mathura district administration delayed the release. Mathura jail superintendent said he would only follow orders of DM [district magistrate] and DM was waiting for orders from Lucknow. They released me around midnight because they were looking for an opportunity to slap another charge against me, Khan said. The doctor said his 65-year-old mother had to run from pillar to post - from the Aligarh lower court to the Allahabad High Court to Supreme Court - seeking justice for him for more than seven months. They have ruined my family (brothers) businesses. We have been crippled financially, he said. Recalling the death of 70 kids at the BRD Medical College due to shortage of liquid oxygen, Khan said it happened because the state government had faltered on payment and people in Lucknow were demanding a cut to release payment of Rs 78 lakh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Through the Elks National Foundation and the Tennessee Elks Benevolent Trust scholarship opportunities are available to local students. Over $4.2 million will be invested in college scholarships this year through Elks. The Elks National Foundation announced the start of the 2021 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest. The Most Valuable Student scholarship is available to high school seniors who are United States citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Applicants are judged on academics, leadership, service and financial need. The application is completed online and must be submitted by the Nov. 15 deadline. The 500 national winners will be announced in April 2021, after the top 20 finalists participate in the Leadership Weekend and interview for the top awards. The ENF will award 20 top scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. The remaining 480 runners-up will receive $4,000 scholarships. The TEBT announced the start of Nursing Scholarship and Trade Scholarship contests. The Nursing Scholarship program was selected as the major project for the Tennessee Elks Association in 1956 to relieve a critical shortage of nurses in Tennessee. The need for nursing scholarships is just as important. Each year the Tennessee Elks continue to fund varying levels of scholarships to students. Nursing scholarship application forms will be distributed to Tennessee Elks Lodges in early October. Chattanooga Elks Lodge #91 will distribute them to high school counselors, colleges and hospitals within the Chattanooga area to be used by individuals pursuing a 4-year degree in the nursing field. Applications must be submitted to the Lodges as indicated on the application formsusually in January. After judging at the local and state levels, winners are notified in April or May 2021. The Trade Scholarship program also administered by TEBT is an innovative scholarship intended to help those students that are often overlooked for financial aid. The Trade Scholarship is for graduating seniors as well as non-traditional students (those changing career fields or those needing additional education to progress in their current career) who will be pursuing a trade or certificate program. All Elks scholarship information is now available online at elks.org and tnelks.org. For more information, contact Chattanooga Elks Lodge #91. OTTAWA - The fall will bring new risks in the COVID-19 pandemic along with colder weather and indoor family holiday gatherings, Canada's chief public health officer warned Friday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - The fall will bring new risks in the COVID-19 pandemic along with colder weather and indoor family holiday gatherings, Canada's chief public health officer warned Friday. With the final long weekend of the summer season upon us, Dr. Theresa Tam said Canadians need to consider their own risk factors and the details of plans for any in-person gatherings with friends and family. And they should be asking themselves some important questions, she said. "Are you at high risk of developing serious complications if you become infected?" Tam asked rhetorically. "Or if you would have to self-isolate, would this seriously disrupt your upcoming plans?" Knowing the people you're with does not protect you from catching the virus that causes the respiratory illness, Tam warned. And Canadians need to consider whether people they live with are at high risk of contracting the virus, she said. After months of dealing with the novel coronavirus, government agencies, employers and individuals understand COVID-19 better now, so the situation Canadians are facing is different from the one in the spring when the disease first began to spread widely, Tam told reporters in Ottawa. But there is renewed concern that the number of cases could balloon out of control still. An average of 525 COVID-19 cases a day have been reported in Canada the past week, a noticeable uptick from earlier in the summer, and schools are reopening across the country. In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford criticized hosts of backyard parties, whom he blamed for new cases in his province. Friday, Ontario reported 148 new COVID-19 infections, nearly half of them in a suburban region just west of Toronto. Tam said contagion in private settings is a major concern now, but at the same time local health authorities will order fresh closures and reductions in public activities if they're needed to suppress new outbreaks. Those shouldn't be needed if people follow public health advice, she said. British Columbia's top doctor warned this week that there is the potential for an explosive spread of COVID-19 cases over the Labour Day long weekend. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry urged B.C. residents to choose smaller gatherings over larger ones over the weekend in a continuing effort to keep case numbers low. "Choose to spend time with your household bubble instead of a group of strangers and choose to use those layers of protection wherever you go," Henry said Thursday. Quebec Premier Francois Legault declared Friday that the contagion was under control in his province, despite authorities there reporting more than 180 new COVID-19 infections for the second consecutive day. Still, Legault urged Quebecers to be prudent ahead of the long weekend. "I am asking you not to let your guard down," he said. 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. Tam said downloading the government's COVID Alert app is one way to mitigate the risks of catching and spreading the illness unknowingly although it is currently only operational in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Quebec has said it does not plan to use the app, but announced Friday that it will launch its own alerting system. Health Minister Christian Dube told a Montreal news conference the system will allow regions to be designated by zone, depending on the number of COVID-19 cases found in those regions. Details of the system were to be revealed Tuesday, although Dube compared it to the warning notice boards already found in certain parks in Quebec. As of Friday, Canada had recorded 130,834 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 9,140 deaths. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2020. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the opening ceremony of two new buildings of ADA University, the presidents website reported on September 4. The president and the first lady have also viewed the conditions created in the park located in the campus of the university. Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev informed President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva of the conditions created at the new blocks. The construction of the new blocks was carried out in 2016-2019. The new blocks have an auditorium, classrooms, group rooms, a library and labs. Nearly 1,500 students, including citizens from 45 countries are studying here. Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev informed President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva of the future work plan of the higher education institution. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A priest's feisty mother told her daughter she 'couldn't afford to put any weight on' as she tried on a very clingy gown in Say Yes To The Dress Lancashire. In tonight's episode of the TLC show, priest Gemma, who usually conducts other people's weddings, is about to become the bride - and she's looking for the dress of her dreams. However, her opinionated mum, Sue leaves Gok gobsmacked when she slams the first dress the bride-to-be tries on because it shows her 'pubic bone.' 'It's so clingy that you really do need to make sure that you stay like you are at the moment, you can't afford to put any weight on with that dress,' she says. The bride-to-be is delighted when she tries on the 1930s inspired drop-jersey dress. Pictured, with her entourage and mother, far left Unlike your typical priest, the bride-to-be has a confident, quirky sense of style that she wants to bring out on her big day. 'I'm really used to being dressed head to toe in black, but I want to reconnect with the girl beneath the collar,' she explains. And who better to bring out Gemma's vibrant personality than super stylist Gok Wan? 'There's actually nothing traditional about you, is there?' Gok asks, as Gemma describes the vision she has in her head. In tonight's episode of Say Yes To The Dress Lancashire, priest Gemma is in for a shock when her mother Sue makes a 'brutal' comment about one of the gowns she tries on. Pictured, in dress one Unlike your typical priest, the bride-to-be has a confident, quirky sense of style that she wants to bring out on her big day. Pictured, in dress one Gemma is already close to saying yes to dress number one (pictured) - even before she's shown her entourage 'I want smooth, I don't want hoops or like loads of faff, and number one, I want pockets,' Gemma adds. 'And I want to be able to jump in the pool in it at the end of the day!' Whisking the bride-to-be off to the changing room, Gok pops her into a gown that caught her eye the moment she walked into the boutique: a 1930s inspired drop-jersey dress. Once in it, Gemma's already close to saying yes, even before she's shown her entourage. 'I feel like an A-list celebrity on the red carpet at the Oscars,' she smiles. 'The more I wear it the more I maybe want to say yes!' Despite radiating confidence, Gemma's biggest concern is winning over her super-opinionated mum. 'I really want to know what my mum thinks,' she says. 'My sister will love me in anything but my mum's the tough customer!' Walking downstairs in front of her entourage, the bride-to-be is initially met with smiles and gasps of astonishment, with Claire, her sister, gushing: 'I love it, I love the back on it and the shape, and it looks stunning on you.' But just as Gemma predicted, and without mincing her words, Sue takes issues with the gown's fit immediately and brands it 'clingy.' 'She is abiding by the over 70 rule in that when you get to 70 you can say what you want!' Gemma's friend Jessica replies. With her head in her hands, the bride-to-be takes in her mum's feedback and laughs: 'My mum is brutal. She was properly horrible about it!' While the entourage fall in love with dress number two (pictured), Gemma bluntly says she 'hates it' Sue and the rest of the entourage gush over the second dress Gemma (pictured) tries on - but she has reservations Making light of Sue's comments, Gok steps in and says: 'You look beautiful, and if you want to go and eat a couple of takeaways then I won't tell mum.' Thinking that Gemma should park the Hollywood glam look for now, the super stylist suggests something a bit more bridal: a beautiful, detailed gown with a plunging neckline. But Sue's not done yet. As Gok shifts the bride-to-be back upstairs, Sue leans over to the rest of the entourage, and whispers: 'You can see her pubic bone! It wasn't her stomach that was the issue!' Back upstairs, Gemma slips into dress number two, but looking at herself in the mirror, it's clear that she has some reservations. 'It's something else, I think it looks good but it's so outside of my comfort zone,' she says to Gok. 'I don't know yet, I need to wear it a bit longer.' Agreeing to show her entourage, Gemma makes her way downstairs, and this time round Sue is lost for words. 'I've got no words, it's beautiful' she says, as the rest of the entourage gush over how stunning Gemma looks in the gown. But this time it's the bride-to-be who isn't mincing her words, as she reveals her true opinion of the dress. When Gemma slips into dress number two (pictured), it's clear that she has some reservations 'I hate it,' she says bluntly. 'I hate this dress, I can't wait to get it off. It's digging in, it hurts me, and I feel like a Dalek!' Jokingly, Gok turns to Gemma, chuckling and says: 'Do you know what, Gemma, don't sit on the fence here love, say what you think!' With the disaster of dress two behind them, the super stylist think he's found something that the priest will fall in love with, and one with the attitude she's looking for. Dishing up his own slice of divine intervention, Gok presents Gemma with a strapless gown with baroque lace detail on the front. Looking like he's onto a winner, the priest is instantly taken aback by the dress. 'I totally knew, the moment that I opened my eyes. I just knew,' she says emotionally. 'I feel cool and sexy, but also cute and beautiful!' And for the first time all day, Gemma and her entourage are singing from the same hymn sheet, even mum Sue, who's smiling from ear to ear! 'It's just beautiful,' Claire says tearfully. 'That's the one!' Third times the charm for Gemma, who gleefully says yes to the dress! Say Yes To The Dress Lancashire airs 9pm on Fridays exclusively on TLC Asiana Airlines' Airbus A350 / Courtesy of Asiana Airlines By Kim Bo-eun, Kim Yoo-chul After failing to reach the initially proposed "conditions" surrounding the specifics of the takeover of Asiana Airlines by Hyundai Development Company (HDC) between the latter and the Korea Development Bank (KDB), the airline's main creditor, the state-run bank is "seriously considering" nullifying the 2.5 trillion won ($2.2 billion) deal, sources familiar with the matter said Sunday. "The KDB plans to officially announce the termination of the Asiana Airlines acquisition very soon after last-ditch efforts to move forward with the deal appeared to end in failure with HDC consistently asking the bank for a 12-week due diligence," a senior executive in the local financial industry said. Regarding any updates, KDB officials said the bank had begun initiating "Plan B" to save the ailing airliner. On August 26, HDC Chairman Chung Mong-kyu and KDB Chairman Lee Dong-gull met to discuss the takeover. HDC signed a deal to purchase a controlling stake in Asiana for 2.5 trillion won from Kumho Industrial in December, but the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year changed the circumstances for the aviation industry. HDC accordingly requested a second inspection of Asiana to look into its altered financial condition. The KDB-led creditors refused this, instead offering a joint investment by them and HDC 1.5 trillion won each which HDB refused. The bank earlier offered a 1 trillion won cut in the acquisition price to HDC. "Because airlines are one of the country's backbone industries, creditors have no option but to invest more in the company despite the deal falling through. The amount of financial aid to be provided to Asiana would be around $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion," said another official. A committee determining which industry will benefit from a government relief fund needs to discuss if it will step in to help the ailing airline a scenario that will also affect Asiana's budget carrier affiliates. "The committee on the government relief funds for key industries held a meeting Thursday, but no conclusion was reached," a KDB official said last week. A highly likely scenario is that Asiana will be placed into court receivership with KDB controlling the management of the country's No. 2 carrier as its main creditor. Meanwhile, Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Eun Sung-soo said earlier that he wasn't ruling out the possibility of nationalizing the airline. If the HDC deal collapses, Asiana Airlines could be eligible to apply for a review by the committee controlling Stabilization Fund for Key Industries in order to get financial aid. The KDB is also expected to face legal battle with HDC over a down payment of 250 billion won. In the case of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, acquired by Hyundai Heavy Industries in March, Hanwha Group had sought to acquire the Daewoo unit in 2008 but that deal fell through. Hanwha filed a suit against the shipbuilder to recover its deposit, and partially won the suit. The collapse of the HDC deal will have more important ramifications such as Asiana would have to restructure its workforce and further streamline its businesses. Additionally amid the spread of COVID-19 it would have a disastrous impact on the airline industry, which is already reeling from massive layoffs due to the suspension of core international routes. The country's biggest carrier Korean Air Lines said earlier it was in talks with Hahn & Co, a local private equity fund (PEF), to sell its money-making in-flight catering and duty-free sales businesses. Jeju Air recently dropped its bid to buy local budget carrier Eastar Jet. Asiana's balance sheet is worsening as it reported 292 billion won in operating losses for the first quarter of the year, a drastic reversal from a 7 billion won operating profit year-on-year. This comes amid signs that any recovery in demand for international travel in the latter half of 2020 and next year appear very slim. Pennsylvania long term care facilities will begin allowing compassionate care visits, which marks a loosening of strict visitation restrictions in place since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are intended to enable family members or loved ones to help provide care for long term care residents whose health is worsening. They will be allowed for residents who have experienced two or more documented changes in their health, state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Thursday. Compassionate care visitors will have to show proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the past week and be screened at the facility. Weve heard from many stakeholders and families how the pandemic has affected the emotional and mental health of the residents of nursing homes, which in turn has a significant impact on their physical health, Levine said. Levine said compassionate care caregivers can have a very important role in improving a residents mental, emotional, and physical health. Diane Menio of the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly said allowing compassionate care visitors is a step in the right direction. Its something weve been pushing for, that family members should be considered essential caregivers and treated similarly to staff, she said. Menio noted the new policy also allows in-person visits by long term care ombudsmen, which are important advocates for residents. They previously had to visit remotely, which limited their effectiveness, she said. Pennsylvania long term care facilities nursing homes, assisted living facilities and personal care homes have been largely locked down to visitors since around the beginning of March. The state recently began allowing limited visitation at facilities that have gone several weeks with no one testing positive for COVID-19. The compassionate care visits are separate from those, and can take place at facilities that havent yet qualified to have regular visitors, Levine said. Advocates for long care residents have said the absence of visitors can have devastating consequences, causing downtowns and their physical and mental health, including their desire to continue living. Menio said were not quite there yet regarding overall visitation and reducing the harms of isolation; she called the overall plan to re-open to regular visitors not terribly aggressive. People who want to provide compassionate care visits must make arrangements with the facility in advance. Chilean rescue team detected signs of life on Thursday under the rubble of a building demolished by August blast. Rescue workers used cranes, shovels and their hands in search operations under the rubble of a building that collapsed last month in Beiruts catastrophic explosion, hoping to find a survivor after a pulsing signal was detected. Search operations began on Thursday afternoon after a Chilean rescue team said it detected signs of life in the rubble. On Friday morning, rescue workers were digging holes in the buildings debris pile in Mar Mikhail. Later, they brought a 360-degree camera placed at the end of a long stick and pushed it into a hole in the building. A scan from the camera did not turn up any trace of humans from that particular section. A member of the TOPOS CHILE rescue team told Al Jazeera on Thursday that, using a scanning machine, it discovered signs of a pulse and breathing near the ground floor of the collapsed building. He said it most likely belonged to a child, adding that the team also found the presence of at least one body. French civil engineer Emmanuel Durand, who is assisting the rescue effort, said 3D mapping scans of the building had so far shown no signs of life. What we have seen so far is, unfortunately, no trace of any victim or body. We have been conducting two scans on two different rooms, he said. The search operation unfolding in Beiruts historic Mar Mikhail district on a street once filled with crowded bars and restaurants has gripped the nation for the past 24 hours. The idea, however unlikely, that a survivor could be found a month later gave hope to people who followed the live images on television, wishing for a miracle. A march and a vigil were planned for Friday as well as a moment of silence at 6:08pm local time (15:08 GMT), the moment that marked the most destructive single incident in Lebanons history on August 4. The search operation resumed exactly a month since the massive explosion that killed at least 190 people, wounded thousands and traumatised a country that had already been suffering for months under a severe economic crisis and financial collapse. The explosion, considered to be one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded, damaged thousands of homes, smashed glass panes and blasted windows and doors for several kilometres around and was felt on the neighbouring island of Cyprus. It was still not clear what caused the fire that ignited the ammonium nitrate, but the public blames the corruption and negligence of Lebanons politicians, security and judicial officials, many of whom knew about the chemicals existence and did nothing about it. For many Lebanese, Thursdays volunteer-led efforts are just the latest example of state failure, both in the lead-up to the explosion caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate haphazardly stored at the Beirut port for almost seven years and in the explosions aftermath. On Thursday, Lebanons army announced it found 4.35 tonnes of ammonium nitrate near the entrance to Beirut port. The military said army experts were called in for an inspection and found the dangerous chemical in four containers stored near the port. Additional reporting by Timour Azhari Agri-tech startup Aibono has raised USD 2 million (about Rs 15 crore) from investors to fund expansion plan and growth of the business, its founder Vivek Rajkumar said on Friday. The Bengaluru based firn is an end-to-end aggregator platform that connects premium perishable from farm to fork. "We have raised a further round of USD 2 million from Japanese and Swiss investors in the midst of COVID-19 economic crisis," he told PTI. The current capital raise is led by Japanese venture capital firms Rebright Partners and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital based out of Tokyo and Singapore respectively; and Swiss Impact Investor Lesing Artha, a subsidiary of Rianta Capital (UK). The company had raised a total of USD 4.5 million since inception in 2015, he added. With the help of its AI powered full-stack farm services and demand-supply syncing technology, Aibono helps farmers from the Nilgiris and surrounding villages in Tamil Nadu to grow premium perishable and herbs with better yields. It not only supplies inputs but also gives buy-back guarantee to these farmers. After procuring farm produce from farmers, the company sells it to retailers in Bengaluru city. "We have on boarded 1,000 farmers on our platform. We are supplying to about 800 retailers," Rajkumar said. The company is targeting to double the number of farmers on its platform to 2,000, he added. "With this round of funding, we will now invest to scale capacity and increase supply to our existing Kirana businesses, expanding to institutional retail as well as making possible direct-to-home supply of super perishables via modern delivery platforms in the next phase of our growth," Rajkumar said. Aibono leverages data science driven demand-supply synchronisation, farm analytics and "just in time engines to prevent food wastage, improve agricultural efficiency as well as stabilise livelihoods of farmers specialising in perishable Takeshi Ebihara, Founding General Partner of Rebright Partners said: With India's retail demand for fresh farm produce going through the roof, very few players are concentrating on solving Pain-points at the ground level, for seamless movement of perishables across the value chain." Masataka Nakamura, Partner of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital said, COVID pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to business continuity that has made the investor community seek caution and be conservative in approach to funding. In Aibono, we see a balance of scale and profitability, with equal emphasis on farmer and retailer growth alongside a sustainable business model. " Audrey Selian, director of Lesing Artha associated with Rianta Capital said: With this infusion of funds, agri-tech enablers like Aibono with experience in JIT harvest and demand-supply synchronisation will make significant social impact for farmers possible. (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.) Teachers playing horns, banging drums and chanting in unison marched outside of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Brooklyn apartment to 'wake him up' in protest of schools reopening- but he actually lives miles away in Manhattan. The early morning symphony on Friday was led by around 100 New York City teachers who gathered to fight against local schools reopening for in-person lessons this month. The decision to send roughly 700,000 students back to class has concerned school administrators and even prompted Mark Cannizzaro, president of Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, to write a letter urging against it. Friday's demonstration was backed by MORE UFT, a union for New York City educators, and New York City School Workers Solidarity Campaign. People at the 'Not Until It's Safe' rally gathered outside of de Blasio's Park Slope apartment to 'wake him up', both literally and figuratively. Footage shared online shows the group of educators, several of them in face masks, standing right outside the light blue abode as they played the tuba, drums and other instruments. 'Wake up de Blasio, wake up! Tax the rich!' the group cries out. Although the apartment is owned by the de Blasio's, they frequently rent out the property to tenants and live 11 miles away at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan. People on social media believed it was a case of wrong address, but the group likely chose the Brooklyn residence because it's near the home of Richard Carranza, the Department of Education Chancellor. With the band in tow, the rally also marched to Carranaza's home and protested the city's approach to the upcoming school year. Around 100 teachers gathered in New York City on Friday to protest schools reopening with in-person classes on September 21 The group played instruments and chanted outside Mayor Bill de Blasio's Brooklyn home (pictured) to wake him up, but literally and figuratively Pictured: a map showing Mayor Bill de Blasio's Gracie Mansion in Manhattan and his Brooklyn property 'Were going to f*** his shit up by making mad noise,' one person with a megaphone said, according to New York Post. The group of activists teachers took to the streets because they said a deal made between City Hall and the United Federation of Teachers president Michael Mulgrew was not enough to keep staff safe this fall. 'We chose to continue these actions because we felt the deal reached by Mulgrew and de Blasio was inadequate to address the safety of our school workers and students,' Flynn Murray, an organizer with the New York City School Workers Solidarity Campaign, told New York Post. 'Randomized testing of 10 to 20 percent of teachers and students once a month will not curb the spread of COVID.' He reiterated to News 12: 'Theres not enough PPE. Teachers have told us they dont have masks, they dont have hand sanitizer; how do you convince a kindergartner to keep their mask on for eight hours if they wont even keep it on for 15 minutes to walk to the park.' The New York City School Workers Solidarity Campaign echoed those sentiments in a statement they released after city officials agreed to in-person classes. 'The recent deal negotiated between Mulgrew and De Blasio does not in any way meet the standards for a safe reopening,' the group wrote. 'Including preliminary and regular testing of all school workers and students; ventilation; overall building safety; personal protective equipment (PPE); busing and commuting concerns; safe lunch plans; improvements to remote learning; and having no new cases in NYC for a period of at least 14 days.' The rally was called 'Not Until It's Safe' and it decried reopening schools amid a number of concerns from school faculty Some teachers requested that in-person classes do not proceed until New York City goes 14 days without any new COVID-19 cases Pictured: the group of educators played drums, horns and other instruments early Friday morning to kick off their demonstration Jia Lee, a New York City educator, said she was upset by her union's performance during negotiations with the city. 'We were thinking that there would be a plan in place that would assure us that our buildings would be safe,' she said. 'But somehow all of the things that we wanted were not in place. We are understaffed, we are under-resourced.' Mayor Bill de Blasio (pictured) has been criticized for his decision to reopen schools in September New York City emerged as the country's pandemic epicenter early earlier this year as the city was inundated with cases, deaths and rocked by a lack of resources. Much of America watched as New York City's morgues overflowed, hospitals became overrun, front line workers pleaded for PPE supplies on social media and one of the most buzzing cities went quiet. Six months later, schools have been forced to prepare for a September 21 start date that many teachers said districts weren't ready for. 'The slow rollout of guidance has forced us to once again address an unfortunate truth,' Cannizzaro wrote in his August letter to de Blasio. 'Schools will not be ready to open for in-person instruction on September 10th. A more realistic, phased-in approach would instead welcome students for in-person learning toward the end of September, following a fully remote start to the year.' New York City on Friday has recorded more than 240,000 cases and 23,000 deaths. Jia Lee: 'But somehow all of the things that we wanted were not in place. We are understaffed, we are under-resourced' Pictured: two men hold up a 'Black Students Matter' banner during the 'Not Until It's Safe' rally on Friday After protesting outside of de Blasiio's home, the rally traveled to the Department of Education Chancellor's residence to do the same thing Before leaving the Park Slope neighborhood, teachers placed coffins outside of de Blasio's and Carranaza's homes to symbolize what they think could happen if schools open up as scheduled. 'Basically, forcing everyone to the front lines not just teachers and administrators and parents but children as well,' Desiree Joy Frias, of Democratic Socialists of America, told News 12. The group continued their march throughout Brooklyn before meeting outside the Department of Education headquarters in the afternoon. Pictured: a promotional banner for Friday's demonstration in Park Slope, Brooklyn Photos shared online showed teachers outside the headquarters in red, signifying solidarity to the cause, with a number of signs and banners. Those messages read 'We Demand Safe Schools,' 'We don't trust the DOE, We don't trust de Blasio' and 'Protect Teachers Lives.' A tweet shared by NYC-DSA was accompanied with photos from the DOE headquarters. The tweet included the phrase '#WeWon'tDieFoeDOE.' 'We must stand in solidarity with teachers parents students,' the group wrote. 'And we must also stand with the nurses who will treat us if we get sick. We must stand with the transit workers will operate the trains and buses when we need to see our ill loved ones.' We dont need to reopen schools just to reopen the economy, @NYCMayor + @NYGovCuomo. We can reopen #OnlyWhenItsSafe. We need a REAL plan. We need equitable remote education. The DOE has failed us. Get involved: https://t.co/QKjfRXJ3xh pic.twitter.com/giA6jxp4hY NYC-DSA (@nycDSA) September 4, 2020 We must stand in solidarity with teachers parents students. And we must also stand with the nurses who will treat us if we get sick. We must stand with the transit workers will operate the trains and buses when we need to see our ill loved ones.#WeWontDieForDOE pic.twitter.com/wheVY9ymut NYC-DSA (@nycDSA) September 4, 2020 Some teachers added that they felt their life could be in danger if they returned to classrooms, while others have requested classes remain completely virtual until the city has no new COVID-19 cases for 14 days straight. De Blasio has advocated for a hybrid opening because he thinks city children have faced a great disruption during the pandemic and would benefit from returning to schools. He also argued that the move would also benefit working parents, who have struggled to navigate childcare and employment over the last six months. This month, de Blasio and Mulgrew agreed to implement monthly testing to watch for potential outbreak and spread. But around 15 per cent of New York City teachers have applied for COVID-19 medical exemptions, and critics have noted that random testing would not begin until weeks after classes pick up. 'Were all fighting for the same thing: a safe and successful school reopening,' a DOE spokesperson told The Post. 'Well continue to do the hard work of making that happen.' Over time, the folklore morphed into a parable on gender equality. A case in point was Hua Mulan, the 1956 Chinese Yu opera musical co-directed by Liu Guoquan and Zhang Xinshi. The ability of Mulan (Chang Xiangyu) to pass for a man was less of a concern, with her father (Ma Tiande) exhorting her to be more masculine and talk less. When her comrades kvetched about women having it easy during wartime, Mulan spoke up for the women who were busy toiling in the fields and weaving fabric for uniforms back home. She exhibited strategic shrewdness as a general, cleverly thwarting an invaders sneak attack with a preemptive ambush. Mulan was so passable that her field marshal (Zhao Yiting) tried to play matchmaker between her and his daughter. Senator rejects atheist group's demands that he stop posting Bible verses on social media Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Republican senator has rebuffed an atheist organization's demands that he stop posting Bible verses on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts. The First Amendment prohibits government sponsorship of religious messages, wrote Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-Presidents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor in a letter to Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy last month. Your office violates this constitutional mandate when it proselytizes the Christian faith to all constituents, such as directing them to Trust in the LORD. In a response posted to social media on Tuesday, Cassidy rejected their request, arguing that they were trying to censor his Christian beliefs. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has demanded that I stop sharing Bible verses with you. The left wont bully me into canceling Christianity. Their request is denied, he tweeted. For her part, Gaylor responded to Cassidy's rejection in a statement released Wednesday, arguing that the senator was willfully misunderstanding the issue. As someone serving the Constitution, he cant impose his religion on his constituents using official channels, stated Gaylor. This is not the first time that the FFRF, reportedly the largest atheist organization in the United States, has demanded that a senator quit posting Bible verses on social media. In August 2017, FFRF demanded that Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., end his practice of posting verses to his official Twitter account, which he began doing that May. Partly because of the power and influence of [social media] accounts, the private social media accounts of people who assume government office can become accounts that speak for the government, unless these officers carefully distinguish their public and private roles, wrote FFRF attorney Andrew Seidel. The @MarcoRubio account has not been scrupulous or thorough in this regard. It regularly, indeed mostly, transmits official statements and would be considered government speech. In October 2017, Rubio responded to the FFRF letter, telling CBN at the time that he will continue to tweet Bible verses despite it offending some Twitter followers. I'll continue to do it ... if they don't like it they don't have to follow me, said Rubio. "Faith is the single biggest influence on my life, and it's a positive influence. Stephen Hawking's second wife once flew into a rage in front of dinner guests and said she had been his 'slave for 20 years', a new book obtained by DailyMail.com claims. Elaine Hawking felt she was 'a nothing, a nobody' because she was eclipsed by her husband's need to be the 'center of attention'. Her marriage to the famed author was 'stormy' and she admitted that at times she 'resented him'. The claims are made by Leonard Mlodinow in his new book Stephen Hawking: A Memoir of Friendship and Physics, to be released on September 8. Mlodinow, theoretical physicist and close friend of Hawking, shines new light on Hawking's marriage to Elaine, who was accused of physically abusing her husband. The author says the rumored injuries included a black eye and a cut lip, but British police found no evidence of mistreatment. In the book he also reveals new details about Hawking's complicated love life, which at one point involved four married people having affairs and trying to act like they were a giant family. Stephen Hawking's second wife Elaine once flew into a rage in front of dinner guests and said she had been his 'slave for 20 years', a new book obtained by DailyMail.com claims. Pictured: Hawking with Elaine ahead of his 60th Birthday Symposium on January 11, 2002 Mlodinow writes that with his first wife Jane, Hawking had always been a 'completely passive sex partner' due to the degenerative condition that crippled him in his youth. Jane thought that 'sexual activity would kill him' and became turned off because he had the 'body of a holocaust victim'. Pictured: Hawking and Jane in the 1960s The author describes how Hawking met Jane in 1963 when he was 20 years old, marrying a few years later. By then he was already showing symptoms of ALS and they knew that there would be severe challenges ahead. Hawking's condition had presented issues with intimacy but they had overcome them to have three children. Pictured: Hawking, Jane and their three children Robert, Lucy and Tim Book author Mlodinow, a theoretical physicist and close friend of the scientist, shines new light on Hawking's marriage to Elaine, who was accused of physically abusing her husband Mlodinow writes that with his first wife Jane, Hawking had always been a 'completely passive sex partner' due to the degenerative condition that crippled him in his youth. Jane thought that 'sexual activity would kill him' and became turned off because he had the 'body of a holocaust victim'. Hawking's life was dramatised in the film 'The Theory of Everything' starring Eddie Redmayne as the scientist who was widely regarded as the most brilliant mind since Albert Einstein before his death in 2018. Stephen Hawking: A Memoir of Friendship and Physics will be released on September 8 Redmayne won an Oscar for his realistic portrayal of Hawking's decline due to ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, a motor neurone disease. The condition left him unable to talk and so he used a computer whose android voice became the trademark of the Cambridge University professor. Mlodinow and Hawking were close friends for years and worked together on the 2010 book The Grand Design. He describes how Hawking met Jane in 1963 when he was 20 years old, marrying a few years later. By then he was already showing symptoms of ALS and they knew that there would be severe challenges ahead. As Mlodinow writes, over the next three decades Jane would 'eventually feed him, dress him, bathe him and sit with him through his many hospital visits and near-death experiences'. He writes: 'In the process, over time, she'd lose her own identity. And with it, her self-worth. ''Who am I?'' she'd wonder'. The couple stayed together until 1985 when Hawking had a tracheotomy, which meant he would need 24/7 care - and fell for his new nurse. Her name was Elaine Mason who Mlodinow writes had red hair, liked to skateboard and 'definitely knew how to flirt'. He writes: 'Maybe one reason they bonded was that she had the flamboyance he would have exhibited if he'd had the use of his body. 'For her part, Elaine wasn't put off by Stephen's physical condition. Just the opposite: she was drawn to it'. Hawking's life was dramatized in the film 'The Theory of Everything' starring Eddie Redmayne (pictured together in 2014) as the scientist who was widely regarded as the most brilliant mind since Albert Einstein before his death in 2018 Hawking met Jane in 1963 when he was 20 years old, marrying a few years later in 1965 As Mlodinow writes, over the next three decades Jane would 'eventually feed him, dress him, bathe him and sit with him through his many hospital visits and near-death experiences'. He writes: 'In the process, over time, she'd lose her own identity. And with it, her self-worth. ''Who am I?'' she'd wonder'. The couple stayed together until 1985. Pictured: Hawking in the 1970s with his children Robert and Lucy The fact that Elaine herself was married didn't stop her, nor did the fact that her husband David was an engineer and self-confessed Hawking super-fan who helped develop Hawking's speech synthesizer. Elaine would travel with Hawking whenever he did speeches abroad, the massive effort to transport him was no bother to her. The book says: 'She loved his strength. She'd speak and listen to him patiently, appreciative of the time and energy he expended to communicate with her, and she began to confide in him'. Meanwhile Hawking's wife Jane had drifted away from him and had begun an affair of her own with Jonathan Hellyer Jones, the choirmaster at her local church in Cambridge. Hawking's condition had presented issues with intimacy but they had overcome them to have three children. But now there was a new distance between the couple. Mlodinow writes: 'His condition meant that Stephen had always been a completely passive sex partner as well as a fragile one. Over time, his fragility caused Jane to worry that sexual activity might kill him. 'Making love to him became a frightening and empty experience. Even the thought of sex with him felt unnatural, and her desire for him faded. He had the needs of an infant and ''the body of a holocaust victim'', she said. 'Their passion for each other extinguished, Jane's marital relationship with Stephen devolved into that of a carer'. Jane went to Hawking and explained she was having an affair and he gave his blessing, the book says. The idea was that the affair would be kept 'private and discreet' and the family would 'evolve to include them all'. In 1985 Hawking had a tracheotomy, which meant he would need 24/7 care - and fell for his new nurse. Her name was Elaine Mason who Mlodinow writes had red hair, liked to skateboard and 'definitely knew how to flirt'. He writes: 'Maybe one reason they bonded was that she had the flamboyance he would have exhibited if he'd had the use of his body.' Pictured: Hawking and Elaine in 1995 Meanwhile Hawking's wife Jane had drifted away from him and had begun an affair of her own with Jonathan Hellyer Jones, the choirmaster at her local church in Cambridge. Jane went to Hawking and explained she was having an affair and he gave his blessing, the book says. Pictured: Jane with new husband Jonathan (right) and her son Tim Hawking The idea was that the affair would be kept 'private and discreet' and the family would 'evolve to include them all'. Mlodinow writes: 'It would be a new arrangement, a kind of extended family. What Jane didn't expect was that Stephen would extend the family again - to include Elaine. This led to a new ''new arrangement''. It was a constellation as complex as any in the night sky, encompassing Stephen, Elaine, Jane, and Jonathan; the three Hawking children; and their various interconnecting relationships'. Pictured: Hawking with children Lucy and Tim (right) and ex-wife Jane and her second husband Jonathan Mlodinow writes: 'It would be a new arrangement, a kind of extended family. What Jane didn't expect was that Stephen would extend the family again - to include Elaine. 'If Stephen and Jane had followed a path from man-and-lover to infant-and-carer, he and Elaine followed the reverse trajectory. 'This led to a new ''new arrangement''. It was a constellation as complex as any in the night sky, encompassing Stephen, Elaine, Jane, and Jonathan; the three Hawking children; and their various interconnecting relationships'. But the arrangement didn't last long and within five years Stephen had moved in with Elaine - they married in 1995. Elaine told Mlodinow that she didn't want to be Hawking's nurse anymore but she loved cooking for him and prepared curries and roast dinners, his favorite foods. Mlodinow writes Elaine 'loved to hold his hand' and even though they couldn't sleep in the same bed, she would come down in the night just to look at him and touch him. Elaine told Mlodinow: 'I helped Stephen but he helped me. I came from a dysfunctional family. My parents didn't look after us very much. I loved (my ex-husband), but we weren't in love. I married him because I was twenty-five and he was the first man who asked me, and that's what you did. So the feeling of being loved was special. 'And I was in love with Stephen and he was in love with me. He accepted me and loved me for who I am inside'. Not everyone was happy that Elaine had become the central figure of Hawking's life and his son Tim and daughter Lucy were highly suspicious of her. In 2000 police in the UK began an investigation after claims Elaine had slammed Hawking's wrist on his wheelchair. She allegedly refused to let him use his urine bottle so he wet himself, she also allegedly let him slip beneath the water while in the bath, causing water to enter the tracheotomy site in his throat. Elaine told Mlodinow (pictured with Hawking): 'I helped Stephen but he helped me. I came from a dysfunctional family. My parents didn't look after us very much. I loved (my ex-husband), but we weren't in love. I married him because I was twenty-five and he was the first man who asked me, and that's what you did. So the feeling of being loved was special' HAWKING, physicist and cosmologist at the Cambridge University, pictured with his former wife Jane and their children Robert and Lucy in the seventies Other alleged abuse included leaving him alone in the backyard on the hottest day of the year, causing him to suffer a heat stroke and severe sunburn. All the allegations were strongly denied by Hawking and his assistant Judith Croadsell, and the police concluded their investigation in 2004 without charge. Mlodinow writes: 'Whatever happened or didn't happen, one thing everyone did agree upon was that Elaine and Stephen had always had a stormy relationship. 'One moment it was: ''You're crazy, I hate you, and never want to see you again''; the next it was ''I love you more than anything and could never live without you''.' Mlodinow got his clearest insight yet into the tensions between the couple one evening when he came to dinner at Hawking's house and Elaine answered the door. She glared at Hawking and said: 'Who is he?' Mlodinow explained he was working with Hawking on a book but Elaine cut him off. She said indignantly to Hawking: 'You brought him for dinner? 'It might have been nice to let me know. You never do, do you?! Because you're Stephen Hawking, and you don't need to! Well, there's not enough food!' Hawking asked him to stay and once he had been taken away to the toilet by a carer, Elaine apologized. She said: 'I'm sorry. It's just that I've been his slave for twenty years, and it's enough'. Later after they sat down for dinner, Elaine suddenly grabbed her plate and stood up. She said 'I can't handle this' and walked off, plate in hand. It reminded Mlodinow of the first time he had met Elaine in Frankfurt when he asked to take her picture. She shrieked: 'No! I'm a nothing, a nobody! 'I just don't want my picture taken. I'm nothing. I'm invisible - like the air'. It would be years later, after Hawking's death, that Elaine was able to explain herself. Not everyone was happy that Elaine had become the central figure of Hawking's life and his son Tim and daughter Lucy were highly suspicious of her. In 2000 police in the UK began an investigation after claims Elaine had slammed Hawking's wrist on his wheelchair. Pictured: Hawking and Elaine in 2004 Elaine and Hawking divorced in 2006 and he fell for Diana King, another of his carers. Mlodinow adds: 'Was he attracted to troubled women? I wasn't sure. I thought Diana was intelligent and well read. Nice to chat with; I learned stuff. But that was when she was on her meds' She told him: 'Stephen was like an actor. He needed to be the center of attention, the center of the universe. He loved it. It gave him energy. He loved people. 'He had a very tough life but he was an incredibly brave man. He never, ever complained, ever, but he needed to be the center of attention. 'And, yes, I probably resented that. Not all the time, but when I was tired or one of the carers was flirting with him, or whatever it was. But it would be temporary. The resentment would pass. Deep down, he was my only love'. Elaine and Hawking divorced in 2006 and he fell for Diana King, another of his carers. She was 39 years younger than him and suffered from manic depression but Hawking wasn't put off. Speaking of Elaine, he once told Mlodinow: 'She's mixed up. But it's time I helped someone else. All my adult life people have been helping me'. Mlodinow adds: 'Was he attracted to troubled women? I wasn't sure. I thought Diana was intelligent and well read. Nice to chat with; I learned stuff. But that was when she was on her meds.' Mlodinow speculates that 'physical desire' was what drove their connection or it could have been something deeper, a connection between two souls. Diana once told Mlodinow that Hawking had 'the most expressive face in the world' and she could tell what he was thinking by the way his mouth twitched. On another occasion she said she wished she could 'trade places' with him and wanted to give him the gift of her health and become the quadriplegic. They chose a ring but Hawking feared more tension with his children so he backed out. Diana was 'devastated' and still has the ring as a memento of their time together. Leonard Mlodinow's new book Stephen Hawking: A Memoir of Friendship and Physics will be released on September 8. Jockey, the iconic innerwear and athleisure brand has launched another range in the outerwear category, Jockey Move. The outerwear market is currently occupied with brands that have comfort, leisure wear and performance wear. Jockey Move is the brands foray into everyday performance wear. The range of activewear includes active bras, tank tops, T-shirts, shorts, trackpants, joggers and jackets, and comes with Jockey trademark technologies - StayDry and StayFresh. Jockey Move is built on the idea that fitness is not just for the result-oriented and competitive individuals in professional sports, but also for the everyday active and fitness enthusiast, who indulges in varied light and even intensive routines to stay fit. The campaign line NOT JUST FOR PROS articulates this essence and the films feature everyday fitness enthusiasts going about their regular routine workout. The multiple films have been directed by TJ OGrady Peyton and shot in Bucharest, Romania and are live on all digital platforms. Talking about the campaign, Debarjyo Nandi, Sr.Vice President, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi said, Most of us dont play or train for glory on the sports field or to prove ourselves to the world. We do however want to stay fit, flirt with sports and even indulge in intense workouts. Jockey Move is for people like us. The campaign has been created to be relatable to the everyday fitness enthusiast and yet deliver on product performance. Karthik Yathindra, Sr.GM & Head Marketing, Jockey India said, With a hugely successful Athleisure range, it was a natural extension for us to enter the activewear space. Jockey Move range has been conceptualized and designed with smart fabrics and trademark technologies to provide world class wearing experience to the fitness enthusiast. We are confident that these product attributes would play a meaningful role and amplify an everyday persons idea of himself / herself and his or her association with fitness. We had an opportunity to change what the category of performance wear communicates to its consumers and that is what we have attempted with this campaign. On August 29, Aaron Danielson, a member of Patriot Prayer and a Trump-supporter, joined a caravan of Trump-supporters that headed into Portland. When Antifa- and Black Lives Mattersupporters violently attacked the caravan, Danielson and his friends were among those who tried to protect the caravan. A video showed rioters chasing and trapping the Patriot Prayer members. Then, out of nowhere, Michael Reinoehl shot Danielson, killing him. Even though he was identified, Reinoehl remained free, even going so far as to give a self-exculpatory interview to Vice News on Thursday night. And then, just a few hours later, the news broke that Reinoehl had died in a shootout with marshals who had come to arrest him. It's worth walking back in time to understand the events that led to Reinoehl's death. Immediately after Reinoehl shot Danielson on the 29th, the media worked to portray the pro-Trump parade participants and the Patriot Prayer group as violent white supremacists. That was anything but true. The afternoon started with ordinary Trump-supporters driving in a parade of cars up to and into Portland. A retired police officer and Trump-supporter explained to Victoria Taft that it was a happy, upbeat event until the cars entered downtown Portland: It was great until we hit downtown Portland and the Antifa/BLM crowd realized what was happening. I was towards the front, but the lines of vehicles went for miles. Once BLM/Antifa realized what was happening, they gathered their numbers and the latter half was attacked with rocks, their car windows were broken, even with children in the car. And then the violence really started, ending with the shooting and killing of a patriot that was wearing a thin blue line flag on a pouch. That patriot who was killed was Aaron "Jay" Danielson. He was one of several people who offered to provide some makeshift protection to the pro-Trump caravan. He carried a paintball gun and a knife. After the caravan left, protesters and counter-protesters started clashing. The pivotal video catches someone hollering, "We got a Trumper right here," and then one hears the shots that killed Danielson: It sounds like someone is shouting, We got a Trumper right here just before the shots are fired and the man is killed. pic.twitter.com/MMCnp5iwtj Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 30, 2020 Afterward, Antifa and Black Lives Matter celebrated his death: He was a fing Nazi! Our community held its own. Antifa & BLM in Portland celebrate the homicide of a purported Trump supporter who was affiliated with Patriot Prayer, a Portland-area conservative group. pic.twitter.com/xjIWk0KHN2 Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 30, 2020 It quickly became known that Reinoehl had killed Danielson. Although white, Reinoehl was so invested in BLM that he had the BLM fist tattooed on his neck. He also despised Donald Trump and the police. For some reason, the Portland police made no effort to arrest him. On Thursday night, Reinoehl let Vice News interview him. In the interview, he claimed that he was defending a black friend from Danielson, an allegedly crazed racist with a knife: The problem is that Danielson wasn't a crazed racist. He was a non-racist patriot: Because the murder was in Portland, there was no telling how the uber-liberal Multnomah County D.A., Mike Schmidt, would have handled the case if the local police had arrested Reinoehl. He might not have pressed charges, and even if he did press charges, a Portland jury might have felt that killing a Trump-supporter was justified. However, events took away that concern. As of this writing, Andy Ngo, who knows these things, tweeted out that Reinoehl died in a shootout with the U.S. Marshalls who had come to arrest him: Michael Forest Reinoehl, who killed Portland Trump supporter Aaron Danielson, died in Lacey, Wash. My sources are telling me U.S. Marshalls went to arrest him. Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 4, 2020 Antifa accounts in their secret group chatrooms are calling the killing of antifa shooter Michael Reinoehl a police "execution." Related: Reinoehl said he was in the U.S. Army, but there is no record of that, reports the NYT. pic.twitter.com/ViSDfrPDYN Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 4, 2020 By the time you read this, there'll be more information about Reinoehl's death. What won't change is the fact that this was a very neat resolution to a case that, if it had been tried in Multnomah County, could well have had an outcome cheating Aaron Danielson, his family, and his friends of the justice they deserved. Image: Mike Reinoehl, from a Vice News video screen grab. Jake Auchincloss, a moderate Democrat and local city councilor who was a registered Republican as recently as President Barack Obamas second term, has won Tuesdays nine-way Democratic primary in Massachusettss Fourth Congressional District to become the likely successor to the outgoing Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III. Mr. Auchincloss won the highly fragmented race with less than 23 percent of the vote, The Associated Press reported early Friday morning, beating the second-place finisher, Jesse Mermell, a progressive endorsed by Representative Ayanna Pressley, by just over 2,000 votes. The seat, which includes areas in the Boston metropolitan region like Brookline as well as towns to the south, opened unexpectedly after Mr. Kennedy decided to mount a primary challenge to Senator Edward J. Markey, who prevailed on Tuesday in one of the countrys most bitter intraparty fights. In Mr. Auchincloss, 32, Massachusetts is replacing a scion of a political dynasty with another descendant of the political upper crust. His family tree includes Jackie Kennedy and Gore Vidal. Mr. Auchincloss is currently a city councilor in Newton, and did not shy away from his Republican past, tying himself to the states Republican governor, Charlie Baker. By PTI NEW DELHI: The CBI has termed media reports attributed to it on its probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput as "speculative and not based on facts", in the first official statement from the agency on the case on Thursday. In the statement issued late evening, the CBI said it is conducting investigation into Rajput's death in a systematic and professional way. "Certain media reports attributed to CBI investigation are speculative and not based on facts. It is reiterated that as a matter of policy, CBI does not share details of ongoing investigation," the agency said. ALSO READ | CBI questions Sushant's psychiatrist Susan Walker for first time "CBI spokesperson or any team member has not shared any details of investigation with media. The details being reported and attributed to CBI are not credible," it said. Rajput, 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14. The CBI had filed an FIR taking over the probe from Bihar Police into the alleged abetment to suicide case filed by the actor's father K K Singh in Patna against Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family. Singh in his complaint to Bihar Police had alleged that Chakraborty along with her family members had misappropriated Rajput's wealth, which was denied by Chakraborty in TV interviews. The CBI Director has handed over the probe to the special investigation branch which is camping in Mumbai and has recorded statements of Chakraborty and her family members, met police and visited the crime scene. I have written about Tony Blairs class at Kings College London here and here. This is an edited transcript of the whole thing, in which he was asked, among other things, about the coronavirus outbreak, the Iraq War, Jeremy Corbyn, how Labour should elect its leader, what its like to do Prime Ministers Questions, constitutional reform, Alastair Campbell and relations with the media. Q. If Boris Johnson asked you to join an expert panel to assist in managing the crisis at the moment with the virus and the economy, what would your principal advice be? Tony Blair: Move everything on to a war footing. Separate all the different elements that you need to get right, and reposition government to deliver them, because government works in traditional ways with traditional processes; businesses operate according to traditional regulations. Youve just got to put all that to one side. So no matter what it is, whether its testing, levels of testing, equipment for testing You should probably underwrite corporate debt at the moment; you have to give support to businesses. You have to be able to build new facilities. You have to work out what scarcity of materials youre going to have and how you deal with that across the whole sweep of government. Its just got to go on to dealing with one issue because this is an issue which will have the most profound economic consequences as well as health consequences. There are three models for what happens with this. One is V, you go down, you come back up sharply. One is U, you go down and then you steadily go back up, and the other is L, you go down and you keep down, so thats really what youve got to bear in mind. Q. Would you change the process for electing the Labour leader? TB: Well, you feel good about the process at the time! But I think the Labour Party could have avoided doing what it did. It took one fundamental decision PhD theses will be written about it which was the decision to elect Ed rather than David Miliband. When you look back, the implications of that were absolutely vast for the Labour Party. At the time, the Labour Party membership was still, essentially, centre left. And then after it, it went on a journey where it ended up in the far left, so I think my lesson of all of it is that you can try and create a system of electing leaders that makes you elect leaders that might win, lets say, but the problem is whenever you move to a new system, because you think that gives you the best result, you then find a set of circumstances comes about and it actually turns out its the wrong system. No one can become prime minister unless theyre able to handle themselves in debate and at the despatch box The one thing I would say is that you must get back to one piece of reality, which is that the MPs are the best judge. No one wants to hear that, but they actually are, because they see the people, day in, day out. The truth of the matter is no one can become prime minister unless, for example, theyre able to handle themselves in debate and at the despatch box. You can dismiss that, but actually its absolutely true. And the public forms a view of someone around that, even if theyre not always switched on to politics. In the old days, of course, the Parliamentary Labour Party elected the leader, until 1981. Q. Do you think we should go back to that? TB: Going back to the PLP? I dont think it would be acceptable to do that today. But I do think you should go back to a high threshold of MPs. I think that was a bad mistake to shift that. Because weve done ourselves enormous damage with that. Certainly over time I think theres a case for saying its the MPs and the members of the party. I mean, how you deal with this union thing is also difficult, because it can be subject to manipulation. Q. How did you feel about Prime Ministers Questions and do you think its a good use of a prime ministers time? TB: I did one really important reform when I came into office, and I always say to my successors: you should be really grateful to me for this. Because when I came to power, we had two sessions of PMQs. In the afternoon, 3.15 to 3.30PM, Tuesday and Thursday. And I shifted it to one session, on Wednesday, which finally ended up at midday. The truth of the matter is, on no day on which youre doing Prime Ministers Questions can you concentrate on anything until youve done them. And even after youve done them, you probably spend, on average, two hours thinking about all the mistakes you made in the time that you were doing them. So, that truncation literally freed up a day of the prime ministers time in the week, which I think is valuable. Despite the fact PMQs is primarily theatre, it does hold you to account Prime Ministers Questions is an essential part of holding people to account. Also, as Margaret Thatcher I think once said, it helped her to see what her government was doing because you have to read all the stuff about your government. I used to find I would read all the material to prepare me for Prime Ministers Questions and there would be at least three or four things, every week, I would read the material and think: why are we doing that? Shouldnt we be doing this? And occasionally, when other things were pressing and Id had to do prime ministers question time without the full preparation, Id actually be reading out the official reply or be halfway through and thinking: this is real bull****. The one thing it does is it allows you to really familiarise yourself with everything thats going on in government. And despite the fact that its primarily theatre, it does hold you to account. Its also the most difficult thing you do in terms of just the sheer personal pressure. (Andy Lane/Strand Group/King's College London) I mean, its horrible doing it, but people occasionally ask me when I go to different parts of the world, Dont you miss Prime Ministers Questions? And I look at them as if they are completely mad, because even when Im anywhere in the world, on Wednesday at midday I get a sort of chill at the back of my neck, and I havent done it for 12 years or more. Even as the leader of the opposition, by the way, its a good discipline, because thats also tough: to ask the right questions. Q. How do you think communication between the public and prime minister has changed with the rise of social media? Until social media came around, we never knew how many crazy people were out there TB: I think its really transformed everything, and I think its made it very difficult. Because Ive done the job I am fiercely resistant to conspiracy theories that people are doing the job in bad faith, because Ive seen so much myself and been accused of so much over time. Im not a fan of Boris Johnsons politics, and I disagree with him about a lot of different things, but Im sure that even he is trying to do his best. Most people do. What social media does is it injects a very, very harsh climate of criticism into the debate. So all the things that I put up with are magnified today. I always say that until social media came around, we never knew how many crazy people were out there. The other thing is that its given rise to this paradox. Its the paradox of leadership today that social media obviously gives people opinions, more opinionising than you ever had before. And politicians get buffeted by it, more than ever before, but the paradox is that at the same time peoples desire for leadership that stands out against it is also very significant. People are prepared to direct much more opinion at their leaders, but half of their mind is thinking: Yeah, this is all a bit irrational. And they actually do want leaders that are strong enough to stand up, and instead of the wave just pulling you towards whatever shore they want, they like the leaders who stand in the wave that just washes over them. And that is the appeal in my view of authoritarian leadership today. The appeal is of people who are prepared to just stand up and do it. Secondly, the biggest challenge of liberal democracy today is the challenge of efficacy. People want politicians to punch a hole through the wall and not just sit there in helpless contemplation. Its a big change and obviously if youre back in office today, youd have to think very carefully about how you communicate. And there will come a point in time when the public comes to its own kind of understanding of this thing and makes sense of it, but its not yet. Q. Do you think that political science or history is better in terms of understanding government and its functioning? TB: One interesting thing about politics today, which I guess would fall into political science, is: has the sociology of politics changed? In other words, is the coalition that brought me to power in 1997, is that a coalition that you cant reimagine today or is it actually just the same coalition? Im actually doing a lot of work in my institute on that. In other words, has a combination of Brexit and social change given rise to a new political coalition on the right, and the left has to find a completely different coalition than before, or is it possible to recreate the same coalition? I guess that would be a question of political science. Q. Whats the answer? TB: Well, Im not 100 per cent sure. Q. Because Brexit has gone now, you could reassemble that coalition. TB: I think you could reassemble it. There are similarities between what happened to Jeremy Corbyn now and what happened in the Bennite surge in the late Seventies, early Eighties. I was reflecting with my successor, who was defeated at this election Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, a seat taken by the Tories about the differences, and we basically had the same experience on the doorstep. In this sense, in 1983 and 2019, youd knock on the door, and people would say, in a traditional Labour seat: Your leaders unacceptable; we dont like your party; youve got to get it sorted out. Exactly the same conversations in 1983 and 2019. If the left goes down the identity politics route, it will have big problems In 1983, when I said, Well are you voting Labour? theyd say, Well always vote Labour, thats not the question, just go back and sort all these things out. Whereas this time round, they said: Our parents always voted Labour, but we dont feel the same allegiance. Now I personally believe that a sensible Labour Party would get those people with us. Even despite Brexit. People from the working class who voted Conservative this is not a new thing. Its a new thing to have this happen in such large numbers, but its not a new thing. You know, in 1997 we had what privately I used to call the gay rights and strong on law and order programme, which is a description of what I thought, culturally, could keep my liberal people and my traditional working-class people in the same room. The traditional working-class people would not be very interested in the issue of gay rights Im not saying that theyd necessarily be prejudiced, but if they heard me going on about it a lot, theyd probably prefer if I talked about the health service while for the liberal side it mattered a lot as an important cause. But being tough on law and order and antisocial behaviour, and saying we understand what its like if youve got drug dealers in the street causing you trouble, that was something they understood. They liked that message you know, I believe that message myself but they liked it, and therefore they were prepared to be in the room with people who had different priorities. Now, could you deal with it again the same way today? I dont know. The one thing Im very sure of, as I said recently, is that if the left goes down the identity politics route, it will have big problems. (Andy Lane/Strand Group/King's College London) Q. During your time in office you oversaw a lot of constitutional reforms. What reforms do you foresee in the future, particularly for the House of Lords and the Supreme Court? TB: This may just be the passage of time with me, because there would have been a point in time in my life when Id have said its ridiculous to have an appointed House of Lords, we should have an elected one. Q. You did say that. Local networks, civic participation they will matter as much as what government does. I think citizens today want to be networked, and they want to have agency TB: Right. Thats the problem with having your biographer sitting there, reminding you of all the things that I wish I hadnt said. The trouble is, if you end up with an elected House of Lords, you just end up with people who either were MPs or couldnt be MPs, and you just load them all in the House of Lords; whereas if you could create a second chamber that was a purely revising chamber with genuine expertise from people who are drawn from different walks of life, it might be quite a good thing. The Supreme Court I think was basically the right reform, and unless theres some obvious reform, I would leave it as it is. I would pay a lot more attention to how you get more local democracy, more participatory democracy. I would have been very sceptical of this 20 years ago, but all this to do with citizens assemblies and trying to work out a more involving way of making policy, I would definitely go into all of that. And I think, local networks, civic participation they will matter as much as what government does. I think citizens today want to be networked, and they want to have agency. So I would be looking more in that direction than the same type of constitutional reform we did before. Q. Do you think the role of prime minister is too much for one person? TB: Ive often felt that there were a lot of other people who felt that in government, but theres always going to be one leader in the end. The thing thats most difficult about it is foreign policy and foreign engagement, where if you take for example the French system, the French president was able to spend a lot more time on foreign engagement, because you had a prime minister that handled domestic policy. It was also very useful if the domestic policy wasnt going so well, you could blame the prime minister and remove them. And Germany being a federal system, so the chancellor there can spend more time on it. But if youve got a capable cabinet around you, you can share a lot of the responsibility, and despite the strained relations between myself and Gordon at points, particularly towards the end, it was actually helpful for me for a long period of time at least to have someone of high ability with whom you could share responsibility. Q. Given your experience working with quite a lot of senior civil servants, do you think there is merit to Dominic Cummingss wish to reform the civil service? Dominic Cummings may have expressed himself a little too vigorously, lets say, but you should be constantly looking at innovation TB: Well, theres merit in trying to bring in different skillsets. The civil service underwent a lot of change in my time, and I think it was much more fit for purpose at the end than at the beginning. In the civil service at its best, you have a lot of accumulated knowledge and historical experience that can be very useful in certain situations. Theyre extremely good in a crisis. I dealt with foot and mouth disease, 9/11, military engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq and so on; the system worked very well in those times. What theyre not so good at, where they dont have the skillset, is where you need to make change. So I would reposition a lot of government today. Leave aside this crisis, if I was back in government today, the technology revolution would be number one, and Id be changing the way that government itself works. You need a whole new skillset to do that, and different types of people; you need people who are prepared to innovate and have new ideas. What Dominic Cummings is talking about is actually quite familiar to anyone whos been in government; he may have expressed himself a little too vigorously, lets say, but you should be constantly looking at innovation, because otherwise what happens is the whole worlds changing apart from government. Q. What do you think went wrong for the Labour Party at the last election: was it antisemitism, Brexit or the manifesto? TB: I mean, honestly the whole thing was just wrong. It was just in the wrong place. The whole of progressive politics faces a challenge today. You can see this globally, because if you take countries with a population of over 20 million, I cant think of a single majority traditional left party in power anywhere in the western world. Theyre either hanging on by their fingertips in coalition, as in Spain, or theyre not in power. Macron won by defeating the traditional Socialist Party. Trudeau is a liberal. So where does that leave you? I dont think theres one. Part of this has to do with the Labour Party, and part of it is to do with progressive politics more generally. The problem with the Labour Party at the last election is that it was further to the left than its ever been, in circumstances where theres no evidence that British people are really going to support that programme. There were always three strains in the Labour Party. One was what you might call the people who want to be in government and put a high priority on government. People like me, I guess. The second are people who are from the more traditional left of the party. They would say they do prioritise government, but maybe they put a somewhat higher value on keeping to more traditional left positions. That would be Nye Bevan, John Prescott, Jack Jones from the trade union movement. Then theres a third strain, which until the advent of the Bennite surge in the late Seventies and early Eighties was a fringe; they came from the more Marxist tradition of the left, with a more Leninist concept of the party. But they were a fringe, a remote fringe. I honestly believe we could have come through Brexit, but what we couldnt come through was that lurch to the far left Then the Bennite surge brought a lot of them into the Labour Party, like Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell. Tony Benn then challenged for the deputy leadership in 1981, narrowly lost by half a per cent, lost that struggle, and then it subsided. People forget that Michael Foot was from the traditional left of the party. I first came across Michael Foot when I was the lawyer for the Labour Party, the junior lawyer, and he was my client, and he was expelling Militant. So he was from the traditional left, but he had no time for that fringe left, he wanted them out. When Jeremy Corbyn came to power, that was the first time these people had ever held power in the Labour Party. Their mentality they have just got a different psychology, born out of protest movement politics. Its essentially: The people will see that its right to have a revolution. Unfortunately, they keep misunderstanding the situation, but at some point they will come to a realisation that that is actually what they want and they will vote for it. And obviously its a pretty big bet. Antisemitism, by the way, came out of a worldview. That worldview was so hostile to Israel it trended into antisemitism. It didnt start as traditional antisemitism. And Brexit: yes, Brexit was always going to be a problem, obviously. Which is why people like me said: do not have a Brexit general election. I honestly believe we could have come through Brexit, but what we couldnt come through was that lurch to the far left. Q. But why do you think Jeremy Corbyn did so well in 2017? Theresa May and the Tories ran a disastrous campaign, and, to be fair to Jeremy Corbyn, he ran a pretty good campaign in terms of his personality TB: Because I think that a whole set of circumstances came together. Most notably, the people thought he had no chance of winning. My successor Phil Wilson went around saying: Dont worry, he cant win. We all said: Dont give the Tories a blank cheque. Then I think there were a whole lot of people who voted because they were passionate about Brexit, and thought that was the best way to stop Brexit. And then frankly, Theresa May and the Tories ran a disastrous campaign; and, to be fair to Jeremy Corbyn, he ran a pretty good campaign in terms of his personality. But what happened between 2017 and 2019 is that each of these factors fell away, and people came to a very concluded view that they did not want him. I honestly think this is the challenge of the Labour Party: that at the last election, the door was shut in our face. I mean, they didnt say, No, no, I think no, not at this time. If you talk to the candidates who were out on the doorstep, day in, day out, it was: No. What are you doing? With the new leadership, the doors will be open. But then we have got to have the conversation. And if the conversation is wrong, theyll still say no, its just that they wont slam the door. You cant do what weve done and recover without fundamentally recognising that the electorate were I mean a section of them were repelled by the Labour Party. Thats a horrible thing to say, but its true. Brexit, of course it was a problem, and antisemitism was a problem. The whole thing was a problem. Q. When you first became prime minister you invited Margaret Thatcher into No 10. What would you say is the greatest lesson you learned from her? TB: Youre not allowed to say this in polite company, but she was actually very gracious when she came in. People will keep with leaders if they have momentum and initiative. If youve got a clear vision, and youre driving it forward, people will hold with you I do remember one thing, one piece of advice that she gave me when wed just been through a whole lot of internal cabinet manoeuvring and falling out about something, I cant remember what it was. I said to her: So what do you do when your cabinet ministers start falling out amongst themselves? And she said to me: Look, my dear, falling out amongst themselves is not a problem. Its when theyre all united and falling out with you. She also gave me a brilliant breakdown and a thorough assessment of each European country in turn, which Im never going to repeat, for the sake of good diplomatic relations. The thing I learned from her you know, you can agree or disagree with Margaret Thatcher, thats a completely different issue but she had a clear vision of what she wanted to achieve. She understood that basically people will keep with leaders if they have momentum and initiative. If youve got a clear vision, and youre driving it forward, people will hold with you. Your single biggest risk as a leader is when you become frozen by all the different elements that are conspiring against you. She recognised that, and I learned more from her by watching her in opposition over the years, and how she had that ability to articulate a very clear vision and just to go for it. If the person driving the bus is driving it with reasonable speed in a clear direction, people can shout and bawl but theyll stick on the bus and stick with you. But you start stopping the bus and getting out and discussing it with everybody, you know, then you never get back on again. So, I guess that was the lesson, too. (Andy Lane/Strand Group/King's College London) Q. Did you actually enjoy being prime minister? TB: You know, occasionally I think I did. Until I remember what it was really like and then I realise, no, I didnt enjoy it. I found it motivating and energising and all the rest of it. Enjoy? I dont think Id ever use the word enjoy. Some prime ministers would. Ive spoken to prime ministers, not just of our country but others, who have said that they actually enjoyed it but I always found the responsibility heavy. Q. Do you think the ideal prime ministerchancellor relationship is being close to the point of agreeing on everything, like Cameron and Osborne, or where you dont overly get along but potentially bring in checks and balances? TB: You mean like? The best thing is that the relationship is close enough to have disagreements and to resolve disagreement. Alignment is good in one sense because it means theres not that disunity in government, but on the other hand it means youre not generating any what I would call constructive disagreement or dissent. When something is a full-on crisis, youve got to set all the normal processes aside. You have got to reposition the government so it is absolutely focused Its harder when these are the two key positions in government. If the agendas really start to diverge, for political or personal or policy reasons, then its pretty tough. But I would say that for Gordon and me, even though you could write about it in destructive terms, for long periods of time it was actually constructive, because we were close enough to be able to have frank conversations. When there was divergence, it often allowed us to come back around to the common position that kept the Labour Party together. And I do think that one of the reasons why my government lasted twice as long as any previous Labour government was because he and I what is always a problem within a progressive party is the leaderships not left enough and so on we actually had that disagreement happen a lot of the time within a framework of our relationship, which was helpful. Q. Given that you had so many crises in your premiership 9/11, foot and mouth, the fuel crisis is there anything you wish youd known at the start? TB: You realise in a crisis, when something is a full-on crisis, youve got to set all the normal processes aside. You have got to reposition the government so it is absolutely focused on the crisis. Obviously at the moment, thats what I would be doing if I was back in government. You need to immerse yourself in the detail. Not so that you can get the right answers necessarily, but so you can ask the right questions. Youve got to reckon on the worst-case scenario. Youve got to build enormous capacity at speed, and you have to be in a position where you can communicate to the public in a way that they understand and gives them confidence. The worst thing about a crisis is people feeling that the leadership is not really quite in control or knowing what its doing. Q. Do you think that Alastair Campbell came to be treated as more of a machine than a man by his peers as well as by the press? TB: He was a machine in terms of his ability to work, and to generate new ideas, and creatively. But he was definitely very much a man, a person, in terms of his character and how people felt about being in government. Alastair had a remarkable ability to get on with people and to inspire loyalty amongst the people who worked for him. And that was because of his personality, because in the end he was also very loyal to people. In a globalised world, your national self-interest requires you to act on global problems The reason why a lot of the media disliked him was partly because, as I said to Alastair, its unfortunate if youre a press secretary and you have a deep, abiding dislike of the media, even though you come from it. So I think that was a struggle for him, but that was a struggle very much because of his own character and personality. But he was a communications genius, actually. And that only came about because he wasnt really a machine, in the end he was very much a person. Q. Your doctrine of the international community how would you describe the foundation underpinning it: is it moral, religious, ideological or pragmatic? TB: I would say its pragmatic, but most people would say its too idealistic and some might even say naive. The basic principle was that in a globalised world, your national self-interest requires you to act on global problems in a coordinated way. Now, the truth is, post 9/11, and as a result of all the difficulties weve got into in Iraq and Afghanistan, people have tended to shy away from it as a doctrine, but I think as a basic concept, it remains correct. You can argue whether it was misapplied post 9/11, thats certainly an argument you can have. But I still think that any of the problems you need to deal with in the world today, whether its terrorism, climate change, the global economy or indeed coronavirus, you require levels of global coordination and you require countries not to think that they can look at their own narrow self-interest in a way that, you know, means that you dont take account of the broader interest. This is the problem I think now. It was conceived of at the time of Kosovo, but I honestly believe, you know, if we hadnt intervened in Kosovo we would have had a problem ourselves, so it wasnt because I thought I mean, I did think there was a moral case for helping the people in Kosovo, but that wasnt the principal guide for me it was that we would end up having a big problem in Europe if we didnt deal with this problem on our doorstep. And I still think we face the same challenges today. I can think of Syria, and now youve got what I think will be the coming crisis, which will be the Sahel group of countries in the northern part of sub-Saharan Africa, which will destabilise, in my view, over the next few years, unless there is massive international help given to them. Q. How successful do you think the Good Friday Agreement has been, given the recent political gridlock in the assembly and the uptick in military activity, and what you think could be done by the present government to steer it back on track? TB: Well, I think just focus on it. Which, to be fair, under the previous Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, I think they did, and they got it back working again. Look, its going to be a continual work in progress, and now its going to be overlain by the question of a united Ireland or not, because Brexit gives a different context to the Good Friday Agreement. Virtually everyone here is too young to remember how when you used to wake up, literally every morning, Northern Ireland would be on the news, usually with some new death or terrorist attack, and including here on the mainland as well. So, it was a very difficult thing to do, but Im proud of the fact we did it, and I think if its properly handled it will stay. Q. Youve talked about how the Labour Party, if it is to win again, needs to plant its flag in the centre of British politics, but a lot of people would say that moves a lot. Where do you think the centre of political gravity in Britain is now in 2020, and how far away do you think that is from where it was in 1997? TB: I think the context for the centre is always different. So if I was back in government today the policy agenda of the government would be completely different. Ive said and written recently about how the technology revolution will be at the centre of what we do as a government. Its the single biggest thing thats happening in the world. Its the 21st-century equivalent of the 19th-century Industrial Revolution. I would be changing the whole way government worked in order to deal with it. Every time the Labour Partys experimented with going off to the left, its had pretty much the same result So I think the policy agenda always changes, but I think the concept of the centre, which is that there is a way that you can bring people together, in particular the more traditional working-class support of Labour and the more liberal-minded support, I think that coalition hasnt shifted a great deal in the last 100 years. There is the question of whether its shifted now, but Im not sure it really has. If you think back to the early part of the 20th century, Lloyd George and the Labour Party in that early part of his reforms, they had a lot in common, and Winston Churchill was part of it as well, because he was in the Liberal Party at the time. The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats today should be able to share many things in common. Now, theyre in different political parties, but there is probably a basis for collaboration or cooperation today. There always has been, one way or another, and usually Labours only come into government when thats been present. So, I dont think the centre as a concept has much changed. Obviously the context in which you operate has changed dramatically. In 120 years of Labour history, weve had essentially three Labour governments. Which one didnt win from the centre? And when people give the Attlee government as an example, I mean, Attlee had been deputy to Churchill throughout the war years. Virtually all the policies of that Labour government grew out of an intrawar consensus that then became a postwar consensus. Even the Conservative Party very nearly and very easily could have supported the National Health Service, and made a terrible political mistake in not doing so. But its not as if those ideas werent kicking around: the Education Act 1944 was Rab Butler. And every time the Labour Partys experimented with going off to the left, its had pretty much the same result. Q. What in your opinion is distinct about the New Labour ideology, particularly on social policy, and do you think that its similar to the general Labour ideology of social equity, given that it was one of the most redistributive governments in recent history? Progressive parties win when they appear to understand the future and have a plan for the future. They lose when people think theyre putting ideology first TB: What I always used to say to people is, there are values and philosophy that the Labour Party has that dont change: the belief in social justice, the belief that our job is essentially to help the people without the opportunity to get opportunity, to put it in very crude terms. That always was for me the difference with the Conservatives. They would think about pragmatically running the country, and theres nothing wrong with that; thats fine and its got its place, but we were always motivated by a desire to help the people without opportunity to get on the ladder of opportunity. And that never changes. To try and create healthcare systems and education systems that are free at the point of use, but of quality. The whole purpose of New Labour was just to say there are different ways today of meeting those aims and objectives. The objectives dont change, theyre timeless, but the policies are time-bound. So today I would be looking at how you change your healthcare system to utilise the technology that will allow you to diagnose differently, treat differently, have people with chronic conditions looking after themselves, making sure that you can do GP appointments virtually, and all of the changes which will help you drive some cost out of the system. Then you could build a better social care system, value the people that do it, but youre going to have to squeeze the income out of the system in order to be able to do that. Thats what New Labour was about, and I dont think that concept ever really changes. The other thing about progressive parties is they win when they appear to understand the future and have a plan for the future. They lose when people think theyre putting ideology first. So social equity is what we did when we were in government, and its what we should always be about. Its just how do you do it. (Andy Lane/Strand Group/King's College London) Q. Youve said looking back that perhaps your government was too obsessed with spin and presentation at the expense of policy, particularly in the early years. How do you think the government could have established a different relationship with what you called the feral beast? TB: I dont know if that was ever possible. I really dont. Even today I wonder whether with the right policies in terms of engagement with the hostile media which we did do, which at the time, by the way, seemed pretty sensible, given that wed been completely beaten up by it. You know those of us who lived through the Eighties and the 92 election left its scars pretty deep in the way the media treated us. I think we were always going to face a time when the right-wing media realised that we actually werent a Tory government, a Red Tory government. Thats the irony of the criticism made from the left today, because when I was in power, I was very well aware that the attack was coming from the right the whole time. And it was coming precisely on policies of social change, redistribution. On the right, when its leadership is under attack, they rally round. Whereas the left tend to go, Yeah, youre right To give you an example, there was no Department for International Development when we came in, but we created one; we eventually committed to 0.7 per cent of GDP. We were the only major developed nation of size that has done that. Which gave our Department for International Development, relative to GDP, the biggest budget in the world. And, you know, they hated all of those policies. I constantly reassess this one. Probably we had no option but to establish a relationship, and probably there was no outcome other than eventually there was a falling out. Q. When you mentioned the feral beast, you were referring to The Independent. TB: I exempted John. It was frustrating for me that you were always under attack from the right. The left is always less disciplined than the right. On the right, when its leadership is under attack, they rally round. Whereas the left tend to go, Yeah, youre right. Q. Have you ever regretted Scottish devolution, and do you think it led to the downfall of the Scottish Labour Party? TB: No, I dont really. I mean, I think we needed to do devolution. If we hadnt, we would have had a huge problem on our hands. We had all those battles in the Seventies, and all these guys like John Smith, Donald Dewar, Robin Cook, Gordon Brown all the big figures of the Labour Party in the Nineties, across the spectrum were in favour of doing it, which led me to believe, Look, if all of those guys are saying it really has to be done, it probably has to be done. Now, the Scottish Labour Party just did what the national Labour Party did except more so. Right? In other words, it gave up on New Labour completely, which left the field open then for Ruth Davidson to emerge, which she did. It got confused about whether it should run after the nationalists or take them on when it should obviously have been taking them on. And then over the recent thing in Europe, it could have been the pro-union and pro-Europe political party in the centre-left position and it would have done fine. The thing that always amazes me is that we kept those Labour seats with us all the way through; even in 2005 we had 41 seats. So we didnt need to give it up; we gave it up because of our mistakes, and because we drew the wrong conclusions. You will know this better than me, coming from Scotland, but it just isnt correct that the Scots are far left; theyre not really like that. If you look at the nationalist party for example, its made up of all sorts of different elements, some of which are ragingly pro-business and quite right-wing. So, I think the Labour Party was the author, and is the author, of its own misfortunes in Scotland. But its rescuable, because the only politician in Scotland that broke that SNP grip at all was Ruth Davidson. How did she do it? By being a charismatic, smart, capable figure, standing in the centre. How the British media covered the Iraq War Show all 6 1 /6 How the British media covered the Iraq War How the British media covered the Iraq War Daily Mirror, 6 January 2003 How the British media covered the Iraq War The Guardian, 21 March 2003 How the British media covered the Iraq War The Daily Mail, 22 March 2003 How the British media covered the Iraq War Daily Telegraph, 21 March 2003 How the British media covered the Iraq War The Sun, 20 March 2003 How the British media covered the Iraq War Q. People on the left, especially on the far left, say that you are unequivocally a war criminal, despite the Chilcot Inquiry exonerating you of that. What is your personal view on this? TB: What you realise is that on something like Iraq there is a reasonable argument to be had and a not so reasonable one. So if people ask me, Im very happy to have a debate about it, but if you just want to shout something at me, well thats fine. I mean, these are really difficult decisions you take in government. Even today, even though I can be, and have been, very critical of what was the single biggest mistake we made during that period, which is the failure to understand sufficiently the nature of the societies that we were getting into which is why when the Arab Spring came about I was on the cautious side when you look back on 9/11, you see the context and realise what we were trying to deal with. You look at the Middle East today and you know I spend a lot of time there these decisions are difficult, and reasonable people can disagree about it. I think the judgement of history will be taken some time from now, not right now or back in 2003. The time you should trust the politicians most is when theyre telling you what you least want to hear it means theyre not putting their career first In the end, when youre doing the job of prime minister, you learn over time to divide the decisions into two categories. Theres decisions that you can work out the politic thing to do. And thats not a disrespectful or wrong approach at all. You can think, if Im going to do these healthcare reforms, maybe I bend this way or that way in order to get them through. Or you can play a certain amount of politics with those types of questions in a perfectly reasonable way. Then you come to the decisions which are literally binary, and of huge moment. And then I think youve got to do what you think is right. Now, you may end up being proved wrong thats another matter. But your job is to do what you think is right. And what I always say to people about politics and politicians is, the time you should trust the politicians most is when theyre telling you what you least want to hear. Because unless theyre an idiot, they know what you want. And thats the easiest thing to do. The time to trust a politician most is when theyre telling you, Look, I know you dont like this, and I know its not going to be popular; I really believe its the right thing to do. Thats when you should trust them. Because what it means is theyre not putting their career first. The trouble is, and I often hear this about trust and politicians, the examples of trust are just people telling you, Oh, its really easy. Thats not when you trust someone; trust them when theyre doing things that are difficult. Q. Why have successive governments failed to reduce regional inequalities and end the housing shortage? TB: I would say we ameliorated the situation but didnt fundamentally change it in the way that we would have. I think you need to take a completely different approach to the regional economies. I do think if I was back in government today, infrastructure would be a major part of what we would be doing. You will have the capacity through technology to link up not just different regions but different towns and cities within regions. And youve got to give them an economic purpose. I think that can be done, over time. There are regional inequalities, but if you look at our major cities, they havent done so badly. Over the years, my government put a huge amount of investment into cities like Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester; these became engines of the local economy. Its the outlying areas that havent. So Ive come to the conclusion that, if I was back in government today, you need specific policies for each region. And it wouldnt be enough, as we thought when we were in office, that if we regenerate the cities, it spilled out into the towns, and if you raise the economy as a whole, it came out into the regions. So I would take a more focused view today than we did back then. Tony Blair was speaking to students on courses I teach with Michelle Clement, Jon Davis and Jack Brown at Kings College London on 16 March 2020. My thanks to all involved, including Martin Stolliday, manager of the Strand Group. BROOK PARK, Ohio Assault: Snow Road A worker at Taco Bell, 14701 Snow, was punched at the drive-thru window at about 1:45 a.m. Aug. 18. The worker said he was working the window when a dark or black sport-utility vehicle pulled up. Two men in their 20s were inside the SUV. The passenger jumped out of the SUV and yelled at the worker, accusing him of hitting on his girlfriend. He punched the worker in face, through the window. The two men then drove east on Snow. The worker said he didnt know the men and didnt write down their license plate number. The Taco Bell manager said the restaurant has a good camera system that likely recorded the plate number, but he didnt have access to the system. He said would ask the daytime manager to record a copy of the video for police. Breaking & entering: Brookpark Road Someone smashed a glass door Aug. 18 in an attempt to enter Ganley Chevrolet, 13865 Brookpark. It happened at about 4:50 a.m. An alarm sounded at the dealership. When police arrived, they observed movement in the parking lot behind the building. They drove there and saw two to four male suspects running toward a vehicle. They jumped into the vehicle and sped past police, turning west onto Brookpark. Police tried following the vehicle, but lost sight of it. They found that the rear glass door of the Ganley building had been broken and that the door was unlocked. A brick was on the floor inside. Police searched the building, but found no one inside. A security guard said he had seen a silver Chevrolet Camaro speed into the Ganley rear lot and park. When the guard drove to the rear lot to investigate, he saw four male suspects run from the buildings rear door and climb into the Camaro, which then sped past arriving police. Police found no evidence that anyone had entered the building. They will review security camera video. Sudden illness: West 130th Street A Portland, Ore., man, 34, was taken to MetroHealth Systems in Parma at about midnight Aug. 23 after a woman found him passed out and intoxicated, lying on a sidewalk at the corner of West 130th and Brookpark Road. The man woke up for police and said he had been drinking. He vomited. Police learned that the man was wanted in Lakewood. Operating a vehicle under the influence: Snow Road A female suspect was arrested at about 4 a.m. Aug. 20 after police saw her car drifting out of its lane on Snow. She was drunk. Grand theft vehicle: Snow Road An unlocked 2016 Ford Escape was stolen between 9:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and 12:45 p.m. Aug. 23 from the parking lot of Howard Johnson by Wyndham, 16644 Snow. Grand theft vehicle: Sheldon Road An unlocked 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck was reported stolen at about 6:50 a.m. Aug. 24 from outside The Acadian apartments, 21460 Sheldon. Attempted theft: Smith Road Someone damaged an ATM between midnight and 6 a.m. Aug. 22 outside Best Reward Federal Credit Union, 5681 Smith. The attempt to open the machine was unsuccessful. Sudden illness: Interstate 71 A Garfield Heights man, 24, was taken to Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights at about 7:45 p.m. Aug. 25 after he apparently overdosed. Police received three 911 calls about the man. Callers said he was sitting on the shoulder of Interstate 71 southbound near Snow Road. When police arrived, the man was sitting against a guardrail on the freeway. He was unresponsive, but breathing. The man woke up for police. He told them his name and said, Everything is cool. Police walked him off the roadway to their cruiser. Then he started sweating profusely and lost consciousness. Police administered three doses of Narcan, a heroin-overdose antidote. He regained consciousness after each dose, then lost consciousness again. He vomited several times. Paramedics arrived and placed the man on a stretcher. Sudden illness: Edgehurst Drive A Cleveland woman, 56, was found unconscious at about 11:15 p.m. Aug. 25 in an Edgehurst driveway. Police detected a pulse in the woman, but she wasnt breathing. Paramedics arrived and administered Narcan, a heroin-overdose antidote, and the woman started breathing again. The woman was taken to Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights. Her boyfriend said they were visiting a friend on Edgehurst when the woman fell down in the driveway. He said he didnt see or have knowledge of the woman using drugs. The womans friend denied that drugs were involved in the incident, and police found no evidence of drugs. Read more from the News Sun. YEREVAN. You bring an argument that does not fit into any logic. Ruben Rubinyan, a member of the majority My Step faction in parliament, said this during Fridays special session of the National Assembly (NA), responding to the arguments by opposition MPs Edmon Marukyan and Naira Zohrabyan regarding the package of bills on making amendments and addenda to the law on ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population and to the related laws. As a result of the passing of these, the current coronavirus-related state of emergency in Armenia will no longer be extended after September 11. According to Rubinyan, if entry to or exit from a country is prohibited during an epidemic, the one respective indicator is the anti-epidemic situation in that country. "If you are interested in opening the borders as soon as possible, you should be interested in the fact that the infection rates continue to fall as soon as possible. And for that, the measures that are being taken are necessary," he said. To note, Edmon Marukyanchairman of the opposition Bright Armenia Party and head of its parliamentary factionand Naira Zohrabyana member of the opposition Prosperous Armenia factionexpressed concerns over the aforesaid draft laws. According to them, they contain unconstitutional provisions, and the term "quarantine" in them is concerning. As reported earlier, the NA has already passed this law initiative in the first reading. As per this package of bills introduced by the government, in case of spread of infectious diseases, outbreaks and emergencies in Armenia, the provincial governors or the mayor of Yerevan can declare quarantine at the corresponding administrative departmentsand at the suggestion of the authorized state body: the Ministry of Justice. This article is the fifth in a series that focuses on your childs transition back to school. The series will run - in print and online - throughout August and into September. Go to loveparenting.ie to read earlier articles in the series and to access online supports and resources relating to your childs return to school. The coronavirus has turned family life upside down. Families have had to change and adapt and develop new routines. Children with additional needs and their families have faced lots of changes in their daily lives: doing school work at home, parents taking on the role of teacher, less social contact and less exposure to the community. All these changes may have affected your child positively or negatively. For example, a child who found the demands of school difficult may have enjoyed being at home, whereas a child who needs structure and routine may have found changes difficult to adapt to. As a parent of a child with additional needs, you may have many questions and concerns around returning to school. It is normal for change and uncertainty to cause anxiety in both parents and children. Children with additional needs may find it difficult to control and talk about their emotions. You may see changes in their behaviour e.g. more meltdowns, withdrawn behaviour, sleep and routine issues, more aches and pains, increase in habits/mannerisms e.g. lining things up. If you are concerned that your child may be very anxious when they return to school: * It is important to talk to your childs teacher. * Acknowledge your childs feelings to help them feel understood. You can use picture cards to help talk about feelings with your child. * Use relaxation exercises e.g. exercise, taking deep breaths, blowing bubbles, colouring etc. * Try some relaxation and mindfulness apps, e.g. Calm app, Breathing Bubbles app, Dreamy Kid app. * Spend time with your child doing something fun. * Keep things calm and predictable at home, show the routine with a visual schedule. Some children might have developed specific fears related to Covid-19, such as a fear of masks, fear of germs and touching surfaces. Other children may be very focussed on the rules around Covid-19 like social distancing. This might result in them behaving as though they were a mini policeman and correcting others. There are different ways to help your child with these behaviours e.g. social stories. Check out mwcds.ie or asiam.ie for more information on social stories. Go to vimeo.com/410089106 where Edinburgh Childrens Hospital Charity provides a child friendly video explaining why we need to wear PPE. _________________________ This article was contributed by clinicians working with West Limerick Childrens Service Early Intervention Team. West Limerick Childrens Service is a member of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support organisations. For more information on this and other topics go to loveparenting.ie. Scientists and experts at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) have come up with a new artificial intelligence (AI) based technique to analyse data from seismic waves (natural or induced by explosive material) to ascertain the type of rock formation and geological features beneath the surface which could help in exploring hydrocarbons like oil and natural gas in less time with high efficiency. The technique was first tested by WIHG scientists in the Taranaki Basin of New Zealand. The research on the new technique was conducted by WIHG director Kalachand Sain and WIHGs other research associate Priyadarshi Chinmoy Kumar. Their research on the technique named Machine learning tool for interpretation of Mass Transport Deposits from seismic data was published in the noted journal Nature Scientific Report on August 24. Terming the new technique a very significant one, the researchers claimed that they have received several requests from foreign countries like Norway, UK, Australia and others to get access to it. Similarly, some India-based oil and natural gas exploration companies have also contacted them to share the research on the new technique. Director Sain said the new technique interprets various aspects of a sub-surface (beneath the surface) area using the data acquired from the surface in very less time but with high accuracy and efficiency. Also read: Mexico struggles with US water debt, suggests audit from United Nations In the existing technique available for the study of various aspects of the sub-surface area like rock formation, geometry or architecture of rocks, shifting of tectonic plates and others, is mainly done manually which is a very time consuming and laborious process. This new AI-based technique just needs to be fed surface data acquired, to study the sub-surface area and give highly efficient and accurate results in a few seconds, said Sain. He said that usually the volume of data acquired from the surface through seismic waves is huge in size and takes many hours and even days to interpret the sub-surface area manually. Conventionally, the interpretation is done manually, in a phase-by-phase manner which sometimes takes days to complete that too with chances of human errors which can prove very costly. This machine learning tool or AI-based technique developed by us, interprets the data with minimum human involvement in few seconds with almost zero room for error, said Sain. This technique is very significant in the exploration of oil or natural gas in the sub-surface area and analysis of complex sub-surface features of any area by producing the end result in the form of a 3D image. Sains co-researcher in finding the technique, Priyadarshi Chinmoy Kumar while revealing more about it said, the research was being done since about last five years during which they first tested it in Taranaki Basin of New Zealand. During the test, it produced very accurate results. We compared the time taken by it for giving the result with that of conventional one with human involvement, in which we found that it took just 21 seconds while the latter took about 40 hours, said Kumar. Explaining the significance of the technique Kumar said, It is one of the most sought-after techniques in oil and gas exploration industry around the world and in the field of geoscience. He informed that in the process of analysing any geo-surface area, there are three phases including acquiring data from seismic waves, its processing and then interpretation. The new AI-based technique becomes important in the interpretation phase. In the whole analytical process, the interpretation of processed data is very important. A mistake in it would reflect in the end result which could result in heavy loss of resources, especially in oil and gas exploration. If the end result is faulty, then the people involved in drilling will drill at the wrong place which would result in a significant amount of money and time going to waste. Our technique produces reliable, accurate and efficient interpretation results, almost ruling out the above possibility, he said. The technique could be also very helpful in studying any area having earthquakes so as to take effective measures to curb human life and property loss, said Kumar. 5 suspected leftist rebels, marine soldier killed in Philippine clash People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 16:16, September 03, 2020 MANILA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Five suspected leftist rebels and a government soldier were killed in fierce fighting in Palawan province of the Philippines on Thursday, a military official said. Brigadier General Nestor Herico, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade, said a 10-minute clash erupted shortly before 6:00 a.m. local time in a village in Palawan province when marine soldiers encountered eight New People's Army (NPA) rebels while conducting reconnaissance security operations in the area. Herico said government troops were sent to the village after villagers tipped off the presence of the rebels in the area. Some of the rebels killed were women cadres, he added. He said troops recovered firearms, laptops, mobile phones, and documents in the clash site. The NPA has been fighting the government since 1969. They concentrate their attacks in rural areas and small-scale skirmishes with the military. The NPA strength is estimated at 3,500, a number significantly lower than its peak strength of around 25,000 in the 1980s. On and off talks to end the decades-old insurgency that killed thousands stalled again last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NORMAL Illinois State University athletes are holding a protest and march on campus. The event comes after a controversial statement last week by university Athletics Director Larry Lyons that led athletes to boycott team practices and events. Lyons, during a video-conferencing meeting with athletes, said that "All Redbird Lives Matter" while mentioning racial injustice. That was seen as mirroring the phrase "All Lives Matter," which is widely interpreted as a dismissive critique to the Black Lives Matter movement. Lyons, who is white and has worked in the athletic department for 30 years, said his comment was offensive to our student-athletes" and apologized. Lyons apology was met with a list of demands from student-athletes on Sunday that included required seminars for athletics administration staff, coaches and athletes, more people of color in positions of power and in mental health facilities, a commitment to more diversity in the athletic training staff and an athletic department plan to support the Black Lives Matter movement and future social justice movements. The ISU athletic department also Monday released an Action Plan for Social Change," which says the athletics program is "committed to responding to the list of demands offered by Redbird student-athletes." This is a developing story that will be updated. Contact Randy Sharer at (309) 820-3405. Follow him on Twitter: @Pg_sharer Love 2 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Krug went to the exclusive Barstow school in Kansas City. She is pictured in her yearbook The professor of African American history at George Washington University who pretended to be black her entire career went to a fee paying, majority white Kansas City school, according to former classmates. Jessica Krug, 38, revealed in a bombshell Medium post Thursday that she has lied about being black her entire career and admitted to deceiving her friends and colleagues. She said in the blog post - titled 'The Truth, and the Anti-Black Violence of My Lies' -that she is white, Jewish and was raised in Kansas City. 'For the better part of my adult life, every move I've made, every relationship I've formed, has been rooted in the napalm toxic soil of lies,' she wrote. Now DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal how Krug went to the exclusive Barstow school in Kansas City where she was described as 'very political' and is said to have identified as a white, Jewish girl. One of Krug's former peers, who did not want to be named, said she boycotted prom and planned a flag burning while at the school from where she graduated in 1999. In an online bio Krug had described herself as an 'unrepentant and unreformed child of the hood'. Her current neighbor in the Bronx, Anna Anderson, told the DailyMail.com that Krug would call her 'white trash' and tell Anderson she was 'gentrifying' the neighborhood by going running. Following a dispute over their bikes Anderson said Krug asked her: 'Do you know what the police do to black people like me?' Anderson told DailyMail.com: 'She called me white trash, which is ironic.' One classmate said no one heard of Krug, who identified as a white, Jewish girl at school Jessica Krug revealed on Thursday that she has lied about being black her entire career Anna Anderson, told the DailyMail.com that Krug would call her 'white trash' In a video posted online in June of this year under her activist pseudonym, Jessica La Bombalera, Krug denounced 'all these white New Yorkers who waited four hours with us to be able to speak and then did not yield their time for Black and Brown indigenous New Yorkers'. She adds: 'Much power to all my siblings who were standing up, my black and brown siblings who were standing.' Her book Fugitive Modernities includes the acknowledgement: 'My ancestors, unknown, unnamed, who bled life into a future they had no reason to believe could or should exist...Those whose names I cannot say for their own safety, whether in my barrio, in Angola, or in Brazil.' Krug's online confession is reminiscent of the scandal involving Rachel Dolezal - a former NAACP leader in Washington state who was exposed in 2015 as a white woman pretending to be black. Krug, who has a Ph.D., described herself as a 'culture leech' and a 'coward'. She has taken financial support from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The Guardian reports. In 2009 she is understood to have been award as Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship. In her Medium post Krug said: 'I have thought about ending these lies many times over many years, but my cowardice was always more powerful than my ethics. 'I know right from wrong. I know history. I know power. I am a coward. There is no ignorance, no innocence, nothing to claim, nothing to defend. I have moved wrong in every way for years. 'You should absolutely cancel me, and I absolutely cancel myself. 'I have built my life on a violent anti-Black lie, and I have lied in every breath I have taken. 'I have not lived a double life. There is no parallel form of my adulthood connected to white people or a white community or an alternative white identity. I have lived this lie, fully, completely, with no exit plan or strategy. I have built only this life, a life within which I have operated with a radical sense of ethics, of right and wrong, and with rage, rooted in Black power, an ideology which every person should support, but to which I have no possible claim as my own.' In a video posted online under her activist pseudonym, Jessica La Bombalera, Krug denounces 'all these white New Yorkers who waited four hours with us to be able to speak and then did not yield their time for Black and Brown indigenous New Yorkers' She acknowledged that it would be unlikely she could repair any relationship she has made given the extent of her lies. 'I have burned every bridge and have no expectation that any of my relationships are flame resistant. I would never ask for nor expect forgiveness. 'To everyone who trusted me, who fought for me, who vouched for me, who loved me, who is feeling shock and betrayal and rage and bone marrow deep hurt and confusion, violation in this world and beyond: I beg you, please, do not question your own judgment or doubt yourself. You were not naive. I was audaciously deceptive. 'I have a very clear, loud conscience, but I have acted as if I had none. I gaslit you. I begged for your compassion and love for my isolation and loneliness - real and raw feelings, but borne of the avalanche of deceit. In her blog post, Krug said she has battled 'unaddressed mental health demons' her entire life and that she first assumed a false identity as a child. She wrote that her mental health issues could never explain or justify why she pretended to be black. Krug has been teaching classes on African history at GWU since 2012. She is pictured above during a panel discussion last year on African studies at Columbia University Krug, pictured above at the Embassy of Haiti in Washington, DC in 2017, has written several books and essays related to black culture 'When I was a teenager fleeing trauma, I could just run away to a new place and become a new person. But this isn't trauma that anyone imposed on me, this is harm that I have enacted onto so many others. There is nowhere to run. I have ended the life I had no right to live in the first place,' she said. Her scathing online confession is reminiscent of the scandal involving Rachel Dolezal - a former NAACP leader in Washington state who was exposed in 2015 as a white woman pretending to be black 'No white person, no non-Black person, has the right to claim proximity to or belonging in a Black community by virtue of abuse, trauma, non-acceptance, and non-belonging in a white community. The abuse within and alienation from my birth family and society are no one's burden but my own, and mine alone to address. 'Black people and Black communities have no obligation to harbor the refuse of non-Black societies. I have done this. I know it is wrong and I have done this anyway.' Krug has been teaching classes on African American history at George Washington University since 2012. Her biography page on the university website says she also specializes in subjects including Latin America, Africa, imperialism and colonialism. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, according to the GWU page. Krug has also written several books and essays on blackness and black culture. Some of the outlets who have published her work started deleting the posts on Thursday after the revelations. A George Washington University spokesperson said they are 'aware of the post and are looking into the situation', adding: 'We cannot comment further on personnel matters.' Krug has been teaching classes on African American history at George Washington University since 2012 Hari Ziyad, a black author and screenwriter, claimed that she had only penned the post because she had been 'found out' Following the revelations in her post, Krug has since been slammed on Twitter by several black writers and scholars who she had contact with throughout her career. Hari Ziyad, a black author and screenwriter, claimed that she had only penned the post because she had been 'found out'. Another Tiwtter user, Neal Davidson, says he 'started grad school in history at UW-Madison around the same time as Jessica Krug. Everyone I knew suspected she was full of sh*t, but no one was sure what to do about it.' In a series of scathing tweets, Ziyad said he considered Krug to be a friend until she called him a few hours prior to the Medium post being published to confess. 'Jess Krug... is someone I called a friend up until this morning when she gave me a call admitting to everything written here. She didn't do it out of benevolence. She did it because she had been found out,' Ziyad tweeted. 'For years I defended her work, and her from her own self-loathing. I did it despite warnings from Black friends, from those who said she wasn't Black enough even if they could accept that she was Black, and from my own mind and body. 'I always knew there was something off. It was in her persistent negativity and jealousy, her always needing to prove her authenticity at the expense of everything else. 'I kept her at arm's length, but still close enough that she could harm Black people around me. I owe so many people apologies.' A review of international public health guidance on dealing with Covid-19 in schools has found that health screening measures - such as temperature checks - should not be conducted. Ireland's Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) today released the results of a study that examined 96 guidance documents - across 20 countries and two international health bodies - on the identification and management of symptoms of Covid-19 in schools. The study states that Ireland's approach to managing and responding to Covid-19 in schools is similar to approaches that have been adopted internationally. Read More The five key points are below: The review found general agreement across countries that universal health screening, including temperature screening, should not be conducted in schools. There has been limited evidence of child-to-child or child-to-adult transmission of Covid-19. There is also agreement that if a child or young person becomes symptomatic, they should be isolated rapidly. The HIQA review found that in general the symptoms associated with Covid were consistent across guidance documents. It is also widely recognised that decisions to close schools should not be taken without input from public health authorities and that such decisions should take account of local levels of community transmission. Dr Mairin Ryan, HIQAs Deputy CEO and Director of Health Technology Assessment, said it is important that Irish guidance is informed by international best practice in the context of rapidly evolving evidence. Expand Close Dr Mairin Ryan, HIQAs Director of Health Technology Assessment / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Mairin Ryan, HIQAs Director of Health Technology Assessment In our review, we found that most guidance documents acknowledged the difficulty of there being no single symptom that is uniquely predictive of a COVID-19 diagnosis and that many of the symptoms are shared with the common cold, which regularly affects children. Additionally, many children who have COVID-19 have no symptoms. The best management of COVID-19 in schools is prevention, by ensuring that students and staff who have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 stay at home, and that everyone practices good respiratory etiquette and performs frequent hand hygiene. "Guidelines around physical distancing and face coverings should also be followed, as appropriate. As the current pandemic is evolving, and more evidence emerges, guidance on the management and identification of COVID-19 in schools may need to be updated. If you are looking for the best ideas for your portfolio you may want to consider some of Longleaf Partners top stock picks. Longleaf Partners, an investment management firm, is bullish on General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) stock. In its Q2 2019 investor letter you can download a copy here the firm discussed its investment thesis on General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) stock. General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) is an American multinational conglomerate. On July 9, 2019, Longleaf Partners had released its Q2 2019 investor letter. General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) stock has posted a return of -26.3% in the trailing one year period, underperforming fund's benchmark the S&P 500 Index which returned 14.2% in the same period. This suggests that the investment firm was wrong in its decision. On a year-to-date basis, General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) stock has fallen by 42.5%. Longleaf Partners fund posted a return of -2.9% in the second quarter of 2019, underperforming fund's benchmark the S&P 500 Index which returned 4.3% in the same period. Lets take a look at comments made by Longleaf Partners about General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) stock in the Q2 2019 investor letter. "General Electric, the Funds worst performer in 2018, reversed course after CEO Larry Culp, who had already shown his willingness to monetize assets at the right price, announced an attractive sale of GEs Biopharma segment to Danaher, completed the improved spinout of the transportation business (Wabtec) and reported two quarters of no surprises at GE Capital. While up from extreme lows, we believe the stock price remains deeply discounted. Additional transactions could be forthcoming, as Culp remains focused on opportunities to monetize assets at fair prices." general, boeing, electric, substation, corporation, buyout, power, business, airbus, infrastructure, airliner, turbine, military, electricity, jet, light, finance, supply, distribution, Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com Last month, we published an article revealing that Vulcan Value Partners is bullish on General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) stock. The investment firm is betting on the company's strong liquidity position and attractive set of assets. Story continues In Q2 2020, the number of bullish hedge fund positions on General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) stock decreased by about 2% from the previous quarter (see the chart here), so a number of other hedge fund managers don't seem to agree with General Electric's growth potential. Our calculations showed that General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) 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 scour multiple sources to uncover the next great investment idea. We go through lists like the 10 most profitable companies in America to pick the best large-cap stocks to buy. Even though we recommend positions in only a tiny fraction of the companies we analyze, we check out as many stocks as we can. We read hedge fund investor letters and listen to stock pitches at hedge fund conferences. If you want to find out the best healthcare stock to buy right now, you can watch our latest hedge fund manager interview here. You can subscribe to our free enewsletter below to receive our stories in your inbox: Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 16:56:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENNA, Sep. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) daily basket price dropped to 43.36 U.S. dollars a barrel on Thursday, compared with 45.03 dollars on Wednesday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations released Friday. 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 The huge explosion in the port of Beirut, which destroyed most of the city, took place a month ago, but the blast has had such a severe impact on the Lebanese that it feels to many it only happened just yesterday. In the early evening of Aug. 4, Hatem Imam, co-founder of Studio Safar, one of Beiruts iconic design studios and a mainstay in the cultural scene, left his office in Gemmayzeh neighborhood of Beirut for his home in the adjacent neighborhood of Geitawi, just a few blocks away. My girlfriend and I were about to meet a friend in Mar Mikhael [Beirut neighborhood], Imam told Al-Monitor. A work call delayed them. What happened next is nothing short of a catastrophe. My first thoughts were that an Israeli strike hit my building. The idea of entering a new phase of war was pure terror. In retelling how he experienced the Aug. 4 blast, Imam echoes the uncertainty of the earliest moments that so many Beirut residents felt that evening. Similarly for Roni Helou, founder of Lebanese namesake fashion design brand Roni Helou, a graduate of Lebanese fashion design school Creative Space Beirut, who established his brand in 2017 with a focus on local, ethical and sustainable modes of production. He was in his atelier in Mar Mikhael, which also serves as his home. I was on my balcony and luckily decided to go inside right before it happened, he said. The space is destroyed. Those first days when people cleaned up the debris and distributed food to the needy didn't allow people to stop and think what would come next. Now that the dust has settled, Helous thoughts turn to his devastated business. Basically my entire livelihood and so much hard work [has vanished]. The creative district of Beirut was decimated, Helou lamented. The explosion was unprecedented in force and unfathomable in its trail of devastation. Expecting that their government would not take a single step to mitigate the disaster, Lebanons residents hit the streets the morning after, doing the work themselves. The international community, wary of filling the pockets of a government establishment too inept and mostly corrupt to ethically and efficiently handle financial aid, initiated fundraising programs of all sizes. Favorite hotspots saw GoFundMe pages opened in their names. The Lebanese street, hand in hand with the diaspora, has put in a shift to meet the humanitarian crisis. One of the largest funds created is a Slow Factory Foundation Super Fund, which is supported by the Slow Factory Foundation , Starch Foundation, Foundation Saradar, Bureau Des Createurs, Maison Pyramide, Faux Consultancy, Roni Helou and other Beirut-based designers. Phone calls between Helou and his friends, days after the blast, led to the idea. With everything destroyed and with the dire economic situation in the country, I was afraid we would not be able to manage this enormous task. The support of reputable organizations made all the difference. They were able to spread the word and gather donations in a way we could not possibly have done. According to Celine Semaan, founder and executive director of Slow Factory Foundation, This fundraiser isnt just about supporting these individuals to rebuild their ateliers it will support everybody in the creative ecosystem involved in these businesses. The first phase of the Super Fund will see 39 designers and creatives receive support, mostly from the fashion industry, a staple of the Lebanese creative and cultural scene and a proud Lebanese export. The target is to be met within five years. Cynthia Merhej, a fashion designer of the brand Renaissance Renaissance, was at her parents home outside Beirut when the explosion happened. When the explosion happened the first people I thought of were my friends who live and work in the area, she told Al-Monitor. A couple of days after the tragedy, Merhej started volunteering on the ground. It was clear the government wasnt going to help the residents, so she decided to raise funds for businesses she knows well all badly damaged due to the blast. I imagined a future Lebanon where we dont have any of these creative businesses. It felt bleak, she said. One initiative Merhej launched was to help Studio Safar, whose offices were destroyed, to alleviate some of the financial burden on the studio. Whether through messages of support, helping clear the rubble or sending donations, the message was clear, Imam said. Please keep doing what youre doing. Many of the establishments that were damaged in the blast have struggled already for years. It is no surprise then that, with all the funds pouring into Lebanon to help rebuild Beirut, some are asking themselves if they want to be part of yet another rebuilding process. Bashar Assaf, a clothes designer with the fashion brand Diamondogs, was in Sodeco neighborhood when the blast happened. Diamondogs shop is next to the home of his business partner in Gemmayzeh. All of it was destroyed. Ive been looking into leaving for a while now, he told Al-Monitor. With the uprising [of October 2019] we got excited that maybe we should stay. Due to the financial crisis, we had to let some employees go. I was planning on leaving, it was just taking a bit of time. Even though the shop was destroyed, Assaf and Pascale Habib, founder and creative director of Diamondogs, decided not to take part in any of the fundraising initiatives. Habib will rebuild it together with her own home. Assaf believes that, given the extent of the damage, cases must be prioritized. Some people are homeless and cant afford to eat. If you rebuild your store there are a hundred around you that are gone, he added. Regardless, he is leaving to settle in the Gulf for a while and operate from there. He said his closest friends are doing the same. People are fed up, Imam said. Some days I feel not only like leaving but calling on everyone else to leave too. In the past two weeks, I bid farewell to my brother and two friends. I have contemplated having a second base outside Lebanon, but I never wanted to emigrate for good. Trying to rebuild an entire cultural sector while addressing the humanitarian needs of a country already ravaged by economic insolvency, political paralysis and municipal incompetence is a difficult task. Before the blast, Helous brand was struggling under the weight of Lebanons crumbling financial and social infrastructure, forcing him to try moving his studio elsewhere. There is a sense of guilt, like he is abandoning Beirut. Shedding light on the subject is extremely important. I am looking into moving and I had a hard time taking the decision, because I felt guilty doing so, he noted. Former member of parliament Elias Hankach recently stated in an interview on LBC Lebanon that the total number of emigration requests has exceeded 380,000. Now is not the time to be policing people's decisions or passing judgement, especially when someone is trying to do all they can within their limitations, Merhej said. A sense of exhaustion is pertinent. While the international community has celebrated Lebanons supposed resilience, the Lebanese are expressing their exhaustion. The pressures to rebuild Lebanon, to endure harsh working and living conditions, and the fear of another tragedy add an inconceivable burden on people trying to make it in industries fraught with their own challenges. The burden to rebuild their country should not fall on their shoulders, however much they may aspire to it. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A high court in Pakistan on Thursday directed the federal government to give India "another opportunity" to appoint a lawyer to represent death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav as it adjourned hearing for a month. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) took up the case of appointment of lawyer for Jadhav to hear the review of the death sentence given to him by a Pakistani military court. Jadhav, the 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" in April 2017. Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan told the court that to comply with the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Pakistan granted consular access to India, however, it has not replied to Pakistan's offer to appoint a lawyer for him. According to the short order issued after the hearing, Khan told the court that Jadhav was informed about the judgment of the ICJ and his rights under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as well as IHC orders on the appointment of his defence counsel. The Attorney General told the court that he was informed by the officials of the Government of Pakistan that Jadhav has reiterated his earlier stance and has preferred to pursue the remedy of clemency instead of invoking his right under the Ordinance of 2020. Khan told the court that India was duly informed of the proceedings of the court held on August 3, but its response is awaited, according to the order. The court raised questions about the efficacy of the case and judgment if India or Jadhav were not ready to avail the opportunity of review. The court observed that "in order to remove any further doubt, India should be given another opportunity to appoint a lawyer". "In order to remove any doubt, and to fulfill the requirements of a fair trial, we feel that another opportunity ought to be extended to the Government of India to consider taking appropriate measures so as to ensure effective compliance with the judgment of the International Court. We, therefore, yet again restrain ourselves from proceeding in the matter in hand," according to the order. The court also ordered that to ensure an effective review and reconsideration so as to give effect to the judgment of the ICJ, the Attorney General shall ensure that a copy of this order is provided to Jadhav. "The Government of Pakistan shall once again convey the orders passed in this petition to the Government of India to enable the latter to consider taking appropriate measures in order to ensure compliance with the judgment of the International Court," it said. The court adjourned hearing and directed the Registrar to fix the proceedings at 02:00 PM on October 6. Reacting to the court's order, Foreign Office spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said at the weekly press conference that "Pakistan remains fully committed to the implementation of the ICJ judgment". "India should still come forward and arrange a legal representative for Commander Jadhav for an effective review and reconsideration. The Islamabad High Court today again provided India another opportunity." "There are three ways to ensure implementation; first, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav himself files a review and reconsideration petition; second, the Government of India does so on his behalf; and thirdly, that the Government of Pakistan arranges legal representation for Commander Jadhav," Chaudhri said. On August 4, the IHC named three senior lawyers as amici curiae in the case of Jadhav as it had ordered the Pakistan government to give "another chance" to India to appoint a counsel for the death-row prisoner. Amicus Curiae is a lawyer appointed by a court to assist in any matter or case. On July 16, Pakistan provided consular access to Jadhav, but the Indian government said the access was "neither meaningful nor credible" and he appeared visibly under stress. The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan is not only in violation of the judgment of ICJ, but also of its own ordinance. Pakistan has introduced a special law to allow Jadhav to get his sentence reviewed as asked by the ICJ. India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July last year that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from the restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. We are touch with the Pakistani authorities through diplomatic channels and are committed to ensure the safety of Jadhav, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. Jadhav was arrested in 2017 on charges of espionage and later sentenced to death. India subsequently moved the International Court of Justice, which directed Pakistan to stay Jadhavs execution, grant consular access to New Delhi and devise a review mechanism. Last month, Islamabad claimed that Jadhav had refused to file a review and that he would rely on a mercy plea. The remarks had evoked a response from New Delhi, which said that Pakistan had coerced him to refuse a review and that it was conducting a farcical trial and was not implementing the ICJ judgment in letter and spirit. Later, the Pakistan Law and Justice Ministry moved the HC seeking the appointment of a lawyer for Jadhav. India, however, has asserted that an Indian lawyer must be assigned in the case. (With PTI Inputs) One Media iP Group Plc - Result of General Meeting THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF REGULATION 596/2014 4 September 2020 One Media iP Group plc ("One Media" the "Company") Result of General Meeting At the General Meeting of the Company held at 11.00 a.m. on 4 September 2020, all of the resolutions were duly passed. The results of the proxy voting will be available shortly on the Company's website, http://omip.co.uk/investor-relations/ The person who arranged for the release of this announcement was Michael Infante, Chief Executive Officer. -Ends- Remarks by President Trump in an Emergency Operations Briefing | Lake Charles, LA (August 29, 2020) August 30, 2020 Fire Company One Lake Charles, Louisiana August 29, 2020 1:43 P.M. CDT THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much, everybody. And I'm here to support the great people of Louisiana. It's been a tremendous state for me. I love the people. We've had a good relationship right from the beginning. It's very important that I was here. And already met some people that have been absolutely devastated. This was a tremendously powerful storm. In fact, when it came in, it was actually much bigger than Katrina, I would say Katrina being somewhat of a landmark, I think, in terms of devastation, but this had more power. This was almost coming in at a five. It was a five a little bit out offshore, and it came in as a four. But 150 mile-an-hour. It was up to 185 at one point. I don't know that we've ever seen that. But we're joined by Governor John Bel Edwards and Senator John Kennedy, two friends of mine. They've done a fantastic job representing the state. And Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, who's no longer really "acting," in my mind, because he just got a promotion. And if John Kennedy can push him with Bill, that would be terrific, because he deserves it. He's been he's been doing a great job. There's the man. Don't talk to me anymore. I've done it for you. Right there is the man. (Laughs.) But thank you very much, Chad. And FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor. Pete, great job. He's all over the country right now doing different things. And we have a lot of different elements happening, but we have to take care of Louisiana; we have to take care of Texas. Texas got a little bit lucky. Thanks also to the members of Congress that are here. I have a little list; that's a lot of members. I don't know where are you folks back there? I love those guys. First of all, Louisiana Attorney General where's Jeff? Jeff Landry. Jeff. I could use you, Jeff. You're so good. He is so tough and so good. And I agree with so much of what you do, almost all of it. I'm not sure that I've seen anything I don't agree with. Great job. Jeff Landry, everybody. Thank you very much. Congressman Steve Scalise. Steve, the most he's probably the bravest man in the room, but he's done good. And I actually think he's better looking today than he was three years ago, if you want to know the truth. He went through hell. And we found out that his family loves him, that's for sure, because they were they were with you all the way. That was a rough time in that hospital that night, right? That was a rough time, Steve. We're glad to have you. People love you. People love you. Congressman Clay Higgins. And, Clay thank you very much, Clay, being here. Congressman Garrett Graves. Garrett, nice to see you. What are you doing sitting back there? I can't believe it. That's not like you and Mike. I can't believe you guys. They're being low key today for a change, right? And Mike Johnson, my friend. And he's been supportive. They're all warriors. These people are warriors. These people are warriors. They fight for us and they fight for the people that they represent, and they're incredible warriors. Thank you, Mike. I appreciate it very much. And State Senator Mark Abraham. And, Mark, thank you. Good job you're doing. I hear a great job. James Waskom, Director of Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Good. You've got plenty to prepare for. Now, do you have other storms, James, coming in? Is that what I'm hearing? MR. WASKOM: Three, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: You got to be kidding, James. Don't let that happen. MR. WASKOM: Well, not necessarily Louisiana, but they're coming across the Atlantic. In other words, they're heading in a general direction. Is that what you're saying? That's not good. What looks like the likelihood that they actually form and reach? MAYOR HUNTER: Too early to tell, Mr. President. (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: So you had some tremendously bad storms 50, 60, 70 years ago. You and I were talking about dates. What's the difference now, would you say, in terms of storms coming in now, compared to many years ago? MR. WASKOM: They seem to be more frequent, Mr. President, and stronger. So there's GOVERNOR EDWARDS: But the other thing, Mr. President, this one went from a tropical storm to a category four THE PRESIDENT: Quickly. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: (Inaudible) in 36 hours. And so we had a lot of people who, early on, not only were the going to evacuate them, but hours before landfall, (inaudible). And, Tony, you told me that people evacuated (inaudible), and thank God they did, because there's no way you would be sitting here right now (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: So that, really, the fact that they finally did get out they saw it building. It built so fast, didn't it? Because it looked like it was going to be the lesser between Marco and this. And Marco GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Disintegrated. THE PRESIDENT: It disintegrated, and this just came in roaring. It's unbelievable. Nick Hunter. Nick, thank you. Great job, Nick. Great job you're doing. We appreciate it. Mayor of Lake Charles. You got you got hit hard. Were you the hardest hit, would you say, Nick? MAYOR HUNTER: I can't quantify if we were the hardest hit, but I can tell you we took a hell of a punch. (Laughter.) THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. You took a big punch. MAYOR HUNTER: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: But you'll be back. PARTICIPANT: (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: A hundred percent. MAYOR HUNTER: And a hundred percent of the city is without power. Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: So, when people get used to air conditioning and this is very hot when people get used to air conditioning and all of a sudden they don't have it, that's a very traumatic situation, isn't it? MAYOR HUNTER: It is. You find out how acclimated we are to modern conveniences in a time like this. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. MAYOR HUNTER: And no power, very limited amount of water right now makes it very difficult for a lot of people in Lake Charles. THE PRESIDENT: Wow. You have a great reputation. Thank you. MAYOR HUNTER: Thank you. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Michael Danahay. Michael. Please, Michael. MAYOR DANAHAY: (Inaudible), Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Oh. Hi, Michael. How are you doing, Michael? MAYOR DANAHAY: (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: That's the mayor of Sulphur. Are you hit, would you say, like this one? Pretty much like this one? MAYOR DANAHAY: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Very close, huh? How's it going? MAYOR DANAHAY: It's going well. We have (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Well, good job. Good luck. And the mayor of Westlake, Bob Hardey. MAYOR HARDEY: Sir. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Bob. How's it going? MAYOR HARDEY: (Inaudible), but we got hit pretty hard. I would say THE PRESIDENT: Similar. MAYOR HARDEY: 65 percent (inaudible). (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Well, you'll all get it going. One thing I know about this state: they rebuild it fast. There's no problem. And we'll supply what we have to supply and you know what a lot of that is a thing called, "green," right? And we'll take care of you. I'll be speaking with you and John. And I just want to recognize Bill Cassidy and Congressman Ralph Abraham, two great people. And Bill is going through a problem, and I hope Ralph is fine. Right? Ralph is fine. And Bill is going through a problem, but I spoke to him the other day, and it sounds like he's doing well. And he's been, along with John, a terrific senator. So Hurricane Laura was a category four storm and it was actually, for a little while, a five. It was up to 175, almost 180 miles an hour few people have ever even heard of that with winds currently when it came in, it was at 150 miles per hour at landfall, damaging thousands of homes and causing hundreds of road blockages and major power outages. And I heard I think this is correct that it was the most powerful storm coming in and hitting your land in 150 years GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: coming in. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: And that's assuming the measure was right, (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, you don't know. How did they do it? They put their finger up, right? I just visited the Cajun Navy and the Relief Center. They're fantastic. I want to thank the pastors. And we had a great pastor, just gave us a little prayer, and he he didn't choke. He gave a great prayer, I'll tell you. He got up there and he just gave it. I've seen some, didn't quite get it out as nicely. But he did a fantastic job. And I want to thank all of the pastors across the state, people of faith across the state who have been helping families and communities recover. Before the storm struck, I approved an emergency declaration under the auspices of John and John Bel. We had we had a very quick one. I would say you got that almost immediately, wouldn't you say, John? Like, before it I think before the storm got here, you had your emergency. We knew what was coming. SENATOR KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Thank you, John. But we got it very quickly, and we're going to be discussing some other things in a little while. Yesterday, I approved a major disaster declaration that helps individuals and business owners, which is a little bit different, but it goes right to the individual. And I've signed that already, and so you're all set to go on that. FEMA has delivered 2.6 million liters of water and 1.4 million meals. And that's a lot of meals. So, you're pretty busy, I guess, Pete, right? ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: That's incredible. Great job. Your people are incredible. You know, I haven't had and Pete has done this now for a long time but I haven't had one complaint, with all of the storms we've had in Texas and here, I haven't had one complaint. So you've done you've done a hell of a job, Pete. Thank you. Pete Gaynor, everybody. Don't hire him away, please. You know (laughter) private enterprise is looking and they say, "Hey, let's go let's go take him away." Don't let him leave, John, please, all right? Is that all right? SENATOR KENNEDY: He's the best. THE PRESIDENT: We're also assisting state and local officials to restore water to roughly 180,000 residents and to protect energy infrastructure. I want to thank the men and women of FEMA and the first responders and the law enforcement, which we love and we cherish and are doing a fantastic job and don't get the kind of recognition that they they should get, but actually, they do, because the people love them, right? The people love them. And we appreciate our law enforcement. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones. How many what is the number, would you say, John, right now? GOVERNOR EDWARDS: (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Amazing. Well, it's a tremendous number, but you were thinking it could be it could have been a lot worse. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: We had to have the (inaudible) come in. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Amazing. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Amazing. So, 15 years ago this week, Louisiana was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. That seems to be Katrina seems to be the standard. It seems to be the one that's our 15 is it actually today? Fifteen years ago today. And whether you come from Louisiana or Fifth Avenue in New York City, you know all about Katrina, right? That was a bad, bad deal. And devastation. And, now, the devastation was far greater, even though the storm probably wasn't as powerful. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Yes, sir. But that was because we had levee (inaudible) THE PRESIDENT: Correct. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Are your levees now in good shape? GOVERNOR EDWARDS: The best ever. THE PRESIDENT: The best ever. Good. That's good. So you came together and you rebuilt, America helped. And here we are today, and you're going to have this situation taken care of very, very quickly. I'd like to ask Governor John Bel Edwards to say a few words, and then, John, if you would say a few words. And we'll take a few questions from the press, if you'd like. We'll talk about primarily the storm. Okay? GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Well, thank you very much, Mr. President, for visiting today. And we really appreciate the close cooperation and all the communication we've had with members of the Cabinet but especially Homeland Security and Administrator Gaynor. The (inaudible) declaration was critically important. And then yesterday, the major disaster declaration (inaudible) for our state. It unleashes assistance that you just can't get (inaudible). The strongest (inaudible) in 160 years. It actually (inaudible) Louisiana. THE PRESIDENT: Amazing. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: They had never seen that before. And we have power outages from here to there, (inaudible). But it's affected our water systems. And so we have nursing homes and hospitals, jails they have the ability to function with a generator, but not without water. And so we're still evacuating some of these facilities. And so one of the biggest we're working with FEMA. (Inaudible) and restoring not just the power (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Are you in need of water too? GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Water bottles of water? GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Yes, sir. And we have lots coming from FEMA. We (inaudible) get Walmart to start doing their own distribution in their store parking lots today. The biggest challenge would be power restoration. I'll be getting a full briefing from (inaudible) on Monday. But I wanted to tell you they counted 172 major transmission power (inaudible). And 70 of those are the largest (inaudible) towers that they have. They were (inaudible) 140-mile-an-hour winds, but they're all (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Right. There's one outside. I said, "That's some tower to come down." GOVERNOR EDWARDS: There's only 30 in the state. So we're going to be, in a few weeks or so, getting power back to Lake Charles. Our effort is going to be trying to (inaudible) structures (inaudible) in this area. A lot of work to do to (inaudible, Mr. President. You saw the (inaudible). They've been wanting us to (inaudible). And our surge testing sites (inaudible, we will restart our testing (inaudible) all across the state THE PRESIDENT: Good. Good. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: (inaudible). And the last thing I want to share with you is, last night, because of your help with the declaration, we were able to (inaudible) the storm, because normally we'd put people in gymnasiums and mass shelters, but in COVID (inaudible), we didn't want to do that. We had 10,000 Louisianans in hotel rooms; 7,000 Louisianans (inaudible) Texas. And this is going to have to continue for some period (inaudible). (Inaudible), and we're working with the FEMA, and we have various housing programs that we can tap into to try and make sure that the non-congregate shelters are available (inaudible), because your declaration (inaudible) really opened that opportunity, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you. You know, when you think of it, Louisiana has been through a lot with the COVID and with this, a couple of other things. And you have all done a very good job. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Most cases per (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Is that right? You've done a great job. You've done a great job. Thank you very much. And, Nick, I'm going to come back and find out at the end of three weeks how popular you are. (Laughter.) MAYOR HUNTER: Yes, sir. (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: This is a big test. MAYOR HUNTER: And you're going to be very good. You may be very much better, if you could be if you could be better, which I doubt. John, please, say a few words. John Kennedy. SENATOR KENNEDY: Mr. President, a lot of Washington politicians would not be here right now. A lot of presidents wouldn't be here right now, with an election a few months away. And just (inaudible) each other. We don't care in Louisiana. It's a question of whether you cared more this time than last time. And I think you'll do better this time. You did pretty good last time. THE PRESIDENT: Did good. We did good. SENATOR KENNEDY: But you came here, and (inaudible). I don't know why bad things happen to good people. If I make it to heaven, I'm going to ask it. But this is a really bad thing. And it hurt a lot of good people. And these are our people our people. These are people who get up every day, go to work, obey the laws, pay their taxes. They try to do the right thing by (inaudible). We're going to need the help. And I know that's not all your job. And I got to do my heavy lifting, and Steve and Garret and Mike and Dr. John Fleming. And we have to get Congress to (inaudible), but we need your back. We will recover from this. Louisiana is as tough as a pine knot. But just (inaudible), we toured. John Bel (inaudible) John Bel and I are working together on this, and we'll be joined at the hip. (Inaudible) break your heart, as you know. So thank you for your help. And more than anything, you didn't have to be here today. A lot of politicians would have been in Wisconsin or (inaudible). You came here, and that say a whole lot about you, Mr. President, (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Or they would have been in a basement. So SENATOR KENNEDY: You said that. They didn't hear that. (Laughs.) THE PRESIDENT: So, you know, if anybody would like to make a statement Steve, would you like to make a statement? REPRESENTATIVE SCALISE: I just want to thank you (inaudible) for coming here. You know, where you just (inaudible), we were at (inaudible) some relief center operations, we saw (inaudible) Hurricane Katrina, you had people just coming together, neighbors helping neighbors. Cajun Navy is something, which is something that has developed over the last few years, of just a bunch of people are Cajuns from around this area and they know that we have tough times. We're resilient people, and they help everybody else. And they're showing up. The (inaudible) is a faith-based group. You met Pastor Schumacher, who said that wonderful prayer. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Right. REPRESENTATIVE SCALISE: The faith-based groups have come together after Katrina when when they were difficult, is getting relief, because the faith-based groups that got in first. And now we've got such a great coordination between FEMA. Administration Gaynor has been great, making sure that they we everything we need. I know Secretary Wolf reached out as well, before the storm. The Governor has been on top of this. But getting that declaration quickly helped us to prepare. And these are tough, resilient people, (inaudible) to rebuild. But knowing that the federal government has got their back means everything. So thank you for coming. THE PRESIDENT: And we do, Steve. And we do have their back. Mike Johnson, would you want to say something? REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON: I want to echo what's been said, Mr. President. The impact of this storm came off the coast and hit our (inaudible) here really hard, and went all the way up the whole half of the state. And we have residents in (inaudible) all the way out to the northern central part of this state that are equally affected (inaudible). So they're grateful that you're here. I have thousands of constituents of people who wanted me to tell you how much they appreciate the attention that you're giving to our state. (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: All right. I always will. I always will. Fellas, anybody? REPRESETATIVE SCALIA: Clay Higgins this is Higgins's district. He's been active from day one. THE PRESIDENT: Let's go. Clay, go ahead. Please. REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS: Mr. President, I cannot describe how meaningful it is to be here today with the people that I'm honored serve. I was born in 1961. I've been through many, many powerful (inaudible), and I've never anything hit this hard, this fast. And this community is resilient and strong. And, yes, we will rebuild. We're going to have to stay together, strong, with our federal (inaudible) and (inaudible) government. (Inaudible) interaction and cooperation across (inaudible) political or ideological minds. We're staying strong. We do need your help. And I cannot describe that humanitarian crisis that is facing (inaudible) here in Lake Charles and (inaudible), you've seen (inaudible). It's time for love and prayers and action, and (inaudible) staying together. I'll tell you, our governor (inaudible). And I believe (inaudible) demonstrates the greatness of American courage (inaudible). (Inaudible.) So thank you, sir. God bless you. And thank you for being here. THE PRESIDENT: So, Clay, 1960. You're a young guy. I didn't know you were so young. He's a young guy. REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS: (Inaudible.) SENATOR KENNEDY: It's the miles, not the years. (Laughter.) THE PRESIDENT: A lot of miles. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL LANDRY: Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: Yes, please. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL LANDRY: I'd like to recognize we've got Sheriff Tony Mancuso and Sheriff Johnson here, and all the first responders (inaudible). I'd like to remind you and everyone that, four years ago, or just a little bit over four years ago, you came down to Louisiana THE PRESIDENT: Right. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL LANDRY: (inaudible), and basically showed America that you care about people in their time of need. And so we thank you for coming out here. THE PRESIDENT: That was a bad one. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL LANDRY: Yeah. THE PRESIDENT: That was the water more than anything else, right? That was a bad one. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Great job you're doing. ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: So, I'd just like to just share one thing before we conclude: is you signed a major disaster declaration, and that allows individual assistance. And so I'm going to give out a phone number that those disaster survivors that need assistance from the federal government can register right now. THE PRESIDENT: That's great. Good. ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: 1-800-621-3362. Or you can go online if you have Internet service: DisasterAssistance.gov. Either way, you can register, and we can provide you disaster assistance. If you don't register, then we can't do that. So I encourage everyone. In the last 15 hours, since you've signed it, 15,000 people have registered. THE PRESIDENT: Wow. ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: So, we want more. SENATOR KENNEDY: You got to help us get additional parishes added as we get to (inaudible). ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: Yes, sir. And that's the final process. So but, right now, let's just get that phone number out and let's get people registered. THE PRESIDENT: Give the information once again, please. ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: 1-800-621-3362 or DisasterAssistance.gov to register for assistance from Hurricane Laura. THE PRESIDENT: Gary Garret, anything to say? REPRESENTATIVE GRAVES: Mr. President, if I remember right, I think you actually were in this room four years ago THE PRESIDENT: I was. REPRESENTATIVE GRAVES: and you came back (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: It hasn't changed. (Laughter.) REPRESENTATIVE GRAVES: As Stephen and Senator Kennedy said, there's no community in this country where people would come in and give their shirt off their back to help one another. And people are. They're sheltering one another, and they're (inaudible) food and everything they can do. But as the mayor and others know, no electricity, no water. There are a certain level of things that really are going to require the government's help. And we do appreciate you coming back down. We appreciate you being here. We really are going to need some help with that. And one last thing: You know, we're asking all those people to come back and rebuild. And if we're asking them to do that, and we don't have a safe place meaning, a place that's safe from floods here in southwest Louisiana and in south central Louisiana, we have some really big projects there. I think it will help provide security to those people that can come back and build here in the southwest; they can build (inaudible) area and help ensure that this is a safe place to come back and rebuild. THE PRESIDENT: That's great. Thank you, Garret, very much. I appreciate it. And, Pete, let me ask you: You're bringing the big generators down? Are they here yet? ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: Yes, sir. We have 112 that are here and more on the way. And we've worked with state and local and the Army Corps of Engineers to make sure that we'll meet those needs. THE PRESIDENT: Great. Thank you very much. Any questions of any of the folks? Q Mr. President, how is the storm impacting the spread of the coronavirus? We know the National Guard was deployed to help with the pandemic, but now they've been redeployed for this. THE PRESIDENT: Can you take could you possibly take that off? Because I can't hear you. Q How is the storm impacting the spread of the coronavirus? We know the National Guard was deployed to help with the pandemic, but now they've been redeployed for this. THE PRESIDENT: Well, they're doing a very good job down here with respect to that and even pre-storm. But I'll ask John Bel to say a few words about that, John. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: Well, thank you. Obviously, we didn't like losing much of this past week with our community-based testing. We're still reporting more than 10,000 tests a day. But on Monday, we will resume our community and surge testing across the state of Louisiana, using the National Guard. Of course, our hospitals and clinics continue to test every single day. But we don't like not testing. We're going to turn that back on, on Monday, which is why we had (inaudible) National Guardsmen mobilized today is because they're doing the cleanup; they're cutting the trees down; they're distributing food and water and ice and tarps. They're managing warehouses. They're we're delivering generators. And on Monday, they're going to start testing as well. So I appreciate the question. We're going to get right back on it. Q Mr. President, why isn't your administration turning on the EPA air monitors to check for toxic chemicals coming from some of the refineries and chemical plants around here, or potentially coming? THE PRESIDENT: Chad, do you want to answer that question? ACTING SECRETARY WOLF: Pete, is that something that you're tracking? ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: I don't know the answer to that. I can get you the answer on (inaudible). GOVERNOR EDWARDS: I can tell you that we had the EPA on the ground on Thurs- I'm sorry, on Friday. It might have been Thursday. I lose track of time. They've been on the ground with (inaudible) in the Lake Charles/Westlake/Sulphur area monitoring for air quality. So they've been here since the day the storm hit. I'm quite certain of that. Q Mr. President, storms like this, do you think they're becoming more frequent because of climate change? And, Governor, the same question to you. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: I can't hear you. THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Just take it off. Q Mr. President, do you think that storms like this are becoming more frequent because of climate change? And, Governor, the same question to you. THE PRESIDENT: Well, that was the question I asked these folks: Are the storms more frequent? Are they bigger? In all fairness, you probably had your biggest storms. I think you said your biggest one was in the 1800s, but who knows? Who knows? It might have been a very small storm, by comparison, right? There's no way of really understanding that or knowing that. But, look, the area has been a storm area. There are tremendous advantages to being here. People love it. That's why they would never leave. They wouldn't even think about leaving. One thing I have I've met a lot of people; not one person would even think about it. I think if they ever even suggested it, that would be the end of them, right? GOVERNOR EDWARDS: This is home. THE PRESIDENT: So this is home. This is home. John, would you like to answer that question? They're talking about the storms and frequency. Do you see a difference? SENATOR KENNEDY: Well, let me first ask the cooperation of the press. I know it wasn't a 20-foot storm surge, but 9 feet isn't chopped liver. It did an extraordinary amount of damage. (Inaudible) storm damage. Nine feet is devastating. And I flew over yesterday. In Lake Charles, there may be a structure or two that wasn't hit or damaged, but I haven't seen it. This thing is 600 miles wide. Katrina was 400 miles wide. We're thankful we didn't get a 20-foot storm surge. But imagine 9 feet of water coming through that door right now. We're all dead. And that's what came through. And it's not just Lake Charles and south of here; it goes all the way up north of here, bends over across the state. It hits just about every one of our congressional districts. So this is a Katrina, people were hurt badly because the levees broke. But this is as bad as I've ever seen, folks. THE PRESIDENT: And I have heard that if the path was different we got lucky, in a sense; maybe not for the people in the way, but frankly, we got a little bit lucky. If the path were over a little bit more one way or the other, this could have been, by far, the worst storm the worst hurricane you've ever had. GOVERNOR EDWARDS: If the eye had passed on the west side of the (inaudible) channel, and the (inaudible) winds were blowing over (inaudible), it stays on the inside. And so we had east winds, west winds, and north winds working (inaudible) and south winds (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: You got a little bit lucky. That's what I've heard from some people. Thank you all very much. We'll be making another stop soon. Thank you very much. END 2:12 P.M. CDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A new article by the Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg could sink President Donald Trumps prospects for reelectionbut only if one more thing happens. Remember when Trump canceled a visit to the American military cemetery just outside Paris in 2018, marking the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending the First World War? His no-show was blamed at the time on the weather. But Goldberg now reports that wasnt true. Instead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day, as he puts it, Trump just didnt want to go. Why should I go to that cemetery? the president said. Its filled with losers. Advertisement In a separate conversation on that same trip, Goldberg reports, Trump referred to the 1,800 Marines who lost their lives in the German offensive at Belleau Wood, near that cemetery, as suckers for getting killed. 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. He also told aides that he didnt understand why the United States intervened on the side of the Allies in World War I, asking them, Who were the good guys in this war? Goldberg also tells a hair-raising story about Trumps visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day 2017. Joining him was retired Gen. John Kelly, then secretary of homeland security. The two were going to visit the grave of Kellys son, Robert, a Marine first lieutenant who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. But Trumpwhile standing by that graveturned to the father and said, of all the Marines buried there, I dont get it. What was in it for them? Advertisement Advertisement Kelly initially believedaccording to people close to himthat Trump was making a ham-handed reference to the selflessness of Americas all-volunteer force. But later, he came to realize that Trump simply does not understand non-transactional life choices. One of Kellys friends, a retired four-star general, told Goldberg that Trump just thinks that anyone who does anything, when theres no direct personal gain to be had, is a sucker. These stories are much worse than Trumps 2015 jab at John McCain, saying that he didnt deserve the title of war hero because hed been shot down. This is a jab at millions of Americans whose friends or relatives were killed in one war or another. Its a jab at the concept of military service, the entire idea of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Judging from a recent poll in Military Times, Trump has already lost favor among active-duty military officers. The statements quoted in the Atlantic article could sink his presidency. There is an obstacle, though. Goldberg notes that a White House spokesperson emailed him, after the story was posted, denouncing the entire report as false. Later in the evening, Trump himself tweeted that the story was more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! Advertisement Advertisement The denial might carry some weight because all of Goldbergs sourcessome of them generals, including at least one four-star generalspoke to him on background (meaning they could be quoted but not identified by name). And so, it becomes a matter of Goldbergs word versus Trumpsor, in the eyes of Trump supporters, a fake-news reporter versus my president. As a result, the story, which would otherwise be political dynamite so close to an election, might shift few, if any, votes. Advertisement Advertisement Here, then, is my proposal: If these stories are true, Goldbergs sourcesespecially the generals, the more highly decorated, the bettermust go on the record. This would be unusual. Generals dont like to go on the record when talking about anything controversial, and certainly not when dissing a sitting president. This is true for retired generals as well, who feel no less bound by the ethos of respecting civilian authority and staying out of politics. Advertisement Advertisement But by talking to Goldberg about these events at all, these generals waded deep into the political swamp. They must have thought it important for the publicfor votersto know this side of the man in the White House. They must, deep down, feel despair over the possibility that this manwho holds their professions, their values, and their patriotism in such contemptmight serve as president for another four years. One or more of these generals should weigh the competing values: their loyalty to the president versus their loyalty and lifelong dedication to the security of the nation and the lives of their fellow service members. It shouldnt be a tough choice. For more of Slates news coverage, subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts or listen below. Municipalities, their insurers and risk pools should be heeding the current public re-examination of police and prosecutorial actions taking place across the country, according to an insurance policyholder attorney who works on civil rights cases. Attorney Alexander Brown sees the Black Lives Matter movement, actions by reform-minded prosecutors, increasing legal actions and calls for police reform resulting in more municipalities having to answer for law enforcement errors and misconduct. This, in turn, will mean closer scrutiny of law enforcement liability insurance policies by those seeking damages for victims of civil rights violations, according to Brown. However, while today insurers may be changing their policies, the cases being brought tend to go back awhile and thus involve policies issued years and even decades ago. Brown, who is with the firm of Lathrop GPM in its Kansas City office, is an insurance coverage specialist who represents policyholders including municipalities facing civil rights complaints from victims of wrongful conviction and incarceration. Brown is a member of the Lathrop GPM Civil Rights Insurance Recovery Practice along with Mike Abram and Bill Beck. In a recent interview with our sister publication Insurance Journal, Brown offered his legal and policyholder perspectives on civil rights claims and some insurance ramifications. Not all persons that have been wronged by law enforcement or the civil justice system are in a position to pursue a liability case against the government. In fact, strong liability claims are relatively rare in part because of the qualified immunity doctrine for police officers and the absolute immunity doctrine that protects prosecutors while performing prosecutorial functions. I would say that a majority of people exonerated do not have strong liability claims because of these immunities. If qualified immunity is weakened for police officers, it follows that more liability claims will be brought, Brown said. Once exoneration is secured, the Lathrop GPM team moves to obtain compensation for the exonerees, who are disproportionately Black men. The settlements, which can sometimes be costly, are most likely to happen where there is insurance. [I]n these cases where youre trying to come to a resolution outside of a verdict, the existence of insurance is critical. Its the most critical part of the entire settlement process, Brown acknowledges. According to Brown, obtaining insurer-funded settlements helps avoid trials, which can be risky for both the public entities as well as the plaintiffs because either could lose big. State caps on liability do not apply in these federal civil rights suits and jury verdicts can be $1 million to $2 million per year. The insurance deals help alleviate situations where a public entity that has no insurance or inadequate coverage may be forced to raise taxes to cover settlements or have to declare bankruptcy. The cases typically involve older insurance policies because the alleged violations stretch over long periods of time of 10, 20 or even 30 years. The cases are treated and should be treated akin to long-tail liability claims for any kind of exposure to conditions, or illnesses, environmental contamination. Its the same kind of thing, where you have a long period of time between the conviction and the exoneration, he said. So really the only win-win scenario, if there is one in these cases, is to make sure that the insurance that they bought specifically for these type of situations covers them. The insurance settlements also help those who are exonerated and then face being released back into society with little or nothing, especially in states without any compensation fund for wrongfully convicted persons. According to The Innocence Project that works to free wrongfully convicted persons using DNA evidence, the federal government and 35 states have provisions to provide some compensation for exonerees. However, advocates for the exonerees believe the amounts states provide (often $50,000 a year for each year of wrongful imprisonment) are inadequate for the injuries suffered. Whats Changing To hold a municipality liable for a civil rights violation, a plaintiff has to show the violation was due to a policy, practice or procedure of the municipality, or that a decision-maker like a sheriff was involved in it. Forces now at play are likely to aid plaintiffs in their causes, according to Brown. What I see now with the Black Lives Matter is that theres going to be a whole lot of investigation into whether various municipalities or police entities have policies or practices that discriminate against African-Americans, and thats going to be established with respect to numerous cities, Brown said. Once it is established that they do have a pattern and practice of locking away Black men or of beating Black men, then suing those cities and municipalities is going to be a lot easier. Because then they can point to a policy and practice, and so you can hold the city and the municipality liable along with the individual defendant or officer who committed the misconduct. Once a municipality gets hit with a verdict, not only is that verdict potentially crippling, but it also may signal the start of a pattern of practice for the next aggrieved person who sues. While it might behoove police departments and prosecutors to review their practices and patterns to see what has been going on, its not that easy. You might have a police officer saying, Hey, lets not look too deeply into this because we dont want to create paper trails,' Brown suggests. Similarly, district attorneys may fear the legal and financial repercussions may lie ahead for the municipality if they start unearthing wrongful conduct by previous officeholders as they try to get innocent people out of jail, which a few reformist district attorneys across the country are trying to do. Brown is currently representing a prisoner in Missouri who is stuck in jail because of a dispute over a prosecutors authority to undo a previous prosecution. If youve got a progressive reformist DA whos working, as they should, to get people out of prison who were in prison because of wrongful conduct of their past offices, they know at some level that there might be liability at the end of the rainbow when these guys get out, Brown said. Its a brave thing to do and its a necessary thing to do. I think that its a good thing. Brown said that in addition to the current questioning of the current qualified immunity for police officers in light of several shootings of Black men, there has also been some shifting in case law that could limit prosecutors immunity if they commit misconduct while acting in a non-prosecutorial capacity, such as helping with the investigation or doing ministerial work. Then they do not have absolute immunity; they only have qualified immunity. So that immunity is slowly degrading, while what cops can get away with in terms of qualified immunity is also degrading. So, you have situations where these lawsuits are going to be a serious focus and a serious concern for municipalities and public entities across the country, he stressed. Landmark Ruling The 2010 movie Conviction starring Hilary Swank tells the story of how a determined sister secured her brothers exoneration and release from prison after he served more than 18 years for a murder he did not commit. The movie ends with Kenneth Waters release and reunion with his daughter in 2001, but the real storyincluding the insurance effectsdid not end there. What followed his release from prison were years of legal proceedings and negotiations with insurers to obtain compensation for Waters for the years of mental and physical injuries he suffered while in prison, as well as for his loss of freedom. Eight years after his release, in 2019, Waters estate eventually settled a wrongful conviction lawsuit against the town of Ayer, Mass. Five of the towns six insurers paid $3.4 million to the plaintiffs estate (Waters himself died in 2001 in an accident only six months after getting out of jail). However, a sixth insurer, Western World, argued that it was not obligated to defend the town under any of the six consecutive law enforcement officers liability policies it issued from 1985 to 1991, and it did not participate in that settlement. But four years later in a follow-up proceeding, a court found that Western World had breached its duty to defend and that its policies did apply. The court awarded $1,000 per day that Waters had been incarcerated ($6.7 million), another $1 million for physical illnesses and injuries incurred during and because of his incarceration and another $3 million for mental anguish, pain and suffering, for a total of $10.729 million against Western World. Brown says the Ayer decision was significant for holding that insurance policies with unique language can be held accountable for acts during the tenure of a wrongful incarceration and not just at the time of a wrongful conviction. The Waters case was the first decision to recognize that certain insurance policies issued in post-conviction years might apply to wrongful imprisonment cases, Brown said. The Waters case was handled by Browns mentor, Bill Beck, of the firms civil rights division. It was Browns introduction to this field of insurance law. Beyond Hollywood The Waters case that garnered the attention of Hollywood was important. The ruling has helped get more insurers to come to the table and participate in settlements, according to Brown. Even more important is a case decided in May 2019 in which Brown and his firm were involved. Travelers Indemnity Co. v. Ethel Mitchell involved whether multiple insurance carriers had a duty to defend their insured, Mississippis Forrest County, which was sued by the estates of three wrongfully convicted men. The insurers had issued more than a dozen specialty law enforcement liability policies between 1979 and 2010 (the year of the exonerations). The Travelers v. Mitchell case is our firms most important civil rights case to date, Brown said. From 2013 to 2019, Brown and his colleagues fought for compensation for the families of three men in Mississippi who were wrongfully convicted in 1979 and spent a collective 83 years in prison for a rape and murder they did not commit. The men ultimately died from the injuries they sustained in prison. Brown and his colleagues successfully litigated the underlying rights matter against multiple carriers that resulted a $20.5 million insurer-funded settlement for the families of the three men. The insurers appealed. On May 29, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in a unanimous panel decision, upheld the lower court rulings in the case. According to Lathrop GPMs reading, the Fifth Circuit judges ruled that insurers cannot utilize common law coverage theories such as first manifestation or first exposure or continuous trigger to sidestep the plain language of their policies. In Browns words, This groundbreaking and precedent-setting decision rejected a so-called single trigger theory advanced by the insurance lobby in favor of a plain language reading of the insurance policies, ultimately holding multiple insurers liable for bodily injuries sustained by our clients while imprisoned. The result was a victory not only for the families of three men but also for the county, police officers and thousands of future exonerees seeking financial compensation for their wrongful imprisonment, according to Brown. This is definitely a case that municipalities need to be aware of, said Brown, noting that it has since been adopted and expanded in opinions in Missouri (Ferguson v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co.) and Kentucky (St. Paul v. City of Newport Ky.). (The law firm also said it thinks the Travelers case may have even more widespread implications. While the win immediately benefits the families of wrongfully convicted men, the implications will help business clients vindicate their rights to insurance proceeds to cover liabilities for other long-tail claims including asbestos exposure cases, the firm said in announcing the ruling.) Brown joined the Lathrop GPM firm in 2013, right after Western World settled in that landmark Waters case. It was a move that he says changed his life. I never thought as an insurance coverage lawyer that Id be looking at crime scene photos all day long, but its exciting. Its a good feeling to help compensate those who have been destroyed by society as well as protecting the current cities or entities, Brown told Insurance Journal. Brown and other Lathrop GPM attorneys work pro bono with attorneys from the civil rights litigation firm Neufeld, Scheck & Brustin and The Innocence Project, which Neufeld and Scheck founded in 1992 to use DNA evidence to get innocent people out of jail. The Innocence Project receives thousands of requests for help a year. To date, 375 people in the U.S. have been exonerated by DNA testing, including 21 who served time on death row. These people served an average of 14 years in prison before exoneration and released. Overall, Lathrop GPM has been involved with more than 15 settlements totaling almost $200 million. Most recent was the case of Craig Coley, 71, who served four decades in prison for a murder that DNA proved he did not commit. The city of Simi Valley, Calif., and its insurers reached a $21 million settlement with Coley. The victories also include getting $25 million for an upstate New York man who in 1991 at age 16 was wrongly convicted and jailed by Putnam County for a rape that in 2006 DNA proved he did not do. Brown is now working with the legal team representing Lamar Johnson, who remains in prison for the 25th year in Missouri even though there is evidence he is innocent. He has not been released or given a new trial because of a dispute over whether a current prosecutorin this case St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardnerhas the power to try to correct what she believes are wrongful convictions in decades-old cases. An Aghan refugee family walks through an informal camp outside the Moria Reception and Identification centre on the island of Lesbos, September 1, 2020. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis UNHCRs Assistant High Commissioners for Protection and Operations, Gillian Triggs and Raouf Mazou, concluded a four-day visit to Greece today. Their visit focused on issues relating to access to territory and asylum, living conditions for refugees and asylum-seekers on the mainland and the islands, the management of the COVID-19 response, child protection, alternatives to detention, refugee integration and the transition of accommodation and cash programmes from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to the Greek State. Greece and its people have shown tremendous solidarity and compassion with thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers, despite all the challenges the country has faced, including a severe economic crisis and now the COVID-19 pandemic, said UNHCRs Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Raouf Mazou. But there are critical gaps and issues that must be addressed, including the urgent need to drastically improve living conditions and reduce overcrowding at the reception facilities on the Aegean Islands, as well as ensuring the full inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in the COVID-19 response. More than one million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe through Greece since 2015. While the numbers of those arriving since have significantly dropped over the past five years, there are still people who continue to arrive in need of protection. We have had very constructive and open exchanges with the authorities including on the need to safeguard the right to seek asylum and to investigate the reports we have received of pushbacks at land and sea, said UNHCRs Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Gillian Triggs. We reiterate our calls to the authorities to ensure access to territory and protection against refoulement for those in need of protection and also for long-term solutions to help refugees integrate into the country. In addition to meetings with Government officials leading on the refugee response, NGOs and humanitarian partners, the Assistant High Commissioners also met with refugees and asylum-seekers in Athens and Lesvos. They consulted with refugees, including refugee women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and with unaccompanied children, in need of safe homes or reunification with family members abroad. During their visit, they also met with families who are to depart to Germany as part of a relocation project supported and funded by the European Commission. They also listened to the concerns expressed by families who were granted asylum in Greece but prematurely exited from basic assistance and shelter support programs and now face homelessness in Athens. They expressed to UNHCRs Assistant High Commissioners their worries about their day-to-day subsistence and future prospects, in the absence of support to enable them to become self-reliant. We proposed concrete measures to the Greek authorities to help with refugee self-reliance and integration programs and we stand ready to support. Effective access to social protection and integration schemes are key and they stand to benefit refugees, their local communities and wider society, said Triggs. Given the challenges faced by Greece, UNHCR has been calling on the EU and its Member States to step up their support and demonstrate their solidarity, particularly through the relocation of vulnerable asylum-seekers. UNHCR has been present in Greece since 1952. In Greece, UNHCR works to support national authorities in addressing asylum and reception needs, as well as supporting the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in national social services, and on self-reliance and socio-economic integration. UNHCR is currently working with the authorities to transition the implementation of large-scale accommodation and cash-based assistance programmes to the Greek Government. For more information on this topic, please contact: Sky News Nearly 10,000 Chinese overseas nationals have been forced to return to China after coercive means outside the justice system were used by the government, a new report has claimed. Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders said the figure for what they call "involuntary returns" could just be the "tip of the iceberg". The report states that China president Xi Jinping's government has been aggressively pursuing its overseas nationals as it targets people wanted as part of its anti-corruption drive. Pearl Maria Dsouza By Express News Service BENGALURU: Each morning at 7, as many as 30 children from a hamlet in Nagarbhavi gather at an open space to learn from their friendly neighbour, a 30-year-old police-teacher. From what states you cover when travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi to who is the Chief Minister of Karnataka, children of migrant labourers are being taught life skills, general knowledge and Vedic Math by Shanthappa Jademmnavar, subinspector of Annapoorneshwari Nagar. My duty starts at 8.30am, so I teach them for an hour from 7 am, he told TNIE. Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar who paid a visit to the class on Thursday, lauded Shanthappa. These children do not have a tab, television or access to online/ distance classes. Some of the families in the hamlet have a feature phone, a few have smartphones, but even to charge that there is just a single point access and is a hassle. The area where they live has no electricity, Shanthappa said. The governments Vidyagama project that ought to send teachers to students locations also failed here. There is a lack of proper coordination between the teachers and children who are enrolled in government schools. Teachers call the children to the park and children do not know which park or location to go to, he said, admitting that students have been missing out on regular classes. Following the ministers visit though, Shanthappa saw some ray of hope for the childrens education. Benefactors have offered to buy books, bags and pens for the children, he said. For now, I offer an incentive of a chocolate or a geometry box to students who complete their homework, he added. Talking about the plight of the children, he said the migrant families are living in a cramped space with no electricity or water or no provisions stores around. Shanthappa, who had visited the residences of the children, had to reach out to the parents to allow him to teach the children. I told them how important education was to get their children a better living. They agreed, he added, recalling that he too was a migrant labourer, after having lost his father two decades ago. Joe Biden on Thursday said that a black man created the light bulb, 'not a white guy named Edison' during a speech while in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Biden made the remark at the Grace Lutheran Church while speaking with community leaders after a private meeting with the family of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old father who was shot seven times in front of his children this month. He traveled to the embattled city after President Trump made an appearance earlier this week, despite push back from local leaders and the Blake family refusing to meet with him. In footage shared to social media, Biden addressed instances of racial inequality in institutions, including the education system. 'I cannot guarantee everything gets solved in four years, but I guarantee you one thing, it will be a whole heck of a lot better,' said Biden. 'Why in God's name don't we teach history in history classes,' he questions. 'A black man invested the light bulb not a white guy named Edison. 'There's so much. Did anybody know?' Thomas Edison, known as the 'Father of Invention,' was first credited with creating alight bulb in 1879 and patented it in January 27, 1880. His creation was the first commercially viable example of the technology in the U.S.. Edison's official claim to the light bulb came amid similar, competing visions from other inventors who were researching how best to distribute light during that time. Edison's original bulb was created using a paper filament, which burnt out quickly. Black man Lewis Howard Latimer, who later worked with Edison, invented the carbon filament which allowed light bulbs to continuously shine. The Department of Energy in 2013 wrote: 'When Edison and his researchers at Menlo Park came onto the lighting scene, they focused on improving the filament first testing carbon, then platinum, before finally returning to a carbon filament. Joe Biden (pictured) spoke before community leaders in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Thursday after meeting the the family of Jacob Blake Although Thomas Edison (left) is credited the creating the light bulb in 1879, Lewis Howard Latimer (right) improved the initial design with carbon filament after he joined Edison's team in 1884 'By October 1879, Edison's team had produced a light bulb with a carbonized filament of uncoated cotton thread that could last for 14.5 hours.' Lewis Howard Latimer - the pioneering African American who invented carbon filaments for light bulbs Lewis Howard Latimer was born on September 4, 1848 and died December 11, 1928. 'Lewis Latimer invented a method for producing a more durable carbon filament, making incandescent lighting practical and affordable for consumers,' according to Invent.org Although the Latimer, the son of slaves, had no formal education in science, he pursued the industry after serving in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. He taught himself mechanical drawing and drafting, and even made drawings for Alexander Graham Bell's first patent application for the telephone. After joining Edison's team in 1884, Latimer was key in the distribution of light in urban areas. 'Despite the societal roadblocks a black man faced in the late nineteenth century, Latimer successfully oversaw the set up of electric lighting plants in the United States, Canada, and England,' invent.org wrote. 'After leaving U.S. Electric Lighting, Latimer worked for Thomas Edison and became a patent investigator and expert witness for the Edison Electric Light Company. ' Advertisement The story of the 'invention' of the light bulb was far from one of a single breakthrough: the idea that electricity could be used to generate light went back to the 18th century. Scientists and inventors made attempts at turning it into reality as early as 1800 and with increasing interest throughout the century. The bulbs were not commercially viable - among the problems were that glass was too expensive, forming the vacuum was also too costly, the filament which actually provides the light burned out rapidly, and that technology did not exist to mass produce them. But a series of incandescent bulb patents were issued in the U.S. and in Britain, while in France, a man better known as the father of modern magic, Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin developed a bulb and lit his country home with them. The late 1870s were a race to who would perfect a commercially-viable model. In 1874, a Russian filed a patent for his model, and two Canadians did the same that year too. In Britain, Joseph Swan had been working on a bulb on and off since 1850, and demonstrated his version late in 1878, receiving a patent in 1880. He installed electric lighting in his own home, and them made it commercially available, with a London theater the first public building in the world to be fully lit by electricity in 1881. Edison demonstrated his bulb a year later, and got his patent a year later too, for a similar but not identical technology. But Edison had an advantage over rivals unrelated to technology: he had the financial backing of New York's richest families. While working on the bulb in 1878, he established the Edison Electric Light Company. Its backers included J.P. Morgan and several Vanderbilts. When he demonstrated his bulb in 1879, he was on his way, and a year later the Edison Illuminating Company was founded, and by 1882 he had a power station and distribution system in lower Manhattan - something no other light bulb pioneer could compete with. Swan's system needed a generator in the building where it was installed; Edison had come up with a complete service. In 1883 he merged the Edison Company's British operations with Swan's, preventing the possibility of litigation over their similar patents. But in October 1883 a rival pioneer, William Sawyer, succeeded in having the U.S. patent office ruling that Edison's bulb was based too closely on his version to be Edison's work. Six years of court battles followed. In the meantime Lewis Howard Latimer of Chelsea, Massachusetts, joined Edison's lab in 1884 after becoming a skilled inventor and draftsman in the post-Civil War era. He had earlier worked for Alexander Graham Bell. Latimer was the one who made carbon filaments for light bulbs. Because he worked with Edison, the patent was in Edison's company's name. That patent perfected Edison's bulbs, and gave him another huge commercial advantage over anyone trying to produce a rival version. In 1889 the patent litigation ended, with Edison's original patent ruled to be invalid, but the carbon filaments patent - which had become far more important - ruled to be his. Legally, Edison was therefore not the inventor of the light bulb, but his company was the holder of the crucial patent which perfected it, thanks to Latimer's work. Some historians have argued that Edison's inventions were the result of a team effort which was at the least loose with its use of others' inventions - and that his cash advantage of wealthy backers played a part too. Ernest Freeberg, author if The Age of Edison: Electric Light and the Invention of Modern America, argued that Edison's success came largely from a team effort. 'He was in a very competitive race where he borrowedsome said stoleideas from other inventors who were also working on an incandescent bulb,' Freeberg told US News. 'What made him ultimately successful was that he was not a lone inventor, a lone genius, but rather the assembler of the first research and development team at Menlo Park, N.J.' But on Thursday, Biden continued to implore Wisconsin residents to reevaluate history classes to include a well-rounded interpretation of history. 'That Black Wall Street in Oklahoma was burned to the ground. [Did] anybody know these things? Because we don't teach them,' Biden said. 'We've got to give people facts. Teach them what's out there,' he added. The National Council for Social Studies reported in 2017 that only seven of the 50 states had Black History Month mandates in schools. The Black Wall Street Massacre, also known as the Tulsa race massacre, was when mobs of white residents attacked black residents and destroyed black businesses in the Greenwood District. More than 800 people were injured, 36 people died and 35 square blocks of the district were leveled at a time when the area was known as the wealthiest black community in the U.S. Thousands of black Americans were interned at camps in the days following as white residents claimed the attack was spurred by allegations that a black boy had assaulted a white elevator operator. During his speech, Biden's attempts to address racial inequality led to government policies and taxes. While reportedly referring to a number of audience members who appear restless during is speech, Biden says he'll stop discussing the extent of his tax policy before 'they'll shoot me.' Joe Biden is Kenosha says that he can't lay out all his plans in more detail because if he goes on any longer "they'll shoot me." pic.twitter.com/N33k3wyuJl Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 3, 2020 Biden: ''Why in God's name don't we teach history in history classes. A black man invested the light bulb not a white guy named Edison' '19 corporations making a billion dollars a piece don't pay a single thing in taxes. I don't want to punish anybody, but everyone should pay their fair share. 'Not going to lay [it all out] right now because they'll shoot me,' Biden says in the footage. The phrasing came after he met with Jacob Blake Sr. and the Blake family following the death of Jacob Blake. Jacob Blake, 29, has been left paralyzed from the waist down in Sunday's shooting In the August 23 shooting, police arrived to the 2800 block of 40th Street in Kenosha after Blake's girlfriend 'reported that her boyfriend was present and was not supposed to be on the premises'. Officers tried to subdue him with a taser before opening fire, authorities said. During an investigation Blake admitted to police that he had a knife and authorities recovered it from the driver's side floorboard of car after opening fire. No other weapons were found at the scene. It was speculated that Trump would met with the family on his trip to Kenosha, but Trump declined when the family requested lawyers be involved. 'I'm not going to play politics. This is my son's life we're talking about.' Jacob Blake Sr. told CNN. China is on an aggressive mission to further its expansionist agenda and troubling its neighbours. Currently, China has adopted an aggressive approach at different border fronts including elevated conflicts with India, Philippines, and Japan, among others. Though the Ladakh standoff has pulled a significant amount of traction, China's conflict in the waters of South and East China Seas have largely gone unnoticed. The conflict over Japan-controlled Senkaku islands in the East China Sea is a long standing issue between the two Asian countries. In order to begin its campaign for dominating the East China Sea, China announced its Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over Senkaku islands in 2013. Most of the region of the ADIZ declared by China comprised of the territory controlled by Japan. Since then, China has been intruding over the Japan controlled land to claim its ownership. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircrafts have been roving over the Senkaku islands for the past few years, poking Japan as well as testing combat capabilities of Japan Air Self Defence Forces (JASDF) in situations of a clash. Observers believe that it is also a tactic of training Chinese PLAAF for a probable conflict with Japan. Besides,Chinese ships and submarines have made several trips around the waters of Senkaku islands as well. Since 2013, Chinese flights have made at least 4,400 incursions by flying over the ADIZs of Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, highlighting the Chinese desire to bully the neighbouring powers and creating instability in the region. Japan has been one of the most prominent targets of the PLAAF as they made at least 675 incursions into Japan's ADIZs in 2019. Over the years, Chinese attempts to make incursions over Senkaku islands have become more advanced and coherent. A decade earlier, Chinese incursions over the Senkaku were mostly carried out by single Y-8 Early Warning Aircrafts. However, currently Y-9 reconnaissance aircrafts and H-6K bombers are used to intrude over the Japanese territory. China has been deploying a combination of aircrafts to intrude over Japan's airspace. Prior to 2016, Y-8, Y-9, H-6K, Tu-154 and Su-30 , were deployed in a combination for flying over Japanese territory while the current deployment consists of more advanced J-11 fighters. One of the major reasons behind continuous Chinese incursions is also to provoke the JASDF and wear out their resources and coerce them. The incessant incursions by China is also an attempt to keep reiterating its claims over the Senkaku islands and situate itself in a more commanding position in the East China Sea. The JASDF has been strongly responding to China's intrusions and believes that China should be given a befitting response every time they intrude into the Japanese territory. Though China is not in a position to fight an all-out war for Senkaku islands, however, it wants to keep the issue alive and reiterate its claims over the territory. The defence pact between Japan and the USA also acts as a barrier for China. It understands that any stability or peace in the East China Sea would mean accepting Japanese claims over Senkaku islands and further strengthen Japans ownership of the land. Hence, the commotion by China is just an attempt to create instability to keep its prospects alive to annex the Senkaku islands in future. The possibility of China to launch an aggressive attack to create tensions over Senkaku islands, similar to the standoff in Ladakh, cannot be ruled out. From East China Sea to South China Sea China is on an aggressive campaign of occupying the foreign territories by exploiting the existing instability and hostile conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A pro active action by the Quad nations could help in encircling and limiting China from furthering its expansionist agenda. This also reflects the need of modifying Quad to Quad Plus by including ASEAN countries and other regional players. Besides, a coordinated strategy between Japan-Taiwan-South Korea could help to combat China's air intrusions in the region. There is also a need for countries like India, US, and Japan to potentially train the Taiwanese armed forces and those of Vietnam and Philippines, besides supplying arms and equipment, in order to build their capacity to comprehensively combat China in the high seas. The Lone Wolf tendency as well as the expansionist agenda of China can be efficiently countered by the coming together of regional maritime powers. Instead of different strategies to combat China at different maritime fronts, countries can come together to constitute a coherent alliance involving maritime players with presence in the Indian Ocean,South China Sea, East China Sea, Indo-Pacific, and other fronts. On lines of diplomatic initiatives like the Democracy-10 alliance or the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, democratic nations can also work towards forming an umbrella maritime alliance for containing China's expansionism at the sea front as well. The Japanese Coast Guard announced that the second survivor that was found in the aftermath of the capsizing of a cattle ship heading to China from New Zealand amid a typhoon died in the hospital. According to the coast guard, the 30-year-old Filipino was rescued from the waters of the East China Sea on Friday while he was unconscious. The man was pulled from the water after he was found unresponsive and was floating face down on the water at about 75 miles north-northwest of the island of Amami Oshima. He was immediately brought to the hospital upon rescue, BBC reported. In the same area where he was found, the life jacket and remains of a dead cattle were also collected bu the coast guard. The search for the remaining crew of the vessel continues until the present. One aircraft, two divers, and three vessels have been deployed to take part in the search and rescue operations for the missing crew members of Gulf Livestock 1. The ship that carried livestock, mostly cattle, capsized on Wednesday after it sent a distress signal as the strong winds and huge waves brought by Typhoon Mayssk lashed at their vessel. After the incident, a statement was released by Gulf Navigation, which is based in the United Arab Emirates. Gulf Navigation claimed ownership of the Panamanian-flagged cattleship. According to the company's spokesperson, they are closely monitoring the search and rescue as well as the investigation on what happened to the ship. Moreover, they added that they are working closely with those in charge of the rescue operations onsite. Read also: Russian and Emirati Cargo Planes Supply Destruction Caused by Libyan War The ship carried around 6,000 cattle during its journey from New Zealand. Upon reaching the waters in southwestern Japan, the winds brought by the typhoon became too much for the vessel to handle. On Wednesday, the ship's Chief Officer, Sareno Edvarodo, a Filipino seafarer was rescued after he was found floating in the dark waters. The chief was immediately brought aboard the coastguard's rescue ship and was wrapped in blankets to help with the cold. Footage from the ship after the rescue was released by the coastguard revealed the 45-year-old seafarer, sipping water and immediately looking for his other colleagues. He asked his rescuers if he was the only one that was fished out of the water. The ship's crew was comprised of 43 people, 39 of which are Filipinos, two were from Australia, and two from New Zealand. According to Aljazeera, Edvarodo narrated that one of the engines of the ship died before it was overturned by a huge wave. He also stated that he was able to grab a lifejacket, put it on, and dive into the sea before the ship totally capsized. At present, Japan is currently amid its annual typhoon season, and an enormous storm is expected to hit the area where the incident happened by Sunday. The said storm may cause delay and limit the capabilities for the search for the other missing seafarers. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Primary Industries of (MPI) of New Zealand has announced that it will temporarily halt the export of live cattle following the accident. Related article: Russian Submarine Surfaces Near Alaska Catching U.S. by Surprise @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The New Orleans Police Department arrested one of its own sergeants on Thursday night after a woman accused him of pointing a gun at her during a "road rage incident" on the edge of Treme. Robert Blanchard, 48, faces one count of aggravated assault with a firearm. The NOPD suspended Blanchard pending the outcome of an internal investigation, a statement from the agency said Friday. According to records filed in Orleans Parish Criminal Court, a woman flagged down officers near the corner of North Broad Street and Lafitte Avenue and said she had been in a road rage incident with a man who pulled up behind her vehicle in a black Ford Expedition and pointed a pistol at her through his front windshield. +3 Evicted Loyola law student allegedly threatened landlord before setting New Orleans apartment fire: 'This will be unpleasant' Jazlynn Major was dug in, refusing to vacate her Central City apartment and hurling insults at her landlord in a series of scornful text messages. The woman said she saw the gun a second time when the man in the Expedition drove past her, and she tailed him a short distance in an attempt to snap a picture of his license plate with her cell phone, police wrote in the court documents. The woman said she stopped when she saw the officers and flagged them down to report the encounter. Officers pulled the Expedition over a few blocks away and saw Blanchard in the drivers seat. He had his police department-issued handgun, which matched the description of the weapon that he was accused of pointing at the other driver. An attorney representing Blanchard, Townsend Myers, said the sergeant denied pointing a gun at the woman. According to Myers, Blanchard alleged that the woman twice cut him off in traffic, prompting him to pull up beside her, point his finger at her and tell her through his closed window that she needed to learn how to drive. Investigators said a nearby crime-camera did not record the moment when Blanchard allegedly pointed the gun at the woman. But the camera did capture footage of her following Blanchards car when she said she was trying to get a picture of his license plate. Police ultimately decided to book Blanchard with a crime that Louisiana law defines as using a gun to make a person fear being physically harmed. It can can carry up to 10 years in prison upon conviction. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Blanchards bail was set at $2,500 on Friday, and he remained in custody at the city's lockup in the early evening. Myers said his client, a Slidell resident, was in uniform and driving home after an overtime security detail when he was arrested. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said Friday it was "disheartening" to learn of Blanchard's arrest and pledged that the agency would investigate the case "thoroughly." "Our officers are held to a higher standard and are expected to conduct themselves accordingly," Ferguson said. Blanchard joined New Orleans police force in 1997, according to city records. Thursday night was not the first time he was linked to an alleged road rage case. According to city records, police investigated Blanchard in 2016 when a driver in Lacombe complained that Blanchard tailgated him and used his lights and siren after that driver passed Blanchard on a highway. The driver claimed he attempted to slow down at one point, and Blanchard allegedly straddled two lanes of traffic for a distance before eventually passing the other driver, the records said. Then-police Superintendent Michael Harrison found Blanchard violated departmental rules governing professionalism. But Blanchard successfully appealed that finding because NOPD completed its investigation after a key deadline had lapsed. Veteran New Orleans federal prosecutor aided friend under criminal investigation, watchdog finds An agency that keeps watch over federal prosecutors on Thursday accused the former chief of trials for the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Orlea Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been hospitalised with 'the early stages of double pneumonia' after testing positive for coronavirus. Double, or bilateral, pneumonia, which affects both lungs and can make breathing difficult, has been seen in many cases of patients hospitalised with COVID-19. Berlusconi, 83, who has a history of heart and other medical problems, went to hospital in Milan 'as a precaution' on Thursday night, two days after testing positive for the coronavirus. His condition is not serious, his Forza Italia party said on Friday. Lucia Ronzulli told RAI state TV that the media mogul was doing well and was undergoing 'precautionary monitoring' of his infection. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (pictured in 2016) went to hospital in Milan 'as a precaution' on Thursday night, two days after testing positive for the coronavirus 'He passed the night well,' she said. State radio later said Mr Berlusconi had been admitted to San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where his private doctor is based, shortly after midnight. Sky TG24, reporting from outside the hospital, said Mr Berlusconi had the 'beginnings of pneumonia' and was given an oxygen mask to aid breathing. Italian media have stressed he is not in intensive care. Sky said he arrived by private car and walked into the hospital, where he had a CT scan shortly after arrival. On Thursday, Mr Berlusconi, speaking in a strong but nasal voice from his estate on the outskirts of the city, told his supporters he no longer had fever or pain. A general view shows the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan on September 4, where Berlusconi has been hospitalised Italian media have said two of his adult children were recently diagnosed with Covid-19 and are self-isolating. 'Unfortunately this isn't a cold,' La Stampa newspaper reported him saying on Thursday. 'Now it touches me but not only me, but also my family I realise more than ever how grave' the pandemic is. 'I'm aware of how much sorrow it has sowed in so many families, of how much pain it has caused so many people. I think of all those who aren't here any more, I think of those who lost their loved ones,' he said. He was further quoted as saying that earlier in the week, as well as fever, he had muscle and bone pain, 'but it passed'. Italian media have stressed he is not in intensive care. Sky said he arrived by private car and walked into the hospital (pictured), where he had a CT scan shortly after arrival In 1997, he was successfully treated for prostate cancer, including by surgery. In 2006, he had heart tests at San Raffaele after fainting during a speech. A few weeks later he was fitted with a pacemaker at a US hospital. He also has had bowel surgery for an obstruction and suffered an inflammatory eye condition. Mr Berlusconi spent some of his summer holiday at his seaside villa on Sardinia's Emerald Coast. Many of Italy's recent cases of Covid-19 have been linked to clusters in people who took holidays on Sardinia. According to Italian media, at the urging of family members, he spent a few weeks at another one of his villas, in France, early in Italy's Covid-19 outbreak, which was particularly devastating in Lombardy, where Mr Berlusconi's home and business empire is based. On Thursday, the three-time former premier vowed to keep campaigning in upcoming regional elections in Italy for the centre-right Forza Italia party that he created more than 25 years ago. The party has steadily lost popularity with voters in recent years as Mr Berlusconi battled legal problems linked to his media business and his infamous 'bunga bunga parties'. After being convicted of tax fraud in 2013, he had to surrender his Senate seat. He is currently a legislator in the European Parliament. Researchers from Florida State University are shedding light on nutrient levels in the Gulf of Mexico with new findings published this month in the Journal of Geophysical Research - Oceans. The Gulf of Mexico receives considerable levels of nutrients from the rivers that empty into it, especially the Mississippi River, which causes the Gulf's northern shelf waters to become overly enriched and more susceptible to algae growth. But scientists have remained unsure whether a significant portion of those nutrients ever leave the Gulf to potentially impact the chemistry of the North Atlantic Ocean. "The Gulf of Mexico is an economically important body of water, as the surrounding areas rely on it for tourism, fisheries and oil production, and it also has significant ecological diversity," said Samantha Howe, a graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, who led the research. "It is important to track the nutrient input from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River System to the Gulf as those nutrients contribute to harmful algal blooms on the Northern Gulf Shelf." Researchers found no evidence that nitrate from the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River System is mixing across the Northern Gulf shelf into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The findings are consistent with recent modeling work by fellow scientists that indicates 90 percent of Mississippi River nutrients are retained in the near-shore ecosystem, which implies that nutrients from the Mississippi River do not leave the Gulf. "In order to assess and manage ecological challenges in the Gulf, it is critical to understand whether the nutrients are processed and retained nearshore or whether they are transported to the North Atlantic," Howe said. "This finding is valuable to know, as these ecosystems must harbor the nutrient burden." To conduct the study, the team collected and analyzed water samples taken during four different research cruises to the Gulf and the Florida Straits from 2011 to 2018. The research is the first ever to provide isotopic composition measurements of nitrate in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a new isotopic profile from the Florida Straits. These new water column profiles were then compared with prior measurements from the North and South Atlantic and with the magnitude of nitrogen inputs to the Gulf. Howe, who earned her bachelor's degree in environmental science from FSU in Spring 2019, is now pursuing her master's in aquatic environmental science. She began the nutrient research as part of her honors undergraduate thesis while working in the research lab of study co-author, Associate Professor of Oceanography Angela Knapp. "Samantha's thesis looked for distinct geochemical signatures of nitrate from the Mississippi River and whether this nitrate made it off the Northern Gulf of Mexico shelf into the deep waters of the Gulf that mix with the Loop Current and leave via the Florida Straits to enter the North Atlantic," Knapp said. Howe's collaborators on the study include co-authors Knapp and Carlos Miranda, a 2017 graduate of the FSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the FSU Department of Biological Science, and colleagues from the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of New Hampshire. "This work has important implications for understanding the fate of nutrients from the Mississippi Atchafalaya River System and how to manage human inputs to coastal ecosystems," Knapp said. ### The research was funded by the National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences . The reprimand is contained in a letter sent to the Chinese government. China must appoint an independent authority to check whether the legislation is in line with its international obligations. A request that the traditional citizen freedoms be respected. Concern for the extraterritorial measures provided for by the provision. Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The new national security law imposed by Beijing on the territory violates fundamental rights, according to the United Nations Office for Human Rights. The body sent a letter sent to the Chinese government on 2 September, published today on the Office's website. In the missive UN experts ask China to appoint an independent authority to check whether the legislation is in line with its international obligations on respect for human rights. The provision, which entered into force on June 30, introduces the crimes of separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. The Chinese Communist Party claims to have adopted it to restore order; the anti-Beijing front, which for a year has been demonstrating for democracy in Hong Kong and to safeguard its liberal system, accuses the Chinese leadership of wanting to stifle the democratic aspirations of the population. The UN has already criticized China for the arrest of some pro-democracy exponents under the new law. On August 10, Hong Kong authorities arrested the pro-democracy tycoon, and owner of the Apple Daily newspaper, Jimmy Lai. The businessman was jailed - only to be released on bail - along with nine other people, including two of his children. Lai and the others are accused of having "collaborated with foreign forces" and "conspired for the purpose of fraud." According to Fionnuala Ni Aolain, UN special envoy for the protection of human rights, and the other six signatories of the document, the law is contrary to the international agreements signed by Beijing. They stress that the measures introduced by the Asian giant should not be used to "restrict and limit fundamental freedoms, including those of opinion, speech and peaceful assembly". The UN Office also expresses concern that the draconian legislation considers illegal many activities carried out by human rights lawyers, which are instead to be considered "legitimate". It also invites the Beijing executive to explain how it intends to implement the extraterritorial measures contained in the provision. Photo: The Mustard Seed The Mustard Seed Kamloops receives a donation to support of those in need. The Mustard Seed is getting a hand as it gives a hand to those in need. The Canadian Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) have donated $46,000 to the City of Kamloops which will go toward meals and support at the not-for-profit's Kamloops branch. This donation will help better protect and assist those in need, states the city in a press release, as vulnerable populations have been struggling with the impacts of COVID-19. To receive this kind of direct funding from an organization like the CMAF is not only a testament to the great work Kamloops and other communities across Canada have been doing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, says the city's acting social supervisor Ty Helgason in the press release. "But it is also a welcome breath of fresh air." File image Karnataka government will withdraw 62 criminal complaints against Members of Parliaments (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) belonging to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), News18 reported. This is based on a recommendation from a sub-committee headed by state Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai. Cases against several sitting ministers, including those for Law, Tourism and Agriculture, will be dropped as part of this initiative. One of the cases being dropped involves Law Minister JC Madhuswamy and Tourism Minister CT Ravi, who were accused and charged under IPC sections 143 (unlawful assembly) 147 (Rioting with dangerous weapons) and 339 (wrongful restraint). The case pertains to a fight that had broken out between students of two communities at Hunsur in Mysuru district in November 2015. News18 quoted Madhuswamy as saying that this was a routine procedure conducted by the Cabinet, which at various instances in the past has withdrawn such cases in 'public interest'. "Decision on these 62 cases was taken earlier, we have withdrawn cases in the past as well in which Congress and JD(S) leaders were involved. But this cannot mean that those involved in cases like the Bengaluru riots and loot will be spared," Madhuswamy said. Madhuswamy added that the sub-committee conducts routine evaluation of such cases and that it was being done to reduce the burden on the courts, as many of these cases involve a lot of people and would have led to minor punishments. Mumbai, Sep 4 : Vishal Kirti, brother-in-law of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has discredited the theory that the actor was not close to his family, and has narrated several instances to support his claim. Vishal took to his blog to respond to Sushant's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty's claims that the actor had strained relationships with his family. The blog piece was titled: "Five times my wife left me behind in America to be with her brother". He recalled the time when his wife Shweta left him in the US to visit her brother in India, and said that it hurts him when aspersions are cast on a wonderful family like Sushant's. "It sounds like I am complaining that she left me behind but I am not. This is an appreciation of the strength of the Singh Rajput family bond I have seen over the years," he began. Vishal went on to mention incidents from 2014 to one in June 2020. "In 2014, we were slated to visit India over the summer break. However, Shweta got to know that a family function was being organised to celebrate Rani Didi and Jiju's wedding anniversary and Sushant would be attending as well. She canceled her summer ticket and rushed to India at short notice. I joined her next month in June with my daughter and spent some quality time with Sushant as well," he wrote. He continued: "In 2015, Shweta left with our son and visited Sushant in Ranchi where he was shooting for the movie MS Dhoni." "In 2016, it was decided that the entire Singh Rajput family would watch the movie MS Dhoni together. Again at very short notice, Shweta made a 3-day trip from the US to India, just to watch the movie together as a family and celebrate Sushant's success. She spent 2-days flying and 3-days in India with the entire family. Can you imagine the jetlag?" he added. Another instance was in 2017 when Shweta "thankfully, didn't leave me behind this time around and we all got to hang out with Sushant!" The most recent incident happened in January, 2020. "In January 2020, she left without me again at short notice after being informed that Sushant is visiting Chandigarh. Alas, he was under such circumstances that she didn't even get to meet him and by now everyone knows why," he said, adding: "And finally, during COVID times, she rushed as soon as logistically possible to India after the news on June 14th, to give a loving sendoff to her precious brother." Vishal went on to share: "It's sad that she won't be making such trips anymore (the happy ones, prior to 2019) because the shining star of the family is gone. It hurts me when aspersions are cast on a wonderful family like Sushant's." "My wife is a married professional businesswoman living in the US with two kids (it's a very busy lifestyle) but she prioritised to be with her family when the family needed her, despite all the limitations. Such is the Singh Rajput family," he added. He ended the piece with a note: "PS: Those who don't live in the US running 2 businesses with a working professional spouse and 2 kids, don't try to undermine the effort because you won't understand the challenges of setting everything aside at short notice, to travel to India to meet an extremely busy movie actor". "The emphasis here is on trips without me to meet Sushant. There were countless logistical issues between our children's school schedules, my office schedule, Shweta's business schedules and all this overlapping with Sushant's availability when he was drowning in work. That's why these short notice trips were made to align with Sushant's availability," he concluded. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery 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. WATERLOO REGION Two fish die-off incidents have been reported in the region over the past few weeks. This is the second year in a row citizens have reported major fish die-off events at the end of the summer. Approximately 100 young fish were found in the pond in Westvale Park in Waterloo last week. The bodies were floating in the pond and a local passerby notified the city via Twitter. The Alder Creek reservoir in New Dundee is another local water body in Wilmot that had the same phenomenon late last month, according the Grand River Conservation Authority. A fish die-off incident is when many dead fish are found all at once. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry believes this years die-off incidents affected mainly shiner species in both locations. Last years die-off was mainly of common carp and koi species, and was attributed to the koi herpesvirus. Fish die-offs are not unusual, particularly in spring and summer. These deaths can be caused by low oxygen levels in water, stress from spawning, changing water temperatures or disease, says Jolanta Kowalski, a spokesperson for the ministry. Local creeks, lakes and ponds are warmer and shallower at the end of the summer. Dead fish floating in lakes and waters eventually sink and decompose as part of the natural life cycle, says Kowalski. The ministry asks property owners to dispose of any fish that wash up on their property. The koi herpesvirus is harmless to humans and is not known to affect other fish species or animals. Outbreaks of the koi herpesvirus are known to happen in warmer water between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. It is passed between fish through close contact when they are spawning or crowded together. The fish die-off last year was ultimately determined to be an outbreak of koi herpesvirus, a deadly disease that affects specific fish species such as carp, says Cameron Linwood, a spokesperson for the Grand River Conservation Authority. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry tracks fish die-off incidents to better protect fish health and population levels, says Kowalski. She recommends anyone who finds a fish die-off incident to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at 1-800-667-1940. If a spill is suspected to be the cause of death, contact the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060. LG Leah Gerber s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories about the Grand River Watershed. Email lgerber@therecord.com Order valued between Rs 1000 cr to Rs 2500 cr The defence arm of Larsen & Toubro has been awarded a Significant Contract by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the Supply of four Regiments of Pinaka Weapon Systems. The contract involves supply of Pinaka Launchers, Battery Command Posts and associated Engineering Support Package (ESP) for four Regiments. The Pinaka Launch system has been indigenously developed by L&T as part of Pinaka development program of Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO, ARDE) and functions as a high tech, all weather, long range, area fire artillery weapon system. L&T has already executed similar orders from Ministry of Defence and supplied two Regiments of Pinaka systems earlier. With these orders, L&T takes pride in attaining cumulative six out of ten Regiments of Pinaka systems with the Indian Army. L&T Defence is also engaged with DRDO for future developments on this artillery system. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Emily Murkerson, 26, died a week after being stuck by a car in Daytona Beach, Fla. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. The first and last time Don Murkerson saw his 26-year-old daughter, Emily, at Halifax Health Medical Center was after she was in the hospital for seven days, when her heart stopped beating. It was a terrible situation, Murkerson said. I didnt get to see her at all until we were called in and she was dying. On April 29, Emily was crossing the street with her boyfriend on a motorized scooter near the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach when she was struck by a car, according to her mother, Gale Murkerson. She was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center with multiple broken bones. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Halifax Health had strict visitation policies during Emilys stay in April and early May. ICU patients were not allowed to have any visitors in accordance with federal and state guidelines, spokesman John Guthrie wrote in an emailed statement. Video: Father cries as his son surprises him in hospital after car accident Our policy, at Halifax Health, in following HIPAA guidelines, is to not comment on any patients care, Guthrie said. At all times through the crisis, Halifax Health has been and will continue to follow CDC guidelines for the safety of patients and team members. Visitor restrictions at hospitals across the state were standard in April and early May. AdventHealth hospitals in Volusia and Flagler counties also were not allowing patients to have visitors during that time. Now, Don and Gale are angry that they didnt get the chance to spend time with their daughter and help her through the last painful week of her life. I know we are not the only people in this position, Don said. I dont see the problem in someone that is in that kind of condition with those kind of major decisions to have one person in there. Gale would have stayed. Emily's hospital stay Emily, who lived in Gainesville with her mother, never lost consciousness from the accident, according to Gale. But she was basically immobile. She had a broken femur, pelvis, ribs and scapula. Her whole right side was covered in road burn, and she couldnt bear weight on any of her extremities. Story continues When she was first admitted, Gale tried to visit her but was denied because of the hospitals policies. Emily had surgery twice, once on April 29 and again on May 1. Not even her boyfriend, Sebastian Wilbanks, who was there at the time of the accident, was allowed to see her. When I showed up after the accident, I had my mask on and had latex gloves in hand and was still denied visitation due to COVID-19, Wilbanks, a member of the U.S. Air Force who is stationed in Italy, said in an email. I told them I was more than willing to get tested as long as I got to see her. They still turned me away. When Emily was moved from the ICU to a regular hospital room on May 3, Gale was allowed to see her daughter. But it was just for an hour. Her father and boyfriend were not allowed to visit. She could barely lift her right arm to get a drink of water, Gale said. She said shes not critical. Based on the conversation with her daughter, Gale thought she was improving, and she was relieved. But the following week, Emily sent her mother multiple messages asking her to come be with her, that everything hurt and she needed her mother. But all Gale could do was call the hospital to receive updates on her daughter's care. She was not allowed to come back. Tuesday morning, she calls me in tears. They took my pain pills away. I'm hurting. I need you up here. I need you up here, Gale said. She couldnt do anything. If anything was out of her reach she was completely helpless. Read: Saying goodbye to dying wife likely cost 90-year-old 'Romeo' his life, but he had no regrets, family says. Watch: Toddler window visit with grandparents On Wednesday, Gale received what would be the last call from her daughter. When I talked with her Wednesday morning she was short of breath, nauseated, Gale said. At that point she said 'Mom I gotta go. I'm not feeling good.' Later that day, May 6, they got the call that Emily had aspirated and coded multiple times. They were told they should come say their goodbyes. This is the worst thing that Ive ever in my life had to experience, knowing that she was in there begging me several times 'Mama, I need you.' You put her in there, you trust them to take care of her and this is what happens, Gale said. There is nobody advocating for these patients. Gale, Don and Wilbanks came in as their daughter was coding. But only Don and Wilbanks stayed as Emily died. Her official cause of death was pneumonia and aspiration. I could not stay until she passed, Gale said. And then they gathered her belongings together and escorted us out. That was it. Remembering Emily The Murkersons remember their daughter as a beacon of light someone who would give others the shirt off her back. After she died, her family said they received messages from many people they had no idea Emily knew, saying she saved them and helped them through difficult times in their lives. She was always the bright, happy one, Gale said. She was always laughing. She was an animal lover, according to Don. She also loved kids and was looking forward to becoming an aunt. She was very excited to have a blood nephew, and I hate that I cant see what kind of aunt she would have been for him, Don said. That bothers me a lot. In March, she had reconnected with Wilbanks, whom she had known since the first grade. She finally found the love of her life, Gale said. Hed come home from being overseas on leave. She was the happiest she had ever been in her life. She told me, I found my forever. Our lives were great together, Wilbanks said. Spending every moment together while I was on leave. The longest we were apart was while she was in the hospital for those seven days. The Murkersons know they arent the only ones who werent able to see their loved one while they were in the hospital, and they dont want anyone else to go through what they went through. My healthy 26-year-old daughter, yes she had major injuries, but she never lost consciousness. She was doing great. Then she coded and the next thing you know shes dead, she said. I dont want this to happen to anybody else. No mother or family should ever have to feel this pain. Never. Follow Nikki Ross on Twitter: @NikkiInRealLife This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida family couldn't visit dying daughter because of COVID-19 rules Love Island star Kady McDermott has celebrated her 25th birthday by travelling to the Scottish Highlands for a luxurious lodge break. The reality star took to Instagram to share an array of snaps and videos after driving into the Highlands to stay in her lavish lodge. Kady was even surprised with a delicious chocolate cake when she arrived at the lodge, which also boasted an idyllic terrace and a hot tub. Staycation! Love Island star Kady McDermott has celebrated her 25th birthday by travelling to the Scottish Highlands for a luxurious lodge break Kady eagerly documented every moment of her journey to Glasgow for her birthday break, including the stunning natural views during her two-hour drive from the airport. The star joked she'd be tucking into endless plates of seafoods during the trip, as she posted a snap of her plates of oysters and mussels. It appeared that she was joined by her boyfriend Myles Barnett for the break, after they enjoyed a pre-birthday meal with her family the previous evening. Kady also posted a snap of her pretty birthday decorations, gushing she was 'so lucky' to experience the joys of her birthday break. Cute: The reality star took to Instagram to share an array of snaps and videos after driving into the Highlands to stay in her lavish lodge Relaxing: Kady gushed that she was 'so lucky' to enjoy the cosy lodge break in Scotland, after flying to Glasgow Beautiful: She excitedly shared a video of the cosy lodge, which came complete with a birthday cake, balloons and a hot tub She penned the caption: 'Staying in the cutest little river lodge for the weekend in the highlands! So lucky to be able to experience things like this.' In a trio of videos Kady showed off her gorgeous Scottish lodge, complete with its own hot tub and terrace overlooking the river. Kady recently left fans confused after she announced she is still with boyfriend Myles Barnett and they will live in their new home 'as a couple', weeks after confirming yet another 'break-up'. The brunette previously took to social media to confirm she will be living in her renovated bungalow with former TOWIE star Myles, 26, when it is finished. Fun: Kady eagerly documented her lavish weekend break in the Highlands, with lunch overlooking the idyllic sights Stunning: In a trio of videos Kady showed off her gorgeous Scottish lodge, complete with its own hot tub and terrace overlooking the river The duo bought a Hertfordshire property together in April 2019 with plans to completely transform it into a two-storey house. The brunette blamed their split on the pressure of the build which caused them to argue, as she joked that their renovation has been more stressful than having a baby. She wrote: 'Just to stop all the personal dms because we are literally get one every single minute, which is understandable. Break away: She eagerly documented her birthday celebrations for her followers 'Me and Myles are will both be living in this house as a couple, couples do argue. It is a very exciting time for us both but also ridiculously stressful. 'Me and Myles can't wait to live in our forever home and will continue to share our journey with you.' 'Now I understand when people say renovating/moving home is more stressful than having a baby.' (sic) White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows speaks to members of the press after a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) at the U.S. Capitol August 4, 2020 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump's administration is looking into banning more Chinese apps that could pose a national security threat, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said late Thursday. He made the comments to reporters on board Air Force One, according to a pool report, but did not mention specific apps that could be blocked. The remarks echo those Meadows recently made, including last month when he said the administration was looking at banning apps "that might collect personal information and have potential national security risk," Reuters reported. Washington has led a campaign against Chinese technology giants from Huawei to ByteDance. The Trump administration has alleged Huawei and other Chinese technology companies could collect American user data and hand it to Beijing, a claim several firms have denied. Huawei, which makes networking equipment and consumer products, has faced a number of sanctions that have hurt its business and threaten to cut it off from key semiconductors. Last month, Trump turned his sights on Tencent, owner of popular Chinese messaging app WeChat, and TikTok owner ByteDance through executive orders on Aug. 6 banning transactions with both firms. Trump then issued a separate order on Aug. 14 giving ByteDance 90 days to divest the U.S. operations of TikTok. Currently Oracle as well as a team of Microsoft and Walmart are bidding to buy part of TikTok's business. The deal, which could be worth between $20 billion to $30 billion, was expected to be closed this week. But late on Friday, China updated a list of technologies subject to export restrictions which it hasn't touched in over a decade. The amended list included technologies for "recommendation of personalized information services based on data analysis." China is deeply concerned about and firmly opposes India's ban on 118 Chinese mobile apps, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. "The Indian side has abused the concept of national security and taken discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese enterprises, violating the relevant rules and regulations of the World Trade Organization," Gao Feng, spokesperson for the MOC, said at an online press conference. India on Wednesday announced a ban on the use of 118 Chinese mobile apps in the country, describing them as "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order." Gao said that the Indian government's actions were hurting not only the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors and service providers, but also the interests of Indian consumers and the country's investment environment as an open economy. "China urges the Indian side to correct its wrong practices," Gao said, stressing that economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is mutually beneficial, and India should make efforts to create an open, fair and just business environment for international investors and service providers including Chinese businesses. Robert Steele Named CEO of KiZAN Technologies All our practice areas are expanding rapidly as we guide customers on their migration to the cloud. It is an exciting time to be at KiZAN Technologies and Im proud to be a part of it. KiZAN Technologies, a Microsoft National Solutions Provider, today officially announces the resignation of Roger Kobel. Roger has provided a steady hand of leadership and embodied the soul of KiZAN technologies for 26 years. His dedication to providing raving fan customer service and allowing each employee to pursue what they love continue to reverberate as KiZANs core values. KiZAN thanks both Roger and Joy Kobel for the indelible contributions they have made to our KiZAN families and community. Effective immediately, Robert Steele has been named CEO. Robert has been with KiZAN since 1997 and has been a fixture of KiZANs executive leadership team for over 17 years. He has served as President since December of 2019. "When Roger announced several years ago his intention to step away from the day to day management of KiZAN, we set to work developing a succession plan which would ensure continuity and maintain KiZANs position as the leading provider of Microsoft services. Weve worked diligently during this time and the solid foundation Roger helped build during the last 20 years has firmly established us for future success." "I thank Roger for his countless contributions and am excited for the next phase of KiZANs growth. All our practice areas are expanding rapidly as we guide customers on their migration to the cloud. From our Azure Infrastructure Team to our Advanced Analytics Group to our established expertise in Modern Workplace and Digital Transformation, KiZANs best days lie ahead of us. It is an exciting time to be at KiZAN Technologies and Im proud to be a part of it." -- Robert Steele, President/CEO KiZAN Technologies "I had the privilege of working with many, many talented people throughout the years who have made KiZAN what it is today. I know that KiZAN will become even a greater and more successful company under the leadership of my outstanding partners." "I am intentionally not using the word retirement. Lord willing, I hope to have another 30+ years left in my life that I plan to continue to invest in enabling everyone to pursue what they love and serving others." -- Roger Kobel, Former Owner/Retired CEO Over the last two decades, the stability, experience, and diversity of KiZANs executive leadership team have been unrivaled in the technology industry. About KiZAN: Founded in 1991, KiZAN is a Microsoft National Solutions Provider with numerous gold and silver certifications. We were named Microsofts very first global partner of the year and we were recognized as Microsofts 2019 US Partner of the Year for the automotive industry. Our primary offices are located in Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH, with additional sales offices located in Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. In addition, we are the top Microsoft partner for several channel partners providing Microsoft services across the globe. Connect with KiZAN: Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Ethiopia's northern Tigray region will head to the polls on Wednesday in defiance of the federal government, the latest challenge to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from a slew of regional leaders flexing their muscles ahead of next year's national elections. Abiy has overseen sweeping democratic reforms since taking power in Africa's second most populous nation two years ago. But the federal government - and major opposition parties - agreed to postpone national and regional elections due in August until the COVID-19 pandemic was under control. Tigray, whose leaders dominated the previous administration and have often bitterly denounced Abiy, announced it would hold elections anyway. "We know there is an open threat by Abiy to militarily intervene against Tigray and to cut funds, but we will still go ahead with the vote," said Getachew Reda, a former federal information minister and now a spokesman for the Tigray People's Liberation Front. "We know there will be consequences." Abiy has given little away about his plans. A spokeswoman for his office said in a text message that the vote would provoke "a constitutional response" and referred Reuters to parliament. The spokesman for parliament, Ato Gebru Gebresilasie, did not return calls seeking comment, but a report by the International Crisis Group think tank warned last month that the two sides were on a "collision course" and said: "If Tigray proceeds, Abiy's government is ready to consider any new regional administration illegitimate." Tigrayans are only a small minority in the Horn of Africa nation of 110 million, but dominated power since 1991, when the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front drove a Marxist military dictator from power. The Front was a coalition of four ethnically-based parties, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Last year, three of the four parties in the coalition joined to create the new Prosperity Party under Abiy. The Tigrayans refused. Some said they felt persecuted - many former officials who have appeared on trial since Abiy took power are Tigrayan. But in a dynamic playing out all over Ethiopia, the long-ruling regional party is itself facing pressure from more zealous ethnic nationalists. A new party is openly pushing Tigrayan secession from Ethiopia, a polyglot nation of more than 80 ethnic groups. For now, that's a fringe idea, said Dr Asnake Kefale, associate professor of political science at Addis Ababa University. "Among the people there isn't a will to become independent," he said. "It's an idea that is played with by the elites." Search Keywords: Short link: The first coronavirus death has been linked to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 10-day rally featured several concerts, including one in which Smash Mouth performed to thousands of attendees. According to the New York Times, the man who died was a rally attendee from Minnesota. Health officials said the man was in his 60s and had underlying health conditions. He had been in the hospital for a few weeks prior to his death. In the days immediately after the festival, Meade County, South Dakota - the location of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - only had 71 cases of the coronavirus. Since the beginning of September, that number has grown to more than 300. The state's governor, Kristi Noem, is an ardent supporter of Donald Trump and has said she is unlikely to change the state's response to the virus. "I won't be changing my recommendations that I can see in the near future," Ms Noem said. "I think this is where we expected to be. None of this is a surprise, and we will continue to evaluate and see what the future looks like." South Dakota reported more than 2,000 new cases of the virus last week. South Dakota's State Fair is scheduled to take place over Labour Day weekend. Despite the motorcycle rally taking place while coronavirus cases were steadily increasing, video footage of the Smash Mouth show suggests that there was little to no enforcement of face mask use and social distancing. "We're all here together tonight! F*** that COVID s***!" Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell said during the concert. Smash Mouth was not the only band to appear at the rally. Kenny Wayne Shepard, Trapt, Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, Quiet Riot and Trapt, among others, played sets as well. There's no indication the band regrets participating in the rally. Smash Mouth took to social media to share images of the hate mail they have received since the event, including a handwritten note that said "selfish f******" scrawled onto a broken CD. Variety reported that thus far, more than 100 coronavirus cases have been linked to the motorcycle rally. Individuals who were infected at the rally carried the virus back to their communities. Infections from Sturgis travelled to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Washington. As much of the world expressed outrage following confirmation that a deadly military-grade nerve agent was used in the poisoning of prominent Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, the response in Russia has been one of denial to outright conspiratorial. "According to the version of our doctors, it wasn't a poisoning," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on September 4, two days after the German government said it had conclusive evidence that Navalny had been poisoned, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel demanded that the Russian government explain itself over what she called an attempt to silence the opposition politician and activist. Peskov then continued to flip the script, requesting that Germany present evidence of how German doctors found traces of a nerve agent from the Novichok group, a Soviet-era chemical weapon banned by an international treaty. "The German specialists managed to establish some kind of poisonous substance, Peskov said. We're counting on a dialogue with our German colleagues." Novichok, banned internationally under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), is the same substance used against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain in 2018. And the "unequivocal evidence" once again of its use, as the office of German Chancellor Merkel put it on September 2, has left the West scrambling to formulate a response to yet another attempted assassination of a foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, Moscow appears to be muddying the waters at least at home -- with its denials and counter theories. That plan of action has worked in the past following previous Western accusations of international crimes, thanks to its tight control over domestic media. After the Skripals poisonings in Salisbury, England, a survey published by the independent pollster Levada said that 28 percent of Russians believed that British intelligence services were behind the attack. Only 3 percent believed that Russian intelligence was responsible. The attack on the Skripals wasnt the first time the U.K. had accused Russia of using chemical weapons on its soil to silence a foe. In 2006, U.K. police named former Russian state security service agent Andrei Lugovoi as a prime suspect in the poisoning of Kremlin critic Aleksandr Litvinenko on British soil. Litvinenko died three weeks after falling seriously ill, and was found to have been poisoned with polonium-210. Lugovoi, who was accused along with another Russian of placing a lethal dose of the substance in Litvinenkos tea, was reportedly treated for radiation poisoning in Moscow shortly after returning from London, and British investigators found traces of polonium-210 in hotels, restaurants, and aircraft used by Lugovoi. In 2007, Lugovoi was elected a member of the Russian State Duma and today represents the pro-Kremlin United Russia party. Infographic: How Nerve Agents Affect The Body He immediately weighed in on the German allegations that Navalny was the victim of attempted murder. "If they found something related to Novichok, then it was most likely administered to him in the [German] clinic," Lugovoi said. "The nurse, the doctor could leave any result if they really wanted to diagnose Navalny in some way with a toxic substance. I'm sure that's what happened," said Lugovoi. Navalny became seriously ill during an August 20 flight to Moscow from the Siberian town of Tomsk, where he had been working on his latest corruption investigation. The plane made an emergency landing in Omsk so that Navalny could be rushed to a local hospital. His family and colleagues suspected he had been poisoned, considering he had shown no symptoms prior to the flight, and they demanded that he be flown to Germany for treatment. Lugovoi rejected the idea that Navalny was poisoned in Russia, claiming it somehow defied logic. "I judge the probability of [his poisoning in Russia] as nonexistent from the point of view of elementary common sense, he said. Others say the logic is quite obvious: Derail the most prominent Kremlin critic and send a shiver of fear through the opposition. Navalny is arguably the most effective opposition activist in Russia. His investigative videos generally receive more than 1 million views with each new posting, and they help to undermine trust in the government and ruling party. Navalny last year called on his supporters to vote against United Russia candidates in regional elections. His strategy was considered effective as several candidates from the ruling party suffered surprise losses. Russia will hold national parliamentary elections next year. Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin on September 2 claimed the poisoning of the activist was planned in order to justify new Western sanctions against Russia with the aim to weaken the country. However, he did not explain how Novichok, developed by Soviet scientists during the Cold War, would have gotten into Germany in the first place. Access to Novichok would have been available to only the most powerful and richest people in Russia, analysts have said. The European Union and NATO clearly dont like that the economy of Russia is getting stronger each year, its influence over world events is growing, that Russia has its own position and is ready to defend it, said Volodin, who has been a subject of Navalnys investigations. Some current and former Western officials have called for imposing additional sanctions against Russia to punish it for using a military-grade nerve agent banned under the CWC as of 2020. At least one foreign leader, embattled Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has rushed to Russias defense in the face of the German governments accusations. The Belarusian dictator, who has sought Russian support as he faces the largest challenge to his 26-year rule, told Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during a meeting on September 3 that his country intercepted a call between German and Polish officials that indicates Navalnys toxicology results were falsified to discourage Moscow from getting involved in Belarusian affairs. The Belarusian ruler has yet to turn over any evidence to back up his claim, but Russian officials did not dismiss it outright. If the president of Belarus said it, then he had a reason, said Sergei Naryshkin, the director of Russias Foreign Intelligence Service, adding that a Western provocation could not be excluded. Lukashenka has also recently blamed Western states, including Poland, for being behind the weeks-long mass protests that followed his disputed August 9 presidential election. Russian state-controlled television, meanwhile, has turned to local experts including one with a checkered past -- to cast doubt on the conclusion of the German doctors. Leonid Rink -- a retired chemistry professor who worked on Novichok in a secret laboratory and who has testified to selling nerve agents to criminal elements in the 1990s has told multiple state outlets that Navalny would have died had he been exposed to Novichok and that symptoms would have been visible while he was still in Russia. Vladimir Uglev, another Russian scientist who worked on Novichok, rejected Rinks assertions, telling the independent investigative website The Insider that he believed the conclusion of the German doctors. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the international watchdog that monitors compliance with the CWC, called the German allegation a matter of grave concern and said it is ready to engage and assist with an investigation. Any conclusions by the OPCW, though, may have little impact on Russias stance. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement in poisonings, killings, and other criminal incidents it has been accused of being involved in in recent years, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, such as the downing of a Boeing passenger jet, MH17, over eastern Ukraine in 2014 that took nearly 300 lives. Sam Greene, the director of the Russia Institute at King's College London, said if Russia wants its denials to be taken seriously, it ought not to have lied about MH17, Litvinenko, Skripal, and other international crimes. Whatever else may be going on in the world, Moscow's credibility problem is of its own making, Greene said in a September 2 tweet. The bypolls will include 27 seats in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, which fell vacant after former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and MLAs supporting him quit their posts in March this year The Election Commission said it has decided to hold the pending bypolls and the Bihar Assembly polls "around the same time". Since the term of the Bihar Assembly ends on 29 November, elections are likely to be held in October or November. "One of the major factors in clubbing them together is the relative ease of movement of central forces and related logistics issues," a statement of the Election Commission said. "The announcement of the schedule of Bihar General Assembly Elections as well as these by-elections will be done by the Commission at appropriate time," the statement added. Several bypolls across the country were recently deferred due to heavy rainfall and the COVID-19 pandemic. There are 64 vacancies in the legislative Assemblies of various states and one in Lok Sabha. The vacant Assembly seats include 27 in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, after former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and the MLAs supporting him quit the party and their posts as legislators in March this year. The move led to a political crisis in the state, resulting in former chief minister Kamal Nath having to resign as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. In anticipation of the bypolls, state BJP leadership visited Delhi on Wednesday to finalise the names of candidates from the saffron party. The Times of India reported that BP has finalised the 22 ex-MLAs part of the Scindia camp as candidates. Additionally, the report quoted sources as saying that candidates for Joura (Morena), Agar Malwa, Malhera (Chhatarpur), Nepanag, Mandhata (Khandwa) have also been finalised. Besides Madhya Pradesh, bypolls in eight seats in the Gujarat Assembly are pending as well. These are the Abdasa, Limdi, Karjan, Dang, Kaprada, Morbi, Dadhada, and Dhari constituencies. On 31 August, the Gujarat High Court had dismissed a PIL seeking postponement of by-elections to these eight Assembly seats in the state, for which the schedule is yet to be announced. The PIL, filed by social worker Farsu Goklani, had sought postponement of the by-elections to the eight seats citing the coronavirus pandemic. In July, the EC had deferred polls in one Lok Sabha seat, and seven Assembly seats due to "extraordinary circumstances peculiar to these constituencies". They were the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha seat in Bihar, along with two Assembly seats each in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, and one each in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Most of these seats had falledn vacant due to the death of sitting members. Just a quarter of Britons have confidence in the UK's quarantine system after weeks of carnage that left thousands of holidaymakers high and dry. A poll for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found people appear to be running out of patience with the regime, with just 24 per cent saying it is working, compared to 48 per cent who say it is not. The grim findings came amid a bitter split between England, Scotland and Wales over whether Portugal and Greece should be added to the 'red' list. And Boris Johnson is facing a growing Tory backlash over his refusal to introduce routine testing at airports to stave off the collapse of the travel industry. Expectations had been growing for days that Portugal would be added to the quarantine roll this week after the total weekly cases per 100,000 of population rose above the UK's trigger threshold of 20. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had previously indicated that this was the main metric the government would look at to impose restrictions. But last night, he announced that there would be no change - pointing out that the proportion of tests coming back positive still remained low. An exclusive poll for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found just 24 per cent believe the quarantine system is working, while 48 per cent say it is not The UK assesses quarantine measures on how many cases countries have reported in total over seven days, per 100,000 of population. The rough threshold for imposing controls is 20 The move left some holidaymakers complaining that they had been forced to come home early unnecessarily to avoid quarantine, while others had stayed on and were caught out by the change in the nations. It followed other late decisions on countries such France and Spain that left people scrambling to get home to avoid self-isolating. In a round of interviews today, Mr Shapp conceded that starkly different approaches within the UK were 'confusing'. But he insisted that the Westminster government had assessed the best evidence and concluded that Portugal was still low-risk, and swiped at Scotland for decreeing that travellers from Greece must self-isolate this week before even seeing the latest data. He said Welsh minister might not have 'noticed' that the proportion of tests coming back positive in Portugal had fallen. However, the Scottish government lashed back by accusing Mr Shapps of 'jumping the gun' by announcing a decision before the nations had discussed the situation. Mr Shapps also hinted that the government could take a more regional approach in future, and admitted that airport testing - demanded by many to save the aviation industry - could cut the 14-day quarantine period in half. However, Mr Johnson said quarantine measures for arrivals from countries deemed high-risk must remain 'a vital part' of the fight against coronavirus. Asked during a visit to Solihull, he said he understands 'the difficulties' the airline industry is going through but said testing at points of entry only identifies 7 per cent of the cases. On a visit to an HS2 site in Solihull today, Boris Johnson said quarantine measures for arrivals from countries deemed high-risk must remain 'a vital part' of the fight against coronavirus 'So 93 per cent of the time you could have a real false sense of security, a false sense of confidence when you arrive and take a test,' he said. 'That's why the quarantine system that we have has got to be an important part of our repertoire, of our toolbox, in fighting Covid. 'What we don't want to see is reinfection coming in from abroad and quarantine is a vital part of that.' The latest rejection of airport testing fueled anger among senior Conservatives. Tory MP Henry Smith, who chairs the all-party group on aviation, said testing had to be part of the solution to easing quarantine. 'Countries like Germany, France quite a few others are testing,' he said. 'We are at a competitive disadvantage. Testing also means there is greater confidence for people to travel, and also greater confidence in terms of public health. Jordan Wednesday said will re-open its capital Amman airport Tuesday next week to regular flights after six months of hiatus and several postponements owing to covid-19 pandemic. The coronavirus crisis cell has decided to resume regular flights through the Queen Alia International Airport from September 8, Information Minister Amjad al-Adayla said at a press conference. Passengers entering the kingdom according to Adayla will need to produce a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travel, alongside a compulsory test on arrival. He said the rules would include a minimum of one week of self-isolation to a maximum two weeks of quarantine for foreign travelers depending on the severity of the pandemic in countries they came from, Middle East Monitor reports. The decision is part of the governments moves to revive the economy largely dependent on tourism revenue. Jordan on average hosts five million visitors a year. About 100,000 jobs have been affected in connection with closure in March. The national carrier, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) has lost millions of dollars as result of Alia International Airport closure owing to the pandemic. Jordan has reported a total of 2,161 cases including 15 deaths. Plans to resume flights met on several occasions, severe criticism over fears of surge in infections. Written by: Jaber Ali on September 3, 2020. on September 4, 2020. With students and teachers preparing to return to classrooms across the country this month, experts say ramping up testing protocols is one way to help provide a safe transition back to school. Some epidemiologists believe testing a group of COVID nasal-swab samples together a strategy known as pooled testing or batch testing might be a more efficient method for dealing with a large number of tests that could potentially be coming in. Colin Furness, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, envisions an ideal scenario where teachers would be tested for COVID twice a week. If that were to happen in Ontario, a province with roughly 160,000 teachers, Furness says labs would be processing more than 300,000 tests each week just on teachers. We dont really have the capacity to do that. And that is extremely concerning to me, Furness said. So pooled testing would be one way of saying all right, we have an existing laboratory processing capacity. Lets multiply it. Pooled testing works by mixing a number of samples together Furness suggests eight and screening them for the novel coronavirus at the same time. This could theoretically include a group of teachers working at the same school, or students and teachers in the same cohort. If the pooled sample comes back negative, it likely means all the samples within the batch are negative. If the batch tests positive, the lab would then retest each individual sample from the pool to find the positive result. This method works best in scenarios where you wouldnt expect to find many COVID cases, Furness said, but loses its effectiveness where prevalence of the virus is higher. If theres a lot of positive cases, youre not going to save much (time), because youre gonna have to go back and redo it all the time, he explained. But if theyre mostly negative, this becomes very, very fast. And it vastly increases the amount of testing you can do in the same laboratory space. Winnipeg epidemiologist Cynthia Carr agrees that pooled testing is useful as a quick screening tool to rule out large numbers of people at once. Pooled testing can also be cheaper, Carr says, since labs would use less reagent the chemical that detects the virus on the swab on a bigger sample. The reagent itself is expensive, she said. So if you can use one reagent for every 10 people or so, youre cutting that down, unless theres a positive and you have to test them again individually. Pooling can run the risk of diluting samples, however, which could lead to false negatives, Carr added. And more research may be needed to determine the exact number of samples you can mix together while still keeping the test reliable. Canadas lab strategies vary from province to province. B.C. and Ontario do not currently use pooled testing, though B.C. says it will consider the strategy if the supply of reagents used for testing is at level where conserving this supply is warranted. Public Health Ontario said in an email that pooled testing for COVID-19 is currently being validated and examined by several laboratories. Alberta, meanwhile, began a pooling test pilot last month through Alberta Precision Labs, a subsidiary of the provincial health services agency, for a small number of samples from asymptomatic patients. Alberta Health Services says it will further expand the volume of pooling tests in weeks to come, if the pilot is successful. Education and health authorities are under pressure to implement testing protocols that would keep track of COVID-19 infections in schools. A Quebec teachers union said Wednesday its going to court to demand the government institute a rapid COVID-19 testing strategy in the school system and to divulge the number of infections among students, teachers and staff. Using pooled testing as a proactive ongoing monitor of a school or classroom cohort is tricky, Carr said, because it would require parental permission and plenty of resources to collect that many swabs on a regular basis. Weve got to be careful. It wouldnt mean replacing physical distancing or letting down our guard in any other way, Carr said. But it would be a potential addition to learning about the prevalence in the population. Furness says pooled testing could theoretically help in dealing with a small outbreak before it gets out of hand in a school setting by taking samples from an entire class or cohort after exposure has been detected. But, he added, if COVID has spread into several positive cases within one classroom, pooled testing wouldnt actually save any time. Pooled testing is not new, and Carr and Furness both say its been used effectively in the past in detecting HIV and other viruses. While there have been times pooled testing has not been effective Carr pointed out that soldiers were unsuccessfully tested for syphilis using this method during the Second World War she added that technology has come a whole long way since then. Theres more recent examples where it really does seem to assist in quick turnaround time, in alleviating pressure on the health-care system, and in leveraging materials that are in shorter supply, she said. In Belarus, scores of IT workers took to the streets of capital Minsk on Friday, September 4 to join the ongoing mass protest against the disputed reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko. According to the reports, the main opposition challenger in the vote Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called upon the United Nations for help in wake of growing protests. The protesting IT workers on Friday formed chains of solidarity in different parts of the city demanding Lukashenko's resignation who is accused of trying to extend his 26-year rule in Belarus with a rigged election. A human chain was also formed outside the High Technology Park a day after the government authorities raided one of the companies and detained several workers which include the company's top manager accusing them of financial abuses. The park is reported to house 750 IT companies that employ 58,000 people and currently account for more than 6% of the nation's GDP. Earlier, dozens of top IT entrepreneurs in an open letter warned authorities that repression against dissent would trigger massive brain drain. READ: Belarus Leader Reshuffles Lieutenants To Tighten Control Belarus opposition seeks UN help Belarus has witnessed mass protests for nearly four weeks ago. The protestors are opposing the official election results which gave the Belarusian leader a sixth term with 80% of vote share. While addressing a meeting of the UNSC via video link, Belarus' main opposition challenger Tsikhanouskaya urged the global agency to stop blatant human rights violations and cynical disregard for human dignity right in the middle of Europe. She accused Lukashenko of playing dirty politics and stealing the election and asked the UN to condemn the crackdown on protesters. The Belarusian leader also asked the UN to send a monitoring mission to Belarus and call a special session of its Human Rights Council to discuss the situation in the country. READ: Anti-Lukashendo Protests Continue In Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said, "I call on the international community to use all mechanisms to stop the violence, including sanctions on the individuals that committed electoral violations and crimes against humanity. Tikhanovskaya fled the country for Lithuania on August 11, fearing that she and her family could be harmed. The 37-year-old leader has been issuing video statements from Lithuania, demanding Belarusian authorities to accept their wrongdoings and to join hands with the opposition in order to evade punishment in the future. Protestors are demanding a free and fair election and an end of state-sponsored violence. People in large numbers have taken to streets to protest against the outcome of the recently concluded election, following which Lukashenko ordered a crackdown on demonstrators. One protestor reportedly died in the clashes between police and the protesters, while over 7,000 have been arrested so far. (With AP Inputs) READ: Belarusian Journalists Face Charges For Covering Protests READ: Belarus Opposition Challenger To Address UN Security Council Mongolian Schools Stay Empty Amid Ongoing Protests as Chinese Police Seek 'Troublemakers' 2020-09-03 -- Schools and classrooms remained largely empty across the northern Chinese region of Inner Mongolia on Thursday, amid an ongoing civil disobedience movement protesting plans to end Mongolian-medium teaching in the region's schools. Police began a region-wide operation seeking the leaders of protests and the organizers of school boycotts among the region's 4.2 million ethnic Mongolians. Police in Xing'an League and Ulanhot city were meanwhile out looking for school-age ethnic Mongolian children to force them back into school. Japan-based ethnic Mongolian scholar Khubis said high-school students in Shiliin-Gol League had begun a hunger strike over the plan to end first-grade classes in the Mongolian language. "Four students in the third grade of a Mongolian-medium high school in Xilin Gol went on hunger strike [on Sept. 1] to protest the new Chinese language education policy," Khubis told RFA. "More than 300 ethnic Mongolian employees of the state-run Inner Mongolia Radio Station signed a petition saying that they could not accept the new Chinese-medium education policy," he said. New editions of Mongolian-language textbooks were found to have had chapters on Mongolians' pride in their homelands and love of their language deleted, while sections in Chinese had been added to the text, Khubis said. Meanwhile, authorities in Urad Middle Banner -- a county-like division -- put out urgent directives ordering all ethnic Mongolian civil servants or public employees to return their children to schools by Sept. 2, or face immediate firing and disciplinary action. Ethnic Mongolian herders said they had seen large numbers of armored personnel carriers on the streets in some areas, while the local government is saying that the protests were "incited by overseas forces." And ethnic Mongolian academic Arichaa said roadblocks have been set up at borders between banners and cities. "Many roads between banners and counties have been blocked since Sept. 2," Arichaa said. "At the border between Naiman and Kulun, there have been clashes between parents and police." Social media shut down A mass social media shutdown had made it harder for parents and teachers to coordinate their actions, Arichaa said. "Parents and teachers cannot communicate via phone calls, or WeChat," Arichaa said, adding that at least two people had reportedly been detained on suspicion of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," a charge often used to target peaceful critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. On Sept. 2, police in Kezuohou Banner issued a notice calling on nine people involved in recent protests and class boycotts in Ganqika, Agula, Hailut and Gilgalang townships to turn themselves in. Anyone with information leading to their detention is offered a 1,000 yuan reward. Across the border in the independent country of Mongolia, scholar Chimag said academics had organized a protest in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, outside the Chinese embassy. "They were hoping that the Chinese government would reconsider the policy it has started implementing, and restore the old system," Chimag said. Ethnic Mongolian parents from across the region have continued to send video clips to the New York-based Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center (SMHRIC). The group estimated that, on the first day of the new semester on Sept. 1, around 300,000 ethnic Mongolian students had joined the boycott. It said more than 100 people have been listed as wanted by police in Horchin district of Tongliao city, Zaruud Banner, Naiman Banner, Tongliao Development Zone, Horchin Left Wing Middle Banner, and Horchin Left Wing Rear Banner. The posters accuse the people on the list as being suspected of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," it said. It said reports had emerged that at least two Mongolian parents have committed suicide in protest at the authorities' extreme pressure to send their children to school. "One is a mother and teacher from the Shuluun-huh Banner in Shilin-gol League," SMHRIC said. "The other, a father whose wife is a teacher, was forced to send his child to school under tremendous pressure from the authorities in Tongliao." Degrading cultural identity In New York, PEN America said the new education policy "threatens to degrade ethnic Mongolians' language rights and cultural identity." It said the policy, which went into effect this week, would remove Mongolian-language instruction for several key subjects. "PEN America is concerned that the new policy ties into larger governmental efforts to push the assimilation of ethnic minorities at the expense of their ability to express their cultural identities," the group said in a statement. "This new policy flies in the face of its own commitments under both domestic and international law, to listen to the concerns of Inner Mongolian citizens, and we call on the Chinese government to reverse the policy and re-commit to the observance of minority language rights," James Tager, deputy director of free expression research and policy at PEN America, said in the statement. The group pointed to widespread censorship of news of the protests, with the government shutting down Bainuu, a Mongolian-language social network that once boasted more than 400,000 users. "By responding with censorship of their social media posts and targeting of peaceful protesters, the government is only further erasing their voice," Tager said. China's constitution, as well as its Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law, explicitly protect the linguistic rights of ethnic minorities, including guarantees of the freedom of ethnic nationalities to use their own spoken and written language, PEN America said. It said China also has commitments under international law to safeguard minority language rights, including through articles 29(c) and 30 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, and article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which have China as a signatory. Reported by Qiao Long 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 September 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 "I am not playing a game," a police officer tells Mr Bartolo. "Come down ... I've given you all the opportunity in the world." Police enter James Bartolo's home after breaking down the door. Credit:Twitter The stand-off ends when police use a battering ram to break down Mr Bartolo's front door. In the video, Mr Bartolo can be seen running down the stairs before officers tackle him to the ground and arrest him on the floor of his living room. In a statement, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said that officers had executed a search warrant on the Taylors Hill address "following an ongoing investigation into the organisation and encouragement of protest activity". Police seized devices including a mobile phone, laptops and five samurai swords. In a series of videos posted on Friday afternoon, Mr Bartolo told his followers he was "all good". "Woke up this morning, jumped on the dunny, heard some knocks on the door, went and checked it, it was all the cops," he said. "They broke down the door, arrested me, took computers, laptops, that kind of things, phones. So that's a bit of a pain in the ass but, oh well, it has happened." He urged people not to attend Saturday's protest. "Don't go tomorrow ... it's a trap. Don't do it," he said. "Because what's going to happen is Daniel Andrews will just blame the protest for the lockdown extension. Don't go to the protest so he has nothing to blame. "Anyway I can't say much, I have to be very careful with what I say, as you can imagine... people, people, people, yes it's a trap, duh, the 5th is a trap. Don't go to the 5th." Loading He has been bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates Court on May 5, 2021. Protests planned in capital cities around the country on Saturday have been touted as "Freedom Day" rallies, although prominent voices in the anti-lockdown movement including former My Kitchen Rules host Pete Evans are now calling for Melbourne's demonstration to be postponed. Police arrested pregnant Ballarat woman Zoe Buhler on Wednesday and charged her with incitement. The young pregnant mother was handcuffed in front of her children while telling police she would remove a Facebook post in which she encouraged people to attend the rally. The arrests have sparked a debate about the police response to people protesting against lockdown restrictions. Anthony Kelly, executive officer of the Police Accountability Project, part of Melbourne Activist Legal Support, said suppressing protests by pre-emptively charging people with incitement was a concern. He said health authorities should be advising the community how to safely protest during COVID-19, just as they advise on funerals and on boot camps during lesser stages of lockdown. "Protest is continually downplayed in terms of its importance," Mr Kelly said. "What we would say, is that protest events are so important for the fabric of society and democracy and the ability of us as citizens to raise concerns ... they need to be given priority in terms of considerations." A refugee activist was also charged with incitement earlier in the year for organising a socially distanced protest, via a car envoy, outside the Mantra hotel which is housing asylum seekers. The Victorian Bar wrote to Police Minister Lisa Neville on Thursday to raise concerns about Ms Buhler's treatment. President of the Victorian Bar Wendy Harris, QC, said she understood the importance of individuals adhering to the law particularly during a pandemic but said she was concerned that Ms Buhler's arrest "appeared disproportionate to the threat she presented". Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said police were doing what they were required to do to stop protests and he was satisfied the treatment of Ms Buhler was appropriate in the circumstances. He said you would "have to have been on Mars" not to know that protesting is currently not allowed. A Cabinet minister admitted to confusion for holidaymakers after Scotland and Wales put Portugal on their quarantine list but England and Northern Ireland did not do so. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defended the decision by the Government at Westminster to keep allowing people to return to England from the Algarve and other parts of Portugal without having to self-isolate for 14 days. He said Portugal was on the border line for going on the list and ministers have made clear that quarantine could be swiftly re-imposed if the Covid-19 situation there worsens. He stressed that dealing with coronavirus in the UK was a devolved matter. Its a bit like the decisions on the lockdowns and the way the rules are being applied throughout the different parts of the UK, he told Sky News. You are quite accustomed to seeing, for example, Scotland do one thing and say you can meet with so many people and Wales do another and so on and so forth. The travel corridors are similar to that and I do realise that it creates confusion for people not to have a single rule but we do have this devolved approach throughout the UK. I can only be responsible for the English part of that. The Joint Biosecurity Centre in Whitehall use a number of different measures to assess the Covid situation in other countries, he explained. Grant Shapps / Jeremy Selwyn Its not just the number of cases per 100,000 that counts but also the positivity rate, how many of those cases are testing positive, and also how the Government in that country is dealing with it, whether its a local outbreak and many other factors, he said. This week has led to no changes, partly because of the test positivity for example in Portugal actually came down on the last set of figures when we were making this choice. He emphasised that if a country does a lot of testing, using only the 100,000 measure would mean they could be unfairly put on the quarantine list. Some holidaymakers, though, had paid hundreds of pounds to fly home early from Portugal to avoid expected quarantine after a spike in Covid-19 cases. There were 23 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in Portugal in the seven days to Wednesday, up from 15.3 a week earlier. Travellers returning from Portugal to England and Northern Ireland will not have to self-quarantine / AFP via Getty Images A seven-day rate of 20 is a threshold above which the UK Government has considered triggering quarantine conditions. The Government was also under pressure to reimpose quarantine rules on arrivals from Greece after Scotland and Wales introduced restrictions in recent days. But Mr Shapps announced yesterday that there were no changes to the Governments list, though he said he would not hesitate to remove countries if needed. Kelly Jones and her family changed their flights home from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday at a cost of 900 to avoid a potential quarantine because she did not want her children to miss out on two weeks of school. The 45-year-old from Birmingham said the situation was absolutely disgusting, added: The Government just change the goalposts left, right and centre at the moment. Its embarrassing. Hancock defends quarantine policy ahead of possible Portugal restrictions Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: The quarantine policy is in tatters and dividing the United Kingdom. Consumers are totally confused by the different approaches and its impossible to understand the Governments own criteria anymore on when to add or remove a country. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: Days of speculation around this announcement meant many people rushed to pay extortionate prices for flights back to England to avoid having to quarantine on their return - only to now find out there was no need. If the Government is serious about letting international travel resume while prioritising public health, a major reassessment of its approach is needed. The Welsh Government last night revealed that it would remove the exemption from the 14-day self-isolation requirement for travellers returning from Portugal, Gibraltar and seven Greek islands. The new rule came into force at 4am on Friday. The Scottish Government has said passengers arriving from Portugal would have to quarantine from 4am on Saturday, as well as those arriving from French Polynesia. Loading.... Scotland began requiring travellers from anywhere in Greece to enter quarantine from Thursday. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Fri, September 4, 2020 08:16 504 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42a13ff 1 National COVID-19-in-Indonesia,North-Sumatra,District-Court,sumatera-utara,Sumatra-Utara,infection,new-cluster,klaster-baru-COVID-19,pengadilan-negeri-medan,PN-Medan-Sumatera-Utara Free The Medan District Court in North Sumatra has been declared a COVID-19 cluster after 38 staff members and judges, including the head of the court, Sutio Jumagi Akhirno, tested positive for the coronavirus. One of the judges, Somadi, has reportedly died of the disease and was buried under COVID-19 protocol on Wednesday evening. According to swab test results from Wednesday, 25 staffers and 13 judges are COVID-19 positive. We will do more testing on Friday to determine the number of staff infected and curb the transmission, Medan District Court deputy chief Abdul Aziz told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. He added that all of the infected staff and judges had immediately gone into self-isolation. Judge Immanuel Tarigan of the Medan District Court said that, given the latest situation, the work-from-home policy for staff and judges that was supposed to end on Thursday would be extended to Sept. 11. Immanuel admitted that the extension of working from home would affect the integrated service at the district court. The court will temporarily close the one-stop integrated service [PTSP], which serves the submission of files and claims. However, we are still open for trials, he said. Meanwhile, Medan District Court spokesperson Tengku Oyong said the court would impose a lockdown if there was still COVID-19 transmission among court staff and judges next week. On Thursday, North Sumatra saw 141 more confirmed COVID-19 cases and three more COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total number of infections in the province to 7,265 and fatalities to 324. Meanwhile, a total of 4,282 patients have recovered from the disease. (aly) Union members and their families march through the streets during the annual Labor Day parade and rally in Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 3, 2018. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images) What $2 Billion in Political Spending Buys Big Labor Commentary Union officials own filings show they spend over $2 billion on politics each election cycle, and thats just what they admit. Further, the largest portionwell over a billionof that total is from union general treasury accounts, which are funded by the dues and fees of workers who would be fired if they refused to pay. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, already in the 2020 election cycle, 7 out of the top 15 highest-spending organizations are unions. Even though over 40 percent of union household members vote Republican, each one of these unions gave between 94 percent and 100 percent of its political contributions to Democrat causes and candidates. With Big Labor poised to spend another $2 billion again this election cycle, one might start to wonder what union bosses are getting for all that money. Look no further than Joe Bidens own campaign promises. Biden touts his support for the so-called Protecting the Right to Organize Act (or PRO Act) as the centerpiece of his labor agenda. Of course, even the title of the bill is misleading: The First Amendments freedom of association protects the right of any worker to join a union if he or she chooses. Further, Big Labor already enjoys countless special government-granted organizing powers, including the power to force workers to accept their representation and the power to force employers to fire any worker who refuses to pay for it in states without Right to Work protections. Yet Big Labor isnt satisfied with the current privileges granted by federal law. Thats why the PRO Act contains, as its flagship provision, the elimination of all 27 state Right to Work laws, which make union membership and financial support strictly voluntary. Its not difficult to see why the union bosses want to gut Right to Work protections for independent-minded workers. Without Right to Work, employees are forced to hand over a chunk of every paycheck to union officials just to keep their jobs. That money, once confiscated from workers, fuels the rest of the Big Labor agendaincluding its massive political machine. Considering that Joe Biden is one of the biggest beneficiaries from that war chest, he stands to benefit greatly if he can get forced dues flowing once again nationwide into Big Labors pocketsand into his campaign. Whats more, union bosses are not content to force every worker currently in a unionized business to pay dues. As weve seen this year, the latest push from union-label politicians has been to expand the dues-paying ranks by forcing independent contractors, such as ridesharing drivers, to accept union boss representation by government mandate. Californias controversial Assembly Bill 5 is on the verge of forcing companies such as Uber and Lyft to shut down in the state, threatening the jobs and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of rideshare drivers, all in a bid to increase the number of dues-paying workers under Big Labors thumb. The other anti-worker policies contained in the PRO Act have been well-documented. From allowing the National Labor Relations Board to unilaterally overturn secret ballot votes in order to impose unionization, to drastically expanding striking powers, the PRO Act amounts to a veritable wish list of union boss demands. Bidens extreme pro-union boss positions hardly stop there, though. He also supports the Card Check Forced Unionism bill, which was blocked by bipartisan opposition when unions pushed it in 2010, at a time when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress and the White House. That proposal is best known for effectively ending the secret ballot election for unionization by allowing organizers to pressure and cajole workers into signing cards that are later counted as votes for the union. The bills lesser known but equally outrageous scheme empowers government bureaucrats to impose forced-dues union contracts over the objections of both rank-and-file workers and employers. And thats to say nothing of the public sector, where Biden backs legislation forcing every state and local government in America to set up systems of union monopoly bargaining for public employees under penalty of outright federal takeover. Joe Biden, backed by Big Labors political spending, has endorsed every single one of these priorities. In fact, now hes even out publicly declaring his intent to gut the Senate filibuster in order to get his agenda enacted, and Congressional Democrats, who themselves have taken tens of millions in direct contributions from Big Labor, are marching in lockstep to make this wish list a reality. For the union bosses, thats more than worth the $2 billion price tag. Mark Mix is president of the National Right to Work Committee. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Beatles When The Beatles broke up 50 years ago, an era ended. In fact, just a decade had passed since John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and their pre-Ringo Starr bandmates, Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best, performed as the Beatles for the first time at Hamburg's Indra Club in the summer of 1960. But by 1970, they had changed music forever. Far from being a mere nostalgia act, the Beatles remain popular today, less with screaming fans than with streaming fans: Within days of going on sale last year the 1969 album Abbey Road scored 1.7 billion Spotify streams, nearly half of them by people born after the band's demise. The two surviving band members, McCartney, 78, and Starr, 80, remain close. This summer McCartney released a remastered version of "Beautiful Night," a song he and Starr made in 1997. When the two hit the studio, said McCartney, "right away it was just like the old days." Fred Duval/FilmMagic Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Now PEOPLE is revisiting those remarkable early days in a photo-filled special edition, The Story of The Beatles. In the chapter excerpted below, The Beatles were experiencing a dizzying first wave of success in the UK and at least one member of the band thought they had peaked. Excerpt: "Beatlemania at Home" Chris Ware/Keystone/Getty Image The Beatles and producer George Martin with the band's first silver record The Beatles were cooling their Cuban boot heels in a dressing room inside a North London theater under siege by fans in January 1964. By order of police fearful of riots, the Beatles had arrived at the theater before schools discharged their fans in the afternoonand hours before showtime."We're open-air lads, really," John Lennon told a Life correspondent cooped up with them. "But we haven't seen any open air for so long." Oxygen in short supply was as good an explanation as any for the loopiness that now engulfed England. The path to that moment of mass hysteria began back in November 1961, when destiny arrived in the unlikely guise of a 27-year-old department-store heir. Brian Epstein, an immaculately dressed classical-music lover, could not have been more out of his element once hed descended the Cavern Clubs steps into Liverpools beat-music underworld. He had come to see the Hamburg-hardened band after an excited 18-year-old came to Epsteins music shop in search of a record called "My Bonnie." The disc in question was a single from an album by Tony Sheridan, whom the Beatles, billed on the label as the Beat Brothers, had backed on a recording session in Germany. As the Beatles were playing nearby, Epstein decided to go. Story continues He left the Cavern that day transported. "I dropped in at the smoky, smelly, pretty squalid cellar where these four youths were performing," he told Life two years later. "Their act was ragged, they were undisciplined, their clothes were a mess, and yet ... I sensed at once that there was something here, something big." Within weeks Epstein was serving as their manager and on New Year's Day 1962 he delivered them to London for an audition with Decca Records. Alas, he was told, guitar groups were on the way out." (Once Decca's brass were proved so spectacularly wrong, the labels head, Dick Rowe, was spared a lifetime of kicking himself when, on a tip from George Harrison, he signed another up-and-coming group: the Rolling Stones.) Looking back, Epstein admitted he'd practically lost hope after shopping the Beatles demo tape to every major label. "They weren't in the least interested." Then, in April 1962, on a do-or-die trip to London, Epstein planned to knock on one last doorthat of Embassy, a nickel-and-dime label distributed through a single outlet, Woolworths. Before calling on them, he stopped at an HMV store to have the demo tape converted to disc. Jim Foye, a sound engineer who routinely made acetates for walk-in customers, heard something in Epsteins tape that the best ears in the business had missed. Foye turned to Epstein and said, "There's one of EMIs executives upstairs at a meeting," referring to HMVs parent company. "Would you mind if I asked him to listen to this?" Said executive was as enthused by what he heard as Foye had been; he happened to have a friend named George Martin, who was the head of an EMI subsidiary label, Parlophone. With his aristocratic bearing (he was, in fact, from a modest background), Martin, 36, seemed as apart from the Beatles world as their manager. When he asked them after an early recording session if there was anything they were unhappy with, George Harrison had a go. "Well, for a start," he said, "I don't like your tie." Martin, who had in his teens led a dance band called the Four Tune Tellers, was the producer of some of the Liverpool lads' favorite Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan records. He was polite when Epstein first played him his HMV demo disc. "There was an unusual qualitya certain roughness," Martin would tell author Philip Norman. "I thought to myself, 'There might just be something there.'" After an audition in June 1962, Martin offered them a deal. But not before he told Epstein that Pete Best's "drumming isn't at all what I want." By September, when they returned for the recording sessions that would yield their first single, "Love Me Do," the band had a new drummer. And George Harrison had a black eye, suffered in a melee at the Cavern Club where the Beatles, now with Ringo Starr on drums, were attacked by furious Pete Best fans. In November Martin was miffed when his new band insisted on recording another Lennon-McCartney original rather than the sure-fire single he had found for them, "How Do You Do It?," which did become a hit for Gerry and the Pacemakers. "The whole session was a joy," Martin later admitted, even after the Beatles recorded their own song Please Please Me." "At the end, I pressed the intercom button and said, 'Gentlemen, you have just made your first No. 1.'" Neither Martin nor Epstein nor the Beatles themselves could have prophesied what was to come: a string of No. 1 hits and a debut albumrecorded in a single 12-hour sessionthat topped the charts for 30 weeks. It was knocked from No. 1 by their second album, released in the U.K. on Nov. 22, 1963. Two months later they made their American LP debut with Meet the Beatles. The first major outbreaks of mania among England's teenage population were reported in the fall of 1963 when, in the wake of their first national television appearances and a series of BBC radio shows, the Fab Foura coinage claimed by Beatles' publicist Tony Barrowbegan a five-week tour. At Hull, in Yorkshire, 50 cops struggled to control 2,000 fans who'd queued up all night. In Carlisle ambulances carted away teens injured when a ticket line devolved into a riot; in Newcastle 4,000 waited in a drenching rain. "Pinched, wind-bitten faces of many who had queued 48 hours made it look more like a death watch than prelude to a joyous Beatle event," observed the Daily Telegraph. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images RELATED: Paul McCartney Explains Why The Beatles Didn't Keep The Band Going "I touched a Beatle last night," wrote a Daily Herald reporter. "Two fans, little more than 12 years old, grabbed me later and kissed my gloved hand. Fleet Street dubbed it Beatlemania, and reporters assigned to cover the phenomenon rejoiced to discover that the supposed northern bumpkins delivered great quotes. Ringo especially proved a quip machine: REPORTER: Why do you wear so many rings? RINGO: Because I can't fit them all through me nose. REPORTER: What do you think of Beethoven? RINGO: I loved his poems. The most-quoted line belonged to John, as he introduced Twist and Shout from the stage of London's Prince of Wales Theatre during the annual Royal Variety Performanceas far from the Reeperbahn as you could get. "Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands," he said to an audience that included the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth was then pregnant and palace-bound). "And the rest of you if youll just rattle your jewelry." At another tour stop, Ringo revealed that Beatlemania had infected even his own family. "My dad's gone right off his nut with excitement over it. He's a painter, you know, but he doesnt talk like one anymore. He's full of the 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' and the 'Wow Wow Wow and flicking his fingers." With reporters, photographers, television producers "and teenagers who have wrangled interviews" crammed into their dressing room, Ringo chatted about his musical tastes. "I'm dead keen on the blues," he said, adding that he once hoped to move to the U.S. "I went to the American consulate in Liverpool to get my visa, and they gave us forms to fill in with questions like 'Is your grandmother's best friends dog a communist?' So I gave up." He needn't have; in one of pop musics most spectacular coincidences, American variety show host Ed Sullivan was passing through a London airport in October 1963 just as fans were going nuts over the band, who were returning from Sweden. Recognizing a phenomenon when he was nearly deafened by one, Sullivan decided to book the band. To that point, the Beatles welcomed the uproar from fans at home. "They can make as much row as they like," said John, who reckoned that after nine more months Beatlemaniacs would move on to something else. "The day they desert us, I'll be wondering how I'm going to pay for my whiskey-and-cokes. At the moment," he added, "we're at the peak. Things can't get much more hysterical than they are now." He was, of course, very, very wrong. PEOPLE's new special edition, The Story of The Beatles is available now on Amazon and wherever magazines are sold. Thousands of Moroccans who once crossed into Spanish enclaves on the North African coast to work every day are struggling after six months of border closures due to coronavirus restrictions. "Everything is at a standstill," said 43-year-old Mohamed Bouhlal, who worries how to pay his rent. He fears he and his family will be thrown out of their home. The frontiers of the two Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, which have the only land borders between the European Union and Africa, have been shut since March in a bid to forestall the spread of the novel coronavirus. But the pandemic restrictions have created problems. "If the border does not reopen, I will have no other choice but to beg," said domestic worker Fadwa, who worked for the past 18 years in Ceuta, less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from her home in Morocco. While the border post is deserted, police keep a close eye on frontier. The enclaves are surround by high barbed wire fences, erected in a bid to stop the large numbers of African migrants who seek to cross and enter the EU by land. Fnideq, a small shopping town just across the border in Morocco, is usually crowded at this time of year. Now it is quiet. - Thousands lost jobs - More than 8,000 people -- including restaurant staff and business traders, housekeepers and those working in tourism -- have lost their jobs in the two enclaves, unions say. Some 3,600 have been made unemployed in Ceuta, situated just across the Strait of Gibraltar from mainland Spain, and 5,000 have lost their work in Melilla, further east along the African coast, they say. Chakib Merouane, the general secretary of Moroccan workers in Ceuta, said the situation was serious. Some of those unable to cross the border have been dismissed, Merouane said. But while those who opted to stay on the Spanish side kept their jobs, they have since faced other challenges. They range from "divorce or depression, because they chose to be stranded from their relatives to keep their jobs", he said. Story continues Usually, crossing the border is simple. An agreement between Morocco and Spain exempts cross-border workers from needing a visa. Fattouma Chairi, 73, has been commuting across the border for half a century. "Since March, I have not received a salary. I am stuck at home," she said. It is compounding wider economic misery for Morocco. Official figures predict the pandemic could push the country into its worst recession since 1996, with a contraction of more than five percent of its GDP. The effects of the pandemic -- combined with low agricultural yields -- are pushing a million more people deeper into poverty, in a country with a population of 35 million. While nearly six million families needing help after loosing their incomes received state aid for three months, nothing has been done for the Moroccans who lost work due to the closure of the borders with Spain, residents say. "I did not receive any help. I had to borrow money for six months to survive," said Merouane. "But this is no longer possible, and I risk finding myself on the street." - 'Cruel' - The 49-year-old trade unionist has worked for 20 years in a restaurant in Ceuta. As restrictions in Morocco ease and workers resume their jobs, those employed across the border are stuck. "Everyone is going back to work, so why not us?" said Fadwa, whose income supported six members of her family, including her unemployed husband. "The authorities are more cruel than the pandemic." The government insists they had made efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus their top priority. Morocco has confirmed over 65,450 cases of novel coronavirus, including 1,216 deaths. Like all governments, the authorities have to weigh lockdown measures against the need to keep the economy alive. But the border closures compounded an existing economic crisis, after the authorities clamped down on traders who smuggled goods between Morocco and Ceuta. The government had promised to build a commercial zone to help ease the fallout from the loss of the once lucrative trade, but that work is at a standstill. No date has been set for the reopening of the borders. But Moroccans are desperate for the border to open and to get back to their old jobs. One worker said she was "seriously considering swimming" from Morocco to Ceuta, to slip around the fences on land. "I no longer have a choice," said 33-year-old Samira, who can no longer provide for her family, after losing her job in the enclave. While the frontier is blocked, people still get through. Last month, Spanish security forces stopped 300 migrants trying to scale the fences into Melilla, with one person dying when he fell from the fence, and several others injured. On Thursday, the Council of Europe called on Spain to improve conditions for migrants, including some 500 people crammed into an "overcrowded" bullring arena being used as a shelter in Melilla. Spain responded by saying it faced a "constant pressure of irregular migration" but that it sought to "guarantee maximum quality" in the conditions for migrants. isb/hme/sof/pjm/dv WASHINGTON: Four Republican state attorneys general led by Texas backed President Donald Trumps push to narrow the ability of social media companies to remove objectionable content and require new transparency rules. Texas, Louisiana, Indiana and Missouris state attorneys general said in joint comments made public on Thursday that new rules are needed. They argue social media platforms cannot be truly free unless the participants understand the rules of the forum, and competition is able to provide alternatives when speech restrictions go too far." The attorneys general added that the examples are legion of online platforms downplaying, editing, or even suppressing political speech that bears no relationship to the traditionally regulated categories of speech." On Wednesday, a group representing major internet companies including Facebook Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Incs Google urged the Federal Communications Commission to reject a petition filed by the Trump administration, saying it was misguided, lacks grounding in law, and poses serious public policy concerns." FCC Chairman Ajit Pai dismissed calls from the two Democrats on the agencys five-member commission to reject the petition without public comment. He has declined to comment on the petitions merits. The Republican president directed the Commerce Department to file the petition after Twitter Inc in May warned readers to fact-check his posts about unsubstantiated claims of fraud in mail-in voting. The Republican attorneys general cited Twitters decision to flag earlier Trumps tweet. Twitter claimed the tweet was supported by no evidence despite the fact that many experts including signatories to this letter can validate that claim," they wrote. Twitter on Thursday flagged two more tweets from Trump for violating its rules on civic and election integrity by urging voters to cast ballots twice, via mail and in person. Also on Thursday, Facebook said it would stop accepting new political ads in the week before U.S. elections on Nov. 3 in a series of moves it billed as its final plan for reducing risks of misinformation and election interference. The petition asks the FCC to limit protections for social media companies under Section 230, a provision of the 1996 Communications Decency Act that shields social media companies from liability for content posted by their users and allows them to remove lawful but objectionable posts. Despite the recent pullback, 2020s frothy stock market has provided Tesla (TSLA) investors with massive returns. However, if Wall Streets most prominent Tesla bear has his way, the next 12 months will be a steep descent to the bottom. GLJ Research analyst Gordon Johnson expects Tesla shares to be changing hands for $19 each a year from now (yes, thats not a typo), implying a decline of 96%. Needless to say, Johnsons rating for Tesla is a Sell. (To watch Johnsons track record, click here) Johnson has so many issues with Tesla, it is hard to know where to start. On the plus side, the analyst estimates Teslas overall 2020 deliveries will hit 494,848, which is only just below Teslas 2020 guidance for 500,000. And that is where the plus side ends. The problems? Lets see. Take away FSD (full self-driving) and credit sales in 2020, and Johnson believes TSLA will lose roughly $200 million in both 3Q20 and 4Q20, adding the core business is still a perpetual loss maker. The analyst also believes Tesla has a tendency to shift numbers around as it sees fit (as it did in 1H20 where credit sales jumped to $782mn vs. $267mn in 2H19) - making modeling the company's earnings more an art than science. And while Tesla is now eligible to join the S&P 500 after recording profits for 4 consecutive quarters, Johnson argues this is probably only due to recognizing 71% of the full value of the FCA credits due to the company over the next three years in just two quarters. What else? Teslas FSD product is vaporware. Sales are trending down in most regions (US and Canada and in Europe), whilst the data points to disappointing sales in China. Additionally, the parabolic rise in Tesla shares a valuation approaching that of more than the entire global auto industry - has nothing to do with fundamentals, with the fed pumped US markets "structurally broken" and a bubble building in markets that are not properly functioning. Story continues Nevertheless, Johnson predicts another "Rabbit-Out-of-the-Hat" in 3Q20 and believes once again consensus will be Bedazzled by the Magic Show." When does it end? Johnson asks, We don't know... but what we are confident of is that TSLA's fundamentals are worsening by the day, and when this ends TSLA will trade down to fair value. Thus, despite all the, quite frankly, BS analysis (lacking of any actual numbers) we see out there, we are sticking with our fundamental view. It is hard to match such a bearish outlook, although the Street is hardly peppered with Tesla bulls. TSLA's Hold consensus rating is based on 5 Buys, 15 Holds and 10 Sells. Over the next 12 months, the analysts expect shares to be changing hands at a 30% discount, given the $292.85 average price target. (See TSLA stock analysis on TipRanks) 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. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. The Federal Government has secured a landmark victory in its pursuit to overturn a 10 billion dollar judgment awarded against it in a case against Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID). The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said that the court has granted Nigerias application for an extension of time and relief from sanctions due to the exceptional circumstances where the government has uncovered evidence of massive fraud in procuring the award. Mr Malami said the court heard evidence from the government and the offshore shell company P&ID in relation to the gas supply and processing agreement (GSPA). The agreement, which was never performed, was entered into by the parties 10 years ago. He said the Buhari-led administration, having inherited the dispute from the previous administration, only recently uncovered evidence that the GSPA was a sham commercial deal. Mr Malami said the contract was designed to fail from the start, and that its subsequent arbitral award was based on fraud and corruption. READ ALSO: He said the government relied on a number of ongoing investigations across multiple jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom to build its case. He said that the government would proceed to a full trial of the issues, where governments substantive application to finally set aside the award would be heard. He added that the government of Nigeria is pleased with the outcome from the High Court hearing. This is a major victory in our ongoing fight against the vulture-fund-backed P&ID, to overturn the injustice of the multi-billion dollar arbitral award. In light of the new and substantive evidence presented regarding P&IDs fraudulent and corrupt activities, the Court has granted our application for an extension of time to hear our challenge out of normal time limits. The Federal Government will now proceed to a full hearing of our fraud challenge in the coming months, he said. Hundreds of protesters, who defied COVID-19 lockdown norms to participate in a chariot procession, clashed with police in the Pulchowk area in Lalitpur on Thursday. Hundreds of protesters, who defied COVID-19 lockdown norms to participate in a chariot procession, clashed with police in the Pulchowk area in Lalitpur on Thursday. Around 800 people had gathered to pull the chariot of Rato Machindranath Jatra, said Senior Superintendent Tek Prasad Rai, chief of Lalitpur Metropolitan Police Range. Police tried to stop them from carrying out the chariot procession in view of the prohibitory orders issued to contain COVID-19 spread, subsequently leading to clashes, The Kathmandu Post reported. Since people had arrived in huge numbers, police alone were unable to control the crowd. So we sought the help of the Nepal Army, Rai said. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi criticizes Modi govt, calls demonetisation an attack on the unorganised sector ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput death case LIVE news updates: Maharashtra HM accepts PIL filed by ex IPS officers over Mumbai Police being targetted Police used teargas and water cannons to control the situation. So far, no injuries have been reported. On Wednesday, the Lalitpur District Administration Office renewed the prohibitory orders in the district for a week, along with the district administration offices of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, citing the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the valley. Under the norms, all non-essential services have been banned. Rai said that people had first initially gathered in Pulchowk to pull the chariot in the morning. Security personnel managed to turn them away. But later people gathered in huge numbers in the afternoon, Rai added. The Machindranath chariot procession was to begin on April 24 this year. However, it was postponed as Nepal has been under lockdown since March 24 to combat the spread of coronavirus, according to The Kathmandu Post. Chandra Maharjan, who coordinates in the chariot pulling festival, said discussions were held on whether to go ahead with the procession. We were in a meeting with a committee in charge of the festival when we heard that people were pulling the chariot. We were not part of what happened earlier today. Todays incident does not involve the main stakeholders and we do not recognise those who attempted to pull the chariot, Maharjan told the publication. The situation is under control, according to Rai. The chariot, however, is now in the middle of the road. Local authorities will decide whether to pull it back to its original location or move it forward, Rai said. ALSO READ: Indias Covid-19 tally crosses 38L mark with highest single-day spike of 83k+ cases A protester speaks at Philadelphia Police Headquarters during Friday's rally for Jacob Blake in Wisconsin and other victims of police violence. Read more Several hundred people marched Friday evening through Center City demanding racial justice for victims of police violence such as Jacob Blake, the Black man shot seven times in the back by an officer in Kenosha, Wis., on Aug. 23. Standing in solidarity with the rebellion against racist police violence across the country, the protesters rallied at Dilworth Park starting at 5 p.m. and then made their way to Police Headquarters at Eighth and Race Streets. The group eventually returned to City Hall and dispersed around 7:30. A large police presence accompanied the march, as well as guarded the headquarters, but there were no incidents involving police and demonstrators. Some of the protest signs read From Kenosha to Philly, Jail Racist Vigilantes and No Militarized Cops, Disarm and Defund the Police. Speaking at the beginning of the protest, Mecca Bullock, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said, White supremacy is why we are here. She called for protesters to demand the abolition of the police, saying: How do you reform a system that is broken? ABrianna Morgan, an activist with Reclaim Philadelphia, outlined a list of demands that included defunding the police and diverting funds toward community programming, like housing and education. She read the names of 11 city councilmembers who have not publicly supported the defund mantra, and called on protesters to press them to commit to a 15% annual budget reduction with the ultimate goal of dismantling the Philadelphia Police Department. She also denounced how some have responded to the police killings of Black people by noting criminal records or allegations of wrongdoing. Black people who have done illegal s or caused harm, she said, deserve to live just as much as anybody else. Other local policy priorities for the protesters include abolishing the police union and the Police Advisory Commission, and releasing more inmates in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 in prisons. The police shooting of Blake, who is now paralyzed from the waist down, ignited a new wave of demonstrations for racial justice including protests by high-profile athletes in the United States, three months after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis spurred weeks of demonstrations and a national reckoning over racism and policing. Protesters took to the streets in Philadelphia every day for weeks after Floyd was killed. Fridays rally was organized by the Philadelphia chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which has been behind some of the largest demonstrations in the city over the course of the past several months, including one on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on June 6 that drew thousands of people, spanning the streets from the Museum of Art to City Hall. The civil unrest that has gripped America for months took a violent turn over the past two weeks. In Wisconsin, Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old white man and self-styled militia member from Illinois, faces homicide charges after authorities say he opened fire in the street, killing two people and wounding a third. Days later, a caravan of supporters of President Donald Trump engaged protesters in Portland, Ore., and Aaron J. Danielson, a supporter of right-wing group Patriot Prayer, was fatally shot during a clash with protesters. Authorities suspected the shooter was left-wing activist Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, whom police shot and killed Thursday as they attempted to take him into custody. Anger among protesters rose again this week following the fatal shootings by law-enforcement officers of Black men in Los Angeles County and Washington, and with the release of a video showing a naked and handcuffed Black man, Daniel Prude, being suffocated by police in Rochester, N.Y., in March. Prude, 41, appeared to be suffering from a mental-health episode when police confronted him. In the video, he complied with police orders to lie face down on the ground. After he was handcuffed, he became agitated and police put a spit hood over his head to protect the officers from bodily fluids. An officer held his head against the ground for several minutes. At some point Prude lost consciousness and was transported to a hospital, where he died. Flash A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday urged the U.S. State Department to immediately withdraw its decision to impose tighter limitations on Chinese diplomats. "We urge the U.S. State Department to immediately revoke the wrong move, stop obstructing normal exchanges between the two peoples and sabotaging bilateral ties," said spokesperson Hua Chunying when responding to a query about the issue at a daily press briefing held Thursday. China will make a justified and necessary response in light of the situation, she said. Hua's remarks came after the U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that senior Chinese diplomats will be required to seek approval to visit U.S. university campuses and meet with local government officials. Chinese diplomats will also have to get permission to host cultural events with an audience larger than 50 people outside mission properties. The U.S. State Department has ramped up restrictions on Chinese embassy and consulates and their staff performing duties in the United States since October, said Hua. "Such moves severely violate international laws and basic norms governing international relations, and seriously interfere with China-U.S. ties as well as the normal exchanges between the two sides." China has always provided facilitation for U.S. diplomatic and consular personnel to perform their duties in China according to laws and regulations, while the U.S. State Department twice required Chinese diplomats to notify them of plans for activities in October and this June, and even restricted them from carrying out private and social exchanges with local U.S. officials, according to Hua. "This shows that the anti-China forces in the United States have lost their sensibility and confidence and developed anti-China paranoia, which will definitely be met with denunciation and opposition from people with insight," Hua said. Stressing that China-U.S. ties are important to the two countries as well as the world, Hua suggested that both sides maintain a smooth channel of communication at all times. The Chinese embassy and consulates in the United States will continue to maintain normal exchanges with people from all sectors of U.S. society, said Hua, adding that China will continue to support normal exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. N ew Zealand has reported its first coronavirus death since May as the country continues to battle a fresh outbreak in its largest city. A man in his 50s died of Covid-19 in Auckland, where a cluster was discovered last month ending the countrys virus-free period. The victim, who was treated in intensive care over the days before his death, takes New Zealands virus death toll to 23. The countrys last Covid death that of a 96-year-old woman was reported on May 28. Following news of the Auckland mans death on Friday, the countrys ministry of health director-general Dr Ashley Bloomfield said it reinforced the need for vigilance. I acknowledge the anxiety New Zealanders may be feeling about todays news, both in the wider community and also for the family and whanau (extended family) grieving over this death, Dr Bloomfield said Our thoughts are with his family and community at this time of loss and grief. The ministry also reported five new cases of the disease three of community transmission and two imported cases. The country has had 1,413 coronavirus cases so far of which 112 remain active. The Pacific nation of 5 million was internationally praised for appearing to have halted community transmission of Covid-19. But Auckland's fresh outbreak prompted the government to place the city back in lockdown last month. The lockdown was mostly lifted on Sunday, allowing schools and offices to reopen, although masks are mandatory on public transport across the country. However, the countrys prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Friday that restrictions would remain in place until at least mid-September. "The best economic response remains a strong health response. If we get it right we will ultimately shake off restrictions faster and lessen the risk of bouncing around," Ms Ardern told a news conference. Auckland will remain on alert level 2.5, which limits gatherings to no more than 10 people. Other parts of the country will be under alert level two, which requires people to observe social distancing rules and restricts gathering sizes to no more than 100 people. The measures will be reviewed on September 14. The first step was to twist free from the modern bourgeois worldview, or for that matter, from any framework or ideology that risked distorting the experience of reality. Back to the facts! became Heideggers battle cry, Eilenberger writes. This was a very appealing invitation for many students, including a young Hannah Arendt, who became one of his intellectual shock troops in the 1920s. Heidegger offered his audiences the opportunity to reclaim the question of Being (the German Sein) for themselves, to pose the question about what things are, about what reality really is, in a novel way that corresponded to their lived experience. Heidegger understood his unmoored students. He contended that being human (Dasein) was a state of constant anxiety in the face of our own insignificance. Eilenberger, explaining Heideggers position, writes, Insight into our fundamental groundlessness is made possible by the knowledge of mortality but we cannot find our own salvation as something promised or revealed to us, we can acquire it only with an open and hence also fearful gaze into the abyss of our own finitude. Heidegger spoke directly to war-weary individuals who were all too familiar with their own mortality and were looking, desperately, for a philosophy to think it through. Eilenberger rightly observes that Heidegger never faced mortal danger, but this didnt keep him from developing a charismatic philosophy fitted precisely to those who did. One of Eilenbergers achievements is to explain Heideggers efforts to position himself as the hero and sorcerer of post-World War I Germany and therefore foreshadow his full-throated support of the Nazi regime as it came to power. Ernst Cassirer and Walter Benjamin shared at least one philosophical position: their mutual dislike of Heidegger. Cassirer and Heidegger were bound for conflict, and not only because Heidegger was an anti-Semite and Cassirer a Jew. Cassirer, the most intellectually traditional (and psychologically stable) of the magicians, sought to extend Kants project of enlightenment, grounded in rationality and the freedom it enabled, but also a broader humanism based on the advancement of science. By 1929, at their famous debate at Davos, he was fully eclipsed by Heidegger, who held that these philosophical goals were misguided from the start. Cassirer and his family fled Germany in 1933, the year that Heidegger delivered The Self Assertion of the German University. Cassirer would never again belong to such a university. Walter Benjamin, the German Jewish philosopher, essayist and cultural critic, spent the better part of his professional life planning for what he described to his friend Bertolt Brecht as the demolition of Heidegger. Time of the Magicians explains how most of Benjamins plans, including this one, never came to fruition. Like Heidegger, Benjamin was a cult figure, but he lacked an organized following, at least in part because his philosophy, in Eilenbergers words, was about simply everything. Benjamin summoned Romanticism, Jewish mysticism, Surrealism and Marxism in an effort to reveal a new world (specifically the burgeoning urban landscape of modern Europe) that defies comprehensive explanation. And what of Ludwig Wittgenstein, the most illusive and therefore most interesting of the philosophical wizards? I was first acquainted with his work in the course on philosophical logic in which the professor informed me that philosophy taught a student how to think. When I read the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, which Wittgenstein completed as a German soldier in World War I, I concluded that it established the foundation for rigorous and indisputable claims to knowledge. It seemed to me that philosophy, in Wittgensteins hands, was something like an exact science, which established a system of propositions that perfectly represented the world. I was not alone in this gross misreading. At a crucial moment in Time of the Magicians, Eilenberger explains that an entire school of philosophy known as logical positivism was born of this exact misunderstanding of Wittgenstein. The 526 numbered statements of the Tractatus are not the rigid elements of a formal system but rather the rungs of a very long ladder that a reader can climb in order to see the world rightly, perhaps for the first time. The book is an invitation to philosophize, an activity of seeing the world a little more clearly by clarifying the language and thoughts that we use to describe it. Wittgensteins intent is to show what can be meaningfully expressed, but also, more important, to gesture at what lies beyond our ability to express. And a great deal lies beyond. One is left, in Wittgensteins words, to wonder at the existence of the world, which is precisely the opposite of explaining it fully. Philosophy is the activity of climbing a ladder, and once you reach the top, the ladder disappears. Closures, help and updates Roads: State Route 821 through the Yakima Canyon is closed to the public. People should use Interstate 82. Parts of North Wenas Road, Sheep Company Road and Natches Wenas Road are closed. U.S. Highway 12 is not threatened. The public should stay out of the fire area north of Naches and Selah. Recreation closures: The BBQ Flats and Wenas recreation areas are closed. The Yakima River Canyon is closed, including boat launches and campgrounds. Help available Evacuees can call the Red Cross at 509-594-0016 or go to the Selah Middle School for assistance. Farm animals and RVs can go to State Fair Park (1301 S. Fair Ave. in Yakima). Call 509-574-1919 for more information. Evacuation levels: Level 1: Ready People should be aware of the fire threat in the area and start preparing to leave. Level 2: Set People should be prepared to leave at a moments notice. Important papers, photos and medicines/prescriptions should be packed and ready to take with you. Level 3: Go Leave immediately. Fire updates Yakima Valley Emergency Management on Facebook: (@YakimaCountyOEM) Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ (search for Evans Canyon Fire) Twitter: @Yakima_Herald Air quality: wasmoke.blogspot.com and enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/map Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai exchanged views on cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand during a virtual talk on September 3. Pramudwinai extended congratulations from the Thai government to Vietnam on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of National Day of Vietnam (September 2), saying Thailand attaches importance to continuously consolidating and developing the bilateral friendship. Hailing Vietnams great efforts in the pandemic combat, the Thai Deputy PM expressed his belief that the country will continue to keep the epidemic under control while successfully performing its socio-economic development tasks. He stressed that Vietnam, as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, has successfully organised ASEAN meetings, and maintained and promoted cooperation within the grouping, as well as collaboration between ASEAN and partners. Minh, in reply, thanked Thailand for its support and coordination, and pledged to facilitate the entry of foreign investors, experts, managers and skilled labourers, including those from Thailand, and consider resuming flights between the two countries. The two sides agreed to increase all-level meetings and visits when possible, and join hands in organising activities marking the 45th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2021. They will also maintain and make full use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the organisation of the fourth joint cabinet meeting at a suitable time, and the signing of an action plan to implement the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries during the 2021-2025 period. The two sides will work to raise bilateral trade to 20 million USD per year as targeted, and soon sign a new labour agreement. Vietnam will create favourable conditions for Thailand to invest in the areas of its strength like maritime tourism, garment-textile, footwear, high-tech agriculture, and support industry, Minh said. Pramudwinai expressed his hope for more Vietnamese investments in Thailand, saying Thailand will continue to encourage and make it easier for Thai investors to invest in Vietnam. The two sides consented to expand cooperation in other areas such as education, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange. Mumbai slums contrasted against the city's business district Ask a migrant worker living in any one of Indias metropolises why they moved out of their hometown, and the answer is fairly standard: economic hardship. Few would cite climate change. But dig beneath the surface, and the economic struggles of migrants reveal their roots. My land doesnt yield as much rice crop anymore. I cant sustain my family on just my agricultural income, said Rajesh Yadav, a 35-year-old domestic worker in New Delhi. Yadav moved from his rural home in the eastern state of Bihar a decade ago in search of a job that would allow him to send his two kids to school. Yadav is one among the nearly 100 million inter-state migrants in India, many of whom have similar stories. Droughts wither their crops and livestock. Hurricanes and sea level rise inundate their coastal communities. Gradually, these climate impacts have encouraged the rural-to-urban migration that is leaving Indias megacities bursting at the seams. The situation is similar in much of the global south, where the impacts of climate change fall heaviest on people living in rural areas. A 2018 World Bank study projected that by 2050, 143 million people will be displaced by climate impacts in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and south Asia. And migration experts believe many, if not most, of those people will seek refuge in the major cities of their home countries. Climate change will accelerate an urbanization boom that is already well underwaya trend that is frequently unmanaged and unsustainable. In places like Dhaka, Rio de Janeiro, Lagos, Jakarta, Mexico City, and Cairo, migration and the resulting urban sprawl are skyrocketing. In India, glitzy metropolises like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kochi are hotspots for in-migration. promotional poster leeside climate haven How will history remember the cities that adapt to climate migration? Visit the museum exhibition for Leeside, climate haven of the future. Story continues Some of that migration will be forced by Indias climate-exacerbated cyclones and flooding, says Dr. Binod Khadria, honorary visiting professor at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University, and co-editor of the UNs 2020 World Migration Report. Extreme and sudden climate shocks, such as the 2013 flash floods in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, lead to temporary, and often reversible migration, he says. But more permanent, says Khadria, will be decisions made by families like Yadavs. With slow onset of climate change, like in the case of changing rain patterns, the migration decisions are slow, he says. These migrants are pulled to cities by social networks, economic opportunities, and access to social services like schools and hospitals, while being pushed out by rural poverty and insecurity. And though slow, such migration is usually permanent. Understanding these complex reasons for migration will be critical for the cities receiving these new residents. Low-income migrants to megacities often land in slums or informal settlements, where they face harsh conditions and, in cities that are near the coast or otherwise exposed, may be no safer from climate hazards. For countries in those vulnerable regions of the global south, climate change adaptation must include an overhaul of cities, not only to insulate them from climate impacts but to make them a safer, more humane refuge. Its clear that the countries that are urbanizing most quickly, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, will have the highest number of climate migrants, said Anjali Mahendra, director of research at the World Resources Institutes Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. And when they reach cities, theyre not escaping the cycle of poverty. A girl walks across polluted water in a slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh Residents of a Dhaka slum. Climate change megacities There are few better examples of the challenge facing the worlds swelling cities than Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The city of 12 million is one of the worlds most densely populated. By 2030, it is projected to be the worlds sixth largest megacity. Some of that growth is driven directly by climate change: At least 400,000 migrants relocate to the city every year, many escaping either a cyclone or other natural disaster, or looking for work away from the coastal aquaculture industry that is being undermined by sea level rise. Most of the worlds skyrocketing urban growth is happening in developing countries like Bangladesh. Because of their geographical location, high levels of poverty, and economic reliance on agriculture, they are especially vulnerable to climate shocks that can drive migration. The UN expects the worlds cities to accommodate an additional 2.5 billion people by 2050, of whom 90% will be in Asia and Africa. And even earlier, by 2030, researchers project 40% of global city dwellers will live in slums, 106 million more than today. In Dhaka, the citys vast network of slums is home to roughly 3.5 million people. Of these, the International Organization for Migration estimates that 70% have lived through some kind of environmental shock. Sea level rise, riverbank erosion, and cyclones are a growing threat in the country; meanwhile, the encroachment of saline water into coastal rice and shrimp farms makes many rural livelihoods untenable. Once families move to the city, men and boys can look for jobs in construction, at one of the ubiquitous brick factories, or driving a rickshaw; women and girls look for positions as domestic help or in a garment factory. Family and hometown social networks are the key to work and a place to stay. The slums they make their home are built out of tin and scraps behind buildings, next to construction sites, along railroads, anywhere theres a bit of space. Residents must contend with notoriously poor sanitation and air quality, a lack of electricity and other utilities, multi-hour commutes, extortionate landlords, organized crime, sex trafficking, and a range of other challenges. If millions more come here, Dhaka will be completely overwhelmed. How this city is surviving, I dont know. Sarder Shafiqul Alam, a senior researcher at the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Dhaka, said local officials often like to pretend the slums dont exist, even those that have existed for years. But, he said, even if they acknowledged the need for action, the population is growing so quickly that the city simply cant keep up. According to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, rent has tripled in the last 15 years, and the rate at which the citys planning authority approves new apartment construction meets only about one-third of the annual migrant influx. Dhaka is already well over capacity, and because of the rivers its hard to make new infrastructure here. There are limited options, Alam said. If millions more come here, Dhaka will be completely overwhelmed. How this city is surviving, I dont know. The challenges of urbanization are similar in other parts of the world, and will likely be exacerbated by climate change. A 2019 analysis by political scientist Marc Helbling of the University of Bamberg in Germany examined urbanization trends in 133 countries between 1960 and 2016. After controlling for urbanization-influencing variables like per-capita income, trade openness, and population density, his model found that rising temperatures lead to higher levels of rural-to-urban migration over the span of decades. Africa may be especially hard-hit. Alex Randall, a researcher at the Climate and Migration Coalition, a UK think tank, said that the future of climate change megacities may be centered in African countries: If you cross-reference the countries with the highest rates of urbanization, the greatest economic reliance on agriculture, and recent prolonged droughts, he said, you get places like Kampala, Uganda; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Antananarivo, Madagascar. Cities need to be realistic about the fact that there will be more migrants, and then integrate them into the development process. Identifying those likely landing pads now could help cities prepare for growing populations. National and local governments have the opportunity to proactively plan for such movement, said Kayly Ober, who manages the climate displacement program at Refugees International and was an author of the World Bank study. Cities need to be realistic about the fact that there will be more migrants, and then integrate them into the development process. But whats happening now is very haphazard. How to fix megacities: Redirect migrants Part of the challenge is that megacities in developing countries are dramatically under-resourced compared to their peers in the US and EU. New York Citys annual budget per resident is nearly $9,500, according to WRI; in Mumbai it is under $400, and in Accra, Ghana, just $14. Megacity governments are also chronically understaffed with planners, the World Resource Institutes Mahendra said. This combination of factors makes it difficult to pursue the normal kinds of projectslike expanding the electric grid and sewer system, or building high-density affordable housingthat would normally alleviate some of these issues. Its going to take some time for cities to find the resources to reinvest in infrastructure, she said. So in the short term, they need to find a way to make conditions better in informal settlements. That might start by simply adding slums to official maps, which often leave them out. Another step could be to formalize some parts of the informal economy: Reach out to ad-hoc taxi and minibus drivers, water carriers, and roadside vendors, and provide them with training, help accessing financial services, or other assistance. Or, hire them directly. Mahendra cites the example of Pune, India. The city of 4 million had no official trash collection system, but it did have thousands of independent pickers, often migrants and the very poor, who would sort through the citys waste and sell what they could. What the city did [in 2005], with support from local civil society and NGOs, was to absorb these people into the waste management of the city, she said. They gave them contracts to do the door-to-door waste gathering and made them part of the formal workforce. It really improved the quality of work, and the living conditions for the pickers. Climate change in urban slums needs to be looked at through the prism of affordable housing, urban infrastructure, and building climate resilient cities. But for cities like Dhaka that are stretched beyond their limits, the best option might be to direct people somewhere else entirely. In many small and mid-sized developing countries, services and jobs are disproportionately concentrated in the capital city. National governments can relieve this pressure by pursuing a more distributed pattern of urbanization that emphasizes secondary cities. Smaller cities, perhaps located closer to climate-impacted rural areas, could be prioritized for city planning assistance and funding for development and infrastructure. The town of Mongla, Bangladesh, for example, which is located near coastal communities that are common sources of climate migrants, is hoping to draw more in by upgrading its port. It is developing a tax-free industrial zone for factories, upgrading its water distribution system, and beautifying its waterfront. Such cities could also be better integrated into regional rail and bus networks, especially those connecting to the capital. People would then be able to access the central citys services or work without necessarily feeling the need to live there. All this would mean looking at climate change more holistically. Migrants moving out of desperation are often far less competitive in the labor market. Climate change, in urban slums, also needs to be looked at through the prism of affordable housing, urban infrastructure, and building climate resilient cities, said Aarti Khosla, director of Climate Trends, an organization that works on issues of climate change, clean air, and energy. Ultimately, upgrading megacities may allow migration to be a proactive form of climate change adaptation, rather than desperation. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: Universities have sent out a record number of early offers this year and applications for some admission schemes have tripled as year 12 students rush to secure their future amid the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. The institutions are struggling with the loss of international student revenue as the pandemic continues to prevent students from flying in from overseas. In this episode, national editor Tory Maguire is joined by the Herald's education editor Jordan Baker to discuss the fate of tertiary institutions and students post-pandemic. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe to The Sydney Morning Herald or The Age. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Does a toilet hold the secret of tracking coronavirus outbreaks in Ohio? Were talking about Ohios program to test wastewater treatment plants for RNA fragments of COVID-19 on This Week in the CLE. Listen online here. Editor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour coronavirus news podcast, with editors Jane Kahoun, Kris Wernowsky and me, answering all sorts of questions from the news. 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: Is the best way to detect a coronavirus outbreak actually be turning to the toilet? Well, at least wastewater treatment plants. State and federal officials have set up a coronavirus wastewater monitoring network in 22 Ohio cities to detect early-warning signs of possible COVID-19 cases. Why are Northeast Ohio housing advocates both grateful for and worried about President Donald Trumps latest moratorium on evictions? Theyre happy that more people may not lose their homes in the middle of the pandemic and the corresponding recession, but they said the administrations order postpones the inevitable and leaves tenants owing even more money to landlords in the end. Whats the latest word on how hard the coronavirus has hit area hotels? It cratered them. Occupancy was 41.3% for the six-county Greater Cleveland region during the week ending Aug. 29. For downtown Cleveland, it was a dismal 31.7%, down from 71% a year ago. Have we been able to get a clearer picture on why and when the Ohio Secretary of States office decided to remove hyphens from names in voter registrations, and does any of it make sense? The decision to remove hyphens and other special characters from the names of Ohio voters dates back to 2015, but Secretary of State Frank LaRose has continued the practice, he says to ensure data uniformity. Why does Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine say he is fully confident that any coronavirus vaccine approved by the White House will be safe when so many scientists are worried it will be rushed into production without proper testing? Gov. Mike DeWine said he was confident in President Donald Trump and that when a vaccine for the virus is released, it will be done so with proper safety. Has the rush to adopt dogs from animal shelters that hit during the beginning of the pandemic continued? No. While the experiences of shelters, rescues and humane societies have since differed, many now have dogs available for adoption. And they fear theyll see a rush of dogs when regular life resumes. Has the increase in coronavirus cases because of college students congregating on or near campus turned some counties in the state red in Mike DeWines color-coded coronavirus map? Yes, including in Butler County, home to Miami University. About 35% percent of Ohios coronavirus cases in the past week were in the 18-22 age group. 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 Colombo: Sri Lanka on Friday thanked India for its support in dousing a major fire on board an oil tanker carrying crude oil from Kuwait that left one of its 23 crew members dead and stressed that it would need international help in the event of a spill. Indian ships were supporting the Lankan Navy for a second day on Friday to douse the fire that began when the tankers engine room caught fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in the eastern district of Ampara. It was carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil from Kuwait to India. We are receiving support from India and thankful to them, Sri Lankas Army chief Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva told reporters. He said a joint Navy, Air Force and Indian coast guard and naval support operation was underway. The Sri Lankan Navy on Friday confirmed that a Filipino sailor died in a boiler explosion in the engine room of the Panama registered tanker MT New Diamond that caught fire on Thursday. The Navy said that 22 of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker. Rear Admiral Nandana Jayaratne, the Director General, Operations, of Sri Lankan Navy, said there was no threat of an oil spill from the tanker due to the fire. The Indian Coast Guard had observed a crack right under the superstructure of the ship, but that does not mean the ship is falling apart and there will be an oil spill, Jayaratne said. We will definitely need international support in the event of a spill, Jayaratne said. Jayaratne said, the worst case scenario now would be that intense heat of the fire cannot be controlled, in 5, 6 to 7 days, the hull cracks, ship snaps and starts tilting, you then have to do what is called boom laying to stop the spill, we will need international support to clean up if it ever happened. The Navy said that the ship owners based in Liberia have contacted them. Meanwhile, chairperson of the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) Darshani Lahandapura said that if an oil spill takes place, it will be one of the biggest environmental disasters not only in the region but in the world. She said that criminal action would be proceeded against the owners of the ship for environmental damage if the oil spill happened. Already we have lodged a complaint and sought the advice of the Attorney General, she said. The distressed vessel is in the waters 23 nautical miles off the eastern coast where the sea depth is measured at 3100 metres. The operation to douse the fire resumed early this morning under the supervision of the Greek national captain of the tanker. The Indian Naval Frigate INS Sahyadri joined the operations by 0200 hours on Friday. The Navy said two more Indian Coast guard vessels are to join the rescue operations. The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday said that it pressed into action three of its ships and a Dornier aircraft after the Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance to control the fire onboard the oil tanker. In a swift sea and air coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the Coast Guard said it immediately diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for the firefight on the oil tanker. The Sri Lankan Navy said that the two Russian vessels which were docked at the Hambantota port since August 31 and dispatched to the area to join the rescue operations departed Sri Lankan waters this morning. On Thursday night, MV Helen, a vessel sailing in the area, rescued 3 Greeks and 16 Filipino crew members from the distressed vessel. The Navy spokesman said that at least four ships had been dispatched to carry out the rescue operation. The naval ships were dispatched from the eastern port of Trincomalee and the southern port of Hambantota. At the time the fire broke out, the Panamanian-registered ship was about 38 nautical miles (70 kilometres) east of Sri Lanka. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor The Japan Coast Guard will be racing to get another search and rescue effort underway for a ship missing with dozens of crew, including two New Zealanders, before another typhoon hits. The Gulf Livestock 1 has been missing now for more than 48 hours off the coast of Japan with 43 people on board, including two New Zealanders and two Australians. It left Napier's port with more than 5800 cattle on August 14 headed to the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, China, and was expected to arrive 17 days from its departure. The Japanese coastguard "is launching a second search-and-rescue mission prior to the expected incoming typhoon", it says in a press release. Strong winds and torrential rains from Typhoon Masak, the first one, are hampering the search effort. The ship's Filipino chief officer was rescued by Japan's Coast Guard and says the ship lost engine power, then capsized after being hit by a large wave. In a statement, Australasian Global Exports has confirmed it employs four of the people on board. The Melbourne-based export company said it was in contact with the families of the missing workers. "Four of those people are treasured friends and work colleagues. The remaining people on board are engaged by the ship's owner. "We are in full contact with the families of our four colleagues and are offering them all the support we can. "Our thoughts and prayers are also with the ship's officers, crew and other personnel and their families." Both Australia and New Zealand said they were providing consular assistance to the families of their crew members. A Queensland vet is believed to be one of the two Australians missing onboard. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Winston Peters says not a lot is known at this stage, but it is a sad situation for the families. He told Morning Report news of another typhoon only added to the worries. "It's just adding to the problem and at this point in time it's building up, and we can't be certain at all about our capacity to put assets in their to do the job they're trying to do. "This is a serious disaster with so many lives at stake, we hoped for something better but it's not a good situation at all." Peters said he could not disclose any identifying information about the missing New Zealanders, but they had been in touch with the families. "This is a matter of seeing whether they are rescuable, and ensuring the family knows first either way." Following the incident yesterday, the Ministry for Primary Industries temporarily suspended consideration of cattle livestock export applications. But Peters said a complete halt on cattle exports in the future was not the answer. "If it was not for livestock exports, this country would have no farming industry at all. The question is that we do in a way that safe and humane in respect to the animals and the people who do it. In this case we seem to have had a perfect storm." Australian Live Export Council chief executive Mark Harvey Sutton said the capsize was shaping up as a maritime disaster. "Not something the industry is used to by any stretch of the imagination. This is very clearly an exceptional event, it's a tragedy if our worst fears are confirmed." -RNZ United States' top infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci stated in an interview on Tuesday that if clinical trials produce overwhelmingly positive results, the vaccine may be made available for public use earlier than initially expected. According to Fauci, while clinical trials on two vaccines, with more than 30,000 volunteers, are set to end by the year's end, there is a way to expedite the process. The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases director stated that if interim results of the trials reap positive results weeks before its conclusion, an independent board can authorize to end it. Fauci also added that if the Data and Safety Monitoring Board could state that the data is already good enough to prove that the vaccine is safe and effective, researchers would be obligated to cut the trials short. Thus, they would need to give the vaccine to all who were involved in the study, including the placebo group, and expedite the process of making the vaccine available to millions, CNN stated in a report. The statement from the infectious diseases expert follows the increasing concern that those who are overseeing the vaccine trials and federal regulators are succumbing to the pressure of the Trump administration. Moreover, the confidence of people in vaccines has also eroded that at least 40% of Americans have stated that they will not get the COVID-19 vaccine even if it would be given for free. Experts have also expressed worry about Trump possibly rushing the development of a vaccine to increase his ratings before the election in November. On the other hand, Fauci has expressed confidence that the members of the DSMB, who are not government employees and are experts on the field will scrutinize the data without being swayed by political influence. Independent members of the board are usually vaccine science experts in the academe and are employed in top medical schools. Read also: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Denies Hair Salon Treatment Incident, Calls It A 'Setup' Duties of the Data and Safety Monitoring Board On top of this, Fauci explained that the role of the DSMB is to review the data from the clinical trials periodically in order to determine if it is still ethical for the enrolment of volunteers to continue. The volunteers are under a randomized placebo trial which means that the volunteers, not the health workers do not know ho are receiving the test vaccines and the placebo. According to Daily Mail, at the moment Department of Health and Human Services deputy chief of staff for policy, Paul Mango stated that only the DSMB has access to the data from the vaccine trials. He also noted that they are still unable to give a specific date on when the results of the trials will be available but they are looking into a timeframe between October and December. Meanwhile, Scripps Research in San Diego's executive vice president for research, Dr. Eric Topol stated that while the stopping rules have been set by the board at the beginning, the decision on ultimately ending the trials lies in the hands of those running the experiment. Related article: Plasma Therapy Not a Standard Treatment for COVID-19? @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Various angles surrounding the death of the 34-year-old actor are being probed by three federal agencies Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday arrested Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda in connection with the drugs probe linked to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death, officials said. Various angles surrounding the death of the 34-year-old actor are being probed by three federal agencies, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) being the other two. Showik Chakraborty, brother of main accused in the case Rhea Chakraborty, and Rajput's house manager Samuel Miranda have been placed under arrest under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a senior NCB officer said. Both Showik and Miranda have been named as accused by the ED and the CBI in the FIRs registered by them in Rajput's death case. The sections pressed against them, he said, are 20(b) that deals with production, manufacture, possession, selling, purchase and transport of cannabis, 28 (punishment for attempt to commit offences), 29 (punishment for abetment and criminal conspiracy) and 27(a) that defines punishment for financing illicit traffic and harbouring offenders. They will be produced before a local court on Saturday. The two are required to be put under custodial interrogation to unravel more details about the procurement, transportation and usage of the narcotics. The agency has a "strong case", the officer said. The arrests came after over 10 hours of questioning of the two, who were brought to the agency's office in Ballard Estate area here by the NCB sleuths after their premises were raided early morning. Accompanied by police officials, the NCB searched the residence of Showik in Santa Cruz (West) and Miranda's house in suburban Andheri (West) from 6:30 am. Showik lives with sister Rhea. The search teams included women officials and they were seen wearing masks and gloves and using multiple vehicles. NCB Deputy Director (operations) KPS Malhotra, who is heading the probe team of the agency, was seen leading the search and he told media persons on the ground that the houses of Showik and Miranda were being searched which was a "procedural" action. During the searches, both were handed over the summons brought out under section 67 (power to call for information) of the NDPS Act to join the investigation, the officials said. "They intended to go along (with the search team) due to media presence," an officer said. He said the agency is looking to gather additional evidence through this action and some documents have been seized by the search teams. He said Rhea (28), Rajput's live-in partner, is expected to be summoned soon. The NCB, till now, has arrested two alleged drug peddlers operating in the capital city of Maharashtra in this case and it has detained one person. The two arrested are Zaid Vilatra (21) and Abdel Basit Parihar (23) while Kaizan Ibrahim is being questioned since Thursday. Bandra resident Parihar was arrested after interrogating Vilatra. Parihar is learnt to have "links" with the narcotics case registered against Rhea and others. Parihar is linked to a person who was allegedly reported to be featuring in chats recovered from the mobile phones of Rhea and Showik, officials have said. The agency is probing the drug angle in this case under criminal sections of the NDPS Act after the ED shared with it a report following the cloning of two mobile phones of Rhea. The NCB has said it is looking into "the drug citadel in Mumbai, and especially Bollywood" in this case. According to officials, the mobile phone chats and messages indicated procurement, transportation and consumption of drugs and these leads were shared by the ED with the NCB and the CBI. The NCB is understood to have obtained the phone records of other accused in the case too. A woman has been hospitalised after she was severely burnt when her hand sanitiser reportedly caught fire while she was lighting a candle. Speaking to KHOU-11, Kate Wise, from Round Rock, Texas, who is currently recovering in the intensive care unit with burns all over her body, said that the incident occurred Sunday after she put on hand sanitiser that she keeps around the house to protect herself and her daughters from coronavirus. According to Wise, when she then lit a candle, her hand caught fire. It can be something as small as lighting a candle, Wise told the outlet. Because of the hand sanitiser, it just lit my whole ... everywhere I had hand sanitiser on my hand, it just lit my hand with fire. The mother-of-three said the flame also reached the bottle of off-brand hand sanitiser, which then exploded. Recommended FDA says these 75 hand sanitisers should be avoided And it obviously went all over my face. And, in like a matter of five seconds, my whole body was just consumed in flames, she said. Wise told the outlet that her two daughters ran to get help while she managed to remove her burning clothes and get her disabled daughter and pets out of the house. According to a GoFundMe set up for Wise to help pay for medical bills, she will need reconstructive surgery following the accident. She said she hopes her experience will raise awareness about the potential dangers of buying off-brand products. Covid-19 has brought many unsafe products to our shelves, the GoFundMe reads. Many of which have not been properly tested and are not safe. Be careful of what you put on your body. Make sure what you are using is FDA approved. "It's something that you never want your kids to see," Wise said. "Like, you just being up in flames so I think that part kind of killed me just because it's something I never wanted them to have to go through." The Round Rock Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire, KHOU-11 reports. Wise is recovering in the ICU (KHOU-11) Over the past few months, the Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers of potentially harmful hand sanitisers on the market, such as those that contain methanol. Experts have also warned that hand sanitiser left in hot cars can explode and cause serious injuries. It's flammable and it's an irritant," retired Dallas firefighter Sherrie Wilson previously told CBS News. "When it's venting and if it's venting in a small space like a car, and vapour is released, it can explode." Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) recently held an online open day event on the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital city in Egypt. During the event, various aspects of the progress in construction being made on the project were showcased to visitors. The projects EPC contract was signed between CSCEC and the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities of Egypt in 2016, and was the result of the Belt and Road Initiative and Egypt's Vision 2030. Notably, the projects 385.8-meter iconic tower is expected to be the tallest building in Africa when completed. New construction technology has been used during the project. Furthermore, CSCEC also placed high value on local engineering talent cultivation and promoted the development of the countrys building industry. The company also contributed to improving local livelihoods, regional coordinated development and cultural exchanges, earning it the publics appreciation. Two Lehigh Valley airports will receive almost $10.5 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants to rehab their runways. The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority received $10,470,246 total from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Its part of more than $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants going to 405 airports in 50 states. Philadelphia International Airport topped the Pennsylvania list with $18.4 million in grants. The LNAAs board of governors will meet next Wednesday to take action on the grant offers. LNAA Executive Director Tom Stoudt said the projects are critical safety and operational improvements to the runways. Most of the Lehigh Valleys haul -- $9.7 million -- is earmarked for phase three of the four-phase runway rehab project at Lehigh Valley International Airport. The project to meet new FAA design standards for stormwater drainage and lighting began two years ago and is estimated to cost $90 million. A weekend shutdown of flights last year at LVIA was for work on the runway project. Queen City in Allentown will get two grants totaling $764,438 for the second phase of rehabilitation for its runway 15-33. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:14:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- China supports the establishment of an alliance for global trade in services, President Xi Jinping said on Friday. Xi made the remarks while addressing the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services via video. Enditem A history professor and author who has claimed to be a Black woman says she is actually a white woman from the Kansas City area. Jessica Krug wrote in a blog post on Medium titled "The Truth, and the Anti-Black Violence of My Lies" on Thursday that she has pretended to be a Black woman for much of her adult life, deceiving her friends and colleagues of her true life experience. On Wednesday, city malls will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity while casinos statewide can reopen at 25% capacity. Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced more reopenings in New York state as new coronavirus infections remained low in what was once the hotspot of the pandemic in the United States. Next Wednesday, New York City malls will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity and casinos statewide can reopen at 25 percent capacity, Cuomo said. Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, we are at a point in our fight against this virus where we can safely reopen malls in New York City as long as they adhere to strict health and safety protocols, Cuomo said. Masks, enhanced air ventilation systems, and social distancing will be mandatory. The governor also waded into the hotly debated issue of indoor dining in New York City, saying during a conference call with reporters that the final decision rested with the state. New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson came out on Wednesday in favour of allowing indoor dining in the city, which is home to a thriving restaurant industry that was battered by the pandemic. Its time to allow indoor dining in New York City with reduced capacity and clear guidance to ensure social distancing and safety, Johnson said in a statement. A man rides a subway in Manhattan, New York, US [File: Carlo Allegri/Reuters] Cuomo said he would like to see restaurants reopen for indoor dining in the city but that compliance and enforcement remained a big hurdle in doing so. We open restaurants, thats going to complicate by the hundreds if not thousands the number of establishments that need to be monitored, he said. Indoor dining is allowed in New York state with the exception of New York City, where more than 300 restaurateurs recently filed a class-action lawsuit seeking $2bn in damages, according to media reports. On Wednesday, gyms in New York City opened for the first time in months. They must operate at 33 percent capacity, with floors rearranged so patrons can exercise more than 6 feet (1.8 metres) apart. Shifting trends New York has seen by far the most deaths from COVID-19 of any US state, more than 32,000, but its rate of new infections has dropped to among the lowest in the country. Nationally, new cases of coronavirus have fallen for six weeks in a row, but infections are surging in the Midwest. Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota are reporting the highest percentage of positive test results in the country more than 20 percent in each state. Iowa, with a population of more than 3.1 million, saw over 8,300 new cases last week, up 116 percent. Comparatively, the New York state, with a population of 19.4 million, recorded about 4,400 new cases, according to a Reuters news agency analysis. Cases also rose 27 percent last week in Minnesota and 34 percent in Indiana. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told state officials to prepare to distribute a potential coronavirus vaccine as early as October, according to documents made public by the agency on Wednesday. The vaccines would be given first to healthcare workers, national security personnel and staff of nursing homes, the agency said in the documents. Dog the Bounty Hunter stars in upcoming Christian film, honors his late wife Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Reality TV star Duane Chapman, who's better known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, will star in the upcoming Christian film Hunters Creed. Previously titled Hunting God, the new faith-based movie was partly inspired by the commonly asked question: Why does God allow bad things to happen? The inspirational story, directed by Justin Jackola and written by Ken Miyamoto, is about keeping the faith even in the face of great personal loss. After losing his wife, a man reunites with his church buddies to film the hunting show theyve always wanted to make together. Before long, he senses a dark presence in the woods eventually bringing him face to face with death and his faith, the synopsis of Hunters Creed reads. Chapman plays himself in the film, which also stars Wesley Truman Daniel (Second Samuel), Mickey OSullivan, Ann Sonneville, John Victor Allen, James Errico and LaDios Muhammad. The Christian Post interviewed Jackola, who shared about some of the miraculous occurrences that took place while filming Hunters Creed, as well as details involving the famous bounty hunters involvement in the film. Christian Post: What was the inspiration behind the film? Jackola: The film was inspired by the following three questions: 1. Why does God allow bad things to happen? 2. Are there wrong ways to present Truth? 3. Does ones spiritual beliefs change when they are about to die? The main character, Dave, is based on my personal journey asking who God really is? I wanted to make a film based on someone who has known God, rejects Him, and then comes face to face with death, and what they do in that moment. CP: Can you share about wanting to include Duane "Dog" Chapman in his first faith-based film? Jackola: When my producer reps brought Dogs name to me for the role, I knew he was exactly the right person. Dog Chapman was the perfect choice for "Hunters Creed" for a number of reasons. First off, Dog isnt afraid of his faith. Hes open and honest about what Gods done in his life on and off-camera. In his television show, we have literally seen him pray on camera for help in finding his next bounty. Its a film about a mans intimate response to losing his wife to cancer and Dog has experienced exactly that with his late wife Beth Chapman passing away to cancer. CP: How was this experience for Duane, given how similar the plot was to his own loss? Jackola: It was a beautiful experience to shed tears on set with Dog while making the film. There is a scene where Dog is giving the main character, Dave, advice on taking care of his wife (Kate), who just found out she had cancer. Dog began to weep during the take and began giving real life advice, off-script and from his heart, on what to do for his wife advice that he had learned when dealing with Beth's battle with cancer. When we first talked to Dog about the project, he said that his wife, Beth, was one of the main reasons he wanted to do this film. The story struck a cord in his heart. The timing was also divine. Dog told us that he had been sitting at home thinking I want to do a feature film and our team reached out to him for the role the next day! Dog is a reality TV star, so that wasnt normal at all! CP: What are you hoping people take from this film? Jackola: Without giving away the ending of the film, we want people to walk away with a sense of awe, that Gods sovereignty and plan may be more beautiful and complex than you could ever imagine. We also want people to think deeply about what they truly believe. If you were face to face with death, where would your heart really rest? CP: What are some other details you can share about the film? Jackola: The movie was shot in Savanna, Illinois, in a 120-year-old cabin. Dogs scenes were shot in Colorado. There were several miraculous coincidences that happened in this film: Dogs involvement The eagles in the film while filming hundreds of brown and bald eagles showed up and made it in the film. A giant snowstorm hit on the only two days we had off during filming and melted before we had to start filming again two days later. Everyone involved in the filmmaking was amazing! Its not often you get a perfect cast and crew and that in itself is a miracle! There was just such JOY on set. The Hunters Creed will be released Oct. 6. Top nuke envoys of S.Korea, U.S. hold phone talks over DPRK issues People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:38, September 03, 2020 SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Top nuclear envoys of South Korea and the United States held phone talks on Wednesday over issues on the Korean Peninsula, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, talked over phone with Deputy U.S. Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who doubles as the chief U.S. nuclear negotiator. Lee and Biegun shared view over recent situations of the Korean Peninsula, agreeing to the need to rapidly resume talks between Seoul and Pyongyang and between Washington and Pyongyang in a bid to make substantive progress for the peninsula's complete denuclearization and the lasting peace settlement. The nuclear envoys discussed how to create conditions and push for the complete denuclearization and the peace settlement, the Seoul ministry said. The two sides agreed to more closely communicate and cooperate on the DPRK issues bilaterally and multilaterally by actively making use of the scheduled international diplomatic events. Denuclearization talks between the DPRK and the United States have been stalled since the second summit between top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump ended without an agreement in February last year at the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Meanwhile, South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun had a phone conversation with Biegun, the first such talks since Choi took office on Aug. 18. Choi is the former presidential secretary for peace planning. Choi and Biegun agreed to meet as early as possible to discuss overall bilateral issues and regional situations, the Seoul ministry said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Earlier this week, when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a moratorium on evictions across the country until the end of this year, the move raised some eyebrows. Who would have thought that the Trump administration would be taking bolder action on protecting tenants than the progressive bastion of New York, where residential renters currently are only protected from evictions until Oct. 1. But digging into the CDCs order reveals that the federal moratorium is not as far-reaching and will likely leave many renters at risk of being evicted. Tenant activists and some state lawmakers say theres still much more for the state to do to avoid a disaster scenario next month. Released on Tuesday, the CDCs order says that through Dec. 31, 2020, residential tenants cannot be evicted for being unable to pay rent. It doesnt include any kind of rent forgiveness, meaning that tenants will eventually still have to pay all missed rent payments. That threat has been hanging over not only tenants in New York, but across the country, where some states and local jurisdictions without eviction moratoriums have continued to put people suffering from job loss, insufficient income or health problems out on the street even in the middle of the pandemic. The federal order does not supersede any state or local guidance, meaning a state with stricter rules against evictions can still enforce their own policies. But despite the little bit of breathing room that the federal order provides, tenant advocates say it leaves out a large swath of people. The order doesnt apply to renters who face holdover evictions which is essentially when a landlord kicks a tenant out for reasons other than not paying rent, such as when a lease expires or when a tenant violates the terms of their lease. It would also only apply to people below a certain income level individuals making up to $99,000 or joint filers making up to $198,000 in 2020 or people who received federal stimulus checks. Notably and apparently the reason that the order comes from the CDC the impetus for the moratorium is not the financial hardship caused by the pandemic but the fact that housing stability increases peoples ability to quarantine or self-isolate, and that eviction and homelessness poses a public health risk. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, who represents parts of Central Brooklyn and who has been a vocal advocate for rent relief during the coronavirus pandemic, suggested that the CDCs eviction moratorium order has more to do with the upcoming election than with protecting tenants facing eviction. It's hard to not view this as an attempt to win votes by an administration that thus far has advanced policy after policy to hurt working families, Myrie wrote in an emailed comment. But even if just an electoral ploy, it is a clear recognition that the eviction crisis is of national import and requires bold, universal action. However, Myrie joined housing activists in calling the federal order inadequate because it only applies to some renters and because it doesnt last the length of the pandemic. There are other shortcomings beyond its limited scope. One of the main problems with this is not only does it not apply to everyone, it requires the tenant to take an affirmative step with their landlord, said Judith Goldiner, attorney-in-charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society. The federal order requires tenants to sign a declaration to their landlord affirming that they have used all best efforts at obtaining government assistance for rent or housing, that they have faced substantial loss of income or work, that they are making best efforts to pay partial rent and that eviction would render the person homeless or force them to live in close quarters with others. Putting the onus on tenants to prove to their landlords that they qualify is problematic, in part because most tenants dont have lawyers. A moratorium that just says that landlords cant evict and the marshals cant evict is much better because the tenant doesnt have to enforce it, Goldiner said. While the federal order lasts longer than New Yorks, it could leave out many people, including homeowners who cannot afford their mortgage, or small landlords who cannot keep up with their bills if their tenants arent paying rent. It asks renters to attest to facts that will almost certainly be litigated by landlords and those same tenants just as certainly will not have lawyers to fight their case, Myrie said. It provides zero protection for homeowners, small property owners, or commercial tenants. That is effectively how New Yorks current pause on evictions a sometimes confusing patchwork of state court guidance and state law is working. Guidance issued by the state court system confirms that residential evictions cannot be executed until Oct. 1 at the earliest. A tenant does not have to prove anything to benefit from that pause. That guidance is in addition to the Tenant Safe Harbor Act, a state law passed earlier this year which says that any residential tenant who can prove they faced a financial hardship during the pandemic cant be evicted for nonpayment of rent accrued since March 7 until all pandemic-related restrictions are lifted. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also recently extended a moratorium on commercial evictions and foreclosures related to the pandemic until Sep. 20. Landlords have come out against the federal order, pointing out that kicking the can down the road doesnt help landlords either. Tenants who havent had the rent money for five months are not going to come up with nine months of rent in December, Joseph Strasburg, president of the Rent Stabilization Association, a trade association that represents landlords in New York City, told The Real Deal. Some landlord groups have called for the state or federal government to create rent voucher programs that would provide temporary subsidies to tenants who cant make rent a move that would result in landlords still getting some revenue. Progressives want the state to take action that would not only extend a moratorium on all evictions until the end of the pandemic, but also create rent forgiveness for tenants something that neither the federal order nor state rules currently does. Several bills in the state Legislature address these issues, including one sponsored by Myrie that would prevent evictions from being executed through the duration of the pandemic, and for one year after, but which would not in itself cancel rent. Myries bill would not require tenants to prove loss of income from the pandemic. Another bill sponsored by state Sen. Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou and cosponsored by Myrie would cancel rent for residential tenants and suspend mortgage payments for small homeowners, and create a fund for small landlords, co-ops and affordable housing providers to apply for relief. Both bills apply universally and dont require tenants to demonstrate a loss of income. The latter bill does not require tenants to prove financial hardship either. The immediate priority for some tenant advocates, however, is creating an ongoing moratorium on evictions, as Myries bill would do. Michael McKee, treasurer at Tenants PAC, a pro-tenants political action committee said that because of all the tenants not covered by the federal order, many in New York will still be at risk of eviction this fall if the state does not extend a moratorium on evictions. Were literally facing a tragedy beginning October 1st if Albany does not act, McKee said. With the state court system saying that it would no longer keep extending the residential eviction moratorium past Oct. 1, its up to the state Legislature or Cuomo to act. In the progressive capital of the nation, we should be able to enact a true moratorium that provides protection for renters, homeowners, and commercial tenants all over this state, Myrie said. Representatives for Cuomo did not respond to a request for comment. But even though housing activists called the federal order deeply flawed, some, like Cea Weaver, campaign coordinator at the tenant group coalition Housing Justice for All, drew attention to the irony of the Trump administration issuing a sweeping eviction order while New York has yet to extend its own eviction moratorium. New York is the progressive capital of the country or whatever, and Trump is saying bolder things about eviction defense than Cuomo, Weaver said. General Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes said he is recusing himself from the protester cases after "vicious personal attacks against me and my nine-year-old grandson." Judge Starnes had been set to hear cases against Chattanooga protest leaders Marie Mott, Cameron Williams and several others on Oct. 8. Ms. Mott at a rally on Wednesday at Miller Park asked for Judge Starnes to recuse himself from the case, saying there is an image on social media of him endorsing Blue Lives Matter. She said, The judge presiding over the case is seen tagged with his wife, he has his grandchild carrying with other children in the neighborhood a Blue Lives Matter flag, and then one of them has a gun on his shoulder. He says that is a matter of patriotism. Your job as a judge is to be impartial. And you cant side in your private life with the police, and then show up to work and then lock up innocent black and brown bodies as if you dont have a connection. Judge Starnes said, "In response to recent public statements, let me be very clear: there was no bias or conflict of interest whatsoever with regard to me hearing what I will refer to as the protester cases. "I would have been 100 percent unbiased and impartial in every way. However, the vicious, personal attacks on myself and my nine-year-old grandson have made it impossible for me to hear at least one of those cases. "In order to avoid any appearance of impropriety, to avoid any negative effect on the judiciary, and in the interest of my grandson's privacy and safety, I have decided to recuse myself from all of these cases effective immediately. "The Administrative Office of the courts will appoint another judge to hear these cases." Ms. Mott and Cameron Williams are both facing reckless burning and vandalism charges for burning the Sheriffs Departments flag during an earlier protest. They and a few other protesters are also facing charges for blocking the street during a May 30 protest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the Dikshant Parade of probationary Indian Police Service (IPS) officers graduating from the prestigious Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Here are some of the key quotes from the Prime Ministers speech to the young police officers: Working under stress The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of yoga and pranayam for those working under stress. He said that anyone who does yoga and pranayam will never feel stressed no matter how burdened they are with work. Watch l Dont be a Singham: PM Modis message to young IPS officers Human face of police Praising the countrys police force for their work during the coronavirus pandemic, especially during the lockdown, PM Modi said that due to their good work during this period, the human face of khaki uniform has been engraved in peoples memory. Pride in uniform He then advised the young police officers to take pride in their uniform instead of flexing its power. Never lose the respect for your khaki uniform, the Prime Minister said in his virtual address. Dont be a Singham He also remarked that after watching films like Singham, some police officers start thinking highly of themselves. He advised them against doing any such thing because this would lead to their good work being ignored. Be alert and prepared PM Modi also stressed how in this profession, the probability of encountering something unexpected is quite high. Therefore, he said, officers should be alert and prepared to encounter them. Next CDS of India: Rajnath Singh to receive list of probables soon India tells France, have the political will, ability to counter misadventure by China Want to manufacture BrahMos so that no country has audacity to cast evil eye on us: Rajnath Singh IAF chopper crash: Rajnath Singh likely to be apprised of probe team's findings in next couple of days Rajnath holds talks with Chinese defence minister in Moscow amid border tension in Ladakh India oi-Deepika S Moscow/New Delhi, Sep 04: Amid heightened border tension in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday held talks in Moscow with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe. Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Indian Ambassador to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma are part of the Indian delegation at the talks that began at around 9:30 PM (IST) at a prominent hotel in the Russian capital. It is the first highest-level face-to-face meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh in early May. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has previously held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the border standoff. Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which took place earlier in the day. Indian government sources said the meeting has been requested by the Chinese defence minister. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region again after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the prolonged border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. India has, however, maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following China's transgression attempts. Army Chief Gen MM Naravane is currently on a two-day visit to Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region in view of the Chinese attempts. Baker Hughes (NYSE: BKR) announced today that the Baker Hughes international rig count for August 2020 was 747 up 4 from the 743 counted in July 2020, and down 391 from the 1,138 counted in August 2019. The international offshore rig count for August 2020 was 184, up 1 from the 183 counted in July 2020, and down 60 from the 244 counted in August 2019. The average U.S. rig count for August 2020 was 250, down 5 from the 255 counted in July 2020, and down 679 from the 926 counted in August 2019. The average Canadian rig count for August 2020 was 53, up 21 from the 32 counted in July 2020, and down 89 from the 142 counted in August 2019. The worldwide rig count for August 2020 was 1,050, up 20 from the 1,030 counted in July 2020, and down 1,156 from the 2,206 counted in August 2019. August 2020 Rig Counts August 2020 July 2020 August 2019 Land Offshore Total Month Variance Land Offshore Total Land Offshore Total Latin America 45 30 75 1 43 31 74 164 30 194 Europe 84 25 109 4 82 23 105 142 51 193 Africa 60 2 62 6 55 1 56 97 18 115 Middle East 262 39 301 -14 277 38 315 363 53 416 Asia Pacific 112 88 200 7 103 90 193 128 92 220 International 563 184 747 4 560 183 743 894 244 1,138 United States 237 13 250 -5 243 12 255 900 26 926 Canada 51 2 53 21 31 1 32 139 3 142 North America 288 15 303 16 274 13 287 1,039 29 1,068 Worldwide 851 199 1,050 20 834 196 1,030 1,933 273 2,206 Beginning September 2020, the monthly international rig count will be distributed using the same email alert-based subscription system as the weekly North America rig count. A monthly press release will no longer be distributed following today's August 2020 rig count. The subscription system is available free-of-charge and is available by clicking here to join on the rig count website. About the Baker Hughes Rig Counts The Baker Hughes rig counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the U.S., Canada and international markets. The Company has issued the rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of the U.S. and Canadian drilling activity. The monthly international rig count was initiated in 1975. The North American rig count is scheduled to be released at noon Central Time on the last working day of each week. The international rig count is scheduled to be released on the last working day of the first week of the month at 5:00 a.m. Central Time. Additional detailed information on the Baker Hughes rig counts is available on our rig count site. About Baker Hughes: Baker Hughes (NYSE: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and with operations in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200904005008/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Jud Bailey +1 281-809-9088 investor.relations@bakerhughes.com Media Relations Thomas Millas +1 910-515-7873 Thomas.millas@bakerhughes.com live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The board of Vodafone Idea on September 4 approved fundraising up to Rs 25,000 crore via a mix of instruments, the company said in an exchange filing. The company is looking to raise funds, in one or more tranches, via issuance of Global Depository Receipts (GDRs), American Depository Receipts (ADRs), foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs), convertible debentures and warrants. The board has decided to raise up to Rs 15,000 crore via equity and another tranche of Rs 15,000 crore by way of public offering or private placement of non-convertible debentures. It has, however, capped the total fundraising at Rs 25,000 crore. The proposal will be taken up for consideration at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) on September 30. The cash-strapped telco is looking to raise capital to stay afloat as it faces a tough fight in the Indian market from key competitors: Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio. On September 1, the Supreme Court allowed telecom players a 10-year timeline for staggered repayment of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, directing them to make an upfront payment of 10 percent of the outstanding amount by March 31, 2021. Vodafone Idea has already paid a part of its AGR dues and has Rs 50,399 crore pending, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said on July 20. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 11:54:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe expects to benefit from its cooperation with China's telecom giant Huawei in the area of information communication technology (ICT), a senior Zimbabwean official said Thursday. Zimbabwean Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa made the remarks during the launch ceremony of the Huawei Seeds for the Future 2020 program in Harare. The program is Huawei's corporate social responsibility program under which the company cooperates with universities and colleges to build capacity and enhance technical skills transfer to students. Under the program, 10 students from Zimbabwe's universities will travel to China for a hands-on ICT study trip at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen in southern China. However, this year the program is going online due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The program is run in partnership with the Ministry of ICT, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, and Telone, a telecommunications service provider. Mutsvangwa said Huawei's Seed for the Future program will provide Zimbabwean students with the skills that are required by the local industry. "Huawei is a leading provider of cutting-edge technological solutions that will certainly drive the fourth industrial revolution," Mutsvangwa said. She said Zimbabwe is determined to work with China to harness the fifth generation telecommunication opportunities. Mutsvangwa expressed gratitude to Huawei's assistance, adding Zimbabwe's collaboration with China in the ICT sector was key to the country's development. "We thank the good relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Zimbabwe, and we would like to move with you until we get Zimbabwe to where we want it to be," Mutsvangwa said. In an audio recording played in his absence, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy to Zimbabwe Zou Xiaoming said through the Seeds for the Future program, Huawei has contributed significantly to ICT human capital development in Zimbabwe. He said ICTs have become commonplace entities in all aspects of life, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. "So this program is coming at the right time, because it will promote knowledge transfer, improve the students' interest and understanding of the telecommunication industry by providing students with the latest ICT technology information and a first-hand knowledge from the best company in the industry," he said. Zou added that Huawei's ICT talent development program does not only indicate a commitment to academic cooperation between Zimbabwean universities and Huawei, but also illustrates the growing friendship between Zimbabwe and China. Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Courier Services Jenfan Muswere applauded the Seeds for the Future program, adding that the key challenges facing the ICT sector in Zimbabwe is the lack of a large pool of skilled ICT professionals. "It is therefore pleasing to note that supporting skills development is one of Huawei's key priorities for building a better connected Zimbabwe. "It helps cultivate and pull together ICT professionals and students that are crucial to industry growth, driving the development of different sectors and contributing to lower unemployment rates in the long run," he said. He said Huawei's Seeds for the Future program was in line with Zimbabwe's digitalization strategy, adding that the development of the ICT sector is crucial to industry development. Huawei Zimbabwe Managing Director Shao Jie said the Seeds for the Future program was part of Huawei's commitment to enhancing Zimbabwe's ICT sector. Enditem Liberty U provides 500 sexual assault victim kits to local community Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Students and staff of Liberty University assembled 500 sexual assault kits that will be distributed to victims in the Lynchburg, Virginia, community. LU Serve, the university department responsible for local, national, and international ministry, arranged the event on Thursday, according to the department's executive director, Lew Weider. Weider told The Christian Post that the kits included a backpack filled with underwear, sweat pants, a shirt, a stress ball, writing material, and a teddy bear. Each teddy bear has a backpack filled with dissolvable paper that the victims can write their feelings of anger on and then throw it into water to watch it dissolve. The imagery, according to Weider, is to show that the feelings of the victim's attack don't have to have control over them. Weider told CP that every 98 seconds in America a person is sexually assaulted, and the students at Liberty University have taken the opportunity to help. "Our students are passionate about doing something for the problems of our culture whether that's sexual assault, sex trafficking, whether it's poverty, homelessness. So this is just one more way to provide students an opportunity to learn about what happens, to be better informed, to be proactive, to make a difference, and to actually understand that they can make a difference in the lives of the people in their community that are hurting." The kit assembly was broken up into stations. At each station, students heard the continued segments of a sexual assault victim's story. LU Serve works with the Lynchburg-based Sexual Assault Response Program at the local YWCA. SARP Director Sherell Smith told CP that the backpacks are delivered to victims while they're in the emergency room. Smith noted that clothing is necessary because "they can get ripped and torn and since DNA is on the clothes, the police want them and we like to be able to provide them with clothes." According to Smith, in 2019, SARP had 713 cases of sexual assault in the city of Lynchburg. Also included in the kits are handwritten notes from students who prayed for each bag as they made them. LU Serve will hold this event at least on an annual basis moving forward. The defence arm of Larsen & Toubro has been awarded a significant contract by the Ministry of Defence for the supply of four regiments of Pinaka weapon systems. The contract involves the supply of Pinaka launchers, battery command posts and associated engineering support package. The system has been indigenously developed by L & T as part of Pinaka development programme of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and functions as a high-tech, all-weather, long-range area fire artillery weapon system. "As a proponent of Atmanirbhar Bharat philosophy from inception and a practising Make-in-India company, we have been associated with the Pinaka programme since its development in the 1990s and induction in armed forces and serial production since a one-and-a-half decade," said J D Patil, Member of the board and Senior Executive Vice President (Defence a Smart Technologies) at L & T. "We continue to live up to our ethos to build strong India and commitment to the nation by producing high-class weapon systems within scheduled time frames and will keep up to that for these orders as well," he said in a statement on Friday. L & T has already executed similar orders from the Ministry of Defence and supplied two regiments of Pinaka systems earlier. With these orders, L & T attained cumulative six out of ten regiments of Pinaka systems with the Indian Army. L & T Defence is also engaged with DRDO for future developments on this artillery system. (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.) (Natural News) Prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides, a kind of pesticide considered toxic to humans, has been linked to impaired cognition and significant changes in the brain. In a major breakthrough, scientists from the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) and Stanford University found that teenagers exposed in utero to organophosphate pesticides demonstrated altered brain activities during tasks that required executive control. Sharon Sagiv, an assistant professor of disease and environmental health at UCB and the studys lead author, said that their findings offer insight into the impact of organophosphate pesticides on the brain. Sagiv and her colleagues are also the first to use advanced brain imaging techniques to demonstrate that exposure in utero to the said toxic chemicals can change brain activities. Their findings appeared online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). Prenatal pesticide exposure changes the brain Despite breakthroughs in brain science, the potential impact of pesticides on neurodevelopment is still unclear. To this end, Sagiv and her colleagues used functional near-infrared imaging (fNIRS) to monitor blood circulation in the brains of 95 teenagers born and raised in Californias Salinas Valley. The use of organophosphate pesticides in Salinas Valley, one of Californias major valleys and most productive agricultural regions, is common practice. This renders the cohort a relevant group to examine for the potential effects of organophosphate pesticide exposure on the brain. The participants had also been part of an earlier phase of the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study. This is a longitudinal birth cohort study assessing the possible effects of pesticide exposure and other environmental factors on childrens health and neurodevelopment. UCB scientists initiated the CHAMACOS study more than 20 years ago. The findings of their earlier research had linked prenatal organophosphate exposure to attention problems and a low intelligence quotient in children. For this recent second phase, Sagiv and her colleagues used fNIRS to measure cerebral changes as the participants engaged in various tasks that required executive function, attention, social cognition and language comprehension. They also utilized data from the California Pesticide Use Reporting program to estimate the proximity of the participants homes to pesticide-treated sites. Upon assessing these data, they found that participants with higher prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure in utero had less blood flow in their prefrontal cortex than their peers during tasks that required cognitive flexibility. This refers to the ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts or to think about multiple concepts at once. However, the same participants demonstrated greater blood flow to their parietal and temporal lobes than their peers when engaged in tasks that tested memory retrieval, or the process of remembering information stored in long-term memory. Brenda Eskenazi, a professor of public health at UCB and a member of the research team, said that fNIRS and neuroimaging afforded them insight into the potential impact of prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure on the brain. Similar patterns in other brain conditions However, their findings offered no clear explanation as to how organophosphate pesticide exposure led to reduced blood flow in some regions, but greater blood flow in others during different cognitive tasks. That being said, the patterns are not unique to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Similar patterns are apparent in other conditions that affect the brain, including Type 1 diabetes, Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease, according to Allan Reiss, the studys co-author and a professor of behavioral sciences at Stanford University. Reiss also speculated that the increase in blood flow could mean that the brain is utilizing more neural resources to address deficiencies in certain areas as a result of long-term or prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure. Therefore, further studies might help shed light on the mechanisms behind the effects of organophosphate pesticide exposure on neurodevelopment. (Related: DDT pesticide exposure during pregnancy now scientifically linked to autism.) Sagiv and her colleagues plan to repeat the brain imaging experiments on a larger cohort to determine if the patterns hold. Read more articles about the harmful effects of pesticide exposure at Pesticides.news. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com ScienceDaily.com ScienceDirect.com Venezuelan opposition and the US say the electoral council is full of Maduro loyalists and cannot oversee a free vote. The United States on Friday blacklisted four individuals for what it said was their help for the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to prevent free and fair parliamentary elections in Venezuela in December. Two of the people, Indira Alfonso and Jose Gutierrez, were appointed earlier this year by the pro-government Supreme Court to oversee the national electoral council, which has called elections for this December. The Venezuelan opposition and the US say the council is stacked with Maduro loyalists and cannot oversee a fair vote. The main opposition coalition, led by Parliament head Juan Guaido, has promised to boycott the election. The corrupt Maduro regime is attempting to seize control of the National Assembly of Venezuela through a fraudulent election, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. Also sanctioned were Reinaldo Munoz, Maduros solicitor general, and former Venezuelan state Governor David de Lima, who the Treasury said had orchestrated vote-buying operations to sway opposition legislators. Venezuelas information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. I had popped into Cafecito, the eclectic Argentine cafe that opened last fall in the Trailhead Compound of the Railyards Baca District, just once before the COVID-19 shutdown. Even then, the location in the sunny, industrial-chic space that once housed Opuntia struck me as ideally socially distanced. Tucked away on sleepy Shoofly Street at the end of the Acequia Trail, the two-story Trailhead Compound is the design creation of Serquis + Associates, Landscape Architects also known as Cafecitos owners, Solange Serquis and her husband, Andres Paglayan. The greenhouse-like restaurant facing the street is the buildings crown jewel, and under the direction of Serquis and Paglayan, its South America-meets-Middle East menu fills a void in Santa Fes coffee shop scene. Cafecitos offerings reflect the Buenos Aires origins of the couple, with all the diversity of that city, and the menu also features a few nods to their Armenian heritage. That means 12 kinds of empanadas, including a gluten-free option. Because the simple hand pies freeze well, the cafe has added three frozen samplers for takeout during the pandemic closure ($30-$50). There are also five salad options, including an Armenian Medze sampler (hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, pita); six hefty sandwiches served with side salads; and plenty of thoughtful sides, such as rosemary french fries and truffle butter toast. I didnt know how lucky I was to be dining inside on that first visit, but I still relished the kind service and the classic empanada sampler ($10). The plate included empanadas de carne (spiced ground beef and onion), verdura (spinach and ricotta) and jamon y queso (ham and cheese), accompanied by a salad of fresh mixed greens and sliced tomatoes. The small pies are formed from a delicate, sweet-salty dough, each one shaped differently: The ham and cheese empanada featured a mostly hollow cavity with delicately sliced ham piled in one corner; the verdura was dense with creamy ribbons of spinach and cheese; the carne reminded me of a slightly spicier, potato-free Michigan pasty. Theyre served with a vinegary chimichurri sauce weighted with scallions, parsley and oregano, and dotted with chile flakes. I preferred the other sauce, a fiery, nutty chile paste that significantly amps the heat of whatever you dip into it. And I knew Id be back for the housemade lemonade ($4 for 16 ounces), which has that hard-to-find perfect balance of sweet and tart, along with a lovely froth. Several weeks later, I ordered from a slightly abbreviated menu with curbside pickup. With the exception of the slightly soggy, but still very tasty, herb-flecked rosemary french fries ($3.75), the food suffered not at all from being boxed and transported across town. The substantial square ciabatta slices of the Lomito Completo ($11.50), a traditional Argentinian steak sandwich, soaked up any grease left over from the amply flavored steak strips, which were embedded in a complex strata of romaine lettuce, sliced red onion and tomato, ham, provolone, mayonnaise and fried egg. A pretty roasted beet salad ($8) starred a fanned-out array of earthy yellow and red beets from Reunity Resources, mixed greens, feta and a mustard vinaigrette, though it was missing its advertised candied chile pecans. Like many other restaurants during this uncertain era, Cafecito is still retooling its menu, figuring out what works best for takeout as well as how to round out certain niches in this rapidly changing dining landscape. Its three newest empanadas are fantastic: a warming Santa Fe (chicken and green chile, $4.20), tango (small beef strips, tomato sofrito, onion, $4.20) and vegan (black bean and mashed sweet potato, $3.50). Im excited to try the Lehmeyun, a larger Middle Eastern-via-South America spiced ground beef variety ($6). And at some point, Ill be back for a proper sit-down iced yerba mate ($4) or dulce de leche latte ($4.75) on the pleasant gravel patio. Cafecito adds to every order a helpful guide to identifying empanada flavors by shape, as well as instructions for baking the frozen pies at home, if you go that route. Its the kind of customer-friendly, at-home dining innovation that many cafes have pivoted to during the pandemic. I look forward to seeing this kind of sweet service last much longer than the shutdown. Cafecito 3 stars LOCATION: 922 Shoofly St., 505-310-0089, cafecitosantafe.com HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday Scotlands reproduction rate for coronavirus could be as high as 1.4, according to Nicola Sturgeon. The Scottish first minister issued a warning on Thursday that the virus is spreading again. The R rate which represents how many people on average one positive case infects - is probably above one, she said. It could even be 1.4, Ms Sturgeon added. The rate was believed to have been below one for some months. Ms Sturgeons comments come days after lockdown measures were tightened in Glasgow and for two surrounding areas. I said recently that the R number is of slightly less concern when overall prevalence of the virus is low, and overall prevalence of the virus is still low in Scotland right now, Ms Sturgeon said. But nevertheless this is a reminder that the virus is spreading again here, just as it is elsewhere in the UK, across Europe and indeed in the wider world. She added: It is a reminder of the need for us to take this seriously and do all of the right things. Speaking at Scotlands daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon also announced 101 more cases of coronavirus had been detected, and one more person had died after testing positive for the virus. The death happened in mid-August but Public Health Scotland have only now got all the information required, the first minister said. She also told the briefing that 20,889 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland in total - up by just over 100 from the day before. Provisional figures indicate some 53 of these new cases are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where fresh restrictions were reintroduced on Tuesday amid a spike in Covid-19 cases. People in Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire have been banned from visiting other households for two weeks, as authorities try and contain the virus. Additional reporting by Press Association New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) continues its effort to help douse fire on an oil tanker 'MT New Diamond' off the east coast of Sri Lanka. Twenty-two out of 23 crew members have been rescued since the ICG fire fighting ships assisted in successfully dousing the fire onboard earlier on Friday. While search is underway for one missing crew member, according to the ICG. Informing about the development, the ICG on its official Twitter handle, wrote: "Concerted joint SAR and Fire Fighting efforts by ICG Ships, SL Navy & tugs resulted in rescue of 22 out of 23 crew safely. Search for 01 missing crew (Filipino) in progress. No oil spill reported in area. 02 Emergency Towing Vessels being deployed by GoI for MTNewDiamond." Concerted joint #SAR & #FireFighting efforts by ICG Ships, SL Navy & tugs resulted in rescue of 22 out of 23 crew safely. Search for 01 missing crew (Filipino) in progress. No oil spill reported in area. 02 Emergency Towing Vessels being deployed by GoI for #MTNewDiamond. pic.twitter.com/bjqMsQkio9 Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 4, 2020 Earlier this morning, ICG fire fighting ships successfully doused a fire after assistance was sought by the Sri Lankan Navy following an explosion onboard the oil tanker `MT NewDiamond` 37 nautical miles east off Sri Lanka coast. On Thursday (September 3, 2020), the Coast Guard had said that after Sri Lankan Navy sought their assistance for the firefight. Three vessels were rushed to the Central-eastern Sri Lankan coast to help fight a massive fire onboard the Panama-flagged oil tanker. The ICG mobilised vessels - Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra pehredar to assist in fighting the fire. Besides the Coast Guard vessels, a Dornier aircraft too had also been deployed for the operation. The oil-tanker is located about 36 nautical miles from the Sri Lankan coast. The vessel had been travelling from Kuwait to India when the explosion occurred and a fire broke out in the engine room. The rescue mission is being jointly conducted by Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, ICG ships, and Sri Lankan Navy, and two emergency towing vessels have been deployed by India. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bangalore police arrested Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi in connection relation to an ongoing probe into a drugs case following a huge haul of marijuana in late August. An FIR has been registered in the Cottonpet police station of the city and the actress is likely to be produced before a magistrate via video conferencing.Earlier in the day, police raided her residence. The case is related to another one involving a haul of MDMA on August 20 in the state, which lead the police to start investigating personalities from the Kannada film industry, locally referred to as Sandalwood. Some arrests have been made in that case too. The CCB on Wednesday issued a notice to the actress to appear before it for investigations on Thursday, but the actress sent a team of lawyers who had requested time till Monday. CCB police responded by raiding her residence after obtaining a court warrant on Friday. Ragini was detained for questioning and arrested after seven hours of sustained interrogation. Her request for anticipatory bail is pending before the sessions court which has posted it for hearing on September 7. Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Bangalore Commissioner of Police Kamal Pant said the raid was conducted based on credible information provided by two people Ravishankar and Rahul , arrested for involvement in the drug trade. The investigations began after the police seized a truck carrying 204 kg of marijuana on 27 August which lead them to Ravishankar and Rahul. While Ravishankar is a government employee working with RTO (regional transport office) and a close friend of Raginis , Rahul is a real estate developer said to be close to another Sandalwood actress Sanjana Galrani. Pant did not specify whether any other Sandalwood personalities would be called for investigation or arrested. You have only seen the trailer, wait for the full movie, he said. Both Ravishankar and Rahul have confessed to not only using but procuring drugs and selling them to Sandalwood celebrities. Pant said. They have told us who used to supply them and we are investigating. Karnataka home minister Basvaraja Bommai said earlier on Friday that the probe into the drug racket in the state would continue till full details emerged. Our investigations indicate deeper links which are being probed and we cannot reveal all information at this stage. Tourism minister C T Ravi said that the government would come down hard on those dealing in illegal drugs. Drug mafia is trying to influence the investigation but our government will not be cowed down and all those involved will be brought to book. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON news Ouachita Baptist Universitys Elrod Center for Family and Community received the Arkansas Literacy Associations (ALA) Celebrate Literacy Award this summer for its America Reads/America Counts, Peake Partnership and Homeschool/After-School tutoring programs in Arkadelphia. Leigh Anne McKinney, assistant director of the Elrod Center, attended a virtual ceremony in July hosted by the ALA Council Leadership Institute to accept the award. Darby Byrd, a junior Christian studies/Chrisitan ministries major from McKinney, Texas, works with a local student in 2019 as part of the Elrod Centers After-School tutoring program. The Elrod Centers partnership with Arkadelphia Public Schools has been in place for over 23 years now, McKinney said. We are so thankful for the opportunity to work with administrators and teachers in order to identify children who qualify for our programs, to schedule tutoring sessions and to provide proper tutor training. The Elrod Center could not do the work it does through tutoring without the wonderful cooperation of our school district. When we started the America Reads/America Counts Program 23 years ago, we were uncertain as to its long-term sustainability, said Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international relations. Thanks to Jan Bass, who was involved in the early years, and to Leigh Anne McKinneys strong leadership, it has grown into a valuable and enriching relationship with the Arkadelphia Public Schools. While the ALA Celebrate Literacy Award usually is given to only one agency in the state of Arkansas, the Elrod Center and Goff Public Library in Searcy, Ark., both were chosen this year for championing literacy in their respective communities. The ALA is an affiliate of the International Literacy Association and, according to its website, is a professional organization of individuals, institutions and councils dedicated to promoting reading and developing literacy. Each year, about 100 Arkadelphia Public School children meet weekly with Ouachita students through the Elrod Centers America Reads/America Counts, Peake Partnership and Homeschool/After-School programs. Ouachita student tutors meet with elementary-age children on their public school campuses to offer convenience and consistency, and they meet with middle school, high school and homeschool youth at the Elrod Center in order to offer older students the opportunity to experience a college campus. We are aware that any strong partnership must be mutually beneficial, and this program realizes that goal through its positive impact on both tutors and students, Cosh said. The give-and-take of the teaching experience is fulfilling for the college student and enriching for the student being taught. Lauren (Archer) Woo, a 2020 communication sciences & disorders major from Fordyce, Ark., tutors a student through the America Reads program. McKinney noted that the stigma many children associate with tutoring is alleviated when they begin to meet regularly with and form a relationship with college students. Although standardized test scores and a marked change in classroom performance indicate that our programs are very beneficial to the children we tutor, we believe that our greatest impact goes far beyond test scores alone, she said. What was once a negative now becomes a positive. We often have the joy of witnessing an increase in confidence, improvement in behavior and overall outlook toward school, as well as a new excitement about learning, in many of the children we tutor. Students who are excited about coming to school are more likely to stick with it. The Arkadelphia Area Reading Council felt the Elrod Center was more than deserving to nominate for the Celebrate Literacy Award because the center works so hard to help our community and support our schools with the many programs that are offered, said Jodie Daniell, instructional facilitator at Peake Elementary. Although we won't be able to have student tutors in the building at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Elrod Center is still supporting our students and staff with encouraging notes, treats and helping staff complete projects, Daniell continued. We are so grateful for this support and partnership in our district! For more information about the Elrod Center or its tutoring programs, visit www.obu.edu/elrod/ or contact Leigh Anne McKinney at mckinneyl@obu.edu. To learn more about the Arkansas Literacy Association, visit www.arareading.org. Air India on Friday said the US government's plan to allow the airline to self-conduct ground handling operations at American airports is an "opportunity" and the airline will encash it in future "if there is ever such a need". The national carrier clarified it was not affected by the July 2019 decision of the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) to suspend the right of Air India to self-handle at the US airports. The airline's ground handling services at American airports has been contracted to another company. The USDOT on Friday announced that it ... The Ellen DeGeneres Show is set to return to Channel Nine later this month, after the Australian network reached a agreement with Warner Bros. Ellen's deal with Nine sends a clear message that she isn't going anywhere, after her eponymous program was rocked by scandal in recent months. A Nine spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia on Friday that new episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show will air from September 22 after a two-week break. The U.S. talk show is facing allegations of a 'toxic' workplace environment, and the negative headlines apparently allowed Nine to negotiate a cheaper deal. Guess who's back! The Ellen DeGeneres Show is set to return to Channel Nine later this month, after the Australian network reached a agreement with Warner Bros 'The new season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show will air on Nine from September 22, we look forward to the show returning,' a network representative said, after the news was first reported by industry website TV Blackbox. Last month, leading TV commentator Rob McKnight said he believed the controversy surrounding the show came up 'at the perfect time during a negotiation period' and gave the Nine 'bargaining power'. McKnight, a former senior executive at Nine, told Daily Mail Australia at the time that Nine had the enviable position of being 'willing to walk away' from the deal. She ain't cancelled yet! Ellen's deal with Nine sends a clear message that she isn't going anywhere, after her eponymous program was rocked by scandal in recent months 'Nine are in negotiations and to bring the price down they're showing Warner Bros. that they're willing to walk away,' said McKnight. 'With the advertising market shrinking [due to the coronavirus recession], the focus is on prime time. I'm sure they'd like to keep Ellen, but this whole controversy has come up at the perfect time for them during a negotiation period. 'They'll be taking a look at the ratings of Desperate Housewives in the Ellen slot and seeing whether it adversely affects them before they walk away from the deal. Speaking out: Last month, leading TV commentator Rob McKnight (pictured) said he believed the controversy surrounding The Ellen DeGeneres Show came up 'at the perfect time during a negotiation period' and gave the Nine 'bargaining power' 'The fact is, this is all about getting the best deal for Nine. Controversies come and go, but at the moment every dollar counts.' McKnight also made the 'bold prediction' that The Ellen DeGeneres Show will continue to rate well in Australia and other overseas territories, despite the negative headlines. 'Ellen won't lose any viewers and will rate as well as she ever has,' he said. 'Her fans don't want to know the truth': McKnight also made the 'bold prediction' that The Ellen DeGeneres Show will continue to rate well in Australia and other overseas territories, despite the negative headlines 'Here's the thing: her fans don't want to know the truth. They want to believe she is this kind and generous soul who wouldn't treat anyone badly.' McKnight's analysis came after Channel Nine chose to stop airing Ellen last month pending an internal investigation by WarnerMedia into accusations of racism, bullying and sexual harassment behind the scenes. For now, the network is airing reruns of Desperate Housewives - which previously screened on Seven - during Ellen's usual time slot between 12pm and 1pm. Reruns: Channel Nine chose to stop airing the U.S. talk show last month pending an internal investigation by WarnerMedia into accusations of racism, bullying and sexual harassment behind the scenes. The network is instead airing reruns of Desperate Housewives (pictured) 'We are resting Ellen repeats on Nine and have replaced with Desperate Housewives,' a Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia at the time. Warner Bros. Television announced last month that three senior producers had been fired from Ellen's show: Ed Glavin, one of the executive producers; Jonathan Norman, a co-executive producer; and Kevin Leman, the show's head writer. They were sacked as a result of the internal investigation into multiple allegations of a 'toxic' work culture behind the scenes of the popular daytime talk show. Employees described a working environment rife with 'racism, fear and intimidation.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 14:08:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a further grant of 1.5 million U.S. dollars for Mongolia to boost its medical response to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank's office in Mongolia said Friday. The financial assistance is sourced from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, the ADB said. "Mongolia's comprehensive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic has spared it from the public health crisis faced elsewhere in the world," said Pavit Ramachandran, ADB country director for Mongolia. "But with the economy under strain and resources for health care stretched thin, ADB's grant funds will help meet urgent needs and deliver medical services, including reagents, diagnostic kits, pharmaceutical products, and personal protective equipment," he said. The Asian country has managed to avoid community transmission of COVID-19 through aggressive contact tracing and strict quarantine protocols, the bank said. This has left the economy in deep recession, contracting by 9.7 percent in the first half of 2020 with all the major forecasters expecting negative growth for the full year, it added. Mongolia has confirmed 306 COVID-19 cases so far, with no local transmissions and deaths. Enditem The Ashanti Regional Police Command on Thursday 03, September 2020 paraded six persons who have been arrested for committing various crimes in the Region in recent weeks. Commissioner of Police (COP) Kwasi Mensah Duku, the Regional Police Commander, told journalists in Kumasi that the criminals were arrested at different locations by the police for snatching cars, armed robbery and possession of firearms without authority. Briefing the media on the crime situation in the Ashanti Region, he advised that everybody stayed informed and reported any form of crime to the police for action. The suspects were Marcus Agyei and Akwasi Gyamfi, who were arrested by the Obuasi Divisional Command on August 24, this year, for snatching a vehicle from its owner at Atentem, near Adansi Asokwa. They attacked the driver at knife point and sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray into his eyes and bolted with the vehicle. They were, however, arrested by the police at the Adansi Kokotenten barrier on the same day. Others were Joseph Adongo, who was arrested at the Moshie Zongo after attacking his victim with a gun on August 31, this year, as well as John Akwasi and Joshua Afriyie, both 18 years, who were also arrested for engaging in street robbery at Dichemso. Additionally, Martin Agyei, 40, who was nabbed by the Kodie police on August 27, this year was also paraded. The police retrieved one AK47 Assault raffle with 23 live cartridges, a locally manufactured pistol, jack knife, military cap, an amount of GH 1,050.00 and other items from the suspect. Agyei, who had mentioned the name of his accomplice to the police, was said to be on his way to Techiman in the Bono East Region on a robbery mission. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A 28-year-old man named Miguel Hernandez ultimately pleaded guilty in the case to improperly returning a marked ballot. According to local news reports at the time, a woman identified Hernandez as the man to whom she had given a blank ballot she placed in a white envelope but had not signed. Bruce Anton, Hernandezs defense attorney at the time, said that as best he could remember, Hernandez was hired by others to canvass neighborhoods for mail-in ballots, which he would then turn over to those who hired him for possible alteration. He said that, on a good day, Hernandez might collect 12 ballots. 1,700? Not a prayer in the world, Anton said. Attempts to get the UKs borders ready for trade after Brexit is completed on 1 January are unmanageable, according to a leaked government document. The memo warns of critical gaps in new IT systems and asks hauliers and other industry groups for help to avoid chaos when the Brexit transition period expires in just four months time. Circulated by the Cabinet Office, it lists 13 key risks to be flagged to ministers, according to Bloomberg which obtained it, including a lack of back-up planning and inadequate time to prepare. The crisis looms regardless of whether the UK avoids crashing out without a trade deal, because even an agreement will end the current free flow of goods with the EU. But Boris Johnson said the UK would still "prosper mightily" whatever the outcome. Logistics UK, which represents freight groups, accused the government of ignoring its repeated warnings that a new Smart Freight system needed by all exporters to the EU will not be ready. Ministers have already admitted to up to 10 months of border disruption, with emergency traffic control measures in Kent to last until the end of October 2021. Now the leaked document, penned by an official in the Border and Protocol Delivery Group, has laid bare the problems ahead when the UK leaves the single market and customs union. There are up to 10 new systems that haulage firms and freight forwarders will have to navigate from Jan 1, including at least three being designed now, the memo says. This is completely unnecessary and unmanageable with duplication and overlap. 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 Sarah Laouadi, European policy manager at Logistics UK, said: We are concerned that mass user testing of the software will not be possible until October or maybe even November. This is far too late for the thousands of companies and tens of thousands of people who build our complex supply chains to redesign their own processes and contractual relations before the transition period ends. A series of giant lorry parks are being built to house trucks travelling to the EU from the UK which are likely to be held up at ports, lacking key documents, or turned away by EU border staff. Lorries risk having their goods seized or destroyed, the earlier government report admitted, with hauliers lacking a required Kent access permit to be fined 300. Speaking later on Friday the prime minister said: "We're ready for any eventuality, of course. "But we must make sure that people understand that at the end of the year, whatever happens, we are using the EU. "We will get through this. It's vital that our partners understand that the UK is going to do what we need to do. If we need to have an Australia-style deal, an Australia-style solution, then that is what we will achieve and we will prosper mightily one way or the other. "They could be sensible and give us a Canada-style solution, which after all they've given Canada, and I very much hope they will, but we're ready for either eventuality." As many as 10,000 trucks a day pass through Dover and other ports, delivering goods fresh food, medicines and industrial goods such as automotive parts. About four-fifths of the food reaching UK supermarkets import comes from the EU, according to the British Retail Consortium. A government spokesperson did not dispute the existence of the document, but pointed to 705m being spent on infrastructure and technology at the border. The border operating model sets out in significant detail the approach to UK border controls after the transition period, the spokesperson said. We worked closely with industry in its development and will continue to do so as we move towards the end of the transition period. Delicious French food and warm hospitality are specialties at Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe. The fast-casual restaurant company is set to open its 10th Texas location at Sugar Land Town Square in November. Husband and wife co-founders Ivan and Allison Chavez opened the first Sweet Paris store in Rice Village in 2012, fashioning it from Ivans memories of visiting crepe carts when he was a student in Paris. Their concept took off across the Houston area, and now they also have locations in Austin, San Antonio, College Station and even in Mexico. COVID-19 and cancer: Houston oncologist says COVID-19 has greatly impacted cancer community The Town Square location will be the third Sweet Paris cafe to open since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Allison said she is proud of the way her team members have stepped up and adapted well. The Baybrook store opened just days before the pandemic lockdown, and the Austin store opened a couple of weeks ago. We just feel extremely lucky that our team members are so loyal, so happy to be in their jobs that without missing a beat, I mean, we opened when we could, in the safest way, Allison said. The 2,257-square-foot Sugar Land store will be located at 15911 City Walk, just inside the Town Squares eastern gateway. It was selected for its high visibility. The restaurant will seat 74 people inside, and a large patio will seat 42. Allison said she and Ivan had wanted to expand into Sugar Land for several years because of the great community but had waited because they specifically wanted to be in the Town Square. They had visited years ago and saw the development and its walkability as forward thinking. But there was no availability in the square at that time, so Allison and Ivan waited for the right space to open. Katy ISD: New COVID-19 case tracking system launched across Katy ISD Most people are not traveling a lot during the pandemic, so Allison explained that a visit to Sweet Paris can be an exposure to another place, if only in their minds. With a variety of sweet and savory crepes, salads, paninis, milkshakes and more, she said the food is the main draw. But the ambiance and atmosphere of European marble features, antique mirrors and chandeliers and French music add to the experience. And we have an open kitchen as well. So you can really not only smell the delicious food being cooked, but you can see it being made in front of you as youre waiting to order, Allison said. The restaurants have been using a point of sale system that allows them to take orders from outside using tablets and taking advantage of patio space for those that want to dine outdoors. I think kind of our open, airy stores have allowed us to still maintain the distance and respect the occupancy rules and utilize our outdoor spaces to continue to serve our customers and our fans that still feel comfortable eating in the restaurant or on the patio, Allison said. And then those that still need to satisfy their crepe craving, were available on an online platform. Career fair: Fort Bend County Virtual Job Fair looking for employers, candidates Matt Ragan of Rebees said he is looking forward to the creperie addition to Sugar Land Town Square. It will create a wonderful asset for visitors, residents and office tenants as both a full-fledged dining experience, as well as a spot to grab a coffee and snack while shopping or cap off an evening with a dessert and glass of champagne, he said in a news release. Allison said some people might view opening three restaurants during a pandemic as crazy, but she believes that the pandemic will eventually pass and when it does, people will return to the simple pleasures like their favorite eateries that they may have taken for granted six months ago. She said she is thrilled to bring that experience to Sugar Land. So were excited. I mean people, our customers have been asking for a location in Sugar Land for a long time because theyll come to our stores in Rice Village or CityCentre, even Katy because theyre elsewhere in the city, but they want something closer to home. So were hoping to be able to deliver that. For locations and more information, visit www.sweetparis.com. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com How one of America's largest black denominations is campaigning against abortion Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Black churches across the nation are engaging in a campaign against abortion that involves not only political advocacy against groups like Planned Parenthood but also the provision of resources to vulnerable mothers who choose to give birth. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC), a Pentecostal-Holiness denomination with over 6.5 million members across the globe, is stressing upon churches the need for them to serve as landing pads that assist women facing unwanted pregnancies and the need to engage the dark realities of abortions impact on the black community. Through its Family Life Campaign launched in 2015, COGIC is partnering with Human Coalition, a nationwide network of pro-life crisis pregnancy clinics, to reach and serve African-American women who would have otherwise walked in the doors of Planned Parenthood or another abortion clinic. The Family Life Campaign is believed to be the first sustained pro-life campaign launched by a major black denomination in the U.S. Quite honestly, many denominations white and predominantly black denominations have not taken a stand and literally said, This is what we stand for, Leslie Monet, the international director of COGICs Family Life Campaign, told The Christian Post. But we recognize that Margaret Sanger, who founded Planned Parenthood, was a deeply racist woman. She [advocated] for populations to be decreased because she thought that they were unfit. And that includes the African American community. Throughout history, Planned Parenthood has sought to fulfill Margaret Sangers legacy and aimed for our community. And that's why it is important to the Church of God in Christ. The Family Life Campaign was launched by COGICs Presiding Bishop Charles Blake, who voiced concern about whats happening to children today as data shows that black women disproportionately account for more than one-third of all abortions in the United States. And in a place like New York City, abortions' impact on the black community is so great that the number of black babies aborted in the city outnumbers the babies actually born. Monet said that throughout the nation, COGIC church volunteers have counseled countless women in hopes of making choices for life. "When we find that there is a young woman that is unsure, we talk to her, we put her in the direction of these [Human Coalition] pregnancy centers, and we come alongside them to help them make the choice for life, Monet added. And sometimes this involves providing baby items. And sometimes it could be more expensive, where we need to walk with her throughout her pregnancy. That has been such a rewarding process for us to see these young women not only to save their babies but for them to receive salvation. Monet herself was given up for adoption as a baby after her pregnant mother was taken in by a couple belonging to a COGIC church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. She is also an adoptive mother living in Raleigh, North Carolina who has personally counseled at least 10 pregnant women. My adoption is a touching story and it's something that fuels me to fight for other women, Monet explained. Because I could not be here, quite honestly. Although it might not be a new occurrence for churches to help women in need, the idea of actively addressing the issue of abortion is not spoken of in most churches, Monet stressed. But Monet is hopeful that will change through the Family Life Initiative. In addition to COGIC churches, she said that a number of independent churches have also expressed interest in participating in the Family Life Campaign. We want every member to be engaged about life. We want every member to know the facts about what abortion does, and how we can help our generations to overcome this cycle of death, Monet told CP. And we want them to know that there's a target, in reference to the African-American community that Planned Parenthood or other clinics have to meet their status quo. Monet recently participated in a jurisdictional training session in Charlotte attended by pastors, lay people, missionaries and evangelists who were taught about the initiative so they can be prepared to respond to situations involving crisis pregnancies in their communities. The church has duplicated this process to be in every church, Monet said. We want to see this life campaign in every church. How the Family Life Campaign operates at the local church level is often left up to the churches and their leaders. It may be that five churches in a community come together and they pray on the outside of the clinic, Monet explained. And if they talk with someone, they're able to share the Gospel, they're able to share what resources we have. And those resources primarily are coming from our pregnancy centers that we link to churches. Monet said that in at least two cases, COGIC has helped mothers who have chosen to give birth to their children either find housing or be able to keep their housing. When you decide you are going to keep the baby, you're on the track to placing yourself in a position where you're going to be welcoming that baby. And every baby needs a home, Monet assured. Every women and child need a place to stay. And so we're able to come alongside her, find her housing for emergency purposes and then work with her to get into a home and apartment. In addition to work supporting mothers who decided not to abort their children, the Family Life Campaign presses upon COGIC members to become foster parents and adopt from the foster care system. There are over 422,000 kids in the foster care system in the U.S. We guide them to get certified and trained within their counties within their state to adopt, then we come alongside them for support, Monet said. The Family Life Campaign also presses upon churches the need to minister to the post-abortive women in their pews. We realized that we needed to target women that are post-abortive because it's one out of every three, Monet said. They're sitting in our churches and there really hasn't been a conversation in many not just the African American community churches about post-abortion and how we get those women healed. So that's a separate initiative for these. Monet travels to various COGIC jurisdictional meetings throughout the country to represent COGICs pro-life campaign and speak out on behalf of adoption and foster care. She stressed that adoption is the answer to abortion. The Family Life Campaign also engages in various forms of political or civic advocacy. In Charlotte, North Carolina, COGIC pastors will be engaging for the next six weeks in a grassroots campaign against the opening of a new Planned Parenthood clinic in Charlotte. Monet spoke out last week about the deceptive practices of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. The organization was accused of establishing a shell company to proceed with its plans for the new clinic in the towns historic Cherry Hill neighborhood under the radar of concerned citizens. We're going to do some press conferences, some lunches, and we're going to be doing a door-to-door type of grassroots process where we engage the Charlotte community and let them know what's going on, Monet explained. And make them aware of how Planned Parenthood has yet again invaded an African American community to slaughter us. Although COGIC is working to change the hears of abortive-minded mothers, Monet admits that the pro-abortion Democratic Party has a political grip on African-Americans at the voting booth. In positions of power, Democrats tend to advance policies that create greater access to abortion as well as policies that are antithetical to the church. Politically speaking, we have to wake up and we have to connect the dots, Monet stressed of the African-American community. Our doctrine has to be more powerful to us than any political party. Earlier this year, black Christian leaders affiliated with the Douglass Christian Leadership Institute, the Georgia-based Restoration Project and the National Black Pro-Life Coalition held the "Sudden Uprising" conference at a COGIC church in Washington, D.C. to speak out against abortion and federal birth control and contraceptive funding. The leaders at the conference called on the Department of Health and Human Services to abolish the Office of Population Affairs, an entity that administers Title X funding and funds clinics that provide long-acting reversible contraception. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Telecommunications giant Smart Communications said it has finally expanded its LTE network to include Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. This is a positive development from the June incident wherein visiting government officials and news teams received text messages welcoming them to China and Vietnam upon arriving on the island. Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island, internationally known as Thitu, is the seat of the municipal government of Kalayaan under Palawan province, but it is also being claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Despite challenges due to the island's location in the West Philippine Sea, Smart has recently activated its 4G/LTE services on Pag-asa Island, Smart Communications announced in a Facebook post. In telecommunications, LTE or Long-Term Evolution is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals. Residents can now use mobile data to access chat apps and watch videos online, Smart said. It committed to continue the rollout of its LTE services which now serve 95 percent of the population. In June, Smart said its cell site on Pag-asa Island was down, thats why visitors would receive text messages prompting them to subscribe to a roaming data plan. But even if the cell site was operational, some users could still get the welcome messages from Chinese and Vietnamese telecommunications companies as their signals still reach the island, Smart explained. The Philippines recently completed a beaching ramp on Pag-asa Island, which would make it easier to bring in the equipment and supplies needed to repair the airstrip. China tried to stop the construction, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, while photos showed it deployed a number of ships near the island. The Philippines earlier fired off diplomatic protests against the swarming of Chinese vessels around Pag-asa. The Philippines and China maintain close ties, saying they have "agreed to disagree" on the arbitral ruling. The landmark decision recognized Manila's sovereign rights to areas within its exclusive economic zone, which China insists owning, and invalidated Beijing's sweeping claim to almost the entire South China Sea. Afghan President Names Reconciliation Council Members To Push Talks With Taliban By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan August 30, 2020 KABUL -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has revealed the names of the appointed members and leaders of the country's High Council for National Reconciliation, a body tasked with leading peace negotiations with the Taliban. Political figures, including current and former officials, leaders of political parties, and renowned religious leaders are among the more than 40 council members approved by Ghani, according to a presidential decree issued late on August 29. The list includes former mujahedin leaders Abdul Rasul Sayyaf and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, as well as civil-society activist Safia Sediqqi and eight other women. One of the appointed women was named the deputy of council head Abdullah Abdullah, the former chief executive officer of Afghanistan's unity government. Former President Hamid Karzai was also named but he rejected the appointment in a statement on August 30, saying he declines to be part of any government structure. The High Council for National Reconciliation is to oversee a 21-member negotiating team appointed by Ghani in March to conduct face-to-face talks with the Taliban. The talks are part of an agreement reached between the militants and the United States in February in an effort to end nearly 19 years of war in Afghanistan. On August 26, the Taliban announced it had formed a new 20-member department responsible for Taliban representation at both the intra-Afghan talks and further negotiations with the United States. The beginning of the planned peace talks has faced some serious challenges, including the issue of the release of prisoners. The internationally recognized government in Kabul has recently reversed a decision to release the last 320 Taliban prisoners it is holding until the insurgents free more captured soldiers. "The Taliban will have to release our commandos held by them before the government resumes the release of the remaining 320 Taliban prisoners," Javid Faisal, spokesman for the Afghan National Security Council, tweeted on August 29. With reporting by dpa, TOLOnews, and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-president- names-reconciliation-council-members-to- push-talks-with-taliban/30811344.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 Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, has said that as president he will meet the Dalai Lama, continuing a decades-old practice followed by American presidents with the exception of President Donald Trump, and press China to resume talks with Tibetans for meaningful autonomy. The nominee also vowed to impose sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Tibet and step up support for Tibetans. Biden accused Trump of maintaining a deafening silence on Chinese actions in Tibet and focussing instead on an empty trade deal and nurturing his very good friendship with Chinas President Xi Jinping. As President, Ill put values back at the center of American foreign policy, Biden said in a statement Thursday. Ill meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama; appoint a new Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues. The nominee called out Trump for not meeting the Tibetan leader yet, saying Its disgraceful, though not surprising, that Trump is the first American president in three decades who has not met or spoken with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The appointment of a special coordinator is mandated by the US Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 to promote substantive dialogue between the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Dalai Lama or his representative. The position has been vacant since January 2017, when President Trump took office. Biden went on to say: Ill work with our allies in pressing Beijing to return to direct dialogue with the representatives of the Tibetan people to achieve meaningful autonomy, respect for human rights, and the preservation of Tibets environment as well as its unique cultural, linguistic and religious traditions. He will also step up support for the Tibetan people, he said, by, among things, expanding Tibetan language services at Radio Free Asia and Voice of America to get information from the outside world into Tibet. But the Trump administration has not been soft exactly on China over Tibet, as charged by Biden. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced visa restrictions in July on some Chinese officials because of Beijings restrictions on US diplomats, journalists and tourists from travelling to Tibet and for human rights abuses there. Kabul, Sep 4 : A UN envoy has urged for a humanitarian ceasefire in Afghanistan as negotiating teams of the Kabul government and the Taliban prepare to hold the much-awaited peace talks in Doha aimed to end the deadly conflict that has gripped the nation for the past two decades. While addressing the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday, Deborah Lyons, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said: "I want to emphasize again the importance of the humanitarian ceasefire. This is a win win for both parties to the peace talks and it is clearly a win for the Afghan people. "We all need to be raising our voices to focus on the need for a humanitarian ceasefire." She reiterated the imperative for intra-Afghan negotiations and a political solution to end the conflict, TOLO News reported. "As I speak, Afghans representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are preparing to sit with other Afghans representing the Taliban to discuss, at long last, a political settlement to the conflict. This is truly a historic moment," said Lyons. "The coming days will hopefully bring the formal launch of intra-Afghan negotiations." Meanwhile, US Permanent Representative to the UnN Kelly Craft said that recent waves of violence were posing serious threats to peace and they need to be stopped. "The US condemns all acts of terrorism," Craft was quoted as saying by TOLO News. The remarks came hours after the National Security Council confirmed that the government has released nearly all Taliban prisoners on the group's list, except for a half dozen inmates about whom Afghanistan's international partners have reservations. Sources close to the peace talks said that the travel plans of the delegation representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have been delayed until Friday. There are unconfirmed reports that Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the opening ceremony of the intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha. Back in early 2016 as the U.S. presidential race was heating up, I wrote a column with the headline: Relax, Donald Trump wont win. In the column I predicted Trump wouldnt even win the Republican Party nomination, let alone the presidency in November of that year. At that time, I argued that Trump was too far down in the polls to win, that he had little room to grow beyond his core backers, that he had no real political organization and that the more American voters learned about Trump, the more the broader Republican electorate would despise him. I was dead wrong on all counts, much to the glee of Trump supporters here in Canada and there are many of them, some of whom remind me to this day of that column. I may be dead wrong again, but in 2020 I believe (fear?) Trump may win again, despite the wishful thinking by many Canadians and polls showing Democratic candidate Joe Biden leading the race right now. Indeed, Canadians need to wake up to the fact that Trump could be headed for victory. If that happens, there may be serious ramifications for Canada. Thats because Trump has repeatedly taken unilateral steps that have adversely affected Canadas national interests. Over the past four years he has gone after Canadian exports, slapping unwarranted tariffs on everything from steel to aluminum. Even now, he is threatening lobster exports to the U.S. He has denigrated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and treated Canada as some minor backwater not worthy of special attention. If re-elected, Trump may be even more emboldened to pick fights with Canada. At risk could be some $2-billion worth of goods and services that cross the Canada-U. S. border every day. That could translate into thousands of lost jobs. The reasons why Trump could win are obvious and growing more possible as the Nov. 3 voting date draws nearer. First, Trumps strategy of branding himself as the law-and-order president in dealing with demonstrators is a potentially winning one. If our opponents prevail, no one will be safe in our country, Trump said recently, trying to stoke fear among the electorate. Such a tactic has proven successful in past elections. The best example is 1968 when Richard Nixon defeated Democratic challenger Hubert Humphrey. Riots raged across the country that year, sparked by the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy as well as the Vietnam War. Nixon ran on a law-and-order platform, similar to what Trump is doing today. Nixon later claimed the silent majority who supported his get-tough approach was the key to his election. Second, Trumps racist appeal to suburban white voters may be working. He insists Biden wants to destroy suburbs by ordering low-income housing to be built in those neighbourhoods, which he insinuates will result in more crime and lower property values. Cynical, despicable and untrue? For sure! But it could well resonate with a good part of that silent (white) majority to whom hes trying to appeal. Third, dont believe the polls they were wrong in 2016 and they could be again. After Trumps popularity slipped several months ago over his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and national protests after the death of George Floyd, his ratings are starting to climb and dramatically close the gap with Biden. The most critical polls are in swing states that Trump won narrowly in 2016, such as Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Trump dismisses most polls as fake and insists his private polls show hes in the lead. He may be proven right. Fourth, massive voter suppression, simply preventing people from going to the polls or having their votes counted. There is deep concern that Trump and his buddies at the head of the U.S. Postal Service are planning to deliberately slow down mail delivery so that mail-in ballots from heavily Democratic regions dont arrive in time to be counted. Fifth, toss in everything else, from Bidens history for making mistakes to Trumps rock-solid base, a resurgent U.S. economy and a possible easing of the coronavirus pandemic. All would work in Trumps favour. So wake up Canada, Trump may win again. Kolkata: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday seized 200 kg of the prized Hilsa fish while being smuggled into India from Bangladesh through the border in West Bengal, an official said. A BSF patrol team, on noticing that four-five persons were trying to wade through a water body with loads on their heads towards India from Bangladesh in the Kalyani border outpost area, tried to stop them, the official said. They managed to flee the spot leaving behind their belongings, the BSF official said, adding that the team recovered four big plastic containers hidden under water hyacinth. Total 200 kg Hilsa, worth around Rs 2,40,000 in the Indian market, was found in the containers, he said. The seized fish was handed over to the customs office at Petrapole, the official said. The BSF has seized 2,800 kg of Hilsa fish so far this year while being smuggled into India from Bangladesh, he said. . Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Haiti - News : Zapping... 3 suspects arrested in the assassination of President of the Bar Dorval As part of the investigation into the assassination of Me Monferrier Dorval https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-31661-icihaiti-pelerin-5-assassination-of-the-president-of-the-bar-of-port-au-prince.htmlhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31668-haiti-insecurity-rain-of-reactions-around-the-assassination-of-me-monferrier-dorval.html , 3 suspects were arrested, one of whom was in possession of Me Dorval's phone, informed Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe, being unable to provide more details or the identity of those arrested so as not to interfere with the smooth running of the investigation. SWAT officer shot down Thursday, an instructor of the SWAT Team was shot dead, including one in the head by unidentified armed individuals at l'Acul near the Dufort area (Commune of Leogane). End of President's mandate Rosny Desroches, Director of the Civil Society Initiative (ISC) maintains that President Jovenel Moise's mandate ends on February 7, 2022. However, he believes it possible that the Head of State may not be able to complete his mandate. 750 victims of armed violence According to the civil society organization "Guardians of Human Rights", from January to August 2020, around 750 people, including about thirty children, were allegedly victims of armed violence in Haiti. The spokesperson for the PNH union dismissed On Wednesday, the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police confirmed the dismissal of police officer Abelson Gros Negre, the spokesperson for the Haitian National Police Union (SPNH). According to the information available, the IGPNH decided to dismiss the trade unionist for inappropriate behavior and remarks deemed unhealthy made against the former Keeper of the Seals of the Republic, Me Lucmane Delille Tennis US OPEN : Naomi qualified for the 3rd round On Wednesday, as part of the US Open, the Japanese star of Haitian origin Naomi Osaka (10th in the world) at the Arthur-Ashe Stadium of the Flushing Meadows in New York, Naomi Osaka (22 years old) won without effort against the Italian Camila Giorgi in straight sets (6-1, 6-2) qualifying for the 3rd round or Naomi will face the young Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk (18 years old) 116th in the world (2019). HL/ HaitiLibre Intensive control operations in India and Pakistan have significantly reduced locust infestations in both countries, says UNs Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in its latest advisory released on September 2. In southwest Asia, extensive hatching and hopper band formation occurred in India and, on a smaller scale, in southeast Pakistan. Intensive control operations have significantly reduced infestations in both countries. Consequently, the second generation of breeding that commences in September is expected to be on a much smaller and more manageable scale, says the advisory. Dr K L Gurjar, deputy director at Locust Warning Organization at Jodhpur said that it is a big relief to the country which is facing threat of locust attacks since the past one and half year. Gurjar said that in its recent advisory FAO said that due to intensive control operations, India and Pakistan have reduced locust infestations. Gurjar added that in present situation there is no presence of locust anywhere in the country. He said that earlier FAO warned about a huge locust attack from Ethiopia and northern Somalia. It was advised that by the first week of September adult locust groups may enter in India and may cause huge damage. Gurjar said that in its recent advisory FAO said that there is no possibility for the groups from Ethiopia and northern Somalia to enter India. Summer breeding, said Gurjar, has taken place in many parts of Rajasthan, including Nagaur, Jodhpur, Hanumangarh and Barmer. He said that with better coordination of state and central government departments and with use of helicopters, drones, fire brigade and hand sprays, locust control operations were carried out successfully and at present there is no presence of locust. According to Gurjar, only summer breeding of locust takes place in India and winter breeding takes place in Iran, Baluchistan and in some parts of southeast Pakistan. During the summer, we have successfully carried out locust control operations in India and simultaneously similar successful operations were carried out across the border in Pakistan, due to which now there is no chance of locust attack in India in near future, said Gurjar. We will continue to keep an eye on the spring breeding of locust which usually takes place in Pakistan, he added. Since the past one and half year the country has faced huge locust attacks in more than 10 states, including national capital Delhi. After a long gap of 26 years, first locust attack was reported on May 21, 2019 in Rajasthans Jaisalmer district. In the first attack locusts caused huge damage to Rabi crops in around ten lakh hectares in Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, by the second week of February locust attack was controlled with intense control operations. Later, On April 11, 2020, the country faced a second locust attack. This time, locust groups were spread in more than 10 states including Rajasthan, UP, MP, Haryana, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttrakhand, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. With an alarming situation, the issue was raised in many state assemblies and also in Parliament. As a result, the government swung in action and with locust control operations at large level locust infestations and breeding was controlled by the end of July. The enterprise of Doan Nguyen Duc, or Boss Duc as he is known, is still in doubt, though the businessman, once the richest man in Vietnam, has sold many assets to restructure his company. Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group (HAG) has released the H1 reviewed finance report which showed a net profit, instead of a loss as seen in the previous report. Doan Nguyen Duc (left) and Tran Ba Duong However, HAG is facing many difficulties as a large proportion of the total assets is long-term work in progress with total value of over VND11.4 trillion and inventories worth VND2.3 trillion, while short- and long-term receivables continues to increase to VND10.8 trillion. Auditors have given their opinions about the possibility of collecting outstanding debts reaching VND7.3 trillion, an increase of 29 percent compared with VND5.67 trillion as of early this year. Auditors said they could not collect sufficient evidence to determine the ability to recover outstanding debts of nearly VND7.3 trillion. They also stressed that the short-term debt as of June 30 had exceeded the short-term assets of the company. Prior to that, HAGL in early August was fined and asked to pay tax arrears of VND822 million because of inaccurate tax declarations, which it had made repeatedly. HAGLs CEO Vo Truong Son in the last six months sold all the 803,000 HAG shares he held. As such, Boss Ducs joy in late 2019 and early 2020 did not last. The price of HAG has turned around and decreased, now hovering around VND4,300 per share. In 2019, Thaco, the auto manufacturer of Tran Ba Duong, spent VND13 trillion to buy some subsidiaries of HAGL. Thadi, a subsidiary of Thaco, in charge of agriculture projects, spent VND7.6 trillion to acquire three subsidiaries of HAGL Agrico Dong Duong Rubber, Trung Nguyen Rubber and Dong Penh Company. The three companies are exploiting 22,500 hectares of agricultural land in Cambodia and Gia Lai. Thadi, a subsidiary of Thaco, in charge of agriculture projects, spent VND7.6 trillion to acquire three subsidiaries of HAGL Agrico Dong Duong Rubber, Trung Nguyen Rubber and Dong Penh Company. The three companies are exploiting 22,500 hectares of agricultural land in Cambodia and Gia Lai. In addition to the transactions, Thaco also converted bonds into shares, which allowed it to hold 26.29 percent of shares in HAGL Agrico. HAGL now has high hopes for agricultural production, while Boss Duc places his hopes in billionaire Duong. In the agricultural sector, the group of shareholders related to Duong includes Thaco which holds 26.3 percent of HNG; and Tran Oanh Production and Trading Co Ltd holding 4.9 percent of HAGL Agrico. Duong holds 3.8 percent. As such, the shareholders related to Thaco hold 388.05 million HNG shares, or 35.5 percent. V. Ha In this Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 file photo, Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny takes part in a march in memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow, Russia. AP-Yonhap The European Union warned Thursday of sanctions against Russia and NATO called an urgent meeting to discuss Germany's finding that opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned by a Soviet-era nerve agent, claims the Kremlin furiously denied. Western leaders are demanding answers from Moscow after Berlin said Wednesday there was "unequivocal evidence" that the 44-year-old Kremlin critic had been afflicted by the infamous nerve agent Novichok. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called on Moscow to cooperate with an international probe into the poisoning and said the 27-nation bloc would not rule out sanctions. Brussels "reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures", Borrell said in a statement. Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks during a press conference with Egypt's foreign minister in the capital Cairo on September 3, 2020. AFP-Yonhap Mumbai, Sep 4 : Shiv Sena activists on Friday held protests against Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut over her recent remarks targeted at Mumbai, its police and her Taliban jibe at the state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. On Friday afternoon the women's wing of the Dindoshi Vidhan Sabha constituency protested by beating Kangana's effigy and posters with shoes and slippers and shouting "Kangana Ranaut haye haye" and "Kangana Ranaut hosh mein aao". Protests also took place in other parts of Mumbai including the suburbs. Widespread protests took place in cities like Thane, Palghar, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik. This happened after Kangana Ranaut made several remarks targeted at Mumbai city comparing it with POK, called the Mumbai Police a "sham in the name of Police force" and took a jibe at the politicians using the word "Taliban". "Kangana has no right to stay in Mumbai, we will make sure she can't enter Mumbai, we will beat her to death with stones and rods just how we lynched Palghar Sadhus. How you promoted yourself from POK to Taliban just in one day is commendable," the actress tweeted on Friday afternoon. "If you are openly threatening me to lynch me like Palghar Sadhus with stones and rods if I come to Mumbai it's only because you got away with it you killed innocent people and faced no consequences this has empowered you, we want #CBIForPalghar #CBIForPalgharLynching," she wrote in a separate tweet. Reacting to a news piece saying Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has said that Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has "no right to stay" in Mumbai and Maharashtra, the actress tweeted: "He is taking his own calls on my democratic rights, from POK to Taliban in one day." Protests took place across the state after Kangana's jibe on Twitter where political activists raised slogans condemning the actress, stoned her posters and hit the same with shoes and also burnt her posters and effigies. Reacting to a news piece showing a video of the protests held by women at Dindoshi, the actress tweeted: "After Sushant and Sadhus murder now beating my posters with chappals for my opinions on administration, it seems Mumbai is addicted to blood." In a separate tweet later in the day, Kangana wrote: "Kisi ke baap ka nahi hai Maharashtra. Maharashtra usika hai jisne Marathi gaurav ko pratishthit kiya hai. Aur main danke ki chot pe kehti hoon haan main Maratha hoon. Ukhado mera kya ukhadoge. (Maharashtra does not belong to anybody's father. Maharashtra only belongs to those who have established Marathi honour. And I am saying this that I am a Maratha. Do whatever you wish.)" A man who survived novichok poisoning from the Salisbury attack has said the targeting of Alexei Navalny has given Russia some strength to carry on and get away with it. Charlie Rowley accidentally picked up a counterfeit perfume bottle containing the nerve agent used to poison Sergei Skripal in March 2018, and gave it to his partner Dawn Sturgess. Sturgess died after applying the substance to her wrists, while Mr Rowley fell seriously ill but survived. Mr Rowley said he felt devastated that a poison from the same family of novichoks appears to have been used against Mr Navalny, a political opponent of Vladimir Putin. I felt devastated that it had happened again, he told ITV News. I thought it was over, but it clearly isnt. Mr Navalny fell ill after drinking tea before boarding a flight from Siberia to Moscow on 20 August. He was eventually allowed to travel to Germany for medical care, where he remains in a coma. I think it gives the Russians some strength that they can do their business and get away with it, Mr Rowley said. Its made me feel that it could happen again any time and its made me feel that they could get away with almost anything. The British government identified two Russian GRU agents as suspects for the attempted assassination of Mr Skripal, which also caused his daughter Yulia to fall seriously ill. The two men whose real names are Anatoliy Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin were charged with launching the attack but had flown back to Russia immediately after the attempted assassination and the Kremlin has continued to deny responsibility. An inquest into Sturgess death may consider if other agents of the Russian state were responsible for the attack following a legal battle over the scope of the inquiry. Mr Rowley said that he still does not feel that justice has been served and that he still suffers from novichoks impact on his eyesight, memory and physical and mental health. He added: I hope this new incident will bring on more news and we will get some truth. I dont think Ill actually ever get over it because I dont know the outcome of whats to come to be honest. Im not the same guy I used to be. Its taken a toll on me. Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Show all 19 1 /19 Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Salisbury train station The two suspects charged in relation to the attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal at Salisbury train station at 16:11hrs on 03 March 2018 Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Suspects Suspects Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov, Russian nationals, approximately 40 years old, who travelled on a Russian passport. It is likely that they were travelling under aliases and that these are not their real names Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Evidence Bottle and applicator recovered by police from Charlie Rowleys address in Muggleton Road Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Evidence A counterfeit perfume box that was discovered by nerve agent victim Charlie Rowley, who later gave it, and the bottle inside, to his girlfriend Dawn Sturgess Metropolitan Police/AFP/Getty Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Rowley has previously said he felt lucky to be alive after giving a perfume bottle that contained the nerve agent Novichok to his girlfriend Dawn Sturgess, who later died Metropolitan Police/AFP/Getty Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Suspeccts The CPS has issued European Arrest Warrants for the extradition of 'Boshirov' and 'Petrov' in connection with the Novichok poisoning attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March Metropolitan Police/PA Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Boshirov' at Gatwick airport Movements in detail - At 3pm on Friday, 2 March, the suspects arrived at Gatwick airport, having flown from Moscow on Aeroflot flight SU2588 Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Petrov at Gatwick airport From the airport it is believed that they travelled by train into London, arriving at Victoria station at approximately 5.40pm Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Salisbury train station, 11:48hrs on 4 March 2018 They then travelled on London public transport to Waterloo station and were in the area between approximately 6pm and 7pm. They travelled to the City Stay Hotel in Bow Road, East London, where they stayed on Friday, 2 March, and Saturday, 3 March. On Saturday, 3 March, they left the hotel and took the underground to Waterloo station, arriving at approximately 11.45am, where they caught a train to Salisbury, arriving at approximately 2.25pm Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack City Stay Hotel in Bow Road Police officers stand outside the City Stay Hotel in Bow where on Sunday, 4 March, 'Boshirov' and 'Petrov' made the same journey from the hotel as they did the previous day, again using the underground from Bow to Waterloo station at approximately 8.05am, before continuing their journey by train to Salisbury Getty Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Wilton Road, Salisbury, 11:58hrs on 4 March 2018 CCTV shows them in the vicinity of Mr Skripals house and we believe that they contaminated the front door with Novichok Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Fisherton Road CCTV image of both suspects on Fisherton Road, Salisbury at 13:05hrs on 4 March, 2018 Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Salisbury train station, 13:50hrs on 4 March 2018 They left Salisbury and returned to Waterloo Station, arriving at approximately 4.45pm and boarded the London Underground at approximately 6.30pm to London Heathrow Airport Metropolitan Police Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack CCTV Heathrow airport security, 19:28hrs on 4 March 2018 From Heathrow Airport, they returned to Moscow on Aeroflot flight SU2585, departing at 10.30pm Metropolitan Police/PA Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Scene investigations The police investigation was carried out over 6 months. Ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found on March 4 in a critical condition on a bench outside the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury AFP Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Victims Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, right, and his daughter Yulia Rex Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Victims Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey who rushed to the aid of the Skripals was also taken to hospital in a serious condition after falling ill when attempting to help them PA Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Victims Dawn Sturgess, a 44-year-old mother of three, died after falling ill when partner Charlie Rowley gave her a perfume bottle that contained the nerve agent Novichok Facebook/AFP/Getty Police release images of suspects in connection with Salisbury attack Scene investigations The home of Charlie Rowley in Muggleton Road, Amesbury, where he and Dawn Sturgess were exposed to the deadly nerve agent Novichok PA Id feel so much better if we could find out the truth as to whos behind it all. Wiltshire Police detective Nick Bailey was also exposed to the substance while responding to the initial attack on the Skripals. Sharing a tweet by the prime minister calling for justice, the officer said: I have so much that I want to say about this tweet. But I cant, and I wont. Det Sgt Bailey later tweeted: I dont hold any information relating to national security, the UK government, Russia, or the investigation into the 2018 or recent nerve agent attack. Recommended Inquest can investigate Russian state officials over Salisbury attack If I did I wouldnt say it because Im a police officer. My views are based on being a victim and are entirely my own. In hindsight I wish I hadnt written such an ambiguous tweet. The attempted assassination of Mr Skripal, a former double agent, came almost 12 years after Russian agents murdered FSB defector Alexander Litvinenko in London. He was poisoned with radioactive polonium-210, which was traced to a hot teapot used at the Millennium Hotel. Mr Navalny was also seen drinking tea shortly before falling ill. Litvinenkos wife, Marina, said she was absolutely shocked by news of the new attack, adding: Unfortunately, it happened again. Until the last two weeks [Mr Navalny] escaped from very serious assassinations, he spent time in prison, he spent time under house arrest, he was attacked a few times but an attempted poisoning I didnt believe it one day would happen, she told BBC News. Ms Litvinenko said she had offered Mr Navalnys wife and family support and urged people to respect their wish for privacy. She praised Germany for making a strict accusation against Russia, but added: Before when it all happened in the UK with my husband and after that two years ago, with the Skripal case, there was international community support but there was not a strong response. Alexei Navalny remains in a coma in a German hospital (AFP via Getty) On Wednesday, German chancellor Angela Merkel said Mr Navalny was the victim of attempted murder by poisoning with novichok and added that the aim was to silence his opposition to Vladimir Putin. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab spoke to his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, to discuss the international response on Thursday. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said they agreed that the suspected use of novichok was a matter of international concern and violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. A statement added: They agreed to work together closely, including in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), to ensure Russia was held accountable for its international obligations. The foreign secretary made clear that Britain would stand shoulder to shoulder with Germany on the issue. Downing Street has warned there would be severe consequences for the people behind the attack and did not rule out sanctions or the fresh expulsions of diplomats, as seen in 2018. Mr Raab said on Twitter that the poisoning of Mr Navalny was utterly deplorable and a violation of international law. Have just spoken with FM Heiko Maas we agreed that [Russian] gov must explain what happened and international partners must work together to support an investigation into this attack. Boris Johnson has described the suspected deployment of the same chemical weapon used in the 2018 Salisbury poisonings as outrageous and vowed to ensure justice is done. Russia said on Friday that it wanted dialogue with Germany and accused doctors in Berlin of a lack of transparency. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow wanted to find out what exact substance caused Mr Navalny to fall ill, adding: According to the version of our doctors [in Russia] it wasnt a poisoning. Pereira, 62, has lived in the U.S. since 2012 and has been a permanent legal resident since 2015. He was arrested in 2017 along with his five colleagues all of them naturalized American citizens after being duped into traveling to Caracas right before Thanksgiving for what they were told would be an emergency meeting at the headquarters of Citgos parent company, state-run oil giant PDVSA. Instead, they were hauled away from a meeting room by masked security forces. An Indian Army major and two Jammu and Kashmir policemen were injured on Friday during an encounter between security forces and terrorists Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint operation, at least three terrorists were also killed in the encounter in Yadipora area of Pattan in the district. The identification of terrorists killed in the encounter is being ascertained. The encounter had broken out at the Pattan area in the wee hours of Friday after forces received specific inputs about the presence of a few terrorists in the area. However, the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired upon a search party of the forces, who then retaliated strongly to the gunfire. The injured were immediately rushed to the 92 Army Base Hospital where their condition was said to be stable. On September 3, forces arrested three Overground Workers (OGW) of a terror group in Baramulla's Pattan area. Kolkata: There will be no Question Hour during the upcoming two-day monsoon session of the West Bengal Assembly due to paucity of time and the COVID-19 situation, Speaker Biman Banerjee said on Friday. The BJP has termed it a double standard of the Trinamool Congress, which had earlier called the decision to not have Question Hour during the upcoming Parliament session a murder of democracy. Other major opposition parties in the state, the Congress and the CPI(M), however, said they will comment on the decision only after they are officially informed about it. We have decided that there will be no Question Hour during the two-day monsoon session, scheduled to begin on September 9, due to paucity of time and the COVID-19 situation. Having Question Hour will mean prolonging the session for which the MLAs will have to stay back for a longer period. We do not want that during this pandemic situation, Banerjee said. Senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan, also the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, said he will comment only after he is officially informed about it. BJP Legislative Party leader Manoj Tigga said the decision reflects the double standard of the TMC. The TMC is demanding Question Hour during the upcoming Parliament session, scheduled to be held from September 14 to October 1, but it has decided not to include it in the Assembly proceedings in West Bengal. This is nothing but double standard of the party, he said. The speaker had earlier announced that the monsoon session of the Assembly will be held from September 9 in strict compliance with the ICMRs guidelines and every person entering the premises during the period, including lawmakers, journalists and House staffers, will have to undergo COVID-19 tests. The seating arrangement for the MLAs has been made in adherence to social distancing norms and no visitor will be allowed inside the House during the two-day session, he had said. The state government had last week sent a proposal to the speaker to convene the monsoon session either from the first or the second week of September, sources said. As per the norms, there cannot be a gap of more than six months between two Assembly sessions. The previous session was adjourned sine die in March. So, the next session will have to be held by September," a senior TMC leader said. The 294-member West Bengal Assembly was adjourned sine die on March 17 when the budget session was curtailed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. SPRINGFIELD Illinois surpassed another grim milestone Thursday as the total number of COVID-19 cases passed the 240,000 mark. The Illinois Department of Public Health on Thursday reported 1,360 new confirmed cases of the disease and 25 additional virus-related deaths over the previous 24 hours, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to 240,003 known cases and 8,115 deaths. The recovery rate for those 42 days removed from a positive diagnosis is 95 percent, according to IDPH. The most recent deaths were reported in 14 counties. Ages of the victims ranged from people in their 50s to their 90s. Laboratories reported processing 40,795 tests over the 24-hour period, which made for a single-day test positivity rate of 3.3 percent. That helped lower the seven-day rolling average positivity rate by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4 percent. IDPH noted, however, that it is still experiencing delays in processing data for its daily public reports due to the large volume of tests being conducted. All available resources are being deployed to improve our data systems throughput and we anticipate improvement in data processing as the week proceeds, the department said in a news release. Although the slowdown has delayed the reporting of some additional aggregate numbers, this has not affected the reporting of positive or negative results to individuals in any way. As of Wednesday night, 1,620 people in Illinois were hospitalized with COVID-19. Of those, 360 patients were in intensive care units and 144 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. All of the numbers remained slightly above their pandemic lows. Meanwhile, the number of Illinois workers filing first-time unemployment claims fell slightly last week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. During the week that ended Saturday, Aug. 29, the state saw 24,116 people file initial claims for jobless benefits, down from 26,262 the week before. The number of people receiving continuing unemployment benefits also fell to 555,582, which is 37,723 fewer than the prior week. An additional 4,433 workers filed first-time claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the federally-funded program for gig workers, independent contractors and others who dont normally qualify for regular unemployment. That was an increase of 264 from the prior week. There were 118,968 people in Illinois receiving continuing PUA benefits during the week, down 798 from the prior week. Photos: How one family is fighting the virus as they head back to school Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 An initial investigation found that James Scott Edwards of Warrenton was driving a Toyota Tacoma eastbound on Wellington Road when he lost control of the vehicle. It went off the road before going airborne and landing on a grassy knoll on the opposite side of the road, according to police. Officials said he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 Trend: Azerbaijan eased restrictions to gather in public places, as well as on streets, boulevards, parks, and other places for groups consisting of over 10 people, Trend reports on Sept. 4. This information was reflected in the changes made by the Cabinet of Ministers to the resolution "On additional measures in connection with the tightening of the special quarantine regime in the territories of Baku, Sumgayit cities and Absheron region". Earlier, people were forbidden to gather in groups consisting of more than five people. The decision will come into force on September 8. The two million Hindus in the United States are a vital and key voting bloc in several swing states this presidential elections, Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said as he told fellow community members that it was their dharma to exercise their franchise. IMAGE: Indian-Americans celebrate Ayodhya's Ram Temple foundation stone laying ceremony in Washington, US. Photograph: ANI In his virtual key note address at the formal launch of the 'Hindu Americans for Biden', Krishnamoorthi, who is the three-time Democratic Congressman from Illinois, urged his community members to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his Indian American running mate Kamala Harris on November 3. I feel it is so important to elect Joe Biden because of a Hindu value 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (entire world is a family) a core tenant of Hindus -- we believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, he said. It is an old saying in Washington DC, which is, if you don't have a seat at the table, you're on the menu. And none of us on this zoom call or our families, or communities, or Hindu Americans as a whole can afford to be on the menu, and neither can our agenda. That's why it's so important that you vote, he said. This year is the most important election of our lifetime before us. In 60 days, on November 3rd, believe it or not, the two million Hindu, Americans in this country will be a vital and key voting bloc in several swing states. Not only Florida, but Virginia and Pennsylvania and Michigan and Wisconsin, and the list goes on and on. It is our duty, indeed it is our dharma to vote, Krishnamoorthi said. Voting is our Dharma, and it's at the heart of our society, said Amit Jani, Biden Campaign National AAPI director. Moderating the launch event, Niki Shah, co-state director of New Jersey, South Asians for Biden, said that hate crimes and acts of vandalism have increased in the last three and half years and that it was unacceptable. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under President Donald Trump, hate crimes against Hindus have tripled, Shah said. It is my very strong believe that when we have that phenomenon going on, that we have a president that has an actual plan... Biden is going to make sure there are the resources we need to fight hate crimes, said Machmud Makhmudov, policy analyst, Biden For President. Rajesh Patel, spokesperson, Maninagar Swaminarayan Temple Kentucky, gave a brief presentation on the vandalism of the temple. We, as mandir folks, had never experienced anything like this (hate crime at a mandir), he said. Krishnamoorthi said that Biden is a man of faith, a man of principle, and most importantly, he's a man who believes in equality. He believes that everyone should be treated the same with dignity and respect, he said. This is for the first time that two major political parties have made specific outreach efforts towards the Hindu Americans. While the Trump camp has created the 'Hindu Voices for Trump' campaign, Biden camp launched the 'Hindu Americans for Biden' campaign. Hindus for Trump honours contributions by the millions of Americans of Hindu faith. The inclusive economy, commitment to building up US-Indian relations, and fierce support for religious liberties for all is unmatched. Re-electing President Trump will reduce obstacles to religious freedoms for Hindus in America, the Trump Campaign said. President Trump was the one who first recognised the voting potential of Hindu Americans in 2016, when he not only addressed a rally for Hindus in New Jersey, but also his family members visited Hindu temples in key battle ground States like Virginia and Florida. Civil aviation minister Hardeep Puri on Wednesday said domestic flight operations were picking up as the centre has allowed flights capacity to increase to 60 percent. Soaring Higher! Domestic Operations on 3rd September 2020, Day 103 till 2359 hrs. Departures stood at 1156 with 1,20,388 passengers handled and arrivals ar1156 with 1,20,269 passengers handled, Puri tweeted. He added that the footfall at airports stood at 2,40,657 with total number of flyers at 1,20,388. When we resumed civil aviation operations, the country witnessed domestic traffic of around 30,000 passengers and now slowly it has increased to nearly 120,000 passengers, Puri had said at a press conference on Wednesday. The civil aviation ministry on Wednesday announced increasing the limited domestic flight operations from 45 percent to 60 percent. Also read: Eyes on economy, Finance Ministry bans creation of new posts in central ministries After the review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations viz-a-viz passenger demands for air travel in terms of the purpose specified in the initial order (01/2020) dated 21.05.2020, condition laid down....is modified as under 45% capacity may be read as 60% capacity. This order shall take effect from the date of issue of this order. The other terms and conditions shall remain the same, the ministry said had said in its order. After resuming domestic passenger flights in India from May 25 following a two-month gap due to Covid-19-triggered lockdown, the Centre had allowed Indian airlines to operate with only 33 percent of their pre-Covid domestic flights. On June 26, the ministry had further increased the limit to 45 percent. At present, scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in the country since March 22. However, special international flights have been operating under governments Vande Bharat Mission since May under bilateral air bubble pacts signed with various countries. Domestic and international air traffic to and from India may decline by at least 50 percent in the current financial year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, causing significant job losses and force some airlines to ground aircraft to tide over the situation, according to centres estimates Hindustan Times had reported on August 18. According to aviation consultancy Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), domestic traffic is expected to decline by over 60 percent and international traffic by 70-80 percent in financial year 2021. Before checking out all details, its important to remind that Toyota recommends owners to upgrade their head units at authorized dealerships and to avoid doing the whole thing on their own.First and foremost, a post on a Spanish forum reveals that the retrofit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto update is available for both the head units with navigation and those without it installed in European models.The updating process, however, is different in each case one method involves three different USB sticks that would first prepare the system for the update, then install the new multimedia software, and eventually enable Android Auto and CarPlay.Up to this point, several Corolla owners have confirmed they updated their head units using the steps and the files provided on the page we linked above.At first glance, updating the software and enabling Android Auto and CarPlay on a supported Toyota model isnt really rocket science, albeit there are things that could go wrong.Someone on the forums says they ended up bricking their head units and the dealership allegedly estimated the cost of the repairs at over 2,000 Euros (nearly $2,400). Others say they managed to update their head units but CarPlay and Android Auto werent activated for some reason.No matter if the update is successful or not, the process can take up to 40 to 50 minutes, so make sure you give it enough time to complete should you decide to eventually try out the whole thing.As far as the authorized Toyota dealerships are concerned, they seem to claim that the official update would become available for their clients in September or October. The new USB drives for the update have reportedly been ordered already, but it could still take a few more weeks until the new software version can be installed on the first cars.For now, if you dont want to take any risk and update the head unit on your own, its probably better to wait for your local dealership to get the new software version. At this moment, it seems were just a few weeks away from the point this is supposed to happen. Three people doing maintenance work at an Orlando Utility Company power plant were taken to a hospital Wednesday morning after they came in contact with sulfur dioxide, officials said. Crews were called to the Stanton Energy Center around 10 a.m. Wednesday, Tim Trudell, a spokesman for the utility told the Orlando Sentinel. The workers became sick and the plants emergency response team was called in and then Orange County Fire Rescue responded, the newspaper reported. The three workers were taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life threatening. Officials said the cause of the hazmat situation was not immediately known. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Florida Energy TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,218.01, down 230.88 points.) Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Down 43 cents, or 2.08 per cent, to $20.24 on 21.5 million shares. Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ). Down four cents, or 0.16 per cent, to $25.71 on 10.7 million shares. Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC). Financials. Down four cents, or 0.21 per cent, to $19.16 on 9.4 million shares. Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB). Energy. Down 85 cents, or 2.02 per cent, to $41.24 on 8.5 million shares. Air Canada (TSX:AC). Industrials. Up 68 cents, or 3.79 per cent, to $18.63 on 7.7 million shares. 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. Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX:CPG). Energy. Down five cents, or 2.34 per cent, to $2.09 on 6.5 million shares. Companies in the news: Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED). Down 45 cents or 2.1 per cent to $21.11. Canopy Growth Corp. is laying off another round of workers as the cannabis company continues to restructure. The Smiths Falls, Ont.-based company would not say how many employees were impacted by the cuts, but confirmed they were based at its Niagara-on-the-Lake and Smiths Falls locations and said it would share more details in the fall when it releases financial results. Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to Canopy's Tweed Farms and Smiths Falls hosts the company's headquarters. The layoffs come after Canopy let go of 30 operations staff in Smiths Falls on July 8. The cannabis company behind the Tweed and Tokyo Smoke brands also culled 500 people from its workforce in March and 85 in April. Laurentian Bank Financial Group (TSX:LB). Up $1.66 or 6.1 per cent to $28.92. Laurentian Bank Financial Group beat expectations as it reported a third-quarter profit of $36.2 million. The Montreal-based bank says the profit amounted to 77 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended July 31 compared with a profit of $47.8 million or $1.05 per share a year earlier. Revenue totalled $248.6 million, up from $244.7 million for the third quarter of 2019. Total provisions for credit losses amounted to $22.3 million, compared with $12.1 million a year ago, but down from $54.9 million for the second quarter of 2020. On an adjusted basis, Laurentian says it earned $1.02 per diluted share for the quarter, down from $1.15 a year ago. Analysts on average had expected a profit of 45 cents per share for the quarter, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv. Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI.B). Down $1.22 or 2.1 per cent to $55.52. Rogers Communications Inc. sought Friday to reassure Quebecers over its attempt to buy the Canadian assets of Montreal-based Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc., pledging to keep the companies' headquarters in the province where they've been rooted for more than six decades. Gestion Audem Inc., a company controlled by members of the Audet family and which holds the majority of voting shares in Cogeco, earlier this week rejected an unsolicited $10.3-billion takeover proposal from U.S. cable company Altice USA Inc. that would have seen Rogers purchase the companies' Canadian assets. The Cogeco boards said their independent members also rebuffed the bid. The proposal prompted backlash from the Quebec government. Quebec Premier Francois Legault, who said officials had spoken with Cogeco CEO Louis Audet that morning, did not give details about what steps he would take. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2020. ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Police in Maryland investigating reports of a casket photographed bobbing up and down in a river discovered the object was something far less macabre. A post to a local radio stations Facebook page Tuesday showed a rectangular object with flat sides and a curved top floating in the South River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis. The concrete slab, resembling a coffin, sparked complaints of a possible hazard in the water, The Capital Gazette reported. Department of Natural Resources police were dispatched to the river, where a hydrographic operations team helped pull what turned out to be a floating dock from the water, according to the agency. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 00:04:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), speaks at a symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2020. The symposium was held by the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the CMC at the Great Hall of the People. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) - "Xi's full-throated, rhythmic sentences" constitute a direct rejection of "any attempt to separate the Chinese people from the CPC or to question the country's governance system," said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a leading U.S. expert on China and chairman of the Kuhn Foundation. - "In the past, we united together to fight against fascism, and today, we should also work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind," said Weng Guoning, chairman of the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations. BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's emphasis on carrying forward in the new era the great spirit of resisting aggression and striving to achieve national rejuvenation has a practical significance, experts have said. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Thursday when addressing a symposium here commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese president said that the great spirit of resisting aggression bred during the war is an invaluable source of inspiration, and will always motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation. A child lays flower to pay tribute at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a leading U.S. expert on China and chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, said that "Xi's full-throated, rhythmic sentences" constitute a direct rejection of "any attempt to separate the Chinese people from the CPC or to question the country's governance system." "Above all, under difficult circumstances, Xi's speech resonated with unambiguous conviction," he added. Yevgeny Zaitsev, head of the Center for Russian-Chinese Studies at Russia's Lomonosov Moscow State University, said that China's role in World War II (WWII) is generally recognized by all parties to this conflict, and the contribution that the Chinese people made is undoubtedly important and very significant. A commemoration for the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) There is consensus that Russia and China agreed on many significant issues of the time, Zaitsev said, adding that the joint celebration of the victory over fascism plays a stabilizing role and can be viewed as a stabilizing factor in today's turbulent world. Meanwhile, Ethiopian scholar Costantinos Bt. Costantinos noted that the horrific experience of WWII meant the global community was resolved to ensure no conflict of such global magnitude happens again. Likewise, Weng Guoning, chairman of the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations, said "in the past, we united together to fight against fascism, and today, we should also work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind." Maintenance problems and the global coronavirus pandemic have upended Navy deployment cycles. The aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower returned to Virginia in August after nearly seven months at sea without a port call. The ship's return came four months after the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group saw its planned homecoming canceled by the pandemic. And early in the year, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group returned to the U.S. after 10 months deployed. Families whose loved ones unexpectedly missed Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's told Military.com the deployment "rocked people in a whole new way." Read Next: Court-Martialing Military Retirees Should Be Stopped Until Congress Acts, Lawyers Say The Navy, though, hasn't tied any specific deployment extensions to retention dips, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John Nowell said Thursday at a virtual event hosted by the U.S. Navy Memorial. "Interestingly, the secretary of defense asked this same question about a week ago," Nowell said. "... We certainly see when we're running the force too hard that overall retention suffers. But we can't link any extended individual strike group or expeditionary strike group deployments with higher rates of folks not re-enlisting or attrition." Nowell stressed that that doesn't mean Navy leaders think extended deployments are OK. The service has been grappling with a host of challenges that have left ships deployed longer than planned. When the aircraft carrier Lincoln was deployed last year, the Harry S. Truman was supposed to replace it in the Middle East. But that plan was derailed in September when the Truman stayed back, still undergoing electrical repairs, as four other vessels with the strike group deployed without it. The Lincoln had to remain at sea until the Truman could relieve it. And once the Truman did deploy in November, it faced its own mission extension when another carrier -- the Theodore Roosevelt -- was sidelined in the Pacific after a deadly coronavirus outbreak on the ship. That crisis is what prompted the Eisenhower to extend its time at sea, avoiding scheduled port calls in COVID-19 hot spots where rates of the illness caused by the coronavirus were high. Nowell said what's proven to help crews cope with the uncertainty is understanding their mission and why the extensions are important. "That's more fulfilling than if they think that they're trying to do too much in the [areas of operation] and they don't understand, 'Why is it that I'm having to do this?' Especially amid COVID." The Navy has seen record-setting retention rates in recent years. The service announced in January that it blew past 2019 retention goals for enlisted sailors in several zones. Leaders at the time attributed that to a changing Navy culture, which is more family-friendly and responsive to sailors' wants. But continued deployment extensions that leave families separated for months could jeopardize some of those gains. Still, Nowell said, leaders remain optimistic about re-up rates. "Our overall retention numbers remain the highest that we've ever seen," he said. "... And quite frankly, as we look at what's going on with the economy and the security that the Navy provides ... we think that we will continue to see that retention stay pretty high." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Carrier Lincoln Is Finally Headed Home. But Families Say the Navy Broke Trust The presidential election between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden began on Friday when North Carolina started mailing out presidential ballots to voters. It's the first state to start the mail-in ballot process. More than 80 million Americans are expected to vote by mail this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. But fears of voter disenfranchisement have risen, partially stroked by President Trump's false claims that mail-in voting leads to a 'rigged' election and by concerns that the U.S. Postal System won't be able to handle the millions of ballots flowing through its offices. Meanwhile, North Carolina officials have sent out ballots to the more than 618,000 voters who requested one. That is more than 16 times the number the state sent out at the same time four years ago. The requests came overwhelmingly from Democratic and independent voters, a reflection of a new partisan divide over mail voting. Ballots should start arriving in the next two weeks, and voters can then fill them out and send them back, either through the mail or bringing them to an election office. North Carolina officials have sent out ballots to the more than 618,000 voters who requested one - 16 times more than sent out in 2016 election The presidential election between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden began on Friday when North Carolina started mailing out presidential ballots to voters Workers in North Carolina prepare ballots to go out in the mail North Carolina is a crucial one in the November contest. President Trump was there on Wednesday and plans another trip next Tuesday. The race between Trump and Biden there is essentially tied, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average of poll in the state. Trump won North Carolina by almost four points in the last presidential election. In 2016, just one-quarter of the electorate cast votes through the mail. This time, elections officials expect the majority of voters to do so. Wisconsin has already received nearly 100,000 more requests than it did in the 2016 election. In Florida, 3,347,960 people requested ballots during the 2016 election. The state has already received 4,270,781 requests. While ballots go out in two weeks in other battlegrounds like Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all eyes are on North Carolina as it leads off. On Thursday in North Carolina, workers in yellow vests and masks sat at folding tables spaced apart in a Wake Country warehouse, affixing address labels to envelopes and then putting the ballots inside. Board of Elections Director Gary Sims said the pandemic presents new challenges for the workers, including staying spaced out and using hand sanitizer as much as possible. 'We're already at over three times the amount of requests that we've ever had in its entirety in an election. So that's caused us to change some of our business processes,' Sims said. Absentee ballots are loaded onto a truck for mailing at the Wake County Board of Elections in North Carolina Officials said more Democratic voters than Republican ones in North Carolina have requested an absentee ballot One recent case of voter fraud - and it was committed by a Republican In North Carolina, one political operative has been indicted for voting fraud: a Republican. Political operative Leslie McCrae Dowless Jr. and four others who worked for him were indicted over illegal ballot 'harvesting' in regards to a 2018 congressional election that was ultimately rerun last September. Witnesses told state officials that Dowless gathered hundreds of absentee ballots from voters with the help of his assistants. Those assistants testified they were directed to collect blank or incomplete ballots, forge signatures on them and even fill in votes when Dowless worked for Republican candidate Mark Harris in the 2018 congressional election. Harris appeared to get the most votes in the November 2018 race, but the State Board of Elections ordered a new election. Harris didn't run that special election, which ultimately was won by the GOP nominee, Dan Bishop. Advertisement The increase in interest has come with an increase in partisan division. The GOP has historically dominated North Carolina mail voting, but this year the people asking for the ballots are not generally Republicans. Democrats requested more than 326,000 ballots, and independents 192,000, while only 92,000 were sought by Republicans. Voters in the state can continue to request the ballots up until Oct. 27, though that may be too close to the Nov. 3 election for them to receive the ballot and return it to their local elections office in time. The Democratic lead in mail ballots isn't only in North Carolina. In Maine, 60% of requests for mail ballots have been made by Democrats and 22% by independents. In Pennsylvania, Democrats have requested nearly triple the number of absentee ballots as Republicans. In Florida, where the GOP once dominated mail voting, 47.5% of requests have come from Democrats and 32% from Republicans. 'These numbers are astronomical, and on top of that there's these clear partisan differences,' said Michael McDonald, a political scientist at the University of Florida who tracks early voting. The party split comes as President Trump has baselessly derided mail-in ballots as vulnerable to fraud, even though multiple studies have debunked the notion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the mail ballots as a safer alternative to in-person voting during the pandemic. The numbers in North Carolina and elsewhere suggest Republicans are listening to Trump, shying away from mail ballots while Democrats rush to use them. The Democrats' advantage in mail voting won't necessarily translate into an advantage in the election, however. Ballots cast on Election Day are expected to be mostly Republican. A forklift operator loads absentee ballots for mailing at the Wake County Board of Elections in North Carolina A voter sends in their application for a mail-in ballot A North Carolina worker prepares ballots to be sent out in a state crucial to the 2020 election 'Even if the Democrats build up a huge lead in the early vote ballot, I still need to see the Election Day votes, because that's going to be that red wave,' McDonald said. Tom Bonier, chief executive officer of the Democratic data firm Target Smart, agreed. But he's seen one hopeful indicator for his party - 16% of the mail ballot requests so far have been from voters who didn't vote in 2016. They're younger than typical mail voters, as well. 'Seeing younger Democrats adapting to the technique is the first sign of a potential enthusiasm gap,' Bonier said, noting it won't be possible to know if the GOP catches up until Election Day. Campaigns usually want their voters to cast ballots by mail because they can 'bank' those early votes and focus their scarce resources on getting their remaining supporters to the polls on Election Day. Trump has complicated that effort among Republicans by repeatedly condemning mail voting, even though in the five states that routinely mail ballots to all voters there has been no large-scale fraud. On Wednesday, while in North Carolina, the president suggested that supporters vote once by mail and a second time in person to test whether the system could weed out voter fraud. The executive director of North Carolina's board of elections, Karen Brinson Bell, on Thursday warned that voting twice in the state is a felony, as is trying to induce someone to vote twice. Republicans have tried to overcome Trump's open skepticism and persuade their own voters to use the absentee voting system. The North Carolina Republican Party, for example, has sent a series of mailers urging its voters to cast ballots through the system, accompanied by copies of Trump tweets with his criticism of mail voting edited out. The message hasn't gotten through to Nona Flythe, 64, an unaffiliated voter who lives in Southport, on the North Carolina coast. She plans to vote a straight Republican ticket - in person - this year. 'I just think Im stuck in my ways,' Flythe said. 'I've always done it that way, and I think if I socially distance and wear a mask that its fine.' RTHK: Trump security adviser: China interfering in poll China has the largest programme among countries seeking to interfere in the US election and has taken the most active role, US national security adviser Robert OBrien said on Friday, although he provided no details. "We know the Chinese have taken the most active role," O'Brien told reporters at a briefing. US intelligence found that Russia orchestrated a cyber campaign to sway the 2016 election in Republican Donald Trump's favour and there have been reports hackers may try to influence the 2020 presidential election. Moscow has denied interfering in 2016. "We've made it very clear to the Chinese, to the Russians, to the Iranians and others that haven't been publicly disclosed that anyone ... that attempts to interfere with the American elections will face extraordinary consequences," O'Brien said. In August he said the United States had seen Chinese hackers targeting US election infrastructure. China has consistently denied US government claims that it hacks US companies, politicians or government agencies. Earlier this week Reuters reported that hackers have stepped up efforts to knock Trump campaign and business websites offline ahead of the US election, in what a security firm working for the campaign said could be preparation for a larger digital assault. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. No new political ads will be allowed on Facebook one week before the election. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this decision on Thursday. Political ads have become essential to campaign strategies of presidential candidates. In this modern time, Facebook and other social media sites are used as the primary source to reach millions of voters across the country. In fact, these politicians have their own Facebook pages that either they or their supporters created. But on Thursday, Zuckerberg announced that his company would ban new political ads a week before the U.S. elections. Zuckerberg said that it was a tough decision for the company, but it was made to limit fake news and misinformation that could affect Americans' voting decisions. He also added that the global pandemic could be used as a platform to catch the voters' attention, especially in the hardest-hit areas. Candidates might give them false promises, and that's what Facebook tries to avoid. Zuckerberg is also concerned about the country's unrest, and he believes it could get worst if he does not ban new political ads a week before the election. The candidates could take advantage of the unrest and protest and blame each other for the country's violence. The Facebook CEO did not mention who among the candidates could provide misinformation and fake news. It is either from the Democrats or the Republicans. But one thing is for sure all new political ads from the candidates will be banned on Facebook a week before the election. According to a published report in ABC News, Zuckerberg believes that the antidote for "a bad speech is more speech." However, he noted that there might not be enough time in the final days before the election to clear up fake news and misleading information. Meanwhile, the Facebook CEO clarified that all approved ads now will be allowed to run throughout the election cycle. Facebook also announced on Thursday its plan to highlight its Voting Information Center at the top of Facebook and Instagram that will display video tutorials on how to vote by mail and information on voter registration deadlines for each state. The social media site would also limit the number of messages that the users can forward on the Messenger App and extend its work on partnering with election officials to remove misinformation about voting. "I believe our democracy is strong enough to withstand this challenge and deliver a free and fair election -- even if it takes time for every vote to be counted. We've voted during global pandemics before. We can do this," Zuckerberg said. He also asserted that everyone should have a part to play in making sure that the Democratic process works and that everyone's voice will be heard during the election. Pressure Grows For Merkel To Reconsider Germany-Russia Pipeline After Navalny Poisoning By RFE/RL September 03, 2020 German Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing growing pressure to toughen her stance toward Russia after her government announced that it had "unequivocal evidence" showing gravely ill Kremlin-critic Aleksei Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. German politicians and media are urging Merkel, in particular, to abandon the Nord Stream 2 project, an underwater Baltic Sea pipeline nearing completion that would bring gas from Russia to Germany. "Diplomatic rituals are no longer enough," Norbert Roettgen, the head of the German parliament's foreign affairs committee, tweeted on September 2. "After the poisoning of Navalny we need a strong European answer which Putin understands: The EU should jointly decide to stop Nord Stream 2," said Roettgen, a candidate to be the next leader of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union party. Meanwhile, the top-selling Bild daily issued an appeal to abandon the pipeline, saying that pursuing it was "tantamount to us financing Putin's next Novichok attack." "The apparent attempted murder by the mafia-like structures of the Kremlin can no longer just give us cause for concern, it must have real consequences," Green parliamentary group leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt said. Chorus Of Condemnation Russia faces a chorus of condemnation and calls to conduct a transparent investigation after a team of German specialists said they had found that a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group was used against Navalny, who is in intensive care in a Berlin' hospital. The Soviet-style poison is suspected of being used in other attempts to silence outspoken Kremlin opponents. The latest condemnation came on September 3 from the European Council, which said in a statement that the EU condemns the "assassination attempt" on Navalny "in the strongest possible terms" and called for a joint international response. Meanwhile, NATO's press service said that the North Atlantic Council will hold a special meeting on September 4 to discuss the Navalny case. Following the discussions in Brussels, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will make a statement to the media, it said on September 3. The Kremlin on September 3 reiterated its stance that Russia should not be blamed for Navalny's condition. "We would not want our partners in Germany and other European countries to rush to some sort of judgement," Dmitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, told reporters. "There is no reason to accuse the Russian state." Merkel said that Germany has notified its EU and NATO partners about Navalny's "attempted murder by poisoning" in order to decide on "an appropriate, joint reaction." She said there are now "some very serious questions that only Russia can, and must, answer." Merkel added that any German or European response to the poisoning depends on whether Russia helps clear up the case. Last week, the German chancellor rejected the idea that the Navalny case should be linked to Nord Stream 2, a project that has drawn the ire of the United States and some European partners. NATO, Britain, France, Italy, Canada, the United States, and other countries have called for an investigation and threatened a joint response. European Commission spokesman Peter Stano urged Russia to carry out an independent probe to bring any perpetrators to justice and that the bloc would react based on Moscow's next steps. "We want to see a credible, through investigation that brings clear answers to all questions," Stano said, adding: "It's difficult to speak about punishment if you don't have [those] responsible at this stage." In The Hague, the head of the world chemical weapons watchdog expressed "grave concern" over Navalny's case and said it was ready to help any member country that asked for its assistance. "States party to the Chemical Weapons Convention deem the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances as reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community," said Fernando Arias, the director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The European Council statement called on Russia to cooperate with the OPCW to ensure an impartial international investigation. It also said the use of chemical weapons was "completely unacceptable under any circumstances" and violates international law and international human rights standards. The U.S. National Security Council called the poisoning "completely reprehensible" and said Washington would work with allies "to hold those in Russia accountable, wherever the evidence leads, and restrict funds for their malign activities." In Congress, lawmakers called on the Trump administration to impose congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia. "The president of the United States must coordinate a strong international response to this latest aggression along with our partners and allies," said Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Peskov said on September 3 that Moscow was "undoubtedly interested in determining the cause of what happened" to the Kremlin foe, and reiterated that Germany should officially present its findings to Russia. "So far we have received no information," he said. Navalny's poisoning has echoes with the case of former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the British city of Salisbury. A British investigation determined that the Skripals had been poisoned with Novichok and alleged that the attack was carried out by Russian state agents. The British government expelled 23 Russian diplomats after Moscow refused to cooperate with an investigation into the Skripal poisoning. The United States and other European states expelled dozens of Russian diplomats in a coordinated response. Navalny, 44, fell ill on a flight from Siberia to Moscow on August 20, forcing the plane he was traveling on to make an emergency landing in Omsk, where he spent two days in hospital before being evacuated to Germany. He is in a medically induced coma in an intensive-care unit at Charite Hospital in Berlin and is on a respirator. Navalny, who has been attacked several times in the past, was visiting the Siberian cities of Novosibirsk and Tomsk for his latest investigation into government corruption before he fell ill. Navalny's team published the results of their Siberian investigation on August 31, claiming that 18 out of 50 lawmakers in Novosibirsk were owners or represent owners of construction companies. From the beginning, allies of Navalny have said that the Russian state was behind the poisoning. Russia has previously refused to conduct a criminal investigation into the allegation that Navalny was poisoned, saying that no hard evidence had been found. Russian doctors in Omsk initially said they did not find any evidence of poisoning in Navalny. The doctors updated their findings on September 2, saying the activist had carbohydrate metabolism complications and pancreatitis. With reporting by AFP, dpa, AP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/west-mulls-response- after-germany-says-nerve-agent-used-to-poison-russian- opposition-leader-aleksei-navalny/30818079.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 24-year-old pregnant woman was murdered when her unborn child was taken from her body. The victim has been allegedly lured by her old high school buddy to a fake baby shower. Flavia Godinho Mafra, a Brazilian woman, was 36 weeks pregnant when Valdeli Mafra, her husband, found her lifeless body on August 28 with their unborn baby missing. Victim had lacerations on her abdomen According to 7 news.com.au, NSC Total, a local news outlet, reported an autopsy of Flavia showed that she died due to the sharp cuts to her abdomen and injuries caused by a brick. Detective Paulo Alexandre Freyesleben e Silva validated the root of Flavia's death. The report said that the 24-year-old victim, a teacher who was always extending her help to those who were in need, was murdered by her high school friend who planned to steal the baby after tempting her to a fake baby shower. The authority found the baby, a little girl who was locally named Cecilia, after the suspect and her husband, brought her to the hospital. The couple was later arrested. The baby was able to manage and survive the horrifying incident and is reportedly doing well as the Joana de Gusmao Children's Hospital in Florianopolis. She is currently receiving antibiotics for wounds sustained in the attack on her mother. Read also: Missing Utah Woman's Mom Predicts Death of Her Abducted Daughter Before She is Found The report stated that 24-year-old Flavia suddenly disappeared on Thursday afternoon after she left for the believed baby shower that would be held at Sao Joao Batista. There were two other friends who were knowledgeable of the event but were notified that it had been canceled. Concern for the mother-to-be first arose after she failed to come home from the supposed baby shower, then it was realized that she last checked her WhatsApp messages at 3:48 pm. The high school friend responsible for the baby shower stated that Flavia left with another person, but the following day when Flavia's body was found at around 9 am, the suspect confessed about the crime, as reported by the NSC Total, Mirror reported. The suspect's partner admitted that a brick was used to kill Flavia. Flavia was working in a stationery store and also hired as a substitute teacher. The 24-year-old victim had diabetes, which put her in danger during Covid-19 that prevented her from working four several months. The police held a press conference and stated the 26-year-old suspect for Flavia's death said she became pregnant October of last year, but experienced a miscarriage this January that caused her obsession with stealing babies. According to Diario Costa Esmeralda, an officer from the Civil and Military Police stated the suspect continued to fabricate stories and told everyone that was still pregnant. After taking Flavia to an abandoned location, the suspect purportedly hit the victim with a brick and she turned her back, then cut her belly to take the child. At the hospital, it was found out that the baby has several cuts on her back, arousing suspicions of the health officials who claimed that the woman had no physical signs of fresh childbirth. After a short ceremony, the remains of Flavia was buried in the Municipal Cemetery of Canelinha. Related article: Mother and her Two Children Shot Dead for "Being Too Loud" @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Schools will be required to notify parents within 24 hours of learning of a new positive coronavirus case, beginning on Sept. 8, according to a state order. The order lays out guidelines for schools and local boards of health on how to report cases, and sets up a flow of information where the state will publish coronavirus cases by school or school district each Thursday. The state numbers, which will separate numbers of students and staff, will come from health departments. Read the full order in the document viewer at the bottom of this post, or click here. When a parent learns of a case, the school will be notified within 24 hours. That sets off a chain; the school needs to notify parents within 24 hours, as well as the local board of health. The board of health will report cases to the state each Tuesday. Those reports will start Sept. 15, meaning the first state data should come on Sept. 17. Though schools usually have start dates in August, many pushed back classes to early September. Schools also need to pick a worker to coordinate reporting. The move is meant to give parents and members of the community the information necessary to make decisions about the coronavirus. In Cuyahoga County, the board of health refused to share the school districts that reported coronavirus cases but provided numbers of cases. Officials claim that sharing information could violate privacy. It is important that all health departments understand the forthcoming guidance and comply in a uniform manner. That is not possible at this point in the absence of a defined set of guidelines, board of health spokesman Kevin Brennan previously told cleveland.com. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Jamaicas ruling party was re-elected in a landslide win on Thursday marked by low turnout, prompting Prime Minister Andrew Holness to vow to work on restoring voters trust in politics and continue fighting the countrys coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports. The centre-right Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which won praise for its stewardship of the economy, won 49 of 63 seats, an addition of 16 seats, according to an early count released around 9 p.m. local time (0200 GMT) by the Electoral Office. The JLP captured the polls in 2016 with a one-seat margin, winning just 32 seats out of 63, then gaining one more seat in November 2017. The opposition Peoples National Party (PNP) leader, Peter Phillips, appeared to have retained his seat, but earlier declared that he would step down and retire from politics if his party lost the election. ALBANY A Coeymans man is facing charges that he choked, "water-boarded" and sexually assaulted a woman at knifepoint, forced her to take an antidepressant, refused to let her leave her home and attacked her dog and cat. Zechariah Squires, 30, a veteran who is believed to have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, was already charged in an unrelated incident in Colonie, where police alleged he assaulted a convenience store clerk who asked him to wear a mask. That case is pending as is another assault case in the city of Albany, prosecutors said. On Friday, an Albany County prosecutor detailed the latest incident as Squires was arraigned on an indictment charging him with second-degree kidnapping, first-degree criminal sex act (the legal term for sodomy), strangulation, felony assault, misdemeanor assault and torturing and injuring animals, a misdemeanor. The top charges carry up to 25 years in prison upon conviction. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer McCanney told County Judge William Carter that on Aug. 18, Squires refused to allow the 35-year-old woman, whom he knew, to leave her home. He then threatened the woman with a knife and cut off her clothing, which forced her to be naked for most of the night, she said. She said Squires repeatedly tried to force the woman to take Trazodone, an antidepressant, to make her pass out. He poured beer and water in her mouth while holding her nose, essentially water-boarding her and suffocating her, the prosecutor told Carter. Squires also allegedly tried to make the woman consume urine in a can. As Squires attacked the woman, McCanney said, her dog tried to remain by her side. She said Squires put his knee on the dogs neck to cut off the animals air flow and punched the dog repeatedly in the back of the head. It caused the dog to suffer a stroke and nerve damage but the dog survived. What about the cat? the judge asked. Squires allegedly twisted the cat's head. McCanney said the cat, a kitten, was resilient and appeared to avoid any serious damage. At one point, the prosecutor said, Squires pulled out a hatchet that the woman did not even know was in her home. McCanney said Squires threatened to kill the woman and himself. The prosecutor asked the judge to order Squires held without bail. Carter agreed. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. On July 18, Colonie police arrested Squires and charged him with misdemeanor assault for his alleged attack on the store clerk in a Cumberlands Farms at 1632A Central Ave. A witness told police Squires repeatedly punched the clerk in the face and head after the man told Squires to wear a mask in the store. He was given a desk appearance ticket, arraigned in Town Court on Aug. 5 and released to Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, town police said. Last Oct. 15, Albany police charged Squires with misdemeanor assault for allegedly assaulting a man outside the Oh Bar on Lark Street around 4 a.m. Squires appeared in City Court in April on that case, where his status as a veteran receiving treatment at the VA hospital was being evaluated, prosecutors said. A Facebook profile that appeared to belong to Squires identified him as a Lake George native who had served in the U.S. Army. Public records show Squires has lived in Albany, Watervliet, Corinth and Brooklyn. The judge told the defendant he understood he had PTSD. He said he had concerns and ordered him jailed, at least for now. "I would just urge everyone to keep an open mind about this case. These are only allegations," Squires' attorney, Assistant Public Defender Beau Melita said outside court. "He's presumed innocent, We're going to move forward and address these charges." Robert Pattinson actor Robert Pattinson is said to have tested positive for COVID-19, causing filming of the much-anticipated movie 'The Batman' to halt. According to Vanity Fair, Pattinson tested positive only a few days after the shooting of the movie had resumed near London following lockdown. "A member of The production has tested positive for Covid-19 and is isolating in accordance with established protocols. Filming is temporarily paused," Warner Bros said in a statement adding that they would not comment on any individual worker's health. The US publication has confirmed through a reliable source that Pattinson was the individual who got infected. Earlier, the Filming for the comic book adventure film was halted due to pandemic when it was roughly seven weeks into the production. The Matt Reeves directorial, which is said to be a grittier take on the 'Dark Knight' mythos, is left with the shooting material of approximately three months, reported Variety. The film can be wrapped up by the end of this year. The construction of sets is underway by the crew members of the film.Soon after the production halt, the theatrical release date of the film has been pushed back by the Warner Bros. Studios from June 2021 to October 1, 2021. The new film stars Paul Dano, John Turturro, Andy Serkis, Colin Farrell, and Zoe Kravitz. The movie is planned for release in 2021. (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.) Sixty percent of employees in Ireland are feeling more stressed since the onset of Covid-19, with 67% of women reporting increased levels of stress compared with 45% of men. This is according to a new survey of 590 employees and business leaders in Ireland by the Department of Work and Employment Studies at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, on behalf of OMT Global. Almost half (49%) of women find it difficult to balance work and home life compared with 35% of men. Thirty seven percent of Senior Managers actually reported that employee quality of life was better since the onset of Covid-19. Over half (51%) of all employees reported feeling less connected to their teams. This is supported by managers, 50% of whom report that their employees feel less connected to their teams. Employees and managers express concerns that the social aspect of work will significantly diminish going forward impacting team motivation, engagement and, critically, the opportunities to collaborate that are vital to meeting the commercial challenges business face right now. Furthermore, 48% of managers reported that employees are disconnected from the organisation. Managers also highlighted their own need for support on how to manage wellbeing of their team members as they seek tools and techniques to help enhance wellbeing, motivation and morale. The findings indicate a clear preference for blended working arrangements in the future with 69% of employees indicating that they would prefer a blend of working from home and being onsite. Eighty six percent of Managers also recognised that this is the option that their employees want. Sixty one percent of employees however are concerned about their safety in returning to the workplace. Commenting on the research, Chief Executive of OMT Global, Mark Doyle said, "The findings from the survey are a wake-up call for senior leaders as the stress levels being experienced by employees, particularly female employees - are not sustainable. We are in danger of seeing employee burnout in the very near future, potentially eroding the huge strides made in improving female participation and progression in Irish workforces. The fact that employees are feeling increasingly disconnected from their teams and their organisations is also of great concern." He added, "Leaders need to get real about the impact that Covid-19 is having on their workforce, and they need to engage directly with employees to better understand how they can be supported during these exceptional times." Source: www.businessworld.ie The City of Winnipegs goal to plant one million trees over the next two decades triggered thousands of new plantings during recent months, but that number fell thousands short of the number of trees taken down during the same period. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The City of Winnipegs goal to plant one million trees over the next two decades triggered thousands of new plantings during recent months, but that number fell thousands short of the number of trees taken down during the same period. Winnipegs forestry branch removed 6,781 trees and replaced 190 trees, from Sept. 19, 2019 the date Mayor Brian Bowman announced the One Million Tree Challenge and July 31, 2020, documents obtained by the Free Press show. The forestry replacement program is not part of the challenge to add one million net new trees to the city by the time Winnipegs population reaches one million people, which is expected around 2040. But the losses underline the difficulty in enhancing the city's tree canopy, as so many trees must be cut down each year, said Dave Domke, Winnipegs manager of parks and open space. "People are seeing boulevard trees in front of their houses getting removed," said Domke. "Weve been dealing with a lot of these tree diseases for a number of years... (and) these numbers just continue to climb." The tree removals were needed due to natural mortality, damage from the October 2019 snowstorm and several types of disease, he said. Yet while those losses occurred, the One Million Tree Challenge did see Winnipeg add 3,700 new trees this year, including 2,000 linked to a donation by CN Rail, 800 planted by individual Winnipeggers and 900 planted by the citys naturalist services staff, said Domke. Since the city decided against calling for major public planting efforts once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the actual planting numbers are especially notable, he said. "Definitely, theres been a slowdown due to COVID, but now were slowly but surely establishing capacity to help deal with this program. We wanted to get it in the ground and 3,700 trees is fairly impressive, I think," he said, adding that a target number for tree plantings was not set for the first year of the challenge. Winnipegs forestry branch removed 6,781 trees and replaced 190 trees, from Sept. 19, 2019 the date Mayor Brian Bowman announced the One Million Tree Challenge and July 31, 2020. (Shannon Van Raes / Winnipeg Free Press files) In February, Domke estimated the overall program would take up to five years to ramp up to an annual goal to plant 50,000 trees, while also requiring fundraising and the help of multiple stakeholders. He predicted the effort would cost about $43 million over two decades, noting each tree costs from $5 to $750. Tree-planting has been widely promoted in recent years as a way to combat climate change, since trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The loss of thousands of trees in recent months underlines the need for the challenge, the mayor 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 main reason for the million tree challenge was an acknowledgement that invasive species, including Emerald ash borer, Dutch elm disease, are having a devastating impact on our tree canopy. We havent been (keeping) pace as a city," Bowman said. The challenge aims to attract the private sector, non-profit groups and individual Winnipeggers to contribute to the urban canopy and was never meant to be an independent city project, he said. "The whole point is to put pressure on our community (and) that includes folks like myself. The point is lets set this challenge and lets push ourselves," said Bowman. The city has raised $1.25 million to help fund the effort so far. Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga I am willing to fight for my brothers and sisters! Even if some of them are too ignorant to realize what antifa truly stands for. We do not want violence but we will not run from it either! he wrote, adding later, We truly have an opportunity right now to fix everything. But it will be a fight like no other! It will be a war and like all wars there will be casualties. Ned Gerard / Ned Gerard STRATFORD Police said a Thursday night shooting was an isolated incident, and urged anyone with information to come forward. The call came in around 8:30 p.m. for a shooting on Birch Drive, police said. Lee University is one of the 142 best colleges in the Southeast, according to The Princeton Review, a leading tutoring, test prep, and college admission services company. In its recent website article, 2021 Best Colleges: Region by Region, The Princeton Review recommends a total of 655 colleges throughout five regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, and International. Of these 655 schools, which constitute just 23 percent of the nation's four-year colleges, 142 made the Best in the Southeast list. We chose Lee University and the other outstanding institutions on this list primarily for their academics," said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review's editor-in-chief. The Princeton Review considered data from its survey of administrators at several hundred colleges in each region, information from staff visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of college counselors and advisors whose perspectives the company solicits. We also consider what students enrolled at the schools reported to us on our student survey about their campus experiences. The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their colleges on dozens of issues and to answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. Colleges are rated in scores from 60 to 99 in categories such as academics, professors, financial aid, fire safety, and quality of life. We are grateful for this recognition by the Princeton Review, said Lee President Mark Walker. The ranking assures that we are maintaining high standards and serving our students well. The Princeton Review helps millions of college and graduate school-bound students achieve their education and career goals through online and in person courses delivered by a network of over 4,000 teachers and tutors, online resources, and through more than 150 print and digital books published by Penguin Random House. Its Tutor.com brand is the largest online tutoring service in the United States, comprising thousands of tutors who have delivered more than 15 million one-to-one tutoring sessions. For more information about the Princeton Review, visit PrincetonReview.com. For more information about Lees ranking, visit princetonreview.com/bestSEcolleges. Pipeline 4 September 2020 From one vacation destination to another, Nantucket's White Elephant resort will welcome a sister property in Palm Beach on November 4, 2020. The 32-room White Elephant Palm Beach is housed in the former Bradley Park Hotel - originally constructed in 1924 as one of the first resorts on Palm Beach's Main Street. During its century-long history, it was initially owned by Colonel Edward R. Bradley, who ran a private and celebrated Beach Club casino on land that is today Bradley Park. For more than 20 years, the hotel served as a magnet for business tycoons and high rollers who frequented the salon. Over the decades that followed, the hotel remained a mainstay for seasonal visitors. In 1980, in part to its architectural significance, the hotel was listed with the Landmark Preservation Commission. The footprint of the structure and the facade remains, while the interiors have been stripped to the bones and rebuilt by Boston-based Elkus Manfredi Architects. The nationally recognized firm, known for their projects with The Peninsula Chicago and Four Seasons Residences, Boston, worked closely with the Town of Palm Beach to create a new hotel that showcases the history of the existing building while incorporating a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean-revival architecture. White Elephant Palm Beach will maintain the welcoming feel of a private residence with 13 rooms and 19 suites spread across four stories. The hotel stands one street north of Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach's original Main Street, less than two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and one block from the Intracoastal Waterway. White Elephant Palm Beach is adjacent to Bradley Park, which will serve as a grand lawn to the hotel, and is less than a half mile from the newly redeveloped Royal Poinciana Plaza shopping complex. The layout of the property takes advantage of the South Florida sunshine and features a U-shaped outdoor courtyard that is the social heart of the hotel - a place to relax and recharge, whether lounging on the patio or around the pool. The landscaping features mature, local flora whose lush colors and tropical fragrances envelop guests. Previews of what's to come started earlier this year, when White Elephant Palm Beach's signature restaurant Lola 41- a Nantucket staple - began serving its globally-inspired dishes and local seafood specialties. The design captures the spirit of a grand home while maintaining the ambiance of a landmarked boutique hotel. Breaking from the bright pinks and greens that dominate the Palm Beach aesthetic, the White Elephant Palm Beach features a neutral color palette with sleek metal accents and vibrant pops of color. The hardwood floors, Carrara marble, elegant tiles and woven rugs are all interpreted with contemporary style. Outside, the Mizner-style facade is painted a light, creamy-white color with classic black-and-white striped awnings, terracotta roof tiles, and black trim to bring a fresh, sophisticated look to the classic structure. Guests will be welcomed onto the property by a seven-foot white elephant statue by Santa Fe-based artist Fredrick Prescott. (A "sister" elephant statue, Trunket, is on the grounds of White Elephant in Nantucket.) The statue is just one of 120 original pieces of colorful modern and pop art personally curated by the owners and Elkus Manfredi. The museum-worthy collection will be on display throughout the rooms and common spaces. Featured artists include Robert Rauschenberg, whose early creations in the 1950s anticipated the pop art movement, and Jennifer Bartlett, known for her small, square steel plates that are combined in grid formations to create large-scale works. Several pieces by painter Kenzo Okada, the first Japanese-American artist to receive international acclaim using abstract expressionist style, will be on display, as will works by Donald Baechler, part of the East Village, New York 1980s art movement. A 54-inch round acrylic work by Orit Fuchs was specifically created for the hotel and is a focal point of the lobby; while six prints by Yinka Shonibare, who will unveil a new public sculpture installation in West Palm Beach in 2021, will be found on the second-floor corridor. Doodle Boy, a 10-year-old British artist, was also commissioned to create 30 exclusive pieces for the powder rooms. Using clean black lines hand drawn with a thick marker, he incorporated a hidden signature elephant in each of his drawings. Guestrooms and suites range from 510- to 3,000-square feet featuring custom-designed furniture. King-size beds will be outfitted with Pratesi by Rivolta linens with upholstered backboards accented in a colorful palm and flower print. The same fabric will be found on the back of the desk chairs and on the throw pillow piping. Other noteworthy pieces include console tables by Selamat Designs in collaboration with the heritage brand, Morris & Co, which are wrapped inside and out with authentic William Morris "Strawberry Thief" covering. The pattern was originally created in 1883. Each of the suites will be furnished with plush grey and cream armchairs and couches. The custom-designed wooden arches that frame the entrance to some of the rooms are a defining architectural element of the hotel. Other decorative accents such as bronze elephant door knockers, bold patterned throw pillows, rattan ceiling light fixtures, and black and white striped side tables are sprinkled throughout. The bathrooms feature marble tiles, double sinks crafted from stone, a dry vanity and glass-enclosed walk in showers with L'Occitane bath amenities. The two penthouse suites are ideal for those who want to entertain, with large living rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and terraces ranging between 800- to 1,200-square-feet. With views of Bradley Park, the Park Suite is a three-bedroom that can be expanded into four, and the ocean-facing Palm Suite is a two-bedroom that can be expanded into three. Among other amenities, guests will have complimentary use of BMW courtesy vehicles, Priority Bicycles and Radio Flyer Wagons as well as exclusive access to Barton & Gray yachts for excursions. A shuttle will be offered to transport guests between the beach and property, and complimentary sweet treats from the White Elephant ice cream cart will be available poolside daily. "Our main mission is to combine our vision of hospitality with the ethos and style of casually elegant Palm Beach," comments Douglass Karp, President of New England Development. He notes, "We are pleased to combine our promise of service excellence with the exciting tradition of hospitality in this legendary resort destination. We feel right at home in Palm Beach." Reservations are being taken now; rates start at $650 for a guest room and $995 for a suite. New Delhi, Sep 4 : As Parliament is geared up for the upcoming Monsoon Session, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats have issued detailed guidelines for MPs, their personal staff and parliamentary employees to follow during the period. The members have been requested to get their RT-PCR tests conducted 72 hours prior to arrival at Parliament after September 11 onwards. If the tests are not done, then it will be done at the reception and the members will have to wait till the results are out. If the members are found coronavirus negative but symptomatic, then RT-PCR test will be conducted. Till the results are out, home isolation will be advised. The MPs have been advised to get their personal staff and family tested ahead of the session. Detailed guidelines have been sent to the members of Parliament for this purpose. If any of the personal staff or family members test positive, then the MPs concerned will have to isolate themselves and follow mandatory government guidelines. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has arranged for a camp for COVID-19 tests on Saturday, where all employees proposed to be put on duty during the session will be tested. Seven counters have been set up for the purpose at the reception of Parliament. No symptomatic person will be allowed into the House, apart from visitors, during the session. Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had given directions to ensure that proper caution is exercised with regard to health safety. For this, comprehensive arrangements related to health checkups are being put in place within the Parliament House during the Monsoon Session. Birla had said that all preparations based on "expert advice" will be undertaken to ensure smooth conduct of the session and prevent spread of Covid-19 infection. Thermal guns and thermal scanners will be used for noting the body temperatures of all those entering the House. In addition, proper measures for sanitisation of the premises will be undertaken. Touchless sanitisers will be installed at 40 spots within the House and emergency medical teams and ambulances put on the standby. All guidelines related to Covid-19 prevention will be strictly followed. The social distancing and other guidelines will be followed within the Lok Sabha chamber. Members will be allowed to address the Chair while sitting in their respective seats. There is also a proposal to restrict the number of media persons in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. RT-PCR tests will be mandatory for all media persons. The Monsoon Session is scheduled to take place from September 14. Sudan and a key rebel group that had refused to join other opposition forces in a previous peace deal have signed their own agreement, officials on both sides said Friday. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and rebel chief Abdelaziz al-Hilu signed the peace deal in neighbouring Ethiopia, Sudan's official news agency SUNA said, which posted pictures of the two men smiling and shaking hands. The deal is significant because Hilu, a veteran guerilla fighter who leads a faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), had been one of two rebel leaders who had rejected an earlier peace deal with Khartoum. While Khartoum and Hilu agreed to a "cessation of hostilities", the deal allows rebels to keep hold of their guns for "self-protection" until Sudan's constitution is changed to separate religion and government. "For Sudan to become a democratic country where the rights of all citizens are enshrined, the constitution should be based on the principle of 'separation of religion and state', in the absence of which the right to self-determination must be respected," said a copy of the deal, confirmed to AFP by rebel spokesman Jack Mahmoud. The agreement, signed late Thursday in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, follows a deal signed on Monday in South Sudan's capital Juba with leaders of a coalition of rebel forces, the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF). The SRF brings together rebels from the war-ravaged western Darfur region, as well as the southern states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan, where Hilu's SPLM-N is based. Hilu's stronghold in the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan has a significant Christian community among its mainly non-Arab population and he has long championed a secular state to replace the Islamist regime of military strongman Omar al-Bashir which was overthrown in April last year. The latest agreement means only one key group remains still fighting, a wing of the Darfur-based Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Paris-based Abdelwahid Nour. Fighting in Darfur alone left around 300,000 people dead after rebels took up arms in 2003. Conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile erupted in 2011 as South Sudan seceded, resuming a war that had raged from 1983-2005. Rebels fought troops deployed by Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in the Darfur conflict. While past peace deals have rapidly crumbled, ending war with the rebels has been a cornerstone policy of Sudan's transitional government, which came to power in the months after Bashir's overthrow. Search Keywords: Short link: Bengaluru, Sep 4 : Sleuths of the Karnataka Central Crime Branch (CCB) searched the house of Kannada film actress Ragini Dwivedi in the city's northern suburb as part of its inquiry into the alleged drug links in the Kannada film industry, police said on Friday. "With a search warrant from the court, 7 CCB sleuths, including a woman police inspector searched Ragini's entire flat to find if banned drugs were kept at home," Bengaluru joint commissioner of police Sandeep Patil told reporters here. As the search was underway since morning, Patil did not say if drugs were found in Ragini's house though the sleuths scanned all the rooms, kitchen and flower pots kept in the balcony. "Details of the search will be given after the raid is completed," said Patil and confirmed that the 30-year-old actress was at home when the sleuths entered her flat with the search warrant. The search was conducted on a tip-off from her friend Ravi Shankar, who was arrested on Thursday evening for allegedly peddling drugs. "We have, however, seized Ragini's 4 mobile phones and a laptop from her flat," said Patil. We have secured Shankar's custody from a local court for five days to interrogate him to ascertain to whom all he supplied the banned drugs," Patil said on Thursday. According to sources, Shankar is an official in the state Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Jayanagar in the city's upscale suburb. "Shankar is learnt to have attended rave parties with Ragini where drugs like marijuana (ganja), cocaine and hashish were used," said a source. The CCB summoned Ragini again to its office on Friday for inquiring into her alleged drug links after she did not appear on Thursday before its sleuths and sought time till September 7. City police have began a crack down since Monday after noted Kannada film producer Inderjit Lankesh alleged that about a dozen Sandalwood actors were into drugs and there was a nexus between them and drug mafias. Ragini is the first Kannada film actor to be summoned by the CCB after Lankesh on August 29 alleged that actors and musicians were involved in consuming banned drugs during shooting sessions and at rave parties organised by various stakeholders. Lankesh's startling revelations about the rampant abuse of banned drugs in the multi-crore film industry came three days after the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) busted a drug trafficking racket in the city and arrested former Kannada television actress D. Anikha and two of her accomplices, R. Ravindran and M. Anoop, on August 26. The central agency also seized huge cache of drugs from the accused, including 145 ecstasies or MDMA pills and Rs 2.2 lakh in cash from the Royal Suites Hotel Apartment in the city's northeast suburb on August 21 and more pills in a follow-up raid last week. The drug racket is suspected to supply recreational and party drugs to Kannada actors, children of VIPs, students and others. "Noted musicians and actors in the Kannada film industry are under the scanner after their links to drugs came to light," an NCB official had said earlier. Lankesh came to the CCB office earlier in the day for the second time on summons by Patil, who is investigating the multi-crore drug scam that rocked the Kannada film industry. "I presented myself before the CCB for the second time on summons. But I cannot divulge the details of what I presented to the officials. Let them (CCB) investigate the charges and truth will come out," asserted Lankesh. Lankesh also claimed that he had given material evidence on the alleged drug abuse among the Sandalwood actors. Lankesh (43) is the son of noted editor late P. Lankesh, who had launched the popular "Lankesh patrika" (weekly tabloid) in Kannada in the 1980s. "As I am associated with the film industry as a producer, director and writer, I came to know that some of the parties in the Sandalwood circle are hosted by drug mafias," Lankesh said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text While current and former officials contacted on Friday could not confirm some of the specifics in The Atlantics account, they did verify that Mr. Trump resisted supporting an official funeral and lowering flags after the death of Senator John McCain of Arizona, a Vietnam War hero whose military service he had disparaged. And Mr. Trumps assertion on Friday that I never called John a loser was belied by video and Twitter recording him doing just that in 2015. Moreover, people familiar with Mr. Trumps private conversations say he has long scorned those who served in Vietnam as being too dumb to have gotten out of it, as he did through a medical diagnosis of bone spurs in his heels. At other times, according to those familiar with the remarks, Mr. Trump has expressed bewilderment that people choose military service over making money. Some also recalled him asking why the United States should be so interested in finding captured soldiers, a comment made in the context of Mr. McCain, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Another former official said Mr. Trump often expressed discomfort around people who had been injured, although he has held events with wounded veterans. John R. Bolton, the presidents former national security adviser who has broken with him and called him unfit for office, said he was on the trip in question and never heard Mr. Trump make those remarks. I didnt hear that, Mr. Bolton said in an interview. Im not saying he didnt say them later in the day or another time, but I was there for that discussion. The president privately raged about The Atlantics article on Friday morning, and advisers were panicked about how to counter it. They feared it was the beginning of a constant drip of negative stories from disenchanted former officials that could sway voters. While Mr. Trump demanded that allies knock down the article, aides recognized that few senior military officers were willing to openly defend the president. The potential for damage was clear by 9:04 a.m., barely 15 hours after the article was published, when VoteVets, a liberal veterans organization that has long been critical of Mr. Trump, released an online ad featuring the parents of troops slain in Iraq and Afghanistan, each one declaring that their son or stepson was not a loser or sucker. The report by The Atlantics editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, said that Mr. Trump decided against visiting a cemetery for American soldiers killed in World War I during a 2018 visit to France because the rain would have mussed his hair and because he did not deem it important to honor the war dead. Abraham Hamilton III, a conservative black podcast host, claimed on August 19 that leaders of the "Black Lives Matter" movement engage in witchcraft and summon dead spirits. Hamilton used his platform to urge Christians that have sided with and supported BLM to reevaluate the movement. His podcast, The Hamilton Corner, is broadcast by American Family Radio, a socially conservative radio network that focuses on Christian issues in politics and culture. Hamilton is the Public Policy Analyst for the American Family Association and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. On the August 19 episode, Hamilton began by criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement as a "Marxist, anti-Christ, anti-family, [and] anti-man organization." Hamilton referenced an interview with Patrisse Cullors, one of the founders of BLM, where she calls herself a "trained Marxist." Hamilton described the movement as a "copy and paste of the Bolshevik Revolution ... just applied to an American context." Hamilton argued that BLM as a Marxist organization is attempting to utilize the history of chattel slavery and race divisions in America to foment division in the country. Throughout the episode, however, Hamilton's main argument was that BLM utilizes religious and spiritual practices, which he described as "witchcraft", to further their goals. Hamilton read a quote from Cullors detailing her spiritual beliefs: "I'm calling for spirituality to be deeply radical," Cullors said. "We're not just having a social justice movement, this is a spiritual movement." Hamilton then played a segment of an online conversation from June between Cullors and Dr. Melina Abdullah, a professor of African studies at California State University Los Angeles and the founder of the Los Angeles chapter of BLM. In the clip, Abdullah says, "We've become very intimate with the spirits that we call on regularly." Abdullah goes on to say that she "laughs a lot with Wakiesha", referring to Wakiesha Wilson, an African-American woman found dead in a Los Angeles jail in 2016. Based on the conversation between the two notable figures of the BLM movement, Hamilton claimed that the leaders were summoning the dead and using the power of the dead to do their cultural and political work. According to Hamilton, leaders that seek to summon the spirits of the dead are practicing "the Yoruba religion of Ifa." "They are summoning dead spirits," he said. "One of the touchstones of this religious practice is ancestral worship. Guess what the Bible calls that folks? Witchcraft." Cullors and Abdullah spoke directly about summoning spirits through "Say Her Name" chants and leaving offerings for victims of police brutality. Hamilton referenced the "spiritual wickedness" that the Apostle Paul warned about in Ephesians 6:12 to condemn these spiritual practices. Hamilton ended the podcast by challenging Christians to reconsider BLM due to its inconsistency with Christianity. "How can you reconcile that with what the word of God says?" he asked. "We have got to evaluate everything through the word of God." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 15:19 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42ba8d2 1 Business WHO,COVID-19,rapid-test,health-protocol,transportation-ministry,KAI,Garuda-Indonesia Free The World Health Organization (WHO) Indonesia Office stated that the agency did not recommend the COVID-19 rapid antibody test as a requirement to travel, citing the tests low accuracy level and fearing that a nonreactive result could provide a false sense of security. WHO national professional officer Dina Kania on Thursday said the agency urged travelers to adopt strict health protocols instead. Whats more important is that sick persons should not travel, and all passengers must always use face coverings and maintain their physical distancing as it is proven to be more effective. The rapid test could create a false sense of security which could lead passengers to disregard the protocols, she said in an online seminar held by the Indonesian Global Compact Network (IGCN). The WHO released a scientific brief on April 8 regarding the use of rapid antigen and antibody tests, in which the agency does not recommend the use of either rapid test for patient care. According to the brief, the rapid antibody test detects antibody response to the COVID-19 virus, while the majority of patients develop only in the second week after the onset of symptoms, leaving the potential for a false negative. The rapid antigen tests sensitivity varies between 34 and 80 percent. Indonesian experts have also long voiced concerns over the widespread use of rapid antibody tests for COVID-19 as requirements for various activities during the pandemic, including for traveling. According to the Association of Indonesia's Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine specialists (PDS PatKLIn), many of the rapid antibody test brands used in the country had sensitivity and specificity lower than 50 percent. Read also: Doubts loom over widespread use of rapid tests in virus-stricken Indonesia Despite the WHOs stance, the Indonesian COVID-19 task force allows the nonreactive rapid test result as a valid health document required for passengers traveling domestically by land, sea or air, according to its latest circular on June 26. The rapid test document is valid to use for 14 days. The regulation was issued after transportation companies were heavily impacted by the pandemic, as social restrictions prompted people to avoid travel. The ministrys spokesperson, Adita Irawati, during the discussion acknowledged that the ministry was not on board with the WHOs recommendation on the use of rapid tests, citing that the ministry followed the briefing from the countrys COVID-19 task force instead. I understand that the WHO does not support referring to rapid test results for diagnosis. However, as long as there are no changes from the task force, we will make it a requirement in all types of transportation, she said. The governments COVID-19 task force spokesperson, Wiku Adisasmito, did not immediately respond to The Jakarta Posts questions regarding reasons for retaining the rapid test as a travel requirements despite the WHOs disapproval. Furthermore, state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) commerce director Maqin Norhadi said the company was providing a rapid test facility at railway stations to test passengers who had yet to acquire the health document. We are providing a rapid test service at several stations at a low price. KAI as a public transportation operator should protect the health of its passengers, he said during the discussion. Flag-carrier Garuda Indonesias business development director Ade Susardi said burdensome and frequently changing travel requirements had dissuaded the public from using air transportation. According to Garuda Indonesias internal survey, while 73 percent of respondents feel confident to fly in the next 6 months, only 12 percent of respondents had gone ahead to purchase airline tickets. The public is confused about which tests should they take and documents to be prepared. The requirement is also a bit complicated for airline passengers, he said. Read also: Airlines adopt strict new health protocols Indonesia set another daily record in confirmed COVID-19 cases and fatalities on Thursday, recording 3,622 new infections and 134 deaths linked to the disease. The increase brings the countrys tally to more than 184,200 and 7,750 fatalities. Indonesia now has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia after the Philippines. SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The SYKES company recently announced that it will open its new headquarters in Solarium Park, Liberia, and will begin hiring the first 100 permanent positions during November and December. The company estimates it will hire a total of 600 people within 18 months, to work at their new site. The announcement of this important investment outside the Greater Metro Area (GMA) was made this morning at the Presidential House, in the company of the President of the Republic, Carlos Alvarado; the First Lady, Claudia Dobles; the Acting Minister of Foreign Trade, Duayner Salas; the Minister of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), Geannina Dinarte; the Managing Director of CINDE, Jorge Sequeira; and the General Manager of SYKES, Alejandro Arciniegas. "We are pleased to announce this new investment, which will generate jobs that benefit families in the Guanacaste area. Sykes, an ally of Costa Rica for many years, has an important characteristic: when they arrive in an area, others follow because they are a talent-generating company. We are looking for these jobs to multiply, not only because of the growth of Sykes but also because of other companies that see the potential of Guanacaste and other regions of the country, the potential of our human talent," said President Alvarado. He added that the Costa Rican government has extended its support to the Alliance for Bilingualism, whose goal by 2040 is for everyone who graduates the Costa Rican educational system public or private to be bilingual. "We are pleased to announce the opening of our first offices outside the Greater Metropolitan Area. There, we will stay true to our vocation to developing talent and generating hundreds of jobs in the region, thus indirectly benefitting many families and contributing to growth in the country's exports. This marks the establishment of the first in what we believe will be the beginning of a new development pole in high-tech corporate services," mentioned Arciniegas. During the Presidential House event, the General Manager of SYKES noted that, since the beginning of this year, the company has worked to develop potential candidates' skills, including improving their English levels and basic technical knowledge in SYKES's varied areas of business. This training is possible, thanks to an alliance between Invenio University and the Ministry of Labor, under the national strategy known as the Alliance for Bilingualism and the SYKES Academy of English, which have allowed the company to develop skills for potential candidates considered in the recruitment process. Duayner Salas, the Acting Minister of Foreign Trade, commented that in 2019, employment opportunities generated by foreign direct investment (FDI) outside the GAM, accounted for 547 new jobs, some of them working virtually. In addition, the minister added, "We appreciate the trust that SYKES has placed in Costa Rica over the last 20 years and we celebrate this announcement, which will generate 600 new job opportunities in the Guanacaste region. Costa Rica is a stable business partner and this new investment, in the area of knowledge-intensive services, is one more example of that." Jorge Sequeira Picado, Managing Director of CINDE, continued, "Five years ago, our organization developed programs in 20 communities outside the GAM, designed to help residents improve their area's competitiveness and thus generate new jobs through FDI. Today, we congratulate SYKES for choosing Liberia to expand its operations, which includes the hiring of 600 people. This motivates us to redouble our efforts so that more communities can attract projects of this type and thus benefit their residents. During this time, CINDE works to support SYKES in the continuing development of talent, including on topics of bilingualism, technical, and strategic skills essential for attracting FDI. In the last four years alone, employment outside the GAM, as generated by multinational companies, has grown on average by 10%, reaching a total of 3,195 jobs by the end of 2019." About SYKES SYKES is a leader in outsourcing high technology services. In Costa Rica, the company has more than 20 years of experience, employing more than 5,000 people at their operations in Heredia, Moravia, Hatillo Centro, and San Pedro. SYKES is proud to offer an ideal working environment and to promote continuous learning and professional development. SOURCE Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency Related Links http://www.cinde.org Advertisement A man who filmed a naked woman while she slept in a five-star hotel today celebrated as he was spared jail - after his victim said she later returned to the same room to try to kill herself. As Christopher Killick left court this afternoon with a fine, he bizarrely stopped for photographers with his arms stretched out wide to mimic an aeroplane, telling one: 'Thank you for waiting for me.' He was at Stratford Magistrates' Court over a May 2015 incident where Emily Hunt, 41, woke up next to him at the Town Hall Hotel in east London with no previous memory of the night before. Killick, who had not previously met Ms Hunt, later admitted to police he had filmed a 62-second clip of her while she was unconscious and without her consent to 'masturbate to later'. His rucksack contained condoms, Viagra and what was thought to be the hallucinogenic drug LSD. Police also found used condoms in the room. The 41-year-old was first arrested on suspicion of rape over the incident in Bethnal Green, but was released due to a lack of evidence. But due to the persistence of Ms Hunt - who said she later returned to the same hotel room and tried to kill herself - the Crown Prosecution Service was forced to make a U-turn and charge him with voyeurism. Killick today avoided jail but was told to pay her 5,000 in addition to receiving a 2,180 fine and costs order. He was also handed a restraining order and put on the sex offenders' register. Emily Hunt (left, on August 7), 41, woke up in a hotel with no previous memory of the night before next to stranger Christopher Killick (right, at Stratford Magistrates' Court today) Ms Hunt is pictured outside Stratford Magistrates' Court in East London this afternoon 'It is appalling that it has taken five years': Full statement from victim Emily Hunt following sentencing 'I am very pleased with the sentence passed by the court today and the powerful comments made by the judge. 'The recognition that this was a serious sexual offence, and the acknowledgement of the devastating impact it has had on my life, is the most important thing to me. 'It is appalling that it has taken five years of fighting to get to this point. I hope that in future no other victim of a sexual offence has to go through what I have experienced. 'I want to thank everyone who has supported me up to this point. This would not have happened without you.' Advertisement In a statement after the sentencing, Ms Hunt said it was 'appalling' that her battle for justice had lasted five years. She said: 'I am very pleased with the sentence passed by the court today and the powerful comments made by the judge. 'The recognition that this was a serious sexual offence, and the acknowledgement of the devastating impact it has had on my life, is the most important thing to me. 'It is appalling that it has taken five years of fighting to get to this point. I hope that in future no other victim of a sexual offence has to go through what I have experienced. 'I want to thank everyone who has supported me up to this point. This would not have happened without you.' How Ms Hunt, then 36, arrived at the 300-a-night Town Hall Hotel - used as a filming location in pictures such as Snatch and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - on May 10, 2015, that night remains a mystery. But she has always maintained that an offence of voyeurism was made out, while the CPS contended she could have 'no reasonable expectation of privacy' from the alleged illicit filming. Although voyeurism is a crime under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the CPS stated filming someone naked in a private room was not an offence if they had consented to being looked at naked. In January 2020, the CPS withdrew its opposition to Ms Hunt's claim and made a fresh decision to prosecute Killick following a decisive judgement on the law in a parallel case from the Court of Appeal ruling that non-consensual intimate filming was illegal. In May 2020, five years after he volunteered the 62-second video to police, Killick was arrested and charged with voyeurism. He arrived at Stratford Magistrates' Court today in a crumpled light blue shirt, dark trousers and a blue mask slung under his chin. Killick had previously pleaded guilty to the charge. Prosecutor Varinder Hayre said: 'Mr Killick admitted while Ms Hunt fell asleep he masturbated right next to her on the bed. He then got up and made a cup of tea while she was sleeping. 'He had taken a short video of her sleeping and lying naked. This was in case he wanted to masturbate later. He wanted to get as much out of the experience as possible.' Emily Hunt, 41, woke up at the Town Hall Hotel in East London with no previous memory of the night before next to stranger Christopher Killick in May 2015 'You knew it was morally wrong and deceitful': Judge's comments in full as she blasts 'shocking' crime District Judge Louisa Cieciora said: 'The facts are shocking. As you said to the probation officer, you knew it was morally wrong and deceitful to record Ms Hunt without her consent. 'It was invasive and taken without the victim's knowledge or awareness. You prioritised your own desires without thinking of the victim. 'Ms Hunt has concerns it will be seen as trivial and easily dismissed. It is anything but. It had a devastating impact on her. 'Throughout all legal proceedings, you have accepted your wrongdoing and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. 'Had you not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, this would have passed the custody threshold. 'Considering the next stage up is custody, if you fail to pay any element of the fine or compensation, you can be arrested on warrant and serve time in custody.' Advertisement Ms Hayre said the victim only remembered going for lunch and drinks at a restaurant in Bethnal Green at around 11.30am before he went to the airport. She said: 'She remembered waking up naked with only a small decorated throw partially covering her. 'Mr Killick, who she had never seen before, was next to her on the bed. He was fully clothed, watching television, and laughing. 'Ms Hunt said she had never seen him before and asked him who he was and where they were. He said he was called Chris and they were at the Town Hall hotel in Tower Hamlets. 'She asked him what had happened. He said nothing had happened.' The prosecutor added: 'Mr Killick was trying to talk to her into not leaving the room. When Ms Hunt walked out of the door, the door was not locked. 'She was cold and frightened. She had a panic attack when she spoke to the police. 'Mr Killick was sitting on the bed and didn't get up or move at all. He stayed there the whole time. 'Ms Hunt could barely breathe. She did not stop to pick up her tights and retrieve her favourite necklace. She just walked as she wanted to get out. 'Mr Killick said nothing had happened, but she didn't know if she believed him as she had woken up naked. 'She said this guy was so creepy, smiling and acting like everything was OK. 'Ms Hunt said while she did not have any recollection of any events that had happened the night before, she would not have consented to be photographed or videoed by anyone and certainly not by someone who she had just met. 'She has never trusted anyone to take a video of her naked body as it makes her uncomfortable that a photo or video of that nature could last forever.' How Ms Hunt arrived at the 300-a-night Town Hall hotel (stock picture of a room at the hotel) that night remains a mystery Ms Hunt, appearing at the court behind a screen to read her victim impact statement, said: 'This was a video taken an hour after he met me. It feels like a trophy. That evening changed my life almost completely. 'My world fell apart. I had a hyperventilating panic attack for the first time in my life that day. I had a total breakdown and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. 'PTSD is not a subjective state of mind, it is a serious condition that can be seen by an MRI. Some time later, I went back to that same hotel room and attempted suicide. I am lucky to be here today.' She added: 'This is not trivial. I am a deeply private person and I do not share images like that with anyone. It made me mistrustful of anyone. 'I cannot overstate what this voyeurism has done to my physical and mental health. It's had a negative impact on my professional and personal life. I've missed out on tens of thousands of pounds to make a better life for my daughter. 'Taking the video of me may be trivial and easily dismissed, this 62-second aberration, but it's profoundly disturbing and ultimately devastating. What he has done is voyeurism and it has ruined my life.' Killick is pictured leaving Stratford Magistrates' Court this afternoon following his sentencing Seona White, mitigating, reassured Ms Hunt that Killick's phone had been seized by police and had not been uploaded online or had been seen by anyone. She also said when he was taken to Bethnal Green police station shortly after the incident, he admitted to meeting Ms Hunt at a bar before going back to the hotel where sexual activity took place and volunteered the video. She said: 'Mr Killick has accepted that it was a spur of the moment he decided to take a video of the complainant. During the police interview, he volunteered that he had taken the video. 'He knew he didn't have permission, he didn't know it was illegal but he knew he didn't have consent. He deeply regrets it and is deeply remorseful.' She also read out a statement from his mother, Marion Killick, who was present in the courtroom, saying: 'He is kind and compassionate. 'He cares for me as I am now elderly and not as mobile as I once was. Christopher told me in 2015 that he had taken the video without permission and he is truly sorry. I believe he is genuinely remorseful.' Due to Ms Hunt's persistence, the CPS made a U-turn and charged Killick with voyeurism Sentencing Killick today, District Judge Louisa Cieciora said had he not pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity he would have been jailed. She imposed a community order for 30 months, including completing the Horizon programme to develop victim empathy skills and 30 days of rehab activity to perform as directed. Killick must also pay 2,180 in fines and court costs, and 5,000 in compensation to the victim. Both amounts are to be paid within three months. He was also handed a restraining order indefinitely where he was banned from contacting Ms Hunt directly or indirectly by any means and was placed on the sex offenders register for five years. Sitting at Stratford Magistrates Court, Ms Cieciora told him: 'The facts are shocking. As you said to the probation officer, you knew it was morally wrong and deceitful to record Ms Hunt without her consent. 'It was invasive and taken without the victim's knowledge or awareness. You prioritised your own desires without thinking of the victim. 'Ms Hunt has concerns it will be seen as trivial and easily dismissed. It is anything but. It had a devastating impact on her. 'Throughout all legal proceedings, you have accepted your wrongdoing and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Had you not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, this would have passed the custody threshold. 'Considering the next stage up is custody, if you fail to pay any element of the fine or compensation, you can be arrested on warrant and serve time in custody.' Killick, wearing a light blue shirt and dark trousers, nodded and said: 'Yes I understand.' Ms Hunt, who waived her anonymity, was said to be upset that he had not gone to jail. Her lawyer said she would not be speaking outside the court today. Kate Ellis, from the Centre for Women's Justice, said: 'She's emotional. It was very hard for her today for him not to receive a custodial sentence. 'She's got some degree of justice. What we heard in court today shows how difficult it is for victims of serious crimes to be given the punishment they deserve. 'It's an emotional day for Emily. 'What we have is vindication for the conviction, but it still is not easy for her to know that this man is still out on the streets.' A CPS spokesman told MailOnline: 'We recognise the delays in bringing this case to court have had a lasting impact on the victim. 'This is a complex area of law, which was clarified for the first time in the Court of Appeal this year. 'In light of that significant ruling, the CPS reviewed all the evidence in this case and authorised a charge of voyeurism. Christopher Killick has today been sentenced for that offence.' Swoop airline is pulling more than a dozen weekly flights from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and moving them to Pearson International Airport as the low-cost carrier has decided to begin operating out of Toronto in late October. Swoops eight flights a week to and from Abbotsford, B.C. and six flights a week to and from Halifax will cease on Oct. 23 at Hamiltons airport. The only Canadian flights remaining at the Hamilton airport after Oct. 23 will be Swoops eight weekly flights to and from Edmonton and WestJets 10 flights a week to and from Calgary. Swoops flights from Hamilton to U.S. destinations are also not operating. Its really unfortunate to see this news because we know theyve been successful here, said Dina Carlucci, director of business development and customer experience for the Hamilton airport. We worked with them to build out their new brand in the low-cost airline space and they were successful at it here. I am hopeful that they would see the value of returning to Hamilton in a bigger way, Carlucci added. Its where they started their service, its where they established their service and had good success at doing that. Swoop, a subsidiary of WestJet, began flying from Hamilton in June 2018. Beginning Oct. 25, Swoop will operate flights from Toronto to nine destinations, including Edmonton, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Halifax, Cancun, Montego Bay and three U.S. cities. The decisions on schedule and service are based on Swoops recovery plans and are indicative of the demand that we are seeing, Swoop spokesperson Larissa Mark stated in an email to The Spectator. Swoop is exploring every avenue that will allow us to bring affordable travel to more Canadians, which could see the schedule potentially adjust to changing demand. We will continue to serve the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport as we feel this is a market that has served Swoop well and still holds opportunities for us, Mark added. We are thankful for the continued support of the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport now and during our first two years of operation. Its another devastating blow to Hamiltons airport, which has already seen a massive drop in passenger traffic this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Passenger traffic at the Hamilton airport between April to August was down 85 per cent over the same time last year. About 63,000 passengers flew in and out of Hamilton between April and August this year compared to about 420,000 during the same period last year. From the start of the year through August, there have been 272,000 passengers at the Hamilton airport. Nearly one million passengers used the airport in all of 2019. Its a tremendous impact to our business, Carlucci said. The COVID-19 pandemic has had unfortunate widespread impacts on our industry across the board and now we at Hamilton International Airport are feeling that as well. Carlucci said airlines are now having difficulty making plans longer than 30 days in advance because of the uncertainty surrounding air travel. Their ability to plan further than that is almost non-existent because theyre just trying to weather the storm the pandemic has left behind, said Carlucci. In January, Swoop had announced it was going to add flights from Hamilton to St. Johns, N.L., Moncton and Charlottetown this summer but the pandemic put those plans on hold. In the summer of 2019, the airlines reputation took a hit when a number of flights into and out of Hamilton were cancelled, leaving angry passengers in the lurch. In addition to the Edmonton flights, Swoop will operate once-weekly flights from Hamilton to Montego Bay from Sept. 19 to Oct. 24. Air Transat will continue to offer once-weekly flights from Hamilton to Cancun, Punta Cana and Varadero beginning Dec. 19 while Sunwing will be flying to sunshine destinations beginning Nov. 20. Vitamin D deficiency correlates with the risk of contracting COVID-19 disease, according to a new study. The study, which was published on Thursday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that the lack of vitamin D increases the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, researchers believe that further research is needed. According to CTV News, the study examined 489 people who were tested for COVID-19 between March 3 and April 10 and tested for vitamin D deficiency in the year before their testing. The results showed that 19 percent of the vitamin D deficient people tested positive for COVID-19, compared to 12 percent of the vitamin D sufficient people. "The multivariable analysis suggests that persons who are likely to have deficient vitamin D levels at the time of COVID-19 testing were at substantially higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19 than were persons who were likely to have sufficient levels," the researchers stated. The researchers admitted that there were several limitations to their study. Such restrictions include the idea that people with vitamin D deficiency usually have different risk factors linked with COVID-19 like obesity, diabetes, and advanced age. The study noted that observed associations of vitamin D with results in almost any observational study may fail to give an accurate reflection on any potential causal effects of vitamin D on outcomes. However, it said that the meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials supports analysis controls for many of these factors, and the idea that adequate vitamin D levels could prevent COVID-19. Meanwhile, a same study in the U.K. found no statistical relationship between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 risk. But the researchers used vitamin D data from 10 to 14 years prior to the subjects' coronavirus testing and compared to the one-year timeline of their latest research. The researchers believed that their latest findings warrant clinical trials of vitamin D where subjects are given different doses to understand how vitamin D may further impact the risk of COVID-19. The link between vitamin D and other respiratory illnesses is well known. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to tuberculosis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, according to the World Health Organization. In May, the CTV News reported that researchers in Edmonton in Canada were preparing a study to see if there will be any benefit in boosting vitamin D levels in a COVID-19 patient's bloodstream. According to a research in New Orleans, 100 percent of its sickest COVID-19 patients lack vitamin D. On the other hand, researchers in Ireland found that COVID-19 infections and deaths decreased in countries where vitamin D is added to food. Also, people in Finland and Norway are encouraged to take vitamin D supplements and these countries manifest lower COVID-19 deaths and infections. Check these out: Latin American Hospitals Allowing Visitors of Dying COVID-19 Patients Increases Nevada Man Becomes First Case of COVID-19 Reinfection in US Why Women May Experience Less Severe COVID-19 Disease than Men CEO Yves Sandfort is bullish on certifications. His company, Comdivision Consulting, uses VMware's NSX network virtualization and security platform on its own network and implements NSX for its clients. He not only encourages all employees to get VMware certs, but he also earned his own VCDX-NV, the Ph.D. of VMware certifications, in April. "We see a constant demand [for networking skills]. Most of our people were certified on NSX-V and have in the last 12 months also recertified on NSX-T as we see constant, growing need for highly qualified resources," Sandfort says. "For me, certification is one level to prove my skillset and experience with the product." The company pays for employees' training and certification time. "In our group, the majority have at least two to four VCAPs. Even some back-office people have VCP-level certifications as they wanted to prove they can do it, which helps them in daily customer work, as well." The COVID-19 pandemic and its workplace disruptions have reinforced the importance of virtualization including server, storage and network virtualization to reduce IT expenses and increase IT agility. It has also revitalized the role of networking professionals with VMware experience and certifications. VMware has responded with stepped-up remote testing and acknowledgement of the need for more role-based, administrator-type certifications rather than product-focused certs. But as demand appears to be outpacing the number of cert-holders, companies are now paying top dollar for VMware skills with or without certifications. TheaDesign/iStockBy ALEXANDER MALLIN and WILLIAM MANSELL, ABC News (LACEY, Wash.) -- A man sought in connection to the death of a pro-Trump protester in Portland, Oregon, last week is dead after being shot by officers who were trying to apprehend him Thursday night in Lacey, Washington. Michael Reinoehl, 48, was located by the FBI and U.S. Marshals, but when Reinoehl allegedly pulled a gun, taskforce members shot him, a law enforcement official tells ABC News. The suspect was under surveillance when he left an apartment and got into a vehicle, which is when he was confronted by authorities, Lt. Ray Brady of the Thurston County Sheriffs Office said during a press briefing Thursday night. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, shots were fired and the suspect was killed. The sheriff's spokesperson said no officers were injured and at this time it's unclear if Reinoehl fired at officers. "There was shots that were fired into the vehicle, and the subject fled from the vehicle at which time there was additional shots that were fired," Brady said Thursday. Brady said four officers fired their weapons during the confrontation. Details of Reinoehl's warrant are not being released at this time. The suspect, who Brady did not name during the press conference, only describing him as a male in his 40s, had an outstanding warrant issued for him for homicide. Reinoehl was sought in connection to the killing of 39-year-old Aaron Danielson during violent protests last weekend between a large caravan of pro-Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland. Joey Gibson, a founder of Patriot Prayer, a Washington state-based right-wing group, told ABC News that Danielson was a member of his group and a friend. Gibson said he's not satisfied with Thursday night's outcome. They got one of about 12 involved in the assassination of Jay. We will not be satisfied until all of them are brought to justice," Gibson told ABC News. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The Centres inability to pay GST compensation to the states, the ongoing border issue in Ladakh between India and China, allegations of Facebook playing favourites when it comes to the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the economic situation arising out of the pandemic will be the focus of the Opposition parties when they meet next week, leaders involved in the discussions said on Friday. Barring last-minute changes, the web meeting, visualised as a show of strength is scheduled for next week, ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament that starts on September 14. The date for the meeting is yet to be finalised. At least 20 opposition parties are likely to meet, which may be chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi with the immediate objective of identifying pressing issues and to look at the possibility of launching a peoples movement on key economic issues faced by people under the current regime. A similar meeting took place on May 22 to discuss the Modi governments decision to impose a federal lockdown to slow the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. In that meeting, the opposition parties described the 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced by the government as a cruel joke on the country and noted that the spirit of federalism is all but forgotten in the NDA regime. Leaders of the Congress, Janata Dal (Secular), Shiv Sena, Trinamool Congress, JMM, NCP, DMK, CPIM, CPI, Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), RJD, IUML, National Conference, AIUDF and RLD are expected to join the meeting. The Centres inability to pay GST compensation to the states is set to be one of the key issues that will be raised by states ruled by non-BJP parties. The Centre has offered two options before the states to meet the 2.35 lakh crore-shortfall in GST revenues in the current fiscal. One involves the states borrowing 97000 crore from a special window of the Reserve Bank of India, with the interest and principal to be paid from the compensation cess collected on luxury and sin products. Another involves the states borrowing the entire shortfall of 2.35 lakh crore shortfall under the special window, but paying the interest themselves. Many non-BJP ruled states have expressed their displeasure with both options. They want the centre to borrow to make good the shortfall. The states also blame the Narendra Modi government for economic mismanagement. Indias GDP fell by 23.9% in April-June quarter. The upcoming meeting will seek to start campaign on these key issues but it will look for a suitable method due to Covid-related restrictions. The leaders have identified the governments failure in both containing pandemic and providing relief, the imperative to protect constitutional order which is being eroded and the immediate need for e immediate relief to people in the backdrop of the economic woes. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Saubhadra Chatterji Saubhadra Chatterji is Deputy Political Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on both politics and policies. ...view detail Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Implications of National Education Policy 2020 on School Education: A (...) by Abhijit Ghosh There are 6.17 crore students of age group 5-18 leaving schools before completing school education as per NSSO 71 round in 2014 (Ghosh 2018). The same is about 5 crores in 2018 as per NSSO 75 round in 2018 (NEP 2020). This figure is more than the population of Australia. This can be termed as war like situation. India loses such a huge amount of young people who could contribute much better way to the development of the nation. India loses such enormous potential talent and this can be termed as missing talent (Ghosh 2018). Under this perilous state, nation was curiously waiting for the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). The National Education Policy 2020 has been approved without having any discussion in the parliament in a pandemic situation. Even state governments were not consulted though education being in the concurrent list. This is not desirable way. Much more democratic way of functioning was expected. The Kasturirangan committees 484 pages draft policy has been squeezed to 66 pages policy in its final form. The policy has already invited nation-wide discussion and criticism after being available in the public domain. The report has four parts: i. School Education, ii. Higher Education, iii. Other Key areas of focused and iv. Making it happen. In this article we have discussed here Implications of National Education Policy 2020 on School Education. Before starting discussion, we have to understand the philosophical and theoretical foundation of the policy. In this context, we must recall that just after forming government in 2014, the Subramanian Committee was set up in 2015. The committee was even submitted the report. But the fate of that report is completely unknown. Or did the committee cannot execute the political agenda of the government? The Kasturirangan Committee while discussing the vision of the policy, reminded rich ancient Indian heritage. This is historically proved that ancient Indian civilisation achieved highest order of knowledge. But at the same time, we must not forget that this system could only take a few portions of society and exclusionary in nature. Therefore, it is quite natural to ask whether the Policy wants to exclude a particular, more specifically marginalised section from the education process. However, having used some catchy words, the policy intends to divert attention from the real issues. Out of total 66 pages of the policy, around 25 pages cover school education. The school education is very significant from multiple viewpoints. The school education is irreversible in nature. If a child misses a few years of early childhood he or she can never make up this intial years unlike higher education. The school education also creates positive externality to the family and society. Therefore, it is recognised that school education is non-negotiable. This should be compulsorily provided to every children of the society. But the NEP proposes to shut down or consolidate such small schools being run at suboptimal level. This is very dangerous. If a school situated in a remote place, for example at jungle or hill area, is merged with other school, then there will be a tendency to stop going schools only because of distance. Therefore this proposal will enhance the drop-out. A complete restructuring of present system has been proposed. The present 10+2 system will be replaced by 5+3+3+4. This means that pre-primary education will be adjoined to the school system. It proposes to merge present ICDS or Anganwadi system with the primary education. Therefore, Anganwadi workers will be assigned duty for this. But how can this system universalise initial three years of child? This requires enormous infrastructure development. The policy proposes to develop infrastructure in a phased manner. Indirectly, it encourages private players to invest in this area. Therefore, there is possibility of growth of play school in mushroomed manner. Secondly, what will be the minimum qualification of recruitment of teachers and anganwadi workers at primary and pre-primary level? The policy proposes to train Anganwadi workers through online process. There is very likely to get hampered the present task of looking after the nutritional achievement of mother and child of ICDS centres. The policy acknowledges the importance of mother tongue in at the primary level, till grade V. Even the policy goes to the extent to deliver in mother tongue or home language till grade VIII. It also put emphasis on learning a second language at primary level. But we are confused when the policy proposes three language policy. Though it proposes that there will be complete freedom of the student in choosing third language. But where is the infrastructure? Therefore, there is a scope of questioning that indirectly, some preferred languages will be imposed. The last four years of school education will be considered as secondary education. In this system, the grade 10 board exam will be removed. Therefore, a considerable number of secondary schools are required to be upgraded to grade 12. But how will infrastructure be developed? The policy proposes to offer vocational education at grade six. This also includes a list of vocational education such as carpenter, Pottery etc. This will push young children to the job market. Not only that this will encourage to take up family professions which was a characteristic of ancient India. This is also contradictory with the Right to Education Act which ensures legal right of the children aged 6-14 free and compulsory education. In the name of skill development, low wage labour force will be created. The regular appointment of teachers and filling up vacant post is the prerequisite condition to make the schools lively. A substantial amount of teaching post is vacant in the country. The policy admitted the fact. But how will finance be managed? Even there is high disparity of financial condition among states. There will be huge financial burden particularly on the weaker state. The policy also proposes having B.Ed. degree to be a mandatory condition. Now onwards, B.Ed. will be a four years integrated course. However, if a student completes two years of bachelor course, he or she needs to do two years of B.Ed. course. This complicated system raises question how the syllabus of B.Ed. and Honours or bachelor degree will be framed. Now this is high time to question why a B.Ed. degree is mandatory to be a school teacher. It is an aristocracy in a developing country like India. This does not mean that the utility of B.Ed. is being questioned. Teachers training is a continuous process. Once, in present system one achieves B.Ed. degree, his or her training is over for life time. There is no guarantee to get a teaching job even after completion of B.Ed. degree. Rather the training should be available at a regular interval. The NEP proposes the promotion of teachers which is largely absent in the school education system. The training could be linked with promotion. On the other hand, the proposed policy will flourish the private B.Ed. colleges and thus promote commercialisation of education. The NEP is surprisingly silent over the issues of para-teacher. Though in draft report reads, stop the practice of para-teacher by 2022. Therefore, the future of para-teacher is in trouble. The last section of the NEP illustrates the guidelines to implement the policy naming making it happen. The crux of the section is old one. The six per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is to be spent in education sector. The same was proposed in last two education policy. Now after six decades same agenda is placed. However, in a pandemic situation, when economist forecast of squeezing of total volume of GDP, then six per cent is not enough to implement NEP. The problem of the states with weaker financial situation will be more precarious. Therefore, the NEP should fix the role of centre and state in shouldering the financial burden. Overall, the NEP fails to capture the dream of twenty first century. Using some catchy and contradictory words, such as access, equity, quality there is a conscious endeavour to create a suspicion and smoked agenda. This will enhance disparity between rural-urban, male-female and among different socio-economic groups. This is also exclusionary in nature, though repeatedly the policy claims to provide inclusive education. But in reality, in the name of efficiency and suboptimality, the NEP intends to merge or close schools. The school education should never be judged in terms of return or more specifically economic return. It should be directed towards the development of human mind that can achieve full potential The Union Education Minister has already conveyed massages to initiate the implementation of the NEP. Therefore, the need of the hour is organised protest. People should be made aware of the policy and the public opinion needs to be organised. All concerned organisation including teachers, students, civil society need to come together. If NEP is to be rejected, organised protest at the road is the only alternative. References Ghosh, Abhijit (2018): Enrolment and Dropout in Schools in India: Evidences from NSSO Data, in Journal of Educational Planning and Administration, National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), Vol. 38, No. 2, January-March, 2018, pp. 15-33, New Delhi NEP(2020):https://www.mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf The Author: Dr. Abhijit Ghosh is an Assistant Professor of Economics at A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna-800001 Email: abhijitghosh2007[at]rediffmail.com The police have booked at least 21 people, including eight women, for a murder bid on a constable in Jawahar Nagar camp on Thursday night. The victim, constable Gurpreet Singh, has been admitted to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, where his condition is stated to be serious. Three of the accused have been identified as Tarsem Lal, Bunny Kumar and Narinder Kumar. The remaining accused remain unidentified. In his complaint, ASI Kulvir Singh, deputed at Division Number 5 Police station, said while he was on patrolling duty on Thursday night, he was informed about a scuffle between two groups at Jawahar Nagar camp. The groups were gathered at Tanki Wali Gali and Manocha Chakki road with glass bottles in their hands. He, along with a police team, reached the spot and tried to diffuse the situation. Meanwhile, the mob launched an attack on the police team and pelted them with bottles and bricks. In the melee, constable Gurpreet Singh was attacked on the head by a sharp-edged weapon on his head. The mob then dispersed taking advantage of the dark. Police have registered a case under Sections 307, 353, 186, 148 and 149 of the Indian Penal Code against the accused. A hunt is on for their arrest. The Pentagon reaffirmed its controversial decision to give its largest-ever cloud computing contract to Microsoft instead of to market-leader Amazon, defying a court decision that blocked the earlier award amid criticism that President Donald Trump's animosity toward Amazon influenced the decision. With Amazon likely to continue its legal challenge, the decision means there is still no end to the bitter legal fight that has held up the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, commonly known as JEDI, for close to two years. An Amazon representative did not immediately respond to questions on whether it would appeal the decision. "The Department has completed its comprehensive re-evaluation of the JEDI Cloud proposals and determined that Microsoft's proposal continues to represent the best value to the Government," said Russ Goemaere, a Defense Department spokesman. He added that contract performance cannot begin until after Feb. 13 because of an existing court order, but the department hopes to begin work on JEDI soon. "DoD is eager to begin delivering this capability to our men and women in uniform," Goemaere added. Last summer, Trump asked for an investigation into the contract over concerns that the contract requirements had been tailored for Amazon. Newly installed Defense Secretary Mark Esper then launched his own "review" of the department's approach. The Pentagon then awarded JEDI to Microsoft, prompting a lawsuit from Amazon. In its bid protest Amazon alleged that Trump's interest in the JEDI contract was motivated by his antipathy toward Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post. Bezos, who bought The Post in 2013, does not weigh in on The Post's coverage decisions, the news organization's leaders have said. That lawsuit halted the department's progress on JEDI just as it was getting started. A judge concluded that officials had erred when they evaluated the two competing applications. The Pentagon asked to redo the award. By again giving the contract to Microsoft, the Defense Department is arguing that the mistakes it made were not significant enough to affect the outcome. Amazon had been widely expected to get the contract to consolidate much of the Pentagon's cloud computing efforts under one vendor when JEDI was initially put out for bids in early 2018. But what appeared to be a likely path was derailed in July of last year when Trump, urged on by members of Congress and lobbied aggressively by Amazon's competitors, directed Esper to reexamine the bidding process. Defense Department spokespeople and officials have insisted Trump did not "order" or "pressure" Esper to pick any specific bidder, and Esper told the Defense Department inspector general that his review was prompted primarily by pressure from Congress. In October, the Pentagon awarded the contract to Microsoft. JEDI had been controversial from its inception. Meant to create a powerful, centralized military computing system supplied by a single commercial tech company, JEDI would absorb clouds that are currently operated by numerous competing companies. Defense officials argued that JEDI would improve access to advanced technology and intelligence for troops deployed in far-flung war zones and give the U.S. a leg up in an artificial-intelligence arms race with China. They have insisted that going to one company would be simpler, easier and faster than trying to manage the seams between competing providers. The contract is worth up to $10 billion over a 10-year period, and is expected to give the winner significant influence over the path of the military's cloud technology moving forward. But companies that compete with Amazon in the cloud computing industry, including tech giants Oracle, IBM and, at one point, Microsoft, said giving JEDI to just one company would be a mistake. They also questioned the propriety of the Pentagon's bidding process and accused one former Pentagon official who had worked for Amazon before and after his Defense Department tenure of improperly influencing how bids were handled. The employee was later found to have broken ethics rules and lied to both Amazon and the Defense Department, although Amazon itself was cleared of wrongdoing. But the unexpected award of the contract to Microsoft raised similar questions about how the Pentagon selected a winner. Under government procurement rules, politicians are not supposed to steer government work toward or away from specific companies, but Trump had taken a direct interest in JEDI, saying on television that he would ask defense officials to take a closer look at the procurement strategy. "I'm getting tremendous complaints about the contract with the Pentagon and with Amazon. . . . They're saying it wasn't competitively bid," Trump told reporters on July 18,at a time when Amazon was assumed to be the front-runner and Microsoft a distant second. He went on to specifically name Microsoft, Oracle and IBM, the three other JEDI bidders, all of whom were critical of the Pentagon's decision to structure JEDI as a winner-take-all award. His comments came amid a long-running campaign waged by Oracle, in particular. Oracle chief executive Safra Catz has cultivated a close relationship with Trump, and the company has taken numerous opportunities to lobby him directly on JEDI. "Some of the greatest companies in the world are complaining about it, having to do with Amazon and the Department of Defense, and I will be asking them to look at it very closely to see what's going on," Trump said. In early August, Esper announced he would launch a "review" of the department's broader strategy for JEDI, which included in-depth meetings with lower-level officials involved in the effort. Esper then recused himself in late September, just a few weeks before the award to Microsoft was finalized. A judge in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, which hears disputes involving federal contracts, concluded that the Defense Department did make a mistake in an obscure aspect of how it evaluated prices for the two companies' competing applications, prompting a do-over. But the court has not issued any ruling on the central question of Amazon's bid protest: whether Trump leaned on top defense officials to steer the contract away from Amazon as a way of hurting Bezos, the world's richest person. The judge, Patricia Campbell-Smith, also has yet to rule on Amazon's request to depose top officials including Trump and Esper. An in-depth investigation from the Defense Department's inspector general found no evidence that key decision-makers in the Pentagon were acting on Trump's orders when they gave the contract to Microsoft. But the investigation failed to answer important questions about the White House's role and influence because the White House refused to make key officials available for questioning. For Microsoft, the JEDI award is a major endorsement that could significantly help its long-term position in the lucrative cloud-computing market. Amazon Web Services largely pioneered the market for commercial cloud services, in which large organizations can rent storage, computing power and other capabilities rather than develop them internally. Amazon remains the commercial market leader by a long-shot, although Microsoft is gaining on it. Amazon finished 2019 with 45% of the commercial cloud computing market to Microsoft's 17.9%. Microsoft has offered another reason for Amazon's loss; the company simply asked for too high a price. Court documents have revealed that Microsoft had offered a lower price than Amazon, although the difference between the two prices was redacted. "No one forced Amazon to bid high in the procurement. Amazon alone made the choice to bid high, but now wants to find a way to avoid the consequences of its own bad business decisions," Frank Shaw, Microsoft corporate vice president for communications wrote in a May 7 blog post. Shaw criticized Amazon for "keeping vital technology from the men and women in uniform," and alluded to his own time as an active duty Marine officer in the 1980s. Although Microsoft was critical of JEDI when the procurement started more than two years ago, Microsoft can now say it is the only significant JEDI bidder that has not brought legal action against it. Earlier bid protests by Oracle and IBM failed to block the award. "The only thing that's certain about Amazon's new complaint is that it will force American warfighters to wait even longer for the 21st-century technology they need - perpetuating Amazon's record of putting its own interests ahead of theirs," Shaw wrote. Amazon seemed to view the Microsoft award last October as a slap in the face, arguing its superior technology could not possibly have lost in a fair fight. Amazon remains the only company with the necessary IT certifications to hold top-secret data, an important long-term qualifier for JEDI. Amazon vice president of worldwide communications Drew Herdener accused Shaw of "posturing" in what it called a "self-righteous and pontificating blog posts." "To be clear, we won't back down on this front regardless of whether Microsoft chooses to try to bully its way to an unjust victory," Herdener wrote on May 8. "We also won't allow blatant political interference or inferior technology to become an acceptable standard." Protesters with the Black Lives Matter movement block traffic during a demonstration in New York City on Sept. 3, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) NYPD Investigating After Car Drove Through Black Lives Matter Protest New York City police officers are investigating after a car on Thursday night drove through a Black Lives Matter protest in Times Square. Video footage showed people using bicycles to try to stop the car from moving before the driver accelerated. The driver slammed on their brakes shortly after the initial push and then turned onto another street as the protesters scattered. A black car came through the crowd and hit the person in front of me and then me and then I believe the person behind me, and we all had bikes so they just came charging through. It was pretty terrifying, Lora Gettelfinger of Brooklyn told CBS New York. The New York Police Department (NYPD) said it launched an investigation into what happened, describing the vehicle as a black Taurus sedan that was NOT an NYPD vehicle. Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said several people struck the vehicle, including one who punched a window before the driver sped away. You have a bicyclist block the car from moving. We have two people that strike the car window, one with a punch, one banging on it. And you have the car speed away, right through the crowd, and then, very dangerous, as it hits a block or two after, goes up and makes a right, he said during a virtual appearance on Fox 5. Were real lucky that it didnt have a vehicle collision with other cars. Protesters with the Black Lives Matter movement hold a demonstration in New York City on Sept. 3, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Shea said he couldnt say whether a crime was committed. He urged anyone inside the vehicle, anyone who was on the scene, and anyone who was injured to come forward. No one has lodged a complaint as of yet, he added. Councilman Keith Powers, a Democrat, said his office was looking into what happened. Using a vehicle to hurt peaceful protestors is unacceptable and must be stopped, he said in a statement. Gwynne Hogan, a reporter on the ground, said that a few people and bicycles were struck by the vehicle. Injuries suffered were minor. The demonstrators gathered following updates in the investigation into the death of Daniel Prude, a black man who was rushed to the hospital after being restrained by police earlier this year. Prude later died. As of Thursday, 50 of New Mexicos 89 school districts and a host of state charter schools are eligible to start bringing some kids back into the classroom, but its unclear how many will actually do so. During a virtual news conference, New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary Ryan Stewart provided details on hybrid in-person and online learning for elementary school-aged children, which can start in certain school districts as early as next week. He didnt say which schools, if any, will actually have in-person classes on Sept. 8, the earliest date allowed. There are board meetings happening today, Stewart said. So its (really) fluid. Its gone back and forth. The vast majority of New Mexicos counties have low enough COVID-19 numbers to meet criteria outlined by the Department of Health, and many have submitted plans approved by the education department. While many of those school districts have pushed all in-person weeks or months, Albuquerque, the states largest district, says it will stay online through the first semester. PED has stressed it wont mandate a school or district to open for in-person classes. If outbreaks remain low, the states education department will allow in-person learning up to middle and high schools. For now, the vast majority of students will be learning from home. PED also announced the launch of anonymous reporting for non-compliance within a school, located on its website. Last week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said that in-person classes will be limited to children in kindergarten through fifth grade because that age group suffers the most from online learning, and poses the least risk for spreading and catching the virus. The governor also outlined protocols for which schools will open and how they may shut down if COVID-19 cases are reported among students and staff. Schools will open by district based on a number of testing and case criteria, determined by two-week rolling averages. When a person tests for the virus, entire classrooms or wings of a school may need to be closed. Human Services Secretary David Scrase drew a contrast Thursday between New Mexico and other states where schools opened up earlier for students of all ages with higher levels of COVID-19 cases in the community. He said a more conservative approach, as well as modeling from a team of scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, could mean fewer outbreaks and fewer school closures. Journal staff writer Shelby Perea contributed to this report. New Delhi [India], September 4 (ANI): In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat", the Ministry of Shipping has directed all major ports to procure or charter small vessels which are built in India in order to promote shipbuilding in the country. Speaking to ANI, Union Shipping Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya said that the new plan will help to build small vessels at 16 major shipyards in the country. "The Prime Minister has given the vision of a self-reliant India. Under the new directive of the Shipping Ministry, our shipyards will become self-sufficient. The Ministry has issued guidelines directing those small vessels used in the country should be built in India," Mandaviya said. "Under this guideline, the small vessels requirement on our major ports will be 'Make in India'. More than 23,000 ships regularly arrive in the country and it also needs repairing facilities to repair such merchant ships so we are implementing policies. This guideline has been issued in view of the facility of shipbuilding to make the maritime industry self-sufficient in the country," he said. The Ministry of Shipping will also provide some window to major ports so that construction time would be availed. The Ministry is aiming to promote the Indian shipbuilding industry and also have a discussion with some leading countries for Make in India shipbuilding. (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.) Newly-promoted (from left) Brigadier-General Units Gangata, Brigadier-General Alexio Tafirenyika and Brigadier-General Edgar Dube pose for a picture in Harare yesterday Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mnangagwa has promoted four colonels, who are all ex-combatants from the liberation war, to the rank of Brigadier-General, a few months before their planned retirement. The policy, now set down in regulations, gives every ex-combatant who joined the Zimbabwe Defence Forces one jump in rank on retirement. Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-General Edzai Absalom Chimonyo conferred new ranks on Brigadier Generals Rufus Chigudu, Edgar Dube, Units Gangata and Alexio Tafirenyika at Army Headquarters Officers, Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare, yesterday. They were promoted six months prior to the date of their retirement. Speaking at the investiture ceremony, Lt-Gen Chimonyo congratulated the senior officers for their hard work and loyalty during their service to the army from the days of the liberation struggle. He urged them to go and fit well into civilian life and focus on enhancing the countrys agrarian reform through working the land. On behalf of the Commander Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, it is a great honour that I wish to congratulate you on your elevation to the ranks of Brigadier General, said Lt-Gen Chimonyo. BARCELONA Forget Spains stringent and painful three-month lockdown that started in March, crushing the economy, killing tourism and frustrating residents. Never mind the praise the country received as a model for dealing with the coronavirus, which through the spring had raged out of control, overwhelming hospitals and killing at least 28,000. All it took was a short summer of jovial parties, barhopping and vacation jaunts to coastal towns and neighboring countries to return to something approaching the depths of the pandemic. As national health emergency coordinator Dr. Fernando Simon recently put it, Things are not going well. In fact, they are going so not well that some towns across Spain are locking down again, this time of their own accord. Fernando Simon, Spain's director of the Coordination Center for Health Alerts and Emergencies, at an Aug. 31 press conference in Madrid. (Oscar Gonzalez/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Public officials shy away from using the term second wave, although local and international media characterize it that way, but with new cases surging toward 9,000 a day, the highest numbers in all of Europe, Spain is not only the pariah of the Continent, its becoming a cautionary tale for the rest of the world, with a higher rate of new infections per capita than even the United States. Where did this First World, resilient country go so horribly awry and what does that mean for the U.S. as it deals with a series of regional outbreaks and a death toll stubbornly stuck at around 1,000 a day? As is the case for Americans, few are rolling out the red carpet for Spaniards these days. Many airlines are canceling flights here the list of those not touching down expanded this week and Spaniards, or others whove set foot here, often have to show results of a recent PCR test (swab test) simply to board a plane to other lands, where they are often subjected to additional tests upon arrival, as well as two weeks of self-quarantine in some cases. In the past few weeks, as the numbers kept rising, most of Spains fellow members of the European Union red-listed the country, warning their citizens to simply avoid it. Even France, where numbers of new infections are also rising quickly, though not at Spains rate, is talking about closing its border with its neighbor to the south. Story continues Summer vacations, tourists, youth, bars, gyms, nightclubs, large family gatherings, too much closeness, not enough contact tracing and increased testing of the general population have all been cited by health officials as factors in Spains remarkable spike, but they hasten to point out that the current situation, while worrisome, is not as bad as it was in March. While its true that in this latest resurgence, half of positives are asymptomatic and that death levels, while increasing to 50 or so a day, arent anywhere near what they were this spring, assurances like that of Health Minister Salvador Illa this week that Spain isnt that different from the rest of the EU ring hollow. Vangelis Rosios, a civil engineer whose home is in northeastern Spain, said, 7,000 or 8,000 new cases a day is too much nearly as bad as it was during lockdown. Rosios is currently trapped in Athens, since all of his airlines flights back to Barcelona were abruptly canceled this week. Today in Greece there are around 200 cases, he said. Which is why its an apt moment to examine what Spain is apparently doing right and doing wrong. A health worker does a PCR test on a patient on Thursday in Irun, Spain, where mass coronavirus tests are being carried out. (Gari Garaialde/Getty Images) Just as states in the U.S. all have different coronavirus policies, Spains 17 autonomous regions all have theirs. The political delineations werent an issue in March when the situation was so grave that the national government in Madrid declared a state of emergency, telling residents not to go out except for food and medical necessities. But in June, when the state of emergency was lifted, the national government tossed the job of managing the pandemic to the regional governments. The result: mayhem. Each region counts cases its own way some using only positive PCR nasal swab tests, some adding in antibody results, some including suspected cases, as well as cases diagnosed at funeral homes calculations that have sometimes resulted in numbers for one region being higher than those given for the whole country. Some regions designate three active cases from the same source as an outbreak; others define it as 10 people or more rendering statistics like 488 outbreaks countrywide utterly useless. Sometimes regions report late or dont report at all, resulting in headlines such as Spain reports 958 new cases, not including cases from Madrid, Catalonia and Aragon in other words, excluding three of the five largest cities (Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza) in the country. For residents following case counts the situation is maddening, as numbers often dont add up, and for those looking for details, they are provided with migraine-inducing charts that might make one wonder if the point is to obscure the real numbers. Even the figures for deaths from COVID-19 keep changing dramatically, going up and down sometimes by thousands over the course of a day due to modifications in counting procedures; El Pais, Spains most widely read newspaper, recently calculated that the official COVID-19 mortality figure, currently more than 29,000, leaves out at least a third of the actual total, which it says is closer to 45,000. As in the U.S., regional differences also played out over the utilization of face masks. When Spain reopened from lockdown on June 21, the national government issued a warning to mask up, which the regional governments interpreted as they wished: Catalonia, the northeastern region of which Barcelona is the capital, demanded that residents wear face coverings anywhere and anytime they stepped out, while the regional government of Madrid required only that they use them on mass transit or when social distancing wasnt possible indoors. Its worth noting that Madrid, which finally began mandating that masks be worn almost everywhere only last month, now suffers the most cases in the whole country, with more than a third of new infections being reported in the capital particularly worrisome as its the main transportation hub for Spain. The situation there is so concerning that health officials are considering imposing a lockdown on the capital city. People on a terrace in Lugo, Spain, on Aug. 14, the day the Ministry of Health decreed the closure of nightlife, as well as the closure of restaurants at 1 a.m. (Carlos Castro/Europa Press via Getty Images) Besides, even with regulations in place, some regional and municipal governments barely bother to enforce them. Never mind that not wearing a face covering outdoors in Barcelona is punishable by a 100-euro fine; it isnt uncommon to see the maskless stroll right past police, with no repercussions. Overall, mask use is indeed up the Spanish media recently boasted that Spaniards were the best in the world for wearing so-called mascarillas. The problem is where they are worn: the elbow mask was a popular fashion this summer, and the chin mask remains ubiquitous. And even though social distancing is theoretically imposed everywhere restaurant tables must be at least 6 feet apart partiers often crowd six, eight or more around one table. I find it contradictory, said Barcelona documentary maker Tom OFlynn, that everybody wears masks on the street and then takes the masks off to cram into a crowded bar. He added that unlike in Portugal, where restaurant workers wear masks and gloves and tote hand sanitizer on a belt, in Spain its common to be served by waiters with masks at half-mast, covering only their mouths, if that. Whats more, Spaniards, a warm, affectionate nationality, are loath to drop their most common greeting, the double-cheek smooch. Not until August did the Health Ministry warn against it as a potential kiss of death, months later than other Mediterranean countries. By midsummer, family gatherings were accounting for 40 percent of new cases. In August, as the number of cases began ticking up and the median age started dropping its now 33 health authorities began pointing fingers at young people socializing in gatherings lubricated with alcohol. Some regional governments threatened a 15,000-euro fine for botellones, the bottle-sharing shindigs on beaches and in parks. Dance clubs and gyms were forced to close for a few days, and bars had to shutter at midnight; predictably, given the contradictory messaging lately, many of those orders were soon tossed out by the courts. Spain has also dramatically fallen down on the job of contact tracing, widely regarded here as a violation of privacy. Beyond the dearth of tracers, and the fact that plenty of those testing positive arent queried about recent whereabouts, those who are asked to identify recent contacts complain that they dont want to give up the names. In response, the government has deployed several thousand military personnel to various regions to augment the contact tracing effort. A new COVID-19 app that anonymously notifies those who may have been exposed is being rolled out. But that wont address the Spanish reluctance to stand 6 feet apart, or to stop kissing people they meet. There are alternatives the Thai wai, a small bow with the hands together; the fist bump; the elbow rub but the affectionate practice thats as central to the culture as the tapas bar shows few signs of waning. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: FRIDAY, Sept. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- There's evidence that low blood levels of the "sunshine vitamin" -- vitamin D -- may increase a person's risk of infection with the new coronavirus, researchers say. "Vitamin D is important to the function of the immune system and vitamin D supplements have previously been shown to lower the risk of viral respiratory tract infections," said study lead author Dr. David Meltzer. He's chief of hospital medicine at the University of Chicago Medicine. For the new study, Meltzer's team tracked coronavirus infections among 489 patients whose vitamin D levels were measured within a year before they were tested for the new coronavirus. While the study couldn't determine cause and effect, patients with an untreated vitamin D deficiency (blood levels of less than 20 ng/mL) were nearly two times more likely to test positive for the coronavirus than patients with sufficient vitamin D levels, the researchers said. "Our statistical analysis suggests this may be true for the COVID-19 infection," Meltzer said in a medical center news release. Half of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, with much higher rates among Black and Hispanic Americans and people who live in areas like Chicago, where it's difficult to get enough sun exposure in winter. The body produces vitamin D when skin is directly exposed to the sun. "Understanding whether treating vitamin D deficiency changes COVID-19 risk could be of great importance locally, nationally and globally," Meltzer said. "Vitamin D is inexpensive, generally very safe to take, and can be widely scaled," he noted. Further research is needed to determine whether vitamin D supplements might reduce the risk of infection with the new coronavirus and even the severity of COVID-19, the study authors said. Dr. Len Horovitz is a pulmonologist and internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Reading over the new findings, he said that research has "suggested that [vitamin] D plays an essential role in the immune system. This current study underscores this: D appears to reduce the risk of being infected with COVID, and other studies have suggested that patients with D deficiency fare worse with COVID." Horovitz suggested that the pandemic might even be raising levels of vitamin D deficiency. "Because of city living and especially with 'lockdowns,' there has been less sun exposure and therefore more finding of D deficiency in my practice," he noted. Luckily, an easy remedy is at hand, since vitamin D supplements are available. "The proper dose depends on patient size and their sunlight exposure, and can be easily measured with a simple blood test," Horovitz said. Meltzer's group believes there's a need for studies to identify strategies for vitamin D supplementation that may be most effective in specific groups of people. The Chicago researchers said they've already launched several such clinical trials. The study was published online Sept. 3 in JAMA Network Open. More information The Hormone Health Network has more on vitamin D. A team of City of Perth council aspirants who were rallying around high-profile mayoral candidate Basil Zempilas are under scrutiny over their eligibility to run in next month's election. Mustang Bar owner Michael Keiller and businesswoman Gloria Zhang have been ruled ineligible to run as councillors by the City of Perth over invalid lease agreements. Mustang Bar owner Michael Keiller, Chung Wah Association's Ting Chen, Seven West Media personality Basil Zempilas and businesswoman Gloria Zhang. Credit:Instagram Both council hopefuls have vowed to fight the city's ruling, saying they were seeking advice on how to nominate before applications close next Thursday. Mayoral candidate, architect Sandy Anghie, has also faced scrutiny over her eligibility to run after she signed a lease in West Perth just 24 hours before the voting roll closed last week. The White House is furiously fighting back against a politically explosive report that the president called U.S. military heroes killed in battle 'losers' and 'suckers' and turned down a trip to visit U.S. war dead in France due to the rain. President Donald Trump rejoined the fray on Friday, attacking the Atlantic magazine, which published the report that he termed 'fake.' 'The Atlantic Magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance,' Trump tweeted. 'Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against. Just like the Fake Dossier. You fight and and fight, and then people realize it was a total fraud!' Trump continued. Trump ripped the report as he met with the president of Serbia and the prime minister of Kosovo at the White House Friday. 'It was a terrible thing that somebody could say the kind of things especially to me, because Ive done more for the mil than almost anybody else,' Trump fumed. 'Nobodys done what Ive done' for the military, Trump claimed. Then he brought up the tell-all book by former national security advisor John Bolton a book that accuses Trump of giving 'personal favors to dictators.' 'I hate to bring up his book, but john Bolton, no friend of mine I mean he didnt know too much about what he was doing, he didnt do a good job. But he wrote a book. He talks about this incident and he doesnt mention it,' said Trump. 'Theres nobody that considers the military and especially the people that have given their lives in the military to me theyre heroes,' Trump said of Americans who die while serving the country. 'Its even hard to believe how they could do it. And I say that. The level of bravery ...' he said. In addition to the president himself calling the story in the Atlantic fill of 'lies,' the White House communications shop has turned to an unlikely source of defense: Bolton, who Trump has ridiculed since his slicing memoir. 'He is a liar,' Trump said after Bolton released his tell-all book trashing the administration. Following publication of the Atlantic story, the White House press shop retweeted an image of Bolton's book, 'The Room Where it Happened,' where Bolton says it was bad weather and the special contingencies of presidential travel that caused the White House to nix a planned cemetery visit by Trump in 2018. The White House's furious pushback against a new Atlantic article that reports President Donald Trump called fallen soldiers 'losers' included quoting from the tell-all book by former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Trump called Bolton a 'liar' after the release of his book President Trump attacked the Atlantic magazine and called its report 'fake' Trump was to have visited the cemetery near Belleau Wood on the 100th anniversary which holds a special place for Marines. 'The press turned canceling the cemetery visit into a story that Trump was afraid of the rain and took glee in pointing out that other world leaders traveled around during the day,' Bolton wrote. 'Of course, none of them were the President of the United States, but the press didn't understand the rules for US Presidents are different form the rules for 190 other leaders who don't command the world's greatest military forces.' Bolton wrote that Marine One's crew were saying it was 'imprudent' to fly by helicopter due to the weather, and the drive could be 90 minutes each way. The Atlantic piece takes a much harsher view: 'Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day,' wrote author Jeffrey Goldberg. White House deputy communications director Brian Morganstern retweeted the passage book, as did White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah. Farah also called the article 'offensive & patently false.' Another White House press official, Judd Deere, blasted out people who contradicted accounts in the article. 'Anyone else notice that there are now four individuals with first-hand knowledge who are ON THE RECORD denying The Atlantic story? This matches the publications four anonymous sources. Will The Atlantic stand by their false anonymous reporting or listen to those who were there?' White House officials circulated Bolton's book, which contradicts key elements of the story's account A White House official retweeted an image of internal documents showing visibility as low as 1 mile the day Trump's Marine One helicopter trip was scrubbed French President Emmanuel Macron (C) attends the Armistice Day commemorations marking the end of World War I on November 11, 2017, near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris A senior Defense Department official with first-hand knowledge of events and a senior Marine Corps officer who was told about them confirmed the accounts to the Associated Press 'including the cemetery incident.' 'This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election!' Trump tweeted Thursday. Trump fumed late Thursday upon his return from a speech in Pennsylvania: ''I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes.' 'There is nobody that respects them more. No animal - nobody - what animal would say such a thing?' Trump added. The Joe Biden campaign ran with the story and blasted Trump in a Friday conference call. 'I'd take my wheelchair and titanium legs over Donald Trump's supposed bone spurs any day,' said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who lost her legs in a combat helicopter accident during the Iraq war. She was referencing Trump's deferments during Vietnam due to bone spurs. 'It's time for this man to leave office,' she added. 'His soul cannot conceive of integrity and honor,' said Gold Star father Khizr Khan, whose son Humayun Khan was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004 and whose Democratic convention speech prompted extended back-and-forth with Trump. 'His soul is that of a coward,' Khan said. Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who has been released from prison, tweeted that the Atlantic article 'is accurate.' 'I testified, Trump claimed it was because of a bone spur. When I asked for medical records, he gave me none and said there was no surgery. He finished with: You think Im stupid, I wasnt going to Vietnam.' The report, published by the Atlantic Thursday, credits four separate military sources, and claims that Trump cancelled a visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in November 2018 because he was worried his hair would be disheveled by the rain. In a conversation with senior staff before the planned visit, Trump reportedly asked aides: 'Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers.' During the same trip, the president allegedly later referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who lost their lives in the Battle of Belleau Wood in France as 'suckers' for getting killed. A senior Defense Department official with firsthand knowledge of events and a senior U.S. Marine Corps officer who was told about Trump's comments confirmed some of the remarks to The Associated Press, including the 2018 cemetery comments. Trump, however, has emphatically denied the report Thursday night, calling it 'a disgraceful situation' by a 'terrible magazine.' 'It's a total lie. It's fake news. It's a disgrace, and frankly it's a disgrace to your profession,' Trump said. President Donald Trump talks with reporters at Andrews Air Force Base after attending a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pa., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base Trump vehemently denied the claims, which were first reported in the Atlantic , that he referred to the American war dead at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery (above) in France in 2018 as 'losers' and 'suckers.' The president's alleged comments are in stark contrast to Trump's public persona as a self-proclaimed champion of the military and its veterans. A source described to have first-hand knowledge of the president's views said Trump 'doesn't see the heroism in fighting'. Other sources said Trump is deeply anxious about dying or being disfigured, and that fear manifests itself as disgust for those who have suffered. The day of the planned visit at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, November 10, 2018, was also the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. 'Who were the good guys in this war? Trump on the First World War The Battle of Belleau Wood, which lasted 20 days in June 1918 and ended with German forces soundly defeated, was a defining moment in World War I for the Marine Corps. But Trump, on the same trip, reportedly asked aides, 'Who were the good guys in this war?' He also said that he didn't understand why the United States would intervene on the side of the Allies, the Atlantic reported. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Trump said he's be 'willing to swear on anything' that he never said anything derogatory 'about our fallen heroes.' 'There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing?' He also wanted to go to the cemetery in France but said he was unable to because of heavy rainfall in Paris, and that the U.S. Secret Service would not allow him to motorcade there. 'The helicopter could not fly. The reason it couldn't fly, because it was raining as hard as I'd ever seen. And on top of that it was very, very foggy,' Trump said on Thursday. He added that staffers tried to arrange a motorcade, but that it would have meant going through busy parts of Paris. 'The Secret Service told me, you can't do it. I said I have to do it. They said you can't do it,' Trump said. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, also decried the report, saying 'It's sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody.' Trump was meant to join John Kelly in paying his respects to Kelly's son's grave and comfort the families of other fallen service members in Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day, 2017 (above). However, Trump reportedly turned to Kelly and said: 'I don't get it. What's in it for them?' Tombs are pictured at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, on November 10, 2018 In another account, detailed by the Atlantic, the president told senior advisers that he didn't understand why the U.S. government placed such value on finding soldiers missing in action because they had performed poorly and gotten caught and deserved what they got, a source said. The president allegedly said that those who served in the Vietnam War were also 'losers' because they failed to dodge the draft. Trump received a medical deferment from Vietnam over alleged bone spurs. In a conversation with then-Chief of Staff John Kelly, Trump reportedly complained bitterly that he didn't understand why John McCain, who was imprisoned and tortured during Vietnam, was so revered. 'Isn't he kind of a loser?' Trump asked, according to the four sources. Trump has previously derided McCain's legacy as a war hero publicly. On the 2016 presidential campaign trail in Iowa, Trump said: 'He's not a war hero. I like people who weren't captured.' At the same event, Trump said 'I don't like losers' referencing McCain losing the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama. 'I supported him. He lost. He let us down. But, you know, he lost. So I have never liked him as much after that, because I don't like losers,' he said. The senior Marine Corps officer and the Atlantic, citing sources with firsthand knowledge, further reported that Trump said he didn't want to support the August 2018 funeral of Republican Sen. John McCain. The Atlantic reported that Trump was also angered that flags were flown at half-staff for McCain, saying: 'What the f*** are we doing that for? Guy was a f***ing loser.' Trump acknowledged Thursday he was 'never a fan' of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his 'first-class triple-A funeral' without hesitation because 'I felt he deserved it.' The magazine said Trump also referred to former President George H.W. Bush as a 'loser' because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in World War II. In a conversation with then-Chief of Staff John Kelly (seen above), Trump reportedly complained bitterly that he didn't understand why John McCain, who was imprisoned and tortured during Vietnam, was so revered Trump has previously derided McCain's legacy as a war hero publicly. On the 2016 presidential campaign trail in Iowa, Trump said: 'He's not a war hero. I like people who weren't captured.' The Atlantic also details another exchange between Trump and Kelly on Memorial Day, 2017, at the graveside of Kelly's son, Robert, who died at 29 years old in Afghanistan in 2010. Trump was meant to join Kelly in paying his respects to Robert's grave and comfort the families of other fallen service members. However, Trump reportedly turned to Kelly at his son's graveside and said: 'I don't get it. What's in it for them?' The Defense officials also confirmed to The AP that the Trump made the remarks. One of Kelly's friends, who is a four-star general, told the Atlantic: '[Trump] can't fathom the idea of doing something for someone other than himself. He just thinks that anyone who does anything when there's no direct personal gain to be had is a sucker. There's no money in serving the nation. 'Trump can't imagine anyone else's pain. That's why he would say this to the father of a fallen marine on Memorial Day in the cemetery where he's buried,' the source continued. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday, 'If the revelations in today's Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States.' 'Duty, honor, country those are the values that drive our service members,' he said in a statement Thursday night, adding that if he is elected president, 'I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice always.' Biden's son Beau served in Iraq in 2008-09. The Friday opposed in the Supreme Court a plea seeking postponement of compartment for 12th class scheduled this month, saying all "necessary" safety measures for students are being taken in view of COVID-19 pandemic. A bench comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna asked the counsel for the petitioner whether postponement of the examinations will help the students. "Without examination where do you stand. Is there any other methodology contemplated by CBSE," the bench asked during the hearing conducted through video conferencing. The counsel for the Central Board of Secondary (CBSE) said the board has increased the number of examination centres for compartment tests from 575 to 1,278. "We have taken a decision that in a class where 40 students could sit, now only 12 will sit and we are taking all precautions," the counsel for said. "All necessary measures are being taken. The notification is likely to be issued soon. The examinations are to be held in September," he said. The court, which asked to file a short affidavit in response of the plea of Anika Samvedi, has now fixed the case for hearing on September 10. The plea has challenged the CBSE decision to hold compartment examinations for 12th class on the ground that it would be detrimental to the health of the examinees. The apex court asked the counsel for the petitioner to be clear about the relief being sought when he said the students will be considered as failed as the compartment examinations will not be concluded by September end. The lawyer also said the students will not be able to apply for further studies as admissions in universities will close by the time compartment examinations will be held. The counsel for CBSE said that on the one hand, petitioner wanted cancellation of examinations and then also raised the issue of admissions in universities. (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.) Serial killer the 'Interstate Strangler' - who terrorized the nation's highways murdering up to 52 women in a two decade-long spree - has confessed in a podcast interview to another murder 15 years ago, leading cops to find suspected human bones in Illinois. Dellmus 'Heavy' Colvin, 61, claimed last week on the 'Where the Bodies are Buried' podcast that he killed a woman at a truck stop along Interstate 80 outside LaSalle County before dumping her naked body round the back of a now-closed truck wash in Peru, Illinois. A search Wednesday uncovered two small pieces of bone at the alleged burial site which are now being analyzed by forensics to determine if they are human, authorities said. Colvin, who bragged that he 'slept great' after his first murder, is currently behind bars in Ohio serving two life sentences after being convicted of the murders of seven women. The serial killer stalked America's highways while working as a trucker, luring sex workers into his truck cab before strangling them and dumping their bodies in other states. He claims to have killed up to 52 women across multiple states between 1983 and 2005. Dellmus 'Heavy' Colvin, 61, the 'Interstate Strangler' - who terrorized the nation's highways murdering up to 52 women in a two decade-long spree - has confessed in a podcast interview to another murder 15 years ago, leading cops to find suspected human bones in Illinois Cadaver dogs, investigators and crime scene technicians on Wednesday afternoon combed the site of the abandoned truck wash where the killer said he dumped the victim's body. LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton said evidence, including two small pieces of bone, was found at the site and sent to a forensic investigator for analysis. The search was temporarily suspended because the cadaver dogs were struggling in the extreme heat. It will resume next week however Templeton said 'animal activity' in the area and the length of time since the body was allegedly dumped at the site means it may be unlikely any more evidence is found. Investigators spoke to Colvin after the podcast and he confirmed the same version of events, police said. The identity of the victim is not known and there are no missing persons cases that match Colvin's version of events, according to Templeton. Colvin said the woman worked as a prostitute outside the truck stop. 'Individuals who work a high-risk lifestyle tend to move around a lot,' Templeton said Wednesday. The infamous serial killer preyed on drug addicts and sex workers who lived transient lifestyles and were often not reported missing. Colvin said he never knew the names of any of his victims before he slayed them. In the August 26 podcast, Colvin told Florida criminal profiler Phil Chalmers that in 2004 or 2005, he was driving along Interstate 80 and stopped at the Flying J Travel Center outside LaSalle, reported Fox13. Dellmus 'Heavy' Colvin, 61, claimed last week on the 'Where the Bodies are Buried' podcast that he killed a woman at a truck stop along Interstate 80 outside LaSalle County before dumping her naked body round the back of a now-closed truck wash in Peru (pictured the crime scene) He said the woman then knocked on the door of his truck. Colvin described the woman as white with 'dishwater blonde' hair which he laughed was combed over her blackened right eye. 'Someone dotted that eye,' Colvin jeered. 'It wasn't me.' 'I said, 'Beat it. Get the f** out of here,' he said. The woman left, but then came back again a few minutes later, he said. Colvin said he went into the store, bought a few log books, returned to his truck and let the woman into the sleeper area of his truck. He said he strangled her there and then drove her body to the truck wash on May Road. 'The road is deserted. No one comes down there, it's dark and it's scary,' the killer said with a laugh. 'I pulled all the way in the back. The weeds are so high, and I just remember picking [the body] up on my shoulder and into the woods I go.' He said he then dragged her naked body 30 to 40 feet into a wooded area behind the truck wash and dumped her there. He took her clothing - a t-shirt with a cartoon character like Garfield or Tweety bird on and sweat pants - with him to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and dumped it there. Colvin said the woman's body would be one of the easiest to find of his victims. A search Wednesday uncovered two small pieces of bone at the alleged burial site (above) which are now being analyzed by forensics to determine if they are human, authorities said The serial killer also spoke about some of his other crimes but refused to talk about any that had taken place in states carrying the death penalty. When asked how many states he committed murders in as he traveled across state lines as a trucker, Colvin simply said: 'Quite a few. Quite a few.' Colvin made his latest confession in a phone call from Lebanon Correctional Institution in Ohio where he has been held since his 2006 conviction. The killer, who said he has contracted COVID-19 behind bars, is serving two life sentences for the murders of Jackie Simpson, 33, and Melissa Weber, 37, who he murdered in Toledo in 2003. He later pleaded guilty to killing four other women in Ohio and one in New Jersey. Between 1983 and 2005, Colvin drove coast to coast across America prowling the highways for vulnerable women. Dubbed 'The Interstate Strangler', the long-haul trucker, drug dealer, and truck-stop pimp, would pick up prostitutes from truck stops and highways and strangle them in the cab of his truck. He then wrapped their heads in plastic bags and duct tape because 'the last thing you want is someone popping up while you're going down the interstate about 70 or 80 mph'. He then dumped the victim's bodies in rural, wooded areas. He would often kill his victims in one state, dump their bodies in another and get rid of their clothing in a third. Colvin said he began killing around the age of 24 and lost count of the number of victims, but boasted that in his 'best year' he killed three. 'I never counted,' Colvin said on the podcast. 'I averaged one to two a year. My best year, I did three. Calculate that, it comes to between 47 to 52.' Colvin confessed to the murder on the 'Where the Bodies are Buried' podcast where he also boasted he 'slept great' after his first kill and claimed his motive was 'pure pleasure' The extent of his murders are not yet known but he claimed his first murder was of a hitchhiker in New Jersey. He told Chalmers she 'gave him lip' so he strangled her and her body 'ended up in Pomona, in the woods'. He boasted that he 'slept great' after his first kill and laughed off the idea that looking into a person's eyes as you killed them would 'haunt you forever'. 'That's a damn myth. I know that for a fact. I slept great that night,' the killer bragged. He added that his motive was 'pure pleasure' from the kill. 'They're fighting for their lives and I'm fighting for my plea it's pleasure,' he said. Colvin told how his mom rang his cellphone while he was midway through strangling another victim. Colvin said he answered her call and chatted to her while he 'finished off' the victim with one hand. 'I had already started. I was just putting the final touches on it,' he said. Colvin also joked about his victim's bodies being good passengers because they don't need anything. 'You ain't got to share your goodies with them. You want some Wendy's, baby?' Hell no. She don't need nothing,' he laughed. He added that dumping bodies was easy around the US: 'Oh my God, everything from Hamilton, New Jersey, it ain't nothing but woods. It's a dumping paradise.' Dubbed 'The Interstate Strangler', the long-haul trucker, drug dealer, and truck-stop pimp, would pick up prostitutes from truck stops and highways and strangle them in the cab of his truck. Colvin in court in 2006 The murders he has been convicted of date back to 2000. The remains of Valerie Jones, 38, were found in January 2000 near a landfill, followed by the body of Dorothea Wetzel, 40, in Toledo in August that year. Jacquelynn Thomas, 42, was found September 2000 at a roadside and the body of Lily Summers, 43, turned up in 2002 in a tractor-trailer. In 2003, Colvin smothered Jackie Simpson with a pillow at a South Toledo motel because he said she was annoying him. 'All the time she was there, she was crying about her mama, her creepy uncle,' Colvin said in the podcast. 'I don't care nothing about that. I just got tired of her whining.' The killer said he kept her body in his truck for months even parking up outside court where he faced burglary charges with her decomposing corpse in the back. Her remains were found in April 2003. Weber's remains were found in 2005 under a couch in a vacant trucking terminal. The net closed in on Colvin when his DNA was collected in 2004 in connection with the sexual assault of one woman who managed to escape. His DNA matched the sample later found under Weber's fingernails and also tied him to Simpson's murder and a 1998 sexual assault. In September 2006, Colvin pleaded guilty to the murders of Jackie Simpson, Melissa Weber, Valerie Jones, Jacquelynn Thomas and Lily Summers. One month later, he admitted to murdering Dorothea Wetzel. In 2010, he pleaded guilty to the murder of Donna Lee White, 27, in Atlantic City. White was found dead in Atlantic City in 1987 and her death was ruled a drug overdose. Colvin was a suspect in her death and the case was reopened following his other convictions. He then confessed to killing White admitting he murdered her after finding her overdosing in a rooming house. 'So I put the bag over her head and laid her down on the bed, and I sat there and watched football,' he said in the podcast. Two airline passengers each face fines of $1,000 for refusing to wear face masks on board a flight, the first time Transport Canada has imposed a financial penalty for violating rules meant to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A WestJet plane takes off from Vancouver International Airport in Vancouver on Monday, May 13, 2019. Federal transport officials have issued the first fines to air passengers who refused to wear face masks on Canadian flights, in violation of a government order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward Two airline passengers each face fines of $1,000 for refusing to wear face masks on board a flight, the first time Transport Canada has imposed a financial penalty for violating rules meant to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first incident occurred on a WestJet flight from Calgary to Waterloo, Ont., in June and the second on a WestJet trip from Vancouver to Calgary in July. "In both incidents, the individuals were directed repeatedly by the air crew to wear their face coverings during the flights and in both cases, the individuals refused," the aviation regulator, which did not name the passengers, said Friday. Masks or face coverings have been mandatory on flights and in terminals since April 20 as part of the federal government's response to the pandemic. Exceptions include travellers who are under two years old, who are eating or drinking or who have breathing difficulties. The announcement comes three days after WestJet announced a strict new policy to ensure passengers wear face coverings, with consequences for refusal that include a year-long travel ban. The move is part of a push by airlines to coax Canadians back to the skies amid the ongoing implosion of the global travel industry. Air Canada and WestJet have each announced pilot projects to test passengers for the coronavirus this fall, with the ultimate goal of furnishing "alternatives to the current blanket restrictions and quarantine" on foreign travellers and returning Canadians, respectively, Air Canada chief medical officer Dr. Jim Chung said in a statement Thursday. Beefed-up sanitation protocols and no-contact check-ins comprise some of the changes on planes and in terminals, though both airlines scrapped their on-board seat distancing policies on July 1. Transport Canada has listed physical distancing among the "key points" in preventing the spread of the virus, part of a guide it issued to the aviation industry in April. "Operators should develop guidance for spacing passengers aboard aircraft when possible to optimize social distancing," the document states. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Since March, at least 973 flights have carried passengers with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in Canada, according to figures provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Some 378 domestic and 595 international flights between March 2 and Aug. 24 flew travellers who "may have been exposed to COVID-19" on board, the agency said in an email. Some flights may have had more than one positive case reported and a given case may have travelled on more than one flight, the agency said. The figures, gathered through reports from provincial and territorial health authorities, are not exhaustive. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:AC) Kasturi & Sons Limited, the holding company of the newspaper 'The Hindu' has announced N Ravi as Chairman after the company board held a meeting on September 3. N Ravi is the former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu and succeeds N. Murali as chairman. Tajikistan's Ruling Party Officially Nominates President Rahmon To Run For Sixth Term By RFE/RL's Tajik Service September 02, 2020 DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's ruling People's Democratic Party has officially nominated President Emomali Rahmon, already the longest-serving leader in the former Soviet Union, to run for another term. Rahmon was not present at the party's September 3 congress when the decision to nominate the 67-yar-old incumbent for the October 11 election was made. According to government officials, Rahmon was not present because he was taking part in ceremonies devoted to the 25th anniversary of the National Guard. Independent journalists were not allowed to attend the congress. The Federation of Independent Trade Unions and the Union of Tajikistan's Youth nominated Rahmon to run for the presidency. There has been speculation that Rahmon, who has been president since 1992, would bow out to clear the way for his son, Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali, to run for the presidency. Once his candidacy is formally registered, Rahmon will join five other candidates who have entered the race. Many in the tightly-controlled former Soviet republic expect that Rahmon will be announced the winner again. In Tajikistan's last presidential election, in 2013, Rahmon was reelected by a landslide, with 84 percent of the vote. None of Tajikistan's five presidential elections won by Rahmon has been deemed free and fair by Western election observers. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan -nominates-rahmon-president- sixth-term/30818951.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 An independent watchdog must lead a new Covid-19 catch up strategy in schools, Labour says, after fresh criticism of Gavin Williamson over the exams fiasco. Boris Johnson is told to give a cast-iron guarantee that every pupil can recover the learning lost since schools closed in March but not to put the under-fire education secretary in charge. Instead, the childrens commissioner, Anne Longfield, should oversee the Close the Gap strategy, the party said, to hold the government to account on their progress. Ministers should also face a new legal duty to publish data on the attainment gap between rich and poor pupils and drop plans to exclude post-16 students from promised catch-up support. Parents need a cast-iron guarantee that any child who has fallen behind will get the support they need to catch up, said Kate Green, the shadow education secretary. We need independent oversight and transparency, to compare the gap between pupils in different parts of the country and against the pre-Covid generation. The last six months have been incredibly difficult for children and families across the country. No child should be left behind because of this crisis or government incompetence. The call comes after the spotlight again fell on Mr Williamson, after explosive evidence given by the exams regulator Ofqual, at the start of an inquiry by the Commons education committee. Roger Taylor, its chair, revealed the education secretary decided without consultation to axe A-level and GCSE exams against the regulators wishes. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 19 January 2022 Britains Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, participate in a therapy session with individuals who have experienced the care system, during a visit to the Foundling Museum in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 18 January 2022 Surfers enter the sea as the sun rises over Tynemouth on the North East coast PA UK news in pictures 17 January 2022 Bonhams Danny McIlwraith holds a Nigerian polycrome carved wood mask during a photocall for the sale of the Jim Lennon Collection at Bonhams in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 16 January 2022 The moon rises above the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 15 January 2022 Demonstrators outside Downing Street during a Kill The Bill protest against The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in London PA UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA Ofqual wanted exams to go ahead, with its second choice to delay exams and a third option of awarding a teacher certificate, all rejected in favour of using the now-infamous algorithm. Mr Taylor told MPs that believing that using an algorithm to allocate grades would be acceptable to the public was a fundamental mistake. And he said Mr Williamsons office agreed new guidance on appeals that provoked uproar and which was then withdrawn when he decided he no longer supported it. A Labour source said the education secretary kept in post by the prime minister, despite widespread calls for him to be sacked cant be trusted to oversee a new strategy. Its call comes after the National Foundation for Educational Research warned pupils are, on average, three months behind where they would be without the school closures. A separate study by the Education Endowment Fund suggested school closures may have widened the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their classmates by up to 75 per cent. Labour warned that the governments 350m national tutoring programme would not be fully operational until next Spring, and that tutors will not be in place until November, eight months after schools were shut. 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. In a significant development ahead of 2021 Assembly Polls in West Bengal - RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will be on a three-day visit to Kolkata on September 22 to chair an organizational meeting with all the Sangathan Pramukhs who are active in the state. He will stay in Kolkata till September 24 and from there, will be travelling to Odisha for an organisational meet with the Sangha leaders. The meetings in Kolkata will be held strictly in accordance with the COVID-19 precautionary norms. Sources said, Bhagwat will interact with the Sangathan Pramukhs of Arogya Bharati, Siksha Bharati, Kreeda Bharati, Saksham (for physically challenged), Seva Bharati among others to get an understanding of the achievements made in Bengal so far and the issues they faced while executing their respective work. Aiming at strengthening the organisation at block level, this will be Bhagwats fourth visit to the state since August 2019. Earlier, the RS chief had come on August 1, August 31 and September 19 last year. On his previous visits, Bhagwat had asked the key Sangha Karyakartas (workers) in Bengal to connect with those from the Muslim community/minorities, who strongly believe in Jatiyatabad (nationalism). He had also asked the workers in Bengal not to shy away from accepting mistakes if they failed to make the common people (mainly non-political) understand what Samajik Seva (social service) the Sangha does for the people. Bhagwat ji wants to set up at least one shakha (daily congregation) in each of the 341 Blocks in West Bengal. At present, there are nearly 1,800 shakhas in Bengal but they do not cover all blocks as they are unevenly distributed. Our plan is to cover all the blocks and if it happens, the total number of shakhas in West Bengal will reach 5000 in the near future, sources said. Its almost one year that we havent met him. We are eager to meet him in Kolkata. All the required protocols with the administration have been taken care of. The police department was intimated in advance because of his Z-plus security cover. Since he is fond of Bengali cuisine like Postor Bora (Poppy Seed Fritters), we have already worked on that besides greeting him with sandesh and rosogolla. Due to the pandemic situation, we dont know whether he will have it or not but we are fully prepared to welcome him, a senior RSS worker said. RSS has been a constant factor in the political scheme of things in Bengal present since 1939 but had failed to spread its clout during the 34 years of Left Front rule. Since the end of CPI (M)-led Left Front government in 2011 and Narendra Modis ascent to power in 2014, the Sangh has suddenly emerged as a force to reckon with in Bengal. Extensive social work by the Sangha karyakartas and its affiliates are nothing new in Bengal but despite being the home state of Jan Sangh ideologue Shyamaprasad Mukherjee, the RSS was hardly a noticeable force in Bengal for decades. Sudden media attention (post 2014) has not changed things much for the RSS and it continues to run its show the way it always has, away from the public eye. Even though the practice to organize workshops spanning over 15 to 20 days as part of karyakarta nirmaan, an initiation process to train new cadres has been a regular feature, such sessions have hardly ever drawn any attention. RSS, which has been silently active in Bengal since the Partition, has been moving like an invisible force through the swathe of refugees, who made their way across the border in 1947, and then in 1971. And it has been actively involved in the rural as well as urban Bengal on various projects for the betterment of the society. When the Narendra Modi led-BJP came to power at the Centre, the winds of change started to blow. The BJP, which was not even a marginal force in the states politics, started claiming bigger stakes in the political arena and has significantly improved its electoral lot. Things changed even more with the arrival of Dilip Ghosh to the picture, who took over as president of the state BJP unit in late 2014. An old RSS hand with around 25 years of field experience in the East and the North East, he was brought in to infuse fresh blood into the partys state unit. The BJP-Sangh proximity has often been questioned, majorly facing criticism that the party is just the political manifestation of RSS, a conclusion that has been objectively refuted by both BJP and RSS leaders. In the 2016 Assembly, BJPs vote share was 10.2 per cent and in the 2019 Lok Sabha it went up to 40.3 per cent. There was an increase of 30.1 percent vote share mainly because of Hindus coalescing towards the BJP. In the last three years, BJP managed to cultivate religious driven politics in Bengal and it was evident with its significant rise in Bengal in terms of its vote share. Majority of vote shares which were once with the Left Front and Congress went to the BJP as there was no decline in TMCs vote share. In 2011 Assembly TMCs vote share was 39 per cent which increased to 39.56 per cent by 0.56 percent. Similarly, in 2014 Lok Sabha TMCs vote share was 39.03 percent which increased to 43.3 percent by 4.27 per cent. So there was no decrease in TMCs vote share. The only factor which went in favour of BJP is the Left and the Congress votes Now for the BJP apart from the ruling TMC, the CPI (M)-Congress (alliance partner) became a major concern because in all the 294 assembly constituencies, if the Left Front-Congress combine manages to seize nearly 30,000 votes each, then it will be an advantage for the ruling TMC. The reason is most of the Left votes went to the BJP as the TMCs vote share was more or less the same. So, in case of any significant gain in the voting pattern towards the Left-Congress combination, the results will not be favourable for the saffron brigade. Many felt that Bhagwats visit in this crucial time in Bengal (ahead of the state poll) will help to boost the morale of the state BJP to strengthen booths across the states. Bhagwats words have definitely created an impact on the local RSS workers in the state who have started working on a two- year project under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bangla to make villagers self-reliant. The sangha karyakartas have already selected 120 remote and backward villages from all the districts in Bengal to make villagers and migrant workers self-reliant by providing technical assistance to the villagers. Most skilled workers having good knowledge in their respective areas like farming, poultry, mechanical work, automobile repairing, civil activities, tailoring, are being trained and supported by the Sangha workers. They are also assisting them with food, clothes, medicines and other daily requirements. Alongside, they have plans to train them in various sectors like cow-based economy, how to open an automobile garage, what skills it requires to open a garage, tailoring skills, cow-dung products, salesman skills for small items like lozenges, bindi, bangles, leaf plates, eco-friendly bags, pickles, homemade sweets, papad, etc. MERIDEN City and New Haven police arrested three men and seized four guns, body armor and 8 ounces of marijuana during a joint SWAT raid Thursday. Nicholas Rivera, 22; Calvin Fassett, 20; both of Meriden; and Diego Garro 19, of New Haven, were all charged with various firearm and drug possession offenses along with third-degree larceny and interfering with an officer. On September 3, several hundred protesters participating in the religious festival defying Nepals coronavirus lockdown in a city south of the capital clashed with the riot police, an ANI report confirmed. Protesters gathered in Lalitpur where a 5-storey-high chariot holding a statue of the deity Rato Machindranath was kept but the annual religious festival was stopped due to the coronavirus lockdown. Generally, as the statue was taken around the city for a month, protesters attempted to drag it out as police officers blocked them to move the chariot, resulting in a violent clash that injured many. While protesters hurled stones at the riot police, officers retaliated with water cannon attacks and fired tear gas as the confrontation went on for several hours. Angered at the governments restrictive orders to halt the festival around for over 1,350 years in Nepal to appease gods for rainfall, harvest, and prosperity, the mob erupted in the violent engagement with the Police in the cobblestone alleys of the city. As per the Nepal government's instructions, the outdoor festivals and religious gatherings have been banned for months in view of the surge in the coronavirus caseload in the country. Nepalese authorities issued orders in March that prohibited any religious activities where mob assembly was concerned in Kathmandu and surrounding districts. However, the citizens registered grievances with the government over the chariot procession, citing an age-long norm that eroded religious sentiments. [Protesters had gathered in the city of Lalitpur where a 5-story-high chariot holding a statue of the deity Rato Machindranath was built but parked. Credit: AP] [Nepalese protesters defying a government coronavirus lockdown to take part in a religious festival clash with riot police, in Lalitpur, Nepal.Credit: AP] Despite no official permission, a mob of around 800 religious devotees assembled in the Pulchowk area in Lalitpur to pull the Rato Machindranath Jatras statue around the city, ANI quoted Senior Superintendent Tek Prasad Rai, chief of Lalitpur Metropolitan Police Range as saying. Complying to the prohibitory official orders, the police stopped the mob from taking the chariot out of the parking area. While the mob outnumbered the police officers, the use of coercion led to the full-blown out clashes between the protesters and the police officers. "Since people had arrived in huge numbers, police alone were unable to control the crowd. So we sought the help of the Nepal Army, chief of Lalitpur Metropolitan Police Range told ANI. Armed forces personnel had managed to disperse assemble and turn the mob away, but they later gathered in huge number in the afternoon," Rai added. Read: Clashes During Anti-govt Protests In Sofia Read: China Enforces Education Policy Replacing Mongolian Language With Mandarin, Protests Erupt Procession co-ordinator denies involvement Meanwhile, the Lalitpur District Administration Office renewed the prohibitory orders, extending it for another week in consultation with the district administration offices of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, banning all non-non-essential movement, as per local media reports. While the Machindranath chariot procession was scheduled to be held on April 24, 2020, it was initially postponed as Nepal entered the strict lockdown around March 24 to stem the novel coronavirus spread. The procession co-ordinator, Chandra Maharjan, was quoted by ANI as saying, We were in a meeting with a committee in charge of the festival when we heard that people were pulling the chariot. We were not part of what happened earlier today. Clarifying the organizers role in the violent clashes, Maharjan said in the press, Today's incident does not involve the main stakeholders and we do not recognize those who attempted to pull the chariot. [Police officers in riot gear blocked the protesters when they moved the chariot, dousing them with water cannons. Protesters destroy the police vehicle. Credit: AP] [Nepalese police fire teargas as protesters. Credit: AP] [People drag a metal frame to create a barricade during a protest. Credit: AP] [The clash continued for hours and spread to the small cobblestone alleys in the city, which is south of the capital, Kathmandu. Credit: AP] Read: Anti-Lukashendo Protests Continue In Belarus Read: Anti-government Protests Continue In Bulgaria (With ANI Inputs) (Images Credit: AP) Youre walking down the street when you see an unsettling sight: a massive group of people, all bunched together, in clear violation of social distancing. Or youre in a (newly reopened) restaurant, and the tables are not even close to six feet apart. What is a concerned citizen to do? New Jersey health officials outlined several avenues for residents to take in filing public safety complaints. The easiest and most streamlined approach is through the states Executive Order Violation Reporting Form at covid19.nj.gov/forms/violation. The online forms are filed to the Office of Emergency Management. The form includes several options for violations, including, a business that is not practicing social distancing requirements, a business that is not allowing remote work of non-essential employees, an indoor gathering of more than 25 people, or more than 25% of the capacity of the room and an outdoor gathering of more than 500 people. The website states that compliance with Executive Orders is not voluntary, and asks for a description of the potential violation in order for the Office of the Attorney General to follow up. The OAG urges residents to first contact a business, describe the problem and explain what you want changed, before submitting a complaint online. Social distancing violations of all sorts can also be brought to local police departments, though policies will differ town to town. Anthony Ambrose, Newarks Director of Public Safety, told NJ Advance Media people can report issues to the police or Department of Health. Local police forces have been sporadically enforcing social distancing across the state, like last Friday, when New Brunswick Police responded to the scene of a party with about 100 people near Rutgers Universitys College Avenue campus. Police issued summonses for loud music and dispersed the non-distanced crowd of young people. On Friday, a whole new realm of social distancing will emerge when indoor dining reopens across New Jersey. Diners who feel uncomfortable or unsafe should complain to the management, and leave if they continue to feel unsafe, Nancy Kearney, NJ Department of Health spokesperson, told NJ Advance Media via email. Diners can choose to contact local law enforcement if a restaurant is out of compliance and declines to take action to protect the health and safety of patrons. The order also provides for penalties for non-compliance. For a shopper who notices mask-less patrons in a supermarket, Kearney offered similar advice. Shoppers, too, who feel uncomfortable or unsafe should complain to the store management, and leave if they continue to feel unsafe, Kearney wrote. And, employees who feel uncomfortable with violations in the workplace can file an Occupational Safety and Health Administration complaint if working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful to request an inspection. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Josh Axelrod may be reached at jaxelrod@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. After the guidelines issued by the Centre on Unlock 4.0, the Telangana government is all set to resume Hyderabad Metro Rail services from September 7 by operating trains in a phased manner on one of its three corridors. However, five metro stations - Gandhi Hospital, Bharat Nagar, Moosapet, Musheerabad and Yusufguda - will remain closed as they fall under containment zones. In the first phase, metro services on the Miyapur to LB Nagar corridor would be made operational from 7 am to 12 noon and then from 4 pm to 9 pm. Next day, the Nagole to Raidurg stretch would also be made operational. During the third phase beginning September 9, all three corridors would be operational with full services from 7 am to 9 pm. To avoid crowding and passenger traffic in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, certain guidelines have been laid down by the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) after conducting a meeting with top officials. According to the HMRL, only asymptomatic patients will be allowed on the trains after a thermal screening test. Wearing face masks will be mandatory and those without masks will be asked to purchase them from the station or be penalised, said HMRL Managing Director NVS Reddy. Here are the SOPs issued for resumption of Hyderabad Metro services: 1. Frequency of trains will be around five minutes which will be improved or decreased based on passenger traffic and to avoid crowding. 2. In order to ensure social distancing, suitable markings will be made at the stations and inside the trains. Alternate seats will be marked X and kept vacant. 3. Wearing face mask is mandatory for all passengers and staff, and Metro Rail will make arrangements for supply of masks on payment basis to the persons arriving without mask. 4. Only asymptomatic persons will be allowed on the trains after thermal screening at the entry point of the stations. Symptomatic persons would be advised to go to a nearby Covid Care Centre/hospital for testing/medical attention. 5. Pedal sanitisers will be kept at the entry points for all passengers. 6. Proper PPE kits and sanitisers will be provided to the employees/security personnel, who are likely to be in proximate contact with the commuters for longer duration. 7. Smart cards and mobile QR tickets with cashless/online transactions will be encouraged. 8. Passengers will be advised to travel with minimum luggage and avoid carrying metallic items for easy and quick scanning. 9. Parking spaces would be opened in line with the guidelines issues by the government. 10. Keeping in view various scenarios post Covid-19, mock drills are being conducted before commencement of the metro services. 11. Metro Rail will keep close liaison with State police, medical authorities and local administration for regulating crowd outside the stations and to deal with contingencies. 12. Security personnel and private guards have been instructed to ensure adequate safety while frisking commuters without diluting security drills. 13. The HMRL authorities will monitor social distancing through CCTV by OCC, Station controller and Train Operators. Hyderabad Metro operations were suspended on March 22 and will be resuming after 169 days in line with the Centres guidelines. Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, the HMRL was operating 55 trains carrying about 4.5 lakh passengers every day. It is estimated to have suffered a loss of Rs 300 crore during the last five-and-a-half months owing to the lockdown. A Victorian nun, known as 'the Mother Theresa of Manchester' is set to pass the next stage on becoming the first female British saint of modern times. Elizabeth Prout, who died in 1864, has passed the first two stages of sainthood. The last three British female saints were all put to death during the reign of Elizabeth I. Theological experts in the Vatican are expected to soon announce that Prout, who was born in Shrewsbury in 1820, will be declared 'venerable', the third of five steps to sainthood. Elizabeth Prout, who died in 1864, has passed the first two stages of sainthood. The last three British female saints were all put to death during the reign of Elizabeth I. Her case is being promoted by the Bishop of Shrewsbury, Mark Davies, left Her case is being promoted by the Right Rev Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury. According to The Times, he told worshippers at Shrewsbury Cathedral this week, that Prout moved to Manchester at the time of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels visited the city. She was appalled by the conditions in the city. Bishop Davies said: 'If Marx and Engels merely observed the condition of the poor, Elizabeth desired to live and die among them.' She died in 1864 of TB. She is remembered as an activist who opened a chain of schools for poor children and homes for destitute women across the industrialised North West, and is considered to have been ahead of her time in teaching women skills to earn their own living. Her cause for sainthood was submitted to the Vatican in 2008 for scrutiny by theologians. A dossier on her is now to be examined by senior Vatican clerics who will then ask Pope Francis to declare Mother Elizabeth as venerable. At that point, church authorities will begin the search for evidence of two miracles linked to her name, the final hurdle to be crossed in order to achieve sainthood. Sister Dominic Savio Hamer, Elizabeths biographer and a member of the order of nuns she founded, the Passionist Sisters, said Elizabeth was practical, generous and self-sacrificing. She was born into an Anglican family in Shrewsbury in 1820, but converted to the Catholic faith in her early twenties. At the age of 28 she became a nun and a few years later was given a teaching post in some of the poorest areas of industrial Manchester. She developed a reputation for tireless efforts in teaching, sheltering, feeding and nursing the needy and opened a chain of schools and hostels across the most poverty-stricken parts of the region. Elizabeth started a religious community, which ran into criticism from both within and outside the Catholic fold for alleged revolutionary ideas which included requiring nuns to earn their own wages to support themselves, and teaching other women how to do the same. The order was cleared of wrongdoing and approved by the Vatican in 1863. Mother Elizabeth died of tuberculosis in St Helens, Lancashire, in 1864. The Right Reverend Mark Davies, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, said: Elizabeth saw the great human and spiritual crisis of her time and responded by dedicating her life with courageous faith and perseverance. Her canonisation would mean she will become the first English female saint since Margaret Clitherow, Anne Line and Margaret Ward, canonised by Pope St Paul VI in 1970. The three women were executed during the religious strife of the reign of Elizabeth I, and were among 40 Catholic martyrs of the Reformation from England and Wales to be canonised. However Elizabeth would be the first modern woman saint. The landmark move comes less than three months after the ceremony in Rome at which Pope Francis canonised the father of the Engish Roman Catholic revival of the Victorian era, Cardinal John Henry Newman. A 60-year-old trader in a bid to take revenge, threw acid on a senior government officer inside his chamber in north Bengal on Thursday afternoon. The accused Ashoke Kumar Bansal has been arrested. Police said that Bansal went to the office of Dawa Wangel Lama, food controller of Cooch Behar town, and threw acid on the officer. Lama suffered minor injuries. The accused was immediately overpowered by other staff and handed over to the police. Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the man had some personal grudges against the officer, said Santosh Nimbalkar, superintendent of police of Cooch Behar district. A few years ago, when Lama was a sub-controller and posted in the adjacent district of Jalpaiguri, Bansal had filed a case in the Calcutta high court against the food supply department. He, however, lost the case. According to a statement released by the police, the accused later filed another case against the food control department. This time he filed it in the Haryana high court. Lama, however, took special initiative and the court quashed the case. After being defeated for the second time, the man decided to take revenge against Lama. He threw acid to take revenge, said a police officer. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON RTHK: Trump denies he called fallen soldiers 'losers' President Donald Trump strongly denied a magazine report saying he had spoken disparagingly about fallen US military personnel buried in Europe and declined to visit an American cemetery during a trip to France because he thought it unimportant. The Atlantic magazine reported that Trump had referred to marines buried in an American cemetery near Paris as "losers" and declined to visit in 2018 because of concern that the rain that day would mess up his hair. Trump told reporters that the story was false. "To think that I would make statements negative to our military and fallen heroes when nobody has done what I've done, for the US armed forces, Trump said. "It's a total lie ... It's a disgrace." The president said he did not go to the cemetery because weather prevented a helicopter flight. The alternative, a long drive, would have meant going through very busy areas of Paris and the Secret Service objected, he said. "The Secret Service told me, 'you can't do it. I said, 'I have to do it. I want to be there.' They said, 'you can't do it, Trump said. The Atlantic did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular business hours. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who is leading Trump in national polls ahead of the November 3 election, emphasised his own commitment to helping members of the military in a response to the report. "If the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States," Biden said in a statement released by his campaign. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Photo: (Photo : Photo from Pexels) The family of a Chicago man shot by police last Monday is now looking for answers on the night their relative died in the police's hands. They are also looking for possible bodycam footage of the incident. The man was identified as Miguel Vega, 26 years old. According to the family of this Chicago man, they are not convinced that Miguel fired shots towards the police. READ ALSO: Son killed, husband injured in shooting incident at New Jersey judge's home The night the Chicago man was shot by police. Reports from the Chicago police revealed that they received a call from a suspicious person in the Pilsen neighborhood. Authorities responded to the call, and they saw five people who were standing on the sidewalk. The police stopped near the five people, and as they were exiting their car, shots were fired towards the vehicle. According to the police report, the vehicle was struck by gunfire. Included in the report is information that a gun was recovered in the scene. However, there were no details about Vega firing a weapon or if the other people were armed. Police shot the Chicago man at the back of his head. He was pronounced dead in the hospital. Two people were also arrested during the incident. The other two, who were reported to be in the area during the incident, are still at large. It was not mentioned in the initial report of the police that the vehicle used by the authorities was not marked. READ ALSO: Police Offer $5,000 Reward for Information on the Death of a Pregnant Woman in Columbia Family of Chicago man shot by police calls for justice Miguel Vega, 26 years old, is a father of two children. According to his brother, Erik Vega, he is doubtful about the police report. He said that his brother was in the area because he was hanging out with friends after work. In an interview with WGN-TV, Erik said that they want to know the exact details of what happened on the night his brother was shot by police. He said, "So we can fully understand and backup our stories or beliefs." The mother of the 26-year-old Chicago man, Maria Vega, is calling for justice for her son. She insists on seeing bodycam footage. She said that all they want are answers that could clarify what happened on that day. "If my son was at fault, I'll accept it, but it doesn't make sense right now," the mother said in an interview. READ ALSO: Suspect to Horrible Shooting of Four Cousins in Michigan Now in Police Custody Because of the incident, the police officers involved in the shooting will be put on routine administrative duties. They will stay in such responsibilities for 30 days. According to the report from ABC News, it takes typically 60 days for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to release videos like bodycam footage to the public. READ ALSO: Son calls dad for help after being beaten and shot with two best friends The thing that heartened me actually was that 60% of these applications satisfy the social equity portion of it because of who they are, and it wasnt because of who they hired, she said. That was probably one of my biggest fears ... (that) it was going to be just a whole bunch of people that hired people. Hundreds of people have rallied in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern city of Bukavu in support of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege, who has been the target of death threats believed to be linked to his outspoken criticism of violence against women and other human rights abuses. Holding signs expressing "grave concern" at the mounting death threats against Mukwege, hundreds of Congolese civil society actors took to the streets of Bukavu on Thursday to urge the government to protect him. Some protesters held messages such as: "Mukwege is a national institution, threatening him with death is tantamount to burying the hope of the Congolese people." Since receiving his Nobel prize in 2018, the Congolese gynaecologist has been more outspoken in his condemnation of human rights abuses in eastern DRC, committed between 1993 and 2003. Dangerous advocacy In a message on his Twitter account, Mukwege wrote "these are the same ones who are still killing in the DRC", referring to a massacre in the east. He went further, calling for an international court to be set up to bring the perpetrators to justice. Observers reckon his advocacy may be the reason behind the death threats against him and his family. Slow government response On 21 August, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi vowed to protect the Nobel peace laureate and launch an investigation. Some experts said that Tshisekedi's announcement, more than a month after the first signs of intimidation against Mukwege, was too little, too late. Protesters on Thursday demanded the government act quickly, joining growing calls for his protection. The protection of Mukwege and other human rights defenders is "a matter of urgency", they said in a statement, urging Congolese authorities to swiftly identify the authors responsible for the death threats. Life of service Mukwege, 65, is best known for helping thousands of women victims of sexual violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He set up the Panzi hospital in the provincial city of Bukavu nearly 20 years ago, shortly after his first experience treating a woman who had been raped and mutilated by armed men. For decades, he has called for perpetrators to be brought to justice and advocated against the use of rape as a weapon of war. He survived an assassination attempt at his home in 2012. Gurugram, Sep 4 : The Gurugram District Administration will appoint a nodal officer who will be in touch with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials in order to facilitate Metro operations in the city. The move comes ahead of the resumption of Metro services by the DMRC from September 7. The DMRC had halted Metro services during the nationwide lockdown in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The DMRC has five Metro stations in Gurugram -- Huda City Centre, Iffco Chowk, MG Road, Sikandarpur and Guru Dronacharya. "For smooth operation of the Delhi Metro, we have decided to appoint a nodal officer who will remain in touch with Metro officials for smooth functioning of services in Gurugram," said Amit Khatri, Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram. Khatri further stated that the DMRC should formulate a plan to divide the crowd at different levels so that the passengers do not gather at any one place. An adequate number of teams should be deployed at the Metro station for the thermal scanning of passengers. Talking about the administration's preparedness for the resumption of Metro operations, he said, "Autorickshaws and e-rickshaws will be parked in an orderly manner outside the station. In this task, the auto union team will support itself so that passengers do not face any kind of trouble and there will be a separate stand of the auto." Apart from this, the health officials said, the list of health centres and Covid-19 hospitals will be made available to the representative of DMRC near the five metro stations falling in the district of Gurugram so far. If any passenger is found infected from corona it can be sent there for further treatment. Necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that passengers do not gather at one place at the Metro stations. Also, passengers should try not to stand at the station for much longer. Speaking about DMRC preparations, Rishabh Singh, Assistant Manager of DMRC said, "Passengers will be thermal scanned at the time of entry in the station premises. Travelers who show signs of coronavirus infection will be referred to the nearest health centre or Covid-19 hospital". Travellers will also be encouraged to download the Arogya Setu App on their mobiles. "There will be separate gates of entry and exit at the Metro station so that passengers coming and going do not have a conflict among themselves. A strip of one-metre distance for the passengers has been designed at the station premises and there will be self-exile signage on the platform so that the passengers themselves will know what to do," Singh said. He further informed that there will be special seating arrangements inside the Metro trains in order to contain the spread of the infection. "An announcement regarding the prevention of Covid infection will also be announced. Also, there will be a digital transaction for the ticket," he said. A medical officer arranges samples taken for Covid-19 testing from passengers at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, March 18, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Vietnam has spent among the least in the world on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has said. With a population of nearly 100 million the country has so far spent less than $400 million, Dam, who is also head of the National Steering Committee on Covid-19 Fight and Prevention, said at a meeting on Thursday. Vietnam sprung into action very early and effectively implemented anti-pandemic measures like mass testing, vaccine research and production of biological products and medical equipment, he said. When China confirmed the first death from the new coronavirus on January 11, Vietnam tightened control at all border gates and airports. It quickly began to isolate people coming from infected areas and quarantine those with symptoms of Covid-19 in hospitals, where they were tested for the virus. Mass testing was done at industrial parks, wholesale markets and neighborhoods with Covid cases. People were offered a 14-day quarantine and Covid-19 tests for free. Foreigners had to pay for treatment while Vietnamese citizens did not. Only from September 1 were people coming from overseas asked to pay the cost of quarantining them. Labs have been working hard to get a Covid-19 vaccine ready for clinical trials on humans by the end of this year. New Covid-19 testing strategy needed Vietnam has been combating the pandemic while also not taking its eye off the economic ball. The government is considering the resumption of commercial flights to enable foreign experts and investors to enter the country. Aviation authorities have prepared detailed plans for resuming commercial flights to six Asian destinations from September 15 with around 5,000 foreign passengers scheduled to arrive in Vietnam per week. Experts have recommended the use of antigen rapid test kits at airports and border gates to screen foreign arrivals like many other countries do. Professor Dang Duc Anh, director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said this would save time and reduce costs. Currently Vietnam carries out RT-PCR tests while quick test kits detect antibodies against coronavirus. The downside of the rapid test is that it is only accurate if a person has been infected with the coronavirus for seven days or more. Therefore, to meet the requirements of the new testing strategy, the Covid-19 steeting committee said it is necessary to develop antigen rapid test kits with sensitivity matching the RT-PCR kits. Experts said while waiting for domestic products, rapid test kits could be imported for use at airports. Vietnam has had 1,046 Covid-19 cases, 253 of them active, with 35 deaths. A turtle species that was once believed to be extinct was rediscovered and has been saved from biological extinction. The Burmese roofed turtle, which looks like it is always smiling, is one of the most endangered turtles in the world, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Facebook/WCS The species lives only in the river systems of Myanmar, and in the year 2000 was being considered as a candidate for classification as 'extinct'. Steven G. Platt, a herpetologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society told the New York Times, "We came so close to losing them. If we didn't intervene when we did, this turtle would have just been gone." Also Read: Indigenous Andamanese Tribes Could Face Extinction After COVID-19 Cases Reported Among Them According to reports, a living specimen was purchased in a Chinese wildlife market and made it's way into the possession of an American turtle collector in the early 2000s. Soon afterward, scientists chanced upon two remnant populations of the animal in the wild while on field surveys. These were located in the Dokhtawady and upper Chindwin Rivers and the individuals formed a last-ditch breeding program to save the species. In a press release last week, WCS said the captive the population of Burmese roofed turtles is now approaching 1,000 turtles, meaning the species appears to be in little danger of biological extinction. Also Read: 100-YO Giant Tortoise That Saved His Species From Extinction Retires To Native Island matadornetwork.com "Complementary conservation efforts are focused on the remaining wild population, which consists of five to six adult females and perhaps as few as two males," WCS said in the release. According to WCS, conservationists with WCS and TSA in Myanmar announced that for the first time, an isolated female Burmese roofed turtle who has never been known to produce fertile eggs deposited a clutch of 19 eggs, out of which 14 eggs hatched in May. Also Read: Rare Turtle With Golden Shell Found In Nepal, Worshipped As A God When broadcasting legend John Humphrys left Radio 4s Today show after 32 years, he delivered a parting shot in this paper that outlined his fears over the BBCs intrinsic Left-wing, metropolitan, anti-Brexit bias. One year on, as the new director general promises reforms, he argues the BBC is in an even worse state held hostage by a woke mob who imperil its very survival. Unfair? Here, in the new introduction to his memoirs, he faces the toughest interrogator of them all...himself. JH: So we meet again. A whole year without hearing your truculent tones on Today. They seem to have managed perfectly well without you. JH: Of course. There was never any doubt about that. I was one presenter among many. JH: Very noble but I bet youre missing them. JH: Quite the opposite. I wont pretend I havent screamed at the radio from time to time, but Ive made the amazing discovery that there may be more to life than arguing with politicians. When broadcasting legend John Humphrys left Radio 4s Today show after 32 years, he delivered a parting shot in this paper that outlined his fears over the BBCs intrinsic Left-wing, metropolitan, anti-Brexit bias JH: Fifty years with the BBC, and youre honestly telling me you were able to pack it in without so much as a backward glance? I dont believe it! JH: Thats because you never believe anything. But Im still broadcasting and . . . JH: . . . oh sure . . . Classic FM! Not exactly Today is it? JH: No, thank God! If you had a straight choice between listening to Mozart at 8.10am and listening to the Minister For Never Answering a Straight Question . . . JH: . . . as you well know thats a silly comparison. But youll seize on any excuse to attack the BBC even though it gave you a bloody good living. JH: Thats nonsense. I was critical of some big bosses but I still believe the BBC is the most important cultural and democratic institution this country has ever produced and . . . JH: . . . oh really? If thats true how do you explain the front page headline in the Daily Mail the day after you left New Broadcasting House? BBC ICON SAVAGES BIAS . . . AT THE BEEB! JH: I stand by every word. The BBC has had problems with bias in many areas even though it has an absolute obligation to remain impartial. JH: So why didnt you make a fuss at the time? JH: I did. I just didnt go public. You cannot continue to work for an organisation if youre publicly attacking it. One year on, as the new director general (above) promises reforms, John Humphrys argues the BBC is in an even worse state held hostage by a woke mob who imperil its very survival. Unfair? JH: Ah . . . so if its a choice between speaking out publicly for what matters and clinging on to your fat pay cheque, youll take the money and stay shtum. JH: I concede thats how it might look but if every senior figure at the BBC who had misgivings about its conduct were to walk out, thered be many empty chairs on the News Board. JH: All the better for that . . . JH: Possibly. But my worry is that, in the year since I left, BBC News has come under unprecedented pressure from activists determined to impose their own political agenda. JH: I could almost hear the sneer when you used the word activists! I assume youre referring to people from the black and ethnic minority community whove been seriously discriminated against for generations. Not to mention the LGBTQ community. JH: No sneer but, yes, Im uneasy with the language. Many black and gay people are insulted by the notion that they are members of a community. It suggests that they have no individual opinions or experiences of their own and see themselves as victims. Theyre not and they dont. JH: So youd be happy for the BBC to return to the Sixties? I bet the only black people you ever saw then were cleaners and all the bosses were straight white men. JH: God forbid! They were indeed bad days. But the BBC was hardly unique in racially discriminating. It was reflecting the nation. I was brought up in what would certainly be regarded now as a racist household in a racist area. My parents had not a single neighbour, let alone friend, who was black. And as for a black woman or even a white woman reading the news on the wireless, let alone the telly . . . dream on! JH: In which case why have you been attacking the BBC for its coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement, to name just one example? JH: What I have attacked is the way the BBC has failed too often in its duty to be totally objective on many controversial issues such as immigration and the EU, or even the Last Night of the Proms fiasco. It is not the BBCs job to transform society in ways that will meet the approval of certain pressure groups. JH: Not even if those pressure groups are on the side of the angels? JH: Not even then. No. And lets not forget that BLM in this country is a political movement with objectives many people regard as profoundly disturbing such as defunding the police and closing the prisons. JH: The fact is youd be happy if we still tolerated racism or prejudice against gay people and still had laws, for instance, making it illegal for a man to sleep with another man? JH: Dont be ridiculous. That law was an obscenity. And it changed because the men and women we sent to Parliament voted for the change. And, yes, they came under pressure, but it was not pressure from the BBC. It was pressure from the victims of that hideously outdated and iniquitous law and their supporters who marched in the streets and demanded reform and won the support of the majority of British citizens. Its called the democratic process. And the BBC reported that great campaign because that was its duty. And is still its duty. JH: Very high-minded no doubt, but not even the BBC can be impartial where racism is concerned. JH: Tell me about it. I lived for years in South Africa. I saw the evil of apartheid at first hand and I reported what I saw. Thats what journalists do. We report the facts. JH: And one fact is that there is still racism in this country and the BBC has an obligation to report it. JH: True, but there are now laws which make it illegal and when those laws are broken the BBC does indeed report it. The same applies to sexuality. Its illegal to discriminate against gays or lesbians or transgender people and the BBCs reporting must reflect that. JH: In which case why did you attack the BBC for appointing an LGBT correspondent? JH: I didnt. I attacked it for giving him a platform on which he said he regarded himself as a mouthpiece for LGBT people. Hes not. Hes a journalist. JH: One single example of some loose language is hardly evidence of the BBC allowing its reporters and correspondents to set their own agenda. JH: You want another? Since I wrote the book, the BBC has also appointed a gender and identity correspondent. She became involved in a massive row when she attacked the decision of a television news reporter to use the N-word in a report about a serious racist attack on a young black man. JH: Quite right, too. Everyone knows that word is simply unacceptable in this day and age. JH: Fair enough, but in this case the young mans mother wanted the word to be used because it proved the attack really was racially-motivated. The police changed the charge from hit and run to racially motivated attack. And the reporter warned the audience she was going to use an offensive word. So did the presenters. JH: But I bet the audience was massively offended. JH: Thats what was so interesting. When the report was shown on Points West there were a handful of complaints. But by the time it was repeated the following morning on the BBCs national news the Twitter mob and the lobby groups were on the case. They screamed blue murder and the BBC started to panic. A week later Tony Hall, who was director general then, called a meeting of the top bosses on a Sunday and the position hed originally taken was reversed. The BBC apologised. JH: And so he should have. You cant go around offending thousands of people without saying sorry even if you are the almighty BBC. JH: Rubbish! Thousands of people are offended every day by stuff the BBC reports. Thered be something wrong if they were not. JH: But only if what youre reporting is important . . . JH: . . . which is precisely what Lord Hall said this was. I quote: This is important journalism which the BBC should be reporting on and we will continue to do so. But then he flatly contradicted that by adding: I recognise that we have ended up creating distress among many people. So in other words the BBC will continue to do important journalism just so long as it doesnt create distress. That is neither rational nor acceptable. How do they deal with, say, low-life scum who deface a Holocaust memorial? Reporting it will cause distress among vast numbers of people (not just Jews) so should it be ignored? JH: Of course not. But the BBC must take into account peoples feelings. JH: Really? Which people specifically? And who makes the ultimate decision? JH: Well . . . BBC editors following the guidelines. JH: Ah . . . we can agree on something. My real concern is that those guidelines are at risk of being hijacked by, among others, an organisation called Embrace, which the BBC recognises as the voice of black and ethnic minority staff and which is represented at high-level management meetings. Embrace sent senior BBC bosses an internal document which included this line: We believe this to be a matter for debate within black communities, and not one for the BBC. That is simply outrageous. JH: Because? JH: Because the BBC is responsible for all its editorial decisions. It cannot be excluded from the debate by any special interest group. And God forbid it should allow words to be banned. JH: Oh, come on. The fact is that the BBC took note of what its critics were saying and changed its mind. Maybe it should have done it more often in the past. JH: But in my 50 years with the organisation there was never the sense that its senior management was being effectively held to ransom by people on its own staff in self-appointed advisory groups who tell the bosses how things should be done. They themselves have largely no editorial responsibility and they all have much the same agenda. They are, in the modern sense of the word, about as woke as it gets. Since I left Today I have spoken to editors and very senior bosses who admit they feel intimidated. It has a chilling effect. JH: You exaggerate again. There have always been pressure groups telling the BBC how it should report stories. Whats different now? JH: Social media for one thing. Twitter is a malign force. The BBC has fallen for the fiction that a few hundred attention-seeking, virtue-signalling agitators represent the conscience of the nation. Theyve allowed the woke whingers to frame the argument. That is profoundly worrying. JH: Time for the BBC to call it a day then? JH: Quite the opposite. The new director general Tim Davie might well be its saviour. In his first three days in the job he has reversed the ludicrous decision to wreck the Last Night of the Proms and has made a speech that had an old cynic like me cheering from the rafters. He warned the ever-growing army of bureaucrats and bosses with silly titles to start looking for new jobs. He warned all those senior journalists who cant stay away from social media to keep their political views to themselves or clear off. What I have attacked is the way the BBC has failed too often in its duty to be totally objective on many controversial issues such as immigration and the EU, or even the Last Night of the Proms fiasco. It is not the BBCs job to transform society in ways that will meet the approval of certain pressure groups He warned recruiters to hire fewer metropolitan right-on Oxbridge types and find a few working-class youngsters who dont read only the Guardian. He wants to hear a few comics on Radio 4 who might (God forbid) have voted Conservative now and then. He wants a radical shift . . . to focus on those we serve: the public. He wants diversity of thought. And in some ways just as important he has done something no previous DG has ever done. He has recognised that the BBC is too big and must stop growing. Oh . . . and one other thing. He has put paid to the nonsense that the BBC might eventually become a subscription service like Netflix. JH: Why nonsense? JH: Because it would make it just another media company serving a specific group. JH: And the reaction to all this? JH: Depends who you talk to but Im already getting calls from some very senior figures who had drafted resignation letters and have now ripped them up. JH: A bit naive surely? Hell come under the same pressures that his predecessors have experienced. JH: You bet! But if he chooses to fight he wont be alone. There are millions of decent people out there who share my fears. GK Chesterton identified them in his great poem called The Secret People: Smile at us, pay us, pass us; but do not quite forget, For we are the people of England, that never have spoken yet. Adapted from A Day Like Today by John Humphrys, 9.99 published in paperback by William Collins on October 1. FarEye, a leading logistics SaaS platform for predictive visibility, has announced that it has raised additional $13 million as an extension to its Series D investment led by The Fundamentum Partnership, the growth-capital fund for mid-stage technology companies in India backed by Nandan Nilekani and Sanjeev Aggarwal and KB Global Platform Fund, one of the leading investment firm of Korea. The investment will accelerate FarEyes global expansion to address the steepening digital curve for logistics transformation. The need is being further accelerated by enterprises and end consumers demanding a high level of transparency, faster and more convenient delivery experiences. There is also an increased need for flexible supply chains to meet these demands, said the statement from FarEye. "With recently raised funds we will continue to invest in the best talent in the Americas, Europe, and APAC to support our hyper-growth in these regions. With a vision to make FarEye one of the most customer-centric organizations globally, we aim to make every delivery delightful for the consumers," remarked its CEO Kushal Nahata. FarEyes recent success in Europe with marquee customers like the leading postal and logistics service company in Finland and a leading American eCommerce company among others has fueled its focus for rapid expansion in the region. Recently the company established its European headquarters in London and now continues to invest in building its sales, solutions, services, and customer success teams in the region. "We work with our enterprise customers to provide higher control on their supply chains and offer a superior delivery experience to their end customers," stated Nahata. The companys technology platform digitizes the way enterprises dispatch, execute, track, and optimize the movement of goods, enabling enterprises to lower logistics costs while delighting end consumers, he added. Commenting on the investment, Aggarwal said: "Investment in the logistics space is essential for the economic growth of any nation. FarEye has captured the pulse of this industry and has all the ingredients to head towards global leadership." "I believe in the founders, and the team has the clarity of vision. We are excited to partner with FarEye in its journey to create a global technology leader in the logistics space," he added. This is the second time this year that FarEye has been able to raise funds to support its hyper-growth in global markets, making it a total of $51 million investment so far. In April, FarEye had raised $24.5 million in Series D from M12 (Microsofts venture fund) with participation from Eight Roads Ventures, Honeywell Ventures, and existing investor SAIF Partners.-TradeArabia News Service Friday, September 4, 2020 Johanna Hoffman, a member of our Emerging Fellows program detects the conflicts that may be raised by refugees migrating because of climate change in her ninth blog post. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the APF or its other members. Unrest often leads to unrest. Its a truth thats playing out again today as protests for racial and social equity accelerate across the United States, Europe, India, Brazil and beyond. While these demonstrations stem from longstanding anger over a status quo built on the legacies of colonialism and white supremacy, the impacts of COVID-19 have arguably augmented their intensity. This movement erupted after the world was gripped for months by isolation, fear, sickness and economic shutdown. Such intense strife lays fertile ground for frustration to transform into action. Now imagine a world where COVID-19 is not an isolated incident but one of many progressively disastrous events. That is where were currently headed. Experts warn that raging wildfires like those that devastated Australia in 2019 will recur and grow. Superstorms like Hurricane Sandy will no longer be anomalies. When they strike, these events will wreak mounting costs, from loss of homes and habitats and jobs, to widespread loss of life. Longer term, systemic changes like sea level rise stand to spark more severe political instability, resource competition and forced migration than we as a species have ever seen. The risks associated with the climate crisis are mounting so quickly that groups beyond the scientific community are now sounding the alarm. Last years Worldwide Threat Assessment from the U.S. intelligence community stated that Global environmental and ecological degradation, as well as climate change, are likely to fuel competition for resources, economic distress, and social discontent through 2019 and beyond. Climate hazards are intensifying, threatening infrastructure, health, and water and food security. The numbers of refugees that could arise from such degrees of instability are staggering. Hundreds of millions of people across the globe currently live in low-lying coastal areas. If seas rise just a couple of meters which scientists predict could happen by or before the end of this century tens of millions of people, if not hundreds, will be forced to flee. Such a change would create more environmental refugees than ever seen before. To put such numbers in perspective, the refugee crisis created by the Syrian Civil War, one of the major humanitarian disasters of this century and a source of widespread geopolitical tension across Europe, involved the relatively small amount of five million refugees. Imagine what conflicts might arise when hundreds of millions of people are on the move. That is the reality were facing. Even if our most ambitious climate mitigation goals are met, we are still looking at futures with roughly 2.7 degrees Celsius of warming and 1.4 meters of sea level rise. These kinds of changes would spark a wide array of environmental discord, from drastic swings in precipitation patterns to increasingly intense coastal floods, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions around the world. Thats a best-case scenario. Given the lack of international cooperation and global leadership, were slated to deal with situations far more dire. As the COVID-19 pandemic is making abundantly clear, none of these shifts will unfold in a geopolitical vacuum. Coronavirus has spread rapidly since it first appeared in December of 2019, posing enormous challenges to the entire human population, from death and long-term health impacts to economic implosion. The myriad consequences of the climate crisis mounting numbers of refugees, spikes in forced migration, border conflicts and increasing resource scarcity will have similarly widespread impacts beyond their immediate origins. Unrest, however, isnt inherently evil. Current demands for racial and social justice are direct reminders that rapid action can cause positive change. Yet the pendulum can always swing quickly back in opposing directions. Adolf Hilters rise to power followed a period of progressive development during the Weimar Republic, characterized by growing support for reformist taxation, social welfare programs, labor unions, and economic opportunity for women.It also coincided with one of the worst depressions in modern German history, where the value of the German mark decreased so precipitously that residents needed wheelbarrows to carry enough paper money to buy single loaves of bread. The international fallout of the coronavirus is creating similarly precarious repercussions. The growing impacts of the climate emergency will bring even more. Faced with such pressures, we can go the direction of Germany under Hitler, vilifying those who are different and taking solace in cultures of fear. Or we can learn from history and carve a different, more inclusive path. Johanna Hoffman 2020 In a shocking revelation, a reputed activist of colour and professor of African American History in the United States has admitted that she is indeed white. Admitting that most of her adult life and relationships were based on a napalm toxic soil of lies", Jessica Krug revealed that she had been pretending to be black for all her adult life, despite actually being the daughter of white parents. To an escalating degree over my adult life, I have eschewed my lived experience as a white Jewish child in suburban Kansas City under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim: first North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then the Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness," Krug revealed in her blog post on Medium. Krug is currently a professor of African American History at George Washington University La Bombalera Krug had previously claimed to be of Afro-Puerto Rican descent and was a regular among activist circles in the Bronx where she also lived. She was known for her bold rhetoric against White Americans. Known as Jessica La Bombalera or simply Jessa Bombaleraamong activists in the Spanish Harlem neighbourhoods of New York and her followers as, Krug delivered a speech at a New York City Council Zoom meeting from El Barrio in June in which she accused white New Yorkers of neglecting her neighbourhood. I wanna call out all these white New Yorkers who waited four hours with us to be able to speak and then did not yield their time for Black and Brown indigenous New Yorkers," she had said. Krugs announcement of her true identity came in the wake of the launch of her book Fugitive Realities. The professor dedicated the book to My ancestors, unknown, unnamed, who bled life into a future they had no reason to believe could or should exist. My brother, the fastest, the smartest, the most charming of us all. Those whose names I cannot say for their own safety, whether in my barrio, in Angola, or in Brazil." In the Medium post, Krug revealed that she was indeed from Kansas and claimed to have lived through childhood trauma and mental health issues. She did not, however, use them as an excuse for her presence. But mental health issues can never, will never, neither explain nor justify, neither condone nor excuse, that, in spite of knowing and regularly critiquing any and every non-Black person who appropriates from Black people, my false identity was crafted entirely from the fabric of Black lives, she said. Dazed and gaslit While the news of La Bombaleras true identity quickly went viral following her blog post, many of her followers were left shocked and dazed. Many couldnt believe that the feisty activist that they had followed and admired had indeed been lying to them for years. I'm sorry, Jess La bombalera WHAT??? Factory Issue Light-Skinned Woman (@thejournalista) September 3, 2020 Shes a professor at GWU! Jessica A. Krug is a historian of politics, ideas, and cultural practices in Africa and the African Diaspora https://t.co/QnRzkDerkq Yashar Ali (@yashar) September 3, 2020 Many claimed that she was cosplaying" as a black person and dug up old videos in which she spoke with a clearly stylised and appropriated accent to appear black. This woman was able to cosplay as an Afro-Latina from the Bronx with this sh*tty accent? Jessica Krug got people to believe this performance was authentic cause she called herself Jess La Bombalera? https://t.co/dSOKGrblVV Atarah P (@TruthTellingEsq) September 3, 2020 "Jess La Bombalera"Just surreally bad Gwen Snyder is uncivil (@gwensnyderPHL) September 3, 2020 This woman, who took funds/awards/promotion/tenure that should have gone to a deserving Black person, also called herself La Bombalera a la El Barrio. Some people just can't stop stealing. So many angry thoughts. #JessicaKrug https://t.co/1wh3aSsaQN Dr. Grisel Y. Acosta (@GriselYAcosta1) September 3, 2020 Jess la bombalera is the exact name a white woman from the suburbs would think a 'cool afro Latina' from the bronx would have Sunndrez (@MohammedGrout) September 3, 2020 The case is eerily reminiscent of racial activist Rachel Dolezal who caused controversy for falsely claiming she was black. Dolezal, who was the president of the Spokane chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, resigned in 2015 following the uproar when media reports disclosed her parents were white. Dolezal has since maintained that she identifies as Black and even had her name changed to Nkechi Amare Diallo, which is more rooted in African heritage and language. READ: The Strange Case of Twitters Favourite LGBTQ Professor Who Died of COVID-19: She Never Existed In a more recent and unrelated incident, a bisexual woman who was was popular as a professor and advocate for women and LGBTQIA in the science world turned out to be fictitious after claims that she had passed away due to COVID-19. Fans and followers of the popular account Sciencing_bi were shocked and hurt to find out that the account was actually run by another woman called BethAnn McLaughlin. Seven human rights experts affiliated with the UN raised concerns over Hong Kong's national security law in a letter addressed to Chinese authorities, saying that the law infringed on certain fundamental rights. In a letter released Friday, the experts said that the national security law raised a serious risk that fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, may be infringed upon. It also highlighted the undermining of the independence judges and lawyers in the semiautonomous Chinese territory. We underscore that general assertions of conduct that threatens 'national security' without proper definitions and limitations may severely curtail civic space, the right to participate in public affairs, the rights of minorities and the work of human rights defenders and other civil society actors and their right to associate, the human rights experts said in the letter dated September 1. The group of experts are independent human rights monitors who work with the UN human rights office, including Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. imposed a national security law approved by Beijing on June 30, following anti-government protests in last year against a now-withdrawn extradition bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland The national security law makes secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the city's internal affairs. Chief Executive Carrie Lam has insisted that the law will help bring stability back to Hong Kong after months of unrest. Critics say the law effectively ends the one country, two systems framework under which Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy after it was passed from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The law extends beyond Hong Kong, and targets anyone overseas who violates the legislation, although it is not clear how the law would be enforced. Suspects arrested in Hong Kong under the national security law could also be sent to mainland to stand trial in exceptional circumstances. The sweeping legislation has drawn criticism for stipulating that the destruction of government facilities and utilities would be considered subversive, while damaging public transportation facilities constitutes an act of terrorism. In the 14-page letter, the experts called on to address the concerns of the UN, including its plans to enforce extra-territorial jurisdiction," to ensure that it complies with the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights treaty that China has signed. The document sent by the UN is known as an other letter, a communication with governments that examines draft or existing legislation, policy or practice that is deemed out-of-step and noncompliant with human rights norms. The letter follows the first in-depth appraisal of the Hong Kong security law from the UN human rights system, though officials including UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, have previously expressed concerns about it. Unlike other types of communications from the UN human rights system with governments, which remain confidential for nearly two months to give them time to respond, other letters give governments only two days advance notice. (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.) Pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Sanofi Pasteur have enrolled more than 400 people for a clinical trial of their Covid-19 vaccine candidate. The government has already signed a deal with the companies for 60 million doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine. A total of 440 healthy adults are being enrolled in the trial across 11 sites in the United States and the companies anticipate initial results in early December. If the first two phases go well, the companies aim to move into a phase three trial by the end of the year, and if the data is sufficient for licensure application, it is planned to request regulatory approval in the first half of 2021. The vaccine produced by GSK and Sanofi, which together have the largest vaccine manufacturing capability in the world, is based on the existing DNA-based technology used to produce Sanofi's seasonal flu vaccine. Roger Connor, president of GSK Vaccines said: "Moving this vaccine candidate into clinical development is an important moment in the progress towards addressing the global pandemic we are all facing. "This builds on the confidence shown by governments already in the potential of this protein-based adjuvanted vaccine candidate, which utilises established technology from both companies, and can be produced at scale by two of the leading vaccine manufacturers globally. "We now look forward to the data from the study, and if positive, beginning a phase three trial by the end of the year." Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president and global head of Sanofi Pasteur, said: "Sanofi and GSK bring proven science and technology to the fight against the global Covid-19 pandemic, with the shared objective of delivering a safe and effective vaccine. "The initiation of our clinical study is an important step and brings us closer to a potential vaccine which could help defeat Covid-19. "Our dedicated teams and partner continue to work around the clock as we aim to deliver the first results in early December." Miguel Scott Arnold, 33, of Harrisburg, was sentenced Thursday to 25 years imprisonment for his role as the leader of a human trafficking operation, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Fifteen years are mandatory. Arnold was convicted on June 21, 2019, following a four-day jury trial. He was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana; and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Over 20 people, including juveniles, were part of his sex trafficking operation, authorities said. He, and his co-conspirators, forced them to participate through fraud, physical assault, deprivation to heroin to those addicted, and threats of violence. Four co-defendants previously pleaded guilty to similar charges. Authorities said the sex trafficking operation began in 2015 and continued until August 2016. They rented hotel rooms and posted escort advertisements and photographs on www.backpage.com, a website that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has shut down. While the women were coerced into prostitution, others were targeted to be part of the operation based on their age, financial insecurity, or if they had a drug addiction. Three of the people used in the operation were reportedly minors; one as young as age 14. In addition to Arnold, four others from Harrisburg were charged in the indictment: The downward trend for Florida workers compensation rates is set to continue next year thanks to favorable loss experiences from policy years 2017 and 2018. The latest filing from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) proposes an average statewide rate decrease of 5.7% in the voluntary market. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2021 if approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which is currently reviewing the proposed rates. NCCI is a licensed rating organization authorized to make recommended rate filings on behalf of workers compensation insurance companies in Florida. As always, OIR will review the filing to ensure the proposed changes are not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory and evaluate its potential effects on the insurance marketplace and employers, who are required by law to carry this insurance on their employees, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said in a statement. The filing is based on experience data as of year-end 2019 from policy years 2017 and 2018. Favorable experience has been observed in each of these years. Floridas lost-time claim frequency continues its decline while the states average indemnity and medical costs per lost-time claim have exhibited relatively more year-to-year volatility, NCCI said. If approved, it would be the fifth rate decrease for Florida since 2016, when two separate Florida Supreme Court decisions led to a significant rate increase and much anticipation that rates would continue rising in the near future. Those decisions Westphal v. City of St. Petersburg and Castellanos v. Next Door Company resulted in changes to the Florida workers compensation landscape by undoing a primary cost-reduction component of reforms passed by Florida lawmakers in 2003. The initial response from NCCI and regulators was a steep rate increase of 14.5 percent for 2017. NCCI was ordered by OIR in 2017 to begin assessing the market impact of Castellanos, which has been considered the main driver of concern and accounted for most of the 2017 rate increase. In that case the Florida Supreme Court found the states mandatory attorney fee schedule unconstitutional as a violation of due process under both the Florida and United States Constitutions. However, other factors now appear to be impacting rates positively. NCCIs rate explanation for 2021 noted that carrier loss ratio results are improving over time, which is consistent with the very favorable WC industry results countrywide over this period. Nationally, the workers compensation system is experiencing unprecedented results, NCCI said. The combination of underwriting discipline, moderating severity, declining frequency, and adequate reserves has resulted in six straight years of combined ratios under 100%. Claims frequency has been on a downward path thanks to technology, safer workplaces, improved risk management, and a long-term shift from manufacturing to service sectors, NCCI said. Last year, OIR disapproved NCCIs statewide average premium decrease of 5.4% and instead required NCCI resubmit the filing for a 7.5% rate decrease for new and renewal policies taking effect Jan. 1, 2020. The regulator said then that given NCCIs assertion that claim frequency is declining for workers compensation in Florida and nationwide and that is expected to continue, NCCIs ranges appeared to be unreasonable. OIR also said at that time that more quantitative analysis needed to be conducted to determine the effect the Castellanos decision is having on the Florida workers compensation market and the data used to support future rate filings. NCCIs assessment on the Floridas workers compensation marketplace for the 2021 rate filing included reviewing insurance company feedback from the states largest workers comp writers that report financial data to NCCI, the change in claimant attorney fees and the change in loss ratios that have occurred since the Castellanos decision. Carrier feedback was largely unchanged from last year, NCCI noted, with most carriers saying they experienced cost increases after the 2016 decision, particularly for claimant attorney fees. Carriers reported that litigated claims generally take longer to close and are costlier when compared to non-litigated claims. Some carriers reported that litigated claims now represent a relatively larger portion of their book of business versus their experience prior to the Castellanos decision, NCCI said. At the same time, NCCI said there has been a marked increase in valuation dates for attorney fees from before and after Castellanos, which is supported by data from the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). That data shows claimant attorney fee percentages through June 2020 have increased from 13% prior to the decision to more than 20% in recent years. NCCI noted carrier indemnity paid loss ratios are worsening over time when looking at a single year, with Castellanos likely contributing to this pattern. However, when looking across years, results are improving over time. The combination of two counteracting impacts has contributed to the current state of the Florida WC system. To date, the especially-favorable WC industry results observed across the country have more than offset the observed cost increases associated with the Castellanos decision, NCCI said. COVID-19 Impact One area that could greatly impact workers comp results but is still mostly unknown at this time is the impact of COVID-19. The data underlying in the NCCI filing does not include COVID-19 claims. Due to the lack of this COVID-19-related ratemaking data and the current level of uncertainty, NCCI has not yet assessed the potential impact on future rate levels. As such, no explicit adjustments have been made in this filing for COVID-19, NCCI said. While it is possible that COVID-19 may result in significant adverse loss development and deteriorating loss ratios, the impact on overall system costs could be small. COVID-19 could actually offset impacts on system costs by causing an increase in the number of compensable claims for frontline, COVID-19 related occupations, NCCI noted, while at the same time there could be a decrease in general claims due to the increased number of employees teleworking. NCCI is currently gathering and researching information to preliminarily gauge the pandemics direct and indirect impacts on claim frequency, severity, and duration. More in-depth analyses related to COVID-19s impact on frequency and severity will be conducted over time as additional aggregate data becomes available, NCCI said, though the actual assessment of the pandemics impact on claim durations will take longer because claim-specific data is required. Topics Carriers Trends Legislation Florida Claims Workers' Compensation Pricing Trends Serbia and Kosovo have agreed to normalize economic ties, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, hailing what he called a "major breakthrough" that would help the two Balkan countries prosper after decades of war and failed negotiations. Both countries - part of the former Yugoslavia - agreed to freeze talks about normalizing political ties for a year to allow the economic agreement to take root, U.S. officials said. Trump, speaking in the Oval Office as the leaders of both countries signed the agreement, said Serbia had also committed to moving its embassy to Jerusalem, and Kosovo and Israel had agreed to normalize ties and establish diplomatic relations. Serbian President Aleksander Vucic told reporters there were still many differences between Serbia and its former province, which declared independence in 2008, but said Friday's agreement marked a huge step forward. Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti also welcomed the agreement, and said it should lead to mutual recognition between the two countries, the key issue dividing the two neighbors. "Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalization," Trump said, flanked by the two leaders and a host of foreign policy advisers. "By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a major breakthrough." "After a violent and tragic history and years of failed negotiations, my administration proposed a new way of bridging the divide by focusing on job creation and economic growth," Trump said. "I think it's going to work out very well." He said the decision to normalize economic ties had taken "tremendous bravery" by both leaders. The announcement came after two days of high-level talks among the leaders and senior Trump aides, and follows a historic pact, forged by the Trump administration, to normalize ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Trump has sought to burnish his international deal-making credentials ahead of the Nov. 3 election. He trails Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who was vice president under Barack Obama, in national polls. The signing of the agreement on Friday was originally scheduled to take place in the White House's Roosevelt Room, with two tables set up for the leaders to sit at and sign. But it was abruptly moved to the Oval Office, with Trump's desk situated between the two leader's tables. Trump's advisers went out of their way to emphasize his role in reaching the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu welcomed Kosovo's decision to recognize Israel, and plans by both Kosovo and Serbia to open embassies in Jerusalem. Serbia would be the first European country to open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, and Kosovo the first with a Muslim majority. Only two countries have done that so far: the United States and Guatemala. Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo, which is predominantly Muslim, declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 after a 1999 NATO-led bombing campaign in which the United States took part, to curb a war ignited by years of repressive Serbian rule and to stop ethnic cleansing by Belgrade. Serbia, backed by its traditional Slavic and Orthodox Christian ally Russia, has refused to recognize Kosovo's independence, a precondition for Belgrade's membership in the European Union. National security adviser Robert O'Brien, who hosted the meetings, said expanded economic ties, increased border crossings and mutual recognition of professional licenses could pave the way for political solutions in the future. He said the deal would also lead to increased U.S. investment but gave no details. A top EU official on Monday said EU-led talks on normalization, which broke down in 2018 but resumed in July, could lead to a deal within months. The U.S. talks had been slated to take place in June but were delayed after Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was indicted for alleged war crimes during the 1998-99 guerrilla uprising against Serbian rule and its aftermath. He has denied the charges. Search Keywords: Short link: When it comes to rules-for-thee-but-not-for-me, whether they involve the pandemic or anything else, the two parties are notoriously human, like two horns on the head of the same goat. The elites do what they want. And they order their subjects to follow their dictates under pain of severe government hammering. An investor looks at stock prices on a laptop at a brokerage in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. In what is seen as a positive development, 296 foreign portfolio investors opened securities accounts in August, representing 48 percent growth from the average second quarter number. The Vietnam Securities Depository said the figure includes 16 organizations. In the second quarter 200 new accounts had been opened per month. The August number is still 8 percent down from the same month last year, but analysts were pleased with it after the turbulence in the stock markets this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The month also saw Vietnams benchmark VN-Index record the highest gain (10.43 percent) of all indexes globally. On Thursday the VN-Index climbed to a six-month peak of 903.97 points. The total number of foreign investors as of the end of August was 34,807, including 4,720 organizations. On the main bourse, the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HoSE), foreign investors were net sellers during six of the first eight months this year with the cumulative outflows being worth over VND4 trillion ($173 million). By PTI NEW DELHI: In the midst of heightened tensions in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe at 9.30 PM IST on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of a ministerial meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), government sources said. It will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh in early May though External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the row. BREAKING: Sources inform Chinese Defense Minister is scheduled to meet Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Moscow at 9.30 IST tonight@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard https://t.co/R2zENdL9wX Mayank (@scribesoldier) September 4, 2020 Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers on Friday. The sources said the meeting has been requested by the Chinese defence minister. "The meeting is likely to take place," said a source. ALSO READ | New headache for Delhi? China funding anti-India stir on Nepal border, say sources Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. Army Chief Gen MM Naravane is currently on a two-day visit to Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region in view of the Chinese attempts. N Sathiya Moorthy By The choice of Kamala Harris as the running mate of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has increased Indian interest in the American presidential election. Typical of Tamil Nadu, which readily identifies as much with the global Tamil as with the global Indian, flex boards have come up for Kamala, some with the late J Jayalalithaa blessing her from above. The Indian angle misses the point that the nation had endorsed US President Donald Trump when Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared with him at a Howdy Modi campaign rally at Texas in September last, followed by a Namaste Trump return show in Ahmedabad this February. The Trump campaign is using Howdy Modi clippings in its poll promos. How will New Delhi explain away the Texas show to a Biden presidency if it came to that? Like Pakistan and Article 370, some in Bidens White House could project it as interference in internal affairs. On the home front, Trump was waiting to happen. After decades of weariness with war veterans in politics, the US gave billionaire-independent Ross Perot a fifth of all votes polled in 1992. Politicians and poll analysts then declared that America will not allow this to happen againletting an independent walk away with a large chunk of votes. Perot signified that Americans were willing to vote for changeand mainline criticism meant that the change should come from the status quo polity, not from someone who may not be a team player. From Perots time, the father-son Bush duo took America back to the era of security threats and wars overseas. Iraqs Saddam Hussein helped in the 90s with the Kuwaiti invasion, and the non-existent WMD (weapons of mass destruction) played that part a decade later. In their time, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama became transitional presidencies for America and Americans to look inward. In between, during the Bush Jr era, Osama bin Laden brought the fear of God to the American homeland, long after Pearl Harbour. Then came Trump, cornering Clinton-Obamas Ross Perot kind of vote-for-change votes. Appealing to those that the all-American electoral behaviour had not attracted, Trump won his first term on promises that created a core constituency of American manufacturing labour who had lost jobs and incomes to China in particular over the previous decades. Abrasiveness and arrogance: In his maiden presidential run, Trump made American jobs lost (to India) one of his main planks, and won. This meant he had to deliver on H1B visa restrictions before facing his core constituency in Americas Rust Belt, who had lost manufacturing jobs to China. So China has to be his main campaign plank this time. Unwittingly or otherwise, Trumps current poll plank too may have become Americas foreign and security policy for the coming decades. A future American President, now or later, is going to find it difficult to reset the clock on China, as allies including India and Japan, Southeast Asian nations and the EU will apply reverse pressure on the US not to change course at will and dump them, that too in favour of Chinawhom it has taught them to hate more than earlier. Trump has got enough campaign support from Chinas Xi Jinping in his electoral endeavour. Xi has added aggression to Trumps trademark abrasiveness through provocative actions in the South China Sea, East China Sea and along the Indian border. With return help from Trumps America, China is now where it wanted to be. It has emerged as the counterpoise to the US in the post-Cold War geo-strategic affairs, after successfully positioning itself as such in geo-political and geo-economic arenas. For China, the next step is to replace the US as the sole superpower. Filling the vacuum: The territorial adventurism of China, coupled with military muscle flexing, economic might (until it ends up otherwise), political presence in P-5 and an enlarging list of client states have all served one purpose that the Trump campaign may not have thought about. Xis China has come to fill the inevitable vacuum originally created by the sudden exit of the Soviet Union, with near-similar characteristics. After the Soviet collapse, the geo-strategic vacuum was filled by small-time fundamentalist elements like Al-Qaeda first and ISIS laterboth uninvited, yet acquiring global proportions and getting acknowledged as such. With the exit of Al-Qaeda and ISIS, Samuel Huntingtons Clash of Civilisations, too, has failed. If their place is not taken by a relatively predictable and responsible (?) state actor in China, more irresponsible and equally faceless non-state players of the Al-Qaeda kind may end up filling the Soviet vacuum all over again. It may be the beginning of the new Cold War. Trumps America may have already heralded the remaking of the world order. How cold or hot will it be for India vis-a-vis Chinawith at least Pakistan in the shared neighbourhood as its eternal gun-for-hirewill then be decided not only by New Delhi but also by Washington. It may be unlike the Soviet times, when New Delhi decided for itself and Moscow stood by unquestioning. N Sathiya Moorthy Distinguished Fellow and Head-Chennai Initiative, Observer Research Foundation (sathiyam54@nsathiyamoorthy.com) Washington: President Donald Trump has urged residents in the critical political battleground of North Carolina to try to vote twice in the Nov. 3 election, once by mail and once in person, igniting a furor for appearing to urge a potential act of voter fraud. Let them send it in and let them go vote, Trump said in an interview on Wednesday with WECT-TV in Wilmington, North Carolina. And if the system is as good as they say it is, then obviously they wont be able to vote in person. Trump has repeatedly asserted, without evidence, that mail-in voting - expanded by some states because of the coronavirus pandemic - would increase fraud and disrupt the November election, although experts say voter fraud of any kind is extremely rare in the United States. At a rally on Thursday night, Trump repeated his call for voters to go to the polls even if they have mailed in their ballot, and he suggested Democrats would try to steal the election by manipulating the mail-in vote. You have to make sure your vote counts, because the only way theyre gonna beat us is by doing that kind of stuff, Trump said in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a swing state in the election. Voting more than once in an election is illegal, and in some states, including North Carolina, it is a felony not only to vote more than once but also to induce another to do so. Ballots are due to be mailed in North Carolina on Friday. State Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter that the Republican president had outrageously encouraged North Carolinians to break the law in order to help him sow chaos in our election. Stein wrote: Make sure you vote, but do NOT vote twice! I will do everything in my power to make sure the will of the people is upheld in November. Trumps campaign and the White House later denied that he meant to tell people to vote twice. The president is not suggesting anyone do anything unlawful, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News Channel on Thursday. What he said very clearly there is make sure your vote is tabulated and if it is not, then vote. However, in a series of tweets on Thursday morning, Trump again urged his supporters to vote early by mail and then follow up by attempting to vote in person. On Election Day, or Early Voting go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted), Trump wrote. If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE. While some states begin counting mail-in ballots two weeks before the election date, others do not begin counting them until the date of the election, in some cases after polls close. Twitter Inc later placed warnings over Trumps tweets for violating its rules on civic and election integrity. Facebook Inc also placed a new label on Trumps post, in which it said voting by mail has a long history of trustworthiness in the US and the same is predicted this year. Facebook also said it would remove the video of Trump talking about voting twice, if people shared it without any captions or context, or in support of what the president said. A spokesman told Reuters on Thursday afternoon that Facebook had not yet identified or removed such versions of the video. VOTING TWICE A FELONY The Democratic National Committee accused Trump of encouraging voter fraud and said the president was undermining confidence in the fairness of the election. Lets be clear: Voting by mail is a safe and secure way for Americans to participate in our democracy and Trump should be working to make it easier to vote, not harder, Reyna Walters-Morgan, the DNCs director of voter protection, said in a statement. Patrick Gannon, a spokesman for North Carolinas state Board of Elections, said a person would not be able to cast two ballots, regardless of whether they voted by mail or in person first. The first vote that is received and processed is the one that counts, he said. Voting twice in an election is a felony, Gannon said. If you put a ballot in the mail, and it hasnt arrived yet, and then you vote in person before your absentee ballot has arrived, your in-person vote will count. He said if an absentee ballot showed up after a person had voted in person, it would not be counted. Many Americans vote by mail because they cannot make it to the polls. In 2016, nearly one in four voters cast presidential ballots by mail. The coronavirus pandemic is expected to result in a record number of mail-in ballots this year as voters seek to avoid the risk of infection. Experts have cautioned the expected surge means a winner may not be clear on election night given the time it will take to count and verify all the ballots. Trump campaigned on Wednesday in North Carolina, known as a battleground state because its population can swing either to Republicans or Democrats and play a decisive role in presidential elections. National opinion polls show Trump, 74, trailing his Democratic rival Joe Biden, 77, who was vice president under President Barack Obama. Democrats accuse Republicans of trying to suppress the vote to help their side. New Delhi: With more than 68,000 COVID-19 patients getting recovered in the last 24-hours in India, the total recoveries in the country nears 30-lakh mark, said the Ministry of Health. Taking to Twitter, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan shared the data which stated that 68,584 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. He further also informed that the recovered patients have increased to more than 3.6 times the active cases. #COVID19 UPDATE ! 68,584 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. This has led to a surge in the total number of recovered patients which is nearly 30 lakh The recovered patients have increased to more than 3.6 times the active cases, as on date.@PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/8MKnZoHKH5 Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) September 3, 2020 The number of recovered patients has outpaced the active cases (8,15,538) by more than 21.5 lakh. The total recoveries currently comprises only 21.16 per cent of the total positive cases. Focus on improved and effective clinical treatment in hospitals, supervised home isolation, use of non-invasive oxygen support, improved ambulance services for ferrying patients for prompt and timely treatment, upgrading clinical management skills of doctors treating COVID-19 patients, use of steroids and anti-coagulants, etc., have together resulted in seamless efficient patient management, the ministry said. The Ministry also informed that currently in India, less than 1/2% of the active cases are on ventilators; 2% are in ICUs; and less than 3.5% are on oxygen support. Meanwhile, India on Thursday (September 3) recorded the highest single-day spike of 83,883 infections, taking the total tally to 38,53,406, while the death toll climbed to 67,376 with 1,043 people succumbing to the disease in a day, according to Union health ministry data. Sofia Richie took the plunge in a busty black top when she was spotted heading off to dinner in Los Angeles this Thursday. The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie was swinging by Nobu Malibu which has become known as a Kardashian hot spot. She reportedly recently broke up with her heartthrob beau of two years Scott Disick who shares three children with his ex Kourtney Kardashian. Out and about: Sofia Richie took the plunge in a busty black top when she was spotted heading off to dinner in Los Angeles this Thursday When she was seen stepping out this Thursday she wore a gleaming pair of black slacks that perfectly complemented her top. She added a splash of color to her ensemble with a pair of snakeskin print stilettos and accessorized with a pair of sunglasses. The half-sister of Nicole Richie made sure to take the precaution of wearing a mask as she emerged from lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. Sofia was leggy as ever when she was spotted emerging from the restaurant after dinner surrounded by a group of gal pals. Place to be: The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie was swinging by Nobu Malibu which has become known as a Kardashian hot spot What a venue: She reportedly recently broke up with her heartthrob beau of two years Scott Disick who shares three children with his ex Kourtney Kardashian Apparently she was feeling a bit of a chill from the sea air after nightfall, as she pulled a comfy-looking sweater over her look. The top read 'LOST ANGELES' in grey text over a white field, with an image of a cityscape in silhouette between the words. She hopped behind the wheel of a gleaming black SUV and drove away from the venue after her night out with friends. Off she goes: When she was seen stepping out this Thursday she wore a gleaming pair of black slacks that perfectly complemented her top Sleek and chic: She added a splash of color to her ensemble with a pair of snakeskin print stilettos and accessorized with a pair of sunglasses Scott and Kourtney have stayed friendly and were seen swinging by Nobu Malibu with friends and their children the very day it reopened for dine-in this June. This May Scott checked into rehab for 'emotional issues' and 'past traumas,' but checked out shortly thereafter. In the wake of his decision to leave rehab Us Weekly reported he and Sofia were 'on a break until Scott straightens himself out more.' Finally on May 27, the day after his 37th birthday, the magazine revealed that Scott and Sofia had decided to end their romance. Careful: The half-sister of Nicole Richie made sure to take the precaution of wearing a mask as she emerged from lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic Sofia was seen spending time with Scott in July and there were rumors they may have reignited their relationship. The dynamic duo spent Independence Day together and a People source said in mid-July that they are 'trying to make things work while taking things slow.' But in early August an Us Weekly source: 'Scott and Sofia have simmered down a little and Scott has been making a big effort to refocus on himself and his family.' Company: Sofia was leggy as ever when she was spotted emerging from the restaurant after dinner surrounded by a group of gal pals Warmth: Apparently she was feeling a bit of a chill from the sea air after nightfall, as she pulled a comfy-looking sweater over her look Details: The top read 'LOST ANGELES' in grey text over a white field, with an image of a cityscape in silhouette between the words By mid-August an E! News insider said: 'They have been off and on for two months. Sofia really pushed to make things work between them after they initially broke up, but Scott officially called it off recently and they are no longer speaking.' Meanwhile a source recently told TMZ that Scott and Kourtney 'are not a couple, even though they've been hanging out more since his breakup with Sofia.' Dampening hopes of a reunion even further the insider shared: 'It's highly unlikely Scott and Kourtney will ever get back together as a couple. They still consider themselves a family and co-parenting their three children is a priority for both.' Off she goes: She hopped behind the wheel of a gleaming black SUV and drove away from the venue after her night out with friends The positivity rate for coronavirus among healthcare workers in three states _ Telangana, Maharashtra, and Delhi _ is double or more than the rate in general population, according to data shared by the union health ministry on Thursday. Positivity rate reflects the proportion of people who test positive among those who are tested. Also read: Virus can spread in public transport, reveals study Indias positivity rate currently stands at about 7%. The country has ramped up testing and has been able to conduct over 1 million tests for three days consecutively. In comparison, the positivity rate among healthcare workers _ doctors, nurses, paramedical staff _ is the highest in Telangana where 18% of those tested were found to be positive. This is followed by Maharahtra with 16% and Delhi with 12%. The union health ministry has reached out to six states where the positivity rate among healthcare workers is on the higher side. The other states with high positivity rate among healthcare workers include Karnataka where 13% of those tested are found to be positive, Puducherry with 12%, and Punjab with 11%, according to the data shared. We have been tracking the positivity rate among the health care workers in the country. They are a precious resource and there is a need to protect them from the infection. We have brought this to the attention of these states and union territories through the ministry of home affairs, said union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan in the press briefing on Thursday. He cited three reasons for higher infection among healthcare workers _ protocols for hospital infection control not being followed, protective gear not being used properly, and lack of containment measures in their area of residence. The high positivity rate among healthcare worker begs the question, how are they getting infected? Is it from the hospital? That could be one reason. There is a standard protocol for hospital infection control. We have to see if that is being followed, if not we need to follow that. Then, we need to see if adequate protection is being taken by the healthcare workers, that is, proper donning and doffing of the PPE kits. We have also issued an SOP for that. We have recommended a buddy system where you have a group of two nurses or doctors with one seeing that the other has properly donned or doffed the PPE, said Bhushan. He also said that if the healthcare workers are getting the infection from their area of residence, then proper containment measures would be needed. We have also drawn the attention of the states and UTs to the localities where these doctors and nurses and support staff are coming from. If they are bringing infection from their localities, then we have to decide whether those localities have been contained or not. In case there is a need for containment or declaring them as buffer zone, then that must be done, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In 2016, Trump responded to the criticism from Khan by claiming hed made sacrifices of his own and by making an Islamophobic attack on Khans wife, Ghazala Khan, who was wearing a headscarf at the Democratic convention, saying: She had nothing to say. She probably maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me. Earlier in the week, she shared funny photos of her youngest son Tennessee hanging upside down around the house as he went back to school online. But on Thursday, Reese Witherspoon shared a more touching snap of the seven-year-old as he posed for a picture with his older half-sister Ava Phillippe, 20. 'My September babies,' the Hollywood star, 44, wrote in the caption on Instagram. 'My September babies': Reese Witherspoon shared a touching snap to Instagram Thursday of seven-year-old son Tennessee and daughter Ava, 20, seated on an outdoor sofa together In the photo, Tennessee, whose father is Reese's second husband Jim Toth, sits cross-legged on an outdoor sofa. He's wearing a red shirt and blue shorts. Ava sits next to him and leans in to touch heads with the youngster as they both gaze directly into the lens. The daughter of Reese and the actress's first husband Ryan Phillippe has on a white tank top and distressed blue skinny jeans. Missing from the photo was Deacon, 16, Reese's son with Ryan. Mom of three: Reese, 44, shares Tennessee with second husband Jim Toth. Ava and her brother Deacon, 16, are the star's children with her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe Virtual learning: A week ago, the actress and producer shared a photo showing herself and Tennessee sitting at a table in their makeshift classroom as they went 'back to school' online A week ago, the Legally Blonde star had shared a photo showing herself and Tennessee sitting at a table in their makeshift classroom as they went 'back to school.' She has been supporting her son as he continues his education via online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, however, it seemed that homeschooling had gone off the rails a little bit. She posted three photos of Tennessee hanging upside down from different objects around the family home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. 'Home school is going great,' she wrote sarcastically alongside the pics. Funny: On Monday, however, it seemed that homeschooling had gone off the rails a little bit as she shared a series of snaps of Tennessee hanging upside down around the house Topsy-turvy! 'Home school is going great,' Reese wrote sarcastically alongside the pics Acrobat: The final photo showed Tennessee impressively clinging upside down to the roof handle of his family's luxury SUV Reese juggles caring for her family with running her production company Hello Sunshine as well as starring in a string of high-profile projects. She also has her own clothing line Draper James. Earlier this year, after lockdown started in LA, she shared candidly with Miley Cyrus that having everyone under one roof had its tensions. 'I definitely have good days and bad days,' she said on Bright Minded: Live With Miley. 'I think it's really important to designate space,' she continued. 'My husband and I are both working from home and all three kids are doing school online. So everybody has a room that has a little area and there's a privacy sign there, so when the privacy sign is on and your headphones are on, you can't interrupt.' She added: 'You have to have rules on the wall for your family, just so we respect each other's space.' C ampaigners including Sir Ian McKellen today sent an open letter to the Government claiming that former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is unfit to be a UK trade envoy. Mr Abbott is tipped to join the UKs relaunched Board of Trade in an advisory role to help to secure post-Brexit deals around the world. But ministers are coming under mounting pressure to drop him over his previous comments on LGBTQ rights, women and climate change. The letter, which has also been signed by former Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies and activist Lord Cashman, says: This is a man who described himself as threatened by homosexuality, and vigorously campaigned against the ultimately successful referendum in Australia to allow same-sex couples to marry. This man is not fit to be representing the UK as our trade envoy. If the government is truly committed to an outward-looking future for Britain, to tackling climate change, and to creating an equal society for all, it should reconsider its proposed appointment of Tony Abbott. Tony Abbott / Getty Images Others signatories include the founders of Pride in London and the CEO of leading HIV charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust. It came as former Australian PM Julia Gillard said she stood by every word of a speech she made in 2012 in which she berated Mr Abbott for alleged sexism. She told Sky News: I certainly stand by every word of that speech. I doubt that Ill ever be able to put it better in my life than the things that I said that day on misogyny and so Ill let that speech speak for itself. In the original speech she gave to the Australian parliament, she said: If he wants to know what misogyny looks like in modern Australia, he doesnt need a motion in the House of Representatives, he needs a mirror. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he has real concerns about Mr Abbott and would not appoint him if he was Prime Minister. Former Tory health secretary Jeremy Hunt said he would be surprised if Mr Abbott was made a trade envoy, while Tory former minister Caroline Nokes said it was an awful idea and called him a misogynist Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday defended Mr Abbott as an expert in trade despite the allegations of misogyny and homophobia. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps dodged questions about Mr Abbott this morning, telling Sky News: I hate to bring us back to reality but he hasnt been appointed to anything and as far as I know there havent been any appointments made. There are lots of people with whom their comments I vehemently disagree but Im not into defending people who are not actually carrying out any role for the British Government. Caroline Nokes brands Tony Abbott 'misogynist', says it would be 'awful' for him to represent Britain Mr Abbott fought against the introduction of same-sex marriage in Australia and has also suggested that climate change is probably doing good. He reportedly said that men are more adapted to exercise authority or to issue command and that abortion is the easy way out. Defending himself, Mr Abbott said: Inevitably if you have convictions, youll draw criticism. But if you want to get things done you need people with convictions. The Prime Ministers official spokesman has insisted that no decision on the boards make-up had been made and has declined to comment on the political debate surrounding Mr Abbott. Mr Abbott only served as leader in Australia for two years before he was ousted by rivals inside his own party. His sister Christine Forster has tweeted to back her brother, saying: It is nothing short of dishonesty for commentators and politicians who do not know Tony to label him a homophobe and a misogynist for the purposes of scoring cheap political points. As a woman who has always been part of his life and who came out to him as gay in my early 40s, I know incontrovertibly that Tony is neither of those things. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pitched India as a key player in the global supply chain that businesses that are looking at re-wiring their operations cannot ignore, saying that trust and reliability should play an important role in decision making, not just cost-considerations. Modi said at the virtual meeting of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum on Thursday that the coronavirus pandemic has shown the world that the decision on developing global supply chains should be based on not only on costs. They should also be based on trust along with affordability. Companies are also now looking for reliability and policy stability. India has all of these qualities," Modi said. Modis message to investors presenting India as destination they cannot ignore comes at a time many multinational corporations are exploring a China plus one strategy for developing their value chain, to de-risk any disruption in the future. Modi also said that because of the advantages India is enjoying, the country is becoming one of the leading destinations for foreign investment. Be it America, or the Gulf, be it Europe or Australia, the world believed in us. We have received over $ 20 billion of foreign investment flows during this year," the Prime Minister said, adding that companies like Google and Amazon have announced long term plans for India. Among the advantages that India offered to investors are transparent and predictable tax regime, a tax system that encourages and supports honest tax payers and a bankruptcy code that reduced the risks in the financial system. Our labour reforms will reduce compliance burden for employers and provide social security protection to workers," Modi said. Modi also said that a self reliant and peaceful India ensures a better world. India has political stability, policy continuity and commitment to democracy, he said. The Prime Minister did not name China but he said that the pandemic has demanded a fresh mindset where the approach to development ought to be human centric where there is spirit of cooperation between everyone. While looking at the way ahead, we should focus on ramping up our capacity, securing the poor and future proofing our citizens. This is the path we are taking," said the Prime Minister. Modis call to the US body comes just days after the trade ministers of India, Australia, and Japan in a meeting on Tuesday deciding to launch an initiative on supply chain resilience and invited like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region to join the initiative. The move aims to counter Chinas dominance of global trade and supply chains. India has been looking to establish itself as a manufacturing base for some years. In 2014, Modi unveiled the Make in India programme aimed at making India a manufacturing hub but investors have been seen as reluctant to come to the country. But with the pandemic putting question marks on Chinas reliability as a supplier, India has been making efforts to woo investors and companies looking to exit China. (ends) Pretika Khanna contributed to this story 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 Slowed to a crawl by the COVID-19 epidemic, efforts to preserve and promote the story of the slave ship Clotilda and the Africatown community appear to be picking up steam. The first days of September brought several glimpses of where things stand, and the most revealing of these was an online community meeting hosted by the Slave Wrecks Project, a global effort hosted by the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Some key points of that Wednesday evening session: Paul Gardullo, an NMAAHC curator and co-director of the Slave Wrecks Project, said that a $500,000 grant directed to the Smithsonian by Alabama Sen. Doug Jones was meant to benefit the Africatown community. We were entrusted to enact this work and to make sure that Africatown residents and Clotilda descendants, that your needs and voices remain at the center of recovering, protecting and telling your story and your history. He and other speakers emphasized that researchers continue to seek guidance from area residents about what their priorities should be. Its not about a ship, its about the people, he said. Community engagement is not an afterthought. Fellow NMAAHC curator Mary Elliott said that efforts to engage the Africatown community began well before the wreckage of the Clotilda, believed to be the last ship to bring captive Africans into slavery in the United States, was confirmed found. She praised local activists who served as stewards for the history of Africatown, a unique community founded by some of the Africans carried aboard the Clotilda. She also said any vision for the future has to include the larger community. In Africatown, in Mobile, its a descended community, she said. And as Im always quite frank with everyone I talk with, that descended community includes both African American and white and Native Americans. Its everybody impacted by slavery. Kamau Sadiki of the group Diving with a Purpose, which has been involved with research at the Clotilda and other Slave Wrecks Project sites, said hes eager to resume programs to expose children from the Africatown community to SCUBA diving. He praised Ala. Sen. Vivian Figures for funding a first round in 2019. We had 30 very excited young people at the Dearborn YMCA in that program, he said. Over the long term, he said, hed like to involve participants in coral reef restoration work in Florida and to support any participants whod like to be certified as divers. Even for those who dont, he said, diving has educational benefits: The art of SCUBA diving has a lot of science around it, he said. Archaeologist Alexandra Jones, founder of the nonprofit Archaeology in the Community, which works with the Slave Wrecks Project, said she hopes to engage local students in small archaeology projects leading up to weeklong camps. She also aims to develop lesson plans for educators in Africatown and beyond, so that Alabama teachers can incorporate the story of Africatown in lessons. Archaeologist Justin Dunnavant, co-founder and president of the Society of Black Archaeologists and a Slave Wrecks Project Consultant, said he hopes to proceed on a couple of fronts. One is to consolidate knowledge thats already been gathered. One of the key things that stuck out initially was just the fact that theres been work done in Africatown already, archaeologically, that isnt readily available to the community, he said. One of the early things were trying to do with this archaeological component is just to gather those materials together, to find a way to present it effectively to the community, and have critical conversations around that before we actually engage in doing archaeological excavation work. Dunnavant went on to say that there are a number of sites that stick out as likely sites for research or digs. He and Gardullo took care to explain that they were talking about land-based sites, not the wreckage of the Clotilda, where the Alabama Historical Commission will lead the way. In remarks to the Mobile City Council on Tuesday, Mayor Sandy Stimpson referred to another recent conference call involving Smithsonian researchers, representatives of multiple universities and other entities. It was good to hear continued enthusiasm and optimism over the Clotilda, he said. When Councilman C.J. Small mentioned the Equal Justice Initiatives National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery as a model for what Mobile might accomplish, Stimpson agreed. I see no reason why we shouldnt be able to capitalize on the finding of the Clotilda, being able to tell that story, just as the story is being told in Montgomery, he said. My vision is to capitalize on the assets we have here, he told Small, and take that and create a narrative thats acceptable to the community and those partners involved, and tell that story. Stimpson also told the council theres a lot of work to be done making Africatown ready for the visitors that local leaders hope to attract. He expanded on that point in an interview later in the week. The Clotilda-Africatown project, like so many city projects, got tremendously slowed by COVID-19, Stimpson said. The thing that did not get slowed, though, was the progress being made on what will be the museum. So theres a lot of progress being made there, theres progress being made on the welcome center. The museum in question is the Africatown Heritage House, a joint city-county project. Local leaders aim for it to open in spring 2021 and to house the first Clotilda artifacts on public display, in an exhibition developed by the History Museum of Mobile. Its opening likely will bring visitors to Africatown, Stimpson said, so its important to push forward with efforts to reduce blight in the area. Weve got a short window where weve got to get a lot of stuff done in preparation for the opening of the Heritage House, he said. When the Heritage House opens, thats when youll start having visitors come, and weve got to be prepared. Council members offered several ideas and concerns. Council President Levon Manzie said hed like to see a replica of the Clotilda on display, but also cautioned about the need for consensus. There might be 20 groups with an interest in Africatown and Clotilda history, he said, and all of them have in their head what the endgame is going to look like. Councilman Fred Richardson suggested that since the Clotildas wreckage isnt within the city, another possible site for a memorial might be the area where its passengers were unloaded before the ship was taken upriver to be scuttled. NYPD Police officers listen as Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York President Pat Lynch and representatives from other NYPD and law enforcement unions holds a news conference at the Icahn Stadium parking lot on June 9, 2020 to address the "current anti-law enforcement environment." in New York. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images The largest police union in the US endorsed President Trump for President on Friday. The move aligns with Trump's messaging that he is the "president of law and order." Biden, who recently questioned how safe people feel under Trump's current presidency, leads the president in the polls by seven points, according to FiveThirtyEight data. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The largest police union in the US, which represents more than 355,000 police officers, endorsed Donald Trump for president on Friday. "Look at what the national discourse has focused on for the last six months. President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day," said Patrick Yoes, President of the Fraternal Order of Police in a press release. "The FOP is proud to endorse a candidate who calls for law and order across our nation." The statement aligns with President Trump's attempts to brand himself as "your president of law and order," a claim his rival Joe Biden has questioned. Trump reacted to nationwide protests against police brutality by condemning looting and sending National Guard troops and federal law enforcement to Washington, D.C. and Portland Oregon, while falsely accusing Biden of trying to defund the police. The FOP isn't the only police union to come out in support in Trump. During last week's Republican National Convention, Pat Lynch of the Patrolmen Benevolent Association, the largest police union in New York City, endorsed Trump as well, Gothamist reported. President Trump's disapproval rating clocks in at 52.2% and he trails Joe Biden by seven points in polls for the general election, according to data from FiveThirtyEight. The FOP also endorsed Trump in the 2016 election. Over the years, the union also backed George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and John McCain. Read the original article on Business Insider Kamal Shehada, Managing Director and Member of the Board of Range Developments, who oversees the construction of Range Developments' hotels, said: "We are excited to welcome the team of NH onboard and entrust them with construction of our third citizenship-by-investment project in the Caribbean. We have already built a successful business relationship with NH and the synergies in our teams' work will only have a positive impact on the construction process." The development will create hundreds of jobs for Grenadians as was witnessed in the other jurisdictions that Range Developments have developed in. The luxury resort will be part of the luxury portfolio of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, a hotel brand that has been rated the number one hotel brand for the past three years by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Grenada over recent months has become the citizenship-by-Investment destination of choice for high net worth individuals. Citizenship of Grenada provides for global mobility with visa free access to the United Kingdom, the Schengen area, Russia, China and many other countries, as well as settlement opportunities in the United States through the US E2 visa treaty that Grenada is a beneficiary of. The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Right Honorable Keith Mitchell, welcomed the progress being made on the project. "We are delighted that the project has advanced to this stage. Range is a key partner in the development of Grenada's tourism industry bringing much needed investment and hundreds of employment opportunities for our people given the very challenging environment that we are currently facing. We look forward to the timely completion of this project and the creation of even more employment opportunities for workers in the tourism industry." NH is a regional leader in the construction industry with an impressive track record of completed hospitality, housing and civil engineering projects across the Caribbean. NH is one of the Caribbean's most trusted construction and design/build company. The company was also the structural contractor of Range Developments' project in Dominica that opened in 2019 the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, Dominica. NH recently completed the refurbishment of the Rex Resort in Grenada. Mohammed Asaria, Managing Director and Member of the Board of Range Developments, welcomed the appointment of NH. "Challenging times define companies," he said. "Many participants in the citizenship-by-investment Industry have retreated and retrenched. We are fulfilling our commitments to our investors and all stakeholders. It shows why we are the most trusted developer in the sector, but also our confidence in Grenada and its citizenship by investment program." He further added: "NH committed to hire locally rather than recruit scores of foreign workers for us this was a key deciding point for us in the tender process." Emile Elias, Executive Chairman of NH International (Caribbean) Ltd congratulated the Prime Minister of Grenada and the Board of Range Developments on this major milestone. "NH is honoured to be a part of the construction of the first Six Senses Resort to be built in the Caribbean, La Sagesse Grenada," he said. "We pledge our continuing contribution towards the development potential of Grenada's tourism sector and look forward to partnering once again with Range Developments on this prestigious initiative that is the epitome of luxury and sustainability." The Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada resort is a government-approved project under the citizenship-by-investment program of Grenada. Investors can obtain citizenship of Grenada through an investment in the Six Senses development for US$220,000. Initial sales momentum has been strong, with investors recognising the capital growth and income generation potential of the resort, in addition to the benefits that citizenship of Grenada provides. Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada is scheduled to be completed in Q4 2022. NOTES TO EDITORS: Range Developments is the leading citizenship-by-investment developer in the Caribbean. The company specializes in the development of ultra-luxury high-end resorts under citizenship-by-investment programs in the Caribbean. Since 2012, Range Developments has developed an unrivalled reputation for delivering on its promises and is the only developer to have completed two 5-star resorts under Citizenship-by-Investment Programs Park Hyatt St. Kitts and the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, Dominica world-renowned hotels that have been awarded highest accolades by the international media and guests. Range Developments' third project is the Six Senses Grenada that is scheduled to complete in Q4 2022. SOURCE Range Developments Holidaymakers are being ripped off on car rental insurance, watchdogs warned last night. Policies can be up to 14 times more expensive than better cover available online, according to Which? It found that a weeks cover in Malaga cost 203 with Europcar, the most expensive provider. However the cheapest, online provider Chew Insurance, charged just 14 a saving of 189. It found that a weeks cover in Malaga cost 203 with Europcar, the most expensive provider (file photo) The six biggest car hire firms charge an average of 147 for a weeks insurance in the Spanish resort area. By comparison, the six top-rated independent policies sold online cost just 23 on average. The lowest price from a car hire company was 115 with Enterprise, according to Which? Avis, Alamo, Europcar, Goldcar and Hertz policies were all more expensive. Rory Boland of Which? said: Car hire is an industry plagued with unscrupulous practices, with wildly excessive charges for sub-standard insurance policies just one of the pitfalls customers should be wary of when choosing a rental company. The good news is that, no matter how a car hire salesperson may try to persuade you at the desk, you dont have to fork out for one of these eye-wateringly expensive policies. Much more thorough cover is available online for a fraction of the cost. The lowest price from a car hire company was 115 with Enterprise, according to Which? The expensive policies also provided inferior cover according to insurance experts consulted by Which? The six independent providers received scores ranging between 75 per cent and 82 per cent. But the highest score for a car rental firm was 61 per cent. They also made significant exclusions, such as not covering for chipped window screens. A spokesman for car rental trade body BVRLA said last night: You can drive a rental away at the low daily price, but you should always know what your risk factor is and this is the excess. The lower the daily rental, the higher the excess tends to be. It is up to the customer whether they then take out a waiver or a third-party insurance product to reduce or eliminate that excess. ANN ARBOR, MI From one reporters first-hand account of what he saw on University of Michigan students first Friday night back on campus, to a citizen-led study finding a pattern of racism in the courts, a lot has been going on in the Ann Arbor area. Here are some headlines you might have missed this week. Heres what we saw in Ann Arbor and on University of Michigans campus Friday night Around 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the University of Michigan Diag, a few skateboarders were attempting tricks, trying to clear the stairs leading up to the library and maneuver the board with their feet all at the same time. None of them were able to land the trick and had to collect their board, only to ride again and contemplate completing a new trick. Will this be the fate of UM and its plan to have an in-person fall semester? A trick that many other institutions like the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Notre Dame have tried and failed as well? Black defendants receive harsher treatment in Washtenaw County courts, study indicates Black defendants facing felony charges in Washtenaw County are more likely to see additional charges and harsher prison sentences than white defendants, according to a study from a citizen-lead social justice group. After several months of examining criminal case data from more than 1,000 Washtenaw County Circuit Court felony cases, Citizens for Racial Equity in Washtenaw, or CREW, released its findings, Aug. 27, in a 50-page report that indicates Black defendants receive more charges, more convictions and harsher sentences than whites. More than 6% of students, staff test positive for coronavirus in first week of Adrian College classes More than 6% of Adrian College students and staff have tested positive for COVID-19 in the first week of classes, according to an email from the director of the colleges student health center. The email from Student Health Center Director Emily Kist to students, faculty and staff, states there have been 152 positive cases out of 2,235 students and staff as of Monday, Aug. 31, a positive rate of about 6.8%. Thirteen of those cases have recovered, and the total active net cases is at 139, or 6.2%. Classes began on campus on Aug. 24. Big increases in Livingston County coronavirus cases come from high school-aged kids, health officials say The number of COVID-19 cases in Livingston County increased each day throughout August, but there was a large increase in cases in young people, specifically high school-aged kids, health officials said. The county saw an August increase in cases per million and in positivity, according to Natasha Radke, Livingston County Health Department health promotion coordinator. The health department has cases broken down by age group, and while the largest increase was from ages 0 to 19, the department has seen a predominant spike of cases in those of high school age, Radke said. Crowd rallies to hold off eviction of disabled Ann Arbor retiree amid pandemic Craig Teschendorf wasnt sure where he and his 7-month-old puppy Eleanor were going to go if they ended up homeless Friday afternoon. After receiving a 24-hour eviction notice the day before, the 65-year-old retiree, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, spent the day dreading being forced out of his Ann Arbor apartment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I dont know how Im going to move, he said. This is what back to school looks like for Washtenaw County school districts For the majority of Washtenaw County students, its back to school next week ... from the comfort of their own homes. While the countys two smallest districts - Whitmore Lake Public Schools and Manchester Community Schools - started this week with some in-person instruction, most of the countys seven remaining districts are beginning the year virtually on Sept. 8, with a phased-in return to the classroom in their long-term plans. As classes begin, faculty still pressing University of Michigan to switch to virtual fall semester With the first day of classes underway on the University of Michigan campus, some faculty members continue to voice concerns about the universitys ability to have a safe in-person fall semester. During a faculty senate meeting that drew more than 500 viewers on Zoom on Friday, Aug. 28, several UM faculty asked once again that UM switch to a virtual fall semester. They shared grave concerns about on campus safety, the universitys ability to provide adequate testing on campus and police enforcement of coronavirus pandemic-related rules. 45 dogs and cats living in raw sewage, excrement rescued from Washtenaw County home The Humane Society of Huron Valley seized 14 cats and 31 dogs from a Pittsfield Township residence late last week, where they were found living among raw sewage and excrement, officials said. The humane society received a tip from concerned sources that the animals werent being properly cared for. While executing a search warrant of the residence on Friday, Aug. 28, investigators found two dead dogs and some alive animals that were fearful and underweight, officials said. University of Michigan to conduct clinical trial of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine The University of Michigan will conduct a clinical trial for AstraZenecas coronavirus vaccine. Michigan Medicine will test the pharmaceutical companys COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 3 of its trial. AstraZenecas goal is to involve 30,000 people in 80 U.S. locations over two years to investigate how the vaccine works and how safe it is, according to a Tuesday, Sept. 1 news release. UM will begin recruiting hundreds of participants until the trial is full. Landmark cleanup agreement announced for Ann Arbors Gelman dioxane plume After several years of fighting in court for a better cleanup of the Gelman dioxane plume, local officials announced a landmark agreement Monday, Aug. 31. A proposed settlement with polluter Gelman Sciences outlines a plan for a more aggressive cleanup, including attacking the pollution at the source, and more monitoring of the plumes expansion through the Ann Arbor areas groundwater. From flipping to high-end homes: 24-year-old Michigan man launching inspiring, relaxing condos A young developer who began flipping homes at 18 years old will soon launch high-end condominiums in near Ann Arbor. Adam Farha, 24, purchased his first home at 18 for $30,000 and flipped it. Then, he flipped more homes in the Washtenaw County area, leading him to his biggest and newest development dubbed Fountain Blu at 3253 Lohr Road in Pittsfield Township. Ann Arbor judge retiring after 28 years on the bench After 28 years on the bench, Ann Arbors 15th District Court Judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines is retiring. Hines announced Tuesday, Sept. 1, that she is retiring effective Nov. 1. She leaves behind a legacy of service to the people of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and the state, according to a statement issued by the court. It can be light in color, so the vineyard could contain a grape like alicante bouschet, which yields dark, deeply colored wines. Other grapes, like carignan, might have been planted to add acidity, along with any number of other varieties, each with its particular attributes. Industrial winemakers today can simply take care of any potential problems in the cellar, adding products like Mega Purple, powdered tannin or tartaric acid to solve issues of color, structure or acidity. But these long-ago farmers, with their Old World experience, anticipated problems with more natural solutions. As todays cliche has it, those old wines were truly made in the vineyard. Still, we dont know much about how their wines smelled, tasted or felt in the mouth. And zinfandel producers cannot point to Old World cultural traditions, even if the immigrants who planted these old vineyards were in a sense trying to conjure up the wines theyd enjoyed in southern Italy or wherever they originated. The history that does exist identifies no dominant style of zinfandel. In his entertaining 1991 book, Angels Visits: An Inquiry Into the Mystery of Zinfandel, David Darlington pointed out that over many decades zinfandel styles swung widely from moderate claret-like table wines to lurid alcoholic essences to pink soda-pop-like aperitifs. This lack of a coherent zinfandel tradition is, however, another thing that makes it a purely American wine, Mr. Darlington wrote in the book, which was later reissued as Zin: The History and Mystery of Zinfandel. In other words, zinfandel could invent and reinvent itself. Most recently, over the last 25 years, its identity has been that of an extravagant, alcoholic wine. Good producers could match power with precision. In less skilled hands, the wines could just as easily be thick, sweet and syrupy. I was in Brooklyn on a Zoom meeting in mid-March, when I saw my moms name come up on my cellphone. Your dads not feeling well, she said. I rushed to our home in the East Village to meet my parents. For the second time in a week, my dad, Jose, was admitted to the hospital. The following day we were told that he had tested positive for Covid-19. My mother, Rosa, was worried that wed get sick too. So she ripped sheets off his bed, and washed them along with the clothes he had worn. About two weeks after Dad was admitted, his doctor called and told us that he might not make it past the weekend. I felt the color drain from my face. My moms knees buckled, and I held her as she sobbed inconsolably. All we could do was wait. I felt so hopeless. Baton Rouge, LA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/04/2020 -- According to indie hip hop artist Jay Fred, no one from his hometown has ever made it on the national stage. He wants to change that. The artist just dropped a new EP, building on several earlier single releases on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube. "No Autotune" is a five-song EP released through Jay Fred's record label Self Made Individual (SMI). The album, written, recorded, produced and engineered by Jay Fred himself, includes the tracks "Intro," "War Ready," "Keep a Pump," "G-Shit," and "Pressure Got Applied." Jay Fred hails from New Roads, Louisiana outside Baton Rouge. Growing up the child of parents who struggled with illness, Jay Fred was raised in a foster home with his two siblings. From his humble roots, he looked to inspiration from idols like Lil Wayne to create his own vision to become a famous musician. Today, the versatile hip hop fusion artist produces and writes his own music, plays his own instruments including guitar and piano, and shoots his own music videos. He prides himself on creating a sound not confined to one music genre. In addition to releasing several recordings, the artist has performed at shows in Atlanta, Mississippi Louisiana and Texas. He will be featured in upcoming collaborative efforts with emerging Louisiana artists Joe Scott, Tweeday, GeauxYella, Doodie Savage, Shon Thang, and many others. "I wanna reach the world with my real life story," Jay Fred said. "I wanna be immortal and live forever in people's hearts. The fortune comes and goes, but to be a successful artist is forever." Jay Fred's next single, "In My Bag," is slated for release on his birthday, September 12. Watch Jay Fred's music video for his song "Fuk Love," filmed in one take, at https://youtu.be/yWdxbWDAVO8 About Jay Fred Grew up in new roads Louisiana Lil Wayne was my idol mom and father was sick so I lived in a foster home 2 siblings, to help my family out of poverty my goal is to become a great artist who produces and write his own music ,music is all I know I wanna be immortal be remembered as someone who's great. Learn more about Jay Fred on the following music and video platforms: - SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jay-fred-2 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/yungspitta24 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/22GmAfjArAiVr8qBpbHOyB?si=ipcx7drFSQuTVB3tS9KvhA - iTunes: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jayfred1/no-autotune-2 Follow Jay Fred on Instagram at @jay_fred_84. According to a video released by the Australian Navy on September 1, 2020, HMAS Stuart Anzac Class frigate of the Australian Navy successfully fired two Harpoon anti-ship missiles and coordinated the missile firings of three other ships during one of RIMPACs best-known serials called the SINKEX, where participants sink a decommissioned warship. According to a video released by the Australian Navy on September 1, 2020, HMAS Stuart Anzac Class frigate of the Australian Navy successfully fired two Harpoon anti-ship missiles and coordinated the missile firings of three other ships during one of RIMPACs best-known serials called the SINKEX, where participants sink a decommissioned warship. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link HMAS Stuart Anzac Class frigate of the Australian Navy successfully fired two Harpoon anti-ship missiles during RIMPAC 2020. (Picture source Australian Navy) Two of the Australian Navys Fleet Air Arm MH-60R Romeo helicopters embarked in HMA Ships Hobart and Arunta also fired Hellfire missiles during the training serial on 29 August. Australian HMA Ships Hobart, Stuart, Arunta and Sirius, which have been part of the Regional Presence Deployment through Southeast Asia and the Pacific, will take part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2020 (RIMPAC), the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise. RIMPAC is held biennially during June and July of even-numbered years from Honolulu, Hawaii, with the exception of 2020 where it was held in August. This will be the first RIMPAC an RAN Hobart-class guided missile destroyers has taken part in. Ten nations, 22 surface ships, one submarine, multiple aircraft, and approximately 5,300 personnel will participate. This years exercise includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States. The HMAS Stuart (III) is the fourth of eight Anzac Class frigates built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria for the Royal Australian Navy. The design is based on the German Meko 200 frigate. The ship is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. Stuart's combat capabilities have been significantly improved under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a world class program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability. The HMAS Stuart main armament consists of one Mark 45 capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched Mark 46 torpedoes and a Mark 41 vertical launch system for the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile. Stuart also has eight anti-ship/land attack canister launched harpoon anti-ship missiles. The ship's other defence systems include the Nulka active missile decoy system, offboard chaff and a torpedo countermeasures system. The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security). Nationwides study also found that business owners look for insurance agents who are trustworthy, have a strong reputation, and who have an understanding of their clients needs. Some other notable findings of the study include: 92% of middle market business owners place importance on using an insurer that has strength and stability, while 86% value working with a well-established and well-known carrier. Although 81% of businesses feel it is important for an insurance agent to have a local office close by, they also value digital experiences 51% indicated they prefer to handle insurance needs digitally. 89% said they want an agent who can handle all their insurance needs. 90% said they want to work with an agent who personalizes coverage to fit their needs. And while business owners are confident in their insurance agents abilities, the study found that many middle market owners have difficulty understanding their insurance coverage. 57% of middle market business owners are seeking information on employee benefits. 46% are interested in guidance on business interruption or disaster planning. 45% are in need of safety and loss control resources. 37% expressed interest in retirement, succession planning, and cybersecurity. Nationwide believes theres a golden opportunity for insurance agents to support their middle market business clients. As business owners adapt to remain competitive, they need an agent they can trust to see around the corner and customize their protection needs, said Nationwide middle market commercial vice-president Linda Stueber. Now more than ever, its vital for agents to help business owners fully understand the coverage they have in place, adapt to new or changing risks, and be proactive in addressing those risks or gaps. An arrest affidavit for Smith provides a detailed version of the police account. It says the officer saw Kay raise his right hand from the right side of his waist. As Kays right hand rises, an object consistent in appearance with a handgun is visible in his hand. The affidavit says that Kays arm continues to rise and that an object comes out of his hand. The document does not say at what point Alvarez fired. BarcelonaTalks between the British government and the European Commission about a UK-EU trade deal are ongoing. There is a chance that no deal will be reached eventually, which would mean that Catalan exports to the UK would be subject to import tax. However, a study by the Bank of Spain shows that Catalonia would not be among the worst-hit Spanish regions. The UK left the EU on January 30, a date that marked the start of a longer negotiation process that is still in progress and will determine how close the political and economic ties between both parts will be in the future. Talks are scheduled to conclude on December 31. In the absence of a deal, any trading between the EU and the UK will be conducted under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules as with most foreign countries from that date onwards and European exports to the UK will be subject to import tax . A no-deal scenario also known as a hard Brexit would have a significant impact on Spains exports, but this would be more moderate in the case of Catalan companies, according to the Bank of Spain survey. The report states that in the hypothetical event that import taxes are imposed between the EU and the UK, the potential exposure of each region would depend not only on the relative weight of its exports to the UK, but also on the structural nature of said exports, as different goods may be subject to different tax rates. Therefore, in the event of a hard Brexit import taxes would amount to roughly 7 per cent of the total value of Spains exports. This would be nearly the same for Catalonia, although Catalan sales to the UK represent a smaller share of Catalonias total exports: while Spain exports to the UK to the tune of about 6.5 of the countrys GDP, in Catalonias case it is only 5.3 per cent. Regions such as Murcia and Valencia would not fare as well: due to the type of goods they export, import tax on them would be over 8 per cent and, furthermore, Murcia and Valencias sales to the UK account for 9.3 and 8.1 of their GDP, respectively. The Madrid region and La Rioja would also have to endure high import taxes while their UK exports amount to more than 7.5 per cent of their GDP. Nissans influence Catalonia is Spains top trading region with the UK. The survey points out that over a fifth of all Spanish exports to the UK are manufactured by Catalan firms. So what are they? The reports estimates that in 2018 the automotive sector recorded the highest sales to the UK: over a third of all exports (34.9 per cent, to be precise). The food industry and the chemical sector took the second and third slots, respectively, accounting for 15.4 and 13.4 per cent of Catalonias total sales to the UK. This means that Catalan exports to the United Kingdom might take a hit that is unrelated to Brexit: the closure of Nissans plant in Catalonia. According to ACCIO, the Catalan governments foreign trade bureau, in 2018 Catalonia exported 1.366 billion worth of automotive goods, 85.6 per cent of which (1.169 billion) was actual motor vehicles while the remainder was parts and body frames. Nissans departure from Catalonia means that some of those sales will be lost, as Seat is the only car maker that will be left in Catalonia. As a matter of fact, Nissans management announced that they are shuttering every single European plant except the one in Sunderland, in the north of England, where much of the manufacturing that was spread across Europe will now be concentrated. Like in Catalonia, the automotive sector is one of the key exporters in Britains economy, which explains why a trade deal with Japan is a top priority for Boris Johnsons government. The head offices of Nissan and other car manufacturers with UK-based plants are in Japan. The China International Fair for Trade in Services starts on Friday, marking the country's first major international trade event held offline since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will help bolster worldwide economic recovery and strengthen global ties in fighting the pandemic, officials and experts said on Thursday. President Xi Jinping is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the event, according to Xinhua News Agency. The CIFTIS, scheduled for Sept. 4 to 9, sends a signal that China will continue to adhere to economic opening-up and support globalization and international economic and trade cooperation, Wang Bingnan, vice-minister of commerce, said at a news conference on Thursday. Trade in services plays an increasingly prominent role in global trade and is an important factor in driving global economic growth, he said. China's total trade in services amounted to 5.4 trillion yuan (US$789.7 billion) in 2019 and the nation has been the world's second-largest trader in services for six consecutive years, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global trade is expected to contract significantly this year. In the post-pandemic era trade in services will account for an increasing share of overall global trade, Douglas McWilliams, an economist from the UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research, was quoted by Xinhua as saying. Against that backdrop, the CIFTIS will offer an important trade platform to help both domestic and overseas companies secure new orders and deals and boost the development of global trade in services, Wang said. The CIFTIS will also promote the country's stable economic development and cooperation in fighting the pandemic, Wang said. The event is set to increase international attention on the development of trade in services in the post-pandemic era, and promote international cooperation in the field, according to Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing. It also demonstrates China's success in containing the pandemic, proving that effective prevention and control measures against the virus can help return the economy back to normal, he said. "China's trade in services, driven by market mechanisms, has developed very fast, supported by government measures to deepen opening-up and optimize the business environment, such as those that ease the establishment of new businesses and facilitate the healthy operation of enterprises," Zhou said. "The event will serve as an effective platform for government officials and experts in trade in services worldwide to gather and communicate, and will help with the sustainable development of international trade in services as well as the world economy after the outbreak of the pandemic." The country's fast pace of development in inbound and outbound trade in services, especially in the financial sector, has bolstered the confidence of foreign investors in the Chinese economy, which is reflected by the enthusiasm of foreign participants in the event, he added. The CIFTIS is one of China's three major trade exhibitions, with the other two being the China Import and Export Fair and the China International Import Expo. The CIFTIS will be held both online and offline this year, due to containment of the pandemic and efforts to tap the fast development of digital exhibitions, according to Yang Jinbai, Beijing's vice-mayor. Yang said this year's CIFTIS has four summit forums and 116 thematic and specialized forums. The fair will also hold 18 industry promotion meetings, 29 specialized events for overseas participants, and 18 events for representatives from Chinese provinces, regions and cities. This year's CIFTIS has attracted participants from 148 countries and regions. A total of 18,000 companies and organizations from across the world have registered to participate both online and offline, according to Yang. Houston is about to have its first Black-owned drive-in movie theater. Space City Shows will show its first movies on Friday, Sept. 4, in East Downtown at 2300 Runnels St. It was started by Khairi Sharif as an ode to his undying love for going to the movies. "I enjoy going to the movies, whether it's to see a new movie or even an old movie," Sharif said. "You know, the blue ICEE, some nachos, some candy. I wasn't able to do that with coronavirus going on. So my mind got to wandering, and I thought of [starting] a drive-in movie theater." Space City Shows slowly came about from there, as Sharif began the process of acquiring movie licensing as well as completing the other necessary paperwork to turn his dream into a reality. The theater isn't you average drive-in aside from being Black-owned, Space City Shows has a lot to offer, including a wide selection of movies, along with amazing food truck options, although Sharif wouldn't tell Chron.com which ones will be on site. "You'll have to follow us on our Instagram to find out about everything we have to offer," Sharif laughed. "We can't give out all the sauce right now." For its grand debut, Space City Shows is playing Rush Hour 2 for its early show, and Love Jones for its late show. Tickets are $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online through the Space City Shows website. A nine-year-old Texas girl claims she is being sexually abused by her mother's fiance in a heartbreaking video that was posted by her biological father and has gone viral. The hashtag #StandWithSophie has gained the attention of hundreds of thousands nation-wide after Sophie was seen pleading to not go with her mother during a custody exchange last week and describing the abuse she allegedly endures. Sophie and her two younger brothers are at the center of a bitter custody battle in Frisco, Texas, between their parents Michael and Kelly. A judge had awarded custody to her mother, sparking outrage online after the video was posted. The 20-minute video showing Sophie pleading to stay with her father Michael has gained half a million views. Michael says he decided to go public with her story after countless pleas to police and lawyers to regain custody have gone unanswered. Sophie, a nine-year-old Texas girl, claims she is being sexual abused by her mother's fiance in a heartbreaking video that's gone viral A private Facebook group called Stand With Sophie has over 120,000 members who are raising awareness about Sophie's case The video of Sophie pleading to stay with her father Michael has gained half a million views Sophie is seen telling her grandmother, who is her biological mother's mother, of abuse during a custody exchange. She is seen screaming and crying as she refuses to go with her grandmother A GoFundMe fundraiser was started on August 21 organized by Sophie's stepmother Kourtney and has already raised $180,000. A private Facebook group called Stand With Sophie has over 120,000 members. According to the GoFundMe, Sophie 'has disclosed she has been continuously subjected to domestic violence, sexual grooming, and most recently molestation/rape in her primary residence.' The page says her father is 'fighting for her life while her abusers pull every resource to get their hands back on her.' According to the GoFundMe, Sophie 'has disclosed she has been continuously subjected to domestic violence, sexual grooming, and most recently molestation/rape in her primary residence' The description alleges that Sophie's biological mother Kelly is part of the sexual abuse and even encourages it. Court documents seen by DailyMail.com include medical records for Sophie that note her feeling discomfort in her private parts, with sex abuse listed as 'suspected'. Kelly is also accused of allowing the child to be attacked by a second man living in Oklahoma, as well as her fiance who the children know as 'Mr. Jake'. According to the documents, Kelly and her fiance have also been investigated by CPS over domestic abuse on several occasions although none have been substantiated - and that the children told their stepmother of 'hiding under the bed' during arguments. In the 20-minute video from the custody exchange, Sophie is seen telling her grandmother, who is her biological mother's mother, of abuse. Her grandmother Kim asks 'Who's touching you?' to which she replies, 'Mr. Jake and Mommy watches.... Mommy watches it happen. And they always make me feel bad about myself.' Her grandmother asks, 'Where does he touch you?' and Sophie says 'My vivi' while describing waking up with blood in her underwear. The grandmother disregards Sophie's claims and is seen with Sophie's mother trying to drag the nine-year-old by her feet out of her father's car. Sophie can be heard begging to stay with her father and screaming 'help me, daddy help me'. Michael reported the incident to Lacy Lakeview police who released a statement confirming that Sophie is in a safe home on August 31. The statement also said that they would not be investigating the alleged sex offences because they took place in a different jurisdiction. Lacy Lakeview PD said they had spoken to Sophie at the scene of the handover and that she had told officers that she was 'OK and not hurt'. But they also confirmed they have opened an investigation into Michael's allegation of injury to a child and will look into the incident further. Sophie's father and stepmother are pictured. They say they've spent $30,000 fighting to get custody of Sophie and have now decided to go public Michael is pictured with Sophie. On Thursday the judge allowed him custody of Sophie and her two brothers over the holiday weekend and Zoom visits every day In a text exchange between Sophie and her father Michael, she says her foot was smashed in a door and her elbow was bent while in her mother's care After a slew of comments to the Frisco Police Department, they released a statement Monday confirming that Sophie is 'safe and staying at a safe location' This photo was shared in Michael's video showing Sophie on a gurney with a bandaged ankle After a slew of comments to the Frisco Police Department, they released a statement Monday confirming that Sophie is now 'safe and staying at a safe location'. On Thursday, Judge Cynthia Wheless ordered Kelly's fiance and all other men to have no contact with the kids. Sophie is currently in the care of a counselor, and all three children will be returned to their mother, with their father Michael having them for visitation this weekend. Michael is also granted Zoom visits for 15-20 minutes per day with each child. 'The way that I roll, kids are entitled to visitation with both of their parents regardless of what's going on in the world wide web, or the dark web for that matter,' Judge Wheless said in the virtual hearing on Thursday. Outside court, a handful of protesters waved signs and demonstrated their support for Sophie calling for her to be returned to her father immediately. Katt Hughes, 36, told DailyMail.com she was there because the same thing had happened to her own daughter who she lost custody of eight years ago in Washington State. Through tears, she told how her little girl committed suicide aged 12 after years of alleged abuse at the hands of her father, adding: 'Sophie's story touched my heart because I went through something similar. 'Nobody would stand up for my daughter so I wanted to be here to stand up for Sophie.' Outside court, a handful of protesters waved signs and demonstrated their support for Sophie calling for her to be returned to her father immediately Katt Hughes, 36, (right) told DailyMail.com she was there because the same thing had happened to her own daughter who she lost custody of eight years ago in Washington State Through tears, protester Hughes told how her little girl committed suicide aged 12 after years of alleged abuse at the hands of her father, adding: 'Sophie's story touched my heart because I went through something similar' Supporters of nine-year-old Sophie gathered outside Collin County Courthouse, Texas while a custody hearing took place Thursday According to stepmom Kourtney, she and Sophie's father have spent $30,000 since June to get custody of the children. They have dealt with child protective services, law enforcement and several lawyers, as well as doctors who have examined her for injuries, they say. According to Michael, one of the Sophie's brothers tested positive for marijuana and cocaine in May, yet no charges were brought against Kelly or her fiance. The judge presiding over the custody battle ordered that all social media posts, videos, and statements about the children's well-being be removed from the internet. Judge Wheless placed a gag order on Michael on Monday, which has since been withdrawn. The case is set for trial on November 4 and 5, 2020 and both parents have been ordered not to disparage one another in the presence of their children or during custody exchanges. Sophie is pictured with stepmom Kourtney who started a GoFundMe to help with legal fees in the custody battle Sophie and her two younger brothers are in the center of a bitter custody battle in Frisco, Texas, between her parents Michael and Kelly In one video clip Sophie can be seen telling her father, 'Listen to me, I can't go!' 'I'm obligated to bring you it's your mom's visit time,' Michael says, to which Sophie runs away hysterically crying. In another video, a social worker is seen telling Michael that he could go to jail if he doesn't allow Sophie to go with her mother. Meanwhile, Sophie is heard screaming that she does not want to leave her father. The family say they are 'down to the wire' in the legal fight as they try to get the court to give them full custody. According to them, 'the court is actually considering giving them back to her mother and the people who help her physically and mentally assault the children according to Sophie and the boys'. Everything you need to know about skiing the Northeast this winter Whether you want to stay close to home or head north, here's everything you need to know about skiing or snowboarding in the Northeast and New York this season. NEW DELHI: As many as 65 employees of Sukhdev Dhaba in Haryana's Murthal, some 50 kilometres from the national capital, have tested positive for COVID-19. Speaking to reporters, Sonipat DC SL Punia was quoted by ANI, "As per officials of the health department, 65 employees of Sukhdev Dhaba have tested COVID-19 positive. The dhaba will be sanitised as per COVID-19 protocols. "The patients who tested positive have been isolated. SDM and field teams have been instructed to implement containment measures," SL Punia added. Set along the highway that connects Delhi with Haryana, Punjab and beyond, the Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba in Murthal, is a favourite halt point for foodies and travellers. It is one of the eateries on the highway that see a heavy footfall each day, especially of people from Delhi-NCR. According to IANS, another 10 employees of another prominent eatery at Murthal, Garam Dharam, owned by actor Dharmendra, have also tested positive for the virus. Rupeek founder Sumit Maniyar I am a Marwadi (Indias dominant business community, hailing from the state of Rajasthan). Money rotation has been a way of life. Even in my school, everyone was a Marwadi. Money and its forms were all we discussed, says Sumit Maniyar. This man ought to be in the money-lending business. Maniyar is. He is the founder and CEO of Bengaluru-based gold-loan startup Rupeek. As he starts speaking, he cannot stop mentioning Uday Kotak. Across calls, across topics, the promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank, Indias fourth- largest lender by assets, keeps coming up. Just look at the value creation he has enabled, and the longevity of the company, Maniyar admires. New-age lenders are often starry-eyed by their listed counterparts, seeing the scale and profits. Rupeek opens shop The birth of Rupeek in 2015 has a story of rejection attached to it. In 2012, a large non-banking lender rejected Maniyars application for a loan against property. It was a shock for Maniyaran IIT-Bombay graduate and Chartered Financial Analyst. I am well-to-do with a decent background. Having that loan rejected didnt change my life, but made me realise that from start to finish, the lending chain has a lot unfulfilled, he says. Thus, the startup was formed, backed by Sequoia Capital, Accel and Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal. Today, it is valued at $300 million, and disburses loans worth Rs 250 crore a month. About 18 months ago, it was just Rs 20 crore. Maniyars target is Rs 1,000 crore a month in less than a year from now. Also read: Rupeek raises $60 million from Binny Bansal, GGV Capital and others On a mission Tech-based lending startups in India have been a mirage so far, with not a single success in a decade or so. Even the startups which have lent profitably and grown, have little to no tech in them. Think Five Star Business Finance, Veritas Finance, Ess Kay Fincorp. They are good old NBFCs. Maniyar is now out to change that -- by building a tech-led platform for gold loans, and running a marketplace with adequate control, and grow fast. It sounds risky, and perhaps is, although the loans are secured, the cost of acquisition is lower online, and gold loans are a somewhat exclusive precinct of the likes of Muthoot and Manappuram Finance. But Maniyar is convinced that this business is what he is meant for. Pre-Rupeek days Maniyar worked as an equity research analyst at JP Morgan, followed by Religare, from 2008-12. Lending was still in his mind. As an analyst, he oversaw fundraisings (QIPs) by Muthoot and Manappuram, who were then shaking up the gold loan industry. The economics of it amazed me. They have a return on equity of 50 percent, growing fast, and barely need capital. What the hell is happening here? That still did not convince him to jump into the wagon. After his stints as an analyst, he ran an education startup, Functionspace.org, a learning network for Math and Physics students. He and his co-founders tried it a year, failed, and returned the $300,000 they raised from Nexus Venture Partners. Its a concept that would have worked today and would have been heavily funded, Maniyar says, given that the coronavirus pandemic has turbocharged online education. Well, let bygones be bygones. Having to choose between his family business - vegetable seeds production, and a fintech stint, he went about exploring what area of digital lending is broken (the answer is all of them, to varying degrees). The data on gold, after speaking to companies, investors, and customers, drove him to the space. Not profitable in some cities by choice Rupeek has registered profit after taxes in 12 out of the 20 cities it is present in. What about the eight cities? Maniyars answer throws a surprise: If we are not profitable in these cities, it is by choice. We want to invest in technology, and I know I can bring us to profits in a couple of years. Once we achieve a certain scale (lending Rs 1,500-2,000 crore), we can replicate the playbook in each city, we will be unstoppable, he says. Sixty-five percent of Rupeeks customers today are first-time borrowers, who, on an annual income of about Rs 5 lakh, borrow Rs 1.5 lakh on an average. This gives Rupeek Rs 7-10 crore in revenue a month- not much for a startup valued at $300 million. But Maniyar isnt worried about that. Some of these growth numbers are misleading without context, because we are still scratching the surface. Lending is like a mountain where you keep digging and it just wont finish, he says. According to a KPMG report, Indias gold-loan market should be worth Rs 4,16,700 crore, growing at 13.2 percent per annum. What made Sequoia, Bansal, others back Rupeek? For me, it is about the size of his (Maniyars) ambition -- and not in this chest-thumping way. Which is interesting, because it means he derives his energy from inside. He has an ability to absorb good things others can offer. He has a network of advisors, which help him scale personally, says GV Ravishankar, Managing Director at Sequoia India. Ravishankar knows a thing or two about lending. He has invested and is on the boards of directors of Finova Capital, Five Star Finance, India Shelter Finance, Aptus Value Housing and, of course, Rupeek. Two of his past deals, Equitas and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, are listed stocks today. Maniyar also counts among his advisers Anand Daniel of Accel and Hans Tung of GGV Capital, both his board members, as well as Saikiran Krishnamurthy and Gautam Mago. While Krishnamurthy runs xto10x, a startup mentorship and guidance platform with Binny Bansal, Mago was Rupeeks original investor from Sequoia, until he left to start his own fund. In Rupeeks early days, Mago introduced Maniyar to people from the Reserve Bank of India and other gold-loan companies. Lots of work still undone Depending on how you look, Rupeek has done a lot, and very little. From the beginning to the end of our conversation, Maniyar goes from the former to the latter. I really don't think I deserve any of what I have got. I'm definitely not talented enough to get this on my own merit. So when I have landed this, I have to do justice and do a solid job. Despite this headstart, I feel like we haven't actually done anything. There is just too much of an opportunity to feel anything close to being done. That's what keeps me going, he says. As Maniyar ends the conversation, guess who he has in his mind. Turning profitable is a joy like nothing else. Im biting the loss bullet only for now. The dream is to be able to meet earnings forecasts, and innovate while doing that, like the best public companies do. Yes, its Uday Kotak. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she's disappointed health restrictions will not ease for aged care facilities this Father's Day weekend over concerns families risk infecting their elderly loved ones with COVID-19. The NSW Health decision came as all states, with the exception of Western Australia, agreed to consider lifting hard borders by December at Friday's national cabinet meeting, which Ms Berejiklian described as "constructive". NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addresses the media on Friday. Credit:Kate Geraghty Ms Berejiklian said while she felt horrible about the Father's Day restrictions, she could not overturn them, as NSW Health doubled-down on its advice. "I feel horrible about that, but it would be inappropriate for me to overrule the health advice especially, heaven forbid, the disease got into one of our aged care facilities," she said on Friday. Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam, head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, chairs the meeting. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - Experts have suggested a review is needed of Vietnams testing strategy, in particular stepping up antigen testing, to match the developments of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country. The steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control, at a meeting in Hanoi on September 3, therefore assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health to help businesses and units in studying and implementing the antigen testing method. Regarding a scenario of 10,000 COVID-19 cases, the committee asked the Ministry of Health to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance in building a new testing strategy and present it shortly to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. The finance ministry reported that Vietnam has so far spent nearly 400 million USD fighting the pandemic. Professor Dang Duc Anh, head of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that as antigen testing can produce accurate results in a short period of time, it should be used in public places like airports and concentrated quarantine areas, contributing to effectively fighting the pandemic. The institute is working with the US on the transfer of the testing technology, which is expected to be rolled out in Vietnam at an early date, he added. Other delegates at the meeting proposed Vietnam use all testing methods, including antigen testing and Realtime-LAMP, and that businesses join hands in the testing work. According to the health ministry, as of 3 pm on September 3, Vietnam had 1,046 COVID-19 cases, including 748 recoveries and 35 deaths. The ministry pointed to the risk of community transmission, particularly in the time ahead, when weather conditions are more favourable for the development of respiratory diseases. Preventive measures therefore need to be maintained and enhanced, it said. At a time when some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are expressing gloom over the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, the Flagbearer for the Liberal Party of Ghana Kofi Akpaloo has commended President Akufo-Addo and the NPP for the bold step taken to implement the flagship policy. According to Mr. Akpaloo, he is also bent on bringing up innovations to improve the policy. He said during his administration, there would be new innovations into the Free Senior School policy if he becomes President of Ghana in 2021. Free Senior High School education has come to stay. LPG will bring up new innovations to support and lift the policy to another level. LPG is committed to improving education that is why am pleading with all Ghanaians to vote for Liberal Party of Ghana(LPG) in the upcoming coming 2020 elections, Kofi Akpaloo told Kwaku Owusu Adjei on Pae Mu Ka on Accra-based Kingdom FM 107.7 However, Kofi Akpaloo says his government would implement it better. The academic calendar was modified to incorporate a double-track (gold and green) system where students of the same academic year alternated their start date. The new programme saw students on the gold track in school, while the green track students waited their turn at starting the same academic year during the vacation of the gold track students. This system was widely criticized by many Ghanaians and civil society groups. ---KingdomfmOnline Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) with TOOKAD, a therapeutic platform for solid cancers developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science, has already gained approval in Europe, Israel and Mexico for the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer and is under examination by the US Food and Drug Administration. TOOKAD VTP works by triggering the rapid destruction of the tumors blood supply, temporarily turning the blood into a generator of toxic oxygen molecules called radicals and shortly afterwards causing blood vessels to collapse. But until now there was no reliable way of learning how exactly Tookad VTP accomplishes this feat. In a new study reported in Nature Biomedical Engineering, researchers in the United States together with the laboratory of Prof. Avigdor Scherz at the Weizmann Institute of Science, applied an innovative imaging technique to follow with great precision and in real time the changes in the tumors vasculature that eventually result in the selective destruction of a tumor, without hitting surrounding tissues. Tookad invented by Scherz, of the Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, and the late Prof. Yoram Salomon of Biological Regulation Department is derived from the chlorophyll found in light-harvesting bacteria. The drug is given intravenously and stays in the patients blood vessels for a short while before being cleared from the body. It remains inactive until illuminated by laser light, which causes it to react with the bloods oxygen, converting it into destructive oxygen radicals that initiate the generation of other toxic but short-lived materials; these are confined to the tumor. These locally-formed toxins attack the tumors blood vessels and self-propagate into the tumors core, killing the rest of the tissue and depriving the cancerous growth of nutrients and oxygen. Monitoring what happens to the tumor after the drug is illuminated, and in particular, how the self-propagation causes damage, was until recently impossible because available technologies lacked the temporal and spatial resolution for imaging within a living body. Lead study author Dr. Jan Grimm of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City where Tookad is now being clinically explored undertook a study of the drugs mechanism of action using a new imaging approach: raster-scanning optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM). This method involves exciting tissue with pulsed laser light, which causes light-absorbing molecules within in this case, hemoglobin to expand. The RSOM then monitors the ultrasound waves created by this expansion. The goal was to obtain a high-resolution picture of blood vessels in the tumor and the surrounding tissue before, during and after treating mice with the drug. As Grimm wrote in a blog post, he got the idea for the study after discussing RSOM with Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos of the Technical University of Munich, who spent a sabbatical in his lab. He then joined forces with Ntziachristos and Scherzs lab. RSOM allowed the generation of outstanding images of tissue response and microvascular changes after therapy, Grimm wrote in the blog. The images showed that soon after Tookad was administered to mice, the large blood vessels feeding their tumors became blocked, whereas smaller vessels within the tumors gradually started breaking up. The resulting bleeding introduced pulses of free oxygen molecules into the tumors microenvironment, causing further destruction and killing as typically happens when an oxygen-deprived area is suddenly flooded with blood while the tumors entire network of vessels ultimately collapsed. These changes culminated in the death of tumor tissue. Tumors with a poorer vessel network were less responsive to the treatment than those with a richer vessel network, underscoring the significance of turning the tumor vasculature into a temporary death generator. This revelation calls for new research aimed at amplifying the impact of TOOKAD VTP on tumors with a poor vascular supply. The studys unprecedented level of detail may help to optimize the treatment. In particular, using RSOM to monitor the state of the tumors blood vessels in human patients may make it possible to predict the treatments effectiveness, adjust it in a way that will ensure the tumors eradication, on the one hand, and avoid overtreatment, on the other, so as to prevent any collateral damage in the surrounding normal tissue. Study participants included Dr. Katja Haedicke, who was initially trained in Scherzs lab at the Weizmann Institute, Dr. Magdalena Skubal, Dr. Sheryl Roberts, Camilla Longo-Machado, Karan Nagar, Hsiao-Ting Hsu, Dr. Kwanghee Kim, Dr. Thomas Reiner and Dr. Jonathan Coleman of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Dr. Lilach Agemy of Weizmann Institute of Sciences Plant and Environmental Sciences Department; and Profs. Murad Omar and Andrei Berezhnoi of the Technical University of Munich. Prof. Avigdor Scherz's research is supported by the Thompson Family Foundation; Sharon Zuckerman; Lord and Lady Sharp of Grimsdyke; the Samuil and Petr Polsky Prostate Cancer Research Fund; and the Lotte S. and Felix Bilgrey Memorial Fund. (Natural News) The New York Times cheered Stalin and constantly reported that this was the way to the future. Their top journalist, Walter Duranty (1884-1957), was their man in Moscow. The New York Times promoted him to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for that reporting. When Gareth Jones (1905-1935) in March 1933 reported this was all a lie, the truth finally began to appear. (Article republished from ArmstrongEconomics.com) It took the New York Times until 1990 to admit to fault in failing to report that there was a famine in Ukraine where Stalin killed so many people. The New York Times wrote that their reporting on the Russian Revolution constituted some of the worst reporting to appear in this newspaper. Duranty was doing this also to support Roosevelts New Deal. He helped install drastic progressiveness in taxation. In 1932, the top marginal tax rate was increased to 63% during the Great Depression under the Republicans. It steadily increased, finally reaching 94% in 1944 on an income of over $200,000. Under Socialism, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the 1935 Act, which introduced the payroll tax on everyone. However, the Socialists marketed it as the Soak the Rich tax, but payroll taxed everyone but the rich who did not work for a wage. Today, the majority of low-income earners pay more in Social Security than they do in taxes. Are we supposed to trust these people again? The leftist media is continuously supporting the overthrow of our democracy. They remain dishonest propaganda artists who threaten our very way of life. Once again, we have the media trying to convince us to surrender all our freedoms to create a better world that they dream of along with all other Marxists. They are once again doing everything in their power to destroy our freedoms. Read more at: ArmstrongEconomics.com and Communism.news. India has deployed eight vessels and two aircraft to help control the fire on a supertanker off the Sri Lankan coast, people familiar with developments said on Friday. The tanker MV New Diamond, which was chartered by the Indian Oil Corporation, was carrying 300,000 tonnes of oil from a Kuwaiti port to Paradip port in India. Following the fire and an explosion, at least one member of the 23-strong crew of the tanker was reported missing and presumed dead, a Sri Lankan Navy spokesman said. India has deployed five vessels from the Coast Guard and three from the navy to assist efforts by Sri Lankan authorities to control the blaze, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. The Coast Guard ship ICGS Shaurya, equipped with a water gun, was diverted on Thursday to spray water on the burning tanker. The Coast Guards Samudra Pahredar, a pollution control vessel, was dispatched from Vishakapatnam on Thursday, while ICGS Sujay was deployed from Chennai, the people said. The Coast Guard ships Abheek and Ameya were deployed on Friday. Two Dornier aircraft of the Coast Guard were deployed for aerial reconnaissance flights, and the Indian Navy diverted three warships, Shakti, Sahyadri and Ranvijay, to help in efforts to douse the flames. Experts have expressed concerns that the fire could result in massive environmental damage, especially if the ship breaks apart and there is an oil spill. The Coast Guard tweeted that a two-metre crack had been spotted on the aft portion of the tanker at 10 metres above the waterline. The crew of the New Diamond, which is registered in Panama, included five Greek nationals and 18 Filipinos. The fire broke out in the vessels engine room on Thursday and spread to the bridge. The missing Filipino crew member was seriously injured when a boiler exploded. This year, a projected 32 million Latinos will be eligible to vote, making them the largest racial or ethnic minority ever to participate in a presidential election. And for the first time, Latinos will outnumber Black voters, according to the Pew Research Center. The power of Latino voters is evident in states such as Florida and Arizona. Had the Latino turnout been higher in those states in 2016, Mr. Trump might not be president. But over half of all Latinos eligible to vote didnt do so, and consequently history was written in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Despite the racist insults he hurled at Mexican immigrants during his last campaign (They are bringing drugs. They are bringing crime. Theyre rapists.) Mr. Trump won 28 percent of the Latino vote. Though not even close to the 66 percent that voted for Hillary Clinton, it was enough to win him the election. Clearly, even insults couldnt convince that small slice of the Latino electorate that Mr. Trump, who promised economic opportunity, a wall and a crackdown on dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela, was unfit for office. I myself have surfed the great Latino wave. When I arrived in the United States in the early 1980s, fewer than 15 million Latinos lived in this country; now we number more than 60 million. And in less than three decades we will be at 100 million, according to estimates. These numbers mean no candidate will be able to achieve power in the United States without Latino support. Karl Rove, chief adviser to President George W. Bush, understood this perfectly. In 2004, Mr. Bush won 44 percent of the Latino vote, more than any other Republican presidential candidate ever. It was the first time Republicans tried to divide the Latino vote and prove the phrase attributed to Ronald Reagan: Latinos are Republican. They just dont know it yet. But instead of continuing their efforts to court Latino voters, Republicans turned their backs. As a candidate in 2016, Mr. Trump announced he would build his wall at the border, and that Mexico would pay for it. This is not how to win the hearts of Latinos. The Latino vote is increasingly powerful, diverse and sophisticated. And in exchange for that vote, which can make or break a president, the Latino community expects concrete benefits. A few words in Spanish and a few empty promises are no longer enough. (Natural News) For months, the mainstream media has been promoting and glorifying the Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa protests, claiming that violence and destruction is the only way for black voices to be elevated. But now that the chaos is catching up to the Democrats in the polls, media talking heads like CNNs Don Lemon want it to stop. During a recent segment of his show, Lemon called out the rioting not for harming innocent American lives, but for showing up in polling meaning Americans are swaying further and further right as they watch the left destroy our republic from within. Because left-wing riots are showing up in focus groups, Lemon contends, the left needs to do something now to make it all stop or else Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the rest of the Democrat ticket can kiss its chances of winning goodbye. I think Democrats are ignoring this problem, are hoping that it will go away, Lemon told fellow CNN host Chris Cuomo. Its not going to go away. As it turns out, ordinary Americans are less concerned about the plight of black criminals like George Floyd and Jacob Blake than they are about their own neighborhoods and businesses being burned to the ground by domestic terrorists on the left who continue to rove the streets wreaking havoc and causing chaos. [Biden has] got to come out and tell people that he is going to deal with the issue of police reform in this country and that whats happening now is happening on Donald Trumps watch and when he is the president, Kamala Harris is the vice president, then they will take care of this problem, Lemon further lamented. But guess what, the rioting has to stop, he added. Chris, as you know and I know, its showing up in the polls, its showing up in focus groups. Its the only thing right now thats sticking. Democrats dont care about anyones lives; they just care about themselves That Lemon is only concerned about all the looting and rioting now that it is directly impacting the upcoming election for Democrats speaks volumes about the priorities of the left-wing media, not to mention the Democrat Party itself. For months, all we have been told is that the protests are mostly peaceful, and that everyday Americans should not be concerned about their businesses, their homes, or their families because they should be more concerned about black lives. Suddenly, however, black lives are having to take a back seat to left-wing political power, which is quickly swirling the toilet as normal, rational Americans watch their country collapse at the hands of Democrats, and are planning to vote accordingly in November. Rioting, looting, burning people to death and killing people in the streets is all fine and wonderful but if it hurts Democrats electoral chances, suddenly its a problem! writes Chris Menahan for Information Liberation. Of course, the problem is not the murder and mayhem but focus group reactions to it! he adds. The good news is that America is taking notice, and things are not looking good for the left this fall. As long as those who want to see an end to all the chaos make it out to the polls or remember to mail in their ballots, a left-wing power grab of the White House will probably not occur. As you know, the leftist violence and chaos continues unabated, with not so much as a peep from any leftist politicians willing to speak out against it. To keep up with the latest, check out Chaos.news. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com NaturalNews.com Australian Amalgamated Terminals delivers innovative solutions that boost operating efficiency across the automotive supply chain CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CargoChain, Inc, supplier of the markets leading cargo visibility and information sharing platform, announced that Australian Amalgamated Terminal (AAT) has selected CargoChain to serve as their innovation platform for information sharing services and transparency. AAT is Australias largest motor vehicle terminal operator and its innovation program continues to focus on driving efficiency to meet the growing demand of imported vehicles, which exceeded 500,000 last year. The Australian automobile market is vital to our national economy. It is our job to identify opportunities to improve the automotive supply chain through innovation and development that introduce efficiencies and incorporate Australias strict import and biosecurity processes that are in place to safeguard our national interests, said Vincent Macheda, General Manager at AAT. We understand the need to innovate, particularly with respect to visibility and coordination among trading partners and government agencies. CargoChains open, API-based platform provides us with the ability to build custom applications that fit our business, meet our obligations and get our trading partners on board quickly, Vincent, said. CargoChain CEO, Jonathan Colehower commented, We are excited to welcome AAT as a customer. AATs drive for innovation complements CargoChains vision for supply chain visibility. We look forward to working with Vincent and his organization as they continue to develop on the CargoChain Platform." AAT currently has three applications operating on the CargoChain platform to streamline management of various biosecurity processes. The applications have been developed to enhance workflow management between its supply chain partners, including brokers, government agencies, resource planners, and service contractors. Through tighter coordination and better visibility, AAT will improve its operating efficiency, enhance its biosecurity capability, and expand its capacity to meet market demand. Story continues About CargoChain, Inc. CargoChain, Inc is transforming the way people share information. Its technology is revolutionizing traditional, one-to-one collaboration with its API-based platform with native blockchain capabilities. CargoChain is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in Christchurch, New Zealand and Geneva, Switzerland. Contact: Tony Davis Phone: +64 21 886 696 Email: tdavis@cargochain.com Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday showered fulsome praise on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for launching a movement against liquor and appealed to all to make prohibition a grand success, weeks after he lauded the JD(U) chief for supporting demonetisation I greet Nitish Kumar from the core of my heart for launching a campaign against liquor, the PM said as Nitish and his ally RJD President Lalu Prasad shared the dais with him during the concluding function of 350th Prakash Parva of 10th Sikh Guru Govind Singh here. But, this work (prohibition) would not be a grand success only by efforts of Nitish Kumar or one party. All the political parties, social organisations and citizens have to participate in it to make it a jan-jan ka andolan (peoples movement), Modi said. ALSO READ | Prakash Parv: I congratulate Nitish Kumar for his liquor ban move, says PM Modi at Patna's Gandhi Maidan Bihar will become an example for the entire country through successful implementation of prohibition, the PM said. The PMs mention of prohibition came in response to the Bihar Chief Ministers request to him to spread prohibition across the country. Fulfilling its poll promise, Nitish Kumar government had imposed total prohibition in Bihar. Kumar in his address mentioned that Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat had successfully carried prohibition which has been in force in the western state since its inception. Though Modi and Kumar have been bitter political opponents, the Prime Minister had praised the Bihar Chief Minister recently for supporting demonetisation after the winter session of Parliament was washed out due to protests by a united opposition on note ban. The JD(U) had walked out of NDA over naming of Modi as the BJPs prime ministerial candidate in 2014. The two leaders led a shrill campaign in the 2015 Assembly elections against each other with Kumar, in alliance with RJD, handing down a humiliating defeat to BJP. However, breaking from opposition ranks, the JD(U) has supported demonetisation. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind, Union ministers Ramvilas Paswan and Ravishankar Prasad were also present on the dais at the function today. Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal, Union minister Harsimrat Kaur, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav and senior BJP leader and Patna Saheb MP Shatrughan Sinha were also present. Bowing his head in reverence to the 10th Sikh Guru Govind Singh, the PM lauded his efforts for unity of the country through formation of Panch Pyara panth. Patting Nitish Kumar for taking personal interest in making elaborate arrangements for the 350th Prakash Parva, the PM said the Centre on its part, besides helping the Bihar government in organising the event, is celebrating the historic occasion in different countries through its embassies. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. 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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Peacefully following an illness in St. Christopher's Hospice, Sydenham, U.K. 27 July 2020, aged 86. Beloved husband of Mary (deceased), Gillie (deceased), Therese (deceased) and father of Aveen his cherished daughter (deceased). Lovingly remembered by his sister Una, his son-in-law Ben and his dear granddaughter Tara. Sadly missed by his stepdaughter Nicola and stepson Anthony, his nieces and nephews, his extended family and friends. Funeral arrangements on Wednesday, 16th September, at 2.00pm in Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward's RC Church, 274 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4PU followed by burial in Chiswick Cemetery, Staveley Road, London, W4 2SJ at 3.15pm. Please contact Geraldine McKibbin on 00447770925948 if you wish to attend funeral as numbers are limited. Francis (Frank) Jennings, Kennycourt, Brannockstown, Naas September 3. Retired member of An Garda Siochana. Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Annette, much loved father of David and Padraic, brother of Noel, grandfather of Chris, Kate, Caitlin, Conor, Chloe, Declan and Sophie. Sadly missed by his loving family, daughters-in-law Judith and Fiona, sister-in-law Maureen, brother-in-law Gus, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In accordance with government directives and in the interest of public health a private family funeral will take place. Frank will repose privately in his home on Friday from 5pm for family and close friends only. Funeral Mass on Saturday morning at 10am in The Church of The Irish Martys, Ballycane, Naas followed by burial in Gormanstown Cemetery, Co. Kildare (W91 F407). Family flowers only please. Donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Community Palliative Care Team at St. Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh. Those who would like to attend the funeral but cannot due to the current restrictions on gatherings are invited to leave a message on the condolence page at RIP.ie. Michael (Mick) Freeman, Leixlip / Carrickmacross, Monaghan September 2. Retired Detective Garda (Leixlip, Co. Kildare and formerly of Magheracloone and Carrickmacross) September 2nd, 2020 (peacefully) after a short illness at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Beloved husband of the late Patricia (Trish) and dear brother of Leo. Sadly missed by his loving brother, sister-in-law Jo, relatives and friends. A private funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings. Micks Funeral Mass can be viewed online on Saturday 5th September at 11am by following this link - http://oln.ie/site/live-webcam/ Those who would have liked to attend the funeral; but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave your personal message by selecting Condolences at RIP.ie or alternatively leaving a message at www.cunninghamsfunerals.com. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Diabetes Ireland. Opposition political parties participating in the Political Actors Dialogue (polad) have backed the Government decision to compensate for farm improvements those white former commercial farmers who lost land during land reform, saying the move was required by the Constitution. The parties said this after the fourth POLAD principals executive meeting at State House yesterday. The parties statements follow an outcry from some sections of the opposition that the decision by Government to compensate the former farmers for the improvements on their farms, although not the land itself, was a reversal of Land Reform programme. The Government has on several times stressed that the compensation deal was for improvements only and that land reform was not reversible. National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president, Professor Lovemore Madhuku said if there was any issue related to the issue of compensation, then the problem was the Constitution and the large majority who approved the Constitution. The Constitution provides for it and if you have to blame anything you have to blame the Constitution and if you blame the Constitution you have to blame the people of Zimbabwe for endorsing that Constitution, said Prof Madhuku. Peoples Democratic Partys president Ms Lucia Matibenga agreed that compensation was a Constitutional matter. Those issues were debated and we came up with a draft which people voted for and if I can emphasise this, which some of us have been complaining about the lack of implementation of the Constitution. Now it is being implemented (and) some people are complaining, she said. Ms Matibenga also shot down suggestions that there was a crisis in Zimbabwe, saying most of the so-called crises were only happening on social media platforms, contrary to what was happening on the ground. Coalition of Democrats leader Mr Trust Chikohora said the leaders had been re-assured by Government on the irreversibility of the land reform. Another topical issue which came up was the issue of compensation for white former commercial farmers and we are happy to say that Government re-assured us that the land reform programme is irreversible and compensation is to tie some loose ends so that we come up as a country with effective agriculture and result in us as a country being able to attract foreign direct investment as we honour Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, (BIPPAs), said Mr Chikohora. Zanu PF deputy secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde Paul Mangwana, echoed similar sentiments saying the matter was provided for in the Constitution. The issue of compensation is a Constitutional matter and it took a lot of our time during the constitution making process and during that time, all political parties were agreed that we should pay for developments on farms, he said. Cde Mangwana said the payment for farms that fall under BIPPAs was an acknowledgement of Zimbabwes contractual obligations. At the Mar Mikhail search site, rescue workers slowly removed debris from the building. The more they dug, the more careful the work became to protect anyone buried there. Later, a 360-degree camera at the end of a long pole was pushed into a hole in the building. Images did not turn up any trace of humans in that particular section. If you know anything about San Antonio author Leila Meacham, its probably that in 2010, at the inspiring age of 70, the retired Judson High School English teacher published her surprise bestseller, Roses, a romantic, multigenerational tale of warring East Texas families and star-crossed lovers. You also may know that since then, Meacham has published four more historical love story sagas, all told with her self-taught flair for drama, serpentine plots and layered characters. But theres another Meacham story you may not know. Thats the real-life story of her yearlong, ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer and how her devoted readers have helped her weather the storm of chemotherapy that has slowed but not stopped her writing. Shes hoping this story will have a happy ending later this month when she completes her treatment. Billy Calzada /Staff photographer I am making great progress, and there is great hope for this thing to be eradicated, she said recently by phone, her compromised immune system and coronavirus concerns precluding an in-person interview. The cancer hasnt spread, as weve been hoping and praying. I have a huge fan base, my prayer warriors they call themselves, whove been with me the whole time. Meacham sounded strong and positive during the hourlong interview, ready to laugh about having to stay close to home because of her cancer treatment joined unexpectedly by shut-ins across the world trying to stay safe from the coronavirus. On ExpressNews.com: Roses author Leila Meacham delves into World War II spycraft in Dragonfly I actually feel a little sorry for all you healthy folks because you have certainly had your wings clipped, she said lightly. Although she already had begun treatment when San Antonio stay-at-home orders went into effect this spring, Meacham seems accepting of the fact that she and Richard, her husband of 54 years, can no longer travel or even go out to a restaurant, at least for the duration. Weve settled into a pleasant, daily routine of the same-old, same-old, she said with a chuckle. We do have a small group of friends we consider safe to visit because everyone takes proper precautions. We keep our social distance, everybody wears a mask, that sort of thing. Meacham also has found solace in social media, a world she entered only recently. We were getting ready to release my newest novel, Dragonfly, last July and my agent told me, You really need to be online because thats where it all is, she said. So she joined Facebook. She was puttering along nicely, promoting the book, when her cancer was diagnosed in August 2019. She said she didnt hesitate to announce it to her more than 2,500 Facebook followers. Grand Central Publishing I wanted them to know what was happening, she said. I asked them to remember me in their prayers, and, my goodness gracious, I had no idea of the response Id get. Its been so humbling. She has a social media manager, and she doesnt respond to individual comments. But she said she reads them all, and during her regular Monday postings, she often gives a shout-out to those whove written to her to share their support. She recently congratulated a reader on the birth of a first grandchild, thanked another for the fluffy and warm shoes theyd sent to help ease her foot pain, and assured a third, a former Judson student, that it had been her pleasure to be their English teacher. She also gives updates on her latest chemo treatment, lab results, blood readings, organ function and more. As of July 13, my cancer markers dropped another 22 points and I have had two treatments since then, she wrote over the summer, referring to biomarkers found in the blood and elsewhere that indicate whether a tumor is growing or shrinking. My fingers are trembling so at the good news that I can hardly text, so I will see you next Monday. Be well, everyone. Later, she wrote, The encouraging news is that while I dont feel good, I dont feel worse. The neuropathy, fatigue, chemo fog are cumulative but playing according to script without further symptoms. Billy Calzada /Staff photographer And, in what may be one of the best-written pages on Facebook, she also provides progress updates on her latest novel, April Storm, which is set in a Colorado ski resort. She explains how side effects from the treatment are making the maneuver down the corridors of language difficult. Her posts typically generate more than 100 comments. While most are of the thoughts and prayers variety, others recount their own or loved ones battles with cancer. A breast cancer survivor from San Antonio told of how she now appreciates life more and how hearing birds sing and taking a walk in the park give her a sense of peace. Another told of a cousin whose surgeon told her that her cancer was so advanced she needed to get her affairs in order. That, she wrote, was seven years ago, and today, I cheer her on as she faithfully gets checked out and looks this doctor in the eye and (says), Im still here. Shes had to make accommodations for the side effects of her cancer treatment, however. While she used to begin at 8:30 a.m. and work through the rest of the day taking a short nap midway through the fatigue caused by her chemo brain limits her writing to two hours a day between 4 and 6 p.m. She describes chemo brain as a mental fatigue that sleep does not cure. It makes it hard to get the creative juices flowing, she said. Some days, the exact choice of word, the precise phrase of expression, the clear setting of a scene just do not come. Then there are those hours when its like old times and the language passage is clear for smooth navigating. I just never know. On ExpressNews.com: Long before Roses, Leila Meacham wrote a few 80s romance novels The chemo also has caused neuropathy, or painful nerve damage in her fingers, which can make typing difficult. She said progress is so slow she often repeats Oscar Wilde who, when asked if hed gotten any writing done, answered, Yes, this morning I took out a comma, and this afternoon I put it back. Jerry Lara /Staff photographer I have to wait for the fog to clear to let in the muse, she said. The good news is the story is completed in my head down to the last period. One area where her chemo brain has not affected her is in her research. Thats my favorite task, she said. Chemo fog does not prevent learning, just retention. But once I get the info on paper, its done. Meachams strong relationship with her readers is evidenced by the fact that theyve stuck with her despite her unwillingness to stick to the formula that made Roses whose big-canvas sweep was often compared to Gone With the Wind so successful. No one-note Nelly, her follow-ups have been set in locations as varied as occupied Paris during World War II, the early days of the West Texas oil boom and high school life in the Texas Panhandle. And her refusal to adopt the common bodice-ripper conventions of historical romances has helped expand her audience beyond women. Rather than mustache-twirling villains, for example, her bad guys tend to be normal people who make the wrong decisions even as they think theyre making the right ones. My publisher tells me thats why I have almost as many male readers as female, she said. I once got a call from Red McCombs, who said he was reading one of my books and that my characters were so realistic they were keeping him up at night. Unlike her previous books that sprawl over decades, April Storm, which she says is about half finished, takes place in a single month. Its definitely another departure, she said with a laugh. Another departure her readers are sure to embrace. Richard A. Marini is a features writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Richard A., become a subscriber. rmarini@express-news.net | Twitter: @RichardMarini Inside Hook After the new Ford Bronco seemed to pull the rug out from under the Jeep Wranglers uncontested success, the automaker seems ready to fire back. On Thursday, Jeep unveiled not one, but two monumental vehicles: the luxury Grand Wagoneer Concept and Wrangler 4xe. Both pave the way for the brands future; the production version of the Grand Wagoneer SUV will top out over $100K, likely making it the brands highest priced vehicle, according to CNBC, and the Wrangler 4xe will be the first plug-in hybrid model for the increasingly popular off-roader, showing a delayed but serious commitment to electrification. As Jeep cited in a press release, the Grand Wagoneer Concept is really a showpiece for its upcoming, reimagined Wagoneer line, a gas guzzling model that was discontinued in the 90s. The company wrote that the lineup, which will include a portfolio of vehicles under the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer names, will define American Premium alluding to the fact that these will be large, luxury SUVs intended to take on vehicles like the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover. While the $100,000-plus price tag making headlines is for a fully loaded model, according Christian Meunier, global president of Jeep, per CNBC, the entire lineup will still cost an arm and a leg. The lower-priced Wagoneer models will reportedly start around $60K. The more surprising part of the Grand Wagoneer Concept is that it showcases a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which isnt top of mind for most oversized luxury SUVs, but does fall in line with Jeeps aforementioned plan of electrifying every model by 2022 though now the company says thats coming in the next few years. That leads us to the Wrangler 4xe, which gets its name from a reworking of 44 to add the designation that its power well, some of it is coming from two electric motors. As Car and Driver made clear in its assessment, compared to other Wranglers, this plug-in hybrid is not only more powerful than existing models, it would have more torque than that V8 Wrangler concept, with 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The price, however, hasnt yet been announced. That said, youve got plenty of time to look into the details of both should you be interested in buying, as the Wrangler 4xe isnt slated to hit showrooms in the U.S. until sometime in early 2021, and Jeep is only promising the new Wagoneer line sometime next year. Watch the reveal of both vehicles here: The Fraternal Order of Police, the largest police union in the U.S., endorsed President Trump for re-election on Friday, commending him for his focus on law and order. During his first four years, President Trump has made it crystal clear that he has our backs, said FOP president Patrick Yoes in a statement. Our members know that he listens to the concerns of our brothers and sisters in uniform and is able to make tough decisions on the issues most important to law enforcement. President Trump is committed to keeping our communities and families safe. As violent protests and rioting have swept the country this summer following the death of George Floyd, Trump has made repeated calls for law and order and has threatened to send federal forces into cities that cannot control violence and property damage. On behalf of the 355,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, we are proud to unanimously endorse @realDonaldTrump for President of the United States. #FOP4Trump pic.twitter.com/uAF6SWNRnA National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) September 4, 2020 Police officers and federal agents often became targets of violence during the riots, all while many Democrats have fallen in line with protesters calls to cut police funding in order to redirect resources to social services. In New York City, where shootings and other violent crime has surged in recent months, local representatives responded to activists demands by cutting $1 billion from the annual police budget and eliminating the gun violence prevention task force. For his part, Biden has voiced support for police reform, but not for defunding police departments. He recently clarified his position, saying Lets get the facts straight, I not only dont want to defund the police. I want to add $300 million to their local budgets to deal with community policing to get police and communities back together again. Story continues Trump has consistently expressed support for police and recently issued a memo saying hed slash federal funding for any anarchist jurisdiction that disempowers or defunds police departments. Public safety will undoubtedly be a main focus for voters in this years election, Yoes said. Look at what the national discourse has focused on for the last six months. President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day. The FOP is proud to endorse a candidate who calls for law and order across our nation. He has the full and enthusiastic support of the FOP, Yoes said. The union, which has over 355,000 members, said it made the decision to endorse the president after sending a questionnaire to Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The union said it received responses from both campaigns in mid-July, after which it distributed the candidates questionnaire responses to its members and canvassed them to make a decision. The group also endorsed Trump in 2016 after criticizing then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for not seeking their endorsement. FOP didnt endorse a candidate for president in 2012 and in 2008, 2004, and 2000 it backed the Republican nominees the late Senator John McCain (R., Ariz.) and President George W. Bush. In 1996, it endorsed President Clinton. More from National Review In response to the recent LGBT related protests in Warsaw Poland, Polish bishops addressed the following matter by calling upon members of the Catholic faith to show their respect for the cultural movement. In addition, the members of the clergy also stated that Catholics should resist the social movement as it is considered a conflicting belief to church teachings. The church also released a document on August 28th stating, "The church is not afraid to proclaim the duty of respect for everyone's personal dignity, including those linked to LGBT+. For the same reasons, however, it must also show reserve and, in some cases, clear opposition to gender ideology and forms of activism by LGBT movements which negate the truth about humanity, as well as to their social projects and declared aims," Although the Catholic Church included that it was open to dialogue with "every person of goodwill who seeks the truth", this did not mean an acceptance to LGBT views or an ignorance of church teachings regarding gender ideology. The document issued by the church also included that it would support the clinics for the LGBT community for individuals who might encounter "hardship, suffering and spiritual breakdown," and for those who hoped, "to regain their sexual health and natural sexual orientation." It also went on to condemn acts of aggression and violence against LGBT people. The document was published after the August 27-29th plenary at the Jasna Gora national sanctuary. During the meeting, the Polish bishops added on to the topic with a commitment to helping abuse victims and uncovering neglect by clergy members. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today it charged Steven Fitzgerald Brown with fraud arising from his operation of investment pool Alpha Trade Analytics, Inc. The SEC's complaint, filed on September 3, alleges that Brown, the CEO, president, and sole owner and director of Alpha Trade, engaged in a Ponzi-like scheme using Alpha Trade's investment fund. The complaint alleges that Brown, as investment adviser to the fund, raised approximately $7.5 million from more than 75 investors, claiming that the fund would invest in the financial markets, including by trading securities. The complaint further alleges that Brown guaranteed investors a fixed-rate payout ranging from 8-12% per month, falsely promised that the investments were safe and risk-free, and claimed that all losses would be borne by the fund. According to the complaint, in reality, Brown operated the fund as a Ponzi-like scheme, investing less than 3% of investors' money in financial markets, and using new investor funds to pay existing investors their promised returns and the return of their principal. Brown also allegedly misappropriated or misused investor funds for his own benefit. The complaint charges Brown with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and Sections 206(1), 206(2), and 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 206(4)-8 thereunder. Without admitting or denying the allegations of the SEC's complaint, Brown consented to the entry of a judgment imposing a permanent injunction, which is subject to court approval. The complaint also seeks the return of ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest and civil penalties to be determined by the court upon a motion filed by the SEC. In a parallel action, the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California announced on September 3 that it filed criminal charges against Brown arising from the same conduct alleged by the SEC. The SEC's investigation was led by David S. Brown and Maria Rodriguez and was supervised by Ansu N. Banerjee in the SEC's Los Angeles Regional Office. The litigation will be led by Mr. Brown and supervised by Amy Jane Longo. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The celebrations of OPECs 60th anniversary, which were originally scheduled this month in Baghdad where the Organization was founded, have been postponed. Iraqs Oil Minister and Head of its Delegation to OPEC Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismaael said in a letter to OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo that it is "genuinely disappointing not to be able to host the 60th Anniversary" following months of preparations for the historic event. The OPEC Secretary General expressed his sincere gratitude for Iraqs gracious initiative to host OPECs Diamond Anniversary in the Al-Shaab Hall in Bab Al-Muaadham, Baghdad, the site of OPECs founding in 1960. "Yet we look forward with high anticipation to attend OPECs homecoming in the very near future," he added. OPEC was established on September 14, 1960 in Baghdad by its Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Its membership has grown since then to 13 oil producing countries. Officials urge residents to fill out census as deadline approaches Illinois stands to lose millions in federal funding and up to two U.S. House seats if undercounted By RAYMON TRONCOSO Capitol News Illinois rtroncoso@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD Gov. JB Pritzker spoke in Berwyn on Thursday to promote the 2020 U.S. Census as the Sept. 30 deadline for states to get their residents counted approaches. He was joined by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Rep Jesus Chuy Garcia among others. Pritzker and Stratton both emphasized the importance of an accurate census count, as response rate and population estimates are tied to federal funding and the apportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. A low response rate can also put millions of dollars in federal funding at risk across Illinois. The higher the count, the more of your federal tax dollars come back to Illinois instead of going to other states, Pritzker said. Just a 1 percent undercount, could result in the state losing over $195 million in federal funds at a time when we frankly need the full funding we can get from Washington (D.C.) the most. That amounts to approximately $15,000-$20,000 lost in federal funding per person undercounted in the census, according to Garcia. We come together today to remind our neighbors and families that everyone counts, regardless of citizenship and age, Garcia said. In 10 minutes, you secure $20,000 over the next 10 years for our communities, for your families. According to Pritzker, Illinois is one of 10 states that pays more in federal taxes than it receives in federal funding. A high response rate to the 2020 census can change that. As the novel coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc on the U.S. economy and tax revenue across the country and in Illinois, Pritzker stressed the importance of the census as it pertains to aid. Apportionment of federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act is partially based on 2010 census counts. Stratton also emphasized the need for Latino Illinoisans to participate in the census and addressed fears of retaliation. Our census doesnt hurt, it helps. The census questionnaire will not ask your citizenship status, she said. Your personal information will not be used against you in court or by any government agency like ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). For far too long some members of our Latino community have been told to keep their doors closed and not be seen, but no more. You have the power, and you deserve to be seen and counted, she said. The Trump administration attempted to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, but those efforts were blocked by multiple federal courts last year. It does not appear on the final form, and any respondent information is kept confidential by law. As of Wednesday, Illinois was number 7 in terms of self-response, with a 69.8 percent rate. Illinois ranks 12th in total enumeration, or the percentage of households in the state that have been counted in the census, at 89.8 percent. Among states with a population over 10 million, Illinois ranks first in both categories. In 2010, which only allowed self-response via mail, Illinois had a 70.5 percent response rate. The 2020 census allows for residents to self-file a form online, through mail or by phone. The state is on track to meet its 2010 response rate, but structural obstacles to filling out the census have kept response rates low in some parts of the state, including some rural counties and several census tracts on the south and west sides of Chicago among others. Lack of access to broadband internet, the prevalence of PO boxes which the Census Bureau does not send forms to, and the difficulty census door-knockers have reaching rural residents all factor into some countys having response rates as low as 33.4 percent. The state has just 27 days to increase its response rates after the Trump administration shortened the deadline for reporting from the end of October to the end of September. A federal lawsuit to restore the original deadline is ongoing. Illinoisans can fill out the census by mail, online at 2020census.gov, or by calling 844-330-2020. New Delhi, Sep 4 : Two prominent eateries on the outskirts of the national capital and located on the national highway in Haryana have been sealed after a large number of staffers were tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Friday. At least 65 employees of Amrik Sukhdev dhaba and 10 of Garam Dharam, owned by Bollywood actor Dharmendra, have tested positive for Covid-19, Deputy Commissioner Shyam Lal Poonia said. Both eateries are located in Murthal, some 50 km from here, in Sonipat district of Haryana and are favourite halt points for the travellers. Health teams collected samples of 300 workers at Sukhdev dhaba. Poonia said a special drive has been launched in eateries located along the highway. The leader of the Chilean rescuers, center, gives his team direction in where to start searching the site of a collapsed building after getting signals there may be a survivor under the rubble, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Hussein Malla/AP Photo) Search for Survivor in Beirut Rubble Grips Grieving Nation BEIRUTRescue workers used cranes, shovels, and their bare hands in search operations that resumed early Friday in the rubble of a building that collapsed last month in Beiruts catastrophic explosion, hoping to find a survivor after a pulsing signal was detected. The search was taking place exactly a month since the massive blast that killed and wounded thousands of people and traumatized a country that had already been suffering for months under a severe economic crisis and financial collapse. A march and a vigil were planned Friday as well as a moment of silence at 6:08 p.m., the moment that marked the most destructive single incident in Lebanons history on Aug. 4. The search operation unfolding in Beiruts historic Mar Mikhail district on a street once filled with crowded bars and restaurants has gripped the nation for the past 24 hours. The idea, however unlikely, that a survivor could be found a month later gave hope to people who followed the live images on television, wishing for a miracle. Search operations first began Thursday afternoon after a sniffer dog belonging to a Chilean search and rescue team called TOPOS detected something while the team was touring Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhail streets, and rushed toward the rubble. Images of the black and white 5-year-old dog named Flash, wearing red shoes to protect his feet, have circulated on social media with people describing him as a hero. Lebanese and Chilean rescuers search in the rubble of a collapsed building after getting signals there may be a survivor, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Hussein Malla/AP Photo) The episode lay bare the raw anger and grief still there, a month later. After hours of searching, the work was suspended briefly before midnight, apparently to search for a crane. That sparked outrage among protesters who arrived at the scene claiming the Lebanese army had asked the Chilean team to stop the search. In a reflection of the staggering divide and peoples lack of trust in authorities, some protesters donned helmets and started searching the rubble themselves while others made calls to try to arrange for a crane. Wheres your conscience? Theres life under this building and you want to stop the work until tomorrow? one woman screamed at a soldier. Members of Lebanons Civil Defense team returned an hour after midnight and resumed work. The army issued a statement Friday in response to the criticism, saying the Chilean team stopped work half an hour before midnight fearing that a wall might collapse on them. It added that army experts inspected the site and two cranes were brought in to remove the wall after which the search resumed. It was extremely unlikely that any survivors would be found a month after the August blast that tore through Beirut when nearly 3,000 tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate ignited at the port. The explosion killed 191 people and injured 6,000 others and is considered to be one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded. Thousands of homes were damaged in the explosion, which smashed glass and blasted windows and doors for several miles around and was felt on the neighboring island of Cyprus. A Chilean rescuer holds a signal detected machine, as he helps his team who are searching in the rubble of a building that was collapsed in last months massive explosion that hit the seaport in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Hussein Malla/AP Photo) It still wasnt clear what caused the fire that ignited the ammonium nitrate, but the public blames the corruption and negligence of Lebanons politicians, security, and judicial officials, many of whom knew about the chemicals existence and did nothing about it. On Friday morning, rescue workers were slowly removing debris with their hands and shovels, digging holes in the buildings debris pile in Mar Mikhail. The more they dug, the more careful the work became to protect any possible survivors under the rubble. Later, they brought a 360-degree camera placed at the end of a long stick and pushed it into a hole in the building. A scan from the camera did not turn up any trace of humans from that particular section. On Thursday, the team used audio detection equipment for signals or heartbeat and detected what could be a pulse of 18 to 19 beats per minute. The origin of the pulsing signal was not immediately known but it was enough to set off the frantic search and raised new hope. On Friday morning, the beats dropped to seven per minute, according to comments made by a Chilean volunteer to local TV station Al Jadeed. A Chilean rescue dog sits near the site of a collapsed building after getting signals there may be a survivor under the rubble, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Hussein Malla/AP Photo) Ninety-nine percent there isnt anything, but even if there is less than 1 percent hope, we should keep on looking, Youssef Malah, a civil defense worker, said Thursday. He said the work was extremely sensitive. A Chilean volunteer, however, said their equipment identifies breathing and heartbeat from humans, not animals, and it detected a sign of a human. The worker, who identified himself as Francisco Lermanda, said it is rare, but not unheard of, for someone to survive under the rubble for a month. The past few weeks have been extremely hot in Lebanon, including a current heatwave with high levels of humidity. Every now and then, the Chilean team asked people on the streets, including a crowd of journalists watching the operation, to turn off their mobiles and stay quiet for five minutes so as not to interfere with the sounds being detected by their instruments. Two days after the explosion, a French rescue team and Lebanese civil defense volunteers had looked into the rubble of the same building, where the ground floor used to be a bar. At the time, they had no reason to believe there were any bodies or survivors left at the site. By Hussein Malla Facebook moved on Thursday to clamp down on confusion about the November election on its service, rolling out a series of changes to limit voter misinformation and prevent interference from President Trump and other politicians. The social network said it would ban any new political ads on its site in the week before Election Day. It said it would also strengthen measures against posts that try to dissuade people from voting. Postelection, Facebook said it would quash any candidates attempts at claiming false victories by redirecting users to accurate information on the results. Facebook has become a key battleground for Mr. Trumps and Joseph R. Biden Jr.s campaigns. The Trump campaign has run ads on the social network featuring false corruption accusations about Mr. Biden. Mr. Bidens campaign has criticized Facebook for allowing lies, while also spending millions of dollars to buy ads on the service to appeal to voters. Thursdays changes, a tacit acknowledgment by Facebook of its power to sway public discourse, did not satisfy critics who said temporarily blocking the ads would do little to reduce misinformation and that the social network should go further. Bay of Plenty We are looking for a storeman with an OSH forklift license. You will need to be physically for as the job is about 70% forklift... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Uttarakhand high court on Friday directed the state government to file its response by October 12 on the writ petition filed by a woman against whom Dehradun Police had filed an FIR on August 14 on the complaint of BJP MLA Mahesh Singh Negis wife. The MLAs wife has accused the woman of blackmailing her husband and trying to extort 5 crore, said BS Adhikari, counsel of the woman. The BJP MLA has been accused of raping the woman. The woman has claimed of having a daughter with Negi. The woman in her writ petition has sought quashing of the FIR against her. The court has also stated that till October 12, when the next hearing will be held in the matter, there will be stay on the arrest of the woman, said Adhikari. On August 13, Dehradun Police had started a probe in the alleged extortion case against the woman after the wife of BJP MLA lodged a complaint accusing the woman of demanding 5 crore by threatening her to lodge a false rape complaint against her MLA husband. Negi is an MLA from Dwarahat Almora. Also read: Ready for any probe, says Uttarakhand BJP MLA accused of rape The accused woman, on the same day, released a video on social media in which she accused MLAs wife Rita Negi of lodging a false complaint and alleged the MLA sexually had been harassing her for the last two years. She also claimed that she has a daughter with the MLA and demanded a DNA test of her daughter and the MLA to prove her claims. On August 16, the woman filed a counter-complaint against the MLA, accusing him of raping her on several occasions and fathering her child. The woman also moved a complaint with the state womens commission claiming a threat to her life and property. Taking due cognizance of the same, the panel wrote to the Dehradun Police asking it to look into her complaint and take necessary action. On August 19, the MLA recorded his statement in the matter with Dehradun Police. Negi also wrote a letter addressed to the director-general of police (DGP) Uttarakhand stating, Why the woman and other accused in blackmailing and extortion case have not been arrested yet?. Italy was the first European country to feel the full force of the coronavirus pandemic, and Italians had hoped to be first on the continent to be able to return to normal life. But the country is witnessing some alarming viral spikes the danger of which is being underscored by the rising number of celebrities and politicians testing positive. Former prime minister and media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi has become the latest high-profile Italian to test positive. A spokesman for his center-right Forza Italia party said that two tests had come back positive, but that Berlusconi doesnt feel unwell and has no fever and is continuing to work from his home in Arcore, his estate near Milan. Two of Berlusconi's children, Luigi and Barbara, also have tested positive. Berlusconi, who turns 84 at the end of the month, is suspected of contracting the virus while vacationing at his luxury property on the island of Sardinia. Thats where he met with friends, who subsequently tested positive, including businessman Flavio Briatore, the former managing director of the Benetton Formula One racing team. Briatore was briefly hospitalized in Milan, and his Sardinian nightclub was closed last month after several employees also tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials are blaming spikes in cases last month on nightclub attendance and social gatherings, as well as on Italians returning from overseas vacations. Six hundred new infections were recorded Saturday, almost 800 on Sunday, and the daily tally of new cases has continued to rise with 1,326 fresh cases recorded Wednesday. These are numbers not seen since early May when the country was still under lockdown, according to the countrys Health Ministry. The Italian government has moved to tighten restrictions and has made the wearing of masks compulsory when out in public in the evening and overnight. The rise in Italian cases is alarming public health officials in some other European countries. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has recommended Italy be added to the foreign ministry's list of red countries, which would mean Norwegian vacationers having to quarantine for 10 days on returning from Italian holidays. Last month, some Italian regions introduced quarantine requirements on residents returning from vacations in Greece, Spain, Croatia and Malta. The jump in cases are largely in the north, Italys original viral epicenter, but are also being experienced elsewhere in the country, which is especially alarming for officials and ordinary Italians as the country tries to prepare for the reopening of Italy's schools, planned for September 14. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told the Italian news agency ANSA that the reopening was his government's top priority. The government is holding talks with regional authorities and teachers about guidelines that need to be adopted, including on the practical challenges of restarting public school transportation. Italian schools closed in early March. Italy's health minister, Roberto Speranza, tweeted Monday, The right to health and the right to education must go hand in hand. His tweet coincided with the announcement of the closure of one of the biggest high schools in the north of the country. The Cobianchi school in Verbania had been holding catch-up classes but closed after a teacher tested positive. Under guidelines for the reopening, students wont have to wear masks while at their desks if they are kept at least a meter apart from each other. But masks will have to be worn by children over the age of six moving around school buildings. The government has supplied more than 2 million single-occupant desks and has plans to provide millions of masks and nearly 200,000 liters of hand sanitizer every week. It will be a tough year," Education Minister Lucia Azzolina said this week. Frustrations have been building in recent weeks, with older Italians complaining the young are not observing mask-wearing rules and not keeping their distance from each other. Last month, a nurse in the Italian capital, Rome, unleashed a tirade on social media, attacking those who downplay the virus or deny its existence. Marco Bellafiore, who works at Rome's Umberto I Hospital, one of the capitals main public clinics, criticized those who ignore coronavirus restrictions. Come here and tell me everything is ok, that there is no COVID, that tonight we'll go dancing, he said. It is us, not you sweating in a sauna suit in 30 degrees, he added. GILLESPIE Gillespie First United Methodist Church will begin hosting GreifShare seminars staring Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Larry Moreau said that, in the time of COVID-19, people are not able to grieve in the normal way. He shared that recently he was conducting a graveside service and that was all the church could do. Because of COVID-19 restriction, traditional events such as visitations and in this churchs case, family dinners are not occurring. These things that we do to support families and help them are not taking place during COVID restrictions, he said. GriefShare is a seminar and support group for people experiencing grief and loss. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines, Moreau said. No matter what the cause of your loved ones death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing a mask and social distancing, will be practiced at the seminars. The church is at 900 W. Broadway in Gillespie. Seminars will continue every Wednesday until Dec. 16. China has offered experimental coronavirus vaccines to aviation industry workers, according to a regulatory notice seen by Reuters, in a push to inoculate high-risk groups to prevent a possible resurgence as economies reopen. China, which has four COVID-19 vaccines in the final stage of human trials, launched the emergency use vaccine program in July, hoping to boost the immunity of groups such as border inspectors or medical industry workers. Frontline workers at Chinese airlines, airports, China National Aviation Fuel Group and TravelSky Technology Limited will be provided a candidate vaccine on a voluntary basis, the notice from Chinas aviation regulator shows. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has asked these sectors and firms to compile a list of personal information of employees willing to take the vaccine, the notice adds. The vaccination is in response to a possible second wave of infections erupting in the fall and winter, and to the huge pressure facing our work of preventing imported cases as western countries reopen despite the pandemic, according to the notice. While the regulator did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, several staffers at Air China, China Southern Airlines and Juneyao Airlines confirmed they had received such a notice. Juneyao said it had submitted a list of employees willing to take the vaccine. The other airlines did not immediately reply to requests for comments. It is not clear yet which candidate vaccine will be given and how many people will be vaccinated. At least two experimental vaccines, one from Sinovac Biotech Ltd and the other from China National Biotec Group, have been approved for emergency use in China. No vaccine has yet passed final, large-scale trials to prove it is effective enough to protect people from contracting the virus that has led to over 860,000 deaths globally. (Reporting by Stella Qiu, Roxanne Liu and Miyoung Kim; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Photo: Airport employees loading cargo into Southern China airplane sitting at gangway at Guangzhou International Airport. Topics COVID-19 China Aviation CASS COUNTY, MI Dowagiac police seized 79 animals, including 48 rabbits and 10 dogs, while investigating reports of animal abuse and hoarding. Police said that several of the animals were in poor condition but others appeared to have been taken care of and properly fed. Dowagiac police and Cass County Animal Control used a search warrant on Thursday, Sept. 3, to investigate a home in the 100 block of Lester Street. Investigators found animals inside and out, with some in cages. Police seized 48 rabbits, 10 dogs, eight cats, five quails, four guinea pigs, two love birds, a turtle and a chicken. The animals were taken to Cass County Animal Control, with some going to Berrien County Animal Control because there were so many. Steven Grinnewald, Dowagiac public safety director, said police made contact with the 37-year-old man who owns the home. Reports will be reviewed by Cass County prosecutors to determine if any charges would be filed, he said in a statement. Read more: Top high school recruits rejoice as football returns, ending enrollment dilemma Waves push 2 children into rocks at South Haven pier, bystanders make rescue Whitmer reopens gyms, giving the green light to high school sports EV The first photo, as you can obviously tell, is dominated by the Parametric Hidden Lights integrated into the futuristic grille. The signature lighting complements the wider track of the Tucson, and the wheelbase has also been stretched to create more legroom for the rear passengers. Dont, however, expect a jacked-up wagon.Hyundai describes the fourth generation of the Tucson as featuring a slinky coupe-like character, but that isnt quite true if you remember that coupe used to mean something else before BMW rolled out the X6 and Mercedes-Benz the CLS. What does make the compact crossover more appealing visual-wise over its predecessor are the shorter overhangs, longer hood, as well as the full-width taillights.An evolution of the Sensuous Sportiness design identity of the all-new Elantra, the way the Tucson looks can rightfully be described as desirable. Brand snobbery aside, have you seen a more interesting crossover with the Hyundai logo on the front grille and steering wheel? Speaking of which, take a look at the dashboard.A dual cockpit layout that offers personalized space is in the pipeline, intuitively optimized for a high-tech user experience. How the touchscreen infotainment system is integrated into the floating console makes the cabin that more interesting, and if you look even closer, you can also see a push-button gear selector for the automatic transmission.On the suck-squeeze-bang-blow front, dont get your hopes up for anything more than a four-cylinder turbo. The South Korean automakers performance division is certain to roll out the sporty N-Line and hotter N at some point in the future, with the latter expected to pack 340 HP or thereabouts.Based on the Vision T plug-in hybrid concept from the 2019 L.A. Auto Show, electric assistance is also in the offing. Dont, however, brace yourself for the Tucsonbecause Hyundai has a dedicated sub-brand for that called IONIQ Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is understood to have sought a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of a key Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet in Moscow, people familiar with the development said on September 3. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a tense border row in eastern Ladakh for nearly four months now. Singh and Wei are currently in Moscow to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers on September 4. According to information, the Chinese side conveyed to the Indian mission its keenness to have a meeting between the two defence ministers. However, there is no official confirmation about it. Tensions flared in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake four days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to Indias move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. India on September 3 said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations. The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) that squarely put the blame on China for the prolonged border standoff came even as Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat asserted that Indias armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in best suitable ways. Jacob Blakes father said Friday that his happy-go-lucky son is optimistic for his future, although he remains paralyzed from the waist down after being shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer. A clearly exhausted Jacob Blake Sr., speaking by video chat from a Milwaukee hotel, told The Associated Press that the past two weeks have been surreal and like a dream and hes mentally worn out. He said hes been receiving death threats, which he said he couldnt talk about in detail. Its been hard on everybody, Blake Sr., who drove from North Carolina to be with his hospitalized son, said. Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot Aug. 23, setting off days of protests that made Wisconsin the epicenter of the nations ongoing debate over police violence and racial injustice. Over three days, dozens of fires were set and some Kenosha businesses destroyed. On Aug. 25, prosecutors say a 17-year-old from Illinois shot and killed two demonstrators. His attorneys say the teenager, who was patrolling the streets with a rifle, was acting in self-defense. Blake was released from intensive care this week and is doing a little bit better, his father said. Still, from the waist down, no movement, Blake Sr. said. He cant move. Blake Sr. said he talks with his son about what hell be able to do once hes released from the hospital, rather than his limitations if he remains paralyzed. Well go fishing together in the chair, he said. Ive got the perfect spot for us. Things of that nature, things that have nothing to do with the sickness or anything. Five days after the shooting, Blake Sr. followed through on his plans to attend the March on Washington commemoration in the nations capital. His father had marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and Jacob Blake Sr. said he considered it his duty to still attend the march even though his son was hospitalized. Earlier this week, Blake Sr. said another one of his sons had a nervous breakdown and was admitted to the hospital. Two days after that, members of the Blake family met with Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in Kenosha. Jacob Blake spoke to Biden by phone from the hospital. President Donald Trump traveled to Kenosha on Tuesday. He thanked law enforcement for their efforts in quelling violence and met with people whose businesses were destroyed in fires, but he did not meet with Blakes family. Blake Sr. said Trump made clear he has no interest in his family. He said meeting with Biden and his wife was like speaking with an uncle and aunt. He came in that room with sympathy, empathy, a caring nature, Blake Sr. said. It was not an interview, it was not a political thing. The Blake family told Biden that they want all police to be required to have body cameras, something the Kenosha officers did not have. Blake Sr. said the family also told the former vice president they want police trained in de-escalation techniques. And they want the officer who shot Blake to be fired. All three officers present when Blake was shot are on administrative leave during the investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The state agency said police were sent to the scene after a woman reported her boyfriend was present and wasnt supposed to be on the premises. Blakes attorney Ben Crump has said that Blake was trying to break up a domestic dispute. The Justice Department has said a knife was recovered from an SUV he was leaning into when he was shot, but has not said whether he was holding it when officers tried to arrest him. The man who made widely seen cellphone video of the shooting, 22-year-old Raysean White, said he saw Blake scuffling with three officers and heard them yell, Drop the knife! Drop the knife! before gunfire erupted. He said he didnt see a knife in Blakes hands. The Kenosha police union said Blake had the knife and refused orders to drop it. Blake fought with police, including putting one officer in a headlock, the union said. Police twice used a Taser, which did not stop Blake. Blake Sr. said that two hours before the shooting, he spoke with his son and a grandson who was celebrating a birthday. That child, along with two of Blakes other children, were in the SUV when he was shot. Blake Sr. said he has not talked with his son about what happened just prior to the shooting. Theres nothing that my son did that justifies getting shot seven times in his back, Blake Sr. said. Nothing. Banner drama: Ian Paisley (left), Sammy Wilson (second left) and Paul Girvan (right) with the Trump flag DUP MP Ian Paisley has defended standing with a flag supporting Donald Trump's re-election campaign. Mr Paisley posed in a photograph along with fellow MPs Sammy Wilson and Paul Girvan outside the Houses of Parliament with a banner reading: 'Trump 2020, keep America great'. UUP MLA Doug Beattie said he "cringed" when he saw the image, which was tweeted by Mr Wilson. Yesterday in an interview with the BBC Mr Paisley said he thought a Trump presidency would be "good for Northern Ireland and good for trade deals between our two nations". Mr Paisley said he and his colleagues thought "why not get the banner out and declare our support for the Trump campaign as they get into top gear to seek re-election". When asked about the lack of social distancing in the image, Mr Paisley told the BBC he and his colleagues were even closer together on the plane flying over to London. He added: "So standing outside in the fresh British air, I think we were probably socially distanced enough." The growing toxicity of social media is getting to many and joining the list of actors voicing this concern is Kubbra Sait, who urges everyone to avoid spreading hate in such difficult times. Im saying this probably for the hundredth time that right now we dont need anything but kindness. Just be good, be responsible. It takes nothing, she says. Earlier last month, Sait supported the suspension of a Twitter account named Team Kangana Ranaut, for accusatory posts targeting leading actors. When the account questioned the Sacred Games actor, saying youre a friend, Sait clarified replying, this is not personal, and highlighted that the account has been toxic. Elaborating on that, the actor says, Yes, I did report that account because somewhere I felt Kanganas spokesperson was going wrong, and unnecessarily stirring up a storm. I never said Team Kangana Ranaut is Kangana Ranaut the actor, but the former does have the validation of the latter, right? When you have a huge following, you also have a bigger responsibility! Aiyo! I was silent all along. Not one tweet to her. We are katti and she didnt even tell me. Told her its not personal bro! pic.twitter.com/7J5bIFJVsb Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) September 3, 2020 On August 21, actor Kangana Ranaut herself announced that shes joining Twitter. Ask Sait to comment on the same and she adds, I dont have much to say now. Let things play out the way they are, right now I just want to concentrate on my work. I said what I had to already, the intention was never to pass on any judgements but to give an opinion. Its not the first time Ranauts Twitter handles, which her sister, Rangoli Chandel operates on her behalf has been attacking leading Bollywood actors. Angered by such hatred, Sait adds, Theyve been saying mean things, taking a jibe on Ayushmann Khurrana, Deepika Padukone I mean everyone has a journey. Kangana is called a queen for her extraordinary journey. No one is questioning that. In fact, she inspires many. Par ek tareeka hota hai bolne ka. Sait further reveals that after she reported the said account, Kanganas followers started abusing me, and even gave death threats. These people, who arent even a part of the industry have an opinion about it. Shouldnt they just come here, test it before saying so much? Reacting to the heated nepotism debate, Sait credits Ranaut for introducing the word to everyone two or three years ago. It has only existed because of Kangana. Many didnt have this word in their vocabulary before that. But, nepotism isnt just about producers or directors or film families, its also about the audience. You want to know what Taimur (Ali Khan), Suhana or Aaryan (Khan) are doing; you want to see them in films! Then why complain? You want others to do well, go and watch their films! Sait points. Objecting to the use of terms such as mafia and gangs, the actor questions are people talking about some underworld or what. This is our film industry that files the maximum amount of tax every year. Yeh nepotism bol bol kar were scaring the talents whore dreaming of making it to Bollywood. The biggest problem is idolising actors whore just a small percentage of Bollywood. Do we speak about the lightman or makeup artists struggles, or pay disparity? There are bigger issues to deal with, Sait ends on a thought-provoking note. Follow @htshowbiz for more Author tweets @Shreya_MJ SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on lifestyles has been pervasive, and will likely be long-lasting. Its effects on the world economy have been dramatic, with some of the largest national economies shrinking by 30 per cent, and growth rates regressing the world over. Yet amid all the contraction, the demand for education is as high as ever. Starting next semester, public, private and national universities will adopt hybrid learning systems in an attempt to meet this demand, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced, blending traditional classroom experience with online courses. To facilitate the online component of the programme, the ministry has laid out a plan to upgrade the technological infrastructure of universities at a cost of LE4.8 billion. Freshmen will still need to attend lectures to familiarise themselves with the way university education works, says Mohamed Saraya, a professor of business administration at Misr University for Science and Technology. During the first year, faculties will need to familiarise their students with necessary skills such as self-learning, research techniques, and critical and imaginative thinking, but once students enter the second year there is no reason why the bulk of theoretical courses should not be conducted online. Practical courses, which require the physical presence of the teacher and students in the same space, will continue to be taught in the traditional way. I dont think the government has many choices given the demands being made on limited budgets. It has to direct the majority of investment towards research, rehabilitating teachers, developing curricula and nonconventional education methods, all of which will require improvement in the Internet infrastructure, says Saraya. The Ministry of Higher Education should view the coronavirus crisis as an opportunity to integrate technology into education and promote e-learning, argues Mohamed Shoman, dean of the Faculty of Media Communication at the British University in Egypt. Developed countries, he says, are already making strides in this direction as universities introduce theoretical subjects online and conduct practical course in small groups. The challenges to such an approach in Egypt, says Shoman, run the gamut of university education, from the teaching board, students and curricula to the availability of an Internet infrastructure and applications that can facilitate communication between students and professors. At public universities where large numbers of students are enrolled there is the added challenge of the need to upgrade lecture halls so social distancing is possible. Not that this is insurmountable. The government successfully implemented social distancing during the Thanaweya Amma final year exams at schools and there is no reason why it cannot repeat the same success at universities, points out Shoman. During the spring semester, with the implementation of social distancing measures, university professors videorecorded their lectures and uploaded them online on university channels and other outlets for the students to download, says Hisham Saber, a professor of teaching methods at the University of Zagazig. Which was a start of sorts. But much more needs to be done. Online education requires programmes that simulate classes and allow teachers to communicate with a closed group of students, manage a virtual class and receive comments as well as deliver lectures. For the time being it is best to leave it to each faculty to determine the most suitable system for practical subjects that require attendance, and theoretical material that doesnt necessitate the presence of teachers and students in one place, says Saber. *A version of this article appears in print in the 3 September, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Actor Abhay Deol has said that while there are some people who are taking advantage of the ongoing moment of transition in the film industry, and are only in it to further their agenda, there are others who are genuinely calling for change. Future generations should know what it entails to be in this industry, the actor told Bollywood Hungama in an interview. Abhay has been speaking about various issues recently, and has said that for too long, certain peoples careers have been cut short, just because they didnt pander to someone, or they threatened somebodys positions. The actor also spoke about the blind items that were written about Sushant Singh Rajput. He said that while he is fine with things being written about him, as he has grown up around fame and knows that whats news today will be old news tomorrow, for others who might be more sensitive to such rumour-mongering, it could be very disheartening. That could have an impact on someones mind. I could also impact their career, he said. Also read: Abhay Deol calls out Bollywoods lobby culture, award functions: Im sorry it took someones death to wake everybody up The actor recently revisited his old films on Instagram, and spoke about what set them apart from the usual Bollywood fare. He wrote that his experience with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was a great example of the covert and overt ways in which people in the industry lobby against you. This was clearly an overt example. They didnt even bother hiding their bias, something that they normally take efforts to do, he said, adding, Lobby culture has been prevalent in our industry not for years, but decades. Hence, no one thinks about standing up, or bothering to do anything. They are all ready to conform, which is why they know that they can get away with it. The reason I can say this, is because I grew up in a film family and Ive heard of these games even as a child. As a kid, I heard it through other peoples experiences, and as a professional, I have seen it myself. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Passengers and crew on board superyacht Lady Pamela have been fined by NSW police for allegedly breaching the conditions of their exemption to COVID-19 restrictions as they sailed from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. The fines come as the captain of the 30-metre vessel has been charged by detectives in Queensland with making a false declaration to Queensland Health. No passengers have been charged NSW Police Marine Detective Chief Inspector Todd Cunningham confirmed that police were alleging construction industry magnate Mark Simonds and three other passengers from the Lady Pamela were spotted at a cafe in NSW, two days after leaving Melbourne. A joint investigation between The Age and A Current Affair revealed last week that the vessel docked on the Gold Coast on August 24 after leaving Melbourne on August 9, and is alleged to have stopped on at least five occasions as it sailed up the east coast. Washington, D.C., police released body camera footage Thursday of the fatal police shooting of an 18-year-old Black man, following protests outside a police station and Mayor Muriel Bowser's home. The footage was shared less than 24 hours after Deon Kay was shot and killed by a patrol officer from the Metropolitan Police Department's Seventh District in southeast Washington, D.C. "Our community is hurting, and we know that they want answers," Bowser said at a press briefing Thursday. "We are still gathering all the facts in MPD, and my administration will conduct a full investigation of this incident." According to MPD Police Chief Peter Newsham, officers responded to reports of "a man with a gun" at approximately 3:49 p.m. Police had seen a livestream on social media of the man, whom they knew, he said. Newsham did not indicate if the man was Kay. As police arrived on the scene, two individuals left a car and allegedly fled on foot with the officers in pursuit. The officer involved in the shooting was following one of the men, but stopped when the suspect "gained too much distance," the chief said. PHOTO: Body cam footage from the police shooting of Deon Kay in Washington, D.C., Sept. 2, 2020. (Metropolitan Police Department ) When the officer turned around, "that's when Deon Kay approached and displayed a handgun. And in response to that the officer fired one round," Newsham said. Kay was shot once in the chest, Newsham said. Police rendered first aid and he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the chief said. The officer saw Kay allegedly throw the firearm at some point during the incident. A handgun believed to be Kay's was found nearly 100 feet from the scene of the shooting, Newsham said. MORE: Black jogger jailed after mistaken ID arrest speaks out Newsham described Kay as a "validated gang member" from the area. "I know that he's had multiple touches with the criminal justice system," he said, adding that it's clear that Kay "fell through multiple safety nets before yesterday afternoon." Story continues Two people at the scene were arrested, police said. A 19-year-old was charged with carrying a pistol without a license. He was allegedly in possession of an unregistered "ghost gun," according to Newsham. An 18-year-old was charged with no permit for not having a driver's license. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is conducting an independent review surrounding the use of force, Newsham said. PHOTO: Police officers are seen after a police-involved shooting, in Washington, D.C., Sept. 2, 2020, in this still image obtained from a social media video. (@GUNSDOWNFRIDAY via Reuters) The officer who discharged his weapon was identified as Alexander Alvarez, in compliance with police reforms enacted in July that requires MPD to release the names of officers involved in the use of deadly or serious force. The reforms also require MPD to release body camera footage within five days of such an incident. The legislation passed amid protests over police brutality after the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. Newsham encouraged people to watch the footage and "draw your own conclusions, in hindsight or not," when asked at which point Kay allegedly discarded a gun. "One of the reasons we put it out as quickly as we did is because there's a lot of misinformation in the current climate that we have, not only here in Washington, D.C., but across the country," Newsham said. "Misinformation can lead potentially to some disturbances in our city, and that's the last thing that we wanted to see." In the bodycam footage of the incident released Thursday, Alvarez can be seen exiting the passenger side of a squad car and immediately running through the parking lot of an apartment complex. During the shaky, quick-moving footage, he can be heard saying "Don't move" several times before the sound of gunfire. Kay is then seen falling to the ground. Following the shooting, an officer can be heard saying, "He tossed it down there." Alvarez then appears to look for a gun. "I gotta find it," he says. About two minutes after the shooting, he says, "I got it right here." "This is the one that he was holding," Alvarez can be heard telling a second officer, whose face is blurred. Alvarez later asks the other officer, "Is he in bad shape?" To which the officer responds, "Don't worry about it right now." MORE: Mayor suspends officers involved in man's suffocation death Alvarez starts to move back toward the scene of the shooting when the officer tells him to "stay right there." "I know you're worried about everything that's going on. Don't worry, people are taking care of everything else," the officer says. PHOTO: Demonstrators face off with Metropolitan Police Department officers at the 7th District police station after an officer shot and killed a man in Washington, D.C., Sept. 2, 2020. (Shawn Thew/EPA via Shutterstock) During the footage, the second officer can be heard talking to a dispatcher about a suspect that had allegedly fled on foot. "It's a possibility he might be armed as well," the officer says. On Thursday, the department shared images of two recovered handguns. Following news of the police-involved shooting, protesters gathered outside of the Seventh District police station Wednesday night. More than two dozen protesters also demonstrated in front of Bowser's home Thursday morning, demanding that the police chief be fired. Police release bodycam footage in fatal shooting of Deon Kay that sparked protests originally appeared on abcnews.go.com FREDERICTON - New Brunswick Progressive Conservative leader and incumbent Premier Blaine Higgs spent much of the first election debate defending his decision to call a snap election and fending off accusations he has a secret plan to cut services. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Kevin Vickers, the former House of Commons sergeant-at-arms, announces his intention to run for the leadership of the New Brunswick Liberals, in Miramichi, N.B. on Friday, March 15, 2019. The first debate of New Brunswick's provincial election is underway in Fredericton. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan FREDERICTON - New Brunswick Progressive Conservative leader and incumbent Premier Blaine Higgs spent much of the first election debate defending his decision to call a snap election and fending off accusations he has a secret plan to cut services. Higgs, who led a minority government since 2018, argued the province needs political stability as it recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We have a long-term strategy and a vision for this province to not only recover from where we were pre-COVID, but to move well beyond," Higgs said during the 90-minute debate. He said New Brunswick's economic recovery from COVID-19 is the fastest in the country. "A majority government over the next four years will ensure we don't get derailed and go back to petty politics." But Green Leader David Coon questioned Higgs' motive for dissolving the legislature and calling the country's first election campaign since the pandemic began. "When he says 'stability' he means he doesn't want the democratic process to work," Coon said. "He wants to have a majority government to deliver whatever his secret plan is to save New Brunswick and we don't know what that is." When the election was called, the standings in the legislature were 20 Tories, 20 Liberals, three Greens, three People's Alliance members and one Independent. Two seats were vacant. Higgs called for the election three days after the Liberals pulled out of negotiations on a Tory proposal that would have eliminated the possibility of an election until October 2022 or until the end of the pandemic. Gerald Bourque, leader of the Keep it Simple Solutions party, also questioned Higgs' election call, arguing that if the province's economic recovery was so strong, then there was no need to call voters to the polls. "Why was the election called?" Bourque asked. "He just got saying again that everything was going good and we were advancing ahead of everybody else." Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers accused the Tory leader of calling an election in an effort to grab power. "This is cowardice to run an election, to roll the dice at a window of opportunity," Vickers said. Higgs lost the trust of citizens when he tried to cut services to rural hospitals, Vickers said. "In all due respect you lost the trust of New Brunswickers on the health-care file," Vickers told Higgs. "What you proposed was reckless and damaging." But Higgs said the plan to reduce hours at some rural emergency rooms was a bad plan that was cancelled and won't be revisited. Higgs said the people of New Brunswick know him. "I'm not a new face here ... people know me. Our province is pulling together like it never did before." The leaders of the smaller parties warned against electing a majority government, and stressed how good decisions have been made in the minority legislature and the all-party COVID-19 cabinet committee. "We cannot go back to the old days of one party holding all of the power," People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin said. "Today this is about New Brunswickers, this is about choice, and this is about having your voice in the legislature." Austin said the two main parties won't address the language issue, and continue to have separate French and English health authorities that compete for resources. "We cannot go back to the old days of one party holding all the power," Austin said. Interim New Democrat Leader Mackenzie Thomason said having third parties in the legislature can influence decision-making. "They are able to keep the big parties' feet to the fire, and they are able to give New Brunswick experienced results," said the 23-year-old whose party had no elected members in the last session. Voting day is slated for Sept. 14. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 3, 2020. A once completely submerged cemetery nestled in a post-Civil War Freedmens settlement near The Woodlands has started to drain. Now phase one of the restoration process for Taminas Sweet Rest Cemetery can begin. Elijah Easley, Nonprofit Tamina Cemetery and Community Development Corp. chairman and event coordinator, led Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner James Metts through the cemetery Thursday. The site visit turned into a hike through green scum and tall cattails emerging from the overgrown, swamp-like graveyard. This is just wrong what is happening out here, Metts said as he walked away disappointed in the poor conditions. As Mr. Easley said, no one is pointing fingers here at anyone as to why this has happened, but it is time to do something about it. It is drier now and I want to use whatever power that I have as a commissioner to help this situation and I think that we can do that. We can certainly do better than is being done here, Metts continued. These are taxpayers out here in Montgomery County and they deserve the same level of service as anyone else would and I am going to do my part to make it better. Historical setting The board is close to completing the process to install two historical markers for both the cemetery and the community, which Easley hopes to unveil soon. Maria Banos Jordan with the Montgomery County Historical Commission with the assistance of Easley and Victor Harris with the Tamina Cemetery Project CDC, Sharon Russel with the Montgomery County Historical Commission, Rita Wiltz and Mary Henry Butler with Childrens Books on Wheels have connected with Dr. Andrea Roberts with Texas A&M University for a new collaboration, he said. Roberts is involved with researching chronic flooding on African American cemeteries, including the case of Sweet Rest Cemetery, which is one of 557 freedom colonies established throughout the state between 1865-1920, according to information provided by Easley about the research. Sweet Rest Cemetery holds nearly 260 tombstones dating back to the 1870s. The burial ground serves as the final resting place on earth for former slaves, Native Americans, military veterans, police officers, and several residents of the Tamina community, including the colonys founders. Among the founders whose names can be found on street signs throughout the community, include Easleys grandfather, Romie Hollins Sr. Taminas history can be traced back to R.B. Smith, an educator from the city of Montgomery, and John Nilor, a Houston-area businessman; and to 1871 when freed slaves who had moved to the area helped build the railroad in the area. Many past Tamina residents worked for Grogans Mill. Drainage issues Easley said the last cemeterys last burial was held in 2005. Since around then, due to the impact of chronic drainage and flood issues including during Hurricane Harvey, families have been hindered from paying respects or being able to be buried with their loved ones. In 2018, The Courier observed graves peeking from nearly two feet of murky water as the Nonprofit Tamina Cemetery and Community Development Corporation began spearheading an effort to restore the cemetery. By May 2020, the board had worked with engineer firms, developing partnerships to raise money to get the water removed, and had developed a strategic plan for improvement. Easley still needed the Montgomery County commissioners to help address the issue. The corporation held a Memorial Day tribute to remember those buried in the cemetery, hoping Sweet Rest would not be forgotten again due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Not a single grave was visible during the tribute due to the worsening conditions and high standing water. While the water has began to drain during the drier time of year, the grave of Amy Terrys late Native American Great Grandfather, Rivers Terry, who was buried in the cemetery in 1981, remains inaccessible. Every time I come down here, I am very overwhelmed with sadness, Terry said after digging through the growth to read other headstones. You kind of prepare yourself because you know what it is going to look like and its just kind of in your face. But today, even though it looks like it is in really bad condition to anyone who has not seen it beforeI am very hopeful and motivated that this is actually underway. I am very grateful for the county stepping up, Terry said. But to also see that miraculously that some water has already drained, and we saw some headstones, its just great to see and great to know that the process is under way. Next steps Metts and Easley shared its nearly impossible to provide maintenance until the waters removal. Metts plans to look at county funds that he understands, by law, could be used to help the historical cemetery. However, he was not able to provide a dollar amount and said he would have to review the limits with the county attorney. He and Easley hope the drier conditions will provide an opportunity to act with the next steps in the process, which include to completing a survey to establish the exact location of the property lines. Then, the hope is that someone with ground penetrating radar can be able to locate any unmarked graves. Easley said the cemetery has been assessed, however more funds for the GPR. We will prayerfully be able to move forward with ground penetrating radar, the cataloging of the graves, the removal of the final water that is in the cemetery and securing the grounds, Easley said. That is what I pray will come out of this. And, the finalization of our survey. The commissioner also plans to talk to nearby properties to take a further look into factors that may be contributing to the drainage issue. I dont want to falsely accuse anyone, if that is the case that would need to be looked at, Metts said. If there is someone blocking a waterway or outflow to this cemetery, I think we need to look at that and see what we can do to get that opened back up. Whatever that may be, whether that may be politely asking them or to take some type of legal action. The water is down now so we want to investigate that. Memorabilia is still being collected for a time capsule that will document the history, restoration effort and those who were involved in saving Sweet Rest Cemetery. mellsworth@hcnonline.com ROME: A member of a group of migrants escaping a quarantined residence for asylum-seekers in Sicily was struck and killed by a car when he and other fugitives ran onto a highway in the dark early Friday, pursued on foot by police officers, Italian media reported. Three police officers were also injured. The Eritrean man was among about 20 migrants who were trying to flee the residence a day after many of them climbed to the roof and staged a protest against crowded living conditions during the coronavirus pandemic, Italian news agency ANSA said. The driver was arrested for investigation of vehicular homicide, Rai state radio reported. There was no indication that the driver had intended to hit anyone. One of the injured officers had surgery for a fractured leg. The police gave chase after several migrants fled the residence in Siculiana, near the Sicilian tourist town of Agrigento, the reports said. The others were believed to have been brought back to the center. During the pandemic, protests have erupted at some residences housing migrants, many of which in Sicily and in southern Italian mainland towns are seriously overcrowded. At the Siculiana residence, 16 of the 237 residents tested positive earlier in the week for COVID-19, the interior ministry said in a statement. Testing of 19 others was inconclusive, and while awaiting updated results all the migrants in the center are required to stay in quarantine, the ministry said. Once all the tests results arrive, the infected migrants will likely be transferred to one of several ferries Italy has chartered to help ease overcrowding at its living facilities for asylum-seekers. Last week, the island of Lampedusa, south of Sicily, appealed to the Italian government to remove hundreds of migrants. The island receives Europe-bound asylum-seekers who set out from the Tunisian coast or were rescued from flimsy dinghies and decrepit fishing boats launched from Libya by human traffickers. The migrant processing center on Lampedusa is meant to hold fewer than 200, while recently there were some 2,000 migrants there, the mayor has said. As a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, the Italian government has been sending chartered ferries to quarantine migrants before they are relocated to residences in Sicily or on the mainland. Two more ferries were dispatched to take on hundreds more of the migrants by the end of the week, including from Lampedusa, the interior ministry has said. Most the recent migrants are fleeing poverty, not persecution or armed conflicts, so they risk being denied asylum. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Over 6.5 lakh people in Rajasthan have been fined so far for violating guidelines which have been imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) such as wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing when outdoors. Director General of Police (Crime) M L Lather said that the fines were collected under the Rajasthan Epidemic Ordinance. The fines collected by the state government amount to over nine crore Rupees. According to the Rajasthan Epidemic Ordinance, the state government has powers to undertake special measures or regulations which have to be followed by the members of the public in case of an outbreak of any epidemic disease. Click here for complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic Some of these measures include sealing of borders, restriction on public gatherings and movement of people, restricting functioning of offices- government and private along with educational institutions across the state. Rajasthan on Friday registered 738 cases and seven fatalities due to Covid-19. The states tally has now mounted to 86,965 which include 70,189 discharges, 1,102 deaths and over 13,000 active cases. Meanwhile, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Thursday said it has collected Rs 27.48 lakh as fine from nearly 2,800 people in Mumbai who were penalised for not wearing a mask while outdoors between April 9 and August 31. Andheri (West), Kandivli, Marine Lines, Pydhonie and Kalbadevi saw the highest number of violaters, as per officials. (With inputs from PTI) My Favorite Quotes Recent Quotes Portfolio Summary Your most recently viewed tickers will automatically show up here if you type a ticker in the Get Quotes box on the top of the page. The US president moved quickly to avoid losing support among the military and its allies just two months before an election. Washington: President Donald Trump heatedly denied on Thursday night that he had referred to American soldiers killed in combat during World War I as losers and suckers, moving quickly to avoid losing support among the military and its allies just two months before an election. Marching over to reporters under the wing of Air Force One after returning from a campaign rally, a visibly angry Trump rebutted a magazine report that he decided against visiting a cemetery for American soldiers in France in 2018 because he feared the rain would mess up his hair and he did not believe it was important to honour the war dead. If people really exist that would have said that, theyre lowlifes and theyre liars, Trump shouted above the noise of the planes engines. And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more. He added, What animal would say such a thing? The report in The Atlantic magazine by its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, attributed the episode to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day, but he did not name them. During a conversation with senior officials that day, according to the magazine, Trump said: Why should I go to that cemetery? Its filled with losers. On the same trip, the article said, he referred to American Marines slain in combat at Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed. The article also said that Trumps well-known antipathy for Senator John McCain, Republican, Arizona and a Vietnam War hero, was on display after the senators death in August 2018. Were not going to support that losers funeral, the article quotes Trump telling his staff. He became furious at seeing flags lowered to half-staff. What the fuck are we doing that for? Guy was a fucking loser, the president told aides, according to the article. The report could be problematic for Trump because he is counting on strong support among the military for his reelection bid. He has made his backing for increased military spending, troop pay raises and improved veterans care pillars of his campaign at the same time he boasts of ratcheting down endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. But he has also clashed with the military leadership by extending clemency to accused and convicted war criminals, seeking to order active-duty forces into the streets of Washington to crack down on demonstrations and trying to block an effort to change the names of army bases named for Confederate generals. A new poll by The Military Times taken before the party conventions last month and released this week showed former vice-president Joe Biden leading Trump, 41 percent to 37 percent, among active-duty troops, a stark departure from the militarys long-standing support for Republicans. People familiar with Trumps comments say he has long scorned those who served in Vietnam as being too dumb to have gotten out of it, as he did through a medical diagnosis of bone spurs in his heels. At other times, according to those familiar with the remarks, Trump would marvel at people choosing military service over making money. Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, sought on Thursday night to capitalize on the Atlantic article, quickly issuing a statement condemning the president and saying it demonstrated that Trump was not fit for the office. Biden said the article, if true, showed another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States. I have long said that, as a nation, we have many obligations, but we only have one truly sacred obligation to prepare and equip those we send into harms way, and to care for them and their families, both while they are deployed and after they return home. Thats the foundation of what Jill and I believe, said Biden, whose late son, Beau Biden, served overseas. If I have the honour of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. Trumps trip to Paris in November 2018 came at a tense moment for him. Republicans had just lost the House in midterm elections when he flew to France to attend a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. During the trip, he was angered when President Emmanuel Macron of France seemed to rebuke Trump by saying in a speech that nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism by saying: Our interest first. Who cares about the others? But it was Trumps failure to go through with a planned visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery at the foot of the hill where the Battle of Belleau Wood was fought that drew the most attention. Aides at the time cited the rain in canceling a helicopter flight, but the presidents absence went over badly in Europe and in the United States. Trump did pay respects to the war dead the next day at the Suresnes American Cemetery outside Paris. At the time of the visit to France, advisers were blunt in confiding that Trump was in a foul mood and was quizzing aides about whether he should replace John Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general and his White House chief of staff at the time. Several White House officials at the time said the decision that Trump would not take Marine One to the Belleau Wood cemetery was made by Zachary Fuentes, a deputy White House chief of staff and close aide to Kelly, without consulting the presidents military aide. Others argued that a motorcade trip by road would have taken too long, at roughly two hours. Administration officials said at the time that Fuentes had assured Trump it was fine to miss the visit. Kelly traveled to the cemetery himself in the presidents place along with General Joseph Dunford, then the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump insisted on Thursday that it was the weather, not disrespect, that forced the visit to be scrapped. It was raining about as hard as Ive ever seen, he said. And on top of that, it was very, very foggy. And the helicopter was unable to fly. To go by ground, he added, the motorcade would have had to wind its way through congested areas of Paris for more than two hours. The Secret Service told me, You cant do it, he said. I said, I have to do it. I want to be there. They said, You cant do it. A half-dozen current and former aides to Trump backed him up with Twitter messages disputing The Atlantic article. I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussion this never happened, wrote Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who was then the White House press secretary. This is not even close to being factually accurate, added Jordan Karem, the presidents personal aide at the time. The reported comments about McCain, though, were consistent with Trumps publicly expressed view of the senator. In 2015, while seeking the Republican nomination over McCains opposition, Trump famously mocked the senators military service and 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, Hes not a war hero, Trump said. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured. McCain remained a thorn in Trumps side after he won the presidency, blocking an effort to overturn President Barack Obamas health care programme, a vote Trump never forgave and still speaks about with bitterness. When McCain died, aides said at the time, the president had to be shamed into lowering the flags and he was not invited to the funeral. But speaking with reporters Thursday night, Trump insisted that he respected McCain even though they disagreed. I was never a fan. I will admit that openly, Trump said. But we lowered the flags. I had to approve that, nobody else, I had to approve it. When you think just thinking back, I had to approve either Air Force One or a military plane to go to Arizona to pick up his casket. And I approved it immediately. I had to approve the funeral because he had a first-class, triple-A funeral. It lasted for nine days, by the way. I had to approve it. All of that had to be approved by the president. I approved it without hesitation, without complaint. He seemed to suggest that The Atlantics article came from several former aides that he had in mind. Probably its a couple of people that have been failures in the administration that I got rid of, he said. I couldnt get rid of them fast enough. Or it was just made up. But its unthinkable. Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman c.2020 The New York Times Company Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Former Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te raised Friday several legal issues on a court order for the early release of Joseph Scott Pemberton, the US marine convicted of killing Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude in 2014. Te, also a law professor, said there were a number of Constitutional questions triggered by the recent decision of an Olongapo City court allowing Pemberton to walk free for good behavior while in detention. The Department of Justice said Thursday the release is on hold pending a court's resolution on the appeal filed by Laude's family. "I am actually asking that question myself: Kasi mag-isa siya doon eh [he was alone in his cell], it's not a usual place of detention. What is the objective basis for saying that this person has actually shown good conduct? That part is intriguing to me," Te told CNN Philippines' The Source. He added that it's up to the court to assess the "factual basis" in sizing up his behavior while in detention to qualify for early release. Unlike other suspects and convicts in the country who are detained in local or nationally-run jails, Pemberton is held inside his own cell in Camp Aguinaldo the headquarters of the Philippines' Armed Forces in Quezon City in fulfillment of the Visiting Forces Agreement in place since 1998. Pemberton has served a total of 2,142 days or over five years and eight months in prison, but the court credited to him a good conduct time allowance of 1,548 days or more than four years. This yields an accumulated jail time of 10 years, one month, and 10 days, the court said beyond his maximum sentence earlier set by the Court of Appeals. RELATED: Computing good conduct: How time served in prison is shortened based on behavior Another issue would be if an American can also benefit from GCTA, as the law and even the Constitution are silent on that. "I think the question implicates the equal protection clause and Ive heard statements that hes not entitled. Of course, his counsel will say he is entitled," the lawyer said. Laude was found dead in an Olongapo City motel room in October 2014 after a night out with Pemberton. Laude's neck was blackened with strangulation marks, head rammed into a toilet in a gruesome murder that has sparked anger among Filipinos. Pemberton's detention in his own cell has also raised complaints that US servicemen are getting special treatment in the country. The Laude family on Wednesday filed a motion for reconsideration to block Pemberton's early release and asked for proof of his behavior while in jail, but even this is beyond standard protocol. Te said the victim's kin can only intervene in the case as far as the payment of civil damages something which has already been satisfied when the American's camp paid the full amount of 4.65 million. Rules dictate that any appeal or court filing involving homicide should go through and be approved by state prosecutors. Te said it will only be clear if the Department of Justice supports the family's motion. On Friday, the US Marine's camp opposed the motion of the Laude family, saying they were unable to explain why the computation of his good conduct credit was wrong and wanted the court to "treat Pemberton differently. Michigan authorities have alleged that a Detroit-area paramedic repeatedly failed to recognize that a young woman declared dead was alive and misled a doctor by phone about her condition. Hours after 20-year-old Timesha Beauchamp was pronounced dead at her family's home, a Detroit funeral home discovered she was alive when she gasped and opened her eyes while her body was being prepared for embalming. The latest details are in a state license suspension filed last week against Michael Storms, a Southfield firefighter and paramedic, who was part of a four-member team responding to the medical emergency in the Detroit suburb of Southfield on August 23. Storms allegedly stopped performing CPR early, failed to use a stethoscope to check the patient's breathing and ignored data on a monitor that 'clearly showed' Beauchamp was not dead, according to regulators. Scroll down for video Michigan authorities that have suspended the licenses of two paramedics after 20-year-old Timesha Beauchamp (pictured) was wrongly declared dead say that one of them failed to recognize that the patient was alive and misled a doctor by phone about her condition Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee, pictured during a news conference on August 26, disagreed with the findings of state authorities concerning the conduct with his paramedic The documents obtained by The Associated Press are significant because no other agency has publicly offered many details about what happened to Beauchamp, who has cerebral palsy. Her family called 911 because of what appeared to be serious breathing problems. The Southfield fire chief said the incident still remains under investigation by the city. Johnny Menifee said he shares the family's 'anguish,' but he has also insisted that his paramedics followed proper procedures and found 'no signs of life' three separate times. TIMELINE OF TIMESHA BEAUCHAMP CASE: August 23, 7.27am: A 911 call comes in about a 20-year-old female who's unconscious, unknown if breathing 7.34am: Southfield firefighters arrive on scene to find an unresponsive, non-breathing woman 7.35am: Paramedics begin life-saving procedures and spend about 30 minutes trying to revive the patient 8.07am: Southfield police arrive on the scene 8.09am: Southfield firefighters contact Providence Hospital emergency room physician and report their findings 8.38am: Southfield Fire Department paramedics leave the scene 8.53am: Southfield police leaves the scene after contacting the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office 11.25am: Beauchamp is picked up by staff from James H Cole Home for Funerals 11.45am: Mortuary worker discovers the woman is alive and breathing Advertisement Menifee told reporters last week that Beauchamp might be alive because of 'Lazarus syndrome,' a reference to people who come back to life without assistance after attempts to resuscitate have failed. But that doesn't resemble what state regulators allege. According to the license suspension from the health department, Storms stopped resuscitation efforts six minutes before getting permission from a doctor who was contacted by phone. 'At no point did [Storms] attempt to verify circulation or respiration' with a device such as a stethoscope, according to the documents. 'The vital signs and description depicted to the physician were inaccurate.' Minutes later, Storms went back into the home when family members said Beauchamp appeared to be breathing and had a pulse. He placed her on a monitor, which 'clearly showed' electrical activity and revealed she 'was not deceased.' Apparently no action was taken. Storms went inside again when relatives noticed signs of life, including pulse and breathing. 'Both times [Storms] failed to recognize the patient was still alive' and indicated that chest movement was normal due to her medication, the document stated. The state said Storms changed his report when it was uploaded a second time to an incident database the next day. Beauchamp wasn't taken to a hospital until James H Cole Home for Funerals in Detroit called 911 nearly two hours later. Funeral home staff actually saw her chest moving earlier when they picked up the body at the Southfield home, the state said, but Beauchamp's family said they were assured by the medical crew that she was dead. An Oakland County agency that oversees local emergency medical services had access to Storms' report and other information and shared its conclusions with the Michigan Division of EMS and Trauma. Beauchamp, who has cerebral palsy, was found breathing at a Detroit funeral home after being declared dead. She is now hospitalized in critical condition and is on a respirator Beauchamp's body was released to the family who arranged for her to be picked up by James H Cole Home for Funerals that afternoon. Staffer there discovered she was still breathing Menifee told the AP that the state's version of events is 'very alarming and very concerning.' But at the same time, he said it's 'not how we understand what happened.' WHAT IS THE LAZARUS SYNDROME? Timesha Beauchamp, 20, is not the first person who has come back to life after being proclaimed dead. There have been several similar cases reported around the world, most recently in Russia earlier this month, when an 81-year-old woman woke up after spending a night in a morgue. In 2014 in Mississippi, a 78-year-old man who had been declared dead woke up in a funeral home in a body bag, reported The Guardian. Such instances are known as Lazarus syndrome or phenomenon, when circulation spontaneously returns to the body long after CPR has stopped. The syndrome is in reference to Lazarus, the man that Jesus Christ allegedly rose from the dead, according to the New Testament. According to Medical News Today, Lazarus syndrome was first reported in medical literature in 1982 and there have now been at least 40 reported cases. Doctors are unsure of why the rare phenomenon occurs, but there are some theories. One is that CPR builds up pressure in the chest and, when CPR stops, it goes down and give the heart a reboot, according to a 2016 article. Another is that the dead person merely looks dead and is actually suffering from catalepsy, a neurological disorder in which the muscles become stiff and remain whatever position they are placed, breathing slows and a heartbeat is at nearly undetectable levels. Advertisement 'I am seeking the truth in what happened,' the fire chief said Wednesday night. "We're looking at everything here. This is a terrible thing that's happened. This is tragic.' The state also has suspended the license of another firefighter/paramedic, Scott Rickard. A hearing scheduled for next week will likely be postponed. A lawyer for the paramedics, T. Joseph Seward, said Storms and Rickard will be contesting the conclusions. He declined further comment. Beauchamp, meanwhile, remains in critical condition at a hospital. The family's attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, said only her brain stem is functioning. 'This appears be one of the worst cases of gross negligence that I've ever encountered,' Fieger said Thursday. 'She wasn't dying or near death. Had they got her to the hospital none of this would have happened.' Beauchamp's mother, Erica Lattimore, had called 911 to report that her daughter was unconscious and possibly not breathing just before 7.30am on August 23. Fieger, the family's attorney, alleged that the paramedics dismissed a relative's assertion that she had seen Beauchamp breathing and felt a pulse. Menifee vehemently denied Fieger's claims of misconduct at a press conference last week, describing the first responders as good paramedics who never faced any disciplinary issues. They included a lieutenant with 18 years of experience, a paramedic who has been on the job for seven years, and two EMTs with two years and six months of experience, respectively. Menifee said the medics performed life-saving procedures for 30 minutes and checked Beauchamp's vital signs on three separate occasions. 'Each time, Ms Beauchamp didn't show any signs of life,' he stressed. The official acknowledged that as the first responders were about to leave, they were approached by a relative, saying that they heard Beauchamp breathing. 'The fire department immediately grabbed their equipment, went in and reassessed her,' Menifee stated. 'At no time did they find her breathing.' A short time later, a family member approached a police officer on the scene and said they thought they had felt a heartbeat on Beauchamp. The patient was checked a third time, but again no signs of life were detected, according to the chief. 'What transpired with Ms Beauchamp is unique and unsettling, we know there is evidence out there that this sort of thing happened before,' Menifee said. Lebanon has discovered an additional 4.35 tons of ammonium nitrate near the Beirut port, where last month a large stockpile of the same hazardous material touched off the explosion that gutted the city. Customs officials asked the Lebanese army to inspect four containers outside the port, state agency NNA reported today. The army is now dealing with it, suggesting engineers are destroying the chemical or moving the containers to a safer location. The discovery came nearly a month after the Aug. 4 blast, which killed at least 190 people, injured roughly 6.000 and left nearly 300,000 homeless. Lebanese authorities say the explosion was caused by some 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in agricultural fertilizers, that was stored unsafely at Beiruts port for six years. Within days of the blast, cleanup teams had identified 20 containers filled with possibly dangerous chemicals that were then moved to a safe location. Twenty-five people have been arrested in connection with the explosion, most of whom worked at the port or in customs. In a separate development today, a Chilean rescue team indicated a survivor might still be trapped under the rubble in Beirut's hard-hit Gemmayze neighborhood. After a sniffer dog led them to the debris, the rescue workers used equipment that reportedly detected a heartbeat, and a search was continuing. Lebanons government, which resigned in the wake of the blast, is seen by many in Beirut as responsible for the devastation. Little-known diplomat Mustapha Adib was named prime minister-designate Monday. During his visit to the small Mediterranean country this week, French President Emmauel Macron told Lebanons leaders, including its new prime-minister designate, they have through October to make good on long-promised reforms or risk sanctions over corruption. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category NextShark A Lowes in Illinois has come under fire after a Chinese woman and Springfield resident claims another customer told her to go back to her country. Xuna Hu says she was shopping for two fire pits when the other customer tried to get Hu to hand over one of the pits, leading up to the alleged racist encounter at a Lowes branch on Wabash Avenue on Jan. 17. "I was like alright, Ill just give you one then, Hu told WICS Channel 20. A Hanoi-based company was fined VND17.5 million ($755) for failing to meet food safety standards following the poisoning of at least 14 people consuming its vegan pate. The punishment was announced Thursday after inspectors of the Food Safety Division in Hanoi visited Loi Song Moi (New Lifestyle) Company in Hanoi's Dong Anh District, discovering it had failed to meet sanitation requirements. Inspectors subsequently forced the company to suspend operations starting August 29 and retrieved samples for testing. Test results carried out by the Ho Chi Minh City-based Institute of Hygiene and Public Health and the National Institute for Food Control showed different batches of Minh Chay vegan pate contained Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic bacteria containing strong toxins that can block nerve functions and lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis and even death. Earlier, the Health Ministry said at least nine people in HCMC and two in Hanoi were hospitalized in severe condition since July 13 after consuming the pate produced by the company. All experienced droopy eyelids and paralyzed respiratory muscles caused by foodborne botulism. Three others in Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam have also been hospitalized after eating bread with Minh Chay vegan pate. All suffered mild poisoning and are in stable condition, doctors said. The Department of Food Safety under the ministry on August 30 published an urgent warning, telling people to stop consuming the pate and visit local hospitals if they experienced any symptoms after ingestion. Consumers have also been advised to notify local authorities about several products made by Loi Song Moi, including its vegan pate, meatloaf and mushrooms. Over 7,000 pate jars from the company, each containing 450 grams, entered the market between July 1 and August 22. Authorities have identified 1,290 customers in HCMC and at least 1,200 in Hanoi, but have only recalled 10 percent of the jars. Nguyen Ngoc Minh, co-founder of the Minh Chay brand, said the production process does not involve chemical preservatives and that the company is willing to take responsibility for the incident. Minh said five people who run the business are family members. He is currently assisting police, while the other members are supporting the victims. "During the production process, we use an autoclave of 120 degrees Celsius within 45 minutes without chemicals. The generation of toxic bacteria was out of control, we are ready to take responsibility for the incident. My family are vegetarians and would never dare produce or sell toxic products to anyone," Minh said. Police are investigating the cause of foodborne botulism cases caused by Minh Chay vegan pate. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces dangerous toxins under low-oxygen conditions. Botulinum toxins are ingested through food in which the bacteria or the spores survive, then grow and produce the toxins, according to doctors at Cho Ray Hospital. Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 36 hours, or longer. They include stomachache, fatigue, muscle pain, blurred vision, a dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing and speaking and droopy eyelids. Patients can end up with respiratory failure caused by paralyzed respiratory muscles. Vietnam does not currently have an antitoxin serum, which must be imported from abroad. Most of the patients are treated with ventilation, plasma exchange, antibiotics and physical therapy procedures. Black church, riot survivor sue Tulsa for reparations over 1921 race massacre Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A group that includes a predominantly African American church has filed a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma seeking reparations for survivors of a 1921 race massacre and their descendants. Filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court, the complaint seeks to remedy the ongoing nuisance caused by the race riot that took place over 99 years ago on May 31 and June 1, 1921, in the citys Greenwood district. Plaintiffs include 105-year-old survivor of the riot Lessie Benningfield Randle, the historic Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church of Tulsa as well as several residents and descendants of victims of the massacre. The complaint not only describes details of the riot and its damages but also documents subsequent actions that harmed the local African American community. Defendants unlawful acts and omissions in the years and decades following the Massacre blighted the Greenwood neighborhood, endangering the health and safety of the Greenwood community, the lawsuit argues Defendants interference with investment in the Greenwood and North Tulsa community and neighborhood, which began after the Massacre, continues to this day. Defendants named in the complaint include the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Regional Chamber, the Tulsa Development Authority, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado and the Oklahoma Military Department. In its prayer for relief, the complaint seeks to have reparations funds go to a scholarship fund for the descendants of the massacre victims, compensation for the two confirmed survivors and the funding of programs to benefit the modern Greenwood community. Damario Solomon-Simmons, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, said at a press conference held Tuesday that this was a truly historic lawsuit seeking justice for Greenwood. This is a claim for public nuisance. This is a claim for unjust enrichment. You stole things. You took things, you have things that do not belong to you to this date and the people should get it back, said Solomon-Simmons, as reported by local media outlet KTUL. On May 31, 1921, a mob of whites stormed the black Tulsa neighborhood of Greenwood, which included a major business district known as Black Wall Street. For about 18 hours, clashes occurred in Greenwood, with more than 1,200 houses destroyed and hundreds looted. The official death toll was 36 people, most of whom were black. According to History, the Tulsa Race Massacre was one of the deadliest riots in U.S. history, behind only the New York Draft Riots of 1863, which killed at least 119 people. In the years to come, as Black Tulsans worked to rebuild their ruined homes and businesses, segregation in the city only increased, and Oklahomas newly established branch of the KKK grew in strength, they added. A 2001 state commission examination of events was able to confirm 36 dead, 26 Black and 10 white. However, historians estimate the death toll may have been as high as 300. The Historic Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tulsa is the only standing black-owned structure from the Black Wall Street-era and the only edifice that remains from the massacre. The church was placed on the National Register for Historic Places in August 2018, according to the churchs website. The churchs pastor, Rev. Robert Turner is a millennial who is passionate about his calling to serve this present age. Its so much more than a tourist site its a crime scene, Turner argued, according to The New York Times. Until Tulsa does right by Greenwood, this district will forever be a crime scene." Kentucky congressman against mandates says he has COVID-19 Israeli PM announces move after Serbia and Kosovo agreed on historic pact at White House to normalise economic ties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Serbia will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, becoming the first European country to follow the United States in making the move. Most diplomatic missions in Israel have been in Tel Aviv as countries stayed neutral over the disputed city of Jerusalem until its status could be settled in an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. But in December 2017, US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital and announced the shifting the US embassy from Tel Aviv. On Friday, Netanyahu revealed Serbias move, adding that the transfer will happen by July 2021. I thank my friend the president of Serbia for the decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital and to transfer his embassy there, Netanyahu said. I would like also to thank my friend President Trump for contributing to this achievement. News of the move by Serbia, not a member of the 27-nation EU, coincided with the announcement by Trump that former foes Serbia and Kosovo had agreed on an historic pact to normalise economic relations. Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official slammed Serbias decision, saying it makes Palestine a victim of Trumps re-election hopes. Palestine has become a victim of the electoral ambitions of President Trump, whose team would take any action, no matter how destructive for peace to achieve his re-election, said Saeb Erekat, the secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), in a tweet. This, just like the UAE-Israel agreement [to normalise diplomatic ties], isnt about Middle East Peace, he added. Palestine has become a victim of the electoral ambitions of President Trump, whose team would take any action, no matter how destructive for peace and a rules-based world order, to achieve his re-election. This, just like the UAE-Israel agreement, isnt about Middle East Peace. Dr. Saeb Erakat (@ErakatSaeb) September 4, 2020 Israel seized control of East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in moves never recognised by the international community. It considers the city its undivided capital, but the Palestinian Authority (PA) sees the occupied eastern part of Jerusalem, including the Old City with its holy sites, as the capital of their future state. The United Nations and the European Union, Israels top economic partner, say the citys final status must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians, before which countries should not locate their embassies there. Netanyahu also announced that Israel had set up diplomatic relations from Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Kosovo will become the first majority-Muslim country to open an embassy in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said in a statement. As Ive said in recent days the circle of peace and recognition of Israel is expanding and more countries are expected to join. Disputed city Trumps decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem three years ago triggered Palestinian outrage and a diplomatic shockwave. So far, only Guatemala followed in his footsteps, also opening up its diplomatic mission in the holy city in May 2018. Fridays announcement also comes less than a month after Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed to normalise ties under a US-brokered deal. The agreement, expected to be signed at a White House ceremony in the coming weeks, would be Israels first with a Gulf nation, and the third with an Arab country after Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). The issue of Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes Islams third holiest site the golden Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. It is also home to the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews are allowed to pray, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried. More than 200,000 Israeli settlers live in occupied East Jerusalem, which is home to about 300,000 Palestinians. Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called on the United Nations to condemn the violent crackdown by the government of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on protesters who charge he falsified his reelection victory last month. Speaking to a virtual informal session of the UN Security Council on September 4, Tsikhanouskaya also urged the United Nations to send an international monitoring mission to Belarus and said the UN Human Rights Commission should hold a special session on the human rights situation there. "We, the Belarusian people, need the help of the United Nations in order to stop blatant human rights violations and the cynical disregard of human dignity...in the middle of Europe," said Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to neighboring Lithuania days after the election. Lukashenka, in power since 1994, was declared the victor in the disputed August 9 poll with some 80 percent of the vote. Tsikhanouskaya, who drew thousands to campaign rallies, was given less than 10 percent. The 37-year-old former English teacher and translator says she was the real winner, charging that election officials falsified the result. No election under Lukashenkas rule has been deemed free or fair by the West. Belarus has been rocked by protests since the August 9 election, multiple strike actions at major factories, and a walkout by students on the first day of class on September 1. Thousands have been detained and hundreds beaten by police in the postelection crackdown, sparking international outrage. "We ask the United Nations to condemn the excessive use of force by the Belarusian security services against protesters," Tsikhanouskaya said in her address. She also called for individuals implicated in the violence against protesters to be slapped with sanctions. "Collaboration with the regime of Lukashenka at the moment means support for violence and blatant violations of human rights," she said. In her address, Tsikhanouskaya, 37, called for the release of all political prisoners, including her husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski, a popular anti-corruption vlogger whose own bid for president was halted by his arrest for organizing mass unrest, charges he and supporters say were politically motivated. The special online meeting of the UN Security Council was organized by the Baltic state Estonia, a current member of the 15-strong council. Estonia wanted to provide a forum for "those who are being silenced," Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said in a statement. "Public pressure can help reduce violence and grave human rights violations," Reinsalu said. Crisis In Belarus Read our ongoing coverage as Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka continues his brutal crackdown on NGOs, activists, and independent media following the August 2020 presidential election, widely seen as fraudulent. At least 7,000 protesters have been detained throughout the course of the demonstrations. UN human rights experts say they have received 450 reports of torture and abuse of protesters in recent weeks. The United States and European Union have criticized the vote and condemned the postelection crackdown in the Eastern European country of some 9.5 million. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun told RFE/RL on September 1 that Washington and its European partners will continue to press Belarusian authorities to free political prisoners, end violence against protesters, and allow citizens to choose their government through a free and fair election. Tsikhanouskaya described Lukashenka as an illegitimate leader, "desperately clinging onto power and refusing to listen to his people." "A nation cannot and should not be a hostage to one man's thirst for power," she said. "The regime of Mr. Lukashenka is morally bankrupt, legally questionable, and simply untenable in the eyes of our nation." With reporting by Current Time, Reuters, and dpa One of the most touted benefits of the new trade deal with Mexico that went into effect on July 1 has been its ability to improve labor conditions. The United States-Mexico-Canada agreement, or USMCA, includes labor protections for Mexican workers that are some of the strongest to date in any trade deal. READ ALSO: As the coronvirus spreads in Mexico, factory workers worry about their exposure But dont expect it to provide immediate solutions for Mexican workers who are part of the manufacturing supply chain, even if their factories are not following the required federal governments health rules. We have been tracking conflicts over many years, and these changes in Mexican law and in the trade agreement have had no impact on the conditions faced by workers there, said Ben Davis, the director of international affairs for the United Steelworkers. Mexican labor activists agree, saying they are hearing reports that some factories with well-known U.S. parent companies are not following health sanitary rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. On ExpressNews.com: Most of Mexicos workers are left out of the coronavirus safety net What I saw of the maquilas starting back to work on June 1 was a big disconnect between what the Mexican health requirements were to start back to work and what the companies had actually done, said Cirila Quintero Ramirez, a sociology professor specializing in maquila labor relations at El Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Tijuana, a research institution focused on U.S.-Mexican issues. Mandatory measures, such as putting in separators between employees or changing processing lines to reduce interactions, were not taken by many companies, Quintero Ramirez said. Jesus Alcazar /AFP via Getty Images The problem is that the discussion has been very one-sided, Quintero Ramirez said in a recent presentation she gave at the University of California at Los Angeles. Currently the voice of the companies has been heard by the government, but the workers have not been heard. The Solidarity Network of Workers at Risk, a Mexico City-based labor rights group, has established its own system for collecting anonymous complaints on Facebook and Google, to help workers make their health concerns public. The Solidarity Network collects these reports and forwards them to companies involved. So far, it has sent 59 reports so far to international companies. Mexican inspectors have begun investigations on 18 of them as a result. We sent Tyco Controls a report last week so that they could see what their employees are saying, said Carlos Calvillo Reynoso, a researcher at the Solidarity Network of Workers at Risk. Workers are reporting that there are contagions in the workplace, and rumors about those who have died. Washington Post file photo Tyco Controls is one of the more than 3,000 maquila factories that are built in special zones along the border to assemble or manufacture products for export. These factories are allowed to have 100 percent foreign ownership, as a way to encourage foreign investment, with a largely duty free and tariff-free environment in exchange. They employ more than 1 million Mexican workers in a range of industries, including auto parts and the aviation sector. The USMCA has focused on improving labor conditions by guaranteeing the right to collective bargaining for unions. Mexico also passed its own new labor laws in 2019, to meet the requirements of the USMCA and the philosophy of the new Lopez Obrador administration. On ExpressNews.com: House passes bipartisan USMCA, in win for Texas And, unlike the previous North American Free Trade Agreeement, or NAFTA, it puts labor rights into the body of the agreement itself, which makes the provisions more enforceable. It creates a special authority, the rapid response labor mechanism, to ensure that complaints against facilities that are violating the rules on collective bargaining can be brought in a speedy manner. There is the ability now as part of the USMCA for carrying out verification visits to ensure that Mexican companies are adhering to the labor provisions that have not essentially been adhered to in the past, said Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Councils Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. As a result, the ability of the USMCA to help workers organize could be how it supports factory workers in demanding safe working conditions, including what some are going through in the COVID-19 health crisis. Under the USMCA, it a workers right to have a voice and to have a place to work, said Carlos Calvillo Reynoso. Not having a voice or representation means not having safe working conditions in the workplace. It means that they are not respecting the required sanitary conditions, especially the requirement to provide employees with the ability to maintain safe distancing. File photo The remedies provided by the rapid response labor mechanism affect the employer responsible for the denial of rights, said Harry Jones, a labor lawyer who specializes on Mexican issues with Littler, an international human resources legal firm. They could include a factory losing its preferential tariffs or even a penalty on goods or services, Jones said. SA Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox Yet how exactly the provisions could be applied under the pandemic conditions is still up for question, according to a former lead negotiator for Mexico. In this issue of cooperation and health and regulating the standards that have to be followed so that the workers are secure, that is work that is going to have to evolve, said Beatrice Leycegui, the former head of international trade for the Economy Ministry in the Felipe Calderon administration. It is a question that will become increasingly relevant, especially at a time when politicians and businesses on both sides of the border are pushing hard for Mexico to take over from China as the main manufacturing arm for the U.S. The labor movement in the U.S. has every intention of bringing these kinds of labor cases, but that may not be an overnight process, Davis said. We are trying to figure out how this is going to work on the ground and the Mexicans are as well. Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, (NDC), Mr. John Dramani Mahama, has stated that his government would enroll at least 200,000 youths under craftsman apprenticeship when voted to power on December 7. Aside from the payment of fees for potential apprentices, they would be given tools and equipment during and after their training, to enable them to start their own businesses, the NDC flagbearer assured. Former President Mahama, who was on a four-day tour of the Upper West Region, made the pledge when he interacted with artisans and master craftsmen, here on Wednesday. He explained that the move was aimed at reducing unemployment among the youth, stressing that they would be enrolled under schemes, including hairdressing, dressmaking, automobile repairs, and be given certificates after completion of their training. Former President Mahama hinted that to ensure the apprentices were given the best of training, his government if given the nod, would make technical and vocational education free and extend the opportunity to master craftsmen, who would be made to undergo training to update their skills. Technology and engineering is changing with computers becoming prevalent in the new machines that are being manufactured. We will train artisans after opening a training school in Wa so that they are able to use technology to diagnose the problems of the machines they intend to fix, he said. Former President Mahama announced the introduction of a credit scheme that would enable artisans to purchase the required tools, to enable them do diligent jobs for their clients. He pledged to relocate artisans to a better place and provide them with good roads and other amenities that would facilitate their craft. Former President Mahama said magazines have not received the needed support and an NDC administration will work for hand in hand to grow the magazines across the country. The former President, who visited the Dorimon, Wechiau, Poyentanga, Kaleo, and Charikpong Paramountcies, pledged to support those areas with development projects. He promised to complete the E-blocks for schools he started at Dorimon before leaving office in 2016, and build a senior high school for Poyentanga as well as carve a new district from Wa West. 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 But Vilardo noted that the Senecas are not seeking back payments as compensation for what they maintain was an illegal deal. Taking the allegations of the complaint as true as this court must there is an ongoing violation of federal law: the State is using and earning income from an invalid easement. Although it is true that the alleged wrong occurred initially when the easement was formed, the Nation adequately alleges ongoing wrongs that is, the unsanctioned use of its lands. The judge wrote that the Seneca Nation is alleging real ongoing harm: every day cars are driving on the easement and paying tolls to the State without just compensation to the Nation. The judge, however, noted in his ruling this week that it is too early in the case for a decision on the merits of the case or the states claim that the tribe waited too many years to bring the legal challenge to the 1954 easement deal. The magistrate in the current case concluded that the 1993 case over the Thruway land prevented the Seneca Nation from bringing a similar case now. But Vilardo disagreed, saying the earlier legal challenge never specifically decided on the validity of the 1954 deal. He wrote that even the state agrees on that point. New Delhi, Sep 4 : Humilated by torture and illegal confinement over damaging an iPhone, a 16-year-old boy jumped from the fourth floor of a building in Chirag Delhi. The victim is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung hospital. The victim's family has alleged that he was held hostage by a man after his father failed to pay for his expensive I-phone that got accidentally damaged by the teenager. The victim's family told the police that a man called Honey asked for Rs 62,000 as compensation for the damage and wrongfully confined the victim and tortured him. He even allegedly directed the victim to work as a servant at his home. The incident happened on Thursday evening when the victim and his his friend were going from his house to his father's shop on their bicycle. The bicycle collided with Honey and with the impact of the collision, Honey's iPhone fell down and was damaged. A livid Honey asked for money to repair the mobile phone and victim's father promised to get it repaired. Subsequently the victim was tortured and allegedly held hostage by Honey, said the victim's family members. But the teenager slipped out on the pretext of having food. "He felt bad for his father's humiliation and his torture at the hands of Honey and jumped from the terrace of the fourth floor in an attempt to commit suicide," said Atul Thakur, DCP South Delhi. At present the victim is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. The family members of the victim staged a protest outside Malviya Nagar police station demanding the arrest of the accused. "A case under sections 323/341 IPC 75 JJ Act has already been registered and also DD entry under section 309 IPC has been lodged," a police officer said. 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 It was starting off as a good day on June 25, 2020. I had gotten in an early-morning bike ride. My energy was up and I had worked up an appetite. My wife had decided to sleep late, and I was basking in the solitude of the house. I was at peace as I started to prepare my breakfast. How To Participate Since June 2020, we've asked for your stories about how race and ethnicity shape your life and and published as many of these stories as we can. We call this year-long effort Race in LA. Click here for more information and details on how to participate. I turned on the radio in the kitchen to listen to KPCC and NPR, as I do most mornings. Morning Edition was on, and Attorney General William Barr was being interviewed. Near the end of it, the subject of race was introduced. I'll say it up front, I'm not a fan of Barr. I've questioned his judgement and character. But I was nevertheless eager to hear what tone our nation's top attorney would establish. I'd never heard Barr address the topic of racism. So I listened closely. I stopped making my oatmeal and my special fruit concoction to give my full attention to his answers. Then, he got a question along these lines: why is it that statistically, Black men in the United States are much more likely to be shot by the police than other groups? I was hoping Barr would comment on some causative factors, perhaps offer some idea of how to work in earnest to combat this pervasive issue. Instead, I heard in Barr's answer a callousness, and a complete lack of desire to acknowledge that the disproportionate killing of Black men by law enforcement is even a problem. Rodney King, smiles, on May 1, 1992 in Beverly Hills during a press conference where King called for the end of violence in the city which had erupted after his traffic stop by police ended in a beating captured on videotape. The 1992 L.A. Riots started on April 29, 1992 after a mostly white jury acquitted the four police officers accused of beating King. (Robert Sullivan/AFP via Getty Images) And I was surprised by my naivete in having hoped that Barr would actually demonstrate a modicum of sensitivity to the current social climate that has brought the Black Lives Matter Movement to the fore. Barr quoted some statistics that I questioned, based on other recent reports I have seen and experts that I've heard speak on this topic. He began by saying that 8,000 Blacks are killed every year, and of that 8,000, eighty-five percent of those are by gunshot. He went on to say, "Virtually all of those are Blacks on Blacks." He continued, going on to say that "there are many whites who are shot unarmed by police." (The rate at which Black people are killed by police in the U.S. is more than twice as high as it is for whites.) Barr referred to the 8,000 Black deaths again -- but added that it happens "by crime in high crime areas" and faulted the media for not giving that fact attention. His overarching theme seemed to be that Blacks, not police practices, are the etiology for the rate of violence against Blacks. Well, his comments had a direct hit on my good day. Now, instead of my endorphins kicking in to energize me, they jolted me back to my encounters with the police growing up as a young Black man in Los Angeles. It elicited a feeling I used to have any time it came to my dealings with the police -- a feeling of us versus them. Momentarily, I felt physically sick. MORE FROM OUR RACE IN LA SERIES The U.S. Attorney General seemed to be dismissing the excessive violence perpetrated by police against Blacks. I was repulsed by the smugness and complete disregard of Black suffering in his answer, an attitude that has become sadly familiar to me. It hit home, because throughout most of my adult life, I've been subjected to police actions firmly rooted in the same kind of systemic racism that I heard in Barr's answer. Hearing his words caused me pain and sadness as it forced me to think of how two generations have reached adulthood since my troubles began with the police -- and the problem continues. Those old feelings I would have back then -- anger, helplessness, a resolve to stand up and a hopefulness to overcome -- came rushing back and hit me like a cold shower. It's something you feel down to your bones. I began to think of those two generations after me and those before, of countless men and women, all having had to deal with attitudes of enforcers like Barr. Here I was in the comfort of my own home, but those feelings flowed out of me nonetheless. Now imagine how they get amplified for me, and those like me, when we have to deal with those oppressive attitudes whenever we face the police in the streets. Barr spoke of Black-on-Black crime as if it is the only way of life Black people experience. That was not my experience in my community, nor was it for most of the Black friends, associates, and family in my life orbit. My problem was the police, not Black people. DRIVING TO WORK, 1978 At the time when I was a graduate student, I had to gain clinical hours for my work in psychology. I worked the late shift at a hospital that happened to be an area where the police did not seem to think Blacks belonged. During my time working there, it seemed I was stopped at least once a week. It wasn't that frequent, but it felt like it. All I was trying to do was get to work on time. I had to be sure to leave my home early every day, so in case I was stopped I wouldn't be late. My mother would always worry about me and tell me if I were stopped, to please keep my mouth shut. She knew I was one who would stand up for myself. That is how she raised me. This one particular pull-over, the premise was I was being stopped because one of my tail lights was out. After the white police officer who approached me told me why I was pulled over, I began to ask questions about the stop, and asked if I could see which light was out. The officer told me to shut up. He told me they needed to run my name through the system for warrants, violations, et cetera. Now, I never raised my voice, but merely requested clarification as to why so much action was being taken for a light bulb. At that point, I was instructed to exit the car. I was now on the curb, standing next to one of the officers. I continue to speak and request again to see that, in fact, I had an inoperable light. At times, when I speak, I use my hands. Again, the officer told me to shut up and keep my hands still. I retorted that I had a right to express myself in my natural way. He then placed his hand on his gun and made a movement as if he was going to pull it from his holster. He told me that if he had to tell me again to keep my hands still and shut up, he would blow my brains out. Finally, the other officer came back from the patrol car and informed the officer standing with me that there was nothing on me. To my surprise, when I finally got the other officer to show me the tail light, it actually was out. I tapped the light, and it came on. It was just loose. They still wrote a citation for me to go to their inspection site to get it reviewed. I did not mention to the other officer that I, an unarmed man, was threatened by his partner over questioning which light was out. I called this behavior police harassment back then. The word "harassment" now seems mild and inadequate as a descriptor. It tends to suggest an individual who may occasionally take isolated action outside of acceptable behavior. But in the years since my young adulthood, I see that the disproportionate mistreatment of Blacks by police has become deeply entrenched in law enforcement as an overall approach. At least after that harassment from my youth, I had some hope. There was hope that, at some point, the rogue cop would be dealt with and removed. I can no longer hope for that, or dismiss it as the action of a few rogue cops, something that Barr also intimated in the interview as part of his response. I still had that hope after another time I was stopped by what I called a rogue cop for driving while Black. It wasn't called that back in the 1970s, but that's what it was. A 1958 Cadillac Coupe, identical to the one Keith Taylor was driving during one of the times he was pulled over by police in the 1970s. (Screenshot from Mecum Auctions) It was early evening. I was headed home driving what some might call a vintage collectible car -- a 1958 Cadillac Coupe. I was doing nothing wrong for this officer to stop me, other than being Black. I was driving west. He was going east. As he passed me, peripherally I could see I had garnered his attention. I knew instantly he would turn and come after me. Sure enough, I soon saw the red lights in my rearview mirror. He pulled me over. I asked why I was being stopped. His response? Because he wanted to stop me, he said. I asked him, "What law have I violated?" He then demanded that I exit the vehicle. He checked me for weapons, and then told me to stand on the sidewalk. He took his flashlight, shining it into my vehicle, and looked under my seats and in the glove compartment. He found nothing, and told me I could go. I told him that I knew what he had just done was illegal. On this moonlit summer night, he looked me in my eyes, and focused his flashlight on his badge number so I could see it clearly. He said with impunity dripping from his words, "If you don't like it, here is my badge number." He then drove off into the night. BLACKNESS AND HUMANITY Back then, I could not have imagined that the kinds of problems that I and others had with the police would continue, unabated, for each successive generation of Blacks after me. Blacks have had to get stronger to protect themselves because, it seems, with each successive generation of police officers, the authorities become more militaristic. And Blacks continue to take a big hit as a result. As I listened to his words on the radio, Barr reinforced for me that I can no longer consider any reason other than systemic racism as the overwhelming reason as to why these inequities against us have proliferated, generation after generation. He is just the latest leader in law enforcement to promulgate the theory that Blacks are the cause of their problem with the police. His answer avoided the issue of racial disparity, was devoid of acknowledging the humanity of Blacks, dismissed our individuality, and demonized us by manipulating some arcane statistics. And he never answered the question as to why Blacks are more likely to be shot by police than others on a per capita basis. I can answer it for Barr: The majority of my interactions with the police have been for no other reason than the color of my skin. It was me in a neighborhood they decided I didn't belong in, or driving a car that I couldn't possibly be in possession of legitimately. And that is how they were trained to police Blacks. As do millions of Blacks, I come from a decent and supportive extended family, both maternal and fraternal sides, who value education, served in the military, competed in the Olympics, and achieved executive levels in government and business. We have attained what is considered successes when measured by any American family standard. Yes, we have some family members who have gone off the rails. But what family doesn't have that? Close up a T-shirt from Keith Taylor's family reunion in 2000, hosted by his family living in Los Angeles. For 25 years, the family has rotated the reunions to cities across the U.S. where relatives live. (Courtesy Keith Taylor) However, my commendable family heritage, college education, successful professional career, dedication as a father and husband, and contributions to my community mean nothing once I am pulled over by the police. What I learned many years ago: never forget that none of it is considered as even a possibility by the police when I am stopped. I never fool myself that they will see me as a family man or just as a citizen. It remains in my psyche with each traffic stop that I could be the next one to lose their life or be hurt. The possibility that I am a law-abiding citizen seldom seems to enter the equation during my encounters with the police. In 1965, I was a little boy unable to understand what was happening in Watts when citizens rebelled, and the city burned. I was fearful of what I saw being reported on TV. Keith Taylor's daughter, Erin, around 1992 when, as Keith says, "L.A. was burning." (Courtesy Keith Taylor) Years later, as a little girl, my daughter had the same fear as the city burned again in 1992, after the four officers who beat Rodney King were acquitted. That fear is wrapped in the emotions that begin to register when, for the first time, a child learns the police can hurt them, instead of helping them. Blacks are often viewed as a threat, or as something less than others, or sometimes both. In dealings with the police, the humanity of the individual Black person is mostly nonexistent. It doesn't feel like they see us as someone's daughter, mother, brother, sister, son or father. Not all, but most of my exchanges with law enforcement have felt like that. I can hear it in their tone. I see it in their eyes. I am not a person but rather, in that moment, only a mass of Blackness. I become just a symbol of inferiority to that officer. In the years that followed Watts, I grew from boy to man, from single man to family man under law enforcement leaders like William Parker, Ed Davis and Darryl Gates, three Los Angeles Chiefs of Police with some very questionable positions on race. Note, I did not call them racists. There is sufficient documentation of public actions and racist statements available from each of them for anyone to draw their own conclusion. So, I leave that to others. However they, like Barr, have been prime proponents of how systemic racism has been allowed to flourish. Under Parker, we had the Watts Insurrection stemming from a traffic stop gone bad. It was the tipping point for what I mentioned earlier: that Black people realized they had to get stronger and stand up. Under Gates, the Los Angeles Insurrection of 1992 is also directly linked to a traffic stop, and the systemic racism in policing that was growing ever more paramilitary. We do not need more law enforcement leaders like Parker, Davis, Gates, or Barr. We deserve better so that kids won't have the kind of fear for our community that I or my daughter felt. The controversial Parker Center which once served as LAPD headquarters. Before it was demolished in 2018, there was a short-lived effort -- which failed in part because of commmunity opposition -- to make it a landmark. (Photo by Skyfox11 via Wikimedia) Those police stops -- driving while Black -- continued for me for many years as I went from young man to mature man. There were so many I can't even recall them all. The good news is I can say that while the pull-overs didn't completely stop, the frequency did decrease as I aged. But while my stops were less frequent, when I was in a place deemed not for me, it was the same as 30 years ago. The officer just saw Black. I saw the same look in the eyes. The same tone of voice. From time to time, I have actually been able to break through that, and have them speak to me as an individual. The problem is that I shouldn't have had to work so hard to achieve that. In fact, I shouldn't have to work at it at all. 'COMMON TO A SYSTEM, AFFECTING THE BODY GENERALLY' Barr was done talking. The show had begun another segment. I took a deep breath. I was exhausted from my mental excursion back in time. I hadn't even had my breakfast. I got back to trying to regain that good day I had started. Time to focus on that oatmeal combo to fuel my day. As I began to eat, I took some satisfaction in thinking how blessed I was to have made it through so many negative encounters with the police. In his interview, Barr had criticized the media and activists for demonizing all police as racists. That is how he understood people calling out systemic racism. However, I have lived through it and know better. To understand systemic racism, one must first understand that it is not about calling individuals racists. Rather, it illuminates how ill-conceived constructs, beliefs and assumptions can negatively influence how you treat another human being. It happens in many societal environments. However, I am just speaking of policing because of what Barr elicited in me. There is something about my Blackness, and being connected to a history of people who were enslaved, that allows an approach to law enforcement where an officer thinks it's even close to okay to threaten me, unarmed, with blowing my brains out over a tail light or stop me because they feel like it. As if it's their right. Systemic racism is why our Attorney General, in the interview I heard, chose to respond to a question about the tragic unnecessary loss of Black lives or harm by using statistics, instead of exhibiting compassion or maybe just a bit of decency about the matter of undue violence against these fellow Americans. Systemic racism in policing means the system does not allow for consistent equal treatment and protection of Blacks in the communities in which they live. Barr implies we shouldn't blame all police because of a few bad apples. For me, that is just another way to use the antiquated "rogue cop" excuse that I no longer believe to be valid. It is now about a tree that has rotted, as I see it. Ultimately, all the apples can be affected. The good ones and bad ones will be tainted to varying degrees. Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines systemic this way: Common to a system, affecting the body generally. In this case, the body is the police department. During the 1965 Watts Riots, two windows were smashed at the Watts Towers Teen Post at 1807 East 103rd Street, according to the police. John Estrada, 20, is shown surveying the scene. He helped clean out the debris at the site. (Courtesy Los Angeles Public Library) I believe that Barr is most likely blind to the fact his comments were rooted in systemic racism. Systemic racism places Blacks as the enemy, not worthy of fair consideration or respect. When I hear someone try to reduce us to statistical, blame-filled shadows like Barr did in that interview, I think of those thousands of everyday occurrences that people like me have with the police -- disrespectful, oppressive, and suspicious interactions. Ultimately all too often, on one ordinary day of business as usual, it will result in that unjustified shooting and/or killing. The shooting of a Black person is more likely because of the disease of systemic racism, plain and simple. In the weeks since I heard it, Barr's interview has only strengthened my resolve about it being the primary cause of poor policing. From what I, my family and friends have experienced over the years, cumulatively it can feel as if the police are not there to protect as much as they are to occupy our communities, like troops in a foreign land. The choice Attorney General William Barr made to not really answer a question about a very real phenomenon regarding violence against Blacks is an excellent example of how the disease of systemic racism works. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, the disregard for the humanity of Blacks is what propels it. For the police, some are more infected by it than others. For Blacks, any wrongful or unjust action taken against us is based on the premise we are not worthy of anything better. This year, the tragic deaths at the hands of law enforcement in Minneapolis, Louisville, Kenosha, locally in Pasadena and just recently in South Los Angeles have and continue to spark a greater awareness of the problems my community has long experienced with policing. There seems a newly discovered understanding of the action America needs to take against systemic racism. So, I will hold onto that same hope I had after that after the "rogue" cop shone the light on his badge all those years ago, or my recent hope that Barr would give a thoughtful answer about racism and Black deaths at the hands of police. I do hope that one day, those recollections that I have of my own police mistreatment will become solely historical. I am optimistic that we will get better answers and solutions than Barr provided, and the experiences I recounted will no longer be an acceptable legacy for more generations to endure. Perhaps, we are on our way to some good days ahead. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Keith Taylor has strived to be a good son, husband, father and community contributor. With that as his North Star, paired with his faith, it has guided him along his life path. When he has done those roles well, everything else has fallen into place. Keith has been blessed to have been able to pursue professional endeavors as a human resources executive, communications specialist, psychotherapist, educator, executive coach and music promoter. Most recently, he has returned to creating art, a passion from his college days he had set aside for a period of time. RZD runs the network called South Caucasus Railway (SCR) in line with a 30-year management contract signed with the former Armenian government in 2008. The deal committed it to modernizing Armenias disused and rundown railway infrastructure with substantial investments. An Armenian law-enforcement agency raided the SCR offices in Yerevan and confiscated company documents in August 2018. The Investigative Committee alleged afterwards that SCR inflated the volume of its capital investments by 400 million drams ($830,000). Both SCR and its state-owned Russian operator strongly denied any wrongdoing. Russias Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Tokarev complained in September 2019 that the criminal investigation has disrupted RZDs operations in the South Caucasus country. He said the company managing Russias vast network of railways is therefore considering pulling out of the 2008 deal. Tokarev and RZDs chief executive, Oleg Belozerov, visited Yerevan in October to discuss the dispute with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. No concrete agreements were reported after the talks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the inappropriate crackdown on SCR in April this year. Armenias Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian dismissed the criticism, saying that his government cannot allow any company to operate beyond the law. Grigorian also said that Yerevan and Moscow have reached a mutual understanding on how to end the dispute. The Russian Ministry of Transport announced on Wednesday that the two sides have settled all disagreements over RZDs activities in Armenia as a result of negotiations led by Tokarev and Armen Simonian, the Armenian deputy minister of territorial administration and infrastructure. In a statement, the ministry said a protocol signed by Tokarev and Simonian certifies RZDs full compliance with its investment commitments and upholds the findings of independent audits of the Armenian railway conducted since 2008. The parties emphasized the significance of the signed document and noted that it will foster the further development of economic cooperation between our countries, added the statement. The Armenian Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure confirmed the signing of the protocol but did not divulge any of its details. It said the deal will help to boost SCRs cargo shipments and passenger traffic and refresh its rolling stock. Grigorian openly voiced last October the Armenian governments dissatisfaction with the amount of Russian investments in SCR. No senior SCR executives are known to have been formally charged in the criminal investigation launched three months after the 2018 Velvet Revolution that brought Pashinian to power. Later in 2018, law-enforcement authorities also launched a fraud inquiry into Armenias gas distribution network owned by Russias Gazprom giant. They have not indicted any senior network executives either. Russian officials have complained about this probe as well. Poisoning Nord Stream-2 By Finian Cunningham September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - As in most criminal cases, the objective soon emerges to betray motive and perpetrator. And as always the question of who gains is a reliable guide to an investigation. This week, German authorities are dramatically accusing the Russian government over the alleged poisoning of dissident figure Alexei Navalny who is reportedly still in a coma in a Berlin hospital. Days after Navalny was airlifted to Berlin from Russia last weekend, a German military laboratory claims to have found traces of deadly nerve agent Novichok in his body. Now on the back of unproven criminal allegations against Moscow, it emerges that German Chancellor Angela Merkel is under renewed pressure to abandon the Nord Stream-2 gas project with Russia. Senior German lawmakers within Merkels governing party are calling for Berlin to ditch the ambitious energy project in retaliation for Navalny's "attempted murder". Significantly, these German lawmakers like Norbert Rottgen have been long-time opponents of the Nord Stream-2 pipeline. The Trump administration and the US Congress have been intensifying political efforts to derail the $11-billion undersea gas pipeline which is more than 90 per cent completed. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said recently that the US "will do everything" to stop the project being finished. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter Nord Stream-2 is set to double Russian gas supply to Germany. It is a huge strategic deal. Washington has made no secret of its desire to axe the project, having designs to sell its own more expensive gas to the continent of Europe. Pro-Washington politicians in Germany, Poland and the Baltic states have been lobbying aggressively against energy trade with Russia, due in part to their congenital Russophobia as well as no doubt due to sinecures and sweeteners from Uncle Sam. The Navalny case comes at an opportune time. Last week, Chancellor Merkel was insisting that Navalnys illness did not impinge on the economic matter of Nord Stream-2. Then this week, German military intelligence announce they have "unequivocal proof" that Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-era chemical weapon. Now in a blizzard of accusations, the finger of blame is being jabbed at the Kremlin. And most tellingly, the biggest political repercussion is the peremptory demand for Merkel to abandon Nord Stream-2. Let's put events in perspective. When Navalny became ill on a flight to Moscow from Siberia on August 20, the Russian doctors treating him found no traces of poisons in his body, and specifically not organophosphate-type nerve agents, such as Novichok. The Russians assessed that Navalnys illness was due to a metabolic disorder such as extremely low blood sugar, which would not be implausible if he reportedly suffers from diabetes. The German medics who treated Navalny when he was flown to Berlin on August 22 also did not detect specific poison agents. They did claim to test positive for cholinesterase inhibitors which replicated what their Russian counterparts had found. But unlike the Russians who attributed the substances to a wide range of possible legal pharmaceutical drugs, the Berlin medics made the dramatic assertion that they believed a nerve poison was involved. That initial German claim then appears to have been "confirmed" several days later by a Bundeswehr laboratory which asserts that it detected Novichok in Navalny's body. So, either the Russian doctors are telling the truth or the Germans are, having reached radically different conclusions. However, a telling question is why are the Germans not providing the biological samples they claim to have tested positive for Novichok? The Russian medics say they have the original biological samples which, they say, show no traces of nerve poison. Surely, the dispute could be independently resolved if both sides cooperate. But that's just it. The German side has refused, pointedly, to engage with the Russian doctors or state prosecutors to establish the cause of Navalny's apparent illness. Instead, Berlin has rushed to make grave allegations against Moscow along with its Western allies as if in a pre-determined response aimed at incrimination. Without providing a chain of custody for its sample evidence purportedly showing the use of Novichok against Navalny, then all accusations made by Berlin are null and void, failing basic standards of the due legal process. The onus is on Berlin to substantiate, not on Moscow to answer questions based on innuendo and prejudice. At this stage in the strange affair the biggest question of who gains points to those politicians on both sides of the Atlantic who have been clamouring to sabotage the Nord Stream-2 gas project. You fly an "opposition figure" exalted by Western media to Berlin whose body does not initially show traces of poison. Thereafter German military lab tests "find" traces of deadly nerve agent. And there then follows a predictable cacophony to cancel energy trade with Russia. The poison plot seems obvious, and its not authored by Moscow. Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent. - " Source " - Post your comment below See also The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Philippine officials are meeting with two COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers on Friday, Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire confirmed. She said the Office of the President, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and Foreign Affairs Chief Teodoro Locsin Jr. are set to meet with Pfizer to identify possible arrangements in procuring the COVID-19 vaccine the pharmaceutical company is developing. Pfizer previously said it hopes to release the results of the final stages of its clinical trial in October. The official added the DOH is also meeting with the Russian Embassy and the developers of "Sputnik V." She said the Philippine panel of vaccine experts are still reviewing the results of the first two phases of Russia's clinical trial before deciding if they can hold a medical research for Phase 3 in the country. Vergeire said closing deals with several counties and companies developing a coronavirus vaccine will increase the chances of the Philippines receiving more doses that will ultimately benefit Filipinos. She is set to provide updates about the said meetings next week. The bail order states that Usmani has a very good academic record and was not arrested from the scene of the crime Former AMU student leader Sharjeel Usmani, who was lodged in jail in connection with anti-CAA protests, was granted bail and released from jail on Wednesday. The bail was reportedly granted on 24 August. While granting bail to Usmani, who is the son of a senior faculty member at the Aligarh Muslim University, the court noted his academic record and that he was not arrested from the scene of the crime and no incriminating evidence was found on him at the time of arrest, PTI reported. "The academic records of the accused manifests that he has been a bright student. He has written many articles which are also available on records," the court was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench. "Keeping the accused further in jail will definitely serve no purpose at all. Therefore, in consideration of the undergone period in jail by the accused and his academic records, inter alia, the case is fit and proper to grant bail to the accused," the statement added. Sharjeel was one of those who led protests against the CAA-NRC-NPR at the AMU campus, which turned violent on 15 December 2020. Usmani was arrested on 10 July by the ATS in Azamgarh. He was wanted in different cases under various sections of the IPC in connection with the anti-CAA protests at AMU in December last year. He has written coloumns for media houses, including Firstpost, and has been a prominent voice in protesting against the CAA and NRC. However, he has also courted controversy for expressing solidarity with Sharukh Pathan who was arrested for brandishing a weapon and then firing bullets at a protest site in New Delhi. According to reports, AMU students were protesting peacefully against the newcitizenship law since 13 December but situation tensed up two days later when police clashed with angry students. They were lathi-charged by the para military force and Uttar Pradesh Police, who also fired tear gas shells, rubber bullets and pellets at them. Marjorie Taylor Greene, conservative Republican candidate for Georgia's 14th congressional district, has caused outrage online by posting an image on Facebook in which she stands holding a firearm next to images of the Squad representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar. Ms Greene describes herself in her Twitter bio as Christian, Wife, Mom, Small Business Owner, Proud American, 100% Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Pro-Trump, #MAGA. The image has now either been deleted or made private on the platform, but the accompanying post remains. It reads: Hate America leftists want to take this country down ... Politicians have failed this country. Im tired of seeing weak, Establishment Republicans play defense. Our country is on the line. America needs fighters who speak the truth. We need strong conservative Christians to go on the offence against these socialists who want to rip our country apart. A red bar at the foot of the image reads "Squad's Worst Nightmare". The post was described as "a threatening message to three lawmakers by an incoming member of the House". Representative Omar responded on Twitter: "Posting a photo with an assault rifle next to the faces of three women of colour is not advertising. Its incitement. There are already death threats in response to this post. Facebook should remove this violent provocation." In another similar post on Thursday evening, the prospective GOP House member used an image of her riding a horse under pictures of the same three squad members plus representative Ayanna Pressley, with the words: "These radical women scare some Republicans, but they don't scare this American woman. Stop the socialist squad!" President Donald Trump endorsed Ms Greene, a QAnon conspiracy theorist, after she won her congressional primary, calling her a "future Republican star" who is "strong on everything and never gives up". She will replace retiring incumbent Tom Graves in what is considered to be a safe Republican seat. A number of videos uploaded to Facebook by Ms Greene show her making racist, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic remarks, such as claiming that African Americans are slaves to the Democratic Party. She also suggested that Muslims should not work in government and claimed that Democratic donor George Soros, who is subject to numerous anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, is a Nazi. Her Democrat opponent in November is Kevin Van Ausdal. His campaign page states: "Northwest Georgia doesnt need someone who is looking to make themselves a twitter personality, who traffics in conspiracy theories and has every excuse to avoid taking responsibility when they are shown how wrong and how toxic they are." Orange County's death toll passed 1,000 this week, but the pace is expected to slow. Above, a triage tent at L.A.'s Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in April. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Reported COVID-19 deaths in Orange County topped 1,000 this week as fatalities continue to rise throughout the state in response to the summer surge of coronavirus infections, even as cases statewide start to stabilize. On average, people who succumb to the disease die 28 days after being infected, said Dr. John Swartzberg, a UC Berkeley infectious disease expert. As new infections continue to decline, deaths also will fall off in the weeks ahead. Orange County's total pandemic death toll reached 1,018 reported deaths on Thursday. Dr. Margaret Bredehoft, the county's deputy director of public health services, called the number "a tragic milestone." Despite the grim number, Orange County health officials said that if coronavirus case rates continue to fall, the county could transition to the states less-restrictive red tier on Sept. 8. That would allow more businesses to resume indoor operations, though health officials cautioned that they would keep a close eye on those operations. As we reopen and think about reopening businesses, the biggest concerns and areas that we want to think about supporting are things that are indoors, whether its indoor malls, indoor dining" Bredehoft said. "Those are the areas of the largest concern for us." Schools may be eligible to reopen campuses as soon as Sept. 22. The decision on whether or not to reopen is up to individual school districts. Schools are not forced to open," Bredehoft said. "Theyre eligible to open with the caveat that they also provide options of either remote virtual learning as well as a hybrid form." She said schools should be prepared to reopen safely and "not jump into reopening if they're not ready." The county is reporting 5.6 daily new cases per 100,000 people and a positive test rate of 5%, Bredehoft said. There have been a total of 48,945 coronavirus cases in the county. The San Francisco Bay Area also reported an unfortunate new maker this week. The nine counties in the region had their highest single-day death toll 30 on Wednesday, according to data complied by The Times. Since the start of the pandemic, the region has suffered a reported 1,167 deaths from COVID-19. Story continues The latest figures from the state showed a total of 717,177 cases as of Wednesday, up 5,125 from the day before. The California dashboard also reported a total of 13,327 deaths, up 164 from those reported Tuesday. The state says 15,480 children under the age of 5 have been infected. None have died. There have been three deaths among those age 5 to 17, 194 among people 18 to 34 and 749 deaths among residents 35 to 49. Older residents have been fatally stricken in greater numbers. Of those infected between the ages of 50 and 59, 1,360 have died. As ages progress, so have deaths. The state reported 5,422 deaths among people 80 and older. Los Angeles County has averaged 989 new cases and 26.7 new deaths a day over the past week, according to The Times' coronavirus tracker, with the number of confirmed infections doubling every 150.5 days. Los Angeles County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser urged residents Thursday not to assume that reopening was a license to violate health guidelines. He said people who take a new risk, such as going to work, should try to reduce the risk of contracting the disease somewhere else, such as in social interactions. During an online news conference, Gunzenhauser said the county was working to resolve about 800 active outbreaks, many at worksites, and reporting roughly 1,000 new COVID-19 cases on most days. Because many people don't get tested, the actual number of daily new cases could be 5,000, he warned. The county on Thursday allowed hair salons and barbers to open for inside services, with limitations, a reopening Gunzenhauser said would be carefully monitored. "There is still a lot of virus here in L.A. County," he warned. Riverside County has averaged 225 new cases and 5.1 new deaths per day over the past week, according to The Times' coronavirus tracker. In San Bernardino County, there have been an average of 263 new cases and four deaths a day. San Diego County has reported an average of 232 new cases and 3.1 new deaths a day. San Diego State University halted in-person classes Wednesday after dozens of students were infected with the coronavirus. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) Last week, California announced a new colored-coded system that will determine reopening in counties. Those in the purple category, including Los Angeles and Orange counties, face the most restrictions. Purple means widespread risk, red substantial risk, orange moderate and yellow minimal risk. Each tier determines what can reopen. A county must remain in a tier for three weeks before it can progress to a new level, and only if it has met its tier's requirements for two consecutive weeks. The new system replaced the former county watch list. Swartzberg said the color tiers were an improvement. The old system created a lot of confusion, he said, and "something needed to be done." "Whenever you see something that is simpler, it is usually better," the infectious disease expert said in an interview. He said he appreciates that the new system gives counties credit for doing a lot of testing. "So those counties that aren't doing sufficient testing get penalized, and those doing a lot of testing get credit for that," he said. "That is smart. It puts the incentives in the right place." San Francisco, which is both a city and county, is now in the red zone, despite relatively high case numbers. Those numbers were adjusted to reflect the fact that San Francisco was doing more testing than most other counties in the country. 04.09.2020 LISTEN The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, has disassociated itself from comments made by one of its researchers on the Covid-19 testing system deployed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). The Institute, in a release signed by the Director, Prof. Abraham K. Anang indicated, the institute has not put out any official communication on the Covid-19 testing system set up at the Kotoka International Airport. Prof. Anang explained that it is the policy of the Institution that scientists declare when they share their personal views with stakeholders. The views expressed by one of our scientists concerning Covid-19 testing system and cost for testing at KIA are the personal views and not the Institutions position, the statement stressed. It said official communication emanating from the institute are communicated by the director or an appointed representative. ---Daily Guide MALVERN, Ohio -- Five years before landing my first job as a newspaper editor, I was walking a beat as a noncommissioned officer in Cannes, on the French Riviera. It was the summer of 1971. Unlike Vietnam two years earlier, when carrying my M16 rifle was a necessity, or the United States today, where profiteers and politicians put guns in the hands of felons and domestic terrorists, U.S. Navy shore patrolmen were armed with nothing but billy clubs in European ports. Even so, hard-drinking sailors on liberty can pose challenges. In the heat of a sunny afternoon, whistles shrilled. I was summoned to a brasserie around the corner from a main drag. Inside the dimly lit premises, we encountered five Black sailors who were smashing glasses and bottles, toppling tables and shouting at female bartenders and waitresses. I believed it was in reaction to some sort of racial provocation. Realizing that they were outnumbered by the responding shore patrol, four of the sailors quickly ceased and desisted. The patrol leader called upon me to grab one side of a chair by the seat and backrest as he held the other side. Together, we forcefully approached the one angrily flailing sailor and pinned him against a wall between the four legs of the chair. He soon calmed down. No clubs were wielded. We advised the sailors to find a more accommodating watering hole, which they did. It was not my only violent encounter on shore-patrol duty. Perhaps its that experience that led me to empathize with the tough job of law enforcement during my 40-year journalism career. Maybe its the respect I have for my two brothers-in-law who are police officers that led me to give others in their profession the benefit of the doubt in violent encounters with people of color. After a high-speed chase involving 104 Cleveland police officers ended in East Cleveland with 137 shots fired into a vehicle, killing two Black people, Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams, in 2012, I recognized it as a reckless case of ineptitude. Even so, I gave police the benefit of the doubt on their contention that it was self-defense against an attempt to run them over. When two police officers killed a 22-year-old Black man in a gunfight on a Solon road the next year, I called them heroes. They are. When the killing of Michael Brown Jr., an 18-year-old Black man, by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, fired up the Black Lives Matter movement in 2014, I pointed out that it appeared to be an act of self-defense, which later was corroborated by forensic evidence. Dave Lange, pictured holding his 2018 memoirs, served with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. When Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old Black boy, was shot and killed by Cleveland police for waving a pellet gun on a playground three months later, I knew it was reckless and inept. But I gave police the benefit of the doubt. I conceded that the gun looked real and that irresponsible adults made it that way. But now the evidence is clear to me. Black Lives Matter. I already knew that Black lives matter, because I served with Black men who died fighting for our country in Vietnam. I knew that Black lives matter, because I served with Black men on the front lines of the Cold War against the Soviet Union. Now I know that Black Lives Matter, because video showed George Floyd begging for his life for nearly eight minutes as he was kneed to death by a Minneapolis police officer. Now I know that Black Lives Matter, because video showed a Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer shoot Jacob Blake seven times in the back. I know that George Floyd didnt need to die and that Jacob Blake didnt need to be paralyzed from the waist down. I know that because of the chair that two expeditiously trained shore patrolmen grabbed instead of our billy clubs so long ago in Cannes, France. Dave Lange, formerly of Bainbridge, now lives in Malvern, southeast of Canton. He was editor of the Chagrin Valley Times for 25 years before his 2017 retirement. In 2018, his memoir, Virginity Lost in Vietnam, was published. This week, Lange was notified of his selection for 2020 induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions, comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan participated in a defense ministerial joint session of the CIS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the CSTO countries. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu said in opening remarks that this is the first meeting in such a format and that international military cooperation will be boosted after the session. A number of documents within the frameworks of CIS and CSTO were signed, defense ministry spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said. The Russian military also presented details from the development and trials of the "Sputnik V" the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Russia. Participants of the meeting then visited the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces and the Road of Memory Museum in Moscow. Using the museums interactive search system, the Armenian Minister of Defense found facts about his grandfather Hovhannes Poghos Hakobov, a veteran of WW2. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan TROY, N.Y. A Rensselaer County grand jury cleared Troy police officer Adam Harbour of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal off-duty shooting of Colin Davis, 25, of Troy. Joined by Troy Police Chief Brian Owens, Rensselaer County District Attorney, Mary Pat Donnelly made the announcement Friday morning outside the Rensselaer County Courthouse. The domestic dispute incident happened on July 30, 2020 on 17th St. in Troy. Davis, accused of stabbing his estranged wife, was fatally shot by Harbour, who intervened and saved her life. After hearing from multiple witnesses and reviewing the evidence related to the incident, the Grand Jury returned a No Bill. By doing so, the Grand Jury concluded that Officer Harbour was justified in shooting the armed assailant to stop an on-going violent assault, Donnelly commented. According to Donnelly, multiple witness accounts indicate that Davis was observed stabbing his wife. Due to Officer Harbours actions, she survived the violent attack and continues to recover from her injuries. On the date of the incident, both Troy Police Chief Brian Owens and I, separately, contacted the New York State Attorneys Generals Office and advised them of the officer involved shooting, Donnelly remarked. At the scene, I was joined by investigators from the Attorney Generals Office who conducted their own evaluation to determine whether that Office had jurisdiction over the case pursuant to Executive Order 147. Once the Attorney Generals office concluded that it did not have jurisdiction to pursue this matter, my office retained jurisdiction over the investigation. Owens also commented on the grand jury decision and spoke to the courageous actions displayed by Patrolman Harbour. The events of this past July 30 were a tragedy in the deepest sense of the word. Todays findings and the legal proceedings that followed through the Rensselaer County District Attorneys Office and New York State Attorney Generals Office are another step in the review and healing process, Owens said. This one incidence of domestic violence continues to have a lasting affect on so many involved. For the survivor, her life will likely never be the same. For our member, Patrolman Adam Harbour, his split-second, life-saving action will be something he will think about for quite some time. For the neighbors who witnessed the horrifying attack against the survivor, those images will likely last in their minds. For the family of the deceased, they have suffered a loss as well, Owens noted on the impact of all involved. Theres not a single police officer who I know that would ever want to take another life. The role of law enforcement in our society and duties required of our position and the actions of violent criminals may dictate situations where we must act to defend our life or that of another, Owens continued. Thankfully on that day, Patrolman Harbour displayed great courage and skill to save the victim of likely being murdered. We are grateful that the survivor in this case continues living her life because of her strength, because of the swift and courageous actions of our member Patrolman Adam Harbour, Owens added on Harbours heroism. Three San Francisco supervisors and a group of environmental activists are calling for a city public health official to be reassigned or fired, saying she misled the public about a helicopter survey of radioactive waste at two former naval bases in the city that were contaminated during the Cold War and are now being cleaned and turned into housing. The San Francisco Department of Public Health defended the official, Amy Brownell, saying she did nothing wrong in relying on the helicopter scan, which found no radioactive anomalies, to assure people the sites were safe. Brownell, an environmental engineer with the health department, has for years monitored the cleanups of the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and Treasure Island. The demands for her removal follow a Chronicle investigation, published last week, that showed the aerial survey had limited value and that Brownell knew this from the beginning. Supervisor Matt Haney, whose district includes Treasure Island, called Brownells use of the helicopter scan obviously misleading and said she should be removed from Treasure Island-related matters. It would be reasonable, in my view, to no longer have her work on these issues, Haney said. Its unacceptable for the Department of Public Health to be focused on anything other than telling the truth, all of the truth, and being completely transparent. The newspaper investigation centered on the unusual search for radioactive hot spots that Brownell requested in 2012. Typically, searches for radioactive contamination at Hunters Point and Treasure Island are done at ground level, where soil tests and scanning machines are able to flag patches of tainted dirt and buried radioactive objects so that these hazards can be removed. Instead, this survey was conducted from the air, by a federally operated helicopter that flew 300 feet above the sites. Such surveys are designed to sniff out terrorist weapons or the extent of radiation leakage after a power plant meltdown, not to scour housing developments, experts said. The helicopter, owned by the U.S. Department of Energy and sometimes deployed by the Department of Homeland Security, wasnt sensitive enough to detect certain kinds of radioactive hazards on the ground, nuclear experts said. Brownell understood the helicopters limitations, according to emails obtained by The Chronicle through a public records request. In an August 2012 email to city colleagues, in which Brownell urged them to ask the federal government for a flyover of Hunters Point and Treasure Island, she said the helicopters lack of sensitivity was among several reasons to request a flyover. Extremely unlikely that they will find anything, because they are just doing a gamma survey at 300 feet the instruments and lab tests that the Navy does on the surface at HPS (Hunters Point Shipyard) are much more sensitive, Brownell wrote. Days later, city officials requested the scan, which was performed soon after. When the helicopter found nothing out of the ordinary at the former bases as Brownell predicted she used that result to make assurances that the sites were safe. At least 10 times from 2012 through 2018, records show, Brownell and the health department touted the helicopter scan in hearings, documents and emails, describing it as a powerful and sensitive tool that confirmed the safety of Hunters Point and Treasure Island. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Brownell used the helicopters results to assure those with power over the development of the old bases, regulators and elected officials. But she also touted the helicopters results in meetings packed with worried people parents who had moved to Treasure Island and feared for their childrens health and safety, as well as members of the Bayview-Hunters Point community, one of San Franciscos oldest communities of color. Bayview families have long worried about industrial contamination in the neighborhood, including in dust that blows from the shipyard. Standing before some of those concerned residents in May 2018, Brownell promoted the helicopter survey during a Board of Supervisors hearing as evidence that nothing out of the ordinary had been found on the entire Hunters Point Shipyard. The aerial survey is done from helicopters, Brownell said. They attach very, very sensitive radiological equipment on helicopters, and they do a low-flying pass over the areas. At the time they were doing a background survey and they can detect very, very, very low levels, and they can tell you whether theres background (radiation) or whether there is any anomalies on the surface. Supervisor Shamann Walton, whose district includes the Hunters Point Shipyard, said Brownell should be removed from working on the cleanup of the old base. I dont want her on anything to do with the shipyard moving forward, he said. Walton said he previously asked the mayors office to have Brownell removed from work related to the shipyard after a 2018 Chronicle investigation that revealed she had helped a powerful developer sell homes at the shipyard by reassuring nervous buyers of the sites safety while failing to disclose negative information and public documents that pointed to possible problems. Walton said he had left a message this week with the citys public health director, Dr. Grant Colfax, to discuss Brownells role at the shipyard and that going forward he hopes there isnt one. Two local environmental and social justice groups, Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice and Bayview Hunters Point Mothers and Fathers Committee, sent a letter to state Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Wednesday, citing The Chronicle article and requesting an investigation into the Public Health Department. The groups also have asked the Board of Supervisors to hold a hearing on Brownells use of the helicopter scan. It is outrageous and whoever is responsible needs to be fired at a minimum, Greenaction Executive Director Bradley Angel said of the departments use of the helicopter scan. Haney said he and Walton will, before the end of the year, hold a hearing on the environmental safety of Treasure Island and the shipyard that will focus in part on the health departments use of the helicopter scan. Brownell, who has not responded to Chronicle requests for comment about the helicopter scan, did not reply to a request about the calls for her ouster. Health department spokespeople have previously defended her public statements about the helicopter scan, saying she described it accurately. Colfax declined an interview request this week about Brownells use of the helicopter scan and her role in the department. Health department spokesman Brent Andrew said Brownell is continuing to provide technical expertise on both projects. He recently defended the departments use of the scan, saying, Our communication with the community has always been based on findings validated by multiple parties. 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. Supervisor Aaron Peskin said the health department should be investigating Brownells use of the scan. He criticized the department for taking no action, saying, The silence at the top is deafening. This is another sign of a regulator being too cozy with the regulated community, Peskin said, referring to developers. He said he agreed with Walton and Haney that Brownell should no longer be involved at the former bases. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle The Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and Treasure Island were contaminated during the Cold War with radioactive fallout from ships that had been part of atomic bomb tests in the Pacific. The Navy and other agencies have spent decades trying to remove that contamination, while scouring the ground with radiation detectors and declaring some areas to be safe. Hundreds of people now live in new condos on a hilltop portion of the shipyard and on Treasure Island. Regulatory agencies have said that both housing areas are safe for residents and pose no immediate health threats. The Navy, however, is still searching for possible contamination in Treasure Islands housing area, and much of Hunters Point remains a federal Superfund site. Read more online To read the investigation into San Francisco's reliance on a helicopter scan for radioactivity that had limited value: sfchronicle.com/helicopter-scan To read past coverage from The Chronicle's "Dangerous Ground" investigative series on problems with the cleanup of former military bases: sfchronicle.com/dangerous-ground See More Collapse Meanwhile, the city is working with developers to add thousands of new homes at both sites in hopes that these megaprojects will relieve San Franciscos severe housing crunch. The federal helicopter survey was originally supposed to fly above parts of the Bay Area as part of a research project to study background radiation levels. The flight, ordered by the Department of Homeland Security, wasnt part of any environmental or cleanup project and before San Francisco requested that Hunters Point and Treasure Island be included the government did not intend to fly above the former naval bases. After The Chronicle investigation about the helicopter survey was published, one of the scientists who designed it contacted the newspaper and said that, at the time, the scientists doubted it would be able to find buried radioactivity or "small patches of increased radiation in the soil" at the former bases. The scientist asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the survey. The Chronicle agreed to grant him anonymity in accordance with the newspapers policy on anonymous sources. I can say that we were all very skeptical that anything would have come out of those scans due to the soil density and assumed depth of radiation sources, the scientist said. On Tuesday, Bayview residents and environmental activists gathered at Martin Luther King/Bay View Park for a news conference to accuse the city of environmental racism. Speakers said Brownells statements about the helicopter scan were part of a wider pattern of misleading information and said the city health department has neglected communities of color. Amid smoke from wildfires ringing the Bay Area, community members held signs that read, Clean the Shipyard and SF City Hall: Do you believe some lives are less valuable than others?? Theres no difference from a cop shooting a Black man thats unarmed than these people doing what theyre doing right now, said Leaotis Martin, a community organizer for Greenaction who has lived in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood for most of his life. Its not right. Cynthia Dizikes and Jason Fagone are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: cdizikes@sfchronicle.com, jason.fagone@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @cdizikes, @jfagone CHENNAI: At least five people were killed and four critically injured during a fire mishap at a cracker factory in Kurangudi village near Kattumannarkovil in Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu. Several people are feared to be trapped in the rubble. Reports said that the building collapsed due to the explosion. According to reports, four persons, who were rescued from the spot, were in a critical state and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, police and rescue teams have been rushed to the site to find out what led to the explosion at the factory in Kattumannarkoil, 190 km from Chennai. Avwebo Otoide Citing lack of proof, a summary military trial of the Nigerian Air Force has acquitted Ibrahim SA, an aircraftman, who allegedly slapped Avwebo Otoide, a Port Harcourt-based doctor, in May. Instead, Bass MO, a flight sergeant, who headed the patrol team when Mrs Otoide was reportedly assaulted, was given a punishment of reprimand during the summary trial that was held on Friday. The personnel who were found culpable in line with the extant law were tried and were awarded punishment of reprimand, in line with the armed forces law, the forces publicist, Ibikunle Daramola, said Wednesday. The River State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association also posted the information on their Twitter account. Both Messrs Bass and Ibrahim were charged for conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline after some personnel of the force assaulted Mrs Otoide during the statewide COVID-19 lockdown in May. Mrs Otoide told this newspaper at the time that she was en route to work as an essential worker when the soldiers disembarked from their vehicle, stopped and wrestled her, slapped her, smashed her phone in the process before detaining her in an isolation centre. Her show of an identity card as a senior registrar at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital could not save her from the harassment, she said. After the encounter, Mrs Otoide petitioned the Nigerian Air Force through the River State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association. Following public outrage, Mr Daramola decried the incident, promising that the force would investigate it and punish the accused as due. In the summary trial that was held last week, being the head of the team, Mr Bass was punished with a reprimand, the official said. On the other hand, he said the case of assault levelled against Mr Ibrahim could not be proven as there was no witness to that effect. At least three military personnel told this newspaper reprimand as a punishment could have a multiplier effect on the personnel concerned, being a regimented service. What this means for Mr Bass is that he has not been exonerated of the wrongdoing because it would be filed which might delay future entitlements due for him, a lieutenant who pleaded anonymity, said. Recalling how the trial went, Mrs Otoide said she was present when Mr Bass gave his testimony but was not when Mr Ibrahim spoke. The head of base services was the judge, jury and executioner and when he gave his judgement he called in only Bass MO, giving Ibrahim a pass, she said. Mrs Otoide said she was told this was because since she had no evidence, did not identify him by name, and have no witness, he cannot be convicted. She added that the head of base service ordered Mr Bass to take responsibility for repairs of her smashed phone since he was responsible for the damage. The Bass who damaged my phone is to take responsibility for the cost of repairs and be reprimanded as he was the team leader and obviously something happened under his watch that he claims he is unaware of, Mrs Otoide said. I asked if a reprimand was ideal punish for a slap, he said in the military such things are weightier than in civilian affairs, and that a reprimand and a letter of displeasure may cost you a promotion. He also appealed to the NMA to plead with me to drop this matter, saying they dont want to have to discharge any of the young men from duty as they may become problems to society, therefore everyones problem. They assured them that a response to their petition and an apology will come from the Airforce headquarters. However, an official report is yet to be sent, she said. But Mrs Otoide fears that with just a reprimand the soldiers might not give up on slapping civilians they deem rude. For her, any punishment in the shape of some days in real detention to a demotion would have sufficed. I would have felt some concern if the men were remorseful or even apologised, she added. But they denied everything and got a slap on the wrist, meaning they can do it again. For this, she said she is not pressing further charges. I am not pushing (further). I believe the apology from NAF should end things once it is issued. David Frost, the UK's top Brexit official, and Michel Barnier , the EU's chief negotiator. - Yves Herman/Reuters There remains a matter of months to seal the UK-EU free trade agreement before the no-deal Brexit deadline. Negotiations are deadlocked with Brussels insisting on UK concessions on fishing and the level playing field guarantees before progressing talks in other areas. On Tuesday, British negotiators will host their European counterparts in London for their eighth round of talks. Britain will leave the Brexit transition period, and the EUs Single Market and Customs Union, at the end of the year whether or not there is a trade deal agreed. Failure to agree it by the end of the transition period, which will not be extended, will mean the UK and EU trading on far less lucrative WTO terms, which will include damaging tariffs for sectors such as agriculture. Leaving the Single Market and Customs Union will give the UK more regulatory freedom and the ability to negotiate its own trade deals but at the cost of introducing new barriers to trade between it and the EUs member states. The UK-EU free trade agreement, which was planned to be a zero-tariff, zero-quota agreement on goods, aims to remove some but not all of that friction. A no-deal exit also risks poisoning UK relations with its major trading partner as well as causing significant economic damage. For its part, the EU will lose its automatic access to UK fishing waters, which could have a devastating impact on the blocs fishing industries. Michel Barnier has set an end of October deadline for the trade agreement to be finalised but there is growing pessimism that that date, chosen to give the EU time to ratify the deal, will be hit. These next rounds of negotiations are seen as crucial by EU sources if a deal is to be struck. So what are the sticking points and what has already been agreed? Fishing The EU wants: A long-term agreement giving access to UK waters on the same terms as before Brexit, as if the UK was still a member of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). It says an agreement on fishing is a precondition of any trade deal. Story continues The UK wants: A Norway-style fishing deal with annual negotiations with fishing opportunities decided on a system of zonal attachment rather than the historic catch patterns used in the CFP. Our prediction: It appeared progress was slowly being made towards a compromise before this week, when both sides blamed each other for blocking further agreement. Nevertheless a deal can be done after the EU signalled it was prepared to compromise on its maximalist position. Brussels has signalled that it could accept zonal attachment, a method reflecting where fish are at a given point, if it was combined with other factors such as older fishing rights and the economic impact on coastal communities but is now demanding reciprocal concessions from Britain. A possible compromise could be to combine this offer with multi-annual negotiations on some fish stocks and yearly talks on others. Level playing field guarantees The EU wants: The UK to commit to uphold EU standards in state aid, tax, labour rights and the environment to prevent British companies gaining an unfair competitive advantage by undercutting the bloc. In state aid, which covers government bailouts, Brussels wants the UK to follow EU competition law. The UK wants: The freedom to diverge from EU rules after Brexit. It argues the level playing field guarantees, which are usual in trade deals, are far more stringent than those in other EU trade agreements with non-EU countries. Brussels counters that the UK is a much closer market and no other trade deal offers zero tariffs on goods. Our prediction: It appears likely that a series of non-regression guarantees on tax, labour rights and the environment ensuring Britain will not drop below current EU standards could be enough for Brussels if EU member states can be brought onboard. State aid remains a sticking point. The European Commission has accepted UK demands the European Court of Justice will have no role in the future system but demands details on how the new British regime will work, which as yet have not been forthcoming from the British. A deal appears close but getting EU member states onboard with the less stringent system could prove a challenge for Mr Barnier. Governance The EU wants: The whole future relationship to be part of one overarching treaty with a single dispute resolution mechanism. The UK wants: The trade deal to be part of a suite of separate arrangements on areas such as fishing with no cross-cutting enforcement mechanism. Our prediction: The UK has told the EU it will accept the single umbrella treaty but discussions have stalled on how the dispute mechanism will work. Governance is a major EU ask, with Brussels keen to avoid the Swiss situation of a string of messy individual treaties. Britain appears likely to agree if the terms are right. Law enforcement The EU wants: A new extradition treaty to replace the European Arrest Warrant, which cannot legally be extended to non-EU countries. The UK wants: The same but with some small tweaks allowing British judges to ignore requests in certain conditions such as if the cost of extradition outweighs the seriousness of the offence. Our prediction: A deal can be done and both sides have said positive progress has been made. The trick will be finding a way to satisfy the EUs demand that the UK commit to not leaving the European Convention of Human Rights that does not tie the hands of future UK governments. A deal which expires if the UK leaves the convention appears to be the simplest solution. Sharing of information on criminal databases is likely to continue but at a slower pace than if the UK still a member state. Migration Migrants make a beach landing near Dover - STEVE FINN The EU wants: Doesnt want to discuss any agreement. The UK wants: A migration agreement with the EU that will make it easier to return illegal migrants to the bloc. Our prediction: The UK will be forced to strike individual bilateral deals on migrant returns with individual countries rather than the bloc as a whole. The City The EU wants: UK financial services to have access to the EU market on the basis of equivalence, which is a system of regulatory recognition granted unilaterally by the European Commission. Equivalence can be withdrawn at as little as 30 days' notice in some cases. The UK wants: A joint committee that would involve discussion before equivalence decisions are made. Our prediction: While the trade deal may grant access to many other services, UK headquartered financial services will be made an example of and have less advantageous access than the passport it enjoyed as a member state. The EU will not surrender any of its leverage on equivalence decisions. Separately the EU has said it is pleased with the progress made in talks on anti-money laundering after the end of the Brexit transition period. Transport The EU wants: Less advantageous access for UK truckers than when Britain was a member state. The UK wants: Cabotage rights for UK hauliers. Our prediction: If the EU can be satisfied with a deal on the level playing field guarantees it could offer better terms than at present. At the moment, it describes UK demands as being for single-market type access. Barriers to trade The EU wants: To protect European interests. The UK wants: Mutual recognition of testing laboratories. Revamped rules of origin rules. Our prediction: Michel Barnier has been adamant that UK testing laboratories for goods will not keep their ability to certify goods as meeting EU standards. This will mean UK exports will have to go to EU labs for testing before they can be exported, which will increase costs for British businesses but bring income to the EU labs. The EU has rejected UK calls to revamp rules of origin, arguing that Britain could become a manufacturing hub for the bloc if it was able to assemble goods from all over the world to make a British product before exporting it tariff-free to the EU. Healthcare and EU programs The EU wants: To ensure the price is right. The UK wants: Access to some EU programs after Brexit. Our prediction: Progress has been made in talks over a replacement for the EHIC card, which gives health cover to UK nationals travelling in the EU. The EU is prepared to give access to schemes such as the Erasmus + student exchange program and the Horizon 2020 research funding program but the price of that is to be negotiated. Foreign Policy cooperation The EU wants: An in-depth UK-EU agreement covering sanctions, security and defence cooperation. The UK wants: To take such an agreement off the table and rely on existing international provisions. Our prediction: There is little Brussels can do to force the UK to return to the negotiating table on this, despite a close relationship being called for in the Political Declaration. Given the tight deadline, the EU may cut its losses and hope to return to the issue at a later date. What has been agreed The Withdrawal Agreement that took Britain out of the EU will stand whether or not there is a Brexit trade deal. Among its provisions is the creation of a customs border in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain. This prevents the needs for a border between EU member state Ireland and Northern Ireland after the end of transition. The UK has committed to paying the Brexit Bill which stood at 39bn, calculated on the basis that the UK left on March 29, 2019. It is thought the bill is now about 30bn, after Britain paid some of it as part of its usual contribution to the EU Budget after Brexit was delayed. However, the Government will be under pressure to withhold payments if there is no trade deal. The rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in the EU are also safeguarded by the Withdrawal Agreement. Large numbers of Covid-19 patients are refusing to tell public health workers whom they've had contact with, thwarting state efforts to slow disease spread at a fragile turnaround in the pandemic. Contact tracing data provided to POLITICO shows more than three-quarters of people interviewed in hard-hit states like California and Louisiana refused to cooperate with efforts to identify relatives or acquaintances who may have been exposed to the disease. Tracing programs, paired with expansive testing, have been credited with controlling the spread of Covid-19 in countries like South Korea and New Zealand. But state officials and public health experts say U.S. efforts have been undercut by the Trump administration's failure to advocate tracing. Conspiracy theories linking interviews to government plots to set up surveillance cameras and gun confiscations haven't helped. That lingering distrust could hinder immunization programs once a Covid-19 vaccine is found. Weve had people worry that were the FBI or other government agencies, said Kirstin Short, bureau chief of epidemiology at the Houston Health Department. "Its a challenge weve been fighting for a number of years since the change in the federal administration. POLITICO requested tracing data from all of the states showing the percentage of confirmed cases tracers reached and interviews that ended with information on contacts. A total of 14 states and New York City supplied results showing widespread public reluctance to participate in disease tracking as officials were tracking new hot spots and trying to prevent uncontrolled spread. Only a few, including Massachusetts and Vermont, have persuaded the majority of their Covid-positive residents to reveal who they may have infected. Tracing efforts got off to a slow start this spring, as states like Georgia, Texas and Colorado that moved fastest to reopen struggled to find enough health workers to follow new outbreaks. Meanwhile, the Trump administration did little to explain the process while the president downplayed the virus threat and contradicted government scientists. Story continues The more you begin to politicize the public health part of this response, the more likely it is that you will come up against some really strong public opinion about what it is you are trying to do, said Lori Freeman, chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Louisiana, which had the highest per capita rate of confirmed coronavirus cases, managed to get information on contacts from only about 17 percent of the people it contacted since May 15. The state's approximately 700 contact tracers were frequently swamped with new cases over the summer and faced delays getting test results before they could interview patients. Local health departments in California that report to a state database were able to obtain contacts from an average of 23.4 percent of people they interviewed from July 5to and 25. Some respondents wouldn't share information out of fear they'd miss work, while immigrants worried the personal information could be shared with federal authorities. In contrast, Massachusetts had 80.6 percent response rate from April 10, when its tracing program began, to Aug. 19. The state this spring struck a tracing collaboration with the nonprofit Partners in Health, which has experience responding to epidemics and disease outbreaks in Africa and the Caribbean. A spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged that many state health departments face challenges, adding his agency is currently advising several state and local health departments and has developed public service announcements and social media messaging to encourage cooperation. The agency did not respond to questions about when and where the spots are airing. Health officials and experts are pressing for more high-profile campaigns from radio and TV ads to billboards, digital alerts or even personal appeals from President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence. But other than a handful of supportive social media posts from CDC Director Robert Redfield and some suggested best practices, the Trump administration has been largely silent. White House spokesperson Judd Deere said contact tracing is a core responsibility in Trump's guidelines for reopening and "has great value when its of and within communities and can be part of counseling and testing to ensure people are informed on how best to protect themselves and their loved ones, slowing community spread." Still, public health observers are concerned about the federal role in the stagnating tracing efforts. It just reflects the continued absence of federal leadership on this issue, said Jeffrey Klausner, a former San Francisco public health official who successfully promoted contact tracing for sexually-transmitted diseases. Everything's been delegated to states, and states just don't have the resources. They don't have the budget for social marketing or awareness campaigns. The lack of messaging is intersecting with other factors that discourage cooperation with tracers. A proliferation of spam calls has made people increasingly unwilling to pick up a call from an unknown number a barrier some states have circumvented through text messages or a health department caller ID. Even when tracers do reach people whove tested positive, they often meet with suspicion. Health officials and experts blame the federal governments lack of involvement and Trump's willingness to minimize the risk and allow some of his political allies to disparage and contradict government scientists recommendations. Frequent White House guest and Fox News host Laura Ingraham has criticized contact tracing, calling it an excuse to delay reopening businesses and comparing a phone call from a tracer to being groped by a TSA worker at the airport. Trump lawyer and confidant Rudy Giuliani has also mocked contact tracing, while several state and local GOP officials and candidates have boasted about refusing to provide information after testing positive and called the practice communist. Contact tracers at work in a Houston contact tracing facility. Pradheep Shanker, a conservative physician and policy analyst, said he encountered resistance to contact tracing from right-leaning officials when he had tried to advocate robust programs in Michigan and Ohio. Their instinct is to oppose it, he wrote in an email to POLITICO. The problem extends to far-right websites and forums. Some have warned that contact tracing is a ruse to take away Americans guns, or that the government is going to place cameras outside homes to ensure people are remaining in quarantine. Theres also been a wave of disinformation about legislation by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) that would allocate $100 billion for a national contact tracing program, with false claims proliferating that the bill would enable government agents to test and force citizens into quarantine. With some adherents to the QAnon conspiracy already combing the internet for supposed links between Democrats and satanic practices, the bills number, H.R. 6666 (116), hasnt helped matters. Rush told POLITICO that social media platforms need to do more fact checking and take down such posts, adding the Trump administration should also be speaking out more to its conservative base. But I think the best way to deal with a lie is with the truth, he said. We have to be aggressive in letting people know what contact tracing really is and how important it is for the American people. Beyond disinformation, the coronavirus has spread so widely in some areas that tracing may be futile, because residents can't be sure which infected people who didn't show symptoms gave it to others. Once you have community transmission like this, youre not going to be able to identify contacts, and you have to move to more of a mitigation strategy, said Karen Landers, Alabamas assistant state health officer. Fallout from the economic crash and fears of an eroding safety also factor in participation, making some reluctant to divulge names of acquaintances knowing the person cannot afford to miss work in order to quarantine. The low response rates are also colliding with recent CDC guidelines recommending against testing asymptomatic individuals who may have been exposed. Public health experts worry the change will further confuse people about testing and the virus incubation period. In Houston, one of the hardest-hit areas in the country, Short said her team recently confronted a person who received a negative test result four days after her documented exposure and wanted to go back to work, against the advice of the health department. Luckily she did agree to stay home, Short said. Then, it got to about Day 12 and she decided to go get tested again before going back to work. Lo and behold, she tested positive. She said her first thought was: What if I had gone back to work? I would have put so many people at risk. But that education cant happen if people dont answer the phone or are not willing to talk to tracers. Freeman, whose organization represents nearly 3,000 health departments around the country, said widespread virus fatigue is suppressing participation as the pandemic drags on. They don't want to have anything to do with the virus anymore and they say, I'm tired of sheltering in place. I've lost my income. I don't want to help you anymore. Ive helped you enough, she said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 19:54:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HANOI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 41) will be held virtually on Sept. 8-10, a Vietnamese official said on Friday. The three-day event will gather 10 delegations from AIPA member parliaments, 12 delegations from AIPA observer parliaments, along with AIPA Secretary-General and Secretariat, Nguyen Van Giau, head of AIPA 41 organizing board, told a press briefing in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Vietnamese top legislator and AIPA 41 President Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan will deliver opening remarks at the meeting, Giau noted. Themed "Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community," the event will include a meeting of woman parliamentarians to promote the role of woman parliamentarians in securing jobs and income for women workers. An unofficial meeting of young parliamentarians, and discussion on the role of parliaments in promoting ASEAN economic cohesion and recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic will also be included, according to the organizers. AIPA serves as a center of communication and information among parliaments of the ASEAN members, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The General Assembly, the highest body in AIPA, is held once a year to provide policy directions for the development of AIPA's objectives and as a forum for interchange between its members. This year is the third time Vietnam assumes the AIPA presidency and hosts the AIPA General Assembly. Enditem New Office of Fellowships and Awards Opens World of Possibility to UTEP Students Last Updated on September 03, 2020 at 12:00 AM Originally published September 03, 2020 By Elizabeth Ashby UTEP Communications The University of Texas at El Paso has opened an Office of Student Fellowships and Awards to inform and support UTEP students applying for graduate and undergraduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. This new office in the Division of Student Affairs will assist students applying for external funding for research, study abroad, internships and graduate school. Senior Destiny Rodriguez, an accounting and finance double major, earned a Gilman Scholarship that funded a Fall 2019 study abroad in France, as well as awards from the Houston Endowment Scholarship program. She is glad to learn that there is an office that creates a more convenient experience for students chasing after these opportunities. The best students at UTEP can compete with the best students anywhere; they need the encouragement to know that they can, UTEP President Heather Wilson said. We established the Office of Student Fellowships and Awards to give students the guidance and support to prepare themselves for these graduate fellowships. Wilson was the first person in her family to go to college and is a Rhodes Scholar. I had no idea that there were scholarships to go to graduate school until a faculty member told me about it and sent me to an office that helped me look into it, Wilson said. There are a large number of competitive postgraduate and undergraduate fellowships available, but often students do not know that they exist or how to apply for them. This office will help students identify relevant funding opportunities and support them as they apply for national and international fellowships, scholarships and awards, including the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Truman, Gilman, Gates, Goldwater, Fulbright, National Science Foundation and others. The centralized resources offered at the Office of Student Fellowships and Awards will streamline the application process and make it more efficient for our students, faculty and staff, said Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D., associate vice president for student engagement and dean of students at UTEP. Our students are talented, resilient and capable of reaching great heights in their academic careers. We cant wait to see the future success stories that result. The office is led by Melanie Meinzer, Ph.D., who comes to UTEP with a background in academia, fellowship administration and bolstering diversity pipelines in higher education. While teaching at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Meinzer first gained experience guiding and encouraging students as they pursued competitive fellowships. As a former Boren Fellow, she was able to give feedback to students as they crafted their essays, advising them on how to draw connections between their projects or plans of study and the funding agencys goals. In her subsequent role as Director of Mellon Programs at the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Meinzer gained insight from the other side of the application process as a fellowship administrator. Now, shes ready to impart her knowledge to UTEP students. She has already hit the ground running, offering information sessions and connecting with potential applicants. The staff are currently working remotely and recently launched a resource-rich website. Recent events included a virtual meeting with undergraduate students who are interested in the new Hawkins Scholarship. They learned details of the scholarship, which was initially announced at the inaugural Honors, Scholars and Fellows Day in February 2020, that will award $10,000 to two undergraduate UTEP students. The funds can be applied to students tuition and fees, but students are encouraged to use the award to participate in high-impact experiences such as study abroad, research projects or internships that will enhance their preparation and competitiveness for graduate school and other prestigious fellowships. Applicants can expect a selection process similar to that of the Rhodes Scholarship program. She encourages students, even as early as their freshman year, to take advantage of the offices resources by planning ahead. When you think about applying for an award like Fulbright, it can feel overwhelming. Thats why we break that application process down into steps, Meinzer said. If Im a sophomore, and I want to teach English in Japan after college, what should I do now? Enhancing accessibility, honing students writing and interviewing skills, and providing training and support are key goals for Meinzer. She also hopes to help students value their own efforts, even if an application does not result in an award. Every time you write a fellowship application essay, youre also drafting ideas that you can use for an essay for another fellowship, or maybe for graduate school, she said. If you write a great personal statement and you dont get a Fulbright, that personal statement contains a personal narrative that you can use for your graduate school application personal statement, you just have to adapt it. Building on Success While UTEP has established success with organizations including the National Science Foundations Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Gilman Scholars Program, the OSFA will build on these successes and expand the system of fellowship advising on campus to create a more robust culture of scholarship. Senior Destiny Rodriguez, an accounting and finance double major, has already demonstrated the success of UTEP students in these competitive scholarship programs. The Honors Program student earned a Gilman Scholarship that funded a Fall 2019 study abroad in France, as well as awards from the Houston Endowment Scholarship program. She is glad to learn that there is an office that creates a more convenient experience for students chasing after these opportunities. Instead of having to find out about each scholarship individually, or find a scholarship by accident, theres this office that can actually tell you all the opportunities available to you, where you can be of use, and what you are eligible for, she said. For UTEP students, considering these opportunities and reaching out to this office could be the best first step, Meinzer said. You see something like Mitchell, or Marshall or Rhodes, and you think you have to be from an Ivy League school to get this award, Meinzer said. A lot of students don't know that these kinds fellowships are for them, that students from UTEP have won prestigious fellowships, will win these fellowships, and that they can compete for these awards. Rock-melting forces occurring much deeper in the Earth than previously understood appear to drive tremors along a notorious segment of California's San Andreas Fault, according to new USC research that helps explain how quakes happen. The study from the emergent field of earthquake physics looks at temblor mechanics from the bottom up, rather than from the top down, with a focus on underground rocks, friction and fluids. On the segment of the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, Calif., underground excitations -- beyond the depths where quakes are typically monitored -- lead to instability that ruptures in a quake. "Most of California seismicity originates from the first 10 miles of the crust, but some tremors on the San Andreas Fault take place much deeper," said Sylvain Barbot, assistant professor of Earth sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. "Why and how this happens is largely unknown. We show that a deep section of the San Andreas Fault breaks frequently and melts the host rocks, generating these anomalous seismic waves." The newly published study appears in Science Advances. Barbot, the corresponding author, collaborated with Lifeng Wang of the China Earthquake Administration in China. The findings are significant because they help advance the long-term goal of understanding how and where earthquakes are likely to occur, along with the forces that trigger temblors. Better scientific understanding helps inform building codes, public policy and emergency preparedness in quake-ridden areas like California. The findings may also be important in engineering applications where the temperature of rocks is changed rapidly, such as by hydraulic fracturing. Parkfield was chosen because it is one of the most intensively monitored epicenters in the world. The San Andreas Fault slices past the town, and it's regularly ruptured with significant quakes. Quakes of magnitude 6 have shaken the Parkfield section of the fault at fairly regular intervals in 1857, 1881, 1901, 1922, 1934, 1966 and 2004, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At greater depths, smaller temblors occur every few months. So what's happening deep in the Earth to explain the rapid quake recurrence? Using mathematical models and laboratory experiments with rocks, the scientists conducted simulations based on evidence gathered from the section of the San Andreas Fault extending up to 36 miles north of -- and 16 miles beneath -- Parkfield. They simulated the dynamics of fault activity in the deep Earth spanning 300 years to study a wide range of rupture sizes and behaviors. The researchers observed that, after a big quake ends, the tectonic plates that meet at the fault boundary settle into a go-along, get-along phase. For a spell, they glide past each other, a slow slip that causes little disturbance to the surface. But this harmony belies trouble brewing. Gradually, motion across chunks of granite and quartz, the Earth's bedrock, generates heat due to friction. As the heat intensifies, the blocks of rock begin to change. When friction pushes temperatures above 650 degrees Fahrenheit, the rock blocks grow less solid and more fluid-like. They start to slide more, generating more friction, more heat and more fluids until they slip past each other rapidly -- triggering an earthquake. "Just like rubbing our hands together in cold weather to heat them up, faults heat up when they slide. The fault movements can be caused by large changes in temperature," Barbot said. "This can create a positive feedback that makes them slide even faster, eventually generating an earthquake." It's a different way of looking at the San Andreas Fault. Scientists typically focus on movement in the top of Earth's crust, anticipating that its motion in turn rejiggers the rocks deep below. For this study, the scientists looked at the problem from the bottom up. "It's difficult to make predictions," Barbot added, "so instead of predicting just earthquakes, we're trying to explain all of the different types of motion seen in the ground." The study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC-41674067 and NSFC-U1839211) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (EAR-1848192). ### USC professor Sylvian Barbot bio: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cf/earth/faculty_display.cfm?Person_ID=1080686 USC Dornsife College: https://dornsife.usc.edu/ USGS Parkfield project: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/parkfield/ Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 13:43:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Four COVID-19 cases were reported in Mongolia in the last 24 hours, bringing the national count to 310 cases, the country's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) said Friday. "A total of 537 tests for COVID-19 were conducted across the country yesterday and four of them were positive," Amarjargal Ambaselmaa, head of the NCCD's Surveillance Department, said at a daily press conference. The latest four cases are Mongolian women aged 57-84 who returned home on a chartered flight from the United States on Wednesday, said Ambaselmaa. All the confirmed cases were imported, and 296 patients have recovered from the disease. No local transmissions or deaths have been reported in Mongolia so far, said the center. Enditem During a speech on the latest jobs report, Joe Biden directly addressed President Trump for reportedly calling American war heroes "losers" and "suckers," slamming Trump with a personal anecdote about his late son, Beau. What they're saying: "When my son volunteered to join the United States military, as the attorney general, and went to Iraq for the year won the bronze star and other commendations he wasnt a sucker," Biden said. "When my son was an assistant U.S. Attorney who volunteered to go to Kosovo while the war was going on, as a civilian, he wasnt a sucker," Biden added. He continued: "The service men and women he served with, particularly those who did not come home, were not losers." Biden specifically mentioned Beau's service in Kosovo on the same day that Trump met with the President of Serbia and the Prime Minister of Kosovo at the White House to sign an economic normalization agreement. Driving the news: The Atlantic reported Thursday that, according to multiple sources, the president has privately referred to Americans who died while serving in war as "losers" and "suckers." The president has denied the claims, telling reporters: " It is a disgraceful situation, by a magazine that is a terrible magazine, I don't read it." Later in his press conference on Friday, Biden said that he believes the reporting is true. "I've never been as disappointed in my whole career with a leader that I've worked with, president or otherwise," he said. "It is a disgrace." The big picture: Biden's visit to Delaware was his fourth in-person campaign event this week he's largely stuck to virtual events until now. And although he released a written statement last night criticizing the president for his reported remarks, he's continuing to directly address him during these remarks. White House lawyers told a federal judge that President Donald Trump's decision to exclude undocumented immigrants from 2020 census data was constitutionally authorized. In a San Francisco Chronicle report, the lawyers added that the White House move on census data could not be challenged in court. But many skeptics are looking through the White House decision. With undocumented immigrants out of census data, the new data will make some drastic changes in districts' seats, CNN noted. New York Attorney General lawyer, Judith Vale, said the order on undocumented immigrants "violates more than 200 years of history, practice, and judicial precedent." In a Reuters report, she also added that the move is already discouraging participation in the census. Suits Filed to Fight Census Data Order A suit filed in Washington claimed that Trump's decisions would unfairly treat some states. But Justice Department lawyers also said Wednesday that the court filing has to be dismissed. They said the law already bans "judicial intrusion on the president's exercise of policy-making discretion." The suit was filed in July by advocacy group Common Cause and other voting-rights groups. The Justice Department also said the same arguments Thursday in a hearing in New York. Republican presidents appointed two of the three judges but they appeared concerned. Pulling out immigrants from the data raised some concerns as the census form itself does not have a question on citizenship, noted The Hill. In court, there are two separate but similar cases. Facing court in a hearing, the White House argued that the case is "not yet ripe". They said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has not yet found if he has enough information if he can do Trump's plans. So, right now, the case is on a standstill. "We should wait to see what is feasible, what those numbers are, and then the case can proceed," said Sopan Joshi, a senior Justice Department attorney. There are some other suits filed by other states. Another one is from a San Francisco court that was filed by the state of California. It also includes some counties and cities like Oakland. Dale Ho, attorney to immigrant groups, also expressed disappointment about the move. He said the census does not have the discretion to work with the census data to his liking once it has been completed. "Even in a dry season, it is fair to trace the fire to the arsonist," Ho said. Census Aid Used for Federal Aid Census data is also used to give out $800 billion in federal aid each year. This also raised alarms for advocates. But Trump's order is only limited to political apportionment and did not mention concerns with funding. A statement from the White House press office came with the order. It said that states which "encourage violations of the federal immigration law" should not be rewarded with House seats. The statement also said that "one-state"-likely to be California-could lose a seat or two in the House if "illegal aliens" were put out of census data. What Does the Law State? California has 53 House seats right now and about has about 2 million undocumented immigrants in it. There are nearly 40 million people in the state. The Constitution stated that congress seats are determined by "actual enumeration" every ten years. The 14th Amendment also said that the seats would be shared out evenly based on the whole number of persons in each state. Past leaders and courts have read through these provisions as giving House seats based on the actual population. They did not take legal status into account. Check these out! Trump Signs Memorandum Excluding Undocumented Immigrants From Census Mnuchin, Pelosi Reach 'Informal Deal' to Avoid Government Shutdown Trump's Payroll Tax Deferral Won't Give Benefit to this Group of People Syracuse, N.Y. -- Nine members of a national fraud and identity theft ring accused of stealing more than $1.5 million, including from people in Onondaga County, have been arrested, according to federal prosecutors. The nine men are accused in more than 700 smash-and-grab thefts and about 1,000 fraudulent bank transactions, prosecutors in United States Attorneys Office for Northern District of New York announced Thursday. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to prosecutors. The group was known as the Felony Lane Gang, prosecutors said. Seven of the nine men are from Orlando or Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The group traveled across the United States and broke into cars, according to prosecutors. They targeted cars parked at health and fitness centers, daycares and parks, prosecutors said. They would steal debit cards, credit cards, check books and photo IDs, according to prosecutors. Sometimes, the group would use the cards for fraudulent transactions years after the cards were stolen, prosecutors said. The leaders of the group recruited people, often women or people struggling with addiction, to work as faces -- people who could impersonate the smash-anad-grab victims in drive-through bank lanes, prosecutors said. If convicted, the men charged face up to 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum of two years for each aggravated identity theft, according to prosecutors. Those charged include: Tyrone Parker Jr., 21, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Joshua Mallory, 35, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Tyrone Parker, 39, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Randall Taylor, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Cedric Lynch, 35, of Orlando, Florida Terrell McDonald, 30, of Troy, New York Keyshawn Arnold, 23, of Schenectady, New York Robert Natson, 34, of Fort Lauderdale Gary Grier, 34, of Fort Lauderdale Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter. The Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (Brics) grouping on Friday expressed concern at violence and conflicts in different parts of the world and said such situations should be resolved peacefully through political dialogue. The joint statement issued after a virtual meeting of Brics foreign ministers didnt refer to any particular conflict, and the grouping has a convention of not taking up bilateral issues between its members. However, the meeting was held against the backdrop of the months-long border standoff between India and China, two of the groupings key members. The ministers expressed concerns at the rise of violence and continuing conflicts in different parts of the world that have significant impact at both the regional and international levels, the joint statement said. They concurred that, irrespective of their historic background and distinctive nature, conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations in line with principles and norms of international law, particularly the UN Charter, it added. The ministers pointed to the UN Security Council resolution 2532 of 2020 demanding a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations, with the exception of operations against terror groups sanctioned by the Security Council, and calling for a durable humanitarian pause amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The ministers also underlined the imperative of dialogue to address increasing international peace and security challenges through political and diplomatic means, the joint statement said. A readout from the external affairs ministry said the discussions at the meeting centred round an overview of the global situation, including new threats and challenges and regional hot spots. The Brics meeting was to have been held in Moscow on September 11 but was advanced to Friday and made a virtual event after the foreign ministers of Brazil and South Africa said they couldnt travel because of the pandemic. Besides external affairs minister S Jaishankar, it was joined by Chinas Wang Yi, Russias Sergey Lavrov, who chaired the meeting. Brazils Ernesto Araujo, and South Africas Grace Naledi Pandor. Jaishankar spoke to Wang soon after the June 15 clash at Galwan Valley, and the two leaders have joined several virtual multilateral meetings. Jaishankar and Wang are also expected to meet on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meeting in Moscow on September 10. The foreign ministers also discussed Brics cooperation at international forums, including on key issues on the 75 UN General Assembly agenda, and reviewed progress in activities under the grouping. Jaishankar said Brics has an important role to play in the wake of grave challenges in the economic, political, social and health fields. He highlighted Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to foster mutually beneficial global economic engagement in economy, infrastructure, technology, demography and demand. He also emphasised the need to reform the UN to reflect global realities and called for expansion of the Security Council in the permanent and non-permanent categories. He also called for reformed multilateralism, including reform of international bodies such as the WTO, IMF and WHO. Jaishankar also highlighted the issue of terrorism and sought enhanced Brics cooperation in countering it. He expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Brics counter-terrorism strategy. India is set to become the Brics chair in 2021, and Jaishankar said the country will continue to strengthen cooperation under the groupings three pillars of political and security cooperation, economics and trade and people-to-people contacts. The ministers also reaffirmed support for a transparent, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied by the WTO, the joint statement said. They appreciated the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in infrastructure and sustainable development financing and welcomed the NDB Board of Governors decision to establish an emergency assistance facility of up to $10 billion and the approval of four loans for a total of $4 billion. File image of Alexei Navalny (Reuters) Few people had heard of the nerve agent Novichok until 2018, when Western officials accused Russia of having used it in the attempted assassination of a former spy in Britain. It returned abruptly to the headlines Wednesday, when Germany said the poison had sickened Russian dissident Alexei A. Navalny. But for decades, scientists, spies and chemical weapons specialists have known about and feared Novichok. It is a potent neurotoxin, developed in the Soviet Union and Russia in the 1980s and 90s, that can be delivered as a liquid, powder or aerosol, and is said to be more lethal than nerve agents that are better known in the West, like VX and sarin. The poison causes muscle spasms that can stop the heart, fluid buildup in the lungs that can also be deadly, and damage to other organs and nerve cells. Russia has produced several versions of Novichok, and it is anyones guess how often they have actually been used, experts say, because the resulting deaths can easily escape scrutiny, appearing like nothing more sinister than a fatal heart attack. That may have been the plan in the case of Sergei V. Skripal, a former Russian spy living in Salisbury, England. When Skripal was found barely conscious in a park March 4, 2018, there was no obvious reason to suspect poisoning except that his daughter, who was visiting, was with him, suffering the same symptoms. British intelligence agencies identified the toxin as Novichok and accused Russia. The attack became a major international scandal, further chilling relations between Moscow and the West. The British identified Russian agents who they said had flown into Britain, applied the toxin to the front door handle of Skripals house and left the country, leaving a trail of video and chemical evidence. President Vladimir Putins government has consistently denied any involvement in the incident, spinning a series of alternative theories, and just months before the Salisbury attack, Putin declared that Russia had destroyed all of its chemical weapons. Skripal worked for Russian military intelligence until he was caught passing secrets to the British, and imprisoned. After he was released in a 2010 prisoner swap and settled in England, he advised several countries governments on Russian intelligence. Time and time again, people seen as enemies of the Kremlin have been killed, both in Russia and abroad. Russian spies have a long history of using poisons in assassinations, and Western intelligence officials say Russia has spy units specially trained in the handling and deployment of the most dangerous substances. Skripal and his daughter, Yulia S. Skripal, survived the poisoning, as did a police officer who had been exposed when he visited their home to investigate and a man who had found the discarded perfume bottle used to transport the toxin. But the mans girlfriend, Dawn Sturgess, who had sprayed herself with the bottle, died. After the Soviet Union disintegrated in the early 1990s, scientists who had worked on its chemical weapons program some of whom moved to the United States spoke publicly about a nerve agent they had named Novichok, Russian for new guy. One of them accidentally exposed himself to it 1987, suffering permanent and ultimately fatal muscle and organ damage. He told his story to a Russian newspaper in 1992, shortly before he died. Novichok belongs to a broad class of compounds called cholinesterase inhibitors, which are used in a wide range of medicines as well as poisons. They attack the normal ebb and flow of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the body that nerve cells use to regulate essential functions. Nerve agent poisoning can be treated with the chemicals atropine and oxime, but even if the treatment is successful, victims can suffer lasting damage. The first field use of the toxin may have been in 1995, when a Russian businessman and his secretary were killed. Officials said at the time that they had been poisoned with cadmium, a heavy metal, but Russian media have since reported that it was Novichok. In 1999, the United States struck an agreement to help Uzbekistan dismantle a former Soviet chemical weapon lab that had produced and tested Novichok. After that, it went all but unmentioned in news reports for almost 19 years until two Russians were found near death in a park in Salisbury. c.2020 The New York Times Company The 15-year-old Oklahoma girl who died last month after overdosing on Benadryl while taking part in a social media challenge in which teens take large doses of the anti-allergy drug to hallucinate has been identified. Chloe Marie Phillips of Blanchard died in the early morning hours of August 21. Janette Sissy Leasure, Chloes great aunt, posted a now-deleted message on Facebook urging families to be on alert for kids taking part in the Benadryl challenge. This needs to stop taking our kids or putting them in the hospital, she wrote on Facebook. Her post was reported by The Sun. 'Don't let it take anymore kids...I don't want to see any families go through what we are going through right now, she wrote. Chloe Marie Phillips, 15, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, died in the early morning hours of August 21 after she overdosed on Benadryl Young Chloe is seen above with her father, Dustin Cook, of Blanchard, Oklahoma Janette Sissy Leasure, Chloes great aunt, posted a now-deleted message on Facebook urging families to be on alert for kids taking part in the Benadryl challenge. Don't ever say this can't happen to you. Kids are like, the other person was okay, so I'll be okay. Try to always know what your kids are doing or taking. The funeral for Chloe was held at First United Methodist Church in Blanchard, Oklahoma, on August 27. Chloe was a sophomore at Blanchard High School, where she was actively involved in yearbook and track, according to an obituary. Chloe loved music, dancing, video games, and being a social butterfly with her friends. Chloe was an extremely intelligent young woman and dreamed of one day going to college and becoming a lawyer. On that journey, she looked forward to her first kiss, getting her driver's license, and one day going to Paris. Chloe's faith kept her steadfast; she always stood up for what she believed in, and she showed kindness and compassion in everything she did. The 'Benadryl challenge' is a new game in which teens on TikTok are encouraged to take as much allergy medicine as needed in order to hallucinate or trip out. But health experts are warning that taking too much Benadryl can be fatal. 'The dose that can cause a hallucination is very close to the dose that can cause something potentially life-threatening,' said Scott Schaeffer, director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information. Overdosing on Benadryl leaves one vulnerable to heart attack, stroke, seizures, brain damage, and even death. Chloe was taking part in the so-called 'Benadryl challenge,' a new game in which teens on TikTok are encouraged to take as many allergy pills as needed in order to hallucinate or trip out In May, three teens from Fort Worth, Texas, were hospitalized after they swallowed excessive doses of Benadryl as part of the challenge. One of the teens, a 14-year-old named Rebekah, took 14 Benadryl tablets in the middle of the night on Memorial Day. 'It was scary. She had fractured sentences, hallucinations. Her resting heart rate was 199,' Katie, Rebekah's mother told Checkup. 'We rushed her to the local ER and they decided to transport her to Cook Childrens.' Rebekah was admitted to Cook Childrens Medical Center in Fort Worth and stayed overnight. Her heart rate returned to normal the next morning and she was released. What struck me was that we had three teens come in for the same thing in one week, said Amber Jewison, a nurse practitioner at Cook. None of these patients were trying to harm themselves. They all said they saw videos on TikTok and were curious to try it. A spokesperson for TikTok told DailyMail.com that the social media platform first learned of the 'Benadryl challenge' in May and 'quickly removed the very small amount of content that we found.' The company said it has been 'keeping an eye on this topic since and removing any new content - which again has been in extremely small numbers.' 'The safety and well-being of our users is TikTok's top priority,' the spokesperson said. 'As we make clear in our Community Guidelines, we do not allow content that encourages, promotes, or glorifies dangerous challenges that might lead to injury. The 'Benadryl challenge' is the latest health-threatening fad that has taken hold among youngsters on the social media app TikTok 'Though we have not seen this content trend on our platform, we actively remove content that violates our guidelines and block related hashtags to further discourage participation. 'We encourage everyone to exercise caution in their behavior whether online or off.' A spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson, the pharmaceutical giant that markets the Benadryl brand, told DailyMail.com: 'The health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority. 'The BENADRYL TikTok trend is extremely concerning, dangerous and should be stopped immediately. 'As with any medicine, abuse or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting consequences, and BENADRYL products should only be used as directed by the label. 'It is our strong recommendation that all medications be kept out of the reach of children at all times. 'We are working with TikTok and our partners to do what we can to stop this dangerous trend, including the removal of content across social platforms that showcase this behavior.' Benadryl is the brand name of the anti-allergy, over-the-counter drug known generically as diphenhydramine. A sedating antihistamine, it works to block the release of chemicals in the bodys cells that are released as part of the immune systems response to an allergy. The National Institutes of Health says antihistamines are used to treat allergies in addition to gastrointestinal conditions caused by excessive stomach acids. Benadryl is also an anticholinergic drug that impacts the cholinergic nervous system, which regulates key bodily functions like saliva and tear production, urination, heart rate, body temperature, brain function, and eye function. Taking too much Benadryl can have severe effects on ones overall health. Just as an allergic reaction can affect multiple organ systems of the body, Benadryl can affect multiple organ systems, Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, tells Health. Earlier this year, kids took part in the new 'skull breaker challenge' that went viral on TikTok. The practice involves three participants who jump straight up, with the two people on the side kicking inwards to knock the person in the middle off his feet and onto his head Benadryls own website recommends that children under the age of 6 avoid taking it altogether. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are to take just 1 tablet every four-to-six hours while anyone over the age of 12 is to take no more than 2 tablets every four-to-six hours - unless directed otherwise by a doctor. Excessive doses of Benadryl can have severe health repercussions for both children and adults, who may suffer from high body temperature, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, high blood pressure, and hallucinations. The National Capital Poison Center also warns of the extreme dangers of overdosing when mixing antihistamines like Benadryl with other pain medications and decongestants. In recent years, youngsters on social media have taken part in dangerous viral 'challenges,' including the 'skull breaker challenge' and the 'Tide Pod challenge,' that left a number of them hospitalized and have alarmed parents. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that calls for a payroll tax deferral starting September 1 until the end of 2020. Due to a lack of progress on the lawmaker's decision on a second stimulus check, Trump signed an order in August that breaks payroll taxes. The executive order would mean that workers won't have to pay 6.2% of Social Security tax during this time than the normal liability on their first $137,700 of earnings. Deferred payroll taxes doesn't mean that the tax will be permanently broken. Trump has stated that he will seek to forgive all deferred payroll taxes from the latter part of 2020 if he is re-elected. However, the President will have the authority to do so and is still up for debate. According to Market Watch, the tax deferral mentioned above may end up serving a temporary paycheck boost, but leaving workers on the hook for a higher tax bill in 2021. The payroll tax break does not take the place of the second stimulus check, as per The Motley Fool. And the deferred payroll taxes will affect some group of people, but would otherwise stand to collect a direct stimulus payment. Here are the groups of people who won't benefit from the payroll tax break: Unemployed As the current recession rages on, millions of Americans are unemployed, right now. The rate of the jobless is expected to remain high through the end of the year. Unemployed individuals usually are eligible for a stimulus check. Still, they don't benefit from the deferred payroll taxes since they earn money to be taxed on as federal taxes applied to unemployment benefits while payroll taxes do not. High earners President Trump's executive order that breaks the payroll taxes applies to workers who earn up to $104,000 per year only. In some cases, the income thresholds to receive a stimulus check may be higher. For instance, if a couple filed a joint tax return that shows they earn up to $150,000, they could collect a stimulus check in full even if one of them earns more than $104,000 per year. Retirees Withdrawals of Social Security benefits and retirement plans can be taxable. However, just like the case with unemployment benefits, payroll taxes do not apply to retirees. Because of the situation, many seniors won't have the chance to benefit from Trump's payroll tax deferral. Social Security benefits and retirement plan withdrawals can be taxable, but as is the case with unemployment benefits, payroll taxes don't apply. As such, many seniors won't manage to benefit from the President's payroll tax deferral. Deferring payroll taxes for the rest of 2020 will boost paychecks so the workers can spend more money to help the economy. However, the second stimulus check could serve the same purpose, and there is no need to write off one's idea. It is clear that if another direct payment is approved, Americans will wait weeks to see if any of that money lands in their bank accounts. Therefore, a temporary payroll tax break might be the best relief available right now. It may not be as effective in helping the economy as President Trump wants, at least it's something that will still help than nothing. Check these out: Trump Defends Supporters Involve in Deadly Street Clashes Trump Believes Teen Gunman Who Killed Kenosha Protesters Only Acts in Self-Defense Beneficiaries Who Owe More Stimulus Money have Until September 30 to Get It Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 00:22:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The engagement of the Chinese government and enterprises has been a major driving force to Africa's fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an Ethiopian scholar said on Friday. "The Chinese support to African countries, mainly in terms of providing COVID-19 testing kits, protective equipment and experience sharing, has been really commendable," Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, who served as an economic advisor to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), told Xinhua on Friday. "China's anti-pandemic cooperation with Africa has been heralded very much. The Chinese billionaire Jack Ma has been sending COVID-19 preventive materials to all African countries and hospitals. The Chinese government has been also assisting a lot of African countries," Costantinos told said. "African Countries should be thankful for this because China is sharing its experiences, sending its own medical personnel here to be able to help with this pandemic, and this might have contributed in a big way why Africa is having fewer infections than other continents and fewer deaths than others," he added. Costantinos, also professor of public policy at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, said that China, which is also fighting the pandemic at home, has been a great help to African countries in the fight against the pandemic as well as the anti-COVID-19 engagements of major pan-African institutions, such as the African Union (AU) Commission and its specialized healthcare agency the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Noting Ethiopia's successful cooperation with China in the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the expert stressed that the Chinese engagement in Ethiopia's anti-pandemic efforts could depict China's overall cooperation with Africa. "In Ethiopia for instance, we have less than 1,000 deaths, which is a rate less than what The United States losing every day. So this cooperation, if it continues, will provide the basis for what we call a sustainable health system we opt to produce in Africa," Costantinos said. The scholar also noted that the China-Africa anti-pandemic cooperation could also be seen as the symbol of China's overall engagement with Africa over the past couple of decades. "This cooperation shows that China is not only providing money to Africa, within three decades China had reached what the West has taken three centuries," he said. "It's the experience of China - in terms of poverty reduction, in terms of economic development, in terms of industrial development, and in terms of creating the supply chain management systems - to be able to produce a human resource that's adequate to do development and the mix of production - mainly the industries, factories, and agricultural fields - that are important we need to mix together and bring in development," he added. "This is what China has done; and it's that experience we are learning from China now. I hope many African countries can learn from this," the scholar argued. On Friday, the Africa CDC disclosed that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent reached 1,275,815 as the death toll from the ongoing pandemic also rose to 30,596. Enditem Memristor memory technology is set to revolutionise computers the world over as it is touted as one of the most promising candidates used for next-generation edge computing. This technology is attracting a lot of attention for replacing flash due to its implementations in high-efficient in-memory computing, machine learning and neuromorphic computation. Realising a model to predict the phenomena of memristor memory technology accurately is essential as this will allow engineers to design systems with more efficient behaviors for making a cheaper, faster memory. Currently, a wide range of experimental and modeling studies have been reported to understand the transport process, which occurs when a current passes through the device. Several important characteristics, such as applied voltage, electric field, material constants and so on, are applied in the model simulators for predicting this process. Transport process can be analysed by various models with the help of simulation tools and advanced observation technologies. A Singapore-led collaboration has successfully created a simulator using both electronic and thermal components to make a "transport pattern". The team then used this hybrid platform to map a long-standing challenge in memory technology: the transport process under many conditions. Corresponding author, Assistant Professor Desmond Loke from SUTD, said, "What we have done is take two different components of a model, memristor model, which show different behaviour from each other. When these are put them together, one can create a transport pattern that is up to 700 times more accurate than traditional models". Due to Joule heating, the potential temperature of the device increases and yield variations in electronic properties, such as mobility of electrons and depth of traps. These variations influence the analysis and prediction of transport behaviour of memristor memory. By considering the models of transport behaviours and assumptions related to the electron mobility and trap depth, the transport behaviours of memristor memory cells can be precisely predicted. Furthermore, the rich transport and switching behaviours can be fully accounted for by describing device characteristics obtained by an entirely new set of general current-limiting parameters. ### This research was published in the journal AIP Advances in August. The lead author is Mr Qishen Wang and the project is led by Dr Natasa Bajalovic and Dr Desmond Loke from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Dr Jer-Chyi Wang from Chang Gung University. It is supported by the Ministry of Education, Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design and Chang Gung university. Police have charged a 25-year-old man after an assault on a city worker who was collecting garbage around the Wesley Day Centre, a social-services hub on Ferguson Avenue North. Police allege a man, who resided in an encampment of people who are homeless, assaulted the garbage collector without provocation last week. In a news release, police say they arrested the man after he tried to escape but released him because the city employee decided not to support charges. But police say on Wednesday they were made aware that the victims injuries were more serious than thought and he now supported charges. Police say a 25-year-old Hamilton man is charged with assault and breach of probation. The victim continues to recover from his injuries. Keeping Six, a harm-reduction organization that supports people who are homeless and have addictions, say the man experienced a mental-health crisis at the time. This week, Coun. Terry Whitehead referenced the alleged assault while arguing in favour of dismantling encampments. This is not good stuff, he said, blaming a coalition, including Keeping Six, that has secured an injunction barring the city from moving people against their will. On Aug. 21, council voted 9-3 to challenge the injunction. Whitehead argues the group is costing taxpayers money through litigation. Wade Poziomka, a lawyer working with the coalition of advocates, expects the case to be argued in mid-October. But the group remains open to a resolution. He also said the Ferguson incident is not a reflection of the encampments, but a reflection of the mental-health issues experienced by many individuals in Hamilton. Lisa Nussey, a member of Keeping Six, noted violence can happen anywhere, and said it would be unfair to judge the whole encampment based on one persons actions. WASHINGTON (AP) Sales of previously occupied homes fell in December for the first time in four months as many would-be buyers were frustrated by a lack of available houses, which fell to the lowest level in more than two... BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4 By Jeila Aliyeva - Trend: Turkmenistans Kichi Gala enterprise has exported 11 tons of non-woven polypropylene material and 831,120 pieces of plastic coils to Uzbekistan, as well as 3 million packaging bags to Kazakhstan since the beginning of 2020, Trend reports with reference to the state customs service of Turkmenistan. The same company exported a large volume of polypropylene and polyethylene bags to countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan last year, the report says. The country is working to expand the scale of production, focused on exports and imports replacement. Turkmenistan has adopted appropriate state programs, which will increase the volume of exports of products manufactured in Turkmenistan. These programs include creating new production facilities aimed at developing the chemical industry, light industry, mechanical engineering, agriculture and food industry, and domestic pharmaceuticals. The programs were adopted to create import-substituting industries, strengthening the positive balance of foreign trade turnover, creating new jobs, increasing income, as well as systematically increasing the share of the private sector in the economy. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @JeilaAliyeva The General Assemblys new Democratic majority had already overhauled voting procedures this year. Among other things, they cut the requirement that voters provide an excuse to get an absentee ballot, eliminated an unnecessarily restrictive voter-ID law, created a 45-day early-voting window and introduced a system to automatically register eligible people. This reform package vaulted the state from a laggard to a leader in easing the process of voting. But it was not enough. Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund supervisory director Kim Dae-ki By Park Jae-hyuk Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund (MKIF), which has been mired in multiple lawsuits with the central and local governments here, has appointed a former government official as its new supervisory director in an apparent attempt to brace for possible disputes with the authorities in the future. Given that the fund management company specializing in investments in social overhead capital needs to continue to work with the authorities, it appears to have reinforced the lineup of its board of directors to avoid earnings declines caused by legal battles. According to the prospectus of MKIF, Friday, former Hanwha Life Insurance adviser Kim Dae-ki joined the firm in late July as a new supervisory director. Kim, who became a civil servant in 1978, has worked for both progressive and conservative administrations. He served as Statistics Korea commissioner and chief presidential secretary for policy during the Lee Myung-bak administration, while working as presidential secretary for economic affairs during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. He was also the head of the National Budget Office at the Ministry of Planning and Budget and an economist at the World Bank. The two other MKIF supervisory directors Lee & Ko partner Jung Woo-young and Seoul National University Law School professor Kim Hwa-jin were not government officials. The appointment of the new director coincided with the final phase of MKIF's lawsuits against the Busan Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, both of which ended in victories for the company. In June, MKIF won its four-year lawsuit against Busan over the city government's refusal to offer financial support to the Baekyang Tunnel which the company manages. The investment firm also defeated the land ministry in the same month in an international arbitration over compensation for decreased traffic on Incheon Bridge. Although the ministry declined to cover the entire loss that the company suffered due to the construction of the Third Landing Bridge in Incheon, the International Chamber of Commerce ruled against the ministry, saying its claim went against a previous agreement with MKIF. However, the revised Toll Road Act still unnerves MKIF, as the new law allows authorities to lower tolls beyond an agreed amount. "The authorities have begun to exercise their limited rights of supervision and instruction more extensively at their discretion," the company said in its prospectus. "The revised Toll Road Act has also strengthened the power of the authorities." In this regard, the new supervisory director is expected to shield MKIF from the authorities, using his experience and personal networks in the public sector. Trump Was Rightthe Retired Generals Were Wrong Commentary Benedict Arnold is still a household name almost 250 years after he famously defected from the Continental Army to the British side. There are not that many people in history who have achieved that level of fame. But the most famous general by far in American history is still George Washington. Known to the American people as the father of the nation, he was considered by the British at the time of the Revolution to be a traitor. So, history is a fickle mistress. More recently, in June of this year, some other American ex-generals wrote a controversial and public letter criticizingand some would say underminingthe sitting president, and the actions that he was considering taking in the interests of the American people. Are they George Washingtonsor Benedict Arnolds? In the early stages of the rioting and violence that erupted after the death of George Floyd, President Donald Trump signalled that the use of the military might be necessary to quell the growing unrest in many of the Democrat-controlled cities, like Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland. Even at that time it was clear that the violence was growing, and there appeared to be at least some level of organization to it. As Commander in Chief, President Trump bears ultimate responsibility for the peace and safety of the nation and its inhabitants. One of the options on the table was the use of the military to quickly bring the burgeoning violence to an end. It was exactly at the that time that news came of a highly publicized letter from some retired generals strongly criticizing the president and denouncing the very idea of using military force to nip the violence and mayhem in the bud. Now, many lives and massive property destruction later, its quite clear that those ex-generals were wrong, and the president was right. Its also quite clear that it was a bad idea for a group of disgruntled ex-generals to break with a couple-hundred years of tradition and attempt to rise up against a sitting president. Heres how it happened in a bit more detail: Shortly after it became clear that the protests over the George Floyd incident were turning violent, President Trump suggested that he was inclined to use the Insurrection Act to allow military personnel to put a stop to the alarming violence that was simultaneously erupting on the streets of many cities. That 1807 Act had last been used in 1992 to quickly put an end to the rioting that occurred in the aftermath of the now infamous beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police. The fact that the use of the Insurrection Act had successfully stopped the Los Angeles violence with no loss of life, and no other harmful consequences, argued strongly in favor of its use in the current situation. There was nothing unusual about a sitting president looking at all of his options to handle what was becoming a volatile and dangerous situation. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wrote an op-ed in favor of this idea that was published in the New York Times. Then things went slightly crazy. Democrats universally condemned both the idea of the use of the military and Cottons op-ed. A mini-revolt took place at the New York Times that resulted in the resignation of an editor and the denunciation of Cottons op-ed. The fact that President Trump was taking the perfectly reasonable step of at least considering the use of the military to end a very real threat was being called fascist, authoritarian, and many other equally over-the-top names. The fact that this overreaction was quite insane was overlooked. Then, into this confusionand in a highly unusual and political acta number of retired generals inserted themselves into the picture by jointly signing a letter (pdf) denouncing the presidents Insurrection Act idea, and directly criticizing the president. According to the generals, what was happening on the streets were simply peaceful protests, and by threatening to use the military to stop the violence, the president was tarnishing the military and had fanned the flames of anger within the population. These retired generals chose to have the Biden campaign publicize and exploit their letter. This very political public rebuke of the president and his plan to stop the violence by using the military had the desired effect. The military option was abandoned, and the rioting, looting, and burning not only continued but also accelerated. The horror that was Kenosha, Wisconsin, is only the latest example of this pandemonium on the streetspandemonium that is both ugly and organized. It certainly appears that these retired generals were trying to exploit all of the confusion and turmoil. To what end? It has now become clear that the retired generals were engaging in a highly political game. Their intention was clearly to engage in politics by supporting the Biden campaign against the Trump administration. AndI repeatit is also abundantly clear that the meddling retired generals were wrong. If Trump had been able to make use of the militaryexactly as had been done successfully to end the Rodney King violencethe streets would in all probability be much more peaceful now. The shadowy forces who were both paying for and organizing the violence would probably be locked up, and Americans could feel safe in their own cities. But were these retired generals attempting to do more than criticize a sitting president and a plan that he was considering? Were they attempting to bring down a sitting president and his administration? At some point, the anarchy that now prevails on the streets of Democrat-run cities will come to an end. When it does, some hard questions must be asked. After all, there has been a tradition since the union came into being that ex-generals who have done their duty should not criticize the current administration after they retire. It has long been recognized that to do so risks destabilizing the country, and sapping the morale of those actively serving. Ex-generalslike ex-presidentswere expected to refrain from criticizing current administrations. Perhaps it can be argued that these ex-generals did not do much harm. They are simply not that important. But it can also be argued that theirand other former military leadersbrazen interference has resulted in the death of hundreds of people, massive destruction of property, and great damage to the stability of the country. Not only were many killed trying to stand up to the rioters, but also many pointless deaths resulted from the lawlessness on the streets that followed. If the Insurrection Act had been employed, and the violence and unrest had been quelled early on, many people who are now dead could still be alive. Many businesses that have been completely destroyed would still be viable. The stability of the nation, as it heads into an election, would not be in peril. So, the question will be: Are these superannuated military people just a group of well-intentioned seniors trying to help, or are they meddlers who must be held to account? And henceforth should there be legislation codifying the entirely sensible tradition that superannuated ex-generals should not be allowed to interfere in the running of the country? So, are these retired generals George Washingtons or Benedict Arnolds? 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. Democrat Joe Biden's presidential campaign has amassed more than 190 endorsements from sheriffs, prosecutors and attorneys general even as Donald Trump centers his campaign around a call for 'law and corder. The list includes former sheriffs, state attorneys general, and U.S. attorneys. Many come from battleground states such as Colardao, Michigan, and Arizona, during a campaign when protests and violent clashes in cities has become an undercurrent of the campaign. Some of those lending the name to the effort, which was reported by Fox News, blasted Trump as a 'lawless' president. Joe Biden's campaign announced the backing of 190 former sheriffs, state attorneys general, and U.S. attorneys Among them was Noble Wray, the retired police chief of Madison, Wisconsin. Its ironic that a lawless president claims to be the law and order president, Wray told the network. We are at a crossroads with this nation, and we need a president that has always prioritized the safety of Americans and their families. Said the Biden campaign in a statement Friday morning: 'Their endorsement comes on the heels of Donald Trumps attempts to characterize himself as the Law and Order president despite failing to condemn violence, his gross mismanagement of the coronavirus, and his incitement of chaos, destruction and violence as a way to rally his base and advance his political agenda. Additionally, 23 Democratic Attorneys-General have already endorsed Biden.' Biden's list came out a day after the former vice president toured Kenosha, Wisconsin and met with the family of Jacob Blake, who was shot in the back seven times by a police officer. President Donald Trump listens to Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth (R) on September 1, 2020, at Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. - Trump visited Kenosha, the city at the center of a raging US debate over racism, despite pleas to stay away and claims he is dangerously fanning tensions as a reelection ploy Trump has made support from law enforcement groups a pillar of his campaign Both candidates toward Kenosha, the site of protests and destruction following the shooting of Jacob Blake The Biden camp announced the endorsements after both he and Trump visited Kenosha, Wisconsin Trump had visited a day earlier, where he toured small businesses turned to rubble and met with law enforcement members who support him including Sheriff David Beth, who has already drawn controversy for his 2018 comments calling for a group of black shoplifters to be warehoused for life. Late Thursday, Trump tweeted: 'Why arent the Portland Police ARRESTING the cold blooded killer of Aaron Jay Danielson. Do your job, and do it fast. Everybody knows who this thug is. No wonder Portland is going to hell!' He tagged the Justice Department and the FBI. Michael Reinoehl, 48, an Antifa gunman who had admitted shooting Danielson, a Patriot Prayer supporter, died later in a shootout with U.S. Marhsalls. Conversations over the megamerger to create what is now Raytheon Technologies began with one CEO of a legacy company reaching out to the other to bring up the idea of a business combination and gauge interest. But why did Raytheons Tom Kennedy (now RTCs executive chairman) make the first phone call to UTCs then-chief Greg Hayes (now RTCs CEO) about that idea even with a lot going on at the latter company? For years, we knew about Moores Law and that technology was changing on a linear fashion. But in reality, we were actually on an exponential curve the first part of it, and were starting to see significant increases in technology growth in multiple areas that affect our business, Kennedy said during a call with investors to announce the deal on June 10, 2019. A second exponential curve sees Raytheon Technologies at No. 4 on our Top 100 rankings this year with $6 billion in unclassified prime contracts. Like the deal to create L3Harris Technologies, the transaction that launched Raytheon Technologies in April means more scale and hence resources to bear for technology development. RTC touted having 60,000 engineers and at least $8 billion in its own research-and-development spending. When I spoke with RTC Chief Technology Officer and Raytheons former CTO Mark Russell, he also pointed to that combined workforce and especially those engineers as an advantage to the aerospace-and-defense systems provider. A lot of things we were working on, the software side, communications systems, inertial measurement units -- its the kind of work (UTC) could use from us, Russell said. Were able to take and use engineering from different parts of UTC for some of our defense work because the actual design of the hardware, electronics and circuits is the same. Some of the technology areas Russell mentioned as of mutual interest to both legacy businesses include artificial intelligence and machine learning for items like predictive maintenance, software sustainment and cyber resiliency. One of the larger ideas behind RTCs creation was to give the market a larger A&D system and subsystem provider that is platform agnostic. Think radars, signal processing tools, sensors and other components that go onto the bigger-ticket items. Russell said RTC has 11 broad technology road maps that define where it will focus R&D resources, but the science is the same across many of those domains. Legacy Raytheon and particularly its former intelligence, information and services business in recent years touted software as equal a capability to hardware. Russell characterized the mix at Raytheon as having completely flipped from 75-25 percent in favor of hardware to the reverse, given that systems now have millions of lines of code. Such complexity in the initial writing phase also translates to what comes next in the software lifecycle, as Russell pointed out. This is where the Raytheon side brings in the commercial practices it incorporated in the few years pre-merger. Writing software is one thing, but over time making sure you can sustain it, that it remains resilient, making sure it can be platform-hardware agnostic these are really important parts for going forward and having a successful product, Russell said. Legacy UTC brought a sizeable book of U.S. and international defense business to the combination with a majority of revenue being in commercial aerospace through its Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace businesses. A second larger idea to drive RTCs creation was that a larger company with diversified business across defense and commercial markets is a good hedge against differing cycles, which is especially pronounced today. What has happened to the commercial aerospace market during the coronavirus pandemic is well-documented -- air traffic has slumped and that has wreaked havoc on plane makers and others in that supply chain. RTC is supporting its supply chain partners with accelerated payments. The defense and overall government market has been a completely different story. Production and other work has kept going and companies like RTC are hiring to meet that customer demand. Russell said RTC is actively hiring to fill thousands of engineering positions in its defense businesses and also shed light on how the company is leaning on those in the commercial aerospace side of the house as many new hires await their security clearances. As CTO, one of Russells primary responsibilities is to balance capacity and human resources across the different demand cycles. Were using engineers that are freeing up from Pratt and from Collins who are experienced and can also help us right away, Russell said. Those engineers can be given a set of work that has earned value milestones and key performance parameters. The program manager in legacy Raytheon can say Okay Ive got an integrated product team thats led by person Y and we have these 10 things we need to do, Russell added. Same concept holds true for the manufacturing piece of RTCs work and that includes the expansion of electronic assembly capabilities to places where there is capacity today. Collins is in some of the same exact technology areas from circuit cards, microprocessors, microwave RF technology and at this point, the engineers are just seamless, Russell said. I think its also something the engineers like. If youre sitting right now in the commercial side and theres clearly headwinds there, we have the problem of delivering to our defense customers technology at the speed of relevance. That focus on human capital also comes into play in how the company is thinking about the future of work, though perhaps some of that future is now during the COVID-19 pandemic. At least half of RTCs around 195,000 employees are working remotely. Russell cautioned that as an engineer he reserves the right to get smarter about what exactly to take away from the current landscape. But Russell did highlight connectivity and possible latency as something companies will have to consider along with cybersecurity if remote workers stay that way. How could companies consider everything they have learned during the crisis? The future of work will be a strong look at where we have offices, why do we have people coming into work, and how much travel do we do?, Russell said. At some point in the future of work, we want people to get back to traveling, but youve also got to figure out whos going where and why. Theres more to be learned, but I think its going pretty well for us. All eyes are on the banning of 'party mode' engine settings at Monza this weekend. When asked if Mercedes can be stopped, Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko admitted: "Difficult. Monza is a power track." However, Red Bull-Honda pushed hard for the FIA to ban 'party mode' engine settings, with Mercedes clearly leading the field in this area. "We are hoping that the new rule costs us less than it costs Mercedes," said Max Verstappen. "Our power mode wasn't that much stronger than normal, so we can't lose too much," he added. The other non-Mercedes runners are also hoping for a boost - notably the badly-struggling Ferrari. "I hope the others will be more affected by the rule change than we are. As I said, that's a hope," said Gunther Steiner, boss of Ferrari-powered Haas. Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto added: "Monza is a power track and we are clearly not in the best position there. But the ban on party mode could shift the balance of power. "It will be very interesting." The Mercedes-powered runners, however, think the ban could backfire on Mercedes' rivals. "We will lose maybe a tenth to our opponents in qualifying, but gain in the race because Mercedes is able to deliver an impressive amount of power over the entire race," said Williams-Mercedes driver George Russell. "I think we and Racing Point will be more affected than Mercedes, simply because they're so far ahead in qualifying. And in the race they will now be even faster," Russell added. "Trying to slow Mercedes down will backfire," he warned. Indeed, it emerges that the works Mercedes team experimented with the looming ban last week at Spa, restricting the drivers to an 'overtake'-style single additional engine setting in the race. "We had Monza in the back of our minds and wanted to bring the engines into the new era as fresh as possible," a Mercedes team member told Auto Motor und Sport. Former Mercedes boss Norbert Haug thinks the 'party mode' ban is a storm in a teacup. "I'm sure the balance of power will remain unchanged," he told Bild. "There may be a shift here and there on the grid, but Mercedes remains number 1." (GMM) TRENTON Smells like coordination. City police director Sheilah Coley broke her silence about the in-custody death of a Pennsylvania man, calling his passing tragic. Her statement came a day after the AGs office released three body-camera videos that showed city cops encounter with Stephen Dolceamore, 29, on April 3 outside St. Francis Hospital. The Pennsylvania man told cops he couldnt breathe as they had him pinned on the ground on his stomach. This tragic incident illustrates why the Trenton Police Department must continue to expand its efforts to be more accountable to the community we serve, Coley said in a statement Friday. We must increase the rate at which we review complaints from area residents and, when necessary, take departmental disciplinary action. This matter was immediately referred to the N.J. Attorney Generals Office when it happened earlier this year. The case wasnt referred to the AGs office; in-custody deaths taken out of the hands of county prosecutors are investigated by the AGs Office as part of a law signed last year by Gov. Phil Murphy. No officers have been charged as the investigation continues. The AGs office shared autopsy findings and the videos with Dolceamores family before publicly releasing them. In its statement Thursday, the AG did not reveal the cause and manner of Dolceamores death. The Trentonian had filed records requests with the Middlesex coroner and AGs office for the autopsy but still has not received a copy of the report. The AGs office said a grand jury will ultimately decide whether to charge the officers. In her statement, Coley boasted more Trenton Police officers are equipped with body cameras. The city didnt acknowledge how it has repeatedly fought this newspaper to keep footage secret. The Trentonian filed suit after it was denied access to police records, body camera, radio transmissions and the 911 tape in the Dolceamore case under the states Open Public Records Act. In a previous interview, Mayor Reed Gusciora refused to own the citys fight against transparency. Im a great believer in the process, he said. If you win, God bless you. The three body camera videos, covering roughly 23 minutes, were released days before the citys Sept. 8 deadline to file opposition papers in the lawsuit. Cristal Holmes-Bowie, the attorney representing the city, on June 20 asked for an extension. As your honor may know, due to the COVID 19 health emergency the City is still staffed at about half its normal capacity on any given day, with the remainder of the staff working remotely, as am I, she wrote. In addition vacation schedules of the Citys staff that would provide assistance or certifications to me to respond have affected my ability to timely file my response. The COVID 19 pandemic has also created delays in other state agencies involved in the determination to release records. Aug. 21 argument was rescheduled for Sept. 24. The citys attorney has since reached out to The Trentonian about settling the case. As your client has probably advised you, the AG released the body worn camera videos in this case along with a press release this evening, Holmes-Bowie wrote within hours of the release of the tapes. If you are available to talk tomorrow let me know. Also a conference with Judge [Mary] Jacobson might be useful to resolve this matter. The Trentonian identified Sgt. Anthony Manzo as one of the officers who used force on Dolceamore. A city spokesman punted to the AGs office when asked for the names of all officers who used force on the Pennsylvania man. The AGs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Trentonian sought use-of-force reports in its records request to identify the officers. Coley said the department is implementing training to teach cops how to restrain subjects without using force. TPD officers are contending with a simultaneous uptick in crime and a greater demand for accountability. Im confident that my officers can and will meet that challenge. Trenton residents deserve nothing less, she said. Harish Kumar is new chief of Namma Bengaluru Foundation First in India: Bengaluru airport to integrate military, civil radars For the unsung heroes, 11th edition of Namma Bengaluru awards launched BBMP appoints Namma Bengaluru Foundation as official partner in largest vaccination drive Australia seeks to establish new Consulate General in Bengaluru: Aus PM Scott Morrison Bengaluru metro to not open gates at stations in containment zones; Check guidelines here India oi-Briti Roy Barman Bengaluru, Sep 04: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Thursday released its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Namma Metro operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The metro will not open gates at stations in containment zones, as per the SOP released by the BMRCL. Check the guidelines here If a train reaches maximum passenger limit of 400, it will skip crowded stations and stop at the next one. The public will just have to find the next nearest station. Only one bag per passenger will be allowed and social-distancing of two metres will have to be maintained between commuters. Authorities have also decided not to allow cash transactions. Besides the ban on tokens, recharging smart cards at stations will not be permitted. The public can only recharge online. Passengers who do not have cards with the online recharge facility. The SOP also advises passengers not to place their cards on the card reader at the fare collection gates. Instead, it should be flashed near the reader by keeping a distance of 3 cm. Those with temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius and symptoms of sneezing, cough, and breathlessness will not be permitted to enter the station premises. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, September 4, 2020, 12:11 [IST] A string of business leaders yesterday issued dire warnings about the disastrous economic consequences of failing to get Britain flying again. Rolls-Royce, which makes and services engines for airlines around the world, threw its weight behind the campaign to bring in an airport Covid testing regime. Experts said quarantine rules for travellers coming to Britain are costing the tourism industry 650million a week. It came as Virgin Atlantic announced it would cut another 1,150 jobs in a further blow to the aviation sector. Industry leaders, airlines and airports have warned the economy will nose dive until crippling 14-day quarantines can be eliminated and passengers can move smoothly through borders. Meanwhile, leading American businesses and airlines have called on UK ministers to take action to introduce airport testing to open up transatlantic travel. Airlines and aircraft manufacturers have suffered huge losses after lockdown restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus brought global air travel almost to a standstill for several months. Pictured: British Airways aircraft parked at Bournemouth airport where they are expected to remain after the airline reduced flights amid travel restrictions and a huge drop in demand as a result of the coronavirus pandemic Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East said increasing air travel would be crucial to preserving thousands of jobs in the UKs world-leading aerospace manufacturing industry. Mr East said: Aviation has a vital role to play in helping the world recover from the pandemic. But this is not only about reconnecting people, trade and tourism. The aerospace industry employs tens of thousands in the UK and generates revenue and intellectual property for the country. Getting people flying again needs to be a high priority for the Government. Rolls-Royce has been forced to axe 9,000 staff nearly one in five workers and to raise 2billion by selling off parts of its business as it struggles to survive the crisis. Paul Everitt, the chief executive of aerospace and defence industry body ADS, said companies could halt job cuts and keep staff on their books if there was greater demand for flights. Britains aerospace and defence industry employs around 250,000, both directly and in the wider supply chain. Some 60,000 of these are either on furlough or at risk of redundancy, according to ADS. Mr Everitt said: If we at least had the confidence that there would be a growing number of air passengers and if we had a testing regime to build back that passenger base, then we would know we had reached the bottom and would start rising back up. The quarantine measures have also damaged the UKs hospitality and in-bound tourism sectors. According to the latest estimates from Visit Britain, the number of foreign visitors has dropped by 73 per cent compared with last year a loss of 31million tourists. Spending by visitors was down by 79 per cent, equal to 24billion. Virgin Atlantic said yesterday it would be forced to make more sweeping cuts despite securing a 1.2billion rescue deal that will keep it going for the next 18 months. It had already laid off 3,500 employees out of the 10,000-strong workforce it had at the beginning of the year and shut its base at Gatwick. Virgin, alongside other groups including Heathrow Airport and Airlines UK, has urged the US and UK governments to launch a passenger testing trial for flights between New York and London by the end of the month. At the moment Britons cannot enter the US directly from the UK, and those travelling from the US to the UK must self-isolate for two weeks when they arrive. Industry bodies British American Business (BAB), which represents top US and UK banks and businesses, and Airlines for America, whose members include all the major US airlines, said testing was the only way to reopen transatlantic travel. BAB chief executive Duncan Edwards said: Covid-19 testing before departure or at airports will be an effective risk mitigation measure for destinations considered to be at higher risk. So how bad does it have to get before Boris acts? Commentary by Tim Alderslade, Chief executive, Airlines UK Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK (pictured) asks: How bad does it have to get before Boris acts? Do you remember when this Government was talking up its vision of a post-Brexit Global Britain? It was a noble ambition, in keeping with our proud island history. Then came the pandemic and Brexit took a back seat. Now as we emerge from the aftermath and attention focuses on rebuilding the economy and, yes, on a Brexit agreement once more, ministers must be aware that there can be no Global Britain without a world-beating airline industry. And yet one of Britains most important strategic sectors is disintegrating before our eyes. Another 1,150 job cuts were announced yesterday by Virgin, on top of the 3,000 already slashed. British Airways has said it might ultimately have to reduce its payroll by an astonishing 12,000 individuals. Heathrow has already completed a first round of redundancies and is now consulting with its unions, which could end in further job losses. This is in addition to a record pre-tax loss of 5.4billion for the first half of the year posted last month by Rolls-Royce, which makes jet engines. Meanwhile, low-cost airlines are cutting staff and routes to scores of smaller regional airports. Just how bad does it have to get before action is taken? Pictured: People wearing face masks walk through an almost empty Heathrow arrivals hall upon their return to the London airport The worst of the damage is being done because of the Governments dogged insistence that we stick by the blunt instrument of quarantine rather than use the rapier of testing passengers for Covid-19 at airports. The airline industrys hopes that ministers might adopt a more flexible approach were dashed by the Prime Minister yesterday, who cited data suggesting airport testing picks up only 7 per cent of cases. That outdated figure relates to limited data on the virus from the start of the crisis. It also relates to a single test model on arrival, when the industry has been pleading for a two-step approach (in the first instance) to be adopted so they prove the efficacy. The airlines my organisation represents and British airports accept that a test on arrival, followed up by a second test some five days later, would address many of the concerns around incubation of the coronavirus. People would be quarantined until two negatives have been provided. We have also been clear that testing is not a silver bullet but part of a suite of measures that will severely limit the spread of Covid-19 when travelling. So taking all of this into consideration, where is the risk in what we are calling for? And what reasonable excuse does this Government have in not greenlighting trials? Germany and France are testing inbound passengers so that only those who are positive need to self-isolate. As the Mail reports today we have a state of the art testing unit ready to roll at Heathrow Terminal 2. But the Government will not let us use it. Pictured: A member of the Johanniter tests a traveller arriving from abroad at a Covid-19 testing station set up at Hanover-Langenhagen Airport In Britain, all incoming passengers from countries not covered by exempted air bridges must spend a fortnight in self-quarantine, so why bother coming if you have to be holed up in a hotel room? The state of affairs, and the lack of urgency to address a growing problem, is now undermining Heathrows once pre-eminent role as Europes global hub. In the past few months, Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt have each carried more passengers than Heathrow, the only time this has ever happened. It is a chilling illustration of our relative decline caused by Britains Covid-19 response. As an industry, we are all fully aware of our responsibility for the health of staff and passengers, and that will always be our number one priority. But there is such a thing as being overly cautious. We have two crises running simultaneously. One is the pandemic, the other is the economic consequences of that pandemic. Now the pendulum has to swing back, as we work out how to bring our economy back to life at a time when we are also facing a prolonged recession. Ultimately this has to be a political decision, taken by Boris Johnson, weighing potential risk to the nations health against the destruction of an industry that is key to the economy and to tens of thousands of jobs. As the clock ticks down towards our final departure from the EU, we should be telling the world to believe in Global Britain. But I fear that the message they are hearing out there today is that they would be better off in Frankfurt or Paris. Talented actors Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon will portray the lead characters of a new drama! It was reported early this year that actor Jo Ji Hoon got an offer to star in "Mount Jiri" alongside actress Jun Ji Hyun. This will be the much-anticipated comeback of actress Jun Ji Hyun after her last drama, which is "Legend of the Blue Sea," in 2017. Just today, September 4th, it was confirmed that both actors would star as leads in the drama. "Mount Jiri" is a mystery drama that will tell the story of the Mount Jiri National Park rangers, they are the ones assigned to rescue people at Mount Jiri. Ju Ji Hoon will portray the character of Kang Hyeon Jo, a rookie national park ranger who has a deeply hidden secret. He is a military academy graduate and became a lieutenant in the military, and during his training march on Mount Jiri, he had lost his successor. On the other hand, Jun Ji Hyun will portray the character of Seo Yi Kang, the top ranger who knows everything when it comes to navigating Mount Jiri National Park. Kang Hyeon will eventually develop a close relationship with Ji Hyun's character, Seo Yi Kang. The drama "Mount Jiri" will be penned by Kim Eun Hee who is famous for her works namely: "Sign," "Ghost," "Three Days," "Signal," and the "Kingdom" series. It will be helmed by director Lee Eung Bok who has worked with the hit dramas "Dream High" series, "School 2013," "Descendants of the Sun," "Goblin," and "Mr. Sunshine." The drama has reportedly concluded with their preparations and is scheduled to start their filming in the middle of September. "Mount Jiri" will be aired next year (2021). If you want to know the best films and dramas of actor Ju Ji Hoon and Jun Ji Hyun please continue reading below: South Korean actress and model Jun Ji Hyun was born as Wang Ji Hyun on 30 October 1981. She is also known by her English name Gianna Jun. Jun Ji Hyun was widely recognized with her portrayal in the romantic comedy drama "My Sassy Girl" which was tagged as one of the highest-grossing Korean comedies of all time. Her other famous project include "Il Mare," "Windstruck," "The Thieves," "The Berlin File," and "Assassination." Jun Ji Hyun skyrocketed to fame through her television series "My Love from the Star," and "Legend of the Blue Sea." Some of her films and television dramas were loved by her international fans which made her as a top Hallyu star. Meanwhile, South Korean actor and model Ju Ji-hoon was born on May 16, 1982. He was known for his first leading role in the 2006 hit drama Princess Hours portraying the character of the famous "Crown Prince Lee Shin." His other hit works are "The Devil," "Antique," "Mask," "Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds" and its sequel, "The Spy Gone North," "Dark Figure of Crime and Kingdom." LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys from Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman and the Miller Firm earned the second-highest verdict in the nation and the highest verdict in the state of California for 2019, according to the National Law Journal's newly-released Top 100 Verdicts of 2019. Baum Hedlund's senior partner and vice president R. Brent Wisner served as co-lead counsel alongside the Miller Firm's senior partner Michael Miller in the trial of Pilliod et al. v. Monsanto Co., which culminated in a historic $2.055 billion verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, Alva and Alberta Pilliod. The Pilliods, a married couple from Northern California, alleged in their lawsuit that exposure to Monsanto's Roundup weed killer caused them both to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After roughly seven weeks of trial, the jury found that Roundup caused Mr. and Mrs. Pilliod to develop cancer and that Monsanto failed to warn about this severe health hazard, awarding $55.2 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in punitive damages. The jury verdict in Pilliod was the ninth largest for a personal injury case in United States history. Trial Team for Alva and Alberta Pilliod From the Miller Firm From Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman From Audet & Partners From Brady Law Group Multinational and life sciences giant Bayer purchased Monsanto in 2018. Since the acquisition, the company has been hit with three stinging court losses in the Roundup litigation. The other Roundup case to go before a jury last year, Hardeman v. Monsanto Co., resulted in an $80 million jury verdict in favor of the plaintiff, Edwin Hardeman. The verdict in Hardeman is ranked #34 in the National Law Journal's Top 100 Verdicts of 2019. Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman is the only law firm in the country to serve on the trial teams in all three of the first Roundup cases to go before juries. These three cases resulted in $2.424 billion in combined jury verdicts. All of the cases listed above are currently on appeal. The National Law Journal's Top 100 Verdicts for 2019 was released amid reported upheaval in the Roundup litigation. Over the summer, Bayer announced that it had an agreement in principle to settle more than 100,000 Roundup cases filed in courts throughout the country for roughly $10.9 billion. But Wisner, who was involved in the settlement negotiations, now says the deal is in jeopardy of falling apart. "As of right now, there is no settlement," says Wisner. "We had an agreement but when the time came to finalize the deal, Bayer retreated. While we are deeply disappointed that they refused to honor our deal just weeks after they broadcasted it to regulators, the courts, and the world, we welcome the opportunity to continue earning massive verdicts at trial on behalf of our clients." About Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman The national law firm of Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman has earned more than $4 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients across all areas of practice. In recognition of the firm's groundbreaking work in the Monsanto Roundup litigation, Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman has received the following honors and accolades: 2020 Elite Trial Lawyers Mass Torts Law Firm of the Year, Finalist | ALM and The National Law Journal 2019 Civil Plaintiffs Trial Lawyer of the Year | National Trial Lawyers and ALM ( Brent Wisner ) ) America's 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers, 2019 | Trial Lawyer Magazine and The National Law Journal ( Brent Wisner ) ) 2019 Elite Trial Lawyers Mass Tort Trial Team of the Year | The National Law Journal and The Trial Lawyer Magazine 2019 Trial Lawyer of the Year Finalist | Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles ( Brent Wisner ) ( ) Daily Journal Top Verdicts, 2019 ( Pilliod et al., v. Monsanto listed #1) listed #1) California Top 100 Lawyers, 2019 | The Daily Journal ( Brent Wisner ) ) The Round Table: America's Most Influential Trial Lawyers, 2018 | National Trial Lawyers ( Brent Wisner ) ) Top 40 Under 40 Lawyers in California (2019-lifetime award) | The Daily Journal ( Brent Wisner ) (2019-lifetime award) | The Daily Journal ( ) Trial Team of the Year, 2019 | The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Winning Litigators Titans of Industry, 2019 | The National Law Journal ( Brent Wisner ) ) Top Plaintiffs Lawyers in California , 2019 | Daily Journal ( Brent Wisner ) , 2019 | Daily Journal ( ) CVN's Top 10 Most Impressive Plaintiff Verdicts of 2018 ( Johnson v. Monsanto ) ) Rising Star, 2019 | Law360 ( Brent Wisner ) ) Daily Journal Top Verdicts, 2018 ( Johnson v. Monsanto ) ) Top 10 Verdicts, Personal Injury | TopVerdict.com, 2018 SOURCE Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman With a median price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of close to 16x in the United Kingdom, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about The SimplyBiz Group plc's (LON:SBIZ) P/E ratio of 16.5x. Although, it's not wise to simply ignore the P/E without explanation as investors may be disregarding a distinct opportunity or a costly mistake. With earnings growth that's exceedingly strong of late, SimplyBiz Group has been doing very well. The P/E is probably moderate because investors think this strong earnings growth might not be enough to outperform the broader market in the near future. If you like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's not quite in favour. View our latest analysis for SimplyBiz Group pe Although there are no analyst estimates available for SimplyBiz Group, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow. Is There Some Growth For SimplyBiz Group? SimplyBiz Group's P/E ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver moderate growth, and importantly, perform in line with the market. If we review the last year of earnings growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 134%. However, this wasn't enough as the latest three year period has seen a very unpleasant 77% drop in EPS in aggregate. Therefore, it's fair to say the earnings growth recently has been undesirable for the company. This is in contrast to the rest of the market, which is expected to decline by 1.1% over the next year, or less than the company's recent medium-term annualised earnings decline. With this information, it's perhaps strange that SimplyBiz Group is trading at a fairly similar P/E in comparison. With earnings going quickly in reverse, it's not guaranteed that the P/E has found a floor yet. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as a continuation of recent earnings trends is likely to weigh down the shares eventually. Story continues The Bottom Line On SimplyBiz Group's P/E Typically, we'd caution against reading too much into price-to-earnings ratios when settling on investment decisions, though it can reveal plenty about what other market participants think about the company. We've established that SimplyBiz Group currently trades on a higher than expected P/E since its recent three-year earnings are even worse than the forecasts for a struggling market. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/E as this earnings performance isn't likely to support a more positive sentiment for long. In addition, we would be concerned whether the company can even maintain its medium-term level of performance under these tough market conditions. This would place shareholders' investments at risk and potential investors in danger of paying an unnecessary premium. Don't forget that there may be other risks. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for SimplyBiz Group that you should be aware of. Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than SimplyBiz Group. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that sit on P/E's below 20x and have grown earnings strongly. 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. ROHNERT PARK (BCN) A Rohnert Park man was arrested with a stash of illegally manufactured assault rifles, silencers and ammunition, police reported Friday. Josh Cargile was arrested Aug. 28 following an investigation spurred by a tip from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Rohnert Park police said in a statement. The tip, police said, was that U.S. Customs and Border Control agents had intercepted a package from China, addressed to Cargile, that allegedly contained equipment to build silencers that were disguised as automotive parts. Cargile is a convicted felon on probation, after being arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A probation search of his Rohnert Park home turned up a silencer and other firearm parts that indicated the manufacture of illegal assault rifles was taking place, police said. Further investigation led to a search, coordinated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, of multiple Santa Rosa storage units. The search yielded six guns - rifles, shotguns, a pistol and a short-barreled rifle - nine silencers, 10 high capacity magazines, 11 additional magazines, 886 rounds of ammunition, enough parts to build seven assault rifles, parts to build an AK-47 rifle, and other gun parts, police said. "We don't do these investigations very often," said Rohnert Park Police Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson. "The fortunate thing was we were able to get the tip from the Department of Homeland Security. It just shows that illegal gun parts do come into not only the state of California but also communities like RP disguised as something else." Johnson said it wasn't known what Cargile's intentions were. "I don't think there was a specific plan other than he had a lot of weapons and a lot of parts to make weapons," he said. Cargile was booked into Sonoma County Jail Aug. 28 and remains there on $250,000 bail. He is being held on charges including possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of high capacity magazines, possession of short barreled rifle, probation violation, and manufacturing assault weapons. 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. Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), the national promotion body designed to support the growth of Azerbaijans tourism industry, will host its biggest virtual travel trade event Travel Business Azerbaijan Online (TBA 2020) on 14 October 2020, Travel Daily writes in the article Azerbaijan to host biggest virtual travel trade event in October. The online event will bring together local and international tourism professionals in hopes to forge partnerships and profitable business deals. Organised by the ATB and supported by the State Tourism Agency, the event aims to bring together 300 buyers from China and South-East Asia, Russia and CIS countries, India and South Asia, Europe, and GCC countries to establish direct communication while also serving as a platform to showcase the tourism potential of Azerbaijan. Buyers and exhibitors both will have an opportunity to appoint meetings with each other as well as to sort exhibitors based on their target markets and products thanks to AI-powered matchmaking tools that will suggest leads to participants. Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, when the tourism and hospitality sector has been hit the most given border closures, travel restrictions and the need to stay home and self-isolate, ATB has prepared a four-phased recovery plan to ensure a smooth transition into the post-pandemic era. As part of the actions taken within the first phase of recovery, ATB is exploring new paths to overcome these obstacles, find innovative solutions by focusing on virtual communication and online tools to promote the destination. In these challenging times it is more than ever important to reconnect and keep in contact with our partners and industry stakeholders globally and accelerate our proposition with Travel Business Azerbaijan Online. It will be mutually beneficial for local industry and representatives from key source markets to connect with the local tourism and hospitality industry on this large scale, to build fruitful partnerships, said Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive of ATB. In addition to B2B meetings, TBA Online will host webinars hosted by regional managers, DMO representatives and exhibitors. As we continue to cater to incentives and provide unique and authentic experiences, we encourage industry professionals from around the world to join us at Travel Business Azerbaijan and discover the extraordinary opportunities we have to offer, added Sengstschmid. Calif. church refuses to close after being fined over $50,000 for singing, meeting inside: 'It must stop' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The pastor of a large California church that was fined over $50,000 for holding indoor worship services despite adhering to social distancing guidelines said that even as the county continues to increase penalties, the church will remain open. Jack Trieber, pastor of North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California, said Tuesday that Santa Clara County posted an additional order on the churchs doors this week and is fining the congregation $5,000 for each service. The charges include $5,000 per in-person service Sunday morning and evening, as well as Wednesday night and additional violations for not social distancing, although it is practiced in the auditorium that seats 3,000 people, and singing. They've ratcheted this thing up, Trieber said, adding that in total, the congregation has been fined $52,750. The order states: If you do not immediately correct the violations, the County may take additional legal action against you, including civil or criminal prosecution, with additional resulting penalties, fees, and costs. America, this is a serious moment, Trieber said. Government, it must stop. It cannot continue this way. Trieber read from the Bill of Rights: Congress shall make no law no law [respecting] the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, he said. He called the countys actions harassment, warning, If we don't stop it here ... it's going to sweep all over the United States of America. Government cannot take away our freedom. You cannot take our right to assemble. The pastor asked the county to remove all fines and refrain from imposing future fines on the church. To do this to a church ... California preachers, we have rendered unto Caesar the things that are Caesar, and we have rendered unto God through our tithes and offerings, which is His, he said. Addressing the county, Trieber said, We are not closing down this church. I hope you get this message. I don't know what the consequences on your part is going to be. ... I know America does not want this to happen in her country and at this church. God bless you, America. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your encouragement. Previously, county authorities posted a notice to the church door, demanding that North Valley Baptist immediately cease their activities and warning that failure to do so will result in enforcement action by the county. Claiming the congregation was not social distancing during indoor worship, the county fined the church $10,000. In a video statement at the time, Trieber said the countys decision to punish the church for meeting was out of bounds. The pastor revealed that when Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a total prohibition on religious worship services back in March, North Valley Baptist Church ceased its in-person worship services, K4 through 12 Christian school, college, bus ministry, jail ministry, public school ministry, nursing home ministry, door-to-door visitation, hospital visitation, childrens ministries and Sunday School. But I'm in charge of the spiritual health of the people in this city and in this area, he said. I've been trying to do it for 45 years. Though health is [of the] utmost importance, spiritual health is supreme. Because we've been locked out in this county of churches, suicide is up, domestic violence, addiction is up, homelessness is up, alcoholism is up. We need to get back to worshiping God. I am commanded to worship God. He begged Newsom to allow churches to reopen, warning that ignoring the spiritual health of the community will result in chaos. In a statement, Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver called Newsoms orders unconstitutional and said North Valley Baptist Church is incurring horrendous fees for simply exercising its First Amendment right to worship. Yet, Gov. Newsom supports tens of thousands of protestors, saying God bless you. Keep doing it. This is wrong, and the governors unconstitutional hostility and discrimination against religious worship must end, he said. Other California churches have incurred penalties for meeting in-person in violation of orders from Newsom, who has mandated that churches in some counties refrain from indoor services amid the pandemic. Last week, Los Angeles County notified Grace Community Church, led by Pastor John MacArthur, that it will soon be evicted from a parcel of land it uses as a parking lot. Lawyers for the church say the move is retaliation for the churchs decision to hold indoor worship services. Additionally, Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks was found to be in contempt of court for violating the state's COVID-19 health orders. The new pattern in American law enforcement, whenever there's an imperfect interaction between a non-black police officer and a black citizen, is that the police are presumptively racist. Videos go viral, and, before anyone investigates the facts, the mob forms (sometimes violently, sometimes just vocally), and the police find themselves in trouble. The message is clear: don't go near blacks. This will backfire. On August 29, I wrote about "A tempest in a Tiburon teapot." In the business district of a small, affluent, and (yes) mostly white town that shuts down by 9 P.M., a police officer patrolling the town at 1 A.M. noticed three people inside a clothing store. He knocked on the door and said he was checking to see if everything was all right. The three people in the store were the two owners, Yema Khalif and Hawi Awash, and a friend, all three of whom are black. Khalif, the male store-owner who opened the door, could have greeted the officer politely and shown his bona fides, which would immediately have ended the matter. He might even have thanked the officer for looking out for his store. Instead, Khalif refused to provide any information. At that point, the officer had two operating assumptions: (1) the guy is a jerk who has a right to be there, and (2) the guy is a robber who has no right to be there. The officer worried about the second operation, so he pushed. And then, when his sergeant arrived, the sergeant pushed, too. Khalif kept throwing down the race card, while the officers repeated that race had nothing to do with it. The anomaly that caught their interest wasn't the people's race. It was people in a store four hours after the business district had shut down. Once the matter had gone public, Khalif explained that he'd felt targeted by the police at other times before that fateful night. He had a point. In Tiburon, there are very few blacks; the police are extremely zealous about everything; and, yes, the police will notice someone who stands out. This can undoubtedly be humiliating for black residents or businesspeople. Having said that, as with all interactions with the police, no matter how unfair, first you cooperate, then you complain. A person who is baiting the police, as Khalif did, while his wife filmed, is looking for notoriety. That search for notoriety worked. The sergeant who interacted with Khalif has been forced out of his job: A Tiburon police sergeant has resigned following a confrontation with a Black merchant that critics say stemmed from racial profiling. Sgt. Michael Blasi was the supervising officer on Aug. 21 during the incident at Yema, a clothing store on Main Street. A patrol officer saw people in the store at 1 a.m. and questioned why they were there. [snip] The town announced Blasi's resignation on Tuesday. Town Manager Greg Chanis said Blasi has had several conversations with town officials since the incident. "In these conversations, Sergeant Blasi expressed his love for Tiburon and described the deep connection he developed during his time serving the community," Chanis wrote in a message to residents. "However, he believes it would be difficult to continue being effective as a police officer in Tiburon." I have an anecdote to throw in. When I was still living in Marin, many people in my neighborhood noticed a somewhat disreputable man with a backpack walking on the street. It's a friendly neighborhood, and we didn't recognize him. He looked out of place. However, because he was black, none of us called the police. Doing so would have been racist. The man was caught an hour after we saw him when a neighbor walked into her house and came face-to-face with him while he was looking for drugs. It turned out he had a serious criminal record. She was safe, but it was scary. The irony of this whole thing was that, entirely by coincidence, the robber broke into the home of the only black family on the block. The woman chided us later: "If someone looks out of place, call the police." Thanks to Yema's success at being a jerk, though, even if Marin residents call the police, when the police hear the word "black," they might not want to show up. Marin's black citizens and white virtue-signaling citizens are no doubt feeling pleased with themselves now. They should enjoy this feeling while they can because they've just invited every non-white criminal within a 50-mile radius of Marin to come over and have some fun. In the future, it will be tempting for law enforcement officers in Marin who want to keep their jobs to limit their engagements with black suspects unless the suspects are so blatantly caught in the act that there's no question of racial targeting. Blacks ought to be especially worried about this development, for the sad reality of America is that the most likely victim of a black criminal is a black person. Image: Tiburon police video screengrab, edited in Pixlr. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Rock-melting forces occurring much deeper in the Earth than previously understood appear to drive tremors along a notorious segment of California's San Andreas Fault, according to new USC research that helps explain how quakes happen. The study from the emergent field of earthquake physics looks at temblor mechanics from the bottom up, rather than from the top down, with a focus on underground rocks, friction and fluids. On the segment of the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, Calif., underground excitationsbeyond the depths where quakes are typically monitoredlead to instability that ruptures in a quake. "Most of California seismicity originates from the first 10 miles of the crust, but some tremors on the San Andreas Fault take place much deeper," said Sylvain Barbot, assistant professor of Earth sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. "Why and how this happens is largely unknown. We show that a deep section of the San Andreas Fault breaks frequently and melts the host rocks, generating these anomalous seismic waves."The newly published study appears in Science Advances. Barbot, the corresponding author, collaborated with Lifeng Wang of the China Earthquake Administration in China. The findings are significant because they help advance the long-term goal of understanding how and where earthquakes are likely to occur, along with the forces that trigger temblors. Better scientific understanding helps inform building codes, public policy and emergency preparedness in quake-ridden areas like California. The findings may also be important in engineering applications where the temperature of rocks is changed rapidly, such as by hydraulic fracturing. Parkfield was chosen because it is one of the most intensively monitored epicenters in the world. The San Andreas Fault slices past the town, and it's regularly ruptured with significant quakes. Quakes of magnitude 6 have shaken the Parkfield section of the fault at fairly regular intervals in 1857, 1881, 1901, 1922, 1934, 1966 and 2004, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At greater depths, smaller temblors occur every few months.So what's happening deep in the Earth to explain the rapid quake recurrence? Using mathematical models and laboratory experiments with rocks, the scientists conducted simulations based on evidence gathered from the section of the San Andreas Fault extending up to 36 miles north ofand 16 miles beneathParkfield. They simulated the dynamics of fault activity in the deep Earth spanning 300 years to study a wide range of rupture sizes and behaviors. The researchers observed that, after a big quake ends, the tectonic plates that meet at the fault boundary settle into a go-along, get-along phase. For a spell, they glide past each other, a slow slip that causes little disturbance to the surface. But this harmony belies trouble brewing. Gradually, motion across chunks of granite and quartz, the Earth's bedrock, generates heat due to friction. As the heat intensifies, the blocks of rock begin to change. When friction pushes temperatures above 650 degrees Fahrenheit, the rock blocks grow less solid and more fluid-like. They start to slide more, generating more friction, more heat and more fluids until they slip past each other rapidlytriggering an earthquake. "Just like rubbing our hands together in cold weather to heat them up, faults heat up when they slide. The fault movements can be caused by large changes in temperature," Barbot said. "This can create a positive feedback that makes them slide even faster, eventually generating an earthquake." It's a different way of looking at the San Andreas Fault. Scientists typically focus on movement in the top of Earth's crust, anticipating that its motion in turn rejiggers the rocks deep below. For this study, the scientists looked at the problem from the bottom up. "It's difficult to make predictions," Barbot added, "so instead of predicting just earthquakes, we're trying to explain all of the different types of motion seen in the ground." Explore further Chance of big San Andreas earthquake increased by Ridgecrest temblors, study suggests More information: "Excitation of San Andreas tremors by thermal instabilities below the seismogenic zone" Science Advances (2020). Journal information: Science Advances "Excitation of San Andreas tremors by thermal instabilities below the seismogenic zone"(2020). advances.sciencemag.org/lookup .1126/sciadv.abb2057 This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. Panaji: On Thursday, Election Commission asked casino operators in Goa to not let themselves used by candidates or political parties or candidates for distributing or parking money regarding Assembly polls, scheduled on February 4. Goa Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kunal warned of strict action against violators, saying the poll watchdog is keeping a strict watch on activities in offshore and onshore casinos. "We have already advised casino operators that they can carry on with their legal business but should not allow themselves to be used to park or distribute money for any political party or candidate," Goa Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kunal told reporters. Also Read: Assembly elections 2017: Goa to go for polls on Feburary 4, vote counting on March 11 He said casino operators have the right to carry on their business within the legal framework, "but if they are used to violate the norms, then strict action would beinitiated against them. "He said Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines would be introduced in all 40 constituencies during polls."After casting the vote, the voter will come to know whether his vote has gone to the person whom he has voted," Kunal said explaining VVPAT. Goa is the only place in the country where casinos are legal, apart from in Sikkim and Daman and Diu under relevant Public Gambling Acts. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 Trend: The involvement of Armenian women in military training in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh territory of Azerbaijan by initiator of the "Women for Peace" campaign, wife of Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan - Anna Hakobyan, is a provocation, Turkish foreign policy expert, author of publications in Daily Sabah and Superhaber newspapers, Merve Sebnem Oruj told Trend on Sept. 4. Oruj reminded that before becoming prime minister, Pashinyan stated that he was ready for dialogue with Azerbaijan and Turkey, but the policy he pursued after taking this post turned out to be fully opposite. "It is known that Pashinyan has recently visited the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region and made a provocative statement, the expert said. In turn, Hakobyan continues this provocation." Oruj added that Hakobyan's message in military uniform deserves special attention. "Earlier, a letter from four senators on the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh region as an "independent state" was spread, which is completely unacceptable, the expert said. Moreover, this testifies to the fact that the Armenian lobby in the US has become more active recently." The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts. I just keep waking up, dreaming of my kids covered in blood, she says. COVID, for us, has been like a living nightmare. Shes far from alone in struggling with how to parent a child during COVID-19, because of her own mental health, and worrying about what long-term effects her daughter might suffer. "One of the mistakes we can make as parents is, 'Cheer up, cheer up, it's fine, you'll be OK'," says clinical child psychologist Kirrilie Smout. Credit:iStock (Posed by models). A new study by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) has found that a quarter of parents surveyed nationally 375 of them, over three weeks in June - felt they were failing their children, during the pandemic. More than a third said they had lost confidence in their parenting. And 40 per cent worried that their own stress and mental health was adversely affecting the wellbeing of their children. And almost a third of parents were frightened that COVID-19 would have lasting mental health impacts for their children, including heightened anxiety and stress. One of the things theyre saying is their kids are a bit more emotionally volatile, more teary, they want more reassurance, and theyre struggling to calm them down, says Dr Joe Tucci, a psychologist and CEO of the ACF, who co-wrote the study. The strategies they used to use arent as effective as theyve always been. The result has been a huge loss in parenting confidence in a remarkably short period of time. Youre talking about something thats happened in the course of months, rather than years, says Dr Tucci, noting this usually only happens during major traumas. Like September 11, he says, those really massive events, or the bushfires. Because she wasnt at school, she had no routine, she had no reason to get out of bed, or leave the house. At the same time, the mental health of many Australian children has suffered as a result of COVID-19. Were definitely seeing an increase in stress and anxiety for a proportion of children, says Kirrilie Smout, a clinical child psychologist in Adelaide, and founder of Calm Kid Central, an online portal that provides children and parents with mental health support, including the opportunity to ask psychologists questions and receive answers within 48 hours. Many children are anxious, she says, about their health, their familys health, and their parents financial stress and job status, in addition to feeling grief and frustration over the loss of milestones, like school graduation ceremonies, and outdoor activities. There are also, she says, growing numbers of Australian adolescents who are self-harming. And, for children like Carrie, who came into COVID-19, with pre-existing mental health challenges, she says, the impact is often more severe. For a large part, this is because the coping strategies they would have been able to use before the pandemic physical activity, accessing mental health professionals, social events have been taken away from them. So what can parents do now? Regardless of whether their children are experiencing severe mental health struggles, or more moderate ones? You know, look after yourself, its the old idea of Fit your own oxygen first on a plane [before fitting others], says Smout. Its really important for your child that you develop advanced self care skills here. You cant just go I dont matter, Im going to have to manage. You do have to say, Im not going to do the dishes tonight, I just need to go for a walk. Look after yourself; your children will suffer if you dont. This is particularly important now, she says, citing a recent University of Melbourne study that looks at child and adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. If parents have had an increase in their emotional challenges over the time [COVID-19], then its much more likely that the children will, too It does have a clear and negative effect, when parents are really stressed [for a prolonged period]. Helping your child address their own struggles starts with simply listening to them. When it comes to those children who are experiencing grief over missed milestones, finding a way to mark them by, for instance, printing a public roll call of all the year 12s in the local media can be helpful, says Dr Tucci. And parents in Melbourne who are currently grappling with a second lockdown, he adds, should, once lockdown ends, put in place structured opportunities for engagement, so their children can meet up with their friends. And, adds Smout, parents should acknowledge whatever loss and grief they may be feeling. One of the mistakes we can make as parents is, Cheer up, cheer up, its fine, youll be OK,, and really not allow the child to talk about their sadness and worry, she says. Be prepared, as a parent, for your child to be sad, and to be worried. Its an important part of helping children recover. [to give them] a chance to process [their feelings]. Loading This is a lesson that Maryanne has learned. I think my, Lets talk it through, and work out a plan, basically just disempowered her, she says of Carrie. Shed been trying her hardest, [and then] to have the pressure of my desperation for her to be well; I think that was just too much. I think most parents do that. As a result of her now listening to her daughter, rather than trying to fix her in addition to the awesome stay in the psychiatric ward, which provided Carrie with the right medication and strategies to cope with her emotional struggles Carrie is feeling much better. And this illustrates, says Smout, what she thinks will be an upside to this unfortunate perfect mental health storm, for many people. Im optimistic, and I believe that we will see an increased sense of resilience in children over the long term, she says, adding the caveat that children with low resources, or who have parents with significant financial hardship, however, are more likely to experience ongoing challenges. I think that children, having got through this situation intact, will look back on it and feel stronger about what they can cope with, and feel more resilient, and be more prepared for coping with difficult times. Maryanne is now seeing a counsellor, with her husband, to help navigate their trauma. But the experience has left her, nevertheless, with a profound new faith in humanity. I was like, 'Look at all this love this kid has got, and all the love that we got', and that actually really helped, says Maryanne, referring to the many notes that friends and family emailed to her, which she printed off and put together in a book, and delivered to Carrie as a birthday present, while she was in the hospital. Social media, especially Twitter, is abuzz with the GDP controversy. Many renowned individuals, including top economists, have claimed that the US has witnessed a sharper contraction than India in April-June quarter of 2020. However, this seems to be a case of apples being compared with oranges. Two different sets of data have been mixed up to claim Indian economy is not the worst performer in the June quarter. But, as per the data available, Indian economy, which saw one of the most stringent lockdowns, has shrunk the most amongst major economies on not just quarterly basis but also annualised basis. Many on social media are wrongly comparing India's Y-o-Y GDP contraction of 23.9% in April-June 2020 with US' annualised GDP decline of 31.7% during the same quarter. However, the like-to-like comparison with India's 23.9% fall in Q1 GDP with US is its 9.1% fall in Apr-June 2020 over Apr-June 2019. Below is a comparison on both annualised as well as quarterly basis, and where India stands when compared to world's top economies. But, firstly, let's understand what is annualised rate, and how is it different from a quarterly rate. What is annualised rate? Annualised rate is a rate for a period of less than a year. But it is extrapolated as if that rate applies to the full year. In other words, it is an estimated/hypothetic mathematical rate of annual return, not the real rate of fall or growth in GDP. The method may work under normal circumstances when changes in GDP are minor and gradual. However, in circumstances such as these, when GDP has seen a drastic fall, the extrapolation makes the numbers unrealistic-as they appear now. 'Annualised' method of reporting GDP is a method followed by the US, Japan and Canada for ease of comparison of their national accounts. But other countries such as India, Italy, France do not release their GDP in an annualised format. That's the root of the confusion. So, we decided to find out where do the countries stand against each other if all of them released their GDP at an annualised rate, including India: Unfortunately, on an annualised basis too, India has recorded the steepest fall when compared to the major economies of the world. In fact, India's GDP fall (in % terms) is more than twice that of the US, contrary to what many on social media claim. Going by the -23.9% GDP fall for Apr-June 2020 quarter, Indian economy would shrink by a massive 75%. UK's would shrink by 59.9%, France (-44.8%), Italy (-42.2%), Canada (-38.7%), Germany (-33.5%), United States (-31.7%) and Japan (-27.8%). While China which has started to post recovery in the second quarter (Apr-June 2020) would have hypothetically grown by an annualised rate of 54.6% over a year. Year-on-Year basis This is simpler to understand. The Y-o-Y GDP figures are calculated by comparing the GDP like to like, this year over the previous year. For instance, in April-June 2020 with the same April-June quarter of 2019. India's economic growth suffered its worst fall on record in the April-June quarter, with the gross domestic product (GDP) contracting 23.9%. The coronavirus-related lockdowns mainly weighed on the already-declining consumer demand and investment. The numbers are the worst since 1996, when India started reporting quarterly data. As the above graph shows, compared to other major economies of the world, India recorded the steepest fall. India's economy shrank 23.9% while US economy contracted by 9.1%. Barring China, the world's second-largest economy, all other major economies were in the negative. Only, Chinese economy grew by 3.2%. So, to end the debate on social media -- be it quarterly or annualised rate, India has been the worst performing major economy in the world during April-June 2020. Though not strictly comparable, here are the worst performing minor economies against the worst performing major economies assocation on Friday said that manufacturers were not in a position to invest further in the implementation of upcoming government regulations as the sector was going through an extremely difficult period. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) also noted that government support was required to pursue the targets set under the Automotive Mission Plan 2026 (AMP 2026). "For (implementation of) upcoming regulations, investments are very steep and the commensurate revenues have not been realised by the industry due to lack of consumer demand," President Rajan Wadhera said while speaking at the industry body's annual convention here. So, the industry does not have the ability to invest further into the implementation of new regulations like Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms from 2022 onwards, he noted. Wadhera also said that there should not be an overdose of regulations as India's emission standards are already at par with the strictest in the world. Seeking government support to offer some form of demand boosters, Wadhera said: "We feel that whatever we are talking on reviving demand will provide the required push to consumers to come to dealerships." He noted that demand stimulus for the industry is a must in order to achieve targets listed in AMP 2026. AMP 2026 is the collective vision of the government of India and the automotive industry on where the various segments of the automotive and auto component industry need to be by 2026 in terms of size and contribution to the overall Indian economy. The plan envisages taking the auto industry's gross domestic product (GDP) contribution to 12 per cent from current 7 per cent as also generating 6.5 crore additional jobs over the 3.7 crore jobs that are already there. It also targets to enhance vehicle production to 6.6 crore units by 2026. "We were almost on course (for the AMP 2026), but in the last two years we have only reached (volume of) 2.6 crore vehicles... we strongly feel that if we want to stay on course on the plan, demand stimulus is required," Wadhera said. AMP 2026 is important for the industry as it would enhance the scale of the sector, and that in turn would bring in competitiveness making the vehicles cheaper, allowing for increase in exports, he added. While noting that the industry is behind the government in its Make in India initiative, Wadhera also pointed at the ongoing slowdown in The domestic was already undergoing great stress prior to the pandemic, he said. The demand had slowed down due to the various factors like liquidity crisis, increase in ownership cost and also introduction of axle load norms for heavy commercial vehicle segment, Wadhera said. "The passenger vehicle segment witnessed the longest slowdown in the past two decades spanning nine quarters. Similarly, commercial vehicles faced second-longest slowdown in the last 15 years that spanned five quarters," he added. The two-wheelers segment also saw continuous slowdown for six quarters, Wadhera said. In the first quarter of the current fiscal, domestic sales stood at 15 lakh units which has resulted in 75 per cent de-growth as compared to corresponding quarter last year and this is the steepest and the longest downturn quarter-on-quarter, he noted. The COVID-19 pandemic further led to deterioration in the business environment, Wadhera said. "The auto industry in India also felt the impact with supply disruptions of critical components from overseas and then of course due to the domestic lockdown. Even then, the industry made best efforts to transition to BS-VI norms from January itself," he added. The industry is also mindful of the draft notification related to environment impact assessment issued by the Ministry of Environment, Wadhera said. members are committed to comply with government directives, he added. Elaborating on the importance of the automobile industry in the overall economy, he noted that the sector currently contributes 49 per cent of the country's manufacturing GDP. In the overall GDP, the industry's contribution is 7.1 per cent and it gives employment to 3.7 crore people directly and indirectly, Wadhera said. The turnover of the industry stood at around USD 120 billion in FY19 and the sector contributed 15 per cent to government's overall GST revenue, he noted. Sixty minutes later, he returned, collected my test, graded it and interviewed me again. It was a short conversation. He said I had done very well on the test and that the telephone company wanted to hire me. Then he told me the salary. It was not huge, but one interview; one job offer I was shocked, and pleased. After recovering somewhat, I told him that it was my very first interview and that I would like to see what else might be out there for me. Take your time he said. Look around. Just remember: When you are ready, we have a job for you! I did look around, but in the end, the words we have a job for you carried the day. I retired 26 years later. Paul Ashley New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com. Were experimenting with the format of New York Today. What would you like to see more (or less) of? Post a comment or email us: nytoday@nytimes.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 02:49:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- As Turkey and Greece are seeing escalating tensions in the Mediterranean Sea, diplomacy is still the only rational way to reach a solution to the crisis, Turkish analysts said. For over a month, NATO partners Turkey and Greece have been locked in a tensed stand-off over hydrocarbon drilling rights in the contested waters of the eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea. While there are angry rhetoric and mistrust between the neighbors who have overlapping sovereign claims in a region believed to contain rich hydrocarbon reserves, some Turkish analysts believe that a de-escalation of tensions is possible to achieve through diplomacy, warning that otherwise, both nations will lose a lot. Huseyin Isiksal, a professor from the Near East University, suggested that tensions "could be settled by international arbitration as both countries seem resolute to defend their positions and unwilling to budge on their demands." German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas conducted a mediation last week in both capitals to push Turkey and Greece to resume talks on their energy clash. However, Turkey on Friday accused Greece of denying a NATO-brokered agreement to dialogue, after NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced a day earlier that both countries agreed to enter a "technical talk." Turkey's move of sending exploration ships to the Eastern Mediterranean has drawn criticism from regional countries, such as Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the need for Turkey to amend its ties in the region, according to observers. France has also stepped in to support its EU partner Greece, exacerbating the already existing tension between Paris and Ankara over the Libyan conflict where they are on opposing sides. "Now it's time for Turkey and Greece to act responsibly, a continued escalation is not an option for either side," Ankara-based foreign policy analyst and journalist of Daily News Serkan Demirtas told Xinhua. He urged NATO to intervene diplomatically to defuse the crisis, noting that other nations worry that the stand-off could spill into a military conflict. "The crisis in the Mediterranean is a risk to the unity of NATO. It should act in a way to defuse the tension but at the same time urge all the allied countries to refrain from provocations," he remarked. "NATO should show it is collecting strength in the defense of its common interests," added Demirtas. Experts also believe that both nations have to give in on some of their claims to reach a compromise. Barcin Yinanc, an international affairs expert of daily Hurriyet, called on Turkey and Greece to trust each other. She indicated that the two countries can find peace in the Mediterranean, urging them to declare an immediate stop to all military and drilling activities. Enditem Joe Biden told residents of Kenosha, Wisconsin, that recent turmoil following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, could help Americans confront centuries of systemic racism. The Democrat sought to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump amid a racial reckoning that has galvanized the nation. Were finally now getting to the point where were going to be addressing the original sin of this country, 400 years old slavery and all the vestiges of it, Biden said at Grace Lutheran Church, where he met with community leaders after a private session with Blake and his family. The visit marked the former vice presidents first trip to the battleground state of Wisconsin as the Democratic presidential nominee. While Biden spent more than an hour with the Blake family, Trump didnt mention Blake during his own trip to Kenosha on Tuesday. Where Biden traced problems in the criminal justice system back to slavery, Trump refused to acknowledge systemic racism and offered his unvarnished support to law enforcement, blaming the recent violence on domestic terror. I cant say if tomorrow God made me president, I cant guarantee you everything gets solved in four years, Biden said. But it would be a whole better, wed get a whole lot further down the road if Trump isnt re-elected. Theres certain things worth losing over, he concluded, and this is something worth losing over if you have to but were not going to lose. Blake remains hospitalized after being shot in the back seven times by a white Kenosha police officer while authorities were trying to arrest him on Aug. 23. The shooting is the latest police confrontation with a Black man to spark protests. It follows demonstrations that swelled nationwide after George Floyd was killed by a white Minneapolis officer in May. Outside Grace Lutheran, Blakes uncle, Justin Blake, compared Trumps and Bidens respective visits as he marched and chanted with a crowd. Trump didnt ask about my nephew. Trump didnt mention my nephews name while he was here, Justin Blake said. Justin Blake called Biden more of a unifier and credited the Democrat for bringing up criminal justice changes before being asked. But Justin Blake said were holding everybodys feet to the fire. Nobody gets a free pass. Biden heard similar sentiments inside the church, where residents offered searing accounts of their struggles. Porsche Bennett, an organizer for Black Lives Activists Kenosha, told Biden shes tired at just 31 years old and worried for her three young, Black children. For so many decades weve been shown we dont matter, she said, adding that shes heard promises from plenty of politicians, but not action. Biden answered that, because hes white, I cant understand what its like to walk out the door or send my son out the door or my daughter and worry about, just because theyre Black, they might not come back. But he compared the current era of cell phone videos of violent police actions to television footage showing civil rights protesters being beaten more than a half-century ago. He called both circumstances a politically crucial awakening for white Americans. Biden also stressed the disproportionate effects of the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout on non-whites. I think the country is much more primed to take responsibility, because they now have seen what you see, Biden told Bennett, the community organizer. Barb DeBerge, owner of DeBerge Framing & Gallery, told Biden of the deep pain exposed by the protests and how it has reached many business owners whose establishments have been burned. DeBerge noted her shop still stands, but said, I just I dont think I really grieved as much as I should because being a business owner, I have to keep going, I have to keep working. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, said that hed asked both Biden and Trump not to come. I would prefer that no one be here, be it candidate Trump or candidate Biden, Evers said in a news conference. Yet Kenosha was mostly calm for Bidens visit, other than some verbal jousting outside the church between activists, including Bennett, and at least one Trump supporter. When the president visited on Tuesday, a few hundred pro- and anti-Trump protesters convened at the spot. Michelle Stauder, a 60-year-old retired Kenosha school teacher said Biden is here spreading the word of peace and rebuilding. Kenneth Turner stood nearby with a Trump-Pence yard sign. Everyone is blaming Trump for everything, the 50-year-old Kenosha man said. But problems here have been around a long time before Trump. Biden criticized Trump for his sweeping condemnations of protesters, his absolute defense of law enforcement and denials that Americans with black and brown skin face barriers that whites do not statements aimed by the president at his overwhelmingly white political base. The former vice president, who enjoyed police union backing for much of his political career, has defended officers for bravery and public service. But he said again Thursday that policing must be overhauled. He repeated his promise of a national commission on policing if hes elected. Biden does not want to defund the police, contrary to Trumps claims. But he proposes that local forces agree to certain best practices as a condition of federal grants. He also wants to spend more on other public agencies, such as mental health services, to ease social problems police must handle by default, sometimes with violent consequences. During his Kenosha trip Tuesday, Trump toured damaged buildings and discussed ways to quell unrest with law enforcement officials. Trump was greeted by supporters who occasionally mixed with and yelled at Black Lives Matter organizers. Trump is scheduled to hold a campaign rally Thursday evening in Pennsylvania, another key Rust Belt battleground. His campaign manager, Bill Stepien, said Bidens visit to Kenosha was inappropriate, arguing Trump went because he is president and that Biden is only injecting politics into a really serious situation that the president helped solve. Donald Trump Getty/Shutterstock/Salon Donald Trump never was investigated to determine if he is a Russian agent or asset according to an explosive book published Tuesday by a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. In Trump v. The United States, Michael S. Schmidt reports Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III's team was barred from investigating whether Trump, who has many known connections to Russian criminals and who says he trusts Putin over American intelligence agencies, was a Russian agent. Mueller's team was allowed to look into obstruction of justice by Trump, Schmidt writes in the e-book that went on sale today. Team Mueller found numerous examples but was barred by Justice Department policy from indicting the president. The Mueller team tried, unsuccessfully, to get Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to allow a counterintelligence investigation into Trump's Kremlin dealings. Rosenstein refused, Schmidt reports. A counterintelligence investigation into Trump as a possible Russian agent was ordered in spring 2017 by Andrew G. McCabe when he was acting FBI director. McCabe told 60 Minutes that he ordered an investigation in May 2017 into whether Trump "had been working on behalf of Russia against American interests." He also said he feared that without his written formal record in FBI files the case would be made to disappear. FBI shut down The FBI counterintelligence investigation was shut down before any substantial inquiry was made, Schmidt reports. These and many more stunning revelations, along with new evidence indicating that Trump is a continuing threat to American national security, are based on extensive interviews with those involved and more than a thousand pages of government documents that reporter Schmidt says no one else outside of the government has read. The book raises serious questions about how and why Rosenstein, as deputy attorney general, shielded Trump. Why did Rosenstein not want law enforcement and counterintelligence officials to know the full extent of Trump's relationship with Russians, especially Russian President Vladimir Putin? Story continues It is a question Schmidt does not answer. If there is a non-nefarious answer it may that human vulnerability was the cause. Rosenstein had long experience as a federal prosecutor, little as a counterintelligence lawyer. Russian money Moscow has courted Trump since at least 1987 and Trump has done numerous deals with Russian oligarchs that make no sense in business terms but make perfect sense when viewed as money laundering and payoffs. Russian money is suspected to be behind the massive loans which Deutsche Bank made to Trump when no other major bank would do business with him. Deutsche Bank has been fined more than $622 million for laundering money for Russians. Schmidt paints a portrait of a president with no understanding of or regard for our Constitution, federal laws or limits on his authority, a portrait consistent with my own Trump books. Schmidt shows that in the Oval Office Trump often took the side of Russia against American interests. Trump insensitivity "Trump had a profound insensitivity to how his actions would be perceived," Schmidt writes, "and was often indifferent to law or precedent." Candidate Trump said he didn't trust American intelligence agencies. As president, standing next to Putin in Helsinki in 2018, he declared that he takes Putin at his word. One day later, in a formal White House statement, Trump walked back his remarks, though I and many other Trump watchers took that as only one of his many attempts to muddy clear waters so people would be unsure about his conduct. Trump has made clear he believes there is nothing wrong with conspiring with a hostile foreign power if it helps keep him in office. In June this year, Trump told ABC News, in a lengthy interview, that he would accept help from foreign governments such as the Kremlin in the current election. Accepting election help of any kind from any foreign government or person is a criminal offense. Author's background Reporter Schmidt has solid credentials. He has broken numerous stories that relied on law enforcement, political and intelligence sources. While Team Trump denounced many of those stories when they broke, the reporting held up as future events unfolded. In 2016, Schmidt broke the story that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used a personal email account for official business (as did several of her predecessors). He won a Pulitzer Prize for revealing that James Comey, the FBI director Trump fired in 2017, created contemporaneous memos of his one-on-one meetings with Trump. Comey's memos include the story of Trump demanding a pledge of personal loyalty, which Comey refused. Schmidt also shared in a Pulitzer Prize for exposing sexual predator Harvey Weinstein and broke major stories about sexual harassment and secret financial settlements with victims that resulted in Bill O'Reilly losing his job as a Fox News host. The revelations in Schmidt's book completely recast the 418-page Mueller report and destroy Trump's already noxious claims that the Mueller report vindicated him. It also helps explain the mendacious declaration by Attorney General William P. Barr in March 2019 that the Mueller report cleared Trump. Barr also wrote a four-page memo that turned out to be highly misleading, guiding people away from understanding the serious wrongdoing Mueller's team uncovered, especially in obstructing justice. A question never asked A significant theme of the Schmidt book is that investigators were not only blocked from investigating whether Trump is disloyal to America, but that at times the Mueller investigators didn't ask the right questions of witnesses. One example involves John Kelly, the retired general who became Trump's second White House chief of staff. The president asked Kelly to pledge personal loyalty to Trump, Schmidt reveals. Kelly said he would be loyal to our Constitution, pretty much what Comey also said, Schmidt writes. Mueller's team never learned of this, Schmidt writes, because they didn't ask. That such an obvious question were you asked to pledge personal loyalty to Donald Trump the way FBI Director Comey was? was not posed raises questions about what else within the restricted purview of the Mueller team also was missed. Did Team Mueller ask Rosenstein, whose actions shielded Trump, whether he was asked for a pledge of personal loyalty? Who else was asked to pledge personal loyalty, something we expect of dictators but never in American presidents? Who did pledge to Trump? Who refused? We don't know. These are questions that should now be pursued by the House Intelligence Committee, which you can be sure will inquire about many things in the Schmidt book. Kremlin interests There was reason aplenty for the FBI to open a counterintelligence investigation of Trump and those around him, extraordinary as that would be. One reason was the retention of Michael Flynn, another retired general, after Trump was warned by Sally Yates, who briefly served as acting attorney general, that he was subject to blackmail and unfit to know sensitive secrets. Trump then fired Yates, a career federal prosecutor with a distinguished record. Another concern involved the Trump campaign enthusiastically accepting a written offer of help from the Kremlin in June 2016. For the next 13 months, Trump's oldest son Don Jr., who received the emailed offer, lied and denied. He said, falsely, that no help was ever offered or provided by Moscow. Why did Don Jr. lie then and, when The New York Times got the emails forcing his hand, did he mischaracterize their nature? The emails resulted, just days later, in a Trump Tower meeting of Kremlin agents, at least one with deep ties to Russian intelligence agencies, and Don Jr., Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort. The Mueller Team never was able to learn exactly what happened in part because Don Jr.'s lawyers indicated that the president's son would assert his Fifth Amendment right to avoid testifying because he might incriminate himself. Just the fact that Manafort, now a convicted felon, was paid 10s of millions of dollars by a Kremlin-friendly Ukraine leader and that Manafort managed the Trump campaign for free at a time when he was in serious financial trouble, would have justified a major FBI counterintelligence investigation into Trump and his campaign. McGahn role Schmidt devotes a lot of words to Don McGahn, who as White House counsel was there to serve the Office of the President, not the man himself. McGahn, either directly or through intermediaries, appears to be a key Schmidt source. Schmidt writes that McGahn apparently knows a secret that could "drive Trump from the White House." McGahn is trying to avoid testifying before Congress about what went on behind closed doors at the White House. McGahn, Schmidt writes, was "one of the few Trump advisers who regularly stood up to the president, telling him when his ideas were harebrained and screaming back at him when he unloaded nasty digs on senior staff." Schmidt says what was missing from the Mueller report about Trump and Russia sparked his interest. He writes that people who have seen the full report the public version is heavily redacted told him there is nothing about Trump's possible allegiance to Russia or other improper associations. That knowledge made Schmidt even more curious about the lack of a counterintelligence investigation when there was abundant reason to undertake one. The Trump attacks on McCabe, Comey's deputy at the FBI, raise questions about what the White House knew and when about McCabe initiating an intelligence inquiry. That is an issue sure to be investigated by the House Intelligence Committee led by Rep. Adam Schiff of California. Before he himself was fired, Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired McCabe two days short of eligibility for a full pension. That was seen by many as a sign that anyone in government who crossed Trump was fair game and crossing Trump could be costly. It came out later that McCabe also had ordered a criminal investigation into whether Sessions lied during his Senate confirmation hearing, which may also have influenced Sessions in such a petty action of firing McCabe on a day that would deny him his full pension. Getting rid of McCabe and dirtying him up in public on specious grounds takes on new significance with the publication of the Schmidt book. Only by neutralizing McCabe, removing him and discrediting him could Trump evade the greatest risk he faced a counterintelligence investigation into his Russian dealings. The truncated FBI investigation needs to be resumed unimpeded immediately. Related Articles A third patient, who had been discharged, also tested positive and died, although the virus was not the primary cause of death. The Co Armagh hospital is battling outbreaks in its Emergency Department, Haemotology Ward and Ward 3 South. Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann described the deaths as extremely distressing and disturbing. The Southern Trust announced on Friday that two patients connected to the Haematology Ward, who had tested positive with Covid-19, had died within the last 48 hours. We are profoundly sorry about these deaths and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who have passed away, the Trust said in a statement. A third patient who had been treated on the Haematology Ward was discharged home and has since sadly passed away with a Covid-19 positive diagnosis, but this was not the primary cause of death. Advertisement The total number of patients connected to the Haematology Ward at Craigavon Area Hospital who have tested positive remains at 14. Seventeen members of staff have tested positive and are currently off and self-isolating. A total of 42 staff members have been identified as potential contacts and are currently self-isolating. The ward remains closed to new admissions. The Trust said there are no further cases of the virus in the Emergency Department, which it described as operating as normal. On Ward 3 South, two members of staff and one patient have tested positive, while 14 staff members are currently self-isolating. In total, there are currently 56 staff who are connected with clusters at Craigavon Area Hospital who are off work and self-isolating. There are other staff across the Trust self-isolating, and these are a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff, the Trust added. This will generally relate to family/social contacts where guidelines require a period of 14-day self-isolation. This has been ongoing since the start of the pandemic and we expect will continue throughout the winter. Mr Swann said: My deepest sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have passed away. The Southern Trust has made clear that a detailed investigation is ongoing following the clusters at the hospital. This situation demands a thorough and expeditious investigation. Patients and bereaved families are entitled to answers. I will continue to closely monitor the management of these clusters and will be receiving updates from the Trust. (Natural News) Numerous factors influence the opioid crisis in healthcare, including the lack of holistic treatments for pain relief in mainstream medicine. But the authors of a recent article on opioid use found another startling factor that might be adding to the opioid crisis: the increasing rate of opioid prescribing. Hannah Neprash, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota and Michael Barnett, an internal medicine specialist practicing in multiple hospitals around Boston, found that physicians are more likely to prescribe opioids as their shift progresses and appointments fall behind schedule. Their article, published in JAMA Network Open, also hinted at the possible factors behind this unsettling trend, including burnout, fatigue and time pressure. Further studies assessing these factors in detail might help shed light on the thought process that leads to prescribing opioids, the authors added. Time and lateness affect clinical decision-making To assess trends in opioid prescribing, Neprash and Barnett examined 678,319 appointments in 2017. The appointments involved 642,262 patients and 5,603 primary care physicians. The patients had gone to their physicians to discuss painful conditions. Neprash and Barnett grouped these into five categories, namely headache, back pain, joint disease, other musculoskeletal conditions and other pain syndromes. None of them had been taking opioids or had been prescribed opioids in the last 12 months prior to their appointment. The duo also grouped the appointments into sets of three and studied just a maximum of 21 appointments for each given day. They also gathered information regarding the timeliness of the appointments in 10-minute increments. Upon assessing these data sets, Neprash and Barnett found that timing and lateness had a significant impact on a patients chances of being prescribed opioids. For instance, it appeared that physicians prescribed opioids just four percent of the time during their first three appointments. But during their 19th to 21st appointments, physicians prescribed opioids 5.3 percent of the time. This corresponds to a 33 percent increase in the likelihood of opioid prescribing. The sudden jump also confirmed Neprash and Barnetts hypothesis that appointment timing affected clinical decision-making. The duo noted that although 5.3 percent doesnt seem like a big number, this corresponds to 4,459 more opioid prescriptions that could have been avoided. Neprash and Barnett found similar but smaller results after assessing the impact of lateness in clinical decision-making. It appeared that 4.4 percent of appointments running zero to nine minutes late resulted in an opioid prescription. On the other hand, 5.2 percent of appointments that ran at least an hour late resulted in an opioid prescription. This corresponds to a 17 percent increase. For comparison, the duo also assessed trends in the prescribing of nonsteroidal painkillers and referrals to physical therapy using the same time and lateness metrics. They found no similar or apparent patterns, thus suggesting that the patterns detailed earlier might be unique to opioid prescriptions. Based on their results, Neprash and Barnett concluded that clinical decision-making for opioid prescribing is influenced by the timing and lateness of appointments. These findings could help researchers understand the role of appointment timing and other possible factors influencing clinical decision-making, such as burnout and fatigue, in the opioid crisis, the authors noted. (Related: Could medical marijuana be a solution to the opioid epidemic?) According to Michael Ellenbogen, an assistant professor of medicine at John Hopkins Universitys School of Medicine, Neprash and Barnetts findings offer empirical evidence that physicians are prescribing opioids to patients complaining of pain as a sort of shortcut if pressed for time. These findings, therefore, help shed light on this problem, said Ellenbogen. That being said, it did stop short of recommending that hospitals should make changes to their opioid programs. This might be something that future studies can look into, he added. Read more articles about the health risks and potential consequences of opioid use at Medicine.news. Sources include: MedicalNewsToday.com JAMANetwork.com ModernHealthcare.com A roller skater who tried to kill three people during a random attack while suffering from a mental breakdown has been detained indefinitely in a psychiatric hospital. Benjamin Bridgeman, 38, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of attempting to murder three members of the public and also stabbing a police officer. Bristol Crown Court heard Bridgeman was suffering from a severe psychotic illness when he launched the unprovoked attack in the Knowle area of the city on February 25. He stabbed Justin Edward, Yedhu Prakash and Robert Day during the rampage along Wells Road. Members of the public threw road signs at Bridgeman in an attempt to stop him, and one motorist even hit him with his van - but he got up and continued. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. 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Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA UK news in pictures 29 November 2021 Home Secretary Priti Patel is greeted by a police dog at a special memorial service for Met Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana Getty UK news in pictures 28 November 2021 Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City battles for possession with Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United during a match at the Etihad during snow Manchester City/Getty UK news in pictures 27 November 2021 Residents clear branches from a fallen tree in Birkenhead, north west England as Storm Arwen triggered a rare red weather warning AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 An aerial picture shows a worker using a quad bike and trailer to transport freshly harvested trees at Pimms Christmas Tree farm in Matfield, southeast England AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 26 November 2021 A shopper browses Christmas trees for sale at Pines and Needles in Dulwich, London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 November 2021 A murmuration of hundreds of thousands of starlings fly over a field at dusk in Cumbria, close to the Scottish border PA UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty Bridgeman, who has had one arm since birth, also stabbed Sergeant Ross Hurwood who had fired a Taser at him. He was finally arrested when a second police officer arrived and floored Bridgeman with his Taser. The court heard Bridgeman carried out the stabbings because he believed his family had been killed by aliens and he was trying to save the world. Psychiatrists agreed he was suffering from a disease of the mind at the time. He had been suffering mental health problems since he was a teenager. Michael Mather-Lees QC, defending, said the case was born out of the tragedy of mental illness and it is merciful worse did not happen. He read a short letter written by Bridgeman, in which he apologised for what happened. I wish to make it clear that I am very sorry that my mental health got to such a level it resulted in harm to others, he wrote. I wish I could change the grief I have caused, not only to the victims but to my friends and family. Recommended Man on roller skates stabs two people on busy street in Bristol I was suffering from a disease of the mind, there was no malice, just a set of delusional beliefs which led me to hurt innocent people. I am going to make sure I take all the help I can and make sure nothing like this happens again. Bridgeman, of Eva Turner Close, Whitchurch, Bristol, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act, and will continue to be treated at Wellesley Hospital. Passing sentence, Mr Justice Griffiths said: It is a miracle no one was killed. The first victim was stabbed twice in the back; the second victim would have been stabbed through the head, but he moved his head so that the blade connected with his scalp. You skated on. By this time there was panic on the streets as you skated around with blood dripping from your knife. At least four brave members of the public threw themselves into the task of trying to stop you, by picking up road signs, sandbags and whatever came to hand on the street, and using them to try and bring you to a halt and get you to the ground. Because you had the advantage of roller skates, and appeared to be demonstrating superhuman speed, balance and strength, they did not succeed in stopping you, but only in obstructing you. These were terrifying attacks. They had tragically lasting effects on your victims, particularly the civilian victims. They have not only been severely traumatised but continue to suffer physically from their injuries. You thought that the people you were attacking were aliens who were in an epic fight of good against evil, with you representing the good. You thought that they had murdered your family and subjected them to excruciating pain. For that reason, you are not guilty by reason of insanity. The judge also issued commendations for four members of the public, and Sgt Hurwood, for their bravery. Detective Inspector David Lewis, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: Ultimately, this is a sad case in which a man experiencing a psychotic episode has caused significant physical and emotional harm to others and himself. Despite the risks they faced, several members of the public courageously attempted to intervene before police arrived. Their selfless bravery is humbling and if it weren't for their actions someone could have been killed. Press Association PLA launches new Type 055, Type 052D destroyers after decommissioning all Type 051 destroyers: reports Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Source: Global Times Published: 2020/8/30 21:44:00 China reportedly launched its eighth Type 055 and 25th Type 052D destroyers on Sunday, only two days after the decommissioning of two Type 051 destroyers attached to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, which marked the retirement of China's all first generation of indigenous destroyers. At a time when China has been launching new generation destroyers at a rapid pace, experts said Sunday that the PLA Navy's development has entered a new stage, with third generation warships becoming the main battle equipment and fourth generation ones beginning to enter service. Hong Kong-based media group Takung Wenwei reported on Sunday that the PLA Navy's eighth Type 055 and 25th Type 052D destroyers were simultaneously launched in the Dalian Shipyard at Northeast China's Liaoning Province on Sunday morning. These new Chinese warships are comparable to world's top destroyers, including the US' Arleigh Burke-class and Zumwalt-class, analysts said. The launch of the two new ships comes after a decommissioning ceremony for the two old warships, the Zhanjiang and the Zhuhai, was held at a naval base in Zhanjiang, South China's Guangdong Province on Friday. The occasion marks that all China's first generation of indigenous destroyers have been discharged from active service, China Central Television reported on Saturday. Between the 1970s and 1990s, China built 17 Type 051s, which were the PLA Navy's first modern destroyers with combat command capabilities. The vessels served as the Navy's main surface combat ships, Shanghai-based news website eastday.com reported on Saturday. Having served in the PLA Navy for the past five decades, the Type 051 proved itself to be a powerful guardian of the country and a start to the country's domestically developed destroyers, analysts said. With older ships decommissioned, China has been launching and commissioning new destroyers in recent years. The Diplomat magazine reported in July that China currently fields about 20 modern, aegis-type destroyers, and in four to five years the number would increase to 39 to 40, including six Type 052Cs, 25 to 26 Type 052Ds and eight Type 055s. Looking back at the PLA Navy's development history, Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, told the Global Times on Sunday that China's first-generation destroyers were imported from the Soviet Union (in the 1950s.) The second-generation ones are of the Type 051, which is the first generation domestically developed and which entered service in the 1970s. With the older generation warships decommissioned, China's main battle destroyers now consist of mainly third-generation vessels, including the Type 052Cs and the Type 052Ds, alongside the fourth-generation Type 055. The Chinese ships' displacement, technology and combat capability are on the rise as they have gained comprehensive combat capability in air defense, anti-ship and anti-submarine operations, Zhang said. China's building of more and better warships is making up for the progress lost in the initial stage of reform and opening-up, when the country focused on economic development instead of national defense, Zhang said, noting that China now needs to boost national defense and military capability to safeguard its economic development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The defense ministers of Ukraine and the Republic of Iraq, Andriy Taran and Juma Saadoun Al-Jubouri, signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of military cooperation. The document signing ceremony took place as part of the official visit of a delegation of the Iraqi Defense Ministry to Ukraine on September 3, the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported. Following the meeting, the defense ministers of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Iraq in the field of military cooperation. The signing of the memorandum will provide an opportunity to continue mutually beneficial cooperation between the defense ministries of both countries, strengthen partnerships and ensure the implementation of projects in areas of mutual interest, the report says. During the talks, the parties stressed the significant potential of the partnership for the exchange of combat experience, as well as cooperation in the field of military education. The parties also exchanged information on the security situation in Ukraine and the Republic of Iraq, and assured of support for the sustainable development of friendly relations between the states. The Defense Ministry noted that this is the first visit of the Iraqi defense minister to Ukraine, which emphasizes the desire to develop comprehensive defense cooperation and aims to identify priority areas of bilateral cooperation in military and military-technical spheres. ish Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. - Reuters NATO demanded Russia cooperate with an international investigation into the poisoning of Alexei Navalny on Friday, as EU diplomats cast doubt over whether the bloc could impose sanctions on Moscow. Jens Stoltenberg, the alliances secretary general, said the suspected use of Novichok against the Russian opposition leader meant the Kremlin had "serious questions to answer". "NATO allies agree that Russia now has serious questions, it must answer, the Russian government must fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on an impartial international investigation," he said. Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, has supported calls for an investigation into the utterly deplorable poisoning and has not ruled out British sanctions. The White House has suggested the US might impose sanctions if Russia is to blame for the poisoning of Mr Navalny. On Thursday, Josep Borrell, the EUs chief diplomat, refused to rule out sanctions against Russia after Angela Merkel accused Moscow of using the chemical weapon to poison Mr Navalany, who was flown to Germany for treatment earlier this week. But EU diplomats were not convinced that there would be the necessary unanimous support for the punitive measures, which would require the backing of all 27 member states at a Brussels summit. The 2018 Novichok poisoning of the Skripals in Salisbury resulted in strong condemnation of Moscow and the coordinated expulsion of Russian diplomats but not in EU sanctions. After Skirpal, and in one of the UKs last diplomatic efforts as an EU member state, the bloc agreed a mechanism to respond to chemical weapons attacks such as those with Novichok, which can result in sanctions. But diplomats said it would be even more difficult to establish the facts in the poisoning because it took place on Russian territory. At this stage the question is who do you sanction and how can you find out what happened in Russia?, one diplomat told the Telegraph. Story continues It is difficult. If forced to make a prediction, I'd say as things stand we are more likely to have statements condemning rather than full sanctions but we are at the early stages of this. A second diplomat added, At this stage we are investigating exactly what happened, it is too early to discuss sanctions in detail until we have more information. MEPs called for the bloc to impose sanctions over the poisoning and push for an international investigation. "We remain extremely sceptical that Russian authorities are fit and willing to investigate the real background of this crime, the European Parliament lawmakers said in a letter to Mr Borrell and Germany, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU. NORRISTOWN An East Norriton man is on his way to state prison on charges he illegally possessed a firearm in Norristown. Tehron K. Green, 40, of the unit block of East Germantown Pike, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to 3 to 10 years in a state correctional facility after he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of person not to possess a firearm in connection with an August 2019 incident in the borough. Judge Thomas C. Branca, who accepted a plea agreement in the case, said Green will receive credit for the year that he spent in jail while awaiting trial on the charges. The investigation began on Aug. 16, 2019, when Norristown police conducted a traffic stop of a Dodge Durango operated by Green in the 100 block of East Elm Street, according to court papers. As police approached the vehicle, which had an expired registration, they detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, according to a criminal complaint. In addition to the vehicle registration being expired, Green was unable to provide insurance information, according to police. During the vehicle stop, police observed underneath of the front passenger seat a silver and black semiautomatic handgun, according to the arrest affidavit filed by Norristown Police Officer Joshua Samuels. I recovered the firearm from underneath of the passenger seat, ejected the magazine and locked the slide to the rear, ejecting a chambered bullet, Samuels alleged. The investigation determined the firearm was reported stolen in Philadelphia in January 2012. During a search of the vehicle, police also recovered a green leafy botanical substance, suspected marijuana, on the front passenger side floor, according to the arrest affidavit. After Green was taken into custody, police conducted a search of Greens person and found him possessing a partially burnt marijuana cigarette in his front pants pocket, court papers alleged. A check of Pennsylvania State Police records revealed Greens criminal history included a conviction for aggravated assault, making him a person ineligible to possess a firearm, according to the criminal complaint. A records check also revealed Green did not have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Other charges of receiving stolen property, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and summary traffic violations were dismissed against Green as part of the plea agreement. In a separate, unrelated matter, Green also pleaded guilty to a charge of recklessly endangering another person in connection with a May 17, 2019, road rage incident at Egypt and South Trooper roads in West Norriton. Township police alleged Green threatened another male driver with a handgun during the traffic altercation. Under a plea agreement, Green was sentenced to time served to 23 months in jail on that reckless endangerment charge and the sentence will run concurrently with the state prison term Green received for the August 2019 incident in Norristown, according to court papers. (CNN) -- A Covid-19 vaccine developed and tested in Russia generated neutralizing antibodies in dozens of study subjects, and while the vaccine often caused side effects such as fever, those side effects were mostly mild, according to data published Friday in the medical journal The Lancet. Russia drew criticism when it announced the world's first approved coronavirus vaccine for public use in August -- even before crucial Phase 3 trials had been completed. In the Phase 1 and 2 studies of the vaccine, which is named Sputnik V, all 76 study participants developed antibodies to the virus that causes Covid-19, according to Friday's report in The Lancet. The levels of neutralizing antibody response were similar to the immune response that people had after naturally recovering from Covid-19, according to the study. The researchers also looked at responses from T cells, another component of the immune system. "[Outcomes from] the trial also suggest the vaccines also produce a T cell response within 28 days," the researchers wrote. Larger trials needed Scientists not involved in the study said that, while the results are a positive sign, only larger, Phase 3 trials can confirm whether the vaccine actually prevents illness with Covid-19. "The data on the Russian vaccine studies reported in The Lancet are encouraging," said Brendan Wren, professor of microbial pathogenesis, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In the study, half of the participants developed fevers and 42% developed headaches. In addition, about 28% experienced weakness and 24% had joint pain. The article did not say how long these side effects lasted but said "most adverse events were mild." The vaccine was registered in Russia in August, before it had gone through large-scale trials. The researchers at the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia received approval on August 26 to do a Phase 3 trial, which is expected to have 40,000 volunteers, according to a press release from The Lancet. The researchers are already distributing the vaccine to high-risk groups, according to Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is financing Russian vaccine research. Gamaleya is using adenoviruses in their Covid-19 vaccines; this is the same approach used in the vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca. The adenovirus delivers genetic material for the spike protein that sits atop the virus that causes Covid-19, and that genetic material is designed to generate an immune response to the virus. Adenoviruses can cause a variety of symptoms, including the common cold. The researchers manipulate the virus so it will not replicate and cause illness. The Gamaleya vaccine is given in two doses, and each dose uses a different adenovirus vector. "Using two different viruses gives a theoretical advantage," said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccinologist at the University of Pennsylvania. Naor Bar-Zeev, deputy director of the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins University, said in a linked comment that the studies are "encouraging but small," according to The Lancet. Bar-Zeev was not involved in the Russian study, but peer reviewed it. Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF, said that the trial results confirm the "high safety and efficacy" of the vaccine, adding in a statement Friday that the results are "a powerful response to skeptics who unreasonably criticized the Russian vaccine." Mass trials begin next week Russia has previously said it plans to begin mass vaccination of citizens in October, and the country's health ministry has said the country's frontline medical staff and teachers will be the first vaccinated. Post-registration trials of the vaccine will begin in Moscow next week, the city's mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, said Friday. More than 5,000 people have already signed up to participate in the trials, according to Sobyanin, who spoke during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sobyanin also announced that he had been vaccinated with the first of the vaccine's two shots. The mayor said polls suggest around half of Russian citizens are skeptical about the vaccine. "According to the polls, around half doubt whether they need to get vaccinated for coronavirus, whether it is developed enough or not. Two months ago, there were almost 90% skeptics," said Sobyanin. Without completed Phase 3 trials, Russia has not proven to the world Sputnik V works, though Dmitriev has previously said several countries in Latin America, the Middle East and Asia have expressed interest in procuring the vaccine. Russia isn't the only country fast tracking its vaccine -- China approved an experimental coronavirus vaccine in June for members of its military, and in August, it emerged the country had been using the vaccine on those in "high risk" professions -- such as frontline medical professionals and border inspectors -- since July. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Russia's Covid-19 vaccine generated an immune response, study says" Before she literally wrote a book on open relationships, Winnipeg sex and relationship therapist Susan Wenzel was in a monogamous marriage with her husband Denys. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Before she literally wrote a book on open relationships, Winnipeg sex and relationship therapist Susan Wenzel was in a monogamous marriage with her husband Denys. That is, until, he came to her wanting to discuss opening their marriage. "It was a very scary time for me, because I had that idea of monogamy," she recalls. "I remember feeling very dizzy, very confused, very hurt. All that anxiety kicks in." She even kicked him out. That was eight years ago. Now, Wenzel, 41, and her husband, also 41, are in a consensual non-monogamous open marriage, which means they are free to pursue relationships with other people and shes never been happier. Her book, A Happy Life in an Open Relationship: The Essential Guide to a Healthy and Fulfilling Nonmonogamous Love Life, came out in March via Chronicle Books. Susan Wenzel and her husband, Denys Volkov, have an open marriage. (Supplied) "I wanted something for people who are considering opening their relationship, so they could have a guide," says Wenzel, who has worked with many couples who are either curious about open relationships or are currently in one through her therapy practice. Their struggles and challenges were familiar to her, and she shares her own story in the book. "(The book) doesnt advocate, it doesnt say, non-monogamy is the way to go it just says, if you are in a non-monogamous relationship or youre considering opening up your relationship, this is a book that will help you maintain and navigate that relationship well." When we think about the love stories were told, in fairy tales and rom-coms, monogamy and, in particular, heterosexual monogamy tends to be the norm, which is why some people find the idea of non-monogamy threatening. "It questions all those beliefs we have about relationships, all the myths we have about relationships," Wenzel says. "From the time youre a little person, youve been taught that monogamy is the way to do it: you find your Prince Charming or your princess or whatever, and you live happily ever after. Youre special, youre the true one person. "Hearing a different story can really throw people off. People get very triggered when they hear about open relationships because of their own fears." "People get very triggered when they hear about open relationships because of their own fears. Susan Wenzel Wenzel saw that first-hand when she and her husband came out. The response, she said, was mostly positive, "especially from my friends and people who know us; they do know were happy in our relationship," she says. But there were others who didnt quite know what to make of it. "Again, it throws them off because its like, How come you guys are so happy and youre living this lifestyle that is not the norm to many people? But then they see we havent changed, were still relatable. "Sometimes (monogamy) doesnt work," she says. "It works for some, and thats great, but for those who are non-monogamous, I think they are worthy of finding happiness they are looking for. The common ground is people want to be happy in their relationships." "(The book) doesnt advocate, it doesnt say, non-monogamy is the way to go it just says, if you are in a non-monogamous relationship or youre considering opening up your relationship, this is a book that will help you maintain and navigate that relationship well." (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) And monogamy is not a sure route to happiness for many people, especially when one is expected to be everything to ones partner. "You are my confidant, you are my security, you are my lover, you are my friend, you fulfil all my sexual needs, all my emotional needs you become everything to that person, (and) thats doomed to fail. "We also start taking people for granted not because we dont love them, but because they are ours. Theres something about open relationships where youre reminded that other people find your partner attractive, too." At first, Wenzels newly opened relationship was fraught, governed by control, fear and jealousy. Wenzel began to look inward in order to answer a question that both scared and excited her: "What would happen if I embraced this?" Through her own personal growth, she was able to pinpoint that a large source of her anxiety related to a childhood-rooted fear of abandonment. "But thats a story I tell myself because my partner is there for me in so many ways," she says. "I know hes reliable and dependable that doesnt change because hes seeing someone else." Non-monogamy also opened other doors for her, including the freedom to pursue relationships with women something she says that both her religious background and her belief in monogamy "would not have allowed me to even entertain theyre those thoughts you have that you push away," she says. "This is an opportunity to live my truth." This is an opportunity to live my truth. Susan Wenzel Wenzel and her husband have two kids, a 14-year-old son and a 13-year-old-daughter. The idea of a different family unit wasnt completely unfamiliar to them: their Kenyan grandfather, Wenzels father, has two wives. "My son says, No, thats not for me and my daughter says, "It makes sense, sometimes I like different people," Wenzel says. The couple maintains boundaries with their children: general questions only; their sex lives are not up for discussion. In order for a non-monogamous relationship to work, trust, communication and consent are paramount. Otherwise, its not an open relationship. Its an affair. "Consent is vital," Wenzel says. "If you step out and see other people without consent, youre breaking the agreement that you committed with your partner, because that person thinks theyre in a monogamous relationship with you. And youre depriving them of an opportunity to be a part of it. Maybe theyve never brought it up because they thought it wasnt on the table. "When its consensual, you can create healthy boundaries. You can talk about safe sex. When its non-consensual, the other person is not aware of whats going on." In order for a non-monogamous relationship to work, trust, communication and consent are paramount, says Wenzel. Otherwise, its not an open relationship. Its an affair. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) Which brings us to, as with all matters in 2020, to the pandemic. Wenzel has seen, especially in various Facebook groups, non-monogamous couples grappling with new challenges put in place by COVID-19. "That is a concern, where one person wants to see their open-relationship partner, and the other person doesnt," she says. Her advice is to approach the subject the same way one approaches other family members who arent in the same bubble. "Maybe its not the time to meet someone you dont know right now, because you dont know their history. But if you know someones history, you know they havent travelled, then thats just like a family member outside the household. Maybe were not hugging, but we can still spend time with them," she says. "Its important to hear your partners concerns, to validate their concerns if they have a problem not just go ahead and do it. And then come up with a solution, to say, Can I meet this person for coffee and no contact? Or, Can I ask first where theyve been? Making an effort to show your partner you are taking it seriously may help lessen their anxiety." One belief system I changed is, My husband is not the source of my happiness. I am the source of my happiness." Susan Wenzel For Wenzel, non-monogamy ended up strengthening the relationship with her husband. 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. "One belief system I changed is, My husband is not the source of my happiness. I am the source of my happiness. And if I look to him to make me happy, he will fail every time. That happiness comes from within me," she says. "And also to know that he came into this life to do his life, and for me to do my life and maybe we can walk alongside each other and do that life together." Wenzel views her open relationship as a gift that has allowed her to grow in all areas of her life. "Its not the open relationship that brought me happiness," she says. "Its the work around it." jen.zoratti@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @JenZoratti If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more. Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project. Vedanta, Indias largest mining company, has moved the Supreme Court with a special leave petition (SLP) to undertake maintenance activities at its Sterlite Copper plant in Tamil Nadu, closed since May 2018. The apex court will soon start hearings. This could be Indias ideal case of balancing environmental concerns with necessities for investments, industries and growth. The faster it is resolved, the better it is for the nation and its economy. The closed plant is hanging over Vedanta like the proverbial sword of Damocles. Its fate is unknown, and the stalemate has existed for over two years. The impetus for closure of the plant in Thoothukudi where workers are still displaying plenty of forbearance isnt entirely economic. Theres a lot of politics involved. The demand to shutter one of Asias largest plants is from the Tamil Nadu government that blames Sterlite for polluting groundwater, releasing toxic fumes in air, and spilling toxic waste into the sea. Sterlite has contested the charges. With the plant closed, many downstream units have also fallen on bad days. Thoothukudi is now a ghost town. There are other tensions as well. In the end, the issue boils down to Indias copper business. When it was operating, the plant produced more than 40 percent of the total domestic output of copper. Now, India spends $2 billion annually on copper imports, mainly from China. Vedantas grudge is that no one is talking about domestic copper production in India, and Indian industry seems resigned to rising copper imports. Copper production has somewhat become an uncharted territory, almost like the iron ore mines in Goa, Odisha and Chhattisgarh where protests prevail over the works, impacting production. Then, it invariably turns into an election issue, like it is happening in Tamil Nadu. If the Thoothukudi plant remains shut, then thousands of people employed directly and indirectly will have to find new means for earning a living. The Sterlite Copper is a perfect one step forward, two step backward case. The Madras High Court, through its August 18 verdict, upheld the decision of the Tamil Nadu government, blaming Sterlite for violation of environmental rules. The court judgment came after the National Green Tribunal had in 2018 asked the Tamil Nadu government to allow reopening of the copper plant. With the Sterlite SLP in the apex court, it will be some time before the matter is settled. Add to this is the economic impact of a synchronised shutdown of a plant. The sociological impact of such agitation-led shutdown is unlike any seen since the 1970s collapse of Bengals industry, and the 1982 cotton mill workers agitation in Bombay. The big industrialisation debate in India is always without logic. One side says mining companies rarely value environmental laws; the mining companies say protestors work with vested interests, and do not understand the intricacies of environmental laws. For example, can there be illegal iron ore mining if all mines are situated cheek by jowl in a state? Or can there be environmental violations if the NGT issues a safety clearance? The police firing on protestors in Thoothukudi caused 13 deaths in May 2018, and turned out to be the biggest trigger for the shutdown. The plant became a political tinderbox and the Tamil Nadu government was forced to down shutters. Lost in the middle is both business and growth. Big plants are ventilators vital for treating the economy. The closed plant in Thoothukudi has already shown a glimpse of the deterioration thats coming. India is likely to end the current financial year 2020-21 with copper imports of 400 million tonne against 341 million tonne in the year ago. The figure could reach 500 million tonne by 2022. From being a net exporter of copper, India became a net importer of the metal for the first time in 18 years since 2019 after Sterlite Copper downed shutters in May 2018. This is a self-inflicted wound to the economy, a dampener for investor sentiment when the economy is in doldrums because of COVID-19 pandemic. A sense of unease has gripped the corporate world. On August 25, RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka tweeted that In one of our businesses, 65 percent of the turnover came from Chinese imports. In the last two months, we have already brought it down to 35 percent. Onward march to take it as close to zero as possible. Let's all give #MakeInIndia a special thrust and make our country a China mukt Bharat. In other words, Aatmanirbhar Bharat has found resonance in most of the sectors except copper. The domestic copper industry lies like a prostrate, disembowel Gulliver, totally helpless. The Thoothukudi plant has become a disturbing symbol for Indian industry. The central government is trying hard to create a more enabling environment for investors, confirmed by a massive improvement in India's rankings in the World Bank Ease of Doing business Index. Unfortunately, the Centres enthusiasm is not shared by many state governments. Many states still have a bewildering array of rules and regulations that are a challenge to investors. In a federal set up like India, state governments have a lot of power. However, there are times when that very power works against the interests of the nation. Examples of typical deep learning tasks (left panel) and the corresponding Earth system science problems that they can be applied to: a, Object recognition in images relates to detection of extreme weather patterns in climate data; b, Super-resolution relates to downscaling of climate data; c, Video prediction relates to forecasting of Earth system variables; d, Language translation relates to modeling of dynamic time series. Credit: Reichstein, M., Camps-Valls, G., Stevens, B. et al. Deep learning and process understanding for data-driven Earth system science. Nature 566, 195-04 [2019]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-0912-1) The role of deep learning in science is at a turning point, with weather, climate, and Earth systems modeling emerging as an exciting application area for physics-informed deep learning that can more effectively identify nonlinear relationships in large datasets, extract patterns, emulate complex physical processes, and build predictive models. "Deep learning has had unprecedented success in some very challenging problems, but scientists want to understand exactly how these models work and why they do the things they do," said Karthik Kashinath, a computer scientist and engineer in the Data & Analytics Services Group (DAS) at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) who has been deeply involved in NERSC's research and education efforts in this area. "A key goal of deep learning for science is how do you design and train a neural network so that it can capture accurately the complexity of the processes it seeks to model, emulate, or predict, and we're developing ways to infuse physics and domain knowledge into these neural networks so that they obey the laws of nature and their results are explainable, robust, and trustworthy." We caught up with Kashinath following the Artificial Intelligence for Earth System Science (AI4ESS) Summer School, a week-long virtual event hosted in June by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) that was attended by more than 2,400 researchers from around the world. Kashinath was involved in organizing and presenting at the event, along with David John Gagne and Rich Loft of NCAR. Much of Kashinath's current research focuses on the application of deep learning methods to climate and Earth systems modeling. How are deep learning methodologies being adopted in weather, climate, and Earth systems research? In recent years we've seen a significant rise in the use of deep learning in science, not just in augmenting, enhancing or replacing existing methods, but also for discovering new science in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and more discoveries that were nearly impossible with traditional statistical methods. We are now starting to see the same in the Earth sciences, with the number of publications in journals like Geophysical Research Letters and Nature Geoscience rising and scientific conferences now featuring entire tracks involving machine and deep learning. What does deep learning bring to the table? It is extremely powerful in pattern recognition and discovering very complex nonlinear relationships that exist in large datasets, both of which are critical for developing models of Earth science systems. The key goal of a weather or climate modeler is to understand the ways in which processes in nature operate and to model them in an effective manner so we can predict the future of climate change and extreme weather events. Deep learning offers new methods for using existing data to understand how these processes operate and to develop models for them that are not only accurate and effective but also computationally much faster than traditional methods. Traditionally, climate and weather models solve large systems of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations, which is extremely computationally intensive. Deep learning is starting to augment, enhance, or even replace parts of these models with very efficient and fast physical process emulators. And that's a significant step forward. Pattern recognition is another area where deep learning is influencing Earth systems research. The DAS group at NERSC has been pushing hard on pattern recognition for detecting and tracking weather and climate patterns in large datasets. The 2018 Gordon Bell prize for exascale climate analytics using deep learning testifies to our contributions in that area. Given that we already have petabytes of climate data and that it is increasing at a crazy rate, it is physically impossible to sift through and recognize the key features and patterns using traditional statistical approaches. Deep learning offers very fast ways to mine that data and extract useful information such as extreme weather patterns. A third area is downscaling; that is, given a low-resolution dataset, how do you produce very high-resolution data that is necessary for things like planning, especially on regional and local scales? Part of the grand challenge of climate science is how to build very high-resolution models that are accurate and produce data that we can reliably work with. One way to attack the problem is to say okay, we know these models are extremely expensive, and in the foreseeable future even with computing getter faster and better we're really not going to be able to build reliable global climate models at a spatial resolution of 1 km or finer. So if we can create a deep learning model that takes low-resolution climate data and produces high-resolution data that is physically meaningful, reliable, and accurate that is a game changer. What is a grand challenge for deep learning applied to Earth system science? I come from a background in fluid dynamics, where modeling turbulence is a long-standing grand challenge. A similar challenge in the atmospheric sciences is modeling clouds. All climate models have parameterizations components in the climate model that describe how various physical processes behave and interact with each other. In the atmosphere that includes how clouds form, how radiation works, when and where precipitation happens, etc. Cloud modeling is also known to be the largest source of uncertainty in climate model projections, and for decades one of the big challenges has been how to reduce the uncertainty. Models have become much more complex and capture many more physical phenomena, but they still have large uncertainties in their predictions. So one area where deep learning could have a significant impact is to help us build better emulators of atmospheric processes like clouds, with the goal of reducing the uncertainties in predictions. That is a very concrete scientific goal. As you look ahead, what are you most excited about in terms of the impact of deep learning on climate and Earth systems research? The major pushback we've had from the scientific community is that neural networks are black boxes that are hard to understand and interpret, and scientists obviously would like to understand exactly how these neural networks work and why they do the things they do. So one thing I'm really excited about is developing better ways to interpret and understand these networks and incorporate the knowledge that we have about the physics of the Earth system into these models so they are more robust, reliable, trustworthy, interpretable, explainable, and transparent. The goal is to convince ourselves that these models are behaving in ways that respect the physics of nature, are effectively using the domain knowledge that we have, and are making predictions that we can trust. I was invited to submit a paper to Proceedings of the Royal Society on exactly this topic, "Physics-informed Deep Learning for Weather and Climate Modeling," which is now under review. I'm also excited about proving, in operation, that these deep learning models provide the computational speedup we claim they will provide when we embed them into a large climate or weather model. For example, the European Weather Forecasting Center has started to replace some parts of its weather forecasting model with machine and deep learning models, and they are already starting to see benefits. In the U.S., NCAR and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are also starting to replace parts of their climate and weather models with machine learning and deep learning models, and a number of academic and industry-based research groups are working on related projects. Chris Bretherton, one of the world's leading climate scientists, heads a group at the University of Washington that is working to replace some of the complicated cloud processes in these large climate models with deep learning methods. So I'm looking forward to seeing their results in a year or two on speedup and performance. What was the focus of the AI4ESS event, and why was it so well-attended? The Artificial Intelligence for Earth System Science (AI4ESS) Summer School focused on how attendees can strengthen their background in statistics and machine learning, learn the fundamentals of deep learning and neural networks, and learn how to use these for challenging problems in the Earth system sciences. We had an overwhelming response to the school it was supposed to be an in-person event in Boulder, Colo., with a capacity of 80 students. But once it went virtual, we had 2,400 attendees from 40 countries across the globe. It was live-streamed through UCAR and they tracked the daily log-ins. There was great participation throughout the week. We had invited speakers every day three lectures a day, so 15 lectures over the week with experts from machine learning, deep learning, and the Earth sciences. Each day there was also a panel discussion for 30 minutes over lunch, and for me, these were super exciting because all of these experts were discussing and debating about the challenges and opportunities of using machine learning and deep learning for Earth system science. The school also held a week-long hackathon, where teams of six each chose a project from six different problems to work on for the week. About 500 people participated in the hackathon, with a lot of collaboration and interaction, including individual Slack channels for each of the hackathon teams. There were also Slack channels for the entire week of the summer school on various things: lecture-related Q&As, hackathon challenge problems, technical tips and tricks in machine learning and deep learning, etc. So there was a lot of Slack activity going on, with people exchanging ideas, sharing results, and so forth. Why is everyone so keen on learning this stuff? I think the community, especially the younger scientists, see that deep learning can be a game changer in science and they don't want to be left behind. They believe that it is going to be mainstream soon and that it is going to be essential for doing science. That's the main motivator. So AI4ESS focused on teaching the fundamentals and laying the groundwork for them to begin applying machine and deep learning successfully to their research. Explore further Innovative tools offer reproducibility for Deep Learning LOUISVILLE, Ky. A detailed investigative report written more than a month after Louisville Metro Police fatally shot Breonna Taylor in her apartment on March 13 provides the first comprehensive look at the narcotics case that brought officers to her door. Though police recovered no drugs or cash from the 26-year-old emergency room technician's apartment in Louisville's South End, the May 1 police report shows how officers linked Taylor to a narcotics investigation centered 10 miles away largely through evidence that has since been challenged. Why police targeted Taylor's apartment for a "no knock" search warrant after midnight has been a key question in the case since her shooting became a national rallying cry for racial justice in May. After police used a battering ram to break open Taylor's front door, her boyfriend Kenneth Walker fired a single shot, which police said struck Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the femoral artery. Mattingly, along with Detective Myles Cosgrove and now-fired Detective Brett Hankison, returned fire, killing Taylor. An attorney for Walker said Tuesday that a fellow officer more likely shot Mattingly than Walker. Kenneth Walker: Lawyer for Breonna Taylor's boyfriend sues police, says he didn't shoot officer 100 days of protests: Looking back at moments that have shaped the Breonna Taylor movement Police had search warrant for Taylor's address Misinformation shared on social media suggested the officers showed up at the wrong house, but police had a search warrant signed by Circuit Judge Mary Shaw for Taylor's address and for her. The eight-page LMPD report reinforces, however, that Taylor was not the main target of the narcotics investigation, which initially centered around other individuals accused of selling drugs. The report's author was Detective Joshua Jaynes, who secured the March 12 warrant for Taylor's home and four suspected drug houses. The report also shows that LMPD's new Place-Based Investigations Squad spent about 2 months conducting heavy surveillance. Story continues Taylor was linked to the suspects in that investigation, according to the report, because a car registered in her name stopped in early January at one of the properties being watched. Moreover, it states that Jamarcus Glover, a convicted drug dealer and Taylor's former boyfriend, picked up a package at her home Jan. 16 while police were watching him. The report further says: It was Mattingly, the officer who was shot at Taylor's apartment, who asked the postal service whether Glover was receiving packages at Taylor's apartment. Jaynes wrote in a March 12 sworn affidavit for a search warrant that he had verified that Glover was receiving packages at Taylor's home through a postal inspector (a Louisville postal inspector later told WDRB news that wasn't true). Glover listed Taylor's home as his address on a Chase bank account, and a search warrant for the account was executed on March 19, six days after her death. Glover listed Taylor's phone number as his when he filed a complaint against a police officer in February for towing his red Dodge Charger for a parking violation. Jaynes is on administrative reassignment pending an investigation of "how and why the search warrant was approved," interim Police Chief Robert Schroeder said in June. The May 1 report was co-signed by Detective Kelly Goodlett, another Place-Based Investigations officer who also authored a controversial 39-page LMPD report written after Taylor's death that detailed her ties with Glover, the main suspect in the narcotics case. Glover told The Louisville Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, in an Aug. 26 interview that Taylor had nothing to do with illicit drugs. He also denied that Taylor had been holding money for him, despite telling a caller that she was during a taped phone conversation March 13 at Metro Corrections. Police suspected, according to the May report written by Jaynes, that Glover "may be keeping narcotics and/or proceeds from the sale of narcotics at (Taylor's apartment) for safekeeping." A property seizure log completed after searching Taylor's apartment following the shooting listed no drugs or money. The report also reflects that the investigation into suspected narcotics trafficking continued beyond the execution of search warrants and Taylor's death on March 13. Uncut and unedited: Livestreamers have become a key cog in the Louisville protests Interest in 'epicenter' of drugs The Place-Based Investigations Squad, a unit created in late December 2019 to focus on small areas "ridden with violent crime," turned its attention first to an area between South 26th Street and West Broadway, including Elliott Avenue, according to Jaynes. Detectives gathered calls for service, incident reports and drug crime tips, learning that First Division officers had conducted narcotics searches in December 2019 on three residences. Officer Charles Heller wrote in three Dec. 30 search warrant affidavits that a confidential informant had reported people selling crack cocaine from 2424 Elliott Ave. in the past 48 hours, and the driver of a vehicle stopped by police had reported people were also using 2605 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. for the drug sales. The warrants gave police authority to search Glover, along with Dominique Crenshaw, De'Marius Bowman and Cleve Knight. A judge whose signature isn't legible signed all three warrants and authorized police's "no knock" request. Heller wrote that it was important the warrants be "no knock" search warrants because "it is common for drug traffickers to protect their drugs with guns" and that the criminal history of known associates created a "particularly dangerous situation." "It was determined," Jaynes wrote, "that the epicenter of the narcotics trafficking in the area was 2424 Elliott Ave." Breonna's Law: Rep. Attica Scott proposes banning no-knock search warrants across Kentucky Following that decision, officers kicked off weeks of surveillance: Installing a police camera, following vehicles and conducting pedestrian and traffic stops. In the weeks before the search warrants were executed March 13, a confidential informant working with police went to Elliott Avenue and confirmed narcotics were being sold there, according to the investigative summary from Jaynes. Why was Breonna Taylor part of the investigation? Taylor isn't referenced much in the report, but here's what police do say: On Jan. 2, a pole camera installed at South 24th Street and Elliott Avenue captured footage of a white Chevrolet Impala registered to Taylor pull up in front of 2424 Elliott Ave. The camera footage showed Glover exiting from the passenger side. A red Dodge Charger that police say was used by both Glover and Adrian Walker, a co-defendant, made "frequent trips" between Elliott Avenue and Springfield Drive, where Taylor lived, according to "physical and electronic surveillance," Jaynes wrote. On Jan. 16, Glover was photographed by police entering Taylor's apartment and left with a "suspected USPS package." He then drove to 2605 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., which Jaynes described in the search warrant affidavit as a "known drug house." Glover has since disputed some of that surveillance evidence. He told The Courier Journal in an Aug. 26 interview he'd worried about deliveries to his house being stolen, and Taylor had agreed to have the items sent to her apartment instead. "Nothing even been illegal there," he said. "Getting shoes and clothes coming through the mail is not illegal. Nothing illegal at all." Glover also noted that LMPD had a surveillance camera outside of 2424 Elliott Ave., so he said police knew Taylor wasn't doing anything illegal when she came over. "We're literally standing outside," Glover said. "They had their camera. They seen everything. No illegal activity. A hug is not illegal. She's not bringing me no boxes, she's not bringing nothing." The leaked LMPD report detailing the links between Taylor and Glover referenced recorded jail calls, including one made hours after her fatal police shooting, in which Glover tells his girlfriend Kiera Bradley that Taylor was holding $8,000 for him and she had been "handling all my money." Bradley told The Courier Journal in an Aug. 31 interview that she thought their heated conversation prompted Glover to say that. "I think he was just saying that because he had a bond. I'm like, 'Where is your money?' I was upset. You can look at the calls, I was talking about my daughter. ... You know, it was an argument. I think that he was just like, she had all my money because he had a bond," Bradley said. No evidence of Taylor holding money for Glover is included in Jaynes' May report, but it notes that a search warrant on Glover's Chase bank account, approved by a judge six days after Taylor's death, shows that Glover listed his residence as Taylor's apartment on Springfield Drive, Jaynes wrote. (The criminal discovery file for Glover's pending case includes a Chase Bank record obtained by police, apparently through a Feb. 6 grand jury subpoena, that lists Glover's address as Taylor's apartment on Springfield Drive.) Records reviewed by The Courier Journal show police also had signed search warrants for phone numbers connected to Glover that would have allowed them to review information on calls and locations. Background: Breonna Taylor was briefly alive after police shot her. But no one tried to treat her The March 12 search warrant affidavits and May 1 report don't list any evidence obtained from that effort. However, one of the phone numbers tracked, documents show, was Taylor's. Police sought a search warrant for her phone number Feb. 17, after Glover "attempted to file a complaint" three days earlier against an officer who had towed his Dodge Charger for a parking violation, Jaynes wrote. Glover provided a phone number registered to Taylor. The warrant, signed and sealed Feb. 17 by Jefferson Circuit Judge Charles Cunningham, allowed police to access all text messages, call details, cell tower locations and detailed subscriber information "that will be valuable to the investigation" for a 30-day period. Jaynes wrote that he "has received information that Breonna Taylor may be the suspected girlfriend of Jamarcus Glover" and "it is not uncommon for drug traffickers to use phone numbers under different names to avoid detection from law enforcement." Jaynes added the "phone ping" would allow police to look into Glover's "criminal enterprise" and potentially find "other locations that will help the investigation" because police had "exhausted conventional means of surveillance." Nothing indicates when police executed that warrant. On Feb. 21, four days after obtaining the first warrant, Jaynes got an additional sealed search warrant for a Cingular Wireless phone number police believed belonged to Glover. That warrant also doesn't note when it was executed. The discovery file for Glover's pending criminal case additionally includes a background check of Taylor dated May 18, more than two months after her death. What happened after Breonna Taylor's shooting? After March 13, detectives watched pedestrian and vehicle traffic through the pole camera at Elliott Avenue, which they said indicated narcotics trafficking continued. "Although the traffic isn't as heavy as it was before, it is apparent that these individuals are still selling narcotics from this location," Jaynes wrote. Over the next few weeks, detectives conducted at least three traffic stops on vehicles leaving the Elliott Avenue home once for failing to wear seat belts and another for an improper turn and found drugs in the vehicles. One of those traffic stops prompted Goodlett to write an April 8 note to the citys public nuisance and Metro 311 email accounts, documenting the propertys latest infraction it's strike 3." City documents show that Goodlett and the Place-Based Initiative officers had worked closely with city Codes and Regulations Department personnel for months to keep tabs on the Elliott Avenue house. On Jan. 22, the property owner, Law Mar Inc. and Gerald Happle, received its first notice of criminal activity "constituting a public nuisance." On March 17, following the March 13 warrants, the property was formally deemed a public nuisance. Read this: What to know about the investigations into the police shooting of Breonna Taylor Happle called the next day to ask about donating the house. The city gave Happle an order to vacate the home on April 13. By then, Happle already had given his renters notice to leave the home and signed an application to donate the house to the city. On April 22, detectives executed another "no knock" search warrant on 2424 Elliott Ave. the third in five months. Police found crack cocaine, suspected ecstasy or MDMA, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia, Jaynes wrote. The same day, with the aid of the city's Codes and Regulations Department, police cleared and boarded up 2424 Elliott Ave. On June 5 what would have been Taylor's 27th birthday Happle signed over the deed on the house. The city paid $1. Contributing: Phillip Bailey, USA TODAY. Follow reporters Darcy Costello ( @dctello) and Tessa Duvall (@TessaDuvall) on Twitter. The Breonna Taylor Case: A Louisville Courier Journal newsletter that takes you beyond the headlines This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Breonna Taylor case: Report details why police wanted to search home A pair of Melbourne security guards monitoring guests in hotel quarantine have been sacked after being accused of 'sexual activity' together, an inquiry has heard. The embattled guards had worked for a security subcontractor hired by MSS Security to watch over returned travellers during the state's quarantine program. Sam Krekelis, business manager of events at MSS, told the hotel quarantine inquiry the unnamed pair had gotten a 'bit comfortable together' and they had since stopped working for the company. An inquiry heard two guards at a Melbourne hotel quarantine had engaged in 'sexual activity' together (pictured, guests outside Stamford Hotel in Melbourne) 'There was also a suggestion made by other guards that possibly the two in question had been engaged in sexual activity,' Mr Krekelis said in a report tendered to the inquiry. 'I was informed by the managing director of (subcontractor) Australian Protection Group later that day that "there was no major incident just two staff members that got a bit comfortable working together"; that their actions had not jeopardised their work and that they would not be working on MSS sites again.' The inquiry also heard security guards were not allowed to chase after people who tried to escape the mandatory 14-day isolation, designed to keep coronavirus from coming in from overseas. Gregory Watson, the Victorian general manager of Wilson Security, told the inquiry that security staff were instructed not to pursue anyone who managed to get outside the hotel. 'If anybody was to do a runner or abscond, we were to let them go, and then it would be advised to the police, whose job it would be then to follow up,' Mr Watson said, the Herald Sun reported. Staff inside the Stamford Hotel in Melbourne are seen moving luggage for guests in quarantine on June 25 No guards from Wilson Security were reported of contracting COVID-19 or of spreading it outside the hotels and into the community. However eight Wilson Security guards deployed to hotels were fired for either sleeping on the job, being rude, abandoning their posts and one who made an inappropriate advances towards a hotel guest, Mr Watson confirmed. The company also received a total of 23 complaints about staff and subcontractors during their time monitoring hotels - 21 of them occurred in the first fortnight. The revelations comes after it was heard that eight security guards subcontracted by MSS Security tested positive to COVID-19 to the virus while working at the Stamford Plaza hotel in mid-June. The guards are believed to have contracted the killer disease while carpooling and working on the same floor. Passengers are seen arriving into Sydney after securing a seat on a flight from Hong Kong (pictured on August 23) as they are ushered to hotel quarantine by waiting police About one in 10 cases of the state's second wave can be traced back to outbreaks at the hotel. Meanwhile, six guards from Sterling Pixxel caught COVD-19 while working at the Rydges on Swanston in May. The guards were subcontracted by Unified Security. About 90 per cent of second wave cases can be traced back to the hotel. The coronavirus-riddled state recorded 59 more deaths and 81 new cases on Friday. Fifty of the new deaths were people who passed away in aged care in July and August, after a federal and state government review of previous deaths in facilities across the state. The Pentagon has ordered the imminent shutdown of Stars and Stripes, the storied newspaper that has reported on the American military since the dawn of the Civil War - though the commander in chief may have issued a stay of execution. In an undated memo to its publisher and staff, a Pentagon public-affairs official told the publication to begin vacating its offices next week and to submit a plan that "dissolves" it. "The last newspaper publication (in all forms) will be September 30, 2020," wrote Col. Paul Haverstick Jr. But, on Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter that the publication, which is editorially independent of the Pentagon but receives about half its funding from it, will continue. "The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch," he tweeted after a spate of stories were published about the imminent closure. "It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military!" Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in February that he intended to cut funds to the publication, some $15.5 million in the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. A loss of the funding would probably lead to the demise of the 159-year-old newspaper, although Congress appears poised to step in to ensure it receives federal support. The Pentagon's move has alarmed a bipartisan group of senators, including some close allies of Trump. On Wednesday, they asked Esper to reconsider his decision, warning him that he can't move forward without Congressional authorization. Founded by Union soldiers in 1861, Stars and Stripes has launched the careers of journalists such as Pulitzer-winning cartoonist Bill Mauldin, whose drawings of GI grunts "Willie and Joe" were a staple on the homefront and abroad during World War II. The publication has often run afoul of the Pentagon's brass for reporting unflattering stories about military operations and management. On Friday, for example, its website, Stripes.com, posted a news story about Trump's denial that he disparaged U.S. war dead as "losers" and "suckers," following a report in the Atlantic magazine. It has reported extensively on the Department of Defense's policy of keeping schools on bases in Japan open during the pandemic, even as Japanese schools were closing due to the health threat. It broke the first story about NBC News anchor Brian Williams' exaggerated accounts of his experiences covering the war in Iraq, which eventually led to Williams' demotion. It has also covered its own potential demise. The memo directing its shutdown was first reported by Stars and Stripes on Wednesday; the publication said Haverstick wrote it last month. Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer told The Washington Post that the papers's management is working out the plans for ceasing publication and dissolving the organization but said it is still "premature to implement those steps." Stars and Stripes has said the Pentagon funding accounts for about half its annual revenue; the balances comes from subscriptions and advertising. It's not entirely clear why the Pentagon wants to zero out the publication, given that its annual subsidy amounts to a tiny fraction of the Defense Department's $700 billion-plus budget. Esper said in February that funds devoted to the publication would be used for "higher-priority issues," such as weapons purchases. In a letter on Wednesday, a bipartisan group of 15 senators told Esper that any decision about discontinuing the publication's funding should wait until Congress has formally approved the Pentagon's next budget. It said funding for ongoing programs can't be cut until a new budget is enacted. "The $15.5 million currently allocated for the publication of Stars and Stripes is only a tiny fraction of your Department's annual budget, and cutting it would have a significantly negative impact on military families and a negligible impact on the Department's bottom line," wrote the group, which included 11 Democrats and four Republicans. The signatories include several members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Pentagon's budget. It also includes nine members - four Republicans and five Democrats - on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which writes annual appropriations legislation. The letter described Stars and Stripes as "an essential part of our nation's freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom." The House has already passed a funding bill that includes money for Stars and Stripes, although the Senate hasn't yet acted. Once it does so, the two bills must be reconciled. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close ally of Trump and a military veteran, has also urged Esper to continue Stars and Stripes' funding until Congress has completed a spending bill. The sentiment was echoed by Ernie Gates, ombudsman for the newspaper. "Shutting it down would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations," Gates said. "To shut down Stars and Stripes on Oct. 1 would also defy the expressed will of the House and pre-empt full consideration by the Senate." Prince Harry has said he hopes a Netflix documentary he took part in will help end the stereotyping of para-athletes, as he prepares to produce more programming with his wife Meghan. Harry, 35, was involved in Rising Phoenix, a documentary about the formation of the Paralympic Games, appearing on screen to talk about the power of sport after injury. The royal founded the Invictus Games, a sporting event for former military personnel, who were injured in combat. Speaking to some of the athletes featured in the Netflix documentary, he said: With COVID and everything else that is happening at the moment, your stories and the strength that you guys show, is incredible and that needs to be seen more. It needs to be spoken about more, to try and get rid of the stereotyping to get rid of those preconceptions. Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in 2019 in The Hague, Netherlands. (WireImage) Read more: Prince Harry's friend joins Strictly line-up: JJ Chalmers confirmed for dancing competition He added: My biggest hope is that people will watch this film and go No matter how hard my life is, no matter how hard a day or a week can be, this what I aspire to, not just for me but for my family and all the loved ones around me. It is that element that I think will end up changing the world, so well done and thank you very much. He was speaking to Paralympians including the USs Tatyana McFadden and Matt Stutzman, Italys Bebe Vio, Frances Jean-Baptiste Alaize and South Africas Ntando Mahlangu. Harry and Meghan confirmed on Wednesday that they had signed a deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, scripted series and childrens programming. The couple will be setting up an as yet unnamed production company for their work. Rising Phoenix is streaming on Netflix now. The third Hebei International Industrial Design Week is expected to open in Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei province on Sept. 17, according to a press conference about the event on Thursday. Design teams from countries including Italy, Britain, Germany, Turkey, and Japan will come to the seven-day event with their innovative works and ideas, said Xu Kehua, deputy head of the Industry and Information Technology Department of Hebei province. With Italy as the guest country of honor, the event will focus on cutting-edge topics of industrial design, such as design strategy, green design, and service design. Those who cannot come to the site can experience the design week on the cloud by watching live streaming shows, and commenting and trading online, said Wu Haijun, an official of the Xiong'an New Area. China announced plans to establish the Xiong'an New Area on April 1, 2017, to relieve Beijing of functions non-essential to its role as China's capital. Suite 430, Northbrook, IL 60062 -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/02/2020 -- According to the new market research report "Clean Room Robot Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Type (Articulated, SCARA, Collaborative Robots), End User (Aerospace, Electrical & Electronics, Food & Beverage), Component (Robotic Arm, End Effector), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, (including prices of peripherals, software, and system engineering) size is expected to grow from USD 4.8 billion in 2020 to USD 8.5 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 12.0% during the forecast period. Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=116288447 One of the major drivers contributing to the market size is companies endeavoring to replace humans in clean room environments by clean room robots as contamination caused by humans is unpredictable. A worker is capable of shedding 600,000 particles of skin per hour, which can also contain several micro-organisms, which is strictly unacceptable in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food & beverages. Companies also aim to reduce personnel on the floor so as not to be blindsided by situations like COVID-19 in the future which cause a shortage of labor. Guidelines laid down by several government organizations for hygiene standards have further prompted companies to adopt clean room robots. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that the areas immediately adjacent to the aseptic processing line meet at least ISO Class 7 standards under dynamic conditions in the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, in clean rooms, goods and materials need to be transferred between areas of different environmental grades through material airlocks (MAL). In this process, goods and materials need to be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to prevent the transfer of impurities. When inhaled or absorbed by humans, IPA can have life-threatening effects, such as affecting the central nervous system, which controls the involuntary actions of the body, including heartbeat, breathing, and gag reflex. IPA causes blood's thinning, which causes blood sugar levels to fall, which can eventually lead to seizures. Therefore, considering human safety, companies are moving toward clean room robots. Collaborative robots are expected to grow at a higher rate during the forecast period as compared to traditional industrial robots Collaborative robots are expected to grow at a higher rate during the forecast period as compared to traditional industrial robots as they are cheaper and are more affordable for SMEs. The governments of various developing countries such as India and the Philippines are encouraging SMEs to provide employment opportunities and to make the country self-reliant. For instance, the Indian government has set up MUDRA banks to offer credit scores and services to small entrepreneurs outside the provider discipline of standard banks. Also, due to their collaboration with humans, collaborative robots are more flexible and adaptable in changing the manufacturing processes according to the fast-changing trends. Therefore, collaborative robots are gaining more market share. Market for SCARA robots is expected to grow at highest CAGR during the forecast period The market for SCARA robots is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is because they cost lesser than articulated robots and offer a considerable degree of freedom with 4 axes. Articulated robots can cost between USD 19,000 and USD 120,000, whereas SCARA robots can cost between USD 10,000 and USD 50,000. Also, SCARA robots occupy less space than cartesian and parallel robots and are therefore more adopted than cartesian and parallel robots. In order to be future ready for pandemics such as COVID-19, companies are moving towards automation and are reducing dependency on humans for operation. As articulated robots possess the highest degree of flexibility owing to the maximum number of joints as compared to other robots, they can be molded easily for new manufacturing processes. Due to this independency, articulated robots are expected to be adopted at highest rate to cope with situations like COVID-19. Browse in-depth TOC on "Clean Room Robot Market" 113 Tables 51 Figures 214 Pages Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=116288447 Clean room robot market in APAC is expected to grow at significant CAGR during the forecast period. Market in APAC is expected to grow at highest CAGR during the forecast period for the clean room robot market. This is because of presence of the world's most populous countries, such as China and India. The large population gives rise to a huge demand for clean room robots in the manufacturing of fiber optics from the telecommunication industry. Also, APAC countries have a strong IT industry due to the availability of a cheap workforce. For instance, according to India's Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in January 2020, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, a Japanese tech announced its plans to invest a significant part of its USD-7-billion global commitment for a data center business in India over the next years. This is expected to further increase the demand for clean room robots in the optics industry. Due to the large population, the food & beverage industry is also flourishing in APAC. According to the Population Reference Bureau, in 2019, China had the largest population, followed by India. Also, countries such as Japan and South Korea are major manufacturers of robots; therefore, this further boosts the clean room robot market in APAC. The electronics industry is also booming in APAC due to the increasing buying capacity and cheap labor. For instance, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, per capita income in India increased by 6.8% in 2019. Major companies in the clean room robot market are ABB (Switzerland), YASKAWA (Japan), FANUC (Japan), Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan), KUKA (Germany), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), DENSO (Japan), NACHI-FUJIKOSHI (Japan), EPSON (Japan), OMRON Corporation (Japan), Universal Robots (Denmark), Aerotech (US), IAI (Japan), Staubli (Switzerland), Comau (Italy), Yamaha (Japan), Hirata (Japan), S T Robotics (US), Techman Robot (Taiwan) and Rethink Robotics (US). Related Reports: Collaborative Robot (Cobot) Market by Payload, Component (End Effectors, Controllers), Application (Handling, Assembling & Disassembling, Dispensing, Processing), Industry (Electronics, Furniture & Equipment), and Geography Global Forecast to 2026. Industrial Robotics Market by Type (Articulated Robots, Collaborative Robots), Application (Handling, Processing, Dispensing), Industry (Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Metals & Machinery, Food & Beverages) and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 - By Sydnee Gatewood The MS Global Franchise Fund (Trades, Portfolio), which is part of investment bank Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), released its second-quarter portfolio earlier this week. Managed by a nine-person team, the New York-based fund invests in high-quality companies from around the world in order to achieve long-term capital appreciation. It looks for companies that have resilient business franchises and growth potential. With these criteria in mind, the fund entered one new position during the quarter, reduced 13 holdings and added to 17 other investments. Its most notable trades for the quarter included establishing a holding in Roper Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ROP) and boosting its positions in Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE:PG), Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (LSE:RB.), Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX) and Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM). Roper Technologies The firm invested in 61,334 shares of Roper Technologies, allocating 0.97% of the equity portfolio to the holding. The stock traded for an average price of $357.06 per share during the quarter. The Sarasota, Florida-based tech company, which manufactures engineered products and solutions that include information networks, medical products and software, has a $44.08 billion market cap; its shares were trading around $420.70 on Friday with a price-earnings ratio of 27.56, a price-book ratio of 4.46 and a price-sales ratio of 8.2. The Peter Lynch chart shows the stock is trading above its fair value, suggesting it is overpriced. The GuruFocus valuation rank of 1 out of 10 also supports this assessment since the share price and price-sales ratio are near 10-year highs. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund GuruFocus rated Roper's financial strength 5 out of 10. In addition to adequate interest coverage, the robust Altman Z-Score of 4.23 indicates it is in good standing even though assets are building up at a faster rate than revenue is growing. Story continues The company's profitability fared even better, scoring a 9 out of 10 rating on the back of strong margins and returns that outperform a majority of competitors as well as a high Piotroski F-Score of 7, which implies operations are healthy. Despite recording a slowdown in revenue per share growth over the past 12 months, Roper also has a predictability rank of five out of five stars. According to GuruFocus, companies with this rank return an average of 12.1% annually over a 10-year period. Of the gurus invested in Roper Technologies, Chuck Akre (Trades, Portfolio)'s firm has the largest stake with 1.66% of outstanding shares. Other top guru shareholders include Ron Baron (Trades, Portfolio), Pioneer Investments (Trades, Portfolio), Frank Sands (Trades, Portfolio), Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)' Renaissance Technologies and Diamond Hill Capital (Trades, Portfolio). Procter & Gamble With an impact of 2.33% on the equity portfolio, MS Global boosted its Procter & Gamble position by 102.51%, buying 476,233 shares. During the quarter, shares traded for an average price of $116.42 each. The fund now holds 940,804 shares total, representing 4.6% of the total assets managed. GuruFocus estimates it has gained 15.73% on the investment since establishing it in the first quarter of the year. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund The consumer goods manufacturer headquartered in Cincinnati, which owns legacy brands like Charmin, Gillette and Tide, has a market cap of $341.53 billion; its shares were trading around $137.18 on Friday with a price-earnings ratio of 27.67, a price-book ratio of 7.46 and a price-sales ratio of 5.08. According to the Peter Lynch chart, the stock is overvalued. The GuruFocus valuation rank of 1 out of 10 also supports this assessment since the share price and price-sales ratio are near 10-year highs. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund Procter & Gamble's financial strength was rated 6 out of 10 by GuruFocus. Although the company has issued approximately $2.8 billion in new long-term debt over the past three years, it is at a manageable level due to having adequate interest coverage. It also has a high Altman Z-Score of 4.94 and the ROIC surpasses the WACC, suggesting good returns on invested funds. The company's profitability scored an 8 out of 10 rating, driven by an expanding operating margin, strong returns that outperform a majority of industry peers and a high Piotroski F-Score of 7. Despite recording a slowdown in revenue growth, Procter & Gamble also has a one-star predictability rank. GuruFocus says companies with this rank typically return 1.1% on average annually. With 0.15% of outstanding shares, Pioneer has the largest stake in Procter & Gamble. Other top guru shareholders include Yacktman Asset Management (Trades, Portfolio), Diamond Hill, Simons' firm, Ken Fisher (Trades, Portfolio), Steven Cohen (Trades, Portfolio), Warren Buffett (Trades, Portfolio) and Mairs and Power (Trades, Portfolio). Reckitt Benckiser Group Impacting the equity portfolio by 1.10%, the fund increased its stake in Reckitt Benckiser by 13.47%, buying 293,620 shares. The stock traded for an average per-share price of 67.68 pounds ($89.89) during the quarter. The firm now holds 2.47 million shares, accounting for _ of the total assets managed. GuruFocus data shows it has gained approximately 21.88% on the investment since the first quarter of 2009. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund The British consumer goods company has a market cap of 51.49 billion pounds; its shares closed at 72.38 pounds on Thursday with a price-book ratio of 5.16 and a price-sales ratio of 3.8. Based on the median price-sales chart, the stock appears to be overvalued. The GuruFocus valuation rank of 3 out of 10 also supports this assessment since the share price and price-sales ratio are approaching multiyear highs. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund GuruFocus rated Reckitt Benckiser's financial strength 5 out of 10. Although the company has issued approximately 7.6 billion pounds in new long-term debt over the past three years, it is at a manageable level due to adequate interest coverage. The Altman Z-Score of 2.5, however, indicates it is under some pressure since assets are building up faster than revenue is growing. The ROIC also greatly exceeds the WACC, suggesting good returns on its investments. The company's profitability scored an 8 out of 10 rating on the back of an expanding operating margin. The returns, however, are negative and underperform a majority of competitors. Reckitt Benckiser also has a moderate Piotroski F-Score of 5, which implies business conditions are stable, and a two-star predictability rank that is supported by consistent earnings and revenue growth. GuruFocus data shows companies with this rank return, on average, 6% annually. MS Global is the company's largest guru shareholder with 0.35% of outstanding shares. David Herro (Trades, Portfolio) also owns the stock. Becton, Dickinson The fund upped its Becton, Dickinson holding by 30.79%, buying 97,448 shares. The trade had an impact of 0.95% on the equity portfolio. During the quarter, the stock traded for an average price of $246.67 per share. Accounting for 4.05% of the equity portfolio, the firm holds 413,989 shares total. According to GuruFocus, it has lost around 4.71% on the investment since the third quarter of 2018. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund Commonly known as BD, the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey-based company, which manufactures medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, has a market cap of $68.28 billion; its shares were trading around $233.81 on Friday with a price-earnings ratio of 84.71, a price-book ratio of 2.84 and a price-sales ratio of 3.86. The Peter Lynch chart and the GuruFocus valuation rank of 3 out of 10 both suggest the stock is overvalued, especially since the price-book ratio is near a 10-year high. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund BD's financial strength was rated 4 out of 10 by GuruFocus. In addition to poor interest coverage, the company's Altman Z-Score of 2.16 indicates it is under pressure as a result of assets building up at a faster rate than revenue is growing. The WACC also exceeds the ROIC, indicating poor returns on its investments. Despite having a declining operating margin, the company's profitability scored a 9 out of 10 rating. BD has strong returns that outperform over half of its industry peers, as well as a high Piotroski F-Score of 7. As a result of revenue per share declining over the past year, the three-star predictability rank is on watch. GuruFocus says companies with this rank return, on average, 8.2% annually. Of the gurus invested in BD, Al Gore (Trades, Portfolio)'s Generation Investment Management has the largest stake with 0.89% of outstanding shares. Pioneer, the T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund, Jeremy Grantham (Trades, Portfolio), Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio), Robert Olstein (Trades, Portfolio) and Jeff Auxier (Trades, Portfolio) also have large positions in the stock. Philip Morris International With an impact of 0.95% on the equity portfolio, MS Global boosted its Philip Morris International stake by 14.04%, buying 329,837 shares. During the quarter, shares traded for an average price of $72.91 each. The fund now holds 2.7 million shares total, representing _% of the total assets managed. GuruFocus estimates it has lost 2.29% on the investment. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund The tobacco company, which is headquartered in New York, has a $123.26 billion market cap; its shares were trading around $79.15 on Friday with a price-earnings ratio of 16.92 and a price-sales ratio of 4.24. According to the Peter Lynch chart, the stock is overvalued. The GuruFocus valuation rank of 4 out of 10 also supports this assessment since the price-sales ratio is near a 10-year high. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund GuruFocus rated Philip Morris' financial strength 4 out of 10 on the back of adequate interest coverage and a robust Altman Z-Score of 4.34. The ROIC also exceeds the WACC by a wide margin, suggesting good profitability on its investments. The company's profitability fared even better, scoring an 8 out of 10 rating. Although the operating margin is in decline, Philip Morris has strong returns that outperform a majority of competitors. It also has a moderate Piotroski F-Score of 6, but slowing revenue per share growth has led to the one-star predictability rank being on watch. With a 0.83% stake, First Eagle Investment (Trades, Portfolio) is the company's largest guru shareholder. Tom Russo (Trades, Portfolio), John Rogers (Trades, Portfolio), the T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund, Grantham, Diamond Hill and Pioneer also have large positions in Philip Morris. Additional trades and portfolio performance Some of the positions that MS Global trimmed during the quarter included Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE), Heineken NV (XAMS:HEIA), The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:KO), Experian PLC (LSE:EXPN) and SAP SE (XTER:SAP). The fund's $2.45 billion equity portfolio, which consists of 32 stocks, is largely invested in the consumer defensive, technology and health care sectors. The Top 5 Buys of the MS Global Franchise Fund GuruFocus data shows the Global Franchise Fund posted a return of 29.6% in 2019, slightly outperforming the MSCI World Net Index's 27.67% return. Disclosure: No positions. Read more here: 5 Energy Stocks to Consider as Oil Prices Struggle to Recover? Prem Watsa Continues to Bet on BlackBerry Macy's Shares Rise on Strong Digital Sales Not a Premium Member of GuruFocus? Sign up for a free 7-day trial here. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. VALLEJO (BCN) After two men were killed overnight in Vallejo, the city's 20th and 21st homicides this year, the local police union on Thursday added to criticisms it lobbed earlier in the week at the city and police department brass. In the first killing, police responded at 8:18 p.m. Wednesday to reports of shots in the 200 block of Maine Street and found the adult male victim lying in the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene, said Vallejo Police Department public information officer Brittany Jackson. His name is being withheld until his next of kin are notified, Jackson said. In the second killing, about 12:10 a.m. Thursday, police who responded to reports of gunshots and a collision in the area of Vanessa and Adele streets found multiple bullet casings outdoors in the 100 block of Adele Street, Jackson said. Staff at a local hospital, which was not identified, reported to police that a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound had been brought in, Jackson said. She said the man was pronounced dead later Thursday morning, and his identity is being withheld pending notification of his family. Before the Vallejo Police Department released information about the killings, the Vallejo Police Officers' Association released its own statement criticizing city officials and Police Chief Shawny Williams. The union said the city "is applying a Band-aid to a serious murder and crime spree, when it should be taking long-term actions to correct a life-threatening situation for Vallejo citizens." The association, which represents 105 sworn Vallejo officers, on Monday had issued a statement headlined "Citizens endangered by city's failure to hire police." It argued that Vallejo has too few officers - fewer per resident than Oakland or Richmond - and this forces officers to work overtime and leads to fatigue, dangerous working conditions and less effective policing. In their own statement on Tuesday, the city and police department expressed disappointment in the association's tactics, and outlined a series of steps that Williams, who joined the department in November 2019, has taken to bolster its ranks. Neither city officials nor Jackson, the police department spokeswoman, responded to a request for comment on the latest Vallejo Police Officers' Association. Anyone with information about the shootings Wednesday night and Thursday morning is asked to call Detective Long at 707-648-4514 or Detective Caitham at 707-648-4280. tatement. 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. The five schemes of Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund (FT MF), which are under wind-up, received Rs 146 crore of interest payment from telecom major Vodafone Idea that was due on September 3. The investors of these schemes will receive these flows into their accounts in the next few days, as exposure to the telecom firm was side-pocketed at the beginning of the year. The payments will be distributed to investors in proportion to the units held by them in the segregated portfolios of respective schemes. A segregated portfolio -- or side-pocket as it is called in MF industry parlance -- is created to ensure that only investors exposed to the scheme on the day of credit event, can benefit from subsequent recovery of dues and also any improvement in credit profile. In the case of Vodafone Idea, the side-pocket was created after rating agencies downgraded its debt instruments to below investment grade earlier in the year, following Supreme Courts (SC) ruling on additional gross revenue or AGR dues. The ruling created a liability of over Rs 44,000 crore for the telecom player. The schemes that received these interest payments on Thursday include Franklin India Low Duration Fund, Franklin India Short Term Income, Franklin India Credit Risk Fund, Franklin India Dynamic Accrual Fund and Franklin India Income Opportunities Fund. Recently, Vodafone Idea has also got some relief on the timeline for clearing its AGR dues, with SC giving ten years to telecom companies to make the payments. In June, Vodafone Idea also paid dues on a different tranche of securities, which were held by FT MF and other fund houses. In its recent update to investors on the schemes under wind-up, earlier in the day the fund house shared that it had received another Rs 1,498 crore from maturities, pre-payments and coupon payments in two weeks (between August 15, 2020 and August 31, 2020). As of August 31, the total cash flows received stood at Rs 6,486 crore since the fund house announced the wind-up of six of its debt-oriented schemes in April. Four of the six FT MF schemes have turned cash positive. These include Franklin India Ultra Short Bond Fund (cash holding of 31 per cent), Franklin India Dynamic Accrual Plan (14 per cent), Franklin India Low Duration Fund (five per cent) and Franklin India Credit Risk Fund (1 percent). However, investors are yet to receive distribution of proceeds from these main portfolios, with the matter still being heard in courts and stay on the e-voting process by unit-holders. According to FT MF, active monetisation of assets held by the schemes and distribution of the proceeds will only be possible after successful completion of e-voting by unitholders. Community, Charity & Cause By Ls Cohen Published: September 04 2020 Data suggests overdose deaths on the rise during COVID-19 quarantine on Long Island. The Town of Islip has a month long campaign prepared this year to support addiction recovery awareness. In Huntington, Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci had purple lights installed on the lampposts lining the walkway on the front lawn of Town Hall on Monday, August 31 to draw attention to preventable overdose deaths. August 31 marked International Overdose Awareness Day and according to a website dedicated to the movement, the day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose, the website says. According to the website, North America continues to experience the highest drug-related mortality rate in the world, accounting for 1-in-4 drug-related deaths globally. In January 2017, the Center for Disease Control estimated that 64,070 people in the United States died from overdose in the 12-month period prior to January 2017. According to a statement from the Town of Islip, the entire month of September is dedicated to recovery awareness. In support of that Islip Town has turned purple with signage, ribbons and flags that adorn its streets, trees and lamp posts. The Islip Town Hall cupola will be lit purple all month. Resourceful television programming will air weekly on Channel 18 and Verizon Channel 1982. The town also has a website to promote the campaign. "Recovery is possible," said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. "Islip Goes Purple is about supporting those who are struggling with addiction or who have lost a loved one from an overdose. According to an article on the Islip Town website, after falling in recent years, overdose fatalities are heading back to all-time highs. According to the CDC, annual overdose deaths jumped 5% in 2019 to 72,000. The COVID-29 crisis may be contributing as well. Data collected by a Washington D.C. organization called Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program found that overdoses jumped roughly 18% following the state-mandated stay-at-home order in mid-March-with more than 61% of participating counties nationwide-including Nassau and Suffolk reporting increases. Suffolk Countys preliminary data released in May suggest a 40% increase in fatal overdoses over the 89 deaths reported during the same period in 2019. Early local reporting indicates that Suffolk County, particularly Islip and Brookhaven Towns are significantly impacted. Years ago, and I mean years, I had a friend who was mentoring a journalism student. I wont say which journalism school, because this is embarrassing. We were out for dinner one night and she was hanging on his every word as he was regaling her and two other students with stories about the good ol days. Suddenly, she said: Youre making this up. Im what? he said. Youre making this up. There are no places in the world named Flin Flon. Or Moose Jaw. After recovering from surprise shock, actually, this young woman was in university, remember he explained to her that they were towns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The next time I saw her, I gave her an atlas. Read up on Canada, I said. If you want to write about this country for newspapers or be a producer on The National (just about all the journalism students Ive talked to recently want jobs on The National), it might be a good idea to know the geography of the place. Unfortunately, she isnt the only one. Canadians, as a whole, dont really know their country. I can say that without doubt. This starts with the politicians, who fly everywhere. They go here, there and everywhere in Canada, but they look down on most of it. I guarantee that a railroad engineer or a cross-country bus driver or a long-distance trucker is going to know more about the country than a cabinet minister. And ordinary Canadians I hate that phrase; what is ordinary about anybody? arent any better. Often, its not their fault. When I was young and we went on vacation, my dad had two weeks off and we always drove to Nova Scotia because hed been a kid there and still had family. It wasnt till Id started in the newspaper business and was in my 20s that I made it west of Ontario. Yes, Canadians might know where Ottawa is, and Fredericton, and Edmonton and, yes, Flin Flon, but that doesnt mean they really know anything about those places. But the expression, every cloud has a silver lining, couldnt be truer than when applied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whats that, you say? Theres something good to say about COVID-19? Well, yes. Kind of. The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine, Roxane Barry, who works in automotive. After we got the business out of the way, I asked her how she was dealing with the pandemic. I went on vacation, she laughed. My partner and I got on Air Canada and we flew to Calgary and we rented an RV and we explored Alberta. It was wonderful. The RV had been disinfected and it was our home. We felt very comfortable and safe. And, Norris, there was nobody at the airport; it was empty. But those who were there wore masks. There were people cleaning everything, over and over. They took our temperature several times. The plane was the same so very clean. I can honestly tell you that I felt safer at the airport and on the plane than I do when I go out for groceries. But then, Roxane who is a planner, product communications, for Nissan Canada got serious. Usually, when I have vacation, I go home to France. I am so glad that I couldnt this time. Because of COVID-19, you cant really go outside the country and so we had to go somewhere in Canada and I am so thankful that it happened this way. I would never have realized what a beautiful country we have if I hadnt been forced to stay here. I enjoyed what she said about the RV. I wrote a month or so ago that the best way to go on vacation this summer would be by motorhome and more and more people have opted to go that route. And she and her partner loved it. It was so wonderful to park the RV and to go walking on the trails, she said. The Rockies are magnificent and when you go walking, like we did, you feel so close to nature. We saw a bear; it didnt pay us any attention because it was eating its berries. The park ranger told us if we saw a bear to stop and then slowly move away, which we did. We often forget how beautiful the planet is and we should really take care of it. To have what we have in Canada, I feel so privileged. It took a pandemic for this woman and her partner to discover the wonders of just one province other than their own. And she was so enthusiastic about it that she got me excited and Im already thinking about my next road trip. You? A rare blue moon will rise on Halloween, making for an even more unprecedented 2020. This "once in a blue moon" celestial experience on Oct. 31, will be the second of two full moons in a single calendar month, according to Earth Sky. The last blue moon by these terms occurred on March 31, 2018. YOU CAN FLY INTERNATIONAL AGAIN: You can fly internationally out of IAH and Hobby again While the moon you will see won't actually be blue, it will look just like a regular full moon, according to NASA. "A blue moon is special because it is the "extra" Moon in a season with four full moons. This usually only happens every two-and-a-half years," states NASA. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, a full moon only falls on Halloween every 18 to 19 years, making this an even rarer event. Hallows' Eve wouldn't be complete without the Hunters Blue Moon," as it is also referred to. The first full moon, known as the Harvest Moon, will occur on Thursday, Oct. 1. While Halloween may look different for all those ghouls and goblins due to the pandemic, at least we have this unusual phenomenon to welcome in the coming holiday season. STAY INFORMED: Sign up to receive breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. With barely concealed fury, he said that Beau Biden wasnt a sucker, adding, The servicemen and women he served with, particularly those who did not come home, were not losers. He called the report absolutely damnable, and he was unsparing in denouncing Mr. Trumps behavior. Ive just never been as disappointed in my whole career with a leader that Ive worked with, president or otherwise, he said. It is sick, Mr. Biden added. It is deplorable. It is so un-American. It is so unpatriotic. Mr. Trump on Friday repeated his denial of the report. It was a totally fake story, and that was confirmed by many people who were actually there, he told reporters in the Oval Office. Ive done more for the military than almost anybody else. Military veterans often lean Republican, and they supported Mr. Trump over Hillary Clinton by a large margin in the 2016 election, according to exit polls. But in 2018 a number of the most prominent Democratic House candidates were veterans, and Mr. Biden, who has been endorsed by a long list of Republican national security experts, hopes to appeal to more voters with ties to the military. Mr. Bidens condemnation of Mr. Trump came in a speech that was otherwise focused on the economy, an area that has been a source of political strength for the president, though the ravages of the pandemic have threatened his standing on the issue. In a national Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday, likely voters were evenly split on whether Mr. Trump or Mr. Biden would do a better job handling the economy. But Mr. Bidens reaction to the presidents reported comments set the tone for his event, at which he also fielded questions from the news media. Asked about supporters of QAnon, the pro-Trump conspiracy theory, Mr. Biden suggested they should seek treatment. Ive been a big supporter of mental health, he said. Id recommend the people who believe it maybe should take advantage while it still exists in the Affordable Care Act. Its bizarre. Totally bizarre. As we approach the 19th anniversary of 9/11, there is a conversation going on in many communities about defunding police departments. I am an admirer of our police and all of our first-responders. I am a proud father of a Norwalk firefighter. While I respect the opinion of all individuals, I vigorously reject defunding of the police. However, I will leave that debate for another day. As a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor, I witnessed the police performing in their finest hour. In the eye of my mind I can still see, so many citizens like myself running away from danger while a courageous body of blue ran toward the danger. In doing so the police and all the first-responders were performing their core mission of protecting the public and saving lives, and to that end there is no higher calling. Before the towers fell I was able to make my way to a clients office and watch in terror as the events unfolded. I prayed for all those who did not make it out, and for all the first-responders who went in. A couple hours later I left the building and started the long walk uptown. As I came out of the building I immediately found the air quality was awful and I started to cough. While walking and coughing a guardian angel in blue appeared, a New York City police officer gave me a towel to breath into. Along the way police were at every intersection watching over us, supporting, directing and protecting us. As I arrived to Grand Central Terminal, I was comforted to see not only New York Citys Finest, but also the New York City Transit Police, the Metro-North Police, the State of New York Police and the National Guard. All there for one reason, to protect us and to make sure we were safe. The trains finally started to run toward late afternoon. As I got into a train, I found our guardian angels, the Connecticut and New York State Police, along with Metro-North Police. As my train made its way to Connecticut I noticed that at every stop there was a police presence. When I arrived in South Norwalk that day, I remember getting off the train taking a moment to reflect on the days event. I must say it was emotional moment for me. I thanked God for the gift of my life and I prayed for all those who did not make it out. While walking down the train platform a Norwalk police officer came up to me and asked how I was doing. I said fine and that I just wanted to get home. I was about ready to call my wife to come and get me, but the officer said sir, let me give you a ride home, you have had a long day. So the officer drove me home, and we talked about the day. I forgot to get the officers name. Still, I sent a thank you note to the Norwalk Police Department the next day. Sept. 11, 19 years ago, will always hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget not only the courage of the police that day, but also their compassion, kindness and humanity. The police were my guardian angels that day, who made sure I got home safe. They will always have my respect and support. In loving memory of those lost on 9/11/01. Gone but never forgotten, from a proud and grateful survivor of One World Trade Center. Jim Lyons is a Norwalk resident. ALMA, in which ESO is a partner, and the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope have imaged GW Orionis, a triple star system with a peculiar inner region. The new observations revealed that this object has a warped planet-forming disc with a misaligned ring. In particular, the SPHERE image (right panel) allowed astronomers to see, for the first time, the shadow that this ring casts on the rest of the disc. This helped them figure out the 3D shape of the ring and the overall disc. The left panel shows an artistic impression of the inner region of the disc, including the ring, which is based on the 3D shape reconstructed by the team. CREDIT ESO/L. Calcada, Exeter/Kraus et al. A team of astronomers have identified the first direct evidence that groups of stars can tear apart their planet-forming disc, leaving it warped and with tilted rings. This new research suggests exotic planets, not unlike Tatooine in Star Wars, may form in inclined rings in bent discs around multiple stars. The results were made possible thanks to observations with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Our Solar System is remarkably flat, with the planets all orbiting in the same plane. But this is not always the case, especially for planet-forming discs around multiple stars, like the object of the new study: GW Orionis. This system, located just over 1300 light-years away in the constellation of Orion, has three stars and a deformed, broken-apart disc surrounding them. "Our images reveal an extreme case where the disc is not flat at all, but is warped and has a misaligned ring that has broken away from the disc," says Stefan Kraus, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Exeter in the UK who led the research published today in the journal Science. The misaligned ring is located in the inner part of the disc, close to the three stars. The new research also reveals that this inner ring contains 30 Earth-masses of dust, which could be enough to form planets. "Any planets formed within the misaligned ring will orbit the star on highly oblique orbits and we predict that many planets on oblique, wide-separation orbits will be discovered in future planet imaging campaigns, for instance with the ELT," says team member Alexander Kreplin of the University of Exeter, referring to ESO's Extremely Large Telescope, which is planned to start operating later this decade. Since more than half the stars in the sky are born with one or more companions, this raises an exciting prospect: there could be an unknown population of exoplanets that orbit their stars on very inclined and distant orbits. To reach these conclusions, the team observed GW Orionis for over 11 years. Starting in 2008, they used the AMBER and later the GRAVITY instruments on ESO's VLT Interferometer in Chile, which combines the light from different VLT telescopes, to study the gravitational dance of the three stars in the system and map their orbits. "We found that the three stars do not orbit in the same plane, but their orbits are misaligned with respect to each other and with respect to the disc," says Alison Young of the Universities of Exeter and Leicester and a member of the team. They also observed the system with the SPHERE instrument on ESO's VLT and with ALMA, in which ESO is a partner, and were able to image the inner ring and confirm its misalignment. ESO's SPHERE also allowed them to see, for the first time, the shadow that this ring casts on the rest of the disc. This helped them figure out the 3D shape of the ring and the overall disc. The international team, which includes researchers from the UK, Belgium, Chile, France and the US, then combined their exhaustive observations with computer simulations to understand what had happened to the system. For the first time, they were able to clearly link the observed misalignments to the theoretical "disc-tearing effect", which suggests that the conflicting gravitational pull of stars in different planes can warp and break their discs. Their simulations showed that the misalignment in the orbits of the three stars could cause the disc around them to break into distinct rings, which is exactly what they see in their observations. The observed shape of the inner ring also matches predictions from numerical simulations on how the disc would tear. Interestingly, another team who studied the same system using ALMA believe another ingredient is needed to understand the system. "We think that the presence of a planet between these rings is needed to explain why the disc tore apart," says Jiaqing Bi of the University of Victoria in Canada who led a study of GW Orionis published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters in May this year. His team identified three dust rings in the ALMA observations, with the outermost ring being the largest ever observed in planet-forming discs. Future observations with ESO's ELT and other telescopes may help astronomers fully unravel the nature of GW Orionis and reveal young planets forming around its three stars. More information This research was presented in the paper "A triple star system with a misaligned and warped circumstellar disk shaped by disk tearing - https://science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi/10.1126/science.aba4633 " to appear in Science (doi: 10.1126/science.aba4633). The team is composed of Stefan Kraus (University of Exeter, School of Physics & Astronomy, UK [Exeter]) Alexander Kreplin (Exeter), Alison K. Young (Exeter and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, UK), Matthew R. Bate (Exeter), John D. Monnier (University of Michigan, USA [Michigan]), Tim J. Harries (Exeter), Henning Avenhaus (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg, Germany), Jacques Kluska (Exeter and Instituut voor Sterrenkunde, KU Leuven, Belgium [KU Leuven]), Anna S. E. Laws (Exeter), Evan A. Rich (Michigan), Matthew Willson (Exeter and Georgia State University, USA), Alicia N. Aarnio (University of North Carolina Greensboro, USA), Fred C. Adams (Michigan), Sean M. Andrews (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, USA [CfA]), Narsireddy Anugu (Exeter, Michigan and Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, USA), Jaehan Bae (Michigan and Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, USA), Theo ten Brummelaar (The CHARA Array of Georgia State University, California, USA), Nuria Calvet (Michigan), Michel Cure (Instituto de Fisica y Astronomia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile), Claire L. Davies (Exeter), Jacob Ennis (Michigan), Catherine Espaillat (Michigan and Boston University, USA), Tyler Gardner (Michigan), Lee Hartmann (Michigan), Sasha Hinkley (Exeter), Aaron Labdon (Exeter), Cyprien Lanthermann (KU Leuven), Jean-Baptiste LeBouquin (Michigan and Universite Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IPAG, France), Gail H. Schaefer (CHARA), Benjamin R. Setterholm (Michigan), David Wilner (CfA), and Zhaohuan Zhu (University of Nevada, USA). ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It has 16 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. Also at Paranal ESO will host and operate the Cherenkov Telescope Array South, the world's largest and most sensitive gamma-ray observatory. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky". The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of ESO, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA is funded by ESO on behalf of its Member States, by NSF in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the National Science Council of Taiwan (NSC) and by NINS in cooperation with the Academia Sinica (AS) in Taiwan and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). ALMA construction and operations are led by ESO on behalf of its Member States; by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), on behalf of North America; and by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of East Asia. The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA. ### Links * Research paper - https://www.eso.org/public/archives/releases/sciencepapers/eso2014/eso2014a.pdf Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. San Francisco, 4 Sep 2020: The Report Small Animal Imaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Optical Imaging, Micro-Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Imaging), By Application, And Segment Forecasts, 2012 - 2022 The global small animal imaging (In-Vivo) market size is expected to reach $2.7 billion by 2022, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., progressing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. Rising number of medical conditions requiring precise research for development of treatment options is anticipated to stoke the demand for small animal imaging over the forecast period. Importance of these devices in applications such as defining mechanism of action, drug receptor targeting, and epigenetic research studies are projected to provide substantial growth for the market. Some of the major drivers of small animal imaging (in-vivo) market are technical innovations such as high-resolution MRI with other modalities, growing number of research and pharmaceutical organizations, increasing investments of CROs in pre-clinical studies, and rising adoption of multi-functional pre-clinical imaging. Access Research Report of Small Animal Imaging Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/small-animal-imaging-in-vivo-market Further key findings from the report suggest: Optical imaging was the largest segment in 2014 owing to rapid and easy operations and relatively cost-effective in comparison to other devices Micro-MRI technology is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment over the forecast period due varied applications during anatomical and functional analysis in developing mouse embryos and neonates In 2014, bio-distribution and monitoring the treatment response dominated the market in terms of revenue The cancer cell detection segment is expected to show substantial growth due to the increasing prevalence of cancer and rising government initiatives for cancer diagnostics research North America was the largest region in terms of revenue in 2016. Vast pre-clinical research, increasing demand for rapid and advanced methods, established healthcare infrastructure, and favorable platform for R&D pertaining to technological advancements are the key factors driving the regional market Europe was the second largest region in 2014, due to a large number of clinical research and pharmaceutical organizations and diagnostic device manufacturers Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing region over the forecast period owing to increasing clinical research activities, rising base of target population, and emerging economies Some of the key players are Promega Corporation, Inc.; Miltenyi Biotec GmbH; Life Technologies Corporation; FujiFilm Holding Corporation; Siemens AG; Thermo Fisher Scientific; Bruker Corporation; PerkinElmer Inc.; and Aspect Imaging Ltd. Browse more reports of this category by Grand View Research at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/medical-imaging Grand View Research has segmented the global small animal imaging (in vivo) market on the basis of technology, application, and region: Small Animal Imaging (In-vivo) Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022) Micro-magnetic resonance imaging Optical imaging Nuclear imaging Other imaging modalities Small Animal Imaging (In-vivo) Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022) Monitoring treatment response Bio-distribution Cancer cell detection Biomarkers Longitudinal studies Epigenetics Small Animal Imaging (In-vivo) Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022) North America Europe Asia Pacific RoW Access Press Release of Small Animal Imaging Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-small-animal-imaging-in-vivo-market About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. For More Information:www.grandviewresearch.com In the last week of July, the Ontario Real Estate Association tapped Nanos Research to determine how Ontarians would feel if a new capital gains tax were levied on the sale of primary residences. The resulting survey, a response to unsubstantiated rumours that the federal government was in the early stages of creating such a tax, found that over six in ten Ontarians would oppose or somewhat oppose a new capital gains tax when someone sells their primary residence. That people would be opposed to paying higher taxes is hardly shocking, and the educational benefit of sharing such an obvious fact is, to put it kindly, limited. What is surprising is that OREA would undertake the survey at all considering the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations repeated denials that such a tax is in the works. After the release of a July 17 Blacklocks article, Feds Eye Home Equity Tax, in which it was claimed that CMHC is spending $250,000 researching a first-ever federal home equity tax, the crown corporation publicly responded in a July 17 tweet directed at Wall Street Journal reporter Paul Vieira. Mongolians protest at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, against China's plan to introduce Mandarin-only classes at schools in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia, Aug. 31, 2020. A 33-year-old ethnic Mongolian woman has died by suicide in what her family members said was an act of protest over the ruling Chinese Communist Party's plans to phase out Mongolian-medium education and language teaching in schools. Surnaa, who worked for a panel of the Chinese Communist Party in Inner Mongolia's Alxa administrative unit, died Friday morning. Attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful, the league police department said in a statement. Surnaas husband, Altanbagan, and her sister-in-law said that she took her life over the language policy, according to a statement published Friday by the New York-based Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center (SMHRIC). Altanbagan via WeChat announced his wifes death with the deepest pain and sorrow, according to SMHRIC, which said that the new language policy is aimed at the total eradication of the Mongolian language from all educational systems across Southern Mongolia in the next few years Solonga, Surnaas sister-in-law, said in her statement through WeChat, published by the SMHRIC, that she died because of the new language policy. Her death is the fourth to be reported in Inner Mongolia since tens of thousands of ethnic Mongolians staged a region-wide boycott of schools, street protests and other forms of civil disobedience since the details of the language policy emerged in August. Police warned social media users not to pay heed to or spread "rumors" around Surnaa's death. The first reported death was that of a fifth-grade student from a school in Shebotu near Tongliao city. A teacher from Zhenglan Banner of Xilin Gol League, and a Mongolian herder from Orniud Banner also died by suicide, a U.S.-based Mongol activist named Nomin told RFA. Srinagar, Sep 4 : One army officer was injured in an ongoing encounter in North Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday, army sources said. The encounter started in Yedipora after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area on the basis of a specific information about terrorists in that area. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where the terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter. "Encounter has started in the Yedipora Pattan area of Baramulla. Police and security forces are on the job," police said. Junius Ponds, N.Y. Two children killed Thursday morning in a crash on the New York State Thruway were from Central New York. Sisters Maryella Annal and Elizabeth Annal, of Baldwinsville, died when their familys minivan was rear-ended by a pickup truck on Interstate 90 west in Seneca County, the New York State Police said. Maryella was 11. Elizabeth was 9. The girls parents Maureen Annal, 50, and Thomas Annal, 54 were seriously injured, troopers said. The familys minivan was slowing down for a lane closure when a pickup truck rammed into the back of the van, troopers said. The driver of the pickup truck had not slowed down for the upcoming lane closure, troopers said. After it was rear-ended, the minivan hit a small sedan, and then struck a tractor trailer. Maryella and Elizabeth, who troopers said were wearing seat belts and sitting in the back of the van, died in the collision. Their parents were airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester with serious injuries. Troopers noted Maureen Annals injuries are very serious. READ MORE: 2 children killed when pickup plowed into back of minivan west of Syracuse on NYS Thruway Abraham Hara, 73, of Geneva, was driving the pickup truck. He was not injured, troopers said. The driver of the sedan was evaluated at Geneva General Hospital, troopers said. The tractor-trailer driver was not hurt. Charges are pending, troopers said. Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach her at shouse@syracuse.com. Rihanna's Amazon documentary will be released 'around' US Independence Day which is July 4. The documentary is being directed by Hollywood filmmaker Peter Berg, who revealed that shooting the film has been an 'epic journey' over a four-year period. 'The Rihanna doc is something I've been working on with her for almost four years now,' he said. 'Amazon's gonna release it summer next year, sometime hopefully around the fourth of July. It's been a really epic journey, the past four years with her.' New from Riri: Rihanna's Amazon documentary will be released 'around' US Independence Day, which is July 4. Seen in December 2019 Close bond: The documentary is being directed by Hollywood filmmaker Peter Berg, who revealed that shooting the film has been an 'epic journey' over a four-year period. Seen in 2012 Rihanna, 32, hasn't released an album since 2016's Anti. But Peter insists she's currently 'firing on all cylinders' as she divides her time between various business ventures. He told Collider: 'She's a remarkable woman, who everyday seems to grow and branch out into new businesses and new endeavours at a rate that it's almost hard to keep up with. 'So every time we think we're going to finish the movie and put it out, she does something like start a fashion line like Fenty, or her lingerie line, or her skin care line. Baby R: 'The Rihanna doc is something I've been working on with her for almost four years now,' he said. 'Amazon's gonna release it summer next year, sometime hopefully around the fourth of July. It's been a really epic journey, the past four years with her.' Seen in 2005 A new romance? There have been claims she is getting close to rapper A$AP Rocky 'She's firing on all cylinders, she's making new music now and she's having so much success in business and she's such an entrepreneur that we're letting it grow, but we are gonna try and close it up in the spring and release it in the summer.' Rihanna has been increasingly focused on her fashion and beauty lines in recent years. But the 'Work' hitmaker insists her success hasn't come easily. She previously explained: 'I've been slowly evolving throughout the fashion world. 'First wearing it, buying it, being recognised for my style and then collaborating with brands. I never just wanted to put my name on something and sell my license. 'I'm very hands-on, so I wanted to take it slowly and gain respect as a designer.' The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has kicked against plans by the National Board of Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) to pay the stimulus packages directly to private school teachers. According to the Council, that was not the original agreement when they applied for the COVID-19 soft loan. After several meetings with the NBSSI concerning the procedures required for them to access the loans, the Board is now demanding payment vouchers of teachers in order to effect direct payment to them. In an interview with Citi News after presenting a petition to the President at the Jubilee House on Thursday, Head of Human Resources for GNACOPS, Prince Entsie says the loans should be given to the schools as originally scheduled. He makes a case that the loans are not intended for the sole purpose of paying teaching staff but also for maintenance and preparation towards the reopening of schools. When we gave them the update from NBSSI that they say the money now is going to be paid directly to the teachers, they said how can they say that because from the onset we haven't had any discussion like that. It's the school that is accessing this loan, not the teacher. The money should be given to the schools so that they can equally give a share to the teachers to cater for themselves and then they can also use part of the money to put things in order so that when schools reopen they will be in [good] shape, he argued. The Deputy Director of State Protocol, Philip Kofi Aning, who received the petition on behalf of the President, assured the Council that their concerns would be directed to the appropriate quarters for redress. I will make sure that this petition gets to the office of the President through the Secretary of the President and then I know in due course, you will have the appropriate response. I just entreat that we all calm our nerves. I know this will receive the attention that it deserves, he said. The outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana, which led to the closing down of schools and businesses, elicited the rolling out of some social interventions by the government. One of such interventions was the disbursement of stimulus packages for micro, small and medium enterprises that had been hit hard by the pandemic across the country. Schools that were not exempted from the categorization done applied to benefit from the package. However, the Ghana National Council of Private Schools has raised concerns over the procedure required of them in order to benefit from the intervention. They have, therefore, resorted to petitioning President Akufo-Addo over these concerns. ---citinewsroom MIDDLETOWN As the school district plans for the first day of its hybrid learning model Thursday amid the coronavirus pandemic, high school staff took delivery of 220 donated face mask exoskeletons intended to create a firm, custom-made seal to enhance teacher safety. The Secure Fit frames, worn outside a disposable or cloth face covering, are 3D-printed using facial recognition technology, according to Connecticut Biotech spokesman Bruce Morris, who on Monday brought along boxes bound for schools across the district. The creations of the South Windsor-based start-up soon will number 900 for use by every educator in Middletown. Each helps to improve the filtration of viruses and other pathogens. By putting this mask and frame on with an ASTM Level 3 surgical mask, you are equivalent to an N95 mask, Morris said. Were always here to experiment with innovation not just from the academic sense, but the operational standpoint of keeping people safe and healthy, Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner said outside the high school on La Rosa Lane. Conner takes pride in looking at practices differently: being creative in how we educate our students. The University of Connecticut, under the leadership of UConn Health research team leader Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, developed the patented technology. Each provides enhanced efficacy in protection against COVID-19 and other airborne pathogens, according to the company. Middeltown so far is the only district in Connecticut to take part in the pilot program. Soon, South Windsor Public Schools also will receive the biodegradable masks. When the company contacted a number of schools in the state, Middletown was the first to jump aboard. We could not say no, Conner said. This does have a broader impact on our community. Customers upload two photographs so theres no need for an in-person fitting, Connecticut Biotech spokesman Sean Burns said. Theyre created through a filament-based process using mainly thermoplastic polymer, which is melted into a paste. Thats whats injected by the 3D printer, he said. Middletown High School World Languages Department leader Andre Alfonso, art instructor Julie Shvetz and family and consumer science teacher Kristen Hamilton modeled the product for those gathered. From start to finish, each one takes three hours to create, Burns said. Most disposable and fabric face coverings have gaps at the edges these do not. The technology was developed by UConn in the spring, and Connecticut Biotech began manufacturing them in June, Burns said. Were in the process of ramping up production right now, he said. The companys 12 printers have the capability to produce 100 masks a day. You can tell that it grips the mask to your face when you can feel it moving in and out as youre breathing, Burns said. Those who wear glasses know most of the paper and fabric masks fog up due to the release of warm exhalations. The Secure Fit frame prevents that because it makes a tight seal, he said. Its not going out the top and the bottom, Burns said. Teachers will have no need to worry about the kids understanding what they are saying, Morris said. When students start the 2020-21 academic year this week, theyll find three-sided plastic desk shields for use by students and teachers, as well as hand sanitizer stations throughout the building, reminders to wash their hands frequently, and other measures. Flexibility is the districts mantra moving forward, the superintendent said, to ensure rapid response to any COVID-related incidents. Everyone entering the districts facilities will have their temperature checked, something 73 percent of polled parents wanted, Conner said. Getting Back To Innovation And Equity 2020-2021, the school districts hybrid model of distance and in-person learning, was developed based on feedback from teachers, staff and parents, Conner said. It also incorporates elements from the successful use of personal protective equipment during the districts Summer Learning Academy, where children became used to wearing masks in the classroom, he said. There were no coronavirus infections during lessons this summer, the superintendent said. That is a model we can learn from. The priority is to make sure every single person that walks out is COVID-free. Based on feedback to be provided by public school teachers, Conner said the district would possibly consider distributing these new masks to students in the future. Having this extra protection is another way our district is adhering to making sure all our students and staff are safe, Director of District Operations Marco Gaylord said. For information, visit ctbiotech.com. A revolutionary new treatment which promises to help women achieve orgasms is making waves in the s.e.x industry. An orgasm shot, or the O-shot, is a treatment which is believed to increase the size of the G-spot, clitoris and labia. It supposedly treats sexual dysfunction and increases sexual pleasure providing a woman with an orgasm. Following the treatment, some women report to reaching an orgasm after receiving the O-shot. The procedure takes around 40 minutes and it is thought the effects could last about a year. This treatment stimulates growth of new cells and makes the injected area more sensitive. Platelets containing the patients own blood is taken from their arm before being put in a special centrifuge. Then this produces high quality Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Once this is ready, it is then injected into specific areas of the vagina. Patients can just have one shot or return for more which could build on the existing PRP. The O-shot starts working in about 6-8 weeks, because the PRP takes time to restore some of the nerve endings in the vagina. According to experts, the O-shot doesnt just promise intense orgasms, it even boosts sex lives too. Dr Mike Shenouda, founder of the O-Shot clinic in Sydney, spoke about the treatment. He said: After the O-Shot, women experience greater arousal from clitoral stimulation, stronger and more frequent orgasms, increased ability to have a vaginal orgasm and an overall increased sexual desire. In addition, the O-Shot increases natural lubrication and decreases urinary incontinence. The procedure works about 80% of the time and could cost around 965 in London but cost varies by location and doctor. It is believed some women have reported vaginal sensitivity and sustained and excessive orgasms at the slightest stimulation. Potential side effects include temporary vaginal spotting, swelling, hypersensitivity, yeast infection and urinary tract infection. However there have been no significant side effects reported in all the countries where the procedure is performed. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. (AP) A man has been rescued after he was pinned under a tree for more than four days while working on his land in southern Minnesota, officials said. Jonathan Ceplecha, 59, was cutting down oak trees Aug. 27 near Redwood Falls when a one of them fell and landed on his legs, according to the Redwood County Sheriffs Office. He was found Monday in a ravine about 100 yards (91 meters) from his house with both of his legs pinned. I was with him Monday in the hospital and he was kind of getting how he was able to keep from panicking, which was by breaking up the days into hours and then breaking up the hours into 5-minute segments so that he could have little victories throughout the day that would give him little pieces of hope, said his son, Miles Ceplecha. He just tried to keep his mind distracted. Deputies responded to Jonathan Ceplechas home after getting a call Monday afternoon asking for a welfare check since he hadnt shown up for work, according to Chief Deputy Mark Farasyn. They found no sign of him and began searching the rugged property with help from his ex-wife and daughter. Despite the long ordeal, Farasyn said Ceplecha was conscious and surprisingly alert after being found. Farasyn asked him how long hed been there, and Ceplecha responded 100 hours, without hesitation, KARE-TV reported. He had the will to live, and he wasnt ready to go, Farasyn said. Ceplecha is an Iraq War veteran and his training probably helped him survive, Farasyn added. It took about two hours for the Redwood Falls Fire Department to free Ceplecha, who teaches English at an alternative high school in Marshall. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he was in stable condition. TOKYO - Japans coast guard rescued a survivor floating in a raft Friday hours after finding an unconscious crew member in waters where a ship carrying thousands of cows from New Zealand capsized and is believed to have sunk during stormy weather, coast guard officials said. Jay-nel Rosals, a 30-year-old deckhand and and Philippine national, was wearing a life jacket and floating in a raft in the waters north of the Amami Oshima island in the East China Sea, where rescuers have been looking for the Gulf Livestock 1 ship and its missing crew since it sent a distress signal early Wednesday. Earlier, coast Guard rescuers found a man who was unconscious and floating face down about 120 kilometres (75 miles) northwest of the island. The man, whose nationality and crew status was unknown, was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead, said Takahiro Yamada, a senior spokesman for the regional coast guard headquarters. He said rescuers also spotted dozens of cow carcasses floating in the area. So far, he said he was not aware of reports of carcasses washing ashore the Japanese coast. The 11,947-ton ship, its 43 crew and 5,800 cows left New Zealand in mid-August heading to Tangshan on Chinas eastern coast. New Zealand officials said Friday they were temporarily suspending any new approvals for the export of live cows following the incident. The Ministry for Primary Industries said in a statement it wants to understand what happened on the sailing of the Gulf Livestock 1. Another Filipino crew member, 45-year-old Chief Officer Edvardo Sareno, was rescued late Wednesday. Coast guard video shows rescuers carefully manoeuvring their boat in choppy waters to safely pluck Sareno out of the water. He told them the ship stalled when an engine stopped, then capsized after being hit by a powerful broadside wave and sank. Rescuers on Friday found traces of fuel floating on the sea surface in the area, a sign of the ships submersion. Officials quoted Sareno as saying that he put on a life jacket and jumped into the sea, and that he did not see any other crew members after that. Thank you, thank you very much, Sareno told rescuers as he was escorted onto a bigger ship, where he sat on a blue tarp, wrapped in blankets and taking a bottle of water. Im the only one? No other one? he asked the rescuers, then added, Im so sorry ... (Im) so lucky. The total crew included 39 from the Philippines, two from New Zealand and two from Australia. Rescuers in four boats, an aircraft as well as divers joined Fridays search operations. A bundle of orange rope and a life jacket carrying the ships name were also recovered, according to a coast guard statement. Typhoon Maysak was blowing by southern Japan at the time of the sinking. The ships automated tracker showed it sailing in high winds of 58 knots (66 miles or 107 kilometres per hour) at its last known position, according to the ship-tracking website MarineTraffic.com. Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time. We also express deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board, the ships operator, Dubai-based Gulf Navigation Holdings PJSC, said in a statement. We pray that there are other survivors. The company, traded on the Dubai Financial Market, says it owns and operates chemical tankers, livestock vessels and other ships. Another powerful typhoon is approaching southern Japan over the weekend. ___ Associated Press writers Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report. Read more about: Hats to sell to supporters of US President Donald Trump are pictured outside Knapp Arena where he will later hold a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa on January 30, 2020. (Photo by Kerem Yucel / AFP) (Photo by KEREM YUCEL/AFP via Getty Images) Virginia Man Fired for Wearing Trump 2020 Hat to Work, He Says A Virginia man was fired last week after he refused to take off his Trump 2020 hat during a meeting at work, he said. Dave Sunderland, 55, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the human resources department said he violated a policy that bans shipyard workers from campaigning for a candidate at work. He said that he wasnt campaigning for President Donald Trump but was merely wearing the hat. I wore a ball cap. I wasnt passing out bumper stickers. I wasnt asking people to vote. I wasnt doing anything, except for wearing a ball cap going to work, he said. When he left the meeting at Newport News Shipbuilding, his workplace, on Aug. 25, Sunderland allegedly was told by a supervisor from another division to take off the hat. He said, You cant wear that. And I said, Ive been wearing it for four years,' Sunderland remarked. When he refused to take it off, the supervisor spoke with the general foreman, who wrote a memo for the worker to remove the hat. Foreman Lakesha Starks said in the memo that it was against the company policy to wear political gear at work and he would be fired if he refused. He refused, and Starks warned that he would be fired if he didnt remove it. I told him that I was going to call security to come pick him up, Starks wrote. A security guard then escorted Sunderland out of the yard before he was fired. Newport News Shipbuilding spokesman Duane Bourne said that employees are encouraged to participate in the political process on their own time, not at work. However, as we have previously communicated to our employees, we do not allow political campaign or partisan political activities on company property, such as wearing attire with messages that include a campaign slogan, Bourne told the Times-Dispatch. Additionally, political messages, debates, and commentaries on candidates and related issues should not take place on company time and interfere with normal business operations. Sunderland said that in prior elections, he saw a number of employees wearing pro-Hillary Clinton shirts and gear in 2016 as well as gear supporting former President Barack Obama. He said that no employees have been spotted wearing pro Joe Biden gear. I dont have a problem with anything anybody wears, Sunderland said. Thats their First Amendment right to express themselves, you know, freedom of expression. Thats their right. But when I wore something, they came down on me They take away my freedom of expression, but they dont for other folks. The new amphibious bridging vehicle By Feng Cheng and Niu Hui SHENYANG, Sept. 4 -- An engineering unit attached to a combined arms brigade of the PLA 78th Group Army conducted in mid August the first field training of the new amphibious bridging vehicle. This new equipment will make the engineer troops more capable in performing the river-crossing support tasks. The 26-tonne vehicle can travel at a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour while on the ground and 12 kilometers per hour while in water. It can be expand into a 13-meter-long, 20-meter-wide pontoon craft in three minutes. Multiple bridging vehicles can be linked together to form a pontoon bridge. At the training site, an amphibious bridging vehicle arrived at the ferry and slowly ran into the water and transformed into a pontoon craft. A wheeled infantry combat vehicle slowly moved onto the platform of the pontoon craft and parked itself steadily. The pontoon craft carrying the combat vehicle headed to the opposite bank of the river. After the combat vehicle drove off the craft and galloped away, the wheeled pontoon craft landed ashore and changed back into a vehicle. Next, the engineer unit will conduct training exercises including night driving and multi-pontoon equipment loading with the bridging vehicles. I had been somewhat anxious about how to frame my questions in the most sensitive way possible (and after reading the book, there are so many) but I was certain that we would be covering this material since it is the subject of the book and therefore the specific reason for doing the interview. But in this case, Davies' memoir and himself are inextricable. The book is him. He wrote part of it when he was completing an MA in creative writing, specifically of memoirs, at Goldsmiths College, London University. Its head is Blake Morrison, who wrote his own celebrated memoir, And When Did You Last See Your Father? In five decades of interviewing, I have rarely come across an interviewee who does not go through at least the motions of discussing the film or book or art show they are involved in which is the reason the interview has been granted. They have been contracted to do a certain amount of press and the journalist usually ticks the publicity box and then moves onto other aspects of the person that are of more interest. Davies seems both aware of what happens when you write a book and release it into the world. Credit:Getty Images When Spectrum was offered the interview, there were no restrictions on what could be asked indeed, the publicist's letter explicitly refers to "the abuse from his father" whom Davies years later "takes to court". (Spoiler alert that's not exactly what happens.) The letter refers to the death of his mother, his memories of her, as well as him emerging with a "survivor's" resilience. Alan Davies, the English stand-up comedian, actor, quiz show panellist and author, has written a new book, Just Ignore Him a memoir of his childhood in which some horrible things happen that reverberate through his whole life. It is sad and sometimes funny, fastidiously observed and beautifully written. At its core, which permeates almost every page, is the greatest betrayal after his mother died of leukaemia, when she was 38 and he was six-and-a-half, his father sexually abused him from the age of eight to 13. A: I am withholding from talking to journalists about this subject. What I and other people wrote on the course and how we shared material with one another well, a great benefit of the course was the confidentiality and privacy that was afforded all of us. A: It's tricky, Ginny, because I don't want to talk about that in the interview or outside the book. I'm looking for that not to be mentioned in interviews I'm looking for people to discover that in the book. Q: So everybody who you were a fellow student with [at Goldsmiths] or your tutors certainly knew, since it was a memoir course, that you had been abused as a little boy? What I was totally unprepared for, and astonished by, was what actually happened in the interview, about 10 minutes in. I explain the abuse has been mentioned by his Australian publishers when this interview was offered to Spectrum. There are some lengthy pauses. A: I don't want the spoilers for my book in the pre-publicity: sexual abuse, going to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service and all that. You don't want to talk about those passages in your book or anything around it while promoting the book? Q: Oh , oh ... I didn't know this so let me clarify this and repeat this back to you to make sure I fully understand. A: And that was a really helpful thing and I really needed that. So, yes, the A-word I leave out of my vocab for all my promotional work. A: [louder and more insistent] ... the absolute agreement that nothing that was discussed in the room was discussed outside the room not online or anywhere. A: The thing is, Ginny, it's going to come out, right? It's in the book. It might be reviewed and talked about and once the book's out, there'll be all kinds of things online and it's not something I can control or want to control, but I don't want to talk about it. [looks a bit upset] A: No ... no ... no ... no ... and they should have told you that. Q: Well, it's OK I've got lots of other questions ... but er obviously in the piece ... So hold on do you not want [even] any reference [to the abuse] in the piece without me asking you any questions? A: I want people to learn about the abuse in the book. Not in the newspaper. And I'm not going to ... this is annoying because they should have told you this. I am never going to talk to journalists about it. It made me feel sad that the defenceless child, who should have been protected, is still lurking so close to the surface. The larger point here is that Davies seems both aware and naive about what happens when you write a book and release it into the world. He knows that once this happens, his precious cargo can be picked over and his childhood and life now become public property. But the only way to have kept the genie in the bottle is not to have released it in a book in the first place. But to focus on the exquisitely summoned nostalgia of his '60s childhood is like enjoying, for instance, the fabulous design of, say, mid-century furniture without a home to put it in. The elephant in the room was sitting on my shoulder for the full hour. Alan Davies, pictured in 1996, was not allowed to mourn his mother who died when he was only six. Credit:Larry Ellis/Getty I've quoted from the transcript at some length to convey the awkwardness of the moment and the bizarre premise of the whole interview. The untenable nature of not being able to discuss the guts and marrow of the book the abuse is alluded to on most pages or the death of his mother (which Davies also ring-fences as off limits) and is literally what the memoir is about. I found myself alluding to the abuse without spelling it out, using the catch-all euphemism "difficult childhood". 'The thing is, Ginny, its going to come out, right? Its in the book ... but I dont want to talk about it.' It made me feel sad that the defenceless child, who should have been protected, is still lurking so close to the surface of this clever, genial 54-year-old man. Even at this remove, and having written the book about it, there was something so raw and naked about his response. As an actor, it's possibly surprising that he hasn't developed a script to deal with how to talk about this trauma. But then this was only the second interview he had done about his memoir with a journalist. Towards the end,when I had found the publicist's letter, Davies explained how "pissed off" he was about the difficult situation both of us had been put in. (Neither my editor nor I would have agreed to the interview if Davies' terms had been put to us, in advance. Later his Australian publishers confirmed "they would, of course, not stop us from covering any information that is available in the book.). "I told them I didn't want to do any press. I said, Just put the book out and let it have a life of its own.' I don't want to do this. I hate this." Well, in between, we did thank goodness find plenty to talk about and, despite the undeniable weirdness of the situation, Davies did open up about other areas of his life and when he didn't, that was revealing in a different way, too. Mainly we talked about subjects around the abuse, the fallout from it; the lifelong depth charges from those formative years of never feeling safe. If you type in Alan Davies and Anger into your search engine, a number of stories come up relating to explosive historic incidents: the time he bit the ear of a homeless man outside Soho's Groucho Club when he had drunk too much, then two years later how he got beaten up by three men outside the pub they had all been drinking in, kicked in the head and had to go to accident and emergency at the local hospital. More recently, there was an altercation with a climbing instructor who bumped into Davies' children in a leisure centre and then took the story to a newspaper. In the book there is also the occasional lash out, as when he remembers the cruelty of not being allowed to mourn his mother dying (who was not informed, herself, that she was going to die) and the further attempt at concealment when that six-year-old boy is told that he cannot tell his baby sister that their mother has died. The sister who kept asking when they could visit: "And she asked again and again ... the secrets continue. As if it is the secrets that sustain these f---ing people." In person, as in most of the book, Davies' tone is measured; his manner, mild. He talks at a low level, occasionally swallowing words. His manner is more Eeyore than Tigger and he doesn't meet your eye. The manic mop of curls familiar from all those years in Jonathan Creek, as well as appearances in other "soft murder" dramas, the quiz show QI and a variety of panel shows is mostly grey now but he looks younger than his decade, in a blue and white striped T-shirt. Work has helped ease the pain. QI Christmas special 2016 with Bill Bailey, Stephen Fry, Jenny Eclair and Johnnie Vegas. He is so evidently super-bright that I had assumed before reading the book that he was a smart grammar school boy (in fact he went to the same private school as his father and grandfather) who had gone to Oxford or Cambridge; his natural destination, as an acknowledged "brainbox" before he went off the rails as a teenager, becoming a compulsive thief and vandal. He graduated from Kent University, where he read drama, in 1988, also the year he did his first stand-up comedy show. You say that anger is very helpful for a comedian? "Yes, and Dave Allen [one of his comedy heroes] is a good example of that." But it's not so great in normal life ... have you found a way of diffusing your anger? He starts by talking specifically about the book: "I wanted to not be vengeful and I didn't want something angry so that the reader would say, well, this is just one person letting rip and we need to hear the other person's point of view'. It's not a misery memoir'. I'm not setting out to attack anybody or take anybody down or be angry in that sense." Well, this may have been Davies' intention, but you cannot read Just Ignore Him (what his father urged Alan's siblings to do when he acted up') without feeling anger yourself. How heartbreaking it is to read that when the first secret "special cuddle" occurred, the eight-year-old boy was so deprived of affection and soft words from his surviving parent that even though he knew, instinctively, it was wrong and strange for his father to caress his naked buttocks, the relief of being treated kindly for once eclipsed the shame. (His father is still alive, at 86, with Alzheimer's and in a home: Davies reported his actions to the police in 2017 but the case did not proceed to trial because of his father's ill-health.) "Anger," he goes on to say, "is as normal as hunger. It's as normal as any other feeling. And it's not really about diffusing it or suppressing it." After his "Mike Tyson incident", he had been banned from returning to the Groucho Club. Are you still banned? "No, I'm not." Anyway, that was obviously not a great moment [it happened in 2007, the year he married Katie, 41, a children's book writer; they now have three children Susie, 10, Bobby, 9, and Francis, 4.] In 2009, the year of the pub fight, Davies said he had stopped drinking "because it's incompatible with two-year-olds bouncing on your head". I wonder whether there was a relationship between alcohol and his anger. He looks blank: "Um." OK, so do you still drink alcohol? "I do sometimes drink alcohol, yes. But I go through periods of abstinence and we all have to manage our addictions. Alcohol's an interesting one because it's everywhere you go and if you are having a period when you're not drinking, you'll get offered a drink every day." Anger is as normal as hunger. Its as normal as any other feeling. Alan Davies As for the climbing instructor scuffle in 2014, Davies maintained that the man knocked over Susie, then 4, on the stairs; the instructor claimed that the actor grabbed his throat. "Well that was his anger, you see. That was his rage. And my children are in tears. Then recognising me, he goes to a newspaper to try and hurt me. "So I can be angry and I can be on the receiving end of anger. But, ultimately, when it affects your kids it's really upsetting." Davies with fellow comedian and friend Jo Brand in Damned. She encouraged him to seek therapy. There is a moment in the memoir when Davies records a retrieved memory of him with his mother; a moment of grace no less beautiful for it being commonplace: "she'd reach down and I'd reach up, my little fingers taking hold of one or two of hers instinctively, my arm rising as if gravity had let it go and our hands docking in silence, holding tightly, without thinking, fingers that belonged together". As a parent himself now he knows that wonderful feeling of putting your hand out for your child to grasp without needing to look back. He says he has always enjoyed his work and he thought that being famous would be fun "although that turned out to be a very mixed bag, as you can imagine ... but it has nourished me, as it were, and kept me going". The damage of his childhood may never be repaired. "What happened to me as a boy and my relationship with my father and the disintegrated family that I grew up in is problematic [Davies and his older brother remain estranged]. I've been very unsupported and it has made things difficult over the years. There is something not there." Alan Davies with his children's book author wife Katie Davies (centre) and actor Ronni Ancona. Credit:Getty Both work and therapy have helped and Davies remains grateful to his friend Jo Brand for suggesting a therapist when he was in his late twenties (this led to eight-year therapy that seems to have had an emphasis on cognitive behaviour). Marrying at the age of 40 (he says he wasn't ready before) and having a family of his own has been transformative. His face becomes blurred with tenderness when he talks about his family. "The children aren't here today and the silence is deafening me," he says. "Having the presence of these people in your life who look at you like nobody else does and really do care about you to feel that love coming your way is really something." It was Katie who wanted to recreate her own childhood, to some extent, and have a large family, "but I had nothing that I wanted to recreate. I had no childhood that I wanted to pass on." I had nothing that I wanted to recreate. I had no childhood that I wanted to pass on. Alan Davies Given your "difficult childhood", were you worried about what kind of parent you might be? "You always worry about what sort of parent you are", he replies. "You often spend time thinking you're a terrible parent I'm too angry', I shout too much' ... I haven't smacked mine [as he was a lot as a child] but I've grabbed hold of them and I've shouted at them and I've struggled to control my temper with them and it is really, really difficult, parenting. You have to keep focusing on showing them love. "What I do a lot, which my father would never do, is I go and apologise to the child and they say, God, you're always saying "sorry"' to which I say, Sorry'." Davies says it has taken him until now to be able to address properly what happened to him as a child. Until now, he has been emotionally paralysed. It's partly that he's older and there is more distance between the good times and the bad, but it's also a direct consequence of having a family of his own: "I've thought more about parenting and how I was parented, and when I think about my relationship with my daughter and two boys if the things that happened to me happened to them, I would be mortified." Alan Davies' memoir Just Ignore Him. Credit: When I ask Davies whether he thinks the memoir could lend itself to a screenplay (it is very cinematic), he says he has been considering how to turn "this part of my life which I have not talked about publicly into a stage show of some sort". He believes he can share his secrets on a stage, in a book, with thousands watching but he cannot talk about them with an audience of one. This disjunct ("something's not there") becomes radiantly clear when he finally does talk about himself as a damaged child the fragmentation and separation of his adult self from the wounded child is revealed in his language that boy' and his thieving even from the housekeeper who was so kind to him. "I hope that I convey that stealing is a source of regret, but at the same time, I don't blame that boy for doing that. The temptation's much too great for him and he can't resist it. There were reasons for his behaviour and his character flaws ..." Not once was that young boy asked "Is there something wrong?" He still has what he describes as a general low-level bedrock of sadness, but what makes him actively sad now, when I ask him, is anything to do with his children: "If they're not happy or there's something that I can't affect or change or improve that makes me sad." As for how he feels about his book, he's proud of it. "I found it very, very difficult and it wasn't cathartic, but I took as much care as I have over anything really. I wanted this to be a record to last a long time and to last long enough so that when my children are old enough to read it, they will understand." Alan Davies' memoir Just Ignore Him will be published by Hachette this week. Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636. Following a recent spike in airborne confrontations between the U.S. and Russian militaries, three B-52 Stratofortress bombers joined Ukrainian fighter jets for training Friday, and were also spotted skirting the Crimean peninsula, in a move one observer called an "in-your-face statement" to Russia. The bombers, from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, "conducted vital integration training with Ukrainian fighters inside Ukraine's airspace," European Command said in a press release. Officials said the bomber mission, part of along-planned deployment of six B-52s to RAF Fairford, England, "provided partners valuable midair training." Read Next: Fort Hood Soldier Dies After Collapsing During Physical Training "The mission demonstrated how forward-located aircraft and crews, such as those in the B-52 units, enable collective defense capabilities and provide the U.S., NATO Allies and partners strategic and operational breadth to deter Russia and assure Allies and partners," the release said. Earlier Friday, aircraft spotters on social media noted two B-52s headed southeast toward Crimea -- land claimed by Ukraine that was annexed by Russia in 2014. Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project for the Federation of American Scientists, noted the aircraft currently deployed to Europe are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The Air Force maintains 66 nuclear-capable B-52H aircraft out of 75 aircraft total at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and Minot, according to the Congressional Research Service. Only 44 are assigned to nuclear missions on a day-to-day basis, CRS said in its 2018 U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces report. "Extraordinary decision to send a nuclear bomber so close to contested and tense areas," Kristensen said on Twitter. "Their long-range missiles and vulnerability to air-defense mean they would likely never fly this close in a war, so this is a real in-your-face statement." Spotters saw B-52s just 25 kilometers shy of the Crimean border. The flights come one week after a B-52 formation flew across all 30 NATO countries in a single-day mission -- dubbed "Allied Sky' -- meant to showcase solidarity with partners in the region. But during the bombers' flight over the Black Sea Aug. 28, two Russian Su-27 Flanker jets turned on their afterburners, coming within 100 feet of one of the B-52s. Air Force Gen. Jeff Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa, responded to the event, saying, "While the Russian aircraft were operating in international airspace, they jeopardized the safety of flight of the aircraft involved. We expect them to operate within international standards set to ensure safety and prevent accidents." Separately, hours before the show-of-force flight, Air Force F-22 Raptor jets intercepted Russian spy planes off the coast of Alaska. North American Aerospace Defense Command, which oversees North American operations, said the stealth fighters on Aug. 27 intercepted three groups of two Tu-142 Russian maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, known as the ADIZ, which stretches roughly 200 miles off Alaska's coast. "This year, we've conducted more than a dozen intercepts, the most in recent years," Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of NORAD, said in a statement. Experts have argued that, while the intercepts expose a pattern of behavior from the Russian military, they also show that Russia is willing to capitalize on the publicity the aerial maneuvers bring -- even during the ongoing global pandemic. While the U.S. classifies its operations as "routine," the Pentagon aims to test its units' agility when deploying heavy aircraft forces. Called Bomber Task Force, or BTF, missions, the shorter flights -- using two to four bombers -- have been a regular occurrence since the spring as part of the Defense Department's larger "dynamic force employment" strategy for military units to test how nimbly they can move from place to place. The European theater has had at least one bomber rotation per year as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve since Russia's incursion into Ukraine in 2014. EUCOM on Friday said that since 2018, the U.S. and allies have conducted more than 200 sorties as part of a BTF mission. These recent exercises are not the first time bombers have trained alongside partners near Russia's borders this year. In May, two B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, marked their first-ever flight with Ukrainian Su-27 Flankers and MiG-29 Fulcrums over the Black Sea. At the same time, the long-range bombers also trained in launching the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, known as LRASM, officials said. Russian forces took note of those integration exercises over Eastern Europe. Russia's Ministry of Defense at the time noted an uptick in NATO and U.S. activity in the region, including the transit of a B-1 through the Sea of Okhotsk on May 22, and near the Kamchatka Peninsula in April. -- Richard Sisk contributed to this report. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: Russian and Chinese Military Harassment Is Increasing. Should the US Be Worried? New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked the BJP to remove him as the head of the ruling party. Attacking the prime minister, the West Bengal CM said, "the Central government should be formed with another BJP person at its helm. Prime Minister Modi has to go." Mamata even named three BJP leaders - LK Advani, Rajnath Singh, and Arun Jaitley - to replace Narendra Modi as the prime minister of the country. "To save country, let a national government be formed. Advaniji, Rajnathji or Jaitleyji can head it. Current situation unacceptable," news agency ANI quoted Mamata as saying. Mamata Banerjee is one of the biggest criticc of PM Modi's demonetisation policy annnounced on November 8. More details awaited. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 14:00:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LATROBE, the United States, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Latrobe, Pennsylvania on Thursday for an in-person rally a day after a poll showed a tightening race between him and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, in the battleground state. Addressing a crowd of supporters inside a hangar at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Trump claimed what he believes are achievements of his first term, speaking from economy to space programs, and sought to highlight ideological and policy differences between his administration's and those of Democrats. He continued to stress a "law and order" message, as the country has been further divided by a series of police-involved incidents that led to several deaths and triggered nationwide demonstrations subsequently. "I'll bring rioters, looters, violent extremists, anarchists -- we will bring them to justice, that's what we're doing right now...we are taking back America from these very, very deranged people," Trump said on Thursday night amid criticism from Democrats that his remarks have been sowing chaos for political benefits. The president claimed that mail-in voting would cause massive voter fraud as states have moved to expand access to it amid the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, he talked at length about his physical conditions last November, dismissing previous reports which claimed that he had had "mini-strokes." Biden, in a statement, accused Trump of not taking "responsibility for the economic hardship his presidency has caused Pennsylvanians." "But even before this crisis began, President Trump's reckless economic policies and tariff wars shipped jobs overseas and lined the pockets of CEOs, while leaving Western Pennsylvania workers and families behind," The 2020 Democratic presidential nominee said. "Wall Street didn't build this country, the middle class built this country." He added that if he's elected he will "fight for hardworking Pennsylvanians, bring our economy back from the brink, and create good-paying, manufacturing and union jobs." The remarks came exactly two months before the Election Day and a day after the latest Monmouth University survey found Biden at 49 percent and Trump at 45 percent among all registered voters in Pennsylvania. That number was within the poll's 4.9-point margin of error and a far closer race than Monmouth found in July, when Biden led 53 to 40 among registered voters. "This is really a game of inches," said Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute. "The Trump campaign is looking to peel off a little bit of Biden support here and a little bit there. It may be working, despite the fact that Pennsylvania voters personally like the Democrat more, although this gap has narrowed." According to the poll, Trump led by 19 points among men in Pennsylvania, compared to his 2-point advantage in July, while Biden was 24 points ahead of his Republican opponent among women and by 11 points among seniors. Trump won Pennsylvania, which had voted Democratic in six consecutive presidential elections prior to 2016, by less than one percentage point, stunning then-Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The former business mogul also won Michigan and Wisconsin, two other states dubbed as the "blue wall" four years ago. Trump is likely to need wins in at least two of those states if not all three to win reelection. According to the polling average of RealClearPolitics, a political news site and polling data aggregator headquartered in Chicago, Biden is still ahead of Trump by 7.2 percentage points nationally and 3.3 points in top battleground states. Trump has repeatedly called polls showing him trailing Biden "fake" and said that his voters have been "suppressed." Biden, who was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1942 and spent his first 10 years there before moving with his family to eastern state of Delaware, has retained strong ties to the Keystone State. The Democratic political veteran formally kicked off this presidential campaign in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city, in May 2019. In the past few weeks, he has held several campaign events in the state, including a speech Monday in Pittsburgh, which is about an hour of drive from Latrobe. Enditem An adult female reed frog from Cameroon. In this African family, adult and tadpole body sizes are closely related among species, so that species with larger adults have larger tadpoles and species with smaller adults have smaller tadpoles. Credit: John J. Wiens/University of Arizona If you have any children in your life, imagine for a moment that they don't look anything like their parents, they don't eat anything humans normally eat, and they're active only while adults sleep. While that might sound like an idea from a work of surreal fiction, it's actually the norm rather than the exception in the animal kingdom. Most animals go through what biologists call a complex life cycle, starting as larvae that often have little, if anything, in common with their parents. To become adults, they have to go through a process known as metamorphosis, which is one of nature's most remarkable feats. During this process, the larval bodies of many animal species undergo dramatic changes that turn them into adults that have little, if any resemblance with their juvenile stage. Butterflies may be the most familiar example of this. Yet, despite complex lifecycles being widespread, surprisingly little is known about how they evolve, specifically the extent to which evolution in one life stage impacts the others. To better understand the evolutionary consequences of a complex life cycle across a large group of related species, University of Arizona biologists studied another familiar example: frogs and their tadpoles. Tung Phung, Joao C. S. Nascimento and John J. Wiens of the UArizona Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology took a closer look at the evolution of body size across 542 frog species belonging to 42 families, most of which have a tadpole stage. The study, which was co-authored by Alexander Novarro of The Nature Conservancy, is published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. "We wanted to know, do large frogs have large tadpoles and small frogs small tadpoles, or are the sizes between the two decoupled?'" Wiens said, alluding to a prevailing hypothesis in evolutionary biology that states that larvae and adults should evolve rather independently, especially in species in which the two life stages have very different lifestyles. If larval and adult stages evolve completely independently of each other, there should be little correlation between larval size and adult size among species. In other words, big frogs could have little tadpoles, and big tadpoles could become small frogs, with no relationship between the size of frogs and tadpoles. An adult sabinal frog from Mexico, with its tadpoles. Credit: John J. Wiens/University of Arizona The team scoured the scientific literature for data on the sizes of tadpoles and adult frogs for each species, assembled an evolutionary tree among the species, and applied statistical analytical tools. The team discovered that while there is a striking amount of variability among frog families, the association is not completely random. Across frogs as a group, larval and adult body sizes are significantly and positively related. "It's not just 'anything goes,'" Wiens said. "We included almost every family of frogs that has a tadpole stage, and we did find there is constraint. In some cases, it's really strong; adult size strongly predicts larval size in many of the families we looked at." In other families included in the study, the researchers found the relationship to be much more variable. For example, in the spadefoot toad (Scaphiopodidae) family, species with large adults have small tadpoles and species with small adults have large tadpoles. There was also variation in the relative size of adults and tadpoles among families. For example, the paradox frog, Pseudis paradoxa, is a species with normal-sized adults that develop from giant tadpoles that are three to four times bigger than the adult. On the other end of the spectrum are some giant South American toads, whose tadpoles are about a tenth the size of the adult. "Overall, the size of tadpoles relative to adults changes widely across frogs, but why, we don't know," Wiens said. The authors also compared the rates of evolution in body sizes between tadpoles and adults. These were found to be clearly decoupled. For example, in glass frogs, the tadpole stage runs a broad gamut of sizes, indicating it has been evolving very quickly, while the adults vary much less in size. Other groups, such as the true toads, have fast evolutionary rates in both stages, while yet others, such as the African bullfrogs, show the opposite pattern, with adults evolving fast and tadpoles changing slowly. The tiny, thumbnail-sized tadpoles of the cane toad grow into adults that are among the largest amphibians, requiring both hands to pick one up, according to John Wiens, who took this photo in Costa Rica. Credit: John J. Wiens/University of Arizona Once tadpoles, which are confined to water, morph into frogs that spend most of their time hopping around on land, their bodies undergo an extreme makeover: The tissues that make up their powerful tail, used to propel them underwater, are recycled into other tissues; appendages begin sprouting beginning with the legs, then the arms, and they lose their feeding apparatus. This feeding system usually consists of a big beak, bordered by five or more rows of tiny teeth, which themselves are surrounded by a ring of short, fleshy tentacles. Inside, a filter system uses streams of slime to extract food from the water. Some tadpoles seem to use the teeth and beak to scrape algae off of rocks. Others suck up decaying organic matter from the bottoms of their freshwater habitats. But some tadpoles are carnivorous and may even be cannibalistic. "Their feeding mechanism is so weird that people still don't know exactly how it works or even what most tadpoles eat," Wiens said. "In adult frogs, the mouthparts are completely different, so they have to take this whole system down and rebuild during metamorphosis." While the huge variability in tadpole size relative to adults makes frogs especially interesting to Wiens and his research team, he said another reason for choosing frogs for this study was their status as endangered animals that are highly beneficial to the natural environment. Of the more than 7,200 frog species that have been described, most live in the tropics, and many have been disappearing at an alarming rate, Wiens said. This is worrisome as they play critical roles in ecosystems across the globefor example, acting as a natural pest control. "Many of them eat insects that destroy crops, so they are really useful that way," he said. While the current study is limited to amphibians, it does open up questions for other groups of animals, said the paper's first author, Tung Phung, a first-year doctoral student in Wiens' lab who did most of the work while still an undergraduate. "Our study is the first to address evolutionary rates of larval and adult life stages at a large scale," he said. Explore further Rapid transformation turns clinging tadpoles into digging adult frogs More information: Tung X. Phung et al, Correlated and decoupled evolution of adult and larval body size in frogs, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2020). Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Tung X. Phung et al, Correlated and decoupled evolution of adult and larval body size in frogs,(2020). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1474 Pennsylvanians who are still out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic lockdowns should begin seeing a second round of smaller, federal booster shots to their weekly unemployment benefits by Sept. 14. State Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak said Friday the state has completed its technical work for the new program, and workers who are currently on the states traditional unemployment should be able to register for the new $300-per-week benefit starting at 6 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 6. The one-time certification process can be accessed at www.uc.pa.gov/cert. (Those receiving aid through the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program designed for gig workers and independent contractors do not have to certify.) The new weekly supplement - which will be layered on top of the state benefit - is the result of a Trump Administration action to divert $44 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for pandemic assistance to the unemployed, retroactive to Aug. 1. Thats when an earlier, $600-per-week federal supplement contained in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ran out. The federal boosters are designed to help replace a higher percentage of lost income for those laid off in the sharp recession sparked by efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus that, in a matter of weeks, sent jobless levels across the United States soaring to near-record levels. Traditionally, unemployment benefits only capture about half of a workers prior salary. In 2019, according to Labor & Industry, the average state benefit paid out was $393. Many economists had seen the extra federal aid as a lifeline for the affected families, and as a key to preventing a deeper recession for the economy as a whole. According to federal statistics, there were 886,000 Pennsylvanians still without work in July. The states unemployment rate was 13.7 percent. The new payments will run retroactively to Aug. 1 for those who have been continuously out of work since then, and they are expected to continue through the rest of year, or unless the new program is supplanted by a second round of recovery funding that may or may not be agreed to by Congress and President Trump this fall. Confused by what's allowed to be open in San Francisco right now? You're not alone. Both the state of California and the city of San Francisco have released new plans for reopening in the last week and sorting out the guidelines is tricky. California Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan allows counties to be more restrictive than the state, and San Francisco has opted to reopen businesses on a slower timeline than the state's. Newsom's new color-coded system sorts counties into four categories "purple" (widespread), "red" (substantial) "orange" (moderate) or "yellow" (minimal) that measure the spread of COVID-19 and dictate what types of businesses and activities are allowed to open. The new structure gives counties the opportunity to open some businesses that have long been shuttered, but in San Francisco many businesses that the state allows to open indoors now are still closed or open for outdoor operations only. Case in point: If you go to the state's reopening guidelines at covid19.ca.gov website, it indicates hair salons can be open indoors in "red"-designated counties like San Francisco. But S.F. health officials opted to only allow salons to operate outdoors. San Francisco's site outlining the city's reopening is a better resource. While the city's decisions on openings are based on science and what's the best for the health of the community, Mayor London Breed has recognized the delayed timeline is frustrating for businesses. "My responsibility unfortunately at this time is to trust our experts and what they are not doing is what I know these places want to do, is giving them the green light to open," Breed said in Wednesday KCBS interview about hair salons not allowed to open indoors. "Im not happy about it and I get it. I know these businesses have been closed for this long and most likely many of them wont reopen. Im being aggressive. Im pushing back on our health experts to understand the economic challenges which exist, which also lead to mental health challenges." Breed said the county health officer and the Department of Public Health. working with the Citys Attorney Office, interprets the state guidelines and then examines the local COVID-19 data to determine what businesses and services can open. Here's a rundown of some of the key categories where the state and city don't align: Hair salons and barbershops: The state allows for indoor operations with modifications, and S.F. began allowing them to operate outdoors on Sept. 1. Indoor operations will be permitted at end of September with limited capacity. Personal care services: The state allows for indoor services with modifications. S.F. began allowing these outdoors on September 1 and will allow indoor operations at end of September with limited capacity. Museums, zoos and aquariums: The state allows for indoor operations at 25% capacity. S.F. will begin allowing these to open indoors in mid-September with limited capacity. Places of worship: While the state allows indoor worship with max capacity of 25% or 100 people, S.F. will allow one person at a time indoors for individual prayer and 50 people outdoors beginning in mid-September. Indoor worship with 25% capacity will be permitted at the end of September. Movie theaters: The state allows indoor operations with 25% capacity. S.F. will begin permitting outdoor theaters in mid-September. Hotels: The state allows them to open with modifications, including 10% capacity in the fitness centers. S.F. will begin allowing them to operate for tourism in mid-September with limited capacity and no fitness center operations. Gyms and fitness centers: The state permits indoor operations at 10% capacity. S.F. will allow outdoor gyms beginning Sept. 9, and solo indoor use in late-September. Restaurants: The state allows indoor operations with 25% capacity. S.F. only allows outdoor dining and takeout. See a complete rundown of San Francisco's reopening schedule at sfmayor.org. The schedule could change, depending on the number of new cases in the city. Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com. CHATSWORTH, Calif.The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) Thursday afternoon released an advisory for adult industry members on the general ramifications of Tuesday's decision published by the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal in regard to the long-battled 18 U.S.C. 2257 record-keeping law passed by Congress in 1988. The full advisory follows: A panel of the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals gave FSC and the other plaintiffs a victory in this 2257 case, even if the somewhat complicated ruling did not go as far as we hoped it would. Here are the most important facts about the ruling: Section 2257 and 2257A of the US Criminal Code (2257) were ruled unconstitutional under both the First Amendment and the Fourth Amendment, but the law was not struck down in its entirety for all producers. The FBI can no longer demand access to your records for random inspections. You are now less likely to be charged with a crime under 2257 and even less likely to be successfully prosecuted. Both sides of the lawsuit have 45 days to file a petition for a rehearing, so this fight isnt finished. You should continue all record-keeping requirements under 2257 as currently written. What is the effect of this ruling on most adult businesses? The overall effect is that the risk of prosecution for any adult company is now significantly reduced, and the risk of a successful prosecution even more so. You will have to continue to maintain 2257 records for now, but will not be subject to warrantless searches. How did the court rule on First Amendment claims? The 3rd Circuit limited its decision regarding First Amendment claims to the specific plaintiffs in the case, but dismissed the claim of associational standing which would have extended it to all producers. The court ruled that at least for the ten original plaintiffs the complex 2257 record-keeping regulations violated their First Amendment rights by seriously discouraging, and were so burdensome as to present a likely restraint on free speech. However, it did not apply that ruling to every adult producer. That said, the case is precedential, meaning that anyone prosecuted under 2257 would be able to point to this ruling as precedent, severely limiting the governments ability to successfully prosecute an adult producer under 2257. How is record-keeping a violation of free speech? The 2257 record-keeping regulations are so complex that they create a chilling effect on protected speech meaning they effectively discourage people from creating protected speech. If 2257 were fully enforced, everyone who sends an explicit picture of themselves on text, or retweets an explicit GIF, would have to maintain detailed records on everyone who appears in the image, or face criminal penalties. Such regulations would discourage people from talking about, creating, or engaging with sexually oriented content, and would have a silencing effect that courts have found unconstitutional. This was, perhaps, the original intent of the 2257 regulations. Will this decision ever be applied to producers who were not the original plaintiffs? Possibly. If either we or the government petitions for review, and the 3rd Circuit agrees to an en banc review, or the case goes to the Supreme Court, the reach could be extended. Of course, there is also the possibility that the opinion could be made worse by an en banc panel or the Supreme Court. Why did you not push to apply this more broadly? We did. FSC was an original plaintiff to the suit, with the understanding that any decision would apply to our members. In the latest decision, the 3rd Circuit found that we did not have standing to bring the suit meaning our members would not automatically be protected. This is a disappointment, and we are evaluating how to proceed. Originally, we had approached many adult companies to become a party to the suit in hopes of broadening it, but most did not want to draw attention to themselves, or be seen fighting a law that, on its face, was meant to fight child pornography. How did the court rule on Fourth Amendment claims? The court ruled that no adult producer can be subject to random inspections of their records something previously permitted under 2257. Any record inspection now requires a warrant (and, thus, probable cause). This applies to all producers, not just the ten plaintiffs. What does this change for the adult industry? We can no longer be harassed without probable cause, and its unlikely that a record-keeping violation will land you in prison. From 2005 to 2006, FBI agents raided over thirty adult businesses in an effort to find record-keeping violations. The raids were part of a long-running effort to use minor record-keeping violations to harass and prosecute otherwise legal adult businesses. The warrantless inspections were ultimately stopped by a legal injunction filed by our lawyers. Under 2257, even a minor mis-alphabetizing of a record could result in a felony. The government is permanently prohibited from conducting this type of inspection, and will now require a warrant. If this is a victory, do I need to continue maintaining 2257 records? Yes. For now, the only people specifically included are the ten individual plaintiffs in the case, and the federal government is likely to ask for a review of this decision. So were still forced to keep the records, but they cant inspect them? They can still inspect records if a court signs a warrant based on probable cause that you have not followed 2257 or committed another crime (e.g., they have specific reason to believe that you are filming people who are underage), but they may not show up at your offices without a warrant and demand you hand over any records they request. What if I only shoot GILF porn? All of my models are well over 30! The risk of prosecution is miniscule, but unless you were one of the ten plaintiffs in this case, you still need to keep records. What are the possible consequences if they do get a warrant to search my records? On a practical level, why do I need to keep maintaining the records? While the risk is low, if you dont have records, or have inadequate records, and they get a search warrant you can still be prosecuted. Violations of 2257 are felonies. You should always keep records to avoid the possibility of an inadvertent child pornography prosecution. And as long as it remains the law, 2257 documentation increases the value of your library anyone who might partner with you or purchase your library will need these records. Do I still have to get the 2257 records from the primary producer if I am a secondary producer? This depends upon your tolerance for risk. In its decision, the court said it assumed that secondary producer requirements were unconstitutional, but as no secondary producer was party to the case, they did not rule definitively. This is something to discuss with your lawyer. Why is FSC fighting regulations that require age-verification? Were not opposed to age-verification. Age-verification should always be conducted and documented. Filming someone under the age of 18 is immoral, illegal, and punishable by 15 years in prison. The 2257 regulations were not designed to detect or deter child pornography, and they do not do so. They were designed to make legal adult producers easier to prosecute. FSC recommends record-keeping for all adult productions, but opposes the overly complicated 2257 regulations, which allowed the FBI to demand adult records at any time, and created a host of criminal penalties for adult producers for even minor record-keeping mistakes. You can read more about our commitment to fight child pornography and our opposition to 2257 here. How long have we been fighting this? The law itself has been on the books since 1988 when conservative anti-porn activists in the Reagan administration drafted the 2257 regulations to create additional burdens for adult producers. The FSC has been relentlessly leading the battle against 2257 since 2004, when the Bush Administration began using the law to harass adult businesses, and requiring not just producers, but secondary producers such as tube sites and review sites to maintain records for every image on their site. In 2009, FSC sued the US government to overturn the regulations, arguing that they violated free speech protections and that the FBI searches violated the Fourth Amendment. Over the course of a decade, weve won significant victories in that regard, and we thank FSCs legal team, J. Michael Murray and Lorraine Baumgardner, who have substantially disarmed the regulations. Whats next? The government has 45 days to file a petition for rehearing (as do we). So the battle continues. In the meantime, the industry should continue to comply with 2257 absent further, specific litigation. If there is no further action on the part of FSC or the government, this ruling stands. 2257 records will still be required, but the risk of prosecution will remain low. If FSC or the government pursues the case further either with the 3rd Circuit en banc or the Supreme Court it could potentially expand the ruling to apply to all adult producers, or reject the findings entirely and reinstate all of 2257. Sushmita Sens daughter Renee turned 21 on Friday and the actor shared birthday wishes for her. Sharing photos that included a striking black-and-white picture of Renee presumably clicked by Sushmita, she wrote, Happy Birthday my first love. You are 21. What a journey this has been, Shona...One that has definitely brought me closer to God. She also posted photos featuring younger daughter Alisah, I pray you find the courage to be the most authentic version of yourself and always be relentless in the pursuit of your happiness. May all your dreams manifest with hard work and undying passion. Come on big girl...The world awaits. I love you, Renee. The Aarya actor added, Renees photo shoot by Maa. Mother to Renee and Alisah, who turned 11 in August, Sushmita has often said that they were born from heart. The wisest decision I made at the age of 24 was to become a mother. It stabilised my life. People think it was a great act of charity and wonderful action but it was self-preservation. It was me protecting myself, she had told IANS in an interview. Sushmita adopted Renee when she was 24. In June this year, Sushmita had shared a throwback photo featuring her and Renee and wrote, Sometimes I look at these pictures & wonder, when I see Renee & me even at age 2 yrs & 26yrs old...the child was always me!!! Its magical to realise I am the one whos been mothered all along!!! #sharing #precious #memories #mother #daughter #journey I love you guys!!! #duggadugga. A former Miss Universe, Sushmita made her debut with Dastak in 1996 and went on to do films such as Biwi No 1, Main Hoon Na, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and No Problem. She took a long sabbatical from films, returning earlier this year with the web series Aarya. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Life lessons from a dictatorship by Raul Gallegos The most recent troubles of the opposition in Venezuela are illustrative of savvy strategic thinking by dictator Nicolas Maduro. Although we still know little of what has happened behind closed doors we know the following: Three of the opposition's most recognizable leaders, Juan Guaido, Maria Corina Machado and Henrique Capriles Radonsky are publicly at odds. Maduro released more than 100 prisoners ahead of the December 6 Congressional elections and some are likely to run in this election controlled by Maduro. Having opposition politicians participate in the election will give it some, meager, semblance of credibility, which is what the Maduro regime wants. Lesson 1: Create the illusion of transparency and fairness. It is important to understand that dictatorships are not happy with having absolute power in exchange for being labeled nasty autocracies. They want to have their cake and eat it too. They want power but also the ability to deny they are dictatorships. Autocracies that last are those that focus as much on creating the illusion of fairness and transparency as they do on exercising absolute control. For the Maduro regime it is not enough to control all levers of policy making. Maduro wants to be able to argue that he has given the opposition enough of a chance to have political representation. That's why regimes like Cuba's still bother to hold so called "elections". Lesson 2: Divide opponents to succeed. The opposition is divided among those who want Maduro removed by force by the international community (Machado), those who want to continue to use symbolism to expose Maduro as a dictator (Guaido) and those who want to participate in elections despite the regime controlling them (Capriles Radonski). Maduro benefits from this infighting, especially since no radical opposition leader has emerged yet seeking to stage a structured, well-organized, armed struggle against the regime. Dictators understand that dividing adversaries or competitors is the best way to succeed and survive in power longer. What I'm (Re)Reading -------------------------------------------------------- The book "Scarcity: Why having so little means so much", by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir, shows why the scarcity of food, money and time, dramatically reduces cognitive capacity because people focus on addressing dire need - they focus on survival. The authors set out to show that "poverty itself taxes the mind" and that "the same person has fewer IQ points when she is preoccupied with scarcity than when she is not". For those of us following dysfunctional politics, illiberal regimes and dictatorships, this book explains how and why hungry and destitute people appear to tolerate bad leaders for so long instead of rising up to bring about political change. If you are new to this email and like what you've read Sign up for our list! If you would like to help us grow please recommend this to your friends and colleagues. Raul Gallegos/Pondering Politics/September 03, 2020 raul.gallegos@gmail.com The US election is officially open: North Carolina on Friday launched vote-by-mail operations for the November 3 contest between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, which is getting uglier by the hour. With two months until Election Day, Trump is seizing on fears over violent protests in US cities and questioning the integrity of voting by mail, while challenger Biden intensified his criticism of a "deplorable" leader who he said is not fit for office. Worries about the unabated spread of coronavirus are expected to prompt a surge in the number of ballots cast by mail, as millions seek to avoid polling stations. In a country on edge over the health crisis and a national reckoning about race, the next 60 days will test the ability of the world's largest economy to organize its election while profoundly changed by a pandemic that has killed 187,000 Americans. North Carolina was to begin mailing out more than 600,000 ballots, in response to a major spike in demand. Other key battleground states such as Wisconsin -- which both candidates visited in recent days -- will follow in the coming weeks. How Americans vote has become another flashpoint in an increasingly divisive political landscape. - Seeds of doubt - A recent poll by USA Today and Suffolk University showed that 56 percent of Republican voters surveyed said they would go in person to vote, while only 26 percent of Democrats plan to do the same. One out of every four Biden voters said that if the Democratic former vice president loses on November 3, they would not be ready to accept a Trump victory as "fairly won." About one in five Trump voters said a similar thing. As he seeks a second four-year term, Trump has for months sowed doubt among his base about the legitimacy of an election with a significant number of mail-in votes. Trump -- who himself votes by mail in his adopted home state of Florida -- has repeatedly, and without evidence, said mail-in voting could lead to widespread fraud. Story continues He even has suggested to his supporters that they try to vote twice to test the system -- earning him scorn on social media and from Democrats. - 'Losers' - The tense campaign battle heated Thursday when The Atlantic magazine reported -- citing four anonymous sources who said they had firsthand knowledge of the discussions -- that Trump had referred to US Marines buried in a World War I cemetery in France as "losers" and "suckers" for getting killed in action. When visiting France in November 2018 for the centenary of the end of the Great War, Trump did not visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris -- officially because bad weather grounded his helicopter. The backlash was swift, and Trump sent a barrage of tweets to defend himself. "The Atlantic magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance," wrote the president, who went on to assail the report as "a disgrace" in a briefing to White House reporters. Trump's allies launched a swift counteroffensive, flooding social media with images of the president in company of US soldiers -- but others were quick to dig up campaign comments from 2016 when he mocked late senator John McCain, a prisoner of war for years in Vietnam. - 'So un-American' - The report left Biden as angry as he has appeared on the campaign trail. "I just think it is sick, it is deplorable, it is so un-American, it is so unpatriotic," Biden said of Trump's quoted remarks, which the Democrat said he believed were accurately reported. "Who the heck does he think he is?" Biden turned personal in mentioning his son Beau, a US military veteran and former Delaware attorney general who died of cancer in 2015. When Beau "went to Iraq for a year, and won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he wasn't a sucker," Biden said. Trump fired back later from the White house, accusing reporters of playing softball with his Democratic rival. "I look at the level of question that you people ask, I mean, honestly, it's disgraceful," Trump railed. "They were like, meant for a child." Both candidates are expected to remain off the trail during the three-day Labor Day holiday weekend. But next Friday could see Trump and Biden come face to face, as both have scheduled appearances in Shanksville, Pennsylvania to mark the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Asked if he would share a stage with Trump if invited, Biden said yes: "He is still the president of the United States." jca-mlm/ec/dw The French government announced plans to distribute $118 billion to support job programs, green technologies, and health care. Officials said the order was made to revive the country's economy, which has been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, similar to other nations worldwide. A massive financial plan The announced recovery fund makes up approximately four percent of France's gross domestic product, which is significantly larger than other European countries. The plan aims to bring France's economy back to its state before the pandemic as early as 2022. According to the Wall Street Journal, France's struggle with reviving its economy shows how even the countries that imposed the strictest lockdown measures find it difficult to return to their previous levels. In early March, the country implemented a strict two-month national lockdown, which ordered the closing of schools, cafes, restaurants, and non-essential shops. The lockdown kept the country's citizens inside their homes amid the global health crisis. The swift response of the French government considerably slowed the spread of the coronavirus infection. Still, it also dealt a heavy blow to the nation's economy, shrinking it to 13.8 percent in the second quarter of this year, a number similarly recorded after the effects of World War II. During a press briefing on Thursday, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said that while the country held on and fought off the coronavirus, it suffered drastic losses and was left severely weakened. During the event, Castex added that the recently announced recovery fund was an unprecedented move in French history due to its ambition, size, and scope. Approximately 40 percent of the funds will be taken from the $880 billion recovery fund of Europe set up this summer. The situation provides a perfect opportunity for French President Emmanuel Macron to tout the benefits of the European Union's solidarity to the country's citizens who are more often than not, skeptical. Also Read: COVID-19 Continues to Hit Economy, 1M more Americans Apply for Unemployment Aid Getting back on its feet A financial analyst at SpreadEx, Connor Campbell, said that European markets rushed through the gates with the hopes of stateside stimulus and actual stimulus on the continent, as reported by Business Insider. The stimulus plans include the distribution of $41 billion to help boost the competitiveness of the economy in the euro zone, $35 billion to support environmentally-friendly energy, and $29 billion to create more job opportunities for the country's people. The program would also support Macron's pro-business perspective, which had already incorporated $11 billion worth of tax cuts and new public funding to help several sectors, including industry, construction, and transport. According to France24, the French's stimulus plan varies greatly with other European countries because it focuses on creating business opportunities and helps people stay employed and maintain their salaries, which aid continuous spending, resulting in positive rates for the economy. Castex noted that while the plan was an extremely ambitious idea, it was perfectly within the country's grasp. The budget boost is worth four times the funds that France has spent for the past ten years to deal with the global financial crisis. The additional spending also comes after the country has already spent hundreds of billions during the coronavirus pandemic's early stages. Related Article: Trump Plans Relief Funds for Kids, Sparking Opposition from Democrats @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. FM dismisses Pompeo's accusations on China's COVID-19 cover-up Global Times Source: Global Times Published: 2020/9/3 19:53:41 Actions speak louder than words and the truth will always turn out to be true, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Thursday in response to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's recent statements accusing China of covering up the death toll from its COVID-19 epidemic. China's significant anti-epidemic achievements in such a short time is the result of the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China and also the unification of the whole country. Just as what top epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan said on a Tuesday TV program, clarified Hua, "China's achievements in epidemic control can stand the test of history and time." China has made great progress in post-epidemic work and production resumption, and China-based foreign journalists should all have a deep experience and understanding of it, Hua said. "The recent Wuhan music festival and Qingdao beer festival that has attracted a lot of attention from foreign media are real and important signs that Chinese people's lives are returning to normal in an orderly way," she said. Hua also slammed the US for using its old "Attack China Card" as a strategy to shirk its own responsibility and cover up its incapability in tackling the epidemic situation, noting that their strategy has no factual basis and many US people and even US media are critical of it. She reiterated the timeline of the epidemic situation in China and the US and the two countries' response to it since the outbreak started, and hit back against the US' blame game on China for the chaos in its current epidemic response. How could the US, with the most advanced medical technology and abundant resources, become the most severely affected country in the world in just a few months after China cut off all the transmission paths of the epidemic to the world? Hua questioned. "The blame game may deceive some people for a while, but the ultimate victory of the anti-epidemic battle will only depend on science and respect for life," she said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PRESIDENCY WELCOMES JUDGMENT BY UK COURT ON P&ID The Presidency welcomes the judgment by the UK Court granting Nigerias application for an extension of time and relief from sanctions in a $10 billion arbitration case with Process and Industrious Development Limited (P&ID) in Nigeria. In our view, the judgment is right, just and provides a strong prima facie case that the fraudulent gas deal with P&ID and the subsequent judgment debt of $10 billion against Nigeria was a clear attempt to cheat the country of billions of dollars by a company that had not invested one Naira in our country. On the arbitration award, it is a source of huge satisfaction that the UK Court, among others, had ruled that: Nigeria has established a strong prima facie case that the Gas Supply and Processing (GSPA) was procured by bribes paid to insiders as part of a larger scheme to defraud Nigeria. There is also a strong prima facie case that that (P&ID) main witness in the arbitration, Mr Quinn, gave a perjured evidence to the Tribunal, and that contrary to that evidence, P&ID was not in the position to perform the contract. The Presidency expresses delight with the processes that led to this outcome in the English Court, noting that it has given relief to the Nigerian government to further protect our national assets from criminally-minded organisations and individuals. ALSO READ: The views of the UK court thus provide sufficient grounds for the Federal Government to go ahead and challenge the frauds perpetrated by the company and overturn the arbitration award. President Muhammadu Buhari therefore commends the team of lawyers who represented Nigeria in the matter with P&ID, and reassures all well-meaning Nigerians and the international community of his unwavering commitment to fight corruption in all its forms and manifestation. Garba Shehu Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) September 4, 2020 Continuano i controlli della Polizia di Stato in Sardegna per il contrasto dei furti di rame sulle ferrovie. Nell'ambito dell'operazione "Oro Rosso", ciclicamente disposta dal Servizio Polizia Ferroviaria di Roma su scala nazionale, sono state identificate 176 persone, 7 i controlli a depositi di materiale ferroso, 10 le pattuglie automontate dislocate lungo le tratte ferroviarie e su strada. Elevata una sanzione amministrativa. "L'attivita preventiva posta in essere - dicono gli agenti - permette di scongiurare gli episodi di asportazione del pregiato materiale utilizzato in ferrovia per alimentare la circolazione dei treni e di evitare pesanti ripercussioni sulla regolarita dei trasporti. Personale in abiti civili ha svolto una mirata attivita di osservazione al fine di prevenire potenziali attivita delittuose lungo gli scali ferroviari. Durante il servizio i passeggeri sono stati sensibilizzati al rispetto delle norme e non si sono verificati episodi che avrebbero potuto mettere a rischio l'incolumita delle persone". Riproduzione riservata (Unioneonline/D) TROY A Rensselaer County grand jury found that an off-duty city police officer acted properly when he fatally shot a man who was repeatedly stabbing the man's estranged wife on July 30 during a domestic violence incident. The grand jury handed up a no bill Friday clearing Officer Adam Harbour for shooting Colin E. Davis, 25, with a shotgun when he refused to obey the officer's orders to stop attacking the woman on the first-floor porch of the 17th Street two-family residence in the Beman Park neighborhood about block south of Hoosick Street. Harbour came out of his first-floor apartment to attempt to stop the attack. Harbour fired a single shot from his shotgun killing Davis, officials said. The woman lives in the second-floor apartment. After hearing from multiple witnesses and reviewing the evidence related to the incident, the grand jury returned a no bill. By doing so, the grand jury concluded that Officer Harbour was justified in shooting the armed assailant to stop an on-going violent assault, District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said. The grand jury rejected a second-degree murder charge against the officer. This one incident of domestic violence will continue to have a lasting effect for everybody involved. For the survivor her life will likely never be the same. For our member, Adam Harbour, his split-second life-saving action will be something he thinks about for quite some time, Police Chief Brian Owens said. Both Donnelly and Owens had called the state Attorney Generals Office to investigate to determine under an order from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's whether the state should take over the investigation. The order calls for such a review in a situation when a police officer causes the death of a civilian. Donnelly said the Attorney Generals Office decided her office should handle the case. The fatal shooting was investigated and presented to the grand jury. Donnelly and Owens held a press conference outside the Rensselaer County Court House after the no-bill was handed up to State Supreme Court Justice Patrick McGrath by the grand jury. Officer Harbour was faced with the most difficult choice an officer has to make in their career. His actions saved that womans life and he is a hero, said Officer Nick Laviano, president of the Troy Police Benevolent Association. Harbour has been a member of the department since January 2017. He was one of the first two alumni of the Troy Police Cadet Post 4102 to join the force. He graduated from Troy High School and attended Hudson Valley Community College. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Harbour remains on administrative duty after being taken off of his patrol assignment, Owens said. Harbour is the third city police officer in the last five years to be investigated by a county grand jury for fatally killing a person. The other fatal shootings occurred in Aug. 2015 and April 2016. In August 2015, Officer Joshua Comitale was severely wounded in the legs during a shootout with Thaddeus Faison, who died after being shot four to six times in the torso. This investigation took nearly three months before it went to a county grand jury that declined to file charges against Comitale, who waived his immunity from prosecution when he testified. Faison had also shot and wounded Officer Chad Klein from behind as he sat in his patrol vehicle before Comitale engaged with Faison. The April 2016 incident saw Sgt. Randall French shoot and kill Edson Thevenin during a DWI stop. Then-District Attorney Joel Abelove presented the case to a grand jury within five days of the shooting. French testified without waiving his immunity to prosecution. The grand jury declined to indict French, who died earlier this year from COVID-19. Abelove is scheduled for trial beginning Sept.14 on his handling of the case and for allegedly lying to a grand jury. The Thevenin family has a civil rights lawsuit against the city pending in U.S. District Court. Sgt. French died this year from COVID-19. The city of Mandan has one of the highest census response rates in North Dakota, but local agencies are still working to count residents before the Sept. 30 deadline. Nearly 72% of Mandan residents have filled out the census, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from Aug. 31. However, some parts of the community might not respond to the census, such as people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Members of the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People earlier in the year invited census workers to a meeting to discuss census response, coalition chair Mark Heinert said. Service providers have posted information about filling out the census in their facilities, and they shared the locations of homeless people with the city so that they could be counted. Coalition member employees were not allowed to go with census employees on those visits because of federal law, according to Heinert. He said the coronavirus pandemic has made the coalitions involvement with the census effort more difficult. He is concerned that people are less willing to talk to census workers because of it and that the population might be undercounted. AID Inc., a Mandan organization that provides temporary emergency assistance, has posters advertising the census in its building and includes information about the census on its thrift store sales calendar. Just like getting your drivers license renewed, its something that must be done, AID Inc. Executive Director Patti Regan said. The Morton Mandan Public Library also has helped spread the word about the census. The librarys bookmobile -- known as Morti -- was rebranded as the censusmobile and driven around Morton County to encourage residents to fill out the census. Before the pandemic struck, Morti was equipped with tablets so residents could respond to the census on the spot. Morton Mandan Public Library Director Jackie Hawes said the library has been helping residents fill out the census even with social distancing. During one phase of reopening, patrons could schedule appointments to use library computers to respond to the census. Employees have walked residents through the census over the phone, and one morning, a man was outside the library before it opened to ask for help. Were very much the information place, so it just makes sense that people would come here to find out that information, Hawes said. Tribal census response Tribal officials and advocates are making a final push for the census on reservations in North Dakota. Three counties encompassing tribal nations have response rates ranging from 31-36%, according to recent data from North Dakotas Census Office. Several reasons account for the low response, chiefly the coronavirus pandemic, according to census advocates. The ability for workers going door to door, social distancing -- thats been a big, big part of it, North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Scott Davis said. The remoteness of communities as well as government distrust also are factors, said Nicole Donaghy, executive director of North Dakota Native Vote, which advocates civic engagement on reservations. Four organizers will be doing local census outreach on reservations in a safe manner, Donaghy said. North Dakota Native Vote also has worked with other organizations, such as Turnaround Arts and the Sacred Pipe Resource Center, for outreach, and is coordinating some events with tribes. "Its up to us. Its always up to us to take care of our communities, Donaghy said. The Sacred Pipe Resource Center, based in Mandan, has used COVID-19 relief events such as food distribution to share census information with tribal members who live on and off reservations, Executive Director Cheryl Kary said. The organizations census efforts are statewide, she added. Some tribal members might distrust government workers who come calling, asking for personal information that could be perceived as used against them, Donaghy and Davis said. But federal funding and legislative representation is at stake. We know that tribal programs, whether they serve the Native population off-reservation or whether theyre on-reservation, are typically underfunded, and so when you have an undercount as well as a program being underfunded, that creates -- exponentially creates -- more poverty and more disparity, Kary said. The deadline to fill out the census is Sept. 30. Reach Sam Nelson at 701-250-8264 or sam.nelson@bismarcktribune.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. Americans complied with stay-at-home orders nearly everywhere that issued them and helped to slow the spread of coronavirus, new cell phone tracking data analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows. A new report, released Thursday, reveals that people moved around less in 98 percent of counties that issued stay-at-home orders in March. But by May 3, 19 percent of counties had either lifted or allowed their stay-at-home orders to expire, and residents immediately began leaving their homes more, increasing their contact with others and, therefore, driving up COVID-19 transmission risks. The report didn't look at infection rates themselves, but the makes clear that stay-at-home orders do work to limit a primary risk factor for spreading coronavirus: human contact. However, the CDC acknowledged how disruptive these orders are, and noted that policy makers need to work out what the best timing for such orders would be to minimize economic and social effects and maximize their effects on viral spread. Between Mach and May, 42 states issued stay-at-home advisories (blue) or orders (black). Movement 'significantly' decreased in 98% of counties, likely slowing the spread of coronavirus, a new CDC report finds California was the first state in the mainland US to issue a mandatory stay-at-home order, on March 19 (it was beaten by Puerto Rico, which issued its mandate four days earlier). At the time, the state had 1,040 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 19 people had died. Much of the country balked at Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom's order. Some called it draconian, others regarded it as an over-reaction to a virus that had, at the time, infected less than 0.003 percent of California's population. But in the months that followed, 41 other states enacted measures similar to California's, according to the CDC report. Another eight states issued advisories urging residents to stay home, but did not create enforceable policies. Six states - Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming - did nothing to limit contact and movement. Those states are far less densely populated than coastal ones like California or New York, and even now they have a fraction as many cases. But as of Friday, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa (which was among the last to issue a stay-at-home advisory, in late-April) now have the fastest rising case numbers in the country, according to analysis by the New York Times. Pinpointing the direct effects of stay-at-home orders on transmission rates is difficult because it is not possible to use de-identified movement tracking data to asses who stayed at home and who moved about, and whether those people contracted or spread coronavirus. However, a May study published by Johns Hopkins University found that daily infection rates fell from around 12 percent to about five percent, on average, after states locked down beginning in March. The CDC does not provide an exact figure for how many more people stayed at home following lockdown orders, but charts from the report suggest that people's cell phones (and therefore, their owners) were about 1.5 times more likely to be at home after mandates were issued, compared to before the orders. The CDC report does not put an exact figure on the decrease in movement, but charts showing the time people spent at home (as measured by their cell phone locations) increased by about 1.5-fold 'post' lockdowns What's more, the CDC found that people in surrounding states took a cue from California's stay-at-home order, staying home more even before their own home states enacted similar policies. And the same pattern happened as lockdowns lifted. Alaska was the first state to let its stay-at-home order expire on April 24. Movement immediately increased there, as well as in other states. By May 31, 11 states had done away with stay-at-home guidance altogether, and orders had been downgraded to advisories in 22. The subsequent increase in movement was 'significant,' according to the CDC. 'Reduced population movement helps prevent close contact among persons outside the household, potentially limiting exposure to persons infected with SARS-CoV-2,' The CDC and Georgia Tech authors wrote. Protestors called for California to reopen on May 7 in Sacramento 'This suggests that stay- at-home orders can help protect the publics health by limiting potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and reducing community transmission of COVID-19.' As fall approaches, some experts are predicting increased viral activity and, as it becomes too cold for people to gather outdoors, transmissions may increase as more people dine in at restaurants and return to public transit. If that's the case, stay-at-home orders may be useful once more, the CDC suggests. But that's hardly a simple solution: 'Although stay-at-home orders might assist in limiting potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and have had public support, such orders substantially disrupt daily life and have resulted in adverse economic impact,' the CDC admits. 'Further studies are needed to assess the timing and conditions under which stay-at-home orders might be best used to protect health, minimize negative impacts, and ensure equitable enforcement of community mitigation policies.' The skeleton of a suspected murder victim found in two bin bags in a river is missing some parts, a detective said today, as the mother of an RAF gunner who vanished on a night out nearly four years ago revealed the remains are not those of her son. The black bags of human bones were recovered from the River Stour in Sudbury, Suffolk, on August 27. Nicola Urquhart initially said she had been 'trying to keep a sensible head on' while police were unable to reassure her as to the identity of the remains, but said today she had since been told they did not belong to missing son, Corrie McKeague. Nicola Urquhart (right) has said she has been told by police bones found in the River Stour are not those of her son RAF gunner Corrie McKeague (left) who vanished after a night out in Bury St Edmunds in 2016 Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Bridger said the remains are the body of a man of 'athletic or muscular build' as he urged those who find refuse sacks in 'unusual circumstances' to come forward. 'Unfortunately we know that it's not a complete body and indeed our current belief is that that individual had been dead for some time before the disposing of in the river and the recovery,' he said. 'Obviously there are ongoing tests that will continue, scientific tests that will hopefully provide us a lot more detail, and we remain in contact with the national missing persons database and other national agencies to try to understand at the earliest possibility exactly what the identity of the individual is.' Police are appealing for witnesses who were in the area where the bags were recovered. 'We also would extend that witness appeal to people who may find or see refuse bags in and around the area of Sudbury in unusual circumstances and we would ask those individuals to come forward,' said Mr Bridger. He said details of the items recovered could not be disclosed for investigative reasons. A Home Office post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday was not able to establish a cause of death. The man had been dead for a 'minimum of months', Mr Bridger said, adding: 'It's too early to say more specifically than that.' 'Clearly we're really sensitive to the fact that there are families up and down the country who may be hoping that this is their loved one and we remain in contact with some individual families,' he said. He said one of the families police had been in contact with was that of missing RAF gunner Corrie McKeague, whose mother Nicola Urquhart said officers have told her the remains are not her son. Mr Bridger said: 'Because of the forensic testing conducted we can say with some degree of confidence that it isn't indeed Corrie's remains and therefore we were able to provide that update to try and reassure.' The search of the river and its banks is continuing, assisted by police divers and dog handlers. Corrie McKeague was last seen near a bin loading area in Bury St Edmunds in 2016. Police searched a landfill site near Cambridge for his body in March the following year Ms Urquhart, writing on the Find Corrie Facebook page, said: 'We don't know who this person is, but we do know it's someone's son or daughter and they will be devastated. 'I hope and pray that Suffolk MIT are able to identify who this person is for the family that have been left behind. 'Please remember though that although I am writing this as Corrie's mum, and I now know this is not my son, it is a murder investigation, if anybody knows anything, was in the area at the time, has CCTV or dash cam footage please contact Suffolk MIT.' Mr McKeague, of Dunfermline, Fife, was 23 when he vanished on a night out in Bury St Edmunds, around 16 miles north of Sudbury, on September 24 2016. He was stationed at RAF Honington and no trace of him has been found. Detective Chief Inspector Mike Brown, the Senior Investigating Officer in the Sudbury case, said previously: 'Detailed forensic investigations on the remains are continuing and, although progress is being made every day, as we have said previously, this will be a long and painstaking process to complete, as we strive to establish the identity of the victim.' Officers completing house-to-house inquiries have spoken to the residents of more than 100 properties so far and more than 140 witnesses have come forward to help. Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Investigation Team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Detectives also want to hear from anyone who may have driven in the vicinity of The Croft between August 24 and 27 and has a dashcam fitted, to review the footage to see if they captured anything of significance. The investigation into Mr McKeague's disappearance was passed to cold case detectives in 2018. Suffolk Police said the 'most likely scenario' is that Corrie went into a bin which was emptied into a lorry and ended up in the waste process. It comes after Nicola tweeted a new photo of her missing son yesterday, saying 'in just one second our lives will never be the same'. The bones were discovered in the River Stour and police say a post-mortem examination was not able to establish any form of identification or a cause of death and more tests are needed Speaking earlier this week, before the possibility the bones could be her son's was rules out, she told the East Anglian Daily Times: 'Most times when remains or bodies have been found, the police down in Suffolk have been able to put my mind at rest that it's not Corrie very quickly. 'After speaking to me, they'll be able to tell me that they already think they know who the person is or, for whatever reason, they know it's not Corrie. 'Unfortunately, on this occasion, they've not been able to do that. 'So I think the hard thing is that, whether this is Corrie or not, this is somebody's son or daughter and it's whether anybody will ever find out because they might not be able to identify who this person is.' She added: 'It's just about trying to keep a sensible head on, and not letting your head start making things up and thinking a million thoughts. 'It is really difficult just to wait until you get an answer because there's as much chance of this not being Corrie as it being Corrie but it's going to be someone's son or daughter. 'It's just awful.' Officers from Suffolk Constabulary search the River Stour in Sudbury for trace evidence after human bones were discovered last Thursday. A murder investigation has been launched Corrie McKeague's mother Nicola Urquhart has said officers have been unable to reassure her that the bones found in the River Stour are not those of her son after he disappeared in 2016 Corrie was last seen in a part of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, known as the 'Horseshoe' at 3.24am on Saturday, September 24, 2016 - around nine miles from his base at RAF Honington. He has not been seen since and in October 2018 Suffolk Police said they believed his body was at a landfill site in Cambridgeshire. Officers said they believed Corrie, who was 23 when he disappeared, climbed into a Biffa bin and fell asleep and was taken to the rubbish tip in Milton. They reached the conclusion after a meeting with Biffa Head Office, which confirmed the weight of the bin, which was picked up from outside Greggs in the area where Corrie was last seen, weighed 116kg - much higher than bin collection weights from the same place normally. Suffolk Constabulary are appealing to the public for information after bones were discovered CCTV of missing RAF serviceman Corrie McKeague in Brentgovel Street in Bury St Edmunds Suffolk and Norfolk police spent 137 days looking for Corrie at the Milton tip and trawled through more than 7,000 tonnes of rubbish as part of a 2 million investigation into his disappearance. Officers carried out two separate search operations in 2017 with the first being called off in July and the second resuming in October and lasting approximately six weeks. Last year, on the third anniversary of his disappearance, mother Nicola said she accepted her son was dead - but said she hadn't given up hope of finding his remains. As Houston families gear up for fun and relaxation this Labor Day weekend, a top Houston ICU doctor has a warning about the novel coronavirus that's still posing a threat to our community. Although the positivity rate for COVID-in dropping across our state, Houstonians must stay vigilant to the virus and not let our guard down. "A lot of the infections have been more often than not related to big and small gatherings," Houston Methodist's ICU head, Dr. Faisal Masud, said. "Clearly the next four days are critical. We just have to get through this thing." COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Students at this college can only leave for food and bathroom breaks The top concern for Masud is that Houstonians are feeling restless and want to connect with their families. Now more than ever, families want to gather with their loved ones over the holiday after the isolation they've felt throughout the pandemic. "My biggest fear is the big family gatherings. We all feel cooped up, bored and we all like to have fun," Masud said. "But this virus doesn't recognize whether its your cousins or your friends or your relatives. Big family gatherings are my biggest concern." The other concern Masud expresses is that some Houstonians are not wearing their masks properly. "When some people are wearing masks, their nose is exposed. If you are not covering your nose, you've lost the advantage," Masud said. "These are small things but they do matter." Masud said that local businesses have helped keep the COVID-19 positivity rate down. "Restaurants are making sure that people are wearing masks. I think our local businesses have taken a big step with that," Masud said. "I think we as a city has pulled together. People are taking more personal responsibility." He stressed that he wanted Houstonians to feel grateful this Labor Day, especially those who have safely averted the COVID-19 threat. "I want to them to feel blessed. I would like them to remember those people who are still struggling in the hospital with this virus," Masud said. alison.medley@chron.com A circuit court in Accra has ordered the arrest of two persons, who, allegedly swindled a Nigerian businessman of GH140,000 Augustine Ankamah, also known as ( aka) Abiola, a 36-year-old estate developer, and a contractor, and Sherif Bortey, a businessman and self-styled chief, on Monday failed to appear in court when the matter was listed for hearing. Chief Inspector William K Boateng told the court that the accused had been duly informed to appear in court, but they failed to show up. The prosecution, therefore, prayed the court for a bench warrant. The court presided by Mrs. Afua Owusua Appiah obliged the prosecutions request and adjourned the case to September 14. Ankamah and Bortey are expected to answer to the charges of conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretenses. The case of the prosecution is that the complainant, Tinkere Usen Abrah resides at East Legon, Accra, while the accused resides in Accra. Chief Insp Boateng said in 2018, Ankamah, who is a friend to the complainant, approached him and offered to assist him to secure land at Borteyman around Community 18. Prosecution stated that Ankamah showed the complainant a 0.28 acres of land, with a floor level building structure at a cost of GH140,000.00. Chief Insp Boateng said Ankamah took the complainant to Bortey, who posed as a chef, and owner of the land, and an amount of GH140,000 was paid to them. Chief Insp Boateng said that Ankamah issued a receipt covering the sale of the land to the complainant. Prosecution said Charles Gafti Kwaku aka Amonia, a witness in the case, together with the Tema Development Company (TDC) went to demolish the complainants structure on the land, indicating that the TDC had already registered the land in question with the Right of Entry and Title Reference number in the name of Charles Gafti Kwaku. Chief Insp Boateng said when the complainant confronted the accused, they promised to give him another plot, but they went into hiding. He said several efforts to reach them and retrieve the money had not been successful. A report was made to the police and the accused were arrested at their hideouts and in their caution statements, they admitted the offence 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 Ive always tried to comply with the regulations. Ive never broken any rules. I dont have any civil or criminal conviction, not even a driving ticket, says father-of-two Farrukh Sair. The NHS IT engineer, who has been working in hospitals throughout the coronavirus pandemic, has done his utmost to comply with Home Office immigration rules since arriving in the UK 17 years ago but his attempts have wound up placing him at risk of removal from the country. Farrukhs immigration history is a complex one, through no fault of his own. The Manchester resident been affected by two Home Office policies that were later found to be unlawful and has been struggling to release himself from the restrictions they imposed on him ever since. While he and his wife Saba currently have a temporary form of immigration status which expires in 2022, the Home Office has repeatedly refused to grant them indefinite leave to remain, making their future in the UK highly precarious. If I still havent proven to them that I have established my links here, how else can I prove that? And how can I go back to a country that my kids dont know anything about? says Farrukh, 40, whose children, aged seven and two, were both born in the UK. Having arrived on a student visa in 2003, Farrukh started studying management at the University of Manchester and faced no issues for the first six years. The problems started when, after completing his masters in human resources management in 2008, he applied for a post-study work visa. His application was refused on the grounds that he hadnt proven a continuous bank balance of 800 for three months a new Home Office requirement at the time which he hadnt been made aware of. With no in-country right to appeal against the decision, Farrukh returned to Pakistan in June 2009 and appealed it from there, but this was refused. He then applied again, from his home country, at which point he was granted the visa. But while it was granted in November, his passport wasnt returned to him from Home Office until the end of January 2010, meaning his time out of the UK exceeded six months, constituting a break in his lawful residence in the UK which would go on to cause him serious problems in the future. The Home Office told The Independent their records show Farrukh's case was "put into storage" in December 2009, which they say means he will have received it that month. I went to Pakistan because I was trying to comply with the immigration rules, but because of this, my immigration status was affected, says Farrukh. It hits you really hard when every time you try to comply with every single rule, you get penalised for being good. A high-profile court case in 2010 found that the Home Offices requirement for applicants to demonstrate a continuous bank balance of 800 was in fact not part of the immigration rules because it was never put before parliament as all immigration rules must be making the initial decision to refuse Farrukh the visa incorrect. (Farrukh Sair) Farrukh wrote to the Home Office to explain that this erroneous decision had forced him to leave the country for more than six months, but received no response. He continued his life in the UK, obtaining a job in banking administration in 2012. He married Saba in Pakistan and she soon joined him in Manchester. Their first child, Raem, was born in 2014. That year, Farrukh applied for permanent settlement in the UK known as indefinite leave to remain which migrants can apply for once they have lived in the country for 10 years. But the Home Office refused him on the grounds that he had been out of the country and in Pakistan for more than six months in 2009. He applied again the following year, this time explaining clearly that he was forced to leave the country due to an unlawful Home Office policy, but this was refused again for the same reason, and also due to an alleged error in his tax records, applied under a section of immigration law designed to remove people who pose a threat to national security. Farrukh again tried to appeal this decision, but was unsuccessful, and in October 2018 he lost his right to work. He decided to try apply for limited leave to remain, which would grant him two and a half years in the UK. This was initially refused but granted on appeal on the basis of his family life in 2019, meaning he could work again. However, he and his family had to survive a year with no income. Recommended Migrants whose visas were wrongly revoked pushed to the edge This was the most stressful year of my life, says Farrukh. One minute youre working, then suddenly you find out your application is refused and youre prevented from providing for your family. I didnt have recourse to public funds, so I couldnt ask for any government support. It was horrible. I had to pay rent, food, basic things for my kids, but we couldnt. Everything was really tight. I used all the credit cards and accumulated a huge debt. If it wasnt for family supporting me, I would have left UK within three months, because all my savings were gone within three months. But I stayed on and kept fighting for my kids. In the same year, in another high profile judgment, the courts ruled that the Home Offices practice of denying people the right to remain in the UK on the basis of their tax records under the law designed to remove people who pose a threat to national security was legally flawed, and that the department had failed to provide applicants with a fair opportunity to dispute the charge. Farrukh applied for indefinite leave to remain again following this court case, in the hope that he would no longer be refused on this basis. However, despite the ruling, the Home Office refused him again on the basis of both his tax records and the eight months he spent outside the UK. The refusal letter stated: If you do not appeal you will be liable to enforced removal to Pakistan [...] You may be detained or required to report until removal. (Farrukh Sair) A Court of Appeal judge ruled in 2019 that the Home Offices decision to refuse was not proportionately justified and that Farrukhs rights to family and private life outweighed the public interest in denying leave to remain. The judge said: Clearly someone who seeks to comply with immigration requirements and understands their importance. It does seem harsh upon him that he cannot meet the requirements of 10 years continuous residence in these circumstances. However, the case was referred back to another court. Farrukh is now waiting to hear what is going to happen next. Its five years now since I applied for indefinite leave to remain and Im still waiting for justice, he says. Ive been living in the country since 2003, with the exception of that eight months which is not my mistake, and I still have to prove to the Home Office that I have a right to be here. Highlighting the role he has played in the UKs fight against coronavirus, he says: I became a Covid support engineer. My responsibility was going to different Covid wards, installing all the computers, different software, providing support to users. I was dealing with 20 odd people every day doctors, engineers. I was going to the Covid wards to install equipment. I was putting my and my familys life at risk. Recommended Hundreds left destitute due to legally flawed Home Office refusals I wanted to serve at this time during the pandemic. I felt it was my responsibility to help and do my part for society, to support the doctors and specialists setting up their equipment and the Covid wards. When Im then treated like this, its really disheartening. Because Farrukh hasnt been able to get indefinite leave to remain, which would have made his children eligible for British passports, he is now having to apply for visas for them at a cost of more than 1,000 each, plus the NHS surcharge, which is 400 each per year. As he is an NHS contractor, rather than full-time NHS staff, he is not exempt from paying this charge. This is on top of the more than 40,000 worth of debt he has incurred over the years on immigration applications and fees for barristers, solicitors and court fees. And if he isnt granted indefinite leave to remain, he will need to reapply for his and Sabas visas plus the NHS surcharge again in 2022. It will cost 10,000 to 12,0000 for family of four. I dont know whether I will be in position to afford that. And I have no idea if Home Office will grant me the visa, he says. All my pay now is going towards paying off all the loans and the credit cards from over the years. Its had a huge hit on my finances. Im up to my neck. The familys immigration status has meant they have been unable to travel: In lockdown everyone was going crazy not being able to see their parents and their loved ones. The Home Office has kept me apart from my parents for five years. I desperately want to see my parents. Home Office to carry out review of hostile environment following Windrush says Priti Patel Farrukh adds: For all these years, I have been giving, giving, giving. I havent claimed a single penny of government money, because Im not eligible to. I dont claim child tax benefits, I dont claim any housing benefits, or anything. Ive paid hundreds of thousands of pounds in taxes. And I dont get any government support. Whatever I have to do, I have to do on my own. Everything has been hell for the last five years. Now Im thinking, did I waste 17 years of my life giving back to this country? A Home Office spokesperson said: All applications are considered on their individual merits in line with immigration rules. It is inappropriate to comment on this individual case while the appeal is outstanding. The City of Detroit declared August 31 Detroit Memorial Day and transformed Belle Isle Park into a large-scale memorial for the 1,500 residents who have died from COVID-19 so far this year. Photographs submitted from the families of 900 of those victims were turned into billboard-sized portraits that lined the main throughway around the island. The photos of the deceased mothers, fathers, grandparents and young people were a sobering and heartbreaking tribute to the immense toll the pandemic has taken on one of Americas poorest big cities. Detroit and Richmond, Virginia-based artist Eric Millikin assembled an image of the iconic Sprit of Detroit sculpture out of a collage of the portraits, which include wedding photos, graduation pictures as well as family photos showing multiple family members lost to the virus. I want people to see the enormity of that and understand it. Its absolutely immeasurable. Millikin told the Detroit Free Press. Line up for the memorial on Belle Isle in Detroit Millikin is an internationally exhibited multi-media artist who grew up in rural Michigan. His award-winning art addresses themes such as income inequality, the destruction of the environment, adult illiteracy and other social issues. Completing this project took a large emotional toll on him. As he explained to the Free Press, I cried almost nonstop for 11 hours, I totally broke downbut as a difficult as it was for me to work on this, its nothing compared to a family who has lost multiple family members. In comments to the World Socialist Web Site, Millikin said, Art is the most effective way to change society. It is an effective tool for political and social change. Thats why governments historically try to so strictly to control art and other forms of expression. Thats one of the things I hear most from people about this project, that seeing those hundreds of faces together finally made them understand our situation in a way that no number of news stories or press conferences ever could. Ive been working on COVID-related artwork since last March, when people first started dying and we first started going into lockdown, he noted. So, yes, for me art is the best way to try to memorialize the immense loss of our family, friends and neighbors, and to raise awareness to try to prevent more deaths. Eric Millikin The vast majority of the COVID-related deaths in Detroit took place during the height of the pandemic in late March and early April, when Michigan had the highest death rate in the US. Many of these deaths were preventable and took place due to conditions of poverty, lack of access to medical care and negligence driven by the domination of profit interests over basic health care. Had it not been for the mass walkouts of autoworkers at plants throughout the Detroit area in late March, thousands more workers in the city would have perished from the virus. Four nurses who were fired from DMCs Sinai Grace hospital for exposing dangerous conditions that led to patient deaths are now suing corporate parent Tenet Healthcare for wrongful termination. At the same time, doctors filed a no-confidence petition against Michigans Beaumont Hospital on the eve of its merger with Advocate Aurora Health System, charging that the administration makes it impossible to provide a safe place to care for patients. Asked to comment on the constant refrain from politicians that we are all in this together, Millikin said, Yeah, its maybe true that were all in this, but were certainly not all in this equally. Were in a country with huge gaps between working people and the wealthy. Some people can withstand being out of work longer than others. Some people can pay medical bills more easily than others. To put it bluntly, some people will inherit wealth if their parents die of COVID, and others will lose their familys only source of income and be evicted from their homes. Millikins Covid Spirits of Detroit montage Some people have lost multiple members of their families. Some people have lost both of their parents. Some have had to say goodbye to their young children they thought theyd watch grow up and outlive them. Some people have survived COVID and are still struggling with long-term health effects. So, yes, were all in this together in the sense that we all need to help each other out by wearing masks and staying home, but we also need to recognize that some of us are getting hit harder than others, and as people looking out for each other, try to help those of us being hardest hit, whether thats people in retirement homes, people in jail, people who work closely together at the plant, people who live close together in dense cities, whatever. Expressing support for the work done by Millikin, James, a young worker living in Detroit who lost many friends and relatives to the virus, told the WSWS, The exhibit honors the ones we lost very well. Although it is very sad, the photo display is of high quality. The lively pictures of the victims are shown smiling and in good health but you also know in most cases their deaths could have been prevented. I remember the days when we took the photos of my family members. They were happier days. Many good people in Detroit perished in this tragedy. People who made the city of Detroit unique. Taylor Blakes, daughter of Valerie Rhodes, sister of Ciara Cravens Many families who visited the island expressed similar sentiments and were happy to have the chance to remember and say goodbye to those they knew personally and the many hundreds of others they did not know. The daughters of Valerie Rhodes, Ciara Cravens and Taylor Blakes, visited the memorial Tuesday to remember their mother and reflect on all those who had died in the city. Rhodes had operated her own home health care business called Embrace Home Health Care, and also worked as a nursing assistant. My mother was 52 years old. She had no pre-existing conditions, no medical problems, Ciara explained. When my mother died, they said that COVID was overworking her lungs and the stress produced by that traveled to her heart. She was on a ventilator for three days before she passed. This disease is nothing to play with, its serious, Ciara said, reflecting on the impact of the pandemic. I think they should shut down every state in America and I think nobody should be allowed to travel around right now. Not even by car. All 50 states should be closed. I dont think they should be reopening the schools, everything should be closed. Everything except grocery stores, gas stations and other essential businesses should be kept closed. The malls should remain closed and if people need to shop they should go online. I mean look at how many people have passed. 1,500 in Detroit! Imagine how much worse its going to get with the second wave. Another 1,500 dead. And if you push people to go back to work and you push kids to go back to school youre going have a lot more than 1,500 dead. The response of workers and youth to the memorial stood in stark contrast to the official ceremony led by Detroits Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan. Effusive praise was given to the corporate sponsors TCF Bank, Ford Motor Co. and others who are largely responsible for the devastated social conditions in the city which made it so easy for the virus to spread and to kill. Having been thrown into bankruptcy after having suffered from decades of mass deindustrialization, Detroit has gone from having the highest per capita income in the country to one of the lowest in America. Workers in Detroit, 80 percent of whom are African-American, have witnessed a shocking decline in both their living standards and health conditions as a result of deindustrialization. Nothing was done by the city of Detroit or the state of Michigan, both controlled by the Democratic Party, to prepare the population for the pandemic. It is well known, based on statistics maintained by the Detroit Department of Health, that city residents have substantially higher rates of death from heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, pneumonia, stroke and cancer than in the state of Michigan and across the US. Under these conditions, impoverished working-class communities were left on their own when the crisis hit. It took the actions of autoworkers to shut their plants down as the virus raged through their workplaces, and the government forced their reopening before it was safe to do so with minimal protections, causing additional sickness and death. Detroit teachers recently voted over 90 percent in favor of striking to halt plans to reopen schools. Last week, Metro Detroit and mid-Michigan were recently upgraded to the second-highest risk level for virus spread. As the pandemic continues to rage, having killed more than 190,000 across the US and 870,000 worldwide, it will take the independent initiative of the working class to implement the necessary measures to stop the virus and save lives. Workers have formed rank and file safety committees at auto plants in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. Teachers are following suit to prevent the bipartisan reopening of schools. The work of socially conscious artists like Millikin are a welcome development in exposing the contradictions of the capitalist system and memorializing its victims. A passenger flying Ukraine International Airlines opened an emergency exit door and walked out on the wing after reportedly being "too hot." Maxym Marusenko/Getty A passenger flying Ukraine International Airlines opened an overwing emergency exit door on Monday to cool down after reportedly being "too hot," CNN reported. The Boeing 737-800 had just arrived at the gate in Kyiv from Antalya, Turkey when the female passenger opened the door and ventured out onto the wing. Ukraine International Airlines has since banned her from future flights. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Video: Flight attendants explain how COVID-19 has affected their jobs A routine Ukraine International Airlines flight from Antalya, Turkey to Kyiv ended with a passenger opening an emergency exit door and venturing out on the aircraft's wing -- just for a bit of fresh air, apparently. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft had just parked at the Ukrainian capital's Boryspil International Airport when the woman was heard complaining about being "too hot," CNN reported, and used the overwing emergency exit as her own personal escape hatch. Video shows the passenger sitting calmly near the rear edge of the wing before cabin crew arrived to call her back onto the plane, with the incident lasting only a few minutes. The aircraft's canopy-style exit allowed the passenger to merely pull down on a lever and open the door. Overwing exits on the Boeing 737-800 do not come equipped with slides, unlike the forward and rear boarding doors. In an actual emergency, passengers are expected either to walk off of the aircraft via the rear flaps, or, in the event of a water landing, to wait on the wings. Ukraine International Airlines and Boryspil International Airport did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment, but told CNN that airport doctors and police examined the passenger and didn't find her to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The passenger was traveling on the two-hour flight from the Turkish leisure destination with her family. Ukraine International Airlines has since banned the wing-walker from future flights, the airline told CNN. She may also be subject to a fine. Read the original article on Business Insider People from states other than Delhi currently account for around 33% of occupied beds in all hospitals and 70% of occupied ICU beds in private hospitals of Delhi, a senior official said on Friday, citing a report prepared by the Delhi government. The government official, added, As on Thursday, there were around 14,000 Covid-19 beds in Delhi hospitals private and public. Of these, at least 4,500 beds were occupied. Of these 4,500 beds , around 1,500, which is 33%, were allotted to patients from other states. In private hospitals, there are a total of 1,200 ICU beds dedicated to Covid-19 patients including both with and without ventilators. Of these 1,200 ICU beds, 870 were occupied. Of these 870 occupied ICU beds, around 70% were allotted to patients from other states, said the official. The Delhi government spokesperson refused to share any further information . In June, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that private and Delhi government hospitals in the city should be reserved for residents of the city till the Covid-19 situation subsided. However, the decision was struck down by lieutenant governor Anil Baijal. 5 of 11 Paul Rusesabagina, a United States resident, disappeared in Dubai and reemerged on Monday in his country of birth, whose president he opposes. Which film captured the story of his actions in the 1990s? By Sean Parnell Parnell is senior legislative director of Save Our States, an organization dedicated to defending the Electoral College. He lives in Alexandria. Imagine Virginias U.S. Senators announcing a plan to ignore Virginias interests and instead cast their votes in the Senate based on national public opinion polls, supporting whatever a majority or plurality of the country wanted. Most if not all residents of the Old Dominion would be outraged over effectively losing their representation in the Senate. While this scenario is absurd, something like it is being considered in the Virginia legislature regarding our states electoral votes for president. If passed, the scheme known as the National Popular Vote interstate compact (NPV) would give our electoral votes away to the presidential candidate deemed to have won the most votes nationally even if an overwhelming majority of Virginians voted against that candidate. Its bad enough that voters in more populous areas would be choosing who Virginias electors support for president the Chicago metropolitan area has more people than all of Virginia but the winner under this scheme doesnt even need a majority. Any bare plurality, perhaps a quarter of the vote or less, could win the presidency (in 2017 the top vote-getter in Frances first round of presidential voting received 24 percent, and NPV doesnt have a runoff). The NPV compact also risks causing an electoral crisis due to its poor design. There is no official national popular vote count. States that join the compact are supposed to accept vote totals from every other state even if they are disputed, inaccurate, incomplete, or the result of fraud or vote suppression. Any effort to conduct a recount would be a disaster since there is no mechanism for a uniform nationwide recount process. Some states would conduct recounts while others would not, some would count pregnant chads or late-arriving absentee ballots while others would decline to do so. Lawyers would rush into state and federal courts seeking partisan advantage, plunging the nation into chaos far worse than Florida in 2000. Even one of NPVs creators has used the term electoral crisis to describe what might happen under the NPV plan. Professor Vik Amar of the University of Illinois School of Law warns states that join NPV to delay its implementation for at least a decade so that Congress and states can fix dangerous gaps created by the current compact proposal. The NPV compact passed Virginias House of Delegates earlier this year (HB 177), but the Senates Committee on Privileges and Elections wisely declined to pass it. It could still be considered in 2021 unless the committee votes to kill it in a meeting that will be this fall. The NPV scheme would deprive Virginia of its voice in electing the president and plunge the nation into an electoral crisis. Virginians need to let their state senators know that we do not want to throw our presidential votes away by joining the NPV compact. Game of Thrones alum Kit Harington is set to guest-star in the second season of Netflix series Criminal. The police interrogation drama, created by George Kay, debuted in September last year. Besides Harington, the show will also feature actors Sharon Horgan, Kunal Nayyar and Sophie Okonedo, reported Deadline. The show takes place exclusively within the confines of a police interview suite. It is a stripped-down, cat-and-mouse drama that will focus on the intense mental conflict between the police officer and the suspect in question. The first season featured Nicholas Pinnock, Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby, Mark Stanley, Rochenda Sandall and Shubham Saraf. Popular British names David Tennant and Hayley Atwell were guest actors for the first season. Harington became popular after he played Jon Snow over eight seasons on HBOs epic fantasy series Game of Thrones. The actor will next be seen in Marvel Studios tentpole Eternals, which will release in February 2021. Also, Harington is reportedly set to make his Broadway debut alongside actress Anne Hathaway. According to Britains Daily Mail newspaper, the British actor will perform in the second of two plays, as part of a production called Double Feature, reports aceshowbiz.com. The first play is reportedly about the notoriously toxic relationship between actress Tippi Hedren and late director Alfred Hitchcock, with Hathaway in talks to play Hedren. The second part will feature Harington as a young man who idolises horror star Vincent Price, before learning his idol is not the man he thought he was. It will be directed by Jonathan Kent. Today, Friday 4th September, four of Irelands leading retailers - Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and EUROSPAR - have come together to support a new food initiative by FoodCloud called Food For Ireland, to help meet the unprecedented demand on FoodClouds services from charities and communities across Ireland affected by Covid-19. FoodCloud has experienced a doubling in demand for its food redistribution services in recent months. Between March and June this year, 968 tonnes of food, equating to 2.3 million meals, were distributed through retail partners and FoodClouds three hubs. In an unprecedented move for the environmental charity, who have been working with the food industry to redistribute their surplus or excess food across Ireland since 2013, FoodCloud are now working closely with their retailer partners to bridge an increasing gap in supply to those most vulnerable within communities across Ireland as highlighted in FoodClouds most recent Covid-19 charity survey. Research carried out among 121 of FoodClouds charity partners identified a 70% increase in demand for food as a result of Covid-19. The research found that there are three groups within society most affected by the gap in supply of food; those over 65 years of age (49%), single parents (36%) and people with mental health concerns (30%). The research also established the cause of this surge in demand for food with the majority (77%) citing the impact of Covid-19 on household income and the financial pressure as a result of loss of income, 33% referenced the closure of schools and access to meals and snacks for kids, and 37% said it was a result of self-isolation with many of whom could afford food, but could not access it due to the on-going restrictions. FoodCloud CEO Iseult Ward said: No-one should go hungry during the Covid-19 pandemic; however, the reality is there are hundreds and thousands of vulnerable families and people in communities across our Island who cannot get access to food. Whilst tackling the environmental issue of food waste remains critical to our core climate objectives, we are now calling again on people of Ireland to work collectively for the greater good of society. We are in uncharted territory and although we may not be able to do all that is necessary, we must try and do all that is possible. Ward continued, This initiative shows how business can be at the forefront of leading social change providing alifeline to those who need food the most. Eamonn Quinn, Chair of The Food Waste Retail Action Group, supporting FoodCloud in facilitating the cross-retailer initiative said: "This is not the first time that we have seen collective action from Irelands retail sector, with whom I and FoodCloud have had the opportunity to work with as part of the DCAEE Retail Action Group on food waste. Food For Ireland is an initiative that we can all get behind, and a great example of collaboration in the retail sector that is in support of local communities". As part of the Food For Ireland initiative, participating retailers will host a national food appeal in over 400 stores across Ireland from 17th 20th September in a bid to meet the target of 280,000 meals which is the immediate need. Across the four days, shoppers can donate much needed non-perishable food which will then be redistributed directly to charities across Ireland who have highlighted a shortage. In addition to the in-store collections all retailers have reached out to their supply chains to support FoodCloud access more food. The food items that are needed most include: breakfast cereals, cooking sauces, hot drinks, rice and pasta, tinned soups and beans and tinned fruits including tomatoes. Once the food items have been collected from retailers nationwide, FoodCloud will work with over 320 volunteers over a four-week period to redistribute the goods to over 250 charities across Ireland who have highlighted a deficit in food supply. For more information on the Food For Ireland initiative please log onto www.foodcloud.ie Campaign hashtags: #FoodForIreland #FoodCloud Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ foodcloudireland Twitter: https: //twitter.com/foodcloud Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/foodcloud/ Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Research Future (MRFRs) latest report on the global rough terrain crane market delivers actionable insights which are backed by thoroughly studied analysis of historical data and forecast for 2017-2023. As per MRFRs analysis, the rough terrain crane market is likely to capture a CAGR of 4.30% over the forecast period. Rough terrain cranes are extensively used across industries which include construction, oil & gas, mining, and non-residential infrastructure. Accelerated construction activities across the globe combined with industrial development is signaling positive growth within the market. Moreover, upgradation of existing structures and rising investment in oil & gas industry is another factor contributing to the growth of the market. ALSO READ: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/07/30/1893778/0/en/Rough-Terrain-Crane-Market-2019-to-Encounter-Countless-Growth-Opportunities-Worldwide-Overview-By-Size-Share-Trends-Growth-Factors-and-Leading-Players-With-Detailed-Analysis-of-Ind.html The rough terrain cranes market is ride with continuous product development and innovation to meet the evolving needs of various industries. Manufacturers are consistently adding new products to their product portfolios and are focused on various strategies such as mergers and acquisitions aimed at diversification and expansion of their sales which is likely to boost the growth of the market in the coming years. On the other hand, the high cost associated with rough terrain crane remains a significant challenge for the growth of the market. Segmentation The global rough terrain cranes market has been segmented based on capacity and application. By capacity, the rough terrain crane market has been segmented into upto 25 T, 26 T 74 T, 75 T-100 T, and Above 101 T. The 26 T 74 T rough terrain cranes segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. Meanwhile, the 75 T-100 T rough terrain cranes segment is anticipated to showcase noteworthy growth over the forecast period. These cranes are versatile and can be applied to major lifting operations. Moreover, they are capable of performing both on and off-road projects. By application, the rough terrain crane market has been segmented into construction, utilities and others. The construction segment is leading the market. Fast-track urbanization across the globe has generated massive demand for these cranes from the residential construction sector. The growth of the segment is majorly from the developing regions where there is a boom in both residential as well as commercial construction projects. The utility segment is also estimated to exhibit impressive growth over the forecast period. Escalating investment in power transmission and distribution (T&D) networks can be credited for the growth of the segment. Regional Analysis Region-wise, the rough terrain crane market has been segmented into North America, Rest-of-the-World (RoW), Europe, and Asia Pacific (APAC). APAC is the largest market for rough terrain cranes and is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate over the forecast period. Upsurge in construction and infrastructural activities in the region is primarily supporting the growth of the market. The emerging economies of the region have generated massive demand for rough terrain cranes. Rise in spending capacities and fast-track urbanization are supporting the market growth. China, in particular, is a major contributor the APAC market. Favorable policies in China has led to an increase in construction activities which has induced demand within the rough terrain drones market. In addition, recovery of the commercial housing market has provided a boost to the market. Escalating upgradation of existing infrastructure and investment in power grids and distribution networks in Europe is favoring the growth of the market. The UK and Germany are the key contributors to teh Europe rough terrain cranes market. The North America rough terrain crane market is driven by accelerated commercial and residential construction projects. Competitive Landscape KATO WORKS CO., LTD (Japan), Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (China), Broderson Manufacturing Corp. (U.S.), Liebherr Group (Switzerland), Terex Corporation (U.S.), The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (U.S.), TIL Limited (India.), ENTREC Corporation (Canada), Maxim Crane Works, L.P. (U.S.), Tadano Ltd. (Japan), SANY GROUP (China), and Manitex International Inc. (U.S.) are the noteworthy players in the rough terrain crane market. Industry Updates July 2019 Manitex International, Inc., a leading provider of highly engineered mobile cranes, announced the expansion of its crane distribution network with the inclusion of two companies. Terex Dealers MADISA Group based in Mexico and Wyoming Machinery Company based in Wyoming are joining Manitexs network. FOR MORE DETAILS https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/rough-terrain-crane-5057 In late July, following proceedings lasting more than four years, a clearly political trial has ended with heavy prison sentences for 10 members of the Maoist TKP/ML (Turkish Communist Party/Marxist-Leninist). The sentences were passed by the Munich Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht). The entire trial was a scandal and demonstrates the extent to which German political and legal authorities are prepared to ignore basic democratic norms. The defendants, including German citizens and a number of asylum seekers whose asylum applications in Germany had been accepted, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two years and nine months to six years and six months. The harshest punishment was meted out to Muslum Elma, who was sentenced to six and a half years in prison on charges of being a TKP/ML ring leader. After more than five years in prison on remand, the Munich Higher Regional Court (OLG) revoked its arrest warrant against him in what amounts to a travesty of justice. During the course of the trial the court had persistently refused to release him from remand custody. Elma had already spent 22 years in prison in Turkey for his activities in the TKP/ML. He was tortured there under the rule of the 1980 military coup regime and was then given political asylum in Germany due to this political persecution. In total, the 10 accused received more than 40 years in prison. None of them was accused of acts of violence or any other criminal act in Germany. The charges related only to their membership in the TKP/ML, which in turn is not classified as a terrorist or criminal organisation in Germany. The group is not banned in Germany and does not appear on any international terrorist list, including that of the European Union, which has a long list of alleged terror organisations based on the political criteria determined by individual EU governments. The TKP/ML is considered a terrorist organisation only in Turkey, where it is engaged in a hopeless guerrilla war with the reactionary Turkish state. In neighbouring Syria, the organisation combats Turkish-backed Islamist militias such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). However, none of the 10 accused have been charged with involvement in any type of violence. The indictment was directed solely at membership or ring-leadership in a terrorist organisation abroad, according to paragraph 129b of the German Criminal Code. Section 129 of the Criminal Code, i.e., the law that prohibits membership in criminal organisations, has not been primarily directed against so-called organised crime, which could be described as apolitical, such as drug and human trafficking. Section 129 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) received its present name and basic structure (with minor subsequent amendments) in the context of the 1st Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1951, which was used to prosecute Communists in post war Germany. The memorandum to the 1951 government draft stated: The modern state needs new protective regulations to advance its line of defence and prevent enemies of the state under the mask of non-violence from obtaining power by fraud. Under the SPD-led federal government of Helmut Schmidt, this legislation was supplemented in 1976 by paragraph 129a StGB (Terrorist Associations). In 2002, the SPD-Green government led by Gerhard Schroder introduced paragraph 129b StGB, which was decisive in prosecuting the TKP/ML. This extension of the law had already been discussed at EU level in 1999 and was enforced after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US. In all three legal forms, membership in an association, including its purposes or activitiesaccording to the text of the lawis punishable when there is evidence of intention to commit a crime. Whether an individual is involved in committing an offence (or had already committed one) is irrelevant. Thus, the term organisational offenceirrespective of whether it has a political background or notmeans that it is not deeds, but rather standpoints or mere intentions to commit an act, which can be punished. Since it is not a question of participation in concrete crimes at home or abroad, the paragraphs have been used primarily for investigative purposes and intimidation. If, as in this case, the offence (i.e., mere membership) relates to an organisation outside the jurisdiction of the EU, the law stipulates that the German Ministry of Justice must authorise prosecution. Such an authorisation was apparently given over four years ago by then Minister of Justice and current Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD). The concrete accusations made by the Federal Prosecutors Office, which the court followed, were essentially that the defendants had recruited members in Germany, and had organised propaganda events and fund-raising campaigns, i.e., had used legal means to support an organisation legally recognised in Germany. The German domestic intelligence agency (Verfassungsschutz) which monitors the TKP/ML as Turkish left-wing extremists, also admits that it was unaware of any appeals for the use of force or carrying out of violent acts in Germany. Likewise, there were no indications that this practice would change in future. Instead, the Verfassungsschutz accuses the organisation of striving for a violent overthrow of the government in Turkey and committing attacks accordingly. The defence team for the accused TKP/ML members described the trial as a piece of work commissioned by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is establishing an authoritarian regime in Turkey and increasingly using violence to prosecute opposition forces. The defence also challenged the German Ministry of Justices authority to prosecute and demanded the trial be halted at its outset. In fact, paragraph 129b of the German Criminal Code states that the ministry, when deciding on authorisation, must take into account whether the efforts of the organisation are directed against the basic values of a state order that respects human dignity or against the peaceful coexistence of peoples and, after weighing all the circumstances, appears punishable. On this basis, the authority to prosecute should never have been granted in the first place. In 2016, the same court had already made a ruling declaring that it did not matter whether the Turkish state committed human rights violations oras in Syriasupported Islamist terrorist groups. The court also denied that the authorisation by the ministry to prosecute was arbitrary. It admitted that there was no such authorisation in the case of the Free Syrian Army, which also fights for the violent overthrow of a state order using force. But, the court reasoned, this was happening in another country, in Syria. At the same time, the ministry had also given authority to prosecute the DHKP-C, a leftist guerrilla group also operating in Turkey. In fact, the arbitrary nature of the courts rulings is particularly evident here. Whether or not an organisation is prosecuted as terrorist depends, according to the court, not on the nature of its methods, but rather whether it seeks to overthrow a state which is an ally of Germany. The TKP/ML acts in Syria as a de facto agency of US imperialism. It works together in Syria with the Kurdish-dominated YPG (Peoples Defence Units), which in turn has long collaborated closely with the US military. It is more or less undisputed that in the course of the prosecution the Federal Prosecutors Office also used extensive material it received from Turkish authorities and that Turkish spies had illegally collected such evidence in Germany. Although the Attorney General is investigating the espionage activities of the Turkish secret service (MIT) in a number of other cases, the court presented a letter from Police General Directorate Istanbul, openly admitting to acts of spying. According to the Tagesspiegel newspaper, the letter declared that as a result of the compilation of secret service information about the defendants milieu, it had been discovered that in Germany there is a cadre of about 700 to 800 people and this number increases to 2,000 at organised events. When the court handed down its verdict, however, it claimed that the evidence from Turkey played almost no role. The entire trial recalled the methods used by an authoritarian regime. The defendants had spent several years in pre-trial detention, on occasion under extremely repressive conditions. They were isolated, were only allowed to speak with their lawyers through glass partitions, and their correspondence with defence attorneys was monitored. In her closing remarks, one of the defendants, a doctor, Dilay Banu Buyukavci, compared the trial to that of the NSU terrorist Beate Zschape, who appeared before the same court. Public prosecutor Heise had repeatedly claimed this is a criminal trial and not a political trial, Buyukavci said, but all the measures we have been subjected to demonstrate the opposite. While she had been subjected to isolation and other measures, Zschape, who killed 10 people, robbed a bank and planned bomb attacks, and was thus accused of attempted murder, did not have to endure the type of special measures imposed on me. The same applies to the defendants accused of membership in the neo-Nazi Old School Society. Among its activities the Old School Society had hoarded large quantities of explosives and planned attacks on homes for asylum seekers. Its ringleaders were also sentenced by the Munich Higher Regional Court to between four and a half and five years in prison, i.e., considerably less time than Muslum Elma, whose only crime was leading an organisation that was legal in Germany. The verdict amounts to a persecution of opinions (Gesinnungsjustiz), an arbitrary means of intimidation aimed at influencing foreign and domestic politics. The message sent is that anyone who is left-wing and/or opposes a regime allied with Germany can be imprisoned in Germany for years, even if he or she resorted to entirely legal means within an organization that is legal in Germany. The preparations for a right-wing, authoritarian regime in Germany are rapidly developing. The defenders of the TKP/ML members have announced they plan to appeal the verdict. The Duchess of Cornwall has written a supportive letter to survivors of domestic abuse. Writing in The Guardian, Camilla explains how she found it deeply troubling that there had been an increase in domestic violence cases since the start of lockdown. Six months ago, our country went into lockdown. Almost immediately, we saw both the best and the worst of human behaviour, she wrote. Camilla went on to say how it is thought that cases of domestic violence have gone up by 20 per cent since March. Meanwhile, helplines such as Refuge have also reported a major spike in the number of calls. While many aspects of our lives are now slowly returning to some kind of normality, we must also remember there are those for whom the lockdown of fear and abuse remains, Camilla wrote. It is therefore vital that we continue to do everything we can to help them in whatever way possible for as long as is necessary. The Duchess went on to address survivors directly: For any readers in that situation, please know that you are not alone. She also referenced her work with the charity Safe Lives, of which she is a patron. Over the years, I have been privileged to meet many women, men and children who have escaped domestic abuse and who are determined to tell their stories to save others, she wrote before discussing one woman in particular named Vicky, who started working for the police after surviving domestic abuse. Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Show all 16 1 /16 Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Forestal, nine Forestal, nine, is in second grade at Marescot School, Haiti. The school is funded through the partnership between non-profit buildOn Haiti, and Educate A Child (EAC), who have constructed 58 schools, as well as training 959 teachers. Forestal explains how she was given up by her father after the death of her mother. She now lives with her auntie as a restavek (child in domestic servitude) where she performs chores around the house for at least two hours a day; including laundry, sweeping and mopping floors. She can only recall seeing her father once in her entire life. It was only for one day, but it was really great, we had so much fun, she says. Forestal hopes that she can see him again but he lives and works in Port Au Prince, more than three hours away by car. Photos Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Jasme, 10 Jasme, 10, is enrolled at a buildOn school in Perigny. Her two brothers and three sisters all attend the same school. Unlike the reported 300,000 restavek children that live away from their biological parents, Jasme lives with her family. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Esperence, 10 Esperence, 10, goes to Perigny school. Seated on a bench at the end of a long dark corridor, overcome with emotion, he explains how he was given up by his biological parents at the age of eight. He now lives with his auntie and is a restavek child. The term restavek comes from the French rester avec, to stay with. Discussing the work around the house he has to complete as part of his daily chores, he explains: I can never go out and play with my friends as my house family always call me back inside to do more jobs. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Pierre, 13 Pierre, 13, attends the EAC buildOn school in Marescot. Her godmother asked for her service as a restavek when she was a little child and her parents have not reached out to her in over two years, despite only living an hours drive away. Medjine spends almost three hours a day cooking, sweeping, washing and cleaning. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Port Au Prince Sunrise in Port Au Prince, and the brightly painted exterior of Jalousie slums, home to more than 80,000 people. This is one of Haitis largest slums and hosts a community that struggles with lack of sanitation, running water and electricity. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Rebecca, nine Rebecca, nine, was abandoned by her family at the age of six. She now lives with her aunt close to Perigny school, where she has been enrolled for two years. Today, more than 25 per cent of all Haitian children live away from their biological parents. Many move in with their extended family to become restaveks. Rebecca works for between 2-3 hours a day. She says: Sometimes I feel tired working in the house, but it is my only chance of going to school and getting an education. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Noel Rose, 10 Noel Rose, 10, is enrolled at Marescot school and lives close by in her parents house with her auntie. Her mother suffers from a mental illness, while her father lives and works away in Saint Jean. She loves school and her favourite lesson is Creole. She says she would much rather be there than at home and explained that if she had no access to school she would feel sad about her life. Rose understands the term restavek and what it means to be one. Many of my friends are restaveks, she explains. She does all the household chores for her auntie but does not class herself as a child in domestic servitude. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Desomme, seven Desomme, seven, was sent to live with her grandmother when she was five. Her parents, who work as traders, live in Port Au Prince with her two siblings. They were forced to leave Desomme with a relative because their house was too small. She now works for her grandmother. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Chelsea, 11 Chelsea, 11, was forced to live with his auntie and grandmother following the death of both his parents. His four siblings all live in Saint Jean about an hour away. He helps raise livestock, carry water from the well and clean dishes. His chores take him around two hours to complete every day. Chelsea has dreams of becoming a carpenter and making household furniture. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Esperence According to Restavek Freedom foundation, 300,000 of Haitis future dreamers, like Esperence, are still in domestic servitude in households the length and breadth of the country. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Solvline, 11 Solvline, 11, is enrolled at Berard school. Unlike many children who are forced to live with relatives at a young age, she still lives with her parents, five minutes away from school. She enjoys all her classes and dreams of becoming a police officer, so she can help children and the elderly across the street. Solvline explains: The police play an important role in fighting crime in gangs in the villages and towns in Haiti. If you want to achieve your dreams you have to learn. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Storm brewing Vista from up high, looking down at the slums of Port Au Prince at last light, with the storm clouds brewing over Jalousie slums. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude OBen, five OBen, five, lives with his parents and six siblings across the valley from his school. His mother and father collect spices and herbs that are then exported from Haiti to be used in the perfume industry. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Gerrard, 19 Gerrard, 19, used to attend Marescot school but is unable to continue his education because there is no grade 7. He hopes to find somewhere to continue his studies, saying: If I have the possibility of continuing my education then I would like to pursue a career in agriculture, and work with the peasant farmers in my country. Evalson lives with his brother-in-law and wakes up at 5am to perform his chores until 10am, then tends to livestock. He has been a restavek since the age of 10. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Port Au Prince The slums of Port Au Prince. Crime rates are very high in urban areas throughout Haiti due in part to gang activity. Theft, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion are all common. Foreigners are often specifically targeted due to their presumed wealth. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC Haitis children: Enslaved to a life of domestic servitude Port Au Prince Some 800,000 Haitians are over 60. Most of these older people live in extreme poverty. Haiti today remains paralysed having endured devastating earthquakes, hurricanes, cholera epidemics, increased fuel prices and food shortages. It is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Six million Haitians live below the poverty line and 2.5 million fall below the extreme poverty line. Paddy Dowling/EAA/EAC After six months of lockdown, it is clear that Covid-19 is not the only pernicious disease that has been attacking our society, she continued. While many aspects of our lives are now slowly returning to some kind of normality, we must also remember there are those for whom the lockdown of fear and abuse remains. It is therefore vital that we continue to do everything we can to help them in whatever way possible for as long as is necessary. You can read the Duchesss letter in full here. If you need support, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, any time of day on 0808 2000 247. Refuge has a full team working round the clock to ensure as many women as possible who need support are able to access it. Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire nTIDE Report--featuring The Chicagoland Entrepreneurship Education for People with Disabilities (CEED) Project, an education and training program for people with disabilities and service providers East Hanover, NJ - September 4, 2020 - August job numbers show improvement for Americans with disabilities, according to today's National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). Experts express caution due to the many factors that could affect economic recovery. nTIDE COVID Update (month-to-month comparison) In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.1 percent in July to 28.8 percent in August 2020 (up 2.5 percent or 0.7 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 68.4 percent in July to 69.7 percent in August 2020 (up 1.9 percent or 1.3 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100). Comparing month-to-month numbers (July 2020 to August 2020), "We see modest improvements in the employment-to-population ratio for people with and without disabilities, reflecting a recovery of economic activity," said John O'Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. "This is particularly encouraging for people with disabilities, who experienced a slight downturn last month," he added. The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 33 percent in July to 33.6 percent in August 2020 (up 1.8 percent or 0.6 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also decreased from 76.4 percent in July to 76.1 percent in August 2020 (down 0.4 percent or 0.3 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working, not working and on temporary layoff, or not working and actively looking for work. "The modest increase in the labor force participation rate is also a good sign, compared to the decrease we saw last month," said economist Andrew Houtenville, PhD, professor of economics and research director of the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability. "It suggests that workers are staying engaged in the labor force, meaning they are employed, on temporary layoff, or actively looking for work. While the numbers are positive, caution is warranted," he added. "There are many factors that could affect recovery over the next few months, including the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19." nTIDE August COVID Update - Friday, September 18 at 12:00 pm Eastern Stay tuned for more about the employment of people with disabilities as we follow the impact of COVID-19 and look at the numbers in more detail. Traditional nTIDE Numbers (comparison to the same time last year) The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 32 percent in August 2019 to 28.8 percent in August 2020 (down 10 percent or 3.2 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also decreased from 74.6 percent in August 2019 to 69.7 percent in August 2020 (down 6.6 percent or 4.9 percentage points). The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 34.7 percent in August 2019 to 33.6 percent in August 2020 (down 3.2 percent or 1.1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also decreased from 77.4 percent in August 2019 to 76.1 percent in August 2020 (down 1.7 percent or 1.3 percentage points). For reference, in August 2020, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,178,000 workers with disabilities represented 3 percent of the total 13,7553,000 workers in the U.S. Beyond the Numbers As the nation continues to grapple with the effects of the ongoing pandemic, intense pressures are transforming every aspect of society, including education, government, health care, business, and employment. For all Americans, the world of work is changing rapidly, requiring workers to consider all the options for staying in the labor force. Starting one's own business is an option that gains traction during periods of recession, according to Kate Caldwell, PhD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Disability & Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Innovation is a necessity for people with disabilities, who are accustomed to finding ways to overcome challenges in daily life. Self-employment and entrepreneurship offer a pathway for individuals to apply their ingenuity in the workforce and strive for financial self-sufficiency on their own terms. The impact of self-employment and entrepreneurship extend beyond the direct economic benefits for individuals with disabilities. Creating new businesses often means providing new products and services and developing solutions to challenges faced by people with and without disabilities. Policies and programs that support disability-owned businesses are critical to maximizing the potential for job growth in this area. When entrepreneurs with disabilities succeed, they create jobs for people with disabilities. Dr. Caldwell serves on the project team for The Chicagoland Entrepreneurship Education for People with Disabilities (CEED) Project, which offers an evidence-based, comprehensive entrepreneurship education and training program for people with disabilities and service providers working in disability community agencies and small business development centers in Illinois. Using a person-centered approach, the program targets the specific needs and barriers experienced by people with disabilities looking to start or grow a business. The CEED Project projects the potential for entrepreneurship to create U.S. jobs. Based on data showing 10% self-employment among workers with disabilities, there are an estimated 850,000 entrepreneurs. If 65% of their businesses survived, and they were able to hire one person, more than 550,000 jobs would be created for people with disabilities. Sustainable businesses would continue to add workers each year, and build capacity to fuel community development and support social missions, helping address the poverty that underlies social inequities. Given the evolving economic conditions, programs such as The CEED Project are critical to keeping options open for workers with disabilities. "There are many uncertainties about the future of work," notes Dr. Caldwell, "Acquiring the skills to start and grow a business is an important way for people with disabilities to prepare for that future." Ask Questions about Disability and Employment Each nTIDE release is followed by a noon ET nTIDE Lunch & Learn Webinar. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events. On September 4, at 12:00 pm Eastern, Kate Caldwell, PhD, Department of Disability & Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago joins Dr. Houtenville, Dr. O'Neill, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD. Join live or watch the recordings at: ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE. NOTE: The statistics in the nTIDE are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers but are not identical. They are customized by UNH to combine the statistics for men and women of working age (16 to 64). nTIDE is funded, in part, by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (90RT5037) and Kessler Foundation. ### About Kessler Foundation Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes -- including employment -- for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org. About the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire The Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) was established in 1987 to provide a coherent university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies, and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families. For information on the NIDILRR-funded Employment Policy and Measurement Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, visit ResearchonDisability.org. For more information, or to interview an expert, contact: Carolann Murphy, 973.324.8382, CMurphy@KesslerFoundation.org. AMP financial planners have been asked to sign a contract that would force them to compensate the troubled wealth giant for any damages related to class actions should they sell their business. These contracts have only been issued to a small number of planners who have been offered exit terms that go "above and beyond" what is legally required, according to AMP Financial Planners Association chief executive Neil Macdonald. However, Mr Macdonald said the deed of release terms would prohibit planners from participating in the class action launched by current and former aligned advisers in July and could leave them in a worse off position in case the lawsuit is successful. AMPFP chief executive Neil Macdonald says legal action was the only choice after AMP reneged on contract terms. Credit:Eamon Gallagher "The planners who have been asked to sign these need to get their own legal advice and understand if they sign that clause they won't be able to participate in the class action." English Spanish CANCUN, Mexico, Sept. 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While the travel industry was on pause for the past months due to the unprecedented effects of COVID-19, NexusTours has been devoting its efforts to enhancing programs, technologies and services to best meet the needs of clients. With an innovative strategic plan in place, the company has introduced a new service promise, which will provide customers with the best possible experience as travelers begin to return to destinations. We are committed to providing our customers with the very best possible experience, and that is what our new service promise is all about. Our travel partners, suppliers and travelers can rest assured that they are in good hands with our new customer-centric value proposition. We continue to be a regional leader; more competitive, more transparent and more efficient in our operations than ever before. This has been the greatest transformation in our companys history, commented Ruben Gutierrez, President Sunwing Destination Services/NexusTours. New services that NexusTours has introduced going forward are: Virtual Concierge: Clients will now have access to 24/7 personalized online service using the most modern multichannel technologies. This will allow clients to contact their local experts whenever they want, however they want, and will help maintain social distancing and eliminate the use of printed materials. Clients will now have access to 24/7 personalized online service using the most modern multichannel technologies. This will allow clients to contact their local experts whenever they want, however they want, and will help maintain social distancing and eliminate the use of printed materials. Personalized Welcome Briefings: Clients now have the option to attend a traditional "face-to-face" welcome briefing or receive all the information they need virtually, while staying in the comfort of their room or in a hammock by the pool. Clients now have the option to attend a traditional "face-to-face" welcome briefing or receive all the information they need virtually, while staying in the comfort of their room or in a hammock by the pool. New Contactless Experience: All printed materials including welcome passports, flyers and other documents will now be distributed digitally to reduce impact on the environment and maintain health and safety standards. Travelers can download or receive the information at any time using email, WhatsApp or 24/7 online chat. All printed materials including welcome passports, flyers and other documents will now be distributed digitally to reduce impact on the environment and maintain health and safety standards. Travelers can download or receive the information at any time using email, WhatsApp or 24/7 online chat. Be Safe with Nexus : Customers can expect the highest international standards for safety and sanitation, across all transportation services, activities and accommodation in the 20 countries and 58 destinations in which NexusTours operates. Customers can expect the highest international standards for safety and sanitation, across all transportation services, activities and accommodation in the 20 countries and 58 destinations in which NexusTours operates. Customer Service Hub: The new-and-improved Contact Center is available 24/7 via landline, WhatsApp, SMS, online chat or social media. The new omni-channel service helps customers receive a first contact response for all queries, questions or complaints. Over the past few months, we have been listening to our partners and customers and improving our service quality response times. Our team of local experts have also gone through a thorough training plan to ensure that all customers receive the highest level of support in destination. We believe that this technology along with our human touch, which is ingrained in our companys DNA, is what will allow us to be a better company going forward, commented Alejandro Vazquez, Senior Corporate Director Operations. About NexusTours NexusTours is the leading destination management company in the Caribbean, Central America and North America with offices located in 20 countries and across 58 destinations. As local experts in the destinations they serve, NexusTours offers an extensive portfolio of accommodation options, including more than 16,000 hotels, transfer services (including shared, private and luxury options) from all airports and ports, over 4,000 excursions for travelers of all ages and interests and world-class customer service. Part of the Sunwing Travel Group, NexusTours provides destination services for a number of leading North American and European travel companies including Sunwing Vacations, Vacation Express and TUI Travel Group along with over 1,500 travel partners across Latin America, Mexico, North America and Europe. NexusCube is a one-stop shop where travel partners can find all kind of travel services provided by local experts, in the destinations they have customer support operations. The online platform includes options to select hotels, transfers, tours and excursions and gives immediate confirmations for all services booked. For more information on how to access the platform please visit https://corporate.nexustours.com/corporate/ Media Inquiries Milagros Alfonzo, Communication Supervisor - malfonzo@nexustours.com Pablo Gutierrez, Senior Corporate Director Strategy & Marketing - pgutierrez@nexustours.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5356f115-886d-4276-a661-619212e047ac The German Judges Association (DRB) has awarded its Human Rights Prize to the Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh who is currently on a hunger strike in an Iranian prison in protest to the conditions of political prisoners. Nasrin Sotoudeh has become a symbol of the Iranian civil rights movement through her courage and tireless commitment to human rights and the rule of law, the presidents of the German Judges Association said on Wednesday. Barbara Stockinger and Joachim Lublinghoff stated that now more than ever, Ms. Sotoudeh needs wide international support, and that they wanted to honor her "highly impressive commitment in Iran and to bring her fate to the public attention". The 57-year-old lawyer and rights activist began a hunger strike at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison on August 11 to protest the "unfair" and "illegal" conditions of political prisoners in Iran. She has demanded the release of political prisoners to protect them from the spread of coronavirus in prisons. On August 24, Sotoudeh's husband Reza Khandan shared on social media that his wife's blood sugar levels were dangerously low, and that she had lost a significant amount of weight during the strike. Link to article to embed: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/daughter-of-jailed-lawyer-sotoudeh-taken-to-questioning-in-iran/30789777.html Iranian authorities have freed tens of thousands of prisoners since the breakout of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, but have refused to grant furlough to political prisoners and other prisoners of conscience, including Sotoudeh. Sotoudeh, an international award-winning lawyer and rights activist, was been sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison and 148 lashes on several charges, including conspiracy against national security, spreading lies and disturbing public opinion. Earlier this year, Sotoudeh went on a hunger strike to protest the maltreatment of political prisoners vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic. She previously staged a 49-day hunger strike in prison in 2012 while she was serving another sentence for her human rights work. On Wednesday, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde expressed deep concern about Sotoudeh's health and said she wanted to reiterate the EU's call for her sentence to be reviewed. In a statement on August 28, the American PEN association called for the immediate release of Sotoudeh and other political prisoners, as well as an end to judicial and legal harassment of her and her family. Steve Irwin died in September 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary in Batt Reef, Queensland. On his 14th anniversary on Friday, the daughter of the late 'Crocodile Hunter', Bindi Irwin, was pictured at Caloundra Airport, Queensland with husband Chandler Powell. The 22-year-old, who recently announced her pregnancy news with Chandler, concealed her baby bump in her signature khaki button-up shirt and trousers. EXCLUSIVE: Bindi Irwin (pictured), 22, was pictured at Caloundra Airport, Queensland on Friday, on the 14th anniversary of her father Steve Irwin's death Bindi kept light on her feet in matching khaki sneakers, and styled her long brunette locks out. The wildlife conservationist looked to have worn minimal makeup, drawing attention to a radiant visage. Bindi was seen exiting a white range rover with husband Chandler, 23, and what appeared to be the camera crew for her Animal Planet television series. Expectant mother: The wildlife warrior concealed her baby bump in her signature khaki button-up shirt and trousers. She added matching khaki sneakers Attire: Husband Chandler (pictured), 23, also wore the Australia Zoo's signature khaki button-up shirt and trousers with brown boots Equipped: The power couple packed a large suitcase for what is believed to be filming for their Animal Planet television series Chandler matched Bindi in a khaki button-up shirt and trousers, adding brown boots. The American wakeboarder did most of the heavy lifting, carrying a backpack and wheeling a large blue suitcase. Bindi and Chandler engaged in friendly banter with airport staff as they made their way to a helicopter on the tarmac. She's glowing! Bindi appeared to wear minimal makeup, showing off a radiant visage Natural beauty: Her long brunette locks were styled out, and she slung a backpack over one shoulder I've got it! Chandler wheeled the large suitcase onto the tarmac for his ladylove Bindi's mother Terri Irwin penned a heartfelt tribute to her late husband on Twitter. Alongside photos of the pair, the 56-year-old shared with her followers: 'I'm remembering the wonderful filming adventures Steve and I had when we were waiting for the arrival of our dear Bindi. 'It's so wonderful that now Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell are expecting! I am so happy for them and feel incredibly blessed.' Adding to their clan: Bindi and Irwin announced their pregnancy joy last month, much to the delight of their fans Online: 'Baby Wildlife Warrior due 2021. Chandler and I are proud to announce that we're expecting!' she told her followers at the time Bindi continued: 'It's an honour to share this special moment in our lives with you. Though I'm still in my first trimester, we really want you to be part of our journey from the beginning of this new life chapter' Heartfelt: 'We couldn't wait to share the news as this beautiful little being has become the most important part of our lives. Your support means the world to us,' Bindi added Terri also shared a photo of herself locking lips with Steve, reflecting on their 14 years of marriage. 'This is a particularly poignant moment in time for me. Today marks 14 years since I lost Steve, after 14 wonderful years of marriage. 'I feel that I have a choice: celebrate love or struggle with grief. I choose love.' Last month, Bindi revealed her pregnancy, uploading a photo to Instagram of herself and Chandler holding a tiny version of the Australia Zoo uniform. Entourage: Bindi and Chandler were pictured on the tarmac with a cameraman Popular: It's assumed the couple are filming for their Animal Planet television series Memories: Their Animal Planet television series has captured the family's milestone achievements Precious cargo: An assistant was seen carrying a black suitcase with 'fragile' emblazoned across the front Friendly: Bindi and Chandler engaged in friendly banter with what appeared to be fans as well as airport staff 'Baby Wildlife Warrior due 2021. Chandler and I are proud to announce that we're expecting!' she told her followers. 'It's an honour to share this special moment in our lives with you. Though I'm still in my first trimester, we really want you to be part of our journey from the beginning of this new life chapter. 'We couldn't wait to share the news as this beautiful little being has become the most important part of our lives. Your support means the world to us. 'Please let me know your best advice and send good vibes and prayers to our little sweetheart. Love and light.' Growing bump: Bindi showed a hint of her growing bump as she walked with Chandler Poignant moment: Bindi's mother Terri Irwin (pictured with Steve), 56, penned a heartfelt tribute to her late husband on Twitter: 'This is a particularly poignant moment in time for me. Today marks 14 years since I lost Steve, after 14 wonderful years of marriage' Two people have been arrested by the Ashanti Regional Police Command over the alleged murder of a 23-year-old caretaker of a poultry farm at Mfensi, near Abuakwa. The police are holding the suspects Hamidu Mumuni, 29, and Issah Bawa Osman, 35 because they said preliminary investigations showed that they attacked Emmanuel Tabiri, the caretaker, at Mfensi on Thursday, July 30, leading to his death. Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi yesterday, the Regional Police Commander, COP Kwasi Mensah Duku, said Hamidu Mumuni was first picked up from his hideout and he later led the police to arrest Issah Bawa Osman at his residence. A search conducted in Hamidu Mumuni's room revealed one single barrel gun, one locally manufactured pistol, one short gun, together with 13 live cartridges and one empty cartridge. He said the weapons were being sent to the police crime laboratory for examination and a duplicate docket forwarded to the Attorney General's (AG) Department for advice. Bantama Case The Regional Commander also said the police arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a warden of the Bantama Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church. The suspect, Kwame Precious Mintah, popularly called Soso, was arrested at Ashtown, a suburb of Kumasi, where he was hiding. The deceased, Mark Amofa, was sent by the church to withdraw money from the Bantama branch of Ecobank and was attacked by four armed robbers on separate motorbikes. They succeeded in robbing him of an amount of GH4,730 and later shot him dead. COP Duku said the suspect had admitted his involvement in the crime. He further disclosed that police were searching for other suspects involved in the crime which occurred on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. ---Daily Guide Cyber Attacks On Norways Parliament Norway's parliament, the Storting, has been hit by a cyberattack and the e-mail accounts of several elected members have been hacked. Unauthorised individuals managed to gain access to the email accounts of several elected members of parliament and also to some accounts belonging to parliament employees. The Stortings Secretary Generalr, Marianne Andreassen confirmed that threat actors had targeted the parliament. "This has been a significant attack.... we are doing everything possible to analyse the situation so that we can build a complete picture of what has happened and the potential extent of the damage, Speaking at a press conference, Andreassen did not specify how many accounts had been hacked but said that a "limited number" of ministers and employees had been impacted by the incident. Andreassen said the incident is currently under investigation, and, as a result, couldn't provide any insight into who was behind the attack, or the number of hacked accounts. Norway's intelligence agency is currently investigating the incident, according to a statement the agency posted on its Twitter account. Individuals whose accounts were exposed in the attack have been informed, and a report has been filed with the Norwegian police. A spokesman for Norway's main opposition party, the Labour Party, told public broadcaster NRK that the attack had impacted several Labour Party members and staff. After the incident was discovered, the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSA) was brought in to counter the attack and get to the bottom of what had happened In a press release the Storting said that the attackers had made off with an unspecified amount of information.It read: "Burglary has been registered in the email accounts of a small number of parliamentary representatives and employees. Our analyses show that different amounts of data have been downloaded." No information has been released regarding what kind of cyber-attack was perpetrated against the Norwegian parliament or who was responsible for it. In February 2019, cyber-security firms Rapid7 and Recorded Future revealed that Chinese hackers attacked Visma, a Norwegian company that provides cloud-based business software solutions for European companies and used this access to attack the company's customers. In 2018, Healthcare records of three million Norwegians compromised in "professional" cyber attack on the countty's South East regioanl Health Authority. Storting: JPost: ZDNet: Infosecurity Magazine: You Might Also Read: EU Parliament Suffers A Major Attack: BENGALURU : Hospitality unicorn OYO Hotels and Homes has decided to extend the furlough of its employees till the end of February 2021 and has also given them the option to voluntarily separate from the company. The announcement was made by Oyo India chief executive officer (CEO) Rohit Kapoor at a town hall on Friday. In April, Oyo India had decided to cut salaries of staff, and furloughed staff to save cash, as the travel industry was severely impacted by the covid-19 pandemic. Oyo-preneurs in India, a term the company uses to address its employees, were asked to go on leave with limited benefits (LwLB) for four months till 31 August 2020. You can either choose to opt for the voluntary separation programme (VSP) or continue the LwLB period for another six months until 28 February 2021. While the choice is yours to make, we request your attention as there are several elements to the proposal that are important and will help you make an informed decision," Kapoor told the employees. For employees who choose to extend their furlough, the company will provide health insurance coverage, financial assistance for school education and vaccination allowance. Furloughed employees will also be provided support for better career opportunities with Oyos Project Outreach programme. As part of the VSP, Oyo India will provide its employees with financial assistance, relaxation on ESoP vesting, health insurance coverage, and career transition support, among other things. Employees can convey their decision to the Oyo management by 11 September. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics New Delhi: From tracing students who could not be contacted to sending worksheets to their neighbours via phone and helping out at quarantine centres, several Delhi government school teachers turned corona warriors; as the schools were shut in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The teachers earned praise from Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on the eve of teachers day for stepping up their efforts and going beyond their responsibilities during the pandemic. Sarita Rani Bhardwaj, a teacher at a government school in Paschim Vihar, found it extremely difficult to trace the location of her students after a nationwide lockdown was announced in March. I first tried to contact everyone through the class WhatsApp groups and personally called every student multiple times. When I could not get through a few of them, I contacted a ration delivery person and asked him to check on their addresses. I could locate many more students this way, but still a few were left," Bhardwaj said. I asked the ration delivery person to get me the contact details of their neighbours. I called them and started sending worksheets on their phones. When I got to know about students who have moved to different cities, I got books and study material sent through a courier service at their new places," Bhardwaj said. Alok Kumar Mishra, a social science teacher at the Government Senior Secondary School, Mangolpuri, is serving at a quarantine centre in Narela, besides taking online classes. I am working from a make-shift control room outside the flats being utilised as quarantine centres. I answer the phone calls for those in quarantine, solve their queries and tend to their needs. We have been provided with telephones and wireless mics, through which we convey important information to the headquarters, make announcements and send utilities to those quarantined," Mishra says. I work in the day and night shifts alternatively. Working this way has given me a great deal of satisfaction as I am being able to help my fellow citizens. I work on videos to be sent to my students in the other shift," Mishra adds. Similarly, Rajendra Prasad Sharma, a teacher from the Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Jharoda Kalan, is performing dual duties. I make video notes and send those to the students. I assign worksheets to them and they call me to clear their doubts. I take their calls promptly because at times, they call from a neighbours or an acquaintances phone. I also work at a quarantine centre," he said. Neena, an English teacher at the Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Prashant Vihar, ensured that her students participated in activities for their emotional well-being, besides focussing on their studies. During these uncertain times, it is normal to get depressed and sad. I ensured that no child missed out on the daily mindfulness activity, which we used to conduct as part of the happiness curriculum. It was a great way for the children to bond with their families while doing the activities sent via IVR," Neena said. My students penned down their thoughts on the coronavirus in the form of poems. It was refreshing to see how they understood the importance of freedom after they were confined to their homes during the pandemic, which led them to empathise with animals kept under captivation. There were many activities which students could do at home with their families, which helped them bond with the family members," she said. Ravinder Kaur, a science teacher of the Kautilya Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, started taking video classes much before the online classes were announced by the government. I was already done with six chapters when the material for the online classes started coming in. It was easier to connect with the students, but I faced difficulty in staying connected with them. After a few classes, the students lost interest in the subject. This drove me to think of new innovative ideas to generate curiosity among them," Kaur said. I asked them to look around and observe the changes. I told them that science is not just confined to textbooks but about developing a mindset to carefully observe the world around you. I introduced surprise tests to help the students understand how much their power of observation had improved during the online classes," she said. Komal, a teacher at the Government Sarvodaya Co-ed Senior Secondary School, RK Puram, said, As soon as I got to know about the lockdown extension, I started connecting with my students. Fourteen of the 40 students were available on WhatsApp. For those who did not have mobile phones, I called their neighbours, relatives and requested them to let the students use their mobile phones for sending the worksheets to me. It took some initial efforts, but I was able to connect with most of my students by the first week of April." Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16, when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as part of the measures to contain the pandemic. A nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25. While several restrictions have been eased, the schools and colleges continue to be closed. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said comments attributed to President Trump about fallen troops were "disgusting." Biden's late son, Beau, served in the military. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) Joe Biden launched a fiery attack on President Trump on Friday over reports that Trump privately called dead U.S. soldiers "losers" and "suckers," saying that, if true, the statements were disgusting. It was one of the most emotional, angry outbursts to date from the Democratic presidential nominee. It affirms what most of us believe to be true, that Donald Trump is not fit to be the commander in chief, Biden said Friday, speaking at the beginning of an appearance in Wilmington, Del., about economic news. Biden's late son, Beau who died in 2015 of brain cancer at 46 served in the military, and Biden has repeatedly cited his death as inspiration for running for president. When my son volunteered and joined the United States military and went to Iraq for a year, won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he was not a 'sucker'! Biden said, shouting. Trump has come under attack after the Atlantic magazine published an anonymously sourced story depicting the president as repeatedly privately questioning why U.S. soldiers fight and die for their country, and alleging that he didn't want to go to a World War I cemetery in France filled with American war dead because "its filled with losers" and "suckers." Trump has vigorously denied as "totally false" the various quotes in the article, which included allegations that he called the late President George H.W. Bush and the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, both military pilots, "losers" for being shot down during World War II and the Vietnam War, respectively. "There is nobody that feels more strongly about our soldiers our wounded soldiers our soldiers that died in war than I do, Trump said during a briefing with reporters Friday. Its a hoax, just like the fake dossier was a hoax, just like the 'Russia, Russia, Russia' was a hoax," he said, alluding to past allegations that his campaign colluded with the Russian government to win the 2016 election. Story continues Trump also speculated that his former chief of staff, John F. Kelly, a retired Marine general, might have been one of the anonymous sources. In one of the anecdotes reported in the Atlantic story, Trump was standing at the grave of Kelly's son, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010, in Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington when Trump reportedly said of the dead soldiers: I dont get it. What was in it for them? Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Wilmington, Del. (Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press) Trump disparaged Kelly on Friday and said it was too foggy to visit the military cemetery outside Paris, the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, during a swing through France in 2018. First Lady Melania Trump added her condemnation of the story on Friday, tweeting: "It has become a very dangerous time when anonymous sources are believed above all else, & no one knows their motivation. This is not journalism It is activism. And it is a disservice to the people of our great nation." The anonymous sourcing of the quotes makes their truthfulness hard to evaluate, though the Washington Post, Associated Press and Fox News, also citing anonymous sources, have reported Trump making similarly disparaging remarks about service members in private. Trump's denial of calling his rival McCain a "loser" and attacking his military service is undercut by the fact that Trump has indisputably done so, including on his own Twitter account in 2015. Trump publicly criticized McCain as "not a war hero" at a conservative forum in Iowa in 2015, telling an audience he is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured. McCain was tortured during his 5 years in captivity in Vietnam. Trump was asked whether he regretted those comments about McCain. I say what I say and I never got along with John McCain, Trump said. I wasnt a fan. I disagreed with many of his views. ... I respected him but I really disagreed with him on a lot of things." Biden on Friday said the reported comments were consistent with other Trump statements in the past, citing the president's treatment of McCain. "If these statements are true, the president should humbly apologize to every Gold Star mother and father and every Blue Star family that he's denigrated and insulted, Biden said. Who the heck does he think he is?" In responding to the report about Trump, Biden commented that he had come closer to losing his temper than he ever had during the campaign and that he was trying to restrain himself. When a reporter asked why, noting that some supporters might want to see more passion from him, Biden said, "Because a president should be presidential and lead by example, as well as make clear exactly where they stand." The furor could further undercut the president's reportedly already weak support among active-duty service members, a traditionally more conservative voting bloc. A Military Times poll of 1,018 active-duty troops surveyed in late July and early August, before both parties' conventions, said about 50% viewed the president unfavorably, with about 38% viewing Trump favorably. Asked who they supported in the election, about 41% said Biden, 37% said Trump and 13% preferred a third-party candidate. The Biden campaign, building on the backlash to Trump, held a call with military surrogates Friday morning to condemn the president's reported remarks. Democratic Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who lost both of her legs in the Iraq War, accused Trump of belittling the sacrifices of those who have shown more bravery than hes capable of," according to the Associated Press. Khizr Khan, whose son U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan died in 2004 in Iraq, and who publicly clashed with Trump in 2016, said on the call that Trumps life is a testament to selfishness. Words we say are windows into our souls. So when Donald Trump calls anyone who places their lives in service of others a loser, we understand Trumps soul, Khan said, according to the Associated Press. The controversy emerged as the Trump administration was about to shut down Stars and Stripes, a longtime government-funded news organization dedicated to informing service members and their civilian counterparts in the military. But the Trump administration appeared to back down under pressure Friday as the president continued to act on the defensive. "The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch," Trump tweeted Friday afternoon. "It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military!" Noah Bierman contributed to this report from Washington. A House candidate President Donald Trump recently called "a future Republican star" has posted an image of herself holding a rifle with photos of three liberal congresswomen of color and the vow to "go on the offense" against members of the "Squad," an unprecedented threat against lawmakers from a probable future colleague. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the GOP candidate for a Georgia congressional seat in a heavily Republican district and a professed QAnon conspiracy believer, on Thursday posted the photoshopped image on Facebook that includes Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.; and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. The caption under the gun-toting Greene reads: "Squad's worst nightmare." "Hate America leftists want to take this country down," Greene wrote. "Our country is on the line. America needs fighters who speak the truth. We need strong conservative Christians to go on the offense against these socialists who want to rip our country apart. Americans must take our country back. SAVE AMERICA. STOP SOCIALISM. DEFEAT THE DEMOCRATS!" Greene, in a separate post, said she was raffling off an AR-15 firearm. She did not respond to a request for comment. House Republican leaders had no immediate comment on the post, an apparent call-to-arms as Trump has spoken out against lawlessness and warned that a Joe Biden presidency would plunge the nation into violence and chaos. Omar, however, called on Facebook to remove the post immediately. "Posting a photo with an assault rifle next to the faces of three women of color is not advertising. It's incitement," Omar wrote on Twitter. "There are already death threats in response to this post. Facebook should remove this violent provocation." Tlaib also weighed in on Twitter, writing: "It's dangerous in a time of rising political violence openly encouraged by this fascist President that a soon-to-be member of Congress thinks a post threatening women's lives is acceptable. Take it down. P.S. Imagine it was me w/ a rifle. The post would have been down in seconds." It was unclear whether U.S. Capitol Police, tasked with ensuring the safety of members of Congress, would investigate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Twitter called on Republicans to "immediately condemn this dangerous threat of violence against Democratic Congresswomen." Greene has already created problems for Republicans. As an adherent of the QAnon conspiracy, she backs the baseless theory that Trump is battling a cabal of "deep state" saboteurs who worship Satan and traffic children for sex. The FBI has labeled the group a domestic terrorist threat. Greene last month won a Republican primary runoff in Georgia's 14th Congressional District. Her victory, in a northwestern swath of the state that has favored Republicans by wide margins, sets her up to become QAnon's first devotee in Congress. Greene has been caught on camera calling black voters "slaves" to the Democratic Party and likening the election of Muslim lawmakers to an "Islamic invasion" of the U.S. government. The day after the runoff, Trump hailed Greene as a "future Republican Star," tweeting that she is "strong on everything and never gives up - a real WINNER!" He did not endorse in the runoff. Last week, Greene attended Trump's White House speech in which he accepted the GOP nomination. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has said he would seat Greene if she is elected to Congress, but the post drastically escalates the challenge for GOP leaders as many rank-and-file members worry about how to respond to her. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., distanced themselves from Greene after the discovery of videos of her making racist, anti-Semitic and Islamophobic comments. A group of Republicans had tried to convince McCarthy to support her primary opponent to ensure she was not seated, but McCarthy refused and in an apparent peace accord reached out to her before her victory. Traditionally, members who engage in unethical behavior are censured. Last year, McCarthy removed Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, from a committee for a string of racist comments. In a recent interview, Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., the centrist leader of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, voiced his own concern about what such rhetoric would mean for the institution. He said he hopes candidates like Greene change their language - if not their views as well - when they are elected to the House "I've watched these candidates who have sort of embraced that hard-right rhetoric and I would encourage them to look at the rhetoric. You are a member of the House and those extreme positions are very troublesome positions," he said. "If you believe in those positions, there's no place in the Republican Party, that I believe in, for those." Greene's posts, however, suggests she currently has no intention of muting herself. Former Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., said he has been "deeply concerned" by the actions of some of the incoming GOP candidates - and that some of his former colleagues appear to be "cowed into silence" instead of pushing back on the direction of the party. It's up to House GOP leadership, he said, to set candidates using these type of rhetoric on track - otherwise, "the party is headed for a really bad place and permanent minority status," he said. "I'm deeply concerned at the extent to which the president has fomented these kinds of divisions within our party and has fomented some of the more violent extremist type of activity out there, and I think that's wrong," Boustany said. "So, in my view, I hope these trends reverse, but I don't see them reversing without very principled and strong leadership emerging from those who have the responsibility to step forward and say enough is enough." Several lawmakers of color say they are starting to fear for their safety amid an apparent call to arms by some on the right. Earlier this week, Facebook removed two posts by Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., in which the ex-police officer wrote of protesters, "One way ticket fellas. Have your affairs in order. Me? . . . I wouldn't even spill my beer. I'd drop any 10 of you where you stand." "I don't mind when people have political or ideological differences with me and my other colleagues who are black and brown . . . but when people begin to question my humanity based on my race, it becomes increasingly difficult to work with them," said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., in an interview before Greene's post. The move to incite militias, he added, is even more worrisome: "If this is tolerated we're going to go downhill." GlaxoSmithKline plc (London, UK) and Sanofi S.A. (Paris, France) have initiate Phase 1/2 clinical trial of their COVID-19 adjuvanted recombinant protein-based vaccine candidate which has shown promising safety and immunogenicity in pre-clinical studies.The vaccine candidate, developed in partnership by Sanofi and GSK, uses the same recombinant protein-based technology as one of Sanofis seasonal influenza vaccines with GSKs established pandemic adjuvant technology. Sanofi is leading the clinical development and registration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Preclinical data showed an acceptable reactogenicity profile and data based on two injections of the adjuvanted recombinant vaccine showed high levels of neutralizing antibodies that are comparable to levels in humans who recovered from the COVID-19 infection.The Phase 1/2 clinical trial is a randomized, double blind and placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity (tolerability) and immunogenicity (immune response) of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate. A total of 440 healthy adults are being enrolled in the trial across 11 investigational sites in the US. The companies anticipate first results early December 2020 which will support the initiation of a Phase 3 trial in December 2020. If data are sufficient for licensure application, the plan is to request regulatory approval in the first half of 2021.Sanofi and GSK have entered into a collaboration with the US government to supply up to 100 million doses of their COVID-19 recombinant protein-based vaccine. The US government has a further option to discuss the purchase of up to 500 million doses longer term. Both companies have also agreed (subject to final contract) with the UK government to supply up to 60 million doses of recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine. Sanofi and GSK are scaling up manufacturing of the antigen and adjuvant with the target of producing up to one billion doses in 2021.Sanofi and GSK bring proven science and technology to the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic, with the shared objective of delivering a safe and effective vaccine, said Thomas Triomphe, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Sanofi Pasteur. The initiation of our clinical study is an important step and brings us closer to a potential vaccine which could help defeat COVID-19. Our dedicated teams and partner continue to work around the clock as we aim to deliver the first results in early December. Positive data will enable a prompt start of the pivotal Phase 3 trial by the end of this year.Moving this vaccine candidate into clinical development is an important moment in the progress towards addressing the global pandemic we are all facing, said Roger Connor, President of GSK Vaccines. This builds on the confidence shown by governments already in the potential of this protein-based adjuvanted vaccine candidate, which utilizes established technology from both companies, and can be produced at scale by two of the leading vaccine manufacturers globally. We now look forward to the data from the study, and if positive, beginning Phase 3 by the end of the year. New Delhi: India has proposed that a digital online exhibition on a shared theme be hosted by the BRICS countries at the end of 2021. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Prahlad Patel made the suggestion while virtually attending the 5th BRICS Culture Ministers Meeting on Thursday through video conference under the Chairpersonship of Russia. Delegates from the Culture Ministries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa participated in the meeting. According to a statement by the ministry, some suggestions/events which were proposed by the Indian side include the possibility of hosting a Digital Online Exhibition on a Shared Theme towards end of 2021 under the auspices of BRICS Alliance of Museums. And to extend full cooperation and content sharing for website envisaged under the BRICS Alliance. During the meeting, discussion was held on the impact of the epidemiological situation on the cultural sphere in the BRICS countries and review of the possible implementation of joint cultural online projects within BRICS. Patel addressed participants of the meeting and presented Indias perspective to strengthen the cultural cooperation within BRICS through alternative mechanisms of sharing and organizing cultural events in online format given the prevailing pandemic situation. COVID-19 has been a sad experience for us. But it has again showed us that nature does not discriminate among countries. It does not differentiate between people on the basis of caste and creed," Patel said while addressing the event. Humans have divided the countries and defined borders by putting fences. But culture is the bonding force above all man-made demarcations and connects people through love and harmony. Therefore when we meet through such programs, we come back more enriched than before, he said. In his address, he proposed opening the BRICS Corner under the auspices of BRICS Alliance of Libraries which is proposed to be inaugurated during Indias BRICS Presidency in 2021. The Corner will disseminate information related to the history and culture of the BRICS countries. The corner will display books, periodicals and other e-resources gifted by the BRICS countries, viz, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. He also said the National Gallery of Modern Arts, New Delhi will host the already planned BRICS Joint Exhibition titled Bonding Regions & Imagining Cultural Synergies under the auspices of the BRICS Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries. The exhibition is scheduled to be organized in 2021 coinciding with the BRICS event that India would be hosting in 2021. The exhibition aims to present around 100 works of art from the five prestigious institutions under the BRICS Alliance. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Both Cheah and Chalmers continue to work and operate the now US-based Sporteluxe site, however Chalmers denied they had any equity in the business, which had been bought from liquidators by a Wyoming entity that Chalmers declined to name. PS's investigations reveal the Sporteluxe digital media business was acquired from the Sporteluxe liquidator, Lowe Lippmann, by US-based CWHC Holdings LLC on November 29, 2018. Two days before, CWHC Holdings LLC was incorporated in Wyoming, with Chalmers listed as the entity's organiser and secretary in the US regulatory filings. The liquidator approved the sale of the business as being in the interests of creditors, as they try to recover money. Chalmers explained that the owners of CWHC appointed him as secretary of the company a purely administrative role as it made sense given that he continues as business manager of Sporteluxe. In his judgment last year Justice David Hammerschlag found the Sydney investors had been given "misleading financial information" about Sporteluxe's revenue, and the shares were worthless. Court documents revealed Cronin's company Cadence (90) Investments approached Cheah, who counts the likes of publicist Roxy Jacenko in her Sydney circle, about investing in Sporteluxe through the website in August 2017. Chalmers provided Cadence with financial documents that claimed Sporteluxe had pulled in a total of $200,000 over the first half of 2017 and forecast revenue of $325,000 in the latter half of the year. Based on those figures, Cadence bought $1,066,649.73 worth of shares while another investor ploughed $49,986.63 into the brand. However the court found the investors were unaware Sporteluxe's revenue figures had been pumped up when Cheah transferred more than $167,000 into the company's accounts, which turned out to be earnings from her work with IMG. Last September the judge found against Cheah and Chalmers for engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct and ordered them to pay the investors $1,116,636.36 plus interest and costs, which today stands at $2,000,000. Packer Barham's BFF Whether it be square-cut or pear-shaped, heiress Francesca Packer Barham knows a thing or two about "rocks" that don't lose their shape. Indeed, having set a new Australian record at auction after dropping more than half a million dollars on a huge new sparkler, the 25-year-old probably agrees that diamonds are a girl's best friend, especially in a town where the two-legged, real-life ones come and go with considerable frequency. Francesca Packer Barham has found a life-long bestie. Credit:Jesse Marlow PS can reveal the late Kerry Packer's eldest grandchild was the mystery bidder who dropped a whopping $575,000 on Lot 35 in Leonard Joel's inaugural "important jewels auction" last week. The 17.34 carat emerald-cut diamond ring set in platinum which sold for $575,000. Credit: Supplied The price smashed the previous record of $450,000 for a single item of jewellery sold at auction in Australia, with the impressive 17.34 carat emerald-cut diamond ring set in platinum now residing comfortably on the millionaire Millennial's finger. PS was told in no uncertain terms that the ring was not a harbinger to an imminent engagement announcement, despite reports in recent months the bubbly brunette has been dating hunky Sydney personal trainer and designer sneaker aficionado Sam Zacharia, son of prominent eastern suburbs plastic surgeon Michael Zacharia. "We're just good friends, in fact he is a very old friend of mine. I promise you there is nothing to announce," Packer Barham, who last October paid $16 million for the largest apartment in Darlinghurst's Horizon tower, chortled down the line when PS dared ask. More's the pity, Sydney could do with a big Packer wedding. Plan bee at David Jones On Monday the 35th annual David Jones Spring Flower Show will return to the queen of Australian retail's original home in the sparkling new Elizabeth Street flagship store. Once again the street-level windows, ground floor and level 7 will feature intricate floral displays that this year celebrate the bee, the small but mighty mascot of spring. Bees will be the unseen stars of this year's David Jones Flower Show. Credit:AP To honour the bee, a permanent rooftop apiary comprising five bee hives and approximately 400,000 bees has been installed atop the building, with the hives managed by local business the Urban Beehive and populated by local NSW relocated rescue bees. While COVID-19 measures will be strictly adhered to in store, DJs is also introducing virtual tours on the store's website, allowing those unable to travel to see the results of 4000 work hours from 15 experienced florists and horticulturalists led, for the 32nd year, by George Low of Seed Flora. Hot air on Kidman's set Nicole Kidman's $100 million Nine Perfect Strangers production in Byron Bay was no match for mother nature when a hot-air balloon loaded with tourists inadvertently landed in the middle of the set. "It was hilarious, the crew were shouting at us not to land, but as the pilot said, it is all up to where the wind blows, and once the balloon is down, you gotta just land the thing," one of the passengers told PS. Nicole Kidman's Nine Perfect Strangers production is shooting at the Soma resort in Byron Bay. Credit:AP "We didn't see any of the stars, but they were obviously trying to keep everything under wraps. It was pretty funny for us, but probably not for the crew." Meanwhile Kidman and her co-stars have taken over Sydney society meditation guru Gary Gorrow's Soma resort for the shoot, which is doubling as author Liane Moriarty's fancy health retreat called "Tranquillum House", run by Kidman's character. Gorrow will be pretty happy with the global exposure his venue is about to get, and the six months' worth of location fees he is being paid. Indeed the setting is not too much of a stretch of the imagination, especially given Soma's clientele reportedly already includes actors Cate Blanchett and Richard Roxburgh, author Zoe Foster Blake and model Gemma Ward. Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent and that there is an unequivocal proof. Russia's opposition politician poisoned Chancellor Merkel stated that Navalny was a victim of attempted murder, and the world would look to Russia for answers. Navalny was flown to Berlin after he fell ill on a flight in Siberia in August, and he remains in a coma. Navalny's team says he was poisoned on President Vladimir Putin's orders. The Kremlin has denied the allegation. The Kremlin spokesman called on Germany for a full exchange of information, and foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova complained the Novichok allegations were not backed up by solid evidence. In 2018, a Novichok nerve agent was used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the United Kingdom. While Skripal survived, his daughter died in the hospital. Also Read: Indian Navy to Shift to Submarines, Construction of Third Aircraft Carrier Takes a Back Seat The UK accused the military intelligence of Russia of poisoning Navalny. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the attack and called it outrageous. The government in Berlin released results of toxicology tests carried out at a military laboratory. According to Chancellor Merkel, there are now serious questions that only the Russian government can and must answer. She added that someone tried to silence Navalny. Chancellor Merkel said that Germany's Nato and EU partners had been informed of the results of the investigation. Both Nato and the EU would decide on an appropriate response, and they will base it on the reaction of Russia. Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's wife and Russia's ambassador to Germany, would also be informed of the findings, according to Berlin's government, as reported by CNN. The European Union has demanded a transparent investigation by the Russian government. A statement read that those responsible must be brought to justice. Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also called for an inquiry in a tweet, while the US National Security Council said the suspected poisoning was completely reprehensible. An NSC spokesman said that they would work with allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable for the poisoning of Navalny. President Putin does not say the name Alexei Navalny out loud. It is an attempt to diminish his political significance, but after everything he went through, from police detentions, endless prosecutions, and massive fines that he faced over the years, Navalny's impact is more significant than ever. Navalny's had made some enemies. His anti-corruption investigations have targeted some people, including President Vladimir Putin. It is possible that there is someone who wants to resolve the "Navalny problem" for good. What happened to Navalny? Navalny fell ill on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow. His supporters believed poison was slipped in his tea at Tomsk airport. The flight of the Putin critic was diverted to Omsk, where doctors treated him for three days before he was transferred to the Charite hospital in Berlin, as reported by CNBC. The Kremlin says Russian doctors administered atropine. Atropine can be used to treat the effects of nerve agents, but there was no evidence of poisoning found. Navalnaya said that she feared Russian doctors had delayed her husband's transfer as authorities were trying to wait for evidence of any chemical substance to disappear. According to the doctors, Navalny's condition continues to improve, but he remains in an intensive care unit on a ventilator. Related Article: VP Mike Pence Was On Stand-By to 'Take Over' As Doctors Check Donald Trump's Suspected Health Issue @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As companies and nonprofits seek to meet with important groups of people, many are resorting to "virtual" or online solutions. The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga is taking another approach - a televised "banquet." The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. on Chattanooga CW."We normally engage between 400 to 600 people in the convention center," says Major Mark Smith, Chattanooga area commander. He goes on to say that while the interaction of the convention center is optimal, too many people were excluded from the message."By using television and websites, we're able to share our important update with tens of thousands," Major Smith adds.The program is one of optimism and hope, according to Major Smith. "We've been on the frontline of the relief and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastation from the spring tornadoes. We want to report all that we've accomplished and cast a vision for how we can heal, as a community, as we look forward to the very important fall and holiday season," says Major Smith.The program will include testimonials from people throughout the region who've been helped by The Army as they struggled with the impact of these tragedies, reports of local companies who stepped up in major ways, a message of hope from the Reverend Brad Whitaker and music from two young bands that routinely play in The Salvation Armys Inman Coffee Shop in Cleveland."You may remember that Father Whitaker was the first confirmed case in Hamilton county," says Major Smith, adding, "Not the first case, but the first confirmed and publicized case." Major Smith goes on to say that Father Whitaker has an "exciting message of hope for everyone who listens.""This is the right way for us to reach out to all who've supported The Salvation Army and helped people in need through their financial support or volunteer efforts and reporting to them the impact of their generosity," said Major Smith.The Major describes the banquet as a community event because its sponsored by local organizations with a heart for the community and helping people in need, like presenting sponsor Elders Ace Hardware. Other sponsors include Radical Polymers, Publix Super Markets, Pinnacle Financial Partners, NABCO Electric, One & All, J. Douglas Properties, First Horizon Bank, HHM CPAs, BB&T | SunTrust now Truist and Murphey Financial Services. The event is chaired by Barbara J. Marter, executive director of the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation.The Chattanooga CW is cable channel 6 in most markets and channel 53 in Dade County. The program will run simultaneously on the station's website at ChattanoogaCW.com/Watch. For more information on this program, visit CSArmy.org/HealingTogether. Children attend a painting class at the Dayuan art workshop in Hunan Province. [For China Daily] Couple Finance Program to Help Youngsters in Poor Area Get More Opportunities Five years ago, Liu Xiu took his wife to visit his home village of Dayuan in a remote mountainous area of Hunan Province for the first time. When she arrived with her husband, Zhou Yan was shocked by what she saw in the faces of the village children. At the time, the village, which is 20 kilometers from the nearest town, had 470 registered residents. However, most of the adults had left to look for work in big cities, leaving behind 60 elderly people and 27 children with no parents to care for them. "I still remember the way those children were looking at us," said Zhou, now 30, who also grew up in a small village in Hunan. "It was exactly the same when I was a child and my parents left home to make money outside the village. I was deeply hurt." Unlike many of her childhood friends who were also left behind by migrant worker parents, Zhou had the opportunity to go to school. Even luckier still, she received a general degree from the China Academy of Art's School of Intermedia Art in Beijing after four years of study. Her husband, now 39, was fortunate to escape poverty as well. Liu is a skilled craftsman who makes and plays the guqin, a seven-string traditional Chinese instrument with a history dating back thousands of years. Both are well aware of the conundrum of leaving home to work for a better future for your family, and the price that those left behind sometimes have to pay. "Those children had little communication with their grandparents and spent most their time on electronic devices," Zhou said of her first impressions of the children in Dayuan. "In an environment where love can be scarce, they needed more care from society." The couple decided to play an active role and tip the scales in the children's favor. Today, Dayuan is home to about 400 villagers and an art workshop with professional teachers from both home and aboard taking classes a service that is hard to find even in large cities. Children attend a multi-media art class. [For China Daily] Life-Changing In 2016, the couple made a brave decision to quit their high-earning jobs in Beijing and set up an art workshop in Dayuan. Zhou was running her own workshop, which focused on art in rural areas, while Liu sold handmade guqin and taught students how to play the instrument. When they arrived in Dayuan, they stayed in Liu's old home and spent their entire life savings, about 2 million yuan, building a two-story building covering 240 square meters. They equipped the art workshop with computers, a projector, musical instruments, painting equipment and an astronomical telescope for both decoration and inspiration. The workshop, free of charge, is open to all children in Dayuan and nearby villages. "Our aim is not to educate the children to be artists," Zhou said. "We simply hope that art can give them inner strength for their future lives." While not its stated objective, the workshop is unearthing raw artistic talent. Deng Yunxiu, 14, has seen momentous changes in her life over the past three years thanks to the workshop. Talent Unearthed In 2016, Deng and her siblings moved from Guangdong Province, where her father was working, to live with her grandparents in Dayuan. She didn't cope well with her new environment and was always fighting with her younger sister and brother. However, when Deng enrolled in art classes at the Dayuan workshop, Zhou immediately saw the girl had a powerful imagination and a love of painting. "She wrote a very beautiful poem after watching the stars through the telescope one night. And I noticed that she loved plants very much, so I encouraged her to paint what she saw in nature," Zhou said. After a month, Deng surprised Zhou with a "splendid" work, a 10-meter-long scroll watercolor painting, which showed dozens of local herbs and flowers. Deng's painting was so impressive, it was displayed at Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing this year. "I love this workshop and l love teacher Zhou very much," Deng said. "She takes care of us and always listens to us." The beaming teenager is featured in a short online video that shows her painting as well as her daily life at the workshop. An instructor from the China Conservatory of Music teaches children how to play guqin at the workshop. [For China Daily] Fame Spreads Thanks to media reports, the workshop's fame has spread throughout China and overseas. In recent years, many college graduates from cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have volunteered to teach there. Now, it has 10 resident teachers along with 40 others who teach on and off throughout the year. All are unpaid volunteers. Last year, the workshop taught 53 students, with 17 from Dayuan and the rest from nearby villages. This summer, 76 students took holiday classes. Subjects include poetry writing, nature observation, drama, music, photography and jewelry design. Last year, the workshop also officially registered as a nonprofit organization and was allocated 100,000 yuan ($14,660) in government funding to improve its facilities. In April, an outdoor theater was built in the village. Zhou has recently been busy preparing a summer forest art festival. She invited artists and families from across the country to visit the workshop. The UCCA plans to stage one of its exhibitions in Dayuan this year, Zhou said. "The love and support I received during my childhood helped me go outside the village," she said. "I wanted to show the rest of the world the strength of our rural children. Art will nourish those kids and motivate and give them inner strength to make changes for themselves." (Source: China Daily) Trump, senior staff deny claims that he called fallen US troops 'losers, 'suckers' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Donald Trump and senior White House staff have denied claims that he ever referred to American soldiers as losers and suckers. The allegations were made by four anonymous sources in an article published by The Atlantic on Thursday. The report was immediately lambasted as untrue by current and former White House senior staff, some of whom say they were with the president at the time he's alleged to have made the comments. The Atlantic reported that during a 2018 trip to France, Trump refused to visit the Aisne-Marneine American Cemetery because his hair would be disheveled and he thought it wasnt worth visiting the graves of losers. The report also claimed that Trump said he refused to visit the Aisne-Marneine American Cemetery because of inclement weather, which the report said was an untrue claim by the president. The cemetery is known to be hallowed ground by the United States Marine Corps who lost over 1,000 soldiers in the battle of Belleau-Wood. When President Donald Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018, he blamed rain for the last-minute decision, saying that the helicopter couldnt fly and that the Secret Service wouldnt drive him there. Neither claim was true Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day. In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, Why should I go to that cemetery? Its filled with losers," The Atlantic reports. However, emails retrieved through a Freedom of Information Act request revealed that indeed the flight was canceled due to inclement weather. Washington Examiner White House correspondent Rob Crilly provided screenshots of the emails. White House official has sent an image of redacted email apparently showing 'bad weather call' was indeed cause of Trump not attending Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in 2018. Dan Scavino and Stephen Miller were also both there - and deny Atlantic story. White House official has sent an image of redacted email apparently showing "bad weather call" was indeed cause of Trump not attending Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in 2018. Dan Scavino and Stephen Miller were also both there - and deny Atlantic storyhttps://t.co/jQNgHX0Fd7pic.twitter.com/Gzre4oYEs9 Rob Crilly (@robcrilly) September 4, 2020 President Trump also pushed back on the allegations, saying in a Twitter thread on Thursday, " ... I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! I was never a big fan of John McCain, disagreed with him on many things including ridiculous endless wars and the lack of success he had in dealing with the VA and our great Vets, but the lowering of our Nations American Flags, and the first class funeral he was given by our country, had to be approved by me, as President, & I did so without hesitation or complaint," he added. "Quite the contrary, I felt it was well deserved. I even sent Air Force One to bring his body, in casket, from Arizona to Washington. It was my honor to do so. Also, I never called John a loser ..." Former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also aggressively denounced the claims, saying that she was there during the event and only knows of Trump to support the military. The Atlantic story on @realDonaldTrump is total BS. I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussion - this never happened. I have sat in the room when our President called family members after their sons were killed in action and it was heart-wrenching. These were some of the moments I witnessed the President show his heart and demonstrate how much he respects the selfless and courageous men and women of our military. I am disgusted by this false attack. The Atlantic story on @realDonaldTrump is total BS. I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussion - this never happened. I have sat in the room when our President called family members after their sons were killed in action and it was heart-wrenching... Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) September 4, 2020 Keith Kellogg, a retired three-star Army general and current national security advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, said the report "lacks merit." "The Atlantic story is completely false. Absolutely lacks merit. Ive been by the Presidents side. He has always shown the highest respect to our active duty troops and veterans with utmost respect paid to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and those wounded in battle." The Atlantic story is completely false. Absolutely lacks merit. Ive been by the Presidents side. He has always shown the highest respect to our active duty troops and veterans with utmost respect paid to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and those wounded in battle. Keith Kellogg (@generalkellogg) September 3, 2020 Techno Frog, an anonymous lawyer known by many in the political sphere, also shared screenshots of documents supporting Trump's bad weather claim. "On that Atlantic Story - @JeffreyGoldberg and his "four sources" claim Trump's helicopter flight to the US/French cemetery wasn't canceled due to weather. FOIA docs prove this to be false. Their "sources" are failing basic fact checks - making them essentially worthless." On that Atlantic Story - @JeffreyGoldberg and his "four sources" claim Trump's helicopter flight to the US/French cemetery wasn't cancelled due to weather. FOIA docs prove this to be false. Their "sources" are failing basic fact checks - making them essentially worthless. pic.twitter.com/wAa7FrSxoW Techno Fog (@Techno_Fog) September 4, 2020 Jordan Karem, a longtime aide to President Trump, also brought a defense, saying he was "next to Trump the whole day." "Again, this is 100% false. I was next to @POTUS the whole day! The President was greatly disappointed when told we couldnt fly there. He was incredibly eager to honor our Fallen Heroes." Again, this is 100% false. I was next to @POTUS the whole day! The President was greatly disappointed when told we couldnt fly there. He was incredibly eager to honor our Fallen Heroes. https://t.co/8YZlWS83I3 Jordan Karem (@JordanKarem1) September 4, 2020 Despite the defenses of many of Trump's closest allies, the president's past is not void of commentary that many would deem disrespectful toward military service. During a 2015 campaign stop in Iowa, then-presidential candidate Trump disparaged the military service of Sen. John McCain in an interview with pollster Frank Luntz during the Family Leadership Summit where he said the former prisoner of war was "not a war hero." "He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren't captured," Trump asserted, insisting that McCain had attacked him first by calling his supporters "crazies." At a press conference afterward, according to The Daily Wire, Trump said, "'If somebodys a prisoner, I consider them a war hero.'" However, the publication also reported in 2016 that Trump never apologized and at times even denied ever saying McCain isn't a war hero. McCain was a naval pilot during the Vietnam War and, after being shot down by enemy forces, spent five years as a POW at a camp that became known as the Hanoi Hilton where he and other American soldiers were tortured. Trump's past comments about McCain brought a harsh response from Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina who said at the time that Trump shouldn't be commander-in-chief. Hes bringing his name down and hes not helping the process and he shouldnt be commander in chief. said Graham who later became a supporter of Trump after he was elected president. The Co-op plans to open a wave of new supermarkets. Photo: REUTERS/Hannah McKay Dozens of new Co-op supermarkets are set to open across the UK this year, creating up to 1,000 jobs. The Co-operative Group announced around 55 new stores will open, up to 12 franchise stores will launch and 10 existing stores are set to be extended this year. Locations have not yet been confirmed. The news is the latest sign of the strong growth enjoyed by UK supermarkets during the pandemic, which has outlasted early stockpiling with millions more households still eating more at home. More than 100 other Co-op outlets will also receive major makeovers, as part of a 130m investment in stores. The group announced more than 300 other stores have joined Nisa, a convenience store wholesaler owned by Co-op, since the start of the year. Meanwhile Co-op says it is now the most widely available supermarket on Deliveroo, and more than 500 of its stores have also begun running John Lewis Click & Collect services. READ MORE: UK supermarkets hire 136,000 staff since lockdown David Roberts, managing director at Co-op Property, said: We continually look for new locations, sites which are definitively convenient in their community closer to our members and customers with proximity shopping a key consumer consideration. The Co-op is not the only major supermarket continuing to expand, with large grocers growing while many other retailers struggle to survive the pandemic and recession. Tesco unveiled plans last week to hire 16,000 more permanent workers, including many temporary staff it took on during the early stages of the coronavirus crisis. Lidl and Aldi also plan to open a new store every week until the end of the year. Recent analysis by Yahoo Finance UK found Britains seven biggest supermarkets have hired at least 136,000 new staff since the pandemic began. The hiring spree significantly exceeds the 44,000 roles they vowed to create as Britain went into lockdown in March. READ MORE: Growth for supermarkets slows as shoppers ease back to normality NORWALK Eight cars have been reported stolen in the city since last Friday, police said. Sgt. Sofia Gulino, a police spokeswoman, said the uptick is part of trend of stolen cars across Fairfield and Westchester counties. Gulino said the most recent incident occurred around midnight Thursday when an officer in East Norwalk noticed a car traveling with neither headlights nor taillights illuminated. The pursuit ended when the three occupants in the stolen car jumped out and ran away as the vehicle was still moving, Gulino said. Police searched the area between Woodside Avenue and Norden Place near Winfield Street in East Norwalk, but were not able to locate the suspects. Gulino said all eight of the cars reported stolen since last week had the keys left inside at the time of the theft. We implore the Norwalk community to always lock all car doors and remove all valuables from within, Gulino said. Never leave keys or fobs anywhere in the vehicle, no matter how well you think they are hidden, or even if you believe the vehicle is blocked in. Google said its traffic predictions have been consistently accurate for more than 97% of trips. Google in a new blog post details how Maps uses AI to track and identify traffic jams, and suggests the best possible routes to users. Google Maps is available in over 220 countries and territories where more than 1 billion kilometres are driven using it on a daily basis. Google Maps is the most popular app for navigating just about anywhere. On the app, you can see upcoming traffic jams on your route thats signified using red colour. At the same time, Google also suggests the best possible routes you can take to reach your destination. To predict future traffic, Google said it analyses historical traffic patterns for roads over time. Google then uses machine learning to combine the historical traffic patterns with real-time traffic conditions and predict future traffic. Google said its traffic predictions have been consistently accurate for more than 97% of trips. To reduce even more inaccuracies, Google has partnered with DeepMind to use a machine learning architecture called Graph Neural Networks. This technique is what enables Google Maps to better predict whether or not youll be affected by a slowdown that may not have even started yet! Google added. It also said that this method is already seeing significant improvements in areas such as Berlin, Jakarta, Sao Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo and Washington D.C. Google in the blog post also highlights how it has updated Maps to handle the sudden change from when there was a 50% increase in traffic due to Covid-19, and how its gradually coming back now. To account for this sudden change, weve recently updated our models to become more agileautomatically prioritizing historical traffic patterns from the last two to four weeks, and deprioritizing patterns from any time before that, Google said. To find the best possible routes factors like road quality, size and directness of the driveway are taken into consideration. Google also takes authoritative data from local governments for information on speed limits, tools and roadblocks. Theres also the incident report feature on Google Maps that helps in the whole process. Meet the people who find joy in collecting old tomes and publications filled with tattered pages and scribblings by previous owners. Xiaozhu's Bookstore in Shanghai's Pudong New Area welcomes about 100 customers every day. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily] To many Shanghai residents, the bookstore that has the most comprehensive selection of books in the city is not a sprawling, multistory complex, nor is it an on-trend, achingly hip establishment that comes with a cafe and lifestyle area. Located on Lancun Road in Pudong New Area, Xiaozhu's Bookstore looks to be the very antithesis of such establishments. Measuring just 115 square meters, the store features a decor that is austere at best. The only form of decoration here is the framed Chinese calligraphy works found on the shelves. Moreover, the store sells only secondhand books. "I don't run this place to make money," quips the owner Zhu Fengtao, who opened the store after retiring a decade ago. "Running a secondhand bookstore, especially a physical one, isn't a profitable business these days as people can simply buy books online. I do this because I don't like traveling or playing mahjong like most elderly people. Rather, I just love reading. I also hope that my store can help others relax, especially those who earn a lot of money but face much pressure." But the diminutive nature of the shop is hardly a reflection of the fact that it is an impressive repository of books. In addition to the 60,000 used titles, ranging from novels to comics to magazines and journals, found in the shop, the 63-year-old retiree also owns another 240,000 that are stashed in six warehouses. Zhu's fascination with used books appears to run in the family. His father, who left his hometown in Jiangsu province to find work in Shanghai in the 1940s, used to run a stall selling comics before working at a secondhand bookshop. Like his father, Zhu traveled to Shanghai to find job opportunities when he was 21. He has lived in the city since. "It was a popular job at that time," says Zhu, referring to his father's profession. Seven patients are announced Covid-19 free at the Quang Nam Central General Hospital in Quang Nam Province, September 4, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh. Two Quang Nam Province hospitals said on Friday morning that 13 people who had been under treatment for Covid-19 have recovered. Aged 28 to 63 they are all local residents. They were infected during the outbreak in Da Nang, which borders Quang Nam, and were treated at the Quang Nam Regional General Hospital and Quang Nam Central General Hospital. After discharge they have to isolate themselves at home for 14 days and be tested twice. Since July 25, when local transmissions returned to Vietnam after more than three months, Quang Nam has had 97 Covid-19 patients. Of them, 43 have recovered and three died. The infection has spread to 15 localities. Vietnam has so far had 1,046 Covid-19 cases, including 35 deaths. Contrary to the claim of the attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is partly to blame for Nigerias failure to originally secure a stay of execution of the award of $8.9 billion (about N3.2 trillion) in favour of P&ID, details of Fridays judgement by a British Commercial Court revealed that the EFCCs investigation was instrumental to the favourable judgement obtained by the country. The Commercial Court granted Nigerias appeal for a stay of execution of the award of $8.9 billion (about N3.2 trillion) in favour of P&ID, a controversial British firm that secured a gas contract in Nigeria. On Friday, the Royal Courts of Justice Strand, London, WC2A 2LL presided over by Justice Ross Cranston said following a review of written submissions by the Nigerian government after the arbitral award, which contained new evidence concerning the matter in dispute, the court decided to grant Nigerias applications for an extension of time and relief from sanctions. The latest ruling is, however, a temporary reprieve for Nigeria, as it merely provides an opportunity for the court to review the new evidence of a miscarriage of justice claimed by the Nigerian government and does not amount to a repeal of the award to Process & Industrial Development Limited (P&ID). The UK Business & Property Courts (the Commercial Court), presided by Justice Butcher, had approved that P&ID should enforce a March 20, 2013 award against Nigeria by a District Circuit Court in Washington DC. Malamis Claim to Buhari In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Malami, whose complaint led to the removal of Ibrahim Magu as acting EFCC chairman, accused the suspended anti-graft chief of failing to act timeously on a presidential directive by the Ministry of Justice to commence investigation into the matter. President Muhammadu Buhari Mr Malami told President Buhari that in two letters dated June 26 and June 28, 2018 detailing facts and documents for the investigation the EFCC was directed to commence investigation into the matter but that the anti-graft commission did not accord this presidential directive any serious attention until a year after around July/August 2019 when the scale had already tilted dangerously against Nigeria. In view of this delay, the Police were requested to also conduct an independent investigation into the P&ID matter. In the same vein, in December 2019, there was request to the Ag. Chairman of the EFCC to forward copies of all charges, proof of evidence, and judgments in relation to all cases filed by the EFCC against P&ID and their associates, copies of warrants of arrest, copies of other documents in relation to the ongoing investigations. The above documents were required by the Police to enable it to interface with Interpol on this matter. The Acting Chairman of EFCC did not respond to my request. The above is just one out of several correspondences which institution has had cause to send to the EFCC and which were neither acknowledged nor replied. Examples of cases where the Acting Chairman either refused to respond to requests from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Solicitor General of the Federation are attached as (Annex 3). In total, it is estimated that the Federal Government of Nigeria lose or would have lost Forty-Seven Billion, thirty-six million, five hundred and twenty eighty thousand, two hundred and nine Naira (N47, 036,528,209.00). In dollars, the estimated amount would be approximately, ($85,008,917.43) Eighty-five million, eight thousand, and nine hundred and seventeen pence and in pounds, it would be Seventy-four thousand Pounds (#74,000.00). These losses would be directly linked to the lack of response by the Acting Chairman or lack of coordination and the Acting Chairmans recalcitrant attitude to work, Mr Malami wrote. Judgement counters Malami However, contrary to Mr Malamis claim, the judgement of the court obtained on Friday has revealed that the EFCC under Mr Magu in fact commenced investigation into the matter prior to the presidential directives and also acted swiftly upon receiving the directive. Abubakar Malami [Source The Guardian, Nigeria] The judgement revealed that EFCC investigations were instrumental in unearthing the pieces of evidence that convinced the court to make Fridays judgement that was favourable to Nigeria. Having received the presidential directive from the Ministry of Justice, the judgement revealed that the EFCC almost immediately swung into action, invited the legal directors of the Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for interrogation into what it described as a conspiracy, abuse of office and misuse of public funds. From late February 2016 until 2 March 2016 these officials were interviewed and they provided the EFCC with documents relating to the GSPA and the arbitration. The judgement further showed that the EFCC submitted an interim report on the matter on 16 June 2016, which noted that the process of awarding the GSPA was significantly hinged on the report of the technical committee of the [Ministry] [and] had the certification and recommendation of the legal unit of the Ministry and that the agreement was signed by the Legal Adviser, Grace Taiga, as a witness to the MOU and the [GSPA]. The interim report also offered conclusions and recommendations. Upon the receipt of the presidential directive, the judgement showed that the EFCC spoke to several sources and profiled about 30 possible suspects. Suspended EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu Less than two months after the commission received the directive from the Ministry of Justice (August 2018), the EFCC sent a request for information to various government agencies and in January 2019, it contacted the Ministry of Lands at Cross River State and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. After the August 16, 2019 judgement given by Mr Butcher, which granted P&ID the right to enforce the final award judgement, Mr Malami told the British court that the judgement was because the EFCC has limited remit to financial and related matters. But the EFCC was not deterred as it soon obtained critical pieces of evidence that has now proven to be helpful to Fridays judgement. On 28 August 2019 the Federal Inland Revenue Service informed the EFCC that P&ID had not opened a tax file. Early the following month, on 3 September 2019, the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering reported that P&ID Nigeria had failed to register its activities with it. In a letter of 4 September, 2019 to the EFCC, the Director of Lands of Cross River State wrote that a letter of allocation was only issued to applicants on payment of all the land charges and fees within the 120 days specified. P&ID could not claim that the land had been allocated to it in 2010, since there was no proof of payment and no-issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the judgement revealed. Advertisements In the EFCC-led criminal proceeding against P&ID, Ms Taiga, Mr Cahill and Mr Kuchazi, P&aID and P&ID Nigeria pleaded guilty to 10 and 11 counts charges respectively of conspiracy to defraud Nigeria, money laundering, tax evasion and trading without proper authorisations. ALSO READ: The convictions were on evidence given by an officer of the EFCC, the judgement stated. According to the judgement, the EFCC did not stop there. It continued its investigations of persons of interest in the matter and on November 15, 2019 accessed some bank records showing that some former official of the Ministry of Justice, Taofiq Tijani, received bribes from P&ID in return for overlooking shortcomings in its bid. The judgement further stated several revelations about the case that was uncovered by EFCC investigations. As explained earlier in the judgment, in a letter to the EFCC on 20 September 2019 General Danjumas company, Tita-Kuru, stated, in effect, that P&ID had stolen its plans for a gas stripping plant which it then used to obtain the GSPA. Mr Shasore, who conducted the arbitration for Nigeria at the jurisdiction and liability stages, was interviewed on 24 December 2019. He told the EFCC that he made personal gifts of US$100,000 each to Ms Adelore (the senior lawyer at the Ministry) and Mr Oguine (legal director at the NNPC). In an interview on 6 and 7, May 2020 Ms Adelore accepted that she received an unsolicited payment of US$100,000 in cash from Mr Shasore, which she had a colleague collect from Mr Shasores office. She has told the EFCC that she felt Mr Shasore was working against Nigerias interests in the arbitration. During its inquiries, EFCC obtained bank statements and Swift records of interbank payments in relation to various accounts. Among the information obtained from September 2019, and the date EFCC obtained it, is the following (described in greater detail later in the judgment under Payments/bribes). Ms Taiga received two cash transactions of US$10,400 and US$6,500 into her Access Bank account (but not linked to P&ID) (information EFCC obtained on 27 September 2019). There were payments in 2017 into her Zenith Bank account from Eastwise and ICIL (information EFCC obtained on 2 October 2019). Her daughter received payments from ICIL, Ireland, in March 2019 (information EFCC obtained from Citibank NA, London, 2 March 2020). Dr Lukman opened a US Dollar account at GT Bank on 16 January 2009, with an initial cash deposit of US$10,000. Dr Lukman then deposited a further US$10,000 of cash into another GT Bank account on 8 April 2009 (information EFCC obtained on 5 October 2019). Mr Tijani received two payments from Lurgi totalling around 30,000 in April 2014 and April 2015 (information EFCC obtained early November 2019). Dr Ibrahim, a member of the technical committee reviewing the GSPA, opened a US dollar account on 28 April 2008 under the name of his company, Equatorial Petroleum Coastal & Process Limited, with an initial cash deposit of US$10,000. There were further periodic cash deposits totalling US$69,300 until 2015. On 28 October and 1 December 2008 there were also two cash deposits totalling NGN 4,000,000 (approximately 8,500) into his personal account at Firstbank. In March this year Nigeria applied to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York under 28 USC [United States Code] 1782(a) to obtain discovery of bank accounts at ten different banks. P&ID intervened in the course of the application. It stated that it did not object to the order although its submission to Judge Schofield was that the use of the information obtained should be limited to criminal prosecutions in Nigeria. The US court made disclosure orders on 7 May 2020. As a result of the application, Nigeria obtained information, including payments to Ms Taigas daughter in 2009 and 2012, the judge said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 15:27:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TAIYUAN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Local police in the city of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, nabbed six suspects and seized nearly 40 kg of heroin in a drug trafficking case. Back in 2019, the police uncovered a criminal gang that smuggled drugs into Shanxi and later caught five suspects in the city of Xinzhou, seizing over 5 kg of heroin and freezing drug-related assets worth more than 1 million yuan (about 146,000 U.S. dollars). Police investigation since the beginning of this year to trace the criminal chain led to a suspect surnamed Yang. In May, authorities learned about Yang's return to China. He was eventually apprehended in southwest China's Yunnan Province with 33 kg of heroin. Investigation revealed that in December 2019, Yang trafficked drugs from overseas into the city of Lincang in Yunnan and assigned two women to transfer the drugs to Shanxi. Enditem How this ISIS operative from Mangaluru lured her victims and converted them to Islam Had anti-citizenship law protests not turned violent, ISIS was ready for arson Jihad India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Sep 04: A module of the Islamic State was ready to indulge in arson jihad to incite Indian Muslims had the anti citizenship law protests did not result in riots and violence. In case these protests failed to provoke the Muslims, they were planning to destroy government buildings and public property in a bid to instigate the people to indulge in rioting. They also aimed at exploiting Muslim sentiments, the National Investigation Agency said in its chargesheet. The NIA also said that the ISIS module was inciting Muslims against non-Muslims and also exhorting them to rise against the Government of India. The accused have been charge-sheeted for their affiliation with the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS/ISKP and for conspiring to create disaffection against Government of India, promoting enmity among different religious communities and for committing subversive activities. As China moves more troops near Chushul Army, IAF chiefs visit forward areas Jahanzaib Sami, Hina Bashir Beigh, Abdullah Basith, Sadiya Anwar Shaikh and Nabeel Siddick Khatri have been charged by the NIA. The case was originally registered by the Delhi Police following the arrest of Sami and his wife Hina from their rented home at Okhla Vihar in Delhi. The NIA took over the probe in March 2020. In this context let us refer to the video put out by the ISIS in July 2020, in which it calls for arson attacks on the United States. Titled 'Incite the Believers,' the video calls for arson attacks in America by its followers. The narrator says in Arabic that the followers must use lighters, matches and gasoline to start fire in places where they will not be detected. The video that was issued by the Al-Hayat Media Centre also shows items such as handguns, power drills that could be used in attacks. "We are sure that if you knew how and found a weapon you would not delay in fulfilling your duty to support the Muslims and do jihad. Look around yourself again, keeping an eye for a solution and not searching for a problem" as they sort through "all the means to kill and destroy. The video goes on to urge arson jihadists to safely dispose evidence after fleeing the scene of their attacks. For the ISIS, arson has been an easy and cheap terror tactic. 160 'unstarred' questions will be answered in Parliament every day Arson has been easy and inspirational for the lone actors, who only need to find encouragement online. Arson also ensures that the suspect does not come under the radar because he does not need to purchase a firearm to get into the complexities of preparing an explosive device. The NIA in its chargesheet further states that the accused conspired to utilise the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests to instigate Muslims against the Indian Government by coining seditious slogans and making graffiti at public places and highlighting the same on social and international media. They were also provoking some gullible youth to participate in anti-CAA protests actively, the NIA also said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, September 4, 2020, 10:05 [IST] ALBANY Federal prosecutors say a nationwide theft ring that smashes their way into cars to steal victims bank cards, checks and identifications has struck in Albany County. Nine alleged participants of the Felony Lane Gang scheme, two of whom live in the Capital Region, were charged in a 13-count indictment in U.S. District Court in Syracuse with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors for new acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette Bacon said the defendants were involved in more than 700 smash-and-grab thefts and about 1,000 fraudulent bank transactions across the country with losses exceeding $1.5 million. The ring struck in Albany and Onondaga counties, both within the 32-county Northern District of New York, prosecutors said. They said the ring, based in Florida, would steal the identification of one victim to make fraudulent transactions using the stolen checks and credit cards of another victim. The mobile identity theft ring traveled across the country breaking into cars, often targeting those parked by women at locations such as health and fitness centers, daycares, outdoor recreational parks, and dog parks, prosecutors said in a news release. After committing these smash-and-grab vehicle thefts, members of the conspiracy stole debit cards, credit cards, check books, and photo identifications, which they later used to commit bank fraud, sometimes even years later. The ring recruited women called faces to impersonate victims in drive-through bank lanes. It also recruited check cashers, some of whom were addicted to drugs and were paid, at least in part, with narcotics, prosecutors said. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The defendants include Terrell McDonald, 30, known as Ruger and Moon, who was arrested in Troy, where he lives; and Keyshawn Arnold, 23, known as Key, of Schenectady, who is already in state custody. The other defendants were Cedric Lynch, 35, known as C and City, of Orlando; Tyrone Parker Jr., 21, known as Ty, Cheese and Little Thigh; Tyrone Parker, 39, known as Thigh; Joshua Mallory, 35, known as P and Pudge; Randall Taylor, 34, known as Guwop and Gucci; Robert Natson, 34, known as Big Rob and Gary Grier, 34, known as G, all of Fort Lauderdale. The investigation involves the FBI, State Police, federal prosecutors and police and prosecutors from around the Capital Region and other parts of New York state, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Georgia, Connecticut, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Utah and New Hampshire. Dear Chancellor St. John, Members of the UA Board of Trustees, President Bell, Dr. Friend, UA System Health and Safety Task Force, Dean Selwyn Vickers, and Dr. Mike Saag: After reading the UA System Press Release of September 2, 2020, posted on the UA System COVID -19 Dashboard, I learned that UA administrators, with the explicit endorsement of the Health and Safety Task Force and the implied support of Drs Vickers and Saag, have decided that the best thing to do at this point is to keep students and faculty on campus despite the high-community-spread level and danger for anyone in Tuscaloosa. This shows that those of you addressed above are negligent, irresponsible, and unethical. It shows your lack of genuine concern in the wellbeing of UA students, employees, their families, the residents of Alabama, and those of every student home community throughout the United States. As late as last Friday, Dr. Friend and UA administrators boasted of the fact that the vast majority of students who tested positive went home allowing for more isolation capacity on campus despite the over 1,000 positive cases. He did not point out, though that it is UA policy for off-campus, COVID positive students to fend for themselves and isolate off-campus. Emails to the UA campus community by senior leadership encouraged anyone who was uncomfortable in Tuscaloosa to go home and learn all-online. The media and concerned faculty pointed out the fact that already allowing over 700 students infected with COVID-19 was irresponsible and negligent on the part. Instead of pivoting to a workable solution in the best health and safety of those in harms way, you have doubled-down, suddenly learning of the new research that traveling while positive-or suspected to be positive- with COVID-19 is a bad idea. That is how the press release reads. This leads me to believe that you are either not telling the truth and willfully deceiving everyone concerned OR are so behind the science and national health best practices on traveling while infected or possibly infected that you ALL should resign in the best interest of those you were hired or appointed to serve. I remind you that in your current positions, your primary responsibility is to the HEALTH and SAFETY of students, employees, and the tax-paying public. In order to protect the health of all involved and in the best interest of the community, I request that you do the following immediately: 1. Move all instruction online. 2. Test ALL students for COVID-19 at university expense. 3. Start a staggered move-out (over 3 weeks) of all students who test negative. Recommend that they isolate at home for two weeks and notify the receiving states department of health that they are traveling from a known hot-spot. 4. Isolate ALL students (regardless of if they live on or off campus) in university isolation space at university expense. This includes meals and basic living accessories including furniture, microwave oven, and legitimate isolation from other students and non-medical employees. Students should stay in isolation until a doctor deems they are no longer infectious. 5. If COVID-19 positive students refuse to remain in isolation and/or their parents pick them up, assist them in packing in a way that minimizes the danger to others and immediately notify the receiving states department of that the COVID positive and possibly infectious student is returning home. Please take these steps immediately in order to protect the health of all of us in Tuscaloosa and home communities Sincerely, Professor Michael Innis-Jimenez Michael Innis-Jimenez is Professor of American Studies and Steering Committee Member of United Campus Workers of Alabama September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts. These words of sage commentary from the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York State were overturned half a decade ago when we entered the world of fake news and facts became irrelevant to public discourse. Since then American political elites and their respective media outlets on both sides of debate have shamelessly invented the facts as suited their latest polemical position. The occasional modifier of what cannot be factually proven is highly likely. Regrettably the latest news coming out of Germany yesterday regarding the Navalny poisoning case indicates a further ratcheting down of the possibilities for civil discourse in the direction of dispute resolution by brute force, that is to say, by war. Our leaders seem to have taken leave of their senses and are putting to us narratives that absolutely defy logic. Chancellor Merkel announced that German military experts attribute Alexei Navalnys poisoning to the Russian nerve agent Novichok, the same poison that was allegedly used by the Russian military intelligence forces against the Skripals in Salisbury. We have heard a great deal about Novichok in that connection, but the single most relevant information to the present case is that it is a tightly controlled substance which only state entities might have access to and that its use would have to be approved at the highest levels. Given this background, given that the Russians were notified of the expertise findings on Navalny by megaphone diplomacy, that is to say without any prior warning via diplomatic channels, and given the insistent demand by Merkel, backed up moments later by the head of NATO, by the head of the European Commission and by a spokesman of the White House that the Russians explain what happened, what we have here is a very lightly disguised accusation that Vladimir Putin ordered the poisoning. All the ducks in the West are now aligned against Russia, with Mme Merkel leading the charge. Russian counter-demands that the proofs of German toxicity findings be shared with them have gone unanswered, just as they were in the Skripal case. Thus, a Russian explanation of what happened to Navalny in the Tomsk before his flight will almost certainly not satisfy their accusers in the West. What we may expect next is a new round of Western sanctions against Russia, quite possibly entailing suspension of the highly contested Nord Stream II pipeline project. If that is so, then the Navalny poisoning will have turned around the German state position on relations with Russia and with the United States, which has tried unsuccessfully to cancel Nord Stream II by bullying Germany just as the downing of MH 17 in the summer of 2014 brought Europe on board the US-led sanctions campaign against Russia over its annexation of Crimea and intervention in the Ukrainian civil war in the Donbass. The only problem with this entire scenario is that is makes absolutely no sense from start to finish. Even reputable mainstream newspapers like The Financial Times said in their reporting from the outset of the Navalny case that there were many oligarchs in Russia, including one or two whom they named, who would gladly have organized the murder of Navalny for their own reasons, whereas the Kremlin had every reason not to want this anti-corruption, anti-Putin campaigner to be harmed because the reaction in the West was entirely predictable. The Editorial Board of the FT was busy cooking up a wholly different case for sanctions against Russia which they released one day ago: should Putin order his forces to intervene in Belarus to crush the opposition to President Lukashenko. Now the identification of Novichok as the poison takes the whole scenario to a level of utter absurdity. Had the Kremlin wanted to silence Navalny, which is the basic accusation that Merkel delivered yesterday, it had a vast array of means to do so. Given what we have heard about the tight controls applied to this military grade poison and its identification as specifically Russian in origin, the Russian President might just as well have had Navalnys throat slit and written his signature on the bloggers forehead. But even this illogic passes muster in our media. We are told that Putin wanted to show that he can do whatever he likes, to thumb his finger at the West for its pusillanimity. To cut to the quick, we are being told that Vladimir Putin is a madman. And the message is coming from none other than Angela Merkel, still leader of Europes strongest economy, most populous nation, and determining force of policies in Brussels. In which case, suspension of Nord Stream II would be a mere tap on the wrist. The logic, if any can be salvaged from her story, is that Putin should be physically eliminated, like Saddam Hussein, like Gaddafi.for violating all of our fundamental values as she claimed yesterday. I found it most interesting that the BBC World reportage on the Navalny case yesterday evening explained to listeners that Russian state possession of the agent Novichok would be in violation of the convention on chemical weapons, which is why a domestic Russian crime becomes an international cause celebre. At the same time they noted that both Germany and the United Kingdom have small quantities of Novichok in their military labs for control purposes. Insofar as it has relevance in our post-logic world, I would suggest that both Germany and the United Kingdom intelligence forces are as likely to have had the means to poison Mr. Navalny as the Kremlins forces, and unlike the Kremlin, they had far more reason to do so. It is scarcely believable that the Kremlin did it. It is scarcely believable that Russian oligarchs did it, since they would then be pointing a finger directly at Putin and would not survive. One final point is that the Navalny poisoning comes at a moment in international relations that is vastly different from that which prevailed at the time of the Skrypal poisonings two years ago. Back then there was only one Big Baddy in the world, Russia. Today, the United States under Donald Trump has shifted the global villains label to the Peoples Republic of China and in the run-up to the November elections, he has steadily raised the diplomatic, military and commercial pressure on the PRC in areas as diverse as uncoupling the economies to bolstering ties with Taiwan. Trump has been twisting arms in Europe to follow the American lead on China, but resistance on this issue has been surely much greater than resistance over sanctions on Russia. As we learned during the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to Germany two days ago, the PRC is Germanys largest export market, with annual sales topping two hundred billion euros. Given these facts, Mme Merkel has every reason to redirect Europe and Americas lust for sanctions to her neighbor directly to the East, the Russian Federation. That is to say, she has every reason if logic plays any role today in state behavior. Gilbert Doctorow, 2020 The Defense Department marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II on Wednesday where it began for the U.S. -- at Pearl Harbor, with a ceremony aboard the "Mighty Mo'" battleship that served as the stage for the unconditional surrender of the Japanese empire. In paying tribute to the WWII generation, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the lesson learned from history's bloodiest conflict is to remain ever vigilant and prepared to fight against present and emerging threats. Read Next: More Than 60 Fort Benning Soldiers Have Been Punished for Violating COVID-19 Rules The end of the war "created new expectations regarding the use of force and the way countries should treat each other" that often have not been realized, he told a socially-distanced audience of about 50 aboard the battleship Missouri, now a memorial in Honolulu. "It is your legacy that inspires us to uphold the freedom and values for which you so nobly fought," Esper said to the audience, which included at least 12 WWII veterans. "To protect the hard-fought gains of generations past and present, [the U.S.] will remain ready to fight any foe and defend any friend [and] will safeguard our values and all we hold dear at every turn in every place," he said. "We will not back down, and we will not yield. Freedom is far too precious to do otherwise, and the sacrifice of those who came before us is far too great." In similar remarks, Adm. Phil Davidson, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warned that the U.S. now faces challenges from China and others and called on today's service members to take inspiration from "the memories of our greatest generation." "We pay tribute to them by continuing to defend the values of a free and open Indo-Pacific," Davidson said. Esper also cited in part the message sent out at the end of the war by Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, who was aboard the Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945, for the signing of surrender documents. But the SecDef's call for readiness to fight appeared to contrast with the fervent plea for lasting peace made 75 years ago from the decks of the battleship. Story continues Nimitz said the nation had an enduring obligation to those who died in the war -- "the obligation to ensure their sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live. Now, we turn to the great tasks of reconstruction and restoration." Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur had just presided at the signing of the instrument of surrender by Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, representing Emperor Hirohito. "It is my earnest hope and, indeed, the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past," MacArthur said in his closing remarks. He said he hoped for "a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish -- for freedom, tolerance and justice." In the early planning for the anniversary ceremony, about 200 World War II veterans had been expected to attend, but the organizers limited the gathering to about 12 vets living in Hawaii because of COVID-19 restrictions. Other ceremonies across the nation to mark the end of World War II were mostly virtual because of the pandemic, but President Donald Trump went to the port city of Wilmington, North Carolina, on a combination campaign swing and tribute to the World War II generation. With the battleship North Carolina, now a memorial in the city, as a backdrop, Trump declared Wilmington "the first American World War II Heritage City." "With this designation, we proudly declare that in America, we don't tear down the past. We celebrate our heroes. We cherish our heritage," he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Related: 5 Things to Know About Japan's World War II Surrender It is common belief that US cannot cannot trigger sanctions snapback against Iran: China Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 8:16 AM The Chinese ambassador to Tehran has stressed the US ineligibility to trigger the so-called snapback provision in the 2015 nuclear deal aimed at re-imposing UN sanctions against Iran, describing the fact as a "common belief." "It is the common belief that US cannot initiate the process of reinstating UN sanctions under #UNSCR2231," Chang Hua said in a post on his twitter account on Wednesday, referring to the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which enshrined the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On August 22, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo filed an official complaint with UNSC President Dian Triansyah Djani, accusing Iran of violating the JCPOA from which US President Donald Trump withdrew two years ago. He claimed that Washington is still a participant in the JCPOA and therefore retains the right to activate a 30-day countdown to a return of all UN sanctions that had been imposed on Tehran before the nuclear agreement. However, the remaining signatories to the JCPOA maintained that since the United States left the accord in May 2018, it has no right to act under its provisions. In a meeting of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA, which took place in Vienna on Tuesday, all participants reaffirmed in a statement the importance of preserving the agreement, emphasizing that the US cannot invoke the "snapback" mechanism. "In light of recent discussions in the UN Security Council in New York concerning the issue of the attempted reinstatement of previously lifted UN sanctions, the participants reaffirmed that the United States unilaterally announced its cessation of participation in the JCPOA on 8 May 2018 and that it had not participated in any JCPOA-related activities subsequently," read the statement. "Participants reconfirmed that it therefore could not be considered as a participant State. In this regard, participants also reaffirmed their various statements and communications made previously at the UN Security Council including that of the High Representative of 20 August as the Coordinator of the JCPOA to the effect that the US cannot initiate the process of reinstating UN sanctions under UNSC resolution 2231." The Trump administration's push to restore UN sanctions against Iran came days after it suffered an embarrassing loss at the Security Council on August 14. Russia and China voted against the resolution proposed by Washington to extend an Iranian arms embargo and the remaining 11 council members, including France, Germany and the UK, abstained. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A federal appeals court has ruled that the NSAs historic controversial domestic spying program was illegal, one of the same programs NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden released details on to journalists in 2013. The landmark decision added that the spying program was even potentially unconstitutional. The courts ruling was written by Judge Marsha Berzon, who expressed that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, didnt allow for the bulk collection of phone users call records, as the U.S. government falsely claimed at the time. The metadata collection exceeded the scope of Congresss authorization, she wrote in her ruling. The main problem, according to Berzon, was that FISA did not allow for bulk collection, only targeted collection of known suspects. The law required the government to make a showing of relevance to a particular authorized investigation before collecting the records, Berzon wrote. Judge Berzon went on to state that there is no evidence that the spying program actually did anything to prevent a single case of terrorism, and that U.S. officials misled the public about the programs effectiveness. To the extent the public statements of government officials created a contrary impression, that impression is inconsistent with the contents of the classified record, she wrote. Snowden posted about the ruling, saying that, I never imagined that I would live to see our courts condemn the NSAs activities as unlawful and in the same ruling credit me for exposing them. And yet that day has arrived. Seven years ago, as the news declared I was being charged as a criminal for speaking the truth, I never imagined that I would live to see our courts condemn the NSA's activities as unlawful and in the same ruling credit me for exposing them. And yet that day has arrived. https://t.co/FRdG2zUA4U Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 2, 2020 Snowden quickly rose to prominence in 2013, after leaking classified information on widespread warrantless NSA surveillance programs like XKeyscore and PRISM to The Guardian and The Washington Post. In fact, the first Snowden leak was a FISC order issued to Verizon under Section 702 that required the company to turn over all of its calling records to the NSA. FISA was enacted in 1978 as a response to illegal domestic surveillance operations revealed by two Senate committees in the 1970s, including President Richard Nixons use of federal intelligence agencies to monitor his political opponents. It was brought into law to authorize electronic surveillance to obtain foreign intelligence information. The law requires the government to obtain a warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court before setting up an electronic or physical wiretap targeted at foreigners and foreign agents. Congress amended FISA in 2007 to let the government wiretap communications that either begin or end outside the United States jurisdiction without Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) approval; in a stronger 2008 overhaul, they further limited that power to non-U.S. persons. The last reauthorization of the Act was in 2012, which set the current expiration date of Dec. 31, 2017. The FISA law has long been criticized by privacy and civil liberties advocates like the EFF who say the order allows broad, intrusive spying without oversight. The section first gained renewed attention following the 2013 disclosures by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that the agency carried out widespread monitoring of emails and other electronic communications through PRISM, XKeyscore, Upstream and other NSA surveillance programs. Activist Post covered XKeyscore and PRISM in extensive detail when the revelations happened. XKeyscore, which in 2008 was on 750 servers on 150 sites around the globe, served as the point of entry for most of the information that was collected by the NSA. NSA agents would easily be able to gather information using XKeyscores system the operator could then trawl through billions of emails and online chat sessions, or check sites visited by specific computers by using IP addresses. Its worth noting that this author recently wrote an article on Palantir, the company that was accused of providing the technology that enables NSAs mass surveillance PRISM. In that article, we went into extensive detail about Palantirs history as a company and the development of software used at Fusion Centers across the U.S. Palantirs software in many ways is similar to the Prosecutors Management Information System (PROMIS) stolen software Main Core and may be the next evolution in that code, which allegedly predated PRISM. In 2008, Salon.com published details about a top-secret government database that might have been at the heart of the Bush administrations domestic spying operations. The database known as Main Core reportedly collected and stored vast amounts of personal and financial data about millions of Americans in event of an emergency like Martial Law. The Patriot Act, which enabled the spying, was just renewed last year in December for three months of re-authorization (with zero reform) in the continuing resolution bundled and buried in a stopgap government funding bill. A fact which wasnt reported by any mainstream media outlet to this writers knowledge, including NPR, Politico, and CNBC, among websites, checked. While most focus on the terrifying authoritarian surveillance powers that the act gives the Trump administration, they miss the provision for indefinite detention. But then again, theres a second provision that can be used for indefinite detention under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and the U.S. also has the Continuity Of Government (COG) program under REX 84, along with PROMIS Main Core lists of dissidents to be rounded up in case of emergency, as this writer has written about extensively for his Octopus PROMIS series. Snowdens documents made no mention of Main Core to this writers knowledge, and according to sources only a small amount of people even know that the domestic database exists. Some of the programs that Snowden did leak include the following MUSCULAR, CO-TRAVELER, Dishfire, and Tailored Access Operations. Trump has expanded warrantless surveillance, enabling his administration federal agencies and local police to use cell phone contact tracing to track individuals for their own reasons. Further, the Trump administration directly asked Congress to re-authorize the defunct law Section 215 that let the N.S.A. gain access to the logs of Americans phone and text records. Thankfully, Section 215 expired last March, after the House and Senate failed to agree on the passing of the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act. If that wasnt enough, beyond the CV pandemic, the Trump administration has created a new national security watchlist that includes Americans who have no connection to terrorism. The new TOC (Transnational Organized Crime) watchlist, was authorized through a classified Attorney General order and launched in 2017, as Activist Post previously reported. This ruling against the NSA is a huge win for liberty focused individuals everywhere, even if Michael Hayden and James Clapper will never be arrested for lying in front of Congress about NSA spying on Americans. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) senior staff attorney Patrick Toomey called the ruling a victory for privacy rights. However, dont think we have won the full-fledged war against surveillance, the government still has a range of tools, as EFF notes. These include other provisions of FISA as well as surveillance authorities used in criminal investigations The decision also recognizes that when the government seeks to prosecute a person, it must give notice of the secret surveillance it used to gather its evidence. This protection is a vital one given the proliferation of novel spying tools the government uses today, Toomey said, according to CNet. **By [@An0nkn0wledge](https://hive.blog/@an0nkn0wledge)** Aaron Kesel writes for Activist Post. Pramudwinai extended congratulations from the Thai government to Vietnam on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of National Day of Vietnam (September 2), saying Thailand attaches importance to continuously consolidating and developing the bilateral friendship. Hailing Vietnams great efforts in the pandemic combat, the Thai Deputy PM expressed his belief that the country will continue to keep the epidemic under control while successfully performing its socio-economic development tasks. He stressed that Vietnam, as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, has successfully organised ASEAN meetings, and maintained and promoted cooperation within the grouping, as well as collaboration between ASEAN and partners. Minh, in reply, thanked Thailand for its support and coordination, and pledged to facilitate the entry of foreign investors, experts, managers and skilled labourers, including those from Thailand, and consider resuming flights between the two countries. The two sides agreed to increase all-level meetings and visits when possible, and join hands in organising activities marking the 45th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2021. They will also maintain and make full use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the organisation of the fourth joint cabinet meeting at a suitable time, and the signing of an action plan to implement the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries during the 2021-2025 period. The two sides will work to raise bilateral trade to US$20 million per year as targeted, and soon sign a new labour agreement. Vietnam will create favourable conditions for Thailand to invest in the areas of its strength like maritime tourism, garment-textile, footwear, high-tech agriculture, and support industry, Minh said. Pramudwinai expressed his hope for more Vietnamese investments in Thailand, saying Thailand will continue to encourage and make it easier for Thai investors to invest in Vietnam. The two sides consented to expand cooperation in other areas such as education, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange. William Nash, a cook from Georgia, was only 16 when he died working at a brutal convict work camp in Sugar Land. Nash had been convicted in 1892 of property theft and sentenced to four years in prison. He died from brain congestion, which couldve stemmed from a traumatic brain injury. Esau Powell, a farm laborer, was sentenced to 6 years in prison after his conviction for stealing a gelding horse valued at $60. He never completed his sentence, dying of chronic diarrhea at age 32. Nash and Powell are believed to be among the 95 African Americans whose remains were discovered in 2018 at a Fort Bend ISD construction site. As the community has debated the sites future and how to honor those who perished, little has been known about those buried there except that they were likely part of Texas notorious convict-leasing system until now. This month, Fort Bend ISD released a 500-page report providing more information about the discovery and tentatively identifying 72 of those believed to be buried there. It is heartbreaking that the Sugar Land 95 were previously forgotten, left in an abandoned cemetery that lay hidden for decades, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Charles Dupre said in a news release. Educating our community and bringing awareness to their plight will ensure that they and the injustices they suffered are never again forgotten. The University of Connecticut is currently overseeing DNA analysis of the remains in order to make positive identifications. Researchers hope their analysis and intensive genealogical investigation will allow them to find descendants. The university has launched a permanent fund to support the costs. The records used to create this list indicated that these men were located at the Bullhead Camp at their times of death, but did not indicate where they were buried, according to an executive summary of the report on the school districts website. Without further DNA analysis, the report says, it is not possible to name any individual buried at Bullhead Camp Cemetery with certainty. Harsh system The convict-leasing system began in Texas and other southern states shortly after the Civil War, when officials realized they had a large population of prisoners to care for and little money. The state generated revenue by leasing out convicts to local plantation owners and industrialists, who in turn benefited from cheap labor. Dubbed slavery by another name, convict leasing targeted black men, at times through questionable charges and harsh sentences. Historians have described cruel conditions in Sugar Land, with prisoners working in a low, mosquito-infested swamp and dying like flies in the periodic epidemics of fevers. Prisoners called the region the Hellhole on the Brazos. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Meanwhile, the enterprise turned sugar plantation owners Ed H. Cunningham and L.A. Ellis into wealthy men. Reporting on abuses at the convict work camps by the San Antonio Express-News helped lead to a public outcry and the shutdown of the system in 1912. Through historical research, 72 men have been identified as those possibly buried at the site, known as The Camp & Bullhead Camp Cemetery, according to the executive summary. Researchers pulled information from Texas State Penitentiary documents to identify the individuals. The camp is named after its position along the Bullhead Bayou Creek, the summary stated. The camp was located on the former Sartartia Plantation, which was operated by Ellis and his family. The camps name changed six different times, starting as the J.A. Freeman Camp in 1875 and ending as Imperial Prison Farm Camp #1 by February 1908, according to the executive summary. Fifty-seven to 387 convicts worked at the camp from 1880 to 1910. The remains discovered in Sugar Land are believed to be of 94 men and one woman. The median age of death was 24 among the men identified by researchers. They dont think one man buried at the site, Steve Newman, was a prisoner. Advocate remembered The reports release comes two months after the passing of Reginald Moore, 60, an African American activist who had warned Fort Bend ISD officials that they would likely find the remains of prisoners at the site of the future James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land, now completed. A former prison guard, Moore served as an caretaker of a nearby prison cemetery and devoted years to pressing local officials to honor the dead and confront a dark chapter in local history. Harris County Commissioners recently renamed an area park after Moore on Sand Canyon Drive. Samuel Collins III, an adviser to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said he was glad to see the information released but wished that it had been done sooner. It is disappointing that Mr. Moore didnt live long enough to see all of this information, Collins said. The Convict Leasing and Labor Project, a nonprofit that Moore founded, concurred. Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Releasing the names over two years after the bodies were discovered and almost a year after they were reburied is a public relations move that does a disservice to the community at large as well as the Sugar Land 95 and their descendants, the group said in a statement. On Monday, the nonprofit released a report questioning whether the burial ground was at Bullhead Camp. Their report shows that the Bullhead Camp Cemetery was separate and distinct from the resting place of the Sugar Land 95, was probably located somewhere around Brooks Lake in Sugar Land, and contained additional victims of the convict-leasing system that were not part of the Sugar Land 95, according to a press release. In a Facebook post, the group said it found the Sugar Land 95 site to be in terrible, substandard conditions when they visited last week. The school district plans to include an educational exhibit on the Sugar Land 95 at the Reese center and install permanent grave stones soon, according to the executive summary. The district says it held off on releasing more information earlier in order to ensure it was done with integrity and accuracy. FBISD could not release the critical information requested, such as the list of the names, until the research was both complete and correct according to the researchers and contributors to the final report of findings, the district said in a statement. More details The report offers a glimpse into the hard and often short lives of prisoners believed to be buried at the site. Powell, for example, began working at the camp in November 1875 after his conviction for stealing a horse in Fayette County. Originally from Riceboro, Ga., he married Mary Dockery in Washington County and had at least two children, John and Margaret. He died in July 1880, according to the report. Sebe Froche moved from Georgia to Fayette County, Texas around 1860. Six years later, he was married to Sarah Ann McClatchy. Records show that Froche had four children: Caroline, Melissa, Louise and Robert. Froches birth name was likely Seaborn, but he used Sebe as a nickname, according to the report. At age 60, Froche was convicted of theft in Washington County in December 1881. The next month he was sentenced to five years and sent to prison. Froche managed to escape from prison but was recaptured in April 1882. His leg was amputated some time between his capture and his death on June 17, 1882 at the convict camp, according to the report. Reign Clark, the archeological project manager, wrote in the report that if it werent for the activism of Moore, the remains might never have been found. Without his voice, the men who died on Bullhead Camp might still be lost to history, Clark wrote. Rest now, Mr. Moore, and let others lend their voices to help educate our children about the difficult past so that we may never repeat it. brooke.lewis@chron.com Some 400 builders have been working round the clock since July to build the 45,000-square-metre (484,000-square-foot) Isabel Zendal hospital, which will be able to care for over 1,000 patients during a health emergency Near Madrid airport, an army of cranes works round the clock to build a new pandemic hospital which is expected to open in November. But a second wave of the Covid-19 outbreak is already under way in Spain, straining the capital's public health care system. Around 400 builders have been working round the clock since July to build the 45,000-square-metre (484,000-square-foot) Isabel Zendal hospital, which will be able to care for over 1,000 patients during a health emergency. Concrete mixers churn at full speed at the vast building site as welders set off sparks from the pillars which will form the backbone of building. "Two months ago there was nothing here," said Alejo Mirando, the director general of health infrastructure in hardest-hit Madrid region. The regional government of Madrid is spending over 50 million euros ($60 million) to build the hospital, which will have bay windows which will allow doctors to monitor patients without becoming contaminated and large halls without individual rooms. The architecture was designed to "avoid transmission" of viruses and it was inspired by the design of a temporary field hospital set up at Madrid's sprawling Ifema exhibition centre between March and May, said Mirando. The opening of the new hospital however will come too late to deal with a surge in infections in the Madrid region, which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called "worrying". - 'Verge of collapse' - Spain was one of the hardest-hit countries when the coronavirus struck Europe this year before a strict lockdown helped reduce the outbreak's spread. But infections have surged since the lockdown measures were fully removed at the end of June, especially in Madrid, with the rise in infections often linked to the return of nightlife and social gatherings. The region, which is home to around 6.5 million people, accounts for 73 of the 191 Covid-19 deaths recorded in Spain in the last seven days, and for nearly a third of the country's total toll of 29,000 deaths. Story continues The rapid pace of the rise in infections is "similar to that at the beginning of the pandemic," said Silvia Duran, a spokeswoman for doctors' union Amyts. Public health centres are so far managing to contain the second wave but hospitals are preparing for a rise in admissions, she added. Covid-19 patients already fill 16 percent of all hospital beds in Madrid, compared to just six percent nationwide. "We are on the verge of collapse," said Jose Molero of the Csit union, adding doctors are "exhausted" because they are seeing up to 60 patients per day. "The next stage will be when people go directly to the hospital because they can't be seen by their family doctor," he added. - 'High risk area' - Densely populated Madrid, Spain's transport hub, is "a high risk area", the health ministry's emergencies director Fernando Simon said on Monday. While the Madrid region's deputy health chief, Antonio Zapatero, acknowledged that infections have risen during the past month and a half, he said the "situation is bearable at the moment". Governed by the conservative Popular Party, the region has taken up the leftist central government's offer to send soldiers to help track people who have been exposed to those infected with virus. But some health experts feel the region is still not doing enough. A doctors group is planning to file a lawsuit against the regional government while hundreds of other doctors have signed an open letter demanding that the regional government "act to avoid a new collapse" in the health system. Among the demands of health care workers is greater use of telemedicine. "It is us who are going to get sick," said Duran of doctors' union Amyts. She recalled that in April healthcare workers accounted for around 20 percent of all Covid-19 cases in Spain, the highest proportion in the world, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. mig/ds/mg/har/gle She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first child. And Ashley James has been documenting her baby journey on Instagram in forensic details, with Friday's installment seeing the star get ready to dye her hair and try on maternity bras while also hitting out at 'The Mum Police'. The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, detailed her search for 'high-end' maternity lingerie having previously lamented her growing bust during pregnancy. Blooming: Ashley James has been documenting her baby journey on Instagram in forensic details, with Friday's installment seeing the star get ready to dye her hair and try on maternity bras while also hitting out at 'The Mum Police' Ashley has been sharing the highs and lows of her pregnancy on social media, with her followers being involved in her underwear shopping throughout. In a bid to support her fans going through similar woes, she was detailing her search for good maternity lingerie for larger busts. Before leaving, she said: 'I'm also going to a high end lingerie store to get fitted and see if you can still do sexy while pregnant Proving she is simply glowing, Ashley looked stunning in a series of bras, including more comfortable options, sexier options and maternity bras'. 'The Mum Police': She lashed out at her critics ahead of having her hair done Shop till you drop: Ashley has been sharing the highs and lows of her pregnancy on social media, with her followers being involved in her underwear shopping throughout As well as her search for a bra, she also revealed she was getting her hair done for the first time since March yet hit out at her followers. She said: 'Before anyone gets in my DMs about not dying hair when you're pregnant, my hairdressers is a professional, shes pregnant too, so don't get in my DMs'. Last month, Ashley revealed that her 'ever increasing' breasts have been giving her 'intense back pain' in a lengthy Instagram post. The London-based influencer and DJ shared a makeup-free snap showcasing her blossoming bump in a black bra as she told how she had a 'meltdown' at a bra fitting. Done up: She revealed she is having her hair done by her pregnant hairdresser The big reveal: As well as her search for a bra, she also revealed she was getting her hair done for the first time since March yet hit out at her followers She also explained how in the past she has been judged for having bigger boobs which attracted 'unwanted attention'. In the emotional post the former Made In Chelsea star penned: 'Let's talk pregnancy & boobs. So after having a bit of a meltdown today after a bra fitting I wanted to talk about my experience with big boobs and pregnancy... 'Because after talking about it on stories it made me feel like I wasn't alone. So if you relate, you're not alone. I first discovered I was pregnant at only 2 weeks because my boobs were so painful... 'For my entire first trimester they felt so painful I could barely move, I had to invest in a sleep bra, and they felt swollen and uncomfortable.' Experts: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Merger with Splinter Groups 'Bad News' for Pakistan By Niala Mohammad, Roshan Noorzai September 03, 2020 While reconciliation efforts between the government and the Taliban are still underway in Afghanistan, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced a reunification with Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) and Hizbul Ahrar a move that experts warn could be the beginning of increasingly hostile activities against Pakistan. The TTP is a banned Pakistani militant organization that draws its ideological views from al-Qaida. The group was founded in 2007 in North Waziristan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. With alleged bases in both Kunar and Nangarhar provinces in eastern Afghanistan, it has been able to sustain a militant presence along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. "The merger is bad news for Pakistan," Asfandyar Mir, a South Asia expert and fellow at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation, told VOA. "In the short term, the TTP is likely to improve its presence in Pakistan's tribal regions and expand its extortion activity, which has picked up in the last few months. Over the medium term, it is possible the TTP will try to create a buffer zone on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan to, once again, declare a state of the Pakistani Taliban, which hosts Islamist foreign fighters," Mir said. Mir said in the coming months, the TTP will likely increase its attacks against Pakistani government targets in the tribal areas of the border. He said the group's relationship with the Afghan Taliban means it can use Afghan territory to maintain pressure on the Pakistani government. The United States in 2010 designated the TTP a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The group has claimed responsibility for a series of deadly terrorist attacks, including the 2009 attack on a U.S. military base in Khost province in Afghanistan; the 2012 murder attempt on Malala Yousafzai in Swat; and the 2014 Army Public School attack in Peshawar that killed 141 people, including 132 children. Pakistan has accused the TTP of involvement in the 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, but the group denied the allegations. "Any time you have mergers of these kinds of groups, it can lead to increased strength and operations. So, I'm sure Pakistan is watching these developments with concern," said Jonathan Schroden, an expert on Afghanistan and director for CNA's Center for Stability and Development. History of infighting It remains uncertain if the merger can hold, given the history of infighting between the Pakistani militants, according to Schroden. Internal rifts within the TTP leadership have resulted in deadly clashes between the group's various factions in the past. JuA left the TTP in August 2014. Hizbul Ahrar split from JuA in 2017. Some experts say the Pakistani militants now see a renewed opportunity to ignore their disputes and rebuild strength, due to the U.S.-Taliban peace agreement that took place in February in Doha. The militants are trying to mitigate the impact of the deal, particularly as the Taliban and the Afghan government prepare for peace talks, according to the experts. "If the peace accord is achieved, the TTP will naturally benefit from their allegiance to the Taliban (in Afghanistan)," said Said Nazi Mohmand, a retired Pakistani brigadier and military analyst for the Institute Policy Studies in Islamabad, told VOA. TTP support accusations Mohmand said the TTP's announcement was deliberate and well-timed, adding, "If they have a stance and a unified command with one figurehead under one umbrella group, they will be able to gain on some political fronts or receive some sort of concession in the future by being given space on the negotiation table, if a reconciliation takes place between the Taliban and the Afghan government." Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing shelter to the TTP in Afghan border areas. The claim has been rejected by Afghan officials, who often blame the Pakistani military of supporting the Afghan Taliban and providing them havens and sanctuaries. Atiqullah Amarkhil, a military analyst and retired Afghan army general, told VOA that TTP's presence, and its potential alignment with other militant groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaida, poses an equal threat to Afghanistan. While the TTP could enjoy some support from both sides of the border, its militant activities have mainly focused on the Pakistani government and military, according to Seth G. Jones, a senior adviser of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). "The TTP is an organization that can go in different directions, so there may very well be some support from the government of Afghanistan, and there may well be some support from some elements in Pakistan," Jones told VOA. A United Nations Security Council report in May 2020 estimated that the TTP has 500 fighters in Kunar and about 180 in Nangarhar, while the total number of Pakistani nationals fighting with terrorist groups in Afghanistan may be as high as 6,500. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Though the number of inmates testing positive has dropped in recent weeks, officials have extended the two-week lockdown at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center that began after an outbreak of coronavirus infections began spreading at the Gretna jail. "The numbers are down, but we want to make sure that we get a hold of this," said Capt. Jason Rivarde, a spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. In Orleans Parish, meanwhile, jail officials reported a spike in the number of recent cases, with 32 inmates and eight staff members recently testing positive. Jefferson Parish Correctional Center placed on lockdown after coronavirus outbreak The Jefferson Parish Correctional Center was placed on lockdown Friday morning because of an outbreak of coronavirus infections in the Gretna jail. As of Thursday, 30 inmates in Jefferson Parish were being quarantined: 29 with positive COVID-19 tests and one who was awaiting test results, said Jean Llovet, health services director for Correct Health Jefferson, the company contracted to handle medical care for the jail. An unspecified number of those in quarantine have come up negative on a follow-up COVID-19 test, Llovet said. But inmates must test negative twice in order to be returned to their housing unit. The coronavirus-positive numbers are down from the 51 inmates who were in quarantine on Aug. 14, when the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office enacted the lockdown, restricting unnecessary movement for inmates and confining them to their housing units. There were 972 inmates at the correctional center in Gretna on Thursday afternoon, Rivarde said. Family stunned after coronavirus claims life of beloved Jefferson Parish Correctional Center guard Rose Goudy was never one to complain, even as she battled shortness of breath and a cough during her week-long quarantine after a positive cor Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In Orleans Parish, meanwhile, jail officials said COVID-19 cases are rising. There were no known cases reported at the Orleans Justice Center about 10 days ago, according to Blake Arcuri, general counsel for the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. The virus began circulating in three pods of inmates at that jail and as of Wednesday 32 inmates and eight staffers had tested positive, said Darnley Hodge, the jail's court-appointed administrator. Another seven employees were self-quarantining. New Orleans jail officials tested 438 staffers Tuesday with plans to administer tests on Thursday for the remaining employees and three pods of inmates who were in contact those infected with the virus. There were 871 inmates in custody at the New Orleans jail as of Thursday, according to officials. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office has not released any information on coronavirus infections among its staff since the end of April when the department noted that about 84 employees had tested positive. At least two Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office employees have died from coronavirus complications since the pandemic began. Corrections officer Rose Goudy, 61, died on April 25 after battling symptoms for about a week. Sgt. Alvis "Al" West, 68, who served in the 4th District, died April 3 after being hospitalized. Jefferson Parish officials aren't sure how much longer the lockdown would be in place. "We want to make sure that weve go it under control, and we release lockdown too early and have another outbreak," Llovet said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday, September 2 with the objective of fostering closer ties with the Kingdom and strengthening of trade and investment between both the nations. The two leaders also discussed the crisis in Yemen and support for the work of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. Read: Saudi Arabia Allows 'all Flights' To Cross Its Airspace To Reach UAE As per a statement issued by the UK government, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also thanked Mohammed Bin Salman for his leadership at the G20 on the global response to coronavirus, adding that he looks forward to the upcoming G20 leaders summit. This comes nearly a month after the United Kingdom issued sanctions against 20 Saudi nationals over their alleged role in the killing of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered inside the Saudi embassy by hitmen allegedly sent from the Kingdom to Turkey in 2018. However, just a day after the sanctions were announced by the British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia resumed arms trading, garnering criticism from the opposition as well as from Rights groups in the country. Read: Saudi Arabia's Top Military Commander And Son Removed From Posts Saudi Arabia's Yemen involvement Experts suggest that British arms are being used by Saudi Arabia in war-torn Yemen, which according to the United Nations is going through a worst humanitarian crisis ever witnessed by a country. Saudi Arabia is fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen backed by Iran since 2015. The Kingdom recently removed its top military commander Lieutenant General Fahad bin Turki bin Abdulaziz, along with several other officers, responsible for carrying out operations in Yemen. The removal of the commander, who is also a Saudi prince, is said to be another downing of a potential rival by Crown Prince Salman. Read: Saudi-led Coalition In Yemen Destroys Bomb-laden Unmanned Boat In Red Sea: Report Read: Saudi Arabia: Employees To Return To Work From August 30 Amid Pandemic The 69-storey hotel was initially shut down on April 4 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but staff said that the business is no longer accepting bookings due to permanent closure. With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to wreak havoc across all industries, a significant number of Canadian commercial ventures are considering further staffing actions, closure, or bankruptcy within six months due to declining sustainability, according to a recent Statistics Canada survey. Around 20% of businesses said that they will have to shut down in half a year, taking their current operational expenses into account. StatsCan said that approximately 33% of businesses saw their revenues drop by more than 50% annually, while nearly 40% cut their working hours and 28% downsized their workforces. Another report by Colliers International found that 10% of retail tenants will be terminating their leases in the very near future. We expect the trend around permanent closures to increase given the slow recovery in consumer demand and limitations created by physical distancing, said Jane Domenico, senior vice president at Colliers Canada. President Donald Trump told his supporters to vote twice to make a point about alleged voter fraud Russia is interfering with the presidential election by promoting false claims about mail-in voter fraud according to an intelligence bulletin issued by the Department of Homeland Security. ABC News obtained the bulletin and reported that Russia sought to amplify claims that there is inherent fraud and disenfranchisement with mail-in voting. Federal and state officials received a warning on Thursday that the meddling by Russian malign influence actors who have attacked the voting process by spreading disinformation. Read More: Baltimore postal facility sat on 68,000 pieces of election mail for 5 days before primary A secure ballot drop box stands at a Stamford library for people to drop off their Connecticut 2020 presidential primary ballots on August 11, 2020 in Stamford, Connecticut. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) According to officials from the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence branch, this manipulation has been taking place since March. Russian state media and proxy websites in mid-August 2020 criticized the integrity of expanded and universal vote-by-mail, claiming ineligible voters could receive ballots due to out-of-date voter rolls, leaving a vast amount of ballots unaccounted for and vulnerable to tampering, the bulletin notes. These websites also alleged that vote-by-mail processes would overburden the U.S. Postal Service and local boards of election, it continues, delaying vote tabulation and creating more opportunities for fraud and error. These efforts by the Russians align with President Donald Trumps aversion to mail-in voting. The shared belief has caused concern for John Cohen, the former undersecretary for intelligence at DHS under President Barack Obama. Ballot envelopes sit in a box at the King County Elections headquarters earlier this month. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images) This most recent DHS intelligence report along with other recent reporting by intelligence and law enforcement entities should put to rest any doubts that Russia is spreading conspiracy theories and lies in an effort to influence the outcome of the 2020 election by undermining confidence in the election process and influence voter opinion, said Cohen, also an ABC News contributor. Story continues Read More: Defiant DeJoy confirms he wont restore mail-sorting machines As theGrio previously reported, the president has cast doubt on the integrity of voting by mail. Mail in ballots substantially increases the risk of crime and VOTER FRAUD! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2020 Hes also been accused of attempting to suppress the vote by turning the United States Postal Service into a political tool. Mailboxes were taken off the streets and destroyed as there have been increased delays in the mail. Democrats have contended that US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Republican fundraiser, is destabilizing the agency to help Trump win re-election. Trump once again voiced his concerns about mail-in voting on Wednesday during an exchange with reporters in Wilmington, N.C. He wanted voters to mail in a ballot and then vote in-person to test the reliability of the process. They are going to have to check their vote by going to the poll and voting that way because if it tabulates, then they wont be able to do that, Trump said. So let them send it in, and let them go vote. And if their system is as good as they say it is, then obviously they wont be able to vote. If it isnt tabulated, they will be able to vote. Read More: Postal service informs managers not to reconnect mail sorting machines By Thursday, the president began to reel in his comments as voting twice is against the law. Go to your polling place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been tabulated (Counted.) If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly, he tweeted. Based on the massive number of Unsolicited & Solicited Ballots that will be sent to potential Voters for the upcoming 2020 Election, & in order for you to MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS & IS COUNTED, SIGN & MAIL IN your Ballot as EARLY as possible. On Election Day, or Early Voting,.. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2020 The presidents campaign further told ABC News that they were not cooperating with Russians to delegitimize mail-in voting. We dont need or want any foreign interference, Tim Murtaugh, a Trump campaign spokesperson, said. President Trump will beat Joe Biden fair and square. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! The post US Intel bulletin warns Russia is amplifying claims of mail-in voter fraud appeared first on TheGrio. The drive to reopen schools has become the focal point of the class struggle in countries throughout the world. The attempts by the ruling elites to force teachers and students back into classrooms, in order to force parents back to work producing profits, has been met with growing resistance by educators, parents, students and the broader working class. The reopening of schools is already having catastrophic consequences in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is raging out of control globally. Each day over the past two weeks, roughly 260,000 people have been infected and 5,500 people have died worldwide due to the criminally negligent policies pursued by governments. The worst-hit countriesincluding the US, Britain, Brazil and Swedenare led by officials consciously seeking to develop herd immunity based on mass infections and deaths. The United States, at the center of world capitalism, provides the sharpest expression of the international drive to reopen schools. Since early July, the Trump administration has issued near-daily proclamations insisting that all schools reopenfrom declaring that science should not stand in the way of reopening schools, to branding educators critical infrastructure workers, to threatening to divert funding from public schools that do not reopen to private, parochial and charter schools that do. Most recently, Trump has enlisted Professor Scott Atlas, a fellow of the right-wing Hoover Institution at Stanford University, to provide official sanction for the homicidal campaign. The model country that Atlas points to for the US to emulate is Sweden. Last month, it was revealed that Swedens chief epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell, explicitly promoted keeping schools open in order to facilitate the development of herd immunity. As a result, the number of deaths from COVID-19 in Sweden is over nine times higher than its neighbor Finland. Adopting this policy in the US could kill millions. On Monday, Atlas visited Tallahassee, Florida, where he urged Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to be even more aggressive in reopening the schools. Already, 1.1 million Florida students have resumed in-person learning, undoubtedly contributing to the 9,200 new infections among children in the second half of August. There has been a 191 percent increase in the number of children infected since July 9, before schools reopened. At least 611 children have been hospitalized in the state, and eight have died. Equally beholden to Wall Street, the Democratic Party and its backers in the teachers unions are in full agreement with the campaign to reopen schools. Their only difference is that instead of using blunt force, they advance the fraudulent claim that reopening schools can be done safely, with cosmetic safety measures. On Monday, United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew announced an agreement with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, to force hundreds of thousands of students back into classrooms in the largest school district in the US, based on wholly inadequate safety measures that will do nothing to prevent the spread of the virus across the city and region. In a campaign speech Wednesday, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden declared, Getting our schools opened safely and effectively, this is a national emergency. Biden offered only tactical criticisms of Trump for his failure to make sure educators and administrators have the equipment, the resources and the training they need to open safely under the circumstances we find now. The New York Times, the mouthpiece of the Democratic Party, published an opinion piece Wednesday by Nicholas Kristof in which he urged that we do everything possible to allow children to safely resume in-person learning. He added, Its absurd that we have allowed liquor stores, gyms, gun shops, restaurants and marijuana dispensaries to operate while keeping schools shut. The same ruling class policies are being pursued worldwide, with disastrous results for the working class. In Brazil, the country with the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths after the US, the fascistic president Jair Bolsonaro is relying on state and local politicians to reopen schools across the country, including his ostensible opponents in the Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PSDB). Within the first week of classes resuming in Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, outbreaks of COVID-19 erupted in 36 schools. In Britain, the Boris Johnson government is not requiring teachers or students to wear face masks in classrooms. Similar to the Democrats in the US, the Labour Party under right-wing Blairite Sir Keir Starmer fully supports the campaign to reopen the schools, while offering toothless criticisms. The German political establishment began reopening schools in early August as part of a broader reopening of the economy, which immediately caused outbreaks across the country. Plans are in place to reopen schools across Europe, including in Italy and Spain, the hardest-hit countries in the initial months of the pandemic. Schools reopened throughout France Tuesday, sending 12 million students back into classrooms, while the pandemic is once again spreading throughout the country. In Russia, schools reopened nationwide on Tuesday, the same day the country surpassed one million COVID-19 cases. Officials are taking no precautions and are not even requiring teachers or students to wear face masks. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Tuesday that there are no plans to transition to fully online learning in the event of outbreaks in schools. In each country, these policies are provoking enormous opposition. Hundreds of protests have taken place worldwide to denounce the reopening of schools. Well over 100 Facebook groups have formed to oppose school reopenings, attracting hundreds of thousands of members worldwide. Educators, parents and students have begun to establish independent rank-and-file safety committees in the US, Germany, Britain and Australia, and there is growing sentiment for nationwide and even international strike action. A survey of over 200 British educators and parents conducted by the World Socialist Web Site recently found that over half of respondents said they would participate in a general strike to halt the reopening of schools. This Saturday, the Socialist Equality Party (Britain) is hosting an online meeting to organize the widespread opposition to school reopenings, which has drawn wide interest. In Germany, a public meeting held last weekend by the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) attracted hundreds of teachers, students and parents from across the country. Students in Dortmund, Germany recently founded a committee at their school to organize opposition to school reopenings and fight for safe teaching conditions. The Datafolha research institute recently found that 80 percent of Brazilians oppose reopening schools, while 60 percent recognize that this policy will severely aggravate the pandemic. There is huge support for nationwide strike action, which would dovetail with an ongoing postal workers strike, but the National Confederation of Education Workers (CNTE) and other unions are doing everything they can to prevent this from taking place. The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee in the US, formed three weeks ago, has quickly become a pole of attraction for those opposed to school reopenings. Hundreds of educators, parents, students and other workers throughout the US and internationally have participated in two online meetings hosted by the committee. Last week, the Duval County Educators Rank-and-File Committee was formed to organize the immense opposition of educators in the Jacksonville, Florida region, while similar committees are being formed in New York City, Detroit, Texas, Hawaii and other cities and states across the country. Faced with a global campaign by the ruling elites, who are intent on reopening schools and accelerating the spread of the pandemic, the working class must be guided by a global perspective. While the teachers unions in every country promote nationalism and subordinate the interests the working class to the needs of the profit system, the pandemic is an international crisis that can be addressed only through a globally coordinated struggle by the working class. The central task facing educators, parents, students and the entire working class is to build networks of rank-and-file safety committees in every country, to mobilize the collective strength of the working class as an independent social force. The reckless reopening of schools must be halted, and the vast resources squandered on the bailout of the corporate and financial oligarchy must be redirected to provide state-of-the-art technology for remote learning, universal testing and the provision of income protection and high-quality health care to all those impacted by the deadly contagion. The Socialist Equality Party in the US and its sister parties in the International Committee of the Fourth International are fighting to fuse the growing movement of the working class with the political perspective and program of world socialism: that is, the rational and democratically planned reorganization of society to meet human needs, not private profit. The plea filed by retired IPS officers said TV channels trying to influence the course of investigation being carried out by agencies Bombay high court said it expects media organisations to exercise restraint while publishing or reporting any details about investigation in Sushant death case. (PTI Photo) Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday said it expects media organisations to exercise restraint while publishing or reporting any details about investigation in the case of actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death. The high court said the media should report in such a manner that it does not hamper the investigation. A division bench of Justices A.A. Sayed and S.P. Tavade was hearing two petitions which claimed a media trial was going on in the case of Rajputs death and sought for it to be stopped. One of the petitions was filed by eight former IPS officers against the unfair, malicious and false media campaign against the Mumbai police. The other petition was filed by filmmaker Nilesh Navlakha and two others who claim to be social activists, seeking direction to media organisations not to sensationalise reportage in the case. The court said Navlakha shall once again serve copies of his petition to news media channels that are respondents in the petition. Navlakha's advocate Devadatt Kamat told the court that they are not demanding a prohibition on reporting in the case, but only seeking the media to adhere to journalistic standards and ethics. The plea filed by the retired IPS officers said a section of TV channels has been trying to influence the course of investigation being carried out by central agencies like the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and is running a false propaganda against the Mumbai police. Senior counsel Milind Sathe, appearing for the retired police officers, on Thursday argued that the media was running a parallel investigation and the reporting is completely defamatory towards the city police. We (petitioners) are not concerned about which agency is probing the case or who the accused persons are...we are only concerned about the media trial being conducted, Sathe said. The retired IPS officers have sought a direction to news media organisations to refrain from publishing or circulating any false, derogatory and scandalous comments which may jeopardise the reputation of the city police. The bench said before hearing the matter further, it would like to first see what the Union government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the case, have to say in response to the pleas. The high court posted the petitions for further hearing on September 10. By Associated Press ATHENS: Greeces foreign minister is heading to New York for talks with the United Nations Secretary General, amid escalating tensions with Turkey over maritime boundaries. The Foreign Ministry said Nikos Dendias was traveling Friday for a meeting with Antonio Guterres. Talks will focus on issues of international and regional interest, with an emphasis on current developments in the eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue, as well as the role of the U.N. Neighbors and NATO allies Greece and Turkey have been locked in a tense standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is prospecting the seabed for energy reserves in an area Greece claims as its own continental shelf. Ankara says it has every right to prospect there, and accuses Greece of trying to grab an unfair share of maritime resources. Greeces armed forces have been placed on alert. Both countries have sent warships to the area and have been carrying out live-fire exercises between the islands of Crete and Cyprus and Turkeys southern coast, while simulated dogfights between Greek and Turkish fighter pilots have multiplied over the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. A Turkish and a Greek frigate collided last month, reportedly causing minor damage to the Turkish frigate but no injuries. The current crisis is the most serious in the two countries relations in decades. The neighbors have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over maritime resources in the Aegean Sea along which both share a border. On Thursday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the two sides had agreed to start technical talks to reduce the risks of military incidents and accidents. But Athens quickly denied any such agreement, saying neighboring Turkey must first withdraw its ships from the area where it is carrying out gas and oil prospecting. Ankara, on the other hand, said it backs Stoltenbergs initiative for military and technical talks and called on Greece to do the same. SAN ANTONIO, Texas, USA - Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), believed to be linked to COVID-19, damages the heart to such an extent that some children will need lifelong monitoring and interventions, said the senior author of a medical literature review published Sept. 4 in EClinicalMedicine, a journal of The Lancet. Case studies also show MIS-C can strike seemingly healthy children without warning three or four weeks after asymptomatic infections, said Alvaro Moreira, MD, MSc, of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Moreira, a neonatologist, is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the university's Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine. "According to the literature, children did not need to exhibit the classic upper respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 to develop MIS-C, which is frightening," Dr. Moreira said. "Children might have no symptoms, no one knew they had the disease, and a few weeks later, they may develop this exaggerated inflammation in the body." Results The team reviewed 662 MIS-C cases reported worldwide between Jan. 1 and July 25. Among the findings: 71% of the children were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). 60% presented with shock. Average length of stay in the hospital was 7.9 days. 100% had fever, 73.7% had abdominal pain or diarrhea, and 68.3% suffered vomiting. 90% had an echocardiogram (EKG) test and 54% of the results were abnormal. 22.2% of the children required mechanical ventilation. 4.4% required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 11 children died. "This is a new childhood disease that is believed to be associated with SARS-CoV-2," Dr. Moreira said. "It can be lethal because it affects multiple organ systems. Whether it be the heart and the lungs, the gastrointestinal system or the neurologic system, it has so many different faces that initially it was challenging for clinicians to understand." The amount of inflammation in MIS-C surpasses two similar pediatric conditions, Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. "The saving grace is that treating these patients with therapies commonly used for Kawasaki - immunoglobulin and glucocorticosteroids - has been effective," Dr. Moreira said. Cardiac abnormalities Most of the 662 children suffered cardiac involvement as indicated by markers such as troponin, which is used with great accuracy in adults to diagnose heart attacks. "Almost 90% of the children (581) underwent an echocardiogram because they had such a significant cardiac manifestation of the disease," Dr. Moreira said. The damage included: Dilation of coronary blood vessels, a phenomenon also seen in Kawasaki disease. Depressed ejection fraction, indicating a reduced ability for the heart to pump oxygenated blood to the tissues of the body. Almost 10% of children had an aneurysm of a coronary vessel. "This is a localized stretching or ballooning of the blood vessel that can be measured on an ultrasound of the heart," Dr. Moreira said. Children with an aneurysm are at the most risk of a future event. "These are children who are going to require significant observation and follow-up with multiple ultrasounds to see if this is going to resolve or if this is something they will have for the rest of their lives," Dr. Moreira said. "And that's catastrophic to a parent who had a previously healthy child and then he/she is in the very small percentage of individuals who developed MIS-C after COVID-19 infection," he said. Another finding from the case studies: Almost half of patients who had MIS-C had an underlying medical condition, and of those, half of the individuals were obese or overweight. "Generally, in both adults and children, we are seeing that patients who are obese will have a worse outcome," Dr. Moreira said. When compared to the initial COVID-19 infection, inflammatory markers in MIS-C were far more abnormal. For instance, troponin, the marker used in adults to diagnose heart attacks, was 50 times its normal level in children with MIS-C. "Evidence suggests that children with MIS-C have immense inflammation and potential tissue injury to the heart, and we will need to follow these children closely to understand what implications they may have in the long term," Dr. Moreira said. ### Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Georgetown University, the National Institutes of Health and the University of Pennsylvania joined Dr. Moreira in conducting this literature review. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a systematic review Mubbasheer Ahmed, Shailesh Advani, Axel Moreira, Sarah Zoretic, John Martinez, Kevin Chorath, Sebastian Acosta, Rija Naqvi, Finn Burmeister-Morton, Fiona Burmeister, Aina Tarriela, Matthew Petershack, Mary Evans, Ansel Hoang, Karthik Rajasekaran, Sunil Ahuja and Alvaro Moreira First published: Sept. 4, 2020, EClinicalMedicine https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100527 The Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is named for Texas philanthropists Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long. The school is the largest educator of physicians in South Texas, many of whom remain in San Antonio and the region to practice medicine. The school teaches more than 900 students and trains 800 residents each year. As a beacon of multicultural sensitivity, the school annually exceeds the national medical school average of Hispanic students enrolled. The school's clinical practice is the largest multidisciplinary medical group in South Texas with 850 physicians in more than 100 specialties. The school has a highly productive research enterprise where world leaders in Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, aging, heart disease, kidney disease and many other fields are translating molecular discoveries into new therapies. The Long School of Medicine is home to a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center known for prolific clinical trials and drug development programs, as well as a world-renowned center for aging and related diseases. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, also referred to as UT Health San Antonio, is one of the country's leading health sciences universities and is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. With missions of teaching, research, patient care and community engagement, its schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have graduated more than 37,000 alumni who are leading change, advancing their fields, and renewing hope for patients and their families throughout South Texas and the world. To learn about the many ways "We make lives better," visit http://www.uthscsa.edu. Stay connected with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. To see how we are battling COVID-19, read inspiring stories on Impact. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 07:56:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The number of former Republican lawmakers and officials endorsing Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden continues to grow as a new group representing almost 100 prominent Republicans including several former governors endorsed the former vice president on Thursday. The group, called Republicans & Independents for Biden, is led by former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman who stated that its "sole mission is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden the next President of the United States." "More than 180,000 Americans are dead from a pandemic that, with consistent leadership, could have been contained. Instead, it has been left to spin out of control by a President who ignored it, refused to lead and endangered American lives," Whitman said in a statement. "In this moment of great national crisis, we need to elect a leader matched to the moment, someone who can restore competence to the Oval Office and unify the country. Joe Biden is that leader," said Whitman. The group also includes Republican former governor of Michigan Rick Snyder and Bill Weld, a former governor of Massachusetts and onetime 2020 Republican presidential candidate. Snyder penned for USA Today on Thursday, blasting Trump as "a bully who lacks a moral compass" while praising Biden as someone who has "shown the desire to heal a deeply divided nation." The group is planning to target GOP-leaning and independent voters in battleground states where Trump is within single digits of his Democratic rival in many cases, according to U.S. media reports. Enditem JOHANNESBURG The man portrayed in the film Hotel Rwanda as saving the lives of more than 1,200 people from genocide was kidnapped while in Dubai, his daughter asserts, while a video shared by Rwandan authorities allegedly backing his arrest on suspicion of terrorism was challenged by his foundation. Paul Rusesabaginas appearance in handcuffs in Rwandas capital on Monday prompted concern among human rights activists that this was the latest example of the Rwandan government targeting critics beyond its borders. He had lived outside Rwanda since 1996, in Belgium and then in Texas. Rwandan authorities said they issued an arrest warrant for Rusesabagina to answer charges of serious crimes including terrorism, arson, kidnap, and murder perpetrated against unarmed civilians. The authorities cited international co-operation and gave no details but suggested that Interpol was involved. They did not say where or how he was apprehended. Rusesabaginas daughter, Carine Kanimba, told The Associated Press she last spoke with him before he flew to Dubai last week but she didnt know the nature of his trip. She didnt provide evidence to support her claim that he was kidnapped. She said the family has not been able to speak to him and is worried the 66-year-old may not be getting his hypertension medication. Rusesabagina is a Belgian citizen and U.S. permanent resident and has long been a target because of his criticism of Rwandas government, she said. What theyre accusing him of is all made up, she said. There is no evidence to what theyre claiming We know this is a wrongful arrest. Rusesabagina has won numerous international honours including the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and the Lantos Human Rights Prize in 2011. Rusesabagina has denied the Rwandan governments charges that he financially supports Rwandan rebels. In 2010, he told the AP that the government was conducting a smear campaign against him for opposing Kagame. He has called Kagames government a dictatorship and urged Western countries to press the government to respect human rights. I believe it is a travesty that a human rights champion like Paul Rusesabagina should be captured, detained and held in the way he is being held, said Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. This should raise a lot of deep concern and skepticism. It was not clear when Rusesabagina would appear in court. Police called him the suspected founder, leader, sponsor and member of violent, armed, extremist terror outfits including the Rwanda Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD). The MRCD condemned the arrest and called Rusesabagina one of its leaders. The group, which describes itself as an opposition political platform, did not respond to a request for comment. An armed wing of the MRCD, the National Liberation Front, was accused of clashing with Rwandan soldiers in 2018 and 2019, and Rwanda arrested NLF spokesman Callixte Nsabimana last year. In the video shared by Rwandan authorities, Rusesabagina said it is imperative that in 2019 we speed up the liberation struggle of the Rwandan people ... the time has come for us to use any means possible to bring about change in Rwanda, as all political means have been tried and failed. He expressed support for the NLF. The video appeared to be a clip from one posted online in late 2018 as a New Years message. But Kitty Kurth, spokeswoman for the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation, asserted that the video appeared to be staged. Rusesabagina was wearing the same jacket and tie he was photographed in on Monday, she said, and the video was not filmed at Rusesabaginas homes in Texas or Belgium. She said he exclusively speaks off-the-cuff in recorded speeches, whereas in the video he seems to be reading from a script. Its been recorded within the last couple days and, obviously, they made him read something, Kurth told the AP. Michela Wrong, a British journalist researching a book about Rwanda, told the AP that Rusesabaginas group posed no real danger to Rwandan President Paul Kagames rule. When you have a country where no genuine opposition is tolerated, theres no freedom of speech and elections are routinely rigged, challenges to the status quo inevitably end up taking guerrilla form, she said. Rwanda may be a donor darling, but it is probably the most repressive country in Africa today. Rwandas government has been accused of previously hunting down dissidents overseas. South African investigators have said Rwanda was directly involved in the killing of Col. Patrick Karegeya, an outspoken critic, in Johannesburg in 2014. Interpol declined to comment on Rusesabaginas arrest, saying it does not discuss its red notices for people wanted for prosecution unless they are public. Police and authorities in Dubai, a city-state in the United Arab Emirates, did not respond to a request for comment. Kagame maintains a close relationship with Dubai. In Belgium, authorities said they had no information about Rusesabaginas arrest and were not involved. The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the situation and referred questions to the Rwandan government. No country has broadly conceded that it arrested and handed over Mr. Rusesabagina to the Rwandan authorities. This is a clear indication that whatever happened was illegal and nobody wants to take responsibility for blatant illegal action, said Etienne Mutabazi, spokesman for the Washington-based opposition Rwanda National Congress. The 2004 Oscar-nominated film Hotel Rwanda showed Rusesabagina, a Hutu married to a Tutsi, as using his influence as a manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines to allow more than 1,200 Tutsis to shelter in the hotels rooms. The Rwandan government disputes Rusesabaginas story about saving people during the 1994 genocide, in which more than 800,000 Tutsi and Hutus who tried to protect them were killed by Hutus. Officials accused him of seeking to profit from his experience. Actor Don Cheadle, who played Rusesabagina in the film, told the AP it is my sincere hope that Paul is being treated humanely and fairly, and that a transparent and just legal process designed to reveal the veracity of these charges is advanced in a timely manner. Greece, Turkey spar again after NATO mediation move Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) said on Sunday the country's "enemies" should "bring it on". Turkey on Friday accused Greece of shunning dialogue and lying after Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said NATO-brokered talks to reduce tension in the eastern Mediterranean could only be held if Ankara stopped making "threats". "Greece showed once more than it's not in favour of dialogue," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said Greek and Turkish leaders "agreed to enter into technical talks at NATO to establish mechanisms for military de-confliction to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents". But Athens said it had never agreed to the technical talks, which in any case did not constitute dialogue with Turkey. "Published information claiming Greece and Turkey have agreed to hold so-called 'technical talks' on de-escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean do not correspond to reality," Greece's foreign ministry said. Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Friday said Stoltenberg's initiative "is very far from being termed an agreement to restart dialogue." The Greek foreign ministry stressed that "de-escalation will only take place with the immediate withdrawal of all Turkish vessels from the Greek continental shelf". "Let threats go away so that the contacts can begin," PM Mitsotakis said Friday as he met a visiting senior member of the Chinese Communist party. In Ankara, Cavusoglu said Greece did in fact agree to the proposal when it was made. "Greece denied the secretary general's (remarks) but the one lying here is not the NATO secretary general, it's Greece itself," Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara. Greek media on Friday said Stoltenberg had handed a "single-sheet document" outlining his thoughts to the military representatives of Greece and Turkey "in a five-minute meeting". The document was forwarded to Athens for deliberation, the reports said. Story continues Tensions are running high over Turkey's drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean which Greece and Cyprus say violate their sovereignty. Turkey on August 10 deployed the Oruc Reis research vessel and an escorting flotilla of warships to the disputed waters between Cyprus and the Greek islands of Kastellorizo and Crete, and has since prolonged the mission three times. Greece responded by staging naval exercises with several EU allies and the United Arab Emirates, not far from smaller ones Turkey conducted between Cyprus and Crete last week. Mitsotakis on Friday said that Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias would later on Friday brief UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Turkey's "lawless activity". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly lashed out at Greece and also France, recently calling their leaders "greedy and incompetent" for challenging Turkish energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. "When the time comes to fight, we will not hesitate to make sacrifices," Erdogan told newly-commissioned officers in Ankara on Sunday. "The question is: when they stand against us in the Mediterranean, are they ready to make the same sacrifices? - 'Bring it on' - "To our enemies, we say: Bring it on!" Erdogan added. France's support for Greece is brewing a serious crisis for the NATO military alliance. The European Union has been watching the escalating row with growing concern, repeatedly urging Turkey to stop the exploration activities and threatening to slap sanctions on Ankara if it refused to solve the dispute through dialogue. EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell has said that unless Turkey can be engaged in talks, the bloc could develop a list of sanctions at an European Council on September 24 and 25. Mitsotakis said Turkey was "undermining" international law and "endangering" regional security by seeking to "alter" geography. burs-jph/tgb Starting Friday, Sept. 4, a new, expanded eviction moratorium will go into effect with the aim of preventing millions of renters from being evicted due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Ordered by the Trump Administration, the mandate was issued through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since those without housing stability are high risks to contract or spread the COVID-19 virus. The moratorium is set to run through Dec. 31 of this year, offering legal protections for renters. But there are certain requirements that must be met to qualify, some of which could be subjective. Heres what you need to know. Who is eligible? A renter must meet five stipulations to be eligible: They have used their best efforts to first obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing. Some states and cities might have assistance programs already in place. State and local municipalities might also already have a moratorium in place providing the same or better level protection, in which case the local rules would apply over the federal one. They expect to make no more than $99,000 in income as an individual or $198,000 if married or filing a joint tax return in the 2020 calendar year. They can also qualify if they were not required to file a tax return in 2019 or received a stimulus check as part of the CARES Act earlier this year. They are unable to pay the full amount of rent due to experiencing a substantial loss of income, or because they were laid off or had to pay extraordinary medical expenses. They are using their best efforts to continue making at least partial rent payments as close to the full amount as possible, taking into account other nondiscretionary expenses. Eviction would likely make them either homeless or force them to move into a shared living situation, where they could get sick or spread the virus to others. Story continues These requirements can be subjective, though, so in the case of disagreement with a landlord, a housing court judge may have to step in to make the final decision on whether a renter is covered under the five provisions or not. The order states that renters must sign a declarationfound here in this documentoutlining these five qualifications, and present it to the landlord. The CDC says a landlord would then not be legally allowed to evict the tenant, or the federal government then impose criminal penalties on the landlord. What does this mean for landlords? Landlords violating the order would be subject to a fine of no more than $100,000, a year in jail, or both, if the violation does not lead to death of a renter. If the eviction did lead to a death of a renter, the fine could increase to $250,000, or the year in jail, or both. Organizations that commit this violation could receive a $200,000 fine if it doesnt result in death, or $500,000 if it does. Assuming the landlord does not ignore the order, they can still collect some rent as outlined under fourth provision for renters pledging to make best efforts to pay at least partial the amount of rent. The order also does not prevent landlords from charging fees or accruing interest, if those are included under the renters lease. As long as renters are still making partial payments to the best of their ability, landlords cant evict tenants before Dec. 31 for financial reasons. But landlords still could evict a renter for other usual reasons, like the destruction of property or criminal behavior. Its possible landlords will attempt to use this reasoning to proceed with an eviction before the end of the year, so tenants should stay vigilant in terms of following the rules of their lease. The order is expected to face legal challenges. Landlord associations have sued in multiple states to halt previous COVID-19-related moratoriums, claiming they are unconstitutional. If this happens again, the final decision will come down to the courts. When will the rent be due? Its unclear, but its likely that back rent unpaid over the course of the moratorium would be due once the order expires on Dec. 31. The moratorium doesnt offer specific instructions on what will happen, but this is the view of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. [W]hile an eviction moratorium is an essential step, it is a half-measure that extends a financial cliff for renters to fall off of when the moratorium expires and back rent is owed, the group said in a statement. This action delays but does not prevent evictions. Congress and the White House must get back to work on negotiations to enact a COVID-19 relief bill with at least $100 billion in emergency rental assistance. The $100 billion figure was included in the House Democrats-sponsored HEROES Act, a follow-up to the CARES Act, but Congress has not yet reached an agreement. More coronavirus coverage from Fortune : This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Andrei Fisher, a 13-year-old Albuquerque Public Schools student living with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, used to get about 30 hours a week of services when schools were open, his father, James Fisher, says. Those services included speech and language pathology as Andrei has limited verbal skills and occupational therapy, which is all outlined in his Individualized Education Program. Known as an IEP, its a specialized plan for students in special education. But through remote learning, Andrei is on track to get just about a sixth of that specialized instruction, James said. A major factor is that Andrei cant sit in front of a computer for long periods and some hands-on instruction doesnt translate over a screen. He has a great teacher. Shes wonderful and has the best intentions, willing to work very hard at the online model to make it work for him, James said. But because of his condition and his limited attention span and limited ability to communicate, were only able to do between 15 and 30 minutes online with him each day. James is aiming to build up to an hour a day online, but he feels ill-equipped. Were not trained therapists, James told the Journal. Andrei and his family are not alone. In August, the APS Board of Education voted to continue remote learning through the first semester but emphasized there would be exceptions for students with special needs. Parents are waiting for specifics on those exceptions. Stephanie Fascitelli, interim associate superintendent for special education, said a student has to have a disability IEP to be given an exception, and priority is given to students who are the most significantly disabled. Any student with a disability and student with an IEP that has demonstrated that they cant engage in remote learning would be a strong contender for being able to come in for face-to-face or in-person, small group instruction, she said. Fascitelli said evaluation is on a case-by-case basis, but factors could include whether the students are able to participate and learn in a remote model or whether they have shown significant regression. Educators will largely be the ones identifying students for the in-person groups, according to Fascitelli. Families can decline and stick with solely remote learning, though. She said the special education groups will be five students per teacher. Cleaning and safety procedures will follow the APS reentry plan, Fascitelli said, including daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces, nightly classroom cleaning and mask requirements for students and staff. What the schedule looks like will depend on the student, but Fascitelli said students will be able to come on campus for up to 3.25 instructional hours a day, up to five days a week. The aim is to keep kids at their home school, but some students will be put in nearby schools for the in-person instruction. Fascitelli didnt have a total count of how many families have expressed interest in the special education in-person learning. Roughly 19% of APS student population is in special education with disabilities. But district officials have stressed that the small group, in-person instruction targets the most severely impacted students who cant do remote learning because of their disability. Other unknowns include staffing. Fascitelli wasnt able to say as of Sept. 1 whether the district has enough educators who are willing and able to conduct the in-person special education. But she said the district and local teachers union is working on surveying staff. The interim associate superintendent said the small groups would start no sooner than Sept. 8, but a firm start date hadnt been nailed down. At a Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, she told the members that we have a soft, rolling start date in the next few weeks. But Sept. 8 is less than a week away and James said he hasnt been given any details, including when in-person learning would start for Andrei or daily scheduling. He said Andreis teacher indicated that the 13-year-old would be a candidate for in-person learning but nothing has been confirmed. Ill believe it when I see it, he said. APS spokeswoman Johanna King said the district wont talk about specific students circumstances but encourages parents to contact their teacher or school with any issues. Fascitelli said there have been success stories with remote learning and some students with disabilities have enjoyed it. Christina Angel-Jolly, executive director of the New Mexico Autism Society, and Jenn Donelli, board president of NMAS, told the Journal that some students with disabilities are thriving because theyre able to have more control over their environment and schedule. Others are failing and regressing because they need in-person instruction. Its definitely a broad range, Donelli said. The two emphasized socioeconomic factors, where students are on the autism spectrum and geography are factors in the varying experiences. Like a lot of kids on the spectrum, Andrei likes routine, but his structure has been completely shaken up with schoolwork being done at home. James is concerned because Andrei isnt progressing academically and is regressing emotionally and behaviorally. Hes frustrated and sad and bored hes expressed that he wants to go to school again and again, James said. James says the familys options are limited. Right now, Andrei comes with James to work on the days he has to go into the office because he said city day care centers and private schools dont typically cater to students with high levels of special needs. James says every day out of the classroom compounds the problem. The longer they stay closed, the more (academic) debt they are accruing, James said. It all boils down to creative problem solving, explains the Rev. Ed Jones, senior pastor at Houstons 155-year-old Trinity United Methodist Church. Whenever theres a problem, theres an opportunity for a fresh vision, he said. The problem is we have parents who need to go to work. The problem is we have children who need to go to school. The vision that resulted? Using the church to bridge the gap, creating eight classrooms for students to use as schools restart. We need to see how we can be a part of the solution, Jones said. Volunteers at his congregation have been busy preparing for elementary students. Trinity can accommodate about 75 children across the classrooms, and the churchs fellowship hall and sanctuary are on standby to offer additional space, if needed. Trinitys is one of 16 United Methodist churches teaming up to become Sanctuaries of Learning. The program is the brainchild of the Rev. Jill Daniel, who serves as director of the denominations We Love All Gods Children initiative. The program is an effort to empower churches in Texas to provide literacy and early-childhood education opportunities. Daniel was already at work building childhood-development centers throughout the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church when the coronavirus pandemic hit, shuttering schools, churches and educational programs all at once. She worried about the students who depend on school meals for nourishment and those missing lessons critical in their development, especially elementary school children. We know the statistics about children who arent reading at their levels by third grade they are 80 percent more likely to drop out, she said. It sets them up for failure in life. We know that fostering a love of learning at an early age is so important. Though older students might have an easier time studying alone from home, she was concerned about younger children. So Daniel developed a plan for younger students that would provide a safe and stimulating environment while their parents were at work. She did not want parents to have to choose between paying bills and caring for their children. And, she especially did not want parents to have to leave young children home alone to continue their education. They can come into our churches, she thought. And the Sanctuaries of Learning program, in which churches provide a free, safe space for working families, was born. Students watch their teachers online and still get their meals during the school day. The church provides enrichment activities in the afternoon. Some sites even offer extended care for parents who work late. Daniel began sharing her vision and identifying partners, including the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, to join in the effort. Then Daniel connected with Houston ISD interim superintendent Grenita Lathan. She said this would be a game changer for our children, Daniel recalled. And all of the concerns I had, she addressed. HISD agreed to deliver breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack to each participating church. In addition, the district offered special equipment, staff to supervise children and a security officer, if necessary. The district will also provide a Wi-Fi signal, so students can easily connect via computer with their teachers at school. Schools identify the students who need the service, which is offered five days a week. Najah Callander, director of community partnerships for HISD, has been working to ready the program. This meets a need that our parents have, she said. In order for them to work, they have to feel comfortable that their children are in a safe space. This is a wonderful way to support our families. With school meals and technical support, students can thrive, Callander added. They can focus on learning even when its virtual, she said. She said this is an example of how Houstonians step up to help each other whether during a pandemic or a hurricane. These churches are opening their doors to kids and families they otherwise would not connect with, Callander said. The partnership has also sparked others, including nonprofits and other denominations in the city. The Rev. Lance Ousley, priest-in-charge at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in west Houston, is examining ways to support neighboring Katy ISD or Cypress-Fairbanks ISD at its new location or any private schools in the area. The congregation of Emmanuel Episcopal Church has been blessed with this amazing building, but blessings arent for us to hold onto for ourselves, Ousley said. Jesus teaches us that blessings are meant to be shared to bless others, multiplying the positive impact, like the loaves and fishes. Churches can offer sizable buildings that often are underutilized on weekdays, he added. Emmanuel wants to share this asset to make a real difference in our neighborhood and larger community, he said. Students begin arriving at the Sanctuaries of Learning on Sept. 8, the first day of school for HISD. Were working with at-risk students, students who face a real need to be in a safe, healthy environment, Daniel said. If we can find a way, during this time, to get them into a virtual classroom, to do something thats exciting and wonderful and gets their hearts pumping about education, then we should. Daniel said the church is in a unique position to make that happen especially since the denomination was already creating educational programming and early-learning centers. We know how to do this, Daniel said. We have a lot of tools. This is a great opportunity to lock arms as a community and say to our children, You are loved. Jones Memorial United Methodist Church is also part of the Sanctuaries of Learning program. Executive pastor Enid Henderson wanted to sign up to participate as soon as she learned about the program. Even though the church doors are closed, the need is still there, she said. Congregations can help students close the digital divide by providing technology and a connection to the internet, Henderson explained. Now, students can be in a safe environment and be productive, she said. At the same time, parents can focus on work, with the peace of mind that their children are being helped by the church, she added. Its just a match made in heaven, Henderson said. Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer. Russian PM In Minsk As Belarus Looks To Ally For Help By RFE/RL's Belarus Service September 03, 2020 MINSK -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has arrived in Minsk as Belarus's beleaguered authoritarian leader, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, pivots to Moscow to overcome weeks of protests and international isolation over an election widely viewed as rigged. Unprecedented daily protests against Lukashenka since the August 9 vote are being closely watched in Russia, which for years has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries despite finding an often difficult and resistant partner in the Belarusian leader. The protests and associated crackdown have also upended Lukashenka's nascent rapprochement with the West, which the Belarusian president had used to balance ties with its much larger eastern neighbor. Mishustin's visit to Minsk is to pave the way for a meeting between Lukashenka and Russian President Vladimir Putin within the next two weeks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Moscow on September 2. "This underlines our mutual disposition to further develop equal, mutually beneficial relations, including within the framework of the union state," said Lavrov, who was meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makey. Lavrov criticized "destructive" Western criticism of the Belarusian authorities, and warned that Moscow would respond "firmly and with dignity" to any attempts to destabilize Belarus or loosen its strong ties to Russia. Makey thanked Russia for supporting Minsk in the face of what he described as protests orchestrated from abroad. Separately, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktar Khrenin will visit Russia on September 4. Khrenin will take part in a meeting of defense ministers of post-Soviet countries, his office said in a statement. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets across Belarus to protest the "rigged" results that gave Lukashenka more than 80 percent of the vote. The protesters are calling on Lukashenka to step down after 26 years in power, release all political prisoners, and hold free and fair elections. In response, Lukashenka has intensified a crackdown on protesters and mobilized the army, claiming NATO members are plotting a "color revolution" to topple him and planning to use Belarus as a geopolitical launching pad to undermine Russia. On September 3, the official BelTa news agency reported that Lukashenka had appointed new heads for the country's KGB security service, the Security Council, and the State Control Committee. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said that 24 people were detained the previous day for taking part in unregistered protests across the country. Sixteen of them will remain in custody until courts hear their cases, the ministry said. News has emerged that two members of the opposition Coordinating Council's presidium will be tried again for allegedly violating the law on organizing mass events. Volha Kovalkova and Syarhey Dyleuski, who is also a strike organizer, were to be released from detention on September 3 after serving 10 days in jail on a similar charge. The Coordination Council said another detained member of its presidium, Lilia Vlasova, had been charged with tax evasion, according to Interfax. The authorities have also launched a case against Viktar Kuvshinau, a manager of software company PandaDoc in Minsk, for alleged financial crimes, his wife said. Kuvshinau had helped teachers who were members of election commissions and witnessed instances of fraud to file complaints with law enforcement agencies. He also assisted those who had lost their job with finding a new post. PandaDoc CEO Mikita Mikado has launched an initiative to help law enforcement officers who leave the service. Analysts say Putin is struggling with the difficult balancing act of calculating whether Russia can extract demands from an increasingly weak Lukashenka with its interest in not isolating a Belarusian public and opposition that is so far not hostile to Russia. Putin last week raised the possibility of sending military support if Belarus "starts to get out of control" and "extremist elements in Belarus cross the line and begin acts of looting." In an interview with RFE/RL on August 28, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the self-exiled presidential candidate who has become an unlikely leader of the Belarusian opposition, said deploying Russian forces in her country would be a mistake. "This is our internal problem, an internal issue that Belarusians must resolve with the Belarusian government," said Tsikhanouskaya, who claims to have won 60 to 70 percent of the vote. George Kent, U.S. deputy assistant secretary overseeing policy toward Belarus at the State Department, said at a conference in Washington on September 2 that the United States and its allies would have a tough response if Russia intervened in Belarus. He said that if Moscow thought relations with the West the last few years had been bad, "it can get worse." Lukashenka's government has "lost all legitimacy in the eyes" of the Belarusian people and it would be "catastrophic" for Russia's image in Belarus to intervene militarily on his behalf, he said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on September 2 that the United States was demanding an immediate end to the violent crackdown by Belarus's government on opposition supporters and was in consultation with its transatlantic partners over a response. The European Union has been working on a list of individuals to target with sanctions. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-pm- visits-minsk-as-belarus-looks-to- ally-for-help/30818225.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 neglect of socio-cultural factors in economic analysis often leads to faulty policy conclusions and recommendations. Many economists forget that economics is not about mathematics or econometrics, but rather about human behavior. For example, when Lord Lionel Charles Robbins offered his famous definition of economic as a science, he did not put the emphasis on science, but on human behavior. He writes, Economics is the science which studies human behavior as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses. Keynes, in the last chapter of his well-known economic book, General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, maintained that ideas have the power to affect economic outcomes. In other words, economics is not a science in of itself, but a category of human behavior. We use scientific methods as tools to analyze and deepen our understanding of human behavior in relation to the way we use our limited resources, in the face of our unlimited wants. After studying Development Planning and Development Administration, and after having studied development theories, economics, and organizational leadership for many years, and having read the work of social scientists like Immanuel Wallerstein, Andre Gunder Frank, Robert Bates, Friedrick Hayek, Arthur Lewis, Michael Lipton, Karl Polanyi, Amartya Sen, and Joseph Stiglitz, just to name a few, I have come to the realization that nothing explains the development or underdevelopment of a group of people better than the cultural mindset of that group. Though scholars from varied disciplines have provided many good and sometimes convincing cases for why some countries develop and others stagnate, I believe none provides a better explanation than the cultural mindsets of the people. For example, Jared Diamond, in his book Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, provides an explanation for different developments of human societies on different continents. Likewise, De Soto Hernandez, in his book, The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West, and Fails Everywhere Else, explains how nations can transform dead capital into live capital through the institution of formal property rights. Or consider Immanuel Wallersteins great work, the World Systems Theory, which explains the social structure of global inequalityproviding a history of social change that suggests there is a world economic system in which some countries benefit at the expense of others through economic exploitation. Others have also explained the economic disparities of nations by lack of resources, especially the availability of capital or productivity. While all these studies explain why some countries are ahead of others, I think none explains development and underdevelopment better than the mindset of a group of people. I will venture to say that the level of a countrys development depends on the mindset of its people. While the availability of natural and other resources provides an advantage, it is the mindset of the people that is the ultimate deciding factor. In his work, The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, David S. Landes says the following: If we learn anything from the history of economic development, it is that culture makes all the difference. Max Weber also made the same observations after visiting the United States. He thought the Protestant work ethic, a cultural factor, was instrumental in the economic development of the early settlers. A mindset is a set of beliefs or a way of thinking that determines ones behavior, outlook and mental attitude. Like culture, a mindset is a kind of mental programming, a pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting that has established itself within a mind. In order to learn something different, we must first unlearn these patterns, but unlearning is more difficult than learning for the first time. Our mindset is the software of the mind, as one great anthropologist describes it. The physical, cultural, social, and economic environments in which we grow up, and our cumulative life experiences, shape our mental software. Our shared attitudes, beliefs, mores, customs, values, and practices can promote or retard our economic development. A culture that is open and focused on work and knowledge will lead to increased productivity, the creation of new technologies, and the pursuit of change. Our habits and institutions can favor or thwart economic development in various ways. For example, diseases are to a large extent shaped by the patterns of our daily behavior and belief systems. Our health beliefs and practices depend on our cultural mindsets about illness and treatment. Are diseases and deaths caused by natural factors, demons, or witchcrafts? Our attitude toward the natural environment, the learning and adopting of new ways of doing things from other societies, our perception of the cosmos, and our superstitionsall these things account for our level of development. To be continued. Dr. Stephen Gyesaw New Delhi: A day after Kangana Ranaut's tweet accusing Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut threatening the actress to not return to Mumbai if she has no faith in the police, has clarified his stand regarding the remark. Raut told Zee News, "We don't give threats to anyone, we believe in taking action. Those who are making comparisons with Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), don't know anything about Pok. We will not tolerate anything demeaning about Mumbai and Maharashtra." He added, "Mumbai police has risked its own life and saved the citizens at the time of 26/11 terror attacks. Even in 1992 blasts also they protected the city and people living in it. Several Mumbai police officers have lost their lives and made sacrifices during the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak." Meanwhile, Kangana had tweeted about receiving a threat from Raut on Thursday. She wrote: Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? https://t.co/5V1VQLSxh1 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 Earlier, Sanjay Raut had slammed Kangana in Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamana saying that her "treachery" was shameful as she raised fingers over Mumbai police despite living in the city. He had written, "We kindly request her not to come in Mumbai. This is nothing but insult to Mumbai police. The Home Ministry should take action over it. Kangana Ranaut has been naming and shaming several big Bollywood celebrities for fanning nepotism and recently in the drug conspiracy related to Sushant Singh Rajput case. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Ningbo Joynext Technology Co., Ltd. (Joynext), a subsidiary of the leading global auto parts supplier Joyson Electronics, was recently awarded a contract for NIO's 5G-V2X platform project, which is worth roughly 660 million yuan ($96.515 million) and includes the products of V2X 5G-TBOX and 5G-VBOX, a local media outlet reported earlier this week. (Joyson Electronics' WeChat account) Joyson Electronics is said to start the product supply from December 2021. The yet-to-be-offered components will be used in the NIO EE7 first and be afterwards introduced to the ES6, the ES8 and the EC6, according to the local report. According to Joyson Electronics' semi-annual financial results, the company saw its first-half revenue tumbled 33.4% year on year to 20.53 billion yuan ($3.002 billion) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The revenue downturn should be primarily blamed for the net loss of 539.077 million yuan ($78.832 million) attributable to shareholders, plunging from the net profit of 513.97 million yuan ($75.161 million) for the year-ago period. Despite the coronavirus-induced profit downturn, Joyson Electronics still gained roughly 25.3 billion yuan ($3.7 billion) worth of orders during the first six months thanks to the incessant investment in innovative R&D businesses, the market acknowledgment over its products and the prompt strategy adjustment during the pandemic fight. Of those, 16.4 billion yuan ($2.398 billion) orders belong to the automobile safety system business unit, one of major businesses for Joyson Electronics. Although the intelligent V2X system arm received fewer orders compared to the first half of 2019, the company attaches substantial importance to its software and data service business. According to the semi-annual report, the software and related services are expected to account for 30% to 40% of the revenue gained by the intelligent V2X system unit in the future. The cooperation with NIO on V2X 5G-TBOX and 5G-VBOX will be a tailwind for Joyson Electronics to expand its intelligent V2X system business. NIO delivered 3,533 vehicles in July 2020, representing a robust 322.1% growth year over year. The deliveries consisted of 2,610 ES6s and 923 ES8s. As of July 31, 2020, cumulative deliveries of the ES8 and the ES6 reached 49,615 vehicles, of which 17,702 were delivered in 2020. A connection between personal friends kick-started a professional network between Saginaw Valley State University and Midland Public Schools that organizers say will benefit education at all levels in the region. SVSU faculty in early August began training Midland educators on how to use Canvas, a learning management software program. Utilized by SVSU for years, 14 members of the university faculty hosted group training sessions for nearly 80 middle school and high school educators. Our teachers were able to ask professionals who use it in their teaching daily what the best practical uses of Canvas would be to them, said Steven Poole, curriculum specialist for auxiliary education at Midland Public Schools. The value to Midland Public Schools teachers is their knowledge growth in Canvas and gaining a network for future questions that they could ask the professors. Our teachers will be using this knowledge with their Canvas development this school year. Both Midland Public Schools and SVSU returned to in-classroom teaching this week for the first time since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic reached Michigan. The experience in the months since then underlined a need to strengthen educators knowledge of online teaching tools such as Canvas, say organizers of the collaboration. The origins of that collaboration began with a friendship between Matthew Vannette, an SVSU professor of physics, and Ana Geib, a Spanish teacher at Midland High School. Geib asked Vannette to help her better understand Canvas. The request began a series of events that led to a collaborative learning experience involving nearly 100 educators from both institutions. That is how society functions, or at least it is how I would like society to function: do what you can, when you can, Vannette said. Education across all levels is a social good, and it only works if we support it. The participating faculty from SVSU hosted a series of seven training sessions for Midland educators teaching in subjects related to business, engineering, English, kinesiology, math and science, music, and social studies. Up to 24 Midland teachers attended each session. While those sessions took place in early August, organizers say educators formed a network they will maintain moving forward, including when questions arise throughout the school year. Participating SVSU faculty members enjoyed empowering fellow educators in navigating a new learning system, which strengthened their own curriculum-building skills. Throughout the pandemic, scholars and musicians have come together like never before, sharing ideas and trying to solve problems so that we could all move forward in our teaching and music making, said Norman Wika, an SVSU associate professor of music who provided Canvas training. I personally benefited from knowledge and ideas that I collected throughout the summer. Without that open interaction, I'm not sure I would have as good a plan as I do for this fall. Processed by Victoria Ritter, vritter@mdn.net A new generation office tenant has arrived. YouTube blogger Slazo has leased space at the End to End office complex in Collingwood where his videos will be filmed in the old Hitachi trains on the top of the building. Slazo, aka Michael Kucharski, has 808,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel and reportedly hired seven new staff to help produce videos for the site. He didnt return telephone calls. Old Hitachi trains sit on of the top Easey Street building. Credit:Michael Clayton-Jones Colliers International agents Chris Meehan and Tom Rothel negotiated the deal on the 350 sq m space at 48 Easey Street. The three year lease was struck at around $450 a sq m gross. Its a positive sign that tenants are seeking new space in the current climate Mr Meehan said. With just months to go for the 2020 Bihar Assembly Election, BJP leader and Union Minister RK Singh on Friday asserted that the saffron party is capable of forming government of its own in the state, adding that however, his party does not want to break its partnership with the Janata Dal (United), and this was also true vice versa.. The two parties, the minister said, have been in partnership since 1996. We can form a government on our own, in Bihar, theres no doubt in it. But, weve been in partnership with the JD(U) since 1996, and we do not want to break it, neither do they. We dont leave our friends, Singh, the BJPs Lok Sabha MP from Arrah told news agency ANI. Watch l Can win alone, but will stick with JDU: RK Singh on upcoming Bihar polls On the question of seat share, the Union Power Minister said that it would be decided soon, adding, The process will be finished smoothly as there are no differences among us... Lok Sabha poll results have clearly displayed the vote base of BJP and PM Modi. Hence, the seat division should be based on that only. The ministers remarks come in the backdrop of recent tensions between Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) and the Chirag Paswan led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). On Wednesday, former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) joined the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which also comprises of the BJP, JD(U) and LJP. The 2020 Bihar Assembly polls are likely to take place in October-November. The BJP came to power in Bihar in July 2017 after the collapse of the then-ruling Mahagathbandhan, stitching a coalition with the JD(U) to form government in the state with Nitish Kumar continuing as Chief Minister. An encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, police said. Unsplash Representational Image Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Yedipora in Pattan area of Baramulla district in north Kashmir following specific information about the presence of militants, a police officer said. #Encounter has started at #Yedipora #Pattan area of #Baramulla. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) September 4, 2020 He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired upon a search party of the forces, who retaliated. The exchange of firing is going on, the officer said, adding additional forces have been rushed to the area and further details were awaited. 2 militant hideouts busted along LoC in J&K's Baramulla Few days back, two militant hideouts were busted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir and a huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered after Army launched a search operation. It seems, the modus operandi was to drop arms and ammunition in caches near the LoC so that the overground workers or militants pick the same for carrying out their activities in the hinterland, the spokesperson said. It shows the desperate attempts by Pakistan-based militant groups to infiltrate weapons into Jammu and Kashmir for terror activities with the active connivance of Pakistan Army, he added. Aside from his dope rap music, Travis Scott is about to launch another epic collaboration. But this time, it is not from a fellow artist, but with fast food giant, McDonald's. On Thursday, McDonald's announced their partnership with Travis Scott, which involves one of their best-selling meal named after the 28-year-old rapper. This collaboration is huge as Travis is the second celebrity to get this special McDonald's menu, next to Michael Jordan's "McJordan" launched 30 years ago. According to the statement made by the fast food giant, they will be partnering with Travis and his record label, Cactus Jack, for a month-long promotion. McDonald's decided to name their iconic Quarter Pounder with Cheese to the rapper as it is his all-time favorite in the store. The meal will be called "Travis Scott Meal," and will be available starting next Tuesday until October 4, 2020. RELATED STORY: Kendall Jenner Who? Ben Simmons Likes Vanessa Hudgens' Bikini Snaps! "Everyone has a favorite McDonald's meal, no matter who you are," McDonald's U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Morgan Flatley said in a statement. "We're excited to bring the Travis Scott Meal to a McDonald's near you starting next week," Flatley added. The meal includes a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, and lettuce, medium fries with BBQ dipping sauce, and a Sprite, all for $6. According to McDonald's, this combo is Travis' favorite meal while growing up in Houston. On Wednesday, McDonald's dropped a hint about the collaboration by posting a cactus and burger emoji on their official Twitter page. The "SICKO MODE" rapper reposted the said Tweet, confirming the exciting news. "CACTUS JACK FOR MCDONALD'S," Travis wrote, alongside a fries art of his iconic logo. In a statement, Travis Scott said he is excited to see the Cactus Jack and McDonald's collaboration to happen. "We are bringing together two iconic worlds," he said. Aside from the Travis Scott meal, McDonald's also announced that the Cactus Jack music label design a customized t-shirt that employees would wear during the promotion period. McDonald's said that they are also "exploring opportunities to support charitable organizations during the monthlong program." Flatley told "Business Insider" that the idea of teaming up with Travis Scott started last year as they are aware that the rapper is a huge fan of the food chain. "His ability to kind of see where culture is going and have a hand in where culture is going is really unique," Flatley said. "Then you couple that with his huge followership and his fans, social-media footprint, and ... 3 billion streams. He just has an incredible audience," he added. While the partnership with the "TKN" rapper initially sparked controversy from some franchisee having issues with Travis' explicit rap lyrics that may not suit McDonald's family-friendly image, the collaboration pushed through in the hopes to tap the younger generation. The big question now would be, will the rapper's ex and mother of his child, Kylie Jenner take a bite on the Travis Scott meal? Well, as of writing, Kylie has yet to express public support to her baby daddy. READ MORE: Kylie Jenner Drops Massive Baby No.2 Hint with Travis Scott Joe Biden; Donald Trump Joe Biden; Donald Trump Reuters/Ints Kalnins/Bryan Woolston Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden launched into a major attack on Donald Trump Friday afternoon over reports that he demeaned and disparaged American military service people who have dies in service to their country by saying they were "stupid" and "suckers." In a nationally broadcast speech from his home state of Delaware, the former vice president seemed genuinely angry when talking about the president. "Before I begin, I want to speak a little bit to what they talked about and the revelations about President Trump's disregard for our military and our veterans," he started. "Quite frankly if what is written in The Atlantic is true, it's disgusting. It affirms what most of us believe to be true: Donald Trump is not fit to be president and be the commander in chief." "The president reportedly said, and I emphasize reportedly said, that those that sign up to serve instead of doing something more lucrative are suckers," he continued. "Let me be real clear, when my son was an Assistant U.S. Attorney and he volunteered to go to Kosovo while the war was going on as a civilian, he wasn't a sucker. When my son volunteered and joined the United States military as the Attorney General and went to Iraq for a year, won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he wasn't a sucker." "The servicemen and women he served with, particularly those who did not come home, were not losers," he added. "If these statements are true, the president should humbly apologize to every Gold Star mother and father and every Blue Star family that he's denigrated and insulted. Who the heck does he think he is?" "I'm always cautioned not to lose my temper. This may be as close as I've come in this campaign. Just a marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States," he concluded. Story continues Watch below: https://youtu.be/5vTINv25YKU Related Articles Even though the coronavirus has greatly affected the arts and the entire Kenyan music industry in general, still, artists like Majirani, who used to be one of the biggest pop rappers of back in the day, have decided to use this same time to relaunch their music career and remind the world of their past exploits. After causing some huge waves in the industry for a couple years, bagging awards left, right and centre, Majirani took a back seat and let the youngins take over and spice up the industry. Now, the Tukumbukeko hitmaker is back to claim his throne and remind everyone just who is King. And because things have changed mightily since the last time he was around, Majiranis management has now decided to bring into his fold the high-flying Dabonge group Sailors for one hell of a collabo. We decided that, since alot has changed since the last time he was last around, we do things a little differently And thats why we have called in the sensational Sailors group to help inject the much needed fire into Majiranis new come back single, Winnie Oketch, the head of PR at Candy and Candy Records says. Candy and Candy is one of Nairobi oldest record labels in Nairobi that has itself undergone a metarmphosis since its glorious days with Mr. Nice to today. And now, in parternship with prestigouus beauty maker Nara Luxury, headed by Top Tanzanian business woman and entrepreneur Nasra Sway, Majirani has already recorded and shot the music video for his latest single Chebukati, that, going by its name alone, promises to really cause quite the buzz. And just like in the US, where top rappers like Nickin Minaj, Rihanna, Drake and Lil Wayne charge mind-boggling amounts for a guest verse on a song, Sailors too, we learn, charged top dollar for their appearance in the song and consequent video shoot. We cannot disclose how much we made, of course. We cannot really tell you how much we charged. Actually, it wasnt really charging. It was basically like renumeration, Masilver of Sailors Gang says. The interesting part is that we were actually paid in Pessa Coin. Its crazy. First time weve accepted payment in virtual money. Our lawyers walisaidia sana hapo, haha Hio maneno sisi hata hatukuwa tunajua ni nini, its amazing he adds. Pessa Coin is the first block chain in Kenya and, in conjuction with Candy and Candy Music, has penetrated the market to not just make artists lives better but also push the industry further. The video to Chebukati will be dropping soon but first, feast your eyes on these juicy pics from the behind the scenes shoot. Bangladesh: 32.8% people in 2 coastal upazilas had no income during 65-day fishing ban September 04,2020 | Source: The Daily Star Some 32.8 percent people involved in fishing in two coastal upazilas had no income during the government-imposed 65-day fishing ban till July 23 this year, says a report of Manusher Jonno Foundation. During the ban, the rest of the people in the upazilas -- Patharghata upazila of Barguna and Maheshkhali upazila of Cox's Bazar -- saw their average monthly family income drop to Tk 3,208 from Tk 11,125, said the report. Besides, the average family income of respondents at four unions in Patharghata dropped to Tk 5,138.6 per month following the fishing ban between March and May 20 amid the pandemic, the report added. MJF shared the findings of the report "Situation of Artisanal Fisher Folk Community during Covid and 65 Days Ban" during an online press conference today. "Coastal fishermen have suffered huge economic losses due to the 65-day ban on fishing and [during the] general holiday during the pandemic," the organisation said. "Not being able to fish for a long time, their loss has increased many times compared to last year," it added. The telephone survey was conducted under MJF's "Sustainable Ocean" project, supported by the Danish Institute for Human Rights, in the two upazilas. A total of 1,018 respondents including 306 females took part in the survey. Of them, 519 were from Patharghata and 499 from Maheshkhali. University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh had partnered with MJF during the study, while Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies and Coast Trust assisted in data collection. The report said 38 percent respondents lost between 81 to 100 percent income and 26 percent lost 61 to 80 percent income. During the 65-day ban, about 32.8 percent respondents got involved as day labourers and 16.5 percent took up mending boats and fishing nets, it said. On the other hand, 86 percent respondents received food (rice) and cash support as 86.7 percent respondents had "fisher card", it added. However, the survey found that about 87.4 percent respondents had to take loans to meet their regular expenses. Addressing the press conference, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said like in other parts of the globe, the shutdown enforced to contain coronavirus caused harm to the livelihood and income of many people in Bangladesh, especially those involved in the informal sector. Its negative impact on the country's fishing community could be assumed as well, she said. Besides, the 65-day ban that is being imposed each year also negatively impacted the coastal fishing community's livelihood, she added. The report said 62 percent female respondents found the situation regarding domestic violence had worsened during the Covid-19 and the ban period. On Covid-19 awareness, about 99 percent respondents reported they had been sensitised from different sources including union parishad, media and neighbours. Also, 51.8 percent respondents said they could catch more fish after the ban had been imposed last year, said the report. It recommended creating opportunities for diversified income generation among coastal fishing community, and increasing food support as well as to introduce cash support for poor fishermen. It further recommended improving access to information related to health and services in the study area. WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has declared President Donald Trump unfit for the presidency, delivering an impassioned reaction to a report that Trump who never served in uniform allegedly mocked American war dead. The president and his allies have dismissed the report in The Atlantic as false. The allegations, sourced anonymously, describe multiple offensive comments by the president toward fallen and captured U.S. service members, including calling World War I dead at an American military cemetery in France losers and suckers in 2018. The reported comments, many of which were confirmed independently by The Associated Press, are shining a fresh light on Trumps previous public disparagement of American troops and military families. That opens a new political vulnerability for the president less than two months from Election Day. Voice cracking, Biden told reporters on Friday that you know in your gut Trumps comments, if true, are deplorable. Ive just never been as disappointed, in my whole career, with a leader that Ive worked with, president or otherwise, Biden added. If the article is true and it appears to be, based on other things hes said it is absolutely damning. It is a disgrace. He added that the president should humbly apologize to every Gold Star mother and father, to every Blue Star family that hes denigrated. ... Who the heck does he think he is? Trump, in the Oval Office, said no apology was necessary, because it was a fake story. Trump was alleged to have made the comments in November 2018, as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France. The White House said the visit was scrubbed because foggy weather made the helicopter trip from Paris too risky and a 90-minute drive was deemed infeasible. Speaking Friday in the Oval Office, Trump denied ever uttering such comments: It was a terrible thing that somebody could say the kind of things and especially to me cause Ive done more for the military than almost anyone anybody else. Later, in a press briefing, Trump suggested the source of the story was his former chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly. It could have been a guy like John Kelly, Trump told reporters, saying his former top aide was unable to handle the pressure of this job. Bidens critique was personal. The former vice-president often speaks about his pride for his late son Beaus service in the Delaware Army National Guard. As he spoke, Biden grew angry, raising his voice to rebut Trumps alleged comments that Marines who died in battle were suckers for getting killed. When my son was an assistant U.S. attorney and he volunteered to go to Kosovo when the war was going on, as a civilian, he wasnt a sucker, Biden declared. When my son volunteered to join the United States military as the attorney general, he went to Iraq for a year, won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he wasnt a sucker! Beau Biden died of cancer in 2015. Returning to Washington from a Thursday visit to Pennsylvania, Trump told reporters that the Atlantic report was a disgraceful situation by a terrible magazine. I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes, Trump told the reporters, gathered on the tarmac in the dark. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? Biden has framed the election from the start as a referendum on Trumps character. His allies quickly seized on the reported comments in hopes they could drive a wedge between military families and veterans and Trump. They also believe the issue could help win over disaffected Republican voters who are fed up with Trumps constant controversies. In particular, Bidens team believes his well-documented experience, both personally and politically, with military issues could help him make inroads with a population that broadly supported Trump in the 2016 election and could help sway the election this year in a number of close swing states. Biden himself has not served in the military. Military families were broadly supportive of Trump in the 2016 election, and a Pew Research Center survey of veterans conducted in June 2019 found overall that veterans were more supportive of Trump than the general public, and that roughly 60% of the veterans polled identified as Republicans. On a call with reporters hosted by the Biden campaign Friday, Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth lambasted Trump for belittling the sacrifices of those who have shown more bravery than hes capable of. Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who lost both of her legs in the Iraq War, has been a prominent critic of Trumps handling of military issues. Knocking Trump for allegedly inventing an injury to avoid serving in the Vietnam War, Duckworth said shed take my wheelchair and my titanium legs over Donald Trumps supposed bone spurs any day. Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who drew national attention after criticizing Trump during the 2016 Democratic National Convention, joined Duckworth on the call and said Trumps life is a testament to selfishness. Words we say are windows into our souls. So when Donald Trump calls anyone who places their lives in service of others a loser, we understand Trumps soul, he said. Khans son, Humayun, was killed in action in Iraq in 2004. In 2016, Trump responded to the criticism from Khan by claiming hed made sacrifices of his own and by making an Islamophobic attack on Khans wife, Ghazala Khan, who was wearing a headscarf at the Democratic convention, saying: She had nothing to say. She probably maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me. Trump also denied calling the late Arizona Sen. John McCain, a decorated Navy officer who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, a loser after his August 2018 death. Trump acknowledged Thursday he was never a fan of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Trump publicly blasted McCain, saying, Hes not a war hero. He added, I like people who werent captured. At the time, Trump also shared a news article on Twitter calling McCain a loser. Trump only amplified his criticism of McCain as the Arizona lawmaker grew critical of his acerbic style of politics, culminating in a late-night no vote scuttling Trumps plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That vote shattered what few partisan loyalties bound the two men, and Trump has continued to attack McCain for that vote, even posthumously. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox & Friends on Friday that he was with the president for a good part of the trip to France. I never heard him use the words that are described in that article, Pompeo said. Asked Friday about the possibility of seeing Trump when they will both be in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, for the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks next week, Biden said: I didnt know he was going until after I announced on my own. Of course. Asked if hed be willing to share a stage with Trump, he said: Yes. Hes still the president of the United States of America. __ AP writers James LaPorta and Jill Colvin contributed. The Outpost ranks alongside The Hurt Locker and American Sniper as an unflinching and heart-stopping depiction of the chaos of modern warfare. Directed by Rod Lurie (The Contender, The Last Castle) and based on the nonfiction book by journalist and TV anchor Jake Tapper, The Outpost is set in October 2009 and tells the story of the Battle of Kamdesh, when a force of about 300 heavily armed Taliban swarmed an extremely vulnerable base in a remote valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains in eastern Afghanistan. As the title cards tell us, the base was known as Camp Custer, because everyone at the outpost was going to die. With Serbia filling in for Afghanistan, The Outpost has a distinctive docudrama look, with the camera eavesdropping on the day-to-day activities of more than 50 soldiers assigned to the camp. They rib one another with politically incorrect racial and sexual humor, they mockingly say Thank you for your service to one another multiple times a day, and theyre always aware of the dangers lurking in the mountains. At any moment, the shooting will start, and theyll take cover and start firing back at the enemy in the shadows. Orlando Bloom is outstanding as 1st Lt. Ben Keating, a no-nonsense leader who is genuinely invested in working with the local elders and trying to negotiate peace with the younger generation, many of whom could be Taliban. He tells his troops, I will continue to speak softly in the valley. On the other hand, I will carry all of you like a big fing stick. Most of the first half of the film is about getting to know the players, all based on real-life soldiers, with the stellar cast led by Milo Gibson as the heroic Capt. Robert Yllescas; Cory Hardrict as the brave and resourceful Sgt. Vernon Martin; Caleb Landry Jones as the temperamental live-wire Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, and Scott Eastwood (looking more than ever like his father, Clint) as Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha, who skirts possible disciplinary action to do whatever it takes to save his own men. Just when were lulled into a sense of routine, The Outpost hits with a shocking moment reminding us of the cruel and arbitrary nature of war, e.g., when a casual conversation between two men is truncated by a deadly explosion. The second half of the film is a brutally authentic re-creation of the Battle of Kamdesh, which ignited in the gray of predawn and continued through the day and into the night, as hundreds of Taliban fighters swooped down from the mountains and eventually penetrated the command post, killing eight Americans and wounding 27. (An estimated 150 Taliban were killed before the fighting ended.) Outnumbered 5-to-1 and tasked with holding down the camp for hours until aerial backup could arrive, Romesha and his men continually put themselves in harms way to fend off the attackers and to save one another. All their petty squabbles and cultural differences are erased in the bloody fog of war, as they protect one another like the brothers in arms they are. Lurie has fashioned a worthy tribute to these brave American soldiers, some of whom paid the ultimate price. The Outpost 3.5 stars RATED: R (for war violence and grisly images, pervasive crude language and sexual references) WHEN: Available for rent or purchase WHERE: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu The meeting of the foreign ministers of the countries participating in the Normandy format (Ukraine, Germany, France, Russia) is planned for September, after the meeting of the advisors of the leaders of the countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said. "The plan is for the ministers to meet after advisors to the leaders of the Normandy format meet. As of now, the meeting of advisors is planned, and active preparations are underway for it. Literally, while sitting in the Verkhovna Rada, I got distracted from time to time by correspondence with colleagues about the preparations for this meeting. Since as soon as the advisors meet, we will see how this meeting will go, whether results will be achieved, and I think that if nothing of force majeure happens at this meeting, conditions will be created for the meeting of the foreign ministers," Kuleba said at online briefing on Friday, answering a question from Interfax-Ukraine. According to the minister, the foreign ministers are still determined to hold this meeting in September, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is not against holding such a meeting. "Both I and my German and French colleagues are disposed to hold this meeting in September. And as far as my colleagues, whom I mentioned, have informed me, Russian Minister Sergei Lavrov also does not deny against holding such a meeting," he added. via Duff Law Firm A longtime employee of the Iowa Department of Public Health claims she was forced to resign after responding to routine public records requests about the coronavirus pandemic. In a press conference Thursday after she filed a wrongful discharge lawsuit, former IDPH spokesperson Polly Carver-Kimm claimed the governors office chose to use information from her department in the way that would best serve the governor's agenda and needs. I dont want to say the publics health is in danger because of this, said Carver-Kimm, who worked for the department for more than a decade before being ousted in July. I just feel there was a more open flow of information that could have benefited the public in their decision making about how they wanted to handle the pandemic, and that would come through providing that information to the media. Iowa State Courts Death by Inviting 25,000 Fans to a Game In a statement from Chief of Staff Sara Craig, the governors office said the lawsuit filed by Carver-Kimm was without merit, and we will be working with the Iowa Attorney General's Office to respond in court." Iowa is currently one of the worst coronavirus hot spots in the Midwest, with more than 66,000 confirmed cases and 1,100 deaths to date. The state had the highest rate of increase in COVID-19 cases nationally last week, and the fifth-highest positivity rate increasea fact Gov. Kim Reynolds noted in a press conference Wednesday, while simultaneously rejecting the White Houses recommendation to close bars in more than 60 counties. Reynolds has also ignored suggestions to close gyms, limit indoor gatherings and implement a mask mandate. According to Carver-Kimms lawsuit, filed in Polk County District Court, the former spokeswoman was in charge of all IDPH communications until March of this year. In her press conference, she claimed she was "heavily involved" with the departments coronavirus response at the start of the pandemic. But as the situation intensified, she said, the department began consolidating control over press communications and filtering requests through the governors office. Story continues The former spokeswoman claimed the governors office had never been involved in the process of public records requests before the pandemic started. But on at least one occasion, she claimed in her lawsuit, the governors communications director told her to hold the production of records already approved through the usual channels. In early March, she said, IDPH Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter informed her that all press releases should go through the governors office. In April, the department received a coronavirus-related public records request for emails from specific IDPH email addresses. Carver-Kimm said she asked the assistant attorney general whether she should also include emails sent by those same officials using their emergency control center email accounts, which were activated when the pandemic started, and was told yes. But when she asked the same question for other, similar records requests afterward, she received no answer, she claimed on Friday. "I repeatedly asked, Should we ask for those emails to be searched? she said at the press conference. And I was just ignored. In another instance, Carver-Kimm said she responded to a request for documents from The New Yorker and USA Today by saying that another outlet had already made a similar request, and that she could produce the documents immediately if they tailored their request slightlya common practice used to save time for both the press and the government. The outlets later asked Carver-Kimm to produce all responses to open records requests submitted by other news agencies. Texas Governor Declares a Victory Over COVID. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? When Reisetter learned that she complied with these requests, Carver-Kimm said, she responded by asking whether doing so was even legal. Shortly after, the department barred her from responding to any open records requests, she claimed. Two days after the resulting article was published in The New Yorker, Carver-Kimm was banned from responding to any media inquiries at all involving COVID-19, she claimed. Finally, in early July, Carver-Kimm said she responded to a request from the Des Moines Register asking for the pregnancy termination statistics for the State of Iowa, which is publicly available information. The resulting article showed a 25 percent increase in pregnancy terminations, despite Gov. Reynolds promising to kick abortion providers out of family planning programs. Three days after the article was published, Carver-Kimm was told she could either resign or be fired, due to department restructuring. She chose to involuntarily resign. At the time of her resignation, she claimed, five people were doing the job that she formerly did on her own. Thats not restructuring, she said. Thats a systematic and deliberate effort to thwart open communication. 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. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have confirmed the first major post-royal move as they sign a megawatt deal to produce documentaries, films, and scripted series for Netflix. The couple have left their palaces behind and turned to Hollywood, saying they want to use their experiences of diverse communities and their environments to create content that informs but also gives hope. They also intend to make family programming, inspired after becoming parents themselves. While Meghan is a former actor, the couples production credits are minimal. It will likely be a steep learning curve for both of them - though a source told Yahoo UK they already have at least two projects underway. Harry is understood to have worked closely with filmmakers on Rising Phoenix, a Netflix documentary he appeared in, and Meghan has years of industry experience, most recently through TV series Suits. They also have a commitment to diversity in front of and behind the camera, so will have a team of experts with them. Stephen Bates, author of Royalty Inc: Britain's Best-Known Brand and former royal correspondent, told Yahoo UK the pair should be wary of some initial warning signs. It has already been factored in that they are semi-detached members of the Royal Family, he said. They will have to make their own way in the world. It sounds like there are really huge figures involved in attracting them - I wonder how much profit Netflix is going to get out of them, except their names. Neither of them are particularly experienced in documentaries I expect. It might be a short-term thing. He referenced Harrys uncle, Prince Edward, and his failed production company, Ardent, which is believed to have been dissolved with just 40 in assets before Edward became a working royal. Its a legacy which might haunt the couple. Read more: The 360: What has been the reaction to Harry and Meghan's huge deal with Netflix? Bates said: He rapidly ran out of ideas. The track record of royals making documentaries is that they tend to make the same ones. Story continues Asked whether their megawatt star names would be used to draw in others, he said: I suspect they will have to. I dont think they have the individual expertise on their own for the operation. He added: I think the hard economic reality will tell in the end. They have a marketable name, how long that will last depends on the expertise their advisers can deploy. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to review the arrangements of their post-senior royal life in March 2021, 12 months after they stepped back. But a multi-year Netflix deal and a new company could suggest they are in no rush to make any changes. Bates said the Royal Family doesn't always react well to those who try to leave. Harry and Meghan here with the Queen in July 2018. (Getty Images) Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plant Diana's favourite flowers on anniversary of her death Bates said: The Royal Family does not take kindly to people who drop out and especially in the way Harry and Meghan did. I would have thought it is highly unlikely that they are going to come back to anything like regular royal work. Good luck to them, if they can make a go of it with Netflix, but I would have thought the number of things they can do is limited. Others are more positive about the prospect of royals as producers this time around, with Jonathan Shalit, chairman of the talent agency InterTalent, suggesting the deal is a very elegant way to solve a serious problem. He said: The challenge that Meghan and Harry have got is on a number of fronts. So financially, how do they look after themselves because the costs of living in [California] are considerable for them particularly with the security needs they have. So having Netflix behind them, they have a massive financial backer paying the kind of money where they can relax financially. He added: Its very clear that Megan and Harry dont want to embarrass the royal family. They dont want to cause problems. And some of the potential partners they could have had, could have caused problems but working with Netflix, which is totally objective and neutral, that doesnt cause a problem. The couple, here at the Lion King premiere in July 2019, will be hoping to pull big audiences with Netflix. (UK Press) Speaking on ITVs This Morning, journalist and royal commentator Afua Adom said: They have got the clout that people will want to work with them - its Harry and Meghan. They will be able to get the right teams around them to make this great content. Whatever they do people will find criticism for it... there will be some people who find something wrong with it, but this is brilliant. It was definitely to be expected, we can expect more in this vein. A Netflix deal or a Spotify deal, this is the modern-day book deal. This is brilliant to see from them and I cant wait to see what content they come up with. Neither Netflix or a spokesman for the Sussexes has confirmed how much their new deal is worth. RENO, Nev, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Creator, Vixen Hammish of literary release "If You Can Pray, You Can Feng Shui" announces a speaking tour to commence September 27, 2020. This will include virtual and on-location engagements on topics of the manuscript now available in electronic and paperback format through Ingram Distribution, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. The "Feinstein-esk" nano text interprets ancient Chinese wisdom and illustrates opportunities to integrate this and other creative healing arts into modern day context. Tour marks the two year anniversary of publication and precedes follow-up narrative "Fengshui the 50 States'' currently in research and development and seeking a publisher for 2022 release. Book Vixen Hammish of Hammish & Co. to Begin Speaking Tour This September As part of a nationwide campaign to provide mental health crisis support, Hammish & Co. is also providing free educational program outline for schools, non-profit and government organizations serving young adults and otherwise vulnerable members of the community. The concentration is on topics of women's empowerment, self awareness and construction of identity as a vital skill to enduring times of chaos. Learning objectives are aimed at teaching greater appreciation for development of natural gifts, the importance of belonging, conscious decision making and added insights to support life balance and peace of mind. Materials are culturally sensitive and trauma informed to provide a launch pad for mindful discussion on common interest goals and development of personal value systems without subscribing to a specific religious orientation. Manuscript may also be used independently as a tool of inspiration for personal development and to guide those in reinvention processes. All inquiries regarding program details, podcasts appearances, and interviews contact: [email protected] Other services of the organization currently include COVID compliant commercial staging, flicker light therapy, promotional services, event planning, wellness product vendor sales, and real estate assessments. Media content can be found on YouTube, Twitter, Patreon, and Instagram in a post positive format supporting spiritual development, community leadership, respect for all people, and protection of peace in the public space. Charitable contributions for the start-up efforts, sponsors, as well as Human Resources are also being solicited at this time. All material from the company is directed to assist subscribers in the ways of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and environmental health with respect to accountability and contribution to the collective. Contact: Vixen Hammish 803-513-8777 [email protected] SOURCE Hammish & Co. Indeed, the surprise about Pelosi (D-Calif.) and what Republicans would like you to think of as hair-gate did she highhandedly violate the rules that apply to others in search of a decent blowout? is that it took so long to happen. Women in the public eye during the pandemic have the challenge of looking like theyre not in the midst of a pandemic otherwise wed be talking about Pelosis roots, or her frizz, or how she is in desperate need of a trim. But they cant do what theyd otherwise do to keep up appearances. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:14:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PARIS, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two schools and over 100 classes in France were closed due to the spread of the coronavirus, Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer announced on Friday, three days after the opening of schools across the country. "In mainland France, there are now 12 (schools) closed out of a total of over 60,000, which is small figure. In La Reunion (an overseas department), there are 10 schools," Blanquer told local broadcaster Europe 1. "In general, (the detection of) three cases of COVID-19 infection would trigger the closure of a school," he added, noting that all the relevant cases had been infected before the return to school. Some 12.4 million students in France returned to classrooms on Tuesday. Under the government's back-to-school plan, students aged over 11 must wear face masks all the time, including in classrooms. Schools have to limit the flow of pupils and parents during the rush for arrival and departure. In addition, classrooms should be regularly disinfected and ventilated. The start of the new academic year came amid worsening sanitary indicators. On Thursday, the second day in a row, more than 7,000 patients have caught the virus, and the cumulative number of cases reached 300,181, according to figures from the country's public health agency. The number of hospitalized patients rose by 11 to 4,643, of whom 464 needed intensive care, up by 18. The two indicators, which are key for evaluating the ability for hospitals to cope with the epidemic, have been increasing since the end of August. Enditem The British government is to launch a strategic communications campaign to deter asylum seekers from crossing the English Channel. Officials told parliaments Home Affairs Committee that they were hoping to dissuade migrants, a day after a record 409 people arrived on small boats. Dan OMahoney, the new clandestine Channel threat commander, said that facilitators claim the streets are paved with gold in the UK. He added: We are launching a behaviour change campaign, which will be enabled as time goes on with a strategic communications effort. Tyson Hepple, the Home Offices director general for immigration enforcement, said that several years ago the government mounted an operation in Calais that it claimed would counter the misinformation put forward by criminal gangs. We are looking to do some more dissuasive comms because we think those could be quite successful, he added. But officials admitted that they had done no formal research to establish why migrants were choosing the UK over other European countries. Ministers have characterised crossings as illegal migration but the Home Affairs Committee was told that 98 per cent of the people who have arrived on small boats so far in 2020 were asylum seekers. Many come from countries experiencing war and persecution, including Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen and Iran. Around half of the 5,000 claims have been considered so far, and of those 20 per cent have been granted and 10 per cent refused. The remainder were not considered directly by British authorities because another European country was deemed to be responsible under the Dublin regulations. Priti Patel in Dover as Government face criticism over migrant crossing crisis The UK is using the law, which will expire with the Brexit transition period on 31 January, to attempt to deport around 1,000 asylum seekers to countries they previously travelled through such as Germany, Italy and Greece. Mr Hepple said 11 people had been returned to Spain on Thursday morning, days after a charter flight was scrapped following a series of legal challenges. The Home Office sparked criticism by attacking activist lawyers for thwarting deportations in a social media video. There are a large number of last minute legal challenges which we are finding it hard to deal with, Mr Hepple said. Recommended Priti Patel was warned that policies were increasing Channel crossings We are finding human rights claims have blocked us from removing people to a safe European country. He said deportations were also hampered by time limits under the Dublin regulation and caps on the number of returns accepted by some European countries. Mr Hepple said the British governments position was that people should be claiming in the first safe country that they arrive in, although that is not a requirement under international law. The Home Affairs Committee was told that the UK only receives around 6 per cent of all asylum applications made to EU countries, and the majority of refugees crossing the Mediterranean settle elsewhere. Abi Tierney, the director general of UK visas and immigration, said that although the number of small boat crossings had risen significantly in 2020, overall asylum applications are down because of reduced international travel during the coronavirus pandemic. She told MPs that the number of asylum seekers arriving via small boats rose from 465 to 2,012 in the first and second quarters of the year, while the number arriving by other routes dropped from 8,455 to 4,850. Mr OMahoney said there had been a huge shift away from air and ferry traffic, while unusual spells of good weather had enabled boat crossings over the English Channel. Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Show all 12 1 /12 Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise French police officers and gendarmes stand by tents during the evacuation of the Grande Synthe migrant camp, northern France, on September 17, 2019. Francois Lo Presti/AFP/Getty Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise French gendarmes walk by tents during the evacuation of the Grande Synthe migrant camp, northern France, on September 17, 2019. Francois Lo Presti/AFP/Getty Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise French police officers move migrants on from a camp in Dunkirk, France, 17 September 2019. Care4Calais/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise French police officers move migrants on from a camp in Dunkirk, France, 17 September 2019. Care4Calais/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise A bulldozer at work as French police officers move migrants from a camp near Grande-Synthe, Dunkirk, 17 September 2019. Help Refugees/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Police officers moving migrants from a camp near Grande-Synthe, Dunkirk, France,17 September 2019. Help Refugees/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Migrants at the Espace Jeunes du Moulin gym in Dunkirk as people awaited eviction from the camp 12 September 2019. Steve Parsons/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Aran Quader, 6, and his sister Yaran, two, at the Espace Jeunes du Moulin gym in Dunkirk on 12 September 2019, days before refugees were evicted. Steve Parsons/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Hamdren Quader 32, with his wife Xalat, 26, and children Kajhan, 8, Aran, 6, and Yaran, two, at the Espace Jeunes du Moulin gym in Dunkirk, France, on 12 September before refugees were evicted from the camp days later. PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise A bulldozer at work as French police officers move migrants from a camp near Grande-Synthe, Dunkirk, 17 September 2019. Help Refugees/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Police officers moving migrants from a camp near Grande-Synthe, Dunkirk, France, 17 September 2019. Help Refugees/PA Hundreds evicted from French refugee camp amid Channel crossings rise Police officers moving migrants from a camp near Grande-Synthe, Dunkirk, France, 17 September 2019. Help Refugees/PA He admitted that investment in security around major French ports and the Channel Tunnel had displaced migrants to attempt sea routes instead. Rob Jones, director of threat leadership at the National Crime Agency (NCA) said that using small inflatables also presented a low barrier to entry in comparison with smuggling on lorries. People see success and become emboldened. They see that success and will try to mimic it, he told MPs. Officials confirmed that British authorities were not currently intercepting migrant boats aggressively or trying to turn them back to France. Mr OMahoney said that security had improved on the countrys northern coastline, and that increased intelligence-sharing between British and French authorities was seeing results. He told the Home Affairs Committee that 3,000 people had been prevented from trying to cross the Channel this year, including 200 on Wednesday. We need to get to the point where both migrants and organised criminal groups realise its futile to try to make these crossings because they will find it very difficult to operate in northern France, they will be denied access to the beaches and we hope for an agreement means that if they arrive in the UK they will be returned to France, the former Royal Marine added. Mr Jones said that smuggling networks involved in Channel crossings were not straightforward, and that some groups were organising via encrypted chat groups and on social media pages. Between January and May, the NCA referred 12,000 pages related to organised immigration crime to technology companies for closure, but only a small proportion were found to have broken platforms terms and conditions and removed. L eeds has been added to Public Health England's watchlist for areas of concern after a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Announcing the addition to the watchlist on Friday, Leeds council said the latest seven-day infection figures show the city as having a rate of 32.4 cases per 100,000 people. The council also said the city has a positivity rate on testing of 3.5 per cent. The latest data suggests that a lot of the cases are in different areas of the city, meaning they may be linked to social interaction and leisure activities," a council spokesman said. "The spread is broad and changeable across wards and cases have also been increasingly detected in younger people aged 18-34, with some concern over activities like house parties and gatherings. Being on the areas of concern list will not mean any further restrictions on Leeds at this stage. Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via Reuters Mia, aged 8, and Jack, aged 5, take part in "PE with Joe" a daily live workout with Joe Wicks on Youtube to help kids stay fit who have to stay indoors due to the Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters Matt Raw, a British national who returned from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China, leaves quaratine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside PA Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images However, it does mean increased monitoring of cases in the city and potential additional steps in future if its infection rates do not start to fall. Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council and chair of the citys Outbreak Control Board, said: We have been working tirelessly with our partners and communities, doing everything within our power to keep the spread of this virus under control and to ensure Leeds stays open. However, we cant accomplish that alone and this rise in infection rates means that inevitably, our window of opportunity is shrinking by the day and the city is rapidly approaching a tipping point. We completely understand that these past six months have put a tremendous strain on everyone in Leeds and that being able to get out, socialise and enjoy ourselves has provided a massive lift. But it is absolutely crucial that if we want to continue to do that, we all do it sensibly and responsibly and follow the latest guidance which is there to keep us all safe. This page is being updated. Burma Myanmars Ruling Party Says Kayah State Chief Minister Removed Over Personal Grudge Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, the vice chairman of the NLD, said on Friday that the removal from office of ex-Kayah State Chief Minister L Phaung Sho was the result of a personal grudge, and that the impeachment process that led to it was not in line with proper procedures. / The Irrawaddy MANDALAYMyanmars ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has accused the Kayah State parliament speaker of acting on a personal grudge, rather than in accordance with the law, after the state legislature impeached the Kayah chief minister, resulting in his dismissal. The party speculated the move was designed to tarnish its image ahead of the election. Ex-Kayah State Chief Minister L Phaung Sho, an NLD member, was accused of misusing funds earned by the states heavy-machinery rental service, and of failing to ensure transparency in leasing land that is used for Kayah State Day celebrations. President U Win Myint announced on Thursday the removal of L Phaung Sho as the chief minister of Kayah State for misusing the funds, two days after the state parliament approved a motion to impeach him following an investigation into the allegations. In a statement released Thursday after L Phaung Shos dismissal, the NLD said it accepted and understood the action of the President, as he has to respect the decision of the state parliament. However, the ruling party pointed to irregularities in the formation of the investigation committee, including the fact that three of its five members were among the complainants behind the initial impeachment motion, including its chair and secretary. Furthermore, it said the state parliament did not follow the rules of the impeachment process, as the original impeachment motion did not receive the support of the constitutionally required number of lawmakers. But the state parliament speaker ignored this, the NLD said. According to the Constitution, a complaint against a lawmaker must have the support of at least one-fourth of MPs in the legislature before it can be submitted. Of the 20 members of Kayah States parliament, five signed the initial complaint against the chief minister. However, one of the MPs later withdrew his support, leaving the motion supported by just four lawmakersless than one-fourth. The NLD said U Hla Htwe, the speaker of the parliament, ignored the fifth MPs withdrawal and decided to proceed with the investigation, later calling a vote on the motion in the parliament. Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, the vice chairman of the NLD, told the media on Friday that the Kayah State parliament appointed one of the plaintiffs as the chair of the investigation committee, raising the possibility of bias. One person who signed the complaint withdrew [their support], as the accusations are personal. So, there were only four left. The number of persons filing the complaint did not reach the required minimum, Dr. Zaw Myint Maung told media after the Mandalay regional parliament session on Friday. Moreover, the NLD also claimed that the speaker of Kayah States parliament acted on a personal grudge stemming from the fact that he was not selected as a candidate for the upcoming election. Alleging that the speakers action was timed to tarnish the partys image with the election coming up, the NLD said: The party views his action as not being in accordance with the law, and [motivated by] a personal grudge, as he acted along with other rejected NLD candidates and other non-NLD representatives in the parliament, because his candidacy was rejected. Investigation committee chair Khu Thae Rae told journalists after the parliament session on Friday that he had no personal feeling over the case. I did this solely for the benefit of our state and the country. There are no haters here, and we made the decision in accordance with the Constitution. This is not a personal attack, as they claim, he said. L Phaung Sho wrote in a farewell message on social media that he accepted the decision of his superiors, insisting he had worked hard for the development of the state following his appointment in 2016. He is the first chief minister to be impeached by a state parliament under constitutional procedures. In May, Daw Lei Lei Maw, the dismissed former chief minister of Tanintharyi Region, also an NLD member, was jailed for corruption. Correction: Correction: The previous version of the story mistakenly stated Khu Thae Rae as the speaker of the Kayah State Parliament. You may also like these stories: Myanmar President Removes Kayah State Chief Minister From Office for Misusing Funds NLD Chief Minister of Myanmars Kayah State Impeached Over 7,000 Apply to Run in Myanmars November Election Dr. Redfield also urged health officials to quickly approve permit applications from McKesson Corp., the firm that has contracted with the CDC to distribute vaccines to sites including state and local health departments and hospitals, and "if necessary... consider waiving requirements that would prevent these facilities from becoming fully operational by Nov. 1, 2020." The CDC memo said health care professionals, employees of long-term care facilities and other essential workers, plus national security employees, should receive initial priority for a possible new vaccine. The Times said the CDC also gave priority to Americans 65 years old or older, people from "racial and ethnic minority populations," Native Americans and incarcerated individuals. The New York Times says the memo from Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC, was also sent to public health officials in all U.S. territories, as well as New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and San Antonio. The McClatchy news service was the first to report Wednesday that the CDC had sent out a four-page memo on Aug. 27 for health departments to draft vaccination plans by Oct. 1 "to coincide with the earliest possible release of COVID-19 vaccine." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that it has informed public health officials in all 50 states and several large cities to be prepared to distribute a coronavirus vaccine by Nov. 1, two days before the presidential election. Fauci's Take on Potential Vaccine News of the CDC memo coincided with remarks made Wednesday by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who said that he is confident there will be a "safe and effective" COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year. However Fauci also said in an interview last week with Reuters news agency that "the one thing that you would not want to see with a vaccine is getting an [emergency approval of a vaccine] before you have a signal of efficacy." "One of the potential dangers if you prematurely let a vaccine out is that it would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the other vaccines to enroll people in their trial," he said. Other health experts have also expressed skepticism about rolling out a vaccine before the completion of clinical trials, saying hastening its distribution to the public could pose safety risks and deepen anti-vaccination sentiments. Safety Checks Patricia Zettler, a former Food and Drug Administration associate chief counsel told the Washington Post this week, "I think it's extremely critical we have rigorous evidence of safety and effectiveness supporting a vaccine before the FDA gives its okay." Zettler is currently a law professor at Ohio State University. Some state health departments say they lack the staff, money and tools to educate people about vaccines and then to distribute, administer and track hundreds of millions of doses, according to the Associated Press. "There is a tremendous amount of work to be done to be prepared for this vaccination program, and it will not be complete by Nov. 1," Dr. Kelly Moore, associate director of immunization education at the Immunization Action Coalition, a national vaccine education and advocacy organization in Minnesota, told the AP. "States will need more financial resources than they have now." Only Half of Americans Trust Vaccine A recent poll from AP-NOR Center for Public Affairs Research found that only about half of Americans said they would get vaccinated. The United States leads the world with 6.1 million total COVID-19 cases and 863,445 deaths. A surge of new cases across the country is attributed to college students taking part in large off-campus parties as they return to school for the start of the academic year, ignoring guidelines to wear face masks and observe social distancing. The latest outbreak is at the University of South Carolina in Charleston, where more than 1,000 students tested positive for COVID-19 in August, bringing the positivity rate to nearly 28 percent. The university has placed nine fraternity and sorority houses under a 14-day quarantine after some students tested positive. The school has also suspended 15 students for throwing off-campus parties. Hundreds of students were also spotted crammed together at a large pool party off-campus that the local fire chief described as "almost like Mardi Gras," a reference to the large and boisterous street celebrations held before the Christian season of Lent. COVID Death Linked to South Dakota Rally Meanwhile, a resident of the northern state of Minnesota is believed to be the first person to have died of the coronavirus after attending a huge motorcycle rally in the neighboring state of South Dakota last month. Health officials in Minnesota say the man was in his 60s and had underlying health conditions. He was one of hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts who converged on the small town of Sturgis for 10 days, many of them also refusing to wear face masks or observe social distancing. At least 260 new COVID-19 infections in 11 states have been tied directly to the event, according to the Washington Post. AstraZeneca: Reuters Astrazeneca said on Friday it is beginning Phase 1/2 clinical trials in Japan of its coronavirus vaccine candidate. Trials of the vaccine, known as AZD1222, will be conducted at multiple facilities in Japan, targeting 250 subjects, the company said in a release. The British company is working with Daiichi Sankyo, JCR Pharma and other partners in Japan to make and distribute the vaccine. Over 16 lakh tests conducted; 20 pc found positive UNB, Dhaka : Coronavirus testing laboratories have tested 16,05,111 samples till Friday and 3,21,615 or 20.04 percent have turned out Covid-19 positive. Health authorities in the last 24 hours have detected 1,929 new cases of Covid-19 after testing 13,073 samples. Daily infection rate decreased to 14.7 percent. Since March 18, 4,421 people have died in the country and 29 died from the disease in a day. The fatality rate in Bangladesh is still 1.37 percent. The country saw the recovery of 2,211Covid-19 patients during the period pushing the number of total recoveries across the country to 2,16,191. A press release sent by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) provided the latest information and also confirmed that the recovery rate has climbed further to 67 percent in Bangladesh. Among the 29 people who lost their lives, 22 are aged 50 years. So far, 2,134 patients have died in Dhaka division, 952 in Chattoram, 295 in Rajshahi, 365 in Khulna, 172 in Barishal, 197 in Sylhet, 202 in Rangpur and 95 have died in Mymensingh division. Across the country, 19,676 people are in isolation and 52,472 people are quarantined at present. In Bangladesh, the first three cases of coronavirus infection were detected on March 8 and on Wednesday it crossed 3,00,000. On July 2, 4,019 Covid-19 patients were identified in the country, the highest in a single day. By Stephanie Kelly NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell more than 3% on Friday and posted their biggest weekly decline since June as fears of a slow economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic compounded worries about weak oil demand. Brent crude , the international benchmark, fell $1.41, or 3.2%, to settle at $42.66 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $1.6, or 3.9%, to settle at $39.77 a barrel. Brent fell 5.3% from last week, while WTI lost 7.4%. Prices were pressured by extended declines in the U.S. equities market and by a report showing U.S. job growth slowed further in August as financial assistance from the government ran out. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 1.37 million jobs last month, though employment remained 11.5 million below its pre-pandemic level and the jobless rate was 4.9 percentage points higher than in February. The unemployment rate fell to 8.4% last month, compared with a forecast 9.8%, which some market analysts said would lessen urgency in Washington, D.C. to pass additional economic stimulus legislation. "The hopes for more stimulus are going out the window," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York. "We need to see economic activity back up to get demand flowing." A U.S. government report this week showed domestic gasoline demand has fallen again, while middle distillate inventories at Asia's Singapore oil hub have surpassed a nine-year high, official data showed.[EIA/S]. "The bigger market picture is overall bearish sentiment that kicked off with lower gasoline demand reports on Wednesday," said Paola Rodriguez-Masiu, analyst at Rystad Energy. Global oil demand could fall by 9-10 million barrels per day (bpd) this year due to the pandemic, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. A record supply cut since May by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, has supported prices. Story continues OPEC began in August to ease the scale of the cuts, raising output by almost 1 million bpd, according to a Reuters survey. [OPEC/O] In the United States, the oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future production, rose two to 256 in the week to Sept. 4, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said on Friday. It was the second time in the past three weeks that energy firms added rigs. , , Money managers raised their net long U.S. crude futures and options positions by 541 contracts to 334,983 during the period in the week to Sept. 1, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said on Friday. (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly; additional reporting by Alex Lawler, Florence Tan and Koustav Samanta; Editing by Marguerita Choy, David Gregorio and Andrea Ricci) Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran in Parliament on 4 September, 2020. (PHOTO: Parliament screengrab) SINGAPORE The government will work through the details for the implementation of live-streaming parliamentary sessions and announce them soon, said Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran on Friday (4 September). In his debate on the Presidents address in Parliament, Iswaran noted that the government agrees in principle to the live streaming of parliamentary proceedings. And its agreement to do so is due to the spirit of deep engagement that Parliament entails, despite its reluctance to do so in the past for both practical and policy reasons, he added. For instance, Iswaran pointed out, demand for such live broadcasts even for major speeches is generally low at only 10 per cent of that of free-to-air television news. The government also has reservations about live broadcasts potentially risking compromising parliamentary sessions, where debate must be vigorous yet sombre, he added. An element of cut-and-thrust is unavoidable, even necessary, because Members want to show Singaporeans that their concerns are expressed, and questions asked and answered in Parliament, he said. But they must come to grips with the issues and their complexities and not play to the gallery, Iswaran stressed. Nevertheless, he added that the government has made note of global and technological trends, which have made online streaming commonplace, and seen legislatures live streaming their proceedings in many countries. The government, therefore, agrees in principle to the live streaming of parliamentary proceedings. My ministry will study the technical and implementation details. Our aim, as always, will be to achieve transparency, accountability, and accessibility while preserving the integrity and dignity of parliamentary proceedings, Iswaran said. Workers Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh, in response to Iswarans speech, said in Parliament that his party has reflected on the governments concerns but noted that the element of theatre will be exposed in these live streams. Story continues And the public will conclude fairly quickly, if not immediately...who is here to turn Parliament into a theatre and who is here to be serious about Parliament as a forum where serious matters are discussed, the Leader of the Opposition and Aljunied GRC MP added. The issue of parliamentary live-streams has been raised in the House repeatedly over the years, by various MPs including Singh, and his fellow WP members Leon Perera and Faisal Manap. Some portions of parliamentary sessions have been live-streamed, however, such as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loongs speech on Wednesday and his subsequent debate with Singh. Written parliamentary records, known as the Hansard, are also available on the Parliaments website, and selected footage are later given to and uploaded onto a CNA microsite within three hours of the sessions. Members of the public can also watch in person the sessions at the Strangers Gallery. In May, former Leader of House Grace Fu rejected calls for such live-streams, noting the various online channels available for members of the public to view them. Her press secretary, Dr Michele Khoo, later highlighted the risk of turning Parliament into a form of theatre if its sessions were to be live-streamed in a reply to a forum letter. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Other Singapore stories: WP Jamus Lim's speech on minimum wage, compassion draws robust reactions from PAP MPs Pritam Singh v PM Lee Hsien Loong: Opposition ward residents are not 'free riders', says WP chief With more opposition MPs, government will take open and constructive approach to policies: PM Lee Hsien Loong How much reserves is enough? There's no answer, says Lee Hsien Loong Forget the killer its the victims who matter to Denise Mina. In THE LESS DEAD (Mulholland, 341 pp., $28), these are drug addicts, prostitutes and other people who are barely missed and rarely mourned. Margo Dunlop, a doctor who was adopted as an infant, discovers that back in 1989, her birth mother was one of nine sex workers killed in Glasgow and becomes determined to put a face to the murderer. Lurid newspaper accounts and a popular true-crime book arent all that helpful to her search, and threatening letters hand-delivered in the dead of night to frighten her away from her mission lend little encouragement. Mina tends to wrap her stories around politically incisive subplots. Here, its societys indifference to the sordid lives and lonely deaths of people like Margos mother. When Margo speculates that youthful trauma and low self-esteem must have driven her mother to become a prostitute, her aunt hoots in derision. She was poor, she says. Its not a mental illness, she didnt have secret daddy issues. Its about money. That no-nonsense voice, with its unsparing intelligence and utter lack of sentimentality, is what makes Mina such a good writer. Margo is too blandly goody-good for my taste, but she meets plenty of sharply defined individuals who educate her about what it means to be socially marginalized. When we get killed they call us the less dead, one of them tells her. Like we were never really alive to begin with. Question: Whats funnier than cops, dumber than lawyers? Answer: private investigators. Thats private-eye humor, courtesy of T. Jefferson Parker, who always gets his laughs. In THEN SHE VANISHED (Putnam, 338 pp., $27), his San Diego sleuth, Roland Ford, is hired by a state assemblyman, Dalton Strait, to find his missing wife. Given the occupational hazards of California politics, Natalie Strait may have been kidnapped on partisan grounds. But given her serious gambling addiction, she may be hiding from racketeer loan sharks or maybe shes joined a gang of anarchists leaving bombs all over the place. Libya has been decimated by the war that broke out last winter, where a dozen international leaders traveled to Berlin to discuss peace options. Despite many of the participants advocating for a stop to the violence, it was themselves that fueled Libya's raging conflicts. According to The New York Times, on January 19, several leaders gathered for a photoshoot with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany after signing an agreement, which has involved nations to respect Libya's arms embargo. Transporting destruction At least five cargo airplanes were seen flying above North Africa and heading towards the Libyan battlefield during the event. The aircraft carried powerful ammunition and devastating weapons from the United Arab Emirates and Russia. A confidential report contains the details of the secretive, embargo-busting flights which is scheduled to be presented to a Security Council panel on Friday. The breaches are common in Libya, where United Nations officials call similar embargos a joke. However, a large number of violations so far this year, along with the amount of highly-advanced weaponry that has begun circulating within the country, are causing several international entities to express their concern. Investigators used flight data, ship records, and other tools they can access and found that the appalling infringement of international leaders who proudly disregard the embargo has reached new heights. The United Arab Emirates sent out four of the five cargo planes that traveled to Libya on January 19. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the state's leader, was seen smiling while having lunch with Germany's Merkel before the peace conference. Not only and Russia and Egypt but also commander Khalifa Hifter of Libya are supporting the Emirates in the war. Also Read: Iran Fives UN Access to Two Previously Guarded Nuclear Sites in Fears of International Sanctions Russia owns the fifth cargo plane bound for Libya, which is only one of almost 350 Russian military supply flights in the past nine months, which have bolstered its operating force. The troops consist of both Russian and Syrian mercenaries, which have grown to more than 5,000 fighters, says the latest American estimates. Continuous internal conflicts Interviews with officials have confirmed the UN report, which comes during a time of tense political instability in Libya and suggests the country is heading towards a new, and potentially more destructive series of conflicts. The Libyan nation has continuously been ravaged by devastating internal conflicts that killed thousands of people since 2011 when Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's rule was overthrown, as reported by Aljazeera. In the country, Sunday is known as the International Day of the Disappeared. August 30 of every year is when citizens pay their respects to their brethren who have gone missing and their effects on the families and loved ones that were left behind. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has recorded at least 44,000 missing people across the African continent. What surprises analysts is that more than half of the recorded missing people were only children when they disappeared. A missing person is only recorded by the ICRC when one of their family members file an open case with the organization. The agency's regional adviser for the disappeared and their families left behind in Africa, Sophie Marsac, said that the caseload is a drop in the ocean. The ICRC has registered over 1,600 people as disappeared cases. Still, records from the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) continuously take note of people who have gone missing, tally that more than 10,000 people have not been seen in Libya. Related Article: Historic Peace Agreement Between Israel and UAE Results in Suspension of West Bank Annexation @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Gardai are investigating whether two criminal brothers, classified as leaders of one of the gangs involved in the deadly Drogheda feud, have fled to Mexico, the Herald can reveal. The duo, aged 25 and 21, left Ireland in the chaotic aftermath of the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods (17) in January and travelled to Spain where they were based for months. Warrants for the arrest of the siblings, who are facing serious Drogheda feud-linked charges relating to a horrific 2018 incident, were issued at Dublin Circuit Court in June. A European Arrest Warrant is now in place for them. Senior sources say that the "latest information" available to detectives is that the notorious brothers are now in Mexico - a country with which Ireland has no extradition treaty. "The belief is that they left Spain sometime after the arrest warrants were issued here. "Their current circumstances are unknown. Quiet "The reality of the situation is that senior gardai in Drogheda are relieved they are not around as the feud has been very quiet in their absence and the hope is that it will remain under control," the source added. There have been very few incidents linked to the gang warfare between the brothers' gang and associates of Owen Maguire since the coronavirus lockdown began in March. Gardai say a petrol bomb attack in which an unoccupied house was damaged in the troubled Moneymore estate on Tuesday night, is linked to a "local dispute rather than the wider feud". No one was injured in the arson attack and there have been no arrests. The revelation that the brothers may be in Mexico comes after gardai received information in May that the older sibling was back home and hiding out in Dublin. "This information was investigated and it turned out that it was not the case - he was still in Spain at that time," the source said. The brothers are closely linked to the killers of Keane Mulready-Woods, who was butchered earlier this year in one of the most gruesome murders in the history of Irish gangland. However, the siblings are not suspects in that murder. Arson The pair are close pals of Paul Crosby (24), who was jailed for four-and-a-half years in April for burning a stolen car. The incident took place while he was under garda surveillance due to his role in the feud. The siblings are also closely connected to a 25-year-old who was arrested by Tallaght gardai last month over the desecration of a grave. The arrest happened four years to the day after gangsters went to Bohernabreena Cemetery in Tallaght at 2am on August 18, 2016. The grave of the Michael Maughan, brother of Willie Maughan - who the mob is suspected of killing - was dug up. They had all been part of the same criminal network but fell out over drugs turf. This led to the Drogheda feud, which escalated after the attempted murder of gang boss Owen Maguire in July 2018. The siblings are under grave threat from Maguire's gang and there is an active threat on their lives. They were also aligned with suspected hitman Robbie Lawlor, who was shot dead in April. Iran registers 1,905 new COVID-19 cases, 371,816 in total Global Times Source: Xinhua Published: 2020/8/30 9:09:56 Iran's COVID-19 cases on Saturday rose to 371,816 with the registration of 1,905 new infections over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education reported. Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for the ministry, said during her daily briefing that out of the new cases in the past 24 hours are 857 hospitalized. The pandemic has so far claimed the lives of 21,359 Iranians, up by 110 in the past 24 hours, she added. Besides, 319,847 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals while 3,791 remain in critical condition. According to Lari, 3,184,857 laboratory tests for COVID-19 have been carried out in Iran by Saturday. She said 13 provinces out of 31 are still at high risk of infection, while 15 others in alert situation over the disease. Iran announced its first cases of COVID-19 on Feb. 19. Iran and China have offered mutual help in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. In mid-February, at the early stage of the coronavirus outbreak in China, Iran lit up the Tehran Azadi (Liberty) Tower to show its solidarity with China, and donated 3 million masks to China. In return, China has delivered several shipments of medical supplies to Iran. On Feb. 29, a five-member Chinese medical team visited Iran for a month-long mission to help Iran fight the pandemic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A number of provinces have elected new chairs for the 2015-2020 term. Mr. Le Quan, Chairman of Ca Mau Province. The People's Council of Ca Mau province elected Mr. Le Quan as the provinces chairman at its 13th meeting early this week. The former chair, Mr. Nguyen Tien Hai, was assigned by the Politburo as the provinces Party Secretary for the 2015-2020 term. Ca Maus new chairman was born in 1974 in the central province of Quang Ngai. He has a doctoral degree in management science of the University of Toulon (France). He was appointed Associate Professor in 2009 and recognized as Professor of Economics in 2018. He used to hold the following positions: Head of Human Resource Management Faculty at the University of Commerce; Director of Center for International Training and Education at the University of Economics, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU Hanoi); Head of Personnel and Organization Department at VNU Hanoi; Deputy Director of VNU Hanoi since 2014. In September 2017, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. The Party Central Committee has just issued a decision to approve Mr. Le Tien Chau, Vice Party Secretary and Chairman of Hau Giang province to hold the position of the provinces Party Secretary for the term 2015-2020. Hau Giangs former Party Chief Lu Van Hunghas been appointed Party Secretary of the southern province of Bac Lieu. Hau Giangs new chairman Le Tien Chau was born in 1969 in the southern province of Tay Ninh. He is a doctor of law, who worked at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law for 15 years (1994 - 2009). He then held the following positions: Director, Head of the Southern Representative Agency at the Ministry of Justice; Director of Personnel and Organization Department at the Ministry of Justice; and Rector of the Hanoi Law University. In June 2016, Chau was appointed Deputy Minister of Justice. On March 16, 2018, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Hau Giang Provincial Party Committee. On April 17, 2018, Chau was elected Chairman of the People's Committee of Hau Giang province. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ngoc, Chairman of Tay Ninh Province. Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ngoc, Deputy Party Secretary of Tay Ninh Province, has been elected the provinces chairman. Mr. Ngoc, born 1969 in Long An province, holds a bachelor degree of law. He has had many positions such as Chief of Office of the Tay Ninh Provincial Party Committee, Party Secretary of Trang Bang District (Tay Ninh province), Standing Vice Chairman of Tay Ninh People's Committee, and Vice Party Secretary of Tay Ninh province. In Tuyen Quang Province, Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Deputy Party Secretary of the Tuyen Quang Provincial Party Committee, was elected the provinces chairman for the term 2016-2021. The province also has two new vice chairs - Ms. Le Thi Kim Dung and Mr. Hoang Viet Phuong. In late August, the President appointed Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Judge of the Supreme People's Court, as Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court. Thanh Nam Tuesday, 3 November was always going to be memorable, with those who love Donald Trump and those who hate him glued to the TV. But it has become apparent that this will be an unusual election due to the time taken to find out who will be the next occupant of the White House. Why are there delays to the election result announcement? The 2016 election was called for Mr Trump at about 02:30 EST (07:30 GMT) after victory in Wisconsin put him over the 270 electoral votes needed. This year is proving very different. An unprecedented number of Americans - 97.1 million by the last day of campaigning on Monday, well over twice the number from 2016 - have voted by mail in response to coronavirus concerns and some states are counting ballots delivered after the election (so long as they are postmarked ahead of a given deadline). Follow live: 2020 election results, updates and analysis In Washington state, for example, mail-in ballots can be counted until 23 November. In Alaska, state officials dont even begin counting mail-in ballots until around 10 November. Those two states are relatively unimportant for the final result in the presidential race as Washington is strongly Democrat and Alaska fairly solidly Republican, meaning neither is likely to upset the applecart. However, swing states have also faced challenges reporting quickly due to the unprecedented influx of postal votes. In Pennsylvania key for Mr Biden and essential for Mr Trump mail-in ballots can be counted three days after the polls close, following a battle that made it all the way to the Supreme Court. Mr Trumps campaign prematurely declared victory in the state and also filed a suit in the Supreme Court asking for the remaining ballots not to be counted. Read more: Which US election states will be next to declare a result? The Trump campaign said that it was suing to temporarily stop the vote count in the Keystone State, citing a lack of transparency in the counting process. Justin Clark, Trump's deputy campaign manager, said the campaign is suing to stop Democrat election officials from hiding the ballot counting and processing from our Republican poll observers. He said the campaign wants "to temporarily halt counting until there is meaningful transparency and Republicans can ensure all counting is done above board and by the law." What have Trump and Biden said? Both candidates were well aware of the fact that there might be delays. Donald Trump and Joe Biden will likely not know who will reside in the White House until several days after the November 3 vote (AP) Mr Biden was urged by Hillary Clinton not to concede on election night "under any circumstances because I think this is going to drag out" and he has said that he will only accept the full results. On election night, Mr Biden told his supporters to keep the faith and urged them to be patient as the counting continued. He spent the evening watching the returns come in from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, then drove downtown by motorcade to make his statement outside the Chase Center. He told a gathering of supporters that his hopes for victory remain high despite the uncertainty and cautioned them that it could take a day or longer to know who had won. He told them: Your patience is commendable. On Wednesday, Mr Biden urged the counting of all votes. "Here, the people rule. Power can't be taken or asserted. It flows from the people," he said. "And it's their will that determines who will be president of the United States and their will alone. And now after a long night of counting, it's clear that we are winning enough states to reach 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. On Thursday, Mr Trump made a series of baseless claims, saying the process was a major fraud on our nation. He cast the night as a disenfranchisement of his voters and said: We will win this and as far as Im concerned we already have won it Well be going to the US Supreme Court - we want all voting to stop. In fact, there is no more voting - just counting. Mr Trump had repeatedly stated that he might not accept the results at all. He is doing his utmost to warn of voter fraud and election rigging - something that experts say is extremely rare - and without offering hard evidence himself. The Brennan Center for Justice says rates for voter fraud in elections it had studied ranged from 0.0003 per cent to 0.0025 per cent. Read more: 2020 election odds: Heres the latest predictions for Trump v Biden We have to prepare for the very strong probability that an election unlike any other weve ever had might take a little longer to accurately count with integrity, said David Becker, executive director and founder of the Washington DC-based non-partisan Center for Election Innovation & Research. More time being taken to report results is not an indication of a problem. When will the election be over? Pennsylvania, Nevada, North Carolina and Georgia are among the key states yet to declare their results - but major developments are expected before noon eastern time (5pm UK time) on Saturday. Arizona was declared a win for Mr Biden by both AP and Fox News, but the lead has diminished as more votes come in - a warning sign the state could still be in play. However the result could be confirmed as early as 11am eastern time (4pm UK), when a big batch of results from Maricopa County is due to be released. Pennsylvania is pushing ahead despite Team Trumps objections and is expected to deliver a result this weekend. As of 11am eastern time (4pm UK), Mr Biden was ahead by more than 30,000 votes in Pennsylvania, with further results expected to be uploaded at 11:30am (4.30pm). If they give Mr Biden enough of a lead to avoid a recount and call the state in his favour, it would hand him 20 Electoral Colleges and the presidency should the victory be confirmed. The Georgia vote has meanwhile been ruled too close to call, with Mr Biden ahead by just over 7,000 votes on Saturday. Secretary of state Brad Raffensperger has already announced a recount would be necessary to determine the winner. With 99 per cent of votes counted in North Carolina, Mr Trump is on 50.1 per cent and Mr Biden just behind on 48.7 per cent. An estimated 87 per cent of the Nevada vote has been counted, though uncounted ballots have continued to arrive. At the time of writing, Mr Biden is ahead by 1.8 points with a margin of 22,657. The primaries earlier this year actually gave us some indication of how this might all play out. By 17 March, almost half of all states, 24, had held primaries. Five of those states heavily used vote-by-mail, as they had in previous elections. They reported their results in an average of 6.4 days, according to data analysed by The Washington Post. The other 19 had mainly in-person voting and reported results on average after 15 hours. After 17 March, when the pandemic forced significant adjustments to voting systems, there were primaries in 23 more states, which took an average of four days to report nearly complete results. Nearly all of these states had traditionally relied on in-person voting. New York processed 94 per cent of its votes within a few hours of polls closing. But counting the final six per cent of votes took more than 10 days and one race in particular - for the congressional seat held by long-term congresswoman Carolyn Maloney - took six weeks to be resolved. That suggested from the start that it could take several days for the results to be clear, and, if both candidates accept the result, the matter will be solved. What happens if Trump or Biden dont accept the election result? If either candidate is still not satisfied, a recount could be demanded. In 2018, in Florida, a recount was demanded for three statewide races - for senator, governor and agriculture commissioner. The machine recount was ordered on 10 November, with a deadline set for 8pm on 15 November. That was still inconclusive, in the senate race, so Florida ordered its first ever recount by hand. That was completed on 18 November and officially approved on 20 November - two weeks to the day after the 6 November vote. But even a recount result may be unlikely to resolve the issue: Mr Trump has said he believes the election result could end up in the Supreme Court. What would the Supreme Court involvement be? This has happened before. In the 2000 election, Al Gore, the Democratic candidate, argued that his narrow margin of defeat in Florida should lead to a recount. It took 36 days and the Supreme Court to decide against a recount to settle the contest in favour of Republican George W Bush. He, like Trump, had lost the popular vote. Various legal challenges could emerge this year - everything from the identification requirements for postal voting to the legality of Covid-related changes to voting. Is there a hard deadline to all this? Inauguration Day - always 20 January, or 21 January if that first date falls on a Sunday - is set by the Constitution under the 20th Amendment, enacted in 1933. Read more: How many US presidents have lost a second term? Prior to that, the lame duck period stretched on until March and caused untold problems. In the "secession winter" after the election of Abraham Lincoln, 15th president James Buchanan sat back and watched as secessionists seized federal forts and arsenals. By March 1861, when Lincoln finally took office, the Civil War was almost lost before it had even begun. And, in the midst of the Great Depression, Herbert Hoovers lame duck period dragged on interminably and frustrated the public. In response, the 20th Amendment was proposed and adopted. So 20 January 2021 is therefore considered the ultimate hard deadline. And if there are still problems? If the election result is not confirmed and accepted by then, the United States will be plunged into a deeply partisan constitutional crisis and we enter the realm of the unknown. Two months after rallying to save it from shut down, Sydneysiders have been invited to contribute ideas for the Powerhouse Museum's renewal at Ultimo. The museum's chief executive Lisa Havilah is asking for the public's perspective on a reimagined museum experience, including their thoughts on what might turn the museum into a lively cultural hub, drawing workers, tourists and students to the museum day and night. The Harris Street entrance of the Powerhouse Museum in 1988. Nothing is off the table, she said. Not the museum's opening hours, its shows, talks and workshops, children's events, the types of dining opportunities visitors might want even improvements to public entry along Harris Street and its bare forecourt. The museum's original framed entrance was altered in 2005 to make room for the touring hall. Staff and planners have long pointed out the opportunity to orient the museum so it faces Chinatown, while Darling Harbour brings visitors in from the CBD. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Democrat of Washington, DC, speaks about the 101st anniversary of the House passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, as well as current voting issues, during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, on May 21, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Confederate History Must Be Preserved, Not Erased: Washington Delegate Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.) said in a written statement on Wednesday that Confederate history in D.C. should be recognized and not forgotten, while monuments in public places should reflect the values of D.C. residents. All our statues and public places, whenever they were placed, tell the story of our city. They must be preserved to assure that story and history are complete. At the same time, to forego any notation of Confederate or slave affiliation is inexcusably incomplete and ahistorical, Norton said in a written statement. We must acknowledge all our history, not become complicit in erasing it. Norton told The Epoch Times that the Confederate statues must be preserved in museums so history is available for citizens to learn from. Norton, who introduced the bill for D.C.s statehood, believes the residents of the district should have a voice in Congress and have a hand in determining what street names and monuments are erected in their city. Most important, for most of its 219 years as a city, the District has had no self-government. Unlike other jurisdictions, the residents of this city had no say in the names given or in the placement of statues, Norton said. The topic of Confederate monuments has become a hot button topic since the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died after a police officer restrained him with a knee to his neck for almost 8 minutes. The killing of Floyd ignited protests calling for racial justice in America. Since May, some of the protests have become violent, and led to the vandalism and toppling of Confederate statues. Democrat lawmakers have remained largely silent in response to the forced takedown of statues but Republicans have been vocal about not allowing violent rioters to destroy property, public or private, including Confederate statues. Norton has initiated many efforts to have statues in the District of Columbia removed through a peaceful and legal process, including the recently toppled Albert Pike statue. General Albert Pike was probably the worst of the memorialized Confederates, Norton said. He slaughtered Union troops, a war crime, stole funds and was captured by his own troops. His statue should be preserved in a museum, where it can be properly interpreted. Norton introduced a bill seeking the removal of the Pike statue in October 2017. But it stalled after being handed off to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. She reintroduced the bill last summer. Norton told the Epoch Times that she strongly opposes vandalism and the toppling of statues because she thinks they should not be marred and must be preserved to tell the important story of the history of the United States. In late June, when protesters attempted to topple a statue of former Democratic President Andrew Jackson near the White House and the Emancipation Memorial of former Republican President Abraham Lincoln, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) condemned the violence and toppling of statues. Whether it is a monument of Abraham Lincoln freeing the slave or of four of our greatest presidents, Democrats no longer view the richness of our countrys history worthy. Not only do they want to erase our past, but they also want to radically change the way we live today. The mobs that Democrats encourage destroy property, said McCarthy. Contrary to McCarthys sentiment, Norton has a different view and is introducing a bill to remove the Emancipation Statue, a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln with a freed slave at his feet, from Lincoln Park. Norton told The Epoch Times that the Emancipation Memorial is a reflection of its time. The designers of the Emancipation Statue in Lincoln Park in D.C. didnt take into account the views of African Americans, Norton wrote in a Tweet. It shows. Blacks too fought to end enslavement. Thats why Im introducing a bill to move this statue to a museum. Norton said in June that she is also seeking the removal of the Andrew Jackson statue at Lafayette Square, which stands across the street from the White House. As the countrys seventh president, Jackson owned over 100 slaves and passed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, leading to the Trail of Tears. This prominent location in the nations capital, right outside of the White House, should never have honored a man who owned slaves and was responsible for the deaths of roughly 4,000 Native Americans, Norton said. Jacksons entire tenure is a shameful part of our history, and I will see to it that he is no longer honored with a statue in Lafayette Park. Norton told The Epoch Times she wants the statues and monuments that are in D.C.s public spaces to reflect the values of the residents and those appointed to represent them in Congress. IAEA says Irans stockpile of enriched uranium stands at more than 10 times the limit set in 2015 nuclear deal. Iran continues to increase its stockpile of enriched uranium in violation of limitations set in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, but has begun providing access to sites where the country was suspected of having stored or used undeclared nuclear material, the United Nations atomic watchdog agency said on Friday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in a confidential document distributed to member countries that Irans stockpile of enriched uranium now stands at more than 10 times the limit set in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. As of August 25, Iran had stockpiled 2,105.4kg (4,641.6 pounds) of low-enriched uranium, up from 1,571.6kg (3,464.8 pounds) reported on May 20. Iran signed the nuclear deal in 2015 with the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China and Russia. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it allows Iran only to keep a stockpile of 202.8kg (447 pounds). The IAEA also reported that Iran has been continuing to enrich uranium to a purity of up to 4.5 percent, higher than the 3.67 percent allowed under the JCPOA. It said Irans stockpile of heavy water had decreased. The deal promised Iran economic incentives in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. But in 2018, President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the US out of the deal, saying it needed to be renegotiated. Since then, Iran has slowly scaled back against the restrictions in an attempt to pressure the remaining nations to increase incentives to offset new, economy-crippling US sanctions. Those countries maintain that even though Iran has been violating many of the pacts restrictions, it is important to keep the deal alive because the country has continued providing the IAEA with critical access to inspect its nuclear facilities. The agency had been at a months-long impasse over two locations thought to be from the early 2000s, however, which Iran had argued inspectors had no right to visit because they dated to before the deal. Last week, Iran announced it would allow the IAEA access to the two sites, following a visit to Tehran by the organisations Director General Rafael Grossi. The IAEA said Iran had granted its inspectors access to one of the two sites. Iran provided agency inspectors access to the location to take environmental samples, a separate IAEA report seen by the AFP news agency said on Friday. The samples will be analysed by laboratories that are part of the agencys network, it added. The report said an inspection at the second site will take place later in September 2020 on a date already agreed with Iran. Defene minister Rajnath Singh will meet his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghi on the sidelines of a key Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet in Moscow on Friday, amid heightened military tensions between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. The meeting is scheduled for 9.30pm, said sources. This is the first major political contact between India and China since the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) unilaterally changed the status quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May 2020 in east Ladakh. The Chinese side had conveyed to the Indian mission its keenness to have a meeting between the two defence ministers, hoping for a resolution to the border standoff, and the Indian side has accepted the proposal. Singh and Wei are currently in Moscow to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers on Friday. News18 had earlier reported that the South Block has given the go-ahead for Singhs meeting with his Chinese counterpart. The meeting was arranged at the behest of both sides mutually to find a way out of the current standoff in Ladakh with both the Indian Army and PLA deployed in full strength to counter each other. This comes even as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday underlined that he was totally convinced that the solution to the situation on the LAC has to be found in the domain of diplomacy. And I say that with responsibility. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a tense border row in eastern Ladakh for nearly four months now. Tensions flared again in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake four days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to Indias move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. India on Thursday said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a direct result" of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations. The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) that squarely put the blame on China for the prolonged border standoff came even as Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat asserted that Indias armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in best suitable ways". And the concocted tale of how the 17-year-old boy came to be on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, during a civil disturbance, how he shot three people, killing two, simply doesnt pass the smell test. Who arms themselves with an AR-15-style rifle, leaves home and drives to another state to defend a business belonging to somebody else, a stranger to whom he has no connection? Were asked to believe Rittenhouse and other members of a right-wing street gang styling itself a militia gathered in Kenosha from a sense of public spiritedness? Please. For a bigger load of equine ordure, youd have to visit a stable. No, their purpose was clear as an angels conscience. They took to the streets looking for trouble. And Rittenhouse found it. Suspension of the Question Hour, or the first 60 minutes of a Parliament session in which lawmakers seek direct replies from ministers, has become a issue for the Opposition parties. But sifting through Parliament data showed that this will be the first time that there will be a temporary suspension of the Question Hour. In the past, the Question Hour had been suspended during wars and the Emergency. However, this time around the Opposition parties are arguing that there are no such exigencies and have alleged that the government is running away from answering their questions. 1962 winter session During the India-China war of 1962, Parliaments winter session had skipped the Question Hour. The Session was to commence on November 11, 1962, but due to the Chinese aggression, it was advanced, a parliamentary report said. The war had started on October 20 and lasted until November 21. From October 26, Parliament also made a special provision: it started daily from 12 noon instead of 11 am. While the original schedule was for 34 days, ultimately the session conducted legislative business for 26 days. 1971 winter session In December 1971, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced the unconditional surrender of Pakistan, it saw the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh. Parliaments winter session was in progress --- Gandhi had made that announcement in the Lok Sabha -- while the country was still at war. According to PRS legislative research, Parliamentarian Hari Vishnu Kamath had suggested that Parliament of the nation must continue to be in session and have the privilege of advising and guiding the government in this emergency. During the 1971 war, too, the daily schedule was changed. From December 6 to 23 (due to Pakistani aggression), hours of sittings of the Lok Sabha were changed to 10 am from 1 pm and the Question Hour and Calling Attention matters were suspended, according to the official data. The Emergency (June 25, 1975 March 21, 1977) During the Emergency, imposed by the Indira Gandhi regime, Parliament continued to function but without Question Hour in at least two sessions. Between June 1975 and March 1997 when the Emergency was in place five parliament sessions were to be conducted. The monsoon session of 1975 the first after the declaration of the Emergency didnt have a Question Hour or time for Opposition MPs to ask questions to different ministers. The winter session of 1976, too, didnt have a Question Hour. Several constitutional amendments were cleared hurriedly during this period. One of the most significant one was the 42nd Amendment that added the words Socialist and Secular to the Preamble to the Indian constitution. 2020 monsoon session Unstarred questions, or written questions that ministers need to reply to, would be allowed during the monsoon session of Parliament, but the Question Hour would remain cancelled, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The decision has been taken at a time, when the Opposition parties have protested against the move not to schedule the Question Hour. They have called the decision an attempt by the government to avoid being questioned, and have also described it as a bid to curb their rights. The unstarred questions would have to be submitted to the secretariat and answers would be provided on the day the question is listed (it would also be uploaded on the website), the people cited above said. However, oral or starred questions will not be allowed -- in the interests of time -- and to ensure that the number of people in Parliament is kept low (when a question from a ministry is listed to be asked as a starred one, key ministry officials are expected to be present in Parliament). The session may also not allow private member bills through which Members of Parliament (MPs) seek policy or legislative changes and the Zero Hour through which MPs raise current issues may also be limited to just half an hour. These changes have been necessitated following an unprecedented coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak in the country. The monsoon session is scheduled to start on September 14 and end on October 1 without any weekend breaks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As the names of the 12 players who were being released by the Eagles began to trickle out Thursday, there were a few surprising names that wound up on the waiver wire as the team tried to trim their roster to the required 53-man limit. While some of the names released will wind up on the practice squad, a few could be scooped up by other teams. Sign up for Eagles Extra: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text directly with reporters The Eagles will hold their collective breaths hoping some of the names clear waivers. Here are three of the most surprising takeaways after Thursdays moves. The Eagles are keeping (so far) three running backs. It came as a little bit of a surprise that the Eagles released Elijah Holyfield, Michael Warren, and Adrian Killins all on the same day. Warren, who was believed to be an intriguing power back coming out of Cincinnati, did not have a standout training camp. Killins was thought to have an outside chance of possibly making the team after playing both running back and slot receiver, but he was also a casualty. The biggest surprise out of the three was Holyfield. Holyfield ran angry and authority during training camp. He also added a little bit of attitude, providing what from the outside looked like fun exchanges between him and the defenders trying to tackle him, at times drawing the ire of the defenders on the sideline yelling 3333, Holyfields number. There is a good chance that two of the three could be signed to the practice squad, most likely Holyfield and Killins. Grayland Arnold was released, and Craig James remains on the roster. Grayland Arnold was one of the most highly touted undrafted free agents brought in by the Eagles, but Arnold was one of the players included in the first wave of cuts. Signed out of Baylor, Arnold was another name that was expected to be one of the names who could wind up on the final roster, mostly due to his ability to play both cornerback and safety, a nice cog to have in a positionless defense. The Eagles believe they have their backup center already on their roster With the release of Luke Juriga, a 6-feet, 4-inch, 301 pound center, the Eagles believe that second-year guard Nate Herbig can take over the role in case Jason Kelce has to leave the field. Herbig has the ability to play center as well. Juriga received a lot of looks at the center position during camp, but it was not meant to be. If Juriga is not picked up by another team, he could very well wind up on the practice squad. Get Eagles text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text directly with beat writer Chris Franklin. Plus, exclusive news and analysis. Sign up now for a free trial. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Madagascar on Thursday said it had fired its health minister as part of a government reshuffle, a move that came a month after he butted heads with the president for seeking outside help for coronavirus. The Indian Ocean island-nation saw COVID-19 cases surge in July despite an official campaign to promote a controversial herbal drink touted as a remedy for the virus. As hospitals raised concern about lack of beds, Health Minister Ahmad Ahmad wrote a letter in July asking international agencies to send medical equipment. His appeal sparked anger in President Andry Rajoelina's administration, which said Ahmad had acted "without consulting" either the government or head of state. Ahmad's cabinet exit was revealed on Thursday in the announcement of a new list of ministers following a reshuffle. "Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao has been named new health minister," cabinet secretary Valery Ramonjavelo told a press conference, without giving details about the change. Rajoelina has been promoting an infusion derived from artemisia, a plant with proven anti-malarial properties, as a homegrown cure for COVID-19. The drink, named Covid-Organics, has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa. The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that there have been no published scientific studies to validate claims for the drink, and mainstream scientists have pointed to potential risks from untested concoctions. Rajoelina has ignored the warnings and blamed a jump in cases last month on "increased testing capacity". Madagascar's coronavirus outbreak seems to have slowed since then, with new daily confirmed cases dropping from peaks of over 400 in July to an average of around 80 since Monday. To date the country has recorded more than 14,000 infections, of which 177 deaths have been fatal. str-sch/sn/ri Justice Hans Linde, former Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court and longtime instructor at Willamette University College of Law, passed away on Monday. He was 96. Linde and his family left Nazi Germany in 1933, ultimately settling in Oregon. He attended Lincoln High School and Reed College before graduating law school from U.C. Berkeley. Linde clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas and worked for Oregon U.S. Senator Richard Neuberger before joining the University of Oregon School of Law, where he taught for nearly 20 years. In 1977, Linde was appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court, where he served until 1990. Justice Linde then joined Willamette University College of Law, first as a Visiting Professor, then as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence. Oregon has lost a giant of the law, said Norman Williams, Ken and Claudia Peterson Professor of Law. Indeed, Lindes intellectual vigor was felt at every scale, from the beginning to the end of his career. At Willamette, Justice Linde taught an extremely popular state constitutional law seminar, attended both by students and by numerous junior scholars at the school. For those of us who joined the faculty in the 2000s, said Professor of Law Paul Diller, Hans left an indelible imprint on our scholarly work, reading drafts of law review articles and offering extraordinarily helpful feedback. Diller remembers Lindes insatiable appetite for intellectual engagement: If your office door was open and Hans was walking down the hall, he was likely to engage you for the next hour on a legal issue. Jeff Dobbins, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Professor of Law, added, Those conversations were remarkable, as Hans usually left you with a completely new perspective on a legal topic that you thought you had already considered from all sides. Justice Linde is celebrated as one of the most influential state court judges in the country, with numerous law reviews highlighting Lindes pathbreaking work on state constitutional interpretation. A 2007 symposium on the occasion of his retirement from teaching was published in Volume 43 of the Willamette Law Review. Justice Linde was dedicated to improving the law, and did so not only through his academic writing but also in very practical ways. He served on the Oregon State Constitutional Revision Commission in the 1960s and helped create the states official law reform body, the Oregon Law Commission, which he served on for many years. Even after Justice Linde retired from teaching, he remained a constant presence in the work of his colleagues at Willamette and throughout the legal community. Justice Linde and his wife, Helen, were married for over 75 years, and had two children. Our thoughts are with his family this week. We also celebrate the innumerable intellectual offspring that Justice Linde left behind, in the form of statutes, constitutional provisions, law review articles, books, opinions, legal tests, and the many, many former students, clerks and colleagues who benefitted immeasurably from his intellectual vigor, curiosity, and skill. Hans was a mentor to everyone, remarked Associate Dean of Faculty & Van Winkle Melton Professor of Law Laura Appleman. Justice Linde had a positive impact on the Willamette legal community that will last generations. Barometers were trading near day's low in early afternoon trade. At 12:26 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, declined 424.52 points or 1.09% at 38,566.42. The Nifty 50 index slipped 121 points or 1.05% at 11,406.30. Weak global cues and rising COVID-19 cases triggered selling. Ongoing geo-political tensions between India-China also weighed on the sentiment. The broader market corrected after rising for three days. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index fell 0.45% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index lost 0.4%. The market breadth was weak. On the BSE, 957 shares rose and 1474 shares fell. A total of 180 shares were unchanged. Derivatives: The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, spurted 5.4% to 21.61. The Nifty September 2020 futures were trading at 11,403.20, at a premium of 10.3 points compared with the spot at 11,392.90. The Nifty option chain for 10 September 2020 expiry showed maximum Call OI of 29.19 lakh contracts at the 11,500 strike price. Maximum Put OI of 20.78 lakh contracts was seen at 11,300 strike price. The Nifty option chain for 24 September 2020 expiry showed maximum Call OI of 19.67 lakh contracts at the 11,500 strike price. Maximum Put OI of 30.39 lakh contracts was seen at 11,000 strike price. Buzzing Index: The Nifty Auto index gained 0.86% to 8,118.85. The index has jumped 3.55% in four trading days. Maruti Suzuki (up 3.12%), Ashok Leyland (up 1.87%), Amaraja Batteries (up 1.22%), Tata Motors (up 0.76%), TVS Motor (up 0.6%) and Hero MotoCorp (up 0.5%) were top gainers in automobile segment. Stocks in Spotlight: Jubilant Industries tumbled 4.07% to Rs 151 after the company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 3.10 crore in Q1 June 2020 as against net profit of Rs 9.55 crore in Q1 June 2019. Net sales during the quarter slumped 37.9% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 94.32 crore. On the segmental front, revenue from agro products stood at Rs 54.32 crore (up 9.9% YoY) while the revenue from performance polymers stood at Rs 40.31 crore (down 60.9% YoY) in June 2020. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) fell 1.15%. The EPC major on Friday said its defence arm secured a significant contract from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for supplying four regiments of Pinaka Weapon Systems. As per the L&T's classification, the valuation of the 'significant' order stands between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 2,500 crore. The announcement was made during market hours today, 4 September 2020. Sebi's New Margin Requirement: Introduction of new margin requirement in the cash segment from 1st September also put pressure on the bourses. As per the new rule, it is mandatory for brokers to collect margins from investors upfront for any purchase or sale of shares. Failing to do so will attract a penalty. Sebi had initiated a change in margin collection norms from 1 September, but the process did not see a smooth pick-up, as it was marred by tech glitches and chaos. This chaos has resulted in a significant fall in derivative positions. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) issued a circular on Thursday, extending the deadline for the imposition of penalty on brokers for not collecting adequate margins by fifteen days till 15 September 2020. COVID-19 Update: Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 26,220,930 with 867,630 deaths. India reported 8,31,124 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 68,472 deaths while 30,37,151 patients have been discharged, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Athens denied a statement by NATOs Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that Greece and Turkey had agreed to technical talks to defuse tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greek diplomatic sources said the only way to de-escalate was for Turkey to withdraw its warships from Greek waters. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg tweeted on Thursday night that following his discussions with the two leaders, the two allies have agreed to "enter into technical talks at NATO to establish mechanisms for military de-confliction to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the Eastern Mediterranean". However, Greek diplomatic sources immediately stressed that the announcement of "alleged technical talks in NATO does not correspond to reality." The sources said they took note of Stoltenbergs intention to work to establish de-escalation mechanisms within NATO. "However, de-escalation is only the immediate removal of all Turkish ships from the Greek waters," Euroactive cited the sources as saying. According to Greek media reports, Stoltenberg expressed to the national permanent delegations to NATO in Brussels his intention to suggest technical talks between Greece and Turkey. But Athens never gave its agreement, nor did Stoltenberg talk to the Greek prime minister or foreign minister, the sources suggested. Tensions between Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, have escalated dangerously in recent weeks after Turkey decided to send seismic vessel Oruc Reis, accompanied by Turkish navy ships, into Greek territorial waters. S eventeen people have been injured after the Waverley Steamer crashed into a pier, just weeks after resuming sailings. Emergency services were called to the scene at Brodick Pier, on the island of Arran off the west coast of Scotland, on Thursday evening. Some 213 passengers and 26 crew were on board at the time the steamer smashed into the pier, officials said. The Waverley Steamer, the worlds last seagoing paddle steamer, resumed sailings last month having been halted due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick and a Helimed have been sent, along with Arran coastguard rescue team. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland remain at the scene. Graham McWilliams, who was a passenger on the steamer, told BBC Scotland's The Nine he head a "loud bang" when the boat collided with the pier. "As we came into the pier, everything seemed quite normal," he said. "Then there was a sudden crash, a loud bang, and the boat stopped very quickly. I saw people falling and it was quite distressing." Coastguards are working with other agencies to ensure everyone is taken safely from the vessel. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed. The owner of a Rumson jewelry store was charged with theft Thursday after he did not return jewelry valued over $260,000 that was left at his store to be sold or redesigned, according to a release from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Anthony Goltsch, of Manchester Township and owner of the Golden Goose jewelry store, was charged with theft by failure to make required disposition of property received following an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. The prosecutor began investigating after the Rumson Police received complaints from three customers over the last few months, the office said. The first customer reported that between July and August 2017, she consigned two rings valued at over $180,000 for sale at the store and still had not received any money for them or had them returned to her despite numerous requests by her, authorities said. A second customer said she consigned eight pieces of jewelry worth about $59,000 at the store in March 2019 and had also not gotten any money or had any of them returned to her, officials said. The third victim reported that she brought three pieces of jewelry valued at $24,000 to the store in June 2019 so that they could be redesigned but still had not gotten them back despite several pleas to the owner, the office said. Anyone with information about the stores alleged actions was asked to contact Detective Michael Acquaviva of the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, Financial Crimes Unit at 732-431-7160, ext 2233, or Rumson Police Detective Donald Schneider at 732-842-0500. 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. The Justice Department is reportedly planning to bring antitrust charges against Google in the coming weeks after Attorney General William Barr decided to move forward over the objections of DOJ lawyers who say they need more preparation time to prosecute the massive technology company. The DOJs antitrust division opened its probe into Google last summer to investigate the interactions between the tech giants search business and its other revenue streams. Another probe also launched last year is investigating competition concerns related to large tech companies including Good, Amazon, and Facebook. Some of the more than three dozen lawyers preparing the case against Googles parent company Alphabet said they felt the deadline imposed on them by the DOJ to finish their work was arbitrary and could weaken their case, the New York Times reported Friday. The prosecutors have reportedly voiced concerns that Barr was prioritizing the antitrust case in order to take credit for cracking down on a large tech firm during the Trump administration. Justice Department officials instructed the lawyers to finish their preparations for the case by the end of September. The concerns about Googles powerful position in the tech landscape have become a bipartisan concern, but Republicans and Democrats have butted heads over when to bring the antitrust case, each accusing the another of attempting to time the case so it is brought under an administration run by their party. Republicans have charged Democrats with trying to delay the case until a Biden administration. The CEOs of Google, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon testified before the House Judiciary Committee in July as part of the antitrust investigation, a longtime priority for Barr. President Trump has accused Google of bias against conservative content and of trying to illegally subvert the 2020 election, a claim the company has denied. We are watching Google very closely! Trump wrote in a tweet in August of last year, shortly after the Justice Departments antitrust probe was launched. More from National Review Marjorie Taylor Greene, conservative Republican candidate for Georgia's 14th congressional district, has caused outrage online by posting a threatening image to Facebook. The pro-Trump candidate posted a picture on Thursday morning in which she stands holding a firearm next to images of the Squad representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar. Ms Greene describes herself in her Twitter bio as Christian, Wife, Mom, Small Business Owner, Proud American, 100% Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Pro-Trump, #MAGA. The image has now either been deleted or made private on the platform, but the accompanying post remains. It reads: Hate America leftists want to take this country down ... Politicians have failed this country. Im tired of seeing weak, Establishment Republicans play defense. Our country is on the line. America needs fighters who speak the truth. We need strong conservative Christians to go on the offense against these socialists who want to rip our country apart. More follows UK drug giant AstraZeneca on Friday announced that it is beginning Phase 1/2 clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine candidate in Japan. The trials of the COVID-19 vaccine, known as AZD1222, will be conducted at multiple facilities in Japan and will be tested on 250 patients, said the company in a statement. The British company is working with Daiichi Sankyo, JCR Pharma and other partners in Japan to make and distribute the vaccine. The small-scale trials would be done on 250 subjects in multiple facilities across the country. Phase one and two tests are done on small groups of people to see whether the COVID-19 vaccine provokes the immune system and if there are any side effects. Meanwhile, volunteers from the UK, US, Brazil and South Africa have already been injected with the experimental drug and are being monitored by scientists. Following an announcement, earlier this week, 30,000 volunteers from the US were taking part in the final stages of the COVID-19 vaccine trial. Currently, over 50,000 people are testing - AZD1222 - around the world. Sarah Gilbert, Oxford's Professor, said that preliminary data from trials in some countries could be expected in the coming weeks. AstraZeneca further stated that the trials are also planned in Russia, where there have been a million coronavirus cases. AstraZeneca and the Oxford scientists have promised to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year. Also Read: GDP CONTROVERSY: At -75% 'annualised' GDP, India still the worst performer Also Read: Hacking of PM Modi's personal website's Twitter handle not related to earlier attacks Also Read: JEE,NEET Exams to go ahead, Supreme Court rejects states' plea to review order MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI -- Theres no other way to say it, 2020 is a bit of a downer. Fortunately, Miller Lite has provided an opportunity for a weekend escape to 1975 through its Miller Timeshare, a Midwest pad dripping with 70s decor. Miller Lite was introduced nationally in 1975. The property, which could be rented exclusively on Hotels.com for $96 per night, is located in Muskegon County on Mona Lake. End of summer travel looks a little different this year, said Courtney Dugan, director of activation for Miller Lite. But its still time for Miller Time, so Miller Lite created the Miller Timeshare, a groovy space for a small group to get together, put on a record, crack open some beers, and escape 2020 for a couple days. Miller Lite took what once was an everyday lake house and completely overhauled to take people back in time to 1975. The Miller Timeshare is complete with mod furniture, a bomb avocado-colored kitchen, groovy shag carpets, nifty house plants and funky wood paneling. The pad also features a stellar game room with a pinball machine, old school record player and throwback 70s board games. The Wi-Fi is also cut because Instagram can wait, authentic connections cant. Unfortunately, rentals for the timeshare sold out very quickly when they became available on Friday morning. However, you can see some photos below. The groovy master bedroom features funky patterns and a retro mini bar complete with Miller Lite and old school snacks.Miller Lite The party doesnt stop indoors your crew can hit the patio for some fresh air and fireside hangs.Miller Lite The kitchenMiller Lite Mona LakeMiller Lite The European Union's top diplomat called on Thursday for Washington to reverse its sanctions on International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and another member of the ICC, calling the measures "unacceptable and unprecedented". The United States blacklisted Bensouda on Wednesday over her investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan, under sanctions authorised by President Donald Trump in June that allow for asset freezes and travel bans. Sanctions were also imposed on Phakiso Mochochoko, the head of the Hague-based ICC Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division. "The sanctions ... are unacceptable and unprecedented measures that attempt to obstruct the court's investigations and judicial proceedings," Josep Borrell said in a statement. Washington should "reconsider its position and reverse the measures it has taken", he said. The U.S. sanctions reflect the Trump administration's view that the tribunal threatens to infringe on U.S. national sovereignty. They are the latest move by Washington to go against the stance of long-standing European allies, which have largely supported American policy and whose trade and security ties are intertwined with the United States. The EU condemned Trump's decision to halt funding to the World Health Organization in April and says Trump's withdrawal from other treaties and accords undermines Western priorities. (Reuters) An Austrian businessman has lost a High Court fight with the woman he lived with for 20 years over the ownership of a company - and been criticised by a judge. Mr Justice Cobb said Peter Andreewitch, 57, used his intellect to 'control' French former partner Magali Moutreuil and consigned her to a 'subservient role'. He said Mr Andreewitch had been 'patronising and dismissive' towards 44-year-old Ms Moutreuil. The pair were involved in a dispute over the ownership of a company Mr Andreewitch set up, and the home they shared in London. Mr Andreewitch and Ms Moutreuil both claimed total ownership of the Grade-II listed Chelsea home - a few doors from the cottage where Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh once lived - in which they raised their children. Mr Justice Cobb, who considered evidence at a virtual hearing in the Family Division of the High Court, has ruled in favour of Ms Moutreuil. Austrian businessman Mr Andreewitch (left) 57, used his intellect to 'control' French former partner Magali Moutreuil, 44, (right) and consigned her to a 'subservient role', the judge said, ruling in favour of Moutreuil in a dispute over the ownership of a company and home He heard that Mr Andreewitch, who ran a property and development business, set up the Pier Investment Company nearly 30 years ago The company had owned their home in Chelsea, estimated to be worth more than 2 million. Mr Andreewitch had transferred all shares in the company to Ms Moutreuil 20 years ago. Ms Moutreuil said Mr Andreewitch had been determined to 'divest himself' of any interest in the shares, so as to 'avoid the claims of creditors and potential creditors'. She says he wanted her, rather than a business partner, to be the owner of their home. Mr Andreewitch disagreed and argued that he 'at all times' had been the 'beneficial owner' of the company shares. The judge concluded that the shares in Pier were 'owned legally and beneficially' by Ms Moutreuil. Mr Justice Cobb said, in a written ruling on the dispute, that Mr Andreewitch was 'intelligent.' The judge said he was sure Mr Andreewitch had many qualities, but he added: 'For much of the relationship he has used this intellect but also his rigid and insensitive personality to control (Ms Moutreuil). 'I find that his attitude towards (her) both historically and in the course of his evidence was both patronising, and dismissive.' He went on: 'The evidence reveals him to have been unreasonable and hostile in his relationship with her, little recognising her qualities, and consigning her to a subservient role within the household.' The battle escalated earlier this year when Ms Moutreuil won a court order that could have seen her former partner committed to prison for contempt of court over financial breaches relating to the house row. But Mr Andreewitch successfully challenged the order in the Court of Appeal, where top judges found that he had not received a fair trial when he faced off against Ms Moutreuil in the divorce courts. The Court of Appeal in London heard that the seed of the row over who gets the multi-million pound mortgage-free former family home, were planted in July 2000 when the couple had been together just two years. The house had been owned since 1993 by Mr Andreewitch through the company. After their relationship broke down in 2017, but whilst they were still living together in the home with their kids, Mr Andreewitch 'began to insist to Ms Moutreuil that she had no rights or interests in the property.' However Ms Moutreuil refused to back down to pressure from her wealthy former partner, who the court heard has a number of 'UK properties' as well as having previously invested in real estate in eastern Germany. Ms Moutreuil was company secretary for Pier Investment Company LTD between 2000 and 2015. During their family court battle earlier this year, Mrs Justice Lieven said Ms Moutreuil's case was that while feeling a 'moral obligation' to her former partner, 'she has outright ownership of the shares and property.' 'Mr Andreewitch's position is that she has no interest whatsoever in the property and shares,' the judge added. The judge went on to find that Mr Andreewitch had breached a freezing order imposed in March 2019 banning either of the warring couple from withdrawing money from the bank account of the company through which the house is owned, except for legitimate company reasons. The couple both claim they should have sole ownership of their home, estimated to be worth more than 2 million, in Chelsea (pictured). The house was owned by the company Mr Andreewitch had set up when he transferred all shares to his wife Ms Moutreuil said that her former partner had flouted that order and 'effectively used the bank account as his personal piggy bank, making regular payments out of it,' both before and after the freezing order was made. But Mr Andreewitch insisted that all payments out of the company account were legitimate, being either his salary, repayments of loans he had made to the business, or money to cover the company's legal expenses. Mr Justice Lieven dubbed Mr Andreewitch 'an unreliable witness' and concluded: 'I have found that he did breach the order and did so in deliberate and full knowledge that he was in breach of it.' But the Court of Appeal overturned that finding because the divorce judge had failed to inform Mr Andreewitch that he had the right to remain silent at the committal application brought by his former partner. The property investor, who was representing himself without the help of a barrister, underwent a lengthy cross examination about payments made from the account before the judge found he had breached the freezing order. It had been 'a serious procedural irregularity' for Mr Andreewitch not to have been told by the judge that he was not obliged to answer any of the questions he faced, given that he was potentially facing jail, said appeal judge Lord Justice Peter Jackson. 'The right to silence is a core element in criminal proceedings and proceedings of a criminal character....This is particularly important when considering procedural matters where a person's liberty is at stake,' he added, allowing Mr Andreewitch's appeal in a judgment given last month. The National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council of Ukraine has approved the composition of a working group to monitor the observance of election legislation by TV and radio broadcasting companies during the campaign for the upcoming local elections. The relevant decision was approved at a meeting of the National Council on September 3, the press service of the regulator reported. The working group will be headed by Executive Secretary of the National Council Yuriy Zinevych. Member of the National Council Maksym Onoprienko has been appointed as deputy chairman of the working group. The working group will include Chief of Staff of the National Council Serhiy Kucheruk, heads of departments and experts, reads the report. It is noted that the working group will analyze information in electronic media about the election campaign in line with the Laws of Ukraine "On the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council of Ukraine", "On the Television and Radio Broadcasting" and the Electoral Code of Ukraine. Local elections in Ukraine will be held on October 25, 2020. iy OTTAWAThe fall will bring new risks in the COVID-19 pandemic along with colder weather and indoor family holiday gatherings, Canadas chief public health officer warned Friday. With the final long weekend of the summer season upon us, Dr. Theresa Tam said Canadians need to consider their own risk factors and the details of plans for any in-person gatherings with friends and family. And they should be asking themselves some important questions, she said. Are you at high risk of developing serious complications if you become infected? Tam asked rhetorically. Or if you would have to self-isolate, would this seriously disrupt your upcoming plans? Knowing the people youre with does not protect you from catching the virus that causes the respiratory illness, Tam warned. And Canadians need to consider whether people they live with are at high risk of contracting the virus, she said. After months of dealing with the novel coronavirus, government agencies, employers and individuals understand COVID-19 better now, so the situation Canadians are facing is different from the one in the spring when the disease first began to spread widely, Tam told reporters in Ottawa. But there is renewed concern that the number of cases could balloon out of control still. An average of 525 COVID-19 cases a day have been reported in Canada the past week, a noticeable uptick from earlier in the summer, and schools are reopening across the country. In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford criticized hosts of backyard parties, whom he blamed for new cases in his province. Friday, Ontario reported 148 new COVID-19 infections, nearly half of them in a suburban region just west of Toronto. Tam said contagion in private settings is a major concern now, but at the same time local health authorities will order fresh closures and reductions in public activities if theyre needed to suppress new outbreaks. Those shouldnt be needed if people follow public health advice, she said. British Columbias top doctor warned this week that there is the potential for an explosive spread of COVID-19 cases over the Labour Day long weekend. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry urged B.C. residents to choose smaller gatherings over larger ones over the weekend in a continuing effort to keep case numbers low. Choose to spend time with your household bubble instead of a group of strangers and choose to use those layers of protection wherever you go, Henry said Thursday. Quebec Premier Francois Legault declared Friday that the contagion was under control in his province, despite authorities there reporting more than 180 new COVID-19 infections for the second consecutive day. Still, Legault urged Quebecers to be prudent ahead of the long weekend. I am asking you not to let your guard down, he said. Tam said downloading the governments COVID Alert app is one way to mitigate the risks of catching and spreading the illness unknowingly although it is currently only operational in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Quebec has said it does not plan to use the app, but announced Friday that it will launch its own alerting system. Health Minister Christian Dube told a Montreal news conference the system will allow regions to be designated by zone, depending on the number of COVID-19 cases found in those regions. Details of the system were to be revealed Tuesday, although Dube compared it to the warning notice boards already found in certain parks in Quebec. As of Friday, Canada had recorded 130,834 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 9,140 deaths. Porcelain has promoted exchanges between the East and the West since the Roman times, and an ongoing exhibition of white porcelain, being staged in the United Kingdom through October, tries to open up a dialogue between the ancient and the modern. The special display Blanc de Chine, a Continuous Conversation at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London showcases 31 sculptures created by six contemporary artists from across the world and inspired by Dehua white porcelain. Dehua is a county in Fujian province on China's east coast. Kilns in the area started producing ceramics during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and the skill of local craftsmen in making porcelain with a cream-colored glaze reached its zenith during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Figures of religious deities, vases and other porcelain products were then exported in large quantities to Southeast Asia and to Europe along ancient maritime trade routes, earning themselves the French name "blanc de Chine", or "white from China". Dehua still thrives as a prominent porcelain town in China to this day. The influx of white porcelain into the European market also inspired porcelain collection and patronage. Augustus II the Strong was perhaps the best-known Chinese porcelain aficionado, and it was through his efforts and decree that the first European fine porcelain factory in Meissen, Germany, was established. Since then, the manufacture of porcelain has flourished in Europe. "Across four centuries, porcelain makers have shared a spirit of inheritance, honoring traditions and natural materials from the soil," says Li Xiaoxin, curator of the display. "The refined Dehua white porcelains have communicated oriental aesthetics and timeless beauty. "This display invites viewers to join this great journey, to immerse themselves in the glamor of these works and the ingenuity of their makers." The display is separated into two parts. The museum's China Gallery mainly shows various historical Dehua porcelain items, such as tea sets, cutlery and home decorations, made in China and in Europe, selected by Li from the museum's existing collection. The Ceramics Gallery displays the aforementioned artworks sculpted by six contemporary artists and inspired by "blanc de Chine". The two parts intertwine in some places, such as the juxtaposition of a figure of Guanyin (the goddess of mercy in Chinese Buddhism) from the museum's collection with a fourth-generation ceramist Su Xianzhong's work Meeting. Su's experimental works are shown alongside a figure of Luohan (a senior disciple of Buddhism) made by his great-grandfather Su Xuejin, founder of a prominent Dehua ceramics studio. The idea of the arrangement is kindled by a coincidence. "When I visited Su's studio, I presented him a picture of the figure of Luohan from the museum's collection, and he recognized it as his great-grandfather's work. I examined the object and found Su Xuejin's seal on the back of the figure, which confirmed his theory," Li says. Su's work inherits his family tradition of making Buddhist figurines, while experimenting with new elements and avant-garde styles. "Through these juxtapositions, visitors will get to understand how porcelain traditions are being inherited, and how creators respond to those traditions," says Li. The artworks of the contemporary artists interpret the porcelain traditions from their diverse backgrounds and contemporary artistic languages. Peter Ting, a Chinese-British designer, integrates Blanc de Chine elements, such as gestures and adornments of the Guanyin and porcelain flowers, into modern interpretations of tea sets, vases and "flower bowl" cylinders. Chinese artist Liang Wanying uses figures from the ancient literary opus The Classic of Mountains and Seas to build a poetic space of whiteness. Dutch artist Babs Haenen applies a unique technique to the white porcelain, and presents a colored sculpture mimicking a historical piece from the museum's collection. The works of American artist Jeffry Mitchell and South African-born British artist Lucille Lewin are the result of a two-week artist residency in Dehua, as they explore the materiality of porcelain clay and combine their own artistic tastes. The former head of the museum's Asian department, John Ayers, describes Dehua artisans as "making not only the sublime, but also the ridiculous", and the display is indeed a footnote to the diversity of styles and artistry of "blanc de Chine". Labor Day is here, a time when we normally celebrate the end of summer with a barbeque and cooler weather. This year, because of COVID-19, were asking people to socially distance. So why not take the opportunity to think about why we have the holiday in the first place? As Americans we appreciate times of intensity well the countrys founding, sacrifices of war, or death of a great civil rights leader. What we sometimes forget is the worth of everyday work and what that daily grind means to our lives. Thats why Labor Day was created. Think about it. When you see orange barrels, do you think about the risk and sweat those folks repairing roads are going through? Probably not, as it means youre delayed. But without those workers putting it all out there on blacktop we wouldnt be able to commute, visit our families, or in better times see a movie or game. To these road workers: thank you. How about the store? When youre picking up bread, milk, chile or some chicken for dinner, do you recognize the work it took grow the crops, feed the animals, process the food, transport it to the store and stock the shelves? All that means we can eat, and food should never be taken for granted. To these farmers, truckers and grocery store workers: thank you. And in this pandemic, some work means even more because of the risk taken for essential jobs that we all need. Teachers get a bad rap. Some falsely accuse them of working nine months, lazily going through their days as babysitters. However, as many parents are more involved in daily online learning, the revelation on just how damn hard the job is and how much our educators do is now intimately revealed. When they go back to the classroom, theyll risk working with lots of people indoors. But they will do it because they love our kids. To all the teachers; thank you. Health care jobs are life-and-death to start with. The risks of COVID make them even tougher. My sister is a VA doc, and in May did a stint in the Bronx right after the virus spiked in New York. One day she had to tell a hard-of-hearing vet in his 70s that he had cancer, trying to communicate through two masks and a face shield. Her story is hard, and the fact that almost 1,000 American health care workers have died from this terrible disease makes it harder. To all of you first responders, techs, nurses and doctors; thank you. We in the Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham administration honor our workers with concrete policies. We partnered with the Legislature to increase the minimum wage and are doing more to prosecute wage theft. We continue to fight for more health care access, and we increased pay for teachers significantly. Weve also protected all New Mexicans, including many front-line workers, in this COVID crisis with mask mandates, COVID-safe workplace regulations and travel restrictions. To all New Mexicans, thank you for following these practices and decreasing the COVID spread. This is a hard time, but by keeping our heads up and supporting our friends and neighbors with hard work and respect, we will get through this together. And as you mask up and socially distance over Labor Day, please take a second to reflect on how important workers are to you and your family. When you get a chance, thank one. San Francisco police officers and other city employees have been able to use a dozen gyms during the pandemic, mostly inside police stations, despite the fact that private gyms have been closed to the public for several months. The Department of Public Health said Thursday that it does not support the Police Departments use of indoor gyms, but health officials cant put a stop to it because San Franciscos health order allows departments to decide what is an essential function. The story was first reported by Mission Local. Michael Andraychak, a spokesman for the Police Department, said in a statement that it is essential for the departments gyms to be open because SFPD personnel, as a condition of their employment, are required to maintain their physical fitness. The Department requires sworn members perform and pass a physical fitness exam every six months (twice annually), he said. Because of these requirements and the periodic testing, the SFPD has private gym facilities at all locations throughout the city of San Francisco and they continue to operate in consultation with our Health partners. The fact that the city has allowed any indoor gym to open has rankled private gym owners, who say it is an unfair double standard. The hypocrisy is pretty evident, said David Karraker, co-owner of MX3 Fitness in the Castro neighborhood and a representative of the San Francisco Independent Fitness Studio Coalition, a group of about 100 small fitness businesses in the city. Karraker said the coalition was formed in May when we realized that the city didnt have any plans or guidelines for reopening fitness, and we needed a voice with city officials. The members have been lobbying the city to let their gyms reopen. Many private gyms in the city are small businesses. And they all are struggling and dying, Karraker said. Such is the latest coronavirus-related frustration experienced by San Francisco business owners, who have complained that some of the citys shifting health orders are arbitrary and confusing. It also comes as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was criticized for getting her hair done inside a salon earlier this week, despite city rules that prohibit indoor hair appointments. Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to open outside Wednesday. Indoor gyms are poised to open at the end of the month, though they will be limited to one-on-one or individual sessions. City employees can access the San Francisco Police Departments 12 gyms around the city for an annual membership fee. Andraychak initially said the gyms in SFPD facilities are for SFPD personnel and he is not aware of anyone other than SFPD personnel using the gyms. However, photographs obtained by The Chronicle show signs posted at the entrance of the gym at the Hall of Justice which reopened July 1 suggest that anyone who works in the building may buy a membership. When pressed further on who uses the gyms, Andraychak said since the Hall of Justice is a shared building, the sheriffs office, district attorney, probation department, courts and public defenders may be able to join the gym as members. The Police Department closed its gyms in early April, and reopened them several weeks later after reviewing safety and cleaning protocols as well as occupancy limits, Andraychak said. Members must wear masks, practice social distancing and clean equipment before and after use. Gyms are frequently cleaned by custodial staff. It is unclear how many people are allowed into the gyms at once. Meanwhile, gym owners like Karraker are praying that they will be allowed to open indoors albeit at a very limited capacity by the end of the month. But, he said, if city-run gyms have been able to open and operate, then it should be a good indicator that private gyms can open sooner with the proper safety measures. It is an incredible double standard, he said. Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani HOUSTON, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lummus Technology today announced that its Novolen business has been awarded a contract by Lukoil NNOS for a petrochemical facility in Kstovo, Russia. Lummus' scope includes the technology license for a 500 kta polypropylene unit as well as basic design engineering, training and services, and catalyst supply. "This award demonstrates how major operators such as Lukoil have tremendous confidence in our best in class polypropylene technology," said Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology. "We are grateful to Lukoil for expanding our longstanding relationship with this new contract, especially as we continue to expand in Russia, a critical market where Lummus has had a strong presence for decades." The award increases the total amount of licensed volume for Novolen technology worldwide to more than 17 million tonnes per annum. Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH licenses polypropylene technology and provides related engineering and technical support/advisory services. Novolen also supplies NHP catalysts for the production of high performance polypropylene grades and NOVOCENE metallocene catalyst for the production of special polypropylene grades. About Lummus Technology With a heritage spanning more than 110 years and a focus on innovation that has resulted in approximately 130 technologies and 3,400 patents, Lummus Technology is the global leader in developing and implementing process technologies. We are a Master Licensor of petrochemical, refining, gasification and gas processing technologies, and a supplier of catalysts, proprietary equipment and related services to customers worldwide. To learn more about the new Lummus, visit www.LummusTechnology.com. SOURCE Lummus Technology, LLC Related Links www.LummusTechnology.com UPPER EAST SIDE, NY An Upper East Side community board committee voted unanimously this week to move forward with a possible resolution backing the construction of a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge between Queens and Manhattan. The vote Wednesday night followed a presentation by Samuel I. Schwartz, a former city traffic commissioner who is now a main force behind the push for the new, car-free bridge, which comes amid a surge in cycling during the coronavirus pandemic. No major bridge has been built into the city's central business district since the Manhattan Bridge was completed in 1909, Schwartz told Community Board 6's transportation committee. The existing infrastructure does little to accommodate cyclists only 1 percent of the 3.8 million people who enter the Manhattan business district daily do so on a bicycle. "Ive been thinking about this for well over a decade," Schwartz said. That led Schwartz, along with a group of other engineers and the firm T.Y. Lin International, to design the Queens Ribbon, a sleek suspension bridge that would link Long Island City in Queens, Roosevelt Island, and Midtown East. The plans were first revealed in June. The bridge itself would cost an estimated $100 million, Schwartz said, plus about $50 million to construct the terminus points on each end. It would be about 20 feet wide, with separated lanes for bicyclists and pedestrians. The bridge would be about 20 feet wide, with separated lanes for bicyclists and pedestrians. (T.Y. Lin International) The main concern raised by board members Wednesday was the bridge's cost, given the city's dire pandemic-era financial state. In response, Schwartz pointed out that the timeline between a project's concept and approval often lasts up to seven years, meaning the funding would not be needed until around 2027. Plus, he argued, real estate developers may be willing to contribute, given that the bridge would terminate near the sought-after Long Island City development site formerly eyed by Amazon for its canceled headquarters. Schwartz also pointed to the dozens of major construction projects that the city embarked on during the Great Depression, arguing that the current crisis was no different. Story continues Ultimately, Schwartz aims to construct a total of three pedestrian bridges, with the others connecting Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan, and Manhattan's West Side with New Jersey. (Sam Schwartz Engineering/Christina Roman) "The biggest thinking occurred during the most dire times in our history," Schwartz said. Board member Ann Seligman also suggested that the bridge should terminate on East 48th Street in Manhattan rather than East 51st, the current plan to encourage closing the remaining gap on the East River Greenway. Schwartz said the terminus spot was flexible. The committee's 11 members voted unanimously to bring a resolution to the full board calling for the bridge to be built. Ultimately, Schwartz aims to construct a total of three pedestrian bridges, with the others connecting Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan, and Manhattan's West Side with New Jersey. City Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said in June that she and her team would consider Schwartz's proposals. The bridge would also need state approval in order to be built. This article originally appeared on the Upper East Side Patch Syracuse, N.Y. -- After a string of sure-feels-like-fall days, hot weather returns to Central New York just in time for kids to return to school. Today through Sunday, temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70s, with lows dipping into the 50s overnight. Starting on Labor Day, highs climb into the mid to upper 80s for a few days. While we probably wont set any records, Monday through Wednesday could each make the top 10 warmest list for the date. That fits the pattern for summer 2020, which tied for the third-hottest in Syracuse since records began 118 years ago. July 2020 was the hottest month on record. Many school districts will start classes, as they traditionally do, the day after Labor Day, but in non-traditional ways due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Some will conduct hybrid learning, with students in the building two days a week and learning online the other three days. The Syracuse City School District, the regions largest, will start school Sept. 14, but with online classes only until at least Oct. 2. If you like summer, savor next week. By next weekend, high temperatures are likely to be down in the 70s, with nighttime lows dropping back to the 50s. Thats typical for this time of year. The first half of the month is likely to be about normal, or a bit warmer than normal, but the switch turns to cool in the second half of the month, which is expected to be colder than normal. READ MORE We just sweated through Syracuses hottest month on record After a hot summer, Upstate NY expected to have warm fall New York school districts must report coronavirus testing data daily, Cuomo says Vallejo officials have agreed to pay $5.7 million to the family of Ronell Foster, who was shot and killed by a Vallejo police officer in February 2018. The officer, Ryan McMahon, was cleared of wrongdoing in January by the Solano County District Attorneys Office, which declared McMahons deadly use of force justified after an investigation that included body camera footage. But Fosters family brought a federal civil rights lawsuit against McMahon and the city. Vallejo officials announced the settlement Friday. The city itself will pay the Foster family only $500,000. The rest will be paid by the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities, a municipal insurance provider. The Foster family is happy the truth has finally come out, Adante Pointer, a lawyer for the family, said Friday. Ronell did not deserve to die, Pointer said. True justice would be to see Officer McMahon walking into court as a criminal defendant. What the family found most disturbing are the lies the city put out to justify his death when they knew the whole time Ronells death was not justified and the officers conduct flat-out wrong. Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams indicated his intent to fire McMahon in March, based in part on his conduct during another fatal shooting, that of 21-year old Willie McCoy. The termination is pending, a spokeswoman for the city said. In a March letter to McMahon that was made public, Williams said McMahon endangered the lives of other police officers, neglected basic firearm safety and demonstrated unsatisfactory work performance including, but not limited to, failure, incompetence, in connection with the McCoy incident. McMahon was temporarily placed on paid administrative leave following the fatal shooting of Foster, but was later cleared to return to duty. One year later, he was one of six officers who shot and killed McCoy, who was asleep in a car in a Taco Bell drive-through lane. Vallejo police spokeswoman Brittany Jackson declined to provide details about McMahons leave, calling it a pending personnel matter. McMahon was paid $219,433 in salary and benefits in 2018, the year he shot Foster, according to public records. 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. Foster, 33, was riding a bike in downtown Vallejo without a headlamp the evening of Feb. 13, 2018, when he was spotted and pursued by McMahon, who later told investigators that he stopped Foster in order to educate the public on the dangers that this person was creating for himself and the traffic on Sonoma Boulevard. After a brief pursuit, McMahon said, Foster grabbed his metal flashlight and tried to strike him during a physical altercation, prompting McMahon to open fire. Foster died at the scene after being shot in the back of the head. Police later said McMahon had no choice but to use deadly force after Foster threatened him with the metal flashlight. Dark, grainy body camera footage released by the Vallejo Police Department at the time did not clearly show whether Foster presented the flashlight in the threatening manner that police described in statements following the shooting. Fosters family disputed the Police Departments account of the encounter. Nora Mishanec is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @nmishanec Chandigarh, Sep 4 : Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge Suvir Sehgal on Friday recused himself from the hearing of an anticipatory bail application filed by former Punjab DGP Sumedh Singh Saini in a 29-year-old disappearance-cum-murder case. Earlier, Justice Amol Rattan Singh had recused from the bail plea case. "We are left remediless in an anticipatory bail matter," Saini's counsel APS Deol told the media here. Last week, the SAS Nagar Additional District and Sessions Judge had dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Saini. The former Director General of Police then approached the High Court for anticipatory bail in the murder case of former CITCO employee Balwant Singh Multani. The Punjab Police had on Thursday denied withdrawal of security detail of Saini who, it said, had absconded after leaving his security personnel behind. A spokesperson for the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the extra-judicial killing case that was converted into a case of murder, denied the allegation of Saini's wife that the ex-DGP's security had been withdrawn, thus endangering his life. Contrary to what had been claimed by Saini's wife in a letter to DGP Dinkar Gupta, there had been no change whatsoever in the security detail and all the necessary equipment, including the security box and jammer vehicle, were provided to the former police chief, who is a 'Z' plus category protectee of the state government, the spokesperson said. The fact of the matter was that Saini seemed to have left his Chandigarh residence without Punjab Police security personnel and security vehicles, including the jammer vehicle, on his own, thus jeopardising his own security, the spokesperson added. The kidnapping case was related to a bomb attack on Saini by the Khalistan Liberation Force militants in 1991. At that time, he was the Senior Superintendent of Police in Chandigarh. He survived with injuries, but his three security personnel were killed. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Multani's disappearance began in 2007 against Saini but he got relief from the Supreme Court and the probe was stopped. Based on a fresh complaint, a case was registered under Sections 364 (kidnapping or abduction in order to murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 344 (wrongful confinement), 330 (voluntarily causing hurt to exhort confession) and 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy) in SAS Nagar adjoining Chandigarh on May 7 against Saini. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati says all options are on the table when it comes to diversifying the local tourism experience due to COVID-19. He said Labour Day typically signals the end of the peak tourism season, and industry representatives have adopted measures to keep visitors, employees and the community safe during the health crisis. Im very confident with the companies that Canada has arrangements with that were going to have a vaccine this fall, and that this wont repeat itself, said Diodati. But should it repeat itself, Id say weve learned a lot of lessons from this experience, and all things are on the table. He pointed to the success of the temporary closure of part of Centre Street to vehicle traffic as something that could be emulated in the citys other tourism areas. Diodati said a lot of ideas came up including possibly making Clifton Hill and Niagara Parkway, between Clifton Hill and Murray Hill, pedestrian-only, excepting the Wego bus system and service vehicles. We are having those kinds of discussions, because if we truly want to evolve into the next level for tourism we need to get people committed, he said. Were one of the few great wonders of the world that you can jump out of your car, take a selfie, and keep going without making a commitment. You cannot do that at the Eiffel Tower, you cannot do that at the great pyramids, so why is it to you can do it at Niagara Falls? I think we learned, through COVID, the benefits of closing down roads and opening it up to a more pedestrian-friendly experience. Niagara Falls Tourism president Janice Thomson agrees industry leaders need to examine all options. I think thats been one of the lessons of COVID, she said, adding the local tourism sector is made up of such a resilient group of businesspeople. They are always looking for whats the right thing to do and whats going to help the businesses, and keep us all sharp and competitive, she said. Thomson said shes not aware of any review of possible street closures, such as Clifton Hill or any section of the Niagara Parkway. Im sure everything is on the table to look at what works, whats going to help the businesses succeed and whats going to deliver that memorable visitor experience, she said. Its a reminder to all of us that we cant stand still we have to look at new options. We do need to talk about everything, and we also have to remember that above all else were working on the safety of the visit. David Adames, chief executive officer with Niagara Parks Commission, said the board has not had formal discussions about possible road closures, but its an intriguing idea. Some of the commissioners have raised the idea about some additional pilot projects of looking at road closure, or partial (closure), but we havent formalized that yet, he said. Adames said a couple of years ago, Niagara Parks expanded its pedestrian promenade by installing a bigger sidewalk between Table Rock and Murray Hill. We did that at the time because of the size of the visitation we were receiving. We thought it would be a better guest experience by having that larger sidewalk space on the east side of the road, he said. Thank goodness that we did have that in place for this year, because it did give that opportunity for more physical distancing. Adames said when it comes to enhanced cleaning, Niagara Parks has standardized products and procedures across its properties. More than ever, he said, it is offering a combination of virtual and in-person experiences. We created niagaraparks.com/virtual, an online, digital hub for users to experience the best of Niagara Parks from home. Of course, we do want to encourage people to come out and experience Niagara Parks. He said one of the big things officials noticed this year is visitors wanting to discover or rediscover nature. Niagara Parks has expanded its health and wellness program to include yoga and meditation at its outdoor, natural attractions. Quantum bits, or qubits, can hold quantum information much longer now thanks to efforts by an international research team. The researchers have increased the retention time, or coherence time, to 10 milliseconds - 10,000 times longer than the previous record - by combining the orbital motion and spinning inside an atom. Such a boost in information retention has major implications for information technology developments since the longer coherence time makes spin-orbit qubits the ideal candidate for building large quantum computers. They published their results on July 20 in Nature Materials. "We defined a spin-orbit qubit using a charged particle, which appears as a hole, trapped by an impurity atom in silicon crystal," said lead author Dr. Takashi Kobayashi, research scientist at the University of New South Wales Sydney and assistant professor at Tohoku University. "Orbital motion and spinning of the hole are strongly coupled and locked together. This is reminiscent of a pair of meshing gears where circular motion and spinning are locked together." Qubits have been encoded with spin or orbital motion of a charged particle, producing different advantages that are highly demanded for building quantum computers. To utilize the advantages of qubits, Kobayashi and the team specifically used an exotic charged particle "hole" in silicon to define a qubit, since orbital motion and spin of holes in silicon are coupled together. Spin-orbit qubits encoded by holes are particularly sensitive to electric fields, according to Kobayashi, which allows for more rapid control and benefits scaling up quantum computers. However, the qubits are affected by electrical noise, limiting their coherence time. "In this work, we have engineered sensitivity to the electric field of our spin-orbit qubit by stretching the silicon crystal like a rubber band," Kobayashi said. "This mechanical engineering of the spin-orbit qubit enables us to remarkably extend its coherence time, while still retaining moderate electrical sensitivity to control the spin-orbit qubit." Think of gears in a watch. Their individual spinning propels the entire mechanism to keep time. It is neither the spin nor orbital motion, but a combination of them that takes the information forward. "These results open a pathway to develop new artificial quantum systems and to improve the functionality and scalability of spin-based quantum technologies," Kobayashi said. ### This work was supported in part by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, the U.S. Army Research Office and the Tohoku University Graduate Program in Spintronics. A self-described "100 per cent Antifa" protester linked to the fatal shooting of a Donald Trump supporter claims he had no choice and acted in self-defence, according to a preview clip from an interview with him. Aaron "Jay" Danielson, a member of the conservative group Patriot Prayer, was shot and killed in Portland on 29 August after a caravan of the president's supporters had driven through the city's streets. In an interview set to air on Vice News on Thursday night, Michael Forest Reinoehl said it was important the say what happened "because there's been a lot of propaganda put out there". "You know, lots of lawyers suggest that I shouldn't even be saying anything, but I feel it's important that the world at least gets a little bit of what's really going on," Mr Reinoehl said in a preview of the Vice interview. "I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of colour. But I wasn't going to do that." While Mr Reinoehl, 48, says he has not been arrested or charged, police sources confirmed to The Oregonian that he was under investigation after estranged family members identified him to authorities. The Army veteran and father of two told Vice that he's been providing "security" at Black Lives Matter protests in Portland. In a 16 June Instagram post, Mr Reinoehl wrote that every revolution needs people willing and ready to fight. "I am 100 % ANTIFA all the way! I am willing to fight for my brothers and sisters! ... We do not want violence but we will not run from it either! ... Today's protesters and Antifa are my brothers in arms," he said. Mr Reinoehl was identified in images of the incident by his 36-year-old sister from the distinctive "black power" fist tattooed on his neck, which can be seen in the video preview for Vice News' interview. "On the one hand, this whole thing surprises the daylights out of us, because we always thought he is a lot of bark, not a lot of bite," she told The Oregonian. "But he's also been very impulsive and irrational." Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough again took to social media to urge Gov. Greg Abbott reopen the state 100 percent, noting the survival rate of COVID-19 in Montgomery County is about 99 percent. In an emotionally charged video posted to Facebook Thursday, Keough called the pandemic response madness noting the initial predictions of the virus infecting more than 100,000 people in Montgomery County and 20 percent loss of the state population have not even come close to coming to fruition. In fact, as of Friday, the county has 9,164 total cases. Of those, the county has had 123 deaths, an increase of three from Thursday. There are still 1,294 active cases with just 23 Montgomery County residents hospitalized with the virus. However, those predictions prompted President Donald Trump, Abbott and the county to declare disasters regarding the virus forcing the shutdown of all non-essential businesses, schools, churches and some government offices. That effort, Keough said, was to avoid overwhelming hospitals with virus patients. We did the stay at home, we did what they told us to do, we never came close to overwhelming the hospitals, Keough said regarding the efforts to stop the spread of the virus. Ninety-nine percent of those who test positive are surviving. Keough said the national and state response to COVID-19 at the slow process to reopen has damaged the economy putting hardships on many families and businesses. You know what we arent going to survive? Gov. Abbott I am speaking to you, Keough said. We are not going to survive the destruction of our economy. Our restaurants, our hotels, our major businesses and one in five of churches will never ever open again. Our microbreweries, our bars we have picked and chosen certain groups to be successful and certain groups not to be. When is this madness going to end? He added families are hurting in this cooped up quarantined mindset mentality. Listen, Governor, I know you have mentioned you will do something next week, Keough said. I am pleading with you, asking you on behalf of the people of Montgomery County and the rest of the state of Texas, if you are going to do something, open us up 100 percent. Dont piece meal this. on Friday, the Montgomery County Public Health District reported three more COVID-19-related deaths, including a Conroe man in his 50s who died in the hospital; a Woodlands man in his 70s who died in the hospital; and a Woodlands woman in her 70s who died in hospice care. All three patients had existing medical condition in addition to testing positive to COVID-19. Total hospitalizations of both county and noncounty residents increased to 58 with 20 of those patients in critical care beds. The county will be closed in recognition of Labor Day Monday and the next COVID case update will be Tuesday. Online registration is still available for COVID-19 testing in Montgomery County. To get a voucher, go to mchd-tx.org or mcphd-tx.org and click on the need to be tested link. Fill out the information. A voucher will be emailed. Once you have the voucher, make an appointment at your choice of testing centers and get tested. For more information, the MCHD/MCPHD COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 936-523-3916. cdominguez@hcnonline.com Peel police have charged three men and a woman with fraud of over $1 million. Police said, during the months of August 2014 and December 2019, the suspects were identified as being involved in paramedic clinic schemes in Peel region. The group allegedly helped set up accredited professionals with clinic businesses associated with the healthcare and insurance field. After representing themselves as reputable business partners, the suspects defrauded money through false insurance claims and redirected clinic funds for their own benefit. The fraud is in excess of $1.06 million. Mohammad Omar Mansoury, 32, from the Township of Nobleton has been charged with defrauding the public, uttering threats and criminal harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court in Brampton on Nov. 9. Homayra Mansoury, 27, and Rameen Wida, 38, both from the Town of New Tecumseh have been charged with fraud over $5,000. A charge of fraud over $5,000 against a Nobleton man was withdrawn in August, 2021. Homayra Mansoury, Wida and Mohammed Sobhan Mansoury are scheduled to appear in court in Brampton on Nov. 23 Police said the investigation continues. They believe there may be additional victims in and outside of the GTA. Anyone who may have had any contact with any of the suspects is asked to contact police. Anyone with information can get in touch with fraud investigators at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Update Oct. 19, 2021: This article was updated to note that a charge against a Nobleton man was withdrawn. Raneem Alozzi is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @r_alozzi Read more about: Slamming Chinas plan to further tighten control over Tibet, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has said that if voted to power, his administration will sanction Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in the remote Himalayan region. Noting that the Chinese government recently announced plans to further tighten control over Tibet, thereby continuing to erode the human rights, religious freedoms, and dignity of the Tibetan people, the former US vice president said that these are only the latest efforts by Beijing to crush ethnic minorities that seek to preserve their distinct culture, language and beliefs. My administration will sanction Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Tibet, and step up support for the Tibetan people, including by expanding Tibetan language services at Radio Free Asia and Voice of America to get information from the outside world into Tibet, Biden said. Biden vowed that as president he will meet with the Dalai Lama, appoint a new Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, and insist that the Chinese government restore access to Tibet for US citizens, including American diplomats and journalists. Where (President Donald) Trump has turned a blind eye, a Biden-Harris administration will stand up for the people of Tibet, Biden said. In his statement, Biden alleged that Trump has been weak on his China policy. Once again, the silence from President Trump has been deafening, as he focuses instead on his empty trade deal with Beijing and protecting his very good friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Its disgraceful, though not surprising, that Trump is the first American president in three decades who has not met or spoken with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he said. Trump hasnt even fulfilled the statutory requirement to appoint a Special Coordinator to lead Americas efforts on this vital issue. Its no wonder Chinas leaders believe they have a free hand to deepen repression in Tibet, just as they have in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Biden said. A day earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called upon Beijing to enter into dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions, to reach a settlement that resolves their differences. Were also concerned about Chinese actions in Tibet, in light of the general secretarys recent calls to Sinicise Tibetan Buddhism and fight splittism there, Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday. Chinese President Xi last week said that efforts must be made to fully implement the partys policies on governing Tibet for a new era. Xi, also the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party, also spoke of sinicisation of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibet remained deeply devoted to Buddhism where the Dalai Lama is revered as the spiritual head despite his self-exile to India since 1959 after China took control of the remote region in 1950. While Beijing views the Dalai Lama, 85, as a separatist who seeks to split Tibet from China, the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize laureate says he only seeks greater rights for Tibetans, including religious freedom and autonomy. China also opposes any foreign leader meeting with the Dalai Lama. Since 1959, Tibet has been witnessing periodic incidents of violence, unrest and protest against Beijing. China asserts that Tibet has been its part since the 13th century and will remain so forever. Date Set For Trial Of Alleged Killer of Former Chechen Rebel Commander In Berlin By RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service September 03, 2020 A date has been set for the trial of a Russian citizen suspected in killing of a Georgian national and former Chechen rebel commander in Berlin in last year. Berlin's regional court said on September 2 that it will start the trial on October 7 against 55-year-old Vadim Krasikov, who is charged with killing Zelimkhan Khangoshvili. . Khangoshvili was shot twice in the head in Berlin's Kleiner Tiergarten park on August 23, 2019. Khangoshvili had previously fought alongside separatists in Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya and later resided in Georgia. Years later, he moved to Germany with his family, where he had been seeking asylum. German prosecutors have accused Russia of ordering the killing, which Kremlin has denied. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will mark his 68th birthday on the day when Krasikov's trial starts, has publicly called Khangoshvili "a militant, involved in killings of dozens of people during the military conflict in Chechnya." The investigative website Bellingcat has said that Krasikov was a contract killer who grew up in Kazakhstan. With reporting by Deutsche Welle Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/date-set-for-trial -of-alleged-killer-of-former-chechen -rebel-commander-in-berlin/30818633.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 Beachgoers enjoy a warm, sunny day ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend near the San Clemente pier on Wednesday. (Los Angeles Times) Its Friday, the cusp of a Labor Day weekend thats going to be a scorcher in much of the state, and we know what youre thinking. Because were thinking it too. Its been a scary, frustrating and exhausting six months since the novel coronavirus showed up and turned daily life into a sort of dystopian hellscape. As if that werent bad enough, the last few months piled on the unpleasantness with massive civil unrest, abnormal and dangerous weather, wildfires and blackouts, presidential campaign nastiness and a sad and painful reckoning over the nations entrenched racism. Oh, and more than 185,000 people dead in the U.S. from COVID-19. It sure would be nice to escape all the bad news this Labor Day and gather with friends and maybe a family member or two or five for a cookout or bonfire, or to lounge around someone's pool to escape the roasting temperatures while saying ciao to a bummer of a summer. Yes, it would indeed be nice but were not going to be fooled again and hope you won't either. Recent experience shows what could happen if we prematurely let down our guard, not to mention our face masks, while the coronavirus is still freely circulating. Its a recipe for a giant toxic cocktail that may be refreshing in the moment but packs a killer hangover: a COVID-19 comeback. Remember what happened on Memorial Day? Coronavirus cases in the state were declining in late May, as were the numbers of people hospitalized with COVID-19, suggesting the end of the first wave was near. The state quickly lifted the lockdown, too quickly it turns out, allowing residents to flock to restaurants, stores and what were we thinking? bars and nightspots. Meanwhile, people opened their doors to family members they hadnt seen in months, which proved to be one of the most significant sources of the virus spread, and turned out in the thousands to protest the police killing of yet another unarmed Black man. The cost of this splurge of risk-taking became apparent within weeks, as COVID-19 cases soared and hospitals began filling up again. The problem was then exacerbated by Fourth of July revelry. In mid-July, Gov. Gavin Newsom reinstated some business closures until the caseload declined. The second wave of lockdowns seems to have worked, and now cases in the state and the county are back on the decline, at least for the moment. Story continues We can help keep it that way by honoring the hard lessons learned earlier this year. The coronavirus is still very much present in Los Angeles. To date, there have been more than 245,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with younger people accounting for most of the recent spread, and at least 5,934 deaths. The picture may be improving, but Los Angeles County is still a virus hot spot and ranks at the bottom of governors new four-tiered system for determining which counties are safe enough to reopen more businesses and resume more activities. The danger this year will be compounded by the excessive, possibly record-breaking heat forecast for the weekend, even at the beaches. For example, temperatures in downtown L.A. are predicted to hit a high of 108 on Sunday. High heat can be just as deadly as the coronavirus, especially if the power goes out. And it may if electricity demand once again outstrips supply. The heat brings extra virus peril too because it may drive cookouts and gatherings inside. Thats a problem because the virus spreads much more easily in enclosed areas, with everyone breathing the same air, than it does outdoors. This is not to say we cant celebrate Labor Day safely and without losing the power. But it means thinking small and focusing on the little joys of life. A socially distanced walk with one dear friend. An early morning hike on one of the region's many trails. Sitting in front of the fan with an interesting book. Playing with the kids or dog in the sprinkler. A family outing to the beach (just don't let others crowd under your umbrella). Soaking in a blow-up kiddie pool on the balcony or patio. Delivering a grilled meal to family members at high risk for COVID-19. Raising a glass with your partner at sunset to toast the reopening of hair salons and barbershops. Hooray for haircuts! It's been a long, strange terrible summer, and we're glad it's nearly over. But the relief will be short-lived if we celebrate our way heedlessly into a long, strange and terrible fall. The Pentagon recently commissioned a brand new prototype of a particular supersonic Air Force One that could actually one day be capable of bringing the president from one place to another around the world at nearly twice as fast as the speed of sound reaching its destination just half of the current travel time required. The Air Force has already awarded a whole 24-month, $1 million contract towards Exosonic, a particular start-up aerospace company that is currently developing a sort of passenger aircraft that is capable of flying at Match 1.8 speeds that go supersonically overland and overwater capable of a muted sonic boom, according to the company's very own website. The contract was previously announced back on Monday by nonother than the Air Force's both Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate. Aircraft capable of flying at Mach 1.8 The speed of being able to fly at Mach 1.8 means that the jet plane should be capable of reaching a speed of 1,380 mph! Exosonic will also be tasked with a reimaging of the new presidential plane that has to be able to factor in certain variables that include power, dimensions, weight, the cabin layout, and the communication systems. This is what the Air Force Material Command said to Military.com. According to the Exosonic CEO known as Norris Tie, by being able to utilize Exosonic's very own boom softening techniques, they will be able to travel both overland and underland at supersonic speeds all of which are pending regulations. This makes them possible of roughly reducing their total cruise time up to half in comparison to the existing aircraft. It was also stated that the future for global rapid passenger transportation is in low-boom supersonic flight. The low-boom gives travellers the chance to fly at certain supersonic speeds without actually generating disruptive booms for those who are left on the ground. Read Also: How to survive a plane crash 101, brought to you by British Airways Exosonic win on the Air Force One Exosonic is very excited to win the contract as this actually represents not just commercial but even government promise for the future of low-boom supersonic travel. Air Force One uses the highly customized next-level Boeing 747-200B series aircraft that is commonly described as a sort of three-level "flying Oval Office". The Boeing 747-200B is actually one of the fastest planes in the whole world right now. The plane is capable of going at a top speed of up to 600 mph, which is very close to the speed of sound. When flying, the Air Force One is already capable of reaching a total maximum altitude of up to 45,100 ft or roughly 8.5 miles in the sky. For comparison sake, a typical commercial airline usually just reaches 30,000 ft or roughly almost 5.7 miles. Airforce One has been carrying the President through thick and thin. The Pentagon is pushing for a shift towards the future by looking towards a new Presidential Jet. Read Also: Solar Powered Plane Completes Three-Day Nonstop Flight Across The Pacific This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Urian Buenconsejo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Mumbai, Sep 4 : Amitabh Bachchan is back at work, and is loving it. The veteran actor has tweeted about his hectic schedule that includes campaign films, outfit change, still shoots sand more. "T 3648 - yooo .. hooo !!! .. back to the grind and work .. 4 campaign films .. 5 outfit changes .. 4 still shoots .. 5 hrs one day .. other than me everyone else looking like they ready for a 'heist' .. and tomorrow on to KBC .. !!" he posted on his verified Instagram account along with a collage of photos that seem to have been taken during the still shoots. Rapper Badshah commented: "Unstoppable." Actor Maniesh Paul also wrote: "Yesss more power to you Sir... Keep inspiring." Meanwhile, Big B is set to return as host of the popular TV quiz show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" in its season 12. The first promo of the new season is out, with Bachchan inspiring people to overcome setbacks and turn them into comebacks. This is Big B's first shooting assignment after he was discharged from hospital after recovering from, Covid-19. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kannada actor Ragini Dwivedi has been arrested on Friday evening for her alleged involvement with a drug trafficking syndicate in Bengaluru. Central crime branch sleuths, who questioned Ragini through the day for her alleged links with others involved in the drug peddling case, arrested her after her two homes in Bengaluru were searched. On Thursday, two suspected drug peddlars Ravishankar and Rahul Shetty, were arrested by the CCB. Ravishankar, a Karnataka government transport department employee, was allegedly a close aide of Ragini, because of which she was summoned for questioning. RELATED NEWS Urmila Matondkar to Kangana Ranaut: Start Fighting Drugs from Your Own State Himachal Pradesh 30-year-old Ragini, who has over 25 films to her credit and has won the SIIMA award eight years back, had consulted lawyers abt the case too. She had evaded questioning on Thursday citing illness. On Friday, she appeared before the CCB. Shetty, a known name in the Kannada film circle, is a close friend of another prominent actor Sanjjanaa Galrani, who has acted in many South Indian languages. Her role has also been investigated, though she said she only knew shetty through film networks. As far as I know, he is a nice person, he has acted for small roles. If he has done something wrong, I dont know why my name is getting mixed up in this," said Sanjjanaa. There are 12 persons accused in the sou motu case taken up by the police in West Bengaluru. So far, four of the 12 have been arrested. Another arrested person is Viren Khanna, who was picked up by CCB inspectors from Delhi. He is allegedly a well connected individual who organises big parties. Ravishankar was suspended from his government job. CCB has been working on this for the last one month," said Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant, at a press conference Friday evening. The investigation has been based on inputs gleaned during the interrogation of the three, besides checking their phone records. It is now widening to the second layer of their networks, Pant said. They (Ravishankar and Rahul) procured drugs from a foreign national. We have zeroed in on that national as well. Certain information are given by him on past incidents. Our officers are working on that," Pant said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, September 5 2020 The deal signed by Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emblematic of the topsy-turvy world in which we currently live. The deal, which would allow for the normalization of the Jewish state of Israel and an Arab nation like the UAE, is important on so many levels, yet key architects of the deal, people like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, are so lacking in any moral authority that we automatically suspect that some sinister motives lie behind it. But whatever the ulterior motives of everyone involved (Netanyahu needed this deal to shore up his slumping popularity from a corruption scandal), the fact of the matter is that the normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE is a major milestone in Middle Eastern politics. The last time an Arab country signed such an agreement was when Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994. And other Arab states appear to have warmed to the idea that Israel is no longer the enemy. Following the first commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that it would allow any flights going to and from the UAE to fly over its territory, a decision that would give Israel access to the kingdom's airspace. 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 An environmental watchdog says it has found "scientifically valid evidence" that Alberta's oilsands tailings ponds are contaminating groundwater sources. The report was released Thursday by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, an independent international organization tasked with implementing an environmental side accord to the North American free-trade pact. "Based on the scientific tools used today, the current literature shows that there is strong scientifically valid evidence of oilsands processed water seepage into near-field groundwater around tailings ponds when compared with the first peer-reviewed evidence published in 2009," says the report. Tailings ponds, such as the ones used by oilsands mining operations north of Fort McMurray, Alta., collect by-products from oilsands mining operations a mixture of water, sand, residual bitumen and other hydrocarbons that the industry calls "processed" water. Many of these by products are toxic and environmentalists have long warned of the risks of leaks from tailings ponds, while the residual oil that covers the ponds can trap migratory birds. These massive ponds are bordered by outer walls of dirt built to hold back the tailings water which, as the report notes, "is an acutely toxic substance containing, among other things, naphthenic acids and heavy metals." For years it's been unclear whether pollutants detected in waterways near oilsands operations came directly from plant operations or from bitumen already in the soil. WATCH: Environment Minister wants to see a solution to Canada's tailings pond problem Although tailings ponds may be leaking into groundwater, the commission found there is less evidence to suggest it's seeping into surface water sources like the Athabasca River, which runs adjacent to one of the oldest oilsands tailings ponds. "The literature shows that there is no evidence of dissolved bitumen-derived organics (natural or anthropogenic) being detectable in any water samples, although a major challenge to spotting any seepage is dilution in a very large river," the report states. Story continues 'Canada needs to take greater action': First Nation The Commission for Environmental Cooperation launched its probe of tailings ponds after environmental groups including Environmental Defence Canada filed a submission in 2017 that accused the federal government of failing to enforce the federal Fisheries Act by not prosecuting oilsands producers over the "alleged leaking of deleterious substances." The Commission for Environmental Cooperation cannot issue binding rulings. Rather, it reports its findings. "To me, the evidence is really clear," said Dale Marshall, a program manager for Environment Defence. "It tells us that the federal government is not upholding its responsibility to protect human health and the environment." One of the First Nations communities downstream from the oilsands operations, the Mikisew Cree First Nation, has for years raised alarm bells about leaking tailings ponds. Melody Lepine, a band member and director of the nation's government and industry relations arm, is calling on the government to act and enforce its regulations. "We cannot accept that these tailings ponds pose no risk and it's business as usual," Lepine said. "Canada needs to take greater action." Alberta government reviewing report The Alberta government's chief scientist, Garry Scrimgeour, said he's still reviewing the report, noting it was just released and the government will "need to take the time to review it." But Scrimgeour said the latest science he's familiar with is not conclusive whether it's possible to distinguish between oilsands contaminants and chemicals naturally occurring in groundwater. He also noted the oilsands industry and government had made significant strides to rehabilitate and reduce tailings ponds with new technology. Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister Jonathan Wilkinson expressed his concern about the independent commission's findings. "The conclusions of the report are very troubling, and certainly they cannot be ignored," Wilkinson said. "The oilsands tailing issue is a problem that we are going to have to address going forward." An official with Environment and Climate Change's enforcement branch said federal testing has resumed after a pause in 2014 to better understand the difference between water that's been affected by oilsands operations and water that has naturally occurring chemicals. "Whenever harmful substances were found, it was impossible for us with the science and technology available at that time to distinguish substances coming from processed water to those that may be naturally occurring in the groundwater," Daniel Smith, a regional director for the department's enforcement, told CBC. In 2019, Smith said, the department resumed its inspections and is applying the recent advances in science to the samples it collected last year. These samples, Smith said, are still being assessed, and no-conclusion has been reached about whether the department will be laying charges. The work on raising and stabilizing the Delfi tanker (owned by Mister Drake PC) that sank near Odesa again caused an oil spill. "The leakage of oil products occurred due to the fact that the vessel continues to be raised and stabilized. The State Environmental Inspectorate will be able to calculate losses for environmental damage only after the Delfi tanker is finally removed from the Black Sea," head of the State Environmental Inspection Andriy Maliovany wrote on Facebook on Friday. According to him, on Thursday, the State Environmental Inspection of Odesa region, examining the water area near the sunken ship, noticed spots and a gray slick of silvery color with a total area of 70 sq. m. Laboratory studies have shown an excess of normalized values of maximum permissible concentrations in water by 5.8 times. To promptly eliminate pollution, representatives of Odesa branch of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority carried out urgent work near the flooded tanker using a sorbent. As reported, the specialists of Cranship LLC on August 26, 2020 put the Delfi tanker sunken near Odesa beach on an even keel. In November 2019, the tanker Delfi under the flag of Moldova sank in the Odesa Gulf. When Jesus gave us the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), He gave us four distinct instructions: go make disciples baptizing them and teaching them. Churches in the Western hemisphere fulfill the fourth instruction (teaching) every week during their sermons and on special occasions theyll do the third instruction (baptizing). But unfortunately, the first instruction (go) is usually interpreted as a special assignment for a subsect (missionaries) instead of the church as whole. And the second instruction (make disciples) seems all but lost on our generation of conventions, concerts, self-help books, scripture tweets and Instagram vlogs. Distribution vs. Discipleship To be clear, I think all the above-mentioned tools are excellent means of sharing the gospel and I applaud my brothers and sisters in Christ for creatively using them to glorify God. But relaying information about God is not the same as walking with someone on their personal journey to saving and mature faith. The former is evangelism, the latter is discipleship. Both are important, but they cannot be seen as interchangeable or replaceable. Its very tempting to focus on evangelism or teaching crowds because you can count the people who have been impacted. Theres also biblical precedent for doing that (Acts2:41). Its easy to get a sense of accomplishment from a concrete number you can measure, especially when that number is big. But we can't mass distribute discipleship. Disciples cannot be made by speaking to crowds - even Jesus didn't do that. Jesus spoke to crowds. But he made sure to teach His disciples privately (and more in-depth concepts) after the crowds went away (Matthew 13:36). The Sower and The Seed Many of us are probably familiar with the parable of the sower and the seed in Matthew 13:3-23. It outlines what happens to seeds when they fall on four different types of soil. For a moment, turn your eyes away from the seed and think about the sower. Hes not a random man; hes a farmer. Does a farmer ever throw seeds on the ground and simply walk away? Wouldnt a farmer water his crops regularly? Give them fertilizer? Check the crops colour and size from time to time to monitor their growth? Figure out why certain crops werent growing and do something about it? Seeds grow because farmers care for them. One-on-One A teacher needs individual information about each student to decipher what they learned, what they still dont understand and what areas still need to be strengthened and reviewed. We would find it ludicrous and unprofessional if, at the end of a semester, a teacher graded a single exam completed jointly by the entire class. Yet we approach the Great Commission in the same way as this teacher. We cannot lump everyone who is listening to a sermon or reading an article under one big nameless, faceless audience, and expect that to be as effective and one-on-one discipleship. If we want to avoid sounding like a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1), we cannot teach them with generic cliches that dont witness to their spirit and apply to their lives in a meaningful way. To do that, we need empathy, compassion and love for our disciples to learn about their unique backgrounds, challenges and giftings. Two-Way Street We can't microwave mentorship. Disciples can only be made through sustained, intimate, personal relationship. It takes quality time: doing activities with each other; serving others together; praying; long conversations; probing questions on both sides; observation and exposure of intimate aspects of each others lives. And if this took Jesus three years, we can't expect to accomplish this in a three-day retreat, a three-hour church service or a three-minute song. Discipleship takes openness and transparency on the part of the mentor too. Outside of the preaching and miracles to the multitudes, the disciples saw Jesus during critical milestones and mundane circumstances: if He was cranky when He got hungry or tired; how He responded to unfair criticism; how He looked at and spoke about attractive women; how He faced the terror of a brutal death on a cross. In the same way, we must allow our disciples to see us up close and personal, to witness how we live out our faith instead of simply speak about it. Our lifestyles are the most powerful teachings anyone will ever hear. Worse than a Slave In the first six verses of Titus chapter 2, the Apostle Paul implores older men and women to mentor their younger counterparts in core values of respect, self-control, faith, love and endurance. He knew the social context they were living in. Slavery was a very prevalent and commonplace practice, a major industry in the economy of that day. Paul knew that, on any given day, slaves could be separated from their parents by being sold, traded or killed by their masters. Thats why Paul, in his wisdom, did not exclusively advise parents to teach their own children. He instructed all older men to teach all younger men and all older women to teach all younger women, irrespective of any biological relationship. In doing so, Paul created a built-in mechanism in the church to ensure all Christians no matter their gender or social status - were being discipled. When we neglect to extend this level of concern and investment in (new and younger) believers around us, we render them spiritually worse than a slave. The protest at the Department of the Taoiseach. Credit: Alena Arlova The Belarussian community in Ireland will hold a March of Solidarity protest in Dublin on Sunday to express support of protests against President Lukashenko in Belarus. This is the third protest organised by the community and will take place at 1pm at the GPO, where the crowd will march to OConnell Bridge, to Trinity College and Grafton Street. Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, has faced a wave of opposition protests since his election victory on August 9. He has denied accusations by the opposition and Western countries that the vote was rigged and has resisted demands to step down. Human rights experts from the United Nations said this week they had received reports of hundreds of cases of torture, beatings and mistreatment of Belarusian protesters by police. The government has denied abusing detainees and has said its security forces have acted appropriately against demonstrators. Lukashenko has accused foreign powers of being behind the protests, but has provided no evidence. The opposition has denied that there is foreign involvement in the protests and NATO has also denied his allegations that it is massing forces near the Belarusian border. The protest aims to remind the people of Ireland of the political prisoners and all those who were tortured and killed during the on-going civil protests in Belarus, said an organiser. A letter was written to Simon Coveney by former Belarussian detective Pavel Mialko, who took part in protests in Dublin several weeks ago, asking the Minister to pose a ban on imports into Ireland from Belarus which are manufactured in violation of human rights. However, the protest on Sunday will call on the release of political prisoners and the prosecutions of activists as well as call the governments and representatives of the international organisation to support democratic processes and Belarus. ROCHESTER, N.Y. During protests over the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, observers spotted a number of police officers with black tape covering the nameplates on their uniforms. The practice has become a common sight across the country, particularly for officers working the growing number of rallies calling for police reform or protests against cases where police have been accused of using excessive force. But is that practice permitted? The Rochester Police Department has a 24-page document outlining the uniform and accessories officers should wear while on duty, called General Order 350. A name tag is one of the requirements, and its placement is described with precision. Members of the Rochester Police Department covered their nameplates during protests outside the Rochester Public Safety Building in downtown Rochester Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. People were protesting news that Daniel Prude, a black man, died after RPD restrained him back in March. "Worn on the right pocket flap, centered one-quarter inch below the top pocket seam on shirts, dress blouse, and leather jacket. To be worn on the right breast of the authorized sweater, on the mounting tab affixed for this purpose," the order reads. Daniel Prude's death: Police used 'spit hood' on Black man who died of asphyxiation But a spokesperson for the Rochester Police Department said Thursday that the requirement had been waived following violent clashes between police and protesters in May. Officers there observed protesters taking their pictures and later found their names and home addresses being circulated on social media. The spokesperson said at least one officer had reported receiving threats of violence against him and his family. The RPD spokesperson said the removal of name tags or covering of sewn nameplates with tape was an issue of officer safety. Elected officials expressed their concerns about the policy. City Council member Michael Patterson said Thursday that officers covering name tags would be "inappropriate," if true. Members of the Rochester Police Department covered their nameplates during protests outside the Rochester Public Safety Building in downtown Rochester Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. People were protesting news that Daniel Prude, a black man, died after RPD restrained him back in March. Deputies who are on patrol with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office are required to wear a badge and nameplate on their outermost garment, according to an MCSO spokesperson. Police officers in Buffalo have come under criticism for putting tape over their name tags during recent protests in that city, according to a report by WGRZ-TV. Story continues Mayor Byron Brown acknowledged Wednesday that members of the Buffalo Police Department had been the target of threats and doxxing by protesters. "People are being very inappropriate and intrusive right now," Brown said at a press conference. "The fairness that people are asking for themselves should apply to everyone." He said criminal charges should be pursued against those making threats against officers, but reiterated that officers should follow the policy for the sake of transparency. "Police also need to act responsibly by displaying their names and badge numbers as they're required to do," Mayor Byron Brown said at a press conference, noting that nametags were required part of the uniform. Officers in Chicago and Seattle have also faced criticism for covering their names with tape while working protests. Earlier this year, the police chief in Portland, Oregon, told officers they could cover the nametags on their outer uniforms with tape that instead shows their city personnel number. Follow Sean Lahman on Twitter: @seanlahman. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Daniel Prude protests: Can Rochester, NY officers cover up name tags? Ontarios public health agency will soon begin evaluating a rapid and purportedly highly accurate COVID-19 test an indication we are edging closer to the day when screening for the virus becomes a routine chore, experts say, while warning that scientific and logistical hurdles remain. If the test functions as claimed offering results in under 20 minutes, with 93.3 per cent sensitivity, using a point-of-care device that functions like a pregnancy test and if it is authorized by Health Canada, Public Health Ontario (PHO) hopes to get a jump on obtaining many more, the agencys lab lead says. Officials have been disappointed in the past by the real-world mileage of other rapid COVID tests. Experts say the Holy Grail of speedy, low-barrier testing is still a ways off, but also that technological improvements are happening quickly. A similar test from the same manufacturer, U.S.-based Abbott, received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week, and caused a stir in the public health world. The Canadian test, Panbio, uses a deep-nostril nasopharyngeal swab, while the American version, BinaxNOW, uses a shallower, more tolerable nasal swab. Both tests would be administered by health-care providers rather than as a self-test available directly to consumers. But any rapid, accurate, point-of-care device would avoid having to route all test specimens through the laboratory, a long journey with many potential bottlenecks. Point-of-care COVID testing will be revolutionary, but the question is can we do it fast enough, in areas where it will be truly promising? said Dr. Vanessa Allen, chief of medical microbiology at PHO. A spokesperson for Health Canada confirmed that the department has received an application to authorize Abbotts Panbio test, and that it will be listed publicly among the other COVID tests under evaluation in the coming days. The National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg acquired a shipment of the devices and will distribute them to labs in different provinces, including Ontario, a PHO lab official said. The PHO lab warned, though, that this shouldnt be interpreted as a sign the Abbott tests necessarily perform better than the dozen or so other point-of-care tests also under evaluation. The Panbio device uses a different technology than most of the others under consideration: it screens for viral antigens, the molecules on the surface of the virus that stimulate the bodys immune response. According to Abbotts website, the first step of the test is to insert a nasopharyngeal swab deep into a patients nostril (the same type of swab used for Ontarios current lab-based tests). The swab is then placed in a tube containing a special solution. A few drops of the solution are dripped onto the testing device. After 15 to 20 minutes, if the solution is positive for SARS-CoV-2 antigens, a line appears in a small window on the device, similar to an at-home pregnancy test. Rapid point-of-care tests are typically less accurate than the array of technology used to test for the virus in laboratories, known as PCR. But the rapid tests make up for their loss of sensitivity with speed and ease of use, making it easier to administer lots of tests in a decentralized setting, like a school or workplace, and get preliminary results quickly. Some scientists even argue that PCR tests are too sensitive, picking up traces of the virus in people who are no longer infectious and who are then quarantined unnecessarily. In this school of thought, point-of-care tests may be accurate during the period when it is most useful to receive a result: when a patient is actually shedding large amounts of the virus, and can pass it on to others. Positive results would still require confirmation from a followup lab test to be considered an official diagnosis of COVID. But that would save labs from having to process tens of thousands of negative tests daily: right now, only about 0.3 per cent of the tests in Ontario are confirmed positive. Point-of-care tests are addressing a different question, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Torontos University Health Network. Should I go to work today? Should my kid go to school today? A line on a rapid test would answer that question with a no, and prompt patients to go to an assessment centre for a lab-based test. The Panbio test, Bogoch said, could be helpful, but its hard to have wide-scale rollout and adoption of this if it still requires a nasopharyngeal swab. The Holy Grail of rapid tests, he added, is one that uses saliva a specimen type with far lower barriers to collection than uncomfortable swabs. The advent of a test that is so easy and quick it could be done daily, perhaps at home, raises other logistical and even social hurdles however, said PHOs Allen. At a population level, its totally acceptable to have a high number of false positives and false negatives, Allen said. But as an individual, its a huge paradigm shift to think that when I get my positive results, it doesnt mean that Im positive. False results can be damaging, with unnecessary time away from school or work, and can sow confusion and mistrust. But the technology is advancing rapidly, Allen added. With US warship mock targets in Xinjiang, China sends another message to Taiwan China slams US for inviting Taiwan for its democracy summit Fake: Taiwan has not shot down a Chinese SU-35 aircraft Fact Check oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Sep 04: The Taiwanese social media is abuzz with claims that China's Sukhoi Su-35 fighter plane was shot down by the country's air defence system. However an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, Taiwan has refuted these reports. The ministry said that this information is false and malicious. A report by The Jewish Press said that the plane crashed in Guangxi, an autonomous coastal region in southern China, bordering Vietnam, after intruding into the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. There are multiple videos on the social media showing a jet engulfed in thick smoke. The video is however from an unknown location. There is absolutely no confirmation on this claim. Many users have in fact flagged the report terming it as false. Others claimed that the plane crashed due to a technical glitch. Russia had in 2019 completed the deliveries of the Su-35 fighter planes to China under a contract that was signed in November 2015. The ministry said that Air Force Command pointed out that it strongly condemns such malicious acts by deliberately creating and disseminating false and false information on the internet in an attempt to confuse the audience. The headquarters will closely monitor the conditions of the sea and airspace around the Taiwan Strait and provide correct information in a timely manner to prevent the spread of false and false news. Fact Check Claim Taiwan shot down a Chinese aircraft Conclusion Taiwan has refuted these claims Rating False Raise your request for FACT CHECKING. Mail us at factcheck@one.in DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Bahrain will allow all flights coming to and departing from the United Arab Emirates to cross through the island kingdoms airspace a statement apparently allowing Israeli flights after neighbouring Saudi Arabia issued a similar announcement. The state-run Bahrain News Agency made the announcement without directly naming Israel, just as Saudi Arabia had. However, the announcement late Thursday came just days after the kingdom allowed the first direct Israeli commercial passenger flight to use its airspace to reach the UAE. The statement makes no mention of the kingdoms rival, Iran, nor Qatar, which Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are currently boycotting. Flights between Bahrain and the UAE now skirt just north of Qatari airspace as Doha remains banned from the airspace of boycotting nations amid a yearslong political dispute. Iranian flights to the UAE similarly dont need to enter the airspace of Bahrain, an island nation just off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. BNA cited an unnamed Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry official for the announcement, saying it came at the request of civil aviation authorities in the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Earlier this week, Jared Kushner, the U.S. presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, flew with a high-level Israeli delegation to the UAE on the first direct commercial passenger flight between the two countries. The flight traversed Saudi airspace, signalling at least acquiescence for the breakthrough U.S.-brokered agreement by the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations with Israel. The UAE has promoted the deal as hinging on Israel halting its contentious plan to annex parts of the West Bank sought by the Palestinians for their future state. The deal also may allow Abu Dhabi to purchase advanced weaponry from the U.S., including the F-35 stealth fighter jet. The Palestinians have fiercely opposed the normalization as peeling away one of their few advantages in moribund peace talks with Israel. Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet and a British naval base, has a historic Jewish community. The kingdom has slowly encouraged ties to Israel, with two U.S.-based rabbis in 2017 saying King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa himself promoted the idea of ending the boycott of Israel by Arab nations. ___ Follow Jon Gambrell at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP. There was strong support for the federal government's action, with "finally" being a common refrain among readers who felt the intervention was necessary and long overdue. Many made the point that foreign policy shouldn't be a state or local government domain. Daniel Andrews visiting Chengdu, China, in 2015. Cherry: "It is a surprise it has taken so long to enact these laws. Countries where the political system is more nimble have been quick on their foot to recognise the danger from Chinas hegemonistic policies." Lex: "Our country is being massively infiltrated by the Chinese Communist Party and urgent action is necessary. While I admire Dan Andrew's efforts in the difficult job of managing the pandemic, he must be incredibly naive about the intentions and modus operandi of the Chinese regime to allow the notorious Belt & Road program into Victoria. Our university vice-chancellors receive both direct and indirect benefits from kow-towing to the whims and demands of the CCP and are therefore incapable of sound and impartial judgment of what is appropriate in terms of foreign government influence and interference on our tertiary education sector... Federal intervention is necessary to protect Australia's sovereignty and long-term future." YADFs: "Excellent decision, if a little slow." fillyboii: "Im not a Liberal supporter but I agree that foreign policy should be a Canberra issue not a state government issue. Also Im not against free trade but I do feel we are putting all our eggs in one basket when it comes to China. Asia is not just China there are so many other countries we should do trade agreements with instead. Many countries that have signed trade agreements with China have been very one sided and benefited China rather than the signatory to the deal." Loading wandererfromoz: "This move is long overdue - foreign policy/international relations is the sole prerogative of the Federal Government and state/local/private/etc others need to be brought under the one administrative roof on these issues - it is an absurdity this was not done and so the Port of Darwin agreement must be cancelled. And Labor had better back this change to the hilt." As with reader wandererfromoz above, for many it was a case of why stop at these deals, highlighting other areas ripe for greater oversight. The Chisel: "Beijing has many tentacles... We must go all the way to the community level as well. Scrutiny must be applied to all "Chinese and Overseas Chinese Associations" and "China Australia Friendship associations"... These are the localised/social melting pots for Beijing to begin influencing and recruiting the Australian Chinese and Overseas Chinese community. Been going on for decades!" isthisthereallife: "Can we also do away with the ludicrous sister city deals that local governments love, but only provide opportunities for ratepayers' money to fund overseas boondoggles for councillors?" redgecko: "scomo tear up the leases the Chinese have on our port of darwin, and the airport in WA for starters, and then buy back all the land they are sitting on in Australia." Responding to redgecko, reader 1961russB asked: "What about the 70% of investment coming from America? that's ok?" sporran also replied: "Just the Chinese? Most of our large agribusinesses are now overseas owned. Just about all our food processors are, indeed many have been overseas owned for decades. Our milk processing industry is majority owned by Italian, Japanese, Hong Kong, Kiwi interests... do we exit those owners? ... Keep in mind, it doesn't matter who owns our farms... if it comes to conflict they can't actually take it with them!" Loading Ross - Mallabula: "Assets bought by Chinese citizens - it is called trade. Citizens of all kinds of nationalities and ethnicities buy assets - that is called free-trade. Please educate me, however, on the claim that we are being 'massively infiltrated by the Chinese Communist Party." Reading through the comments, Galloway says in his experience the issue of foreign interference usually transcends partisan divides in Australia. "Most people within Labor and the Coalition and most politically engaged Australians on the left and right of the political spectrum agree we need to counter the Chinese Communist Party's domestic influence and interference," he says. He says the Victorian governments Belt and Road deal with the Chinese government brought this issue into sharp focus. "Many people feel it undermined the federal governments policy of countering growing CCP influence in our region, including the issue of China engaging in 'debt diplomacy', whereby it loads developing countries up with debt and then wipes it in return for a favour," Galloway says. Labor leader Anthony Albanese has indicated in-principle support for Morrison's intervention but echoed the bewilderment of some that the 99-year lease of the Port of Darwin to a Chinese company won't be examined as part of this current debate. "I think that it's hard to think of an Australian infrastructure asset that is more vital to our national interest than the Port of Darwin," he told the ABC's Insiders program. As for Daniel Andrews, he has defended his government's agreement with the Chinese and denied it undermined national security or federal foreign policy. "Presumably [Morrison's] approach will include quite soon a very detailed list of alternative trading arrangements, alternative free trade agreements, alternative markets. I'll leave that to the PM to announce, but presumably that's coming and coming pretty quickly," he said. Readers, and Labor leader Anthony Albanese, have questioned why the Darwin Port deal won't be examined under the Morrison government's plans. It's a point not lost on readers, who highlighted the likely economic impact of such action. i-cud-be-wrong, but...: "It is okay to see our PM tells the Australians what CAN'T be done. But we also look forward to his leadership and to tell us what CAN BE DONE. What's his alternative growth plan? What's his alternative export markets? What's his next free trade agreement? Hope the answer is not just to send Tony Abbott to UK, and to save Australia?" djc789: "The proposed legislation will ensure the rapid demise of our exports to China, sending dependent export industries broke and increasing unemployment levels at a rapid rate. Time to wake up to the simple fact that if we keep poking the tiger in the eye it will retaliate by walking away from Australian trade full stop. Seems like we are overtly inclined to be the exposed rump of Donald J Trump." DMalone: "So how can any country rely on any deal we sign? This is very confusing. The Confucius Institutes are in control of a majority of Chinese language learning in Australia through the unis. How do we replace this? Are we just not going to teach Chinese anymore? I think this is just another dog whistle." Loading Other readers highlighted the federal government's own history in encouraging Chinese investment. Sheila Martin: "Clearly according to Morrison China can not be trusted. So why does Morrison not rescind ChAFTA and stop all trade with China." Steve: "Too late now. Abbott and Morrison spent 8 years inviting them in, selling them assets and selling them technology. After putting all our eggs in the one basket, it is too late to declare we can do without them." Wheelers office did not respond to a request for comment, but he told local news station KOIN: What we do not need is groups confronting each other violently. But we will be prepared for it. We are working with both our local law enforcement partners and state law enforcement partners. We will keep separation as much as were able to keep separation and if people are engaged in criminal activity well do our level best to hold them accountable. Two American men accused of smuggling Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan by concealing him in a custom-made box and placing it onto a private jet can be sent back to the country to face criminal charges. On Friday, a U.S. Magistrate Judge issued a ruling in Boston approving the extradition of Michael Taylor, 59, and his son Peter Taylor, 27, over their alleged involvement in the daring escape last December. The pair are have been locked up in a Massachusetts jail since their arrest in May. The Japanese government is hoping to prosecute the pair, but a final decision on whether they will be extradited to Japan rests with the State Department. Michael Taylor is a former Green Beret who was working in Asia as a security contractor when he came into contact with Ghosn - the powerful former chairman of Nissan who was under house arrest in Tokyo facing criminal charges of underreporting $80 million in earnings. He was additionally facing accusations that he shifted $16 million in personal losses onto the company books, and used Nissan to secretly fund his lavish lifestyle. Michael Taylor, 59, is currently being held in U.S. federal custody pending an extradition request from Japan, where he is charged in Ghosn's brazen December escape. Taylor is pictured left, Ghosn is at right Taylor used a custom built subwoofer box (right) to smuggle Ghosn out of Japan The flight went first to Turkey, then to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship. Lebanon has no extradition treaty with Japan. Ghosn said he fled because he could not expect a fair trial, was subjected to unfair conditions in detention and was barred from meeting his wife under his bail conditions. Bank records show Ghosn wired more than $860,000 to a company linked to Peter Taylor in October 2019, prosecutors said in court documents. Ghosn's son also made cryptocurrency payments totaling about $500,000 to Peter Taylor in the first five months of this year, prosecutors say. However, back in July, Michael minimized his son's involvement in the plot in an interview with Vanity Fair. In the same sit-down, he also claimed he didn't even make money off of the audacious scheme. Michael told the magazine that he first got a call about Ghosn in the spring of 2019. A Lebanese middleman, whom Michael had worked with before, told him: 'We got a guy. He's close to us. He's getting railroaded over in Japan. Is there something you can help us with?' Michael accepted the job, and over the following months assembled a crack team of experts in maritime operations, airport security, IT, police and countersurveillance. Most were former Special Forces operators whom he'd met in the military. Michael told Vanity Fair he called his attorney and other legal experts and asked whether helping someone in Japan jump bail would violate any U.S. laws, and was assured it would not. After initially considering sneaking Ghosn out by sea, Taylor rejected the plan, noting that it would require crossing 2,600 miles of open water to Thailand before boarding a plane to Lebanon. Ghosn, who was born in Brazil, also has French and Lebanese nationality. He knew he could be assured of his protection from extradition in Lebanon Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn and his wife Carole Ghosn talk during an interview with Reuters in Beirut, Lebanon after his escape from Japan Ghosn, who was born in Brazil, also has French and Lebanese nationality. He knew he could be assured of his protection from extradition in Lebanon, which has a blanket policy of declining to extradite its own citizens, and where he is regarded as a national hero. Ghosn has vehemently denied all of the charges against him, and claimed that his prosecution was motivated by Japanese xenophobia. Speaking with Vanity Fair, Michael described how he settled on a plan to extract Ghosn by air. A private charter plane was needed because Ghosn's notoriety made escape by commercial air travel impossible. The former Green Beret and his team studied five airports near Tokyo, and found a key flaw at Kansai Internationalthe terminal did not have scanners big enough to accommodate cargo the size of a box that could hold a human. Michael and his team created a set of custom subwoofer cases, one large enough to accommodate the 165-pound Ghosn, with air holes drilled discreetly in the bottom. TC-RZA, a private jet which was used during the escape of ousted Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn from Japan to Lebanon through Turkey, is pictured in an unknown location Michael also discovered a crucial flaw in the security maintaining Ghosn's house arrest. Though he was under surveillance at all times by two plainclothes detectives paid for by Nissan and three cameras pointed at his door, the cameras were not a live feed. Instead, the cameras recorded locally, and the tapes were picked up once a week. The day the tapes were collected varied, but it was always a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. An escape on Thursday might go undetected until the following week. The plot unfolded on December 29. Taylor and his team landed at Osaka at 10.30am in a private plane chartered through a Turkish company that promised to ask no questions. Ghosn walked out of his front door the same afternoon, disguised in a hat and a surgical mask, which were common in Japan even before the pandemic, and walked to the Grand Hyatt, where he was often allowed to have lunch. The residence of former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn is seen in Tokyo after his escape Investigators claim that Ghosn met Michael Taylor in a room at the Hyatt booked under Taylor's son's name -- however Taylor denied this to Vanity Fair, saying that he met Ghosn in the lobby. Michael, his Lebanese accomplice George Zayek, and Ghosn then took a high-speed train from Tokyo to Osaka. A little before 10pm, Michael said he explained to the airport manager that his party was running late and needed to rush through security, offering a $10,000 tip in Japanese yen. Ghosn, now inside a custom-built sub-woofer box, was transported to the airport just 20 minutes before the charter flight's scheduled take-off at 10.30pm. The airport security staff and baggage handlers had been working all day, and the wearied staff did not give the group or their cargo a second look. 'Nothing got x-rayed, not even our backpacks,' Michael recalled. Michael says that after loading the group's luggage, including the box with Ghosn inside, one of the workers handed Michael the envelope with the 'tip' he had offered the manager, saying it was against airport policy to accept cash gifts. This handout video grab image released by The Istanbul Police Department on January 17, 2020, shows Michael Taylor (2R) and George Antoine Zayek (C) at passport control in Istanbul Though the heist was rumored to cost $30 million, court documents show about $1.3 million in transfers from Ghosn to the Taylors. Michael , however, told Vanity Fair that expenses for the scheme ran about $1.3 million, and that he made no profit from the venture. Ghosn, he says, has not offered to pay him. Michael says he did it 'de oppresso liber,' to liberate the oppressed, the motto of the Special Forces 'If I did it for the money,' he told the magazine, 'that money would have been paid in advance.' The Taylors argue the charges against them are fatally flawed as the Japanese penal code does not make it a criminal offense to help someone 'bail jump' unless that person is in custody. There are calls for NPHET to stop publishing Covid-19 figures every day, suggesting they do it on a weekly basis instead. It is being claimed that the daily announcement of case numbers and deaths due to coronavirus is causing unnecessary anxiety. A number of European countries have moved to a system of weekly updates. It is also argued the daily figures, which can vary widely, give an inaccurate snapshot of the behaviour of the virus with one GP saying: "When theyre high, they cause mass hysteria. When theyre low, they cause false reassurance." Dublin GP Dr Maitiu O Tuathail claims the daily updates are causing "huge anxiety" and are also "meaningless" as they vary every day. Fully agree with @ciarakellydoc Daily updates on covid numbers and deaths is leading to HUGE anxiety Daily reporting is also meaningless, as cases go up + down each day We need weekly updates on cases + deaths - thats useful and meaningful End the #CovidRollercoaster now! https://t.co/IncXMqvEW1 Maitiu O Tuathail (@DrZeroCraic) September 3, 2020 Labour Party leader Alan Kelly has agreed, saying: "The daily release of figures is causing great anxiety to many people. If we are forced to live with the virus for some time to come then we cannot continue to obsess over the number of daily cases. We need to move to a system whereby we have a comprehensive weekly briefing identifying the weekly trend in the virus which is far more important. "People are being bombarded with a lot of information at the moment and this is one way of ensuring that they do not become overwhelmed and stop listening to public health advice." A Bergen County-based attorney was arrested Thursday after he was accused of fraudulently getting $9 million in loans meant to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and used them to buy a million dollar home and make other purchases, federal prosecutors said. Jae H. Choi, 48, of Cliffside Park, was charged with three counts of bank fraud and one count of money laundering, according to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito. Choi allegedly submitted three fake Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to three different lenders on behalf of three different businesses he said he owned that provide educational services, Carpenito said. He also lied about the existence of hundreds of employees that worked there, manipulated bank and tax records and falsified a drivers license on the applications, the office said. The PPP loans were part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which went into law on March 29 that was designed to provide emergency financial relief to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Part of the act included the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. Small businesses in New Jersey were approved for more than $9.5 billion in loans from the program as of April 16. Choi told the lenders that he paid the employees of these companies over $3 million in monthly wages and the three lenders eventually paid him $3 million for each loan, federal prosecutors said. He then used the loans to pay for personal expenses including a $1 million home in Cresskill, $30,000 in remodeling and other improvements and invested millions more in the stock market though an account held in the name of his spouse, Carpenito said. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Update: President Donald Trump said late Friday that he wont allow Stars and Stripes to shut down. * * * * * The Pentagon has ordered the long-running military newspaper Stars and Stripes to shut down, according to a memo published Friday. USA Today reports the Pentagon delivered an order for the publication to present a plan that dissolves the Stars and Stripes by Sept. 15 including a specific timeline for vacating government owned/leased space worldwide. Memo author Col. Paul Haverstick Jr. said the newspapers final edition will be September 30, and the organization will dissolve entirely by January. Stars and Stripes, first published by Union soldiers during the Civil War, has delivered U.S. military news to troops around the world for more than 150 years. The newspaper distributed 7 million copies of its U.S. weekly print edition in 2019, according to The Hill, as well as publishing news online. Military.com reports a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday urging him to preserve the historically significant publication, which only requires a tiny fraction of the Defense Departments annual budget. Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nations freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom, wrote 15 senators, led by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Therefore, we respectfully request that you rescind your decision to discontinue support for Stars and Stripes and that you reinstate the funding necessary for it to continue operations. We understand that DoD plans to cease publication of Stars and Stripes on September 30, 2020 and completely dissolve the organization by January 31, 2021 as a result of the proposed termination of funding in the fiscal year 2021 Presidents budget, USA Today notes Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) wrote a similar, separate letter to Esper: As a veteran who has served overseas, I know the value Stars and Stripes brings to its readers. According to The Hill, Stars and Stripes funding is roughly $15.5 million annually, or 0.000022% of the Pentagons $705.4 billion fiscal 2021 budget released in February. Esper proposed cutting all of the newspapers funding at the time to invest into higher-priority issues. Congress is urging the DoD not to shut down the publication before lawmakers can vote this fall on the spending in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. USA Today reports the House approved a version earlier this summer that overruled the Trump administrations request and restored funding for the paper, but the Senate has not yet acted. The movie superstar will announce his decision by the end of this month through a video message on his Twitter handle. R Rajagopalan reports.= IMAGE: Rajinikanth meets with district secretaries of the Rajini Makkal Manram at the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam in Chennai in March 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo Come November, movie superstar Rajinikanth is all set make his long delayed entry into Tamil Nadu politics by floating a regional party in Madurai. This move is expected to electrify the political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu where voters will elect their 234 lawmakers most likely in April. Rajinikanth will announce his decision by the end of this month through a video message on his Twitter handle. He will devote the entire month of October for mobilisation of support in all the districts for which meticulous preparations are being carried out by his confidants. But for the lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic, Rajinikanth would have already held district-level conferences by now. Not willing to waste any more time, he plans to hold virtual meetings of his fan clubs every day from Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, October 2, onwards. Simultaneously, lawyers in New Delhi have been told to apply for registration of the political party and to seek an election symbol from the Election Commission. With the lifting of the lockdown, Tamil Nadu is set for some major political developments. In all probability Sasikala, the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa's confidante, who is being held in a Bengaluru jail for corruption, may be released by the end of September. Whether her return will lead to a merger of the splinter groups of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or not are all part of political conjecture. Questions over her nephew T T V Dhinakaran's party Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam merging or fighting along with the ruling AIADMK party or if there will be unity talks are likely to be answered once Sasikala is released. The DMK is closely monitoring these developments. Its general council meeting, which will be held virtually on Sunday, will deliberate on Rajinikanth's possible entry into politics and its likely impact. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav have accused the Uttar Pradesh government of ignoring weavers demand for restoration of power subsidy for power looms run by the community in the state and not helping them tide over the difficulties faced during the lockdown. Weavers from all over Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi are currently facing a terrible crisis. The government has neither heard them on the issue of electricity bills nor has it helped them to overcome the crisis that has arisen from the lockdown. Weavers, who illuminated UPs name across the world through their skill and art, are forced to go on strike today. The government should listen to the demands of the weavers, said Gandhi in a post on her Facebook account. The UP government, in January this year, ended the flat electricity rate regime for handlooms and directed them to pay according to power consumption. In protest, weavers in Varanasi launched a fortnightly strike on September 1 by stopping power looms to demand restoration of the fixed power tariff arrangement. The strike call was given by Uttar Pradesh Bunkar Mahasabha and Varanasi based organization Biradarana Tanzim. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted to extend his support to the community, Weavers are upset, but the government is unaware. About 5 lakh weavers are engaged in the making of famous Banarasi sarees, stoles and other clothes in the city and they claim the government move was burning a hole in their pocket. A weaver said that it was impossible to pay heft electricity bills amounting to Rs 2,500 or Rs 3,000 with an average monthly earning of Rs 8,000 while meeting expenses of ones family. The striking weavers groups have decided to suspend work between September 1 and 15. The effect of the strike was visible everywhere with powerlooms in all localities remaining closed. The community has decided to form a human chain and stage demonstrations from Friday. Also Read: In UP, Kafeel Khan becomes hot property for political parties Top members of the Tanzim, Maqbool Hasan and Ishrat Usmani said the stir would be intensified further if the government does not accept their demands. Weavers from across the state will collectively apply to get their electricity lines disconnected. Social worker and master weaver Mateen Kaifee said: Under the flat rate scheme, Rs 145 each was fixed for every powerloom. But now weavers are made to pay per unit of consumed electricity every month. For example, if a powerloom consumes 300 units, the weaver will have to pay the bill for all 300 units. Also Read: Sero survey begins in 11 UP districts today He added that in the new arrangement, on consumption of 120 units by a half to one horse power motor-operated powerloom, the weaver will get a monthly subsidy of Rs 350 and Rs 240 respectively. Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited director commerce, OP Dixit, confirmed that the metered electricity bill was launched in January following a government order. Financial concerns and stress for some families continues growing during the ongoing pandemic. Nonprofit and community organizations in Cy-Fair, such as Northwest Assistance Ministries and Cypress Assistance Ministries, have worked to fill in gaps for local families with food, school supplies, financial assistance and mental health services for all ages. Food Assistance Cypress Assistance Ministries, a nonprofit for low-income families in need of assistance is seeking donations and volunteers in order to continue providing to the local community. In order to serve the people who find themselves in crisis we need the money to help them with their rent, mortgage or utilities, plus money to continue to pay the rent and utilities on our buildings and personnel costs, said Janet Ryan, director of development for Cypress Assistance Ministries. The community continues to be generous in their donations of food. CAMs greatest need at this time is money and volunteers. CAM is also serving an extra ZIP code that lost their local assistance ministry, Bear Creek Ministries. With BCM closed, people who are struggling in that area have no local ministry providing assistance, so CAM makes food available to that zip code, 77084, as well and that is the area demonstrating the most need, Ryan said. CAM is also in need of financial donations to help clients with bills and food. Families in the 77065, 77095, 77429, 77433 and 77084 ZIP codes can receive free food with an ID and proof of residence at the food pantry from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday. The CAM food pantry is located at 11265 Huffmeister Rd. in Cypress. Cy-Fair Helping Hands, a nonprofit dedicated to homeless and low-income communities, is also providing food for Cy-Fair area families. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and the first Saturday of the month Cy-Fair Helping Hands provides perishable and non-perishable foods from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a drive-thru model. CFHH is also hosting a food collection drive with Mint Express Car Wash located at 8649 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress from Aug. 31-Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CFHH is looking to collect 10,000 cans of food. For more information, including how to donate, visit www.facebook.com/CYFAIRHELPINGHANDS. Northwest Assistance Ministries , or NAM, serves hundreds of in-need families a week through their onsite food pantry with both nonperishable and perishable foods and is using a drive-thru model. Northwest Assistance Ministries and Spring ISD partnered with Houston Food Bank to host Neighborhood Super Site Food Giveaway events to provide for food-insecure families in the northwest Houston area. The Houston Food Bank provided food for the distribution including meat, produce and dairy. NAM volunteers deposited food into families vehicles from drive-thru stations, following social distancing protocols. The next mega distribution from the three entities will be at Planet Ford Stadium, 23802 Cypresswood Drive in Spring, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until food runs out. NAM is in need of food and financial donations. Frozen meat, fruit and vegetables, and canned and dry goods are needed for the food pantry. Northwest Assistance Ministries has seen a consistent increase in requests for rent and food assistance, Chief Advancement Officer Brian Carr said. NAMs pantry is getting dangerously low on food. We are seeing a great need from the Greenspoint area and the zip codes nearest 77090. NAM is located at 15555 Kuykendahl Rd. in northwest Houston. For more information, visit www.namonline.org. Financial services NAM also provides financial assistance for clients needing help with bills or other expenses after losing their job due to COVID-19. Because of the way our funding is structured, our advice to our clients is to use to use the unemployment (payments) for your utilities, for your prescriptions, for some groceries and allow us to subsidize the rent because we can make that one payment to the landlord and get that caught up, Carr said. NAM has launched an online application process for rent and mortgage assistance, where applicants can submit all appropriate documents without visiting the nonprofit. We are very proud of this client centered innovation to our client intake process, Carr said. We will be able to handle a hundred or more completed applications every Monday without the clients leaving the safety of their homes. For more information, visit www.namonline.org. The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce has a community resources page, www.cyfairchamber.com/wearecyfair, where small businesses can apply for SBA loans, catch up on the most recent mandates on COVID-19 from the state government and individual instruction for navigating loan and benefits application. The chamber of commerce also hosts community luncheons, committee meetings and seminars over Zoom, open to the public per an RSVP. For more information, visit www.cyfairchamber.com. Mental health assistance Shield Bearer counseling sessions are being held through remote tele-therapy sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit works with different financial situations to provide counseling for a variety of mental health challenges including grief, abuse, addictions and relationship issues. According to the organizations Facebook page, Shield Bearer has experienced an increase in the demand for mental health services and is seeking financial donations to help the organization continue meeting clients needs. For more information, visit www.shieldbearer.org. Senior Pastor Floyd Smith with Igniting Gods Vision Ministry , a 19-year-old ministry in the Cy-Fair area, said the ministry has continued to operate the recently launched Turning Peer Pressure to Peer Power program and counseling for the local community. Weve launched this ministry enough to where were already dealing with the issues they are struggling with, he said. Our goal is to save money to get our own building or land so well be able to bring them and go through the counseling process. My concern is on the counseling side and what people are going through at this time not only with the teens but also with the pandemic. Cy-Hope also offers counseling and speech therapy both in-person and through telehealth. In-person appointments require clients to wear a mask, practice social distancing and wait in their car until the beginning of the appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 713-466-1360. For more information, visit www.cy-hopecounseling.org. chevall.pryce@chron.com Tokyo: The cattle ship that capsized en route from New Zealand to China had a history of mechanical issues, records show. Gulf Livestock 1, owned by UAE-based Gulf Navigation, lost engine power before it was hit by a massive wave, according to Chief Officer Sareno Edvarodo who was rescued on Wednesday. The 45-year-old Filipino remains in hospital. Chief Officer Sareno Edvarodo, crew member of the Panamanian cattle ship, speaks to Japanese Coast Guard members after being rescued off Japan on Wednesday. He reportedly asked: 'I'm the only one?" Credit:JCG/AP A second unidentified man was only the second crewman to be found alive on Friday. The Japanese Coast Guard said the man had died a short time after they pulled him from the sea about 120 km north-northwest of Amami Oshima island and transferred him to hospital. The search is still on for the remaining 41 crew members after the ship carrying 6000 cattle capsized in the East China Sea in the early hours of Wednesday. TOKYO, Sept 4, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Today, Mitsubishi Power, Ltd., a major wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and Japanese various industries and energy companies(1) involved in hydrogen projects launched a new council named "Kobe/Kansai Hydrogen Utilization Council" (hereinafter, "Council") with the goal of developing hydrogen utilization methods and establishing a hydrogen supply chain in the Kobe/Kansai area.Mitsubishi Power has contributed to easing the burden on the global environment through its development of large-scale gas turbines fueled by hydrogen and participation in projects to convert existing gas turbine combined cycle power plants overseas to hydrogen-fueled systems. Moving forward, through its activities with the new Council, the company will continue promoting the shift to a carbon-free, hydrogen-powered society by 2030. In doing so, Mitsubishi Power enables decarbonization and is helping solve issues critical to global society, thus creating an energy future that is good for both people and the planet.(1) The companies currently involved are: Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., ENEOS Corporation, Iwatani Corporation (Lead), The Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Kobe Steel, Ltd., Marubeni Corporation (Lead), Mitsubishi Power, Ltd., Obayashi Corporation, and Shell Japan LimitedAbout 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. 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. Coalition MPs say they will support the federal government paying a fair price to buy out the copyright on the Aboriginal flag in an attempt resolve a long-running battle over its use. The National Indigenous Australians Agency has entered into discussions with the flag's designer, Luritja artist Harold Thomas, and licensees in a bid to allow the design to be used freely. Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt says freeing the Aboriginal flag is a delicate and sensitive matter. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Thomas has granted licences to a flag maker, a souvenir business and WAM Clothing, which is at the centre of a campaign to "free the flag" after it issued cease and desist notices to sporting codes. Ahead of a Senate inquiry into the issue, several Coalition backbench MPs said they were willing to back the Commonwealth acquiring the rights to the flag, as long as there was "fair and reasonable" compensation to its creator and licensees. Bidens public comments on Syria have been scarce. In primary debates, he said that, if elected, he would keep the small U.S. troop presence in Syria. Last fall, Biden criticized Trump for abandoning the Kurds to a Turkish assault. This week, he called out Trump for failing to respond to Russian troops ramming U.S. troops in northern Syria. Last year, Bidens running mate, Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), called Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (R-Hawaii) an apologist for Assad, revealing the rift inside the Democratic Party on Syria. Many progressives blame the United States for the suffering in Syria, but Biden and Harris blame Assad, Russia and Iran. The Panamanian-registered New Diamond was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude from Kuwait to India when the engine room exploded on Thursday killing one Filipino crew member Tugboats battled into the night Friday to stop a blazing oil tanker carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude from drifting towards the Sri Lankan coast. The fire on the Panamanian-registered New Diamond had been brought under control, according to the Indian coastguard. But smoke was still pouring from the 330 metre (1,000 foot) long vessel after an engine-room explosion set off the emergency. The New Diamond was heading for the eastern Indian port of Paradip from Kuwait when it issued a distress signal 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Sri Lanka's east coast. With one Filipino crew member killed in the explosion and the 22 others taken off, the tanker drifted 25 km closer to the coast on Friday. Three tugboatstwo Indian and one chartered by the ownerswere brought into action in a bid to push the vessel back into deeper waters at sea. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said late Friday that the fire had been brought "under control" through a "massive firefighting effort" by its vessels with the Indian navy and ships and aircraft from the Sri Lankan military. Water and foam cannons were used to smother the flames, Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre chief Sudantha Ranasinghe said. Sri Lankan navy officers carry an injured crewman from the stricken oil tanker, the New Diamond "The flames on the bridge and outside the engine have been put out," Ranasinghe told AFP before the Indian coast guard announcement. But he said fires were still burning inside the ship. Ranasinghe said the blaze had not spread to the massive crude cargo and 1,700 tonnes of diesel fuel. The Sri Lankan navy said there was no immediate danger of the tanker breaking up, despite reports of a two-metre (six-foot) crack in the hull above the water line. Rear Admiral Y. N. Jayarathna said the metal had cracked in the intense heat as the ship's diesel fuel tanks burned when the fire spread from the adjoining engine room. The emergency came just a week after a huge oil slick hit the Mauritius coast. "It will take another four to five days to completely put out the fire," Jayarathna said. "Thereafter we should be able to tow it away and let the owners decide what they want to do." The head of Sri Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Agency Dharshani Lahandapura said legal action could be taken against the owners, Liberian-registered Porto Emporios Shipping Inc "should the worst happen and the ship breaks up." The New Diamond is carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude Lahandapura told reporters that Sri Lanka did not have the resources to contain a major oil spill. But Ranasinghe said authorities were considering a ship-to-ship transfer of the crude before salvaging the tanker. Maldives fears disaster The vessel is larger than the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which crashed into a reef in Mauritius in July leaking more than 1,000 tonnes of oil into the island nation's pristine waters. Sri Lanka's neighbour Maldives has raised concerns that any oil spill from the New Diamond could cause serious environmental damage in the atoll of 1,192 coral islands that depends on fisheries and tourism. Maldivian minister at the president's office, Ahmed Naseem, called for precautionary measures across the archipelago that is about 1,000 kilometres southwest of Sri Lanka. "Maldives needs to watch this oil spill carefully and take all precautions to prevent it from reaching her shores," Naseem said on Twitter. "This could be a major disaster." Explore further Blazing tanker sparks fears of a new Indian Ocean disaster 2020 AFP Friday, September 4th, 2020 (8:43 am) - Score 27,411 Some of broadband ISP Virgin Medias UK mobile customers are complaining after they were suddenly issued with a replacement SIM card that doesnt work in their handsets, instead resulting in a SIM not valid message on the screen. The problem is mostly affecting those with older phones, many of which are elderly users. Funnily enough its now been almost exactly a year since Virgin Media last got into trouble with customers for issuing a batch of faulty SIM cards (here), although the situation this time is a bit different but theyre both connected to the operators long-running SIM swap programme. NOTE: Currently Currently Virgin Mobile has a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement to use EE BT ) and, prior to the recent O2 deal, they were due to switch to Vodafone at the end of 2021 ( here ). The latest situation appears to have started gradually a few weeks ago and is now becoming much more noticeable as the volume of complaints rise. All of those affected recently received a replacement SIM (this was not requested by all customers, while others got it after an upgrade) and promptly attempted to install it into their existing handsets, which previously worked fine on Virgin Medias mobile service. At this point the dreaded SIM not valid message pops-up, while those who then attempt to seek support are often struggling to get a response (partly due to the impact from COVID-19). One notable commonality between most, but not all, of these complaints is that the customers are often from the older generation, or more vulnerable users, and thus tend to have older handsets that they may have used for several years. Various complaints can be found littered across social media about this issue, as well as via Virgins own Community Forum (recent examples here, here and here). Some of Virgins letters also included an 8 digit unlocking code for the handset in case that was required, but for many people it doesnt seem to work. Sample Complaint 1 (Carole) I have no idea why I was issued with a new sim. If you go on the website it appears that many people, if not all customers/subscribers were. My handset is a very old one but I was given no warning of the problems I would have (Samsung GT S3100). My phone is now permanently locked and I have lost all contact details. It appears to me and other customers that it is old phones (and so older people) that have the worst problems. I have been given (if it ever arrives) a new free very cheap phone, but as I say have lost all my contacts. While this has been going on I have been unable to receive calls or make them. Not being able to receive calls is a big issue. I am 74 and have various hospital appointments and am concerned I am missing important messages. Also to do this during this pandemic, knowing, as I believe Virgin did, it would cause big problems is beyond words. Sample Complaint 1 (CRBrett) I see from these boards that many customers are being left stranded by Virgin. My parents, both in their eighties, have a basic Nokia mobile phone that fulfils their needs. They have just been told to install a new SIM card which, when it arrived, only produces a SIM not valid message on the screen. They have tried several times to speak to a human being to find out how to solve this problem, but have not succeeded in getting through. The help on the Virgin web pages gives no help, and the chat function is non-existent (I cant find it if it does still exist). They have taken a bus into the local city where two Virgin shops are advertised, but both these have closed. Sample Complaint 1 (ter75) I have received a new sim for my old nokia model 1100 for a stated upgraded service This sim when installed gives the message sim not valid . The help page says device not recognised. The old sim has been replaced in the phone where it works perfectly. What needs to be done to get the new sim working before Virgin disconnect the old sim as they have threatened. We raised this issue with Virgin Media and were informed that, prior to beginning their SIM swap programme, they had conducted several checks to help mitigate problems but may have been unable to determine whether or not some older handsets would actually be compatible (e.g. if the phone didnt originally come directly from Virgin and the device is more than 10 years old). In order to get around such problems the operator is offering a replacement handset (i.e. the closest equivalent to their existing device). Virgin Media also pointed out that theyve been writing to inform their mobile customers about the new SIMs since the end of 2017 and expect to reach the end of that programme this year. A Virgin Media Spokesperson said: As part of our journey to become a full MVNO were asking some of our customers to swap their SIM card. This update will enable them to access emerging features and technologies as we transition networks and will ensure they can continue to get the most from their mobile services. As always, our priority is to provide our customers with the best service possible. Suffice to say itll be interesting to see how they transition now that the operator has reached a multi-billion pound agreement to merge with mobile operator O2 (here), which should eventually enable them to become a full (instead of virtual) network operator. Historically major platform migrations between different networks have been fraught with difficulties (just ask TalkTalk). Former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has written to Bancorp Bank in Minnesota in the United States that the alleged $757 million Dollars domiciled in an account in his name; was authorized by him in error; from a Rivers State Government Account with Access Bank Plc. The Nigerian most corrupt governor according to CNN letter reveals that a similar letter was also written to a bank in Switzerland; stating that a similar authorization was made in error. The letter stated that the said transfers to both banks were for the purchase of security Helicopters, payments to a foreign company to combat malaria in Rivers state by using helicopters to spray mosquito insecticides, and for the purchase of an official residence for Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, in America. The letter further explains that, the payments for the security helicopters, and mosquito insecticides to fight malaria were made through other sources, after the funds had already been transferred abroad. He reminded the bank that the Rivers state law on his severance package, provides for an official residence for a former governor; of which he chose to have his residence in America. Amaechi said that, this law was later amended to have his official residence built in Nigeria, after the funds had already been transferred to Bancorp/Minnesota Account. Mr. Amaechi said these changes were the reasons he communicated the consultants for purchase of security helicopters, his official residence in the U.S and the Insecticide companies not to access the funds; since they have been paid through other sources. On receipt of the governors letter by the Bancorp Bank, the bank has written to the Federal Government of Nigeria to repatriate the said funds to Rivers State treasury. Investigations further revealed that President Buhari is not disposed to this request to repatriate the said funds without a trial of the former governor; to ascertain the governors alleged errors in these transactions. Why would it take Christiane Amanpour of CNN, to remind Amaechi of such errors of over N80 billion Naira public funds in two different countries, and why in his name ? Queried the Presidency. Recall that Christiane Amanpour accused the former governor of Rivers State; Mr. Rotimi Amaechi of stacking the sum of $757 million dollars (N80 billion Naira) in Bancorp Bank in Minnesota in the United State. Source Hope For Nigeria. Pakistan Prime Prime Minister Imran Khan top aide Lt Gen (Retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa announced his resignation on Thursday shortly after debunking allegations of corruption against him in a rebuttal that was posted on Twitter. Bajwa said he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan, on information and broadcasting, Geo News reported. The former chief military spokesperson said this during a conversation with television show host Shahzeb Khanzada and said he will hand in his resignation to the prime minister today. Imran Khans top aide, however, said that he will continue his work as Chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, which he said was a priority with the premier. And I believe as well that this project is the countrys future, he said. I hope that the prime minister will allow me to concentrate all my focus on CPEC, he added according to Geo News. The Dawn also quoted Bajwa as saying: I decided to put all my energies into CPEC because we thought that a lot of focus is currently needed on the CPEC Authority Bajwa decision to step down followed his detailed Twitter rebuttal to the false and incorrect allegations made against him and his family for assets concealment. I strongly rebut the baseless allegations levelled against me and my family. Alhamdolillah another attempt to damage our reputation belied/exposed. I have and will always serve Pakistan with pride and dignity, he said in a four-page press release posted on the microblogging website. An investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani alleged properties and business worth millions of Bajwa and his close family members in Pakistan and abroad. The report claimed that Bajwas brothers, wife and two sons own a business empire, which has set up 99 companies in four countries including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated USD 39.9 million. Refuting all the allegations, Bajwa in his rebuttal said, It has been alleged that one of my sons had owned a company by name of Scion Builders and Estates (Pvt) Ltd, which has been registered in the SECP. It may be stated that this company has never done any business and same is dormant since inception. Together with the interior minister, he is wanted for "war crimes" as per hackers' edit of the interior ministry's site. The official website of the Belarus' Ministry of Internal Affairs has been hacked with new data being "added" to the official wanted list. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, together with Interior Minister Yuriy Karaev, have been considered "missing persons" since the evening of September 3, as reported by Nasha Niva and Belsat on Telegram. The rigged site says they two are wanted for war crimes, while Lukashenko is also accused of usurping state power. Read alsoU.S. considering sanctions if Russia intervenes in Belarus militarily mediaAccording to the "wanted list," August 9 is the date the two went missing a hint at Election Day when protests broke out across country. The website was blocked shortly after the hack effort succeeded. Belarus protests: background (TNS) - San Quentin State Prison has been no match for the coronavirus. Of the nearly 3,200 incarcerated individuals, 2,237 have been infected, more than 100 have been hospitalized, and 26 have died.As we stand over the rubble of this public health disaster, still stunned by the events of the past three months, we are compelled to give our account as front-line physicians and offer some hard-earned lessons for preventing similar outbreaks in correctional facilities.On May 28, we were informed that the state Department of Corrections would transfer 121 inmates from the state prison in Chino, the facility with the largest coronavirus outbreak at the time, to San Quentin. The intent was to move uninfected vulnerable people out of harm's way and to a safer setting. However, a move this size, on two days' notice, involving older people with serious medical conditions and during a global pandemic, struck us as profoundly ill-advised.San Quentin is the oldest prison in California's overcrowded system. Many buildings date from the turn of the 20th century. Our patients are often housed two people to a 6-foot-by-10-foot cell with barred doors in five-tier blocks. This degree of overcrowding is the main reason 16 of the 17 largest coronavirus outbreaks in the country have been in correctional institutions. San Quentin has the largest cluster of all.Our careful efforts to avoid such a catastrophic outbreak, put in place in March, were upended by the transfer from Chino. We had developed plans with the prison's correctional staff to test, surveil, isolate, quarantine, triage and treat our patients.We advocated for the basics of infection control masks, soap and water, and staggered yard times. Visitations, volunteer programs and county jail transfers were all eventually suspended. We were judicious when approving offsite visits to specialty care for our patients. By May 28, there were six reported coronavirus cases among the staff, but none among the prison population.Then the buses from Chino arrived. We soon discovered many of the people transferred had not been tested for several weeks before departure. Some had symptoms upon arrival. Ideally, those transferred would have been moved into an isolated housing unit with their own dedicated staff for at least 14 days. But there was no such space in our overcrowded institution and no time to empty out a housing unit and rearrange staff assignments.Instead, the new arrivals were placed in cells that had bars rather than solid doors on the fourth and fifth floors of a poorly ventilated housing unit. The virus spread easily through the air and via staff movement between buildings. Once the virus took hold, its transmission was swift and widespread.As the virus engulfed the facility, many of those incarcerated at San Quentin opted out of testing and even declined to participate in routine monitoring or divulge COVID-19-like symptoms because they feared that medical isolation would result in solitary confinement.As the number of infections spiraled out of control, we moved quickly to try to mitigate the harm, assessing and treating hundreds of patients a day with limited staff and resources. Still, the amount of suffering, sickness and death has been staggering.Before the outbreak, two or three medical emergencies would occur on a given day; during the worst of the crisis, there were as many as 20 a day. Support has arrived in the form of housing tents, a field hospital and staff. But that help, while appreciated, came weeks past the outbreak's peak.Many of us physicians, nurses and correctional staff have worked more than 80 hours per week during this outbreak. We have shared the fear and anger of our patients while attempting to uphold their constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment in this case, preventable illness from a deadly virus.As the pandemic rages on in this country, the virus will continue to infiltrate and thrive in correctional institutions. San Quentin's COVID-19 experience lays bare the injustices of our correctional system and the vulnerabilities of incarcerated people. But there are sensible ways to prevent this from happening elsewhere.First, and most important, we have to further reduce the population in overcrowded prisons and jails to below capacity. This could be done safely by minimizing new incarcerations, releasing those within months of parole or imprisoned on technical charges, and expanding the use of compassionate release for people who are frail and at high medical risk. In Norway, where prison populations have been reduced significantly, coronavirus-related deaths in custody have been almost nonexistent.Second, it is imperative that corrections officials make decisions during a pandemic in partnership with experts in infection control, epidemiology and public health. We need to give local public health officials the jurisdictional breadth and authority to take all necessary measures to protect the health of correctional populations. These local leaders should be supported by regional command centers that can provide additional staffing, isolation housing, rapid testing and data management immediately in the event of an outbreak.Finally, the system needs to listen to the people living within its walls. Those perspectives and experiences will give us better insight into our missteps. A detailed analysis of the San Quentin outbreak and rigorous preparation going forward are the only ways to rebuild our patients' trust.We cannot protect our patients, the staff and the surrounding communities without systemic accountability and change. It is time to put health first. The only thing worse than the San Quentin tragedy would be to not learn from it.Haiyan Ramirez Batlle is an internist at San Quentin. John Grant is a family physician at San Quentin. George Beatty and Laura Collins, both physicians at San Quentin, also contributed to this article. They are all members of the Public Policy Committee of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists.2020 the Los Angeles TimesVisit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. People disinfect as a precaution against the coronavirus at a local market in Seoul, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. AP The number of additional new coronavirus cases fell to below 200 for the first time in more than two weeks on Thursday, but cluster infections continued to pop up across the country and critically ill patients are on the rise. The country reported 195 new COVID-19 cases, including 188 local infections, raising the total caseload to 20,644, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Thursday's daily tally marks the smallest since 197 on Aug. 17. South Korea has been posting triple-digit rises for three weeks due to cluster infections tied to a slew of churches and an anti-government rally in central Seoul on Aug. 15. On Aug. 14, the country reported more than 100 patients. The daily new infections continued to snowball to 441 last Thursday, before sliding to below 300 on Sunday. The number of new cases stayed under 300 through Wednesday. The recent infections were worrisome as a huge chunk of the new infections came from the greater Seoul area that houses half of the country's 51-million population. South Korea launched a Level 2 social distancing scheme in greater Seoul on Aug. 16 and nationwide on Aug. 23, under which indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned. So-called risk-prone facilities, including karaoke rooms, clubs, PC cafes and buffets, have been ordered to shut down. But since Sunday, the country been implementing a quasi-Level 3 scheme in the Seoul metropolitan area, in which restaurants can only offer takeout after 9 p.m. Franchise coffee chains can only offer takeaway around the clock. Health authorities say they will continue to monitor the effect of the distancing scheme before deciding whether the country should move on to the highest level of three, which would ban all gatherings of 10 or more people. Health authorities said they hope that the stricter nationwide social distancing scheme will reduce the figure to below 100, which is considered a manageable level under the local medical system. The coronavirus pandemic crippled production around the world across many months, enforcing an unavoidable hiatus in business that has wreaked havoc on film and TV production schedules. The summer saw a number of troubling flare-ups in certain countries as borders began reopening, but overall, the pandemic has stabilized enough in some nations to allow specific industries to resume albeit very cautiously. Here, Varietys international team breaks down what you need to know about how film and TV production is faring in key markets as the industry slows comes back to life. Coming Sept. 9: Varietys Location Update: The Big Restart, produced in collaboration with the Association of Film Commissioners International. Catch up on Part 1 of the guide, covering Canada, Iceland, China, India, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. UNITED KINGDOM Open for business? Like in many parts of the world, the U.K. began shutting down productions in March. Some unscripted programs such as magazine shows and news programs found ways to continue shooting during the early period with skeletal teams and social distancing in place, but film and high-end film and TV were paralyzed for months. The country published COVID-19 guidelines at the end of May, allowing the latter productions to resume, which they have done slowly and cautiously in the last two months. COVID-19 stats The U.K. has a total of 335,873 cases, of which 294,372 are active. There have been 41,501 fatalities, and there are 1,400 new cases every day, and around two deaths a day. Insurance coverage The country established a $647 million insurance fund for film and TV production at the end of July. It is available to all productions made by outfits where at least 50% of the budget is spent in the U.K. Eligible productions will get compensation for costs caused by coronavirus delays up to a value of 20% of the production budget. Productions abandoned due to coronavirus will be covered up to 70% of the production budget. There is a total cap on claims per production of $6.65 million. Story continues Travel restrictions Visitors from several countries do not need to self-isolate for 14 days when they arrive in England, including Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Norway, Portugal, South Korea and Vietnam. The quarantine period is mandatory, however, for visitors from several other nations, including the U.S., France and Spain. Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland have different quarantine rules. Whats shooting? BBC series Line of Duty has resumed; Netflix and the BBCs The Serpent has relocated to London from Thailand; Sonys Cinderella has resumed: Mission Impossible 7 shot a schedule in England before moving to Norway; Jurassic Park: Dominion is shooting as well. The Batman has been getting ready to shoot but production has now shut down after star Robert Pattinson tested positive for COVID-19. Naman Ramachandran HUNGARY Open for business? Hungary, with its 30% production incentive and top-notch crews and studios (including Origo Studios and Korda Studios), is Europes second biggest destination for international shoots, after the U.K. In 2019 the local film industry broke records with an increase of 50% in direct spend on film production to $565.6 million. After the shutdown, international crews began to return to the country from early July, and now several productions are shooting. COVID-19 stats With 6,257 confirmed cases and 616 deaths so far, Hungary with a population of 9.77 million has fared better than most during the COVID-19 pandemic. This translates to 648 confirmed cases per one million population, and 64 deaths per one million population. However, the number of confirmed cases rose steadily recently from 91 in the last week of July to 588 for the final week in August. Deaths, on the other hand, didnt reflect this rise: there was one death in the final week of July and two in the final week of August. Insurance coverage None provided by the government. Travel restrictions Hungary offers an exemption for non-Hungarian cast and crew from quarantine restrictions if they receive a permit from the police in advance. They must take a test before arriving in the country that comes out negative. Alternatively, they must have a test at the airport and quarantine until it is shown to be negative. A second test is required between 48 hours and five days later. Most Hollywood studios take additional precautions including testing the cast and crew several times a week. Whats shooting? Legendarys sci-fi movie Dune was shooting in August and has now wrapped, and Netflixs Terra Vision has been filming since July. Amazons Bird of Paradise started filming in August. Showtimes live-action, scripted series Halo and Sonys The Nightingale, a period drama starring Dakota and Elle Fanning, will soon resume production. Season 5 of Netflix-BBC historical epic The Last Kingdom is in prep. Leo Barraclough FRANCE Open for business? Production of film and TV series restarted in May after the French government approved sanitary guidelines for filming becoming one of the first European countries hardest hit by the virus to resume activities within the sector. However, due to the dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases in the country in recent weeks, there are no international productions that are currently filming. COVID-19 stats France has 175,375 active cases of COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for France due to the large volume of active cases. Insurance coverage The government set up a temporary indemnity fund of 50 million ($59 million) in May for canceled or postponed TV and film shoots during the pandemic; the fund was then doubled to 100 million ($118 million) by a pool of insurers. The initiative allows producers to be insured up to 1.8 million ($2.1 million) per film, and cover off 30% of their production budget. Travel restrictions Travellers arriving from Europe, including the U.K., as well as Australia, Canada and Japan, can enter France freely; while travellers from other countries such as the U.S. must produce the results of a diagnostic virology test upon boarding a flight to France. For everyone, its strongly advised to get tested 72 hours before flying to avoid the risk of being quarantined upon arriving in France. Whats shooting? Netflix and Amazon recently finished shooting their respective series, Arsene Lupin with Omar Sy, and Voltaire, Mixte. Apple TV Plus, meanwhile, has indefinitely delayed production on a series that was expected to kick off in Paris in the fall. There are currently a raft of French productions shooting, notably Supreme, a biopic of the popular 1990s French rap band NTM directed by Audrey Estrougo and produced by Philippe Boefard. Set to shoot later this month are Jacques Audiards Les Olympiades, and Fabrice Eboues Barbaque. Elsa Keslassy SPAIN Open for business? Spain reopened domestic production when the State of Emergency was lifted region by region in May and June. International shoots are allowed under strict supervision from the Spanish Institute of Cinematography and the Audiovisual Arts (ICAA). Updated health and safety protocols were designed by the government with input from industry professionals to strike a balance between the best health and safety practices and what is practical on a film set. New laws place the onus on individual producers to ensure that production is executed adhering to the established legal protocols. COVID-19 stats According to the Spanish Ministry of Health, as of Sept. 1 there have been at least 462,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 29,094 deaths. Currently, trends look grim with the seven-day average of new cases on par with totals not seen since late March and early April, when the country went into its most severe lockdown. Insurance coverage According to ICAA, it is the responsibility of the individual producers, depending on the nature and characteristics of the shoot, to decide on extra insurance or on-set health professionals. Travel restrictions Elisa Rodriguez, deputy director of promotion and international relations at ICAA, says the Spanish government has implemented a procedure to allow foreign film crews to access Spain despite border restrictions. ICAA then provides reports on each case individually and manages alongside the police the authorization of entry for professionals and artists who come to Spain as part of a production. Whats shooting? Netflix stayed busy over the summer with The Innocent and The Neighbor Season 2 wrapping production; meanwhile, international hits Elite Season 4 and Money Heist Part 5 are currently shooting. Irene Escolar and Barbara Lennies Escenario 0 headlines HBO Spains post-restart lineup, with Hierro Season 3 and Alejandro Amenabars series debut La Fortuna leading the way at Movistar Plus. Perhaps the highest-profile shoot of the summer, however, was Oscar winner Pedro Almodovars English-language debut short The Human Voice, starring Tilda Swinton. Jamie Lang ITALY Open for business? Italy was the first country in Europe to shut down productions due to COVID-19 in February, but its now among the first to be back in business after its production guidelines were announced in May. COVID-19 stats After suffering what was initially one of the worst death rates in Europe, Italy currently has a relatively low 27,817 active cases. There are currently 1,437 infected who have been hospitalized, 109 in serious or critical condition. Insurance coverage Italy does not have an insurance fund to help buffer higher costs due to coronavirus. But the government has raised its 30% tax rebate to 40% for local producers in an effort to help fill that gap. For international producers, its 30% rebate remains attractive. Travel restrictions Italy currently has restrictions in place for travel from non-European countries and also for some European ones, such as Greece and Spain. However, exceptions can be made for work reasons, and shooting a film qualifies. That means that by getting a work permit and undergoing multiple swab tests, including before entry, productions can come from most of the world. Whats shooting? The Italian restart is best encapsulated by British TV series Domina, co-produced by Sky Studios with the U.K.s Fifty Fathoms and executive produced by Italys ITV-owned Cattleya. This lavish skein depicting the power of women in Ancient Rome halted production in early March, but in early July resumed shooting at Romes Cinecitta Studios. Cinecitta, which offers state-of-the-art facilities within a space where strict sanitary protocols are now well-worn routine, is currently also hosting several Italian productions, including veteran auteur Paolo Tavianis Pirandello adaptation Leonora addio; Pupi Avatis bittersweet romancer Lei mi parla ancora; and Neri Parentis Christmas comedy Christmas on Mars, and, on the TV side, X-Factor and Big Brother VIP. Elsewhere in Italy, cameras will start rolling in Naples in mid-September on Paolo Sorrentinos Netflix movie The Hand of God; helmer Mario Martone (Capri Revolution) is behind the camera in Naples, having resumed shooting of his drama Qui Rido Io; and Andrea De Sica (Baby) is shooting dark teen chiller Non Mi Uccidere, in Italys Alpine Alto Adige region. Nick Vivarelli CZECH REPUBLIC Open for business? Czech Republic is one of the most popular destinations for international production in Europe with a 20% production incentive, skilled crews and high-quality studios, such as Barrandov Studios. Production was halted in the country at the beginning of March, and was allowed to restart in May, although Hollywood studios held back for a further two months while protocols were worked out with the unions. COVID-19 stats COVID-19 cases have been consistently low in the Czech Republic. There have been 25,773 confirmed cases with 425 deaths total, in a country of 10.7 million people. This translates to 2,400 confirmed cases per million population, and 40 deaths per million population. There were 1,680 confirmed cases in the last week of August, compared with 1,490 in the last week of July. There were four deaths in the last week of August. Insurance coverage None provided by the government. Travel restrictions The Czech Film Fund, in cooperation with the Czech Ministry of Culture, has helped issue documentation that has allowed international cast and crew to enter the Czech Republic with minimal delay. Immediately before arriving in the country, cast and crew members are tested for COVID-19, and are tested again immediately after arriving. They then remain in quarantine until the test results are available, which is within two to six hours. Most Hollywood studios take additional precautions including testing the cast and crew several times a week. Whats shooting? Amazon Studios and Legendary Television completed two weeks of filming on season 2 of Victorian fantasy television series Carnival Row, starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, in August. Among other big-budget series shooting in the country are Wheel of Time (Amazon Studios), The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Marvel Studios), Haunted (Netflix), and Das Boot (Bavaria Fiction), as well as the movie Transatlantic 473 (Netflix). Leo Barraclough GERMANY Open for business? With two major Hollywood projects, Matrix 4 and Uncharted, Studio Babelsberg became an early pioneer in shooting in the time of coronavirus when it resumed production in July. The studio is undertaking major unprecedented efforts to ensure health safety standards on the two stunt-heavy action films, both of which have huge crews and sizeable casts, including conducting 2,500 COVID-19 tests per week at five test stations. Studio workers are tested twice a week, while cast members are tested more often. There is a robust safety protocol in place such as widespread and extensive testing [during both pre-production and shooting], safety trainings, social distancing, contact tracing, thorough daily disinfection, adherence to jurisdiction mandates, local guidance and more, an industry source confirmed to Variety. The studio, located near Berlin, has also set up a new COVID department headed by a COVID captain to ensure the safety measures are being observed and that testing is regularly taking place and that results are promptly delivered. The studio has also implemented strict guidelines restricting entry onto sets and keeping production office employees separate from cast members. COVID-19 stats As of Sept. 2, Germany had 244,855 total cases. Around 16,500 were active cases. The virus has so far claimed 9,313 lives. Government support The German government is providing the German Federal Film Board (FFA) with 19 million ($22 million) to increase the orgs funding budget, which is normally financed through a film levy paid by exhibitors but which has been severely reduced due to the crisis. The government has also provided an additional 11 million ($13 million) to the FFA to support distribution and sales funding, intended to counteract the considerable market disruption caused by COVID-19 and to restart the distribution of theatrical films in Germany in the coming months. Travel restrictions Germany will only allow entry to EU citizens and residents of 12 other countries, including the U.K, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. China, Japan and South Korea are expected to be added to the list soon. The U.S. is not on the list and U.S. citizens traveling to Germany from the U.S. will not be permitted entry except in certain cases. Whats shooting? Matrix 4, Uncharted Ed Meza More from Variety Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Members of the US military have been accused of poor conduct for 'cringeworthy' thirst trap TikTok posts while in uniform. Several TikTok accounts owned by people who claim to be in the military have amassed millions of followers for their flirtatious, suggestive and provocative videos, posted to draw attention to their own attractiveness. An unknown number of service members still use the platform in a personal capacity despite it being banned for military affairs by the Pentagon, Army and Navy in 2019. And the recent debate about soldiers and sailors having an account has come as President Donald Trump alleges that the Chinese-made app is a security threat. Two of the most popular military 'thirst trap' TikTok users are John Bland, right, who goes by the handle @notohkayjohn and Garrett Nolan, who posts as @garett__nolan, shown left The online military community is debating whether TikTok posts such as this from account @notohkayjohn while in uniform is poor conduct While many service members use the popular short-video app to post about dancing, working out and sharing their life stories, a subculture has emerged for military thirst traps among both men and women. One of the most infamous users, according to the Military Times, is John Bland, who goes by the handle @notohkayjohn. His videos feature him partially dressed in his uniform, often moving suggestively to music or staring seductively into the camera. 'So horny I told her I read my daily horoscope,' one of his post reads, while another answers questions from followers about when his Only Fans account is coming. Some of his most suggestive posts see him grabbing his crotch or tugging at his underwear, prompting criticism from some. 'Someone please come get your soldier,' Twitter user Payton Smith wrote while reposting one of the 'cringey' videos. John Bland's videos feature him partially dressed in his uniform in a darkened room, often moving suggestively to music or staring seductively into the camera The videos have been criticized by some social media users Some users called out the hypocrisy of Bland's videos when those from women are criticized Some in the online military community said the videos made them feel 'sick' 'Honestly I find all these sensual tik-toks weird and slightly predatory but in uniform???? shoulda stayed in the drafts,' another user named Em wrote. 'Ill take videos that made me way more uncomfortable than two girls dancing to a popular song for $500 alex,' she added. 'I wonder if people think this is how all the service members look,' a woman named Kris wrote while another user asked 'please tell me why this app isn't abolished yet'. 'This is so cringeworthy I almost feel sick,' posted one user. Yet despite the push back, Bland has so far earned himself 1.1million followers. Even more successful is user Garrett Nolan, who posts as @garett__nolan, and according to the Military Times is a Marine Reservist. He has a massive 6.4million followers for his similar videos, often showing himself in full uniform or going through training. Most of Nolan's videos show him sitting in the same position and smoldering into the camera. Garrett Nolan, who posts as @garett__nolan, has a massive 6.4million followers Nolan's videos often showing himself in full uniform or going through training Garett Nolan is among the most popular military TikTokers. Service members still use the platform in a personal capacity despite it being banned for military affairs in 2019 Women in the military have also been bashed for the TikTok use. Earlier in August, outrage swept the military community after a video on TikTok went viral that showed two uniformed female soldiers performing the choreographed 'WAP' dance. Shared by user Kamyrnvinson01, the video appears to show her and another female soldier dancing while 'WAP' blasts in the background. Yet the Military Times reported that some were angered by the video. A number of comments that disparaged it were explicit and sexist, including several men calling for women to be barred from military service. Some members of the military community condemned a TikTok video showing two uniformed female soldiers performing a dance to the song 'WAP' by Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion User Kamyrnvinson01 shared the video to TikTok, but it has since been made private as it garnered attention on other social media sites and went viral A number of comments lambasting the video were explicit and sexist, with many men using the video as reason for women's departure from the military Others made hyperbolic statements that China, the country that created TikTok, had somehow emerged victorious. 'Women have no business serving in the military,' wrote Jesse Lee Peterson, a radio show host and pastor who once called President Trump 'The Great White Hope.' 'China will win without firing a shot,' one affronted user wrote. A man who claimed to be a non-commissioned officer chastised the video as 'disgraceful to the uniform.' 'As a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army... we, as in the professional service men and women, do not condone this behavior,' he wrote. 'It is disgraceful to the uniform and inappropriate on all levels... but again, there are always the few that taint the image of the whole.' Others, however, were angered that the video of the women faced such harsh feedback when the thirst traps posted by their male counterparts don't get the same. 'If you're going to comment on the unprofessionalism of those two females, but you don't call this out as being unprofessional in uniform, then you're actually just shaming women,' wrote user @fit_ishbabe. Some users made hyperbolic statements that China, where the app was created, had won Most users deemed the video inappropriate because it showed the female soldiers performing the controversial moves while in uniform despite men posting similar videos Twitter user: 'It is disgraceful to the uniform and inappropriate on all levels... but again, there are always the few that taint the image of the whole' 'If you're going to comment on the unprofessionalism of those two females, but you don't call this out as being unprofessional in uniform, then you're actually just shaming women' While the Trump administration has made an aggressive play to ban TikTok from the United States for national security reasons, membership in the country has increased. The Pentagon barred service members from using TikTok in 2019, deeming it a cyber threat, before the Army and Navy both banned use among ranks. However, a survey from Sandboxx, which connects service members and their supporters, found that nearly 50 per cent of the 436 people surveyed still used TikTok. '42 percent of respondents say they use TikTok at least once a month, with a quarter (24 percent) saying they use it daily,' Sandboxx told Military Times. 'This is despite many branches banning the app's use on government devices and warning against its use on personal devices.' But military members would forgo the app if their superiors specifically asked they delete TikTok, according to Shane McCarthy, Sandboxx chief marketing officer. 'The data clearly shows that no matter how our military members feel about TikTok or its use by civilians, they plan to follow the order of their command,' said McCarthy.' As it stands, the military's ruling on TikTok does not mean that service members cannot use the app in a personal capacity. Instead it only extends to formal military entities connected to a chain of command or formal military group, said Army Col. Joe Buccino, spokesman for XVIII Airborne Corps. 'With regard to conduct on TikTok, it's the same as conduct on any other platform,' he told the Military Times. 'The governing document is under regulation 600-20, which is understandably vague on this matter. 'A good way of thinking about this is if you would not say it in front of formation, you should not say it on social media.' Some social media users defended the videos saying the soldiers are young According to the US Army's social media handbook, service members should always consider themselves representing the military. 'The U.S. Army defines online conduct as the use of electronic communications in an official or personal capacity that is consistent with U.S. Army Values and standards of conduct,' the guide says. 'It is important that all Soldiers know that once they have logged on to a social media platform, they still represent the U.S. Army. 'Online misconduct is a term that describes unacceptable or improper behavior through the use of technology.' Yet some have defended the videos, arguing that many of the service members are young people and are posting as such. 'Young people doing what young people do,' said Twitter user @Jzoizack_LTC. 'They answered the call to defend a nation. Pretty heavy stuff, defending a nation. Dancing? What? Are we in 1950s catholic school? But hater gonna hate. Me, good on ua young people, make them uncomfortable.' 'As a vet this is unprofessional in uniform...but its not a big deal....nothing some super intense PT sessions cannot solve,' user Jonathon Smith said. 'They are probably good soldiers just wanting to have fun...so just make them sweat alot of that energy out and they wont have the energy to do this.' On August 6, the president issued an order that directed the Secretary of Commerce to come up with a list of transactions involving the TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance and its holdings that should be banned after 45 days. The company plans to sue to block the order. The social media company is also expected to contest its classification by the White House as a national security threat. It comes as the company continues talks with the likes of Microsoft over the sale of its US operations. Donna Barton Brothers explains in her foreword, "Henrietta creates a brilliant analogy when comparing the smooth or treacherous conditions of life to the track conditions at a Thoroughbred race track. As a former jockey and now horse racing reporter and analyst for NBC Sports, I can relate to the stories the author poignantly relates beyond track conditions to everyday life." "The author's Kentucky roots provide the perfect backdrop to motivate you to push to the finish line in healthy mind, body and spirit through all phases of life. Out of the Gate is truly thought-provoking." Tim and Lori Laird Authors of That's Entertaining! With Tim Laird, America's C.E.O.-Chief Entertaining Officer, That's Entertaining! Cocktails and Appetizers, and recently released The Bourbon Country Cookbook featuring David Danielson Executive Chef at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. A self-described serial entrepreneur, Henrietta Pepper has built a successful career in marketing and advertising spanning more than three decades, including owning and operating a brand communications firm, the pepper group, ltd. for 14 years. After selling that firm in 2018, she founded GCJ Consultants and serves as Chief Strategist for the firm today. "I found myself laughing out loud (and shedding an occasional tear) as I read Out of the Gate. Henrietta has a way of making the reader feel they are right in the room with her---experiencing the joy, the sorrow, or the humor of life." Mary Varga Author of The Light Through My Tunnel and The Afflicted Healer SilverStrength Senior Fitness, Founder & Owner The book content connects with what drives readers forward and encourages them to join the conversation. "We're all wanting to celebrate the specialness of our lives as well as reflect on the areas we hope to strengthen. The best way to start that conversation is to share. I've always had an idea to create a community around story sharing. The book invites you to join the conversation and share your stories. Out Of The Gate is a springboard to help question, challenge, and inspire each other in a safe space." Henrietta Pepper Author of Out Of The Gate: What Inspires Us Drives Us Forward Book Out of The Gate: What Inspires Us Drives Us Forward book will be available October 15, 2020 on Amazon, Kindle, and in exclusive bookseller locations listed on outofthegatebook.com . Media Contact: Contact: Henrietta Pepper Contact Email: [email protected] Website: www.outofthegatebook.com Phone: 502.693.1396 About The Author A self-described serial entrepreneur, Henrietta Pepper has built a successful career in marketing and advertising spanning more than three decades, including owning and operating a successful brand communications firm for 14 years. After selling that firm in 2018, she founded GCJ Consultants, LLC and serves as Chief Strategist for the firm today. An advocate for further education, Henrietta's own educational background includes dual bachelor degrees from the University of Kentucky and a master's degree from the University of Kentucky/University of Louisville Executive MBA program. A lifelong learner she has earned accreditation from several leadership training and management programs, including Harvard University. She currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Louisville College of Business. Born in Nashville, TN and raised in western Kentucky, Henrietta and her husband of 30 years reside in Louisville, KY. She is the proud mother of three children, stepparent to four children and grandmother of 14 grandchildren, with more on the way! The work on this book was inspired by impactful stories rooted in faith, family, and friends. The stories rise from real life experiences that have shaped the course of her life. SOURCE GCJ Consultants Related Links https://outofthegatebook.com In its study of quarterly deployments of TV and video streaming devices across 27 major countries, the analyst examined the importance of TV streaming platforms and devices in the emergence of internet video services such as Netflix , Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. It found that streaming video is increasingly viewed on TV screens rather than mobile devices, particularly during the pandemic, and TV streaming platforms will become a dominant force in video streaming in many countries as demand for traditional pay-TV, broadcast and home video platforms declines. The TV Streaming Platforms studyTV Streaming Platforms study calculated that the global population of TV and video streaming devices has now exceeded 1.1 billion. Samsung is the leading brand, with 14% of devices in use, followed by Sony (12%), LG (8%), Hisense (5%), TCL (5%) and Amazon (5%). The analysis also shows that the Tizen platform is the leading player in TV streaming, accounting for 11% of deployed devices, followed by WebOS (7%), PlayStation (7%), Roku OS (5%), Fire OS (5%), Android TV (4%) and Xbox (4%). Interestingly, the study noted that the platform environment was still relatively fragmented since many older, often proprietary systems are still in use.Over-the-top TV and video streaming to the TV is a complex and evolving landscape compared to mobile devices, where only two platforms dominate, commented Strategy Analytics director David Watkins. Content owners and developers need to consider carefully how to target their resources and strategy towards specific brands and platforms, since geographical deployment patterns vary enormously. Frequently updated, tactical tracking of platform deployments is a valuable tool in ensuring that services are reaching their highest potential audience. Ankara, Sep 4 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held virtual talks on regional affairs, particularly the latest tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. "During the video conference on Thursday, President Erdogan reiterated his commitment to a fair allocation (of energy resources), whereby the rights of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean would be protected, and which would serve the interests of all littoral states," said a statement by the Turkish Presidential Communications Office. Erdogan accused Greece, the Greek Cypriots, and the states supporting them of having been taking steps to escalate the tension, Xinhua news agency reported citing the statement as saying. The President welcomed Merkel's efforts to contribute to the solution of the problem "that has been caused by recent steps by Greece and its supporters, which undermined regional peace", it added Athens and Ankara have been at odds over hydrocarbon rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Earlier last month, Turkey dispatched its seismic survey vessel, Oruc Reis, escorted by Turkish warships to the area after Greece and Egypt signed a maritime border agreement. Greece, which has called on Ankara to withdraw its vessels from the area, also deployed warships to monitor the Turkish activities there. China invokes new rules to block sale of TikTok China has recently amended its export control law that could potentially be used to block the sale of TikTok's US operations even as investors, including Japans SoftBank, are trying to save markets for the hugely popular mobile app. TikTok owner Bytedance was in talks to sell TikTok's American operation following President Donald Trump's threat to ban the app if a suitor is not found. Bytedance, however, said it will 'strictly' comply with the new rules imposed by China. China on Thursday emphasised its right to approve or block the sale of technology abroad, in a move to block a forced sale of TikToks US operations to investors, including Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp. Beijings posture will further complicate an already muddled negotiations over the sale of TikTok, which is already under scrutiny by the Trump administration. The Chinese government last week added several artificial intelligence features to a list of export-restricted technologies, effectively gaining the right to block a deal by specifically targeting TikToks essential features like the recommendation algorithms. Reports citing a Chinese commerce ministry spokesman said the regulatory changes arent targeted at specific companies, but to ensure that companies should consult relevant government agencies before transferring any technology they employ. If related enterprises are transferring technology abroad during trade, investment or technical cooperation that fall under the regulations, they are advised to immediately consult provincial-level commerce department offices and handle that in accordance with the law, Gao Feng, spokesman for the ministry explained during a weekly briefing. Meanwhile, SoftBank Group Corp, which owns a stake in TikToks Chinese parent ByteDance, has been holding talks with the heads of Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel, to find a suitor for TikToks Indian operations. While discussions have fizzled since, SoftBank is still exploring options to revive TikToks now dormant operations in India, its largest market with over 200 million users, reports citing sources said. Beijings move to bring in opaque laws to block transfer deals would only result in TikTok getting banned in the US and several other markets and perpetuate its India ban. President Trump will most likely ban TikTok ahead of Novembers election, further jeopardising any sale of TikTok. ByteDance has been weighing several options, including sale of TikTok in several countries after governments there shut out the app, citing transfer of sensitive user data to Chinese state agencies. US President Donald Trump restricted the use of TikTok and super app WeChat in early August, prohibiting the use of the two controversial apps by US entities after a 45 day phasing out period. The Trump administration wants TikTok banned because it could be used to extract data from Americans for the use of Chinese security agencies. Many fear a forced sale of TikTok and an escalating tech war will lead to a splitting of the World Wide Web into a US-led internet and a Chinese-sponsored one. A Niagara Indigenous activist, radio show host and journalist says he will fight criminal charges laid against him while covering a Caledonia land dispute last month. Karl Dockstader, co-host of One Dish, One Mic on CKTB 610 AM and employee of the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, was charged with criminal mischief this week following a week of reporting from a camp at the land dispute. I thought I had covered all my bases and that my being there in my capacity as a journalist would have protected me, said Dockstader. So long as I was not assisting the land defenders and was there in my capacity as a journalist, I thought I was protected. He filed live videos for One Dish, One Mic from the site dubbed 1492 Land Back Lane by the Haudenosaunee land defenders which had been marked as off-limits by a court injunction. Dockstader was also compiling interviews to do reports for the friendship centre and filed reports for the news podcast Canadaland and CKTB. He and his One Dish, One Mic co-host (and Niagara Falls Review reporter) Sean Vanderklis, were the 2020 recipients of the annual Canadian Journalism Foundation-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship. My lawyer says we have a case and were going to fight the charges, said Dockstader, a member of the Oneida Bear Clan who lives in Niagara Falls. Dockstader, with Vanderklis, began to visit the property and started filing reports shortly after a small group of land defenders occupied the McKenzie Meadows construction site in Caledonia, about an hour south of Toronto, on July 19. According to Dockstader, the property in question is traditional Haudenosaunee land that was never ceded. For decades it has been farmed, but was recently sold to Foxgate Developments which plans to erect a housing complex there. In court documents, Foxgate argued the land was no longer Haudenosaunee territory because it had been sold in 1853 by a Canadian Indian Agent an officer of the federal government of the day and not a representative of the Haudenosaunee to a private buyer. The company also signed an agreement with the elected Six Nations of Grand River council elected by less than 5 per cent of the Six Nations population. It agreed to support the development and use all reasonable efforts to work with the (Foxgate) to support a cessation of any action or conduct by any member of any First Nations that is intended or reasonably likely to delay, frustrate or interfere with the development. The elected council is at odds with the areas traditional Indigenous government, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy council, which released a statement Aug. 15 opposing the development and calling on the federal government to intervene. The land defenders set up at night, said Dockstader. They were trying to avoid any confrontation with anyone during the workday. Foxgate received a court injunction barring anyone from the property, and by Aug. 5 the Ontario Provincial Police-enforced court order, resulting in a brief confrontation between police and the land defenders. What is notable is that the number of people at the camp was very small at first. Maybe a few dozen, said Dockstader. That increased dramatically after the police showed up. So in a way, the arrival of the OPP brought more people to the camp. Last week, he stayed at the camp to file reports. His last live report was a short video posted to the One Dish, One Mic Twitter page Aug. 29. In it, he said the land defenders were not seeking confrontation and wanted the federal Crown to uphold their treaty rights. He also said he played in a lacrosse game at the camp. On Sept. 2 after Dockstander had returned home, he was contacted by OPP and informed he would be charged with mischief and violating a court injunction. While other news media were at the camp including APTN, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Dockstader is the only member of the press charged. He suspects his final video may have played a role in the OPP laying charges against him. Although the OPP would not discuss the charges, a spokesman indicated that doing anything other than reporting could result in charges. The OPP is committed to the freedom of the press and respects the important role the media has in the community. We value and strive to have collaborative relationships with our media partners, said Const. Rod LeClair in an email. Engaging in activities outside of their reporting purpose, could subject media personnel to charges in relation to a violation of a court order and other applicable offences. RELATED STORIES Niagara Region Deal expected to bring Indigenous friendship centres, Niagara municipalities together to solve social issues It is not clear if the lacrosse game Dockstader played in is being viewed by OPP as grounds for the charges. LeClair said to date 17 people have been charged, including 15 for allegedly violating a court injunction. Late Friday, the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre released a statement condemning the arrest of Dockstader, as well as Indigenous policy analyst Courtney Skye, as an abuse of power designed to control the way the story is being told. Indigenous media and policy analysis is critical in ensuring our diverse perspectives are broadly available and acknowledged, the statement said. CKTB released a statement late Friday in support of Dockstader. We fully support the journalism of Karl Dockstader, the statement says. We deeply oppose his arrest and charges and have offered to assist him in anyway we can. Support also came from the Canadian Association of Journalists, which released a statement Friday condeming Dockstaders arrest as an attack on press freedom. The OPP are well aware that journalists have an established constitutional right to be present and cover matters of public interest, said Brent Jolly, CAJ president. Attempting to prevent a journalist from documenting a moment of contentious action is impermissible in a country like Canada. Journalism can never be silenced. An academy in Staffordshire is believed to be the first school to have closed due to a confirmed coronavirus case since they reopened to pupils. The JCB Academy in Rochester, Staffordshire, was one of the first schools to welcome pupils back at the end of August but told children to stay at home today. In an email sent to parents late last night, the school said it was investigating a 'single case' of the virus but did not clarify whether a member of staff or a student tested positive. The school has been closed 'as a precaution', with 700 of the 800 students being allowed to return to class next Monday. The JCB Academy in Rochester, Staffordshire, was one of the first schools to welcome pupils back at the end of August but told children to stay at home today Around 100 students have been asked to stay at home and self-isolate for the next 14 days. The school has told parents not to be 'unduly concerned' by the outbreak but advised them to book a test for their child if they become symptomatic. Principal Jenny McGuirk said the academy has taken advice from Public Health England and the Staffordshire Covid-19 Response Team. She told the BBC: 'Through track and trace, academy staff have worked throughout the day to contact the families of students believed to have been in contact with the individual who has tested positive. The school has been closed 'as a precaution', with 700 of the 800 students being allowed to return to class next Monday 'As a result, around 100 students have now been asked to self-isolate for the next 14 days. 'In the meantime, the JCB Academy will re-open on Monday for the remaining 700 students.' Self-isolating students will be able to access learning on Google Classroom for their lessons. At least seven schools in England have sent students home due to outbreaks of the virus but the JCB Academy is believed to be the first school to fully close since reopening. The school has told parents not to be 'unduly concerned' by the outbreak but advised them to book a test for their child if they become symptomatic More than two dozen pupils at Unity College in Burnley were sent home to self-isolate after a child tested positive for coronavirus yesterday afternoon. The school confirmed a Year 7 pupil contracted the virus on his first day of school. It was the first day many children were returning to the classroom after a six-month absence. In a statement on the school's website, Headteacher Mrs Sally-Jane Cryer said: 'At the start of the afternoon of Wednesday 2 September 2020, I was contacted by a parent of a child in year 7 to inform me that the year 7 child has tested positive for Covid-19. More than two dozen pupils at Unity College in Burnley were sent home to self-isolate after a child tested positive for coronavirus on the first day of school yesterday afternoon 'The boy and his family have been part of the governments track and trace pilot and are tested weekly. The parents do not have the virus but the year 7 child does have it. 'The boy has had no symptoms at all. The college took immediate action and isolated the boy and his family collected him immediately. 'The parents of all the other students in the child's bubble, 25 year 7 students in total, have been contacted and all 25 have been sent home this afternoon and told to self-isolate for 14 days. 'The rooms where the class have been taught were deep cleaned immediately. No other student bubbles in any year group including year 7 have been affected.' One in five parents STILL aren't sending their children back to school despite classrooms reopening after lockdown The majority of headteachers are reporting an attendance of more than 80% among the pupils in England returning to the classroom this week, suggesting around one in five parents are yet to send their children back to school. Schools in England have begun welcoming back students in all year groups for the start of the autumn term, with the remainder due to open next week. Early indications from a poll, by the school leaders union NAHT, suggest around nine in ten (92%) schools have had more than 80% of pupils attend. The survey, of more 840 school leaders on Friday, found more than four in five (82%) schools have had more than 90% of children turn up to school. Year 7 students line up in the playground and observe social distancing at City of London Academy Highgate Hill today after schools reopened, as a poll shows there are still pupils not returning because of coronavirus School leaders said the top reasons for pupils not attending school were that they were quarantining following a trip abroad, were still away on holiday or were unwell with a non-coronavirus illness. The overall absence rate during the 2019/20 Autumn term was 4.93 per cent, with the unauthorised absence rate at 1.32 per cent. For the three years prior, it was lower still. About one in five (21%) school leaders said they had a pupil in their school who did not attend because their parents felt too anxious to send them back. A similar proportion (20%) said they had a pupil in their school who did not attend because they were self-isolating following exposure to Covid-19. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, said: 'This is a remarkable achievement, but we should not take anything for granted because we know that restrictions may well be likely as we get deeper into this term. 'What's important is that the Government gives very clear messages to schools and parents from now on so that attendance can remain high.' The findings came as a school in Staffordshire closed as a precaution on Friday after a student tested positive for Covid-19. Pictured: A teacher talks to her year two pupils during their first day of school after the summer break at St Luke's Church of England Primary School in East London on September 3 She added that robust measures were put in place - including compulsory hand sanitising and the wearing of face masks between classrooms - before the school reopened for the autumn term. It is the first time many pupils have stepped into a classroom since March, when schools were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Department for Education has said fines for parents who refuse to send their children to school will only be used as a 'last resort'. Mr Whiteman added: 'Obviously for some, the anxiety of coronavirus means that they do not feel able to send their children to school. 'Schools will work compassionately with these families and they should not be shamed or fined, which is why we are restating our appeal to the Government to take the threat of fines off the table.' A decision to halt new business by Manitoba Hydro Telecom has caused small internet service providers that build broadband connections to northern, remote and rural communities to worry about the security of their existing business. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A decision to halt new business by Manitoba Hydro Telecom has caused small internet service providers that build broadband connections to northern, remote and rural communities to worry about the security of their existing business. Last week they formed an organization to make their voices heard after being shut out of a process to find a third party operator to manage Manitoba Hydro Telecom (MHT). This week a "stop sell" notification has them concerned that planned projects may be in trouble and that it may even jeopardize their existing clientele. Earlier this week, Chris Mankewich, managing director of MHT, issued an order to immediately "suspend all activities related to new broadband services including, proposals, contract negotiations, design, construction, and connection to infrastructure," while a request for proposals process is underway to find a third party manager for the asset. Manitoba Hydro built a fibre optic infrastructure to connect its northern power dams which can be used for broadband networks to service northern communities. Mankewich said MHT will maintain "current operations and obligations of existing contracts" but the spokesman for the newly formed organization of small internet service providers in the province said this new uncertainty may cause development projects to be put on hold. David MacKay, the executive director of the newly formed Coalition of Manitoba Internet Service Providers (C-MISP) said there was no warning such an order was imminent. "We understood that because MHT might be replaced by a new gatekeeper there might have been something to this effect, but we thought it would have been after the RFP proponent announcement rather than before," he 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. While an MHT spokesman said existing service would not be affected, MacKay said it will have a chilling effect. "This is actually going to prevent C-MISP members from implementing any of their near-term future plans because there is too much uncertainty," he said. Bruce Owen a spokesman for Manitoba Hydro, said existing business as well as contracts that will roll over into a month-to-month term until the RFP process has concluded will be honoured. "As MHT had no involvement with the RFP, it would be impossible to speculate as to any potential impacts on individual internet service providers." But MacKay said some of his members are already planning to divert investments to other projects outside the province. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca On Nov. 10, just one week after the presidential election, the Trump administration will ask the Supreme Court to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. The case, California v. Texas, boils down to one question: Did Congress intend the Affordable Care Act to continue without its individual mandate, the requirement that most Americans buy health insurance? But last March, Congress definitively answered the question. It passed two override laws that save the Affordable Care Act. The Supreme Court must recognize these overrides and leave the Affordable Care Act intact. Advertisement A congressional override is the legislative equivalent of a higher court overruling a lower court decision. To enact an override, Congress passes a statute that clarifies or reverses a courts application of a federal statute. Congress authority to do this rests in Article 1, Section 1, of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. As Chief Justice John Roberts has recognized, the final say on a statute is with Congress. 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. In this case, the overrides are the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act. Congress passed these two laws to curb the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. But these laws offer more than economic relief. They also override the district court decision on appeal in California v. Texas, which ruled that the Affordable Care Act must fall. Congress overrode that decision by amending and extending the Affordable Care Act, making clear that the law stands, even without the individual mandate. Advertisement Advertisement These overrideslike many other congressional overrideshave a common problem. They are a bit hard to spot. But they are clearly there, and they are clearly the law. Sometimes Congress explicitly identifies an override. Often, though, it does not. Many overrides are implicit; Congress says nothing about the override even as it issues one. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act are implicit overrides. But explicit and implicit overrides have the same legal effect. As Yale law professor William Eskridge and colleagues have noted, both types of overrides are the law. Thus, courts must obey the override, unless it is a scriveners error or an unconstitutional directive. Here, the overrides are neither a scriveners error nor unconstitutional. The two laws deliberately expand the Affordable Care Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, no one questions the constitutionality of either law. What matters is how these two laws override the district court decision that lead to California v. Texas. Advertisement Advertisement The district court decision arose from an unusual intersection between a 2012 Supreme Court decision and a 2017 federal tax law. In 2012, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Acts individual mandate. The court found that the penalty for violating the mandate was a tax, which Congress could impose under the Constitutions taxing power. Five years later, in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Congress reduced the mandate penalty to $0. The mandate remained on the books, but it was meaningless. Advertisement Advertisement A number of Republican-led states, bent on eliminating the Affordable Care Act, sprang to action. They filed suit claiming the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act rendered the individual mandate unconstitutional because a penalty of $0 is not a tax. Fair enough. Zero dollars is not a tax. But they didnt stop there. Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs then argued the mandate was inseverable from the rest of the Affordable Care Act. They based their argument on congressional intent. Congress, they claimed, never intended the mandate to be separated from the Affordable Care Act. If the mandate was unconstitutional and had to go, the rest of the Affordable Care Act had to go as well. The district court bought the argument. It invalidated the entire Affordable Care Act. The decision was then appealed. On appeal, the Trump administration joined the plaintiffs, arguing that the mandate was unconstitutional and the Affordable Care Act had to go. A federal appeals court agreed that the mandate was unconstitutional but did not rule on whether the Affordable Care Act could be severed from the mandate. The caseand the severability questionnow sit before the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act answer the severability question. As a practical and constitutional matter, there is no mandate. Congress knows this. It did away with the mandate by making it toothless in 2017. Since then, two federal courts have ruled the nonenforceable mandate unconstitutional. This shouldnt, however, moot the entire law. Congress made this clear when it amended and expanded the Affordable Care Actvia the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Actto respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two laws reference parts of the Affordable Care Act by name or statute number a half-dozen times. They incorporate specialized Affordable Care Act terms, such as grandfathered plans and minimum essential coverage. They fund health programs created by the Affordable Care Act, such as the Community Health Center Fund. Most notably, the two laws expand the Affordable Care Acts preventive services benefits. The Affordable Care Act now covers COVID-19 testing, preventative care, and vaccinesall without copays or deductibles. Moreover, patients who test positive for COVID-19 under these new benefits cannot be denied coverage or charged a higher premium for Affordable Care Act coverage. Congress did this and more, all without the mandate. It should now be impossible to see the mandate as inseverable from the rest of the Affordable Care Act. Congress did not see it that way when it passed the CARES Act. Indeed, Congress overrode the district court by expanding the mandateless Affordable Care Act. The Supreme Court should recognize and apply Congress overrides when it rules in California v. Texas. PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexandria Venture Investments, the strategic venture capital platform of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), an urban office REIT and the first, longest-tenured and pioneering owner, operator and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, was recognized by Silicon Valley Bank in its "Mid-Year 2020 Healthcare Investments and Exits Report" as the #1 most active biopharma investor by new deal volume from 2019 to 1H20. As a testament to Alexandria's position at the heart of the life science ecosystem, this marks the third consecutive year the company's venture capital platform has earned this distinguished and impactful recognition. Since its founding in 1996, Alexandria Venture Investments has strategically invested in some of the most disruptive and promising seed-, early- and growth-stage technologies and companies, and it stands today as an integral component of the company's uniquely differentiated and multifaceted business strategy. "Alexandria is proud and honored to have received the #1 most active biopharma investor recognition for a third consecutive year. We have been at the vanguard of innovation at the earliest stages since we established our strategic venture capital platform, including our remarkable early-stage investments in Google, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Juno Therapeutics, Denali Therapeutics, Adaptive Biotechnologies, Vir Biotechnology and Moderna," said Joel S. Marcus, executive chairman and founder of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and founder and leader of the Alexandria Venture Investments platform. "As of June 30, 2020, we have a carrying value of over $1.3 billion in our Alexandria Venture Investments portfolio, and we continue to invest in some of the most impactful and transformative companies that are rapidly advancing highly disruptive breakthroughs in immunology, neuroscience, cell and gene therapies, single cell genomics, epigenetics, synthetic biology, in silico drug discovery and other new areas of science that will meaningfully improve human health." Some of Alexandria's most noteworthy recent investments include its participation in the financings of Affinia Therapeutics, Autobahn Therapeutics, EQRx, insitro, MOMA Therapeutics and Sana Biotechnology, each of which is utilizing its own unique technology platform to deliver a new repertoire of life-changing medicines. The pace and volume of new drug discovery and development by these companies further underscore the importance of next-generation manufacturing to accelerate the translation of tomorrow's medicines from bench to bedside, and to make these medicines more cost-effective and accessible to patients everywhere. In addressing that need, Alexandria serves as a founding member a first-of-its-kind consortium to catalyze advanced biological innovation and manufacturing in Greater Boston. Alexandria has also invested in several groundbreaking companies that are now actively working on testing, therapeutics and vaccines for COVID-19, including Adaptive Biotechnologies, Color, GreenLight Biosciences, Moderna, Myeloid Therapeutics and Vir Biotechnology. These companies mobilized with record speed and leveraged their core technology platforms to advance solutions for COVID19 and are at the forefront of COVID-related research and development efforts. Vir, an Alexandria investment and tenant, is one of the most transformative companies working to profoundly change the way infectious diseases are treated and prevented. Alexandria has been an instrumental partner in enabling Vir's work and enhancing its strategic growth trajectory by participating in its capital-raising efforts and providing the company with mission-critical laboratory/office space for its headquarters in Mission Bay, which is located in close proximity to UCSF, to support Vir's mission and its ability to successfully recruit and retain top talent. In addition to the clinical-stage immunology company's crucial work to target hepatitis B, influenza A, HIV and tuberculosis, Vir is using its unique antibody platform technology to develop next-generation antibodies that have the potential to be highly effective in solving the current pandemic as well as other outbreaks in the future. In partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, Vir recently began enrollment in its Phase II/III trials for the early treatment of COVID-19 in patients who are at high risk of hospitalization. Leveraging its renowned Alexandria Summit thought leadership platform in response to COVID-19, Alexandria also engaged its world-class life science network to explore critical issues, strategies and policies that will drive innovative solutions to the global pandemic. Since March, the Alexandria Summit has organized and participated in virtual Policy Forum webinars around topics related to achieving widespread availability of rapid, improved screening and diagnostic testing, developing and scaling safe and effective therapeutics and vaccines and safely reopening the economy. In July, the company virtually convened its Alexandria Summit Immunology 2020, at a time when understanding the immune system has never been more critical. The Immunology Summit included two highly curated COVID-focused keynotes featuring top experts from biopharma, non-profit and venture capital. About Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 urban office REIT, is the first, longest-tenured and pioneering owner, operator and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $27.7 billion as of June 30, 2020, and an asset base in North America of 43.0 million SF. The asset base in North America includes 28.8 million RSF of operating properties and 2.3 million RSF of Class A properties undergoing construction, 6.6 million RSF of near-term and intermediate-term development and redevelopment projects and 5.3 million SF of future development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, technology and agtech campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, technology and agtech companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns and greater long-term asset value. For more information on Alexandria, please visit www.are.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "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. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its uncertain effects on our business and the operations of our tenants and the companies in which we invest and its impact on the global and national economies. These forward-looking statements are based on Alexandria's present intent, beliefs or expectations, but forward-looking statements are not guaranteed to occur and may not occur. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by Alexandria's forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Alexandria assumes no obligation to update this information. For more discussion relating to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the Company's forward-looking statements, and risks and uncertainties to the Company's business in general, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. CONTACT: Sara Kabakoff, Vice President Corporate Communications, (626) 788-5578, [email protected] SOURCE Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Related Links http://www.are.com /* custom css */ .tdi_75_c5b.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_75_c5b .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_75_c5b.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_75_c5b.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_75_c5b.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } Advertisement Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi on Friday expressed satisfaction with the fast pace of work at the Kafin Madaki Special School in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state. Mohammed made this known when he paid an unscheduled visit to the 1,000 capacity female students hostel in Ganjuwa local government area. I am delighted that the level of the work has reached 80 per cent completion according to the contractual standards and conditions. I want the contractor handling the project to hasten work on the remaining 20 per cent of the project which include toilets and construction of spacious floor within the perimetre fence of the hostel. /* custom css */ .tdi_74_599.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_74_599 .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_74_599.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_74_599.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_74_599.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } The floor would provide additional convenience and further secure the students against reptiles and other related dangers he said. Speaking, Hajiya Jamila Koko, the principal of the school commended Gov. Mohammed for the renovation and other innovations in the education sector in the state. Moscow/New Delhi, Sep 5 : Indian Defence Minister Rajanth Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe met in the Russian capital on Friday to discuss their border dispute and agreed to de-escalate the situation through talks. The two-hour meeting between the Indian and Chinese delegations, which started at 9.30 p.m. Indian Standard Time,saw the border disputes discussed at length. This is the first political dialogue after the tension on the borders started. Both the ministers are in Moscow to participate in a joint meeting of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Image Source: IANS News Rajnath Singh, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Defence Secretary and other senior officials, had, earlier in the day, addressed the joint meeting where he stated that India is committed to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. India and China are engaged in four-month-long standoff at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough to the resolve the deadlock, while Chinese's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops had made fresh attempts at incursion attempts into Indian territory late last month. China had made provocative military movements to change the status quo at Pangong Tso lake after Indian soldiers had earlier occupied the heights there to thwart the PLA's land-grabbing bid. On June 15, as many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. Chinese aggression started increasing along the Line of Actual Control and more particularly in Galwan Valley since May 5. The Chinese side transgressed in the areas of Kugrang Nala, Gogra and north bank of Pangong lake on May 17 and May 18. -- Syndicated from IANS CAMEROUN :: Wildlife trafficker arrested with pangolin scales in Ebolowa :: CAMEROON An alleged wildlife trafficker has been arrested in Ebolowa in the South Region for trafficking in pangolin scales. He was arrested during an operation carried out by wildlife officials of the Mvila Divisional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife in collaboration with the police. The operation was carried out with the technical assistance of LAGA, a non-governmental organization specialized in wildlife law enforcement. The man was caught with 23kg of pangolin scales in his attempt to carry out an illegal transaction to sell the scales. According to a source close to the case that requested for anonymity, the trafficker travelled from Aloum II to Ebolowa at night with the scales concealed in a bag. He used the cover of the night to move the pangolin scales because he knew the activity was illegal, the same source declared. Further investigations show that the suspected trafficker belongs to a local network of pangolin scales traffickers. They collect pangolin scales from many villages particularly from Asouck, Adjap and Mefo, stock them and later sell. Pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. Of the eight pangolin species that exist, the country is host to three, the black-bellied, the white- bellied and the giant pangolins which are all in the list of totally protected species. Scales from two species of pangolin (the black-bellied and white-bellied) were found in the seizure. The white-bellied species of pangolin is most poached and traded. According to a study published this May in Molecular Biology Reports, the Douala network market is fed from differentiated source populations of white-bellied pangolins. Wildlife trafficking and the trade in pangolins in particular is on the rise despite the global health situation facing Covid-19 believed to have zoonotic origins.Writing for The New Yorker, David Quammen an American science and nature writer says that the elusive animals possible involvement in the origins of COVID 19 gives it a weird contradiction, not only threatened but perhaps also dangerous. Pangolins are highly threatened with extinction and the trade in pangolin products remains strictly illegal. According to the wildlife law that governs the sector, anyone found in possession of parts of a totally protected species is liable to a prison term of 1 to 3 years and or a fine of 3 to 10 million CFA Korea aims to announce a plan next week to provide a second round of emergency handouts to people hit by a recent resurgence of new coronavirus infections, Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said Friday. Korea tightened social distancing rules in mid-August, as daily new infections jumped to triple-digit rises, dashing hope of a swift recovery in private consumption. The government has been reviewing a plan to offer the emergency handouts to small merchants and self-employed people who have suffered from the tightened social distancing rules, Kim said. Part-time and freelance workers could be eligible for the second round of handouts, Kim said. In May, the government offered relief funds totaling 14.3 trillion won ($12 billion) to all households as part of efforts to cushion the economic fallout from the new coronavirus. The amount of the handouts varied from 400,000 won for single-person households to 1 million won for households with four or more members. (Yonhap) Alessandra Ambrosio was stylish as ever when she was pictured shopping in Brentwood this Thursday. The 39-year-old, who recently returned to Los Angeles after a holiday to the Maldives, modeled a summery floral sundress. Her frilly ensemble slid off the shoulder at one end and was cut high enough to show off her vertiginous supermodel legs. Legs for days: Alessandra Ambrosio was stylish as ever when she was pictured shopping in Brentwood this Thursday Alessandra was a lady in red as she put her sizzling summer body on display for Instagram this Thursday with a throwback snap to her Maldives excursion. The former Victoria's Secret Angel was pictured posing up a storm in a scarlet string bikini from Gal Florpia, the swimwear line she co-founded. For her latest photo-shoot she got snapped on a tree-lined path at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort. She let her floral wrap slide sultrily down her shoulders and accessorized the ensemble with a pair of sleek sunglasses. Off she goes: The 39-year-old, who recently returned to Los Angeles after a holiday to the Maldives, modeled a summery floral sundress 'Ale,' as she is affectionately known to her fans, added a splash of dazzle with earrings, a necklace and an ankle bracelet. The Brazilian bombshell swung a wicker and brown leather handbag and brushed her luxurious hair from her face. Her outfit was put together by stylist to the stars Heather Smith who per her website has worked with names ranging from Jennifer Lopez to Martha Stewart. Alessandra is on vacation with her 12-year-old daughter Anja and her eight-year-old son Noah whom she shares with her ex-fiance, RE/DONE founder Jamie Mazur. The sizzling sensation, who hails from the Brazilian town of Erechim, has gone into lockdown with her Italian boyfriend Nicolo Oddi and her children. Alessandra rose to international fame as a Victoria's Secret Angel, announcing that she was giving up the title at the end of 2017. She has collaborated with her sister Aline and a pal called Gisele Coria to launch Gal Floripa, which debuted last March. The brand takes its title from a nickname for Florianopolis, the Brazilian city where Alessandra gave birth to both of her children. Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) Nigeria's Armed Forces on Friday said the Air Component of Operation THUNDER STRIKE killed several bandits and disrupted their camps in the Kuduru and Kwaimbana Forest areas of Kaduna State Anyone who opposes Russia's aggressive policy for the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny should use effective mechanisms to influence this country, including through the application of sanctions and a review of the policy regarding the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said. "Ukraine proceeds from the fact that at the moment our partners and everyone who opposes Russia's aggressive policy should use effective mechanisms of influence on this country, including the application of sanctions and a review of the policy regarding the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline," Kuleba said during an online briefing on Friday. He pointed out that, despite the extremely positive relations between Ukraine and Germany, the countries have different views on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. "You know very well that, despite our extremely positive relations with Germany, and I want to reaffirm that the Ukrainian government is grateful to Germany for the decisive and consistent support of Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, but, unfortunately, there is discrepancy in our relationship, and we do not hide it, this discrepancy is called Nord Stream 2. And Ukraine is not the only country. This project causes rejection and denial. We understand that if it is completed Russia will receive additional opportunities to earn huge money and invest them then, in particular, in their aggressive actions both in the middle of the country and outside it. Therefore, it is time to approach this issue very comprehensively and, finally, to take measures that will maximize the price for Russia for its actions," he said. Kuleba also said the crime of the poisoning of Alexei Navalny should not go unpunished. "We proceed from the premise that this crime should not go unpunished, since the events since 2014, and you can dig even deeper - since 2008, when Russia attacked Georgia, logic shows us that impunity only encourages the Russian Federation to new aggressive actions and new crimes," he said. He stressed that in accordance with the Convention on Chemical Weapons, of which the Russian Federation is also a signatory, poisoning a person with a nerve agent is the use of chemical weapons and a gross violation of international law. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 16:40:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW YORK, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- In response to Chinese President Xi Jinping's Thursday speech marking the Second World War victory, several U.S. scholars called on China and the United States to revive the cooperative spirit from that war and join hands to confront common enemies. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at a symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The great spirit of resisting aggression bred during the war is an invaluable source of inspiration, and will always motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation, said Xi. "President Xi's comments are a grand reminder that when China and the world, especially the United States of America, find alignment and agreement around a common cause or enemy -- there is little that we can't defeat. Today, we are jointly facing a silent enemy, a war without bombs -- the COVID-19 that has sent a shock wave across the globe," Tom Watkins, an advisor to the Michigan-China Innovation Center in Michigan, told Xinhua. Quoting George Santayana, a 19th century Spanish philosopher, Watkins said that "those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it," adding that "we should never stumble to destruction and war." "All major world issues will intersect at the corner of Beijing and Washington, D.C.. How the leaders in our respective countries manage the tensions between our nations and come together around a common agenda will impact the people of China, the U.S. and all of humanity," he said, calling the U.S.-China relationship the most vital relationship in the world today. "We should never forget we have spilt the blood of our ancestors side by side to beat back aggressors and to defeat fascism. We should join forces today to beat the COVID-19 and to jump start the global economy that will benefit us all," he added. Brian Lantz, representative of the Schiller Institute in Houston, Texas, echoed Watkins's comments, telling Xinhua that "we should recall that it was together that the U.S. and China defeated fascism, and together we celebrate this 75th anniversary." The scholar recalled the career of U.S. General Claire Chennault, an American military aviator best known for his leadership of The Flying Tigers helping China driving out the invading of Japanese troops. Years ago, he perfectly embodied the spirit of cooperation between the two countries, said Lantz. "He fought for both the Chinese and American people." "We should warmly recall our efforts together," he said. "Against the backdrop of currently strained China-U.S. relations, we can recognize that the citizens of both the U.S. and China show a passion to serve their country, safeguard peace." Richard Black, a long-time member of the Schiller Institute, told Xinhua that "the military alliance against world fascism - of China, the United States, Russia and the Great Britain -- is an essential lesson for us today (as) of how nations with different histories, cultures and political systems can work and sacrifice together for the common aims of mankind." "The almost incomprehensible sacrifices made by the Chinese people in the long war against Japanese aggression is a moral lesson for young people worldwide today (to know) of the need to endure difficulties in the present, (and) to create a better world for the future, for future generations," said Black. In addition, "President Xi's request for us all to reflect on the horrors of the war 75 years ago and to change the current world course in favor of the policies for building a community with a shared future for mankind must not be ignored," added Black. Enditem Robyn Rausch, a play therapist with Renewing Hope Counseling in west Houston, said the pandemic has not been invisible to children, so adults need to recognize that. She said whether learning virtually or in person, children are starting school with an acute stress. Related: Suicide Prevention Month: The value of telehealth during COVID-19 It may not become a trauma that affects them long term. But at a minimum, weve got that precursory stage of something they believed was true before was that they were safe; they would not get sick and die. And then they found out that might not be true. That changes the whole worldview, Rausch said. She explained some children that are starting in-person learning may not feel as though they are safe there. She predicted that teachers will see more nervousness and hyperactivity than usual as children are sort of unsettled. So for adults, if you just kind of realize, like these kids are coming back, and its not a return to normal for them, theyre still stressed. Theyre still freaking out. Rausch advised offering a lot of patience as children adjust. She said the reduction in screen time as children start in-person instruction will be a major adjustment because many children have had unlimited access to screens for six months. She said using screens as little as possible during the first two weeks of in-person learning will help with better behavior. Talking about the elephant in the room that nobody really enjoys wearing masks is another point Rausch brought up. Masks are uncomfortable to wear, but teachers can encourage children by making the masks a part of the classroom. As an example, she suggested assigning activities by which children have certain colors on their masks. French dining: Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe set to open Sugar Land Town Square store The more you directly address whats happening, the calmer the kids are going to be because its not this big scary elephant that no ones talking about, Rausch said. She said children are resilient and will follow the adults around them in terms of adapting. She advised against greeting classes with a set of unwavering rules but suggested saying that they will try things, listen to feedback, see how the process goes and be flexible as needed. Adults should try to be tolerable of children moving around some as they learn because kids best coping skills are moving, Rausch explained. She said adults cope as well by using their bodies, like going for a walk, exercising or taking a hot bath its just one of the ways the brain functions. When possible, she recommended having different seating options like yoga balls or chairs that slightly rock so that children dont have to sit so still. As a play therapist, Rausch experienced headaches and trouble sleeping during her first month of providing teletherapy due to the pandemic because she was not used to sitting and working in a chair all day. So she understands what some children may face as they get used to being back in a classroom. She said parents should look for two forms of red flags that their children might be struggling a lot. Rausch said acting with high energy, showing a low tolerance for frustration or being aggressive or quick to snap can be one. But she said a child that never talks out of turn or has any behavioral issues can be an indicator as well. Thats also concerning. Little kids are supposed to have those kinds of negative emotions, Rausch said. Theyre supposed to have some behavior problems. So if theyre too good, thats just as big of a problem as if theyre not behaving. Top employer: Katy ISD ranks near top of Forbes list of Texas best employers Amid the pandemic, Rausch has seen children that have always been really social fall into depression as their friends and family have been largely taken away, as well as nervous or oppositional children that have seen those qualities augment. But she said she also has had to talk with parents whose child suddenly became a great student. She said anytime there is an abrupt change can be cause for concern. A sudden shift in how your kid is behaving is not OK, ever. She said that is true across child development and that healthy changes take place gradually over time. Rausch encourages parents that have concerns about their child to discuss them with their school counselor to see if he or she sees the same issues. She said however if the school counselor only seems to be addressing the behavior, look for outside support. For more information about Rauschs work, visit www.calmingcommunities.com. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com The sector will see a minimum of 3-5 per cent of the weight being shed in almost every IT company - particularly the big 20 - because of Covid and not performance-related issues. Performance-related retrenchment has always been part and parcel of the IT industry, but the current spate of layoffs in the IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) sectors has more to do with the pandemic. Industry insiders and analysts peg the number of IT and ITeS employees set to lose their jobs over the next few quarters - because of the Covid disruption - between 150,000 and 200,000. You will see a minimum of 3-5 per cent of the weight being shed in almost every IT company - particularly the big 20 - because of Covid and not performance-related issues, said B S Murty, chief executive officer of Leadership Capital Consulting, an HR consultancy firm. Several global and Indian IT firms have already effected layoffs. Some have projected these as routine performance-related actions and others as part of internal restructuring. Cognizant, which has 70 per cent of its employees located in India, had announced in October last year that it would reduce 13,000 jobs globally as part of an internal alignment. Though the firm is said to have exceeded this target, some employee unions recently alleged that Cognizant was looking to lay off a large number of employees after deliberately giving bad ratings in the appraisal process. The company, however, denied this saying performance management is a normal process for the industry. Similarly, IBM reportedly laid off some employees in India as part of its global employee pyramid optimisation. Similarly, Accenture is laying off thousands in India, which the company has termed part of its annual performance process. Several Indian IT firms are also said to be reducing their staff count as they focus on maintaining profitability amid declining revenues. Performance-related exits are quite normal - whether it is a down market or up. "In addition, if your customers are shrinking their businesses, what will you do with these people? "In normal circumstances, they would have been fit into other accounts, but this is not the case now as all accounts are shrinking, added Murty. The Indian IT and business process management sector employs 4.4 million people, both directly and indirectly. Every year, 2-3 per cent of the employee base gets affected owing to performance-related issues. Industry insiders say employee exits happening now are primarily on account of three reasons. First, while the IT industry has been talking about bringing in a higher degree of automation to drive linearity, they are seen pushing this much more vigorously now. Second, many of the IT contracts are getting renegotiated with reduced scope and delay in the implementation schedule, while several - especially those belonging to sectors like travel and hospitality, as well as aviation - have been wrapped up prematurely. This has pushed many employees into the reserved pool, which is called as bench in IT parlance. In a project that used to be managed by, say, 80 employees earlier is now being delivered by 60, thus forcing 20 people to the bench, said Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO of CIEL HR Services. So, bench management has become more important now than earlier as companies are looking to deliver a certain degree of profitability, with revenues taking a hit. In the June quarter, most of the Indian IT firms had reported a reduction in headcount, as the number of exits surpassed that of new recruits. Experts believe the major reason behind the decline in net headcount is involuntary attrition, which is nothing but layoffs. At the end of the quarter, the big four - TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech - saw their employee count decline by 9,144 when compared to the previous quarter. While the headcount at TCS fell by 4,788, it was down 3,138 for Infosys, and 1,082 for Wipro sequentially. (Bloomberg) -- Russias state media outlets and proxy websites are spreading disinformation about vote-by-mail, according to a leaked U.S. Department of Homeland Security bulletin. Since March 2020, Russian state media and proxy websites have denigrated vote-by-mail processes, alleging they lack transparency and procedural oversight, creating vast opportunities for voter fraud, according to the bulletin, which was reported and published online by ABC News. We assess that Russia is likely to continue amplifying criticisms of vote-by-mail and shifting voting processes amidst the Covid-19 pandemic to undermine public trust in the electoral process. The leaked bulletin, which was dated Sept. 3, comes as President Donald Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr have cast doubt on the integrity of mail-in balloting, despite U.S. intelligence officials concluding there is little evidence of voter fraud or efforts by foreign adversaries to manipulate the vote-by-mail process. The Department of Homeland Security didnt respond to a request for comment about the bulletin. The bulletin represents the latest evidence that Russia is continuing to try to influence U.S. elections, as it did during the 2016 presidential campaign by hacking and leaking Democratic Party emails and engaging in a social media campaign to divide voters and help Trumps election effort. Earlier this week, Facebook Inc. removed a network of accounts with ties to the Kremlin-linked Internet Research Agency, which the U.S. has concluded was part of the effort to help Trump in 2016. And, according to ABC News, a July draft bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security included intelligence that Russia sought to spread disinformation regarding Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens mental acuity, apparently reinforcing comments made by Trump and his campaign. The bulletin was delayed because it wasnt ready for publication, a DHS spokesperson 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. Everyone needs encouragement, and now more than ever. That's the message from Dusty Boy, a design company based in Wexford. "We design and create prints that are full of heart to remind us of who we are and where we want to go," says Kate Rose Crean. She's one half of the creative team behind Dusty Boy, the other is her partner Justin Campbell. They started off making wedding stationary, but soon found that people wanted something positive to hang on the wall. "We moved on to wall prints and illustrations that make people feel good and that offer them comfort and reassurance. The last four months has been like Christmas. We've been so busy! During lockdown, people bought the prints as gifts to let people know that they were thinking of them in a way they might not be able to express themselves. "At first, a lot of the orders were for frontline workers. And then there were anniversaries and cancelled weddings. Everyone wanted to connect." Expand Close Gallery wall by John Lewis and Partners / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gallery wall by John Lewis and Partners Initially, I'm wary of the notion of motivational prints. I remember some pretty cheesy posters from the 1980s. But Crean's sincerity is humbling and it comes through in her work. "It's not just about selling prints. It's about changing the way people feel and trying to make the world a bit more pleasant. Everything in the media is so raw and aggressive, and it's wonderful to have a place in the home that is yours, reading beautiful words that are instilling a specific intention, bringing strength." Dusty Boy's prints are visually simple and entirely free from irony. Some are text alone: "There's no place like home." Others show images of the Irish landscape - the Giant's Causeway, the Dublin skyline - and some offer a mixture of words and images: "What is for you won't pass you by," is set against a sunset with sea and stars. Dusty Boy Design is based on the farm where Crean grew up, just outside Enniscorthy. "We lived in my grandmother's house for years. That's where Dusty Boy began. I wanted to create something in the hall that would be comforting when you came into the house and before you actually met anyone." And so their first gallery wall was born, long before gallery walls ever became a thing. "Nature is part of my creative process," she says. "Being outside - insects, butterflies, the movement of grass in the wind, always there, always changing Generations of my family have lived here - those fields, that river - there's a great reassurance and comfort in that and I can communicate some of that through the prints. It's all coming from a connection with the landscape and the feelings that come in up around that." Expand Close Kate Rose Crean and Justin Campbell of Dusty Boy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kate Rose Crean and Justin Campbell of Dusty Boy I met Crean and Campbell at a photoshoot, a three-way collaboration between the sofa company DFS, interior designer Alannah Monks, and Dusty Boy. Their brief was to create a room-set inspired by the Irish landscape, with a wry nod to the fact nobody got to go abroad this summer. I'm curled up in a DFS Luppo armchair in mint (419) beside a banquette footstool in lime from the same range (269). They're sprawled on a DFS So Simple Sam sofa-chaise (969) upholstered in muted green linen. The exact colour is Tranquil Dawn, the Dulux Colour of the Year for 2020. Behind them is a gallery wall of Dusty Boy prints - 10 frames of various shapes and sizes all placed in relation to each other. Crean explains that creating a gallery wall is part of what they do. "We are launching an app to help you create your own gallery wall," she says. "First you chose the layout, based on a rough measurement of the available space, and then you click the prints that you would like to have in the frames. It makes people feel like they designed it themselves and it gives them great confidence." One of the advantages of using the app, which will go online this autumn, is it allows you to see how your wall is going to look before you commit. The prints arrive framed and with a set of instructions on how to hang them. Prices start at 15 for a small unframed print and increase according to size and framing. An A3 print, framed and mounted, costs 98. It costs an additional 8 to customise the colour of a print and 10 to customise the wording. There is a huge appetite for gallery walls, but unless you have a natural eye for picture hanging, they can be hard to get right. It's all about multiples, but they don't need to be crowded. Each piece needs to work with the others but individually, they also need to have room to breathe. "It's really visual and quite mathematical. A lot of people struggle with it," says Alannah Monks, who curated the room set. "I wanted to create a tranquil space to match the prints and to make it a place to come home to yourself." The ensemble was themed around the Irish landscape, but not slavishly so. "I went for natural textures - cane and feathers - with eucalyptus, pampas grass and hanging plants that give you the feeling that nature is coming at you from all angles." The furniture is in shades of green, upholstered in weaves rather than velvets, and with curved lines. There's nothing angular or geometric about it. Accessories range from the feathery EOS floor lamp (138) from D40 Studio, through a dark green marble tray from H&M (22.99), to a jacquard weave blanket (19.99) also from H&M and in the exact same colour as the sofa. The washy-watercolour cushions are from the Rimoldi collection at Made (currently around 18). It's all designed, in the first instance, to harmonise with the furniture and the gallery wall, but also shows you can layer up a room impressively without an eye-wateringly expensive outlay. None of it would break the bank. The roomset is one in a series in which DFS collaborates with smaller Irish producers. "It's good to see big brands recognising the importance of Irish creatives," she says. Once the photoshoot is done and dusted, the furniture and accessories will be donated to the Rotunda Hospital, where DFS is sponsoring the makeover of their Quiet Room. This was suggested by DFS Customer Distribution Centre Manager Michael Quinn and his wife Karen out of gratitude for the support they received at the Rotunda when their baby Alice was stillborn. See dustyboy.com, dfs.ie and @AlannahMonks. More than 260 cases of people failing to respond to orders to quarantine after re-entering the UK have been recorded in Greater Manchester alone, police have said. Officers said they had been forced to visit 263 residents who ignored communications from Border Force telling them they were required to self-isolate for 14 days, since 22 July. Two were fined for repeated breaches of quarantine, according to police. Quarantine rules came into force in mid-June, with some exceptions later added for countries with low incidence of Covid-19. But restrictions for travellers from some countries, like France and Spain, have since been reimposed. People coming home from holidays in Portugal and Greece are the latest to face the possibility of a two-week quarantine. Recommended Weekly coronavirus cases in England at highest number since May Superintendent Andrew Sidebotham, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said in a statement on Thursday: Its really important for people to self-isolate for the full 14 days when coming back to the UK as it can take this length of time for symptoms of Covid-19 to develop. During this time you could unknowingly pass the virus on to others, even if you dont have symptoms. When contacted by Border Force, please respond as once a case is referred to police, it takes up a number of resources in order to visit the address and make contact with the individual. As well as this, officers are putting their health at risk by visiting someone who could potentially be carrying the virus. A risk that is preventable if everyone self-isolates as required. GMP said it was using a policy of engaging, explaining, encouraging and, lastly, enforcing. This week a man in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, was fined 1,000 for breaking the rules when he returned from holiday in Spain. It is believed he went out socialising in Enniskillen at the weekend, reported The Belfast Telegraph. He later tested positive for coronavirus and was fined on Tuesday. Two Richmond stars have allegedly been filmed involved in an ugly fight on a Gold Coast street after being kicked out of a strip club just after 3am on Friday morning. Sydney Stack, 20, and Callum Coleman-Jones, 21 were allegedly involved in an altercation after being evicted from Hollywood Showgirls on the glitter strip's Orchid Ave at 3.27am on Friday morning. Footage from a kebab shop where they bought two kebabs each allegedly shows the pair fighting in the street. The incident has sparked outrage after Queensland's premier proudly welcomed AFL players and staff into the state so the season could go ahead away from coronavirus-stricken Melbourne. Her decision has been called a double-standard because everyday Australians are still banned from entering Queensland. This is despite ordinary Australians being denied exemptions for medical emergencies and banned from visiting sick family members. Richmond stars Sydney Stack (pictured), 20, and Callum Coleman-Jones, 21, were reportedly thrown out of a Gold Coast strip club before brawling on the street on Thursday night The pair were involved in an altercation after being evicted from Hollywood Showgirls (pictured) on the glitter strip's Orchid Ave at 3.30 Friday morning Queensland Police said in a statement that two men were issued with an infringement notice for public nuisance, fined $800 each and both sustained facial injuries during a brawl. 'Police arrested two men following a disturbance in Surfers Paradise early this morning,' the statement read. 'Around 3.30am, officers responded to reports of two men, aged 20 and 21, involved in a physical altercation on Orchid Avenue. 'Both men sustained facial injuries as a result of the incident. 'The men were both issued with a Police Banning Notice, excluding them from Gold Coast Safe Night Precincts and a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for Public Nuisance (Violent Behaviour). Further investigations are continuing into the matter.' The AFL is aware of the matter and is investigating. CCTV footage taken outside the club appears to show an unknown man instigating a fight. Coleman-Jones was then punched twice before he and Stack allegedly retaliate. The brawl reportedly started after Stack, who has played nine games for Richmond this season, visited a kebab shop a short distance to the strip club. Mick Akca, the owner of Kebab Zone next door to the club, told Daily Mail Australia the two men weren't looking for a fight. Mick Akca, the owner of Kebab Zone next door to the club, told Daily Mail Australia the two men weren't looking for a fight Mr Akca went so far as to say they were his best customers all night, commending them for being polite and respectful when dealing with him They were sitting out the front of his store and looked 'exhausted' when they were approached by a third man, who Met Akca claims appeared excessively intoxicated. 'The drunk guy came to disturb them. They were just sitting down eating their kebabs. They asked him to go and one lifted his hand up to tell him to leave,' Mr Akca explained. The drunk man fell backwards and onto the floor, and when he stood up, Mr Akca claims he lunged at the men. 'It wasn't a bad fight. There are always fights around here, the security guard broke it up straight away. 'The two football players did nothing wrong. I can't blame them for anything.' Mr Akca went so far as to say they were his best customers all night, commending them for being polite and respectful when dealing with him. 'They really didn't seem that drunk at all. Some customers like to give us a hassle, but they didn't.' Mr Akca said after the fight has been broken up, they apologised for the nuisance and ordered two more kebabs because theirs had been dropped during the melee. The AFL is aware of the matter and is currently investigating. Pictured: Richmond Tigers star Sydney Stack Queensland Police said in a statement that two men were issued with an infringement notice for public nuisance (violent behaviour). Pictured: Callum Coleman-Jones Hollywood Showgirls boss Craig Duffy issued a tongue-in-cheek statement on Friday afternoon refusing to reveal any details of the evening. 'To our valued customers. What happens in Hollywood stays in Hollywood,' he said. 'We value our customers privacy whether they be an unknown client or a high profile celebrity or athlete. 'We cannot confirm or deny any fight or eviction occurred.' About 400 AFL players, their families and officials have descended on Queensland under controversial quarantine arrangements. They were given the all-clear to dodge the state's border lockdown. Ms Palaszczuk has been accused of ignoring the needs of ordinary Australians, instead inviting in rich and glamorous players and AFL executives. It comes amid reports WAGs and officials are living it up in 'hotel quarantine' - sipping cocktails while lounging by the pool at their luxury Gold Coast resort. 'We are doing this quarantine the same as everyone else,' AFL boss Gill McLachlan said this week. But images and video that emerged on Thursday tell a different story - with the officials and families chilling out at the 4.5 star Mercure Gold Coast resort. AFL WAGs and officials lounge by the Mercure's pool during their hotel quarantine on the Gold Coast (pictured) Birds eye video footage of the quarantine hotel showed AFL officials and WAGs make the most of the luxury Mercure resort Aerial footage - published by Nine News on Thursday - showed WAGs relaxing by the swimming pool at the quarantine resort as children splashed in the water. The wives and girlfriends soaked up the sun with drinks in hand, just a few steps away from the poolside bar. The vision is a world away from the experience of other travellers who have desperately fought to enter Queensland. Jayne Brown, 60, spent two weeks confined to a tiny hotel room in Brisbane following her recent return from Sydney, where renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo removed two large tumours on her brain. The grandmother-of-seven requested an exemption from hotel quarantine to self-isolate at home on the Sunshine Coast, but was rejected twice. Not even a letter from Dr Teo himself could convince Queensland officials to change their mind and allow Ms Brown and her husband to isolate at their home. Instead, she struggled through hotel confinement in agony unable to walk and limited access to pain relief. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been criticised for easing her strict border controls to welcome the officials and their loved ones from coronavirus-riddled Victoria Meanwhile, a Queensland grandmother was forced to recover from brain surgery in a quarantine hotel, while AFL officials have been exempt from strict quarantine rules 'I was in a wheelchair, I couldn't walk, my right leg was compromised, it was numb, it was weak, I couldn't stand on it,' she said. 'I wasn't well at all and got shuffled into a five-by-five hotel room and just left there.' She blasted Ms Palaszczuk for allowing the AFL officials to enter the state on Tuesday night. 'I don't understand it, mind-blowing,' Ms Brown told Nine News. The Queensland government has deemed all of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT to be coronavirus hotspots. Travellers from hotspot states who are granted a border declaration pass are required to spend 14 days in mandatory hotel quarantine, at their own cost. Ms Palaszczuk was slammed last week for saying Queensland's hospitals were 'for our people only'. A heavily pregnant mother was forced to wait 16 hours for emergency surgery in Sydney after being turned away at the Queensland border, before losing one of her unborn twin babies. A heavily pregnant mother was forced to wait 16 hours for emergency surgery in Sydney after being turned away at the Queensland border, before losing one of her unborn twin babies Ms Palaszczuk initially did not grant the seriously ill mum-to-be's exemption despite her needing emergency surgery for the unborn twins. The mother, from Ballina in New South Wales which is 88km from the Queensland border, had twins who were just 24 weeks along and needed urgent care. She wasn't initially granted an exemption to cross the border for surgery at the Gold Coast University Hospital 125km away and instead had to wait for 16 hours in Lismore for a flight to Sydney. The woman's father Allan Watt says one of the twins became anaemic during surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. Poll Do you think there is a double standard when it comes to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's border closures? Yes No Do you think there is a double standard when it comes to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's border closures? Yes 564 votes No 24 votes Now share your opinion Mr Watt said the family were very upset about his daughter being denied an exemption. Queensland Chief Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the NSW woman's exemption had been approved as soon as her application had been made. Ms Palaszczuk had said last week while she was not aware of the specifics of the case, the decision about who to let into Queensland would be made by health professionals, not politicians. 'People living in NSW have NSW hospitals. In Queensland, we have Queensland hospitals for our people,' she said. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg accused the Queensland government of double standards, saying the football hub showed two sets of rules on borders given regular punters had missed out on vital medical treatment. 'It's just not on that a young woman can lose an unborn child because of confusion at the borders,' he told the Nine Network on Thursday. 'At the same time, footy officials can go down to their hotel bar as they so-called quarantine in Queensland. Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries (pictured) said Mungindi's 600 locals would be forced to leave their border bubble to travel to Mooree to buy supplies and access doctors Australian state border restrictions Victoria: Completely open, but other states are banning residents from going there NSW: Border with Victoria is closed but others are open without restriction Queensland: Open to everywhere but Victoria, NSW, and the ACT Northern Territory: Open to everywhere but Victoria and Sydney, which must do hotel quarantine South Australia: Closed to Victoria, NSW arrivals must self-isolate, rest are open Tasmania: Closed to Victoria, everywhere else must do hotel quarantine Western Australia: Closed to everywhere without an exemption Advertisement 'It seems double standards on our borders.' Ms Palaszczuk has copped widespread criticism from politicians, television personalities and the public. Sunrise host Samantha Armytage on Friday again blasted the 'silly' Queensland Premier over her tough border closures that have left one desperate bush community with no food. Armytage said her 'blood was boiling' on Thursday as Ms Palaszczuk refuses to budge with the border restrictions that have torn families apart and left small country towns struggling to stay afloat. Armytage on Friday slammed the Labor premier again, pointing out how struggling Australians weren't given border exemptions to access food or medical attention. 'Annastacia Palaszczuk would say she's trying to protect her state,' Armytage said on Friday morning. 'These sorts of things are silly and unnecessary, particularly when you see pictures of AFL executives laying around the pool in what they call quarantine.' The Sunrise host also revealed that after multiple requests to bring the Queensland premier onto the show, she was still refusing to answer questions. A fire tore through Mungindi, a drought-stricken town on both sides of the Queensland and New South Wales border, wiping out its only supermarket and butcher. But due to Ms Palaszczuk's hard border closures, locals have been forced to leave their border bubble to get essentials, or travel 160km to the nearest supermarket within the bubble. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has made scathing remarks over Ms Palaszczuk's border closures, saying the Queensland premier 'is refusing to budge' Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries said Mungindi's 600 locals would be forced to leave their border bubble to travel to Mooree to buy supplies - 120km away. The stern criticism of Ms Palaszczuk's border closure comes after New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian made a scathing review of her counterpart. 'Can I be absolutely frank, she has made a decision and isn't willing to talk about that decision and is refusing to budge,' Ms Berejiklian told 2GB radio station. 'It's not through want of trying. I've tried to establish a positive relationship but it's a bit difficult when decisions are made without them even telling us. 'And can I compare that to [Labor's Victorian Premier] Dan Andrews and the Prime Minister, the three of us worked together on a very difficult decision on the Victoria-NSW border, and I'd like to see that applied to all borders.' Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: The New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express, which remained stranded at Daltonganj Station for several hours on Thursday, due to the ongoing agitation of Tana Bhagats at Tori Junction, reached Ranchi early on Friday with a lone woman passenger. The remaining 930 passengers on board the Rajdhani Express were ferried from Daltonganj Station to Ranchi by bus but railway officials could not convince the woman, Ananya, to take an alternative mode of transport arranged by the district administration. She was not ready to travel by bus as she had paid money for the train journey. Finally, rail authorities had to bow down before the tenacity of this law student and the train was diverted via Gomoh and Bokaro, covering a distance of 535 kilometres, which is 225 kilometres more than its normal route. I was pressurized to travel by bus or taxi, but I was not ready for it as I had already paid for the train journey. Finally, when I informed Indian Railways through Twitter, they sent me to Ranchi by train, Ananya was quoted as saying. The daughter of a retired official of the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), she is currently pursuing an LLB degree at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Railway authorities said buses were arranged by the district administration due to the uncertainty over the ongoing agitation of Tana Bhagats at Tori junction. Since, it is the responsibility of Indian Railways that every passenger on board reaches his or her destination on time, arrangement of buses was done to ferry them to Ranchi. But due to some reasons, the girl was reluctant to board a bus or taxi arranged by the district administration, said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Avnish. Finally, the train departed from Daltonganj in the evening on the diverted route and reached Ranchi at 1:45 am on Friday morning, late by more than 15 hours, he added. More than 250 Tana Bhagats, both male and female, are agitating at Tori Junction performing puja, singing bhajans and cooking food on the railway tracks, affecting movement of several goods trains as well as the New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express. After Louisville, Ky., police fatally shot 26-year-old Breonna Taylor during a nighttime raid at her home in March, her killing could have been just another in a long line of deadly police shootings of women that have drawn little publicity. But the death of Taylor, who was Black, fell between two high-profile killings of Black men. In February, a retired police detective, his son and a third man allegedly killed Ahmaud Arbery, 25, in a Georgia suburb. In May, a Minneapolis police officer knelt for nearly eight minutes on the neck of 46-year-old George Floyd, fatally injuring him. Taylor's name has become a rallying cry - #SayHerName - for policing overhauls and racial justice nationwide. Her image is on magazine covers, her name emblazoned on WNBA uniforms and more than five months later, protests over her death continue in Louisville. Her killing has brought into focus an often overlooked but consistent subset of people fatally shot by police - women. Since The Washington Post began tracking fatal shootings by police in 2015, officers have fatally shot 247 women out of the more than 5,600 people killed overall. The names of these women are often not as well known as the men, but their deaths in some cases raise the same questions about the use of deadly force by police and, in particular, its use on Black Americans. The Post found only one other fatal shooting that closely matched Taylor's case - a Black woman, unarmed, killed during a raid at home while a boyfriend shot at police. But 139 other cases shared one or more of the circumstances in which Taylor was killed. Of the 247 women fatally shot, 48 were Black and seven of those were unarmed. 3 1 of 3 Photo for The Washington Post by Joshua Lott Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Photo for The Washington Post by Andre Chung Show More Show Less 3 of 3 At least 89 of the women were at their homes or residences where they sometimes stayed. And 12 of those women killed at home were shot by officers who were there to conduct a search or make an arrest. Since 2015, Black women have accounted for less than 1% of the overall fatal shootings in cases where race was known. But within this small subset, Black women, who are 13% of the female population, account for 20% of the women shot and killed and 28% of the unarmed deaths. Black men, 12% of the male population, make up 27% of the men shot and 36% of the unarmed deaths. Taylor's killing came shortly after midnight on March 13, when plainclothes police officers used a battering ram to force their way into her apartment to execute a "no-knock" search warrant in a drug investigation. At the time, Taylor and her 27-year-old boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were asleep. Walker fired one shot with a gun he legally possessed, striking an officer in the leg. The officers returned fire, and Taylor, an emergency room technician, was struck five times. Police said they identified themselves, but a lawsuit filed by Taylor's family disputes that, and Walker said he thought the officers were intruders, according to local news reports. No drugs were found at the home. Charges against Walker for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer were dropped. The city has since banned the use of no-knock warrants. The Louisville police chief fired one of the officers involved, Brett Hankison, for "wantonly and blindly" shooting 10 rounds into Taylor's home in "extreme indifference to the value of human life," according to the letter announcing his intent to terminate the officer. In an appeal, Hankison's attorney, David Leightty, wrote the officer should not have been fired, noting that the FBI and the Kentucky attorney general's office were still investigating. "Brett Hankison did not 'blindly' discharge his firearm, and did not lack cognizance of the direction in which he fired, but acted in quick response to gunfire directed at himself and other officers," Leightty wrote. A spokesperson for the Louisville Metro Police Department and Walker's attorney did not respond to requests for comment. Taylor's family also declined to comment. Taylor's death "could have easily been forgotten, and it was almost forgotten," said Kimberle Crenshaw, executive director of the African American Policy Forum, which seeks to combat racially based structural inequality and systemic oppression. "But I think the fact that other cases were happening in the same season made it harder to simply overlook her case." Because women overall account for a much smaller number of people killed by police, Crenshaw said Black women often are left out of the public narrative about the use of force by police against Black people. Police have shot and killed 1,274 Black men since January 2015. Crenshaw said Black women's deaths also may be dismissed as "collateral damage" if they are killed while police are pursuing someone else. Twenty of the 247 women were killed in that kind of situation, analysis shows. In 12 of those 20 shootings, police said the women killed were caught in crossfire or shot accidentally. "As long as Black women lose their lives in circumstances like these, their lost life won't be dramatized in a way that mobilizes the kinds of reforms that have to happen in order to protect more life and to make police officers accountable," Crenshaw said. The shooting with circumstances most similar to Taylor's killing is that of Alteria Woods, 21, who was killed on March 19, 2017, when members of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office SWAT team went to her boyfriend's family's home in Gifford, Fla., to conduct a search warrant for narcotics, according to an affidavit filed by the sheriff's office in court. The deputies said they identified themselves and began breaking the bedroom window, and Woods's boyfriend, Andrew Jeff Coffee, began shooting, the affidavit states. Deputies returned fire, striking and killing Woods, an unarmed Black woman. Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar told reporters at the time that Coffee knelt next to Woods, who was in bed, and fired at deputies. One deputy was shot in the shoulder. "He used her for personal protection," Loar said, according to TCPalm. The sheriff's office did not respond to requests for comment. After he was arrested, Coffee said the deputies did not identify themselves and he did not know who they were. Coffee was charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and other crimes related to drugs and a gun recovered at the home, court documents show. He has pleaded not guilty. "As this case is on-going, we can only speak to the unnecessary tragedy of Ms. Woods' death and the heartbreak of all those that loved her who still wait for answers and accountability," said Coffee's lawyers Adam Chrzan and Julia Graves in a statement. Woods's mother told The Post that Taylor's death has been hard on her because of the similarities. "It brought back a lot of memories of our daughter's murder," Yolanda Woods said. India Kager, 28, is also among the women killed when police said they were shooting at someone else. On Sept. 5, 2015, Virginia Beach police officers in two unmarked cars were surveilling 35-year-old Angelo Perry, the father of Kager's child. Police said Perry was a suspect in two homicides and a home invasion, and they believed he was on his way to kill a member of a rival drug gang. The officers followed Perry, Kager and their 4-month-old son as they drove into a 7-Eleven parking lot. The police cars pulled up behind Kager's Cadillac, blocking it in. An officer threw a flash-bang grenade toward the Cadillac to distract Perry, Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle later told reporters. Four officers ran toward the car to arrest Perry and he shot at them. The officers fired 30 rounds in response, killing Perry and Kager. Police said the infant, sitting in the back seat, escaped injury. A nearby surveillance camera recorded the gun battle. Stolle concluded that the police shooting was justified. In 2018, a jury in a wrongful-death civil suit filed by Kager's family determined that two of the officers acted with "gross negligence" and awarded the family $800,000. The city settled the case to give closure to Kager's family and to the officers, said Julie Hill, a spokesperson for the city of Virginia Beach. Gina Best, Kager's mother, told The Post that her daughter and Perry were on their way back to Maryland from Virginia Beach, Va., where they introduced their son to Perry's family that day. Best said she sees parallels between her daughter's killing and Taylor's case: Both women were Black, police in both cases said they fired their weapons because a man shot first and none of the officers involved in either shooting have been criminally charged. The national scrutiny of Taylor's killing has been a painful reminder that Kager's death drew far less public attention or outrage. "They're still saying Breonna's name, but they've forgotten India," Best said. "They're still not saying her name." - - - The Post began tracking fatal police shootings in a database in January 2015, months after a White police officer in Ferguson, Mo., killed Michael Brown, an unarmed Black man during a confrontation. Since then, police have shot and killed about 1,000 people a year. The starkest difference between women and men is the rate: Women account for about half the population, but 4% of the killings. Of those fatally shot every year, about 44 have been women. That difference may be explained in part by broader patterns in criminal justice regarding contact with law enforcement and police stereotypes about gender, experts said. Women in the United States account for about one-fourth of all arrests, according to FBI data. "Even when they have a confrontation with a police officer, they're less likely to have a weapon, they're less likely to have the same threat level as a man," said Geoffrey Alpert, a criminology professor at the University of South Carolina and co-author of "Evaluating Police Uses of Force." Arrest data indicates how often a gender or ethnic group is confronted by police, Alpert said, but it also distorts how officers perceive the threat a person from that group poses - regardless of whether they are committing a crime at the time. Gender- or race-based stereotypes can create a false perception of how dangerous a person is likely to be, Alpert said. "I think it's an illusion that you look at a woman and you think of her as not being as threatening as a male. Where in the aggregate that may be true, but this particular woman you may be looking at may be Bonnie," he said, referring to Bonnie Parker, part of a criminal couple believed to have killed at least 13 people during the Great Depression. Lawrence Sherman, director of the University of Cambridge's Police Executive Program and the Cambridge Center for Evidence-Based Policing, agreed that police may feel less threatened by women. Police generally view men as more likely to commit homicides and carry guns, he said. Officers also may feel more comfortable taking steps to de-escalate a situation when challenged by a woman, Sherman said. "The police officers may be seeing a challenge from a woman as less risky to their reputation" among their colleagues, Sherman said. The chance of police using force on a woman rapidly increases if the officer perceives she is not conforming to stereotypes of women as submissive and deferential - especially if the woman is Black or LGBTQ, said Andrea Ritchie, researcher-in-residence at the Barnard Center for Research on Women. She said the officer may view a woman who behaves that way as "hysterical" and, in turn, overreact. "There's definitely a long history of framing women who aren't compliant as insane," said Ritchie, author of "Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color." "I think that's particularly true for Black women." Some patterns in fatal shootings by police hold true for both genders. For women and men, about one-third of the police encounters that led to shootings began with a report of a domestic disturbance, a 911 call or a traffic stop, records show. The average age of women and men killed by police was 37, and about one-third were 25 to 34. As with fatal police shootings of men, the vast majority of the women killed were armed with a potential weapon at the time, although slightly less often: 89% of the women were armed, compared to 91% of the men. - - - For both genders, a gun was the most common weapon. Of men killed, 57% were armed with a gun and of women, 44%. In other cases, women were armed with knives, cars, toy weapons, hammers and hatchets. By race, 147 of the women killed were White, 48 Black and 29 Hispanic. Five were Native American, four were Asian and three were other races. In 11 cases, race could not be determined. By percentages, men shot by police were less often White and more often Black or Hispanic. Since 2015, police have killed 26 unarmed women, including Taylor. Of those, 14 were White, seven were Black, four were Hispanic and one's race was unknown. While about twice as many White women were shot and killed as Black women, White women account for five times the population. One explanation for the disproportionate numbers could be what sociologists call the "ecological fallacy," which means people - in this case, police - act with generalizations in mind, even though they don't know whether it applies to the person they're dealing with, Alpert said. "We create these stereotypes for groups, but we have no idea if that one person fits the mold," he said. Crenshaw offered another reason for the disparity: centuries of people associating dark skin with being a threat. "You don't need to have Black people being more frequently arrested to have an implicit association with blackness and danger," she said. "That is a deep part of our culture." - - - Of the 89 women killed at residences where they lived or often stayed, 12 encounters began as did Taylor's - with a warrant to conduct a search or make an arrest in an investigation. In two killings, police said they shot the woman by accident. In most of those cases, the women were armed or reaching for a weapon, police said. On Jan. 17, 2018, police in Bartlesville, Okla., killed 72-year-old Geraldine Townsend when they went to search her son's home for marijuana. Townsend, who was Black, was sleeping inside her son's home, where she lived, when officers conducted a "knock and announce" warrant and burst through the door, according to police records. Body-camera footage captured the encounter: Officers ordered Townsend's son, Michael Livingston, to get on the ground and then yelled for someone else, who cannot be seen, to put down a gun. "I entered the hallway, stepping over Livingston and started to hear loud 'popping' sounds, I felt something hit my right leg and a sharp burning sensation in my thigh area," an officer later wrote in a report. He said he saw a woman on her knees behind a door frame 3 to 5 feet away, holding a gun. He ordered her to drop it, but continued to hear popping noises, he said. "That's my mother!" Livingston yelled. At nearly the same moment, a shot rang out and Livingston screamed, "It's a BB gun! You killed my mother!" County District Attorney Kevin Buchanan determined the shooting was justified and declined to charge the officer with a crime. Livingston was charged after officers reported finding marijuana in a Mason jar and two sandwich-style bags at the home. He pleaded no contest and received a seven-month suspended sentence. Livingston told The Post that Townsend was asleep when police entered the home and that she owned the BB gun to protect herself from pit bulls in the neighborhood. He said his mother might still be alive if police had given him more time to let them inside. "I just never had a chance to do it," Livingston said. In October 2019, Livingston filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the city, which was dismissed on procedural grounds in June, court records show. In an interview, Bartlesville Police Chief Tracy Roles said the officers did not know the weapon was not a firearm and had no choice but to use deadly force. "The matter of Ms. Townsend choosing to produce a weapon and fire it at our officers really gave them, in my opinion, no choice but to return fire," said Roles, who joined the department nine months after the shooting. Roles said gender is irrelevant to his officers' decisions to fire their weapons in a confrontation. "We base it on the threat that is presented to us at that time," he said. On Jan. 28, 2019, Houston police were executing a no-knock warrant for heroin trafficking when they shot and killed Rhogena Nicholas, 58, and her 59-year-old husband, Dennis Tuttle, a disabled Navy veteran - both White - at the Houston couple's home. About 4:30 p.m., roughly 12 narcotics officers and about six patrol officers, some of them in uniform, broke down the door while announcing themselves, police said. A pit bull charged at the first officer inside, who shot and killed the dog, according to police. Tuttle came from the back of the house and shot the officer in the shoulder, causing him to collapse on the living room sofa, police said. Three other officers were also shot by Tuttle, according to Chief Art Acevedo's statements to reporters. Nicholas reached for the officer's gun, according to police. Police told The Post that seven officers opened fire, striking and killing her and Tuttle. The officers had secured the warrant asserting that there was heroin trafficking at the home, but police said they found no heroin. In the following months, the official narrative unraveled: An internal police investigation found that an informant referenced in the search warrant said he had never bought drugs at the home. Acevedo accused the officer who led the raid of lying to justify it. The officer was charged with two counts of murder, while he and another officer were charged with tampering with government records for allegedly falsifying documents related to the raid, the Harris County Prosecutor's Office said in statements. Both officers have pleaded not guilty, and the cases are ongoing. Mike Doyle, an attorney for Nicholas's family, said a forensic investigator hired by both families found that the officer who fired the shot fatal to Nicholas would have been unable to see her at the time and blindly fired the shot through a wall. Doyle said the "militarized" way that officers often execute search warrants in homes - carrying rifles and breaking down doors with battering rams - makes an escalation of force likely. "If the starting approach is extreme violence, why wouldn't you expect bad results way too many times?" Doyle said. Nicholas's brother, John Nicholas, told The Post he wants police to release body-camera video from the patrol officers and other officers who responded after the exchange of gunfire. Acevedo has told reporters that the narcotics officers who led the raid were not wearing body cameras. "To this day, the chief of police hasn't apologized," John Nicholas said. "They still say there was a reason to be there, but nobody knows that reason." A lawyer for Tuttle's family did not respond to a request for an interview. Three weeks after the shooting, the Houston Police Department announced that it would severely limit its use of no-knock warrants, a controversial tool that is meant to catch suspects off-guard. Since then, the department has conducted no no-knock warrants, Acevedo told The Post. "I immediately moved to limit no-knock warrants on the basis of the one that went horribly wrong," Acevedo said. Thor Eells, executive director of the National Tactical Officers Association, which provides tactical training to law enforcement, said search warrants at residences are inherently dangerous. Although police gather information before carrying out a warrant, there are unknowns. But Eells cautioned against banning no-knock warrants. That tactic, although high-risk, is occasionally the best choice. "It doesn't mean it's safe, but it's sometimes less dangerous than other options," Eells said. - - - In recent months, some police-reform advocates have called for local governments to "defund the police" and shift resources from police departments to public services meant to safeguard the community and its residents, including mental health programs. About 31%, or 77, of the 247 women fatally shot by police since 2015 had mental health issues, compared to 22% of the 5,362 men killed. In several cases, women called 911 to falsely report a crime and engaged officers with a weapon when they arrived. Other times, family members called police to the women's homes, saying they were acting dangerously, according to The Post's database. The number of women and men killed in these circumstances may be explained because police overall spend up to one-fifth of their time responding to people with a mental illness, according to a 2015 study from the Treatment Advocacy Center, a Virginia-based nonprofit group for people with severe mental illness. By the time police use fatal force against someone in mental distress, that person often has not had professional help and may be a danger to themselves or others, said John Snook, the center's executive director. This kind of encounter is a greater risk for a woman than for a man, Snook said, because officers may be slower to identify a woman in mental crisis and take her to a hospital. Without treatment, future interactions with police could end in a fatal use of force by officers, he said. "We have a bias against seeing women as dangerous or violent, and their illness may not present with violence in the same way a man's would," Snook said. "Often, their treatment is going to be delayed because they won't meet the standards." The family of DeCynthia Clements, a 34-year-old Black woman who had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, said police in Elgin, Ill., who shot and killed her should have recognized she was in the throes of a crisis and taken steps to de-escalate the situation. On March 12, 2018, Elgin Police Officer Matthew Joniak pulled over a car driven by Clements because it was a "suspicious vehicle," according to an Illinois State Police investigative report, which did not elaborate. Joniak spoke briefly with Clements. When Joniak returned to his patrol car, Clements drove away and then refused to stop when he tried to pull her over for running a stop sign. A short while later, Joniak saw Clements's SUV parked on the side of the interstate and stopped to investigate. He called other officers for help. Several officers approached Clements and directed her to get out of the car, but she refused and brandished two knives, according to the report. For the next hour, Clements refused to leave the vehicle. She then lit two items on fire and tossed them into the back seat of the SUV, body camera video shows, and the car erupted in flames. Officers pleaded with Clements to get out of the vehicle. Lt. Christian Jensen told investigators that when Clements stepped out, she pointed the knives at the officers, made what he described as a "war cry" and "charged at the officers," the report says. Jensen told investigators that the officers, who were six to eight feet away, could not escape because they were standing against a highway barrier with patrol cars on two sides of them. The body camera video shows at least four officers near Clements's car and more officers on the other side of the median. Jensen fired three shots, striking and killing Clements, the report says. Antonio Romanucci, the Clements family's attorney, told The Post that police should have called someone trained in mental crisis intervention during the standoff. In the worst-case scenario, he said, officers still should have been able to subdue Clements with a shield when she got out of the car with knives. The family sued the city of Elgin, alleging that officers had encountered Clements several times while patrolling the housing project where she grew up, were familiar with her mental illnesses and should have recognized she was experiencing a crisis. During the encounter, a police dispatcher told Jensen that the department had previous contact with Clements and referred to her as a "suicidal subject," according to the report. A spokeswoman for the police department declined to comment on the lawsuit, which is pending. The spokeswoman also declined to comment on behalf of the officers or make them available for an interview. Clements's sister-in-law, Holly Clements, told The Post that her family struggles with the loss of Clements, but appreciates the national discussion about how to limit the use of fatal force. "It's not going to ever bring back my sister-in-law," she said. "But at least they're trying to fix what was wrong." Roles, the Bartlesville police chief, said police should not be the primary responders to people experiencing a mental crisis. Organizations that provide mental health services should "take a more hands-on approach," he said. "One of the biggest problems that I see is that we in law enforcement, we tend to be the catchall of society's problems," Roles said. "I don't think that we in law enforcement are the most equipped to handle those with mental illness." Like Clements, Hannah Williams had an established history of mental illness before she encountered police on the side of a California highway on July 5, 2019. About 7 p.m., Williams, 17, was driving her family's rental SUV east when a Fullerton, Calif., K-9 officer saw her speeding above 100 mph and drifting across lanes, according to an investigatory report from the Orange County district attorney's office. Williams's SUV "made an abrupt right turn from the carpool lane and collided with the front end" of the officer's car, and he signaled for her to pull over, the report says. The SUV skidded to a stop, and the officer walked around the back to the driver's side. Body camera video shows that Williams, whose father said she was multiracial, was standing outside of the car facing him with her arms outstretched, holding what police said looked like a semiautomatic firearm. The officer fired his weapon, knocking Williams to the ground. As she lay in the middle of State Route 91, the officer yelled at her to show her hands, the video shows. Williams repeatedly cried out for help as the officer cuffed her hands behind her back. "I can't breathe," she said. She told the officer that she had been struck in the chest. A retired officer, who had stopped to help, picked up the object that Williams was holding when she was shot, the video shows. It was a replica pistol - not a real weapon - he told the K-9 officer, who administered first aid. She died that evening at a hospital. Meanwhile, her father, Ben Williams, said when he noticed she was gone from home, he searched the neighborhood and called her repeatedly. He said that around 8:30 p.m., he called police to report that his daughter took the car without permission and that he was afraid she would hurt herself. She had been taking medication for depression, he frantically told a police dispatcher, according to audio of the conversation. By that time, his daughter was already dead. Fullerton police officials declined to comment, citing a legal claim for damages by the Williams family. The Orange County district attorney's office concluded in June that the shooting was legally justified. Hannah Williams had long struggled with severe mental illness, her father said, but she seemed to be doing better shortly before she was killed. "She was still growing - so young," Ben Williams said in an interview. "She still had so much to go." The Washington Post's Julie Tate, Drea Cornejo, Alice Crites, Eddy Palanzo, Ted Mellnik and Steven Rich contributed to this report. - - - Shootings data are from the Washington Post's police shootings database, which contains records of every fatal shooting in the United States by an on-duty officer since Jan. 1, 2015. Population data are five-year estimates from the 2018 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Victims whose race is not specified are not included in the graphic displaying rates by race. The Post identifies victims by the gender they identify with if reports indicate that it differs from their biological sex. New Delhi, Sep 4 : A 26-year-old man was killed with his throat slit after the accused found out of an affair between the deceased and his sister, police said here. The incident happened on Thursday evening in outer North Delhi's Shahbad Dairy. The victim has been identified as Dharmender. During the course of investigation, on the basis of technical surveillance and local intelligence, the Delhi Police arrested 22-year-old Armaan, a resident of Shahbad Dairy and 28-year-old Karan Singh, who lives in Rohini. Both are friends and work in a nail polish manufacturing unit in Bawana. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Gaurav Sharma said, "On sustained interrogation, the accused persons disclosed that deceased Dharmender was having an affair with Armaan's sister and he even boasted about it among his friend circle. This was not appreciated by Armaan, who had warned the victim against it. "But the deceased did not pay any heed. So, Armaan decided to eliminate Dharmendra. Armaan confided in his friend Karan Singh, who agreed to help him." A medium sized sword -- the weapon of offence and a motorcycle, on which the accused persons took the deceased to the crime spot have been recovered, said the police. Jennifer Okundia Nollywood actress, model, television personality and film producer Yvonne Jegede shares her experiences in the last few years and what she has decided to do about them. The 37 year old stated that people have hurt her and she has also hurt people, but now shes decided to let go and open herself up to better opportunities. Jegede revealed that she will be dropping a web series really soon, while also disclosing that shes forgiven her former husband Olakunle Fawole who she married in 2017, but they are now divorced. The couple have a son together. In her words, she said: The last few years have been such an experience, Ive had the high, the low, the incredible and the not so incredible. Ive been hurt and I have hurt people as well but after my last birthday few days ago, I decided to totally let go of the past and earnest the opportunity in the present and reach out to the future to create a better story for myself and my family. To this end, I am reaching out to all my Ex-es, the one I wouldnt talk to or work with anymore, to say-I have forgiven you and I am also apologizing to those I have hurt because in relationships, it takes two(2) to tangle so I am also sorry. To my Ex-husband, it is nothing but love, peace and mutual respect. The past is past, it didnt work out, we should move on. To business associates and friends turn strangers, for the moment I hurt you, I am deeply sorry. To those I felt hurt me, I have also forgiven. Let us work together again, lets be cool again even if we are not best of friends. To my fans, thank you for standing by this Choco Girl and to the whole wide world, I am starting afresh, please join me in this new journey. To this end, I am signed to a new management company, 007 Global Talent Agency @007globalmanagement and in the next couple of days, you will be hearing more exciting news from me. By the way, my web series directed by me will be out soon. Yvonne was born in Agenebode, Edo State, Nigeria where she had her primary and secondary education in Lagos State before proceeding to the University of Cyprus, where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in International Relations. The movie star started her career in 2004 when she featured in the movie Missing Angels. Her camera debut came up in 2005 with her appearance in the popular music video African Queen by 2Face Idibia. Share this post with your friends: Water flooded onto terrified crewmen as they fought to save a stricken live export ship that capsized in stormy waters in the East China Sea. The 11,947-ton Australian-owned Gulf Livestock One was carrying 43 crew and 5,800 cows when it got into trouble on Wednesday. The vessel left New Zealand on August 14 and was due into the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, China, today. As the vessel headed across the East China Sea it began to flounder and the crew battled to keep it afloat. Seawater invaded the interior of the Gulf Livestock One and ran over the electrics and machinery during its final few hours. The dramatic images emerged as it was revealed Japan's coast guard had rescued a second survivor on Friday. Hours earlier, an unconscious crew member was also recovered but later died. The survivor, Jay-nel Rosals, a Filipino deckhand, was wearing a life jacket and floating in a raft north of Amami Oshima island in the East China Sea, where rescuers have been searching for the Gulf Livestock 1 ship and its missing crew since it sent a distress signal. Seawater floods into the Gulf Livestock One shortly before it capsized in the east China Sea Crew on the doomed ship struggle to keep it afloat in the East China Sea The Gulf Livestock One whih was lost in stormy waters in the East China Sea Flooding water made conditions slippery underfoot as the crew, of 39 from the Philippines, two from New Zealand and two from Australia, fought in vain to save the doomed ship. Typhoon Maysak was blowing by southern Japan when the ship sank. The ship's instruments showed that it was sailing into high winds of 56 knots or 66 miles an hour. The captain of Gulf Livestock One sent a distress call to the Japanese Coast Guard at about 1.20am on Wednesday. Rescuers in an aircraft and four boats plus divers searched for survivors. They found a bundle of orange rope and a life jacket with the ship's name on. An orange lifeboat was found by rescuers searching for survivors from the capsized Gulf Livestock One in the East China Sea A dead cow from the stricken Gulf Livestock One in the East China Sea Then on Friday the search teams found a body and multiple dead cows in the waters near where the ship sank. A man was found unconscious and face down in the water about 75 miles north west of the island of Amami Oshima. No details of the man's nationality or crew status have been released but he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, said Takahiro Yamada, a senior spokesman for the regional coast guard headquarters. An Australian veterinarian is still thought to be among 42 crew still missing from the capsized ship. Lukas Orda, 25, from the Gold Coast, was on board Australian-owned Gulf Livestock 1 when the captain sent a distress call to the Japanese Coast Guard at about 1.20am on Wednesday. Mr Orda and his wife Emma welcomed their first child, Theo, six months ago. Survivor Sareno Edvarodo, from the Gulf Livestock One, is pulled to safety by rescuers Rescuers use a rope to save Sareno Edvarado from the East China Sea after the sinking of the Gulf Livestock One A thankful crewman from the capsized boat is pulled to safety in the East China Sea Rescuers wait to haul the soaking wet and frightened crewmen to safety Sareno Edvarado wrapped in a blanket after his rescue from the stormy East China Sea He moved to Queensland from Germany as a child before taking up studies at James Cook University after attending high school in Mount Isa. Mr Orda was working with horses on the Gold Coast before joining the live export carrier as a vet in June, the Townsville Bulletin reported. Japan's coast guard dispatched planes and rescue boats to hunt for the ship and late Wednesday found a sole survivor, Sareno Edvarodo, the ship's 45-year-old Filipino chief officer. Dramatic photos released by the coast guard showed Edvarodo floating in the darkness in an orange life jacket and being pulled onto a boat with a rope as rescuers battled violent, rolling waves. He was quickly brought to a large vessel, where coast guard personnel with surgical masks and gloves wrapped him with blankets. He told rescuers: 'Thank you, thank you very much. I'm the only one? No other one? he asked the rescuers, then added, I'm so sorry ... (I'm) so lucky,' said Fox News. Record rains inundated Pakistans largest city, paralysing city authorities as people were left to fend for themselves. Karachi/Islamabad, Pakistan For Shahzad Ahmed, there was no time to think. The windows broke and the door caved in, thats how intense the water pressure was, he said of the first night of torrential monsoon rain in Karachi, Pakistans largest city, last week. We didnt even try to take the water out of the house. I just tied my rickshaw [to a pole] as tightly as I could and my family and I [got on] the rooftop. Ahmed, his wife and children spent more than 10 hours on that roof, in the pouring rain, as Karachi saw more than 230mm of rainfall in less than 12 hours, the most ever recorded, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. This year, Pakistan has seen some of the most intense monsoon rains in years, with more than 189 people killed and thousands of homes washed away in flooding across the country, according to the countrys National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) (PDF). We used to have clean drinking water, but we havent had any since the rain started. Azhar Abbas, a shopkeeper Karachi, a sprawling metropolis of more than 20 million people, was one of the worst-hit by the urban flooding. Streets turned to rivers, as the sheer volume of water quickly overloaded the citys dilapidated and ill-maintained drainage systems. In Ahmeds working-class neighbourhood of Yousuf Goth, a video taken after the rains showed water flowing through the streets, mixing with sewage and solid waste, as residents waded through it to salvage what they can from their homes. What we need most right now is clean drinking water and vegetables. You cant make a meal out of oil or just packets [of dry food], said Azhar Abbas, a shopkeeper in the same neighbourhood. Muhammad Rashid, 29, a construction worker, said his family was trapped at home, but he had to wade through the sewage periodically to try and find drinking water. Shehzad Ansaris aluminium door and window frame shop was inundated by the floods, and everything was destroyed, he says [Aysha Imtiaz/Al Jazeera] The only thing I left the house for was water, he said. We slept without food on the first night. We were safe on our roof, but I kept leaving in the five feet of water just to get [drinking] water. The citys main thoroughfares did not cope much better, submerged under several feet of water, leaving cars stranded or washed away in the flow. Desperate residents took to contracting agricultural tractors to try and winch their vehicles out. Electricity supply across the city failed, or was pre-emptively cut, almost immediately, as the citys main utility company reported its substations were being flooded. The pre-emptive cuts were aimed at limiting deaths due to electrocution if exposed wires were to come into contact with water in the streets. Right now, it's like kicking a dead horse. They just don't have the capacity for it. Farhan Anwar, urban planner At least six people died as a result of such electrocutions, hospital officials told Al Jazeera. Ahmed said he had to take the risk to move his family after 48 hours spent on their rooftop without electricity, water or natural gas to cook with. I was worried about the [electricity] current in the waters, but when the choice is between certain death by starvation or possibly electrocution, what could I do? Governance system failure As the rains now begin to subside, the hard work of cleaning up the debris and rebuilding will begin. In a city as divided and administratively broken as Karachi, however, urban planners and researchers said that will be easier said than done. It is an overall governance system failure, said Farhan Anwar, an urban planner and faculty member at Karachis Habib University. You cant isolate a particular cause for it [because] we have, over the years, allowed the city to develop and grow without planning or regulation or a framework. Anwar said the city was on its knees after the rains, and that its institutions, plagued by decades of mismanagement, a lack of planning and political contestation, simply do not have the capacity to deal with the situation. I havent seen any patients at my clinic since it started to rain, said Arif Javed, a herbalist doctor standing amid the wreckage of his store [Aysha Imtiaz/Al Jazeera] These institutions of governance that are responsible for maintaining services, whether it is water, solid waste management, land, transportation or sewage, they are all totally bankrupt, he said. Right now, its like kicking a dead horse. They just dont have the capacity for it. One of the reasons for this, Anwar and others told Al Jazeera, is the complex nature of Karachis administrative setup. The city is administered by more than a dozen land-owning civic agencies, all of which work independently and are not beholden to a single set of policies. The city has a mayor, elected in 2016, but he said he only controls 12 percent of the citys overall area. A lot of people have lost everything, a lot of their saving and investment was in the form of their appliances or furniture Haris Gazdar, researcher The rest of the city is managed by a mix of federal and provincial government-controlled landholding bodies, cooperative housing societies, the port authority, the railways department, industrial area authorities and military-run cantonments (PDF). This situation, Anwar argued, has straitjacketed growth and development in Karachi. Various agencies have control over resources and management and there is no collaboration or coordination between them Everyone is on their own. As political parties play out their contestations over civic institutions, analysts said, it has left most bankrupt. The confrontation between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement over the years has resulted in a tug of war that is played out within these institutions, said Anwar. Nazish Brohi, a social sector researcher, says Karachis history of violence it was the site of brutal political violence through the 1990s and again from 2008 onwards means there is a high price associated with any kind of reform. Because Karachi has been so volatile, in terms of conflict and violence in the past, no one wants to disturb the equilibrium, she said. The minute someone intervenes, there is fear of a conflagration. In 2012, Karachi was the worlds most dangerous megacity, with a homicide rate far higher than any other city of its size, as the battle for power in the city, rooted in ethnic and identity-based politics, played itself out on the citys streets. This year, Pakistan has seen some of the most intense monsoon rains in years, with more than 189 people killed [Aysha Imtiaz/Al Jazeera] A military operation targeting the MQM party, which was held responsible for much of the violence, has since reduced the number of violent deaths in the city considerably, although critics said the operation itself involved a large number of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The scars of that violence can affect everything, even the rebuilding of the citys drainage system, argues Brohi. She gives the example of the need to clear the citys drainage channels of illegally built structures that have blocked them. The drainage channels are choked right now, and those encroachments obviously need to be cleared, she said. But when the city is undergirded by an ethnic grid, then questions of which drainage channel you touch first can lead to a conflagration. The worst-hit area One of the largest landholding bodies in Karachi is the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), a civic authority run by the countrys powerful military that controls 5 percent of urban Karachis land (PDF). This week, hundreds of residents protested outside the offices DHAs sister body, the Clifton Cantonment Board (CCB), demanding authorities do more to drain water that had been standing in their streets and homes for days. In a statement, DHA said its staff was working round the clock to bring life back to normal, adding that it would work with the protesters to address the concerns of residents. The impact of the floods is also continuing for many, as their livelihoods or businesses have been decimated by the water [Muhammad Sabir Mazhar/Anadolu] A day later, it also registered police charges against protest organisers for rioting [while] armed with a deadly weapon at the angry, but peaceful protest. The area, one of the richest in Karachi, was surprisingly some of the worst-hit, with many neighbourhoods remaining inundated a week after the worst of the rains. Video footage shared with Al Jazeera showed residents complaining of flooded roads and basements, with many forced to sleep on rooftops on in stairwells. For the citys urban poor, the situation has been even worse. A lot of people have lost everything, a lot of their saving and investment was in the form of their appliances or furniture, said Haris Gazdar, senior researcher at the Collective for Social Science Research. And if you are even poorer than that, you have no assets other than maybe your [food] ration that you had stored up. We live from hand to mouth and it was the end of the month, says Kulsoom Bibi, a housekeeper in the Mehmoodabad neighbourhood. For two days, neither my sister nor I could get out because to [leave] the tunnel was filled to the brim. The impact of the floods is also continuing for many, as their livelihoods or businesses have been decimated by the water. How will patients reach me? They cant. I havent seen any patients at my clinic since it started to rain, said Arif Javed, a herbalist doctor standing amidst the wreckage of his store. Azhar Abbas, a shopkeeper, returned home after having moved to a relatives home in a drier neighbourhood for a few days. Its been 12 days since we had proper electricity, he said. We used to have clean drinking water, but we havent had any since the rain started. Climate change On Monday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan directed authorities to prepare a plan within a week to reform Karachis administrative systems. Experts, however, scoffed at the idea that anything will change on the ground unless the underlying political contestation and other issues are not addressed. Its not that the city has not been planned for, said Anwar, the urban planner. There are so many plans, so many master plans, its just a matter of implementation and political consensus existing, and a level of sincerity of how you want to do it. For Gazdar, fixing Karachis problems goes beyond bureaucratic reshuffles it requires both a fundamental reorganisation of administrative authority, and a clear focus on climate change. Flooding happens everywhere, even in cities in very advanced countries they also suffer flooding and droughts and fires and so on, he said. A lot of it is a failure to detect what the planet is trying to tell us. If you look at a global picture of the planet, [this is] a failure of the way we live our lives. In recent years, Karachi, and the Sindh province of which it is a part, has seen increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, leading to periods of drought and flood, and rainfall intensity changes that have badly affected agricultural practices that have stood in place for centuries. Asked if he believes any of this will change, however, Gazdar laughs. What will happen in the coming weeks is that some other issue will take the spotlight, he says. Seven days is a nice period of time, because on the seventh day something else would have happened somewhere else in the country, and that needs another seven days, and before you know it another 70 years will go by. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras digital correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim Michael Klatt, Pastor of Care at Peace Lutheran Church, was caught off guard this July when he got the call to be a pastor at his home congregation at Minnesota, where he was baptized, confirmed and ordained. After 29 years, Klatt will give his last local service on Sunday as he is returning to St. Johns Lutheran Church in Elmore, Minnesota. Its really an honor to go back there. It doesnt happen very often where someone gets called to be back to their home church as a pastor, Klatt said. Im really looking forward to that. Im really going to miss the people here, though. In Columbus, Klatt has been involved with introducing more contemporary services in the 1990s and starting a mission trip to Canada, as well as Peace Lutheran's daughter congregation, the 1C Mission Church. In addition to preaching, his second passion is sports, and he played basketball at the YMCA until he retired from the activity at age 61. I had played basketball, in college (and in) seminary so I just kept playing, Klatt said. So people would see me more as a person than just the guy that would wear a white robe on Sunday morning in church, for example. Klatt was also involved on the YMCA board as ministerial representative and chairman. Over the past three decades, he became a Huskers fan as well. Im not looking forward to leaving the Huskers behind, he said. Im looking forward to having more Minnesota people to cheer for the same team that Im cheering for. One of his sons, Caleb, was even in the Husker marching band. We always teased him he was the camera magnet because every game that they were on TV, we would see him, Klatt said. Although there have been successes and special moments, Klatt has faced challenges. Such as serving as the only full-time pastor at a few different times while the church was growing. Being the only pastor for a larger congregation is a difficult thing, said Pastor Cory Burma, a colleague and friend. Klatt is a very caring man, Burma noted. You know he is a man with a great memory. He remembers peoples names. He might not have seen them for 15 years but he can still put that name with a face, (it's) amazing ability to do that, Burma said. (He) loves the people here. (He) knows the people not only of the congregation but of the community pretty well. Burma said he was surprised when Klatt received the call but not shocked he took it. I know that he loves it up there, he loves the people there, Burma said. Klatt has made an impact on the community here though, he added. Im sure if you counted up the number of baptisms and funerals and weddings that he did while he was in Columbus that each of those would be well in the hundreds, Burma said. So just how he touched so many different lives in that way, I think, is a big thing and a unique thing that a pastor would spend almost 30 years in one place. Klatt agreed that he was able to touch many lives. Im really going to miss the people of Peace, Klatt said. Over that many years, you got really got used to (touching) a lot of lives in a lot of different important ways, so its hard to leave that. Peace has been a special place, Klatt said. My home congregation theyre a smaller, rural church, but a lot of committed Christian people that have been wonderfulWhen I first came to Peace I said to my parents, Peace is like a bigger version of my home church, he said. My parents said the same thing the day after they came to visit here. As much as he will miss Columbus, he is still looking forward to the future. Im very excited to go back to my home church and minister to the people there, Klatt said. Carolyn Komatsoulis is a reporter for the Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at carolyn.komatsoulis@lee.net. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Alex Albon says he "won't listen" to criticism either from Formula 1 fans on social media or even six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton suggested at Spa that Albon is not making life easy for Red Bull's title contender Max Verstappen, because "both drivers aren't there" in terms of pace. "Max is sort of there on his own," the Mercedes driver added. When asked about Hamilton's comments, Albon said he is learning to block out the noise amid growing speculation about his place at Red Bull. "I'm not here to make excuses obviously," said the British-born Thai driver. "But at least Spa wasn't a bad weekend. "I won't listen to what Lewis has to say, but I know it's the hard work at the factory and over here that's going to make the difference." As for dealing with the negative press and the criticism of fans on social media, Albon said of the solution: "It's simple - just don't look at anything. "Throw away your phone," he smiled. "In the end you're the only one who can make the change. "Obviously all these comments are there, but I'm the one in control. I just see it that there are opinions, and that's fine, but that's not what I'm focused on." (GMM) Many people do not always use Google Maps to ask for directions but to find out their estimated time of arrival (ETAs). As Engadget reports, this feature in Google Maps is about to improve significantly thanks to Googles DeepMind AI. Google Maps has worked hard over recent months on improving its functionality not just in terms of ETAs. When the pandemic was at its peak the app worked to show users how busy public transport was. This was so users could avoid busy trains and buses. To that end, Google Maps has also improved its functionality for those using bikes. This should hopefully encourage users to cycle more often rather than take their car or use public transport. Advertisement The improvement of ETAs on the app will be useful for many as people often use the app for that exact reason alone. Google Maps ETAs to become more accurate Google Maps has partnered with DeepMind, an Alphabet AI research lab, to make this improvement. The app currently uses historical traffic data and live traffic conditions to make ETA calculations. However, now the aim to try and predict future traffic patterns. DeepMind will do this through a graphic neural network. This model takes into account data on the time of year, road quality, speed limits, accidents and closures. Advertisement This coupled with a machine learning approach this should improve ETAs across the world. So far this model has improved the accuracy of ETAs by up to 50-percent in places like Berlin, Jakarta, Sao Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo, and Washington D.C. In theory, Google Maps can now warn users about impending traffic jams before they happen. The importance of this change has been demonstrated during the pandemic. Because drastic world events can have such large impacts on traffic patterns the app has to be more agile. During the pandemic, Google saw its ETA accuracy rate decrease as much as 50-percent. This is because the app had to prioritize traffic patterns from the previous two to four weeks. Normally the calculations would take into account much more data. Advertisement Google has admitted that predicting traffic patterns isnt an easy task. The company says it will continue to look at ways to improve its system but progress is not always easy. It will be interesting to see how much this model improves ETAs in Google Maps. In theory, it should make a big difference and get better over time, all because of the implementation of machine learning. Whether this will actually happen, only time will tell. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/EPA Current and former members of the military, elected officials and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden reacted with outrage and sadness on Friday, as ex-Trump administration officials confirmed key details of a bombshell report in which the US president referred to fallen soldiers as suckers and losers. Related: Khizr Khan: 'Trump may damage American democracy permanently' The Atlantic magazine published a story on Thursday in which four sources close to Donald Trump said he cancelled a visit to pay respects at an American military cemetery outside Paris in 2018 because he thought the dead soldiers were losers and suckers and did not want the rain to mess up his hair. Elizabeth Neumann, a former assistant secretary of counter-terrorism in the Department of Homeland Security, and Miles Taylor, a former chief of staff in that department, said the account was true, asserting that Trumps low opinion of soldiers killed and wounded in combat was well known inside the administration. The White House moved to deny the report unusually quickly and forcefully. Trump himself dismissed it as a politically motivated hoax and claimed 11 current and former officials supported his account. There is nobody feels more strongly about our soldiers, our wounded warriors, our soldiers that died in war than I do, he told reporters at the White House on Friday. Its a hoax. Just like the fake dossier was a hoax, just like the Russia, Russia, Russia was a hoax. It was a total hoax: no collusion. Just like so many other things, its a hoax. And youll hear more of these things, totally unrelated, as we get closer and closer to election. Asked why John Kelly, a retired marine corps general and Trumps former chief of staff, was not among those defending him, the president added: He was with me, didnt do a good job, had no temperament and ultimately he was petered out, he was exhausted. This man was totally exhausted. He wasnt even able to function in the last number of months. He was not able to function. Story continues The Atlantics source, he speculated, could have been a guy like a John Kelly. Trump tweeted that he would not defund the Stars and Stripes newspaper, which serves US servicemen and women worldwide, after a Pentagon memo ordering its closure was reported by USA Today, causing huge controversy. When my son volunteered and joined the United States military and went to Iraq for a year he was not a sucker Joe Biden The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, also defended Trump, but the denials were met with widespread skepticism because of his past remarks about military veterans. And in an unusual intervention, the first lady, Melania Trump, also weighed in, tweeting that the Atlantic story was not true. It has become a very dangerous time when anonymous sources are believed above all else, & no one knows their motivation, she wrote. A visibly angry Biden called the alleged comments disgusting and said Trump was not fit to be commander-in-chief. When my son volunteered and joined the United States military and went to Iraq for a year, won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he was not a sucker, Biden said, his voice rising, in remarks in Wilmington, Delaware. His son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015, deployed to Iraq in 2008. If these statements are true, the president should humbly apologize to every Gold Star mother and father and every Blue Star family, Biden said. Who the heck does he think he is? Im always cautioned not to lose my temper, Biden said. This may be as close as I come in this campaign. Its just a marker of how deeply the president and I disagree on the role of the president of the United States of America. Veteran Chesley Sully Sullenberger, the pilot who saved the lives of 155 people in 2009 when he guided his stricken plane onto the Hudson river, said: For the first time in American history, a president has repeatedly shown utter and vulgar contempt and disrespect for those who have served and died serving our country. While I am not surprised, I am disgusted by the current occupant of the Oval Office. He has repeatedly and consistently shown himself to be completely unfit for and to have no respect for the office he holds. On a press call hosted by Bidens campaign, the Democratic Illinois senator Tammy Duckworth, who lost both her legs in combat in Iraq, accused Trump of attempting to politicize and pervert our military to stroke his own ego. This is a man who spends every day redefining the concept of narcissism; a man whos led a life of privilege, with everything handed to him on a silver platter, she said. Of course, he thinks about war selfishly. He thinks of it as a transactional cost, instead of in human lives and American blood spilled, because thats how hes viewed his whole life. He doesnt understand other peoples bravery and courage, because hes never had any of his own. I take my wheelchair, and my titanium legs over Donald Trumps supposed bone spurs any day, she added, referring to one reason Trump received draft deferments during the Vietnam war. The call also included the congressman Conor Lamb, a marine veteran, and Khizr Khan, a Gold Star father whose son was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004 and who was himself famously attacked by Trump during the 2016 campaign. Khan said Trump was incapable let me repeat it again he is incapable of understanding service, valor and courage. His soul cannot conceive of integrity and honor. His soul is that of a coward. In an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Mike Pompeo defended the presidents support of the military. Ive never heard that, the secretary of state said of Trump allegedly calling the war dead suckers. Indeed, just the opposite. Ive been around him in lots of settings where there were both active-duty military, guardsmen, reservists, veterans. This is a man who had the deepest respect for their service, and he always, he always interacted with them in that way. He enjoys those times. He values those people. Mr. President, if you dont respect our troops, you cant lead them. pic.twitter.com/hcX9hGgdm5 Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 4, 2020 The Biden campaign released a video quoting the president, based on the Atlantic story and later corroborating reports by the Washington Post and the Associated Press. Other media outlets, Fox News among them, also corroborated the Atlantic story. With the tagline If you dont respect our troops, you cannot lead them, the Biden campaign video displayed the alleged Trump quotes over images of military cemeteries. At Fridays briefing, Trump was asked about his past mockery of the late senator John McCain, who served in the military and was a prisoner of war in Vietnam. I say what I say, he told reporters. I disagreed with John McCain on a lot of things. That doesnt mean I dont respect him. I respected him but I really disagreed with him on a lot of things and I think I was right. I think time has proven me right to a large extent. Ukraine considers it necessary to use an effective mechanism to influence Russia, including through the application of sanctions and a revision of the policy on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this at an online briefing, commenting on the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "Ukraine proceeds from the fact that now our partners and all those who oppose the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation must use an effective mechanism to influence this country, including through the application of sanctions and a revision of the policy on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline," he said. Kuleba noted that if the pipeline is completed, Russia will have additional opportunities to earn huge amounts of money and then invest them in its aggressive actions both inside the country and abroad. "Therefore, it is time to take a very comprehensive approach to this issue and finally take measures that will maximize the price for the Russian Federation for its actions," he said. Kuleba said that there is no reason not to trust the conclusions of German experts on Navalny's poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent and recalled that poisoning with a nerve agent is the use of chemical weapons and a gross violation of international law. He said that this crime should not go unpunished, because, as the experience of previous years shows, impunity only encourages Russia to take new aggressive actions and commit new crimes. Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny fell unwell on August 20 on a plane en route from Tomsk to Moscow. The airliner urgently landed in Omsk. Navalny was hospitalized. On August 22, he was taken to Berlin. Navalny is in a coma. His condition is severe but stable. The German government said on September 2 that toxicological tests on samples taken from Navalny had shown that the Novichok nerve agent had been used in his poisoning. op The need for thermally useful coatings that can secure industrial and commercial machinery under moderate to intense temperature conditions is anticipated to propel the high-temperature coatings industry in the coming years. New York, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global High-Temperature Coatings Market is forecast to reach USD 5.24 Billion by 2027, according to a new report by Reports and Data. Technological advances and substantial R&D investment in marketing single-component coatings for multiple applications by key industry players are anticipated to fuel demand growth over the expected period. Industries have been actively engaged in the production of finished goods, which, in addition to having corrosion resistance, can be used for a broad range of operating temperatures ranging from 150 degrees Celsius to 750 degrees Celsius. Over the forecast period, High-Temperature coating demand in cookware is projected to emerge as the fastest-growing end-use market. Throughout industrial and residential markets, large appliances such as bakeware, electric machines, and food processors have grown throughout significance. This segment has seen significant growth in France, Japan, and South Korea as a result of increasing awareness for innovative cooking technologies that sustain the food's nutrient levels. Regulatory & policy bodies, such as UL, ANSI, NFPA, and ASTM, are authorized to issue coating product checking and formulation guidance and requirements. Fatal fire accidents in both manufacturing and suburban environments involving casualties to the workers have contributed to many changes of protection measures to reduce risks by incorporating flammable inorganic agents into products of the coating. Properties demonstrated by phosphorous, silicon, and halogen-based goods to survive High-Temperature have rendered them very important. High-temperature substance coatings can tolerate temperatures over 150 C (302 F) while protecting against corrosion. The layers are composed of organic or inorganic materials such as epoxy, epoxy novolac, silicone, and epoxy phenolic depending on the degree of temperature resistance needed. Fireproofing plays an essential role in buildings and other structures as it protects regulated steel and other parts of the building. The construction sector, however, is hampered by the lack of synergy in constructing codes for various companies. Stable regulatory requirements enable the producers of coatings to develop their R&D investments. Story continues Get FREE Sample Copy with TOC of the Report to understand the structure of the complete report@ https://www.reportsanddata.com/sample-enquiry-form/3498 The Asia Pacific area represents the most extensive and fastest-growing heat-resistant coating sector. High economic growth rates, growing industrial sectors, low-cost labor, increased foreign investment, increased demand from end-user industries, and the global shift in manufacturing from developed countries to the region's emerging countries are some of the crucial reasons leading to the growth of the market in the area. Furthermore, the growing development of the region's building and petrochemical industries will further boost the world demand in the coming years. The constant demand from the defense, power production, and aerospace industries is observed. COVID-19 Impact Analysis: While the COVID-19 epidemic is rising, manufacturers are gradually adapting their production and purchasing strategies to fulfill the challenges of a pandemic that has created market-based High-Temperature Coatings needs. There will be a series of negative and positive disruptions over the coming few months as retailers and their suppliers respond to growing customer demands. With the unstable global situation, several states look vulnerable to export-dependent economies. Due to a lack of downwind demand, the effect of this pandemic transformed the global High-Temperature coatings industry. Some manufacturing plants either shut down or decreased their capacity. Others, however, stopped their output by their respective governments as a precautionary move to prevent the spread of the virus. For other nations, by looking at the severity of the crisis and the consequent behavior of the state officials themselves, customers are centered on becoming more important. Market dynamics in Asia Pacific countries have become chaotic in this situation, collapsing frequently and finding it impossible to stabilize. Further key findings from the report suggest Based on technology, Poly-Ether-Sulfone generated a revenue of USD 0.84 billion in 2019 and is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 4.6% in the forecast period due to the increasing demand for the product, which can be attributed to its physical characteristics, such as increased adhesion of metals, long-term thermal stability, and transparency. The powder coatings segment is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.5% in the forecast period attributable to the significant advantages associated, including higher usage levels and ease of use coupled with the strict environmental regulations concerning solvent-based products. The energy & power application is a major contributor to the High-Temperature Coatings Market. The energy & power sectors of the Asia Pacific region are the major shareholder of the market and held around 20.6% of the market in the year 2019, due to the growing concerns about equipment durability with increased corrosion resilience, and color stability. Asia Pacific dominated the market for High-Temperature Coatings in 2019 due to the substantial growth in the building & construction and automotive industries, especially in China, India, and Japan. Asia Pacific region held approximately 37.2% of the market, followed by Europe, which contributed to around 26.2% of the overall market in the year 2019. Key participants include Aremco Products Inc., General Magnaplate Corporation, Axalta Coating Systems, Belzona International Ltd., Chemco International, Weilburger Coatings GmbH, Valspar Corporation, Sherwin-Williams, Whitford Corporation, and Carboline Company, among others. To identify the key trends in the industry, click on the link below: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/printing-inks-market For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data has segmented the Global High-Temperature Coatings Market on the basis of technology, product, application, and region: Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027) Waterborne Powder Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027) Poly-Ether-Sulfone Acrylic Epoxy Polyester Others Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027) Energy & Power Metal Processing Cookware Marine Automotive Aerospace Building & Construction Others BUY NOW (Customized Report Delivered as per Your Specific Requirement)@ https://www.reportsanddata.com/checkout-form/3498 Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Benelux Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Rest of LATAM Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA Take a Look at our Related Reports: High-Temperature Coatings Market : High-Temperature Coatings Market is forecasted to grow at a rate of 3.9% in terms of value, from USD 3.84 billion in 2019 to reach USD 5.24 billion by 2027. Over the coming years, the market is expected to witness moderate growth due to increased product demand across various applications, such as cooking and bakeware, building and construction, and metal processing. Coating Equipment market : Coating Equipment market is forecasted to grow at a rate of 6.2% from USD 16.10 billion in 2019 to USD 25.25 billion in 2027. Rising demand for the product from different industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction is projected to provide a definite room for significant growth in the coming years. High Performance Coatings Market : High Performance Coatings Market is forecasted to grow at a rate of 4.9% from USD 89.40 billion in 2019 to USD 131.17 Billion in 2027. The growth of the market is mainly associated with the rising demand for industrialization in emerging economies and the rising need to protect products, which are expected to accelerate the market growth globally. Pigment Dispersion market : Pigment Dispersion market is forecasted to grow at a rate of 5.7% from USD 39.60 billion in 2019 to USD 59.89 billion in 2027. The dispersion of pigments is a process used to transfer color to different substrates in the automotive, manufacturing, and packaging industries. Powder Coating Equipment market : Powder Coating Equipment market is forecasted to grow at a rate of 7.4% from USD 1.40 billion in 2019 to USD 2.40 billion in 2027. Powder coating equipment is expected to see considerable demand as it offers excellent storage performance, improves flexibility, ease of use, and provides high quality. Thermal Insulation Coating market : Thermal Insulation Coating market is forecasted to grow at a rate of 6.8% from USD 8.03 billion in 2019 to USD 13.12 billion in 2027. Recent trends in the industrial and automobile industries are expected to fuel demand in specific market segments for heat barrier coats. 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 clients 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. Reports And Data | Web: www.reportsanddata.com Direct Line: +1-212-710-1370 E-mail: sales@reportsanddata.com LinkdIn | Twitter | Blogs CONTACT: Contact Us: John Watson Head of Business Development Reports And Data | Web: www.reportsanddata.com Direct Line: +1-212-710-1370 E-mail: sales@reportsanddata.com LinkdIn | Twitter | Blogs For some in the far right of American politics, the worst thing a man can be called is a cuckservative. The intent, of course, is to throw the cuckold slur of men sexually emasculated by their wives at conservative politicians considered too moderate or weak. Usually shortened to cuck, and criticised for its racist origins, the term flared into use on Twitter before the last election. And now, naturally, it is being applied to influential evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jnr, who allegedly observed his wife have sex with Giancarlo Granda, a pool boy they met in Miami over a period of several years. Falwell denies he had any involvement, insists his wife Becki was the one having an inappropriate personal relationship, and says Granda was merely trying to extort money from them. The square-jawed Granda, however, has recordings of the three of them discussing Beckys jealousy whenever Granda dated anyone else, and has repeatedly told journalists that Falwell, the president of Christian college Liberty University, enjoyed watching from the corner of the room. Jerry Falwell Jr and his wife, Becki. Giancarlo Granda claims he had a sexual relationship with Mrs Falwell, which also involved her husband. Credit:AP Its been astonishing to witness Falwells instantaneous tumble from power as a cascade of other allegations emerged: financial impropriety (currently being investigated by Liberty University, from which Falwell received a US $10.5 million severance), creepy behaviour towards female students, the fact that another pool boy, Jesus Fernandez Jnr, received a settlement years ago from the Falwells, and an allegation from a friend of their son that Becky groomed than seduced him when he was 20, performing oral sex on him when her son was in the next room. Then theres the fact that Trump lawyer Michael Cohen was involved in helping suppress compromising photos of the Falwells with alleged hush money just before Falwell emerged to endorse Trump. A lack of public toilet facilities at tourist hotspots on the north coast has caused a stink. Most cubicles were out of action in the seaside town of Portstewart at the weekend, drawing complaints from locals. The state of the lavatories was branded "an absolute disgrace". The issue was raised during a meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council this week. DUP councillor John McAuley said it was now a familiar issue. He explained: "Within the minutes of the last (Environmental Services Committee) meeting it was raised about the public toilets not being open on bank holidays in Portrush. "It was reported back that there was a staffing issue and a cleansing issue and that all had been resolved. "However, there was a very similar issue on Sunday past in Portstewart. The toilets may have been open but only one of the three cubicles was usable, the other two were locked shut and the hand sanitiser was broken. "To be honest they would have been better closed as they were an absolute disgrace. "These are basic facilities, they would need to be at least usable. I'm not sure appealing is the word you would use for a toilet facility but they would certainly need to be usable for the tourist industry. They need to be fresh and clean - they are totally unacceptable for tourist areas who are trying to attract people." Mr McAuley called for a review of the situation by the council's director of environmental services, Aidan McPeake. DUP councillor George Duddy added: "With regards to toilets, I think council needs to look at the capacity of our toilets now, especially our seaside resorts and particularly Benone if people are now deciding to stay at home instead of flying off to foreign climes. "I concur with Cllr McAuley with regards to the weekend and perhaps we need to look at staffing and increasing staffing. If there are staff furloughed maybe it would be a suggestion to bring them in to assist and help with the toilets, etc." UUP councillor Joan Baird offered her support to Mr Duddy and said: "The toilets at Dunseverick have been closed as well and there have been people camping there. "Dunseverick Harbour was packed and there were no toilets open and the nearest toilets were four miles away at Ballintoy." Mr McPeake, the council's director of environmental services, said he would check the issue out as he was unaware there was a problem with those particular facilities. Minsk, Sep 4 : Russia fully supports Belarus' sovereignty and independence, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said here while meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "While we are in hospitable Minsk, we would like to stress that Russia fully supports Belarus' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Mishustin said on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.. Pointing out that Belarus shares a close relationship with Russia, Mishustin said, "This is also about hundreds, thousands, or millions of people who are practically one nation." Mishustin also said the governments of the two countries are in regular close contact. As political parties gear up for an intense electoral contest in the state of Bihar, ABP News has announced an extensive programming line-up for the upcoming assembly elections, to keep the viewers apprised about every single development of the state, and its leaders. Even amid the pandemic, the fever of Bihar assembly elections is high, which are slated to be held in October-November. With rallies and large gatherings being out of bounds this year, digital campaigns and television coverage will play a key role in this years political battle. Keeping this in mind, ABP News has launched special programming under the purview of its iconic property, Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri, to keep the viewers engaged & informed throughout the election season. With a commitment to bring the most incisive reporting, Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri will keep the viewers engrossed through a special conclave, Shikhar Sammelan and a multitude of shows like Bihar Yatra, Gajab ho Bihar ke Lala, Bihar ke Bahubali, and Bihar: Vaar x Palatvar. The channel will hold two editions of its flagship conclave, Shikhar Sammelan, which will not only have top political leaders, but also eminent personalities from Bihar to deliberate on the upcoming elections and other associated issues. A new show called Bihar Yatra, will also be making its way on the viewers TV screens the daily travelogue-cum-ground reporting show, will capture the ground reality of the Bihar elections. A one-on-one interview series called Gajab ho Bihar ke Lala will involve interactions and profiling of political and non-political heavy-weights of Bihar involved in the elections. Another unique feature show, Bihar ke Bahubali will be hosted by a celebrity from Bihar, wherein he/she will narrate the life-story of infamous political Bahubalis of the state. A debate show series exclusively on Bihar elections called Bihar: Vaar x Palatvar will bring to the fore, the key political faces of Bihar on a panel discussion. The same panel will feature predominantly throughout the entire programming on Bihar elections, hosting insightful discussions. Furthermore, along with research partner CVoter, ABP News will present an Opinion Poll and Exit Poll to the viewers, based on the trends and projections of the Bihar Elections. Lastly, apart from a show-stopping line-up on television, the channel will also be tremendously active on the digital medium, to present extensive & exclusive coverage of Bihar elections on ABP Live and ABP News Social Media Platforms. On this these offerings, Mr. Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network said, With this brand new content line-up for Bihar elections, our goal is to provide an unmatched coverage, continuing our legacy of presenting the most accurate and credible election results. Keeping our viewers at the very core of our content offerings, we want to inform & empower them with informative, interactive, and in-depth coverage along with insightful deliberations, story-telling, and interviews. ABP News had always remained an undisputed leader on big news days, and we hope our viewers will continue to cherish our new offerings. "In short, Redd is a global movement to help and support people in need," says Jay Laurence, Redd project leader. "Redd upholds the idea that every single person on earth deserves kindness, compassion, generosity, and appreciation, and Redd is meant for anyone who wants to be a part of that." When ReddCoin, the cryptocurrency mechanism powering the Redd movement, was originally launched in early 2014, it served as the original social tipping digital currency. Over the past six years, the project has continued to evolve thanks to the passion and commitment of a 100% volunteer-based team. With this in mind, the new identity is a realignment of the Redd movement to embrace the "who" and "why", not just the "what" and "how" of the digital currency. Redd's crypto ecosystem is now helping reimagine our lives as a direct result of global upheaval and the necessity for new ways of thinking about how we all navigate our world. By providing a mechanism for the transfer of value from any one point on the planet to another, with ease, speed, and mostly without fees, Redd sees itself as a conduit for systemic global change. The platform allows commerce to exist "everywhere and anywhere" and allows "anyone" the opportunity to save and produce sustainable wealth, regardless of their location in the world. Whether planting trees, donating money to a family who lost their home in a natural disaster, or putting money towards setting up a free school to teach minorities about financial literacy, Redd's goals will include allowing people within its community to support social movements, global causes, and individuals as easily as clicking a "like" button on a social media platform. Anyone interested in joining the Redd movement, or becoming an organizational partner should visit redd.love . In Phase II of the rebrand, Redd will launch its long-awaited ReddID product, which will not only serve as a username but also as a social wallet. This will allow anyone to directly receive ReddCoin (RDD) over a variety of social media networks with one simple user ID under their control. As a result, Redd will empower content creators, social causes, and humanitarian programs to do what they love and get rewarded for their efforts without restriction or intermediary. Upcoming events include a Redd Pizza party to distribute immediately needed food to a selection of recipients. Efforts are also underway to partner across the cryptosphere with projects like the OpenAntumID Consortium and ChangeAngel in order to streamline social donations, expand usability and help charities convert that support into fiat dollars. "This rebrand is a public acknowledgement of the fact that ReddCoin, now Redd, has always been reflective of this sort of anti-corporate, peer-to-peer-enabling set of ethics. The transition to Redd highlights that the same approach applies to all parts of our lives, not just the technical aspect," says Laurence. Indeed, ReddCoin's vision has always emphasized that its partners and projects are "held to our own high standards of openness, accountability, and user experience as we strive to be an example of not only the stated ideals of "inclusion, love, and support" as stated on its corporate boilerplate. The difference now is that Redd wants to invite anyone who upholds these ideas into its movement, whether or not they understand or even care about the blockchain technology behind the digital currency that powers the platform. The team stresses, however, that the new Redd has a place for those longtime ReddHeads who have played an integral role in developing and staking on the platform. "It's about as being involved as you want to be," Laurence notes. "If you want to get your hands dirty in real cutting-edge tech, under the hood and in the details of our POSV2, you are more than welcome and wholeheartedly encouraged to jump in. But if tech scares you, and you just want to use our organization and financial tools to enable micro-change on your own, that's equally awesome. We want to open Redd to all people who want to take part and be part of the movement, yet might not have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a master's in cryptography." Alongside its expansion of community outreach and tech features, the Redd project is looking to expand its roster of those ReddHeads who are looking to dedicate a bit more time toward the project. Whether it be developing the tech, getting the word out via social media, or other forms of outreach, Redd is looking to build on its diverse team. With a variety of perspectives on board, Redd can reach that many more voices, cultures and people, furthering its mission of social currency. All ReddHeads are welcome to join our Telegram channel to network and receive updates, as well as on our social channels. About Redd Redd is a global social movement that allows anyone, anywhere, the power to tip, support, donate and fund social causes, independent content creators, and humanitarian programs. The platform utilizes ReddCoin (RDD), a reliable and versatile decentralized digital social currency launched in 2014 that allows for seamless payments across borders and networks. Redd Partners are expected to adhere to the project's high standards of openness, accountability, and user experience as we strive to be an example of not only the stated ideals of "faith, hope and charity", but also integrity, transparency, and honor. Redd is a globally decentralized entity with a mailing address in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Learn more at redd.love . Media contact: Anne Szustek Talbot BX3 on behalf of Redd [email protected] SOURCE Redd CASPER, Wyo. - A Yellowstone National Park guide is facing criminal charges for violating park rules. A National Park Service officer alleges in a criminal complaint that he found evidence that Theodore Ted Garland gave an unauthorized guided tour, trespassed on a thermal ground, led a person to a closed area and got too close to a black bear that was feeding. Each of the 17 misdemeanour counts can be punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years of probation, according to the complaint filed on Aug. 17. Garlands attorney, Alexander Freeburg, said he intends to fight the charges and has pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $1,000 bond, on conditions that he does not travel within the Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks and that he does not post on his Facebook page while the case is ongoing. Garland has a popular Facebook page, book and podcast named Explore Yellowstone Like a Local, KTWO-TV reported. Some of the posts on Garlands Facebook page that led to the charges occurred when Garland was out of the country, Freeburg said. Facing stiff pushback, however, from retailers who said smokers simply would cross into the suburbs to buy flavored cigarettes and from some aldermen who have long complained that higher prices and stricter restrictions on tobacco sales in Chicago propel a gang-controlled black market in those products, the City Council Health Committee instead voted for the narrower rules. SVMC Breast Health And Imaging Center Announces Saturday Hours for Screening Mammography BENNINGTON, Vt. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Breast Health and Imaging Center Announces Saturday Hours for Screening Mammograph For patient convenience, the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) Breast Health and Imaging Center will offer screening mammograms from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on eight Saturdays this fall. The special Saturday dates include Sept. 12 and 19; Oct. 3, 10, and 24; and Nov. 7, 14, and 21. The American College of Radiology recommends beginning screening mammograms at age 40 and continuing annually thereafter. The team at SVMC Breast Health and Imaging Center welcomes anyone who has a referral from their primary care provider, OB/GYN, or certified nurse midwife. Once patients have obtained a referral, they should call 802-447-5541, ext. 2, to schedule. The practice is newly renovated to enhance service and patient comfort. It provides ultrasoundincluding on breasts, thyroid glands, carotid arteries, and pelvisesand 3D mammography, which can slightly increase the numbers early breast cancers found and possibly reduce the need for repeat testing as compared to 2D mammography. SVMCs 3D mammography falls within FDA guidelines for radiation exposure. Bone densitometry (DEXA), which is used to measure risk for osteoporosis, is also offered in the Breast Health and Imaging Center. The practice is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located in suite 206 of the Medical Office Building located at 140 Hospital Drive in Bennington. Patients may reach them at 802-440-4240. About SVHC: Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices. For more information, visit svhealthcare.org. Southwestern Vermont Health Care complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559. MIAMI, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Can Floridas swiftly rising temperatures actually melt a sculpture? It turns out they can, and in less time than you might think. The CLEO Institute has partnered with Miami ad agency Zubi and award-winning Los Angeles artist/inventor/director Bob Partington to show Floridians just how quickly. Partington, well-known for hosting The History Channels Thing-a-ma-Bob and for his unique inventions that combine art, science, technology, math and engineering, was challenged by the creative team at Zubi earlier this year to create visual experiences based on an idea the Miami ad agency had to put the states climate crisis in the spotlight for all Floridians to see. The idea that Zubi and CLEO landed upon was a series of wax sculptures that would literally melt in the Florida heat over a period of four to five days. Zubi then reached out to Partington, who was tasked with creating the melting sculptures. Working with colleagues at mixed media production company 1stAvenueMachines Los Angeles studios, Partington designed statues that will each reveal a secret message related to their subject when they have melted. The next step was to decide what to depict. Florida is such a visually enthralling state, said Partington. There are so many things that make it special. But the Zubi team asked us to hone-in on three icons that represent what Floridians and the world stand to lose forever if action is not taken now. The first sculpture, depicting a lifeguard hut of the kind to be found on beaches around the state, will be installed at the outdoor Science Plaza of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in downtown Miami on September the 9th. Obviously wooden objects dont melt, said Zubi Executive Creative Director Ivan Calle. But you know what will fade away? The beaches on which they sit. Over the following two weeks, additional melting sculptures will be installed in two other Florida locations. Beginning on September 16, Tampa will host a sculpture featuring a Florida panther and her cubs. Starting on September 23, Orlando will be the site of the third and final sculpture, depicting the people who come to the area from around the world for its famous theme parks and natural beauty. Its not just our beaches that are slowly disappearing as a result of sea level rise, algal blooms, and coastal erosion, but also our wildlife and, ultimately, our very way of life in Florida. Our health is being threatened by weather events like extreme heat, affecting the most vulnerable the worst. Our elderly, Black and Latinx communities and our children are at the forefront of the climate crisis. Even during this terrible pandemic, climate change is still the single most important issue that Floridians face because of everything that we stand to lose, and our local, state and federal government are not doing enough, said Yoca Arditi-Rocha, CLEOs Executive Director. We need to understand this is not solely an environmental issue, it is the biggest issue that affects our livelihoods. We demand bold climate action from our elected officials. The CLEO Institute is organizing multiple Florida Climate Crisis events this month to highlight the several different threats to the states quality of life and has tapped NBC 6 Chief Meteorologist John Morales to moderate two webinars and a virtual town hall this month. Im beyond excited to participate in this highly educational campaign organized by CLEO, said Morales. No state is more exposed to the devastating impacts of climate change than Florida. 22 of the top 25 cities most vulnerable to coastal flooding today in the United States are in our state. We need to prepare for this and Im eager to help get this important information into the public sphere in any way I can. Following is the schedule of events that The CLEO Institute has organized for September: Dates Event Location Sept. 9-13 Lifeguard Hut Sculpture Exhibit Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami Sept. 10 Webinar featuring Dr. Rachel Licker, Ph.D., Senior Climate Scientist, Climate & Energy Program, Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). (Virtual) Sept. 11 Town Hall: Financial and Health Impacts of Heat on our Underserved Communities, moderated by NBC 6 Chief Meteorologist John Morales and featuring Dr. Rachel Licker, Ph.D. (Virtual) Sept. 16-20 Florida Panther Family Sculpture Exhibit Tampa University of South Florida Sept. 17 Webinar: Climate Impacts on Florida, moderated by John Morales (Virtual) Sept. 22-26 Florida Humans Sculpture Exhibit Orlando City Hall This years global temperature rise is expected to be one of the hottest recorded, manifesting across Florida, commented Dr. Rachel Licker of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Temperatures are expected to grow if we dont act collectively to rein in global warming emissions. By working together and listening to the latest science, Floridians can limit days of extreme heat and sea level rise to save the places they treasure. People seeking more information about the wax sculptures and The CLEO Institutes month-long focus on the numerous ways in which climate change is threatening Florida can visit FlClimateCrisis.org . The public is invited to ask questions and comment on social media using the hashtag #FlClimateCrisis. The Florida Climate Crisis campaign has been made possible via a grant from the VoLo Foundation, a private, Florida-based philanthropic foundation led by Thais Lopez Vogel and David S. Vogel that seeks to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education and improving health. About The CLEO Institute Founded in 2010, The CLEO Institute (CLEO) exists for the sole purpose of building climate literacy and spurring climate action. As the only nonprofit , nonpartisan organization based in Florida that is exclusively dedicated to climate change education and engagement, CLEO is viewed as the go-to regional source for credible, vetted climate science and expert insights into a variety of fields impacted by climate. The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) working with communities across Florida to build climate literacy and mobilize climate action for a resilient future. Learn more at cleoinstitute.org . About VoLo Foundation VoLo Foundation (VoLo) is a private, non-operating foundation in Jupiter, Florida. VoLo believes in developing knowledge and sharing information that has the potential to create a global impact. Through original research and analysis, and in collaboration with philanthropic and academic partners, we aim to enrich the lives of individuals, strengthen communities, and educate future generations. Learn more and subscribe to VoLo Climate News at volofoundation.org . About the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Located in Downtown Miamis Maurice A. Ferre Park, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a leading-edge science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Sitting on four acres, the 250,000-square-foot museum divides into four distinct buildings: The Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and the North and West Wings. At Frost Science, visitors can explore the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in an experiential setting with interactive exhibitions and unique shows. Frost Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Learn more at frostscience.org . About The Union of Concerned Scientists The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planets most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe and sustainable future. For more information, go to www.ucsusa.org. About Zubi Zubi is a full-service Multicultural Communications unit of WPPs Specialist Communications division. It was founded by American Advertising Federation Hall of Famer Tere Zubizarreta (1937 2007). Specializing in communications that target growth segments, Zubi has been creating best-in-class creative workalways anchored on strong consumer insights and business analyticsfor the likes of Fortune 100 companies since 1976. Zubis current client list includes Ford Motor Company, Lincoln Motor Company, Ford Dealers Association of California and Arizona, JP Morgan Chase, Grupo Rodilla, Mars Petcare, The CLEO Institute, and the Inter American Press Association. Zubi leverages its national footprint with offices in Miami (HQ), Los Angeles, and Detroit. About 1stAvenueMachine 1stAveMachine is a mixed media production company and storytelling outfit. They create video, digital, and experimental content for TV, print, web, and mobile, all with a unified singular vision. They have won numerous awards since their formation, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Cannes Lions, AICP, One Show, and ANDY awards, and many others. Their work has been featured across the globe and during the Super Bowl, and their division 1stAve Content has been instrumental in pairing the perfect influencers and creators with agencies and brands. MEDIA CONTACT: Joe Ramirez attentagroup@icloud.com 786-210-0985 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7cb20fa4-e434-4e54-bb0a-a183a759da40 When he speaks of them, it is either in denial or to highlight successes that are only part of a larger story that is worrisome in its totality, observes T N Ninan. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi addresses the nation on Independence Day, August 15, 2020. Photograph: Press Information Bureau When getting into the swing of its seventh year, the Manmohan Singh government was about to be savaged by the Comptroller and Auditor General in successive reports, and would soon lose all sense of purpose (the operative word, if you recall, was paralysis). At the same stage, the Narendra Modi government is a study in contrast, giving every impression of being in a tearing hurry to deliver. Among the latest set of promises made on Independence Day is a new medical ID card for all citizens, a Rs 100-trillion infrastructure programme, optical fibre connectivity for all villages in three years (we may have heard that one before), and a slew of other initiatives almost too exhausting to recount. A year earlier, fresh from his electoral triumph, Mr Modi had launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (tapwater in all rural households in five years) to match Swachh Bharat's toilets, and talked of making India a $5-trillion economy within five years. Before that, in the run-up to the elections, he had announced a cash pay-out scheme for farmers and a free medical insurance programme. There have been plenty of other pronouncements as well: Privatisation of coal mining, a new education policy, lower tax rates for individuals and companies, and a new tax charter, for instance. Along the way there was the self-reliance thrust for import substitution, now converted into a simultaneous export thrust. It is hard to keep pace with the constant flurry of announcements and their fine print, let alone assess what exactly they amount to. So no one can be in doubt that this government is long on ambition, especially when you consider that it has also been busy with history-making changes in Jammu and Kashmir, and in getting Parliament to pass a contentious law on citizenship. Equally clear, though, is the strange disconnect between the focus of these developmental and political thrusts and the immediate needs of the economy and country. On the three major subjects of immediate importance, on which the country would like to hear from the prime minister, there is only silence. There is no commitment to increased defence expenditure, urgently needed following the Chinese wake-up call. Or to increased health expenditure, though the continuing surge in the country's Covid numbers has made India the epicentre of new cases. Meanwhile, the difficulties facing an economy in crisis are left to others to deal with. It does seem odd that the prime minister can talk of subsidised sanitary pads while remaining silent on all of the above. There is a pattern to this. Mr Modi leaves the difficult issues well alone. When he speaks of them, it is either in denial (like the border situation) or to highlight successes that are only part of a larger story that is worrisome in its totality (as with the Covid crisis). At the same time Mr Modi is busy making a series of positive announcements that associate him with conferring benefits on ordinary citizens, achieving larger development goals, and effectively leading the government. Sometimes, this means floating like a butterfly past subjects that have become embarrassing -- like the forgotten promise of good days (achche din), double-digit economic growth, and the $5-trillion economy -- and shifting the focus to new policy thrusts (like self-reliance, which, it is hoped, will give meaning at last to 'Make in India'). On cue, the Orwellian faithful will start a new drumbeat each time. This is fine as political strategy. In the absence of meaningful interactions with the media, it is also easy to pull off through effective oratory and event management. The medium-term economic strategy to deal with new realities is less clear, given the prospect of slower growth and, therefore, more limited resources in the coming decade. The World Bank says public debt is headed to become nearly 50 per cent greater than the desirable level, two years from now. To keep that in check, or risk a credit downgrade, fiscal policy will have to contract. At some point, the disconnect between this outlook and expansive spending pronouncements will have to be addressed. Because the maths will have to add up. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Im hearing more parents say, My kid is not okay and Ive never really heard that even (when) things were really bad violence-wise, Miller said. MASK does a back-to-school drive once a year, but because of the pandemic, the events priorities shifted. The organization received feedback from parents at previous events and on social media to see what was needed most. While backpacks or other items might have been a priority in the past, Miller said a stable Internet connection is also now one of the biggest obstacles. The authorities in Rwandas capital, Kigali, have announced that people will be fined $10 (7.50) for not wearing face masks in public or not wearing them properly. The same fine will also be imposed for violating the 2m (6ft) social distancing rule in public, or ignoring the night-time curfew. Organisers of parties and other illegal gatherings could be fined $200, and those who attend $25. These latest measures to curb the spread of coronavirus have led to a backlash on Twitter. I wonder if heavy penalties will scare the virus away or will [financially] ruin people furthermore, one person tweeted. Rwanda has so far reported more than 4,200 Covid-19 and 17 fatalities. It has been praised for being effective in the fight against the disease, and is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa whose residents are allowed to enter the European Schengen zone. Rwanda was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to impose a total lockdown after confirming its first cases. Some people who violated restrictions were taken to stadiums or school buildings where they were forced to sit all night or day. 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 A day after handing over his charge to the new commissioner of Navi Mumbai police, IPS officer Sanjay Kumar has tested positive for Covid-19. Kumar, currently additional director general, training, is admitted at MGM Hospital in Vashi. Kumar had been commissioner since August 2018. As the pandemic hit, Kumar was instrumental in establishing quarantine facilities for the police staff and their families. Currently, a building in Kharghar under the Savali Trust is being used as a quarantine facility for the police staff. A facility was also created at the Navi Mumbai police headquarters in Kalamboli for treatment. Inspite of all precautions and all sort of concoctions - Ayurvedic, homeopathic and rigorous physical activities, I have also become a victim of Covid-19. Started with muscle pain, fever, shivering and throat infection. Hospitalised. Im fine. Will get released in a week. Good rest(sic), Kumar tweeted. Bipin Kumar Singh, the new commissioner took charge as the new police chief on Thursday accepting a bouquet from Kumar at the commissioners office in CBD Belapur. I have advised the new commissioner to isolate himself and get tested along with other officers who came in contact with me. I am doing fine and hope to recover soon, Kumar said. Along with Kumar, an inspector from his office and a constable have also tested positive for the virus. They are admitted as well. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By Express News Service NEW DELHI: All paramilitary forces securing the borders have been asked to remain extra alert amid tension along the LAC, sources in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Wednesday. The MHA has called for heightened vigilance on the India-Nepal border and the tri-junction areas in Uttarakhand and Sikkim as there are concerns that China might use its influence with neap to create trouble, sources said. Officials added that more troops have been deployed at places to strengthen security in some of these areas. Intelligence agencies have also shared inputs on possible trouble at the border areas with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Sikkim tri-junction area, where territories of India, China and Tibet meet, is considered a crucial area. This tri-junction is located on the southern side of Doklam, where the Indian Army was engaged in a long, tense stand-off with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army in 2017. The Chinese transgression near Ladakhs Chushul could be a diversionary tactic, so all forces guarding the borders have been asked to remain extra vigilant, a senior security official said. The border patrol teams have also been asked to remain extra alert in Uttarakhand near the Kalapani area. While the ITBP guards the India-China border, the SSB guards the Indo-Nepal and Bhutan border to heighten vigilance. Spanish telco giant Telefonica made the surprise announcement on Tuesday that it is turning on its advanced 5G mobile network in all of Spain. Telefonica is owner of the Movistar brand, as well as the UK's O2 and other wide-ranging interests. The firm says all regions now have the technological capability and, by the end of 2020, 75 per cent of people in Spain will be able to access its 5G service with Movistar. The president of Telefonica, Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, said that the initiative was "a golden opportunity" for Spain to lead what he called "the fourth industrial revolution". The aim is for all towns with a population over 20,000 to have the service by the end of the year. The company also recently announced that it is pushing out fibre optic to all areas of Spain for 2025. Telefonica's chief explained in the public announcement this week that Spain already has the largest fibre optic network in Europe. Double 4G and 5G use To get 5G out to so many people so quickly, Telefonica is using DSS (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing) technology, which allows 5G to piggyback on the existing Movistar 4G network. Any new infrastructure will be added gradually, as needed. Older technology will be slowly switched off in the coming years, the company has said. "One hundred per cent of the copper wire network will have been replaced by fibre by 2025, the same time that the 3G network is switched off." Vodafone was the first network to announce 5G for Spain in summer last year, but with more limited coverage. Currently it is in 21 cities. Orange has also said it will start a limited 5G service in Spain this year. By PTI NEW DELHI: A stable long-term regulatory roadmap and policy framework is required for the domestic auto industry, which is currently reeling under a prolonged slowdown, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Vice Chairman Vikram Kirloskar said on Friday. Speaking at SIAM annual convention here, Kirloskar said long-term policy framework is important to safeguard industry competitiveness. "Today we stand at crossroads with various technological pathways and alternate energy options available for cleaner, greener sustainable future. We need to pause and revaluate our options keeping in mind the recent geopolitical developments, ultimate national objectives including building a self-reliant India and safeguarding industry competitiveness," Kirloskar said. Based on this, it is essential that a long-term stable regulatory roadmap and policy framework is created for the sector, he added. The auto industry had built a lot of resources over the years but in this one year it lost almost all of it, Kirloskar said. "In the future, as we go along, there should be long-term plans for the automotive segment it would help this industry reach the pinnacle of the economy once again," he added. Kirloskar, however, sought a relook at timelines of upcoming regulations due to the ongoing slowdown and COVID-19 situation. "As an industry we have always requested that there should be no changes to regulations once they are decided and notified. However, the adverse impact of the pandemic on the industry is unprecedented and it warrants a relook at timelines of future regulations like fuel efficiency norms and BS-VI second phase," he noted. Policy interventions and regulations should focus on larger national imperatives and be technologically neutral, Kirloskar said. Globally this approach has given good results, he added. "One good example is linking taxation to fuel efficiency and carbon emissions, this is a simple transparent and impactful approach," Kirloskar noted. He added that the government should also come up with a national fuel road map. "Given the multitude technologies for cleaner alternative fuel options, having a comprehensive integrated national fuel road map will help industry make informed investment decisions," Kirloskar said. As the auto sector traverses through this turbulent phase, it is fully confident of the continuous support of the government in taking necessary steps to revive the economy, he noted. This year, when many companies across the U.S. claimed that they were going to better support Black people and Black-owned businesses, PayPal actually took action. In June, the global payment system announced a $530 million commitment to Black- and minority-owned businesses, and part of it included providing a total of $10 million in grants to those that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Three Houston-area businesses were among the 1,100 awardees out of 60,000 applicants: Symmetry Fitness, Connect the Dots, and Etsitab. There was a lot of consideration that went into how PayPal selected the grant recipients, said PayPal communications director Janine Kamwene. "Part of it is understanding how your business operates," Kamwene said. "It was also important we understand how you're going to use your grant funds, and how those grant funds impact your survivability as a business." The grants weren't exclusive to just one business sector, allowing three different kinds of Houston establishmentsa soon-to-be mobile gym, a PR agency ran by a Black woman with sickle cell anemia, and a Black women-led trucking companythe opportunity to thrive. THINGS ARE GETTING MESSY: McDonald's facing $1 billion discrimination lawsuit from more than 50 former Black franchisees Symmetry Fitness owner Archie Elliott said that being selected for the grant will give him the chance to set himself a part from other gym owners. Social distancing wasn't a big issue for him before, but in light of COVID-19, it's important now more than ever for him to get his mobile gym running if he wants to continue serving his clients. "A lot of trainers are doing virtual stuff, so I feel like if I had better equipment, I'd have a bigger reach," he said. "Not only that, it'll allow me to service more people and also keep myself safe, so I'm not exposed [to the virus]." Elliott now has the funds to do just that. He added that he now has a greater opportunity to inspire others and create avenues for people who look like him to follow suit. "On a personal level, it puts me in a spotlight where I can tell my story and share it," Elliott said. "A lot of times, people don't see the grind, they just see the end goal. It makes me proud and happy to be able to tell people that it's not easy, but as long as you don't give up, the sky's the limit." Hyacinth Vassell, vice president of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, said their research found that 40 percent of Black businesses are not expected to survive the pandemic, versus only 17 percent of those that are white-owned. PayPal recognized an immediate need, and they quickly jumped in to help. "PayPal realized that there was an immediate need to provide assistance for Black-owned businesses that were disproportionately impacted by COVID, and they wanted to give these businesses a chance to survive," said Vassell, whose company consistently partners with PayPal on different assignments. For Connect the Dots PR founder Vanessa Wade, PayPal's grant was an offer that sounded so unbelievable, she thought it was too good to be true. Connect the Dots is an agency that specializes in "pushing out messages," by using public relations, social media, marketing and branding. They've collaborated with various business sectors; including colleges and universities, nonprofits, hospitals, and the aerospace sector. "The work we take on is because we believe in other people," she said. "We believe in equality, we believe in affordable healthcare, we believe students should have access to affordable education and we believe in telling different stories in so many capacities." Wade said that for PayPal to come in and be willing to invest in her felt like a dream. She recalled several instances during the pandemic where she and her team had to put a hold on proposals they had been working on, because clients could no longer afford their services. "Although we had nurtured these relationships and put a plan together, they were excited and our team was excited, they couldn't move forward," Wade said. Wade said some of her clients lost as much as $200,000 in just two weeks because of the virus, so at this point, "they're trying to keep their companies afloat, pay their employees, and continue to serve the community." Her company was trying to do the same, she said, and she now plans to continue to invest in technology and education for herself and her team, as well as bring back people who have worked with them before but had to be let go because of the recession caused by the pandemic. BLACK GIRL MAGIC: NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps makes history as first Black woman to join International Space Station Margaret Chugani-Batiste of Etsitab Trucking Company definitely understands that first hand, because she is in a predominately male industry. "With everything that's going on, it was just so touching and amazing that [PayPal] did that. They didn't even have to, and for them to do that for my community, my Black community, I am so happy," Batiste said. "Not many companies do that. They say they will, and they'll even start an inclusion program, but they never execute it. Batiste and her husband have purchased another 48-foot flatbed with the grant money. She said she hopes to own two more 18-wheelers in the next three years, and have two minority contractors work for the business. As grateful as business owners were to PayPal, it meant just as much to the global company to be able to help people when they needed it the most. Communications Director Janine Kamwene said they know they made the right decisions, not only because of how the business owners used their funds internally, but how they helped externally too. The maximum award business a business could receive was $10,000, but many of them requested less. "A lot of these people, when they had the chance to request the full $10,000, realized that the need may be greater for someone else," Kamwene said. "Which I think is really a powerful detail about this that speaks to the fact that people understood this was for the community, and they reserved some of the funds to share with others." Kamwene said as PayPal sees lessons from this commitment, they're going to continue to evolve and figure out where they can make better investments in the future. Sean Mulryan's Ballymore group has been selected by Guinness maker Diageo to redevelop its near 13-acre site at St James's Gate in Dublin. Diageo has promised the scheme will see one of Europe's "most dynamic urban quarters" built in the capital. The mixed-use scheme on 12.6 acres will be one of the largest redevelopment projects ever in Ireland and will feature commercial and residential usage. Diageo said that it's envisaged that the Guinness Quarter will include new public spaces and that the regeneration will "reshape and extend the heart of the south inner city". It predicted that the project will act as a catalyst for additional regeneration of the wider Liberties area where the brewery is based, and for Dublin as a whole. Ballymore saw off competition from a number of rivals including U+I and US investor Hines to clinch the 1bn-plus development project. "The selection process evaluated potential partners on the basis of their ability to deliver against Diageo's vision to open up a portion of the historic brewery site, using new and existing buildings to create a dynamic mixed-use urban quarter that will include residential, office, cultural and commercial spaces, fully integrated into the wider Liberties area," said the drinks maker. The managing director of Diageo Ireland, Oliver Loomes, described St James's Gate as a "unique and extraordinary place", where Guinness has been made for the past 261 years. Diageo will continue to have its Irish headquarters at St James's Gate, as well as its brewery, a distillery and is Guinness Storehouse attraction. "We are committed to a long-term sustainable future for the site and are delighted to be moving closer to our vision of opening streets, creating spaces and generating opportunity in the Guinness Quarter," he said. Diageo will also work with the Iveagh Trust, one of Dublin's largest social housing providers, as a partner on the project. Stan Lalor appointed as Director of Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc Dr. Stan Lalor has been appointed as Director of Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, and will take responsibility to lead the education and advisory services. The appointment was approved by the Teagasc Authority at its meeting on Wednesday, 2 September. He takes over from Professor Tom Kelly who retires later this year after serving as Director of Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc since 2010. Dr. Stan Lalor graduated with a BAgrSc from University College Dublin in 2002, and subsequently a MAgrSc in Soil Science in 2005. He graduated with a PhD from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, based on his research work in the area of manure and nutrient management. He worked for over ten years with Teagasc, initially as an advisor and then as a researcher based at the Teagasc environment research centre in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Dr Lalor joined Grassland AGRO as Head of Speciality Business in 2014 where his work has included the leadership and development of a technical advisory team and service. Teagasc Chairman Liam Herlihy congratulated Stan Lalor on his appointment; Stan brings a deep knowledge of Teagascs Knowledge Transfer and Research programmes, combined with strong commercial experience from the wider agriculture sector. I look forward to working with Stan in the coming years as Teagasc assists farmers with meeting the sustainability challenges. In the first four months of Floridas pandemic-triggered unemployment crisis, state lawmakers and their staff referred at least 60,000 jobless Floridians to the states unemployment agency for help filing for and receiving state benefits, department data shows. As millions of desperate out-of-work Floridians looked for a way to receive benefits through the states broken website, their desperation prompted many to turn to their state legislators offices, which are typically staffed by just three or four people, including the lawmaker. All 159 state lawmakers and their staffs responded and sent names, detailed unemployment information and contact information to the states Department of Economic Opportunity, according to department data from March to June obtained by the Herald/Times through a public records request. The numbers come from a database the department created for state lawmakers and their staff to refer their constituents names. It is likely a drastic undercount. It does not include the other ways lawmakers contacted the department, such as forwarding constituents emails or sending their own spreadsheets of names. State Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami Beach The data show the office of state Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami Beach, for example, referred more than 1,500 constituents to the department. On Aug. 28 alone, he sent the department a detailed spreadsheet of nearly 5,000 Floridians from across the state who still needed help receiving benefits. He estimates he and his office have referred 20,000 people to the agency for help. Their contacts with so many jobless Floridians is likely the greatest constituent outreach effort in the Legislatures history, notable for a state whose lawmakers and staff are used to fielding thousands of calls for help following natural disasters. Theres nothing that even compares, said state Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, who has been in the Legislature since 2010. It was just overwhelming. Staff members frustrated, too Story continues Interviews with more than a dozen lawmakers and aides show that their offices sometimes mirrored the desperation felt by millions of out-of-work Floridians. State lawmakers enlisted volunteers to take calls, spent their own money to hire help or place desperate Floridians in hotels, and created detailed spreadsheets of tens of thousands of desperate Floridians that they frequently followed up with. Its almost like we were a legislative team and a social work team, said Lauren Cooper, district secretary for state Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, whose office referred more than 16,000 of the 60,000 people to the state, by far the most in the database. State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando The problem was caused by a combination of the pandemic, which devastated Floridas tourism-driven economy in mid-March, and the states shoddy unemployment system, which was immediately overwhelmed by the number of people who lost work. More than a month into the crisis, just 40,193 out of more than 1.5 million Floridians were paid. With the unemployment agency unable to respond to the crush of phone calls or emails, out-of-work Floridians turned to anyone who might be able to help the news media, upstart Facebook groups and state lawmakers from both parties. State lawmakers and their staff members would have typically been off in late March this year, following the end of the Legislatures frantic 60-day annual session and the start of campaign season. Instead, those staff members, whose state government salaries usually hover around $40,000, worked around the clock fielding phone calls from constituents. Floridas senators and representatives are part time and paid $29,697 per year, and they usually have just two or three people on staff for scheduling and constituent issues. In the early days of the pandemic, Eskamani turned her political operation into a constituent outreach effort. Instead of calling for donations or knocking on doors, she asked dozens of volunteers and a handful of interns to call constituents to see what they needed, she said. Help filing and receiving unemployment benefits emerged as the most immediate need, and the desperation grew by the week. Desperate calls for help Alex Weeden, who was a criminal defense attorney before becoming Eskamanis legislative assistant, said he witnessed Floridians situations deteriorate by the week. Hed receive updates from Floridians saying they were losing their pets or their cellphone numbers as their finances dwindled. Lawmakers and staff also fielded calls from Floridians so desperate they referred them to mental health organizations, food banks and police. We had to contact the sheriffs office to perform welfare checks, said Melissa Meshil, Brandes legislative assistant. There was little lawmakers could do to help fulfill peoples claims beyond pestering the Department of Economic Opportunity, which is overseen by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Lawmakers would follow up with the department multiple times as the same constituents failed to get help. And lawmakers typically had no better information from the department than the public and press, not notified when the department made major decisions, like when it failed to announce that hundreds of thousands of applicants needed to reapply. The department is soon to be overseen by state Rep. Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral, who said Thursday that improving the departments communications with lawmakers was one of his top priorities. Ive seen the pain and the difficulties, Eagle said. I think a lot of its communication. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, who is also the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, said he doubted that anyone would give lawmakers credit for their response because its their job. The system never should have been that hard to deal with in the first place, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:23:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Health Ministry on Friday reported 5,036 new COVID-19 cases, the highest since the outbreak of the disease, raising the total number in the country to 252,075. The new cases included 1,941 in the capital Baghdad, 366 in Wasit, 349 in Basra, 315 in Nineveh, 273 in Duhok, 245 in Dhi Qar, and 243 in Karbala, the ministry said in a statement. It also reported 84 deaths during the day, raising the death toll to 7,359, while 3,611 more patients recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 191,368. The new cases were recorded after 23,802 testing kits were used across the country during the day, and a total of 1,694,285 tests have been carried out since the outbreak of the disease, according to the statement. The ministry frequently attributed the recent increase of COVID-19 infections to the lack of public compliance with the health instructions, as well as to the increased testing capacity with more labs in Baghdad and other provinces. Iraq has been taking a series of measures to contain the pandemic since February when the first coronavirus case emerged in the country. China has been helping Iraq fight the COVID-19 pandemic. From March 7 to April 26, a Chinese team of seven medical experts spent 50 days in Iraq to help contain the disease, during which they helped build a PCR lab and install an advanced CT scanner in Baghdad. Since March 7, China has also sent three batches of medical aid to Iraq. Enditem Sugata Srinivasaraju By Arguably, federalism or the relationship between the Centre and the states is at its lowest point in recent decades. The ongoing tussle over the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation accentuates a rather worrying trend. If one were to make a metaphor from the story of Onam, a festival that has just passed, then the Centre has imagined and inflated itself to be a Vamana, and is looking for its three steps to deflate Mahabali, which here would mean the states. Look at the growing rustle of words around the GST compensation. Keralas finance minister, Thomas Isaac, the most vocal, tweeted: No state with atmanirbhar [perhaps he meant self-respect more than self-sufficiency] can accept this. Enough is enough. West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra was sharp when he said it was not an act of God as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had described it, but an act of fraud. Finance ministers of states like Punjab, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra spoke in terms of betrayal and double standards. Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, who heads a regional party, also weighed in: To ask the states to borrow is a skewed idea, he said. He also warned that the states and the Centre being at loggerheads all too frequently did not augur well for our well-being as a nation. Suddenly, the one nation, one tax idea was leading to a seditious impulse. Federalism itself seemed to be in crisis. A little before the GST issue came up, there was more that challenged federalism. DMK leader Kanimozhi brought up the Hindi mindset issue, which has been resurfacing with greater frequency in the last couple of years than the last couple of decades. She was upset when a central security officer at an airport allegedly tried to equate her proficiency in Hindi with her Indianness and nationalism. The discussion on the National Education Policy, the two and three language formulas, environmental policies, agricultural reforms, fifteenth finance commission, CAA, NRC, etc., have only expanded the kerfuffle, and the growing distrust between the states and the Centre in recent times. Besides all this, the cultural autonomy of the states have also felt threatened because of an ideological arraignment of oneness. Cultural matters are often reduced to linguistic matters but it is far wider than that. Again, to pick the example of Kerala, the attempt to redefine Onam as a festival of one community, and to replace the celebration of the munificent king Mahabalis annual arrival with his three-feet defeat by Vamana, has reignited flawed ethnic binaries. It burns bridges between two world views and shakes the foundation of federalism. Federalisms survival depends not just on discharge of honourable agreements related to distribution of constitutional powers and financial resources, but on repeated guarantees to nurture the diversity of our oneness. Cultural federalism actually forms the basic frame. Interestingly, the two big Commissions we have had since the 1980s on Centre-states relations, the Justice Sarkaria Commission and the Justice Punchhi Commission, go into several material aspects of federalism but are silent on cultural federalism, which is the invisible glue that binds the nation together. However, the Sarkaria Commission recommended an Inter State Council (ISC), which was meant to be a forum for dialogue between the Centre and states. It was expected to meet three times a year under the chairmanship of the prime minister, with chief ministers as members. All issues that troubled the conscience of the nation, in any corner, could be brought up there. Investigating such subjects, in which some or all the states or the Union and one or more states have a common interest, was its mandate. However, the record of the ISC meetings are dismal, and that could be one barometer to explain the overcast conditions. The ISC met the first time in October 1990 under V P Singh, but P V Narasimha Rao never held a single meeting. Deve Gowda revived the ISC and the United Front government held it thrice in under two years. Vajpayee held it four times in six years. Manmohan Singh only twice in 10 years and Narendra Modi only once in the past six years. Interestingly, when Gowda, a regional leader took over in Delhi, there was greater commitment to federal dialogue. One thought Modi, who had served as chief minister for a long period, would inject fresh energy here, but that has not been the case. In Chapter 21 of the Sarkaria Commission report, there are two brilliant paragraphs. The first says: There is a general tendency towards greater centralisation of powers. There is special need in a country like India for a conscious and purposive effort to counter it all the time. There is considerable truth in the saying that undue centralisation leads to blood pressure at the Centre and anaemia at the periphery. The inevitable result is morbidity and inefficiency. Indeed, centralisation does not solve but aggravates the problems of the people. The second reads: In view of the relatively communal nature of some majorities and minorities of different hues (of religion, caste, language, race, etc.) at different governmental levels of our country, it is most important that democracy is seen as government by compromise between the majority and the minority, and not an authoritarian use by the former of its voting power riding roughshod over the latter If the power of vote that democracy gives us is used thoughtlessly, or fanatically along communal lines, it may eventually sound the death-knell of secular democracy itself, in our heterogeneous society. These two paras, understood well, can help the Centre and the states to waltz as a truly cooperative federal polity. Sugata Srinivasaraju Senior journalist and author (sugataraju@gmail.com) It is always great to find humour and smiles in a book. But actor Daisy Shah laughing while a reading a book is making the Internet roll its eyes. An image of the actor in smiles while reading Khaled Hosseinis A Thousand Splendid Suns is surprising everyone. And why not? The book is a sad story, with tragedy pouring out right from the beginning. In fact, Daisy Shahs expression in no way suggests that she is reading from the book. Was she reading a Whatsapp joke from the mobile phone secretly placed on book? We dont know. Those who have read the book remember being blinded by tears while reading the heartbreaking story of friendship, love, sacrifice and hope set in war-torn Afghanistan. There were zero (0) comedy scenes in my copy of 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' pic.twitter.com/ezBSsKtPfW Indravadan Sarabhai (@02geeta) September 3, 2020 I think we all read some other book by this name I cried so much reading this one V (@ivivek_nambiar) September 4, 2020 Same here. It is one of my all time favs. It c occupied my mind for atleast 3 days after I had finished it Manan Singla (@Manan_13) September 4, 2020 This is one of the saddest books. It leaves one disturbed for a few days after reading it. I Probably didn't read it right, it seems (@heartgoesboop) September 4, 2020 I cried buckets Wrong book to pose to bedika (@rbedika) September 4, 2020 Daisy Shah, what is that laugh for? Our business is our business, none of your business is fine, but this book is beyond that business. Or was the Jai Ho actress given a different script in the cover of Khaled Hosseinnis tragic story? The story is about Mariam, an illegitimate child who suffers a heartbreak after trying to go to her biological father, who is a rich man. her status of illegitimacy invites abuse in her married life too. Fate brings Mariam to Laila, a young girl who had seen a privileged childhood. However, a rocket lands near her home and shatters her life as she loses her parents. Laila is compelled to marry Rasheed, Mariams husband, who is many years elder to her. Initial bitterness between the two women turns into a sweet friendship, but Mariam makes a sacrifice to give new life to Laila and her long-lost love Tariq with whom she has a son. The two women unintentionally kill Rasheed and Mariam asks Laila to flee with her kids and Tariq, while Mariam is taken away by the Taliban and shot at as punishment for the alleged murder of Rasheed. The book brims with sad scenes with the the opening line where Mariams mother taunts her for illegitimacy as a few-years-old kid. Her fathers indifference when she goes to his house with a hope of being accepted, returning to her house to see her mother hanging by tree. Then there is Lailas story where a rocket lands near her home and sees everything flying in the air and loses conscious. The last moments of Mariam being taken away for execution and seeing her mother and father in a dream before getting killed will wrench you heart. However, the actor took to social media and responded to the reactions people had on her photograph. You dont know me or my life. Am I a reader or am I using things as a prop or was I also having a conversation with some1 at the very same time or may be not. So you know what make ur own stories about whatever you want," she wrote. You dont know me or my life. Am I a reader or am I using things as a prop or was I also having a conversation with some1 at the very same time or may be not. So you know what make ur own stories about whatever you want. Daisy Shah (@ShahDaisy25) September 4, 2020 May be she has a point. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 10:32:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PARIS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- France condemned the economic sanctions imposed by the United States on the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor and a member of her Office, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday. "The measures announced on Sept. 2 amount to a serious attack on the court and signatory states of the Treaty of Rome and, beyond this, a challenge to multilateralism and the independence of the judiciary," Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement. The French foreign minister called on the U.S. government to lift the punitive measures against the ICC officials. The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and a senior staff member in her office for continuing to investigate war crimes allegations against Americans. The sanctions included a freeze on assets held in the United States or subject to U.S. law, according to media reports. "France calls on the United States to reverse the announced measures," the statement added. Enditem NEW HAVEN The medical examiners ruling that an 8-year-olds shooting death was a homicide does not determine whether the death was accidental or intentional, Police Chief Otoniel Reyes clarified in a statement Friday. The New Haven Police Department offers its condolences to the family members of the deceased child, Reyes said. Determining whether the child was shot accidentally or intentionally will be up to the ongoing investigation by city police, the chief said. With respect to the ruling of the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, a determination of homicide means the childs death was not a result of his own actions and not due to natural causes, he added. On Thursday, the department announced the boys death had been ruled a homicide by the OCME. Police were called to the 600 block of Howard Avenue Aug. 6 for a report of a male child shot. The boy was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospitals pediatric emergency room with a gunshot wound to the head, where he later died. Police said in August the wound was thought to be the result of an accidental firearm discharge. Mayor Justin Elicker said at the time that he was with the childs mother at the emergency room the night of the shooting. Just to see the look in the mothers eyes who could never see their 8-year-old child again, to think about her arms never to be able to hold her 8-year-old child again, Elicker said. In late July 1800, Gov. James Monroe learned of a yellow fever outbreak in Fredericksburg, Va. Local officials were able to trace the source of the virus to Norfolk, a major port town on the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Monroes actions over the next several months prevented a statewide outbreak of the fatal disease and serve as a helpful case study for the governments role during a pandemic.It offers an interesting example of how partisan ideology can coexist with government response to infectious disease. Monroe was an ardent Jeffersonian-Republican. He adored the French, abhorred the British, despised John Adams, grew to be frustrated with George Washington, admired James Madison and worshipped Thomas Jefferson. He had campaigned against the ratification of the Constitution, fought against the Federalists that championed executive power, and spoke out in favor of states rights. Few people were more opposed to strong central government.And yet, when serving as governor of Virginia, he didnt hesitate to take drastic steps to protect his state and limit the spread of the disease. Even Monroe, the most partisan of Republicans, distinguished between political ideology and public health emergency. Its a compelling story.On Aug. 8, Monroe left his home in Albemarle and traveled to the capital in Richmond. After meeting with his Council of State, Monroe issued a proclamation on Aug. 23, which required a quarantine for all vessels traveling to and from the city, whether they be tiny canoe or large ship. Monroe worked with the mayors of Richmond, Petersburg, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg to coordinate the efforts. The quarantine required major cities that regularly traded with Norfolk to create designated examination stations. Each city would also select land near the quarantine stations and build temporary housing. Monroe instructed the mayors to house and care for all symptomatic individuals at these designated locations.Critically, this care would be provided at the states expense, regardless of the class or citizenship of the individual: It is an object of great importance to humanity as well as the general interest of Society that Such unfortunate persons be accommodated in Such manner as to secure them all the aid that can be furnished for the restoration of their health, and that all intercourse between them and the people of the Neighbourhood be completely prevented. Sailors arriving on foreign ships would receive the same care as locals to prevent the spread to nearby cities On Nov. 4, 1800, Monroe lifted the quarantine after the threat had subsided . His coordinated action with local mayors produced much better results than recent pandemics. Although Norfolk lost 250 people during the outbreak, roughly 3 percent of the citys population, the numbers were far lower than other yellow fever outbreaks around the same time.In 1793, roughly 10 percent of Philadelphias population died from yellow fever 5,000 of the 50,000 residents. Up to 20,000 Philadelphians with money and somewhere to go fled, including most of the doctors in the city. While 18th-century Americans didnt know the cause of the disease (mosquitoes) or how to treat it, they observed that nursing and hydration helped ameliorate the side effects and encourage recovery. Unfortunately, most residents that remained in Philadelphia didnt have the funds to hire nurses or doctors to provide health care, which meant that the poorest neighborhoods in the city were particularly devastated by the outbreak.Monroes coordinated action and provision of care likely produced the different outcome of 1793 and 1800 outbreaks. Rather than each city implementing its own haphazard quarantine, Monroe enforced unilateral action across the state and prevented the disease from hopping from port to port. Norfolks role as a critical hub for Virginias commerce made centralized action especially important. Ships arriving from across the Atlantic or other states stopped in Norfolk to purchase food and supplies before heading up the James River to Richmond, the Rappahannock River to Fredericksburg, or the Potomac River to Alexandria or Washington, D.C. All of these cities were vulnerable to yellow fever outbreaks because mosquitoes thrived in the humid summer weather. Additionally, ships carrying goods produced in Virginia stopped in Norfolk before traveling onto their final destination up and down the coast, or across the Atlantic. Without statewide restrictions, the disease could have easily spread across the state and the country.The provision of public health care also curtailed the effect of the pandemic. In 1793, some poor Philadelphians received care at local hospitals staffed by volunteer nurses, but most did not. In 1800, Monroe ensured that all individuals received care. While the numbers are difficult to quantify, state-sponsored health care likely reduced the mortality rate and spread of the disease.Over the last few months, there have been countless news stories about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and the 1793 yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia. We know about these stories because the disease spread and thousands of lives were lost. But the outbreak of 1800 is the example we should remember. The Sri Lankan Navy with assistance from Indian ships was battling for a second day on Friday to douse a major fire raging on an oil tanker carrying crude from Kuwait to India that left one of its 23 crew members dead. The Sri Lankan Navy on Friday confirmed that a Filipino sailor died in a boiler explosion in the engine room of the Panama registered tanker MT New Diamond that caught fire on Thursday. The Navy said that 22 of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker. The tanker was carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil from Kuwait to India when its engine room caught fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in the eastern district of Ampara. The Navy said that so far the 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil it was carrying had not been affected by the fire. Steps are currently being taken to stop the spread of fire to the cargo, it said in a statement. The Sri Lankan Navy is also taking steps to ensure that there will be no seepage of oil to the sea from the tanker. The distressed vessel is in the waters 23 nautical miles off the eastern coast where the sea depth is measured at 3100 metres. The operation to douse the fire resumed early this morning under the supervision of the Greek national captain of the tanker. The Indian Naval Frigate INS Sahyadri joined the operations by 0200 hours on Friday. The Navy said two more Indian Coast guard vessels are to join the rescue operations. The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday said that it pressed into action three of its ships and a Dornier aircraft after the Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance to control the fire onboard the oil tanker. In a swift sea and air coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the Coast Guard said it immediately diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for the firefight on the oil tanker. The Sri Lankan Navy said that the two Russian vessels which were docked at the Hambantota port since August 31 and dispatched to the area to join the rescue operations departed Sri Lankan waters this morning. On Thursday night, MV Helen, a vessel sailing in the area, rescued 3 Greeks and 16 Filipino crew members from the distressed vessel. The Navy spokesman said that at least four ships had been dispatched to carry out the rescue operation. The naval ships were dispatched from the eastern port of Trincomalee and the southern port of Hambantota. At the time the fire broke out, the Panamanian-registered ship was about 38 nautical miles (70 kilometres) east of Sri Lanka. .. A woman is fighting for her life after allegedly being mowed down by another female driver in a road rage attack. Marcia Dixon, 43, allegedly drove her Holden towards the 41-year-old woman, who had been standing on the side of the road on Cobrah Street, in Dubbo in central NSW around 10.50am on Thursday. The two women and another driver had pulled to the side of the road and were involved in a verbal altercation before the 41-year-old was hit, police allege. A 41-year-old woman is in a critical condition after she was allegedly ran over by another driver in Dubbo, NSW on Thursday morning It's alleged Dixon then returned to her car before driving at the other woman in a Toyota and speeding away. The 41-year-old was treated by paramedics before being taken to Dubbo Hospital and airlifted to Westmead Hospital in Sydney in a critical condition. Dixon was later arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent and failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm. She was refused bail and will face Dubbo Local Court on Friday. Melrose Industries is set to make sweeping job cuts at GKN's aerospace business by Christmas after losses spiralled in the first six months of the year due to Covid-19. The company is already in talks with unions and staff to make a 'significant reduction' to the division's 18,550-strong worldwide workforce. The business has not specified how many jobs will go, but said it would provide an update later in the year. Cutting back: The company is already in talks with unions and staff to make a 'significant reduction' to the division's 18,550-strong worldwide workforce The warning came as the FTSE 100-listed acquisitions company revealed it sank deeper into the red between January and June, as the Covid crisis also hammered business at its car parts unit. Losses ballooned to 685m, up from 109m in the first half of 2019, as turnover fell by a quarter to 4.1billion. The company scrapped its dividend, with bosses saying it is 'not appropriate' to hand cash to investors at the moment. But shares in the group rallied by 12.6 per cent yesterday, as its bosses said trading was picking up in all other parts of the business, including its automotive arm, which makes car parts such as driveshafts. The company's Nortek division, which makes cooling systems for data centres and ventilation that could help beat the virus, was robust. In addition to the job cuts, which come two years after it bought GKN in a hostile 8billion takeover, Melrose is cutting costs elsewhere and aims to make savings of around 100m in total. The aerospace arm at Redditch near Birmingham makes parts for planes and has 4,000 staff. It has struggled as the pandemic has slashed the number of flights worldwide. Justin Dowley, the chairman, said: 'These are extraordinary times which we have addressed with rigorous cash management and decisive restructuring actions; recently, and encouragingly, we have started to see trading improving in some key markets. This is a complicated story so I will begin with its easy middle when a small flock of rare spotted pardalote birds flew from the northern tip of Bruny Island into Barbara Kameniar's backyard in the remote southern Tasmanian townlet of Tinderbox. It was late 2017. She knew them well, these fragile, near-extinct, seemingly weightless fingerlings; they'd nested under her house before. "Tiny, exquisite things, incredibly brave, unafraid of the larger birds..." Watching them, Kameniar was anxious, thinking about a looming challenge, but calmed as the little birds ducked and fluttered. "They're such bringers of joy and excitement and promise of new life...." Gali Weiss with examples of the handkerchief artworks created for Making Marks. Credit:Simon Schluter Kameniar had been challenged by a friend, the Melbourne artist and printmaker Gali Weiss, to create three artworks for Making Marks, the second of an unusual collaboration with women in Afghanistan called Unfolding Projects. The first project, Two Trees, a series of concertina-style books with each folded page by a different Australian printmaker artist, had already forged surprisingly close friendships since they were sent in 2011, to a group of women living and learning literacy and vocational skills a planet away in the toughest suburb of Kabul. Despite their constricted and often violent lives, the women and girls put their hard-won basic literacy skills to work, "completing" the artists' pages with their own marks and words before returning the books to Australia. Two Trees, its cover a symbolically split panel of native Australian gum one side, a species indigenous to Afghanistan on the other, is now in the State Library of Queensland. For the second Unfolding Project, which began in 2017, Weiss asked 20 artists, again mostly printmakers, to render their works on what she calls the "deeply symbolic, loaded with meaning" media of handkerchiefs. Each artist; three handkerchiefs, three artworks. And in an odd but visionary afterthought, Weiss also asked Kameniar to contribute as an artist. Kameniar had collaborated on Two Trees as a facilitator, lubricating links between the Australian and Afghani women with her contacts in Adelaide's Support Association for the Women of Afghanistan (SAWA) and the Revolutionary Association of Women in Afghanistan, to contribute as an artist. Prominent Russian activist Andrei Pivovarov has been sentenced to 14 days in detention after being found guilty of breaking protest legislation. Pivovarovs sentence was announced by the Tver District Court in Moscow on September 4. Pivovarov, the executive director of the human rights group Open Russia, was detained over an incident in Moscow on July 15 in which he had sought via a Facebook post -- to gather signatures to petition against sweeping constitutional reforms passed later in the summer. Pivovarov denied the charge and said it was politically motivated. After the verdict was handed down, Pivovarov accused Russian authorities of jailing him in order to sideline him ahead of local elections due to take place on September 13. Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax An Indian steel trader told Fastmarkets that a final decision on the matter was still under discussion, but he expected that the rebate he received on steel exports would be cut from a current 2.5-3% per transaction down to 1.5% per deal.Indias Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced on September 2 that it has imposed a limit on the amount of rebate than can be given to exporters under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS).In the period from September 1-December 31, 2020, each Indian exporter can claim no more than Rs 20 million ($273,285) in rebates from the government.After the end of the year, the scheme will be replaced by the Remission of Duties or Taxes On Export Product (RoDTEP), which has been designed to comply with WTO guidelines. The United States had previously won a WTO challenge against Indias MEIS system, with the US saying that it provided an unfair competitive advantage to Indian companies.Based on this news, a Shanghai-based trader said he believes that a major Indian steel mill will have to raise its hot-rolled coil (HRC) offer price to Vietnam by at least $5 per tonne.Earlier this week, the mill was offering around $540 per tonne cfr Vietnam for HRC of rerolling grade, while Vietnam buyers would accept $525-530 per tonne cfr Vietnam at the most.Indian steel has flooded into global markets this year amid low domestic demand in the South Asian country and pockets of unmet demand in areas of limited steel output due to Covid-19 restrictions For example, exports from Indian state-owned mill Sail in August amounted to 109,400 tonnes, up 250% year on year compared with August 2019.But stronger flat steel demand in the last month, partially due to relaxed Covid-19 restrictions in the country, has led to mills selling more material into the local market and relying less on exports. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has added India and Bangladesh to the list of relocation destinations for companies which shift their manufacturing sites from China to ASEAN countries. Tokyo [Japan], September 4 (ANI): Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has added India and Bangladesh to the list of relocation destinations for companies which shift their manufacturing sites from China to ASEAN countries. By expanding the scope of the subsidy programme, Japan aims to reduce its dependence on a particular region and to build a system which is able to provide a stable supply of medical materials and electronic components even in an emergency, reports Nikkei. The government has allocated 23.5 billion yen in 2020 supplemental budget for the subsidy to encourage companies to disperse their manufacturing sites across ASEAN region. In conjunction with the second round of applications which began on September 3, projects that will contribute to the resilience of the ASEAN-Japan supply chain were added to the list, assuming relocation plans to India and Bangladesh. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi criticizes Modi govt, calls demonetisation an attack on the unorganised sector ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput death case LIVE news updates: Maharashtra HM accepts PIL filed by ex IPS officers over Mumbai Police being targetted The second round of application targets feasibility studies on decentralising manufacturing sites, the experimental introduction of facilities and implementation of model projects. The total amount of subsidies which will be provided is reported to reach several billion yen, said Nikkei. The supply chain of Japanese companies currently heavily relies on China. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the supplies were cut off. In the first round of application which closed in June, the Japanese government approved 30 manufacturing projects, including Hoyas manufacturing of electronic components project in Vietnam and Laos, and provided subsidies of 10 billion yen. (ANI) ALSO READ: Indias Covid-19 tally crosses 38L mark with highest single-day spike of 83k+ cases Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Sometimes a work of art can change your life. In this months Art Talk a monthly event held in partnership with First Fridays in the Exchange and hosted by Free Press contributor Alison Gillmor Urban Shaman gallery director Daina Warren will go live on YouTube to talk about the artists and artworks that have inspired her during her career as an artist and curator in a conversation entitled The Art That Wont Let Go. Warren, who is a member of the Akamihk (Cree) Nation in Maskwacis, Alta., earned her BFA at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and holds an MA in critical and curatorial studies from the University of British Columbia. She cites Kainai-Blood sculptor Faye HeavyShield as a major influence early in her training. Harold Coego photo Daina Warren (seated) and Rebecca Belmore in Belmores performance work Victorious. "She was kind of one of the first Indigenous women artists that I had ever come across," says Warren. "I was still learning what the art world was all about. I love the fact that her stuff is so minimal." Warren will also be discussing her experience working with interdisciplinary Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore, whose Trace, a blanket of hand-painted ceramic beads, hangs in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. "When she and her partner first moved to Vancouver in the early 2000s," Warren says, "I was just starting to take on my curatorial profession. I got to work with her; Id go with her on material runs to Home Depot. It was just so fun being able to see what her process was, how she chose different things, talking out ideas with her and stuff like that." Belmore eventually asked Warren to assist on some performance art pieces, including the 2008 work Victorious, in which Belmore decorated Warren who was seated on a throne in the style of Queen Victoria in honey and newspaper. The performance was a statement on the power of language and the written world, and the use of language in control and domination. "It was great working with Rebecca," Warren recalls, "but it was completely nerve-racking for me. I didnt want to screw up her piece." Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press Rebecca Belmores Trace, a large blanket made of thousands of hand-printed beads, can be seen at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Among other artworks and artists that have inspired Warren, including such pieces as Monets Water Lilies, she will also talk about Miskwaabik Animiiki / Copper Thunderbird, an upcoming exhibition featuring the work of Anishinaabe visual artist Norval Morrisseau, which runs at Urban Shaman from Sept. 11 to Oct. 30. The exhibition is hosted in partnership with Buhler Gallery at St. Boniface Hospital, where it runs Sept. 1 to Dec. 13. Beyond programming the work of established Indigenous artists, Warren hopes Urban Shaman can continue to support emerging Indigenous artists. "What I really love is that a lot of local Indigenous artists have had solo shows here," she says. "Thats been a stepping stone to them having larger careers." The Art That Wont Let Go will be available to stream free at 7 p.m. today on YouTube at wfp.to/warren. For more information visit firstfridayswinnipeg.org. frances.koncan@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @franceskoncan The number of states with a higher proportion of workers receiving unemployment benefits last week than the July unemployment rate, which could signify an increase in unemployment. ( PEW August 28, 2020) Find all of the most important pandemic education news on Educating N.J., a special resource guide created for parents, students and educators. Spurred by the coronavirus outbreak and strict safety guidelines, many school districts in New Jersey are planning to reopen with all-virtual learning instead of in-person classroom instruction. While most school districts more than 400 plan to start the new school year with a hybrid model, which combines in-class and at-home learning, 242 districts have indicated they want to begin with all-remote learning and 68 districts plan to reopen with in-person classes, according to state officials. All school reopening plans need to be reviewed and approved by county and state education officials before they can be implemented. The state Department of Education said it has approved more than 500 reopening plans, but it did not give a breakdown of how many of those are all-remote, in-class or hybrid. For many school districts, the push to reopen with all-virtual instruction was prompted by lingering concerns over the coronavirus and questions over whether schools can guarantee a safe environment for students and teachers. NJ Advance Media has been able to confirm the following districts are seeking state approval to start with all-remote classes for the 2020-2021 school year. NJ Advance Media will add to the list as more districts announce their plans. (For the very latest reopening plans, and additional details about specific schools, please contact your school district.) ATLANTIC COUNTY Atlantic City (remote at start of school year) Atlantic County Vocational (remote until Oct. 5) Brigantine (remote start, with re-entry on or before Nov. 11, the end of the first marking period) Egg Harbor Township (virtual starting Sept. 8; plan to start hybrid schedule Oct. 26) Greater Egg Harbor Regional (9th grade virtual until Oct. 6; 10th, 11th and 12th grade return Oct. 12) Hamilton Township (remote at start of school year) Pleasantville (remote at start of school year) Somers Point (Jordan Road School to go all-remote at start of the year; New York Avenue and Dawes Avenue schools reopening on hybrid schedule to start. BERGEN COUNTY Bergen County Technical Schools and Special Services (remote through Oct. 19) Bergenfield (remote start, until Oct. 16) Bogota (remote until Oct. 19) Dumont (virtual until Sept. 22) Edgewater (remote for the month of September; district expects to re-evaluate in the middle of September) Elmwood Park (through Oct. 19) Fair Lawn (remote through Oct. 19) Fort Lee (remote through Oct. 16) Franklin Lakes (remote through Sept. 24) Garfield (plan submitted to state Department of Education to start all-remote and transition to hybrid) Hasbrouck Heights (remote until Oct. 5) Hackensack (remote start, schools plan to reopen Nov. 2) Lodi (remote start, through at least Oct. 19) Lyndhurst (remote learning until Oct. 16; in-person instruction scheduled to begin Oct. 19) North Arlington (remote through Oct. 16) Palisades Park (remote through at least Oct. 13) Paramus (remote until Nov. 9) Ramapo-Indian Hills (remote until Sept. 24) Ridgefield (remote through first marking period) River Dell (remote until Oct. 5) Rochelle Park (remote through Oct. 5) Teaneck (remote through first marking period) Tenafly (remote instruction for all students, district-wide) Wallington (remote through Oct. 13) Wyckoff (remote through Sept. 24) BURLINGTON COUNTY Bordentown (remote Sept. 3 through at least Oct. 9) Burlington City (remote through at least Oct. 13) Burlington Township (remote through first marking period) Chesterfield (schools plan to reopen Oct. 19 with remote learning) Eastampton (remote through first marking period) Florence (remote through Sept 18, hybrid plan to start Sept. 21) Lumberton (remote learning Sept. 8 to Sept. 18, hybrid learning starting Sept. 21) Northern Burlington County Regional (students to begin 2 weeks of all-remote instruction on Sept 14, then report for in-person instruction Sept. 28 with a hybrid model) Palmyra (remote) Pemberton Township (remote through at least Oct. 13) Rancocas Valley (remote Sept. 8 through Sept. 25) Westampton (remote) Willingboro (remote through Nov. 18) CAMDEN COUNTY Audubon (remote through Nov. 4) Barrington (remote through at least Nov. 9) Brooklawn (remote to start the school year) Camden (remote through Jan. 31) Cherry Hill (remote until Nov. 9) Clementon Collingswood/Oaklyn (remote through mid-October) Eastern Regional (remote start, return to school Oct. 5) Gloucester City (through Oct. 16) Haddon Heights (through Oct. 30) Lindenwold Winslow Township (through Jan. 1) CAPE MAY COUNTY No public school districts confirmed for planning all-virtual instruction. CUMBERLAND COUNTY Bridgeton (remote through Oct. 13) Commercial Township (remote through Oct. 13) Cumberland County Technical Education Center (remote start, plans to move to hybrid model Oct. 13) Cumberland Regional (remote start) Deerfield Township (remote through Oct. 13) Downe Township (remote through Oct. 13) Fairfield (remote through Nov. 2) Greenwich/Stow Creek (through Oct. 13) Hopewell Township (through Oct. 12) Lawrence Township (through Oct. 12) Maurice River (through Oct. 12) Millville (through Oct. 13) Upper Deerfield (fully remote through at least Oct. 12) Vineland (remote through Oct. 13) ESSEX COUNTY Bloomfield (remote through September) Caldwell-West Caldwell (remote to Oct. 7 except for a group of self-contained special education classes) Cedar Grove (remote to start; district to reevaluate by end of September and look to go hybrid by Oct. 19) East Orange (remote through September) Glen Ridge (high school remote-only through Oct. 5) Irvington (remote start) Livingston (school year to start all remote) Millburn-Short Hills (remote through first quarter of school year) Montclair (remote start) Newark (remote through first marking period) Nutley (remote through first marking period) Orange (remote learning through Nov. 25; hybrid begins Nov. 29) South Orange-Maplewood (remote through first marking period) Verona (most students will start with remote learning except for pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, ESL and certain other students) West Essex (remote to Oct. 2) West Orange (remote start GLOUCESTER COUNTY Delsea Regional (remote start) Deptford (remote through Sept. 30) Gateway Regional (remote through at least Oct. 13) Glassboro (starting fully remote, through Nov. 12) Logan (remote for first marking period) Monroe (remote through at least Nov. 16) National Park Schools (remote through at least Oct. 13) Pitman (remote through Oct. 5) Washington Township (through Sept. 21) West Deptford (all-virtual from Sept. 8 to Nov. 9) Woodbury City (remote start, hybrid starting Nov. 9) HUDSON COUNTY Bayonne (remote start) East Newark (remote until Nov. 13) Guttenberg (remote start) Harrison (remote through Nov. 13) Hoboken (all virtual Sept. 14 to Sept. 19, optional in-person after that) Hudson County Schools of Technology (remote through Sept. 28) Jersey City (remote start) Kearny (remote start) North Bergen (remote through the end of September) Union City (remote for at least the month of September) Weehawken School District (remote to start with students moving to a hybrid schedule between Sept. 28-Oct. 14) West New York (remote start) HUNTERDON COUNTY Flemington-Raritan (remote through Oct. 30) Lebanon Township (remote start) Readington (remote to at least Oct. 19) MERCER COUNTY East Windsor: (remote instruction from Sep. 9 to Nov. 9) Ewing (remote start, return to in-person learning for those who have signed up for it: Grades K-2/SE - Sept. 9; Grades 3-5: Sept. 29; Fisher Middle School: Oct. 12; Ewing High School: Oct. 26) Hamilton (remote through first marking period) Lawrence Township (all students will start remote) Mercer County Special Services (remote start) Mercer County Technical Schools (remote through Nov. 9) Princeton Charter School (remote start) Princeton (remote start) Robbinsville (students in grades 6-12 fully remote until Oct. 12. Pk-5 will remain in the hybrid or 100% remote model) Trenton (remote start) MIDDLESEX COUNTY Carteret (remote until Oct. 9; plans to begin hybrid learning on Oct. 13) Cranbury (remote through Oct. 16) Dunellen (remote through the Thanksgiving holiday) Edison (remote at least until Oct. 16) Highland Park (remote until Oct. 5 for some students Jamesburg (remote until Nov. 1) Metuchen (at least until Oct. 1) Middlesex Borough (remote start) Middlesex Regional Education Services Commission of New Jersey (remote start) Milltown (remote in September; district to reassess for October) Monroe (remote learning until Nov. 13 and reassess for hybrid learning to start on Nov. 16) New Brunswick (remote during first two marking periods) North Brunswick (remote during first marking period) Old Bridge (remote until Oct. 12) Perth Amboy (remote until at least Nov. 18, the end of first marking period) Piscataway (remote until at least Nov. 13) Sayreville (remote until at least Nov. 12) South Amboy (remote until Nov. 13) South Brunswick (remote start) South Plainfield (remote start) South River (plans for in-person instruction on Oct. 1) Spotswood (remote until at least Sept. 18) Woodbridge (remote until at least Oct. 12) MONMOUTH COUNTY Asbury Park (remote for first 30 instructional days; return to school Oct. 21) Freehold Borough (remote start, will re-evaluate by Nov. 13) Freehold Township (students in self-contained classes attend school in person beginning Sept. 8; first 2 weeks of school remain virtual for all other students, who return to school Sept. 21) Freehold Regional High School District (through Oct. 19) Long Branch (remote start) Manalapan-Englishtown (remote at least the first two weeks of school for some schools) Monmouth County Vocational School District (starting all-remote) Neptune Township (remote start, will re-evaluate by the end of October) Ocean Township (remote until Sept. 11) MORRIS COUNTY Boonton (remote at the start of the school year) Butler (remote for most students; in person instruction for specific students Dover (remote through first marking period) Jefferson (remote through Sep. 30) Montville (middle and high school students to start remote) Mount Olive (district will start in-person on alternating weekly schedule or remote for grades K-3 while grades 4-12 will be synchronous full-day remote) Mountain Lakes (high school to begin all-remote; other schools on a hybrid schedule) OCEAN COUNTY Lacey (remote to start, on Sept. 8, and then a hybrid model from Sept. 21) Toms River (remote through first marking period) PASSAIC COUNTY Bloomingdale (remote start, with a review on Oct. 15 and a target date of Nov. 16 or sooner to reopen schools in a hybrid instructional program) Clifton (remote to start year; district to reevaluate conditions on Oct. 1, with possible reopening for in-person instruction on Oct. 12. Manchester Regional High School District (school year to begin remote) Passaic (remote through September) Paterson (remote through at least Nov. 1) Prospect Park (remote through Nov. 11) Ringwood (starting all-remote) West Milford (remote until Oct. 1) SALEM COUNTY Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District (remote to start; may go hybrid on Oct. 19) SOMERSET COUNTY Bedminster (all virtual starting Sept. 10, phase-in hybrid learning model set to begin Sept. 29 through mid-October, depending on the cohort or small group the child is in. All cohorting students will be phased in no later than Oct. 15.) Bernards (remote through Oct. 1) Bridgewater-Raritan (remote through Oct. 12) Franklin Township (remote start) Hillsborough (virtual until Sept. 28, with plans to start hybrid option later) Montgomery (virtual for September, then re-evaluating plans for in-person on Oct. 12) North Plainfield (virtual at least through the first marking period) SUSSEX COUNTY Newton (remote until Oct. 2) Sparta (remote through Oct. 30; in person instruction for students with IEPs in specialized programs) UNION COUNTY Berkeley Heights (Governor Livingston High School will begin remote only after a single day of hybrid instruction; remote only plan will be revisited monthly) Cranford (virtual the first four days, starting Sept. 8, then hybrid starting Sept. 14) Elizabeth (remote start) Hillside (remote start, will reassess three weeks before the end of the first marking period) Linden (remote start, will reassess the end of each month) Plainfield (remote through at least Nov. 1) Rahway (remote start) Roselle (remote through first marking period) Roselle Park (remote start) Scotch Plains-Fanwood (remote start) Springfield (remote through Nov. 2) Union Township (remote start, will reassess on Oct. 15 for targeted return date of Nov. 1) WARREN COUNTY Phillipsburg (all remote through Oct. 5) Warren Hills Regional (remote through Sept. 16) Warren County Technical School (all remote through first marking period) Do you know of a school district thats planning to start remotely? Tell us about it here. As schools reopen across N.J., we want to know what is and isnt working. Tell us about it here. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. NJ Advance Media staff writers Len Melisurgo and Casey Roland contributed to this report. Evan Slavit may be reached at eslavit@njadvancemedia.com. Nestor Sebastian may be reached at nsebastian@njadvancemedia.com. U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. should improve relations with other countries, including Russia. "They always say, Trump is radical, he is off the he is too radical, he will get us in wars," Trump said at a rally on Thursday in Latrobe, Pa. "I kept you out of wars. What happened in North Korea? I got along with Kim Jong-un. They said thats terrible. Its good that I get along." "If I get along with Russia, is that a good thing or bad thing?" Trump asked the crowd at the rally. "I think it's a good thing." "Getting along with countries and a good is a good thing. It is a very good thing, not a bad thing. It is a very good thing," The New York Times cited the U.S. leader as saying. Vodafone Group Plcs India unit is planning to raise about $1.5 billion as it seeks to turn around its fortunes in the countrys fiercely competitive wireless market, people familiar with the matter said. Vodafone Idea Ltd. is discussing a funding plan that could include a share sale, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. It is working with advisers including New York-based investment bank PJT Partners Inc. as it seeks potential strategic partners to buy stakes, the people said. The telecom operator is working to identify potential investors in the U.S., the people said. It could also raise part of the funds through other methods such as an offering of equity-linked securities, one of the people said. Vodafone Idea plans to discuss the options at a board meeting Friday, the people said. Details of the plan are still being finalized, and the size and structure of the fundraising could change, according to the people. Vodafone Idea fell as much as 9.9% in early trading in Mumbai on Friday amid a global stock rout. The stock rose as much as 30% on Thursday in its biggest gain since March. Shares of Vodafone Idea have fallen about 85% since 2016 when Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd., backed by Asias richest man Mukesh Ambani, pushed its way into the wireless market with free calls and cheap data packages. Representatives for PJT Partners and Vodafone Idea declined to comment. Vodafone Ideas fundraising plan also comes after the company won some legal relief earlier this week in a near two-decade payment dispute with the Indian government. The joint venture between Vodafone and billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birlas conglomerate has been weighed down by a $7.8 billion bill from the government -- biggest among peers -- eight straight quarterly losses and over $14 billion of debt. The fine print of a Supreme Court judgment published late Tuesday showed Vodafone Idea doesnt need to make any immediate payments as a three-judge panel allowed phone operators 10 years to pay a combined $19 billion in back fees. OTTAWAThe federal Conservatives are asking the official languages commissioner to investigate the governments choice of WE Charity to run a student grant program, saying the move showed contempt for francophones. Conservative MP Richard Martel alleges in a letter to commissioner Raymond Theberge that the youth group did not have the ability to deliver the multimillion-dollar Canada Student Service Grant program in both of Canadas official languages. Martel, who made the letter public Thursday, wrote that the Official Languages Act clearly states the government is obliged to ensure any organization carrying out services on its behalf must do so in English and French. Opposition MPs have been grilling the government for months over the now-abandoned program because of WE Charitys close connections to the families of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Bill Morneau, the recently departed finance minister. The Liberals have consistently said it was federal public servants who recommended the program be administered by the youth group to help students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parliament has been prorogued until Sept. 23, shutting down at least temporarily several House of Commons investigations of the controversy, including one planned by the official-languages committee. The finance and ethics committees were in the midst of investigations when Trudeau prorogued Parliament and the government operations committee had been planning to launch another. The Conservatives have sought probes of the deal by the lobbying commissioner, the ethics commissioner and the RCMP, none of whose tasks are interrupted by the prorogation. Questions about the charitys ability to deliver the program in French arose after it was revealed it had hired National Public Relations to help conduct outreach to not-for-profit and student organizations in Quebec and to help with French content development. The disclosure cast doubt on the governments contention that WE Charity was the only organization capable of delivering the program across the country. In his letter to the commissioner, Martel pointed to documents released by the federal government showing that Treasury Board president Jean-Yves Duclos raised concerns about WEs ability to deliver the student grant program in French-speaking parts of the country. Duclos wrote the he didnt see a single word or page in French on the charitys website and saw few signs that it has a strong anchor in Quebec. The documents also show that Duclos was advised that WE Charity has a separate French website, a fact Martel did not mention in his letter. WE officials have insisted the charity has offices and employees in Quebec, where it offers French-language programs and has worked in the past with hundreds of schools and groups. The student program was meant to give young people who couldnt find work due to the COVID-19 pandemic an incentive to volunteer, with payments of up to $5,000 toward education expenses if they worked 500 hours. It was initially announced as a $912-million plan. WE withdrew from managing the program at the beginning of July amid controversy over its ties to the Trudeau family. Justin Trudeaus mother, wife and brother have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees and expenses for participating in WE events and projects over the years. Trudeau has said he should have recused himself from the decision to have WE administer the student program, as did Morneau before his resignation from politics. Read more about: Seven Rochester police officers have been suspended by the city mayor after bodycam footage showed a hood being placed over a black man who later died. Daniel Prude, 41, died of asphyxia days after he was detained by police officers in Rochester, New York. "I am suspending the officers in question today against counsel's advice, and I urge the attorney general to complete her investigation," Mayor Lovely Warren said during a Thursday news conference. "I understand that the union may sue the city for this. They shall feel free to do so I have been sued before." The suspension comes one day after Mr Prude's family attorney released footage showing police officers placing a hood, known as a "spit sock" to protect cops from bodily fluids, over the man's head during a March incident. Officers then held Mr Prude down on the ground in a prone position until he stopped breathing. "You're trying to kill me," the man said prior to losing consciousness. The incident first started after Mr Prude's brother Joe called Rochester Police Department on 23 March because his brother was having a mental health episode. Mr Prude, who was naked in the video, was handcuffed by police before he was placed in the middle of a street with the cover over his head. EMTs were called to the scene and performed chest compressions, according to footage. Mr Prude was revived and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced brain dead. He died seven days later after never regaining consciousness. His death was ruled a homicide by the Monroe County medical examiner, stating it was caused by "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint." The report also showed that Mr Prude had a small amount of PCP in his system at the time of his death, which could explain his erratic behaviour. "Mr Daniel Prude was failed by our police department, our mental health care system, our society, and he was failed by me," Ms Warren told reporters. "Daniel Prude's death has proven yet again that many of the challenges that we faced in the past are the same challenges that we face today." Ms Warren added she was only made aware of the bodycam footage of the March incident on 4 August because of a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request by Mr Prude's family. "What I saw in that video was a man who needed help, a man who needed compassion, and a man who needed humanity, a man who we should have respected, and a man who was in crisis our response to him was wrong," she said. "I failed to serve our community to fight injustice, to stand up to those in need, and ensure everyone has a fighting chance at life." Ms Warren also reprimanded the Rochester Police Department Chief La'Ron Singletary, as she said he told her Mr Prude died due to the drugs in his system. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has now called for answers following the release of the bodycam footage. The seven officers involved were suspended with pay as the city investigates Mr Prude's death. TDT | Manama The coronavirus (COVID-19) took the life of a 71-yearold male citizen in Bahrain yesterday, the Ministry of Health announced. His passing brought the total number of virus-related casualties in the Kingdom to 185. The ministry expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also announced early this morning that out of 9,365 COVID-19 tests conducted yesterday, 389 new cases were detected. These included 142 expatriate workers, 242 contacts of active cases, and five travel-related cases. Their registration brought the overall number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom to nearly 50,000 at 49,719, dating back to when the first case was reported in February. There were also 330 additional recoveries from the virus yesterday, bringing the Kingdoms total number of discharged individuals to 46,311. The total number of current active cases is now at 3,223, with 33 in critical condition and 59 receiving treatment. The total tests conducted in Bahrain increased to 1,048,935. We are thrilled to partner with Hyatt and its Destination Hotels brand in Hana, and taking the next steps in our commitment to both the resort and the community Mani Brothers Real Estate Group of West Hollywood, CA announced today that it has entered into a management agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corporation to operate and rebrand the 75-room Travaasa Hana into Hana-Maui Resort, under the Destination Hotels brand. Offering a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America, Destination Hotels properties are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. We are thrilled to partner with Hyatt and its Destination Hotels brand in Hana, and taking the next steps in our commitment to both the resort and the community, said Gregory Day, president of hospitality of Mani Brothers Real Estate Group. Located in the legendary town of Hana on the eastern tip of Maui, Hana-Maui Resort is set above Hana Bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hana, known for its raw beauty and wild rainforests, exudes authentic Hawaii through its quaint ranches and pastures, local artisans, rich culture and history and close-knit community. The famed road to Hana winds through nearly 600 curves and over 54 one-lane bridges leading to spectacular road-side waterfalls and plunge pools. Continuing our growth into the hospitality sector with such an iconic location on Maui and an iconic company such as Hyatt is very exciting, said Simon and Daniel Mani, co-founders of Mani Brothers Real Estate Group. Remaining a vital part of the Hana community remains of the upmost importance to us. Today, Hana-Maui Resort features 75 guest rooms, suites, bungalows and family residences. Additional amenities include two dining options, such as Hana Ranch Restaurant, an expansive indoor-outdoor spa and wellness center, two pools, a yoga pavilion and a plethora of adventure-driven and cultural experiences. Future development of the resort will offer unique transportation options for guests with both a private helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft to Hana as well as additional room keys, bringing the capacity to around 90 rooms. Hyatt is excited to welcome Hana-Maui Resort to the Destination Hotels brand and Hyatts robust Hawaii portfolio, said Katie Johnson, director of global independent brands for Hyatt. With more than 40 years of operations in Hawaii, we are pleased to expand our footprint on the beautiful island of Maui. We appreciate all the Hana destination has to offer and look forward to sharing its rich local culture with guests while providing immersive discoveries. In light of COVID-19 local travel restrictions, Hana-Maui Resort has currently suspended operations and anticipates resuming operations on October 1, 2020, in accordance with the state of Hawaiis guidelines. The resort plans to remain open through a planned two-year phased renovation. Renovation plans include enhancements of all accommodations, arrival areas, dining outlets and pools. Hana-Maui Resort also joins the World of Hyatt program, providing members with opportunities to enjoy valuable loyalty benefits on qualifying hotel stays, dining and spa services, meetings, events and more as a part of their unique stay experience. Current offers available to Hana-Maui Resort guests through Hyatt include A Warm Welcome Awaits. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit hanamauiresort.com or call 808-359-2401. Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatts multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatts commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanlines. The term Hyatt is used in the release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Mani Brothers Real Estate Group: Founded in 1994 and headquartered in West Hollywood, Mani Brothers Real Estate Group is a privately-held real estate investment firm that owns, renovates, operates, manages and leases 1.3 million square feet of prime commercial property. With a growing portfolio of class-A, trophy office buildings located in some of Southern Californias most unique commercial neighborhoods, Mani Brothers understands the importance of aesthetic excellence, attention to detail, and responsive, focused management in providing tenants an efficient and prestigious office environment. They understand the importance of being a part of the communities in which they are located, and work closely with the various counties of California in offering beautification, safety, convenience and environmental care with each of their buildings. About the Hospitality Division of Mani Brothers Real Estate Group: Mani Brothers Real Estate Group purchased Malibu Beach Inn in 2015, marking their foray into the luxury hospitality realm. They purchased the Embassy Suites Napa Valley in July, 2018 with an extensive renovation and rebrand slated, and are planning a new-build boutique luxury product in Napa slated to begin in 2020. Most recently purchased was Hana-Maui Resort, formerly Tavaasa Hana. About Hana-Maui Resort: Hana-Maui Resort is located on the eastern tip of Maui in the legendary town of Hana set above Hana Bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The authentic Hawaiian retreat features 75 guest rooms, suites, bungalows and family residences. Additional property amenities include two dining options, such as Hana Ranch Restaurant, an indoor-outdoor spa and wellness center, two pools, a yoga pavilion and a variety of immersive adventure and cultural experiences. Media Contact: Ali Ostridge C&R ali@candrpr.com (310) 926-3263 Calif. bill would no longer require sex offender registration for statutory rape in some cases Legislation passes both houses, sent to governor's desk Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Warning: This article contains sexually explicit language Lawmakers in California have passed a bill that would no longer require people who commit statutory rape against teenagers 14 and over to register as sex offenders as long as the age difference is no more than 10 years. After passing both houses of the state legislature Monday, SB 145 is headed to California Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk, where he will have until the end of September to sign. The bill was introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat who represents San Francisco and parts of San Mateo County. This bill would exempt from mandatory registration under the act a person convicted of certain offenses involving minors if the person is not more than 10 years older than the minor and if that offense is the only one requiring the person to register, the bill explains. Under the bill, adults convicted of having consensual sex with teenagers between the age of 14 and 17 who are no more than 10 years older than their victims would not need to be listed on the states sex offender registry. The bill would give judges discretion to figure out if the sex offender registration is warranted on case-by-case bases. The bill does not apply to minors under the age of 14. Wiener argued that the bill is aimed at treating LGBT offenders the same as heterosexual offenders and states that there is already a legal exception for vaginal intercourse between two people of a similar age difference. Right now you have situations where you have teenagers and college-aged kids who are having sex and straight kids do not have to go on the sex offender registry but gay kids have to go on the sex offender registry, Wiener said in a video interview with ABC 10 on Wednesday. This legislation, all it does is say lets treat the gay young people exactly the same way that we currently treat the straight young people. According to Wieners office, the bill ends blatant discrimination against LGBTQ youth regarding Californias sex offender registry. Currently, for consensual yet illegal sexual relations between a teenager age 14 to 17 and a partner within 10 years of age, sexual intercourse does not mandate that the offender to go onto the sex offender registry; rather, the judge has the discretion to decide, based on the facts of the case, whether sex offender registration is warranted or unwarranted, a statement from Wieners office explained. By contrast, for all other forms of intercourse specifically, oral and anal intercourse sex offender registration is mandated under all situations, with no judicial discretion. Wiener contended that the distinction in the law is irrational because it treats oral and anal sex as worse than penile-vaginal intercourse. According to Wiener, if an 18-year-old straight man has penile-vaginal intercourse with a 17-year-old girlfriend, that person is not automatically required to register as a sex offender if he is convicted. In those cases, Wiener contended, the judge is given room to decide based on the facts of the case whether sex offender registration is warranted. Wiener added that if an 18-year-old gay man has sex with his 17-year-old boyfriend, the judge must place that person on a sex offender registry. California shouldnt be discriminating against LGBTQ young people, particularly when that discrimination forces these kids onto the sex offender registry, he stated. This irrational discrimination on the sex offender registry was created when California banned LGBT sex. This distinction between vaginal intercourse and other forms of intercourse is a relic of Californias discriminatory past, and its time to bring an end to it. The senator contended that the bill brings parity to the registry to ensure it treats all young people the same. It should be noted that the bill does not legalize any sex act with a minor and does not alter potential jail sentences for engaging in sex with a minor. Republicans in the legislature, including Sen. Shannon Grove, have criticized the bill. #SB145 is on its way to the governor's desk, Grove warned in a tweet this week. If signed into law, a 24-year-old could have sexual relations with a 15-year-old child without being required to register as a sex offender. According to Fox 11, some critics have contended that Wiener's bill should have included vaginal sex as an act that requires registration as a sex offender rather than simply providing the same exemption for those convicted of oral or anal sex. "I don't care who it is between or what sex act it is," Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, a Democrat, argued this week. "That being said, I cannot in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual." In 2015, the California Supreme Court upheld the disparity in requirements for those convicted of vaginal sex and oral and anal sex. The court argued that because vaginal intercourse can lead to pregnancy, requiring sex offender registration for vaginal intercourse could make it harder for a father to support his child. [G]enerally, mandatory registration promotes the policy goals of preventing recidivism and facilitating surveillance of sex offenders who prey on underage victims, the [earlier] decision failed to adequately appreciate that, among sex offenses, intercourse is unique in its potential to result in pregnancy and parenthood, Justice Marvin Baxter wrote in the court opinion at the time. Given that unique potential, legislative concerns regarding teen pregnancy and the support of children conceived as a result of unlawful sexual intercourse provide more than just a plausible basis for allowing judicial discretion in assessing whether perpetrators of that crime should be required to register while mandating registration for perpetrators of other nonforcible sex crimes. Commentary China Grows More Assertive Ahead of Myanmars Election Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attend an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations in Naypyitaw. / Myanmar State Counselors Office / Facebook Myanmar will hold its general election in November. All signs indicate that the ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), will be returned to power. That shouldnt surprise Myanmars neighbors and other countries in the region, including China, India and Japan. With the country currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, whether it will manage to hold the election on the scheduled date of Nov. 8 remains to be seen. One thing we can be sure of, however, is that China will be betting on the NLD and its leader, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Indeed, as the election draws near, Naypyitaw has received a series of high-profile visitors. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi paid a visit, announcing emergency loans and discussing a range of issues including the need for a free and fair election, reopening the countrys borders to long-term residents and businesspeople, and financial support to help improve conditions in Rakhine State. A week later, Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC)s Central Committee and director of the committees Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, was in Naypyitaw, where he met President U Win Myint, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and armed forces commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The senior Chinese diplomat called for a strengthening of high-level exchanges, and for the consolidation and deepening of political trust between the two countries. The aim of the visit was to promote and speed up implementation of the long-delayed China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) projects, which form part of Bejings vast international infrastructure scheme, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Jiechi also said China is also willing to give priority to sharing a COVID-19 vaccine with Myanmar once it is developed. This month, senior officials from India are also scheduled to visit Myanmar, though no details have materialized yet. China, Japan and India are Myanmars most important allies in the region and will be keenly following the results of the upcoming election. The US, too, has a stake in the outcome. Over the past three decades, it has invested in the democracy movement in Myanmar and gained considerable influence inside the country. Washington cannot afford to see this process reversed. The US Embassy in Yangon announced that the US government has provided more than US$46 million (61.22 billion kyats) to the Union Election Commission (UEC), civil society groups and political parties to administer and participate in the 2020 election. China makes a move Myanmar was the first country to welcome President Xi Jinping on an overseas visit in 2020, as the Chinese leader made the country the first item on his well-choreographed diplomatic calendar for the year. The visit was in part timed to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Myanmar and China this year. In an op-ed published in Myanmars state-run media during the visit, Xi said China supports Myanmar in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and national dignity. Behind the pomp of the visit, and the accompanying sugar-coated messages and state-sponsored reception, Chinese officials confided that they respect Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her political stance. They also said that compared to the notoriously corrupt generals that ran the previous regime, the Chinese find Daw Aung San Suu Kyi pragmatic and believe she will keep her promises (on Chinese-funded projects in Myanmar). China made an unmistakable shift in 2015, adopting a pro-active foreign policy towards Myanmar, months before the country held its election in November of that year. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, then opposition leader and a member of Parliament, was invited to Beijing, where she met with Xi. The NLD subsequently won a landslide election. By inviting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to China, Beijing sent a signal to the military and long-time allies in Myanmar, including the military-backed Union Solidarity Development Party (USDP), that it is capable of making new friends in Myanmar. The invitation also sent a message to the West that Beijing is pragmatic in dealing with Myanmar and understands the necessities of geostrategic competition. For a number of years, the Communist Party of China and the USDP developed close party-to-party relations. In 2012, then Vice President Xi met with U Htay Oo, then Secretary-General of Myanmars ruling USDP, in Beijing, vowing to boost inter-party ties. China has always handled its relations with Myanmar from a strategic perspective, the Chinese vice president told U Htay Oo in the Great Hall of the People. This was the last high-profile meeting between the CPC and USDP. Courting the NLD In fact, in the past, China cultivated deep friendships with the leaders of the former military regime and the military elite. The Chinese Embassy in Yangon was close to the military regime and in constant contactreports of a flurry of meetings between the two sides were published in state-run papers. (A downside of the friendship, however, was a rise in anti-China sentiment among Myanmars oppressed citizens.) But this has changed since the NLD won a landslide election in 2015. China has taken steps to strengthen ties with the NLD government and the ruling party. According to NLD sources, more than 100 NLD members including key players, lawmakers and youth wing members have visited China since 2016. The number of delegates visiting China has outpaced those from the US, EU and Asian countries. Usually they first fly to Beijing and other provinces and end their trips in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, which shares a border with Myanmar. Along the way, Myanmar delegates study the CPCs leadership model and Chinas economic and social reforms, according to NLD delegates who have visited the country. An NLD Central Executive Committee member previously told The Irrawaddy that the NLD has built a constructive relationship with China amid growing tensions with Western countries over the Rohingya issue. Seizing the advantage, China has also promoted its own agenda of investments and projects, showing the visitors mega-dams and other development projects. There is no doubt that China will continue to bet on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD. After the 1990 election, then-Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng was the first diplomat to call NLD headquarters in Yangon to offer congratulations, though the regime never honored the outcome. Influence with EAOs Moreover, China maintains regular contact with armed ethnic minorities in northern Myanmar. In fact, China has far more influence over ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in the north than Myanmars own mainstream political parties, including the NLD. Over the past few decades, many ethnic armed groups have become dependent on China for political and economic support, as well as arms. This has left them indebted to the country. Unable to refuse their patrons requests, they have become Chinas foot soldiers in Myanmar. Through these armed groups China has been able to exert influencealbeit limitedon some ethnic political parties in the ethnic regions. In Yangon, the Chinese Embassy maintains regular contact with organizations such as the Myanmar Chinese Chamber of Commerce, as well as NLD leaders, top-ranking government officials and the military, though it no longer has the kind of broad-based contacts it once enjoyed among Myanmar politicians, influential writers and Red China sympathizers in the 1950s and 1960s. The US, meanwhile, has built up influence through a network of contacts throughout Yangon and Myanmar in recent years, in the wake of the countrys political opening. Nonetheless, Chinas influence on Myanmar, both direct and indirect, remains potent, with broad geopolitical implications and requiring of Naypyitaw a delicate balancing act. Influence on the election China has the ability to exert its influence in other countries and elections in the region. This comes in many forms, from economic measures like buying up local media and promoting pro-Beijing businesses, to launching fake news campaigns on social media and espionage. Unlike Russia, China doesnt get involved in direct electoral meddling, but the rise of Chinese influence and power projection in Myanmar, and its massive infrastructure investment in the country, have sparked a heated, and unprecedented, debate among not only the elites but also ordinary Myanmar citizens. In the next 10 years the political and economic influence of China will only increase in Southeast Asia, highlighting the decline of US influence in the region. Myanmar must prepare to face these challenges. China is growing more assertive in trying to influence elections in the region. For instance, in Cambodia several years ago, China took assertive and bold steps to help Hun Sen, one of Beijings staunchest allies in Southeast Asia, win the countrys election in 2018. In Sri Lanka, China welcomed old friend Mahinda Rajapaksas landslide election victory in August this year and assured him of its full support, as Beijing looked to advance its strategic cooperative partnership with the island nation. Since 2015, after Rajapaksa became the president of Sri Lanka, China has substantially increased its engagement and investment there; the election victory no doubt strengthened Chinas influence in the country. A similar story can be seen in Nepal. In 2017, communist parties in Nepal with close ties to neighboring China emerged victorious in the countrys largest democratic exercise ever. China poured investment into the building of airports, highways and hydropower projects in Nepal, while Chinese diplomats have worked to increase ties with Nepali political leaders. Anti-China sentiment A similar pattern can be seen in Myanmar. Chinese influence is visible in the country, but equally, anti-China sentiment is strong and persistent. No political leadersand Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is no exceptionwant to be seen as too close to China in an election year. (In 1967, Myanmar saw anti-Chinese riots, stemming from the spread of Chinas cultural revolution ideology among Chinese expatriates in Myanmar.) Another example of this phenomenon can be seen in Indonesia, where President Joko Widodo appeared to distance himself from Beijing and downplay the importance of Chinese-funded projects in the country, when seeking re-election last year. Overcoming the perception of being too close to China is a difficult task that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and many other Myanmar politicians face. As she has been accused of being a pro-China politician in the recent past, the State Counselor will have to walk a tightrope. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who has embraced Chinas BRI projects, will also be well aware of the recent spat between the US and Chinese embassies in Yangon. It is a politically delicate, and diplomatically awkward, moment for her. Understandably, the Myanmar government does not want to be seen taking sides in an extended tussle between China and the US amid rising geopolitical competition. On the other hand, a majority of Myanmar people have a negative view of Chinese-funded projects in the country. Novembers election will have significance for the countrys relationship with the major powers and its often-delicate geopolitical alignment with its giant neighbors, including China. Whoever leads the next government in Naypyitaw, it would be foolish to expect an administration that is overtly pro-China, Japan, India or US. As such, we can expect Myanmars strictly neutral foreign policy to be maintained. You may also like these stories: In Myanmars Karen State, Ex-Insurgents Create a Haven for Chinese Casino Bosses Sino-US War of Words in Myanmar a Test of Naypyitaws Allegiances Myanmars Ruling NLD Must Address Its Achilles Heel: Choosing the Wrong People 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 Srinagar, Sep 4 : One terrorist was killed and an army officer injured in an ongoing encounter in North Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday, officials said. The encounter started in Yedipora after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area on the basis of a specific information about terrorists hiding there. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where the terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter. "One terrorist has been eliminated. Joint operation in progress," army said. Romania will remain a trustworthy ally of the North Atlantic Alliance and a pillar of stability and security amidst the existing challenges and threats, President Klaus Iohannis said on Friday in a message on the fifth anniversary of the Headquarters Multinational Division Southeast and of the NATO Force Integration Unit in Romania. The message was delivered by senior official Mihai Somordolea at the official ceremony organised on this occasion."Romania's NATO and EU memberships, as well as the strategic partnership with the United States of America ensure Romania's integration with a stable security environment. At the same time, through the values it promotes and that are fundamentally undertaken by the Romanian society, NATO has also contributed to shaping our identity as a free and democratic nation," Iohannis said in his message.He mentioned that the NATO collective defence means the awareness of the fact that the security of each state can be ensured more efficiently together than separately."In terms of collective defence and strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture on its eastern flank, the establishment, five years ago, of the Headquarters Multinational Division Southeast (HQ MND-SE) and the NATO Force Integration Unit (ROU NFIU) was a decisive moment. The activity of these multinational units on the Romanian soil and their integration with the NATO force architecture demonstrate the solidarity of the member states. NATO collective defence today means, more than ever, awareness of the fact that the security of each state can be ensured more efficiently together than separately. These two NATO command and control entities, which have reached optimal levels of operationalisation, make a key national contribution to the implementation of the NATO's readiness action plan," Iohannis said.He also said that Romania has made a substantial contribution to consolidating NATO's command and control architecture in the Black Sea area."Completely and timely meeting the committed objectives proves pragmatism, commitment, consistency and determination on the part of Romania and shows its solid commitment to the development of collective security and defence mechanisms. The two command and control units are NATO's visible yet defensive presence in Romania, with the aim of facilitating the rapid deployment of NATO forces in the region and ensuring the connection between NATO and national forces, including through the planning and conduct of multinational exercises and other forms of joint training. At the same time, Romania has made a substantial contribution to strengthening NATO's command and control architecture in the Black Sea area through the operationalisation of the Multinational Brigade (MN-BDE) and the establishment of the Headquarters Multinational Division Southeast (HQ MNC-SE), proving once again Romania's strong commitment to the development of security and defence mechanisms according to the commitments made by the NATO member states," the president mentioned.Iohannis underscored that Romania will remain a trustworthy ally and a pillar of stability and security."On the occasion of today's anniversary, I want to thank all those who work in these elite units and wish them continued success! I can assure you that Romania will remain a trustworthy ally and a pillar of stability and security amidst the existing challenges and threats. Happy anniversary!," Iohannis added. Huntsville police are seeking a 24-year-old who they say may have impaired judgment. Police say Tyler Joseph Smith, 24, may be driving a 2012 gray Toyota Tacoma, Alabama tag 47FA437. He was last seen at his Huntsville residence on Sunday, Aug. 30. Anyone with information is asked to call the Huntsville Police Department at (256) 427-7117. Repeat offender factory behind S'gor, KL water disruption fined and sealed off Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the factory in Sungai Gong which is believed to have caused the water supply disruption in Selangor has been handed a compound fine by the state government, while his State Exco Hee Loy Sian revealed that the same factory had been fined for a similar offence in March. "The factory has been sealed off and investigation papers have been opened against it," Amiruddin said in a tweet on Twitter today. Amiruddin added that appropriate action has been taken under the jurisdiction permitted that would likely involve sanction under Federal laws and action by the Attorney-General's Chambers. Earlier, an exco member for Environment, Green Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Consumer Affairs Hee Loy Sian (below) said a joint operation by Selangor Water Management Board (Luas), Jabatan Air Selangor and his office found that the industrial premise from which the discharge is believed to have been released was a heavy machinery maintenance plant operated by Yip Chee Seng & Sons Sdn Bhd. Hee said the factory had been fined RM60,000 for a similar offence on the first day of the movement control order back in March. "All maintenance takes place here. Every time they carry out maintenance, they release black oil which is mixed with fresh diesel oil and this discharge is not disposed of properly - thus it will flow to Sungai Gong, he was quoted as saying by TV Selangor. He said the discharge was believed to be responsible for the odour pollution which led to the temporary closure of the Sungai Selangor Phase 1, 2 and 3 water treatment plants, as well as the Rantau Panjang Water Treatment Plant, which remains non-operational. Yesterday, Luas said that effluents with solvent-like odour from the Sungai Gong industrial area were believed to be the cause of water supply disruptions which affected 1,292 areas in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Luas said investigations conducted in collaboration with Pengurusan Air Selangor and several other agencies were ongoing. Story continues "Currently, odour sampling is being done around Sungai Gong, because we suspect industrial premises there may have released effluents with a solvent-like odour into the river," said Luas. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Dewan Pemuda Ikatan Malaysia (DPIM) called on the authorities to take stern action against the factory in Sungai Gong. Its chief Shahir Adnan said actions such as closing the industrial premises involved and withdrawing the operating license should be done so that such incidents will not happen again. "Today's situation shows that those who damage our river seem to ignore legal action, probably because it is too light for them, or there is no strict enforcement by the local authority. "The closure of the factory for 14 days for further investigation and cleaning work, as well as warning notices are seen as failing to curb this problem. Strict action should be taken so that it does not happen again," he said in a statement today. Earlier, Otai Reformis secretary Abdul Razak Ismail had called for the salaries of Amirudin, Hee, Luas director Hashim Osman and Air Selangor CEO Suhaimi Kamaralzaman to be deducted by RM10 every time there was a water disruption in the future as "a fine" for their failure to solve the state's persistent water problems. This truth or lies thing in the U.S. election isnt so straightforward. Theres no doubt Trump spews lies as if hes vomiting: the U.S. economy under him was the greatest ever; his handling of COVID was perfect; only 9,000 died, 180,000 were from other causes. His lie total (the U.S. keeps track of everything) is now over 20,000. Trumps followers lie, too: his new adviser, Scott Atlas, says kids cant pass the virus on. Sen. Joni Ernst says the figures are inflated by doctors to rake in fees. Where it gets unsimple, IMO, is in the responses of good souls like Greta Thunberg or Dr. Fauci, who say things like trust the science, listen to the experts. You often hear, I believe in science, which to me mirrors the appeal to authority made by Trump and his lot. By saying it, you already concede the main point: Someone knows. Its just a matter of who you believe. So it remains about faith, not reason. The real issue isnt actually science. Its whether you trust enough in your ability to calmly observe, assess and evaluate, to draw conclusions based on your own rationality. Modern science is the result of those kinds of critical thinking processes, not its source. Its taken a long time for humanity to even approach that point. Ive been reading the notebooks of Victor Serge, a writer and thinker (he thought his head off) from the era of the Russian revolution. He traces a long historical process: the Protestant Reformation, where people got to read and interpret the Bible themselves; artists in the Renaissance; modern science; industrialization; the rise of public education, which assumed that smart people would beget healthy democracies. It was an environment, a milieu, a social reality promoting the use of reason. Its hard to define, but Serge says it meant people could distinguish whats been satisfactorily proved from what hasnt. Thats a good start. Note that modern science, beginning with Galileo and Newton, is just one element in this ascent of rational thought. But it was so phenomenally successful that it became emblematic of independent reasoning itself. When somethings that successful (people worship success) it easily becomes a new divinity, which people say they believe in. Others reject it and attack the theory of evolution, for example. Science becomes a thing versus a process. In politics, especially in times of social breakdown, theres reaction against the authority of science and reason, as if theyre responsible for the chaos in peoples lives or maybe just for asking too much from hard-pressed humans. You get theocracies like Iran or movements based on the Word of God (Choose Life.) The deliberate irrationality of Nazism (race, blood, land). Or authoritarian demagogues: Only I can do it, says Trump. On the left, people like Victor Serge believed in scientific socialism, a weird construct. This issue of our hardwon rationality is far from merely intellectual; it has life-and-death effects. Im thinking of the vaccine, which may soon exist, but to which theres wide and ill-informed opposition, and not just on the stupid right. (Its hoax, or, it causes autism.) Freedom of speech or thought to which everyones doubtless entitled isnt the same as thinking well and clearly. When the stakes are high and affect others, as they are with a vaccine, what counts isnt just thinking holus bolus but thinking in a way thats clear and not muddy. The question of the vaccine isnt identical to the matter of the election. There are U.S. liberals wholl vote smugly against Trump yet refuse the vaccine for themselves and their kids. Im inclined to attribute this to being arrogant putzes in love with their own precious thoughts, no matter how shallow. But the events are surely entwined. Joseph Heller, author of the brilliantly rational/irrational Catch-22, wrote one play, We Bombed in New Haven, which bombed. But it has a memorable exchange: Is that the truth or a lie? Which is better? Ive no idea why but its stuck with me for decades. Maybe because: truth or lie isnt quite the point; the point is to keep thinking. You may not stop. OC Democratic Party Vice Chair Resigns After Uproar Over Comments Praising Ho Chi Minh Californias Orange County Democratic Party Vice Chair Jeff LeTourneau resigned on Sept. 3 after comments he posted on social media praising Vietnams Communist leader Ho Chi Minh drew widespread condemnation. LeTourneau shared a Facebook post on Aug. 31 that described Minh as someone who liberated an entire poor, colonized nation from 2 of the most powerful imperial military forces in the world (the US and France) and won full independence for the people of Vietnam. LeTourneau deleted the comment 90 minutes after he originally posted it as a result of the backlash he received from politicians on both ends of the spectrum. In the past days, the trauma that Ho Chi Minhs dictatorship wrought on Vietnamese members of our community has been made abundantly clear to me, LeTourneau wrote in his resignation letter. To the almost 35,000 Vietnamese members of the Democratic Party in Orange County, and to all Vietnamese members in our community, I apologize for sharing the post. I hope that my resignation from leadership positions in the Democratic Party would be a first step in healing and reconciliation for our communities. Westminster Mayor Tri Ta told The Epoch Times he couldnt believe LeTourneau had shared the post in the first place. The Vietnamese, we came here because of freedom. So in the community, we are really anti-communist, Ta said. So the community, I think this election, the Vietnamese-American voter will do research, they will try to find who will support the community, who will stand with the community, and who will continue to fight for freedom and human rights. A news conference was held on Sept. 1 at Westminsters Freedom Parksite of the citys Vietnam War Memorialto denounce the statement. Among those present included Rep. Harley Rouda (D-Huntington Beach), state Assembly candidate Diedre Nguyen, and Democratic Party Chair Ada Briceno. I am at a loss for how Mr. Jeff LeTourneau could make such a grievous statement, especially given Little Saigons status as the largest collection of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam, Diedre Nguyen told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. We have always been clear and unequivocal in the message that Ho Chi Minh and the communists were, and continue to be, a brutal, human rights violating regime. Janet Nguyen, the Republican candidate for the Assembly who is running against Diedre Nguyen, told The Epoch Times she was also appalled by the post. My father fought against Ho Chi Minhs communist forces and my uncle was murdered by Ho Chi Minhs violent thugs, Janet Nguyen said in an emailed statement. Many Vietnamese Americans have direct relatives who gave their lives fighting for freedom against Ho Chi Minh. For a leader of the Democratic Party to praise communist Ho and label Americas military as imperialist is both highly offensive and historically wrong. She added that 58,000 Americans died while serving in Vietnam and hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese were forced to flee for their lives. She said she believes the incident will harm every Democratic candidate running in communities with large numbers of Vietnamese American voters like Westminster. Diedre Nguyen said she hopes the incident will inspire more people to come out and vote. Freedom isnt free, she said. If we dont engage in the process we risk losing our democracy. We risk losing it to people who admire tyrants and despots. So, everyone needs to vote. Sergio Contreras, a Democrat running for county supervisor, had immediately called for LeTourneau to resign and apologize for the comments. He told The Epoch Times via email, The Democratic Party and its officers must always stand unequivocally for the core values of democracyfreedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the pressand recognize that until the Vietnamese people enjoy these basic human rights, they can never be free. The Vietnamese community in Orange County is one of the largest in the world outside of Vietnam itself. Many arrived as a result of the war, which ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon. Juanita Headley is described as a warrior on the front lines of fighting human (child) trafficking, sexual abuse, rape and incest. by Carlyle Douglas The popular search engine Google described a major problem or controversial issue as a subject about which discussion is usually avoided. Subjects, undeniably still controversial ones, were not avoided when, last Saturday, UK-born Attorney Juanita Maud Headley appeared on the CTVIEW Saturday Show hosted by Carlyle Douglas, on Nice Radio. Headley, a self-expressed survivor of statutory rape and incest, was at the centre of this expose, when she appeared on the referred radio programme to promote her recently published book titled, Can you keep a secret? The Attorney/Author spoke openly and through tears, of her own experience as a victim of statutory rape and incest, and also highlighted similar experiences of people all over the world. She interspersed her focus on rape and incest with references to her having to deal with Post Traumatic Syndrome (PTS), played out in anger issues, insomnia and her inability to keep a steady job. The Book was titled "Can you keep a secret? according to Headley, because she had attempted, with no real success, to speak to her grandparents about her ordeal with her stepfather, by asking them that very question. She is of the opinion that if that question is asked of anyone and the answer is "no or "it depends, then the book is definitely for that person. The radio interview, almost two hours long, attracted several callers, including two listeners who recalled their experiences as victims of incest; one caller venturing into details of an attempted bribe with a body line (type of sweet bread sold in the 70s) by her Grandfather. A retired school principal who also interacted with Ms. Headley, shared that he was aware of the cases of a seven-year-old girl (now thirty) and a female police officer, both of whom have not had thirty day in court for similar transgressions against them. Can you keep a secret? is available at Gaymes Book Centre. Sixty percent of revenue earned through the sale of the book will go towards supporting safe housing for victims of incest in the Philippines, where the crime is rampant. Charles Adler is one of the highest-profile talk radio personalities in Canada. Hes hosted prime-time shows in all of the countrys major markets as well as in the United States. Hes also known as a conservative, albeit from the libertarian wing of the movement. Adler has been changing, however. He has been moving to the moderate left for some time, but last weekend, he took the plunge. In a series of Twitter posts he discussed his father and his Hungarian origins, and then stated, As for conservatism today, whether its the American or the Canadian knock-off, I am standing in quicksand. And I cant stand here anymore. And so on this day, August 30th 2020, lets make it official. I am no longer a conservative. . . In the name of my father, I wish to be viewed as a supporter of Canadian liberalism a proud tradition, my familys tradition. Numerous people reacted with care and support, but others were far less kind. The opprobrium is, Im afraid, likely to continue. I know because when I abandoned conservatism six years ago I was soaked in abuse, threats, lies and often painfully successful attempts to have me fired. It will likely be less vile for Adler as, unlike me, he was never a social conservative and there is no religious context involved. Even so, those on the right who feel betrayed are seldom in a forgiving mood. The final straw for Adler seems to have been the now notorious tweet on Saturday from long-time Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, in which she wrote: This is George Soros with Canadas new finance minister a few years ago listening carefully to him like student to teacher. The closeness of these two should alarm every Canadian. The post included an entirely innocent and professional video of Chrystia Freeland interviewing the Hungarian financier and philanthropist. The MPs comment about closeness was then retweeted by firebrand Conservative finance critic Pierre Poilievre. It didnt take very long for informed people to point out that Soros is the target of countless anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and that hes perhaps the most hated man in contemporary Nazi and racist circles. Findlay deleted the tweet and wrote, Earlier today, I thoughtlessly shared content from what I am now learning is a source that promotes hateful conspiracy theories. I have removed the tweets and apologize to anyone who thinks I would want to endorse hateful rhetoric. Ive no idea whether Kerry-Lynne Findlay intended anti-Semitism and perhaps she had no idea, but if she wasnt aware of the extraordinary degree of anti-Jewish vitriol thrown at George Soros it does indicate a certain political and social naivete on her part. We also need to ask how and why a senior Canadian politician was exposed in the first place to a hard-right conspiracy theorist, whom she then shared with her followers, and also what her actual motivation was. She clearly implied something worrying and dark about the Freeland interview, none of which was properly addressed in her ostensible apology. Soros is an immensely wealthy and powerful man and while he has done much good it is also entirely fair to criticize him. But people dont attack him for individual acts but as someone who is supposed to be at the centre of a world conspiracy seeking to destroy the West and control the world. These perverse notions are loaded with anti-Semitism, and the very nature of international plots indicates a weak mind and an unstable personality. New Conservative Leader Erin OToole told Canadians just a few days ago that he wanted to build a new party that was open to all and that, I have a clear track record on standing up for human rights. Meaning that he would, of course, reprimand his MP or even suspend her from his caucus. Not at all. The silence roared. Which leads us to wonder how common this conspiracy nonsense is within the Conservative Party of Canada, and whether OToole is frightened of making an example of Findlay and alienating his support in Ottawa and the base. He deflected and digressed, but said nothing. Lets now see how many other Canadians follow Charles Adler. And, in case youre asking, they wont be conspiring. Michael Coren is a Toronto-based writer and contributing columnist to the Stars Opinion section and iPolitics. Follow him on Twitter: is a Toronto-based writer and contributing columnist to the Stars Opinion section and iPolitics. Follow him on Twitter: @michaelcoren Read more about: Jacob Rees-Mogg played a snippet of the song "Rule, Britannia!" from his mobile phone in the House of Commons on Thursday, celebrating its inclusion at a BBC concert. The Conservative MP and Commons leader held his mobile phone close to the microphone near the dispatch box and played a recording of the tune, before being briefly admonished by the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle. It comes after the BBC bowed to pressure from right-wingers and traditionalists to include a sung version of the piece in this year's Last Night of the Proms, despite concern about coronavirus transmission. The Corporation previously said the piece, along with another song Land of Hope and Glory, would be played only in orchestral form. The pulling of the songs also coincided with criticism of the song's nationalistic lyrics, which are about the strength of Britain's navy during the era of the empire. After being admonished for breaching Commons rules, Mr Rees-Mogg told the Speaker: "I of course apologise for any offence I may have given the House, but when Britain first, at heaven's command, arose from out the azure main, this was the anthem of the land and guardian angels sang this strain. "Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves, and Britons never, never, never shall be slaves. And let us hope the BBC will recognise the virtues of Britannia in this land of hope and glory." Mr Rees-Mogg had been asked about the decision by Conservative MP Joy Morrissey, who argued that the original decision to pull the song, rather than the move to reinstate it after an outcry, had been a "virtue-signalling capitulation to political correctness". Later in Commons Business Questions, Labour MP Kevin Brennan joked of the incident: "I was very disappointed with [Mr Rees-Mogg's] little musical stunt with his mobile phone earlier on - a clear case I thought of Britannia waives the rules." TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / California Gold Mining Inc. (CSE:CGM) ("California Gold" or the "Company") announced today that its Chairman is still awaiting the receipt of the resignations of Scott Rasenberg, William Tomlinson and Larry Phillips. As disclosed in the Company's press release dated August 5, 2020, at the Company's annual meeting of shareholders held on August 5, 2020 (the "Meeting"), Vishal Gupta, Patrick Cronin and Kevin Cinq-Mars were re-elected and received more votes in favour than votes withheld, and Scott Rasenberg, William Tomlinson and Larry Phillips received more votes withheld than votes in favour. As a result, and in accordance with the Company's majority voting policy, Messrs. Rasenberg, Tomlinson and Phillips are required to offer their resignations as directors of the board to the Chairman of the Board. Following receipt of such resignations the remaining members of the Board then have 90 days to consider whether to accept such resignations and issue a press release in respect of such decision. The Company has been in contact with Messrs. Rasenberg, Tomlinson and Phillips in order to ensure that each of Messrs. Rasenberg, Tomlinson and Phillips abide by the majority voting policy which they approved in their capacity as directors. About California Gold Mining Inc. California Gold Mining Inc. is focused on continued development of a high-quality gold resource on its 100%-owned Fremont property in Mariposa County, California. The Fremont property consists of an entirely private and patented land package totaling 3,351 acres of historically producing gold mines, with a state highway, PG&E electric substation and abundant water present on the property itself. The Fremont property lies within California's prolific Mother Lode Gold Belt that has produced over 50 million ounces of gold. The Company purchased the Fremont property in March 2013. The Company also has an outdoor, high-CBD industrial hemp biomass cultivation operation on its Grove Road Farm property in Kendall County, Illinois. The Company's technical report in respect of the Fremont Property prepared pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.caligold.ca. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release of California Gold contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause California Gold's 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements in this press release. California Gold does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change, unless otherwise required by law. 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. For further information contact: Vishal Gupta, President & CEO Tel.: 647-977-9267 x333 | Website: www.caligold.ca SOURCE: California Gold Mining Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604887/California-Gold-Provides-Update-on-Board-Matters The Prime Minister said national cabinet had changed the way it made decisions to accommodate WA's disagreement with the national border policy. It meant a consensus between every state and territory would not be required before the national cabinet signed off on decisions. "I'm not going to hold Australia back when one or two jurisdictions, at this point in time because of their own circumstances, don't want to go along with the direction the rest of the country wants to go in," Mr Morrison said. He said only the Premier of Western Australia could answer when the state's border would come down. Borders with the west to stay WA Premier Mark McGowan said the state's hard border would stay in place until community transmission of COVID-19 was eliminated in the eastern states. He said until such time, WA would continue to "stay safe as an island within an island", and border restrictions would allow the state to open up its internal economy. "Western Australia has always avoided setting an arbitrary date on opening the borders," Mr McGowan said. The state would set a date to open its border when the health advice said it was safe. "Prematurely opening the state borders would risk both the national and state economy," he said. "If we had an outbreak leading to the closure of the mining industry, it would have a devastating effect across the country. "The hard border has worked. Lives and jobs had been saved at the same time." Mr McGowan rebuffed claims WA had effectively seceded, saying West Australians were still proud Australians. "But I do hope that it results in a greater appreciation of what we do for the nation," he said "One tenth of the population produces 50 per cent of its exports. We're leading the nation, not bringing up the rear." WA Opposition Leader Liza Harvey said the state had no community spread of coronavirus and it would be a "tragedy" if West Australian families were not able to get together at Christmas. "But it all depends on the governments health advice," she said. "Protecting the health of all West Australians from COVID-19 is the priority. Unfortunately the government does not share its health advice with the opposition." Business urges WA to 'rejoin the nation' as state economy shrinks to 2010 proportions WA's business lobby is urging the state to rejoin the nation, arguing three out of every five businesses are suffering due to the state's hard borders. The state's Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Chris Rodwell said the national cabinet decision to "resolve the patchwork of state border approaches" offered greater investment certainty as business confronted the first recession in nearly 30 years. "In the last quarter, the size of WA's domestic economy contracted to the same size it was in 2010," he said. "Acknowledging that the health of Western Australians must remain the first consideration of the state government, there has been recognition by national cabinet of the economic disruption imposed by a piecemeal approach to borders, and the need to lay out a consistent, transparent framework. "The WA business community is hopeful of a vaccine, but the present conditions may well need to be managed for years, an unsustainable period for WA to remain a closed economy. The economic reality is that 60,000 more Western Australians are out of work now, than when this crisis began." WA Australian Hotels Association boss Bradley Woods said keeping the WA borders closed came at a cost. "If a vaccine for COVID-19 is still a long way off, there will be even more long term negative implications," he said. "We must also plan to protect Western Australia from losing not just tourism but also conferences and the convention industry. "As other states open borders and people are free to travel, they will be sure to steal business away from WA." Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly detailed some of the details of the hotspot definition agreement, which has been signed up to by every state except WA. Advertisement The number of people catching coronavirus in England remains stable at 2,000 per day, according to official data which shows no proof that infections are surging. There are now an estimated 2,000 new cases each day, on average - down 200 from last Friday, when the prediction sat at 2,200 - according to the Office for National Statistics. Some 27,100 people in England are thought to be infected at any one time - 0.05 per cent of the population or one in every 2,000 people. This total is a decrease of four per cent from the 28,200 estimate last week. Statisticians at ONS said: 'Evidence suggests that the incidence rate for England remains unchanged.' The reassurance comes as the number of officially diagnosed cases is surging and was yesterday the highest it had been for three months, with 1,735 people testing positive. Scientists say, however, that many of these new cases are being picked up because the testing system has improved and is targeting areas with outbreaks. King's College London researchers, who run an app through which almost four million people report symptoms and test results, also estimate there are 2,000 new cases per day across the whole of the UK. But this is a surge of 53 per cent on their estimate given the week prior - 1,300 - and the highest since late July. Neither team includes cases in care homes or hospitals in their estimates, and the King's app - run with health tech company ZOE - doesn't account for people who don't have symptoms or get tested. Six new coronavirus hotspots across the UK have been flagged by the Covid Symptom Tracker app, three of which have been added for the first time. On the top of the unofficial 'watch list' is East Renfrewshire, Scotland, while West Lothian is number 10, following the Scottish Government's decision to bring restrictions into regions in West Scotland. Ards and North Down in Northern Ireland was also new to the watchlist, while Neath Port Talbot in Wales, Nottingham and Tameside in England were put back on the list after previously dropping off. But not a single area in the south or east of England, including London, show concerning levels of infections, a sign Covid-19 continues to split the UK. Office for National Statistics data: There are now an estimated 2,000 new cases each day, on average King's College London researchers also estimate there are 2,000 new cases per day across the whole of the UK. But this is a surge of 53 per cent on their estimate given the week prior - 1,300 King's College London estimate there are 2,000 new cases per day across the whole of the UK, which is 53 per cent higher than their estimate last week The Office for National Statistics also report a steady 2,000 per day figure. It said: 'Evidence suggests that the incidence rate for England remains unchanged' Six new coronavirus hotspots across the UK have been flagged by the team, three of which have been added for the first time (East Renfrewshire and West Lothian in Scotland, and Ards and North Down in Wales). Neath Port Talbot in Wales, Nottingham and Tameside in England were put back on the list after previously dropping off. Manchester, along with Blackpool, Halton and Oldham, have remained on the list for the second week running ONS said: 'While the percentage of individuals testing positive for Covid-19 has decreased since the start of the study (26 April 2020), the estimates suggest there was a small increase in July since the lowest recorded estimate, which was at the end of June. This trend has continued to level off since the end of July.' The prevalence of coronavirus in the community right now - 27,100 - is almost a 10 per cent drop on the estimate given a fortnight ago, of 24,600. But the data always operates within a range of possibility and this week's true figure for daily new cases could be anywhere between 1,100 and 3,200, the ONS admits, while total infections could be 19,300 to 36,700. It's the fourth week in a row ONS has reported a decline in daily new cases suggesting the outbreak is steady, with cases neither rising nor falling significantly. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today's ONS figures prove the NHS Test and Trace system is working, despite it being constantly criticised for failing to reach targets. The scheme tracks down close contacts of Covid-19 cases and tells them to self isolate in order to stop transmission. Mr Hancock said: 'Today's ONS data shows NHS Test and Trace and our local restrictions approach, in partnership with local areas, is working to contain the virus and is supporting the country to safely return to normal. 'This reassuring news is testament to the hard work of everybody in following social distancing guidelines to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS. 'I would urge everybody to continue to be vigilant - wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep social distance from those outside your household - so we can keep the virus at bay.' THERE IS NO SIGN OF A SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19 IN THE UK, SAY SCIENTISTS Britain is not entering a second wave of coronavirus infections and the young, mildly-affected people being diagnosed in rising case numbers are not likely to trigger a rise in hospitalisations, experts say. Health Secretary Matt Hancock this week warned that the UK 'must do everything in our power' to stop a second surge of people going into hospital with the coronavirus, which he said was starting to happen in Europe. But experts told MailOnline Mr Hancock's comments were 'alarmist' and that there is currently 'no sign' of a second wave coming over the horizon. The data shows hospital cases are also not rising by much in Europe, contrary to the Health Secretary's claim. As of Monday there were only 764 people in hospital with Covid-19 in the UK, just 60 of whom are in intensive care. This is a sharp drop from a peak of 19,872 hospitalised patients on April 12. The falling number of hospital cases comes despite infections having been on the rise since lockdown restrictions were lifted at the start of July. Experts say this is because the groups getting infected and diagnosed now are completely different to those at the start of the pandemic. Scientists say it is younger people driving up infections and they are less likely to get seriously ill and end up in hospital. For that reason, hospital cases and deaths will not necessarily follow higher cases, and there may not be a deadly wave like the first. Professor Carl Heneghan, a medicine expert at the University of Oxford, said: 'There is currently no second wave. What we are seeing is a sharp rise in the number of healthy people who are carrying the virus, but exhibiting no symptoms. Almost all of them are young. They are being spotted because finally a comprehensive system of national test and trace is in place.' Mr Hancock said in the Commons on Tuesday that he feared this rise in infections in healthy people would creep into vulnerable groups if allowed to continue, saying it was a pattern seen in the US where cases are out of control again. But scientists have shot down Mr Hancock's doomsayer comments, pointing out that deaths have not risen in France or Spain, and the reason hospital admissions have not risen in the UK with diagnosed cases 'simply reflects increased testing'. Official data from the continent shows Europe's hospitals are not filling up with coronavirus patients despite a surge in positive tests - hospitalisations have been falling in France, Spain and Germany while cases have risen. Open University statistician Professor Kevin McConway told MailOnline: 'An important point is that numbers of Covid deaths in France have shown very little evidence of a rise recently. There has been something of a rise in deaths Spain, but not very marked at all.' Statisticians say expansion of testing capacity means infections are being found more easily than at the start of the pandemic. In the UK alone, the number of tests being carried out has increased by 20 per cent from the start of July to now. But the number of positive results has gone up by only 0.3 per cent in the same period, suggesting new cases are a combination of more tests, and only a slight rise in infections in hotspots. Advertisement The figures are at odds with those given by the Department of Health every day, which are based on positive test results in the UK as a whole. Cases have been climbing since July, and the seven-day rolling case average is now 1,435, up by a quarter (26 per cent) in a week. Oliver Johnson, a professor of information theory, School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, said: 'This data [from ONS] may appear to contradict the recent increase in UK cases: this may partly be due to some of those cases being discovered by targeted testing in hotspots. 'Further, it is important to note this ONS survey covers only England and Wales: a significant proportion of the recent increase in cases has occurred in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and so would not be visible here.' Experts have repeatedly said the increase in positive Covid-19 cases is likely as a result of flooding areas of concern with more testing - in town centres and by knocking on people's doors. But there is also likely a small increase in transmission due to people returning to work and social activities, seen in parts of the North West of England and in parts of Scotland such as Glasgow and Clyde, Professor Johnson added: 'Today's ONS infection survey figures are very similar to last week. Indeed the long-term trend is broadly flat since the beginning of July, suggesting an R value very close to 1. ' ONS stops short of claiming the outbreak is actually shrinking because there is always a level of uncertainty about the figures. Despite the fact they swab a huge 20,000 people across the country, only a tiny number actually test positive. So the estimates are based on less than a handful of people. It's also impossible to detect every new infection. But the advantage of the ONS infection survey is it seeks out those who do not have symptoms, not just ones that appear in testing. ONS's report maintains, as it has throughout the outbreak, that there is no measurable difference in infection rates across different regions of England. It shows that there appear to be more people testing positive in Yorkshire and the Humber, and the East than in other regions, but the differences are not statistically significant. In this respect the ONS's report is at odds with other sources. All of the local lockdown measures imposed by Government are in the Midlands, North of England or Scotland. For the first time ONS also published estimates for how many people in England have antibodies - proteins in the blood which signify a person has had, and recovered from, Covid-19. Between 26 April and 23 August, six per cent of people tested positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, suggesting they had the infection in the past. There was some evidence of regional differences in the percentage of people testing positive for antibodies to Covid-19, supporting previous research. In London, an estimated 11 per cent of people have tested positive for antibodies the highest for any region in England. Following was the West Midlands, with 6.8 per cent. The lowest regional estimate was 3.5 per cent for south-west England. Public Health England (PHE) also publish an estimate of the prevalence of antibodies in the blood in England, but use a different test to ONS. In its most recent report, PHE said 17.5 per cent of people in London had antibodies against the coronavirus which has been steadily rising over the course of the pandemic. The findings also chime with those from the REACT study, led by Imperial College London, which is based on self-administered antibody tests by 100,000 people. A report published on medRxiv on August 13 showed London had the highest numbers at over twice the national average (13 per cent), while the South West had the lowest (three per cent). ONS's report maintains that there is no measurable difference in infection rates across different regions of England. But it shows more people testing positive in Yorkshire and the Humber, and the East than in other regions, but the differences are not statistically significant In London, an estimated 11 per cent of people have tested positive for antibodies the highest for any region in England The weekly report from King's College suggests there are outbreaks across the UK that are causing cases to steadily rise, however. Developed by healthcare science company, ZOE, the COVID Symptom Study app has now been downloaded by over 3.9million people in the UK who regularly report if they have symptoms of the coronavirus or have been tested. HOW HAVE CASES CHANGED OVER TIME? King's College London's COVID Symptom Tracker app estimated the following daily new cases for the UK as a whole: August 29: 1,974 August 22: 1,292 August 15: 1,265 August 8: 1,434 August 1: 1,626 July 25: 2,110 July 18: 1,884 July 11: 2,103 July 4: 1,472 June 25: 2,341 June 18: 3,612 Advertisement Researchers say there are currently 1,974 daily new cases of Covid-19 in the UK, based on data from 9,489 swab tests done between 9 August to 22 August. The incidence number has crept up from last week which was 1,292 where the numbers had been holding steady since early July. Only three weeks ago the researchers had said it was 'encouraging' to see the cases coming down across the UK to levels seen in July. It is not clear why King's College's estimate of 1,292 in the week between August 15 and August 22 is so much lower than ONS's, at 2,200. But it is still within the range ONS gave, (between 1,100 and 3,800). One reason that the COVID Symptom Study app estimate is consistently lower than the ONS is the data doesn't include asymptomatic cases. ONS do swabs of hundreds of thousands of people in random households, therefore detect those who do not show symptoms. But the COVID Symptoms Study app relies on people reporting their own symptoms. Similarly, the app's prevalence estimate of 22,040, up on the 18,340 the week prior, is within the range given by ONS today (19,300 to 36,700). Several new areas were flagged on King's watch list this week that were not on there the week prior. The aim of the list is to highlight areas of concern so that attention can be focused there, such as increased testing. East Renfrewshire and West Lothian in Scotland have entered the top 10 areas of concern for the first time since the app launched, where 0.22 per cent and 0.14 per cent are carrying the coronavirus, respectively. Infection rates across the UK, as predicted by the COVID Symptom Study app On Tuesday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a ban on indoor household gatherings were imposed on East Renfrewshire as well as Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire. SEVEN SCHOOLS HAVE ALREADY SEEN CASES At least seven schools in England have sent pupils home to self-isolate due to students catching coronavirus within days of the start of term. Primary and secondary schools in Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Lancashire and Buckinghamshire have all been stricken by the virus - seven sending pupils home and another delaying the start of term. Notable among them is Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in Marlow, Bucks, which delayed yesterday's start of term after 20 pupils tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from a party holiday to the Greek island of Zante. Today it emerged that another seven schools which unlike Sir William Borlase's had already started term have asked pupils to go home, some after just hours back in the classroom. The seven schools are: The Dixons Trinity Academy, Bradford Dixons Kings Academy, Bradford The King David High School in Crumspall, Greater Manchester The Ridgeway Primary Academy in Market Harborough, Leicestershire Chesham Grammar School, Buckinghamshire Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in Marlow, Buckinghamshire A school in Whitworth, Lancashire Advertisement Cases have increased in the area which Ms Sturgeon said was mainly due to mixing in households. Schools, pubs and restaurants have been allowed to remain open. The First Minister revealed yesterday the reproduction rate of coronavirus in Scotland is now 'probably above one' and could be as high as 1.4. Scotland reported 101 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, the fifth day in a row that cases have been in triple figures. Cases have begun trending upwards this month after being at record lows during June and July. Provisional figures indicate some 53 of these new cases are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. While across Scotland the number of positive cases of coronavirus is 9.2 per 100,000 people, in Glasgow it stands at 21.8, in East Renfrewshire it is 18.8, and in West Dunbartonshire it rises to 32.6 per 100,000, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said. Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London, who leads the research using the Covid-19 app, commented: 'While with increased economic activity and travel we are seeing the numbers starting to creep up again, it is good to see that when numbers start to rise, areas like around Glasgow are taking swift action to help stop the situation spreading.' Ards and North Down in Northern Ireland and Neath Port Talbot in Wales have also been added to King's watchlist for the first time, having not previously been identified as places with high levels of transmission. Around 0.17 per cent and 0.16 per cent of the population currently have the coronavirus in those communities, which in real terms is a small number of people. Coming in at number two on the watchlist is Manchester, where 0.19 per cent of people have the coronavirus. The ten boroughs of Greater Manchester have been under tougher Covid-19 restrictions since the end of July. But these are starting to be lifted in some areas, as well as in Lancashire and West Yorkshire, where coronavirus cases have decreased. Manchester, along with Blackpool, Halton and Oldham, have remained on the list for the second week running. Some areas in the north of England are on the list every week. Professor Spector said: 'We are yet to see these localised outbreaks such as those in the North of England, having a negative impact on hospitals and NHS capacity, which suggests that those who are getting COVID may be milder cases with less of them ending up in hospital as a result, which is good news.' Halton and Blackpool have not been identified in Public Health England's latest watchlist league table, published last Friday. The report last week showed that Pendle, Oldham and Blackburn with Darwen, were at the top of PHE league tables as 'areas of intervention'. Manchester is also in this category. The weekly report being published by PHE today is expected to see a change in the watchlist, with Leeds, in West Yorkshire, thought to be an addition. Council city leader Judith Blake has pleaded for a city-wide effort to control the coronavirus as the infection rate continues to soar. Modelling by Imperial College London also predicts Leeds will become one of England's hotspots in the next two weeks. It's research says there is an 85 per cent chance the city will reach 50 cases per 100,000 people. Yesterday Britain has announced a further 1,735 new coronavirus cases in the biggest daily spike in three months It comes after Britain yesterday announced 1,735 new coronavirus cases in the biggest daily spike in three months. The last time daily infections were higher was on June 4, when 1,805 were diagnosed with the disease and the majority of tough lockdown restrictions were still in force. The seven-day rolling case average is now 1,435, up by a quarter (26 per cent) in a week. Despite cases being on the climb since July, scientists have emphasised that it is not the sign of a second wave and that they had always expected case diagnoses to increase as lockdown measures were lifted and the testing system got better. Experts tell MailOnline the rising figures are simply the result of young, healthy people being picked up on official figures. Previously, they were being missed because tests were reserved for the sickest people. Deaths are continuing to spiral and hospital admissions remain flat, with less than 800 Covid-19 patients in beds, and 82 on ventilators. For this reason, scientists say the rise in cases is not something to currently be concerned about in terms of a 'second wave', and is simply as a result of increased testing in the community. The coronavirus has never been 'eliminated', which some scientists say means the 'first wave' is not actually over. New diagnosed cases were at their lowest on July 6, when 352 cases were recorded. Bolton, in Greater Manchester, has risen to the number one spot for the highest infections in England, with 76.5 cases per 100,000 people. It's overtaken Pendle, where there are 71.7 cases per 100,000 people. The New Diamond, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) chartered by Indian Oil Corp (IOC), that was carrying the equivalent of about 2 million barrels of oil, is seen after a fire broke out off east coast of Sri Lanka, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Courtesy Sri Lankan Airforce media/Handout via Reuters) Sri Lanka Tows Supertanker Away From Coast After Fire COLOMBOSri Lanka began towing a fully loaded supertanker that had caught fire off its east coast after it began drifting towards land, a spokesman for the navy of the Indian Ocean nation said on Friday. The fire was still raging on the New Diamond tanker carrying about 2 million barrels of oil, said the spokesman, Captain Indika de Silva. There were 23 crew on board, one of whom is presumed dead. The rest have been taken off the ship by the Sri Lankan navy, with one injured crew member flown to the capital Colombo for treatment. There were no signs of an oil leak from the vessel, de Silva added. Ships from the Russian navy and the Indian coastguard have been assisting in the firefighting. The fire that broke out in the engine room of the New Diamond on Thursday morning had spread to the bridge of the ship, chartered by Indian Oil Corp (IOC), though it has yet to reach the cargo area, the Sri Lankan navy said. Initially, the ship was stranded 38 km (24 miles) east of the Sri Lankan town of Thirukovil but drifted within 25 km (15 miles) of the coast after being abandoned. Authorities were now towing it eastward, away from the coast, de Silva said. The New Diamond, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) chartered by Indian Oil Corp (IOC), that was carrying the equivalent of about 2 million barrels of oil, is seen after a fire broke out off the east coast of Sri Lanka, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Courtesy Sri Lankan Airforce media/Handout via Reuters) Thirukovil is a town in Sri Lankas Ampara district that was badly battered by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Arugam Bay, a world-renowned surfing spot, is nearby. The missing Filipino sailor is presumed dead. He was badly injured when a boiler exploded, de Silva told Reuters, citing crew who were rescued. There were 5 Greek and 18 Philippine nationals among the crew. One of them was injured and he was airlifted out of the ship and the rest were accounted for. While there are no signs of a leak, Sri Lankas meteorology department has already modeled the impact of 70,000 tonnes of crude oila quarter of the ships cargospilling into the ocean. The simulation, a worst-case scenario according to authorities, found that such a spill would not immediately threaten the countrys east coast. Surviving crew members of the New Diamond, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) chartered by Indian Oil Corp (IOC), are seen on a navy rescue boat off the east coast of Sri Lanka, on Sept. 3, 2020. (Courtesy Sri Lankan Navy media/Handout via Reuters) But Dharshani Lahandapura, chair of Sri Lankas federal Marine Environment Protection Authority, told Reuters that any spill from the ship would be catastrophic for marine life. It will be a huge environmental and economic disaster if this happens, she said. The 1989 oil spill from the Exxon Valdez, considered one of the worst human-caused environmental disasters, spewed about 37,000 tonnes of crude into waters off Alaska. The New Diamond had sailed from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait, loaded with Kuwait Export Crude, Refinitiv Eikon tracking data showed. It was heading for the Indian port of Paradip, where state-run IOC has a 300,000 barrel-per-day refinery. By Arjuna Ranuwana and Waruna Karunatilake LONDON, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Banking & Finance Review launched its e-learning platform called eLearning Classes offering on demand online courses in various streams like Business, Finance, Trading, Marketing, Technology & more. Education is known as a never-ending journey that helps individuals expand their knowledge and learn new skills to stay competitive in today's market. eLearningClasses.com grants its members access to an array of interactive online courses comprised of different subjects, guaranteeing them a leg up on the competition. eLearningClasses.com uses the state-of-the-art educational tools which are powered by artificial intelligence to make world-class education affordable and accessible to students across the globe. For a subscription fee of $18.99 /month, students get access to all the online courses, lectures, worksheets, assessments, eBooks, Audio Books and more. Paid subscribers also get their questions answered by trained instructors and experts from Global Banking & Finance Review & have access to social discussions on their platform's forums. The e-learning platform launched with over 100 courses and offers a few free online courses as an introductory offer. To Top it off, eLearningClasses.com is also offering a 25% discount on their monthly subscription fee of $18.99 which would bring the subscription fee to below $15 a month. If you wish to avail this discount, use the coupon code off25 when checking out. Global Banking & Finance Review is a leading brand name in Banking & Finance. The initiative of launching its own e-learning platform is to make quality education accessible and affordable. View all the free online courses by following the link https://www.elearningclasses.com/pages/free-online-courses "Our Mission is to ensure quality education reaches those who need it the most and at a price which can be affordable by all," said Wanda Rich who is the Editor of Global Banking & Finance Review. She also commented that "Learning is a continuous process and it takes more than few courses to get a deeper understanding of a subject, this is the main reason why we decided to launch an unlimited learning experience at a monthly fee of $18.99." This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Global Banking & Finance Review Related Links http://eLearningClasses.com WASHINGTON Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden pushed back against statements made by Attorney General William Barr that China, not Russia, is the most aggressive in trying to sow discord in U.S. politics. Biden told reporters in Delaware Friday that he doesn't agree that China is the biggest threat to the presidential election and said such assessment doesn't match his intelligence briefings. "There are a lot of countries around the world I think would be happy to see our elections destabilized. But the one who has worked the hardest, most consistently, and never has let up is Russia," Biden said, adding later: "I just want to make it clear. I believe that any country that engages in any activity to delegitimize or impact on American elections is in direct violation of our sovereignty." US intel: Russia working to defeat Biden; China and Iran prefer Trump defeat A new intelligence assessment published last month found that Russia is actively working to "denigrate" Biden, while China views Trump as "unpredictable" and prefers that he not win re-election. The National Counter-Intelligence and Security Center also concluded that Iran is working to undermine Trump. Joe Biden accused President Trump of playing a role in the unrest by refusing to acknowledge racial injustice during a speech delivered in Pittsburgh. Speaking on Wednesday with Wolf Blitzer on CNN, Barr said he believes China is more aggressive than Russia or Iran in trying to interfere in U.S. elections. "Because I've seen the intelligence. That's what I've concluded," Barr said during the wide-ranging interview, declining to elaborate further. Attorney General William Barr "Hes a lousy enough attorney general, but hes a really bad intelligence officer," Biden said of Barr. Biden also questioned why Trump doesnt confront Russia President Vladimir Putin and said there should be consequences against any country that seeks to delegitimize the U.S. election. "What is he so afraid of?" Biden said. "If I am president of the United States, there will be a response." Story continues The Trump administration has escalated the rhetoric against China. The president has blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak, while the Justice Department has cracked down on what officials described as efforts by the Chinese government to spy and steal American intellectual property and trade secrets. 'A counterintelligence threat': Paul Manafort was 'a grave counterintelligence threat,' Republican-led Senate panel finds A bipartisan report by the Senate Intelligence Committee confirmed findings of former special counsel Robert Mueller that Russia sought to sway the 2016 race in Trump's favor, although the probe did not find evidence of a conspiracy with the Kremlin. Asked on CNN if he accepts the committee's finding, Barr said he doesn't dispute an assessment that Russia tried to interfere in the election. Voting twice: North Carolina elections chief says 'It is illegal to vote twice in an election' after Trump comment on double voting Biden on Friday also weighed in on Trump's call to North Carolina voters to test their state's election system by voting twice: once by mail and then again in person. State officials have said that voting twice is illegal. "It is a felony. Its a felony here in the state of Delaware," Biden said. "Its all designed to create so much chaos that the rest of the election is thrown up in the air. It just undermines the legitimacy of our democratic process. And its dangerous." Contributing: Kevin Johnson and William Cummings This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden says Russia, not China, is greatest threat to 2020 election The couple welcomed their first child into the world in August And Sam Aston's partner, Briony, shared a heart-warming snap of their newborn, Sonny, resting in her arms on Friday as she embraces motherhood. The Coronation Street star, 27, and the blonde beauty, revealed that the birth of their son was 'calm' despite him being born six weeks premature. Happiness: Sam Aston's partner, Briony, shared a heart-warming snap of their newborn son, Sonny, who was resting in her arms on Friday as she embraces motherhood Briony was beaming with happiness as she cradled her firstborn in the adorable snap posted to her social media. Sonny was wearing a white onsie and is already rocking a full head of ginger hair, just like his father. The mother-of-one displayed her natural beauty as she opted for a makeup-free look and kept her long blonde tresses in a loose ponytail, leaving her fringe to delicately frame her face. Firstborn: The yoga instructor and her Coronation Street star partner, 27, revealed that the birth of their son was 'calm' despite him being born six weeks premature Briony revealed that nothing could have prepared her for the joys of parenthood. She said: 'Nothing could have truly prepared me for your entrance into this world; a journey of complete surrender and the most intense surges of energy I have ever felt in my life. 'But I understand now that it had to be this way. How else could my heart come to live outside of my body?' Briony penned: 'Nothing could have truly prepared me for your entrance into this world; a journey of complete surrender and the most intense surges of energy I have ever felt in my life' In August, she confirmed the birth of her son on social media and revealed his official date of birth and weight. She penned: 'Sonny Aston. He calmly entered our world 6 weeks early on 11.08.20 at 5lbs 7oz and we couldnt be more in love'. The yoga instructor was expecting to welcome her baby in September and had been documenting her journey online. Welcome surprise: The yoga instructor was shocked when she and Sam discovered they were expecting a baby boy as she revealed that their extended family have mostly girls Briony and Sam first announced they were expecting a boy when speaking with OK! magazine, saying: 'We're having a boy! 'It was a massive surprise when we found out, as there are loads of girls in our families, so we were adamant we were having a girl.' The couple also revealed they had only been trying for a baby for little over a month before getting the positive result. Sam, whose Coronation Street character Chesney is parenting quads on the popular ITV soap, said he and Briony would love a big family but admitted they were glad they were just expecting the one child. OTTAWACanada and its G7 allies are taking Russias denials of the poisoning of Alexei Navalny with a skepticism, Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Friday. Navalny is in a Berlin hospital after being placed in an induced coma and Germany has accused Russia of poisoning him with a chemical nerve agent. The Kremlin has denied it had anything to do with poisoning Navalny on an Aug. 20 trip from Siberia. I think everyone is looking at that with a grain of salt, Champagne told The Canadian Press. Canada is working with Germany and G7 partners on a co-ordinated response to Russias attack on a leading political opposition figure. Champagne wouldnt say whether sanctions or more diplomatic expulsions may be in store, saying the focus is on bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also said Friday that there was proof beyond doubt that Navalny was poisoned by a military-grade agent from the Novichok group, a set of toxins developed by the Soviet Union. Earlier this week, Champagne took part in a virtual meeting of foreign ministers from the G20, a group that includes Russia, Saudi Arabia and China. But Canada chose the smaller G7 which is made up leading democratic countries to have a more robust discussion about dealing with what Champagne called an outrageous move by the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin to stifle dissent. I cannot conceive a world under which Novichok or a poisoning substance of the group of the Novichok would have been used in Russia without any state directly or directly being involved. I think everyone is looking at that with, I would say, a certain element of doubt, he said. Champagnes German and French counterparts, Heiko Maas and Jean-Yves Le Drian, issued a joint statement on Friday calling for the perpetrators on the attack on Navalny to be tried for what they called a despicable act. Britain has identified Novichok as the agent that was used to poison ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury in March 2018. The Skripal affair lead to round of retaliatory diplomatic expulsions between Russia and Western countries. Michael Bociurkiw, a Canadian-born analyst who has worked for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, said Canada and its allies have a number of harsher measures they could impose on Russia. More sanctions but in a co-ordinated way, which includes expulsion of diplomats and closure of diplomatic posts even suspending landing rights for Russian registered aircraft, said Bociurkiw. He also called for swift measures to block private or commercial property purchases by Russians or those suspected of being associated with Russian buyers with money which cannot be substantiated or traced. Champagne said it was early days to specify any particular measures that might be taken, and that the focus is finding those responsible and bringing them to justice. I think this is just another example of (how far) Russia is willing to go, said Champagne. Its very concerning when you see that and the fact that, again, Russia is willing to suppress the voice of an opposition leader in a way which is abhorrent, which is using a chemical substance, to silence opposition in Russia. The minister was speaking from quarantine after visiting four countries last week, including Lebanon. The trip also featured a meeting in Italy with Champagnes Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, where Champagne pressed for the release of and consular access to Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Kovrig and Spavor have been in Chinese prisons since December 2018 in what is widely seen as retaliation by Beijing for Canadas arrest of Huawei chief executive Meng Wanzhou on an American extradition warrant. Champagne said he and Wang also had a robust discussion on human rights that encompassed Chinas clampdown on democracy in Hong Kong after Beijing imposed a widely criticized national security law on the former British colony. Canada has already suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and banned the export of military goods. But critics want the Trudeau government to do more to help Canadians and pro-democracy advocates get out of Hong Kong before the can face reprisals. Champagne said he is working on those next moves with Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. Well be watching carefully and engaging with partners around the world to tell the Chinese authorities what we see is detrimental to the future of Hong Kong. Champagne said he also plans more international travel, despite the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. He said it is important for Canada to engage directly with key allies, which he did in a two-hour, face-to-face meeting in London one week ago with his British counterpart, Dominic Raab. Read more about: How will celebrating the holidays be different this year? No American wants to hear this, but experts say it probably wont be prudent to have big indoor family gatherings for Rosh Hashana, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its sad, but I dont see a safe option especially for families with a child away at school. When college towns become epicenters, you really dont want students to come home and unwittingly infect their families. And students need to consider this: Yes, its miserable to miss a family holiday but could you forgive yourself if your grandmother died because of you? What scientific developments are you following most closely? Scientists I talk to are optimistic about monoclonal antibodies. One called them convalescent plasma on steroids. The best antibodies are cloned and grown in cell broths. Small doses might act like vaccines that protect for a few weeks. If they do, getting them to high-risk Americans medical workers, nursing home patients and the families of the infected could blunt the epidemic. But they cant be grown in bulk quickly or cheaply, and F.D.A. approval for prophylactic use is uncertain. Thats it for todays briefing. See you next week. Natasha Thank you To Melissa Clark for the recipe and to Theodore Kim and Jahaan Singh for the rest of the break from the news. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com. P.S. Were listening to The Daily. Our latest episode features an interview with Jimmy Lai. Heres our Mini Crossword, and a clue: Pizzeria appliance (four letters). You can find all our puzzles here. Our audience team announced new global moves that are part of its expansion. Australias bishops comment on the observations made by the Holy See on recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to the Australian government. By Vatican News The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has looked into the Holy Sees response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. A media release, published on their website, explains the Royal Commission proposed that the Bishops Conference engage with the Holy See on those recommendations because they relate to universal Church law or practice. 80 recommendation Of the 80 recommendations proposed by the Royal Commission, 47 were accepted, 1 was not accepted, 13 were passed on to the Holy See, 1 is being taken into further consideration, 5 were accepted in principle, 12 are supported, and 1 is supported in principle. In response to all the accepted or supported recommendations, the response also states how they are already being implemented, that Church institutions will comply with any future legislation, or that standards are in development by Catholic Professional Standards Ltd. The Holy Sees observations have just been published on the Royal Commission page of the Bishops Conference website. They reiterate the Holy Sees commitment to child protection, as well as its desire to spare no effort in collaborating with civil authorities to pursue every avenue to end the scourge of sexual abuse. The media release notes that Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin confirmed that the recommendations, and the entire final report of the Royal Commission, were studied closely by several Vatican dicasteries. Holy See's response The Holy Sees response says that commitment has led to the adoption, both by the Holy See and by Dioceses, Episcopal Conferences and Religious Institutes, of a wide range of measures, designed to ensure a proper response to such cases, including at the canonical level, as well as encouraging cooperation with civil authorities, both domestic and international. Many of the Royal Commissions recommendations have already been addressed by the Holy See, the statement media release says. Others, such as having local tribunals to manage disciplinary cases, are still under consideration because they are part of a broader revision of Church laws that will be applicable worldwide. Concerning the seal of Confession, the Holy See affirms the inviolability of the sacrament, but observes that a priest hearing a confession may, and indeed in certain cases should, encourage a victim to seek help outside the confessional. The priest can also encourage that person to report the abuse to the authorities. Archbishop Mark Coleridge, President of the Bishops Conference, stated that the bishops are keen to support the ongoing public conversation about policies, practices and protocols which will ensure that children and other people at risk are safe in our communities. Its in this spirit that the observations have been published. He added that the Australian bishops at their May meeting had expressed the hope that representatives would meet with the Attorney-General in person to present and discuss the Holy Sees observations. Due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, the response was provided in writing rather than wait any longer. A trilateral summit between Egypt, Jordan and Iraqs leaders in August yielded potential cooperation on a number of topics The Egyptian government has discussed a number of potential joint development projects to be carried out with Jordan and Iraq, as agreed during a trilateral summit attended by the leaders of the three nations last week. The summit, which was held in Amman on 25 August, addressed enhancing cooperation in all fields, especially in energy, power linkages, infrastructure, and food. The projects proposed by the Egyptian side were put forward during a meeting headed by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and attended by seven other ministers, according to a cabinet statement released on Friday. Electricity Minister Mohamed Shaker presented a venture to establish an electrical interconnection line between the three countries with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. "It will help exchange electrical capacities and make use of the differences of the peak times in Egypt, Jordan and Iraq," the minister was quoted as saying. Petroleum Minister Tarek El-Molla presented a proposal to install a pipeline to transfer crude oil from Iraq to Jordan and Egypt to boost cooperation in the field of petroleum capabilities and to meet the needs of various projects in the three countries. Supply Minister Ali Moselhi suggested cooperating in the field of digital transformation of the commodity support system, while Education Minister Tarek Shawki discussed opportunities for providing smart classes, and sharing the contents of Egypts digital library and various educational platforms, in addition to developing electronic exam systems. Other ventures related to greenhouses, seed cultivation, agriculture, and utilising digital transformation to help farmers were submitted during the meeting by Agricultural Minister El-Sayed El-Quseir. During the meeting, Trade Minister Nevine Gamea said the states have opportunities to cooperate in different fields and to exchange goods, and to establish a station for sorting and packaging agricultural crops, in addition to cooperating in the construction industry. The prime minister tasked the ministers with intensifying communications with their Jordanian and Iraqi counterparts to reach a consensus on a number of projects, to be presented to the three countries leaders. "There is a historic chance embodied in the support of the political leadership in these countries for endeavours to achieve integration between the three nations," he added. During Augusts summit, the three leaders urged fostering trilateral cooperation in terms of the economy, trade and investment with the aim of establishing strategic integration. It was attended by Jordans King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's willingness to establish joint development projects with Iraq and Jordan within a strict timeframe. The summit in Amman was the third such meeting between representatives of the three countries over the past two years; the first was held in Cairo in March 2019, and the second in New York in September of the same year. Search Keywords: Short link: Dog incident which saw 4-year-old bitten and dragged in Eagles Meadow leads to police appeal This article is old - Published: Friday, Sep 4th, 2020 Wrexhams local policing team have issued two CCTV stills this evening after a 4 year old boy was bitten and dragged by a dog in town. Police say the dog in the picture bit and dragged a 4-yr-old boy outside the River Island store on Eagles Meadow at 1:15pm on Weds 2nd September. Officers said, Thankfully only minor injuries however we need to trace the Staffy-type dog and its owner. The dog a black and white Staffy, and its owner ran away towards the direction of Mecca Bingo. The male who was with the dog is described as being white, short, was wearing a black hoodie, face mask and grey tracksuit bottoms. Our enquiries are underway, however, anybody who was in the area and who witnessed the incident, or anybody who may know who the dog owner is should contact us immediately on 101 or via our live web chat quoting reference number 20000528748. Any information can be called through to police via the 101 number, or via the NWP webchat facility here. Wales has hit back at Grant Shapps in the quarantine list row as its furious health minister claimed there was 'very clear advice' to add Portugal after devolved nations were accused of 'jumping the gun'. Vaughan Gething also said there had been a 'rising tide of infections' coming from the Greek islands and insisted the measure had been imposed to keep Wales safe. The Welsh Government on Thursday said travellers from Portugal, Gibraltar, French Polynesia and six Greek island from 4am on Friday would have to self-isolate for 14 days. The Azores and Madeira are exempt from the quarantine requirement, which applies to the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros, Antiparos and Crete. One holidaymaker in Crete slammed the Welsh Government's decision as 'an absolute joke' and said it was 'beyond sense that they are taking this approach'. It comes after Mr Shapps sparked a bitter row with Scotland and Wales after accusing them of quarantining Portugal and Greece because they had not inspected the data closely enough. But Mr Gething told the Today programme there had been 'very clear advice' from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, as well as a number of cases being imported into Wales. The Welsh Government on Tuesday advised passengers returning from Zakynthos to quarantine for two weeks and offered Covid-19 tests within 48 hours of their return, as well as eight days later. 'That was because in the week before we had over 30 cases from four different flights, two of which had landed in England,' Mr Gething told the BBC. 'On that flight which landed in Cardiff on Tuesday, there are over 20 direct cases - that's more than 10 per cent of that flight. 'Seeing a rising tide of infections coming in from that list of islands, having that direct experience in Wales and very clear advice about the higher risk to UK public health from the JBC, I did not feel that there was any course of action other than taking some form of action. 'It's not for me to explain why others haven't done that, but I'm very clear that we're following that advice and keeping Wales safe.' Vaughan Gething (pictured) said there had been a 'rising tide of infections' coming from the Greek islands and insisted the measure had been imposed to keep Wales safe The UK assesses quarantine measures on how many cases countries have reported in total over seven days, per 100,000 of population. The rough threshold for imposing controls is 20 Portugal has been above the trigger threshold for UK quarantine measures for the past few days - but Grant Shapps said they were also looking at the proportion of tests that come back positive, and that had fallen Scotland and Wales have imposed restrictions on Greece, even though the case rates are still relatively low An exclusive poll for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found just 24 per cent believe the quarantine system is working, while 48 per cent say it is not Amid rising anger from bewildered holidaymakers that the system amounts to 'roulette', Transport Secretary Mr Shapps conceded starkly different approaches within the UK were 'confusing'. But he insisted the Westminster government had assessed the best evidence and concluded that Portugal was still low-risk, and swiped at Scotland for decreeing that travellers from Greece must self-isolate this week before even seeing the latest data. He said Welsh minister might not have 'noticed' that the proportion of tests coming back positive in Portugal had fallen. However, the Scottish government lashed back by accusing Mr Shapps of 'jumping the gun' by announcing a decision before the nations had discussed the situation. Mr Shapps also hinted that the government could take a more regional approach in future, and admitted that airport testing - demanded by many to save the aviation industry - could cut the 14-day quarantine period in half. No10 dodges over advice on Portugal No10 today dodged questions over whether it followed scientific advice in deciding not to add Portugal and Greece to the quarantine list. Downing Street did not deny that the advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) was that travel from Portugal and the six Greek islands restricted by Wales presents a risk of spreading coronavirus. Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said Wales was acting 'in line with' the risk assessments from the JBC in imposing a 14-day quarantine on arrivals from those areas. A No 10 spokesman repeatedly declined to comment on what the JBC advice was but when pressed whether he disputes Mr Gething's assessment, the spokesman said: 'No. 'Ministers assess the data which is provided by JBC and the JBC risk assessments are assessed by ministers.' Advertisement The desperate defence came amid growing evidence that the public is losing patience with the regime. An exclusive poll for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found just 24 per cent believe it is working, while 48 per cent say it is not. Most third wanting more countries added to the safe list. Expectations had been growing for days that Portugal would be added to the quarantine roll this week after the total weekly cases per 100,000 of population rose above the UK's trigger threshold of 20. Mr Shapps had previously indicated that this was the main metric the government would look at to impose restrictions. But last night, he announced that there would be no change - pointing out that the proportion of tests coming back positive still remained low. The move left some holidaymakers complaining that they had been forced to come home early unnecessarily to avoid quarantine, while others had stayed on and were caught out by the change in the nations. The Cabinet minister took thinly-veiled swipes at Wales and Scotland for their action today. Scotland and Wales are imposing 14 days of isolation on arrivals from Portugal. Scotland is also including Greece on its quarantine list, while Wales added seven Greek islands. On a visit to an HS2 site in Solihull today, Boris Johnson said the different devolved administrations have 'different rates of infectivity' and approaches to the crisis. 'But overwhelmingly the UK is proceeding as one,' he said. 'I think you will find if you dig below the surface of some of the surface differentiations you will find overwhelmingly the UK takes the same approach.' Mr Shapps told Sky News: 'I do realise it creates confusion for people not to have a single rule, but we do have this devolved approach throughout the United Kingdom and I can only be responsible for the English part of that.' He said that Welsh ministers 'had not perhaps noticed or seen' that the proportion of positive tests had fallen in Portugal, as the overall number of tests were up. And Mr Shapps claimed that Scotland had taken steps against Greece earlier this week without waiting to see the latest data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre. He said the UK Government's review concluded no changes were necessary partly because test positivity in Portugal came down while the number of cases overall in Greece had fallen. Shapps admits airport testing could halve quarantine period Grant Shapps today admitted that introducing coronavirus testing at airports could halve the 14-day quarantine period. The Transport Secretary told Sky News the government was not 'ignoring' desperate pleas from the aviation sector. 'I know that airport testing is one of those things that sounds so logical. You come in, you get a test, perhaps one of these very quick test and you are free not to quarantine,' he said. 'The problem we have, and this is what I am working with airports on at the moment, and the industry, is that a day zero test as you get home is unlikely to find the vast majority of people who have travelled with coronavirus but are asymptomatic 'There are arguments about this, but PHE say that would perhaps pick up just seven per cent of people who are in fact positive, and allow those people to sort of go off. 'So you probably have to have some kind of quarantine period in here, perhaps seven or eight days, maybe a test then. 'But these are the things that we are working through at the moment.' Mr Shapps also said there was an 'argument' for judging islands separately from mainland countries. 'I think there is an argument for regionalising it but having said that actually the islands (in Spain) now wouldn't be fine. 'But it is fluid and I do accept there is space to look at those types of things.' Advertisement 'If you test more people, of course your number of positives per 100,000 would be more just as a product of having tested more people,' he said. 'We don't want to penalise a country for doing the right thing, what we're additionally interested in is how many of those tests were actually positive. 'So it's getting that and in addition how it's been treated, how fast it's moving and whether the government in that country has a plan in place and many other factors that have to do with it.' The Scottish Government said it was 'unfortunate' that Westminster announced its quarantine decision before ministers from across the UK considered the latest data showing a 'significant rise' in cases in Portugal. A spokesman said: 'In the case of Greece, we had a worrying number of people in Scotland who tested positive for Covid-19 and who had returned from Greece within seven days of the onset of symptoms. The Scottish Government could not afford to ignore that growing threat to public health. 'In the case of Portugal, it was unfortunate that the UK Government announced their decision yesterday before ministers from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland met and before considering the latest Joint Biosecurity Centre data. This indicated a significant rise in both the prevalence of the virus in Portugal and in test positivity. 'As ministers have said repeatedly, we are in the midst of a global pandemic and the situation in many countries can change suddenly. Therefore, people should think very hard before committing to non-essential travel abroad.' Downing Street did not deny that the advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) was that travel from Portugal and the six Greek islands restricted by Wales presents a risk of spreading coronavirus. Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said Wales was acting 'in line with' the risk assessments from the JBC in imposing a 14-day quarantine on arrivals from those areas. A No 10 spokesman repeatedly declined to comment on what the JBC advice was but when pressed whether he disputes Mr Gething's assessment, the spokesman said: 'No. 'Ministers assess the data which is provided by JBC and the JBC risk assessments are assessed by ministers.' Mr Shapps said testing at airports is not a 'silver bullet solution' to end quarantining and the 'vast majority' of asymptomatic cases would not be detected by one test alone. But he told Sky News they were not 'ignoring' calls for testing at airports - and it could potentially slash the quarantine period in half. 'I know that airport testing is one of those things that sounds so logical. You come in, you get a test, perhaps one of these very quick test and you are free not to quarantine,' he said. 'The problem we have, and this is what I am working with airports on at the moment, and the industry, is that a day zero test as you get home is unlikely to find the vast majority of people who have travelled with coronavirus but are asymptomatic 'There are arguments about this, but PHE say that would perhaps pick up just seven per cent of people who are in fact positive, and allow those people to sort of go off. 'So you probably have to have some kind of quarantine period in here, perhaps seven or eight days, maybe a test then. 'But these are the things that we are working through at the moment.' Mr Shapps also said there was an 'argument' for judging islands separately from mainland countries. 'I think there is an argument for regionalising it but having said that actually the islands (in Spain) now wouldn't be fine. 'But it is fluid and I do accept there is space to look at those types of things.' There had been speculation that Westminster would reimpose the requirement on Portugal due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, leading many holidaymakers to pay hundreds of pounds to fly home this week. Jonathan Lake with his son. The Welsh father-of-two whose family will have to self-isolate for 14 days after remaining out in Greece has branded the inconsistency between Westminster and Cardiff 'an absolute joke' In a round of interviews today, Grant Shapps admitted the government's coronavirus quarantine rules cause 'confusion' after England kept Portugal on the safe list - despite Scotland and Wales imposing curbs In Wales, the need to isolate for 14 days when arriving from Portugal, Gibraltar and seven Greek islands came into force at 4am on Friday. In Scotland, passengers arriving from Portugal will have to quarantine from 4am on Saturday, as well as those arriving from French Polynesia. Scotland began requiring travellers from anywhere in Greece to enter quarantine from Thursday. There were 23 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in Portugal in the seven days to Wednesday, up from 15.3 a week earlier. A seven-day rate of 20 is the threshold above which the UK Government has considered triggering quarantine conditions. Industry leaders and holidaymakers criticised the Government, saying travellers are 'totally confused' by the different approaches in Westminster and the devolved administrations. Critics have labelled the system 'quarantine roulette'. Kelly Jones and her family changed their flights home from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday at a cost of 900 to avoid a potential quarantine, because she did not want her children to miss two weeks of school. The 45-year-old from Birmingham said the situation was 'absolutely disgusting', telling the PA news agency: 'The Government just change the goalposts left, right and centre at the moment. It's embarrassing.' Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy the PC Agency, said: 'The quarantine policy is in tatters and dividing the United Kingdom. 'Consumers are totally confused by the different approaches and it's impossible to understand the Government's own criteria any more on when to add or remove a country.' It came as figures showed the number of close contacts of people who tested positive for Covid-19 being reached through Test and Trace was at its lowest since the system was launched. Thursday also saw the highest daily total of virus cases since June 4, with 1,735 positive results in the 24 hours to 9am. Kosovo will recognize Israel, and Serbia will move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, President Trump announced Friday after he oversaw a breakthrough agreement to normalize economic relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovan prime minister Avdullah Hoti inked the Belgrade-Pristina deal during a joint visit to the White House on Thursday, more than a decade after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. Today, I am pleased to announce yet another historic commitment, Trump said in a statement. Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalization. After a violent and tragic history and years of failed negotiations, my Administration proposed a new way of bridging the divide. By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a real breakthrough on economic cooperation across a broad range of issues. The president also announced that Kosovo, a mainly Muslim country that had not previously recognized Israel, would establish diplomatic relations with the Jewish state soon and that Serbia is aiming to move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, as the U.S. has done, by July 2021. It has taken tremendous bravery by President Vucic of Serbia and Prime Minister Hoti of Kosovo to embark on these talks and to come to Washington to finalize these commitments, Trump said. By doing so, they have made their countries, the Balkans, and the world safer. I look forward to seeing Serbia and Kosovo prosper as we work together on economic cooperation in the region going forward. Vucic said the countries havent resolved all our problems, but this is a huge step forward. This is a great moment for the region, Hoti said The agreement comes weeks after Trump announced a deal to open up relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. More from National Review American Airlines will begin seasonal nonstop flights between Bismarck and Phoenix in November, opening up a new hub opportunity during the winter travel months for residents of the capital city and the surrounding region. Separately, the Bismarck Airport has received $12.4 million in grant money from the Federal Aviation Administration for infrastructure improvements. The daily flights from Bismarck to Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport begin Nov. 5 and are expected to continue through April 5, 2021. The flights from Bismarck will depart at 6:50 a.m. and arrive at 8:50 a.m. Flights will depart from Phoenix at 2:40 p.m. and arrive in Bismarck at 6:30 p.m. They will be on 65-seat CRJ-700 regional jets. Allegiant Air also flies between Bismarck and Phoenix. "Travelers from across the region will now have two airline options for nonstop flights from Bismarck to the Phoenix metro area," Bismarck Airport Director Greg Haug said. "This is fantastic news for business and leisure travelers from central and western North Dakota." American Airlines also is adding back a second flight between Bismarck and Dallas-Fort Worth starting Sept. 11. Travelers also can fly to Denver, Minneapolis and Las Vegas from Bismarck, on various airlines. FAA grant The $12.4 million from the FAA will be used for a fifth project in a series of water management improvements and wetland mitigation. "This enables the airport to continue to perform much-needed drainage improvements, which will reduce wildlife attractants and move groundwater away from the airport's new runway," Haug said. The work will be done next year. Officials announced earlier this year that the Bismarck airport would get $20.3 million as part of $85 million in aid to 53 North Dakota airports through the federal CARES Act economic rescue package. That money is to support continuing operations and replace lost revenue from lower passenger traffic and other business. Airline passenger numbers in North Dakota are continuing a slow rebound from last spring's coronavirus-related historic low, though boardings in July still were less than half what they were the previous year. The decline in Bismarck was 61%. Year-to-date boardings in Bismarck in July were down about 50%. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijani Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Kerim Veliyev and Russian First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov have discussed the military cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting held at the Headquarters of the Naval Forces of Azerbaijan, Veliyev stressed that the presidents of the two countries have played an important role in the establishment of Azerbaijani-Russian relations. He added that this cooperation is developing on the basis of mutual trust. The sides also discussed cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia in the military and military-technical spheres and stressed the importance of its further strengthening. Furthermore, referring to the military-political situation in the region, the Azerbaijani deputy defence minister pointed out that the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains major threat to peace and stability in the region. Veliyev emphasized the importance of the settlement the conflict within the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, on the basis of the norms and principles of international law. In turn, thanking the leadership of Azerbaijan for the high level of organization of the "Sea Cup" contest and hospitality, Tsalikov emphasized that, Azerbaijan and Russia are strategic partners linked by historical roots. He added that such meetings also play an important role in the development of relations between the two countries. At the meeting, the sides also noted the significance of the "Sea Cup" contest held in Azerbaijan as part of the International Army Games - 2020. It should be noted that the Russian military delegation headed by Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu visited Azerbaijan on August 24 to inaugurate the "Sea Cup" contest held in Azerbaijan as part of the International Army Games - 2020. The Russian delegation was received by President Ilham Aliyev on August 24 who said that the Sea Cup contest will help strengthen cooperation between the participating countries. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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 seems that Democrats can't keep from making fools of themselves. The Democrats vs. William Barr hearing was the most despicable thing I've ever witnessed. They wait for months to get him before them to answer questions. Then they won't let him answer a single one. They were rude, crude, devoid of any manners and the hatred spewed out of them like they were possessed by the devil. It was obvious they got together beforehand and rehearsed. Each one said the same thing: "I'm reclaiming my time," the minute he opened his mouth to answer. They are like a cult. Heaven forbid that one of them could ever have an independent thought. They weren't interested in getting answers to their questions. They were afraid he might actually have good answers. They got him there to humiliate him, but all they did was humiliate themselves. If they spent as much time doing the people's business as they do harassing and obstructing President Donald Trump, we would be better off. Mr Eric Nuamah Ampofo, Assistant Director of Education in the Asene Manso Akroso District has urged parents to monitor their children to follow the Ghana Learning Radio Programme presented by Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Monday to Saturday, to improve their academic standards during their stay at home. The Ghana Education Service (GES) in collaboration with GBC and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) initiated the Ghana Learning Radio Programme this year, to cater for pupils at basic one-three, which includes storytelling and games. Mr Ampofo gave the advice during a Social Auditing programme organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at Batabi in the Asene Manso Akroso District, in the Eastern Region. Mr Maxwell Botwe Nkansah, District Director for NCCE said, the Social Auditing helped the citizens to identify the most pressing needs of their communities and be part of the solutions to facilitate development. Barima Oppong Kyekyeku II, Chief of Batabi said, the town was in dire need of a Community Health Planning Service (CHPS) compound to lessen the burden of the people in the community who travelled long distances to access health care in another town. Later, a five - member Social Auditing Committee was inaugurated and tasked to work hard to ensure that the CHPS compound was established. 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 Talking about the India-China border conflict, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla on Friday said that business between the two countries could not go on as usual unless there was peace in the border areas. Shringla said that the conflict was an unprecedented situation, unlike any seen since 1962. We have lost the lives of our soldiers for the first time, which has not happened in the last 40 years," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar. Our businesses cant go on as usual, unless theres peace in our border areas. Normal bilateral relationship will be affected," he said, two days after the Indian government banned 118 mostly-Chinese mobile applications, including the popular online multiplayer game PUBG, after a fresh round of border confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh. Shringla said there was a linkage between what was happening on the border and the nations larger relationship. It is evident," he said. As far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Shringla. At the same time, he added that India, as a responsible nation, is always willing to talk. Our communication lines are open," he said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said he was convinced that a solution for the ongoing border conflict between India and China would only be found through the domain of diplomacy. Jaishankar had said neither party should change the status quo unilaterally, on a day when India accused China of effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. According to him, it was vital that the countries reached an accommodation. The world has a lot riding on it," he had said. The tension between the two sides had escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. For Subscribers Senate votes to increase Partners in Education tax credit program Senators voted to increase the amount of money the Partners in Education tax credit program can give out for scholarships to private school students. 186 cases and 3 deaths due to COVID-19 were confirmed on Friday during the City of Laredo's daily coronavirus update. Since the emergence of the virus, 11,828 people have tested positive. In total, 250 deaths have been reported. The three deaths reported today occurred at Laredo hospitals, according to Laredo Health Authority Dr. Victor Trevino. A woman in her late 70s died on Thursday. A man in his mid 40 and a woman in her late 30s died on Friday. Hospitalizations, which saw a decrease yesterday, remained steady. 116 people, one less than yesterday, are currently under treatment at Laredo hospitals. 59 people remain under intensive care. Though the news offers a glimmer of hope, Trevino urged citizens to remain vigilant amid the pandemic. "Hospital numbers are stable, and have been going down," he said. "We're not totally under control, we have to be cognizant of that. We have reached a plateau at this point but we have to be aware of what's coming." Trevino said the city has reached the tail end of the first wave of the virus, with deaths and cases decreasing steadily. However, the second wave of COVID-19, which is expected to coincide with flu season, is still ahead of us. As of noon Friday, 38,826 tests for the novel coronavirus have been performed in Laredo. An estimated 10,717 people have recovered from previous infections. Though today marks the last day of the free testing clinic at the Sames Auto Arena, testing will continue next week at the Webb County Pavilion, according to county Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Landin. Testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until the clinic's daily testing capacity of 600 tests is met. No appointment is necessary and residents that would like to get tested need only provide a valid I.D., a phone number and address. SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - El Salvador President Nayib Bukele denied a report Friday that his government has been negotiating with one of the countrys most powerful gangs to lower the murder rate and win their support in mid-term elections in exchange for prison privileges. The allegation is highly sensitive in the Central American nation, where the gangs have terrorized people with extortion and killings for years. Multiple former officials from previous administrations are currently being prosecuted for allegedly participating in a similar deal with the gangs. Attorney General Raul Melara, whose office is independent of the presidency, said in an interview with a local television show that his office would investigate the allegations reported by online media outlet El Faro. El Faro reported Friday that it had obtained a cache of government documents, including prison logs and prison intelligence reports, that show government officials have held ongoing negotiations with the MS-13 gang since June 2019. Bukele responded with a storm of denials from his Twitter account. If true, the allegations would be a severe blow to Bukele who campaigned as a law-and-order president and has sought to reinforce that image through tough talk and actions while in office. In April, after several days of street violence in which more than 60 people were killed, Bukele ordered that members of rival gangs be mixed within cells, had sheet metal installed to seal cells so inmates couldnt communicate with those outside and circulated photographs of dozens of gang members stripped to underpants and forced to sit straddling each other on the floor. Stop killing immediately or you and your homeboys will be the ones who pay the consequences, he said in a tweet at the time. They are close to you, to your homes, to your hideouts, you have a few hours. Bukele referred to those actions Friday to suggest the allegations that he was negotiating with a gang were absurd, even linking to statements of concern about his harsh actions from the United Nations and Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. He said his critics had invented a novel with the story after exhausting other attacks against him. Bukele won election in 2019 as a candidate from neither of the two historically dominant parties although he rose through the ranks of one of them. During his first year in office, he earned recognition as El Salvadors notorious murder rate began to fall. Some expressed suspicions that the decline killings indicated an agreement with the new administration. In 2012, the government of President Mauricio Funes allegedly reached a similar agreement with the gangs. In July of this year, a court ordered house arrest for retired Gen. David Munguia Payes, who had served as defence minister in that administration and allegedly took part in the negotiations. Funes, who fled to Nicaragua and received asylum there, has denied negotiating with the gangs. On Friday, Melara, the attorney general, said on a local news show, There are politicians and ex-politicians prosecuted for negotiations with the gangs. Rumours have arisen that this situation is happening again and we are going to investigate. No one can take advantage of the institutionality to negotiate with terrorists. Security consultant Luis Contreras said if the documents are real, he would want to know exactly what was negotiated. He welcomed Malaras promise of an investigation because that way we can see whether the institutionality is working in the country. Jeannette Aguilar, lead researcher for a security analysis program co-ordinated by Central American University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said Friday that there were signs suggesting negotiations with the gangs. The report Friday verifies that there is a negotiation just like in previous governments to reduce homicides in exchange for various benefits to the gangs, Aguilar said. The important thing is that this time they dont wait for several years to pass and the officials leave their positions, but rather the Attorney Generals Office activate the legal mechanisms to investigate these cases and determine responsibility, she said. Amid allegations of sexual misconduct, aired on social media this week, Akhilesh Gundecha, a noted pakhawaj artiste, stepped down from his position at the Dhrupad Sansthan. Months after the death of its leading proponent, Ramakant Gundecha one half of the vocalist duo known as the Gundecha Brothers, along with his older sibling Umakant Dhrupad Sansthan, the residential Bhopal music institute they made famous, is embroiled in a controversy. Amid allegations of sexual misconduct, aired on social media this week, the third Gundecha brother, Akhilesh, a noted pakhawaj artiste, stepped down from his position at the Dhrupad Sansthan. The institution told Firstpost that an internal committee is investigating the charges made. The misconduct allegations were shared on Facebook by an Amsterdam-based yoga teacher who said she had been learning music at Dhrupad Sansthan. Firstpost is not identifying the woman or quoting from her Facebook post as she had not yet provided permission to do so, or responded to our request for comment, at the time of publishing this report. In her Facebook post the woman notes that she is not speaking alone, but along with several other students of the Dhrupad Sansthan, who have reportedly faced varying degrees of physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Also read TM Krishna on #MeToo in Indian classical arts: Halo around artists has given them licence to abuse The post contains wide-ranging allegations of harassment against both Akhilesh and the late Ramakant Gundecha, and that the traditions of the guru-shishya parampara were subverted to create a culture where the students lived in fear of reprisals unless they acceded to demands for sexual favours and kept silent. According to the statement posted on Facebook, the misconduct occurred over a span of several years, and ended with a demand for the dismissal of Akhilesh Gundecha from all internal and external functions related to the Dhrupad Sansthan. A statement shared with Firstpost by Umakant Gundecha on behalf of the Dhrupad Sansthan read: In light of the allegations levelled against him, without dwelling into the merits of these allegations, Akhilesh Gundecha has voluntarily withdrawn himself from all the activities of Dhrupad Sansthan. Dhrupad Sansthan has instituted an internal committee for redressal and prohibition of all the issues on sexual harassment, w.e.f. 3 September 2020. The committee shall look into the complaints brought into their notice and strive to deliver justice. A copy of the statement can be accessed here This isnt the first allegation of sexual harassment against a leading figure in Indian classical music. Over October and November 2018, as the second wave of the #MeToo movement swept through social media timelines, several prominent musicians were accused of misconduct. The Madras Music Academy, the premier sabha in Chennai, dropped seven artistes from its prestigious December festival as a response to #MeToo allegations against them. Islamabad, Sep 4 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is unlikely to return to the country by September 10 to face cases against him as his surgery in London is said to take place this month, the media reported on Friday. "Sharif's treatment in London is scheduled in a couple of weeks. How can he return home leaving his treatment in midway? Neither the Sharif family nor the party is ready to compromise on his health and they want him to return after completion of his treatment," an informed source told Dawn news on Thursday. He said the Sharif family had been in consultation with its legal team and weighing options like filing an appeal against the court's decision (directing him to return by September 10) or submitting 'fresh medical reports and upcoming treatment schedule' on next hearing of the case. The source further said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwarts had also requested the former premier "get well first" before making up his mind to return home to face cases and take part in politics. PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif has also hinted at no "immediate plan to return". Last week, the Islamabad High Court had directed the three-time former premier to appear before the court and surrender to the authorities by September 10 or face legal proceedings for absconsion, Dawn news reported. Nawaz Sharif had left for London in November 2019 after the Lahore High Court granted him a four-week permission to go abroad for his treatment. He had submitted an undertaking to the court citing his record of facing the law and justice that he would return within four weeks or as soon as he was declared healthy and fit to travel by doctors. Illustration depicts a faithful reproduction of Johannes Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring" using millions of nanopillars that control both the color and intensity of incident light. Credit: T. Xu/Nanjing University By shining white light on a glass slide stippled with millions of tiny titanium dioxide pillars, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and their collaborators have reproduced with astonishing fidelity the luminous hues and subtle shadings of "Girl With a Pearl Earring," Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer's masterpiece. The approach has potential applications in improving optical communications and making currency harder to counterfeit. For example, by adding or dropping a particular color, or wavelength, of light traveling in an optical fiber, scientists can control the amount of information carried by the fiber. By altering the intensity, researchers can maintain t the brightness of the light signal as it travels long distances in the fiber. The approach might also be used to "paint" paper money with small but intricate color details that a counterfeiter would have great difficulty forging. Other scientists have previously used tiny pillars, or nanopillars, of varying sizes to trap and emit specific colors when illuminated with white light. The width of the nanopillars, which are about 600 nanometers in height, or less than one-hundredth the diameter of a human hair, determines the specific color of light that a pillar traps and emits. For a demanding test of such a technique, researchers examined how well the nanopillars reproduced the colors of a familiar painting, such as the Vermeer. Although several teams of researchers had successfully arranged millions of nanopillars whose sizes were tailored to transmit red, green or blue light to create a specific palette of output colors, the scientists had no way to control the intensity of those colors. The intensity, or brightness, of colors determines an image's light and shadowits chiaroscuro and enhances the ability to convey impressions of perspective and depth, a signature feature of Vermeer's work. Now, by fabricating nanopillars that not only trap and emit specific colors of light but also change its polarization by varying degrees, the NIST researchers and their collaborators from Nanjing University in China have for the first time demonstrated a way to control both color and intensity. The researchers, who include Amit Agrawal and Wenqi Zhu of NIST and the University of Maryland in College Park, and Henri Lezec of NIST, describe their findings in the September 20 issue of the journal Optica, posted online today. In their new work, the NIST team fabricated on a glass slide nanopillars of titanium dioxide that had an elliptical cross section rather than a circular one. Circular objects have a single uniform diameter, but elliptical objects have a long axis and a short axis. The researchers designed the nanopillars so that at different locations their long axis was more aligned or less aligned with the polarization of the incoming white light. (Polarized light is light whose electric field vibrates in a particular direction as it journeys across space.) If the nanopillar's long axis was exactly aligned with the direction of polarization of the incoming light, the polarization of the transmitted light was unaffected. But if the long axis was rotated by some anglefor instance 20 degreesrelative to the direction of polarization of the incoming light, the nanopillar rotated the polarization of the incident light by twice that anglein this case, 40 degrees. At each location on the glass slide, the orientation of a nanopillar rotated the polarization of the red, green or blue light it transmitted by a specific amount. Left: Schematic for generating a full-color nanopainting image. Insets show a constituent titanium dioxide nanopillar and a scanning electron microscope image of the fabricated nanopillars. False color shading indicates the primary colors generated by the nanopillars. Scale bar: 500 nm. Right: Experimental color image of Girl With a Pearl Earring generated under white-light illumination. Scale bar: 50 m. Credit: T. Xu/Nanjing University By itself, the rotation imparted by each nanopillar would not in any way alter the intensity of the transmitted light. But in tandem with a special polarizing filter placed on the back of the glass slide, the team achieved that goal. The filter was oriented so that it prevented any light that had retained its original polarization from passing through. (Sunglasses work in much the same way: The lenses act as vertically polarized filters, reducing the intensity of horizontally polarized glare.) That would be the case for any place on the glass slide where a nanopillar had left unaltered the polarization of the incident light. Such a region would project as a dark spot on a distant screen. In places where a nanopillar had rotated the polarization of the incident white light, the filter permitted a certain amount of the red, green or blue light to pass. The amount depended on the rotation angle; the greater the angle, the greater the intensity of the transmitted light. In this way, the team, for the first time, controlled both color and brightness. Once the NIST researchers had demonstrated the basic design, they created a digital copy of a miniature version of the Vermeer painting, about 1 millimeter long. They then used the digital information to guide the fabrication of a matrix of millions of nanopillars. The researchers represented the color and intensity of each picture element, or pixel, of the Vermeer by a group of five nanopillarsone red, two green and two blueoriented at specific angles to the incoming light. Examining the millimeter-size image that the team had created by shining white light through the nanopillars, the researchers found that they reproduced "Girl With the Pearl Earring" with extreme clarity, even capturing the texture of oil paint on canvas. "The quality of the reproduction, capturing the subtle color gradations and shadow details, is simply remarkable," said NIST researcher and study co-author Agrawal. "This work quite elegantly bridges the fields of art and nanotechnology." To construct the nanopillars, Agrawal and his colleagues first deposited a layer of an ultrathin polymer on glass, just a few hundred nanometers thick. Using an electron beam like a miniature drill, they then excavated an array of millions of tiny holes of varying dimensions and orientations in the polymer. Then, using a technique known as atomic layer deposition, they backfilled these holes with titanium dioxide. Finally, the team etched away all of the polymer surrounding the holes, leaving behind millions of tiny pillars of titanium dioxide. The dimension and orientation of each nanopillar represented, respectively, the hue and brightness of the final millimeter-size image. The nanopillar technique can easily be adapted to transmit specific colors of light, with particular intensities, to communicate information through an optical fiber, or to imprint a valuable item with a miniature, multihued identification mark that would be hard to replicate. More information: Pengcheng Huo et al, Photorealistic full-color nanopainting enabled by a low-loss metasurface, Optica (2020). Journal information: Optica Pengcheng Huo et al, Photorealistic full-color nanopainting enabled by a low-loss metasurface,(2020). DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.403092 This story is republished courtesy of NIST. Read the original story here. ROCHESTER, N.Y. Daniel Prude appeared to be spiraling into crisis in the hours before police handcuffed him on a city street in March, then pinned the naked man face down. The 41-year-old had been thrown off a train the day before for disruptive behavior. He was sent to a hospital for a mental health evaluation after he was said to have expressed suicidal thoughts. Prude apparently stopped breathing as police in Rochester, New York, were restraining him and died when he was taken off life support a week later. Prudes death and the actions of the police officers who covered the mans head with a spit hood during the confrontation have intensified the debate over whether police should be responding to calls about people suffering mental health crises. Activists who have marched nightly in this city by Lake Ontario since police body camera videos of the encounter were released Wednesday say more needs to be done to hold the city accountable and to help others like Prude. That was was a distress call for help, said his older brother, Joe Prude. He wanted somebody to grab him up and help him, not sit here and mock him and taunt him, laugh at him like a piece of meat. And thats what they did. A union leader on Friday defended the officers involved in the encounter, saying they were strictly following department training and protocols, including using the mesh hood to stop Prude from spitting. To me, it looks like they were watching the training in front of them and doing step by step what the training says to do, said Michael Mazzeo, president of the Locust Club. If theres a problem with that, lets change it. Family members insisted the man seen shouting in muffled anguish does not capture the loving one they knew. Prude lived in Chicago, and relatives said he worked at a bakery and a factory. They said he was generous and liked playing basketball and Call of Duty. His 18-year-old daughter Tashyra Prude said he was happy the last time she saw him on March 18. Its painful beyond words for people to know him as just a man on the video because there was so much more to him, Tashyra Prude said in an interview. The man on a video is presented as helpless and in need of support. But the man that I knew prior to that was not like that. My father was always energetic. He was happy-go-lucky. He was the person that made everybody laugh. Prude had been behind bars several times over the decades. Chicago Police reported 37 arrests and nine convictions since 1995, eight for drug- and alcohol-related charges and one for burglary. Police said there was nothing on his record suggesting he was particularly violent. In most of the cases, Illinois Department of Corrections records show that he was paroled out of prison after serving less than a year. Just before his encounter with police, he was living with his sister in Chicago, but was having mental health problems for the first time in his life, so he headed east to his brothers house in Rochester, said attorney Elliot Shields, who is representing Joe Prude. But he was thrown off the train at a station about an hour short of Rochester. Joe Prude had to pick his brother up at a shelter in Buffalo. Daniel Prude began acting out at his brothers house, going under furniture, jumping down stairs head-first and accusing his relatives of wanting to kill him. He was taken to a hospital that evening for a mental health evaluation, though he was released a few hours later, according to police reports and body camera videos. He seemed fine when he got back but then suddenly bolted from his brothers house. I dont know if he was playing with me the whole time, Joe Prude told an officer who responded to his call. He worried his younger brother was under the influence of PCP and might hurt himself. Joe Prude said his brother left the house wearing no shoes and no coat, just a tank top and long johns on a cold night. Police found him naked just after 3 a.m. on a commercial street blocks from his brothers house. Police videos show Prude sitting on the street, hands cuffed behind his back. He repeatedly shouts for a gun, prays to Jesus, and asks the officers to let him get up. An ambulance is summoned to the scene. Just as it arrives, police cover Prudes head with a hood designed to protect them from being spit on. Prude is enraged and demands that they take it off. When he tries to stand, he is shoved down. One apparently white officer holds his head down against the pavement urging Prude to calm down. Another officer places a knee on his back. Prudes anguish cries become muffled under the hood and fade into whimpering. He appears to vomit and grows still. He feels pretty cold, says one officer. Temperatures hovered around freezing that morning and a light snow was falling. At no point do police cover his body. A medical examiner concluded that Prudes death was a homicide caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint. The report lists excited delirium and acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP, as contributing factors. New York Attorney General Letitia James office is investigating, as is typical is such cases. Seven Rochester police officers involved were suspended Thursday by the citys mayor. Mazzeo said officers deal far too often with these types of situations and need more help. Demonstrators have taken to the streets of this city of 210,000 three nights in a row. Officers on Friday night, as they had the night before, doused activists at police headquarters with a chemical spray to drive them from barricades around the building. As the night wore on, demonstrators were pushed further back, as police fired what appeared to be pepper balls. Fireworks were shot off and a bus stop was set on fire. Community activists earlier Friday decried those tactics. Additionally, some are calling for legislation that would ensure mental health professionals respond to mental health emergencies. We do not need violent workers with guns to respond to mental health crises, Stanley Martin, an organizer of Free the People Rochester, told reporters. ___ Hill reported from Albany, New York. AP reporters Don Babwin and Teresa Crawford contributed from Chicago. China and probably one or two other countries can shut down the U.S. power grid through a cyberattack. This disturbing revelation was made by Admiral Michael Rogers, former head of the National Security Agency, to Congress in November 2014. China has also become the worlds leading supplier of transformers the spine of electricity grids -- according to a 2014 U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) report. This also presents significant challenges to U.S. grid security. For economic and security reasons, the United States should no longer purchase transformers and other electric grid equipment manufactured in China. It is important to end relationships that U.S. utilities have directly with Chinese businesses and multi-national companies manufacturing transformers in China. These actions are envisioned under a May 1 Executive Order President Trump issued on protecting the bulk-power grid. Chinese power equipment provided to the U.S. can be embedded with software and hardware to remotely commit mischief from Beijing, enhancing its ability to commit cyberattacks. Such items will not be easy to find. Large power transformers are huge, and weigh between 100 and 400 tons. There is also a hardware risk. Counterfeit items are common throughout China and can easily be put into large power transformers, knowingly or unwittingly. Even if China is not presently doing this, the potential risks are too high. Meanwhile, Chinese transformer manufacturers are thriving. On its website, JiangSu HuaPeng Transformer Co. (JSHP Transformer) boasts that it has recently completed projects for customers in Houston, Las Vegas, and New Jersey. On August 5, Baobian Electric shipped the first of three phase reactors to the New Mexico Public Utilities Service Company. TBEA Transformer Industrial Group advertises it exports its products to over 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Its only jobs created in the U.S. appear to be with a sales office in Southern California. In its 2014 report DoE found that six domestic manufacturers accounted for all power transformers produced in the United States, whereas more than 30 power transformer manufacturers existed in China. U.S. manufacturers were able to meet less than 40 percent of annual U.S. demand. Since 2009, the U.S. has become highly dependent on Chinese transformers. In 2019, Charles Durant, deputy director of counterintelligence at DoE said, There have been over 200 Chinese transformers that have come into the U.S. energy sector in the last 10 years. Before that, there were zero. There is simply no tariff that is high enough for the United States to impose on Chinese-made transformers and key electrical equipment, given the monumental damage they can cause. It is not just the electrical system that is at risk but other key infrastructure that depends on the power grid, such as water filtration plants, hospitals, and manufacturing plants. Many U.S. electric utilities and others involved with the grid have raised howls about how difficult it will be to identify and address foreign components in the grid. Yet, there has been a process by which information can be provided to the DoE as it evaluates specific regulations. And for more than a century the U.S. did not depend on China to keep our electricity running. The need to scrutinize existing Chinese made items and prevent further purchases from China and other hostile countries, including Russia, is common sense. It will also be good for the U.S. economy. We must also continue and accelerate vigorous work to prevent electric grid cyberattacks. This should include stricter standards from the North American Reliability Corporation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Moodys and other credit ratings are taking notice of cyber practices and increased attention to this will be helpful for investors and all Americans. In the United States, world-class companies such as Raytheon, BAE Systems and Sierra Nevada Corp. are among those with cyber-fighting expertise. It will also be important for the utility industry to share information more readily and for government to oversee, if not mandate, such best practices. Beyond the serious near-term challenges, there is great opportunity. America will need an abundance of transformers in the next 20 years as the electric grid is modernized. And, with billions of people lacking sufficient electricity around the world, there is an opportunity to again make this an export market for the United States. Revitalizing and on-shoring Americas transformer and electric grid component industry makes us safer and our economy stronger. America should aim to lead the world in transformer manufacturing within the next six years, to complement our cyber protection leadership. Paul Steidler is a Senior Fellow with the Lexington Institute, a public policy think tank based in Arlington, Virginia. 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The impact has already started to surface in several sectors like education, agriculture, real estate, stocks and so on. Of them, the hospitality industry is threatened the most. Small and mega tourism businesses are facing numerous difficulties. By the end of 2019, the global tourism industry had seen a record year for travel, now just a few months later, it could take even years for the industry to recover from all the losses. Nepal, where tourism was emerging as a leading economic activity, has also been hit hard by the global crisis, and it will take years to recover. The travel and tourism sector carries one in 10 of the worlds job. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the sector is estimated to lose 100 million jobs in 2020, overwhelmingly impacting countries in Asia. This will lead to a decline of 2.7 trillion dollars in the worlds travel and tourism GDP. It is estimated that the travel demand is unlikely to return to its normal pace until 2023. Income is not distributed to communities that need the most as there are no travellers buying tourism products and local goods. International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected that the passenger revenue for airlines was reduced by 314 billion dollars this year, which is a 55% drop as of 2019. As per flight24raddar.com, commercial flights are down to 63% in June compared to 2019. The aeroplanes are parked in hangars or are no longer in operation due to restrictions caused because of Covid-19. By regions, Asia Pacific has been the first region to suffer the impact of the pandemic as it saw a 60% decrease in arrivals in January 2020. Europe recorded a second strongest decline with 58% fewer arrivals followed by the Middle East (52%), the Americas and Africa, both by 47%. Covid-19 has a domino effect. It is smashing down the economy from the micro to the macro levels. Tourism and aviation industry has faced a great problem due to the global health crisis. One of the immediate problems that appeared is: people who were travelling or were about to travel got stuck on their destination and faced very difficult situations. Returning to their home country was also a long ordeal due to travel restrictions. Almost all countries around the globe have experienced a fall in the tourism sector due to Covid-19. Lets take one small developing country, Nepal, as an example. Though the country had planned to mark the year 2020 as the Visit Nepal Year, it was later called off due to the Covid-19 crisis. According to the data published by UNWTO, Nepal received 603,000 tourists in 2010, 940,000 tourists in 2017, 1,173,000 tourists in 2018 and 1,197,000 tourists in 2019. That trend could not continue this year. As eight months of the year have been over, Nepal has suffered the international tourist arrival downfall by 48%. Some months did not record even a single foreign tourist arrival this year. The number of tourists arriving in Nepal has a direct impact of the countrys economy. Nepal had earned USD 344 million in 2010, USD 639 million in 2017, USD 641 million in 2018 and USD 701 million in 2019. The increasing trend is sure to get a setback this year; the first quarter already saw a 27.7 per cent decline. Getting back to the old pace is fraught with challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic is far more than a health crisis. The pandemic has already challenged the worlds economy and the healthcare system. The resurgence of tourism may take longer than expected. The extent of the impact will depend on Covid-19 progression and a particular countrys ability to cope. Thus, there is a profound need for all stakeholders to take a farsighted view and plan how tourism can prosper in near future. Various countries and governments are making efforts to plan new forms of tourism and invest significantly in the sector as a means to boost their economy in the long-term. The government of Nepal also needs to have an efficient plan ready to roll out as soon as the rate of infection comes down. Silwal is a tourism entrepreneur and teacher. Lions with several of the recipients of school supplies. Honoring their mandate "TO SERVE, the members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG presented 20 less fortunate, deserving students with book bags filled with school supplies (books, stationery, etc.), on Tuesday, August 25th. The handing over ceremony, held at the Lions Club Building, Kingstown, marked the ninth year that the Club was making such a donation. An added feature of this years ceremony was a presentation on COVID-19 by Ms. Shanika John, Health Promotion Specialist in the Ministry of Health. Ms. John not only provided the students with the information needed for when they return to school, but also reached out to the parents who had accompanied the recipients of the donations. New Delhi: CBI on Thursday strongly rejected allegations by Rajendra Kumar, the former Principal Secretary to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, that its officers had threatened him of implicating the Aam Aadmi Party Chief. Kumar, who has been chargesheeted by the agency in a graft case, made the allegations in his letter to Delhi Chief Secretary seeking voluntary retirement. CBI said making such absolutely baseless allegations after filing of charge sheet is only an attempt to influence the matter which is subjudice.Central Bureau of Investigation strongly denies statement/news item published/telecast in certain sections of the media being attributed to Shri Rajender Kumar, IAS, CBI Spokesperson R K Gaur said. The allegation of Rajendra Kumar, which has incidentally come up after filing of the charge sheet, that witnesses/ accused in this case were threatened by CBI officers to implicate a political functionary, is absolutely baseless and denied, he said. Also Read: Was asked to implicate CM Kejriwal in graft case by CBI, alleges former Delhi principal secretary Gaur said the accused had the opportunity to bring before the court any instance of alleged physical assault when they were produced before judge but no such allegation was made.No such allegation was made at the relevant time, except one person, who also filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court, but had to withdraw the same after the court observed that he is trying to spoil the system and scaring away the probe agency which was widely reported in the media on May 3, 2016, he said. Gaur said making such baseless allegations at this moment, is only an attempt to influence the matter which is subjudice.His reaction came after Kumar sought voluntary retirement alleging that he was repeatedly told by CBI interrogators to implicate Chief Minister Kejriwal. In his letter to Delhi Chief Secretary, Kumar, a 1989 batch IAS officer, said, I was repeatedly told that I would be let free if I implicate Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Gaur said the allegations of Kumar helping M/s Endeavour System Pvt Ltd (ESPL) in getting IT related contracts from various Delhi Government Departments, wherever he was posted, were in public domain since June, 2015 and were made by then Secretary, Delhi Dialogue Commission. He said CBI registered the case in December, 2015 against Shri Rajendra Kumar and others under Prevention of Corruption Act, after due diligence. After investigating the case thoroughly for over a year,filed charge sheet against him and others in the court ofSpecial Judge, Patiala House Court on 03.12.2016. All the evidence gathered during the course of investigation againstRajendra Kumar and others have been put before the court, Gaur said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Sohum Shah puts an end to speculations around Tummbad 2, says he's working on another project Cred founder-CEO Kunal Shah Most second-time Indian entrepreneurs target the top 30-40 million customers because they know how difficult it is to monetise a business catering to everyone, Kunal Shah, founder and chief executive of fintech startup Cred, has told Moneycontrol. Cred is Shah's second venture after he sold Freecharge to Snapdeal in 2015 for $400 million. The company has positioned itself as a platform to reward customers with good credit scores. It helps them pay credit card bills and offers them vouchers and discount coupons for retail outlets. "They have all tried to go after hundreds of millions of customers and realised it's insanely hard to monetise people who do not have money," Shah told Moneycontrol during the podcast Setting Sail. Setting Sail podcast | Freecharge co-founder and CRED CEO Kunal Shah on how to become a second-time entrepreneur Indians, he said, make a huge mistake by comparing themselves to the Chinese. "Ninety percent of urban Chinese women work and the per capita income of urban China is significantly higher. For us to match Indonesia's per capita income, we will take 14 years to forget about China," he said. In India, barely 10 percent of the urban women work. The country has the lowest female participation of labour in Asia, lower than Pakistan and Bangladesh. This is also reflected in credit market 95 percent of all loans in India are taken by men. "A lot of these factors are just completely ignored. The question is there are 30-40 million customers...if you do not build good products for them, why go and chase these 500 million customers, which currently dont even have money," Shah said. The company claims to manage 12 percent of all the credit card bill payments in the country right now. It targets to get to the scale of 30-40 percent over the next 14 months. Founded two years ago, Cred has started to monetise its product only now. It recently launched a product allowing customers to pay their rent through credit cards. It has launched initiatives with small merchants where they are facilitating some commerce for them. The company, however, is not targeting profitability in the immediate future. "If you are going for the highest affluent segment and you are going for the highest consumption segment, as long as you're able to retain these customers and make them consume on the platform, revenue and profitability is something that can happen eventually," Shah said. "But at this point of time, the company is going to be solely focused on growing both revenue as well as scale of the company and prioritise profit once we have managed to get a significant market share of these customers." Credit card penetration in India has grown from 18 million in 2015 to 52 million with a monthly spending of $8.1 billion. It stood at $1.8 billion a month in 2015. A masked visitor takes in a collection by American painter Jasper Johns at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Thursday, Sept. 03, 2020. The museum reopened Thursday morning to members only after being closed due to the coronavirus. It will be open to the general public on Sunday. Read more A statistical model developed in part at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia helped officials across the United States stem the spread of the coronavirus this summer, the White Houses coronavirus task force coordinator said Thursday. Governors and local officials implemented restrictions that dramatically brought cases down after using the work from CHOP, which projected how the virus might spread once bars were closed, restaurants kept at 25% capacity, and gatherings limited to 10 people, said Deborah Birx, who spoke to reporters in Harrisburg on Thursday. The model proved really helpful to us, she said. And she praised Pennsylvanias response to the pandemic, saying the state has done a remarkable job in lowering coronavirus cases. Also Thursday, Temple University announced it would move almost all classes online for the rest of the semester because of a coronavirus outbreak among its students, at least 237 of whom have tested positive. As Municipal Court in Philadelphia opened for eviction proceedings, activists blocked the entrances, saying cases should be halted during the pandemic. Police detained and cited 17 protesters. And on the Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art reopened to members. The visit to Harrisburg by Birx, a Pennsylvania native and Carlisle High School graduate, was a part of a multi-state tour. After stopping in Pittsburgh earlier Thursday to meet with the local health department, she huddled behind closed doors with Gov. Tom Wolf and community health officials before briefly taking questions. Neither the governor nor other state officials commented on the meeting or attended the media briefing; Birx didnt directly address the skepticism over the Trump administrations suggestion that a vaccine could be ready by November, but said efficacy tests for some people participating in vaccine trials will start in mid-September. (The White Houses chief vaccine adviser told NPR on Thursday that it was extremely unlikely a vaccine would be ready by November.) With Labor Day weekend approaching, Birx said, people should continue to wear masks, socially distance, and avoid large gatherings. Together we need to get through the Labor Day weekend really protecting one another, so please, wear a mask, she said. Pennsylvania on Thursday reported 1,160 newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus, its highest daily count in more than a month. Health officials said the days numbers included high case counts in both the Pittsburgh and York areas, as well as in Philadelphia due to the outbreak at Temple University. READ MORE: Philadelphia police detain 17 protesters for blocking court entrance as eviction hearings resumed for a day On the first day of school for Philadelphia students, 82% of the public school systems roughly 125,000 pupils managed to log on and be marked present despite technical issues, Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said. The server issues that marred the first day for some largely have been resolved, Hite said. Though the districts information technology department had anticipated the crush of students and staff logging on, the server was overwhelmed Wednesday, delaying emails and limiting access for some to Chromebooks, Google Classroom, Zoom, and other tools. We did add significant capacity overnight, and it looks like the server is able to meet the need, Hite said at a Thursday news conference. The first days attendance numbers were higher than attendance generally was during Philadelphias remote learning in the spring. Still, an estimated 18,000 students remain without internet access. No-cost internet is available to families in partnership with the city and Comcast Corp., but Hite has said they are still working on getting families registered. Also Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health updated guidelines for nursing facilities: Residents of nursing homes can now receive visitors, including family members, friends, or volunteers, in limited situations if the visitors are deemed to be important caregivers by the facility. Visitors must test negative for the coronavirus within seven days of each visit, pass screening tests and wear masks at all times. Compassionate caregivers play an important role in improving a residents emotional, physical, and mental health, said Health Secretary Rachel Levine. The guidelines released by the state also included recommendations for testing employees and residents at skilled nursing facilities, with the frequency based on local case levels. Levine also said all nursing homes will soon receive antigen testing machines. READ MORE: Nursing home COVID-19 case, death data still missing from Pa.s public reports Wolf pushed again for the Pennsylvania legislature to legalize recreational cannabis, saying Thursday it could provide millions of dollars in much-needed revenue that could, in part, aid the pandemic economic recovery. Wolf also urged the legislature to pursue criminal justice reform policies for people previously convicted of cannabis-related offenses, a move he said could help Pennsylvanias workforce by eliminating previous conviction records. The governor has backed recreational legalization since September 2019, but Republicans, who control both houses of the legislature, have said they are not on board. READ MORE: Gov. Tom Wolf wants Pa. to legalize marijuana, provide more COVID-19 relief this fall New Jersey reported 455 new cases and nine deaths on Thursday. Authorities said they had suspended the COVID-19 expansion permit of a South Jersey restaurant, along with its liquor license, for throwing a raucous Fourth of July party in violation of state coronavirus orders. It is the first time the state has suspended a restaurants special coronavirus permit, which allows establishments to serve alcohol on sidewalks, patios, parking lots, and other outdoor areas outside their regularly licensed premises. Police were called to Il Portico Ristorante in Burlington City in the early morning hours July 4 and found a crowd of about 500 people, prosecutors said in a statement. The party was allegedly called a quarantine release party, and patrons were not wearing masks or social distancing. People were also being served indoors, though indoor dining was prohibited. And the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said it would seek to revoke the restaurants liquor license entirely after investigators on a follow-up visit during the suspension found the eatery still violating public health measures. The actions announced today put licensees on notice that they will be held accountable if they violate the safety measures in place to protect the public from the unnecessary risk of COVID-19 spread, said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. Staff writers Ellie Rushing and Erin McCarthy contributed to this article. Deputy PM Minh spoke highly of G20 countries efforts and contributions to the battle against the pandemic, and thanked them for supporting Vietnam to response to the outbreak and bring its citizens home safely. Vietnam, in its role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020, has worked closely with international partners to maintain cooperative activities, as well as proposed many initiatives to promote joint work in fighting the pandemic and recovering the economy, he said. Sharing ASEAN and Vietnams experience in the prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic, he laid stress on enhancing border management based on the premise of ensuring epidemic prevention and facilitating cross-border trade, investment and travel at the same time. Deputy PM Minh expressed his hope that the G20 members will join hands with international organisations and other countries to form a set of principles on cross-border management and international travel facilitation. All parties should share information and experience in ensuring health safety at border gates, apply technologies in detecting and tracing COVID-19 cases, while working together in vaccine development at rational costs, he added. At the event, leaders of major international organisations and foreign ministers of G20 countries and invited countries reiterated the commitment to international collaboration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic so as to lessen its impacts on the economy and support post-pandemic recovery. They said they will promote joint cooperation frameworks to enhance preparedness and response capacity for future medical crises. The special G20 foreign ministers conference took place amid the complex development of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world. It drew the participation of foreign ministers of G20 members and guest countries, along with leaders of international organisations such as the UN, WHO, WB and OECD. Vietnam was invited to attend the event in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN in 2020. TOKYO/WELLINGTON -- More than 40 crew members were missing after a ship carrying cattle from New Zealand to China capsized in stormy weather in the East China Sea, the Japanese coastguard said on Thursday. A lone crew member from the Gulf Livestock 1 had been rescued so far. Three vessels, four airplanes and two divers were taking part in the search, the coastguard said. The ship, with a cargo of nearly 6,000 cattle, sent a distress call from the west of Amami Oshima island in southwestern Japan on Wednesday as Typhoon Maysak lashed the area with strong winds and heavy seas. Sareno Edvarodo, a 45-year-old chief officer from the Philippines, was rescued on Wednesday night, Japans coastguard said. By Thursday evening, he was still the only person rescued so far, a coastguard official said, adding the bodies of some cattle had been recovered. The crew of 43 was made up of 39 people from the Philippines, two from New Zealand, and two from Australia, the coastguard said. According to Edvarodo, the ship lost an engine before it was hit by a wave and capsized, a coastguard spokeswoman said. When the ship capsized, crew were instructed to put on lifejackets. Edvarodo told the coastguard he jumped into the water and did not see any other crew members before he was rescued. Pictures provided by the coastguard showed a person in a lifejacket being hauled from choppy seas in darkness. The Philippines government said it was coordinating with the Japanese coastguard in the search. Typhoon Maysak made landfall in South Korea on Thursday, bringing lashing winds, and at least two people were killed in the southern city of Busan. Another storm, Typhoon Haishen, was brewing south of Japan and is expected to hit the Korean coast on Sunday or Monday. Live cattle export in spotlight The Gulf Livestock 1 departed Napier in New Zealand on Aug. 14 with a cargo of 5,867 cattle bound for the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, China. The journey was expected to take about 17 days, New Zealand foreign ministry officials told Reuters. The 139-metre (450-foot), Panamanian-flagged vessel was built in 2002. UAE-based Gulf Navigation issued a statement saying Gulf Livestock 1 was their vessel. Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time, a Gulf Navigation spokesman said. We also express deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board. We are monitoring the situation closely and working closely with those involved in rescue efforts. We pray that there are other survivors. The young cows were exported by Australia-headquartered Australasian Global Exports, which specialises in live animal exports and owns quarantine facilities in China. The cows were worth around 20,000 yuan each, said a manager at AGEs subsidiary Beijing Muhuayuan International Trade Co Ltd. New Zealand animal rights organisation SAFE said the disaster showed the risks of the live animal export trade. These cows should never have been at sea, said campaigns manager Marianne Macdonald. This is a real crisis, and our thoughts are with the families of the 43 crew who are missing with the ship. But questions remain, including why this trade is allowed to continue. China has imported more than 46,000 head of cattle from New Zealand so far this year, according to data from Chinas customs, mostly to stock the countrys expanding dairy farms. Last year, New Zealand launched a review of its live export trade, worth around NZ$54 million ($37 million) in 2019, after thousands of animals being exported from New Zealand and Australia died in transit. New Zealands Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said it had temporarily suspended live cattle export applications after the Gulf Livestock 1 went missing. The Nigerian government has secured a judgement of a British court to suspend an unfavourable ruling over the P&ID scandal. A Commercial Court in the United Kingdom, Friday, granted Nigerias appeal for a stay of execution of the award of $8.9 billion (about N3.2 trillion) in favour of P&ID, a controversial British firm that secured a gas contract in Nigeria. On Friday, the Royal Courts of Justice Strand, London, WC2A 2LL presided over by Justice Sir Ross Cranston said following a review of written submissions by the Nigerian government after the arbitral award, which contained new evidence concerning the matter in dispute, the court decided to grant Nigerias applications for an extension of time and relief from sanctions. The latest ruling is, however, a temporary reprieve for Nigeria, as it merely provides an opportunity for the court to review the new evidence of miscarriage of justice claimed by the Nigerian government and does not amount to a repeal of the award to Process & Industrial Development Limited (P&ID). The UK Business & Property Courts (the Commercial Court), presided by Justice Butcher, had approved that P&ID should enforce a March 20, 2013 award against Nigeria by a District Circuit Court in Washington DC. The initial award of $6.6 billion as damages in favour of P&ID followed accusations by the British engineering firm of an alleged breach by the Nigerian government of a 2010 gas contract agreement. The damages calculated as the present value of 20-year income, minus certain capital and operating costs incurred from building and running the refining facility, was granted under the rules of the Arbitration Act 1996 (England and Wales) and the Nigerian Arbitration and Conciliation Act (CAP A18 LFN 2004). Following Nigerias refusal to enter an appeal for over five years, the initial award accumulated to about $8.9billion, including an additional $2.3 billion in accumulated interest at 7 per cent rate per annum. P&ID had commenced moves to enforce the award by targeting Nigerian assets abroad, a development most analysts said portended grave danger on Nigerias tottering economy. In resisting P&IDs attempt, the Nigerian government filed an appeal against the judgment of the English Court for a stay of execution, apart from other efforts in the courts of the United States of America to protect Nigerias interests. The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation described the award as clearly unreasonable and manifestly excessive and exorbitant, punitive and unjustifiable. The appeal court presided by Justice Christopher Cooper had denied Nigerias application on the ground that it was belated, as it was filed outside the 30 days period within which copies of the summons and complaint should be served on a foreign state. The court however granted a part of the countrys motion that Nigeria was not properly served the process documents by addressing them to the head of the ministry of foreign affairs as is the practice under 28 U.S. Code section 1608(a)(3). The code stipulates the order of service or delivery of a copy of the summons and complaint in U.S. courts to a foreign state or political subdivision of a foreign state. The Nigerian government had argued in its appeal that the affirmation of the award by the tribunal on March 2018 to its January 2017 ruling was not enforceable as it was a default entry by the clerk rather than a default judgement. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, told PREMIUM TIMES the arbitration court lacked the constitutional powers to issue such an order or award against a sovereign state like Nigeria. Mr Malami said there were certain conditions that must be attained before the U.S. court could deliver such a judgement against Nigeria. Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), the AGF said, a default judgement cannot be entered against a foreign state like Nigeria, unless the presiding judge determines so after the petitioner/claimant must have established its entitlement to a default judgment. Based on the presumption of sovereign immunity, he said the US District Court was still under obligation, despite default by a Foreign State, to determine whether the Foreign State was immune from the jurisdiction of the US Court under FSIA, or whether the case before it fell within one of the recognised exceptions. He noted that even where the court had determined it has jurisdiction, a default judgment would not be granted automatically, or as a routine matter to be handled by a court clerk, as this could only be done after a formal trial. Despite Nigerias position, the three-member tribunal led by the presiding arbitrator, Lord Hoffman, said its final award to P&ID against Nigeria was based on the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Lord Hoffman said P&ID and Nigeria had agreed prior to the contract that in the event of any dispute, each may issue a notice of arbitration under the rules of the Arbitration Act 1996 (England and Wales) and the Nigerian Arbitration and Conciliation Act (Cap A18 LFN 2004. Under the Act, the parties agreed that any arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the parties. Advertisements P&IDs argument was that by virtue of the terms of agreement it signed, Nigerias agreement to be bound by the outcome of any arbitration meant it waived its right to immunity as a sovereign nation. Back story In previous reports, PREMIUM TIMES recalled that on January 11, 2010, P&ID signed a gas supply and processing agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on behalf of the Nigerian government. Under the terms of the agreement, P&ID was to build and operate an Accelerated Gas Development project to be located at Adiabo in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The Nigerian government was to source for natural gas from oil mining leases (OMLs) 123 and 67 operated by Addax Petroleum and supply to P&ID to refine into fuel suitable for power generation in the country. Nigeria was expected to supply an initial volume of about 150 million cubic feet of gas per day. Eventually, it was to be ramped up to about 400 million cubic feet per day during the 20-year period. However, P&ID alleged that after signing the agreement, the Nigerian government reneged on its obligation after negotiations were opened with the Cross River State government for allocation of land for the project. P&ID said the failure to construct the pipeline system to supply the gas frustrated the construction of the gas project, thereby depriving it of the potential benefits from over 20 years worth of gas supplies. The company said attempts to settle out-of-court with the Nigerian government failed. In August 2012, P&ID served the Nigerian government a Request for Arbitration. However, Nigeria argued before the tribunal that the failure of P&ID to acquire the site and build Gas Processing Facilities was a fundamental breach and that no gas could be delivered until this has been done. But the tribunal ruled that Nigerias obligations under Article 6B were not conditional upon P&ID having constructed the gas processing facilities. In July 2015, the arbitral tribunal found that Nigeria had repudiated its obligations under the GSPA and that P&ID had been entitled to accept the repudiation and claim damages for breach. On December 23, 2015, the government asked for the award to be set aside. That was after earlier committing that the arbitration decision shall be final and binding upon parties. Consequently, on February 10, 2016, the application was dismissed, paving way for the hearing on July 22 to 24, 2016 to determine the damages. In the tribunals opinion, the damage suffered by P&ID was the loss of net income the company would have received if the government kept its side of the contract. Two members of the three-man tribunal, Lord Hoffmann and Anthony Evans, held that P&IDs expenditure and income should have been about $6.597 billion if the GSPA was duly performed by government. Both officials said the award should be paid together with interest at the rate of 7 per cent from March 20, 2013. The other member, who is Nigerias former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Bayo Ojo, in his minority ruling, said although P&ID was entitled to compensation for the breach, its damages could not have been more than three years from the date of the alleged breach. Apart from being a new company incorporated in 2006, Mr Ojo noted the project could not have started yielding benefits earlier than 2015. On January 31, 2017, Mr Ojo said the highest amount payable as damages to P&ID should not be more than $250 million. His view was, however, a minority view thus leading to the $6.6 billion judgement. Representative image Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane is in Leh, Ladakh on a two-day visit. He is reviewing the army's operational preparedness. Naravane will also be briefed by senior field commanders on the ground situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). On September 2, India banned 118 more Chinese apps, including popular video game PUBG, amid escalating tensions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Reports also suggest that Indian soldiers have taken up dominating positions at Finger 4 along the Pangong Lake. The military is also reportedly keeping a close watch on the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA)s build-up at Depsang-DBO. These developments come days after the Indian Army confirmed that there was a fresh incursion bid by Chinese troops at the LAC. Here are the key updates: > There is a "big probability" that the defence ministers of China and India will meet in Moscow amid renewed border tensions, the editor-in-chief of state-backed Chinese newspaper Global Times said today. Hu Xijin said on his official account on Twitter that arrangements for such a meeting between China's Wei Fenghe and India's Rajnath Singh "has made progress", without citing sources. > We have been continuous engaging with China at both the military and diplomatic levels. We are confident that we will be able to ensure that the status quo does not change and we will be able to safeguard our interests, Army chief MM Naravane told news agency ANI. #WATCH: Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane says to ANI, "The situation along LAC is slightly tensed. Keeping in view of the situation, we have taken precautionary deployment for our own safety & security, so that our security & integrity remain safeguarded." pic.twitter.com/NvONwyJvbM ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 The situation around the LAC is slightly tense. So, we have undertaken precautionary deployments. Talks are going on at various levels. I am confident that we will be able to resolve the current situation through dialogue, Naravane added. > During his meeting with his Russian counterpart today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh appreciated the steadfast support provided by Russia, consistent with India's defence and security needs. He also particularly noted the timely manner in which Russia responded to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems. > Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is understood to have sought a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of a key Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet in Moscow, people familiar with the development told news agency PTI. > External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on September 3 said that the border row has to be solved through diplomacy and that it was vital for both countries to reach an "accommodation" not only for themselves, but also for the world. "Our position there (in Ladakh) has been very clear: we have agreements and understandings with China. The agreements and understandings must be scrupulously observed by both parties," Jaishankar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "I am totally convinced that a solution to the situation has to be found in the domain of diplomacy. And I say that with responsibility," Jaishankar said, underscoring that he was "not underplaying the seriousness of the current situation or the challenges" of the boundary question. Here are key developments from yesterday: > Indian actions (app ban) violate the legal interests of Chinese investors and services providers and China asks India to correct its mistakes, Reuters has quoted China's Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng as telling a briefing. > The Indian military is monitoring the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA)s build-up at Depsang-Daulat Beg Oldi, reports suggested. > China deliberately provoked India with a new incursion into contested territory after the fresh confrontation on the southern bank of the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, according to an American intelligence assessment. The US intelligence assessment suggested that Beijing remains enraged that its local commander withdrew forces when a physical conflict appeared about to be happened. > India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps. We call on all freedom-loving nations and companies to join 'The Clean Network', Keith Krach, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. > It was reported that Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria had visited eastern air bases on September 2 and had reviewed operational preparedness there. Tension between India and China at the LAC in eastern Ladakh region has been escalating since early May amid skirmishes and leading to a military build-up. The three main friction points were Hot Springs, the Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso. However, they reached another level when a violent clash broke out in the Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The Chinese side is also believed to have suffered casualties but it has not given details. On August 31, the Indian Army said that Chinese troops had violated consensus and carried out provocative military movements on the night of August 29-30, aimed at changing the status quo at the LAC. The army further said that Indian soldiers pre-empted PLA's activity on the southern bank of Pangong Tso and undertook measures to strengthen positions and thwart Chinese intentions. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 23:55:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday his country is looking forward to stepping up bilateral trade and service cooperation with China. In a video message at the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services held in Beijing, Prayut expressed admiration for China's commitment to strengthening international trade and economic cooperation, promoting world economic recovery and ensuring stable global demand and supply chains. Noting that Thailand is looking forward to stepping up trade and economic cooperation with China and other countries, Prayut said the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services represents technological advances and features an important trend in economic exchanges and international trade. Trading services can create more values whereas many countries have identified trading services as an integral part of their national development strategy, and have improved laws and regulations accordingly in order to benefit from the growing and interconnected global trade in services, the Thai prime minister said. Thailand has taken an active part in relevant exhibitions and forums on food, energy and many other areas, hoping that trade barriers will be reduced and more transparent rules for trading services will be introduced, Prayut said. The prime minister said his country is implementing the Thailand 4.0 policy which will fully leverage innovation, high technology and new ideas to shift the development priority from manufacturing to service sector and upgrade the economic structure. He said medical innovation has become more important for Thailand. It will work more closely with China and other countries to address the challenges in the post-COVID-19 era, and that Thailand has cooperated with China in fighting the pandemic. This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China. Prayut said Thailand will strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China and work for more fruitful outcomes in bilateral cooperation. Thailand supports China for continuing to play a constructive role in promoting international unity and cooperation, overcoming the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and boosting the confidence in the world economy, the prime minister added. Enditem China Gold-Mining Giant Zijin Fights Loss of $1 Billion-a-Year Papua New Guinea Mine By Xiao Xuan and Denise Jia / Sep 05, 2020 02:20 AM / Business & Tech A Papua New Guinea (PNG) court dealt a fresh blow to Chinas largest gold producer, Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., by refusing to review a government takeover of the $1 billion-a-year gold mine Zijin and Canadian partner Barrick Gold Corp. operated there until earlier this year. Its the latest development in a lengthy legal dispute that started in April, when the PNG government denied an application from Barrick Niugini Ltd. (BNL), Zijins local joint venture, to extend its lease on the Porgera gold mine. BNL said it would appeal the decision to the PNG Supreme Court. It has also applied for international arbitration with the World Banks International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) over the governments decision to grant a fresh 20-year lease on the mine to state-backed Kumul Minerals Holdings in August. For Zijin, which spent nearly $300 million for a 47.5% share of the mine five years ago, its been a big blow. At the time of purchase, there were just four years left on the lease to dig out the precious metal. BNL applied for a 20-year extension in July 2017, two years before the lease was to expire. The government response came in April: No. The decision by PNG Prime Minister Joseph Marape to take over the mine, who couched his announcement in nationalistic rhetoric, drew an angry response from the operators, which expected the lease to be renewed, with BNL describing it as tantamount to nationalization. Meanwhile Zijin President Chen Jinghe appeared to threaten geopolitical strife in a letter to the PNG leader asking him to consider the impact that a collapse in talks could have on the countrys relations with China. You can read the story on Caixin Global. And for more detail, read Caixins feature on how Zijin lost the rights to this Pacific island gold mine. Contact editor Flynn Murphy (flynnmurphy@caixin.com). BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Tengizchevroil (TCO) and KLPE LLP will strengthen cooperation in support of the next phase of design engineering for a Gas Separation Unit (GSU), a representative of the TCO parent company Chevron told Trend. The official said that a corresponding agreement was signed on August 18, 2020, within the framework of Kazakhstans major polyethylene project. The projects prior investor Borealis - decided to suspend the development of a polyethylene project in Kazakhstan in May 2020. The company said that the decision to discontinue the project is based on a thorough assessment of all aspects of the prospective venture and impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the increased uncertainty of future market assumptions. Now, as the GSP Design Basic Terms Agreement between KLPE and TCO was signed, a preparation of front-end engineering design (FEED) will be implemented. The agreement will provide for a statutory basis for partnership relations between KLPE and TCO in terms of GSP design activities. FEED package will be prepared by KLPE with TCO's assistance. An agreement signed between TCO and KLPE LLP, a company under KazMunayGas NC JSC trust, to strengthen cooperation between the two companies in support of the next phase of design engineering for a Gas Separation Unit (GSU) as part of the RoKs polyethylene project, the official emphasized. A world-scale polyethylene project oversees the development of polyethylene manufacturing integrated with an ethane cracker, in Kazakhstan. A polyethylene plant of this scale is to be a significant step forward in creating long term, sustainable value for Kazakhstan from its petrochemical industry. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh Sofia Richie demonstrated her street style as she stepped out for a shopping trip at the new Barefoot Dreams store in Malibu with a gal pal on Thursday. The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie emphasized her trim figure in a fitted grey tank top and pulled on a pair of black slacks. Letting her blonde hair fly free, she accessorized with a pair of black shades and added a pop of color with a bubblegum pink mask. Stepping out: Sofia Richie demonstrated her street style as she stepped out for a shopping trip in Malibu with a gal pal on Thursday The half-sister of Nicole Richie also threw in a splash of dazzle to the look with a glittering necklace and a couple of bracelets. Sofia wore a fashionable powder blue shade of nail polish and rounded off her relaxed ensemble with a pair of open-toed sandals. Her latest leggy outing comes a day after she was seen embracing a male pal in Malibu in the wake of her reported split from her beau of two years Scott Disick. The 37-year-old reality TV dreamboat shares three children with his friendly ex Kourtney Kardashian whom he last broke up with in 2015. Aglow: The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie emphasized her trim figure in a fitted grey tank top and pulled on a pair of black slacks The look: Letting her blonde hair fly free, she accessorized with a pair of black shades and added a pop of color with a bubblegum pink mask Glitz: The half-sister of Nicole Richie also threw in a splash of dazzle to the look with a glittering necklace and a couple of bracelets This May Scott checked into rehab for 'emotional issues' and 'past traumas,' but checked out shortly thereafter. In the wake of his decision to leave rehab Us Weekly reported he and Sofia were 'on a break until Scott straightens himself out more.' Finally on May 27, the day after his 37th birthday, the magazine revealed that Scott and Sofia had decided to end their romance. Legging it: Sofia wore a fashionable powder blue shade of nail polish and rounded off her relaxed ensemble with a pair of open-toed sandals Mover and shaker: Her latest leggy outing comes a day after she was seen embracing a male pal in Malibu in the wake of her reported split from her beau of two years Scott Disick Sofia was seen spending time with Scott in July and there were rumors they may have reignited their relationship. The dynamic duo spent Independence Day together and a People source said in mid-July that they are 'trying to make things work while taking things slow.' But in early August an Us Weekly source: 'Scott and Sofia have simmered down a little and Scott has been making a big effort to refocus on himself and his family.' Break: On May 27, the day after his 37th birthday, the magazine revealed that Scott and Sofia had decided to end their romance Had they or hadn't they?: Sofia was seen spending time with Scott in July and there were rumors they may have reignited their relationship By mid-August an E! News insider said: 'They have been off and on for two months. Sofia really pushed to make things work between them after they initially broke up, but Scott officially called it off recently and they are no longer speaking.' Meanwhile a source recently told TMZ that Scott and Kourtney 'are not a couple, even though they've been hanging out more since his breakup with Sofia.' Dampening hopes of a reunion even further the insider shared: 'It's highly unlikely Scott and Kourtney will ever get back together as a couple. They still consider themselves a family and co-parenting their three children is a priority for both.' Cooling?: But in early August an Us Weekly source: 'Scott and Sofia have simmered down a little and Scott has been making a big effort to refocus on himself and his family' A fundraiser to support the owner of the salon visited by Nancy Pelosi has raised more than $180,000 in just two days. The US house speaker is facing a fierce backlash after surveillance footage from the eSalon in San Francisco showed her walking through the beauty parlour with a face mask around her neck. Ms Pelosi has said she takes responsibility for trusting the word of the salon who allegedly said that a solo visit was permitted even though the city still does not allow indoor beauty services. She called the visit a "set-up" and said the salon owes her an apology for misrepresenting city health orders. A fundraiser to support the owner of the salon visited by Nancy Pelosi has raised more than $180,000 in a day / Fox News Erica Kious, the owner of eSalon SF, said she has received death threats in the wake of exposing the House Speaker's trip to her business on Monday. After the footage went viral a day later, Ms Kious told Fox News' Tucker Carlson on Wednesday that her business was '"done". Now the GoFundMe page - set up by former Nevada State GOP chairman Amy Tarkanian - has raised more than $180,000 as of Friday morning local time. The money raised will help Ms Kious '"to pay off any debts from the business that she is forced to shut down, expenses to relocate and reopen in a new location". House Speaker Nancy Pelosi / AFP via Getty Images Ms Tarkanian, who hopes to raise $300,00 for her friend of 20 years, wrote on the fundraising page: 'Erica Kious, a single mother of two and owner of eSalon, where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi got her hair done on Monday, is now being forced to shut down and relocate her business and family due to outrage and threats she is receiving." Meanwhile, Mr Kious has denied that the trip was a "set up". She told Fox News that Ms Pelosi, "had called the stylist, or her assistant did, and had made the appointment so the appointment was already booked so there was no way I could have set that up. "And I've had a camera system in there for five years, I mean I didn't go in there and turn cameras on as soon as she walked in and set her up so that's absolutely false." San Francisco beauty parlours were not supposed to open until September 1 - the day after the speaker had her treatment. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health requires face masks to be worn in public indoor places. Critics, including US President Donald Trump, called Ms Pelosi a hypocrite and asked why she did not know the coronavirus-related rules in her home city. When reporter asked why she was not wearing a mask in the brief clip, Ms Pelosi said: "I just had my hair washed. I don't wear a mask when I'm washing my hair. Do you wear a mask when you're washing your hair? I always have a mask." She said: "I take responsibility for trusting the word of a neighbourhood salon that I've been to over the years many times, and that when they said ... we're able to accommodate people one person at a time, and that we can set up that time, I trusted that. "As it turns out, it was a set-up. I take responsibility for falling for a set-up." If you're a Houstonian looking to move soon, this might be the perfect time for it despite the ongoing pandemic. Houston's rent prices have dropped this year, according to Apartment List's September 2020 national rental survey. Apartment List took median rent statistics from the Census Bureau, and then extrapolated them forward to the current month using a growth rate calculated from their listing data. The study found that rent prices in Houston have been down 1.5 percent since the start of the pandemic in March. Houston's decline in rent price is the No. 10 fastest drop among the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Rent prices in Houston have decreased by 0.1 percent over the past month. The average rent growth in Houston is at -1.0 percent compared to last year, while the national average is 0.3 percent. Currently, the median rent in Houston stands at $835 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,022 for a two-bedroom, according to the study. Of the largest 10 cities in the Houston metro area for which the study collected data, eight of them have seen prices drop. Pasadena has seen the fastest rent growth in the Houston metro area, with a year-over-year increase of 1.6 percent. On the other hand, Sugar Land has seen rents fall by 2.2% over the past year, the biggest drop in the metro area. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sugar Land is now priced at $1,260 and a two-bedroom is $1,540. Houston wasn't the only city in Texas to make the top 10 in Apartment List's rank. Rent has also fallen by 1.7 percent in Austin the eighth largest decline among the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Pompeo Talks With Swiss Counterpart Ahead Of Official Visit To Tehran, Thanks For Serving As Protecting Power Radio Farda September 03, 2020 In a statement on Wednesday the U.S. State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has in a phone thanked Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis as the U.S. protecting power in Iran and assistance in repatriating imprisoned U.S. citizens from Iran. "Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Cassis for Switzerland's continued and constructive role as our protecting power in Iran and for its assistance in caring for and repatriating U.S. citizens wrongly imprisoned by the Iranian regime," the statement said. Pompeo himself described the call "terrific" in a tweet and said he had discussed "deepening economic ties and partnership to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and treatment" with his Swiss counterpart. The Swiss Foreign Minister is scheduled to make a three-day official visit to Tehran on September 5 to mark the centenary of Swiss-Iranian diplomatic relations. Switzerland currently holds "protecting power" mandates to mediate between Iran and the US, Canada and Saudi Arabia. According to a statement released by the Federal Council of Switzerland, Ignazio who is also a federal councillor will meet with President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif, and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations and Switzerland's protecting power mandates, the statement said. Switzerland has represented U.S. interest in Iran since January 1980 after diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States came to an end with the U.S. embassy takeover and hostage-taking. Since 2017 Switzerland has also assumed protecting power mandates for Iran in Saudi Arabia and for Saudi Arabia in Iran and in 2019 it also came represent Iranian interests in Canada. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/pompeo -talks-with-swiss-counterpart-ahead-of-official- visit-to-tehran-thanks-for-serving- as-protecting-power/30819365.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 HTS has begun to tighten its grip on figures affiliated with foreign militants in the Idlib governorate, Nedaa Syria reports Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) explained the reasons for its arrest of the French jihadist and Ghuraba Division leader, Omar Omsen, a few days ago in the Idlib governorate, northwestern Syria. According to its public relations manager, Taqi al-Din Omar, HTS arrested Omsen based on several charges including heading a miniature administration, which includes conducting procedures related to personal status such as marriage, divorce, and transactions. According to HTS, Omsen organized trials and established a mini-prison in the areas his group controls. Omar stated that these actions were taken in dissociation from the authority responsible for managing the northern Syria region. All these measures, added to the little eligibility and lack of experience, spawn corruption and evil. They result in jeopardizing rights and tampering with sanctities. The official authorities, after their strenuous efforts to control civil and criminal issues, will never allow these actions, he added. According to media sources, Omsen, 51, arrived in Syria in 2013 and headed a battalion in the forests of Latakia. The French authorities accuse him of recruiting 80% of the French-speaking people who went to Syria and Iraq. The United States designated Omsen a global terrorist in 2016. Reuters reported at that time that Omsen had participated in terrorist operations with the Nusra Front (HTS as of late). Recently, HTS began to tighten its grip on the figures affiliated with militants and immigrants in the Idlib governorate where it arrested many of them the last of whom is relief worker, Abu Hussam al-Britani, American journalist Bilal Abdel Karim, and Egyptian figures it had previously worked with, such as Abu Shuaib al-Masry. 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. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui was among the several dignitaries and Beijing-based diplomats who visited the Indian Embassy here to pay homage to former president Pranab Mukherjee. The 84-year-old veteran politician died on Monday evening in a hospital in New Delhi following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. The Indian Embassy in Beijing has opened a condolence book for representatives from the Chinese government, resident diplomatic missions and members of the Indian community on September 3-4. Luo, who was also the former Chinese ambassador to India, visited the Indian mission on Thursday to sign the book, the Embassy tweeted. Earlier, China paid rich tributes to Mukherjee saying he was a veteran statesman and his death is a huge loss for India-China friendship. Former President Mukherjee was a veteran statesman of India. In his 50 years in politics, he made positive contributions to China-India relations," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here on Tuesday. Referring to Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to India in 2014 and his meeting with Mukherjee, she said after the meeting the two countries issued a joint statement on building closer development partnership. It is a heavy loss for China-India friendship and to India. We express deep condolences over his passing and extend sincere sympathies to the Indian government and his family," Hua said. Indian Embassy officials said besides Luo, a large number of Beijing-based diplomats from Russia, EU and Africa visited the mission and signed the condolence book. From the neighbourhood, envoys of Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka besides members of the Indian community visited the Indian mission to pay their homage to the former president. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 07:00:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he will reverse Pentagon's decision to cut funding to U.S. military's independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, and cease its publication. "The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch," Trump tweeted Friday. "It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military!" the president said of the tabloid, which has served American soldiers since the Civil War in 1860s. In a memo cited by USA TODAY earlier on Friday, the Pentagon ordered the newspaper to cease publication after Sept. 30 and dissolve by the end of January. Earlier this year, the Pentagon moved to cut 15.5 million U.S. dollars in funding for the publication from the defense budget. Trump's move came as the White House is facing a firestorm after a report in The Atlantic that, citing unnamed officials, said the president disparaged fallen U.S. service members as "losers" and "suckers." Trump vehemently denied the report, calling the unnamed sources making the claim "low-lifes" and "liars." Enditem Supply Shortage in medical devices during the Corona-crisis: Is the solution stockpiling and less international trade? Remarks of Alan Wm. Wolff, Deputy Director-General World Trade Organization (WTO) A Panel Presentation with Andreas Freytag, Anabel Gonzalez, Joerg Wojahn On the occasion of the launch of the G20 Trade and Investment Research Network. 4 September 2020 My thanks to the Department of Economic Policy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, for organizing this panel on the occasion of the launch of the G20 Trade and Investment Research Network and inviting the WTO to participate in a discussion regarding Supply Shortage in medical devices during the Corona-crisis: Is the solution stockpiling and less international trade? Introduction The pandemic appears to have caught all governments off guard. Medical equipment, from the simplest personal protective device, such as disposable masks, to the most sophisticated, such as ventilators, all were in immediate short supply. COVID-19 test kits, disinfectants and sterilization products; medical consumables (e.g. syringes, needles, certain machines, electrocardiographs and infrared thermometers), protective garments (e.g. gloves or masks), and different kinds of medical and surgical furniture(1) all were needed, and those needs could not be fully met. Stockpiles where they existed were wholly insufficient. Domestic manufacturing could not immediately respond. Trade did not appear to be reliable. The rules of the trading system, not being highly prescriptive, provided little comfort to those seeking foreign sources of supply. Six months into the pandemic, its onslaught against the worlds population has not ended. Supply issues, in countries where the pandemic has eased, are less acute, but remain. As of August 14, just three weeks ago, the United States, which one would anticipate is at least in the middle of the pack of industrialized countries for its capability to address shortages, still listed medical device shortages of various categories of personal protective gear, testing materials and ventilating equipment(2). If advanced industrialized countries are experiencing shortages, it can readily be assumed that developing countries and especially the least developed are far worse off. This panel has been convened to examine options to deal with global crises where medical supplies are suddenly and urgently needed. Two options are mentioned in the title of the panel, stockpiling and international trade. A logical third option is government-supported investment in relevant manufacturing capacity. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. Each has a role to play in crafting a solution sufficient to meet the challenge. The most relevant of the three to the Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is, of course, international trade. The question to be faced at the WTO is whether international trade can be made more reliable for the remainder of the pandemic and for future global outbreaks of disease and other global crises. Underlying this question is a more fundamental one: Will world trade, on which much of global prosperity rests, grow or shrink after the pandemic? Stockpiling Building stocks is clearly an option for those countries with the necessary resources to do so. Stocks can be created from either domestic production or from foreign supplies when either are available. From the standpoint of international trade, creating stockpiles of emergency medical gear does not normally present any great concerns. Creating a stockpile does not limit imports. While it could affect the quantity of products available for export, that for the present is only a theoretical problem. There are, however, practical limits to stockpiling. Respirators, for example, age and are no longer reliable. Sooner or later, stockpiles are not maintained. This has been the case in the United States, where reportedly a decade ago the outbreak of the swine flu drew down stocks of masks, and the stockpile was not replenished.(3) Earlier this year, when COVID-19 appeared on its shores, it has been estimated in one report that the U.S. stockpile of masks was enough to meet only 1% of projected national needs. France has reportedly had a similar experience.(4) There can be little doubt that these two countries were not alone in this regard. Domestic manufacturing The U.S. Center for Disease Control cites three measures of capacity conventional (meeting normal needs), contingency and crisis.(5) Conventional needs are not met by stockpiles, but from commercial inventories and manufacturing that is already in place. Contingencies might be met from these sources supplemented by a stockpile. While a stockpile might provide some cushion, a surge in critical demand needs to be met either from international trade or, as another option, increased manufacturing output. In World War II, the production in the United States of aircraft suitable for war grew from a pitiable 3600 planes in 1940 to close to an annual production rate of 100,000 by 1944. Even then, ramping up production took time. In a pandemic, even compared with fighting in a world war, there isnt that much time. In both cases, war and a pandemic, governments are required to step in. Production capacity existed for normal commercial demand. Market incentives were not in themselves likely to be sufficient to bring about an immediate manufacturing response. From a WTO perspective, government involvement in increasing domestic production during the pandemic has not been a matter of concern. No current fear has been expressed in Geneva at the WTO by Members that governments may overinvest in the production of personal protective equipment, creating excess capacity as has characterized the production of steel for the last half century. While industrial subsidies more generally are a topic of potential concern for future discussion, due to current shortages there is no call for governments to avoid non-economic (non-market-justified) investment in medical supplies. A consideration for relying on a resort to manufacturing in a crisis is whether it is sufficiently flexible to convert normal commercial production to immediate needs, from fashion wear to surgical gowns, from making beer to making disinfectant (both are actual examples of successful conversions). The workforce must be as flexible as well as the machinery being adaptable. Jena is a known as a source of great scientific talent as well as manufacturing expertise. The application of science to industrial production is particularly needed to deal with a surge in demand during a crisis. Part of the agility required is not only to respond to demand but to be able re-convert to normal operations to aid in the recovery, once the health emergency has receded. Again Jena shows what can be done, moving from a state-dominated economic system to a market-driven economy, with the reunification of Germany. In short, industry must be as shock- and heat-resistant as Jena glass to be prepared for future crises, the shape of which, and therefore needs, cannot be predicted with accuracy. International trade The third option for access to medical supplies relying on imports works well in general but not necessarily in the short term. At the onset of a pandemic, demand for essential products skyrockets everywhere if not all at once, then in waves that arrive close enough together to put pressure on the supplies available for trade. Imports may also be less available due to export controls in their country of manufacture or due to pre-emptive purchasing by foreign governments. Importing can also, as a practical matter, be constrained by an importing countrys financial capacity. The WTO rules do not prevent the application of export restrictions where a condition of short supply exists. Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) provides as a general exception: Subject to the requirement that such measures are not applied in a manner which would constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination between countries where the same conditions prevail, or a disguised restriction on international trade, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the adoption or enforcement by any contracting party of measures: *. *. * (j) essential to the acquisition or distribution of products in general or local short supply; Provided that any such measures shall be consistent with the principle that all contracting parties are entitled to an equitable share of the international supply of such products, and that any such measures, which are inconsistent with the other provisions of the Agreement shall be discontinued as soon as the conditions giving rise to them have ceased to exist. (6) The WTOs rules are enforceable, but in a global crisis, governments decide by themselves without being required to coordinate or consult with others whether to limit their exports. For restrictions on exports of food and other agricultural products, the WTO Agreement on Agriculture requires that the country imposing an export restriction take into account the impact on other countries. There is no parallel requirement with respect to manufactured goods. In the exigencies of a global pandemic, there is neither an established process nor understanding of how a WTO Members entitlement to an equitable share of the international supply of such products will be made operational, nor is there specific guidance as to when an export restriction should be terminated. What the WTO does provide is transparency. Members were called upon in this crisis to notify their trade measures promptly. On the whole, they rose to that challenge, providing Members officials with information needed to better plan their countries responses to the global health and economic emergency. Assuring the availability of essential medical supplies The first two options discussed above stockpiling and investing in additional manufacturing capacity come with added costs and inefficiencies. Governments underwrite actions that the market will not alone support. For this reason, the solution to the problem of shortages of medical supplies will, at least for the immediate future, rely on all three methods of assuring supply stockpiling, investment in manufacturing capacity and trade. The choices made by any individual country will depend heavily on its financial and technological capabilities, but also on its assessment of the reliability of access to supplies through trade. Of the available options, relying on international trade is the most efficient and economical choice. For these reasons, trade will, in the long run, dominate the range of solutions if the multilateral trading system, the WTO, can help assure security of this method of supply. Solutions put forward by WTO Members Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic For the WTO, the reality of the pandemic was brought home forcefully with the lockdown of its facilities on the 16th of March of this year. Activity did not cease, quite the contrary, it went online. The WTO began to collect and disseminate information on Members individual trade responses to the pandemic. Some Members imposed export control regimes for essential products. A substantial number suspended their tariffs on imports of critical supplies and otherwise facilitated trade. Within 9 days of the WTO lockdown, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Myanmar, New Zealand and Singapore declared themselves committed to maintaining open and connected supply chains, ensuring that trade remained open, including via air and sea freight, to facilitate the flow of goods including essential supplies. On the 15th of April, one month after the lockdown, Singapore and New Zealand agreed formally with each other to: a. Eliminate applied tariffs for essential goods including medical, hygiene, pharmaceutical products and agricultural products; b. Refrain from imposing export prohibitions or restrictions on essential goods including medical, hygiene, pharmaceutical products and agricultural products; c. Expedite the movement of these essential goods through sea and airports. On 22 April, 49 countries led by Canada, accounting for 63% of global exports of agriculture and agri-food products and 53% of imports of these products, signed a joint statement expressing their commitment not to impose export restrictions on agriculture, as well as other undertakings.(7) On 26 June, the Cairns Group (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay) issued a statement including fifteen commitments with respect to their own conduct while engaging in agricultural trade during the pandemic.(8) Other declarations calling for increased international coordination in response to the trade effects of the pandemic have been issued. Examples include joint ministerial statements On 5 May, initiated by Switzerland, and joined in by a number of other WTO Members, both developed and developing (WT/GC/11); On 12 May, initiated by Korea and joined in by Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore, including a call for facilitation of essential cross-border travel (WT/GC/214); On 15 May a G20 statement calling on governments imposing COVID-19-related measures not to create unnecessary barriers to trade or disrupt global supply chains, and including the oft-repeated formula that the measures be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and consistent with WTO rules (WT/GC/216), and a series of recommended steps to be taken to facilitate trade, including the promotion of e-commerce consistent with national laws; On 4 June, ten WTO Members on 4 June 2020 called upon the WTO Secretariat to prepare a factual report to facilitate Members understanding of COVID-19 related measures and initiatives and their impact (G/C/W/780); On 16 June 2020 the Ottawa Group (Canada, Australia, Brazil, Chile, European Union, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland) pledged itself to lead by example with respect to transparency, withdrawal of trade-restrictive measures, maintaining open trade in agriculture, fostering WTO e-commerce negotiations, promoting implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and advancing identification of ways forward to facilitate trade in medical products. (WT/GC/217). On 25 June, some thirty WTO Members called upon the European Union to suspend any action to reduce maximum residue levels for plant protection products in light of COVID-19. (G/SPS/GEN/1778/Rev.2); and Also, on 25 June, the African Group, cited the World Food Programme estimate that deteriorating employment and other factors may have already pushed almost 12 million people in Sub Saharan Africa into acute food insecurity since February 2020, compounding existing crises of the region. The Group called for negotiation of policy space, the elimination of trade distorting support and other agricultural negotiating objectives; it called for WTO Members to address the development aspects of e-commerce, consider balance of payments needs, and articulate special and differential treatment across all trade agreements and negotiations. (WT/GC/219). Under discussion among Members, but not yet formally tabled at the WTO, is a concept paper produced by the European Union dated 11 June. It is noteworthy for its comprehensiveness. It suggests an initiative consisting of a possible enhancement of the current WTO disciplines applicable to trade in essential goods, a schedule of collaboration in times of crisis and the reciprocal elimination of tariffs on pharmaceutical and medical goods with a binding effect. The proposal is divided into three parts permanent tariff elimination, disciplines relating to essential goods in crisis situations, and other disciplines irrespective of the crisis. The paper notes that the parties to the 1994 Pharmaceutical Agreement accounted for 90% of world trade at the time of entry into force, but now only account for 66% of the trade in these products. The Pharmaceutical Agreement has not been updated in terms of its product coverage since 2010. To this Agreement providing for duty-free treatment could be added, the EU paper suggests, medical goods. Further, the crisis response, the Paper continues, could include limiting the duration and scope of export controls for healthcare goods, providing for an exchange of information on needs and availability, tariff suspensions, creating an understanding on the application of the equitable share of supply standard under the GATTs exceptions, providing also for consultations, listing best practices for standards, streamlining customs procedures, engaging in joint public procurement while lifting adherents own discrimination in public procurement, reducing the burden of import licensing, and providing for enhanced transparency. The third tranche of measures would address dealing with regulating remanufactured goods for purposes of knowledge sharing, as well as the creation of a permanent framework for collaboration and transparency. Discussions of pandemic related proposals will continue later this month. Long term effects on global value chains On 14 April, the ASEAN Member States at a Heads of State meeting instructed their Economic Ministers to explore an arrangement to preserve supply chain connectivity for essential goods, having themselves resolved to strengthen long term supply chain resilience and sustainability, including through better transparency, agility, [and] diversification. Supply chains have experienced dislocations not only at their points of inception and delivery but in between as distribution systems lost their capacity to perform as they would in normal times. On 27 August, McKinsey Global Institute issued a brief that included the heading Moving from globalization to regionalization, stating that The pandemic has exposed the worlds risky dependence on vulnerable nodes in global supply chains. . . . We could see a massive restructuring as production and sourcing move closer to end users and companies localize or regionalize their supply chains.(9) Looking at a number of major causes of disruption to supply chains, McKinsey, in a major study released on 6 August(10), estimated that the five value chains most exposed to our assessed set of six shocks collectively represent $4.4 trillion in annual exports, or roughly a quarter of global goods trade (led by petroleum products, ranked third overall, with $2.4 trillion in exports).(11) The Report does not specify that any rearrangement of supply chains will result in a major movement toward on-shoring, but that up to a quarter of current global value chains will see a shift, to diversify away from a single dominant foreign source, with some greater regionalization (near-shoring) as well as some greater reliance on domestic production. It Is important to note, that according to the survey undertaken by McKinsey, COVID-19 is not the chief motivation for changing a global supply chain for all industries. The Report cites a range of factors that can play a dominant role, including location of skill sets, climate events or other natural disasters (earthquakes, flooding and tsunamis, for example), trade disputes, geopolitics. Each can force change. Conclusion Dependency on imports for critical supplies is not a totally unfamiliar experience. In the 1970s there were two oil shocks due to embargoes placed on exports by the then major producers of oil. One of the first responses was to assess the risks of the problem becoming more widespread. During the second oil embargo, when I was U.S. Deputy Trade Representative, I called for an interagency review of import dependencies that created potential vulnerability for the United States. The issue at that time involved a single primary cause: cartelization. The conclusion reached was that there was nothing comparable to U.S. dependency on foreign oil. Being warned of the risks of supply disruptions does not always result in adequate precautions being taken. The chief economist of Shell Oil Company during the 1970s, Pierre Wack, predicted both of the two oil crises. For the first one, his company re-deployed their assets including shipping, and weathered that economic storm well. For the second, as he related the story, management heard him but did not act. The company suffered from its unwillingness to incur the costs of preparation to mitigate the harms predicted. In response to the pandemic, ensuring security of medical supplies now deemed essential has become a high priority. For these goods, at least for the near future, just-in-time delivery within supply chains is likely to be replaced to a degree with seeking just-in-case(12) delivery, with some increases of inventories held for critical components and food stocks. Carrying large inventories as well as public stockholding have economic limits, especially since the financial resources of both firms and governments are at a minimum. Deciding whether to even undertake these measures depends on an assessment of and appreciation of risks Given the range of forces in operation, one can suppose that the McKinsey Report may be accurate in predicting the potential for some shrinkage of global value chains, and not due by any means solely to COVID-19. As long as the pandemic remains a threat, there will be a significant effort to avoid relying on a limited number of distant foreign sources for critical supplies. As noted, there is very likely to be some re-shoring and near-shoring of critical medical supplies (including pharmaceuticals) for countries and firms having the financial capacity to do so. But as the Report notes, weighing against this are existing supplier relationships, investments in place, and always, economic costs, all of which are strong forces that resist change. Across the full range of goods, trade flows are likely to return to trend in accordance with established patterns as the world economy recovers from current depressed demand. Supply chains cannot and will not be rolled up completely. That is not going to happen. The answer to security in a time of pandemics, is more trade not less. For this to happen, there needs to be active engagement among WTO Members to reach agreement on rules in some cases, guidance in others, as to how an enhanced level of security can best be achieved through trade. Notes CLEVELAND, Ohio Outfielder Domingo Santana has accepted an outright assignment and will join the Cleveland Indians alternate training site at Classic Park in Eastlake. Infielder Jake Elmore was released to make room for Santana in the Indians 60-man player pool. Santana was designated for assignment on Monday in order to make room on the active roster following the trade that sent Mike Clevinger and Greg Allen to San Diego for newly-acquired players Josh Naylor, Austin Hedges and Cal Quantrill. Through 24 games with Cleveland, Santana hit .157 with a .583 OPS including a pair of home runs and 12 RBI. He was part of a crowded mix in the outfield that included 10 players fighting for playing time during the clubs summer training camp. Santana, 28, originally signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million in February with a 2021 team option worth a reported $5 million. Elmore, 33, appeared in 217 games for Arizona, Houston, Cincinnati, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh prior to joining the Indians on a minor league contract for summer training camp. In 28 at-bats during camp he hit .143 with three doubles, three RBI and seven strikeouts. - New Indians face masks for sale: Heres where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charity. Buy Indians gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, Lids More Indians coverage Triston McKenzies six strong innings, Tyler Naquins 5 RBI steals show in Thursday win A fresh start for Zach Plesac shows how Indians can remain strong: Pluto Delino DeShields leads the way on a smashing night for Indians defense Brad Hand earns Indians nomination for MLBs Roberto Clemente Award Has Triston McKenzie found the right routine with the Indians? (podcast) Scouting Josh Naylor is a family affair for Sandy Alomar and Indians Shane Bieber wins AL Pitcher of the Month award for August Monster mash: Franmil Reyes at the bat has Indians smiling Indians welcome back Zach Plesac, turn the page on COVID-19 violation Trade to Cleveland reunites Josh Naylor with family in Reyes, maybe more Reliever or starter, Cal Quantrill just wants to win games Evaluating the trade after Naylor, Quantrill and Hedges debuts (podcast) Reyes goes 5-for-5, Plesac returns in style as Indians roll, 10-1 What can Indians expect in the return of Zach Plesac? (podcast) Are the Indians dealing the right way with the reality of baseball in Cleveland? Pluto More than 75 per cent of a $400 million community grants scheme has gone to seats in rural and regional NSW held by Nationals or Liberal MPs over the past three years. Councils in at-risk Nationals seats such as Barwon, Murray and Cootamundra were also among the biggest recipients from the scheme's second round totalling almost $195 million which was doled out in the months before the state election in March last year. Labor and Greens analysis of figures for the Stronger Country Communities Fund, released this week, show well over 80 per cent of funding from the second round went to Coalition electorates. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has responsibility for the stronger country communities fund. Credit:Rhett Wyman The amount that at-risk electorates received from the taxpayer-funded grants scheme has sparked accusations from Labor and the Greens of pork-barrelling by the Coalition. BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday urged the U.S. State Department to immediately withdraw its decision to impose tighter limitations on Chinese diplomats. "We urge the U.S. State Department to immediately revoke the wrong move, stop obstructing normal exchanges between the two peoples and sabotaging bilateral ties," said spokesperson Hua Chunying when responding to a query about the issue at a daily press briefing held Thursday. China will make a justified and necessary response in light of the situation, she said. Hua's remarks came after the U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that senior Chinese diplomats will be required to seek approval to visit U.S. university campuses and meet with local government officials. Chinese diplomats will also have to get permission to host cultural events with an audience larger than 50 people outside mission properties. The U.S. State Department has ramped up restrictions on Chinese embassy and consulates and their staff performing duties in the United States since October, said Hua. "Such moves severely violate international laws and basic norms governing international relations, and seriously interfere with China-U.S. ties as well as the normal exchanges between the two sides." China has always provided facilitation for U.S. diplomatic and consular personnel to perform their duties in China according to laws and regulations, while the U.S. State Department twice required Chinese diplomats to notify them of plans for activities in October and this June, and even restricted them from carrying out private and social exchanges with local U.S. officials, according to Hua. "This shows that the anti-China forces in the United States have lost their sensibility and confidence and developed anti-China paranoia, which will definitely be met with denunciation and opposition from people with insight," Hua said. Stressing that China-U.S. ties are important to the two countries as well as the world, Hua suggested that both sides maintain a smooth channel of communication at all times. The Chinese embassy and consulates in the United States will continue to maintain normal exchanges with people from all sectors of U.S. society, said Hua, adding that China will continue to support normal exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. WESTPORT As out of state residents continue to flock to Connecticut during the pandemic, the towns public school system is seeing spikes in enrollment. It is obviously an anomaly and we will say its pretty much related to COVID and people moving particularly out of New York City and coming up to the suburbs, John Bayers, human resources director, told members of the school board at its meeting this week. This is not unique to Westport. My colleagues in the neighboring districts are reporting the same spike in enrollment. The enrollment spike largely impacts the district at the lower grade levels, he said. Bayers said Greens Farms School saw the largest jump with the district originally budgeting for 381 students, but now reporting 421 students enrolled. The spike has affected four grade levels kindergarten, first grade, second grade and fifth grade and increased the number of sections from 18 to 22, he said. Thats getting back to the years when many of us were at Green Farms and we had 24 sections, Bayers said. Its amazing how quickly its jumped in one year. Coleytown Elementary School reported 424 students enrolled, up from the 408 students the district budgeted for. Kings Highway School reported 465 students, up from 441. Long Lots School saw a spike in second grade and went from 536 students enrolled to 559. Bayers said Saugatuck School saw a slight decline from 417 projected students to 413 currently enrolled. Theyre falling short of what was projected in kindergarten but saw a slight rise in grade three so they actually remain neutral, if you will, at 21 sections, Bayers said. At the middle school level, 1,220 students are currently enrolled, up from the 1,202 projected, Bayers said. Staples High School saw a slight decline with 1,809 students enrolled, down from the 1,818 students projected. The enrollment spike district-wide also included 45 new families who are eligible for special education services, according to Michael Rizzo, assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services. The increase of enrollment is great news. We welcome all of our families, he said. We are working very quickly to get up to speed with all of these students and their families to make sure their programs are in place for the first day of school. BOE member Youn Su Chao questioned how students who are new but engaged in remote learning could be affected. There have been some concern about students getting to know who their teachers or classmates might be, she said. But Anthony Buono, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, said students engaged in remote learning would have their specials scheduled at the same time with the same students. I think as far as staffing is concerned, were in a really good position for people transitioning into distance learning or back into the hybrid model, Buono said. There were also discussions about hiring substitute teachers to staff the distance learning program, according to Bayers. The district decided to forego this for now because of the uncertainty of how long they may be needed, he said. But I feel confident in our ability to open on Tuesday and have the staff in place to have a successful start based on where we are today, Bayers said. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com Dr Kafeel Khan (C) following his release from Mathura jail after the Allahabad High Court quashed his detention under the National Security Act and ordered his immediate release, in Mathura. PTI Photo At a time that the Supreme Court is being seen as a muzzled watchdog silent in the face of rampant rise in hate crimes and unconscionable negligence, it is the high courts that have emerged as a beacon, offering limited succour to the persecuted. This time around, it has come to the rescue of two brave citizens. Allahabad high court chief justice Govind Mathur has to his credit a long line of recent orders upholding fundamental rights. Many of them have come in suo motu cases. It was Justice Mathurs bench, for instance, which directed the Uttar Pradesh government in March this year to remove hoardings erected at public places displaying photos and addresses of alleged Citizenship (Amendment) Act dissenters. And it is his bench that ordered the release of Gorakhpur paediatrician Kafeel Khan, setting aside the Yogi Adityanath governments detention order against him, declaring his speech at Aligarh Muslim University campus on December 13, 2019, a call to unity and national integration. Most importantly, it ruled the invocation of the National Security Act in the case two full months later as unsustainable. Khan had been granted bail in February but was kept in jail under the provisions of the NSA. However, anti-CAA activist Devangana Kalita, who was granted bail by Delhi high court judge Suresh Kumar Kait who ruled that her presence in the protests at Jafrabad Metro station on the night of February 22 failed to prove that she had instigated Muslim women to violence or given a hate speech, will continue to remain in jail. She is in custody under another FIR filed under the draconian UAPA and has been refused bail in that case. In his speech at AMU, Khan, whose family has been made the target of miscreant attacks, had called attention to the appalling absence of doctors and basic infrastructure in heartlands, and he had also mentioned that as a member of his community he refused to be browbeaten into silence. He had criticised the impunity with which a labourer was killed in Rajasthan in 2017, simply for being Muslim. In February, Khans own uncle became the victim of a shooting. The courts should compensate Khan for the sufferings that he has endured and the months that he has spent in jail in 2017, too, he was harassed by the same administration for exposing medical negligence. A rational and pluralistic polity should heed his views. Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom Saudi Press Agency Sunday 1442/1/11 - 2020/08/30 Riyadh, August 30, 2020, SPA -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki: "Joint Coalition Forces have intercepted and destroyed this afternoon (Sunday) a bomb-laden UAV launched systematically and deliberately by the terrorist Houthi militia to target civilians and civilian objects in the Southern Region." --SPA 14:50 LOCAL TIME 11:50 GMT 0010 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT Police are asking for the publics help to track down those responsible for a shooting Thursday night that activated the citys gunshot detection technology. Officers responded to a ShotSpotter gunfire activation in the area of Arctic and William streets around 7 p.m., according to Scott Appleby, the citys director of emergency communication and emergency management. (Natural News) Mint gum and mint candies make the mouth feel cool despite not being cold to the touch. Science journalist Grant Currin explains in his recent article published by LiveScience that a compound called menthol is responsible for mints characteristic cooling effect. This compound tricks the body into feeling cold by stimulating neurons under the skin that monitor things like touch, temperature and pain. Menthol, a product of natural selection Scientists think that millennia ago, the ancestors of plants like mint and chili peppers began producing active compounds as part of their defense mechanism. Through natural selection, these plants discovered that menthol and capsaicin could effectively protect them from external threats. The cold and hot sensations caused by menthol and capsaicin, respectively, helped prevent predators from eating the plants. Because of their usefulness, the ancestor plants passed on the genes encoding for these compounds to their descendants and so on until humans started to consume these plants. Today, menthol also known as peppermint camphor is used medicinally in ointments, cough drops and nasal inhalers to soothe the respiratory tract. It is also commonly used as a natural flavoring agent in foods, liqueurs, cosmetics, perfumes and even cigarettes. Cold-sensing protein acts as a signaling molecule According to Seok-Yong Lee, a professor of biochemistry at Duke University in North Carolina, certain neurons located under the skin sense hot and cold sensations. This network of neurons is different from those involved with other senses like taste and smell. Menthol stimulates these neurons to open ion channels and send signals to the brain saying it feels cold despite the absence of a cold stimulus. In particular, the protein called transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) is the main cold-sensing receptor that alerts the brain to a drop in temperature. It turns on, for instance, when you lick an ice cream cone, said Currin. Lee and his colleagues shed light on the effects of cooling agents like menthol on TRMP8 for the first time in a recent article published in the journal Science. According to them, menthol tricks TRPM8 into opening its doors, so to speak, and letting in sodium and calcium ions. The presence of these ions then tells the brain that the body feels cold. But this process doesnt just happen through ingestion. It can also occur if someone applies menthol to their skin. For instance, applying gels, lotions and creams that contain menthol topically can make the skin feel cold and numb. But make no mistake. This cooling effect is just a sensation. At high concentrations, however, menthol can cause local inflammation and lead to an increase in temperature. More than a cooling sensation: Uses and benefits of menthol Menthol has since gone past being just a defense mechanism for plants like spearmint, peppermint and basil, among others. Today, humans use menthol-containing herbs as both food and medicine because of their sharp, cooling effect. If distilled and separated as a concentrated oil, menthol can be used as a safe and holistic treatment for pain, inflammation and congestion. Here are some of the reported health benefits and uses of menthol: Protects against gastrointestinal ailments Menthol is a natural medicine for gastrointestinal problems like gas, indigestion and bloating. It also functions as a natural muscle relaxant, protecting the gut from spasms. (Related: Peppermint oil can help relieve chest pain after eating.) Soothes itching and inflammation If applied as a topical medicine, menthol can help treat itching and minimize inflammation due to rashes and bug bites. Eases headaches Essential oils containing menthol are go-to remedies for headaches and migraine attacks. On top of relaxing muscles, menthol can also ease pain. In fact, it can also be used for pain relief from toothaches. Treats lung conditions Diffusing menthol from oils and inhaling it can help asthmatic patients breathe better. Menthol is also great for bronchitis. Plus, menthol can decongest the nose and treat cough caused by the common cold. Menthol in mint and other herbs can make our mouths feel cool, and this same cooling sensation can be utilized for a variety of medicinal purposes, from soothing rashes to treating colds. Read more articles about the health benefits and uses of mint at FoodIsMedicine.com. Sources include: LiveScience.com Britannica.com Science.ScienceMag.org LiveStrong.com The portals of famous Sikh shrine Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara situated in Uttrakhands Chamoli district opened its portals for pilgrims on Friday at 10 am following all the rituals and the necessary Covid-19 restrictions including capping the number of pilgrims per day to 200. The Gurudwara usually reopens in May every year but was delayed this year due to the ongoing pandemic. It was finally decided on August 19 to open the portals on September 4 following a meeting between the office-bearers of Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Management Trust and the officials of Chamoli district administration. Narenderjit Singh Bindra, vice-president of Hemkund Sahib Management Trust said 150 pilgrims will visit the shrine on the first day. This time, due to the pandemic, the number of pilgrims has been restricted to 200 each day. Accordingly, 150 pilgrims will be visiting on the first day, he said, adding the majority of the pilgrims are from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra, with only four or five being from Uttarakhand. Bindra also said that the management trust is ensuring that all the pilgrims follow the Covid-19 containment and safety norms while visiting the shrine. Also Read: With 946 coronavirus cases, Uttarakhand reports its biggest one-day jump Following the norms, only those pilgrims are allowed, who have tested negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours of starting their pilgrimage, said Bindra. Meanwhile, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also extended his wishes to all the pilgrims on the opening of the portals of Hemkund Sahib and Lakshman Mandir. Also Read: Uttarakhand BJP MLA writes to JP Nadda, expresses anguish over lack of development works in his area Rawat said, My wishes are with all the pilgrims on this occasion. This time due to the pandemic, there are some restrictions in place and we humbly request all the pilgrims to follow the Covid-19 norms for a safe pilgrimage. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Roadside Bombing In Northwestern Pakistan Kills Three Soldiers By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal September 03, 2020 A Pakistani official says a roadside explosion in the northwestern South Waziristan tribal district has left three soldiers dead and another wounded. District police officer Shaukat Ali told RFE/RL that the soldiers were on a routine patrol on September 2 when the explosion hit the vehicle they were traveling in. Ali said four soldiers were initially injured but three of the them later died in hospital, including a lieutenant. The fourth wounded soldier was in critical condition, according to the police officer. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. On August 31, four soldiers were killed and another four wounded in an ambush in the Ladha area of South Waziristan. That attack was claimed by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban. On August 31, the militant group claimed an ambush in the Ladha area of South Waziristan in which four soldiers were killed and another four wounded. South Waziristan, located near the Afghan border, had served as a militant base until recent years until Pakistan said operations there had cleared the area of the Taliban and other militant groups. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/three-soldiers -killed-in-roadside-bombing-in- northwestern-pakistan/30818893.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 Experts say it's not a good idea to warm up your car in winter Experts say it's not a good idea to warm up your car in winter. Here's why. New Delhi, Sep 4 : Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Prakash Javadekar on Friday assured the automobile industry that he will take up the industry's demand for a cut in goods and services tax (GST) for the sector with the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister. Speaking at the virtual Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the minister said that the industry will get some concessions going ahead to boost demand, especially the festival demand. He noted that any decision on GST cut will require the GST Council to take into account the socio-economic impact of the decision. Citing the ongoing issue of the GST compensation, which Centre has been unable to pay to the states, he said that as already revenues are very low, such decisions on rate cut would have to be thoroughly looked into. "I hope you will get some good news soon," he said. As the pandemic has worsened the demand scenario of India's automobile segment, which was already going through a slowdown in the past year or so, industry players have been seeking support from the government to push demand in the form of tax cuts. Recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said that the GST Council will look into the proposal of lowering the GST on two-wheelers, which neither come under luxury nor sin goods. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text An FIR has been lodged against 102 people, including 60 unnamed, for clashing with police in the Rasda area here, resulting in injuries to 12 people, the police said on Friday. "An FIR has been registered against 102 people, including 60 unnamed and 42 named, for clashing with police, indulging in brick-batting and injuring 12 people, including policemen. Of them, 15 have been arrested," Superintendent of Police Devendra Nath said. DIG Subhash Chandra Dubey denied the allegation that one Pannalal Rajbhar (35) was beaten up by the police. "When the brick-batting started, Rajbhar, about whom it was alleged that he was unconscious and in a serious condition, was the first one to flee. In a medical examination, not even a scratch was found on his body," he said while claiming that some people tried to politicise the matter. "Police outpost in-charge Dharmendra Singh and Head Constable Rajbali have been suspended over the incident," the DIG said, adding that the Gangster's Act will be invoked in the case. Enraged over the police allegedly beating up Rajbhar, villagers blocked the Ballia-Lucknow highway on Thursday and when the men in uniform tried to remove them, they hurled stones at them, ransacked a temporary police post and damaged six vehicles. The police used force to disperse them. Twelve people, including six police personnel and two journalists, were injured in the incident. Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjay Yadav was also among the injured. "Accusing the police of beating a man named Pannalal, the villagers blocked traffic at about 9.30 am," Yadav said. After police officials spoke to the villagers, they agreed to remove the road block. However, some of them got agitated when the police started removing the blockade. The police used mild force to disperse the villagers, following which they indulged in stonepelting, Yadav 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.) Collision between US Navy Destroyer Fitzgerald and Philippine-Flag Container Ship ACX Crystal September 3, 2020 Accident Location: , Japan Sagami Nada Bay off Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island Accident Date: 7/17/2017 Accident ID: DCA17PM018 Date Adopted: 8/3/2020 NTSB Number: MAR-20-02 NTIS Number: PB2020-101007 Executive Summary About 0130 (local time) on June 17, 2017, the US Navy Destroyer Fitzgerald with 315 persons on board was southbound at a speed of about 22.1 knots in the bay of Sagami Nada off Japans Honshu Island after departing the US Navy Base at Yokosuka, Japan, bound for the Philippines. The Philippine-flag container ship ACX Crystal, operated by Sea Quest Ship Management, Inc., with 20 crewmembers on board was east-northeast-bound at a speed of about 18.5 knots, headed to Tokyo, Japan, from Nagoya, Japan. As the distance between the two ships continuously decreased, neither vessel radioed the other. Seconds before the collision, the watch officers attempted to maneuver the vessels to avoid impact, but the actions were too late, and the ships collided. Seven Fitzgerald crewmembers died in the accident, and three crewmembers suffered serious injuries. The destroyer sustained extensive damage to its forward starboard side. The ACX Crystal sustained damage to its bow; no injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was the lead federal agency in this accident investigation and delegated its authority to the US Coast Guard to gather documents and perform interviews on behalf of the NTSB. The NTSB developed the analysis and probable cause based on the evidence gathered by the Coast Guard and additional documentation provided by the Navy. Probable Cause The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the collision between US Navy Destroyer Fitzgerald and container ship ACX Crystal was the Fitzgeralds bridge teams failure to take early and substantial action to avoid collision as the give-way vessel in a crossing situation. Contributing was ineffective communication and cooperation among the Fitzgerald crew on the bridge and in the combat information center (CIC), and the Fitzgerald commanding officers (CO) insufficient planning for the hazards of the vessels intended transit. Also contributing was the Navys ineffective oversight of the Fitzgerald in the areas of operations scheduling, crew training, and fatigue mitigation. Also contributing to the accident was the ACX Crystal watch officers lack of early detection of the Navy vessel and insufficient actions to avoid collision once in doubt as to the destroyers intentions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Provincial Minister for Health and Finance, Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra has said that polio eradication was top priority of the Government and urged all the line departments to work as a team to achieve the goal of polio free status PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Sep, 2020 ) :Provincial Minister for Health and Finance, Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra has said that polio eradication was top priority of the Government and urged all the line departments to work as a team to achieve the goal of polio free status. He was chairing a district review meeting on polio eradication here at Emergency Operations Center Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here on Friday. Secretary Health KP, Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, Coordinator EOC Abdul Basit, Special Secretary Health Mian Adil Iqbal, DG Health Services Dr Niaz Muhammad, Director EPI Dr Saleem, District Health Officers and representatives of UNICEF, WHO, BMGF and N Stops were present on the occasion. Elaborating on his thoughts, Minister for Health and Finance said that polio was affecting our children and leaving them disabled for life and emphasized the need for eradication of the disease that has been wiped out from the globe including African countries with much poor socio-economic indicators. Taimur Jhagra directed District Health Officers (DHOs) to fill the gaps that were creating hurdles in polio eradication in their respective districts and to act against the complacent elements who are misreporting. "I am the strong advocate for recognizing the efforts of hard -working teams and officials and will urge all of you to commend the good team members as a motivating factor", he added. He said that health has emerged as one of the most significant sectors due to COVID-19 pandemic and directed DHOs to ensure quality health services to the people in their respective districts. Secretary Health KP, Syed Imtiaz Ali Shah emphasized the need for wiping out the menace of polio from the region and underscored the need for dedicated efforts at all levels. He said that as we as a nation were standing alone in the globe fraternity due to our inability to eradicate polio from our country. Earlier, EOC Coordinator Abdul Basit, briefed Minister and the forum about the preparations of the upcoming campaign in the province and district wise challenges In the August campaign. It is pertinent to mention that the August campaign was conducted in 21 districts of the province with the target of 4.56 million children under the age of five. Rating: 2.0 /5 Star Cast: Abhay Deol, Pankaj Kapur, Piyush Mishra, Ritika Anand Director: Shailender Vyas Available On: SonyLIV Language: Hindi Duration: 4 Episodes / 30-40 minutes Story: JL50 follows a CBI investigation of a flight crash that when missing in 1984 from Kolkata was found after a crash in 2019. Starring Abhay Deol, Pankaj Kapur, Piyush Mishra, the makers attempt to make their own version of Indian Time Travel that originated in ancient texts hidden by King Ashoka. Review: JL50 by Shailender Vyas is a strong and a commendable attempt at trying to bring time travel with a mix of Indian history. In one of the scenes, Pankaj Kapoor also slams the people who bat their eyes when Indian stories try the same fantasy and sci-fi tropes as Hollywood. However, what fails a good script is the sloppy execution. Not only does the show not take its own characters seriously, but it also attempts to plays off the big twists as just another scene. The show starts with a plane crashing in the northeastern mountains of India while another aeroplane with government delegates as passengers has been high-jacked by a terrorist group. A secret CBI investigation is set to check if the plane that crashed in the mountains is the same as the high jacked one. Abhay Deol as Shantanu has thirty-six hours to figure out the truth about the crash, before the government hands over the biggest criminal in exchange of the passengers on that flight. Abhay Deol As CBI Officer It is a completely different story when Shantanu reaches on sight to investigate the crash. Turns out the flight was JL50 which went missing thirty-five years ago in 1984 after its takeoff in Kolkata. The only lead is a physics professor who was also registered as a passenger but never boarded the flight. Pankaj Kapur As Quantum Physics Professor The four-part series with approximately 40 minutes episodes, gives the story good enough time to set the stage and let the story flow. But even with actors like Abhay Deol and Pankaj Kapur leading the command of the story, very little of the characters is explored. Pankaj Kapur turns out to be a quantum physics professor who talks with a weird heavy voice, and Abhay Deol is unable to accept the facts even after facing several proofs. JL50 Is Streaming On SonyLIV The series has its nuances but they are not enough to keep you hooked. Several scenes look sloppy enough to have been shot on a phone camera and just as disturbing is the comic background score, used every time Pankaj Kapur's character is about to do anything. Overall JL50 is an experience that could someday lead to a filmmaker creating the Indian version of Dark, but that day is still very far. Abhay Deol Speaks About Being Privileged: I've Gone Extra Mile In My Career To Make My Own Path Sony LIV Slammed For Promoting Undekhi With Phone Calls Describing Murder Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 09:56:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CARACAS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S.-based consulting firm is financing an online smear campaign against Venezuela's government, the Venezuelan ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, said on Thursday. "The company CLS Strategies, headquartered a few blocks from the White House, has been conspiring for years to overthrow the Venezuelan government by using fake (social media) accounts," Moncada said via Twitter. "CLS Strategies created hundreds of accounts with fake profiles on Facebook and Instagram to manipulate public opinion. The accounts have already been closed, but this is not the only case of a disinformation war from Washington," said the Venezuelan ambassador. Moncada cited an article published in 2017 by Mark Feierstein, identified by CLS as a senior partner, in which he presented U.S. President Donald Trump with "strategies to overthrow the Venezuelan government." "It is clear that CLS serves the Trump administration," Moncada said, noting Feierstein was formerly with the United States Agency for International Development, which has previously been implicated in similar operations against governments Washington consider hostile. Enditem India has strong geopolitical, historical and economic reasons to disentangle itself from China's arms By Atul Singh, Manu Sharma & Vikram Sood Many experts argue India is the weaker power unable to take on China. In an article in Foreign Policy, James Crabtree argues that a trade war with China would be a bad idea for India. In his view, India's "military is inefficient, underequipped, and dogged by procurement corruption scandals". To develop its military strength, India needs a dynamic economy, and an "inward economic direction" would only benefit China in the long run. Therefore, an India-China decoupling is a terrible idea. These analysts are wrong. Their argument against decoupling is based on three implicit assumptions. First, India is a deeply-divided country unable to act or respond decisively. Second, India is dependent on the Chinese economy for its growth. Third, China's rise is inexorable and India has no option but to come to terms with it. These assumptions are true, but it is an error of judgment to treat them as unqualified truths. A Trip Down Memory Lane For Indians with longer historical memories than many of these experts, these arguments sound familiar. Anglo-Saxon publications have long hectored, advised and moralized on Indian issues. On July 5, 2014, the editorial board of The New York Times made a case against India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. To be admitted, India needed "to sign the treaty that prohibits nuclear testing, stop producing fissile material, and begin talks with its rivals on nuclear weapons containment". In response, Gurmeet Kanwal, a retired Indian brigadier-turned-defense analyst, called the editorial "partisan and condescending". Some even saw it as neocolonial. He pointed to "the existential threat posed by two nuclear-armed states on India's borders" that led India to develop its nuclear weapons capability. Kanwal argued that India had been a "responsible nuclear power" with a "positive record on non-proliferation" and had "consistently supported total nuclear disarmament." In typical Sikh humor, he advised nuclear ayatollahs to focus on real proliferators and let go of the cap, roll-back and eliminate (CRE) stance they had adopted against India since the 1990s. Just as India stood up to the US on the nuclear issue in the 1990s, it is capable of standing up to China in 2020. An India-China conflict is highly undesirable. Ideally, New Delhi and Beijing should be able to work something out over endless cups of tea. However, sanctimonious advice from foreign experts about dire consequences of an India-China decoupling has to be taken with a bucket, not a pinch, of salt. In 1998, India went nuclear despite dire predictions for its economy. Many in Washington assumed that India depended on the West for its economy. Barely seven years prior, India had experienced a serious financial crisis. The Gulf War and slowing exports to the US crippled an economy by rising deficits and increasing debt. The precipitous decline of the Soviet Union meant India no longer had a godfather to bail it out. So severe was India's 1991 currency crisis that it had to pledge its gold reserves and liberalize its economy to get a bailout from the International Monetary Fund. In 1998, India was better off than in 1991 but certainly not in a strong position. Nuclear tests put it under immense pressure. At the UN, the Conference on Disarmament condemned Indian nuclear tests. In the preceding years, India had watched the West ignore the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown and fete China for its economic reforms. Condemnation for nuclear tests strengthened, not weakened, India's response. It stood up to the West, ignored experts and upended nuclear apartheid. Today, India is again in a mood to defy experts and stand up to China. Like Love, Trade Is Complicated As troops amass on the India-China border, a full-scale economic war has broken out. It is leading to a structural break in the Indian economy. Both public opinion and political leadership is now committed to decoupling from China. In India, there is a ban on 59 Chinese apps by government authorities. Major trade bodies have formally announced boycotts of Chinese products. For instance, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has listed 3,000 such products. CAIT is a national umbrella organization with 40,000 smaller trade bodies and 70 million traders as members. The government has tightened country of origin rules for e-retailers and other sellers. Demand for Chinese products is declining. Xiaomi is no longer India's top-selling phone. Samsung has replaced it. Increasingly, selling Chinese goods using Southeast Asian free trade agreements is becoming difficult. The existing business model of buying in China and selling in India is under pressure. In an additional twist, Indian tax authorities have conducted raids on Chinese companies and individuals for money laundering. It led to the arrest of a Chinese national. Apparently, he was married to a woman from India's northeast border state of Mizoram, had spuriously obtained an Indian passport and been arrested earlier for espionage. It seems trade is not as simple as experts imagine it to be. Intelligence, influence and geopolitics are inextricably intertwined with trade, business and investment. In the India-China economic relationship, three largely forgotten factors are noteworthy. First, India enhanced trade ties with China not only for economic reasons but also geopolitical ones. Becoming a key market and investment destination for China was supposed to reduce the risk of conflict and wean Beijing off Islamabad. Aggressive Chinese actions have made India reconsider this strategy and change tack. Second, India's manufacturing sector is reasonably well developed but has suffered from Chinese competition since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. A 2018 parliamentary report concluded that Chinese imports were playing "a negative role for (India's) domestic industry". The report warned about the loss of jobs, an increase in bad debts for banks, a decline in tax revenues and a worrying dependence on China for critical products. It concluded that China does not play by WTO rules and "the problem of Chinese dumping is a matter of concern across the globe". India is not alone in having concerns about China's abuse of WTO rules. A 2018 report to the US Congress expressed concern at "China's continued embrace of a state-led, mercantilist approach to the economy and trade". It detailed "substantial costs borne by WTO members as a result of China's problematic trade regime" and the challenges presented by its "non-market economic system". Given China's track record, there is a case to be made for India taking a more protectionist path. There is another tiny little matter. Protectionism has played a key role in industrialization for any latecomer. Furthermore, industrialization has been the key driver of economic growth. In a 2019 article, one of these authors observed that the first major act passed by Congress was the Tariff Act of July 4, 1789. Without protecting its infant industry, the US would not have emerged as an industrial power. Since 1978, China has followed the American playbook on steroids. It has powered through the largest and fastest industrialization in history. Its companies enjoy the advantages of infrastructure, cheap financing and political support. Therefore, they have been able to achieve economies of scale. As a result, Indian companies have been blown away. An India-China decoupling might give sectors from aerospace components to advanced pharmaceuticals a second chance. Third, Chinese imports into India are nice-to-have, not must-have, goods. Demand for them is elastic unlike the inelastic demand for energy from the Middle East and the US. An India-China trade war that leads to a decoupling of the two economies could lead to short-term pain but has a strong rationale for the longer term. The Shape of Things to Come In any case, experts forget that India is unlikely to turn entirely inward as it did after independence in 1947. Recently, billions of dollars have poured into India from the US. Reliance Jio, an Indian mobile internet company, raked in $15 billion in 10 weeks. This is indicative of a deeper trend. Given new geopolitical imperatives, India is now looking to boost economic ties with friendly powers. It wants Korean, Japanese, European and American firms to set up shop in the country. Foreign market players who can act nimbly would be in a good position to grab some of the approximately $60 billion China's trade surplus with India. There are new investment, manufacturing and trading opportunities emerging as the status quo changes and a new order emerges. Many economists predict a short-term price shock as Chinese goods stop coming into the country. They forget that India has struggled with jobless growth even during the best of times. Decoupling with China could boost domestic manufacturing not only for large but also for medium and small industries. This would increase employment, tax revenues and even demand thanks to a multiplier effect. Improved job figures further increase political support for decoupling and decrease India's need to subsidize agriculture so heavily. For decades, agricultural subsidies have put pressure on public finances. If a lower amount is spent on subsidies, pressure on the fiscal deficit would abate. To sum up, India has strong reasons to decouple and no longer consider WTO rules sacrosanct. A tectonic shift is underway. After World War II, a new rules-based order emerged. The end of the Cold War strengthened this order and led to visions that Western democracy was the final destination for all societies. With polarization and partisanship at home, Western democracies themselves are in peril. The order that emerged in 1991 is crumbling and a new one is about to emerge. History offers us lessons as to what to expect. In the past, India and China focused on their spheres of influence with the Himalayas keeping them apart. Both prospered. In this age of trade, peace and prosperity, a Chola empire based in the modern-day southeastern state of Tamil Nadu ruled Malaysia (Putrajaya), Indonesia (Srivijaya), Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Middle Kingdom held sway over Mongolia, Korea and Japan. Both India and China could go back to sticking to their historic spheres and to trading with each other. At the moment, China has followed salami tactics and encroached on territory India claims as its own. China has also been meddling in Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, India's key neighbours. Since 1963, China has been in a close alliance with Pakistan. Yet China has never played a role in the Indian subcontinent and cannot suddenly turn into an overlord here. Therefore, close India-China economic ties no longer make strategic sense. Additionally, China disingenuously claims to meet India halfway while insisting that the onus to improve the border situation lies entirely with its neighbour. This is a one-way, not halfway, diplomacy that suggests aggressive intent. The Chinese also seem determined to win the war of narratives and are enlisting the support of free market ayatollahs to do so. It is only natural that the Indian narrative is bound to be different. It is in sync with the new realities of the day, which drive India's decision to decouple its economy from China. Trade, investment and deep economic ties are a jolly good thing with allies and friends, not with rivals and foes. (Vikram Sood is former RAW chief and Atul Singh is a journalist, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Fair Observer. The views expressed are personal.) The citys senior deputy mayor Yoginder Singh Yogi has filed first information report (FIR) against his wife and her friend for stealing 22 tolas of gold ornaments and Rs 1.5 lakh cash. The accused have been identified as Jaspreet Kaur (40) and Manav Sharma (24). Police have registered case under sections 451 (house trespass), 323 (punishment for causing injuries voluntarily), 379 (theft), 498(enticing or taking away with criminal intent a married woman) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC act. SHO Kotwali police station Rahul Kaushal said in his complaint, the complainant alleged that accused Manav, who is well known to his wife, barged into their house when he was not present. However, when Yoginders son resisted to Manavs presence, both the accused first thrashed his son before fleeing from the spot with gold ornaments and cash, the SHO said. CHICAGO, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For over 20 years, Morici, Longo & Associates (MLA) has been a Chicago law firm dedicated to providing aid to their community in more than just legal representation. Since the novel coronavirus was declared a pandemic and named COVID-19 this past March, the personal injury firm has dedicated much of their time and resources to fighting the virus. Within the first few weeks of the outbreak, the firm sent a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross. MLA has also donated funds to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Illinois Food Bank through their trial lawyers organization. In addition, they provide continuing support to the Maine Township Food Pantry. The firm's latest endeavor is providing free face masks to anyone who requests one. Limit is one mask per person. MLA has also provided thousands of free masks to first responders, health care workers, nursing home employees, teachers, and others on the front lines to show their appreciation for these workers' dedication and bravery. Finally, the firm is committed to protecting its clients and staff by providing remote consultations and the option to mail in important legal documents. Those who enter the MLA office will find that much thought and care has been put into keeping the space as clean and sanitary as possible. Social distancing measures are in place, no one is allowed to enter without a mask, and all surfaces are disinfected after use. The firm has continued to represent their clients zealously while providing its legal services, keeping everyone they work with as safe and at ease as possible. To learn more about Morici, Longo & Associates' COVID-19 response, please visit the firm's website at moricilongo.com. Free masks are available by request at moricilongo.com/our-blog/2020/july/free-masks. SOURCE Morici, Longo & Associates Related Links https://www.moricilongo.com The Tribunes photographers over the years have captured many of these formative moments. Can you recall being small and marching to school during your first week? Maybe there was a kindly crossing guard or several of your peers to shepherd you along, your heart skipping in anticipation or in a terrible case of the jitters. THE State is now facing a potential lawsuit for tortious assault and battery by a family that was tear-gassed by police while at the Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain last Sunday. Acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob has been given 28 days within which to provide specific pieces of information to attorneys representing the family or, in default, a civil claim will be filed at the High Court, the familys attorneys warned yesterday. As Labor Day weekend nears, concerns about smoke, fires and COVID-19 have put many vacationers on edge. The outlook is best for those with reservations at lakeside campsites in swaths of remote national forest, in the Redwood Empire and along Californias northern coast. For Bay Area staycations: Of 352 recreation destinations in the region, 265 are open. In an anomaly for Labor Day weekend, when park destinations are often smoky from forest fires, checks this week at Lake Tahoe and the north Sierra, Yosemite, Lassen, Mount Shasta and the Redwood Empire have shown various levels of clear air. For weekend trips with overnight stays, do not leave home without reservations for lodging or camping, or specific knowledge of difficult-to-reach destinations where you can be guaranteed a site. Options improve starting Tuesday, when, as if someone flipped a switch, reservations at lakeside campsites in national forests become available across the Sierra Nevada and Northern California. Many sites even become first-come, first-served, reported Recreation.gov, the federal reservation service. In the Greater Bay Area, the most notable closures are 100% of Point Reyes National Seashore, all 23 parks operated by the San Mateo County Parks (though there is a hope that some could open before the weekend), and the giant swath of land in the Santa Cruz Mountains that includes Big Basin Redwoods, Portola Redwoods and Butano state parks. Two major lakes and their recreation lands, the Los Vaqueros Watershed and Del Valle Regional Park, are also closed. Sam Okamoto To keep people out of fire zones, Highway 1 is closed in several areas, including south of Half Moon Bay in southern San Mateo County and north of Jenner in Sonoma County, and can be tracked at the Caltrans road information site at 800-427-7623 or at https://roads.dot.ca.gov. Fire danger remains high or very high across Californias 20 million acres of U.S. National Forest, according to postings by rangers at the regions 100 district offices. Rangers say privately that they are anxious as the end-of-summer crowds arrive from cities. Use The Chronicles interactive trackers online to home in on the latest conditions for fire, COVID and Bay Area recreation. Heres an update on conditions at popular destinations across the Bay Area and Northern California. San Francisco: All recreation sites along the San Francisco headlands and shore are open, spanning from Fort Funston and Lake Merced on the coast, to the Presidio, Fishermans Wharf and around to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. The one disclaimer is at Candlestick, where parking has been closed since March, but walk-in and bike-in traffic is permitted. Mornings have been cool with high fog, calm winds and low surf. S.F. Peninsula: All 23 parks have remained closed this week in San Mateo County, but some could re-open by the weekend. The Midpeninsula Open Space District has already re-opened nearly all of its 26 preserves. Long Ridge, located on Skyline south of Page Mill Road, remains closed due to fire operations. North Bay: The Marin Headlands is nearly 100% open, along with the Marin Watershed lands and lakes, for access, hiking and mountain biking. The exception is Stafford Lake near Novato, still closed. In West Marin, all of Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay State Park and Samuel P. Taylor State Park are closed to all access. With the active fire at Point Reyes, avoid Highway 1 and stay clear of the area. East Bay: In the East Bay Regional Park District, where 66 parks had been shut down, all are open this week except for six: Del Valle, Mission Peak, Morgan Territory, Ohlone Regional Wilderness, Round Valley and Sunol Regional Wilderness. Of significant recreation lakes, San Pablo Reservoir and Lafayette Lake are again open, and Los Vaqueros and Del Valle are 100% closed. East Bay MUD re-opened its trailheads for hiking (with a permit). Mount Diablo is also 100% open, but with warnings posted for both fire dangers and a water shortage. Visitors are asked to bring their own drinking water. South Bay: Red flag warnings have been posted in all 28 parks operated by Santa Clara County Parks, but nearly all are open. Joseph D. Grant County Park on Mount Hamilton Road and Sanborn on Highway 9 remain shut down. In south county, 87,000-acre Henry W. Coe State Park re-opened with heat warnings for the weekend and access with limited facilities out of headquarters off Dunne Avenue east of Morgan Hill and the Hunting Hollow staging area east of Gilroy. Fishing reports SF Bay and coast: The following selected scores were reported Tuesday from each harbor. San Francisco: Lovely Martha had 19 salmon to 28 pounds for 16 people; Berkeley: New Easy Rider had 14 salmon (limits) to 25 pounds for 7; Sausalito: New Rayann had 16 salmon to 23 pounds for 12 people; Emeryville: Pacific Pearl has 12 salmon (limits: to 24 pounds for 60); Sea Wolf had 170 rockfish (limits), 19 lingcod to 16 pounds for 17 people. Recreation lakes: Going into the weekend, levels at recreation lakes are generally good for September considering the poor rain and snow totals from last winter. Central Sierra: Tulloch (98% full), Donner (92), Union Valley (74), Bullards Bar (69), Davis (68), Frenchman (68), Loon (64), Ice House (63), Stampede (54), Beardsley (48). Note: Lake Tahoe measured at 6,226.93 feet (down 2.17 from maximum full at 6,229.1). Sacramento Valley/foothills: Englebright (93%), Folsom (49), Oroville (48), Indian Valley (31), Black Butte (26). Note: Clear Lake measured 1.64 Rumsey (down 5.92 feet from brim at 7.56 Rumsey). San Joaquin Valley/foothills: Pardee (98%), Cherry (82), Don Pedro (72), New Melones (66), Camanche (64), New Hogan (48) North state: Lewiston (99%), Whiskeytown (98), Antelope (80), Trinity (61), Shasta (52). Tom Stienstra is The Chronicles outdoors writer. Email: tstienstra@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @StienstraTom MIDDLETOWN The city expressed its appreciation to essential home care workers Friday in celebrating Middletowns first National Home Care Day. Across town, home care workers are serving silently on the front lines of the pandemic, risking their own lives and the lives of their families to keep Connecticuts parents, grandparents and loved ones with disabilities safe, Mayor Ben Florshiem said in a press release. The most essential thing we can do as humans is care for one another thats something that the pandemic has made newly relevant and newly clear, Florsheim said in a prepared statement. Home care workers embody this spirit in all that they do. They are providing compassionate care for seniors and people with disabilities those most at risk from COVID-19. This work takes place away from the public spotlight, he said. Home care workers have been shamefully undervalued and unrecognized for their crucial work. That urgently needs to change. The landscape has begun to change. Through their union, many home care workers have been able win significant raises and other improvements to their working conditions, Florsheim said in the release. We must care for the workers just as we do for the people they serve, he said. Connecticuts population is among the oldest in the nation. Right now, 10,000 adults throughout the U.S. are turning 65 every day, and the country will need more than a million new home care jobs to care for seniors over the next decade, Florsheim said. A rising demand for long-term care services has made home care one of the fastest-growing jobs in America. But the historic undervaluing of home care workers, which is rooted in systemic racism and sexism, has led to a severe workforce shortage. Connecticuts home care workers are about 80 percent women, 60 percent people of color and 30 percent immigrants, he said. Caregivers carry out all the duties that allow their high-risk clients to live with safety and dignity in their own homes, including bathing, feeding, grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, taking them to the doctor and making sure they take their medications on time, as well as their clients mental and emotional well-being, the mayor said. Many struggle with poverty wages and a lack of benefits. Non-union home care workers at private agencies in Connecticut often make the states minimum wage of just $11 an hour, and go without personal protective equipment, paid sick leave, health care or training opportunities, the mayor said. Recently, 10,000 personal care attendants who are members of SEIU 1199 New England recently won a raise to a minimum wage of $16.25 an hour through the states Medicaid waiver program. NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday (September 4, 2020) told the Supreme Court that it is likely to conduct compartment examination for students of Classes 10 and 12 by September end. The Board also apprised the top court that it has increased the number of examination centres to 1,278 for smoothly conducting the compartment examination for students of Classes 10 & 12 by the month-end. A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari, and Sanjiv Khanna considered the plea filed against CBSE's decision to conduct compartment examination for students of Classes 10 & 12. Sources said that schools and students have also been informed about this. Schools have also issued forms for compartment examinations in many states. CBSE has earlier released a letter regarding compartment examinations to all concerned schools in this regard. Earlier, CBSE had sought suggestions from students and parents on whether to conduct compartment examinations or not. Most of the suggestions received by CBSE were in favour of cancelling the examinations, but the board decided to conduct the exams. Normally compartment examinations are held in July after the results of Board exams are released. However, this time due to the coronavirus pandemic, many board exams had to be cancelled and results of some class 10 and 12 exams were also delayed. Earlier, CBSE, while filing its reply in court, had asked for compartment exams to be held. A majority of students have compartments in Mathematics, Social Science and Science in class 10 while class 12 has seen compartments mostly in Mathematics, Accounts and Economics. CBI summoned Sushant Singh Rajput's psychiatrist Susan Walker on Thursday for the first time in connection to the investigation. The CBI has termed media reports attributed to it on its probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput as "speculative and not based on facts", in the first official statement from the agency on the case on Thursday, 3 September. In the statement issued late evening, the CBI said it is conducting investigation into Rajput's death in a systematic and professional way. "Certain media reports attributed to CBI investigation are speculative and not based on facts. It is reiterated that as a matter of policy, CBI does not share details of ongoing investigation," the agency said. "CBI spokesperson or any team member has not shared any details of the investigation with media. The details being reported and attributed to CBI are not credible," it said. Rajput, 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on 14 June. The CBI had filed an FIR taking over the probe from Bihar Police into the alleged abetment to suicide case filed by the actor's father KK Singh in Patna against Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family. Singh, in his complaint to Bihar Police, had alleged that Chakraborty along with her family members had misappropriated Rajput's wealth, which was denied by Chakraborty in TV interviews. The CBI Director has handed over the probe to the special investigation branch which is camping in Mumbai and has recorded statements of Chakraborty and her family members, met police and visited the crime scene. The CBI questioned late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's psychiatrist Susan Walker for the first time on Thursday in connection with the actor's death, an official said. The probe agency also questioned actress Rhea Chakraborty's father for the third consecutive day, he said. "Rajput's psychiatrist Susan Walker reached the DRDO guest house in suburban Kalina, where the probe team is stationed, around 1 pm and left the place around 8 pm. She was questioned for the first time," the official said. According to the official, Rhea Chakraborty's father Indrajeet Chakraborty arrived at the guest house around 10.30 am in a car escorted by a police vehicle. "It was his third day of questioning, which lasted for around five hours. He left the place around 3.30 pm," he added. In the last two days, the 28-year-old actress's father was questioned for over 18 hours by the CBI. The actress, who was earlier questioned for around 35 hours over four days, and her brother Showik Chakraborty, who was also interrogated by the CBI, were not questioned on Thursday. However, the probe team quizzed Rajput's flatmate Siddharth Pithani and domestic help Deepesh Sawant during the day, the official said. After Rajput's demise, Mumbai Police registered a case of accidental death and recorded statements of over 50 people. On Wednesday, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said it has arrested two alleged contraband dealers in connection with the drugs trafficking case linked to the case of Rajput's death. The role of Rhea Chakraborty's brother and his purported links with people nabbed by NCB are under the scanner of the agency and he is expected to be summoned for questioning soon, officials said. (With inputs from Press Trust of India) * Hyderabad, Sep 4 : All members of both houses of the Telangana Legislature will have to undergo a Covid-19 test and only those who test negative will be allowed to attend the monsoon session, beginning September 7. Apart from all members of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, the staff, media persons covering the session, personal staff of the ministers and marshals have to undergo the tests before September 6 and submit their reports. The decision was taken on Friday at a meeting Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy held with Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy, Legislative Affairs Minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy and officials on the arrangements for the session. The Speaker said since the session was being held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, special arrangements would be made to ensure social distancing and other rules. All legislators, staff members and others will have to compulsorily wear face masks. "Those without masks will not be allowed," he said. Two special diagnostic centres have been set up in the Assembly and the Council with experienced doctors and medical staff for the legislators. Two ambulances will also be kept ready. The legislators can undergo Covid tests in their respective districts. Both the presiding officers appealed to legislators, employees and others not to come for the session if they test positive or have Covid symptoms. Every legislator will be provided a kit comprising an oximeter, mask, sanitiser and other items. Prashanth Reddy said seating arrangements in both Assembly and Council halls were changed to ensure six-feet distance between two members. Additional seats were provided for this in both the Houses. The Municipal Administration and Health Departments and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation would take up sanitisation of the Assembly premises and surroundings twice a day. While a couple of aides of ministers will be allowed, no personal staff of legislators will be permitted during the session. There will be no entry for visitors during the session, which is likely to last for 20 days. Media persons will not be allowed in lobbies while the media point in Assembly premises will be removed to avoid crowding. Leaders of various parties used to address media persons at media point during every session. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPPER THUMB Despite an extensive feasibility study of the Tuscola County Jail, there is still no easy solution to address the needs of the aging facility. Byce & Associates Inc., an engineering and architectural firm, did a study of goals for the jail as well as an assessment of needs 10 to 20 years into the future. The main part of the jail, which is 21,000 square feet, was built in 1966 with 46 beds. There have been several remodeling projects and an expansion done over the years to increase to 92 beds in a 26,350-square-foot space. The bottom line is the 56-year-old jail is wearing out, and replacement parts that old are nearly impossible to find, according to Tuscola County Sheriff Glen Skrent. New jails cost a lot of money and there is no way around it, except if you want to wait and wait, Skrent said. The waiting has been done for more than 25 years. Other jail studies have been drafted but never went any further. Over that time, the jail has continued to deteriorate. Plus, the Michigan Department of Corrections keeps adding new requirements, which are getting more and more difficult to meet in the current jail space. One of those included creating a private meeting area for inmates with their attorney or other counselors. In order to meet that requirement a closet was renovated. Incoming inmates have to stay in isolation for a day before being placed in the back," Skrent said. He added that there are a number of criteria that must be used to separate incoming inmates as well, such as by gender, age and mental status. It seems the small holding pen frequently has someone recovering from drugs or alcohol or is suicidal, he added. The main goal of the firm was to come up with a ballpark figure of what a new jail would cost and some other possible options of renovations with an expansion. Your space is woefully inefficient so the last thing to do is develop projects that are based on deficiencies, said Joseph Mrak with Secureitecture of Noblesville, Indiana, which did the study. The company outlined nine options. The preferred option seemed to be for a two-story, 71,592-square-foot, 140-bed jail, which could be expanded to 170 beds with an estimated cost of between $27 million to $32 million. It would be built around the existing jail on Court Street. If that option is selected, the old section of the jail would be demolished and turned into a parking lot . The study pointed out numerous deficiencies: Inadequate space in the security garage, which is dangerous for staff. The processing area is marginally compliant with Michigan Department of Correction standards. There is no isolation flexibility, no padded cells in the detoxification holding cells. They are in poor condition with limited visibility from the control room so it is staff intensive for supervision. Control centers the buildings configuration requires a minimum of two. They have limited visibility of the jail and because of that is also staff intensive. Housing limited cells, has several group cells and dorms, has limited space for classification separation capability, and dayroom space is inadequate. Program space one classroom in the C pod, library is in the corridor with of it in half of the visitation area, which is inadequate, and is staff intensive. Space inadequate outdoor recreation area. Duty stations work space is marginal with little storage space. Visiting accommodations are inadequate, and in poor condition. Treatment rooms are marginal, are difficult to supervise, and include medical providers office and storage area. Workspace administrative and clerical space marginal, some undersized, and lacks storage. The list of inadequacies, security issues, structural issues, safety issues as well as American with Disability Act for inmates and staff is long and extensive. Doing renovation to the existing jail would take longer to do, be more expensive than building a new one, and expanding the current jail would solve little, Mrak said. It is not a feasible option to use your jail long-term. Moving the jail to another location would save between $1 million and $2 million in construction costs and could be done in half the time. It is not feasible to continue to use the jail because all systems are beyond their useful life, layout is operationally dysfunctional and inefficient, facility is not conductive to efficient and costly to expand, difficult to meet states minimum standards, and the cost of renovations exceed the cost of new construction, the report noted. The control room and holding cells are right in the middle of the jail and all the experts say its better to tear it down rather than gut the middle, explained Skrent. The big issue is not so much right now, the jail population; which is guaranteed to go up again, is only two observation cells are in direct sight to the control room. Remodeling won't work for many reasons. A remodel of the current jail would take longer than building new, be more expensive, and building on the same site has other issues, officials said. The rep forgot to mention that the old jail was built where the new jail would go and there is definitely a bunch of cement and debris from the old jail buried there, he said. We already ran into that doing some digging years ago and they found burned timbers. About the only positive the jail has is that it is close to the courthouse and there is an underground tunnel between the two buildings that is used to safely escort inmates to the courts. Although a new jail would be nice, could be done faster, and not cost as much, in the long run it would actually cost more because a holding cell would have to be created at the courthouse and it would cost more to transport inmates from another location to the courthouse. The key recommendation is to build 140 more beds and a later expansion for 170 beds in order to address jail needs for years to come, noted Mrak. The Byce & Associates Inc. report that was presented to the commissioners can be found on the countys website, www.tuscolacounty.org in the July 27 committee of the whole packet. These plans are not any sort of final plan at all," Skrent said. "They are just a way for them to determine an approximate cost for a new jail that fits modern needs would cost." Brings over 20 years of commercial and medical expertise in the pharmaceutical industry and the cannabis space OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. ("Tetra" or the "Company") (TSX:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF), a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development, is excited to announce that Dania Scott has joined Tetra as the Senior Vice President Commercial Strategy. She will be the lead executive responsible for the global commercialization of QIXLEEF and will jointly report to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Tetra Bio-Pharma, Dania worked as Director of Pharmacy at Canopy Growth Corporation where she led the Canadian strategy and tactical plans for Retail & Hospital Pharmacy including pharmacy education, business development, public affairs initiatives, key opinion leaders and key accounts management (2017-2020). Dania worked on the cannabis file at Shoppers Drug Mart (2015-2017) where she led and supported launch initiatives within the cannabis space including pharmacy education, strategy, marketing, and medical cannabis operationalization. Dania assumed diversified leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry, in sales management, marketing, and medical functions at companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Procter & Gamble Pharma, Roche and Eisai (1998-2015). She contributed to the growth and launch of several pharmaceutical products in varied therapeutic areas in the MENA (Middle East/North America) region and Canada. Over the last five years, Dania has developed a unique skill set that includes cannabinoid education, commercialization, and business development within the cannabis space. She led the training of thousands of Canadian pharmacists on all aspects of cannabinoids. This experience combined with her interest in cannabinoid medicine and polypharmacy reduction was a key asset for joining Tetra. Dr. Guy Chamberland, CEO and CRO commented, "Dania has the experience and skills that Tetra requires to prepare for the commercialization of QIXLEEF in Canada, USA, Europe and Central and South America. Earlier this year Tetra completed an overnight financing to accelerate the development of QIXLEEF. To date, Tetra has delivered on the value driving milestones of launching the Plenitude clinical trial in the USA, demonstrating in humans the preferential metabolite profile and now the initiation of its global commercial strategy. Dania will work with Tetra's medical device and cannabis supply partners to bring QIXLEEF to these territories." "I am extremely excited with the addition of Dania to the Tetra Team. Dania will also commercially support other brands from our diversified product portfolio. Her competencies in pharmaceutical commercial operations are stellar and this will largely benefit our entire portfolio even though her focus will be on QIXLEEF", commented Steeve Neron, COO. About Tetra Bio-Pharma Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF), is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a FDA and a Health Canada approved clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. Our evidence-based scientific approach has enabled us to develop a pipeline of cannabinoid-based drug products for a range of medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, and oncology. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing biopharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies. For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.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. Forward-looking statements Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company's research and development strategies, including the success of this product or any other product, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation. For further information, please contact Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.: Investor Contact: Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc Dr. Guy Chamberland, M.Sc., Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer Phone: + 1 (833) 977-7575 investors@tetrabiopharma.com Alpha Bronze, LLC Mr. Pascal Nigen Phone: + 1 (646) 255-0433 tetra@alphabronze.net Media Contact: energi PR Ms. Carol Levine APR, FCPRS Phone: + 1 (416) 425-9143 ext. 226 Mobile: + 1 (514) 703-0256 carol.levine@energipr.com SOURCE: Tetra Bio-Pharma View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604778/Dania-Scott-Joins-Tetra-Bio-Pharma-as-Senior-Vice-President-Commercial-Strategy ERP Health is thrilled to announce that CEO Eric Gremminger has received the 2020 Coalition Award from the Burlington County Coalition for healthy communities. This award is given once annually to a community member who has made a significant positive contribution to combating drug and alcohol addiction in Burlington County, New Jersey. Gremminger accepted the award during the Coalitions annual Candlelight Vigil honoring those community members lost from overdose death. The Vigil was organized and held virtually this year in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. Honorees from prior years have included investigative journalists and the Burlington County district attorney. Former Police Chief and Head of Prevention Plus Joseph Conlin shared, Eric Gremminger has dedicated countless hours to our coalition. His message of recovery, hope, and healthy lifestyle is contagious. It is a true honor to receive this award, Eric said. It is a privilege to work alongside a great group of people and share a message designed to educate and inspire children and families in Burlington County. Eric is the author of Reclaiming the Brain: Activating Sustained Recovery From Addiction and the CEO and Co-Founder of ERP Health, a digital behavioral health platform on a mission to save and transform lives by personalizing behavioral health. Stormonts First Minister has demanded an investigation into how the wrong flag was used to represent Northern Ireland on BBC Breakfast. Arlene Foster made the call after the flag of the Irish Republic was used in the graphic illustrating differing travel quarantine restrictions in place in the different UK regions during Friday mornings show. Mrs Fosters DUP party branded the incident disgraceful. Expand Close The graphic shown on BBC Breakfast that represented Northern Ireland with the flag of the Irish Republic (PA/BBC Breakfast) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The graphic shown on BBC Breakfast that represented Northern Ireland with the flag of the Irish Republic (PA/BBC Breakfast) At the end of the programme, presenter Naga Munchetty apologised for the error. We would like to apologise for a mistake we made earlier in the programme, she said. In a graphic sequence explaining the differing travel quarantine rules around the nations of the UK we mistakenly showed the wrong flag for Northern Ireland. At 0811 a graphic was used by @BBCBreakfast wrongly representing NI with an RoI flag. North Antrim MP Ian Paisley emailed the Director General & demanded an immediate apology. The apology (below) at 0858 is welcome but disgraceful that it had to be highlighted. pic.twitter.com/z6H8odWdaC DUP (@duponline) September 4, 2020 Mrs Foster welcomed the apology but urged the BBCs new director general Tim Davie to establish what went wrong. She tweeted: @BBCBreakfast were right to apologise swiftly but the BBC DG needs to investigate the editorial process that allowed the inaccurate graphic to air. Very poor. The DUP said one of its MPs, Ian Paisley, had emailed Mr Davie following the error to demand an apology. She announced the exciting news she's expecting her first child with her NASCAR driver boyfriend, James Kirkham, on Thursday. And Jessica Hart showed off her blossoming baby bump as she stepped out in Los Angeles the same day. The 34-year old Australian model dressed comfortably in a baggy black T-shirt teamed with tight leggings and a pair of sneakers. She's blossoming! Jessica Hart showed off her baby bump as she stepped out to pick up some groceries at Gelson's supermarket in Los Angeles on Friday, after announcing that she was expecting her first child with her NASCAR driver boyfriend, James Kirkham, on Thursday The former Victoria's Secret star also revealed her pregnancy glow by going makeup free, and tied her blonde locks up into a bun, exposing her new undercut hairstyle. She also made sure to wear a protective face mask as she strolled inside a local Gelson's supermarket to pick up some supplies. The blonde beauty shared the news that she was pregnant to her Instagram page on Thursday morning. 'James and I are officially pregnant,' she wrote, alongside an image of her holding up the results of an at-home pregnancy test. Cosy: The 34-year old Australian model dressed comfortably in a baggy black T-shirt teamed with tight leggings and a pair of sneakers Keeping safe: She also made sure to wear a protective face mask as she strolled into a local Gelson's supermarket to pick up some supplies New style: Jessica tied her blonde locks up into a bun, exposing her new undercut hairstyle She continued: 'Were so super duper excited about this awesome news, especially at this time and amongst the mainly bleak news out there. What a blessing. Were so unbelievably grateful and happy!' Jessica, who lives in Los Angeles, then shared her concerns about other mothers less fortunate. 'It makes me think deeply about all the other mothers to-be out there at the moment that are struggling with access to doctors and healthcare at this time,' she wrote. She then went on to show her support for the organisation Every Mother Counts, which was founded by supermodel Christy Turlington Burns in 2010, following the release of her documentary film, No Woman, No Cry. Glowing: The former Victoria's Secret model also revealed her pregnancy glow by going makeup free 'Were super duper excited!' Jessica shared the news that she was pregnant to her Instagram page on Thursday morning Giving back: The blonde bombshell who lives in Los Angeles took advantage of the announcement to share her concerns about other mothers less fortunate 'Id really love if everyone can JOIN ME in donating... Anything you can give really helps. This beautiful organisation helps pregnant woman in need. I couldnt imagine going through this without some support,' she added. Jessica was spotted sporting a small baby bump when she seen moving house in Los Angeles with James, back in May. At the time she hid her pregnancy figure under a baggy T-shirt paired with nude leggings. Jessica and NASCAR driver James were first spotted together on Valentine's Day 2019, when they headed out for dinner in Los Angeles. They made their romance official shortly afterwards. Glorious! 'Were so super duper excited about this awesome news, especially at this time and amongst the mainly bleak news out there. What a blessing. Were so unbelievably grateful and happy!' Jessica wrote on Instagram In August 2019, Jessica revealed she was relocating to LA from New York to live with her 'supportive boyfriend'. Her last serious relationship before James was with billionaire Stavros Niarchos III. James has a young daughter named Wren from a previous relationship. While Jess was born in Sydney, she relocated to the US soon after breaking into the industry, and later walked for Victoria's Secret in 2013. Throughout her career, Jessica has also modelled for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Seafolly and Michael Kors. For Massachusetts organizations that help parents navigate the world of homeschooling, the coronavirus pandemic has brought an influx of new families opting out of the traditional schools. Bill Heuer, the director of the Massachusetts Home Learning Association, said the groups Facebook pages, where the MHLA shares resources, webinars and answers questions, have grown to 11,000 members in recent months, doubling the number of parents on the page learning about homeschooling. Most of it is from parents who are just totally apprehensive and scared about all of the reopening plans that the schools have been announcing and its probably going to get a little worse in next couple weeks as they really have to make that decision of sending their kids into the school system or doing a remote or hopscotch program, so we just continue to get more and more questions, Heuer said. Massachusetts requires homeschool parents to submit curriculum plans to the local school district superintendent for approval. In the state, there are at least 7,802 homeschooled students, according to data from the 2019-2020 school year compiled by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Updated numbers wont be available for several more months, according to a DESE spokeswoman. The data indicates the districts with the largest number of homeschooled students are Boston at 184 students, Worcester at 165, Taunton at 137, Westfield at 133 and Fitchburg at 115. Heuer said he believes there could be thousands of more children learning at home. With new inquiries coming in from parents, Heuer said hes seen a mix of concerns about health and safety as well as parents whose schedules and jobs dont align with having children at home for remote learning. There seems to be a real disconnect between the regulations and what parents really do in their everyday lives and I guess well see that play out in the next couple weeks, Heuer said. Some parents have turned to learning pods, which essentially group children from a few families together. Parents will instruct the kids, or some families will hire private teachers. While that creates a health bubble, keeping just a small group of the same people together, Heuer said he doesnt feel it is the most effective plan. It would assume that everybody in this bubble is in that same grade and working at the same level, Heuer said. I dont know how you go out and find a teacher who was going to be perfect for every possible age group, so it just opens up another can of worms. For families serious about getting into homeschooling, its a lifestyle change. Anybody who has traditionally homeschooled over the years realizes its a whole its a family commitment, Heuer said. Youre homeschooling you know 24/7 and you buy into that whole lifestyle but we have seen an awful lot of people saying, look weve gone through that remote [learning], I dont want to go through that again. If Im going to do remote anyway I might as well just bite the bullet and do homeschooling then I dont have to be you know have my kids sitting at the screen for six hours a day. Other homeschool organizations in Massachusetts have seen the same questions. Once February hit, Kathy Lillie started fielding an influx of queries about homeschooling from parents who had not considered teaching their children from home before the coronavirus pandemic. Lillie, who with her husband homeschooled their six daughters in Fitchburg, is on the board of MassHope, a nonprofit organization that is distinctly Christian and has a volunteer board. The group aims to help and equip parents to homeschool their children with information and support groups and co-ops across the state. Lillie, in her role as MassHopes networking coordinator, fields questions about how to take a child out of public school, how to start homeschooling, how to find a local co-op, which are often groups of parents teaching children often in a local church. But in February, things changed as coronavirus started to make headlines in the United States and Massachusetts. From February to June, Lillie fielded almost 20 inquiries about homeschooling compared to about seven in that period of 2019. While that number appears low, Lillie said parents who reach out to MassHope are seeking specific information and are not just asking casually about homeschooling. Calls petered off in June, Lillie said, and then in August, Lillie fielded about 10 more inquiries as parents waited for school districts to announce learning plans for the year. This COVID-19 has caused an eye-opening on education for people in regards to traditional homeschooling. A lot of times you just hear it on the back-burner, oh, they homeschool, Lillie said. Its brought homeschooling more in the forefront. Its doable, it is available, its legal and there are people to help you do that. And so I think people are actually realizing theres an option and I can do this and theyre grabbing hold of it. One difficulty with new inquiries, Lillie said, is educating parents about the difference between traditional homeschooling and public school at home, which is what happened in the spring when districts abruptly closed because of the coronavirus. A lot of my job between February and now has been educating people, Lillie said. Each family is totally different but each parent wants the best for their children so whatever best meets the family need is what they need to feel confident and comfortable to do. Parents have been worried about the virus and want more consistency than some of the hybrid plans that bounce students between learning at home and being in school buildings, Lillie said. Lillie said she has not received inquiries from parents who want to homeschool because of the states new flu shot mandate, but colloquially shes heard that for some parents, the requirement is making parents think about keeping students at home. Likewise, Heuer said MHLA has not seen a big increase in discussions centered around the flu vaccine. More than just bringing in extra inquiries from parents looking to homeschool, the pandemic has also affected the particular ways these groups can help families. Fewer co-ops are running in-person and instead are taking time off or turning to remote options, Lillie said. Lillie thinks the pandemic is going to lead to a long-term change of parents being more interested in becoming their childrens teachers. Theres a lot of support in homeschooling, Lillie said. Were here and we want the best for your family. Related Content: Such polarization in politics is part of why Sasse said Republicans and Democrats have yet to find an answer on health care. Many of his colleagues offer ideas they know wont pass to play for the political theater on TV, he said, instead of working toward future-oriented solutions most Americans would accept. The Republican Party is often as devoid of ideas for the 2030 agenda as the Democratic Party, he said during an interview with The World-Herald. There need to be more American solutions. Last year, Sasse introduced a pair of bills on health care, including one to expand the types of health insurance plans eligible for health savings accounts. But the bills have not advanced, and Sasse expressed disappointment that he hadnt found enough allies. If he is reelected, he said, he will keep trying. That includes trying to focus both Republicans and Democrats on the need to help more Americans buy and keep private health insurance with them when they change jobs and when they move, even across state lines, with employers still paying a share of premiums. GRANDVILLE, MI -- After an anonymous letter showed up in a Grandville neighborhood looking to organize gun owners as defense against mobs, police issued a stern rebuke. Grandville police issued a response to the letter Thursday, Sept. 3 and said they cannot condone vigilante-type behavior of any kind. Copies of the letter recently were left on some vehicle windshields in the Buck Creek area of Grandville. In it, the writer hoped to identify people in the neighborhood who believe in the Constitution of the USA and who own a firearm and are willing to use it to defend (constitutional rights) on behalf of their neighbor, their family and themselves. The letter asked for interested people to email a specific address and suggested that a gathering would be organized soon. In the beginning part of the letter, the writer talked about what would happen if some type of protest happened in the neighborhood and that it would not be the most neighborly thing to do to cower in the basement while our neighbors vehicle is being smashed in his driveway next door. The idea for organizing apparently stemmed from a discussion with another neighbor. We also agreed that Grandville police, as much as we appreciate them, would never be able to respond quickly enough or with enough force to protect our homes and our lives from a large mob, according to the letter. The letter closed with Your neighbor, Goodheart. Terry Jolink, who has lived in the Buck Creek area for 25 years, said the letter seemed an over-reaction to national events. He said the chances of a large protest happening in his neighborhood seemed remote at best. I just couldnt see anybody doing it, he said. Jolink said the call for neighborhood gun owners to prepare for a defense seemed very extreme to him. Grandville police, in the statement issued Thursday, said they were concerned about such an organizing effort. The Grandville Police Department takes pride in its professionalism and duty to protect all citizens, police said. While recognizing established Constitutional rights, the department does not and will not condone vigilante-type behavior of any kind, police said. The statement, issued by Grandville Deputy Chief Renee Veldman, went on to say that law enforcement belongs in the hands of sworn and highly trained personnel. More from MLive Whitmer extends coronavirus state of emergency until Oct. 1 Man shows up at hospital with gunshot wound, police find 44 casings near scene Amid heightened border tensions in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday held talks in Moscow with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe. Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Indian Ambassador to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma are part of the Indian delegation at the talks that began shortly after 9:30pm (IST) at a prominent hotel in the Russian capital. According to sources, the focus of the talks between the two defence ministers was on ways to resolve the prolonged border standoff. Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which took place earlier in the day. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Chinese Defence Minister, General Fenghe in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/BDXFAYAVjn / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 It is the first highest level face-to-face meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh early in May. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has previously held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the standoff. Sources in the Indian government said the meeting has been requested by the Chinese defence minister. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to Indias move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. In his address at the SCO ministerial meet earlier on Friday, Singh said peace and security in the region demand a climate of trust, non-aggression, peaceful resolution of differences and respect for international rules. Singhs comments in the presence of the Chinese defence minister was seen as a veiled message to China over the border row in eastern Ladakh. Jaishankar is also scheduled to travel to Moscow next week to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the SCO on September 10. He is expected to have a meeting with Wang on the sidelines. Army Chief General MM Naravane is currently on a two-day visit to Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region in view of the Chinese attempts. The Parsons Police Department has issued only one citation for violation of the citys mask ordinance, but more business inspections will be made. Police Chief Robert Spinks told city commissioners on Thursday that an owner of Olsons Ace Hardware was ticketed for not complying with the ordinance that commissioners approved in early July. The ordinance requires most people to wear masks in public areas except outside when social distancing is possible. It also mandates businesses to post signs telling customers that masks must be worn inside their buildings, and businesses need to require their employees to wear masks when they are in areas accessible by the public. Although most businesses in town are complying with the ordinance, a few have resisted, and the ordinance has been the subject of some controversy among the public. The ordinance was only lightly enforced until the week of Aug. 17, when Spinks announced inspections would begin. On Thursday Spinks said police officers have inspected 70 businesses since then. Seven of those failed to pass inspection. The police plan to reinspect those businesses next week. They include Pizzos Restaurant, Cosmic Castle, Caseys, Bordertown II, Hortons Pizza Plus, All Seasons Floral and Gifts and Olsons Ace Hardware. All of those businesses received warnings. Spinks said an owner of Ace Hardware was cited because the business was found to be in noncompliance upon an officers arrival after a citizen complaint. That followed a warning given during an inspection. Ben and Beth Ryan own Olsons Ace Hardware as well as All Seasons Floral. Spinks didnt specify in Thursdays meeting which Ryan was cited. The police received five other calls from people reporting individuals or businesses violating the ordinance. Four were business complaints, Spinks said, with Ace Hardware being reported twice. Police found no violations on one report and because of call volume related to other issues the business had closed on the day of the other report by the time an officer was free. Braums was reported once, but officers found no violations. A resident also complained about the Parsons post office, but it was closed before an officer could arrive to check. Spinks said no one has filled out a formal complaint form, which can be downloaded from parsonspd.com. One woman had thought about filling out a complaint on Ace Hardware. Spinks said there was a minor disturbance at the store involving the mask ordinance, and the woman was deciding whether to pursue the issue on her own or file a complaint. Commissioner Leland Crooks thanked the chief and his force for enforcing the ordinance, saying its not a pleasant job. Spinks responded by saying its probably less unpleasant than the volume and content of the messages the commission deals with on the issue. Most of them arent very nice, Commissioner Kevin Cruse said. Crooks said there are four hot spots for coronavirus in the United States now, and Kansas is one of them. The state has one of the most rapidly accelerating case counts in the country, he said. Ninety percent of the state bypassed the governors mask order. Its a proven fact by now that masks are effective. Theres no question, Crooks said. Cruse said Labette County is fortunate to not be a hot spot, but with adjacent Crawford County having a high incidence rate, Labette County could be affected if people dont remain vigilant. The mask ordinance is set to expire on Oct. 1, but the commission can extend it. Cruse said its possible the commission could let it expire, but the public would have to continue to fight against spread of the coronavirus by continuing to wear masks, maintaining social distance, avoiding big crowds, washing their hands frequently and avoiding touching their face. Mayor Jeff Perez, however, is not sure if the commission should allow the ordinance to sunset. Im not sold on Oct. 1, he said. There are a lot of obstacles and unknowns, Perez said, such as schools being in session and sporting events starting back up. Dr. Ben Legler, a Parsons physician, told him that the commission should stay the course on the mask ordinance, especially with flu season approaching, because wearing masks is the only proven effective way to curtail the virus. Commissioner Verlyn Bolinger said he has heard a lot of encouragement from people, but several have said they want the ordinance rescinded. I still think were doing the best thing for the citizens of Parsons with the masks, Bolinger said. Beth Ryan started an online petition on change.org calling for the commission to rescind the ordinance, garnering 1,401 supporters by late Thursday evening. A competing online petition in support of the ordinance has gathered 709 signatures. However, neither petition requires Parsons residency to participate. Those who violate the ordinance will at first receive a warning. A second offense may bring a citation, but the ticket could be dismissed if the person agreed to follow the law and pay a $15 administration fee. Third and subsequent violations could result in a $50 fine with $90 court costs. Violators could also face arrest and booking. By Gideon Levy September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - They are the most boring and low-priority reports of all. Most Israeli media outlets dont even bother to post them. They are like a bus plunging into a river in Nepal, like victims in Chads civil war or trapped mine workers in Siberia. The same applies to the victims of yet another Israeli air strike in Syria. Whos heard about it? Who knows about it, who cares? Who has the energy to look into it? Military correspondents parrot, as is their wont, unfounded statements dictated by military spokesmen, with diplomatic correspondents celebrating in the Emirates, while on Monday night 11 more people are killed in a raid in southern Syria, attributed to Israel. On Wed night, Syria reported another strike. According to the Damascus Center for Human Rights, three of the victims were Syrian soldiers and seven were Iranian militia operatives, which automatically justifies any bombing. A female villager was also killed and her husband wounded, but these things happen, after all. A dead woman in Syria really is a non-story. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter Are these air strikes essential? What is their goal? What are the risks they entail? What is being bombed and why? Its Iran, you know. Everything is done under a thick smokescreen, with Israeli media openly and gleefully collaborating, with no one stopping to ask questions or bringing it up for discussion. The sun rises in the east, and Israel bombs in Syria. What is not clear here? What is not self-evident? Only those who understand nothing or know nothing dare ask questions. The army spokesman, in response to the strike: The IDF is working day and night to ensure that its strategic goals in the northern arena are met in an appropriate fashion. We seem to be satisfied with this blah-blah. Its hard to think of a greater insult to ones intelligence. After all, the IDF is also working day and night in the West Bank, where were familiar with the results and with the modus operandi, but the media and public opinion will swallow anything. As long as not one hair of a Jewish soldiers head is touched, nothing is of interest. Go ahead, bomb Syria, bomb Lebanon, bomb Iran, bomb Gaza, to your hearts content. Every few weeks there is an air strike in Syria, usually with lethal results. On July 20, five deaths were reported in a strike in Damascus. On June 23, five Iranians and two Syrians were killed in an attack attributed to Israel. On June 4, there were nine victims in a bombing by warplanes firing from Lebanese airspace, attributed to Israel, not to Luxembourg. On February 7, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that an IDF attack in Damascus had endangered a passenger plane with 172 people on board. Three months earlier, there were reports of 23 fatalities and dozens of wounded in an air strike attributed to Israel. Only imagine 11 Israeli fatalities, three soldiers and seven settler militia members, in a Syrian air strike, in a mirror image of what transpired this week in Syria. War would ensue. But 11 Syrian dead in an Israeli bombing, whos counting? Imagine a constant bloodletting with dozens of Israeli fatalities over several months. Israel would never put up with it, and rightly so. But in Syria its all right. It will go on as long as Israel can continue. It will go on until Israel pays a price for its strikes. Israel is determined to prevent Iran from getting a foothold in Syria. Are the strikes contributing to this process? To what extent? The possibility that Israel will one day pay a terrible price for all this warmongering is not even raised for discussion. Thats Israeli hubris, which usually pays off. Usually, but not always. Such fateful decisions cannot be kept in absolute darkness. They cannot be left up to a handful of politicians, intelligence officials, pilots and generals. After all, weve learned in many areas that we cant trust them blindly. So why is it that when it comes to war and peace, we shut our eyes, submitting ourselves to them in total blindness? Continue bombing in Syria. We trust you. Everything will be fine. The leader of the Chilean rescuers, center, gives his team direction in where to start searching the site of a collapsed building after getting signals there may be a survivor under the rubble, in Beirut, Lebanon, early Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. AP-Yonhap Chilean rescue workers said on Thursday they had detected a sign of life from under the rubble of a collapsed building in a Beirut district, raising hopes that there might be a survivor even a month after the massive blast that rocked the city's port, officials and local media said. The Chilean rescue team came to Lebanon to help following the explosion that killed at least 190 people and wounded 6,000 others on August 4. Beirut city governor Marwan Abboud told dpa "all what we heard from the Chilean team was that there might be a survivor and that we hope with all our hearts there will be one." "The Chilean rescue teams are working on the scene and they have their own equipment," Abboud said. As night fell lights were brought to the area and Lebanese firefighters and civil defence were also at the scene helping the Chilean team. Rescue team members search through buildings damaged due to the massive explosion at Beirut's port area, in Gemmayze, Lebanon September 4, 2020. REUTERS-Yonhap ST. CATHERINE, Jamaica - Prime Minister Andrew Holness won big in his bet on early elections as his Jamaica Labour Party captured 49 of 63 seats in Parliament, swamping the rival Peoples National Party. Addressing the nation on a virtual livestream after the PNP conceded defeat Thursday evening, Holness congratulated Jamaicans for a smooth and fair election held amid restrictions aimed at stifling the coronavirus pandemic. Tonight the victor is the people of Jamaica. What it says to me is that the Jamaican people are maturing in their outlook; they understand that populist policies can have destructive impact on the national good, he said. The party won despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases that has threatened several years of strong economic growth. Debt had been shrinking, unemployment hit a record low and the stock market was booming. The JLP focused on pledges to rebuild the economy from the fallout of the pandemic, which has damaged tourism and exports. The PNP focused on providing social programs to assist the most vulnerable, including students, poor and working-class Jamaicans. Fitch Ratings, a U.S. credit rating agency, said the election results will ensure the continuity of economic and fiscal policies, but warned Jamaica still faces challenges. Remittances have dropped, tourist arrivals in July were only 16% of those a year ago, and the Bank of Jamaica expects a 7% to 10% contraction of the islands GDP for the current fiscal year despite a $520 million loan from the International Monetary Fund in May. Elections werent constitutionally due until February 2021, but on August 11, Holness called for a new general vote. The PNP and the JLP have been political rivals since Jamaica gained political independence in 1962. In the last general election in 2016, the JLP won a narrow 33-30 advantage. With over 800 new cases of the novel coronavirus recorded since last week, Jamaicans were voting with a spike looming, and local experts worried that the election would exacerbate a possible health crisis. The country of nearly 3 million has reported more than 2,400 cases and 21 deaths since the start of the epidemic. Voters were required to wear masks and maintain physical distancing. Special times for voting were laid out for those who have tested positive for COVID-19. New Delhi, Sep 4 : The Supreme Court on Friday declined to grant bail to former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. A bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian said the appeal against conviction will be heard after the top court resumes physical hearing. "This isn't a small case," observed the bench, as it rejected Kumar's bail plea citing medical grounds. The top court also declined to allow him to remain in hospital noting that his medical reports establishes he does not need hospitalisation. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Kumar, submitted before the bench to consider the bail plea on the merits as the High Court verdict was faulty. Singh argued that witnesses' deposition was reversed in the trial court and High Court. The bench said that bail cannot be granted, adding that neither the argument of faulty judgement of the High Court justifies it nor he needs hospitalisation. Senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, representing victims, opposed Singh's arguments stating that Kumar is getting adequate attention in connection with his health. In May, the top court had refused to grant bail to Kumar stating that his medical report from AIIMS has no ground for hospitalisation. In March, the top court had directed Kumar to appear before an AIIMS Board, which would determine whether he needed hospitalisation. English French OTTAWA, Sept. 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To mark Labour Day, Canadas unions are calling on all levels of government to focus on investments and community supports to help restart our economies and protect Canadians. Forward Together: A Canadian Plan is a new campaign centred on ensuring that Canada is ready to disaster-proof our nation so that no one is left behind when crisis hits. The campaign will roll out digitally on various social media platforms and will encourage Canadians to engage with their elected representatives on key issues. There are important lessons to be learned from this pandemic and we have a real opportunity to strengthen our communities and to better protect one another, said Hassan Yussuff, CLC President. We have been able to withstand this pandemic by supporting each other, and that is the only way to move forward. Learning from the chaos seen in the United States, Canadas unions will be pushing for a plan that focuses on: Replacing lost jobs with better ones Strengthening Canadian public health care Disaster-proofing our social safety net We need the government to reject calls for austerity and make real investments in our future. The only way to fix whats broken is to invest, said Yussuff. Workers are key to the recovery. The federal government can help alleviate a lot of anxiety by investing in jobs, making long-term care part of public health care, supporting a child care strategy, and implementing national pharmacare. Canadas unions are looking for targeted investments in green infrastructure, education and training, and care work. A strong economy is inextricably linked with strong social services that support workers and their families through bad times, said Yussuff. The United States is showing us what happens when we act like everyone is in it for themselves. We can and must do better. This summer, Qualcomm announced a new 5G-capable Snapdragon 690 chipset. Bringing 5G to 6-series phones means cheaper devices have access to the tech. But Qualcomm isnt stopping at the 6-series. Today, it announced plans to bring 5G to its Snapdragon 4-series in early 2021. The move will bring 5G to even more affordable phones. Details are still sparse, but Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun said the company plans to be one of the first OEMs to introduce a smartphone powered by Snapdragons 4-series 5G mobile platform. Motorola and OPPO also made statements supporting Qualcomms plans to scale 5G tech to the 4-series. 5G is available on more than 80 commercial networks in 35 countries. Our Snapdragon 4-series is expected to address regions that currently have approximately 3.5 billion smartphone users combined, said Qualcomm president Cristiano Amon. As weve noted before, smartphones that use Qualcomms Snapdragon 8-series chipsets, like the OnePlus 8 and Galaxy S20 series, typically cost upwards of $700. The 5G-capable Snapdragon 7-series is typically found on devices in the $500 to $700 range. The Snapdragon 690 chipset isnt here yet, but phones with the LTE-only Snapdragon 675 typically sell between $300 and $400. We dont know yet how much phones with the new 5G-capable Snapdragon 4-series chipsets will cost, but weve seen 4-series phones, like the Nokia 4.2, start as low as $139. The caveat here is the new 4-series chipsets will probably only work with sub-6 5G, not the mmWave tech that carriers like Verizon (Engadgets parent company) have invested in. Thats not surprising though. This spring the Global Mobile Suppliers Association reported that only about 30 percent of all announced 5G devices support the high-speed mmWave networks. Samsung, Indias most trusted smartphone brand, announced the debut of Mo-B, a mascot that represents all things monster synonymous with Galaxy M series smartphones. The Galaxy M brand stands for monster features such as long-lasting battery, Infinity-O display and 64MP quad camera, which have become quite a rage with Gen Z and young millennial consumers in India. Mo-B will mount a serious challenge to the monster proposition of Galaxy M smartphones. Mo-B is an adorable, fluffy ball of mischief with big curious eyes and sharp teeth. He believes he's a star and deserves to be worshipped. Beneath Mo-Bs mischievous smile is an aspiration to emerge as the meanest monster out there. Mo-B knows the only way to claim the Meanest Monster Ever moniker is by taking on Galaxy M51. The voiceover for Mo-B is being done by famous VO artist Ashwin Mushran. Over the last year and half, Galaxy M smartphones have become synonymous with monster features such as long-lasting battery, industry-best sAMOLED Infinity-O display and best-in-class 64MP quad camera. The upcoming Galaxy M51 is the most powerful Galaxy M smartphone yet. It comes with industry-first features such as the 7000 mAh battery that make the M51 the #MeanestMonster ever. And to bring alive this proposition, we have a very interesting character Mo-B that is going to challenge the M51 for the meanest monster title. The battle between Mo-B and M51 is going to be exciting and may the best and meanest monster win, said Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Samsung India. According to Aneesh Jaisinghani, Sr. ECD, Cheil India, the creative agency behind this campaign, Samsungs Galaxy M51 with its industry redefining features is the boldest, fastest, biggest and brightest M phone ever. So we decided to call it the 'MEANEST MONSTER EVER'. To do justice to this fantastic product, we had to do something that would change the way communication is done in the mobile phone category. Thus we came up with the idea of creating a character, a monster called Mo-B, a celebrity persona who challenges the M51 to a series of face-offs for the Meanest Monster Ever title. The campaign also uses celebrities in a unique way where they join team Mo-B as he goes to battle against the Galaxy M51. Stay tuned to find out who takes the coveted title. Over the next few days, Mo-B will interact with a string of influencers and celebrities to make his case as the meanest monster ever, across leading digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, among others. As a part of the campaign, Mo-B will challenge Galaxy M51, Samsungs coming smartphone, across these digital platforms and channels. Mo-B will be live on multiple video streaming platforms and OTT channels. Mo-B will also feature prominently on Amazon, with which Samsung has partnered to launch Galaxy M51. Galaxy M51 will also be available on Samsung.com and leading retail stores. Consumers can participate in quizzes on Mo-B to win exciting prizes. Samsung is also working to offer cool Mo-B merchandise such as mobile cases, T Shirts and Mo-B figurines. Mo-B will also be featured as an AR game and will be available on Instagram for users to play. (JTA) In early June, as anti-racism protests swept the country in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, Beth Hillel Temple in Kenosha, Wisconsin, signed onto an interfaith letter supporting peaceful protest and condemning a broken societal system which disproportionately affects communities of color. This week, Kenosha became an epicenter of renewed protest after a police officer shot a Black man, Jacob Blake, seven times in the back. And on Wednesday night, the 93-year-old synagogues driveway was graffitied with the words Free Palestine. Critics of the Black Li... An 11-year-old girl who went missing in a Queensland tourist hotspot nearly two weeks ago has been found safe and well. Laine-Ella Hyland, from the Gold Coast, was reported missing after she left her Main Beach home 'because of a disagreement with her mother' on August 18. Police issued an urgent Amber Alert over the girl's disappearance after she was last seen when she visited a friend's house in Southport a few days later on August 24. 'Police would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance. If you have any further information please call 131 564,' a police spokesperson said on Friday. Police had previously released CCTV video of Laine-Ella's last confirmed sighting and called for 'urgent public assistance' in finding the girl. An Amber Alert was issued for Laine-Ella Hyland (pictured), 11, from the Gold Coast, on Thursday. She left her Main Beach home after an argument with her mum on August 18 Queensland Police released chilling CCTV footage (pictured) of Laine-Ella's last confirmed sighting at Main Beach on August 18. She appeared to say goodbye to two girls The footage showed Laine-Ella, dressed in a grey hoodie, and two other girls walk out from a residence on Cronin Avenue on August 18. The two taller girls took turns hugging Laine-Ella before she walked down the stairs and out of view. Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith said police were looking to speak with the girls in the footage. 'We want to identify those two girls because they may assist us with who she's with or where she is,' he told reporters on Friday. Supt Smith said it was a 'massive concern' that Laine-Ella had not been seen for ten days. 'Most runaways would be seen by somebody so that's really heightened my concern. 'This person could be anywhere so please come forward with the slightest but of information,' he said. Supt Smith said Members of the Homicide Squad, PolAir and 'other more covert strategies' were being used to search for the missing girl. Queensland Police hold 'serious concerns' about Laine-Ella's welfare and said she was last seen at a friend's home in Southport on August 24 (the Gold Coast pictured) 'We just want to find her, we just want her to come home. 'If she's got concerns about her home life and that's why she's refusing to come home we will address that once we find her,' Supt Smith said. He explained that police were anxious to see 'proof of life'. 'Ten days is a long time... I'm hoping it's because she doesn't want to be found but I can't rule out foul play.' Supt Smith also said Laine-Ella could have been abducted or assisted by another family. 'Abduction is at the top end but we're also looking at people actively assisting her to stay away from home. 'Some of the people we have been dealing with have not been telling us the whole truth,' he told reporters on Thursday. It is not known whether Laine-Ella is being held against her will. Laine-Ella is described as Caucasian, with a slim build and about 150cm tall, with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes. Police urged members of the public to look out for Laine-Ella around Southport and the Gold Coast as well as in south Brisbane. Anyone who has seen Laine-Ella or has further information has been urged to contact Queensland Police. Speakers of the Parliament of Ghana and the House of Representatives of Nigeria have resolved to work towards regularising trading activities in both countries. This was contained in a communique issued after a two-day bilateral discussion regarding recent hostilities in respect of the closure of shops of Nigerian retail traders and the demolition of a property belonging to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra. Addressing a joint press briefing in Accra, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu indicated that the Trade and Industry Committees of the respective houses have been tasked to work out the modalities of the process. A joint committee will be established to compose of members of both legislations to explore the possible passage of reciprocal legislation which could potentially be called the Ghana-Nigeria Friendship Act which shall propose the Ghana-Nigeria Business Council to provide a legal framework to sustain the friendship and benefits of the two nations. Ghana-Nigeria trade tussle The Nigerian Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG) had earlier complained that its members had over time endured a series of progressive acts of hostility allegedly meted out to them by Ghanaian authorities and traders, which include the closure of their shops. Their Ghanaian counterparts, the Ghana Union of Traders' Association (GUTA) had accused members of NUTAG of feeding the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari with false information concerning retail trade in Ghana. This compelled the Government of Nigeria to issue a strong warning to the Government of Ghana, stating that it will no longer tolerate any form of alleged harassment of its citizens residing in Ghana. President of GUTA, Joseph Obeng, has however insisted that some Nigerian traders have instead been making false accusations against the Government of Ghana anytime retail laws are being enforced. He thus asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Nigerian retailers to order in a bid not to strain the already existing cordial relations between our two sister countries and adversely affect the integration of the sub-regional bloc. However, GUTA has noticed with much concern the behaviour of a section of Nigerian traders in Ghana by the name NUTAG, who anytime the authorities in Ghana want to enforce our sovereign laws, resort to weird allegations and other highly dubious tactics of disinformation. The attitude of these Nigerians, if not checked and handled well, will strain the already existing cordial relations between our two sister countries and adversely affect the integration of the sub-regional bloc. They need to be called to order. ---citinewsroom A Louisiana man has been accused of fatally shooting an unarmed panhandler. Boyd, who is white, was arrested August 27 and charged with second-degree murder in the death 61-year-old black man Danny Buckley. Jace Boyd, 24, was released from jail on bond Thursday, a week after his arrest and public outcry over the shooting. Jace Boyd, 24, (pictured) was released from jail on bond Thursday, a week after his arrest and public outcry over the shooting Boyd posted $300,000 bond and was released Thursday, news outlets reported. An arrest warrant said Buckley was panhandling in the Trader Joe's parking lot at an upscale shopping center when he approached Boyd's car to ask for money. Baton Rouge police said the pair got into a 'verbal dispute,' which escalated after Buckley walked away to ask a woman for money. Police said Boyd yelled at Buckley to 'leave people alone because he was scaring them' and when Buckley turned to Boyd, Boyd reached into his car for his gun. The warrant said Boyd fired at Buckley but the gun misfired. Boyd reloaded the gun, put a new bullet in the chamber and shot Buckley in the abdomen, the warrant continued. Police said Buckley was out of reach. Boyd called police and admitted to shooting Buckley, but he was not arrested because he told police it was self-defense. Boyd was arrested a few days later after East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome asked for 'a fair and transparent review of what happened.' Attorneys for Buckley's family said the shooting constitutes a hate crime. They also asked whether police would have handled the case differently is the races were reversed. Shane Hinch, a lawyer who said he was initially contacted by Mr. Boyd's parents, said that Mr. Boyd maintained the shooting was justified. In a statement to the New York Times, Mr Hinch said: 'I can say without equivocation that despite reports, Jace at all times felt that both himself and his fiancee as well as another woman were in immediate threat of great bodily harm and that he acted in self-defense and defense of others.' The largest daily spike in the world, the largest daily spike ever, uncounted cases might be 6 or 10 or 20 or 200 (!) times official counts, an economy in serious reverse gear its hard to keep abreast of all the news about all that this pandemic is doing to India. I keep my nose to the data as much as I can. But its hard. So many questions, worries, puzzles. One of those is about testing for the virus. Through these pandemic months, weve heard plenty about testing. Specifically, that India needs to be testing more. But today, India has tested over 43 million people close to the population of Spain and we are testing over a million people a day. Those are large numbers. In fact, going by the number of tests conducted, we are third in the world only China (90 million, though there are questions about this number) and the US (83 million) have tested more people for the covid infection. The US is now testing about 670,000 people daily, down from a peak of about 900,000 a month ago. Thats substantially less than Indias count of a million, and no other country comes anywhere close to our daily testing tally. Yet when we look at the numbers like this, we have to also factor in Indias population. Were testing more than most other countries, but we also have more people than most other countries. There are nearly 1.4 billion Indians, four times the number of Americans and second, of course, only to the Chinese. So while we have indeed tested a large number of Indians, that 43 million count doesnt seem quite as large any more when we compare it to our population. Of every million Indians, we have tested over 31,000, or 3.1%. That is ,we have tested one of every 30 Indians. Around the world, those are not bad numbers. But of the worlds 10 most populous countries, China, the US, Brazil and Russia are all conducting far more tests per million population than India is. China is at 63,000, Brazil at 67,000, the US and Russia at about 250,000. (Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Mexico are the others in that top-10, all with testing rates far below Indias, though their covid outbreaks are nowhere near as severe as Indias). But even with our testing rate so low, India has the worlds third-highest count of cases, and is on track to overtake Brazil to second-highest in a couple of weeks. What will our case numbers be if we ramp testing up to the level of Brazil, let alone the US and Russia? How many Indians will we find who are infected? In fact, how many Indians are infected? Such questions are why many people who pay attention to these things think that India has far more infections than the official figure, which is now nearing 4 million. How many more? In a conversation last weekend with Karan Thapar, the Harvard public health expert Ashish Jha suggested it could be ten or twenty times as many; others have speculated the factor could be between 40 and 200 (!). 200 times the official count would mean 800 million Indians have been infected, or nearly 60% of us. Is that possible? Plausible? I honestly dont know. Yet it is sobering to think that there are informed estimates that range that high. Consider too that what we perhaps should be looking at more closely is not really how many tests we perform, but what the tests tell us. Of course, this is important because positive results identify infected persons who can then be quarantined or treated as necessary. But we should also ask, what fraction of the tests return a positive result? Or, what is the positivity rate of the testing? We must ask, because the positivity rate is vital to understanding the pandemic, and in two ways. The first is that it tells us whether that country (or city, or region, whatever) is testing adequately, given how large the outbreak of the pandemic is there. Its testing that gives us an idea of how widespread the outbreak is, and that in turn lets us plan how best to control its further spread. Without doubt, countries in which the virus has spread more widely need to be testing even more widely. This is why the variation we find in countries positivity rate is telling. Leave aside countries usually small ones which have relatively low case counts. What about those that the virus has slapped hard? South Korea has tested nearly 2 million people and has had about 20,000 infections: a positivity rate of 1%. Serbia has conducted nearly a million tests and found 31,000 infections: a little over 3%. El Salvador? 315,000 tests, 26,000 infections, 8.25%. Moldova? 210,000, 37,000, 17.6%. Ecuador? 330,000, 114,000, 34.5%. And India? 43 million, 3.7 million, 8.6%. Some of these are still small countries, but all have had significant encounters with coronavirus: case counts in five and six digits tell that story. But of these, the positivity rate tells us that South Korea and Serbia have probably done a reasonable job of testingand then, of controlling the spread of the virus. In fact, epidemiologists use 5% as a benchmark: bring the positivity rate below that, and the pandemic is probably under control. Which brings us to the second way the positivity rate is vital. When looked at together with figures about those infected, it helps us understand how the virus is spreading in that country (or city, etc). In South Korea and Serbia, it takes several dozen tests to find a single new case. This suggests that those countries have managed to slow the spread of the virus to a trickle. But in Ecuador, every third test is positive; in Moldova, every sixth; in India, every 11th. In countries like these that have high positivity rates, its so easy to find new infections that their covid reality is a large pool of people whose infections are still to be detected. The official case count is probably just a fraction of the true number of infections. Put another way, a sure indicator of how far the virus has spread in a country is the ease of finding a new infection, seen purely in terms of the number of tests that search needs. More alarming still, if the positivity rate is rising, then its likely that the virus is spreading faster than the case count graph suggests. This is the context in which to think about Indias numbers and our response to the virus. For example, in mid-August a news report published by The Print on 20 August told us that Maharashtras positivity rate increased to 19.91% from 15% in June". Now the same report said that testing in Maharashtra had increased seven-fold thats rightsince June. Still, there was this significant increase in the positivity rate too. The inference: the virus is spreading faster in Maharashtra than we can monitor it, outstripping even the pace of testing. Another report published by Hindustan Times on 7 August discussed Mumbais positivity rate, which came down to 20.83%, from 21.68% in July." Mark the decrease, fair enough, but the issue here is that at 20+%, that positivity rate is troublingly high. Like with Ecuador and Moldova, it tells a story of a virus thats spreading quickly through the city. As ever with statistics, there are multiple ways of looking at the data. Especially during a pandemic that has thrown economies around the world into disarray famously, a 23% contraction in India guys like me cant help examining the numbers for reassurance, possible trouble, or more. We are adding record numbers of new cases nearly every day; but in percentage terms, that daily growth rate has been declining for months. Yet our high positivity rate is the smoking gun here. What will it do in the months ahead? Im reminded of Langston Hughes famous poem Harlem", in which he asks: What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up, like a raisin in the sun? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? Once a computer scientist, Dilip DSouza now lives in Mumbai and writes for his dinners. His Twitter handle is @DeathEndsFun 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 Newly elected Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti (L) and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (R) are expected to sign agreements on opening economic relations after a day of talks in Washington Serbia and Kosovo are expected to sign an agreement on opening economic relations at the White House Friday, giving President Donald Trump the opportunity to claim a new diplomatic victory for his administration. Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic are scheduled to sign the pact at 11:00 am (1500 GMT) with Trump in attendance after a day of negotiations in Washington on Thursday, according to the White House. The agreement is expected to be limited to the normalization of some economic ties, including possibly opening up road, rail and air links between the former Balkan war foes. Although the European Union has been trying without success for nearly a decade to thaw a bitter relationship between Serbia and its former territory, which declared independence in 2008, an effort focused on business and commerce was launched more recently by US officials. But Serbia made clear during the talks that they would not go as far as recognizing Kosovo as a fully-fledged state. White House National Security Advisor Robert OBrien said late Thursday that the two sides had "made real progress today." "Economic normalization means jobs for young people," he said. Hoti said Thursday they had made "great progress" on improving economic cooperation. Vucic insisted that he would not accept anything that included recognizing Kosovo. "We thought it should not be in a document about economic normalization, that we couldn't accept it. People from the Trump cabinet listened (to) what we had to say, they were fair and I believe that in other documents that article is no longer there," he said. The two countries remain bitter over a bloody war fought two decades ago, in which 13,000 died. pmh/sst Three arrested in southern Vietnam for smuggling people in from Cambodia Three Vietnamese are under arrest for running a ring smuggling people from Cambodia to Vietnam via the border at Binh Phuoc Province. Photo by Binh Phuoc border guards. Border forces have arrested three men for allegedly operating a gang that smuggled people from Cambodia into Vietnam. Guards at the Hoa Lu border gate in the southern Binh Phuoc Province apprehended two men on Tuesday afternoon while they were trying to sneak in three Cambodians. Dao Duy Nhat, 29, and Dao Tuan Anh, 23, who belong to Loc Ninh District in Binh Phuoc, claimed they got paid VND800,000 ($34) for every person they smuggled into Vietnam. Working together with their Cambodian counterparts, Binh Phuoc border guards and police tracked down the ring and arrested Tran Ngoc Duy, 28, also of Loc Ninh, in Cambodia, the alleged mastermind. Authorities are investigating. So far this year border guards in Binh Phuoc have foiled 53 attempts to smuggle in 121 people. Vietnam has shut down its borders since March to keep out Covid-19. Everyone allowed to enter must remain in quarantine for 14 days. Jacqueline Jossa has admitted she's already 'missing' her daughter Ella, as she prepares to return to school following the COVID-19 lockdown. Posting a sweet selfie with her daughter and her new night light, the actress, 27, revealed she would be heading back to school in the coming days, and despite her fears she's still proud of her little girl 'every day.' It comes after Jacqueline enjoyed a family day out with husband Dan Osborne, and their daughters Ella and Mia, two, after recovering from a mystery illness. Sweet: Jacqueline Jossa has admitted she's already 'missing' her daughter Ella in an emotional post, as she prepares to return to school following the COVID-19 lockdown Sharing a selfie with Ella and her new night light, Jacqueline wrote: 'Me and my big girl, gonna miss you so much when you start back at school little one. 'She has a new night light (it's for camping but she doesn't like the dark so) she's made me so proud the last few months, gained in confidence and I really feel like she's now ready for school. 'You make me proud every day though angel face.' Cute: The actress shared the sweet snap of her eldest daughter with her new night light, and admitted she's 'proud every day' of her little girl Ella is joining children across the nation who are heading back to school for the first time since March, when they were ordered to stay at home due to the COVID-19 crisis. On Wednesday Jacqueline enjoyed 'well needed' family time with Dan and their kids at Marsh Farm, Animal Adventure Park in Chelmsford. Taking to Instagram, the star said she feels 'brand new' after her mystery illness as she shared a smiley snap of herself with her husband, their daughters Ella and Mia, and Dan's son Teddy, six, from a previous relationship. Family time! On Wednesday Jacqueline enjoyed 'well needed' family time with husband Dan Osborne and their kids at Marsh Farm, Animal Adventure Park in Chelmsford Jacqueline wrote alongside the photograph: 'Family trip to the farm today! SUCH FUN! 'Switch of and spending time with family is so lovely and well needed! I feel brand new after a little fun day.' The I'm A Celeb winner also shared a variety of shots, taken during their day, to her Instagram Stories. In one snap, Jacqueline could be seen on her hands and knees happily playing in a sand pit with the children. Cute! Taking to Instagram, the actress said she feels 'brand new' after her mystery illness as she shared a snaps of herself with daughters Ella and Mia, two, and Dan's son Teddy, six Doring dad: Jac also shared photographs of Dan cosied up to the children Loving life: In one snap, Jacqueline could be seen on her hands and knees happily playing in a sand pit with the children Their family trip to the farm came after Jacqueline told her 2.9 million Instagram followers that she was feeling 'pretty rough' on Thursday. She reassured them that it wasn't coronavirus, as she said: 'I've come over unwell. Not corona, sick. So I'm just in bed trying to recover.' Jacqueline and Dan have just returned from a sun-soaked holiday in Greece and seem to be happier than ever. Sweet! Elle smiled excitedly for a selfie with her mum Proud pops: Dan also shared some insight into their day with pictures of the kids having fun Adorable: Little Mia squealed with delight as she was surrounded by bubbles The couple have had their share of ups and downs with allegations of cheating on Dan's part since they married in 2017. Dan later admitted he had in fact been unfaithful to Jacqueline and that she had forgiven him for his past indiscretions. The reality star also let rip on social media about his marriage in a foul-mouthed rant after a fan questioned why Jacqueline stays with him. Rough! Their family trip to the farm came after Jacqueline told her 2.9 million Instagram followers that she was feeling 'pretty rough' on Thursday Loved-up: Jacqueline enjoyed going make-up free and showcasing her natural beauty during her recent family getaway to Greece He wrote: 'Because we love each other, have a beautiful family, I'm a good husband, good dad to our kids, we get on well, laugh together, super attracted to each other 'Any more reasons you need? You didn't know none of that, eh? That's because you do not f***ing know me, or my wife, or us as a couple lol. 'So concentrate on your own life and you (sic) clearly never been taught to not be rude, especially to people you don't even know. Hope you've learnt something from this.' The response stemmed from a post Jacqueline shared the previous day of herself and husband Dan, urging him to 'hurry home please' amid his Turkey trip. Meritage Homes has purchased land in Conroe's Stillwater community where it plans to build 156 homes. The homes will be built on 50-by-120-foot lots with prices starting at $250,000., according to Meritage. Sizes will range from 1,666 to 2,991 square feet. Located in Montgomery County off Interstate 45 and Guinn Road, Stillwater is a master-planned community on the edge of the 750-acre W.G. Jones State Forest. Residents will be close to fishing and 15 miles of trails and pathways for hiking and horseback riding at the state forest. RELATED: Price tags for Texas homes get bigger The neighborhood is zoned to Conroe ISD schools in The Woodlands, including The Woodlands High School. Stillwater has the unique attributes of a beautiful community close to great schools and urban amenities, but with plenty of green space nearby, said Kyle Davison, division president for Meritage Homes in Houston. Meritage is offering homes here at a great value for the first-time homebuyer or those wishing to move up to a new home or enhanced lifestyle. A model home will soon open at 2188 Woodland Pine Drive. Investigators with the Washington State Crime Lab collect evidence at Tanglewilde Terrace, where law enforcement officers shot a man reported to be Michael Forest Reinoehl, in Lacey - REUTERS A suspect in the fatal shooting of a supporter of the Patriot Prayer group in Portland was killed on Thursday night when authorities moved to arrest him, the New York Times reported, citing officials familiar with the investigation. The suspect, Michael Reinoehl, was killed in Lacey, southwest of Seattle, according to the report. The Oregonian newspaper reported Reinoehl was under investigation in the killing that took place after Aaron Danielson, one of the supporters of President Trump who came into downtown Portland, clashed with protesters demonstrating against racial injustice and police brutality. Portland police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a video interview published by Vice News on Thursday, Reinoehl said he had acted in self defense during the shooting as he thought he and a friend would be stabbed. "I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn't going to do that". Reinoehl, a self-declared anti-fascist, was active in Black Lives Matter demonstrations against racism and police brutality in Portland that have gone on for nearly 100 days, according to messages and videos on his Instagram feed. Portland has seen regular nightly protests since police killed George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, in Minneapolis on May 25. The administration of Donald Trump in July deployed federal forces to Portland to crack down on the protests. Trump signed a memo on Wednesday that threatened to cut federal funding to "lawless" cities, including Portland. By Yi Whan-woo The self-employed and small business owners are likely to receive a second round of emergency relief money aimed at minimizing the economic fallout from the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Several ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers said Friday the two groups were tentatively selected as beneficiaries of the new emergency handout during closed-door meetings between top DPK and government officials, Thursday and Friday. The meetings were headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki and Dr policy chief Han Jeoung-ae. They discussed whether the government should offer the new relief fund to all households, as in the first round in May, or to selected people based on the level of their financial loss from the virus. They agreed on the idea of "selective spending," with the most-affected people being beneficiaries. "The self-employed and small business owners were chosen after considering their businesses were severely hit by days of triple-digit rises in new coronavirus cases and enhanced social distancing measures," a DPK official said. The second round of relief money is estimated at between 7 trillion won and 9 trillion won ($7.56 billion). The government spent 14.3 trillion won in the first round. The government hopes to provide the relief funds by the Chuseok holiday beginning Sept. 30 with National Assembly approval of the related extra budget, which will be the fourth this year. The relief funds may be provided in cash, gift vouchers or other forms, depending on the choice of recipients. The government raised the level of social distancing guidelines for the greater Seoul on Aug. 16 and nationwide on Aug. 23, following a new wave of COVID-19 cases. The measure dealt a blow to restaurants, cafes, karaoke rooms and other small businesses as they have been ordered to suspend or close their operations earlier than usual. Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn says the economy faces its biggest test next year when taxpayer-funded income support measures are removed as he called for ongoing stimulus measures and predicted a long and uneven recovery. Appearing before a parliamentary committee on Friday, Mr Comyn and ANZ Bank chief executive Shayne Elliott both reiterated their banks' expectations of house price falls of at least 10 per cent due to the economic hit from the coronavirus crisis. Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn says Australia faces a "long and uneven recovery". Mr Comyn told the House of Representatives economics committee that the outlook remained "highly uncertain," and one of the biggest priorities for politicians should be job creation, helped by government stimulus measures, as the JobKeeper wage subsidy program is phased out. "The size of the economic contraction is less severe than we first anticipated, but we face a long and uneven recovery," Mr Comyn said via videoconference. The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi announced on September 4 that all schools will remain shut till September 30. However, students of Classes 9 to 12 will be allowed to visit their schools voluntarily from September 21, as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on August 29. For live updates on coronavirus, click here All such students who wish to visit their schools will have to get written consent from their parents or guardians. Also, students will only be allowed to visit their schools to seek guidance from their teachers if they are not located in containment zones only. The Delhi government has further informed that separate SOPs will soon be issued by the health ministry for the same. 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 announcement comes on a day the national capital reported 2,914 fresh COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths. This is the highest single-day spike in cases reported in Delhi since June 27. There are now 18,842 active coronavirus cases in Delhi. Earlier, on September 3, the Delhi government announced that bars will reopen from September 9. However, only hotels, clubs, and other liquor-serving establishments located outside of containment zones have been permitted to resume services. Follow our coverage of the coronavirus crisis here Another Fort Hood soldier has died after collapsing during a training exercise, becoming the 28th death at the army base so far this year. Pvt. Corlton L. Chee, 25, died Wednesday after he collapsed following physical fitness training on August 28, Fort Hood officials said Friday. His death came the same day a welcoming ceremony was held for the base's new commander Major General John Richardson IV, who is taking over the role after Deputy Commanding General Scott Efflandt was removed from the position Tuesday. The decision comes following a string of tragedies and suspicious deaths at the base, with foul play suspected in at least five of the deaths. Last week, the body of Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, was discovered after he went missing back on August 17 after he claimed he was being sexually abuse. This came after the dismembered body of Sgt. Vanessa Guillen, 20, was discovered a month earlier after she vanished after telling family she was being sexually harassed. Scroll down for video Pvt. Corlton L. Chee, 25, died Wednesday after he collapsed following physical fitness training on August 28, Fort Hood officials said Friday DEATHS OF FORT HOOD SOLDIERS BY YEAR: 2020* 2019 2018 2017 2016 28 38 28 29 37 *up until 04/09/2020 Advertisement Chee was taken to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center last Friday when he fell ill after the training exercise. He was then transferred to Baylor Scott and White in Temple, Texas, on August 30, where army officials said he died with his family by his bedside. 'Every loss effects every single person in this Battalion because we a family of warriors, but this is exceptionally heartbreaking,' Lt. Col. Ron Sprang, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment. According to Army officials, Chee was from Pinehill, New Mexico, and entered the Army in February as a tank crewman. He was assigned in July to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. An autopsy will be done by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas to determine cause of death. Army officials said his death is currently under investigation. Chee was taken to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center last Friday when he fell ill after the training exercise. He was then transferred to Baylor Scott and White in Temple, Texas, on August 30, where army officials said he died with his family by his bedside Chee becomes the 28th death at the army base so far this year with five suspected foul play 2020 FORT HOOD DEATHS BY CAUSE: Accidents - 8 Suicide - 6 Homicides - 5 Undetermined - 6 Illness - 2 In combat - 1 Advertisement Chee is the 28th soldier from the Central Texas base to die this year, according to data obtained by the Associated Press from Fort Hood officials. The same day as Chee's death, Major General John Richardson was treated to a welcome ceremony as he took over the role of base commander from Efflandt. Richardson vowed to reestablish trust between soldiers, army leaders and the public after the base has been addled with suspicious deaths and allegations of harassment. 'We need to teach young leaders how to ask hard, difficult questions,' he said. 'Those are the one that then allow relationships to build.' He added: 'Trust is strong in the army, but we have individual instances where they trust is broken and one break in that link is one too many.' The new commander announced the launch of Operation Phantom Action, a plan to open up conversations and counseling between soldiers and their chains of command on issues such as sexual harassment. General John Murray (left), the head of the Armys Futures Command, will conduct a new investigation into how leaders at Fort Hood handled Vanessa Guillen's reports of sexual harassment, as well as her disappearance and death. Major General Scott Efflandt (right) has been removed from his post following the deaths and disappearances of soldiers connected to the troubled army base The Army also announced General John Murray, the head of the Armys Futures Command, will conduct a new investigation into how leaders at Fort Hood handled Vanessa Guillen's reports of sexual harassment, as well as her disappearance and death. The probe will assess Efflandts actions, who will remain at Fort Hood in a supporting role until the investigation is completed. The investigation will also be separate from the Independent Review of Fort Hood, which began back in August. Efflandt will also no longer take on the role of commander of a division at Fort Bliss. The leadership shake-up and news of yet another soldier death comes as the troubled base faces mounting scrutiny following numerous deaths and disappearances of soldiers this year. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished from the base after telling her family she was being sexually harassed. Her body was discovered in July Last week, the body of Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, (left) was discovered after he went missing back on August 17. Fort Hood soldier, Pfc. Gregory Morales, right was reported missing from the base a year ago on August 20, 2019. The 24-year-old's remains were found on June 21 in a field in Killeen In May of this year the body of Army Pfc. Brandon S. Rosecrans, pictured, was discovered with gunshot wounds and his Jeep was found three miles away engulfed in flames Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, of Pensacola, Florida was found dead July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, around 15 miles from the Fort Hood base The body of Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, 24, left, was recovered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake following a boating incident. Shelby Tyler Jones, right, was shot dead at a convenience store in Killeen in March Timeline of Fort Hood disappearances/deaths February 1, 2020: PVT Eric Christopher Hogan and PFC Anthony Nevelle Peak Jr. die in a car crash March 1, 2020: SPC Shelby Tyler Jones is shot dead at a convenience store in Killeen March 5, 2020: Spc. Christopher Wayne Sawyer found dead at his home. Foul play is not suspected. March 14, 2020: SPC Freddy Beningo Delacruz Jr. is killed in a triple murder March 23, 2020: Fort Hood soldier Spc. Jovino Jamel Roy, 22, was charged with murder after allegedly shooting former Fort Hood soldier Michael Steven Wardrobe, 22 April 22, 2020: Vanessa Guillen goes missing and is last seen in the parking lot of the base. She disappeared after telling her family she was being sexually harassed by a sergeant on the base. May 18, 2020: Body of Army Pfc. Brandon S. Rosecrans, 27, was discovered with gunshot wounds and his Jeep was found three miles away engulfed in flames. June 19, 2020: Search teams discover the corpse of missing soldier Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales following a tip to Army base investigators. Remains were found in a field in Killeen, just over 10 miles from Stillhouse Hollow Lake, five miles from Fort Hood. July 1, 2020: First parts of Giullen's remains found about 20 miles east of Fort Hood. Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, kills himself. Officials say he killed and dismembered Guillen and had the remains disposed of. July 17, 2020: Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, of Pensacola, Florida was found dead July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, around 15 miles from the Fort Hood base. August 2, 2020: The body of Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, 24, is recovered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake following boating incident not far from where Morta was found. August 12, 2020: Spc. Cole Jakob Aton, 22, of Kentucky died after he was hit by a car as he was assisting a minor accident scene August 13, 2020: National Guard soldier, Sgt Bradley Moore dies during a training exercise at the base August 19, 2020: Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, is reported missing after he was last seen on August 17. August 25, 2020: The body of Fernandes is believed to have been found about 30 miles from Fort Hood Advertisement US Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said in a visit to Fort Hood earlier this month that the Central Texas base had some of the highest numbers of sexual assault, harassment and murder. The body of missing Fort Hood soldier Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, was found last week 30 miles from the Texas base where he was stationed. Killeen police said he had not been seen since August 17 when his staff sergeant dropped him off at home. Fernandes was not reported missing for two days. His body was found on August 29. Fort Hood public affairs officer Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam later confirmed Fernandes had reported sexual abuse before his disappearance and was transferred to another unit, 'to ensure he received the proper care and ensure there were no opportunities for reprisals.' Khawam, a lawyer representing the family of Vanessa Guillen, another Fort Hood soldier who went missing and was found dead, and now the Fernandes family, told ABC News that Elder got 'very, very depressed' after being sexually harassed while working in a supply room in April. 'I am saddened that another soldier who served the country has been destroyed by sexual assault and sexual harassment and this toxic culture in the military that exists,' Khawam added. Fernandes' disappearance comes a year after the disappearance of Pfc. Gregory Morales, 24, a Fort Hood soldier who was reported missing on August 20, 2019. His remains were found June 21 in a field in Killeen, near Fort Hood. Killeen police and Army officials are still investigating his death and foul play is suspected. Vanessa Guillen's body was found a week later in July after her disappearance in April. Fellow soldier Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, killed and dismembered Guillen and had the remains disposed of in nearby woods, federal and state investigators said. Robinson killed himself July 1, the day Guillen's remains were found, officials said. Cecily Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, has been accused of disposing of Guillen's remains for Robinson and has been charged with three federal conspiracy counts related to the soldier's death. She has pleaded not guilty. Guillens family has said she was sexually harassed by the soldier suspected of killing her, but the Army has said there is no evidence to support that. There is an ongoing investigation. Other soldiers to have died this year include: Pvt. Mejhor Morta; Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas; Pfc. Brandon Scott Rosecrans; Spc. Freddy Delacruz Jr; Spc. Christopher Wayne Sawyer; and Spc. Shelby Tyler Jones. The two most recent deaths linked to the base include Sgt. Bradley Moore, 36, who died at the base during a training exercise last week. He was with the Texas Army National Guard. Spc. Cole Jakob Aton, 22, was also killed last week while assisting at the scene of a car accident near the base. He had been standing on the road trying to direct traffic around the crash when he was hit by a car. Aton had previously shared petitions and posts on social media demanding answers into the deaths and disappearances at the Fort Hood base. Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola is ready to begin a new phase with what she described as Abula Something! The award-winning actress, on Friday morning, alerted her over 700,000 followers on her new restaurant and bar, which will soon be officially launched. She described the incoming business as A new phase in her life. ANNOUNCEMENT IS HERE. So Glad To Begin A new phase, official date and day will be out soon, the opening of my Restaurant and Bar! Its an Abula Something!, Foluke Daramola wrote on Instagram. Abula is a soup of Yoruba people from Western Nigeria. Its a mixture of Gbegiri (Bean soup), Ewedu (draw vegetable soup), and obe ata (stew). It is typically eaten together with Amala but can be eaten with other swallow foods. However, Foluke Daramolas fans and colleagues are expecting a good African kitchen from the gorgeous actress. Reacting to the news, Nkechi Blessing said: congratulations maam Her post has gathered over 13,000 reactions so far. Foluke Daramola is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. She made her film debut in a series titled Palace in 1998. Share this post with your friends: Related CHESTER State Rep. Christine Palm, D-Chester, who is running for re-election to serve Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam in the Connecticut General Assembly for a second term, recently received support in her campaign from three major environmental groups. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement have all given Palm their approval, according to a press release. Palm was named a 2019 Environmental Champion by CTLCV for successfully introducing and moving two environmental bills through one chamber of the General Assembly. She looks forward, if re-elected, to continuing that work, the release said. Being endorsed by these three renowned groups is very important to me, Palm said in a prepared statement. Environmental activism has been a lifelong passion and is now a hallmark of my legislative agenda. I have always had deep respect for CTLCV and the Sierra Club, which have been in the trenches of environmental and legislative advocacy for a long time and whose work is more relevant than ever before. And I am inspired every day by the tenacity and strategic approach of the newest climate crisis activists in the Sunrise Movement, who are pushing the movement forward with an inclusive, justice-oriented approach, she said. Sena Wazer, co-director of the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led coalition that formed in 2017 to fight climate change and create green jobs, called Palm a champion for the environment. She has introduced a climate education bill to ensure that students from all across the state have access to critical climate education. She supports the Green New Deal, and will fight to make sure that we have a just and equitable transition to a 100 percent clean energy future, Wazer said in the statement. Palms bill to require the teaching of climate change in all Connecticut schools garnered national attention, and influenced at least three other state houses to replicate her proposed legislation, according to her office. She also advanced a bill to ban commercial seismic surveying and drilling off the Connecticut coast. Such drilling was banned under the Obama Administration but has been re-introduced by the Trump Administration, she said. With COVID-19, we saw a momentary clearing of the air because people were quarantining, but very soon, our waterways and land masses were being polluted by a new scourge PPEs, Palm said. I am very concerned that in justifiably keeping people safe, we are also harming the environment with all this additional plastic. Citing the Connecticut River and Cockaponset State Forest, Palm said we must do everything we can to preserve and protect those natural resources through legislation like Passport to the Parks, the invasive species stamp and the plastic bag ban, to name but a few I was proud to co-sponsor. China's 'Coercive Diplomacy' Backfires as Czech Senate Delegation Visits Taiwan By Joyce Huang August 30, 2020 In defiance of China, a delegation, led by Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil, Sunday arrived in Taiwan on a six-day visit the highest-level exchange between the two countries to cement economic and cultural ties. Observers, whom VOA spoke to, noted that the visit says a lot about China's failing 'coercive diplomacy' in the Czech Republic although it remains to be seen if other European countries will follow suit to trigger a chain effect. The Czech Republic adheres to the One China policy but maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan. "This will be a trip to honor the spirits of late Czech President Vaclav Havel," Vystrcil told the 89-member delegation ahead of the trip, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Formerly a playwright, Havel was first Czech president in 1993. He had served years in prison for his dissenting political views upholding civil activism, direct democracy and human rights values that Vystrcil said China fails to share. Values v.s. money "My view is that if we focus on money, we will lose our values and the money, too" Vystrcil, the second-highest official in the Czech Republic, has repeatedly told media to characterize the delegation's visit to Taipei. Upon the delegation's arrival, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen extended her warmest welcome by saying in a Facebook post that people in Taiwan "look forward to furthering cooperation in all areas" with the Czech delegation. By contrast, China has nothing but negative words to say about the Czech delegation and its visit to Taipei. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian Thursday described the trip as a "despicable conduct." China's condemnation China's state tabloid Global Times Sunday cited China's embassy in Czech Republic to say that Vystrcil made the trip "based on his own political calculation," which has constituted an interference to China's internal affairs and a violation to the one-China principle. China's objection, however, failed to renovate with the general public in the Czech Republic. "In my opinion, I think he [Vystrcil] wants to send a very strong message to China that Czech Republic is a free and democratic country and we don't like any country, no matter it's China or some small countries to tell us what we should do," said Karel Picha, a Czech who has lived in Taiwan for eight years and currently runs the only Czech cuisine restaurant in Taipei. "We don't like any country to blackmail us by [saying], hey, if you're gonna go to Taiwan, it will hurt you. So, it's a very strong statement to say that everything is not only about money," he told VOA, adding that most people in the CzechRepublic are aware of and support the visit. China's failing coercive diplomacy China's objections to the trip appeared to have backfired after the Czech Senate, in May, voted 50 to 1 in favor of Vystrcil's diplomatic visit to Taipei. The vote came after the sudden death of Vystrcil's processor Jaroslav Kubera in late January, whose widow later accused China of coercing the late senator and threatening in a letter to retaliate against leading Czech companies if he were to make good on his planned visit to Taiwan. Last Tuesday, 70 leaders from the European Parliament, U.S., Canada, and Australia issued a statement backing the Czech delegation's visit to Taipei and denouncing Chinese pressure to scuttle the trip. Triggering a chain reaction? But two professors in Taipei said that they are skeptical if politicians in other European countries will follow suit to trigger a chain effect, which they say will be a bigger headache to China. "China isn't really intimidated by the Czech [delegation] as the Central European country is small. What worries China more is if politicians [across the Europe] will follow suit. A possible chain effect is what concerns China the most," said Cheng Ter-hsing, deputy executive at the Soochow University's Teaching and Research Center for Central and Eastern Europe in Taipei. The professor said he didn't except many of Czech's neighboring countries to make a similar move as daring. Like many governments in the Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech government, led by Czech President Milos Zeman and Prime Minister Andrej Babis, still favors closer ties with China, Cheng said. Official statistics showed that bilateral trade between China and the Czech Republic stood at nearly $30 billion in 2019, more than triple of those between Taiwan and Czech. Highest-level diplomatic exchange China's relations with major European countries mainly Germany and Britian also look stable although Taiwan has now made a "diplomatic breakthrough" in the Czech Republic, said Shih Cheng-feng, a professor at National Dong Hwa University in Hualien of eastern Taiwan. It hence remains to be seen whether the Czech delegation's visit to Taipei amplifies the overall anti-China sentiments in Europe or just the standoff in the Czech Republic between political parties with a different stance toward China, both Shih and Cheng said. The Czech delegation is comprised of senators, politicians, including Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib, business leaders from some 40 Czech companies, scientists and media. In the upcoming days, Vystrcil, accompanied by his delegation, is slated to attend a Taiwan-Czech investment forum on Monday and give a public speech to Taiwan's Parliament on Tuesday while making site visits in groups to several local companies in the high-tech, textile, biomedical industries. Vystrcil and delegation members are also scheduled to meet with President Tsai on Thursday before wrapping up their last day on Friday in a forum, organized by American Institute in Taipei, to discuss shifting global supply chains. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A mother-of-four has created her own 'f**k off' room that nobody else in her household is allowed to enter, complete with a computer, craft supplies and a flamingo lamp. Lisa Heenan, 36, runs a very busy household with four children, three dogs and a cat so occasionally when she wants to let off some steam, she enters her 'f**k off' space. 'So I turned my walk-in wardrobe into my very own f*** off room. I have four kids aged 15, 13, 12 and eight, three labradors and a Himalayan Persian and they are all banned from this room,' the graphic designer from Queensland wrote on Facebook. Lisa Heenan, 36, runs a very busy household with four children, three dogs and a cat - so occasionally when she wants to let off some steam, she enters her 'f**k off' space The space, which she created a year ago, has become a sanctuary for Lisa when life has become a little bit overwhelming The space, which she created a year ago, has become a sanctuary for Lisa when life gets a little bit overwhelming. 'Two of my children are on the spectrum. They are both high functioning, though some days are tough with one of my sons having ADHD,' she told FEMAIL. 'I love them all dearly but just like all mums and parents sometimes we just need a break. 'About a year ago I moved all of my clothes into the identical wardrobe I have on the other side of my en-suite and created this space for my sanity.' She emblazoned the swear word inside the room because it 'tells her kids exactly what she doesn't want to say out loud'. 'My sense of humour won't be to everyone's taste but wouldn't this world be boring if we were all the same?' she said. 'About a year ago I moved all of my clothes into the identical wardrobe I have on the other side of my en-suite and created this space for my sanity,' she said Almost all of the furniture was purchased from IKEA and the pink flamingo lamp is from Kmart Almost all of the furniture was purchased from IKEA and the pink flamingo lamp is from Kmart. 'I'm a freelance graphic designer so I have my computer in there and all of my craft and party supplies,' she said. She uses the space 'all the time' after she has spent time with her beautiful kids and plans on purchasing a pink bar fridge to store wine and chocolate in it. For those that might want to take inspiration from her, Lisa said not to think twice about it. 'Just do it. As parents we all deserve a space where we can relax and be ourselves outside of being mum and dad,' she said. Agence France-Presse Europe's Vega rocket returned to the skies on Wednesday from French Guiana in its first mission since a failed launch last year. The rocket left Earth around an hour before midnight local time after the launch was postponed numerous times, most recently due to a typhoon passing over a tracking station in South Korea. The coronavirus pandemic and persistent winds over the South American launch site also caused delays. Vega successfully deployed 53 small satellites -- most weighing less than 15 kilogrammes (33 pounds) -- on behalf of clients from 13 countries. "I hope these microsatellites enjoyed their ride on Europe's direct line to space!" Stephane Israel, chief executive of launch service provider Arianespace, wrote on Twitter. The first flight of @vega_stss rideshare service using the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) dispenser for light satellites, launched from Europes Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 02:51 BST / 03:51 CEST this morning. Read more https://t.co/QsIgR4HCI8 pic.twitter.com/UfpeRwkFqU ESA (@esa) September 3, 2020 The Vega rocket is a crucial component of Europe's ambitions to compete in the booming aerospace market, where it faces strong competition from rivals including Elon Musk's SpaceX. If you missed #Vegas liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana, watch the instant replay video and join the excitement of Arianespaces Flight #VV16. pic.twitter.com/67bgVJl29V Stephane Israel (@arianespaceceo) September 3, 2020 Its last mission in July 2019 failed around two minutes after take-off because of an apparent structural failure that caused the launcher to split in two. It was the first failed mission after 14 successful launches since it began operations in 2012. European Space Agency director general Jan Woerner said Wednesday's launch was an "extremely important project" that heralded the comeback of the Vega rocket class. NICHOLAS KAMM/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesBy CONOR FINNEGAN, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- The Trump administration has named a new acting inspector general for the State Department, the fourth person to lead the watchdog office in four months, after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had its longtime chief fired in May. Ambassador Matthew Klimow has been tapped to serve in the oversight role, replacing a career IG official and raising concerns again among lawmakers about how independent the office will be. Klimow is a career civil servant who currently serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkmenistan after being nominated by President Donald Trump. A decorated combat veteran, he's previously served as a senior official at NATO under President Barack Obama and in Vice President Dick Cheney's office. Most recently, he served as a senior adviser to Under Secretary for Management Brian Bulatao, a top Pompeo aide and longtime friend. Bulatao has been accused by Steve Linick, the ousted IG, of attempting to bully him from pursuing certain investigations. Linick's firing is being investigated by the House Foreign Affairs and Oversight Committees, drawing outrage from Pompeo, who has denied that Linick was removed as retaliation or because of any OIG probes related to him. The OIG is investigating Pompeo's use of staff to run personal errands for himself and his wife. Last month, it concluded a report on Pompeo's use of an emergency authority to bypass Congress and sell $8 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- finding that Pompeo acted within his statutory authority, but failed to properly consider civilian casualties. Klimow will serve in the role "until the end of 2020," a State Department spokesperson told ABC News. After that, he is expected to return to his post in Turkmenistan. Klimow replaces Diana Shaw, a career OIG official, who will go back to being deputy inspector general. Shaw had been tapped as acting IG after Pompeo's first acting IG Stephen Akard resigned. A longtime aide to Vice President Mike Pence, Akard had faced pressure from Capitol Hill for conflicts of interest, including retaining his role as director of the State Department's Office of Foreign Missions. Akard resigned suddenly last month to take a job in the private sector, spurring questions about what's going on in the beleaguered office. Constant personnel changes where career staff lead the OIG are a threat to its independence, according to a 2007 report from the Government Accountability Office, another independent federal watchdog. "Such staffing arrangements represent potential impairments to independence and the appearance of independence under professional standards," the report found when investigating the State Department's use of career staff to temporarily lead the office at the time. "This use of temporarily assigned State Department management staff to head the State IG office can affect the perceived independence of the entire office in its reviews of department operations, and the practice is not consistent with (1) independence requirements of Government Auditing Standards, (2) other professional standards followed by the IGs, and (3) the purpose of the IG Act," it added. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Velasco said this about his book: " El Peregrino Hispano : Una historia que leer has a character who leaves the city of Irayol bound for the city of Sion, motivated by the words of an angel. The pilgrim faces many difficulties until he loses his vision. But God, who is faithful to him, helps him wake up from his ecstasy to become a hero of faith and thus, with courage, cross the valley of death and enter the paradise of the promised land." Published by Page Publishing, Jose V. Velasco's new book El Peregrino Hispano: Una historia que leer will enlighten readers of the sacrifices of a determined pilgrim whose desire is motivated by God and his promise of paradise. Consumers who wish to understand the importance of heeding God's call and embark on a pilgrimage can purchase El Peregrino Hispano: Una historia que leer in any bookstore, or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors' books, including distribution in the world's largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1248701/Jose_V_Velasco.jpg SOURCE Page Publishing Related Links https://www.pagepublishing.com Credit: CC0 Public Domain Research conducted by the University of Valencia (UV) and the Jaume I University of Castellon (UJI), among other institutions, has found alterations to the structure of the brain's nonapeptidergic systems, social behavior and the production of pheromones, traits that reveal sexual dimorphism, in male mice with a lack of the Mecp2 gene. In humans, mutations of this gene cause Rett syndrome, a rare disease of the neural development which causes, among other symptoms, a loss of speech and of the ability to walk, traits of autistic diseases and epilepsy. Nonapeptides, peptide chains with nine amino acids such as oxytocin and vasopressin, are located in the cerebral nuclei that govern social behavior, which is why they have been proposed, especially oxytocin, as possible therapies for autism disorders and related syndromes. Rett syndrome is a rare disease of the neural development caused by mutations to gene Mecp2, which mainly affects young girls, and which had traditionally been classified under the umbrella of autism disorders. To study whether the nonapeptidergic systems are impaired in Rett syndrome, which would thus justify their use as therapeutic targets, the team has analyzed them in the brain of a Mecp2-null mouse brain. The research was co-directed by Carmen Agustin-Pavon, professor at the UV and researcher at the Mixed Unit for the Research of Functional Neuroanatomy, which includes staff from the Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology of the UV and the Predepartmental Unit of Medicine of the UJI, and by Monica Santos, from the Center of Neuroscience and Cellular Biology of the University of Coimbra, entity which has also taken part in the research, together with the University Otto-von-Guericke in Germany. Carmen Agustin explains that "oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic substances in the brain are involved in guiding social behavior, which has sexual dimorphism in mammals, and is therefore organized differently in males and females. For example, vasopressinergic innervation is plentiful in certain cerebral nuclei, such as the septum or lateral habenula, in males, whereas in females it is practically non-existent. Our study shows that Mecp2-null males have a significant decrease in this vasopressinergic innervation, which depends on the presence of high levels of testosterone, in all the nuclei from we call the socio-sexual brain." In fact, as explained by Elena Martinez-Rodriguez, first signatory of the study, "as males with a mutant Mecp2 have internal testicles, our hypothesis is that the effect we see in the vasopressinergic system can take place indirectly, as a result of the deficit of testosterone, which is necessary for the dimorphic sexual development of the male brain." This hypothesis is backed by the fact that mutant females show no deficit in their vasopressinergic system. Furthermore, as an indirect measure to the level of testosterone, the team analyzed the amount of sexual pheromones in urine, and verified that male pheromone darcin disappears in mutant mice. "Both vasopressin and testosterone are involved in regulating the social and aggressive male behavior of mice", says Ana Martin-Sanchez, currently at the Pompeu Fabra University, and first co-author of the study together with Martinez-Rodriguez. "This is why we study the response of mutant males compared to other members of the species in different situations, and we are finding that they are less aggressive than their healthy brothers, and that they prefer being near a caged member of their species to a greater extent than the healthy specimens." Administering oxytocin The research team did not find significant differences in the oxytocinergic system except for, in mutant males, "a slight decrease in the oxytocinergic innervation of the lateral habenula". Agustin-Pavon explains that "there do not seem to be significant deficits in the structure of the oxytocinergic system, and therefore our data does not back administering oxytocin for Rett. Furthermore, the fact that there is a heightened social preference, and not decreased, such as in the traditional autism disorder models, is a reason for Rett to not be classified as one." The expert concludes: "our research shows how, when studying animal models with alterations to their social behavior, the possible effects of genetic mutations on the endocrine system must be taken into account, because hormone levels directly affect the structure of the social brain." Explore further RNA repair shows promise in reversing mutations underlying a neurological disorder More information: Elena Martinez-Rodriguez et al. Male-specific features are reduced in Mecp2-null mice: analyzes of vasopressinergic innervation, pheromone production and social behavior, Brain Structure and Function (2020). Journal information: Brain Structure and Function Elena Martinez-Rodriguez et al. Male-specific features are reduced in Mecp2-null mice: analyzes of vasopressinergic innervation, pheromone production and social behavior,(2020). DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02122-6 Vodafone Idea, a joint venture between Britain's Vodafone Group and India's Idea Cellular, still owes roughly $6.8 billion to the Indian government. Vodafone Idea said on Thursday its board had no investment proposal to consider from U.S. wireless carrier Verizon Communications Inc or Amazon.com Inc. The Indian mobile firm added, however, that it constantly evaluates opportunities for enhancing stakeholders' value. Vodafone Idea's statement followed a report in local newspaper the Mint that Verizon and Amazon may invest more than $4 billion for a stake in heavily indebted Vodafone Idea. The telecoms carrier's shares rose as much as 30% following the report. Vodafone Idea won something of a reprieve this week as India's top court gave mobile carriers 10 years to settle government dues, but the company's longer-term problems are not over. Vodafone Idea, a joint venture between Britain's Vodafone Group and India's Idea Cellular, still owes roughly $6.8 billion to the Indian government. Vodafone Idea's stake-sale talks had been paused pending the court ruling, but Amazon and Verizon are now set to resume them, Mint reported, citing two people aware of the negotiations. (https://bit.ly/356USDD) Amazon and Verizon did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Shares in Vodafone Idea hit a more than one-year high before closing up 26.77% amid a flurry of news about its fundraising plans. CNBC-TV18 reported Vodafone Idea could "take stock" of a sale of its optic fibre business at a Friday board meeting scheduled to discuss fundraising plans. Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc and private equity group KKR & Co Inc were contenders for the business, CNBC-TV18 said. Vodafone Idea was planning to raise about $1.5 billion and was working with advisers as it seeks investors, Bloomberg News reported. Vodafone Idea and KKR declined to comment, while a representative for Brookfield did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Uganda Refugee Aid Groups Cry Foul Over Government Suspensions By Halima Athumani September 03, 2020 Refugee aid groups in Uganda are crying foul after the government suspended more than 200 of them, three quarters of the total, for non-compliance with rules and permits. A U.N. special advisor on gender and displacement welcomed the suspensions as a move toward better transparency and regulation. But some activists worry the suspensions could impact 1.4 million refugees who reside in Uganda. Uganda's minister for Refugees and Disaster Preparedness, in mid-August, released a list of 208 organizations said to be operating illegally in the country's refugee camps and settlements. According to the letter, these groups lack either permits or memorandums of understanding required to operate. The International Rescue Committee in Uganda was placed under category three on the list -- organizations that have valid MOU's but are operating with expired permits. Elijah Okeyo, country director of the IRC, says the list was wrong. "Their system was not cleaned," Okeyo said. "So, even IRC is there, but we have a valid permit until 2022. So, we have already corrected our information in their system. If they run another report, the result will be much more, maybe credible." Action Aid Uganda falls under category six of the minister's list -- groups that have neither MOU's nor permits and are therefore not authorized to operate. Henry Ogwal, the Action Aid International Director of Programs and Policy, also says the list was in error. "We signed a new MOU on the 4th of March this year. Which means it expires on the 4th March 2023. So, we think that that is an error which should be corrected," said Ogwal. Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, says mistakes on the list are easy to fix. "Let them come out publicly to denounce the list," said Mucunguzi. "If any NGO, any partner has an issue with that list, on where they have been placed, they know the procedure they need to follow to rectify the situation. Either to get themselves right, or to get themselves off that list." Victor Ochen, the global advisor to the U.N. Human Rights Commission for Refugees on Gender, Forced Displacement and Protection, praised the government's move, which he said could reduce overlap between refugee aid groups. "In a way I am happy that the government is coming clean about who is working. There is a lot of duplication, there's a lot of pronouncements about invisible work which is happening in the community," said Ochen. "I credit the government on their move to be transparent about their partners on the ground when it comes to this humanitarian response." However, activists insist this kind of publication could jeopardize services at a time when the government needs all the help it can get to support refugees in Uganda. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tim Davie, new Director General of the BBC, has warned staff over their use of social media (Andrew Milligan/PA) The BBCs new director-general has warned staff over their use of social media, saying sharing their opinions online could harm the broadcasters reputation for impartiality. Tim Davie said renewing the BBCs commitment to being impartial is the number one priority amid accusations of bias from figures across the political spectrum. Addressing staff at the BBCs Cardiff office, Davie said: If you want to be an opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner on social media then that is a valid choice, but you should not be working at the BBC. If you want to be an opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner on social media then that is a valid choice, but you should not be working at the BBC Tim Davie He added: Our research shows that too many perceive us to be shaped by a particular perspective. Davie said new rules around employees use of social media will be introduced and will be rigorously enforced, while also hinting at a crackdown on the corporations stars making money from private companies, adding there will be clearer direction on the declaration of external interests. Davie added: To be clear, this is not about abandoning democratic values such as championing fair debate or an abhorrence of racism. But it is about being free from political bias, guided by the pursuit of truth, not a particular agenda. Several high-profile BBC employees have been accused of bias. Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis was criticised for her opening monologue about the Governments handling of Dominic Cummings lockdown trip. The BBC ruling the introduction did not meet our standards of due impartiality. And BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty was rebuked last year after commenting on remarks made by US President Donald Trump. Then-chief Lord Tony Hall later reversed the decision. Video of the Day Expand Close Tim Davie, new Director General of the BBC, has warned staff at the broadcaster over their use of social media (Andrew Milligan/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tim Davie, new Director General of the BBC, has warned staff at the broadcaster over their use of social media (Andrew Milligan/PA) Davie also addressed doubts over the future viability of the licence fee funding model. He said he was not in favour of a Netflix-style subscription fee that would make the BBC just another media company serving a specific group. He said: The evidence is unequivocal: the future of a universal BBC can no longer be taken for granted. We have no inalienable right to exist. We are only as good as the value we deliver our audiences, our customers. We must grow that value. That is our simple mission. For the avoidance of doubt, I do not want a subscription BBC that serves the few. We could make a decent business out of it, and I suspect it could do quite well in certain postcodes, but it would make us just another media company serving a specific group. The truth is that we have tried to cope with increasing competition by making more and spreading ourselves too thinly, he said, Of course, we need to offer a broad choice as the BBC, and we should not retreat to a narrow offer. But we have been too slow to stop things that dont work. Davie said the BBC will look in all areas and identify how we can have more impact by making less. He added: I want us to consider what we would do if we could only make 80% of our current hours. What would we stop? He said the simple move was not about cuts to save money. Davie praised dramas such as Normal People, Line Of Duty, Fleabag, an EastEnders special and documentaries Blue Planet 2 and Once Upon A Time In Iraq. He said Strictly Come Dancing, Wimbledon, comedy This Country, the BBCs VE Day 75 coverage, educational service BBC Bitesize, the World Service and regional and national news were all examples of where the broadcaster builds a connection with the audience. But the BBC must re-allocate funds to where they generate most value to ensure that we make our output world-beating and utterly distinctive. He also said there was too much bureaucracy, adding: I want every area of the BBC not to moan about bureaucracy but dismantle it. Actor Kangana Ranauts comparison of Mumbai to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Thursday after Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told her not to come back to Mumbai, continued to evoke mixed reactions for the second day in a row. Ranaut had criticised the Mumbai Police alleging that attempts were being made to silence her due to her statements against the Bollywood drug mafia. On Friday, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) jumped into the fray warning her not to criticise the Mumbai Police while the Congress blamed the BJP IT cell of working behind the curtains on behalf of Ranaut. In addition, two actors, Renuka Shahane and Urmila Matondkar, criticised Ranaut, calling her comparison uncalled for. Also Watch | More scared of Mumbai police than movie mafia goons: Kangana Ranaut Ameya Khopkar, who heads the MNS film workers union, said his outfit will not tolerate anything against the Mumbai Police. Today, Mumbai is safe only due to Mumbai Police as women can travel even at midnight. We will not allow anyone to unjustly criticise the Mumbai Police, warned Khopkar. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant alleged the entire campaign has been orchestrated by the BJP IT cell. Ranaut is just a face but the whole campaign is run by the BJP IT cell to malign the state government, said Sawant. He also demanded a narco analysis test of BJP legislator Ram Kadam for his defense of Ranaut. We also demand a Narco test of Ram Kadam who seems to be having immense knowledge of drugs and suppliers since Vivek Moitra days. We would also want to know BJPs connection to drugs and who Sandeep Ssingh was speaking to in @BJP4Maharashtraoffice when he called there 53 times, said Sawant. Ram Kadam dismissed Sawants attack sand said the real issue is about attempts to pressurise Ranaut. I am ready for a Narco test whenever they want me. I have never hidden my Bollywood connections. I organise the biggest Dahi Handi festival in Mumbai and all film stars including Shahrukh Khan come there. However, the issue here is of trying to pressurise Kangana and protecting the Bollywood Mafia, said Kadam. Sanjay Raut, whose article in Saamana on Thursday asking Ranaut not to return to Mumbai had started the debate, said that undue importance is being given to her. If she has proof of the drug mafia, she should submit the proof to the government or the Police instead of just using the social media, said Raut. Defending Ranaut, BJP legislator Ram Kadam called this a diversionary tactic. Also Read: Kangana Ranauts tweet comparing Mumbai to PoK draws controversy The whole attempt is to scare her from exposing the Bollywood nexus. The Maharashtra Government should remember Kangana is Jhansi Ki Rani, said Kadam. Actor Renuka Shahane tweeted I am all for criticizing govts. But why Mumbai is feeling like POK seems to me like a direct comparison between Mumbai & POK. Your comparison was really in bad taste. As a Mumbaikar, I did not like it! Maybe it was naive of me to expect any better from you. Also Read: Kangana Ranaut blocks Kubbra Sait on Twitter, Sacred Games actor says Aiyo! I was silent all along Similar was the reaction from Urmila Matondkar. Maharashtra is cultural n intellectual face of India..land of Great Shivaji maharaj. Mumbai has fed millions of Indians n given them Name Fame n Glory. Only ungrateful can compare it with POK..Shocked n disgusted, tweeted Matondkar. Also Read: Kangana Ranaut responds as Renuka Shahane slams her comment on Mumbai: Were you also waiting like a blood thirsty vulture Throughout the day on Thursday, Ranaut was trending on Twitter with several people supporting as well as criticising her. The Chief of Abossey Okai , Nii Abossey III, and four others, charged with organising special event without notifying police, were yesterday granted GH10,000 self recognisance bail by the Abeka District Court, in Accra. The accused, Nii Abossey III, Jacob Laryea, Okyeame II, Naa Korkoi II, Manye , John Awuley Lartey and Godfred Marmah Nelson, Nii Okyeame, pleaded not guilty, to the charges. They would re-appear before court, presided by Mrs Adzoa Ofosu Akyaamah, on September 7. They were charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit organising special event without notifying police contrary to section 23(1)of the criminal offences Act 1960(Act 29) and Sections 9 a and c of the Public Order Act 1994(Act 491). The head of Public Relations of the Accra Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, disclosed these to the Ghanaian Times in Accra, yesterday. It would be recalled that Ghanaian Times Monday, August 31, 2020 issue, carried a story that two persons were shot dead and another injured by gun wielding men, during the Homowo festival at Abossey Okai, on Saturday. The dead were shot in their chest while the injured suffered gunshot wound on his right arm. The bodies of the two male adults yet to be identified have been deposited at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital mortuary, while the injured had since been treated and discharged, but no arrest had been made in connection with the incident. The Kaneshie Police received information that the chief and people of Abossey Okai had organised Ga Homowo festival without notifying the police. DSP Tenge said in the cause of the celebration, while some customary rites were being performed, gunshots were heard outside, and some people were injured and rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Sukura Community Hospital. She said police proceeded to the scene and after confirming the incident, went to the two health facilities where the victims were taken to. DSP Tenge said hospital authorities confirmed that three persons were rushed to the facilities with gunshot wounds, and two died while receiving treatment, but the third victim who sustained injury on the right arm was treated and discharged. She said investigation into the case was ongoing, and appealed to the public to assist the police with reliable information for the arrest of the other suspects. Source: The Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video WASHINGTON Seeking a contrast with President Donald Trump, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Thursday to highlight a different dimension of the wave of violent protests that has upended the embattled city over a police shooting of a Black man. Shortly after he and his wife, Jill Biden, arrived in Milwaukee, Biden spoke to Jacob Blake, a Black man who was left paralyzed after a white police officer shot him seven times on Aug. 23, and met with members of his family for 90 minutes. He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not, he wasnt going to give up, Biden said of his conversation with Blake during a gathering of community members at a Kenosha church. The former vice president struck a more optimistic tone as he sought to allay tensions over violent protests that erupted after police shot Blake, and led to the death of two protesters by a suspected vigilante shooter. What I came away with was the overwhelming sense of resilience and optimism that they have about the kind of response theyre getting," he said of the Blake family. Blake's attorney, Ben Crump, said Biden and his wife's conversation focused on "changing the disparate treatment of minorities in police interactions, the impact of selecting Kamala Harris as a Black woman as his running mate, and Vice President Biden's plans for change." Biden's visit came two days after the president traveled to Kenosha to promote his own message about the ongoing protests over racial justice and police brutality a trip that did not include a visit with the Blake family. The president said he wouldn't meet with the family because they requested their lawyers be involved, which Trump said was "inappropriate." Trump has sought to blame Democrats for the civil unrest, painting Kenosha's protests as an example of the "anti-police and "anti-American riots" that would continue if he isn't re-elected. Story continues While Biden focused much of his trip on the racial injustice that led to recent upheaval, Trump used his trip to praise members of the National Guard and local law enforcement for quelling the unrest. The former vice president assailed Trump for failing to show leadership through a string of crises the country is facing and said he "legitimized a dark side of human nature in his response to the 2017 white nationalists rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where one counterprotester was killed. I made a mistake about something. I thought you could defeat hate. It only hides, he said. Here are several other key moments from Biden and Trump's trips to Kenosha this week: More: 'I thought we could defeat hate': Joe Biden meets with Jacob Blake's family in Kenosha visit More: Trump claims credit for bringing calm to Kenosha in visit criticized as politicizing unrest The governor didn't want Trump or Biden there Biden's and Trump's visits weren't exactly embraced by local officials. While Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., accompanied Trump on his visit, Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers stated he didn't want either the president or Biden visiting the area. "Candidates can make their own decisions," Evers said in a call with reporters on Thursday. "I would prefer that no one be here." Evers urged the president to cancel his trip while the city recovered from last week's wave of violence that left a Black man paralyzed after a police shooting, two protesters dead and a trail of destruction. I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing, Evers wrote in a letter to the president on Sunday. I am concerned your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together. But Evers, who has endorsed Biden, said he did not write a letter to the former vice president but made his position clear in a phone call. Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian shared those concerns, telling reporters "Kenosha needs peace and needs to heal and needs people to allow us to do that." The local head of the NAACP said no politicians should visit because tensions were running high. But Biden said he spoke to city leaders and the governors staff in planning the visit, with a goal of bringing factions of the community together. Theres been overwhelming requests that I do come, Biden said Wednesday. What we want to do is weve got to heal. We got to put things together, bring people together. Trump poses in front of burned-out buildings and rubble Upon his arrival in Wisconsin, the president surveyed the damage caused by protests that sometimes escalated into destructive violence in the days following Blake's shooting, leaving burned-out buildings and smoldering ash in its wake. Trump has sought to use Kenosha and other cities experiencing ongoing protests, like Portland, Oregon, as examples of his campaign message that the country is under threat of being overtaken by radical left-wing mobs. While Biden has called for racial justice and healing, Trump has blamed Democrats for "lawlessness" and widespread demonstrations while labeling himself a law-and-order president. "Reckless far-left politicians continue to push the destructive message that our nation and our law enforcement are oppressive or racist," he said. "These are not acts of peaceful protest but really, domestic terror." The president underscored this message by focusing on members of law enforcement and the National Guard during his visit who brought order back to the city. He highlighted businesses affected by the protests, including a burned-out furniture storefront that had been torched by protesters. He said some of the city's businesses may have been spared if Evers welcomed federal assistance and called in the National Guard sooner. But it was Evers who activated the state's National Guard on Aug. 24, a day after Blake was shot. Three days later, the governor asked for help from Arizona, Michigan and Alabama. But not all small businesses openly embraced the president. The co-owner of a century-old camera shop that was destroyed during protests told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel he "politely declined" to meet with the president. The owner told the newspaper he was surprised to see on TV that Trump instead met with the shop's former owner, who sold it to him in 2011 but still owns the property. More: Destroyed Kenosha store's owners refused to be part of Trump 'circus,' president met with building owner instead "Were going to work with you. Were going to help you," Trump told the former owner. "Well help you rebuild. Its a great area. Its a great state. This should never happen. A thing like this should never happen. They have to call early." Trump walks past rubble during a visit to Kenosha, Wis. Tuesday. A picture of Trump standing before the rubble shared widely both by both his supporters and his opponents underscored their respective political messages. Republicans pointed to the picture as an example of Trump's leadership and a visual of his "law-and-order" presidency, while Democrats used the photo to illuminate the chaos that would continue in Trump's America if he's elected to a second term. The picture depending on the interpretation symbolizes how both Biden and Trump are staking out two very different visions for how the country moves forward. Biden focuses on community needs amid campaign stop In one of his few campaign events outside Delaware since the coronavirus pandemic, Biden in Kenosha met with more than a dozen community leaders, from activists to lawmakers to a store owner whose business was looted, to discuss Blakes shooting and the protests and violence that followed. Throughout the event, which was held at Grace Lutheran Church and lasted more than one hour, Biden sat, listened and took notes. Biden heard from Tim Thompkins, Kenosha resident and former Marine, who discussed investing in programs to combat racial inequality. Jeff Weidner, former president of Kenosha Local International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 414, spoke about the support from the community and resources dropped off to fire departments following the riots. A contrast from the image shown by Trump's photo shoot with rubble caused by the riots. One of the most impassioned moments came from Porsche Bennett, an organizer for Black Lives Activists Kenosha. She spoke about how people are "heavily angry," adding that she wants to see tangible action from political leaders and for police officers to be held accountable. "There's way more that we want done, and it didnt just start with Jacob. But we want change. We want change," Bennett said. Compare the candidates: What Biden, Trump say about the issues The event was a stark contrast to Trumps roundtable held Tuesday in Kenosha on community safety, where the president condemned the protests following Blakes shooting. Biden allowed several speakers to voice their concerns before giving a response. I cant say if tomorrow God made me president, I cant guarantee you everything gets solved in four years, Biden said during his remarks at the church. He added: It would be a whole better, wed get a whole lot further down the road if Trump isnt re-elected. Theres certain things worth losing over, he concluded, and this is something worth losing over if you have to but were not going to lose. Duel campaign trips create a sense of normalcy Biden over the past several months has mainly kept his campaigning virtual amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trump, who is known for his large and frequent rallies, has scaled back due to COVID-19. But this week, both candidates parachuted to Kenosha to contrast the protests and riots following Blake's shooting. The uptick in campaigning also follows the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention, where Biden and Trump accepted their respective party's nomination. Wisconsin is a key battleground state, and Thursday was Biden's first visit to the state. Trump carried the state in 2016 over then Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. However, Biden is leading nationally in several recent polls, as well as in Wisconsin. According to a Fox News poll released Wednesday, Biden holds an 8 point lead over Trump 50% to 42% among likely Wisconsin voters. Although the pandemic still prevents both candidates from fully embracing campaign mode, they are ramping up their stops on the trail. Biden next week will visit Michigan, while Trump on Thursday is speaking in Pennsylvania. Both candidates will also visit Shanksville, Pennsylvania site of the Flight 93 National Memorial to the mark anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Michigan and Pennsylvania are key battleground states that both candidates are eyeing in their path to victory and could determine the outcome on Nov. 3. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kenosha: Biden visits Jacob Blake's family, and other takeaways Xiaomi recently launched a new entry-level smartphone in India called the Redmi 9A. The handset is the third offering under the Redmi 9 series and it is also one of the most affordable smartphones from the company. The smartphone is priced Rs 6,799 for the base variant and Rs 7,499 for the higher RAM variant. The handset will be going on its first sale today at 12PM on Mi.com and Amazon India. Sale offers include a 5-percent instant discount for customers with HSBC Cashback Cards, a flat 5-percent off on Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit card for Prime members and 3-percent off for non-Prime members as well as no-cost EMI options on select cards. The new Redmi 9A features a 6.53-inch Dot Drop LCD display with an HD+ 1600 x 720-pixels resolution with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The handset is powered by the octa-core MediaTek Helio G25 SoC with either 2GB or 3GB RAM options that come with 32GB of internal storage. There is the option of expanding the storage using a microSD card of up to 512GB. The camera at the back is a single 13-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture lens. At the front, there is a 5-megapixel camera with an f/2.2 aperture lens. The smartphone comes with a 5,000mAh battery with support for 10W fast charging. Xiaomi claims that it is using Enhanced Lifespan Battery (ELB) technology that helps in maintaining the health of the battery to up to three years. Other features on the handset include dual-SIM capability, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm audio jack, and Micro-USB port. There is no fingerprint scanner, but you do get face unlock as well as P2i coating making the phone resistant to small water splashes. The smartphone will come with MIUI 12 based on Android 10 out of the box. Colour options include Midnight Black, Nature Green, and Sea Blue. Syracuse, N.Y. Advance Media New York is partnering with Syracuse University to give the universitys students, faculty and staff full access to syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. The university has made an agreement with Advance Media NY to provide access at no charge to syracuse.com (on all desktop, mobile, Android and iOS platforms); the ePost-Standard, a page-by-page digital replica of The Post-Standard; home delivery of the Sunday Post-Standard print edition (for those living in Advance Medias delivery area); and a suite of premium email newsletters. What happens within and beyond our campus directly impacts our Orange community and our Central New York community, said Mark Lodato, dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. We are at a pivotal time in our country where quality journalism is needed to understand the world around us. An informed citizenry powers our democracy, and this partnership will help our campus community remain informed and aware of whats happening in our city, county, state and nation. We are proud to offer unlimited access to the Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, said Tim Kennedy, president of Advance Media New York, which publishes The Post-Standard and operates syracuse.com, its online partner. Credible news and information are vital to the health of our communities. Our award-winning journalists at The Post-Standard/syracuse.com including so many from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications produce some of the best local journalism in the country. The news organization this year was honored as the Newspaper of Distinction by the New York State Associated Press Association for its circulation category the second year in a row it won the award. Syracuse.com routinely ranks among the most popular newspaper websites in the nation. SU students and employees will receive information from the university on how to subscribe. Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 As a leading provider of news, information and advertising solutions across central Nebraska, The Grand Island Independent is excited to discuss our Local Business Stimulus program. This program offers matching marketing credits to our local businesses to help them navigate the changes brought on by the coronavirus. It comes on the heels of our highly successful Local Marketing Grant program, in which we provided more than $150,000 in advertising support to our local business partners. Put simply, things have changed, and our local businesses have experienced this change during the past few months. Their customers are looking to do business with them in new ways, asking for new services and looking for new ways to connect every day. Thats why we stand ready to build on our commitment to help our local businesses succeed with our Local Business Stimulus Program. With our large local audiences and world-class digital services such as text marketing, website design and managed email and search campaigns, we can put together the right combination to help our local businesses not only tackle change, but thrive with it. Mumbai, Sep 4 : The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Thursday tightened its grip in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case as it carried out raids at a number of locations here, including at the homes of Showik Chakraborty and the late actor's house manager Samuel Miranda. Sushant was found dead in his Bandra flat here on June 14. As the scope of the probe keeps increasing everyday since the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and the NCB joined in -- the drug angle has thrown up a number of leads. NCB Deputy Director K.P.S. Malhotra told the media that the homes of Showik, who is Sushant's girl friend Rhea Chakraborty's brother and that of Miranda were being searched, but declined to elaborate. Around 6.30 a.m., the NCB teams started the raids, which came a day after the Mumbai court sent alleged drug peddler Zaid Vilatra to seven-day NCB custody. The raids are being carried out under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. A strong posse of policemen were deployed outside the PrimRose housing society at Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai, the rented flat of the Chakrabortys. Later, Miranda was whisked off for further investigation by the NCB, and Showik is also expected to be summoned for questioning. The NCB registered a case on August 26 after the Enforcement Directorate wrote to it. On the intervening night of August 27-28, the narco team carried out searches in Mumbai and two persons, namely Abbas Lakhani and Karan Arora were arrested, and 'bud' (curated marijuana) was recovered from their possession. There were a few mentions of 'bud' in purported social media messages between people involved in the case. The official had said that the detailed network analysis and the follow up investigation, uncovered the links between Lakhani and Vilatra, who also disclosed that he earns a substantial amount of money by drug peddling, especially bud. "Based on Vilatra interrogation, Abdul Basit Parihar was made to join the investigation. Parihar's links with earlier accused persons were also established based on preliminary inquiry details submitted by the ED," the official said. NCB source said that Parihar had connections with Miranda, who was also the close associate of Rhea. Miranda is accused of procuring drugs on the instructions of Showik. The NCB registered a case against Rhea, her brother Showik, talent manager Jaya Saha, Sushant's co-manager Shruti Modi, and Goa-based hotelier Gaurav Arya under Sections 20 (b) 28, 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The NCB case was registered following the WhatsApp messages between Rhea and Shruti Modi, Miranda and Pithani that came to light. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed During the last week of August, three people were shot and killed in protests and riots throughout the United States, the latest sign of deteriorating political and social conditions. The protests have continued virtually unabated since the end of May when George Floyd was killed after a police officer in Minneapolis applied his weight to Floyd's neck for eight minutes. The first night, protesters outraged by police brutality threw Molotov cocktails at the police station where the death took place and burned it down. Elsewhere in the city, windows were smashed and immigrant-owned businesses were looted. Some of the violence was the result of actual protesters being so angry that they lost control. Some was the result of radicals who saw property damage as a justifiable way to put pressure on the government and the capitalist system. Still other acts were committed by professional criminal gangs with no connection to the protests. Whatever the case, protests in America often feature violent incidents from time to time, but they usually die down after a few days. This time, however, the violence has continued for three months and shows no signs of abating. In Minnesota, the bill for damage is over US$25 million. In Kenosha, Wisconsin, firefighters had to respond to 37 fires on the second night of protests. In Portland, Oregon, protesters frequently started fires at a federal building and apartments. In Oakland, California, they burnt down a courthouse. Riots have taken place in almost all major cities in the country. At first supporters of the protests dismissed the window smashing and arson as mere "property violence." But recent protests have included assaults and even murders. The violence in Kenosha, for example, erupted on August 23 when a police officer shot Jacob Blake when he tried to avoid arrest. After nights of mass fires, a group of armed men drove into Kenosha and stood outside one business with semi-automatic rifles. They said they were there to protect the business. One member of the group, Jacob Rittenhouse, went out on his own, where he was confronted by some protesters. Gun shots erupted, and he shot and killed one protester. While fleeing the scene, he was chased by other protesters. One kicked him and one pointed a handgun at him. Rittenhouse shot them, killing one and injuring the other. Now, he has been charged with murder. A few nights later in Portland, a right-wing counter-demonstrator was shot and killed. The police have not yet made an arrest or identified a motive. So how did America get into this mess? Two hundred thousand Americans have died in the COVID-19 pandemic so far. Police are killing suspects all too frequently. And now people are being shot dead while engaging in one of America's sacred political traditions taking to the streets to voice their demands. Conservatives and liberals point fingers at each other. Conservatives say the violent protests have gotten out of hand. Looting and rioting have been allowed to go on for too long, and the assault on rule of law and people's livelihoods has been trivialized by liberals. Citizens feel they need to fill the lawless vacuum. Liberals point to Trump's constant fear-mongering and appeals to violent right-wingers. The truth is that everyone involved in the protests and counter-protests has some responsibility for things getting worse and worse. The conservative and liberal arguments are both partially true. Looting and burning stores are not peaceful nor harmless means of protest. It deprives people of their property and their ability to make a living. The owners have to deal with the damage. Employees lose hours of work time. This is happening at a time when so many Americans are already suffering from the economic depression caused by Trump's poor handling of the coronavirus. At the same time, Trump and conservatives have been smearing all protesters as "violent," regardless of whether they are engaging in rioting or not. The police have also been reacting violently to some of the non-violent protesters. There have been multiple incidents of police bashing protesters with batons and shooting rubber bullets into their heads. Trump himself dispatched federal law enforcement agents to use tear gas to clear protesters from outside the White House so that he could walk along and be photographed for public relations purposes. The whole situation is causing Americans to feel unsafe, to distrust their neighbors, and shattering their faith in the political system. Partisan accusations won't help restore faith. Mitchell Blatt is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/MitchellBlatt.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. Protesters are expected to take to the streets of the Democratic Republic of the Congos (DRC) capital to express support for Denis Mukwege, a Nobel laureate who says he has received death threats. Fridays rally in Kinshasa is expected to take place a day after hundreds of people attended a similar rally in Bukavu, the capital of eastern South Kivu province, to call for the prominent doctors protection. Mukwege, the founder of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, was co-recipient of the 2018 Novel Prize for Peace, recognised for his efforts to help war rape victims and end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict in eastern DRC. A fervent critic of serious rights violations, he has frequently been threatened by armed groups for his calls to bring perpetrators to justice. In 2012, he survived an assassination attempt. Last month, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), a partner organisation of Panzi Hospital, said Mukwege and his family had been targeted on social media and received death threats on his cellphone. The intimidation efforts appear to be in response to Dr Mukweges condemnation of a wave of recent killings by local armed groups in the South Kivu and Ituri provinces, PHR said, and in reaction to his consistent appeals for the implementation of the longstanding recommendations of a UN Mapping Report on the most serious violations of human rights in the DRC between 1993 and 2003. These include investigations and prosecutions for atrocities that took the lives of millions of people in the region and have included the mass sexual violence that caused thousands of women and girls to seek and receive treatment from Dr Mukwege and his colleagues at Panzi Hospital. Released in 2010, the UN report chronicles the involvement of several armed Congolese groups in grave human rights violations as well as operations by the forces of eight other countries. Carbone Beni, network coordinator of the Filimbi youth movement in Kinshasa, said the protesters on Friday demanded an investigation into the efforts to intimidate Mukwege. As citizens, we do not want the massacres to continue any longer in the east of our country. And for that, each neighbouring country should recognise its role and make a commitment to stop this, he said. The Congolese want to live with dignity as a human being, added Beni. We will continue to raise awareness and mobilise. It should be a matter of death or life, our dignity. Last week, the United Nations denounced the recent surge of threats against Mukwege, saying they were likely connected with the doctors condemnation of rights abuses linked to longstanding violence in South Kivu, characterised by the involvement of both local and foreign armed groups. Meanwhile, the DRCs President Felix Tshisekedi has promised that the interior, security and justice ministers and others will take all measures necessary to protect Mukwege while the UNs peacekeeping force in eastern DRC (MONUSCO) has also vowed its support. We are working together on sustainable solutions that will enable Dr Mukwege and the hospital to be protected by the Congolese institutions, by Congo, and obviously the mission, as a partner, will play its part, MONUSCO chief Leila Zerrougui said on Wednesday. The DRCs conflicts in the late 1990s and early 2000s, dubbed by some Africas world war, drew in several regional countries seeking to take advantage of the chaos to plunder the resources of the vast nations. The wars killed some five million people due to fighting, disease and malnutrition and the aftermath is still felt today, with many eastern areas plagued by violence as dozens of rebel groups continue to operate there. M'sia won't extradite Uighur refugees, even if China requests - minister Putrajaya has reiterated its stand not to extradite any ethnic Muslim Uighurs who sought shelter here in Malaysia even if there was a request from China to do so. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof (above) said this was in line with Putrajaya's stance not to interfere with the internal affairs of another country. "Malaysia practices foreign policies which always fight for the right of every country to solve their internal affairs without interference from outside parties," he said in a parliamentary reply. He said Muslim Uighurs were indeed being oppressed in their homeland. "The issue of the oppression of Muslims worldwide, including against the ethnic Uighurs in the Xinjiang region in China does exist and must be admitted to by all parties," he said. "However, on the Uighur refugee issue, the government has taken a stand not to interfere in the affairs of China," added the minister. Redzuan said, as such, if any Uighur refugee seeks shelter in Malaysia, this country has decided it will not extradite them, even if an application is made by China. He also said that the refugees will be allowed passage to another country after Malaysia if they feared for their safety. "Based on this policy, the government does not have any information on Uighur refugees who have been granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)," he said. "The government will also not grant permanent residence (PR) status to any refugees," he added. Redzuan was replying Chan Foong Hin (Harapan-Kota Kinabalu), who requested for the number of Uighurs entering Malaysia from 2010 to 2020. Chan wanted to know how many of them were granted refugee status and how many of them received PR status. In 2018, China requested Malaysia to extradite 11 Uighurs who were reported to have been arrested in Malaysia after escaping from a Thai jail in 2017. Reuters reported that Malaysia was under pressure to hand over the refugees. Later that year, then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the 11 Uighurs were released by the court as they did not do anything wrong in this country. Huang Rong grows black fungi. Xixiang is a county in Hanzhong, in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province. It is one of the poverty-stricken counties in the Qinling-Bashan mountainous region. Under the guidance of and support from CPC (Communist Party of China) committees, people's governments and women's federations, at all levels in the region, women in the mountains have participated in efforts to eradicate poverty. Huang Rong, 31, has persisted in the fight against poverty in Xixiang County. She has spared no effort in her pursuit of a better life. Huang Rong grows black fungi. During the past few months, the spring-ploughing season, people in Xixiang County have been busy with their farm work. In Bailong, a community in the town of Bailongtang, in Xixiang County, Huang grows black fungi in several sheds. Huang began helping her parents with their farm work when she was 15. Later, she moved to Shenzhen, in South China's Guangdong Province, to earn a higher income so she could support her family. As her parents grew older and became sick, Huang returned to her hometown to take care of her parents. In 2017, Huang's family registered as an impoverished family, due to her parents' illness. "When I was a migrant worker in the south, I often asked myself, 'In what way would my family shake off poverty?' Besides traditional farming and breeding businesses, I needed to find a better project to earn a stable income," Huang recalled. For nearly two months, she watched, almost every day, a TV program that taught farmers how to better develop a business and create wealth. She eventually decided to grow black fungi. Huang was the first person in her village to try to grow fungi, which were planted in the ground. Although no one in the village could teach her how to grow and process edible fungi, and, in fact, many villagers doubted whether Huang could succeed in launching her business, Huang was determined to "grow" a better life by growing fungi. She surfed the Internet to gather information and develop skills. She worked for an edible-fungus processing company, for free, for three months. She learned how to pack, sterilize, transfer hyphae (threadlike filaments forming the mycelium of a fungus) and grow fungi. In early 2018, Huang endured the hardship of working in extremely cold weather on the mountains. She spent 10 days working with some of her family members as they prepared the wood, on which fungi would grow. Huang learned how to drive a tricycle, how to build a wire net and how to connect a water pipe in a shed, where she would grow fungi. She went daily to her shed to see how the fungi were growing. Huang in 2018 was excited when she saw her efforts had paid off. In September that year, she took the dried fungi she had grown to the first "farmers' harvest festival" hosted in Bailongtang. Huang's fungi were organic because they had grown in an unpolluted, wild natural environment. In less than two hours, the 700- plus grams of dried fungi, which Huang took to the event, had sold out. Many of Huang's fellow villagers gave her thumbs up, and said, "We admire your courage to do a business that none of us have tried before. You are such a great business starter!" During the past two years, "Huang Rong's fungi planted in the ground" have been regarded as a popular brand in Bailong. After Huang set a good example in leading her family out of poverty, other villagers from impoverished families have asked her to teach them how to grow fungi. Huang has hired some villagers, especially women who stay in her hometown to look after their families. She has shared her knowledge with the women, so the women could try to shake off poverty by growing fungi. "A fungus looks quite small. But it is this seemingly small business that has enabled me to create wealth and live a better life. As long as we are ready to learn new things, and as long as we have confidence in our fight against poverty, we will surely achieve our goals. Also, we will create together a promising future for our hometown," Huang says, happily. Photo supplied by Huang Rong and Fan Wenjun (Women of China English Monthly June 2020 issue) Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen cabled a letter of congratulations to his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, while President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Say Chhum and Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin sent their congratulations to Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. In their letters, the Cambodian leaders highly valued the fruitful development of solidarity, friendship and traditional cooperation between the two Governments and between the Cambodian Senate and National Assembly and the Vietnamese NA. They expressed their belief that the Vietnam Cambodia comprehensive cooperation will become more and more sustainable and enduring forever, for the sake of the two countries people. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, respectively. The Indian leaders congratulated Vietnam on its successful assumption of ASEAN Chairmanship and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, affirming that Vietnam is an important member of the international and regional communities. They said that since being upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the traditional relationship between India and Vietnam has been constantly developing, contributing to further consolidating the mutual trust and understanding. In their congratulatory messages to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the Workers Party and the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK Kim Jong-un and Premier Kim Tok-hun expressed their belief that the traditional friendship between the Parties, Governments and people of the two countries will be further promoted in the time to come, in line with the spirit of agreements reached by the two sides leaders during DPRK Chairman Kim Jong-uns official friendly visit to Vietnam in March last year. Meanwhile, Japanese Emperor Naruhito sent his letter of congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong. In his congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, RoK President Moon Jae-in emphasised that his country always attaches great importance to and wishes to further develop the friendship and cooperation with Vietnam in the coming time. US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent their congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and the Vietnamese people. The US leaders congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements, especially the successes and contributions of the Southeast Asian nation in the role as ASEAN Chair. They expressed delight at the development in the US-Vietnam relationship, saying that the US wishes to continue working closely with Vietnam at the East Asia Summit (EAS) in November. They said they believe that the comprehensive partnership between the two nations will develop strongly, contributing to promoting peace and prosperity in the region. In his congratulatory message to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Vietnam for providing medical supplies for his country amid the COVID-19 outbreak. He also affirmed that it is necessary to further deepen the bilateral strategic partnership, and hoped the two countries will continue their cooperation at the UNSC and ASEAN. Italian President Sergio Mattarella cabled a congratulatory message to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, saying that the strategic partnership between the two countries is flourishing, evidenced by Vietnams precious support for Italy in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed his belief that the bilateral relations will further develop, both bilaterally and multilaterally. Meanwhile, Canadian Governor-General Julie Payette congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements, especially in the role as ASEAN Chair 2020. She spoke highly of cooperation between the two countries at regional and international forums to promote rules-based order, gender equality, and respond to the COVID-19 epidemic and climate change, affirming that Canada wishes to continue maintaining cooperation with Vietnam in bilateral, regional and international issues in the coming time. Australian Governor-General David Hurley praised Vietnam for its efforts to successfully promote the agenda of the ASEAN Year 2020, for the interest of the whole region despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that the strategic partnership between Australia and Vietnam is a solid basis for the two countries to continue expanding collaboration in the current challenging context. He affirmed that his country will work closely with Vietnam to accelerate post-pandemic recovery as well as deepen the bilateral trade and investment ties. On this occasion, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and RoK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha extended their congratulatory letters and messages to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Washington, Sep 4 : US President Donald Trump held an in-person rally in Pennsylvania, a day after a new poll showed a tightening race between him and his Democratic rival Joe Biden, in the battleground state. Addressing a crowd of supporters inside a hangar at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Trump on Thursday night claimed what he believes are achievements of his first term, speaking from economy to space programs, and sought to highlight ideological and policy differences between his administration's and those of Democrats, reports Xinhua news agency. He continued to stress a "law and order" message, as the country has been further divided by a series of police-involved incidents that led to several deaths and triggered nationwide demonstrations subsequently. "I'll bring rioters, looters, violent extremists, anarchists -- we will bring them to justice, that's what we're doing right now... "We are taking back America from these very, very deranged people," Trump said amid criticism from Democrats that his remarks have been sowing chaos for political benefits. The President claimed that mail-in voting would cause massive voter fraud as states have moved to expand access to it amid the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, he talked at length about his physical conditions last November, dismissing previous reports which claimed that he had had "mini-strokes". Biden, in a statement responding to the President, accused Trump of not taking "responsibility for the economic hardship his presidency has caused Pennsylvanians". "But even before this crisis began, President Trump's reckless economic policies and tariff wars shipped jobs overseas and lined the pockets of CEOs, while leaving Western Pennsylvania workers and families behind," the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee said. "Wall Street didn't build this country, the middle class built this country." The former Vice President added that if he's elected he will "fight for hardworking Pennsylvanians, bring our economy back from the brink, and create good-paying, manufacturing and union jobs". The remarks came exactly two months before the Election Day and a day after the latest Monmouth University survey found Biden at 49 per cent and Trump at 45 per cent among all registered voters in Pennsylvania. That number was within the poll's 4.9-point margin of error and a far closer race than Monmouth found in July, when Biden led 53 to 40 among registered voters. "This is really a game of inches," said Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute. "The Trump campaign is looking to peel off a little bit of Biden support here and a little bit there. "It may be working, despite the fact that Pennsylvania voters personally like the Democrat more, although this gap has narrowed," Murray added. According to the poll, Trump led by 19 points among men in Pennsylvania, compared to his 2-point advantage in July, while Biden was 24 points ahead of his Republican opponent among women and by 11 points among seniors. Trump won Pennsylvania, which had voted Democratic in six consecutive presidential elections prior to 2016, by less than one percentage point, against then-Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. He also won Michigan and Wisconsin, two other states dubbed as the "blue wall" four years ago. Trump needs to win in at least two of those states if not all three for his re-election. According to the polling average of RealClearPolitics, a political news site and polling data aggregator, Biden is still ahead of Trump by 7.2 percentage points nationally and 3.3 points in top battleground states. Trump has repeatedly called polls showing him trailing Biden "fake" and said that his voters have been "suppressed". Biden, who was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1942 and spent his first 10 years there before moving with his family to eastern state of Delaware, has retained strong ties to the Keystone State. The Democratic political veteran formally kicked off this presidential campaign in Philadelphia last May. In the past few weeks, he has held several campaign events in the state, including a speech Monday in Pittsburgh, which is about an hour of drive from Latrobe. Maged Hamza, M.D. Physician Partners of America (PPOA) announces that Maged Hamza, M.D., has joined the company as an interventional pain management specialist in its Jacksonville, Fla., practice. The office is located at 11705 San Jose Blvd, Suite 110, Jacksonville, FL 32223. Dr. Hamza specializes in treating all pain types, including neck, back, abdominal, pelvic and neuropathy. He is a well-known pioneer in treating chronic pain with spinal cord stimulation and pain pumps, but also utilizes many other minimally invasive modalities, including nerve blocks, radio frequency ablation and injections. Chronic pain does not get the same level of attention as other diseases, and patients may go from specialist to specialist seeking relief, he says. My patients have seen as many as seven other doctors before they come to me. By then, they are suffering from emotional as well as physical pain. A native of Egypt, Dr. Hamza received his Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Physiology and his medical degree from Cairo University. He completed an internship at the universitys College of Medicine, followed by residencies in Anesthesiology and General Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. He completed a fellowship in Pain Management at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville and served as an assistant professor there. After four years, he went into private practice and later, moved to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond. He served as the director of VCUs interventional pain medicine fellowship, Spine Center, interventional pain, and neuromodulation programs for more than a decade. His patient-centric approach earned Dr. Hamza the distinction of being one of Richmonds Top Doctors for five straight years. Dr. Hamza joins Physician Partners of America - Jacksonville from Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was a lead investigator researching innovating methods of diagnosing and treating pain. I am committed to reducing my patients suffering, he says. My sincerest desire is to help them back to enjoying a full life again. Dr. Hamza is a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology with a subspecialty in Pain Medicine, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Medical Examiners. He is a member of 15 medical associations including the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and the International Spine Intervention Society. He and his wife have four children. In his spare time, he enjoys tending to his small farm and raising goats and sheep. Make an appointment with Dr. Hamza by calling (904) 453-7976 or click here About PPOA: Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is a national healthcare organization focused on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and improving patient outcomes. PPOA and its affiliates share a common vision to ensure the well-being of patients and provide its physician partners the opportunity to focus on the practice of medicine. This model allows physicians to be physicians, caring about patients and their needs versus the ever-complex administrative requirements. For more information about Physician Partners of America, visit http://www.physicianpartnersoa.com. What's behind tougher U.S. stance on South China Sea? People's Daily Online (CGTN) 13:27, September 03, 2020 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's ban on exercises with the United States in the South China Sea is without doubt a blow to Washington and its relationship with its hitherto ally. In July, the U.S., Australia and Japan conducted joint drills in the region as the U.S. military continued to step up its excursions into the South China Sea with warplanes and warships. Washington sent military aircraft to the region more than 2,000 times in the first half of 2020. The U.S. is also seeking to drive a wedge between China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, and disrupt the consultation process of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. What's behind U.S. attempts to make waves in the South China Sea? The bully U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo renewed his criticism against China on the South China Sea issue on July 31, accusing Beijing of "coercion" without offering evidence. While trying to portray China as a coercer in the South China Sea, the United States is in fact becoming a global bully itself. By sowing seeds of distrust, Washington is seeking to stir up conflicts among Southeast Asian neighbors and disrupt the growing cooperation between China and the ASEAN countries. "The U.S. is seeking to drive a wedge between China and ASEAN countries, and disrupt the consultation process of the Code of Conduct," Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed in an exclusive interview with Xinhua, calling on all regional countries to "be vigilant, and prevent this region's hard-won peace and development from being sabotaged by the U.S." The escapist Pompeo also claimed that America's policy of engagement with China is a mistake and has failed, and called for the formation of an anti-China alliance. As the country with highest COVID-19 death toll in the world by far, the U.S. move seems like an attempt to distract from the Trump administration's mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak. "The U.S. hyped up the South China Sea arbitration for its own political agenda," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a news briefing in July. The amnesiac Meanwhile, the U.S. seems to be sleepwalking into the fact that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea were established throughout a long course of history. Zhao said China has exercised effective jurisdiction over relevant islands, reefs, and waters in the South China Sea for thousands of years, and as early as 1948, the Chinese government announced the dotted line in the South China Sea. "This was under no doubt from any country for a long time," the spokesperson said, adding that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea have sufficient historical and legal basis, which is consistent with relevant international laws and practices. China doesn't strive to build an "empire" in the South China Sea, always treats countries surrounding the South China Sea as equals, and always maintains the utmost restraint in safeguarding the sovereignty, rights, and interests of the South China Sea, he underlined. The meddler On top of its meddling in the South China Sea, the United States, citing groundless claims, has interfered in China's internal affairs related to Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan over recent years. On July 9, the United States imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials in Xinjiang, saying that they were "ineligible for entry into the United States." The U.S. State Department approved the recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles for Taiwan the same day, at an estimated cost of 620 million U.S. dollars. On July 15, Trump signed the so-called "Hong Kong Autonomy Act" into law, and issued an executive order to "begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions under United States laws that give Hong Kong differential treatment in relation to China." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address For years, scientists assumed that when it came to elephants on the African savanna, matriarchs were the only leaders. Old males, on the other hand, were seen as solitary loners whose social contribution ended at breeding. New evidence suggests that male elephants do have social lives, and that older males may act as leaders for younger ones. These findings build on support thats slowly being revealed about the importance of old bulls, said Connie Allen, a doctoral researcher in animal behavior at the University of Exeter in England, and lead author of a study published on Thursday in Scientific Reports. This is the first study that concretely shows older bulls in a leadership role. Little research has focused on male elephants which can live 60-plus years because males tend to roam across vast distances. This makes them difficult to track and observe. A few studies have hinted, though, that there is more to males than assumed. For example, from 1992 to 1997, young orphaned male elephants that had been introduced to Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa began coming into premature musth, a temporary state of heightened aggression and sexual activity. When females rejected the adolescents advances, the young males took their aggression out on white rhinos, killing more than 40. Seeking a solution, researchers introduced six older male elephants to the park. The younger males musth subsided, and the rhino killing stopped. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 Trend: The Italian Eurasianews news portal published an article entitled "Hakobyan prepares Armenian women to attack peaceful Azerbaijanis", which highlights provocation carried out in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, this time by the wife of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Anna Hakobyan, Trend reports. Although no escalation of violence has been observed between the armed forces of the two countries after the end of the last July clashes on the state border of Azerbaijan and Armenia, there are enough aspects of concern in connection with the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said the article. Hakobyan, who together with her husband in recent months has become a celebrity in the media thanks to her economic and financial machinations, in 2018 proclaimed herself a supporter of peace in the region, and also called on Azerbaijani women to join the "Women for the world" campaign. However, after only a year and a half, information spread that Anna Hakobyan, along with her "peace-loving women", were taking part in military exercises in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, which has been under the military occupation of Armenia. Forgetting the calls for peace and ignoring the presence of Azerbaijani settlements near the training sites, she invites women to defend Nagorno-Karabakh, including with arms in hand. Photos from the exercise sites confirm both the nature of Pashinyan's revolutionary dictatorship and the essence of Armenia's policy of military aggression, said the article. If women in Armenia are also preparing for war, how could anybody believe in the country's striving for peace? Clashes in July, as well as the actions of Armenian women, confirm the words of the Armenian Defense Minister "Armenia is ready for a new war for new territories". The minister said these words before the July events and the growing tension in Azerbaijans Tovuz district because of the Armenian attack on Azerbaijan, Eurasianews said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts. - NATO claimed Friday that Turkey and Greece had agreed to start to help reduce the risks of military accidents in the eastern Mediterranean over offshore energy rights. However, Greece denied any such agreement, saying that first, Turkey has to withdraw its vessels from the area where it is carrying out drilling research. - The Navalny poisoning has even farther-reaching implications for geopolitics and oil than just the NordStream2 outcome. Under immense pressure for what masses of protesters say was a rigged election for a sixth presidential term, Aleksandr Lukashenko, the European continent's last dictator, is now cozying up to Moscow for Putin's support against protests that threaten to overthrow him. He is doing this in two ways: 1) He is trying to lend the Kremlin a helping hand by claiming to have intercepted German chats proving that the Navalny poisoning was fabricated in order to discourage Russia from intervening in Belarus on Lukashenko's behalf (a weak argument, at best); and 2) By cutting a deal with Russia to potentially re-direct oil flows from Lithuania to the Russian port of Ust-Luga. This is, in part, Lukashenko's retaliation over European sanctions due to electoral fraud allegations, for which he threatened to cut off European transit routes. Not coincidentally, Lithuania is hosting the U.S. military, which deployed tanks and troops on Friday for an extended two-month stint near the border with Belarus. Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict - The Navalny poisoning has even farther-reaching implications for geopolitics and oil than just the NordStream2 outcome. Under immense pressure for what masses of protesters say was a rigged election for a sixth presidential term, Aleksandr Lukashenko, the European continent's last dictator, is now cozying up to Moscow for Putin's support against protests that threaten to overthrow him. He is doing this in two ways: 1) He is trying to lend the Kremlin a helping hand by claiming to have intercepted German chats proving that the Navalny poisoning was fabricated in order to discourage Russia from intervening in Belarus on Lukashenko's behalf (a weak argument, at best); and 2) By cutting a deal with Russia to potentially re-direct oil flows from Lithuania to the Russian port of Ust-Luga. This is, in part, Lukashenko's retaliation over European sanctions due to electoral fraud allegations, for which he threatened to cut off European transit routes. Not coincidentally, Lithuania is hosting the U.S. military, which deployed tanks and troops on Friday for an extended two-month stint near the border with Belarus. - NATO claimed Friday that Turkey and Greece had agreed to start to help reduce the risks of military accidents in the eastern Mediterranean over offshore energy rights. However, Greece denied any such agreement, saying that first, Turkey has to withdraw its vessels from the area where it is carrying out drilling research. - The U.S. has added more companies to the sanctions list over oil dealings with Iran, including Iran-based Abadan Refining Company, China-based Zhihang Ship Management CO Ltd., New Far International Logistics LLC, Sino Energy Shipping Ltd) and UAE-based Chemtrans Petrochemicals Trading. - Russia's Rosneft denied media reports that it is shipping petroleum products to North Korea. Earlier this week, South Korean media reported that North Korea boosted its imports of refined oil products from Russia by 16 percent last year, despite the wide-ranging sanctions. The Russian oil products supplied to North Korea were produced by the state energy giants Rosneft and Gazprom, South Korean Yonhap news agency reported. Markets & Trends - What happens when even cleaning products ditch fossil fuels? With COVID hastening the transition to de-risking, including with regard to climate change, Unilever has now jumped on board, saying it would eliminate fossil fuels in its cleaning products by 2030. By that year, Unilever plans to replace 100% of carbon from fossil fuel feedstocks in its cleaning products with renewable or recycled carbon. If this becomes a trend, we are looking at a reduction in demand from this segment, considering that chemicals derived from fossil fuels represent around 12% of global oil demand and would have nominally accounted for over one-third of oil demand growth to 2030. - Saudi crude oil exports to the U.S. are still on the downward trend, hitting what appears to be their lowest point in a decade, according to Bloombergs review of tanker data. This data signals to traders that the Saudis are tightening supply, which should positively affect oil prices. - Exxon, reeling from being kicked out of the Dow, is now considering worldwide job cuts, after it announced it would issue voluntary layoffs in Australia. Exxon is now looking at its operations in every country it does business in, to make sure the company is right-sized and stronger for the future. Exxon already started the job cut process in the United States, after employees who landed near the bottom of performance evaluations were given 30 days to decide if they wanted to meet new goals set for them or whether they wanted to exit the company. Employees in the bottom category represent between 8% and 10% of the company. Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions - Saudi Aramco has delayed a $20-billion petrochemical and LNG project as it looks to save cash and preserve its dividend. Instead of the large-scale project at Yanbu in eastern Saudi Arabia, Aramco is now mulling over adding petrochemical facilities to already existing refineries. - In a deal valued at $448 million, Colorado-based Liberty Oilfield Services is acquiring Schlumbergers fracking arm, with Schlumberger taking a 37% stake in the new combined company. - Pablor Flores, the head of the Petroecuador, will resign ahead of a merger between two state-run giants, Petroecuador, the refining arm, and Petroamazonas, the upstream arm. The merger is set to be complete on Jan 1. - Israel-based Delek Group is contemplating a merger with its North Sea arm, Ithaca Energy, and another international energy company that has not yet been named. The merger is thought to be part of the IPO process for Ithaca. Ithaca purchased Chevrons North Sea assets in 2019, just two short years after Delek purchased Ithaca. Delek will likely get cash from the merger, while Ithaca will control half of the larger business. The cash will come in handy for Delek, which is struggling to keep up with all of its debt. Discovery & Development - Canadian Husky Energy has announced its first oil production at the Spruce Lake Central thermal project in Saskatchewan. This is Huskys sixth 10,000 bpd thermal bitumen project in the last five years. - Saudi Aramco has announced two new discoveries in the countrys north. The Abraq al Toloul oil find is flowing at ~3200 barrels bpd (light crude) and 3.5 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. The second find, the Hadabat al Hajara, is flowing at ~2,000bpd of condensate and 16 MMcfd of natural gas. - Chevron said it is delaying restart at the second of three huge LNG production units at its $54 billion Gorgon LNG plant in Western Australia until October. Train 2 at Australia's second-largest LNG plant has been shut since May for maintenance. The company had hoped to complete the repairs by early this month but is delaying it after cracks were found in the production units propane kettles. Six times, prosecutors took Curtis Flowers, a Black Mississippi resident, to trial on the same murder case before mostly-white juries. And six times, the trials ended with convictions that were later reversed or with mistrials. But on Friday, two decades after prosecutors began pursuing murder charges against Mr. Flowers, they announced that they were dropping the case. In a memo seeking dismissal of the charges, prosecutors from the Mississippi attorney generals office wrote that it is in the interest of justice that the State will not seek an unprecedented seventh trial of Mr. Flowers. Mr. Flowers, who is 50, said in a statement issued by his lawyers that he had never given up on the idea that the case could one day be over. Today, I am finally free from the injustice that left me locked in a box for 23 years, said Mr. Flowers, who was released from custody on bail late last year. UPCATET is a state-level entrance test conducted for candidates to get admission in agricultural and science programmes Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur has announced the results of Uttar Pradesh Combined Agricultural and Technology Entrance Examination (UPCATET) 2020 on its official website - upcatet.org. The entrance exam was conducted between 18 and 20 August in an online mode. According to the Times of India, candidates will have to download their merit list from the official website and bring a copy of it when they are asked to appear for the counselling round. The counselling is expected to commence from the last week of September. The merit list will be released online and will include the name of the shortlisted candidates. Those who clear the process will be offered admission to various state universities in the state including Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, reported Careers360. Steps to check the UPCATET 2020 result: Step 1: Go to the official website - upcatetonline.org Step 2: Click on the Download Result tab on the right side of the homepage. Step 3: You will be directed to a new page where you will have to enter your registration number/ roll number, mobile number, date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format and other credentials to log in. Step 4: The result will be displayed on your screen. Download and take a print out. Here's the direct link to check the result - http://result.upcatetonline.org/Result_Login.aspx A 'drunk' neurosurgeon who killed a medical student in a crash complained that his very expensive watch and car had been ruined in the collision. Neurosurgeon Dr Jonathan Nakhla, 36, is said to have been drunk behind the wheel going 138mph when he flipped his Audi R8 Spyder in Mobile, Alabama. Samantha Thomas, 24, who was sitting in the passenger seat, died from the force of the collision. Nakhla was in court this week for a preliminary hearing relating to a manslaughter charge for the young woman's death. Investigators at court Wednesday said first responders recalled Nakhla being more worried about his 'very expensive' timepiece than Thomas's condition. Dr Jonathan Nakhla, 36 (left), from Mobile, Alabama, has been charged with manslaughter in a crash that killed Samantha Thomas, 24 (right) Nakhla was allegedly driving at speeds topping 130mph on the morning of August 1 when he swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle. (Pictured: An ambulance at the crash scene) He is also said to have told someone on the phone 'I know baby, you loved that car', while being treated in the back of the ambulance, WKRG reports. The court also heard the pair, who were neighbors, were caught on CCTV drinking next to the pool during the day. At around midnight, Nakhla drove Thomas in the car to get ice cream, he is said to have told police. The deadly crash happened within five minutes of the pair leaving the apartment building. Nakhla did try to unbuckle Thomas's seatbelt to treat her, the court heard, before realising that she was already dead. Nakhla's lawyer said he was driving an Audio R8 Spyder (similar to one pictured), which can go from 0 to 60mph in under 4 seconds Prosecutors have alleged that Nakhla was over the legal alcohol limit but toxicology results are still pending. Nakhla's legal team deny the allegations, suggesting the results from the breathalyzer are inaccurate. Nakhla was sacked from his role at Mobile Infirmary after being charged with manslaughter last month. In addition to the manslaughter charge, Thomas's father has filed a lawsuit against Nakhla, accusing him of causing the death of his daughter. At the end of August, Harold Thomas, brought a civil lawsuit against Nakhla, claiming that his 'reckless driving' while 'under the influence of alcohol' resulted in Thomas' death. 'It has everything to do with TRPs.' 'It is a potboiler as Bollywood stars are involved.' IMAGE: Actor Sushant Singh Rajput's cook arrives for questioning by the CBI. Photograph: ANI Photo The death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has gone from being a case of suicide to a cause celebre, thanks to the shrill campaign by some television news channels. The nightly overdose of conspiracy theories, fulminations against some politicians and the Mumbai police and even investigations into the case all come at a time of major developments like the raging coronavirus pandemic which shows no sign of abating, the collapse of the economy and Chinese transgressions into Indian territory, all of which seem to have been overshadowed by Rajput's death. Upset by the nightly media trial, eight retired senior Indian Police Service officers moved the Bombay high court against the 'unfair, malicious and false media campaign' against the Mumbai police in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case. Former director of general of police, Maharashtra Dhanushkodi Sivanandan is one of the petitioners in the case in which the high court observed on Thursday, September 3, that the media needs to exercise restraint while publishing news about the investigation. 'We urge and expect the media to exercise restraint before publishing or reporting on details of the investigation and report in such a manner that it does not hamper the investigation, Justice A A Sayed and Justice S P Tavade said. Speaking to A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com, Sivanandan says, "e are not asking for gagging or muzzling the media." While the Mumbai police were inquiring into the case, was it right for the Bihar police to file an FIR in the same case? It is right for the Bihar police to file an FIR. They have to file a zero FIR. Then they have to send it to the concerned police station. They should have sent it to Mumbai. People can file an FIR anywhere. Like, when there is a robbery in a train. You file the FIR at the next station. You are upset by the false propaganda against the Mumbai police, but what about the fact that actress Rhea Chakraborty is being crucified on some television channels without any evidence? We are talking about the shrill coverage. They are appointing their own investigators. Hearsay is being used as facts. News agencies cannot investigate, conduct the case and go to court. That only the police can do. The Mumbai police and the CBI are doing that. About Rhea Chakraborty -- I am not taking sides. Let the truth come out. Let the investigation close and prove it to the court beyond doubt. The Mumbai police or the CBI has to do that. So far no evidence has come out. Professionalism in broadcasting is necessary. There is a moral code of conduct which everyone should follow. The court has to judge, not the media. We need a chargesheet to proceed. What is your personal opinion in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, was he murdered or was it a case of suicide? 99% in my opinion, it is suicide. From the evidence so far, I think he was depressed. (But) It is not conclusive proof. This is not the first time media shrillness has occurred. It was there even in the Aarushi Talwar murder case. But no one thought of restraining the media from playing investigator and judge. So what made you and your colleagues take this step of moving the court? The Sushant Singh Rajput case is more hyperactive than the Aarushi Talwar case. It has gone beyond belief. They have gone sky high. Even in the Jessica Lal murder case they had gone overboard. Many people are happy with this case taking the centre-stage, as it keeps the attention away from the pandemic and the economy. What is your view on this? In my view, I agree. But a blanket ban on reporting this case might do more harm than good, isn't it? All we are saying is, report only after authentication. You cannot appoint investigators, you cannot charge sheet. That is the work of the CBI. You cannot judge and hang on a TV channel. Report only what the investigating agencies authenticate. You have to follow an ethical and moral code of conduct. While some sections of the media may be sensationalist, the Right to Know is an important part of democracy, isn't it? Everyone has the right to information. We are not asking for gagging or muzzling (the media). All we are asking is, stick to your own code of conduct. What exactly are your expectations from the court? We are expecting the court to uphold Freedom of Expression, but we would be happy if they heard our petition to tone down the shrill voices. To publish facts, as and when the investigating agencies give them to you. If the Mumbai police believes its image is being tarnished, it could file a defamation case. There are two types of defamatory cases, civil and criminal. Civil cases are cumbersome. All we want is for them (the television channels) to be restrained as per their own code of conduct. Do you agree that the media frenzy has nothing to do with the Mumbai police or Sushant Singh Rajput, but everything to do with politics? It has everything to do with TRPs. It is a potboiler as Bollywood stars are involved. What can the CBI do in the case that the Mumbai police cannot? They will investigate and take a call. I have worked with the CBI for three years. I was joint director (west zone) from 2001 to 2004. I have complete faith in them. If they have a case, they will file. From: Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot To: Date: Thursday, 09 July 2020, 02:00PM -07:00 Subject: Chief justice of Benin Republic. SUPREME COURT OF BENIN REPUBLIC. THREE-ARMS ZONE P.M.B 308. AVAKPA. From: Mr.Roger Carrot Justice of the Supreme Court of BENIN REPUBLIC Attn: Greeting to you, This is an official message coming to you by the chief Barrister Roger Carrot, I am writing to inform you because after the meeting held Three days ago by the board of director's i meant to understand that you are not yet received your compensation fund us$4.5Million us dollars which the federal government instructed the Western Union and Money Gram to be transfer to you. However i want to inform you that Rev Collins Jerry and Mrs.William Ugo Leo including REV Tony Johnson was arrested today and by Friday morning they will be taking to court and after the court all of them will be jail at the same time for they illegal act towards your payment by collecting your hard earn money from you which is not Normal. Secondly. I want you to stop any illegal transaction you are having in this Africa concerning your fund because we have already issue out a cashier check that contain your fund and it was handed over to Dr David Anderson the DHL Delivery controller,For the DHL to deliver you check to your home address and the only amount you will spend on this is $50 and you will have your check from the DHL agent without anymore delay or any other payment. Finally don't ever delay on making the payment because i don't need anything that will make you not to receive you check from the DHL,and never you surprise why it is only DHL is in charge for you check,is only DHL will deliver it to you without any problem of disturbance for air ways action tax force,so i want you to follow my instruction and i assure you with the rest of the life that within the next 24 hours you will receive your check from the DHL agent and as a true Woman of honest and trust, and i am saying all this just to prove to you that i am the only person who will make it happen so kindly get back to me after reading this mail to enable us get this done once and for all. And below is the payment details to send the needed fee through Money Gram Money Transfer or Western Union Money Transfer. so that your Check or Visa ATM card depending on your choice, could be shipped to your home address as soon as you make the payment today use RIA OR ITUNES CARD OR STEAM WALLET CARD. Recipient: ELIZY UGOCHI Country: Benin Republic City: Cotonou Text Question: God Text Answer: Work Amount: USD$50 We hope your immediate positive response with payment details or payment slip attachment once you make the payment to enable a speedy shipment of your Check to your home address. Kindly Still Update Us With: 1. Your Current Home Delivery Address where your Check should be mailed 2. Your Private Mobile Number for the DHL Express to Contact you when they arrive at your door step. Once again, we are sorry for the inconveniences you might have encountered in the past, in pursuit of your funds. Now that this my office, Fund Reconciliation Department is involved, you will have no cause to ever regret again as soon as you adhere to the above given instructions. I have alert the Customs and also your state police for the fund to be deliver to you without any restriction and problem when the fund get to you in your location area. Thanks . Best Regard. Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot Chief justice of Benin Republic. From: Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot patricetalon084@gmail.com To: "undisclosed-recipients": ; Date: Thursday, 09 July 2020, 02:00PM -07:00Subject: Chief justice of Benin Republic. To: Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2020, 09:41AM -07:00 Subject: Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot THREE-ARMS ZONE P.M.B 308. AVAKPA. From: Mr.Roger Carrot Justice of the Supreme Court of BENIN REPUBLIC Attn: Greeting to you, This is an official message coming to you by the chief Barrister Roger Carrot, I am writing to inform you because after the meeting held Three days ago by the board of director's i meant to understand that you are not yet received your compensation fund us$4.5Million us dollars which the federal government instructed the Western Union and Money Gram to be transfer to you. However i want to inform you that Rev Collins Jerry and Mrs.William Ugo Leo including REV Tony Johnson was arrested today and by Friday morning they will be taking to court and after the court all of them will be jail at the same time for they illegal act towards your payment by collecting your hard earn money from you which is not Normal. Secondly. I want you to stop any illegal transaction you are having in this Africa concerning your fund because we have already issue out a cashier check that contain your fund and it was handed over to Dr David Anderson the DHL Delivery controller,For the DHL to deliver you check to your home address and the only amount you will spend on this is $100 and you will have your check from the DHL agent without anymore delay or any other payment. Finally don't ever delay on making the payment because i don't need anything that will make you not to receive you check from the DHL,and never you surprise why it is only DHL is in charge for you check,is only DHL will deliver it to you without any problem of disturbance for air ways action tax force,so i want you to follow my instruction and i assure you with the rest of the life that within the next 24 hours you will receive your check from the DHL agent and as a true Woman of honest and trust, and i am saying all this just to prove to you that i am the only person who will make it happen so kindly get back to me after reading this mail to enable us get this done once and for all. And below is the payment details to send the needed fee through Ria Money Transfer or STEAM WALLET OR itunes CARD. so that your Check or Visa ATM card depending on your choice, could be shipped to your home address as soon as you make the payment today. Recipient:ELIZY UGOCHI Country: Benin Republic City: Cotonou Text Question: God Text Answer: Work Amount: USD$100 We hope your immediate positive response with payment details or payment slip attachment once you make the payment to enable a speedy shipment of your Check to your home address. Kindly Still Update Us With: 1. Your Current Home Delivery Address where your Check should be mailed 2. Your Private Mobile Number for the DHL Express to Contact you when they arrive at your door step. Once again, we are sorry for the inconveniences you might have encountered in the past, in pursuit of your funds. Now that this my office, Fund Reconciliation Department is involved, you will have no cause to ever regret again as soon as you adhere to the above given instructions. I have alert the Customs and also your state police for the fund to be deliver to you without any restriction and problem when the fund get to you in your location area. Thanks . Best Regard. Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot Chief justice of Benin Republic. jchief523@gmail.com SUPREME COURT OF BENIN REPUBLIC.THREE-ARMS ZONE P.M.B 308. AVAKPA.From: Mr.Roger CarrotJustice of the Supreme Court of BENIN REPUBLICAttn: Greeting to you,This is an official message coming to you by the chiefBarrister Roger Carrot, I am writing to inform you because afterthe meeting held Three days ago by the board of director's i meant tounderstand that you are not yet received your compensation fundus$4.5Million us dollars which the federal government instructed theWestern Union and Money Gram to be transfer to you.However i want to inform you that Rev Collins Jerry and Mrs.William UgoLeo including REV Tony Johnson was arrested today and by Fridaymorning they will be taking to court and after the court all of themwill be jail at the same time for they illegal act towards your paymentby collecting your hard earn money from you which is not Normal.Secondly. I want you to stop any illegal transaction you are having inthis Africa concerning your fund because we have already issue out acashier check that contain your fund and it was handed over to Dr DavidAnderson the DHL Delivery controller,For the DHL to deliver you check toyour home address and the only amount you will spend on this is $100 andyou will have your check from the DHL agent without anymore delay or anyother payment.Finally don't ever delay on making the payment because i don't needanything that will make you not to receive you check from the DHL,andnever you surprise why it is only DHL is in charge for you check,is onlyDHL will deliver it to you without any problem of disturbance for airways action tax force,so i want you to follow my instruction and iassure you with the rest of the life that within the next 24 hours youwill receive your check from the DHL agent and as a true Woman of honestand trust, and i am saying all this just to prove to you that i am theonly person whowill make it happen so kindly get back to me after reading this mail toenable us get this done once and for all. And below is the paymentdetails to send the needed fee through Ria Money Transfer orSTEAM WALLET OR itunes CARD. so that your Check or Visa ATM carddepending on your choice, could be shipped to your home address as soonas you make the payment today.Recipient:ELIZY UGOCHICountry: Benin RepublicCity: CotonouText Question: GodText Answer: WorkAmount: USD$100We hope your immediate positive response with payment details or paymentslip attachment once you make the payment to enable a speedy shipment ofyour Check to your home address. Kindly Still Update Us With:1. Your Current Home Delivery Address where your Check should be mailed2. Your Private Mobile Number for the DHL Express to Contact you whenthey arrive at your door step.Once again, we are sorry for the inconveniences you might haveencountered in the past, in pursuit of your funds. Now that this myoffice, Fund Reconciliation Department is involved, you will have nocause to ever regret again assoon as you adhere to the above given instructions.I have alert the Customs and also your state police for the fund to bedeliver to you without any restriction and problem when the fund get toyou in your location area.Thanks .Best Regard.Hon. Justice Mr Roger CarrotChief justice of Benin Republic. From: Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot patricetalon084@gmail.com To: "undisclosed-recipients": ; Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2020, 09:41AM -07:00Subject: Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot To: Date: Friday, 31 July 2020, 03:12AM -07:00 Subject: Chief justice of Benin Republic. SUPREME COURT OF BENIN REPUBLIC. THREE-ARMS ZONE P.M.B 308. AVAKPA. From: Mr.Roger Carrot Justice of the Supreme Court of BENIN REPUBLIC Attn: Greeting to you, This is an official message coming to you by the chief Barrister Roger Carrot, I am writing to inform you because after the meeting held Three days ago by the board of director's i meant to understand that you are not yet received your compensation fund us$4.5Million us dollars which the federal government instructed the Western Union and Money Gram to be transfer to you. However i want to inform you that Rev Collins Jerry and Mrs.William Ugo Leo including REV Tony Johnson was arrested today and by Friday morning they will be taking to court and after the court all of them will be jail at the same time for they illegal act towards your payment by collecting your hard earn money from you which is not Normal. Secondly. I want you to stop any illegal transaction you are having in this Africa concerning your fund because we have already issue out a cashier check that contain your fund and it was handed over to Dr David Anderson the DHL Delivery controller,For the DHL to deliver you check to your home address and the only amount you will spend on this is $100 and you will have your check from the DHL agent without anymore delay or any other payment. Finally don't ever delay on making the payment because i don't need anything that will make you not to receive you check from the DHL,and never you surprise why it is only DHL is in charge for you check,is only DHL will deliver it to you without any problem of disturbance for air ways action tax force,so i want you to follow my instruction and i assure you with the rest of the life that within the next 24 hours you will receive your check from the DHL agent and as a true Woman of honest and trust, and i am saying all this just to prove to you that i am the only person who will make it happen so kindly get back to me after reading this mail to enable us get this done once and for all. And below is the payment details to send the needed fee through Ria Money Transfer or STEAM WALLET OR AMERICA EXPRESS CARD. so that your Check or Visa ATM card depending on your choice, could be shipped to your home address as soon as you make the payment today. Recipient:ELIZY UGOCHI Country: Benin Republic City: Cotonou Text Question: God Text Answer: Work Amount: USD$100 We hope your immediate positive response with payment details or payment slip attachment once you make the payment to enable a speedy shipment of your Check to your home address. Kindly Still Update Us With: 1. Your Current Home Delivery Address where your Check should be mailed 2. Your Private Mobile Number for the DHL Express to Contact you when they arrive at your door step. Once again, we are sorry for the inconveniences you might have encountered in the past, in pursuit of your funds. Now that this my office, Fund Reconciliation Department is involved, you will have no cause to ever regret again as soon as you adhere to the above given instructions. I have alert the Customs and also your state police for the fund to be deliver to you without any restriction and problem when the fund get to you in your location area. Thanks . Best Regard. Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot Chief justice of Benin Republic. From: Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot ofic97508@gmail.com To: "undisclosed-recipients": ; Date: Friday, 31 July 2020, 03:12AM -07:00Subject: Chief justice of Benin Republic. From: "Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot" < patricetalon084@gmail.com > To: Cc: Sent: Thu, Sep 3, 2020 at 6:41 AM Subject: Attn: Greeting to you, SUPREME COURT OF BENIN REPUBLIC. THREE-ARMS ZONE P.M.B 308. AVAKPA. From: Mr.Roger Carrot Justice of the Supreme Court of BENIN REPUBLIC Attn: Greeting to you, This is an official message coming to you by the chief Barrister Roger Carrot, I am writing to inform you because after the meeting held Three days ago by the board of director's i meant to understand that you are not yet received your compensation fund us$4.5Million us dollars which the federal government instructed the Western Union and Money Gram to be transfer to you. However i want to inform you that Rev Collins Jerry and Mrs.William Ugo Leo including REV Tony Johnson was arrested today and by Friday morning they will be taking to court and after the court all of them will be jail at the same time for they illegal act towards your payment by collecting your hard earn money from you which is not Normal. Secondly. I want you to stop any illegal transaction you are having in this Africa concerning your fund because we have already issue out a cashier check that contain your fund and it was handed over to Dr David Anderson the DHL Delivery controller,For the DHL to deliver you check to your home address and the only amount you will spend on this is $50 and you will have your check from the DHL agent without anymore delay or any other payment. Finally don't ever delay on making the payment because i don't need anything that will make you not to receive you check from the DHL,and never you surprise why it is only DHL is in charge for you check,is only DHL will deliver it to you without any problem of disturbance for air ways action tax force,so i want you to follow my instruction and i assure you with the rest of the life that within the next 24 hours you will receive your check from the DHL agent and as a true Woman of honest and trust, and i am saying all this just to prove to you that i am the only person who will make it happen so kindly get back to me after reading this mail to enable us get this done once and for all. And below is the payment details to send the needed fee through Ria Money Transfer or ebay card OR AMERICA EXPRESS CARD. so that your Check or Visa ATM card depending on your choice, could be shipped to your home address as soon as you make the payment today. Recipient:ELIZY UGOCHI Country: Benin Republic City: Cotonou Text Question: God Text Answer: Work Amount: USD$50 We hope your immediate positive response with payment details or payment slip attachment once you make the payment to enable a speedy shipment of your Check to your home address. Kindly Still Update Us With: 1. Your Current Home Delivery Address where your Check should be mailed 2. Your Private Mobile Number for the DHL Express to Contact you when they arrive at your door step. Once again, we are sorry for the inconveniences you might have encountered in the past, in pursuit of your funds. Now that this my office, Fund Reconciliation Department is involved, you will have no cause to ever regret again as soon as you adhere to the above given instructions. I have alert the Customs and also your state police for the fund to be deliver to you without any restriction and problem when the fund get to you in your location area. Thanks . Best Regard. Hon. Justice Mr Roger Carrot Chief justice of Benin Republic. jchief523@gmail.com If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dzulfiqar Fathur Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 19:21 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42c895b 1 Business exports,cabbage,Malang,Taiwan,Syahrul-Yasin-Limpo,Agriculture-Ministry,vegetable Free Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo oversaw on Thursday the export of 100 tons of cabbage from Malang, East Java, to Taiwan amid the ongoing decline in global trade. The export comprises four containers, each weighing 25 tons, of cabbage priced at Rp 40,000 (US$2.72) per kilogram. This is what we call accelerating the agriculture [sector], in which our national [produce] improves food security and is worthy of export and globally in demand, Syahrul said in a statement on Thursday. The containers of cabbage were the latest in the 230 containers of vegetables Indonesia has exported this year, according to Syahrul. The ministry plans to export 300 containers by the end of the year as demand continues to rise. Indonesia is working to boost its international trade as the pandemic has led to a 9.9 percent decline in exports year-on-year (yoy) to $13.73 billion in July. Owing to the disruptions to trade caused by pandemic-related restrictions, the World Trade Organization (WTO) predicts global trade to decline by between 13 and 32 percent this year. The President wants to see real economic acceleration that can improve peoples income. That is what we need to pursue, said Syahrul. The minister noted that Indonesia exported Rp 6 trillion in fruits and vegetables last year, saying the industry had plenty of potential. Indonesias agriculture exports rose to $350 million in July, 11.17 percent higher than the figure recorded in the same period last year. (Natural News) It was beyond strange when the major media networks began to attack a pharmaceutical, especially in the middle of a pandemic. When did the major media networks ever criticize a drug? It turns out that controversial pharmaceutical is a cheap medicine that helps human cells uptake zinc so their immune system can recover from coronavirus infections. Dr. Didier Raoult of France was using something as simple and cheap as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in combination with zinc and an antibiotic to successfully treat coronavirus patients. The news of Raoults success spread like wildfire, and U.S. President Donald Trump ultimately promoted the treatment, which acts as both a prophylactic and a therapeutic. But it doesnt matter how many doctors successfully treat coronavirus patients using HCQ and zinc. It doesnt matter what people do in the home to help their immune system through the infection. What matters is drug company profits. Tens of billions of dollars are on the line as Gilead tries to force dangerous Remdesivir down patients throats There are tens of billions of dollars on the line if doctors are able to use something as cheap as HCQ and zinc to cure patients. Gilead, the maker of Remdesivir, wants to make sure that doctors use their 5-day coronavirus treatment which costs $3,000 per patient. In comparison, a generic dose of HCQ costs anywhere between $10 and $20. Studies on Gileads remdesivir are abysmal, showing adverse events for 102 (66%) of 155 remdesivir recipients. The adverse events were so horrific for remdesivir patients, that 18 (12%) of the patients had to be taken off the drug. As their drug failed, Gilead went to war with a simple treatment protocol that was working. Gileads desperate war against HCQ The first hit job on HCQ came from the Veterans Administration hospital system study. One author of the study received numerous grants from Gilead, and in one instance, he collected nearly a quarter of a million dollars from the drug company. The flaws in the study were swiftly exposed, as Gilead tried to influence the results of the study. The next hit job on HCQ came from Surgisphere, which published a 15,000-patient mega study that allegedly compiled data from hospitals across the world. The data, aimed at discrediting HCQ, was published in the prestigious Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Upon further review, the data was found to be fraudulent and the study was retracted from the journals, but it was too late: The study was used to restrict outpatient use of HCQ in the U.S. Australia, and most of Europe. The editors of the Lancet declared Surgispheres scheme a monumental fraud but by then it was too late. These same Lancet editors had already gone out of their way to pressure the World Health Organization to suspend all trials for HCQ. Even though Frances very own Dr. Raoult was successfully using HCQ in his treatment protocol, France was one of the first countries to severely restrict access to the drug. This suppression of treatment was done in a system of socialized medicine, which is supposed to protect patients from the abuses of pharmaceutical companies. The coordinated lobbying to suppress access to a life-saving treatment is considered a crime against humanity. Dr. Raoult fought hard against Gilead and testified against them during a meeting of the French National Assembly. Since then, doctors around the world have followed suit and used this simple treatment protocol. A group of U.S. doctors appeared live in front of the Supreme Court to testify on the effectiveness of HCQ, but their success stories were immediately banned by Facebook, whose executives are apparently in on Gileads swindle. Nevertheless, the brave front line doctors are doing everything they can to get the word out to patients that there are physicians who will prescribe HCQ. Gilead controls the panel that decides coronavirus treatment and has presidential candidate Joe Biden in their back pocket According to the NIH, eight out of fifty-five members who are on the panel making suggestions for covid-19 treatment, are currently affiliated with Gilead. At least another twenty-four members of the panel have past associations with this domineering drug company. A drug company that is not only committing crimes against humanity, restricting access to treatments that work and pushing costly treatments that harm more people, but they also continue to control who gets access to treatment, while manipulating what kind of treatment is available and suppressing anything that could help peoples immune systems recover. Gilead controls both political parties but has three times the financial influence over the Biden campaign, according to campaign donation records. Gileads top executives will be trying to save themselves from going to prison by campaigning for Joe Biden, who will gleefully carry out the plot of his handlers. Sources include: AmericanThinker.com MedicineUncensored.com PubMed.gov AmericasFrontLineDoctorsSummit.com Welcome Guest! You Are Here: International collaboration is needed to confront Chinas rising use of coercive diplomacy to get what it wants, says a report from an Australian think tank. One of the reports co-authors, Fergus Hanson, said the Chinese Communist Party is increasingly using threats or forceful actions in diplomatic disputes and smaller countries cant take on Beijing alone. Canada has felt the sting of Chinas tactics since December 2018 when two Canadian men Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were arrested in China and now stand charged with espionage offences. Their arrests came within days of the arrest of Chinese tech giant Huaweis CFO, Meng Wanzhou, in Vancouver on a request from the United States. Kovrigs and Spavors continued detentions are considered to be retaliation by China. According to the report, only Australia has been subject to more cases of Chinas coercive diplomacy than has Canada. You really have no way to win in a bilateral dispute with China, Hanson told the Star in a phone interview. The only real way to do this is collective response. He said such a response should include Canada and its partner nations in the intelligence sharing alliance known as the Five Eyes adopting economic security measures to retaliate against Beijings coercive diplomacy. The alliance includes Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and United States. The report via the independent Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) is titled The Chinese Communist Partys Coercive Diplomacy. It was released Tuesday and is based on open source information, such as newspaper articles, academic research and social media posts. It says the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has used coercive diplomacy in 152 cases against 27 countries over the past decade and instances have risen sharply in the past three years. It also explains how China uses a divide-and-conquer approach to foreign relations. The report said a co-ordinated and sustained international effort by governments and companies is needed to push back against China. Coercive diplomacy can include economic sanctions, tourism bans, state-sanctioned threats and detention of foreign citizens in mainland China. Officials from China have denied the government uses the tactics. Hanson said the Kovrig and Spavor situation is a prime example of a time when western countries could have united against Beijing, but did not. It took weeks for the Australian government to issue a media statement about the arrest of the Canadians, he said, adding other nations also issued separate statements. Everyone tried to act bilaterally, no one had any impact and it was a bit of a disaster. Instead, he said, Five Eyes countries should treat such actions against a member nation as an attack against all members and collaborate a response for more impact. Hanson said Chinas ban on Canadian pork and beef last year could have also been addressed with this approach. The months-long ban cost the industry in Canada $100 million. Had the Five Eyes been set up to collaborate in such a dispute the countries could have collectively imposed $100 million worth of sanctions on the Chinese economy in retaliation, he said. Youd only have to do it once and this would stop, Hanson said. But Liberal MP for Scarborough-Guildwood, John McKay, said though co-operation is possible it would not be easy to organize internationally. Its an interesting idea and given the ditching of any reasonable economic and diplomatic norm by the Chinese Communist Party all ideas, I think, should be on the table, McKay said. McKay is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a newly-formed international consortium of elected officials and other high-profile figures working to find ways to counter Beijings actions. He said using existing trade pacts like the 11-nation Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which includes Canada, Vietnam and Japan, may be a better way to address coercive diplomacy. I think that pretty well all of those countries see their economic relationship with China the same way, every one of them has been victimized by the economic aggression of the Chinese Communist Party, he said. My gut reaction is you go there first. Collaboration to support countries being targeted by Beijing is a priority for IPAC, said spokesperson Sam Armstrong. We want to come up with ways of using our membership to encourage governments to stand with those that are being bullied so that there is a global alliance against Chinese bullying, he said, whether that manifests itself through diplomatic, espionage, military or economic means. Armstrong said he already believes there is an appetite among Five Eyes countries to support each other economically in disputes with China. But he said he hasnt seen much evidence the alliance is ready to work together on other issues, such as Beijings political interference in foreign countries. Despite U.S. President Donald Trumps America First foreign policy and Washingtons withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact in 2017, Armstrong said he is confident Washington would support collaborative action against the CCP. I think they actually see it as a shared endeavour, he said. Armstrong said the Trump administration is always looking for wins on the global stage and is willing to cut deals to get them. Other ways countries can combat Chinas coercive diplomacy, according to the ASPI report, include developing protocols to help business react to coercion. The report found the United States has been subject to the third highest number of coercive diplomacy cases from China at nine. Australia had the most at 17 followed by Canada with 10. It says most countries made re-establishing good relations with China a priority in response to coercive diplomacy by the CPP. This type of result seems likely only to license further coercion by the CCP against others, reads the report. The CCP intentionally isolates countries in this way to retain comparative strength and ensure the effectiveness of its coercive methods. Not all nations have been co-operative in the face of Chinas aggressive foreign policy. Earlier this week Chinas foreign minister threatened the Czech Republic after the president of its senate, Milos Vystrcil, gave a speech in Taiwan. China claims ownership of Taiwan, despite the island having its own government, military and borders while declaring itself a sovereign nation. Beijing often becomes enraged when foreign nations have direct contact with the Taiwanese government. Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi promised the Czech Republic would pay a heavy price for the Taiwan visit by the delegation. The Czech Republics foreign minister responded to Chinas protest by saying he hopes the two nations can continue working together. But the comments also sparked a letter from the mayor of a district of Prague, Pavel Novotny, to Wang demanding an apology within 24 hours and calling the Chinese government unmannered, rude clowns. With files from Bloomberg and the Associated Press Read more about: Three more state universities on Thursday said they would be conducting the final semester examination in virtual mode in October and publish the results by end of that month. The varsities are North Bengal University, Vidyasagar University and Raiganj University. The Vice-Chancellor of North Bengal University Subiresh Bhattacharya told PTI, we will be conducting final semester exams from October 1 to 8 in virtual mode. Bhattacharya said as per virtual mode, the university will be emailing questions to the colleges who will in turn email it to students at the time of exams. Also read: University free to hold exams for 1st, 2nd year students: SC The students can write the papers digitally or download the question for writing on paper and submitting the same to the collection centre set up by the university within 24 hours. The results will be out by October 31, he said. Vice-Chancellor of Vidyasagar University Prof Ranjan Chakraborty said, we will withdraw the final semester evaluation results soon. He said Vidyasagar University will upload the questions only for candidates and concerned faculty during the exams on its portal from where it will be downloaded and replied Further modalities were being chalked out, he said. Officials of the Raiganj University also said that the final semester examination will be held in virtual mode in October and the results will be published by the end of October. Also read: JEE Mains 2020: 75% candidates in Bengal could not write exams on Tuesday due to Covid-19 situation, says Mamata Earlier Calcutta University Vice-Chancellor Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee on Wednesday had announced that the varsity will conduct the final semester exams online from October 1 to 18 and the results will be published by October 31. Repeated attempts to contact Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Prof Suranjan Das elicited no response. Another top JU source said the varsity was weighing pros and cons of holding virtual exams as it did not want any digital divide among candidates - not depriving those having no smartphone or poor net connectivity. Arts Faculty Students Union Chairperson Teerna Bhattacharya said the JU authorities told them a decision will be held about future steps with regard to the state governments decision for conducting final semester exams by October. None can play with the career of students. Many of our friends on the basis of the results of the evaluation process in July in arts and science faculties have already appeared for interviews with CVs. Now if that evaluation process is declared invalid, what will happen to those friends of ours. Again if JU authorities talk about following digital mode in exams, the issue of many students not in possession of smartphones will come up. Lets see what the authorities decide. If the interest of students are ignored we will launch movement after discussion with general students, she said. ABVP National Secretary Saptarshi Sarkar said, we had always been against mass promotion of students. We had always talked about proper evaluation based on which the students results will be decided. We are happy that after SC verdict the state government has also asked universities to conduct tests by October. Whether in online or offline mode exams need to be held. This is necessary for the career of students. West Bengal higher education department recently asked universities to conduct final semester exams in online or offline mode between October 1 - 18 and publish results by October 31 in the wake of Supreme Court upholding a UGC advisory for wrapping up final semester exams process in colleges and universities by September 30. The SC allowed any state to individually approach the UGC for holding the exams in its higher educational institutions on a later date but said tests should be conducted. On Wednesday, the Congressional Budget Office projected that the national debt will reach about $22 trillion in the coming fiscal year. This means that, for the first time since right after World War II, the debt would eclipse the size of the overall U.S. economy. For all those fair-weather fiscal hawks who long complained of Obamas profligacy: The debt increase under Trump during a single term is on track to surpass that under Obama across two terms. Ghana and Nigeria are proposing a joint business council that would govern matters of trade and investment between the two countries. The initiative is as a result of the recent high-level exchanges between the two West African neighbours over the closure of Nigerian owned alleged to have breached Ghana's domestic investment laws. The proposal was disclosed when the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Accra on Thursday. Mr Gbajabiamila, who is at the head of a Nigerian delegation, was on a two-day visit to Ghana to hold talks with his Ghanaian counterpart, Speaker Prof. Mike Aaron Ocquaye, on relations between the two nations following the implementation of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act 2013, Act 865, which Nigerian traders in Ghana say was inimical to their businesses. Mr Gbajabiamila noted that perceived frosty relations between Ghana and Nigeria were mere "chatters" due to "misconceptions and misinformation" by people as to the real issues of Nigerians in Ghana. He said the relations and bonds of friendship forged over decades between the two countries, should not be allowed to wither because of misunderstandings and difficulties that could be resolved amicably through dialogue. The Nigerian House of Representatives Speaker told the President that since his arrival in the country, he and his delegation had met and educated a section of the Nigerian community in Ghana on some of the misconceptions they held which had generated the impasse between the two nations. He noted that during their discussions with officials of the Ghanaian Legislature, both sides resolved to undertake the necessary actions to maintain the cordiality between the two nations, because "there cannot be a talk on Africa without a mention of Nigeria and Ghana." It is that combination of strength that we seek to protect, not just for today, but for tomorrow and the future moving forward, he said and appealed to the President to have the GIPC Act 865 reviewed to enable his countrymen and women trading in Ghana to meet the demands of the law. Mr Gbajabiamila suggested a Ghana - Nigeria business council backed by legislation by both countries as the roadmap for a successful trade and business regime between the two countries. There is nothing as good as a bilateral trade agreement backed by two countries to give better results, he noted, appealed again to the President to give critical attention to the outcome of discussions that he had with the Ghanaian legislature in order to sustain the enviable relations between both nations. On his part, President Akufo-Addo made reference to the strong historical relations between Ghana and Nigeria, which continued to wax stronger. He said that he was alarmed by the tone and issues that emerged in the statement that was issued by the Nigerian information minister, and had to.speak to the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari immediately when the matter came up to find a solution to the issue The President said it was heartwarming that officials of both countries, in the spirit of maintaining the friendship between Ghana and Nigeria, had gotten together to chart a way forward. He praised the suggestion for the setting up of a Ghana/Nigeria Business Council to oversee the trade and investment matters between the two countries, saying, It may well be long overdue, but the time has come for it to be done and I think it is a worthwhile step that is being taken. The President told the delegation that he had in discussions with his Nigerian counterpart mooted the idea of setting up a Joint Ministerial Committee to shepherd issues between the two countries and report outcomes to both presidents on how matters should be resolved. He said he hoped to advance that discussion to a conclusion when he meets President Buhari the ECOWAS Summit in Niamey, Niger next Monday, The President told the delegation that the government of Ghana took the concerns raised by Nigeria seriously and would seek a common ground to address the challenges. "The review that you are asking for makes a lot of sense for our mutual prosperity, the request would be treated seriously...It is important that we preserve what has been built if we cannot enhance it," he said. President Akufo-Addo assured the Nigerian delegation of the safety of Nigerians in Ghana, many of whom have lived in the country for decades without any problems. "That culture of cooperation and brotherliness will continueWhatever initial problems we have will be resolved," 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 The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday released the first statement after taking over Sushant Singh Rajput's death case. In the statement, CBI countered the 'fake news' narrative and asserted that 'no details have been shared' with anyone. The CBI stated that the 'speculative reports' run by some channels and clarified that 'no spokesperson or any team member has spoken or shared details of the ongoing investigation with media.' CBI's statement comes after few reports claimed that 'CBI officers independently informed about not having found any proof of homicide in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.' STATEMENT The CBI is conducting investigation related to death of Sh. Sushant Singh Rajput in a systematic and professional way. Certain media reports attributed to CBI investigation are speculative and not based on facts. It is reiterated that as a matter of Policy, CBI does not share details of ongoing investigation. CBI spokesperson or any team member has not shared any details of investigation with media. The details being reported and attributed to CBI are not credible. It is requested that media may please confirm details from CBI Spokesperson before quoting CBI. CBI UPDATE The CBI on Thursday questioned late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's psychiatrist Susan Walker for the first time on Thursday in connection with the film star's death. The probe agency also questioned actress Rhea Chakraborty's father for the third consecutive day. Susan Walker reached the DRDO guest house in suburban Kalina, where the probe team is stationed, around 1 pm and left the place around 8 pm. She was questioned for the first time. Meanwhile, Rhea Chakraborty's father Indrajeet Chakraborty arrived at the guest house around 10.30 am in a car escorted by a police vehicle. He left the place around 3.30 pm. The actress, who was earlier questioned for around 35 hours over four days, and her brother Showik Chakraborty, who was also grilled by the CBI, were not questioned on Thursday. However, the probe team quizzed Rajput's flatmate Siddharth Pithani and domestic help Deepesh Sawant during the day. ABOUT THE CASE After Rajput's demise, the Mumbai Police registered a case of accidental death and recorded statements of over 50 people. The late actor's father subsequently filed a police complaint in Patna, accusing Rhea Chakraborty and her family of abetting his suicide and misappropriating his money. Sushant's ex-manager Samuel Haokip says 'no fan in previous house'; friend raises question The Supreme Court last month upheld the transfer of the FIR lodged in Patna to the CBI. On Wednesday, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said it has arrested two alleged contraband dealers in connection with the drugs trafficking case linked to the case of Rajput's death. The role of Rhea Chakraborty's brother and his purported links with people nabbed by NCB are under the scanner of the agency and he is expected to be summoned for questioning soon, officials said. (with PTI inputs) (Newser) President Trump has angrily denied a report that he called Americans who died in war "losers and suckers." The report in the Atlantic, citing "four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion," said Trump skipped a visit to a US war cemetery in France in 2018 because he didn't want the rain to mess up his hair and he didn't want to go to a graveyard "filled with losers." The sources said Trump separately described the 1,811 Marines killed in the World War I battle of Belleau Wood as "suckers." Trump said Thursday night that if the sources even exist, they are "lowlifes and liars," the New York Times reports. "I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes," he said. "There is nobody that respects them more. What animal would say such a thing?" story continues below In a tweet, Trump also denied the Atlantic's report that after Sen. John McCain's death in 2018, he told aides, "We're not going to support that loser's funeral" and was outraged when he saw flags at half-staff. Trump called the report "made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures." Joe Biden, meanwhile, said that if the article is true, it is "another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States." The Atlantic's sources also said that during a 2018 meeting to plan a military parade Trump asked for wounded veterans to be excluded so that people wouldn't have to look at amputees, saying, "Nobody wants to see that." (Read more President Trump stories.) HOUSTON - (Sept. 3, 2020) - Nature's speed limits aren't posted on road signs, but Rice University physicists have discovered a new way to deduce them that is better -- infinitely better, in some cases -- than previous methods. "The big question is, 'How fast can anything -- information, mass, energy -- move in nature?'" said Kaden Hazzard, a theoretical quantum physicist at Rice. "It turns out that if somebody hands you a material, it is incredibly difficult, in general, to answer the question." In a study published today in the American Physical Society journal PRX Quantum, Hazzard and Rice graduate student Zhiyuan Wang describe a new method for calculating the upper bound of speed limits in quantum matter. "At a fundamental level, these bounds are much better than what was previously available," said Hazzard, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy and member of the Rice Center for Quantum Materials. "This method frequently produces bounds that are 10 times more accurate, and it's not unusual for them to be 100 times more accurate. In some cases, the improvement is so dramatic that we find finite speed limits where previous approaches predicted infinite ones." Nature's ultimate speed limit is the speed of light, but in nearly all matter around us, the speed of energy and information is much slower. Frequently, it is impossible to describe this speed without accounting for the large role of quantum effects. In the 1970s, physicists proved that information must move much slower than the speed of light in quantum materials, and though they could not compute an exact solution for the speeds, physicists Elliott Lieb and Derek Robinson pioneered mathematical methods for calculating the upper bounds of those speeds. "The idea is that even if I can't tell you the exact top speed, can I tell you that the top speed must be less than a particular value," Hazzard said. "If I can give a 100% guarantee that the real value is less than that upper bound, that can be extremely useful." Hazzard said physicists have long known that some of the bounds produced by the Lieb-Robinson method are "ridiculously imprecise." "It might say that information must move less than 100 miles per hour in a material when the real speed was measured at 0.01 miles per hour," he said. "It's not wrong, but it's not very helpful." The more accurate bounds described in the PRX Quantum paper were calculated by a method Wang created. "We invented a new graphical tool that lets us account for the microscopic interactions in the material instead of relying only on cruder properties such as its lattice structure," Wang said. Hazzard said Wang, a third-year graduate student, has an incredible talent for synthesizing mathematical relationships and recasting them in new terms. "When I check his calculations, I can go step by step, churn through the calculations and see that they're valid," Hazzard said. "But to actually figure out how to get from point A to point B, what set of steps to take when there's an infinite variety of things you could try at each step, the creativity is just amazing to me." The Wang-Hazzard method can be applied to any material made of particles moving in a discrete lattice. That includes oft-studied quantum materials like high-temperature superconductors, topological materials, heavy fermions and others. In each of these, the behavior of the materials arises from interactions of billions upon billions of particles, whose complexity is beyond direct calculation. Hazzard said he expects the new method to be used in several ways. "Besides the fundamental nature of this, it could be useful for understanding the performance of quantum computers, in particular in understanding how long they take to solve important problems in materials and chemistry," he said. Hazzard said he is certain the method will also be used to develop numerical algorithms because Wang has shown it can put rigorous bounds on the errors produced by oft-used numerical techniques that approximate the behavior of large systems. A popular technique physicists have used for more than 60 years is to approximate a large system by a small one that can be simulated by a computer. "We draw a small box around a finite chunk, simulate that and hope that's enough to approximate the gigantic system," Hazzard said. "But there has not been a rigorous way of bounding the errors in these approximations." The Wang-Hazzard method of calculating bounds could lead to just that. "There is an intrinsic relationship between the error of a numerical algorithm and the speed of information propagation," Wang explained, using the sound of his voice and the walls in his room to illustrate the link. "The finite chunk has edges, just as my room has walls. When I speak, the sound will get reflected by the wall and echo back to me. In an infinite system, there is no edge, so there is no echo." In numerical algorithms, errors are the mathematical equivalent of echoes. They reverberate from the edges of the finite box, and the reflection undermines the algorithms' ability to simulate the infinite case. The faster information moves through the finite system, the shorter the time the algorithm faithfully represents the infinite. Hazzard said he, Wang and others in his research group are using their method to craft numerical algorithms with guaranteed error bars. "We don't even have to change the existing algorithms to put strict, guaranteed error bars on the calculations," he said. "But you can also flip it around and use this to make better numerical algorithms. We're exploring that, and other people are interested in using these as well." ### The research was supported by the Welch Foundation (C-1872) and the National Science Foundation (PHY-1848304). Links and resources: The DOI of the PRX Quantum paper is: 10.1103/PRXQuantum.1.010303 A copy of the paper is available at: https://journals.aps.org/prxquantum/abstract/10.1103/PRXQuantum.1.010303 High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at: https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/08/0817_SPEEDLIMIT-kh12-lg.jpg CAPTION: Kaden Hazzard is a theoretical physicist at Rice University. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/08/0817_SPEEDLIMIT-zwWB-lg.jpg CAPTION: Rice University's Zhiyuan Wang is a graduate student in physics and astronomy. (Photo by Z. Wang/Rice University) https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/08/0817_SPEEDLIMIT-ComGra-lg.jpg CAPTION: A Wang-Hazzard commutativity graph captures the microscopic detail of the mathematical functions physicists typically use to describe energy in quantum systems, reducing the calculation of quantum speed limits to an equation with just two inputs. (Image courtesy of Zhiyuan Wang/Rice University) https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/08/0817_SPEEDLIMIT-zwkhiw05-lg.jpg CAPTION: Rice theoretical physicist Kaden Hazzard with students Zhiyuan Wang, left, and Ian White, right. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) This release can be found online at news.rice.edu. Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews. 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 quality of life and No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 13:36:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China played a vital role during the World War II, said Salah Adly, secretary general of the Egyptian Communist Party (ECP). China and its people had suffered for years from the Japanese invasion, Adly said in a recent interview with Xinhua. The Chinese people resisted the aggression bravely and made great sacrifices, he said. The Chinese people suffered much like those in many other nations who heavily suffered from the fascist and Nazi occupations, he said. "The CPC (the Communist Party of China) had played a great role in resisting the Japanese occupation ... the party prepared the Chinese people for resistance, endured and confronted the aggression and trained citizens on how to confront and resist the invaders," Adly told Xinhua. The ECP leader stressed that the CPC played a fundamental and pivotal role in fighting against the Japanese invasion. These sacrifices helped the CPC emerge stronger after World War II, adding that the Chinese people's confidence in the CPC and its leadership was further strengthened. Enditem Cross-section of mouse tissue expressing GFP (green) in all ENS nuclei, and tdTomato (red) in all ENS cells (neurons and glia). The section is also stained with DAPI (blue) to mark all nuclei and an anti-TUBB3 antibody (white) to mark all neurons. Credit: Eugene Drokhlyansky, Chris Smillie, Nicholas Van Wittenberghe, Leah Caplan Embedded throughout the gastrointestinal system is an extensive array of neurons that coordinates nearly all activities involved in digestion, gut motility, and response to noxious stimuli. These cells make up the enteric nervous system (ENS) and transmit signals from the gut to the brain, but are rare and fragile, making them difficult to isolate and study. A team led by researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital has now overcome these challenges with new methods that they developed to generate a single-cell map of the ENS in humans and mice. By analyzing gene activity in these individual neurons, the scientists infer that neurons in the gut are communicating with a variety of other cell types, including immune cells. They also found that key genes associated with disease are expressed in these cells. The findings suggest that the ENS is a central hub linking the intestinal, immune, and central nervous systems, and plays an important role in allergic, inflammatory, and motility disorders of the gut, as well as diseases affecting the brain. Studying these kinds of neuro-immune interactions is the next phase of the Food Allergy Science Initiativea multi-institution research collaboration, housed at Broad, that seeks to understand the biological basis of food allergies and encourage the development of new treatments. The initiative helped support the new study. "By learning what's happening in the ENS, we can better understand how the system communicates with epithelial, immune, and other cells, and generate new ways to treat dysfunction within the whole system," said Broad core institute member Ramnik Xavier, co-senior author of the study, director of the Immunology Program and co-director of the Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program at Broad, investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Kurt Isselbacher Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. The work appears this week in Cell, led by co-first authors Eugene Drokhlyansky, Christopher Smillie, and Nicholas Van Wittenberghe of the Klarman Cell Observatory (KCO) at the Broad Institute. Single-cell hunt Studying enteric neurons has been challenging partly because they are rare, fragile, and challenging to isolate from surrounding tissue. To overcome these obstacles, the team devised two new methods to study the ENS in mice and humans at single-cell resolution: RAISIN RNA-seq and MIRACL-seq. RAISIN (Ribosomes And Intact Single Nucleus) RNA-seq is a laboratory protocol for isolating individual cells that preserves both the cell nuclei and their attached ribosomes (the cell's protein-making machinery), providing a more comprehensive look at the RNA within the cell. MIRACL-Seq (Mining Rare Cells) then enables researchers to more efficiently search for rare cell types and collect them after dissociating a complex tissue sample. Together, these techniques enabled the team to profile 5,068 mouse and 1,445 human enteric neurons, as well as diverse gut cell types from both species. Researchers can apply these methods to fresh and frozen tissue specimens, and could use the techniques to profile rare cell types in a range of tissues beyond the intestine. "The creativity and persistence of our team in developing these new techniques has allowed us to build and validate a comprehensive picture of the enteric nervous system, in both mice and humans," said co-senior author Orit Rozenblatt-Rosen, Broad's senior director of single cell genomics and scientific director of the KCO. "These data will allow us to better understand the roles of the enteric nervous system in a variety of diseases, and pinpoint the cell types where genetic risk factors for these diseases act." Inside the ENS The team's analysis revealed dozens of distinct subsets of neurons in the enteric nervous system and showed that the composition of the cells and their gene expression varied by anatomical region of the gut, age, and even time of day when the sample was taken. The data also suggest multiple new circuits between different subtypes of neurons and surrounding cells. The connections found between the enteric neurons and the immune system could help guide future study of how the nervous system might be involved in gastrointestinal disease, and why certain diseases of the central nervous system, such as autism spectrum disorder and Parkinson's disease, have gut dysfunction as an early symptom. Xavier says studying these enteric neurons could yield new insight into irritable bowel syndrome, allergic disorders of the gut, and unexplained enteric neuropathy (impairment or degradation of the nerves in the digestive system). "In many ways, the enteric neurons could be compared to the conductor of an orchestra," said Xavier. "For example, patients with food allergies often develop abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, all in a very short time, suggesting that the enteric neurons have sensed something wrong and activated an early warning system. Targeting these cells could potentially be a way to lessen allergic responses to food and other allergens." Explore further Breakthrough in using stem cells to treat enteric nervous system disorders More information: Eugene Drokhlyansky et al. The Human and Mouse Enteric Nervous System at Single-Cell Resolution, Cell (2020). Journal information: Cell Eugene Drokhlyansky et al. The Human and Mouse Enteric Nervous System at Single-Cell Resolution,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.003 When stay-at-home orders were announced in the spring, some people wryly speculated about a COVID-19 baby boom. Social media users even came up with a few suggestions for what this new generation could be called coronials and quaranteens being two popular ideas. But as COVID-19 drags on, economists and epidemiologists dont really know how the pandemic will affect birth rates. While some forecast a loss of up to a half-million expected births due to job losses and anxiety about public health, others say factors unique to the pandemic complicate the situation. In June, Brookings Institution, the public policy nonprofit, published a report that predicted a decline of between 300,000 and 500,000 births as a result of the pandemic. To arrive at that number, the researchers looked at how birth rates were affected after both the Great Recession of 2008, which led to a 9% drop in births over the next four years, and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which resulted in a 12.5% decline. Phillip Levine, a co-author of the report, said the theory that birth rates will go up as a result of the pandemic is inconsistent with the economics of fertility. We decided to investigate and draw our own conclusions, said Levine, an economics professor at Wellesley College. We concluded the exact opposite.... The main takeaway we should be expecting out of this is a significant decline in the number of births next year. One could argue that COVID-19 will result in an even bigger decline in births than that that came after the 1918 pandemic, Levine said. During the Spanish flu, economic activity didnt slow down because the U.S. was fighting a war, he noted. Factories needed to remain open because the tools of war needed to be produced. The only situation that was occurring at the time was anxiety associated with the public health threat, Levine said. The other thing that is remarkable is that contraception was not available at the time, so for women to be having that many fewer children, that requires a greater effort than it takes now. READ MORE: Coronavirus is changing childbirth in the Philadelphia region, including boosting scheduled inductions A Guttmacher Institute survey of 2,009 women between the ages of 18 and 49 in early May found that more than 40% of women had changed their plans about when to have children or how many children to have because of the pandemic. In contrast, 17% of women surveyed reported wanting to have more children, or expand their families sooner. But there are competing elements at work, said Jennifer Horney, an epidemiology professor at the University of Delaware. We do expect to see a reduction in fertility when we have a reduction in work-life balance, which many people are probably seeing, Horney said. And there has been an increase in uncertainty around the economy. But we also have increasing rates of STDs in some places, which lead us to believe people are having more unprotected sex with different partners. While Horney categorized COVID-19 as a public health emergency, the pandemics length makes it quite different from other major disasters that she has researched in the past, like hurricanes. The stress and the mental and physical health effects of this are going to be really longstanding, she said. For example, the response of some employers to whats happened with the economy has been to reduce and stop contributions to employees retirement plans. That may set people back in their plans for a family. For those seeking fertility services, demand has remained steady throughout the pandemic, said Allison Bloom, an attending physician at Main Line Fertility. People we work with have wanted to be pregnant years and months ago, Bloom said. Waiting a month isnt really an option for some of them. And now we know this is not really going to go away, so people who want to start their family arent delaying treatments. When Main Line Fertility paused services in March, Bloom said, some patients became more anxious. Were dealing with a special group of patients, though, and thats important to keep in mind, she said. People seek us out, and what we do is time sensitive. While economists and epidemiologists are still waiting to see how the pandemic will ultimately affect global birth rates in the long run, patterns are already emerging. Premature births have fallen, in some cases drastically, in multiple countries. The Philadelphia region has seen an increase in scheduled inductions. Either way, there will be important implications for what happens to the worlds population, said Levine. The baby boomers have had influence throughout their lives, he said. This generation will be the same way. Given that, Vallas last week was among those who wondered whether Lightfoots outreach to critics is really just a lesson in Chicago-style realpolitik. Maybe she doesnt feel she has to be civil with me because I dont have the power to vote against her in City Council. With the Ceneri tunnel open the new rail route through the Alps is finally complete Switzerland opened its Ceneri tunnel on Friday -- completing a mammoth project cutting a new route through the Alps which should transform rail links between northern and southern Europe. After opening the Lotschberg Base Tunnel in 2007 and the Gotthard Base Tunnel in 2016, the Ceneri in Switzerland's southern Ticino region is the final stage of the New Railway Link through the Alps project. The route should ease the flow of goods along a railway freight corridor running from the North Sea at Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport, to Genoa, Italy's biggest port, on the Mediterranean. It is hoped the link will slash the number of trucks rumbling through the Alps by offering an alternative rail route. But the 15.4-kilometre-long Ceneri tunnel, which fully enters service in December, will also cut travel time for passengers crossing western Europe's greatest mountain range. For example, travel times between Zurich and Milan -- already significantly shortened by the Gotthard tunnel -- will be cut by 40 minutes to just three hours. Transporting freight in Switzerland has long required powerful locomotives to navigate the mountain passes -- and also heavy operations to load containers onto trains at the border before crossing the landlocked country. "This is the final link that gives us a flat line straight through the Alps," Swiss Federal Railways chief executive Vincent Ducrot told AFP at the tunnel's media launch on Thursday. "In the future, we will be able to have freight trains 750 metres long that can carry up to 2,100 tonnes of goods" per convoy, he said, highlighting the environmental benefits. By taking the equivalent of 3,000 trucks off the roads and transporting those containers on the new rail route, it should be possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 900 tonnes per day, he said. - 'Project of the century' - The tunnel, at 329 metres above sea level, should see 170 freight and 180 passenger trains passing through per day. Story continues Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga officially opened the tunnel in a ceremony marked by alphorns and musicians from German-speaking parts of Switzerland and Italian-speaking Ticino, symbolising the new link between the north and south of the mountainous country. Sommaruga cut the ribbon at the northern end as the first freight train passed through, heading south. "This new train line through the Alps is the project of the century for our country," the president told AFP. "It is the biggest investment we have ever made,", she said, calling it "a strong sign of an intelligent transport policy." The NRLA plan was initially approved by a referendum in 1992. The three-tunnel project cost 24 billion Swiss francs ($26.4 billion, 22.7 billion euros) and was partly financed by licence fees on heavy goods vehicles. The Ceneri tunnel cost 3.6 billion francs -- far behind the 12.2 billion invested in the Gotthard tunnel, which is the world's longest at 57 kilometres. noo/rjm/nl/tgb A poster with a picture of Timtik was hung outside the headquarters of the Istanbul Bar Association. (indianarrative) Image Source: IANS News At the time of her death, Ebru Timtik weighed just 30 kilograms. Her colleague, Aytac Unsal, has also been on a death fast for his right to a fair trial. (indianarrative) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 4 : Not many would know Ebru Timtik in this part of the world, the Kurdish human rights lawyer who died in an Istanbul hospital on August 27 after a 238-day hunger strike while demanding a fair trial from the Turkish authorities. Arrested on March 22, 2019, Timtik was one of the lawyers of the Progressive Lawyers' Association who were targeted by criminal proceedings in connection with the exercise of their professional activities. After being tried, convicted and sentenced to 13 years and 6 months in prison on false charges of membership in an armed or terrorist organization, Ebru Timtik began a hunger strike on February 3, earlier this year. It turned out to be fast unto death, literally. At the time of her passing, it emerged that Timtik weighed just 30kg. In a country where democracy has gone for a toss since last many years, Timtik isn't the first victim of a dubious criminal trial which lacked fairness and credibility. In fact, she is the fourth prisoner to die this year as the result of a hunger strike in Turkey, following the deaths of Helin Bolek and Ibrahim Gokcek, two musicians from the Grup Yorum band, and Mustafa Kocak. "Even as her health continued to deteriorate and in spite of the building international pressure for her release, Turkey left her to die. Ebru (Timtik) was a people's lawyer and martyr for justice," the US-based National Lawyers Guild International Committee, which supports legal work around the world "to the end that human rights and the rights of ecosystems shall be regarded as more sacred than property interests" said in a statement. Right now, AytaA Unsal, another colleague of Timtik, is carrying out the same battle for justice and finds himself in a critical condition. Since the alleged coup attempt in 2016, over 1500 lawyers have been imprisoned by the Turkish regime. The charges relate to their defence of persons who were allegedly associated with opposition to the Turkish Government. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has imposed draconian laws that suppresses human rights and freedoms in Turkey and criminalise the defence by lawyers of persons opposing the government. Turkey has been widely criticized for its extensive and unjust use of anti-terrorism laws against lawyers, activists, journalists, trade unionists, and intellectuals long before 2016. Their only crime was to defend workers fighting for the labor rights, youth victims of police brutality, community residents fighting for housing rights and against displacement of the poor, and political prisoners of many backgrounds. "The European Union is deeply saddened by the death of Ebru Timtik... The tragic outcome of their fight for a fair trial painfully illustrates the urgent need for the Turkish authorities to credibly address the human rights situation in the country, which has severely deteriorated in recent years, as well as serious shortcomings observed in the judiciary. Turkey urgently needs to demonstrate concrete progress on the rule of law and fundamental freedoms," noted the EU Commission. Such scathing observations would wake up any leader but not Turkey's Erdogan who's hell-bent on destroying the image of his country. After a picture of Timtik was hung outside the headquarters of the Istanbul Bar Association, he called for the expulsion of lawyers from the profession should they be accused of links to 'terrorism'. "It (hanging Timtik's poster on the building) meant more than making our martyrs turn in their graves. Attorneys standing with terrorists so recklessly, attending their funeral while wearing robes, releasing declarations in support of them are not acceptable acts," Erdogan said during the opening ceremony of the new judicial year at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The deepening human rights crisis in Turkey, with a dramatic erosion of its rule of law and democracy framework in the last four years, has been a huge cause for worry for most of the human rights organisations and the neighbouring countries. No wonder then that Europe continues to distance itself from Turkey. "Timtik's death is a tragic illustration of the human suffering caused by a judicial system in Turkey that has turned into a tool to silence lawyers, human rights defenders and journalists, through systematic disregard for the most basic principles of the rule of law. Lawyers have borne the brunt of these developments in their double capacity as human rights defenders and as a fundamental component of an increasingly hostile judicial system," observed Dunja Mijatovic, the Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, an international organisation whose stated aim is to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. A few weeks ago, the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) had, after interviewing hundreds of persons who were or had recently been held in police custody, including on suspicion of terrorism-related offences, in the Ankara, Diyarbakir and Istanbul areas, severely criticized Turkey in its two reports. Clearly, Erdogan's unchecked power has endangered the population of the entire region. They will continue to face the wrath of the authoritarian regime and the 'negative climate' in Turkey will continue to prevail till Erdogan remains in office. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) A 25-year-old Pakistani national was arrested for allegedly raping a minor from Ukraine in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura district, police said on Wednesday. The man was held after an FIR was lodged at the Vrindavan police station here on the basis of a complaint filed by the girls father, they said. The accused was the girls music teacher from the last five years and used to visit her house frequently, police said. They said the man is living in Vrindavan from last 10 years and is a permanent resident of Karachi, Pakistan. The girl, a citizen of Ukraine, lives with her parents in Vrindavan, police said. The accused is living in Vrindavan on tourist visa, said SP (city) Udai Shankar Singh. His visa , according to the police agency, is valid, the officer added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 Trend: Azerbaijan is once again taking the measures to mitigate the quarantine regime, the Operational Headquarters under the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. Following the sanitary and epidemiological situation, a decision was made on additional mitigating measures in the following directions from 00:00 (GMT+4) September 8, 2020: Following the decision, the restrictions on entry and exit from Azerbaijans Baku, Sumgayit cities and Absheron region (except for intercity and inter-regional passenger transportation) will be lifted. Life has thrown us a few curveballs this year. But for many children across the region, school closures, social restrictions and family job losses have impacted their wellbeing, with some at risk of lasting psychological distress. The Graeme Dingle Foundation is helping 3500 of those children stay resilient, teaching them that what they have inside is greater than any obstacle, even when that obstacle is a global pandemic. Their programmes use elements of the great outdoors, inspirational classroom leaders and world-class mentors to help kids aged 5 to 18 keep on track, develop confidence, build resilience and self-belief, and set goals for the future. The three Western Bay programmes support children as they grow up, helping them face any challenges along the way with positivity. The Kiwi Can primary school programme teaches kids values such as integrity, resilience and respect, the Stars mentoring programme strengthens young people for the tricky transition into high school, and Project K supports at-risk youth in Year 10. When lockdown commenced, Graeme Dingle Foundation responded immediately with a focus on building resilience by filming lessons and activities and posting them on a dedicated YouTube channel. Lessons on mental toughness, stress management, and goal setting helped the young people get through the lockdown and stay connected. Dan Allen-Gordon, Regional Manager at Graeme Dingle Foundation Western Bay of Plenty, says students have bounced back quickly from the lockdown. "There was a lot of anxiety in both the children and across our team when we first went into lockdown, but our team acknowledged that we had to show resilience to demonstrate to our tamariki and rangatahi and teach them how they could be resilient too. "The kids came out of lockdown so engaged as we stayed connected throughout. While we have seen some children in tough situations at home, the programmes have been that constant support, ensuring we steer them in the right direction." Youth in the Project K programme. Now at Alert Level 2, all the programmes are continuing as usual. "There is some sense of normality, with kids settling now they are back into their safe, happy space where they can learn and be mentored and supported." The Foundation applied for funding through the WBOP COVID-19 Recovery Fund to help cover an income shortfall due to several of their regular funders closing applications. The fund was established by local funders TECT, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust and Tauranga City Council to help key Western Bay of Plenty community groups survive the medium-term impact of COVID-19. The $30,000 in funding approved will ensure the Project K and Kiwi Can programmes can continue to be delivered until the end of the year. Dan says the funding will go a long way to helping them continue to achieve great outcomes. "The Recovery Funding saved us from cutting one of our Project K programmes, as we were at that point where we weren't sure if we could sustain it. It also gives us sustainability in Kiwi Can. "The effects of the programme are huge we see kids transform over weeks. It helps to stop bullying, truancy and bad behaviour, and it builds relationships across the whole school. Having our local funders help us achieve these outcomes is fantastic. We are so grateful for the funding it's ensuring we can keep our children strong during this uncertain time." BayTrust Chief Executive Alastair Rhodes says the programmes are essential to support youth during this time of heightened stress and anxiety. "The Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes reach a vast number of youth in our area and are very well received by schools, students and parents. "With the heightened anxiety around COVID-19 and the lockdowns, it is vital we have the support systems in place to ensure our youth can get through this that we can keep them on the right paths away from substance abuse, violence and other negative social impacts. "We're pleased this funding will ensure their dedicated team and mentors can continue to provide tools and hope for our young people." The refugees sleep in shifts, 25 of them crushed together in a tiny room-turned-prison like knives in a cutlery drawer. There isnt enough space for everyone to lie down at the same time. They share a single toilet, which is a putrid hole in the ground, and say they have not seen the sun in a year. All have been tortured along their journey through treacherous deserts. Speaking to The Independent via phones smuggled into the squalid cells, the Eritrean refugees said of all the terrible years they have spent in war-torn Libya, 2020 has been the worst. We are experiencing torture and abuse, there is no way for us to escape and save our lives, says Jemal, 30, who fled arrest in Eritrea in 2017, leaving his wife and child behind. No one can imagine the nightmare we live through. Despite Jemal registering an asylum claim with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) back in 2017, this month marks two years of being held in this particular government-run centre, outside the city of Zintan, along the western Libyan plateau just southwest of Tripoli. There are over 400 people, including women and children, from Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan crammed in the overflowing facility. The UNHCR has acknowledged that because of increased restrictions on the movement of aid workers, the coronavirus pandemic and the latest iteration of the countrys civil war, they have lost access to this detention centre and several others in February. There have been just two brief visits from other aid agencies despite deteriorating conditions. Recommended At least 45 migrants dead in shipwreck off Libya Officials from the UNs International Organisation for Migration (IOM) agreed that this has been the worst year so far for the hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants in Libya because of the conflict and the punishing constraints halting the lifesaving work of charities. Amid the chaos and uptick in violence, 5,000 migrants, who were intercepted in the Mediterranean and brought back to Libya, are missing. We have been tortured and experience abuse, we do not get enough water and live off a single meal of pasta a day, Jemal continues, explaining that he had originally paid smugglers in Libya $5,000 (3,800) to get to Europe by sea. We live in one crowded room, in terrible conditions. Instead of boarding a rickety boat, he and others were held for three months by smugglers in the coastal town of Sabratha and tortured for money. They were chained, flogged, stripped and left outside in the punishing heat. He says he was later nearly killed when caught in the crossfire of three separate bouts of inter-militia fighting. He was rescued from the smuggler camp by a rights group in 2017 when a battle broke out between local armed factions. He was then shuttled between three official detention centres on the front line before he was finally dumped in Zintan. Our situation is very bad, Jemal says. But we cant leave. We need any help at all. We are refugees but no one will take responsibility for us. In front of the world, our voice is voiceless. Migrant Voice, a UK-based rights group that has been talking to several refugees and migrants in West Libya, says Europe must offer legal routes for asylum seekers and pressure the Libyan authorities to shut down the detention centres. Nazek Ramadan, the charitys director, shared with The Independent photos she had been sent by migrants reportedly showing horrific torture. In the grainy images, one woman has her arms and feet chained together behind her back and has blood coming from her mouth. In another, unseen individuals point a gun at a mans head who is bound in the same position on the floor. A wire that is stuffed into an electrical socket trails to his legs. The world is letting them rot, Ramadan says. They are not seen or treated like human beings. Some of them are in detention for three years with no support, no proper food, with no protection, with no care, with no hope of getting out. They are just trapped. We are concerned that Europe is trying to keep people out at any cost. Libya has been ripped apart by multiple conflicts since the 2011 revolution that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The latest iteration of the ongoing civil war erupted in April 2019, when Khalifa Haftar, a renegade commander who backs a rival administration in the east, attacked Tripoli to oust the UN-recognised Government of National Accord. The fighting escalated this January when Turkey deployed additional military advisers, mercenaries and advanced weaponry to defend the GNA, resulting in fierce battles which in several instances surrounded detention centres. Haftars forces, which are supported by the UAE and Russia, were eventually forced to retreat. But a ceasefire has yet to be agreed and intermittent fighting continues. A section of the detention centre in Zintan where refugees say they have been living for two years (Courtesy of refugees) (Curtesy of refugees) The breakdown in security has sparked a surge in trafficker violence: Jemal says militias have tried three times to kidnap migrants from the Zintan centre, hoping to make money out of extorting them for ransom. Since he would risk jail or worse if he returned to Eritrea, he is desperate to be resettled somewhere safe. But because of the pandemic, resettlement and repatriation flights were halted for six months. The first repatriation since the spring, carrying 118 Ghanaians to Ghana, left two weeks ago. The UNHCR told The Independent so far this year just 297 refugees have been evacuated or resettled from the country compared with 2,400 last year. It is therefore no wonder that a growing number of people in Libya are attempting the dangerous sea crossing to Europe. In fact, there has been nearly a threefold increase in people crossing to Italy and Malta this year compared with 2019, according to the IOM, despite the fact several countries have closed their ports because of the pandemic. So far in 2020, more than 17,000 migrants and refugees have boarded boats bound for Europe from Libya and Tunisia. Just over 7,700 arrived during the whole of last year. At least 350 have died while making the crossing. The lack of a comprehensive European-led search and rescue effort in the Mediterranean has made the dangerous journey even more deadly. Instead, European countries rely on the Libyan coastguard to fish those fleeing Libya out of the waters and bring them back to shores they came from, which is unacceptable given the conditions in Libya, IOM spokesperson Safa Msehli tells The Independent. This year is the worst it has ever been [for migrants and refugees] because we are losing track of people Safa Msehli, IOM spokesperson She says this year the IOM is particularly concerned because the Libyan authorities have lost track of several thousand people intercepted at sea. The coastguard stopped over 7,500 so far this year, according to their records, but only 2,300 are being held across 11 official detention centres. No one knows if the missing 5,000 were released, taken by traffickers, taken to illegal detention centres or killed. The IOM is also worried about a recent surge in violence: in May, 30 migrants and refugees held in a smuggling warehouse in Gheryan, southwest of Tripoli, were shot dead by a trafficker. This year is the worst it has ever been because we are losing track of people, because there are disappearances because of the continued conflict, and the complete absence of European led search and rescue in the central Mediterranean, says Msehli. At the same time, there are increasing impediments on the lifesaving work of NGOs. The coronavirus crisis, she adds, is only piling further strain on the migrants and refugees themselves. So far in Libya, 14,000 people have been confirmed to have Covid-19 and 250 have died from the disease, according to official figures, though the true infection rate is thought to be much higher. No one knows if the deadly virus has made it into any of the detention centres due to lack of testing. Refugees say they are given one meal a day of pasta in Zintan (Courtesy of those inside Zintan detention centre) (Curtesy of people inside Zintan detention centre) Aron, 39, an Eritrean refugee also being held in Zintan, tells The Independent that because of the terrible conditions, and the fact they all share a single toilet, it is impossible to maintain social distancing. He says at least 25 people have died from what they believe to be tuberculosis since they were transferred to Zintan in September 2018. But with a complete lack of testing, they do not know if the recent illnesses are TB or Covid-19, as both viruses share similar symptoms. Were scared of getting sick and not knowing what we are suffering from, he says. We havent seen sunlight for a year, he adds. Both UNHCR and IOM officials say they have repeatedly urged the Libyan authorities to abandon the abusive detention centre system. We havent seen sunlight for a year Aron, refugee from Eritrea The Independent reached out to the governments Directorate for Combatting Illegal Migration, which runs the Zintan centre and 10 others, but received no reply. Charlie Yaxley, UNHCRs global spokesperson, says the issue is even more pressing now because of the pandemic. They are at risk of rapid transmission of the virus, which is particularly worrying in light of Libyas fragile health care system and lack of capacity to test and treat, says Yaxley. Back in Zintan, Jemal and Aron say they cannot survive any more years in Zintan, where they feel like they have been left to die a slow death. Why doesnt the world listen to our voices? Why dont they see that we need freedom and peace? Jemal says, his voice cracking. We are begging the world to come and save our lives. Marking the beginning of an unusual and controversial semester, University of Virginia students and their families were in good spirits Thursday as first-years started moving into dormitories. The students are moving in at staggered dates and times in a bid by the university to reduce human contact and the potential spread of COVID-19. Masks were required during the move-in process and all students living in university housing will be required to agree to follow UVas COVID-19 policy. Approximately 676 students were expected to move in between 4 and 8 p.m. Thursday, with another 688 expected Friday and 1,510 on Saturday. Along with boxes, pillows, bookcases and other belongings, move-in was marked by masks and boxes of disinfectant spray serving as reminders of the new reality. Despite the pandemic, some students and their families said they were hopeful move-in marked the start of a successful, albeit abnormal, semester. Kyle Stephenson Jr., a first-year student who plans to major in history, said he appreciated the empty hallways and that the move-in process had gone smoothly for him so far. Stephenson said many of his classes and activities are remote, including marching band, but he also will have some in-person classes. Acknowledging the inherent risk of in-person classes, he said he was hopeful the semester would go well and that students would take their health seriously. Im kind of sitting in the middle because although you hear horror stories about all the other schools, weve got a fantastic hospital and our pre-testing with quick results, he said. So Im really hoping we can get this all taken care of. Stephensons father said he isnt too worried about this semester, so long as the students and staff take necessary safety precautions. Im excited because this is the opportunity that we all want our children to be exposed to attending an incredible university and graduating, Kyle Stephenson Sr. said. This is, hopefully, the beginning of how life is supposed to go, with kids going away and developing and growing. With UVa having started classes online Aug. 25, Jade Alvarez, a first-year student from Richmond, said she already had assignments due. Like many other first-years, Alvarez said all of her classes will remain online this semester. It feels weird and theres a lot of information coming in about when to move in and how to take safety precautions, but Im excited, she said. As Chanlee Hudson and her family stood with her belongings, the first-year student shared that she was nervous to begin the year but hopes shell be able to stay at UVa for the whole semester. Like many of the other first-years moving in Thursday, Hudson said she had not yet met her roommate in person. As part of UVas effort to socially distance, roommates were discouraged from moving in at the same time. Though the students and their families were optimistic about the semester, some members of UVa and wider Charlottesville-area communities have expressed trepidation with the schools decision to hold in-person instruction. On Wednesday, student members of the UVa Youth Democratic Socialists of America staged a die-in on the Lawn to draw attention to their demands, chanting no acceptable losses, no in-person classes. Their demands include the cessation of in-person instruction, which is set to begin Tuesday; a tuition freeze; and free health care for COVID-19-related illness. The decision to hold in-person instruction also led in part to various UVa employees announcing their intention to unionize. The group of employees currently is mostly made up of graduate student workers. The union, which would be part of United Campus Workers, also would include undergraduate student workers, faculty and staff, including those in the UVa Health System. State law bars the university from recognizing the union but doesnt prevent employees from organizing. Speaking on her own behalf, Charlottesville City Councilor Sena Magill said in an interview Thursday that she is concerned about UVa holding in-person classes and views the decision as a mistake. Frontal lobes of human brains do not fully finish developing until about age 26, and as this part of the brain is responsible for judgment, Magill said she is concerned the young students may push the boundaries of safe practices. I see other universities deciding to go all virtual after bringing their students back and am concerned we will face this same issue here, she said. I am worried for the people working in grocery stores, in our restaurants, and other essential workers who will now be exposed to an influx of people from across the country who may not be practicing precautions as stringently as we have been. Magill said she believes the city and the university are equipped to handle a certain level of outbreaks but she is worried about the capacity to deal with outbreaks that could occur not just among students but among the larger community, as well. None of the other city council members returned requests for comment, though Mayor Nikuyah Walker previously has described UVas reopening plan as a recipe for disaster. Some other colleges in Virginia already have made the switch to remote instruction following outbreaks. This week, James Madison University announced it would to transition to online classes after 528 COVID-19 cases were reported on campus. School officials gave some 6,000 students living on campus until Monday to move out. Virginia colleges reported more than 1,400 coronavirus cases as of Tuesday. The 528 at JMU are the most in the state. 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. A teen has revealed horrifying images of his second degree burns after a portable charger exploded and threw him out of bed - 'melting' the skin across his back and arm. Colton Pingree, 15, from Tuolumne, California fell asleep charging his battery pack but woke up when the explosion knocked him onto his bedroom floor during the early hours of the morning on August 18, to discover his bed 'on fire'. The quick-thinking 15-year-old managed to extinguish the flames using his 'bare hands' before throwing the device which was still alight down the toilet and alerting his father, 49-year-old butcher Andrew Pingree. The ordeal has left Colton with second degree burns across his back and left arm which have 'melted' a layer of his skin, caused large bubbling blisters and exposed tissue. A fortnight later Colton's wounds are healing well, but his mother 42-year-old Shari Pingree was keen to warn others of the dangers of sleeping alongside electrical devices. After sharing her son's horrifying wounds on Facebook, her post amassed more than 39,000 likes, comments and shares. Colton Pingree, 15, pictured from Tuolumne, California fell asleep charging his battery pack but woke up when the explosion knocked him onto his bedroom floor during the early hours of the morning on August 18, to discover his bed 'on fire' The explosion left the teen with bad burns after his skin 'melted' on his arm and back due to the violence of the shock Colton's mother Shari warned other parents on social media explaining what had happened to her son Colton said: 'I was charging my charging pack so I could have it for school the next day - it was laying on my bed right next to one of my pillows and I was rolled over with my back on it. 'At about 2:30am I woke up laying on my floor really confused - I felt a really strong pain in my back, my arm burnt a little bit and it just smelt really weird. 'I looked up and both of my comforters and one of my pillows was on fire - the fire was probably about 4inches long and 5inches wide and it [the explosion] literally pushed me off the bed. 'My immediate reaction was that I woke up in a panic - I stood up and started grabbing the fire with my bare hands and rolling it out. Colton in a family picture with his mother Shari, 42 and his father Andrew, 49. The concerned parents wanted to warn others A close look at Colton's burns, which ripped off his skin on his back. The teen is now 'recovering well,' two weeks after the incident 'After I got the flames out I grabbed a water bottle I had by my bed and I had a small pocket knife besides me so I poked a hole at the top of the cap and started spraying the spots that were still smoldering and red." As the charging pack was 'still on fire' Colton then quickly threw it down the toilet and headed to his father's room for help. Andrew said: 'Colton woke me up in a panic and said he "had got the fire out" - it startled me and then he said he "was ok" and that he was "hurt really bad". 'I was half asleep, woke up really quickly and went to his bedroom with him and he had two large comforters on his bed which were burnt pretty bad. Shari and Colton. Shari's Facebook post about her son's scary battery malfunction reached 48,000 shares Andrew said Colton's burns, here covered with a bandage, looked like a 'really bad sunburn,' which prompted him to take him to the hospital 'His back and arm was really badly burnt and it looked like a really bad sunburn so we didn't go to the hospital at that point in time - I waited until the following morning and then we took him. 'I was pretty scared and confused at first and then I figured out what was going on and it was under control by then, but then I was more concerned about his back and he was in a lot of pain. 'It was a pretty good explosion - little hot sharp metal pieces basically burnt the lower end of his buttocks and back and scattered out all the way to the wall across his bed.' Colton's arm was also hurt in the explosion. The panicked teen extinguished the fire with his bare hands Colton explained he was knocked off his bed in the middle of the night and woke up to find his bed in flames Colton, Shari and Andrew in a family picture. The teen said his pain grew worse in the days following the accident Over the next day or so the extent of Colton's injuries which covered his back and bicep became apparent. Colton said: 'The pain got progressively worse as soon as my adrenaline started wearing off. 'At first it hurt really bad, but I was more focused on getting the fire out because I have a handicapped uncle in the house and I didn't want anything to get really really bad. 'After I had time to calm down I didn't get any sleep for the rest of the night because it started hurting extremely badly. Hero Colton said he was hurt badly immediately, but was focused on putting the fire out to protect his family Andrew said Colton's first layer of skin 'was pretty much demolished' in the days following the incident Colton with his father Andrew. While Colton is recovering, his mother wanted to keep the ordeal from happening to anyone else Andrew and Colton on a fishing trip. The teen said the doctor first thought the mark on his back were a bruise The brave teen explained a patch of his skin peeled off after a couple of days after a doctor tapes the bruise 'When we first went to the doctor he actually thought it was a big bruise with red burns and had me put a patch over it, and later that day I peeled it off so we could put a new one on. 'I realised that a patch of skin came off that piece of tape and I was like "ok that's not a bruise at all".' Andrew added: 'It's basically a second degree burn - the first layer was pretty much demolished and then he had like a super bad sunburn on the second layer of skin.' Thankfully Colton's wounds are healing well, but his mother, sales representative Shari, wanted to raise awareness of his ordeal to prevent this from happening to anyone else. Parents were shocked at the severity of Colton's burns and vowed to warn their own children of the battery's danger Colton said: 'I paid $10 for two charging packs and it was old so my guess is that it's just a bad battery or something - it was supposed to be charged for 24 hours, but it blew up after three to four.' Andrew added: 'We're not sure how old it was, it was a device bought off eBay, so it was pretty hard for us to figure out how long we've had it.' Colton said: 'Don't keep charging packs with you when you're sleeping - just have them away from you and somewhere that's not easy to catch on fire. 'I'll also put my phone off the side of my bed - it could cause another thing like that to happen again. 'I suggest that others don't sleep with them either as it could happen to anyone - I never expected that.' Andrew said: 'I won't allow it anymore - it could have been a lot worse, it was pretty scary.' The EU is set to sideline Michel Barnier to try to crack the Brexit negotiations deadlock, it was reported tonight. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to stand Brussels' chief negotiator aside to help bring about a trade deal with the UK. Heads of the 27 remaining member states are believed to be taking over the role after a speech from Mrs von der Leyen on September 16. They hope the move will heal divisions - with Britain and the EU blaming each other for the stalemate - between the two sides as the timer on negotiations ticks down. The EU is set to sideline Michel Barnier (pictured) to try to crack the Brexit negotiations deadlock, it was reported tonight European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) is expected to stand Brussels' chief negotiator aside to help bring about a trade deal with the UK An EU diplomat told the Telegraph Mrs von der Leyen is expected to 'set the scene to sideline Barnier and [the UK's David] Frost to find a high level political solution'. Why the complex issue of UK-EU fishing rights is leaving Brexit talks floundering in cold water Each country has an Exclusive Economic Zone which can extend up to 200 nautical miles from the coast. That country has special fishing rights over that area. However, in the EU each country's Exclusive Economic Zone is effectively merged into one joint EU zone. All fishing activity within that zone is then regulated by the bloc's controversial Common Fisheries Policy which dictates how many of each type of fish can be caught. The joint EU zone is open to fishermen from every member state. But after the Brexit transition period the UK will regain sole control of its Exclusive Economic Zone and the bolstered Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron will be tasked with patrolling it to make sure every vessel operating there has the right to do so. Advertisement The European Commission president, German chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the European Council Charles Michel 'will then lead talks' for the EU. The Commission would not be drawn on the 'State of the Union' speech when approached by the Telegraph. It comes as Lord Frost warned Brussels' demands on fishing and state subsidies could 'limit the progress' made in talks next week. In a sign the UK could be edging closer to a No Deal Brexit, Mr Frost said: 'The EU still insists we change our positions on state aid and fisheries if there are to be substantive textual discussions on anything else. 'From the very beginning we have been clear about what we can accept in these areas, which are fundamental to our status as an independent country. 'We will negotiate constructively but the EU's stance may, realistically, limit the progress we can make next week.' His comments on Twitter came after Mr Barnier said while Britain can regain control of its waters, 'the fish which are inside those waters' are 'another story'. The bloc wants to retain access for its fishing boats, but No 10 is adamant that British trawlers will be given priority. Brussels is also demanding a 'level playing field' on state aid rules, which would effectively tie Britain to EU regulations after the transition period finishes at the end of the year. Boris Johnson insisted yesterday the UK will 'prosper mightily' regardless of the outcome of the trade talks. Asked about hauliers' concerns about chaos at the border, Mr Johnson said: 'We're ready for any eventuality, of course. 'But we must make sure that people understand that, at the end of the year, whatever happens, we are leaving the EU, leaving the transition period. We will get through this. The EU is demanding continued access to UK waters for the bloc's fishing boats but Number 10 is adamant that British trawlers will be given priority. A fishing vessel is pictured working in the English Channel on August 10 This map shows the extent of the UK's Exclusive Economic Zone - the waters Britain will take back control of after Brexit. At the moment the EEZ of every EU member state is merged into one large zone which can be accessed by fishermen from all over Europe. 'It's absolutely vital that our partners understand that the UK is going to do what we need to do.' The Road Haulage Association is among seven logistics groups which have written to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, warning that the supply chain from the EU will be 'severely disrupted' next year without urgent action to plug 'significant gaps' in our preparations. A No 10 spokesman said in response: 'We have been working closely with industry throughout and will continue to do so. We will get through this.' US President Donald Trump took his campaign to key battleground state Pennsylvania as the race heats up The US election is officially open: North Carolina on Friday launched vote-by-mail operations for the November 3 contest between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, which is getting uglier by the day. Worries about the unabated spread of the coronavirus are expected to prompt a major increase in the number of ballots cast by mail, as Americans avoid polling stations. In a country on edge over the health crisis and a national reckoning about race, the next two months will test the ability of the world's largest economy to organize its election profoundly changed by the pandemic. North Carolina was to begin mailing out more than 600,000 ballots, in response to a major spike in demand. Other key battleground states such as Wisconsin will follow in the coming weeks. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden went to Wisconsin in the wake of the controversial police shooting of African American Jacob Blake in Kenosha How Americans vote has become another flashpoint in an increasingly divisive political landscape. A recent poll by USA Today and Suffolk University showed that 56 percent of Republican voters surveyed said they would go in person to vote, while only 26 percent of Democrats plan to do the same. One out of every four Biden voters said that if the Democratic former vice president loses on November 3, they would not be ready to accept a Trump victory as "fairly won." About one in five Trump voters said a similar thing. - Seeds of doubt - As he seeks a second four-year term, Trump has for months sowed doubt among his base about the legitimacy of an election with a significant number of mail-in votes. Trump -- who himself votes by mail in his adopted home state of Florida -- has repeatedly, and without evidence, said mail-in voting could lead to widespread fraud. He even has suggested to his supporters that they try to vote twice to test the system -- earning him scorn on social media and from Democrats. Facebook, the world's largest social network, reminded users that voting by mail has a "long history of trustworthiness" in the United States, as does voting in person. - 'Losers' - Controversy has erupted over US President Donald Trump's comments surrounding his visit to France in November 2018, and his decision not to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery The tense campaign battle between Trump and Biden heated up Thursday when The Atlantic magazine reported that the Republican incumbent had referred to US Marines buried in a World War I cemetery in France as "losers" and "suckers" for getting killed in action. The backlash was swift, and Trump sent a barrage of tweets Thursday and another on Friday to defend himself. "The Atlantic magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance," Trump wrote. "Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against." The story refers to a visit to France made by Trump in November 2018, for the centenary commemorations of the end of the Great War. Trump did not visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris, officially because his helicopter could not take him there due to bad weather. But The Atlantic, citing four anonymous sources who said they had firsthand knowledge of the discussions, reported that he had told senior staff: "'Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers'." On the way back to Washington from a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump erupted, slamming the allegations as "disgusting, grotesque, reprehensible lies." "I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes," he said. His top aides quickly launched a counteroffensive, flooding social media with pictures of the president with US soldiers. But excerpts from his campaign speeches in 2016, when he mocked late senator John McCain -- a prisoner of war for years in Vietnam -- also quickly returned to the fore. - Swing states - On Friday, both Trump and Biden were staying close to home. The former vice president was to speak Friday in his home state of Delaware on "the economic crisis that has been worsened by Trump's failure to get the virus under control," his campaign said. US election 2020: Support for Joe Biden and Donald Trump in key battleground states as of September 3 Trump was not expected to stray far from the White House during the three-day Labor Day holiday weekend. With two months to go until Election Day, all eyes are turning to the key swing states that could tip the election one way or the other. Pennsylvania and Florida -- both won by Trump in 2016 in tight contests over Hillary Clinton -- are particularly in the spotlight. According to the latest poll by Quinnipiac University, Biden has a solid lead in Pennsylvania, with 52 percent support to 44 percent for Trump. In Florida, the two men are running neck-and-neck, with 48 percent for the Democratic challenger and 45 percent for the incumbent. A child's risk of catching the coronavirus at school is 'extremely low', Public Health England has said, and they're more likely to catch it at home. And teachers are barely at risk either. The Government study looked at children across 131 English primary and preschools in June and early July. Of 12,026 adults and children, just three tested positive for Covid-19. Two were staff and one was a child. It represents just 0.02 per cent of the whole cohort studied, and all cases were only mild or showed no symptoms at all. It chimes with another recent report from PHE, which found only 0.01 per cent of 23,400 reopened schools in June had a Covid-19 outbreak. Researchers also separately tested people in five regions of England for antibodies - proteins in the blood which signal someone has been infected, even if they are unaware. A similar number of antibodies were found in the school children and staff compared with the general population, proving there is no higher risk in a educational setting. Almost every child in the study was under 11 years old, so it doesn't apply to secondary schools. A child's risk of catching the coronavirus at school is 'extremely low', Public Health England has said, and teachers are barely at risk either. Pictured: Year seven pupils Henry Holness, left, and Eddie Favell in class during their first day at Kingsdale Foundation School in London, Thursday, September 3 Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist, PHE said: 'This is the largest study of its kind in the country and suggests attending preschool and primary school brings no additional risk to either staff or students. 'Although these results are preliminary, they should be very reassuring to parents who may be anxious about their children returning to school. 'As has been found in previous research, infection within educational settings is extremely low, and while it appears that children do contract COVID-19, the overwhelming majority experience mild or no symptoms, and are unlikely to pass it on.' Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: 'I am hugely encouraged by the findings of this report, which support what the UK's Chief Medical Officers have already made clear - that the risk of catching coronavirus at school is low, meaning that the risk to children being out of school is, in fact, far greater. 'This week has seen thousands of children reunited with classmates and teachers as schools across the country begin to reopen for full-time education for all pupils at the start of the autumn term.' Nations globally have encouraged children to return to school - with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying missing any more education was 'far more damaging' for children. England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has also said reopening schools brings less risk of long-term harm than keeping children at home. Preschool (3-4 year olds) and some primary school years (reception, Year 1) were allowed to return from June 1 in England. CHILDREN ARE 20 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE OF AN INJURY THAN COVID-19 Children under 10 years old are almost 20 times more likely to die from an accidental injury than of Covid-19, a study has claimed. The research adds to growing evidence that youngsters are not vulnerable to serious illness from the disease. Scientists led by Newcastle University also found under-10s are twice as likely to die from flu than they are from the coronavirus. In an estimated total population of 137million from seven countries, there were 78 child deaths from Covid-19 compared with an estimated 21,966 deaths from all causes. Covid-19 accounted for 0.35 per cent of deaths in children aged to 19 years old. On the other hand, there were 1,755 caused by unintentional injury. Injuries were not described in the study but may include car accidents or burns. And there were 178 deaths caused by the flu. Looking at data specifically for England and Wales, 15 people under the age of 20 have died of Covid-19 during the entire outbreak up to July 10. Covid-19 accounted for 0.17 per cent of all deaths in children under the age of 10 years old. There were three Covid-19 deaths in this age group compared with 57 for an injury and seven for the flu. For children aged between 10 and 19, there were 12 Covid-19 deaths (2.38 per cent of the total) - three times lower than the 44 from an injury. But there were only three deaths from flu in this group, four times lower than Covid-19. This showed people should not ignore the coronavirus completely and should still be cautious, the researchers said. A small number of Covid-19 deaths were among children in the UK - 12 in the 10-19 age group and three in the under-10 age group. Most of these children would have had underlying health conditions, research has shown, which make them more vulnerable to serious illness. Advertisement And some secondary school years (Year 10 and 12, 14 to 17 year olds) reopened from June 15 for no longer than six weeks before summer break. But parents and teachers alike have been apprehensive about the risk of coronavirus spreading rapidly among children, as do other viruses including the common cold and chickenpox. The latest COVID-19 Surveillance in School KIDs (sKIDs) study, of which the early findings were published today, had two arms. The first was weekly nasal swabs for at least four weeks on 23,358 students (59 per cent) and 16,052 staff (41 per cent). Each participant were swabbed roughly once a week. Over the course of the study, six people had detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 on their swabs, including a primary school child from London. But on further analysis, three of the adults were ruled out because they tested negative with PCR testing. When a SARS-CoV-2 positive case was identified, no other cases were found in their households, class bubble or school. Except for the child, whose parent was a healthcare worker and had been struck with the coronavirus four week previously. It is unclear how the adults were infected - their source was never identified. But it may be because the person who passed the coronavirus on to them had already cleared the infection themselves, and would not show up in testing. Or they had simply caught the coronavirus while shopping or using public transport, for example. The second arm of the study was to test for antibodies. If a person tests positive, it indicates they have previously had Covid-19 and recovered. Antibody testing is a useful tool for figuring out exactly how many people have actually caught the coronavirus, given that so many people did not get tested at the height of the pandemic, leaving the true scale of the outbreak unknown. However, it is not entirely reliable. Not everyone who has had the infection builds an antibody response and antibodies can disappear after a few weeks, meaning their result would be negative. PHE approached schools in five regions - North London, East London, Oxford, Derby and Manchester - and did antibody testing once in June and once in July. Overall 11.9 per cent of people had antibodies - 10.6 per cent of pupils and 12.7 per cent of staff. This was a similar rate to the general population, suggesting there chances of catching the coronavirus do not increase in a school. In fact, the study found higher antibodies in school staff who were not going to work during the study period, suggesting they are more likely to catch it from friends or other household members than when they are teaching. PHE said the findings add 'additional reassurance that [school staff] are at similar risk of infection compared to other professions'. White people were less likely to have antibodies, which supports research that those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds (BAME) are more likely to get the coronavirus. But the amount of time spent in school did not have an impact on the likelihood of testing positive for prior infection. The findings come after another publication from PHE, on August 23, which also found very low risks of coronavirus transmission at school. This study looked at outbreaks in educational places across the country, from nurseries to secondary schools and colleges. Of 12,026 adults and children, just three tested positive for Covid-19. Two were staff and one was a child. Pictured: Pupils at the King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham, Thursday September 3 Only 30 outbreaks were confirmed at 23,400 reopened schools (0.01 per cent), and 70 children out of 1.6million who had returned to school in June tested positive for Covid-19 (0.004 per cent). Another 128 members of staff tested positive. And only 30 outbreaks were confirmed at 23,400 reopened schools (0.01 per cent). The analysis said the majority of cases linked to outbreaks were in staff, but they were not more likely to get the coronavirus than the general population. PHE said: 'Where children did contract the infection, they were most likely to catch Covid-19 at home, usually from a parent. Half the outbreaks did not involve any students at all and transmission between students was very rare. 'The probable source in 20 of the 30 outbreaks was staff-to-staff or staff-to-student transmission. Student-to-staff transmission was the likely source in 6 cases, and student-to-student in 2. The transmission source could not be established in two outbreaks.' Few secondary schools were open during the study, PHE said, so it cannot extrapolate its findings to older pupils. It said: 'Very few secondary schools opened during the summer mini-term and our results, therefore, are not likely to be generalisable to secondary schools, especially since the risk of infection, disease and transmission is likely to be higher in older than younger children.' PHE has recently had to quell anxieties over its plans to get children back to school by denying it had found older pupils are more likely to catch, and pass on, Covid-19. The Times reported the research found older students passed the virus on like adults do, a claim PHE later said in a statement was incorrect. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 15:03 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42b7965 4 National animal,BKSDA,crocodile,Jambi,Berbak-Sembilang-National-Park,Taman-Nasional-Berbak-Sembilang Free Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) head Rahmat Saleh has said the agency is to release a rescued large saltwater crocodile into the wild at Berbak Sembilang National Park. The agency previously rescued the crocodile after it entered a residential area. The 4.5-meter-long crocodile was found inside a pit by Catur Rahayu village residents in Dendang district, East Tanjab regency. The crocodile was suspected to have make its way to the village from a river located next to the residential area. Read also: 50-year-old crocodile dies in Bangka, two days after capture Prior to the rescue, the villagers tied up the crocodile for safety reasons as it became a public spectacle. It took some time for the agency to rescue the crocodile as the BKSDA office is located far from the village. Rahmat also explained that the crocodile was taken to Jambis animal care center after being rescued, where it would have a health examination from vets. The crocodile is to be released into the wild thereafter. We plan to release it into Berbak Sembilang National Park, because it is a habitat for crocodiles, Rahmat said as quoted by kompas.com on Tuesday. (dpk) A 140-year-old haveli in Udaipur, owned by the Bachhawat Mehta clan and built by military commander-in-chief of the erstwhile princely state of Mewar in Rajasthan, is being restored using the same material that was used during its construction. An American non-governmental organisation (NGO) is funding the restoration work for the Bichli Haveli project. Malvika Mehta, a member of the Bachhawat Mehta clan and an architect by profession, had started the innovative restoration work in 2017. Later, she had got in touch with civil engineers from the School of Structural and Geo-technical Engineering at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) last year. Material scientists from VIT had visited the three-storey structure, which has 46 rooms and two big courtyards, in March 2019 to collect the samples of existing lime plasters in a bid to study properties of the material. Restoration Works International, a US-based NGO, is funding the restoration project aimed at promoting the use of lime as a contemporary construction material. In the structure, stone masonry was used along with mud mortar. Lime plaster, which was up to 70 millimetres (mm) in thickness, gave the artistic finishing touch called ghutai or arraish in local dialects, said Malvika, who belongs to the seventh generation of the Bachhawat Mehta clan. The lime plastered walls breathe to regulate moisture and interior temperature and get stronger with the passage of time, she said. Such buildings have a much longer life span. For instance, if maintained properly, the Bichli Haveli can survive for another 500 years, she added. It is my duty to enable the haveli to remain relevant -- forever growing and living, said Malavika. She said the chain of the transfer of traditional building knowledge was disrupted for some generations, especially since cement emerged as the mainstream construction material in the 1950s. The current form of defective lime-based practices also led to a loss of faith in lime as a viable building material, she added. The project attempts to use the scientific and the industrial know-how to fill in the gaps of the traditional knowledge and evolve its own building material ecosystem as a happy blend of the old and the new, she added. According to Dr Thirumalini, an associate professor of civil engineering department at VIT, the team from the university collected samples of existing lime plasters and concrete and conducted several advanced analysis and micro-structure studies to identify the type and properties of the material used in the construction over 140 years ago. The objectives, he said, was to characterise old and existing lime plasters from the site and simulate them with the currently available building materials. The original material was re-engineered and applied for restoration of the haveli. During the process of material studies, an old lost technology of production of low-energy materials surfaced, highlighting the use of materials such as lime, plant extracts and hemp fibres to reduce the cost and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The original materials used were also found to act as CO2-capturing materials, helping in mitigating global warming, paving its way to be used in modern constructions for low-rise buildings, said Dr Thirumalini. According to an NGO official, the project aims to bring several benefits to the community such as job creation --- especially for women --- support local suppliers and services and also help the haveli residents to celebrate their heritage. Arizona has turned a page on history. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, 88, has run his last political race. On August 4, 2020, voters in Maricopa County cast their vote in the Republican primary that saw the former six-term sheriff and national law enforcement celebrity, in a battle with his former chief deputy, Jerry Sheridan, lose by one point. The master politician, who for 24 years sat upon a powder keg of crime and punishment, illegal immigration, demonstrations, pink underwear, and a Tent City Jail in the scorching sun of the Sonoran Desert. Why would a man who was born on Flag Day in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1932 still be out pounding the pavement in 118-degree heat? That was Joe Arpaio. Love him or hate him, he was going to make news. This time around, he did not. Despite his best efforts to generate "press," the local Phoenix-area media would not cover him. Many of his faithful supporters did not even know he was running. Sheridan got out of the gate early, building a base in the Republican strongholds by meeting and greeting those who, day in and day out, seek to keep Arizona in the "red" column. When Arpaio lost in 2016 to a George Sorosbacked former sergeant in the Phoenix Police Department, Paul Penzone (who tried to take out Arpaio in 2012 sans Soros and failed), many thought Arizona was now a "purple" haven on the national scorecard. Sheriff Joe campaigning for Trump in 2016. However, in 2016, Maricopa County was the county that granted Donald Trump the most votes of any county on Election Day. Oddly enough, it was Arpaio who stood with Trump in Phoenix in July 2015 and declared that "a silent majority" would propel the New York firebrand into the White House. Arpaio entered the race a bit late: "On this day, August 25, 2019, after consultation and approval from my wife of 61 years, Ava, I have decided to run to be re-elected Sheriff," said Sheriff Arpaio. "Watch out, world! We are back!" When he reached out to his extensive list of followers on social media, Arpaio quickly took the lead in fundraising and made Penzone's camp nervous as he spewed out fundraising letters warning of the second coming of Arpaio. So what happened? Arpaio had never lost a Republican primary. It never crossed his mind he would lose this one. The bulk of his money sat in the bank awaiting the general election war against the man who robbed him of his legacy. He always wanted to go out on his own terms. Many times, he joked about being sheriff from a wheelchair like "Ironside." But years of legal action, leading to a conviction for Arpaio in federal court, and millions of dollars in lawsuits over the years took their toll in that 2016 election, and he lost big. President Trump famously pardoned Arpaio, but he could not resurrect his career. Arpaio campaigned hard enough he had a massive tour bus wrapped with his image and that of the president declaring he was going to "Make Maricopa County Safe Again!" But the bus did not take him far enough down the road. When he wore out his soles in the Arizona sun, no one took notice. When a typical voter was asked about Arpaio, he knew only that Arpaio was "old and past his time." In the end, the perception was the reality. Sheridan is now in the driver's seat, and his battle to remove the Democrat Penzone is an uphill one. You see, Sheridan did spend all his money to get past Arpaio. What now for "America's Toughest Sheriff," as Arpaio was touted to be, now that the sun has finally set on this modern-day Western gunslinger? He just this week teamed up with attorney Larry Klayman in forming a public interest 501(c)(3) foundation called "Americas Sheriffs" that is designed to aid law enforcement agencies in the U.S. facing cuts to their budgets as Democrats around the country call for the "defunding of the police." For more information and to support and enlist in "America's Sheriffs," go to www.americassheriff.org or contact daj142182@gmail.com or (424) 274 2579. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. KALAMAZOO, MI When the far-right Proud Boys clashed with counterprotesters in downtown Kalamazoo last month, police were not in sight. The confrontation turned violent before police got there. Being on the scene and keeping protesters and counterprotesters separated is one of the most important tips for police agencies handling these sorts of encounters where tensions run hot between competing groups, according to national experts and various studies. When police are in a position of trying to catch up and stop violent acts from occurring, that just makes for a bad situation, Frank Straub, director of the Center for Mass Violence Response Studies at the National Police Foundation, told MLive. Policing experts, contacted by MLive this week, said police can take several steps, while affording First Amendment rights, to discourage violence in these situations. Among them: Keep the groups separated; Know when and where the groups are supposed to be; Talk to the leaders of both groups beforehand and let them know what will happen if they cross the line. If possible, build relationships; Show no preference or special treatment for either group; Work to de-escalate tension. If possible, listening helps; Use appropriate force, dont under-react or overreact; Have strong intelligence on the groups that are expected to rally or protest. Experts in policing protests and riots say keeping opposing groups separated is among the most important goals for police. This was the key lesson learned in Charlottesville, Edward Maguire, associate director for the Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety at Arizona State University, told MLive. He was referring to the 2017 confrontation in Charlottesville, Virginia, pitting white nationalists and neo-Nazis against counterprotesters and civil-rights activists. Early on, police stayed on the sidelines as fights broke out. Before it was over, a woman was killed and 19 injured when a man drove into a crowd of counterprotesters. Those same experts also point out that policing these clashes is not easy. Protesters, experts say, appear to be more willing to engage in violence than in years past. Pop-up groups are springing up all over. The country is so polarized, there is little middle ground. Some groups try to hide information about themselves as well as communication among members. These types of events are orders of magnitude more difficult for police for a variety of reasons, Maguire said in an email exchange. Many of the counterprotesters seem to come from outside the communities where these events take place, so it is difficult for police to establish relationships with them ahead of time . The fact that some of them are armed with less-lethal or lethal weapons makes these events more dangerous and anxiety-promoting for police. Sometimes, groups try to outflank police or take unpredictable routes that make it difficult for police to anticipate where they are going to be and when, he said. Police are reasonably concerned about threats to their own safety during these very chaotic events where extremists on the left and the right can easily end up triggering violence. He said it is critical that police have good intelligence on when and where events are going to take place. Kalamazoo police had been tracking Proud Boys since July. The night before the rally, police determined that Proud Boys were in town, staying at area hotels. The Proud Boys were thought to be planning to show up at 2 p.m. Aug. 15. A Kalamazoo pastor obtained a permit for a prayer vigil for that morning at Arcadia Creek Festival Place to counter their presence. The Proud Boys showed up a half-hour early. Marching down East Water Street, they were met by protesters. Both sides had armed participants as fighting began. Police had surveillance from officers in an unmarked car and the seventh floor of a building for an aerial view. Someone radioed that 200 Proud Boys members were headed toward the other group. An investigator said in a police report that a counterprotester with a club ran at the Proud Boys, as if to incite a violent response. Fighting ensued. Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas has said 111 officers from five police agencies were ready to respond but they were minutes away when the trouble started. Police had expected that Arcadia would be the scene of any trouble but had surveillance in several areas. The operational plan called for police to stay in the background - be less visible - and respond if trouble broke out. Thomas said that a large-scale police presence on its own can lead to a contentious situation. She said the tactic, begun after a June 1 protest that ended in civil unrest, has worked at protests until the Proud Boys came to town. The department also faced criticism for how it responded to the June protest, held in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis, with some in the community questioning the use of tear gas and other tactics used to disperse protesters. Such gatherings are unpredictable, Thomas said. Its human dynamics and people are trying to make it seem like it was a simpler situation than it was, she said previously. It was anything but that. The Proud Boys early arrival was a factor in how events played out, Thomas said. She has observed similar incidents across the country. No response is perfect. What works one day might not work another, she said earlier. Thomas could not be reached for comment specifically for this story. This is a new era for us in responding to such events and we are continually learning from them and trying to listen and make change so we can keep this community safe, Thomas said previously. On the day of a protest or rally, police need a plan to keep the sides apart to prevent violence, experts say. Police also have to ensure the law is applied equally. In Kalamazoo, police arrested 10 people, including an MLive reporter and legal observer, though charges were dismissed in most cases. Thomas later apologized for the reporters arrest. Critics were upset that no one associated with the Proud Boys was arrested. There is a growing narrative in the U.S. right now that police are aligned with right-wing groups, Maguire said. That perception is harmful for police legitimacy. Police must ensure that they are perceived as content neutral to establish or preserve legitimacy. That content neutrality is required under the First Amendment. The 2015 Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing addressed police response to mass demonstrations after rioting followed police shootings of unarmed Black men. It was part of an overall strategy to improve relations of police and the communities they serve. Among the recommendations: Law enforcement agencies should create policies and procedures for policing mass demonstrations that employ a continuum of managed tactical resources that are designed to minimize the appearance of a military operation and avoid using provocative tactics and equipment that undermine civilian trust. When police look like theyre in a military formation with riot gear, it can have a dramatic influence on how they are perceived and how events turn out, the report said. Straub, the director of the Center for Mass Violence Response Studies and former Spokane, Washington, police chief, has conducted critical incident reviews for events such as the San Bernardino terrorist attack and Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting. He said many cities are having to prepare for fringe groups, protests and counterprotests. Its really a very difficult dynamic going on across the country, he said. Back in 1998, the Ku Klux Klan held a rally in Kalamazoo. An 8-foot chain-link fence and a line of police officers in riot gear kept the Klan away from others who showed up. Former City Commissioner Zadie Jackson recalled it turned into a non-event because no one really reacted to the Klans presence. In a sense, it was easier to prepare for groups like the KKK, Straub said. So many almost pop-up groups have been created that the rules and understanding have gone by the wayside. Some of these groups there are no rules and theyre not going to follow any rules, he said. Now were seeing pop-up protests, with disparate groups showing up, with a much higher level of violence. It is really challenging for police, and I would say incredibly dangerous for the community. In a heated situation, police are caught in the middle. Not just in Kalamazoo, but across the country. He said demands that a police chief be fired or city commissioners be recalled which has happened in Kalamazoo are not helpful. Rather, he said, residents should push for better policies. It is a challenge. Community members can be traumatized. Police officers, too. Straub said police and city leaders should be very transparent about what they did and why they did that. Share what worked and didnt work and what they will do in the future. Read more: Kalamazoo police chief responds to criticism of handling of Proud Boys rally City review of police response to Kalamazoo Proud Boys rally finds areas for improvement None of them saw a single repercussion, counter-protester says of Proud Boys who rallied in Kalamazoo Army veteran says Proud Boys broke his nose and hand in Kalamazoo Activists say Kalamazoo blew it with preliminary report on police response to Proud Boys rally Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 15:11:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A passenger plane chartered by the Mongolian government to repatriate its nationals from South Korea arrived here on Friday, local authorities said. The chartered flight from Seoul to Ulan Bator landed at the Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport early Friday with 266 passengers onboard, Mongolia's State Emergency Commission said in a statement. The repatriated people consisted of pregnant women, the elderly, children, the disabled and sick, and those with financial or other problems, the commission said, adding that they will be isolated at designated facilities for 21 days. Following its suspension of international commercial flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mongolia has repatriated around 20,000 nationals on chartered flights, trains and buses from different parts of the world, according to the commission. The Asian country planned to send at least 12 special flights this month to COVID-19-hit countries to repatriate more nationals. As of Friday, Mongolia has reported a total of 310 COVID-19 cases, all of which were imported. No local transmissions or deaths have been reported in the country so far. Enditem Taking a page from Singapore, Chinas southern megacity of Shenzhen plans to eventually have 60% of its residents living in government-subsidized housing, a senior city official said. It is rare for a Shenzhen official to make a clear public statement that the city will learn from another countrys public housing model. Singapores policy aims to provide affordable homes to residents who are unable to buy one on the private market. As of 2018, 81% of Singaporean citizens lived in government-subsidized apartments, according to an estimate by Singapores Housing and Development Board. In a speech (link in Chinese) Friday, Zhang Xuefan, head of the Shenzhen housing bureau, repeated the words of President Xi Jinping that have become something of mantra among Chinese policymakers houses are for living in, not for speculation. Back in July 2018, the Shenzhen government proposed (link in Chinese) building 1.7 million homes from 2018 to 2035, of which at least 1 million or about 60% will be government-subsidized homes for rental or sales. However, it is difficult for Shenzhen to have 60% of its total residents live in these government-subsidized homes in the short run, because such housing makes up only a fraction of the citys total, several industry researchers told Caixin. At the end of 2018, government-subsidized housing accounted for around 6% of the Shenzhens total housing inventory, said Li Yujia, chief researcher at a housing policy research institution in South Chinas Guangdong province. Furthermore, even if the 1 million new units of public housing get built in Shenzhen by 2035, it still wouldnt be enough to keep up with the citys population growth, said Dai Xinming, founder of a Shenzhen-based real estate think tank. The main problem is a severe shortage of land available for housing in Shenzhen, said Song Ding, a real estate expert at think tank the China Development Institute. As of 2019, only 22.6% of Shenzhens total land available for construction was used for residential purposes, much lower than the national minimum standard of between 25% and 40%, according to a report (link in Chinese) released by the Shenzhen housing bureau in April. To address the issue, Zhang said that Shenzhen will raise the proportion to 30% by 2023. Read more Developers Face New Debt Limits as Property Crackdown Continues Contact editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Defence Minister on Thursday met his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu in Moscow wherein the duo discussed about strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between both the two countries. "Excellent meeting with the Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu in Moscow today. We talked about a wide range of issues, particularly how to deepen defence and strategic cooperation between both the countries," said in a tweet. Singh reached Moscow on Wednesday on a three-day visit to to attend the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar held a meeting with Dmitry Shugaev, Director, Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, According to a tweet by Russian Embassy in India, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu thanked Defence Minister of for visiting Moscow in June and highlighted colossal potential of collaboration between and "Military and military and technical cooperation were discussed." Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan spoke at the India-Russia Young Scholars International e-Conference 2020 on the 20th anniversary of India-Russia Strategic Partnership. "The time tested India-Russia relationship is based on unparalleled mutual trust and respect, common interests and concurrence on fundamental issues of global affairs," he said in a tweet. "The dynamism of the India-Russia relationship has propelled the bilateral cooperation beyond the traditional areas to almost all sectors of the economy benefitting the people of both countries. Our trade has also increased by 40," he 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.) In the latest development, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of the Bengaluru police, which is probing the drug menace in the Kannada film industry, on Friday arrested film actress Ragini Dwivedi along with two more persons, police said. "Ragini Dwivedi has been arrested and taken into custody," Bengaluru Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Patil said in a statement. Besides, the actress, two people named Rahul and Viren Khanna were also arrested, it said. Khanna is the main person who organises big parties where drugs are consumed. He was arrested from Delhi and taken into four days of police custody. Earlier, the police conducted a raid at the residence of the popular Kannada actress. The officials reportedly seized Ragini's phone and laptop. She was initially interrogated at her home but later taken to CCB office for further inquiry. On September 2 (Wednesday), the CCB officials summoned Kannada film industry's established actress Ragini Dwivedi and she was called for the questioning. However, she did not appear before the CCB on Thursday, expressing her inability to com due to very little time in hand. But she sent her lawyer on her behalf and later tweeted about it, promising to extend all the support of the police in this case. Ragini had sought time from the police through her counsel. On September 3 (Thursday) evening, the CCB officials also arrested a person named Ravi. According to sources, the CCB has sent summons to a few more famous Kannada film personalities, which has not yet been officially confirmed. But it is clear that as the investigation progresses, strings attached to the sandalwood industry (Kannada film industry) and the alleged drug racket will be busted. The sandalwood industry drug scandal came to the limelight after Kannada filmmaker and late journalist Gauri Lankesh's brother, Indrajit Lankesh made startling claims of knowing many secrets of the connection between drugs and Kannada film celebs. Soon after Indrajit Lankesh's statement, the Bengaluru police came into action and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of Bengaluru interrogated him for around 2 hours. The CCB officials stated that 'Indrajit Lankesh mentioned some old incidents as well as revealed names of some people related to the industry. Although he has not yet presented any evidence, in this case, we are giving him time to present the evidence. The CCB will now investigate this matter in a legal manner." Later speaking to the media, Lankesh said that he has given 15 names to the CCB which are directly or indirectly related to the drug scandal. Meanwhile, CCB has also stepped up its investigation in the case. Serbia and Kosovo announced that they have normalised economic ties as part of US-brokered discussions that also include Belgrade moving its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem and Pristina recognising Israel. After two days of meetings with Trump administration officials, Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's prime minister Avdullah Hoti agreed to cooperate on a range of economic fronts to attract investment and create jobs. The accord marks a diplomatic success for US president Donald Trump ahead of the November presidential election, while furthering his administration's push to improve Israel's international standing. "Truly, it is historic," Mr Trump said, standing alongside the two leaders in the Oval Office. "I look forward to going to both countries in the not too distant future." World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The decision to move Serbias embassy from Tel Aviv follows the Trump administrations recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital in 2017, and the movement of its own embassy to the city the following year. And while the US has encouraged others to follow suit, the move has been widely criticised by Palestinians and many in Europe while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved. Recommended Kosovo president indicted for war crimes Meanwhile the predominantly Muslim nation of Kosovo has never before recognised Israel, while Israel has never recognised Kosovo. The Kosovan parliament declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years on from the NATO operation in the region following Serbias bloody crackdown against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. And while most nations have recognised Kosovo's independence, Serbia and its allies Russia and China have not keeping tensions simmering and preventing a full stabilisation of the Balkan region after the bloody wars in the 1990s. "We haven't resolved all our problems. There are still differences," the Serbian leader said, adding that having a unified economic zone with Kosovo was a "huge step forward". Mr Hoti also described the economic cooperation as a "huge step forward" in the relationship and said the two leaders were committed to working together. While the two nations had previously forged agreements on air, rail and transit, the latest accord extended areas of economic cooperation following frustration from business leaders both sides of the border amid ongoing political talks brokered by the European Union. On Monday, Mr Vucic and Mr Hoti are scheduled to go to Brussels to hold talks under EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak. While the EU talks have run in parallel to those in the US, which are focussed on economic development, some officials in Brussels have not fully embraced the involvement of Washington. The most recent White House summit had initially been scheduled for June, but it was cancelled after Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was indicted for war crimes by an international court. Additional reporting by AP As calls to defund the police echo across the country, Chesterfield Township officials are making plans to invest in and improve public safety in the community. The Chesterfield Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously Aug. 11 to renew the 7.95 mill special assessment tax levied for police and fire protection in 2020 for the 2021 fiscal year. The board conducts a public hearing and establishes an estimate of costs for police and fire protection each year. Up to 10 mills may be levied. This is not a new tax; this is just a renewal of what youre currently paying, the townships finance director, Victoria Bauer, said during a presentation at the meeting. Bauer said the 7.95 mill special assessment levy comprises about 93% of the public safety departments total revenue, which is projected at about $14.7 million for 2021. Projected expenses for 2021 total about $14.5 million, with the police department comprising about 60% of total expenses, the fire department about 31%, and dispatch and administration roughly 9%. We project that well have a change in the fund balance of a negative $1.1 million, Bauer said. A lot of that is due to all of the fire station renovations, the large capital projects that we anticipated, budgeted, planned for. Officials estimate a 2020 ending fund balance of about $7.2 million, increasing to about $7.4 million at the end of 2021. The projected 2021 year end fund balance of a percentage of operating budget is 55%, which Bauer said is a very solid number. A lot of municipalities look to be between 15 and 30 percent, she added. We have a lot of different growth that were doing, so that 55% makes us feel very comfortable with where were at and where were going. About a half-dozen citizens addressed the board during the public hearing, and the township received about eight letters of protest. Resident Gary Thomas, president of the Friends of Chesterfield Police nonprofit organization, spoke in support of funding the townships public safety department. Our main concern at this time is the funding and staffing of the public safety department. A growing community such as ours needs to provide an adequate public safety department, first and foremost, above any other budget allocation for any of the rest of the programs to succeed, he said. Funding the police department has been a challenge for the township in past years as property tax revenue declined and millage proposals failed at the polls. In 2017, the township created a combined police and fire public safety department that replaced the two previously levied millages for a single, reduced police and fire tax. The move aimed to cut costs, lower taxes, increase accountability and improve services. Theres a lot of big plans on the horizon, Chesterfield Township Supervisor Dan Acciavatti noted, adding that plans are in the works to move the entrance to the police station, repurpose the shuttered fire station on Jefferson Avenue and expand the townships partnerships with neighboring communities like New Baltimore and New Haven. You cannot exist as a community where people are going to live, invest, locate their businesses and their family long term if youre not safe on your streets and you are not dependable for the long run, he said. The motion to renew the 7.95 mill levy was made by Trustee David Joseph, supported by Trustee Brian Scott DeMuynck and unanimously approved by the board. Also on Aug. 11, the board unanimously approved a request by the public safety department to spend $18,000 to have all public safety employees undergo implicit bias and de-escalation training. We train on these topics regularly, Public Safety Director Brad Kersten said. In light of what the current national environment that were working in I wanted to update it, make it as current, as relevant, as quickly as I could. Similar training is expected to be offered to all township employees, officials said. In light of whats going on in todays world, I think its a great program, and everybody needs to have it, DeMuynck said. Katelyn Larese is a Local News Editor at The Voice. She can be contacted at 586-273-6196 or klarese@medianewsgroup.com. Serbia, Kosovo Leaders In White House For Talks That Focus On Economy, Job Creation By RFE/RL's Balkan Service September 02, 2020 Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti have arrived at the White House to attend a meeting as part of long-running negotiations between the Balkan rivals. "The United States is ready to facilitate #EconomicNormalization!" the U.S. National Security Council said on September 3 in a tweet signed by national-security adviser Robert O'Brien showing photos of Vucic and Hoti arriving and being greeted by Richard Grenell, the U.S. special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo negotiations. The United States has stressed that the talks on September 3 and 4 will focus on economic development and job creation, a special adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump said on September 1 during a call with reporters. The official said tackling political disputes between Serbia and Kosovo has failed to yield results, and the United States aims to focus on tangible economic issues that will help people on the ground. The official said the United States was also focused on implementing the air, rail, and motor agreements between the two sides that have already been reached. However, Serbia's Finance Minister Sinisa Mali told reporters in Washington that "mutual recognition" has been put high on the agenda of the talks, and all 16 points on a list of topics to be discussed are political, not economic. "Economic topics are obviously not a priority as we expected," said Mali, who is a member of the Serbian delegation in Washington. "This is the worst proposal we have seen so far in the history of our talks with the Albanians. But we will not give up and we will fight," Mali said, adding that the pressure on the Serbian delegation was "great" but Serbia will "fight for every sentence and every word" during the talks in Washington. Kosovo, which has an ethnic-Albanian majority, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 in a move rejected by Belgrade. Grenell said on Twitter shortly after the talks began that it was "not true" that he had presented Vucic with a document to sign regarding Kosovo's independence. Both Kosovo and Serbia, which aspire to join the European Union, have been facing mounting pressure from the West to reboot negotiations. Washington stepped up its involvement in Serbia-Kosovo negotiations last year in a process that runs parallel to nearly a decade of EU-mediated normalization efforts. The EU-brokered talks have produced multiple agreements seeking to normalize relations in the region, although many of them have not been implemented. In July, Vucic and Hoti held their first face-to-face negotiations in 20 months under an EU-mediated dialogue process after Kosovo lifted import tariffs on Serbian goods. At those talks, the two sides focused on issues of missing and displaced persons as well as economic cooperation. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-kosovo-leaders- in-white-house-for-talks-that-focus -on-economy-job-creation/30819346.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 Among the numerous challenges Lewis and Clark County schools have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most difficult to overcome has been the equitable distribution of classroom materials for remote learning, specifically specialty classes like physical education and music. In a normal school year, about 300 students at each local elementary school would share a single classroom's items such as recorders and jump ropes. But this school year is far from normal. Area elementary schools like Rossiter do not have the resources to send every remote learner their own musical instrument, for example, and some of the families can't afford such an expense. Helena Education Foundation aims to solve that problem by giving away 3,500 backpacks filled with educational materials. District teachers collaborated in selecting items for both music and physical education. The packs include jump ropes, rhythm sticks, sidewalk chalk, juggling scarves and other items that can no longer be hygienically shared among students and from class to class. Foundation Executive Director Lisa Cordingley said the financial disparity among students is a district and nationwide problem, and that the backpacks may be a way around it. "It's a tremendous equalizer of opportunity," Cordingley said. "Now every single child when they log in to their PE class, regardless of their circumstances, can participate." The foundation raised more than $50,000 to fund the initiative for this year, but Cordingley said she hopes it is a model the district can use in the future. "I spend a lot of time looking for pandemic silver linings. Sometimes you have to really dig into the couch cushions to find them," she said. "I think this might be one of those." After the foundation was forced to pull the plug on its annual Carnival Classic, it used the approximately $10,000 donors Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Montana, PayneWest Insurance and The Base Camp provided for the event as seed money to fund this backpack project. Many local donors have stepped up since to help fund the initiative. Rossiter music teacher Sarah Dramstad said the end of last school year was especially difficult on specialist teachers. "Music like PE is very hands-on, but we can't send every kid home with a xylophone," Dramstad said. "This offers a much better starting place." In addition to affording all students the opportunity to participate, Dramstad said the backpacks are a huge help to educators as they can formulate lesson plans around materials they know the children have. "It's just so great to have this tool bag to reach into," she said. "It takes a little bit of pressure off us." Each participating school will stuff and distribute its own backpacks, and Cordingley said the hope is to hand them out as soon as next week. Every district student in kindergarten through fifth grade will receive a backpack. Love 21 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. O ne of the biggest lawsuits against the alleged perpetrators of a retail investment scandal has been launched in the High Court with 13 businessmen being sued for 178 million over the alleged fraud at London Capital & Finance. The move, launched by administrators acting for the 11,600 people who bought bonds in LCF, is set to trigger a flurry of other legal actions over failed investments made by pensioners in other companies allegedly connected to aspects of the LCF scandal. These include investors who lost money on a big hotel scheme in the Dominican Republic called El Cuype and a Cornish holiday park, Waterside. High profile City businessman Simon Hume-Kendall, timeshares millionaire Spencer Golding and former energy minister Charles Hendry are among those named in the legal claim from administrator Smith & Williamson. The legal action also includes salacious details of how some of the bondholders money went on horses and a helicopter. Hume-Kendall is said by the Financial Times, which first reported the lawsuit, to have spent the proceeds on memberships of Annabels private members club. Also named in the case is Paul Careless, the former police officer whose business Surge Group marketed LCFs bonds through sophisticated social media advertising. According to the FT, the legal papers say nearly 60% of all the investors money - 136 million was channelled to its executives either directly or via loans to companies they controlled. The directors deny wrongdoing in the case which is currently the subject of a Serious Fraud Office investigation. According to the lawsuit, Hume-Kendall and his wife Helen received at least 24 million of investors cash, with the FT citing a source saying 250,000 was spent on Annabels memberships. Andy Thomson, LCF chief executive, allegedly got 5.3 million of bondholders cash. Spencer Golding, who was banned as a director during the events due to previous misdemeanours but was allegedly a major shareholder in LCF-linked companies, is alleged to have received 42.8 million. Elten Barker, a director of LCFs biggest borrower, London Oil & Gas, is alleged to have received at least 5 million. His lawyer denied the allegations, accusing the suit as being a way for the administrators to run up further fees. Careless is alleged to have personally received at least 8.5 million and his company, Surge, received 60.8 million. A spokesman for him said Surge was paid the market rate and that Careless and Surge would vigorously defend the action. Hume-Kendalls lawyer said he strongly denied the claims, a lawyer for Thomson did not comment, the FT reported, and representatives for Golding did not respond to the papers requests for comment. Five of the defendants are alleged to have failed to take sufficient steps to discover the alleged fraud. Former Conservative energy secretary Hendry said the case was without merit, claiming he always fulfilled his duties. Pradeep Oliver, partner at Cripps law firm, which is representing El Cuype and Waterside investors, said: The core group of individuals did not just start with LCF but were engaged in selling unregulated investments to unsophisticated clients as long ago as 2010-2011. "It is hoped that the action taken by the administrators will bring the individuals to account and provide clarity on the whereabouts of investor funds." Google urged the European Commission yesterday to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to the tech industry in its forthcoming Digital Services Act. (Yui Mok/PA) Google urged the European Commission yesterday to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to the tech industry in its forthcoming Digital Services Act. The EU executive is drawing up new rules for data-sharing and the digital marketplace as well as boosting competition after concluding that multiple antitrust actions against Google have been ineffectual. The Commission's public consultation period ends on September 8. In a blog post and 135-page submission, Google encouraged European legislators to provide greater clarity on rules and responsibilities of online platforms. It said while it was important to identify illegal content, mandating the use of technology to do that could 'overblock' Europeans' speech and access to information. The Commission should update its rules with a graduated scheme of exemptions from liability, including for search engines or cloud services, Google said. Hosting services such as Google's YouTube video channel should have to act expeditiously to remove or disable access to illegal content, Google said, but expressed concern that companies may be forced to prioritise speed over careful decision-making. The company also urged legislators not to impose what it termed undue costs for business in pandemic. A woman was arrested for smuggling marijuana for a man she met on the dating app Tinder, according to an arrest affidavit filed recently. Wendy Michelle Castillo was charged with possess with intent to distribute marijuana and conspire to possess with intent to distribute the marijuana. She has a detention hearing set for today. A white Aguila Express van with three occupants arrived at the Interstate 35 checkpoint on Aug. 21. The driver stated he had two passengers. One was identified as Castillo. She stated she was a U.S. citizen and presented a copy of her birth certificate. Agents then referred the van to secondary inspection. Castillo further stated she was on her way to San Antonio to see her boyfriend. She allegedly allowed agents to search her suitcase. Authorities then found one marijuana bundle weighing 26 pounds with an approximate street value of $20,800. Drug Enforcement Administration special agents took over the investigation. Castillo allegedly agreed to provide a post-arrest statement to the DEA. Castillo was on her way to San Antonio to see a man named Tony whom she had met on the dating app Tinder. Tony coordinated with a woman to purchase some clothes for Castillos trip. But authorities said that Castillo did not pack any personal clothes or hygiene items. She did not provide further information on Tony. DEA agents observed that the size of the marijuana bundle was the exact size of the suitcase. DEA agents also observed three pairs of clothes inside the suitcase that were used and oversized for Castillos body type, states the affidavit. His boss escaped financial misconduct charges by fleeing the country, but another former executive is still awaiting trial in Japan: Greg Kelly. Kelly's trial in Tokyo District Court is to open September 15, nearly two years after his arrest, and the same day he turns 64. If convicted of charges related to alleged under-reporting of Ghosn's income, Kelly could face up to a decade in prison. Even if acquitted, he has already paid a heavy price, unable to leave and go home to Tennessee while out on bail. He has yet to see his newborn grandchild. His wife got a student visa to stay with him in Tokyo. Kelly, like Ghosn, says he is innocent. Tokyo prosecutors say Kelly and Ghosn, the former chairman of Motor Co., violated financial laws by under-reporting Ghosn's pay by about 9 billion yen (USD 85 million) from 2011 through 2018. Jamie Wareham, Kelly's lawyer in the US, says a compensation agreement was never finalised. He believes the real motive was a corporate coup to oust Ghosn by others at who feared he might engineer a takeover by its French alliance partner, Renault. The whole thing is a fraud, Wareham told The Associated Press by phone. Ghosn could have been a star witness for the defense. But he is gone, having fled to Lebanon late last year, hidden in a box aboard a private jet. He is frustrated. He is upset, Wareham said of Kelly. He has been abused from the beginning by the Japanese system. Nissan's US division hired Kelly, who has a law degree, in 1988. He became a representative director in 2012, the first American on Nissan's board. Kelly worked in legal counsel and human resources at the company. He was arrested in November 2018, upon his arrival from the US in Japan, thinking he was going to attend Nissan meetings. Kelly has not been charged with breach of trust allegations that Ghosn is facing, which center around suspected use of Nissan money for personal purposes, including fancy homes. Ghosn's lawyers have argued the properties were needed for work, and contend that such questions could have been raised internally at the company and did not require prosecution. Tokyo Deputy Chief Prosecutor Hiroshi Yamamoto said the preparations for Kelly's trial took a long time because of the massive amounts of evidence involved. We feel we have a solid case with ample evidence to win a guilty verdict, Yamamoto told reporters recently. Wareham, Kelly's counsel, said prosecutors have sent the equivalent of a billion pages of documents, mostly in English, that can only be examined on a computer at the Tokyo legal team's office. They have yet to hand over more than 70 7-inch-size boxes full of material marked as evidence, with only two weeks left before the trial opens. Kelly's treatment has been unfair, Wareham said. But he is confident Kelly will be vindicated because he is so obviously innocent, he said. Nissan was charged as a company, and Nissan and Kelly will be tried together. Nissan has acknowledged guilt and made changes to the statements on compensation. It was fined 2.4 billion yen (USD 22.6 million) fine but still faces related charges. In a trial likely to last about a year, Nissan employees, including former Nissan Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa, are expected to testify in support of the prosecutors. Saikawa replaced Ghosn but resigned last year over financial misconduct allegations of his own. He has not been charged. Separately, is seeking the extradition of two Americans, Michael Taylor and his son Peter Taylor, wanted on charges of smuggling Ghosn out of They are being held in a Massachusetts jail without bail. Ghosn has repeatedly slammed Japan's court system, denouncing it as hostage justice. That is a widespread criticism given that the conviction rate is above 99 per cent. Suspects are routinely grilled by police or prosecutors without a lawyer present and held for months before trial, a practice that critics say leads to false confessions and lacks a presumption of innocence. At the heart of the whole Ghosn saga is the tendency for Japanese executives to be paid far less than their Western counterparts, while they work more as part of salaryman teams than as powerful leaders. In 2010, when Japan started requiring the public disclosure of individual executives' pay, Ghosn's USD 9.5 million annual salary raised eyebrows. Ghosn defended his higher than usual compensation as what he deserved for what he had achieved at Nissan, leading its turnaround from the brink of collapse after he was sent by Renault in 1999. Since Japan has no extradition treaty with Lebanon, it's unlikely Ghosn will ever face trial. But his legacy at Nissan is likely to overshadow Kelly's trial. My prayers go to Greg Kelly and his family who remain trapped by the Japanese Hostage Justice System, Ghosn said in a tweet earlier this year. (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.) Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared on Friday a Level 2 drought in Massachusetts, urging communities across the state to conserve water. Four months of below-average rainfall have led to significant drought conditions in all corners of the commonwealth with the lowest rainfall totals in southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands. The Berkshires and Worcester County saw the highest rainfall totals, according to a news release. Massachusetts is also experiencing a wildland fire risk statewide after above-normal temperatures in August. Although recent rain events have been helpful, the combination of four months of below-normal rainfall and consistently above normal temperatures throughout the summer have led to very dry conditions in every region of Massachusetts, Theoharides said in a statement Friday afternoon. Temperatures in August hovered in the 80s and 90s for most of the month, according to the Weather Underground. Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees above normal in much of the state, according to EEA. State officials are asking residents across the state to limit the amount of water they use indoors and outdoors. Theyre also advised to address plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Some of the short-term recommendations for residents and businesses are to limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans only after 5 p.m. or after 9 a.m. one day a week and follow local water use restrictions. The state advised cities and towns across the state to adopt the 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. outdoor water restrictions or, if local restrictions are stricter, to keep them in place throughout the drought. The state also recommended implementing drought surcharges or seasonal water rates, set water reduction targets and identify top water users in cities and towns to help them reduce their water use. EEA recommends cities and towns limit or ban these practices: Installing new sod, seeding or landscaping Watering within 48 hours of measurable rainfall Washing sidewalks, patios, driveways or siding Washing a personal car or boat Operating non-recirculating water fountains Filling swimming pools, hot tubs and informal rinks in a backyard Pittsfield officials announced new water conservation measures Friday, including an advisory that people should not water their lawns, wash their cars or use water outdoors for any other reason between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If theyre going to use or go into that activity, do it before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. on alternating days based on what side of the street they live, Public Utilities Commissioner Ricardo Morales told WAMC. Related Content: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday held talks with his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe on the sidelines of the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Moscow at a time when the two nuclear powers have been locked in a bitter border row in eastern Ladakh for around four months, officials familiar with the developments said. In the highest level of government contact between India and China since the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) unilaterally changed the status quo on the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May, the two ministers are understood to have discussed the border stalemate and the way forward to reduce military tensions in the Ladakh sector. The Chinese side had sought the meeting, the officials said. The meeting, details of which were yet to emerge at the time of going to press, came days after fresh tension erupted in the Ladakh sector following provocative Chinese actions on the southern bank of Pangong Lake and Indias counter-manoeuvres to occupy key heights that offer the Indian Army a sweeping view of Chinese military activity in the area. Hours before meeting Wei, Singh, while speaking at an SCO ministerial meeting in Moscow, underscored the need for countries in the SCO region to be sensitive to each others interests and resolve differences peacefully, with a climate of trust, non-aggression, sensitivity towards each other. The comments were made in the presence of Fenghe. Peaceful stable and secure region of SCO member states which is home to over 40% of global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each others interest and peaceful resolution of differences, Singh tweeted, summing up his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states. I reaffirm today that India is committed to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws... This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War as well as the formation of the United Nations, which underpins a peaceful world, where international laws and sovereignty of states are respected and states refrain from unilateral aggression on another, Singh was quoted by PTI as saying in his address. Singh and his Chinese counterpart met on a day Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said that the situation along the LAC was delicate and serious, and soldiers were prepared for any contingency. In Ladakh for a security review, Naravane said India would use existing mechanisms to reduce tensions and ensure that the status quo along the LAC is not unilaterally changed. The army chief said the Indian side was firmly committed to resolving the current situation through dialogue. The external affairs ministry on Thursday blamed China for the tensions along the LAC over the past four months and said the only way forward was through negotiations. In July, Singh said the progress in negotiations with China should help resolve the ongoing border dispute but he couldnt guarantee to what extent the situation will be resolved. Tensions flared in the Ladakh sector after the Indian Army occupied key heights on the southern bank of Pangong Lake to stop the PLA from grabbing Indian territory in a stealthy midnight move on August 29. The PLA made another provocative move on August 31, targeting these positions but the Indian Armys swift defensive action thwarted the Chinese attempt. Both sides have concentrated a significant number of soldiers, tanks and artillery pieces; and are within each others rifle range. The Indian Army has readjusted its deployments at multiple points along the LAC, including the northern bank of Pangong Lake, to prevent the PLA from making aggressive moves to unilaterally alter the status quo in contested areas. In his address earlier during the day, Singh also flagged concerns about the situation in the Persian Gulf region. He said: India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all states in the Gulf. We call upon countries in the region all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other. Singh said the security situation in Afghanistan was a matter of concern and New Delhi would continue to support the efforts of the people and Afghan government for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process. Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday termed the ongoing border tension with China as unprecedented situation and said that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty. It is an unprecedented situation; we have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, lives of soldiers which has not happened in the last 40 years, Shringla said while speaking at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) webinar on India-China border issue. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ATHENS, Greece - Despite a denial from Greece, the chief of NATO said Friday that Greece and Turkey have started technical discussions aimed at reducing the risk of armed conflict or accidents amid military tensions between the allies over offshore energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean. No agreement has been reached from the military-level talks, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. Greeces foreign minister, meanwhile, headed to New York to discuss the regional dispute centred around maritime boundaries and drilling rights. Neighbours and NATO allies Greece and Turkey have been locked for weeks in a tense standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is prospecting the seabed for energy reserves in an area Greece claims as its own continental shelf. Ankara says it has every right to prospect there and accuses Greece of trying to grab an unfair share of maritime resources. Stoltenberg announced Thursday that the two sides had agreed to start technical talks to reduce the risks of military incidents and accidents. But Athens quickly denied any such agreement, saying Turkey must first withdraw its ships from the area where it is carrying out gas and oil prospecting. Ankara said it backed Stoltenbergs initiative for military and technical talks and called on Greece to do the same. On Friday, the NATO chief said Greek, Turkish and allied military officers had begun talks aimed at ensuring that some of the standoffs between the two countries armed forces in the Mediterranean dont break out into open conflict. NATO officials said the first talks were held Thursday. As long as we have so many ships in the eastern Mediterranean, we believe that there is a need to have technical talks on how to develop enhanced mechanisms for deconfliction, Stoltenberg told reporters. No agreement has been reached yet, but the talks have started. While its relatively rare for NATO to have to step in to reduce tensions between member nations, the military alliance has helped set up similar systems in the past, including communications hotlines for use in case of emergencies. Stoltenberg underlined that the military-level talks are only aimed at avoiding any incident between Greece and Turkey and are very distinct from the diplomatic efforts to find a long-term solution to the standoff. These are technical talks rather than negotiations on the underlying dispute between Greece and Turkey and as such they are meant to complement, not replace, the efforts led by Germany for political mediation towards deescalation, he said. Since Turkey dispatched a vessel accompanied by warships to do exploratory research, Greeces armed forces have been placed on alert. Both countries sent warships to the area and carried out live-fire exercises between the islands of Crete and Cyprus and Turkeys southern coast. Simulated dogfights between Greek and Turkish fighter pilots have multiplied over the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. A Turkish and a Greek frigate collided last month, reportedly causing minor damage to the Turkish frigate but no injuries. The crisis is the most serious in the two countries relations in decades. The neighbours have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over maritime resources in the Aegean Sea. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will focus on issues of international and regional interest, with an emphasis on current developments in the eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue, as well as the role of the U.N.. the Greek Foreign Ministry said. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Dendias would be delivering a letter from him to Guterres detailing what he said was Turkeys illegal activity in the region. Speaking with Chinas top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Athens, Mitsotakis said Greece faces aggression from Turkey and actions that dispute every rule of the U.N. charter, with a rhetoric that distorts history and changes geography, undermining legality and with actions that are endangering security in the entire Mediterranean. Mitsotakis said Greece supports good neighbourly relations, and noted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he is open to dialogue. And to this I reply with six clear words: The provocations stop, the dialogue starts, Mitsotakis said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu meanwhile accused Greece of lying about the NATO initiative, saying Stoltenberg had consulted with Ankara and Athens and both agreed to the technical talks before making his announcement. Greece has refuted the NATO secretary general, Cavusoglu told reporters. But it isnt the NATO secretary general who is lying, its Greece itself who is lying. ... Greece has once again shown that it does not favour a dialogue. Cavusoglu and Stoltenberg later held a telephone conversation to discuss the eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, but didnt provide details. A Greek Foreign Ministry official retorted that Cavusoglu anxious to shift the focus of the debate from Turkeys illegal behaviour, has baptized as talks a NATO proposal on a technical level for a reduction of the tension Turkey itself is causing in the eastern Mediterranean region. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak on the record on the issue. Meanwhile, the spokesman for Turkeys ruling party, Omer Celik, said the European Union could no longer count on Turkeys co-operation in stemming the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe if it goes ahead with plans to sanction Turkey over its exploration operations in the eastern Mediterranean. I dont expect things to come to the point of sanctions. The EU should not expect co-operation on refugees after that time, Celik said in an interview with Turkeys NTV news channel. They should not think that they can sanction (Turkey) in the eastern Mediterranean and continue to co-operate in other areas. Earlier this year, tens of thousands of migrants gathered at Turkeys border with Greece, demanding to be allowed to cross, after the Turkish president declared the borders with Europe open to migrants wanting to head into EU nations. ___ Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report. Read more about: By Trend In a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus in schools, the Ministry of Education will provide public schools with face masks, non-contact infrared thermometers, disinfection barriers and surface disinfectants, Trend reports citing 1tv.ge. According to the Ministry of Education, the distribution has started and for the new school year, all public schools will be equipped with the above-mentioned sanitary facilities. The Ministry notes its one of the most important tasks is to provide students with educational resources. Public schools in Georgia will start a new school year on September 15. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz STORY LINK Pound to Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate Under Pressure as Canadian Exports Beat Forecasts Strong Canadian Export Growth Drags on Pound Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate Softer Labour Market Data Forecast to Limit Canadian Dollar Demand GBP/CAD Exchange Rate Looks for Boost on UK Construction PMI Strength Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: A better-than-expected month of exports for the Canadian economy helped to keep the Pound Sterling to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate under pressure.While forecasts had pointed towards an improvement in trade conditions the trade deficit narrowed further than forecast in July, offering encouragement to the Canadian Dollar.With export volumes picking up markets were spurred to take a more optimistic view of the economic outlook, in spite of the lingering risk of further disruption stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.As it remains to be seen whether these signs of economic recovery can be sustained in the months ahead, though, this limited the downside pressure on the GBP/CAD exchange rate.The mood towards the Canadian Dollar could sour sharply heading into the weekend, however, as investors brace for the release of Augusts Canadian jobs data.Expectations of a smaller monthly increase in employment may see the Canadian Dollar falling out of favour on Friday.Even if the unemployment rate edges down from 10.9% to 10.1% as anticipated the GBP/CAD exchange rate could still benefit from worries over the strength of the labour market.Any softening in average hourly wages for August may equally dent CAD exchange rates, given the extent of the challenges currently facing households and the wider economy.Unless the labour market shows signs of picking back up as the initial impact of the Covid-19 outbreak fades the Canadian Dollar could see itself trending lower once again.In the wake of a disappointing UK services PMI, with the finalised reading falling short of the initial estimate, the Pound may struggle to find traction against its rivals.Even so, the GBP/CAD exchange rate could stage some gains on the back of Augusts corresponding UK construction PMI.While the construction sector only accounts for a limited fraction of the UK gross domestic product a positive reading here may still improve the appeal of the Pound.Evidence of greater resilience within the UK economy would give investors greater cause for confidence in the outlook, even in the face of persistent Brexit concerns.However, with talks between UK and EU officials showing signs of stalling once again the lingering threat of a December cliff-edge could dampen the potential for GBP/CAD exchange rate gains.Even if the UK economy can bounce back from the impact of the Covid-19 crisis a hard Brexit scenario would risk reversing any progress, putting businesses under renewed strain in 2021.As a result, anything short of positive progress towards an agreement between the two sides may push the Pound lower against its rivals in the days ahead. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Canadian Dollar Forecasts Jessika Power has defended herself after a supplements company claimed she was paid $1,600 for a sponsored post which never materialised, before then cutting off communication with them. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Friday, the 27-year-old former Married At First Sight star claimed she'd told the company she was unwell and intended to return the money in two weeks' time. 'I'm really, really sick. I'm in and out of surgery at the moment. The medicine I'm on makes me really sick. I've been vomiting, I'm bed-bound, I haven't even been going to college because of it,' she said. Speaking out: Jessika Power (pictured) has defended herself after a supplements company claimed she was paid $1,600 for a sponsored post which never materialised, before then cutting off communication with them 'I let them know that [I'm sick]. I told them, "Look, I'm actually really, really sick. I'm really sorry that this has happened,"' she added. 'I said, "At the moment, I'm unable to pay back the agreement, but it will be paid to you in two weeks."' Jessika, who did not disclose the nature of her illness, said the company's accusations that she had kept the money before cutting off communication online had 'really, really upset' her. Communication: Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Friday, the 27-year-old former Married At First Sight star claimed she'd told the company she was unwell and intended to return the money in two weeks' time Jessika explained that her manager was now handling the disagreement. In a lengthy post on Facebook recently, the company's director, Brooke Whale, claimed Jessika had accepted the payment but never delivered on a sponsored post for Soothe my Mood supplements. 'Since paying her $1,600 for 1 x Instagram post and 1 x Instagram story, she has completely fallen off the face of the earth,' Ms Whale wrote. Taking a toll: Jessika, who did not disclose the nature of her illness, said the company's accusations that she had kept the money before cutting off communication online had 'really, really upset' her 'She suddenly stopped replying to emails. We sent her three to four emails spread out over about a month asking when the sponsored posts were coming and they all went unanswered... 'We have been struggling with this whole ordeal for about two months now and are getting absolutely nowhere.' Jessika claimed the company's post had gone 'viral' and consequently she had been inundated with abuse on social media. Stepping back: Jessika explained that her manager was now handling the disagreement She said she only agreed to help the company 'out of the goodness of my own heart', knowing they're a new business. 'They're a small company starting out. The only reason why I agreed to help them on a very small amount of money - I normally charge $3,500 for a post - I'm only helping you because you're a small brand,' she added. Jessika said she prides herself on being professional, which is why she has long-term deals with several different brands. Bad for business: In a lengthy post on Facebook recently, the company's director, Brooke Whale, claimed Jessika had accepted the payment but never delivered on a sponsored post for Soothe my Mood supplements 'I've been crying over this. This is the first time I've ever been upset about social media,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'And I went through so much s**t with MAFS! And it's because this is my job, this is my work, and I pride myself with how I am online.' In a statement on Friday, Ms Whale said she was still waiting for a refund. Tearful: 'I've been crying over this. This is the first time I've ever been upset about social media,' Jessika told Daily Mail Australia 'We only shared our experience with her. If this came across as negative, that's because it was. Since posting to Facebook, we have also not engaged in any other social media activity relating to Jessika,' Ms Whale said. 'As we have said numerous times now, we just want our money back so we can cut ties with Jessika and move on. 'We have no interest in an online feud and do not condone bullying of any kind. If Jessika has experienced bullying as a result of our Facebook post, we are sorry for that.' A Tibetan member of an Indian special forces unit died near the site of a border flare-up with Chinese troops as the bleak mountain of Ladakh offered a rare glimpse into a little-known group of elite, high-altitude warriors. The exact circumstances leading to the death of Special Frontier Force Company leader Nyima Tenzin are unknown - much like the mysterious regiment itself. The 53-year-old was killed near the shores of the Pangong Tso in the western Himalayas as Indian and Chinese forces came close to direct confrontation in the area over the weekend. SSF celeberation along China occupied Tibet border with Ladakh, India . Khampa warrior,and their music . pic.twitter.com/zjdL3AzYma sorig ladakhspa () (@sonamrigzin1) September 1, 2020 Its a force even the defence forces are reluctant to speak about, a force under the direct administrative control of the cabinet secretariat and the PMO, but fighting alongside the Army in the toughest terrains. With tensions rising along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, the Special Frontier Force or the SFF is once again in focus. PLAs Western Theatre Command moved into the Galwan valley with its salami slicing move. The resistance and counter move from the Indian side have been led by the SFF. This is a force with nearly 60 years of history behind it. The top-secret guerrilla regiment, also known as Establishment 22 (read as two-two), was raised by the Nehru govt in 1962, during the war with China. The unit, now based out of Chakrata in Uttarakhand, was tasked with engaging in covert operations behind enemy lines in the tough Himalayan mountainous terrain. The SFF was drawn out of ethnic Tibetans who have an axe to grind against the Chinese. The first recruits were some of the guards who had fled Tibet along with the Dalai Lama. Indian Intelligence officials took the help of the Tibetan guerrilla fighters of Chushi Gangdruk to raise this top secret unit comprising Tibetan refugees in India and the dreaded Khampa warriors. Just a week after this force was founded, China declared ceasefire in the 1962 war. But their training continued. Guerrilla war veteran Major General Sujan Singh Uban was the first Inspector General of the force. Over the years, the SFF has repeatedly shown its mettle in various theatres of war. They played a key role in stopping Pakistani forces at Chhittagong during the Bangladesh war of 1971, Operation Bluestar in 1984, in securing the Siachen glacier in 1984 and the Kargil war against Pakistan in 1999. Though not officially a part of the Army, many officers, including the former Army Chief Dalbir Suhag have spent time with the force on deputation. Each commando of the unit is trained in mountain warfare, guerrilla warfare, clandestine operations and intelligence gathering among others. Also known as Vikasis, the SFF jawans are trained to fight till the last man standing. One day, surely one day, we will teach the Chinese a lesson says their regimental song. LONDON, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The chief executive of Paladigm Capital has received two honours in the 2020 Business Worldwide Magazine CEO Awards. Olzhas Zhiyenkulov was named 'Most Innovative CEO in Singapore Wealth Management Industry' & 'Financial Services CEO of the Year - Singapore' for his innovative work in the overcrowded finance space. The Awards seek to identify and honor the Most Respected C-level executives across the globe from a variety of different sectors. The awards themselves do not focus on a company's success, as many do, but the spotlight is on the success of individuals who make the corporations tick- namely senior executives such as CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors and senior-level management. The intention is to give a worthy individual the recognition he/she deserves as well as to use their example to inspire other companies and business leaders to achieve similar success. Based in Singapore, Paladigm Capital offers asset and wealth management, consulting and advisory services to clients in the emerging economies of Central and South-East Asia. The company is dedicated to bringing clarity to the world of finance through in-depth research, market insights and a bespoke suite of private investment, wealth management and advisory services. As a seasoned wealth manager, Olzhas understands that buying any new product can be confusing - particularly in a saturated market - so he set out to make it easier for investors to make informed decisions. Paladigm Capital is a boutique set-up that offers best in class investment opportunities for a specific target audience by being innovative, engaging and clear about market opportunities and risks. Its extensive range of products have been designed to match client demands, by gaining a deep understanding of what each individual investor is looking to achieve. The ability to foster strategic partnerships is a key ingredient in the company's success. Paladigm has partnered up with some of the leading technological providers in Singapore, and will shortly be launching a new product in partnership with Schroders, a global investment manager with a large presence and market leadership position in the Asia Pacific region. The Coronavirus pandemic has taken the company on a new journey into unchartered waters, bringing with it an array of social, financial, logistical and compliance issues. Unlike many boutique wealth management companies that have failed to survive these trying times, Paladigm has managed to adapt to the challenges and continues to thrive. Olzhas explained the secret of his success to Business Worldwide Magazine: "I learned that if you want to be the best, work with the best. We are excited about the relationships we have fostered and will continue to build meaningful collaborations in order to provide exceptional investment solutions for our investors. After all, the secret is not in reinventing the wheel but carefully applying it to achieve your destination in the most effective manner. " To learn more about Paladigm Capital visit https://paladigm.capital/ An article on the company can be found on the BWM website: https://www.bwmonline.com/2020/08/17/paladigm-capital-bring-clarity-to-an-overcrowded-financial-world/ Further information about the Business Worldwide Magazine CEO Awards 2020 visit https://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ceo-awards-2020-winners/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. Contact David Jones Awards Department E: david@bwmonline.com BarcelonaCitizens platform Amnistia i Llibertat [Amnesty and Freedom] announced on Thursday that they intend to promote an amnesty bill to be put through the Spanish parliament. The announcement came at an event held in Ateneu Barcelones with former Catalan minister Carles Mundo convicted over the 2017 independence bid in attendance. Also present were ERC MP Josep Maria Jove, who is being probed by Catalonias High Court of Justice and faces charges for helping to stage the 2017 independence vote. The platform intends for the petition to kick off right away. Joan Queralt, one of the jurists who have drafted the bill, explained that the amnesty would be applicable to any crimes committed between 2013 and whenever the bill is turned into law. Queralt emphasised that this is an important detail, as they also aim for the amnesty to include anyone convicted over the November 2014 non-binding independence vote, such as former Catalan president Artur Mas. The amnesty law would benefit everyone who has been found guilty of crimes to do with Catalonias independence bid, not just the political prisoners. Joan Queralt was very critical of Madrids actions and specifically referred to the Supreme Court verdict in the case against the Catalan political leaders who staged the 2017 independence referendum: If a student of mine submitted such a poor sentence, they would get an E, it is so bad. The platform realises that its plan is a tall order, as not one of the five main Spanish political parties supports the idea of a general pardon (Podemos does not oppose it, but they prefer to explore other less complex avenues). Queralt warned that, no matter how successful the petition and the bill are, the political parties will need to show a willingness for the platforms undertaking to bear fruit. Gemma Ubasart, the political scientist and former Podemos leader in Catalonia, also spoke at the event to say that such a bill could be passed in parliament, but that it will require painstaking work. She added that this must be approached as a long-term goal, but I am feeling optimistic. She also spoke in favour of helping the convicted leaders by other means, such as an official pardon or amending Spains criminal code. Political Scientists Sonia Andolz advised the Catalan and Spanish governments to engage in talks as a first step towards a future amnesty: First they should agree on a shared analysis of the roots of the conflict. The right to petition Susanna Pages, Amnistia i Llibertats spokesperson, explained that they will try to put their bill through parliament by invoking the right to petition, which allows members of the public to appeal to any public institution, administration or authority. The right to petition is enshrined in the Spanish Constitution and was egulated by means of an Act in 2001. No limit is set on the number of signatures required to take an issue through the Spanish parliament you merely need to meet the formal requirements, but the platform hopes to garner massive support. The bill which they aim to table has not been unveiled yet, but it will have eight articles, one of which details that this amnesty falls within Spanish law. Regardless of whether their initiative succeeds or not, it is a way to explain and promote the amnesty proposal among the Catalan public. In order to do so, the promoters have vowed to stage numerous actions across Catalonia, including some that might be controversial. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Future Market Insights (FMI) offers a 9-year forecast of the refractometers market between 2018 and 2027. In terms of value, the refractometers market is expected to register a high CAGR during the forecast period. This study demonstrates the global refractometers market dynamics and trends across six regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, APEJ and MEA, which influence the current nature and the future status of the refractometers market over the forecast period. Report Description This research report provides a detailed analysis of the refractometers market and offers insights on the various factors driving the popularity of refractometers. The report includes an extensive analysis of the key industry drivers, challenges, market trends and market structure. The market study provides a comprehensive assessment of the stakeholder strategies and imperatives for succeeding in the business. The report segregates the market based on technology, application and different regions globally. The refractometers market is expected to witness significant value growth during the forecast period owing to the rising importance of food quality and the availability of refractometers in various sizes and types. The report starts with an overview of the refractometers market in terms of value. In addition, this section includes an analysis of the key trends, drivers and challenges from the supply, demand and economy side, which are influencing the refractometers market. A detailed analysis has been provided for every segment in terms of the market size analysis for refractometers across different regions. The next section of the refractometers market report contains a detailed analysis of the refractometers market across various countries in the region. It provides a market outlook for 20182027, and sets the forecast within the context of the refractometers market, which includes the latest technological developments as well as offerings in the refractometers market. This study discusses the key trends within countries contributing to growth of the market, as well as analyses the degrees at which the drivers are influencing the refractometers market in each region. Key regions and countries assessed in this report include North America (U.S. & Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico & the rest of Latin America), Europe (Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Russia & the rest of Europe), Japan, APEJ (China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia & the rest of APEJ) and MEA (GCC Countries, Israel, South Africa & the rest of MEA). This report evaluates the present scenario as well as the growth prospects of the market across various regions globally for the period 2018 2027. We have considered 2017 as the base year, and provided data for the remaining 12 months. To offer an accurate forecast, we have started by sizing the current market, which forms the basis of how the market will grow in the future. Given the characteristics of the refractometers market, we have triangulated the outcome of different types of analysis based on the technology trends. For more insights into the Market, request a sample of this report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1739 As previously highlighted, the global refractometers market is split into a number of segments. All the segments in terms of product type, substance used, end-user and different regions are analysed in terms of basis points to understand the relative contributions of individual segments to market growth. This detailed information is important for the identification of various key trends in the global refractometers market. In addition, another key feature of this report is the analysis of all key segments in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. This is traditionally overlooked while forecasting the market. However, absolute dollar opportunity is critical in assessing the level of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve, as well as to identify the potential resources from a sales and delivery perspective in the global refractometers market. In the final section of the report, we have included a competitive landscape to provide clients a dashboard view based on the categories of providers in the value chain, their presence in the refractometers market and key differentiators. This section is primarily designed to provide clients an objective and detailed comparative assessment of the key providers specific to a market segment in the refractometers supply chain and the potential players for the same. Report audiences can gain segment-specific vendor insights to identify and evaluate the key competitors based on an in-depth assessment of their capabilities and success in the marketplace. The detailed profiles of providers are also included in the scope of the report to evaluate their long-term and short-term strategies, key offerings and recent developments in the refractometers market. Some of the key competitors covered in the report are Thermo Fisher Scientific AMETEK; Shimadzu Corporation; Anton Paar GmbH; Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, LLC; KRuSS Optronic GmbH; Hanna Equipments India Pvt. Ltd.; ATAGO; Rudolph Research Analytical; MISCO Refractometer and Xylem Analytics. Key Segments By Product Type Handheld Refractometers Digital Refractometers Abbe Refractometers By Substance Used Solid Liquid Gas By End-Use Food Processing Gemmology Research Centres Oil Industry Paint Pharmaceuticals Educational Research For Information On The Research Approach Used In The Report, Request Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1739 Key Regions North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Europe Germany U.K. France Spain Russia Rest of Europe APEJ China India Malaysia Singapore Australia Rest of APEJ Japan MEA GCC Countries Israel South Africa Rest of MEA Key Companies Rudolph Research Analytical, Thermo Fisher Scientific, KRuSS Optronic GmbH, Shimadzu Corporation, Anton Paar GmbH, ATAGO, AMETEK, Mettler-Toledo International Inc., Hanna Equipments India Pvt. Ltd., MISCO Refractometer, Xylem Analytics and Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, LLC. Safety review of first dose-level cohort allows progression to second cohort of colorectal cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis in Radspherin clinical trial. OSLO, Norway, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncoinvent AS, a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company developing novel radioisotope-based therapies announced today that the trial Safety Monitoring Committee overseeing the first-in-human Phase 1 clinical study of Radspherin in colorectal cancer patients suffering from peritoneal carcinomatosis have approved the advancement of the study to the second level dosing cohort. Jan A. Alfheim, Chief Executive Officer of Oncoinvent, stated, "Clearance from the trial's Safety Monitoring Committee to proceed to next dosing cohort is an important milestone in the ongoing clinical trial. Ultimately, our goal with our two ongoing Phase 1 trials is to identify the optimal dose of Radspherin for treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. In addition to determining the safety parameters of the drug, the phase 1 trials will enable us to obtain key biodistribution information and, potentially, initial indication of treatment efficacy. Based on current projections we are on track to complete the dose range finding part of the Phase 1 trial next year and report early patient data from both studies by the end of 2021." About the Study The phase 1 open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial is designed to assess the dose, safety and tolerability of Radspherin, an a-emitting radionuclide therapy, administered into the intraperitoneal cavity in subjects with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal carcinoma following complete cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Key objectives in the study include determining maximum tolerated dose, abdominal biodistribution, and preliminary anti-tumor activity. Please refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional clinical trial details. About Radspherin Radspherin is a novel alpha-emitting radioactive microsphere suspension designed for treatment of metastatic cancers in body cavities. The radium-224 based therapeutic, Radspherin has shown strong and consistent anticancer activity at doses being essentially non-toxic in preclinical studies. It is anticipated that the product can potentially be used to treat several forms of metastatic cancer. About Oncoinvent Oncoinvent AS is a privately held Norwegian company based in Oslo, Norway. The company is committed to developing new innovative products to provide better treatment options to cancer patients. The company's founders started Oncoinvent in 2010 with a view to designing better cancer treatments by applying known physical and chemical principles of selected novel materials in new ways to maximize their medical benefit while minimizing potential safety concerns. This approach has allowed the company to explore and develop multiple technological avenues before selecting a lead product candidate for preclinical testing. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Jan A. Alfheim, Chief Executive Officer Cell: +47 46 44 00 45 Email: alfheim@oncoinvent.com IR enquiries: Tore Kvam, Chief Financial Officer Cell: +47 95 93 41 99 Email: kvam@oncoinvent.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/oncoinvent-as/r/oncoinvent-advances-radspherin--to-second-dose-level-in-ongoing-phase-1-clinical-trial,c3188914 The following files are available for download: She became a pop sensation with hit songs such as Girls and Anywhere. But Rita Ora oozed rock glamour on Friday evening as she enjoyed a night out in London. The British star, 29, wore a striking pair of diagonal two tone trousers and a low cut cardigan as she strolled through the city centre. Rock chick: Rita Ora oozed rock glamour on Friday evening as she enjoyed a night out in London She kept her long blonde tresses in an effortlessly stylish loose wave with a middle parting for the 80s' inspired look. Rita also opted for a dewy makeup look that featured smokey brown eye-shadow and rose-tinted lip. The blonde beauty rocked a pair of brown fitted trousers, with a contrasting diagonal leather panel that ran across her hips. Night out: The singing sensation, 29, wore a striking pair of diagonal two tone trousers and a low cut cardigan as she strolled through the city centre She left little to the imagination as she exposed her midriff and cleavage in a revealing black cardigan For the eclectic look, she accessorised with a mixture of silver necklaces and opted for a bedazzled buckle belt that sparkled under the flash of the paparazzi cameras. She brought the outfit together with a leather black bucket bag adorned with diamond tassles. Hell for leather: Rita left little to the imagination in her low cut cardigan and brown fitted trousers, with a contrasting diagonal leather panel that ran across her hips Diamonds are a girl's best friend: For the eclectic look, she accessorised with a mixture of silver necklaces and opted for a bedazzled buckle belt Finishing touches: The British hitmaker brought the outfit together with a leather black bucket bag with diamond tassels and matching tassle earrings As she made her way across the street, she displayed her black vinyl platform heels that finished off the rock chick look. Rita recently returned from Capri in Italy where she fulfilled her ambassador duties and performed at the UNICEF ball. At the star-studded charity event, she donned a floral embroidered semi-sheer gown and made sure all eyes were on her for the red carpet. Platform: She added height to her frame with a pair of retro-style black platform boots as she crossed the street in the city centre Safe: As she headed out for the evening, Rita donned a protective face mask to ensure she was adhering to new COVID-19 safety measures She wore a panelled corset that was peppered with intricate floral and sequin embroidery. Wrapped over the top was strategically placed sheer fabric with glistening sequin stripes that bent around her curves and accentuated her hourglass physique. The show-stopping number trailed along the floor and draped over Rita's shoulder as she delivered the perfect pose to camera. Rita opted for an equally decorative shoe as she was seen wearing diamond encrusted heels. She wore an elegant pair of silver teardrop earrings with rose-coloured jewels that complimented her makeup pallet of pink hues. Off she goes! The star jumped into a waiting car in the rain after enjoying an evening at the London hotspot Hard to miss: The star certainly made a statement with her bold bedazzled ensembel Funky: She flashed a hint of her toned tummy in the open black cardigan Departing: Greeted by a security guard, Rita was seen leaving Nobu after a night out Rita also kept her highlighted blonde tresses in a chic updo. The songstress wore a face mask as she posed alongside Italian opera legend, Andrea Bocelli. Rita also posed alongside Andrea Panconesi who is the chief executive of the luxury fashion retailer, LuisaViaRoma, who were responsible for organising the event in aid of the UNICEF charity. The blonde beauty changed outfits as she took the stage to perform, she rocked a silver asymmetric crop top that shimmered under the dazzling lights, and a matching v-waist skirt. The 29-year-old commented on the event from her Twitter account: 'My first event and carpet since lockdown!!! A suicide bomber on Tuesday killed seven civilians in a village housing displaced people in Cameroons restive northern tip bordering Nigeria, where deadly attacks have been on the rise. The police officer said Tuesdays bombing followed a Boko Haram raid on a village, adding: The people fled and a young man strapped with explosives chased them and blew himself up. The Cameroonian government uses the term Boko Haram to refer loosely to the Nigerian jihadist group of the same name, as well as the breakaway Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said it firmly condemns this attack which killed seven civilians and wounded 14 others in Kouyape village. The suicide bomb attack took place near Kolofata, close to the border with Nigeria, where some 18,000 internally displaced people have sought safety over the past seven years, the refugee agency said. Cameroons far north, an impoverished strip of land between Chad and Nigeria, has been a regular target of raids and assaults by Boko Haram since 2013. The jihadist group launched its insurgency in Nigeria in 2009 before spilling over into neighbouring Cameroon, Niger and Chad. It has killed more than 30,000 people, forcing three million to flee their homes, according to the UN. We are horrified by these senseless attacks on people who have been torn from their villages, fleeing violence perpetrated by armed gangs which rage in the region, only to be stripped of safety again after they just found refuge elsewhere, said Olivier Guillaume Beer, UNHCR Representative in Cameroon. The killing of innocent civilians has to stop, he said. We call on armed groups to respect the rights and lives of civilian populations. The attack came a month after 18 people died and 15 were injured by an armed group on the Nguetchewe IDP site. Two young suicide bombers were involved in the attacks, according to officials. Boko Haram has staged nearly 90 attacks in Cameroon since January. Story continues On August 25, ISWAP attacked a Cameroonian island near the Nigerian border killing 14 people, according to Nigerian authorities. Security experts say ISWAP is extending its grip and influence around Lake Chad, a vast, marshy area also shared by Niger and Chad. (AFP) New data released by the US Department of Labor on Thursday showed that 881,000 jobless workers filed new unemployment claims last week, exploding claims of an economy in recovery as the worst job crisis in generations continues. An additional 759,000 people applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which was created as part of the CARES Act for self-employed, contract, freelance and so-called gig workers, an increase of roughly 150,000 from the week before. The total of more than 1.6 million workers newly unemployed is more than double the worst figure reported during the 2008-2009 financial crash. People line up at a food distribution site in Chelsea, Massachusetts [Credit: AP Photo/David Goldman] Five weeks have passed since enhanced unemployment benefits enacted as part of the CARES Act were allowed to lapse by the Democrats and Republicans in Congress. The Republican-controlled Senate and the Democratic-controlled House were equally indifferent to the plight of tens of millions of workers cut off the $600-a-week supplementary federal benefit that had been added to their state unemployment compensation. Nearly six months after the passage of the CARES Act, the results are clear, according to an analysis from Forbes that tracked 643 billionaires wealth from mid-March through early August. The groups collective wealth increased by over $685 billion, while at the same time in the US, nearly 30 million have lost their jobs, over 5.4 million have lost health care coverage, an estimated one in seven US adults are now going without necessities, and nearly 40 million people face eviction by the end of the year. Since the expiration of enhanced benefits, more than 5 million people have filed for unemployment compensation. All told, some 60 million unemployment claims have been filed in the US since mid-March, while an astounding 29.2 million workers, nearly one in five workers, were receiving some kind of unemployment benefit from the federal government and state governments in mid-August. The scale of the crisis is many times greater than any seen in living memory. At the height of the Great Recession a decade ago, nearly 7 million people were collecting unemployment benefits, which steadily declined to under 2 million by March 2020. In the last six months that number has more than quadrupled and remains near 30 million, a figure that severely undercounts the number of actual unemployed workers. Thursdays new unemployment claims data mark only the second time in the last 22 weeks that the Labor Department reported less than one million new claims. However, the federal agency recently changed its methodology in reporting overall jobless claims. In a press release, the department advised that it was adjusting its seasonal calculations from using multiplicative factors to additive factors that the department states will be more accurate in the presence of a large level shift in a time series. These adjusted figures do not take into account workers who have had their hours reduced drastically or cut off completely, as is the case with many retail and hospitality sectors. The numbers also do not account for workers who are still nominally employed, but who have not been called back to work yet. Such is the case with office workers in various industries who have been given the option of taking an unpaid leave of absence, thereby remaining employed, but no longer collecting a paycheck. An August 8 memorandum signed by US President Donald Trump, dubbed the Lost Wages Assistance program, called for distributing $300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits on top of state benefits, to be drawn from a $44 billion Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) fund. This has yet to materialize for millions of workers. As of this writing, 45 states have been approved by FEMA to begin distributing funds, but only six so farArizona, Louisiana, Montana, Missouri, Tennessee and Texashave actually begun to do so. Dozens of states are unable to give a start date to prospective beneficiaries. According to an estimate by the Century Foundation, if all states and the District of Columbia were to participate in the program, the FEMA fund would be exhausted in six weeks. Further pinching already tight purses is the fact that food prices continue to increase, even as supply chain issues have largely been resolved. An August report on the Consumer Price Index found that food prices had increased by 4.1 percent in 2020 compared to July 2019. Staple products such as eggs, ground beef and milk have continued to increase in price, by as much as 10 percent, even as farmers struggle to break even. As joblessness continues to rise, lines for food banks stretch for miles in US cities. The continued jobless crisis, coupled with congressional inaction in refusing to extend the $600 federal unemployment benefit at the end of July, has exacerbated hunger in the US. Hunger has always been used to bludgeon the poor and working class into accepting low-paying and dangerous work, even during so-called good times, and is now being used to force workers, including school teachers, back into classrooms and workplaces despite the ongoing and unchecked spread of the coronavirus throughout the country. In a report in yesterdays New York Times, Terry McNamara, 74, a grandfather from Parma, a working class suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio, succinctly described the situation as the Great Depression with minivans. For McNamara, his daughter and five grandchildren, the waiting in cars for hours to pick up food from local food banks and charities has become a near-daily ritual. Feeding America, the largest network of food banks and pantries in the US, estimated before the pandemic that a colossal 37 million people in the US, including 11 million children, were food insecure. Feeding America now estimates that over 54 million could face food insecurity in 2020, with up to 18 million of these being children, for whom the lack of regular nourishing meals can have debilitating effects on growth and healthy development. In response to a public outcry, the US Department of Agriculture reversed an earlier decision that would have required parents to pay for a summer school lunch program that started in March after schools were shut down. The extension, however, is good only until December 31, after which the estimated 30 million children who have been fed through the program will be cut off. In Texas, Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, spoke to ABC13 on the ongoing demand for the groups services. Were certainly helping at levels we never saw before. In the early months of this pandemic, we were distributing at the rate of about a million pounds a day Greene said. Right now, were doing about 800,000 pounds a day. Thats not quite double where we were before the pandemic, but its still way above what were used to. In Orlando, Florida, where the unemployment rate was 15.3 percent in July, workers began arriving at a food distribution point this past Saturday morning at 4 a.m. for the chance to receive much needed groceries. After 4 hours of waiting, the line of cars stretched for over two miles, the longest it has been in the past 16 weeks. Speaking to the Orlando Sentinel, Nick Canturano, a furloughed restaurant worker, remarked, Every week it gets worse. Gandhinagar, Sep 4 : Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the only Chief Minister to be invited to the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's (USISPF) third leadership summit, on Friday said that Gujarat presented great opportunities for the US companies and was developing facilities for the pharmaceutical sector in the state. He invited the US API companies to invest in Gujarat and tie-up with Indian pharmaceutical companies. Speaking at the five-day special public session on 'Navigating New Challenges' Rupani said, "Gujarat presents great opportunities to the US companies. We are developing robust infrastructural facilities for pharmaceutical sector in the form of a Bulk Drug Park in Bharuch and Medical Device Park near Rajkot." The special public session was hosted by the USISPF to focus on the investment opportunities in Gujarat. "I invite the startups in US and Gujarat to join hands and start a formalized startup engagement programme to develop business ecosystems in diverse areas like semi-conductors, electronics and e-vehicles," the Chief Minister said. "The state government will appoint a senior nodal officer from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) to facilitate American companies to partner with Gujarat," Rupani said. The CM said that Gujarat was open for tie-ups in life sciences, defence, petrochemicals, clean energy, warehousing and logistics apart from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The CM in his address to the session mentioned that the government had recently released the New Industrial Policy 2020, with provisions like relocation benefits for companies moving from outside Gujarat especially from other countries. "In a bold move, the GST regime has been done away with in the new policy and instead we have given incentives on Fixed Capital Investment (FCI). The policy also avails land on a long-term lease," Rupani added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Vice-President Mike Pence, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad, Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross as well as John Chamber of JC2 Venture were some of the keynote speakers at the week-long virtual summit. USISPF Chairman John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus of Cisco and founder and CEO, JC2 Ventures, who had led one of the largest delegations to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) 2019 welcomed the Gujarat CM to the session. In one of the more intimate scenes in Disneys Mulan, patriarch Fa Zhou, portrayed by actor Tzi Ma, warns his daughter of the harsh realities surrounding the way society treats women, while simultaneously acknowledging her brilliance. Your qi is strong, Mulan, Ma says in the film, referencing the vital life force often discussed in traditional Chinese medicine. But qi is for warriors, not daughters. Soon youll be a young woman and it is time to hide your gift away to silence its voice. I say this to protect you. While the characters lines reflect a time in ancient China when customs and values may feel distant, the conflicting feelings of a parent a desire to both shield and to set free are universal, Ma told NBC Asian America. Image: Tzi Ma Mulan (Jasin Boland / Disney) I think what we were trying to do, too, is to adapt an attitude of a dad that understands the value of letting your children take shape in their own time and space, Ma, whos cemented a legendary status as Hollywoods go-to Asian dad, explained. That you do not try to squash their spirits, you do not try to influence them in a way where they are not going to continue to grow to become a contributing member of society. The actor, whose characters stoicism is interrupted by glimpses of his quiet love for his daughters feminist spirit, added that similar to many parents today, Fa Zhou attempts to be transparent about how given the way society sees women Mulans strengths could be met with resistance. I think also you get the opportunity to explain to your children, but particularly girls, that given the time, some of these things may be unacceptable to the world and you need to understand that there will be obstacles that you have to overcome beyond what you probably would have because of your gifts, because of your skills, he said. Ma has become a sort of expert on fatherhood, given his body of work in the industry. In the past two years alone, hes starred as an Taiwanese immigrant father in Netflixs Tigertail, as well as the patriarch in the critically acclaimed 2019 drama The Farewell. Though parents today can recognize parallel challenges of raising children in his character in Mulan, Fa Zhou, Ma said, isnt devoid of unique Chinese values. Filial piety, for example, reverberates in the relationship between Fa Zhou and Mulan. Story continues It's an offering. It's a gift from the Chinese culture, to place such emphasis on filial piety and family. I think, you know, we all have concepts of family because it's not that difficult to understand. But to what extent do we feel that? he said. Ma, whose own personality is far cheerier than that of his aloof portrayal, clearly still finds beauty in the fatherhood hes able to depict on the screens before us. His love of the craft is apparent in the examination of his own character. Though Ma boasts decades in the industry with roles in movies such as the Rush Hour franchise of the 90s, as well as television, including Star Trek: The Next Generation of the late 80s, and involvement in many groundbreaking films with majority-Asian casts, it wasnt until recently that the actor was seemingly hurtled into the spotlight, finally acknowledged for his acting chops. Its about damn time! he joked, before digging into the more sobering realities of how the industry and audiences continue to see Asian actors. I think, for some unexplained reason, that any films that are really successful that involve a fairly large Asian American cast, the acting is always overlooked. Citing 1987s The Last Emperor, which took home numerous awards including the Academy Award for best picture, Ma noted that the film was never recognized for the acting, like many other movies with heavily Asian casts. I don't know why that is. I mean, we are not National Geographic. We're not looking at trees. We're looking at people. These films involve people, but it's best picture. Why is the acting contribution left out of recognition? I think it's something that I think we might want to look at a little bit. Nancy Wang Yuen, a sociologist whos examined Asian Americans trajectory in Hollywood, explained that during Mas time in the industry, two factors underwent significant change leading to further recognition of the actor. Hollywood set forth efforts to cross over into the Chinese film market and more platforms for Asian American stories and storytellers emerged. The collision of those factors allowed for films that Ma has been pivotal in, like The Farewell, to thrive. But Ma, who also witnessed the evolution of an industry that once relegated Asian American characters to strictly two-dimensional, tropes, is a standout because of his commitment to depicting the community responsibly, Yuen said. What I admire about him is that he has never compromised on the types of roles he played. He has labored tirelessly to uplift the Asian American community, which meant passing on stereotyped roles, Yuen added. I am thrilled that he is finally getting high profile opportunities to showcase his talent. We created Instatizer as a way to help ourselves and our community stay safe and empowered to live our lives during COVID-19, says Founder and Inventor, Dennis Iluy. Instatizer allows you to conveniently use a favorite, trusted liquid sanitizer anywhere, while at home or on-the-go. An innovator in the wearable hand sanitizer movement, California based startup Instatizer is pleased to debut a range of functional and convenient accessories designed to house any liquid hand sanitizer and offer instant accessibility. Instatizer, founded in 2020 by friends Dennis Iluy and Allen Moon, offers a simple solution to fight viruses and bacteria. 3D printed in California with biodegradable plant-based materials, Instatizer offers four styles to fit any lifestyle. The original Instatizer is mounted on a 100% silicone wristband, offering a comfortable ready to wear option. Smartwatch users can pair the Smartwatch Compatible Instatizer with an Apple or Samsung watch. These styles slide onto existing Apple or Samsung smartwatch bands and sit comfortably on the inner wrist. Users can accessorize their existing wardrobe with the Universal Instatizer, which is designed to slide onto any open-clasp watch band, backpack or purse up to 25 mm wide. Compatible with any liquid hand sanitizer, Instatizer holds 10-12 ml of sanitizer, enough for approximately 50 uses per refill, averaging four to five pumps per use. Easy to use, Instatizer can be refilled by unscrewing the spray nozzle and pouring in any 100% liquid hand sanitizer. Instatizer is not compatible with gel sanitizer. Recently, Instatizer acquired a partnership with David Lieberman Artists Representatives to provide the performing arts community with Instatizers as venues start reopening to the public. Offering the option to brand Instatizer with corporate logos and custom colors, organizations can order customized styles and quantities of Instatizers for employees and specialty groups. All black and silver Instatizer devices are available online for $16.95. Two limited edition colors, rose gold and transparent, are available for $19.95 each while supplies last. Each purchase includes free ground shipping. Hand sanitizer is not included. For more information and to shop, please visit TheInstatizer.com. Follow Instatizer on Instagram @WearInstatizer and Facebook @Instatizer. China has successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft on Friday as the countrys latest space mission appears to be shrouded in secrecy. A Long March-2F carrier delivered the spacecraft into orbit from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern Chinese region Inner Mongolia, reported state media Xinhua, without specifying the time of the launch. No images of the spacecraft or its lift-off have yet to be released. Staff and visitors at the launch site were prevented from filming or discussing the project online, according to reports. A Long March-2F carrier delivered the spacecraft into orbit from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in north-western Chinese region Inner Mongolia, reported state media Xinhua. The file picture shows a modified model of the Long March CZ-2F rocket carrying the unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou 8 taking off from northwest China on November 1, 2011 The reusable experimental spacecraft is currently in orbit and testing reusable technologies during its flight, providing technological support for the peaceful use of space, said Xinhua. It is scheduled to return to a Chinese landing site at an unspecified date. Chinas latest space mission appears to have been carried out with low-key preparations and high-level security. A copy of an official document circulated online warned people not to film on the launch site or discuss the project online, according to South China Morning Post. The official memo read: All units should strengthen personnel security education and personnel management during missions to ensure that there is no leakage of secrets. A Long March-5 rocket carrying an orbiter, lander and rover as part of the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars, blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre on July 23 in Hainan, China On July 23, China launched its Tianwen-1 spacecraft (pictured) to Mars, which is due to arrive on the Red Planet next February after a seven-month, 34-million-mile voyage A Chinese military source confirmed the authenticity of the notice to the Hong Kong newspaper and said: There are many firsts in this launch. The spacecraft is new, the launch method is also different. Thats why we need to make sure there is extra security. They also suggested that the Chinese spacecraft was similar to the X-37B, a reusable robotic spacecraft launched by the US Air Force. Also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle, the unmanned spacecraft takes off vertically and returns to the Earth horizontally on a runway landing. The Boeing-made space plane has flown four secret, long-duration missions in Earth orbit to date. A Chinese military source suggested that the Chinese spacecraft was similar to the X-37B, a reusable robotic spacecraft launched by the US Air Force. The file picture taken in April, 2010 shows X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle in the encapsulation cell at the Astrotech facility in Titusville The news comes just over a month after China has launched its Tianwen-1 spacecraft to Mars, which is due to arrive on the Red Planet next February after a seven-month, 34-million-mile voyage. The unmanned space probe took off aboard a Long March 5 Y-4 carrier rocket on July 23 from Wenchang Space Launch Centre on the southern island province of Hainan, China. The craft, which consists of an orbiter, lander and rover, measures just over six feet in height (1.85m) and weighs 530 pounds (240kg). It will survey the composition, types of substance, geological structure and meteorological environment of the Martian surface, and look for signs of alien life. Minimum PPP capitalisation rules up for debate - illustration photo Various ministries and cities last week joined discussions with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) about possible contents of the draft decrees guiding the implementation of the Law on Public-Private Partnership Investment, expected to come out on January 1, 2021, with the minimum investment capital requirement being one of the top concerns. Under the law, five sectors are subject to PPP development, including transport; energy; social infrastructure; clean water supply, waste and wastewater treatment; and IT. The minimum investment capital requirement is marked at VND100 billion ($4.34 million) or VND200 billion ($8.68 million), depending on the sector. The latter is applied to projects in sectors like transport, power (except for hydroelectric power plants), water and wastewater, IT, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the VND100 billion level is applied to projects in healthcare and education and training. However, these requirements are not applied to operation and management arrangement ventures. The draft decrees are planned to target some specific sectors, mainly in the transport and water/wastewater treatment areas, towards requiring higher total minimum investment capital and applying for projects of at least Group B under the Law on Public Investment. Meanwhile, other sectors have a total minimum capital of VND200 billion as stated in the Law on Public-Private Partnership Investment. According to the Ministry of Transport (MoT), which has a number of projects to be carried out under the public-private partnership (PPP) format, the five main subsectors of road, rail, inland waterway, maritime, and aviation feature investment capital wildly different from one another. Road projects require big investment, while the threshold in inland waterway and maritime is smaller. We propose keeping the rate of VND200 billion as stated in the law, said an MoT representative. We also agree with the subdivision of transport segments. The Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) also agreed that it is necessary to subdivide sectors into smaller segments and that there should not be a fixed rate for all as it would not be bankable. The minimum investment capital requirement of VND2.3 trillion ($100 million), equal to Group A projects, is feasible for power and thermo-power plants, and those with huge total investment capital, a representative of the MoIT clarified. For power grids, this capital requirement is higher because the majority has the investment of VND1 trillion ($43.4 million). Only long power grids have the investment capital equal to that of projects in Group A, but the number is few, she added. Localities also commented on the issue. Specifically, a representative of the Haiphong municipal Department of Planning and Investment said that the proposed minimum investment capital requirements in the to-be-built draft decree are too high, making it hard to attract investors. She proposed keeping the minimum investment capital requirement at VND200 billion as stated in the law. Solar power projects are often valued at about VND600-800 billion ($26-34.8 million), while those in education and healthcare usually sit at around VND100 billion. Similarly, a representative of Quang Ninh provincial Department of Planning and Investment, where a number of clean water supply and waste treatment projects developed under the PPP format are located, said the VND1.5 trillion ($66 million) mark is too high. If applied, there will be no projects in this field that can be developed in the province, and the same will go for other provinces, the representative said. The minimum investment capital requirement for PPP projects has been a concern among investors. Jeffrey Wandly, vice president of the Singapore Business Association Vietnam, said that it is very high and only very large-scale foreign-invested enterprises can participate. The PPP law currently provides that the minimum investment capital of a PPP project is VND200 billion. The inclusion of the minimum capital sum would be in line with ensuring that larger PPP projects are prioritised. However, it also means that investors with limited capacity may be excluded from participating, Wandly told VIR. According to the MPI, the subdivision of the sectors and the minimum investment capital for each field will be considered in the drafting of the decrees to ensure bankability of future PPP projects. They will be then announced for public comment before issuance. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), in the month since the coming into effect of the agreement from August 1 31, the authorised agencies issued over 7,200 sets of C/Os to eligible Vietnamese products allowing them ship to the EU. The items granted C/Os of the EUR.1 form are mainly in relation to footwear, seafood, plastic products, coffee, textiles, bags, suitcases, vegetables, and rattan and bamboo products, amongst others. Most import markets are countries with seaports and transshipment centres in the EU including Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, France, and the UK. In particular, many shipments have arrived in the EU market, been cleared and are enjoying preferential treatment. According to the MOIT, some exporters were concerned that the background colour of the C/O is not green which may affect the enjoyment of preferential tariffs for exported goods into some EU markets, and the ministry immediately talked to the EU representatives regarding this matter. The EU side had accepted the C/O with the current background colour as a sample that Vietnam developed with the EU. This has also been notified by the EU to the customs authorities of member countries to ensure that the C/O in its current form as issued by Vietnamese authorised agencies will not be denied preferential tariff treatment. Kolkata, Sep 4 : In a case showcasing the apathy of a section of population towards patients suffering from coronavirus and their kin, a man who had self-quarantined after his mother tested positive was locked in his apartment by one of his neighbours in Kestopur. It took police intervention on Friday to get him out of the locked apartment. The incident took place at Ghoshpara's Chitrakut Dham Apartment this morning when Sajal Kanti Das, a law clerk by profession, found that the main gate of his flat was locked from outside. He called up the security guard of the complex and office-bearers of the housing complex via Whatsapp. However, no one came to the family's rescue. "I called up the security guard and also informed managing committee members. But no one came to open the lock. During the lockdown I tried to help out the poor in our neighbourhood by buying food and other essential items for them. But today, such inhumane treatment was meted out to me by my own neighbours. It is unfortunate," Das said breaking down. Finally, Das called up the area police which went to the spot and examined the CCTV footage. A resident of the apartment complex, Deep Sengupta, was found to have locked the collapsible gate of Das' flat at night. A police officer from the Baguihati police station made the offender, a software engineer, open the collapsible gate of Das' flat though he was not arrested. When questioned, Sengupta admitted to his mistake and maintained that he did it to restrict the movements of his neighbour as he is in home isolation. "The Chief Minister has been repeatedly telling every resident of the state to be humane towards all corona patients and their families. I am feeling deeply ashamed at this wrongful confinement. We don't need social distancing but we need to maintain physical distancing. This incident is simply unimaginable," Indian Medical Association (IMA) President and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Shantanu Sen said. According to sources, Sajak Kanti Das' mother had tested coronavirus positive last week and was admitted to a private hospital. She is now under observation in the intensive care unit. After admitting his mother in a hospital, Das went into self-quarantine for 14 days in his Kestopur flat. (JNS) The Florida branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations started livestreaming a series of events on Aug. 16 under the title EXPOSED described as a compelling series of interviews with former political prisoners and their family members to expose real cases of government overreach and injustice. According to CAIR, those featured in the series are high-profile cases whose plights are critical to the life of [] any person of conscience. In reality, CAIR-Florida seems determined to present an associate of the designated Palestinian Islami... By PTI NEW DELHI: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday hinted at the possibility of GST rate cut for vehicles and hoped that the automotive industry will soon get some "good news". The Heavy Industries Minister also shared that the proposal for the auto scrappage policy was ready and all stakeholders have provided inputs, therefore its announcement was likely "very soon". Elaborating on the possibilities of the GST rate cut on vehicles segment, he said the details of the proposals are being worked out by the Finance Ministry and he is not privy to all the details. However, Javadekar said, "naturally in a logical sequence, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, public transport vehicles, in that category only, and then 4-wheelers, in that order it should come. I hope that you will get some good news surely very soon". The minister said he will definitely discuss the automotive industry's demand for Goods and Services Tax (GST) reduction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "We may not agree immediately for reduction in GST but that is not a final no. There can definitely be a way forward which I also see, progress will be done," said Javadekar. Two-wheelers are neither a luxury nor sin goods and so merit a GST rate revision, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said at an industry interaction last month. She said a rate revision proposal would be taken up by the GST Council. Two-wheelers currently attract 28 per cent GST. The GST rates are decided by a Council chaired by the Union Finance Minister comprising Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the states. He said the government is working with all stakeholders on ways and means to boost demand. Addressing the 60th annual convention of auto industry body SIAM, the minister said "the automotive industry is important for Indian economy and we would like to support the industry by providing incentives for increasing its competitiveness, especially with a focus on exports". Javadekar said a Champion export scheme is also on the anvil. He said details of the Champions scheme for exports are being worked out and it is likely to provide benefits to companies for increasing their sourcing from India, compensate the cost disadvantage in logistics and also provide benefits to firms that have high export potential. The Ministry of Heavy Industry had invited expressions of interest from state transport departments for the deployment of 5,000 electric buses last year. "I have instructed that there are so many good Indian companies manufacturing (electric buses), so concentrate on Indian companies," Javadekar said. The minister said the Centre was reviewing the national automotive mission plan, and assured the industry that it "will not experience supply side bottlenecks now because movement has been eased out and there will be no lockdown any further, as I hope". Javadekar, who also holds the portfolios of Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said COVID-19 management rests mainly on containment zone management and more testing, and wondered how China has been able to contain the disease to one restricted geography. "There are two countries of our size, China and India, and China surprisingly after Wuhan there is not a single patient anywhere so how this happens only China can know about it," Javadekar said. Welland councils decision to award itself a whopping 47 per cent pay hike has drawn criticism from the citys transit union, as well as the mayor. Mayor Frank Campion said raising politicians pay while some city workers continue to be laid off due to the pandemic is wrong. Theres never really an appropriate time, but now is not the best time to do something like that, he said. In early August, councillors turned down a consultants recommendation to increase their pay. That decision was reversed on Tuesday. The 46.9 per cent councillor pay hike takes effect immediately. Each of the 12 ward councillors is now being paid $27,884 a year, a massive jump of $8,903 from $18,981. Councils decision also increases the mayors salary to $76,208 from $72,99, a 4.4 per cent hike. It was the first time councils remuneration had been reviewed in 30 years but there have been approved cost-of-living increases. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1633 president Chris Moore said hes been getting calls since Wednesday when the Welland Tribune published an article about councils decision online. He said about 65 per cent of the citys transit operations were reduced in March when the city reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic. One full-time employee and eight or nine part-timers have yet to be called back. Theyre entitled to it like everybody else, he said of councils decision, but it raises a lot of questions and concerns with everything else going on. Getting people back to work should be a bigger priority than council pay, he said. Why are there people still sitting at home and theyre getting a raise? Campion said he plans to return his annual salary increase to the city or donate it to a local charity. In an interview Thursday, he said the difference he receives will not line his pockets. I need to give this money back somehow, he said. Campion asked council on Tuesday night to omit the mayors salary increase. Councillors voted against the idea. Weve really been counting every penny because we dont want to see any of the costs associated with COVID-19 end up on next years tax bill, Campion said. The mayor said he hasnt been overwhelmed with feedback from the public since the raise made headlines, but has heard from some people. I didnt get any positive comments. Ward 4 Coun. Bryan Green brought forward the motion to reconsider on Tuesday. Theres never a good time for these kinds of increases, he said Thursday. He admitted the jump may have given some Welland taxpayers sticker shock when they learned about it. A pay review was initially pitched by Ward 2 Coun. Leo Van Vliet in April 2019. Voting against the increases on Tuesday were Campion along with Couns. David McLeod, Tony DiMarco, Lucas Spinosa and Adam Moote. The city has received funding from the federal and provincial governments to assist with pandemic costs, including transit. Welland is receiving transit funding of $743,580, on top of $1.4 million for other operations. Moore said he does not have a clear picture of how Welland Transit will benefit from the money, but hopes it will go toward bringing the system back to full service. Outside the transit realm, there are two full-time unionized city staffers who have not been called back, one in recreation and culture and the other a parking enforcement officer, said Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1115 president Steve Leavitt on Aug. 24. Leavitt did not respond to an interview request Thursday. The citys contract with its CUPE workers expires at the end of this year. In April, the city handed out 101 temporary layoff notices to various casual and full- and part-time staff. There are about 150 CUPE Local 1115 members at Welland city hall. Unifor Local 199 represents outside workers including parks and recreation staff, water and sewer worker and facility workers, such as those at arenas. (Newser) Stars and Stripes, the independent military newspaper that's informed the troops while sometimes being a thorn in the side of the brass since the Civil War, has been told to close up shop. The Trump administration proposed slashing its $15.5 million funding in February, Axios reports, but the House funded the paper anyway. The publisher has now been ordered to develop a plan to shut down the operation, print and online, by the end of the month. Stars and Stripes has been especially unpopular with military and political leaders in the past couple of decades, per the New York Times, because it has published accounts from uniformed personnel that contradicted their bosses about ongoing wars. "Unique among Department of Defense authorized news outlets," its website says, "Stars and Stripes is governed by the principles of the First Amendment." story continues below A group of 15 senators from both parties has asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider, saying that an agency with a budget of $700 billion should be able to find $15.5 million somewhere. "Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nation's freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom," their letter said. The first issue was printed when Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's troops took over a newspaper office in Bloomfield, Mo., after its publishera Confederate sympathizerhad fled. Grant's force included troops who were pressmen by trade, and they went to work. Stars and Stripes now says it has 1.3 million total readers. "I read Stars and Stripes on a mountain in Afghanistan when I was a 19 year old aspiring journalist. Now I work there," tweeted veteran and journalist Steve Beynon. "This doesnt stop the journalism. I'm juggling 3 future news stories today." (Read more Defense Dept stories.) Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Flavorings combine with solvents in e-cigarettes to produce new toxic chemicals that irritate the airways, triggering reactions that can lead to breathing and heart and blood vessel problems, according to new research presented at the "virtual" European Respiratory Society International Congress. Sven-Eric Jordt, associate professor of anaesthesiology, pharmacology and cancer biology at Duke University School of Medicine (North Carolina, U.S.) told the meeting that manufacturers claim that e-cigarettes are safe as they vaporize a defined set of chemicals that are chemically stable. "Our co-author and analytical chemist Dr. Hanno Erythropel and colleagues at Yale University found new chemicals in e-liquids and revealed that they are formed when components are mixed by manufacturers. We became concerned about the high levels of these new compounds that had not been studied in the past, and decided to conduct toxicological tests," said Prof Jordt. In lab experiments, the researchers looked at what happened when cells that line the bronchi (the main airways from the trachea to the lungs) were exposed to flavoring chemicals, such as vanillin and ethyl-vanillin (responsible for vanilla and other sweet flavors), benzaldehyde (berry or fruit flavor) and cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon flavor). They also looked at the effect of the new chemicals that formed as a result of mixing the flavoring chemicals with the solvents propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), which are the main solvents in e-cigarette liquids. "The bronchi are exposed to e-cigarette vapor when the user inhales them into the lungs," said Prof Jordt. "We consistently observed that the new chemicals formed from the flavors and e-liquid solvents were more toxic than either of their parent compounds. The new chemicals derived from benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde were more toxic than the vanillin-derived compounds." The new chemicals also activated sensory irritant receptors in nerve endings in the bronchi called TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are responsible for a range of inflammatory responses. Prof Jordt said: "Activation of sensory irritant receptors can increase the heart rate and, in predisposed people, can lead to an irregular heartbeat and higher blood pressure. It can also increase secretions in the nasal passages and throughout the lungs and airways, leading to coughing and breathing difficulties." The researchers showed for the first time that even low concentrations of the newly-formed chemicals caused the cells lining the bronchi to die. "This is the first demonstration that these new chemicals formed in e-liquids can damage and kill lung cells and probably do this by damaging their metabolism. Although, in some cases, more than 40% of flavor chemicals are converted into new chemicals in e-cigarettes, almost nothing was known about their toxicity until now," he said. Analysis of structures in the cells called mitochondria (the cells' "batteries") and of the mechanisms involved in converting glucose to energy, showed that the newly-formed chemicals suppressed both the ability of mitochondria to consume oxygen and the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a chemical that provides energy to drive many cellular processes. The researchers were surprised by their findings. "We actually expected that the observed chemical reactions would inactivate benzaldehyde and other flavoring chemicals, making the products less toxic. However, we observed the opposite, finding the newly formed compounds to be more irritating and toxic," said Prof Jordt. He said that manufacturers should list all the chemicals on their e-cigarette productsnot only the original chemicals, but also those formed when the flavoring chemicals mix with the solvents and when the liquid is stored for any length of time. "Our findings suggest that e-cigarettes release unstable chemical mixtures containing a large variety of chemical products with unexpected toxicological properties. Regulators need to be made aware that these compounds can form so that toxicology studies can be initiated to evaluate their safety. They should conduct or fund additional research on the fate of chemicals in e-liquids, and especially their toxicology. Once toxicity levels are known, regulators can assess the level of risk to health from e-cigarettes and issue recommendations to manufacturers to reduce concentrations to mitigate risks to acceptable levels," he concluded. In a second presentation in the same session, Dr. Erythropel reported that he and his colleagues had analyzed mint, vanilla and mango e-liquids in the leading US e-cigarette brand, Juul, and compared the results with Juul products sold in Canada, the UK, France, Germany and Italy where Juul was introduced during the second half of 2018 and early 2019. They wanted to determine how the chemicals providing the main flavor and the nicotine content varied in the versions available in each country. "While the composition of Juul e-liquids was identical in the US and Canada, it differed from the e-liquids available in Europe," he said. "Juul e-liquids sold in the US and Canada contain up to 59 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter, comprising about 5% of the liquid, but EU regulations limit nicotine content to approximately a third of that amount at 20 mg/mL, about 1.7%, which the company adhered to, based on our results. "We found that along with lower nicotine content, the European products also contained lower amounts of flavoring agents compared to the US and Canadian products, with one exception: the reduced amount of menthol in European mint e-liquid was replaced with a synthetic coolant called WS-3, not present in US or Canadian products. WS-3 produces a cooling effect similar to menthol but without the distinctive 'minty' smell. The safety of inhaling WS-3 in e-cigarettes is unknown and so we believe that any legislation targeting menthol in tobacco products should be extended to synthetic coolants, as for example Germany has implemented for tobacco cigarettes." Jrgen Vestbo, who was not involved in either studies, is Chair of the European Respiratory Advocacy Council and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, UK. He said: "These studies show that the liquid for e-cigarettes has been made available to consumers without adequate understanding and safety tests of not only the main chemicals in the vaping liquid but also how they combine to form new, potentially toxic compounds. These findings underline the fact that e-cigarettes cannot be considered a safe alternative to tobacco cigarettes. Regulators need to take action to initiate further research into the constituent components of e-liquids and their combinations so that adequate measures can be put in place to reduce the risks as much as possible." More information: Abstract no: OA4384, "Flavor-solvent reaction products in electronic cigarette liquids activate respiratory irritant receptors and elicit cytotoxic metabolic responses in airway epithelial cell", by Sven-Eric Jordt et al; Presented in session, "From tobacco and vaping health effects to tobacco cessation" at 10:40 hrs CEST, Tuesday 8 September 2020: Abstract no: OA4384, "Flavor-solvent reaction products in electronic cigarette liquids activate respiratory irritant receptors and elicit cytotoxic metabolic responses in airway epithelial cell", by Sven-Eric Jordt et al; Presented in session, "From tobacco and vaping health effects to tobacco cessation" at 10:40 hrs CEST, Tuesday 8 September 2020: k4.ersnet.org/prod/v2/Front/Pr ?e=259&session=12386 Abstract no: OA4382, "Differences in flavorant levels and synthetic coolant use between U.S., EU and Canadian Juul products,", by Hanno Erythropel et al; Presented in session, "From tobacco and vaping health effects to tobacco cessation" at 10:40 hrs CEST, Tuesday 8 September 2020: k4.ersnet.org/prod/v2/Front/Pr ?e=259&session=12386 Provided by European Respiratory Society International Congress Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Letter to the Readers - Mainstreams Lockdown Edition No. 24 | Sept (...) India is in the throes of major economic crisis: According to official data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on August 31, Indias gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 23.9 per cent in the April-June quarter of 2020-21 from that in the same quarter last financial year. The Chief Economist of the World Bank has further confirmed this while releasing its own graph on G20 nations showing the Indian Economys performance at -25.6 in Quarter 2 of 2020 the worst among all G20 countries. But the prominent Indian economist, Prof Arun Kumar, is suggesting that figures on the state of decline of the Indian economy could be much higher as these mostly reflect the organised sector data and do not include the situation in the informal sector. The sharp decline is due to shut down of economic activity during the lockdowns. One in four Indians is now unemployed. Only the big businesses will survive and a pretty large number of small and medium-sized companies may simply windup. Since April, over 121 million people are estimated to have lost jobs in India. Such a huge decline in the purchasing power of such large numbers will have long term implications, millions of people being pushed into poverty, misery. The government must massively expand public investments, build infrastructure and generate jobs for an economic turnaround. The India-China Tensions are flaring up after a confrontation on the Ladakh border on the night of August 29 and 30th. Before this, there were violent clashes in June in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh with attempts by Beijing to change the status quo in certain areas in eastern Ladakh. Various sources say that some 1000 square kilometres of Indian territory has been occupied by the Chinese military. There have been claims that talks at various levels have been on but there has been no sign of rollback in the Chinese troop positions. The government has still not come out with clear information on what has happened in June. On June 12, the Prime Minister had responded by making a claim that no intrusion had happened on Indian Territory, but since then there has been a greater deployment of the Indian armed forces in Ladakh and the government is signalling a risky economic cut-off with China through trade and investment sanctions. The Chinese Government has responded to the latest incident of late August as an act of provocation by the Indian Army. It is being reported that the Indian armed forces have begun deployment all the way from Ladakh to Arunachal. On September 3, the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat spoke at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, saying "Indias policy of engagement, if not backed by credible military power and regional influence, would imply acknowledging Chinas pre-eminence" (https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-armed-forces-capable-of-dealing-with-china-general-bipin-rawat-2290041). One more signal of India speaking loudly in the US Camp. India must make all attempts at peaceful ties. But the TV networks are all gung-ho in a warlike build up. There is no right time to make war, but to proceed in that direction at the time of a massive global pandemic is totally outlandish. Let us hope good sense prevails and diplomacy is given precedence over military action. The Monsoon session of Parliament starts on September 14, but no MP can ask any question as the Question Hour has been cancelled. It is the democratic right for elected representatives to ask questions of the government. What is happening is unprecedented. The Parliament has not met for more than 5 months, only 18 days have been scheduled for the Monsoon Session. How can Parliament have a Monsoon Session for such a short duration? Human rights groups across India have in the past week been holding protests over human rights violations and police misconduct. On August 29 scores of people, part of the Moharram procession in Srinagar, suffered pellet injuries as the security forces fired on the procession. This is a dangerous instance of police targeting a religious procession. All must be done to investigate wrongdoings by police and to provide treatment to the injured. The constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion must be respected. Human rights groups have been expressing concern following multiple media reports regarding the questionable nature of police investigation underway on the February 2020 riots in Northeast Delhi. News reports have pointed out that charge sheets filed are based on confession statements many of which have not been recorded in the presence of a magistrate. Many of these statements seem fabricated and are identical with identical language and words. (https://scroll.in/article/967881/delhi-polices-grand-riots-conspiracy-where-is-the-evidence). The police must not tarnish its reputation and instead conduct a fair investigation in accordance with the law. We are pleased to note that the Allahabad High Court has ordered the release of Dr Kafeel Khan who was accused of giving an inflammatory speech at Aligarh Muslim University on December 12 and was booked under the National Security Act (NSA) in Feb 2020. The court ruling clearly says that his speech did not promote hatred or violence; instead It gave a call for unity among citizens. We hope that all who were responsible for his wrongful arrest over the past eight months will be taken to task. Many rules have been tossed out of the window in Uttar Pradesh under the Chief Ministership of Yogi Adityanath. Dr Kafeel Khan has been an eyesore for Aditaynath ever since the days of the Gorakhpur hospital tragedy in 2017 where many children lost their lives for lack of oxygen supply. A doctor had then stood up and supplied oxygen cylinders to childrens families, through his own funds. That was Dr Kafeel Khan! Instead of being rewarded, he was then suspended and arrested on some pretext. Dr Khan continues to pay a price for being on the wrong side of the Chief Minister. Misuse of anti-terror legislation against critics must stop and people wrongfully charged should be liable for compensation by the state. o o Finally, all the 100 volumes of the Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru covering the period 1903-1964 are now online. Readers of Mainstream and all who are interested in Indian History should consult these at: http://nehruselectedworks.com/ o o Russia: Who Is Responsible For The Use of Military Grade Chemical Substance to Poison An Opposition Leader? The media is reporting that the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is currently in Coma and being treated in a German Hospital in Berlin has been found to have been poisoned with a nerve agent a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors Cholinesterase inhibitors are a broad group of chemical agents. The substance in Navalnys organism is undoubtedly from the Novichok family, German Government spokesperson Steffen Seibert has said in a statement. It is important to note that nerve agents were first developed in Germany in the lead-up to World War II. Theyre banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Novichok Nerve Agent was developed during the Soviet Union days, the Russian authorities must investigate this grave incident of poisoning. o o September 5, 2020, marks the 3rd anniversary of the assassination of the journalist Gauri Lankesh; We urge our readers to remember the dangers that we face today as a society from extremists of the Far-right. We dedicate this issue of Mainstream weekly to the memory of Gauri Lankesh and to Dr Narendra Dhabolkar, MM Kalburgi and Com. Govind Pansare who had also been assassinated in a similar fashion. o o Tributes: Prof Ramashray Roy, the noted psephologist and political scientist passed away on August 12. He had been associated with the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies since 1963 and later served as the Director of the Indian Council for Social Science Research, New Delhi. Dr Padmavati, who was Indias first woman cardiologist, and who became a leading figure in the field, passed away on August 29 at the age of 103. Born in 1917 in Burma, she trained in cardiology at the Rangoon Medical College. She was at the Lady Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi in the early 1950s; later she served as the Principal and Director of Maulana Azad Medical College and was founder Director of the National Heart Institute. KS Bajpai, Indias former Ambassador to the US, to China and to Pakistan, passed away on August 30, 2020. He and his elder brother U.S. Bajpai also a diplomat, had a considerable formative influence over Indias foreign policy hands in the past four decades. Former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away on August 31, in New Delhi. He had a long political career of over fifty years. He had a lifelong association with the Congress Party. He had been a member of parliament since 1969 and first became a minister for Industrial development in the 1973 government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As a senior figure in the Congress, he held prominent ministerial positions in practically all Congress-led governments. David Graeber the well-known anthropologist, from the London School of Economics, passed away on September 3. He was an anarchist and author of several books Debt: The First 5000 Years (2011), Utopia Rules (2015). He played active role in the Occupy Wall Street movement of 2011. Graeber was also known for his activism and support to the Kurdish Womens Struggle in Rojava, an autonomous region in Syria. He was born in New York to politically active parents, Kenneth Graeber, who was part of the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War, and Ruth (Rubinstein) Graeber, born in Poland, a garment worker and a member of International Ladies Garment Workers Union. We pay our tributes to all of the above. September 5, The Editor China is planning a more than 1 trillion yuan ($146 billion) push to accelerate infrastructure investment in Tibet, including new and previously announced projects, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The renewed push to step-up development of the remote and impoverished southwestern region signals Beijing's intent to bolster frontier security amid heightened border tensions with India in recent months, two of the sources said. Last week, during a senior Communist Party meeting on Tibet's future governance, President Xi Jinping lauded achievements and praised frontline officials but said more efforts were needed to enrich, rejuvenate and strengthen unity in the region. He said a number of major infrastructure projects and public facilities would be completed, including the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, according to remarks published by the official Xinhua news agency. The construction plans include completion of the challenging middle section of a high-elevation Sichuan-Tibet railway link, a railway line between Nepal and Tibet that has remained in the planning stages, and a newly planned dry port in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the sources said. The sources declined to be identified because they were not authorised to speak with media. It was not immediately clear how much of the targeted spending is new, or over how many years it would be invested. China's State Council Information Office and the Tibet regional government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Construction on the most difficult section of the Sichuan-Tibet railway - linking Chengdu with Lhasa - will begin in coming weeks, said two of the sources. The 270 billion yuan section of the railway has been known for construction challenges posed by rough terrain and complex geology, notably the segment linking Sichuan's Ya'an city with Nyingchi in southeastern Tibet near the border with India. Beijing also wants to push ahead with the Tibet-Nepal Railway linking Kathmandu with Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, which was among a number of bilateral deals signed in 2018 between Nepal and China, but has yet to gain much traction. Nepal is a buffer between China and India and is considered by New Delhi as its natural ally, but China has made inroads by pouring aid and infrastructure investment into what is one of the world's poorest countries. A June clash in the western part of the China-India border was the worst violence between the Asian giants in decades, and there is little sign of easing tension, with more military action in the past week. RAIL ACCESS Beijing has long aimed to build a high-speed rail network to make Tibet more accessible from China's inland provinces, and it plans to improve or extend railways being planned or constructed that connect it with other parts of China, two of the sources said. Last month, China announced plans to expand the country's railway network by one-third over the next 15 years. Within Tibet, the planned spending covers the revamp and expansion of highways, roads and scenic spots, two of the sources said. Beijing sent troops into Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and maintains a heavy security presence in the region, which has been prone to unrest. China rejects criticism from rights groups and Tibetan exiles of its rule there, saying it has brought much-needed development to a remote region and that it respects Tibet's culture and religion. China's policies towards Tibet have come under the spotlight again this year amid worsening ties with the United States. In July, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would restrict visas for some Chinese officials involved in blocking diplomatic access to Tibet and engaging in "human rights abuses". Evangelical leader on why Christians must care about persecution of Uighur Muslims in China Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore has urged Christians to care about the plight of Uighur Muslims in China, warning that authoritarian regimes rely on tribalism to keep their system of persecution alive. In a recent YouTube video, Moore said that totalitarian and authoritarian regimes such as China target religious minorities like Uighur Muslims a community that resides mostly in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in China Tibetan Buddhists, and Christians because they want to make the state, themselves, ultimate. We as Christians have lived through that, he said. The Christian Church emerged in a Roman Empire in which Caesar wanted to make himself a god and not just a man. Jesus is the one who taught us to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, but the image of God does not belong to Caesar. It belongs to God. Moore said that the crimes being perpetrated against religious minorities in China and elsewhere rely on invisibility where the rest of the world doesn't pay attention and tribalism. The way of Jesus Christ says that we pay attention to our neighbor on the side of the road who is persecuted, who is being beaten, he said. So let's pray for the Uighur [and] for other persecuted peoples. Let's pray not just individually, but together, and pray for them by name. Let's be the people who stand up for whoever is being made invisible, whoever is being intimidated and bullied in our own neighborhoods and in our own communities because we're the people of Jesus Christ. Moore recently participated in a webinar that highlighted the systemic persecution Uighur Muslims are experiencing at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, from forced labor and rape to imprisonment, organ harvesting, and constant surveillance. Panelists encouraged those in the U.S. to pray for those who are being persecuted, call their elected and appointed officials and ask them to stand up for persecuted people in China, consider starting a local International Religious Freedom Roundtable, and educate others on whats going on in China. Estimates suggest that as many as 1 million Uighur Muslims have been subject to internment camps in Xinjiang, where they are taught to be secular citizens who will never oppose the ruling Communist Party. Additionally, a recent report documents how hospitals in Xinjiang were ordered to abort and kill all babies born in excess of Chinas mandated family planning limits including newborns born after being carried to full term. The orders were part of strict family-planning policies intended to restrict Uighurs and other ethnic minorities to three children. In June, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom argued that the forced sterilization of Uighur Muslims is evidence of genocide. Its evident from the Chinese governments own data that the Communist Partys policies are clearly designed to prevent population growth for the Uyghur, Kazakh, and other Turkic Muslim peoples, USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel said in a statement. We urge the State Department to investigate whether the Chinese authorities deliberate and systematic attempt to genetically reducing the Turkic Muslim population in Xinjiang meets the legal definition for genocide as contemplated in the Genocide Convention. Indian-Americans are among the wealthiest and most educated of all immigrant groups in the US By Sumit Ganguly Senator Kamala Harris being picked by Joe Biden as his running mate has put a spotlight on the Indian-American community in the United States. The interest, in part, stems from her origins: Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a biologist from Chennai. Her father, Donald Harris, an economist, was from Jamaica. After her parents divorced, her mother raised Kamala Harris and her sister as members of the Black Church. But her mother also took Harris to Hindu temples. In her memoir Harris writes about her Indian origins. I am a political scientist of Indian origin who has followed the rising trajectory of Indian-Americans in American politics. Though Indian-Americans constitute a mere 1.5 percent of the population their impact on American politics can be disproportionate. Indian-Americans are among the wealthiest and most educated of all immigrant groups in the US. The question is: How exactly do they vote? Presence in American politics At four million, Indian-Americans are one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in the United States and the second-largest immigrant group after Mexicans. The community, however, started with modest numbers, owing to severe restrictions on immigration prior to the the passage of the landmark Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This legislation, that ended immigration on the basis of national origins and prioritised highly skilled workers, led to a dramatic increase of immigration from Asia. A disproportionate segment of those who formed the first wave of migrants were middle class professionals: doctors, educators and managers. Associated Press In 1957, Dalip Singh Saund became the first Asian-American to be elected to the US. House of Representatives, coming from a district in southern California. A naturalised US citizen of Indian heritage, he was subsequently elected for two more terms before he suffered a stroke in 1962 and was too ill to run again. Indian-Americans were a minority in Saunds constituency, Californias 29th District, which includes part of Los Angeles County. Saund pursued a campaign that could overcome widespread suspicion, distrust and even outright hostility toward immigrants from South Asia. In 2005, another Indian-American, Piyush Bobby Jindal, became the second Indian-American to be elected to the House of Representatives. In 2011, Pramila Jayapal, became the first Indian-American woman in the US House of Representatives. Today there are five Indian-Americans in Congress, including Kamala Harris in the Senate. Being a high-earning and educated immigrant group makes Indian-Americans a very attractive pool of potential donors for political campaigns. In the current election season they have emerged as significant donors. Not surprisingly, both Republicans and Democrats make ardent efforts to court them especially in highly contested regions. Affluent Indian-American vote Since the days of President Ronald Reagan, the Republican Party had tried a big tent strategy, an effort to accommodate people of various political leanings. That, however, is no longer the case, especially under President Trump. The approach was ostensibly designed to broaden the appeal of the party especially to hitherto marginalised communities and immigrant groups of colour including those from various developing nations as well as Hispanics. The party did attract particular individuals of Indian-American origin who rose to positions of considerable prominence, such as Bobby Jindal, the former governor of Louisiana, and Nikki Haley, the erstwhile American ambassador to the United Nations whose parents emigrated to the US from Punjab. However, the party could not genuinely broaden its Indian-American base across the country. Both these individuals also distanced themselves from their religious roots by converting to Christianity. Particular episodes also alienated Indian-Americans from the party. In one such episode in 2006, George Allen, a former Republican senator from Virginia, while running for office during a campaign rally referred to a young Indian-American as Macaca, a certain species of monkey. This fellow here, over here with the yellow shirt. Macaca or whatever his name is. Hes with my opponent, hes following us around everywhere, he said. The incident, which attracted media attention, has long since rankled members of the community. But some affluent Indian-Americans do tend to vote for the Republican Party. When Trump visited India in February 2020, he received a huge reception especially at an extravaganza organised in Prime Minister Narendra Modis home state of Gujarat. Leaning Democratic However, a majority of Indian-Americans either identify with the Democratic Party or lean Democratic politically. In the past, a 2012 Pew survey showed 65 percent of Indian Americans are Democrats or lean Democrat. According to a more recent 2020 survey that political scientist Karthick Ramakrishnan has conducted, 54 percent of Indian-Americans are leaning toward the Democratic nominee, Joseph Biden, while 29 percent are in favour of the Republican incumbent Donald Trump. The same survey also shows that there are 1.8 million Indian-Americans, whose vote in crucial swing states ranging from Arizona to Wisconsin could help tip the election one way or another. There may be several likely explanations for the overwhelming level of support among Indian-Americans for the Democratic Party. For the past several decades, Democrats have been more welcoming of immigrants and minorities. And most Indian-Americans tend to have more liberal political leanings. It may be worth noting that as many as 84 percent of the Indian-American community had voted for President Obama. Whether the same trend is repeated is yet to be seen. Sumit Ganguly, distinguished professor of Political Science and the Tagore chair in Indian Cultures and Civilizations, Indiana University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. KITCHENER Two Kitchener men face murder-related charges in connection to the violent shooting of Irshad Sabriye who was shot dead and left on the side of Highway 7/8 last fall. In a media conference Friday, Waterloo Regional Police Chief Bryan Larkin said Sabriyes death is connected to a violent culture of drug trafficking and street drug activity. Investigators made the arrests this week after a 10-month investigation and more than 100 witness interviews into the targeted shooting of Sabriye, a 20-year-old Kitchener man. Sabriye was shot dead and left on the side of Highway 7/8 on-ramp at Courtland Avenue just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 26, 2019. Two hours later, police were called to a car fire a few kilometres away on Connaught Street in Kitchener. There, they found a black four-door 2019 Nissan Sentra that belonged to Sabriye fully engulfed in flames. Police said the suspects left Sabriye on the highway and then drove his car to Connaught. Police say Sabriye knew his assailants. Police also arrested two other men in connection to drug trafficking. They face gun-related charges. In addition, there are outstanding warrants for two other men. Larkin said officers conducted search warrants at residences on Vanier Drive in Kitchener and Albert Street in Waterloo. They seized two loaded handguns with ammunition, 14 grams of cocaine, 21 grams of fentanyl, prescription pills, digital scales, drug press and packaging and $18,000 in Canadian cash. Larkin said the murder investigation was challenging because many are unwilling to speak to police for fear of repercussions. There is a culture of silence surrounding investigations into gun violence, he said. The drug trafficking culture often brings a culture of violence, intimidation and a culture of bullying, and regrettably over the last few years, a culture of firearm use, Larkin said. Last year, there were five homicides involving guns. Locally, there have been 25 shootings in the last 12 months. Larkin praised police investigators, saying they have worked tirelessly to ensure justice for Mr. Sabriye, his extended family, his friends and our community. These acts of violence have a much broader impact on our community, on our level of safety and how we feel as citizens in our community, he said. Larkin appealed to the public to come forward and speak to police. We are appealing to you to allow our investigators a more fulsome understanding of what transpired on the early morning of Nov. 26, 2019 where a young man tragically lost his life to gun violence, he said. Larkin said he wants to see a deeper conversation with community agencies about the violent culture of drug trafficking and addiction so that more young people are not gunned down. How is a 20-year-old violently murdered, fatally shot and let on a side of a highway? How does this happen and why did it happen? Did we miss anything in Mr. Sabriyes life? Were there upstream opportunities for a different outcome, he said. There are a lot of unanswered questions from a societal perspective, he said. Charged with accessory after the fact to murder and arson is Mohamad Alzarzour, 20 of Kitchener. Charged with manslaughter and arson is Abdullah Haredo, 24, of Kitchener. He made a brief court appearance in Kitchener by audio Friday. He returns to court later this month. He remains in custody. Charged with trafficking, possession a restricted firearm, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a prohibited device are Hamzah Jama, 20, of Cambridge and Anwar Sabrie, 21, of Waterloo. Police are asking Abdullahi Mohamed, 20, of Waterloo and Endret Grainca, 19, of Kitchener to turn themselves in to police. They will face gun and drug charges. Larkin said the investigation remains open and active and police believe there are others who were involved in the fatal shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, ext. 8191 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. With files from Gordon Paul, Record staff Civilians Accuse Military of Brutality in Cameroon's Anglophone Regions By Moki Edwin Kindzeka September 03, 2020 Cameroon's military has detained hundreds of people in the country's troubled northwest as they search for separatists following the killing of a police officer this week. Locals accuse the military of carrying out revenge attacks, including looting and burning shops, in the English-speaking region a charge the military denies. Thirty-four-year old fish seller Ernestine Sahmo says she has decided to temporarily leave the English-speaking northwestern town of Bamenda due to what she says is military brutality. Sahmo says she was forced out of her shop by armed soldiers who detained 80 other women at a police station for three days. "The military entered the whole market and was removing everybody," she said. "They will break into your store and then start brutalizing you, asking you to go out. They succeeded to remove everybody from the food market to the mobile police station. We were being asked to sit on the ground. Some women were collapsing. The way they terrorized us, we never knew we would come back alive." Sahmo says store owners' goods were either looted or torched by the military. Last Monday, the government said separatist fighters in Bamenda killed a policeman in active service. The military was then deployed to hunt for the killers. Residents said troops started arresting people indiscriminately, forcing some either to undress or to sit on the floor for several hours. Scared civilians escaped to neighboring villages and French-speaking towns including Mbouda and Bafoussam. The government said at least two civilians were killed but did not say if separatists or troops were responsible. General Valere Nka, the commander of government troops fighting the separatists in the English-speaking northwest regions, says the military has not committed any atrocities. He says his troops have remained professional. He says his troops fully obey instructions given by the military hierarchy for civilians to be protected and their human rights respected. Nka says he expects civilians who have been assured of total protection by the military to denounce all suspected separatist fighters in their localities. Mka pledged to kill all fighters who do not drop their weapons and seek forgiveness. Rights groups and opposition political parties have condemned the military for what they say are excesses and torture of civilians in handling the crisis. Prince Ekosso, president of the opposition United Socialist Party, says civilians are scared of the military. He says some of the abuses inflicted by troops on civilians are unbearable. "These are the things that we have decried for too long," he said. "The people of the northwest and the southwest region cannot continue to suffer like this. You don't go and punish innocent people for the crimes of another person. The military continues to terrorize the people." Last week, a Cameroonian rights group, the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, released what it said is a list of atrocities committed in the English-speaking regions between May and August. The group accused the military of atrocities including extra-judicial executions, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, looting and extortion, poor prison conditions, and inhumane and degrading treatment of detainees. The human rights body called for an investigation to be carried out and those found guilty to be punished. Unrest broke out in Cameroon's English-speaking regions in 2016, when teachers and lawyers protested the dominance of the French language and French-speaking officials. Rebels took up arms a year later, demanding a separate English-speaking state they call "Ambazonia." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan and major rebel group agree to resume peace talks Reuters, Khartoum : Sudan's power-sharing government and a major rebel group active in southern borderlands have agreed to hold new peace talks hosted by South Sudan, both sides said on Friday, days after Khartoum signed a peace deal with other groups. The government agreed the move with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, one of the groups that did not join a deal signed on Monday to end wars stemming from the rule of ousted leader Omar al-Bashir. Hilu's group has now agreed with the Khartoum government on the "necessity" to reach a complete political solution in Sudan and address root the causes of its conflicts, the office of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said on its website. It said both sides had agreed to set up workshops for different issues but gave no timeframe or details. Hilu's group, one of the biggest rebel forces which controls territory in southern borderlands, confirmed the agreement. "Yes, it is true. The meeting has taken place in Addis Ababa between us and Prime Minister Hamdok," Aman Amum, the group's chief negotiator, told Reuters. "We will continue negotiation under Juba Mediation. So far, there's no agreed date for the talks." Hyderabad, Sep 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the country saw the humane face of police during the Covid-19 pandemic and asked the force to safeguard and build on this asset. Virtually addressing the probationers of the Indian Police Service's 2018 batch passing out of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad, he said the new image built by the force during the crisis had become its biggest asset and there was a need to preserve it. Modi said the country saw the humane face of khaki during the pandemic as the police personnel were seen singing songs, providing food and water to those living on footpath and risking their lives to carry patients to hospitals. "In the eyes of a common man, by and large, the image of police was of a baton, argument and repression. It does not mean that they were not doing any humanitarian work earlier but during coronavirus, the society felt its collective impact for the first time," he said. During an hour-long interaction with the IPS probationers from various parts of the country, the Prime Minister shared his thoughts on various issues. He underlined the need for the police to make use of the power of the society which always comes forward to render humanitarian assistance during crises. The Prime Minister suggested that the humanitarian works undertaken by police are given a written form at the level of each police station through involvement of local schools. He said this would help the old, young and the coming generation to know about their work. On the experiences shared by some probationers who worked at the field level during the training amid the pandemic, Modi said the crisis gave them a good opportunity to not only serve migrant workers and others but also to develop leadership qualities. He said the officers should take pride in uniform just like they take pride in the national tricolour. "You should be proud of khaki instead of flexing its power," he said, adding that winning the hearts of the people through compassion rather than controlling them through fear will last longer. Modi called for use of technology for intelligence and effective policing. He said while the system of intelligence gathering at the level of constables remained crucial, the police should also use technology tools. He said big data, artificial intelligence and social media were the new weapons of the police and stressed the need for their effective deployment. Stating that this IPS batch has many people with a technology background, he advised them to form teams to use technology. Pointing out that technology helps in detecting crime through CCTV footage or mobile phone tracking, he also had a word of caution for the police officers. "Technology is also becoming a reason for suspension of policemen. Sometimes they lose their cool and do something and somebody from a distance records this on camera and it goes viral. Pressure builds on the system to suspend the policemen and it becomes a blot on their career," he said. Modi said as the young officers were gearing up to take their assignments in the field, they should be careful about some people who would offer to help them in a new place. "Since you are new to a place, such people offer you transport, food and other help. Don't fall into their trap," he said. The Prime Minister advised the probationers to develop the skill to identify chaff out of grain. He asked them to not cover their ears but to be able to filter the things that they hear. "Do not put locks on your ears but place a filter instead. Only when filtered things go to your brain, it will help you, sift garbage and keep your heart clean." He also cautioned them against stereotypes of police officers created by films like "Singham". He said the thinking of instilling fear among anti-social elements as soon as taking up an assignment diverts attention from the real work. He advised them to do works which bring qualitative change like ensuring cleanliness at the police stations and how the visitors are received. The Prime Minister also called for efforts to prevent youth from walking on the path of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. "We need to prevent youth from taking the wrong path at the early age itself. Women police officers can do this by involving women, making them understand the need to stop their children from taking the wrong path," he said. He was responding to the observations made by a woman IPS probationer allotted to Jammu and Kashmir cadre, who narrated her experience of an encounter between terrorists and police during the training at Srinagar. Modi said people of Jammu, Ladakh, the Kashmir Valley and Kargil were all good people. "I am confident that we will succeed in our efforts to bring back their life of happiness," he said. Referring to Kashmir's strength in textiles, he suggested the woman officer to use her holidays to form groups of women and teach them modern designing. He stressed the need for training and said the mindset that training is a punishment posting should change. Referring to 'Mission Karmayogi' approved by the Union Cabinet two days ago, he said this is a major reform in civil service, both in terms of capacity building and approach towards work. Terming it a shift from rule-based approach to role-based approach, the Prime Minister said this will help in mapping and training the talent and placing the right person in the right role. Modi also advised the young officers to do yoga and pranayam to deal with the stress. "Yoga and pranayam is good for all those working under stress. If you do any work from your heart, you will always benefit. You will never feel stressed no matter how much work load you have," said Modi when the batch's best all-round probationer D.V. Kiran Shrruti, who earlier commanded Dikshant Parade, mentioned mandatory counselling for policemen in Tamil Nadu to help them deal with stress. A total of 131 probationers of Indian Police Service of 2018 batch passed out on successful completion of their training at the academy. The batch includes 28 women. US President Donald Trump (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) For nearly four years, President Donald Trump has publicly railed against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, angrily demanding that its members pay more for Europes collective defense. In private, Trump has gone further speaking repeatedly about withdrawing altogether from the 71-year-old military alliance, according to those familiar with the conversations. In a second term, he may get his chance. Recent accounts by former senior national security officials in the Trump administration have contributed to growing unease on Capitol Hill and across Europe, as they lend credence to a scenario in which Trump, emboldened by reelection, and potentially surrounded by an inexperienced, second-term national security team, could finally move to undermine or even end Americas NATO membership. These former officials warn that such a move would be one of the biggest global strategic shifts in generations and a major victory for President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Although Trump has been known to have expressed interest in withdrawing America from NATO since 2018, new evidence of his thinking has emerged in the run up to the November election. This summer, Trumps former national security adviser, John Bolton, published a book that described the president as repeatedly saying he wanted to quit the alliance. Last month, Bolton speculated to a Spanish newspaper that Trump might even spring an October surprise shortly before the election by declaring his intention to leave NATO in a second term. And in a new book published this week, New York Times reporter Michael S. Schmidt wrote that Trumps former chief of staff John Kelly, a retired Marine four-star general, told others that one of the most difficult tasks he faced with Trump was trying to stop him from pulling out of NATO. One person who has heard Kelly speak in private settings confirmed that he has made such remarks. Although the president routinely complains that other NATO members should spend more on defense often betraying confusion about how the 30-nation alliance operates Trump has not publicly threatened to leave it. During the Republican National Convention last week, he boasted of having pressured other NATO members into increasing their defense budgets, but did not suggest he had bigger changes in mind for the alliance. A 50-point second-term agenda released by Trumps campaign last month made no specific mention of NATO, although it featured a familiar promise to get allies to pay their fair share. On Wednesday, Trump spoke in North Carolina at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II a conflict from whose ashes NATO was formed to protect Western Europe from the Soviet Union but made no mention of a continuing US security relationship with the Continent. For the past several months, the security establishments in Washington and Europe have briefly exhaled, concluding that Trump is unlikely to challenge the alliances core tenets before the end of this term. But as the election approaches, experts say that anxiety is growing. It is a real risk, said Thomas Wright, director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution, a think tank in Washington. We know from Kelly and Bolton that he wanted to go much farther in the first term. If he feels that he has been totally vindicated in the election, and he feels that people have endorsed his policies, I think he could effectively withdraw from NATO. Congress would most likely move to block any effort by Trump to exit the alliance altogether, but experts said he could deal it a near-lethal blow in other ways. One would be to undermine a provision in the original treaty, Article 5, which calls for collective self-defense and which every past president has interpreted as a promise to defend any member from military attacks, but which Trump has questioned in the past. He could just reinterpret it as, I could just send a strongly-worded letter, Wright said. Jorge Benitez, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a think tank in Washington, noted that the Trump administration announced plans in July to withdraw 12,000 US troops from Germany, the strategic heart of the alliance, and sought to cut funding for the Pentagons European Deterrence Initiative, a program whose funding the administration initially called for increasing and pointed to as evidence of the presidents support for the alliance. European officials, Benitez said, see the escalation of negative steps, and they are definitely concerned that that negative pattern could continue if Trump is reelected. On Capitol Hill, Democrats focused on security issues say a reelected Trump could permanently reshape the relationship between America and Europe, which has been defined for generations by Washingtons bipartisan role as a leader and protector of the continent. Withdrawing from NATO would be nothing short of catastrophic and further highlights the historic importance of this election, said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. Bipartisan support for NATO in Congress is unwavering and overwhelming, and there are significant procedural hurdles if any president were to choose this path, added Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. President Trump has undermined trans-Atlantic relations from day one, and the only one reaping the benefits is Vladimir Putin. Speculation of a future withdrawal is in itself a victory for the Kremlin and beyond Putins wildest dreams. European diplomats are exceedingly cautious when speaking on the subject, fearful of provoking Trump. One ambassador from a NATO nation declined to comment on a hypothetical scenario. But people who have spoken to these senior diplomats say that a Trump victory will create a new sense of emergency across Europe. Trump has grown increasingly confident in his own command of national security, and where he once surrounded himself with strong-willed, establishment figures to help him navigate war and diplomacy, he now relies more on less experienced advisers who are less inclined to challenge him. Gone are seasoned officials with a strong loyalty to NATO and the trans-Atlantic relationship, including Kelly; Jim Mattis, another retired Marine four-star general and Trumps first defense secretary; and H.R. McMaster, a retired three-star Army general and Trumps former national security adviser. Their current successors are not thought to be acting as strong checks on Trumps instincts. Trump even jokingly referred recently to his current defense secretary, Mark T Esper, as Yesper. An iconoclast in many other ways, Bolton is a believer in NATO, and has said he was appalled by Trumps talk of quitting the alliance. In his book, Bolton recalls how Trump, just before a 2018 visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, dictated remarks saying that we will walk out of the pact and not defend those who have failed to meet their spending commitments. (Bolton said he was prepared to resign if Trump delivered the remarks. He and other officials talked the president out of it.) Since then, Trump has settled for haranguing NATO members to meet their collective pledge to spend at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on military spending, something only the United States and eight other members now do. Trump frequently complains about those who do not, but refers to their spending as delinquent payments, suggesting that he fails to understand that the spending at issue is almost entirely in regards to how much NATO members spend on their own militaries, which are coordinated by the alliance. (NATO does have a comparatively small shared budget for administrative costs and some military equipment.) Trump also regularly misstates how much that spending has increased since he took office. During the Republican convention, he boasted that member nations were very far behind in their defense payments, but at my strong urging, they agreed to pay $130 billion more a year, a figure he said would ultimately go up to $400 billion a year. The figures are wildly exaggerated, reflecting cumulative spending hikes in the defense budgets of NATO members over several years dating to before the start of Trumps presidency and are not annual increases. Trump has hinted in the past that he might not come to the defense of NATO countries that are not meeting the alliances target of spending on defense. Constanze Stelzenmuller, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who specializes in relations with Germany, said that Trump could simply make that U.S. policy, blowing a hole in the alliances collective defense ethos. So, assuming there is a second Trump term, even if the president doesnt decide on one fine morning he wants to leave NATO, there are a variety of ways that much harm can be done to the alliance, she said. c.2020 The New York Times Company North Carolina Teacher Dies Unexpectedly in Classroom: Officials A North Carolina elementary teacher died while in her classroom earlier this week, officials said. Cindy Grindstaff, 50, a fifth-grade teacher at W.A. Young Elementary, was at the school for a training session, officials told the News-Herald of Morganton. No students were inside the classroom or were being taught online when she died, officials told the paper. The cause of death was not released by officials, according to the outlet. Grindstaff had been employed in the school district since 2002. Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Larry Putnam informed school staff about her death. It is with a heavy heart that I share with you some sad news, Putnam wrote. This morning at W.A. Young Elementary, Ms. Cindy Grindstaff, 5th-grade teacher, unexpectedly passed away in her classroom. I ask that you keep Cindys sister, Tracy Poole, 5th-grade teacher at Hildebran, and her family in your prayers. Authorities told Channel 9 that her death was likely due to an undisclosed medical problem. The uncle of a boy who attended her class said she went out of her way to help him. He was very, very, very upset, Pittman said of the child, who learned of her death. He didnt know what to say. He really didnt. He was confused and sat there with a blank look on his face. Another parent said that she put her students first. She was just trying to help me give him a pep talk and encouragement of getting it done, Thomas Peters said, according to Channel 9. She did really well with the kids, and I hate that this happened to her. Barcelona are reportedly confident they will sign Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum before the October transfer deadline day. Ronald Koeman has made the Dutchman a top target, having built a strong rapport with him from the time he was in charge of the national team. Wijnaldum has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, and Liverpool are reportedly reluctant to lose him for nothing next summer and could be backed into a corner over their man. Georginio Wijnaldum could be set to leave Liverpool and join Ronald Koeman at Barcelona Goal have now reported that given the circumstances, the Blaugrana are confident they can lure Wijnaldum to the Nou Camp before the deadline of October 5. Koeman is determined to sign the 29-year-old as he looks to freshen up the team after a disastrous 2019-20 campaign. Barcelona have not yet put an offer in for Wijnaldum as they look to sell before bringing any players in. Ivan Rakitic has already departed to Sevilla, while Arturo Vidal is set to join Inter Milan and Luis Suarez looks likely to join Juventus. There has been no sign from Wijnaldum, either, that he is unsettled or wants to agitate for a move but there is little doubt that Barcelona want to add his experience as they begin the process of rebuilding in the wake of their Champions League calamity. Wijnaldum didn't give away much when he asked about the move ahead of the Netherlands' clash with Poland saying: 'Its a rumour, I have nothing to say about it.' Koeman is a big fan of Wijnaldum from his days working as the Dutch national manager Since his arrival from Newcastle in 2016, only Roberto Firmino has played more Premier League minutes than Wijnaldum. In that time he has made 187 appearances and won the Champions League and Premier League. Given his standing in the squad at Liverpool, they would look to recoup the 25m fee they spent on Wijnaldum. Should they do that, it would then pave the way for a move for Thiago. The Spain midfielder has his heart set on moving to Anfield. He is in a similar contractual position to Wijnaldum, in that he has entered the last 12 months and Bayern Munich have made it clear they want 30m for him. The governments hostile environment policies are fostering racist practices across British society and pushing people including those with legal status into poverty, a new report shows. In a damning evaluation of the policy, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank found that, two and a half years on from the Windrush scandal, the measures have failed to achieve their own stated objectives, while also inflicting undue suffering and having what the authors call poisonous impacts on society. The report states that the hostile environment has an impact far beyond just the targeted individuals, penetrating right across society and fostering racist practices by requiring ordinary, untrained citizens to police the measures. Under the policy, employers, landlords, hospital staff and many other frontline workers are expected to carry out immigration checks, and in some cases share information with the Home Office. This shift of responsibility from officials to citizens can facilitate discrimination against people from minority ethnic backgrounds by leading to new forms of racial profiling, according to the IPPR. The Right to Rent scheme, for example, which requires private landlords to check the immigration status of potential tenants and forms a key branch of the governments so-called hostile environment policy, was found to cause racial discrimination and violate human rights law in a ruling in March last year. The Home Office launched a legal battle earlier this year to defend the policy, despite the judge ruling that it was causing landlords to discriminate against potential tenants on grounds of nationality and ethnicity and was having little to no effect on controlling immigration. The IPPR report also finds that, while the policies are intended to encourage people living in the UK without immigration status to leave voluntarily by making it harder for them to get jobs, rent property, open bank accounts, and access welfare and other vital public services, voluntary returns have fallen significantly since it was introduced. An analysis of government data reveals that around 12,000 more people without immigration status were voluntarily leaving the UK independently of the Home Office in 2012 than they were in 2018. This echoes the findings of a National Audit Office report in June, which revealed that the Home Office had no evidence to show that its hostile environment policy was achieving its aims. The government has recently disassociated itself from the term hostile environment, now referring to it as the compliant environment but the IPPRs review reveals that most policies that caused the Windrush scandal were still in place. The think tank argues that inflicting significant hardship is inherent in the design of the hostile environment, and that when implemented, the policies push people into poverty, facilitate discrimination against minority ethnic groups, wrongly affect those with legal status and risk public health and safety. Amreen Qureshi, IPPR North researcher and the reports lead author, said: The hostile environment is a policy based on ideology, not evidence. Our report finds that it has forced people into destitution without encouraging them to leave the UK, highlighting both its poisonous impacts and its ineffectiveness. It doesnt work for the Home Office, it doesnt work for people without immigration status, and it doesnt work for our society. Yet this policy continues to be implemented at the cost of human rights, human dignity and human life. Deep reform is called for, and this should start at the Home Office. Marley Morris, IPPR associate director who leads the think tanks work on migration policy and is a co-author, said the governments hostile environment measures endangered public health and safety, fostered racism and discrimination, and mistakenly affected many with legal permission to be in the UK including many in the Windrush generation. The report comes after the coronavirus pandemic prompted renewed concern about the hostile environment, after charities and MPs warned undocumented migrants were dying from the virus because they were too afraid to seek help. In one case, a Filipino man known as Elvis died from suspected coronavirus last week after not accessing healthcare for fear of being reported to the Home Office, according to campaigners. Home Office to carry out review of hostile environment following Windrush says Priti Patel Responding to the the IPPRs findings, Chai Patel, legal policy director at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said: The hostile environment has devastated the lives of the Windrush generation. It has pushed people into destitution and risk of dying during the pandemic, as we saw with the case of Elvis who died too scared to go to hospital. Now, more than ever, Priti Patel must learn the lessons of Windrush as she promised she would and scrap the hostile environment. A Home Office spokesperson said: The Windrush generation suffered unspeakable injustices and institutional failings spanning successive governments over several decades. The government is implementing the findings of the Wendy Williams Review. More Languages Coming Soon HONG KONG, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Crypto.com introduced the French version of the Crypto.com App and Crypto.com Exchange, advancing the company's mission of accelerating the world's transition to cryptocurrency. Since rolling out the Crypto.com Card to 31 European markets in April of this year, Crypto.com has seen strong user growth throughout the continent. The Crypto.com App has reached top 50 in the Finance category in France, Italy, Spain and the UK where its popularity continues to grow thanks to unrivaled benefits: competitive rates, unprecedented cashback rewards when shopping with the Crypto.com card, and the ability to purchase Gift Cards using crypto for top brands throughout Europe. The team has bolstered its regulatory compliance within the complex payments and crypto ecosystem and launched local Telegram communities supporting most EU languages for better access to instant feedback and support. Eric Anziani, COO of Crypto.com, said, "We're excited to launch the first local-language version of our App and Exchange in French, bringing us one step closer to fulfilling our vision of accelerating the world's transition to cryptocurrency. There's a vibrant Francophone crypto community, especially in the fast-growing DeFi space; France is also home to great innovators and partners like Ledger. Expect to see more local language versions of our App and Exchange soon, as we work to put cryptocurrency in every wallet." French language versions of both the Crypto.com App and Crypto.com Exchange will be available immediately. Crypto.com will provide community support via its dedicated French-language Telegram channel: https://t.me/Cryptocom_FR About Crypto.com Crypto.com was founded in 2016 on a simple belief: it's a basic human right for everyone to control their money, data and identity. With over 3 million users on its platform today, Crypto.com provides a powerful alternative to traditional financial services, turning its vision of "cryptocurrency in every wallet" into reality, one customer at a time. Crypto.com is built on a solid foundation of security, privacy and compliance and is the first cryptocurrency company in the world to have ISO/IEC 27701:2019, CCSS Level 3, ISO27001:2013 and PCI:DSS 3.2.1, Level 1 compliance. Crypto.com is headquartered in Hong Kong with a 500+ strong team. For more information, please visit www.crypto.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/888271/Crypto_Logo.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249069/Crypto_French_App.jpg Reproductive health services have taken a backseat to the global coronavirus pandemic and in Malawi unwanted pregnancies and marriages have increased. As national health services shift to focus their care for those with COVID-19, attention in other areas of need including sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) has slipped. In the south Malawi district of Phalombe, 17 year-old Eliza Majuri said she was lured into a relationship with a married man in March, before he left her when she got pregnant. "At the time he proposed, he committed to marry me if I got pregnant and that we would be living together," she said. Eliza is one of thousands of teenagers who have fallen pregnant in Malawi between March and June 2020, a problem authorities directly link to the global pandemic. Many of the teens are pushed into early marriages. According to Oxfam, Phalombe alone has registered 2,784 cases of teen pregnancies and 800 child marriages since March when schools closed. The organisation has also identified an increase in cases in Machinga-east Malawi, where there are 418 teen pregnancies and 285 child marriages. In Mangochi district 7,274 teen pregnancies have been recorded. Malawi Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Dr Charles Mwansambo said in 2020 there has been an increase in pregnancies between the ages of ten and 19 compared to the previous year. "That's 29 out of every 100 pregnancies in young ones between the ages of ten and 19 and if you look at the same period this year in 2020, that has increased to 35% which means that out of every 100 pregnancies 35 are between the ages of 10 and 19," he said. Just like many other girls in her situation, Eliza does not have enough food, clothes and other essentials. "Eliza was very respectful to everyone both young and the old. She also used to do well in school. When she got pregnant, I got so angry remembering how I struggled to raise her. I resolved to chase her to her husband because I did not expect this from her," said Eliza's mother, Ester Chipinda. Matilda Matiya, who leads a mothers group team of women that is mediating a process to have Eliza return to her parents for assistance, said services were available in the area but was not accessed by many girls. "Family planning methods are available in our area but because they are found at a distance from here, most girls do not access them," Matiya said. Malawi isn't alone in a seeing an increase in teen pregnancies during the pandemic, it's also been reported in many other African nations and countries around the world. Research conducted United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) along with Avenir Health, Johns Hopkins University in the United States, and Victoria University in Australia and released in April predicted globally there could be seven million unintended pregnancies during the global pandemic. This was a result of limited access to modern contraceptives, if lockdowns and disruptions to health services were to continue for six months, the research concluded. UNFPA also predicted an increase in cases of violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation due to lockdowns. Olive Mtema, Country Director for Health Policy Plus Malawi, a USAID funded worldwide project believes the upsurge of teen pregnancies means the poverty cycle is exacerbated. "The future is the young people today and we have to invest in these young people. So, if they fall pregnant it means their future has been disturbed, and if they fall pregnant today at 14, how is their life going to be? So, the poverty cycle continues," Mtema said. She said lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services predisposes girls to unprotected sex, which could lead to pregnancies. There will be no Yukon Quest international sled dog race in Yukon this winter, organizers announced on Wednesday. In a news release, the Yukon Quest International Association (Canada) said there were several factors behind the decision, including border restrictions, sponsorships, and the risk of COVID-19 exposure to communities along the route. Organizers said the decision was not made lightly. "We have a responsibility to look at all aspects of the organization and an even greater responsibility to keep our community's health a priority," said Bev Regier, president of the YQIA (Canada) board, in a statement. This would have been the 38th year for the grueling 1,600-kilometre race between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse. The direction of the race alternates each year, and this winter it would have started in Whitehorse on Feb. 6. But race organizers had already decided in June that this year's race would have to be different because of border restrictions, and so they announced that it would be split into two races, one in Yukon and one in Alaska. Yukon Quest The decision to cancel the race altogether in Yukon happened this past weekend at a meeting of the YQIA board. The news release says it would have been difficult to organize such a big even during a pandemic. It says the decision to cancel was made out of concern for the health of mushers, race volunteers and supporters, and people living in communities along the race route. It also cited "economic challenges to local sponsors." Three weeks ago, Yukon Quest organizers in Alaska announced that they were going ahead with the shorter, 482-kilometre YQ300 race. It's scheduled to start on Feb. 13 in Fairbanks. TROY The Lansingburgh school district said Friday it has reached a furlough agreement with the CSEA units representing more than 120 district employees to avoid layoffs that were announced due to $6.5 million in state aid cuts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. I am grateful that our unions were able to work with the district in a very short amount of time to avoid layoffs and create a furlough agreement that still entitles employees to many of the benefits that they currently have, Superintendent Antonio Abitabile said in a statement Friday. The memorandum of agreement is between the district and the CSEAs district Units 8260-00 and 8260-02, Rensselaer County Educational Local 871. "CSEA has worked with the district to try and mitigate any need for more permanent layoffs or further harm to the workers we represent. This agreement is in the hopes of the district receiving federal aid needed to prevent further cuts," said Therese Assalian, a CSEA spokeswoman. The agreement covers all of the districts teaching assistants, aides, clerical staff, security, maintenance, custodial and nurses. The district said, The agreement outlines terms and conditions for a reduction in staff through the use of furloughs for 68 employees within these job titles. That number represents more than half of the union members in these units. The district announced in late August that it was shutting three of its four schools due to the anticipated 20 percent reduction in state aid. The Turnpike Elementary School will remain open. The mostly urban district relies more on state aid for operations than nearby suburban districts, which are generally wealthier. Lansingburgh has moved to remote learning for all students in third through 12th grades to deal with the loss of income. The staffing cuts make it impossible to bring all students back into the schools safely while dealing with COVID-19, the district said. The Albany and Schenectady city school districts are taking similar steps to handle cuts. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The inequity of a flat 20% cut to districts that rely so heavily on state aid to provide the appropriate educational experiences that our students are entitled to is staggering, Abitabile said. I am hoping that our government officials can find a way to return funding to our schools so we are able to safely return to the reopening plan that we originally planned. Other Capital Region small urban districts, such as Troy, are sticking to their current opening plans hoping that the cuts will not be made. Troy Superintendent John Carmello told the Troy Board of Education Wednesday that classes will open as planned. Troy is waiting to see whether or not federal aid will become available to offset any state aid reductions. The Lansingburgh furlough agreement means furloughed employees are eligible to receive state unemployment, will maintain their health, dental and vision benefits, all staff cuts are by seniority, call backs to work will be done by seniority, furloughs employees keep retirement benefits and the employees will retain accumulated time off. Chinese president makes indirect response to US-led attacks on CPC at 75th anniversary of WWII victory Global Times By Chen Qingqing Source: Global Times Published: 2020/9/4 0:02:02 Last Updated: 2020/9/3 23:56:02 The Chinese people will never agree on any attempt by any person or force to distort the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and smear the nature and the purpose of the CPC, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said at a symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. This was the first time China's top leader made an indirect response to US-led attacks on China's ruling Party. Xi also pointed out that anyone or any force that intends to distort and change socialism with Chinese characteristics, or deny and deface the great progress that the Chinese people have made in building socialism, won't be tolerated. And the Chinese people will not agree on anyone and any force that separates the CPC and the Chinese people and make them confront each other, the Chinese president said. Also, anyone and any force that tries to impose their will on China through bullying tactics and attempts to change the development path of the country, obstruct the efforts of the Chinese people to create a better life for themselves, won't be tolerated, China's top leader noted. Any person or force that attempts to undermine the Chinese people's right to live in peace and development, to undermine exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese people and the people of other countries, and undermine the peace and development of mankind, won't be accepted neither, Xi said. Xi earlier emphasized at the 75th anniversary of the victory of WWII that the role of the CPC was the key to victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He also mentioned that the Chinese people showed a great spirit of resistance during the war, and such a spirit will always inspire the Chinese people to strive for the great rejuvenation of the nation. It's the first time that China's top leader made comprehensive remarks of authority in the face of a series of groundless accusations and attacks on China, especially the constant smear campaign against the CPC, Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Thursday. "It also shows that the Chinese government is holding a very firm position with no fear of battling. During WWII, the country achieved victory because of the leadership of the CPC and the power of the people," Li said, noting that under the leadership of the CPC, China had not only won a hard-fought battle against Japanese aggression, but also opened a new page for the country's fast-tracked development and opening-up, creating an economic miracle for the world. The Trump administration of the US now treats the CPC as a major threat and such ill-intentioned moves of creating an ideological confrontation with China have become a part of the US geopolitical strategy. The US government has also come up with certain relevant measures such as a travel ban for CPC members on entering the US, which is considered as one of the toughest approaches that Washington is planning to take as US-China relations slide into a historically intense situation. However, some US politicians have intentionally taken the ideological confrontation as a major means of fighting a US-initiated a cold war against China as it can't suppress its major rival's economy, culture or system, some experts said. It is also widely considered as a useless measure of the US in an attempt to maintain its hegemony across the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kenneth C. Crowe II/Times Union TROY A 25-year-old man facing charges in City Court appeared in Rensselaer County Court after a county probation officer filed a complaint that he had violated his probation for a forgery charge. Judge Debra Young adjourned the hearing that could have resulted in Kenneth Zeoli heading to state prison for up to seven years for his guilty plea to second-degree forgery. Zeoli admitted to misrepresenting his identity to the East Greenbush police, according to court records HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An" or the "Group", HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318) announced that Xie Yonglin, President and Co-CEO of Ping An Group, spoke at the 12th Lujiazui Forum on how technology can transform financial services and better serve small and micro-enterprises. The Shanghai forum brought together government officials and international finance experts to discuss issues such as sustainable growth of the global economy. Mr. Xie highlighted that technology can boost the financial services industry through two development paths, which he called "from 0 to 1" and "from 1 to N". Technology is a major factor of global financial competitiveness, Mr. Xie said. "From 0 to 1" is about leading financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, brokers and funds, developing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud and big data to enhance their core financial businesses. Technology can improve efficiency and customer experience and reduce costs and risks. Enterprises can then share their "from 0 to 1" experience and innovations to empower small and medium-sized financial institutions extending technological advancement to the broader industry, "from 1 to N". "From 0 to 1": leveraging technology to enhance core financial businesses Citing Ping An as an example, Mr. Xie noted the Group has achieved remarkable results in its core financial businesses through its "finance + technology" strategy. For example, the 510 Superfast Investigation of Ping An's auto insurance provides swift processing of daytime urban auto accidents within 5 to 10 minutes, leveraging technology to establish a new industry benchmark for claims processing while limiting traffic disruptions. Ping An Bank has shortened credit card issuance time from two days for manual to two minutes by AI evaluation. Ping An Bank's application process for its Xinyidai unsecured loans and other credit products are fully managed online, shortening the process from applying to granting of the loan to 10 seconds, while its smart risk management model has reduced credit losses by 60% compared to the manual system. Mr. Xie said, "There are two vital conditions for self-developed technological capabilities 'from 0 to 1'. First, sustained and significant investment in technology by the large financial institutions is required. Ping An has invested more than RMB100 billion in technology in the past 10 years and will continue to invest RMB100 billion in the next five years. Second, the research and development and application of technology are highly dependent on a wealth of financial scenarios, requiring constant trial and error and continuous iteration." "From 1 to N": empowering small and medium-sized financial institutions Mr. Xie said that small and medium-sized financial institutions would not likely have the financial resources or the R&D capabilities to develop their own technologies. To fully achieve technological transformation across the financial services industry, leading enterprises need to support small and medium-sized financial institutions to boost their service efficiency and effectiveness to better serve small and micro-enterprises. Mr. Xie cited the example of OneConnect, an associate of Ping An Group, the largest technology-as-a-service cloud platform for financial institutions in China. As of the end of June 2020, OneConnect facilitated 2 trillion transactions for customers of other financial institutions, including 171.5 million anti-fraud checks and 5.2 billion credit risk assessments. As of the end of June 2020, OneConnect had served 100% of major banks, 99% of city commercial banks and 53% of insurance companies in China, collectively reaching hundreds of millions of end-customers. Mr. Xie said, "To empower the industry 'from 1 to N' requires leading enterprises to have not only highly professional, applicable and stable fintech capabilities, but also requires the capabilities to be modular and scalable in order to empower other financial firms." About Ping An Group Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An") is a world-leading technology-powered retail financial services group. With over 210 million retail customers and 560 million Internet users, Ping An is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Ping An has two over-arching strategies, "pan financial assets" and "pan health care", which focus on the provision of financial and healthcare services through our integrated financial services platform and our five ecosystems of financial services, health care, auto services, real estate services and smart city services. Our "finance + technology" and "finance + ecosystem" strategies aim to provide customers and internet users with innovative and simple products and services using technology. As China's first joint stock insurance company, Ping An is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate reporting and corporate governance. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. In 2020, Ping An ranked 7th in the Forbes Global 2000 list and ranked 21st in the Fortune Global 500 list. Ping An also ranked 38th in the 2020 WPP Kantar Millward Brown BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list. For more information, please visit www.pingan.cn. SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. Related Links www.pingan.cn "Federal judge says she will again hold Texas in contempt of court for failing to meet foster care reforms" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. U.S. District Judge Janis Jack said Friday she will once again hold Texas health and human services officials in contempt of court, a punishment that may come with hefty fines, for failing to make progress toward foster care reforms she ordered to be implemented last year. Jack indicated she would give the state about a month to make improvements before deciding whether to assess fines of up to several thousand dollars per day. If finalized, the contempt finding would mark the second time in 10 months that Jack has punished state officials for being out of compliance with her demands, which are the culmination of a decade-long class-action lawsuit that brought the state under federal court supervision. Her announcement followed a two-day hearing, held by video conference, in which she frequently chided some of Texas top child welfare bureaucrats. At times, she interrupted Paul Yetter, the Houston-based attorney representing more than 10,000 long-term foster children in Texas, to emphatically agree with his assertions that the foster care system continues to hurt and endanger children. I actually am stunned by the noncompliance of the state, Jack said, but I keep being stunned every time we have one of these hearings. The hearing focused on more than a dozen of Jacks orders, which required state officials to beef up oversight of residential facilities that house kids, improve the timeliness of state investigations into abuse and neglect in foster homes and build software to alert caregivers and caseworkers about instances of child-on-child sexual aggression. Jack also urged state officials at the hearing to improve communication between two separate state agencies: one that oversees children in foster care, and one that licenses homes and facilities that house large numbers of foster children. Throughout the hearing, Jack echoed concerns raised by two-court appointed monitors in a 363-page report released in June that detailed substantial threats to childrens safety, particularly in large, privately-run foster homes. The States oversight of childrens placements is in numerous instances lethargic and ineffective, the monitors wrote. Operations with long, troubled histories of standards violations and child abuse allegations remain open and are permitted to care for vulnerable children, some of whom are then hurt. The prevalence of physical restraints and injuries to children in some facilities is simply shocking, as are the numerous instances where DFPS staff document that the agency does not know where children are placed. Jack said she agreed with the monitors findings and accused state officials of dragging their feet on making meaningful changes. In particular, she took issue with Jean Shaw, the associate commissioner for child care regulation at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, for not coming down harder on residential operations with long histories of regulatory violations. Texas foster care officials testified Thursday that they had recently stopped placing children in one facility where monitors identified problems. A Texas Department of Family and Protective Services official testified that the agency was terminating its contract this week with Prairie Harbor, a Houston-area residential treatment center where a teen died in February from a pulmonary embolism associated with a blood clot in her leg. The home has yet to have its license pulled, though state officials indicated that was a possibility. Jack berated Shaw for allowing the home to remain open for months after the teens death and for recently approving a variance that allowed the home to marginally reduce the number of staff supervising children. Shaw said the agency had approved the variance at Prairie Harbor, and similar variances at other foster facilities, because of private operators difficulties fully staffing during the coronavirus pandemic. At one point, Jack told Shaw, I dont think youre thinking at all. At another, Yetter asked Shaw if she realized that granting the variance had placed children at Prairie Harbor at risk. I dont realize that, Shaw said. Jack cut her off. Thats the problem, Mr. Yetter, the judge said, addressing the childrens attorney. Thats the problem. In a statement after the hearing, Katie Olse, the chief executive of the trade group Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, which represents foster home administrators, said that Texas children must be at the center of this process and that private groups have been heroically serving children coming from terrible circumstances. The community-based organizations serving these children take problems in Texas foster care system very seriously, and this legal process has no doubt brought attention to specific issues that need to be addressed, Olse said. Its clear that better alignment between state agencies would improve care for vulnerable children. We also need to be sure that all available resources are flowing to help the young people who need them. During the two-day hearing, state officials described their efforts as a work in progress and resisted the sweeping terms Jack used to criticize the system they oversee. But given the opportunity, they declined to name any perceived inaccuracies in the court-appointed monitors report, which detailed 11 recent child deaths. At one point, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Jaime Masters told the judge, Your Honor, Im concerned by what Im hearing as well. In a recent legal filing, lawyers from the Texas Attorney Generals Office, which is defending child welfare officials in the case, wrote that they had taken tremendous strides to comply with Jacks order. The arguments made by the childrens attorneys, they wrote, paint an incomplete picture of the states efforts. In November 2019, Jack held the state in contempt of court after a similarly fiery hearing for failing to comply with her orders, at the time focusing on a requirement that large foster homes have 24-hour, awake supervision. Based on initial information from the monitors, she said then she no longer found the states child welfare agency to be credible in any way. She fined the state $150,000 at the time. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/04/texas-foster-care-lawsuit-judge-hearing-contempt/. The Texas Tribune is proud to celebrate 10 years of exceptional journalism for an exceptional state. Explore the next 10 years with us. How do you know a movement has caught fire? When the symbols start appearing. Everyday symbols, placed preposterously, mockingly, giving a scandal a name and associating it with the tangible, the popular. It's very effectively used in Latin America, where housewives in Chile started the practice, banging on pots and pans to protest the communist Allende-Castro puppet regime's signature socialist food shortages. Coat hangers for abortion supporters, underwear for Clinton protesters when it happens, it's a popular movement that's taken off. And in this case, the instrument is blow dryers and curling irons, and the target is House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who turned up at an expensive San Francisco hair salon to get her hair done, not even wearing a mask, while everyone else had to stay home, and every salon had to legally remain shut, ostensibly out of fear of COVID, an old crisis that has since peaked. The unused blow dryers are now turning up in trees, as loony decorations, a tangible symbol to show that the public is outraged. And that's one heck of a memorable protest. After all, the rules that keep salons shut are not observed by the elites. Just little people have to play by those oppressive rules. It's the work of angry hairstylists, who have been forced to pay a disproportionate price for COVID, as have gyms, churches, small "nonessential" businesses, schools, restaurants, bars, and other small fry and stay closed, pretty much forever, until the last COVID case goes away. There is no other plan put out by the blue states, and that's effectively a death sentence on their businesses for nothing. Most were never big spreaders, and all have options to lessen the risk of spread through masks and social distancing, but no matter the tyrants order the businesses to stay shut except in the case where some animals are more equal than others. Right, Nance? It's getting to be outrageous and outrageous acts of oppression merit outrageous acts of protest. One can only hope Nancy Pelosi will be followed by blow dryer protests wherever she goes. It's fascinating that the hair salons are at the spearhead of this movement rather than other types of businesses, which are sure to follow. There have been incidents in Texas and Michigan where salon-owners and barbers have refused to close doors and triggered legal incidents. There's the case of Brandon Straka, a hairdresser who has had enough of Democrat rage and founded a movement to get away from them called #WalkAway. Straka is gay, and there are many gay people in the trade. The gay movement in particular has been extremely good as the use of symbols triangles, rainbow flags, equals signs... Now there's the blow dryer rebellion. And hairdressers have been known to play pivotal roles in revolutions. Let's hope this one gets ever wilder and more impressive, forcing Pelosi and pals into ending their petty little satrapy of shutdowns. Image credit: Lasse Burholt, via YouTube, screen shot, enhanced with FotoSketcher. 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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A closely watched report released by the Labor Department on Friday showed another substantial increase in U.S. employment in the month of August, although the pace of job growth continued to slow from the record spike seen in June. The Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment surged up by 1.371 million jobs in August after spiking by a downwardly revised 1.734 million jobs in July and soaring by 4.781 million jobs in June. Economists had expected employment to jump by about 1.400 million jobs compared to the addition of 1.763 million jobs originally reported for the previous month. The strong job growth in August was partly due to the hiring of 238,000 temporary 2020 Census workers, which contributed to a significant increase in government employment. 'Census hiring could rise further in September but, as in previous Census years, those workers will be let go again over the following months,' said Andrew Hunter, Senior U.S. Economist at Capital Economics. 'Nevertheless, there were also solid increases in employment across most of the private sector.' The Labor Department cited notable job growth in retail trade, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and education and health services. The continued job growth contributed to a much bigger than expected drop in the unemployment rate, which fell to 8.4 percent in August from 10.2 percent in July. Economists had expected the unemployment rate to edge down to 9.8 percent. The notable decrease in the unemployment rate came as the household survey found employment spiked by 3.756 million in August, far outpacing a 968,000 person increase in the size of the labor force. The unemployment rate continued to decline from the post-World War II record high of 13.5 percent in April but remains well above the 50-year low of 3.5 percent seen late last year. Meanwhile, the report said average hourly employee earnings rose $0.11 or 0.4 percent to $29.47 in August from $29.36 in July. Annual wage growth was unchanged at 4.7 percent. 'Employment growth is still set to lag the recovery in broader economic activity over the coming months given its greater exposure to the services sectors worst affected by the pandemic,' Hunter said. He added, 'Nevertheless, the August data illustrate that, despite the earlier surge in virus cases and more recent fading of fiscal support, the recovery continues to plough on.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The Orange Democratic Movement has assured Migori ward representatives supporting the impeachment of Governor Okoth Obado of its support. In a statement Thursday, ODM chairman John Mbadi claimed the MCAs are facing blackmail and intimidation from the embattled governor. Mbadi also called on the government to protect the ward reps. We assure ODM MCAs who have signed the petition to remove Obado from office that the party will stand with them fully against attempts by the governor to intimidate and blackmail them. We urge the government to ensure the security of the MCAs and protect them from any form of intimidation and blackmail, the party said in part. Mbadi also noted that the party has names of individuals currently involved in raising money and also diverting public funds to bribe MCAs and finance violence in the county. we are going to furnish the government with names of Migori CECs, directors of various departments, contractors, chief officers, MCAs and officials who are currently involved in raising money to bribe MCAs, the statement reads. According to the party official, the said individuals are holed up in Nairobi, Kisumu and Migori. As soon as we forward these names we expect police to act with speed to arrest these individuals. In a rejoinder, Obados political adviser Dennis Orero denied the allegations and challenged ODM to table evidence. Heres ODMs full Statement on the impending impeachment of Obado. Putin says West looks as if prepared response to Belarus election in advance Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 5:28 AM Russian President Vladimir Putin says there is reason to suspect that Western countries prepared their rejection of Belarus' recent presidential election result before the vote was even held. Speaking in an interview with the Russia-1 TV channel that was aired on Saturday, President Putin said Belarusian authorities had invited representatives from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the August 9 elections, which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won, but the OSCE refused to send monitors. "Belarusian authorities have invited the OSCE ODIHR to participate in the monitoring of the election. Why didn't they come? This immediately makes us think that, basically, the position on the results of this election has already been prepared," Putin said, referring to the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Western countries and Belarus' opposition have rejected Lukashenko's re-election, claiming that voter fraud took place and demanding that the election be repeated. Mass protests have been staged by the Belarusian opposition since the results were announced. The Belarusian government has rejected the allegations of vote rigging and ruled out a repeat election. Lukashenko has also warned of a Western plot to destabilize Belarus and has turned to President Putin for help with maintaining security. In his Saturday interview, the Russian president said Belarus' election was an internal issue of the country. "We believe this is, first and foremost, an internal matter of the Belarusian society and the people of Belarus," Putin said. But he said Russia was ready to help. Belarus, he said, is "probably, the closest country to Russia ethnically, culturally, and spiritually." Putin said Lukashenko had asked him to have a group of law enforcement officers on standby to be dispatched to Belarus if necessary. The Russian president said that he expected the crisis to be resolved peacefully but that the group had been formed. "We agreed that the group would not be deployed unless the situation in Belarus spirals completely out of control," he said. Putin said Moscow would only involve itself in Belarus if "extremist elements acting under the cover of political slogans cross certain red lines and engage in banditry, start burning houses and banks, [and] try storming government buildings." On Thursday, the Russian president urged Belarus' government and opposition to resolve their differences peacefully. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Because officers cant give chase, they attempt to protect the public by strategically choking off busy streets and intersections to direct the gangs warpath. In one instance in 2018, a dirt biker died after colliding at high speeds with a police cruiser. That rider might still be alive today had he not been riding an illegal off-road vehicle, without a helmet, in open defiance of the law. PPP kept 75% of churches, Christian organizations that took loans fully staffed: survey Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Some 75% of Christian churches and organizations that applied for and received forgivable loans under the federal governments coronavirus relief program for small businesses, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, say the loans helped keep their operations fully staffed and many of them have already been forgiven. A recent survey by Vanderbloeman citing data collected over several months from 900 churches and Christian organizations reveals how crucial the relief program has been for the survival of Christian operations. The survey found that 76.09% of the churches in the survey had service attendance below 1,000 while 58.85% attracted less than 500. A majority of the churches (74%) also had annual budgets of less than $2 million. More than half of the Christian churches and organizations (61%) received less than $150,000 and 85% of them received less than $349,000. The government hoped that the economic impact of COVID-19 would be temporary and wanted to improve job stability by enabling organizations to continue paying their employees, rather than having the government pay for unemployment, Vanderbloemen reported. This definitely worked out for everyone involved. With very little turnover in Christian organizations, they were able to maintain staff and continue to help their communities during a time of crisis. Under the PPP, which closed on Aug. 8, as long as a church employed 500 people or fewer, it could request a federal loan for an amount 2.5 times its average monthly payroll. The loans, along with a 1% interest, would be forgiven by the government as long as 75% of the funds are used to cover payroll expenses in the eight weeks after the house of worship receives the funds. The remaining 25% can be spent on rent, utilities, insurance and other operating costs. A recent report highlighted that churches of all denominations received an estimated $6 to $10 billion of the $659 billion that funded the PPP over two rounds under the CARES Act. The U.S. Catholic Church reportedly received at least $1.4 billion in funding and possibly as much as $3.5 billion, according to an analysis by the Associated Press. An analysis by Ministry Watch, estimated that churches and other religious nonprofits as a whole received between $6 and $10 billion. More than 400 evangelical ministries and churches were identified as each receiving at least $1 million in PPP funds while seven each received $5-10 million. Recipients of multi-million dollar forgivable loans included First Baptist Church of Dallas, Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois, and the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Despite the aid accessed by churches through the PPP, The Christian Post recently reported that as many as one in five churches could permanently close as a result of shutdowns stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. David Kinnaman, president of the prominent Christian research organization Barna Group, explained that although churches were handling things pretty swimmingly at the beginning of the pandemic, circumstances have changed for some. Theyre recognizing that the relationships that they thought were much deeper with people were actually not as deep as they expected, Kinnaman told NPR. Smaller churches in low-income urban areas, meanwhile, have been helped with $3,000 grants through the Churches Helping Churches Challenge. Faith organizations helped raise over $1.2 million to distribute to at-risk churches during the pandemic. The initiative is also providing $5,000 grants to help churches continue community service projects. When the White House press secretary played video on an endless loop Thursday of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi walking unmasked through a San Francisco hair salon, it was the latest sign that the Trump campaign was still searching for an attack line to pull itself out of the ditch. Calling Joe Biden a socialist hasnt perked up the presidents poll numbers. Nor has questioning Sen. Kamala Harris citizenship credentials. Nor has Trumps race-baiting on how electing Biden will destroy the suburbs by bringing in low-income housing. Next stop: Pelosis hair salon visit. The image of the wealthy San Francisco Democrat getting her hair done in a salon from which her constituents are barred will tickle Fox News viewers no end. It will enrage MSNBC viewers who wonder why the media focus on such trivialities during a pandemic. Other than that, this story has minimal political impact as the home stretch of the campaign begins. The handful of undecided voters in battleground states the people who will determine who wins the election dont care whether Pelosi was set up by the salon owner, as she alleges, or whether she blithely ignored the rules governing indoor business closures in the city she has represented for 33 years. Voters are worried about the pandemic and their jobs and their health care and whether their kids can get a decent education at Zoom school. Whatever Pelosi did in a hair salon in San Francisco is not going to sway voters in Wisconsin, a state President Trump narrowly won four years and, polls indicate, Biden leads now. Im confident that Republican voters will look at this and chortle and say, I told you so, and Democrats will wave it away, said Charles Franklin, who directs the Marquette Law School Poll, one of Wisconsins leading political barometers. And independent voters who havent made up their mind yet, Franklin said, will be sitting around tomorrow and talking about where theyre going to go for fish fry, referring to the states Friday night dining ritual. Whats going to move voters in Wisconsin, Franklin said, is the course of the pandemic and the course of the economy over the next few weeks. He also is watching for voters reaction to unrest in Kenosha, Wis., where a police officer shot a Black man Aug. 23. Support for the Black Lives Matter movement had dipped even before the unrest broke out over the white officers wounding of Jacob Blake, from 61% in June to 48% in early August, according to the Marquette poll. A new survey of the states voters will be out next week. Nearly everything besides the pandemic, the economy and possibly the events in Kenosha, Franklin said, is just part of the background noise of partisan sniping between the campaigns. Nor will Pelosis salon adventures move any voters in Pennsylvania, another battleground that Trump won in 2016 and where polls show Biden with a narrow lead now. No, it wont. This is between Trump and Biden, not her, said G. Terry Madonna, who directs the Franklin and Marshall College Poll in Pennsylvania. If one of them did something, yes, it could have some impact. But not somebody else. Whats going to move voters here is something like when Biden said that he doesnt want to ban fracking, a big source of jobs in the state, Madonna said. Analysts say there are few truly undecided voters somewhere between 3% and 12% of the electorate, depending on the poll. According to a Quinnipiac University Poll released Thursday of likely voters in Florida where the pollsters found a statistical dead heat 93% of those surveyed who have selected a candidate say their minds are made up. Nearly an identical dynamic is going on in Pennsylvania, where Quinnipiac found that 94% of respondents who said they had settled on one candidate had no intention of switching. This election wont be decided by the latest cable news chum. It will determined by which side can get its voters to the polls or, more accurately, to the mailbox, mastery of mail-in balloting being paramount during the pandemic. Not that this is a universally held view. Republicans believe Pelosis salon trip does make a larger point that will resonate among people. There is stunning hypocrisy involved with this, said Melanie Morgan, a longtime Bay Area conservative talk show host who demonstrated with others Thursday in front of Pelosis Pacific Heights home while holding blow dryers and curlers. Its about something that everyday people always suspect: that politicians are getting a better deal for themselves than the rest of us are getting, Morgan said. This is a story of the haves and have-nots. Everybody wants to get a haircut. We need it for our self-esteem. Our guys shouldnt have to walk around with mullets. Targeting Pelosi to make that point might be convenient, but Pelosi-bashing has not been effective despite being an oft-used page in the GOP playbook. She was mentioned in 1 of every 3 GOP ads during the 2018 midterms, usually as the embodiment of San Francisco liberalism. The strategy failed. Democrats retook the House. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Gov. Kate Brown held a press conference on Friday to discuss her concerns following last weeks shooting death at a Portland protest and the coming holiday weekends potential for boosting COVID-19 cases. Brown, who was joined by Oregon Health Authority officials, also discussed how Oregonians can help prevent wildfires as temperatures are expected to rise over the weekend. Brown received questions about the six-point plan she released last Sunday aiming to help curb destruction and violence at the Portland protests, which are expected to hit the 100-day mark with gatherings this evening. However, Browns plan relied on providing Portland police with help from neighboring police agencies, which have since declined to participate. New Delhi, Sep 4 : Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday assured the automobile industry that he will take up its demand for a cut in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Union Finance Minister and the Prime Minister. Speaking at the virtual Annual Convention of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Minister said that the industry will get some concessions to boost demand for vehicles, especially during the festive season. Acknowledging the auto industry's demand for reduction in GST rates, he said: "GST reduction will ultimately benefit the government and I will take it up with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Prime Minister's Office." He noted that any decision on the GST cut will require the GST Council to take into account the socio-economic impact of the decision. Citing the ongoing issue of the GST compensation, which the Centre has been unable to pay to the states, Javadekar said that as central revenues are already very low, such decisions on the rate cut would have to be thoroughly looked into. "I hope you will get some good news soon," said Javadekar, who holds the portfolios of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Information & Broadcasting, and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. As the pandemic has worsened the demand scenario in India's automobile sector, which was already going through a slowdown in the past year or so, industry players have been seeking support from the government through tax cuts to push up demand. Recently, Sitharaman said that the GST Council will look into the proposal to lower the GST on two-wheelers, which neither come under luxury nor sin goods. Javadekar also assured the industry that a well-entrenched vehicle scrappage policy will be out soon that bodes well for the automobile sector. The policy is expected to encourage customers to go in for new purchases backed by government incentives in lieu of their old vehicles. Significantly, the move is considered to be the most vital element of any further package to prop up the sector's growth. The Minister said: "Infrastructure is the only answer to the growth story of India and the government is looking at investing Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure projects over the coming years. This will also hugely benefit the automobile industry." "The government is also focusing on e-mobility by pushing for better infrastructure and providing incentive to electric vehicle manufacturers. Once the cost of electric vehicles goes down, the demand will increase and this segment will be highly profitable." Manitoba's largest COVID-19 outbreak at a personal care home has claimed two more lives, bringing the provincial death toll from the novel coronavirus to 16. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba's largest COVID-19 outbreak at a personal care home has claimed two more lives, bringing the provincial death toll from the novel coronavirus to 16. Thirteen cases six residents and seven staff have now been identified at Bethesda Place in Steinbach since Aug. 16. Four of the care home's 59 residents have died of the virus. The two latest deaths were women: one in her 80s; one in her 90s. An obituary posted online identifies one of the COVID-19 victims as Elsie Janzen, who was born in 1934. She died Tuesday. Cheryl Harrison, executive director of Southern Health, the regional authority that includes Steinbach, said infections have occurred in both wings of the 60-bed personal care home. Thirteen cases six residents, seven staff have now been identified at Bethesda Place in Steinbach since Aug. 16. Four of the care home's 59 residents have died of the virus. (Nicole Buffie / The Carillon files) Since the outbreak began, the facility has undergone enhanced cleaning, barred visitors, and investigated staff use of personal protective equipment (PPE). "We are looking at all possible contributing factors," Harrison said Thursday. "Our goal is to contain any further transmission." Among the issues officials are investigating is whether there were times when staff may have failed to wear PPE. "We've had some beautiful, hot summer weather. However, you can appreciate that wearing masks and eye protection can become very challenging. So, it's certainly one of the hypotheses that we're looking at," Harrison said. "And we're reinforcing the use of PPE and eye protection as an investigation (continues) to determine what could have resulted in a resident acquiring COVID." Officials are also examining whether physical distancing has consistently occurred at lunch breaks, when staff remove face coverings to eat. Lunch breaks are staggered to try to minimize crowding, Harrison said. Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen, who is also the Manitoba minister of education, said the community has pulled together to support the affected families. "There's a lot of heartbreak. There's a lot of concern. But, more than that, there's a lot of love," he said. The families have expressed appreciation for staff at both the care home and the attached hospital, where COVID-19 sufferers were cared for in their final days, he added. Goertzen said it's also been difficult for families who are unable to visit their loved ones in Bethesda, due to the outbreak: "It's hurt that piles on hurt." There are now seven Manitoba nursing homes with reported outbreaks of COVID-19, including two in Winnipeg. In such high-risk facilities, even if one staff member or one resident is infected with the coronavirus, an outbreak is declared. Beacon Hill Lodge Long Term Care Home and Fred Douglas Lodge in Winnipeg have each had one staff member confirmed with the coronavirus. In Brandon, there are outbreaks at four personal care homes one has had a single staff member test positive, while at the other three homes, two staff members have tested positive. Meanwhile, at the Assiniboine Centre within Brandon's hospital, there are seven cases of COVID-19, affecting five residents and two staff. Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced Thursday 20 new cases had been identified, bringing the Manitoba total to 1,264. Of the new cases, 13 are in the Winnipeg health region, with six in Prairie Mountain Health, and one in Interlake-Eastern. There are 12 persons in hospital with COVID-19, including one in intensive care. There are currently 457 active cases of the virus. The current five-day test positivity rate is continuing to decline. It now stands at 1.3 per cent. A total of 1,339 laboratory tests were completed Wednesday. Meanwhile, Roussin said the first fine was levied this week under a new provincial health order that requires infected persons to self-isolate for up to two weeks or face a penalty. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. He provided few details in the case except to say the scofflaw lives in Prairie Mountain Health region and had been warned before the fine was levied. The fine for failing to self-isolate when ordered to do so can be as high as $486. Roussin also committed to publicly announcing when a student or staff member at a school tests positive for COVID-19. "We will be making it public when we have a case in a school," he said Thursday. Asked if he's looking at mandating the wearing of face masks in all indoor public places, in light of a recent poll showing more than 80 per cent of Manitobans supporting such a move, Roussin was non-committal. "Really, the only reason to mandate something is to increase adherence to it," he said. "And so if we have 80 per cent of Manitobans who are interested in wearing masks indoors, then we may not have to mandate it." larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Its been a tough summer for Galveston, even if the island avoided Hurricane Lauras destructive path last week. Tourism is the lifeblood of the Gulf Coast citys economy and yet, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, island beaches were closed and hotel rooms were vacant for long stretches and restaurants have had to adapt to limits on indoor dining. And save for a brief four-week period from May to June, bars have been closed completely. So as Labor Day weekend approached, heralding the end of the islands summer tourist season, interim Mayor Craig Brown had a clear message to anyone looking for a beach getaway: Galveston is open for business, and please bring your wallet. All the businesses have been suffering, even if theyre running at a reduced capacity, theyre still suffering, Brown said, noting that hotel occupancy tax revenue has declined sharply. Thats something that were really looking forward to for Labor Day to be a big shot in the arm for the business community here. While parks and beaches across the Houston-Galveston region will be open this weekend, public health officials were still urging caution, fearing a potential third spike in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in March. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, warned this week that if Americans were careless there could be another jump in cases this fall. After all, it was only two months ago that a major increase in COVID-19 cases forced the closure of beaches in Galveston and Brazoria counties over the Fourth of July weekend, prompting localities across Texas to require that people wear masks inside businesses. Mixed Metrics But unlike previous holiday weekends, key indicators provided some reason for optimism after weeks in which federal, state and local officials were mostly been unified in urging people to wear masks and take other precautions. In some parts of Texas, infection rates and hospitalizations from the virus have steadily decreased for weeks. That marks a major difference from prior to Memorial Day weekend, when cases were already ticking upward in the state, portending an even larger spike after the holiday. In Galveston County, for instance, there has been a decline in COVID-19 cases for eight weeks straight, and the rate of positive tests dropped to just over 4 percent last week, the lowest it had been in months. Per capita cases have also declined significantly. These metrics gave Philip Keiser, Galveston Countys local health authority, reason for cautious optimism that the region was finally starting to turn a corner. One of the important things to keep in mind is that Labor Day weekend actually represents the end of summer, so were not gonna see any more (crowded) weekends, whereas Memorial Day is the beginning and then July 4 is not even the peak but when summer gets into high gear, Keiser said. He said he expects another spike at some point in the fall, but added, I hope that were better prepared and when we have increases in cases well be able to respond better. In the Houston area, there was more wariness, especially with students returning to in-person instruction in some public school districts and college students heading back to campuses. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, noted that there was some noise in recent data that could foretell a spike in coming weeks. This week, the Texas Medical Center collectively saw more patients admitted per day and the seven-day rolling average was beginning to increase. Boom said the dynamics leading up to Labor Day felt a little too similar to Memorial Day. Many flocked to beaches that weekend without masks, as state leaders touted the reopening of Texas. Now is the time to consolidate our gains through continued safe practices, not the time to lose ground by letting our guards down, Boom said. As it did before Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, Methodist urged Houstonians to be safe this weekend through a public service campaign digital billboards, social media messaging and front-page wrap-around newspaper ads. All stress the importance of wearing a mask, staying six feet apart and practicing proper hand hygiene. The Houston areas COVID metrics remain generally good, with one exception after nearly three weeks suggesting the virus was on a path to burn out, its spread was again accelerating. The metric, known as the pandemics reproductivity value, shows each infected person has been passing the virus to an average of more than one person the last five days. The average for the previous 20 days was less than 1, a level at which an outbreak over time cant sustain itself. Otherwise, the citys numbers are encouraging. The number of new cases Thursday was under 1,000 and the positive test rate was down to 5.2 percent, half what it was a month ago. Hospitalizations were slightly up, but Boom suspected that may have been because people delayed going to the hospital last week due to the threat of Hurricane Laura. Social distancing messaging Harris County health officials issued a statement Friday urging people to heed the recommendations that have helped curb the pandemic. A spokesman for Houstons health department said people should wear a face mask in public, practice social distancing and wash their hands often the same practices that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has been preaching for months. Local elected officials have worked to sound the alarm, as well. While Houston city parks will remain open during the holiday weekend, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia said in a statement that no public facilities in his precinct would be rented out for large gatherings Our strict social distancing guidelines have been effective, and to date, we are unaware of anyone contracting Covid-19 from a visit to a Precinct 2 park, Garcia said. Keiser, the Galveston County health authority, believes that these public campaigns on safe practices have had a positive impact. In the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July weekend, he would drive through Galveston and see few masks out in public. That is no longer the case, he said. I think weve learned some very important lessons, one is the important of masking, Keiser said. Now if someone even wears their mask askew, you get a lot of hairy eyeballs. Alejandro Serrano contributed to this report. nick.powell@chron.com A separate fire, called the Snider Fire, moved along the east and west sides of the Tongue River, according to public fire information officer Crystal Beckman. By Thursday afternoon the fire was about 20 miles north of Ashland and had burned approximately 31,600 acres, or about 49 square miles. Powder River and Custer counties have been affected by the fires, Beckman said. The fire crossed the Tongue River near Snider Creek Road and has burned into Custer County, according to a Wednesday post on the Rosebud County Sheriff's Department Facebook page. Birney in Rosebud County and Broadus in Powder River County experienced unhealthy air quality levels earlier Thursday as a result of the nearby Sarpy Fire on the Northern Cheyenne and Crow reservations and the Snider Fire. Birney reached "unhealthy for sensitive groups," and Broadus reached "unhealthy," according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. When air quality is unhealthy, active children and adults and people with chronic conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular disease should avoid being outdoors for too long. Zook Fire German journalist Hellmut Kapfenberger officially launches his latest book on late President Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh Politische Biografie (Political Biography) in Berlin on September 2 (local time). (Photo: VNA) Berlin German journalist Hellmut Kapfenberger officially launched his latest book on late President Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh Politische Biografie (Political Biography) in Berlin on September 2 (local time). Speaking at the launch, Kapfenberger hailed the late Vietnamese leader as a brilliant national hero who displayed modesty, simplicity and friendliness, and devoted all his life to the homeland and people. The 86-year-old writer said the newly-published biography is an improved version of his previous book Ho Chi Minh A Chronicle released in 2009. He expressed his proud and delight to publish a complete biography about President Ho Chi Minh, saying the book will give readers a better understanding about his life and career, from the time he was born in Nghe An to his travel across many foreign countries to find ways to liberate his nation. The book also depicts his years resiliently leading Vietnams struggle for independence and as the State President until his last moment. German journalist launches book on Ho Chi Minhs political biography in Berlin hinh anh 2 Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Minh Vu presents flowers to German journalist Hellmut Kapfenberger at the launching event. (Photo: VNA) Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Minh Vu thanked Kapfenberger and the director of the German publishing house Wiljo Heinen for hosting the launching event on Vietnams National Day September 2, which also marked the 51st death anniversary of the late president. He said the new book will be a valuable publication about President Ho Chi Minh which helps readers know better about Vietnam and its founder and greatly contributes to strengthening friendship between German and Vietnamese people. He expected the book will be well-received by German readers as well as Vietnamese expats living in Germany and Kapfenberger will produce more books about Vietnam. Journalist Hellmut Kapfenberger was presented with Friendship Order by President of Vietnam in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to the two countries friendship and multifaceted cooperation. As a reporter for ADN the official news agency of the former German Democratic Republic, and Neues Deutschland (New Germany) newspaper, he spent seven years in Vietnam to report on the war. He witnessed fierce battles, American atrocities and the heroic resistance of the Vietnamese. After retiring, he spent time on collecting documents and writing books on Vietnam, including a book with Vietnamese version entitled Ho Chi Minh Mot bien nien su (Ho Chi Minh A chronicle), Berlin Bonn Saigon Hanoi, Vietnam - ein dreizigjahriger Krieg 1945-1975 (Vietnam A 30-year war 1945-1975), and Duong mon Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh Trail). Former Charlotte, N.C., Chief Information Officer Jeff Stovall recently authored a thoughtful article that suggested the era of the smart city is fading in favor of a new era of digital equity. Hes exactly right. Social justice protests and COVID-19 have exposed and highlighted long-standing and growing inequities often represented in a digital divide. These digital inequities were unacceptable before COVID-19s arrival and are now even less so.Defeating the digital divide is much more than wiring up a home with an Internet connection. Families, particularly those with school-age children, often experience gaps in device access, digital literacy and cyberhygiene. There might not be enough devices, the hardware may be outdated or incompatible, and there may be a lack of security software. The household may also need training, have privacy concerns or require additional digital wraparound services. Our public library allies will continue to play a vital role in supporting these programs and needs.Weve witnessed retail outlets, restaurants and others discouraging the use of cash in favor of apps and credit cards. While these policies are understandable in a COVID-19 world and laudable from a digital transformation perspective, they create additional challenges for underbanked families and customers. These households are typically the very ones who are disproportionately impacted by the global pandemic. Many public-facing government services are now limited, curtailed or altered in favor of technology-driven options. While this is terrific progress on many levels, we must still recognize residents who cannot efficiently conduct online business due to financial barriers, or lack of Web access or digital knowledge.All indications point to a long-term COVID-19 battle even as progress continues with vaccine trials and treatments. In particular, seniors are facing months or even years before normalcy returns for many of them. Isolation, loneliness and social disconnection will pose substantial challenges to our older citizens. Subsidized broadband in concert with special devices can help bridge the engagement gap. Products such as Uniper can turn a regular television into a smart device capable of real-time, two-way communication. This technology opens the door to critical services such as telehealth, fitness classes and connections that support well-being.Many schools are starting their academic years with completely virtual or hybrid formats, or will need to fall back on virtual methods as conditions dictate. School can be difficult enough for students (and parents), but technology shouldnt be one of the hurdles. Now is a great time to connect with our local ed tech directors to build or strengthen these relationships. Government IT leaders have an extraordinary opportunity to support our education partners, students and parents. Modest investments now can provide community dividends for years to come.We would also benefit from a coherent, national strategy on technology access. Too often, the initiatives or funding are weighed down by too much bureaucracy, inefficiency or restrictions. Other broadband plans pit urban constituents against rural constituents, while suburban stakeholders are often left out altogether. The focus is usually on broadband but frequently overlooks devices, training and privacy concerns. Many local nonprofits and groups, and national organizations such as the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, stand ready to help us with this essential endeavor.Government CIOs and IT directors are well-positioned to step forward to wear another hat as a visionary technology leader for their communities. There needs to be a collective sense of urgency to move this effort forward. We can help connect dots among nonprofits, our residents and the private sector. Its time to lobby the broadband carriers to be true partners in bringing everyone online. Our communities need this vision from us now more than ever. 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. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have discussed development of economic cooperation during the meeting held between head of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev and Uzbek Ambassador Bahrom Ashrafkhanov on September 3. During the meeting devoted to the development of economic cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador expressed the interest of Uzbek entrepreneurs and their organizations in cooperation with the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan He stated that Azerbaijani and Uzbek entrepreneurs can establish joint ventures in textile, food and pharmaceutical industries in Alat Economic Zone. Ashrafkhanov also stressed that an automobile plant is being built in Azerbaijans Hajigabul region with the participation of an Uzbek company, where it is planned to produce cars jointly with General Motors. Furthermore, the ambassador noted great interest to hazelnut and pomegranate varieties grown in Azerbaijan, adding that he has visited some regions in this regard. He also emphasized that wants Baku to act as a hub for transit cargo to Uzbekistan, saying that concrete work is underway in this direction. As a result of the meeting, it was decided to continue cooperation between the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan and the Embassy in order to expand economic, humanitarian and cultural ties between the two countries. Earlier an online business forum was held on August 25 with the participation of leading textile companies of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijani enterprises and retailers interested in Uzbek products. The main goal of the forum, which was held for the second time, is to create opportunities for manufacturers of export-oriented textile products to find a new distributor, expand partner network, create joint ventures with Azerbaijani companies. In the first half of 2020, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan increased by 77.7 percent, compared to the same period in 2019, to $47.5 million. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Syracuse, N.Y. -- As officer Joseph Tolone got on the phone with a man threatening to jump from the roof of a condemned building in Syracuses North side, the man was adamant: All he needed was a cigarette and a bottle of water. After a 20-minute conversation with the man and some creative thinking by Tolone and officers Mitch Anthony and James Pastorello, they were able to safely get the man down from the building. He was just someone down on his luck, going through a hard time, Tolone said. Im just glad I was able to connect with him. On Wednesday, for the second time in four months, Pastorello and Tolone helped save a person threatening to harm themselves. In early May, they held on to a woman through a fence to prevent her from jumping off an Interstate 81 overpass. The officers credited their crisis intervention training. Just after 2:30 p.m., officers were told the man had relayed to his counselor that he was going to jump from the roof a building on the 600 block of Genant Drive, Tolone said. When Tolone and Pastorello arrived to the building just after 2:30 p.m., they looked to the roof of a condemned building but couldnt see the man threatening to jump, they said. The two officers climbed tanker trucks to get a better view of the roof of a condemned building. I saw he was on the phone, speaking with someone, pacing back and forth near the edge, Tolone said. Tolone got the mans number from dispatchers and called him. The man told Tolone he wanted a water and a cigarette. Tolone promised him the water but none of the officers had a cigarette on them, so he promised to try to get one. Because the building was condemned, the officers were unsure how the man got to the roof. Theyd determined that there was no way for them to safely get there. Instead, a Syracuse Fire Department bucket truck was called to the scene. It lifted Pastorello and Anthony to the roof. The man had been pacing but stopped at the corner of the building. The two officers got within 5 to 10 feet of the man as Tolone talked to him on the phone. Having received water, the man agreed to come down from the roof. Tolone managed to bum a cigarette from a passerby. The man was then taken to the hospital. In our daily duties, you see different ways to talk to people and deal with people, Pastorello said. The ultimate goal is to help them get the help they need. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter. Russia is still waiting for information from German officials on the exact poison detected in comatose opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, brushing off calls from Berlin for a full explanation of a case that has further strained relations. "Our doctors have been much more transparent with journalists and all other interested parties than their colleagues in Berlin," Peskov told a conference call. "We are counting on dialogue with our German colleagues and expect in that process to get information on what the substance is." His comments came a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Russia to explain what she said was an attack on Navalny aimed at silencing him. He fell violently ill on a flight in Siberia in August and was later transferred to Charite hospital in Berlin. Doctors there said they found evidence he'd be poisoned with a nerve agent from the Novichok group, nerve agents first developed by the Soviet Union and used most recently in the 2018 attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England. The Navalny case threatens to worsen tensions between Russia and the European Union. Merkel and other European leaders have called for a coordinated response and North Atlantic Treaty Organization ambassadors are meeting on the issue Friday. Navalny, 44, remains in serious condition in an induced coma. Peskov reiterated Friday that Russian doctors found no sign of poisoning in Navalny before he left for Germany but would open a formal investigation if presented with evidence that he'd been exposed to a toxin. "We prefer to be consistent and cautious about highlighting theories of what happened to the Berlin patient," Peskov said, avoiding the public use of Navalny's name in line with Kremlin practice. The Omsk hospital where Navalny was first treated diagnosed him with an unidentified metabolic disorder. The chief toxicologist in the Siberian region said Friday that his condition may have been due to "alcohol excesses" or stresses such as exhaustion or overexposure to the sun, state-run RIA Novosti reported. His allies have denied he was drinking at the time. Senior Russian officials said Thursday the case may have been a setup by western spy agencies to discredit Russia. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 19:47:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Aug. 10, 2020 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Nothing could be more ridiculous than U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declaring last month that the United States would launch a five-pronged effort under the so-called "Clean Network" program to protect U.S. assets. Under this initiative, the United States will seek to remove "untrusted" Chinese apps such as TikTok and WeChat from U.S. mobile app stores, limit the ability of Chinese cloud service providers like Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent to access cloud-based systems in the United States, and ensure undersea cables "are not subverted for intelligence gathering" by China. Pompeo has been mongering his "China threat" theory around the world, urging others to guard against China "stealing user data." But what about the track record of the United States in this regard? When it comes to telecom theft, the United States has always ranked first in the world. In addition to pressuring AT&T, Verizon and other carriers for their data, the National Security Agency (NSA) has been using fake base stations named Dirtbox in its wiretapping programs including the Boundless Informant since more than a decade ago. Through Dirtbox, they simulate signals of base stations to tap into and steal data from cellphones. As French newspaper Le Monde reported, thanks to Dirtbox, data from 62.5 million phones was collected by the United States in France. Pompeo has been accusing TikTok, WeChat and other apps of being tools for the Chinese government's "infiltration." But in reality, the United States is the one that is adept at turning apps into surveillance units. Leaked documents of PRISM revealed that the NSA sees apps as "data mines" with huge reserves of data to be harvested and thus invests heavily to this end. Under the agency's pressure, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Google Maps and even Angry Birds were forced to cooperate with the NSA. An "innovative move" by U.S. intelligence is to steal secrets through the app store. As revealed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the NSA and intelligence agencies of other Five Eyes countries initiated Project Irritant Horn, which hijacks the Play Store to implant spyware on target smartphones or exploit loopholes. With this program, the Five Eyes managed to steal massive amounts of data. As for Clean Cloud, the United States is the real gangster of "cloud theft." The Washington Post exposed that the NSA, along with the Government Communications Headquarters of Britain, launched a surveillance program called Muscular to frequently break into the cloud servers of Google and Yahoo. They even went so far as to intercept data and direct it to the agencies' own database. This was how hundreds of millions of personal information records were collected. According to the New Zealand Herald, the United States had conspired with the New Zealand intelligence agencies to tap the data flowing in the Chinese consulate general in Auckland. Documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden show that the U.S. surveillance program, codenamed Stateroom, ordered the installment of secret signals intelligence equipment in around 100 foreign diplomatic embassies and consulates in other countries for the purpose of spying. The United States conducts wire-tapping and mass surveillance around the globe, and these wrongful acts are already an open secret. It is preposterous that the secretary of state of a country guilty of such rampant cyber theft would have the audacity to propose the building of a "Clean Network." The U.S. move comes on the back of an all-embracing paranoia to portray Chinese technologies as a threat to U.S. national security, which lacks both evidence and reason. As it turns out, many Chinese companies subject to unilateral U.S. sanctions are innocent, providing safe technologies and products to customers around the world. Not a single cybersecurity incident like those revealed by Edward Snowden or WikiLeaks has been related to one of these companies, nor a single tapping or surveillance operation like PRISM, Equation Group or ECHELON. In the views of certain U.S. politicians, "national security" is a one-size-fits-all pretext for the country to stir up troubles and oppress non-U.S. companies. They claim that companies like TikTok threaten to undermine U.S. national security, but how could TikTok, a social media app for young people to share light-hearted videos of themselves singing and dancing, pose a national security threat to the world's sole superpower? Even a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency assessment says there is no evidence that China intercepted TikTok data or used the app to bore into cell phones. The U.S. politicians claim that Huawei threatens U.S. national security, which is totally baseless. Over the past 30 years, Huawei has developed over 1,500 networks in more than 170 countries and regions, and served 228 Fortune 500 companies and more than 3 billion people all over the world. Not a single country has produced evidence of any back doors in Huawei products. The United States has long prided itself on being the champion of the free market economy, but its politicians have recently shown the world that they are willing to cast aside rules and fairness in the pursuit of hegemony and self-interest. In fact, with fresh memories of the Alstom, Toshiba and Siemens precedent, most countries in the world have a clear understanding of the "U.S. trap" of eliminating competitors. Some U.S. politicians hunting down non-U.S. companies constitutes organized and systematic economic bullying of non-U.S. companies that take the lead in their field. It is blatant economic hegemony in the worst form. As Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, in their eyes, the so-called "Internet liberalization" is nothing but the "Americanization of the Internet." The term "national security" is simply a byword for "American double standards." By ANI LEH: Situation with China has been tensed and India is continuously engaging with them at the military and diplomatic level, said Army Chief General MM Naravane on Friday, who is visiting Ladakh to review the situation amid the ongoing border tension. "Situation has been little tensed for the last two to three months. We have been continuously engaging with China both at the military and diplomatic level. These engagements are ongoing and will continue in the future as well. We are very sure that through this medium of talks, whatever differences we have, will be resolved and we will ensure that status quo is not changed and we are able to safeguard our interests," Naravane told ANI in an exclusive interview. He underlined that some precautionary deployment for the safety of Indian troops have been undertaken for safety and security. "Keeping in view of the situation, we had undertaken some precautionary deployment for our own safety and security. These deployments we undertook along the LAC (Line of Actual Control)so that our security n integrity remains safeguarded," General Naravane stated. He underscored that the morale of the jawans present in the region is high and they are prepared to deal with any situation. ALSO READ | New headache for Delhi? China funding anti-India stir on Nepal border, say sources "I visited different places after reaching Leh. I talked to officers, JCOs (Junior Commissioned Officer) and took stock of preparedness. I took a first-hand situation on the ground. The morale of jawans is high and they are ready to deal with all challenges," Naravane said. Brigadier level talks are being held between the Indian Army and the Chinese Army after Indian troops have thwarted the Chinese Army's attempts to transgress into areas in Ladakh. On the intervening night of August 29-30, the Indian Army thwarted an attempt by the Chinese Army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh. India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June. The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant General-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far. Tiruchirappalli district of on Thursday recorded 114 new cases, informed state health department. A total of 909 people are receiving treatment not only in hospitals but also at home. According to the Union Health Ministry, the state of a total of 52,070 active cases of coronavirus, with 38,6173 being cured. 7,608 have so far died in the state after contracting the lethal infection. With 83,341 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 tally crossed 39-lakh mark on Friday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (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.) A pregnant woman who was taken away by police in Australia for allegedly inciting activists to demonstrate against lockdown measures in her region has said she did not know she was breaking the law. Zoe Buhler was handcuffed in front of her children at her home in the Victoria state city of Ballarat and led away in pyjamas to be charged with using social media platforms to incite others to break pandemic restrictions by attending weekend rallies. However the 28-year-old, who has gained support of officials across the political spectrum and human rights organisations after footage of her arrest spread across the internet, has said she was unaware her actions constituted a crime. Her home state is Australias leading hotspot for the virus, with a rate of cases that has seen its capital Melbourne kept in an unprecedented state of lockdown since early August. "The police could have given me a phone call and said: 'Look, you need to take down your event or you could be charged with a crime,' and I would have done that," she told reporters. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty "It could have been as simple as that. You know, I'm not someone that would you know ever commit a crime or anything like that," she added. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius described police cuffing Buhler as "entirely reasonable" - but admitted footage of the arrest did not paint officers in the best light. "The optics of arresting someone who is pregnant are terrible," Mr Cornelius said. Police have also arrested three men and charged them with inciting others to break pandemic restrictions over planned protests in Melbourne on Saturday. But human rights groups have expressed concern that rules outlawing peaceful protest carry a dangerous authoritarian bent. Elaine Pearson of NGO Human Rights Watch wrote on Twitter: While regional Victoria is currently under stage 3 stay-at-home orders and gatherings are banned, the arrest of somebody purely for the act of planning a protest creates an alarming precedent. Arresting people pre-emptively for the act of organising peaceful protests or for social media posts is something that happens all too often under authoritarian regimes, and it should not be happening in a democracy like Australia. Whats more, heavy-handed police tactics could strengthen the resolve of the anti-lockdown movement and simply serve their interests by galvanising members. Meanwhile civil liberties organisation Liberty Victoria the onus was on officers to exercise discretion and restraint. If police want citizens to co-operate and work together to get through this crisis, they should treat them with dignity and decency and work with people in the community, rather than alienate them, the group said in a statement. They added: Criminal sanctions and fines to enforce public health measures should only be used as a last resort you cant police your way out of a pandemic. HARARE, Zimbabwe - A young Zimbabwean thrust into anti-government activism while searching for his missing journalist brother has died of colon cancer, just as well-wishers had raised money to get him into surgery. Patson Dzamara, 34, died Wednesday, according to Nelson Chamisa, leader of the MDC Alliance opposition party leader. Chamisa said he is devastated by the death of Dzamara, who was a member of the partys executive. Dzamara came into the public spotlight when he became the leading voice in the search for his brother, Itai, a journalist and activist who relentlessly challenged former president Robert Mugabe at a time when many Zimbabweans were afraid of confronting the ruler, who was toppled from power in 2017 and later died. The journalist, who was abducted from a barbershop in 2015, is still missing. Dzamara famously walked up to Mugabe at an Independence Day event in 2016 holding a placard that said Independent but not free. Where is my brother Itai? Dzamara was whisked away by Mugabes security guards, who allegedly assaulted him. Dzamara embarked on street protests and broadened his activism to include demands for democratic reforms and improved public health care. He was arrested and detained for his protests, which continued into President Emmerson Mnangagwas rule. Mnangagwa succeeded Mugabe in 2019 and his rule has been marked by accusations of human rights abuses similar to those alleged during Mugabes tenure. Dzamaras death highlighted the challenges facing Zimbabwes health care system. Dzamara did not have enough money to pay for urgently needed surgery at a private facility when he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon. Such surgery was not possible in Zimbabwes public health system which is plagued by widespread shortages and frequent strikes by doctors and nurses. More than $14,000 had been raised for Dzamara and he was due for surgery when he died, said Nigel Chanakira, a local businessman who was part of the fundraising effort. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVA LEAP HEALTH CORP. (TSXV: NLH) (Nova Leap or the Company), a 2019 TSX Venture 50 ranked company focused on the home health care industry, is pleased to announce that it has executed a definitive agreement (the Agreement), dated September 3, 2020, to acquire a home care services company (the Target) located in the New England region of the United States. The Target reported unaudited revenues of approximately $1.697 million, and EBITDA of approximately $155,000 for the year ended September 30, 2019. All amounts are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified. Under the terms of the Agreement, the acquisition is to be made for total consideration of $660,000 of which $465,000 is payable with cash on closing and $195,000 is by way of a promissory note repayable over a three-year period bearing interest of 5% per annum. The promissory note will be secured by a corporate guarantee by Nova Leap Health Corp. and are subordinated to Nova Leaps primary commercial lender. Closing of the acquisition is subject to final due diligence and state licensing. The acquisition is at arms length and there are no finders fees to be paid. We have been very successful in the New England region, said Chris Dobbin, President & CEO of Nova Leap. Upon closing, this acquisition furthers our growth while allowing us to expand to a new area within the region. Nova Leap is well positioned to capitalize on the demand for private pay in-home care and we expect further growth from the region. About Nova Leap Nova Leap is an acquisitive home health care services company operating in one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. & Canada. The Company performs a vital role within the continuum of care with an individual and family centred focus, particularly those requiring dementia care. Nova Leap achieved the #10 Ranking in the 2019 TSX Venture 50 in the Clean Technology & Life Sciences sector. The Company is geographically diversified with operations in 6 different U.S. states: Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma and Ohio as well as Nova Scotia, Canada. NON-GAAP MEASURES: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), is calculated as the net loss, before acquisition and transaction costs, non-cash expenses (including loss from disposal of assets, impairments, amortization and depreciation and stock-based compensation), interest expense, net of interest income and income tax expense. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION: Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding future expansions and cost savings, the Companys expected annualized recurring revenue run rate and plans regarding future acquisitions and financings. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions, including assumptions concerning general economic and market conditions, availability of working capital necessary for conducting Nova Leaps operations, and Nova Leaps ability to integrate its acquired businesses and maintain previously achieved service hour and revenue levels, that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause results to differ from those stated in the forward-looking statements in this release include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or any recurrence, including government regulations or voluntary measures limiting the Companys ability to provide care to clients (such as shelter-in-place orders, isolation or quarantine orders, distancing requirements, or closures or restricted access procedures at facilities where clients reside), increased costs associated with personal protective equipment and sanitization supplies, staff and supply shortages; regulatory changes affecting the home care industry, other unexpected increases in operating costs and competition from other service providers. All forward-looking statements, including any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information, contained in this press release are made as of the date of this release and included for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com . CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: 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. Verizon, Amazon eye $4 bn stake in Vodafone Idea: report Verizon Communications, the largest wireless carrier in the US, and Amazon.com inc have reportedly resumed talks to acquire stake in loss-hit Vodafone Idea Ltd, following the Supreme Court verdict that gave the company more time to pay up dues to the government. Reports say Verizon and Amazon may invest more than $4 billion to buy a significant stake in the struggling Indian telecom joint venture id UKs Vodafone plc and the Aditya Birla Group company Idea Cellular Ltd. Acquisition of a majority stake in Vodafone Idea would help Amazon set up competition against Reliance Industries. For Verizon, it would open up a market for 5G telecom offerings. Vodafone Idea will have to pay over Rs50,400 crore as the AGR dues to the department of telecommunications over the next ten years. This means an annual outgo of more than Rs5,000 and interest payable on it. For loss-hit Vodafone idea this could be too heavy a burden considering the continuing erosion of revenue and depleting customer base. The company reported a staggering loss of Rs25,460 crore in the June quarter due to one-time charges, including provisions to cover payments due to the government. The board of Vodafone Idea is meeting on 4 September to discuss fund raising options. In a late-night filing on Tuesday, Vodafone Idea said that its board will meet on 4 September to consider proposals for fundraising. Earlier this year, reports said Google was in talks to purchase 5 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea, but that did not happen as the search giant chose to invest $4.5 billion in Reliance Jio. With no rise in revenues and continuing losses the telco is left with no alternative than raising investor funds to pay Rs50,400 crore towards AGR dues. It might also have to think in terms of hiking tariff to sustain in the market. While Amazon has a major presence in India, Verizon is present in India through its media and online unit Oath Inc. The US wireless carrier has also partnered with Bharti Airtel Ltd in the past and, most recently, in July, when it launched the BlueJeans video-conferencing service in India to serve business customers. The collaboration will help Vodafone idea expand its connected ecosystem to include products and services that go beyond telephony, according to analysts. Attorney General William Barr plans to press ahead with a Justice Department antitrust case against Google, perhaps by the end of September. Mr Barr has reportedly overruled the objections of career lawyers in the department who say that they need more time to build a case against the tech giant, The New York Times reports. Department officials have told lawyers involved in the antitrust inquiry into Googles parent company Alphabet to finish their work this month. Most of the legal team opposed such a pressing deadline arguing in a lengthy memo that they would be unable to prepare a strong case in such a short period of time. They worry that a weak case could strengthen Googles position. There is disagreement within the team as to how broad an antitrust case should be, and how Google could act to resolve issues turned up by the case. Career lawyers fear the September deadline is designed to show action against the tech giant ahead of the 2020 election in November. President Donald Trump has accused Google and other tech companies of having a bias against him and conservative voices. A senior DoJ official counters that Mr Barr feels the department has been moving too slowly and the deadline is reasonable, The New York Times reports. Antitrust action against Google enjoys broad bipartisan support, but there is little consensus on how to move forward. Democrats are accused of dragging out the process so that action might come during a potential Biden administration. Alphabet is an obvious target for an antitrust case given the broad suite of companies and products that consumers use either actively or passively multiple times a day. The company harvests data from consumer interactions to improve its products, making it difficult for others to compete. The Justice Department inquiry is split into two working groups, one focused on the dominance of Google in search, and the other on online advertising and the technology that sits behind it. It is unclear if any case would cover the companys dominance in both sectors or focus on just one. There is also disagreement among state attorneys as to whether to bring a focused case quickly or a broader case later. To date, Europe has led the way in reining in the tech giants in terms of antitrust issues, while the US has lagged behind. Rochester, N.Y. -- Protests continued in Rochester for a second night after video was released showing police placing a hood over a naked Black man and holding him down until he stopped breathing. Daniel Prude was taken off life support March 30, seven days after the incident; the Monroe County medical examiners office said he died by asphyxiation and classified his death as a homicide. Public outraged didnt come until Wednesday, when Prudes family released police body camera footage from the incident in advance of a wrongful death lawsuit. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said Thursday she was misled over the circumstances of Daniel Prudes death and announced the suspension of seven cops involved, but it did little to quell the unrest. More than 200 protesters gathered hours later outside Rochesters Public Safety Building, waving signs like Black Lives Matter and demanding more action. Spectrum News reports police deployed pepper spray and pepper balls multiple times to drive protesters away from metal barricades; the crowd protected themselves with umbrellas, dashed for cover, then returned to be fired on again. Officers have fired pepper balls toward crowd when protesters started shaking fences pic.twitter.com/aRfpqcD8n6 Tanner Jubenville (@13WHAMTANNER) September 4, 2020 The Democrat & Chronicle reports eight people were arrested early Friday morning on charges of disorderly conduct; two were also charged with resisting arrest and another was charged with harassment. The people arrested ranged in age from 24 to 60, according to Spectrum. Rochester Police Capt. Michael Callari said two police officers were injured when protesters allegedly threw rocks and bottles at them. The two injured officers were taken to an area hospital, treated and released, he told the D&C. According to Fox News, demonstrations continued into the early morning as cops, dressed in riot gear, pushed demonstrators away from police headquarters towards an area underneath the I-490 overpass. A crowd of roughly 70 people were seen crossing the Ford Street Bridge around 2 a.m., with a patrol car monitoring behind them, according to WHECs Andrew Hyman. Protesters stand amid clouds of chemical irritant released by police outside the Public Safety Building in Rochester, N.Y., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020.AP Photo/Adrian Kraus Warren denied a cover-up by Rochester city officials, but acknowledged that Prude was failed by the police department, our mental health care system, our society, and he was failed by me. She said she didnt became aware Prudes death involved the use of force until last month, claiming Rochester Police Chief LaRon Singletary initially portrayed it as a drug overdose. The medical examiners report said Prudes death was a homicide caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint. The report lists excited delirium and acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP, as contributing factors. Videos show Prude, a 41-year-old man from Chicago who had a history of mental health issues, appearing agitated and demanding a gun but also complying with police orders to lie down as they handcuffed him and placed a spit hood over his head amid concerns of the coronavirus, which was widespread in New York state at the time. He was naked and unarmed when three officers held Prude down, pushing his covered head into the pavement as he begged them to let him go; two minutes later, he stopped moving. Prudes family has called for all the officers involved in Prudes arrest and the alleged coverup to be fired, plus charges for the three officers who held him down. Warren said she suspended seven officers with pay because of contract rules, and that she was taking the action against the advice of attorneys. I understand that the union may sue the city for this. They shall feel free to do so, she said. An investigation is ongoing at New York State Attorney General Letitia James office, which took over the case in April. Officers appear to take someone into custody. Crowd runs towards- officers fire back. pic.twitter.com/9CHnyEXTKU Andrew Hyman (@WHEC_AHyman) September 4, 2020 Police are blocking traffic at Mt. Hope and Ford as crowd marches down Mt. Hope. pic.twitter.com/g7xW1Mscgb Andrew Hyman (@WHEC_AHyman) September 4, 2020 Police use of spit hoods scrutinized after Black mans death in Rochester Why did Daniel Prudes death take so long to become public? NY AG investigating since April INVISTA's technology and licensing group, INVISTA Performance Technologies (IPT), and SASA Polyester Sanayi A.S. (SASA) reached an agreement on Aug. 25 for the license of IPT's P8 process technology for SASA's PTA project in Adana, Turkey. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200903005901/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) With an annual PTA production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes, this would be the largest single-stream design capacity licensed by INVISTA. Built on the demonstrated performance of IPT's P8 technology platform, the variable cost, capital productivity and environmental performance of this PTA plant is expected to set new benchmarks within the industry. Ibrahim Erdemoglu, SASA's chairman, said, "SASA will continue to invest in polyester to position itself as the leading polyester producer after China and India. This agreement will enable self-sufficiency in PTA, terminating all PTA imports into Turkey. This is also the first step of SASA's investment in petrochemicals with more investment in polyester, PTA and MEG to follow in Adana's Yumurtalik district." Mike Pickens, IPT president, said, "Our companies have a long history of cooperation dating back to 1974, when SASA licensed IPT's polyester technology. We are honoured that our industry-leading P8 PTA technology has been selected by SASA. The signing of this license agreement has great significance in terms of long-term collaboration between SASA and IPT." IPT's industry-leading PTA technology, including its latest version of P8 technology, is available as a license package from IPT. For more information, please visit the IPT website at www.ipt.invista.com. About INVISTA: From the fibers in your carpet to the plastic in your automobiles, INVISTA's commitment to continuous improvement has led its employees to develop some of the most durable, versatile polymers and fibers in the world. A subsidiary of Koch Industries since 2004, INVISTA brings to market the proprietary ingredients for nylon 6,6 and recognized brands including STAINMASTER, CORDURA and ANTRON. INVISTA also offers specialty chemical intermediates and process technologies. See the bigger picture at INVISTA.com. About SASA: SASA is a leading producer in the world for polyester staple fibers, filament yarns, polyester-based and specialty polymers and intermediates (DMT). Combining and blending a leadership responsibility in industry with a powerful technical inheritance and a high production capacity, SASA successfully manages the whole process from design to production and distribution. SASA began its activities in the polyester sector in 1966. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200903005901/en/ Contacts: Kim Conlee Kim.Conlee@INVISTA.com The Deputy Minister for Information, Pius Enam Hadzide says comment by the President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV on the Agyapa Royalties deal is well respected by government. According to him, the eminent Chief has every right to share his opinion on national issues if he thinks otherwise. Togbe Afede XIV has said he does not see why the Agyapa Royalties deal should be shrouded in secrecy. Addressing the Volta Regional House of Chiefs at which meeting he took strong exception to attempts to associate him personally as well as the National House of Chiefs to the controversial minerals monetisation deal, Togbe Afede XIV said: I, in particular, Im very much hurt by the attempt to use my name to grant legitimacy to a transaction that has been widely condemned for its secrecy and for the fact that the company involved was incorporated in a tax haven. I do not see why desperation would lead anybody associated with that transaction to want to use the name of the innocent Togbe Afede XIV. I have never commented on this transaction and I have decided not to comment for good reasons, he stated. His comment has generated some cacophonies in the media and the political circles but the Deputy Minister for Information in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie' reiterated his utmost respect for the Chief and his opinion. He told host Kwesi Aboagye that the debate on the Agyapa Royalties deal is open to all. Yes he [Togbe Afede XIV] is an important industry player and there are other important industry players who disagree with him. His opinion on the issue cant be the truth of the matter, Pius Hadzide lamented. 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 At least one international student has found herself in academic limbo this year, as all students who graduated from Ontario high schools in the spring still haven't received their diplomas due to delays caused by the pandemic. CBC News spoke with Aria Zhang, 17, whose application for a student visa to study in South Korea depends on getting her diploma. But she was told her school board would not be able to provide it. "I feel a little bit mad because it takes too long time," she said in an interview. There are more than half a million international students in Canada. It's hard to know how many are in the same situation as Zhang, as there are no figures on how many wish to study in universities outside the country. But her problem is just one of many disruptions the novel coronavirus has caused for foreign students attending school here. Zhang came to Canada to study three years ago from Dalian, a port city in northern China that's a little more than 500 kilometres from the border with North Korea. After graduating from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Oakville, Ont. in June, she was going to attend university in Canada, but she decided to take a gap year. She then decided to take Korean language courses at Kyungil University outside the city of Daegu, 237 kilometres southeast of Seoul, but found out South Korean officials needed her diploma to issue her a student visa. "I even tried to offer some documents, like my report card," she told CBC News. But not even a notarized copy of her final transcript was enough. CBC News also spoke with several high school students who confirmed they did not receive a diploma, but because they're attending Canadian colleges and universities, a transcript was enough to secure a spot. "George Brown College let me choose my courses and let me in," said Li Jiaxin, in Mandarin. She is starting her first year at the college Sept. 8. "They were lenient about me not having a diploma and said I could submit it later." Story continues Province distributes diplomas In a statement, the Ontario Ministry of Education, which is responsible for distributing the diplomas, said it "has had to adapt as a result of the school closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak." The ministry said schools and school boards were told in early August the diplomas and certificates would be shipped to schools early in the 2020-21 academic year once schools reopen, and told CBC News it's aiming for the second half of September to issue them. That might not help Zhang, however. "I feel worried because my visa in Canada will expire at the end of September." The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is granting a EUR 10 million loan to Ukraines Agrofusion Group (Agrofusion) to finance the companys working capital needs. This is said in the Banks press release, which is available to Ukrinform. Agrofusion is the third largest tomato paste producer in Europe. It exports over 72% of its production to 45 countries around the world. The pandemic has affected the company's operations. The EBRD financing will help it cope with issues such as delays in client payments and higher operating costs. The company will also use the loan funds to implement its long-term strategy to become the first fully organic tomato paste producer in Ukraine. It will also be able to continue its partnership with Ukrainian educational institutions, within which it recruits talented youth and provides them with work on a permanent basis. As known, the EBRD is the largest international financial investor in Ukraine. Since the beginning of its operation in the country, the Bank has committed itself to provide almost EUR 15 billion through 466 projects. ish Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 04:43:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KIEV, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for simplifying the procedure of obtaining the residence and work permit by foreign information technology (IT) specialists who want to immigrate to Ukraine, the president's press service reported on Thursday. According to the president's press service, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine must develop and submit to the Parliament bills to stimulate economic activity in the information technology field within three months. The government should also assist in the development of IT education and the integration of the best world practices into the system of training IT specialists to increase their competitiveness in the labor market. Ukraine has more than 4,000 IT companies employing about 200,000 specialists. Last year, IT service and product export grew by 30.2 percent year on year in Ukraine and amounted to 4.17 billion U.S. dollars. Enditem THE HAGUE, Netherlands - A Dutch appeals court upheld Friday the conviction of anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders for insulting Moroccans in comments he made at an election night gathering in 2014. However, the court overturned Wilders conviction for inciting discrimination. The appeals court did not punish Wilders for his conviction on the charge of insulting a group, which he can appeal to the Dutch Supreme Court. The comments for which Wilders was convicted can contribute to polarization within Dutch society, while in our democratic, pluralistic society respect for others, especially minority groups, is of great importance, said Presiding Judge Jan Maarten Reinking. Wilders, whose political career has been based largely on his strident anti-Islam rhetoric, was convicted in December 2016 of insulting and inciting discrimination against Moroccans in 2014. He was not given a punishment. Speaking to reporters outside court, Wilders slammed the case as a political trial and said the court has dumped freedom of speech in the garbage. Not only for me, but for everybody. The Party for Freedom leader has always insisted he is innocent and branded his prosecution a politically-motivated attempt to muzzle him and an attack on the freedom of speech. The appeals court rejected his claims of political interference in the case and said that free speech also has limits. Fridays conviction was based on comments Wilders made on the night of Dutch municipal elections in 2014 at a meeting in a Hague cafe. In what appeals judges said was a carefully prepared exchange, Wilders asked supporters whether they wanted more or fewer Moroccans in the Netherlands. That sparked a chant of Fewer! Fewer! Fewer! to which he replied, well take care of it. The ruling Friday comes some six months before national parliamentary elections in the Netherlands. According to a poll of polls, Wilders party is the largest opposition party. Explaining why Wilders was not given a punishment Friday, Reinking said noted that Wilders has lived for years under tight security due to threats. The accused has already for years paid a high price for expressing his opinion, Reinking said. Rosneft, a Russian energy company, has denied allegations that it exported oil products to North Korea between 2018 and 2019, despite international sanctions on Pyongyang. A U.S.-based international security research company, Kharon, claimed in a report earlier this week that the North received about US$24.8 million worth of oil products from Russia in 2019 and that Rosneft was one of the firms involved in exports. It said the North imported about $26 million of fuel products from Rosneft between 2018 and 2019. But the Russian oil company rejected the claim, saying it "is not factual and aims to harm the industry market competition." "Rosneft does not supply North Korea and does not conduct any commercial activity in that country," the company said in a statement. "As a public company and one of the leaders in the global energy industry, Rosneft operates in strict compliance with Russian and international law, corporate standards and in the interests of its shareholders." Arguing that publishing information about its involvement in supplies of oil products to North Korea is "a provocation," the company said it will "apply to the court for the protection of its rights and business reputation." (Yonhap) Jurors will wear masks at all times, as will other courtroom personnel. Witnesses, though, can take off their masks while testifying, as can the attorneys questioning them. At the end of the trial, jurors may deliberate in the courtroom itself so social distancing can be maintained. And, of course, there will be plenty of masks, hand sanitizer and gloves available for whomever needs them. In mid-August, 2020, an unusual heat wave fixated over California, leading to a series of lightning storms across the state and numerous wildfires. Hundreds of thousands of acres were burned and tens of thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes. Below is an account of how the fires spread and officials responded to the emergency. Read the previous updates from Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Read the next updates from Sept. 4-5 Updates from Thursday, Sept. 3: 9:20 p.m. Three recent wildfires now among top 4 largest in California history: Megafires sparked last month and still burning in Northern California now constitute three of the top four largest wildfires in modern state history, Cal Fire reports. The SCU Lightning Complex in the South Bay, at 391,578 acres as of Thursday, is No. 2. The LNU Lightning Complex in the North Bay, at 375,209 acres, is No. 3. And now the August Complex in Tehama County has moved to No. 4 on the list, at 287,106 acres. The No. 1 spot is still held by 2018s Mendocino Complex fire, which left 459,123 acres burned. 7:45 p.m. Containment of CZU Complex grows to 51%, Cal Fire says: The CZU Lightning Complex, burning in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, burned 86,102 acres and was 51% contained as of Thursday evening, according to a Cal Fire incident update. The fires have destroyed 925 residences, damaged 90 residences, and are threatening 7,647 structures. Roughly 900 residents were allowed to return to previously evacuated areas of the complex on Thursday, Cal Fire said. Officials said the hard work and efforts of firefighters and cooperating partners allowed for more evacuation orders to be lifted in the region. Crews are expecting a more significant warming and drying trend this weekend through the Labor Day holiday on Monday. Roughly 1,777 firefighters are battling the blazes along with 115 engines, 26 water tenders, eight helicopters and 11 dozers, Cal Fire said. 7:40 p.m. Containment of SCU Complex grows to 80%: The SCU Lightning Complex, which is burning across seven Northern California counties, burned 391,578 acres and was 80% contained as of Thursday evening. The fires have destroyed 87 structures, destroyed 44 minor structures, and damaged 37 structures. Officials said that hot, dry weather prompted smoldering material to ignite and burn out a large interior island, but was considered a minor threat to control lines. Cal Fire officials that weather conditions and patterns will continue to produce nuisance smokes and pose a threat to control lines. 7:35 p.m. Containment of LNU Complex grows to 86%: The LNU Lightning Complex has burned 375,209 acres and was 86% contained as of Thursday evening, according to Cal Fire. Cal Fire said crews were working to build containment lines and expected dry, hot weather with southwestern winds on Thursday night. Interior islands deep within the fires perimeter may occasionally flare up, Cal Fire officials said. The fires have destroyed 1,491 structures, damaged 232 structures and are threatening another 1,350 structures. Officials said 2,053 firefighters are battling the blazes along with 166 engines, 55 water tenders, 19 helicopters and 52 dozers. Five civilians have died and four civilians have been injured in connection to the complex, Cal Fire said. 5:15 p.m. Evacuation orders reduced to warnings in some parts of Napa County for LNU Complex: Evacuation orders were reduced to warnings for some parts of Napa County related to the LNU Lightning Complex, Cal Fire said Thursday afternoon. Officials also reminded residents returning to their homes that Berryessa Knoxville Road from Eastside Road to the Napa/Lake county line will remain closed and under an evacuation order. Residents should remain vigilant while driving in the area because fire personnel are still operating in the area, Cal Fire officials said. 3:29 p.m. Evacuation orders reduced to warnings south of Bonny Doon: Cal Fire on Thursday reduced evacuation orders for an area south of Bonny Doon Road to evacuation warnings. Bonny Doon Road at Smith Grade is still closed, Cal Fire officials said. 3:10 p.m. Evacuation orders reduced to warnings in parts of San Mateo County: Cal Fire reduced CZU Complex evacuation orders to warnings Thursday for parts of San Mateo County, including Loma Mar and Deerborn Park areas. Eastbound Canyon Road remained closed at Cloverdale Road and eastbound Gazos Creek Road at State Route 1 also was closed. Be aware there may be traffic flow interruptions due to fire crews and utility workers still operating in the area, Cal Fire officials cautioned. 2:59 p.m. Stubborn CZU Complex fires are fueled by timber: The abundance of timber, stumps and other slow-burning fuels are making the CZU Complex fires difficult to contain, Cal Fire officials said Thursday. The CZU Complex was 48% contained as of Thursday afternoon; the LNU and SCU Complex fires, approaching full containment, are in areas with grass and other fast-burning fuels, officials said. 1:35 p.m. Help for farmers affected by fires: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering technical and financial assistance to help farmers and livestock producers recover from wildfire damage. Officials encourage agricultural producers to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn programs available to them for crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses and damages. 12:17 p.m. Air quality in San Francisco hits unhealthy levels: The air quality in San Francisco had climbed into the unhealthy range by 9 a.m. Thursday due to fine particles from smoke, according to the latest government data. To read more about the best ways to understand air quality data and its limitations, click here. 11:25 a.m. Progress on fire at Point Reyes: The Woodward Fire was 57% contained Thursday morning as flames devoured 4,626 acres of the Point Reyes National Seashore, park officials said. The park office has been evacuated and all parklands remained closed to visitors Thursday and throughout the Labor Day weekend. Firefighters planned tactical backfiring operations Thursday to protect evacuated communities. 11:05 a.m. State insurance regulator urges better coverage: Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is urging insurers to offer homeowners affected by evacuation orders to give policyholders more coverage for emergency expenses. Hes also asking them to help when homes are made uninhabitable because fire damage has cut off water, sewage or electricity. Read Kathleen Penders full report on what this means for homeowners. 10:55 a.m. Sheep Fire 71% contained: The Sheep Fire, in Lassen County north of Plumas National Forest, was 71% contained as of Thursday morning. The 29,571-acre blaze has destroyed eight houses and damaged one. The fire did not expand significantly Wednesday or Thursday, fire officials said. 10:32 a.m. Where to get outside this weekend: With concerns about smoke, fire and COVID-19 clouding holiday weekend planning, the outlook is best for those with reservations at lakeside campsites in swaths of remote national forest, in the Redwood Empire and along Californias northern coast. For the Bay Area, 265 of 352 recreation destinations are open, Tom Stienstra reports, and checks this week at Lake Tahoe and the north Sierra, Yosemite, Lassen, Mount Shasta and the Redwood Empire have shown various levels of clear air. 10:16 a.m. Conserve energy to avoid blackouts this weekend: The California power grid operator is asking residents to conserve energy this weekend, as people trying to stay cool in the heat wave create more demand for electricity. The statewide Flex Alert calls for voluntary electricity conservation Saturday through Monday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. to avoid a repeat of last months overtaxing of the grid during the heat wave. 10:14 a.m. San Mateo County reopens parks: Fourteen of San Mateo Countys 23 parks have reopened their trails and picnic sites in time for Labor Day weekend after being shuttered due to the CZU Complex fires. Visitors are still encouraged to hike single file and wear face coverings for coronavirus safety. Parks that remain closed include Moss Beach and the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, as well as those located within evacuated areas: Pescadero Creek, Memorial, and Sam McDonald. 10:07 a.m. Fire-smart building materials dont have to cost more: A handful of Wine Country architects refuse to design wooden homes in areas vulnerable to wildfire.They favor noncombustible materials like RSG-3D, a fire-retardant foam panel sandwiched between wire mesh and coated on both sides with concrete. People think its too costly to build with less combustible materials, but that doesnt have to be the case, J.K. Dineen reports. 9:28 a.m. Active SCU fires remain east of San Jose: Crews in Santa Clara County worked Thursday to contain active fires in the hills near Route 130 east of San Jose and north of Morgan Hill, the final uncontained portion of the SCU Complex of fires, officials said. No further evacuation warnings are expected in the area, with the SCU Complex 78% contained as of Thursday morning, Cal Fire reported. 9:19 a.m. How North Bay fire grew into a monster: The Hennessey Fire that didnt look threatening at first quickly grew into a monster conflagration, blow-torching steep valleys and jagged ravines, and launching frantic evacuations. The Chronicles Matthias Gaffni and Lizzie Johnson tell the fire complexs story and how the breadth of such such climate change-stoked disasters illustrates what the future could look like as the planet warms. 9:09 a.m. Whats with the different air quality readings?: Bay Area residents checking online to see whether the air is safe for them to go outside are often puzzled by the different reads they get from the two main sources of air quality data: One is from federal and local agencies and the other a website from a Utah company using data from low-cost air-quality sensors that people buy and install on their own. The Chronicles Danielle Echeverria explains. 8:57 a.m. Post-wildfire rebuilding gives pause in light of new blazes: The wildfires again blasting across Northern California are raising questions about the logic of the rebuilding much of it in wood construction in Sonoma County and other areas recovering from past firestorms. Experts question whether the new homes are any safer than the ones lost, and one expressed shock that replacement homes in Santa Rosa seem just vulnerable to wildfire as their predecessors. Read The Chronicles story. 8:20 a.m. Fire in Tehama, Glenn counties expands: Flames from the Butte/Tehama/Glenn Lightning Complex of wildfires devoured another 2,000 acres since Wednesday, Cal Fire reported Thursday morning. The 63,481-acre blaze threatening communities to the north of the Mendocino National Forest was 45% contained, Cal Fire said. 7:58 a.m. CZU fire complex nearly half contained: The CZU Complex fires grew by nearly 300 acres in the past 24 hours, to 85,746 acres, Cal Fire reported Thursday morning; but firefighters also managed to increase containment by 2%, to 48%, as they as they battled the fires along the Santa Cruz and San Mateo County coasts and Santa Cruz mountains. Fire crews continued to monitor hotspots as they allowed some residents to return home. 7:34 a.m. Containment grows slightly for SCU Complex: The SCU Complex of fires was 78% contained as of Thursday morning, up from 76% a day earlier, Cal Fire reported. The burned acreage across Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties remained at 391,578 acres, and evacuation orders remained only for parts of Santa Clara County. Fire crews expected more hot and dry conditions Thursday, with afternoon humidity near 40% over western portions of the fire, to near 20% over eastern portions. 7:23 a.m. LNU fire complex at 81% containment: Firefighters held the sprawling LNU Complex fires at 375,209 acres overnight and gained containment of 81% of the blazes that have scorched five North Bay counties, Cal Fire said Thursday morning. Officials continue allowing evacuated residents back to their homes in many areas, though some evacuation warnings and orders remain. Dry and hot weather is predicted and southwest winds were expected Thursday. 7:02 a.m. Marine layer keeping temperatures near normal: Cool air rolling in from the ocean will suppress temperatures for much of the Bay Area, good news for fire crews battling wildfires although the cool layer may not reach the highest elevations of the SCU Complex fires burning in the East and South Bay and Central Valley, the National Weather Service said Thursday morning. The marine layer is expected to recede by Saturday morning, when the Weather Services excessive heat watch goes into effect, meteorologists said. Updates from Wednesday, Aug. 2: 8:45 p.m. CZU Complex stays at 85,467 acres: The CZU Lightning Complex, burning in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, remained at 85,467 acres with 46% containment. The fires have destroyed 925 structures, damaged 90 structures, and are threatening another 7,647 structures, according to a Cal Fire update. Cal Fire officials reported minimal fire activity on Wednesday. Firefighters and California National Guard troops have been mopping up and building fire perimeter lines, Cal Fire said. Officials expect a more significant warming and drying trend this weekend and through Monday. 3:24 p.m. Evacuation orders reduced to warnings in some parts of San Mateo, Santa Cruz: Cal Fire has reduced evacuation orders to warnings in parts of southern San Mateo County and Santa Cruz County affected by CZU Complex fires. Included are downtown Boulder Creek and Brookdale; Boulder Brook Drive and South Redwood Drive remain under evacuation orders because of electrical hazards in the area, Cal Fire said. 3:16 p.m. PG&E offers fire survivor options: Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers who lost a home or business in a recent wildfire can receive help with their utility bills, the company said. In addition to discontinuing victims bills, PG&E said it is prorating monthly minimum charges, suspending disconnections for people who didnt pay and will offer flexible payment plans once customers start receving service again. 3 p.m. State partners with DoorDash for gift cards: The Governors Office of Emergency Services and DoorDash are teaming up to give gift cards for meal service to survivors of the wildfires across the state. Our departments Private Sector Partnership efforts ... are a key part of helping our communities rebuild and recover following disasters, state emergency officials said Wednesday on Twitter. 2:30 p.m. River Fire east of Salinas essentially out: The 48,088-acre River Fire, east of Salinas in Monterey County, was 97 percent contained as of Wednesday, Cal Fire said, and firefighters are being assigned elsewhere. All evacuation orders and warnings. have been lifted. The blaze destroyed 30 structures and damaged 13, and injured four people, Cal Fire said. 1 p.m. LNU teams race for containment before temperatures jump: Crews battling the 375,209-acre LNU Complex Fire raced the clock Wednesday to contain the fires ahead of the scorching heat expected this weekend. Firefighters, some on the lines since the fires began three weeks ago, are braced for triple-digit mercury. Fatigue is a concern and crews need to be vigilant about hydration, Cal Fire spokesman Chris Bridger said Wednesday afternoon. 12:45 p.m. Newsom voices concern on stubborn Sequoia National Forest blaze: The SQF Complex fire burning in the Sequoia National Forest is not as large as the LNU or SCU complexes, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday, but it is precious in terms of the impact on the resources. At a news briefing he said, This is near some of the worlds most majestic sequoias. The fire has burned 42,000 acres in the Sequoia National Forest and is only 1% contained. Nonetheless, 1% is progress, Newsom said. 12:30 p.m. More than 900 fires now burning in California: Some 14,900 firefighters are currently battling more than 900 wildfires statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday. The state has been able to reduce its front line numbers a little due to progress on the blazes, he said. But the number of fires increased by 34 overnight, he added, with 1.5 million acres burned so far, and 3,100 structures destroyed overall. 11:19 a.m. Some Sonoma County evacuees will be cleared for return soon: Evacuated residents will soon be allowed to return home in Sonoma County west of Santa Rosa, including Guerneville, as the Walbridge Fire, part of the LNU Complex, surpasses 85% containment, Cal Fire spokesman Chris Bridger said Wednesday. Sonoma County officials and the sheriffs office will provide those updates. 10:59 a.m. Alameda County officials urge caution around fire detritus: Residents of Alameda County were returning home Wednesday after evacuation orders were lifted and were urged to report gas odors and downed electrical lines. Officials said people should call 911 to report those issues and should stay away from power lines. 10:48 a.m. August Complex at 20% containment: The August Complex wildfires burning in five counties in and around the Mendocino National Forest was spread across 261,204 acres as of Wednesday morning. The complex was 20% contained, the U.S. Forest Service reported. 10:30 a.m. Containment growing on fire in Tehama, Glenn counties: The 61,481-acre Butte/Tehama/Glenn Lightning Complex of wildfires was 40% contained as of Wednesday morning, up from 20% containment a day earlier, Cal Fire reports. 10:10 a.m. Making evacuation areas safe for return: Cal Fire officials are asking residents evacuated from the path of the LNU Complex wildfires to be patient while crews make it safe for them to return nome. Fallen trees and other debris can cause injury and must be cleaned up, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Nick Brown said in a Facebook video. The last thing we want is for anyone to get injured or to have to be re-evacuated, Brown said. Solano County and other LNU Complex areas are phasing in residents return as containment grows. 9:40 a.m. Smoke may linger for months: The Bay Areas air-quality woes are almost certain to continue through the weekends heat wave and low winds, and ongoing wildfires mean that smoke could be here for months, even as the fires are contained: And its only the beginning of wildfire season. A Spare the Air Alert, which bans wood burning, is in effect through Thursday in the Bay Area. Read the story here. 9:20 a.m. Wine Country fires show no new growth: Cal Fire reports growing containment of the Hennessey Fire in Napa County and the Walbridge Fire in rural Sonoma County, both part of the LNU Complex blaze, but potential for flare-ups remained Wednesday. The Wine Country fires had no new growth, Cal Frie said, as the LNU Complex remained 76% contained Wednesday morning. 8:59 a.m. Inland winds stoke CZU Complex fires: Inland winds replaced ocean winds Wednesday, pushing drier, warmer air into San Mateo County and stoking flames as firefighters battle the CZU Complex fires, Cal Fire officials said. Meteorologist Zach Tolby called the shift in wind direction the biggest change facing fire crews, who had the blaze 46% contained as of Wednesday morning. 8:30 a.m. Progress on Highway 1 looking really good: Utility crews are fixing electricity lines and other wildfire-damaged infrastructure along Highway 1 and Last Chance Road east of Big Basin Redwoods State Park where Gov. Gavin Newsom surveyed damage Tuesday, Cal Fire said. Fire crews are dousing remaining smoldering pockets of ash, and its looking really good, Battalion Leader Jeremy Pearce said at an update Wednesday morning. 7:57 a.m. Big Basin off limits for at least 1 year: Californias oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods will stay closed for at least a year after sustaining heavy damage in Santa Cruz Mountains CZU Complex wildfires. Many of its most majestic trees are expected to survive, but the area is riddled with hazards that will take a long time to fix, parks officials said. Read the story here. 7:45 a.m. LNU Complex now 76% contained: The LNU Lightning Complex has burned 375,209 acres and was 76% contained as of Wednesday morning, Cal Fire reports. Firefighting crews expect drier air and increasing winds Wednesday morning and into early afternoon 7:29 a.m. SCU Lightning Complex is 72% contained: Firefighters have battled the SCU Complex fires to 72 % containment after the flames burned across 391,578 acres of Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, Cal Fire reported Wednesday morning. Some evacuation orders remain in place, though many have been lifted. 7:20 a.m. Santa Cruz County evacuation orders lifted: Evacuation orders have been lifted for the CZU Complex fires in Santa Cruz County on the east side of Bear Creek. The orders are reduced to evacuation warnings. The blaze stood at 45% contained as of Wednesday morning, having burned across 85,378 acres, Cal Fire said. Residents have been returning home in many areas. Ramallah, Sep 4 : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has vowed to achieve reconciliation and national partnership to end internal division. During a meeting with the heads of all Palestinian factions, Abbas on Thursday pledged to make the necessary arrangements for convening the Palestinian Central Council as soon as possible, Xinhua news agency reported. "Until that time we'll agree on the necessary mechanisms to end the division and achieve reconciliation and national partnership in a time-bound manner and with the participation of all," he said. The President urged all Palestinian factions, particularly his Fatah party and the Islamic Hamas movement that controls Gaza Strip, to initiate an inclusive dialogue to approve mechanisms to end the division based on the one-people and one-political-system principle. Abbas said that the meeting was held "at a very dangerous stage, in which our national cause is facing various conspiracies and dangers", referring to Israel's illegal annexation plan, the US Mideast plan, and the projects to encourage Arab countries to normalize ties with Israel. He slammed the United Arab Emirates' recent decision to normalize its relations with Israel as "a poisoned dagger" which "stabbed our people and our nation". The Palestinian leader said that the Palestinian people and leadership would neither accept the US as the sole broker of any future peace negotiations, nor its Mideast plan which violates international law. He called for the formation of a national leadership that would lead the anti-occupation peaceful protests, and creating a "follow-up committee" comprising of representatives of all factions to create the mechanisms to end the division. He urged Arab countries to reaffirm their commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative during the Arab League's upcoming meeting. He added that normalization of Arab ties with Israel will only take place after ending the Israeli occupation, achieving Palestinian independence and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text 04.09.2020 LISTEN Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah has been appointed to takeover as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. This was made known in a letter the Presidency wrote to the Minister of Health, signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President and sighted by citinewsroom.com. The President of the Republic has nominated Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah for appointment as the Chief Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The Presidency further directed the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, to take the necessary steps to regularise the said appointment in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Ghana Health Service and the Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 525). Dr. Ampomah takes over from Dr. Daniel Asare whose tenure of office ended on September 3, 2020. The Board of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital wishes to inform its cherished staff and the general public that the term of office of Dr. Daniel Asare, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital, comes to an end with effect from 3rd September 2020, the Board of the Hospital added in an earlier statement. The statement, signed by the Acting Board Chairman of the Hospital, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, asked Dr. Ali Samba, the Director of Medical Affairs, to act as CEO of the hospital until a substantive appointment is made. About Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon and the Director of the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Dr Ampomah completed his primary education at the Ministry of Health Basic School at Korle-Bu in 1982. He had his secondary education at the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon where he won an award as the Best O-Level Science Scholar in 1987. He completed his GCE A-Levels at the same school in 1989, did a years national service as a tutor at his alma mater, and proceeded to the University of Ghana Medical School in October 1990. He graduated from the University of Ghana Medical School in April 1997 and started work at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital as a Houseman in the same month. He has served in several clinical departments. In May 1999, he formally commenced postgraduate training and obtained a Fellowship in Plastic Surgery from the West Africa College of Surgeons in April 2005, finishing as the Overall Best Candidate in West Africa for the Final (Part II) Exam in Plastic Surgery. With sponsorship from International Reconstructive Plastic Surgery (now Resurge Africa), a Scottish charity that aims at training and equiping surgeons in West Africa to carry out Reconstructive Surgery without the need of overseas financial or personnel help, he undertook further postgraduate training in Plastic Surgery from December 2005 to March 2008 at the renowned Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit of the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Scotland. In November 2006, he passed rigorous examinations and obtained his Membership of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow. In March 2008, in record time, he became the first West Africa-based practitioner to obtain the Intercollegiate Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, UK, in the Speciality of Plastic Surgery, and one of only a handful of Africans to obtain this distinction via examination. Dedicated to his country, he returned to Ghana in April 2008 and has been at post since. In December 2011, he was elected a Fellow of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. Although he has a wide scope of practice, his interests are Burns, Trauma, Microsurgery and Cosmetic Surgery. citinewsroom Salespeople are expected to put up with a lot of challenging behavior (from the merely obtuse, to the outright rude) but no service worker should have to tolerate suggestive or sexual comments directed at them. I sincerely hope that management has her back regarding this, but even if she does not take up this issue with management, if a customer is standing too close to her, she should say, Sir, you are standing too close. Could you please step back three paces? (People sometimes forget to maintain distance, especially outside, or they may have a hard time hearing someone who is trying to speak through a mask, so they instinctively step closer.) Apple season is upon us, but it will go a little differently this year. Before heading out to your favorite local orchard, check out the new rules and guidelines farms and apple orchards in and around Connecticut are implementing for the 2020 season. If this headline seems very familiar, that's because it is. 2020's Ridiculously Resilient Ridge of heat in the Western U.S. is back for an encore this weekend, and in some areas the heat will be even more intense than the historic heat wave just weeks ago, when Death Valley reached the highest temperature ever reliably measured on Earth: 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The Los Angeles National Weather Service issued a strongly worded statement to Southern Californians on Wednesday warning of an "exceptionally dangerous event" explaining that it will be even hotter than the recent mid-August heat wave. "Temperatures this high, and this widespread, are rarely ever seen in the area. All daytime outdoor activities should be limited or cancelled," the forecasters said. The reappearance of scorching heat is unwelcome news for firefighters who are still battling dozens of wildfires across the state. The second and third biggest fires in California history the SCU and LNU Lightning Complex fires are mostly contained, but this heat wave promises to make conditions even more flammable through early next week. Remarkably, three of the top 10 largest fires in California history took place last month. While the August fires were fueled by heat and lightning strikes, often the most dangerous ingredient in spreading fires gusty winds were mostly missing. However, this time around may be a different story. Right on the heels of the heat wave, some computer models are forecasting a gusty wind event for California on Tuesday. But with several days to go, the jury is still out on that. Need to watch for fire weather. Intense #heatdome builds across CA through weekend into early week - then - the European model drives a strong upper low into the four corners region. If this happens, record shattering heat is followed by strong gusty, downslope winds. #heatwave pic.twitter.com/xVfVmGqGHV September 2, 2020 Excessive heat watches and warnings are already posted for 50 million people in California, Nevada and Arizona from Friday to Monday. For 40 million of those residents, temperatures will exceed 100 degrees at some point over the next several days. As of now, 150 record high temperatures are in jeopardy through early next week, with the heat wave peaking on Sunday. Story continues Cities like Burbank and Fresno in the southern half of California, and Sacramento and Redding in the northern half of the state, are forecast to reach or exceed 110 degrees. But the heat will not be confined to California. Phoenix and Las Vegas are forecast to max out between 110-115, Death Valley near 125, and even Medford, Oregon peaking at 106. The surge in heat is being caused by another historic heat dome in the mid-levels of the atmosphere, building from the Desert Southwest northward along the West Coast. The heat dome will be about as intense as any experienced during September since records have been kept. Once again with 6000 meter heights forecast in the SW this weekend, we find ourselves in record territory. If this verifies this would be the strongest 500 mb ridge on record in September for the general area. In layman terms, the hotter the air the more it expands... 1/2 pic.twitter.com/W3BQJLlmMB September 2, 2020 For many parts of the Southwest, the searing heat has been relentless all summer and in some cases the hottest summer on record. That is true for Phoenix, which beat its old record by 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit, an achievement the National Weather Service called "astonishing." So far this summer in Phoenix has had 50 days of 110 degrees or higher, shattering the old record of 33 in 2011 with several more days above 110 still expected. We did it! 50 days of 110 or greater this summer in Phoenix. #azwx pic.twitter.com/aVvESCR3lL August 28, 2020 And this summer's heat wasn't just in the West. Cities like Miami, Chicago, Hartford, Providence, and Norfolk, Virginia and more have all experienced their hottest summers on record, and New York City had one of its hottest. August was a particularly brutal month across various parts of the nation. The ratio of record high temperatures to record low temperatures was 12 to 1, and about half of the West experienced its hottest August on record. see the red? every red place had its hottest august ever recorded this year. pic.twitter.com/vlVOwR8Lee September 2, 2020 Temperatures in the Southwest, including cities like Las Vegas and Tucson, are warming faster than anywhere else in the continental U.S. as a result of human-caused climate change. Although heat waves are caused by a combination of natural cycles amplified by global warming, a recent study from Columbia University found that the human component is in the process of overtaking natural forces. The study shows that during this decade, the 2020s, human-caused climate change will become the "main driver" of heat waves in the Western United States the first region of the U.S. for this to happen. Trump says Pence was never on standby, denies "mini-strokes amid speculation over his health Eye Opener: Black man dies after being restrained by Rochester police Newly-released body camera video shows naked man suffocating in police custody in Rochester, NY If an online fetish festival feels a little lacking, at least we can count on Margaret Cho to bring some genuine raunch and rowdiness. Plus, more 1,000 live music and arts venues nationwide went red on Tuesday night to raise awareness around the pandemic's impact on event spaces; Tommy's Joynt is here to stay; San Mateo's first Black mayor is selling crunch cakes; and more local headlines to bring a silver lining to your day. Sugar, Spice and Civil Rights: The Beloved Bakery Run by San Mateo's First Black Mayor, NBC Bay Area Blum's Bakery has been closed for decades, but its crunch cake lives on thanks to activist and former three-term San Mateo Mayor Claire Mack, who is serving her own version of the treat from her home of more than 50 years. Read more. Margaret Cho Announced as Host of Virtual Folsom Street Fair, SFist On September 27, the annual fetish fest will go fully virtual the first time ever. It's a semi-bummer, but at least activist, author, and funny-as-hell woman Margaret Cho will be at the helm. Expect DJs, BDSM demos, live music, and performance artists as usual. Read more. #RedAlertRESTART shines light on Bay Area venues to urge support of live events industry during pandemic, Datebook If you took a stroll on Tuesday evening, chances are you saw one of the Bay Area's event venuesincluding Palace of Fine Arts, Fox Theater, and Bottom of the Hilllight up red to urge Congress to pass the Restart Act, which would help music and performance businesses impacted by the pandemic. Read more. Don't worry: SF's iconic Tommy's Joynt is not closing, SFGate Forget what Broke Ass Stuart said. This 73-year-old hofbrau remains shuttered for now, but does plan to once again serve its turkey legs and brisket sandwiches...someday. Read more. Newsom signs California eviction moratorium for renters hurt by pandemic, San Francisco Chronicle The bill will protect California renters through the end of January by ensuring that they won't be evicted so long as they pay 25 percent of their rent and declare financial hardship. Read more. Teens step up to work at the polls as COVID-19 drives older workers away, Berkeleyside The average age of American poll workers is 62, which means senior volunteers at risk for contracting Covid-19 may be staying home this year. Teens who are too young to vote are signing up to fill in. Read more. In an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus, the central Chinese city of Wuhan - where the outbreak began - was locked down on January 23. But Wuhan now has returned to normalcy, whereas the rest of the world is grappling with COVID-19. Wuhan hasnt seen a single case of local transmission since May 18. From resumption of schools to pool parties, here's what Wuhan looks like seven months after the beginning of the pandemic. 1. On January 23, the Chinese government imposed a lockdown in Wuhan. New Delhi, Sep 4 : BSNL Employees Union has objected to the state-run entity's decision to do away with contract workers working with it and has sought a review of the decision. In a letter to the BSNL Chairman P.K. Purwar, the employees union has sought for an urgent meeting of the unions and associations with the Chairman through video conferencing, to discuss about the gainful utilisation of the contract workers. "Even if the management considers that a section of the contract workers are redundant, they can be gainfully utilised in the marketing activities, to increase the revenue collection of the company. In view of the foregoing, we request you to kindly revisit all your earlier decisions to retrench the contract workers," the letter said. In its hard-hitting letter, the union has also blamed the company management under Purwar for alleged suicide committed by 13 contract workers due to the non-payment of wages for the past 14 months. "Ever since you took over as the CMD BSNL, systematic steps are being taken by the Management, to snatch away the livelihood of the contract workers, who have shed their sweat and blood for past twenty years, for the growth and development of BSNL," said the letter by P. Abhimanyu, General Secretary of BSNL Employees Union. It said that as per the instructions of the CMD, contract workers have already been retrenched in a big way, through the outsourcing of works. The BSNL Management may justify it's outsourcing of works by drawing comparison to the private telecom companies, which get most of their works done through outsourcing, Abhimanyu said in the letter, adding: "We wish to remind that BSNL is not a private company, but a state-owned Public Sector Company, having the responsibility of discharging its duties to the nation and its people." A copy of the letter has also been marked to Anshu Prakash, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, among others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the humane side of the police had come to the fore during the current Covid-19 crisis. In a virtual address to Indian Police Service probationers at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, Modi also discussed various challenges before the men and women in khaki. Responding to a question about Kashmir, Modi emphasised on a greater connect with the people of the state, adding that those taking the wrong path should be dissuaded from doing so. Modi said that police officers should also know how to develop relations with public representatives; governance is more effective if officers tap into the strength of the society. Modi said public representatives should be given due respect, but added that duty must be adhered to. He narrated how, during his initial days as Gujarat chief minister, police officer Atul Karwal, who presently heads the National Police Academy, had politely asked him to follow the security protocols that he was not used to then. In response to a question from an officer who worked in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said the people of Kashmir had amazing strength. The kind of shawls they weaved were amazing, he said. He suggested that the lady officer, who had studied textiles, should make attempts to promote modern designing among the people of the state. I have connected to the people of Kashmir and found them to be very lovely. The children who adopt a wrong path, we have to stop them from doing so. And this work can be done best by lady officers. To bring these children back, to explain to their mothers, our lady officers can do a superb job. I have complete faith we can stop children before they adopt a wrong path, said the Prime Minister. A total of 131 probationers, including 28 women, were present at the event. In his address, Modi said that people from all professions were under a lot of stress these days and added that yoga and pranayama would be beneficial. One of the probationers also raised the issue of the need to protect the families of policemen who fall in the line of duty. The Prime Minister said the service rendered by the men and women in khaki during the pandemic has been seen by the people and a humane image of the police has emerged. Khaki should not evoke fear but pride, said Modi. Headquartered in Niwot, CO, Crocs Inc. (CROX) is a leading specialty footwear retailer for men, women, and children. All Crocs shoes feature Croslite, a proprietary material that gives each pair of shoes a soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-resistant quality that consumers know and love. Q2 Earnings Recap Back in July, Crocs reported better-than-expected second quarter results, and delivered huge beats on both the top and bottom lines. Global revenues reached $331.5 million, and four out of five of the companys key geographies delivered growth: U.S., Korea, China, and Germany. E-commerce revenue soared 67.7% year-over-year, with strong growth in all regions. Adjusted earnings per share hit $1.01, easily beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.12 per share. Cash flow from operations almost doubled; cash and cash equivalents were $151.4 million as of June 30. "Amidst unprecedented market conditions globally, we delivered exceptional performance in our Americas and e-commerce businesses and increased profit despite a very challenging environment, said president and CEO Andrew Rees. Our performance demonstrates the strength of the Crocs brand and underscores the work we've done expanding the desirability, relevance, and consideration of our brand and product offering globally, he continued. CROX Breaks Out Crocs, Inc. Price and Consensus Since March 23, shares of CROX have surged over 277% compared to the S&P 500s 54% increase. Earnings estimates have been rising too, and CROX is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) right now. For the current fiscal year, four analysts have revised their bottom-line estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has moved up over one dollar to $1.95 per share. Earnings are expected to grow about 21% compared to the prior year period. 2021 looks strong too, and earnings should see double-digit year-over-year growth. Like many other retailers, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on Crocs; its brick-and-mortar stores were forced to close earlier this year (most have now reopened), and its supply chain has certainly been affected. Story continues But, Crocs is seeing a resurgence in demand, and more people are turning to its comfort-forward shoes, especially as working from home becomes the norm. Even though the growth rates seen during the Covid crisis are beginning to temper, the retailer expects to resume pre-pandemic growth levels next year. If youre an investor searching for a retail stock to add to your portfolio, make sure to keep CROX on your shortlist. Breakout Biotech Stocks with Triple-Digit Profit Potential The biotech sector is projected to surge beyond $775 billion by 2024 as scientists develop treatments for thousands of diseases. Theyre also finding ways to edit the human genome to literally erase our vulnerability to these diseases. Zacks has just released Century of Biology: 7 Biotech Stocks to Buy Right Now to help investors profit from 7 stocks poised for outperformance. Our recent biotech recommendations have produced gains of +50%, +83% and +164% in as little as 2 months. The stocks in this report could perform even better. See these 7 breakthrough stocks now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Crocs, Inc. (CROX) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Doosan logo in front of the Doosan Tower in Seoul. Yonhap By Kim Hyun-bin Doosan Group is trying to speed up the process of raising 3 trillion won through the selling off affiliates and assets in order to get a state bailout to save its flagship power equipment unit. The move puts Doosan's future at risk as it sells off its few remaining profitable businesses. Doosan Heavy Industries sold its Club Mow Country Club last month and used the proceeds from the sale to pay back loans worth 120 billion won ($100.8 million) to creditor banks. Doosan Group also sold VC Neoplux to Shinhan Financial Group for 73 billion won. The group is currently in the process of selling Doosan Solus, Doosan Tower and Doosan Engineering & Construction (E&C). It is currently negotiating with Mastern Investment Management over the sale of Doosan Tower; and Skylark Investment in offloading the group's electric and bio material developer Doosan Solus. Once a preferred bidder is selected for Doosan E&C, industry watchers believe a deal could be reached before the end of the year. Doosan Heavy may be able to recapitalize as investors are keen on the company's wind power business, which has been picked as a main growth engines in the renewable energy sector. Doosan Heavy's stock prices plummeted to 2,395 won in March but was steady at around 16,600, Friday. "By looking at the current IPO market fever and trend it doesn't seem like a problem for Doosan Heavy to acquire 1 trillion won," said Lee Tae-hoon, an analyst at eBest Investment & Securities. Five of Doosan's assets are being disposed of, however, Doosan Mottrol BG and Doosan Infracore are facing problems. The union of Mottrol a developer of oil pressure machines for the defense industry strongly opposes the selection of Morgan Stanley PE as preferred bidder. "If the company is sold off to a foreign private equity fund the defense and civilian business sectors will be divided which will result in employment insecurity and a threat to the livelihood of employees," a union official said. "We strongly oppose the sell off to Morgan Stanley." Researchers Find Christians in Iran Approaching 1 Million Missiologists have long spoken of the explosive growth of the church in Iran. Now they have data to back up their claims--from secular research. According to a new survey of 50,000 Iranians--90 percent residing in Iran--by GAMAAN, a Netherlands-based research group, 1.5 percent identified as Christian. Extrapolating over Iran's population of approximately 50 million literate adults (the sample surveyed) yields at least 750,000 believers. According to GAMAAN, the number of Christians in Iran is "without doubt in the order of magnitude of several hundreds of thousands and growing beyond a million." The traditional Armenian and Assyrian Christians in Iran number 117,700, according to the latest government statistics. Christian experts surveyed by CT expressed little surprise. But it may make a significant difference for the Iranian church. "With the lack of proper data, most international advocacy groups expressed a degree of doubt on how widespread the conversion phenomenon is in Iran," said Mansour Borji, research and advocacy director for Article 18, a UK-based organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of religious freedom in Iran. "It is pleasing to see--for the first time--a secular organization adding its weight to these claims." The research, which asked 23 questions about an individual's "attitude toward religion" and demographics, was run by professors associated with the respected Dutch universities of Tilburg and Utrecht. The general presumption of doubt risked influencing asylum applications by Iranians seeking resettlement in Europe or elsewhere. "We do not regard it as remotely plausible that there are as many as 1 million people secretly practicing Christianity in Iran today," wrote a UK judge in a March ruling establishing best practice guidelines, following a case that ultimately denied asylum to an Iranian convert. "The huge numbers of converts claimed by various evangelical missions must be viewed in light of the fact that ... the more converts they can claim, the greater the incentive for co-religionists to donate." Yet despite the widespread skepticism, research conducted by Christian advocacy organizations has begun to produce results. In 2005, the United Nations created the Geneva-based Universal Periodic Review to evaluate the human rights status of every nation every 4.5 years. During its review session in February, for the first time recommendations for Iran included its treatment of "Christian converts," issued by Norway and the Netherlands. ChurchSalary "We try to build relations with diplomats as much as they allow," said Wissam al-Saliby, advocacy director for the World Evangelical Alliance. "Without such reporting, news of Christian persecution will not filter into Geneva circles, and nations will not feel any pressure. "It is important for Iran to hear the distinction between its traditional Christian communities, and its converts to the Christian faith." But according to the GAMAAN survey, there is another distinction Iran must make. "The real news is not the number of Christians," said Johannes de Jong, director of the Sallux ["Salt-Light" in Latin] think tank, affiliated with the European Christian Political Movement. "It is the massive secularization of Iranian society as a whole." Only 32 percent of those surveyed identified themselves as Shiite Muslim. Officially, Iran puts their number at 95 percent. "The Islam in Iran is a political system, not a faith embraced by any majority," said de Jong, who has worked with Iranian asylum seekers and opposition politicians over the last 20 years. "A free Iran would see an implosion of Islam, and a very significant rise of Christianity, Zoroastrism, and atheism." The survey already bears this out. Atheists poll at 9 percent of the population (and Nones overall at 22%); Zoroastrians at 7 percent. The 2011 census numbered Zoroastrians at only 25,000. Extrapolating the percentage from this survey, which GAMAAN stated is 95-percent accurate, would now count 5.6 million. [Sources said this may indicate a non-Islamic Persian nationalism rather than a true system of belief.] Nearly half (47%) said they used to be religious, but are no longer. Only 6 in 10 Iranians surveyed said they were born into a religious family. But 6 in 10 also do not say their daily prayers. And 7 in 10 do not want legislation based on religion (68%); state-funded religious institutions (71%); or mandatory head covering (73%). A majority (58%) do not believe in wearing the hijab at all. And according to a 2019 survey by GAMAAN, 79 percent of the population would vote against an Islamic republic. While this might seem a fertile field for Christian witness, David Yeghnazar of Elam Ministries warns against the "clay feet" of secularism. For example, almost 4 in 10 Iranians (37%) drink alcohol--which is forbidden in Islam. "Iranians are attracted to Christianity because they think it is part and parcel of the free, secular, and democratic West," he said. "It is important for Christian agencies to pry Christianity away from that mould." He was also cautious about endorsing the survey statistics as a true estimate of the body of Christ. In a secular survey, "Christian" can imply anything from a "vague attraction" to a "genuine love of Christ and a growing knowledge of the scriptures." Yeghnazar believes the house churches' lack of governing structure will harm the growing movement. False teaching, financial irregularity, and pastoral dictatorship may begin to plague them. Borji agrees. "There is a very real risk that church growth is outpacing discipleship," he said. "But the problem is exasperated by the fact that many leaders are now in prison, or have been forced out of the country." The impact, said Mike Ansari, president of Heart4Iran, is that the church is "highly marginalized, scattered, and segmented." Ansari believes personal evangelism is the most effective method for spreading the gospel, and the reason behind much of Christianity's growth in Iran. But given that it is "extremely risky," satellite television has become the leading factor. Ansari's Mohabat TV noticed a surge in conversions during COVID-19. Whereas the channel was informed of 324 cases through its ministry in March 2019, there was a tenfold increase one year later, with 3,088 new believers. And given that even the exponential growth of house churches fails to keep up with conversions, satellite TV must fill in the gap. Mohabat TV does its best. Elam's Safar [Farsi for "journey"] program also helps. Is it enough? "Without meaningful face-to-face fellowship and discipleship, the future of the Iranian Church remains uncertain," Ansari said. "Isolation is the biggest enemy of church growth." It may prove a more effective foe than the Iranian government. Wybo Nicolai of Open Doors International, based in Holland, noted that rapid church growth began in 2004, when the state put pressure on officially registered churches ministering through the Farsi language. (Iran's traditional Christian communities use the Armenian and Assyrian languages of their ethnic communities.) Consequently, ministry was forced underground where it "spread like wildfire" through cell groups and house churches. https://www.umcmission.org/umcor?utm_source=christianitytoday&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=connectional%20giving&utm_content=umcor09/01/2020paid300x250 "The Iranian authorities lost oversight of it," said Nicolai. "There was nothing they could do to stop the spread of the gospel." They tried, and are trying still. Contrary to official accusations of Christians being Zionist agents and a threat to national security, an Iranian official recently told clerics in the holy city of Qom that "these converts are ordinary people, whose jobs are selling sandwiches or similar things." He complained that conversion is "happening right before our eyes." But the evidence of Iran's failure as a theocracy to protect Islam is seen far beyond the Christian tally in the GAMAAN survey. If its overall statistics are valid, only 1 in 3 Iranians claim their national religion. And 4 in 10 believe every religion should be free to propagate its beliefs. "The hearts and minds of the Iranian people have been plowed and made ready by Iranian government behavior over the last 40 years," said Borji. "The people's resistance to the gospel has been neutralized." This article contains spoilers, we think. So wait. Youve seen Tenet? Like, in a movie theater? I have. Twice. Is that a good idea? Thats a complicated question, but the simple answer is No. Medical experts tend to agree that sitting in a room for hours with people who are allowed to take off their masks as long as theyre in the vicinity of a bucket of popcorn is a high-risk activity, and though theater chains have stepped up their COVID safety protocols, theyve been evasive when pressed on the details. That said, not everyone lives in a country that has screwed up its coronavirus response as badly as the U.S. has. And there are (some) drive-ins. I wouldnt advise you to go see it in a theater, but I cant order you not to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not very comforting! Its not meant to be. Can you tell me what Tenets about, at least? Sort of? Lets start with broad strokes. The movies protagonistidentified only as the Protagonist (I know)is a CIA operative, played by John David Washington, recruited by a highly secretive organization called Tenet, whose purpose is to prevent the end of the world. Its explained to him that the present is under attack by the future; were about to lose a war that, from our perspective, hasnt even started yet. You see, in the future, an unseen enemy has figured out how to make time run backward, albeit in an extremely localized fashion. Using something called inverse radiation, they can reverse the entropy of both objects and people so that they move through time in the opposite directionat least from our fourth-dimensional point of view. If those objects are stationary, theyre indistinguishable from any other; a forward-moving bullet looks the same as a backward-moving one, as long as theyre not moving. But where a forward-moving bullet is fired and then strikes its target, a backward one moves from the target to the gun. In other words, the Protagonist is told, hes not shooting the bullet. Hes catching it. (Since it moves at the same speed either way, being in the path of the latter is just as bad, with the added side effect that the inverse radiation also infects the bullet wound.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inverse radiation allows objects to move backward for a potentially infinite amount of time, which means that the future enemieslets just call them the Futurecan hide weapons, money, and technology in their time and have them retrieved in ours, which is how they engage Russian arms dealer Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh) as their present-tense emissary. It also allows Andrei and his henchmen, and eventually the Protagonist and his allies, to reverse their own entropy and move backward through time, although because regular air cant pass through inverted lungs, they can only do it for the length of a tank of oxygen. Advertisement Advertisement Acting on orders from the Future, Andrei has spent decades gathering the nine parts of the Algorithm, which is actually an irregular metal cylinder that encodes the secrets of reversing timenot just for individual objects or people but for the entire planet. Because a forward-moving entity that comes into contact with its backward-moving equivalent is instantly annihilated, activating the Algorithm would mean the instantaneous end of the world. Which would be bad. Advertisement Why would anyone want to do that? Thats not entirely clear. (After two viewings and hours poring over Reddit dissections, the best I can hazard on some of these questions is a well-informed guess.) Christopher Nolan, enemy of intelligible dialogue that he is, buries the explanation in a crackly walkie-talkie transmission near the end of the movie, but Andrei suggests that the Future is at war with the past because the oceans rose and the rivers ran dry, i.e., because of catastrophic climate change. With no path ahead of them, their only hope is to change direction and carve out a future in our past. They presumably dont think that means instant annihilation, or at least theyre willing to risk it, since with every other natural resource exhausted, the only one left is time. But its also, as Tenet admits, an extension of the shortsighted thinking that caused the climate crisis in the first place. As the Protagonists ally Neil (Robert Pattinson) explains, Every generation looks out for its own survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But wouldnt blowing up their own past mean the Future is effectively committing suicide? You are thinking of the grandfather paradox, the famous thought experiment in which a time traveler murders his own grandfather, thus ensuring he will never be born, and thus never able to travel back in time to commit the crime in the first place. As Neil explains to the Protagonist, the nature of a paradox is that it has no solution, but the Future is at least betting that they can push grandpa down the stairs, gouge his eyes out, and still survive. For his part, Neil simply believes that Whats happened, happened, meaning that while you can introduce new variables into the time-travel equation, you cant change something thats already occurred. That might mean that the very existence of the Protagonists team in the present means theyve already accomplished their mission in the futurebut, first, theyre not taking any chances, and, second, that would be a very boring movie. Advertisement Advertisement Lets back up a sec. (Thematically appropriate, no?) Inverse radiation. Is that, like, a thing? It is not. What about reverse entropy? Probably not? Stephen Hawking once theorized that as the expansion of the universe slowed and eventually reversed, time itself might appear to run backward, but he admitted his theory was in error, and according to the 2011 winners of the Nobel Prize in physics, the expansion of the universe is actually accelerating. Nolan might have had the backing of theoretical physicists on Interstellar, but hes on his own here. Advertisement So its all kind of nonsense? Theres a reason the scientist who explains everything to the Protagonist tells him that he shouldnt try to understand itjust feel it. Advertisement Hmm. OK. Lets get back to the plot, I guess. So in the Kyiv opera siege that opens the movie, what are the Protagonist and his crew trying to protect? Its a piece of the algorithmalthough everyone, including the Protagonist, seems to think its weapons-grade plutonium-241, which is sometimes how they refer to it. Its the possession of an undercover CIA asset whos using the operas coat check as a dead drop, but the handoff is interrupted by a group of rogue free Russians who want it for themselves. As hes trying to stop those rogue agents from blowing up the opera house to cover their tracks, the Protagonist spots evidence of an inverted bullet, one thats presumably about to pass through him. But hes saved by a mysterious figure with a red string attached to his backpackone whose identity we wont learn until the very end of the movie. Advertisement Whew. Yeah, the more you explain this, the more complicated it gets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what is Tenet, exactly? You picked a good time to ask. After the Kyiv siege, the Protagonist is captured and tortured, but he bites down on a CIA-issued suicide pill rather than talk. (Its one of several times in the movie his character ought to have died, which has already given rise to numerous fan theories.) The suicide pill turns out to be a fake, but it proves hes loyal to the point of death, which is useful when your enemy is time itself. At first all he knows about Tenet is the word itself, and a gesture involving the interlaced fingers of two hands, which seems to represent the collision between the two directions of time. But the metal alloy used in the inverted bullet from the opera siege leads him to an Indian arms dealer (Dimple Kapadia), who tells him about Andrei and the coming war. Advertisement Its also a palindrome, right? It is! Very good. The word tenet reads the same backward and forward, one of several references to reversibility embedded in the film. Andrei Sators surname comes from the Sator Square, a five-by-five grid of interlocking letters that reads the same in every direction. It was first discovered in the ruins of Pompeii, which is a location that Andreis wife, Katherine (Elizabeth Debicki), and their son seem especially keen on visiting. Advertisement The other five words in the Sator Square all turn up in the movie at some point: Theres Rotas, the name of the security company that guards Andreis warehouse in the Oslo airport; Opera, the location of the movies first set piece; Arepo, the name of the art forger whose bogus Goya Katherine, who works at a high-priced auction house, arranged to have sold to her husband, and which hes now using as leverage to keep her from leaving him. And theres the central word in the Sator Square, the axis on which it turns: tenet. Advertisement Advertisement Tenet is also the word ten backward and forward, which becomes key to the movies climactic sequence, in which synchronized attack teams move through time in opposite directions on a 10-minute countdown, performing what the movie calls a temporal pincer. A temporal pincer? What is that? In classic military tactics, a pincer movement is when you attack the enemy from both sides at the same time. In a temporal pincer, you attack from both directions in time. One attack team proceeds through the event, taking careful notes, and then briefs the second team after its over. The second team then reverses direction and proceeds backward from the end, armed with the knowledge of whats already happened. There are two of these in Tenet: the attempted heist of the final piece of the Algorithm before its transferred to Andrei and the movies climactic battle, which Ill get to in good time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I sort of get it. (And I see what you did there.) But can you walk me through one of these temporal pincer deals? Sure! There are two things to keep your eyes on when youre trying to get a temporal pincer movement straight. One is the red-and-blue coding used in the movies final battle, where the good guys split into two units: a red team, moving forward through time, and a blue team, moving backward toward them. That pattern is actually introduced earlier, during the Protagonists attempt to secure the last piece of the Algorithm, although theres no way to know thats what youre looking at the first time through. The Protagonists team steals the piecewhich the Protagonist, not yet trusting Neil, tells him is plutonium-241from a convoy by trapping the armored car in which its traveling between two moving trucks: a red fire truck on the left and a blue tractor-trailer on the right. And at the end of the chase, hes taken to Andreis warehouse, which has been split in half by a transparent barrier with a temporal stilebasically a revolving airlock that allows you to change the direction in which you move through timeat one end. On the red side, time moves forward. On the blue side, its moving backward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second thing to watch for is simpler: oxygen masks. Because inverted people cant breathe regular air, anyone you see wearing a mask over their mouth is probably inverted, even if you cant see which direction theyre moving. So how does this temporal pincer heist work? If you watch the beginning of the sequence carefully, youll see Andrei lingering near the red-tinted entrance to the temporal stile, staying behind and instructing his men to tell him everything that happens. Thats because hes planning a temporal pincer: If the handoff doesnt go smoothly the first time through, hell know exactly what happened, and hell be able to stop it as he moves backward through time. The tricky part is that the movie implies that this has already happened before the first time we see the Protagonist and Neil successfully grab the 241. (This will make more sense in a moment.) Thats why we see an inverted, gas maskwearing Andrei holding Katherine hostage after theyve pulled off the heist (and why you can also see him sitting behind the wheel of a car as the Protagonist is marched into the warehouse). The Protagonist tricks Andrei by removing the 241 from its case and exchanging an empty case for Katherines life. And he hides it byhold onto your buttshanding it off to a backward-moving version of himself, who has caught up with the forward-moving Protag. (The movie cuts away after they lock eyes the first time through, but you can see the handoff the second/reversed time.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But once Andrei realizes the 241 is in the car the reversed Protagonist stole, he performs a second temporal pincer, knowing that as soon the reversed Protagonist places it in his car, it will be waiting for Andrei in the future. All Andrei had to do was figure out where the Protagonist put it, and then find the right point in time to grab it from him. Advertisement Um, what?!?! Yeah, Im sorry. This is a movie that becomes less clear the more you explain it. So its possible not only to change the past but to do it more than once? Yup. Think of the past as a Google doc that anyone with a temporal stile can edit. Tenet effectively allows us to look at it with Track Changes turned on. Advertisement How many times can the same person move through the same timespan? Effectively an infinite number, I think? One character in Tenet does it at least three times but well get to that. OK, now my brain hurts. Lets skip to the climax before I have a stroke. So heres the basics. Andrei has assembled the complete Algorithm, and hes preparing to bury it in an underground former nuclear test facility in his Siberian hometown, a Soviet closed city called Stalask-12. Once its buried there and he transmits its location to the Future, its all over. The trick is that if Andrei knows hes failed, hell just make a temporal U-turn and try again, so the Protagonist and his team have to retrieve the Algorithm without Andrei knowing it. Oh, and by the way, this is all taking place in the paston the same day as the Kyiv opera house siege that opened the movie. Advertisement Advertisement How do they know Andreis plan? Two reasons. One, theres evidence of an explosion in Stalask-12 on that day, which is Andreis way of sealing the Algorithm in an underground cavern until the Future can dig it up. Two, Katherine tells them that hes got terminal cancer and has been planning to end his own life. On the day of the siege, she and Andrei were moored off the coast of Vietnam, and she made one last attempt to reconcile with him. She reasons that hed choose that brief window of happiness as the moment to end it all, both for himself and the entire world. Advertisement So how do they plan to stop Andrei from giving the Algorithm to the Future? Advertisement Another temporal pincer. The Protagonists team, which now includes a small battalion of soldiers, will split in two and attack the Stalask-12 burial site from both ends of a 10-minute window. But their goal isnt to save the Algorithm: Its to fail, or at least appear to. The entire operation is a giant diversion, one that includes blowing up a building with both forward and reversed bombs at the five-minute mark. The only objective that actually matters is the one to be carried out by the splinter group composed of just two people: the Protagonist and the leader of the time-traveling Resistance, Ives (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Their job is to sneak through an underground tunnel and retrieve the Algorithm without anyone knowing, because the only way to ensure that no one else can travel through time and undo their plan is if no one knows its missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katherines job is to keep Andrei happy and unsuicidal, because the instant his heart stops, his fitness tracker will trigger an email blast with the location of the Algorithm. That part doesnt go so smoothly. Does that plan actually work? It does, although not without a few hitches. The Protagonist and Ives reach the cavern where the Algorithm is going to be buried, but theyre stuck behind a locked gate, watching helplessly as Andreis henchman prepares the Algorithm to be lowered into its time capsule. But then they notice a dead body on the other side of the gate, with a familiar red string hanging from its backpack. Moving in inverted time, that body springs back to life and unlocks the gate, allowing the Protagonist to move through it as Red String Guy sprints backward up the entrance tunnel. Henchman killed, Algorithm saved, but the Protagonist and Ives are still stuck deep underground, seconds before the bomb goes offand meanwhile Katherine, unable to suppress her loathing of her abusive husband, shoots him dead, which means theres no backup plan. Fortunately, Neil, who started the operation as part of the backward-moving blue team, has found a temporal stile on site and reversed his own direction. (Thats him you hear honking his horn just before the Protagonist triggers the booby trap that seals the entrance tunnel to the cavern.) Knowing that theyre about to be trapped underground when the explosion is triggered, Neil lowers a rope to the Protagonist and Ives, and pulls them out just in the nick of time. Hooray! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So who is the guy with the red string? The guy with the red string is also Neil. He actually moves through the final battle three times. First, he attacks as part of the backward-moving blue team. Then he reverses himself and, moving forward, pulls the Protagonist to safety. And then, at some unspecified point in the future, he turns around and goes through the battle backward again, unlocking the gate and being shot dead by Andreis henchman. As if that werent enough, he also, at some other point, travels far enough backward in time that he can make it to Kyiv and save the Protagonists life in the opening scenewhich, lest we forget, is taking place at exactly the same moment. So there are at least three iterations of Neil scattered throughout time, and potentially a lot more. Advertisement I think Im going to go lie down for a bit. But before I do, one question: Ive seen people on the internet throwing around the theory that Neil might actually be Katherines son. Is there any truth to that? I mean, maybe? To quote Neil himself, its unknowable. But it would explain some things. We know from Neils speech that hes been part of Tenet for a long time and that he was recruited by the Protagonist at some point in the future (which is Neils past). Given that Pattinson is in his 30s and Katherines son looks to be about 10, the math would work: The Protagonist recruits him 10 years from now, and Neil spends the next 10 years traveling back to the point at which it all started. Its a temporal pincer, carried out over a decade instead of 10 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neil doesnt seem to show any particular attachment to Katherine, so that part is kind of a wash. But it would explain why Katherine seems to know more about how that last day will play out than anyone has told her. At the beginning of the movie, she tells the Protagonist that when she returned to Andreis yacht on the day of the opera siege and the Stalask-12 battle, she saw a woman dive into the water from the top deck, and Andrei was nowhere to be found. The ending establishes that the diving woman was Katherine herself, and Andrei was missing because shed killed him and thrown his body into the ocean. When Katherine returns to the yacht in the final sequence, its with the explicit aim of not killing Andrei, but the first thing she does is unclip the safety wires around the edge of the boat, and she accidentally squirts sunscreen all over the deck, which eventually makes it easier to slide his dead body over the side. Neil reiterates several times that the teams best defense is ignorance: the fewer people who know the details of the operation, the less vulnerable they are to being found out. So it would make sense if Neil told her what she really needed to do and left the Protagonist, and the audience, out of the loop, especially if he had an added reason to trust her. So wait. Youve seen Tenet? Like, in a movie theater? Well done. For more Slate coverage of Tenet, listen to a spoiler-filled conversation about the movie between Slates Sam Adams and Voxs Alissa Wilkinson. WINNIPEGTwo more residents of a personal care home in Manitoba have died from COVID-19, and the provinces top doctor says some front-line workers are feeling fatigued by months of strict protocols. This comes as a real reminder that we have to stay on guard, chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said Thursday. The two residents, a woman in her 80s and another woman in her 90s, lived at Bethesda Place personal care home in Steinbach, about 60 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg, where there has been an outbreak of the coronavirus. Two other residents of the care home died last month from the illness. Seven workers and two additional residents have also tested positive. Roussin said the initial positive case appears to have been a health-care worker who caught the virus in the community. The worker was asymptomatic and it doesnt appear there was an issue with personal protective equipment, he added. However, Roussin said many people working on the front line have been struggling with tight restrictions over long shifts. I think that over time, just like many other Manitobans, we can lose track of some of the fundamentals and some of the importance of the strictness of our rules. There are a handful of outbreaks at other personal care homes in the province, including two in Winnipeg that were announced Wednesday. Twenty new cases of COVID-19 in the province were reported Thursday, for a total of 1,264. There have been 16 deaths. Manitoba spent many months with some of the lowest levels of COVID-19 cases in the country but has seen a significant increase in infections over the last month. Travel restrictions to northern Manitoba are to be put back in place Friday. With a long weekend ahead and students heading back to class next week, Roussin said people must ensure they continue to take precautions. We have to be alert at all times. Read more about: Kirk Da Silva has distanced himself from being involved in any way with the leaking of a purported letter of resignation of members of the NDP Constituency Council. An unsigned letter making the rounds on social and conventional media was the subject of much discourse, as its contents purported that an undisclosed number of the New Democratic Partys Marriaqua Constituency Division executive members had tendered their "resignation. with immediate effect. The latest scuttlebutt to surface on Thursday, September 3, reportedly on local radio, was that Kirk Da Silva, one of 3 other persons who vied to be the NDPs area representative, had leaked the supposed mass resignation letter. Dated August 27, 2020, the 2-page document was addressed to the NDPs president Dr. Godwin Friday and read in part, ".. we have lost all confidence in our partys leadership. As a result, we are uneasy in continuing our work as members of the Marriaqua Constituency Division in such a toxic and biased environment. The letter provided a space for Berisford George, chairman, to affix his signature. And although it referenced other executive members, no proof as to who they were was shown. Speaking with this reporter on Thursday 3rd September, Da Silva denied having any previous knowledge of the document. "People will make those assumptions; I am not a member of the Committee. Somebody actually WhatsApped me the letter, I think I got it this morning. "It was unsigned and so forth and I actually told somebody that I in fact, the person asked if I thought it is genuine, I said I think so but I dont know who all signed it. I havent seen the letter but I guess thats politics, he said. According to Da Silva although he spoke, informally, to former chairman George, there has been no formal meetings of the Constituency Division since the primary which selected him as their candidate of choice. He also said, "I heard I was told that the Committee was planning to resign, by a member of the committee, I was told that they were planning to resign; but to say I to know about the letter or to help draft it or to be there or to see it or to be copied, nah. Thats not so at all. In 2015, Da Silva offered his constituency stewardship services to the governing Unity Labour Partys ticket and was rejected in place of St. Clair Jimmy Prince. Having conceded to Bernard Wyllies candidacy, Da Silva on Thursday affirmed his support for the New Democratic Party. "I am a supporter of the New Democratic Party. I havent left the membership of the party. Meanwhile, NDP Public Relations Officer Lavern King described the development as a non-issue and said, "The Central Committee of the New Democratic Party representing Members of Parliament, the Executive and membership unanimously voted to endorse our candidates for the 2020 election. We do not comment on any internal matters leaked to the media. "Our sole focus is on putting the best team forward to represent every constituency, win the next election and getting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines working. Our first, second and third priorities is job creation as 46 percent of young people are not working and over 26 percent of Vincentians are employed. The recently resigned Beresford George was said to have been seen on the NDPs latest constituency (Marriaqua) walk around with other members of the NDP team. NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nothing dims the light of summer like back-to-school sales and the start of Labor Day weekend. While many parents will welcome the new school year, few will pay much attention to this federal holiday other than attending socially-distanced barbeques or taking last-minute getaways. What few Americans remember, however, is that Labor Day is not solely meant as a day of fun and recreation, but rather as a day of commemoration for the contributions of workers who for hundreds of years have helped America succeed. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony. The next ceremony will be held May 15, 2021 on Ellis Island. Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society The modern American labor movement began at the turn of the 19th century, just as immigration to the New World was reaching its peak. In the 1880s, the Pullman Company actively sought out immigrant and African-American workers to run its namesake railroad cars. In 1893, after years of poor working conditions and a severe pay-cut, Pullman workers organized the first workers union, and soon after, America's first workers strike. Over 30 Union men lost their lives fighting on behalf of their fellow laborers. This cycle would be repeated in the Coal Strike of 1900, where dozens more were killed fighting for a fair wage and their shot at the American Dream. Ultimately, their efforts caught the attention of the American public who soundly backed the workers in their fight. Since the 1900s, dozens of workers' rights we enjoy today were fought for and arbitrated through workers unions. These include laws against child labor, 8-hour workdays, overtime pay, minimum wages, safer working conditions, and sick leave. Prior to labor reforms, workers, both immigrant and native, suffered 70-hour work weeks under dangerous conditions, while scions of industry-built empires of wealth. These immigrants built our national parks and highway systems, the Transcontinental Railroad, New York City Subway System, and many of our homes, schools, and places of worship. Unfortunately, today, many immigrants still suffer from workplace exploitation and institutionalized racism. This is why celebrating and highlighting the achievements of immigrants remains crucial. Even in the face of adversity, immigrants and their children continue to add to the economic prowess and social and cultural diversity of the United States, a fact commemorated each year at the Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony on Ellis Island. In addition to honoring immigrants and their descendants who have built successful careers and philanthropic endeavors, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor remind us all of the importance of continued pathways for legal immigration. A Brookings Institute report found 45% of all new businesses are started by immigrants or their children, including 55% of America's billion-dollar startups, and 15% percent of the American economy is contributed by immigrants. Although increased pay and safe working conditions have for the most part been achieved, we must not forget those heroes of Labor who envisioned the spirit of equality that continues to shape our nation. This Labor Day, let's acknowledge those whose blood, sweat, and tears have brought prosperity and honor to our country, and support those who continue to pull us all forward. -Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman About EIHS The Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS) was founded in 1984 at the behest of President Ronald Reagan with the goal of commemorating the significant role immigration and the immigrant spirit have played in the founding and growth of the United States. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor was inaugurated in 1986 as an extension of this mission. MEDIA CONTACT: Otto Coca 212-755-1492, [email protected] SOURCE Ellis Island Honors Society Eight months into the pandemic, obesity has turned out to be one of the clearest predictors of a difficult battle against covid-19, for reasons that may vary from person to person. Some experts say they consider obesity to have contributed to the stunning coronavirus death and morbidity rate in the United States, which has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. And there is some evidence it is particularly harmful for people under 60, who generally fare better than the elderly against the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. First deputy minister of high technological industry of Armenia Gor Melikyan on September 2 met with Russian deputy minister of digital development, communications and mass media Alexey Volin in Yerevan, the Armenian ministry told Armenpress. Issues relating to the Armenian-Russian cooperation in digitization, cyber-security, telecommunication and communication spheres were discussed during the meeting. The sides expressed readiness to deepen the future cooperation in the aforementioned directions, as well as exchanged views on the possible partnership at the bilateral and multilateral format within the frames of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). An agreement was reached to expand the ties between the two ministries and the representatives of the respective fields through regular meetings, as well as joint participation to forums and events. At the end of the meeting the ministry officials reached a number of agreements which will soon be discussed in a working format. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Petoskey officials at odds over best process for housing reforms While discussing a possible change to the zoning ordinance, some council members said it doesn't do enough to encourage more housing. The Eastern Regional Police Command is on a manhunt for members of secessionist group, Western Togoland Study Group Foundation following signposts with the inscription 'Welcome to Western Togoland, Stay Safe' was mounted at Akorley and Akuse in the Eastern Region by some unknown persons. Speaking to Citi News, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, Sergeant Francis Gormado said the command has commenced investigations to unravel the matter. We have proceeded to the areas where those billboards have been mounted. We have picked them up and we have kept them in the police station. We have launched investigations into the whole incident to look for the people behind this very action to come and answer. This is where we have gotten to us we speak. We are calling for leads but we have not arrested anybody for now. Some members of the group are currently standing trial for their attempts to push for the secession of the Volta Region from Ghana for the creation of the Western Togoland. A journalist in the area, Bennet Yawvi said the signpost was mounted around 9 pm on Wednesday night but has since been removed on orders of the Municipal Chief Executive of the area. Members of the Western Togoland Group first made calls for the secession in May 2019. Over 80 members of the separatist group were subsequently arrested for assembling for a protest over the arrest of seven leaders of the Homeland Study Group Foundation. But the Attorney General in July 2019 withdrew all charges brought against members of Homeland Study Group Foundation. In March 2020, a supposed flag of the group was seen flying at full mast at the premises of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council. The development triggered questions about the effectiveness of security agencies in the region. ---citinewsroom Haiti - FLASH : Avoid all travel to Haiti until further notice On Wednesday, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisories and advises its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Haiti until further notice. Warning text : "Criminality : Several attacks have been carried out in Port-au-Prince since mid-August 2020. These violent incidents have resulted in deaths and injuries. As a result, the Haitian national police may increase its presence in an attempt to respond to the climate of insecurity in the capital. If you are in Port-au-Prince: remain vigilant at all times follow the advice of local authorities The security situation is unpredictable : The number of violent incidents, including attacks, armed robberies and kidnappings, have increased since December 2019, both in Port-au-Prince and in other provincial towns. Crime rates are especially high in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs operate, as well as near the border with the Dominican Republic, where criminal activities are widespread. Criminality also increases in the period leading up to the holiday season, Carnival and the beginning of the school year. Petion-Ville : Armed robberies occur regularly in Petion-Ville. In most cases, victims are attacked in broad daylight by armed thieves on motorcycles. There has been a recent increase in attacks, particularly against motorists. They usually occur in traffic jams during peak hours. Be vigilant at all times while travelling Keep windows closed and doors locked when travelling by car Petit-Goave : Criminal gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks along Route Nationale 2, between the PetitGoave and Miragoane. Toussaint Louverture International Airport : Thieves try to distract foreigners to steal their passports at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. Be cautious when claiming your luggage upon arrival Keep your valuables and identification on you Have your local contacts arrange for your pick-up from the airport Carry only small amounts of cash Do not resist if you are threatened by robbers Be extremely vigilant when leaving the airport Banking machines : There is a high risk of robbery from individuals using ATMs. Be extremely vigilant when entering or leaving a bank, as criminals could be watching and attempt to rob you as you leave. Only use ATMs during business hours inside a bank Deal directly with a teller if you can Avoid carrying large sums of money Keeping a low profile : Foreigners are viewed as wealthy and may arouse envy. Avoid showing visible signs of affluence, such as expensive-looking jewelry or electronic equipment Be cautious when photographing scenes in poor or urban areas, where people may feel exploited or insulted by being subjects of such activities Obtain permission before photographing individuals Remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship or hospitality Never walk alone and avoid travelling after nightfall Kidnapping : Members of the general Haitian population, regardless of rank or social class, are at risk of being kidnapped. Although rare, there have been kidnappings involving Canadians and other foreign nationals, including missionaries, aid workers and children. Most victims have been released upon the payment of a ransom. In some exceptional cases, however, victims have disappeared or have been killed. Remain alert to small groups of loiterers, especially near your residence Keep doors and windows secure at all times Instruct domestic staff to permit only pre-authorized visitors whose identities have been verified into your home Keep all visitors under close scrutiny Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country Demonstrations : Due to ongoing political instability, violent protests and civil unrest could occur and result in the setup of roadblocks across the country. Access to the airport could be blocked without notice. Water, food and fuel shortages could also happen. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. - Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place - Follow the instructions of local authorities - Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations Road safety : Roads are narrow and poorly maintained. Traffic signs are rare. The few traffic lights that are operational are mostly in urban centres. Streets are rarely lit. Most vehicles are in poor condition and often abandoned on or beside the road. Many people drive while intoxicated, with their vehicles lights off or do not follow the rules of the road. Always keep your fuel tanks at least half full, as disruptions of fuel supplies are frequent Always carry a cell phone and a list of emergency contact numbers with you, as roadside assistance services are deficient. Be aware that cell phone coverage is intermittent in some rural areas Avoid driving at night or in bad weather, even in the city Public transportation : Avoid all public transportation, especially shared taxistap tapsand buses. Drivers do not always follow the rules of the road, and their vehicles are sometimes in poor condition or overloaded, which often leads to serious accidents involving injuries and sometimes death. Marine transportation v : Ferry accidents sometimes occur due to overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy. Air travel Air Transport : We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards." HL/ HaitiLibre We need younger generations to step up and be good citizens, and so we enlisted the help of Kentuckys craft breweries to reach them.

The elephant-like beast, which had tusks and, in some cases, a covering of long hair, lived from about five million years ago before disappearing in the last 4,000 years.

Experts have been discovering remains at the site of a new international airport. Because so many have been found, each bulldozer is being accompanied by observers.

It appears the beasts may have been butchered by humans between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago.

"We have about 200 mammoths, about 25 camels, five horses," said archaeologist Ruben Manzanilla Lopez, from the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

A large number of bones is still to be excavated.

The airport site is about 12 miles (19km) from artificial pits which were dug by local inhabitants to trap and kill dozens of mammoths.

Those that died at the site itself may have got stuck in the mud of an ancient lake bed and passed away from natural causes, Mr Manzanilla Lopez said.

It is thought their remains may have been carved up in a similar manner to those found in a mammoth trap in the nearby township of Tultepec.

Mammoth-bone tools have also been discovered. Tests are being carried out to find possible butchering marks.

Archaeologist Joaquin Arroyo Cabrales said the investigation will consider whether the animals became extinct because of the region's climate, or because of traps set by humans.

The airport site appears to have already outstripped another collection of remains found in Hot Springs, South Dakota, which has about 61 sets of remains, and was previously the world's largest discovery of mammoth bones.

Large concentrations have also been discovered in Siberia and at the La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles.

The construction work, which is turning an old military airbase into a civilian airport, is due to be completed in 2022.

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump announced Friday that Serbia and Kosovo have agreed to normalize economic ties as part of U.S.-brokered talks that include Belgrade moving its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, and mutual recognition between Israel and Kosovo. After two days of meetings with Trump administration officials, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovos Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti agreed to co-operate on a range of economic fronts to attract investment and create jobs. The announcement provided Trump with a diplomatic win ahead of the November presidential election and furthers his administrations push to improve Israels international standing. Im pleased to announce a truly historic commitment, Trump said in the Oval Office, standing alongside the two leaders. Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalization. After a violent and tragic history and years of failed negotiations, my administration proposed a new way of bridging the divide. By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a major breakthrough, the president said. Trump said Serbia has committed to open a commercial office in Jerusalem this month and move its embassy there in July. Serbias decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is a nod to both Israel and the United States. The Trump administration recognized Jerusalem as Israels capital in late 2017 and moved the U.S. embassy there in May 2018. The administration has encouraged other countries to do the same but has been widely criticized by the Palestinians and many in Europe because the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved. Until now, Kosovo, a predominantly Muslim country, has never before recognized Israel nor has Israel recognized Kosovo. In a rare statement issued after the start of the Jewish sabbath, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the president of Serbia for moving the embassy to Jerusalem. He confirmed that Israel and Kosovo will establish diplomatic relations and said Pristina also will open its embassy in Jerusalem. Kosovo will be the first majority-Muslim country to open an embassy in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said. As Ive said in recent days, the circle of peace and recognition of Israeli is widening and is expected to add additional countries. In all, a total of four countries now recognize contested Jerusalem as Israels capital, including the U.S. and Guatemala. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as their would-be capital. The gestures to Israel are part of the Trump administrations push to support the Jewish state, which has included forceful denunciations of criticism of Israel at the United Nations and in other international venues. Most recently, the administration brokered a deal for Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations. That was followed by the first commercial flight between Israel and the UAE, with neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to allow such flights to pass through their airspace. Additional Arab states, including Sudan, Bahrain and Oman, have been identified as countries that might also normalize relations with Israel. Kosovos Parliament declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years after NATO conducted a 78-day airstrike campaign against Serbia to stop a bloody crackdown against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Most Western nations have recognized Kosovos independence, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China have not. The ongoing deadlock and Serbias unwillingness to recognize Kosovo have kept tensions simmering and prevented full stabilization of the Balkan region after the bloody wars in the 1990s. These were difficult talks for us, but Im truly satisfied, Vucic told Serbian reporters in Washington. He stressed that the economic agreement does not include mutual recognition between Serbia and Kosovo. But he hailed the talks as a big victory for Serbia and a step toward closer ties with the U.S. Despite officially seeking membership in the European Union, Serbia has been forging close political, economic and military ties with Russia and China. Hoti said moving ahead with economic normalization was a huge step forward. He said rail links and various other major infrastructure projects discussed will bring an estimated $1.18 billion ($1 billion euros) in major economic changes to Kosovo in the next three to five years. Kosovo also agreed to a one-year pause in efforts seeking new membership in international organizations. And Serbia agreed to a one-year pause of any campaign against Kosovos efforts for membership into international organizations and new recognition from other countries. Serbia and Kosovo earlier OKd air, rail and transit agreements, including one that would clear the way for the first flight between Pristina and Belgrade in 21 years. Trump envoy Richard Grenell said U.S. companies also could benefit from normalizing commerce. American companies were telling us they were pulling out like rental car companies. Because if you rented a car in Kosovo, you couldnt drive over the border. You couldnt leave, Grenell said. So we had American businesses beginning to pull back, saying it just doesnt make sense. And the Europeans were complaining just as much. On Monday, Vucic and Hoti are scheduled to go to Brussels to hold talks under the auspices of the EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak. The EU has mediated the talks between the two former wartime foes for more than a decade, and the parallel U.S. effort, although focused on economic development, has not been fully embraced by some EU officials. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Washington, Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, and Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this report. 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. Imagine: I see in the Sydney Morning Herald that someone who later tested positive for COVID-19 visited a train station near me. Health authorities are warning anyone who was there at certain times to be vigilant for symptoms and get tested. A lot of my friends live in the area, so I go to Facebook to share the articlebut I cant hit post. Thats because the content I want to share is news, and Facebook doesnt do that anymore. Advertisement This scenario could become a reality if Facebook comes good on the threat it issued this week to ban news content from its platform in Australia. Its the latest volley in a process that has been going on for more than two years, as Australias FCC equivalent, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has worked toward a media bargaining code to regulate relations between Facebook and Google and news organizations. The government seems determined to pass the code in coming monthshence Facebooks new threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that happens, Facebook Australias managing director, Will Easton, said in a statement this week, Facebook will reluctantly stop Australian publishers and people from sharing even international news on Facebook and Instagram. In Eastons characterization, the company is up against the wall: Switching off news is not Facebooks first choice, but its last, he said. Facebook has described the Australian proposal as unprecedented in its reach. Advertisement Advertisement The code would initially apply only to Facebook and Google, which has lodged its own campaign against the proposal by issuing an open letter describing it as unfair and creating pop-up ads on its products warning Australians about it. The Facebook threat has something of a Google precedent: In 2014, the search engine pulled its Google News product from Spain to avoid being forced to pay news publishers for stories. Frances regulator is currently pressuring Google to negotiate to pay publishers, and other European countries may follow suit, but Facebook has so far got off more lightly there. Under a draft version of the code published in July, Facebook would have to tell news publishers what data it collects on the publishers users (without handing over the data itself), notify publishers of significant algorithmic changes that would affect the ranking of news content, and give news publishers power to disable comments on their posts sharing news content, or block comments by certain users or in particular circumstances. Facebook would also have to consult with news organizations to develop a proposal to recognize original workas opposed to aggregationwhen ranking news content, rewarding publishers doing the reporting grunt work. Advertisement Advertisement Most notably, the code requires the social network and news publishers to bargain over payments to be made by Facebook to for the publishers content. If the parties dont agree, it goes to final offer arbitrationboth sides submit a final offer, and an independent panel of arbitrators chooses between them. If Facebook doesnt comply, it faces massive fines. Advertisement Advertisement Facebooks response is an overreaction to a code that doesnt actually demand a lot. It doesnt prescribe an amount that Facebook will have to shell outit just requires it to come to the table and negotiate in good faith. The nub of Facebooks argument is that news content is not a significant part of its business and doesnt create much profit for the company, while publishers benefit from the huge audiences that Facebook allows them to reach. If thats so, Facebook can bring that data to the bargaining table and make its case. The ACCC is attempting to redress an imbalance in bargaining power, not prescribe the outcome of the bargain. Advertisement Advertisement Facebooks dramatic escalation makes more sense if the debate over the Australian code is a proxy war in a bigger global fight over how Facebook should be regulated. Facebook made clear that its message was meant for American ears when it gave its only interview about the threatened blockade to NBC News, declining all media requests in Australia. Globally, Facebook has avoided strong regulatory intrusion on its relationship with news publishers till now, partly by proactively striking deals with them to allay concerns about its market power, like the news tab it launched in the U.S. in 2019. But Facebooks red line is now clear: Come for us like Australia is trying to do, and well fight you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That the code is not the main game here is of little comfort to Australians, who will bear the brunt of this escalation if Facebook does indeed ban news here. And there is every reason to think that it will. Australian officials have doubled down on the code in the wake of Facebooks statement. For Facebooks strong stance against the Australian proposal to resonate globally, it will need to follow through on its threat. Advertisement Its strange to imagine what Facebook would look like if it banned news. On Nov. 3, Australians could log on to Facebook and not see a single news story about the Trump-Biden election. Thats not to say they wouldnt be able to figure out the result (whenever the U.S. has one) from the content they seeindividuals will still be able to post about the news without links, after allbut it wont be the important facts researched, contextualized, and vetted by professional newsgathering outfits. Instead, it will be opinion and invective, memes, even misinformation and conspiracy. When Facebook is the primary lens through which many people access the internet, the impact on Australias information ecosystem starts to look pretty scary. Advertisement Advertisement In essence, Facebook has pledged to deliberately cut its own users off from information. A fundamental limb of Facebooks opposition to the code is that it directs millions of Australians to news sites, thus delivering those sites a benefit. Its a legitimate argument against forcing Facebook to pay those publishersbut its also a fact that would make it unconscionable for Facebook to stop allowing that content on its platform. According to Facebooks own data, people clicked to Australian news articles 2.3 billion times from Facebook news feeds in the first five months of 2020. A 2020 University of Canberra study found that 39 percent of Australians use Facebook as a source for news, a number that rises among younger generations. During the pandemic, 49 percent have used it as a source of news about the coronavirus. For more than half of Gen Z, social media has been their main source of news during the pandemic. Advertisement If Facebook bans news content, many of those people simply wont know the facts and information they would otherwise have learned. And this is a time when the news is not just about telling people what happened today, or even the important incremental process of informing peoples votes at election time, but literally helping people to avoid getting sick and dying in a pandemic. If they dont see it on Facebook, many of my friends who travel through my possibly COVID-infected train station simply wont know they were put at risk. To protect its own business interests, Facebook has threatened a world where Australians will be able to share and read almost anything on Facebookjust not the stuff that would create an informed population. And if the U.S. dares follow suit, American users should prepare for a similar future. Update, Sept. 5, 2020: This article was updated to include the global context for this dispute. For more of Slates technology coverage, subscribe to What Next: TBD on Apple Podcasts or listen below. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Every Friday, The Citizen features a pet available for adoption from the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York. This week, we spotlight AGE: 1.5-2 years old BREED: Chug Chihuahua-pug mix COMMENTS: Kingsley came to the shelter a few months back. Unfortunately, his family didn't have the time to devote to him so he is looking for a new one that will make him the center of their lives. And Kingsley's life has been a whirlwind since he arrived. He has been through the Shelter Spa Treatment! He is now up-to-date on his vaccinations (rabies, distemper, kennel cough), he has been tested for heartworm disease, is negative and is on preventives, and he has been neutered. Kingsley is a very sweet little guy. He loves his shelter people and visitors. He loves to run and play in the yard and he is also very good on a leash. He loves to go for walks. He tries very hard to keep his kennel neat and clean. With a few quick reminders, we believe that Kingsley will be completely house trained in no time at all. If you might be interested in meeting Kingsley, please fill out an adoption application on our website, flspcaofcny.org. You can email (flspca_cny@yahoo.com) it, fax ([315] 282-2387) it or deliver it to the shelter at 41 York St. Once approved, an appointment will be set up for a meet-and-greet. Q. Who is your best friend? A. Last time we chatted, I was working on that cute little Chihuahua, Baby. I really wanted to be her BFF. Well, as fate would have it, Baby has been adopted and gone home. Then I was working on my next door neighbor, Kato. He and I don't have much in common, but I thought I could make it work. Well, again, as fate would have it, Kato has been adopted and is now home. So, what I'm trying to say is that I am the only dog in here and there are no BFF choices. I guess I could check out the cats, but I don't think they will be very interested in me. So I now need you to be my BFF! Come on down and check me out and let's see if we can work out some kind of arrangement. You won't be sorry, I promise! Q. What is your favorite treat? A. I like everything! That's a problem, but that is also a topic for a different interview. If I had to choose my very favorite, I think I would pick those tasty Pup-peroni sticks. They are the best and I will do just about anything to get one! Yes, that's a hint. But, please, only one or two at a time. I need to keep in shape! Q. If you could have a job, what would that be? A. I would like to be a veterinarian! We shelter canines and felines love our vets! And I would like to be a vet who specializes in doggy dentistry. See that tooth in my picture? I would fix things like that. Except for that tooth, I am just about perfect. Q. If you could visit any place in the world where would that be? A. Well, the first pugs were brought to Europe from China in the 16th century. I might like to visit China, but unless I can catch a slow boat going there, I might have to pass. Because of our short noses and other facial features, flying might not be the best mode of transportation for me. So, perhaps a road trip to Watkins Glen might be in my future. Q. How would you describe yourself? A. My breed heritage is mostly pug, but I believe there is some Chihuahua in there. I am very sociable and gentle and would make an excellent companion dog. I am also even-tempered and charming. On the downside, we read that sometimes pugs can be lazy. This, however, does not apply to me. Q. Do you have an interesting fact to share today? A. I do, and this is very amusing! Did you know that a group of pugs is called a Grumble? In Holland, the pug is called a "mopshond," which comes from the Dutch for "to grumble." Grumble, grumble, grumble. LOL! Q: Do you have any advice for our Citizen readers? A. I do, or I should say we do my shelter buddies and me. All we have to say is that we would like everyone to be responsible and to please wear a mask. I know that you probably find this strange advice coming from a dog, but we want all of our good Citizen readers and everyone else to stay healthy. Wearing a mask is one way to do that. And please also practice social distancing. My shelter people wear masks and do the social distance thing. Please pay attention and be safe and healthy. Thank you and much love and many licks, Kingsley. The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York is a New York state-registered shelter/rescue, registration No. RR-181. Pursuant to Article 26-A, Section 408 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, the registrant is authorized to operate as a registered pet rescue, in compliance with such law. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WASHINGTON: The U.S. Transportation Department said Thursday it planned to restore the ability of Indian air carriers to conduct ground handling operations at U.S. airports. The announcement comes as India is now allowing U.S. air carriers to perform the full range of ground handling operations at Indian airports, the department said. Those ground operations cover services to facilitate an aircraft in preparation and conclusion of flights, including ticketing, check-in, baggage sorting, refueling, and de-icing. Air India should be allowed to resume operations after the department adopts a final order. The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In late July, India agreed to allow U.S. air carriers to resume flights after coming under criticism from the Trump administration. The Indian government, citing the coronavirus, had banned all scheduled services from the United States, prompting the Transportation Department in June to accuse India of engaging in unfair and discriminatory practices" on charter air carriers serving India. The Trump administration said in June it wanted to restore a level playing field for U.S. airlines" under the U.S.-India Air Transport Agreement. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Kangana Ranauts criticism of the Mumbai Police and comparison of Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir drew a sharp response from Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh. He said that she has no right to live in Maharashtra or Mumbai after making such comments. Rangoli Chandel, Kanganas sister and manager, hit back at him saying, Aur tumhe yeh bolne ka right kisne diya (And who gave you the right to say this)? We shall come on 9th September to our home in Mumbai. Do whatever you can do. She made this comment on her Instagram stories. Earlier on Friday, Deshmukh had told ANI, Mumbai Police is compared to Scotland Yard. Some people are trying to target Mumbai Police. An IPS officer has gone to court against this...After her (Kanganas) comparison of Mumbai Police...she has no right to live in Maharashtra or Mumbai. Mumbai Police is compared to Scotland Yard. Some people are trying to target Mumbai Police. An IPS officer has gone to court against this...After, her (#KanganaRanaut's) comparison of Mumbai Police...she has no right to live in Maharashtra or Mumbai: State Minister Anil Deshmukh pic.twitter.com/dy1OWIFAjl ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 Kangana gave a message to her detractors and said that she will return to Mumbai on September 9, challenging them to stop her if they could. I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le (if anyone has the guts, come and stop me), she tweeted. Also read: Adhyayan Suman says he saw actors doing drugs at high-profile parties, calls Kangana Ranaut a huge star who knows everything On Thursday, Kangana called Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Rauts comments about her in the partys mouthpiece Saamana an open threat and said that Mumbai was feeling like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The politician had slammed her recent attacks on the Mumbai Police in his editorial. The Shiv Sena leader had called her out for repeatedly denouncing the Mumbai Police, despite earning a living in the city. We kindly request her not to come to Mumbai. This is nothing but an insult to Mumbai police. The Home Ministry should take action over it, he wrote in Saamana, according to The New Indian Express. Kangana has been criticising the Mumbai Police, calling them a big sham in the name of police force. She also questioned their investigation of the Sushant Singh Rajput death case and vocally endorsed the probes transfer to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Follow @htshowbiz for more Lili Reinhart has revealed that she saw a spiritual healer amid the coronavirus pandemic to better cope with the stress of the past year, which included a public breakup with her Riverdale co-star Cole Sprouse. The 23-year-old actress, who covers the September issue of Nylon, told the magazine that she worked with the healer and clairvoyant while visiting Mount Shasta, California, on her first solo trip. 'She is what's called a frequency healer,' Reinhart said. 'She taught me how to meditate properly, how to really connect to my body, and the world around me, and nature It was very spiritual for me, really connecting me to my Christian roots, and also just to myself. It felt like a good way to wrap up the last couple months of my life.' Looking glam: Lili Reinhart covers the September issue of Nylon magazine Candid: The 23-year-old Riverdale star told the publication that she worked with a healer in Mount Shasta, California, while on her first solo trip Reinhart and Sprouse, 28, initially separated in January after two years together and broke up in March, right at the start of the global crisis. While dealing with both the end of her relationship and self-isolation in quarantine, her new puppy, Milo, needed emergency surgery in April after being attacked by another dog. 'I've been through some shit, the last year, a lot of loss,' she said. 'I needed to learn self-love, basically. It's a very hard thing to do. How the f**k do you love yourself?' Reinhart embarked on the solo journey after spending four months in quarantine in her Los Angeles home, her longest break since she took on the role of Betty Cooper on the CW's teen drama Riverdale. Important: Reinhart said the healer taught her how to 'meditate properly' and 'really connect' to her body, the world around her, and nature Goal: The actress explained she had 'a lot of loss' this past year and 'needed to learn self-love' 'I literally Googled "mental health retreat,"' she said of choosing her destination, where she spent three days in a Best Western. While looking for mental clarity in Mount Shasta, her healer helped her discover that she might be an empath. Empaths are highly sensitive individuals who have the ability to sense and feel others' emotions as if they're part of their own experience. 'I've always known I'm intuitive,' Reinhart explained. 'She also told me that I could be clairvoyant and telepathic, if I worked on my skills. It was very validating in making me feel like, "Oh, s**t! I really do have a power to connect with peoples' energies."' The actress, who has struggled with depression since she was 12, was candid about her mental health at the beginning of the pandemic, saying she 'felt very lost.' Intuitive: The healer also helped her discover that she might be an empath. Empaths are highly sensitive and have the ability to sense and feel others' emotions as if they're their own Peace: 'It was very spiritual for me, really connecting me to my Christian roots, and also just to myself. It felt like a good way to wrap up the last couple months of my life,' she said of the trip Search: Reinhart said she chose to visit Mount Shasta after Googling 'mental health retreat' and spent three days in a Best Western 'I felt very sad and hopeless, because of personal things that were happening in my life,' she said. 'Instead of distracting myself, f**king random people and doing drugs and drinking my problems away, I chose the harder route, which was to not distract myself. 'I was like, "Im not doing that. Im going to go through the next however many months of s**t, pure s**t, awful, crying every day, but the necessary work."' Reinhart has two personal projects to celebrate: the August release of her film Chemical Hearts, which starred in and executive produced, and the publication of her first book of poetry, Swimming Lessons, on September 29. She has also been called back to film the end of Riverdale's fourth season, but she was admittedly less than pleased to be heading back to work to Vancouver, Canada. Looking back: Reinhart shared photos from her trip on Instagram earlier this month 'Took a solo trip to Mount Shasta for some mental clarity and healing. Very grateful to have the opportunity to travel to such a sacred place and reconnect with myself and God,' she wrote 'I genuinely feel like a prisoner, going back to work, because I cannot leave Canada. That doesnt feel good,' she said. 'You cant go home for Thanksgiving, cant visit your family. No one can come visit you unless they quarantine for two weeks. It just feels f****d.' The star also lamented having to fit into a prom dress she wore in an episode before filming was halted because shes a bit curvier than she was before the pandemic. 'We stopped during the prom episode, so I have to fit back in that prom dress. Five months later, were all going to be tan, maybe a little bit thicker. I certainly am,' she said. Saying goodbye: Reinhart and her Riverdale co-star Cole Sprouse initially separated in January after two years together and broke up in March, right at the start of the global crisis Scary: While dealing with both the end of her relationship and self-isolation, her new puppy, Milo, was attacked by another dog in April and needed surgery Honest: Reinhart admitted that she feels 'like a prisoner' while having to be separated from friends and family as she resumes filming Riverdale in Vancouver, Canada 'I genuinely feel like a prisoner, going back to work, because I cannot leave Canada. That doesnt feel good. You cant go home for Thanksgiving, cant visit your family. No one can come visit you unless they quarantine for two weeks. It just feels f****d.' Despite her grievances, she acknowledged she is 'very lucky' to have the show to return to as other people have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. Reinhart and her co-stars are set to finish filming the final three episodes of season four, before beginning immediately on season five, which will take place seven years in the future as they leave their high school days behind them. They'll have to quarantine separately for two weeks before filming starts, and once they begin filming they'll work until after Christmas. The drug connection in Sushant Singh Rajputs death case is just a tip of the iceberg. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), which is investigating the drug angle in Sushants death case, has gathered vital leads on other cartels supplying drugs to several Bollywood personalities in Mumbai following the interrogation of two drug peddlers, Abbas Lakhani and Karan Arora, highly placed sources in the NCB told IANS. Based on these leads, the NCB would launch a nationwide crackdown on cartels involved in drug trafficking in Mumbai and other key metros. The entire operation to unearth big-time drug syndicates and cartels is being supervised by NCB chief Rakesh Asthana, a 1984 batch IPS officer, who earlier cracked one of the biggest international cocaine syndicates in India originating from Columbia, late last year. Top sources in NCB said that electronic evidence gathered by the bureau during the interrogation of Abbas Lakhani and Karan Arora revealed that leading Bollywood personalities were not only supplied marijuana or buds, but high quality cocaine was also being pushed into the film industry. The NCB sleuths are gathering more evidence which eventually would result in a nationwide coordinated action against the drug cartels, hawala operators and key peddlers involved in supplying narcotic substances to some of the best known names in the film Industry. Based on the WhatsApp chats of Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, the girlfriend of late Sushant Singh Rajput, related to supply of buds, the NCB also apprehended an eatery shop owner in Bandra named Zaid Vilatra. The link between Zaid, Abbas and Karan was later established. Interrogation of another suspect, Basit Parhiar, also gave important clues to the NCB. The investigation into the drug connection in the Sushant Singh Rajput case has so far revealed that besides supplying buds, certain cocaine cartels active in Mumbai were also supplying high quality drugs to various filmstars. Cocaine priced at Rs 5 crore per kg is a highly expensive party drug usually supplied to high-end customers in the metros. In Sushants case, the WhatsApp chats suggest that only buds, which come quite cheap in comparison to cocaine, were being delivered. However, the peddlers during their sustained interrogation revealed that the cartels active in Mumbai were also supplying cocaine to certain clients," a source added. When asked about the involvement of cartels in pushing drugs to hi-end clients, including film personalities in Mumbai, Asthana refused to divulge any information. The matter is very sensitive. At this stage we cannot share any information. The agency will inform, if there are any further arrests," Asthana, who had cracked several top cases, including the multi-billion fodder scam of Bihar, during his tenure in CBI, told IANS. Sources said that since the NCB was roped in to probe the drug angle in Sushants case, the senior IPS officer has deployed a team comprising the best sleuths of NCB to thoroughly investigate the narcotics angle in the mystery death of the Bollywood star which has been making headlines ever since Sushant was found hanging at his Bandra residence on June 14. While the entire probe into the death case is being carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the apex drug agency is only dealing with the drugs angle. Last year, on a tip-off from the Australian Federal Police(AFP), top sleuths of the NCB had busted one of the biggest ever drug cartels in India, linked with Canadian and Colombian drug lords, in early December 2019. Working on inputs from the AFP, the NCB officials discovered that many shipments of cocaine reached Australia via Canada. The entire racket linked to so many countries had an Indian connection. Cocaine was also being pushed into India by these cartels through a nationwide network of peddlers primarily operating from Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Goa. As of now, several persons have been arrested by the NCB in its trail to unmask the kingpins of cocaine smuggling in the country. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 09:32:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Thursday met with the family of Jacob Blake, an African American shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, midwestern state Wisconsin. Biden went there two days after President Donald Trump spread "law and order" message in his visit to the city wracked by week-long violent protests over the incident. Upon arrival in Kenosha, Biden and his wife Jill Biden huddled in private in a nearby building with Blake's father, brother, two sisters and members of Blake's legal team, said a report of The Hill. Blake and his mother called into the meeting for about 15 minutes from the hospital. Blake is recovering but partially paralyzed. "He (Blake) talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not he was not going to give up," Biden told an audience of about 20 socially distanced local activists and business leaders later. Biden, wearing a mask, heard from a white business owner who said her store had been destroyed by rioters and a Black attorney who pleaded with him to address criminal justice reform. "The underlying racism that is institutionalized in the United States that still exists and has for 400 years. So we end up with a circumstance like we have here in Kenosha," said Biden. The former vice president blamed Trump for inflaming racial tensions in the country, saying the president's law-and-order message was not breaking through to voters. "Kenosha has been ravaged by anti-police and anti-American riots," Trump said during his trip to Kenosha on Tuesday. The president did not meet with the Blake family, since they requested their lawyers be involved, which Trump said was "inappropriate." Kenosha became a new epicenter of anti-racisim protests and riots in late August after African American George Floyd died on May 25 in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which sparked nationwide demonstrations against what activists have described as police brutality and systemic racial inequality, as well as social unrest in a number of U.S. cities. Biden has made race relations a pillar of his White House run in response to the movement, while Trump has focused on violent aspects of the demonstrations and doubled down on his support for police officers. On Monday, Biden strongly dismissed Trump's accusations that the Democratic nominee is anti-law enforcement or condones violence in cities including Kenosha and Portland, Oregon. "Rioting is not protesting. Looting is not protesting. Setting fires is not protesting. None of this is protesting. It's lawlessness, plain and simple," said Biden in a statement. "And those who do it should be prosecuted. Violence will not bring change. It will only bring destruction. It's wrong in every way," he added. Wisconsin is a critical battleground state in November's election after Trump carried it by roughly 23,000 votes in 2016. Enditem gettyimages By Baek Byung-yeul Korea's pharmaceutical and bio companies are emerging as game changers in the global market as they develop new drugs and sell test kits during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to industry analysts Friday. Given only the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries have shown over 200 percent growth in the past 10 years, the analysts said the bio industry is highly likely to become a core exporter for Korea. The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association said Korean biopharmaceutical companies are chasing international opportunities because the domestic bio market is estimated at 20 trillion won while the global market is about 1,400 trillion won three times larger than the semiconductor market. Korea's bio companies have been in the spotlight this year after Seegene, a local diagnostic assay maker, released its test kits for COVID-19 just three weeks after development started in February. The company said its second-quarter sales came to 256.6 billion due to soaring demand for the kits. Korean companies also have been emerging in the new drug development sector. Celltrion, arguably one of the leading pharmaceutical companies here, recently began a phase 1 clinical trial of its CT-P59 drug by enrolling 32 healthy volunteers who have not contracted COVID-19. The company also received clinical trial approval from Britain's Medicines and HealthCare Products Regulatory Agency in July and is recruiting volunteers for the treatment. Celltrion said it plans to begin mass production of CT-P59 at its plant in Incheon so it can supply the drug as soon as it is approved. Another leading drugmaker, Yuhan, also has been improving its research and development efforts to launch new drugs. One of them is Lazertinib, a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Despite the economic fallout from the virus pandemic, the company invested more than 80 billion won in R&D in the first half of this year. SamChunDang Pharm also held a presentation for investors on Wednesday and introduced the S-Pass platform that can convert injected drugs to pills. On a related note, the country's main bourse operator the Korea Exchange said Thursday that it will launch the KRX BBIG (battery, bio, internet, games) index in October to better inform investors. When the Isabella County board of commissioners discussed the Fiscal Year 2021, for the first time since 2013 they didnt balance it with money from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund. For this years budget, the county board decided to shift $800,000 in what it determined was a surplus in the fund. At the time, county Treasurer Steve Pickens told them there was no surplus. They did it, anyway. In July, Pickens filed a lawsuit challenging the practice, arguing he was empowered by the state Legislature as the sole person allowed to declare a surplus. The board has done it themselves every year since 2013, he argued, and has illegally removed $4.3 million from funds he controls. Pickens filed his lawsuit on July 20, three days after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of an Oakland County property owner whose home was seized over unpaid property taxes amounting to less than $10. The Supreme Court ruled that when Oakland County sold the property for more than the cost of managing the property and the unpaid taxes, interest and penalties that it constituted an illegal taking. The lawsuit asked the courts to order counties to pay those proceeds back to the owners whose property was seized. The DTRF exists so the county can purchase delinquent property taxes from smaller taxing entities. That allows those entities to budget with more certainty that money they are owed will be available, and it is a money maker for the county. The bulk of the money brought in through penalities and interest, with a smaller amount brought in from property auctions. Those proceeds are managed in a different fund, the P.A. 123. Both are managed in the treasurers office. Its currently unknown whether and how much Isabella County will have to pay to property owners. Pickens told commissioners that last September as the reason he couldnt declare a surplus. Commissioners, who had the DTRF audited by the administration accountant, decided the surplus existed anyway. In his lawsuit against the county board, Pickens said that because he hadnt declared a surplus that the county moved the money illegally. In fact, his complaint said that the county board has done so every year since 2013 without him declaring a surplus. He also filed a motion for a restraining order against the county commission to prevent the county board from moving more money. Originally, the case was assigned to Circuit Court Judge Eric Janes. On July 29, Janes and the other judges at the Isabella County Trial Court recused themselves and it was reassigned to 49th Circuit Court Judge Scott Hill-Kennedy. The 49th Circuit Court covers Osceola and Mecosta counties. Scott-Kennedy denied Pickens motion on Aug. 27. An attorney hired by the county board filed its response to both the complaint and motion the day before Scott-Kennedys ruling, arguing that should the county have to repay property owners for more than what is in the DTRF that it ultimately would have to come from the countys general fund. The motion response also said that Pickens has never declared a surplus and that in all the years that the county board has transferred money from the DTRF to the general fund its never hurt Pickens ability to pay his obligations out of the fund. It stated further that Pickens motion for a restraining order was based on a misinterpretation of state law. At Tuesdays meeting, commissioners balanced the budget with money from the countys savings and anticipated revenue from the windmills under construction in north-central Isabella County. Commissioners and Deputy Administrator Nicole Frost referenced the lawsuit with a wait-and-see approach. No further hearings are scheduled at this time. READ MORE: By Toby Sterling and Anthony Deutsch AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch politician Geert Wilders was acquitted by an appeals court on Friday of discrimination, in a partial legal victory for the far-right populist who leads the opposition in parliament and who is known for his anti-Islam rhetoric. The panel agreed with a lower court ruling from 2016 that dismissed the separate offense of inciting hatred and rejected a prosecution request that Wilders pay a fine of 5,000 euros ($5,900). However, it upheld his conviction for intentionally insulting Moroccans as a group. Wilders is one of Europe's most prominent far-right leaders and is polling in second place ahead of March elections. He has been a key figure in shaping the immigration debate in the Netherlands over the past decade, although he has never been in government. Wilders, who has lived under constant police protection for more than a decade due to death threats, has "already paid a high price for years for expressing his opinion", the presiding judge said. "The court cleared Wilders of 'incitement to hatred or discrimination' because Wilders' intent was not aimed at encouraging his audience to do so," the judges found. Wilders, 56, said he would appeal the charge of 'insulting a group' for which he was convicted. "Of course we will appeal and we will go to the Supreme Court because the verdict and the guilty sentence are ridiculous." Im very happy on the other hand that I was found innocent when it comes to charges of incitement of discrimination and hatred, he told journalists at the court. The trial of Wilders has been seen as pitting free speech rights against the right of ethnic and religious minorities not to suffer verbal abuse and discrimination. Wilders, whose Freedom Party has at times topped national opinion polls, had argued he did nothing wrong, and merely expressed openly what many Dutch people think. He was convicted in 2016 of inciting discrimination at a campaign rally two years earlier, when he led supporters in asking whether they wanted more or fewer Moroccans in the country. Story continues "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!" his supporters chanted. "We're going to take care of that," Wilders said, smiling. WENT 'TOO FAR' The judges in both the first trial and the appeal said Wilders had planned the remarks ahead of time, knowing they would be inflammatory and insulting to the 400,000 people of Moroccan heritage in the Netherlands. Presiding Judge Jan Maarten Reinking said on Friday that respect for all social groups, especially minorities, must be defended. "Although offensive statements are protected to a certain extent by the right to freedom of expression, in this case the suspect has gone too far and is thus guilty of a criminal offense," he said. Wilders was among the first of a wave of anti-immigration populists in Europe, and has frequently shocked the Dutch political establishment and offended Muslims. He was acquitted in a 2011 hate speech trial for remarks likening Islam to Nazism and calling for a ban on the Koran. (Additional reporting by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Frances Kerry) Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday asked the Centre to dispatch seven CRPF battalions, which were sanctioned for the state in 2018, for deployment to strengthen the fight against Naxal menace. An official said, Baghel, in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, also sought installation of 1,028 mobile towers in Naxal-affected areas, which were already approved for the state, to improve telecom connectivity. In the letter, Baghel has sought Centres cooperation for effective implementation of the states strategies to eliminate Naxalism, the public relations department official said. The Union Home Ministry had allotted seven additional battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for Chhattisgarh in 2018 and it was decided to deploy them in the worst Naxal-hit region of south Bastar, comprising Sukma and Bijapur districts, Baghel said in the letter. A CRPF battalion consists of close to 1,000 personnel. It has been learnt that 10 CRPF battalions have been removed from Jammu and Kashmir and in this case, providing the seven sanctioned battalions to the state immediately will help in effective implementation of anti-Naxal operations, headded. According to CRPF officials, at present 33 battalions of the para-military force, including its elite unit, Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), are deployed in the state for counter-insurgency operations. Baghel said as many as 1,028 mobile towers were earlier sanctioned for improving telecommunications in Naxal-affected districts for the state, for which locations have been finalised and details sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). These mobile towers will benefit common citizens as well as security forces, the chief minister said. Besides, Baghel requested for organising a special recruitment rally by the Army for youths of Bastar. Moreover, additional Bastariya battalions of the Central Armed Police Forces can also be raised through which local youths can get employment, Baghel added. Notably, in 2018, the CRPF had raised a specialised unit Bastariya which comprises youths from four districts badly affected by the Naxal menace. Baghel urged Shah to consider undertaking construction of roads, bridges and culverts with pre-fabricated materials and advanced technology in the Bastar division to speed up infrastructure projects in the region. Cooperation from the Centre will help the state get a decisive edge in the fight against Naxalism, the CM told the home minister, according to the official. Amid the rising cases of the novel coronavirus on campus, one American university decided to take the urgent measure of requiring all of its students to quarantine for the rest of the summer. Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania issued an "immediate" all-student quarantine this week, according to the college's website. "We have begun to receive test results from this week and have more positive cases to report, " Dean of Students Julie Ramsey stated on the college's official message. "As of 6 p.m. tonight, of the 348 test results we have received, 25 of those have been positive." MASSIVE CROWDS: 500,000 expected on Galveston Island for Labor Day Ramsey stated that due to the escalating cases, the college has increased the alert level to "high." In order to implement the all-student quarantine, students are instructed to only leave their rooms for four things--to use the restroom, pick up food, go to a scheduled COVID-19 testing appointment or speak with a counselor, according to college's website. In the school's official message, Ramsey stressed the importance of mental health during this time of isolation. "We understand that a residential restriction will not be easy and that the current situation on campus is not what any of us had in mind when we decided to return residentially," Ramsey said. "This is a moment when we must join together, support one another, and fully comply with our community health and safety protocols." On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas colleges use testing as one method to ensure safe return to campus this fall All classes and labs will be taught remotely. The other significant consideration is that "in-person" student employment is now off the table. Only virtual work is permitted. Ramsey said that after this week's quarantine, the school will be better prepared to assess "how we should proceed best as a community" and the protocols in place for the rest of the semester. "I will say it's a little hard to be stuck in a room 24/7. Especially mentally. It's good to get outside and get some air and to be able to walk around and get some exercise," Gettysburg student Lauren Mitchell told WHTM. Another Gettysburg student weighed in on the lockdown. "I'd much rather be cooped up for about a week instead of having to be sent home and be cooped up in my house for the next couple months like we have been," Gettysburg student Lily Morrell told WHTM. "So I think it's good that the school is really cracking down on making sure these cases don't grow more." alison.medley@chron.com New Delhi/Raipur, Sep 5 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the Centres cooperation in better implementation of the state government's action plan regarding eradication of Naxals from the region and demanded deployment of 7 CRPF Battalions to combat naxals. He said that it has been learnt that 10 CRPF battalion have been removed from Jammu and Kashmir. "In this case, providing the 7 allocated battalions to Chhattisgarh immediately will help in effective implementation of anti-naxal movement," wrote Baghel. The Chief Minister in the letter said that the Union Home Ministry had allocated 7 additional CRPF battalions for Chhattisgarh in 2018. It was decided to deploy these forces in worst affected Naxal-hit south Bastar district of Sukma and Bijapur for effective implementation of anti-naxal activities and developmental projects. In the selected locations, the amount has been disbursed for setting up of battalion headquarters and work has also been completed at most of the locations. The state government has sanctioned 1,028 mobile towers for increasing the telecom facility in Naxal-affected districts, for which locations have been selected and sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Baghel in his letter said that the towers should be established soon, which could benefit the common people as well as the security forces. Along with this, he has also requested to organise a special recruitment rally by the army for the youth of Bastar. The Chief Minister also suggested formation of an additional "Bastaria" battalion of the Central Armed Police Forces so that the local youth can get employment as well as get better results on the Naxalite front. The Chief Minister has urged to consider the construction of roads with pre-fabricated technology, bridge culvert and advanced technology in Bastar division, so that construction work can be done with high quality in a short time. The state government has adopted a three dimensional programme -- Trust-Development-Security -- making all possible efforts to win the trust of the people of Naxal affected regions and taking forward the development work to create a safe environment and the efforts have shown positive results, said the Chief Minister. A new study has suggested that power companies are too slow in utilizing and transitioning to green energy in order to mitigate climate change. Sources of green energy include solar and wind power. (Photo : Pixabay) A new study has suggested that power companies are too slow in transitioning to green energy in order to mitigate climate change. Sources of green energy include solar and wind power. The study has found that only ten percent of power suppliers all over the world have prioritized the use of renewable energy over more commonly used fossil fuel sources. Those who are investing in cleaner energy themselves still continue to invest in natural gas as well as coal, both of which are carbon-heavy. According to the study author, the unwillingness to shift towards cleaner energy sources undercuts environmental efforts worldwide to mitigate and reduce global warming. In Europe, nations such as the United Kingdom already utilize clean energy to such an extent that it has a substantial share of the market in power. For example, in the U.K. in 2019, 40 percent of its power was sourced from solar and wind energy. READ: Study Uses Ultraviolet Light From the Sun To Convert Carbon Dioxide Into Other Usable Materials Government-Owned Providers Need to Move Faster The author of the study is Galina Alova, an economist, data scientist, ex-OECD, and Ph.D. candidate in Energy and Sustainable Finance at the University of Oxford Smith School of Enterprise & the Environment. According to the results of the study published in the journal Nature Energy, even if the use of green energy already recently significantly increased worldwide, majority of the new power infrastructure for solar and wind were due to the efforts of independent suppliers. However, companies that produce electricity on a major scale, such as many of the city-owned and state-owned power providers, have not yet made any significant shift towards green energy. The study examined over 3,000 electric utility companies all over the world and analyzed two decades of their activity with the use of techniques of machine learning. The results showed that a mere ten percent of these business entities ventured into expanding their power generation portfolios into renewables in a manner that is quicker than their investments and expansion for coal or gas. Out of the ten percent, many still continued to care for their investments in fossil fuel sources, even at a slower pace. Meanwhile, Alova says that the vast majority of power suppliers have not done anything to advance clean energy. A lot of these utilities are owned by the government. READ ALSO: Expert Says Charred California Trees May Still Recover, Advises Not to Cut Them A Lot of Facilities Still Use Fossil Fuels Alova's conclusion and analysis show that power companies are actually encumbering the worldwide effort to shift to cleaner energy. She says that they continue to grow and improve their capacity for using fossil fuels in their operations. She also found that a considerable portion of their capacity for fossil fuels were only acquired in the past ten years, which means that these are actually new assets. The author also says that these power companies use both fossil fuels and clean energy simultaneously, so that when the media reports on their profile and activities, they project an image that these companies are significantly investing in clean energy. Meanwhile, their continued investments in fossil fuels go undetected. Alova says that such parallel investments by these power companies dilute their shift to green energy, which does little to mitigate climate change. READ NEXT: How to Minimize Bird Deaths from Wind Farms Check out more news and information on Green Energy in Nature World News. THE Data Protection Commission (DPC) has said that rules that require pubs and restaurants that serve food to keep a record of their customers and what they are served complies with the law. Publicans asked the DPC to urgently review new guidelines that require them to keep such records for 28 days and the measure has also sparked a political backlash. This afternoon the DPC said its role is to monitor data protection law and "in this case, the legal basis is sufficient". A statement said the new regulations involve the collection of personal data. This includes contact details for one member of a party or of an individual person. Details of meals of a dining party will now be added to that contact information under the regulations. "The interference with fundamental rights in this case is not significant and the data collected and the purpose for its collection (ensuring compliance by pubs/restaurants with the regulation) mean it is unlikely to result in any significant risks to the rights of an individual," the DPC statement said. Expand Close Concerns: Dr Colm Henry does not want wet pubs opened. Picture: Collins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Concerns: Dr Colm Henry does not want wet pubs opened. Picture: Collins Read More "Where the interference with fundamental rights is not serious, the justification for the personal data processing does not need to be weighty," if added. "In this case, the stated aim of Government in procuring compliance with the regulations through inspections by An Garda Siochana in the context of the pandemic is sufficient justification for the level of interference that arises," the DPC said. The statement also said: "It is not a matter for the Data Protection Commission to decide or comment on Government policy. "It is the role of the DPC to monitor compliance with data protection law and, in this case, the legal basis is sufficient. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has defended new rules that require pubs and restaurants that serve food to keep a record of their customers' orders saying it "is about protecting the people working in the restaurant industry". Speaking this morning on 2FM Breakfast with Doireann & Eoghan, Mr Donnelly said that the new rules state that pubs and restaurants should keep receipts. Expand Close Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has defended new rules / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has defended new rules They already keep these receipts. This is about making sure that there arent rogue traders and thats it," Mr Donnelly said. In spite of things like what happened in Galway people saying look we actually need to make this stronger, we need this to strengthen or resolve because we are better than this and we will continue to fight this virus. The measures we brought in about two and a half weeks ago appear to be working. Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said the requirement for pubs to retain food receipts for 28 days is a common sense way to ensure coronavirus regulations are being enforced. The Higher Education minister said the Government was not seeking details on customers menu choices, but wanted proof that pubs were complying with the rule that only allows them to open if alcohol is served alongside a substantial meal. Pubs that do not serve food in Ireland are still unable to reopen under Covid-19 regulations. Mr Harris made clear that only receipts needed to be retained. Under the measure outlined in tourism body Failte Irelands latest guidelines to the hospitality industry, restaurant and pub owners must be able to produce records for up to 28 days to Garda members making inspections. The Government doesnt care whether you had a desert or a cup of coffee, or whether you went for the banoffee or, as one publican asked me last night, if you change from the garlic sauce to the pepper sauce, he said. I mean, its not about this what it is about is basically a bit of common sense prevailing here. The reality is, as of today, the law is you can only open a pub or restaurant serving alcohol if youre serving food as well. Ive heard people talking about how do you enforce it, how did you ask people to enforce things if there cant be proof. Publicans have asked the Data Protection Commissioner to urgently review new guidelines that require them to keep such records for 28 days. The measure was branded as a Stasi move that risks turning Ireland into a police state by Fianna Fails Marc MacSharry, who contacted Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his partys ministers demanding it be reversed. Expand Close Fianna Fail's Marc MacSharry wants Department of Education secretary general Sean O Foghlu to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fianna Fail's Marc MacSharry wants Department of Education secretary general Sean O Foghlu to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) He was soon joined in his criticisms by other Fianna Fail TDs including junior minister Anne Rabbitte, who last night told the Irish Independent shes totally gobsmacked by the regulations and argued they were a step too far. The Government is under mounting pressure to allow so-called wet pubs those that dont serve food to reopen after almost six months of pandemic restrictions. It comes as a new law giving gardai the power to seek the temporary closure of pubs breaching Covid-19 regulations continued its passage through the Oireachtas. The legislation was overwhelmingly supported by TDs when it was put to a second-stage vote in the Dail with just 10, including rural Independents, opposing it. Now serious concerns have been raised about accompanying regulations requiring the retention of customers data. The Taoiseach last night offered no commitment on when 'wet' pubs will be allowed reopen, but suggested that guidance on the reopening of all pubs will be forthcoming soon. Elsewhere, the HSE's clinical director Dr Colm Henry warned that now is not the right time for them to reopen. He said the combination of alcohol, congregated setting and being indoors in a pub would represent a Covid-19 risk. However, the new regulations for those that have reopened because they serve food prompted huge unrest among publicans and Fianna Fail TDs. Failte Ireland's latest update to its Covid-19 guidelines for the hospitality industry are on foot of new regulations signed by Fianna Fail Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. Pubs that serve food, restaurants and cafes must now ensure that no more than six people from a maximum of three households are at one table. They also require the logging of every patron's individual meal, and the retention of that record for 28 days. The Licensed Vintners' Association (LVA) and the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), have written to the Data Protection Commission asking for an urgent review of the latest measures. An LVA spokesperson said: "No thought has been put into the... burden this is going to create. How is it going to help protect public health knowing what topping was on a customer's pizza or what way their potatoes were cooked?" Adrian Cummings, CEO of Restaurants Association of Ireland, said that the lack of consultation in advance with the industry is the main issue. "There is a lot of fear out there at the moment. A fear of losing our industry, a fear of losing their business and this is more regulatory burden they must do because it's the law," Mr Cummings told RTE's Morning Ireland. Mr Cummings said the industry needs more clarification on what content needs to recorded, but that it is "do-able". "They print two receipts. They give one to the customer and they keep one receipt for their records. That is what they should do. Or in the contact tracing book, when the customer comes in the door, put down their time of entry, the lead person and put a tick if they had. a meal. From what I can see from governmental information, that is what is being required." Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, he said the association will continue to ask its members to adhere to public health advice "in the best interests of Ireland and customers" and to get business back up and running. He said the industry also needs more financial assistance "to keep our businesses open into the future". Labour leader Alan Kelly also told Morning Ireland that the measure is "completely bonkers" and should be reversed. "I worry about this Cabinet thinking going forward and we need a government that maintains public confidence." He said the measure has made him wonder "when did eating food became linked to public health measures?" In raising concern about the issue with his senior party colleagues, Mr MacSharry last night called on the Taoiseach and Fianna Fail ministers to reverse restrictions he described as "authoritarian and unnecessary". Read More Minister of state Ms Rabbitte last night joined him in his concern saying: "We said of nosey people long ago that they'd want to know what you had for breakfast. There is a moment when you go a step too far. That's what we're doing here. We're also filing work on top of work on top of work for businesses. It is ridiculous. "I am totally gobsmacked that we are gone to this level." She said there were suspicions that some pubs merely put a pizza box on the table to make it look as if customers had eaten but added: "If this is the response, it is not going to address that without making everybody suffer." Galway West TD Eamon O Cuiv said the regulation would place a "huge layer of bureaucracy" on business. "I think we need to have a debate. The biggest worry I have is that we are losing the big picture - and the support of the people - by having an overly-legalistic approach. And we may not be gaining ground in terms of public health." Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness stopped short of calling for the measure to be reversed and said there must be some means of contact tracing. However, he said: "Some of the stuff is just unnecessary". He added: "It's asking a bit much of a sector that has suffered without any income for the last six months to be burdened with a huge amount of bureaucracy which should be simplified." Failte Ireland chief executive Paul Kelly shifted the focus to Mr Donnelly, telling RTE it was "absolutely not" his body that had made the rule, since its role was only informing the hospitality sector. "The Minister for Health signed off on this regulation," he said. Mr Donnelly's spokesperson said: "The regulation regarding the recording of the substantial meal or meals ordered will simply require restaurants to keep receipts. This is normal business practice for the majority of restaurants. "The purpose of this regulation is to protect the vast majority of proprietors who are complying with the requirement of providing a substantial meal and to allow for enforcement powers to be used on those do not comply." She said it reflected Government decisions at two Cabinet meetings. "These regulations help to allow controlled environments like restaurants and pubs [that serve food] to remain open while we continue in our attempts to suppress the spread of Covid-19 in order to save lives and to stop people from becoming seriously ill," she added. Brad Pitts rumoured girlfriend, Nicole Poturalski, has shown he likes what he knows by sharing pics from a photoshoot that have made her look exactly like his ex, Angelina Jolie. The 56-year-old Hollywood actor has been holidaying with the German model at his French chateau, and they were seen kissing at a Paris airport before heading down to the south of France. Since jetting back to Los Angeles alone, after the mini break, the 27-year-old model has given Brad a taste of what he is missing and it is a picture that will look very familiar to the Ad Astra star. In a series of photos posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Nicole bears a striking resemblance to 45-year-old Angelina with her luscious lips and defined cheekbones. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Ham radio clubs formed at American Legion posts The American Legion reports on the work of Tony Cromwell KB4TC who has been working to establish amateur radio clubs at Legion Posts in Kentucky The Legion says: Tony Cromwell, commander of Boyle American Legion Post 46 in Danville, Ky., recently authored a report to his District 8 commander about how his posts ham radio club has been helping other posts around it to start ham clubs of their own. During a district meeting around the beginning of 2019, Cromwell gave an update on his posts radio program; a story in CQ magazine from later that year describes how Post 46 gave a new home to a local ham club. Chris Gootee, commander of Nelson County American Legion Post 42 in Bardstown, also attended the district meeting although it wasnt his own, and approached Cromwell afterward; he had hams at his own post. I always like to look around and see what interests the different members of the post may have, Gootee said. If we can do something that a few members are interested in, we try to get it started and then let them run with it to keep the program going. Starting up an amateur radio club was an easy decision. Read the full story at https://www.legion.org/hamradio/250156/three-kentucky-posts-form-relationship-through-ham-radio-clubs The wife of a police officer who became critically ill after responding to the Salisbury poisonings has told the prime minister that actions speak louder than words, following the suspected use of novichok against Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. On Wednesday, the German government said in a statement that Mr Navalny, who is currently being treated at a hospital in Berlin, had been poisoned by the same nerve agent that was used in the Wiltshire town in 2018. In response to the announcement, Boris Johnson and other world leaders sought urgent answers from Moscow. Describing the use of novichok as outrageous, Mr Johnson said on Twitter: "We have seen first-hand the deadly consequences of novichok in the UK. "The Russian government must now explain what happened to Mr Navalny we will work with international partners to ensure justice is done, he added. Sarah Bailey, the wife of police officer Nick Bailey, who almost died after his exposure to the Soviet-era chemical weapon in 2018, replied to the prime ministers tweet. In a message posted on Wednesday night, she said: "Justice would be nice. Actions speak louder than words." Mr Bailey, who was the first person to enter Sergei Skripals house after the former spy and his daughter had been found poisoned, also wrote a short reply to the prime ministers message. "I have so much that I want to say about this tweet. But I can't, and I won't, he said. Since his release from hospital, Mr Bailey has made three attempts to return to work and has said he is "still trying to pick up the pieces of his life. While he and the Skripals survived being exposed to Novichok, Dawn Sturgess, 44, died after coming across and touching the perfume bottle that Russian agents had kept it in. Mr Navalny had been flying from Siberia to Moscow when he was taken ill. The flight performed an emergency landing at Omsk, with the Kremlin critic later being transferred to Germany. After announcing that there was unequivocal evidence that a nerve agent had been used, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: There are serious questions that only Russia can answer. Additional reporting from Press Association 3 militants dead in airstrike in S. Afghanistan, police officer killed in separate incidents LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- One Afghan police officer and three militants have been killed in two separate incidents in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, authorities said Thursday. In one incident, Taliban gunmen riding a motorcycle shot dead a police officer in Police District 7 of provincial capital Lashkar Gah early Thursday, provincial government spokesman Omar Zwak told Xinhua. The assailants fled the scene after the shooting and relatives of the slain officer were notified, the spokesman added. In neighboring Garmser district, three militants were killed and four others wounded after Afghan Air Force struck a Taliban's position Wednesday night, Defense Ministry said in a statement. "The precise strike was launched based on a confirmed tip that showed the targeted militants tried to attack security forces' checkpoints in the desert district," the statement said. Among those killed was a local Taliban leader named Shakir Aqa, the statement said, adding a weapons' depot, a vehicle, three motorcycles, five AK-47 guns and two heavy guns were also destroyed by the sortie. The Taliban militants have tried to overrun small towns or districts across Afghanistan and consolidate their position since the signing of a Taliban-U.S. peace agreement in late February. The militants have intensified attacks, frequently launching hit-and-run ambushes against security forces. Dozens of armed men marched into a provincial DR Congo capital on Friday to demand the release of jailed fighters but authorities identified them as members of a peace-seeking faction and calmly evicted them. Armed with rockets, AK-47 assault rifles and machetes, the men gathered in the centre of Bunia, capital of northeastern Ituri province, but were then bundled into three cars and driven out of the city, an AFP journalist said. There was no exchange of fire. Several militia and rebel groups have been staging attacks in the region but this was the first time in recent years that they had entered a major city in the Great Lakes area bordering Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Officials said the regions security forces managed to defuse the rage of residents who were shocked at the bold move and wanted to set upon the armed men whom they blamed for atrocities in the region over the last three years. We have suffered no losses in human lives, nor any property damage, Ituris deputy governor Martin Shalo told journalists later, expressing pride over how the incident was handled. But the United Nationss DR Congo mission MONUSCO said it had put its troops in Bunia on maximum alert on Friday. The regions governor Jean Bamanisa told AFP earlier that the men had gathered outside the central prison to demand the release of their jailed peers but his aides said none had been freed. Want to end hostilities Some local sources said the men had actually come to give themselves up. The armed men triggered peoples fear and anger because they were identified as members of the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), an armed group accused of ethnic attacks. Since December 2017, violence in Ituri has claimed nearly 1,000 lives and displaced half a million people, according to an International Crisis Group report in July. The violence escalated after the army launched a crackdown on armed groups in October. But Governor Bamanisa said the men were from a CODECO faction which unilaterally wants to end hostilities. The national army and Basa Zukpa, a CODECO spokesman, said last month that the militia had agreed to President Felix Tshisekedis appeal for a ceasefire. CODECO is drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, a predominantly farming community which has historically clashed with the Hema, a group of traders and herders. The two communities were embroiled in a bloody conflict between 1999 and 2003 which led to the European Unions first foreign military mission, the short-term Operation Artemis. Bamanisa spoke to AFP from the capital Kinshasa, where he met the prime minister a few days earlier to discuss the instability in his province. Ituri politician Gracien de Saint-Nicolas wrote a letter to the governor and military authorities complaining they were not doing enough to promote peace. We will not allow blood to be spilt in Bunia. The CODECO is Congolese and ready to give up arms but you are not facilitating the task for them to be reintegrated into the peace process, the politician wrote. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet visited Ituri in January and denounced what she called crimes against humanity there. BRUSSELS NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday condemned the appalling assassination attempt on Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and called on Moscow to answer questions about the poisoning to international investigators. Navalny, a Kremlin critic and corruption investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow on Aug. 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk. He has been in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital since he was flown to Germany for treatment more than a week ago. German authorities have said that tests showed that he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group. British authorities previously identified the Soviet-era Novichok as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018. There is proof beyond doubt that Mr. Navalny was poisoned using a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group. The use of such a weapon is horrific, Stoltenberg said after chairing a meeting of NATO ambassadors during which Germany briefed its allies on developments. Any use of chemical weapons shows a total disrespect for human lives and is an unacceptable breach of international norms and rules. NATO allies agree that Russia now has serious questions it must answer, he told reporters. Stoltenberg said Moscow must cooperate with the international chemical weapons organization in an impartial, international investigation and provide information about its Novichok program. Russian authorities have appeared reluctant to investigate what caused Navalnys condition, saying there had so far been no grounds for a criminal investigation. Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said Friday that a preliminary inquiry was ongoing, but added that he saw no signs of a crime in what happened to the most determined critic of Putin. Asked about the case Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters that I dont know exactly what happened, adding that we havent had any proof yet. But later he said he would not be happy if Russia did poison Navalny, and that seems to be the case. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday that Navalny was the victim of a reprehensible poisoning. Russia has used chemical nerve agents in the past, he added, and were working with our allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable wherever the evidence leads and restrict funds for their malign activities. Putins spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Navalny and said Thursday that Germany hadnt provided Moscow with any evidence about the politicians condition. We have nothing to hide, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday, asserting that German authorities had stonewalled Russian requests for information. Lavrov said the failure to provide information about Navalnys poisoning could indicate a lack of evidence. Our Western partners allow themselves to make arrogant demands in such a tone that suggests that they have nothing but pathos to put on the table, he said. On Friday evening, state television in Belarus released what it claimed to be the recording of an intercepted telephone call of German and Polish representatives suggesting the German allegation of poisoning was fake. In the English-language recording, overdubbed in Russian, a purported German official identified only as Nick says a report on the case is being prepared to be sent to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The purported Pole asks if the report confirms poisoning. Listen, Mike, in this case thats not so important. Theres a war going on, and in war all methods are good, Nick replies. The other man says Russian President Vladimir Putin must be discouraged from interfering in Belarus and that the most effective way is to drown him in the problems of Russia. Belarus has been shaken for the past four weeks by wide-scale calls for the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko in the wake of an allegedly fraudulent election that gave him a sixth term in office. After the March 2018 attack on the Skripals in the English city of Salisbury territory of a member of the 30-nation alliance NATO withdrew the accreditation of seven staff members at Russias mission to the military alliance and rejected the applications of three others. No such action was announced Friday. Earlier Friday, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert insisted it was up to Moscow to answer questions about what had happened to Navalny. Russia has information about the poison attack or can obtain them, not us, he told reporters in Berlin. Numerous samples were taken in Russia, and objects were seized, Seibert said. We expect the Russian government to explain itself in this case. Berlin prosecutors office said judicial authorities in the German capital were examining a request for information from Russian law enforcement and would decide whether to grant it, if necessary in consultation with German federal authorities. It didnt specify how long a decision might take. The foreign ministers of Germany and France said Russia had the first responsibility to investigate what they described as a deeply shocking case. Those responsible for this despicable act must be found and put on trial, Germanys Heiko Maas and Frances Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement Friday. The two foreign ministers also called on Moscow to guarantee the rights of Russian citizens to exert their civil and political rights, noting that the alleged poisoning of Navalny wasnt the first attack on opposition figures in Russia. Le Drian later told reporters during a news conference that Russia must explain the facts, with transparency, so that everyone can be informed. He said that France would work with Germany, which holds the EU presidency, to take the necessary measures for Russia to explain itself. A primary suspect in the trial over the 2015 massacres at satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo and elsewhere in Paris has today denied any responsibility for the attacks carried out by jihadists, one of whom was a close associate. Ali Riza Polat, a 35-year-old Franco-Turkish man, was jailed a few weeks after the terror attack that stunned France, with investigators saying he tried to flee the country several times heading for Syria. For his defence, Polat has chosen Isabelle Coutant-Peyre, the lawyer who defended the convicted international terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, better known as 'Carlos the Jackal.' She later became his companion and married him in a religious ceremony in prison, though the union has no legal validity. This court sketch made today at the Paris courthouse shows the fourteen accused and their lawyers at the opening of the trial of the accomplices in Charlie Hebdo jihadist killings in 2015 For his defence, Polat has chosen Isabelle Coutant-Peyre (pictured), the lawyer who defended the convicted international terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez 'I am innocent!' Polat told the court, his head shaved and his face hidden behind a cloth mask. 'I'm here because certain people, lying squealers, said all sorts of nonsense... but they're lying,' he said. Born in Istanbul, Polat moved to France when he was three and said he fell into petty crime when he was 13 or 14, later starting to deal drugs. He grew up in the same rough Paris suburb of Grigny as Amedy Coulibaly, who killed a police officer on January 8, 2015 and four people at the Hyper Cacher Jewish supermarket the next day before being killed by police. Those attacks came just after two brothers, Said and Cherif Kouachi, stormed the Charlie Hebdo offices, killing 12. Isabelle Coutant-Peyre, lawyer for one of the defendant Ali Riza Polat, leaves the courtroom during a break on the opening day of the trial on Wednesday. Her client, a 35-year-old Franco-Turkish man, was jailed a few weeks after the terror attack that stunned France Suspected of helping provide the weapons for all three gunmen, Polat is facing the most serious charge among the 14 accused: complicity in a terrorist act, which carries a potential life sentence. But Polat, who says he converted to Islam in 2014, insisted he had no role in the attacks. 'I have nothing to do with them. You cannot kill the innocent... I am not violent,' he said. The trial of Polat and thirteen other suspects accused of aiding the three gunmen opened Wednesday, and is set to run until November. Charlie Hebdo marked the occasion by reprinting the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed that had angered Muslims around the world, a move that drew praise from free-speech advocates but anger from many Muslim leaders. Supporters of hardline Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan carry placards and shout slogans during a protest against the reprinting cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad by French magazine Charlie Hebdo, in Rawalpindi on Friday On Friday, the paper said its Wednesday edition sold out the first day, prompting it to print 200,000 more copies that will hit newsstands in the coming days. Lawyer Coutant-Peyre has previously represented Zacarias Moussaoui, a French citizen who pleaded guilty to conspiring to kill American citizens as part of the September 11 attacks. She represented Moussaoui early on during his imprisonment. He is currently serving six life sentences without parole at the Federal ADX Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado. Also among her clients is French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who preyed on Western tourists in Southeast Asia in the 1970s, and Roger Garaudy, a French philosopher and resistance fighter who was convicted and fined for Holocaust denial in 1998. MARQUETTE, MI A 19th Century steam locomotive is set for a 900-mile journey from Michigans Upper Peninsula to Pennsylvania. The Yankee is a vertical boiler model manufactured by Alexander Chaplin and Co. of Glasgow, Scotland, between 1862 and 1868. On Thursday, it was loaded onto a transport truck to travel from its home at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee to B.R. Howard Conservation the Pennsylvania company doing the rehabilitation work. At 150 years old, the Yankee is thought to be one of only three surviving Chaplin locomotives in the world. With the help of generous grant funding, were sending the Yankee to Pennsylvania for restoration work, said Barry James, historian with the museum. Once the rehabilitation is complete, the locomotive will be brought back here to Marquette County to remain on permanent display at our museum. The restoration project which is expected to take about a year to complete will cost $200,000, with funding provided from a Institute of Museum and Library Services grant and matching money from the Friends of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. B.R. Howard Conservation will be combining the practices of conservation and selective restoration to return the locomotive to an appearance where visitors can appreciate the construction technologies used in its fabrication. The Yankee is red in color, made from cast and wrought iron, steel and a mix of soft and hardwoods. It is just over 12 feet long, about 9 feet high, weighing an estimated 8,000 pounds. However, the current locomotive is in poor and unstable condition having actively corroding iron, fungal decay of all wooden components, and actively flaking paint in areas which still retain paint. This is the first time the locomotive has been restored since the late 1930s. The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company donated the locomotive to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in 1986. Miners pose with the Yankee locomotive at the Jackson Mine, Negaunee, circa 1880.Archives of Michigan The Yankee is one of the oldest surviving steam locomotives in the United States, one of two industrial-geared vertical boiler locomotives in America, and one of three surviving Chaplin locomotives in the world, James said. It is substantially complete despite its severe condition challenges. The Yankee and its twin, the John Bull, represented a major technological change for Upper Peninsula iron mines. Until the locomotives began hauling ore at the Jackson Mine in Negaunee around 1868, all the work was done by human or animal power. The locomotive signified the coming of the industrial revolution to the Lake Superior iron mines that led the nation in production from the 1850s into the 1890s. The Yankee is about 70% intact, and almost 60% of its parts are original. A recent historical report complete with conservation recommendations will guide restoration efforts. The Yankee is a rare artifact and is an integral part of the Michigan Iron Industry Museums collections, and its preservation has been on our project list for some time, James said. READ MORE: NASA rockets once flew from launch pad hidden in Michigan wilderness Munisings wild shoreline lures you north, where outdoor lovers find adventure Moose skeleton on Michigans Isle Royale gives researchers unusual discovery How Michigans worst mining disaster left 51 dead, most entombed underground Nov. 3, 1926: Hour-by-hour look at Michigans worst mining disaster There's a large box filled with the awards won by Tosca Lee in one of the rooms of the Fremont farmhouse where she and her family live. There's no ego wall or elaborate trophy case although a farmhouse renovation currently taking place could change that to showcase the honors that have been collected over the years by the New York Times bestselling author. "That would just be something else for me to have to clean," said Lee, a wife to a farmer and mother to three teenage sons. The contents of that box expanded last month with the addition of honors from the International Book Awards for "The Line Between," and its sequel, "A Single Light," which was released last fall. More than 2,000 entries were considered for the awards. In addition, her novels have also won a bevy of awards this year, including the Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion and Realm Makers Award. And what makes all of this a bit eerie is the plot of those novels, which center around 22-year-old Wynter Roth, who has escaped a Midwest cult as a frightening disease begins to spread across the United States. The following report compiles all significant security incidents confirmed by New York Times reporters throughout Afghanistan for the month. It is necessarily incomplete as many local officials refuse to confirm casualty information. The report includes government claims of insurgent casualty figures, but in most cases these cannot be independently verified by The Times. Similarly, the reports do not include Taliban claims for their attacks on the government unless they can be verified. Both sides routinely inflate casualty totals for their opponents. [Read the Afghan War Casualty Report from previous weeks.] Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2020 Violence continued across Afghanistan this week as representatives from the Afghan government and the Taliban met in Qatar to negotiate a framework for peace. At least 49 pro-government forces and nine civilians were killed over the past seven days, as the Taliban attacked provinces that have seen little violence such as Bamiyan, where nine police officers were killed and two others were wounded at their security outpost. Three military vehicles were also destroyed, but the Taliban couldnt capture the outpost. The following day, the Taliban attacked a security outpost in Farah Province, killing eight local police officers and taking seven others prisoner. Oct. 1 Baghlan Province: one police officer killed The Taliban attacked a military convoy in the Cheshm-e-Shir area of Pul-I-Kumri, the provincial capital, killing one police officer and wounding the provincial deputy police chief. Oct. 1 Herat Province: one police officer killed A Taliban roadside bomb hit a police Humvee in the village of Tangi Galatoot of Adraskan District, killing one police officer and wounding two others. Sept. 30 Ghor Province: one civilian killed The Taliban shot and killed one civilian in the village of Dahan Tafraqi in Firoz Koh, the provincial capital, accusing him of cooperating with the government. Unprecedented quantities of vaccines could be produced by 28 manufacturers in 10 countries over the next two years to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF said on Thursday, as it announced it would help lead efforts to procure and distribute them. UNICEFs role is part of a Covid-19 vaccine allocation plan - known as COVAX and co-led by the World Health Organization - that aims to buy and provide equitable access to the shots. So far, 76 wealthy nations committed to joining the COVAX effort. UNICEF said the 28 vaccine manufacturers had shared their annual productions plans for Covid-19 vaccines through 2023. A UNICEF market assessment revealed that manufacturers are willing to collectively produce unprecedented quantities of vaccines over the coming 1-2 years. But drugmakers have signaled the projections are highly dependent on, among other things, whether clinical trials are successful, advance purchase agreements are put in place, funding is confirmed, and regulatory and registration pathways are streamlined. Safe and effective vaccines are seen as essential to ending a pandemic that has so far claimed more than 864,000 lives globally. UNICEFs new role with COVAX stems from its status as the largest single vaccine buyer in the world. The U.N. agency said it procures more than 2 billion doses of vaccines annually for routine immunization and outbreak response on behalf of nearly 100 countries. MOSCOW - All the attempts over the years to stop the work of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny have failed so far. Hes been jailed repeatedly and twice put on trial for embezzlement and fraud. Hes been put under house arrest and splashed in the face with green antiseptic, damaging his sight. He was hospitalized last year for a suspected poisoning while in custody. His brother was jailed for over three years on fraud charges. Now Navalny is in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital after suffering what German authorities say was a poisoning with a chemical nerve agent while the opposition leader and corruption fighter was travelling from Siberia on Aug. 20. The Kremlin has denied involvement, and questioned whether he was poisoned at all. Initially stunned by the attempt on his life, his supporters soon got back to work on their latest campaign against the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Weve got more anger and more motivation to work harder in order to, among other things, show the Kremlin that these methods of pressuring the opposition dont work, said Lyubov Sobol, one of Navalnys closest allies. His top strategist Leonid Volkov said Navalnys team put all their regular work on hold as they arranged his transfer from a hospital in Omsk, where the plane carrying the unconscious activist had made an emergency landing. They publicized his plight for 48 hours, from the moment the plane landed in Omsk to the minute when the medevac plane carrying Navalny took off for Berlin. Starting from Sunday, when he was already in Berlin, I firmly told everyone and everyone understood, of course that, Guys, Im sorry but we need to get back to our normal work, Volkov said. Weve got to slog away at Smart Voting. The Smart Voting project was launched in 2018 and is designed to oust the Kremlins dominant United Russia party which Navalny has dubbed the party of crooks and thieves from regional governments and legislatures. The project aims to identify and campaign for candidates who are most likely to beat those backed by the Kremlin in various elections. Last year, the Smart Voting project helped opposition candidates win 20 out of 45 seats on the Moscow city council. This year, Navalnys team hopes to use it in 31 Russian regions where elections on various levels are scheduled for Sept. 13. In some of those regions, the team put forward its own candidates. Navalny, 44, has been a thorn in the Kremlins side even though he is barred from running against Putin because of the 2017 conviction for embezzlement a charge he says was politically motivated. In public statements, Putin refuses to even speak Navalnys name. Through his two popular YouTube channels detailing government corruption, Navalnys reach has spread across the vast country. In 2017, he set up a network of campaign offices in a bid to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election. Even though he was banned from running against Putin, Navalny kept the infrastructure in place. These regional headquarters began their own investigations of graft by local officials and recruited activists, some of whom would later run for office. Navalny believes that ending the dominance of United Russia in regional parliaments and administrations will undermine the formal mechanism of Putins rule. After Navalny was hospitalized in Germany, his team used the moment to promote Smart Voting, filling social media with calls to register on the projects online platform that tells voters which candidates to support in their area. Volkov said the appeals have increased registrations. On Monday, they released a 40-minute expose of corruption in Novosibirsk, a large city in Siberia where a coalition of over 30 opposition candidates is running for the city council. The video, which has gotten over 4 million views on YouTube, was shot during Navalnys fateful trip to Siberia. The foundation of Putins power is not the State Duma, as one would think. No, Navalny says in the video, stressing the importance of the local elections. Their main power is in United Russia having a majority in every regional legislature and a majority in every big city council. If (United Russia) loses this majority, the power of the villains melts away immediately, he says. From these regional roots, Navalnys team hopes to go all the way to the State Duma -- Russias lower house of parliament -- and deploy the Smart Voting strategy in the 2021 parliamentary election. Its a dress rehearsal, a decisive test of strength before the elections to the State Duma, Volkov said. Navalnys ability to mobilize voters next year poses a key challenge for the Kremlin, because those elections will determine who controls the State Duma in 2024. Thats when Putins current term expires and he is expected to seek re-election, thanks to a reset of his term limits after lawmakers and voters approved changes to Russias constitution this year. And Putins approval ratings have fallen recently amid growing public frustration over the declining economy. The Smart Voting strategy could indeed upend government plans for the new parliament, said Nikolai Petrov, a senior research fellow in Chatham Houses Russia and Eurasia Program, but he said Navalnys personal involvement is crucial. Navalny is unique because no one but him has enough authority to consolidate votes for various non-Kremlin forces and ensure defeat of the Kremlins candidates, Petrov said. Still, Navalny has built an organization that goes beyond the appeal of one man. With him jailed so often, his supporters are used to working on their own, as is his network of over 40 regional cells nationwide. Navalny was imprisoned for 30 or 50 days last year, and the work didnt stop. Its the same now. Yes, of course, it was a shock for us, but we didnt stop our campaigns, said Ksenia Fadeyeva, who runs the regional headquarters in the Siberian city of Tomsk and is running for city council. At the same time, his supporters admit that his charisma and popularity are an asset, even though his anti-corruption campaigns have angered many in power even outside the Kremlin. Tomsk was one of Navalnys stops on his recent trip to Siberia. Fadeyeva says she was pleasantly surprised by how well he is known. We walked around the city centre, and a lot of people recognized him. To be honest, I didnt expect that many people to approach (Navalny), say hello, ask for a photo, want to talk, Fadeyeva said. A 40-minute video exposing corruption in Tomsk was released Thursday by Navalnys team, and in five hours received over 850,000 views. We dont hide that our political organization vast and sophisticated is built around a charismatic leader, which is both a strength and a weakness, Volkov said. A leaderless protest cant be beheaded, but it is much harder for a leaderless protest to succeed. Volkov admits that hardly anyone on the team has as much political capital or could rally people like Navalny, who could come up with thoughts and ideas that were interesting to a lot of people, as well as effective forms of communication. The Kremlin understands that, and it understands that with ... one horrific criminal act it can try and nullify a significant part of what weve done, he added. In the meantime, theres no other option but to continue the work. You do what you can. We campaign the way we can, Volkov said. We invest all the resources that we have. And we do what we do. ___ Associated Press journalist Alexander Roslyakov contributed. Read more about: RaceBaitr said on Thursday that it had removed Professor Krugs work from its website. Her charade has taken her into many Black sacred spaces, including this one, RaceBaitr said in a message on Twitter. We apologize for platforming her work and not taking seriously enough some of your warnings. Hari Ziyad, the editor in chief of RaceBaitr, wrote on Twitter that Professor Krug was someone I called a friend up until this morning when she gave me a call admitting to everything written in the Medium post. She didnt do it out of benevolence, he wrote. She did it because she had been found out. Professor Krugs scholarly work has won respectful attention. Fugitive Modernities, which examined the politics and cultures of fugitive slave communities in Angola and in the African diaspora, was a finalist in 2019 for two prestigious awards, the Harriet Tubman Prize and the Frederick Douglass Book Prize. Yomaira Figueroa, an associate professor of global diaspora studies at Michigan State University, said in an interview that it was considered an amazing book and field-changing. I know a lot of folks who really respect her as a historian, Professor Figueroa said. But last week, several Black Latina scholars started questioning Professor Krugs background, according to Professor Figueroa, who declined to identify the scholars. She wrote on Twitter that there was no witch hunt, but there was a need to draw the line. Professor Figueroa, who does not know Professor Krug, said the scholars had begun questioning Professor Krugs identity after a discussion of the novelist H.G. Carrillo, whose sister told The Washington Post after he died this year that he was not Afro-Cuban, as he had claimed to be, but rather was African-American. One of the scholars, Professor Figueroa said, believed that Professor Krug had also been lying about her identity. In an essay published last year in Essence, Professor Krug, who received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012, called herself boricua, or Puerto Rican. She also called herself an unrepentant and unreformed child of the hood devoted to the struggle for her community in El Barrio and worldwide, a description she repeated in RaceBaitr. AMHERST Town and University of Massachusetts officials said Thursday their goal is to educate students about wearing masks and social distancing, instead of punishing them with fines or expulsion from school. The Amherst Board of Health has made masks mandatory downtown because of dangers posed by COVID-19 pandemic. During an hour-long online forum Thursday, Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingston said a person refusing to wear a mask would not be fined. He also said police will maintain a database on all calls related to people not wearing masks, and that they hope to learn from the data. Officers are trained to deescalate a situation, rather than let something spiral out of control, the chief said. If someone is adamant about not wearing a mask, we are not going to force the issue, Livingstone said. Police officers will not be getting into situations when it becomes confrontational at all, he said. The town has begun a program that involves college students monitoring face mask compliance downtown. A hotline was created for anyone to report noncompliance with the mask order and social distancing. The students, called ambassadors, are trained to encourage compliance with the mandate, and provide educational materials on social distancing and mask wearing. I feel very strongly about this program and feel it will be successful, Livingstone said. According to Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman, to date, 40 complaints have been logged via the new hotline. A question directed to the university during the forum asked if students could be suspended from school for failing to wear a mask. Yes, that can include suspension as an option, said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life. But, LaBanc said, leading with punishment doesnt really solve the problem. She and other school officials stressed that building awareness about COVID-19 is the most productive approach. School officials said they have conducted 20,000 tests for the disease in the past 17 days. We are undertaking extraordinary measures to keep the community safe, said John Kennedy, vice chancellor for university relations. We are acutely aware how our decisions affect Amherst, he said. Deputy Chancellor Steve Goodwin said planning for the spring semester will be based on metrics including the local transmission rate for the disease. A low level of virus transmission will impact what we do in the spring, he said. Gov. Tom Wolf is acting like a king and is trampling their rights under the state constitution, two Pennsylvania couples are claiming in a newly filed federal lawsuit, the latest legal challenge to the governors handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. And they claim the governors face mask wearing mandate has become a form of political expression that is being illegally imposed on Pennsylvanians. Chad Parker, Rebecca Kenwick-Parker and Mark and Donna Redman are being supported in their U.S. Middle District Court suit by the Michigan-based American Freedom Law Center. They are asking Chief Judge John E. Jones III to rule that the face mask mandate violates their free speech rights. Wearing a face mask during this current and highly politicized pandemic has become a form of expression. The face mask is, for many a symbol of oppression and government tyranny. It is a sign that the wearer is willing to surrender his or her freedoms to the government, their suit states. The Parkers and Redmans claim as well that science and data have shown that wearing a mask is not medically required or necessary, and it is harmful to the wearer. Wolf and state Health Secretary Rachel Levine, who also is a defendant in the suit, have insisted the mask mandate and other steps they have taken, including lock-down orders, have been necessary to contain the spread of the virus. Their responses to the pandemic have been repeatedly challenged in the state and federal courts, but to date have survived those challenges. The Parkers and Redmans meanwhile claim they are fighting against the onset of tyranny. They insist Wolf has assumed the power to lord over the lives of Pennsylvanians like a king, mandating restrictions that deprive citizensof their fundamental libertiesThe citizens of Pennsylvania have no recourse but to seek relief from this tyranny through the United States Constitution. The Barbados Tridents stuttering defence of their Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title finally ended as they again failed to make three figures against a well-balanced Guyana Amazon Warriors attack. Early boundaries from Chandrapaul Hemraj meant Shimron Hetmyer and Ross Taylor could take the team home in cruise control, and the Amazon Warriors ended the league stage on a roll with four wins from four. Romario Shepherd put paid to a promising start with two wickets in two balls. Charles chipped tamely to Taylor at point, but there was nothing tame about the dismissal of pinch-hitter Rashid Khan, as a fierce pull was brilliantly caught by Brandon King who ran 20 yards to his left from deep square leg and dived full-length. Greaves survived the hat-trick ball then closed the over with a four. Brooks hit a four off Imran Tahir but fell softly to Green, albeit with Taylor taking a good catch at short midwicket, and the Tridents reached the Powerplay at 28/3. That became 28/4 the very next ball when Tahir bowled Greaves, beating him all ends up with a googly. Kyle Mayers launched a straight Hero Maximum off Sinclair, but was undone by wrist-spin again, skying a Tahir googly to give Hemraj an easy catch at mid-off. The implosion continued as Tridents captain Jason Holder gifted Green a catch at midwicket off the second ball after the drinks break, Shepherd the bowler, and a second poor batting effort in a row by the Tridents against the Amazon Warriors left them 39/6 after 11 overs. Mitchell Santner and Nyeem Young milked Sinclair for eight, and while Naveen went for just one on his return, Young ended a 37 ball boundary drought with a classy Hero Maximum over off Green. Santner pulled Shepherd for four, and after 15 overs the Tridents were 65/6. Sinclair ended the mini-recovery, bowling Santner with a quicker ball and celebrating by adding an extra flip or two to his post-wicket routine. Young should have fallen to Naveen, King making good ground on the leg-side again but this time dropping the catch, but it mattered little as he soon missed a sweep off another Tahir googly and was bowled. Tahir ended his spell atop the Hero CPL wicket-takers table, and the Tridents ended the 18th over at 78/8. Raymon Reifer pulled a Naveen slower ball through midwicket, and although the young Afghan ended wicketless he will bowl far worse spells that look better on the scorecard. Shepherd once again showed off his effective slingy yorker in the 20th over that went for just five. The innings ended with a run-out, and for the third time in Hero CPL 2020 the Tridents had failed to make three figures as a team. Santner struck second ball of the chase, bowling King with an arm ball that in effect swung into the right-hander. A tight over from Holder ensured Hemraj started slowly, but got himself going with a powerful slog swept Hero Maximum and a whipped four off Santner. He should have fallen to the New Zealander, the usually faultless Hayden Walsh Jr dropping a catch, but he continued his attack off Rashid with two fours and a six. After four overs, the Amazon Warriors were 34/1 and the required run rate was just three and a half an over. Holder cleverly angled the ball across Hemraj, who couldnt resist a pull shot and was well caught by Young at third man. Sherfane Rutherford, in for the rested Keemo Paul, got a promotion to four, but lasted only three balls before edging Holder to Ashley Nurse at slip. Holder took a heavy fall but completed a wicket-maiden, leaving the Amazon Warriors 40/3 after seven overs. Hetmyer started watchfully, his first boundary not coming till his 12th ball and that too off an edge past new keeper Charles. Pooran faced five dot balls and tried to get off the mark with a boundary, but toe-ended Reifer straight up in the air to give Brooks a simple catch at cover. Taylor joined Hetmyer with the score 49/4 and a brief to calm things down. Young started with a chest-high full-toss that was rightly called a no-ball, and was lucky not to be called for another with the free hit, Taylor pulling a suspiciously high delivery for four. Hetmyer again edged past the keeper, and he and Taylor nudged and guided the Amazon Warriors to 67/4 at halfway needing just 23 more to win. Holder could have ended his spell with a third wicket, but Taylors edge flew wide of slip, and Rashid was nudged for six off two overs to leave just 12 to win. Hetmyer finally hit his first boundary off Santner thanks to indifferent boundary fielding from the visibly injured Holder, Taylor had time to practice his forward defensive against his countryman, and Hetmyer for the second day in a row hit the winning runs. The Tridents now hold the unwanted record of being the first Hero CPL defending champions not to make the knockouts, and with the Amazon Warriors now guaranteed to avoid the Trinbago Knight Riders in the semi-finals, a sixth final is very much on the cards. US Building New NATO Against CCP; Crop Blight in China Raises Concerns of Food Crisis Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has placed new restrictions on the ability of Chinese diplomats to move freely in the United States, in response to similar policies on US diplomats by the Chinese regime. The diplomats will now need permission from the US State Department if they want to visit university campuses on US soil, or meet with local government officials. They will also need approval to hold cultural events outside the Chinese embassies and consular posts, if the events have more than 50 attendees. Meanwhile, in China, two additional issues are deepening concerns around food security. In Shandong, a type of wheat disease caused by fungus has damaged close to two million acres of wheat crops, and the situation is reportedly growing worse. It has so far impacted an estimated 123 countries and some farmlands are reporting crop losses of between 30 and 50 percent. Local officials are saying a major wheat disease in Shandong could pose a serious threat to food security. These stories and more in this episode of Crossroads. Crossroads is an Epoch Times show available on Facebook and YouTube. Join Patreon to Support Crossroads: https://www.patreon.com/Crossroads_Josh A new big budget action-thriller is set to start filming in Rotorua later this year in a move that is tipped to inject several million dollars into the region and upskill local talent. Vegas, which has a $6.4 million budget, is produced by Auckland-based Greenstone TV Ltd, in collaboration with the Rotorua-based Steambox Film Collective and award-winning writer, Michael Te Arawa Bennett. The producers say the filming would see 35 production staff relocate from Auckland spending as long as three months in Rotorua. Over that time they say they would be pumping money into Rotoruas accommodation sector, as well as boosting hospitality. There will also be around 100 extras from Rotorua on the payroll, as well as jobs for electricians and construction roles. Set in an imaginary world that closely resembles Aotearoa in 2020, Vegas is an action thriller about a young, untested leader who wants to free his people from the curse of methamphetamine, but finds he cant do it on his own. Set in an imaginary world that closely resembles Aotearoa in 2020, Vegas is an action thriller about a young, untested leader who wants to free his people from the curse of methamphetamine, but finds he cant do it on his own. The story is based on the novel, Inside the Black Horse by Ray Berard. Greenstone TV chief Rachel Antony says the six-part drama series, which plans to hire around 40 local crew and up to 100 extras, will inject several million dollars to the Rotorua economy. The series has been in development for two years, and we are thrilled to be able to bring it to Rotorua, especially at a time when the city is feeling the economic impact of Covid-19, she says. With pre-production set to start this month and filming to run from October until Christmas, the producers of Vegas are currently working closely with Film BOP to recruit local people for an 18-week apprenticeship on set. Producer and co-creator of Vegas, Harriet Crampton, says Greenstone could have made the decision to shoot in Auckland. But so many of our stories are told in our few cities, ignoring our spectacular landscapes and the exciting and specific input of people within smaller societies. The screen industry is growing fast in New Zealand. It makes complete sense for our government funding agencies to provide employment opportunities and career paths for those outside the main centres. Show associate producer Laura Northcroft says a wide range of sectors will benefit from the series from accommodation to on-set food, beverage and technical suppliers, transport companies, education providers and the large number of people who will be recruited as extras. We are committing to developing talent and capacity across the region, she says. Hopefully this is the first of many productions to come here. Vegas is fictional and set in a town that does not exist, but writer Michael Te Arawa Bennett and the team of co-producers and storyliners from Steambox Film Collective have been working with iwi, hapu and other authorities to ensure the storytelling is accurate and fair in its representation of gangs and young Maori in New Zealand. Gang stories always invite conflict, and theres no nice way to deliver these narratives. But when the perspective comes not from a place of blame, but from one of understanding, empathy and release, the opportunity is there to explore wider themes: the differing responses to decades of colonisation; the putting it right that counts, he says. -Stuff The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka. Tuesday, Sept. 1 10:48 p.m. A 31-year-old Midland Township woman called 9-1-1 after a verbal confrontation with her 34-year-old husband. The man voluntarily left for the night, and there was no assault. 9:47 p.m. Officers responded to a report of criminal sexual conduct in the 7000 block of North Saginaw Road. 4:27 p.m. Officers responded to a domestic assault in the 6100 block of Jefferson Avenue. 4:19 p.m. A deputy was dispatched to the Midland County Jail to interview an inmate who wanted to confess to a Criminal Sexual Conduct incident 18 years ago in Tawas City. The inmate stated he had already reported it to the Michigan State Police, but they did not believe him. The inmate is believed to be suffering from mental illness and could not provide accurate information as to the location of the incident, the victim's name or the victim's parent's name. The inmate ultimately became uncooperative and refused to provide any further information. 3:56 p.m. A 48-year-old Lee Township man reported an unknown person filed for unemployment using his name and information. He became aware of the fraud after his employer in Saginaw County received a letter from the agency. There are no suspects. 12:56 p.m. A homeowner called 9-1-1 when they discovered an injured deer in their front yard. A deputy put the deer down and issued a permit for a local food pantry to pick it up. 10:14 a.m. A 55-year-old Mount Haley Township man reported an unknown person or group took out a COVID-19 loan with the U.S. Small Business Association using his information. 8:23 a.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Jasper Township residence in reference to a verbal argument between a married couple. Each person was accusing the other of taking and damaging property. Deputies attempted to have the parties return and repair property, but due to being married there was no crime. Eventually, the man left the property for the remainder of the day and night. The parties were encouraged to begin the legal separation process immediately. The woman was provided with a Midland County Help Line card. There was no report of any physical contact or chargeable crime. 7:54 a.m. Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Mount Haley Township. 1:52 a.m. A deputy was dispatched to the area of North Stark Road near Monroe Road in reference to a vehicle that was disabled in the middle of the roadway with extensive damage to the front. The vehicle turned out to have been involved in a hit-and-run crash in the City of Midland. The driver was located north of the location as he was being picked up by a passerby and subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated, and the vehicle was turned over to Midland Police. 12:23 a.m. Officers responded to a hit-and-run vehicle crash causing injuries and involving an intoxicated driver in the area of West Indian Street and Jerome Street. 12:03 a.m. Deputies were sent to the City of Coleman at the request of Gladwin County to attempt to locate a vehicle that was used for joyriding. The area where the vehicle was to be at was checked, but the vehicle was not located. Monday, Aug. 31 8:56 p.m. A deputy was dispatched to a delayed report of a car-deer crash that occurred on a Warren Township roadway. 8 p.m. A deputy was dispatched to a Larkin Township residence in reference to a hit-and-run crash. The 31-year-old New York woman said her vehicle was struck while on a Larkin Township roadway. The second vehicle left the scene and was not located. 6:38 p.m. Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Cambridge and Edwin streets. 6:28 p.m. A Warren Township gas station reported a truck of unknown color and model took $25.07 in gasoline and left in an unknown direction. 3:40 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to a verbal argument in Jasper Township but were disregarded while Michigan State Police troopers responded. Troopers arrested a 25-year-old man on an outstanding warrant and lodged him at the Midland County Jail. 3:12 p.m. Officers responded to a retail fraud in the 900 block of Joe Mann Boulevard. 2:21 p.m. A 24-year-old Lincoln Township woman reported a suspicious incident that occurred in front of her residence. The complainant's surveillance video captured unknown suspects driving erratically in front of her residence. 9:47 a.m. Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of West Wackerly Street and Northgate Drive. 7:47 a.m. A deputy was dispatched to a Lincoln Township residence in reference to a destruction of property complaint a vehicle had been struck with eggs, causing damage to the paint. The victim provided the name of a possible suspect, whom the deputy later contacted and admitted to causing the damage. The victim and suspect were acquaintances and agreed to work out an agreement to take care of the damage. 6:58 a.m. A deputy took a report of a car-deer crash on Poseyville Road near Yoder Drive in Ingersoll Township. 6:14 a.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Jasper Township residence in reference to a caller reporting a suspicious man on property the caller is the caretaker of. It is believed the man was attempting to steal property, as the caller's nephew was currently incarcerated in the Midland County Jail. A deputy contacted the nephew, who said he was friends with the man and gave permission for him to be on the property and for the vehicle he was driving to remain on the property as well. 4:15 a.m. Deputies were sent to a verbal argument/minor assault involving a 38-year-old mom and her 19-year-old daughter in City of Coleman. Both parties shoved one another, but no one was injured. COVID-19 has forced the suspension of thousands of businesses, resulting in widespread economic loss. Many of the businesses that have survived are looking to their insurers to cover their losses. While Covid-19 is a virus, the economic loss sustained by businesses is attributable to shelter-in-place orders that have denied businesses access to their customers. Numerous cases have addressed whether the denial of access to a business by order of government is a covered cause of loss under an all-risk policy. A review of this authority shows that the salient issue is whether the insured can show that its loss arose from a direct physical loss or damage to its property. To the extent that the great majority of business interruption claims arising from COVID-19 have resulted from government shutdowns, rather than physical property damage, insureds may have difficulty recovering on their business interruption claims. The Basic Commercial Property Coverage Forms The evaluation of a business interruption claim begins with an analysis of three forms: (i) the commercial property form (e.g., CP 0010 1012), (ii) the business interruption form (e.g., CP 0030 0607), and (iii) the cause of loss form (e.g., CP 1030 0402). The coverage section of the business interruption form sets forth what ultimately turns out to be the critical element to the analysis direct physical loss or damage. We will pay for the actual loss of Business Income you sustain due to the necessary suspension of your operations during the period of restoration. The suspension must be caused by direct physical loss of or damage to property at premises which are described in the Declarations and for which a Business Income Limit of Insurance is shown in the Declarations. The loss or damage must be caused by or result from a Covered Cause of Loss. (CP 0030 0607 (2007)). (Emphasis added.) In identifying the Covered Causes Of Loss, the standard commercial property form indicates, [s]ee applicable Causes Of Loss form as shown in the Declarations. (CP 0010 1012 (2011)). Accordingly, the policy only provides coverage for loss or damage to covered property if the loss or damage stems from a covered cause of loss. U.S. Fidelity & Guar. Co. v. First State Bank and Trust Co., 941 F.Supp. 101, 104 (E.D. Mo. 1996). The basic covered cause of loss form (CP 1010) lists certain perils (e.g., fire, windstorm, etc.), and the broad form (CP 1020) adds several risks (e.g., water damage. etc.) thereto. Under a named-perils policy, [a]n insurance policy only insures against the perils named in the contract of insurance. New Orleans, T. & M. Ry. Co. v. Union Marine Ins., 286 F. 32, 34 (5th Cir. 1923). In other words, named perils or specific perils policies exclude all risks not specifically named. Preis v. Lexington Ins. Co., 508 F.Supp.2d 1061, 1071 (S.D. Ala. 2007). Since a virus is not a designated peril, a business interruption claim based thereon is absent an endorsement not covered under the basic or broad cause of loss form. On the other hand, the special form (CP 1030) indicates [w]hen Special is shown in the Declarations, Covered Causes of Loss means Risks Of Direct Physical Loss unless the loss is [e]xcluded in Section B. Thus, all-risk coverage under the special form applies to losses not excluded thereunder. Parks Real Estate Purchasing Group v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 472 F.3d 33, 48 (2nd Cir. 2006) (In order to obtain coverage under a first-party [insurance] policy, the insured must suffer a loss not caused by an excluded peril in an all risk policy.) However, all risks does not mean every risk', such that the responsibility under a first-party all risks policy must be determined by the terms and conditions of the contract. Port Authority of New York v. Affiliated FM Ins. Co., 311 F.3d 226, 234 (3rd Cir. 2002). Thus, subject to the policy terms, and to the extent not excluded thereunder, a loss resulting from an order issued by a civil authority may constitute a covered cause of loss under an all-risk policy. See, Dixson Produce, LLC v. National Fire Ins. Co. of Hartford, 99 P.3d 725, 729 (Okla. 2004) (denying coverage because there was no action of civil authority that prohibited access to the described premises due to direct physical loss of or damage to property ') However, this is not the end of the analysis. Direct Physical Loss or Damage to Property While eradication of Covid-19 is the ultimate concern of the shelter-in-place orders, the economic harm suffered by businesses is caused by government directives denying customer access. The treatment of business interruption claims arising from the Federal Aviation Administration stand-down orders following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks indicate that prophylactic government orders intended to prevent future harm do not constitute direct physical loss or damage to property so as to trigger business interruption coverage. The court in United Air Lines, Inc. v. Insurance Co. of State of PA, 439 F.3d 128 (2nd Cir. 2006), addressed whether an airline could recover for its lost earnings caused by the national disruption of flight service and the governments temporary shutdown of the Airport. The court observed that the airline would be required to demonstrate that the business interruption at issue resulted from physical damage to property at the insured location in question, i.e., the Airport. Id.,131. However, rather than physical damage, access was prohibited because of concerns over a possible further attack. In such a case, it cannot be considered due to physical damage of the type insured. Id.,135. Likewise, in Philadelphia Parking Authority v. Federal Ins. Co., 385 F.Supp.2d 280 (S.D.N.Y. 2005), a garage operator made a business income claim after the FAA issued an order which halted takeoffs and landings at all airports as a result of 9/11. Id., 282. The insurer denied coverage on the grounds that it was not the direct physical loss or damage that caused or resulted in interruption of [the insureds] operations, but rather concern about future terrorist attacks that led to the shutdown of the air transportation system. Id., 283. The court agreed with the insurer and denied coverage, holding, the phrase direct physical loss or damage requires that claimed loss or damage must be physical in nature. Id., 289. The foregoing principle is not limited to FAA directives, but also applies to business interruption claims arising from other types of government closure orders. In Dickie Brennan & Co. v. Lexington Insurance, 636 F.3d 683 (5th Cir. 2011), a restaurant filed a business interruption claim after New Orleans issued a mandatory evacuation order due to Hurricane Gustav. Id., 684. The insurer denied coverage for the [restaurants] losses incurred when they were unable to conduct business during a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans. Id. The court agreed with the insurer, holding, [n]othing in the record, including the order itself, shows that the issuance of the order was due to physical damage to property Id., 686. Finally, in Roundabout Theatre Co., Inc. v. Continental Cas. Co., 302 A.D.2d 1 (N.Y. 2002), the court addressed whether the business interruption clause of an insurance policy issued to plaintiff theatre company covers losses occasioned by an order of the City of New York closing the street and denying access to the insureds theatre due to a construction accident in the area, notwithstanding the absence of any physical damage to the theatre premises. Id., 4-5. The court found that, although the policy covered all risks of direct physical loss or damage to the [insureds] property, not otherwise excluded, the insured was not entitled to relief because the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the business interruption coverage is limited to losses involving physical damage to the insureds property. Id., 7. Just as the concern in United Airlines, Philadelphia Parking and Dickie Brennan was to prospectively prevent injury, in the case of COVID-19, the government orders are likewise meant to avert future harm. As such, the orders themselves do not constitute direct physical loss or damage to property. In the absence of direct physical loss or damage, a loss of income due to lack of customer access resulting from government shelter-in-place orders does not appear to trigger business interruption coverage. Conclusion Business interruption claims arising from Covid-19 present an unprecedented exposure for insurers, not only due to the geographic scope of the pandemic, but because the length of the shelter-in-place orders means that the period of restoration for which an insurer must protect the prospective earnings of the insured business (National Union Fire Ins. Co. of Pittsburgh v. Anderson-Prichard Oil Corp., 141 F.2d 443, 445 (10th Cir. 1944)) and allow the business to remain in the same financial condition as before the loss (Cotton Bros. Baking Co., Inc. v. Industrial Risk Insurers, 941 F.2d 380, 385 (5th Cir. 1991)) may last years. Accordingly, to the extent dictated by the facts of a particular claim, an insurer should identify whether a government shelter-in-place order is a covered cause of loss under a given policy form, and confirm whether the denial of customer access constitutes direct physical loss or damage to property. After the sudden death of her husband, King Louis X, and the loss of her promised income, young Clemence fought for her high social status by harnessing the visual power of possessions, displaying them, and offering her luxurious objects as gifts. Clemence adeptly performed the role of queen, making a powerful argument for her place at court and her income as she adorned her body, the altars of her chapels, and her dining tables with sculptures, paintings, extravagant textiles, manuscripts, and jewelrythe exclusive accoutrements of royalty. Proctor-Tiffany analyzes the queens collection, maps the geographic trajectories of her gifts of art, and interprets Clemences generosity using anthropological theories of exchange and gift giving. From the Introduction In the summer of 1315 Princess Clemence de Hongrie and her entourage prepared to set sail from Naples to Marseille, where they would travel by land to meet her fianc., Louis X, king of France. The twentytwo-year- old princess was the youngest of three children, who had been raised in Naples by their grandmother Marie de Hongrie after the deaths of their parents when Clemence was a young girl. As she and her attendants prepared her jewels, manuscripts, and clothing, Clemence surely realized that she might never see Naples or her family again. Any anxiety she felt would soon have been confirmed: a massive storm struck during the voyage, and the ship seemed doomed to sink in the Mediterranean. The poet Geoffroi de Paris writes that Clemence pleaded with God to spare the members of her entourage, recognizing that their loyalty to her had placed them in peril, and he bemoans Clemences treasures, For in the sea she lost many joyaux , her best and most beautiful. Although the wind and waves finally subsided and the travelers arrived in Marseilles alive, many of her sumptuous works in silver, gold, and precious gems had been either washed or thrown overboard. It is from this low point that over the next thirteen years, until her death, in 1328, Clemence amassed one of the most resplendent collections of art in France. This frightening episode in the life of Clemence de Hongrie (12931328) speaks to three essential facts about medieval works of art. First, medieval sculptures, textiles, jewels, and manuscripts were in constant motion. As we gaze today upon these objects, anchored and spotlighted in their museum vitrines, it is tempting to imagine them similarly fixed in the residences or chapels of their original patrons. However, in truth, these functional objects were bought and sold, carried when their owners traveled, pawned, and sent as long- distance gifts. Second, the possessions that Clemence lost in the water were essential markers of her identity. Because sumptuary laws restricted the wearing or display of luxurious cloth, precious gems, and objects in silver and gold to the nobility, such jewels, reliquaries, and silks instantly signaled a womans high place in late medieval social networks. Finally, this perilous sea voyage represents just one of the ways works of art could perish. As only a small percentage of the sumptuous works extant in the Middle Ages have survived, it is rare to be able to study the objects, composition, and contents of a medieval collection. Such an opportunity is provided by two documents: the testament and the inventory of Clemence de Hongrieevidence that has not been thoroughly studied until my research. Indeed, while the inventories of many medieval men have been the subjects of scholarship, Medieval Art in Motion is the first book to analyze the inventory of a medieval woman. Upon her arrival in France, Clemence married King Louis X (12891316), the oldest son of Philippe IV and Jeanne de Navarre. As the new queen, Clemence provided the hope of a male heir to the throne, and to the joy of the court, she quickly became pregnant. But during her pregnancy her husband died suddenly, leaving the court and kingdom waiting to see if the queens baby would be a boy. The chroniclers record that Clemence was often ill and depressed during the end of her pregnancy. When the baby was born, it was a boy, whom Clemence named Jean. However, he was not well. The pope promised indulgences for those who prayed for the infant, but even these prayers could not save the child. Jean died within a few days of his birth. To make matters worse, Clemence soon offended the new king, Philippe V. He refused to pay her the income Louis had promised her, and Clemence entered the fight of her life. Her high social status became slippery; she needed to harness the power of her art treasures to fight the social extinction that now stalked her in widowhood. In order to collect her income and support her large household, she had to maintain her identity through careful performance; to this end she employed the visual power of her possessions, displaying them and offering them as gifts. Adorning her body, the altars of her chapels, and her dining tables with jewelry, vessels, reliquaries, extravagant textiles, manuscripts, sculptures, and paintingsthe exclusive accoutrements of royaltyshe argued for her place at court, her status, and her income by embodying the role of queen. Giving her works of art as gifts, both locally and internationally, she reminded the larger society of her importance. Ultimately she prevailed, successfully ruling her domain and, most importantly, maintaining residence in Paris to promote the reputation of her husband, her son, and her natal family through patronage and art collecting. Commissioning art that glorified her family and moving numerous works of art were keys to the success that she saw as a widow. Clemence was buried at the church of the Jacobins in Paris, and her tomb effigy survives today at the basilica of Saint- Denis. The sculpture depicts the queen in full- length dress with her hands in prayer. Her crown is decorated with leafy fleurons, and she wears both a veil and wimple, appropriate for her status as widow (figs. 13). A Queens Position and Identity Queens did inherit crowns and rule in some places and, when married to kings, were a central component in medieval monarchies, yet their individual statuses varied widely. One of the most visible ways medieval queens practiced power was through biological reproduction: bearing and educating heirs to the throne and other children who might increase the importance of the dynasty through leadership or their own politically advantageous marriages. Theresa Earenfight indexes the many other roles queens played: monarch; queen consort, when a woman ruled in conjunction with her husband; queen mother; queen regent, when a woman ruled for her minor child; or finally queen dowager, upon the death of her husband. Although their names were not always present with their husbands on governmental charters, queens exercised real political power: advising, sometimes ruling, acting as intercessors, and serving as representatives of the Crown. Queens were active not only politically and charitably but also culturally, often bringing their sensibilities, tastes, and artists to their new courts. In her pioneering 1982 article, Medieval Women Book Owners: Arbiters of Lay Piety and Ambassadors of Culture, Susan Groag Bell establishes the importance of women as readers and patrons of medieval manuscripts and argues that through their own movement and book patronage they effected cultural change. Therese Martin argues that as patrons of the arts such women should be considered makers of art themselves, even as much as the artists who made their commissions. Elena Woodacre, in her Queenship in the Mediterranean: Negotiating the Role of the Queen in the Medieval and Early Modern Eras, looks at multiple women who brought their distinctive Mediterranean cultures with them when they married men in other regions, particularly in the north of Europe. As they moved into widowhood, queens often found this period more treacherous than the years of their reigns. More than ever, the widows influence and reputation were closely related to her skill in negotiating the political landscape. Pressures from many sides could incentivize a widowed queen to live out her days on her dower lands or to take the veil at a convent of her choosing; if she sought to remain near the center of power, she often needed to be highly prudent and avoid any apparent desire for control. Some women negotiated the transition to widowhood with skill (and they will be important comparative examples throughout this study). Clemences sister- in- law, the famous bibliophile Jeanne dEvreux (13101371), was the third wife of Charles IV of France (12941328), and during more than four decades as a widow, Jeanne cultivated a reputation as a generous benefactor of religious institutions and a careful administrator of her lands, thereby retaining political influence. For example, she mediated the conflict between Charles le Mauvais, king of Navarre and count of Evreux, and Jean le Bon, king of France in 1354, and she brought messages to the pope during the Hundred Years War. Jeanne is well known for the tiny book of hours that her husband gave her. Also important is the silver- gilt- and- enamel sculpture of the Virgin that she offered to Saint- Denis in 1339. Her skill as a diplomat and her carefully managed wealth and foundations made her a key figure at the court of France long after her husband died. Another formidable widow, also Clemences contemporary, was Mahaut dArtois (12681329). Twenty- five years older than Clemence, she ruled over the counties of Artois and Bourgogne, two realms separated from each other by great distance. She actively participated in court life and ruled her lands with enthusiasm and diligence. Although Mahaut was not a queen herself, through the advantageous marriages of her daughters she became the mother of two queens, and the extensive records of her expenditures reveal an enthusiastic patron interested in manuscripts, the sumptuous arts, and monastic endowments. Blanche de Navarre (13311398) was another fourteenth- century queen who outlived her spouse. Blanche married Clemences cousin King Philippe VI de Valois in 1349. The age difference of almost forty years meant that Blanche outlived her husband by almost five decades. During this time Blanche lived in Paris and spent her days at the convents she favored. She and her aunt Jeanne dEvreux were extremely close and spent much time together. The two highly regarded queens had to vigilantly defend their domains through legal action when others claimed ownership of their lands. When Blanche died, in 1398, she left an extensive will documenting her collection. Brigitte Buettner analyzes this dowagers testament, noting that as the queen stipulated legacies to be distributed at her death, she couched the lengthy descriptions to sound as if she were tenderly parting with her beloved objects, and Marguerite Keane writes of the testament that it was a sentimental biography. The status and respect Clemence and each of these women gained were highly individual, and a queens ability to thrive was dependent on a number of factors, including the traditions of the court into which she married, her own personality, the length of her reign, the breadth and depth of her support from courtiers, her income, and her surviving progeny, if she had any. A Queens Possessions When Clemence de Hongrie died, in 1328, at the age of thirty- five, a detailed inventory was made of her belongings and property at her Paris home and her other estates (fig. 4, appendix 2). This document allows a rare glimpse of the relationship between a medieval queens works of art and her identity. The inventory does not simply list objects; it contains a wealth of information about the origins, sizes, weights, materials, appraised and sale prices, and buyers of 748 individual lots, many comprising numerous objects. In order to analyze the overwhelming amount of information in this ninety- nine- page manuscript, I entered the lots into spreadsheets with a column for each data type and then sorted the list by buyer, price, or material. Through this process, it became clear that appraisals were made by weight for most works in metal. Some buyers chose numerous objects of the same materials, which led me to suspect that they were specialized dealers, and the frequent appearance of their names in the documents of other patrons, as sellers of the types of objects they bought from Clemences estate, confirmed this. That there were sometimes differences in appraised and sales prices led me to investigate the possibility that, remarkably, some of the items were auctioned, making the inventory the first studied example of an auction occurring in France. It also became apparent that many of the queens objects were moving from her private chapel to ecclesiastical settings, suggesting objects could easily move between the lay world and churches. This data- driven approach to studying a large group of objects is key to my analysis. Clemences document is one of only a few surviving inventories from a fourteenth- century French queen, making it invaluable in analyzing medieval art, material culture, and economy. It is exceptional to have both the extensive inventory made after the queens death and the queens testament (appendix 1), which she dictated days before her passing. These records provide us two different descriptions of many objects. We can look into the queens collection and her closet through these detailed documents, which often together reveal where Clemence received individual works of art and where they went upon her death. So we can trace the trajectories of her objects through time and space, which I accomplish using geospatial mapping, another data- based approach to art history. The trails of her cherished works of art reveal her relationships and how she deployed her objects to buttress her endangered identity during the years of her widowhood. I include both the testament and the inventory in the appendixes of this book to allow readers to consider objects in their textual contexts and to make these important documents more accessible and thereby encourage their continued study. Object numbers in parentheses throughout this study refer to the inventory in appendix 2. The days following Clemences death, on October 13, were filled with activity as the inventory was made at the queens Paris residence. The kingdoms foremost jewelers, including Simon de Lille, the goldsmith of Charles IV, were called to appraise the jewels and objets dart that had belonged to the queen. Artists, scribes, and bureaucrats worked for five days, weighing, assessing, and describing Clemences worldly possessions, carefully documenting the queens golden crowns, studded with rubies, emeralds, and pearls. They meticulously measured artworks and textiles, such as one set of tapestries depicting a hunting scene in a forest; and they described dozens of her manuscripts. The group catalogued reliquaries that held pieces of the True Cross, and they counted the sapphires on the queens paternosters. Under orders from the reigning king, Philippe VI, the inventory process then continued at her twelve other estates and properties south of Paris and in Normandy. The inventory reveals more information about how objects changed hands than do most inventories made for medieval kings. For example, the inventory of the belongings of Charles V made in 1363, before he came to the throne, includes the weights and descriptions of objects but not appraised values or information about transfers, because the works of art were to stay in his collection. Clemences inventory is vitally important because it helps us to understand the movement of medieval possessions and the composition of a royal persons collection, in spite of the fact that Clemences objects that have survived represent only a small percentage of those that she originally owned. Works in metal were particularly vulnerable to destruction because their materials were inherently valuable and re- formable as financial emergencies arose and styles changed. Yet joyau, or works of the goldsmith (reliquaries, plate, and jewels), were the centerpieces of a courtly art collection. My analysis of Clemences inventory reveals that more than 55 percent of her net worth was held in works in metal. This inventory provides an understanding of both individual pieces and the composition of the collection as a whole, in addition to the supremacy of the so- called minor arts in the Middle Ages. Clemence de Hongries inventory, written in French, was edited in the nineteenth century and has been used widely in dating the first use of particular objects in Europe and in tracing the provenance for works of art. Now, I bring the document to life, analyzing the group of objects as a whole and the manner in which the queen moved them. Even when the physical jewels, precious sculptures, and textiles are lost to us today, comparison of the descriptions in the inventory and testament with existing works made in early fourteenth- century Paris and Naples allows me to make valuable suggestions about what some of Clemences objects looked like. One can study comparanda much as one might make a reconstruction of a destroyed building based on its footprint, characteristics of neighboring buildings, and historical descriptions of the destroyed building. Particularly useful as comparative examples are objects commissioned by members of the queens family or made by artists who did work for her. Clemences inventory and testament both, for example, describe a special shrine that the queen received from Naples and then gave to her sister (89). Although this shrine does not survive, another made at the same place and time does. That shrine, now in Brno, in the Czech Republic, fits the description and conveys the general characteristics of the important piece that traveled from Naples to Paris and then to Vienne as a gift between women in this royal family; this work of art figures prominently in chapter 7 (see fig. 54). Although the exact characteristics of pieces described are elusive, the appearances of many of Clemences lost possessions may be approximated by considering them as examples of classes of objects. Any discussion of a queens inventory or testament must address how her collecting and giving activities differed from those of contemporary kings and princes. In recent decades, scholars have begun to write about gender within the scope of their different inquiries. In her analysis of gifts given at the New Year at the Valois court, Brigitte Buettner finds that both men and women were giving the same types of objects, but the women had smaller gift- giving budgets. Also, while women did give gifts to men, most of womens gifts were to other women: ladies- in- waiting, washerwomen, seamstresses, and women who cared for children. Women were more likely to be the recipients of gifts from their fathers and husbands than to be the givers of gifts to these men, since the women were dependents of men. This makes sense because men had ready access to the full coffers of their holdings, whereas women received a small portion of these same monies to cover their annual expenses. Anne Stanton examines the differences in subject matter of the books documented in the collections of Isabelle de France and her husband, Edward II of England, and finds that Isabelles library, which aligned with those of her female relatives, consisted largely of French romances and Franciscan service books, while the books documented in her husbands collection often related to law and governance. Marguerite Keane examines gender differences in the testament of Blanche de Navarre. She sees that Blanche gave women more than twice as many books as she gave men and wrote differently about the books she gave to women, particularly emphasizing the importance of books in womens roles as educators of their families. In the case of Clemence, the survival of the inventory of her husband, Louis, who died in 1316, just twelve years before her own death, provides a helpful comparative document, which I analyze throughout this book. Louiss inventory was begun after his death, and the finalized document rendered in 1321, after his belongings had been liquidated to pay his debts and fund his testamentary gifts. Patterns of similarity and difference in the two inventories might relate to gender. Even while considering gender in these inventories, though, I do not see people like Clemence or her husband as passive actors, unwittingly playing out the gendered expectations of their courts. Rather, they acted as individuals with agency and unique personalities and interests in dialogue with their cultures in regard to objects they gathered. Excerpt ends here. By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's top medical body faced a rift on Friday after trainee doctors rejected a deal by its leader to end a two-week-old strike, although the government backed down from reform plans aimed at averting future epidemics. Some of the trainees vowed to continue the walkout by about 16,000 interns and resident doctors to oppose the government measures, such as increasing the number of doctors and building public medical schools, among others. The strike has hindered efforts to damp a new wave of coronavirus infections, with 198 new cases on Thursday taking the nation's tally to 20,842, with 331 deaths, while a surge in critical cases led to a dearth of hospital beds. The government says its initiative could help tackle similar crises in future, but the doctors say it would merely swell their numbers in cities, without improving medical services and work conditions in rural provinces. Lim Hyun-taek, a senior official of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), said he had filed a non-confidence motion against its president, Choi Dae-zip, who signed the pact, for not holding sufficient consultations with members. "We were not informed of the agreement at all," said Park Ji-hyun, the head of the Korean Intern Resident Association, adding that the deal fell short of its demands. In a statement, a third group of doctors affiliated to the KMA demanded Choi's resignation. Telephone calls to the association to seek comment went unanswered, but earlier Choi said his decision was not unilateral. Dozens of trainees, some wearing surgical gowns, protested at a parliament building, waving banners condemning the "hasty agreement". Choi had urged the trainees to return to work after he signed the deal with Health Minister Park Neung-hoo to end the strike. "Our shared goals of improving work conditions and building a reasonable medical system cannot be achieved by a strike alone," Choi said in a statement. Story continues Park said the government would halt the proposed reforms and discuss them again with the healthcare industry and parliament once the virus outbreak had stabilised. South Korea has ordered another week of social distancing curbs for the region around the capital, Seoul, until Sept. 13, although Thursday's daily caseload fell below 200 for the first time in more than two weeks. Park said tougher social distancing rules imposed last week needed more time to show results, adding that bakery and ice cream franchises must adopt on-site dining curbs from Sunday. (Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus: open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser.) (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Stephen Coates and Clarence Fernandez) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept.4 Trend: Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, who is on a working visit to Russia, has attended a regular meeting of the Defense Ministers of the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held on September 4, Trend reports. Hasanov informed the meeting participants in his speech that the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been going on for many years, as a result of which over a million Azerbaijanis have become refugees and displaced persons. The minister stressed that the fact of the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan by a CIS member state contradicts the norms and principles of international law, including that of CIS. He pointed out that the large-scale provocation committed by Armenia in the direction of the Tovuz district of the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border in July of this year has posed a threat to the regional security. Hasanov also stated that official Yerevan seeks to damage relations between Azerbaijan and the CIS member states. At the end of the meeting, a joint statement was signed in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the end of World War II. The defense ministers who signed the statement, expressing their attitude on several issues, reaffirmed their adherence to the goals and principles of the UN, the accepted norms of international law, in particular, the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Trump presides at a signing ceremony with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, seated left, and Kosovar Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, seated right, in the Oval Office on Friday. (Associated Press) Leaders of Serbia and Kosovo visited the White House on Friday to sign a limited economic agreement that U.S. officials hope will begin a process of establishing full diplomatic relations between the once-warring neighbors. But while President Trump called the deal "historic," the modest two-page agreement, a copy of which was made available to The Times, mostly restated several still unfulfilled pledges to open rail, highway and limited air traffic between the two countries. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti sat briefly with Trump in the Oval Office. The U.S. is also a party to the pact. "This is full economic normalization for all that the two parties can bring together," Richard Grenell, U.S. special envoy to region, told reporters in a later briefing. But one of the biggest issues -- Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo was not dealt with except to establish a yearlong "freeze" on the matter. Serbia's president on Friday was keen to reject any notion that his Oval Office meeting meant he was recognizing his neighbor to the south. "We have made a bilateral agreement with the United States, not with Kosovo," Vucic told the Serbian press later Friday. Kosovo, a largely Muslim, ethnic-Albanian former part of Yugoslavia, broke away from Serbia and declared its independence in 2008. That came nearly a decade after NATO bombed Serbian positions to end its war with Kosovo, which killed 13,000 people. Kosovo had considerable international backing by nations that regarded Serbia as the aggressor, and its independence was quickly recognized by the United States and much of Europe. Serbia, however, and its backer, Russia, did not. To this day, Russia has blocked Kosovo's entry into the United Nations. U.S. policy has continued to support Kosovo, arguably the most pro-U.S. country in Europe, in part as a bulwark against Russia. But the Trump administration, with Grenell as the president's special envoy, has urged Kosovo and Serbia to put aside their political differences and agree on commerce and trade issues. Story continues Experts, including many former U.S. officials who spent years working in the Balkans, say avoiding the politics is unrealistic because even basic bilateral trade cannot be easily conducted if one country does not recognize the other. The strategy echoes Trump policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump's "peace vision" for that region called on Palestinians to delay their political aspirations to statehood in exchange for financial rewards something the Palestinians roundly rejected. "Trump has not shown an iota of interest in the Balkans," said Daniel Serwer, a scholar at the think tank Middle East Institute who served in the 1990s as a senior U.S. diplomat and envoy to parts of the former Yugoslavia as it fragmented into countries including Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia. "But he is delighted to take credit for something where he can say no one has ever thought of it before." As a foreign policy triumph, Serwer added, "this will be a pretty hard one to sell." Trump congratulated himself in the Oval Office meeting for what he called forging peace between Serbia and Kosovo. After a violent and tragic history and years of failed negotiations, my administration proposed a new way of bridging the divide," Trump said. "By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a major breakthrough." President Clinton was an instrumental broker for peace in the Balkan region. He urged NATO intervention, both to stop the war in Bosnia in 1995 and the one in Kosovo that followed, in both cases acting against Serbia. Grenell criticized emphasis on issues such as diplomatic normalization as the "typical, same old stuck political dialogue." Grenell was the Trump administration's ambassador to Germany, where he alienated the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel with a brash style and was criticized for appearing to support right-wing nationalist political organizations there and elsewhere in Europe. Grenell briefly served as Trump's acting director of national intelligence, and now continues only as special envoy to Serbia and Kosovo. The main beneficiary of Friday's deal appeared to be Israel. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner announced that Kosovo agreed to recognize Israel, and Serbia agreed to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Kushner portrayed Kosovo's decision as a victory in getting Muslim-majority countries to recognize Israel. Last month, Trump announced a possible deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which could become only the third Arab nation to recognize Israel. Technavio has been monitoring the automated security e-gate market and it is poised to grow by 1.63 bn during 2020-2024, decelerating at a CAGR of over 20% 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/20200903005166/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automated Security E-gate Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. Technavio's in-depth research has all your needs covered as our research reports include all foreseeable market scenarios, including pre- post-COVID-19 analysis. Download a Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts Frequently Asked Questions: What are the major trends in the market? Integrated approach to airport security is a major trend driving the growth of the market. Integrated approach to airport security is a major trend driving the growth of the market. At what rate is the market projected to grow? The year-over-year growth for 2020 is estimated at 25.53% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be 1.63 billion. The year-over-year growth for 2020 is estimated at 25.53% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be 1.63 billion. Who are the top players in the market? Atos SE, Gunnebo AB, HID Global Corp., IDEMIA France SAS, Josanti Infoimaging Ltd., NEC Corp., OSI Systems Inc., SITA, Thales Group, and VISION BOX SOLUCOES DE VISAO POR COMPUTADOR SA, are some of the major market participants. Atos SE, Gunnebo AB, HID Global Corp., IDEMIA France SAS, Josanti Infoimaging Ltd., NEC Corp., OSI Systems Inc., SITA, Thales Group, and VISION BOX SOLUCOES DE VISAO POR COMPUTADOR SA, are some of the major market participants. What are the key market drivers and challenges? The developments in biometric technology is one of the major factors driving the market. The developments in biometric technology is one of the major factors driving the market. How big is the Europe market? The Europe region will contribute 36% of the market share. The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will decelerate during the forecast period. Atos SE, Gunnebo AB, HID Global Corp., IDEMIA France SAS, Josanti Infoimaging Ltd., NEC Corp., OSI Systems Inc., SITA, Thales Group, and VISION BOX SOLUCOES DE VISAO POR COMPUTADOR SA are some of the major market participants. The developments in biometric technology will offer immense growth opportunities. To make most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing 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. Automated Security E-gate Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Automated Security E-gate Market is segmented as below: Application Critical Infrastructure Protection Border Control 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=IRTNTR43904 Automated Security E-gate 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. The automated security e-gate market report covers the following areas: Automated Security E-gate Market Size Automated Security E-gate Market Trends Automated Security E-gate Market Industry Analysis This study identifies the integrated approach to airport security as one of the prime reasons driving the automated security E-gate market growth during the next few years. Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Automated Security E-gate Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist automated security e-gate market growth during the next five years Estimation of the automated security e-gate market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the automated security e-gate market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of automated security e-gate 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 Critical infrastructure protection Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Border control Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Customer landscape Geographic Landscape 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 Demand led growth Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Atos SE Gunnebo AB HID Global Corp. IDEMIA France SAS Josanti Infoimaging Ltd. NEC Corp. OSI Systems Inc. SITA Thales Group VISION BOX SOLUCOES DE VISAO POR COMPUTADOR 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 focuses 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/20200903005166/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 Delhi Police is trying to falsely implicate" people in its probe into the February riots while the real conspiracy is different from what is being propagated, social activists alleged on Friday. They were speaking during an online briefing convened by former JNU student leader Umar Khalid, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav, student activist Kawalpreet Kaur, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand and activist and author Harsh Mander. Later, over 1,000 citizens from all walks of life including, filmmaker Aparna Sen, former culture secretary Jawahar Sircar, historian Ramchandra Guha, former chairperson, Delhi Minority Commission Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, former governor Margaret Alva and others also issued a statement, objecting to the manner in which the Delhi Police has been conducting the probe into the riots cases". Citing strong evidence of coerced confessional statements and manufactured evidence", the signatories have sought assurances from the Delhi Police that these"practices will be stopped" and urged the force to conduct a fair and impartial investigation to book the real culprits of the riots." Stop coercing confessional statements to manufacture evidence and stop falsely implicating people, including Umar Khalid. Stop wrongly invoking UAPA to give the colour of conspiracy against the state," they said. Communal violence broke out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after citizenship law supporters and protesters clashed with each other, leaving 53 people dead and hundreds injured. In the online briefing, Mander, whose name also figures in some of the charge sheets filed by the Delhi Police in the riots, said, Delhi police believes that there was a conspiracy behind the Delhi riots. We agree. But the real conspiracy is very different one from the one Delhi police is propagating." He said there was a build-up to an atmosphere of hate during the Delhi elections when senior political leaders made hate speeches targeting anti CAA-NRC protesters. Former student leader Umar Khalid, who was booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a case related to the riots, asked the Delhi Police why no action was taken against those leaders who gave hate speeches. Yadav also asked 11 questions in the briefing, some of which pertained to the two firing incidents that took place at Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh and the hate speeches given by leaders. During the violence, multiple videos emerged of people associated with the ruling dispensation openly inciting and participating in the violence and carnage. In one such video, which was streamed live on Facebook from Maujpur, a woman is seen openly asking people to kill or die, he said. He also asked whether the Delhi Police has ordered any probe to several accounts where their personnel allegedly were complicit in the violence, directing mobs pelting stones or looking the other way when mobs were indulging in violence in front of them." Many of those already arrested were initially in different FIRs. It was only after they secured bail in the cases for which they were initially arrested, that the police implicated them in the conspiracy case under UAPA. Is this a ploy to keep protestors in jail for longer periods," he asked. In its latest line of questioning, the Delhi Police has been grilling people about conversations in some WhatsApp groups with hundreds of their members, he said. Isnt it ridiculous to believe that riots of this scale were conspired for several weeks on WhatsApp groups with hundreds of people and the police never got to know about them? Or are the police pursuing this line of argument in order to safeguard real culprits?," he asked. Raising these questions, Yadav said, Is the Delhi Police inquiring into a conspiracy or is the investigation itself a conspiracy." Kawalpreet Kaur, Delhi unit president of All India Students Association said there is an attempt to scare" students and asked all of them to remain united and refuse to be scared or silenced." Today students are being forced to give exams during pandemic, and the student movement is exposing unemployment and recruitment scams that the government wants to divert attention," she said. Controversial social commentator and men's rights activist Bettina Arndt and former Sydney Morning Herald columnist Mike Carlton will keep their spots among the Order of Australia after the organising body rejected calls for their expulsion. The Council for the Order of Australia decided only legal findings against a person were enough to show someone had brought it into disrepute, a key basis for removal, and that had not happened to Ms Arndt or Mr Carlton. Bettina Arndt's comments about domestic violence were widely condemned. Credit:Joshua Morris "In a system that recognises the service of hundreds of people each year, it is inevitable that each list will include some people who others believe should not be recognised," council chairman Shane Stone said in a statement. Politicians across the political spectrum had called for the decision this year to admit Ms Arndt as a Member of the Order of Australia be overturned because of her remarks about paedophilia and family violence. If you want to know who really controls StorageVault Canada Inc. (CVE:SVI), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. Generally speaking, as a company grows, institutions will increase their ownership. Conversely, insiders often decrease their ownership over time. Companies that used to be publicly owned tend to have lower insider ownership. StorageVault Canada has a market capitalization of CA$1.1b, so we would expect some institutional investors to have noticed the stock. In the chart below, we can see that institutional investors have bought into the company. We can zoom in on the different ownership groups, to learn more about StorageVault Canada. See our latest analysis for StorageVault Canada What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About StorageVault Canada? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in StorageVault Canada. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of StorageVault Canada, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. StorageVault Canada is not owned by hedge funds. Access Self Storage Inc. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 36% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 2.7% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 2.2% by the third-largest shareholder. Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 50% of the ownership is controlled by the top 15 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership. Story continues Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future. Insider Ownership Of StorageVault Canada While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. I can report that insiders do own shares in StorageVault Canada Inc.. It has a market capitalization of just CA$1.1b, and insiders have CA$12m worth of shares, in their own names. Some would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. But it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership With a 45% ownership, the general public have some degree of sway over StorageVault Canada. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Private Company Ownership Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 37%, of the company's shares. It's hard to draw any conclusions from this fact alone, so its worth looking into who owns those private companies. Sometimes insiders or other related parties have an interest in shares in a public company through a separate private company. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for StorageVault Canada you should know about. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. 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. Central govt agencies condemn some troublemakers in HK for politicizing mainland aid in COVID-19 fight Global Times Source: Global Times Published: 2020/8/30 21:09:14 Upon facing defamation on the mainland's aid to help the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) combat the COVID-19 epidemic from a number of troublemakers with ulterior motives, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central Government in HKSAR and the HKSAR government issued statements on Sunday, condemning them for being vicious with no regard for the safety and health of Hong Kong residents. A spokesperson from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office slammed those anti-China troublemakers who defamed the mainland's aid to the city to combat the COVID-19, warning that such actions are malicious. The spokesman said the central government is highly concerned about the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong. At the request of the HKSAR government, the central government has dispatched medical teams from the mainland to Hong Kong to support the fight against the epidemic, including sending nucleic acid testing teams to the city to help carry out universal community testing, help build community treatment facilities and build temporary hospitals, and bear the relevant costs. These measures show the central government's care for Hong Kong and the virtue of the people of the motherland and Hong Kong compatriots in helping each other. They are welcomed by the Hong Kong residents and hailed as a timely measure to help Hong Kong control the epidemic. More than 6,000 Hong Kong medical workers have signed up to help with the test. However, recently, a small number of people made unfounded denigrations of the qualifications of the mainland support teams' experts, the quality of their reagents and the safety of their laboratories. They also poured "dirty water" over citywide community testing, calling it a way of a "under-table operation." Some people were found to have violated the policy of limiting gatherings while harassing members of the mainland nucleic acid testing advance team. Some controlled district councils and obstructed the implementation of the community testing and the Hong Kong version of the health code. The troublemakers have politicized the measures taken by the mainland to help Hong Kong fight the epidemic and played a game of "political manipulation." Their purpose is to take every opportunity to undermine the prestige of the HKSAR government's governance, damage the image of the central government, discredit the the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and sow discord among the Hong Kong people toward the motherland, the spokesperson said. "We strongly support the HKSAR's law enforcement and judicial organs to punish those criminals who spread rumors and impede the fight against the epidemic according to law," the spokesperson said. The Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong also issued a statement, condemning a small number of troublemakers with ulterior motives in Hong Kong who created and spread malicious rumors to denigrate the mainland's aid and measures that help the city combat the epidemic. "Their despicable acts will only expose their cold blood and ugly acts. We believe that the public can tell right from wrong and will not be misled by their vicious deeds," the office's spokesperson said. Following a statement on Saturday in which the HKSAR government explained that the goal of the Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) is to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the community so as to cut the transmission chain, it once again issued a statement on Sunday, calling for the public to join in and use their concrete actions to show that the community is united in fighting the epidemic. The HKSAR government spokesperson stressed that community testing is safe, convenient, fast and fully protects individual privacy. Infection control and social distancing measures are implemented in 141 community testing centers. All personal data, including test samples and test results, will only be used for testing purposes in Hong Kong. The HKSAR government takes great care in handling the personal data of members of the public and will not provide any personal data to overseas organizations or persons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Even with back-to-school right around the long-weekend corner, Rhonda Hinther still isn't sure whether she'll send her son to class or try to help him follow his curriculum from home and she's not alone. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Even with back-to-school right around the long-weekend corner, Rhonda Hinther still isn't sure whether she'll send her son to class or try to help him follow his curriculum from home and she's not alone. A majority of parents across the province are worried about Manitoba's back-to-school plan and worry the risks of virus transmission will increase as kids return to the classroom, a new poll from Leger and the Free Press found. "Parents are absolutely concerned; theyre worried about the lack of physical distancing in the classroom, they're worried about class-size numbers, they're worried about their teachers, school staff getting sick and how that's going to be handled," Hinther said in an interview Thursday. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Rhonda Hinther: "Parents are absolutely concerned." "It's really just a very difficult and frightening time for teachers, for students, for parents, for extended family, for community members who are really worried about what the fallout is going to be." According to data from Leger's online poll, which received responses from more than 200 parents, 70 per cent of Manitoba parents are worried about their kids going back to school next week. Households with higher incomes tend to report being less worried about sending their children to school. Of the families with incomes under $60,000, 83 per cent were worried about sending their children back to school compared to 65 per cent of parents with household incomes over $60,000. The differences are split regionally, too; parents in Winnipeg tend to be more worried about the return to school with 79 per cent saying they feel worried compared to 59 per cent in the rest of Manitoba. Andrew Enns, Leger executive vice-president, said that number has been rising. When the same question was posed in mid-July to a national audience, the percentage of worried parents was in the low 60 per cent range, Enns said Thursday. Methodology Click to Expand The Leger poll, exclusive to the Free Press, surveyed 800 Manitobans aged 18 and older between Aug. 26 and Sept. 1. Of those 800 respondents, 224 are parents with school-aged children. As a non-probability internet survey, no margin of error is available. In Hinther's mind, the province's delay in producing an adaptable plan for students and families has contributed to sentiments of both worry and anger among Manitoba's parents. "Theyre very angry with this government, that they're not following the fundamentals, that they had five months to get their act together on a plan that would push back against the spread of COVID and they haven't," Hinther said. "You don't mess with people's children. You dont put peoples children in harm's way." Poll data found Manitobans are split on their feelings towards the government's handling of the situation 46 per cent think it has been sufficient, while 40 per cent think the province has done a poor job navigating the return to school. More than half, however, are concerned the return to school will increase the risk of infection. "We want this to be over, and we certainly dont want to have our kids catch COVID at school and spread that to the school community, further spread it at home," Hinther said. Despite the simmering concern, Leger's data found most parents will send children back to the school. Nearly two-thirds of parents report planning to send their kids, higher among high school and middle school parents, while 17 per cent said they would be keeping their kids at home and another 20 per cent, like Hinther, still arent sure. A contributing factor in that decision for many parents is the lack of options presented for at-home learning, she said. Some families may want online learning while others, especially those without reliable access to internet or digital devices, might prefer workbooks or other tools to help teach kids at home, she suggested. In order to accomodate different forms of in-person, remote and online learning, Hinther said the government needs to hire more educators so teachers aren't overwhelmed. According to Leger data, 78 per cent of parents want the option to keep their kids home for remote learning and three-quarters want classes to be suspended and shifted to at-home learning if virus cases begin to spike in the community. With all the uncertainty around remote and in-person learning, however, Manitoba's parents are feeling the impacts on their own careers. More than half of parents reported their own back-to-work plans have been negatively impacted by the back-to-school uncertainty. "So many of us are fearing that even if we did send our kids and we were able to manage our back-to-work plan, that in two weeks because of this plan the schools could be shut down or our kids could be sick or we're going to have to self-isolate because folks are being exposed," said Hinther. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "There's just too many unknowns in this and it's frightening and its frustrating and its creating unnecessary anxiety." On Thursday afternoon Hinther, along with Safe September MB, delivered a petition to Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen outlining eight demands for the government to provide a safe and equitable return to school. Parents are asking for smaller class sizes, better remote learning options, mandatory distancing, mask use and hand-washing and access to ventilation or filtration in school buildings. There were no problems delivering the petition, Hinther said, but she still isn't convinced the government is listening. julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @jsrutgers The Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) say final year students of Senior High Schools (SHS) could go home on Friday, September 4th after completing their West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination. They said the students, who reported to school on June 22nd, had gone through their programmes successfully and were due to complete their examinations and return home. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, Director General, GES and Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director -General, GHS. The statement said students from schools that had recorded a positive case but had no new positive case within the last two weeks could vacate and go home. It said schools that recorded positive cases within the last two weeks however, would have their vacation delayed for assessment and observation, and that parents of such students would be notified. The statement urged the students to continue to abide by the COVID-19 safety protocols at home and serve as role models for their peers. It commended the Management and Staff of GES and GHS for the commitment, dedication and sacrifices in the interest of the students. 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 Jacob Blake appeared in Wisconsin criminal court via teleconference from his hospital bed this afternoon and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault, stemming from an incident that predated his shooting. The 29-year-old, who was paralyzed from the waist down after being shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on August 23, appeared in good spirits as he reclined on the bed at Froedtert Hospital wearing a light-blue dress shirt and a yellow tie. Appearing via Zoom, Blake raised his hand to greet Loren Keating, a Kenosha County judicial court commissioner. Jacob Blake is seen publicly for the first time since his shooting during a plea hearing from his hospital bed. Blake, who is partially paralyzed, raised his hand to greet the presiding official Blake pleaded not guilty to third-degree sexual assault, misdemeanor trespassing and disorderly conduct Blake waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to counts of third-degree sexual assault, misdemeanor trespassing and disorderly conduct. His lawyer Patrick Cafferty, sitting in a chair beside him, noted that Blake had been working as a painter and that he had no prior criminal record or convictions in any state. Keating explained his rights to Blake and bound him over for trial. Jury selection is expected to get under way in that case on November 9. Blake did not speak during the appearance beyond uttering, 'Yes, sir,' in response to the commissioner's questions concerning his understanding of the proceedings. Blake's court appearance on Friday marked the first time that he was seen by the public since cellphone video showed him being shot by Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey during an attempt to serve him with a warrant related to an assault on his ex-girlfriend that was reported in July. The woman, who is the mother of three of Blake's children, told police that he broke into her home on May 3 and sexually assaulted her before stealing her truck and debit card. Loren Keating, a Kenosha County judicial court commissioner (top left), bounded Blake over for trial in the domestic violence case The Kenosha County District Attorney's Office said that at the time of the police shooting Blake was wanted for the three charges to which he pleaded not guilty today. 'The state recognizes that these are serious charges but also that the defendant has serious injuries and he's recovering at the hospital,' said Zeke Wiedenfeld, a prosecutor. The shooting, which was witnessed by Blake's girlfriend and three children, sparked days of violent protests that made Wisconsin the epicenter of the nation's ongoing debate over police violence and racial injustice. Over three days, dozens of fires were set and some Kenosha businesses destroyed. On August 25, prosecutors say a 17-year-old from Illinois shot and killed two demonstrators. His attorneys say the teenager, who was patrolling the streets with a rifle, was acting in self-defense. Earlier today, Blake's father, Jacob Blake Sr, said his 'happy-go-lucky' son is optimistic for his future. The younger Blake was released from intensive care this week and 'is doing a little bit better,' his father said. Still, 'from the waist down, no movement,' Blake Sr. said. 'He can't move.' On Thursday, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden met with Blake Sr and other family members for an hour on his visit to Kenosha. Jacob Blake spoke to Biden by phone from the hospital. Officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, were trying to serve Blake with an arrest warrant stemming from a domestic incident when a confrontation occurred and he was shot in the back President Donald Trump traveled to Kenosha on Tuesday. He thanked law enforcement for their efforts in quelling violence and met with people whose businesses were destroyed in fires, but he did not meet with Blake's family. Blake Sr. said Trump made clear he has no interest in his family. He said meeting with Biden and his wife was like speaking with an uncle and aunt. 'He came in that room with sympathy, empathy, a caring nature,' Blake Sr. said. 'It was not an interview, it was not a political thing.' The Blake family told Biden that they want all police to be required to have body cameras, something the Kenosha officers did not have. Blake Sr. said the family also told the former vice president they want police trained in de-escalation techniques. And they want the officer who shot Blake to be fired. Jacob's father, Jacob Blake Sr, pictured above attending the 2020 March on Washington last week, said on Friday his son is optimistic about his future All three officers present when Blake was shot are on administrative leave during the investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The state agency said police were sent to the scene after a woman reported her boyfriend was present and wasn't supposed to be on the premises. Blake's attorney Ben Crump has said that Blake was trying to break up a domestic dispute. The Justice Department has said a knife was recovered from an SUV he was leaning into when he was shot, but has not said whether he was holding it when officers tried to arrest him. The man who made widely seen cellphone video of the shooting, 22-year-old Raysean White, said he saw Blake scuffling with three officers and heard them yell, "Drop the knife! Drop the knife!" before gunfire erupted. He said he didnt see a knife in Blakes hands. Joe Biden met with community leaders Thursday at the Grace Lutheren Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, after talking to shooting victim Jacob Blake by phone during a Milwaukee meeting with family members President Donald Trump visited Kenosha on Tuesday after Democratic leaders told him not to come. He toured wreckage from the riots that broke out after Blake's shooting and held a roundtable event with law enforcement and other community leaders The Kenosha police union said Blake had the knife and refused orders to drop it. Blake fought with police, including putting one officer in a headlock, the union said. Police twice used a Taser, which did not stop Blake. Blake Sr. said that two hours before the shooting, he spoke with his son and a grandson who was celebrating a birthday. That child, along with two of Blakes other children, were in the SUV when he was shot. Blake Sr. said he has not talked with his son about what happened just prior to the shooting. 'There's nothing that my son did that justifies getting shot seven times in his back,' Blake Sr. said. 'Nothing.' Two dhabas in Haryanas Murthal were sealed on Thursday after their 75 workers tested positive for Covid-19, a senior official said. According to Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Shyam Lal Poonia, majority 65 workers tested positive at the Amrik-Sukhdev dhaba. Ten workers belonged to the other dhaba, he told PTI over the phone. Both dhabas are located in Sonipats Murthal and nearly 50 km away from Delhi. The DC said both dhabas have been sealed till further orders and efforts are on to trace as many contacts as possible of the positive cases. The DC said the district administration has ordered to sanitise the eateries. Murthal is famous for its eateries and is often thronged by people travelling on the Delhi-Ambala national highway. Many people from Delhi also visit Murthal as a getaway destination as the place has many famous dhabas. The DC said the Sonipat district administration has been running a special drive for the sampling of workers at the dhabas and it was during this process that these cases were detected. In view of the coronavirus pandemic, he said the district administration keeps carrying routine checks at dhabas to ensure that they follow all norms and guidelines, including those pertaining to social distancing. Haryana on Thursday reported its highest single-day spike of 1,881 coronavirus cases with 19 fatalities. Sonipat district reported 190 coronavirus cases, according to a state Health Department bulletin. As per the bulletin, Sonipat, which so far has reported 4,747 cases with 41 fatalities, is the third worst-hit district after Faridabad and Gurgaon. The riverbeds of the once bountiful Jordan River were dry when I visited them in January, a symbol of how the rich resources of the Jordan Valley have been taken from its Palestinian inhabitants. The valley, part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, is one of the areas marked for annexation by Israel under the peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump in January, a proposal that generated criticism internationally and from former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd. When Israel announced on August 13 that it would "suspend" annexation as part of a normalisation of relations with the United Arab Emirates, the UAE portrayed the move as a step towards peace and protection for Palestinians. For Palestinian farmers in the Jordan Valley such as Rashed Khudairi, such grand words and agreements do little to change the harsh reality. For millions of newly unemployed people, the pandemic is a time of financial hardship. Others, apparently, can still afford to drop $850 to eat caviar at the French Laundry. On Wednesday, Thomas Kellers luxurious Yountville restaurant announced the return of indoor dining: Parties of two to eight people can reserve a "fully immersive and privatized experience" inside one of the restaurant's three dining rooms for a whopping $850 per person. Just three tables are available at one time. What's on the menu? Well, about what you'd expect for a meal that costs nearly a grand: a bottle of 2006 Dom Perignon, truffles, Regiis Ova caviar, foie gras, wagyu beef and extended canapes and dessert service. New Jerseys second-largest police union joined every other Fraternal Order of Police group in the country to endorse President Donald Trump for re-election Friday. Trump had stood with officers during recent months of protests, said Robert Fox, president of the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police. He has our back, and we have his, Fox told NJ Advance Media. The national organization also supported Trump in 2016, and Fridays announcement came weeks after New Jerseys largest union, the state Policemens Benevolent Association, supported Trump in a rare presidential endorsement. The two represent most of New Jerseys approximately 38,000 full-time officers. While a few Fraternal Order of Police lodges in New Jersey did not vote, about 84% of those that did weigh in supported the Republican president, Fox said. About 4% supported Democratic challenger Joe Biden. National President Patrick Yoes said both candidates responded to a questionnaire, but Trump was best suited to keeping our communities and families safe. Our members know that he listens to the concerns of our brothers and sisters in uniform and is able to make tough decisions on the issues most important to law enforcement, Yoes said in a statement. Trump thanked the union on Twitter. A GREAT HONOR, he wrote Friday. A GREAT HONOR, THANK YOU! https://t.co/SYM0wk5cqn Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 A request for comment sent to Bidens campaign was not immediately returned. New Jerseys union will endorse local Congressional candidates later in the month. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Opinion | GoT and the GST face-off The government should abide by a principle even the malevolent Lannisters of 'Game Of Thrones' live bythey always pay their debts During months of the pandemic spent homebound, I have refreshed my memory of many favourite movies, and of one series that concluded its eight-year run in 2019, Game Of Thrones. My GoT watch ended last week, leaving me with a deeper understanding of characters, motives and plotlines while reaffirming the feeling, shared with a majority of fans, that the show faltered mid-way through its penultimate season and bungled its last bow. advertisement advertisement For those unfamiliar with what was for years the biggest event on television, Game Of Thrones is set in a pseudo-medieval fantasy world where members of four houses, the Baratheons, Lannisters, Starks and Targaryens, fight to rule a continent called Westeros. The Lannisters tend to lack scruples, while the Starks are an honourable bunch. After the shocking decapitation of the virtuous Ned Stark, the first seasons lead character, his son Jon Snow gradually becomes the shows ethical anchor. The lone principle the Lannisters live by is that they always pay their debts. This motto has a sinister undertone, being a promise of revenge as well as a financial guarantee, but even the worst of the Lannisters never reneges on a promised monetary reward or reimbursement. They all understand that a single lapse could precipitate a destruction of trust in their word and restrict their ability to buy, bribe and cajole their way out of sticky situations in the future. They pay their debts even though the gold mines that sustained their tremendous wealth have run dry. advertisement advertisement Jon Snow has a broader understanding of the importance of keeping ones word. At the end of season 7, Cersei Lannister, who is queen of the realm and growing more villainous by the day, agrees to a truce with her adversary Daenerys Targaryen so that they can fight a common enemy, a zombie army that is attacking from the far north. Her precondition is that Jon Snow keep his troops neutral once the battle against the dead is won and the war between the living resumes. I know Ned Starks son will be true to his word, Cersei sneers while making her offer. advertisement advertisement Jon Snow is desperate for a ceasefire but refuses to accept Cerseis deal, having bound himself to the Targaryen side already. To those wanting him to dissemble, he says: I am not going to swear an oath I cant uphold. When enough people make false promises, words stop meaning anything. Then there are no more answers, only better and better lies. It is an unusual moment of eloquence for a man who prefers action to speech. Politicians go back on their word as a matter of habit but often fail to gauge accurately the cost of doing so. One of the most successful and stable alliances between a national and a regional party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena partnership in Maharashtra, foundered because, in the telling of the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis refused to honour an agreement to share power equally after the state election last year. Thackeray is now chief minister of Maharashtra in an unlikely coalition with the Nationalist Congress Party and Indian National Congress. advertisement advertisement Commitments given in public by governments are held to a higher standard than oaths made by individual politicians in private, which is why the Union governments decision to withhold taxes owed to states comes as a shock. The roll-out of a national goods and services tax required states to renounce much of their power to charge duties and tariffs, something they were loath to do. To allay concerns, the then finance minister, Arun Jaitley made them an offer they could not refuse. He guaranteed states a 14% annual growth of tax revenues for five years, with any shortfall in collections being made up through a compensation cess on products like coal, colas, cars and cigarettes. advertisement advertisement The feared shortfall did occur, partly because Indias economic growth slowed considerably and also because the administration reduced rates on a number of products to placate trade lobbies. By the middle of 2019, the Union governments payments to states began to be delayed, straining their finances. Then the covid-related lockdown of 2020 sent the economy plummeting from slow growth into contraction. The 14% revenue increase promised to states looks absurd in the context of the potential negative growth in annual GDP of 5% or more. Yet the promise must be kept, for one nation, one tax would not have been actualized in its absence. Sadly, the Centre claims that the GST shortfall attributable to covid-19 is not its responsibility because the pandemic is, in Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharamans view, an act of God. The administration has asked states to take loans to cover the arrears. advertisement advertisement In effect, the Union government is invoking an imaginary force majeure clause of the sort inserted into contracts between private parties to remove liability in case of unforeseeable catastrophes. But a government is not a private firm. It is precisely during unforeseeable catastrophes that it is most needed. Would any Central government in the world use the act of God excuse to avoid helping out states after a cyclone or earthquake? The Union government is much better placed than states to shoulder the burden of the covid-related recession. It can borrow at lower rates and print its own money when required. Rather than being fixated on a headline budget deficit number, it should be primarily concerned about boosting the economy, as countries around the world are doing. If it covers its obligations to states, salaries pending to their employees can be cleared, as can payments to contractors on infrastructure projects currently held up. Putting money in the hands of workers in this fashion will spur demand and speed up the recovery. advertisement advertisement It will also bolster trust in the word of the government, which is crucial since legal remedy is so difficult to obtain in India. One does not expect an administration to be as upstanding as Ned Stark and Jon Snow. A certain degree of deviousness is almost impossible to avoid in governance. But surely we can expect our government to abide by a principle that even the Lannisters uphold and always pay its debts. Girish Shahane writes on politics, history and art. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Opposition leader Siddaramaiah slammed the State and central governments on Thursday for the economic challenges the people are facing. The Centre attributing revenue loss to GST implementation and the global pandemic was incorrect, he said, saying that policy issues are also responsible for the current state of economic affairs. The Centre cannot cite an act of God to avoid paying GST dues, Siddaramaiah said. He criticised Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, saying he lacks the courage to fight injustice, and instead, has compromised and accepted the Rs 97,000-crore formula. Does this mean he is willing to forego the additional fund gap, which is pictured as loss due to the pandemic, and betray Kannadigas? the former Chief Minister asked. He said the Narendra Modi government should raise loans to compensate the GST gap and honour its commitment to the states. Meanwhile, Indian Youth Congress national president B V Srinivas said the Congress would hit the roads with protests against unemployment. They would seek jobs before the houses of ministers and parliamentarians, he said, adding that many young people are resorting to suicide because they have no jobs. Pointing out that over 60 per cent of the youth are unemployed, he warned that a national protest would begin from Karnataka, to give jobs to people. A day after filing the complaint, the Trump campaign and the Republican organizations asked that the case move forward quickly to give the parties time to exhaust all avenues of appeal before ballots are mailed on Oct. 9. They asked that the state be given eight days instead of 14 to respond. "Plaintiffs are not entitled to truncate Governor Bullock's opportunity to respond to their motion ... simply because they chose to wait nearly a month ... to take action," the state argued. Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, a Republican who is also named in the voting lawsuit, has agreed to the expedited briefing schedule, the Trump campaign said in its reply to the governor's response. "Rather than attempt to defend his directive on the merits, the governor seeks to prevent it from being litigated by opposing a motion to expedite that is commonplace in election cases like this one," the plaintiffs wrote in response Friday afternoon. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rev. Vincent Capodanno served both his country and as a member of the clergy. On Sept. 4, 1967 -- 53 years ago -- he died in action while ministering to wounded Marines on the battlefield during the Vietnam War. Father Capodanno spent time as a Maryknoll Missionary, a Catholic priest and U.S. Navy Chaplain. Born on Feb. 13, 1929, on Staten Island, he was ordained a priest on June 14, 1958. Father Capodanno participated in seven combat operations. He lost his life at age 38 while administering last rites to a dying Marine. Although he was wearing a collar and was already injured his hand was nearly severed and his face wounded he continued on his mission to console and administer last rites. A monument at Fort Wadsworth honors Father Capodanno. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez).Staff-Shot Father Capodanno, also known as the grunt padre, was shot 27 times in the back, neck and head on the battlefield in Que Son Valley. He was with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, during Operation Swift, a search-and-destroy mission. He received the Medal of Honor for his valor in the Marine Corps during some of the most harrowing battles of the Vietnam War. On July 4, 1974, Seaside Boulevard on the East Shore was renamed for the Staten Island priest, whose family hailed from Mariners Harbor and Elm Park. Father Capodanno says Mass for Marines at Muo Douc, Vietnam, on Sept. 11, 1966. For his courage, fearlessness and heroism, an active effort to have him proclaimed a saint is under way. Hes already been declared a Servant of God, the first step on the path that leads to sainthood. WHATS NEXT? According to the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild newsletter, in 2019, a miracle had been attributed to Father Capodanno, after a year-long investigation. The miracle was brought to the Diocese of Palm Beachs attention in August 2018, with information detailing the healing of a local woman who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and had fought a long battle with the disease since the mid-2000s. The woman had adopted a strong devotion to Father Capodanno. After hearing of the priests story, the woman prayed for his intercession in healing throughout her illness. In 2017, her latest MRI showed that the lesions in her brain were gone. She attributes this miraculous healing to the intercession of Father Capodanno. The Staten Island funeral for Father Capodanno in 1967. (Staten Island Advance/Barry G. Schwartz) In March 2020, the guild announced that Father Capodannos postulator in Rome had finished writing the formal position for the case for sainthood. The position was formally printed and submitted for distribution among the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. According to the most recent update by the guild, the coronavirus (COVID-19) significantly delayed the process of sainthood for Father Capodanno. The guild is hopeful that the process will begin once again. Should Father Capodanno be deemed worthy to carry on with canonization by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, he will next be beatified and then declared a saint. Montenegro Voting for New Parliament; Election to Determine Path Forward By VOA News August 30, 2020 Montenegrins vote Sunday in parliamentary elections, choosing between the path toward EU membership, led by the long-ruling pro-Western party, or closer ties with Serbia and Russia advocated by a coalition of opposition groups. The elections are being held as a dispute over a religious property law opposed by the influential Serbian Orthodox Church brews. The church argues the law permits Montenegro to confiscate its property in efforts to create a separate Montenegrin church, the government has denied the claim. The main pro-Serb and -Russian opposition alliance, For the Future of Montenegro, backs the church. Polls predict the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, a strong Western ally, in power for about 30 years, will finish first but may not have the votes to form a government alone. Montenegro under the DPS and Djukanovic, broke with Serbia and Russia to join NATO in 2017, after declaring independence from Serbia in 2006. Internally, DPS and Djukanovic, have faced accusations of an autocratic rule, as well as of widespread graft and criminal links. Some 540,000 Montenegrins are eligible to vote in the Balkan country for the 81-seat Skupstina, or Assembly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Washington, Sep 4 : The US State Department said that Washington would redirect its funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) to other UN assessments and reduce the US engagement with the organisation. "Today, the United States is announcing the next steps with respect to our withdrawal from the WHO and the redirection of American resources. This redirection includes reprogramming the remaining balance of its planned Fiscal Year 2020 assessed WHO contributions to partially pay other UN assessments," the State Department said in a statement on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. The statement also said that Washington would scale down its engagement with the WHO through July 2021, "recalling the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailees from WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices, and reassigning these experts." US participation in WHO technical meetings and events will be determined on a case-by-case basis, it added. Nerissa Cook, deputy assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, detailed on Wednesday that the remaining portion of the 2020 assessment for the WHO, which is about US $62 million, together with US $18 million that Washington owes the WHO in Fiscal Year 2019, would be reprogrammed to the UN to pay the regular UN assessment. Lawrence Gostin, director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, tweeted that the US move to redirect WHO funds is unethical and unlawful, noting that Washington should meet all financial obligations to the WHO before withdrawal. The United States in July officially submitted its notification of withdrawal from the WHO to the United Nations secretary-general, and the withdrawal becomes effective on July 6, 2021. US President Donald Trump and his administration have repeatedly assailed the WHO for months. Experts and the Democrats have criticised the Trump administration, saying it was trying to shift blames of its mishandling of COVID-19 response and this would be counterproductive to addressing the public health crisis. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States surpassed 6.1 million on Thursday, with the national death toll exceeding 186,000, according to a tally of Johns Hopkins University. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text A model presents a pair of goggles from the new Speedo brand swimsuits "Speedo FASTSKIN3" for the U.S. Olympic team during a news conference in New York By Abhirup Roy MUMBAI (Reuters) - Speedo International will investigate a report of possible human rights violations by its Indian partner Page Industries, which Norway's wealth fund dropped from its portfolio this week, the United Kingdom-based swimwear maker told Reuters. Norway's $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, on Monday said that "unacceptable risk" due to human rights violation led to exclusion of some companies including Page, which is the exclusive licensee for Speedo and innerwear maker Jockey International in India. The fund's decision was based on its Council on Ethics' findings which flagged these concerns and also said that Page had violated national regulations on issues such as fire safety. While Page manufactures Speedo products in only one Indian factory which was not mentioned in the Council's report and was found compliant in an audit, the British company said it was concerned about the findings which it will investigate further. "We take all matters relating to workers and violation of human rights extremely seriously," Speedo said in a statement late on Wednesday in response to Reuters queries. "We are naturally concerned to hear about the findings of the Council ... and we will investigate and follow up with the licensee as a matter of urgency." Page didn't comment on Speedo's remarks, but told Reuters in a statement it "unequivocally denies the bland, unverified and outrageous allegations" made in the Council's report and that it followed all laws. "The report does not reflect the correct state of affairs of the units of the company," Page's statement said. Shares in Page fell as much as 4% after Reuters reported Speedo's comments and after the announcement of its June quarter results. They were trading down 3.3% at 0900 GMT. Page's website says it had employed more than 20,000 people by 2018 and had operations spread across 15 manufacturing complexes in India. Story continues The Norway's fund's ethics council report said the abuses were found in one of Page's factories in the southern city of Bengaluru, describing it as "a pattern of behaviour." Page "does little" to prevent the abuse of labour rights in its operations, failed provide information on the findings and did not permit an inspection of the factory, the Council report said. (Reporting by Abhirup Roy; editing by Aditya Kalra and Kim Coghill) Nobel peace laureate Denis Mukwege has become embroiled in tensions between his native DR Congo and neighbouring Rwanda, leading to growing calls for his protection following a series of death threats. Mukwege, a gynaecologist who shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his work against sexual violence in war, said in late July that he and his relatives had been threatened following a tweet condemning the massacre of 18 people in the DRCs South Kivu province. Mukweges tweet linked the violence back to the start of more than 20 years of war in eastern Congo which began with the 1996 invasion of the country by rebels backed by neighbouring Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. Without mentioning who the attackers were, he tweeted: These are the same ones who are still killing in the DRC. The comments, as well as his campaigning to publicise a 2010 UN investigation into possible war crimes committed in Congo by rebels and foreign forces, have raised hackles in Rwanda. In mid-August, influential former Rwandan defence minister James Kabarebe, who commanded Rwandan troops in Congo in 1996 and 1998, dismissed the UN report as propaganda and said Mukwege was a tool being used by families of those who lost the war. On Friday, hundreds rallied in the capital Kinshasa to ask the DRC government to expel the Rwandan ambassador and protect Mukwege, while others demonstrated in Mukweges home town of Bukavu on Thursday. We want justice and compensation for all the acts that Rwanda has committed in Congo, for all the massacres that have taken place, a demonstrator, Heritier Masingeni, said before the rally in Kinshasa was broken up. A protester held up a placard saying: Hands off our Nobel laureate! Amnesty International said in a statement on Friday that the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations must take urgent and concrete measures to protect Denis Mukwege. Mukwege, who has been criticised recently in pro-government Rwandan media, has escaped several assassination attempts in the past and has been guarded by UN peacekeepers since returning from exile in 2013. His life seems to be at serious risk, the United Nations rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in a statement last week, calling for an impartial probe into the threats against him. Sensitive UN report The 65-year-old, nicknamed Doctor Miracle, was awarded the Nobel Prize for his decades of work treating women who have been raped during the countrys more than two decades of conflict. His insistence that the perpetrators of war crimes in Congo should face justice is highly sensitive in the region, particularly in Rwanda, where President Paul Kagame has held power since the genocide there in 1994. The First Congo War in 1996 involved regular troops from Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. The Second Congo War from 1998 until 2003 involved a dozen armies from the region, 30 armed groups and two main rebellions: one in the east supported by Rwanda and another in the north backed by Uganda. General Kabarebe has not uttered a single threat. He finds that there there are too many far-fetched accusations in this report, Rwandas ambassador to Kinshasa, Vincent Karega, told AFP on Friday. The report in question the UNs 2010 Mapping Report documented 617 serious violent incidents between 1993 and 2003, saying they could amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide if investigated and tried in a competent court. Rwanda has always rejected allegations that its forces committed war crimes in Congo. Mukwege has called for Rwanda to own up to its acts, referring in particular to clashes in 2000 between Rwandan and Ugandan troops on Congolese soil which left many civilians dead. Moscow, Sep 4 : The alleged poisoning of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is a "planned action" against Moscow aimed to impose new sanctions and, as a result, to restrain its development, State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said. "The European Union (EU) and the NATO states obviously do not like the fact that the Russian economy is strengthening every year, that its influence on world processes is growing and that Russia has its own position and is ready to defend it," Volodin said in a statement published on the Duma or lower House of Parliament's website on Thursday. "They do not want our country to be strong," he added. On Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny, who is in intensive care in a Berlin hospital, was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent, the same type that was used in 2018 to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK, reports Xinhua news agency. According to Volodin, when Russia was charged with poisoning the Skripals, it was an "obvious provocation" aimed at extending the sanctions imposed by Western countries on Moscow after its incorporation of the former Ukrainian republic of Crimea in 2014. "The parallel of what is happening with the situation of 2018 is obvious," the Speaker said. He added that the situation around Navalny is taking place at the peak of tension around Belarus, in the internal affairs of which a number of European countries he said have tried to interfere. Volodin recalled that when Navalny became ill, the Russian authorities did everything to save his life, regardless of his views and political preferences. And when Navalny's family turned to President Vladimir Putin for help to transport him to Germany, everything was formalized as soon as possible, Volodin added. But in Germany, Navalny was immediately called Merkel's guest and various officials began to make statements, insisting that he was allegedly poisoned with a nerve agent, he said. Volodin called on the German Bundestag parliament to ask Merkel why she is making steps that hinder the development of friendly relations between the two countries. "It is clear that Germany is a hostage of NATO and is forced to play the role imposed on it. However, the task of sound political forces is to sort out this situation and prevent Germany from being drawn into an anti-Russian campaign," Volodin concluded. Navalny, the 44-year-old staunch critic of Putin, made a name for himself by exposing official corruption, labelling the President's United Russia as "the party of crooks and thieves", and has served several jail terms. 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 personal protective equipment (PPE) market is anticipated to reach USD 81.35 billion by 2026. The market growth is propelled majorly by the increasing concerns of employers over the safety of its employees. Employers are highly responsible for offering a healthy and safe workplace to their workers. Employees working at industrial sites are prone to different forms for hazards, they are likely to come across sharp objects, flying sparks, unbearable loud noise, falling objects, and chemicals that could cause them serious injuries. Companies especially those belonging to industrial, manufacturing, and construction sectors have realized that it is better to take precautions and prevent any lethal damage to any of their workers. Many regulatory bodies have laid guidelines to promote the safety and health of workforce. For instance, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. is responsible for formulating standards that are aimed to encourage a safe and healthy environment for employees. OSHA has set requirements for the use of PPE such as 29 CFR 1910.135 (Head protection); 29 CFR 1910.137 (Electrical protective equipment); 29 CFR1910.136 (Foot protection), and29 CFR 1910.138 (Hand protection), among others. OSHA together with few other agencies such as National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), among others standardizes guidelines for work environment. Get sample copy of this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/personal-protective-equipment-market/request-for-sample PPE finds application in various industries including oil & gas, petrochemicals, transportation, food& beverages, power & energy, construction, and healthcare, among others. Among these industries, construction industry is experiencing highest application, and is among one of the largest end-use industry that is driving the market. The industry is flourishing in Asia Pacific region, primarily due to the presence of developing nations that are heavily investing in their infrastructural facilities. Key Findings from the study suggest that the largest share of the market in 2017 was of the North American region. Moreover, the market is segmented on the basis of products and end use. On the basis of product, the market can be segmented into eye protection, hand protection, head protection, hearing protection, fall protection, protective clothing, professional footwear, and respiratory protection, among other. Professional footwear is anticipated to foresee highest growth, owing to their wide range of application across various industries. These footwears are largely utilized for protection from sharp edge objects, and helps avoid direct contact from any hazardous chemicals. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/personal-protective-equipment-market Major players operating in the market includes companies such as MSA Safety Inc., Ansell Ltd., 3M Company, Alpha Pro. Tech Ltd., Rock Fall Ltd.,JSP Ltd., Oftenrich Holdings Co. Ltd, JAL Group, COFRA Holding AG, Golden Chang, Avon Rubber p. i. c., Rahman Group, and Honeywell International Inc., among others. Personal Protective Equipment Market Size and Forecast by Product Type Eye Protection Hand Protection Head Protection Hearing Protection Fall Protection Protective Clothing Professional Footwear Respiratory Protection Personal Protective Equipment Market Size and Forecast by End Use Type Transportation Manufacturing Chemical Construction Food & Beverage Oil & Gas Mining Personal Protective Equipment Market Size and Forecast by Regions North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Asia Pacific China India Japan South America Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/personal-protective-equipment-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 In 2015, the scheduled castes, by and large, had turned their back on the NDA, which could muster just 58 seats. Of the 38 reserved for this community, the RJD bagged 15, the JD-U 10, and the Congress five, reports Satyavrat Mishra. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing public anger over his handling of the migrant crisis and the pandemic. According to the state governments survey, around 66 per cent of the 1,20,000 victims of this pandemic are labourers, a majority of whom belong to backward communities. Photograph: Nitish Kumar/Facebook As the assembly polls are getting nearer in Bihar, politics with the Dalits as the centrepiece has gathered momentum. In keeping with past trends, influential leaders of the community are switching camps. The Dalits constitute nearly 16 per cent of the vote and 38 seats are reserved for them in the 243-member assembly. They have played an important role in the political journeys of both Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad. Spate of defections Senior Janata Dal-United leader and former state industries minister Shyam Rajak has returned to the Rashtriya Janata Dal after 11 years. Rajak said he was turfed out of the party because he raised uncomfortable questions about atrocities on Dalits and reservations in promotion. I cannot stay in a party where social justice is denied, said the former colleague of Nitish Kumar. On the same day, three RJD MLAs -- Maheshwar Yadav, Prema Choudhury, and Faraz Fatmi -- crossed over to the JD-U, the ruling party, after expulsion. The biggest blow to the Mahagathbandhan (the RJD-led alliance), however, came when the Hindustani Awam Morcha of former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi walked out of the wigwam. How will leaders who dont listen to their alliance partners listen to the people when they are in power? asked HAM spokesperson Danish Rizwan. Many in the ruling party say the return of Manjhi could compensate it for the loss of Rajak. But the biggest worry in the NDA is the tension between the JD-U and the Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party. Paswans son Chirag, who is an MP, has made no secret of his ambition and has been asking for a respectable number of seats. The young leader is critical of the state government over its handling of the migrant crisis, Covid-19, flood, law and order, etc. JD-U leaders, in a like-for-like measure, termed the Jamui MP Kalidas. Things degenerated to a point where the BJP leadership had to intervene. Chirag met BJP president J P Nadda last week and spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sources in the BJP say the young MP was told to tone down his attacks. Reasons for jumping ship The central theme is opportunity. Nitish Kumar, it is said, was planning to dump Rajak in the upcoming polls and field Arun Manjhi from Phulwari Sharif, Rajaks constituency and a reserved seat. However, JD-U sources say that its not that simple. They point out that the Phulwari Sharif constituency has a sizable number of minority voters. Given the fact that the JD-U had supported the Citizen Amendment Act in Parliament, many in the ruling party feel it would have been almost impossible for Rajak to win. Jitan Ram Manjhi, on the other hand, had fallen out with the Grand Alliance after his demands for setting up a coordination committee and a greater say in seat-sharing got short shrift. According to sources, the HAM wanted to contest 15 seats but Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav were not ready to accede to that. The grapevine has it Nitish Kumar has offered Manjhi 10 seats and one in the Upper House of the states bicameral legislature. The situation is more complex in the case of the LJP. Chirag, sources say, is asking for 41 seats. Nitish Kumar, however, is not keen on more than 25. The impact In 2015, the scheduled castes, by and large, had turned their back on the NDA, which could muster just 58 seats. Of the 38 reserved for this community, the RJD bagged 15, the JD-U 10, and the Congress five. The situation went into reverse in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, with Nitish Kumar returning to the NDA fold. The CM, who was in a comfortable position earlier this year, is facing public anger over his handling of the migrant crisis and the pandemic. According to the state governments survey, around 66 per cent of the 1,20,000 victims of this pandemic are labourers, a majority of whom belong to backward communities. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Fri, September 4, 2020 10:11 504 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42ad481 2 Business G20,foreign-minister,travel-restriction,economic-contraction,tourism Free G20 foreign ministers on Thursday sought international cooperation over easing travel restrictions and reopening borders, as months of coronavirus shutdowns exert a drag on the global economy. National shutdowns of varying intensity and duration have taken a toll on livelihoods around the globe as businesses are shuttered, revenues plunge and millions are forced out of work. "During the meeting, foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of opening borders, uniting families, and promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive," the G20 group said in a joint statement. The ministers also discussed the "importance of coordinating precautionary measures" across borders to protect lives and livelihoods, added the statement following a virtual meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia. The oil-rich kingdom, which has suspended international travel for months in a bid to limit the spread of the virus, holds the G20 presidency this year. "Reopening borders, in accordance with all the protective measures... will help our economies to thrive, people to prosper, and will of course bring hope for humanity," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan was quoted as saying in the statement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said concerns were growing that the current travel restrictions "could outlast the immediate crisis". He urged the G20 ministers to agree on "common criteria" to lift the restrictions based on a scientific approach. In his remarks at the meeting, he also implored the ministers to boost investment to support "safe travel", including measures to enhance testing and tracing. The meeting comes after a raft of recent economic data, from India to Europe, laid bare the toll from lockdowns as nations try to keep a lid on an illness that has killed more than 850,000 people and infected over 25 million. New Delhi on Monday reported that Asia's third-largest economy suffered a historic 23.9 percent contraction between April and June amid hefty restrictions on businesses. Meanwhile, Brazil's economy, the biggest in Latin America, contracted by a record 9.7 percent in the second quarter of the year. (Natural News) George Soros often gets the blame for funding much of the agitation in our country that leads to chaos, looting and rioting for social justice. But two other individuals who also deserve blame are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, both of whom are linked to an organization known as the Ford Foundation that is actively funding Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa terrorism across America. Claiming to be Americas second-largest private foundation, the Ford Foundation has thus far poured nearly $2 billion into groups that have the stated goal of disrupting systems to advance social justice, as listed in its grant database. Key members of the Ford Foundation include not only Biden and Kamala, but also Kamalas sister Maya Harris, Kamalas ex-campaign chairwoman and former vice president of the Ford Foundation. Bidens now senior advisor, Cristobal Alex, also served as the program director of the Ford Foundation during the Obama years. Several of Obamas top staffers are now Ford Foundation upper crust, including Taara Rangarajan, Fords current chief of staff and Obamas national security advisor from 2013-2016. Prior to this, Rangarajan served as special assistant to Susan Rice during the Benghazi incident. Xavier de Souza Briggs, who served as Obamas associate director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is also now top brass at the Ford Foundation. A vote for Biden and Kamala is a vote for terrorism and the destruction of America During the final months of Obamas reign of terror, the Ford Foundation gave numerous communist organizations massive cash infusions to ignite civil unrest. Numerous leaders of the Workers World Party (WWP) were given funding to create the Southern Vision Alliance (SVA), an activist movement that fueled riots outside the recent Republican National Convention in Charlotte. Not long after this collective of activists was given $200,000 by Obama through the Ford Foundation back in 2016, they almost immediately went to Durham, North Carolina, and tore down a historic monument. Many were arrested as a result, only to be defending in court, for free, by lawyers from the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, which is also a grantee of the Ford Foundation. With seemingly endless cash coming from the Ford Foundation, in other words, these so-called activists continue to protest, aka destroy property, wreak havoc, and cause chaos throughout the streets of America. The Ford Foundation likes what it sees in the alleged criminal gang, writes Sloan Rachmuth for The Federalist. This year, the wealthy nonprofit gave the group $750,000, more than tripling its inaugural donation, bringing Fords total contributions to SVA so far $1.2 million, according to the foundations website. Various Marxist-Leninist groups are also on the dole from the Ford Foundation, including Dream Defenders, a group run by Bernie Sanders senior advisor Phillip Agnew that seeks to release criminals from prison and put an end to the Capitalist system in the United States. The Ford Foundation has given upwards of $1.1 million to Dream Defenders, according to its grant database, and many of its activists are using this cash to campaign for Democrat mayors, state attorneys and prosecutors specifically in Florida, where an effort is afoot to defund the police, end cash bail, and free hardened criminals from prison. Dream Defenders has been caught shutting down bridges throughout Florida, holding thousands of commuters hostage during rush-hour traffic. They have also blocked the entrances to neighborhoods and fomented as much civil unrest as they can get away with, all while promoting Democrat causes. Be sure to check out Rachmuths full report on the Ford Foundation at this link, and share it with all your friends. For more related news about the left-wing terrorism being funded by Biden and Kamala, check out CivilWar.news. Sources for this article include: TheFederalist.com NaturalNews.com (Bloomberg) -- Stocks sellers didnt show much discretion Thursday as the major indexes tumbled. But the outsize chipmaker rout may have had its origin in a move by China. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 5.7% Thursday, its worst session since mid-June, following news that China is planning a sweeping set of new government policies to develop its domestic semiconductor industry and counter recent Trump administration restrictions. The decline shaved off about $100 billion in value for the gauge. Major chipmakers posted one of their worst days in months. Shares of Nvidia Corp. tumbled 9.3%, the most since March 16. Broadcom Inc. fell 6.1%, Qualcomm Inc. dropped 5.5% and Intel Corp. declined 3.6%. If you were to ask me right now what my biggest fear had been for most of the month of August, it was the growing tensions between the U.S. and China, said Arthur Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities Corp. Its not around the alleged phase-one trade talks and China buying more of our agricultural products, but its much more around what were actually doing in real life -- were starting a technologic cold war. Semiconductors are key to Beijings technology objectives. So the government is preparing broad support to develop so-called third-generation semiconductors for the five years through 2025, Bloomberg News reported. The move comes as the Trump administration threatens to cut off Chinas supplies from abroad. The U.S. government has blacklisted dozens of Chinas tech firms to prevent them from buying American parts. It has also instituted bans on ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok and Tencent Holdings Ltd.s WeChat and has sanctioned Huawei Technologies Co. Following these restrictions, Chinas reaction is no surprise, Hogan said. When the two largest economies in the world go head-to-head, he said, its hard to rationalize what good comes from this. (Updates with days declines in second and third paragraph) Story continues 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| 2020-09-04 20:02:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two commuters lost their lives and six others were injured as a car fell to a ravine in the northern Badakhshan province on Friday, provincial police spokesman Sanahullah Rohani said. The accident took place in Saron village outside the provincial capital Faizabad in the morning rush hour, killing a mother and his child on the spot and injuring six others, the official said. Blaming reckless driving for the mishap, the official said carelessness in driving on congested roads often claims the life of travelers in Badakhshan and adjoining areas. Enditem The tank team finished second on September 2, just behind Myanmar, in the second match of Group 2s semi-final round in the Tank Biathlon, after completing three rounds of competition in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 6 seconds, against Myanmars 2 hours, 18 minutes and 4 seconds. The two teams and the others, from Laos and Tajikistan, will continue their rivalry in the final round. Vietnamese snipers, meanwhile, secured second place in Group A1 behind host Belarus in the third stage of the Sniper Frontier contest, called Sniper Relay. The two remaining teams are from Russia and Uzbekistan. Earlier, on August 31, Vietnams emergency rescue team finished third out of 10 teams in the first round of the Emergency Area competition. On August 30, Vietnamese combat engineers finished the Safe Route challenge in 46 minutes, ranking third and picking up a bronze medal. The team received the same coloured medal last year, when competing at the Army Games for the first time. The anti-aircraft missile team came third in the Confident Reception challenge by obtaining 89 and 82 out of 100 points in the confident reception and transfer stages, respectively. On September 2, the Vietnamese delegation held a special festival to mark their countrys 75th National Day, featuring arts and musical performances and a culinary exchange. New Delhi: Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Friday (September 4) held a review meeting through video conference (VC) with the Health Secretaries of 5 states including Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. Bhushan reviewed COVID management and response in 15 districts across 5 states showing high caseload and fatality. The high caseload 15 districts are Chittoor, Prakasam, Mysuru, Bengaluru Urban, Ballari, Koppal, Dakshina Kannada, Davangere, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, Lucknow, and Kanpur Nagar. These districts are exhibiting higher active caseloads, fatality rates, and a surge in the COVID cases for the past four weeks. In addition to the state Health Secretaries, District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, and other district functionaries also participated in the digital review meeting. Union Secretary shared the overall status and performance of the districts on the key parameters of testing, positivity, case fatality, etc., focusing on the need for continuing containment measures, increasing testing, effective clinical management of patients. State Health Secretaries provided an in-depth analysis on the current status of COVID-19 in these 15 districts covering aspects of containment measures, contact tracing, surveillance activities, facility-wise case fatality rates, trends in terms of weekly new cases and deaths, etc. and shared their detailed roadmaps and action plans for the next one month. Granularities in terms of split of RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests conducted in the district, re-testing percentage of symptomatic negatives from Antigen tests, testing lab utilization, home isolation status, hospitalization status, and bed occupancies of oxygen-supported beds, ICU beds, and ventilator, etc., were also shared with the Centre. The states were advised to take steps on the following specific areas: 1. Limiting and eventually breaking the spread of the infection by implementing stringent containment measures and following social distancing measures, strict perimeter control, and active house-to-house case search. 2. Early identification by ramping up testing across the districts, optional utilization of RT-PCR testing capacity, and use of Rapid Antigen Tests as a screening test in hotspots and densely populated areas. 3. Effective monitoring of home isolation cases and early hospitalization in case of disease progression. 4. Seamless hospitalization and early admission for patients requiring medical support, especially in cases of the co-morbid and elderly population. 5. Following effective infection control measures in hospitals to safeguard healthcare workers from contracting the infection. 6. District Collectors and other functionaries to prepare and update district-specific plans to continue their efforts to manage the pandemic with the same rigor. DUBLIN, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Airline Brands & the Pandemic: Benchmarking COVID-19 Policies & Communications" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Airline Brands & the Pandemic evaluates 66 major airline brands and their responses to COVID-19. It focuses on two primary areas of an airline brand's response to the pandemic: its health and safety policy, and the effectiveness of its corporate communications during the crisis. The thesis is that comprehensive COVID-19 policies and clear, consistent communications indicate an airline's preparedness, adaptability, and the likelihood of success in the new normal of air travel that will undoubtedly continue beyond the pandemic. The study's main objective is to provide transparency and insights across the airline industry to understand: shifting customer preferences during the pandemic strengths and weaknesses of 66 major airlines, their COVID-19 policies, and corporate communications best practices in communication, building brand credibility, and citizenship how an airline brand's current actions may impact its future financial performance The analysis is ideal for airline industry executives, corporate communications leaders, financial analysts, and anyone with a vested interest in aviation. The study assesses the airline industry by analyzing 66 brands and their health, safety, and cancellation policies in response to COVID-19. It evaluates how airline brands communicate their coronavirus policies to customers, employees, and the general public to inspire confidence in safe travel as the pandemic continues indefinitely. The study also benchmarks brand credibility and citizenship initiatives. Each brand was audited using the information available on its website and social media pages. The evaluation process simulated what a customer encounters when researching airlines in the current environment. Airlines were measured on four major metrics: policy communications credibility citizenship Airlines were selected based on membership in one of the three airline alliances, oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance. 11 other major airlines that are not part of an airline alliance are also included. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Methodology 3. Airlines Assessed 4. Overall Performance by Brand 5. Key Findings 5.1Airline COVID-19 Policies 5.2 Airline Brand Communications During COVID-19 5.3 Credibility Initiatives 5.4 Citizenship 6. Other Insights Comparing the Alliances COVID-19 Policy Brand Names Delta: Concrete Communications Etihad: Tests Required to Fly Lufthansa Group: Guaranteed Returns Qatar Airways: Growing Market Share During COVID-19 Companies Mentioned Aegean Airlines Aeroflot Aerolineas Argentinas Aeromexico Air Canada Air China Air Europa Air France Air India Air New Zealand Air Nippon Airways Alaska Airlines Alitalia Allegiant Air American Airlines Asiana Airlines Austrian Airlines Avianca British Airways Brussels Airlines Cathay Pacific China Airlines China Eastern Airlines Croatia Airlines Czech Airlines Delta EgyptAir Emirates Ethopian Airlines Etihad EVA Air Finnair Frontier Airlines Garuda Indonesia Hawaiian Airlines Iberia Japan Airlines JetBlue Airways Kenya Airways KLM Korean Air LOT Polish Airlines Lufthansa Malaysia Airlines Middle East Airlines oneworld Qantas Qatar Airways Royal Air Maroc Royal Jordanian S7 Airlines Saudia Scandinavian Airlines Singapore Airlines SkyTeam Southwest Airlines Spirit Airlines SriLankan Airlines Star Alliance Sun Country Airlines Swiss International TAP Air Portugal TAROM Thai Airways Turkish Airlines United Airlines Vietnam Airlines Virgin Atlantic XiamenAir For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pyuyqt About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Vice President Mike Pence attend the 'Getting America's Children Safely Back to School' event in the State Room of the white House, in Washington, on Aug. 12, 2020. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) Pence: White House, Congress Have Agreement to Avoid Government Shutdown The White House and Congress have reached an accord to avert a looming government shutdown but have not made a deal on any COVID-19 relief measures, said Vice President Mike Pence. The federal government is headed towards a shutdown if the Senate and House dont pass a spending bill or a continuing resolution before the end of September. Pence said there was an agreement reached by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and top Democrats. Reports on Thursday, which cited unnamed sources in Congress, said Mnuchin came to an agreement with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to avert a shutdown. The agreement reached this week by the Treasury secretary and our negotiation team to have a continuing resolution to continue to fund the government when the fiscal year runs out at the end of this month means that now we can focus just on another relief bill, Pence said in a televised interview on Friday. A spokesman for Pelosi, Drew Hammill, told The Associated Press that House Democrats are for a clean continuing resolution. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany also said that we do believe that well be able to get funding to avoid a shutdown. The deal comes as members of Congress return to Washington to negotiate over the next stimulus package that is intended to offset losses incurred during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. Some had expected the government shutdown talks to have been complicated by an impasse over the relief package. Pence, in the interview, reiterated a Trump administration stance against providing more federal funding to state and local governments. Democrats had sought more than $900 billion in their $3.4 trillion HEROES Act, which passed in the Democratic-controlled House in May. Were not going to allow Democrats in Congress to use a coronavirus relief bill to bail out poorly run Democratic states, Pence said. The agreement on averting the shutdown means that the White House and Democrats can focus just on another relief bill, and were continuing to do that in good faith, the vice president added. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks to reporters as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) listens, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Aug. 4, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Democrats have goaded the Trump administration into putting forth at least $2.2 trillion on the stimulus package, saying that a bill worth less than that wont pass the House. Mnuchin said in front of the House earlier this week that the administration doesnt agree to those terms. Pence said that another round of stimulus payments worth up to $1,200 should be part of the package and that nobody wants to give direct payments to American families more than Donald Trump again. In lieu of a bipartisan deal, President Trump took executive action on payroll taxes, evictions, student loan payments, and provided $300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits. It came after talks between the White House and Congress fell through in early August and as $600-per-week unemployment benefits expired on July 31. Republicans have said they want to take action in the Senate on a smaller relief bill next week after Labor Day, which is Monday, Sept. 7. Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate minority leader, rejected their offer. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, however, told reporters that he is unsure whether a deal can be made. I dont know if there will be another package in the next few weeks or not, McConnell told reporters in Kentucky this week, adding that partisan tensions are high at the moment, meaning that its unlikely a bipartisan bill would be passed. The $2.2 trillion CARES Act was passed largely along bipartisan lines in March, coming just weeks after the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus first hit the United States. It looks like were good to go with Microsoft's August Windows and Office patches. The second cumulative update for Windows 8.1, KB 4578013, throws some Virtual Private Networks out of kilter, and the Win7 patches may knock out your printers (for those of you paying for Win7 Extended Security Updates). But most of the other bugs appear to be squashed. And there's a bit of good news on the horizon: It looks like Microsoft is finally, finally hunting down the swarm of bugs in its latest Windows release, version 2004. Even the (undocumented) Optimize Drives bug that triggered incessant SSD defrags has been addressed albeit in an optional, non-security, C/D Week patch that appeared in E Week. In my opinion, Windows 10 version 2004 still isnt ready for prime time. But its getting close. If the latest bounty of 70-plus identified bug fixes goes in without breaking too many machines, version 2004 might actually stabilize by late this month. But dont hold your breath. And dont install 2004 until weve seen the results from the unpaid beta testers. Heres how to get caught up. Make a full backup As always, do a full system image backup before you install the latest patches. Theres a non-zero chance that the patches even the latest, greatest patches of patches of patches could hose your machine. So it's best to have a backup that you can reinstall even if your machine refuses to boot. (This is in addition to the usual need for System Restore points.) There are plenty of full-image backup products, including at least two good free ones: Macrium Reflect Free and EaseUS Todo Backup. Install the latest Win10 August Cumulative Update If you havent yet moved to Win10 version 1909 (in the Windows search box type winver and hit Enter), I recommend you do so. The bugs in version 1903 are largely replicated in 1909 and vice-versa, so theres very little reason to hold off on making the switch although, admittedly, theres almost nothing worthwhile thats new in version 1909. I have detailed instructions for moving to 1909 here. If youre running Win10 version 2004 25% of all Win10 users are already there you're on the bleeding edge. Please keep us apprised of any problems on AskWoody. To get the latest August Cumulative Update installed, click Start > Settings > Update & Security. If you see a Resume updates box (see screenshot), click on it. Microsoft Thats all you need to do. Windows, in its infinite wisdom, will install the August Cumulative Update at its own pace. If you dont see a Resume updates box, you already have the August Cumulative update and youre good to go. If you see an offer to Download and install the Feature update to Windows 10, version 2004, which you can see in the preceding screenshot, ignore it. Studiously. If you see a link to View optional updates, ignore it, too. There are no optional updates available at this point that you want to wrangle with. Let the cannon fodder be cannon fodder. Windows Update in version 2004 is having a bit of an identity crisis. If you're already running 2004, just avoid the optional updates until the drama has subsided and Windows Update settles down a bit. Win10 problems you may hit, and how to handle them When your machine comes back up for air, dont panic if your desktop doesnt look right, or you cant log in to your usual account. You've liekly been bit by the temporary profile bug, which weve known about and complained about for months. Try restarting your machine four or five times, the bug may go away. We have three separate threads on AskWoody about solving the problem [1, 2, 3] and if you need additional help, you can always post a question. (Thx @PKCano.) While youre mucking about with Windows Update, it wouldnt hurt to Pause updates, to take you out of the direct line of fire the next time Microsoft releases a buggy bunch of patches. Click Start > Settings > Update & Security. Click Pause updates for 7 days. Next, click on the newly revealed link, which says Pause updates for 7 more days, four more times. That pauses all updates for 35 days, until early October. With a little luck thatll be long enough for Microsoft to fix any bugs it introduces in August, so you can skip the angst. Patch Win7, Win8.1, or associated servers If youve paid for Win7 Extended Security Updates and youre having trouble getting them installed, Microsoft has an article called Troubleshoot issues in Extended Security Updates that may be of help. Were also fielding questions on AskWoody. If youve paid Microsoft for Extended Security Updates and cant get them to install, make sure you follow all of the steps at the bottom of KB 4571729, the August Monthly Rollup Knowledge Base article. In particular, you need to install all outstanding updates, then get the Servicing Stack Update installed (expect a new Servicing Stack every month), before the August patch will appear. Theres a new Servicing Stack Update, but it now appears as if you wont need it until the November patches roll out. Windows 8.1 continues to be the most stable version of Windows around. To get this months puny Monthly Rollup installed, follow AKB 2000004: How to apply the Win7 and 8.1 Monthly Rollups. You should have one Windows patch, dated Aug. 11 (the Patch Tuesday patch). No, you dont want the Preview of Monthly Rollup. And you should similarly ignore the manual-install-only second cumulative update, KB 4578013. After youve installed the latest Monthly Rollup, if youre intent on minimizing Microsofts snooping, run through the steps in AKB 2000007: Turning off the worst Win7 and 8.1 snooping. If you want to thoroughly cut out the telemetry, see @abbodi86s detailed instructions in AKB 2000012: How To Neutralize Telemetry and Sustain Windows 7 and 8.1 Monthly Rollup Model. Whether youve paid for Extended Security Updates or not, if you connect to Windows Update in Win7 or Win8.1, Microsofts going to push its latest, greatest version of the Chrome-based Edge browser onto your machine. The new Microsoft Edge icon (which is a surly-swirly version of the old one) shows up on the taskbar. Internet Explorer is still there, but you have one more browsing choice. No, Microsoft isnt giving away free security patches for Win7. But theyre sure giving away free Chrom-edges. Thanks to the dozens of volunteers on AskWoody who contribute mightily, especially @sb, @PKCano, @abbodi86 and many others. Weve moved to MS-DEFCON 4 on the AskWoody Lounge. Time it took for Daniel to get a US visa 937 days Background On June 26th 2017, Daniel was denied to travel to the US - while still having a valid ESTA and passport. He was then denied ESTA on April 3, 2018. When subsequently applying for a visa instead, there has been no response for over two years. (To visit, not to apply for permanent residency.) This page was edited with new content on: November 9, 2020 Blog posts First blog post: Administrative purgatory The one year anniversary: One year in still no visa. Two years in Q&A Visa approved 937 days since my application, I have a visa in my passport. Valid for 10 years. As an unexpected bonus, there's also a 30 days "NIE" (National Interest Exception) that allows me a single entry to the US during "PP" (Presidential Proclamations) - which is restricting travels to the US from the European Schengen zone. "There's a package being delivered to you" 934 days into the process (10:30 November 6, 2020) I received this text on my phone, saying there's a parcel sent to me from "the Embassy of the United State". Please send in your passport On October 13, 2020 (910 days in), the embassy emailed me again, asking me to "Please send in your passport for further processing." On October 16, I mailed it to the embassy. Updated travel plans please! On September 22, 2020 (889 days in), the US Embassy emailed me, and I will quote verbatim from the email below. Dear Sir, Your visa application is still in administrative processing. However, we regret to inform you that because you have missed your travel plans, we will require updated travel plans from you. If you intend to proceed with your visa application, we therefore ask you to kindly send your updated travel plans, including any relevant supporting documents (such as an official invitation letter and financial support letter/other financial supporting documents). Thank you. So I need to provide updated plans and "invitation letters"... It seems reasonable to suspect that the embassy woke up and realized this after having being prodded by the congressman's email a few days ago. The travel plans have been outdated for the last 800 days or so and they only email to ask this now? On October 2, 220 (898 days in) I responded to the email with an invitation letter with an offer to visit my colleagues at wolfSSL in the US at two different future dates (one in December 2020, one in March 2021) and "All expenses, hotel, airfare, transportation and food will be paid for him". Signed by Larry Stefonic, CEO of wolfSSL. Do you know why this takes so long? No. They've just informed me "someone is working on it" and that it "may take a long time" but without qualifying what that means. They call it "administrative processing." I have talked to several persons who've experienced similar situations, and I have learned about waiting times up to 20 months until a definite "no". I used to think of that as a sort of "worst case" waiting time. Now we know it can take longer... Why don't you just apply for an ESTA? I already did and they denied me that. See one of the images below. Why did they deny you ESTA? I don't know as they won't tell. And I also don't know why they can't respond to my visa application. So, someone is working on it? Allegedly, yes. I'm sure that person must be working very hard... Do you think they will grant you a visa eventually? No. I have been in contact with many people who have been in similar situations such as this, as well as many people who have applied for visas for very complicated matters, and it is basically unheard of that it would take this long time and still end up with a positive response in the end. Someone emailed me and explained how they got their visa approved after 10 months waiting - so it obviously can happen after a fairly long time! Did you travel to any arab countries, middle-east, North Korea, Sudan, Iran or Iraq? No. Did you ever visit the US? Yes, I have visted the US around a dozen times over a time period of almost twenty years. I have applied and gotten ESTA permissions several times. I have many friends living and working in the US. My latest visit to the US was in December 2016 - using the same ESTA and passport I subsequently wanted to use in the summer of 2017 when I was first denied travelling to the US. How many trips have this blocked you from taking so far? I have been invited personally to several meetings in the US that I couldn't attend. (excluding IETF, HTTPbis or QUIC meetings) San Francisco June 2017. Mozilla All Hands. San Francisco June 2018. Mozilla All hands. San Francisco October 2018. Conference speaking engagement. Orlando, Florida December 2018. Mozilla All hands. Portland, Oregon January 2019. Conference speaking engagement. California, March 2019. Conference speaking engagement. Summer of 2019. Wedding. Can't your employer help you? We've already tried all available ways to get information or otherwise bring this effort forward. To no avail. Will Mozilla move more meetings outside of the US? Yes. Several of the coming All hands are now planned and scheduled to happen outside of the US, for example in Canada and Germany. But I will not be there to experience them since I quit Mozilla in December 2018. Will your visa situation change when you've quit Mozilla? Unfortunately, there is no reason to suspect or hope so. Maybe they lost your application? I emailed them in July 2019 just to make sure they just hadn't forgot about my case or similar over the past year, and I received their reply on August 1st 2019. The response said "I have forwarded your email to my supervisor to highlight the problem." - but then nothing more came. I emailed them again on January 28, 2020. They responded very politely: Dear Sir, All applications are processed in the most expeditious manner possible. While we understand your frustration, we are required to follow immigration law regarding visa issuances. This process cannot be expedited or circumvented. Rest assured that we will contact you as soon as the administrative processing is concluded. What do you think is the most likely explanation for this treatment? I think one of the likelier explantions is that someone somewhere has found my name and my code used in some evil or malicious manner and drawn the wrong conclusions about how my code ended up there or how I could've been involved. Like for example in some malware, virus or other attack software. I make tools and code available for free and openly and sometimes those are unfortunately used in ways I don't condone. Since they won't tell me why, basically all theories are equally likely. We just won't know. Any other plausible explanations? People have mentioned my domain name haxx.se or suggested it is because I have referred to myself as "a hacker" at times. I find that unlikely since I used the domain and used the term for decades before this. Others have offered the explanation that the immigration authorities might've decided that I violated the ESTA rules in a previous visit. I can of course not know what they think, but I have not violated those rules. Convicted of a crime? No, I have never been convicted of a crime in Sweden and not anywhere else. Not even charged. Nor have I ever been involved in a lawsuit of any kind. Can you change the curl license? excluding a specific user would make a license to not be open source anymore curl has many more copyrights than mine, it would be hard curl is bigger than me personally, I wouldn't do it anyway Lots of people suggest this, most probably in jest, but let me be perfectly clear: no I won't change the curl license. But Covid-19? During the Corona pandemic (starting in spring 2020), the US has closed its borders for a lot of more people who otherwise would have been allowed entry. I suspect the visa processing has slowed down during this period since people can't go there anyway. But I have not been notified about anything and I still expect to get a rejection at some point. Pandemic or not. Have you contacted any US officials? Dear Representative Gerry Connolly: Could you please help my friend Daniel Stenberg *finally* gain permission to travel to the US? He has been denied permission to travel to the US for years, yet there is no cause for it. On June 26, 2017, Mr. Stenberg was denied to travel to the US, even though he had a valid ESTA and passport. He was then denied ESTA on April 3, 2018. He then applied for a visa in April 2018, and has *still* not heard anything. This is especially galling because is a widely-known leader in the computer community. He developed and maintains the "curl" program, a program used worldwide by many software developers and computer system administrators. In October 2017 he won the "Polhem prize" for his work on curl; in that ceremony the Swedish king personally handed Daniel a gold medal. In February 2019 he joined wolfSSL, an American company (he's their only Swedish hire), and yet he's still not allowed to travel to the US. Perhaps there is a confusion about the word "hacker". In the computer community, a "hacker" is NOT someone who breaks into computers, a hacker is "a person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in particular." ( IETF RFC 1983, https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1983). Mr. Stenberg does *not* break into computers without authorization. At the least, the State Department should have asked questions instead of reflexively denying entry to a world leader in the computer industry. More information is available on his personal website: https://daniel.haxx.se/us-visa.html https://daniel.haxx.se/about.html Thank you very much! --- [name redacted] A US citizen friend of mine sent the following text in an email to the U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly on September 3, 2020. Subsequently, this congressman's office queried the US embassy in Stockholm about the case and on September 17, 2020 (884 days since the interview) the US embassy responded. Here's the relevant part of the answer: On your behalf, my office contacted the Embassy and asked the agency to provide any information that might be helpful to you. The agency has responded to this inquiry stating that your case is currently undergoing necessary administrative processing and that regrettably it is not possible to predict when this processing will be completed. The Embassy has assured my office that you will be contacted directly once a decision is rendered or if any additional information is needed. Let me repeat: undergoing necessary administrative processing Images This is what the online visa application status site showed for my case on July 30, 2019: This is what an ESTA rejection looks like: The privately built border wall built by Fisher Sand and Gravel is in danger of failing during a flood, according to an engineering report. From The Texas Tribune: Company president Tommy Fisher, a frequent guest on Fox News, had called the Rio Grande fence the "Lamborghini" of border walls and bragged that his company's methods could help Trump reach his Election Day goal of about 500 new miles of barriers along the southern border. Instead, one engineer who reviewed the two reports on behalf of ProPublica and The Texas Tribune likened Fisher's fence to a used Toyota Yaris. "It seems like they are cutting corners everywhere," said Alex Mayer, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. "It's not a Lamborghini, it's a $500 used car." Since Fisher's companies embarked on construction of the Rio Grande fence, the Trump administration has awarded about $2 billion in federal contracts to the firms to build segments of the border wall in other locations. Fisher Industries seems well-suited for a president like Trump. From Wikipedia: The Trump administration has raised concerns with Australia's competition regulator about proposed legislation that would force powerful US tech companies Google and Facebook to pay publishers for news. Government and industry sources said the US Trade Representative made a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, taking issue with elements of a proposed code that would require Google and Facebook to pay publishers for use of news content and force them to provide advance notice of changes to their algorithms. The Trump administration has weighed in on a piece of legislation that would regulate US tech giants Google and Facebook. Credit:AP Facebook and Google have both strongly opposed the introduction of the legislation, known as the news media bargaining code, but the involvement of the US government is a sign of the broader implications the new laws could have on global trade relationships. Google's global boss Sundar Pichai had a video conference meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss his concerns with the draft code on Thursday. Sources said the meeting was cordial and constructive. Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) rapper Silento is accused of attacking two people in a Los Angeles area home with a hatchet last week, according to officials. The 22-year-old musical artist, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney, stands charged of assault with a deadly weapon, as he's accused of entering an unlocked Valley Village, California home and attacking two people inside the residence, the AP reported. The Atlanta native, whose real name is Richard Lamar Hawk, aimed his hatchet at the people in the dwelling, one of whom was able to remove the weapon from his grasp, prosecutors said. The latest: Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) rapper Silento, 22, is accused of attacking two people in their Los Angeles area home with a hatchet last week, according to officials. He was snapped in Atlanta last year According to TMZ, the rap artist was searching for his girlfriend when he walked into the home - but was later informed by a friend that he had entered the wrong home. Silento departed the residence quickly when his friend told him about the mistake, TMZ reported. At the time of the incident, authorities said, the Fresh Outta High School artist was free on bail stemming from a separate arrest in Orange County, California. He was taken into custody on August 28 in connection with felony inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant in a domestic violence incident, People reported, citing records from the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Details: The Atlanta native, whose real name is Richard Lamar Hawk, aimed his hatchet at the people in the dwelling, one of whom was able to remove the weapon from his grasp Legal woes: At the time of the incident, authorities said, the Fresh Outta High School artist was free on bail stemming from a separate arrest in Orange County, California Better times: The musical artist was snapped at the BET Awards in June of 2016 Silento will hear the charges against him in an arraignment on Friday, prosecutors said. It was not immediately clear if the musical artist has legal representation; he faces up to six years in custody if convicted. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233, or at thehotline.org. Representative image The death of a Tibetan member of an Indian special forces unit in a mine blast near the site of a border flare-up with Chinese troops has offered a rare glimpse into a little-known group of elite, high-altitude warriors. Tenzin Nyima, 53, was killed and another commando critically wounded in the blast near the shores of the Pangong Tso lake in the western Himalayas, three Indian government officials and two members of his family told Reuters. Indian and Chinese forces came close to direct confrontation in the area over the weekend over competing territorial claims, their governments have said. Nyima was part of the Special Frontier Force (SFF), his family and three Indian government officials said. The force recruits mostly from Tibetan refugees, hundreds of thousands of whom have made India their home since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet following a failed uprising in 1959. Some are Indian citizens. Few details are publicly known about the covert force set up soon after a war between India and China in 1962. Two officials estimated its strength at more than 3,500 men. Amitabh Mathur, a former Indian government adviser on Tibetan affairs, said the SFF were "crack troops, especially in the context of mountain climbing and high-altitude warfare. "If at all they (SFF) were deployed, I am not surprised. It makes sense to deploy them at high altitudes. They are terrific mountain climbers and commandos." India's defence and home ministries did not respond to a request for comment on the SFF. China has long considered the presence of a large number of Tibetans in India as a threat to its territorial integrity. They are led by Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing denounces as a dangerous separatist. He says he only wants genuine autonomy for his remote Himalayan homeland. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing on Wednesday she did not know whether Tibetans were fighting for India, but urged caution. "We are firmly opposed to any country, including India, supporting the secession activities of Tibetan pro-independence forces or providing them with any assistance or physical space," she said. TIBETANS SEEK RECOGNITION Within the Tibetan community, grieving has begun over Nyima's death, video footage taken by the family and shared with Reuters shows. His body was kept in a coffin covered with Indian and Tibetan flags in a refugee colony in Choglamsar village of India's Ladakh region. Two bereaved relatives and two neighbours of Nyima told Reuters that an Indian government official who delivered the coffin told them that Nyima died "while defending India". The official requested that the family refrain from speaking about Nyima's 33-year service with the SFF, the relatives said, requesting anonymity as they feared the Indian government might act against them. The defence ministry and home ministry did not immediately respond to questions about the relatives' account. Photographs of the coffin and the Tibetan mourning rituals were circulated on WhatsApp groups run by Tibetan refugees in Leh, the main city in Ladakh, and in Dharamshala in northern India, the seat of the self-styled Tibetan government-in-exile. Some wanted greater recognition for the Tibetans' service to India. "We respect and love India for giving us shelter but it is time the nation acknowledges the crucial role played by our men in the SFF," Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, a 34-year-old lawmaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, told Reuters. "If an Indian soldier dies, the country declares him as a martyr, government pays rich tribute. Why are Tibetan refugees not bestowed the same respect?" said Dolkar, whose uncle fought alongside Indian soldiers against Pakistan in 1999. A senior Indian military official said the SFF had played a pivotal role in the 1971 war with Pakistan that led to the creation of Bangladesh as well as a near-war with Pakistan again in 1999 over the Kargil heights. The prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, said his "government does not comment on the SFF". Arizona News Fort Apache, Arizona - Started in the 1960s to keep White Mountain Apache members in the most remote regions informed of Tribal Council news, Whiteriver, Arizonas Fort Apache Scout newspaper is still published biweekly. The publishers chose to forego including international news to focus more on the local people and work within the White Mountain Apache community. Articles often featured information on the ski resorts and the Hawley Lake area. The Fort Apache Scout, as the official newspaper of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, reported on local elections, tribal government, school news and often included fantastic photojournalism providing a visual record of the community, said Sativa Peterson, National Digital Newspaper Program grant project director and news content program manager for the State of Arizona Research Library. This is just one of the six newspaper titles from indigenous communities around Arizona that were digitized by the Arizona State Library in partnership with the University of Arizona Libraries, thanks to the National Endowment for the Humanities and Library of Congress National Digital Newspaper Program. Seventeen issues from 1962 and 1963 of the Fort Apache Scout will be available on the Arizona Memory Project indefinitely and can be viewed for free on any digital device at http://go.azsos.gov/apachescout. For questions about this or any digital collection, or for cultural institutions interested in sharing collections on the Arizona Memory Project, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Eniola Badmus Nigerian actress, Eniola Badmus has taken to her social media page to show off the amazing progress she has made so far in her weightloss journey. Badmus who often speaks on body postivity, however, said that her plan is not be too slim but rather fit and sexy. The thespian earlier today took to her Instagram page to show her fans the progress made so far, as she looks slimmer. Sharing the photo, she wrote: Another morning with another routine @deshapeables been telling me to kip pushing meana whyla na me dey experience pain See her post below: SPRINGFIELD, Va., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Projection, a national audiovisual company, in partnership with the Baltimore Convention Center launched a week of programming in support of IAEE's CEM week, held Aug. 24-28, 2020. Projection "The meetings and events industry is currently a rapidly changing landscape. Having tools that offer the ability to pivot and easily meet new challenges is imperative for the continuation of business. Our partnership with Projection allowed us to quickly rise to the occasion with IAEE's Baltimore CEM Week. The Baltimore Convention Center's new virtual studio brought attendees into our facility and offered a bird's-eye view tour of our tourist hot spots, keeping Baltimore top-of-mind for all involved," said Peggy Daidakis, Executive Director Baltimore Convention Center. For the IAEE CEM program, Projection and the Center team worked closely with its services partners Centerplate, Edlen Electric, and M.C. Dean, Inc. to record presentations and to produce live programming that was broadcast during the weeklong virtual meeting. "Our CEM Week partners at the Baltimore Convention Center and Visit Baltimore fully embraced our virtual program goal to infuse their city's products, services and hospitality. From the Projection virtual studio at the Center, students were provided with videos, a drone tour of the city, an inside peek at how the Center is operating and more. While the event was virtual, the partnership showcased the great City of Baltimore in a unique way and we appreciate their community support," said Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed, IAEE VP of Learning Experiences. As the meeting industry considers what the resumption of live meetings and events will look like, the BCC studio demonstrated the capabilities that will be necessary to seamlessly support presentation content that originates from the venue during an event and reaches an external, virtual meeting audience. The Baltimore Convention Center Studio is capable of hosting in-person presenters, panels, and virtual participants. The studio includes turn-key, television-quality broadcast tools for graphics, video, and lighting. Projection offers safe and socially distanced production services to deliver successful virtual and hybrid presentations. About Projection Projection is a privately held national audiovisual company with numerous convention center contracts throughout the U.S., including the Baltimore Convention. Projection offers total presentation solutions for conventions, meetings, and professional events. Projection's services include audiovisual equipment, computers, custom stage designs, production management for general sessions, digital signage, webcasting services, virtual and hybrid productions, conference recording and much more. For more information about The Projection Difference, visit www.projection.com. About the Baltimore Convention Center The Baltimore Convention Center is the premier location in the Mid-Atlantic for organizations to host conventions, meetings, luncheons and other activities large and small. The four-level Center boasts seven exhibition halls providing a total of 300,000 square feet, 50 meeting rooms with a total of 85,000 square feet and the largest ballroom in the state of Maryland, totaling over 36,000 square feet. The Center is conveniently located off of Interstates 83 and 295 in the revitalized downtown area and is surrounded by several major hotels and tourist attractions all within walking distance. For more information, visit www.bccenter.org. Contact: Erick Alsheimer Tel: (617) 212-7237 Email: [email protected] Related Images bcc-virtual-studio.jpeg BCC virtual studio SOURCE Projection Related Links https://projection.com It seems like a reset of an economy should work like a reset of your computer: Turn it off and turn it back on again; most problems should be fixed. However, it doesnt really work that way. Lets look at a few of the misunderstandings that lead people to believe that the world economy can move to a Green Energy future. [1] The economy isnt really like a computer that can be switched on and off; it is more comparable to a human body that is dead, once it is switched off. A computer is something that is made by humans. There is a beginning and an end to the process of making it. The computer works because energy in the form of electrical current flows through it. We can turn the electricity off and back on again. Somehow, almost like magic, software issues are resolved, and the system works better after the reset than before. Even though the economy looks like something made by humans, it really is extremely different. In physics terms, it is a dissipative structure. It is able to grow only because of energy consumption, such as oil to power trucks and electricity to power machines. The system is self-organizing in the sense that new businesses are formed based on the resources available and the apparent market for products made using these resources. Old businesses disappear when their products are no longer needed. Customers make decisions regarding what to buy based on their incomes, the amount of debt available to them, and the choice of goods available in the marketplace. There are many other dissipative structures. Hurricanes and tornadoes are dissipative structures. So are stars. Plants and animals are dissipative structures. Ecosystems of all kinds are dissipative structures. All of these things grow for a time and eventually collapse. If their energy source is taken away, they fail quite quickly. The energy source for humans is food of various types; for plants it is generally sunlight. Thinking that we can switch the economy off and on again comes close to assuming that we can resurrect human beings after they die. Perhaps this is possible in a religious sense. But assuming that we can do this with an economy requires a huge leap of faith. [2] Economic growth has a definite pattern to it, rather than simply increasing without limit. Many people have developed models reflecting the fact that economic growth seems to come in waves or cycles. Ray Dalio shows a chart describing his view of the economic cycle in a preview to his upcoming book, The Changing World Order. Figure 1 is Dalios chart, with some annotations I have added in blue. Related: What Are Anti-Solar Panels? Modelers of all kinds would like to think that there are no limits in this world. Actually, there are many limits. It is the fact that economies have to work around limits that leads to cycles such as these. Some examples of limits include inadequate arable land for a growing population, inability to fight off pathogens, and an energy supply that becomes excessively expensive to produce. Cycles can be expected to vary in steepness, both on the upside and the downside of the cycle. The danger of ignoring these cycles is that researchers tend to create models of future economic growth and future energy consumption that are far out of sync with what really can be expected. Accurate models need to include at least some limited version of overshoot and collapse on a regular basis. Models of the future economy tend to be based on what politicians would like to believe will happen, rather than what actually can be expected to happen in the real world. [3] Commodity prices behave differently at different stages of the economic cycle. During the second half of the economic cycle, it becomes difficult to keep commodity prices high enough for producers. There is a common belief that demand for energy products will always be high, because everyone knows we need energy. Thus, according to this belief, if we have the technology to extract fossil fuels, prices will eventually rise high enough that fossil fuel resources can easily be extracted. Many people have been concerned that we might run out of oil. They expect that oil prices will rise to compensate for the shortages. Thus, many people believe that in order to maintain adequate supply, we should be concerned about supplementing fossil fuels with nuclear power and renewable energy. If we examine oil prices (Figure 2), it is apparent that, at least recently, this is not the way oil prices actually behave. Since the spike in oil prices in 2008, the big problem has been prices that fall too low for oil producers. At prices well below $100 per barrel, development of many new oil fields is not economic. Low oil prices are especially a problem in 2020 because travel restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic reduce oil demand (and prices) even below where they were previously. Strangely enough, coal prices (Figure 3) seem to follow a very similar pattern to oil prices, even though coal is commonly believed to be available in huge supply, and oil is commonly believed to be in short supply. Comparing Figures 2 and 3, we see that prices for both oil and coal rose to a peak in 2008, then fell back sharply. The timing of this drop in prices corresponds with the debt bust in late 2008 that is shown in Figure 1. Prices then rose to another peak in 2011, after several years of Quantitative Easing (QE). QE is intended to hold the cost of borrowing down, encouraging the use of more debt. This debt can be used by citizens to buy more goods made with coal and oil (such as cars and solar panels). Therefore, QE is a way to increase demand and thus help raise energy prices. In the 2011-2014 period, oil was able to maintain its price better than coal, perhaps because of its short supply. Once the United States discontinued its QE program in 2014, oil prices dropped like a rock (Figure 2). Prices were very low in 2015 and 2016 for both coal and oil. China stimulated its economy, and prices for both coal and oil were able to rise again in 2017 and 2018. By 2019, prices for both oil and coal were falling again. Figure 2 shows that in 2020, oil prices have fallen again, as a result of demand destruction caused by pandemic shutdowns. Coal prices have also fallen in 2020, according to Trading Economics. [4] The low prices since mid-2008 seem to be leading to both peak crude oil and peak coal. Crude oil production started falling in 2019 and can be expected to continue falling in 2020. Coal extraction seems likely to start falling in 2020. In the previous section, I showed that crude oil and coal both have the same problem: Prices tend to be too low for producers to make a profit extracting them. For this reason, investment in new oil wells is being reduced, and unprofitable coal mines are being closed. Figure 4 shows that world crude oil production has not grown much since 2004. In fact, OPECs production has not grown much since 2004, even though OPEC countries report high oil reserves so, in theory, they could pump more oil if they chose to. In total, BP data shows that world crude oil production fell by 582,000 barrels per day, comparing 2019 to 2018. This represents a drop of 2.0 million barrels per day in OPEC production, offset by smaller increases in production for the US, Canada, and Russia. Crude oil production is expected to fall further in 2020, because of low demand and prices. Related: Goldman Expects Oil To Reach $65 Next Year Because of continued low coal prices, world coal production has been on a bumpy plateau since 2011. Prices seem to be even lower in 2020 than in 2019, putting further downward pressure on coal extraction in 2020. [5] Modelers missed the fact that fossil fuel extraction would disappear because of low prices, leaving nearly all reserves and other resources in the ground. Modelers instead assumed that renewables would always be an extension of a fossil fuel-powered system. The thing that most people do not understand is that commodity prices are set by the laws of physics, so that supply and demand are in balance. Demand is really very close to affordability. If there is too much wage/wealth disparity, commodity prices tend to fall too low. In a globalized world, many workers earn only a few dollars a day. Because of their low wages, these low-paid workers cannot afford to purchase very much of the worlds goods and services. The use of robots tends to produce a similar result because robots cant actually purchase goods and services made by the economy. Thus, modelers looking at Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROI) for wind and for solar assumed that they would always be used inside of a fossil fuel powered system that could provide heavily subsidized balancing for their intermittent output. They made calculations as if intermittent electricity is equivalent to electricity that can be controlled to provide electricity when it is needed. Their calculations seemed to suggest that making wind and solar would be useful. The thing that was overlooked was that this was only possible within a system where other fuels would provide balancing at a very low cost. [6] The same issue of low demand leading to low prices affects commodities of all kinds. As a result, many of the future resources that modelers count on, and that companies depend upon as the basis for borrowing, are unlikely to really be available. Commodities of all kinds are being affected by low demand and low selling prices. The problem giving rise to low prices seems to be related to excessive specialization, excessive use of capital goods to replace labor, and excessive use of globalization. These issues are all related to the needs of a world economy that depends on a high level of technology. In such an economy, too much of the output of the economy goes to producing devices and to paying highly trained workers. Little is left for non-elite workers. The low selling prices of commodities makes it impossible for employers to pay adequate wages to most of their workers. These low wages, in turn, feed through to the uprisings we have been seeing in the last couple of years. These uprisings are part of Revolutions and Wars mentioned in Figure 1. It is difficult to see how this problem will disappear without a major change in the World Order, mentioned in the same figure. Because the problem of low commodity prices is widespread, our ability to produce electrical backup of all kinds, including the ability to make batteries, can be expected to become an increasing problem. Commodities, such as lithium, suffer from low prices, not unlike the low prices for coal and oil. These low prices lead to cutbacks in their production and local uprisings. [7] On a stand-alone basis, intermittent renewables have very limited usefulness. Their true value is close to zero. If electricity is only available when the sun is shining, or when the wind is blowing, industry cannot plan for its use. Its use must be limited to applications where intermittency doesnt matter, such as pumping water for animals to drink or desalinating water. No one would attempt to smelt metals with intermittent electricity because the metals would set at the wrong time, if the intermittent electricity suddenly disappeared. No one would power an elevator with intermittent electricity, because a person could easily be trapped between floors. Homeowners would not use electricity to power refrigerators, because, as likely as not, the food would spoil when electricity was off for long periods. Traffic signals would work sometimes, but not always. Lebanon is an example of a country whose electricity system works only intermittently. It is hard to imagine that any other country would want to imitate Lebanon. Lack of reliable electricity supply leads to protests in Lebanon. [8] The true cost of wind and solar has been hidden from everyone, using subsidies whose total cost is hard to determine. Each country has its own way of providing subsidies to renewables. Most countries give wind and solar the subsidy of going first. They are often given a fixed rate as well. Both of these are subsidies. In the US, other subsidies are buried in the tax system. Recently, there has been talk of using QE to help wind and solar providers lower their cost of borrowing. Newspapers regularly report that the price of wind and solar is at grid parity, but this is not an apples to apples comparison. To be useful, electricity needs to be available when users need it. The cost of storage is far too high to allow us to store electricity for weeks and months at a time. If we were to use intermittent electricity as a substitute for fossil fuels in general, we would need to use intermittent electricity to heat homes and offices in winter. Sunshine is abundant in the summer, but not in the winter. Without storage, solar panels cannot even be counted on to provide homeowners with heat for cooking dinner after the sun sets in the evening. An incredibly huge amount of storage would be needed to store heat from summer to winter. China reports that it has $42 billion in unpaid clean energy subsidies, and this amount is getting larger each year. Countries are now becoming poorer and the taxes they are able to collect are lower. Their ability to subsidize a high cost, unreliable electricity system is disappearing. [9] Wind, solar, and hydroelectric today only comprise a little under 10% of the worlds energy supply. We are deluding ourselves if we think we can get along on such a tiny total energy supply. Few people understand what a small share of the worlds energy supply wind and solar provide today. The amounts shown in Figure 6 assume that the denominator is total energy (including oil, for example), not just electricity. In 2019, hydroelectric accounted for 6.4% of world energy supply. Wind accounted for 2.2%, and solar accounted for 1.1%. The three together amounted to 9.7% of the worlds energy supply. None of these three energy types is suited to producing food. Oil is currently used for tilling fields, making herbicides and pesticides, and transporting refrigerated crops to market. [10] Few people understand how important energy supply is for giving humans control over other species and pathogens. Control over other species and pathogens has been a multistage effort. In recent years, this effort has involved antibiotics, antivirals and vaccines. Pasteurization became an important technique in the 1800s. Humans control over other species started over 100,000 years ago, when humans learned to burn biomass for many uses, including cooking foods, scaring away predators, and burning down entire forests to improve their food supply. In my 2018 post, Supplemental energy puts humans in charge, I wrote about one proof of the importance of humans control of fire. In the lower layers of a cave in South Africa, big cats were in charge: There were no carbon deposits from fire and gnawed human bones were scattered around the cave. In the upper layers of the same cave, humans were clearly in charge. There were carbon deposits from fires, and bones of big cats that had been gnawed by humans were scattered around the cave. We are dealing with COVID-19 now. Todays hospitals are only possible thanks to a modern mix of energy supply. Drugs are very often made using oil. Personal protective equipment is made in factories around the world and shipped to where it is used, generally using oil for transport. Conclusion We do indeed appear to be headed for a Great Reset. There is little chance that Green Energy can play more than a small role, however. Leaders are often confused because of the erroneous modeling that has been done. Given that the worlds oil and coal supply seem to be declining in the near term, the chance that fossil fuel production will ever rise as high as assumptions made in the IPCC reports seems very slim. It is true that some Green Energy devices may continue to operate for a time. But, as the world economy continues to head downhill, it will be increasingly difficult to make new renewable devices and to repair existing systems. Wholesale electricity prices can be expected to stay very low, leading to the need for continued subsidies for wind and solar. Figure 1 indicates that we can expect more revolutions and wars at this stage in the cycle. At least part of this unrest will be related to low commodity prices and low wages. Globalization will tend to disappear. Keeping transmission lines repaired will become an increasing problem, as will many other tasks associated with keeping energy supplies available. By Gail Tverberg via Ourfiniteworld.com More Top Read From Oilprice.com: CHARLOTTESVILLE Albemarle Countys Confederate soldier statue in Court Square is slated to be removed Saturday. Around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, deep into the board of supervisors regular meeting, county staff outlined the process by which the statue will be taken down. The board voted in August to remove the life-sized bronze likeness of a Confederate soldier, two cannons and a pile of cannonballs. As of Wednesday morning, the board had received eight requests for the statue and/or the items surrounding it, and is scheduled to meet virtually next week to review the offers. Deputy County Executive Doug Walker said there will be road and sidewalk closures to facilitate the removal, and police and fire rescue from both Albemarle and Charlottesville will be present to ensure safety. This event is unusual in this location; we have two-thirds of Court Square being within the jurisdiction of Albemarle County, with the roads and the area around it being, of course, in the city of Charlottesville, Walker said. The removal work will begin around sunrise Saturday and end either late that night or early Sunday. The county will livestream the event on its Facebook page in lieu of allowing in-person observance because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The county also will be airing interviews, lectures, conversations about the statue, memory and cultural landscapes, community history and the meaning of this moment from different perspectives, Walker said. We think that the show will be compelling and we know that it will offer the best vantage to watch the removal happen in real time, and we appreciate the communitys support in attending with us together, but from a distance, he said. The board of supervisors awarded two contracts to T.E.A.L. Construction, an Albemarle-based company, in August for the removal of the statue and armaments. Depending on the entity the board chooses to receive the statue, the removal could cost as much as $81,500, plus $50 per mile to transport it. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday informed that India has decided to host a meeting of quad, including Australia, Japan and United States amid escalating tensions with China. Reports say that Beijing will be watching Quad and 2+2 meet very closely as it views this grouping with a sense of alarm. India will soon be hosting a meeting of Quad, which also includes Australia, Japan and the United States, and details are also being worked out for India-US 2+2 dialogue. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed about the diplomatic engagements at the regular weekly briefing today. The 2+2 dialogue and Quad meeting are taking place at a time when China is facing the global ire for trampling democracy in Hong Kong, human rights violations in Xinjiang, alleged breach of internet privacy in various countries and attempting to unilaterally change the status quo at the India China border violating all bilateral agreements and protocols. Beijing is also displaying strong-arm tactics in the South China sea and is also blamed by some quarters for the spread of COVID-19 globally which originated in its labs in Wuhan. US President Donald Trump has referred to COVID-19 as Chinese virus. The US had also imposed restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the country. India has also banned several Chinese apps and popular game Pubg and Indian Railways has cancelled Chinese investment. As major powers of the world get sceptical about China, India is looking forward to replacing the Asian giant as a production and services hub of the world. Quad countries including Australia and Japan have assured huge investments in Indias infrastructure technology and supply chain. Also Read: Covid-19: Five states account for 62% of active cases, says Govt Also Read: Govt taking all steps to ensure safety of Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA The United States has also hailed India as a big power in India-Pacific. Quad or quadrilateral security dialogue is a grouping of four democracies -India, Australia, US and Japan. China watchers here feel that Beijing will be watching Quad and 2+2 meet very closely as it views this grouping of democratic powers with a sense of alarm. Also Read: Maharashtra: Alleged drug peddler Zaid Vilatra sent to NCB custody till Sept 9 They Told You Not To Reply When businesses want to communicate with their customers via e-mail, many send messages with a bogus return address, e.g. "somethinghere@donotreply.com." The practice is meant to communicate to recipients that any replies will go unread. But when those messages are sent to an inactive e-mail address or the recipient ignores the instruction and replies anyway, the missives don't just disappear into the digital ether. Instead, they land in Chet Faliszek's e-mail box. As owner of www.donotreply.com, the Seattle-based programmer receives millions of wayward e-mails each week, including a great many missives destined for executives at Fortune 500 companies or bank customers, even sensitive messages sent by government personnel and contractors. The majority of the e-mails naturally are from spammers, who also are quite fond of using Faliszek's domain name in the "From" field of their junk e-mails. Some of the non-spam bounce-backs are fairly harmless, like the ones he gets every so often from desperate, hungry people who bought a CharBroil brand grill but can't get the thing to work properly. "Instead of letting people just hit reply to these support mails, they make the customer click on a link," Faliszek said. "It's sad, too, because I'll get these e-mails from people and they're like 'Oh, man, I really wanted to grill, but it's not working.' Sometimes they'll even send pictures of their grill, too." But many of the misdirected e-mails amount to serious security and privacy violations. In February, Faliszek began receiving e-mails sent by Yardville National Bank in New Jersey (now part of PNC). Included in the message were PDF documents detailing every computer the bank owned that was not currently patched against the latest security vulnerabilities. Faliszek has so far amassed more than 200 reports about the bank detailing computers, full branch reports and graphs showing the top 10 most vulnerable systems. In a blog post cleverly titled "What's in Your Return Address Field," Faliszek posted another bank screw up last month after he began receiving replies from Capital One customers inquiring about various details of their accounts. He says Capital One appears to have used donotreply.com as the return address for automated payment transfers and debits set up by customers. Faliszek also routinely receives bizarre e-mails from Kellog Brown & Root, a Houston-based engineering company and former subsidiary of Halliburton. He said it looks like someone at KBR has set up a system that scans incoming faxes as PDFs and mails them off to various recipients. "It's really kind of weird, because I'll get these faxes from Iraq, where they talk about various camps, when and where they're moving the support equipment, what they're buying, accident reports, and information on people applying for jobs," Faliszek said. Faliszek bought donotreply.com back in 2000 when he and some friends were running an e-mail service. But he never imagined he would get such a huge volume of misdirected mail. "We started thinking of all the stupid e-mail names we could register, and we all thought it would be funny to send e-mail from an account at donotreply.com," Faliszek said. With the exception of extreme cases like those mentioned above, Faliszek says he long ago stopped trying to alert companies about the e-mails he was receiving. It's just not worth it: Faliszek said he is constantly threatened with lawsuits from companies who for one reason or another have a difficult time grasping why he is in possession of their internal documents and e-mails. "I've had people yell at me, saying these e-mails are marked private and that I shouldn't read them," Faliszek said. "They get all frantic like I've done something to them, particularly when you talk to the non-technical people at these companies." Instead, he blogs about the most interesting ones. Companies embarrassed by having their e-mails posted online can get him to pull the entries from his blog for a small payment. The normal fee to be removed from the site is proof of a donation to an animal protective league or humane society. So far, Faliszek says his blog has raised roughly $5,000 for local dog pounds. Italy has one final chance to reform its economy as the European Union prepares to disburse a historic amount of money, experts told CNBC on Friday. The European Union agreed in July to raise 750 billion euros ($890 billion) in public markets an unprecedented move for the bloc. Though the plan has yet to overcome some legislative steps before funds are available in 2021, there are hopes it will change the course of the Italian economy. "I think it is the last chance for Europe and mostly for Italy," former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta told CNBC's Steve Sedgwick at the European House Ambrosetti Forum. Italy is expected to receive about 81 billion euros in grants and about 127 billion euros in loans from the European Union, starting in 2021. "Such a big amount of money," Letta said. It will give Italy the opportunity "to do what we didn't in the past," he added, providing that "it is well spent." U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson on Wednesday approved a plan to monitor how well the Alabama Department of Corrections follows court orders to improve mental health care for inmates. Thompson ruled in 2017 that the ADOCs failure to adequately identify and treat inmates with mental illness violated the Constitutions prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments, finding that the level of care was horrendously inadequate. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program and others who represent inmates. Thompsons 2017 ruling listed seven factors as contributing to the inadequate care, plus the overarching problems of overcrowding and understaffing. Thompson has since issued remedial orders setting standards for how the ADOC can fix some of the problems. The monitoring plan is aimed at making sure the ADOC follows the remedial orders. The plan sets up a team of monitors from outside the ADOC who will gradually hand over the reins for monitoring responsibility to an internal monitoring team in the prison system. The monitoring plan is in large part a plan proposed by the ADOC and incorporates areas of agreement between the state and the plaintiffs in the case, the judge wrote. In the 124-page opinion and order, Thompson wrote that the ADOC agreed that monitoring was needed. But the judge disagreed with the ADOCs position that it could voluntarily undertake culture change without a court order to require monitoring. Thompson wrote that the state has track record of failure to provide adequate mental health care for inmates when it is not under the force of a court order. While the court is encouraged by Commissioner (Jeff) Dunns own admission that monitoring is needed ... it shares the plaintiffs concerns about allowing the defendants to implement their plan without a court order, Thompson wrote. The judge cited cases going back to 1972. ADOCs long history of repeated litigation regarding the inadequacy of its mental-health care is independent evidence of its inability to sustain improvements without the type of oversight ordered today, Thompson wrote. This history serves as evidence of why court monitoring is necessary. SPLC attorney Ebony Howard said the court order was needed. Despite historical intervention and court monitoring, ADOC has failed to permanently uphold its obligation to protect the people incarcerated in Alabama prisons, Howard said in a press release. The courts order requiring long-term external and internal compliance monitoring will hopefully ensure that people with mental health needs will finally receive the humane and just treatment they deserve. James Tucker, director of the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, said the monitoring plan provides important guidance. The Courts opinion gives ADOC a blueprint for providing long-term solutions to long-standing problems, Tucker said. ADAP sincerely hopes that going forward ADOC will work to provide constitutionally adequate mental health care to people incarcerated in Alabamas prisons and never backslide again. Thompson has issued remedial orders on some of the issues related to the mental health care problems, including a severe shortage of correctional officers. The judge has not yet issued remedial orders on all the problems, but said that it was important to have the monitoring plan in place to move the case closer to resolution. The lawsuit was filed in 2014. The court hopes that this monitoring scheme will help the ADOC attain timely, meaningful, and sustainable compliance with the courts remedial orders on mental-health care and bring this litigation to an end as soon as is reasonably possible, the judge wrote. The lawsuit is separate from the U.S. Department of Justice allegations that conditions in Alabamas mens prisons violate the Constitution because of violence, excessive use of force by officers on inmates, and other problems. But there are overlapping issues, including the overcrowding and understaffing. Parole, furlough not absolute right; not to be given to terrorists: MHA India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Sep 04: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Friday the release of prisoners on parole and furlough is not an absolute right and should be on the basis of well-defined norms of eligibility, and directed states that those involved in terrorism and other heinous crimes should not be allowed to go out of jails. In a communication to all States and Union Territories, the home ministry also said that parole and furlough may not be granted as a matter of routine and may be decided by a committee of officers and behavioural experts keeping in view all relevant factors, especially for inmates sentenced for sexual offences, serious crimes such as murder, child abduction and violence. The communication came following reports from different parts of the country that many of those released from jails due to the coronavirus pandemic were indulging in crimes. The video of a recent incident in Punjab where a girl bravely fought against two armed snatchers, who were also released from a prison recently, was widely circulated on social media. Referring to the Model Prison Manual, 2016, the home ministry said prisoners whose immediate presence in the society may be considered dangerous or otherwise prejudicial to public peace and order by the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police should not be considered for release. Prisoners who are considered dangerous or have been involved in serious prison violence like assault, outbreak of riot, mutiny or escape, or who have been found to be instigating serious violation of prison discipline as per his or her annual good conduct report should not be eligible for release. Prisoners convicted for heinous offences such as dacoity, terrorist crimes, kidnapping for ransom, smuggling of commercial quantity of narcotic and psychotropic substances and such prisoners who in the opinion of the District Magistrate and the District Superintendent of Police may not report back to the prison after completion of the furlough period and should not be released. The home ministry said concerns have been expressed regarding recidivism, as in some cases prison inmates on temporary release from prison either on parole or furlough or on premature release before completion of their sentence, have re-offended or indulged in criminal activities. This underlines the need to carefully regulate the grant of parole, furlough, remission and premature release to prisoners, it said. It is, therefore, important for state authorities to review their guidelines to ensure that the facility and concession given to inmates, by way of parole, furlough and premature release, etc., with the intention of providing them relief and rehabilitation, is not abused and misused by them and their advantage does not turn into disadvantage and nuisance for the society at large. The home ministry suggested that following provisions may be included in the guidelines: i) Grant of parole and furlough to those offenders, whose release may have adverse impact on the security of the State or safety of individuals, may be strictly restricted. ii) Parole rules of States, including the criteria, duration and frequency may be reviewed after making an assessment based on their experience about the benefits and detriments of such parole. iii) Parole and furlough may not be granted as a matter of routine and may be decided by a committee of officers and behavioural experts, who may meet as per requirement, keeping in view all relevant factors, especially for inmates sentenced for sexual offences, serious crimes such as murder, child abduction and violence. iv) It may be useful to invariably include an expert psychologist criminologist, correctional administration expert as a member of the Sentence Review Board and in the committee which decides grant of parole and furlough to inmates and obtain their opinion before such temporary release. The home ministry also drew the attention of the States and UTs to some extracts of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as ''The Nelson Mandela Rules''. In view of the above, the home ministry said, it is requested to review the existing practices and procedures governing grant of parole, furlough and premature release to inmates, especially in light of Model Prison Manual, 2016 and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) and the Apex Court etc. from time to time. "It is also requested to include the above mentioned provisions in the protocols developed for the purpose as it is necessary to ensure careful and comprehensive examination of each such case." "Further, in order to ensure that inmates released on parole, furlough and premature release etc. do not violate law, systems must be put in place for monitoring and follow up of each case. An action taken report may please be sent to MHA," the communication said. WASHINGTON (AP) Police in the nation's capital on Thursday released body camera footage from the officer who fatally shot a Black teenager a day earlier, leading to protests outside Mayor Muriel Bowser's home and a police station. Deon Kay, 18, was shot in the chest Wednesday afternoon in the midst of a foot pursuit with police officers. Early Thursday morning, the local Black Lives Matter affiliate tweeted that the Terror Gang has once again taken the life of a young man, and demanded the immediate release of the footage. The video shows a brief and chaotic scene. As a police car pulls into the parking lot of a southeast Washington apartment complex, the officer jumps out and begins chasing someone. The officer turns around, sees Kay running a few feet behind him and fires a single shot into Kay's chest. Police identified that officer as Alexander Alvarez, who joined the department in 2018. He has been placed on administrative leave. The police video later freezes the frame and circles what appears to be a pistol in Kays hand. But its unclear whether Kay, who had officers in front and back of him, was intending to use the weapon or throw it away. Immediately after the shooting, as other officers tend to Kay, the officer who fired the shot begins frantically looking for Kays gun in the surrounding grass. The handgun was found about 98 feet away, a distance that Metropolitan Police Department chief Peter Newsham said does seem like a long way to throw a weapon. Everyone can go and look at the video for themselves," Newsham said. "You can stop it frame by frame and make your own determination. We will do the same when we conduct our investigation. The incident drew a harsh condemnation from the American Civil Liberties Union, which blamed the MPD for an overly confrontational approach that creates dangerous and violent situations. The D.C. police departments approach to gun recovery has been dangerous and ineffective for years," said Monica Hopkins, head of the ACLU's District of Columbia office. The tragic shooting and death of 18-year-old Deon Kay is the logical conclusion of a policy that not only meets violence with violence, but actually escalates and incites it especially in our Black communities. Story continues Hopkins called for an overhaul of D.C.'s approach to guns on the streets to focus on non-police solutions that address the underlying roots of community violence instead of continuing aggressive police tactics. The shooting occurred at a time of nationwide protests over police killings of Black people and calls for sweeping changes in policing. Bowser said her administration had rushed to release the video to help the public answer some questions. What I know is that our officer was trying to take guns off the street and what I know is that he encountered somebody with a gun. Authorities did not release the video from other officers on the scene. The Associated Press was seeking to locate Kay's family for comment. Emergency legislation passed by the D.C. Council in June requires the police to release any body camera footage from any fatal shootings or use-of-force incidents within five days. Newsham said his department worked overnight to make the footage public well ahead of that deadline, One of the reasons we put it out as quickly as we did is because there's a lot of misinformation in the current climate that we have not only in Washington D.C., but across the country. Misinformation can lead to some disturbances in our city and that's the last thing we want to see, Newsham said. Newsham described Kay as a validated gang member who had multiple run-ins with local law enforcement, although the chief he refused to got into specifics. He said officers were drawn to the area by a video posted on social media that showed two young Black men, one wearing a mask, showing off handguns inside a car. They knew Mr. Kay when they saw the livestream. They knew him by name," Newsham said. I know that he's a validated gang member from the area and I know that he's had multiple touches with the criminal justice system. ... I'm pretty sure that Deon Kay fell through multiple safety nets before yesterday afternoon. The U.S. attorney's office will conduct an independent review of the shooting. Credit: Michael Pewny from Pixabay The strength of connections, be it human connections within cities, or collaborative networks between cities, has been a key factor in determining how effectively the world's biggest cities have been able to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, according to leading experts. The Nature Comment article, led by Professor Xuemei Bai from The Australian National University (ANU), with three other co-authors from India and China, also argues our networks will be crucial in helping us tackle future disasters. "Our biggest cities need to adapt and evolve," Professor Bai said. "They will face other pandemics and increasingly frequent and potentially more severe disasters due to climate change. It's not realistic to expect all cities to be fully prepared for all kinds of crises at all times. Developing strong networks and helping each other in times of need is crucialwhether its women in Sao Paulo's largest slum sewing thousands of face masks, or coordinated sharing of supplies between major cities." Professor Bai and her co-authors say while COVID-19 is still running its course, and the immediate aftershockssuch as job losses, poverty and food scarcityneed addressing urgently, much has been already been learnt. "We know if cities have ample access to green infrastructure, like Canberra, it can help make life under lockdown easier," Professor Bai said. "We also found the physical structure of a city, for example population density, is far less important than its governing capacity. There is a significant correlation between the number of COVID-19 cases and timeliness of restrictive action in Chinese cities, whereas we found no correlation with density." But Professor Bai says the COVID-19 response has also shown where governments have failed to take effective action, community groups can step in and carry out key roles. She believes collaboration between cities is the key to building resilience. "Neighboring cities should be sharing disaster risk strategies," Professor Bai said. "The first step is sharing visions, strengths and constraints, then we can work on developing mechanisms for sharing recourses in an emergency." Explore further COVID-19: We will be measured by how we support the vulnerable More information: Xuemei Bai et al. Cities: build networks and share plans to emerge stronger from COVID-19, Nature (2020). Journal information: Nature Xuemei Bai et al. Cities: build networks and share plans to emerge stronger from COVID-19,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-020-02459-2 BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech at the Global Trade in Services Summit of this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced Thursday. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will deliver the speech via video. The event, to be held in Beijing, will be broadcast live by the China Media Group and on xinhuanet.com. Flash Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met on Thursday with senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi, both vowing to uphold multilateralism. During his meeting with Sanchez, Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's successful visit to Spain in 2018, when Xi and Sanchez drew a new blueprint for China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership. According to Yang, the two countries respect each other's development path and regard each other's development as an opportunity. In the face of COVID-19, he said, the two countries have worked together to fight the epidemic, which fully proves that China and Spain are sincere partners and friends. Yang, who is also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and develop bilateral relations into a model of mutual respect, exchanges and mutual learning, and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries. He called on the two sides to maintain high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust and continue to support each other's core interests and major concerns. China and Spain need to expand bilateral trade and investment and tap the potential of cooperation in green economy, digital economy and other fields, he said, adding that China is ready to import more Spanish agricultural products. Yang urged the two countries to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, deepen mutual learning among civilizations, promote joint research and development of vaccines and drugs, and build a global community of health for all. China and Spain need to jointly uphold multilateralism, uphold international equity and justice, and improve global governance, he said, expressing the belief that Spain will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-Europe relations. For his part, Sanchez said Spain attaches great importance to developing relations with China strategically, and President Xi's successful visit to Spain has facilitated an important development in bilateral relations. Spain thanks China for the assistance and support in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanchez said, adding that the fight against COVID-19 has brought all countries closely together and helped strengthen Spain-China relations. Sanchez said Spain is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China to further explore the Chinese market, and welcomes investment from Chinese businesses. Sanchez noted that Spain, the European Union and China all firmly support multilateralism and need to strengthen communication and coordination. There is great potential for EU-China cooperation, and Spain will actively participate in and promote it, he added. Also on Thursday, Yang held talks with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Arancha Gonzalez Laya. Angola, IN (46703) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 10F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 10F. Winds light and variable. A Cumberland County jury Friday afternoon acquitted 66-year-old Hap Seiders of murder charges linked to the March 2012 disappearance of his wife Rabihan. It took the jury about two hours to reach its verdict. Judge Jessica E. Brewbaker ordered Hap Seiders, who was arrested last year, to be freed from the county prison immediately. Justice eventually does prevail, defense attorney George Matangos said immediately after the jury issued its decision. That verdict capped an eight-day trial that delved into the fate of 53-year-old Rabihan. Chief Deputy District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue contended that Hap Seiders killed Rabihan when she rebelled against his attempts to control her and wouldnt reveal the whereabouts of a cache of gold coins she removed from a safe in their Silver Spring Township home following a domestic dispute in August 2011. LaRue said Hap Seiders then dismembered his wifes body and incinerated it in the fireplace of the house. The evidence of that, she said, was found in a box of ashes containing charred human bones and bone fragments that police found during an April 2012 search of the house on Willow Mill Park Road. Matangos argued that prosecutors failed to prove that Rabihan Seiders was in fact dead. No DNA was recovered from the bones in that box, he stressed. Matangos countered LaRues scenario by contending that Rabihan likely fled the U.S. with more than $1 million worth of her husbands assets. He posed that she could be living a lush life with that money in her native central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. We are grateful, Matangos said of the verdict. Hap was too tearful to say anything. He cant believe people understood what hes been through. I believe he was a mark for a plot by Rabihan, Matangos said. Hap Seiders fiancee, Eliizabeth Jona, who attended every day of the trial, burst into tears when the verdict was announced. Im very happy, she said. Hes the best man I ever met in my whole life. He would never hurt a fly. Hap Seiders was charged with first- and third-degree murder, a conviction on either of which would likely have sent him to prison for the rest of his life. The jury also acquitted him of charges of evidence tampering and abuse of a corpse. Ashley Roberts cut a very stylish figure as she left to work at Heart FM in London's Global Studios on Friday. The radio presenter, 38, was the epitome of chic in a leopard print maxi dress as she confidently strutted down the street. Ashley appeared in great spirits as she flashed a broad smile after presenting her breakfast radio show. Fashionista: Ashley Roberts cut a very stylish figure as she left to work at Heart FM in London 's Global Studios on Friday The Pussycat Doll was full of confidence in her animal print gown which featured a billowing skirt and a tie detail that cinched her in at the waist. Ashley boosted her height with a pointed pair of nude heels, while she accessorised with trendy shades and a black handbag. The beauty left her blonde locks loose on her shoulders, while she added a subtle palette of make-up to her face. It comes after Ashley took to Instagram on Sunday evening to share a scenic bikini-clad snap by the sea in Turkey. Wild thing: The radio presenter, 38, was the epitome of chic in a leopard print maxi dress as she confidently strutted down the street The Don't Cha hitmaker looked phenomenal as she drank in her surroundings while donning a barely-there red two-piece. She added a caption on the duo of snaps reading: 'She holy hunni. How beautiful?! Heres to looking and hoping for a brighter rest of 2020 #wecanhope #adventure #motherearth #grateful'. Ashley revealed last month she is open to the idea of adopting a child in the future. Speaking in an interview with Fabulous magazine, she said: 'I'm definitely open to the idea of adoption. 'You just never know what the future is going to bring and the most important thing is to be happy and, whether my body naturally has kids or not, we'll see what life brings. I'm definitely open to that.' Good mood: Ashley appeared in great spirits as she flashed a broad smile after presenting her breakfast radio show Work it: The Pussycat Doll was full of confidence in her animal print gown which featured a billowing skirt and a tie detail that cinched her in at the waist Ashley also reflected on dating following her split from Italian Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, 29. The couple called time on their year-long romance in January after meeting during Ashley's stint on the BBC One dance competition in late 2018. She said: 'I'm good on my own, though. I'm pretty independent. It's nice to have that connection with someone, but at the moment lockdown is still [effectively] here, so "me" is where it is.' She said about dating in lockdown: 'You can get to know someone a bit more before other "things" can happen perhaps that's something that's positive. We'll see.' Lovely: The beauty left her blonde locks loose on her shoulders, while she added a subtle palette of make-up to her face Marking a first, Bangladesh top court has ruled on September 2 that the Hindu widows will have the rights to agricultural and non-agricultural lands of their deceased husbands. According to media reports, Bangladesh High Court ruled in favor of Hindu widows and changed the current norm that stated that the Hindu widows in the nation only have the right to their husbands homesteads leaving out other assets like agricultural lands. The Daily Star reported the court ruling saying that the Hindu widows will have all the rights that they can sell in case of legal necessities later in life. This verdict by the Bangladesh High Court came in response to a civil revision petition filed by a citizen Jyotindranath Mondal from Khulna district challenging a lower court verdict. "Hindu widows will have the rights to both agricultural and non-agricultural lands that belonged to their husbands. They will also get the right to sell the lands for legal necessities during their lifetime," the report said, citing the court order. Read - West Bengal: NIA Nabs Key Fake Currency Racketeer Active Across Indo-Bangladesh Border Read - Friends Bring Businesses To Aid Needy Bangladeshi People Mondals case of 1996 Back on March 7, 2004, the Khulanas joint district judge had ruled in a case filed by Mondal saying that Gouri Dasi, the widow of Mondals elder brother will get the rights to the agricultural land of the late husband. The land had been recorded in the name of Gouri after her husband died in 1996. Mondal had filed the case challenging the record that gave the rights of agricultural land to the widow in 1996 with the court of an assistant judge in Khulna. Meanwhile, in India, as per the Indian Succession Act that came into operation on September 30, 1925, the property distribution is mainly divided into two parts intestate succession, and testamentary succession. While Intestate succession takes place according to the law of inheritance applicable to the deceased person (based on religion) and Testamentary succession takes place when the deceased person has created a Will. Read - 25 Bangladeshi Nationals Lodged In Dhubri District Jail Released' Read - Three Illegal Immigrants From Bangladesh Held By BSF (With PTI inputs) Image: representative/Unsplash Student Loses Points on Quiz for Disagreeing Constitution Designed to Perpetrate White Supremacy A student at Vanderbilt University reportedly lost points on a quiz for not agreeing that the U.S. Constitution was designed to perpetuate white supremacy. According to a screenshot the Young Americas Foundation (YAF) obtained from the unnamed Vanderbilt student, the online quiz was part of a undergraduate political science class on the 2020 U.S. elections. One of the questions asked students to answer true or false to the statement: Was the Constitution designed to perpetuate white supremacy and protect the institution of slavery? The student answered false, and that answer was marked wrong. The syllabus of the course, PSCI 1150: U.S. Elections, says this is the largest class that Vanderbilt has ever taught. The universitys website lists PSCI 1150 as one of the five courses political science majors can take to fulfill their core requirements, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences broader requirement for a course in History and Culture of the United States. Some 800 students are currently enrolled in PSCI 1150, according to YAF. The course is taught online by a group of four professors, notably among them is Pulitzer Prizewinning presidential historian Jon Meacham, who was featured on the last night of Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20. This blatant misinformation that is being peddled by these far-left professors to more than 800 impressionable students is despicable, YAFs Kara Zupkus wrote. To attempt to boil down the countrys greatest founding document as simply being white supremacist is a new lowmarking any student wrong who dares to disagree with this ridiculous statement is heinous. The tests controversial question comes amid an ongoing debate whether the founding of the United States is rooted in racisman idea embedded in New York Times revisionist 1619 Project and popularized during the nationwide unrest decrying racial injustice. The 1619 Project is championed by New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, who believes that the U.S. history began in 1619 when the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, rather than in 1776, when American colonists declared independence from Britain. In fact, the 1619 Project argues that the United States was racist in its founding, with the Revolutionary War fought to preserve slavery, and the Constitution written to consolidate systematic oppression against people of color. A curriculum based on the project, developed by the Pulitzer Center, has made its way into public school districts across the nation, including in Chicago, Buffalo, Newark, and Washington. Many young Americans have been fed lies about America being a wicked nation plagued by racism, President Donald Trump said last month during a press conference, adding that he expected students to be taught that the United States is an exceptional, free and just nation, worth defending, preserving, and protecting. The only path to unity is to rebuild a shared national identity focused on common American values and virtues of which we have plenty, he said. This includes restoring patriotic education in our nations schools, where they are trying to change everything that we have learned. New Delhi, Sep 4 : The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice on a plea by a senior district judge in Madhya Pradesh, who is scheduled to retire at the year-end, for quashing of sexual harassment charges levelled against him by a woman judicial officer in 2018. The apex court has also stayed disciplinary proceedings against the district judge. A bench comprising Chief Justice S. A. Bobde and Justices A. S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh High Court on the plea. Citing this case where the judge is close to elevation and then something happens, the bench said it is a regular phenomenon in the system, all kinds of things start happening. The counsel representing the petitioner submitted before the bench that his client has an unblemished 32 years of service, and the judge was about to be considered for elevation to the High Court. He contended that all of a sudden, a 2018 complaint surfaces and an inquiry is initiated. The district judge moved the apex court seeking a stay on the August 14 order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which dismissed his plea at hearing itself holding that there was no illegality in facts or in law in the April 30 final report submitted by the Gender Sensitisation Internal Complaint Committee (GSICC). The GSICC report favoured further disciplinary action against the judge. This was challenged in the apex court. In June, the top court had asked the judge to move the High Court, which dismissed his plea. The petitioner argued that the principle of natural justice has been violated while handling the complaint against him. "It is submitted that Section 11 of the Act read with Rule 7 (4) of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Rules, 2013 and Regulation 10 of 2015 Regulations mandates that the principles of natural justice ought to be followed into the inquiry of the complaint by the Internal Committee", said the plea. The plea contended that the GSICC began the inquiry under section 11 of the Act, which in law is forbidden to do so, by keeping the conciliation application pending for a long period of five months. The plea submitted that there is no power vested with the GSICC to conduct the inquiry in the present case once a conciliation application is submitted by the complainant and the GSICC has recorded a categorical finding that the allegations are not proved and that it would be just and proper to close the enquiry. In March 2018, a complaint of sexual harassment was made against the petitioner. The Panamanian-registered vessel, currently off Sri Lankas coast, is carrying about 270,000 tonnes of crude oil. Ships and aircraft from Sri Lanka and India intensified efforts to extinguish a fire on an oil tanker for a second day on Friday as officials warned of significant environmental damage to Sri Lankas coast if the ship leaks or explodes. The tanker, carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil, was drifting about 40km (22 nautical miles) from the coast, army chief Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva said on Friday. A navy spokesman, Captain Indika de Silva, said there were 23 crew on board, one of whom is presumed dead. The missing Filipino sailor is presumed dead. He was badly injured when a boiler exploded, de Silva told the Reuters news agency, citing crew who were rescued. There were five Greek and 18 Philippine nationals among the crew. One of them was injured and he was airlifted out of the ship and the rest were accounted for. The fire that broke out in the engine room of the New Diamond on Thursday morning had spread to the bridge of the ship, though it has not reached the cargo area, the Sri Lankan navy said. Three tug boats, five Sri Lankan navy ships as well as two craft from the Russian navy and three from the Indian navy have been assisting in an operation to fight the fire and tow the ship away from the coast, after it began drifting towards land. The Panamanian-registered tanker was transporting crude oil from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip, where the state-owned Indian Oil Corp has a refinery. At present, the vessel is being held by the salvage team in deep-sea 35kms (21.7 miles) east of the Sri Lankan town of Pottuvil, de Silva said. Potential environmental disaster Director-General of Operations Rear Admiral Y N Jayarathna told reporters it was the navys view that there was no real danger of a spill, because the fire on the ship has been contained in the rear section of the vessel. The live flames have now died down and there is only white smoke emanating from the vessel, he told a televised news conference. It will take another four to five days to completely put out the fire, Jayaratne added. Thereafter we should be able to tow it away and let the owners decide what they want to do. However, head of Sri Lankas Marine Environment Protection Authority, Darshani Lahandapur, warned that if a leak or explosion occurs, it could be a huge environmental disaster for the whole world. She said Sri Lanka does not have the resources or capacity to combat such an enormous disaster. The Maldives, about 1,000km (625 miles) southwest of Sri Lanka, has a large coral eco-system in its waters and expressed concern over a potential spill. [The] Maldives needs to watch this oil spill carefully and take all precautions to prevent it from reaching her shores, Ahmed Naseem, Maldivian minister at the presidents office, wrote on Twitter. Seven human rights experts affiliated with the UN raised concerns over Hong Kongs national security law in a letter addressed to Chinese authorities, saying that the law infringed on certain fundamental rights. In a letter released Friday, the experts said that the national security law raised a serious risk that fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, may be infringed upon. It also highlighted the undermining of the independence judges and lawyers in the semiautonomous Chinese territory. We underscore that general assertions of conduct that threatens national security without proper definitions and limitations may severely curtail civic space, the right to participate in public affairs, the rights of minorities and the work of human rights defenders and other civil society actors and their right to associate, the human rights experts said in the letter dated September 1. The group of experts are independent human rights monitors who work with the UN human rights office, including Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. Hong Kong imposed a national security law approved by Beijing on June 30, following anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year against a now-withdrawn extradition bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. The national security law makes secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the citys internal affairs. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has insisted that the law will help bring stability back to Hong Kong after months of unrest. Critics say the law effectively ends the one country, two systems framework under which Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy after it was passed from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The law extends beyond Hong Kong, and targets anyone overseas who violates the legislation, although it is not clear how the law would be enforced. Suspects arrested in Hong Kong under the national security law could also be sent to mainland China to stand trial in exceptional circumstances. The sweeping legislation has drawn criticism for stipulating that the destruction of government facilities and utilities would be considered subversive, while damaging public transportation facilities constitutes an act of terrorism. In the 14-page letter, the experts called on China to address the concerns of the UN, including its plans to enforce extra-territorial jurisdiction, to ensure that it complies with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights treaty that China has signed. The document sent by the UN is known as an other letter, a communication with governments that examines draft or existing legislation, policy or practice that is deemed out-of-step and noncompliant with international human rights norms. The letter follows the first in-depth appraisal of the Hong Kong security law from the UN human rights system, though officials including UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, have previously expressed concerns about it. Unlike other types of communications from the UN human rights system with governments, which remain confidential for nearly two months to give them time to respond, other letters give governments only two days advance notice. BRUSSELS NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday condemned the appalling assassination attempt on Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and called on Moscow to answer questions about the poisoning to international investigators. Navalny, a Kremlin critic and corruption investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow on Aug. 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk. He has been in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital since he was flown to Germany for treatment more than a week ago. German authorities have said that tests showed that he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group. British authorities previously identified the Soviet-era Novichok as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018. There is proof beyond doubt that Mr. Navalny was poisoned using a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group. The use of such a weapon is horrific, Stoltenberg said after chairing a meeting of NATO ambassadors during which Germany briefed its allies on developments. Any use of chemical weapons shows a total disrespect for human lives and is an unacceptable breach of international norms and rules. NATO allies agree that Russia now has serious questions it must answer, he told reporters. Stoltenberg said Moscow must cooperate with the international chemical weapons organization in an impartial, international investigation and provide information about its Novichok program. After the March 2018 attack on the Skripals in the English city of Salisbury territory of a member of the 30-nation alliance NATO withdrew the accreditation of seven staff members at Russias mission to the military alliance and rejected the applications of three others. No such action was announced Friday. Russian authorities have appeared reluctant to investigate what caused Navalny's condition, saying there had so far been no grounds for a criminal investigation. Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said Friday that a preliminary inquiry was ongoing but added that he saw no signs of a crime in what happened to Russian President Vladimir Putin's most determined critic. Putins spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Navalny and said Thursday that Germany had not provided Moscow with any evidence about the politician's condition. We have nothing to hide, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday, asserting that German authorities had stonewalled Russian requests for information. Lavrov said the failure to provide information about Navalnys poisoning could indicate a lack of evidence. Our Western partners allow themselves to make arrogant demands in such a tone that suggests that they have nothing but pathos to put on the table, he said. The Berlin prosecutors office said Friday that judicial authorities in the German capital are examining a request for information from Russian law enforcement and will decide whether to grant it, if necessary in consultation with German federal authorities. It didnt specify how long a decision might take. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 02:19:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) meets with Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, in Madrid, Spain, on Sept. 3, 2020. (Xinhua) MADRID, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met here Thursday with senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi, both vowing to uphold multilateralism. During his meeting with Sanchez, Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's successful visit to Spain in 2018, when Xi and Sanchez drew a new blueprint for China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership. According to Yang, the two countries respect each other's development path and regard each other's development as an opportunity. In the face of COVID-19, he said, the two countries have worked together to fight the epidemic, which fully proves that China and Spain are sincere partners and friends. Yang, who is also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and develop bilateral relations into a model of mutual respect, exchanges and mutual learning, and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries. He called on the two sides to maintain high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust and continue to support each other's core interests and major concerns. China and Spain need to expand bilateral trade and investment and tap the potential of cooperation in green economy, digital economy and other fields, he said, adding that China is ready to import more Spanish agricultural products. Yang urged the two countries to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, deepen mutual learning among civilizations, promote joint research and development of vaccines and drugs,and build a global community of health for all. China and Spain need to jointly uphold multilateralism, uphold international equity and justice, and improve global governance, he said, expressing the belief that Spain will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-Europe relations. For his part, Sanchez said Spain attaches great importance to developing relations with China strategically, and President Xi's successful visit to Spain has facilitated an important development in bilateral relations. Spain thanks China for the assistance and support in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanchez said, adding that the fight against COVID-19 has brought all countries closely together and helped strengthen Spain-China relations. Sanchez said Spain is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China to further explore the Chinese market, and welcomes investment from Chinese businesses. Sanchez noted that Spain, the European Union and China all firmly support multilateralism and need to strengthen communication and coordination. There is great potential for EU-China cooperation, and Spain will actively participate in and promote it, he added. Also on Thursday, Yang held talks with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Arancha Gonzalez Laya. Enditem Jeffrey Smith is pretty sure his latest movie would have been a blockbuster if it hadnt been released in the midst of a global pandemic. I think it would have, for sure, said Smith, who grew up in St. Catharines. Its a really great film. Its well made, and Louis Gossett Jr. is at his best. His portrayal of the old man at an old-age home is sublime, really. Smith, now a Toronto resident, plays a prominent supporting role in The Cuban, a movie focused on the care of an aging musician in a long-term care home, directed by Sergio Navarretta. Its a masterful movie. Its beautifully done, he said. After at least four years in development, the movie that also stars Canadian actor Ana Golja was to be released in mid-July. All of the sudden it was release time, and boom, Smith said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down movie theatres all over the world, and put his nearly 30-year career as an actor and producer on hold. Everything I do was affected. Its everything. I have to say, as a Canadian artist, thank goodness for CERB. That helped me because otherwise I would have been in a panic, he said. He said the movies director has been great in working around the theatre closures, getting the movie out to as many audiences as possible with limited releases through film festivals and drive-ins. But its a far cry from the audiences Smith feels the movie should have garnered. Next week the movie will be played on a screen that holds place in Smiths heart. It will be shown for one night only on Sept. 23 at Canview Drive-in in Thorold. Its phenomenal, he said. Smith is planning a trip back to his hometown, to watch his movie with his parents who still live in St. Catharines. That would be fun to do, he said. The kid in me, who is still shocked that I get to do these things, would like to be able to watch it with my mom and dad at the drive-in they used to take me to. Its going to be a special thing. RELATED STORIES Movies The cursed films continue for Niagara director Jay Cheel As California continues to struggle with COVID-19, Smith is hoping the movie industry in Toronto will start to rebound soon. But even then, Smith suspects there will be significant changes to the way movies are filmed. People are trying to sort of renegotiate how sets work, he said. Although audiences only see a few actors on screen, Smith said there are typically up to 50 people working behind the scenes. But in the future, he expects to see far fewer people working on film sets. If they have to do crowd shots, maybe theyll use more CGI. Ive heard horrible rumours of using mannequins in the background. That would be horrible. But then the artist in me would say, well, at least wed know that this was COVID video. This was in the times of COVID. Note: This story has been updated to include a new date for the showing of The Cuban at the Canview Drive-in, after a schedule change. SEATTLE, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Quark Expeditions, the recognized Leader in Polar Adventures, released details today of its Arctic 2022 season line-up of voyages that are designed to immerse travelers in the splendid isolation of the remote Arctic. Quark Expeditions' comprehensive Arctic 2022 season features the new polar ship, Ultramarine, innovative helicopter-supported adventure options, a unique Greenland Adventure itinerary, plus special itineraries that include the much anticipated return of the popular Under the Northern Lights expedition, and a voyage dedicated to photography in Spitsbergen. "We've intentionally designed the 18 voyages scheduled for our Arctic 2022 season to enable guests to immerse themselves in the splendid isolation of the remote Arctic where-far removed from the rigors and demands of everyday life-they can simply disconnect and embrace the serene, pristine polar region," said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. "Each and every one of our diverse voyages offers guests unique experiences that resonate with their specific travel tastes." "Guests traveling on our new polar ship Ultramarine-with its two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs and the most robust portfolio of innovative adventure options in the industry-will experience the Arctic in ways never thought possible," said White. "Our commitment to innovation is also reflected this season in our Greenland Adventure itinerary, which offers helicopter-supported adventures such as heli-hiking, alpine kayaking on lakes few people have ever visited, and treks on the Greenland Ice Sheet. We're especially proud of a unique partnership with local organizations that will allow travelers to enjoy such experiences as overnight camping along Tasermiut Fjord in South Greenland where they'll also forage for their dinner with a local chef." Other remote Arctic experiences Quark Expeditions will offer in 2022 include the Northern Lights on a journey to Iceland and Greenland, an array of voyages through Norway'sSvalbard archipelago that range from 7 to 14 days in length, and a 14-day photography-focused voyage to Spitsbergen. Complementing the remote Arctic locations ("where the concept of crowds doesn't exist!" says White) is Quark Expeditions' fleet of small polar vessels. "Our ships are ideal for anyone who wants to escape the crowds and totally immerse themselves in the calm and serenity of the Arctic. Our guests will never share the vessel with more than 199 passengers. In fact, some will travel with as few as 128 passengers. And, of course, our enhanced health and safety standards will give guests peace of mind and comfort as they explore the remote polar regions." The Arctic 2022 season lineup includes: Norway (May, June, July) Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief (7 Days) Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard (10 Days) (10 Days) Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic (12 Days) Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Islands, Big Adventure (14 Days) Spitsbergen Photography: In Search of Polar Bears (14 days) Greenland (August and September) Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air (9 days) Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland (14 days) (14 days) Essential Greenland : Southern Coasts and Disko Bay (15 Days) Canada (September) Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage (9 days) Canada's Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere Island (12 days) Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere Island (12 days) Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin (17 days) Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic (17 days) Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland (20 days) Russia Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya (16 days) and Novaya Zemlya (16 days) High Arctic Odyssey: Remote Russian Archipelagos (22 days) Multi Destination Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen (14 days) (14 days) Three Arctic Islands: Iceland , Greenland , Spitsbergen (15 days) Quark Expeditions is currently offering guests an enhanced Book With Confidence policy that features Risk-Free Cancellation, Flexible Re-booking and Money 100% Guaranteed-all designed to give travelers peace of mind when booking their polar voyage. For further information, visit our Arctic 2022 lineup of voyages. Quark Expeditions, the recognized Leader in Polar Adventures, has been taking commercial travelers to the Polar Regions since 1991. Quark Expeditions is a member of the Travelopia Group, the world's largest collection of travel brands exclusively focused on specialist travel. By Roslan Khasawneh and Akiko Okamoto TOKYO/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A third crewman from a ship that capsized this week off Japan with more than 40 crew and a cargo of cattle on board was found alive on Friday after he was spotted by a search plane, Japan's coastguard said. The man, 30-year-old Filipino Jay-nel Rosals, was found on a liferaft waving for help 2 km (1.2 miles) off Kodakarajima, a small island in Japan's southern Kagoshima prefecture, the coastguard said. He was conscious and was able to walk when the coastguard rescued him. Rescuers also found an overturned orange lifeboat floating at sea some 4 km (2.5 miles) off Kodakarajima, but no one was found on that boat. Rosals was only the third crew member to be found so far from the Gulf Livestock 1, which capsized in the East China Sea on Wednesday and is believed to have sunk. The ship, with a crew of 43 crew and a cargo of 6,000 cattle, had sent a distress call amid strong winds and heavy seas whipped up by Typhoon Maysak. Earlier on Friday it emerged the vessel had a history of mechanical issues. Rosals' rescue came hours after another crewman died after being pulled unconscious from the water by the coastguard. The search is still on for the remaining 40 crew members. Rescuers have also found a life jacket and cattle carcasses in the area where the ship is believed to have sunk. Gulf Livestock 1, owned by UAE-based Gulf Navigation, lost engine power before it was hit by a massive wave, according to Chief Officer Sareno Edvarodo, who was rescued on Wednesday. Edvarodo, a 45-year-old Filipino, remains in hospital. The crew was made up of 39 people from the Philippines, two from New Zealand, and two from Australia, the coastguard said. The ship is technically managed and crewed by Germany's Marconsult Schiffarht GMBH, while the commercial manager is Jordan-based Hijazi & Ghosheh Co. "We are monitoring the situation closely," a spokesman for Gulf Navigation said in an emailed statement. "Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time." Story continues The company is working with those involved in rescue efforts and regrets the loss of livestock, he added. MECHANICAL DEFECTS Several maritime reports logged over the past two years showed the ship may have had some mechanical defects and revealed operational concerns. A December inspection report from Indonesian authorities on the website of Equasis, which collates ship safety information from both public and private sources, logged issues with the ship's propulsion and auxiliary machinery. The issues included "deficiencies" with the propulsion main engine, gauges and thermometers. A 2019 report by the Australian government on the cattle ship's transit in June from Australia to Indonesia noted the vessel's departure was delayed for a week because of "stability and navigation issues identified by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority". Gulf Navigation, Marconsult Schiffarht and Hijazi & Ghosheh Co. did not immediately respond to questions about the reports. The Japanese coastguard said on Friday it had not set a deadline to end the search for survivors from the ship, which left Napier port in New Zealand on Aug. 14 and had been due to arrive 17 days later at the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, China. Four vessels, an airplane and several divers were scouring the waters on Friday when they discovered the second crew member, who has not been publicly identified. The coastguard said the man died a short time after they pulled him from the sea about 120 km (75 miles) north-northwest of Amami Oshima island and transferred him to hospital. Melbourne-based Australasian Global Exports confirmed it employed four of the people onboard, with the remaining crew engaged by Gulf Navigation. "We are in full contact with the families of our four colleagues and are offering them all the support we can," it said in a statement. (Reporting by Akiko Okamoto and Tetsushi Kajimoto in Tokyo and Roslan Khasawneh in Singapore; Writing by Jane Wardell and David Dolan; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Himani Sarkar and Frances Kerry) Trump believed people who served in the Vietnam War must be losers because they hadnt gotten out of it, according to a person familiar with the comments. Trump also complained bitterly to then-Chief of Staff John F. Kelly that he didnt understand why Kelly and others in the military treated McCain, who had been imprisoned and tortured during the Vietnam War, with such reverence. Isnt he kind of a loser? Trump asked, according to the person familiar with Trumps comments. BIG RAPIDS Big Rapids Department of Public Safety officers responded to the following calls Wednesday and Thursday. All calls may not be reported. Wednesday, Sept. 2 A caller told police she gave her Social Security Number out to an unknown individual on the phone. No fraudulent activity has been noticed yet. Officers performed a well-being check for a woman in the 1100 block of Fuller Avenue. Management checked her apartment, but she was not home. Her work was contacted and they said she had worked earlier in the day and was fine. Thursday, Sept. 3 A Social Security card and expired credit card were found. Police attempted to leave a message for the owner, but the voicemail box was full. A TREK mountain bike was found and turned in to police. Officers responded to an ATM alarm at Lake-Osceola State Bank, but learned a cleaning crew set off a motion alarm. Officers responded to a civil dispute between a man and woman on County Way. Officers issued a noise warning to a tenant in the 400 block of South Michigan Avenue. Police responded to a domestic dispute in the 400 block of Woodward Avenue. A woman allegedly slapped a man. The woman left, but was not located. The case will be referred to the prosecutor for possible charges. Every year, Manju D, a teacher from an English-medium school in Chembur, looks forward to Teachers Day. It is one day where students take over classrooms and we get appreciation for our entire years work, she said. This year, however, she has to conduct a class in the morning, a test in the afternoon and learning videos to be shot in the evening. Since the lockdown began in March, Manju and other teachers have been busier than before, as they have been trying to adapt to online teaching owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Teachers across the state have been facing challenges as schools have been conducting classes online since the start of the new academic year in June. The biggest onus of making the online learning model work lies with the teachers. While many private schools have asked a significant number of teachers to go on leave without pay until physical schools reopen, several others have imposed salary cuts. Those who are able to retain their jobs are now working round the clock to adapt to online teaching. I wake up at 5.30am every day to finish my household chores before the classes begin at 8 am. I teach for a couple of hours, then conduct special classes for students appearing for the scholarship and other competitive exams. Afternoons are spent in studying and creating online learning material such as PPTs and videos, said Manju, adding that teachers also have to file daily reports on what is taught, along with their teaching plan. For primary students, homework is sent on social messaging apps and their parents have to be informed about what is to be done. All of this takes up almost our entire day, said Manju. While private schools adapted to the online mode almost instantly, zilla parishad and aided schools which teach students belonging to the lower economic strata are still coping with the challenges related in the transition. Rajan Garud, who works with the zilla parishad school in Kardak, Saphale, said teachers have to be even more active at places where students cannot attend online classes. Merely 20-30 of the 100-odd students have access to a mobile phone and internet. For the rest of the students, we have to visit their homes, take the daily follow-ups and make learning material available offline, he says. For subjects such as maths and science, teachers said the challenge lies in teaching the concepts that require live demonstrations. Ruiee Kapoor, a teacher from St Elias School, Khar, has created a set-up at home to teach students maths problems with ease. I have mounted a mobile phone with a stand on plastic containers and have kept a white board in front of it, where I solve maths problems during the live classes. In the beginning, recording videos was becoming very hectic because one has to handle the camera, solve problems and talk at the same time. Live classes are much easier once you create a simple set up, she added. For a section of the teachers, the attitude of the parents of students is also posing a hurdle. As parents can now see the classes that take place online, a teacher at a Kandivli-based Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) school said, Many parents comment on the method of teaching and point errors with respect to pronunciations, etc. Teachers are exposed to this constant scrutiny. While we do take constructive feedback, sometimes, parents become too intrusive. Mumbai-based educational consultant Neeti Nagarkar, who conducts teacher training sessions across preschools in Maharashtra, said that with younger children, the challenges of online teaching increase manifold. We need parents to sit with the kid through the 30-minute sessions. Teachers have to ensure they can connect with the kids in a short span of time. This is a challenge because a child in nursery for instance, has never met the teacher, said Nagarkar. In addition to the challenges associated with adapting to the new technology, teachers are also bearing the brunt of the policies of their schools. Schools have clubbed several divisions and retained one teacher, instead of three-four. So a teacher often ends up teaching 200 kids at the same time. The not-so-tech-savvy teachers have been asked to join only once schools reopen physically, said Manju. In late August, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) issued a round of COVID-19 general duty citations, citing six different businesses with serious violations for failing to uphold safe and healthy practices, potentially putting workers in harms way. Were focused on education first so employers know what they must do to safely reopen. But a failure to follow guidelines puts everyone at risk. While these citations are necessary to prevent potential serious illness, they are not a reflection of the tremendous cooperation we have seen from employers and their workers across the state, Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan said in a statement. A vast majority of businesses are doing their part to keep our economy open by following the proper guidance. The MIOSHA general duty clause requires an employer to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to the employee. A general duty clause citation carries a fine of up to $7,000. On-site inspections conducted by MIOSHAs general industry and construction industry enforcement divisions determined six companies allegedly committed serious violations by failing to implement necessary precautions to protect employees from contracting COVID-19. Deficiencies included a lack of health screenings, face coverings, employee training, cleaning measures and overall preparedness plans. The cited companies had 15 working days from receipt of the MIOSHA citations to contest the violations and penalties. The citations include suggestions to fix the hazards to protect employees. Employers must provide proof to MIOSHA that abatement has been completed. The first group of MIOSHA COVID-19 general duty citations were issued to the following companies in Michigan: United Shore Financial Services LLC based in Pontiac UPS distribution facility based in Livonia Speedway LLC, gas station and convenience store location based in Waterford Coops Iron Works, a fitness center based in Saginaw Dan Freed, a residential contractor based in Eaton Rapids Hills Roofing LLC based in Niles To get open and stay open, MIOSHA urges every employer to familiarize themselves with the information at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety. Source: MIOSHA Topics COVID-19 Commercial Lines Business Insurance Michigan 3 | FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces Rs 900 crore grant for COVID-19 vaccine research: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman on Thursday announced a Rs 900 crore grant to the Department of Biotechnology for COVID-19 vaccine research. "We are providing Rs 900 crore for research and development of COVID-19 vaccine. This is being provided for covid suraksha mission, purely for R&D but this money goes to Department of Biotechnology for research purposes," she said. Sitharaman said the grant does not cover the actual cost of vaccine and distribution expenses, which will be made separately as and when the vaccine is available. Results of a study published in The Lancet medical journal reveal that Russias COVID-19 vaccine In what Russia is touting as an answer to the critics of its COVID-19 vaccine -- Sputnik-V -- produces anti-body response in all participants in early-stage trials. The two trials were conducted in June-July, according to news agency Reuters, and involved 76 participants. According to the report, it showed that 100 percent of the participants developed anti-bodies, with no serious side-effects. "Russia's potential COVID-19 vaccine produced an anti-body response, no serious adverse effects in early-stage trails," the study said. This, however, has set off a reaction within the Russian administration, particularly since Russia, the first country to license the two-shot jab for domestic use in August, had been criticised for authorisation of the vaccine without published data or a large-scale trial. "With this (publication), we answer all the questions of the West that were diligently asked over the past three weeks, frankly with the clear goal of tarnishing the Russian vaccine," Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russian Direct Investment Fund, which backed the vaccine, told Reuters. 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 He added that "all the boxes are checked" and that Russia will now start "asking questions of some of the Western vaccines." Nearly 3,000 people had already been recruited for large-scale trial of the vaccine, with initial results expected to be out in October or November, Dmitriev stated. (JNS) Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said on Thursday that his government has moved away from plans to extend sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, and Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, in the wake of the recent U.S.-brokered agreement with the United Arab Emirates. I think its very clear and its very tangible that the Israeli governments policy moved from annexation to normalization, Ashkenazi said at a press conference in Berlin during his first official trip abroad. Speaking with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas at his side, Ashkenazi said: I think t... A Delta Air Lines worker hands a boarding pass to a passenger in July at Denver International Airport. The carrier has banned 270 people from its flights for refusing to wear face coverings. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press) If you ignore the requirement to wear a mask on a commercial flight, you could join the more than 700 passengers who have been banned from flying on the nation's largest airlines. Delta Air Lines leads all carriers, having placed 270 passengers on its "no fly" list for flouting its mask policy. It's followed by United Airlines, with 150; Spirit Airlines, 128; Frontier Airlines, 106; Alaska Airlines, 78; and Hawaiian Airlines, six. Airline representatives said the carriers are not sharing the names of passengers with one another, making it likely that a passenger banned from one airline can continue to fly on others. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines declined to disclose how many passengers they have banned for violating the face-covering rule. "We expect our customers to comply with our policies when they choose to travel with us, and we take action when that is not the case," American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing said. In addition to the bans it has doled out, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines has issued 92 warnings, or "yellow cards," to passengers who had to be admonished more than once on a flight for ignoring the mask policy. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all major carriers in the U.S. require that passengers over the age of 2 wear face coverings during flights except when drinking, eating or taking medicine. Airlines cannot fine violators, because federal regulators, including those in the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Human Services, have rebuffed requests from airline workers, lawmakers and others to adopt a federal mask mandate. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has urged fliers to wear masks but has said it should be up to the airlines to enforce their own mask rules. Sara Nelson, president of the Assn. of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents nearly 50,000 flight attendants at 19 airlines, said she is glad airlines are banning passengers who ignore the mask rule but noted that flight attendants have repeatedly called for a federal mandate. Story continues Flight attendants want a federal mandate, and so do lawmakers," she said. "Just like anyone smoking on a plane faces federal charges and fines, so too should people understand the serious consequences of putting the health of others at risk by refusing to wear a mask." How long a passenger remains banned by an airline depends on the airline and the behavior of the passenger during the flight when the violation took place, according to airline representatives. A Delta representative said a flier who ignores the rule can be banned for as long as the carrier requires passengers to wear masks, at a minimum. But a passenger can be barred permanently depending on his or her behavior in response to being asked to wear a mask, the Delta representative said. Hawaiian Airlines said the six passengers who were banned for flouting the mask rule won't be allowed to board one of its planes for a year. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Annastacia Palaszczuk has told the Morrison government to stop 'intimidating' her over her state's tough border restrictions. She also claimed any state which was awarded the AFL grand final would have made the same decision to allow hundreds of staff, players and WAGs to enter. The Queensland premier has come under fire from federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg and other government MPs for keeping the border closed to parts of New South Wales and the ACT that have no community transmission of coronavirus. Annastacia Palaszczuk has told the Morrison government to stop 'intimidating' her over her state's tough borders She said he found the criticism 'intimidating' and that it upsets her family. 'It is relentless, it is intimidating. But I will not be intimidated,' she told reporters today. 'I get out of bed every day and do my job but my family are very upset... But I tell them to hang in there.' Despite the criticism she faces, Ms Palaszczuk said she would not open her borders anytime soon. 'I think it's a bit disingenuous for this heightened criticism that is coming from a whole lot of levels when our fundamental concern is to look after Queenslanders and to make sure that they are safe during this time,' she said. 'I do not want to see what has happened in our aged care sector in NSW and in Victoria happen here in Queensland. That would be a nightmare.' Queensland recorded zero new coronavirus cases overnight after 13,000 tests. The state's chief health officer Jeanette Young said a state would need to have 28 days with no community transmission before residents are allowed in to Queensland. Ms Palaszczuk said: 'If we all focus our efforts on Victoria and New South Wales and getting community transmission under control... then there will come a time when everybody can open up.' Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said it was a 'very, very high benchmark to set'. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: 'I don't know if we'll ever get to that number. They're putting on a pretty big ask during a pandemic.' On Wednesday Mr Frydenberg slammed Ms Palaszczuk's decision to allow the families of AFL players into the state. 'I think the Queensland Premier has got some questions to answer here,' he told A Current Affair. Poll Should states open their borders? Yes No Undecided Should states open their borders? Yes 1263 votes No 469 votes Undecided 91 votes Now share your opinion 'How can it be okay for people to go up to prepare for a footy game, and its not okay to go to hospital for treatment?' Mr Frydenberg referenced several tragic examples of New South Wales locals not being allowed to cross the border during the pandemic. 'How can it be okay that a young woman loses an unborn child because of border confusion... that a four-year-old boy with cancer can be separated from his mother? 'These are cruel and confused implications from these strict border approaches... I think everyone needs to get a grip here and remember that we're first and last Australians.' October 24 will mark the first time in the AFL's 124-year history that the grand final has been played outside of Melbourne, due to Victoria's outbreak. Ms Palaszczuk insisted it was a 'huge win' for Queenslanders and said that any state that won the chance to host the final would have let the players and their families enter. 'It's almost like we're being criticised because we won it,' she said. Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said: 'When the premier of Queensland can allow 400 AFL executives to swan around a resort in the Gold Coast, but won't allow teenage boarding school children to go home to see their parents into remote New South Wales, that is abhorrent. 'It's wrong. Australians don't do that to other Australians.' Scott Morrison has tried to persuade state and territory leaders to open up their borders. The prime minister accepts Victoria must be sealed off due to its second wave outbreak, which is behind 87 per cent of all Australia's Covid-19 deaths and still ongoing with relatively high levels of community transmission. From a conference room in Parliament House Scott Morrison (pictured) will host a video call with the state and territory leaders and try to persuade them to open their borders But increasing movement between other states is essential to save the nation's dying tourism industry, which employs one million workers and is set to lose a staggering $54.6billion this year due to lockdowns and border restrictions. Greater freedom will also help farmers, residents in border towns, and hundreds of thousands of Aussie families who are trapped apart in different states. Ms Palaszczuk has adopted nationalist rhetoric, pitting her state against the rest of Australia and even declaring that Queensland hospitals are 'for our people'. Ten days after that comment, a mother from Ballina, near the Queensland border, lost her unborn twin after she was flown 700km to Sydney for surgery because an exemption allowing her into Queensland took too long. Then on Wednesday, the premier let hundreds of AFL players, WAGs and officials waltz into Queensland after clapping and wooping when Brisbane was handed the AFL grand final scheduled for 24 October. Queensland grandmother Jayne Brown, 60, who was made to do hotel quarantine in in Brisbane following brain surgery, said the unfairness was 'mind-blowing'. Click the photo and watch the video. For Pan Yinying, a 62-year-old resident of Luwu Village in Jiangxi Province, the leisure life has never been so engaging. Working on a greening maintenance team during the day, Pan joins a dozen other villagers in square dancing every evening. About 20 villagers dance together in the village's cultural square, according to Pan. "We dance two hours every evening, from 7:30 to 9:30," Pan said. Participating in square dancing makes her happier and her leisure time more enjoyable. "Before I started square dancing, I usually watched TV, did chores or went straight to bed after I finished a day's work," Pan recalled. For many villagers like Pan, square dancing is both a pastime and a hobby, according to Liu Meizhen, chairman of the women's federation of Luwu and a square dancing enthusiast herself. "After the music stops at 9:30, we would discuss specific dance moves with each other some even use our lunch breaks to learn new steps," Liu said. Square dancing is one of many cultural activities organized by the government of Luwu Village. Students read books in the rural library in Luwu Village on September 1, 2020. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Wang Kaifeng] Since 2017, a series of cultural and educational activities have been established to improve local education, propel cultural development and enrich people's lives in the mountain village with a population of over 800. Among them, the rural library has benefitted a large number of students and local residents. Built in 2019, the book house offers villagers physical books in categories including economics, arts, science and children's literature. A self-service machine is also set up to facilitate downloading e-books of a wide variety. "About 40 books are borrowed from the library every month," according to Zhong Wenting, first Party secretary of Luwu Village. A teacher helps students pick books in the rural library in Luwu Village on September 1, 2020. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Wang Kaifeng] The library is also the classroom for an afterschool tutoring service, which mainly targets first- to third-graders and children from kindergartens in the village. As school ends at 4:30 in the afternoon, many children attend the tutoring sessions in the library, according to Cao Peng, a publicity official of Xiangshan township, which has jurisdiction over Luwu. "We have recruited teachers to help children pick out books to read, tutor them in schoolwork and musical instruments, and play games with them," Cao said. Students jump rope during an after-school tutoring session in Luwu Village on September 1, 2020. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Wang Kaifeng] Culture and education have always been the major focus of poverty alleviation efforts in Luwu Village. "Although culture and education may not seem to be directly connected with poverty relief, they place a long-lasting influence on poverty alleviation work," Cao said. "I think building a good cultural and social atmosphere is the key to a region's long-term development," Cao said. A self-service machine is set up to facilitate downloading e-books of a wide variety in Luwu Village. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Li Danqing] (Source: chinadaily.com.cn) In ordinary years, the cold, cough, achy, sneezy, sore throat, fever season is complicated enough, with clinicians having to sort through the various viruses circulating among their patients. As we all are keenly aware, 2020 is no ordinary year. Weve got a real challenge on our hands because not only as we go into the fall months is COVID-19 still with us, but weve got the flu season, Gov. Ralph Northam said during his latest coronavirus response briefing this week. So step No. 1 for those of you who are listening, and I appreciate you listening, is get your flu shot. Thatll help at least with part of it. Get your flu shot. You will be hearing that message earlier and more often than in ordinary years. Usually, flu vaccine messaging kicks off in late September and picks up steam in October and November. But this year, the shots are already being stocked in pharmacies and physician offices. Health care providers say if more people get vaccinated to protect themselves from influenza, they will also be helping to build herd immunity in the community and lessen its impact. Count Dr. Chris Mertes, vice chair of Carilion Clinic family and community medicine and a primary care physician in the New River Valley, as a convert to early flu shots. We prefer to give it a little later. But these times are unprecedented. I think people need to prevent a complete chaos of clinical symptoms. The sooner people get the flu shots, the better, he said. Anything we can do to prevent the flu from commingling and confusing with COVID is going to be vital for the safety of the people we serve. Recall when COVID-19 arrived in late winter and early spring, as flu and respiratory viruses were still circulating. Testing supplies for the new virus were scarce, and people who felt ill worried they had the new coronavirus rather than seasonal flu. The testing has come a long way since then, said Dr. Thomas Kerkering, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and a member of the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts communicable disease team. We will be able to distinguish between COVID and flu with testing, maybe not necessarily with rapid testing within 15 minutes, but some of it will be in the 24- to 48-hour turnaround. So I dont expect the issues to be one of diagnosis. He said there is a one-hour test for flu, but even if someone tests positive, they should have a COVID-19 test as its possible to have both viruses simultaneously. They would still be asked to quarantine not only because they have the flu, but at least until we get their COVID results back. So people will end up getting tested for both because if you have one, you may have the other, Kerkering said. About 5% of patients had co-infections earlier this year, he said. The health districts have already scheduled drive-through clinics in most of the localities starting at the end of September. Carilion expects to announce events as well. Side effects People come up with all types of reasons for why theyd prefer not to have the flu vaccine, said Dr. Matthew Kelly with LewisGales Valley View Family Medicine Clinic. It makes them sick, is one of the bigger ones. It doesnt work, is another one people complain about. Kelly said the vaccine is made to match strains of influenza that are happening in Asia, and sometimes it doesnt always match up. However, he said, the symptoms tend to be milder in people who have the flu vaccine than in those who dont. I know a lot of people feel like the flu vaccine gives them the flu, which isnt actually the case. Its just your body building a slight immune response to it so it can give you some of the symptoms, but they are much milder, Kelly said. There are very limited side effects to the flu vaccine, where actually contracting the flu can be quite deadly. Mertes said some people do get a sore arm, redness or mild flu-like symptoms. For the majority of people, that doesnt happen. People need to look at whats the trade-off. If I have some mild side effects, which is a minority of people, it can help benefit society and vulnerable people, he said. Mertes said he gets the flu shot every year to protect his patients. My main side effect is about three or four days later there is a Band-Aid on my arm and I cant figure out why I have a Band-Aid on my arm. Then I think, yeah, thats right, I got a flu shot, he said. Challenges ahead Going to the doctors office has changed with COVID-19. Once the flu returns, it could become more complex. We are in the early drafting stages of what to do in our family medicine clinics. Do we have enough personal protective equipment? If people are coughing and sneezing, then we probably need a good supply of N95s in addition to face shields, gloves and gowns, Mertes said. Then there is air circulation to think about. What kind of turnaround time do we need in a sick clinic with someone symptomatic to safely use that room again? Thats something we are working closely with our property management and infectious disease people to come up with the best answer, he said. One solution could be having separate clinics to keep possibly infectious patients from those who are not. Another could be having well visits early in the day and seeing sick people later on so the buildings air can circulate overnight, he said. We are looking to be as nimble as possible, Mertes said. Both he and Kelly said virtual visits will be helpful, as providers can triage people to figure out if they can be managed safely at home or if they need to be seen in the office, at an urgent care center or at an emergency department. Kelly said virtual visits also are useful for patients who worry they will be exposed to the coronavirus at their doctors office. Its kind of a funny trend that people feel comfortable to go to Walmart and Home Depot and all these big chain stores, and they are afraid to come to the doctor, he said. Preventing both Kerkering said there were 9,600 confirmed flu cases in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts last season. So far, there have been about 2,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the districts. Both viruses are highly contagious. Both call for measures to reduce spread. We are looking at what is going on in the Southern Hemisphere right now. It is their winter, so it is their influenza season. Interestingly enough, influenza has not been a big problem, Kerkering said. One has to wonder if thats not due to the masking and social distancing and hand washing, because all of those are the recommendations for influenza as well. So Im hoping with the mitigation we are using for COVID, plus the fact that we have an influenza vaccine, we hopefully will not have to deal with influenza this year as we have in years past. But Im saying that while knocking on wood and crossing my fingers. The messaging is the same from the governor to public health officials to private practitioners. I cant predict how things will go. I will say this, as a physician, perhaps as a bit of a silver lining as we go into the fall, is we are paying attention to keeping our hands clean and wearing our masks. And if we get our flu shots, which again I highly recommend all of you do, then perhaps the flu season wont be as impactful as it was in the past, Northam said. But if we get a bad flu season on top of COVID-19, were going to have some real challenges. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:33:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Tourists are seen at a home-stay courtyard in Tongxin Village of Yangxian County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Aug. 3, 2020. On May 23, 1981, the world's last seven wild crested ibises were found in Yangxian County. In order to protect crested Ibis, the local government encourages farmers not to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the farmland in the crested Ibis habitats. Yangxian had chosen organic industry as a way to solve the contradiction between protecting ecological environment and crested ibis and developing economy. Taking the "organic" strategy, Yangxian takes ecological conservation as its first requirement. Crested ibis, which was nearly extinct, has multiplied from the original seven to more than 5,000 in the global population, of which more than 2,000 are in Yangxian. The long-term accumulation of ecological asset in Yangxian County has also gradually released huge economic potential. Organic industry has not only become the top priority of county economic and social development, but also the leading industry to drive the poor out of poverty. (Xinhua/Tao Ming) Friday, September 4, 2020 Kazmira will be sponsoring the Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference 2020 as an Exclusive Private Label / Ingredients Partner on September 15th & 16th. This hybrid virtual & in-person conference is based in New York City. It is a B2B event connecting crossover retailers, media, and investors to leading luxury brands + visionaries in the CBD, Hemp, and Cannabis space. Kazmira Co-Founder & Co-CEO Mr. Pulak Sharma will be speaking about Whats Next for CBD, Hemp and Cannabis on a panel moderated by Business Insiders Jeremy Berke at 12 PM on September 16th. Register to attend here: https://lmcc.ticketspice.com/luxury-meets-cannabis-conference-2020-anywhere#ticketBlock Amazon India Vice-President for Consumer Business Manish Tiwary has been given the additional mandate of the seller service unit, according to the company. Amazon India Vice President (Seller Services) Gopal Pillai, who had relocated to India from Seattle in 2015, will be returning to the US after the five-year stint, the company said in a statement. Manish Tiwary, vice-president (consumer business), will take over Pillai's responsibilities, it added. "Amit Agarwal will continue as global senior vice-president and country head for Amazon India, as it remains focused on being a digital catalyst to transform quality of lives and livelihoods across India, and unleashing the country's potential in the 21st century," the company said. A 20-year veteran at fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant Hindustan Unilever, Tiwary had joined Amazon India in 2016 and succeeded Samir Kumar who had decided to move back to Amazon's Seattle headquarters at that time. Tiwary has been leading the consumer business, including category management portfolio and brand partnerships across verticals. With the expanded role, he will now also oversee seller services on the marketplace. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. 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 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama is promising things he cannot do just to canvas for votes ahead of the December 7, presidential polls. He wonders why the former president could not implement the policies he is promising now whiles in power. To President Nana Addo, Mr. John Dramani Mahama is just a showoff person who cannot perform. He [John Mahama] just move around promising. He brags too much. He said in an exclusive interview with Accra based Oman FM monitored by Peacefmonline.com "I am hoping people of Ghana will surprise him so he will know people of Ghana don't have short memories," He added 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 A Chicago server was rendered jobless after leaving a hand-scrawled few words of advice on a police detectives receipt for a pizza he had ordered. The unsolicited tip told the officer Quit your job! The incident happened at a Happy Camper eatery on Aug. 30 in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago, where the former employee worked. After seeing the note, the snubbed detective, concerned that his food may have been tampered with, then threw his meal in the trash, Fox News reported. Chicago Police Officers monitor the Occupy City Hall Protest and Car Caravan hosted by Chicago Teachers Union in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 3, 2020 (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images) A friend of the unnamed detective posted a photo of the $66 meal receipt on social media and explained that the detective had entered the restaurant in full uniform and left with his order. He still tipped, the friend explained, and was the gentleman that he always has been. Fearing that his food may have been spit in behind the scenes, the affronted detective promptly tossed his 14-inch pepperoni pizza, Caesar salad, and sides into a trash receptacle outside Happy Camper. Everyone is entitled to their feelings and political views, the post added, but definitely not when it comes to a professional environment. Where did people learn to disrespect the people that are paying their bills? The Happy Camper Wrigleyville eatery in Chicago, Ill. (Screenshot/Google Maps) In response to the unsavory experience shared online, the eatery shared a Facebook post of their own, stating that the server had been fired on Aug. 31. They captioned: Our company works incredibly hard to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for all customers. Upon learning this morning about an incident last night involving a customer, we immediately took action to terminate the employee. The restaurant extended its sincere and humble apologies to the officer, adding that the servers behavior did not accurately reflect the Happy Camper family as a whole. We have zero tolerance for any behavior that doesnt give our customers the full respect they deserve, they added. (Illustration Suwan Banjongpian/Shutterstock) In the comments section, the business added: Please also know that Happy Camper has reached out to the police officer to personally apologize, offer a full refund, and provide a gift card to his restaurant of choice, before thanking their customers for understanding. To date, Happy Campers social media post has garnered hundreds of comments from customers who approved of the servers prompt dismissal. Others commended Happy Camper for reaching out to the Chicago detective directly. Its about time a business establishment had the guts and courage to stand up for what is right, one person said. Thank you for taking the high road! What a great example for all us, especially during this extremely divisive time in our nation. We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 04:06:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States "need to recapture the spirit of cooperation from World War II, and join hands to confront our common enemies in the new era," including COVID-19, economic recession, climate change and other global challenges, said Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai on Thursday. The Chinese ambassador to the United States made the remarks in a short video posted Thursday on his Twitter account in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the victory of World War II (WWII) and the World Anti-Fascist War. During WWII, China and the United States fought shoulder to shoulder for peace and justice in the Asian theater, leaving "an indelible mark in the shared history of our two countries," Cui said, adding that since then, Flying Tigers, General Claire Chennault and General Joseph Stilwell have become household names in China. "I have received letters from some members of the Doolittle Raid. In the letters, they recalled with deep gratitude that when they made crash landings in China after raiding Tokyo in WWII, the Chinese people put themselves in harm's way to rescue them and made huge sacrifices for it. This part of history will not be forgotten," he said. The senior Chinese diplomat noted that as the first country to sign the United Nations Charter after WWII, China has always dedicated itself to safeguarding and contributing to the international order. "Over the past 75 years, China, the United States and the world have all gone through tremendous changes, and the growth of our bilateral relations has made significant contribution to the wellbeing of the two peoples and to world peace, stability and prosperity," he said. "Looking back at the history is for a right perspective of the future. Just as President Abraham Lincoln said, 'The best way to predict the future is to create it'," Cui said. "At this moment, China and the United States need to recapture the spirit of cooperation from World War II, and join hands to confront our common enemies in the new era: COVID-19, economic recession, climate change and other global challenges." "Let's work together to realize the vision enshrined in the UN Charter: 'to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war... and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom'," the Chinese ambassador said. Enditem FILE PHOTO: A Star Ferry boat crosses Victoria Harbour in front of a skyline of buildings during sunset. By Alun John and Sumeet Chatterjee HONG KONG (Reuters) - Financial firms in Hong Kong are scrambling to fortify their compliance operations following U.S. sanctions and China's new national security law, even as the sector pushes to cut costs amid the coronavirus pandemic. This underscores the growing challenges for firms operating in the Asian financial hub, which was roiled last year by often-violent pro-democracy, anti-China protests and is now in the crosshairs of mounting Sino-U.S. tensions. International asset managers and Asian banks have stepped up compliance hiring, while some are training existing staff and buying new technology to offset a talent crunch as candidates are unwilling to relocate amid the health crisis and the uncertainty in Hong Kong, bankers, lawyers and headhunters said. Demand for compliance staff has risen by as much as a third from a few months earlier, two headhunters said. "In the past three months we've had demand from top-tier asset managers looking for regulatory compliance lawyers because they need experts in place when the U.S. and China keep slapping sanctions on each other," said Olga Yung, regional director at recruiter Michael Page Hong Kong. Because sanctions are a "niche area", companies are hiring lawyers with some sanctions expertise and supplementing with external law firms, she said. 'AN ACTIVE MANDATE' The United States has imposed sanctions on Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam and 10 other officials for what it says is their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory. The sanctions came after Beijing imposed in late June a sweeping security law on Hong Kong, targeting seditious and subversive activities. A senior banker at an Asian lender in Hong Kong said he gave his compliance team a list of individuals and businesses linked to the sanctioned officials and "the immediate response was to either close all those accounts or hire five more sanction-specialists to do a proper audit". Story continues The banker, declining to be named because the information was private, said they decided to hire two experts and organise sanctions training for the rest of the team, despite a company-wide attempt to limit spending. Chinese banks are also hiring. A headhunter said his firm received "an active mandate" from two of China's Big Four banks for compliance experts in Hong Kong following the U.S. sanctions, without giving their names. The penalties levied for breaching sanctions can be large. Global banks operating in Hong Kong, including HSBC and Standard Chartered, paid billions of dollars in fines in recent years for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran and anti-money laundering rules. READING TEA LEAVES It is a Catch-22 situation for financial firms in Hong Kong. There are worries that firms implementing sanctions could run afoul of the security law. But banks also must guard their access to the U.S. financial system. The security law and the U.S. legislation are broadly worded and give much discretion to enforcement officers, adding to the uncertainty, lawyers said. This has pushed up the need for professionals, and means advising on compliance is like "reading tea leaves", one added. "The phone is ringing off the hook, and everyone doesn't only want work done, they want it immediately," said Benjamin Kostrzewa, an international trade and regulatory lawyer at Hogan Lovells. "It's hard to even sign the engagement letter before the next client walks into the Zoom room". However, meeting the demand is difficult. Until recently there was limited need for specific U.S. sanctions knowledge in Hong Kong's legal and financial industries. Recruitment from rival financial hubs has been curtailed because of virus-related curbs and political uncertainty in Hong Kong, say headhunters. Some companies are using technology to bridge the gap. A year ago "we were very focused on banks, but now clients are insurers and even casinos and real estate companies", said Bharath Vellore, APAC managing director at Accuity, which provides financial crime and sanctions lists screening software. (Reporting by Alun John and Sumeet Chatterjee; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Guwahati, Sep 4 : In view of the coronavirus spread, the Gauhati High Court has ordered the levy of penalty on those violating Covid-19 protocols, including the wearing of face masks, a court official said on Friday. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ajai Lamba and Justice Manish Choudhury on Thursday directed district civil and police authorities to impose fines on violators of government guidelines. The court ordered the police to be more proactive and check whether the Health and Family Welfare Department orders dated May 8 on wearing of 3-ply face masks or face cover and ensuring social distancing in public places were followed or not. The directions came on a Public Interest Litigation filed by lawyer Tanmay Jyoti Mahanta who told the court that the number of Covid-19 cases in Assam had increased to a large extent as most people were not maintaining proper social distance in public places and were not wearing masks. The department had earlier announced a fine of Rs 500 for not putting on face masks. For a repeat offence, the fine was Rs 1,000. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday that the district authorities would strictly follow the High Court orders. The coronavirus cases total 1,18,333 in Assam, including 90,697 recoveries and 330 deaths. Expressing serious concern over the increasing corona cases in Assam, Sarma said that the state's recovery rate was 76.65 per cent and the mortality rate 0.28 per cent. Addressing the media, the Minister said that at least 3,000 cases are reported daily in the state. Yesterday 3 thousand new cases were registered in the country, for a total of 123 thousand infected and 976 victims. The government requires the closure of 30 cities and communities. Arabs and Orthodox accused of not respecting the distancing. For critics, internal conflicts within the executive have slowed the response to the crisis. Fr. Faltas: The resumption of the school is an obstacle course. Some institutions already closed for infections. Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - An obstacle course, amid long-awaited return to classrooms and sudden closures to the onset of the first cases of contagion in the context of a difficult - and prolonged - coexistence with the virus. This is how Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, director of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land Christian schools, describes to AsiaNews the beginning of the new school year in Israel, with the first bell ringing on September 1st. In Palestine the start is scheduled for 7 September, but doubts and uncertainties remain about the modalities. The coronavirus has breached the Gaza enclave and has returned to circulation in Palestine and Israel, so much so that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - at the center of criticism - has imposed a partial lockdown on a national scale. The head of the health task force Ronni Gamzu stresses that Israel is facing a "key moment" in the fight against Covid-19. In yesterday alone, 3 thousand infections were recorded. The Arab minority and ultra-Orthodox communities, which would not respect the containment measures starting from the obligation of social distancing, have come under scrutiny. Critics and opponents instead point the finger at the government coalition, whose internal conflicts (primarily between Netanyahu and rival ally Benny Gantz) have resulted in a slow and ineffective response to the pandemic. "Please - declared Gamzu - no weddings now, no gatherings or mass meetings ... anywhere". There are cities, he concluded, in which "curfews and closures will be imposed from next week", and there will be "economic, social and personal difficulties". The lockdown will affect about thirty cities and communities, in particular inhabited by Arabs and ultra-Orthodox, but the limitations will also affect Jerusalem. To date, there have been nearly 123,000 cases of infection and 976 confirmed victims. The schools had started well - concludes Fr. Ibrahim - then the escalation of infections, with some cases also registered within some institutes, led to new closures. However, the greatest concern is for Gaza where the health situation is already critical and a spread of the virus could have a devastating impact. IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta has said that the country's largest airline will miss the outlook given for capacity deployment in the second quarter. Responding to queries from shareholders during the company's annual general meeting on September 4, Dutta said the airline will have a capacity deployment of 32 percent, against 40 percent expected earlier. At present, the senior executive added, the fleet utilisation was at about 30-35 percent. In June, just after it had reported one of the highest quarterly losses, the airline had said it wanted to expand capacity to up to 70 percent by the third quarter. IndiGo has the country's largest fleet with over 270 planes. Dutta pointed out that the airline has reduced its cash burn since domestic operations opened up in May. From Rs 40 crore in May, the cash burn has come down to Rs 30 crore a day. It continues to get better, Dutta said about the daily cash use. Commenting on the company's plans to raise Rs 4,000 crore through qualified institutional placement, which it had announced in August, Dutta said, there is a "50-50 chance of being implemented." Instead, he added, the company was focused on increasing liquidity through sales revenue, while having these financial initiatives on the side. The AGM The annual meeting, held online, was marked by the presence of co-founder Rakesh Gangwal, who has been at loggerheads with fellow co-founder Rahul Bhatia. Gangwal, who is based in the US, was absent in last year's AGM. Bhatia, who was also present, had filed an arbitration request at a London court in 2019, against Gangwal. The two had locked horns over Gangwal's allegations, including one that Bhatia's private firms had benefited from deals with IndiGo, in related party transactions. Neither Gangwal, nor Bhatia, spoke at the AGM. Chairman M Damodaran earlier opened up the AGM, remarking that the pandemic had impacted the airline, like the rest of the industry. He also noted that the Board of the company has been expanded to 10 directors, from earlier six. Expansion of the board was one of the demands put forth by Gangwal. CEO Dutta, later on, took questions from the shareholders. Reiterating the airline's position on long haul flights, Dutta said that the company at present had no plans to immediately buy wide-body aircraft. This is much against the trend, which has seen peers such as SpiceJet and Vistara deploying wide body aircraft on long haul routes. The delivery of A321XLR, which can fly to western Europe, will happen according to the original timeline of the first quarter of 2024. There are no plans to advance it, said Dutta. Nine days after the scuba boat Conception went down in flames with 34 people trapped below deck in one of the deadliest disasters in California maritime history, a federal grand jury began looking into whether a crime had been committed. Now, a year after the Sept. 2 tragedy, investigations into the cause of the pre-dawn blaze and whether someone is to blame are still ongoing, though court documents say criminal charges are imminent. The captain of the boat, who could face an unusual federal manslaughter charge, was briefed in July on the evidence prosecutors have against him. Its the type of meeting often used to persuade a suspect to plead guilty, lawyers for the boats owners said last week in a related lawsuit. An attorney for Capt. Jerry Boylan and federal prosecutors declined to comment on the disclosure. The Conception was carrying 33 passengers on a Labor Day weekend scuba diving expedition near an island off Santa Barbara. The fire broke out while passengers were sleeping and quickly swept through the vessel. Boylan and four crew members barely escaped after trying in vain to save the others, authorities said. Boylan made a mayday call at 3:14 a.m. saying, I cant breathe, before abandoning ship. All the passengers and one crew member perished in the bunk room beneath deck. Its unclear if any had time to try to escape. Coroners said they died from smoke inhalation before their bodies were burned. All six crew members were asleep when the fire broke out, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. If thats the case, it would violate Coast Guard regulations requiring a roving watch. The lack of a night watch was an outrageous oversight, said Jeffrey Goodman, a lawyer representing family members of nine victims. Legal experts said prosecutors are likely trying to apply an obscure federal law known as the Seamans Manslaughter Statute that predates the Civil War and was enacted to punish negligent captains, engineers and pilots for deadly steamboat accidents that killed thousands. Prosecutors would only need to prove simple negligence or misconduct on the part of the captain or crew. Conviction carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The lawsuit filings also revealed that the company that operated the boat and the couple who own it, Glen and Dana Fritzler, have offered to settle the lawsuit with dozens of victims family members. Goodman said settlement discussions were preliminary and attorneys for victims were still trying to find the cause of the fire and the financial resources of the boat owners. Families of 32 of the victims and one surviving crew member have filed claims against the Fritzler family trust and the boat company, Truth Aquatics. The Fritzlers and the company in turn have filed a legal claim to shield them from damages under a maritime law that limits liability for vessel owners. Attorney Russell Brown, who represents the Fritzlers and made the disclosures in court papers, did not return a phone call or email seeking comment. Brown said in a report filed Friday that a federal grand jury in Los Angeles issued subpoenas to the Fritzlers and Truth Aquatics Inc. on Sept. 11 and 18 seeking records on the boat and communications related to its safety operation. He also revealed that Boylan met with prosecutors in a meeting held routinely when the government has concluded that it has sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges. He said an indictment, or indictments, will be forthcoming. Federal investigators are still working to complete whats known as an origin and cause report, which will rule if the fire was accidental, incendiary meaning it was deliberately set or undetermined. Authorities have said there is no indication the fire was arson. The five-person NTSB will hold an Oct. 20 meeting to vote on the safety investigations findings, as well as the blazes probable cause and any potential recommendations. An NTSB official has cited how difficult it was to reach an escape hatch in the Conceptions bunk room, a design that has routinely met regulations. Coast Guard records show the boat had passed its two most recent safety inspections without violations. The NTSB is a federal regulatory agency but it has no enforcement powers and can only submit its suggestions to bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some of the boards safety recommendations. The Coast Guard has issued additional safety recommendations in the wake of the tragedy, such as limiting the unsupervised charging of lithium-ion batteries and the use of power strips and extension cords. Related: Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Legislation Abuse Molestation Arson New Delhi: CBI is examining the matter pertaining to allegedly suspicious transactions of Rs 22 crore involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore in AirAsia, an issue already being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. CBI sources said the agency is scrutinising material about the allegations and a final call to register a preliminary enquiry or an FIR will be taken once a prima facie case is made out. In 2013, Tata Sons had joined hands with Malaysian carrier AirAsia and Arun Bhatias Telestra Tradeplace to start low cost carrier AirAsia India. The carrier had to wait for nine months before taking off. In September 2013, Tata Group had joined hands with Singapore Airlines to start a new full-service airline in India, 18 years after a failed attempt. Tata Sons owned 51 per cent stake in the carrier, which has been christened as Vistara, with Singapore Airlines holding the rest. In October last year, flagging ethical concerns in Tata Groups joint venture with AirAsia, its ex-Chairman Cyrus Mistry had claimed a forensic investigation had revealed fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crore involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore. As a bitter war plays out between Mistry and Tata Groups interim Chairman Ratan Tata, the former had alleged that due to the latters passion for aviation, the Tata Sons Board increased capital infusion into the aviation sector at multiple levels of the initial commitment. In a letter written to the Board members of Tata Sons a day after he was ousted on October 24, Mistry said, Board members and trustees are also aware that in the case of AirAsia, ethical concerns have been raised with respect to certain transactions as well as overall prevailing culture within the organisation. A recent forensic investigation revealed fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crore involving non-existent parties in India and Singapore, it said. Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Badr Abdel Aati met with Polish officials in Warsaw on Friday to discuss potential investment opportunities in Egypt for the EU country. Abdel Aati told Polish officials, including the deputy foreign ministry for Africa and the Middle East, that Egypt is keen to enhance cooperation with Poland in several fields, including modern technology, information technology, and artificial intelligence. Egyptian Ambassador to Poland Hossam El-Qawish also attended the meeting, according to a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry. Abdel Aati affirmed the importance of resuming discussions between the two countries to accomplish a cooperation initiative and to ink an MoU between the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) and Poland's Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), with the aim of establishing a Polish industrial zone in Egypt. Egypt has been pushing forward with efforts to attract investors to the Suez Canal Economic Zone in recent years, highlighting the available opportunities for foreign corporations. The Polish zone will provide ways to create investment opportunities for Polish companies in the Egyptian market, as well as tapping into the privileges, guarantees and exemptions the Egyptian government awards to foreign investors, Abdel Aati said. Adel Aati also touched upon the significance of the cooperation between Egypt and the Visegrad Group of countries, which includes Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. He urged the establishment of an industrial zone for the group's countries in the SCZone, as well as in Egypts industrial, investment and free zones, in order to consolidate bilateral cooperation. The meeting also covered the latest developments concerning the long-running dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is being built in Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, as well as updates on the situations in Libya and Syria, and on the Palestinian cause. Issues concerning the eastern Mediterranean, illegal immigration, anti-terrorism mechanisms, and human rights were also discussed during the meeting. Central Crime Branch (CCB) have raided the house of actress Ragini Dwivedi in connection with drug peddling. CCB police armed with search warrant from the court went to Raginis residence at Judicial layout, Yalahanka, Bengaluru, with woman police inspector and raided the home. Karnataka: A search by Central Crime Branch (CCB) is underway at the residence of Kannada actress Ragini in Bengaluru, in connection with a drug case. pic.twitter.com/4HtUqTUwrq ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 Now, Ragini has been detained by the CCB after search concluded at her premises. Karnataka: Kannada actress Ragini detained by Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru, in connection with a drug case. https://t.co/SfKkw9kmXC pic.twitter.com/mj4iRwROrI ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 Raginis friend Ravi Shankar was interrogated and arrested by police on Thursday on charges of drug supply. There was allegation that drug racket is rampant in Kannada film industry and also many influential people were involved in it. According to sources, Ravi is an official in the state Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Jayanagar in the citys upscale suburb. Ravi is learnt to have attended rave parties with Ragini where drugs like marijuana (ganja), cocaine and hashish were used," said a source. City police have began a crack down since Monday after noted Kannada film producer Indrajit Lankesh alleged that about a dozen Sandalwood actors were into drugs and there was a nexus between them and drug mafias. Ragini, 30, who is the first Kannada film actor to be summoned by the CCB after Indrajit on August 29, alleged that actors and musicians were involved in consuming banned drugs during shooting sessions and at rave parties organised by various stakeholders. Indrajits startling revelations about the rampant abuse of banned drugs in the multi-crore film industry came three days after the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) busted a drug trafficking racket in the city and arrested former Kannada television actress D Anikha and two of her accomplices, R Ravindran and M Anoop, on August 26. The central agency also seized huge cache of drugs from the accused, including 145 ecstasies or MDMA pills and Rs 2.2 lakh in cash from the Royal Suites Hotel Apartment in the citys northeast suburb on August 21 and more pills in a follow-up raid last week. The drug racket is suspected to supply recreational and party drugs to Sandalwood actors, children of VIPs, students and others. Noted musicians and actors in the Kannada film industry are under the scanner after their links to drugs came to light," an NCB official had said earlier. (With IANS inputs) Japan's education ministry says 18 clusters of coronavirus infections have occurred at schools since they reopened in June after a nationwide closure. The ministry says 1,166 students from elementary to senior high schools were infected with the virus during the period through the end of August. The number of teachers and staff infected was 194. And 83 children and staff at kindergartens were also infected. There were 68 cases where two or more people tested positive, and 18 clusters involving five or more infections were among them. The ministry says none of them led to infections spreading to communities. But the ministry says there have been a number of reports that students and staff at schools where infections occurred were subject to verbal abuse and discrimination. The ministry is working to provide information on anti-virus measures to education boards across the country, and raise awareness in communities. A ministry official, Hirayama Naoko, said she believes the number of clusters at schools is limited because school staff are working hard to prevent infections. She noted that baseless slanders and discrimination have been reported, and called for a calm response from communities. Industry Update Appointment 4 September 2020 Matt Huss Appointed General Manager At Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs - CA, USA Matt Huss, brings more than two decades of experience in hotel management to his role at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs. Prior to joining the resort, Huss spent nearly three years as general manager at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, Huss also served as general manager at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel and Renaissance Hotel in Agoura Hills, California. He has been named "General Manager of the Year" three times, receiving the accolade from Davidson Hotels & Resorts and twice from the Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association. In his new role as general manager, Huss will manage day-to-day operations, including integrating brand standards and service culture and delivering memorable guest escapes and experiences. Davidson Hospitality Group Davidson Hospitality Group is an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company comprised of 61 existing hotels and resorts; more than 150 restaurants, bars and lounges; and nearly 1.5 million square feet of meeting space across the United States. more information Recent Appointments at Davidson Patrick Broderick - VP, Sales and Revenue Management 28 October 2021 Davidson Hospitality Group announces the appointment of Patrick Broderick as Vice President, Sales and Revenue Management for the leading hospitality management company's Resorts division. Broderick brings more than 33 years of hotel sales and revenue management experience to the Resorts team and its portfolio of 12 highly activated, large-scale properties in the upper-upscale to luxury categories. read more David Jurcak - President of Operations 28 October 2021 The historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is pleased to announce the appointment of David Jurcak as the hotel's new President of Operations. In his role, Jurcak will oversee the operating strategies, standards, practices, and procedures of Grand Hotel. read more BROOK PARK, Ohio -- City Council unanimously passed a resolution at its Sept. 1 meeting that recognizes September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Brook Park. Introduced by Council President Mike Vecchio, and co-sponsored by all council members and Mayor Mike Gammella, the measure resulted from communications that began in February between Vecchio and prostate cancer awareness advocate Linda Hoetger, of Canal Winchester, Ohio. In 2013, she embarked on a mission to bring awareness to this dreaded disease, Vecchio explained. She has worked alongside some state representatives in a bipartisan fashion and has gotten legislation passed in the House of Representatives to make available ZERO-The End of Prostate Cancer license plates. Funds from those license plates will stay in Ohio to provide free patient navigation services and free transportation for prostate cancer patients to get to doctor appointments. There are more than 2,000 council members throughout the country who are on board with this, and thats why she reached out to us, he added. Vecchio went on to urge council members and city administrators to wear light blue -- the official color for prostate cancer awareness -- during council meetings for the rest of the month. With early detection, the American Cancer Society indicates that five-year survival rates, provided the disease has not spread outside the prostate or progressed beyond nearby areas or lymph nodes, are nearly 100 percent. Left untreated, however, prostate cancer can spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver or bones, which reduces the five-year survival rate to only 31 percent. Factors such as age, overall health,and treatment responses can affect these percentages. Read more stories from the News Sun. Dr Isabel De La Fuente Garcia, of Luxembourg's paediatric hospital, said the flu vaccine could be the best protection for children in the winter months. Several million people contract the flu in Europe every year, but this year the coronavirus could lead to more serious consequences. Dr Isabel De La Fuente Garcia, paediatrician at Luxembourg's children's clinic, said it was difficult to predict how the coronavirus will affect the regular flu season, but the flu is known to attack the respiratory tract and could lead to serious lung infections. Doctors say it is possible to contract both viruses simultaneously, which increases the risk of serious infection. Video report in Luxembourgish: A common concern among the medical community is that the peak of the flu epidemic will coincide with a new wave of coronavirus, explained Dr De La Fuente Garcia, which could swamp the health system with an influx of new patients. The paediatrician said she strongly recommended the flu vaccine, particularly for children at risk of developing complications. For children aged eight and under, two injections are required within a month. Pregnant women are also encouraged to get the vaccine as it will help protect their newborns. For children, the flu is more dangerous than Covid-19, said Dr De La Fuente Garcia. Residents of Kisumu East, Kenya were treated to a shocking incident, in which a coffin carrying the body of a middle-aged man was dumped outside Lumumba Sub-County Hospital in unclear circumstances. Eyewitnesses told K24 Digital that at around 9am, they saw a few people offloading the casket from a pick-up and putting it on a wooden stand near the entrance of the health facility. We did not know that the coffin had a body inside. So, when we moved closer and opened it, we were shocked to find that it wasnt empty; in it, was the body of a man who appears to be in his 40s or 50s, said one of the eyewitnesses. The person who left the coffin behind told us that he was taking the vehicle to the garage, and would, thereafter, come back to take the body, said another eyewitness identified as Happy, who sells mitumba clothes near Lumumba Hospital. The residents, who viewed the body, said none of them knew who the deceased was. A few minutes past 2pm, when police from Kisumu East were almost taking the casket away, two men rushed to the scene and claimed the deceased was their relative. The duo was allowed to take the coffin, but instructed to first record statements with authorities. Later Thursday afternoon, a pick-up carrying the coffin was driven to Kanyakwar sides by the two men, who had claimed they were related to the deceased. Police suspect that the grieving family did not want to bury their loved one earlier than 3pm or 4pm as demanded by the county government regulations on burials during the coronavirus crisis. We suspect that they dumped the coffin at the hospital to buy time so that they can bury their loved on Thursday evening. In Kisumu, the county government directed that bodies should be buried almost immediately after arriving at the burial venue, said a cop, who spoke in confidence. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Advertisement Volkswagen has added a new model to its California range of campervans - and it is its most compact example yet. The Caddy California, revealed by the German car manufacturer this week, is designed for holidaying couples, featuring just the one double bed that folds out over the rear seats. But if you do want to take a bigger group on a staycation, VW has added the option of a specially-made tent that attaches to the back of the van to double the sleeping capacity. And users will even be able to cook for their guests from the comfort of their mini-motorhome, as it comes equipped with a micro-kitchen on rails that extends from a small compartment in the boot. If introduced in the UK, it would be priced at around 27,000, including the tent. Compact camper: VW has unveiled its new - and smallest - California campervan in its range, based on the Caddy MPV. It even comes with a bespoke tent to increase the sleeping quarters The bed, which when folded away is a third of its total length and has to be unfurled from the boot section and lays across the rear bench, is two metres long and features the same 'cup springs and a high-quality mattress' you get in the bigger California and Grand California models (which feature in our list of the five best campers of 2020). If you do plan a couple's getaway, you can remove the rear seats entirely, providing van-like luggage space and means you can have the bed folded out at all times. In the boot is also a lightweight set of camping chairs and a table and a pair of storage bags. These have a dual function: first to carry heavy items from your home to the van and back; second as a set of curtains that can clip to the rear windows for additional privacy while your have a kip. The one-metre long bed folds-up to just a third of its overall length so it can be stored in the back. Unlike other models, the bed isn't incorporated into the rear seats, so these can be removed entirely if not in use - thus increasing luggage space The bed features the same 'cup springs and a high-quality mattress' you get in the bigger California and Grand California models While the bed is two metres, it does mean there is just sleeping for two inside the vehicle. But there is the option to sleep another two people... Buyers will also have the option of a micro kitchen, which slides out of a unit under the bed. Pull the section out and it handily sits underneath the raised boot lid, so you don't need to worry about getting wet while you're cooking. It comes equipped with a single hob, a section to house a gas small canister to power it and a draw for your utensils. An optional tent, which fits to the boot section of the Caddy California, means you can take another two people (or more, looking at these images) on tour with you There's a mico kitchen which slides on rails from a compartment slotted into the boot It features a single hob, space for a gas canister, sections to keep some (but not much) food, and a cutlery drawer VW UK says the Caddy Califronia isn't confirmed for the UK yet, but if there's enough demand it will be introduced to showrooms. Prices in Germany are to start from 30,000, including the tent. That means an entry price in the region of 27,000 if sold in the UK New for this model is the addition of a 1.4-metre panoramic glass roof, which allows owners to star-gaze from their double beds in the evening. And if they have friends or family travelling with them, there's the option of an add-on tent that's made specifically for the Caddy campervan. It uses 'air poles', which VW says makes it easier to erect than a conventional tent, and with direct access to the boot of the compact California has space to sleep an extra two people. The Caddy California will be the smallest camper in VW's range, sitting below the standard California and enormous Grand California A lightweight set of picnic chairs and table can be stored in a second compartment in the boot, next to the micro kitchen storage With the coronavirus pandemic hammering the travel industry, more people are considering holidaying in the UK. The Caddy California could be the ideal vehicle for a new era of staycations Powering the tiny camper is diesel engines with power outputs of 74bhp or 120bhp. Volkswagen, which has been embroiled in the Dieselgate scandal since 2015, says these motors are not only fuel efficient but also green, with a double-dose of 'AdBlue' fluid in the exhaust system watering down the emissions to make them 'among the cleanest engines in the world', the brand claims. Buyers will also have the option of front-wheel drive or - for those who want to take their camper off the beaten track - 4Motion four-wheel drive, which will be at a premium. Carry bags in the boot are used to transport goods to and from the van but also have a second purpose... The bags also double as curtains by clipping onto the window frames. Buyers can also spec this huge glass panoramic sunroof At launch, the Caddy California will comer with just diesel engines, though VW says they are some of the 'cleanest in the world' The Caddy California camper even has a section to store this lightweight picnic chair and table set. No prices for the vehicle have been released for UK buyers, but expect it to be quite a bit cheaper than the larger California, which starts at 55,000 There's plenty of tech crammed inside the Caddy California, too. This includes the optional ' 'Innovision Cockpit', which is made up of a 10-inch touchscreen, VW's 'Discover Pro' navigation system and an online connectivity unit with integrated eSIM so users always have internet access. The driver can link this system to the 'California on Tour' app, which has been created for the model range to locate campsites, legal locations to pitch-up for the night and leisure activities that are available in close proximity to where you're staying. The Caddy is also fitted with 'Travel Assist', which is an automated driving mode to be used in heavy traffic. This is just one of 19 driving aids buyers can choose in the compact campervan, which also includes 'Trailer Assist' for those using the vehicle to tow. The system helps the driver when trying to reverse a trailer or hitched caravan into a spot. Announcing the car this week, VW said: 'From now on there are thus three California models a camper van family for every budget, every journey and every adventure.' How much is it and when can I get one? What budget that is remains unknown, as pricing information has yet to be released - or even if it will be sold here. Prices are due to announced in October, but in Germany are expected to start from 30,000, including the tent. That works out at around 27,000 in the UK. That would make it half the price of the bigger California, which starts from 55,539, and a fraction of the cost of the bigger Grand California (72,745 to 75,238). A spokeswoman for VW Commercial Vehicles UK told This is Money that a decision has yet been made about the availability of the Caddy California in the UK. However, they added that if media interest and growth in staycations is anything to go by, it would likely be sold in UK dealers in the future. Any mobile game that captures in-game player achievements can now reward players in cash on the acQyr eXchange platform without the need for blockchain, cryptocurrency, or NFTs. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, nearly 40% of low-income workers lost their jobs in March or early April, as many restaurants, stores, and tourism hot spots shut down to slow the spread of the virus. Over that same time period, only 13% of workers earning an income above $100,000 were laid off, according to the Federal Reserve. Recent job cut announcements by companies clearly indicate, however, that more white-collar jobs are on the chopping block. Ford (F) told workers in a memo on Wednesday it plans to cut at least 1,400 salaried jobs. The company warned employees that layoffs could ensue if there arent enough workers who choose to leave the company by the end of the year. In announcing that approximately 16,000 workers would be furloughed on Oct. 1 if another bailout of the airline industry doesnt materialize, United Airlines (UAL) listed over a thousand management and administrative jobs that would be included. When you see layoffs in management and corporate jobs, its a pure indicator of the economic impact of the recession, rather than just the lockdown, since many of these jobs can be done from home and they arent necessarily impacted by the lockdown orders, said Glassdoor senior economist Daniel Zhao. Its an indicator that theres a traditional recession happening beneath the surface of this public health crisis. Ford and United declined to state the exact job titles or salary range of employees whose jobs would be cut. In this June 25, 2020, file photo, rows of United Airlines check-in counters at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago are unoccupied amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford, File) However, job search websites such as Glassdoor share salary information with job seekers. According to Glassdoor data, white-collar workers can earn over $100,000 at these companies. For instance, project managers at Ford have an average base salary of $112,408 and senior managers at United earn at least $120,390. When you have a particularly acute crisis like this, an unprecedented one like this one, there are no truly recession-proof industries or occupations, said Zhao. In general, higher wage workers tend to be better positioned to weather recessions because their jobs are more stable, they can have more savings built up, and they have more experience and education to draw on, when theyre looking for a new job. But I think this most recent round of layoffs is a reminder that there is no perfect shelter from the storm. Story continues Another 881,000 Americans filed for first-time unemployment insurance benefits last week. Job openings only grew by 2% in August, a decline from the over 6% growth in July, according to Glassdoor. Job postings have dropped off most in occupations directly affected by the coronavirus, like hospitality, tourism and sports, according to jobs site Indeed.com. But postings are far below last years trend in many higher-wage office sectors, too, like software development and banking and finance, Indeed wrote recently. The timing [of ongoing layoffs] is demonstrative here. The fact that these layoffs are happening now indicate that companies are revising expectations of how quickly we can return to economic normal, said Zhao. Its a sign of...some increasing pessimism about the rate of the recovery. More from Sibile: The Trump payroll tax break you wont see on your paycheck Ghosting is not just for lovers. These job applicants say cruel and selfish employers do it too. Trumps $300 per week unemployment boost too little, too late to help August spending: Goldman Economist: Pay people $1K to take a coronavirus vaccine instead of forcing them Democratic Rep. blasts Trump on USPS woes: No hope of waking up knowing who won the election Find live stock market quotes and the latest business and finance news Harish Murali By Express News Service CHENNAI: Stay-at-home partners or parents seldom get the recognition and respect they deserve in our career-driven society. The Madras High Court has made an attempt to change that social perspective by stating that homemakers are to be put on a higher pedestal than the earning members of a family. Observing that the loss of a homemaker would be immeasurable on family, the court enhanced the accident compensation awarded to a Salem resident from Rs 8.4 lakh to Rs 14 lakh. The award was given on a petition filed by 39-year-old Bhuvaneshwari. She had challenged the compensation awarded to her by a motor accidents claims tribunal. Bhuvaneshwari met with an accident in 2017, when a rashly-driven private bus hit her on Valasaiyur main road. She suffered 60 per cent permanent disability due to spinal injuries. She also lost the front portion of her tongue. When the matter came up in the tribunal, it fixed a monthly income of Rs 4,500 for her and awarded a compensation of Rs 8.46 lakh. Dejected, Bhuvaneshwari moved the High Court. Justice SM Subramaniam, who heard the case, noted that the compensation awarded was inadequate. Performing the job of a homemaker is the toughest challenge. They work without any time limits, and with love and affection that can never be expected from an ordinary employee, the judge observed, adding that the tribunal was unfair in assessing the contributions of a homemaker. If an earning member dies, there will be an impact for sure. But if a homemaker dies, that impact is much higher, said the court. The family will become scattered. It would become very difficult to cope up. Therefore, they are standing on a higher pedestal than an earning member of the family. Thus, a pragmatic approach is required to be adopted. The judge added that homemakers also contribute to this nations development. They contribute towards nations development too "They are the source of happiness in a family. Happy families constitute a better society, and better societies lead the nation vibrantly. Thus, the Homemakers are not only contributing to their family, but also to the development of our Great Nation," said the order. The High Court then enhanced her monthly income to Rs 9,000 and fixed the total compensation at Rs 14.07 lakh. The insurance firm has been directed to pay up the money within 12 weeks. Speaking to TNIE, senior advocate Geetha Ramaseshan calls this an important judgment. "Justice (retd) Prabha Sridevan had delivered a similar judgement before," she says. The judgement had stated that the economic value of the unpaid domestic work of women should be taken into account under the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) treaty which India ratified in July 1993. "Homemakers and their contribution in the family continue to be undermined even today," says High Court lawyer N Lalitha. "Women struggle to gain respect even if they are working. They are assigned roles that they will have to fulfil by virtue of their gender. How many times have we come across women in suburban trains chopping vegetables or doing their children's hair. This is 24x7 work that they don't get any recognition for. That the court recognised it, is a welcome move," says Lalitha. (With inputs from Nirupama Viswanathan) Even in lockdown, Sir David Attenborough's passion for conservation is as fierce as ever. The great naturalist is looking somewhat windswept, but as he introduces a BBC report on a major new study into the state of the world's species, he is brimming with energy. Despite the stark data, he insists we have time to reverse a looming eco-catastrophe if only we have the will. Extinction: The Facts is an hour-long BBC1 documentary assessing the crisis in the world's different habitats and the eight million species that share the planet. Sir David Attenborough is set to present Extinction: The Facts, an hour-long BBC1 documentary assessing the crisis in the world's different habitats and the eight million species that share the planet (pictured: file photo) It draws on last year's United Nations report, the most comprehensive of its kind ever, that warned one million of those species are heading for extinction namely, a quarter of all animal and plant species, and 10 per cent of insect types. Sir David urges us to treat this as an opportunity to redress the balance. 'We have a moment when we can change our world and make it better. This is that moment,' he says, referring to the changes being forced by Covid-19. 'I believe that together we can create a better future. If we make the right decisions at this critical moment, we can safeguard our ecosystems and biodiversity. What happens next is up to each of us.' To illustrate his point he harks back to filming Life On Earth in the late 70s. 'It was one of my most memorable experiences. 'I was in the Virunga mountains, which straddle the borders of Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda, and met some of the few remaining mountain gorillas including a mischievous youngster called Poppy. 'As I prepared to talk to camera, Poppy was at my feet, trying to take off my shoes. The experience has stayed with me, but it was tinged with sadness as I thought I might be seeing some of the last of their kind.' The mountain gorilla population there at that time was 250, putting them close to extinction, as their forest habitat was being ripped down to make way for agriculture. But the gorillas could also be a valuable resource, bringing tourism and investment. The three national governments worked with conservation organisations and local communities to wipe out poaching. Sir David spent time with an endangered population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains as part of the documentary Life on Earth in the 1970s More than 700 rangers now patrol, the habitat is no longer being converted for farming and the number of gorillas has risen to 600. But the abundance of life is vanishing. The population of wildlife species has, on average, declined by 60 per cent since 1970, while humans have more than doubled to almost 8 billion. But it's not just our sheer numbers that do the damage thoughtless consumption is equally harmful. Sir Robert Watson, chair of an intergovernmental biodiversity platform, says Britain's throwaway society is part of the problem. 'We waste about 40 per cent of the food we produce. If we could reduce that it would go a long way to creating a sustainable agricultural system.' Biodiversity is shrinking fast in Britain. Anyone who drove in the 70s will remember having to stop every 100 miles or so to clear the windscreen of splattered bugs. Now, that problem has gone a dire indication that there are far fewer insects. They were a vital part of the food chain for birds and small mammals, and also essential for pollinating plants. Most have been killed off by pesticides. Globally, about half a million insect species are threatened with extinction. 'If we don't act now,' says Kathy Willis, Professor of Biodiversity at Oxford, 'the youth of today are going to look back on this generation with absolute horror and say, "What were you thinking?" For some species it's already too late. There are only two northern white rhinos left, and both are female: Najin, 31, and her daughter Fatu, 20. For some species it's already too late. There are only two northern white rhinos left, and both are female: Najin, 31, and her daughter Fatu, 20, pictured Ranger James Mwenda cares for them at a reserve in Kenya; Najin is easy-going, but Fatu is more demanding. 'She's like a human teenager,' he says. 'She can be feisty, when she wants something.' The wild population, which numbered thousands in the 60s, was slaughtered by hunters, and when Najin and Fatu are gone the species will be extinct. We've known marine life has been under pressure for years too, but Sir David's 2017 series Blue Planet II revealed the full extent of the threat to our oceans' biodiversity. Overfishing and pollution are major problems. Off the west coast of Scotland a long-established pod of killer whales has just eight members left, and no calf has been seen among them for nearly 30 years. When one of the whales, Lulu, was washed ashore in 2016, scientists found sky-high levels of PCBs toxic chemicals found in plastics had rendered her infertile. It's a stark illustration that climate change is not the only threat to our ecosystems, and that the future health of the planet lies in our hands. Extinction: The Facts, Sunday 13 September, 8pm, BBC1. See Sir David again in our feature, page 10. NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. ("Herbalife" or the "Company") (NYSE: HLF). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Herbalife 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 May 7, 2020, Herbalife filed its quarterly report for the first quarter of 2020 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In its quarterly report, Herbalife advised investors that the Company had "reached an understanding in principle" to resolve bribery investigations by both the SEC and Department of Justice ("DOJ") in connection with Herbalife's China operations. Per the agreement, Herbalife stated that it "would enter into an administrative resolution with the SEC with respect to alleged violations of the books and records and internal controls provisions of the FCPA [Foreign Corrupt Practices Act]"; "would separately enter into a deferred prosecution agreement ("DPA") with DOJ, under which DOJ would defer criminal prosecution of the Company for a period of three years"; and "would agree to pay the SEC and DOJ aggregate penalties, disgorgement and prejudgment interest of approximately $123 million." Then, on August 28, 2020, the SEC accepted the Offer of Settlement and issued an administrative order finding that the Company violated the books and records and internal controls provisions of the FCPA. That same day, the Company and DOJ separately entered into a court-approved DPA under which DOJ deferred criminal prosecution of the Company for a period of three years related to a conspiracy to violate the books and records provisions of the FCPA. During the three-year period, the Company is required to among other things, undertake compliance self-reporting obligations. If the Company remains in compliance with the DPA during its three-year term, the deferred charge against the Company will be dismissed with prejudice. The Company has also agreed to pay the SEC and DOJ aggregate penalties, disgorgement, and prejudgment interest of approximately $123 million. 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] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links http://www.pomerantzlaw.com The save democracy programme launched by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday triggered an exchange of rhetoric between the saffron camp and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). BJP leaders in some parts of north Bengal also alleged that their rallies were stopped by police on the ground of violation of social distancing norms. Peoples verdict will have the last word. Have faith in us. The TMC governments days are numbered. The countdown has begun, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said at the partys main programme held near the statue of Gandhi on Mayo Road in central Kolkata. Also read: Cash-strapped govt cuts non-essential expenditures amid Covid-19 crisis Similar programmes were held in every district where senior state leaders took part. There was a clash between TMC and BJP workers at Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district when the ruling party workers allegedly damaged some vehicles in which the BJP workers were travelling. In Kolkata, Ghosh also cautioned the police and alleged that the force was being controlled by the TMC. Be prepared for the day when we come to power. BJP workers are framed in false cases and put in jail. They are murdered and their bodies are hung from trees, said Ghosh. Reacting to his statements, TMC Lok Saba MP Saugata Roy said, How many times have Dilip Ghosh, or any BJP leader for that matter, have been to jail? These are all baseless allegations. The TMC will remain in power. His dream will never be fulfilled. To mount pressure on the Centre, the TMC will organize agitation in every community block and municipal ward of the state on September 8 and 14. The states cannot be forced to borrow from the Reserve Bank of India to meet the shortfall in revenue from Goods and Services Tax (GST). Also, the Centre is yet to release funds for relief and rehabilitation of people affected by cyclone Amphan. It has given only Rs 1,000 crore, said TMC spokesperson Om Prakash Mishra. On September 20, we will hold another state-wide agitation against privatization of public sector units, he said. There was an announcement on board to wear life jackets as the ship was capsizing, at which point he put on a life jacket and jumped in the sea, the coast guard quoted Sareno as saying. He said he had not seen other crew members by the time he was rescued. Construction of the worlds most expensive railway ever built is now formally underway in the UK, as contractors working on HS2 move from preparatory works and design to begin building the controversial rail link. Prime minister Boris Johnson, who endorsed the plan earlier this year after he said in a hole the size of HS2, the only thing to do is keep digging, is due to attend an as yet undisclosed site on Friday where he will stage a shovels in the ground moment. The government gave the 106bn project the green light for construction in April at the height of lockdown, saying it could not be delayed any longer. Mr Johnson said the north-south rail link, which has already run tens of billions of pounds over budget and several years behind schedule, would fire up economic growth and help to rebalance opportunity. HS2 is at the heart of our plans to build back better and with construction now formally underway, its set to create around 22,000 new jobs, the prime minister said. As the spine of our countrys transport network, the project will be vital in boosting connectivity between our towns and cities. The original budget for the project was 32.7bn when it was first unveiled in 2012. But costs have steadily risen and a government-commissioned review warned last year that the final bill for HS2 could reach 106bn at 2019 prices. It means the railway will ultimately cost over 307m per mile for the 345 miles of high speed line. Critics have said there are better ways to spend over 100bn on rail infrastructure, and the project continues to face opposition on environmental grounds. The first phase of the project will instal a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham, and then on to Manchester and Leeds in the second phase. The complete HS2 network is unlikely to be ready until 2040. It is the largest infrastructure project in Europe, and involves the construction of more than 300 bridges and 70 viaducts for the first phase alone. Construction will begin with the biggest engineering challenges such as the stations and tunnels followed by the main viaducts and bridges. Most activity this year will be focused on HS2s city centre stations and major construction compounds such as in Old Oak Common, west London and Calvert, Buckinghamshire. This year The Wildlife Trusts urged the government to rethink the project due to what it described as the loss of irreplaceable woodlands. A report by the organisation released in January warned HS2 will damage or destroy 108 ancient woodlands, five internationally protected wildlife sites, and 693 local wildlife areas. Wetlands, wildflower meadows and historic wood pasture are all among those which will either be lost or significantly damaged by the new line, according to the study. In March, the RSPB also criticised the impact of the project, and said after the organisations suggestions on how to preserve biodiversity were ignored, that the scheme has descended into an example of worst, rather than best, practice. The RSPB said it was not only disappointed with the governments decision to proceed with HS2, but also with the wild claims that it will be an environmentally leading scheme. At the time HS2 said: HS2 Ltd takes the environmental cost of construction very seriously. That is why before any works take place on site, surveys are conducted by qualified ecologists to ensure we meet legal tests, and we have tailored mitigation plans in place for protected species. Were also delivering an unprecedented programme of tree planting and habitat creation alongside the new railway with seven million new trees and shrubs set to be planted between London and Birmingham alone. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps claimed the formal start to construction on Friday marks a major milestone in this governments ambitions to build back better from Covid-19. He said: Shovels in the ground to deliver this new railway means thousands of jobs building the future of our countrys infrastructure. This fantastic moment is what leaders across the north and Midlands have called for action to level-up our country by boosting capacity on our railways, improving connections between our regions, and spreading prosperity. HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Thurston said: This is a hugely exciting moment in the progress of HS2. After 10 years of development and preparatory work, today we can formally announce the start of full construction, unlocking thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities across the project. We are already seeing the benefits that building HS2 is bringing to the UK economy in the short term, but its important to emphasise how transformative the railway will be for our country when operational. With the start of construction, the reality of high-speed journeys joining up Britains biggest cities in the north and Midlands and using that connectivity to help level up the country has just moved a step closer. Additional reporting by PA SPRINGFIELD More than 75 people gathered on the steps of City Hall on Thursday calling for an end to a long-proposed biomass project in East Springfield, saying it is a threat to public health and an environmental hazard. Some of those speaking used he phrase we cant breathe in expressing their strong opposition to the wood-to-energy plant proposed by Palmer Renewable Energy LLC at 1000 Page Blvd. Verne McArthur, of the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, led the activists and residents in chants against the biomass project, including, We will, we will, block you, block you. This event is about the zombie project this biomass plant that Palmer Renewable wants to build and keeps pulling political strings to get loopholes to go do it, McArthur said. Weve been fighting it for 10 years and theyre now trying to come back. There is a climate bill before the state Legislature, in conference committee, that includes one proposed clause that would list biomass energy plants as non-emitting sources a designation that would help the developers receive subsidies, opponents said. Ten city councilors have urged legislators to reject the clause, and there is also a signature petition. The demonstration occurred after a recent council subcommittee meeting in which the citys building commissioner, Steven Desilets, said the biomass building permit remains valid despite being initially approved in 2011 and later extended. Palmer Renewable Energy plans a $150 million, 35-megawatt plant to convert green wood to energy. It obtained a special permit for the project 12 years ago, and has prevailed each time the project was challenged in court. The developers have defended the project, saying it would not be harmful to public health and would not worsen air pollution. A spokesman was not immediately available for comment Thursday. At the rally, Tanisha Arena of Arise for Social Justice said she refuses to be complicit in demise and destruction brought by biomass energy. We cant breathe, Arena said. I live here, my kids live here. I have to breathe what they burn. Biomass is not clean energy. We have a right to breathe clean air. Springfield, stand up. Zulma Rivera, of Neighbor to Neighbor, urged residents to remain vigilant. She said everyone and their families deserve clean air. Biomass is not clean energy, its not renewable energy, she said. Councilor Jesse Lederman said: We know that clean air does not come out of a smoke stack. Tons of harmful gases and materials would be emitted, he said. The plant is bad for the air and therefore bad for breathing, and therefore really bad for asthmatic people, McArthur said. In addition, there would be several trucks visiting the site daily, bringing their own carbon pollution. Opponents are also concerned that, if the plant is allowed in Springfield, it would open the door to other biomass plants in the state, he said. Organizations and individuals that participated in Thursdays demonstration included the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, Arise for Social Justice, Neighbor to Neighbor, Sunrise Western Mass Coalition, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, the Climate Action Now Western Massachusetts, and members of the faith community. Related Content: A nursing home that was the site of Pennsylvanias deadliest coronavirus outbreak was raided by FBI agents Thursday, according to multiple outlets. Investigators executed a federal search warrant at the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center near Pittsburgh, where over 300 of the facilitys residents and staff have tested positive for COVID-19, WPXI reported. Dozens at the nursing home in Beaver County died as a result of the virus 82 in all. Today, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General executed court-authorized Federal search warrants at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, U.S. Attorney for Pennsylvanias Western District Scott Brady said in a statement, according to CBS Pittsburgh. The nursing homes sister facility, Mt. Lebanon Rehab & Wellness Center in Allegheny County, was also searched by federal agents, Brady said. FBI agents raided the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center after more than 300 residents contracted COVID-19, 82 of them dying from the virus. The raids come just weeks after Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro confirmed his office was launching a criminal investigation into Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. The facility is one of several Shapiros office is investigating for suspected fraud and criminal neglect during the coronavirus pandemic, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported. The reports of conditions and practices at the Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center are deeply troubling, Shapiro told the newspaper in August. I think there are people in the public, particularly those with loved ones affiliated with Brighton, who may have information thats helpful to our investigation, he added. People need to know that were looking at this facility and if they have information thats helpful to our investigation, to alert us. In July, the Brighton nursing home reported it was coronavirus-free for the first time since March, according to WPXI. The facility also defended its use of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat and prevent the virus, the station reported. Story continues The FDA revoked its emergency use authorization for the drug earlier this year after clinical trials showed the risks of taking it including rapid heartbeat and other serious cardiac adverse events outweighed the benefits. Anyone with information on suspected fraud, abuse or victimization related to long-term care or assisted living facilities, please report it to the Western PA #COVID19 Fraud Task Force: Toll Free Hotline: 1-888-C19-WDPA or 1-888-219-9372 Email: usapaw.covid19@usdoj.gov US Attorney Scott Brady (@USAttyBrady) September 3, 2020 Federal investigators encourage anyone with information on suspected fraud or abuse at long-term care facilities during the pandemic to contact a regional COVID-19 fraud task force. Public health officials also said some people are refusing to participate in contact tracing efforts to identify those who may have come into contact with an infected person by not providing information on their close contacts or not answering the phone, while others have attributed symptoms to allergies or another cause and have delayed getting tested. - Rubadiri's parents took to Twitter to congratulate their daughter over her mega win - The news anchor was announced as the winner of the 2020 BBC's Komla Dumor Award on Tuesday, September 1 - In her parents' congratulatory messages, they both described her as their amazing daughter and wished her all the best PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB Feed Every parent is always proud when they see the fruits of their wombs winning in any way. Victoria Rubadiri's parents are a perfect example of parents who celebrate their kids' achievements. READ ALSO: Bruno Fernandes claps back at critics over penalty record: Only De Bruyne has better stats READ ALSO: Gavana Sonko kugharamia mazishi ya mwanasoka Kevin Oliech Taking to Twitter, Rubadiri's dad Reverend Kwame Rubadiri wrote a touching message to celebrate her award as the winner of the 2020 BBC's Komla Dumor Award. "So very proud of our amazing daughter @VickyRubadiri on winning the 2020 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. God has blessed you beyond measure, we can't thank Him enough," wrote Kwame. READ ALSO: Mimi ndio hutafuta chuma, mtangazaji Lilian Muli asema Victoria Rubadiri's parents proud after news anchor bagged Komla Dumor Award. Photo: Victoria Rubadiri. Source: UGC In another tweet, her mom Emmy celebrated her daughter's win in a loving message and prayed for more blessings upon her life. "We are so proud of our daughter Victoria for this great award! May God take you to even greater heights. Love you," wrote her mom. READ ALSO: Murang'a: 2 girls cry for help after their parents abandoned them Rubadiri was announced the winner of the journalistic award on Tuesday, September 1. The lass who doubles as a news anchor at Citizen TV is the sixth winner of the award which was created in honour of Komla Dumor who worked for BBC World News as a presenter. Rubadiri is the second Kenyan journalist to win the award after her colleague Waihiga Mwaura who won it in 2018. According to a report by BBC News, the journalist will begin her three-month placement at the international media house by attending a training course with the BBC Academy before joining the news team. 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 wife abandoned me when I needed her most | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Victorian construction union boss John Setka has demanded Premier Daniel Andrews immediately allow all the state's construction workers return to their jobs after the industry was curtailed by the coronavirus lockdown. Mr Setka, the state secretary of the construction division of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, wrote to Mr Andrews on Friday as suggestions swirl Victoria's strict stage four lockdown could be extended this weekend. Victorian CFMMEU boss John Setka outside a bus used to test construction workers for coronavirus in April. Credit:Simon Schluter The union boss is a controversial figure in the labour movement and no longer a member of the Australian Labor Party but has thrown his still-substantial influence behind an immediate reopening of construction to 100 per cent capacity. "As the backbone of this country, the 300,000 plus Victorian construction workers across all sectors must go back to work now," Mr Setka wrote in the public letter. In the dog days of this strange pandemic summer, a refreshing beach retreat to Galveston might be the perfect escape. But here's the one catch--you might be enjoying that with about 500,000 others on Galveston Island. "Galveston is open for business and looking forward to a great Labor Day weekend," The City of Galveston posted on Facebook. "We ask residents and visitors to please be mindful of COVID-19 and practice safe social distancing while enjoying the island." Galveston is open for business and looking forward to a great Labor Day weekend! We ask residents and visitors to please... Posted by City of Galveston, Texas - Government on Thursday, September 3, 2020 After tense moments with Laura storm prep and several beach closures, Galveston beaches are open and now expecting to see about 250,000 to 500,000 visitors over Labor Day, according to Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (GICVB). "We are seeing the summer extending because a lot of kids aren't going back to school quite so early or they're schooling from home," Michael Woody, GICVB chief tourism officer told KHOU. Here are a few things you need to know before you go: Parking is restricted at Diamond Beach (western point of Seawall) and Fort San Jacinto (eastern point of Seawall.) Beginning Friday morning and continuing through the weekend, parking will be blocked on the north side of Seawall Boulevard (the landward side) between 25th Street and 37th Street. We're under a statewide mask mandate requiring all people over the age of 10 to wear a mask when in public and unable to social distance. There are exceptions, such as when a person is consuming food or drink or when a person is exercising. (Not required at beach) For those expressing concerns about COVID-19 and the crowds, Galveston's Mayor Craig Brown reassured visitors about the coronavirus infection rates dropping on the Island. The infection rates in Galveston County and in Galveston (are) doing extremely well, and we feel very comfortable to invite anyone who wants to come down, Brown said. If you're looking for some free beach events this weekend, Galveston has a few to spotlight this Labor Day. "We have some great free events happening this weekend at our beach parks," Woody said. "On Saturday, there is an all-day sand volleyball tournament happening at East Beach that is free to watch for beachgoers. On Sunday, the Galveston Family Beach Challenge is happening from 11-5pm." alison.medley@chron.com COVID-19 is not just a health care crisis. It has brought challenges of epic proportions to systems that already needed shaking up: education, the economy, and more. Its even more clear to me today that this pandemic has exposed whats beneath the surface: Many dont have the support they need as they heroically do their job to build a brighter future for Virginia. Thats why back in April, 11 of my fellow delegates and I sent a letter to Gov. Ralph Northam urging his administration to stand strong in protecting all those who work and learn in Virginias public schools. My legislation offered this week is another solution that will provide them with the support they need during this critical timesupport theyve always deserved. In this special session, we have a choice: We can leave school districts to their own devices, leaving teachers to fend for themselves and hope for the best; or we can do everything in our power to make in-person learning as safe as possible. The Andhra Pradesh government has brought out stringent measures to curb online gambling. The state has not only banned online gambling but also announced that the organisers can face a jail term of upto 1-2 years. Andhra Pradesh government would ban online gambling by making necessary amendments to the Act and the State Cabinet has given its nod for implementing free power to farmers through direct cash transfer to bank accounts. Briefing media after the cabinet meeting here on Thursday, Information and Public Relations Minister Perni Venkataramaiah said online gambling will be banned and amendments will be carried out in the State Gaming Act, 1974. Organisers of online gambling would get a jail term of one year along with a fine for a first time offenders, while the jail term would go up to two years with fine for repeat offenders. Those playing online games will be sentenced for six months jail. The Chief Minister was particular about the free power to the farmers and that no burden should fall on them. The government shall implement the scheme, through direct cash transfer mode, where the money will be directly credited to farmers bank accounts for the power consumed by them in their fields and they, in turn, shall pay the power bills to the Discoms. This gives a sense of feeling that the farmers have been paying for the power consumed and the DISCOMS will not go into the red. The pilot project will be introduced in Srikakulam and it will cover the entire state from April 2021. Also Read: India records over 83,000 cases for third day in a row, Covid tally crosses 39 lakh cases Also Read: After Pangong Tso bid fails, China seeks meet with Rajnath Singh at SCO meet in Russia Not a single connection will be removed and all the connections will be regularised while nine hour power supply in day time should be ensured, and the cost of smart meters should be borne by DISCOMs and State. To meet the demand, plans are afoot for developing 10,000 MW solar power plant and the power reforms will not affect the farmers. Smart meters will be installed and dedicated bank accounts will be created solely for the purpose of paying the subsidy amount. The state government is spending Rs 1700 Crore for strengthening the electricity feeders and Rs 8300 Crore per annum towards this scheme. While it was YSR government that has introduced free power to farmers scheme, TDP has watered it down and neglected the farmers. During the previous TDP term only 40 percent of feeders were working and we have brought it to 89 percent and remaining gap will be filed by this Rabi. So far, 18 lakh power connections are there in the State and all connections of farmers will be regularised. Divisional development Officer posts will be created for better functioning of the Village Secretariats. The Cabinet gave in-principle approval for constructing two barrages downstream to Prakasam barrage, each with a holding capacity of 3TMC. The first one will be constructed between Penamaluru and Mangalagiri with an estimated budget of Rs 1215 crore and the second one between Mopidevi and Repalle with an expenditure of Rs 1273 Crore. The cabinet approved various irrigation projects, including Babu Jagjivan Ram Uttharandhra Sujala Sravanthi for irrigating 8 lakh acres in North Andhra region, with a budget of Rs 15389.80 Crore, the Minister said. The cabinet gave its nod for constructing Varikapudisila lift irrigation project in Palanadu region with a budget of Rs 1273 Crore. As part of Rayalaseema Drought Mitigation Project, the cabinet approved the works of 14 reservoirs and lift irrigation projects. In order to boost aquaculture, the State will start Fisheries University in West Godavari district with a cost of Rs 300 Crore in the next five-years. Land was allocated lands for setting up of two medical colleges in Bapatla(51.07 acres) and Markapuram (41.97 acres), he said. Further, the cabinet approved GO MS 80 for the establishment of AP State Development Corporation for planning and funding of State governments welfare schemes like Nadu-Nedu, Cheyutha, Aasara, Rythu Bharosa. The State has extended the ban on Maoist Party and its frontal organisations by one year. Also Read: Amid tensions with China, India to host Quad meet, 2+2 dialogue Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 19:49:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JUBA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,500 teenage girls in South Sudan have either been married off or impregnated since April, a new report by a local civil society group launched in Juba on Friday reveals. The report released by the Support Peace Development Initiative Organization (SPIDO) found alarming rates of early child marriages, pregnancies and prostitution in the three Equatoria states of Eastern, Central and Western respectively. The report uncovers widespread incidents of sexual-related offences, mostly rape, attempted rape, sexual harassment and murder of children. The organization said it documented at least 1,535 cases of child marriages and teenage pregnancies in the Equatoria region since South Sudan shut down schools in mid-March as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic. Western Equatoria leads in cases of teenage marriage and pregnancies, with 1,182 cases followed by Eastern Equatoria with 318 cases, and Central Equatoria with 35 cases respectively. "In this short period, over 1,500 girls have been married off in three regions. This tells that the situation could be worse in other regions where child marriage was rampant even before the COVID-19 lockdown," SPIDO executive director, Wodcan Savior Lazarus told Xinhua in Juba. South Sudan's legal marital age is 18, but the country has for long grappled with high rates of early and forced marriages. According to the UN children's agency (UNICEF), South Sudan has the seventh-highest prevalence rate of child marriage in the world. About 52 percent of girls in the country are married before their 18th birthday and nine percent marry before clocking 15 years old. The civil society group warned that continued closure of schools and a biting economic crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis could lead to more child marriages. "Poverty is making some parents force their girls into marriages with the hope of getting dowry because in many South Sudanese cultures, girls are looked at as sources of wealth," Lazarus said. The report calls for urgent measures to prevent and mitigate child abuses. It also called for the provision of medical care for child abuse survivors and increased advocacy for human rights. The report further recommends the establishment of a juvenile justice legal aid scheme in the east African country. Enditem Two University of California, Davis, historians have received funding from the National Park Service to address the educational gap in U.S. women's history and role in the nation's national parks. Professors Ellen Hartigan-O'Connor and Lisa Materson will craft 80 biographies of women involved in national parks in the western region of the United States, and, in a longer article, connect those women's lives to the ongoing struggle for voting rights. The park service gave grants totaling $460,000 through its Women in Parks initiative after a survey they distributed early this year indicated most American adults say they wish they were taught more about women in U.S. history. "Many people visit the national parks to appreciate the beauty of the region. We will offer the public a richer, more complete picture of the social and political life that sustains them," said Hartigan-O'Connor. Project commemorates the 19th Amendment The two faculty, who have collaborated for more than a decade on multiple projects, will work together on the project, which commemorates the 19th Amendment and supports inclusion of women's stories in park and regional education and media programs. The region covered includes parks in Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified 100 years ago. It stated that the right of citizens to vote "shall not be denied or abridged ... on account of sex." Notably, in the U.S. colonies of Guam and American Samoa, included in this project, both women and men are denied the right to vote for president, and they do not have a voting representative in Congress, Materson said. Their work will highlight the centrality of women to the creation and development of national parks and connect the parks to the broader history of women in the United States and its Pacific colonies. Their research will uncover the seldom-discussed naturalists, activists, domestic laborers, and artists whose efforts created and maintained the parks. Hartigan-O'Connor, who serves as associate dean for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and Materson co-edited The Oxford Handbook of American Women's and Gender History, published in 2018. They also served as project advisors to the California Museum's newly launched "Women Inspire" exhibit. They are specialists in women's and gender history. They received $23,400, which will enable them to support a team of graduate student researchers to help carry out the project. Materson, additionally, will incorporate project work into her winter graduate seminar on public history. "This is a fantastic opportunity for faculty, students and park historians to work collaboratively in the field," Materson said. The park service report, Women in Parks: Key Findings From a National Online Survey of Adults, found that 64 percent of respondents say they wish they were taught more about women in U.S. history, and 60 percent say they would get a C or lower grade if they were tested on the subject. The survey also found that a majority of respondents believe it is "extremely" or "very" important for national parks, monuments and historic sites to connect people to history (74 percent), in addition to preserving public lands for future generations (81 percent) and connecting children to nature and the outdoors (77 percent). The park service project was launched in 2019 -- with leadership gifts from John G. and Jean R. Gosnell Foundation and others -- to mark the hundredth anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The grants will help connect people with stories of women's contributions to history through physical and digital park exhibits, guided walks, talks and special events, videos, podcasts, and webinars. How the program works In the Pacific West, the regional Cultural Resources Program and five individual parks received grants. The regional grant will supplement the work of park staff by collaborating with scholars of women's history led by Hartigan-O'Connor and Materson. The project team will develop biographies of women associated with every park in the region, as well as an essay that will link the history and legacy of the suffrage movement to other themes in women's history that are represented in the region's parks. ### 'Mumbai-PoK' remark: Kangana Ranaut has no right to stay in Mumbai, says Maharashtra Minister India oi-Deepika S Mumbai, Sep 04: Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has no right to stay in Mumbai if she feels unsafe, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Friday after the movie star triggered controversy for comparing the city to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "We have seen how the Mumbai Police sacrificed their lives during the coronavirus pandemic. It's not right for an actor to say such things about our police, we condemn it. Mumbai and Maharashtra is secured by the police. If anyone feels unsafe about living in Mumbai or Maharashtra, they have not right to live here," Deshmukh said. The minister was referring to Ranaut's remarks in which she likened Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and said she was scared of the city police. "Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?" Kangana tweeted from her verified account. Ranaut's comments have been criticized by the ruling Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP. BY a stroke of luck, one of the countrys pioneer liberation stalwarts, Cde John Maluzu Ndlovu escaped the hangmans noose at the hands of the Ian Smith regime at the eleventh hour. Cde Ndlovu (77), whom the white minority government had charged with various capital crimes against the administration of the time had been sentenced to death. He was part of the first group of fighters trained in China with the likes of Felix Rice and was captured in the 1960s during operations to rein in blacks fighting the whites oppressive laws. Just as he was about to be hanged, the decision was reversed. In an interview on the sidelines of the distribution of food hampers to war veterans donated by Doves Holdings in Bulawayo yesterday, Cde Ndlovu recalled his experience on death row. I was sentenced to die on March 8, 1965 at the Salisbury High Court. They said I had committed many capital crimes. I had been tortured immeasurably but the judge, Sir Hugh Beadle, said their intelligence had informed them that my training was so high such that I would be willing to die without revealing anything. We were trained to die in silence. Sir Hugh Beadle then said he would read my crimes, whether I pleaded guilty or not didnt matter because he had been told torturing me would be pointless, said Cde Ndlovu. He said he had been sentenced to a combined 43 years in prison for some crimes while he got life imprisonment for other offences. I got into prison garb and was locked up at Salisbury Central Prison. I was in prison for three years. Impi yasitshisa ngo1968, thats Hwange and Sipolilo. One day, soldiers came to my cell camouflaged by black paint. They said as long as I was alive, they were not going to win the war, narrated Cde Ndlovu. He continued: Lets kill this one, they said. So that theyll understand that when we capture, we kill. It wasnt long before one evening, while I was sitting in my cell, I heard keys rattling. John Maluzu, one of the prison guards called, to which he answered, Yes sir. The prison guard ordered me to gather my blankets and get out of the cell. I did that and as we approached the main door, I saw more guards at the A Hall, where people were hanged. I got there and the senior superintendent arrived five minutes later. He stood in front of my cell, and called my name. John Maluzu Ndlovu, he said. Again, I answered, Yes sir. Youre going to be hanged on Monday, the 11th of March, I was told. I took it as a joke considering Id been told Id be imprisoned for 43 years before I was killed. I laughed because I knew we would be liberated by then. It was on a Friday, I still remember, the 8th of March, 1968. I sat there waiting. I was told to hold a press conference on the Sunday and speak to my relatives because Id be hanged on the following Monday, said Cde Ndlovu. The 25-year-old John Maluzu said the Monday came and he was to be hanged at 8AM. I was with a few other people who were also supposed to be hanged so we waited for 8AM. But surprisingly, at 7.30AM, the prison superintendent came and said, John Maluzu Ndlovu. Yes sir, I responded. Your execution has been postponed until further notice, he said. I thought he was crazy and told the guys I was with to wait for 8AM as earlier advised, he recalled. Cde Ndlovu remembered how he kept asking: Sergeant Major, what time is it? He was told it was 7.50AM but moments later Cde Ndlovu asked again. Sergeant Major, what time is it? It was now 8AM but there was no activity showing that he would be executed that morning. It was just quiet. The clock hit 9AM but still, nothing was happening, said Cde Ndlovu. He said he had been in prison for three years and he knew how people were executed. Eventually, they took some prisoners but left him behind, he said. Cde Ndlovu recounted how he had to observe some pre-death rituals pending his execution. Before you were executed, you wouldnt bath or do other things. They would say you should die in your most natural state, he said. Cde Ndlovu, who was the MP for Nkayi constituency between 1995 and 2000 said he tried to rehearse how the execution would go way before the day came. Everybody was in solitude thinking of how they would be hanged. They (Ian Smith regime) were very cruel but I knew why they wanted to hang me and I wasnt the first person to face the death penalty. Many had been executed before. I was fighting to see black majority rule. I left home because of the pain I felt when I saw the Ian Smith regime heavy handedness on blacks, said Cde Ndlovu. He said a few days later, he was removed from solitude and paraded at the prison grounds. John Maluzu, called the prison superintendent. Yes sir, he responded. Your sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment, he was told. Cde Ndlovu said he was then moved to Khami Prison in June of 1968. He had joined the liberation struggle as a young man fresh out of Cyrene High School. He was among the war veterans who received donations from Doves Holdings in Bulawayo yesterday. Doves managing director Dr Talent Maziwisa said his company had been deliberate when it came to war veterans. We have been impressed by the kind of progressive thinking the war veterans have been exhibiting. Im sure youve seen the borehole and solar system that has been installed. Theres going to be a green house, a fowl run and a fish pond that will be put in place. Coming to this sort of place (Entumbane war veterans offices) makes it easy to donate whatever you provide because here is an arm of government thats ready to generate for its own sustenance, said Dr Maziwisa. He said his company would be headed to other provinces to make similar donations. Its good to be a pioneer. Its difficult to start something but its easy to emulate. You the pioneers of the struggle made it possible for those that followed for the country to be what it is today, said Dr Maziwisa. Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Judith Ncube said the country would always be grateful for the commitment and dedication shown by war veterans during the liberation struggle. Doves Holdings has come up with this programme in honour of our living liberation war heroes for their immense contribution to this country. Id like to express my sincere gratitude to Doves Holdings for this kind gesture as many have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, said Cde Ncube. She said the Government recognises the work being done by Doves Holdings in offering support to communities. May I ask the people of Bulawayo to continue observing the lockdown regulations as we are not out of the woods yet, said Cde Ncube. The outcry over the vandalism of a statue of John A. Macdonald in Montreal was as sad as it was predictable. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The outcry over the vandalism of a statue of John A. Macdonald in Montreal was as sad as it was predictable. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the protesters that pushed over the metal sculpture and decapitated its head, arguing that acts of vandalism do not advance the causes of social justice and "have no place in a society that abides by the rule of law." Trudeau's comments were accompanied by a torrent of criticism from a chorus of the usual suspects in politics, news media and academia. J.D.M. Stewart, a noted Canadian historian, labelled it a crime against history itself. Stewart wrote in the Globe and Mail that while issues such as systemic racism and reconciliation with Indigenous people are critically important, destroying statues "is not going to advance any of those causes. Nor is it justified by history although it may make some feel better." A statue of John A. MacDonald was torn down following a demonstration in Montreal on Aug. 29. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press files) The debate over historical monuments is complex and, to date, there has been no consensus around solutions. But in the wake of this latest act of vandalism, it's certainly time for some clarity and sobriety in a debate pockmarked with fallacious reasoning. First off, attacking the statue of a historical figure is not an attack on history because the statues are not, in and of themselves, essential artifacts. They are one-dimensional tributes to complex historical figures absent of any meaningful context. Those statues do not represent the history of Canada; they represent one, heavily skewed view of our history and as such, have limited value. Second, although the toppling of statues of deposed leaders is pro forma in coups and revolutions, no one is talking here about expunging the memory of Macdonald. Removing Canada's first prime minister from the history books would also remove the memory of his more egregious policies, which no one should want. This is about eliminating a tribute to Macdonald that, objectively speaking, he does not deserve. The third issue is the allegation that acts of aggression against monuments do not advance the causes of social justice. The fallacy in that statement is pretty evident when you realize the current debate was triggered when protesters defaced and destroyed a statue. In fact, it can be argued that without the occasional act of vandalism or even violence, there can be no real progress on social justice issues. The head of the statue of John A. MacDonald lies on the ground after the statue was torn down by protesters in Montreal. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press files) Any time a protest turns violent or destructive, it has the potential to alienate segments of the population. But peaceful protest is all too easy to ignore. The Black Lives Matter movement, which has been mostly peaceful, is a good example of how destructive, even violent, protests create the impetus for change. It has always been thus when it comes to human or civil rights movements. And finally, we really need to get to a point where the people who are not affected by historical monuments stop telling the people who are affected to "get over it." One of the most potent arguments for removing statues of John A. Macdonald was his treatment of Indigenous people. In particular, his support for the forced starvation and relocation of Indigenous people onto reserves, and the creation of the residential schools system. Many will rush to point out that in advocating these policies, Macdonald was only demonstrating he was "a man of his time." And those people are not wrong. But they are wrong to suggest that it's unthinkable to remove the tributes to not the memory of one of the principal authors of those abhorrent policies. Particularly when Indigenous people even today live with the effects of Macdonald's legacy. Although the debate here has been thoroughly muddled, there have been moments of clarity elsewhere. Take this year's decision to remove the controversial "Equestrian Statue" of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt from the entrance to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. A rally led by the New York Young Republican Club on June 28 called for the Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt to remain in place. The American Museum of Natural History requested that the statue be removed. (David Dee Delgado / Getty Images files) The statue shows a triumphant Roosevelt atop his trusty steed with a Native American on one side, and a Black man on the other, both in subservient posture. After years of protest, the museum agreed to remove the statue, a decision that was ultimately approved by New York City, which owns the building and property. Not surprisingly, a chorus of howls erupted from the usual suspects, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who labelled it "ridiculous." But opposition was quieted significantly when Theodore Roosevelt IV, the 77-year-old great-grandson of the 26th president, suggested a new approach was needed. 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. Historians have, over the years, documented Roosevelt's support for eugenics theories and, later in his life, forced sterilization of the poor and intellectually disabled. And while the great-grandson obviously felt a need to defend his great-grandfather, he acknowledged the statue had no value in historical terms. "The world does not need statues, relics of another age, that reflect neither the values of the person they intend to honour nor the values of equality and justice," he said. "It is time to move the statue and move forward." In that one statement, we can see the simple truth of this matter. We absolutely need to preserve the legacy of our historical figures, both good and bad. But we do not need statues and monuments that, on their own, provide neither a balanced picture of those figures nor a legimate sense of their place in history. Time to remove the statues and move forward. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:06:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Philippine expert said on Friday that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency of infrastructure building in the country and that China's important role in Philippine infrastructure will remain. Alvin Ang, a professor of economics at Ateneo de Manila University of the Philippines, said the pandemic this year revealed the shortage of infrastructure in the country. "Even people-to-people connectivity here is hampered when the infrastructure is weak," he said during a webinar on China-Philippines economic cooperation. "When the connectivity here is hampered, the logistic cost will remain very high." He said the pandemic shows that the connectivity in the Philippines needs more infrastructure. To make up for the inadequacies in the country's state of infrastructure, the current Philippine administration initiated the "Build, Build, Build" program in 2017, which intends to spend 8 to 9 trillion pesos (160 billion to 180 billion U.S. dollars) in the medium term to improve the public transportation system. Ang said some of the infrastructure projects of the program are funded by China and constructed by Chinese companies. A lot of them are big projects like irrigation, water dam and railway nationwide. "I think the administration will pursue what they have negotiated with China on infrastructure. China's important role in Philippine infrastructure will remain," he said. "China has experiences in building huge infrastructure projects that can be shared with the Philippines on the current stage, especially it has advantages on technology equipment and human resources," he added. The Philippine economist also admired Chinese contractors' efforts during the pandemic, saying that there was no delay in the projects implemented by Chinese companies. The Philippines would like to take this opportunity to push infrastructure in the Philippines with China, Ang said. According to the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways, there are 14 government-to-government infrastructure cooperation projects between China and the Philippines. Three projects have been completed, while the other 11 are being implemented smoothly. Even under the current COVID-19 situation, the infrastructure cooperation projects under implementation in the country have resumed operation at over 80 percent capacity. Enditem The Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) will go ahead as per the allotted dates after a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Friday rejected a review petition seeking the postponement of the exams. The review petition was filed by ministers of six opposition-ruled states against the courts August 17 order allowing the National Test Agency (NTA) to hold NEET and JEE exams in September, amid nationwide opposition from students. Justices Ashok Bhushan, BR Gavai and Krishna Murari held the in-chamber hearing at 1:30pm on Friday in which they dismissed the review of their earlier order, allowing the government to conduct the exams in September. The bench also rejected the applications seeking listing of the review petition in the open court. The applications seeking permission to file the review petitions are allowed. We have carefully gone through the review petitions and the connected papers. We find no merit in the review petitions and the same are accordingly dismissed," the bench said in its order. One of the review pleas was filed by ministers from West Bengal (Moloy Ghatak), Jharkhand (Rameshwar Oraon), Rajasthan (Raghu Sharma), Chhattisgarh (Amarjeet Bhagat), Punjab (BS Sidhu) and Maharashtra (Uday Ravindra Sawant). The apex court had on August 17 dismissed a plea seeking postponement of JEE (Main) April 2020 and NEET-Undergraduate examinations amid a spurt in the number of coronavirus cases. The JEE Main exam for over 8 lakh engineering aspirants had started on September 1. NEET 2020 will be held on September 13. The apex court, in its earlier judgement, had upheld the Centres decision to hold the exams and said, A crucial year of students cannot be wasted and life has to go on" while dismissing the students pleas for postponement. The ministers of six non-BJP-ruled states had said the Supreme Courts order failed to secure students right to life" and ignored teething logistical difficulties" to be faced in conducting the exams during the coronavirus pandemic. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young arrive at a press conference to give an update on Queensland COVID-19 Border Controls in Brisbane, Australia on June 30, 2020. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) Queensland Premier Wont Be Intimidated by Critics of Border Closure Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has hit back at criticism of her border closure ahead of a meeting of Australias national, state, and territory leaders on Friday where the topic is expected to dominate discussions. Acknowledging the criticisms, Palaszczuk told reporters on Friday: It is relentless, it is intimidating, but I will not be intimidated. The premier dug her heels in and declared she is prioritising the health response to the pandemic, which she says is already allowing for some economic recoverysuch as with Queensland winning the AFL Grand Final. She noted in many places around the world no sport is happening, and that she feels empowered by Queenslanders whove written to thank for her putting their health and safety first. Palaszczuk wants her political counterparts and rivals to focus on stemming the COVID-19 outbreaks in New South Wales and Victoriathe latter of which is currently experiencing a second waverather than criticising her about border closures. Among the criticism has been a concern about double standards when it comes to the chief health officer issuing border crossing exemptions to AFL officials and celebrities. At the same time, people seeking medical treatment have endured confusing delays. One case resulted in the death of an unborn baby. National cabinetchaired by Prime Minister Scott Morrison with state premiers and territory chief ministersis set to meet virtually for its latest pandemic decision-making session on Friday. Throughout the week, Morrison and federal ministers have outlined their hopes for a common national approach to defining COVID-19 hotspots that allow borders to be reopened proportionally to those people in zones with less risk. Throughout the week the tourism minister warned the state border closures could cost $55 billion this year, with popular destination North Queensland already losing $7 million per day in what is usually their peak season for domestic travellers. Read More North Queensland Losing $7 Million Each Day Due to Border Closure NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian described Queenslands benchmark of 28 days of no community transmission in NSW before removing its border controls as a pretty tall order. Weve demonstrated for two months nearly that you can actually maintain a good control of the virus and keep your economy going, she said. I hope other states have the confidence to take their borders down and do the same, she said. But Queenslands chief health officer said: We cant afford to have a single case. If we have a single case that comes from New South Wales or Victoria and they go into a high-risk setting like an aged care facility, we could immediately have an outbreak, and we could have deaths. Pressure on a Czech politician over plans to visit Taiwan grew so great that it contributed to his death, according to his family. Now his replacement has gone ahead with the trip -- widening a rift between China and what was once one of its biggest cheerleaders in the European Union. Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil, who headed to Taipei this week, is not just facing threats from Beijing but is also ignoring opposition to his trip from China-friendly President Milos Zeman. It's that level of politically induced stress that his 72-year-old predecessor, Jaroslav Kubera, endured before a fatal heart attack in January. While the Czech Republic tends to toe the EU line on foreign policy, the nation of 10.7 million has entered an unlikely and worsening spat with China, its fourth-biggest trading partner. In reality, though, politicians are divided over relations with Beijing, with some favoring close economic ties and others appalled by China's human-rights record. That's opened a fault line that China can exploit as it grapples with the U.S. for influence in Europe. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo toured Europe last month, including a stop in Prague, where he labeled China a greater threat than Russia. Some of those tensions have been translated to Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province -- Beijing condemns any outside diplomatic activity related to Taipei as interference in its affairs. U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar became the most senior American official to go there in decades when he visited last month. For Zeman and local tycoons like billionaire Petr Kellner, China is a source of investment and a destination for Czech businesses to expand. Zeman, also a supporter of Russia, was the only EU head of state to attend a World War II commemoration in Beijing in 2015. But diplomatic spats have marred cooperation. Many Czech officials are skeptical of Beijing's promises and strategic goals after seeing little investment coming from the 17+1 forum between mostly eastern and southern European nations and China. The country's human-rights record is a source of dismay for many including Prague mayor Zdenek Hrib. Having angered China by canceling a sister-city agreement with Shanghai, Hrib visited Taipei earlier this year and also joined Vystrcil's trip. The needling dates back years, with late President Vaclav Havel traveling to Taiwan and welcoming the Dalai Lama. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi -- in Europe discussing investments -- warned of a "heavy price" for visiting Taiwan, calling Vystrcil's trip a "betrayal" that makes him an "enemy of 1.4 billion Chinese people." The visit is an "open provocation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman HUA Chunying told a regular briefing Thursday in Beijing. "The one-China principle is the political foundation for establishing and developing bilateral relations between China and the Czech Republic. We urge the Czech side to take actions to remove the negative impact to avoid hurting overall relations." The Taiwanese and the Czechs both "had to struggle to find a path to democracy," Vystrcil told students this week in Taipei, predicting other EU officials will come too. On Thursday, he said his trip confirms the Czech Republic is an independent country that values democracy and freedom, and invited his counterpart in Taiwan to visit. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said it admires Vystrcil's decision to lead a big delegation despite facing threats. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen honored Kubera in a ceremony Thursday morning in Taipei. "We feel regret about his departure," she said of the late Czech lawmaker. "Conferring a medal on him shows our respect to him." Vystrcil was feted like a visiting head of state, a rare opportunity for Taiwan, which has lost all but 15 formal diplomatic partners to Beijing. "His warmth and kindness are like spring sunshine, while Wang Yi's threats are like cold winter winds," said Yu Shyi-kun, the speaker of Taiwan's legislature. Prime Minister Andrej Babis said Wang's remarks crossed a line. For Kubera's daughter, Vendula Vinsova, the threats stirred uncomfortable memories. "We knew he was under pressure and behaving really unusually, but we didn't know the details," she said. After sifting through documents about his planned trip and following developments in the past few months, "I felt like I'd suddenly woken up in a different world." Continued Protests in Minsk as Putin Wishes Lukashenko a Happy Birthday By VOA News August 30, 2020 Tens of thousands protested in the Belarusian capital of Minsk Sunday, the president's birthday, demanding he resign. Carrying red and white flags, which have become symbols of the opposition, protesters convened around Lukashenko's residence, facing security forces carrying shields and backed by prisoner vans and water cannons. At least 140 protesters were arrested Sunday, according to the Interior Ministry, before peacefully dispersing in the evening. Alexander Lukashenko, who turned 66 Sunday, was declared the winner of an August 9 election, amid widespread allegations of voter fraud. Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, denies any election irregularities. He walked around his residence, carrying an automatic rifle, for the second weekend in a row, a photo published by Russia's RIA news agency showed. The main opposition candidate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, said she would never accept the election results. She then fled to Lithuania for what she said was her children's safety. Protests have rocked the country since the election results were announced, but Lukashenko has given no indication that he would consider stepping down. One of his aides, Nikolai Latyshenok, said there would be no talks with the opposition, Russian news agencies reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Lukashenko Sunday to wish him a happy birthday and invite him to Moscow. Putin has repeatedly offered support to Lukashenko as Belarus faces sanctions from the West. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address (Natural News) News website The Epoch Times, in collaboration with polling company Big Data Poll, conducted a survey and found that the movement to defund the police is very unpopular among people who will likely vote. The move to defund, even abolish, police departments across the country was initiated by far-left groups Antifa and Black Lives Matter, following the engineered George Floyd riots. In response to the massive rioting, many cities with Democratic mayors and Democratic-majority city councils Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and New York City have all begun to remove funding from their respective police departments. Some, like the New York Police Department, received a staggeringly-high budget reduction of $1 billion. Defund the police unpopular nationwide According to the poll, 61 percent of respondents opposed the call to defund the police, while only 24 percent expressed their support. Furthermore, the poll found that support for the Black Lives Matter movement is decreasing. Only around 42 percent of respondents reported a favorable view of the organization. Forty-one percent had an unfavorable view, 15 percent said they had no opinion about the movement and two percent said they had never heard of the organization at all. According to The Epoch Times data, this represents a steady shift in opinion regarding the supposedly anti-racist organization. Several other polls that they previously conducted show that the amount of support the Black Lives Matter movement is getting from their respondents is decreasing. In a poll conducted from Aug. 26 to 28, 43 percent of respondents had a favorable view of the movement compared to 40 percent that had an unfavorable view. This lack of popularity extends to the Black Lives Matter movements radical leftist allies, Antifa. The current poll found that 53 percent of respondents had an unfavorable view of them. Twenty percent said they had no opinion of Antifa, 17 percent said they had never heard of the domestic terrorist organization and only 11 percent held a favorable view of them. (Related: FACT CHECK: According to alt media in America, if Antifa shoots you dead, you didnt actually die from the gunshot if you also had an underlying medical condition like diabetes.) The online survey was held from Aug. 26 to 30. It interviewed 2,169 likely voters nationwide. Thirty-six percent of the respondents identified as Democrats, 32 percent Republican and 32 percent as independent or other. Polling company Morning Consult also held a nationwide poll that showed results similar to that taken by The Epoch Times. According to their poll, which contacted 1,987 registered voters, 58 percent were opposed to the defund the police movement. Only 28 percent said they supported the movement, while 14 percent had no opinion. The lack of popularity with the Democrat-backed plan to defund the police shows that the Democratic Party is going down. Listen to this episode of the Health Ranger Report, a podcast by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and listen to the good news of how the Democrats are on a path of self-destruction and will no doubt collapse in 2021. Democrat-cities suffering from rioting and mass looting also not in favor of defunding police The lack of support and enthusiasm for defunding the police can also be seen in surveys conducted in cities that have seen the worst of the mass looting, rioting and violence, such as Minneapolis, Seattle and Portland. In Minneapolis, where the nationwide wave of engineered rioting began in late May, a poll of 800 registered voters conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling found that 44 percent of respondents do not want the funding of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to be reduced. Forty percent wanted the MPD to be defunded, and 16 percent were not sure. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of the voters polled said that they were very happy with the way their first African American chief of police, Medaria Arradondo, was running the MPD. Sixty-three percent of respondents said they had a favorable view of the police chief, while only 15 percent had an unfavorable opinion of him. This does not mean that Minneapolis voters, who are mostly Democrats, are opposed to police reforms. For instance, many believe that the citys current arbitration process helps keep bad cops in the force and needs to be overhauled. An overwhelming majority of respondents 67 percent, including 80 percent of African Americans polled believe that the MPD needs to require its officers to be actual residents of the city. This, many believe, will help them develop better relationships with the people in their communities. A majority of respondents also believe that the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, the main police union that represents rank-and-file MPD officers, is too powerful and their ability to intervene in the firing of erring officers needs to be reined in. In Seattle, a telephone survey of 500 people conducted by EMC Research found that only 32 percent of respondents supported a plan put forward by the Seattle City Council composed entirely of Democrats and socialists that would defund the Seattle police by 50 percent. When this poll first came out, mainstream media outlets quickly picked up on the fact that 53 percent of respondents were in favor of a slight budget reduction for the Seattle police. What these news outlets failed to point out is that a vast majority of the survey participants are supportive of other police reforms, including very modest cuts to the police budget. For instance, a significant plurality 43 percent were in favor of Mayor Jenny Durkhans proposal to reduce the police budget by 5 percent. This poll further states that, out of all of the public figures in Seattle, the citys residents trust former police chief Carmen Best the most 61 percent when it comes to tackling police reform. Interestingly, the Seattle City Council, which has more power to legislate reforms to policing, only recorded a 47 percent trust rating. In Portland, which has seen nonstop rioting and mass violence since the beginning of the wave of civil unrest, only 39 percent of the 603 respondents were supportive of some of the police reforms being proposed such as defunding the police and believed that these could address the issues of police brutality and racism in the Portland police. At least a dozen major cities nationwide are considering or have already implemented deep cuts to the budgets of their respective police departments, including Seattle, New York City, Chicago and Portland. What all of these polls show is that the public officials who run those cities, most likely Democrats, are not implementing popular police reform policies, while completely ignoring possible reforms that might actually resonate with their constituents, such as banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants, amending qualified immunity, hiring independent prosecutors to investigate police abuses, mandating the use of body cameras and creating a national registry for police misconduct cases. Learn more about why people all over the country are not in favor of massive cuts to police department budgets by reading the articles at PoliceViolence.news. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com NYTimes.com MorningConsult.com MPRNews.org MyNorthWest.com Newsweek.com Axios.com PublicConsultation.org [PDF] Shirley Young, a distinguished Chinese American entrepreneur, is to be honored by the Chamber Music Society (CMS) of Lincoln Center at its 50th anniversary celebrations next week. "CMS has over the years been tremendously committed to bringing chamber music to different places around the world. We have been very lucky to engage with a lot of people who have been able to help us do that. The most important person for us of course in China is Shirley Young," said Suzanne Davidson, CMS executive director, in a press release. Young, who has helped CMS to build a presence in China in the last five years, is the first Chinese American to receive this honor. The other honoree at the event, to be held on Sept 10, is Elinor L. Hoover, chair of CMS board of directors. The upcoming celebration, which is moved online due to the pandemic, will witness the global premiere of a 53-minute documentary film "Transcending: The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Celebrates 50 Years". After 50 years, CMS of Lincoln Center is recognized as an acclaimed leader in chamber music in the world and it can help develop chamber music in China, said Young. "This will offer new opportunities for the many Chinese musicians, particularly young musicians, to develop in a new art form to reach world audience," she said. Young's China market experience has been accumulated since 1988 when she served as vice president of General Motors and co-led GM's successful $1.2 billion joint venture building Buick for the China market. She was the only Asian American GM vice president and one of the only three female GM vice presidents worldwide. Young provided financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic to a dozen young Chinese artists under her US-China Cultural Institute when all performances were canceled in the United States and Europe this year. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday announced that the state government has decided to declare 600 acres of Aarey land near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) as a reserve forest. This will be done by applying Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act (IFA) to almost 600 acres of the land. Aarey comes under the Dairy Development Department, and the Forest and Environment departments. In November last year, the Maharashtra government decided to stay the construction of the metro car shed in the Aarey Colony as the project faced protests for cutting trees for the work. However, the state government did not halt the work of the Mumbai metro rail project. In October 2019, Green activists protested against the then BJP-led government in the state for cutting more than 2,000 trees for the car shed in Aarey colony, adjacent to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. At that time, the Shiv Sena, which was an ally of the BJP, opposed the felling of trees. As soon as the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) made the announcement on Twitter, netizens appreciated the government for its move. CMO Maharashtra on the micro-blogging site informed, 600 acres of Aarey land near Sanjay Gandhi National Park will be reserved as forests. It also mentioned that it will be the first time in the world when an extensive forest will be blossoming within the limits of a metropolis. 600 acres of Aarey land near Sanjay Gandhi National Park will be reserved as forests. This will be the first instance of an extensive forest blossoming within the limits of a metropolis anywhere in the world. pic.twitter.com/T1zkgB6WkL CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) September 2, 2020 Responding to the CMOs tweet, a user heaped praise on Uddhav Thackeray. He mentioned being glad to have got a chief minister like Thackeray. Thank you being a tradition culture acceptance we would glad Have Cm Like You Who can understand the voice of common citizen staying near ARREY colony .. .@AUThackeray Arrey is Specially For all mumbaikars And each One of Indian Ravin purohit (@ravin_purohit) September 2, 2020 Another person said that this move should be adopted in every city to protect nature, calling it a good initiative. Good initiative if it really converts to forest .this should be made mandatory for every city give nature back @narendramodi @ramqn Rahul (@Rahul39587789) September 2, 2020 Here are some more reactions: Thank u u r a man of ur word u proved it. Mumbaikars will remember you in the future as the CM who saved r forests & saved Mumbai from ecological disaster.Along with the 600 acres hope d rest of 3400 acres also will b included in d other phases & real estate is kept out rups (@rupapp) September 2, 2020 Forest is absolutely essentiall for the maintenance of atmosphere especially in the metropolis area where there is lack of trees also flora and fauna very impt thing,it acts as a controller of upcoming natural disasters as flood, It helps in bringing rain where by helping farmars Nisar Ahmed 17 (@17_nisar) September 2, 2020 However, some Tweeple also raised concerns over the delay of the metro project and wastage of taxpayers money. What will happen to the metro car shed. Again thousands of trees will be cut at the proposed new place. Delay in the project and huge cost escalation and passing FSI benefit to real estate builders, said a netizen. What will happen to metro car shed . Again thousands of trees will be cut at proposed new place . Delay in the project and huge cost escalation and passing FSI benefit to real estate builder. Sanjay Deshpande (@SanjayD51350565) September 3, 2020 How will you complete Mumbai Metro Line 03.What is your ideas?When will you complete it? Please answer these questions?Last but not least, how will you make provision of funds?It is egoism https://t.co/VcH6MgSZ0w will merit to your son & demerit to Mumbaikar. Nitin K Pathak (@nitinkpathak5) September 2, 2020 A person also asked a question on how and when will the metro project be completed. He asked the government about how funds will be arranged for it. United Nations, Sep 4 : Adhering to physical-distancing guidelines, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) met in-person for the first time in nearly six months, with its President urging all members to "galvanize multilateral action to deliver for all", as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to sweep the world. "Although we have not convened in this hall since March, New York-based delegations have worked tirelessly to uphold the values and principles set out in the Charter of the UN, whilst contending with the Covid-19 pandemic," Tijjani Muhammad-Bande told the downsized delegations on Thursday. Calling the UNGA the world body's "chief deliberative body", Muhammad-Bande said that it continued the organization's work, all while forging and deepening partnerships to "build back better", reports Xinhua news agency He commended the body for its foresight in adopting and extending Decision 74/544, which has allowed the membership to adopt more than 70 decisions and resolutions and elect main committees' chairs for the upcoming milestone 75th Assembly session. "This has ensured business continuity on issues of critical importance." He recalled the body's physically-distanced elections for the incoming presidents of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UNGA itself; as well as new Security Council members. Muhammad-Bande also applauded the work of the inter-governmental negotiations on the declaration for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the UN. World leaders will mark the UN's 75th anniversary on September 21 at a high-level meeting. On this occasion, they will endorse, through the adoption of a declaration, a renewed vision for collective global action and a set of commitments to respond to the pandemic, climate change, extreme poverty, armed conflict, disarmament, disruptive technologies and other global challenges. Muhammad-Bande also thanked the member states that had "demonstrated leadership" in responding to the global pandemic by adopting two resolutions "with wide co-sponsorship" calling for solidarity and global access to medicines and medical equipment. Moreover, the UNGA President congratulated the Fifth Committee Chair - responsible for administrative and budgetary matters - for "adopting creative methods" that allowed the resumed session to conclude with 21 draft recommendations, and a peacekeeping budget of $6.5 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Muhammad-Bande applauded the World Health Organization (WHO) for leading the Covid-19 response from the outset. "The entire UN system has rallied to address the needs of the people we serve," he said, with particular praise for "our humanitarian workers in the field and our peacekeepers", who continue to protect communities in the most complex environments globally. The UN will mark its 75th anniversary with a one-day high-level meeting at the opening of the 75th session of the UNGA. The theme for this event will be: "The future we want, the UN we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism." Multilateralism remains the guiding principle for the coming UNGA session, but with a special focus this year placed on taking multilateral action to combat the imminent threat posed by the pandemic. "I urge you to galvanize multilateral action now to fulfil our financing for development commitments," the UNGA President said in conclusion. "We remain in this together, as nations, united. Let us continue striving together to deliver for all." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 00:49:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- An Ethiopian diplomat on Friday commended lifesaving anti-COVID-19 partnership with China. Speaking exclusively to Xinhua, Teshome Toga, Ethiopian Ambassador to China, said China has been a decisive partner to the east African country as it battles the spread of COVID-19. "Ethiopia received robust support from the Chinese government with the provision of medical supplies, the organization of health webinars and direct assistance from Chinese medical experts,". "The two countries have lined up a number of other COVID-19 related activities including sharing Chinese successful anti-COVID-19 experience to help in Ethiopia's own anti-COVID-19 fight," Toga told Xinhua. Ethiopia's confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 55,213 after 804 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed as of Friday morning, the country's Ministry of Health said. Toga who earlier this year personally witnessed China's effective fight against the spread of COVID-19, said the Asian country can become a model to Ethiopia's own fight against the disease. "The way the Chinese worked to fight COVID-19 is impressive. The stringent measures imposed by the government of China took by locking down Wuhan, a city of 11 million for several months meant the spread of COVID-19 was contained within Wuhan," Toga told Xinhua. Toga further said the effective COVID-19 prevention and containment strategy in Wuhan meant other Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai were largely spared from the spread of the virus. "The Chinese government injected a lot of resources and technology with the critical participation of the Chinese public, to lessen the spread of COVID-19 to other cities," said Toga. "The Chinese public were very cooperative at all levels with the policy set by the Chinese government. I think that made a great difference in the fight against the disease" Toga told Xinhua. The Ethiopian ambassador to China, also commended the role of people to people ties in both countries anti-COVID-19 fight. "Ethiopia's support to China during the fight against COVID-19 was well received and the general public will tell you Ethiopia is a true friend of China," said Toga. "China in return helped Ethiopia when COVID-19 occurred in Ethiopia," he said. Toga further disclosed Ethiopia is in talks with the Chinese government on possible partnership in the east African country's planned post-COVID-19 economic recovery program. Enditem The Allahabad High Courts order quashing the detention of outspoken Dr Kafeel Khan under the National Security Act was a slap on the face of the UP administration that had him imprisoned for months. While the local district magistrate (DM) Chandra Bhushan Singh invoked the NSA citing a provocative speech Dr Khan delivered at the Bab-e-Syed gate of the Aligarh Muslim University against the Citizenship Amendment Act last year, the court found nothing objectionable in the address. Instead, the Bench said the speech actually gave a call for national integrity. It hauled the DM over the coals for his selective reading of the address, ignoring its true intent. The administration used every dilatory tactic, the Bench pointed out, like providing radiograms of the extension of his detention under the NSA without giving him a hard copy of the order that would have enabled him to seek judicial redress. Besides, to satisfy the Constitutional mandate that a detenue must be provided adequate material to seek relief at the earliest, Dr Khan was given a compact disk of his AMU speech but without an instrument to play it! Neither was he given a copy of the speechs transcript. The NSA was invoked against him by the DM in February, days after a local court granted him bail following his arrest in late December at the Mumbai airport. Incidentally, the courts decision came a day before the Union Cabinet cleared an ambitious plan to reform the bureaucracy and build capacity to make government employees more creative, proactive, professional and technology-enabled. But would that training reform the likes of the Aligarh DM, who clearly had an axe to grind against Dr Khan? Politicisation of the bureaucracy is the elephant in the room. Reforms that sidestep political meddling cannot fully repair the nations steel frame, which is how Sardar Patel had described the civil services. The DM apparently invoked the NSA because people can be detained under it without charges for up to 12 months. His abuse of the draconian law reignited the debate on whether it should exist at all in a progressive democracy. After all the opprobrium, the UP government ought to take action against the DM; else it could be accused of being his instigator. Will it? President Donald Trumps Drug Czar, when visiting Cumberland County on Wednesday, told over a dozen local and federal law enforcement and EMS officials that this administration not only defends the police but also wont stand down to drug traffickers. The issues that we are facing as a country are going to be resolved at the local level, said White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Jim Carroll. The roundtable discussion was held at Hampden Township Recreation Center in Mechanicsburg. Topics of discussion included federal funding, current concerns pertaining to the novel coronavirus, and drug trafficking. Carroll said he visited central Pennsylvanias authorities because the area has been hit hard by the opioid crisis. After having spent the past two months making stops at the southwest and northern borders, he said hes concerned that drug trafficking is going to pick up once the coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. Traffickers think that our guard is down, he said. He noted that at the northern border, Vermont and New York, authorities were reporting a 4,000 percent increase in drug seizures. He didnt specifically say if that was during the pandemic shutdown orders only or for all of 2020. Carroll emphasized that drug seizures at both borders are at an all-time high. [Drug traffickers] are trying to get a foothold here, he said. President Trump is committed to the idea of saving lives. Thats what were going to do. Thats the number one focus of our national policy as set forth by the President. The only metric that matters is saving lives, and Im here in Pennsylvania to make sure were doing that. Despite a local and national call by some groups, like Black Lives Matter, to defund the police, Carroll said federal funding is on its way. He has $35 to $36 billion to allocate toward crime prevention. Defending the police and supporting the men and women of law enforcement is absolutely the right thing to do, Carroll said. By not having law enforcement, by not supporting them, were going to see traffickers on the rise. Were going to see criminal activity on the rise. One use of the federal funding is paying for additional training, he said. Sadly, theres more law enforcement who are killed in the line of duty than people who are unarmed, he said. And, certainly, just like theres the need for improvement anywhere, theres absolutely the need for some improvement and additional training. In addition to opioids, he said both synthetic fentanyl and methamphetamines are becoming dangerously popular. Hampden Township Police Chief Steve Junkin said he thought the meeting went very well. National policy is good. However, it needs to address the issues seen locally in order to be effective, Junkin said. Permitting our agencies to speak of the challenges and thoughts with the man who helps shape national drug enforcement policy shows that its more than just lip service or a slogan. To me, it demonstrates a larger commitment to law enforcement and our missions locally. The media wasnt allowed to remain in the meeting once a deeper dialogue about funding, COVID concerns, and drug trafficking began. The director was open, Junkin said. He listened to what our local challenges are and were able to tie them to other issues nationally. I think all of the attendees walked away with a better appreciation of his vision, as well as an understanding of the national commitment to helping law enforcement provide for safer communities. A handful of central Pennsylvania police departments were in attendance, along with members of the Pennsylvania State Police. Members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration were also in the meeting. The Presidents brother died because of an addiction, Carroll said. Hes very open about that. And, in my first conversation with the President about taking this job, we talked about his brother, Fred. We talked about the agony that the survivors have, survivors guilt, of those left behind, and we ask, did we do enough? Delhi court has rejected the bail plea of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) student Asif Iqbal Tanha, who was arrested under a stringent anti-terror law the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a case related to the communal violence in north-east Delhi in February that left 53 people dead. The court, while rejecting the bail, said the statements of the protected witnesses in the case reflected the role of many suspects, including Tanha, regarding the protest sites and how everything was planned. Tanha, a BA third-year student in Persian, was arrested in May in connection with the north-east Delhi riots. Appearing for Tanha, advocates Siddharth Aggarwal and Sowjhanya Shankaran, said he was falsely implicated in the case. They said the invocation of UAPA against him was bad in law. Moscow/New Delhi, Sep 4 : Indian Defence Minister Rajanth Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe will meet later on Friday to discuss their border disputes. Both are in Moscow to participate in the joint meeting of the Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Rajnath Singh, accompanied by a delegation including the Defence Secretary and other senior officials, also participated in the 75th anniversary event of 'Victory Day', marking the Soviet Union's triumph in World War II. Addressing the joint meeting, he said India is committed to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. He also congratulated Russia for successfully managing the coronavirus pandemic. "We applaud Russian scientists and health workers for spearheading the Sputnik V vaccine. I wish you all health and success in this time of pandemic!" he said. The minister also appreciated Russia for organising the annual anti-terror exercise "Peace Mission", that has contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among defence forces. "India values the works of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure. We laud RATS' recent work in the cyber domain to prevent the spread of extremism. The adoption of anti-terror measures by the SCO Council to counter extremist propaganda and de-radicalisation is a significant decision," he said. Rajnath Singh told the member countries representatives that there is need of institutional capacity to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats - above all, terrorism, drug-trafficking and transnational crime. "As you all are aware, India unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, and condemns its proponents," he said. He noted that 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War as well as the formation of the United Nations, which underpins a peaceful world, where international laws and sovereignty of states are respected and states refrain from unilateral aggression on one another. India's participation in the Victory Parade on June 24 in Moscow was homage from India to the unparalleled contribution of Soviet people to free this world of Fascism, Nazism and their revanchist passion, he said. "Memory of WWII teaches us of the follies of aggression of one state upon another, which brings destruction to all. Our forefathers, including those from India and former Soviet Union, made supreme sacrifices to resist aggression & expansionism," Singh added. 2 1 of 2 Texas Department of Public Safety Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Texas Department of Public Safety Show More Show Less Andy Castillo, 57, is facing charges in the 17-year-old cold case murder of a young mother in Lubbock, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced in a news release on Friday. On July 15, 2003, Cynthia Joann Palacio, who was 21-years-old at the time, was found on a rural road in Southeast Lubbock County, partially nude and strangled, the release stated. Her last known whereabouts were unknown. Palacio is survived by her daughter, who was 2-years-old at the time of her death. A new study shows a quarter of mothers say their choices were not respected during childbirth, with some left with life-changing injuries as a result, despite Britains highest judges establishing women should be the primary decision makers during labour five years ago. A poll of 1,145 women, carried out by leading pregnancy charity Birthrights and shared exclusively with The Independent, also found that a third said healthcare professionals did not even seek their own opinions on the childbirth process, while 14 per cent said their choices were overruled. One woman told The Independent she had been forced to give up her career as a lawyer following what she described as a violent delivery, while her baby daughter also sustained serious injuries to her face which can still be seen now 12 years after she gave birth. Rani*, a 44-year-old from north London, explained she had risk factors which would have increased the risks of vaginal birth such as short stature and a larger than normal baby. She said: After an epidural, the labour became prolonged. It was then clear after many hours that there were signs of distress. The babys heart rate was not consistent which was incredibly worrying for me. At that point, we started discussing whether a different course of action was required including a C-section. Recommended Childbirth traditions from around the world displayed in photo series My requests for a C-section were not even considered and were completely dismissed. It then became an obstetric emergency and quickly progressed to a delivery which required instruments such as forceps which then, unfortunately, caused permanent and irreversible damage to both my daughter and myself. The injuries would have been completely avoidable had my requests been listened to and Id had an emergency C-section. My daughter sustained serious injuries to her face which can still be seen now from where the forceps were placed. It was a violent delivery. I sustained a third-degree tear. Ive had a lot of pain. Ive had psychological trauma. Ive had to have further surgeries to repair it which have failed. Now I am left permanently irreversibly incontinent which affects every aspect of your life. I have to plan where toilets are and bring a change of clothes. Many other women Ive met who have sustained third and fourth-degree tears are in exactly the same position. Their lives have been permanently changed. They have lost careers and suffer from irreversible symptoms every day. Birthrights, which campaigns for respectful pregnancy care for women, pointed to the fact half a decade has passed since Nadine Montgomerys Supreme Court case proved mothers-to-be are the primary decision-makers in their own care yet this is still not the reality for the majority of women. The so-called Montgomery ruling which was handed down in 2015 is named after plaintiff Nadine Montgomery whose son was born with cerebral palsy due to complications in childbirth. Ms Montgomery, who is diabetic and has a short stature, discussed fears about her babys size and questioned whether it would be possible for her to give birth vaginally with health professionals on a number of occasions. She said: Five years ago the Supreme Court ruled that I was denied my right to make an informed choice about how I gave birth. My legitimate concerns were overruled because a doctor felt that she knew best. My son and I live with the consequences every day. My real hope is to see a sea-change in healthcare where all pregnant women, and indeed all patients, are treated as capable adults who are supported to make informed choices, who are listened to and respected, not treated like children who need to be told what to do. If this is the legacy of the 16 years I spent taking my case through the courts, it will have been worth it. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Ms Montgomery should have been informed of the heightened risks of a vaginal delivery in her situation and have been presented with the option of having a C-section. I was told what was going to happen to me. I had no say in it, one woman told researchers. Another added: After three days of labour, I was told to choose between an emergency forceps delivery or C-section. I knew the risks of a C-section so I opted for forceps. I ended up with a severe prolapsed bladder which is making my life a misery. I had no idea this was one of the risks of forceps and that it apparently happens to lots of women. One more woman said: Staff tended to treat me like a child, telling me what I must do. When I disagreed with their instructions I was met with disapproval and silence. It was a battle. Women polled for the study, which was carried out with Mumsnet, were told they are legally entitled to be the primary decision maker about their childcare while doctors and midwives give them advice. Researchers then asked the women about whether this describes their own experience of pregnancy with 42 per cent saying this did not reflect their own experiences. Recommended NHS whistleblowers expose safety fears at hospital maternity unit Almost half said the information they were provided with did not cater for their own personal circumstances, while almost two-thirds said they needed more information to help them make informed choices about pregnancy and childbirth. One woman said: My labour spun out of control and things just started happening to me without discussion. I was very much pressured to agree to certain things because they felt it best. Only 38 per cent of women polled said health professionals gave them the chance to talk about the advantages of having a home birth. Maria Booker, of Birthrights, said: Five years on from the Montgomery vs Lanarkshire decision, it is concerning to see that a majority of women still dont feel like they have the right to make decisions about what happens to their body during pregnancy and birth even though it is their clear legal right to do so. Kim Thomas, chief executive of The Birth Trauma Association, said it was shocking that mothers-to-be are still not being properly informed about childbirth. Women tell us, for example, that interventions are sometimes carried out with their consent, or they are warned of the risks of giving birth by caesarean but not of the risks attached to a forceps birth, she said. Women are adults and deserve to be treated as such. Rosalind Bragg, director of Maternity Action, said issues around health professionals overlooking expectant mothers wishes have been compounded by the coronavirus crisis. The pandemic has placed enormous pressure on the NHS and maternity services have been forced to make changes to support those with Covid-19 and minimise the risk of transmission, she told The Independent. It is important that women are supported to make informed decisions about their care, even in these difficult circumstances. We are keen to see proper investment in maternity services to enable them to deliver high-quality care to all women at this time. *Ranis name has been changed to protect her identity TROY Cleaning and disinfecting the cells of women who had head lice wasn't the most disgusting job Dalila Yeend performed while she was detained at the Buffalo Federal Immigration Facility. It was the all the times she was assigned to dig through garbage cans filled with the leftovers of meals served to more than 70 other detainees in search of the occasional missing spork. For five days a week during the two and a half months Yeend was civilly detained, she was paid $1 per day funds that could only be used in the facility's commissary. The money would go fast, she said: Drug store shampoo cost about $5; vending machine snacks ranged from $5 to $10; deodorant cost up to $10; and domestic phone calls had a base fee of $3 per call. Two years after her release from the detention center, Yeend and another former detainee, Bounnam Phimasone, are alleging labor law violations in their lawsuit against Akima Global Services, the private company that operates the detention facility which despite its name is located in Batavia, Genesee County for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. To treat these (detainees) like this and pay them pennies to do this kind of work is bordering on slavery, Yeend told the Times Union. It is absolutely inhumane, and these facilities should be ashamed of themselves. The lawsuit, filed Thursday by the Worker Justice Center of New York in state Supreme Court in Rensselaer County, argues that under the state Constitution and state labor laws, the plaintiff and other detainees should have been paid at least the state minimum wage for each hour they worked, and that it is unconstitutional for their labor to be exploited by a private company to increase its profits. When we look at this particular situation in Batavia, what stands out is that this is a private company that is contracting with the federal government and is making a lot of money off that contract, said Robert McCreanor, one of the lawyers on the case. That is in part due to the free labor that they are getting from immigrants in civil detentions that arent prisoners serving terms for crimes they are immigrants who are detained waiting a resolution for a civil immigration matter. Its a gross violation of their rights. Yeend estimated that during her time at the facility, roughly 90 percent of the women who participated in the program were being civilly and not criminally detained. Akima Global Services did not respond to requests for comment left Thursday with its public relations office and president. The jobs the women performed at the facility varied. Yeend was on meal duty while other women in her unit were in charge of cleaning showers and common areas some did detail cleaning, others waxed and buffed the floors while their peers moved furniture out of the way. Gloria Martinez, board co-chair of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, said that after the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, the jobs posed risks far out of proportion to the low wages. One detainee at the Buffalo facility, she said, was "paid a dollar a day to clean the infirmary and the living quarters of those who contracted COVID. Yeend and Phimasone said they believed other non-detainees at the facility were paid fair rates for the same labor. If youre for-profit and forcing people to work for pennies, its pretty disgusting, Yeend said. The lawsuit isnt the first of its kind. Since 2014, there have been numerous civil actions brought against the so-called Voluntary Work Program across the U.S., in states from Washington to Georgia. A 2012 study found that private companies can save as much as a quarter of their net profits from such programs. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. In 2017, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights called on the federal Department of Homeland Services and Congress to investigate these programs, saying they could lead to abuse as detainees have been threatened with punishments such as solitary confinement if they refuse to do the work. While neither Yeend nor Phimasone reported being threatened to work, McCreanor said the very nature of the labor arrangement was stacked against them. Whats particularly difficult about immigrant detention facilities is that there are none of the services or activities that exist in prisons. There is nothing to occupy the individuals, he said. When youre confined in this space with very limited access to the outdoors or any type of activity and you need money to communicate with your lawyer, with your family, I think it is inherently coercive. Yeend said she had the option to turn down participation in the work program, but believed getting involved with it could help her with her immigration case. In the moment, from other inmates saying it could potentially help my case, and out of sheer boredom in the unit, I decided to be a part of the work program, she said. A Troy resident, Yeend came to the U.S. from New Zealand with her mother when she was 17. She was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2018 following a traffic stop for rolling through a stop sign in Troy. Today, Yeend has a green card and is a vocal immigration activist who serves on the board of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and is involved with ICE-Free Capital District. After my release and winning my immigration case, she said, I got a chance to reflect on those things and say, This is really inhumane. Qualcomm said this week it will roll out processors to bring fast, reliable 5G connectivity to smartphones that cost as little as $125, doubling down on its bid to rapidly expand the popularity of this latest generation of mobile broadband. The company announced that 5G-equipped Snapdragon 4 series processors will show up in phones early next year. Handset makers Motorola, Xiaomi and Oppo are rolling out devices powered by the chips. "When we get to the first quarter of 2021, with that price range of $125 to $250, I think we are going to drive a very fast transition of the entire base to 5G," said Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon. "If you go to buy a phone, why not buy a 5G phone?" It is unclear whether any of these low-cost smartphones will be available in the U.S. They are likely to target buyers in China and other countries. Meanwhile, San Diego-based Qualcomm also announced an upgrade to its line of processors for laptops. The latest chip includes 5G, faster Wi-Fi, all-day battery life and specific capabilities tailored to enhance remote work and online school. Qualcomm is a leader in 5G and has been pushing for fast adoption of the technology. Mobile network operators around the globe have begun deploying 5G in 35 countries. For now, coverage remains spotty, especially for the fastest version of 5G known as ultra-wideband or millimeter wave. When new mobile technology comes out, it typically shows up initially in high-cost devices. Indeed, today's top-tier 5G Android phonesmany of which are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 series processorscost $1,300 or more. But 5G also is available in some smartphones in the $500 to $800 range. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 series and Snapdragon 6 series processors target this market. And now with the Snapdragon 4 series, the company aims to bring the 5G capability to even more affordable phones. "In China, 5G price points can already address 60% of the market," said Amon. "With the new Snapdragon 4 series, the transition from 4G to 5G will significantly accelerate globally." For laptops, Qualcomm launched its 8CX Gen 2 processors for Windows machines. The ARM chip enables workplace-level security, improved camera and audio for virtual meetings, 5G connectivity and enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities, such as automatic eye contact adjustment during conferencing. Acer said it would be among the companies launching a 5G Windows laptop powered by the 8CX Gen 2 chip. Analysts predict almost half of office workers are likely to work remotely, at least part-time, after the pandemic, Amon said. "People want different kinds of PCs for the work-from-home environment," he said. "It's about having an outstanding camera so you can stream yourself. It's about connectivity. It's about having great multi-media capability." Explore further Qualcomm lowers price, remote access barriers to 5G 2020 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Mr. Reinoehl was shot on Thursday night by officers from a federally led fugitive task force, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers, the Marshals Service said in a statement. Task force members responded to the threat and struck the suspect who was pronounced dead at the scene. An arrest warrant for Mr. Reinoehl had been obtained by the Portland police through the Circuit Court in Multnomah County, Ore., earlier Thursday, the Marshals Service said. According to Lt. Ray Brady of the Thurston County Sheriffs Office, which is investigating the shooting of Mr. Reinoehl, a police team was in a residential area of Lacey, a town southwest of Seattle, looking for a homicide suspect. Lieutenant Brady said on Friday that Mr. Reinoehl had a handgun with him at the time of the shooting, but added that we are not able to confirm at this time if he fired shots. He also said that he was not aware of any footage of the shooting from body cameras or any other sources. What is the best way to share out a future Covid-19 vaccine? Syringes in the Sanofi plant in Val-de-Reuil, France, in July 2020 An international group of ethicists on Thursday criticized the World Health Organization's goal of distributing coronavirus vaccines to treat 20 percent of each country's population, proposing instead what they said was a more equitable system of distribution. In an article published in the journal Science, US professor Ezekiel Emanuel and more than a dozen experts from Britain, Canada, Australia, Norway and Singapore suggested giving priority to countries where outbreaks are the most serious. The first task is "minimizing the number of premature deaths," Emanuel, chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, told AFP. The group likewise refutes the idea that allocations of the vaccine should be in line with the number of medical workers or elderly people in a country, something that would automatically favor developed countries. "Who has a lot of health care workers and who has a lot of elderly over 65? Rich countries," said Emanuel, who was an architect of president Barack Obama's health care reforms. The experts' system, which they call a "Fair Priority Model," starts by calculating the number of years of life that will be added in a given country by the delivery of a million vaccine doses, for example. Peru, where Covid-19 mortality rates are currently very high, and the United States, where the virus continues to kill a thousand people every day, would most likely be on the priority list. "But take New Zealand, giving them a million doses, you're probably not going to save but one or two people literally. So they would be low on the priority list," he said. - Health workers not a priority? - The group rejects the argument that its policies would reward bad management such as that in the United States, which leads the world in the number of virus deaths and cases. "You shouldn't penalize Americans because Donald Trump can't seem to manage this pandemic," said Emanuel. Story continues Against Covid-19 "you don't say everyone gets the same," he said. "The country with the worst situation, they have to be treated first," he added, comparing the situation to an emergency room where a heart attack victim is treated before the patient with sore throat. After calculating the years of life that might be saved, the experts propose taking into consideration minimizing the economic and social impact of the virus, such as unemployment, poverty and school closures. In their plan, priority populations are not necessarily health workers, but those put at risk by their housing situation, jobs or age. "A lot of health care workers are no longer getting infected because they know how to use the masks and the gowns and the gloves," he said. "And so they may not need to be top of the list in terms of priority. You have to look at the empirical data." He added that immunizing the elderly "may not work if they may not respond well to a vaccine." Will the academic debate on how to share out a future vaccine gain traction with world leaders? Wealthy countries have already pre-ordered billions of vaccine doses for themselves and the mechanism set up by the WHO for a more equitable distribution, known as Covax, has not yet raised the funds needed to provide for the 92 poor countries that have signed up. ico/iba/jh/acb According to insolvency practitioners, PJ Lynch and Declan de Lacy, Irish businesses should expect a tumultuous few months. The fall-out of the Covid-19 pandemic means that even as businesses have started to open up again, we might witness a record-breaking number of insolvencies between the second quarter of the year and 2021. The prediction came hot on the heels of the Central Banks Quarterly Economic Bulletin release, which highlights the impact of Covid-19 on the Irish economy and the predictions for the next few years. Mark Cassidy, who is the Director of Economics and Statistics at the Central Bank, remarked that the report pointed to a deep downturn in 2020 with a gradual recovery expected over the coming years. The pandemic is set to cost Ireland at least 9% of its GDP this year. De Lacy remarked that in 2008, there were only 613 liquidations, and in 2009, one year into the last great recession, the numbers more than doubled to 1,245. 2019 had just 426 liquidations, and we can expect that to double too before the year ends. 2012 was the most brutal year for businesses in recent history, with corporate insolvencies reaching a crisis-era high of 1,684. The reason had been the fall of the global property market, which plunged Ireland into a recession, alongside most of the world. However, there has been a year-on-year recovery since then, with 2019 witnessing the lowest numbers in almost a decade. The first half of the year witnessed 273 insolvencies, a 12% drop from last years numbers. However, that downward trend is not expected to continue for much longer. Experts agree that the drop was due to the government salary support schemes and the freezing of certain fixed costs as the economy went into lockdown in early March. The concluding half of the year has been predicted to have a grim outlook for businesses. Over 1000 insolvencies are expected in the next few months as businesses struggle to come to grips with the immediate post-covid realities. From large corporations to small enterprises, there are bound to be casualties all over. So far, UK-based department store, Debenhams, has liquidated its Irish arm while the USIT student travel group and Mothercare Ireland have also announced plans for liquidation. Cashflow problems have been fingered as the likely reason why so many companies are going under. As companies start to run out of money due to the complexities of the post-covid trading environment, the owners are likely to make a decision to close up shop before the reserves are empty. Issues with restarting businesses persist despite the Governments 7.7 billion stimulus plan, which focused on easing a return to normal economic activities. The plan contains the Restart Grant Plus scheme, which offers between 4,000 and 25,000 to a wide range of businesses. On the other hand, banks are also finalizing plans to offer small and medium enterprises loans at below-the-market rates. The loans are guaranteed by the Government by up to 80% and are backed by a 2 billion scheme. At the same time, banks are preparing themselves for a slew of bad debts that will arise as a result of defaults during the pandemic. Although the Governments stimulus plans are expected to help with the overall economic recovery, insolvencies are predicted to spike from the second quarter of 2020 up until 2021. By 2022, barring any economic surprises, the numbers should start normalizing again. That is why it is so important, especially for small and medium businesses, to take full advantage not only of the recent Government plans designed to help the economy during the pandemic, but from other available initiatives such as grants, R&D Tax Credits, and other types of support available to creative and innovative businesses. Heavily armed police officers descended onto a quiet street in Sydney's inner west on Friday afternoon after a man died from a gunshot wound to the chest. A short time later, a second man from a nearby home was taken to hospital in a critical condition suffering gunshot wounds to the head. Heavily armed police took up position outside a home in Lewisham after a man was shot dead. Credit:Nine Police believe the shootings were targeted and say there is no ongoing threat to the community The two men are believed to have been known to each other. China claims Taiwan as its territory and strongly objects to any official contact between other countries and the self-governing island Taipei: The Czech Senate president met with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday morning during a rare trip by a foreign dignitary to the self-ruled democratic island that rival China called an open provocation". Tsai presented a medal for Jaroslav Kubera, the recently deceased predecessor of Czech Senate president Milos Vystrcil. Kubera died in January before making the trip and Vystrcil said China's pressure, including a warning from the Chinese Embassy against congratulating Tsai on her reelection, contributed to his decision to travel to the island. Tsai called Kubera a great friend" and gave a nod to Vystrcil's speech on Tuesday, saying his words I'm a Taiwanese had touched many hearts. Our actions are telling friends in Europe and all over the world, whether Taiwanese or Czechs, we will not succumb to oppression, will bravely speak up, actively participate in international affairs, and contribute our capabilities, she said. Beijing is furious about the Czech delegation's visit, with the foreign ministry summoning the Czech Republic's ambassador to lodge stern representations and saying the trip amounted to flagrant support of Taiwan independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and strongly objects to any official contact between other countries and the self-governing island. China's foreign minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that Vystrcil's visit is an open provocation. China must tell the Czech Senate leader: You've crossed the line! Wang said. Tensions between the Czech Republic and China have simmered since last year, tracing back to a dispute between Beijing and Prague. The two capitals ended a sister-cities agreement because Beijing had wanted Prague to agree to the One China principle, which says Taiwan is part of China. In his address Tuesday, Vystrcil directly referenced former president John F Kennedy's famed 1963 anti-communist speech in then-divided Berlin, and emphasized democratic freedoms embraced since the Czech Republic threw off communist rule at the end of the Cold War and Taiwan emerged from martial law at the end of the 1980s. In 1963, the American president JFK, in his famous speech ''I'm a Berliner,'' clearly opposed communism and political oppression and supported the people of West Berlin, Vystrcil said. He said ''freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free.'' Please let me use the same manner to express my support to the people of Taiwan: I'm a Taiwanese, he said, speaking the last phrase in Mandarin Chinese. Regardless of the outcome of the Precinct 1 Bexar County commissioners race Nov. 3, residents in the sprawling jurisdiction on the South and West Sides are in for a change. The incumbent for the past 16 years, Sergio Chico Rodriguez, was defeated in a stunning upset by Rebeca Becky Clay-Flores in the July 14 Democratic primary runoff. Clay-Flores, a 45-year-old political newcomer, faces Gabriel Lara, 64, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Both candidates grew up poor, learning the importance of hard work and education at an early age, and have emphasized a desire to stay attuned to the needs of constituents by going out in the community. They recently shared their goals and visions in a virtual meeting with the San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board. I saw the shortcomings of Commissioners Court when it came to unincorporated Bexar. And there needed to be a change, said Lara, who attended Harlandale High School and served in the Navy before joining the San Antonio Fire Department, working for five years in fire suppression and 29 years in EMS all on the south and west sectors, within the precinct. On ExpressNews.com: Constables urge commissioners not to slash deputy staffing Clay-Flores, who is Black and Mexican American, said she would quit her job processing contracts with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District if shes elected. She went to Brackenridge High School and earned an undergraduate degree from Princeton University in religion and African American studies. She got a masters in education at Harvard University, then did nonprofit and education work for 15 years. My entire life, I have really wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, and Im looking forward to fighting for some real change for Precinct 1, she said. She found it disgusting that there are no women currently on the Commissioners Court and that theres never been a woman of color on the five-member governing body in the countys history. But if Im going to complain, then I need to be willing to do something about it, Clay-Flores said. The Commissioners Court, unfortunately, really has been an old boy network. I think one of the problems is theres lack of accountability, lack of transparency. The two candidates have been mutually cordial. In his campaign, Lara has spoken of slow progress that has occurred in the precinct on streets and drainage; a long-promised community center that never was built; a need for quality health care in underserved areas; better training and equipment for emergency personnel; and programs to help youths develop technical and vocational skills. It shouldnt take the media and COPS/Metro for you to get your streets paved, Lara said. Clay-Flores has hammered away at a need for term limits and campaign finance reform on the court; community education on property taxes and other constituent issues; equitable budget cuts during the pandemic and economic recovery; and a partnership with the city to expand internet access at home. On ExpressNews.com: Clay-Flores, DeBerry advance in county commissioner runoffs Both candidates said they have concerns about a proposal to eliminate 38 of the 69 deputy constable positions countywide, cuts staff have said are necessary to balance the fiscal 2021 budget. Precinct 1 would be hardest hit, with the loss of 12 deputy posts. Ive always felt the need for the constables, especially during the school year, Lara said. Clay-Flores went further, saying the constables office provides security at church festivals and other fundraisers and hasnt had any complaints in terms of police brutality. With Precinct 1 being so large, the largest geographic area, we need the constables to continue to help us, she said. Early voting for the county commisssioner race and others is set to begin Oct. 13 at more than 40 locations countywide. Election Day is Nov. 3. The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 elections is Oct. 5. Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. To read more from Scott, become a subscriber. shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA (Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @_therealmark_) 'Geofence Warrant' Tracks Anyone Who Went Near A Crime Scene Using Google's Data (Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @VitalAnon) 'Geofence Warrant' Tracks Anyone Who Went Near A Crime Scene Using Google's Data In 2018, police arrested and jailed 23-year-old Jorge Molina for six days, accusing him of killing another man. The police report stated that the police told Molina that they are sure that the man's phone was at the crime scene, based on Google's data. Also Read: FACT CHECK: Did Russian Hackers Amass 7.6 Million Michigan Voter Data in Alleged US Database Breach? Later on, it turned out that the man wasn't there in the place where the crime happened. He just lent an old phone to the guy who was arrested by the police later on. Also Read: Cambridge Assessment Reported Flaws On Grading Algorithm Two Weeks Before "Unfair and Inconsistent" Results Are Released The police believed that he was there because the phone was still signed into his Google account. They tracked Molina's phone using a geofence warrant, a new and increasingly popular investigative technique that the police use to identify suspects' locations. When the police identify a suspect, they'll first issue a warrant to search the person's home or belongings. Geofence warrants work in reverse. The police begin with a time and location, and then they request data from Google or another tech company about the devices in the area. Usually, the companies only provide devices' anonymous data to the police. But, the officers can still narrow down the list using their own investigative tools. After that, the police can now ask for more specific information like an email address or an account holder's name, to have a narrower list. Experts claim Geofence Warrant could violate privacy Critics claim that Geofence warrants could violate people's privacy since it usually subjects many people to an unconstitutional search. Surprisingly, two judges questioned the police's investigative tool if it complied with Fourth Amendment protections for searches. The decisions are significant because Google has reported massive growth in law enforcement use of such "geofence" searches. pic.twitter.com/rKr0h5070s Feds cant ask Google for every phone in a 100-meter radius, court saysThe decisions are significant because Google has reported massive growth in law enforcement use of such "geofence" searches. https://t.co/2dxGKcGGIC Mark (@_therealmark_) September 3, 2020 The police's requests for Geofence warrants were also denied. "This is as clear as day a fishing expedition that violates people's basic constitutional rights," said Dan Quart, a New York state assembly member. Quart and Zellnor Myrie, a state senator, introduced bills that would prevent authorities from using gathered data from Geofence warrants. "It should never be used in a courtroom," said Quart. For more news about the prevention of Geofence Warrant, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Also Read: New 'Game-Changer Unhackable' Internet Probably Make Browser Safer in Near Future This article is owned by TechTimes, Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Written By:ACS Medical Content and News Staff The recent passing of Chadwick Boseman, the talented actor best known for his portrayal of the superhero Black Panther, at the age of 43 came as a surprise and shock to many. For a seemingly healthy, relatively young man to die from colorectal cancer seems almost incomprehensible. But while colorectal cancer isnt as common in people under the age of 50 as it is in older people, its not as uncommon as many people might think. In 2020, about 12% of colorectal cancers about 18,000 cases will be diagnosed in people under the age of 50 in the US. Whats more, while rates of colorectal cancer have been falling in older age groups in recent years, theyve actually been rising among younger people. Risk is higher in African Americans Colorectal cancer also disproportionately affects the Black community, where the rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in the US. African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. The reasons for the differences are complex, but they largely reflect differences in risk factors and in health care access, both of which are related to socioeconomic status. In fact, African Americans are disproportionately burdened by cancer in general. They often experience greater obstacles to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival, including systemic racial disparities that are complex and go beyond the obvious connection to cancer. These obstacles can include lower paying jobs and lack of (or less comprehensive) health insurance, lack of access to healthy and affordable foods, low-quality education and housing, and unsafe environments. "Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the country," said Durado Brooks, M.D. vice president of prevention and early detection at the American Cancer Society. "This disease is ravaging the Black community, and it is as important as ever that everyone has access to and is receiving the recommended screenings. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, necessary screening tests remain available to prevent the disease or find it at an early, more treatable stage." Screening can help find and even prevent some colorectal cancers Acknowledging the rising colorectal cancer rates among younger people, the American Cancer Society now recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45. People at higher risk for colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about whether starting screening earlier might be right for them. This includes people with: A family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) A known or suspected family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, or HNPCC) A personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer Different types of tests can be used to screen for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is one of these, but other tests, some of which can be done at home, are also good options, especially during the pandemic. Screening can often prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing growths called polyps in the colon and rectum, before they have a chance to become cancer. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when it is still small, hasn't spread, and is likely to be easier to treat. Know the possible symptoms of colorectal cancer The American Cancer Society doesnt recommend starting screening before age 45 for most people, largely because the benefits arent likely to outweigh the possible downsides. But its still important to be aware of possible symptoms of colorectal cancer, no matter what your age. The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer include: A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that's not relieved by having one Rectal bleeding Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black Cramping or pain in the abdomen (belly) Feeling tired or weak Losing weight without trying Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. But if you have any of them, especially if they last for more than a few days or are getting worse, its important to have them checked out by a doctor as soon as possible so the cause can be found and treated, if needed. For more information about colorectal cancer, visit our Colorectal Cancer pages. Thursday night's episode of The Bachelor was a strange one as Locky Gilbert and his chosen ladies began dating in lockdown via Zoom. Viewers, however, were shocked when they saw the first virtual single date between Izzy Sharman-Firth and Locky, due to its X-rated nature. Viewers were shocked after seeing a particularly X-rated bath date on their screens at 7:30pm on Thursday night. Photo: Ten Things started off innocently enough with the pair making tacos in their separate kitchens to enjoy together over Zoom, something they first spoke of on the red carpet (well, not the Zoom part), but then as they enjoyed their Mexican feast, Locky surprised Izzy by telling her they'd be having a bath together. One might have assumed Izzy and Locky would be in swimwear while in the bath, however, this was not the case with viewers shocked after seeing Locky's bare bottom as he reached for a glass of wine. RELATED "I am UNCOMFY with the angles I witnessed," one viewer wrote on Twitter. Another joked: "Truly a miracle we didn't all cop [an] eyeful of testicle." Locky gave Izzy dinner and a show on Thursday night, but it appeared as though she didn't mind too much. Photo: Ten "Did anyone else rewind and watch Locky half getting out of the bath in slow motion or was that just me?" someone else said. "[Whose] idea was it to have a virtual BATH date?? Cause no one asked," one fan wrote. Another said: "To the poor channel 10 editors that had to meticulously edit Locky's junk out of this scene, I'm so sorry." "Watching two people have a bath over Zoom is just as awkward and uncomfortable as youd expect it to be," someone else wrote. Izzy complained that there were "too many bubbles" in Locky's bath, asking him to show more skin. Photo: Ten Izzy appeared to be enjoying the date, especially when Locky stood up, with many viewers complaining about how often the reality contestant was left hysterically laughing. One user said: "This is very boring TV. And I feel Izzy's laugh is totally fake, it has to be... sorry Locky's just not that funny." At one point Izzy complained that there were "too many bubbles" in Locky's bath and then asked him about a tattoo he has on his leg, to which he responded: "Are you just getting me to stand up?" Story continues Locky almost had another awkward moment after raising his leg at one point. Photo: Ten She joked: "Yeah, I'd just like to see a little bit more of your skin." Locky then raised his leg in the air, creating what could have been a very awkward situation, thankfully, there really were a lot of bubbles in both of their baths. Click here to sign up to our daily newsletter to get all the latest news and hacks. Or if you have a story tip, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com. Indiana Man Killed Wife and Reported Her Missing, Police Say Son Witnessed It Authorities found a mother deceased this week after she disappeared several weeks ago, and it came after one of her children reportedly informed a school counselor. Rebecca Hoover, 38, was found by police in a storage unit earlier this week near Ali International Airport in Louisville. Her death was confirmed by a local coroner, according to the Courier-Journal. Hoovers husband, Judson Keith Hoover, 50, of Indiana, was arrested in her death, Police Chief Todd Bailey and Floyd County Prosecutor Chris Lane said at a press conference. He entered a guilty plea in court on Thursday. Judson Hoover reported her missing in early August, officials told People magazine. According to an affidavit released by Lane, one of the womans children told a school counselor that he saw his father kill his mother in the basement. When Judson Hoover arrived to pick up the children at school, police were there and arrested him, as reported by the Courier-Journal. Judson Hoover (Floyd County Sheriffs Office) Investigators found what appeared to be blood on the basement stairs. Security footage also allegedly showed Judson Hoover moving a large object to a storage unit on Aug. 4. Bailey told reporters that officials put everything into high gear and spent countless hours uncovering the facts of this case after the child told the counselor. That took a lot of courage, Bailey added of the child. Judson Hoover, meanwhile, previously faced domestic violence charges that were filed in April 2020. Court records also show that Hoover filed for a divorce on Aug. 3. Im profoundly sad for the family of Rebecca Hoover, said Lane, according to ABC11. Hoover is still in police custody, and he will be sentenced on Oct. 2. The U.S. Army partnered with the University of Pittsburg Medical Center to create a biocontainment unit that could help healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. Researchers from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory and UPMC created an individual biocontainment unit that uses negative pressure to suction the air from around a patient and filter out viral particles. This prevents environmental contamination and limits exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Outside of the current pandemic, the IBU could be rapidly deployed to isolate patients with any respiratory illness. It's easy to see this technology used to contain influenza, MERS, or tuberculosis, particularly in places lacking advanced hospital infrastructure." Dr. David Turer, study co-author, plastic surgeon who recently completed his residency at UPMC The device and the results of safety testing are described in a study published today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. This research was first reported by the Army in April during an effort to identify solutions to help combat the spread of COVID-19. At that time, initial approaches to minimize viral spread involved the use of plexiglass barriers, such as intubation boxes, to limit healthcare worker exposure when inserting a breathing tube down a patient's throat. While these barriers may mitigate exposure to larger droplets, the research team hypothesized that they do little to stop the spread of smaller aerosolized viral particles. Army researcher and study co-author, Dr. Cameron Good and Turer, along with a team of colleagues, developed prototype IBUs and tested them by performing simulated medical procedures. Using validated techniques adopted from the medical research laboratory community, they tested the IBU and a plexiglass intubation box for their ability to contain virus-sized particles from a simulated COVID-19 patient. "Greater than 99.99% of the virus-sized aerosols were trapped by the IBU and prevented from escaping into the room," Good said. "When we tested the passive intubation box, we observed more than three times the aerosol concentration outside the box--where the healthcare provider is located--than inside the box. It is not safe to use these intubation boxes without actively filtering the air." The Food and Drug Administration recently revoked an emergency use authorization for passive plexiglass intubation barriers and mandated the use of negative pressure systems, such as the IBU, to prevent viral spread. The team is actively developing a portable vacuum and filter system that can run on a battery pack for use in austere environments where energy resources are limited, which is of particular interest for military and humanitarian applications. "The ability to isolate COVID-19 patients at the bedside is key to stopping viral spread in medical facilities and onboard military ships and aircraft, particularly to limit transmission through close quarters or shared ventilation systems," Good said. The FDA is considering a recently submitted emergency use authorization. Once granted, hospitals and military units will be able to use IBUs immediately to protect healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients and to prepare for future surges. "None of this would have been possible without the extremely dedicated clinicians and engineers who rapidly designed, built, tested and validated the equipment," Good said. "I want to thank Dr. Robert Turer [David Turer's brother] from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nick Karlowsky from Filtech, Inc., Drs. Lucas Dvoracek, J. Peter Rubin and Jason Chang from UPMC, and Ben Schilling and Dr. Heng Ban from the University of Pittsburg. It truly takes a team." We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form (CNN) In the heart of the leafy, mountain-top campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong stands a replica of a giant statue erected by protesting students in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, before a bloody crackdown by Chinese troops. A monument to freedom, the "Goddess of Democracy" has long been a symbol of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, and a testament to the freedoms the semi-autonomous city has enjoyed compared to the rest of China. During anti-government, pro-democracy protests last year, when CUHK itself became a key battleground between demonstrators and police, the statue was topped with a yellow helmet similar to those worn by protesters, and bedecked with a placard reading "Hong Kongers, resist." It was largely students, both university and high school, who led those protests, clashing with police in increasingly violent confrontations, occupying campuses, and getting arrested in large numbers. They had been expected to protest again this year. But with coronavirus halting the opportunity for public assembly, Beijing imposed a new national security law on the city in June, before the unrest could resume. The law, which bypassed Hong Kong's semi-democratic legislature, bans subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces, with severe prison terms for anyone found in contravention. From when the legislation was first mooted, the government has always insisted it will only target a handful of individuals and not have a widespread impact on Hong Kong's political freedoms. However, since it came into force on June 30, some 24 arrests have been made, including four student activists over social media posts. It has been used to bar multiple candidates from standing for election, political parties have disbanded and once ubiquitous protest signs were pulled down across the city. Books deemed to be in contravention of the law have also been removed from stores and libraries. Hong Kong has some of the best universities in Asia. But in a growing climate of fear and self censorship, it is now unclear what can legally be said and taught in a classroom -- and whether student activism, both on campus and off, may become a thing of the past. Academic freedom As university lecturers in the social sciences across Hong Kong prepared for the fall term, writing lesson plans, sending out book lists, and testing Zoom setups, they also engaged in a furtive attempt to understand if their teaching might be deemed illegal. Since it was proposed by Beijing, observers have warned that the vague language and sweeping nature of the security law gives the authorities broad scope to crack down on a variety of behaviors, while offering little guidance to those affected on how to stay the right side of it. Schools have already been ordered by the government to remove books that contain content "which is outdated or involves the four crimes under the law," and works by several prominent pro-democracy activists, including former student activist Joshua Wong, have been removed from public libraries. One lecturer at CUHK described how faculty members pressed university administrators in emails, encrypted messages and in hastily convened staff meetings for reassurances or guidance, with little success. "The general consensus is we know too little and the wording of the legislation is too vague for us to prepare for it," said the lecturer, who spoke anonymously as they had not received permission from the school to do so. "So, it is essentially up to individuals to decide whether they want to be brave and ignore the whole thing, or self-censor." This creates a nerve-wracking situation for staff, who are unsure not only what might get them in trouble, but also whether the university will stand by them in future. In June, Hong Kong University (HKU) fired Benny Tai, a respected law professor who was instrumental in organizing what became the 2014 Umbrella Movement pro-democracy protests. Tai's sacking was a "clear breach of procedure, since a committee overwhelmingly made up of political appointees reversed a recommendation made by an academic body (the University Senate) not to terminate Tai's appointment," said Sebastian Veg, a China specialist at the School of Advanced Studies in Social Sciences in Paris, who was previously based in Hong Kong for several years. "There is a new red line for academics who are also active in local politics or social movements," he added. "But it's too early to say whether that red line will further expand into teaching and research itself." The Beijing-appointed chief executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, oversees all public universities in the city, and most institutions have strong links with China, relying on the mainland for students and funding. CUHK, for example, operates the Shenzhen Research Institute, across the border in China, and Chinese students make up the largest non-local cohort in the school's 20,000-strong student body. CUHK did not respond to a request for comment about the law or any action taken because of it. The government has denied that the law threatens academic freedom. In 2017, mainland Chinese students clashed with some local students over a series of pro-Hong Kong independence posters erected on the CUHK campus, which were eventually removed by the school. Following the incident, the heads of 10 universities in Hong Kong published a joint statement condemning "abuses" of free speech and calling Hong Kong independence "unconstitutional." Independent thought Long before it was officially criminalized by the new security law, independence advocacy has been a contentious issue on campuses. In 2015, then Hong Kong chief executive CY Leung used his annual address to attack a student magazine, Undergrad, for writing about independence, bringing the topic, then still fairly marginal, to wider public attention. The CUHK lecturer said there was concern about the effect of the security law on the school's journalism department. Many student reporters covered the protests last year -- how to even report on separatism or other newly illegal activities in the wake of the new law is something that far more experienced journalists are still trying to work out. It is unclear, for example, where the line is between reporting on the independence movement and "promoting" it, either by giving activists airtime or even by simply quoting separatist slogans. Discussing such subjects in lessons could also be risky. In a statement on books that could potentially contravene the security law, the Education Bureau said that teaching materials discussing the new crimes should not be used "unless they are being used to positively teach pupils about their national security awareness or sense of safeguarding national security." Keith Richburg, director of Hong Kong University's Journalism and Media Studies Center (JMSC), said in a note to students last month that "the specifics of the new law are vague, and that vagueness is deliberate." "By not spelling out precisely what actions or words count as secession or subversion -- by not clearly delineating Beijing's 'red lines' -- it gives the authorities the power and leeway to apply the law as they see fit, while forcing everyone into a defensive mode of timidity and self-censorship to avoid possible transgressions. "That includes journalists, academics and others in the public space," Richburg wrote, adding that "we do not intend to do anything differently at JMSC, as we adhere to our mission of training the next generation of reporters and imbuing them with journalism's international best practices." Student politics The oldest tertiary education institution in the city, HKU is one of the top-ranked schools in Asia according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and international students make up over 40% of enrollments. The top two schools in Asia, however, are both in China, suggesting that academic freedom may not ultimately shape what counts toward such rankings. But it could drastically alter the nature of the institution. Sun Yat-sen, the politician and philosopher considered the father of modern China, called the school his "intellectual birthplace," and HKU has a strong tradition of turning out independent thinkers and activists. Responding to a request for comment about the new security law, an HKU spokeswoman said that "we will continue to uphold academic freedom and the freedom of thought and speech," and linked to the school's policy on academic freedom. Some HKU students are less than reassured. Tracy Cheng, vice president of the Hong Kong University Students' Union (HKUSU), said that many people were alarmed by the firing of Tai and angered that during anti-government unrest last year HKU vice chancellor Xiang Zhang appeared to downplay allegations of police brutality and focus instead on violence by protesters. "This upset and disappointed a lot of students, as we thought that HKU would stand alongside students," she said. "The union and other associations has organized forums to express our concerns over academic freedom and freedom of speech to the university. We will look closely when the academic year starts, to see if there is any censorship in classrooms, especially for socio-political courses." HKUSU was one of the founding members of the Hong Kong Federation of Students (HKFS), an umbrella organization which included unions from the city's largest universities. In 2014, HKFS was one of the main groups leading the Umbrella protests, and members even debated city officials on live television. "The involvement of students (in the protests) was important," said Lester Shum, onetime deputy secretary-general of HKFS and now an elected lawmaker. "At that time, not so many people were getting involved in politics, but when the students came out and said we are fighting for our freedom and our future, many people felt touched and were inspired to join." Shum said that while last year's protests were not as dependent on student groups for their organization as the 2014 Umbrella Movement, for example, they were still largely led by young people. "This generated (great attention) on both the local and international level because when some protesters are so young, maybe 15 to 18, and go to the front lines to face the threat of tear gas and rubber bullets, that is an important moral force," he said. Coronavirus concerns The uncertainty created by the new law, across a host of fields and industries, has been described as a "feature not a bug" by some critics, who argue that by not clearly demarcating red lines, the government encourages greater self-censorship in academia, media and politics. The extraterritorial nature of the security law, which purports to apply to anyone in the world, regardless of whether alleged offenses are committed in Hong Kong, has sparked alarm far beyond the city itself. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that a number of US universities are adding warnings to courses that "may cover material considered politically sensitive by China." Some schools will adopt code names for participants in certain classes, the WSJ said, so that Chinese and Hong Kong students, thousands of whom study at US institutions, can take part without concern that they might face repercussions at home. For some students, at universities in both Hong Kong and the United States, the coronavirus pandemic adds another wrinkle to this issue: many are taking part in their courses via video link from their homes in China. This puts them at greater risk of surveillance, and students may be less willing to participate in politically sensitive discussions while under Chinese jurisdiction. The CUHK professor said their "number one concern" was how to cater to Chinese students who have been unable to return to the city due to the pandemic. "We will have to start our semester online," they said. "How are we going to discuss sensitive topics with them?" Next generation Many students already enrolled in Hong Kong universities have passed through the crucible of last year's protests, and are likely so politicized that the law will struggle to censor them completely. "The recent protests awakened a lot of students, resulting in an increased level of political awareness generally," said Cheng, the HKUSU vice president. "There may be some kind of self-censorship after (the law) has been implemented, but Hong Kongers are resilient and creative." The real battle for hearts and minds is in the city's high schools, which the government has long blamed for fostering anti-Beijing sentiment. During last year's unrest, a top adviser to Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam told CNN that "we lost two generations, we lost them through the schools." "The fundamental problem is that you have a whole generation of young people who are not just dead against, but actually hate China," the aide said, on the condition on anonymity. "How are you going to have 'one country, two systems' work if you have a whole generation hating that country?" The solution seen by many on the government side is to introduce something akin to the patriotic education curriculum followed in China, where inculcating a love of country is a key task for schools. A previous attempt to introduce this in Hong Kong was defeated in 2012 by mass protests led by student groups including HKFS and Scholarism, a group founded by activist Joshua Wong, then 15 years old. The security law calls for the government to exercise "supervision and guidance" over schools, and it's not the only recent legislation that could change how they operate. Under new laws mandating respect for the Chinese flag and national anthem, Hong Kong schools will soon be looking and sounding a lot more like their counterparts across the border. Shum said he was concerned that "in the near future, maybe three to five years' time, there may be very serious consequences and effects" from the security law and changes to education, resulting in a far less political body of students. One high school teacher, who requested anonymity to talk about a sensitive issue, said their school had told teachers the national anthem would be played at key times during the day, and students will participate in regular flag-raising ceremonies. "The school has always acknowledged the mainland (but) this will certainly be amped up with seeing the flag around the school and singing the anthem," they said. "We do not sing any songs to celebrate Hong Kong at the moment, so this will be a new concept to celebrate country." Responding to a series of questions about the security law, Hong Kong's Education Bureau said the new legislation only targets a small minority of lawbreakers, and "protects the life and property, basic rights and freedoms of the overwhelming majority of citizens as well as maintains prosperity and stability of (Hong Kong)." "Hong Kong is a free and pluralistic society which will continue to thrive on the rule of law, free flow of information and capital, and freedom of speech and expression, etc. These fundamental values are upheld under the Law to ensure the continuous prosperity and stability of Hong Kong," a spokeswoman said, adding that existing safeguards for "academic freedom and institutional autonomy" contained within the city's de facto constitution remain in force. Shum was less than convinced, predicting a revamp of how schools in Hong Kong teach, and the abandonment of topics such as liberal studies, which aims to foster critical thinking. "(The government) thinks training students to be critical is the same as training them to be radical," he said. This story was first published on CNN.com As Hong Kong's academic year begins, it's unclear what can legally be said in a classroom -- and whether student activism is a thing of the past Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes is accusing President Trump of stoking division in Kenosha, a city rattled by the police shooting of Jacob Blake and the subsequent protests. Barnes said the president "celebrated" a teenager who killed two people at the protest and seemed to be a supporter of the president. "He's virtually celebrated this person who has killed two people on our city streets and severely injured another," he told "CBS This Morning" co-host Anthony Mason Friday. "I join the governor in admonishing the Trump visit." Barnes said the president has "yet to condemn" the 17-year-old, Kyle Rittenhouse, who traveled from Illinois to attend the protest with his firearm. He joined other Wisconsin officials decrying Mr. Trump's visit. While in Wisconsin Tuesday, the president did not mention Blake or his family but praised law enforcement while likening the protests to "domestic terror." The president appeared to defend Kyle Rittenhouse, the teen who shot two people dead at the protest last week, the day before his visit to Kenosha. Mr. Trump said Monday that Rittenhouse "would have been killed" at the protest, and the teen was likely only "trying to get away from them." An attorney for the teen, who faces homicide charges, maintains he acted in self-defense "That's not what we need at this moment. Kenosha's a city that's healing. Our state is a state that is grappling with some racial tension and racial injustice," Barnes said. He suggested Mr. Trump's visit had to do with his election prospects. During the trip, Barnes said the "president sought to divide the city and the state even more because he's not performing well in the polls." "A state that he won four years ago the only way that he's able to win is when people were divided," he said. Story continues Democratic nominee Joe Biden's traveled to the embattled city Thursday, visiting Blake and his family privately before publicly decrying racism and calling for police reform. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers had previously asked both candidates to abstain from visiting Kenosha, but Barnes said Biden's trip was "different." "He didn't make incendiary remarks before he showed up to Wisconsin he didn't come here to spout off and say things that would tear this community further apart," he said. "He said that, as a presidential candidate, he wanted to demonstrate the type of leadership that he would provide to this nation. And that started by listening, and that's exactly what he did." Barnes, for his part, also spoke with Blake's family. He said their message was "one of hope" and "resilience." "They want things to get better, not just for Jacob Blake but for everybody in Kenosha, everybody across the state, everybody across this country, who is dealing with extreme injustice because they know that this is not the way," Barnes said. "And this is not any sort of way to carry on society." Newly-released body camera video shows naked man suffocating in police custody in Rochester, NY Surge of mail-in voting could delay election night results Biden slams Trump's coronavirus response and school reopening failures A producer on Black Panther has shared the moving final text sent to him by Chadwick Boseman. Nate Moore, an executive producer on the 2018 Marvel movie, recounted Bosemans message in an interview with People. The magazine dedicated its latest edition to honouring Bosemans memory following his death of colon cancer at the age of 43. Moore said he and Boseman had been working together to send a young fan gifts through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that supports critically ill children. We worked together to get a young boy a voice note from [Bosemans Black Panther character] TChalla, as well as a package of toys no easy feat when we werent allowed to leave our homes or go to the office, Moore told the magazine. Chadwick Boseman at the Academy Awards on 24 February 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) But Chad figured out how to make it work because he cared so intently, and in hindsight, so personally. According to Moore, Bosemans final text read: It broke me, man. But we need to do that for them. People deserve abundant life, special moments. Theyve been through hell battling disease. f we were able to ease their suffering and bring joy for a moment ...then we made a difference in his life. Boseman had not publicly disclosed his colon cancer diagnosis. His family said in a statement announcing his death that he was diagnosed in the illness in 2016. The actors death has prompted tributes across the industry and from fans around the world. Diners inside a diner in Doylestown, Pa. Indoor dining has been permitted in all of Pennsylvania, except Philadelphia, since June. It starts in Philadelphia Tuesday, and begins in New Jersey on Friday. Read more This weekend and early next week, two holdouts on indoor dining, New Jersey and Philadelphia, will ease restrictions and allow 25% capacity inside restaurants. It starts at 6 a.m. Friday in New Jersey and on Tuesday in Philadelphia (the same day theaters for movies and otherwise are allowed to reopen). Its not clear if 25% is enough to sustain restaurants of any size, nor how many will partake. Some owners have pushed to open inside, some are deferring, some are opposed. Also unclear is if diners are fully on board with eating indoors. Despite being allowed to serve customers inside since June, some restaurants in Pennsylvanias Philadelphia suburbs have reported that customers prefer outdoor seating. Many guidelines already established for dining continue, including posting signage to promote physical distancing and discourage crowding; screening staff at the beginning of shifts; placing hand sanitizer stations throughout restaurants; and closing off areas that arent used for seating (such as play areas, dance floors). READ MORE: Theres more to COVID safety than 6 feet of social distance. Heres what else to consider. Here are some rules customers, business owners, and workers should be following in the latest phase of reopening: For customers: Groups are capped at eight customers per table, unless everyone is from the same household. Wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking at their table. When diners are inside, masks should be worn before food arrives and after one is done eating. Customers without masks should be turned away except for those with a medical reason for not wearing one, or for children under 2. Bar seating is allowed, as long as customers are seated (no standing) and are distanced six feet from other parties. Groups sitting at the bar are limited to four people. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Be prepared to wait in your car or outside if a table is not immediately available. For workers: Wear a mask at all times, except when it endangers ones health or creates an unsafe condition (working over an open flame). Employers should provide masks. Minimize time spent close to customers, and take breaks for hand-washing throughout the day. Outdoor breaks are encouraged. Dont use a small space, such as a walk-in, at the same time as other workers. READ MORE: New Jerseys restaurants and casinos do the math on reopening indoors For businesses: Limit the number of patrons to 25% of establishments indoor capacity, excluding staff. Tables should be spaced to leave six feet between seated guests. Install barriers or partitions where physical distancing is difficult, such as near cash registers, bars, and host stands. Buffets and salad bars are forbidden; self-service drink stations are allowed only if they are routinely disinfected. Limit the number of customers allowed inside the restrooms at once. Ensure live performers are at least 10 feet from customers and staff. When possible, open windows and doors and use fans to promote cross-ventilation. Have the ventilation system inspected and maintenanced, and run it for two hours before and after service. Cleaning logs with date, time, and scope should be kept. According to New Jerseys health and safety guidelines pursuant to the most recent indoor dining order, In the event of a presumptive or actual positive COVID-19 case of a worker, patron, or vendor, the restaurant must be immediately shut down for 24 hours and then must be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with current CDC guidance before re-opening. For customers: Groups will be capped at four people inside (six outside). Be prepared to make reservations or, if walking in, give your name and number for contact tracing. Expect to be asked if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19 in the last two weeks before allowing them into dining areas. (The city doesnt require taking temperatures.) You must wear a mask whenever you arent seated at your table. No bar seating is allowed. If youre drinking, you must also order a meal, defined by the Pennsylvania Liquor Code as food prepared on the premises, sufficient to constitute breakfast, lunch or dinner. (Pretzels, popcorn, chips, or similar food will not cut it.) Statewide, one meal per group is sufficient. Staff will provide you with packaging to box up your own leftovers. READ MORE: What servers want you to know as indoor dining resumes in Philly For workers: Indoor servers must wear both masks and face shields (to be provided by the restaurant), and should try to stay six feet from customers and one another when possible. Employee breaks should be staggered, and hourly hand-washing breaks are encouraged. Employers should have sick-leave policies in place and make sure workers know about free COVID-19 test sites. According to the citys guidance for essential businesses, Employees who were in the same indoor environment with a COVID-19 case, but not meeting criteria for a close contact (i.e., being in a room more than 6ft away from the case) should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days after their last contact with the case and isolate if symptoms develop. Employees who have had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in a non-household setting (if they were coughed on or within roughly 6 feet of the person for 10 minutes or longer) should stay home and self-isolate for 14 days even if they do not develop symptoms. Proof of testing is not required to go back to work. READ MORE: Philly restaurants got the green light for indoor dining at lower capacity. Do owners think its worth it? For businesses: Dining rooms are limited to 25% capacity, with tables spaced to leave six feet between seated guests. If partitions are installed between tables, the tables need not be six feet apart. Do not allow lines longer than 10 customers to form in or around facilities. Use digital, chalkboard, or paper menus (which should be discarded after every use). Condiments should not be shared; either use single-serve packets or individual portions in washable cups or bowls. In spaces where physical distancing is difficult, restaurants should install sneeze guards or partitions. When possible, open windows and doors to promote cross-ventilation. Other ventilation recommendations include HVAC maintenance and setting changes to maximize the amount of outside air coming in. HEPA filters are not mandatory. READ MORE: Wiping surfaces is fine for the coronavirus, but the main risk is through the air. How to tell if your ventilation is OK. A pandemic cant stop James Bond. After its initial April 2020 premiere date was pushed back due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, No Time to Die is headed to theaters in November. A new action-packed, two-and-half-minute trailer for the latest entry in the Bond franchise which will be the last with Daniel Craig as the suave super-spy dropped Sept. 3, stoking anticipation for the film, which is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. No Time to Die is in theaters Nov. 20 RELATED: What the Billie Eilish No Time to Die Song Tells Us About the New James Bond Movie No Time to Die was originally scheduled to be released in the U.S. on April 10, 2020. But in early March, the movie became one of the first casualties of the quickly spreading coronavirus when producers MGM, Eon, and Universal decided to delay the film until November. Over the summer, rumors began to surface that the movie, which also features Rami Malek and Ana De Armas, would be delayed again, according to the Hollywood Reporter. But with more theaters open in the U.S. and around the world and high-profile films such as Tenet getting a traditional release, the studio decided to stick with the November date. As of now, No Time to Die will release on Nov. 12 in the U.K. It arrives in U.S. theaters on Nov. 20, a few days before Thanksgiving. The holiday weekend is traditionally a big movie-going weekend, though whether people will be willing to head to the theaters after scarfing down their turkey and mashed potatoes remains to be seen. Daniel Craig says goodbye to James Bond James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Paloma (Ana de Armas) in No Time to Die | Nicola Dove 2020 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. RELATED: No Time to Die: Daniel Craig Admits How He Really Feels about Leaving James Bond Behind No Time to Die is Craigs fifth and final outing as Bond. He first played the iconic character in 2006s Casino Royale. But after 2015s Spectre, he thought he was done with the franchise. I was never going to do one again, he said in an interview with GQ. I was like, Is this work really genuinely worth this, to go through this, this whole thing? And I didnt feel I felt physically really low. The actor says No Time to Die is a fitting sendoff for his version of the character. Im reallyIm okay, he told GQ. I dont think I would have been if Id done the last film and that had been it. But this, Im like Lets go. Lets get on with it. Im fine. What to expect from No Time to Die In No Time to Die, Oscar winner Malek make his Bond villain debut as Safin. De Armas plays a CIA agent named Paloma and Lashana Lynch will be introduced as a disarming new double-0. Lea Seydoux is back as Dr. Madeleine Swann, while Christoph Waltz returns as Blofeld, Bonds foster brother and the founder of the international criminal organization Spectre. Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, and Ralph Fiennes will also reprise their roles from earlier films. Heres the official No Time to Die synopsis: Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Akshay Kumar is the next Indian personality who is going to feature in Discovery Channels Into The Wild With Bear Grylls. Earlier, PM Narendra Modi and Rajinikanth have appeared as special guests on the adventure reality show. The special episode featuring Akshay will premiere on September 11 on Discovery+, and September 14 on Discovery channel. The actor, who is currently shooting in Glasgow, Scotland for his upcoming movie Bellbottom, took to social media to share a glimpse of the upcoming Into The Wild episode. In a candid moment, Akshay and Bear can be seen making fire inside the jungle. Read: Akshay Kumar Shoots for Bellbottom in Scotland, Fans Love His Retro Spy Avatar Akshay hinted that Bear is cooking something for them en route their journey in the wild. He captioned the post as, Rasode mein Bear tha Any guesses on what is he cooking (sic)?" Akshay will be seen exploring his adventurous side on the upcoming episode of Into The Wild With Bear Grylls. In a new promo launched recently, Akshay tastes elephant poop tea, navigates crocodile-infested waters and runs into the woods along with Bear. This whole adventure, Ill remember for the rest of my life," Akshay can be heard saying at the end of the video. The particular episode was reportedly shot at Karnatakas Bandipur Tiger Reserve. (With IANS inputs) RAMALLAH - Nobody can talk ''on behalf of the Palestinian people'', Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said last night during a meeting with all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, which was summoned to discuss the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. The Palestinians accused Abu Dhabi of ''treason'' and of violating the principle that saw the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a precondition for the normalization of relations with the Jewish State. ''We can't accept for someone to speak in our name, we have never allowed it and we will never allow it'', said the Palestinian president at the meeting, which was attended through videoconference by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the first from the West Bank and the second from Beirut. ''We will not accept the United States as the only mediator for negotiations and we will not accept their plan'' for the Middle East, continued Mahmoud Abbas, invoking Palestinian ''unity'' towards the American strategy. The plan, presented in January, included among other things the annexation by the Jewish State of parts of the West Bank. The annexation project was abandoned by Israel in exchange for the agreement for the normalization of its relations with the Emirates, according to Abu Dhabi. But Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu for his part spoke about a simple ''postponement'' and said he had not ''renounced''. I have always believed that were not going to get our economy back including our cultural economy until we get the virus under control, Mr. Gelber said, adding that otherwise, members of the public wont have confidence in group events and traveling. Noah Horowitz, Art Basels director for the Americas, said that artists production schedules and global shipping deadlines nearly half of the fairs participating galleries are based overseas meant that organizers had needed to make a decision by early September on staging the fair. While he hesitated to single out a tipping point, he pointed to a county order indefinitely shuttering all convention halls, even as casinos were recently allowed to reopen. Planning to open the fair as scheduled seemed impossible, Mr. Horowitz said. It really made it feel along with a whole host of other factors on the operational and logistical side like a step too far, he said. Instead, the fair will feature its participating galleries in a series of online viewing rooms. Several satellite fairs set to run concurrently with Art Basel Miami Beach, including NADA and Art Miami, also announced a similar pivot online. The immediate economic impact of the cancellation is grist for debate. A 2014 New York Times study estimated that the fair brought an injection of nearly $13 million in spending in Miami, while local boosters often insist that the figure is 10 times that amount. Whats indisputable is the transformative effect Art Basels spotlight has had on the way Miami is seen not only by the art world at large but also by Miamians themselves. A city once derided as a cultural backwater is now championed as a serious arts player by locals and visitors alike. US Clamps Down on Chinese Diplomatic Exchanges as Students' Visas Revoked 2020-09-03 -- The State Department is tightening restrictions on Chinese government-backed activities on U.S. soil, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling on universities to end the practice of having Confucius Institutes, cultural and language-teaching centers funded and run by Beijing, embedded on their campuses by the end of the year. As Pompeo detailed new restrictions on Chinese state-sponsored activities in the U.S., the University of North Texas revoked the visas of around 15 several publicly funded students from China. Pompeo told the Fox Business Network on Sept. 1 that the Chinese government was funding Confucius Institutes and recruiting spies on American university campuses. "I think everyone's coming to see the risk associated with them," Pompeo told the network. "I think these institutions can see that, and I'm hopeful we will get them all closed out before the end of this year," Pompeo said. Pompeo last month labeled the center that manages the Confucius Institutes in the United States "an entity advancing Beijing's global propaganda and malign influence" and required it to register as a foreign mission along with several Chinese state media outlets. He said in an official statement dated Sept. 2: "The Department of State will now require senior [Chinese] diplomats in the United States to receive approval to visit U.S. university campuses and to meet with local government officials." Cultural events with an audience larger than 50 people hosted by the Chinese embassy or other missions will also require government approval, the statement said. "The Department of State will also take action to help ensure that all official [Chinese] embassy and consular social media accounts are properly identified as [Chinese] government accounts," it said. Lobbying centers Xia Ming, a professor of political science at New York's City University, said he was once approached by the Chinese embassy to help set up a Confucius Institute at his university, but declined. He told RFA that the institutes also function as lobbying centers that represent Beijing's viewpoint to university authorities. "Once they are set up, the Confucius Institutes are then staffed [by Beijing]," Xia said. "In the case of a major political issue, [Beijing] will require the Confucius Institutes to put pressure on university leaders from within." He said issues regarded as problematic by Beijing could include inviting the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to speak on campus. He said academics on overseas campuses are often persuaded by personal vested interests not to speak out on matters that show up the Chinese Communist Party in a bad light. "There are some lecturers in the universities who are effectively acting as a kind of Trojan horse [for Chinese interests] because of their personal vested interests," he said. Among such vested interests might be research funding sourced from China, the threat of a boycott by Chinese students, or denials of visas needed for research visits to China, academic sources have said via social media. As the State Department tightened restrictions on Chinese researchers, the University of North Texas (UNT) said it was terminating an exchange program with around 15 publicly funded Chinese researchers. The Aug. 26 decision effectively ends the researchers' visas, giving them until the end of the month to leave the country. The university "has come to a decision to end its relationship with visiting scholars," the letter said. "As a result of this change, access to UNT email, servers, and other materials has been terminated." UNT spokesman Jim Berscheidt told the Denton Record-Chronicle that the decision "does not impact any student enrolled and studying at the university." He said the school continues to welcome visiting scholars from around the world, including China. Privately funded Chinese nationals studying at UNT were unaffected by the decision, Reuters reported. Cover for spies According to Xia Ming, China's state security apparatus is known to use visiting scholar programs as cover for sending its spies to U.S. universities. "I think five or 10 in every hundred of them are personnel assigned by the state security agency, the [People's Liberation Army] general staff, or spies from other agencies or from different provinces and cities to infiltrate [the program]," Xia said. "The Chinese government knows this very well, and it knows that the U.S. knows it too." North Texas University politics student Devon Skinner, called on the school to come up with a different way of addressing the issue. "North Texas University has a reputation for inclusiveness and diversity," Skinner told RFA. "The school's decision came suddenly without any explanation." "At such a difficult time, the school should have come up with a better solution," he said. The University of North Texas hadn't responded to requests for comment from RFA by the time of writing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying hit out at the move as being motivated by xenophobia. "Out of selfish gains and political motives, some extremist, anti-China forces have been suppressing China's strategic need of development, making numerous lies to stigmatize and demonize Chinese students, and even oppressing Chinese students in the U.S. by abusing judicial power under baseless pretexts," Hua told a news conference in response to the revocation of the students' visas. She said Chinese parents might hesitate to send their grown children to study in the U.S. Reported by Rita Cheng for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ma Lap-hak and Ho King-man for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September 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 Moana Hope is counting down the months until she and wife Isabella Carlstrom welcome their first child together. And on Friday, the Ex-AFLW star penned a sweet tribute to her pregnant partner expressing her excitement at becoming a mother. She shared a photo of herself and the model locking lips, as a colourful floral projection beamed on them, which was taken during their Japan holiday back in January. 'I can't wait to share motherhood!' Moana Hope penned a sweet tribute to her wife Isabella Carlstrom as they prepare for the arrival of their child. In the Instagram post shared on Friday, she wrote: 'Completely and utterly in love with you' 'Completely and utterly in love with you,' she wrote in the caption. '@isabellasofiacarlstrom I cant wait to share motherhood with you,' she added along with the hashtags: '#mywife #ourlife #alwayssmiling.' Moana's heartfelt message to her wife comes after they marked their first wedding anniversary last month. Loved up: Moana's heartfelt message to her model wife comes after they marked their first wedding anniversary last month. The former Survivor Australia star wrote: 'Today last year I married my best friend, my soulmate and the mamma of our children to be' The former Survivor Australia star shared their wedding video to Instagram, and gushed over her pregnant wife in the caption. 'Today last year I married my best friend, my soulmate and the mamma of our children to be,' Moana wrote. 'I love that all we do is laugh, your smile makes my day light up. I wake happy knowing that I get to see and kiss your beautiful face. I'm completely in love with you. Thank you for always being you. Happy anniversary, my beautiful wife.' Forever: The couple married in Melbourne last August, 10 months after Isabella proposed The video featured a compilation of home videos of the couple, including footage from their 2019 wedding. The couple are set to welcome their first child together in November, and last month Isabella flaunted her burgeoning belly in a mirror selfie shared to Instagram. In the photo, Isabella posed in her bedroom while cradling her bump and looking down at her belly. 'Twenty-three weeks today,' she captioned the snap. Bumping along nicely! Isabella showed off her growing baby bump in mirror selfie last month In May, Isabella announced she was expecting a child with Moana. 'It's time to be mummas! We feel so incredibly grateful to be able to share this news. I am pregnant and Mo and I are expecting our little one in November,' she told her Instagram followers. 'It's been a beautiful journey and I can't believe we're finally at this point. It wouldn't have been possible without the amazing team at Monash IVF, so a huge thank you to them. I'm so excited to raise our child with you, beautiful.' The couple married in Melbourne last August, 10 months after Isabella proposed. Bayonne firefighters rescued a woman who they found swimming in the Newark Bay during a torrrential rain Thursday night, authorities said. The woman was spotted 200 to 300 yards into the bay, near Aherns Stadium at 26th Street, at 8:47 p.m., Bayonne Deputy Fire Chief Bill Bartos said. Two Bayonne Fire Department marine units were launched and made contact with the woman within minutes, but the woman refused to be rescued and continued to evade rescuers. Two fire department rescue swimmers went into the bay to attempt a rescue, but the woman remained combative. At 10 p.m., fire personnel were able to safely pull her aboard their vessel. The woman was met by McCabe Ambulance and transported to an area hospital for evaluation. Tonights rescue was an incredible display of bravery and professionalism from our firefighters, Bartos said. They exhibited great skill under challenging conditions and were able to bring this emergency to a successful end. Bartos credited the Bayonne Police Department, New York Police Department, New Jersey Regional Fireboat Task Force and McCabe Ambulance for their assistance and support. A man who spat at police officers and a doctor during the coronavirus pandemic has been jailed for five months. Emmett Byrne targeted them after being taken to a hospital in Belfast in a drunken and agitated state. The 25-year-old, of Glenmore Walk in Lisburn, Co Antrim, admitted three counts of assault on police, disorderly behaviour and common assault. Belfast Magisrates' Court heard he was spotted running in and out of traffic at Divis Street in the city on June 13. Police detained him and tried to administer first aid for a cut to his hand, according to the prosecution. But Byrne continued to be agitated, flailing his arms and shedding blood. Handcuffs and limb restraints were deployed as he was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment. On arrival he spat in the direction of a doctor in the police vehicle, the court heard. During triage at the hospital he spat in the direction of three officers, hitting one of them on the head. "He continued to shout and swear at the top of his voice," the Crown lawyer added. Defence solicitor Paul Dougan stressed his client's complete remorse for his actions. "He's entirely apologetic and contrite, his immediate response after being charged was that he had no memory of the events whatsoever," Mr Dougan said. He added that Byrne has been in custody since the incident, and accepted a jail term was inevitable. Imposing five months imprisonment, District Judge George Conner said: "Spitting in this current environment calls for a custodial sentence." September 04 : After she created furore on social media by comparing Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Kangana Ranaut tweeted and openly challenged that she is returning to the city on September 9. Taking to Twitter, the Panga actress openly challenged her opponents as she announced her plan to return to Mumbai next week. I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le, the fiery actress wrote. The Tanu Weds Manu actress accused Shiv Sena leader and MP Sanjay Raut of giving her an open threat and asking her not to come back to Mumbai. I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le https://t.co/9706wS2qEd Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2020 The actress tweeted this shortly after she expressed her fear about returning to Mumbai and asked for protection from the Haryana police or Central government, as she said she was scared of the Mumbai police more than the movie mafia. Kangana alleged that Mumbai police is encouraging crime and bullying against her on social media. Earlier, the actress said in a tweet, After Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? No one is threatening you half knowledge starlet , we are just saying if you have so much problem with Mumbai then dont come. Hope your IAS parents had taught you well, using BAAP and other things wont look good on most successful actress ever on this earth Bishwatoodeep (@Bishwadata) September 4, 2020 After her latest tweet, netizens are divided. While some trolled her with their brutal comments, others praised her for her boldness. Meanwhile, Kanganas comment comparing Mumbai to PoK on Thursday continued to evoke mixed reactions for the second day today. The actress had criticised the Mumbai police alleging that attempts are being made to silence her as she is talking against the Bollywood drug mafia. Today, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) warned her not to criticise the Mumbai police. Actors like Renuka Shahane and Urmila Matondkar also criticised Kangana for making such a comparison. SHAWNEE, Kan. - An incident report from the Shawnee Police Department says they do not think an attack last Friday on an 11-year-old Kansas City, Kansas girl had anything to do with race. But Nevaeh Thomas' family believes differently. "All I wanted to say about this is that we need to stop hate racism. QUESTION: How can you ensure equity during a pandemic that is widening educational equity gaps? Barlow: Unfortunately, our students who will be most dramatically impacted by virtual learning are also the students who are most likely to experience significant infection rates in their communities. Equity in the near-term means meeting the fundamental needs of our students nutrition, safety, and access to technology for virtual instruction. Longer term, RPS needs to partner with other school divisions and advocacy organizations to advocate for support to meet the educational and emotional needs of our students when they return to the classroom, which means more counselors, smaller class sizes, and an extended school year. White: To ensure equity during a pandemic is to make sure all students have the available supplies and resources. To ensure students get the support that is required including meals. It is important to include diverse learning material with multicultural themes. QUESTION: How would you rate Superintendent Jason Kamras performance? Do you believe he is doing a good job as superintendent and why? Rating: Solid neighborhood option With only enough spots for 52 pizza joints to test out in this series, many wont make the cut, and that traditionally includes the chain pizzerias. But Pizza Patron is headquartered in San Antonio with 10 locations here, and odds are there is one close to where you live. Pizza Patron started serving up pies in 1986 and was founded by Antonio Swad and Bernadette Fiaschetti, the same duo who created the popular chicken wing restaurant, Wingstop. It is well known for its Latin spins on pizzas, using ingredients like fiery chiles and chorizo. Chuck Blount /Staff In 2012, Pizza Patron ran a promotion where any customer that made their order in Spanish got a free pepperoni pizza, and it ended up shipping out 80,000 pizzas throughout the more than 100 national locations. Unlike other chains, Pizza Patron does not skimp on toppings. Whatever is listed as an ingredient is represented in every bite. The house crust is a straightforward hand-tossed style. Most Pizza Patron locations, including the one we visited at 13909 Nacogdoches Road, are designed for quick takeout and delivery with little to no indoor seating. And they are fast, with an order of four pizzas and another single pizza all ready in less than 15 minutes. On ExpressNews.com: 52 Weeks of Pizza: Goombas Pizzeria still delivers classic New York-style pizza Chuck Blount /Staff Best pizza: The carne asada ($13.99 for a 14-inch large) was just released to the public last week as a limited release item and was the clear winner. I cant help but hope this will soon become a menu regular. It came loaded with nearly a pound of sliced steak and every bite came loaded with beef, cilantro, slivered red onion and poblano peppers. And the pizza came on a delicious corn crust that folded easily without breaking, sort of like an ultra-thick puffy taco. It included a cup of tangy salsa verde for dipping thats better than you would imagine from any strip center pizzeria. Other pizzas: The Mexicana ($10.99 for a 14-inch large) takes it to the spicy edge with layers of crumbled chorizo and beef with enough slices of fresh jalapeno to produce a sweaty brow. Its good, but not exactly a pizza pounder that you would want to finish in a single session. The Choriqueso ($9.99 for a 14-inch large) also featured smoky Mexican sausage, but it didnt hold up quite as well. Cheese and chorizo is usually enough of a winning formula, but the ranch sauce base was too thin to notice, and the end result was quite ordinary. On ExpressNews.com: Chucks Food Shack: How to make beef birria tacos at home Chuck Blount /Staff Chicken enchiladas verdes is a San Antonio staple, but the Pizza Patron take on it ($11.99 for a 14-inch large) did little to resemble the famed dish. The chunks of white meat chicken held up fine, as did the creamy jalapeno sauce, but it would be more accurate to bill it as a white chicken pizza. Pizza Patron Location: Multiple locations Online:pizzapatron.com Hours: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Takeout/delivery: Yes/Yes See More Collapse And just to prove that it could go down the traditional Italian route, Pizza Patron delivered taste that went above and beyond the $6.99 price tag for a classic pepperoni with extra cheese. It also held up to the test from my 13-year old daughter, who didnt allow the leftovers to survive the night. Pizza Patron may not be glamorous, but it does a good enough job to be worthy of consideration any time the pizza craving hits and you want to get your munch on quickly and affordably. Chuck Blount is a food writer and columnist covering all things grilled and smoked in the San Antonio area. Find his Chuck's Food Shack columns on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.comTo read more from Chuck, become a subscriber. cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver The states workplace safety regulator has ordered San Quentins dental clinic to cease many of its operations, citing practices that have contributed to the spread of COVID-19 in the state prison. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health order comes after a massive coronavirus outbreak at the Marin County facility, which has to date infected more than 2,200 incarcerated men and 277 employees and killed 26 prisoners and one correctional sergeant. The state mandate, handed down Wednesday, laid out five workplace hazards at the clinic that officials said put workers at risk of infection due to occupational exposure. Among the allegations, Cal/OSHA inspectors said the clinic had not established a safety plan for performing aerosol-generating procedures the types of dental work, like drilling, that spray droplets from the patients mouth. Additionally, the order states that the prison failed to set up proper isolation rooms for high-hazard procedures, failed to provide air-purifying respirators, and did not clearly relay the COVID-19 infection status of the patients to the dentists, dental hygienists and correctional officers. In response to a list of questions emailed by The Chronicle, including whether prison officials disputed any of the allegations and what they would do to rectify the issues, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokeswoman Dana Simas said the health and safety of inmates and staff is a top priority. Prison officials, Simas added, would work closely with the state to fully explain all of the actions San Quentins dental program has taken during the COVID-19 pandemic and to directly address OSHAs concerns. Five San Quentin dentists, who spoke to The Chronicle on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation from prison officials, confirmed Cal/OSHAs allegations and detailed additional grievances. Their names were withheld in accordance with The Chronicles policy on anonymous sources. More Information Anonymous sources: The Chronicle strives to attribute all information we report to credible, reliable, identifiable sources. Presenting information from an anonymous source occurs extremely rarely, and only when that information is considered crucially important and all other on-the-record options have been exhausted. In such cases, The Chronicle has complete knowledge of the unnamed person's identity and of how that person is in position to know the information. The Chronicle's detailed policy governing the use of such sources, including the use of pseudonyms, is available on SFChronicle.com. See More Collapse The dentists said the prison asked them to perform unsafe, nonemergency procedures during the pandemic, defying guidelines from the states dental association. If the dentists refused or questioned their directives, they said, they were given a disciplinary write-up. On about March 23 or 24, at the onset of the areas shelter-in-place orders, dentists said they were asked to perform nonurgent screenings for prisoners who had just entered the facility from county jails or other prisons. The screenings happen after 10 to 15 prisoners are first placed together in a 400-square-foot holding cell. The dentists argued that tight quarters put them, their families and the patients at risk for infection. They cited March 20 California Dental Association coronavirus guidelines that strongly discouraged nonemergency procedures, and said continuing such procedures may be unethical or illegal. Several dentists banded together and refused to perform the screenings, they said. They all received write-ups in April for insubordination, despite the fact that the statewide prison health care system itself had banned all nonemergency procedures on March 24 the same day or one day after the refused screenings. In July, one of the dentists compiled a list of health and safety questions that the dentist forwarded to the regional director the superior of the dentists immediate supervisor. The dentist received a more severe form of write-up, a letter of instruction, for failing to follow the chain of command. Cal/OSHAs Wednesday order bans aerosol-generating procedures at San Quentin until the facility can meet a list of safety conditions. The dentists who spoke to The Chronicle said its unclear what they will do if they receive a patient who requires an emergency procedure. Most such operations, they said, would produce aerosol. Were trying to take care of our patients, and not have another outbreak here, one dentist said Thursday. Were just concerned about ourselves and our patients. I dont think they care about us, and I know they dont care about the inmates. The complaints against San Quentins dental clinic are not the first to accuse prison brass of flouting health experts guidelines during the pandemic. Marin Countys top public health officer said San Quentin officials ignored his advice to isolate recent transfers from the facilitys native population, and was forwarded a letter that said state prisons are not under the jurisdiction of local health officials. The late-May transfer from a coronavirus hot spot at a facility in Southern California is blamed for igniting the deadly outbreak at San Quentin, which at its peak was among the largest in the nation. The more than 120 transferred men were not tested for weeks prior to being bused to the Bay Area prison, and were placed in the same housing unit as the native San Quentin population. Corrections officials have five days from the issuance of Cal/OSHAs order to request a hearing on its actions. San Quentins active coronavirus cases have dramatically fallen since spiking in June and July. There are 13 incarcerated people with active cases, only one of whom tested positive in the past two weeks. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy Zurich Insurance Group is launching a new unit to expand digital services platform worldwide. The company has also appointed several new chief executive officers for key regions. The new Global Business Platforms unit will be headed by current Asia Pacific CEO Jack Howell as of Jan. 1, 2021. Over the last four years, Howell has expanded the business in APAC, establishing positions in key markets. Ericson Chan will spearhead the planning, development and operation of the technology functions and online ecosystems as the newly appointed group chief information and digital officer. Chan joins Zurich on Oct. 1, 2020, as a member of the Group Executive Committee. His remit will also include responsibility for all of Zurichs IT operations and services. Chan is currently CEO of Ping An Technology. During his four years as CEO of Ping An Technology, Chan helped to transform the business model and online ecosystems through digital services including a range of financial products and platforms. Between 1998 and 2016, Chan held several technology leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. Zurich Group Executive Committee Following the appointments, the Zurich Group Executive Committee as of Jan. 1, 2021, will comprise: Chief Executive Officer: Mario Greco Chief Investment Officer: Urban Angehrn Chief Information and Digital Officer: Ericson Chan CEO Farmers Group: Jeff Dailey Chief Risk Officer: Peter Giger CEO Global Business Platforms: Jack Howell CEO EMEA & Bank Distribution: Alison Martin CEO LatAm: Laurence Maurice CEO APAC: Tulsi Naidu Chief Financial Officer: George Quinn CEO Commercial Insurance: James Shea CEO North America: Kristof Terryn To support the execution of a successful group-wide transformation, Zurich is appointing Kathleen Savio, currently CEO North America, to the newly created role of group chief transformation officer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Savio will be responsible for accelerating business organization and governance, further developing the cultural transformation across Zurich. In addition, Zurich has appointed Katja Roth Pellanda as new group general counsel to lead the legal team, effective Oct. 1, 2020. Roth Pellanda joined Zurich from Novartis as deputy group general counsel in April. She succeeds Yannick Hausmann, who after 12 years in the role has decided to transition to new professional activities. He has accepted to remain engaged with the company as a senior advisor to the group CEO. Regional CEOs Zurich also announced changes in its regional leadership. New CEOs have been appointed in Latin America effective Oct. 1, 2020, and in the North America and APAC regions, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Kristof Terryn will succeed Savio as CEO North America. He joined the group in 2004 and became group chief operating officer in 2016 following roles including head of global Life and General Insurance. Prior to joining Zurich, Terryn was based in the U.S. for eight years. Tulsi Naidu will take over as CEO APAC. She has been Zurichs CEO in the UK since 2016. As UK CEO, Naidu has improved technical and digital capabilities and strengthened the team. Laurence Maurice joins Zurich as CEO LatAm. Maurice has experience in the industry, including seven years as chief financial officer of Allianz Partners Brazilian and South American operations and most recently as the companys CEO Spain and Southern Europe. Maurice succeeds Claudia Dill, who for personal reasons has decided to step down from the role and will be leaving the company. Alexander J. Kim, a shareholder in the Minneapolis office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has been recognized as one of Minnesota Lawyers 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Award honorees. The award highlights those who have made a significant impact with respect to diversity and inclusion on the greater community or within their organizations. According to the website, an independent panel of judges selected the honorees based on their achievements and their commitment to the Minnesota diversity and inclusion community. Kim will formally receive the award at a virtual awards celebration on Nov. 5. Kim has wide-ranging experience in prosecuting patent applications in front of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He knows how to strategize domestic and international intellectual property rights so that the companies can be positioned to reach their business goals. Kim has a background in physics, chemistry, biophysics, computational biology, and physiology and has deep knowledge across a broad range of technologies and industries. Kim has also been a champion of diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout his entire career. He currently serves as president of the International Association of Korean Lawyers (IAKL), an international organization of lawyers with members from across the globe. Kim serves as an Advisory Board member of Korean Americans for Political Action (KAPA). He is the founder of the Korean American Bar Association of Minnesota (KABAMN), a 50+ strong member organization that brings together Minnesotas lawyers of Korean heritage to promote networking, professionalism, and mentorship. Kim is one of the past Presidents of the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA), an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), and also served as the Co-Chair of the first NAPABA Central Region Conference, which has become an annual event. About Greenberg Traurigs Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. The firm's efforts have been recognized by local, national, and global publications and organizations including, Chambers and Partners. Web: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/general/our-firm/diversity Twitter: @GT_Drives. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2,200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. (Newser) A young Black kindergarten teacher from Minnesota has a new favorite airline after the way it handled an unpleasant incident with a fellow passenger. Per USA Today, 25-year-old Demetria Poe took a Delta Air Lines flight last month from Minneapolis to Washington, DC, to attend the Commitment March for racial justice. On the way there, Poe says her white seatmate got confrontational, swapping out her American flag face mask for one that said "Blue Lives Matter" and then forcing Poe into a conversation she didn't want to have. After the woman put on her new face covering, Poe says she felt "uncomfortable" and "fearful," and that she tried to ignore herbut then the woman pushed the issue further. "I support blue lives because I support our officers," Poe says the woman informed her as soon as the plane took off, per Poe's Monday Facebook post describing what took place. story continues below Poe says she told the woman there was no such thing as "blue lives" and noted the wrongful deaths of Black Americans like George Floyd, and that the woman replied with lines like "Africans from the west sold the most slaves." "That woman was trying to entice me into an argument," Poe tells the paper. She says other passengers soon came to her rescue, and flight attendants offered to move Poe's seatmate and told Poe once they'd landed that the other woman "would not be flying with Delta anymore because they do not personally or as a company stand for racism and discrimination." They also upgraded Poe's seat for her return flight and gave her a goodie bag, which included a Black Lives Matter pin with the Delta logo. "When we say Black lives matter, we mean it. You matter to us, Demetria," the airline responded to Poe's online post. Poe's reaction: "If y'all need a brand ambassador let ME know. You matter to me too!" (Read more Delta Air Lines stories.) NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Pfizer Inc. (PFE) CEO Albert Bourla said an update could be provided on the late-stage trial of their vaccine candidate for coronavirus (COVID-19) as early as October 2020. 'We are in a very advanced stage' and have already enrolled 23,000 out of the required 30,000 volunteer patients for the 'big pivotal' Phase 3 trial that began in late July,' he said. Bourla was speaking at the Global Biopharma CEO / Top Execs virtual press briefing-COVID-19 Therapeutics conducted by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) on Thursday. IFPMA represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies and associations across the globe. IFPMA organized a virtual press briefing with CEOs and top executives who are at the forefront of biopharmaceutical R&D. They included Eli Lilly Chairman and CEO David Ricks, Gilead Chairman and CEO Daniel O'Day, MSD Chairman and CEO Kenneth Frazier, Roche CEO Severin Schwan, apart from Bourla. In the face of an unprecedented public health and economic crisis, the world's leading innovative vaccine companies are working in partnership with international organizations, governments, academia and many others across the world in answering the call to develop novel vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Pfizer is co-developing the potential vaccine candidate BNT 162 with German drug maker BioNTech SE (BNTX). BNT162 is an mRNA-based vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV2. The BNT162 program is based on BioNTech's proprietary mRNA technology and supported by Pfizer's global vaccine development and manufacturing capabilities. Bourla said he expects to know if the vaccine works, by the end of October, and is planning to submit it for authorization or approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at the same time, assuming clinical success. However, Bourla confirmed that they 'will not cut corners' in fast-tracking the vaccine and phase 3 study results will be the basis for the submission for authorization or approvals. He assured that, 'we will never ourselves submit for authorization or approval any vaccine before we feel that it is safe and effective.' Bourla said this amid political pressure on the FDA to issue at least an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine candidate before the upcoming presidential elections on November 3. President Donald Trump has said a vaccine will be available by the end of 2020. Pfizer recently announced its plans to supply up to 100 million doses worldwide by the end of 2020, and approximately 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Law Offices of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP If you would like to know more about the FTG Aerospace Inc. lawsuit, please contact Attorney Nicholas J. De Blouw today by calling (800) 568-8020. The Los Angeles employment law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that FTG Aerospace Inc., failed to provide their California employees with meal and rest periods as required by California law. The FTG Aerospace Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 20STCV28767, is currently pending in the Los Angeles Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, FTG Aerospace Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to properly record and provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide PLAINTIFF accurate itemized wage statements, and (e) failure to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The complaint further alleges FTG Aerospace Inc. committed acts of unfair competition in violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17200, et seq. (the UCL), by engaging in a company-wide policy and procedure which failed to accurately calculate and record the correct overtime rate for the overtime worked by PLAINTIFF and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members. As a result of DEFENDANTs intentional disregard of the obligation to meet this burden, DEFENDANT allegedly failed to properly calculate and/or pay all required compensation for work performed by the members of the CALIFORNIA CLASS and violated the California Labor Code. If you would like to know more about the FTG Aerospace Inc. lawsuit, please contact Attorney Nicholas J. De Blouw today by calling (800) 568-8020. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** A report by the New York Times suggests that the Justice Department is close to presenting its antitrust case against Alphabet, the parent company of Google. The report also mentions that theres disagreement among the team, as attorney general William Barr is described as wanting to announce the case in September to make it an an example of action taken by the Trump administration. That push seems like an arbitrary decision that overrides the advice of career lawyers who think rushing things will strengthen Googles case. Google, through a spokesman, is quoted saying it will continue to engage with the investigations, which have focused on its dominance in online search and advertising, and reportedly uncovered powerful evidence of anticompetitive behavior. A report in the Washington Post backed up the NYT findings, and mentioned that some state AGs are targeting Android as well. All 65 bye-elections due in various states and the Bihar assembly elections will be held around the same time, a press release issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday read. Also read: Yashwant Sinhas UDA, Kejriwals AAP to add zing to Bihar assembly polls ECI reviewed the suggestions made by chief electoral officers of states concerned that bye-elections be deferred in view of the coronavirus pandemic and various other reasons such as heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions in several places. Considering that Bihar assembly elections are also due and required to be completed before 29th November 2020, Commission has decided to conduct all the 65 bye-elections and the General Assembly Elections of Bihar around the same time, the press release read. Also read: For Bihar elections, BJP maps its digital outreach in state Holding these elections around the same time would mean a relative ease of movement of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other forces responsible for maintaining law and order during elections. Announcement of the schedule of Bihar assembly elections as well as these bye-elections will be done by the Commission at an appropriate time, the ECI said. A Washington state firefighter lost his wife and three children in a house fire at their new home while he was battling a separate wildfire 200 miles away, authorities said. Raul Garcia-Santos of Benton City, Washington, lost his entire family in the frightening blaze around 1am of August 27. The family's single-wide trailer was engulfed in flames when deputies with the Benton County Sheriff's Office dispatched to Green Acres Mobile Home and RV Park. Once inside the home, deputies discovered the four dead bodies of Marcaria Garcia-Martinez, 32, her daughters Luz Garcia-Martinez, 17, and Michelle Garcia-Martinez, 6, and son Luis Garcia-Martinez, 15. 'There was really nothing we could do,' Chief Ron Duncan, of Benton County Fire Protection District 2, told CNN. Scroll down for video Witnesses said the blaze (pictured) was so massive that it stretched 30 feet in the air and a nearby home caught fire A house fire in Benton City, Washington, killed the wife and three children of a firefighter who was battling a wildfire 200 miles away. Pictured: The burnt home at Green Acres Mobile Home and RV Park Victims (left to right): Marcaria Garcia-Martinez, Luis Garcia-Martinez, Luz Garcia-Martinez and Michelle Garcia-Martinez #BREAKING Benton County Sheriff's Deputies and firefighters are investigating after a fatal fire overnight in Benton City. @KNDUKNDO pic.twitter.com/8rPu7FyZ6B KNDU Alexandra Rios (@alexandrariostv) August 27, 2020 A press release states that fire was so big that one nearby residence caught on fire, but that family was evacuated from the home. A neighbor told Tri-City Herald he was asleep when the fire first broke out, but was awakened by the sound of explosions and raced outside to find flames stretching 30 feet high. The front of the family's home was burnt beyond recognition, but firefighters stopped the inferno before it reached the back section. The family had reportedly just moved there that day and the fire sparked on their first night inside the home. Meanwhile, Raul was more than 200 miles south in Okanogan County fighting the Palmer Fire when he learned the heartbreaking news. The Palmer Fire, which scorched across 17,988 acres, required 349 crew members from various emergency and wildlife organizations to quell the flame. A photo of Michelle Garcia-Martinez (pictured), who died in a house fire on August 27, was shared on a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral costs A number of evacuations were issued, but as of August 28 the Palmer Fire was 91 per cent contained and officials shared their last update. 'The fire is completely lined and firefighters are now focusing on holding and improving their lines and eliminating any remaining heat within 200 feet of the fire's edge or within 300 feet of structures,' the Incident Information System reported. An autopsy performed on September 1 revealed that all four victims died from smoke inhalation. An investigation into the fire is ongoing, but authorities said evidence showed that the fire may have occurred because of an overloaded electrical circuit. 'At this time it appears the fire started at the front or west end of the trailer where the kitchen/living room area was located, however the cause of the fire is still undetermined,' authorities wrote on Facebook. In an update on Wednesday, authorities said their investigation found no working smoke detectors inside the home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a January 2019 report found that 'almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (40%) or no smoke alarms that were working (17%).' 'The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms (12.3 deaths per 1,000 fires), ' they wrote. Volunteers with the Central and Southeast Washington disaster action team (DAT) responded to a mobile home fire in Benton City this morning, providing immediate assistance to a family of nine. #EndHomeFires pic.twitter.com/o6qhynFzq7 Red Cross NW (@RedCrossNW) August 27, 2020 'Either because no smoke alarm was present or an alarm was present but did not operate), as it was in homes with working smoke alarms (5.7 per 1,000 fires).' Chief Duncan said the horrible incident underscored the need to install fire alarms inside homes and keep them up to date. 'It's a very sad case and it reiterates the fact that smoke detectors save lives,' said Duncan. Last Thursday, a GoFundMe was created on behalf of Raul to cover the funeral expenses for his wife and three children. 'A family of 4 passed in a house fire they have no family here in the state of Washington just close friends Id appreciate any help that we could get,' an accompanying message read. More than 500 people have donated to the GoFundMe in just a week and the campaign surpassed its $25,000 goal by nearly $2,000. But the community is still mourning the loss of such a beautiful family with many of them sharing condolences online. 'I could not fathom this! Praying for The Father and Family,' one person wrote. 'May God Bless These Beautiful Angels!' PETALUMA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / On August 17, Sonoma and Napa counties in California saw unusal lightning storms. A region that rarely experiences bolt-lighting, the kind of stereotypical lightning one might routinely see in the Midwest, was hammered by dozens of rounds of strikes. This led to yet another significant fire that is raging through an area that has already suffered major disaster level fires for several years running. As occurred last summer, the current fire has caused evacuations of much of the North West side of Sonoma County. As of today, the fire, referred to as the "LNU Lightning Complex Fires" are at 78% containment and have burned 375,209 acres over 15 days. Northbay Maintenance, a Petaluma based contracting company that does fire and smoke remediation and restoration is finding new ways to accomodate the flurry of calls from homeowners that have become an annual event in a county that has experienced devastating fires year after year. According to Zac Copper, owner of Northbay Maintenance, the challenge that Sonoma and Napa Counties have had after these large fires lies in the lack of ability of remediation companies to respond in a timely manner. "When a house or building has been compromised by fires or flooded with smoke, time is a big factor," he explains, "If there's fire damage, often we need to be able to get in and do a board up service as soon as possible. Sometimes there's structural damage that needs to be reinforced before further damage arrises." More importantly, he's noted that when a big fire hits, remediation companys don't have the manpower to respond sometimes for weeks. In some cases, this means people can't live in their homes or stay in a toxic environment for extended periods. Daniel James, another representative with Northbay said, "When there's a fire, we mostly hear about the people who have lost their homes, and those are the worst stories. But for everyone who looses their homes, there are many more who have such smoke or partial fire damage that they either have to go stay somewhere else, or live in a house that's been permeated with smoke which can be really unhealthy, especially for some. If they can't get remediation started for weeks, and the process takes another couple of weeks or more, they could be displaced for up to a couple of months in some cases." To address the heavy demand for quick response to damaged homes, Northbay Maintenance has devised approaches to creating more a "elastic" workforce. Much like the Army Reserve, well-trained workforces can be kept on notice and prepped during fire season. Since large-scale fires like the LNU Lightnight Complex Fires take several weeks reach 100% containment, Northbay can use that time to mobilize and ready people and resources to respond to the damage as people return to their homes. Copper notes that many of the remediation companies in the North Bay are national companies or franchisees. For most, common thinking might dictate that larger companys can respond to bigger disaster scenarios than local companys. But Cooper is challenging that notion. "The two biggest problems we see with national companies is their response time, and the lack of on-site management," he says, "As a local company, with more local resources, we're finding ways to scale dynamically and quickly to respond to disasters. So we're able to show up and get the project started often times in 24 hours and can put a trained supervisor on-site. Last year after the fires, the feedback was overwhelmingly possitive. People were being told by the big remediation companies that they would have to wait a couple of weeks before someone could even come out and look at their damage let alone get started on their projects." After several years of devistating fires, Sonoma and Napa Counties have borne tramendous hardship with thousands of people having lost their homes. In 2017, the "Tubbs Fire" tore through a well established residential neighborhood in Santa Rosa where about 1,300 buildings and homes burned to the ground displacing families for one to two years or more. Hundreds of other homes were severely or moderately damaged as well. "I think having been through this, and the evacuations," continued Daniel James. "People here are sensitive to the psychological toll these fires are taking. All of us here locally have been harshly affected by these fires [over the] last few years. Some of our own friends and family have been affected. So I think a lot of our clients appreciate that we are in this with them and care about them personally as neighbors." At this time it is unknown how many Sonoma and Napa County residents will return to find their homes uninhabitable after the LNU fires. At the peak, around 40,000 residents were under an evacuation order or warning according to local news source, The Press Democrat. For more information about Northbay Maintenance, contact the company here: Northbay Maintenance Daniel James 7079740528 quickreply@nbbmaintenance.com 2200 Pine View Way STE E, Petaluma, CA 94954 SOURCE: Northbay Maintenance View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604841/Sonoma-County-Contractor-Innovates-To-Compensate-For-Lack-Of-Services-During-Fires Advertisement Designer Tommy Hilfiger is seeking to offload his one-of-a-kind home at Miami's Golden Beach. The estate with its flamboyant decor and pop art feel has been listed at $24.5 million, Variety reported Thursday. Hilfiger and wife Dee Ocleppo purchased the Florida property back in 2013 for $17.25 million and have been trying to sell it on and off since early 2017. Looking for a sale: Designer Tommy Hilfiger is seeking to offload his one-of-a-kind oceanfront home at Miami's Golden Beach for $24.5 million, Variety reported Thursday Living room: The flamboyant property boasts bold and colorful interior deign choices as well as stunning ocean views The beachfront estate, that comprises a main residence plus two guest apartments, spans approximately 15,000 square feet and boasts a total of seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. Variety describes the mansion as 'equal parts blue-chip pop-art gallery and chic family home.' Its audacious interiors were designed, the outlet says, as a fitting space in which the German designer could house his art collection that includes pieces by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. The modern white exterior belies the dramatic color that is a main feature of the home. Roomy: The beachfront estate comprises a main residence plus two guest apartments over approximately 15,000 square feet and boasts a total of seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms Secluded: The mansion sits right on the ocean with access to the sand and has an outdoor lounge area with fire pit that overlooks a stunning vista The white entrance gallery includes a chrome Mickey Mouse sculpture and a curved staircase but once inside, it's vibrant decor that dominates. The living room with its purple, orange cream rug has a distressed mirror ceiling, a large fireplace and windows that open out onto ocean views. The formal dining room has a floor of bold black-and-white marble chevron patterns upon which sits a silver dining table with bright red chairs. There's a stunning chandelier and walls covered in Andy Warhol flower prints. Clean lines: The white entrance gallery includes a chrome Mickey Mouse sculpture and a curved staircase but once inside, it's vibrant decor that dominates Dine in style: The formal dining room has a floor of black-and-white marble chevron patterns upon which sits a silver dining table with bright red chairs. There's a stunning chandelier and walls covered in Andy Warhol flower prints Monochromatic: The kitchen also has black and white chevron floors, a large white island with breakfast bar and upscale stainless steel appliances The expansive kitchen boasts a large white center island with breakfast bar and upscale stainless steel appliances. A large circular glass wet bar comes complete with eclectic bar stools and a snazzy disco ball. There's another bar located in the psychedelic black and silver media room and there's also a screening room decorated in orange and red hues for movie nights. Quench your thirst: A large circular glass wet bar comes complete with eclectic bar stools and a snazzy disco ball Dizzying: There's a psychedelic black and silver media room with a wet bar Popcorn ready: There's also a screening room with plush seating decorated in orange and red hues for movie nights The master bedroom, which has ocean views, is furnished with a chrome four-poster bed while the en suite bathroom features bold black and white stripes. The property offers plenty of room for outdoor living and recreation. There's an infinity pool with adjoining lounge area with built-in barbecue, bar and fire pit and a cabana opens directly onto the sand. The property is listed by Oren Alexander and Isaac Lustgarten of Douglas Elliman. Retreat: The master bedroom, which has ocean views, is furnished with a chrome four-poster bed and white soft furnishings and shaggy rug Minimalist: The master en suite bathroom features bold black and white stripes. Themed: Guest bedrooms embrace the red, white and blue that's a signature of Hilfiger's brand and there's plenty of pop art and American throughout the residence Making a splash: The property offers plenty of room for outdoor living and recreation. There's an infinity pool and adjoining lounge area with built-in barbecue, bar and fire pit WASHINGTON - Police in the nations capital on Thursday released body camera footage from the officer who fatally shot a Black teenager a day earlier, leading to protests outside Mayor Muriel Bowsers home and a police station. Deon Kay, 18, was shot in the chest Wednesday afternoon in the midst of a foot pursuit with police officers. Early Thursday morning, the local Black Lives Matter affiliate tweeted that the Terror Gang has once again taken the life of a young man, and demanded the immediate release of the footage. The video shows a brief and chaotic scene. As a police car pulls into the parking lot of a southeast Washington apartment complex, the officer jumps out and begins chasing someone. The officer turns around, sees Kay running a few feet behind him and fires a single shot into Kays chest. Police identified that officer as Alexander Alvarez, who joined the department in 2018. He has been placed on administrative leave. The police video later freezes the frame and circles what appears to be a pistol in Kays hand. But its unclear whether Kay, who had officers in front and back of him, was intending to use the weapon or throw it away. Immediately after the shooting, as other officers tend to Kay, the officer who fired the shot begins frantically looking for Kays gun in the surrounding grass. The handgun was found about 98 feet away, a distance that Metropolitan Police Department chief Peter Newsham said does seem like a long way to throw a weapon. Everyone can go and look at the video for themselves, Newsham said. You can stop it frame by frame and make your own determination. We will do the same when we conduct our investigation. The incident drew a harsh condemnation from the American Civil Liberties Union, which blamed the MPD for an overly confrontational approach that creates dangerous and violent situations. The D.C. police departments approach to gun recovery has been dangerous and ineffective for years, said Monica Hopkins, head of the ACLUs District of Columbia office. The tragic shooting and death of 18-year-old Deon Kay is the logical conclusion of a policy that not only meets violence with violence, but actually escalates and incites it especially in our Black communities. Hopkins called for an overhaul of D.C.s approach to guns on the streets to focus on non-police solutions that address the underlying roots of community violence instead of continuing aggressive police tactics. The shooting occurred at a time of nationwide protests over police killings of Black people and calls for sweeping changes in policing. Bowser said her administration had rushed to release the video to help the public answer some questions. What I know is that our officer was trying to take guns off the street and what I know is that he encountered somebody with a gun. Authorities did not release the video from other officers on the scene. The Associated Press was seeking to locate Kays family for comment. Emergency legislation passed by the D.C. Council in June requires the police to release any body camera footage from any fatal shootings or use-of-force incidents within five days. Newsham said his department worked overnight to make the footage public well ahead of that deadline, One of the reasons we put it out as quickly as we did is because theres a lot of misinformation in the current climate that we have not only in Washington D.C., but across the country. Misinformation can lead to some disturbances in our city and thats the last thing we want to see, Newsham said. Newsham described Kay as a validated gang member who had multiple run-ins with local law enforcement, although the chief he refused to got into specifics. He said officers were drawn to the area by a video posted on social media that showed two young Black men, one wearing a mask, showing off handguns inside a car. They knew Mr. Kay when they saw the livestream. They knew him by name, Newsham said. I know that hes a validated gang member from the area and I know that hes had multiple touches with the criminal justice system. ... Im pretty sure that Deon Kay fell through multiple safety nets before yesterday afternoon. The U.S. attorneys office will conduct an independent review of the shooting. The lead that former vice president Joe Biden has held over President Trump since he became the presumptive Democratic nominee confirmed this past week in a number of high-quality post-convention polls has been almost shockingly stable, given the pandemic, the economic crisis and one of the broadest protest movements in living memory. In light of that advantage, some have argued that the Trump campaigns hopes rest on boosting white working-class turnout, as the Wall Street Journal put it recently. Sarah Isgur, a staff writer for the Dispatch, made a similar case on Twitter: Assume Trump has a hard ceiling at 35%, she wrote, referring to his support level among voters, if he can shift turnout in that group from 60% in 2016 to 70% in 2020 (a VERY hard thing to do) then he wins this thing. Isgur added that commenters who said the Republican National Convention wouldnt change anyones mind missed the point, because it was all about the base. Ph.D. student gets real-world experience in summer fellowship with Dominion Energy Select group: Ryan Chaban was one of six graduate students and postdoc fellows selected for inaugural Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Fellowship, in which fellows served as science advisors for a variety of stakeholders, including legislative offices, executive agencies, as well as prominent companies and nonprofits in throughout the state. Submitted photo Photo - of - Hide Caption Ryan Chabans plan was to jump directly into the academic world after earning his Ph.D. from William & Marys Department of Applied Science. Now, although teaching remains on his radar, hes thinking about someday rather than tomorrow. I still want to teach eventually, said Chaban, whose Ph.D. will be in physics with a concentration in plasma and fusion science. But I want to have a career first and then come back and teach. I realized a lot of my professors in undergrad who I liked the most had real-world experience. They had done real-world projects. Looking to branch out, as he put it, Chaban decided to apply for the inaugural Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Fellowship. In April, he was one of six graduate students and postdoc fellows selected for the 12-week program, in which fellows served as science advisors for a variety of stakeholders, including legislative offices, executive agencies, as well as prominent companies and nonprofits in throughout the state. Also factoring in his decision to apply for the fellowship was Saskia Mordijck, an assistant professor of physics and Chabans advisor. She not only has taught him what he needs to know, she has inspired him to go beyond that, he said. What she has done in my research is encouraged me to ask questions about the modern state of the technology, Chaban said. Ill go into my research meetings with her and we do the usual, Heres what I did, heres what I want to do, Im stuck on this step. Well resolve that problem, and then well chat. Well talk about the economics of where energy research comes from and the structure of government that provides these grants. All of those secondary conversations, that drew me to doing this fellowship. Chaban, who expects to finish his Ph.D. research in early 2023, served his fellowship with Dominion Energys Public Policy Department. Because of the pandemic, the 12-week program was entirely remote. Although he studies magnetic fusion energy, Chaban worked outside his specialty throughout the fellowship. He had to do research that had nothing to do with what he does here with me, Mordijck said. But because he knew how to solve problems and because he had this vast background on how to approach a research problem, he could actually make good progress. For someone like Ryan, who was able to get experience in a non-academic setting, these internships provide an amazing opportunity for our students to broaden their skillset and make themselves much more valuable. Chaban, who graduated Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 2017 with a B.S. in engineering physics, described the COVES fellowship as expansive. One of his favorite parts was researching carbon pricing, the cost applied to carbon polluters with an aim of reducing greenhouse gasses. It normally works one of two ways: a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system. With the carbon tax, you set a price for a ton of CO2 emissions, Chaban said. With a cap-and-trade system, you cap the number of emissions, you assign emissions to companies somehow, and you allow the companies to trade emissions kind of like currency. I learned that cap-and-trade has a lot of implementation weaknesses. One of its positives is that you are limiting carbon emissions. Carbon emissions have to go down a given amount every year or youre going to get penalized. With the carbon tax, things are so much simpler and youre going to achieve the same things. Another of his projects was controlled environment agriculture, a technology-based approach toward food production that works to create the ideal setting for plant growth. Wisconsin recently has had a few companies expand into their area, so I looked into what Wisconsin has that we dont, Chaban said. Does Virginia have any advantages over Wisconsin in terms of climate? What about Dominions carbon footprint? Does Dominion produce energy that has lower carbon emissions in general than other states and places? They actually do, which I was thought was pretty cool, and theyre working to bring that to net zero by 2050. Chaban also researched hydrogen energy storage, in which excess electrical power (usually from solar) is converted into hydrogen. He also helped a team of interns on a nuclear energy project and was able to tour the Surry Nuclear Power Plant. I definitely learned things, said Chaban, who turned in his final report on Aug. 21. Probably the most important thing was about industry and what its like to work for a company. What does a healthy company culture look like? A lot of the things that I had read, because Im in such a liberal sphere, is that corporations are bad. Then I went out and actually worked for corporation, and theres no malice. Theyre all working the way theyve been taught. On Aug. 28, Chaban left Williamsburg for California. He will finish his Ph.D. work at General Atomics, an 8-million square-foot engineering, laboratory and manufacturing facility with more than 15,000 employees. He completed a Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship there in the summer of 2016. General Atomics is home to the DIII-D tokamak, a donut-shaped chamber surrounded by powerful electromagnets that confine high-temperature fusion plasmas. The facility is located in San Diego, which is just 90 miles down the Pacific coast from Chabans hometown in Orange County. In what he called a classic millennial move, he will be living with his parents until he is able to find housing. Due to the pandemic, there are still some uncertainties about how he will conduct his work. Things are all in flux right now, and I really dont know how things are going to go down yet, Chaban said. But least for the month of September, I have a feeling Im going to be working from home doing edits on my paper and then October is when Ill finally get the OK to go down there and meet people. I already know a lot of people there because of my internship. I know the systems, too, so my startup time will be shorter. Im looking forward to setting my nose to the grindstone and finishing out strong. She's spent the summer jetting off to sun-drenched beaches in Spain and St Tropez. And Francesca Allen turned heads once again as she headed to Amazonico restaurant in London's Mayfair on Thursday for a night out with her Love Island co-stars. The reality star, 24, accentuated her hourglass curves in a figure-hugging khaki-coloured shirt dress with button-down detail. Chic: Francesca Allen turned heads once again as she headed to Amazonico restaurant in London's Mayfair on Thursday for a night out with her Love Island co-stars Francesca matched her classy look with gold strappy heels and a small powder blue handbag. The TV personality wore her wavy brunette tresses loose, while emphasising her natural beauty with bronze make-up. Also in attendance for the late summer dinner were Francesca's fellow 2019 Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and her beau Tommy Fury, both 21, as well as Maura Higgins, 29. The former co-stars shared Instagram snaps of what they ate during their lavish dinner date, including spring rolls, sushi, and succulent steak cuts. Fashionista: The reality star, 24, accentuated her hourglass curves in a figure-hugging khaki-coloured shirt dress with button-down detail Wow! The TV personality wore her wavy brunette tresses loose, while emphasising her natural beauty with bronze make-up Francesca also shared pictures of the fabulously ornate bathroom, which was decorated with patterned tiles and gilt. The Love Island beauty has recently returned from an enviable European break to St Tropez and Spain. She had been making the most of the eased lockdown restrictions during her recent breaks as she partied alongside pals and relaxed on the beaches. Francesca was spotted cosying up to a new man during a boozy night out in London last month. Style queen: Francesca matched her classy look with gold strappy heels and a small powder blue handbag Fabulous: The TV star shared pictures of the restaurant's ornate bathroom, which was decorated with patterned tiles and gilt, as well as her delicious meal She looked to be on cloud nine as she got up close and personal with Edward Crossan, vice chairman of London-based waste management company Powerday. The TV personality, who is family friends with Edward, put on a very affectionate display with the hunk who was previously been linked to TOWIE's Amber Turner. In May last year, Edward was seen enjoying a jaunt on a yacht in Ibiza with TOWIE star Amber, 27, who is in a long-term relationship with Dan Edgar, 30. Old friends: Also in attendance for the dinner were Francesca's 2019 Love Island co-stars Molly-Mae Hague and her beau Tommy Fury, both 21 Cops and doughnuts go together like peas and carrots, and at a historical bakery in Clare, the local police officers decided to take their relationship with these sweet treats up another notch. At Cops & Doughnuts, which is owned by nine members of the Clare police force, you can enjoy all sorts of delicious fried and baked treats. Were real cops, and weve got real doughnuts, said Greg Rynearson, one of the nine owners. Our best-selling doughnut is actually a long john, he said. It has custard filling in it with chocolate frosting, thats our number one. Cops & Doughnuts long john is our pick for Sweet Treat of the Week, a series highlighting chefs and products from around Michigan who are using Pioneer Sugar in their creations. The original location of Cops & Doughnuts is full of character, and might even be considered a Michigan bucket list spot. They were on our list for Michigans Best Doughnut back in 2014, and MLives John Gonzalez recommended the the maple bacon Baconator long john, with two strips of quality bacon, as the must-try doughnut. Check out our interview with Rynearson below, where we talk about how this historic bakery got its name, which doughnut is the most popular, and learn the unique way that they frost the doughnuts. The original Clare location of Cops & Doughnuts is located in the historic Clare City Bakery, a community landmark that had been around since 1896. The bakery fell on hard times, and was about to be forced to close, when the police stepped in. In 2009, the entire police force in Clare decided to come to the bakerys rescue, and the nine cops bought the bakery together, and have been running it ever since. There are now four precinct locations of Cops & Doughnuts around Michigan, a fun little police reference that here means a stand-alone store. In addition to those, they also operate four substations, which are doughnut shops located inside another business. Cops & Doughnuts makes all the doughnuts and pastries for the four locations at the bakery in Clare. The volume of product that they produce is pretty impressive. We go through about 6,000 pounds of Pioneer Sugar each week in the summer time, Rynearson said. We go through a lot of it. Rynearson explained that they make all of their frostings for their doughnuts from scratch, and that they literally frost their doughnuts by hand, using gloved hands to spread the sweet topping onto each doughnut. Best way to get it on, Rynearson said. Those long johns get a nice thick coating of the homemade chocolate frosting. The owners of Cops & Doughnuts, from left to right: Al White Bubba Dave Saad Grasshopper John Pedjac Beaver Rich Ward Junior Dwayne Miedzianowski Midge Brian Gregory Dogman Greg Kolhoff Bulldog Greg Rynearson Ryno Jeremy McGraw SquirtCourtesy Photo, used with permission. The Long Johns at Cops & Doughnuts are their most popular variety. They come filled and frosted in multiple ways.Courtesy Photo, used with permission. Cops & Doughnuts https://copsdoughnuts.com/ Clare City Bakery 521 N McEwan St Clare, MI 48617 (989) 386-2241 Sutherland Precinct 710 E Midland St Bay City, MI 48706 (989) 892-3932 Central Precinct 1327 S Mission Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 (989) 546-7666 Jays Precinct 1151 S Otsego Ave Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 968-4488 Substations Ace Hardware & Sports, Midland Wheelers Restaurant, Standish Steves Country Meats, Harrison Marion Village Market, Marion As prolonged protests against racism and police brutality rock the nation, new incidents of alleged police brutality continue to happen or come to light, each time adding fresh fuel to the movement. In New York, discussion of police reform has been overwhelmingly focused on New York City. Its understandable, because the five boroughs constitute the biggest and most diverse city in the country, with a world-renowned police force. But New York City is hardly the only part of the state that suffers from systemic racism and police brutality. In fact, a series of recent revelations have shone light on systemic racism and alleged excessive use of force in cities and suburban counties across New York state. Here are some of the most significant examples. Death of Daniel Prude Prude died on March 30, after a March 23 encounter with Rochester police officers left him braindead. Medical examiners determined he died of asphyxiation and ruled the death a homicide. Prude had begun acting erratically, prompting his concerned brother to call 911 for help. He was running through the streets naked when police detained him. After placing him in handcuffs, they put a bag on his head meant to prevent Prude from spitting on them and wrestled him to the ground. Officers pushed his face into the ground and knelt on his bag as he continued to struggle. After a few minutes, he stopped. Prudes heart had stopped and paramedics attempted to revive him. He died seven days later, after his family took him off life support. Prudes family described the incident as murder and demanded that the officers involved be fired. All are still currently employed. The case also reignited debate on who should respond to mental health calls, as Prudes death is one of many instances when a police encounter with someone experiencing a mental health crisis ends up turning violent. The Rochester Police Department has called Prudes death an isolated incident. Albany marijuana enforcement Black people are arrested for marijuana charges in Albany County at a staggeringly disproportionate rate. A review of police records by the Times Union found that of the 134 marijuana-related arrests made or tickets issued between July 9 2019 and July 9 2020, 97% of the people were Black, despite making up only 14% of the population and data showing Black and white people use marijuana at about the same rate. Only four of the people arrested or ticketed over the course of the entire year were white, despite white people making up 76% of Albanys population. A year earlier, the New York Civil Liberties Union released a report that found police in the county disproportionately targeted Black residents for marijuana enforcement, but apparently nothing has changed since then. Alleged police brutality on Long Island In January, Nassau County police officers arrested two Black brothers, ages 15 and 14, in connection to an assault that had occurred shortly before, a few blocks away from a park the boys were in. The family accused the Nassau Police Department of brutality, saying officers slammed 15-year-old Ahmad Tillery into the ground, cut his ear, then slammed his head into a car. They also accused the officers of wrongfully arresting the brothers after racially profiling them as members of a gang the only gang their mother said they were a part of was the Boy Scouts.The arrests were made in the majority-Black hamlet of Roosevelt. Police denied the allegations of excessive force and said that one of the teens had attempted to flee and was also charged with resisting arrest. They added that TIllery, his brother and a friend who was also arrested fit the description from the assaulted man, who also positively identified them. Tillerys arrest led to some protests in Roosevelt and the family sued the Nassau Police Department. Viral video of Poughkeepsie arrest A 17-second video of a police encounter with several Black teens in Poughkeepsie, a small city in northern Westchester, circulated on social media in March 2019. The video shows 12-year-old Julissa Dawkins and her 15-year-old sister Jamela Barnett getting arrested, with the older of the pair getting thrown to the ground, in connection with a fight. The video quickly led to allegations of police brutality, which police denied. At the time, Dawkins said that an officer arrested her when she jumped into him as she left the scene of the fight after consoling the victim, while said Barnett she was thrown to the ground before she even realized that she was being arrested. Later in the year, the girls mother sued Poughkeepsie, its police department and the two officers involved. Among other accusations, the lawsuit alleges that police intimidated teens into surrendering their phones that contained videos of the encounter and deleting those videos. Settlement reached in Ithaca brutality case In January, Ithaca settled an excessive-force lawsuit related to a 2016 incident. The city paid over $250,000 to former Ithaca College student Kyle Goldstein, who is white, after he alleged officers violated his rights when they entered his home, pepper sprayed and arrested him over a noise complaint. Body camera footage showed that police had quickly entered Goldsteins house, where he had been hosting a party, and detained him. Officers could be seen brandishing a taser at guests after throwing an already-handcuffed Goldstein to the ground when he began yelling. It was at that point that police pepper sprayed him. The city of Ithaca and the officers involved did not accept liability or admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Investigation into use of force in Buffalo A May arrest in Buffalo caught on video raised questions about the force used by officers. The incident started as a traffic stop, after police observed a car driving the wrong way down a road. After police asked the driver to exit the car they said they smelled marijuana they wound up wrestling him onto the ground while attempting to arrest him. Video shows an officer repeatedly punching the driver in the head after he was already in cuffs. The Erie County district attorney announced that he was investigating the arrest. Accused corruption in Mount Vernon For months, Gothamist has been reporting on corruption in the police department of Mount Vernon, a small majority-Black city in southern Westchester. The most recent addition to the series includes numerous allegations of police brutality and abuse between 2017 and this year, caught on tape by a whistleblowing cop. The tapes, as well as interviews, lawsuits and a review of internal affairs documents pointed to a shocking pattern of brutality within the police department, often of people who were already detained or in custody. Past allegations revealed by Gothamist included framing innocent Mount Vernon residents and allowing favored drug dealers to operate with impunity in exchange for being confidential informants leading to arrests of their own clients. Alleged brutality in response to protests Protests in the wake of George Floyds death happened all over the state, and in several instances, led to fresh allegations of police misconduct and brutality in how they handled them. Perhaps the highest profile occurred in Buffalo, when officers are seen in a viral video shoving an elderly white man to the ground, where he begins bleeding. The police who shoved him walked away, while others appeared to ignore the man on the ground. The two officers involved in the incident were later charged with assault. The violent arrest of two non-violent protesters on Long Island also sparked outrage and garnered some national attention after video of the arrest was widely circulated on social media. In the second of the two arrests, multiple officers could be seen wrestling the protester to the ground after he bumped into one of the officers. A number of officers have recently died, the official reason often being health complication or a car accident, Shaam News Network says Shaam News Network has monitored the killing of several officers and members of the regimes militias over the past few days. The reasons for the killings announced by regime-affiliated pages varied, coinciding with the renewed assassinations and liquidations carried out by the al-Assad regime, which resulted in the death of officers and regime-affiliated individuals under murky circumstances. Pro-regime pages mourned two high-ranking military officers Brigadier Generals in the regimes army claiming that one died suddenly of a heart attack while the other was in a horrible car accident, according to the pages. Those unfortunate happenings targeting officers and leaders of the regimes militias have become repetitive recently. Pro-regime pages revealed the death of Gen. Ghassan Muhammad Saleh, a member of the regimes army. The pages reported that he was in a car accident a few days ago. He is related to the al-Brikhiya family in the coastal city of Dreikish. Furthermore, a Brigadier General in the ranks of the regimes army, by the name of Mahmoud Saleh Khalifa, lost his life to a heart attack, according to the regimes pages. Khalifa hails from Zama, a pro-regime village in the city of Jableh in the Latakia governorate. Shaam News Network reported the killing of First Lieutenant, Iskandar Kazem al-Ali, who hails from the countryside of Homs. Loyalist pages wrote that al-Ali was killed in battles with militants in the Idlib countryside. Officer Mahmoud Munir al-Ali, from the countryside of Homs, was also killed. Similar pages mourned the mysterious passing of Captain Nasser al-Ahmad, along with three members of the regimes Shabiha including Imad Ibrahim and Fadi Ajeeb and said they were killed in a car accident, a reason that has been used repeatedly while mourning a large number of leaders and members of the regimes Shabiha. Liwa al-Quds (Jerusalem Brigade) pages, affiliated with the regime, mourned Abdel-Rahman al-Muhammad, who died in a landmine explosion that killed him and wounded a number of members, according to leaflets circulated by the Brigades contacts. The Jerusalem Brigade spreads across regime-controlled areas. Pro-regime pages had mourned several officers and Shabiha, who died for various reasons, most of which remain shrouded in mystery. This pattern has become frequent in what appears to be liquidation operations affecting the regimes intelligence and military branches in various areas. The killing of officers is being announced without disclosing the details of the incident, except for the main reason which always seems to be a health complication or a car crash, according to the same sources. 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. September 04 : The Central Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case. According to latest report of a news channel, three officers who are a part of the probe have stated that their team has so far not found any evidence which suggests Sushant was murdered. The news report further stated that the agency is now looking into the suicide angle of the case. On Thursday night, CBI has released an official statement on Sushant's case which read, "The CBI is conducting investigation related to death of Shri. Sushant Singh Rajput in a systematic and professional way. Certain media reports attributed to CBI investigation are speculative and not based on facts. It is reiterated that as a matter of Policy, CBI does not share details of ongoing investigation. CBI spokesperson or any team member has not shared any details of investigation with media. The details being reported and attributed to CBI are not credible. It is requested that media may please confirm details from CBI Spokesperson before quoting CBI." The Bombay High Court on Thursday also urged the media to exercise restraint while reporting on the Sushant Singh Rajput case, and not report in a manner which may hamper the investigations. We urge and expect the media to exercise restraint in reporting of the investigation with respect to the (Sushant) death, which should not hamper the investigation in any manner, a Division Bench comprising Justice A.A. Sayed and Justice S.P. Tavade ordered. Hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) one filed by eight retired IPS officers of Maharashtra, and another by three activists the court also issued notices to the respondents, and said it would consider the reliefs sought in the matter after getting the version of the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is handling the probe. In the last one week, CBI has examined several persons including Rajputs girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, her family members as well as the late actors friends, staff etc. A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of CBI is currently stationed in Mumbai to investigate the circumstances in which Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14. Apart from the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate is probing the money laundering charges against the prime accused in the case, Rhea Chakraborty. Also, the Narcotics Control Bureau is looking into the drugs angle. As per the recent development in the case, The NCB has arrested four drug peddlers in the case till now. Narcotics Control Bureau arrested drug peddler, Zaid Vilatra, from Mumbai's Andheri in connection to the Sushant Singh Rajput death case on Tuesday night. Zaid, 20, was apprehended by the NCB as his CDR analysis revealed that he was in touch with Basit Parihar, 23, and Suryadeep Malhotra. The two men have connections with Rhea Chakraborty's brother, Showik Chakraborty. Showik even had chats with the two men regarding drugs consumption and procurement. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery In this Sept. 2, 2020, file photo, a help wanted sign hangs on the door of a Target store in Uniontown, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) Read more U.S. employers added 1.4 million jobs in August and the unemployment rate fell to single digits for the first time since the pandemic crippled the economy, the Labor Department said Friday. But the pace of hiring continued to slow while the number of Americans without jobs remained high. The unemployment rate fell 1.8 percentage points to 8.4%. Thats down from a peak of 14.7% in April and below the peak during the Great Recession a decade ago. The unemployment rate was 3.5% in February before governments shut down businesses to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The job market continues to recover, but it is an increasingly slow recovery, and it is a long way from returning to its pre-pandemic strength, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moodys. Fridays report showed employers continued to bring back workers at high levels but at a slower pace. August was the fourth-straight month of job gains, but the slowest pace of hiring over that period. The nation has recovered about half of the 22 million jobs lost in March and April. It still has 11.5 million fewer jobs than in February and mass layoffs persist, according to the Labor Department. An additional 881,000 Americans applied for unemployment assistance last week. Some of the nations biggest employers among the hardest hit sectors, such as MGM Resorts International and American Airlines, are making staff reductions or warning that layoffs could be on the way. Meanwhile, the federal government has yet to pass another rescue package to aid Americas unemployed. The $600-per-week jobless benefit expired in July, leaving many worried about affording rent, food, and other bills. The Trump administration is providing $300 per week in extra help, but not all the unemployed will qualify and those who do must wait weeks to get it. READ MORE: You just learned your Pennsylvania unemployment benefits are running out. Dont panic. Zandi said that the economic recovery would slow substantially if Washington doesnt pass another aid package soon. The millions of unemployed and underemployed will have no choice but to stop paying their bills, Zandi said. Government hiring increased by 344,000 in August, largely reflecting temporary hiring for the 2020 Census, the Labor Department said. About 249,000 people were hired or rehired in retail, 197,000 in professional and business services, and 174,000 in leisure and hospitality. The unemployment rates dropped for adult men (8%), adult women (8.4%), teenagers (16.1%), whites (7.3%), Blacks (13%), and Hispanics (10.5%). The jobless rate for Asians (10.7%) changed little over the month, the Labor Department said. This was a strong report that shows the recovery remains on track, said Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors, a strategic economic consulting firm in Bucks County. The labor market has come back faster than expected, and we are seeing improvement in all segments of the economy and the workforce. Fridays jobs report did not include details on state unemployment rates, with those figures to be released later this month. In July, Pennsylvanias unemployment rate ticked up a half-percentage point to 13.7%. In New Jersey, the unemployment rate fell three points to 13.8%. Both states recently received federal approval to give eligible workers the $300 a week in extra aid. But jobless workers have had to wait weeks to get paid because the money comes from a temporary program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, not traditional unemployment insurance. States need to build new systems and processes to distribute payments. Pennsylvania officials said Friday that workers could get payments as early as Sept. 14, while New Jersey officials said checks may hit bank accounts in October. Payments will be made retroactively to August. Since there is just $44 billion behind the program and workers have already waited a month, theyll likely get a lump-sum check or two, said Andrew Stettner, a senior fellow at the New York-based think tank Century Foundation. READ MORE: Pennsylvania women and people of color are bearing the brunt of the recession, report shows Its nothing like unemployment benefits, which once you get it, you can count on it week after week, said Stettner, who has studied unemployment benefits for 20 years. " Youre probably going to get only one or two lump sums. It will help you pay back bills or pay your late rent, but its not something you can really count on to meet all of your needs. One worker waiting for aid is Lori Aghazarian, a Walnut Street Theatre stage manager who was laid off in March. With the extra $600 per week gone, Aghazarian said shed spend her savings to get by. The 47-year-old from South Philly now faces the task of finding a new career after three decades in theater. As a stage manager, we do have a lot of transferable skills, she said. However, I have to figure out how to find a job that is in a completely different industry than Ive been working in for 30 years. And do so when many, many other people are trying to do the same thing at the same time. Over the last few weeks, there has been a heated discussion between the central and state governments on goods and services tax (GST) compensation. The Centre had assured states of compensation for any shortfall in tax collections till 2022. Mint explores the issue. Why are tax revenues under a lot of stress? Tax revenues are a function of economic activity. Higher activity growth means higher revenue, while lower growth implies lower revenue. Under the present circumstance, in which nearly 65% of the economic sectors were shut during the pandemic, there was limited activity. Consequently, tax revenues were adversely affected. The impact has been significant on both direct taxes such as income and corporate tax, as well as indirect taxes such as customs and goods and services tax. However, as economic activity normalizes, tax collections are likely to improve and get back to the pre-pandemic levels. What about the GST shortfall of states? Several states were concerned about tax shortfalls because of the implementation of GST. This issue was resolved by the central government guaranteeing that the states would be compensated in the event of any tax revenue shortfall. Consequently, the compensation cess was levied and any compensation was to be paid from the revenue generated through the compensation cess. However, the present circumstance is a different one as the revenue shortfall is not because of the implementation of GST. Rather, it is because of a black swan event, which is the coronavirus outbreak. View Full Image Massive plunge Arent states guaranteed of compensation in any case? States argue that the Centre is legally and ethically bound to provide them with GST compensation as promised. The Centre recognizes the commitment made towards compensation for shortfall as a result of GST implementation. However, the pandemic has significantly impacted tax collections putting a severe constraint on the central government finances. What about proposals made by the Centre? The central government has proposed two solutions to the states. The first is to compensate only for the tax shortfall arising due to GST implementation and allowing states to borrow money while the interest on borrowings will be paid using the revenue from compensation cess. The other is to allow states to directly borrow the entire tax shortfall, but the interest in such a case will be paid for by the states revenue, while the Centre would ensure a lower rate of interest. The states have rejected both the proposals. What does this mean for Indias citizens? Policy prescriptions during downturns include a Keynesian stimulus in the form of high expenditure by the governments. Hence, providing states with money to spend is critical for recovery as state expenditure has a higher impact on revival. However, with states rejecting proposals, the GST Council will have to find an alternative way to compensate the states. In the interim, states may have to resort to raising revenue via disinvestment in state PSUs and monetization of assets. Karan Bhasin is a policy researcher. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A group of environmental activists wants to turn CPS Energy into an arm of city government. Theyre circulating a petition to force a public vote next May to do just that. Specifically, Our Power Political Action Committee which includes the San Antonio chapter of the Sierra Club and Public Citizen is pushing an amendment to the city charter that would rip out the utilitys board of trustees and replace it with the mayor and City Council. This is a bad idea. But Ill get to that in a bit. Populist pose aside, shaking up CPS Energys governance isnt the activists end game. They want CPS Energy to move faster to dump coal and natural gas as fuels to generate electricity. A big item on the PACs agenda is to close the coal-fired J.K. Spruce 1 and 2 power plants by 2030. The Spruce units generated one-fifth of CPS Energys power last year and are the last of its coal-fired plants. The utility plans to shut down at least one of them by 2032. On ExpressNews.com: Activists launch petition seeking to disband CPS Energys board The coalition wants CPS Energys electricity to be 100 percent clean by 2040, generated primarily by the sun and wind. Thats more aggressive than the climate plan approved by City Council in October, which would make San Antonio carbon-neutral by 2050 a timeline both polluters and environmentalists have complained about. Our Power PAC members say theyre tired of being sandbagged. Terry Burns of the local Sierra Club told the Express-News: Weve been asking to talk with CPS for over two years during the entire climate plan process about the economics of closing down (the Spruce power plants), and they have refused to even talk to us about it at all. What the coalition is after are CPS Energys estimates of what it would cost ratepayers if the Spruce units were decommissioned ahead of schedule and clean energy had to make up the difference. For now, clean energy is more expensive than the electricity generated by coal and gas plants. CPS Energy officials are trying to thread the needle with a plan called Flexible Path. The idea is to gradually add solar and wind without shocking ratepayers with major rate increases. On ExpressNews.com: CPS Energy moves forward with sweeping clean energy plan Our Power PACs petition, for which its trying to collect the signatures of 20,000 registered San Antonio voters, sidesteps the likelihood that its timetable would result in rate hikes for power customers. It calls for a progressive rate structure; the more electricity you use for households or businesses the higher your rate. Higher costs are the activists biggest political liability. San Antonio remains the poorest big city in the country. The size of your utility bill matters more here, which is one reason CPS Energy hasnt raised rates since 2013. On the flip side, Our Power PACs greatest selling point to voters is the structure of CPS Energys board. It includes the mayor of San Antonio and four trustees who represent the quadrants of the utilitys service area. Except for the mayor, the trustees serve five-year terms and can be reappointed. None of that is the problem. In fact, this arrangement gives trustees the time to develop a better than working knowledge of the utilitys operations and the competing interests clamoring for their attention. The problem is this: The board is self-perpetuating, meaning that trustees nominate and appoint new members. City Council is left with nothing more than a confirmation vote on new trustees. This obviously is a bad look, especially in the age of Twitter and Facebook. Chronic social-media users expect answers to their questions like, now and theyll turn on any institution they believe is ignoring them. Expertise doesnt always play well in the digital world, either. CPS Energys governing structure is from another era. It goes back to CPS inception as a publicly owned utility. In 1942, the city acquired the for-profit San Antonio Public Service Co. for nearly $34 million, financing the deal with bond revenue. The boards insularity, its basic design, was written into the bond covenants. Bond buyers got a governing board that, on paper at least, was free of political pressure from City Hall and therefore more likely to run the utility like a business. In other words, the boards structure promised a better return on investment. Thats what Our Power PAC is looking to do away with in order to fast-track CPS transition to clean energy. From its website: We are a broad coalition of progressive groups seeking to reassert public control over our public utilities, which function far too much as for-profit private businesses disregarding the public interest, including public policy initiatives like the San Antonio Climate Action & Adaptation Plan ... We can both disband an unelected and unaccountable CPS Board of Trustees and force our utility to act more rapidly on the climate crisis. The idea is simple: You can exert pressure on elected officials. On ExpressNews.com: Environmental groups study: CPS coal units costlier than cleaner alternatives The PAC is also proposing a citizens advisory committee, drawn from all 10 City Council districts, to make recommendations to the mayor and council on rates and operations. But, really, their plan comes down to leaning on politicians. The problem with the proposed amendment is also simple: City Council members would be shoddy stewards of a utility with $12 billion in assets. Theyre already pulled in dozens of directions, dealing with everything from potholes to police reform, and some of them barely have a grasp of the citys multibillion-dollar budget. Inevitably, the real power over CPS Energy would pass from City Council to another group of unelecteds, City Manager Erik Walsh and his team. I doubt this is the outcome Our Power PAC is hoping to achieve. And theres this: For council members, rate increases which would likely accompany a quicker turn to green energy are easier to support when theyre coming from CPS board, or the San Antonio Water Systems. As it stands, utility trustees serve as political buffers. How many council members would be willing, on their own initiative, to increase their constituents utility bills, even for the benefit of our climate? There may be an easier way to make CPS Energys board less insular and more responsive to the public without trashing its expertise in overseeing a power company. Its embedded in an ordinance that City Council approved in 2019, authorizing the utility to sell $765 million in refunding bonds. The City Council reserves unto itself the absolute right at any time upon passage of an ordinance approved by a majority vote of its members to change the method of selection of and appointment to the Board of Trustees to direct selection by the City Council, with such change of method to direct selection being at the sole option of the City Council without approval of any persons, party, holder of Parity Bonds, or the Board of Trustees. Thats legalese for saying that City Council could, if it wanted, appoint CPS Energy trustees as it does SAWS trustees. That would give council members and their constituents a little more control over CPS than they have now. However, thats probably not the fight Our Power is spoiling for. On its website, the coalition says: If we do not get the signatures, the measure does not get on the ballot. That will largely remove utility governance and climate change from campaign discussions during spring 2021 municipal elections. In that light, an incremental improvement like granting council the power to appoint CPS Energy trustees wouldnt fit the bill. The coalition needs a grand gesture that gets voters blood pumping. However misguided it may be. greg.jefferson@express-news.net Dozens of armed rebels have entered the city of Bunia in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in an apparent show of force in protest against their treatment during a continuing peace process and to demand the release of jailed fellow fighters. Wearing white headbands to distinguish each other, the fighters from the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) armed group on Friday morning surrounded the prison to push for the release of their comrades. They are in front of the central prison and are demanding the release of their men, Governor Jean Bamanisa told AFP news agency. They are negotiating. We are trying to calm them. Bamanisa said the men were from a faction of the CODECO which unilaterally wants to end hostilities. Drawn largely from the Lendu ethnic group, CODECO is accused by the United Nations of widespread and systematic killings, beheadings, rape and other acts that may amount to war crimes. In July the government sent several former rebel commanders, including one just released after more than a decade in prison in The Hague and the DRC for war crimes, to convince CODECO fighters to surrender. Some elements of CODECO agreed to a unilateral ceasefire in August, although it remains unclear if that would stop the violence since the group split into several competing factions in March after the army killed its leader. We dont know if its theatre or what in Ituri (province). The CODECO militiamen came with weapons in full view of everyone, said Jean Bosco Lalo, president of a civil rights group in the province. Army spokesman Jules Ngongo said the situation in Bunia was under control: They are harmless, only asking that they be taken care of by the 36th military region and seek the release of their fellow prisoners. Videos circulating on social media showed Congolese soldiers holding back crowds of people as the fighters posed with guns and rocket launchers. No violence was reported. Bamanisas deputy, Gracien de Saint-Nicolas, said: We will not allow blood to be spilt in Bunia. The CODECO is Congolese and ready to give up arms but you are not facilitating the task for them to be reintegrated into the peace process. Al Jazeeras Malcolm Webb, reporting from Nairobi, said the fighters were urging the government to keep its promises in line with the provisional peace deal. The army has been fighting this armed group since the beginning of the year without much success. That is how these prisoners were taken, he said. The militiamen in the town also demand food rations. They say they have been promised this by the government as part of a provisional peace deal. They also say this peace deal would allow some of the militiamen to be integrated into the army, Webb also said. Photo: The Canadian Press An oil sands extraction facility is reflected in a tailings pond near the city of Fort McMurray, Alta., on June 1, 2014. An international environmental watchdog says there's convincing evidence that oilsands tailings ponds are leaking. But after three years of investigation, a body set up under the North American free trade agreement can't tell if the federal government is enforcing its own laws forbidding such releases. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson An international environmental watchdog says there's convincing evidence that oilsands tailings ponds are leaking. The body set up under the original North American free-trade agreement also says Alberta and Canada aren't working together when it comes to enforcement and monitoring. The Commission on Environmental Co-operation reviews monitoring and related actions in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2017, it was asked to consider if Canada has properly investigated whether huge and toxic tailings ponds are seeping wastewater in violation of the Fisheries Act. The commission's report, released today, says there's consistent evidence of groundwater seepage more than three-quarters of a million cubic metres in 2017 from one pond alone. The report says despite environmental agreements signed by Alberta and Canada, there's little evidence the two governments have done anything to implement them. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 22:38:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Russian fighter jet has intercepted a Norwegian military plane over the Barents Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday. "A Norwegian P-3C Orion patrol aircraft was spotted on Sept. 4 over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea approaching the state border of Russia," the ministry's Zvezda broadcasting service said in a statement. A MiG-31 fighter of the Russian Northern Fleet took off and the Norwegian plane eventually flew away from the Russian border, it said. The Russian jet strictly complied with international rules for the use of airspace, it added. Enditem The United Nations Youth Association- Ghana has sworn in four Peace Ambassadors, a Goodwill Ambassador and Women Commissioners into the association, on Saturday in Accra. The sworn-in Ambassadors include Peace Ambassador Idrees Arimiyaa, Peace Ambassador Dr Sheikh Abubakar M. Thiam, Peace Ambassador Mrs Sandra Asamoah, Peace Ambassador Rev. Collins Adu-Ntim and Goodwill Ambassador Bishop Michael N. A Mensah. The Women Commissioners include Hon. Harriet Anita Araba Ababio and Rina Yakuel Kerzner who would take charge of the associations gender equality agenda and seeing to the welfare of women in the society. These Ambassadors are to lead the association in executing peaceful projects to help maintain peace in the society and the nation as a whole. They were sworn-in by Hon. Victor Opeku, Esq the Head of the Legal Team of the United Nations Youth Association-Ghana, who charged them to be diligent in their dispensations as ambassadors of peace. Hon. Opeku admonished the newly-sworn executives to make sure their actions corresponds to the laws on the United Nations Youth Association-Ghana. In order to make your actions deem fit, let it be in accordance with the United Nations Youth Association-Ghana laws and ensure that your actions is going to be situated to the positive ways of the association and not on your own personal actions, he underscored. Hon. Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah, Director of Public Relations and Communications of United Nations Youth Association-Ghana introducing the Country Head of the Association, described Her Excellency Lilian Sally Addo as an indefatigable leader of the association who has taken her duties successfully above self. H.E. Lilian Sally Addo congratulated the newly sworn-in ambassadors and charged them to see themselves as great change agents in their jurisdiction. She explained that, United Nations Youth Association of Ghana is the Peoples Movement of the United Nations which models the UN agenda by contributing towards National Development and Growth. Touching on the need for peaceful coexistence, the Country Director advised youths in Ghana to live in harmony and eschew any behaviour that would result in distorting the peace of the nation. She again cautioned the youth who are easily swayed by politicians to misbehave during elections to be restrained from such activities and take the peaceful living of Ghanaians as paramount. Special Advisor to the Country Head of the United Nations Youth Association-Ghana, Hon. Daniel A. Afari advised the newly sworn officers to abide by the law and exhibit unity in their duties. Jake Auchincloss, a city councillor in suburban Boston and a former Marine, won a packed primary to become the Democratic nominee in the race to fill the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Joe Kennedy III in Massachusetts. Auchincloss edged out six other Democratic candidates in the crowded field for the open 4th Congressional District, a contest that took until early Friday to decide because of a deluge of mailed-in ballots that overwhelmed several cities and towns. Nearly 1 million voters, skittish over the coronavirus pandemic, used the mail option for Tuesdays primary. A state judge late Wednesday had approved a petition from Secretary of State Bill Galvin asking for more time for cities and towns to complete their vote tallies. After graduating from Harvard in 2010, Auchincloss served as a captain in the U.S. Marines. He commanded infantry in Afghanistan in 2012 and led an anti-narcotics platoon in Panama in 2014. He was elected to the Newton City Council in 2015. He also worked at a cybersecurity startup and as a senior manager at Liberty Mutuals innovation lab. Auchincloss, a moderate, was also briefly registered as a Republican in part of 2013 and 2014 while he worked to help elect moderate GOP Gov. Charlie Baker, a background his primary rivals had questioned. He listed among his priorities making health care a right, not a job perk, protecting reproductive rights and combating the pollution that causes climate change. During the campaign, Auchincloss also said he wanted to help rebuild the country that sent his grandfather a poor Jewish kid to college during WWII. Auchincloss, 32, narrowly defeated fellow Democrats Jesse Mermell, Becky Grossman, Alan Khazei, Natalia Linos, Isshane Leckey, Ben Sigel and Chris Zannetos. State law allows campaigns to ask for recounts in specific precincts or city wards, but Mermell who formally conceded the race Friday said she wouldnt seek one. The former aide to ex-Gov. Deval Patrick trailed Auchincloss by an unofficial margin of 1,800 votes, or just under 1.2%. But that doesnt mean that Im content with the returns. I have serious returns about some gaps in the process, Mermell told reporters, adding she would advocate for ranked choice voting a system that lets voters rank all the candidates in a political race in order of preference, from first to last on the ballot. A candidate who reaches 50% or more is declared the winner. If theres no majority, then there are additional tabulations aided by computers, in which last-place finishers are eliminated and those voters second choices are reallocated to the remaining field. Its been used in some states, including Maine, but not in Massachusetts. Auchincloss tweeted Friday about the need to defeat President Donald Trump in November. We must rally behind Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to defeat the Trump agenda and get to work rebuilding this country: its institutions, its confidence, and its commitment to justice, he wrote. Kennedy opted not to seek reelection so he could challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Edward Markey in the Senate Democratic primary, but he lost that bid Tuesday, becoming the first member of the Kennedy political dynasty to lose a congressional race in Massachusetts. Auchincloss will face Republican Julie Hall, an Air Force veteran who defeated David Rosa on the GOP ticket Tuesday, in the Nov. 3 general election for the right to represent the heavily Democratic district. The district winds from the Boston suburbs of Newton and Brookline south through Attleboro, Taunton and Fall River. The few other members of Massachusetts all-Democratic congressional delegation who had faced primary opponents Reps. Richard Neal, Stephen Lynch and Seth Moulton all breezed through Tuesdays runoff. Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called on the United Nations to condemn the violent crackdown by the government of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on protesters who charge he rigged his reelection victory on August 9. Speaking to a virtual informal session of the UN Security Council on September 4 from Vilnius, Lithuania, Tsikhanouskaya also urged the United Nations to send an international monitoring mission to Belarus and said the UN Human Rights Commission should hold a special session on the human rights situation in the country. Oragnisers of the Venice Film Festival followed anti-virus restrictions that included protective masks during all screenings, theatres at a half or one-third capacity, and rigorous temperature checks and sanitisation Spanish director Pedro Almodovar has joined a chorus of voices at the Venice Film Festival urging the reopening of movie theatres after coronavirus lockdowns, saying films are meant to be seen on the big screen, not at home. Venice organisers have prided themselves on pushing ahead with the festival despite the cumbersome and costly anti-virus restrictions that include protective masks during all screenings, theatres at a half or one-third capacity, and rigorous temperature checks and sanitisation. They went ahead with the first major in-person COVID-era film festival convinced they needed to chart a path forward for a film industry hard-hit by the lockdowns. Almodovar, who premiered his short film The Human Voice on Thursday, said streaming platforms had played an essential role in keeping people entertained during months of virus-required confinement at home. But he said they had also contributed to the dangerous phenomenon of people growing increasingly comfortable living, working, and eating at home a type of imprisonment that he said must be resisted. And the antidote is the cinema, he said, describing going out, sitting next to strangers in a movie theatre where you find yourself crying or rejoicing with other people. If I put my film on a platform like Netflix, then I somehow lose that contact and that meeting point with the spectator, he said. So you have to tell people to go to the cinema, to go to the theatres, because some things will only be discovered on the big screen, in the dark with people that we do not know. That said, it wont be the same. Daniele Luchettis family drama Ties received a sustained round of applause when it opened the festival on Wednesday night. But the Italian director said Thursday there was something off: Social distancing rules for the theatre made viewers feel like they were in a vacuum bubble and dispersed the sound of the clapping at the end. I know very well how an audience reacts to a movie, both when they like and when they dont like it, Luchetti told The Associated Press after his film premiered. This time the atmosphere was very unusual. Just the fact of not having a person on your side: I couldnt turn and see a crowd of people either laughing or watching carefully. He said he heard the applause at the end, but said it was sparse, given every other seat was left empty. It was an applause in a space with a different balance, he said. But he conceded, I believe we need to get used to this. Tilda Swinton, who stars in Almodovars short and received a Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement award, made the same point from the stage of the Lidos main theatre, saying she was overwhelmed seeing the eyes and ears of the audience (though not their mouths because they were all covered in masks.) When I ask myself how I might adequately express my gratitude for this honour, words fail me, she said. But I think I can tell you something of what it means to be here with you tonight: What it means to be in a room with living creatures at a big screen. What it means to be about to see a film, in Venice." Pure joy, she said. Weve survived 11 years, navigating our little path through the big stuff. The Gertrude Opera company event that is now known as the Yarra Valley Opera Festival has always offered something different: a touch of Glyndebourne in the Yarra, a taste of New York-style contemporary opera under a marquee at a farm homestead. An empty stage at the Yarra Valley Opera Festival 2019. Credit: But this year the festival will be very different again, thanks to the pandemic. Yes, its that 2020 cliche: the pivot to digital. But, says Gertrudes artistic director, Linda Thompson, they'd been heading online anyway. There are a few things students and parents should consider as classes resume next week. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. There are a few things students and parents should consider as classes resume next week. For starters, the COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba is largely under control. There has been an uptick in cases in some parts of the province over the past few weeks. It has been concentrated mostly in the Brandon area and some Hutterite colonies. The number of confirmed cases in Winnipeg continues to be low. The small increase in cases in Manitoba has caused anxiety and fear among some. Thats understandable. Unfortunately, it has been made worse by the obsession with daily case numbers, which distorts the real risks around the disease. The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 (one of the most important metrics to follow) is very low, at 12, including only one in intensive care, as of Thursday. CP Schools are taking reasonable precautions, including the use of masks for most students and staff. (Jean-Francois Badias / The Associated Press) Manitoba has seen 16 total COVID-19 deaths, but the per capita deaths (per 100,000) is 1.02, among the lowest in the country. The test positivity rate (the percentage of those tested who have the disease) has been dropping, from a peak of 3.1 per cent last month to 1.3 per cent. Far more people are now wearing face masks in indoor public places than two or three weeks ago. People continue to social distance. There is plethora of public health orders in force, with specific application to schools, restaurants, retail outlets and just about every other public place. Masks are now mandatory in City of Winnipeg buildings and on city buses. Most university students will be learning remotely this year. We are doing more or less everything reasonably possible to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus. Most who are infected with the disease will, at most, become mildly ill. But the virus can result in severe outcomes, including death, especially for those over the age of 65. Thats why there are heightened controls around seniors homes, where some of the most vulnerable Manitobans live. There will always be debate about how far government should go to mitigate the spread of the virus. Some follow public health rules more diligently than others; thats human nature. The province levied its first fine this week against an individual in the Prairie Mountain Health region who was not following self-isolation orders. Mostly, people have operated on the honour system, and its working relatively well (even if they have to be reminded from time to time to "get back to the basics"). CP A bulletin board at Hastings Elementary school in Vancouver offers some advice to returning students. (Jonathan Hayward / The Canadian Press) The results of all these interventions have been quite good in Manitoba, notwithstanding the small blip in recent weeks. Those upticks will happen again, and they may get worse; people have to expect that. Pretending government can eliminate the virus or reduce its spread to near zero until we get a safe, effective vaccine is unrealistic. While parents and students may feel apprehensive about the reopening of schools, the risk levels are relatively low. Schools are taking reasonable precautions, including the use of masks for most students and staff. Cohorts and social-distancing strategies will be used where possible. There will be cases of COVID-19 in schools. Thats a given. It cant be avoided. The question is how parents, students, teachers, school administrators and public health officials respond to it. If theres panic and overreaction every time a case is announced, it wont go well. Not because of the virus itself, but because of how people react. 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. If the response is measured and plans are followed, schools can remain open and children can get the education they need and deserve. There will be cases of COVID19 in schools. Thats a given. It cant be avoided. The question is how parents, students, teachers, school administrators and public health officials respond to it. It comes down to managing expectations. If people accept there will be cases in schools and embrace their responsibility to do what they can to mitigate the number, schools can reopen with relatively little pain. Its not as if students are going from lockdown or quarantine into schools. Most have been out in the community over the summer, mixing with friends and family. Some have been in daycare. If everyone takes a deep breath, follows public health orders and keeps the risks of COVID-19 in perspective, Manitobans can get through this school year without too much hardship. tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been enhanced following an email that issued a direct threat to the PM, stating Kill Narendra Modi. The National Investigation Agency, which received the email, has roped in the Multi-Agency Coordination Centre (MAC), which has senior representatives from R&AW, Intelligence Bureau and the Defence Intelligence Agencies, to investigate the matter. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is treating the matter seriously and has asked the Special Protection Group, which is responsible for the protection of Prime Minister Modi, to remain on high alert, according to sources in the security establishment. The email dated August 8 was received from the ylalwani12345@gmail.com id. The NIA chose not do any inquiry/ verification on its own as it thought it best to pass it on to the apex intelligence assessment body, sources said. Sources in the security establishment say that the origin of the e-mail has being tracked to a location outside India. Probe by apex intel body The NIA has received certain emails from an email ID threatening some dignitaries/agencies. The contents of the email are self-explanatory... It is requested to take action as deemed appropriate, the NIA wrote in to MAC, the apex intel assessment body, and MHA. Bulgarian Survivor Of Suspected Russian Poison Attack Decries Suspended Probe By Ron Synovitz, Polina Paunova September 03, 2020 SOFIA -- Bulgarian arms dealer Emilian Gebrev fell into a coma in Sofia in April 2015 after someone smeared the door handles of his car with a substance similar to Novichok -- the nerve agent that hospitalized former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny. Bulgarian officials eventually charged three Russian agents in absentia with attempted murder by using a "phosphorus-organic substance" that poisoned Gebrev, his son Hristo, and the production director of Gebrev's Sofia-based firm, EMCO Production. All three were hospitalized and fell into comas but survived. But amid the international furor over the recent poisoning in Russia of the outspoken Kremlin critic Navalny, Bulgarian Prosecutor-General Ivan Geshev has suddenly ordered the suspension of Sofia's probe. "I'm not a KGB agent or a politician," Gebrev told RFE/RL after being told the investigation had been suspended. "Prosecutors said the direct perpetrators were Russian officers. OK. Russian officers," Gebrev said. "I may be extremely low in the hierarchy, but what has happened to me is a pure act of terrorism." For years, Gebrev has been pushing for Bulgarian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into who tried to kill him. His prodding led to revelations that have helped link his case to the Novichok attack against the Russian former double-agent, Skripal, in Salisbury, England. Bulgarian investigators initially said they'd found traces of the highly toxic insecticide chlorpyrifos in Gebrev's coffee and food at his home, but no substance banned by the international Chemical Weapons Convention such as Novichok. Gebrev said that about six months after he fell into a coma with Novichok-like symptoms, the Bulgarian Prosecutor-General's Office stopped any serious attempt to discover the culprits or learn more about what was used to poison him. "At my request and insistence, [the investigation] was continued, and it ended again after about another six or seven months," Gebrev told RFE/RL. "There was a big lull until 2018." Salisbury Hit Squad Then -- on March 4, 2018 -- Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned by Novichok thought to have been spread on the front door handle of his home in Salisbury. It was Gebrev himself, reading press reports about the Skripals' symptoms, who made the connection between the Salisbury attack and his ordeal. International media picked up on Gebrev's story after he spoke out publicly about their similar symptoms. British allegations that Russia had sent a hit squad to Salisbury to poison Skripal brought fresh impetus to the investigation in Sofia. In October 2018, Bulgarian authorities created a special investigative team and reopened the Gebrev case. FBI and British intelligence agents joined the team. They reviewed security-camera footage of the parking garage below Gebrev's company headquarters and determined someone had slipped inside to smear poison on his car-door handles. In January 2019, formal charges of attempted murder were announced in absentia against three Russian suspects initially identified as Sergei Pavlov, Georgy Gorshkov, and Sergei Fedotov. Fedotov was then identified by the Britain-based research group Bellingcat as the purported commander of the Novichok attack in Salisbury. Bellingcat and the German news site Der Spiegel also confirmed in a joint investigation that Fedotov was a false identity used for traveling outside Russia by Denis Sergeyev -- a major general from an "elite overseas clandestine-operations" team that is part of Russia's GRU military intelligence unit 29155. Western intelligence agencies say the secret unit has been active in Europe for years, carrying out subversive activities that included coup attempts and assassinations. They say the GRU unit had been unknown to them before the attack on the Skripals. But the investigation into Gebrev's case shed light on its activities. With agents from the FBI and British intelligence involved, the reopened Bulgarian investigation determined Sergeyev had used the same false name, Sergei Fedotov, when he and the other Russian suspects stayed at a Sofia hotel near Gebrev's company headquarters in April 2015. They were staying there the day Gebrev was poisoned, and one of their rooms had a view of the entrance to the underground garage where Gebrev's car was parked. "When the state wants to investigate, then it can," Gebrev told RFE/RL shortly before Bulgarian prosecutors announced the attempted murder charges against the Russian suspects. "The more I analyze what has happened so far, however cruel and ugly it sounds, it is the result of an extremely thought-out, purposeful, and consistent war against me, the company I lead, and, analyzing the whole situation, against companies in the defense sector," Gebrev said. Deja Vu Gebrev had a sense of deja vu on August 20 when Navalny fell ill while traveling aboard a domestic commercial flight from Siberia. Russian doctors who initially treated Navalny said there was no sign of poisoning, and Russian investigators appeared reluctant to check claims by Navalny's associates that the Kremlin was involved. But German doctors treating Navalny after his transfer to Berlin announced on September 2 that there were traces in his body of Novichok, a phosphorus-organic chemical warfare agent that was first developed in the Soviet Union. Gebrev had told RFE/RL the previous day that he expected medical tests in Germany would lead to that conclusion. "For one reason or another, in the Skripal case, the British side came out with clear information that it was the same or a similar [chemical] warfare poison [that was used against me]," Gebrev told RFE/RL on September 1. "In the case of Navalnyfor all the symptoms, statements, and initial comments, things lead there." Weeks earlier, in late July, Gebrev said in an open letter that he saw deliberate procrastination by Prosecutor-General Geshev on the investigation into his poisoning. Gebrev linked the situation to his arms-trading business, but said there also were "geopolitical" factors behind Sofia's failure to hold a trial for the three suspected Russian agents. Gebrev wrote: "Behind the ostentatious, half-hearted, and declarative actions" of Geshev lies a "fear of geopolitical consequences." More recently, Gebrev told RFE/RL he has reviewed Geshev's August 26 order to suspend the Bulgarian probe, as well as other documents related to his case. He said things there are "not right." "In the name of truth, I am familiar [with the progress of the investigation]," Gebrev said. "When an investigation is terminated, you have the right as a victim to review the documentation on it," he explained. "I was familiar with the investigation and there were a lot of omissions and mistakes." Although Bulgaria is a member of the Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Gebrev accused Bulgarian investigators of being neither credible nor transparent with OPCW experts. "Every effort has been made not to involve the [OPCW] as a side that has these strengths and capabilities to prove the exact source material," he said. "[The Bulgarian side] hid documents. They said they were connecting [with the OPCW]. But they did not connect." "And they think that no one is watching what they are doing here in the puddle," Gebrev said. "Thank God there are other investigators who are aware of every single thing that is done in our country." The Kremlin denies any role in the poisoning of Gebrev, the Skripals, or Navalny. The Bulgarian Prosecutor-General's Office has not responded to questions from RFE/RL about what cooperation, if any, it has sought from the Kremlin to bring the Russian suspects to trial in Sofia. Gebrev said that is a question he is unable to answer. But he told RFE/RL: "If the Bulgarian side was looking for [cooperation from Russia in the investigation], it did it with fear -- not with dignity -- of a state, of a former ally, of a current partner." "When you are a serious person and ask a serious person a question, you get a serious answer," he said. "When you shrink and do something else, the reaction is different." Gebrev said the suspension of his case could be related to domestic politics in Bulgaria rather than any direct connection to the Navalny poisoning. He pointed to Bulgaria's embattled prosecutor-general and Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. Both have faced calls to resign at mass demonstrations across Bulgaria since early July -- with allegations that government ministries and the judiciary, including the Prosecutor-General's Office, are controlled by criminal organizations. "Things are very simple," Gebrev said. "Maybe they are related to this long-standing discontent in the country.... Discontent of two figures in our society. In any case, these two figures are directly related to the case." "The prosecutor-general cannot be unaware of how such a landmark case is developing," Gebrev said. "Not that I am a significant person, but the case is significant because it does not happen every day in Bulgaria or in Europe." "And there is no way from a purely political, politico-economic, and geopolitical point of view that the prime minister of the country is not interested," Gebrev concluded. Written by Ron Synovitz in Prague with reporting from Sofia by Polina Paunova and RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/date-set-for-trial -of-alleged-killer-of-former-chechen -rebel-commander-in-berlin/30818633.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 Ukraine approaches the Belarusian crisis solely from the point of view of own national interests, the minister said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes Russia is exercising "fairly effective control" over the recent developments in Belarus. "While the Russian Federation is exercising fairly effective control over the events in Belarus, the Belarusian side, our partners, accuse Ukraine of things it's not doing in Belarus but Russia is," Kuleba told an online briefing on Friday, an UNIAN correspondent reports. According to the minister, Ukraine approaches the Belarusian crisis exclusively from the point of view of its national interests. Read alsoLukashenko mulled union state with Ukraine TuskFirstly, Kuleba noted, this is about national security, secondly, protection of Ukrainian citizens on the territory of Belarus, and thirdly, protection of Ukrainian economic interests in relations with Belarus. "We need to consider the situation comprehensively, we don't have to twitch at every word, because a very complex game is being played and we must minimize the negative consequences for Ukraine in this game," the minister added. Belarus protests and allegations against Ukraine RICHMOND The House Appropriations Committee on Friday voted to back a phased implementation of Marcus Alert legislation meant to help people experiencing mental health crises from coming to harm in encounters with police. Under the substitute legislation, Marcus Alert programs in which emergency teams led by mental health professionals respond to mental health crises would be created in five parts of the state, including Richmond, by July 1. The system would gradually go statewide by July 1, 2026. The panel, meeting remotely, backed the substitute version of the bill on a vote of 21-1, with Del. Matt Fariss, R-Campbell, casting the lone dissenting vote. Obviously, in a perfect world, the bill as drafted would move forward, Del. Jeff Bourne, D-Richmond, said during Fridays House Appropriations meeting. But I understand that we are facing some significant fiscal constraints amid COVID-19. While it is not as originally drafted, I do think we are on a path to a statewide implementation over the next couple of years, with interim progress reports, so that when it does go statewide we have the best and most robust program available, Bourne said. Marcus-David Peters, a 24-year-old Essex County biology teacher and Virginia Commonwealth University honors graduate, was naked, unarmed and experiencing a mental health crisis when a Richmond police officer fatally shot him in May 2018. The citys police chief and top prosecutor at the time deemed the shooting justified because Peters threatened to kill the officer as he charged him. Bourne said the revised legislation would target resources to prevent tragedies including the deaths of Peters and Ruben Urbina, a 15-year-old who was shot and killed by police in Prince William County in 2017. Susan Massart, a Health and Human Resources analyst for House Appropriations, said the fiscal impact under the substitute bill would be $200,000 in fiscal year 2021 as officials work on establishment of the system. In fiscal year 2022, the year the first five programs would start, the fiscal impact would be $3.4 million. She said the costs would be significantly reduced if existing resources are redeployed to meet goals set forth in the legislation. As originally introduced, legislation sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, and Bourne would have required all localities across the state to establish Marcus Alert systems by January 2022. Protesters who have gathered in Richmond since George Floyd was killed in the custody of Minneapolis police, have termed such legislation a high priority. They have informally dubbed Lee Circle, where the Robert E. Lee statue stands on Monument Avenue, as Marcus David Peters Circle. The Senate recently rejected McClellans bill in favor of one introduced by Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, which asks the state agencies to develop guidance around crisis response teams but doesnt levy any requirements on localities to implement a program around them. Peters family has expressed concerns that Marcus Alert legislation could be diluted and delayed. Phased-in plan Under the substitute the House panel backed Friday, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Criminal Justice Services working with multiple local and state agencies and other stakeholders would establish a detailed plan for establishment and implementation of a Marcus Alert system in the first five areas. The departments would present the plan to the Joint Commission on Health Care by June 1. The first five Marcus Alert programs and community care teams to be established by July 1 would be in areas covered by: the Northwestern Community Services Board which serves the city of Winchester and the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren; the Alexandria Community Services Board; the Mount Rogers Community Services Board in Southwest Virginia; the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority; and the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board. By July 1, 2023, five additional Marcus Alert programs and community care teams would be established, one in each of the behavioral health departments five regions. Community service boards or behavioral health authorities that serve the largest populations in each region, excluding those already selected in the first phase, would be selected for programs. The behavior health department and the Department of Criminal Justice Services would give the Joint Commission on Health Care an interim report by Nov. 1, 2022, and a final report by Nov. 1, 2023, assessing the impact and effectiveness of the community care teams in meeting their goals. No later than July 1, 2026, all community services board and behavioral health authority geographical areas would have established Marcus Alert systems. Dels. Glenn Davis, R-Virginia Beach, and Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, a former speaker of the House who is considering a run for governor next year, voted in favor of the legislation Friday. But they raised concerns that mental health providers not be put in danger as the first to enter in a volatile crisis situation. Bourne said that if an individual is suffering a mental health crisis or under the influence of drugs, mental health service providers would take the lead in an effort to de-escalate the situation. If there is a high risk of loss of life or injury, those are going to be calls that are made as the situation unfolds, Bourne said. He added: Were not sending mental health providers into harms way, but urging them to help prevent further tragedies. R yanair has successfully raised 400 million from shareholders as the Irish airline seeks to strengthen its balance sheet amid the Covid-19 crisis. The airline issued new shares at a price of 11.35 per share, a discount of 2.6% on the company's closing price last night. Ryanair raised the money to de-risk its debt payments over the next 12 months. While coronavirus has hammered air travel, the airline said it was also likely to create opportunities including expanding its fleet and taking advantage of lower airport and aircraft costs. Stockbroking firm Davy managed the share placing. As we look beyond the next year we expect that there will be significant growth opportunities for Ryanairs low-cost model as competitors shrink, fail or are acquired by government-bailed-out carriers, the company said on Thursday. Post Covid-19 growth opportunities include gaining market share from peers retrenching, further European airline failures and competitive unit cost advantage over other carriers. The placing will provide Ryanair with greater financial flexibility to capture these opportunities. Chris, who is 17 and uses the name @Donelij online, has grown an enormous audience on TikTok. Before his account was banned on Tuesday he had amassed more than 2.5 million followers. Another one of his accounts had more than 2.2 million followers, but, on Friday afternoon, both of Chriss backup TikTok accounts were banned as well. (This account was banned due to multiple community guideline violations, read a banner atop the account.) Its stressful, he said by phone. Thats how I got my money. Chriss account is known in the TikTok community as a reaction account, an account where someone creates reaction videos that appear alongside other TikToks. Reaction and commentary TikTok channels are a growing niche on the platform and have been taking off in recent months. Nearly all of Chriss videos follow the same format: a video loops to his right, he smiles, sometimes gives a thumbs up, then something happens in the video and his smile drops. The majority of Chriss videos are reactions to anodyne moments. In one, his smile drops when a man slams a brick of tofu in his own face; in another its when cockroaches appear onscreen. Some of his videos, however, feature reactions to LGBTQ creators. He has a shocked expression when men put on skirts, when a man sucks on a straw, or when trans people reveal transformations over time. US astronaut Jack Fischer smiles as a NASA medical staff member wipes his face shortly after he landed back on Earth in a Russian Soyuz capsule in Kazakhstan, September 3, 2017. Sergei Ilnitsky/AFP/Getty Images A new study examined the brains of eight Russian cosmonauts seven months after they returned from the International Space Station. Their brains showed signs of new motor skills, but slightly weaker vision. For some space travelers, those changes could be long-lasting. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Imagine you could throw the perfect bullseye, but you'd have to wear glasses to do it. That's a trade-off some space travelers may unwittingly make when they venture off the planet. A study published Friday examined the brains of eight male Russian cosmonauts roughly seven months after they returned from lengthy missions to the International Space Station. The researchers discovered minor changes in the cosmonauts' brains that suggested the men were more dexterous but had slightly weaker vision. "They actually acquired some kind of new motor skill, like riding a bike," Steven Jillings, the study's lead author, told Business Insider. The researchers used a type of MRI to produce 3D images of the cosmonauts' brains. The scans showed an increased amount of tissue in the cerebellum: the part of the brain responsible for balance, coordination, and posture (shown in green in the video below). But the scans also showed that people living in space could wind up with trouble seeing up-close. Both of those changes could potentially be long-lasting. Illustration from Steven Jillings and Ben Jeurissen (University of Antwerp) using MRtrix3. Changes in motor skills after space travel Any human brain, whether it has been to space or not, can adapt to new environments and experiences. Many athletes, for instance, acquire specific motor skills directly related to their sport. "If you were to do an MRI study where you compare normal people to athletes or people who really use motor skills like dart players, for example, you would hypothesize to find changes in the cerebellum," Jillings said. "This is not just because they trained once and then it changes and goes back. It's actually something that lasts in the brain." Story continues On average, the Russian cosmonauts in the study spent six months onboard the space station. Researchers expected to see temporary changes in the cosmonauts' brains, but they were surprised to discover that the improved motor skills were still there several months after they'd returned to Earth. "The difficulty with studying these cosmonauts is you don't really have a reference nothing on Earth that it really can be compared to," Jillings said. "It's possible that when they go to their next mission that they actually are able to adapt more quickly." Brains shift in space, potentially resulting in blurred vision Many previous studies have revealed that astronauts experience physical changes in microgravity, including muscle and bone loss. Astronauts and cosmonauts on the ISS typically exercise more than two hours a day to combat this process. They can also feel disoriented or motion-sick while their body adjusts to a weightless environment. One important difference between life in space and on Earth is that our blood and bodily fluids normally move against the downward tug of gravity, whereas in space, astronauts' bodily fluids shift upward. The new study found that microgravity causes the brain to shift upward as well. This in turn redistributes the fluids in which the brain floats. Participants in the Parabolic Flight Campaign perform a weightlessness exercise in Bordeaux, France, October 16, 2019. Alexis Rosenfeld/Getty Images Jillings said his study found evidence that the fluid may pile up behind the eye, causing swelling. This could impair astronauts' near vision, resulting in a condition called spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. A 2012 survey found the same effect among many NASA astronauts up to 60% of those studied said they were seeing less clearly onboard the ISS. NASA even flies prescription glasses to space just in case an astronaut's vision changes. But Jillings said there's still more to learn about this phenomenon, especially because not all astronauts or cosmonauts return to Earth with bad vision, and most astronauts studied only developed impaired vision in one eye. Some also recover their vision shortly after returning to Earth. What's more, many Russian cosmonauts have extremely sharp sight to begin with, so even after they complete a stint in space, their vision is still normal compared to the average person. "The fact that we do see the small decrease probably means that there are some common effects across all people who spend six months in space," Jillings said. Scientists are still trying to determine the degree to which the impaired eyesight could be permanent. An April study from the University of Texas found that swelling in astronauts' brains persisted one year after their return to Earth. But Jillings said there are no long-term follow-up studies to see how long the condition really lasts beyond that. "There are not many studies looking into the brains of astronauts," he said. Overall, Jillings added, it's good news that his study didn't pick up on any serious health effects linked to space travel. Previous studies, by contrast, have suggested that radiation in space could lead to neurodegeneration, which might accelerate the development of Alzheimer's disease among astronauts. "We did not find any evidence of detrimental changes to the brain," Jillings said. "It's actually more of an adaptation." Read the original article on Business Insider LAKEWOOD, CO / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / General Moly, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE American:GMO)(TSX:GMO), the only western-exchange listed, pure-play molybdenum mineral development company, today announced that on August 31, 2020, it received a deficiency letter ("Letter") from the NYSE American stock exchange (the "Exchange") indicating that the Company is below compliance with Section 1003(a)(i) (requiring stockholders' equity of $2.0 million or more if it has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in two of its three most recent fiscal years), Section 1003(a)(ii) (requiring stockholders' equity of $4.0 million or more if it has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in three of its four most recent fiscal years), and Section 1003(a)(iii) (requiring stockholders' equity of $6.0 million or more if it has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years) of the NYSE American Company Guide (the "Company Guide"). The Exchange indicated that its review showed that the Company reported a stockholders' deficit as of June 30, 2020 and losses from continuing operations for its five most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2019. Accordingly, the Company must submit to the Exchange, no later than September 30, 2020, a plan of compliance to address how it intends to regain compliance with Section 1003(a)(i), Section 1003(a)(ii) or Section 1003(a)(iii) of the Company Guide by February 28, 2022. If the Company does not submit a plan of compliance, or if the plan is not accepted by the Exchange, the Company's common stock will be subject to delisting procedures as set forth in Section 1010 and Part 12 of the Company Guide. If the plan is accepted by the Exchange, the Company will be subject to periodic reviews including quarterly monitoring for compliance with the plan. If the Company is not in compliance with the Exchange's continued listing standards of Section 1003(a)(i), Section 1003(a)(ii) or Section 1003(a)(iii) by February 28, 2022, or does not make progress consistent with the plan during the compliance period, the Exchange will initiate delisting proceedings. The Company has had a conversation with the Exchange regarding whether and to what extent it can submit a plan of compliance based on current facts and circumstances. The Company cannot assure that it will submit a plan or, if it submits a plan, such plan will be accepted. The Company's common stock will continue to trade on the Exchange during the period of non-compliance unless and until the Exchange delists it. Receipt of the Letter does not affect the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements. The Company has a significant working capital deficit and there remains substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If the Company is unable to find an additional source of funding, it will be forced to cease operations and pursue restructuring or liquidation alternatives, including the filing for bankruptcy protection, in which event the Company's common stock would likely become worthless and investors would likely lose their entire investment in the Company. In addition, holders of the Company's outstanding convertible preferred stock and senior notes would likely receive significantly less than the principal amount of their claims and possibly, no recovery at all. As of the date of this news release, the Company has no commitments for additional funding and there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the financing required to complete the Mt. Hope Project, or in raising additional financing in the future on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. About General Moly General Moly is a U.S.-based, molybdenum mineral exploration and development company listed on the NYSE American, recently known as the NYSE MKT and former American Stock Exchange, and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol GMO. The Company's primary asset, an 80% interest in the Mt. Hope Project located in central Nevada, is considered one of the world's largest and highest grade molybdenum deposits. General Moly's goal is to become the largest primary molybdenum producer in the world. Molybdenum is a metallic element used primarily as an alloy agent in steel manufacturing. When added to steel, molybdenum enhances steel strength, resistance to corrosion and extreme temperature performance. In the chemical and petrochemical industries, molybdenum is used in catalysts, especially for cleaner burning fuels by removing sulfur from liquid fuels, and in corrosion inhibitors, high performance lubricants and polymers. Contact: Scott Roswell (303) 928-8591 info@generalmoly.com Website: www.generalmoly.com Forward-Looking Statements Statements herein that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, expected, or implied by the Company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to availability of cash to continue ongoing operations and the possibility of seeking bankruptcy protection, that COVID-19 is having and will continue to have an effect on financing efforts to improve liquidity, availability of insurance, metals price and production volatility, global economic conditions, currency fluctuations, increased production costs and variances in ore grade or recovery rates from those assumed in mining plans, exploration risks and results, reclamation risks, political, operational and project development risks, ability to maintain required federal and state permits to continue construction, and commence production of molybdenum, copper, silver, lead or zinc, ability to identify any economic mineral reserves of copper, silver, lead or zinc; ability of the Company to obtain approval of its joint venture partner at the Mt. Hope Project in order to mine for molybdenum, copper, silver, lead or zinc, ability to raise required project financing or funding to pursue an exploration program related to potential copper, silver lead or zinc deposits at Mt. Hope, ability to respond to adverse governmental regulation and judicial outcomes, and ability to maintain and /or adjust estimates related to cost of production, capital, operating and exploration expenditures. For a detailed discussion of risks and other factors that may impact these forward looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors and other discussion contained in the Company's quarterly and annual periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, on file with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements. SOURCE: General Moly, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604893/NYSE-American-Notifies-General-Moly-About-Stockholders-Equity-Continued-Listing-Deficiency In the midst of heightened tensions in eastern Ladakh, defence minister Rajnath Singh is likely to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of a ministerial meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, government sources said. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and members of the Indian delegation during a meeting with Defence Minister of Russian Federation General Sergey Shoigu, in Moscow. Photograph: @DefenceMinIndia/Twitter It will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh in early May though external affairs minister S Jaishankar held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the row. Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers on Friday. The sources said the meeting has been requested by the Chinese defence minister. "The meeting is likely to take place," said a source. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. Army Chief Gen MM Naravane is currently on a two-day visit to Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region in view of the Chinese attempts. Illustrative image (Photo: AFP/VNA) Vientiane The Wealth Power Group of Vietnam has joined two other partners in developing solar power projects in Champasak and Sekong provinces of Laos. The Vientiane Times reported on September 3 that representatives from Wealth Power Group, National Consulting Group Sole Company and Power Company Limited Thepvongsa signed a deal to this effect at a ceremony in Vientiane on September 2. The solar power project in Sekong will be built on more than 720 ha in Lamam district at a total investment of 332.3 million USD. The power plant will have a design capacity of 500 MW and an annual electricity output of 739 GWh. The project in Champasak, spreading over 93.1 ha in Khong and Pathoumphone districts, has a design capacity of 80 MW and annual output of 123GWh. It has total investment of 57.3 million USD. The two plants, when completed, will supply 10 percent of their electricity output for the domestic market and 90 percent will be exported to neighbouring countries, particularly Vietnam and Myanmar. Instead of carrying the burden of thousands of dollars in debt, they will now be able to focus on practicing their craft and fulfilling their purpose, medical school Dean Hugh E. Mighty said in a statement. For many students, less debt may create an opportunity to pick a specialty based more on interest and less on which specialties yield high incomes. By PTI NEW DELHI: NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma on Friday sought the arrest of a Shiv Sena MLA for allegedly threatening Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. Referring to reports about Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik threatening Ranaut, Sharma said she was taking suo motu cognisance in the matter. "He must immediately get arrested @CPMumbaiPolice. Taking suo motu," she said in a tweet. In a letter issued to Maharashtra DGP S K Jaiswal, Sharma said the commission has taken serious note of the "hatred and threats" given on social media against a woman by persons holding responsible positions. "The Commission being concerned about the safety and security of women of the country advises that strict action may be taken against Pratap Sarnaik in the above mentioned matter as per the provision of law and a feedback be apprised to the Commission at an early date," she said. Sarnaik, in a tweet, demanded that Kangana be booked for sedition for comparing Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "MP Sanjay Raut cautioned Kangana in a very mild way. If she comes here then our brave women will not leave without slapping her. I will demand Kangana to be booked for sedition for comparing Mumbai, the city which creates industrialists and film stars, to PoK," Sarnaik tweeted in Marathi. Sarnaik's comments come after Ranaut accused Shiv Sena leader Raut of threatening her. She also claimed, in a tweet, that Mumbai now looks like Pakistan occupied Kashmir to her. The next pandemic could arrive at any moment and could come from animals; experts warn as countries continue its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The next pandemic could be prevented by ramping up governments' pandemic prevention efforts, according to experts. These efforts include deploying teams of biologists, zoologists, and veterinarians to start monitoring animals and the people who interact with them. Experts say there should be an army of medical and scientific experts ready to stamp out the next deadly virus before an animal disease evolves into a global pandemic. The World Health Organization said that around one billion cases and millions of deaths each year could be traced back to animal populations' disease. Researchers have seen more than 30 bacteria or viruses that can infect humans. More than three-quarters of those are believed to have originated from animals. Scientists also said that the next pandemic could be accelerating dramatically due to humans' proximity to wildlife. Years ago, other diseases infected many, such as SARS, West Nile, Ebola, Zika, and now COVID-19. Many of these pandemics came from bats species, which can be spread between people through coughing and sneezing or insects like mosquitoes. Dr. Tracey McNamara, a pathology professor at Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, said that the time between these viral outbreaks is getting shorter. Dr. Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, said that we can only sustain an outbreak maybe once every decade. Daszak added that the rate we are going is not sustainable. The two scientific experts said the COVID-19 pandemic did not surprise them. For years, the industry has been warning governments and the public that wild animals can threaten the human population with the viruses they carry. McNamara was part of the "Red Dawn" group, a now-infamous email chain of top scientists. The group had asked the U.S. government officials to increase domestic defense when COVID-19 was considered a problem in China. Daszak also spent much of his career searching for the next pandemic-causing virus in bat caves in Asia. Daszak's U.S. government funding for science was cut back in April. PREDICT also shared the same fate when its funding quietly lapsed in 2019. PREDICT was a U.S.-funded early-warning system, which was launched in 2009 as a response to the H5N1 bird flu outbreak. Interaction with wildlife increases more as populations expand. Cutting down forest pushes animals out of their own homes and come to human communities. "We see the appearance of new diseases like COVID[-19] overwhelmingly coming from wild animals and to a lesser extent, domesticated animals. That reflects increasing contact between people and wildlife, in particular. And of course, the reality that we live in a highly connected world with many densely populated cities," Dr. Aaron Bernstein, a pediatrician with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a co-author of the study, was quoted in a report. Bernstein pointed out that significantly reducing deforestation and wildlife trade would have other benefits, such as protecting global diversity. "But there are other things that protecting forests does: It prevents fires. And so you see the compounding value that occurs when you protect forests. And now we add another dimension, which is the prevention of disease spread," he was quoted. Check these out: WHO Warns Countries Cannot Pretend COVID-19 Pandemic Is Over WHO Announces the Novel Coronavirus as a Pandemic Online Petition Calling for WHO Director-General's Resignation Nears 1 Million Signatures The Eagles might be looking to add veteran insurance at the left tackle position. Sign up for Eagles Extra: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text directly with reporters The team hosted former Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Cordy Glenn on a visit on Friday, according to ESPNs Field Yates. The Bengals cut the veteran lineman in March, and he has been a free agent ever since. The Eagles brought in a notable name to try out to potentially help their LT spot: former Bills and Bengals OT Cordy Glenn. Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 4, 2020 Glenn battled a concussion throughout the first half of last season but ended up playing in six games (five starts) during the campaign. While Glenn has battled various injuries through his eight-year career, the 30-year-old has started 95 of his 97 career games. The Eagles are looking for a replacement at left tackle after Andre Dillard (biceps) was placed on injured reserve on Thursday. With Jason Peters reportedly asking for a raise to move over to left tackle from his new right guard position, the Eagles are weighing their options on the blindside. Bringing in Glenn as the potential solution or a swing tackle option is logical. With Matt Pryor failing to stand out (in a positive way) at left tackle during last weekends scrimmage, the Eagles need to hedge their bets on Carson Wentzs blindside. If Peters isnt willing to move, the Eagles only have Pryor and Australian import, Jordan Mailata, who have taken first-team reps at the position this summer. Glenn is a career left tackle, who has played at a relatively high level throughout his career. After spending the summer in free agency, Glenn has fresh legs. Perhaps, the veteran lineman would shine in Jeff Stoutlands blocking scheme next to Isaac Seumalo. While Glenn has yet to sign with the Eagles, during the coronavirus pandemic, most veteran players havent participated in workouts without agreeing on the structure of a contract in advance. Glenns visit could force Peters to change his mind on his contract demands. Or, it could force the Eagles to bring in the veteran to replace Dillard at left tackle. The Eagles cut five more players on Friday, shrinking their roster to 63. With less than 24 hours until Saturdays 4 p.m. cutdown deadline, the Eagles could decide to add to their roster as well. Get Eagles text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text directly with beat writer Mike Kaye. Plus, exclusive news and analysis. Sign up now for a free trial. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Journalists in Nigeria have been challenged to take up their roles as watchdogs and ensure accountability of the government on human rights issues in Nigeria. The call was made at an online training organised by Human Rights Journalists Network (HRJN) tagged; Watching, Investigating and Reporting Human Rights In Nigeria. Speaking at the seminar, Babatunde Olugboji, the Deputy Director, Human Rights Watch, said that there are many human rights violations that do not count as human rights issues in Nigeria and many journalists do not pay attention to them. Some of the things we dont count as human right issues for example cheating of people on circumstantial disabilities, people who are chained in place of treatment at religious organisation, trafficking women, the issue of rape, gender-based violence around us, he said. Mr Olugboji added that forced eviction and issues relating to economic, social, cultural rights are human issues around the world, some of which do not count in Nigeria. Acknowledging that corruption is a grave challenge in Nigeria and many other parts of the world, the speaker said that it is not a human rights issue. Corruption is not a human right issue, it could be and could not be. Basically, corruption is a level of illegality. When there is corruption that is impacting the ability of Nigeria to fulfil its human rights obligation, then it is a human right issue. For example, if schools are not operating because money meant for salaries of teachers has been mismanaged then that would be classified as a human right issue, he said. Mr Olugboji said journalists must be aware of human rights issues for them to effectively tackle them. The media plays a very important role exposing social news which includes corruption and then seeking to keep those in the position of authority accountable through critical reporting which is also very important and at the end of the day transparency and openness actually provide the best protection on extreme use of power. He charged human rights journalists to desist from reporting human issues on the surface, but investigate and get to the root of the matter before reporting them. He said human rights areas that are not being given adequate attention include gender inequality, the rights of children, the issue of trafficking of children, people with disabilities, education, health, housing, and other areas. Mr Olugboji urged participants at the training to develop the right approach of reporting by shedding light on human rights issues rather than complicate situations in their reports. READ ALSO: As a journalist reporting on human rights, there are some things you need to do in terms of commitment, thats part of keeping the public informed. We as journalists have the right of opportunity to increase public awareness and also educate the public about their right and above all, help monitor human rights. Speaking at the training, Kehinde Adegboyega, the Coordinator of Human Rights Journalists Network (HRJN), said journalists should be more consistent on reporting human right violations and also do collaborative reporting, when necessary. Human right issues have not been given a lot of attention that is necessary in Nigeria, there is a need to enlighten the community so we can reduce the rate of human right violations in Nigeria, he said. He encouraged journalists to have a good knowledge of human rights issues in Nigeria and ways to combat them. He added that when there are human rights violations, journalists should investigate accordingly as the investigation has the power to create an impact in society. KABUL - Last year, American warplanes dropped a record number of bombs on Taliban targets in Afghanistan, part of an effort that started in late 2018 to push the Taliban toward a deal to end nearly 20 years of conflict. In the same period, allegations of civilian casualties reviewed by the Pentagon doubled. But the number of in-depth investigations into those allegations dropped by half. Hundreds of charges of Afghan civilian deaths and injuries as a result of airstrikes received only an initial assessment. Investigating claims of death or injury is key to ensuring civilians in conflict are protected in the future. But as the war in Afghanistan was becoming increasingly deadly, the decline in U.S. military investigations produced an incomplete account of the missteps that resulted in civilian harm, according to Afghan officials and former U.S. officials. The lack of information also leaves Afghan families with little recourse to appeal for compensation for their loss. "One thing is clear: The U.S. has not learned from its past," said Larry Lewis, a former State Department official and expert on civilian casualties who last worked in Afghanistan in 2017. He said data from inquiries "was key to reducing civilian casualties earlier in the Afghanistan campaign," and without that data now, "the civilian toll in Afghanistan is surely greater as a result." The U.S. military command in Kabul, known as Resolute Support, declined to grant an interview on the subject of civilian casualties and instead responded to some of The Washington Post's questions submitted by email. When asked about the drop in investigations, a U.S. military spokesman said the assertion that Resolute Support conducted fewer investigations is "inaccurate." "Resolute Support investigates every claim of civilian casualties of which we are aware, either through direct reporting, field reporting or reported on social media," he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity in line with military regulations. When an allegation of a civilian casualty resulting from U.S. military action is raised, Resolute Support said, it conducts an initial review within 72 hours to determine whether it is "credible." The U.S. military labels an allegation credible if the information reviewed in that 72-hour window shows it is "more likely than not" civilians were harmed by U.S. strikes. If additional evidence is provided to Resolute Support at a later time, some allegations can be reexamined. Of 563 allegations, only 74 were deemed credible in 2019. (The number of allegations reviewed in 2018 was 223.) Most credible accusations undergo either an assessment called a CCAR or an in-depth investigation. Resolute Support would not provide the number of CCARs carried out in 2019, saying one was carried out "in most cases." But it conducted only 14 in-depth investigations in 2019, down from 23 in 2018, according to U.S. military data provided to the United Nations. An initial assessment is far from a full investigation. It aims to determine what happened but not gather information that could mitigate future harm, as full investigations do. The drop in the number of investigations came after the team tasked with assessing the accusations was slashed. Before 2019, a board of about a dozen U.S. civilian and military officials worked with a group of U.S. military investigators called the Civilian Casualty Mitigation Team to assesses allegations. But Resolute Support dissolved the board during the first half of 2019, citing efficiency concerns, according to the U.N. report. A "backlog" of allegations developed as the pace of airstrikes increased, and the board was abolished in an attempt to accelerate the review process, the report said. The move left only the four people who make up the Civilian Casualty Mitigation Team to process hundreds of allegations of casualties. Resolute Support declined to respond to questions about why the board was cut. When asked about the drop in in-depth investigations, Resolute Support declined to respond to further written questions and instead provided a statement from Gen. Austin "Scott" Miller, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "We use every tool at our disposal to avoid civilian casualties, and we spend more time and resources than any military in the history of warfare trying protect civilians," Miller said, adding that it's "impossible" to completely avoid civilian casualties. "Any time you drop a munition, there is a chance there are going to be civilian casualties. We take that responsibility seriously - we investigate every claim of civilian casualties and we take responsibility and attempt to make amends in situations where it appears we have committed harm to civilians," he said. In its statement, Resolute Support also pointed to an effort to expand monitoring on social media and local Afghan media in 2019 that brought more allegations of civilian casualties before the Civilian Casualty Mitigation Team. As the number of in-depth investigations dropped, the gulf grew between U.S. military and U.N. data on civilian casualties. For 2019, U.N. data on civilian casualties from American bombs is more than five times as high as that collected by the Pentagon. Ninety-eight civilians were killed by U.S. airstrikes in 2019, according to the Pentagon's annual report submitted to Congress. For the same period, U.N. reporting found 546 civilians were killed in airstrikes by "international military forces." The United States is the only international military force that carries out airstrikes in Afghanistan. Resolute Support is less transparent about civilian casualties than other U.S. military commands. In Iraq and Syria, for example, the command overseeing operations against the Islamic State releases monthly updates on civilian casualties. In Africa, the command established a public website where allegations can be logged. In Afghanistan, the U.S. military doesn't regularly release any information regarding civilian harm. Civilian deaths at the hands of U.S. forces have been a powerful rallying cry for anti-American and anti-Afghan government sentiment during the two decades of war. The Taliban capitalizes on such incidents to win support, and as allegations soared over the past two years, so did their use in Taliban propaganda. In one tweet, the picture of a small child wrapped in a funeral shroud is captioned "martyred by the savage soldier of the enemy." In another, a report titled "War crimes of the foreign occupying forces and their internal mercenaries" is accompanied by a photograph of bodies wrapped in blankets. Weakened U.S. accountability mechanisms only gave that propaganda greater traction, undercutting the Afghan government ahead of formal talks with the militants expected to begin in the coming weeks, according to local Afghan officials. The U.S. air war in Afghanistan ramped up in 2018, when American planes launched 7,362 weapons from the air, more than the previous three years combined, according to Air Force summaries. The next year, the total number of U.S. munitions dropped on Afghanistan inched higher, to 7,423. The ramped-up air campaign coincided with the arrival of Miller, who assumed command of U.S. forces in Afghanistan in September 2018, and with the appointment of Zalmay Khalilzad as the U.S. envoy charged with securing a peace deal with the Taliban that would lead to the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The violence was in full swing in September 2019, when a U.S. airstrike on al-Qaeda targets struck the district of Musa Qala in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. A month after the strikes, Sediqullah Razik smiled shyly from his hospital bed in Lashkar Gah, Helmand's provincial capital, tucking his right arm behind his back as he ate from a bowl of stew with his left hand. The 10-year-old boy had lost his right hand when a U.S. airstrike hit the vehicle he was in with his mother as they returned home from a wedding party that September evening, said his father, Abdul Razik. The right side of the boy's head was badly wounded by shrapnel. Sediqullah's injuries and his father's account of the events in Musa Qala on the night of Sept. 23 contradict the results of a Pentagon investigation, which found that a joint U.S.-Afghan ground raid and a supporting airstrike on al-Qaida targets killed two civilians and injured none. The full Pentagon investigation was never made public. The United Nations found that 18 civilians were killed and 11 injured after interviewing local officials, survivors and aid organizations. The Post interviewed family members of 10 civilians killed and two injured, including Sediqullah. His father's account aligns with details in the U.N. annual report on civilian casualties. "They think they can bring peace with pressure," Razik said of the intense wave of airstrikes in Helmand in recent years. "But it has been 20 years, and if they continue like this it will be 20 years more." The family requested compensation for Sediqullah's injuries from local authorities, but nearly a year after the strike, the provincial council in Helmand said central government officials have continued to refuse to put them in contact with Resolute Support. When asked to clarify the conflicting reports, a Resolute Support spokesperson declined to comment. Although there is legal debate over whether actors in armed conflict have a duty to investigate all allegations of casualties, some experts say the international law to protect civilians in practice requires countries to understand why casualties are occurring. In Helmand, more than a dozen people interviewed by The Post said they were never contacted by U.S. or Afghan officials investigating the raid more than a month after it occurred. That's not unusual: Even when the United States carries out an in-depth investigation into civilian casualties, on-the-ground evidence-gathering remains limited. Most U.S. airstrikes occur far from government-controlled territory, and the relatively small footprint of U.S. forces means there are few resources for fieldwork. Christopher Kolenda, a former senior policy adviser to Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal in Afghanistan, said the vast majority of Pentagon investigations rely on drone and cockpit footage and interviews with U.S. and Afghan troops who were on the ground at the time of the strike. But without interviewing witnesses and survivors, Kolenda said, "you're just dealing with much less factual information, so you just don't know." Resolute Support did not comment on its ability to conduct field visits to collect evidence of civilian casualties. In Abdul Majid Akhundzada's office, surrounded by portraits of family members killed by the Taliban, he scrolled through gruesome photos on his phone of civilians who he said were maimed by American bombs. Some were photos he took himself; others were sent to him by contacts inside Taliban-controlled parts of the province. "These investigations are nothing but advertisements to the media," Akhundzada said. He said he had sent pictures like the ones on his phone and other evidence of civilian casualties to government officials in Helmand and Kabul. But no one ever follows up, he said. "They have no mercy," he said. "They only see targets to kill." Mir Ahmed has carried his 18-year-old son's bloodstained identification papers with him since the January day when, he says, the teenager was killed in an American drone strike in western Afghanistan's Herat province. Javid was a laborer, the family's breadwinner, and his death forced them into debt and then into poverty. Ahmed hoped to find a government official who could help him apply for a compensation payment that would ease his family's financial woes. But he faced an uphill battle, turned away from one provincial office after another. The U.S. military said a "defensive airstrike" was conducted in support of Afghan forces in the area but assessed that no civilians were killed and did not conduct a full investigation. The Afghan government said an investigation was opened and completed, but refused to release details. (Afghanistan's Human Rights Commission, a semi-independent entity, said the strikes killed 10 civilians.) Resolute Support declined to respond to questions about Mir Ahmed's allegations. In fact, over the past two years, not a single investigation into civilian casualties ordered by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has been made public, according to human rights groups and an Afghan official briefed on the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not cleared to speak to the media. Relatives of slain civilians say bureaucracy, corruption and the inability to communicate directly with U.S. officials often prevents them from obtaining compensation payments. According to the Pentagon, such payments are not acknowledgments of wrongdoing; instead, the money is intended to "express sympathy." Data obtained by The Post shows that during the same time period that investigations dropped, the sum of such payments more than doubled. In 2018, some 50 condolence payments amounted to $153,000, and the following year 65 payments amounted to more than $314,000. The lack of transparency and accountability in the aftermath of deadly airstrikes has triggered anger among family members of victims in Herat, and they say they hold the Afghan government responsible for the actions of the U.S. military. That anger threatens to undermine the government during long-awaited formal peace talks with the Taliban, which uses civilian casualties to paint the Afghan government as uncaring for its own people and to bolster the group's own credentials as deserving of more power in any post-peace government. In Herat, local officials say the casualties could have easily been avoided but that without a proper investigation into the incident such mistakes will probably be repeated. The strikes were called in when an Afghan special forces ground operation inadvertently came under fire from local armed groups, some loyal to the government, according to the provincial council head and a tribal elder from Shindand, Tor Mohammad Zarifi. A delegation of Afghan officials from Kabul visited Herat to speak to local officials about the strike weeks later, but they did not attempt to contact to witnesses, according to six people from Shindand interviewed by The Post. Asadullah Mubaris, 31, a civil society activist in Shindand, said he has repeatedly spoken to journalists over the years about the toll airstrikes are taking on his community. He said his childhood friend, Ghafar, a man in his 20s who like many Afghans went by a single name, was one of those killed in the recent strike. "Many times we have done interviews like this, and our lives stay the same," he said. "Still there are airstrikes killing us." The AFL has thrown the book at Richmond after Tigers Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones were arrested outside a Gold Coast strip club at 3.30am on Friday, following an alleged fight, in the most serious breach of the league's COVID-19 protocols. The pair have been sent home from Queensland and suspended for 10 AFL matches and the Tigers have been fined $100,000, which will be included in the 2021 soft cap, a penalty that will affect the club's football department resources next season. Richmond's Callum Coleman-Jones (left) and Sydney Stack. Credit:Getty Images Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said he was angry and embarrassed that the players had shown such disrespect to the competition and the people of Queensland in choosing to leave the hub and that their club had some work to do to win back respect. The recent breach is the latest albeit the most serious in a long line of incidents involving the club this season. Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden recently talked with Jacob Blake over the phone after days of violent protests calling for justice of the incident where police officers shot the black man in the back seven times. Still in the hospital and paralyzed, Blake said that he was not going to give up whether he remained paralyzed and not be able to walk again, said former vice-president Biden. Compassionate visit According to BBC, Biden talked about his discussions with Blake during a church meeting inside the city where the shooting incident took place. The move comes after United States President Donald Trump visited Kenosha on Tuesday. During his visit, Trump surveyed the damage to the city and commented on the radical and chaotic demonstrations that took place and promised to help small business owners get their establishments up and running once again and expressed his support for local law enforcement. Trump did not visit Blake's family during his trip to Kenosha, arguing that they wanted a lawyer to be present during the meeting. Both presidential candidates are placing their focus on Wisconsin as the state is pivotal in the upcoming November elections. In 2016, Trump narrowly won the presidential race, and Wisconsin has, for decades, supported the winning party of the top elections of the country whether they were a Republican or a Democrat. Trump has continued to tout his campaign with the message of "law and order." Biden, on the other hand, has accused the Republican president of fueling the fires of racism and racial division. Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin said he would have preferred that neither Trump nor Biden visited his state. Also Read: Senate Republicans Rolling Out New Stimulus Package Next Week Night and day However, after Biden visited Wisconsin, Governor Evers said that the difference between the former vice-president's and Trump's visits was as clear as night and day. During an interview, the state governor said that the people he spoke to needed healing after the incidents, as reported by CNN. Evers expressed his thoughts that Trump's visit and the Republican's desire to talk about Blake's shooting was vastly different from Biden's empathetic travel and attempt to understand the issues at hand. Blake's attorney, Ben Crump, said the victim's family was grateful for Biden's visit and that they were impressed with the former vice-president's engagement and willingness to listen to their story. During the meeting, Blake's mother led the people in the group with prayer, and his father talked with the Democrat about the country's need for systemic police reform. Crump noted that the meeting showed Biden genuinely cared for Blake as he reached out with humanity and met him with respect and dignity. According to CBS News, later in the day of his visit to Wisconsin, Biden met with community leaders in a meeting to discuss issues of racial justice. During the discussions, the Democrat said that there was an opportunity to push with reforms after the incidents. Biden said that the country had reached an inflection point in the history of the United States. He also discussed the nation's need for criminal justice reform and helping individuals who are under the influence of addiction and mental health victims. Despite his support for the victims, the Democrat also criticized the recent acts of violent riots and looting which ravaged Kenosha, citing a business owner whose store was devastated during the chaos. Related Article: Trump Points to 'Radical Ideology' as Reason for Political Violence in Kenosha @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Playbook Public Relations "It's an honor to serve an organization that embraces cutting-edge technology and is committed to enhancing the mobility of our region. We are excited to help THEA tell its story, said Sally Dee, President, Playbook Public Relations. Playbook Public Relations was awarded the marketing and communications contract with the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA). The term of the contract is three years with an option for THEA to renew a one-year extension for another two years. Playbook's team brings experience in marketing strategy, public relations, and project management. The company has won numerous awards, including Small Business of the Year from the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Business Journals Best of the Bay, and for the last three years, USF's prestigious Fast 56 honors. Playbook was part of the team that spearheaded the Agencys grassroots communications and outreach strategy. Notable award-winning campaigns include outreach for the Selmon Extension and Shop Gandy!, THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot Program, and the Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park along the Selmon Greenway. "THEA is an economic driver for our region, building projects that enhance neighborhoods and helping our community prepare for Tampa Bay's anticipated growth," says Dee. "It's an honor to serve an organization that embraces cutting-edge technology and is committed to enhancing the mobility of our region. We are excited to help THEA tell its story. With extensive knowledge of THEA's current projects, Playbook will leverage every multimedia opportunity available to bring public awareness to THEAs $1 Billion six-year work plan. About Playbook Public Relations Playbook is a certified Small Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Enterprise. It offers award-winning public relations and marketing services. The companys comprehensive results-driven campaigns are ROI-proven and help garner attention that leads to bottom-line results for its clients. Playbooks robust campaigns include Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Strategies, Social Media, Influencer Relations, and the development of Strategic Alliances and Promotions. Each Playbook account is managed by a team of seasoned professionals with the relationships and experience to deliver results. For more information please visit, playbookpublicrelations.com. About THEA The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is a public agency of the state, created by the Florida Legislature, to provide local, user-financed transportation services that reinvest customer-based revenues back into the Tampa Bay community. THEA owns and operates the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, Brandon Parkway, Meridian Avenue, and the Selmon Greenway; designed and operates the worlds first reversible all-electronic toll road; and provides over 100,000 daily travelers with safe, reliable, and financially sustainable transportation solutions. For more information on how THEA is moving transportation forward, visit http://www.tampa-xway.com. By PTI MUMBAI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday conducted searches at the premises of Showik Chakraborty, brother of main accused Rhea Chakraborty, and Samuel Miranda in connection with the drugs probe linked to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, officials said. A team of NCB sleuths accompanied by police officials raided the residence of Showik in Santa Cruz (west) area and Miranda's house in suburban Andheri (west) area of the western metropolis from 6:30 am. Showik lives with Rhea. The search teams included some women officials and they were seen wearing masks and gloves and using multiple vehicles. NCB Deputy Director (operations) K P S Malhotra, who is heading the probe team of the agency, was seen leading the search and he told media persons on the ground that the houses of Showik and Miranda were being searched and that this is a "procedural" action. Another senior official said the agency is looking to gather additional evidence through this action and some documents have been seized by the search teams. They said both Showik and Miranda, house manager of Rajput, were handed over summons to join the investigation during the search. "They have intended to go along (with the search team) due to media presence," an officer said. They are being taken by the NCB search team and will be questioned now at the agency's zonal office in the Ballard Estate area, the officer said. ALSO READ | Drug probe into Sushant death case: Top DRI officer loaned to NCB for 6 months The NCB, till now, has arrested two alleged drug peddlers operating in the capital city of Maharashtra in this case and it has detained one person. The two arrested are Zaid Vilatra (21) and Abdel Basit Parihar while Kaizan Ibrahim is being questioned since Thursday. Bandra resident Parihar was arrested after interrogating Vilatra. Parihar is learnt to have "links" with the narcotics case registered against Rajput's live-in partner Rhea, 28, and others. Parihar is linked to a person who in turn was allegedly reported to be featuring in chats recovered from the mobile phone of Rhea and Showik, officials have said. Rhea is the main accused in the death case of the 34-year-old actor that is being probed by the NCB, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). ALSO READ | Speculative and not based on facts: CBI on 'sharing' details on Sushant Singh Rajput case with media The agency is probing the drug angle in this case under the criminal sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after the ED shared with it a report following the cloning of two mobile phones of Rhea. The NCB has said that it is looking into "the drug citadel in Mumbai, and especially Bollywood" in this case. According to officials, the mobile phone chats and messages indicated procurement, transportation and consumption of drugs and these leads were shared by the ED with the NCB and the CBI. The NCB is understood to have obtained the phone records of other accused in the case too. Rajput was found dead at his Bandra flat on June 14. The was informed by the Advocates Welfare Trust on Friday that it has decided to earmark Rs 1 crore to pay ex-gratia to indigent lawyers, who are its members, whether they are suffering from COVID-19 or not. The trust, represented by Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain in his capacity as its chairperson, told a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan that the decision was taken on Wednesday and applications have been invited from advocates who are in need of the relief. It told the court that earlier it had earlier set aside Rs 2 crore towards the COVID-19 relief fund for its members who are indigent and suffering from COVID-19. Besides that, Jain said, a sub-committee has also been constituted for the purpose of disbursing the funds. Taking note of the steps being taken by the trust, the bench decided there was no need to further monitor the plea, by advocate Vaibhav Sharma, seeking ex-gratia payment of Rs 25,000 to each member of the trust who is suffering financially in the wake of The lawyer representing Sharma told the court that the amounts mentioned by the trust were not sufficient in view of the large number of and sought a direction to the trust to invite more advocates to join it so that they too can benefit from the welfare activities of the trust. The court, thereafter, told the trust that when its financial position permits it may consider increasing the amounts earmarked for providing ex-gratia to The bench also asked the trust to consider increasing its number of members by informing the about its activities so that more advocates can join it. It also asked the trust and the Bar Council of Delhi to continue with their welfare activities and disposed of the plea. (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.) 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. The behavior of U.K. cast and crew have been exemplary, Lyndsay Duthie, CEO of the Production Guild of Great Britain, told Variety. Wanting to return to work, everyone has embraced the comprehensive measures required of them and as a result many productions have been back on set and filming safely for weeks already. Where we have seen productions abroad where a cast or crew member has tested positive, precautions have been taken as required to enable them to start filming again as soon as they had the all clear. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks on the state of the U.S. economy on Sept. 4, 2020, in Wilmington, Del. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Contradicts Barr, Says Russia, Not China Is Main Election Security Threat Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden directly contradicted the position of Attorney General William Barr and said that its Russia, not China, that poses the greatest election security threat to the United States. There are a lot of countries around the world I think would be happy to see our elections destabilized, but the one thats working the hardest, most consistently, and never has let up is Russia, Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware, on Sept. 4. Its not consistent with briefings Ive received. Hes a lousy enough attorney general, but hes a really bad intelligence officer, the former vice president said. Barr told CNN on Sept. 3 that he believes China poses the greatest threat. I believe its China, Barr said. Because Ive seen the intelligence. Thats what I concluded. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NSCS) assessed in July that China, Russia, and Iran are seeking to undermine the 2020 U.S. elections. NCSC Director William Evanina said last month that China prefers for President Donald Trump to lose the 2020 election. Barr noted he wouldnt be surprised if Russia tries something again. Influence is basically two kinds of things. Its hack-and-dump, you get into someones mail system and then try to disclose embarrassing documents. It wouldnt surprise me if they try something like that or any other country tries it. The other way is social media and putting things out on social media, Barr said. In his remarks on Sept. 4, Biden insinuated a connection between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ken Farnaso, the Trump campaigns deputy national press secretary, responded to Bidens remarks by pointing out that Trump has taken actions to hold both China and Russia accountable. Theres no question that President Trump has held Russia and China accountable more than any president before him, imposing debilitating sanctions and expelling rogue diplomats, Farnaso told The Epoch Times in an email. Joe Biden should be the one facing questions of foreign interference, as his campaign employs multiple former DNC staffers who attempted to use the fake Steele dossier to rig the 2016 election. According to Evanina, Beijing is ramping up its influence efforts by attempting to shape U.S. policy, pressuring political figures, and countering criticism of China. Moscow, in the meantime, is using internet trolls and other proxies to spread disinformation and undermine confidence in the election. Beijing recognizes its efforts might affect the presidential race, Evanina said. Russias persistent objective is to weaken the United States and diminish our global role. Biden said he believes any country that engages in any activity to delegitimize or impact on American elections is in direct violation of our sovereignty. And if I am president of the United States, there will be a response. The Trump campaign hasnt responded to a request for comment. The Trump administrations increasingly hard-line stance against China, including its forced closure of the Chinese Consulate in Houston, has led to an increase in criticism against the administration, according to Evanina. Although China will continue to weigh the risks and benefits of aggressive action, its public rhetoric over the past few months has grown increasingly critical of the current Administrations COVID-19 response, closure of Chinas Houston Consulate, and actions on other issues, Evanina said. For example, it has harshly criticized the Administrations statements and actions on Hong Kong, TikTok, the legal status of the South China Sea, and Chinas efforts to dominate the 5G market. Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race. The U.S. electoral system is uniquely resilient to foreign interference, due in part to the diverse systems employed by each state. According to the NSCS, state-level checks and post-election auditing make it virtually impossible for a foreign adversary to broadly disrupt the electoral process or change vote tallies without detection. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Wales health minister has defended the introduction of quarantine restrictions on travellers returning from Portugal, Gibraltar, French Polynesia and six Greek islands. Vaughan Gething said there had been a rising tide of infections coming from the Greek islands and insisted the measure had been imposed to keep Wales safe. On Thursday evening, the Welsh Government announced that travellers arriving from Portugal, Gibraltar, French Polynesia and six Greek island from 4am on Friday would have to self-isolate for 14 days. The Azores and Madeira are exempt from the quarantine requirement, which applies to the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros, Antiparos and Crete. One holidaymaker in Crete slammed the Welsh Governments decision as an absolute joke and said it was beyond sense that they are taking this approach. But Mr Gething told the BBCs Today programme there had been very clear advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), as well as a number of cases of coronavirus being imported into Wales. (PA Graphics) On Tuesday, the Welsh Government advised passengers returning from Zakynthos to quarantine for two weeks and offered Covid-19 tests within 48 hours of their return, as well as eight days later. That was because in the week before we had over 30 cases from four different flights, two of which had landed in England, Mr Gething told the BBC. On that flight which landed in Cardiff on Tuesday, there are over 20 direct cases thats more than 10% of that flight. Seeing a rising tide of infections coming in from that list of islands, having that direct experience in Wales and very clear advice about the higher risk to UK public health from the JBC, I did not feel that there was any course of action other than taking some form of action. Its not for me to explain why others havent done that, but Im very clear that were following that advice and keeping Wales safe. Story continues The UK Government has decided not to impose restrictions on people entering England from Greece and Portugal. Scotland and Wales are imposing 14 days of isolation on arrivals from Portugal. Scotland is also including Greece on its quarantine list, though in Wales the restriction only applies to the six named Greek islands. When asked about the different approach taken by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps in Westminster, Mr Gething said: Im very content this is the right thing to do. Its in line with the risk assessments we received from both the JBC and Public Health England. He said the reason the Azores and Maderia had been excluded from Wales list was because they had a different rating, as well as testing on entry. However one holidaymaker, who wished only to be known as Jonathan, told the PA news agency that he was seething by the decision. He is staying with his wife and two children near Chania in Crete and is scheduled to fly back to London Gatwick on Tuesday. Im almost at the point where Im thinking Im just going to book a Premier Inn or something in Bristol if it costs me five or six hundred pounds I dont really care, I can afford it, Ill do it and stay there and Ill just live my life as normal, Jonathan said. Because if theres 196 people on that flight from England they can just go and live their life as normal, but because I live in Wales Vaughan Gething has said screw you, Im going to make you sit in your house for 14 days. Its a joke, an absolute joke. There were 23.0 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in Portugal in the seven days to Wednesday, up from 15.3 a week earlier. In Greece, the seven-day coronavirus case rate is 13.8. It is 15.3 in Ireland and 14.7 in the UK. Figures have been calculated by the PA news agency based on data collected by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. A seven-day rate of 20 is the threshold above which the UK Government has considered triggering quarantine conditions. On Friday, health officials said there had been no further reported deaths of people who tested positive for coronavirus in Wales. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic remains at 1,596. Public Health Wales said the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country had increased by 51, bringing the revised confirmed cases to 18,206. Delhi recorded 2,914 fresh COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest single-day spike in 69 days, as the tally mounted to over 1.85 lakh, while a senior official claimed that there was no chance of another lockdown as it "wasn't an alarming surge". IMAGE: A medic collects a nasal sample from a girl for the COVID-19 test at a centre, during Unlock 4, in New Delhi. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo This is the fourth successive day in September when over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in a day. Also, over 36,000 tests were conducted on Friday. A senior Delhi government official when asked about the spiralling number of COVID-29 cases, and whether there could be another lockdown, however, said, cases have increased as testing has been ramped up, "so, it is not that cases are rising alarmingly, and hence there is no chance of going back to lockdown". Thirteen fatalities have been recorded in the national capital in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 4,513, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department. Medical experts have already flagged multiple reasons that could have led to surge in cases in the past one week or so, including, reopening of economy and many people not wearing masks and adhering to social distancing norms in public. On June 27, the city had recorded 2,948 COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike before September 3. On Thursday, 19 deaths were reported and the daily cases count was 2,737. On September 1 and 2, the fresh cases count stood at 2,312 and 2,509, respectively. The active cases tally on Friday rose to 18,842 from 17,692 the previous day. On June 23, the national capital had reported the highest single-day spike of 3,947 cases, till date. The death toll from COVID-19 in Delhi stood at 4,500 on Thursday. The Friday bulletin said the death toll from coronavirus infection has risen to 4,513 and the total number of cases climbed to 1,85,220. The positivity rate on Friday stood at 8 per cent while the recovery rate was over 87 per cent, as per the bulletin. Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain held a meeting with medical directors and medical superintendents of all Delhi government hospitals to review the status of testing, the bulletin said. Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev Delhi held a meeting on COVID-19 management, through video conferencing. The number of fresh and active cases have shown an increase in the last several days. The senior government official claimed that the rise in COVID-19 cases lately is "because testing has been increased significantly". Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had recently announced to double its scale to 40,000 tests per day. Also, the increase to some extent is due to opening up of various activities under unlock process, the official said. "When testing was at 10,000-12,000 per day level, daily cases numbered around 2,000-3,000. Now, when testing has increased to over 36,000 per day, the number of COVID-19 positive cases were just over 2,900 today," he said. However, on Friday, the number of containment zones jumped to 949 from 922 the previous day, according to the bulletin. Last week, Jain had said that the increase in number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi was due to various reasons, including outside patients coming to Delhi, and increased scale of testing. He had also said that the number of tests were lower as people had stayed home during the recent festivals and now tests have increased and so has the number of positive cases. The last week of August saw a 35 per cent increase in coronavirus cases as compared to the previous week, with 30 to 40 per cent of the new cases coming from the same family, according to an analysis done by the Delhi government's Health Department. The health department analysed the cases in August, which saw a spike, and found that the infection was spilling over to rural and middle-class pockets and there are increasing incidences of cases in migrant habitations. Delhi has seen a fluctuation in the number of novel coronavirus cases since the beginning of this month. On August 1, the city recorded 1,118 fresh cases while for the next three days, the number of infections reported in a single-day stayed below the 1,000-mark. From August 5 to 9, the number of fresh COVID-19 cases again stayed above the 1,000-mark only to come down to 707 on August 10. Since August 18, cases again have been coming in four-figure count. According to the bulletin, out of 1,4159 total number of beds in COVID hospitals, 9,429 are vacant. Also, 2,805 beds in COVID care centres are occupied by persons under quarantine, including travellers who have returned by the Vande Bharat Mission and bubble flights, it said. According to the bulletin, 1,61,865 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far. The number of people in home isolation stands at 9,822. The number of Rapid Antigen Tests conducted on Friday stood at 27,731 while the RT-PCR, CBNAAT and True NAAT tests figures were 8,488 in all adding to 32,834, the bulletin said. The total number of tests done till date in Delhi stands at 17,05,571. The number of tests done per million as on Friday was 89,767, it said. Moscow/New Delhi, Sep 4 : Indian Defence Minister Rajanth Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe met in the Russian capital on Friday to discuss their border dispute. The meeting between Indian and Chinese delegations started at 9.30 p.m. Indian Standard Time. Both the ministers are in Moscow to participate in a joint meeting of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Rajnath Singh, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Defence Secretary and other senior officials, had, earlier in the day, addressed the joint meeting where he stated that India is committed to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. India and China are engaged in four-month-long standoff at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough to the resolve the deadlock, while Chinese's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops had made fresh attempts at incursion attempts into Indian territory late last month. China had made provocative military movements to change the status quo at Pangong Tso lake after Indian soldiers had earlier occupied the heights there to thwart the PLA's land-grabbing bid. On June 15, as many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. Chinese aggression started increasing along the Line of Actual Control and more particularly in Galwan Valley since May 5. The Chinese side transgressed in the areas of Kugrang Nala, Gogra and north bank of Pangong lake on May 17 and May 18. West Palm Beach, FL, USA, 09/04/2020 / Rene Perras Legal Advisory / Brand Story / KISS PR / Ever since grapes were crushed so wine could be consumed and opium was extracted from poppies and processed into heroin, the illnesses of addiction and alcoholism have been part of the worldwide social fabric and they have for the most part gone misdiagnosed and completely misunderstood. We all know an uncle or a grandparent who drank too much or suffered from a drug addiction or substance use disorder (SUD), who was ostracized. We are currently battling severe epidemics on multiple fronts, from Fentanyl to SUD and opioid use disorder(OUD) to poverty and COVID-19. Large pharmaceutical companies have manufactured medications to treat all types of mental, physical, and even substance use disorders, with drugs like Opioids, Benzodiazepines, and Suboxone. These companies have been at the forefront of shredding the family fabric with an unprecedented impact on millions of Americans who have been victimized by their dependency on prescription pharmaceuticals and who now suffer from the illness of substance use disorder. Ironically pharmaceutical companies who created the problem have now manufactured drugs such as Vivitrol and Suboxone to treat substance and opioid use disorder. The misunderstanding between the terms is exacerbated by the framing language attached; substance abuse or misuse. The implication is that the sufferer could somehow regain control by altering the way they ingest opioids or drink alcohol and recover some form of normalcy by becoming more responsible, while having the ability to moderate the amount of drugs, alcohol or prescribed pharmaceuticals they consume. The implication for generations has been that somehow if only the town drunk or drug addict could muster enough self-control or have enough will power to stop, then they should, and regain societal standing within their communities. The fact is that these sufferers are behaviorally messy and unmanageable individuals who have become outcasts because of how they have adversely affected their families, relatives and employers. The reality is that they cant stop without proper help, because they are unable to quit, which results in an unfair stigmatization through the use of improper language, terminology defining the sufferer as lacking moral character and failing as a human being, and going so far as to criminalize their condition. This attitude has been baked into our understandings of the conditions of substance use disorder and alcoholism. Addiction and the Health Care Professional Consequently, it repulses some health care professionals (HCPs) when they have someone showing up at their emergency room in the midst of a catastrophic opiate overdose and they are able to save his life, return him to the streets within hours only to have him return the following week and have to enact live saving measures again. Or they come back to the ER in need of a fix feigning excruciating pain trying to convince the nurse or doctor to write a prescription for more pain medication. If that same individual came in suffering from chest pains while suffering a heart attack they would not think twice about trying to save his life and if he happened to experience additional chest pains the following week and again be forced to visit the ER, he would be given the best of care without an eyebrow being raised. The diseases of alcoholism and opioid use disorder carry with them a tremendous amount of ignorance and misunderstanding. This vulnerable group suffering from the illness of SUD and OUD is a much-maligned group in society who are often denied, avoided, forgotten and cast aside. Not all health care professionals demonstrate this kind of misunderstanding but there are others who would prefer that they become someone elses problem. This type of attitude could and does have serious consequences resulting in a tragedy like a wrongful death or some other kind of tragic injury such as a permanent traumatic brain injury. Covid-19 has drastically increased these types of issues in the last few months due in part to the isolation. Death from intubation or death by overdose has become an all too frequent decision. The irony is that these health care workers are often among the most impacted by these diseases because of the high level of emotional and physical stress they experience just coming to work every day along with easy accessibility to workplace prescription medications. Studies in the United States have shown that 10%15% percent of HCPs will misuse substances during their lifetime and rates of prescription drug abuse and addiction are 5 times higher among physicians than in the general population, with especially high rates of benzodiazepine and opioid abuse. Physicians are not the only HCPs affected by drug and alcohol abuse. A 2010 investigation by the Texas Board of Nursing found that approximately one third of all disciplinary actions taken against nurses were drug or alcohol related. Addiction and the Legal Professional Health care professionals are not the only group who are affected by these diseases, rather so are all segments of society and professional groups to a lesser or greater extent. One important group is the legal community who according to a Bloomberg law article, Lawyers Grapple with Substance Abuse More than Other Professionals: Study. The issue is timely because the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs recently released a joint study that found that 28 percent of licensed, employed attorneys struggle with depression, 20.6 percent qualify as problem drinkers and another 19 percent suffer from anxiety all higher rates than other professionals. Substance use disorder (SUD) for this group is astoundingly high and mirrors some of the same reasons that impact HCPs: highly stressful work coupled with long hours away from family, requiring an outlet or a social release to cope with the day. Some of the same issues that exist with HCPs exist within the legal community. The Illness of Substance Use Disorder and Civil Justice Litigation Stigma makes attorneys reluctant to represent addicts or alcoholics and their family/relatives even though they may have a substantial case that has merit. More often some attorneys cannot overcome their personal experience with their own substance use disorder or the drug addiction of a close family member resulting in withholding their assistance. Most lawyers refuse to recognize that it is a disease and will not even entertain the idea that substance use litigation is a viable area of law to practice because of their personal denial and inability to get past their own personal contempt. Lawyers also fear losing their bar license by disclosing their own mental health condition to the appropriate individuals. One of the key reasons attorneys avoid this type of litigation is it can require a lot of involvement and communication with their client and family members. Additionally, attorneys have to be able to exhibit a tremendous amount of empathy, patience and understanding. Not all lawyers are as well suited as an opioid addiction lawyer to handle this type of litigation that some perceive as providing special treatment for their client. When a person suffering from SUD comes to a treatment facility like a detox an inpatient residential treatment center or a transitional sober living home, the expectation is that the illness of substance use disorder should be treated and arrested. Unfortunately it sometimes happens that the sufferer may end up being additionally hurt, or sometimes seriously injured because of a medical misdiagnosis or improper administration of medication causing a serious health condition. If this or some other type of personal injury or negligence occurs like, improper care, insufficient security resulting in a sexual assault or battery, medical malpractice by doctors selling their licenses for credentialing purposes; for example a gynecologist being a medical director at a treatment facility with little or no education in the field of addiction medicine, then there is something shockingly wrong with that facility. The treatment industry lacks the proper regulation to make it safer, think of it as if nursing homes were allowed to run rampant and circumvent regulations because there is a stigma against getting old. More people will continue to die or seriously hurt if the industry continues to exist with minimal regulations. Finding an attorney who will give you a legal opinion should be easy and accomplished as quickly as possible, but in reality its not. With these types of cases an investigation should be launched as soon as possible since evidence needs to be gathered and preserved and witnesses need to be interviewed. Interacting with the family members afterwards can be very challenging; often the family members have their own addiction issues or have been impacted by having to endure years of disappointment because of their loved ones SUD. Understanding these dynamics becomes an important client management test for the opioid use disorder advocate in learning to communicate with empathy and understanding. If death was the final end for the vulnerable adult or child because of medical malpractice or some other form of negligence perpetrated on the deceased by personnel employed by the health care provider, treatment center, detox or sober home living community, seeking legal advice as described above should be the families foremost responsibility. The only way that they can know one way or another the reasons surrounding their loved ones passing is with the help of an attorney who specializes in this type of litigation and understands the illness. They can tell you whether or not it was negligence or just a bad outcome that was no ones fault. This way the family can be at peace in saying goodbye to their loved one. The Illness of Substance Use Disorder and Criminal Justice Advocacy and Reform Arguably the greatest cause of incarceration in this country is due to substance use disorder and mental health issues. Over the past 40 years the incarceration rate has increased 700% due to the war on drugs. Despite this, drug overdose and substance use disorder are at all-time highs. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and the felonization of simple possession of these controlled substances cause irreparable damage and collateral damage in millions of lives. Still today, the most common way our society addresses SUD is through criminalization, furthering stigma and pushing citizens into a system that does not treat the substance use disorder, nor the trauma, mental disorders, and behavioral issues that are the underlying causes for the symptom of substance use disorder to begin with. Then, to add insult to injury, this misguided policy of incarceration simultaneously removes many effective recovery options these individuals need in order to become productive members of society. They are essentially thrown into crime college, later to be released with felony convictions that will limit their access to education, housing, and employment. These are tools that an individual needs to successfully reintegrate to society. Even if prosecutors later lower a possession of narcotics charge to a misdemeanor the arrest will forever show as a felony arrest on this persons record, placing a scarlet letter for all future employers and housing authorities to marginalize these individuals through background checks. As a result of taking away the basic necessities required to reenter and reintegrate into society it should not surprise the public that recidivism rates are more than 50%. It also makes for a superb business model and revenue generator. The most revealing statistic of this rate of recidivism is that most individuals are returned to jail or prison on technical violations, such as failing a drug screen for controlled substances, failure to pay fines, and/or new arrest for possession of controlled substances. This places a revolving door on jails and prisons. While the rhetoric of tough on crime policies is sure to garner votes, the plain fact is that the majority of our prison system is filled with nonviolent offenders. 60 to 80% of those currently behind bars qualify for the diagnosis of substance use disorder. Of course private prison industry owners, such as the GEO Group Inc., which is based right here in Palm Beach County, sees the strategic business model of furthering and lobbying for policies which increase penalties for drug possession because without proper recovery and treatment, they are almost guaranteed to be repeat customers. These corporations are publicly traded on Wall Street and guarantee certain returns to their investors through the certainty of government payouts for their services. The way to guarantee ROI is to incarcerate and hold as many individuals as possible for as long as possible. Some of these contracts even guarantee certain levels of incarceration. These abuses by the private prison industry and the unregulated substance use disorder treatment industry frequently lead to civil litigation. These lawsuits may help create new public policy reform by holding bad actors accountable by pressuring the industry to adopt a best practice approach, not just for care and treatment but for all of the marketing techniques and patient brokering schemes employed to entice client/patients to their facilities by putting more heads in beds. Not only is this extremely inefficient for the American taxpayer, it is now becoming even more dangerous to those suffering from SUD as Fentanyl is being flooded into this country like never before, and Fentanyl is a complete game changer. One simple solution would be to repeal the Controlled Substances Act, reform the Act or create new legislation that would make it no longer a felony to possess a controlled substance. Even the Supreme Court has fallible logic when it comes to criminal justice advocacy and with the case law on this. Their reasoning suggests that they are not criminalizing what has been labeled as a disease for nearly 50 years; they are criminalizing the possession of the substance. This circular logic makes the condition of substance use disorder the actual crime because it requires the possession of the substance to suffer from the condition. Secondly, the criminal justice system needs to completely reevaluate the way it addresses substance use disorder starting with the court system. We tried prohibition in the early 20th century with the passage of the 18th amendment, which prohibited alcohol sales in the United States. This is the only amendment in the Constitution that has ever been repealed (by the 21st amendment). Why? Because prohibition doesnt work. It does not address the issue of substance use disorder and subsequently the passage of the 18th amendment created the Mafia, organized crime, and a billion-dollar black market overnight as a result. History is now repeating itself with the war on drugs, which has initiated the creation of synthetic opiates, international drug cartels, and unimaginable tolls on human life. It is extremely inefficient and ineffective with the result that every dollar being spent on the investigation, prosecution, and incarceration of drug and alcohol offenders is a dollar not spent on the investigation and convictions of missing children and violent offenders. For more information please visit: https://hanleyfoundation.org/public-policy-joshua-horton/ Florida Opioid Litigation Lawyer Attorney Joshua Horton of The Joshua S. Horton Law Firm, PA, in Palm Beach County Specializing in Substance Use Disorder Law, is currently the Director of Public Policy for the Hanley Foundation. Horton also has dual degrees including a juris doctor from Ole Miss and founded a non-profit, Southern Recovery Advocacy in Oxford, Mississippi. His work has been recognized nationally and internationally. Sources: Thank you Hazelden Betty Ford Center and Bloomberg Law; https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/education/bcr/addiction-research/health-care-professionals-substance-abuse-ru-615 https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/lawyers-grapple-with-substance-abuse-more-than-other-professionals-study/ https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3024937 Copyright: Florida Opioid Litigation Attorney Joshua Horton and Rene Perras. No entity will reproduce any part of this story without prior permission from the respective authors. If the storys information is shared using social media, RSS and other aggregation methods, full credits will be given with a hyperlink back to the source url. https://reneperras.com/opioid-addiction-lawyer-examines-why-substance-use-disorder-victims-are-denied-justice-and-treatment_13933.html Source: Rene Perras Legal Advisory Release ID: 13933 It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print Fort Bend ISDs multi-faceted plan to re-open schools, which includes delaying in-person instruction until Oct. 9, drew mixed reviews from parents who shared their concerns via emails to trustees, on social media and during public comments made at a virtual school board meeting held Wednesday (Sept. 2). The public response to not-yet-announced plans came after unreleased information surfaced Monday on Facebook alerting parents to issues such as potential large scale classroom and teacher re-assignments, potential last-minute re-zoning, issues related to teacher shortages and a proposed four-week delay before schools would open for optional face-to-face learning. Related: Fort Bend ISD readies new COVID-19 management plan Superintendent Charles Dupre told trustees the noisy reaction was caused by members of a district-led focus group invited to preview the proposed plans, who later took to social media to campaign against certain aspects, setting off alarms within the districts large online parent community. That action caused a great deal of alarm and concern in the community, Dupre said, And, I regret that and Im sorry that happened because we really want to be able to use (focus group input) in a healthy way to inform our decisions. Dupre also told trustees extra time was needed to establish new campus health and safety protocols and recommended delaying re-opening schools until October. The proposed delay drew criticism during public comments from parent Kristin Edwards who questioned why safety protocols hadnt been created during the six-month period since schools closed last March. I think the extension request to allow adequate time for transition, I dont buy that. This shouldve been planned over the last six months, Edwards said. Online learning had turned out to be challenging for Edwards two elementary-age children and had also delivered a punch to the family budget as the dual-income couple were now paying a babysitter $1,500 a month to help with virtual learning sessions and homework, This is $1,500 a month on top of the property taxes we pay to fund our childrens public education, she said, adding that online learning is often not considered effective for younger children like Edwards son, a first-grader who has difficulty sitting in front of a computer for hours every day. I think the district has lost sight that we, the parents, pay taxes to fund our school systems and that administration should be more responsive to the needs of parents, she said. On HoustonChronicle.com: Some Texas teachers are getting the biggest pay hikes of their careers. Heres how. Per TEA guidelines, Fort Bend ISD and other districts were allowed to postpone re-opening campuses for the first four weeks with an optional four-week extension that stipulates districts must begin a phased-in approach to re-opening schools during the final extension period. Student Angel Albus, a junior attending virtual classes at Ridge Point High School, questioned why Fort Bend ISD officials were still in the planning phase more than six months after schools closed last March and urged trustees to reject the proposed delay. We have no idea how detrimental the impacts of these interruptions to face-to-face learning will be, only time will tell. But, with proper safety measures in place, I am confident that Fort Bend ISD can go back to in-person learning, just like Katy ISD and other surroundings districts that have re-opened or soon will as well. FBISD has had approximately six months to prepare. The time is now, Albus said. Parent David Lineman, who came representing a group of more than 300 families eager for students to return to in-person learning, praised administrators commitment to re-opening schools but remained critical of trustees.. On the downside, one of the main issues coming into this meeting was that parents do not feel they are not being heard. I thought tonight was a major disappointment. I would give you guys a D at best, he said. What we saw was actually a great plan but it seems like it was rubber-stamped already. I dont know why you couldnt present this and then have a few days to give parents a chance to offer feedback. Breaking News: Get email alerts from Chron.com sent directly to your inbox Fort Bend ISD students started their virtual classes on Aug. 17 with plans to remain online for the first four weeks of schools as allowed by TEA rules. Fort Bend ISD currently provides face-to-face instruction to 899 special education students and offers support to more than 1,000 students in online classes via the districts campus based learning centers. Glenda McCall, president of Fort Bend Federation of Teachers, told trustees that teachers were coming to her because they didnt feel safe to return to the classroom and voiced concerns that safety protocols were not being enforced on some campuses, including those hosting special needs classrooms where teachers also complained they were being bullied for insisting on wearing PPE. Other teachers shared concerns school officials were providing minimal or insufficient PPE. Safety protocols must be enforced or they are useless, McCall said, adding that asking staff to sign a waiver of liability when district officials cant guarantee their safety was inappropriate. Parents and many teachers were also concerned the online attendance process was arduous and time consuming, often requiring teachers to be available to monitor online student attendance 12 to 15 hours a day. And, all of this extra work deserves a pay increase, McCall said, asking why other nearby districts had provided teachers with a raise this year while Fort Bend ISD had opted for a more conservative budget proposal that didnt include salary increases or even the customary annual step increase for teachers, describing the pace and working conditions for teachers as unsustainable that had already led to teacher resignations. It has been about two weeks and many teachers are quitting or contemplating quitting. They are coming to me in tears. It is just too much. Teachers want to return to the classroom but they want to be assured that they and their students will be safe, she said. They are not machines. They should be treated with respect and should be allowed to teach. Later in the meeting during discussions over the proposed TEA waiver needed to delay re-opening schools, trustee Jim Rice questioned the efficiency of the districts summer-long planning process Having listened to many of the speakers, Im in agreement that weve known this day was going to come since we first shut down in March and we shouldve been better prepared to return to school sooner than this, Rice said and urged administrators to plan ahead for a second wave of infections that has drawn concerns from many health experts, including the districts COVID-19 health and advisory committee chair, Dr. Joe Anzaldua. I do hope the district is planning ahead what our steps will be for the second wave before October or November, Rice said. But, if this is the new normal, I think we need to be prepared for it. I feel were playing catch up and we shouldnt be doing that. Trustee Addie Heyliger also questioned the logic of furthers delays. Dupre paused and took a drink of water before answering, seemingly shaken by trustees questions. Ive got to be honest as Im sure you can hear Im disappointed by comments that have been made just now, because It basically deflates all of staffs efforts since last March to get us where we are today and to imply that were behind or in any way that weve not done a good job, he said, going on to respond to those who questioned if Fort Bend ISD was lagging behind other districts where students already had the option to return to in-person instruction. classrooms to in-person learning. Its easy to look at what other districts have done, and because theyre doing something differently or are ahead of us, it may appear theyve done something better when the reality is the quality of the student experience in many cases is inferior to what our students are experiencing in Fort Bend and the long range outcome for the students in our district with be, in my view, far superior to students in other districts, Dupre said. Fort Bend ISD teachers are scheduled to return to their campuses on September 23 to prepare their classrooms. Students will begin transitioning back to in-person learning via a phased-in approach beginning Sept 28. Once schools re-open, parents and students can opt to remain with virtual classes or register to return to the classroom. Registration for the upcoming online and on-campus enrollment begins September 9 and closes Sept 13 as parents will be asked to commit to either of the two options for the next semester grading period. In a video posted to the district website Thursday (Sept 3), Dupre again outlined details of the districts plans to re-open schools. To be fully transparent, I need to share some important information about our upcoming transition, because this is not a simple task and it will impact all students and staff in some way, Dupre said. During the implementation of face-to-face, we will do everything we can to help students have the best face to face and online learning experience possible, but things will not be returning to normal due to social distancing and other health and safety practices that will be required. I also want parents and staff to understand that we are moving from one education system - 100% virtual - to two education systems - face to face and online. This transition will require the development of new schedules and classroom assignments. Therefore, it is likely your student will experience a teacher change and a new schedule, regardless of the model you choose, Dupre told parents and students. We understand the importance of the teacher/student relationship, and we do not take these changes lightly. But we must reset the system to run two concurrent learning models. The new schedules will be designed to avoid future disruption if we have to quickly shift from face to face to online learning due to a positive case or outbreak in a classroom or at a school. Dupre also addressed concerns that social distancing guidelines may mean some students will be re-zoned to a different campus. We shared this possibility to be fully transparent because social distancing could, in some rare cases, cause us to move some classes to a nearby building. We do not expect to enact this solution unless it is absolutely necessary and, even then, only after we have exhausted other solutions. If this is the case, we will communicate with these families in advance, as we know this could impact their decision on whether to proceed with face to face instruction, Dupre said. This is not an easy situation for any of us there is no simple solution, but we are doing our best to navigate through all of the uncertainty while supporting the needs of our students, staff and families. As Ive said before if there was an easy solution that is what we would be doing. He said. We know and recognize that our parents and staff members have many questions about what face to face learning will be like in Fort Bend ISD, and I hope that you will visit the Fort Bend ISD website to learn more about the plans in place. For more information about Fort Bend ISDs plans to re-open schools, visit www.fortbendisd.com/relaunch knix@hcnonline.com Colleges have been starting off their new school year just as school districts have, and many of the northwest college campuses are making accommodations to continuing providing education to their students. Four colleges met with the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce to discuss their reopening plans and how they have adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic Lone Star College-University Park, Our Lady of the Lake Universitys Houston campus in Greenspoint, Prairie View A&Ms northwest Houston campus and University of Houston-Downtowns northwest Houston campus. Back to school amid the pandemic: Spring ISD kicks off new school year virtually Our colleges, like our K-12 schools, are of course experiencing many of the same challenges, some a little bit different, with regards to being able to deliver quality education in this pandemic environment, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce President Bobby Lieb said. Also, like ISDs, they have been very innovative in the programs and pivoting what theyve been doing to roll these programs out in order to draw as many students into school as possible. Shah Ardalan, Lone Star College-University Park president, said things have changed but that the school is committed to safety and quality right now. On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas A&M President Michael Young to retire, join university faculty COVID is just a pandemicits only one of the challenges college students are facing, Ardalan said. The college recently bought millions of dollars worth of personal protective equipment and took all their classes online so students can continue their education from home. For online classes, Ardalan said they offer both live classes as well as traditional online courses where students can work on their own time. But he said they are preparing to open some buildings and are following steps to prepare buildings to be opened like deep cleaning facilities. I know online is scary to a lot of people, but online is not new to us, Ardalan said. We have been at it many years. We offer 30 fully online programs. Elections: 2 contested seats top Lone Star College election slate for November Melinda Kirtley, director of Our Lady of the Lake Universitys Houston campus, said they have been taking preventative measures to limit the impact of COVID-19 by increasing their cleaning effortsusing hospital-grade disinfectants, adding mounted hand sanitizer units, limiting the number of people who can use classrooms and meeting rooms at a given time, and providing teachers with face shields. Preventative measures can be very effective mitigators to limit the spread, but only coupled with educational training and personal responsibility for staff, Kirtley said. Staff training covers masks and shields required by students and faculties and encouraging social distancing in the classrooms on campus. Floors on campus are also marked to encourage social distancing. Our housekeepers are very well versed in CDC protocols and have been trained on proper cleaning and disinfecting, Kirtley said. We also make sure there are containers full of disinfectant wipes for students concerned about their immediate environment. Kirtley said their campus isnt traditionally an online school, but they would be offering classes this semester with both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Classes in person are made small enough to keep social distancing in place. Louis Evans, UH-Downtowns executive director of off-campus and online coordination, said they would begin bringing some in-person classes back to class Sept. 8, while providing wipes in every room along with masks and plastic shields for students and faculty. They also reduced the maximum size of their classrooms to follow social distancing protocols. To make professors and advisors more accessible to students, Evans said the school partnered with Navigate, a platform which makes faculty schedules known so students can make appointments and communicate with their professors or advisors over phone or by Zoom. Tyrone Tanner, executive director of PVAMUs northwest Houston Campus, said the campus created a partnership with tutor.com to offer 24/7 academic support to their online students, along with an alert system that allows the school to collaborate with students and faculty. Its so important we move to a remote platform, Tanner said. We have to make sure our students are remaining engaged and the interaction is there and that students are feeling that sense of connectivity. Tanner said they found they need to be in constant communication with students during the pandemic. It feels like weve had to quadruple our communication efforts just to really stay connected with students, Tanner said. After the recession, higher education became the means by which people gained new skills to move forward. Out of the pandemic, I think we are going to have to be that catalyst for change. Higher education is going to be that catalyst for change. paul.wedding@hcnonline.com Islamabad High Court took up the case of appointment of lawyer for Jadhav to hear the review by a Pakistani military court Pakistan directed the federal government to give India 'another opportunity' to appoint a lawyer to represent death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav. (PTI Photo) Islamabad: A high court in Pakistan on Thursday directed the federal government to give India another opportunity to appoint a lawyer to represent death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav as it adjourned hearing for a month. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) took up the case of appointment of lawyer for Jadhav to hear the review of the death sentence given to him by a Pakistani military court. Jadhav, the 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" in April 2017. Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan told the court that to comply with the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Pakistan granted consular access to India, however, it has not replied to Pakistan's offer to appoint a lawyer for him. According to the short order issued after the hearing, Khan told the court that Jadhav was informed about the judgment of the ICJ and his rights under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as well as IHC orders on the appointment of his defence counsel. The Attorney General told the court that he was informed by the officials of the Government of Pakistan that Jadhav has reiterated his earlier stance and has preferred to pursue the remedy of clemency instead of invoking his right under the Ordinance of 2020. Khan told the court that India was duly informed of the proceedings of the court held on August 3, but its response is awaited, according to the order. The court raised questions about the efficacy of the case and judgment if India or Jadhav were not ready to avail the opportunity of review. The court observed that in order to remove any further doubt, India should be given another opportunity to appoint a lawyer. In order to remove any doubt, and to fulfill the requirements of a fair trial, we feel that another opportunity ought to be extended to the Government of India to consider taking appropriate measures so as to ensure effective compliance with the judgment of the International Court... We, therefore, yet again restrain ourselves from proceeding in the matter in hand, according to the order. The court also ordered that to ensure an effective review and reconsideration so as to give effect to the judgment of the ICJ, the Attorney General shall ensure that a copy of this order is provided to Jadhav. The Government of Pakistan shall once again convey the orders passed in this petition to the Government of India to enable the latter to consider taking appropriate measures in order to ensure compliance with the judgment of the International Court, it said. The court adjourned hearing and directed the Registrar to fix the proceedings at 02:00 PM on October 6. Reacting to the court's order, Foreign Office spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said at the weekly press conference that Pakistan remains fully committed to the implementation of the ICJ judgment. India should still come forward and arrange a legal representative for Commander Jadhav for an effective review and reconsideration. The Islamabad High Court today again provided India another opportunity. There are three ways to ensure implementation; first, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav himself files a review and reconsideration petition; second, the Government of India does so on his behalf; and thirdly, that the Government of Pakistan arranges legal representation for Commander Jadhav, Chaudhri said. On August 4, the IHC named three senior lawyers as amici curiae in the case of Jadhav as it had ordered the Pakistan government to give "another chance" to India to appoint a counsel for the death-row prisoner. Amicus Curiae is a lawyer appointed by a court to assist in any matter or case. On July 16, Pakistan provided consular access to Jadhav, but the Indian government said the access was "neither meaningful nor credible" and he appeared visibly under stress. The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan is not only in violation of the judgment of ICJ, but also of its own ordinance. Pakistan has introduced a special law to allow Jadhav to get his sentence reviewed as asked by the ICJ. India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July last year that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from the restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Charge relates to rally where Wilders asked crowds if they wanted fewer or more Moroccans in the Netherlands. A Dutch appeals court on Friday upheld far-right leader Geert Wilderss conviction for collectively insulting Moroccan people, but struck down another charge of inciting discrimination. The court also imposed no punishment over the charge, which relates to a 2014 political rally where Wilders asked supporters if they wanted fewer or more Moroccans in the Netherlands and the crowd chanted, Fewer! Fewer! In a case being closely watched ahead of elections next year, the peroxide-blonde leader of the anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV) had earlier dismissed the case as a political trial and framed it as debate about free speech. The court considers it proven that Mr Wilders is guilty of group insult on March 19, 2014. The court will not impose any punishment or measure on him for this, judge JM Reinking said. He is acquitted of the other facts. Wilders, who had previously been convicted in a trial in 2016 of group insult and inciting discrimination, said he would appeal against the latest judgement. His party is the second largest in the Dutch parliament after the Liberal VVD party of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The anti-Islam leader said on Twitter in advance of the verdict that it would decide if the Netherlands had become a corrupt banana-republic where the leader of the opposition is sentenced in a political trial. He also complained that the judgement was being handed down at a heavily secured court near Schiphol airport while Moroccans who set our cities on fire usually get away with it and never see the inside of a court. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5) Workers in the live events industry in the country are entitled to a financial assistance once the Bayanihan to Recover as One Bill or Bayanihan 2 is passed into law, a group of Filipino live events industry workers said. Writer and director Dennis Marasigan, member of the National Live Events Coalition PH, thanked the lawmakers for including their sector in those that will be given aid by the government. The Bayanihan 2 fund already has provisions for freelancers and a lot of the workers in the live events industry are freelancers so at least they will be able to get some assistance from the Bayanihan 2 package. Theres some assistance that is available also to small and medium scale industries also in the law, Marasigan told CNN Philippines Rico Hizon on Friday. Marasigan shared they are in talks with other government agencies to provide more financial aid to around 402,000 live events industry workers in the country. Among those government entities they are in negotiations with are the Department of Labor and Employment, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Department of Trade and Industry. Were fighting because the live events industry is really widespread, added Marasigan. Shakira Villa Symes, also a member of National Live Events Coalition PH, said that more than 40,000 businesses in the industry are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, some of which will not open anymore. The sectors contribution to the national economy is pegged at around 221 billion, she added. The Philippine live events industry is composed of theater and the performing arts, corporate shows, activations, concerts, fashion shows, music festivals, freelance production workers, and technical service providers. Sad to say, it was the first to close due to the pandemic and the last to restart, Symes said. Symes ensured they are minding the safety of the live events industry workers as they crafted protocols in multi-platform and virtual events, which account to 20 percent of the live events industry in the country that are keeping afloat amid the pandemic. The mindset has been we have to live with the virus around. We have to live with it. So we have to produce our shows in the safest way possible, she said. A Reading woman pleaded guilty to child exploitation and pornography offenses in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced Thursday. Melissa Madera, 27, who entered her plea before Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr., had been charged with two counts of sex trafficking minors and one count each of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography in August 2019. No date has been set for her sentencing. According to the U.S. attorneys office: The charges stemmed from Maderas sex trafficking of 15- and 17-year-old girls, both minors, in Berks County hotels from about August until October 2017. Madera forced the girls to engage in commercial sex for her own financial gain, and also plied them with drugs like Ecstasy and cocaine to ensure their compliance. Sometimes the girls would not make it to school the following day because they had been given so many drugs the previous night. Madera also obtained a sexually explicit image of one of the girls and used it in a commercial sex trafficking website, advertising the minor for commercial sex acts using locations in Reading. Madera would rent two rooms at a hotel. One was used for the commercial sex acts, and Madera would stay in the other after meeting the sex buyers and charging a fee of $200 per hour. After the 15-year-olds mother reported her missing to the Reading police department in October 2017, Madera confronted the girl and assaulted her, stating This is what you get for being a rat. Sex trafficking is a serious problem in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and we are committed to rooting it out, McSwain said. Here, Madera advertised children like objects to be sold online and gave them drugs so that they werent in their right minds. This is a parents worst nightmare. Michael J. Driscoll, special agent in charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division, said predators come in many different forms. Make no mistake, Melissa Madera fits that bill, Driscoll said. She has now admitted to selling minors for sex, drugging them to maintain control of their minds and bodies. Driscoll said such treatment does serious lasting harm, and noted the FBI is committed to finding and freeing trafficking victims and holding their tormentors accountable. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Stephan. A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Foreign Shipping Traffic 2021, November Published: 4 September 2020 Sea transport decreased in July The goods volume of foreign sea transport was in total 7.6 million tonnes in July 2020. Sea transport decreased by 13 per cent from last year's July. Exports decreased by 15 per cent and were 3.8 million tonnes. Import volume decreased by 10 per cent and amounted to 3.7 million tonnes. Foreign sea Transport by month (tonnes) in 2018 to 2020 General cargo was transported most, in total 1.3 million tonnes, which is 17 per cent of all transport. The second most transported was oil products, 1.0 million tonnes, and crude oil, 0.9 million tonnes. Container transport A total of 1.0 million tonnes of containers were transported through Finnish ports in July 2020, which is 13 per cent less than in July 2019. The number of containers transported was 69,036 (122,507 TEU containers) 1) . Exports of containers went down by 14 per cent measured in tonnes and imports went down by nine per cent to July 2019. Vehicle transport A total of 290,633 transport equipment were transported in foreign sea traffic in July 2020. Most transports of transport equipment were passenger cars belonging to passengers. In July, 201,638 passenger cars were transported. The second most transported were trucks, 53,928 and truck trailers, 31,920. Passenger traffic A total of 1,024,175 persons were transported in passenger traffic in July 2020. In all, 727,822 persons travelled between Finland and Estonia and 221,311 persons between Finland and Sweden. Altogether, 61,302 passengers were transported between Finland and Latvia and 13,673 passengers between Finland and Germany. Passengers made up only 37 per cent of the number of passengers in July 2019. In July 2020, no passengers of foreign cruise ships arrived in Finland. Vessel traffic and goods volume in the Saimaa Canal A total of 163,981 tons of transport were registered through the canal in foreign traffic. Timber was transported most in vessels in foreign traffic, in total 91,924 tonnes. The second most transported was crude minerals and cement. 1) TEU, the basic measurement unit of container traffic, refers to one container that is twenty feet long, eight feet wide and 8.5 feet high. Source: Transport and tourism, Statistics Finland Inquiries: Matti Kokkonen 029 551 3770, Sami Lahtinen 029 551 3207, matti.kokkonen@tilastokeskus.fi Director in charge: Hannele Orjala Publication in pdf-format (167.6 kB) Updated 04.09.2020 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Foreign Shipping Traffic [e-publication]. ISSN=2670-2002. July 2020. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 21.1.2022]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/uvliik/2020/07/uvliik_2020_07_2020-09-04_tie_001_en.html Students at Greenwich Catholic School returned to their classrooms on Wednesday for their first day of in-person instruction since the COVID-19 pandemic began back in March. Greenwich Catholic School, which offers instruction from prekindergarten through eighth grade, is set up for in-classroom instruction five days per week for all grades in the new scholastic year. Like other schools in the region, Greenwich Catholic renovated and adapted its facilities to ensure the safety of public health, with masks required, temperature checks upon arrival, desks spread six feet apart and social distancing in the hallways. The parochial school on North Street capped its enrollment at 360 students, and did not raise the number for the new school year even as it reported a surge of hundreds more applications than usual this year, said Marissa Cortese, director of admissions at Greenwich Catholic School. The private school, which is operated by the Diocese of Bridgeport, has also become more attractive to families in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y., she said. The school's small class size, of about 17 students per class, has been an especially attractive feature for local families, she said. "We want to keep our class sizes small; we're admitting a limited number of students," said Cortese. "Small class sizes, we're hearing that makes a big difference, when you're thinking about social distancing and space. That's been very appealing for parents coming over from public." Quad Countries Could Formalise an Arc of Democracy in Indo-Pacific Australia, America, Japan, and India could formalise their quadrilateral strategic security ties at an in-person ministerial meeting in Delhi in the coming weeks. Attending an online seminar at the annual U.S.India Strategic Partnership Forum on Aug. 31, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. State Department Stephen Biegun said the Indo-Pacific was lacking strong multilateral structures. It is a reality that the Indo-Pacific region is actually lacking in strong multilateral structures. They dont have anything of the fortitude of NATO or the European Union, he said. The strongest institutions in Asia oftentimes are not inclusive enough, and so there is certainly an invitation there at some point to formalise a structure like this. The move, which in part is intended to counter communist Chinas ambition in the Indo-Pacific region, also will play the role of allowing sustained regular communication between countries with shared interests and values, Biegun noted. Known colloquially as the Quad, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) was first formed in 2007 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It has since met on a semi-regular basis to discuss regional economic issues and hold joint military drills like the Malabar Exercises in India. Her Majestys Australian Ship Stuart sails in company with the Republic of Singapore Ship Supreme and Kapal Diraja Brunei (Royal Brunei Ship) Daruleshan through the Pacific Ocean as they prepare to take part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2020 on Aug. 17, 2020 (Australian Department of Defence) Predominantly an informal strategic forum for the four liberal democracies over the past 13 years, Abes goal of establishing the dialogue was to create an Asian arc of democracyone that could be extended to include virtually all countries that sit on the periphery of China, including the states in Central Asia, Mongolia, the Korean peninsula, and other countries in Southeast Asia. Reenergised in 2017 by the Trump administration, Biegun said America views the Quad as a way to create a critical mass around the shared values and interests of those parties in a manner that attracts more countries in the Indo-Pacific, and even from around the world, to be working in a common cause or even ultimately to align in a more structured manner with them. Rand senior defence analyst Derek Grossman noted in July: For the first time in the Quads history, the stars are aligning for a harder line on China, and the implications going forward could be significant. The Quad now has a concrete resolve to deter China, as all members have recently been on the receiving end of Beijings wolf warrior diplomacy, Grossman believes. But he noted that the recent strengthening of the QUAD would be viewed unfavourably by Beijing as the regime sees the Quad as a military alliance meant to contain and threaten China. Previously, China has placed pressure on Australia not to join with India and the United States, resulting in what some argue was Australias withdrawal from the Quad under former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. However, after Chinas recent maneuvers of diplomatic coercion, Australia under the Morrison Coalition government has pivoted its foreign policy towards defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, investing A$270 billion ($196 billion) in a strategic update for Australias defence forces. It also signed a strategic partnership with India. At the launch of the Defence Force strategic update in July, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: We must be alert to the full range of current and future threats, including ones in which Australias sovereignty and security may be tested. The expected meeting in late September will be the first for the Quad members since November 2019. At the time, Australias foreign ministry released a statement saying that Quad countries were committed to continuing economic and security coordination to support regional stability and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific. They also agreed to enhance practical regional cooperation in fields such as maritime, counter-terrorism, cyber, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. There have been media reports that the LJP was unhappy over the return of the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular into the National Democratic Alliance fold and contempleting fielding candidates against JD-U nominees. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular on Friday reignited its rivalry with the Lok Janshakti Party, warning it will field candidates against LJP if Ram Vilas Paswan's party puts up nominees to take on the Janata Dal-United in the Bihar assembly polls, reflecting the unease in the state's ruling alliance. The LJP, founded by Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, is a Bharatiay Janata Party ally but not part of the JDU-BJP coalition government in the state where assembly elections are due in October-November. The party, now helmed by Paswan's MP son Chirag, has often been critical of the Nitish Kumar government over a variety of issues ranging from alleged corruption in the public distribution system, to road construction and violation of prohibition laws. There have been media reports that the LJP was unhappy over the return of the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular into the National Democratic Alliance fold and contempleting fielding candidates against JD-U nominees. Dalits, who roughly constitute around 16 per cent of the state's voters, form the bedrock of support of both the LJP and the HAM-S, and some amount of jostling between the two parties for greater share in the electoral pie appeared inevitable after Manjhi's return. "It doesn't matter who is happy or unhappy (over HAM's return). We have come here to strengthen the hands of Nitish Kumar and not for tickets to contest elections. We will be forced to open our mouth if Chirag Paswan continues to issue threats like he will put up candidates against JD-U nominees. If that happenns, we too will field our candidates against LJP," HAM-S spokesperson Danish Rizwan said. The LJP's state parliamentary board is meeting on September 7 and there are indications that it would discuss the issue of "friendly contests" with the JD-U. Chirag Paswan has often voiced unhappiness over the functioning of the Nitish Kumar governent and said his alliance is with the BJP. When there were murmurs in the BJP with a section wanting someone from the party to replace Kumar as the next chief ministerial face, before the then saffron party chief Amit Shah quietened them with his statement declaring the NDA will go to the hustings under the JD-U leader, Chirag Paswan had said it will go by the BJP's decision. It is learnt that Kumar and Chirag Paswan have not spoken to each other in a long time. Notwithstanding the LJP president's strained relations with the JD-U and the HAM-S, the BJP is happy about Manjhi's return to the NDA. "It is now clear that in the assembly elections there will be only two habitually corrupt and traditionally dynastic parties against the NDA. This will help people decide who will pursue development with justice and whose intention will be to get land parcels registered in their name in return for favours," deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted in Hindi. He was referring to alleged transfer of huge tracts of land to the family of Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad in return for favours when he was the railway minister. Lalu's son and leader of the opposition in the state assembly Tejashwi Yadav is also an accused in the case being probed by the CBI. "After Jitan Ram Manjhi left them, the opposition has become just Political Corruption Forum (PCF) of the RJD-Congress. It's now a hoax to call it a grand alliance," Modi said in a series of tweets in hindi. JD-U leader and Information and public relations minister Neeraj Kumar also welcomed Manjhi to the NDA fold, saying it was in the state's interest and result in the RJD-led alliance getting wiped out in the assambly polls. The RJD had drawn a blank in the last Lok Sabha elections. With Dalits constituting a significant chunk of the electorate, Manjhi has often clashed with Paswan's party. The two had bickered even before the 2014 general elections for a larger share of tickets. Manjhi was then a part of the NDA and the JD(U) a constituent of the grand alliance. The HAM-S has support among 'Mushar' voters. They are a 'Mahadalit' community, which has a substantial population in the state where 'Paswans' are numerically the most influential among a plethora of Dalit castes. The LJP believes Kumar wooed back Manjhi to counterbalance Paswan's party. The BJP has so far kept itself away from the feud, and insisted the alliance will contest the polls as a cohesive unit. Kumar had facilitated the rise of Manjhi to the chief ministerial chair in 2014 after the JD-U's drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls, taking responsibility for the defeat. Later, when Kumar wanted his chair back, Manjhi dug in his heels and refused to quit. After initial reluctance, he was forced to step down. He later formed HAM-S and became part of thhe NDA, while Nitish Kumar joined hands with the RJD and the Congress to float a grand alliance. When Kumar returned to the NDA in 2017, Manjhi walked over to the grand alliance. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aditya Kalra and Abhirup Roy (Reuters) New Delhi/Mumbai Fri, September 4, 2020 20:02 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42c9800 2 Entertainment Bad-Boy-Billionaires,Netflix,India,Court Free The release of a Netflix series on four Indian tycoons facing fraud allegations has been put on hold following a state court order, two sources said on Thursday, in the latest legal tussle faced by the US streaming giant in a key market. The Bad Boy Billionaires: India documentary series about liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, Subrata Roy of the Sahara group, founder and former head of Satyam Computer Services Ramalinga Raju and jeweller Nirav Modi was set for release this week. The Araria district court in eastern Bihar state last week ordered a stay on its release after the Sahara group argued it would damage Roy's reputation, according to a copy of the order which is not public but was seen by Reuters on Thursday. The court order said the series "would certainly damage the reputation of the head of the Sahara family". Roy is currently on bail in a case where he has been ordered to repay billions of dollars to investors of a scheme run by Sahara which was found to be illegal. Netflix had sought to appeal against the directive in the Supreme Court but was directed by judges on Wednesday to approach a higher state court first, the two sources with knowledge of the matter said. "Netflix is currently deliberating what to do the show's release is absolutely on hold," said one of the sources. Read also: Netflix show on Indian matchmaker stokes debate on wedding culture Netflix declined to comment. The company counts India as a key growth market but its shows there have faced court cases and police complaints for obscenity or for hurting sentiments. On Thursday, Netflix's website did not show a trailer or episodes of Bad Boy Billionaires, but described it as an "investigative docuseries (which) explores the greed, fraud and corruption that built up - and ultimately brought down - India's most infamous tycoons". Raju, who was accused of a $1 billion accounting fraud more than a decade ago, has also secured an order from another state's court against the show's release, the sources said. Modi is facing extradition attempts by India after his arrest in London last year for alleged involvement in a $2 billion bank fraud, while Mallya too is in Britain fighting India's extradition bid for alleged fraud at his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines. It was not clear if Modi or Mallya have filed petitions against the release of the series. Islamabad, Sep 4 : Pakistan's attempt to get two Indian nationals on the the UN Security Council's (UNSC) terrorist list through a proposal, was blocked by top member countries including the US, France, the UK, Germany and Belgium, leaving Islamabad's efforts hollow. Pakistan's Foreign Ofice expressed its regret over the decision of the UNSC, insisting the need to de-politiciaation of the UN sanction regime. "Pakistan has always stressed the need for de-politicization of the transparency in the UN sanctions regime for its effectiveness and credibility," said Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri. "These Indian nationals are wanted criminals in Pakistan for their involvement in many high-profile terrorist attacks and are currently residing in India under state protection," he added. Pakistan had proposed designation of two Indian nationals Gobinda Patnaik and Angara Appaji, be designated under the UNSC's Islamic State of Iraq and Levant and Al Qaeda Sanctions List in 2019. However, Islamabad's proposals was blocked by the five countries under the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee with the reason that enough evidence was not provided against the Indian nationals by Pakistan. But Pakistan believes that it provided enough evidence to enlist these individuals as designated terrorists. "Pakistan had provided sufficient evidence to the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee including information about financial support, travel record and training camps established by this Indian terrorism syndicate to foment terrorism and instability in Pakistan," Chaudhri said. "Pakistan would continue to expose Indian sponsorship of terrorists entities such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Jamat-ul-Ahrar and others." Pakistan also took the opportunity to remind the UN of what it claimed as clear violations of the the world body's Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Code of Conduct of Law Enforcement Officials, by the government of India in relation to the ongoing tense situation in Jammu and Kashmir. "No illegal Acts, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA), can provide a legal cover to a crime recognized as such by international law," said Foreign Office spokesman. "Pakistan and the people of Kashmir reject Indian attempts to impose illegal and unilateral decisions in Illegal Indian Occupation in Jammu and Kashmir against the wishes of the majority. "The international community must take cognizance of the series of illegal Indian decisions and actions taken since August 5, 2019 and act in support of the human rights of the Kashmiri people," he added. KANE COUNTY, IL When you look around Kane County, its easy to see the effects the coronavirus has had on our way of life. Whats less visible is the number of people who are now worrying about having enough to eat. Feeding America, the nations largest hunger relief organization, says coronavirus-related economic crises could push the number of food insecure Americans to 54 million by years end. Thats 17 million more Americans than who were food insecure before the pandemic. For some, its a matter of running short on grocery money before the week is out and eating a lot of boxed pasta and rice dishes. For others, food insecurity means real hunger. In Kane County, about 37,750 people, or about 7 percent of the county's population, were considered food insecure before the pandemic, according to Feeding Americas Map the Meal Gap interactive study. Job loss and other economic crises associated with the coronavirus could push the rate of food insecurity in Kane County to 12.2 percent by the end of the year. Feeding America, whose 200 member food banks include the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, reports both higher demand for services and more need for volunteer and donor support. In Kane County, the following pantries are run by religious organizations, nonprofits and local township governments. Many are operating with adjusted hours and services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so be sure to call ahead to confirm policies and availability. Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry 834 N. Highland Ave., Aurora 630-897-5431 Fox Valley Hispanic SDA Pantry 505 E. New York St., Aurora 630-898-0410 Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry 1110 Jericho Road, Aurora 630-897-2127 Between Friends Food Pantry 52 Wheeler Road, Sugar Grove 630-991-3138 Holy Angels Pantry 204 S. Russell Ave., Aurora 630-897-2478 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Soup Kettle 330 S. Griswold, Elgin 847-888-2882 Community Crisis Center 37 S. Geneva St., Elgin 847-697-2380 Story continues All Peoples Interfaith Food Pantry 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin 847-741-2329 Salvation Army - Aurora 437 E. Galena Boulevard, Aurora 630-897-7265 Salvation Army - St. Charles 1710 S. 7th Ave., St. Charles 630-377-2769 St. Peter Food Pantry 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva 630-232-0124 Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry 100 Flinn St., Batavia 630-879-3784 Shepherds Heart Food Pantry 2300 South St., Geneva 630-232-7068 South Elgin Food Pantry 400 W. Spring St., South Elgin 847-931-0563 Two Rivers Head Start Aurora 1661 Landmark Road, Aurora 630-264-1444 RELATED: Millions Made Hungry During Pandemic Could Include Your Neighbor Food insecurity is often thought of as a poor peoples problem, but not all people living in poverty are food insecure, and not all food insecure people live in poverty. Food insecurity is a complex issue sandwiched in with other systemic challenges, including poverty, low wages, affordable housing shortages, chronic and acute health problems, high medical costs and social isolation. Our members are reporting that many of the people theyre serving have never sought food assistance before, Kathryn Strickland, Feeding Americas chief network officer, told Patch. Some people are reporting that people who formerly donated to food banks are now seeking assistance. Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you. This article originally appeared on the Geneva Patch Peace and security in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) region demands a climate of trust, non-aggression, respect for international rules and peaceful resolution of differences, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, seen as an indirect message to China which is engaged in a festering border row with India in eastern Ladakh. IMAGE: Rajnath Singh attends the Joint Meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO, CIS and CSTO members in Moscow. Photograph: Kind courtesy @rajnathsingh/Twitter In his address at a ministerial meeting of the SCO in Moscow in the Russian capital, Singh also referred to the Second World War and said its memories teach the globe the 'follies of aggression' of one state upon another that brings 'destruction' to all. Both India and China are members of the SCO, an eight-nation regional grouping which primarily focuses on issues relating to security and defence. "Peaceful stable and secure region of SCO member states -- which is home to over 40 per cent of the global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other's interest and peaceful resolution of differences," Singh said. He made the comments in the presence of Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh for four months. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days back. "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War as well as the formation of the United Nations which underpins a peaceful world, where international laws and sovereignty of states are respected and states refrain from unilateral aggression on another," he said. The defence minister also talked about threat of terrorism and extremism and pitched for having institutional capacity to deal with the challenges. He said India 'unequivocally' condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, and condemns its 'proponents', adding New Delhi values the works of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS). "We laud recent work of RATS in the cyber domain to prevent the spread of radicalism and extremism. The adoption of anti-terror measures by the SCO Council to counter extremist propaganda and de-radicalisation is a significant decision," he added. In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states, Singh said India was committed to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be 'open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws'. He also expressed deep concern over the situation in the Persian Gulf region. "India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all States in the Gulf. We call upon countries in the region, all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other," he said. Referring to developments in Afghanistan, Singh said the security situation in the country remained a matter of concern. "India will continue to support the efforts of the people and Government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process. "The SCO contact group on Afghanistan is useful for exchanging notes among SCO member states," he said. India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country. Singh also thanked Russia for organising the annual anti-terror exercise 'Peace Mission', which he said contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among defence forces. Talking about the coronavirus pandemic, he said it reminded the world that mankind must forget differences to prevent and mitigate higher forces of nature. "We applaud Russian scientists and health workers for spearheading the Sputnik V vaccine," he said. The Russian government has reached out to India seeking a collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial in the country. However, there has been scepticism in some quarters about limited data related to the efficacy of the Russian vaccine. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 02:07:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran Navy's destroyers will be equipped with vertical-launch cruise missiles, an official in Iran's Defense Ministry announced on Thursday. Amir Rastegari, the chief of Marine Industries Organization of Iran Army, highlighted Iran's progress in manufacturing destroyers and submarines, saying that Iran Navy plans to mount long-range vertical-launch cruise missiles on the destroyers, according to Tasnim news agency. He also announced the country's readiness to export various types of military equipment to other countries. Abolfazl Sepehri Rad, the lieutenant commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, said Tuesday Iran had received purchase requests for indigenous air defense equipment from some friendly countries. Iranian officials have stressed that the U.S. sanctions on Iran have not been able to hinder the development of the country's defense programs. Enditem Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) speaks alongside Brazilian Economy Minister Paulo Guedes (L), deputies and senators during a statement on financial aid for vulnerable Brazilians amid the COVID-19 pandemic, at Planalto Palace, in Brasilia Brazil topped four million Covid-19 cases on Thursday as health ministry officials said infections were beginning to slow in the world's second worst-hit country. Since the first case came to light on February 26, the South American colossus has registered more than 4.04 million infections and over 124,600 deaths, second only to the United States. There were almost 44,000 new cases over the previous 24 hours, and 834 fatalities. The health ministry said the number of infections were slightly reducing in recent days, amid hopes that the pandemic had peaked following months when the daily average of deaths was over 1,000. Since the end of August, Brazil has averaged around 870 Covid-19 fatalities with 40,000 new infections a day. But independent medical specialists urged caution. "This is the beginning of what we hope is in fact an improving trend," said Mauricio Sanchez, an epidemiologist at Brasilia University. However, he warned the trend was "very timid" and said the slowdown in cases should be maintained for two or three weeks to be able to draw any firm conclusions. However, in such a vast, continent-sized country, the national curve could be skewed by what was in effect "27 different epidemics," he said, referring to Brazil's states. Brazil has recorded a death rate of 589 per million inhabitants but there is a huge difference between the figures in the north (746) and the south (309.) Paulo Lotufo, professor of epidemiology at the University of Sao Paulo, said the numbers suggest that Brazil could be on the verge of improvement. "In the last two months, we have seen a curve that mixes regions that are increasing, with others that are decreasing," said Lotufo, pointing to spikes in the south and center-west, while cases were falling in the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as in the north. The experts warned the situation could suddenly worsen again if local and regional governments gave in to pressure from business groups to reopen the economy too soon and if social distancing measures were abandoned. Story continues Last Sunday, the beaches of Rio de Janeiro were crowded with people without masks. - Fears of lost progress - Many Brazilian cities are currently studying how and when to reopen schools. Bars, restaurants, gyms and churches have already reopened, albeit with strict social distancing rules. Sanchez and Lotufo agree that Brazil could have avoided a large number of deaths if it had quickly implemented effective isolation measures and facilitated early access of the poorest to government subsidies. "The most vulnerable people cannot stay at home working in their home office," said Sanchez, who fears that the current signs of improvement will lead local governments and the general public to slacken off and that progress made in recent weeks will be lost. Brazil's containment strategy has been hampered by the lack of a coordinated approach as President Jair Bolsonaro has often argued against measures taken by state governors. Even though he contracted the virus himself, Bolsonaro has continued to encourage his supporters to gather on his official engagements, even shaking hands with some despite not wearing a face mask. He has often repeated his belief that Brazil's economic collapse would be worse than the effects of the virus. He has twice changed his health minister after disagreements over how to tackle the pandemic and Bolsonaro's promotion of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment -- despite scientists warning there is no proof it could be effective. Brazil has suffered a record contraction of its economy, and the loss of nine million jobs. mel/js/rsr/db-bc/mdl Amanda Holden has revealed she's dedicated a song on her solo album to her late son Theo. The Britain's Got Talent judge, 49, will try and conquer the charts with her debut effort Songs From My Heart after signing a reported 1 million record contract, and explained that the song With You is a tribute to her son, who was stillborn in 2011. Amanda announced her album plans after releasing a cover of the ballad Over The Rainbow in May to raise money for NHS charities, which soared to number one in the charts. Exciting: Amanda Holden, 49, has revealed she's dedicated a song on her debut album Songs From My Heart to her late son Theo ahead of its release this month Amanda told The Mirror: 'The last lines of this song are ''You took my life with you, Took my world with you'' and so this is for Theo, our baby who was born sleeping and for Chris who stayed strong when I fell apart. 'It was Chris who told me he always thought of Theo when he heard this song which floored me so it's also his song for Theo. 'It's very emotional to sing this song but I think you get chosen for experiences like that only if you are strong enough to deal with it. And it changes you.' Exciting: The Britain's Got Talent judge will try and conquer the charts with her debut effort after signing a reported 1 million record contract Amanda added that the song With You - which is released this weekend - is also Simon Cowell's favourite song from her album. The mother-of-two was first inspired to record an album after she and her daughters Lexi, 14, and Hollie, eight, recorded a cover of The Greatest Showman hit Tightrope for her husband Chris Hughes to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Amanda also revealed that she collaborated with Sheridan Smith for one of the songs on the album, after signing with Universal to record her first album. Moving: Amanda added that the song With You - which is released this weekend - is also Simon Cowell's favourite song from her album Back in May Amanda topped the charts with a cover of The Wizard of Oz hit Over The Rainbow, which raised thousands for NHS Charities Together. In July Amanda spoke candidly about the devastating moment she learned there was no heartbeat when she was pregnant with her baby son. Speaking on BBC's Dear NHS Superstars special, the star explained that she chose to have a C-section and initially thought she would not be able to hold her baby after he was born. Performer: Amanda announced her album plans after releasing a cover of the ballad Over The Rainbow in May to raise money for NHS charities She said: 'I kept saying, "I can't hold a dead baby." I was absolutely terrified. Just as baby was going to come out my husband Chris had to leave the room, he couldn't bear it. 'Jackie [her midwife] wrapped him up and I said, "Jackie, I can't do it, I can't hold him." Jackie said, "he's absolutely gorgeous, you need to see him." 'That's when I held him even though he was fast asleep. The one thing I remember is his perfectly formed eyebrows, which all my children have.' Amanda became emotional as she remembered the moment and said she and Chris were given 'keepsakes' of Theo to take home with them. If you have been affected by this story, support and advice can be found at Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) Helpline: 0808 164 3332. Welcome to the Reopening, Part 2. As summer sequels go, it may not be as hotly anticipated as the follow-ups to Wonder Woman and Top Gun, but with movie theaters closed, its pretty much all we have right now. And the tagline writes itself: This time with more spacing! The reopening refers, of course, to the governors recent decision to allow dine-in business at restaurants. The first one happened on June 1, when restaurants were granted the right to host diners at 50% capacity. Unfortunately, that move coincided with a steady rise in COVID-19 cases that prompted the governor to reverse her decision about a month and a half later. A stretch of encouraging numbers has allowed the door to be opened again, albeit only slightly. For restaurateurs, the news was a mixed bag. The 25% capacity limit might not be enough to change their fortunes, but its a step in the right direction, and an additional boost in business is likely as the summer heat cools and we finally head into patio dining season. The day before the order went into effect, I ventured out to Chinshan, a highly regarded Chinese restaurant on Wyoming near Indian School. I had decided that if this was to be my last takeout meal for a while, then it should be Chinese. You always get plenty of food, and the flavors in the leftovers have time to mingle in the refrigerator so that you get something that tastes even better the next day. Chinshan means golden mountain in English, a fitting name, considering the restaurants origins in White Rock, the small community perched high over the Rio Grande near Los Alamos. In 2012, it moved to the West Side of Albuquerque, where it stayed until it moved to its current location in 2018. On the menu, General Tsos chicken and other Americanized dishes commingle with Sichuan specialties such as the famously spicy mapo tofu with minced pork. The lunch menu, in effect from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers entrees with soup, an egg roll and fried rice for a few dollars less than the dinner versions. For example, the sesame chicken at lunch costs $7.75, while the larger, dinner portion will set you back $12. The restaurant, in a strip mall opposite a Walmart, has a square, modest-sized dining room decorated with embroidered artwork. About 15 minutes after I called in my order on a recent Saturday, I walked in to see a classic pandemic still life: takeout bags with receipts taped to them lined up on the counter. The staff was friendly and attentive, and my food came out five minutes later. The appetizer menu trots out the usual assortment of pot stickers, egg rolls and the like, or you can get several of the hits as part of a combination platter ($10.99). Shrimp rolls, stretched and straightened and cloaked in a thin wonton wrapper, were the best part of the dish. The wrapper had a delicate crunch, and the briny shrimp matched well with the duck sauce. Crab cheese wontons, wrapped thickly in a star-shaped purse and deep-fried, tasted of cream cheese, with only the faintest suggestion of imitation crabmeat. Fried chicken wings were a pleasant surprise, meaty and with a crisp, well-seasoned coating. Only the dry, almost impenetrable barbecued ribs disappointed. Chinshans lightly sauced kung pao chicken ($11.50) presents as a brightly colored pile of white chicken meat chunks tossed with mushrooms, peanuts and peppers. The marinade sealed moisture inside the chicken and gave it a burnished, chestnut brown finish. I appreciated the quality of the ingredients and the low salt level of the sauce. Most of the heat came from the small, beak-shaped chiles de arbol. Salt and pepper shrimp ($13.50), one of the house specials, consists of a dozen large shell-on shrimp coated in tempura batter and sauteed with onions and jalapenos. Its pretty easy to extract the meat from the shell; alternatively, you can safely eat the shells for some extra crunch. The peppers provide a blazing hot accent to the mild flavor of the shrimp. The chef will cook gluten-free versions of many dishes on request. For us, he made a dish of chicken with snow peas ($11.50) in a thick, savory sauce that had the taste and texture of cooked-down chicken broth. The dish was nicely done, with swatches of white chicken meat, hammered thin, over a copious serving of crisp snow peas, onions, carrots and water chestnuts. It was a simple, unfussy dish, well prepared, with enough left over for the next days lunch. If youre still restricting your restaurant visits to carryout only, Chinshan is a good option. The quality of the food justifies prices that are a bit higher than those of other Chinese restaurants in the area. CHINSHAN 3 stars LOCATION: 2010 Wyoming NE, Suite C, 800-8630, facebook.com/ChinshanRestaurant HOURS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday NO ALCOHOL The Supreme Court has announced that the accounts that were not declared as non-performing assets till August 31, 2020, would not be declared NPA until any further orders. This announcement has come as a relief to stressed individual and commercial borrowers who are facing hardship due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Justice Ashok Bhushan headed the bench while hearing a batch of pleas that have raised the issue of interest being charged on the installments that are deferred during the moratorium period due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The apex court has passed the order and has also noted the submissions of senior advocate Harish Salve, who appeared for the bank's association and stated that no accounts shall become NPA for a minimum of two months. While, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India says that the backbone of the economy, every sector, and every economy is under stress due to the pandemic. The Banks can declare a loan NPA if the principal or interest is not serviced by the borrower for more than 90 days. Post the loan being declared NPA, the banks could resort to recovery processes that include selling the mortgaged property. On the other hand, the borrowers have stated that they have not earned anything through their business during the lockdown, yet they were slashed with interest as well as interest accrued on the deferred installments. Hence, they say once the suspension period ends, post the pandemic condition, they could be saddled with all the deferred installments along with compound interest, and the banks could declare their loans as NPAs. The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (Credai), through senior advocate Kapil Sibal, spoke on behalf of the various sectors narrating their difficulties faced in the pandemic period. He stated that the attempt of both the Centre and the RBI appeared to solely protect the interest of banks and lending institutions. Senior advocate Harish Salve, who appeared for the IBA, which has 247 banks as its members, that includes SBI has assured the court that no loan account would be categorized as NPA for the next two months that is until October 31 irrespective of the repayment default exceeded the 90-day deadline. Stocks to watch today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Friday's trading session based on latest developments. Investors are also awaiting April-June quarter earnings that are scheduled to be released today. Companies set to announce their earnings are Future Retail, Jubilant Life Sciences, Repco Home Financ. Share Market News Live: Sensex drops 100 points, Nifty at 11,520; Hindalco, PowerGrid top losers Banks and financial services: Investors will focus on bank stocks today. The Supreme Court has directed banks not to tag loans that were standard as on 31 August as non-performing even if there was a default, till further orders. FM Sitharaman also asked banks to roll out resolution plans for covid-hit accounts by 15 September. State Bank of India: The lender is likely to raise up to Rs 4,000 crore in perpetual bonds. RIL: Reliance Retail is reportedly in advanced negotiation with American private equity investor Silver Lake to sell 1.7-1.8% stake in the entity for about Rs 7500 crore Tata Motors: Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) will procure 250 electric vehicles from Tata Motors and Hyundai Motor India. Tata Power: Tata Power on Thursday has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tata Motors to commission 6.2 megawatt solar carport capacity in Pune. Vodafone Idea: The telecom clarified on reports of Verizon, Amazon looking to invest over $4 billion in the company. It said that as a part of corporate strategy, the company constantly evaluates various opportunities for enhancing the stakeholders' value. Infosys: The IT major will acquire a product design and development firm, Kaleidoscope Innovation, for up to $42 million. The acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Earnings today: Future Retail, Jubilant Life Sciences, Repco Home Finance among others are scheduled to announce their June quarter earnings on Friday. After seven weeks of only outdoor dining, the news that Napa County restaurants can once more allow indoor diners was mostly greeted with relief. At the same time, restaurant owners find themselves yet again adapting to new dine-in requirements so they can keep kitchens fired up, customers fed and bills paid. Its not jubilation or anything like that but any step in that direction is a positive one, said Matthew Miersch, owner of Pasta Prego on Main Street in Napa. Were thankful to be open and hopefully this one will last, said Bettina Rouas of Angele on Main Street at Historic Napa Mill. Im not sure the 25% rule makes sense but Ill take the reopening, said Tom Finch of Filippis Pizza Grotto on First Street. Finch was referring to the current restriction in Napa County which specifies that restaurants can serve up to 25% of their normal capacity indoors. At his Oxbow area restaurant, hed already installed acrylic barriers at table areas. Even so, he can still only have about 60 indoor diners, compared to more than 200 normally. The good news is that we have a patio and parklet for outdoor diners. But frankly, yesterday (Monday) we didnt have our first dine-in customer till 1:30 p.m. We had people in the patio and parklet. But nobody wanted to sit indoors. Finch said the outdoor dining has been a hit, especially with visitors. They love the outdoor dining and parklets. It feels more like Europe in downtown now, he said. People love to sit outside and people watch and be seen. Its great. Mauro Pando at Graces Table on Second Street said being able to offer indoor dining again is great, even if he is limited to just seven tables inside. His restaurant features a large window that can be fully opened to the entire Second Street side. He thinks thats an advantage, said Pando. Im kind of fortunate that Im not going to be putting everyone into a sealed box where some might wonder about the air quality. One thing Pando has been doing during this pandemic is thinking very creatively about where he can put outdoor seating. Hes had extra tables set up both outside his restaurant and across the street outside Antiques on Second. Hes even given menus to the new Be Bubbly Napa Valley bar across the other side of Second Street so their patrons can order food. Next, hes working on a plan to cover or add heat to the outdoor area when it gets colder. Its a lot to think about, he said. The most important thing for me is keeping everybody employed. So far, Its been working. Ive been lucky. I support 26 families right now, he said. Imagine if 26 more families go on unemployment, he said. Thats not going to help our economy. Pando thinks it will take up to five years for restaurants to recover from this pandemic. Unfortunately, some restaurants wont be able to hang on for that long. Imagine the restaurants that are really big, he said. Those losses are far more staggering. My heart goes out to them, said Pando. Norm Sawicki of the Trancas Steakhouse said his reaction to the news was: Yes! Its about time. Restaurants, including his, are losing so much money, he said. I dont know if some of them are going to be able to survive. In fact, Sawicki said he had to sell a small strip mall that he owned in Arizona just to keep his doors open at Trancas Steakhouse. I was real fortunate to have that asset available, he said. Ive got key employees and Ive got to keep them. To replace them, I just dont think thats possible. He doesnt agree with the ban on indoor dining to begin with, said Sawicki. If Walmart can be open and all these other places can be open, and theyre seeing hundreds and thousands of people a day, why not restaurants? At his steakhouse everyone wears masks and there are temperature checks. The ban is absolutely silly and its devastating to many, many restaurants. For now, Sawicki said hes hoping sales improve dramatically. But well see. Miersch said that his current plan at Pasta Prego is to set up inside for 25% occupancy, but to continue the outdoor dining as long as the weather is good. Were hoping we can move to the next phase where we have more tables inside by the time it starts to get cold, he said. He has about nine tables outside, said Miersch. Hows it going? Not as well as wed hoped, he said. The first weekend outdoor dining was permitted, it was great, he said. It was busy and almost like normal but then of course the fires came in and its been smoky ever since. Thats when a lot of visitors canceled their trips to the Valley, he said. Locals were staying in as well. The last weekend in August, it got a little bit better, he said. Were hoping Labor Day weekend will be a busy weekend for us and the tourists will come back for the holiday, and locals will also want to dine out. Rouas said Angele is very lucky because it already has a large outdoor dining area. But, Were definitely concerned about whats going to happen in a few months when it gets colder. Hopefully we can continue masking and washing hands and be safe so our numbers decrease so we can increase our capacity indoors, she said. As of today, sales at Angele are down about 50%. I dont think people understand how incredibly devastating this has been for the restaurant industry, said Rouas. Its been really tough. What keeps her going during such an emergency? I love what I do. And Ive been part of this community for 18 years now and Im not giving up. And I need to take into consideration my employees. Im trying to keep them all employed. Jay Bakker of Squeeze Inn Hamburgers on Solano Avenue said with the new orders, he can now offer about 12 indoor seats. He just hopes it stays that way, said Bakker. He doesnt want to have to switch back to outdoor dining only. Mentally its a grind to keep up with the revisions in health orders and requirements, said Bakker. For a while there it felt like things were changing every hour. He has a lot to stay on top of. That took a toll on me personally, he said. For a while, his coping strategy for dealing with the stress was: One hour at a time. Business is down, said Bakker. But compared to what everybody else is going through, Ill take it. His business does seem to have a few advantages. His menu is easy to make to go, its not overly expensive and he has lots of room for outdoor seating. And, The community has been super supportive, said Bakker. Not every restaurant owner is reopening for indoor dining, at least right away. Marco A. Castaneda at Don Perico Mexican Restaurant on First Street said that he isnt ready. Maybe in a couple months, he said on Monday. The weather is nice right now, theres no rush, he said. He currently has room for about 18 seats outside. Its safer for my customers and employees that they are outside. We dont want anyone getting sick, said Castaneda. Watch now: Main Street outdoor dining in downtown Napa You can reach reporter Jennifer Huffman at 256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WATERLOO A child has been rushed to hospital with unknown injuries after a collision on Margaret Avenue. The call came in around 11 a.m. on Friday. Police said air ambulance had been notified but officers were not immediately able to confirm if the air ambulance was responding to the call. At 11:30 a.m. Waterloo Region Police temporarily blocked off Margaret Avenue North between Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue. Drivers were asked to avoid the area. At around 3 p.m., the street was reopened to drivers. Officers are asking any witnesses to the crash to contact investigators at 519-570-9777. British cabinet ministers have defended Tony Abbott, the former Australian prime minister, amid calls for his appointment as a government trade adviser to be blocked over allegations of misogyny and homophobia. Throwing his weight behind Mr Abbott yesterday, Matt Hancock, the UK's health secretary, insisted that as a former leader he had "enormous" experience and was an "expert in trade". Confronted about claims over Mr Abbott's alleged attitudes towards women and homosexuality, Mr Hancock said: "I bow to nobody in my support for everybody to love who they love, whoever that is. But we need to have the best experts in the world working in their field and the former prime minister of Australia has a huge amount of experience." His comments were echoed by Liz Truss, the international trade secretary, who dismissed Labour's opposition to Mr Abbott as "virtue signalling" and cited the party's own lack of female leadership. It comes days after Mr Abbott confirmed that he was in talks with the UK government about taking on a role in post-Brexit trade talks, with the UK currently negotiating deals with the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. He is expected to be handed a role as an adviser on the Board of Trade, a panel of experts being put together to advise Ms Truss. While No 10 has insisted that no decision has been taken, other government sources say that an informal offer has been made and an announcement confirming Mr Abbott's appointment is expected. However, opposition parties have called for the appointment to be blocked, citing Mr Abbott's previous comments on gay people, elderly coronavirus patients and women. Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said Mr Abbott was not "the right person for the job" and that if he were prime minister "I wouldn't appoint him". His comments were echoed by Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader, who claimed Mr Abbott was "a misogynist, he's a sexist, he's a climate change denier". Hitting back at the claims during trade questions in the House of Commons, Ms Truss accused Labour of "hypocrisy". Asked by Labour's Ruth Cadbury why the UK could not find another trade expert who demonstrates "positive British values", Ms Truss replied: "I think it is absolute hypocrisy to hear this type of argument from the Labour Party. "This is a party that has never elected a female leader, despite having the opportunity time and time again." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Novichok survivor Charlie Rowley says the latest poisoning has given 'Russia strength to carry on and get away with it'. Charlie, 47, spent weeks in hospital and still suffers with the effects of his contact with the deadly substance. His partner Dawn Sturgess died after being exposed to the nerve agent in July 2018 following an attack in Salisbury, Wilts. He has now spoken to ITV after it emerged that Novichok had been used to poison Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalny, 44, remains in a coma in a German hospital nearly two weeks after collapsing on a plane in Siberia, which made an emergency landing when he suddenly fell ill. Earlier this week, Germany said it has 'unequivocal proof' Russian dissident Alexei Navalny was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok. Novichok survivor Charlie Rowley (left), whose girlfriend Dawn Sturgess (right) was fatally poisoned, says the latest poisoning has given 'Russia strength to carry on and get away with it' Mr Rowley has said he thinks the latest poisoning of Putin's most fierce rival gives him and the Russians some strength that they can carry on with their business and get away with it Mr Rowley told ITV: 'I felt devastated the fact that it happened again, I thought it was over but it clearly isn't. 'I think it gives the Russians some strength that they can carry on with their business and get away with it.' Mr Rowley and Ms Sturgess, 44, were poisoned after he gave her a contaminated perfume bottle he had found - mistakenly thinking it was a designer brand. She fell ill after spraying the substance on her wrists and died in hospital several days later. It was later determined that the pair were exposed to Novichok, the same nerve agent used to attack Sergei and Yulia Skripal almost four months previously. In March 2018, Wiltshire was rocked when Kremlin spies allegedly attempted to murder former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, 68, in Salisbury. Both he and his then 33-year-old daughter Yulia were rushed to hospital in critical condition after coming into contact with Novichok - a deadly nerve agent concocted by Soviet scientists during the Cold War. They survived the suspected attempted murder, but four months later, in the same county, Ms Sturgess was killed. Wiltshire was rocked in 2018 when Kremlin spies allegedly attempted to assassinated former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal (right with daughter Yulia), 68, in Salisbury She and Mr Rowley fell ill after handling the perfume bottle used by the Moscow hitmen in their initial botched assassination of the Skripals. Mr Rowley, who has battled psychological scars as well as fading eyesight, found the perfume bottle in a charity shop bin before giving it to his then girlfriend as a gift. He met Ms Sturgess at the start of 2018 when both were living in hostels for homeless people in Salisbury. Wiltshire Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey also almost died after he was exposed to the substance while responding to the 2018 attack. Det Sgt Bailey was the first person to enter the home of Sergei Skripal after the Russian former double agent and his daughter were found poisoned. He recovered after a two-week stay in intensive care, during which his wife and two daughters feared he would die. He made a third attempt to return to work in June this year, describing how he 'couldn't deal with being in a police environment' after efforts to return in September 2018 and in January 2019. It has now been two years since Mr Rowley and Ms Sturgess were poisoned - but he said he feels as though those responsible still haven't been held to account. Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny speaking to a crowd during a protest in Moscow He said: 'I feel justice hasn't been served and I hope this new incident will bring on more news and we will get some truth. 'I think Russia will carry on denying it to the end. When I heard about the other attack, I was in shock. 'The fact that it happened again made me feel that it could happen again any time and I believe that they feel they can get away with almost anything.' Mr Navalny, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's fiercest critics, was taken ill on a flight on August 20. Doctors in Germany revealed after tests that he had been poisoned with Novichok. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it is 'outrageous that a chemical weapon was used'. He added: 'We have seen first-hand the deadly consequences of Novichok in the UK. 'The Russian government must now explain what happened to Mr Navalny - we will work with international partners to ensure justice is done.' An Arizona chef has been arrested after surveillance footage shows him allegedly trying to kidnap an infant in the checkout line of a local grocery store. The alleged incident took place at the Bashas supermarket in Flagstaff on Thursday morning. According to Flagstaff police, a woman was buying groceries at the self-checkout line while a man who was in a nearby checkout aisle completed his own purchase of items. The man is then caught on film taking the womans shopping cart while her infant child was still inside. The woman was facing the electronic cashier screen as the man allegedly attempted to abduct her child. A man was caught on film trying to kidnap an infant that was inside a shopping cart while the mother (left) had her back turned toward the checkout counter at Bashas' supermarket in Flagstaff, Arizona, on Thursday morning The man is seen above just before grabbing the cart as the mother (bottom left) pays for her items Before the man could leave the store with the baby, the woman chased him down and stopped him, according to police Police said they have arrested Jeffery Roholt, 59, of Flagstaff. When interviewed by investigators, Roholt told them he thought the cart with the infant child inside was his. He has been charged with kidnapping Just before the man left the store with the infant, the woman stopped him. The suspect seen in surveillance video is a white man with brown hair wearing a collared shirt and slacks. Police said he is 5ft 10in tall and weighs 160 pounds. The man left the supermarket after paying with a debit card. Police then used the debit card information to track him down a few hours later, according to Fox 10 TV. According to his Facebook page, Roholt is a chef who studied at the Culinary Institute of America. Roholts LinkedIn page indicates that he worked for Remington Hotels as an executive chef Public records indicate that Roholt was arrested two years ago and charged by authorities in Maricopa County with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping Police said they have arrested Jeffery Roholt, 59, of Flagstaff. When interviewed by investigators, Roholt told them he thought the cart with the infant child inside was his. He has been charged with kidnapping. According to his Facebook page, Roholt is a chef who studied at the Culinary Institute of America. Roholts LinkedIn page indicates that he worked for Remington Hotels as an executive chef. Roholt attended the University of Utah between 1981 and 1983, according to the LinkedIn page. He holds an associates degree in culinary arts and chef training from Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris. Public records indicate that Roholt was arrested two years ago and charged by authorities in Maricopa County with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. Ireland has one of the lowest rates of assault-related death within the EU, although gardai have expressed concern that the overall incidence of assaults causing harm was on the rise again before the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. New figures published by the European Commission show Ireland had the second-lowest rate of deaths due to assaults in 2017 the latest year for which provisional comparative data is available as many deaths can only be classified following the conclusion of inquests and criminal trials which can take several years to complete. Ireland recorded a fatal assault rate of 0.36 per 100,000 inhabitants when 19 deaths were classified as arising from violent assaults almost half the EU average rate of 0.7 fatal assaults per 100,000. Only Luxembourg had a lower rate of deaths due to assault than Ireland with 0.2 deaths per 100,000. The highest rates in the EU were found in the three Baltic states with Latvia recording 3.8 deaths per 100,000 more than 10 times the Irish rate ahead of Lithuania (2.8) and Estonia (2.3 per 100,000.) Other countries with high rates of fatal assaults include Malta, Romania, Bulgaria and Belgium. The 2017 figure is the lowest fatal assault rate in Ireland in recent years and has more than halved since 2012 when the number of people killed as a result of an assault totalled 41. The European Commission said the assault-related death rate had been on a steady decline across the EU over most of the past decade. The EU average across the 27 member states has fallen from 0.9 in 2011 to 0.7 deaths per 100,000 population in 2017. The latest figure equates to around 3,125 annual deaths across the EU as a result of a fatal assault down by around 900 since the start of the decade. As in most EU countries, the majority of victims of fatal assaults in Ireland are men with males accounting for 16 of the 19 deaths in the Republic in 2017. In his latest monthly report to the Policing Authority, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the general trend in crimes against the person has plateaued in 2020 following a gradual rise in the past three years including a 6% increase in assaults in 2019. In fact, the number of crimes against the person fell by 17% in April-July 2020 compared to the corresponding period last year. There has been an overall reduction during Covid-19 which is likely to be linked to decreased public mobility and closure of licensed establishments, Mr Harris said. Figures published by the CSO show the number of assaults causing harm has continuously increased every year since 2013 when the figure stood at 3,071 to 4,985 last year. According to the Garda Analysis Service, the vast majority of assaults are carried out by males aged between 18 and 39 against male victims within the same age group with many occurring between 8pm and 5am at weekends. Gardai claim the level of assaults is typically associated with the vibrancy of the night-time economy. The editor-in-chief of the Atlantic who published a bombshell report Thursday night detailing disparaging remarks that President Trump allegedly made about dead American soldiers during a 2018 trip to France said Friday that his sources refused to go on the record despite his best efforts because they were concerned about being publicly derided by the president. They dont want to be inundated with angry tweets and all the rest. And we push hard, and thats why you have to sort of do this reporting with even more belt-and-suspenders approach. You know, dotted is and crossed ts and find multiple sources for it, Jeffrey Goldberg told CNNs Jim Sciutto when asked about his decision to publish the story without on the record sources. Each time, this is a judgment call, right? Does the publics interest in needing this information outweigh the ambiguities or the difficulties of anonymous sourcing? Goldberg continued. And in this case, I decided that I felt I knew this information well enough from high enough sources and multiple sources that I thought we should put it out. Goldbergs story quotes four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion, who report that the real reason President Trump refused to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 was because he did not want to get his hair wet and felt it wasnt important to honor those buried there, saying the cemetery was filled with losers. Goldberg also reports that on the same trip, Trump called U.S. marines who died in the World War I battle at Belleau Wood suckers. Since its release, both the Washington Post and The Associated Press have quoted anonymous sources who back up Goldbergs claims. But multiple current and former Trump administration officials have come forward to say the story is inaccurate, and internal Navy documents that were obtained by other journalists via public-records request state that Trumps visit to the cemetery was canceled due to inclement weather. Story continues John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, details the trip in his recent memoir which often describes the president in damning terms but makes no mention of anything resembling Goldbergs account. Bolton told the New York Times that he was there when the decision to not visit Aisne-Marne was made and did not hear Trump say what Goldberg alleges. It was a straight weather call, Bolton stated. . . . Im not saying he didnt say them later in the day or another time but I was there for that discussion. The story also details Trumps disdain for former senator and Navy combat veteran John McCain, whom Trump has publicly called a loser in the past. Were not going to support that losers funeral, Trump reportedly said after McCain passed away following a long battle with cancer. Following the storys publication, Trump tweeted that he never called John a loser and swear on whatever, or whoever, I was asked to swear on, that I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES. ..Country, had to be approved by me, as President, & I did so without hesitation or complaint. Quite the contrary, I felt it was well deserved. I even sent Air Force One to bring his body, in casket, from Arizona to Washington. It was my honor to do so. Also, I never called.. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 Trump, who is often critical of unflattering coverage, tweeted Friday that Goldbergs story was made up in order to gain some relevance, and said the Atlantic was a dying magazine. The Atlantic Magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance. Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against. Just like the Fake Dossier. You fight and and fight, and then people realize it was a total fraud! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 In May, after Trump tweeted that the boring but very nasty publication was going down the tubes, Goldberg told the Washingtonian that his magazine had received a record-number of new subscriptions. Goldbergs bombshell report also includes an anecdote in which Trump questions the value of the sacrifice made by then-secretary of homeland security and retired Marine general John Kellys son, Robert, a U.S. marine who was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2010. During a 2017 visit to Arlington National Cemetery, while standing next to Kelly over his sons grave, Trump reportedly asked, I dont get it. What was in it for them? Goldberg says that Kelly declined to comment for the story, but people close to him said Kelly initially brushed off the comment as a clumsy attempt at humor, but later saw it as reflective of Trumps inability to comprehend the motivations of people who sacrifice for others. In the past, Goldberg has claimed that Trump is a de facto agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and while at the New Yorker reported extensively on claims that Saddam Hussein had deep ties to Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, which to this day remain unconfirmed. More from National Review The Canada-Vietnam Friendship Association held an online programme to screen the documentaries on the life and career of the President and the countrys path to independence and freedom. Celebrating 75 years since the August Revolution and the 75th National Day, the programme was attended by Canadian friends and Vietnamese nationals in the country. Luis Silva, an expert on government relations, said the films helped him understand President Ho Chi Minhs key role in the struggle to liberate Vietnam from the rule of France and Japan. Elizabeth McIninch, Director of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council, said she was moved by Ho Chi Minhs burning desire to free Vietnam from the yoke of colonialism and restore freedom to its people. She noted that the President laid the cornerstone of Vietnams economy today, which she called an emerging star in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is now an important partner of Canada, she went on, which attaches great importance to the Southeast Asian country. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the path ahead will open up endless opportunities for the people of the two countries. Meanwhile, at a recent discussion with Russias Sputnik news agency to mark Vietnams 75th National Day, Professor Vladimir Kolotov, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Institute at the Saint Petersburg State University, said Vietnam has achieved enormous successes since the August Revolution and its establishment on September 2, 1945, including victories in resistance wars to liberate the country from colonialism and reunify the nation. Vietnam is now a sovereign country and has a rapidly-growing economy, he added. He also highlighted the countrys ASEAN chairmanship and non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2020, adding that with only one No vote in the UN General Assemblys secret ballot to choose non-permanent members of the council last year, Vietnam secured an unprecedented level of support. These factors have also confirmed Vietnams profile and reputation in the international arena, the professor added. Meanwhile, Professor Vladimir Mazyrin from the Center for the Study of Vietnam and ASEAN at the Far Eastern Studies Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, spoke highly of Vietnams economic achievements during its transition to a market economy, which saw it emerging as a rapidly-developing country. Vietnam is a rare example of a country succeeding in keeping up with its more developed counterparts in the region and the world, he said, noting that while most regional countries saw a considerable slowdown in growth in the first half of 2020, Vietnam still posted a positive rate. The professor cited other experts forecasts that, by 2050, Vietnam will be among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of GDP growth. It currently stands in 32nd position; a major feat compared to 75 years and 35 years ago, when it was still among the poorest nations. He expressed his belief that Vietnam will become a developed economy by 2050. BEIJING, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Science and Technology Daily: On July 31, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters aboard his Air Force One that he planned to ban the popular video-sharing app TikTok from operating in the United States. In an attempt to hold back China's scientific and technological advancement, the Trump administration has imposed unwarranted sanctions on Huawei and TikTok. By launching the so-called "Clean Network" program, it is actually building a digital barrier and fragmenting the global Internet to seek selfish development at the expense of other countries. Throughout human history, advances in science and technology have always resulted from consistent and concerted efforts. Any progress builds on previous achievements, and requires interdisciplinary cooperation between different countries. A century ago, a British physicist suggested hydrogen-helium fusion could be the primary source of stellar energy. The theory was confirmed by a German scientist about 20 years later. In roughly the same period, New Zealand and Australian physicists realized the fusion of deuterium into helium, opening the way for present-day fusion research. Meanwhile, more than six decades ago, the first tokamak (a magnetic confinement device) was developed in the Soviet Union to produce controlled thermonuclear fusion power. On July 28, ITER the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor opened its assembly in southern France, ushering in a phase of the massive project searching for the ultimate energy source. Progress achieved in the ITER Project is attributed to the unremitting exploration by scientists around the world for a century. As Isaac Newton put it, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." It is international cooperation that enables humanity to resolve major scientific issues. A total of 35 countries, including China and the U.S., are participating in the ITER Project, since any country alone cannot afford the substantial investment involved. Similarly, the first direct image of a black hole was captured last year thanks to coordination among observatories around the world. In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, more people have come to realize that no country can be immune from such a common threat. However, the U.S. has willfully quit organizations and incited division in pursuit of digital and technological hegemony. Such moves threaten global scientific progress and the common interest of humanity. Global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly severe. Only through close cooperation and major scientific advances can the international community overcome a potential grave crisis. SOURCE Science and Technology Daily HOUSTON, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DiCentral, a leading global provider of B2B Integration Managed Services, has announced that the company has purchased the assets of Hingeto, a marketplace software provider for enterprise dropship programs, to enable additional servicing capabilities to scale ecommerce operations. With this partnership, DiCentral will be further positioned to enable leading and emerging retailers to scale dropship programs to ensure control and visibility of dropship fulllment performance, brand management, and enhanced order and shipment accuracy. As retail and manufacturing companies continue to balance supply chain partnerships with the protection and safety of their employees and customers, the pairing of Hingeto's offerings extend the value DiCentral delivers in automating the processes of dropship vendor outreach, reporting, testing and enablement as well as integrating back-end systems, such as e-commerce platforms. With "Hingeto Supply," a pioneering Shopify-based dropship app, DiCentral will enable merchandising teams at emerging e-commerce retailers to plug into new supplier relationships and integrate related product catalog, inventory and order management data directly into Shopify, a leading ecommerce platform. Hingeto clients will immediately benefit from DiCentral's hybrid integration platform to enable automation of processes across their business ecosystem, SaaS applications, cloud platforms and on-premise systems. DiCentral enables organizations to digitally transform their enterprises, accelerate time to revenue, and increase the speed of synchronizing end-to-end processes by leveraging data insights to optimize existing data systems and discover new ways of doing business. "Retail is in a critical transition where the need to source products in a more capital-efficient manner is paramount to survival," said Leandrew Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Hingeto, along with Akintunde Ismail Maiyegun and Yaw Owusu-Barimah. "By partnering with DiCentral, the Hingeto platform can continue to enable retailers to grow and scale their online presence. DiCentral is the right company to continue the journey started five years ago at Hingeto, and we couldn't be happier with this outcome. We're excited about the innovation that DiCentral can bring to our customer base and the market at large." "Hingeto has built an unbelievable company, platform and culture that we're excited to introduce to the DiCentral family. The strengths of our offerings are complementary and will allow DiCentral to offer new innovative integration solutions to our combined base of clients," said Thuy Mai, Chairman and CEO, DiCentral. "We are also thrilled to bring on two of their employees, including their very first employee, Rebecca Regan, who'll continue to contribute to our business." About DiCentral Founded in 2000, DiCentral is a leading global provider of business to business integration (B2Bi) Managed Services headquartered in Houston, Texas with 11 offices worldwide supporting customers in over 33 countries. DiCentral's services and solutions are singularly focused on B2B integration and used by many of the Fortune 1000, processing over $200 billion in transactions for over 30,000 organizations worldwide. The company's vertical expertise transcends Automotive, Retail, Distribution, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Health Care, Energy and Financial Services. DiCentral provides turn-key cloud-based B2Bi Managed Services which allow organizations to connect and exchange critical business documents with their trading community. The core components of the Managed Services offering include: ERP Integration, Secure B2B Communications, Data Transformation, Business Rule Analytics, Inventory Management and Trading Partner Community Management. The company develops and markets a complementary suite of supply chain applications. For more information, please visit our website: www.dicentral.com . SOURCE DiCentral Related Links https://www.dicentral.com/ Its baffling that so few provinces are using the federal governments COVID-19 contact tracing app, public health experts say, throwing into doubt its effectiveness. Newfoundland and Labrador on Thursday became only the second province after Ontario in late July to start using the COVID Alert app, which aims to notify people who may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. Its Sept. 3 and we have two provinces online. We could do a lot better, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases physician at Toronto General Hospital. Its a pandemic. Weve got to work fast, and weve got to collaborate and get things done efficiently Theres no reason why it shouldnt be available across the board. Lets get it done. Its September already. The app has been downloaded 2.2 million times since its launch, according to Health Canada. A total of 125 people have voluntarily reported an infection through the app, which pales in comparison to the nearly 3,000 positive cases identified in Ontario in August. Its unclear, however, how many people have actually been alerted by the app to a potential exposure. Due to the strong privacy and security measures built into the app, this data is not available, Health Canada said in a statement. For the app to be truly effective, more people will need to download it, Bogoch said. He added that the federal government should be mounting a massive information campaign, not only to encourage people to download and use the app, but also to remind them that there are no privacy concerns associated with it. If enough people download the app, it certainly can work and theres already early evidence demonstrating that it does work, he said, pointing to an Ottawa case reported this week in which a person notified of exposure by the app tested positive. Infection control epidemiologist Colin Furness said hes skeptical of the apps overall effectiveness, saying it doesnt take into account all the complexities of contact tracing. For example, he said the app might notify someone that they were near a person who tested positive for COVID-19, but he said the app wouldnt know if there was a wall between the two individuals, or if they were both wearing masks, thereby lowering the risk of transmission. That said, Furness acknowledged the app could lead to identifying some positive cases and suggested people should download it as just one more public health tool in the fight against COVID-19. Im kind of surprised governments havent jumped on. This is an easy win, he said. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Maritime provinces have all shown an interest in using the app, and work is underway to implement it in those provinces, said Cole Davidson, spokesperson for federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu. Quebec has said it will not use the app, at least for now. The more Canadians using COVID Alert, the better the app will work and the safer well all be, Davidson said. Thats why developing a single, national app was important. The government of Canada is working with partner provinces to spread the word that COVID Alert is free, easy to use, safe, and protects users privacy through a robust public education campaign. In statements to the Star, spokespersons for British Columbias and Albertas health ministers said both provinces support the idea of a single national app and continue to work with the federal government. Saskatchewan has indicated that the app will be available in the province in the near future. Alberta released its own app, ABTraceTogether, in May, but last month the province said it would instead adopt the federal version. At this point, the federal government has not enabled their COVID-19 app in Alberta. Youd have to ask Ottawa as to why, said Tara Jago, spokesperson for provincial Health Minister Tyler Shandro. We would obviously like to seamlessly transition Albertans using the Alberta ABTraceTogether app to the federal app. Were awaiting details from Ottawa on that process. One major issue with ABTraceTogether is the fact that the app has to remain running in the foreground on iPhones with the phone unlocked, causing privacy concerns, the Edmonton Journal reported. Davidson said the federal government is working closely with the government of Alberta on rolling out the app and switching Albertans from ABTraceTogether to COVID Alert. COVID Alert uses Bluetooth technology so as not to track individuals locations. It exchanges anonymized codes with nearby phones and alerts a user if theyve been near someone in the past two weeks who tested positive and who entered a code into the app. The federal and Ontario privacy commissioners support the use of the app, with federal commissioner Daniel Therrien saying that Canadians can opt to use this technology knowing it includes very significant privacy protections. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the main symptoms of the virus that members of the public have been told by the NHS to look out for have been a high fever, a new, persistent cough and a loss or changed sense of smell and taste. In addition to the main symptoms, people around the world have reported experiencing various other side effects that they believe could be linked to the virus, including Covid toe and rashes on other parts of their bodies. In September, a study conducted by The University of Belfast found that diarrhoea and vomiting could be symptoms for coronavirus. Meanwhile, in July it was reported that researchers are calling for skin rashes to be added to the NHS official list of symptoms after a study found that one in 11 patients who tested positive for Covid-19 developed a rash. The study, which was carried out by Kings College London, was conducted using data from 20,000 Britons who either tested positive or were suspected to have had the virus. Epidemiologists, ophthalmologists and dermatologists have warned about other symptoms that could be indicative of a patient who is positive of the coronavirus. Here are several lesser-known symptoms that are currently being investigated for possible links to Covid-19. Covid tongue In January, researcher Tim Spector, who is the principal investigator of the Zoe Covid symptom app at Kings College, where over 4.5m people have helped record data on potential symptoms, tweeted about a possible new symptom. Spector and his colleagues were among the first to highlight that change in sense of taste or smell should be recognised officially, months before it was added to the NHS list. He said: One in five people with Covid still present with less common symptoms that dont get on the official PHE list - such as skin rashes. Seeing increasing numbers of Covid tongues and strange mouth ulcers." And he also warned people: If you have a strange symptom or even just headache and fatigue stay at home! Although this has not been officially recognised by PHE or the NHS, the Zoe study is the largest community monitoring in the world. Headaches Headaches appear on the World Health Organizations list of less common Covid symptoms. A study of nearly 400 Covid patients published in January 2021 found that 13 per cent developed a headache. Researchers at the Hospital Universitario de La Princes in Madrid, Spain, found that headaches were more likely to be associated with milder cases of the virus. A study of 139 patients conducted at ClermontFerrand University Hospital in France found that 59 per cent experienced headaches during the acute phase of the illness and 3.6 per cent were still experiencing them one month later. The NHS doesnt currently list headaches as a symptom of Covid, and doesnt suggest getting a test if you are suffering only from a headache. Delirium In a study published in The Lancet on Monday 18 May, it claimed that delirium and confusion could be rife among seriously ill coronavirus patients. The team of researchers conducted an investigation on a small number of Covid-19-positive patients. In more than 60 per cent of the cases of intensive care patients, they discovered evidence of confusion and agitation. The scientists, from the UK and Italy, concluded that patients who have to stay in intensive care for long periods of time and who are in need of ventilation treatment may be at greater risk of experiencing delirium and confusion. The research, which assessed patients with Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome), Mers (Middle-East respiratory syndrome) and Covid-19, also found that people who exhibit mild symptoms are less likely to experience as significant an impact on their mental health. Professor Gitte Moos Knudsen, chair of the Department of Neurology and Neurobiology Research Unit at Copenhagen University Hospital, explained that any condition associated with hospitalisation, fever, depletion of sensory inputs particularly in the elderly carries an increased risk for delirium. In Covid-19 patients that have been artificially ventilated, a PTSD condition may arise; but we do not have evidence that the frequency is higher in Covid-19 patients than in any other disorder, Professor Knudsen added. Dr Michael Bloomfield, consultant psychiatrist and head of Translational Psychiatry Research Group University College London, said that the study is important and well-conducted research. This study provides further evidence that the harm caused by Covid-19 extends beyond the widely reported effects on the lungs. This study tells us that Covid can have profound effects on mental health, he stated. Of particular cause for alarm is the finding that a third of patients from previous epidemics experienced post-traumatic stress disorder and it seems reasonable to anticipate similar rates of PTSD in people who have had life-threatening Covid. Tom Dening, professor of Dementia Research at the University of Nottingham, pointed out that scientists know much less about the prevalence of mild or asymptomatic Covid-19, adding that patients who experience milder cases of the virus are less likely to experience mental health issues, especially delirium, which is generally a marker for severe physical illness. The authors draw attention to how delirium is an important and common feature in people admitted to hospital with coronaviruses. In some situations, probably more so in older people, delirium may even be the presenting feature of a severe Covid-19 infection, so its important that health professionals and care home staff are aware of this possibility, the professor said. Covid toe and other rashes On Wednesday 15 July, it was reported that researchers are calling for the NHS to officially recognise skin rashes as a symptom of the coronavirus. Recommended Researchers call to make rashes a coronavirus symptom The study conducted by Kings College London assessed 20,000 Britons who either tested positive or were thought to have had Covid-19 and data from the Covid Symptom Study app, which contained information relating to 336,837 users who self-reported their symptoms. More than 2,000 of the apps users tested positive for the coronavirus, with 8.8 per cent reporting blotchy and itchy skin. Furthermore, 8.2 per cent of the 17,000 people strongly suspected to have had the virus reported developing a rash. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed. Dr Mario Falchi, who led the study, is urging for rashes to be formally recognised as symptoms of the virus in light of his findings. In a statement sent to The Independent, Dr Tanya Bleiker, president of the British Association of Dermatologists, explained that in the early stages of the pandemic, the various skin manifestations of the disease were poorly understood and not common knowledge. However, a series of important studies has done fantastic work in this regard, this study being the latest of these, Dr Bleiker stated. It will play an important role in building our understanding of the disease as a whole. Dr Bleiker said the British Association of Dermatologists is delighted to be working with the team at Kings College London to develop a dedicated website which will host a library of the different skin manifestations of Covid-19. We hope that this will be of benefit to healthcare professionals as well as the public who may be unaware of skin symptoms which would warrant self-isolation, the organisations president said. In May, the term Covid toe was increasingly discussed as a possible symptom of the coronavirus. The condition, which involves chilblain-like lesions appearing on the feet, is one of several skin conditions currently being investigated as potential signs of Covid-19. On 29 April, researchers from Spain published a study concerning the cutaneous manifestations of Covid-19 disease, cutaneous meaning relating to the skin. The scientists came across five different forms of rashes affecting 375 Covid-19 patients. These included itchy or painful chilblain-like lesions on the hands and feet, including Covid toe; small blisters on the torso; small, flat and raised red bumps; blotchy red or blue-looking skin; and pink or white raised areas of the skin that looked similar to nettle rash. Dr John Ingram, editor-in-chief of the British Journal of Dermatology, commented at the time that the investigation was the most definitive piece of research on the skin features associated with Covid-19 to date. There has been speculation for some time that the virus is responsible for a number of skin signs, but until now these had largely been individual or small scale case reports. This study represents a much more systematic and thorough categorisation of the features, he stated. The main beneficiaries of this research will be medical professionals and researchers. It will be useful in diagnosing people with Covid-19, particularly those with relatively few symptoms. It will also provide a firm foundation for future research into COVID-19 and the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology has created a dedicated task force to study Covid toe. Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent Show all 19 1 /19 Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent Two elderly people chat on a street in Valencia, Spain on 4 May EPA Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent People look at the city from Villa Borghese park in Rome during the first day of Italy's next phase in its coronavirus lockdown Getty Images Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent An elderly couple who has not been outside for nearly two months enjoys the weather as they sit on a bench in a park in Athens on 4 May AFP via Getty Images Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent Henri de Chassey, wearing a protective face mask, kisses his partner Margaux Rebois, who is returning to Paris after spending two months in Brussels on 4 May REUTERS Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A commuter in protective mask wears gloves at an underground station in Brussels as some companies are allowed to bring workers back to the office EPA/STEPHANIE LECOCQ Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent Paralympic swimmer Inigo Llopis prepares to swim in San Sebastian, Spain, for the first time since the lockdown began Getty Images Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A worker wearing personal protective equipment disinfects a school in Athens as Greece relaxes its nationwide lockdown REUTERS Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A Spanish National Police officer distributes protective masks in Melilla, Spain, on 4 May EPA Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent An employee poses in front of halfway-cured hams in a factory in Guijuelo, Salamanca, Spain, on 4 May EPA Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent Workers in protective suits disinfect a high school in Athens as Greece moves to reopen schools for final-year students on 11 May EPA Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A worker disinfects a bus as transport vehicles are disinfected several times a day as part of Belgium's lockdown exit strategy Belga/AFP via Getty Images Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A worker from Textilia haberdashery in Brussels holds a fabric that can be used to make customised protective face masks as Belgium relaxes its lockdown measures REUTERS/Yves Herman Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A bride tries on a wedding dress at a bridal shop in Madrid on the first day that some small businesses are allowed to open during Spain's lockdown REUTERS Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent People walk across the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall in central Milan as Italy eases its lockdown AFP/Getty Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A couple kiss in the Duomo Square in Catania as Italy starts moving out of its lockdown Reuters Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent Mirel Chetan organises the books of the Antonio Machado bookstore in Madrid after 51 days of closure Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A couple kiss in front of the sea in Catania as Italy begins a staged end to a nationwide lockdown due to the spread of the coronavirus disease ANTONIO PARRINELLO/ REUTERS Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A waiter at Caffe Cracco handles takeaway coffee in Milan on 4 May as Italy starts to ease its lockdown Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images Europe emerges from lockdowns across the continent A woman holds a yoga posture as she exercises by the Colosseum monument in Rome on the first day of Italy relaxing its lockdown measures VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images Conjunctivitis Several reports have been circulating as of late regarding the possibility that the coronavirus could cause conjunctivitis, an eye condition that develops as a result of infection or allergies. In April, the American Academy of Ophthalmology released an alert for ophthalmologists highlighting two studies that indicated the potential link between the virus and conjunctivitis. In a study of 30 patients hospitalised for the virus in China, one had conjunctivitis. That patient and not the other 29 had SARS-CoV-2 in their ocular secretions. This suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the conjunctiva and cause conjunctivitis, and virus particles are present in ocular secretions, the American Academy of Ophthalmology said. In a larger study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which assessed 1,099 hospitalised coronavirus-positive patients in China, nine had conjunctival congestion. In a statement sent to The Independent, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London emphasised that of the many people infected worldwide with Covid-19, there are only a few reports of patients presenting with conjunctivitis. The hospital added that there is therefore a possibility, but it is incredibly rare. The hospital has not noticed an increase in patients being admitted for conjunctivitis during the pandemic, adding that the there is no evidence that the conjunctivitis in Covid-19 is more severe than any other type of viral conjunctivitis. Moorfields outlined that if the virus were to cause a patient to develop conjunctivitis, this would likely occur either through direct exposure of the surface of the eye to Covid-19 (such as by rubbing the eyes) or indirect exposure where the virus tracks up the duct that connects the surface of the eye to the nose and throat. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) and the College of Optometrists explained that if a person presents conjunctivitis after contracting coronavirus, it is unlikely they would do so without also showing other, more recognisable symptoms of the virus. Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Show all 18 1 /18 Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, with a carer in PPE at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jackie Wilson, a healthcare assistant, wearing PPE before going into rooms Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, speaks to a carer at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Carers working at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A care worker wearing PPE opens a drink carton Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, sits with a carer Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, with a carer in PPE Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A care staff member wearing PPE Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A staff member at Newfield Nursing Home looks after a resident SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer wearing PPE uses a speaker Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer helps Jack Dodsley, 79, from his chair Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer wearing PPE helps Jack Dodsley, 79 Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A staff member at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer brings food to a resident at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, with a carer in PPE Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A staff member puts on PPE at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jackie Wilson, a healthcare assistant, puts on PPE before she enters a room SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A bench at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Recent reports have suggested that Covid-19 may cause conjunctivitis, and it is known that viral particles can be found in tears, which has caused some concern amongst eye health professionals, the organisations stated. It is recognised that any upper respiratory tract infection may result in viral conjunctivitis as a secondary complication, and this is also the case with Covid-19. The RCO and the College of Optometrists stated that as viral conjunctivitis is not listed as an official symptom of Covid-19, medical practitioners should treat patients with the condition as they would usually treat any presentation of viral conjunctivitis, as long as they are not also showing signs of the coronavirus. They stressed that during the pandemic, scrupulous infection control and hand hygiene measures should be carried out when treating all patients, while any close examinations should be kept to a minimum safe level. Loss of smell and taste On Monday 18 May, it was announced that loss of smell and taste is to be officially included on the NHS list of coronavirus symptoms. The announcement came following the governments previous declaration that loss of smell and taste would absolutely not be added to the list of symptoms members of the public should be aware of. For weeks, experts have warned that countless cases of Covid-19 could be being missed due to the lack of guidance being given to people experiencing anosmia, many of whom will have been encouraged to return to work. The NHS is now encouraging anyone who experiences loss of smell and taste, or a noticeable change, to self-isolate for seven days, while other members of their households are advised to stay at home for 14 days, even if they dont show symptoms. Natalie Brookes, a consultant ENT surgeon and rhinologist and medical director at The Harley Street ENT Clinic, told The Independent that prior to the guidance change, her clinic was in contact with its advisory body ENT UK, who stated that they think anosmia could be related to Covid. If I developed a sudden loss of sense of smell, with or without a mild upper respiratory type symptoms, I would definitely self-isolate at the moment, Ms Brooks added. Professor Carl Philpott, director of medical affairs and research at charity Fifth Sense, explained to The Independent that as common colds and viruses often cause initial congestion of the nose, this can lead to post-viral smell loss. If you look at the tissue in detail under the microscope you see that the fine hair-like endings of the receptor cells have fallen off and therefore the cells are no longer able to pick up odour molecules from the nose, Professor Philpott says. He adds that Covid-19 appears to have a high concentration in the nose, and states that as the majority of anecdotal reports are showing people experiencing transient smell loss that lasts for around seven to 14 days, its probably more likely that the virus is causing some sort of inflammation in the olfactory nerves, rather than it causing any damage to the structure of the receptors. Inflammation among children In May, it was reported that up to 100 children in the UK had been affected by a rare disease linked to the coronavirus. The syndrome appears to bear similarities with Kawasaki disease, causing an inflammatory response in children ranging from infants to older teenagers. Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), stated that while symptoms are fairly mild for the majority of children affected, a small proportion have become much more severely ill. Professor Rosalind Smyth, director and professor of Child Health at the UCL Great Ormond St Institute of Child Health added that it remains the case that the great majority of children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms only. In a report on the cases admitted to London Childrens Hospital, it said that symptoms include unrelenting fever, variable rash, conjunctivitis, swelling, pain and significant gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea and vomiting. NHS England released an alert about the condition in late April, stating that the cases of children in intensive care with a multi-system inflammatory state have overlapping features of two health conditions toxic shock syndrome and atypical (or incomplete) Kawasaki disease. The health service added that the children have also had blood parameters consistent with severe Covid-19 in children. Dr Julia Kenny, consultant in paediatric infectious diseases and immunology at Evelina London Childrens Hospital explained that much more research is needed on the subject before it can be more thoroughly understood. Recommended What to do if you get coronavirus symptoms while on holiday As this new syndrome has only been identified in the past four weeks, it will be vital to learn more about its presentation and treatment, and to establish how the disease mechanism is linked to Covid-19 which has pre-dominantly affected adult patients to date, Dr Kenny said. Professor Smyth added that at the moment, it seems that this condition is very rare. One of the purposes of the current alerts and guidance is to increase awareness, so that all possible cases can be identified. This will help to identify the true incidence, the professor outlined. We know very little about the cause and mechanisms. Indeed, our understanding of the mechanisms of the condition which it may resemble, Kawasakis syndrome, is incomplete. Working out a possible relationship to Covid-19 will depend on testing for the virus, repeatedly during the course of the illness, and for the antibody, following recovery, to work out if there is a temporal relationship with SARS-CoV-2, in some, or all, cases. Diarrhoea and vomiting In September, a study conducted by The University of Belfast found that out of 1,000 children around the age of 10, 97 per cent who had tested positive for Covid-19 also had gut-based symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. While neither of these symptoms appear on the NHS's list of official symptoms for coronavirus, both appear on the US Centers for Disease Control's list of possible symptoms. Lead researcher Dr Tom Waterfield told the BBC: "We know that, thankfully, most children who get the virus will not be very ill with it - but we still do not know how much children may be spreading it. "We are finding that diarrhoea and vomiting is a symptom reported by some children and I think adding it to the list of known symptoms is worth considering." Om Prakash did not want to risk it any more at the private hospital in his hometown in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly. It had been three days that his brother, Sushant Kumar, had been admitted to the hospital and his condition was deteriorating daily. Kumar was admitted to the private hospital in Bareilly after testing positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday. But he soon developed pneumonia. We found the treatment provided there to be inadequate. We also worried that if his condition turned worse, the hospital would not be able to manage his condition, said Prakash. On Saturday morning, Prakash decided to put his brother in a car and take him to Max Hospital in Saket,Delhi. He called the hospital and was told that an ICU bed was available. I didnt want to waste time waiting for an ambulance, so I simply loaded my brother in my car and drove off to Delhi, said Prakash. It took Prakash about five hours of non-stop driving to cover the 270 kms to reach Delhi. They didnt stop for meals, scared that the patient might infect someone on the way. Kumar spoke little along the way and mostly spent the journey sleeping, but thankfully he held on, said Prakash. However, when they reached Delhi in the afternoon on Saturday, they were in for a rude surprise. At Max Hospital, we were told that the vacant ICU bed had been occupied, said Prakash. The next few hours were spent looking for another private hospital in Delhi-NCR with a free ICU bed . Finally, we found an ICU bed at a private hospital in Noida, but we didnt like the facilities. It felt like we had travelled all this way for nothing, he said. They were mulling their next course of action when they got a call from Max Hospital answering their prayers. An ICU bed there had been vacated minutes earlier. Sushant, who is a chief pharmacist at a government hospital in Bareilly, is yet to recover. But Prakash now is confident of the treatment being given to his brother . The Covid-19 situation is bad in UP, but we kept reading that it is under control in Delhi. We were more likely to find an ICU bed and receive better treatment in Delhi than in UP, Prakash said. The siblings are not the only people from other states choosing private hospitals for ICU care -- doctors of many private Covid-designated hospitals attributed their nearly full occupancy of ICU beds to this emerging trend of patients opting for hospitals in the national capital. Delhi has been witnessing a spike in Covid cases after a lull over nearly eight weeks. On Thursday, Delhi added 2,737 new infections and 19 fresh deaths, taking the total number of positive cases so far to 1,82,306 and its fatality count to 4,500. The number of patients occupying hospital beds too has increased to 4,477 as on Thursday as compared to 2,973 on August 3. At Max hospital, Saket, another patient, Gaurav Aggarwal, has been in the Covid-19 ICU ward for the last one week. His family had driven him in their car from Meerut to Delhi the moment they received his Covid-19 report last week. As they made the three-hour journey, in Delhi his brother Saurav had confirmed an ICU bed at Max Hospital. The facilities are good at the hospitals in Meerut as well. But nothing can match Delhi. Moreover, I stay in Delhi and can personally monitor whether he is receiving the kind of attention he needs, said Gauravs brother, Saurav. On Thursday, Gaurav received plasma therapy at the hospital. But both the patients were lucky to find ICU beds in the citys top private hospitals. As of 9.16 am on Thursday, the Delhi Governments Delhi Corona app showed that none of the 32 ICU beds equipped with ventilators at Max hospital, Saket, was vacant. The story is similar at other private Covid-designated hospitals in Delhi as well. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had in June this year raked up a storm by announcing by announcing that beds in the citys private hospitals and in hospitals run by the state government will be reserved for residents of Delhi until the Covid-19 pandemic subsides. The order, which created much furore, was later struck down by Delhi L-G Anil Baijal. According to doctors at Max Saket and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, their ICU beds reserved for Covid patients are completely occupied mostly by patients belonging to other states. Eighty per cent of our ICU beds are occupied by patients from other states, such as Uttar Pradesh and even Bihar. While the non-serious patients dont mind staying back in their home states, those whose conditions worsen prefer to come to Delhi hospitals if they can afford it, said Dr Nevin Kishore, head of the bronchology department at Max Saket. Dr Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant of respiratory medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital said that patients in other states are opting for Delhi hospitals because they are not happy with the treatment they receive there. There are not enough private hospitals in some of these states and patients are being forced to seek admission in government hospitals, which lack the necessary medicines or care. About 40% of our ICU patients are from other states such as UP and Madhya Pradesh, said Dr Chawla, adding that all ICU beds at Indraprastha Apollo hospital were occupied on Thursday. Relatives of patients had varied reason seeking treatment in Delhi. But they all agreed on one thing the facilities in Delhi were better. At Tughlaqabads Batra Hospital, where all 15 ICU beds were occupied at 4.31 pm on Thursday, Ghaziabad-resident Ruchi Pathak sat in the lawn with her mother and sister-in-law, while her 41-year-old brother remained admitted in the ICU inside. Pathak said that the family chose Delhi over Ghaziabad or any other UP city because they had been reading about Covid cases reducing in Delhi and the availability of beds here. Our experience in Ghaziabad was not good . When my brother fell sick a week ago and we took him to a private doctor, a Covid test was not recommended by the doctor. His fever subsided in a couple of days, but he again developed a cough. This time when we took him to a private hospital, the doctors recommended home quarantine with oxygen support, but not a Covid test. When his pulse began to drop, we got him tested for Covid and when the result returned positive, we decided to take him to Delhi, said Pathak. The family did not want to get Tripathi admitted to GTB Hospital where ICU beds are available, due to lack of facilities. Their next choice, after a long hunt, was Batra Hospital. We first called two private hospitals in Delhi, but both said that their ICU beds were occupied. Then my brothers employer (he works at a finance firm) made a request to Batra Hospital authorities and procured a bed here, said Pathak. When her brother was admitted to the hospital on Thursday morning, it appeared that he had made it just in the nick of time. When another patient arrived immediately after us, the hospital had to refuse them admission as my brother had occupied the last bed, said Pathak. The only pleasant experience, her mother said, was finding an ambulance in Ghaziabad. We had an ambulance at our door within five minutes of making a call, she said. One of the expectations of this family was that it would be easier for the patient to receive plasma therapy if need be. He has been reporting low pulse and is on a ventilator. We have already found a plasma donor, said Pathaks mother on Thursday afternoon, adding that all the members of the family who accompanied the patient will be tested for Covid. The situation is not very different at government hospitals either. Dr Suresh Kumar, director of Lok Nayak Hospital, said that 20% of all Covid admissions at this Delhi government hospital were from other states, mainly UP and Punjab. The state borders opening have also contributed to this factor, said Dr Kumar. Prosecutors on Thursday charged two more people with civil disorder, bringing to five the number of defendants facing a rare federal felony allegation that they engaged in violence against officers or firefighters during protests that have continued for more than three months in Portland. Oregons U.S. Attorneys Office this week began issuing the civil disorder charge, making good on a promise to step up consequences for alleged crimes during the unrest. Federal prosecutors are continuing to evaluate all police arrests and may charge up to 15 to 20 people. The latest cases involve two people accused of pointing lasers at officers after unlawful assemblies or riots were declared. Each had prior arrests on state charges, which were dropped by the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office. Eva Warner, also known as Joshua Warner, 25, of Beaverton, is accused of shining a green laser into the eyes of state police troopers outside the Portland Police Association office on North Lombard Street about 11:35 p.m. on Aug. 8. Police had declared a riot after someone set a fire inside the office that was quickly extinguished. As police were trying to clear the crowd, Warner shined the laser at the officers, according to a federal affidavit. Once arrested at the scene, police seized a black, pen-style green laser from Warner, the affidavit said. Multnomah County Circuit Court records show Warner was arrested at 2:47 on Aug. 15, accused of criminal mischief, but the allegation was dropped three days later. Hugo Ryan Berteau-Pavy, 26, of Portland, is accused of shining lasers in the eyes of officers from Southwest Main Street around 10:50 pm. on June 14. A Portland police officer watching from the roof of the Justice Center downtown spotted him with the laser, moved to a lower floor and took a photo of him, according to a federal affidavit. About 12:30 a.m. the next morning, Berteau-Pavy joined a crowd outside Mayor Ted Wheelers condo in the Pearl District and was seen again shining a laser at the mayors residence and at other homes in the neighborhood, according to the affidavit. Berteau-Pavy was arrested at that scene and police retrieved a green laser from his right front pocket, the affidavit said. He was accused of pointing a laser, interfering with police and disorderly conduct. The state charge was dropped Aug. 12. Berteau-Pavy had been arrested once before during early morning protests. He was accused of interfering with police about 1:25 a.m. on June 7 and released from jail the next day. The charge also was dropped on Aug. 12. On Thursday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo released both Berteau-Pavy and Warner pending their trials with orders that they adhere to a curfew from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. -- 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 15:30:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LANZHOU, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- As the pasture turned lush green in the summer, Tashi, a 73-year-old herdsman, asked his daughter and son-in-law to count the number of livestock that did not belong to him. He was preparing for an annual lost and found event held in a pasture in Koce Township of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, where herders bring strayed livestock together and return them to their rightful owners. This year's event brought together over 800 herders from 11 villages. It began with representatives of the villages drawing lots to decide the order of reclaiming. Then they entered an enclosed area where livestock were gathered, and were each given 20 minutes to try to find the cattle or sheep the herders in their villages had lost, usually by identifying the markings on the animals. The confirmation process involved a vote by the attendees of the event. To ensure that the process was fair, organizers made it a rule that herders must get an overwhelming majority of the votes to reclaim lost livestock. The event lasted for around four hours, with 22 cattle, 372 sheep and seven horses being returned to their owners. First held in 1980, the event has proved an innovative way to solve the common disputes among herders over the ownership of strayed livestock. In Koce, where the pasture is vast, it was commonplace for livestock to wander off or mix into other flocks. It was thus difficult for the herders to retrieve their lost animals. "The pasture was too vast to ride around. Finding a couple of lost livestock was like looking for a needle in a haystack," Tashi said. Even when the lost animals were found, their new owners would sometimes refuse to give them back without compensation, which often led to quarrels or even fights. "When the livestock got lost, usually that would be the end of the story. Getting them back wasn't easy," Tashi said. In 1980, to solve the disputes among the herders, local authorities came up with the idea of holding a lost and found event. Despite worries that no one would show up, Tashi signed up for the event. To his delight, Tashi got back four lost sheep by the end of the event, which saw a total of over 1,000 livestock returned to their owners. Over the years, the annual event gained increasing popularity among the herders, who came to name the venue of the event Qianyangya, or "Thousand Sheep Cliff." Tashi attended the event every year, even when he had no lost livestock to reclaim. "I wanted to help and be a part of the event," Tashi said. "We herders don't see a lot of each other. It's like a party that nobody wants to miss." Over the past 40 years, more than 20,000 strayed livestock have been returned to their owners. As he grew old, Tashi retired from herding and asked his daughter and son-in-law to attend the lost and found event in his stead. "This is a great opportunity for the younger generations to become familiar with our history and culture. I hope they will carry on this tradition," Tashi said. Enditem Carlson Law Firm img src = 'https :// pubads . g . doubleclick .net/activity; xsp =4703125; ord =1?' width=1 height=1 border=0> There seems to be no end in sight for the amount of interruption the novel coronavirus is continuing to cause businesses. Over the last several months, businesses have turned to their insurance policies for financial relief from lost revenue as a result of closures and the general decline in sales. Business interruption coverage is supposed to serve as a reprieve to replace the income that businesses lose when they cannot operate at their fullest capacity. These policies often cover temporary relocations, payroll, taxes, and loan repayments. Unfortunately, insurance companies are denying these claimswhich has led to the close of thousands of businesses and several more thousand business owners unsure of how theyll continue to operate. In addition to unjustified denials, another challenge for business owners is they may not even be aware that they can collect insurance benefits because of the current situation. Many business insurance policies do not specifically address whether a pandemic impacts their coverage. As a result, businesses may not know theyre entitled to insurance payouts or think their denials mean they have no recourse. In reality, they may have a valid claim against their insurance company. If you run a business and carry insurance on that business, you need to meet with a qualified business interruption claim lawyer, said Craig Carlson, Managing Partner of The Carlson Law Firm. We are offering these case evaluations free of charge. During the meeting, we can help determine a clear path toward the financial recovery of your business. Insurers are citing various reasons for COVID-19 interruption policy rejections. In reality, most policies are written broadly with specific exclusions. Because of this broad language, attorneys say that it is highly likely that these claims will need to be fought on a case by case basis in the court system. In other words, to get the payment you deserve, your business may have to file a lawsuit against the insurance company. If youve paid to be covered, then you should receive what you paid for. Unfortunately, insurance companies arent just going to give it to you. But were here to help you advocate for it, Carlson said. Further, Carlson says that if a business does not assert a timely interruption claim in accordance with the notice provisions of the applicable policy, the entire claim could be denied. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the sooner you can get your business back to normal, Carlson said. The way these policies are written is you have to file a claim within a certain window of time. If you dont, you may lose your right to a claim. Contact The Carlson Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Our insurance attorneys have the experience and skill to advocate on your businesss behalf. We will: Source: Xinhuanet| 2020-09-04 07:51:58|Editor: ZD Video Player Close I arrived in Beijing in the middle of January, 2020, a fateful time for China and the whole world. Having been in China for a while, I was familiar with China and its peoples ability to work together through difficult odds. However, the resilience Chinese people showed in the difficult situation created by the coronavirus pandemic gave me a whole new level of respect for the country and its people. When the news came that people were getting ill in Wuhan, everybody was worried, especially because people werent sure what the future might be. I was extremely moved by the extraordinary courage shown by the Wuhan people and the support they received from all four corners of China during this time. Quarantine is not a easy for most people. But having to go through checks of temperature, reducing contact with others while also being more conscientious about travel were steps that most people seemed willing to take. So many foreign residents commented on the positive attitude of Chinese people during quarantine; not to mention the medical professionals and volunteers. The smiling older ladies who volunteered to check residents outside their communities, the nurses with indented faces from wearing a medical mask all day, the younger foreign girl who helped to scan temperatures, all will stay in my memory for a long time. The generous actions of these kinds of people, based on a community-based and never-say-never attitude, no doubt saved the lives of countless others. It is my belief that China is a much misunderstood country. It is certainly true that China has undergone a lot of changes in the last forty years. But China is an extremely modern nation in many aspects; with great infrastructure, and Chinese people are great at solving problems. Under the circumstances, no one could have done a better job of fighting the pandemic than China. I am continually touched by the kindness of Chinese people, their openness and generosity in tough times. The situation with COVID-19 is now much safer in China, and people feel happy to go to work and go outside. However, there is definitely a feeling of solidarity between people in China for having gone through this together. I am now prouder than ever to call China my second home. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 11:42:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The National Center for Disease Control of Libya on Thursday reported 617 new COVID-19 cases with 110 recoveries and four deaths. A total of 15,773 cases have so far been reported nationwide with 1,856 recoveries and 254 deaths, said the center. A series of precautionary measures against COVID-19 have been taken by the Libyan authorities since the first case was reported in March, including closing the country's borders, shutting down schools and mosques, banning public gatherings and imposing a curfew. China has donated batches of medical aid to Libya to help combat the pandemic. Earlier in June, China donated a batch of medical aid to Libya, including 834 nucleic acid diagnostic kits, 5,000 medical protective suits, 15,000 N95 masks, 100,000 surgical masks, 5,000 goggles and 5,000 pairs of medical gloves. Enditem A furious Joe Biden described Donald Trump's reported comments on American troops 'disgusting' and called on the president to apologize to Gold Star families who lost a loved one in service to the country. Biden got deeply personal in his remarks, bringing up his beloved eldest son Beau - who died of brain cancer in 2015 - to condemn the president for his lack of support for those in uniform. He described how he carries a medal of his son's but was too emotional to bring it with him on Thursday, saying he was afraid it would make him use the kind of language Trump uses. Biden, a devout Catholic, also wears his son's rosary beads around his wrist. Noting his son, Beau, served in the Army, Biden pounded the podium as he roared against Trump, demanding 'who the heck does he think he is?' and declaring his son wasn't a 'sucker' for serving. 'Let me be real clear. When my son was an assistant U.S. Attorney and volunteered to go to Kosovo while the war was going on as a civilian, he wasn't a sucker. My son volunteered and joined the United States military as the attorney general, went to Iraq for a year, won the bronze star and other commendations, he wasn't a sucker,' Biden said, his voice growing louder as he spoke. He spoke at times more as a father than a presidential candidate. He called on Trump to apologize to the Gold Star families, saying their loved ones who served were not 'losers.' 'The service men and women he served with, particularly those that didn't come home, were not losers. If these statements are true, the president should humbly apologize to every Gold Star mother and father, every Blue Star family that he's denigrated and insulted. Who the heck does he think he is?,' he said. Beau Biden served in the Delaware Army National Guard. For his service in Iraq - from October 2008 to September 2009 - he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After Beau died in 2015 of brain cancer, Army Chief of Staff Raymond Odierno delivered the eulogy at his funeral and presented a posthumous Legion of Merit for his service. A furious Joe Biden called President Trump's reported comments on American troops 'disgusting' and called on him to apologize Joe Biden said his son Beau and other service members who served in the military were not 'losers' or suckers'; Biden is seen with his son Beau in July 2009 at Camp Victory on the outskirts of Baghdad - Beau died in 2015 of brain cancer Biden used several tough words to condemn the president in one of his harshest attacks to date on Trump: 'sick, disgrace, deplorable, un-American, unpatriotic.' He said if the reported comments were accurate then they were 'absolutely damnable.' 'It's a disgrace,' he added. The remarks showed how personal the presidential race has become for Biden, who has said he decided to run when he saw President Trump's response to the 2017 racial incident in Charlottesville, where attendees at a white supremacist and neo-Nazi rally clashed with counter protesters. Trump said afterward there were 'very fine people' on both sides - a remark Biden says pushed him to run. Biden, scheduled to give an economic speech, instead started off by blasting Trump for a report in The Atlantic that quoted unnamed military sources claiming the president called those who served in the military and died in uniform were 'losers' and suckers.' 'I'm always cautioned not to lose my temper,' Biden said of his criticism of Trump. 'This may be as close as I come this campaign.' 'Just a marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States of America,' he added. He said he carries his son's medal with him but was too emotional to bring it with him to his speech, afraid of what he'd say. 'I carry and I deliberately didn't bring with me today, Delaware National Guard had a pin made up that is a gold star made up for my son, Beau,' he said. 'I always carry it with me. I didn't carry it today because I was worried that if I focused too much on it that I would engage in some of the kind of language that the president has used. I just think it is sick. It is deplorable. It's so un-American. It's so unpatriotic.' He said it was the government's responsibility to care for and honor American service members and Trump failed in that obligation. 'We have one truly sacred obligation. Equip and support those we send in harm's way, care for families while they're gone and care for them when they're home. The only truly sacred obligation the government has. Duty, honor, country. These are values that drive our service members. It's an all voluntary outfit. President Trump has demonstrated he has no sense of service. No loyalty to any cause other than himself,' he said. Joe Biden attacked President Trump in some of his harshest words to date, calling his reported comments on the troops 'sick, disgrace, deplorable, un-American, unpatriotic.' Joe Biden said he carries his son Beau's medal with him every day but didn't bring it to his speech as he was afraid it would set him off even more He went on to praise American troops as the 'backbone of America.' 'These folks are the backbone of America. They're the heart, the soul, the grit. That's what patriotism is about. I've just never been disappointed in my whole career with a leader that I have worked with, president or otherwise that if the article is true and a appears to be based on the things he said, it's absolutely damnable. It's a disgrace,' he said. Meanwhile, the White House is furiously fighting back against the politically explosive report that the president called U.S. military heroes killed in battle 'losers' and 'suckers' and turned down a trip to visit U.S. war dead in France due to the rain. President Trump rejoined the fray on Friday, attacking the Atlantic magazine, which published the report that he termed 'fake.' 'The Atlantic Magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance,' Trump tweeted. 'Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against. Just like the Fake Dossier. You fight and and fight, and then people realize it was a total fraud!' Trump continued. Trump ripped the report as he met with the president of Serbia and the prime minister of Kosovo at the White House Friday. 'It was a terrible thing that somebody could say the kind of things especially to me, because Ive done more for the mil than almost anybody else,' Trump fumed. 'Nobodys done what Ive done' for the military, Trump claimed. Then he brought up the tell-all book by former national security advisor John Bolton a book that accuses Trump of giving 'personal favors to dictators.' 'I hate to bring up his book, but john Bolton, no friend of mine I mean he didnt know too much about what he was doing, he didnt do a good job. But he wrote a book. He talks about this incident and he doesnt mention it,' said Trump. 'Theres nobody that considers the military and especially the people that have given their lives in the military to me theyre heroes,' Trump said of Americans who die while serving the country. 'Its even hard to believe how they could do it. And I say that. The level of bravery ...' he said. In addition to the president himself calling the story in the Atlantic fill of 'lies,' the White House communications shop has turned to an unlikely source of defense: Bolton, who Trump has ridiculed since his slicing memoir. 'He is a liar,' Trump said after Bolton released his tell-all book trashing the administration. Following publication of the Atlantic story, the White House press shop retweeted an image of Bolton's book, 'The Room Where it Happened,' where Bolton says it was bad weather and the special contingencies of presidential travel that caused the White House to nix a planned cemetery visit by Trump in 2018. The White House's furious pushback against a new Atlantic article that reports President Donald Trump called fallen soldiers 'losers' included quoting from the tell-all book by former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Trump called Bolton a 'liar' after the release of his book President Trump attacked the Atlantic magazine and called its report 'fake' Trump was to have visited the cemetery near Belleau Wood on the 100th anniversary which holds a special place for Marines. 'The press turned canceling the cemetery visit into a story that Trump was afraid of the rain and took glee in pointing out that other world leaders traveled around during the day,' Bolton wrote. 'Of course, none of them were the President of the United States, but the press didn't understand the rules for US Presidents are different form the rules for 190 other leaders who don't command the world's greatest military forces.' Bolton wrote that Marine One's crew were saying it was 'imprudent' to fly by helicopter due to the weather, and the drive could be 90 minutes each way. The Atlantic piece takes a much harsher view: 'Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day,' wrote author Jeffrey Goldberg. White House deputy communications director Brian Morganstern retweeted the passage book, as did White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah. Farah also called the article 'offensive & patently false.' Another White House press official, Judd Deere, blasted out people who contradicted accounts in the article. 'Anyone else notice that there are now four individuals with first-hand knowledge who are ON THE RECORD denying The Atlantic story? This matches the publications four anonymous sources. Will The Atlantic stand by their false anonymous reporting or listen to those who were there?' White House officials circulated Bolton's book, which contradicts key elements of the story's account A White House official retweeted an image of internal documents showing visibility as low as 1 mile the day Trump's Marine One helicopter trip was scrubbed French President Emmanuel Macron (C) attends the Armistice Day commemorations marking the end of World War I on November 11, 2017, near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris A senior Defense Department official with first-hand knowledge of events and a senior Marine Corps officer who was told about them confirmed the accounts to the Associated Press 'including the cemetery incident.' 'This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election!' Trump tweeted Thursday. Trump fumed late Thursday upon his return from a speech in Pennsylvania: ''I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes.' 'There is nobody that respects them more. No animal - nobody - what animal would say such a thing?' Trump added. The Joe Biden campaign ran with the story and blasted Trump in a Friday conference call. 'I'd take my wheelchair and titanium legs over Donald Trump's supposed bone spurs any day,' said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who lost her legs in a plane accident in Iraq. She was referencing Trump's deferments during Vietnam due to bone spurs. 'It's time for this man to leave office,' she added. 'His soul cannot conceive of integrity and honor,' said Gold Star father Khizr Khan, whose son Humayun Khan was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004 and whose Democratic convention speech prompted extended back-and-forth with Trump. 'His soul is that of a coward,' Khan said. Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who has been released from prison, tweeted that the Atlantic article 'is accurate.' 'I testified, Trump claimed it was because of a bone spur. When I asked for medical records, he gave me none and said there was no surgery. He finished with: You think Im stupid, I wasnt going to Vietnam.' The report, published by the Atlantic Thursday, credits four separate military sources, and claims that Trump cancelled a visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in November 2018 because he was worried his hair would be disheveled by the rain. In a conversation with senior staff before the planned visit, Trump reportedly asked aides: 'Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers.' During the same trip, the president allegedly later referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who lost their lives in the Battle of Belleau Wood in France as 'suckers' for getting killed. A senior Defense Department official with firsthand knowledge of events and a senior U.S. Marine Corps officer who was told about Trump's comments confirmed some of the remarks to The Associated Press, including the 2018 cemetery comments. Trump, however, has emphatically denied the report Thursday night, calling it 'a disgraceful situation' by a 'terrible magazine.' 'It's a total lie. It's fake news. It's a disgrace, and frankly it's a disgrace to your profession,' Trump said. President Donald Trump talks with reporters at Andrews Air Force Base after attending a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pa., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base Trump vehemently denied the claims, which were first reported in the Atlantic , that he referred to the American war dead at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery (above) in France in 2018 as 'losers' and 'suckers.' The president's alleged comments are in stark contrast to Trump's public persona as a self-proclaimed champion of the military and its veterans. A source described to have first-hand knowledge of the president's views said Trump 'doesn't see the heroism in fighting'. Other sources said Trump is deeply anxious about dying or being disfigured, and that fear manifests itself as disgust for those who have suffered. The day of the planned visit at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, November 10, 2018, was also the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. 'Who were the good guys in this war? Trump on the First World War The Battle of Belleau Wood, which lasted 20 days in June 1918 and ended with German forces soundly defeated, was a defining moment in World War I for the Marine Corps. But Trump, on the same trip, reportedly asked aides, 'Who were the good guys in this war?' He also said that he didn't understand why the United States would intervene on the side of the Allies, the Atlantic reported. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Trump said he's be 'willing to swear on anything' that he never said anything derogatory 'about our fallen heroes.' 'There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing?' He also wanted to go to the cemetery in France but said he was unable to because of heavy rainfall in Paris, and that the U.S. Secret Service would not allow him to motorcade there. 'The helicopter could not fly. The reason it couldn't fly, because it was raining as hard as I'd ever seen. And on top of that it was very, very foggy,' Trump said on Thursday. He added that staffers tried to arrange a motorcade, but that it would have meant going through busy parts of Paris. 'The Secret Service told me, you can't do it. I said I have to do it. They said you can't do it,' Trump said. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, also decried the report, saying 'It's sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody.' Trump was meant to join John Kelly in paying his respects to Kelly's son's grave and comfort the families of other fallen service members in Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day, 2017 (above). However, Trump reportedly turned to Kelly and said: 'I don't get it. What's in it for them?' Tombs are pictured at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, on November 10, 2018 In another account, detailed by the Atlantic, the president told senior advisers that he didn't understand why the U.S. government placed such value on finding soldiers missing in action because they had performed poorly and gotten caught and deserved what they got, a source said. The president allegedly said that those who served in the Vietnam War were also 'losers' because they failed to dodge the draft. Trump received a medical deferment from Vietnam over alleged bone spurs. In a conversation with then-Chief of Staff John Kelly, Trump reportedly complained bitterly that he didn't understand why John McCain, who was imprisoned and tortured during Vietnam, was so revered. 'Isn't he kind of a loser?' Trump asked, according to the four sources. Trump has previously derided McCain's legacy as a war hero publicly. On the 2016 presidential campaign trail in Iowa, Trump said: 'He's not a war hero. I like people who weren't captured.' At the same event, Trump said 'I don't like losers' referencing McCain losing the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama. 'I supported him. He lost. He let us down. But, you know, he lost. So I have never liked him as much after that, because I don't like losers,' he said. The senior Marine Corps officer and the Atlantic, citing sources with firsthand knowledge, further reported that Trump said he didn't want to support the August 2018 funeral of Republican Sen. John McCain. The Atlantic reported that Trump was also angered that flags were flown at half-staff for McCain, saying: 'What the f*** are we doing that for? Guy was a f***ing loser.' Trump acknowledged Thursday he was 'never a fan' of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his 'first-class triple-A funeral' without hesitation because 'I felt he deserved it.' The magazine said Trump also referred to former President George H.W. Bush as a 'loser' because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in World War II. In a conversation with then-Chief of Staff John Kelly (seen above), Trump reportedly complained bitterly that he didn't understand why John McCain, who was imprisoned and tortured during Vietnam, was so revered Trump has previously derided McCain's legacy as a war hero publicly. On the 2016 presidential campaign trail in Iowa, Trump said: 'He's not a war hero. I like people who weren't captured.' The Atlantic also details another exchange between Trump and Kelly on Memorial Day, 2017, at the graveside of Kelly's son, Robert, who died at 29 years old in Afghanistan in 2010. Trump was meant to join Kelly in paying his respects to Robert's grave and comfort the families of other fallen service members. However, Trump reportedly turned to Kelly at his son's graveside and said: 'I don't get it. What's in it for them?' The Defense officials also confirmed to The AP that the Trump made the remarks. One of Kelly's friends, who is a four-star general, told the Atlantic: '[Trump] can't fathom the idea of doing something for someone other than himself. He just thinks that anyone who does anything when there's no direct personal gain to be had is a sucker. There's no money in serving the nation. 'Trump can't imagine anyone else's pain. That's why he would say this to the father of a fallen marine on Memorial Day in the cemetery where he's buried,' the source continued. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday, 'If the revelations in today's Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States.' 'Duty, honor, country those are the values that drive our service members,' he said in a statement Thursday night, adding that if he is elected president, 'I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice always.' Biden's son Beau served in Iraq in 2008-09. Comments come as media report possible meeting between defence ministers of both countries following border standoff. Indias army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane says he is confident the continuing border standoff with China can be resolved through talks, even as thousands of troops remained amassed along a disputed Western Himalayan region. We are sure that the problem can be resolved fully through talks, Naravane told Reuters partner ANI on Friday during a visit to the Ladakh region, where tensions flared earlier this week after the rivals accused each other of seizing territory on their contested border at the Pangong Tso lake area. Tens of thousands of troops from the two nuclear-armed countries have been squaring off since border skirmishes erupted in April. India accuses China of violating bilateral agreements by pushing its troops through the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two Asian giants. Tensions flared earlier this week after the rivals accused each other of seizing territory on their contested border at the Pangong Tso lake area [File:Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] The situation along the LAC is slightly tense, Naravane said, adding that India had deployed additional troops in some areas to stall any attempted Chinese incursions. China, however, has blamed India for trespassing over the LAC over the weekend, saying the move has grossly violated Chinas territorial sovereignty, according to a Chinese embassy spokesperson in New Delhi. However, both countries have repeatedly said that they are keen on talks to resolve the process, with military officials meeting for several days this week south of the Pangong Tso lake, where the latest flare-up occurred. Possible meeting between defence ministers Indian and Chinese media on Friday reported a possible meeting between defence ministers of both countries in Moscow, where they are attending a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation gathering. Based on what I know, this arrangement between the two sides has made progress. The meeting between Wei Fenghe and Rajnath Singh has a big probability to be held, Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of Chinas Global Times newspaper said on Twitter, naming the two defence ministers. A spokesman for Indias defence ministry said he had no information on a likely meeting, which would be the first face-to-face talks between senior Indian and Chinese officials since the stand-off intensified after a clash between troops in June. On Thursday, Indias Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that a solution to the border row has to be resolved through diplomacy. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in brutal hand-to-hand fighting in Ladakhs Galwan Valley on June 15, with the Chinese side also suffering an undisclosed number of casualties. Accusing each other of instigating the violence, both sides have pledged to safeguard their territory but also to try to end the standoff that dramatically changed India-China bilateral relationship. India on Wednesday banned another 118 Chinese apps in a stepped-up backlash over the increasingly bitter border showdown. New Delhi had already banned 59 Chinese apps including the video-sharing platform TikTok following the June incidents. 2 1 of 2 Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Show More Show Less The Warriors will use sites in Oakland, San Francisco and Santa Cruz to encourage voter participation in the 2020 general election, the team announced Friday. Golden States Oakland facility at 1011 Broadway and the Santa Cruz Warriors Kaiser Permanente Arena will both be transformed into polling sites and ballot drop-off locations on Election Day on Nov. 3. The Oakland facility will also be a poll worker training location. Another Kenyan member of parliament has gone public about his battle with the coronavirus. Dadaab MP Mohamed Dahir Duale says he spent 42 days in hospital, eight of which were spent in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Speaking during a session of the National Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday, Dahir said he spent 35 days in isolation. Just like his Gatundu South counterpart Moses Kuria, Dahir said his case is testimony that COVID-19 is real and prevention measures should be taken seriously. The lawmaker also disclosed that his treatment cost Sh4 million, with the bill being settled by the PSC. I want to admit that I suffered from Corona, I spent 42 days in hospital of which 8 were in ICU. I thank God for our employer the Parliamentary Service Commission for they paid my bill which amounted to almost Ksh.4 million. I wonder how other Kenyans are managing, Dahir said. Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, who was present during the session, thanked Dahir for going public about his battle. I didnt know that it was that bad Mheshimiwa, but I thank God you are well, Kenyans need to know that this thing is real, Kagwe said. The MPs revelation came after Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria took to social media to urge Kenyans to remain vigilant. If you are in a hospital bed- Like myself for the last 27 days here at Karen Hospital you witness first hand the amount of sacrifice they make amid vert difficult circumstances. You learn to focus more on the virus and our front line workers, and less on sideshows. We shall overcome COVID-19, he wrote. Adding: I really hope that beyond all the debate around Covid-19, all and sundry will not forget that Corona Virus is real. The worst thing we can do is to lower our guard! And above all let us remember our gallant front line workers- Not just doctors and nurses like but subordinate staff who put their lives in the line of danger to give care to Corona Virus patients. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India is a perfect destination for investors as his government further eased restrictions to prop up the economy which shrunk by almost a quarter during the fast-spreading pandemic. Late Thursday, Modi told a US-India joint forum his government meant business. "It is a government, for which ease of living is as important as the ease of doing business," the Indian leader said through video-conference. Be it America or the Gulf, be it Europe or Australia the world believes in us, he added. The comments were the prime minister's first public statement since India earlier this week reported its economy shrunk by record 23.9 percent during the months of April-June, compared to last year. Experts blamed the steepest contraction in 24 years on the debilitating impact of the nationwide lockdown imposed late March. Investment nosedived by 47 percent while consumer spending dipped even though India began easing the lockdown of its 1.3 billion people in May. The worst-hit were travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, some of the largest employers in India's job market. The restrictions temporarily delayed the spread of the virus in crowded cities, before it crept into the vast countryside. The International Monetary Fund's chief economist Gita Gopinath on Wednesday said India's gross domestic product, or GDP, was the most affected among the G20 countries. But India's chief economic advisor Krishnamurthy Venkata Subramanian promised revival was round the corner. "The global economy has taken a hit, India is not isolated. India is seeing a V-shaped recovery, agriculture has seen an uptick and it will continue to do so," media quoted him as saying. Massive job loss But Subramanian's government faced yet another challenge. Nearly five million Indians lost their jobs in July, taking the total number to 18.9 million, said the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based think-tank. Salaried employees are slowly getting a bigger hit now, Centre CEO Mahesh Vyas said but added rural India had done better in terms of job generation. New Covid surge India meanwhile posted 83,883 new coronavirus infections and 1,043 deaths in the 24 hours to Friday, which takes its Covid-19 infection tally past 3.9 million. It was India's highest single-day spike in infections. Despite the surge, public restrictions will be further eased from Monday to restore economic activity, officials said, but some states have decided to hold on to the restrictions. Market experts such as Deep Kalra, chairman of online travel company MakeMyTrip called for the rules to be relaxed, in order to bring customers back on the streets. By keeping some cities shut and some open, some states having quarantine requirements and some not, we have actually crippled customer confidence, Kalra told television on Thursday. Indian health officials say over three million or 77 percent of victims have recovered from the coronavirus, marking one of the world's lowest mortality rates. The government is testing 1.1 million people daily for the virus, up from just 10 tests a day in late January. She is enjoying the single life after splitting from Bachelor in Paradise bad boy Ciarran Stott earlier this year. And Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris showed her ex what he's missing as she stripped down to a bikini at Kutti Beach in Vaucluse, Sydney, on Thursday. The glamour model-turned-reality star, 33, flaunted her curves in a tiny two-piece while soaking up the glorious weather. Easy, tiger! Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris showed her ex Ciarran Stott what he's missing as she stripped down to a bikini at Kutti Beach in Vaucluse, Sydney, on Thursday Kiki risked a wardrobe malfunction as she squeezed her buxom figure into the tiger print bikini and a pair of denim shorts. The socialite has made no secret of the extensive cosmetic procedures she's undergone to achieve her glamorous appearance. She has admitted to having a breast enlargement as well as various non-surgical skin treatments over the years. Dare to bare: The glamour model-turned-reality star, 33, flaunted her curves in a tiny two-piece while soaking up the glorious weather Don't slip out! Kiki risked a wardrobe malfunction as she squeezed her buxom figure into the tiger print bikini and a pair of denim shorts In 2016, when she was a contestant on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor, Kiki told OK! she'd had a boob job after being bullied for her 'flat chest' in high school. 'I used to get teased for being so flat-chested,' she said. '[Having surgery] definitely made me feel less self-conscious.' In addition to going under the knife, Kiki is also a fan of cosmetic injectables. Plastic fantastic: The socialite has made no secret of the extensive cosmetic procedures she's undergone to achieve her glamorous appearance Human Barbie doll! She has admitted to having a breast enlargement as well as various non-surgical skin treatments over the years In 2017, she underwent Botox injections to reshape her jawline and relax the muscles around her jaw, which had become tight over time. She said that one reason for getting the procedure was to relieve the severe headaches caused by jaw pressure. 'I'm a notorious jaw clencher in my sleep so much so I wake up with migraines and from that it's contributed to my strong jawline,' she said. Insecure: In 2016, when she was a contestant on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor, Kiki told OK! magazine she'd had a boob job after being bullied for her 'flat chest' in high school Cosmetic tweaks: In 2017, she underwent Botox injections to reshape her jawline and relax the muscles around her jaw, which had become tight over time She added that the procedure helped her 'achieve a slimmer jaw while correcting my jaw clenching habits'. There has been speculation that Kiki may also have had dermal lip filler, as she often displays a plump pout in photos, but this has never been confirmed. Meanwhile, Kiki keeps her skin looking smooth with regular laser treatments. Pursuit of perfection: Kiki keeps her skin looking smooth with regular laser treatments A little top-up? There has been speculation that Kiki may also have had dermal lip filler, as she often displays a plump pout in photos, but this has never been confirmed Bootylicious: In addition to this, she regularly undergoes radio frequency cavitation to firm the skin around her buttocks. This procedure is also known as a 'non-surgical Brazilian butt lift' 'I get SGA laser treatment on my skin, which helps me with my breakouts and really keeps my skin looking healthy,' she told OK! magazine in 2017. In addition to this, the bombshell regularly undergoes radio frequency cavitation to firm the skin around her buttocks. This procedure is more commonly known as a 'non-surgical Brazilian butt lift'. Over! Her beach sighting comes about eight months after she had her heart broken by womaniser Ciarran Stott (right) on Bachelor in Paradise, which was filmed in Fiji late last year The beach sighting comes about eight months after Kiki had her heart broken by womaniser Ciarran. The pair had started dating on the third season of Bachelor in Paradise, which was filmed in Fiji late last year. Right before the finale, Ciarran told Kiki he was in love with her and wanted them to leave the show together without going through the formality of a rose ceremony. Unfortunately, the couple split just a few weeks after returning to Australia. Ciarran, who rose to fame on Angie Kent's season of The Bachelorette, apparently 'ghosted' Kiki and moved from Sydney to Melbourne. Why did this happen? Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy. The former vice president, pushing a campaign message that he is more in touch with working Americans than his rival in the Nov. 3 election, said the economic crisis has exacerbated divisions between the rich and the poor. "The painful truth is, we just have a president who just doesnt see it, he doesnt feel it, he doesnt understand, he just doesnt care. He thinks if the stock market is up, then everythings fine," Biden said during a speech in his home base of Wilmington, Delaware. As both campaigns kick into high gear for perhaps one of the most consequential presidential races in recent U.S. history, the Labor Department reported that nonfarm payrolls increased by 1.37 million jobs last month, fewer than in July. President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans highlighted the fall in the unemployment rate in August to 8.4% as a sign that the economy is improving after the shock from coronavirus lockdowns that have devastated small businesses from restaurants to gyms and hair salons. 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. New moderate income housing program could be on the way to Long Beach The Atlantic reported US president had referred to marines buried in a cemetery near Paris as losers. US President Donald Trump has denied a report saying he made disparaging remarks about fallen United States military personnel buried in France and declined to visit a cemetery during a trip there in 2018. The Atlantic, citing anonymous sources with direct knowledge of the event, reported on Thursday that Trump had referred to marines buried in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris as losers and declined to visit because of concern that the rain that day would mess up his hair. Speaking to reporters later on Thursday, Trump, who is seeking re-election in November and has touted his record helping US veterans, said the story was false. To think that I would make statements negative to our military and fallen heroes when nobody has done what Ive done, for the US armed forces, the Republican president said. Its a total lie Its a disgrace. The president said he did not go to the cemetery because weather prevented a helicopter flight. The alternative, a long drive, would have meant going through very busy areas of Paris and the Secret Service objected, he said. The Secret Service told me, You cant do it. I said, I have to do it. I want to be there. They said, You cant do it, Trump said. New, from @TheAtlantic: Trump skipped a visit to an American military cemetery in France after calling the dead "losers" for getting killed: Full story here: https://t.co/4PUGrR7tCS Jeffrey Goldberg (@JeffreyGoldberg) September 3, 2020 According to The Atlantic, in another conversation on the trip, Trump referred to the 1,800 marines who died in the World War I battle of Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed. The publication said Trump also referred to former President George H W Bush as a loser because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in World War II. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper defended Trump on Friday. President Trump has the highest respect and admiration for our nations military members, veterans and families. That is why he has fought for greater pay and more funding for our armed forces, Esper said in a statement. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who is leading Trump in national polls before the November 3 election, emphasised his own commitment to helping members of the military in a response to the report. If the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States, Biden said in a statement released by his campaign. And if I have the honour of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: All Ministers, MLAs, Telangana legislature staff and journalists have to undergo COVID-19 tests before attending the ensuing monsoon session. A decision to this effect was taken at the meeting conducted by Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy on Friday. The monsoon session of the Telangana legislature will commence on September 7. Tests for those attending the session would be conducted from Friday at the Assembly premises. Speaking to reporters, Legislative Assembly Minister Vemula Prasanth Reddy said that they were following the guidelines issued by the Parliament in conducting the Assembly session. Six-feet distance would be maintained in both the Assembly and Legislature. The Minister said that 40 additional seats in the Assembly and eight additional seats in the Council would be provided to maintain physical distancing in both the Houses. The Minister said that PPE kits, rapid antigen tests, oximeters and two ambulances would be kept ready. The marshals and staff of the legislature had to undergo COVID-19 tests two days before the commencement of the session. The GHMC staff would sanitise the premises of the Assembly, Council and MLA quarters daily during the session. Besides the regular doctors available with the legislature secretariat, more doctors with knowledge of treating COVID-19 would be deployed for the session. Along with Ministers, MLAs and MLCs, only one personal assistant would be allowed into the Assembly/Council. Visitors are prohibited during the monsoon session. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:15:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- China will work with all countries in enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights and actively promote the development of digital economy and sharing economy, President Xi Jinping said Friday. Xi made the remarks while addressing the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services via video. Enditem 4 | Chinese President Xi Jinping offers to cooperate with India, BRICS countries to develop COVID-19 vaccine: Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 17 offered to cooperate with India and other BRICS nations in the development of vaccines against the coronavirus and called for holding a symposium by the five-member bloc on traditional medicine to explore its role in the COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Even as the race for an effective COVID-19 vaccine continues, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on September 4 said it does not expect widespread vaccination until mid-2021 and that "none of the vaccine candidates have a clear signal of efficacy at the level of at least 50 percent" sought by the body. A WHO spokeswoman, during a briefing, stressed on the importance of rigorous checks on a vaccine's effectiveness and safety. "We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Margaret Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva. "Phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is. We also need to see how safe it is," she added. In phase 3, large scale clinical trials are conducted among people. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate, news agency Reuters reported. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added. 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 Russia granted regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy. US public health officials and Pfizer said on September 4 a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on November 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term. One of the most irritating things about the GOP's old guard is that too many of its members orient their moral compass by looking to the Democrats. In its most extreme form, we get the NeverTrumps, former Republicans who discovered that, once Trump finally enacted their long touted conservative wish list, they didn't like it. For these grifters, it's better to go to the elite cocktail parties than it is to bring peace to the Middle East. Many of the old guard were also cowed by the name-calling: "Racist!" "Homophobic!" "Sexist." It beat them down so that they no longer trusted their own beliefs. One of the most delightful things to happen since John McCain passed away is seeing Sen. Lindsey Graham discover that he has a spine. While he occasionally tries too hard to be the polite Southern gentleman, there's no doubt that McCain's absence from the scene, coupled with the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, helped reorient him to core conservatism. Through 2020, Democrats have been bullying Republicans. When Republicans delicately suggested that extending a two-week lockdown into a six-month lockdown, long after the curve was flattened, was going to damage Americans, Democrats told them in no uncertain terms that they were now the party of killing Americans. And after George Floyd, an overweight, hypertensive, overdosing ex-felon, died in police custody, any Republican who dared to speak out against the "protests" was told, in a replay of the Obama years, that he or she was a racist. Some courageous Republicans did speak out, but most of them mouthed Black Lives Matter platitudes along with the Democrats. But something important happened last week: the polls showed that Americans disliked the riots and the destruction of their cities. It was 1968 and the Democrat National Convention all over again. So it is that, for the last week, the Democrats have turned on the riots. Of course, being Democrats, they've done so by trying to pin them on the Republicans but, after three months of actively supporting the mob, that narrative's not going to stick. Normally slow on the uptake, Republicans have been quick to realize that they have an opening here. That's why the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) put out a video in all contested states that explicitly ties the Democrats to the destruction and bloodshed in the streets. This is such a good video that it's hard to believe it comes from the GOP: The Republican Senate Majority is the last line of defense against the Democrats' liberal mob that wants to burn this country down. #HoldTheLine pic.twitter.com/nYozpisFQr The Senate Majority (@NRSC) September 3, 2020 The above is the general video. Below are two examples of how the NRSC is deploying the video in specific races: Although the Democrat shock troops enjoy engaging in violent combat, with the disreputable Democrat media and politicians cheering them on from the comfort of their TV studios, homes, and offices, Americans don't want a civil war. They want a safe, comfortable, happy, and energetic nation within which to raise their children and that's what the Republican party is promising them. Image: National Republican Senatorial Committee campaign video; screen grab from a shareable video. German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives at a press conference following a virtual meeting with governors of Germany's 16 states at the Chancellery during the coronavirus pandemic in Berlin, Germany on Aug. 27, 2020. (Omer Messinger-Pool/Getty Images) Russia: Germany Has Provided No Proof of Navalny Poisoning MOSCOW President Vladimir Putins spokesman brushed off allegations on Sep. 3 that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning the Russian leaders most determined critic, accusing Germany of not providing Moscow with any evidence about the condition of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. Navalny, a politician and corruption investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow on Aug. 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk. He has been in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital after being flown from Siberia to Germany for treatment more than a week ago. German authorities said Sep. 2 that tests showed proof without a doubt that he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group. British authorities identified the Soviet-era Novichok as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted on Sep. 3 that Russian authorities still had not received any evidence from Germany to back up their allegation. We havent received any information so far, Peskov said. We hope that it will happen soon and will help figure out what caused the condition the patient is in right now. Peskov reiterated that Russian specialists in Omsk tested Navalny for poisonous substances and didnt find any in his system. He said Russian investigators conducting a preliminary inquiry into Navalnys illness should know what our German colleagues found and established. Following his stay in Omsk, Navalny was moved two days later to Berlins Charite hospital after German Chancellor Angela Merkel personally offered the countrys assistance in treating him. Hes now in stable condition, but doctors expect a long recovery and havent ruled out that the 44-year-old Navalny could face long-term effects on his health. Merkel on Sep. 2 called Navalnys poisoning an attempted murder that aimed to silence one of Putins fiercest critics and called for a full investigation. There are very serious questions now that only the Russian government can answer, and must answer, she said. Asked about Peskovs comments on Sep. 3, Merkel said, Naturally I am aware of what is being said now but refused to comment further. I made a comprehensive statement yesterday about what we will do now and in the coming days, she told reporters at the chancellery after meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. And of course a lot depends on the respective reactions by the Russian government. But I dont want to add anything further. Germanys Justice Ministry has confirmed that theyve received Russias request for information, but wouldnt provide details on the response. Leonid Volkov, Navalnys longtime ally and campaign strategist, told the German RTL broadcaster on Sep. 3 that an independent investigation in Russia is unlikely and put the blame on the Kremlin. An attack of such level and of such coordination couldnt be authorized by Mr. Putin, Volkov said. Volkov said he didnt know what the legal consequences should be for what happened to Navalny. But I know for sure what I want to have as an outcome, and this is the political or a moral, ethical consequence: I really want that no foreign leader ever would shake hands with Mr. Putin, he said. Swedens Lofven, joining a chorus of other world leaders, called for Russia to investigate and punish those involved. We need to respond, he said. Something happened on an aircraft within Russia, within Russian jurisdiction, so I think its fair to say the ball is in your corner now to investigate. Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russias lower house of parliament, described the situation with Navalny as an anti-Russian plot. Its a planned action against Russia in order to impose new sanctions and try to impede the development of our country, Volodin said in a statement. In addition to receiving blowback from Moscow, the German government has come under growing pressure to use a joint GermanRussian pipeline project as leverage in getting Russia to provide answers on Navalny. When asked about the issue on Sep. 3, Merkel declined to comment. Germanys opposition Greens party urged her to end to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which would deliver Russian gas directly to Germany under the Baltic Sea when completed, bypassing Ukraine. The apparent attempted murder by the mafia-like structures of the Kremlin can no longer just give us cause for concern, it must have real consequences, Green parliamentary group leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt said. The Greens have long opposed the pipeline. Merkel has steadily resisted pressure from the United States to end the project, which Washington says will endanger European security by making Germany overly dependent on Russian gas. Nord Stream 2 is also opposed by Ukraine and Poland, which will be bypassed by the pipeline under the Baltic Sea, as well as some other European nations. With the findings of Navalny, even Norbert Roettgen, a leading lawmaker in Merkels party, said, diplomatic rituals are no longer enough. After the poisoning we need a strong European answer, which #Putin understands, Roettgen wrote on Twitter. The EU should jointly decide to stop #NordStream2. Peskov dismissed the calls to abandon Nord Stream 2 as emotional statements not based on facts. He called the pipeline an international commercial project that is in the interests of Russia, Germany, and the entire European continent. After doctors in Berlin reported last week that Navalny had likely been poisoned, before identifying Novichok as the nerve agent, Merkel rejected the idea of abandoning the project. Merkel has also previously rejected the idea when it was floated after previous confrontations with Moscow over incidents closer to homesuch as evidence the chancellors parliamentary office had been hacked by Russia, and the killing of a Georgian man in Berlin that prosecutors alleged was a hit ordered by the Russian government. In August, three Republican U.S. senators threatened sanctions against a German port operator involved in the Nord Stream 2 project, prompting Germanys foreign minister to bring up the issue with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Switzerland-based Allseas, which operates ships laying sections of the undersea pipeline, suspended its work in December after U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation threatening sanctions against companies linked to the project. Some say Navalnys poisoning and the pipeline should not be linked. Wolfgang Kubicki, deputy leader of the pro-business Free Democratic Party, warned that Nord Stream 2 is nearing completion and both Russian and German companies are massively invested in the project. Im skeptical that we should question a project of this magnitude at this stage, he told Deutschlandfunk radio. And Markus Soeder, a Merkel ally who leads the smallest party in Germanys governing coalition, said the construction of the pipeline was a private business decision, not a government one. In our view, one has nothing to do with the other, he said. By Daria Litvinova & David Rising New Delhi: After controversial Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (Pok) remark on Twitter against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's threat, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has decided to finally land in Mumbai and has tweeted about it. She wrote: I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le https://t.co/9706wS2qEd Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2020 Kangana Ranaut has challenged all, saying nobody can stop her from coming to Mumbai and on September 9, 2020, she will land at the airport and also share her arrival timings. She has been staying with her family in Himachal Pradesh ever since the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. A day after Kangana Ranaut's tweet accusing Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut threatening the actress to not return to Mumbai if she has no faith in the police has clarified his stand regarding the remark. Raut told Zee News, "We don't give threats to anyone, we believe in taking action. Those who are making comparisons with Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), don't know anything about Pok. We will not tolerate anything demeaning about Mumbai and Maharashtra." He added, "Mumbai police has risked its own life and saved the citizens at the time of 26/11 terror attacks. Even in 1992 blasts also they protected the city and people living in it. Several Mumbai police officers have lost their lives and made sacrifices during the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak." Kangana Ranaut has been naming and shaming several big Bollywood celebrities for fanning nepotism and recently in the drug conspiracy related to Sushant Singh Rajput case. CLEVELAND, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday he was confident that federal officials would not release a coronavirus vaccine before one was ready, despite public pressure mounting from President Donald Trump amid a heated re-election campaign. Speaking at his Thursday COVID-19 coronavirus briefing, DeWine, a Republican, said he was confident that when a vaccine for the virus which is currently being fast-tracked is released, it will be done so with proper safety in mind. However, the rapid pace at which the vaccine is in development has raised questions over whether any vaccine delivered before the Nov. 3 election would be truly safe and effective. I have the same information that, really, most Ohioans do about this. So were waiting, DeWine said. Frankly, what we need to do, what Ohioans need to do, is listen to the medical experts when the vaccine comes out. I am sure they will not bring this vaccine out and make it available to the public unless enough testing has been done. Vaccines normally take years to develop to ensure scientists fully understand any potential long-term effects. But health officials have been working at a breakneck pace to deliver a coronavirus vaccine to the public potentially by the end of the year, a much quicker timeline. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documents told states to be prepared to distribute a vaccine by late October, according to CNN. The CDC said that does not mean a vaccine will be ready by then, but states should have the infrastructure in place. The ever-present cloud of the 2020 presidential race has only complicated trust that any vaccine delivered before the Nov. 3 election would be both safe and effective. Trump has maintained that a vaccine may be ready by Election Day, including in an interview with Geraldo Rivera on WTAM in August. His health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the administrations top infectious disease expert, has said the soonest a vaccine may be ready by is early 2021, and even then it would not be widely available. Nevertheless, DeWine said the state is preparing the infrastructure to administer the vaccine widely once it available. Ohioans will have the opportunity to watch the news, they will have the opportunity to listen to what the White House says, they will have the opportunity to listen to what the medical experts say as this vaccine comes on the market, DeWine said. We in Ohio are doing what we can do. What we can do is get ready for whenever that day is. It cant come soon enough, but obviously we want it right. How the state distributes doses, where it will be available and how much Ohio will receive are still big questions, DeWine said, though he volunteered that vulnerable populations such as the elderly in nursing homes and other congregate settings and first responders may be the first to receive the vaccine. The goal is going to be twofold: saving lives and cutting off the spread, DeWine said. Those are two main goals I think you would have in any kind of determination about where a vaccine would go. DeWine also cautioned the public on the availability of a vaccine once it is approved. Lets assume we have great reports and all the validation, we dont know how much we will get, DeWine said. My understanding is that will be spread out over a period of time. Read more politics coverage: Sen. Sherrod Brown seeks Treasury Department sanctions against Russia for trying to undermine Joe Biden in 2020 election 7 Ohio counties are red, but Lorain down two levels Ohios unemployment claims inched down last week Fox News Chris Wallace to moderate first presidential debate in Cleveland Under normal physiological conditions, FUS and SFPQ interact in the nucleus of nerve cells and regulate the alternative splicing of MAPT by excising exon 10. When this functional machinery is impaired, the splicing ratio of MAPT exon 10+/exon 10- is increased, which in turn results in an increased 4R-Tau/3R-Tau ratio. The findings of Dr Ishigaki's team suggest the presence of a pathophysiological link between FUS/SFPQ interaction and the regulation of 4R-Tau/3R-Tau isoforms, which is involved in the pathogenesis of FTLD spectrum diseases. Credit: Shinsuke Ishigaki Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a type of dementia that appears earlier in life than Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both FTLD and AD, along with several other neurodegenerative diseases, are marked by the appearance and clustering of the protein tau in nerve cells. However, there is much left to be explored about this mechanism. Now, a team of researchers from various collaborating universities and hospitals in Japan has uncovered crucial molecular details regarding tau's activity, promising to revolutionize the therapy of tau-induced neurodegenerative diseases. Tau-induced neurodegenerative diseases include not only FTLD and AD, but also an array of conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Many people from various age groups are affected by the tau-induced diseases, but the effective therapeutic strategy against tau aggregation is yet to be available. One reason behind this gap is that, despite a lot of effort and resources invested, the exact mechanism of the action of tau inside the cell is still unclear. Knowing this will help us pin down an appropriate treatment strategy. The research team, led by Dr. Shinsuke Ishigaki of Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, has now discovered new layers of complexities hidden in the cellular activities of tau. The researchers report a novel role of tau that is specific for FTLD spectrum diseases, and as per their findings published in Brain, these finer mechanisms specifically contribute to the development of conditions such as FTLD, ALS, PSP, and CBD, but not in AD and Pick's diseases. However, while this research puts tau in the spotlight, it all started with another related protein. Dr. Ishigaki explains the reasons for arriving at their study question: "Earlier, while studying FTLD mouse models, we found two interacting proteins, fused in sarcoma (FUS) and splicing factor, proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ), were important for the generation of functional tau. The interaction of FUS and SFPQ inside the nucleus is disrupted due to mutations in FUS results in neurodegeneration by the accumulation of a dysfunctional variant '4-repeat tau,' causing FTLD in mouse." So how did the researchers link their findings of mouse model to the tau-induced pathogenesis in humans? They studied the interaction of SFPQ and FUS in brain autopsy samples of 142 deceased individuals with various neurodegenerative diseases like FUS-related ALS/FTLD, TDP-43-related ALS/FTLD, PSP, AD, or Pick's disease, with the latter disease used as a control to compare the results. Using their findings, the researchers have proposed a unique model of "imbalanced accumulation of tau" in cells. As per this new model, FUS and SFPQ regulate the processing of MAPT, the gene that "codes" for tau, specifically by removing a genetic region called exon 10. In normal conditions, the balance in the ratio of variants "4-repeat tau" and "3-repeat tau" is maintained by MAPT. In disease conditions, the processing of MAPT is hampered, leading to an unchecked increase in the amount of 4-repeat tau. Interestingly, an increased level of 4-repeat tau causes FTLD spectrum diseases, but not AD or Pick's disease, in humans. "Now that we know how tau specifically causes FTLD spectrum diseases, we can design a treatment strategy for these diseases that could 'target' the factors involved in the process, like '4-repeat tau' or FUS/SFPQ proteins," concludes Dr. Ishigaki, talking about the significance of their discovery. Explore further RNA quality control system goes awry in frontotemporal lobar degeneration More information: Shinsuke Ishigaki et al. Aberrant interaction between FUS and SFPQ in neurons in a wide range of FTLD spectrum diseases, Brain (2020). Journal information: Brain Shinsuke Ishigaki et al. Aberrant interaction between FUS and SFPQ in neurons in a wide range of FTLD spectrum diseases,(2020). DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa196 DETROIT Jeep aims to punch above its weight with the arrival next year of the Grand Wagoneer, a vehicle will top $100,000 fully loaded and bring the brand into the highly profitable large SUV segment. But defying skeptics as an underdog is something its parent company, Fiat Chrysler, has taken pride in doing as the smallest of the Detroit automakers. It's something it plans to do again with the Grand Wagoneer luxury SUV and its less expensive sibling the Wagoneer, which is also an SUV. "People laughed at us 10 years ago when we said that we would take on the very best," Ralph Gilles, global head of design for Fiat Chrysler, told CNBC referring to the success of its most recent Ram 1500 pickup. "We have poured our hearts and souls into this product." Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept Fiat Chrysler The Ram 1500 outsold the Chevrolet Silverado to become the second best-selling pickup in America for the first time ever last year and earned Cars.com's title of 2020 Luxury Car of the Year, a first for a truck. But that was a segment the company was already competing in with the vehicle. For the Wagoneer SUVs, Fiat Chrysler will have to re-establish itself in the large SUV segment and compete against well-known nameplates. The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer names were previously used by Jeep for large SUVs from 1963 until 1991. The company had promised to resurrect the Wagoneer name for nearly a decade as a way to better compete in the highly profitable large SUV segment. 'On the podium' Christian Meunier, global president of Jeep, declined to discuss expected sales of the SUVs but said they will be "on the podium for sure" with the top sellers. "We're going to be a key player in the segment," he told CNBC after the company unveiled a concept version of the resurrected SUVs Thursday as a preview of what's to come for the vehicles. Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept Fiat Chrysler To be "on the podium," Jeep will have to outsell a handful of foreign competitors and one of its crosstown rivals, which lead the large SUV segment. General Motors has dominated the large SUV segment for decades with its six offerings under the Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. Each business unit has short and long versions, also known as wheelbases, of the SUVs. Jeep, according to Meunier, plans to do the same with the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, including different sizes for both vehicles and the potential for additional models. GM's mainstream Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban as well as their sibling GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL SUVs typically account for more than 70% of mainstream full-size SUVs in the U.S., according to Edmunds.com. 2021 Cadillac Escalade interior GM Meunier said GMC and Cadillac "are the benchmark in business opportunities" for the Wagoneer models. "That's what we're going to go after," he said. While large mainstream and luxury SUV segments are highly profitable for automakers, they're smaller markets than many of Jeep's other segments, making them more competitive. GM also redesigned its entire lineup of large SUVS this year. North America is expected to account for the majority of sales for the Wagoneer models, followed by the Middle East and much smaller sales in countries such as China, according to Meunier. Natural extension The large SUV segment is arguably the last segment Jeep could enter after an expansion into smaller vehicles and the pickup segment in recent years. "I think brands like Jeep and Ford and pretty much everyone else is trying to explore different niches they can get into," said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at Edmunds.com. "Clearly, Jeep has had a hold on the off-rod SUV consumer, and then you have vehicles like the Ford Bronco come along and threaten their livelihood. "I think it makes sense for them as well to expand into other niches as well." Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept Fiat Chrysler Caldwell said entering the luxury segment "may seem like a stretch for Jeep" but the brand's reputation is arguably in a "higher echelon" than other mainstream brands. Many customers of the Jeep Grand Cherokee currently the brand's largest and highest-price model trade the vehicle in for a luxury SUV, according to Caldwell. Starting prices of the Grand Cherokee ranges from about $34,000 to nearly $90,000 for a "Trackhawk" performance model, which can top six figures when fully loaded. $100,000 SUV The Wagoneer lineup is expected to have a narrower price range with the Wagoneer starting at about $60,000 and the fully loaded Grand Wagoneer topping $100,000, according to Meunier. "They're going to have a lot of similarities except that the Grand Wagoneer is going to be the top of the top," he said. "There won't be anything like that in this segment. You will be blown away when you open the door." Meunier said many elements of the Grand Wagoneer concept, which featured a cockpit interior with four screens in the dashboard and luxury design cues as well as lighting elements, are expected to make it into the production vehicles next year. Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept Fiat Chrysler Madhya Pradesh Prison department has ordered a probe after a jailer in Indore district jail was seen talking to a high profile woman, accused in a honey trap case, on the jail premises, in photos that went viral on social media on Wednesday, as per officials. A team led by deputy inspector general (DIG) of Jail department Sanjay Pandey visited the jail on Thursday and spoke with authorities in connection with the probe. In the viral photo, jailer KK Kulshrestha is seen sitting on a chair outside the video conference room of the womens cell on the jail premises and the honey trap accused is seen standing before him. Their gestures suggest both were engaged in a conversation. The viral photos invited several comments including allegations of special treatment for the accused woman. The honey trap scandal came to light in September 2019 with the arrest of six persons, including five women, following a complaint by an engineer in Indore. In the preliminary investigation, police found that this gang was blackmailing politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and even police officers by shooting their videos in compromising situations. All the accused from the gang are lodged in district jail, Indore. Also Read: CM Chouhan orders inquiry into sale of grain unfit for humans at govt shop DIG, jail, Sanjay Pandey, reached the jail in the morning with some woman officials and conducted an inspection, as per officials. Talking to media persons, Pandey said, We are conducting an inquiry into the presence of the jailer outside the women cell and talking to a jail inmate? A separate inquiry will be conducted to find out who clicked the photo and posted the same on social media as the use of mobile phones or any other electronic device is strictly prohibited inside the jail. Also Read: BJP believes in politics of development: Scindia Jailer KK Kulshrestha said, There are 80 to 90 woman prisoners in the jail, many of whom approach authorities to make requests related to health, phone calls to their relatives, submitting applications etc. But someone deliberately snapped that particular photo with the honey trap accused illegally inside the jail premises and made it viral on social media to highlight it as part of a conspiracy against me. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Department of Defense (DoD) Military Spouse Employment Program (MSEP) "Cornerstone is proud to support the MSEP initiative to counsel and place military spouses in satisfying career opportunities. Several of our staff employees are former military who understand the career and consumer issues a military family faces," Steven Drexel, Cornerstone president and CEO. Cornerstone Staffing Solutions, among the largest staffing firms in the United States, announced it has joined the Department of Defense (DoD) Military Spouse Employment Program (MSEP). Cornerstone joins hundreds of recruitment companies as well as corporations and small businesses who are committing to assisting military spouses with direct employment or contracting opportunities across the companys branch network. According to the DoD website, this key initiative is part of the governments Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program, which seeks to reduce the significant unemployment rate and wage gap currently experienced by military spouses. Cornerstone branch personnel will post job openings on the Military Spouse Employment Partnership Career Portal, mentor military spouses and other employers, attend job fairs (virtual and in-person) and provide the DoD with employment data on military spouses hired. As an MSEP company, Cornerstone will advocate for the gainful employment of military spouses in positions that are commensurate with these candidates strong skill sets including problem solving, flexibility and resiliency. The company will also assist or guide spouses with employment assistance when they relocate. Eddy Mentzer, associate director in DoDs office of family readiness policy, said the talent of military spouses can strengthen the economy, military families, the Defense Department and the nation. Partnership companies and organizations have hired more than 100,000 military spouses. The Military Spouse Employment Partnership works to strengthen the education and career opportunities of military spouses by providing: Career exploration opportunities to help them understand their skills, interests, and goals Education and training to help them identify academic, licensing, or credentialing requirements that can help them reach their career goals Employment readiness assistance to optimize their self-marketing skills Employment connections that help them find and maintain a rewarding career LaShaunda Smith, a Cornerstone staffing consultant based in Maryland understands the benefits of the program. As a military spouse, Ive worn the shoes and walked the same miles as all military spouses. Moving your family, settling in a new city, and finding a job are very stressful. The MSEP is fantastic asset to help with the transitions military families face all the time. Im so eager to help them find employment with the great companies Cornerstone works with. A July 2015, 2020 article by Karen Jowers for MilitaryTimes states that it is challenging to track military spouse unemployment data. The DoDs scientific survey, with random sampling, put active duty spouse unemployment at 26 percent in 2010, 23 percent in 2015, and 24 percent in 2017. A smaller survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundations Hiring Our Heroes in 2017 put the number at 16 percent; the online Blue Star Families 2019 lifestyle survey indicated 24 percent. An unpublished Bureau of Labor Statistics table with data from the March 2018 Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey showed the unemployment rate of military wives overall to be 9.9 percent, compared to a rate of 2.5 percent for wives in the civilian community whose husbands are not in the military. This particular table looked only at women and is based on a survey of 63,685 married women, 719 of whom were married to military men. Cornerstone is proud to support the MSEP initiative to counsel and place military spouses in satisfying career opportunities. Several of our staff employees are former military who understand the career and consumer issues a military family faces, commented Steven Drexel, president and CEO of the Cornerstone Staffing Solutions family of companies. We are grateful to military families for their service to our nation and the sacrifices they make. We are eager to work with them and provide satisfying employment opportunities with the great companies we work with. Military spouses interested in working with Cornerstone can contact the company via email at hirethebest@cssitalent.com. More About Cornerstone Staffing Cornerstone Staffing Solutions is among the largest staffing firms in America and achieved ClearlyRateds Diamond Award for Best of Staffing Client Satisfaction and also was one of 138 staffing firms named to Forbes inaugural list of Americas Best Temporary Staffing Firms 2020. The company has received the award every consecutive year since 2016. Since 2003, Cornerstone has grown from a neighborhood staffing provider to a national firm that employs thousands of people at hundreds of companies from coast to coast including California, Nevada, Illinois, Texas, Michigan, New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida. The Cornerstone family of companies also includes Dallas, Texas-based RightStone (http://www.rightstone.com), and Chicago, Illinois-based Arlington Resources, Inc. (http://www.arlingtonresources.com) and Casey Accounting & Finance Resources (http://www.caseyresources.com). Providing candidate searching and job placement for administrative, industrial, technical, sales and transportation positions, Cornerstone truly is where talent and jobs meet. Visit Cornerstone at http://www.cornerstone-staffing.com. About the Military Spouse Employment Program MSEP is part of DoD's broader Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, or SECO, initiative, which seeks to strengthen the education and career opportunities of military spouses. It is a targeted recruitment and employment solution, creates employment connections that provide companies with direct access to military spouses seeking career opportunities and spouses with direct access to employers who are actively recruiting. MSEP currently has more than 400 partners, who have hired over 139,000 military spouses. For more information, visit https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/. A doctor who treated Sushant Singh Rajput in November last year, has revealed details about the actors mental health and how he had to be admitted to a hospital for it. NDTV has accessed statements of one of the two psychiatrists who were treating Sushant, given to the Mumbai Police. In his statement, the doctor said that Sushant was admitted to Hinduja Health Care Hospital in Mumbai on November 27, 2019, after Sushants manager Shruti Modi contacted him about Sushants deteriorating condition. The doctor checked up on Sushant the next day when the actor told him about his struggle with depression. After that, on the date 28/11/2019, around 9:00 AM, during the visit to Hinduja Health Care Hospital, I examined and met Sushant Singh Rajput for the first time. At that time, he told me things like he is not getting sleep or has any appetite, he doesnt like anything in life now, he doesnt wish to live and he is afraid all the time. On that, I primarily diagnosed the ailment Sushant Singh Rajput was suffering from to be depression and anxiety. He told me that he is experiencing these symptoms for the last 10 days, the statement said. However, the doctor added that the actor said during the examination that he doesnt have any suicidal thoughts. He said that from the severity of Sushants symptoms, he concluded that the actor has been depressed for a very long time. The doctor had noted that the cause of Sushants depression was not external. It was evident from the words of Sushant Singh Rajput, that nothing is happening as per his expectation and that he is insecure. But, the reason was appearing to be negative thoughts in his mind. No strong outer reason was seen for such feelings of his in the examination. Hence, he was a patient falling in the 80 percent grid, as above. Depression can occur to such patients due to thyroid deficiencies, Vitamin B12 & D3 deficiencies, Hemoglobin deficiencies, and imbalance in some chemicals and stimulants in the brain like Serotonin. Some peculiar patients also get anxiety and depression due to heredity, the statement added. Sushant was discharged from hospital on November 30. Also read | Isha Koppikar says a superstar once got her replaced in a film: I was about to go for the mahurat and it happened In January, Sushants girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty had asked the doctor to admit Sushant to the hospital again after his condition worsened. However, Sushant decided to visit his sister in Chandigarh instead. Sushant was found dead at his Bandra apartment on June 14. He died by suicide at 34. Sushants father filed an FIR against Rhea under allegations of abetment to suicide. The case is currently being investigated by the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and the Narcotics Control Bureau. 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 simple idea of free driving, of paying attention only to your car, the road, and the cars around you and forgetting about the speedometer altogether is something most of us can only experience on the rare and short occasions we end up on a racetrack. In Germany, you can just get behind the wheel of your car, find the nearest unrestricted section of the Autobahn, and let it rip.Of course, there's also the Isle of Man, an entire island with no speed limits whatsoever regardless of the type of road you're on. However, it's much more likely (and safer) to hit a vehicle's top speed on three-lane freeway than, say, a country road with a tractor pulling a trailer full of hay potentially just around the corner.That's even truer when the car in question is a Ford Mustang GT with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine pushing out 780 horsepower. The most potent Ford Mustang money can buy right now is the Shelby GT500 version with its 5.2-liter V8. Even that one, though, is still 20 hp short of this particular build that, to make things even more extreme, has a manual transmission to boot.Watching the Geiger Cars-modded Mustang gain speed is mesmerizing. Not only does it make the other cars look like they're going in reverse, but it also prompts a double check to make sure you're watching the speedometer and not the rev counter. That needle goes up with lightning speed and it's only in sixth gear that it loses some of its determination to climb toward the end of the scale.And then there's the sound. Even from the insulated cabin, you can hear the wonderful mix of the V8's grunt, the exhaust's rumble, and the supercharger's whine. It may be that the American muscle cars were built for the U.S. Interstates, but the German Autobahn makes for a very fitting match as well. --- Utah Federal Court Invites IBC to File Refocused Motion for Summary Judgment, Grants IBC's Motion for Consolidation and Denies Ucore's Motion for Preliminary Injunction --- AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a decision dated September 1, 2020, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruled in favor of IBC Advanced Technologies, Inc. ("IBC"), and dismissed a motion for contempt brought by Ucore Rare Metals Inc. ("Ucore"). The Nova Scotia Supreme Court also awarded costs to IBC; the amount which IBC will recover has not yet been determined. On August 19, 2020, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court heard submissions concerning Ucore's suggestion that IBC's filing of a Motion for Summary Judgment ("MSJ") in Utah Federal Court was contemptuous. Ucore sought to punish IBC for exercising its legal rights in Utah. The Nova Scotia Supreme Court stated: "Simply put, there is nothing in the plain wording of the Interlocutory Injunction Order which enjoins IBC's ability to pursue its right to take steps in the ongoing litigation in Utah". The Nova Scotia Supreme Court referred to transcripts from Ucore's earlier submissions to that Court and confirmed that Ucore did not try to prohibit IBC from exercising its full rights in the Utah litigation when it requested the Injunction. The Nova Scotia Supreme Court also reaffirmed its earlier denial of Ucore's attempt to limit IBC's ability to market its technology in all sectors. Utah Federal Court On August 5, 2020, the Utah Federal Court stated that it will entertain a more narrowly focused Motion for Summary Judgment at a later date. IBC's MSJ had asked the Court to rule that the Option Agreement with Ucore is unenforceable. The Court's denial of the originally filed MSJ was without prejudice and did not address the merits of IBC's position. In addition, the Utah Court granted IBC's motion to consolidate three Utah cases involving Ucore: IBC's contract action against Ucore for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment or fraudulent non-disclosure, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and fraudulent inducement; IBC's action against Ucore Chief Operating Officer, Michael Schrider , for misappropriation of IBC's intellectual property and breach of contract; and , for misappropriation of IBC's intellectual property and breach of contract; and IBC's shareholders' action, wherein eight (8) shareholders are making claims against Ucore for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and fraudulent inducement; (collectively, the "Utah Consolidated Case"). The Utah Court also denied Ucore's motion for a preliminary injunction in which Ucore sought to force IBC to dismantle and move the Molecular Recognition Technology ("MRT") rare earth element pilot plant. The Utah Consolidated Case will now advance to the discovery phase. IBC is very pleased with the outcome of the proceedings in both Nova Scotia and Utah. IBC welcomes the start of the discovery phase, believes its claims will now be further substantiated through that process, and is highly confident in its position and prospects for success. Background of IBC IBC is an award-winning provider of proprietary and innovative MRT products and processes, based on green chemistry and green engineering, to premier customers worldwide. IBC's SuperLig, AnaLig and MacroLig products and associated processes are used in manufacturing, analytical and laboratory applications. In 1988, IBC was founded by and named after three Brigham Young University professors: Dr. Reed M. Izatt, Dr. Jerald S. Bradshaw and Dr. James J. Christensen. IBC is the proud sponsor of the International Izatt-Christensen Award. This Award, founded in 1991 and named after Dr. Reed M. Izatt and Dr. James J. Christensen, two of the founders of IBC, recognizes excellence in macrocyclic and supramolecular chemistry. It is known as one of the most prestigious small awards in chemistry. The Award is presented annually at the International Symposium on Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry ("ISMSC"). Two of the early recipients of the Award later shared the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The precursor of the ISMSC was founded by Dr. Izatt and Dr. Christensen in 1977. A privately-held Utah corporation, IBC counts among its shareholders a multi-billion dollar international manufacturing company, which has been a major customer and benefactor of IBC for over thirty (30) years. IBC has built its business upon integrity, trust and excellence and values its close association with such top-tier companies. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:48:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved the harmonization of the retirement age in the civil service to 65 years with immediate effect. In a note dated Friday, Secretary of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Vincent Hungwe told heads of ministries that Mnangagwa has approved an amendment to regulations of 2000 that provided for two pensionable ages in the civil service. Under the 2000 regulations, those appointed on pensionable terms of service before May 1, 1992, have a pensionable age of 65 while those appointed on or after that date have a pensionable age of 60 years. "The amendment approved by his Excellency the President, which is being finalized in the immediate term, harmonizes the retirement criteria by restoring the retirement/pensionable age to 65 years for all civil servants," the note said. Prior to the amendment of the old regulations, some civil servants who had been hired after May 1, 1992, could still continue in service until the age of 65 upon applying for an extension. Enditem If the city had a survey of African American and Latino historic sites and it used that resource to let developers know what they were getting into this little mess might not have arisen. Without such a survey, an important building might fall through the cracks and be demolished. Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has called on travelers coming to Ghana to cooperate and pay the 150-dollar fee for the mandatory COVID-19 test. Government has, as a result of the reopening of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), adopted new measures to ensure the flight passengers as well as Ghanaians are safe from the virus infection. President Nana Akufo-Addo, in his 16th nation address, outlined the measures saying ''it has been well-established that the very first cases of COVID-19 in Ghana were imported into our shores. We are determined to make sure this scenario does not recur. The commitment to ensuring that the gradual easing of restrictions, including the reopening of our airports, does not lead to the importation or resurgence of the virus into our country, is firmly in place. That is why the following measures have been taken and duly communicated to airlines wishing to resume flights to Ghana: 1. any passenger arriving in Ghana must be in possession of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin. The test should have been done not more than seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled departure from the country of origin. All airlines have been instructed to ensure compliance with this directive for all passengers wishing to travel to Ghana, and those airlines who fail in this regard will be duly sanctioned; 2. disembarking passengers must do so wearing face masks; 3. upon disembarking from the aeroplane, each passenger will undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport terminal, at a fee to be borne by the passenger. The test result will be available within thirty (30) minutes; 4. children under the ages of five (5) will not be required to undergo testing at the airport; 5. passengers, who test positive for COVID-19, will be handled by the health authorities for further clinical assessment and management; and 6. passengers, who test negative, can, thereupon, enter Ghana to go about their lawful activities, and will be advised to continue to observe COVID-19 safety precautions during their stay in Ghana. Fee Paying The passengers are also mandated to pay a fee of 150 dollars to undergo the test. The rapid antigen test result is said to come within 30 minutes. But some critics have raised objections to the fee payment saying the amount is exorbitant and called on the government to reduce it. Dr. Okoe Boye's Assertions To Dr. Okoe Boye, although the amount seems high, it is necessary looking at the cost involved in the antigen test. He explained that the antigen test is a specialized test which comes with its own technology, revealing that the initial pricing was 158 dollars but government negotiated for $150. He further explained on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'' that when you compare the amount to the previous arrangements where passengers were put under mandatory quarantine in a hotel and charged for the hotel expenses, the 150 dollars is far affordable. He added that the first batch of passengers who arrived in the country following the airport reopening attested to the fact that the fee payment is less costly and better than lodging in a hotel, hence giving their consent to the government to continue the new arrangements. "50 passengers on a KLM flight subjected themselves to the antigen test and they were all negative. When they became negative, after consultations, we said well, this is the new arrangement. They've passed it. They went home.'' Dr. Okoe Boye asked to revert to the old arrangments of mandatorily quarantining travelers in a hotel for them to pay for their accommodation, food and every other expense if they think the test fee at the airport is expensive. "Okoe Boye is not saying that 150 dollars is no money but when you bring everything together, you can see that the opportunity cost, the alternative to this arrangement is so expensive and takes away your time such that because the accuracy and the time, the speed; you're more or less compelled to take it," 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 The State Capitol Police have dispatched security details to the Norwalk home of Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff in the wake of allegations that police officers tried to intimidate the veteran member of the General Assembly over recent police accountability legislation. A Capitol Police vehicle was stationed at Duffs house Wednesday night and again Thursday morning, as part of the agencys mission to protect lawmakers and investigate threats. Its unclear whether the presence of Capitol Police were limited to security, or also part of a probe into the allegations of incidents that at Norwalk police headquarters from officers opposed to a bill Duff supported in the state Senate. Capitol Police Chief Luiz Casanova ordered the security presence after Hearst Connecticut Media reported of a July 24 incident in which police officers shouted expletives at Duff, then visiting Norwalk Police headquarters the day after the state House of Representatives approved a wide-ranging bill banning choke holds, opening disciplinary records and setting standards that could bar rogue officers from ever serving again in Connecticut law enforcement. During that visit in which he met with the executive board of the police union, Duff said he was greeted in the building by expletives from officers, was spat at by an officer, escorted from the building by a senior officer, then intimidated in the parking lot by as many as 30 officers. In a statement Thursday morning, Capitol Police said extra patrols and safety were extended to Duffs home, where for weeks after the Senate passed the legislation on July 28, Duff has said, a driver regularly passed by shouting expletives that could be heard by his family. This measure was taken as a precautionary step to aid in safety and protection, Capitol Police said. This patrol is not the result of any specific threat or incident and there is no reason for concern on behalf of the neighborhood or community. State Capitol Police, and all police departments, are committed to providing assistance and a safe community. Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik said Thursday morning that he did not know why Capitol Police were at Duffs home. I dont have any information other than we were made aware they may be in the area, Kulhawik said in an email. Kulhawik and Duff have a meeting on the issues scheduled for Friday. Duff on Thursday was unsure of the State Capitol Polices involvement beyond the obvious presence at his home. The State Capitol Police are a wonderful and dedicated group of men and women, Duff said Thursday morning. I cannot comment on the measures these professional officers take to ensure the safety of those they are sworn to protect. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, the citys former police chief, said Thursday that he had heard conflicting stories out of the encounters in headquarters, and has seen some social media posts that seem to be fueling further bad blood. It is quite clear there was tension and unfortunate incidents at the police department on the day of Senator Duffs visit, Rilling said in an email. I have already spoken with Chief Kulhawik who is looking into this matter. I am hopeful there can be a civil resolution to this situation. All of the social media comments are counterproductive to finding a resolution, Rilling wrote. If necessary, I will facilitate a meeting between Senator Duff and the Police Union Executive Board. This is very disruptive and it is imperative we resolve this once and for all so we can move forward. It was at the time of a meeting between police union officials and Duff in headquarters on July 24, when the incidents began and escalated. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for Libyas authorities to close migrant detention centers across the country, describing a raft of human rights abuses inside the facilities. In a report submitted to the Security Council on Thursday, Guterres said more than 2,780 migrants were detained across the war-ravaged country as of July 31. Twenty-two percent of those held are children. Inside the facilities, men and boys are frequently threatened with violence and their families are pressured to send ransom money, according to the report. "Migrants and refugees have been shot at when they attempted to escape, resulting in injuries and deaths," the report said. Some considered too weak to survive were even "left on the streets or bushes to die. Since the toppling of longtime Libyan dictator Muammar Gadhafi in 2011, Libya has become a main transit country for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. The Mediterreanean Sea route is a perilous journey but thousands of migrants risk it every year for the chance of a better life in Europe. In August, at least 45 migrants drowned when their boat capsized off the coast of Libya. The UN estimates more than 300 people have died attempting the central Mediterranean crossing since the beginning of this year. Migrants in boats bound for Italy or other European countries are often intercepted by the Libyan coast guard and forcibly transferred to government-affiliated detention centers. Human Rights Watch has documented severe overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, malnutrition, and lack of adequate health care inside the facilities. The deeply fractured country is embroiled in a civil war between Khalifa Hifters self-styled Libyan National Army and the Tripoli-based, UN-backed Government of National Accord. Each side is propped up by an array of foreign backers seeking greater influence in the Middle East. In his report, Gutteres pointed out that no one has been held accountable for the July 2019 airstrike near Tripoli that killed more than 50 people, mostly African migrants, and injured 130 others. Libyas UN-backed government blamed the United Arab Emirates, a main backer of Hifter, for the strike. This story contains reporting from Agence France-Presse. US bank had agreed to pay Malaysia $3.9bn to settle probe into its alleged role in scandal involving state fund 1MDB. Malaysian prosecutors have withdrawn criminal charges against three Goldman Sachs units accused of misleading investors over $6.5bn in bond sales they helped organise for a state fund, the Bernama state news agency has reported. Fridays move comes after the US banking giant agreed to pay $3.9bn to Malaysia to settle a probe into its alleged role in the scandal involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the fund which counts former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak as one of its co-founders. The United States Department of Justice estimates $4.5bn was misappropriated from 1MDB between 2009 and 2014, including some of the funds that Goldman Sachs helped raise. The units based in London, Hong Kong and Singapore had pleaded not guilty in February and the bank has consistently denied wrongdoing. Goldman Sachs International Ltd, Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC and Goldman Sachs (Singapore) are therefore discharged amounting to an acquittal from all four charges made against them, Bernama quoted High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan as saying. Lawyers for Goldman Sachs and the prosecution could not be immediately reached for comment. As part of its deal with Malaysia, Goldman has paid $2.5bn in cash and guaranteed the return of $1.4bn in 1MDB assets seized around the world. Goldman Sachs had to boost its legal reserves by $2.01bn to account for the Malaysia settlement, shaving its second-quarter net income by 85 percent and wiping out what had been a surprise jump in profit due to trading gains. Malaysian prosecutors will also cease pursuing the case against Goldman Sachss 17 current and former directors, the Bloomberg news agency reported, quoting people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named as the information is private. The scandal surrounding 1MDB had led to Najibs removal in 2018 and triggered corruption investigations in at least 10 countries, including Singapore and Switzerland. Najib was found guilty of corruption last month and sentenced to 12 years in prison in the first trial over the scandal to reach a conclusion. Najib has maintained that he is innocent. After facing delays from COVID-19 and Hurricane Laura, Montgomery County commissioners will meet Tuesday to consider the final adoption of the countys 2021 proposed $348 million budget and tax rate. The hearing will be at 10 a.m. on the fourth floor of the Alan B. Sadler Commissioners Court Building, 501 N. Thompson St. Commissioners voted 3-2 Aug. 21 with hesitation to approve their 2021 proposed budget ahead of knowing certified property values that could affect the countys expected revenue. That vote included a stipulation to the budget and tax rate for a possible amendment at a later date due to a delay in certified property values from the pandemic. County Judge Mark Keough and Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack were the nay votes. The proposed $348 million budget is a 3.59 percent increase from the current years adopted budget of $336.5 million. While the budget increased slightly, the county is proposing a 1.4 percent decrease in the tax rate from 44.75 cents per $100 property valuation to 44.12 cents per $100 property valuation. Noack took a stand against the proposed tax rate on social media stating the court should adopt the no new revenue rate of 43.19 per $100 property valuation. That rate would generate the same amount of revenue from taxpayers meaning they would not see an increase in their taxes. While the proposed rate of 44.12 cents per $100 property valuation is a lower tax rate than the current year, it would generate a little over $5 million more in revenue. This year we have faced rising appraisals, economic uncertainty, mandated business closures, and a pandemic. This has led to lower wages, lost jobs, and unemployment like weve never experienced, Noack said. This is not the time to vote to increase taxes. cdominguez@hcnonline.com Tokens will not be accepted in the Delhi Metro when its services resume after a gap of over five months on September 7, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said on Thursday. The minister held a meeting with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Transport department officers during the day, discussing the standard operating procedure (SOP) for metro operations. He said Civil Defence volunteers and personnel from the Enforcement wing of the Transport department would be deployed at the stations to help in crowd management and ensure proper social distancing by the passengers. "Tokens will not be allowed in Metro trains in Delhi to ensure protection against COVID-19 infection. Also, all the stations, except those in containment zones, will be open but depending on crowd, only some gates may open," he told PTI. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed opening of Metro train services in the country from September 7 in a graded manner. Its guidelines allow use of token for travel after proper sanitisation. The minister also said some trains may skip a few stations, after origin station, depending on the number of passengers in them and at the stations. Also read: Delhi Metro to resume with staggered hours, cashless transactions from September 7 After being closed for over five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Delhi Metro services will be resumed in three stages from September 7-12, but stations located in containment zones will remain closed, DMRC officials said on Wednesday. Train services will commence with adequate frequency as they were before March 22, which may be increased or decreased as per requirement. However, due to trains halting for longer duration at stations, there will be minor increase in time required for performing a trip, they said. The total number of entry points at the stations will be heavily curtailed to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety norms, the officials had said. Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev issued an order on Thursday that stated Metro rail services in NCT of Delhi will be allowed with effect from September 7, in a graded manner, subject to strict compliance of broad guidelines issued by MHA and the SOP of DMRC, as well as other guidelines of the government of India and the Delhi government to contain the spread of COVID-19. Also read: COVID-19 in Delhi: Many people contributing to rise in cases violated safety, social distancing norms, say experts The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, says it has not put out any official communication on the COVID-19 testing system set up at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). A statement signed by Professor Abraham K. Anang, the Director of the Institute and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said it is the policy of the Institute that scientists declared when they shared their personal views with stakeholders. The views expressed by one of our scientists, concerning COVID-19 testing system and cost for testing at KIA, are his personal views, and not the Institutes position, the statement noted. The Institute, therefore, urged stakeholders and the public to take note that official communication emanating from the Institute comes from the Director or an appointed representative. 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 Premier Doug Fords push against retailers pandemic price gouging has triggered more than 26,000 consumer complaints to the government, newly available data reveals. But it appears as if public concerns over the practice have tapered off in recent months. Early in the COVID-19 outbreak last March, Ford blew a gasket after a Toronto grocer was selling Lysol disinfectant wipes for $29.99, which usually cost a fraction of that. Even though Ontarios state of emergency, which ran from March 17 until July 24, has officially ended, the Progressive Conservatives extended the order against price gouging. We recognize that Ontario families still need access to necessary goods, including protective supplies, to address the ongoing threat of COVID-19 as the province continues its path to recovery, Government and Consumer Services Minister Lisa Thompsons office said in a statement to the Star. Since the order was announced on March 28, more than 26,000 consumers have reported incidents of alleged price gouging through our online web page and call centre, said Thompsons office. Most complaints have been about hand sanitizer, face masks, disinfecting wipes, and toilet paper. Hand sanitizers and face masks represent over 50 per cent of the complaints filed through the online form, her office added. Some 900 of the most egregious complaints have been referred to police forces throughout Ontario to determine whether charges will be laid. As of Aug. 17, more than 1,650 notifications have been sent to businesses across the province advising them that they have been reported for allegedly selling necessary goods for prices that grossly exceed the price for similar goods available to like consumers, contrary to the order. Thompsons office said there were 3,400 individual complaints about those businesses, which have not been publicly identified. Further action may be taken by the ministry with respect to nam(ing) businesses, as appropriate, her office added. Complaints to Queens Park have slowed to a trickle over the summer. As of May, there had been 22,500 lodged, meaning there were around 3,500 in the ensuing three months. That suggests consumers are no longer hoarding pandemic-related items and that there are adequate supplies on store shelves at fair prices. Under Ontario law, it is illegal for businesses and individuals to be fixing prices (or) charging unconscionable prices for necessary goods, services and resources. Such goods include medical masks and surgical gloves used as personal protective equipment (PPE), non-prescription medications to treat coronavirus symptoms, disinfecting and cleaning agents, and personal hygiene products like soap and toilet paper. Scofflaws face stiff fines ranging from $750 to $100,000 plus a year in jail for individuals, $500,000 and incarceration for company directors or officers, and $10 million for corporations. Ford, who was on a campaign-style swing through Bracebridge on Friday, had warned the government would be coming after businesses that try to exploit the pandemic. Nothing gets me more furious than someone taking advantage of the public that are in desperate need of these items. That hits a nerve when people are being taken advantage of, he said in March. I have zero zero tolerance for price gouging. Thats disgusting, absolutely disgusting. Read more about: Taiwan visit doesn't violate 'one China' policy: Czech Senate president ROC Central News Agency 09/03/2020 06:54 PM Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil on Thursday insisted he did not cross Beijing's "red line" with his visit to Taiwan and vowed that bilateral cooperation will continue. Vystrcil made the statement at a meet-the-press event held at Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). He was responding to media questions about a warning from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi () on Monday in Germany that Vystrcil will pay a "heavy price" for visiting Taiwan. "I don't like the statement. But on the other hand, I do not feel like I crossed the redline whatsoever, because I think we didn't do anything that infringed the 'one China' policy," said Vystrcil, the second-highest ranking official in the Czech Republic. He stressed that Czech foreign policy does not forbid the Senate from engaging in "parliamentary diplomacy" with Taiwan, adding that every country, including Czechia, has its own interpretation of the so-called "one China" policy. Asked whether he will continue to support Taiwan despite threats from Beijing, Vystrcil reiterated that "democratic and free countries should always cooperate each other" and said there will be no change to that approach. Vystrcil arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for a six-day visit at the head of an 89-member delegation, which includes eight Czech senators and Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib. The visit has been strongly condemned by China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any official contact that could elevate Taiwan's status as an independent nation. In his opening remarks during the event, Vystrcil said his Taiwan trip is a working visit and not an official one representing the Czech government. He said the purposes of his visit include creating more bilateral cooperation between Czechia and Taiwan in the fields of economics, science research and development, investment and health care. Meanwhile, Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu () stressed that Taiwan is trying to maintain the "status quo" across the Taiwan Strait, when asked by a Czech reporter whether the recent modification of Taiwan passport indicates Taiwan's drive towards independence. "The status quo is that Taiwan does not belong to China. Taiwan is governed by its own people," Wu said. MOFA on Wednesday unveiled the new cover of the Taiwan passport, in which Taiwan's formal designation "Republic of China" is written in such small lettering as to be barely discernible and the word "Taiwan" is placed at the center in a much larger font. "The new passport reflects the desire of Taiwanese people to highlight Taiwan," Wu said. Some sectors in Taiwan have argued that the country's formal name "Republic of China" may lead to confusion over Taiwan's national identity as some foreign nationals might mistake "Republic of China" for "People's Republic of China." (By Chen Yun-yu and Emerson Lim) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Fatima' filmmaker hopes to inspire people to believe miracles can still happen Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The new film Fatima, now available in theaters and on-demand, tells the story about the power of faith in times of global turmoil. The film is based on the popular account of the "Three Secrets of Fatima," which came from the true story of three young Portuguese shepherds, Lucia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto. The children, who grew up in the Catholic faith, witnessed a series of apocalyptic visions and prophecies which they say were given to them by Mary, mother of Jesus, starting on May 13, 1917. The trio claimed to have been visited a total of six times between May and October 1917. Fatima the film follows 10-year-old Lucia and her two young cousins in Fatima, Portugal, as they try to reconcile their visitations and convince their family and the church that what they are experiencing is true. Their revelations inspire believers but anger officials of both the Church and the secular government, who try to force them to recant their story. As word of their prophecy spreads, tens of thousands of religious pilgrims flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle. What they experience will change their lives forever, the movie synopsis reads. The cast features Stephanie Gil (Terminator: Dark Fate), Lucia Moniz (Love, Actually), Joaquim de Almeida (Queen of the South), Goran Visnjic, Sonia Braga and Harvey Keitel (The Irishman). Rose Ganguzza, the producer of the inspiring film, spoke with The Christian Post and shared why audiences will be impacted by this miraculous account. Christian Post: What inspired making this account into a movie? Ganguzza: Like anyone who went to Catholic schools, the story of Fatima was always fascinating. We always heard about the three secrets and all the theories on whether the third secret was ever fully revealed. As the years went by, I kept wondering what those children saw and how three youngsters in the middle of nowhere during World War I could have possibly made up these visions and what was told to them. It was a type of magic realism. My whole life I have always been fascinated by the imagination of children, but also by their ability to cross the line beyond the borders of reality as we understand it. CP: What made you personally want to be a part of this project? Ganguzza: As a producer, I love telling stories which involve children, and with this story, I wanted it to be told in a different way than before ... from the point of view of the children and within the context of what they were experiencing in their small village during a world at war and on the eve of an unprecedented pandemic. CP: How are you hoping "Fatima" impacts viewers? Ganguzza: We had to pull back from our original release date because of COVID and now we have released this film at a time when the world is similarly upside down. I think right now, so many people are angry, not just because of the pandemic, but because our lives have become disrupted. I would love for viewers to come out of this film with a sense of peace and that miracles can and do happen. CP: Why should the Christian community outside of the Catholic community view this film? Ganguzza: This film is a historical recounting. The fact that in October of 1917, on the sixth and final apparition, there were 70,000 people in that grotto from far and wide and the miracle was witnessed and the word was spread, is pretty incredible at a time when there was no social media or nightly news. We created a character who meets with Lucia when she is old and in a cloister in Portugal. The character is a professor writing a book in which he questions seers and they distort what they claim to see. The professor is played by Harvey Keitel and he asks all the questions that a non-Catholic viewer would ask. CP: During the filming of "Fatima," were there any supernatural occurrences? Ganguzza: We were in Portugal filming for five months and shot all over the country because Fatima today is a huge tourist attraction. We witnessed the large gatherings of people in Fatima and their pleas for cures and miracles. The child actors were the most affected by the story of the three shepherd children. We did not have supernatural occurrences, but there was a definite change in all of us involved in a stronger belief that the supernatural does exist. CP: Is there anything else youd like to add? Ganguzza: For me, this is a film unlike any I have ever made. I have mostly dealt with secular stories, but I do love films that surprise and are different from everything else that is out there. We did not get much love when we first tried to raise the funding and get support for this movie; there was no one raising their hand to help. We did this in a very unconventional way, but it gave us the freedom to tell the story in a compelling way that now is surprising everyone who sees the film. Investing demand for gold has gone up manifold in recent times, as it is the best performing asset class in the past year with a return of close to 40%. Among the multiple ways available to invest in gold, one that is becoming increasingly popular is digital gold ( Read here ). Its a product offered by vendors and refiners of gold through various platforms, including wallets such as Paytm, Amazon Pay and investment platforms such as Kuvera, Groww and stockbrokers. This has given the product a reach that even some of the other most-recommended products, including sovereign gold bond and gold exchange-traded funds, may not have. Right now, there are three companies offering digital goldAugmont Gold; MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture between state-run MMTC Ltd and Swiss firm MKS PAMP; and Digital Gold India Pvt. Ltd with its SafeGold brand. Apart from the reach, the fact that investors can buy gold through this product at as low as 1 makes it highly attractive compared with other offerings. However, there are certain risks and costs involved in investing in digital gold, which investors should keep in mind. Absence of regulator: The biggest risk of investing in digital gold is that there is no regulator for the product. When you buy digital gold, the producer purchases gold of equivalent amount in your name. This gold is stored in vaults of third party or in the vaults of the seller as in case of MMTC-PAMP. Generally, a trustee is appointed to see if the quantity and purity of gold is maintained in line with the gold purchased by the investor. However, there is no regulator to oversee if the trustee is doing the work properly. Statutory audits are conducted but auditors are appointed by digital gold providers and the report is also submitted to them. For gold ETFs, there is the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), for gold bonds, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the regulator, while in case of digital gold there is no regulator to safeguard the interest of investors. Regulators frame rules, put checks and balances in place, and do statutory audits, which kind of safeguards the interest of the investors. In the absence a regulator, investor interest may be compromised," said Chirag Mehta, senior fund manager-alternative investments, Quantum Mutual Fund. In case of gold ETFs, regulatory audits are done by Sebi, and report is submitted to the regulator. GST adds to the cost: When you buy digital gold, you need to pay 3% goods and services tax (GST) just like in case of buying physical gold. For example, if you are buying digital gold for 1,000, you will get gold of only 970 as rest will be deducted as GST. This is over and above the spread (the difference between the buy and sell price) charged," said Sachin Kothari, director of Augmont Gold Pvt. Ltd, a digital gold provider. Digital gold providers charge a spread ranging between 2-3%, which provides for the expenses such as cost of storage, insurance and trustee fee. While gold ETFs also buy physical gold to back the investments but they get the credit back for GST paid. GST paid by gold ETFs is ploughed back in the scheme as gold ETFs being registered sellers get input credit (GST is paid by the buyer of gold) when physical gold is sold," said Mehta. Limit on investment period: Generally, these digital gold products have a maximum holding period after which the investor has to take delivery of gold or sell it back. For example, MMTC-PAMP investors will have to mandatorily take delivery or sell the gold purchased, unlike gold ETFs where there is no such limitation. After five years, the investor will have to pay extra charges decided by MMTC-PAMP, if the delivery is not taken. One can hold Gold ETF for as long as one wants to. Delivery and making charges apply: One of the advantages of digital gold is that it provides the option to take physical delivery of gold. One can take physical delivery at the completion of investment period or whenever one sells the gold. But remember, there are making charges as physical gold will have to be delivered in the form of coins or bars, depending on the quantity. Making charges varies depending on the design of coin. Apart from this, delivery charges will have to be paid separately. Digital gold may look like a good option for those who want to buy physical gold for consumption, as they dont have to worry about the storage but if you plan to invest in gold, there are better products available in the market such as sovereign gold bonds, which pay additional interest of 2.5% and gold ETFs, which are regulated by Sebi. We generally advise investors to invest through sovereign gold bonds as it safe, pays interest and are tax-efficient. But gold bonds may not be very liquid, so for investors who want liquidity we advise them to invest in gold ETFs," said Anil Rego, CEO, Right Horizons. 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 The Union minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the central government is looking into automobile industries recommendation for a reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates by 10% across all categories of vehicles. The announcement will be made soon, he added. Speaking at the 60th Annual Convention of industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Javadekar said, "We are in discussion with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on GST issues." Commenting vehicle scrappage policy, Union minister said that central government has received all inputs from stakeholders. "Announcement on the scrappage policy will be made soon," Javadekar added. India's automobile industry has been severely hit by coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic had worsened the demand in the industry, which was already going through a slowdown in last year. "The passenger vehicle segment witnessed the longest slowdown in the past two decades spanning nine quarters. Similarly, commercial vehicles faced second-longest slowdown in the last 15 years that spanned five quarters," SIAM President Rajan Wadhera said. The two-wheelers segment also saw continuous slowdown for six quarters, he added. The reduction in GST rate on two-wheelers, which stands at 28% currently, has been a long-standing request from the manufacturers. Recently, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said that the GST Council will look into the proposal of lowering the GST on two-wheelers. Seeking government support to offer some form of demand boosters, Wadhera said: "We feel that whatever we are talking on reviving demand will provide the required push to consumers to come to dealerships." He also mentioned that manufacturers were not in a position to invest further in the implementation of upcoming government regulations. "For (implementation of) upcoming regulations, investments are very steep and the commensurate revenues have not been realised by the industry due to lack of consumer demand," Wadhera added. So, the industry does not have the ability to invest further into the implementation of new regulations like Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms from 2022 onwards, he noted. Wadhera also added government support is required to pursue the targets set under the Automotive Mission Plan 2026 (AMP 2026). There should not be an overdose of regulations, he further mentioned. Talking about the vehicle financing, Uday Kotak, managing director and chief executive officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, "Major investments in infrastructure for long-term foundation of the Auto Sector is required. SIAM needs to partner with the government & lead the way for smooth functioning of the Auto Sector." (With inputs from agencies) 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 Gov. Kate Brown renewed her call for peace in Portland as dozens of elected officials from throughout the metro area also called Friday for an end to violence on all sides of the citys fraught political protests. There needs to be a community-wide effort to stop the violence, Brown said the day after police in Washington state killed the suspected gunman in a fatal shooting last weekend of a right-wing demonstrator in downtown Portland. Because the violence must stop, period, Brown said in a statement. So we must do both things: we must be tireless in our pursuit of racial justice. We must be tireless in our pursuit of accountability for law enforcement. And we must also work together, with responsible law enforcement, to end violence, and arson, in Portland. And this must happen immediately. In a separate statement, more than 90 officials from Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties signed a letter to the broader community urging people to exercise free speech without resorting to heated rhetoric and brutality against each other. The overwhelming majority of our community who have risen to protest for social justice and against racial inequities have done so peacefully, the letter said. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who have chosen violence over peaceful protest, violence towards other protestors, violence towards police officers and even an instance of deadly violence experienced recently in downtown Portland. Nightly protests against police violence and systemic racism in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis have given way to regular showdowns between demonstrators and Portland police. Protesters lob objects at officers, set fires and vandalize public buildings and sometimes nearby businesses and police respond with civil disturbance declarations, tear gas, pepper spray, crowd-control munitions and physical force. They have arrested more than 500 people over the last three months and face state and federal lawsuits from people claiming injuries during the demonstrations. The last several weekends, pitched clashes have broken out in downtown Portland between right-wing and left-wing demonstrators. A Portland man who had just attended a pro-Trump car caravan was shot dead last Saturday in a confrontation on a mostly empty street after the rally had ended. The suspect was a self-described anti-fascist who said he worked security at Black Lives Matter protests. He was shot and killed Thursday night near Lacey, Washington, as members of a federal fugitive task force tried to arrest him. The elected officials -- including Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and board chairs of the three counties -- said people should hold them accountable for a transformation away from racist systems and towards a more equitable, just community. Similarly, we ask those who may want to demonstrate to do so peacefully and safely. Others who signed the letter included the mayors of Beaverton, Cornelius, Durham, Forest Grove, Gresham, Hillsboro, King City, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, North Plains, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville and Wood Village and the Metro regional government council president. The challenging work of our law enforcement agencies is only made more so when protests turn violent, the letter said. We must speak up against violence, all violence. We have zero tolerance for outside provocateurs bringing hate into our communities. Read the full letter here. Read the governors comments here. Brown and a long list of elected Democrats and civic groups also on Thursday issued a statement condemning violence, white supremacy and vigilantism. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive A Miss England finalist has revealed she is too terrified to go out alone after she spotted a stalker - who claims he was once a Britain's Got Talent contestant - walking down the street. Trainee school teacher Samantha Bumford, 27, said she saw obsessed Jonathan Deal while she was driving after he was released from prison last year. Ms Bumford told the Sun this was the first time she had seen him since his release from prison and she is now convinced he is stalking her again. Miss England finalist Samantha Bumford, 27, reveals she is too terrified 'to go out alone' after spotting her BGT contestant stalker back on the streets following his release from jail Former Miss England finalist Samantha Bumford, left, has said she saw her stalker wannabe rapper Jonathan Deal, right, for the first time since he was released from prison last year She said: 'He was walking up the road, I was driving down it and we locked eyes. 'I was completely all over the place. That was the first time I went out on my own and he was there. 'I was telling people I was over it but I feel like I can never recover again now. 'I'm scared because he's not giving up. What is it going to take? When is this going to end?' Deal, the wannabe popstar, who auditioned for Britain's Got Talent, claimed that he 'fell in love' with Miss Bumford after she accepted his friend request on Facebook. He sent her a barrage of unwanted messages, repeatedly showed up uninvited to her shows, and also attempted to kiss her before being jailed for 23 weeks in February last year after pleading guilty to a charge of harassment. After his release in May last year, he was sentenced to a further 26 weeks after he breached a restraining order by sharing an advert of the show, which he knew she would attend. Ms Bumford spoke out last year, slamming the 'ludicrous' sentence and saying she feared he would stalk her again as soon as he was released. A picture, posted on Jonathan Deal's Facebook profile showing him posing with Ms Bumford She said that it was only when Deal appeared in court that she realised he had 19 previous convictions for harassment and stalking women dating back to 2003. She told the Sun: 'I cant go out on my own. I havent been able to attend events. I have no independence and people dont see that.' She added that she goes to bed every night wondering whether he is in the area and that she searches the house and double locks the doors before going to bed. After accepting his friend request, Deal, whose stage name is JAYD, started responding and reacting to her photos and started attending her events. In August 2018 he came to an event she had advertised on her timeline and posted a liveblog from it, in which he claimed to be 'in love' with Miss Bumford. She was not aware of this and spoke to Deal at the event, believing he was a fan. Deals behaviour escalated and he made attempts to get into an exclusive tent the victim was in for the Bournemouth Air festival, would wait for hours to speak to her, set up live blogs attempting to find out where she was and bought her a necklace. His infatuation culminated in him following her to the finals of Miss England in Nottingham where he tried to kiss her as she came off stage. Ms Bumford, 25, said she was forced to shove him away and flee towards her family. Feeling spurned, Deal later sent her a message claiming 'you only did well in Miss England because the judges thought you were my girlfriend'. The day after the Miss England event in Nottingham, Deal posted a photograph of Ms Bumford in a white wedding dress on his Facebook page. Deal has 19 previous convictions for harassing and stalking women that date back to 2003. (Pictured: Miss Bumford leaves court following Deal's hearing. He was sentenced to 23 weeks in jail in February and then, after breaching a restraining order, a further 26 weeks in May) Beneath the image he left a heart emoji and commented that he had 'fallen in love'. He also included an emoji of an engagement ring. Deal sent Miss Bumford numerous messages in the days after the finals and her father even attempted to intervene by asking Deal to leave his daughter alone. Deal had also previously posted an image of himself, dressed in a black vest and shorts posing next to Ms Bumford at an event. According to his Facebook account, he competed in season 13 of the X Factor with a picture posted of himself at the show's auditions. There is no record of him having competed in Britain's Got Talent. 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... Loading The Brisbane Broncos are the male sideburns of the 2020 NRL. Conspicuous in their absence. Unsightly, yet impossible to avoid seeing. An iso project allowed to run rampant. With so many more of us at home on Thursday and Friday nights this year, it would be nice to see high-quality rugby league on the box, but instead our primetime loyalty is punished by a weekly infliction of the 2020 Broncos. Even for those of us hopelessly addicted to league, its a bit much. For a few weeks, there was sweet schadenfreude in seeing the Broncos go down again. But it lost its tang well before this weeks drab offering. The Panthers, on half rat-power, put in an unusually error-prone performance, yet their 25-12 win never shook off the stigma of inevitability. Why the strange scoreline? A few minutes from the end, a bored Nathan Cleary figured hed like to work on his field goal shooting because he might need it in a game that matters. The 2020 Broncos were there to provide a full-contact practice session. Are this years Broncos the worst team of the NRL era? Some Eels and Knights outfits of the past decade have their claims, and the Gold Coast has produced some candidates, but whether Brisbane win the 2020 wooden spoon or not, they are distinct from every other bad team of the past by their total lack of excuses. They will be the best resourced, most talented, and most exposed club to finish so low on the ladder. The Sugar Land City Council is one step away from approving the fiscal year 2021 budget of $254.37 million budget. At a recent meeting, the council unanimously approved the first reading of the FY21 budget, which includes $226.87 million for operations and $27.50 million for capital projects. Related: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar discusses state's budget outlook Mayor Joe Zimmerman held a virtual public hearing after the meeting, but there were no participants. The budget process started in March, when the impacts of COVID-19 were first making themselves known. The staff developed scenarios based on available data and strategies, such as being conservative, responsible and resilient, keeping in mind that the council was not immune to economic impact, said Razeeda Boochoon, budget manager for Sugar Land. Related: Fort Bend County reports decrease in COVID-19 testing This included targeted reductions to departmental budgets. On the residential tax bill there is an annual increase of $27, more than $2 per month compared to the current tax scale. Boochoon said the following changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2021: There will be an increase of $10.40 in the monthly residential utility bill. The new monthly solid waste rate will rise by 1.95 percent, increasing to $19.76. The Household Hazardous Waste program will no longer be provided. However, the staff is assessing options for future HHW events. The city charter requires a five-year Capital Improvement Program, of which the first year is appropriated in the FY21 budget. It includes general and enterprise CIP projects and consists of a phased implementation of the 2019 voter-approved general obligation bond projects. Following through with the 2019 bond election, we are implementing a half cent rate increase to move forward with the projects with a focus on structural flooding, said Boochoon. The GO bond projects which include maintenance of streets, drainage, public facilities and animal shelters have received a revision to better match the current economic situation. The new plan funds the projects over five years instead of the three proposed by the original. It places heavy emphasis $11.78 million on drainage. Recognizing the economic impacts of COVID-19 on residents and businesses, the city took early corrective actions to respond to anticipated declines in various city revenues most notably sales tax revenue, which is a major funding source for the citys operating budget, said Jennifer Brown, director of finance for the city of Sugar Land. Budget-related discussions took place from Aug. 6 through Aug. 27. The next reading of the budget and a vote to adopt the tax rate will take place on Sept. 15, following a public hearing on the proposed tax rate set for Sept. 8. juhi.varma@hcnonline.com Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was in Wisconsin to meet with members of the Kenosha community after the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Biden and Dr. Jill Biden took a private jet from Delaware to Milwaukee Thursday morning. They arrived at Mitchell International Airport and met privately with members of Blake's family for about an hour. Blake joined by phone from his hospital bed, according to his attorney. "The family was grateful for the meeting and was very impressed that the Bidens were so engaged and willing to really listen," Attorney Ben Crump said in a statement. "Jacobs mother led them all in prayer for Jacobs recovery. They talked about changing the disparate treatment of minorities in police interactions, the impact of selecting Kamala Harris as a Black woman as his running mate, and Vice President Bidens plans for change. Mr. Blake Sr. talked about the need for systemic reform because the excessive use of force by police against minorities has been going on for far too long. Jacob Jr. shared about the pain he is enduring, and the vice president commiserated. The vice president told the family that he believes the best of America is in all of us and that we need to value all our differences as we come together in Americas great melting pot. It was very obvious that Vice President Biden cared, as he extended to Jacob Jr. a sense of humanity, treating him as a person worthy of consideration and prayer." "He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him how whether he walked again or not he was not going to give up," Biden said of his conversation with Blake. "He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him. How whether he walked again or not he was not going to give up." He also said Blake was out of the intensive care unit at the hospital. Blake remains paralyzed from the waist down after a Kenosha police officer shot him seven times in the back in front of three of his children. "My wife asked to say a prayer and his mom said a prayer," Biden said. "Where she said I'm praying for Jacob. But I'm praying for the policeman as well. I'm praying that things change." The motorcade left the airport for Kenosha just before 1 p.m. He met with members of the Kenosha community at Grace Lutheran Church. Related video: Biden meets Blake family, holds Kenosha discussion Biden wore a face mask the entire time. Black Lives Matter activist Portia Bennett, 31, of Kenosha, told Biden how she fears for the lives of her three children. "The action that we want is to hold these officers accountable to the same crimes that we get held accountable to," she said. "If I was that officer. I would be in the Kenosha County Jail right now." Biden made a point about not being able to truly put himself in the shoes of a Black parent who has to worry every time their child leaves the house. "If tomorrow God made me president, I can't guarantee you everything gets solved in four years. But I guarantee you one thing. It'll be a whole heck of a lot better," Biden said. The gathering ended shortly after 3 p.m. Several dozen people lined the streets of Kenosha to see Biden. He also made an unannounced stop at the home of a Wauwatosa teacher to meet parents and discuss reopening schools. Biden's visit comes two days after President Donald Trump made a visit to Kenosha. The city's mayor asked Trump and Biden to wait until next week to visit. Residents remained divided on Trump's and Biden's visit. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Soon New Yorkers will be able to view all coronavirus (COVID-19) cases within a given school. On Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that all school districts in the state will be required to send daily data on the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each school to the Department of Health (DOH) starting Tuesday, Sept. 8. Many of the school districts have testing protocols that will be in place as part of their plans, but as Ive said from the beginning, those plans are only as good as their implementation, Cuomo said. The data will be made available to the public via a new online dashboard developed by the DOH, which will be viewable on the New York State website starting Wednesday, Sept. 9. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Parents and teachers are understandably concerned about schools reopening. Dr. Zucker and the State Department of Health will set up a dashboard for teachers and parents, so they know exactly whats happening in their schools. I hope this will give teachers and parents some confidence that the plans are being implemented and if theres a positive case, they will know and DOH will know and the locals can respond quickly, said Cuomo, referring to Dr. Howard Zucker, state health commissioner. The Department of Education (DOE) did not respond to a request for additional details regarding how data will be relayed to the DOH or how positive cases will be tracked and monitored during the month of September, with the citys random coronavirus testing program not starting until October. ABOUT CITYS TESTING PROGRAM The citys monthly medical monitoring program, which involves mandatory random coronavirus testing for students and staff, will be in place beginning Oct. 1. Each month, schools will select and test a blind sample of anywhere from 10% to 20% of the school community. The size of the sample will depend on the population of the school, said Dr. Jay Varma, the mayors senior adviser for public health. Results for the coronavirus tests will be available within 48 hours and all tests will be administered free of charge. Any student or staff member who tests positive for the virus, regardless of symptoms, will be asked to quarantine for 14 days. City contact tracing teams will then be dispatched to the school to determine any potential spread. A positive COVID result in one class will result in the entire class temporarily moving to remote instruction for 14 days, with multiple cases within the same school meaning that the entire school will move to remote instruction until all city contact tracing efforts have been completed. Parental consent is required for all students under the age of 18. If a student does not receive parental consent for testing, or refuses to take the test, the student will be moved to the remote learning cohort, according to the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). Any staff member who elects not to participate in random testing will be placed on unpaid leave, the UFT stated. Peaceful stable & secure region of SCO member states which is home to over 40% of global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each others interest&peaceful resolution of differences:RM / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on September 4 that the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) must foster an environment of trust, cooperation, non-aggression and respect for each other. He made this statement at a joint meeting of the Defence Ministers of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) members in Moscow. Rajnath Singh's statement comes amid reports of fresh hostilities between the Chinese and Indian troops in the Eastern Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control. The Defence Minister will be in Russia for three days to attend the SCO meet and also hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu to further strengthen bilateral defence ties between the two countries. Notably, the SCO comprises of eight nations at present, namely, India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Loading We dont want to go out of stage four into an uncertain situation like Sydney, Professor Toole said. They have been fighting spot fires for over two months now and they are still finding mystery cases almost every day." With the Andrews government poised to on Sunday announce its plan to ease Australia's toughest COVID-19 restrictions, Professor Toole said proven interventions which do not disrupt the economy were instrumental in the fight against the virus. "So for example, face masks must stay because they are affordable, effective and they dont hurt the economy, he said. Fast contact tracing is critical too. The time from a person getting symptoms, to getting tested, to getting their results and then contacting most of their contacts should be within 48 hours. If that process blows out to three or four days then you really cant effectively reduce the spread of the virus. For a two-day contact tracing benchmark to work, Professor Peter Collignon from the Australian National University said it was vital Victorian authorities achieved a 95 per cent turnaround of coronavirus test results within 24 hours. "It really shouldn't be a difficult thing to achieve," Professor Collignon said. "If that means you need to put on more staff and run 24 hours day, then so be it. If people are waiting two or three days for a test result, it's not only a problem for them and their close contacts, but it's a problem for contact tracers too because they don't know about it either." When asked about the concept at a press conference on Friday, Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said most recent data suggested all positive cases and close contacts were now being contacted by state public health officials within 24 hours. He also stressed there were key performance indicators of contact tracing being enforced at a national level. Loading "Those benchmarks are there, they are in the national dashboard and they are reported publicly," Professor Sutton said. "We are doing very well right now. Clearly, we have more cases than any other jurisdiction to follow up so we will have a few cases that are not contactable within 24 hours in terms of the full interview, but it's above 90 per cent for that full interview... that's a terrific performance overall." Leading epidemiologist from the University of Melbourne, Professor John Mathews, however, has renewed his calls for greater transparency around coronavirus data. As well as a daily breakdown of contact tracing, he wants state officials to provide a list of data items collected during testing and contact tracing, such as whether a person is symptomatic; the severity of their illness; what symptoms they present with; and whether they are close contacts of a positive case. "It would provide transparency and help us understand what is going on," Professor Mathews said. "A big part of the problem in recent weeks is that while there has been a decline in new cases in aged care homes, the numbers keep jumping up and down in community transmission." Known as 'mystery cases' these infections are concerning because it means the source of the infection has eluded the state's disease detectives and they have been unable to link them to known outbreaks or positive cases and therefore isolate all close contacts to curb spread. "Community transmission can come from two sources," Professor Mathews said. "People who did not have symptoms and didn't get tested or people who who were tested and didn't go into isolation quickly enough which is partly related to the speed of follow-up of testing." TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 2, 2020 / Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. (TSXV:YAK)(OTC PINK:MNGGF) ("MGG") or ("the Company") a commercial real estate investment company participating in the Mongolian economy, announces the passage of all resolutions and the election of all nominated directors (Nick Cousyn, Jim Dwyer, Brad Farquhar, Harris Kupperman and Robert Scott) at the Company's Annual General Meeting held on September 1, 2020. For further information on the Corporation, please visit www.mongoliagrowthgroup.com or contact: Mrs. Genevieve Walkden, Corporate Secretary (877) 644-1186 gwalkden@MongoliaGrowthGroup.com Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. is a publicly traded and leading property investment and development company in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. owns an extensive property portfolio in diversified segments of the property market, with an emphasis on institutional-grade commercial assets. Forward-looking Information and Statements This press release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to MGG that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to MGG which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. All such statements and disclosures, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results or developments that MGG anticipates or expects may, or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "forecast", "future", "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "potential", "enable", "plan", "continue", "contemplate", "pro-forma", or other comparable terminology. Story continues In particular, forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements concerning MGG's upcoming annual meeting of shareholders and the timing thereof, the approval of the Rights Plan, the operation of the Rights Plan in the event of certain circumstances, and the amendments to the General By-Law. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by MGG as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The assumptions of MGG used for this news release may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by MGG and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Although MGG believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements were made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements and such statements are not guarantees of future performance. MGG's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements and readers should no place undue importance or reliance on the forward looking-statements. Statements including forward looking statements are made as of the date they are given and, except as required by applicable securities laws, MGG disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE: Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/604401/Mongolia-Growth-Group-Announces-AGM-Results On Tuesday, September 8, at 12:00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference entitled: "Creation of New Association that will Unite Participants of Automotive Market from Car Dealers to Service Stations," during which the initiators of the association will talk about the goals, tasks, plans of the new association. Participants include Head of the Association Pavlo Kazaryan, co-founder of the association Volodymyr Kovel, lawyer Roman Voloshyn. The press conference will be broadcast on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. We're sorry, but we're unable to locate the page you requested. The page may have been removed, renamed, or deleted. You can try searching for the topic using the search button in the right hand corner above. U.S. Postal Service police barred Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz from entering two mail sorting facilities in Florida in the early morning hours on Friday, threatening to escort her from the property if she didn't leave. The Florida Democrat, who sits on the House Oversight Committee, said she aimed to inspect a mail plant in Opa-locka and Northwest Miami-Dade. Wasserman Schultz said union members told her about conditions at the processing centers and shared pictures that showed pallets of undelivered mail marked with a receipt date of "July 23." Her office said those photos were sent to them earlier this week and raise further questions about how the Postal Service is being run under the leadership of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a close ally of President Donald Trump. NBC News was not able to independently verify the photo of the reportedly undelivered mail. If DeJoy thinks he can just throw a bed sheet over whats going on behind these doors, he is sadly mistaken. It looked like the post master had something to hide, Wasserman Schultz said in a statement. Without access to these public facilities, the public is blindfolded to the problems or fixes taking place there. DeJoy cannot delay the mail and delay oversight of these facilities. The hold up of mail has come under intense scrutiny as millions failed to receive everything from prescription drugs to financial documents and online orders in recent months. The drop in service led to two tense Congressional hearings. At the House hearing last week, Wasserman Schlutz and her colleagues questioned whether DeJoy had intentionally hamstrung the federal agency. The Postal Service maintained Wasserman Schultz was stopped from entering because she did not provide enough notice of her visit. Kim Fuller, a spokeswoman for the Postal Service, said Friday that the agency welcomes visits from members of Congress, but that they only "learned late yesterday afternoon that Representative Wasserman Schultz wanted to arrange" a tour. Story continues "We spoke with her staff to explain that we were unable to set up the tour on such short notice, but would be happy to accommodate her at another time," Fuller said. "We look forward to working with the Congresswoman and her staff to arrange a visit in the near future." Wasserman Schultz's office pushed back against that characterization. A congressional aide told NBC News that they alerted the Postal Service at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday that they intended to make the visit. Because of the photos and the fear of what might be hidden from the congresswoman's view, the short notice was intentional. "We werent asking for permission, the aide said. Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Sen. Gary Peters, both Michigan Democrats, visited a similar facility in Michigan last month. An aide to Peters said Friday that local union leaders had told the two members of Congress that the plant had been intentionally cleared of delayed mail because of their impending arrival. Wasserman Schultz did not want the Postal Service to have the same opportunity with the plants in Florida. But when Wasserman Schultz went to the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center in Opa-Locka, Florida, for a 4 a.m. tour of the facility, the entrance to the parking lot was blocked by caution tape and a Postal Service police car. Her visit to the Miami Processing and Distribution Center a couple hours later was blocked by two Postal Service police officers in the lobby. Caution tape and a U.S. Postal Inspection Service police cruiser blocked the entrance of the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center in Opa-Locka, Fla., when Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat, attempted to enter the facility in the early morning hours of Friday Sept. 4. (Debbie Wasserman Schultz's office) Hours ago, that tape wasnt there," Nick Mosezar, a member of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, told NBC News' Miami affiliate. "All of a sudden today security is a priority, yet this is one of the worst secured facilities in this state." As a member of the Oversight Committee, Wasserman Schultz said it is her job to inspect the Postal Service and its facilities. She said DeJoy has already "obstructed the committee" by not providing documents and data her committee has requested. Sudden new requirements for "lengthy visitation protocols" that she did not have to follow when visiting facility earlier this year, she said, only served as further obstruction. There are no children, defense secrets or sick patients behind those doors," Wasserman Schultz said. "Im perfectly capable of observing the work being done at a safe social distance, which I did without a lengthy delay or incident earlier this year. Denying Congress access to the facilities, is denying the vital public oversight of our mail system. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Former Ozamiz City councilor Ricardo "Ardot" Parojinog was found dead in his detention cell at the Ozamiz Police Station Friday morning, police said. Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan said "no violence was noted" in the death of the long-time fugitive and member of a political clan tagged in the illegal drug trade. Ardot has been detained at the PNP Custodial Center since 2018, but he flew to Ozamiz on Thursday to attend a hearing the next day. Nung morning hindi na siya nagrerespond so nagpatawag ng mga doctors (This morning, he was no longer responding so authorities called the doctors), Police Brig. Gen. Rolando Anduyan, Regional Director of PNP-Northern Mindanao, told CNN Philippines. Ardot was pronounced dead, without any bruises or other physical signs of foul play, Anduyan said. Authorities are still waiting for the report of health officers. Cascolan ordered the Ozamiz police chief and all personnel on night shift duty to be put under restrictive custody and to be available for investigation. He also ordered that the PNP Custodial Center security team under Police Lt. Col. Jiger Noceda be among those investigated. Ardot is the brother of slain Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr, who was killed along with 15 others when police served warrants at the clans properties in July 2017. It also led to the arrest of his niece Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog and nephew Reynaldo Parojinog, Jr. Ardot was not home during the raid. President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017 placed a P5 million reward for the capture of Parojinog, who was being tracked down by the authorities for his alleged ties in the illegal drug trade. In July 2018, he was deported back to the Philippines from Taiwan. He tried but failed to secure protection from the Supreme Court from alleged harassment and threats carried out by authorities. Officials have tagged members of the Parojinog clan as the source of illegal drugs in the city and have allegedly given orders to their private army to kill police officers who refused to cooperate in their operations. Duterte named Nova and her father Reynaldo Sr. as among the narco-politicians operating in Mindanao. Reynaldo Jr. was sentenced to life imprisonment for drug possession, while Nova is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and of dangerous drugs. Police drag Belarus students from university building, arrest five, rights group says Law enforcement officers try to block students protesting against Presidential Election results in Minsk, Belarus. Reuters : Belarusian police arrested five university students in the capital Minsk on Friday, human rights activists said, and videos posted on social media showed chaotic scenes of those detained being dragged away by officers through crowded corridors. The arrests took place in the building of Minsk State Linguistic Institute, which had warned students several days ago that it would call in the police unless they halted their protests against last month's disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko. Social media footage showed several dozen students belting out a chorus of "Do you hear the people sing", a rousing protest anthem from the musical "Les Miserables", standing behind the white and red flag that is the emblem of the opposition. Other clips showed students remonstrating with the police as those arrested were pulled away, and pleading with a university official to respond to the incident. An interior ministry spokeswoman said the arrests were part of an "administrative process" and were not connected with events on Friday, presumably a reference to the singing. Thousands of students took part in protests across the country on Sept. 1, the first day of the academic year, as part of wave of opposition to Lukashenko's Aug. 9 election victory, which his critics say was rigged. The protests and strikes have confronted Lukashenko with the gravest threat yet to his 26-year-old grip on power in the former Soviet republic. Broadcaster Euroradio showed video of students confronting university officials after the arrests with chants of "Shame!" Dozens of people gathered outside the university in a show of solidarity with the students. KYODO NEWS - Sep 3, 2020 - 20:24 | World, All, Coronavirus Malaysia said Thursday it will ban the entry of foreign citizens from countries that have recorded over 150,000 coronavirus cases beginning Monday as the number of imported cases rises. The list includes the United States, Britain, Brazil, Spain, France, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Bangladesh. Malaysia on Tuesday announced a similar ban against citizens from India, Indonesia and the Philippines. "We will not allow those from high-risk countries to enter our country," Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yakcop told reporters, adding that the list of foreign citizens barred may increase. He noted, however, that exceptions will be made for emergency cases and those related to bilateral government affairs, but subject to approval from the Immigration Department. The ban cover even those who hold long-term immigration passes like permanent residents, foreign spouses of Malaysians and those who come under the special expatriate program called "Malaysia My Second Home." Local health authorities have expressed concern that imported cases may rise as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere. Also, most of the recent cases reported in Malaysia are linked to infection originated from abroad. Malaysia has shut its borders since March, but began to ease restrictions in July to allow long-term immigration pass holders and those on professional visas to enter the country. To date, Malaysia has reported 9,374 COVID-19 cases with 128 fatalities. Related coverage: Japan, Taiwan to reopen borders for long-term residents from Sept. 8 Q&A: Japan's coronavirus-related travel restrictions A woman at the centre of the brutal drug-fuelled kidnapping of a former friend tried to silence the victim by offering him a lifetime supply of meth. Shalia Merinda Higgins, 29, was angry at the victim when she called on a group of friends to bring him to her home in South Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in April last year. The victim had allegedly stolen four bags of meth and trashed her home while she was in custody for unrelated reasons, The West Australian reported. Her crew of offenders, including Tristen Taylah O'Dea, 24, and Mikayla Rae Cook - known as 'wildest woman of the west' - forced him to endure hours of torment before taking him to the home. Scroll down for video Pictured: 'Wildest woman of the west' Mikayla Rae Cook. She filmed the kidnapping Pictured: Tristen O'Dea. The 24-year-old pleaded guilty to detaining another person with intent Cook filmed the violent kidnapping after the victim was ambushed by the group. The disturbing vision showed the victim, who was choked and beaten, being dragged to the boot of a car owned by O'Dea. O'Dea was heard shouting abuse at the victim, who was a former best friend. She walked away before two other offenders assaulted the victim. Cook was also heard yelling behind the camera. 'I'm sorry bro, you f***ed with my family. You're done,' Cook said after the victim was dragged by his ankles into a backyard. The victim had initially attempted to stand his ground by bracing himself with a hatchet. But he dropped the object after another attacker charged at him. O'Dea and her other accomplices drove around with the victim in the car for some time before he was taken to Higgins. The victim was able to escape the scene momentarily and call for help before he was confronted by Higgins. He was then almost struck down by a brick that was thrown in his direction. Higgins was jailed for 16 months following the kidnapping but for unrelated crimes. While locked up, she called a friend and advised them to offer the victim a lifetime supply of meth if he dropped the charges. The victim was kidnapped and forced into a car during the April 2 ordeal last year O'Dea and Higgins faced the Kalgoorlie District Court in Western Australia on Thursday over the horrific attack on April 2, 2019. Both women pleaded guilty to detaining another person with intent and Higgins also admitted to another charge of attempting to pervert justice. The court heard how O'Dea has attempted to change her circumstances after finding herself disgusted by her own behaviour. The court was told she plans to move away from the toxic environment to Perth. Judge Gillian Braddock said the pair's offending was tied to the use of illicit drugs. 'This comes down to the effect a methamphetamine lifestyle leads to and the complete loss of perspective of normal human judgment of things,' she said. Disturbing vision showed the victim, who was choked and beaten, being dragged to the boot of a car owned by O'Dea Cook (pictured) and Tyler Lindsay, 19, kidnapped the man from his house in South Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in April last year 'In all circumstances it would be of greater interest to foster your rehabilitation than send you straight to jail.' Judge Braddock considered Higgins 16-month jail sentence to be a penalty, despite the time being served for unrelated offences. She slammed Higgins for attempting to get the victim to drop the charges by offering a lifetime supply of meth. Judge Braddock said it was 'one of the stupidest attempts at perverting justice' she has ever seen. The two women were handed a nine-month prison term suspended for two years. Higgins was also given a 15-month term suspended for two years for attempting to pervert justice. Co-offenders Cook, Jaydn Page and Tyler Lindsay were sentenced to various terms of immediate prison during an earlier hearing. Downing Street believes the UK has a one in three chance of striking a comprehensive free trade deal with the European Union by the end of the year, it was claimed today. Talks on Britain's post-Brexit relationship with Brussels remain in a state of deadlock, with both sides increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress. Senior Number 10 figures currently estimate there is a 30 to 40 per cent chance of a deal being done before the end of the transition period, according to The Times. The Prime Minister's deputy official spokesman would not be drawn on the percentage claim but said 'our goal remains to reach an agreement and we will continue to work hard to do that'. However, the spokesman added: 'But we have been clear there is lots of work still to be done. We need more realism from the EU and for them to show that they understand the fundamentals of our position as an independent country.' Boris Johnson today insisted that the UK will 'prosper mightily' even if it does not strike a trade deal with the EU. He said: 'Its vital that our partners understand that the UK is going to do what we need to do. 'If we need to have an Australia-style deal, an Australia-style solution [no deal], then that is what we will achieve and we will prosper mightily one way or the other.' It came as eight logistics firms warned that Britain could face 'severe' disruption to supply chains next year unless Brexit border preparations are stepped up. Leading companies and lobby groups told how there were 'significant gaps' in the preparations for managing the borders from January if there no trade deal can be agreed with the bloc. The claims were made by organisations including the Road Haulage Association in an open letter to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Freight lorries queue to leave the Port of Dover in Kent after arriving by ferry on March 31 Freight lorries queue to leave Dover to deliver goods across the UK in lockdown on March 31 They requested a meeting about technological and infrastructure concerns, according to a copy of the letter seen by the Financial Times. The letter said: 'Our concern is so strong that we have collectively agreed to request an urgent roundtable meeting with yourself, the chancellor of the exchequer and secretary of state for transport [Grant Shapps].' 'We are asking you to take seriously our concerns and listen to the detail during this roundtable so that we can collectively help government manage through this enormous challenge.' RHA boss Richard Burnett said: 'It is patently clear that, on the political front at least, there is a complete lack of appreciation of the enormity of, in effect, constructing a new supply chain after 50 years of completely free trade with the EU.' It came as a new report claimed secrecy about the Government's Brexit negotiating objectives had hindered preparations for the UK's split from the bloc. The efforts also took a heavy toll on the Civil Service with a high turnover among senior staff, according to the study by the National Audit Office (NAO). It found there were more than 22,000 workers deployed across Whitehall departments on the preparations for Brexit which have cost 4.4billion. The study aimed to examine the lessons to be learned from the Government's attempts to ready the country for Brexit following the 2016 EU referendum result. Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Christine Jardine said the NAO report was evidence the Tories had made a 'dog's dinner' of Britain's divorce from Europe. 'How Boris Johnson ever thought he could get a deal by the end of July with the chaos behind the scenes in Whitehall is beyond me,' Ms Jardine said. Meg Hillier, the Labour chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said the Government had taken 'took too long to get to grips with the challenge it was facing' and had failed to appreciate the 'risks of working at such a fast pace'. Lorries queue on the A20 in Kent as ferry services at Dover are hit by storms on January 14 'It didn't collect enough information about the people and money it was committing to Brexit preparations, and couldn't assess whether it was striking the right balance between its priorities,' she said. 'It must not make these mistakes again when weighing up how best to allocate resources between the pandemic response, Brexit and its other priorities.' An eighth round of formal Brexit trade talks between the UK and the EU is scheduled to take place in London next week. But there is little hope of a significant breakthrough despite the fact both sides have said they want a deal done by the end of next month at the latest. The main sticking points are fishing rights, a demand from the EU for the UK to adhere to rules made in Brussels long into the future and state aid. The EU wants these issues to be resolved before it agrees to move onto other areas, a position which has left UK negotiators exasperated. Number 10 has ruled out extending the transition period and has said the UK will split from the EU without a deal in place at the end of the year if the two sides cannot strike an accord. Since the South Korean company started selling the device in March this year, the Internet has been flooded with complaints regarding the problems experienced with Android Auto, with quite a lot of people explaining that the app just doesnt run on their devices or it stops working all of a sudden.While the official information in this regard has been rather sketchy, its believed several fixes have already been released , but despite all of these, users are still complaining that the Galaxy S20 cant connect to their cars and run Android Auto Doesn't connect at all in my 2018 Camaro and S20 Ultra either. Worked great with my S8 Note in the same car. Each person (Google, Chevy and Samsung) blame each other likes it's not their issue. I can't return the car but I can rid the phone sadly. My friends iPhone works in my car so it has to be an issue with the phone or app. Has to be the app. Come on, one user explained in a post on Googles forums a couple of weeks ago.Back in April, a member of the Android Auto team told users that additional feedback was needed because we were not able to reproduce the issue. No other information on the progress of the investigation was offered since then though.Is there anything that can fix the whole thing on a Galaxy S20? Right now, it all seems to depend on how lucky you are. Some say that downgrading Android Auto, clearing the cache, changing the cables, and other generic fixes could solve the whole thing temporarily.Others, however, have already lost hope and are currently exploring other devices, including iPhones, with CarPlay said to be running flawlessly in the cars where Android Auto fails to launch.Very frustrating since I use Android Auto every day! Got the new phone yesterday and thinking of returning, someone said only a few hours ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ratings have been plunging in recent months, especially over the farcical handling of the coronavirus pandemic and his poor performance in managing the crisis. Within weeks, Netanyahus Likud lost the equivalent of 10-13 Knesset seats (out of 120) in the polls, but his alignment of right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties still commands at least 60 seats. The bloc is holding steady because rather than migrating to the political center-left, disenchanted Netanyahu voters are moving to the right, to Naftali Bennett's Yamina party, which is soaring in the polls. Opposition head Yair Lapid, chair of the centrist Yesh Atid party, who should have been sweeping up Netanyahu and Likud leavers, is hardly benefitting from the shift. His party is stuck in the polls at 19 seats, the record it obtained in the 2013 elections when Lapid first ran, and has been unable to break through this glass ceiling. On Sept. 2, Lapid sustained an additional, surprising and particularly painful blow, when his partner, friend and perennial No. 2, one of the partys leading lawmakers, Ofer Shelah, demanded that primaries be held for the Yesh Atid leadership and announced his intention to challenge Lapid and beat him. The public and pundits were taken aback by this September surprise given the seemingly firm and stable front the party has displayed since its founding eight years ago. Lapid and Shelah have been friends since the late 1980s, when they both worked as journalists for the Maariv newspaper. They have since maintained a close relationship. Over the years, Shelah has made major concessions to accommodate his unwavering loyalty to Lapid, and no one thought he would be the one to rebel and demand a process of democratization in the party that Lapid shaped and commanded that has consistently marched to his tune. Lapid was the only one who was not truly surprised. His complex relationship with Shelah has known many vicissitudes, but the two always washed their dirty laundry at home. Lapid was familiar with Shelahs doubts about the partys path and had heard harsh criticism from him over time. On Aug. 31, Shelah arrived at Lapids home for a meeting that turned out to be one of the toughest in their history. Shelah told Lapid that Yesh Atid Hebrew for There is a future has no future. It was in a rut and failing to offer anything fresh and different with which to draw additional voters, Shelah argued, pointing out that Bennett was the main beneficiary of the windfall from Netanyahus decline whereas the head of the Knesset opposition was stuck in place. A true democratic process and leadership primaries would be the only solution to the partys stagnation, Shelah insisted. Lapid promised to consider Shelahs demands, but barely two days later, Shelah went public on Twitter, Facebook and TV, suggesting he did not have faith in Lapids promise. A longstanding partnership had come to a screeching end. Shelahs most powerful argument against Lapid was reflected in two recent frontal assaults by Netanyahu on the Yesh Atid leader from the Knesset podium. Netanyahu mounted one of his two attacks when he was not even scheduled to address the plenary but asked for permission to do so. Shelah claims Netanyahu is intent on painting Lapid as his chief rival, with good reason. He knows Lapid is the easiest opponent to target. His anti-clerical views have made him deeply unpopular with the ultra-Orthodox parties and he is not particularly popular with the Arab parties, either. His ability to challenge Netanyahu is therefore limited. Shelah, on the other hand, enjoys excellent relations with both the ultra-Orthodox and Arabs, and believes he stands a better chance than the disabled opposition leader whose hands are tied. For now, Lapid is trying to contain the crisis. He is still hoping Shelah will back off somehow from his ultimatum. If worse comes to worse, Lapid will agree to hold primaries and win. Still, a considerable number of the party founders have left Lapid since he first set out. Former head of the Shin Bet security agency Yaakov Peri was forced to step down over a scandal involving his military service. His friend, confidant and adviser Rabbi Shai Piron left politics after the partys 2015 election losses. Former Mayor of Herzliya Yael German left due to ill-health. An additional Knesset member Adi Kol was pushed out after being deemed insufficiently loyal to Lapid. If he loses Shelah, as well, Lapid could turn into a type of Netanyahu, who has been chasing away confidants, partners and supporters for decades. Knesset member Ofer Shelah, 60, appears cast in Lapids mold, but on closer inspection, he is substantively different. Both are Tel Aviv liberals who enjoy the good life, quality whiskey, American culture and politics. Unlike Lapid, who did his compulsory military service as a journalist for the armys Bamahaneh newspaper, Shelah was a paratrooper, an officer, who saw action in Lebanon, was severely wounded, losing an eye and having his face disfigured. Unlike Lapid, who barely graduated high school, Shelah is a university graduate who studied in the United States. He is a deep and serious thinker, displaying excellent political skills, particularly in his role as Yesh Atids key Knesset operator. The runoff between the two former friends, which is supposed to turn the party that Lapid tailored to his measurements into a democratic body, will be particularly fascinating. The political map beyond Yesh Atid is also turbulent, shifting almost daily. Two key players are warming up on the benches Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, who has already announced his intention to run in national politics ahead of the next elections, and former army Chief Lt. Gen. (Res.) Gadi Eizenkot, who is also weighing his options. Lapid has told associates that Shelahs decision to maneuver for a spot in the score zone may have been motivated by Huldais apparent bid for leadership of the political center-left. Either way, until the center-left comes up with a clear leader who overtakes all the other contenders for the title, Benjamin Netanyahu can sleep well. " " Orienteering is a skill every outdoorsman should have. Marc Romanelli/ Getty Images You thought something out of the ordinary was in order for this year's vacation so you opted for an adventure tour in the Australian outback. It was all dingoes and kangaroos until your tour group pulled off without you after a lunch break. Now you're stuck with a ration of water, a map and the compass your best friend got you for good luck. It seems like good luck may be headed your way after all -- with these scant supplies and some modest orienteering skills you should be able to find your way back to the safety of your camp. Compasses work by using a magnetized pointer along with the Earth's natural magnetic field to calculate direction. If you have a compass and a map of the area you can pinpoint specific locations and get wherever you need. If you're stuck without a map, but you still have your compass, you can at least get going in the right direction. Now that GPS is on the scene, compasses have taken a back seat. While a GPS may be better at pinpointing your exact location from any spot on Earth, it requires something you won't be able to provide in a worst case scenario -- a charged battery. In this case, the compass that relies only on the Earth's magnetic field is a better alternative. It will take billions of dollars of investment to ensure the Great Lakes and related waterways remain a source of fresh water for future generations, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative says. That investment needs to become a priority for all levels of government on both sides of the border, said St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik, vice-chair of the binational coalition consisting of roughly 100 mayors and officials from municipalities along the shores of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. It is asking Canadian and U.S. governments for a commitment of at least $7 billion for the next number of years, focused on infrastructure projects that are water-resource related. That funding request, Sendzik said, is for shovel-ready projects related to water infrastructure identified by a survey conducted by the organization. Sendzik described the investment as a want verses a need. A want is something like a new library A need is clean water. A need is making sure our Great Lakes are being preserved for the freshwater resource that it is for so many communities along the Great Lakes basin. The Great Lakes contain nearly 80 per cent of all fresh surface water in North America, with 40 million people relying on it for their drinking water. In addition to creating more sustainable communities, allowing them to better cope with challenges posed by climate change while also helping ensure a source of clean, fresh water, Sendzik said the investment would provide immediate benefits. The essence of this is it creates short-term jobs around the refurbishment and construction of water infrastructure, he said. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative estimates for every new job created in the water and wastewater industry, an additional 3.68 jobs are created nationally, citing University of Massachusetts Amherst research that indicates water restoration projects are the No. 1 creators of jobs among public infrastructure projects. With almost 33 per cent of economic activity in both the U.S. and Canada concentrated around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region, the coalition expects government investment in that area to help fuel the larger national economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative publicly called on Canadian and U.S. governments to support its efforts in early July, and make its justifiable and realistic request a priority. Since then, Sendzik the proposal has been well received at least on this side of the border. RELATED STORIES Niagara Region Binational mayors group calling for water restoration stimulus We have multi-party support, I think we have multi-level of government support, he said. Were hoping we get the same level of reception on the American side, because the Great Lakes are between two great nations and we want to make sure that investments on our sides are being matched. Sendzik remains hopeful U.S. governments will support the efforts. The state governments have indicated that the Great Lakes are a valuable resource. Well be looking forward to November, he said, referring to the U.S. presidential election. Nov. 3 will be circled on a lot of peoples calendars. Well see what happens. Read more about: As global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, decisions about where and how to build have become increasingly important. If local governments continue to allow homes to go up in places most exposed to climate change, such as coastlines, floodplains or fire-prone wilderness, experts say, it will make generations of current and future residents more vulnerable to worsening hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other disasters. Yet those long-term concerns have typically been outweighed by the demand for new homes, and the jobs and tax revenue that come with them. In many coastal states, the most flood-prone areas have seen the highest rates of home construction since 2010, a study last year found. And in California and elsewhere, officials continue to approve development in areas hit by fires. Some of the most vulnerable land also ends up being some of the highest-priced land, said Otis Rolley, senior vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation and former North America managing director for 100 Resilient Cities, an initiative that worked with cities to better withstand shocks from climate change and other challenges. Theres a lot of pressure on elected officials. A wave of disasters has pushed some cities and counties to limit where they build. The new survey a joint project of Stanford; Resources for the Future, a Washington research group; and ReconMR, a survey research company asked whether governments should require that new buildings in risky areas need to be made in a way that doesnt get damaged easily by floods. The support among Republican respondents was notable considering that fewer than one-third of Republican voters say global warming is a major threat to the United States, according to a Pew Research Center survey from March, and despite the partys general aversion to new regulations. RTHK: Controversial ex-Australian PM to advise UK on trade Britain named former Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, as a trade adviser on Friday, rejecting complaints from critics that his conservative views about women and gay people made him unfit to represent the United Kingdom. Some British lawmakers, including the leader of the opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer, have said Abbott, 62, who led Australia from 2013 to 2015, was not suitable for the job. The government said on Friday he would become an adviser to Britain's Board of Trade, which was relaunched in 2017 to champion export and inward investment after Brexit. It is supported by leading figures from the world of politics and business who act as advisers. "The new Board of Trade will play an important role in helping Britain make the case for free and fair trade across the UK and around the world," Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss, said in a statement. Abbott has attracted criticism from British opposition politicians and media outlets over his views on homosexuality, gender, climate change and Covid following reports he had been linked with the job. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has repeatedly refused to bow to what he sees as media storms, defended Abbott before the appointment was announced on Friday. "This is a guy who was elected by the people of the great liberal democratic nation of Australia," he said. "And Australia... it's an amazing country it's a freedom-loving country, it's a liberal country. There you go I think that speaks for itself." Britain is racing to strike trade deals with countries around the world before it fully leaves the European Union at the end of this year. Other advisers to the Board include the head of the Scottish Whisky Association Karen Betts, Brexit supporter Daniel Hannan and the head of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. CalPERS CEO Marcie Frosts charm offensives appear to be backfiring now that more and more parties are paying attention. CalPERS best-paid officer Ben Meng departing like a bat out of hell appears to have focused a few minds. As well discuss longer form, at a CalPERS retiree roundtable on Tuesday, Frost tried claiming that Controller Betty Yees concerns about CalPERS governance that Yee had voiced in the press and again in a special meeting on August 17 before Board President Henry Jones rudely shut Yee down had been addressed in that closed session. Yee shot back almost immediately, sending a letter to Board President Henry Jones requesting that specific issues be added to the agenda for the September 16 Board of Administration meeting for public discussion. Weve embedded her letter at the end of this post. Yees missive is an even bigger deal than it seems. Not only did her letter effectively deny Frosts assertion that Yees issues had been put to bed, but Yee has escalated. The bill of particulars in her letter amounts to a frontal assault on key staff measures that have gutted the boards authority. As an aside, even if what Frost asserted remarkably happened to have been true, Frost would be admitting that CalPERS had engaged in yet another violation of the Bagley Keene Open Meeting Act. First, Yees items had not been listed on the closed session agenda as required. Second, Yees topics could not be legally relegated to a secret discussion. We have also embedded the audio recording for the stakeholder meeting at the end of the post. After Frost made remarkably non-substantive remarks, she said she planned to leave after she took questions addressed to her. Larry Woodson, the Health Benefits Committee Chair of the largest CalPERS retiree group, CSR, California State Retirees, who normally asks the first question at these sessions,1 turned his spot over to the president of CSR, Tim Behrens (starting just before 14:00; emphasis ours): Tim Behrens, President, California State Retirees: I have a request for you, Marcie. I would like you to meet with the president of the CalPERS board, Mr. Jones, and honor Bettie Yees request for an emergency board meeting to discuss the issues related to the CEOs oversight, implementation of policies, etc.. I have a lot of concerns about the board not having the oversight they should have had and billions of dollars now moving forward to invest in private equity and private lending without having a without out having a CIO or having addressed the problems leading up to Bens resignation. Thank you. Marcie Frost: I think Betty. I believe Betty. I cant see Betty. But it might be worthwhile to check in with her. But I believe she believes that her request has been honored based on our August 17th meeting, which I cant get into a lot of detail on. Larry Woodson spoke a few minutes later (starting at 18:29, emphasis ours): Larry Woodson, California State Retirees: This is Larry with CSR and Id like to follow up on Tims comments, if I could. OK, so I hear what youre saying. There has been a lot of stakeholder concern about lack of transparency around Mr. Mengs departure, sudden departure. And I understand that, you know, personal matters are confidential. There was a certain amount of information that I was kind of surprised I thought would be confidential. But it was released to Bloomberg about your meeting with Mr. Meng and his violations and so forth. So, I mean, that was, I suppose, pretty transparent, but its troubling to me that Mr. Jones would deny the board members the opportunity to meet in special session and to review Mr. Mengs violations and the policies themselves and your oversight of the policies and the need for any additional safeguards. And so the only, as far as I know, the special meetings never occurred. And he up until the 17th really either denied or denied by ignoring that request. And so if if youre saying that Mrs. Yees request was granted or shes now satisfied thats news to me, if that meeting, that meeting on the 17th, is that actually that closed session meeting that actually addressed her concerns and that was on the agenda. There should have been a follow up open session, according to Bagley Keene, where you reported that the general nature of the matter is considered in the closed session and whether any action was taken, that would have been our opportunity to at least here it had been addressed. No open session occurred, which seems to me a violation that we cant so Ill just I still feel that that kind of a meeting is very important to encourage. The boards not only prudent for the board, but it seems to me absolutely required. Shorter: Behrens was unhappy about Yee having been steamrolled by Henry Jones and wanted her issues put on the agenda. Behrens was also worried about the risks posed by CalPERS plans to pile on more risk by increasing its private equity and debt holdings. Woodson objected to how CalPERS disclosed confidential information about Meng, when it has used Mengs purported privacy rights2 as a basis for covering up who knew what when at CalPERS. Woodson also pointed out multiple meeting abuses: the closed session agenda was incorrect if Yees issues were discussed, that there was no open session for public comments, and no reporting out of the closed session as required. Now back to Frost (emphasis ours): Marcie Frost: Yes. Thank you, Larry. And I appreciate you asking the questions. I really do. So, you know, I cant speak on behalf of the controller, but I do. What I can tell you is I dont have a current request to schedule a special meeting, so I cant, again, talk with you a lot about what happened in court. Yee evidently heard about Frosts claims. The Ben-Meng-departure-level speed of Yees pushback shows that Frosts efforts to avoid substantive discussion and reforms are meeting with hardening resistance. If you are a California resident and have a few spare minutes this weekend, it would help to send a short e-mail to Controller Yee thanking her for persisting in defending open government and seeking reforms at CalPERS. Shes sticking her neck out and it would help for her to hear that California voters support her. Please also cc Board President Henry Jones, CEO Marcie Frost, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma (Ma appears in need of a spine implant). Addresses: California State Controller Betty Yee b.t.yee@sco.ca.gov CalPERS Board President Henry Jones henmarj@aol.com CalPERS Chief Executive Officer Marcie Frost Marcie.Frost@calpers.ca.gov California State Treasurer Fiona Ma fiona.ma@treasurer.ca.gov Thanks again! ____ 1 Woodson normally goes first because he is recognized by staff and the retirees as usually being the best prepared. 2 Experts in California civil service practices to a person have told me CalPERS assertions about Mengs personnel privacy is bogus. By resigning voluntarily, he is now an ex-employee and his privacy rights are limited to truly personal information, like his Social Security number and details about his health. In other words, people in the know see that CalPERS privacy handwaving is to protect CalPERS, not Meng. A blog post attributed to a history professor at George Washington University stated that she had assumed a Black identity for much of her career, despite being White. The post from the author, identified as Jessica A. Krug, said she has deceived friends and colleagues by falsely claiming several identities, including North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness, according to the blog post on Medium. Krug, whose areas of expertise include African American history, Africa and Latin America, is actually White and Jewish, the post said. I am not a culture vulture. I am a culture leech, the post said. I have thought about ending these lies many times over many years, but my cowardice was always more powerful than my ethics. Krug did not return multiple requests for comment. Read More Crystal Nosal, a university spokesperson, said officials are aware of the Medium post and looking into the situation. She declined to comment further. Krug has taught history courses at GWU since 2012, including classes about the African diaspora and African history, according to the universitys website. Aria Sakona, a 21-year-old senior, said shes taking Krugs class on Latin American history this semester. I was definitely very shocked. I was just completely perplexed since I just had a class with her on Monday, Sakona said. She definitely kind of indicated a tie to the Latinx community. Sakona, who is African American, said there are several Hispanic and first-generation students in the class, which is being taught remotely. She hopes the university will find another professor, preferably someone from the Latin American community, to teach the material. It just breaks my heart that these students came in, very bright-eyed and eager, to learn about Latin heritage and the history, said Sakona, who is studying international affairs with a concentration in Latin American and international development. We all placed a lot of trust in her. The blog post said Krug had been audaciously deceptive. The writer expressed remorse but did not apologize. The post said Krug has been battling unaddressed mental health demons for her entire life and that she started to assume a false identity as a child. But mental health issues can never, will never, neither explain nor justify, neither condone nor excuse, that, in spite of knowing and regularly critiquing any and every non-Black person who appropriates from Black people, my false identity was crafted entirely from the fabric of Black lives, the post said. People who reacted on social media compared Krug to Rachel Dolezal, a White civil rights activist and Howard University graduate who claimed to be Black. Dolezal was president of the NAACP chapter in Spokane, Wash., in 2015 when her family exposed the truth about her identity. Krug, like Dolezal, has focused much of her work on the Black community. She has written extensively on the subject of Blackness, and in an essay for Essence.com about the Puerto Rican uprising against its governor in 2019, Krug said she was a boricua, a term used for Puerto Ricans. She described herself as an unrepentant and unreformed child of the hood who has spent much of her time advocating for communities of color and opposing gentrification in New York. Krugs book, Fugitive Modernities: Politics and Identity Outside the State in Kisama, Angola, and the Americas, c. 1594-Present, earned her spots as a finalist for awards named after Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. She became part of a network of Black scholars, many of whom took to Twitter to condemn Krug. Hari Ziyad, a Black author, screenwriter and editor in chief of the online publication RaceBaitr posted a thread of tweets about Krug. Ziyad called Krug a friend up until this morning." For years I defended her work, and her from her own self-loathing, Ziyad tweeted. I always knew there was something off. It was in her persistent negativity and jealousy, her always needing to prove her authenticity at the expense of everything else. The Medium post said Krug had been alienated from her birth family. The post said she grew up in suburban Kansas City but eschewed her experiences there. Relatives who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Krug had disassociated herself from the family decades ago but that as a young person she was very smart, active in sports, studious, and very interested in causes, including racial equality and that todays revelation that she had been presenting herself as something other than a White, blond Jewish woman from Kansas was astonishing. Yomaira C. Figueroa, an associate professor at Michigan State University did not know Krug, but knows many who did. People who were very close to her are devastated, Figueroa said. "People who dont know her are aghast that she would perpetuate these lies and gain access to these spaces in the academy, the resources, such as grants and fellowships to advance herself and thus shutting out others from attaining them. The University of Wisconsin at Madison, where Krug earned a PhD in 2012, announced in 2009 that she was one of the recipients of the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowships who would be traveling to Angola and Brazil to study history. A spokeswoman for the Education Department was not immediately able to confirm that. She was definitely trying to portray herself as having had the worst kinds of experiences, growing up, perpetuating stereotypes that people have about Puerto Rican or Black people, said Figueroa, who is a Black Latina, and trying to take the kind of clout that would give her. Figueroa, who grew up working poor in Hoboken, N.J., said the deception from a White Midwestern woman felt personal. Its really disgusting," she said. Read More Washington Post During the journey, they caught up with the Deng people - an ethnic minority in the region, encountered the nomads, played music and performed a song with local musicians. Through their lens, a new Tibet was presented to the audiences, not just as a time-honored tourist destination but a beautiful home to the local people. A new era CGTN's Yang Xinmeng and Spanish vlogger Noel visited the Deng people, also known as Dengba, an ethnic group that lives traditionally in modern times. Deng people live mainly in the valleys of Zayu County, Nyingchi City in Tibet. They record events by tying knots, use reaphook to cultivate farmlands and always carry a knife in a sheath on the belt. They also showed the audiences what the Tibetan knives worth $100,000 look like and how those knives differ from one another. CGTN's Li Jingjing and YouTuber Daniel Dumbrill from the other team talked to some nomads during their visit to a Tibetan black tent, the traditional dwelling of local nomads. Herding is the most important task for the nomads, they move from pasture to pasture to find better grazing areas. Apart from herding and farming, music is also an indispensable part of local people's life. CGTN's Marco and Oscar visited a studio in Lhasa and learned how to play with Dramyin, a traditional folk music lute. In recent years, an increasing number of talented Tibetan musicians have entered the fray, Denchu AD is one of them. He played one of his hit songs "If I Meet You In Lhasa" with two of our reporters in the studio. In Ranwu Town, Baxoi Country, Qamdo City, a tourism plan was initiated in 2000, which included promoting the town's snow-capped mountains, grasslands and the Ranwu Lake, according to a member of the local government. "We only had bicycles, no motorbikes or phones, now every household can afford cars and cellphones," he said. These fascinating stories unfold on this land every day as a new Tibet meets the world through the eyes of CGTN reporters. SOURCE CGTN UPDATED: 2.30pm The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said that there will be no additional administrative burden on pubs and restaurants under the temporary measures requiring them to retain records of all food orders for 28 days. Pubs and restaurants are already keeping a till receipts for VAT purposes he told RTE radios News at One, so they will just need to make them available for inspection for 28 days. Mr Donnelly also said that the new regulations would help enforcement against the tiny minority who were flouting the rules. Earlier, Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris acknowledged that new Covid-19 regulations for restaurants and pubs were unclear after a backlash from the hospitality industry over the measures. The new rules, which came into effect on Thursday, compel restaurants and pubs serving food to make a record of all meals ordered. They must be able to make the records available to a member of An Garda Siochana for up to 28 days after the meal. Advertisement Both the Restaurants Association of Ireland and Licensed Vintners Association have written to the Data Protection Commissioner seeking a view on the new requirements, while Fianna Fail TD Marc MacSharry hit out at what he described as Stasi guidelines. Stasi Marc MacSharryTD (@MarcMacsharryTD) September 3, 2020 In a message to members of his party, Mr McSharry called on the Taoiseach to reverse police state restrictions which he described as authoritarian, unnecessary and ridiculous. Loaded language Mr Harris said there had been a lack of clarity over the rules and outlined that the records of peoples' meals would be kept through receipts it was important that such measures were communicated with stakeholders, he said. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Mr Harris was critical of the rhetoric of some politicians. The use of loaded language has definitely gone too far, we've seen bizarre terms with peculiar historical connotations I think people in the Oireachtas need to mind their language. I think there's been a lack of clarity in relation to this. The Government doesn't care if you had a cup of coffee or a desert or whether you went for the banoffee or as one publican asked me last night if you went for the garlic sauce or the pepper sauce. Advertisement What it is about is basically a bit of common sense prevailing here, the reality is, as of today the law is you can only open if you're serving food as well. I want to get back to a situation where we can move back to where we need to move back to, where we try to work out a way of living alongside the virus, where we actually get more businesses back open. Where we do get our pubs open. The Government is working on a new national plan to live alongside this virus for the next few months. The Minister said that the new law was a temporary measure to enable the provisions that were already in place to be enforced, but I do think it's important that our state agencies communicate with the stakeholders. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the new rules for as nuts and a bit wacky. She said: This business of keeping records of 'did you have jelly and ice cream or did you go for apple pie', is just not the place we should be in. Industry response Chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, condemned the way the latest guidelines were communicated to those in the industry and said he has written to the Data Protection Commissioner to seek her opinion on the matter. Advertisement "The biggest issue is the way that things are being done," he said. "The lack of consultation. The sly announcements." Mr Cummins said guidelines should not be slid in without prior consultation with trade bodies, and that the changes are an added administrative burden for business owners who are already under pressure. Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, said making records of all food ordered by each customer and then storing it for 28 days is "bureaucracy gone mad". "Not only is it too impractical for our members to implement, but why does the Government think this law will help in the fight against Covid? Its madness," he said. "Were all for making customers feel safe in our pubs, but this new measure only increases pressure on staff already coping with a host of new safety measures." A spokesperson for the Licensed Vintners Association described the latest development as ridiculous. No thought has been put into the admin burden this is going to create," he said. "How is it going to help protect public health knowing what topping was on a customers pizza, or what way their potatoes were cooked? We believe this a complete overreach. 1984, here we come. Minister of State at the Department of Business Damien English said the new law was not about what a person ate, it was proof that they did eat. Mr English told RTE's Prime Time on Thursday night that the measure was to enable public health teams as well as the gardai to monitor compliance with Covid regulations. He acknowledged that the new rules would mean more hassle and more paperwork. The new regulation was there to protect people, said the Minister, to help reopen businesses and to ensure a level playing field. Most businesses would record this information anyway, he added. The Coalition of Aggrieved Customers of Collapsed Fund management companies is appealing to the government to fast-track the process for the payment of their locked up cash. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Joseph Aryee, an executive of the Coalition, said this will help save the lives of many customers currently struggling to survive. All that we are saying is that we beg the government, issues about economic rights are human rights issues. People are dying. For God's sake, we need our monies. This is the bottom line: this long English won't take us anywhere. Another aggrieved customer, Gilbert Arthur, on the same show, urged government to be mindful of the fact that some of the customers of the collapsed fund management companies invested their pension funds in such firms. Government should get something for the aged and the widows. It should give a bailout to take care of the individuals. We are tired of waiting for the court to settle the outstanding issues. Otherwise, we will be lying in the streets dead. We love you Nana Akufo-Addo but tnough of the long talk, we are Ghanaians, you want us to vote fine, but we need to be alive to vote, just get some monies and settle us. The court should know it is dealing with the lives of people. We can't wait for the legal vacation, set up a special court to settle this issue for us, he pleaded. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked the licences of some 53 fund management companies in November 2019. Some of the companies, after being unsatisfied with the internal mechanisms put in place by the SEC to have their grievances addressed, dragged the commission to court. Customers of the companies have since 2019 struggled to access their investments. The SEC recently announced that government had agreed to offer a bailout package for the affected customers but would do so in phases. Earlier suggestions were that customers of Blackshield Capital Limited and three other firms would not benefit from the bailout package. This compelled them to picket at the premises of the Ministry of Finance earlier in the week. The SEC in a statement on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, subsequently clarified that its earlier statement announcing the bailout package had been misinterpreted since no customer will be left out. However, affected customers think its high time the government puts aside the technicalities and ensure that their funds are settled as soon as possible. citinewsroom There are several unresolved conflicts in the South Caucasus, which have gradually moved from the regional to the subregional level over the past 30 years. The most bloody source of regional tension was the Karabakh conflict, which directly affects the structure of international relations between Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as states that have regional borders with the South Caucasus republics. In terms of the conflict-analysis methodology, the Karabakh conflict is not a national-religious clash between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities, experiencing mental intolerance towards each other. This is a deeply politicized conflict in which cultural and ethnic mobilization performs one of the key functions. In such cases, the politicization of the interests of individual peoples may not correspond to the real needs of societies, which may be subordinated to the interests of state elites. Both in Armenia and in the unrecognized "NKR" the so-called elite is represented by trade and financial monopolies or persons who closely cooperate with local big business. Such a political platform, which primarily provides for the satisfaction of the interests of local financial players, acts to the detriment of the macroeconomic opportunities for the development of the entire region and does not contribute to any progress in the negotiation process, forcing society to adjust to the interests of regional business, presenting itself as ideas of national security. The conflict-analysis methodology affects the negotiation process. Baku is extremely pedantic about the negotiations, not departing a single step from its long-term political line, since the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is set at the international level. Azerbaijan is interested in maintaining the intensive nature of the negotiation process. Yerevan places less emphasis on international legislation, preferring to put more effort into international recognition of the legitimization of the occupation. Armenia treats the list of countries and U.S. states that recognize "Karabakh statehood" with particular trepidation. The legitimization of the occupation takes a lot of time, since it is influenced by trends in international politics, so Yerevan is not interested in intensifying the negotiations, believing that "the war has been won, the only thing left to do is win recognition." The Karabakh conflict dates back to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Not long before and shortly after the collapse of the USSR, it represented elements of a civil war or communal confrontation. At first, it was not about the clash of interests of major geopolitical actors, who later looked at the Karabakh problem through the prism of the balance of power in the region. The interest of at least one of the parties (in this case, Armenia) in involving new political players in the settlement of the problem in order to politically support its interests has partly hurt the sovereignty of the diplomatic settlement. Leading geopolitical actors - Russia, the U.S., EU countries - are involved in the problem of resolving the Karabakh conflict. The mediation activities of the OSCE, as well as of a number of European and Middle Eastern countries, contributed to the maintenance of the negotiation process. At the same time, there is no place for political altruism in geopolitics, therefore, international participation implies the involvement and subsequent observance of the interests of some mediator's mediating mission, which has its own view of maintaining the balance of power in the South Caucasus. Neglecting the importance of the negotiation process, eroding the interests of society in the geopolitical space serves to maintain information attacks and horror stories, which are used by the Armenian media to frighten the population. The way Armenian news agencies present other participants in the negotiation process as vassals of regional geopolitics reflects the real interest of politicians in a diplomatic settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Government, Media, and Doctors Are Aligning on Need for Routine, Controlled Testing at Airports, Workplaces, Homes, and Other Decentralized Locations Health Canada has taken steps indicating the move toward mass distributed testing using rapid diagnostic tests which are compatible with the Fio solution Fionet Devices, usable by non-expert personnel, enables lab-grade diagnostic testing in pharmacies, workplaces, airports, clinics, nursing homes and other community-based locations Simultaneously, Fionet Cloud relays real-time data for remote oversight of frontline testing activities and results Fionet is compatible with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) from multiple suppliers, enabling agile testing programs and reducing supply chain constraints for RDTs TORONTO, Sept. 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Relay Medical Corp. ("Relay" or the "Company") (CSE: RELA, OTC: RYMDF, Frankfurt: EIY2), and Fio Corporation ("Fio"), together Fionet Rapid Response Group ("FRR") are pleased to announce an update on Health Canada's recent statements and the opportunities created for Fionet. "Our government moved strongly towards taking the fight against COVID to mass community-based settings, where Canadians work, live, study, and travel. This is exactly the setting for which we developed Fionet, and where we already deployed Fionet in other countries to fight other infectious diseases," said Dr Michael Greenberg, CEO of Fionet Rapid Response Group and CEO of Fio Corporation. "Fionet is a mobile testing and tracking platform that enables community-based return-to-work programs by performing at hospital-grade accuracy, yet in higher volume, faster-speed, less expensively, and with less-skilled frontline workers," said Yoav Raiter, CEO, Relay Medical Corp. Health Canada announced new steps towards gaining control over the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting community-based testing solutions: (1) it will support enhanced solutions for airport testing; (2) it invited potential solutions to be submitted for home-testing; and, (3) it authorized clinical trials for rapid diagnostic tests ("RDTs") which are fast, inexpensive test-strips that can be used in locations outside of laboratories and compatible with Fionet devices. Fionet devices are uniquely positioned to serve this need, as a multi-RDT diagnostic reader with lab quality performance for at-home and commercial on-site deployments. The Fionet Platform enables the expansion of testing and tracking to a multitude of community-based settings, including workplaces, airports, nursing homes, small clinics, schools, pharmacies, and home. Health Canada Pandemic Management Health Canada Considers Home Testing This week Health Canada announced that they are willing to approve home based testing for screening devices, but remain concerned about the accuracy and potential error rates that may occur. Fionet can provide guided testing within the home using approved rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) by allowing for health practitioners to do accurate, on-site testing within the home. Fionet can work with any approved RDT and take the burden and errors off manual interpretation of tests while capturing all relevant patient and test data. Fionet technology has been specifically developed for community-based ease of use, error reduction, and seamless data validation and collection. Fionet has already been submitted to Health Canada for expedited access to address community-based testing and tracking. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/health-canada-covid-home-test-1.5707740 https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/health-canada-now-considering-at-home-covid-19-tests-for-screening-purposes-1.5087719 Canadian and other Governments looking for Solutions for Air Travel As the number of cases with Coronavirus continues to increase, countries around the world are reviewing measures that can be taken to prevent the further spread of the virus. Currently, Canada has imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine for returning travelers, but now is looking for solutions to reduce this need by using airport testing. The Fionet platform is uniquely suited to address this issue by enabling testing at the airport, or later at the place where a traveler is quarantined after traveling. Testing can be performed with diagnostic tests for which Fionet devices are adapted, returning results in 10-15min as travelers enter or leave the airport, and the testing managed by Fionet's cloud-based software. Data captured in Fionet cloud can be synced with health and traveler databases to communicate results to cell phones and integrate with contact tracing apps helping to contain the spread of COVID-19 https://www.cbc.ca/news/study-pearson-airport-14-day-quarantine-1.5711879 https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/federal-health-officials-examining-idea-of-testing-arriving-travellers-at-airports-for-covid-19-1.5085219 https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/swiss-airlines-covid-19-testing-should-become-mandatory-at-airports/ Shift to Community-Based Testing in General We believe the significance of these major steps is that our government, as well as those around the world, are looking to welcome routine testing in settings outside of laboratories. Fionet's flexibility, step-by-step guided workflow, error-correction, automated test interpretation, and connectivity are indispensable for such a shift to be done with quality and continuous tracking. "These use-cases clearly demonstrate the broad scope that our platform addresses. The Fionet software is a foundation that can be built on to address the evolving market and regulatory landscape and make a difference in the global need for mass testing and returning to day to day life," said Yoav Raiter, CEO, Relay Medical Corp. Fionet Rapid Response Group On August 19, 2020, Relay Medical Corp. and Fio Corporation announced a joint venture referred to as the Fionet Rapid Response Group to rapidly adapt, launch, and deploy the Fionet Platform for testing and tracking COVID-19. Regulatory Status Fionet has been submitted to Health Canada for regulatory approval under the new Interim Order (IO) mechanism for expedited access. Upon this outcome, Fionet will thereafter be submitted for expedited access approval by regulators in other international jurisdictions (eg. FDA). Fionet will be adapted only to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) that are approved in the respective jurisdictions in which the platform will be deployed. **The Companies are not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 (or SARS-2 Coronavirus) at this time. About Fio Corporation Fio Corporation, privately held and headquartered in Toronto, developed and markets the world's first integrated guidance & tracking IT platform for decentralized healthcare settings, a new category of solution that raises healthcare quality and lowers healthcare costs. The platform enables average healthcare workers in clinics to deliver a new level of quality-controlled diagnostic testing and case management. Simultaneously, as an automated by-product of its clinical use, the platform captures and provides unprecedented frontline data to remote supervisors and stakeholders, enabling real-time remote tracking, insight distribution, and intervention. Fio operates globally in partnership with local distribution, service, and support organizations and also partners with other companies that license its technologies. Website: www.fio.com About Relay Medical Corp. Relay Medical is a MedTech innovation Company headquartered in Toronto, Canada focused on the development of novel technologies in the diagnostics and AI data science sectors. Website: www.relaymedical.com Contact: W. Clark Kent President Relay Medical Corp. Office. 647-872-9982 ext. 2 TF. 1-844-247-6633 ext. 2 investor.relations@relaymedical.com Bernhard Langer EU Investor Relations Office. +49 Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement Most people with COVID-19 have relatively mild disease, but a subset of people develop severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, potentially leading to death. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) immunologist Dan H. Barouch, MD, PhD, and colleagues showed in recently published previous work that a candidate COVID-19 vaccine raised neutralizing antibodies that robustly protected non-human primates (NHPs) against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Now, in new research published to-day in Nature Medicine, Barouch and colleagues demonstrated that the optimal vaccine elicited robust immune response in Syrian golden hamsters and prevented severe clinical disease -- including weight loss, pneumonia and death. We recently reported that an Ad26-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine provided robust protection in rhesus ma-caques, and this vaccine is currently being evaluated in humans. However, nonhuman primates typically don't get severe clinical disease, and thus it was important to study whether this vaccine could prevent severe pneumonia and death due to SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters, which are more susceptible to clinical disease." Dan H. Barouch, Director of BIDMC's Center for Virology and Vaccine Research The vaccine - developed through a collaboration between BIDMC and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) - uses a common cold virus, called adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26), to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into host cells, where it stimulates the body to raise immune responses against the coronavirus. Barouch's group and J&J developed a series of vaccine candidates designed to express different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is the major target for neutralizing antibodies. In the current study, the researchers immunized Syrian golden hamsters with a single injection of the Ad26-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which induced neutralizing antibodies in all animals. Four weeks later, the ani-mals were exposed to a high dose of SARS-CoV-2. Vaccinated animals lost less weight and had less virus in their lungs and other organs than unvaccinated control animals. Vaccinated animals also demonstrated lower mortality. Moreover, the researchers found that neutralizing antibody responses were inversely correlated with weight loss and viral loads in respiratory tissues. The Ad26.COV2.S vaccine is currently being evaluated in clinical studies to establish the performance of the vaccine candidate in humans. "This hamster model of severe COVID-19 disease should prove useful to complement current nonhuman pri-mate models in the evaluation of candidate vaccines and therapeutics," said Barouch, who is also the William Bosworth Castle Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, a member of the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, and the co-leader of the vaccine working group of the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness. In July 2020, investigators at BIDMC and other institutions initiated a first-in-human Phase 1/2 clinical trial of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine in healthy volunteers. Kathryn E. Stephenson, MD, MPH, is the principal investiga-tor for the trial at BIDMC, which is funded by Janssen Vaccines & Prevention, B.V., a pharmaceutical re-search arm of Johnson & Johnson. Pending clinical trial outcomes, the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine is on track to start a phase 3 efficacy trial in up to 60,000 participants in September 2020. Former Vice President Biden met with the family of Jacob Blake for over an hour and said he spoke to him on the phone. On a trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin on Thursday, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said that America would soon be confronting centuries of systemic racism. Were finally now getting to the point where were going to be addressing the original sin of this country, 400 years old slavery and all the vestiges of it, Biden said at a community meeting, promising action if hes elected president in November. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden greets Tim Mahone, chair of Mahone Foundation, with an elbow bump as he arrives at a meeting with members of the community at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) I cant guarantee you everything gets solved in four years, he continued, but I can guarantee you one thing: It will be a whole heck of a lot better. Well move a lot further down the road. The former vice president reportedly met with police shooting victim Jacob Blakes family for over an hour, and he told those assembled that he spoke to Blake himself on the phone for 15 minutes. Read More: Biden focuses on schools after blasting Trump on violence He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, Biden said, how whether he walked again or not, he was not going to give up. Biden spoke at Grace Lutheran Church near downtown Kenosha, listening and taking notes as a mix of local speakers expressed their viewpoints. I cant understand what its like to walk out the door or send my son out the door or my daughter and worry about just because theyre Black, they may not come back, he said to one participant at the community gathering. I cant really I can intellectually understand it, but I cant I cant feel it. Read More: AG William Barr says Jacob Blake shooting may have been justified Outside of the church, after Bidens remarks, Jacob Blakes uncle, Justin Blake, said, (President Donald) Trump didnt ask about my nephew. Trump didnt mention my nephews name while he was here. Justin Blake called Biden more of a unifier, while making it clear that he and his family are still holding everybodys feet to the fire. Nobody gets a free pass. Story continues Read More: Editor of Kenosha newspaper quits over tone-deaf coverage: Today is about Jacob Blake The former vice president compared the era of smartphone videos being used to capture the killing of Black Americans by police to the television broadcasts of the civil rights movement more than 60 years ago. He said that both have been influential in waking up white Americans. Biden told reporters as he departed the city that he felt good about the trip. I think we brought people together, he said. Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now! The post Biden, during Kenosha visit, says America will tackle original sin of slavery appeared first on TheGrio. MUSKEGON, MI The coronavirus outbreak at the Muskegon Correctional Facility has affected more people incarcerated at that facility than any other state prison, according to the latest numbers shared by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). Out of nearly 1,300 men incarcerated at the prison, located at 2400 S. Sheridan Drive, 885 have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as 26 staff members. And at least one incarcerated man has died, according to official numbers. This makes the outbreak in the Muskegon prison the worst in the state prison system by both number of cases and proportion of inmates infected. It outpaces a grim record set by Lakeland Correctional Facility, in Coldwater, which registered 815 official cases, comprising more than half its inmate population. By comparison, more than two-thirds of inmates at the Muskegon Correctional Facility (MCF) have tested positive since the first case was identified in late July. It speaks to how insidious this virus can be, Gautz said of the virus rapid spread. The prisoner who died was Ruben Jordan, according to MDOC spokesperson Chris Gautz. Jordan, 57, was serving a life sentence, and tested positive for the virus on Aug. 10. He died Aug. 22 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, according to MDOCs records. Jordans death marks the 69th death of an incarcerated person in Michigan, according to the departments tallies. RELATED: Corrections officers protest working conditions in Michigan prisons The uptick in positive cases at the prison in Muskegon come after weeks of protest by corrections officers across the state including in Muskegon alleging that the state is not giving them adequate resources to do their jobs in the midst of a pandemic. Likewise, men inside the Muskegon facility, as well as their families, continue to express concern as the numbers grow. Emails sent to MLive detail inmates being moved between units with little warning or explanation, and upset and fearful corrections officers. Read more on MLive: As coronavirus cases climb in Muskegon prison, families express fear and confusion Sick with COVID-19, inmate cant get out of prison even with AG, prosecutor backing him Coronavirus outbreak at Muskegon prison increases to more than 150 inmates Muskegon prison isolates some inmates after coronavirus outbreak No one has been asking families of special education students about their concerns over returning to school until now, said Christine Levesque from Autism Advocacy Ontario. Although more general surveys have looked at students concerns as they head back to school with new restrictions during COVID-19, Levesque said no one asked whats happening with the special education kids. Her organization hopes to change that. The Niagara Falls mother of two children with autism launched an online survey Thursday evening, asking families of children with special needs their concerns about safety and the challenges they might face, whether they return to class or opt for online learning. She said the survey was posted to coincide with the reopening of schools next week. We wanted to make sure it came out just in time, because if it came out too soon families wouldnt know the pressure theyre feeling right now, she said. The survey will continue for the next week or so to allow people to share the experiences they face after their children return to the classrooms, such as the availability of educational assistants or special services they require. All these things are going to start showing up in the next week or two, so families will have a little bit of time to express how they feel, Levesque said. The 40-question survey garnered more than 100 responses within hours of being posted, and she expects that number to climb significantly in the days to come. She said a high percentage of people who responded reported many of the services or specialized programs their children require were not being offered, due to changes implemented due to the pandemic. She said one family said their special needs child had been in the language and communications program as part of the individual education plan, but because the family opted for online learning that program could not be provided to the student. As a result, she said, the student will fall behind. Levesque said information collected will be submitted and discussed with Ministry of Education representatives, while a report based on the information will be distributed to survey respondents. She said past special education-related surveys Autism Advocacy Ontario conducted had an impact on government decision-making. Our reports are really well recognized within the ministry, she said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers a statement on the Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny case at the Chancellery on September 2, 2020 in Berlin. The German government said it has 'unequivocal proof' that Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent from the Novichok group. Photo: Hayoung Jeon/Getty Images The Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia to the north coast of Germany is in the political crosshairs again this week, after Berlin doctors confirmed that Alexei Navalny, an outspoken critic of Russias Vladimir Putin, was poisoned by the banned nerve agent Novichok. Navalny was airlifted to Berlin after becoming sick on a flight in Siberia in August, and is currently in intensive care at the Charite Hospital. During her annual summer press conference last week, German chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out halting work on the North Stream 2 over the poisoning. "Our opinion is that Nord Stream 2 should be completed, Merkel said. I don't think it is appropriate to link this business-operated project with the Navalny question." But pressure is growing on Merkel to take a stand against the Kremlin by stopping the project, after her press conference this week where she stated there was unequivocal evidence the Russian activist had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. She condemned the attack, saying it was attempted murder by poison of one of Russia's leading opposition members and an attempt to silence him. However, the chancellors condemnation and her call for the Russian government to explain itself have been criticised by lawmakers and the German media as inadequate. Bild newspaper wrote this week that as long as it [the German government] acts in collusion with Putin on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, all these declarations are just empty words. Norbert Rottgen, who is running as a Christian Democrat chancellor candidate to replace Merkel in the 2021 election, said if Germany were to complete the pipeline with Russia it would in effect encourage Putins inhuman and contemptuous politics, adding that the EU should jointly decide to stop Nord Stream 2. Manfred Weber, chairman of the EPP group in the European Parliament told Spiegel that "the end of Nord Stream 2 can no longer be ruled out. 03 September 2020 Sassnitz-Mukran: The Russian laying ship "Akademik Tscherski" is moored in the port of Mukran on the island of Rugen. The ship is being prepared in the port for the further construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Photo: Stefan Sauer/picture alliance via Getty Images. This is an assassination attempt, directed from the Kremlin, against the opposition politician Alexei Navalny, Annalena Baerbock, chairwoman of the Greens Party told Spiegel. A clear response from the federal government would be to stop the Nord Stream 2 project immediately. Story continues READ MORE: Fresh US threats to German port over Russian gas pipeline spark anger in Berlin The 10bn (9bn, $12bn) pipeline, running from Narva Bay in Russia to Lubmin in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany, is about 160km (99 miles) out of a total of 1,200km away from being finished. Russian state-energy giant Gazprom is the main owner of the pipeline, with co-financing companies including Wintershall, Uniper (UN01.DE), and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS-A). The controversial pipeline was already under threat from the US. President Donald Trump has long opposed the project that he said would make Germany, and Western Europe, too reliant on energy from Russia. Germany expressed its annoyance at the US in August after a Republican senators sent a threatening letter to Fahrhafen Sassnitz, the company that operates the port of Mukran on the island of Rugen in the Baltic Sea, and is involved in the pipeline. The senators accused the port company of knowingly providing significant goods, services, and support" for Russian and German pipeline-construction vessels and ordered it to cease these activities or face "crushing legal and economic sanctions. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo also warned in July that Washington would punish companies and investors in the natural gas pipeline with sanctions under a revision to the USs 2017 CAATSA (Countering Americas Adversaries through Sanctions) law. READ MORE: US threatens sanctions on Nord Stream 2 pipeline investors Energy company Uniper noted in its first-half report in August that with the US intensifying their efforts on targeted sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project, the probability of a delay or even non-completion of the pipeline is increasing. The EU is also mulling sanctions, according to its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. However, Putin denies any involvement in Navalnys poisoning, echoing his former denial of any link to the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter by Novichok in the UK in 2018. Teresa F. Smithson, general registrar and director of elections for Hanover County, calls officers of election the unsung heroes of our democracy. If we didnt have them checking in voters, giving out ballots, handing out stickers and doing everything else they do, we wouldnt have any elections, she said. Our officers of election have the community at heart, and we are so grateful to have the people we do. While she counts about 260 officers who will help with the Nov. 3 election, she would like to have at least another 40 to help man the countys 37 precincts. Work already has started for the upcoming election as the officers are helping sort through applications for absentee ballots and prepare for in-person voting, which begins on Sept. 18. Because of COVID-19, some longtime officers have stepped back this year, creating openings shes working hard to fill. The average age in Hanover for an officer of election is 72; as older adults, theyre at a higher risk for contracting the highly contagious virus. Hanover isnt alone. Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, the United States is facing a national shortage of election workers. To draw attention to this critical need, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) declared Sept. 1 as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. By encouraging more people to become poll workers in their communities, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day aims to address the critical shortage of poll workers, strengthen our democracy, inspire greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and help ensure free and fair elections in November and beyond, the EAC said in a statement. In Virginia, the men and women who work to ensure our elections are conducted fairly and lawfully are known as officers of election, and are chosen and managed by the localities. The officers receive training and are paid, with amounts varying by city and county. To learn more about the duties involved and how to sign up, contact your local registrars office. Or visit: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/officer-of-elections/ Even though many Virginians are expected to take advantage of in-person early voting and casting absentee ballots by mail this fall, registrars anticipate that the polls on Nov. 3 will be busy. Theres a hotly contested presidential race, plus congressional elections. Also, voters and election workers alike will have to adhere to strict health protocols, observing social distancing, making sure equipment is sanitized and wearing face masks. Recruitment continues across Virginia. As of late last week, Ryan Mulligan, Goochland Countys general registrar and director of elections, had 94 officers of election available, but would like to add at least 30 more to help with 11 precincts. What does he say to potential officers? Its a long day, you get compensation, its fun work and its also rewarding, Mulligan said. Remember that this year, Election Day is a state holiday for some. Also, numerous companies offer volunteer or civic leave. What a meaningful way to participate in our democratic process, and help keep our elections fair, safe and secure. RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH A man was Thursday arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts for sending threatening messages to a woman. Jared Omondi was charged with threatening t0 kill a woman contrary to section 223 of the penal code. The accused allegedly committed the offence on May 1, 2020, in Nairobi. A charge sheet indicated that Omondi threatened Vivian Achieng by sending her text messages using his Safaricom line. The alleged message reads: am slaughtering you then niende Kamiti(prison)I am killing you today. Appearing before senior principal magistrate Philip Mutua, Omondi denied the charges. Through his lawyer, the accused told the court that the complainant was trying to make him uncomfortable after he got a court order in a civil case. Omondi was released on a cash bail of Sh100,000 or Sh 200,000 bond. Magistrate Mutua directed the case to be mentioned on September 17, further warning the accused against communicating with the complainant and witnesses. There are a lot of my year of ... books out there and a plethora of publications about mindfulness. While it might sound like yet another marketing concept, My Year of Living Mindfully is actually one of the more insightful, practical and straight-talking personal testimonies on the subject that Ive come across. Echoing Freuds aim to reconcile his patients with common unhappiness, Shannon Harvey discovers that mindfulness practice teaches her to be more comfortable with the discomfort that is part and parcel of being human. As well as monitoring her own progress as a meditator and measuring the physical and mental health benefits, she also looks at compelling global applications of this practice, such as how mindfulness-based trauma recovery programs are helping refugees in the Middle East to take control of their lives and heal themselves. For a year after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the US army and government kept the full horror of their impact hidden in plain sight from the rest of the world. Apart from outlier journalists such as Australias Wilfred Burchett, who managed to report the truth about the atomic plague before being muzzled, it took an article by New Yorker writer John Hersey to bring home the shocking toll of the blast over Hiroshima at an intimate, human level. Herseys reportage Hiroshima, told through the eyes of six survivors, went on to become a classic and a model for New Journalism. This account of the cover-up, including the US denial of the bombs radioactive aftermath, and the Trojan-horse tactics Hersey employed to slip under the censorship radar is as riveting as it is disturbing. The Number Bias Sanne Blauw, Sceptre, $29.99 Credit: From big data to Facebook clicks, GDP to algorithms, we live in a society hypnotised by numbers, says Sanne Blauw. Its time to demystify digits and get savvy about their misuse. Her point is not a new one. Mark Twains phrase lies, damned lies and statistics has been around for more than 100 years. Its just that the power of numbers has increased exponentially with the advent of mass media. The author is keen to point out how numbers can save lives when employed well such as Florence Nightingales use of graphs to bring out changes in health care. But most of the book focuses on unconscious or deliberate manipulation of figures, whether they be IQ ratings or misleading statistics about smoking. This lively, instructive work is full of useful tips on how to determine when numbers can be trusted. Paul Kelly Stuart Coupe, Hachette, $32.99 BRIDGEPORT City firefighters are battling a fire on Fairfield Avenue Thursday afternoon. First responders were dispatched to the 900 block of Fairfield Avenue around 1:30 p.m. for a possible structure fire. The 911 callers reported seeing dark smoke on the sixth floor and flames coming from the windows, according to dispatch reports. A working fire was confirmed at the scene around 1:40 p.m. as officials requested a fire marshal to investigate. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Bangkok: Thailand has detected its first locally transmitted COVID-19 case since late May, snapping a streak of 100 days without community transmission. The new case on Thursday was confirmed in an inmate of a prison in Bangkok shortly after incarceration. The patient's history showed that he stayed with his family of five and worked as a disc jockey before being lodged in jail, Health Ministry officials said. He had no history of travelling outside the country. A Bangkok prison worker is tested for coronavirus on Thursday after an inmate was found to be infected. Credit:AP There was no immediate risk of infections among other inmates because all new prisoners were quarantined for a 14-day period, officials said. Health authorities were carrying out tracing of all high-risk contacts of the patient. The local transmission suggested that the virus has been spreading undetected within the community for some time, sparking concerns of another outbreak wave. Similar hidden chains of local transmission have also been reported in Vietnam and New Zealand. The parents of an African American civil rights leader in Eastern Washington state have shocked the nation by declaring that their daughter isnt black, as she has claimed to be for the last 10 years. In several recent interviews with the media, Larry and Ruthanne Dolezal revealed that their daughter Rachel is actually caucasian. Shes our birth daughter and were both of European descent, Larry told news reporters. Were very puzzled and its very sad. Since January, Rachel has been the president of the Spokane County chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). She is also chair of the citys police oversight commission, and an adjunct professor of African studies at Eastern Washington University. Rachel is currently estranged from her parents they claim that they only found out about her disguise when they read about her in a newspaper a few years ago. She has never claimed to be biracial or African-American in our presence, they told CNN. They also revealed photographs of Rachels early days, when she was clearly a blue-eyed, blond-haired, freckled caucasian a complete contrast from her current avatar with dark complexion and tight curls. Our daughter is primarily of German and Czech and of European descent, Ruthanne confirmed in an interview. Yes, Rachel is a master artist, and so shes able to disguise herself and make her appearance look like any ethnicity. Rachel has chosen to distance herself from the family and be hostile towards us, her mother said. She doesnt want us to be where she is, she doesnt want to be seen with us because it ruins her image. Ruthanne added that she didnt understand the need for her daughters disguise, because she could accomplish the work that she set out to do in the beginning, by being herself, and by being a white woman whos an advocate for African Americans. It turns out that Rachel has slowly worked her way into the African American community, through her social justice work. But her parents revealed that her interest in diversity started at a very young age, growing up around friends from various ethnicities. After graduating from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, she applied for her masters degree at Howard University, a historically black college in Washington. Although she did not claim to be African American in her application, the school automatically assumed that she was, based on her artwork that used African imagery. The way we understood, eyes were popping and jaws were dropping when she walked in to finalize her registration, Larry told CNN. Over time, Larry and Ruthanne noted that Rachels accent began to sound more African American over the phone. But the real turning point came after her divorce in 2004, when she started altering her appearance. She also started claiming that her parents adopted African American children were her own. In fact, when one of her adopted brothers 21-year-old Zach visited Rachel in Spokane, she had asked him not to speak of Larry and Ruthanne as their parents. Back in the early 1900s, what she did would be considered highly racist, said 22-year-old Ezra Dolezal, another adopted brother. You really should not do that. Its completely opposite shes basically creating more racism. Rachel has confirmed in a phone interview with the press that Izaiah, her son, is actually one of her adopted brothers. He used to be my brother, she said. But I have full custody of him now. In fact, in the interview she maintained that she is indeed black, as are her adopted siblings. She added that Larry and Ruthanne had abused her and her siblings, punishing them by skin complexion. They can DNA test me if they want to, she said. Following the recent controversy, the NAACP released a statement stating that they dont want to interfere in what is clearly a legal issue with her family. We respect her privacy in this matter, the statement read. Ones racial identity is not a qualifying criteria or disqualifying standard for NAACP leadership. The NAACP Alaska-Oregon-Washington State Conference stands behind Ms. Dolezals advocacy record. James Wilburn, former president of the Spokane NAACP chapter, added that Rachels race was not a criteria that qualified her for her current position. Spokane city hall has also issued a statement, revealing that Rachel had listed her ethnicity as a mix of black, Native American, and a number of others, in her application to the office of police ombudsman commission. We are gathering facts to determine if any city policies related to volunteer boards and commissions have been violated, said David Condon, mayor of Spokane. Rachel herself has largely remained silent on the issue, stating that she would first want to speak to her executive committee before talking to the media. I feel like I owe my executive committee a conversation, she said. The question is not as easy as it seems. Theres a lot of complexities and I dont know that everyone would understand that. Were all from the African continent. Since the controversy broke out, Rachel has disabled her Facebook account, where she used to actively post commentary on African American issues and culture. A photograph on the Spokane NAACPs Facebook page showed Rachel with her African American father, but her parents insist that she isnt related to the man, sharing her birth certificate as proof. When a KXLY reporter confronted Rachel on camera, with the Facebook picture, she seemed flustered.Maam, I was wondering if your dad really is an African-American man, the reporter asked her, showing her the photograph. I dont understand the question, Rachel replied. I did tell you that yes, thats my dad. She is later seen removing her mic and walking away from the camera. Youre probably thinking this story couldnt get any weirder. But get this: during her years at Howard University, Rachel Dolezal actually sued the learning institution, claiming that she was a victim of racial discrimination, because she was white Records show that the now former leader of NAACP Spokane claimed that she was denied an assistant teaching position, an application to become an instructor, and a scholarship because she was white. The case was dismissed. Then she went and pretended to be black for 10 years Sources: Buzzfeed, CNN BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept.4 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Kazakhstan has exported 512,803 tons of crude oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 97.9 million euros to Germany in June 2020, Eurostat official told Trend. In turn, Kazakhstan exported 38.07 million tons of petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 1.2 billion euros to Germany in 1H2020. Thus, the June volume of petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals from Kazakhstan to Germany is 31.2 percent less compared to May 2020 (745,383 tons) and is 34.8 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (787,187 tons). Junes exports are also 22.4 percent less than May 2020 (126.2 million euros) and are 74.9 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (391.1 million euros). The value of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Germany amounted to $817.2 million over 1H2020, compared to $769.3 million during the same period of 2019. Kazakhstans export to Germany amounted to $133.2 million over the period from January through June 2020, compared to $151.1 million during the same period of 2019. In turn, Kazakhstans imports from Germany slightly exceeded $684 million over the reporting period, compared to $618.1 million during the same period of 2019. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh As Indonesia adjusts to the economic realities of Covid-19, a transformative wave of change is starting to flow through the enterprise. Amid the downturn and negative market impact, forward-thinking CIOs are emerging to guide businesses out of continuity and into resiliency mode, motivated by a boardroom desire for innovation. Such desire comes with a caveat however, as technology executives examine the operational and business model requirements of implementing widespread digital transformation agendas, spanning security, scale and agility. Over the last few months, VMware has been focused on helping businesses in Indonesia and across the region ensure business continuity, build resiliency and keep employees safe, outlined Cin Cin Go, country manager of Indonesia at VMware. VMware Cin Cin Go, Country Manager of Indonesia, VMware In Indonesia, businesses are prioritising the effective transition to a distributed and remote workforce and to that end, we have been working closely with our customers to build digital workspaces that enable employees to work remotely, maintain productivity, increase connectivity and provide more secure access to applications regardless of the endpoint. In guiding local CIOs during the early stages of the pandemic, Cin Cin acknowledged that widespread transformation does not happen overnight, cautioning against the pursuit of an instant quick fix in favour of a strategic, three-pronged approach to innovation. The first step is focused on ensuring business continuity, she said. Businesses in Indonesia found themselves in a situation where they had to update and upgrade existing technology limitations quickly to enable employees to continue working. This also ensured the sustenance of business operations and the ability to deliver on customer commitments, while maintaining financial and operational stability. Stage two, as explained by Cin Cin, is centred around the evolution of systems, people and processes, with a specific focus on business resiliency. Once organisations have ensured business continuity, they must then focus on investments that return a business to growth, strengthen operations and increase viability of the organisation even in the face of economic uncertainty, she advised. In this stage, technology remains a key factor that strengthens the business and creates competitive differentiation. Every investment will be evaluated on business impact, even as budgets and spending contract and remain uncertain. This is a period of changing systems, changing business models, changing processes and changing team structures. Within this context, the third phase is focused on embracing a digital-first mindset to help withstand future market difficulties, shaped by an agile approach to future transformation. Organisations equipped to adapt and evolve during the current climate are in a position of strength to make radical investments that drive them forward with a focus on growth and innovation, Cin Cin added. The goal is to increase the speed and agility of the business while fuelling results without jeopardising future flexibility or resiliency. Leading edge innovations can help to define the future business state, reshape long-term customer engagement models, expand the effectiveness of employees and even define marketplaces and industries. With the pandemic creating a new global reality, Indonesia is equally not immune to significant market change, evident through a surge in digitalisation efforts to future-proof business operations in 2020 and beyond. Indonesia has established itself as the fastest growing start-up ecosystem in the region which is also on a rapid path to digitisation, Cin Cin said. With the impact of Covid-19, businesses had to scale quickly overnight to enable a mobile ecosystem that supports the implementation of remote working, online education (home-based learning) and tele-health services. Several administrative regions including the capital Jakarta have since moved into the so-called new normal era. Many businesses in Indonesia have also taken the plunge during this time to embrace digitalisation and digital transformation in an effort to create a sustainable workplace of the future. CIOs assume central transformation role In assessing the local market and the heightened role of the CIO post-pandemic Cin Cin observed that technology executives are playing an integral role setting new boardroom agendas, helping organisations navigate such an unprecedented time through digital solutions and services. We see a growing importance for CIOs to harness technology to steer the strategic business direction for the organisation with a clear focus on ensuring business continuity while architecting new business models for growth in this new digital paradigm, she said. That said, the significance of the role of the CIO had already been on the rise in recent years with the proliferation of digital products and services. As a result, Cin Cin said CIOs in Indonesia are now assuming business disruptor status within the organisation, leveraging technology expertise to achieve improved levels of outcomes at CEO level. Irrespective of size or sector, such an approach is placing technology and CIOs at the centre of sizeable industry change. Bank Mandiri Toto Prasetio, Senior Executive Vice President of IT at Bank Mandiri Delivering a seamless, advanced banking experience is a priority for us at Bank Mandiri, stated Toto Prasetio, senior executive vice president of IT at Bank Mandiri. As we find ourselves in a mobile and digital-first environment now, we must continuously innovate with next-generation technologies to enhance business agility and stay ahead of the curve. With VMware Cloud solutions, were well positioned to spearhead innovation, strengthen resiliency and drive transformation for Indonesias banking industry. This in turn enables us to deliver a holistic banking experience for our customers and to realise the culture: Bersama Membangun Negeri (Together we build our nation). Innovation in financial services is equally mirrored in retail, evident through the priorities shaping Alfamarts go-to-market strategy. Speed, innovation and superior customer experience are critical success factors retailers require to stay ahead of the competition, amidst the rapid transformation of the retail industry, added Bambang Setyawan Djojo, director of International Business and Technology at Alfamart. As one of the largest retailers in Indonesia, our extensive network of branch offices plays an important role in driving seamless business operations and customer service excellence. Alfamart Bambang Setyawan Djojo, Director of International Business and Technology at Alfamart With the adoption of VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud, we are able to enhance the connectivity and security of our entire operational network, enabling optimised access to resources to transform the retail experience for our end customers. Amid plans to prepare for an increasingly digital future, Cin Cin said CIOs must remain one step ahead of market changes to help guide organisations when adapting to rapidly evolving macroeconomic variables. This involves up-skilling themselves as well as their co-workers so they are well positioned to implement future-forward transformations that will deliver business outcomes, she explained. In this new economic reality, CIOs must be able to define a strategy for remote work through defining clear guidance, rules and policies. This involves training employees on remote etiquette virtual meetings are different than in-person meetings and how your companys culture will inform the way they work remotely. Delving deeper, Cin Cin advocated the benefits of creating a digital environment for remote working through providing tools capable of enabling employees to effectively access all applications remotely. CIOs must allow employee choice for aspects of the work environment such as preferred devices but standardise critical productivity platforms such as virtual collaboration spaces and communications tools, she advised. Accepting that the risks of working from home differ compared to those present in the office, Cin Cin also cautioned CIOs to ensure cyber security remains a leading agenda item, highlighted through the need to regularly update policies and tools to account for changes in technology and ways of collaborating. CIOs must also empower senior leaders to lead from anywhere, she said. While senior leaders may rarely think of themselves as work from home employees, events such as the current pandemic can suddenly transform everyone into a remote worker. Collaboration tools that enables the leadership team and board to collaborate effectively must be deployed. Deep Delta Justice By Matthew Van Meter Little, Brown. 290 pp. $28 - - - Set against the backdrop of virulent racism seen throughout the South during the civil rights movement, Matthew Van Meter's "Deep Delta Justice" takes readers through "one of the most important - and improbable - criminal cases in American history." A legal saga with an emphasis on storytelling, it's a valuable contribution to the literature on the civil rights movement and the ongoing fight against white supremacy. While Louisiana is without a museum exclusively dedicated to commemorating its role in the civil rights movement, the state's legacy is rich. The nation's first organized protest against segregated seating on city buses took place in Baton Rouge in 1953. In 1960, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges was the first to integrate an elementary school in the South when she attended all-White William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans. That same year in New Orleans, Black activists were arrested for staging a sit-in at a Whites-only lunch counter, leading to a Supreme Court decision in 1963 in favor of the protesters. In Jonesboro in 1964, a group of armed African American men formed the Deacons for Defense and Justice, remembered for fighting back against Klan terror and protecting civil rights workers. Louisiana's history as a site of resistance can be attributed in large part to the state's deep-seated racism. As a port city, New Orleans was once home to the country's largest slave market. The foundation of the state's economy was a robust network of brutal plantations. Enslaved Black labor built much of Louisiana's most celebrated architecture, as well as the levees required to keep the Mississippi River contained. The abolition of slavery was followed by the formation of white-supremacist groups like the White League, a paramilitary terrorist organization led by Civil War veterans. During Reconstruction, the New Orleans chapter infamously staged a short-lived coup against the state's government, and a monument honoring its efforts stood in the city until its contentious removal in 2017. The roots of the "separate but equal" doctrine were in Louisiana. When ruling on the case of Homer Plessy - a man of one-eighth African American heritage who defied the law and boarded a Whites-only rail car in New Orleans - the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation in 1896. Widely considered to be one of the worst decisions in the history of the Supreme Court, it was this exact form of legalized racial segregation that the civil rights movement fought to undo. Considering that much of Louisiana's history is conveniently overlooked, most people are probably unfamiliar with Plaquemines Parish. A narrow and sparsely populated strip of land encompassing the last 70 miles of the Mississippi River, the parish extends to Louisiana's southernmost terminus at the Gulf of Mexico. It's here, near the last town accessible via road, where one of Louisiana's major civil rights stories began. In 1966, 19-year-old Gary Duncan was wrongfully arrested and accused of assault in Plaquemines. Richard Sobol, a young Jewish lawyer from New York who relocated to New Orleans to work on civil rights litigation, took the case. What followed was a hard-fought legal battle resulting in a Supreme Court decision that had a significant impact on America's criminal justice system. As a young Black man living in a parish controlled by an avowed white supremacist, Duncan had a slim chance of a fair trial. Plaquemines was ruled by Leander Perez, an anti-integration autocrat with a larger-than-life personality and a political career that spanned five decades. After being excommunicated from the Catholic Church for his stance on integration, he built a snake-infested prison camp for "racial agitators" in an abandoned military outpost. "Perez invited Martin Luther King Jr. and his Communist overlords to come for a long visit," Van Meter writes, "adding with a wink that it was the only racially integrated facility in all of Plaquemines." While "Deep Delta Justice" revolves around Duncan's case, the narrative branches out to the larger civil rights battles of the era, both in courtrooms and on the streets. "It is hard now to appreciate how close the United States felt to a race war," the author writes. The summer of 1967 saw major unrest throughout the country, and the National Guard was deployed in a dozen locations. In Louisiana, A.Z. Young led a 105-mile march from Bogalusa - referred to at the time as "Klantown, USA" - to the state Capitol in Baton Rouge. At the center of Meter's book is Sobol, the young lawyer who left a prestigious law firm in the Northeast to work on civil rights cases in the Deep South. He came to New Orleans in 1965 to work for the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee. While originally intending to visit for a few weeks to handle cases as needed, Sobol changed his plans when he realized the amount of work required. He moved to New Orleans, took on Duncan's case and battled "the most notorious racist in the state." Duncan v. Louisiana is considered a historic milestone in civil rights history, as the Supreme Court ruled that a state must adhere to the 14th Amendment's guarantee of a jury trial. Sobol would continue fighting on behalf of oppressed people. In 1972, he argued before the Supreme Court in favor of unanimous jury verdicts. He lost, but he told Meter that if the court were to later rule in favor of unanimous juries, he would say he won "retroactively." Sobol died in March at the age of 82. In April, the Supreme Court ruled in Ramos v. Louisiana that guilty verdicts in criminal trials must be unanimous. - - - Okun is a freelance writer living in New Orleans. New Delhi: In a fresh development, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of the Bengaluru police conducted a raid at the residence of popular Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi. The officials have reportedly seized Ragini's phone and laptop. She was initially interrogated at her home but later taken to CCB office for further inquiry. Earlier, on Wednesday, the CCB officials summoned Kannada film industry's established actress Ragini Dwivedi and she was called for the questioning. However, she did not appear before the CCB on Thursday, expressing her inability to com due to very little time in hand. But she sent her lawyer on her behalf and later tweeted about it, promising to extend all the support of the police in this case. Ragini had sought time from the police through her counsel. On Thursday evening, the CCB officials also arrested a person named Ravi. According to sources, the CCB has sent summons to a few more famous Kannada film personalities, which has not yet been officially confirmed. But it is clear that as the investigation progresses, strings attached to the sandalwood industry (Kannada film industry) and the alleged drug racket will be busted. The sandalwood industry drug scandal came to the limelight after Kannada filmmaker and late journalist Gauri Lankesh's brother, Indrajit Lankesh made startling claims of knowing many secrets of the connection between drugs and Kannada film celebs. Soon after Indrajit Lankesh's statement, the Bengaluru police came into action and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of Bengaluru interrogated him for around 2 hours. The CCB officials stated that 'Indrajit Lankesh mentioned some old incidents as well as revealed names of some people related to the industry. Although he has not yet presented any evidence in this case, we are giving him time to present the evidence. The CCB will now investigate this matter in a legal manner." Later speaking to the media, Lankesh said that he has given 15 names to the CCB which are directly or indirectly related to the drug scandal. Meanwhile, CCB has also stepped up its investigation in the case. Janne Einola, the India chief of Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has quit five years after he launched the fashion giant in India. Einola's departure comes at a time when the company is struggling with low sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is currently serving his notice period and is slated to leave by the end of October. He is leaving H&M due to personal reasons and will be moving back to Helsinki to live with his wife and kids. It is also being reported that Einola will take a sabbatical before deciding his next career move. The company hasn't yet pinned down on his successor but it could be anyone from the fashion juggernaut's global talent pool, according to a LiveMint report. Einola has worked with H&M for 22 years. He started out as a department manager and subsequently moved to work in four markets and nine countries. Einola moved to India in July 2015, months before H&M launched its maiden outlet in the country in New Delhi's Select Citywalk mall. He is instrumental in aggressively expanding H&M in India. The Swedish fashion retailer has set up 50 stores so far in India under the single brand FDI policy. Einola also played an important role in signing up an exclusive deal with the online fashion site Myntra.com. Also read: Paytm's FY20 revenue rises to Rs 3,629 crore on surge in transactions As a region, ASEAN has experienced years of consistent high growth. Its markets now draw more foreign direct investment and are wealthier than before and by 2030, the regions economy is expected to double from $3.1 trillion in 2019 to $6.6 trillion over the next few years, according to United Overseas Bank Ltd. From a demographic perspective, the regions credentials are equally impressive. ASEAN is currently home to over 660 million people equivalent to a little under half the population of China of whom 450 million are of working age. By 2030 these numbers will likely swell to 725 million and 488 million respectively. It is this demographic windfall, combined with economic expansion, that will power the region forward in the decade ahead. Talking with VIR, CEO of Malaysian-based Elquator Henrik Pryter said the ongoing pandemic has raised vulnerabilities and is quickening shifts in key exchange hallways. On the other hand, worldwide supply chains are being broadened. This presents openings for both inbound and outbound activities for ASEAN. Pryters company aims to expand to countries such as the United Kingdom and Denmark to meet the surging demand. If successful, the moves would further demonstrate the product capacity of ASEAN groups. China remains the leader in global manufacturing, with every fluctuation in its manufacturing output and cost levels making headlines around the world. But foreign investors are increasingly turning their gaze southward to the 10 dynamic markets comprising ASEAN, with manufacturing one of the blocs key economic growth drivers. Already, the region is a global manufacturing hub and was estimated to have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6 per cent in the last four years. Many big names are already based here, including Bosch, Ford, ABB, Ericsson, GE, Samsung, LG, ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola, and Pepsico, and many more. Foreign investors have a growing awareness of ASEANs value as a base of operations mostly focused on chemicals, food and beverages, metals, and motor vehicles, but other sectors such as renewables and water treatment are fast becoming new trends. Horst Harbers, CEO and founder at OptiCat R2V Pte., Ltd. which is collaborating with Swedish water purification innovators Drupp told VIR, My aim is to use renewable energy here in Southeast Asia to further promote the modular water from air technology to many businesses looking for a sustainable solution, including food and beverages and personal care manufactures. In recent report from Cushman & Wakefield (C&W), it was noted that the current China-US trade war and the ongoing pandemic may be catalyst for change but they are not the underlying drivers for the growth of ASEAN manufacturing. The manufacturing shift towards Southeast Asia has been a long time in the making. As minimum wages in China grew, more orders for labour-intensive products, such as clothes, toys, and shoes shifted to less expensive locations in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Vietnam, the report said. However, despite government initiatives to attract manufacturers by Southeast Asian countries, China retains a clear infrastructure advantage with the ability to efficiently move goods via road, rail, or sea transport. In Southeast Asia, on the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Manila enjoy a cost differential over all Chinese markets offering cheaper land and labour. In fact, Vietnam has jumped a few notches in C&Ws global ranking of the most cost competitive manufacturing hubs to number two after China. Beyond this, Jakarta and Bangkok act as alternative locations for higher order manufacturing due to higher costs in rent and labour respectively, according to the report. ASEAN has been playing on cost efficiencies. It is time to transform that into technology-led innovation because thats the way they will participate in global value chains and also grow across industries, said a representative of Standard Chartered at last weeks ASEAN Business Forum. Whether expanding into ASEAN or reconfiguring their current regional footprint, foreign investors need to carefully analyse both their medium- and long-term implications for two reasons, according to a report from McKinsey & Company. Firstly, companies face extended time horizons for realising returns on capital-intensive investments. Secondly, the process for plant location requires significant time, resources, and organisational focus. Having to repeat this process unexpectedly, due to significant shifts in demand, for example, could have a material impact on a companys supply chain, business strategy, and bottom line, the report said. Texas health officials are replacing the crumbling San Antonio State Hospital with a $357 million, 300-bed facility as part of a legislative push to overhaul the states mental health system. The old psychiatric hospital on the Southeast Side will remain in operation during construction, which recently got underway. The new facility is expected to open by January 2024. San Antonio State Hospitals condition has been worsening for decades. A 2014 structural analysis found that 80 percent of the facility was in critical condition. Its floors slope in some parts of the hospital, and the foundation sags in others. Its hallways are narrow with low ceilings. Officials so far have allocated $205 million to build the new hospital, to be located near the old one. State lawmakers secured the funding during the 2019 legislative session. The three-story hospital at 6711 S. New Braunfels Ave. will take up 476,000 square feet. The facility will share a 350-acre campus with the Texas Center for Infectious Disease and San Antonio State Supported Living Center near the Brooks business park. The state approved $11.5 million to renovate an existing building on the campus that will add 40 beds and more than 100 new jobs by January. This new world-class facility will be a step toward modernizing the psychiatric hospital system in Texas, said Tim Bray, associate commissioner for state hospitals. The state-of-the-art design of the new hospital will match the modern care thats provided to the people who depend on our services at SASH. On ExpressNews.com: Nearly $200M for new San Antonio State Hospital is provided in state budget A 54-county region relies on the state hospital to provide around-the-clock treatment and medical support for people who need inpatient care for mental illness. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will ask for $152.4 million in the 2021 legislative session to complete construction on the hospital. We will be back in Austin in January to secure the remaining funds to complete the project, state Rep. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, said in a statement. His district covers portions of citys South and East sides, including the 350-acre campus. Gutierrez is challenging state Sen. Pete Flores for his Senate District 19 seat which also includes the San Antonio hospital in the November general election. Flores, a Republican, served on the budget-writing Senate Finance Committee, which secured $745 million in funding for the plan to improve the states hospital system. Its been a journey, said Christine Yanas, vice president of policy and advocacy at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Getting a brand new hospital is a blessing. We worked so hard to get it. In 2017, the state commissioned UT Health San Antonio to create a master plan to redesign the hospital with an executive committee that included local law enforcement and mental health providers. Methodist Healthcare Ministries a nonprofit that has 50-percent ownership of Methodist Healthcare System was part of the group. Yanas said the committee also pushed for higher pay for nursing assistants because the annual staff turnover rate at the San Antonio hospital was more than 52 percent. San Antonio State Hospital opened in 1892. Some of its oldest buildings were abandoned long ago. The canteen is nearly a mile from patients sleeping quarters and many patients share a room with three others. On ExpressNews.com: Editorial Board: New state hospital urgently needed in Bexar The design of the replacement hospital incorporates a layout with private rooms for all patients and a floor plan that includes more open areas and natural light throughout the building. The hospitals design also includes a special vantage point with improved sight lines for nursing staff to monitor multiple hallways from one spot. We see this as a major improvement in care for patients with mental and behavioral health issues in all of South Texas, said Dr. Steven Pliszka of UT Health San Antonio, who led the executive committees work on the redesign. Vaughn Construction, which has an office in San Antonio, is leading the project and working with Dallas-based architecture firm HKS, Inc.. The state is also rebuilding state psychiatric hospital in Austin, adding new units to the Kerrville and Rusk hospitals and building a new hospital in Houston. Laura Garcia covers the health care industry. To read more from Laura, become a subscriber. laura.garcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @Reporter_Laura SULPHUR, La. The mayor of Sulphur couldnt sleep. It was March, just when the novel coronavirus picked up and businesses shut down. He was home after another long day of getting reports about a crisis he couldnt stop and couldnt slow his brain down. His mind wandered over the months ahead as he lay in bed, and he thought: God, please dont let there be a hurricane. There was. And it was historic. Hurricane Laura tore through Southwestern Louisiana and parts of Southeast Texas on Aug. 27, killing at least 18 people and wrecking buildings. Most people in its path evacuated. Sulphur, La., is a town of just under 24,000 people formally established in 1914, taking its name from sulphur mines. The mining industry was replaced by refineries; those were replaced by petrochemicals. Mike Danahay was elected mayor in 2018 and has lived in the area his whole 62 years. During the eye of the storm, Danahay came out of the boarded-up City Hall and brought in a blue street sign that had been banging against the wall of the building. He tried to sleep on the air mattress hed set up in his office. On HoustonChronicle.com: A day of picking up what Hurricane Laura threw down Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Five days after the storm, the trees and power lines had (mostly) been lifted off the roads. The mayors desk was covered in Post-it notes and printed permits. He juggled two cellphones and was thinking about trash. People were flooding in to look at their homes he wishes they wouldnt and were finding the contents of their refrigerators turned rotten. And on top of that, theres storm debris. Recovery will take months. None of it will be glamorous. All of it will be expensive, with damages for Texas and Louisiana estimated at $12 billion. Most of it will be mundane. And the majority of the groups that poured in to help at the beginning will be long gone. Thats one of the things in these events, Danahay said into one of his cellphones, talking to the mayor of Slidell, La. The hand that wasnt holding the phone held his glasses in place; the temple had snapped off one side, and he couldnt find his spares. You usually find the initial response is great, its overwhelming, its like drinking out of a fire hose, but as you get into it, were still sitting without power two, three weeks out and we dont have the resources here anymore. On HoustonChronicle.com: Scars of Hurricane Laura evident as Louisiana residents assess storm damage Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Something about a gas leak In the days after the storm, the employees who evacuated trickled back into the one-story brick building and set up at what theyve nicknamed Camp City Hall. They traded chairs for air mattresses and left extra toiletries on a folding table in the hall. One staffer has his wife and two sons in the conference room. The window of the human resources office is smashed: Only HR staffers have the key, and they were evacuated for the hurricane. The people left in City Hall needed to preserve power. Erica Martin, the communications director, had evacuated to Longview and stayed up all night watching the storm, terrified about what shed find. Part of her house had fallen off. Karen Herard, an IT employee, leaned against a wall and cried: She felt so guilty, eating hot food and working in generator-powered air conditioning while her husband sat at home with rheumatoid arthritis in the heat. Excuse me, said Cory Murnane, the supervisor at the wastewater plant, hovering at the mayors door, a computer clutched in his right hand. Sorry to interrupt. Do you have a contact for the sheriffs department? I need to know why the road to our plant is closed. They said something about a gas leak Ha. Thats beautiful. Just beautiful. He made some calls. It was just a traffic issue. The phone buzzed again; Danahay gave it a look of disgust. Its like you solve one problem and three more pop up, I swear, he said, scrolling through the text. It was a parish official, asking about a dump site location that had already been decided yesterday. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer On HoustonChronicle.com: With children and pets in tow, two families in Winnie flee Hurricane Laura, expecting the worst He silenced the buzzing from his family group text someone had sent a picture of his 93-year-old father, a World War II veteran who insisted on riding out the storm and was now beginning his own home repairs. The sheriffs department called back. The issue around the wastewater plant wasnt traffic. It was a gas leak. Danahay had seen Hurricane Rita in 2005 and had grown up hearing tales of children ripped from their parents arms during 1957s Hurricane Audrey, which killed 416 people. Theyre better prepared now: The forecasts are more accurate, they had contracts in place for cleanup, theres already a contracted firm sorting through their FEMA paperwork. His team, he said, is the best. Im just spending money like a drunken sailor, he quipped to his finance director. The small strike team to guide recovery costs $1 million on its own. She shrugged. Well, our sales tax revenues will go up. He laughed. A drive through town The Sulphur mayor is largely a patient man until he gets behind the wheel, where he likes to drive in the left lane and then decide quickly on a right turn without always using his turn signal. That Tuesday, he was not happy: The Salvation Army truck backed up traffic all the way down the main city roads. He had to call the sheriff to get it moved. He drove through the city in the hours before his afternoon meetings, swinging through a gated community that had lost its gate but been spared the worst (I dont know what these people do for a living but I missed the boat somewhere) and the older part of town where more low-income families live. He paused in front of a house where a man was picking up his yard and rolled down his window. You doin all right? Yeah, so far so good. The homes carport had fallen down entirely. We gotta move some of those trees. Be careful with that. The mayor pointed to the twisted metal. And that. The wind folded it I gotta find a blue tarp somewhere. Look, go to McMurry Park the National Guards giving out tarps. You may have to stand in line for a bit, but youll get you a tarp. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer He drove on, slowly. Some of the homes would cost more to fix than to just demolish altogether. His own home was spared: The trees fell on his neighbors house. On HoustonChronicle.com: As Hurricane Laura moves in, heads of Texas residential facilities decide: Stay or go? A number called from Florida. He ignored it. How had so many people gotten his personal cell? Everyone came in wanting to help; when they didnt know where to go, they called him. Some of the help has been invaluable: food, the local charity thats distributing donations and letting the National Guard sleep inside. Others come in with chainsaws and no experience, hoping to help clear the streets, not ready to sit through the heat without power. He fielded more calls, one from the public relations director of an energy firm wanting a press conference (Could they use the pavilion? Would there be enough electrical damage for a good photo opp? They could go to Lake Charles if not, but footage from there was just so overdone), one from the National Guard (Could they move the COVID-19 testing site away from the food distribution site? In retrospect, it had been a bad idea to put them together. Everyone had been good about masks up until the storm. Then it stopped being a priority). Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer He ticked off what he had to do next: three meetings, one in Lake Charles. He wondered how hed make it back and forth with the traffic. Martin suggested a police escort to clear the way through the building traffic. He strode down the hallway to the kitchen where plates of barbecue from a man in the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office had drawn most of the staff. He had seven minutes to eat before he had to be back to work. A former Australian prime minister lined up for a key Brexit trade role could miss out on the job following a revolt over his comments on everything from coronavirus to homosexuality. Tony Abbott admitted this week to having discussions with members of the British government but stressed there is nothing official as yet. As criticism mounted over his expected appointment to the UK Board of Trade, Downing Street reiterated yesterday that no decision has yet been made. Mr Abbott, who was born in London but moved to Australia at the age of two, is close to Boris Johnson and an ardent Brexit supporter. Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, who is lined up for a key Brexit trade role, could miss out on the job following a revolt over his comments on everything from coronavirus to homosexuality Mr Abbott, who was born in London but moved to Australia at the age of two, is close to Boris Johnson and an ardent Brexit supporter He has championed the idea of Britain striking trade deals without the EU. He is also a climate change sceptic who believes lockdown rules should be scrapped, claiming that nature should be allowed to take its course. He has previously said he feels a bit threatened by homosexuality and opposed same-sex marriage. In addition, he was accused of misogyny in Australias parliament by the then prime minister, Julia Gillard. Pressed on Mr Abbotts suitability for a trade role yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he did not believe he is homophobic or misogynistic. I bow to nobody in my support for everybody to love who they love, Mr Hancock said. But we need to have the best experts in the world working in their field and the former prime minister of Australia has a huge amount of experience. His comments came despite widespread opposition to hiring Mr Abbott, including from Conservative MPs. Caroline Nokes, Tory chairman of the women and equalities select committee, told the BBC: I just dont think this is a man who should be anywhere near our Board of Trade. Describing his expected appointment as awful, she added: Is he the sort of man I want to be representing us globally? No. Pressed on Mr Abbotts suitability for a trade role yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he did not believe he is homophobic or misogynistic The SNPs Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Abbotts coronavirus views were deeply offensive and wrong, adding that he is not fit to be a trade envoy. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: I have real concerns about Tony Abbott and I dont think hes the right person for the job. If I was prime minister I wouldnt appoint him. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss later said: I think its absolute hypocrisy to hear this type of argument from the Labour Party. The reality is theyd rather virtue-signal and indulge in tokenism than take real action to improve the lives of women. No 10 declined to comment on the political debate surrounding Mr Abbott, who served as prime minister in Australia for just two years before being ousted by his own Liberal Party in 2015. In this Aug. 29 photo, a researcher at Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology in Daejeon's Yuseong-gu District examines samples as the country is developing a vaccine for COVID-19. Yonhap South Korea's finance ministry said Friday it has set aside 170.7 billion won (US$143 million) to help local companies develop homegrown vaccines and treatment drugs next year to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Of the budget, 31.9 billion won will be spent to discover candidate materials for a potential vaccine and 7.4 billion won will be spent for non-human clinical trials, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a statement. A total of 131.4 billion won will be spent for human trials of potential vaccines next year, the ministry said. Separately, the government will spend 200 billion won next year to boost research facilities to help combat infectious diseases, the ministry said. BOSTON - Two American men accused of smuggling Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan while he was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges can be extradited, a federal judge ruled Friday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell issued a ruling approving the extradition of Michael Taylor, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, and his son Peter Taylor, but the final decision rests with the State Department. The Taylors are wanted by Japan so they can be tried on charges that they helped Ghosn flee the country last year with the former Nissan boss tucked away in a box on a private jet. The flight went first to Turkey, then to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Ghosn said he fled because he could not expect a fair trial, was subjected to unfair conditions in detention and was barred from meeting his wife under his bail conditions. Ghosn has denied allegations that he underreported his income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. Bank records show Ghosn wired more than $860,000 to a company linked to Peter Taylor in October 2019, prosecutors said in court documents. Ghosns son also made cryptocurrency payments totalling about $500,000 to Peter Taylor in the first five months of this year, prosecutors say. The Taylors have been locked up in a Massachusetts jail since they were arrested in May. Their attorneys never denied the allegations, but argued they cant be extradited because they say their actions dont fit under the law with which Japan is trying to convict them. Michael Taylor, a former Green Beret, ran a private security business initially focused on private investigations, but their caseload grew through corporate work and unofficial referrals from the State Department and FBI, including parents whose children had been taken overseas by former spouses. In 2012, federal prosecutors alleged Taylor had won a U.S. military contract to train Afghan soldiers by using secret information passed along from an American officer. When Taylor learned the contract was being investigated, he asked an FBI agent and friend to intervene, prosecutors charged. The government seized $5 million from the bank account of Taylors company. Facing 50 charges, he spent 14 months in jail before agreeing to plead guilty to two counts. The government agreed to return $2 million to the company as well as confiscated vehicles. A lawyer for the men said their defence team had hoped the court would not have just deferred to Japans extradition request and said they looked forward to presenting their arguments to officials at the State Department. The issues essential to the future of the Taylors will now be addressed by the State Department, which, unlike the Court, can take into consideration Japans frequent refusal to extradite its own citizens in serious matters, the lack of precedent in Japan for ever charging bail jumping, and the dreadful prison and prosecutorial conditions in Japan which have drawn the scorn of the world, their attorney, Paul Kelly, said in a statement. Moreover, the State Department can consider the heroism and courage of Michael Taylor who has rescued kidnapped American children abroad and who has worked with US law enforcement and intelligence at great risk achieving stunning well documented victories over criminals and terrorists. Grateful mothers and law enforcement veterans will be heard. People in North Wales are avoiding unnecessary hospital trips thanks to a new app being used by GPs This article is old - Published: Friday, Sep 4th, 2020 GPs across the region are accessing additional expert medical advice and avoiding unnecessary visits to hospital thanks to a new app. As part of a national contract, GPs and primary care teams across Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board now have access to Consultant Connect, putting them in touch with consultants for advice and guidance in a range of specialties. Over the first four weeks of the service being in place, GPs have advised that 47 per cent of patients (in cases where they had used the app for further guidance) avoided a follow-up appointment in hospital. Through direct access to advice from consultants, GPs can ensure that patients get the right care first time. This often means that patients can avoid unnecessary trips to hospital, freeing up clinic time for hospital consultants to spend time seeing patients they really need to see. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board introduced the service on 29 May 2020 to 426 GPs in 103 practices covering over 700,000 patients. Over the following four weeks, GPs used the app to get specialist advice for 58 patients from hospital consultants. After accessing advice, 27 of those patients avoided a further appointment at one of North Wales three district general hospitals. From launch, GPs had access to 19 NHS specialities from the National Consultant Network, as well as a range of clinicians working in North Wales. Departments offering advice include Cardiology at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Wrexham Maelor Hospitals Medicines Information department and Respiratory Medicine at Ysbyty Gwynedd. Dr Nicky Davies, a GP and Assistant Medical Director of Primary Care, said: Helping improve the communication between our colleagues in primary and secondary care will make a real difference to our patients. Over time there is a potential to see this reducing waiting times, and free up clinical time for people who really need to see a doctor. Just knowing theres someone on the end of the phone who you can bounce ideas and advice on, its really helpful. Dr Bisola Ekwueme, a GP and North West Flintshire Cluster Lead, said: From our point of view, its fantastic that we can access a consultant and get a response back. Most of the feedback Ive received has seen a response in around 30 seconds, so can even be done while a patient is present in the surgery. The service saves the time and effort of sending a referral, especially for an investigative referral which might not be necessary. Its very useful to have someone you can ask a question to or get reassurance from so the patient doesnt need to wait. Dr Ushan Andrady, Consultant Physician in Sexual Health, recently subscribed Ysbyty Gwynedds Sexual Health and HIV service to Consultant Connect. He said: I think theres a lot of mutual benefits in helping colleagues in primary care access specialist advice in a quick, convenient way. Thinking about sexual health in particular, its a sensitive subject where patients may feel nervous or embarrassed about being referred to a sexual health clinic. If we can help GPs get quick access to the advice and guidance needed, itll help make sure a lot of people get the clinical intervention they need. It could take pressure away from our clinical time, and reduce the need for people to call through to the hospitals switchboard. For patients with HIV or who have compromised immune systems as well, it means we may be able to reduce the need for coming in to hospital for appointments, potentially avoiding any additional risk of picking up an infection. The Betsi Cadwaladr clinician accesses the service either by dialling a unique phone number or using the Consultant Connect App. After choosing a specialty from a menu they are connected with a specialist in an average of 28 seconds. Clinicians can then use the photo feature on the app to take and share clinical photos through the platforms secure messaging system. Welsh Government Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: I am very pleased we are able to start rolling out the Consultant Connect app in NHS Wales. This will help to support primary care to determine the right treatment for their patients. Right now, it will save crucial time for health care professionals and reduce the amount of hospital visits needed by patients, at a time when our NHS is facing extra pressure. In the long-term the use of this technology is an important part of our plan for the future of health and social care, A Healthier Wales. More information about the Welsh Government announcement is available here. Many leaders present energy security and environment security as polar opposites implying that one choice is good and the other bad. Making us choose polarizes and divides us. It is the old: you are with me or you are with them mantra. Divisiveness and polarization are the last outcome we need regarding energy and the environment. Our lives depend on available, affordable and sustainable energy. We are conquering poverty thanks to energy. It is the lifeblood of everything we do economically, from our mobility to our building materials, the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the medicines we take, the communications and information that we use throughout the day and night. Energy is an enabler of our national security and our economic sustenance. It helps produce and sustain jobs and livelihoods from our births to our deaths. Molecules and electrons power our lives 24 hours a day, seven days per week. They come from many sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or hydrogen. Not one of those sources is the enemy; not one of them is entirely clean. The notion of so-called clean energy is a myth designed to alienate us from one another by politicians and others who seek to divide us for the sake of their own political expression and economic gain. Every form of energy is essentially destructive in multiple ways, such as extraction of materials from the earth, consumption of mineral resources, construction of facilities, land use disturbance, damming of water, harvesting of bio-mass, reformulation of molecules, destruction of natural life, build out of infrastructure and the creation of waste: solid, liquid and gaseous. Decommissioning of oil and gas wells has environmental responsibilities as does the decommissioning of wind blades, solar panels and electric batteries. Some of the materials for batteries for green energy are harvested by using near to, or actual, slave labor in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are those who pretend to offer an environmentally friendly alternative form of energy. Example: electric vehicles in China are dirtier than internal combustion engine vehicles in China. Why? Over 60 percent of all energy in China comes from combusting coal, which is dirtier than refined oil products. In addition, Chinas environmental record on mining and burning coal is a long way down the scale from the track record of the American coal industry and consumption by U.S. utilities. Yet some politicians present Chinas leadership in electric vehicles as somehow cleaner than U.S. mobility and want us to catch up to an environmental disaster. We need to focus on what some call the circular economy, and begin to capture waste as a good, not just waste. For example, waste from energy production, like heat waste, can be used to produce other things or even more energy. Shockingly, we allow about 68 percent of the fuel we use to be wasted. And that wasted energy causes environmental damage with no corresponding goodness. To have full energy availability from all sources we must recognize our failures to treat waste as seriously as it must be treated. If we are to reduce poverty, make healthier populations and enhance economic, national and international security we need both energy and environmental security. We need to head towards zero net waste as we improve the livelihoods of our people. What we need is smarter energy use and better waste management. Over time we can modify the mix of the types of energy we utilize by shifting from coal, oil and natural gas to increased amounts of nuclear, wind, solar, biomass, hydrogen and hydropower. We can also tighten up the efficiency of all energy uses. With proper leadership we can make big positive changes for the overall wellbeing of our people. Over the course of the 21st century we might achieve the following: eradicate poverty, eliminate more waste of every type, restore our land, water and air to pre-industrial levels of man-made pollution. These goals would be more certain with intelligent and heart-felt strategic leadership. Now why dont our politicians explain this real possibility to us, and why are they dividing us into polarized camps that turn neighbor against neighbor and generation against generation? What is it about energy and environmental truth that our leaders fear to embrace? Might this have something to do with donations from certain quarters that help some leaders get reelected? Could it have something to do with collecting donations by NGOs and other organizations that feed off the fears or people? Real leadership is needed that can help us all move towards better energy and environment futures. Where is it? Hofmeister is the former president of Shell Oil Company; Sullivan is a professor at National Defense University. President-elect Salvador Allende and his wife, Hortensia Bussi, in 1970. (Associated Press) Fifty years ago today, on the night of Sept. 4, 1970, I was dancing, along with a multitude of others, in the streets of Santiago de Chile. We were celebrating the election of Salvador Allende, the first democratically elected socialist leader in the world. President Allendes victory had historical significance beyond Chile. Before then, political revolutions had been violent, imposed by force of arms. Allende and his left-wing coalition used peaceful means, proclaiming it unnecessary to repress ones adversaries to achieve social justice. Radical change could happen within the confines and promises of a democracy. It was a thrilling moment to be alive. Anything seemed possible. I remember the people workers who had built that country and been denied its riches, women from shantytowns with children in tow pouring into the city center, their rebellious presence portending a new social order. I have often fantasized about how different the world would be if Allende had not been overthrown, three years later, in a bloody coup. I wonder where humanity would be if his peaceful revolution had been allowed to run its course and become a template for other countries. Commemorating this anniversary should not be an exercise in personal nostalgia, however. Allendes victory still matters because it continues to speak to us in many ways, especially now, as the United States faces a momentous election of its own. Socialism is not on the ballot this November, despite President Trumps deranged efforts to portray his opponents as extremists. But voters will be deciding whether this country will embrace sweeping change or remain trapped in the past. If Joe Biden wins, American citizens, of which I am now one, will have to ask themselves major questions about how to implement much-needed reforms, as we did in Chile all those decades ago. Any process of systemic change will always run into difficulty. In the case of the U.S., critical transformations like police reform can either be accelerated to ensure there is no turning back or slowed to avoid a debilitating backlash. In some instances, negotiations will be crucial. In others climate change, COVID-19 demands must be doggedly non-negotiable. Story continues The Biden administration will also have to work constructively with throngs of inspiring activists who are eager to advance further and more quickly than the majority of the nation is willing to go. Even more crucial, the administration will have to isolate and outmaneuver the well-armed and well-financed fanatics who are virulently opposed to any limitation of their privileges and ready to resort to violence. If we had resolved similar challenges in Chile, we might have prevented Augusto Pinochets catastrophic dictatorship 17 years of executions, torture, persecution and exile, the effects of which we are still suffering today. There was another factor that contributed to our failure: The United States promoted the overthrow of Allende, then nurtured the tyrannical regime that ensued. Chile is far from the only country whose sovereignty the U.S. has flouted, of course. America has helped to overthrow democratically elected governments in Iran, Guatemala, Indonesia, and the Congo, among others. But the destabilization of Chile the squashing of the hope that flooded the streets of Santiago 50 years ago had particularly perverse consequences. Just as this country must confront the mistreatment and marginalization of many of its own people, so must it face up to its legacy of imposing suffering on other lands. The death of Chilean democracy and inauguration of a reign of terror symbolized by Allendes death at the Presidential Palace on Sept. 11, 1973 also turned the country into a ruthless laboratory for neoliberal economics, the same savage capitalism that is being vigorously contested in the United States today. It would be naive to suggest that the Allende government could have precluded that neoliberal paradigm from conquering the world. Plenty of other nations were primed for the experiment. But it is sobering to think that if Chiles revolution had not been thwarted, it may have provided a model for how the U.S. could emerge from its current crisis of inequality and division. I expect Americans will have cause to dance in the streets this November, as another electoral victory announces the dawn of a new era. And if so, I hope some among them might remember that they are not alone that, once upon a time, other men and women danced toward justice in a land that is not, after all, that far away. Ariel Dorfman is the author of Death and the Maiden. His most recent books are Cautivos, a novel about Cervantes, and The Rabbits' Rebellion, a story for children and adults. He lives in Chile and in Durham, N.C., where he is a professor emeritus of literature at Duke University. The International Space Station was orbiting above North America when an Expedition 63 crew member, looking from northeast to southwest, photographed the Rocky Mountains running from Canada and into the United States. iss063e080437 (Aug. 26, 2020) - larger image Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian side sees the NK conflict resolution exclusively through peaceful path, while Azerbaijan is preparing its population to war instead of peace, Artsakh Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian said in an interview with the Nationalia newspaper for an article published by the Catalan media on the occasion of the Artsakh Independence Day. Nationalia: Demonstrations in Baku brought thousands to the streets in July, asking the Azerbaijani government to start a full-scale war to retake Karabakh. Does your ministry believe an attack by Azerbaijani forces is likely at some point? If so, how is Karabakh ready to protect itself, given the fact that Azerbaijan has been for years strengthening its military capabilities? Masis Mayilian: If one considers the pace and scope with which Azerbaijan builds up its military arsenal, it becomes clear that it doesnt buy arms to store in a warehouse, but rather with an intention to use them one day. And it will use every opportunity to test the grounds, to check if it is the right time to start a new aggression. We have seen Azerbaijan doing so in April 2016, and quite recently, on July 12, on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, in the Tavush region of Armenia. In both cases rtsakh and Armenian defence forces gave an appropriate response. There is no reason to believe that Azerbaijan will not give it another try when it feels itself strong enough to unleash another military adventure. And , of course, we know it and Artsakh Defence Army stands ready to rebuke any aggression as it has done before. N: How is your ministry, and the larger Artsakh government, working in the international diplomatic arena in this context in order to strengthen the position of your republic, given the fact that it continues to be unrecognized? M. M.: Our ministry, and Artsakh authorities, in general, do their utmost to present to the world the true picture of the events. The position of our Republic has been unchanged since the proclamation of its independence. We have always been in favour of the resolution of the conflict exclusively by peaceful means. This position has been voiced on numerous occasions both publicly and during the meetings with the OSCE Chairperson- in- Office and Minsk Group Co-chairs, and many statements of the foreign ministry circulated in the international organizations like OSCE, UN, CE etc. We make no secret of the fact , that we want peace, at the same time we realize what an ancient Latin philosopher had in mind noting Si vis pacem, para bellum -If you want peace, be prepared for war. And we have gone through it already. Sometimes, a single glance at the region is enough to understand the underlying reality of the developments taking place in the conflict zone. As you have mentioned in your first question, thousands of demonstrators in Baku demanded from the Azerbaijani government to start a large-scale war. In fairness, however, it should be noted that the demonstrators that broke into the countrys parliament building also had an anti-government agenda. It just shows the role the conflict plays in the internal life of Azerbaijan and how prepared is the Azerbaijani society, and the government for peace or the peaceful settlement of the conflict. Peace can not be reached unilaterally, all sides to the conflict should strive for it. And no matter, how loudly we announce of our readiness to reach peace with our neighbors, they should be both receptive and perceptive of peace. Unfortunately, for years the anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan have been cultivated into a state-run policy and instead of preparing its population for peace, Azerbaijan has been preparing it for war. This is the reality we face today. And this is the reality the international community should deal with. Independent of the fact whether the country is recognized or unrecognized , it is the people that we should think of. And we do our part not only to ensure the security and safety of our people, but to play a constructive role in contributing to peace and stability in the region. N: Nikol Pashinyans ascent to power in Armenia in 2018 had opened the door, according to some analysts, to new prospects of reaching bilateral deals with Azerbaijan that could eventually lead to some advances in peace talks. You are in close contact with the Armenian leadership. Why this has not been the case? M. M.: As I have already mentioned peace can not be reached unilaterally. Azerbaijan should work towards peace as well, through contributing to the atmosphere of trust that will allow for the peace process to take off. Without excluding the possibility of the use of force and creating an atmosphere conducive to the resumption of peace talks, the situation will not get any better. And, most importantly, Azerbaijan should understand once and for all that without the resumption of the trilateral format of negotiations with the direct participation of the Republic of Artsakh in them, it is naive to expect any tangible progress in the peace process. Let me remind here, that the only significant achievement in the peace process to date has been the signing of the term-less cease-fire agreement in May 12, 1994, when Artsakh participated in the talks. And it is logical that if the Agreement to cease the hostilities and fire was signed by Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as one of the two main parties to the conflict, hence the peace deal should also be negotiated and signed by Artsakh . To ignore this fact, would mean to deliberately negate peace. Azerbaijan and the relevant international agencies should work towards improving Azerbaijans human rights record, fostering democratic developments in the country and educating its society about the benefits of peace and not war. N: Turkish minister of Defence Hulusi Akar said Turkey would give all support to Azerbaijan in the current context and recalled that, according to him, Turkey and Azerbaijan are one single nation. But at the same time, a Turkish intervention in a full-scale war might have the potential to further damage Ankaras relations with Russia, not to say the destabilization of the entire region. How do you assess Turkeys stance in this regard? M. M.: Turkey has never been neutral in its stance over the conflict despite being a member of the OSCE Minsk Group that through its tripartite co-chairmanship mediates the peaceful settlement of the conflict. It is the only country in the region, that has not only publicly voiced its support for the brotherly Azerbaijan but also has backed the Azerbaijani blockade of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh. It is not a secret that Turkey also helps Azerbaijan in army-building, considering that many Azerbaijani officers are trained in Turkey and Turkish military consultants advise the Azeri military leadership. We consider the statement by the Turkish Government in support of the provocations and violations of the ceasefire regime by Azerbaijan unacceptable. We emphasize once again that such a position of Turkey makes its membership in the OSCE Minsk Group senseless. It should be clear that South Caucasus is a region with a very complex geopolitics and multiple players; both regional and outside the region; with varying levels of interests. And it is not by chance that the Co-chair countries of the Minsk Group dealing with the conflict are Russia, France and the US. One thing is clear: if hostilities resume, it will be catastrophic not only for the region, but for the whole international community. The Republic of Artsakh stands ready to take its share of responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the region, its time for other stakeholders do the same. There are more cases of Covid-19 confirmed for Laois this Friday, September 4 on what should have been Electric Picnic weekend in the county. The Department of Health has today been notified of 98 additional cases of Covid-19 but no further deaths. There is a small number of new cases in Laois, according to the data released at 6pm, with no breakdown given as the number is so small. Nineteen counties in Ireland have new cases. There are 24 in Dublin, 13 in Kildare, 8 in Kerry, 6 in Kilkenny, 6 in Limerick, 6 in Louth, 5 in Tipperary and the remaining 30 cases are in Carlow, Clare, Cork, Galway, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Waterford and Wexford. There is now a total of 29,303* confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. The number of deaths remains at 1,777. The age range continues to get older in the recent new cases, with 44% over the age of 45 years. Of the cases notified today; 48 are men / 50 are women. 66% are under 45 years of age. 42% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case. 9 cases have been identified as community transmission The most recent figures (based on Wednesday night) puts Laois at 387 cases, up by three in the past two days. Offaly: 629 up four in the past two days. Kildare: 2,280 up by eight. Carlow: 251 up by four. Tipperary: 719 up by five. Kilkenny: 407 up by three. Dublin: 13,587 up by 104 in the past two days. Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; As we head into another weekend, keep physical distance top of mind at all times. Have no more than 6 visitors to your home and keep 2m between you. Open windows and keep rooms well ventilated if possible. Its important that we all keep our number of social contacts low while we focus on keeping our schools safe, continuing to resume healthcare services and ultimately protecting the most vulnerable from COVID-19. The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread. Download the Covid-19 tracker app here. 04.09.2020 LISTEN Ms. Jennifer Ofori, the Obuasi East District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has encouraged residents of Jimiso Kakraba in the Obuasi East District to directly participate in the affairs of their community. At a Social Audit Engagement program at Jimiso Kakraba, Ms. Ofori tasked the people to embrace a sense of responsibility towards development in their community. She said " if we want to develop as a people, we should endeavor to participate in the activities happening in our communities." Addressing and highlighting on the purpose of the Social Audit Program, the District Director of National Commission for Civic Education said, it is the process whereby community members are given the privilege in accessing the performance of public policies and the corresponding budget. She further mentioned that such engagements with the communities are in accordance with chapter 6 of Article 35 (6)d of the 1992 constitution which states the powers given to the citizenry through decentralization and also the fulfillment of the part of the constitution that gives every Ghanaian the power to contribute to the development of the country. The Odikro of Jimiso Kakraba Nana Oduro Worae in his submission reechoed the concerns expressed by the NCCE Director. He said participatory democracy is the way to go. He told the people to eschew the practice where they don't show concern on matters affecting them. This he said will not inure to the progress of the area. He further praised the NCCE for choosing their community for the program. A five-member committee was formed with Queen Mother of Jimiso Nana Akua Bosompemaa ll as the Chairperson, with other community members and the District Director of NCCE, Miss. Jennifer Ofori. The NCCE director then called on the committee members to be firm, sincere and honest in the discharge of their duties and also promised the committee of her utmost support and cooperation. At the end of a lengthy deliberation among the community members, the people of Jimiso unanimously selected to build a mechanized borehole with water stand which will be financed by them. University of Calgary scientists have discovered how to capture "live" images of immune cells inside the lungs. The group at the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases at the Cumming School of Medicine is the first in the world to find a way to record, in real time, how the immune system battles bacteria impacting the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lungs of mice. The discovery has already provided new insights about the immune systems' cleaners, called alveolar macrophages. Once thought to be stationary, the scientists observed the macrophages at work, crawling over, between and around the alveolar spaces in search of bacteria and viruses. It makes sense that macrophages would move around, but we could only hypothesise this because we couldn't see them in action. Now we can. There are many more alveoli in the lungs than macrophages, and these tiny cleaners are very efficient at servicing every air sac." Dr. Paul Kubes, PhD, Principal Investigator, University of Calgary The researchers say the job the macrophages do is quite simple. Think of a hotel, where there are more rooms than cleaning staff. The staff use hallways to clean and keep things in order. Inside the lungs, there is a corridor that provides a space between the alveoli. The macrophages use this space to move around to destroy any foreign particles including bacteria and viruses impacting the air sacs. The scientists needed to conquer three major obstacles in order to capture live images of this immune cell at work. The team needed to develop a way to capture an image from air to liquid to air again, they needed to stabilize the lungs long enough to get a clear picture, and they needed to find a way to identify and mark the macrophages. "This work is a culmination of years of research by scientists around the world. We pulled everything together, combining and refining many imaging techniques," says Arpan Neupane, PhD candidate and first author on the study. "Even six years ago, this would not have been possible." The ability to see macrophages at work has revealed something else: the scientists watched as the powerful cleaners became paralyzed and stopped doing their important job. "We know when someone is battling a serious infection, especially a respiratory virus like flu or COVID-19, they often develop a secondary infection which can lead to death," says Kubes. "With this new imaging technique, we were able to see what's happening with the macrophages during this process." It turns out, at a certain point during the battle against infections, the efficient cleaners become paralyzed making it easier for new infections to take root and flourish. "The next step in our research is to find out why this is happening so that we can develop targeted therapies to kick start the macrophages into action again," says Kubes. Eleven civil society organizations called on the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council in an open letter on Friday to condemn next weeks trial in Vietnam of 29 villagers detained after a deadly land clash near Hanoi, saying the group had only tried to defend their property against a government land grab. During the past nine months following the arrest of the Dong Tam villagers, none of them have been allowed to see their families, said the letter addressed to U.N. Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, president of the Council, and signed by Reporters Without Borders, Brotherhood for Democracy, Viet Tan, and other human rights and democracy advocacy groups. They were also barred from seeing their lawyers, the letter said. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Vietnam is a signatory, enumerates in Article 14 that a fair trial entails adequate time and facilities for the preparation of [their] defense and to communicate with counsel of [their] own choosing, the NGOs' letter said. [But] these procedural guarantees have been consistently violated leading up to the trial of these 29 individuals, rendering claims against the defendants arbitrary. And though the court trying the case has announced that the trial will be open to the public, family members of the 29 defendants have not received paperwork from the court allowing them to attend, the letter said. The group of 29 are set to face trial Sept. 7 for their involvement in a deadly clash over land rights that left three police officers and a protest leader dead in January at the Dong Tam commune outside Hanoi. Dong Tam village elder Le Dinh Kinh, 84, was shot and killed by police during the Jan. 9 raid on the village by 3,000 security officers intervening in a long-running dispute over a military airport construction site about 25 miles south of the capital. Three police officers were also killed in the deadly clash. Charges of murder, obstruction The Hanoi Peoples Procuracy on June 25 released indictments on 25 of the detainees after a 20-day investigation, according to state media, accusing the slain mans son Le Dinh Chuc, and grandsons Le Dinh Doanh and Le Dinh Uy of murder, with 22 more charged as being accomplices to murder. If convicted they could face a minimum of 12 years in prison or be given the death penalty. Four others from the village were accused of obstructing officers in the performance of their duty, a charge that carries a jail sentence of between two and seven years. Over 30 defense lawyers are expected to be present at the trial. Writing to the Human Rights Council, signers of the Sept. 4 letter called on the U.N. to demand that Vietnam conduct a fair and open trial of the group and allow defendants to meet with their lawyers. US urges transparency, justice Reached for comment, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam said, We follow developments of this nature very closely and will continue to follow the case as it moves through the Vietnamese court system. We urge the Vietnamese government to ensure actions and procedures for resolving competing property interest cases are transparent and just, conform to the letter and spirit of its laws including the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, and are consistent with the human rights provisions of Vietnams constitution and its international obligations and commitments, the Embassy said. While all land in Vietnam is ultimately held by the state, land confiscations have become a flashpoint as residents accuse the government of pushing small landholders aside in favor of lucrative real estate projects, and of paying too little in compensation. Defendants family members, nongovernmental organizations, and foreign journalist should also be allowed to attend, and U.N. representatives should be present to observe and report on the trial to minimize risks of abuses of law occurring, the letter said. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Written in English by Richard Finney. The University of Waikato is launching an independent review following claims of casual and structural racism. The allegations include Maori expertise being ignored, tokenism, lower pay for Maori staff and no meaningful commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Read more here. At a meeting on Tuesday, September 1, and on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Maori, the Council of the University of Waikato unanimously agreed to commission an independent review of the recent public claims about racism at the University and a review of the Universitys progress in meeting its Treaty of Waitangi obligations. University of Waikato Chancellor Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand says the Council has commissioned Sir Harawira Gardiner and Hon Hekia Parata to undertake a review, the terms of reference for which are below. The review will commence on Monday, September 7. Staff and students with knowledge of the matters set out in the terms of reference have been encouraged to contact the Universitys Legal Advisor to make a time to meet with the Reviewers. Terms of Reference The Council of the University of Waikato have commissioned Sir Harawira Gardiner and Hon Hekia Parata to undertake a review with the following terms of reference: To review the recent public claims of structural and systemic racism at the University of Waikato and the issues that have given rise to these claims, and to provide an assessment of them. To review the University of Waikatos progress in meeting its Treaty of Waitangi obligations, and in particular the Universitys programmes to support Maori students, to attract and retain Maori staff, to integrate matauranga Maori into its academic programmes and promote Te Ao Maori in the life of the University. To make recommendations for improvements in policy and practice at the University of Waikato in relation to any of the above matters, those recommendations to be consistent with advancing the national and international standing of the University and the resource constraints under which the New Zealand university system currently operates. Anand says the Reviewers will be provided with full and unrestrained access to any information that they feel is required for them to complete a rigorous review of the issues raised. He says the reviewers may receive written or oral evidence, receive or request documentary evidence in support of submissions and request that individuals or groups meet with them. Members of staff and students are encouraged to speak with the Reviewers either individually or in groups. The Reviewers may find it helpful to provide a report in two parts, with a report on item 1 above provided as soon as practicable and the report on items 2 and 3 above provided at a later time. Employment matters relating to individual staff are not formally within the scope of the review, but the reviewers will be provided with access to information on all matters that are directly relevant to the events that have sparked the review. Billy Joes Search for Education: a riveting journey of a teen living in a neighborhood of cheats, family feuds, and lack of education. Billy Joes Search for Education is the creation of published author Bertha Schwartz, an excellent writer of tales. Schwartz shares, Fourteen-year-old Billy Joe is suspicious the city buyers are cheating his people, the uneducated hill folks from Bear Claw Valley in Virginia. Mr. Grant from Three Pines Mercantile has been teaching Billy Joe some as he works for him. But most of the hill folks are against schooling, fearing the change it will bring to the valley. The long-standing feud between the OConners and the McKinleys is strong. But when Billy Joe proves the dog buyers are cheating both his pa, an OConner, and the McKinleys, Billy Joe is caught in the middle. When Uncle Ephraim OConner accidently steals a hog from hotheaded Jeb McKinley, Billy Joe fears his search for an education is doomed, as the feelings escalate all around. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Bertha Schwartzs new book is a brilliant creation that will give the readers, young and old, a look into Billy Joes journey as he uncovers secrets and pursue his dreams even when ends dont seem to meet. View a synopsis of Billy Joes Search for Education on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Billy Joes Search for Education at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Billy Joes Search for Education, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced the countys COVID-19 risk level was being lowered from red (high risk) to orange (moderate/significant risk) during the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday (Sept. 1). "While the signs look good, Labor Day is just around the corner; teachers are heading back into in-person education; and nursing homes have relaxed rules for visitation. This is not the time to let our guards down," George said. "Continue to wear masks, physically distance and assess your risk to ensure we keep moving in the right direction." Fort Bend County Health and Human Services (FBCHHS) director Dr. Jacqueline Minter told commissioners the transmission rate of the coronavirus continues to decline. We are thrilled with the decreased transmission in the county. This is all attributed to everyone coming together and making sure they follow (safety) guidelines, Minter said. On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas Assistant AG who sent bigoted, QAnon-promoting tweets loses job We do expect a second wave. We dont know what will occur with that. But, we can be fairly sure that if we continue to do (safety and infection control) practices, we may not see a huge impact like we often get from most viruses, Dr. Minter said. Dr. Minter said the county was also preparing for the upcoming flu season. We dont want to go from one virus to the next, Dr. Minter said and told commissioners given the decreased demand for COVID-19 testing, department officials were evaluating the possibility of converting testing sites to drive-thru flu clinics The county-wide total for Fort Bend Countys COVID-19 cases increased to 15.081 with 11,841 recoveries, according to FBCHHS reports on Thursday, Sept 3. The number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 3,284, according to statistics provided by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Fort Bend Countys young adults and children infected with COVID-19 continue to account for more than 30 percent of the cumulative case count, with those between 20 and 29-years-old being hit the hardest as compared to every other age category. Related: COVID-19 infections spike among Fort Bend County young adults Approximately 3,077 young adults between 18 and 29 years-old have tested positive for COVID-19 with that age group representing more than 20 percent of the countys overall total. Infections among children also increased with a total of 1,419 infections involving those under 17 years-old, representing roughly 9.4 percent of the countys total cases. Among other demographics, people between 30 and 39-years-old reported approximately 2,629 infections with another 2,728 cases involving residents between 40 and 49 years-old. Approximately 2,378 cases were reported among residents between 50 and 59 years-old with roughly 1,592 cases among those between 60 to 69 years-old and 1,152 infections were reported from residents over 70 years-old. Related: Richmond hospital battles COVID-19 to save 'sickest of the sick' County officials report a total of 158 residents died due to COVID-19 related causes. However, the countys total death count as reported by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services is higher with a total of 243 COVID-19 related deaths reported. The state reports include statistics released by hospitals from the Texas Medical Center or others outside Fort Bend County that report data to state health officials. Dr. Minter said currently the states COVID-19 fatality data was not available to her department for verification but she expected an update in the near future. knix@hcnonline.com Sammy Gyamfi, National Communication Officer of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), says he doesn't see himself as a threat to the ruling government. This was in response to a question put to him during an interview on Neat FM's 'Me Man Nti' program. I wont consider myself as a threat. The job I do is to keep the government on its toes by ensuring whatever they promised to Ghanaians, in their campaign message, is fulfilled, he said. According to him "anyone, with a clear conscience, who always speaks against a governing party for wrongdoings will definitely have enemies. Theres no government that likes to be chastised and exposed in the public eye . . . we the opposition NDC have taken it upon ourselves to be vocal about the governments harsh choices. Whether you like it or not, you will always be criticized. Listen to him in the video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:17:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Israel's chief of National Security Council Meir Ben Shabbat (6th L), U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien (4th L), Senior U.S. Presidential Advisor Jared Kushner (5th L) and other Israeli-U.S. delegation members pose for a group photo before their departure to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Ben Gurion International Airport near central Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Aug. 31, 2020. (Tomer Neuberg/JINI via Xinhua) Why did the first-ever Israeli delegation to the UAE not result in the signing of a breakthrough agreement? Analysts say tough positions, the reduced role of Kushner, and the Palestinian issue are behind the half-hearted trip. JERUSALEM, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Despite mutual willingness with U.S. sponsorship, the first-ever Israeli delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not enough to sign a breakthrough agreement. During their two-day official meeting on Monday and Tuesday, Israel and the UAE both held a tough position, even with the mediation of the senior U.S. presidential advisor Jared Kushner. Shaul Yanai, an expert from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and researcher at the Forum for Regional Thinking, said Kushner lacks the expertise of a professional diplomat especially when the U.S. presidential elections loom. "His all authority derives from his family relationship with Trump. So maybe in two or three months if Trump loses the election, Kushner will lose all his power and influence, so he is not that important, and anybody here, in the UAE and the region, understands it," Yanai told Xinhua. In fact, more obstacles, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, lie ahead before the final signing of a peace agreement between the UAE and Israel, according to Yanai. Israel signed a peace agreement with Egypt in 1979 and with Jordan in 1994. Until the current peace talks with the UAE, many Israelis believed peace with more Arab states was not possible as long as the conflict with Palestinians remains unsolved. Yoel Guzansky, a senior fellow researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, said another possible hindrance to the signing of the peace deal is Israel's unwillingness to see "Americans sell all kinds of sophisticated weaponry to the UAE." Arab countries think about what they can benefit from peace with Israel, as well as which gestures, such as weapons, they can get in exchange from the United States, Guzansky noted. Uzi Rabi, director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University, told Xinhua that the agreement of the UAE to normalize its relations with Israel has broken many of the taboos in the Middle East, creating a rift in the Arab League's boycott of Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that after years of efforts, Israeli planes would be allowed to fly over Saudi Arabia and the UAE to the East. On Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that the first protocol of understandings had been signed between Israel and the UAE on cooperation in banking and financial services. "These understandings will assist us in advancing mutual investments and widespread cooperation. We will soon announce additional agreements in aviation, tourism, trade, and others," he said. NORTHAMPTON - A 30-year-old Easthampton man faces criminal charges after running his girlfriend over with his car Thursday night, according to the Northwestern district attorneys office. Police fielded reports of a woman on foot being struck by a car on Florence Road in Northampton, a spokeswoman for the office said. The 26-year-old woman was taken to the hospital with injuries not considered to be life-threatening. Joseph C. Adams was later arrested and charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), leaving the scene of personal injury, and misleading a criminal investigation. Police discovered his car with front-end damage and a shattered windshield. A Northampton resident saw the woman get struck by the car, and the dashboard video camera in the mans Tesla recorded the incident, according to a police report. The witness told police he initially thought the woman may be joyriding on the hood of the Hyundai but then slid to the ground when it came to a stop. That hurt, she said to the witness, who said the driver then picked her up and placed her in the car before driving off into a grassy field. The man called police and offered up the video, investigators said. When police initially approached Adams and the woman at a nearby property, they both said it was someone else entirely who had been hit by the car, triggering a massive search involving Massachusetts State Police K-9 units and other agencies. The woman finally disclosed to police: Youre not going to find anybody, reports state. Adams ultimately told police the collision was 150 percent accidental and that he wouldnt hurt a fly. He was held in lieu of $10,000 bail after his arraignment Friday in Northampton District Court. ALBANY, N.Y. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Department of Public Service are alerting consumers of a phone scam in which scammers, pretending to be from a utility company, call individuals and threaten to suspend electricity services unless they receive a payment immediately. Payment has been requested by means of untraceable services such as gift cards, including Green Dot cards, and money transfer apps, including Cash App. Pursuant to Gov. Andrew Cuomos March 13 directive, the Department of Public Service worked with the States utility companies to ensure no New Yorkers would have their utilities cutoff for nonpayment during the PAUSE. Similar action was taken during Super Storm Sandy, the 2014 Polar Vortex, and the 2008 financial crisis. Scammers are unscrupulous and will stop at nothing to get their hands on New Yorkers hard-earned money. These latest scams are targeting vulnerable New Yorkers by scaring them with empty threats to shut off their utilities, New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado stated. New Yorkers should be aware of these scammers and follow basic safety tips to avoid falling victim, Rosado added. It is flat-out wrong that scammers try to take advantage of consumers, especially during these uncertain times. Governor Cuomo has taken strong action to protect consumers, including a moratorium on shut-offs, and New Yorkers should call their utility to ensure their rights, Department of Public Service CEO John B. Rhodes remarked. In addition, calls have also been reported to be coming from scammers purporting to be from New York electric and gas utilities. The callers ask for consumer information, including utility account numbers, social security numbers, and dates of birth, and request payment for alleged past-due bills. Scammers will demand payment, make threats to turn off power, and try to rush customers into making an immediate payment. Similar to a Social Security scam detailed in June of 2019, in these cases the caller spoofs official phone numbers of state agencies or utility companies call individuals seeking information that could be used to steal identities. Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to a caller ID display to disguise their identity, according to the Federal Communications Commission. In actuality, the call could be coming from anywhere in the world. To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers should follow the tips below: Consumers should never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mothers maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if they are at all suspicious. Consumers should not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with Yes or No. Consumers should exercise caution if they are being pressured for information immediately. Government agencies and utility companies do not ask for payments via gift cards or cash transfer apps. Gift cards allow scammers to get money without a trace. Real utility companies issue several disconnection warnings before shutting off utilities and they never demand money over the phone or specify a method of payment. Use call-blocking tools from your phone provider and check into apps that block calls. The FCC allows phone companies to block robocalls by default based on reasonable analytics (see fcc.gov/robocalls). Do not rely on the number that comes up on your phone. Callers can spoof the number to look like a government agency or local utility company. If someone has contacted an individual and they are suspicious, they should hang up and go directly to the official website for the agency or utility company or call the number on their utility bill to confirm whether there is a problem with their account. If a consumer receives this or any other scam calls, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection investigates Do Not Call violations and provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer. This is not the first time Graham has traveled great distances to play for a relative. He first got the idea to perform for Meyer in April 2017 after he played for his mother, Betty, who at the time was 97 and in a health center in Florida. He noticed how much others at the center came alive when he performed and immediately thought the sisters might appreciate it. A university professor whose work focuses on African American history has admitted she pretended that she was black. Jessica Krug, an associate professor at George Washington University, said she was in fact a white Jewish woman from Kansas City. Writing in a Medium blog post published on Thursday, Ms Krug said: "I have built my life on a violent anti-Black lie, and I have lied in every breath I have taken." The academic said: "To an escalating degree over my adult life, I have eschewed my lived experience as a white Jewish child in suburban Kansas City under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim." She described her behaviour as "the very epitome of violence, of thievery and appropriation, of the myriad ways in which non-Black people continue to use and abuse Black identities and cultures". The case bears a strong resemblance to Rachel Dolezal, who was forced to resign as leader of Washington's National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People branch in 2015 after she her parents revealed she was white. Ms Dolezal kept up the pretence of being African American for years, but said she "identified as black". In her blog post, titled The Truth, and the Anti-Black Violence of My Lies, Ms Krug labelled herself as a "coward" in her post, adding: "I am not a culture vulture. I am a culture leech." "No white person, no non-Black person, has the right to claim proximity to or belonging in a Black community by virtue of abuse, trauma, non-acceptance, and non-belonging in a white community," she wrote. She expressed "remorse" and blamed her lies on trauma experienced in her early years, but acknowledged it was not an excuse for her actions. "There are no words in any language to express the depth of my remorse, but then again: there shouldnt be. Words are never the point," she wrote. "The wrath of all whom Ive harmed, individually and collectively, will never erase the harm Ive done." But screenwriter Hari Ziyad said the academic's admission came "because she had been found out". "Jess Krug... is someone I called a friend up until this morning when she gave me a call admitting to everything written here," he wrote on Twitter. "She didn't do it out of benevolence." George Washington University said it is "aware" of Ms Krug's post but cannot comment further on the case. CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty ImagesA lawsuit alleging that Taylor Swift took lyrics from another song for her hit "Shake It Off" was dismissed in 2018, but was reinstated in late 2019. Now, USA Today reports that this week, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the suit can proceed, because the songwriters accusing Taylor might actually have a case. U.S. District Court judge Michael W. Fitzgerald ruled that there is enough "alleged similarity" between "Shake It Off" and the song by the songwriters who brought the case: Sean Hall and Nathan Butler. The song they claim Taylor infringed upon is 2001's 3LW hit "Playas Gon' Play," in which the group sings "The playas gon' play/Them haters gonna hate" and "Playas, they gonna play/And haters, they gonna hate." According to USA Today, Fitzgerald's ruling notes, "The Court cannot determine at this stage that the lyrics are not substantially similar." Taylor and her team must now file a response by September 21. As USA Today notes, another suit over the same song was rejected by a U.S. District Court Judge in 2014. In that case, songwriter Jesse Braham was seeking $42 million in damages because he claimed Taylor infringed upon his 2013 song, "Haters Gonna Hate." The judge dismissed that suit while quoting Taylor's song lyrics, including "Bad Blood." "Upon consideration of the Courts explanation...Braham may discover that mere pleading BandAids will not fix the bullet holes in his case," Judge Gail Standish wrote. By Andrea Dresdale Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Australia's worst postcodes for mortgage stress have been revealed amid fears that the first recession in three decades will trigger a wave of foreclosures. Digital Finance Analytics calculated that more than 80 per cent of borrowers were struggling to pay their bills in parts of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and some regional areas, as coronavirus lockdowns crippled the economy. The national average of people who lacked sufficient funds to pay their bills had surged to 40 per cent, up from 33 per cent in February before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Six-month mortgage repayment holidays had shielded some struggling mortgage holders from the full effects of the lockdown but the banks are now asking for their money and pressuring borrowers to sell if they can't pay up. Australia's worst postcodes for mortgage stress have been revealed amid fears the first recession in three decades will worsen an already dangerous situation. Digital Finance Analytics calculated that in parts of south-east and northern Melbourne, more than 85 per cent of borrowers are in mortgage stress Young families were in particular danger last month with 73.1 per cent of them in dire straits compared with 66.4 per cent for battlers living in the urban fringes of Australia's major cities. Some postcodes where borrowers in trouble 3178 Rowville in Melbourne's south-east: 84 per cent 2770 Lethbridge Park, Minchinbury, Mount Druitt in Sydney's west: 82 per cent 3076 Epping in Melbourne's north: 78 per cent 6030 Clarkson, Merriwa and Mindarie in Perth's north: 76 per cent 4034 Carseldine, Geebung and Zillmere in Brisbane's north: 76 per cent 3350 Ballarat in western Victoria: 76 per cent Source: Digital Finance Analytics mortgage stress figures for August 2020 Advertisement Digital Finance Analytics principal Martin North, an economist, said the problem in outer-suburban areas was set to worsen in March 2021 as extended mortgage repayment reprieves ended, in tandem with unemployment rising. 'This is a social disaster not just a financial disaster,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'It translates into things like violence and drugs. 'Some of these people have some of the lowest savings and therefore are only a month away from not being able to pay for all of the bills. 'This is the foothills of the problem not the pinnacle of the problem.' Victoria's strict Stage 4 lockdowns are exacerbating mortgage stress, with Melbourne home to seven of Australia's ten worst areas for financial woes. In the worst-affected areas of Australia, more than 89 per cent of borrowers can't pay their bills - with Pascoe Vale, Narre Warren, Belgrave, Armadale and Essendon topping the list. At Rowville in Melbourne's outer south-east, 84 per cent of home borrowers were in stress in August. Epping in the city's north had 78 per cent of borrowers in stress. In western Sydney, 82 per cent of borrowers were struggling at Lethbridge Park, Minchinbury and Mount Druitt. Sydney's south-west was also in bad shape with 74 per cent of mortgage holders in duress in Abbotsbury, Bossley Park and Edensor Park. In western Sydney, 82 per cent of borrowers were struggling at Lethbridge Park, Minchinbury and Mount Druitt. Sydney's south-west was also in bad shape with 74 per cent of mortgage holders in duress in Abbotsbury, Bossley Park and Edensor Park Mr North said these outer-suburban areas with new houses had a higher proportion of migrants. 'A lot of people, often migrants, coming in and buying those properties - the McMansions on small lots,' he said. 'Big mortgages are reliant on multiple incomes and unfortunately, it's all going a bit wrong now.' The problem, however, wasn't confined to poorer areas with mortgage stress red zones including Roseville and Castle Cove on Sydney's north shore and Rose Bay in the eastern suburbs. Australia's biggest cities weren't the only areas in trouble, with 76 per cent of borrowers struggling at Clarkson, Merriwa and Mindarie in Perth's north. Three-quarters of borrowers were also in dire straits in the northern Brisbane suburbs of Carseldine, Geebung and Zillmere Australia's biggest cities weren't the only areas in trouble, with 76 per cent of borrowers struggling at Clarkson, Merriwa and Mindarie in Perth's north Three-quarters of borrowers were also in dire straits in the northern Brisbane suburbs of Carseldine, Geebung and Zillmere. Ballarat in western Victoria has a 76 per cent distress rate and the highest number of struggling borrowers at 7,462. The Reserve Bank of Australia last month said a 40 per cent fall in house prices was plausible as unemployment hit double-digit figures for the first time since 1994. Mr North said this occurred several years after the Global Financial Crisis in the US and the UK and was likely to happen in Australia, with the economy officially in recession for the first time in 29 years. At a state level, Tasmania was in particularly bad shape, with 48.8 per cent of borrowers in mortgage stress, as the island state keeps its border closed. Digital Finance Analytics calculated that as many as 40 per cent of Australia's home loan holders were struggling to pay their bills in August 2020 as the coronavirus lockdowns crippled the economy. Pictured is Melbourne's Bourke Street mall during the Stage 4 lockdowns The northern Hobart suburbs of Grasstree Hill and Honeywood were among some of Australia's worst areas for mortgage stress. In Victoria, 44.2 per cent of mortgagors were struggling amid the strict Stage 4 coronavirus lockdowns with 437,191 distressed mortgages. That put it ahead of Western Australia (43.2 per cent), the Australian Capital Territory (41.3 per cent), New South Wales (37.6 per cent), South Australia (37.5 per cent), Queensland (36.4 per cent) and the Northern Territory (30.2 per cent). Digital Finance Analytics data is based on monthly telephone and Zoom focus group surveys of 4,700 people across Australia. The Progressive People's Party (PPP) will outdoor its Flagbearer, Bridget Dzogbenuku on Saturday, September 12. Two aspirants, William Dowokpor and Bridget Dzogbenuku were vying for the partys Flagbearer position. However, Mr. Dowokpor, according to the party leadership, has withdrawn from the race. The National Secretary of the PPP, Paa Kow Ackon gave reasons for Mr. Doworkpor's withdrawal saying the aspirant felt it was time the party had a candidate in place and did not want any more time spent on a contest. The reason he assigned was that we are way behind time. But he is ready to pump his resources into the campaign. Mr. Ackon also said only a section of the party executives will be physically present at the event. The outdooring will not be different from what we did with our national election. It will be held on the virtual platform. We have communicated to all our executives that apart from those in the Greater Accra who will be allowed to be present at the event, all others are encouraged to join online since we are not in normal times. The Progressive Peoples Party was formed by Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum in 2012 after he broke away from the Conventions People's Party (CPP). Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom revealed prior to the 2016 elections that if he does not come out victorious he would not contest for the presidency again. In that year, he contested the presidential elections with Brigitte Dzogbenuku as his running mate. Four months to the December 2020 general elections, the party announced that its founder will not contest this year's elections. citinewsroom Virgin Atlantic said on Friday that a further 1,150 jobs at the airline are set to be axed as part of the sweeping restructuring plan approved by the High Court this week. The fresh job cuts come on top of the 3,500 roles that the company slashed in June leaving the embattled airline with fewer than half the number of employees it had prior to the pandemic. After the sacrifices so many of our people have made, further reducing the number of people we employ is heart-breaking but essential for survival, said chief executive Shai Weiss. I truly hope that as demand returns, we will see many members of our team returning to us. Virgin Atlantic said it would work closely with unions as it begins a 45-day consultation period with employees. The job cuts come after the High Court approved a restructuring plan for Virgin Atlantic earlier this week. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images READ MORE: Virgin Atlantic creditors approve 1.2bn rescue plan The airline also announced the launch of its own furlough scheme for an additional 600 crew members, which would come into effect when the governments wage-subsidy scheme is wound down at the end of October. This would reduce the number of cabin crew redundancies, it said. The High Court on Wednesday approved a 1.2bn ($1.6bn) rescue package for the embattled airline. That rubber stamp came after the plan last month received the overwhelming support of all four of the airlines creditor classes. Around 170 of Virgin Atlantics creditors had been asked to accept a 20% reduction in the money that they are owed. The airline had warned that it could collapse into administration if the package was not sanctioned by the court, and said that it could run out of money altogether by the end of September. Airlines are confronting an unprecedented crisis in coronavirus, and the airline said on Friday that the impact of the pandemic on global aviation continued unabated, necessitating further steps to ensure survival. READ MORE: Heathrow says jobs 'guaranteed' but demands staff take pay cuts Achieving this significant milestone puts Virgin Atlantic in a position to rebuild its balance sheet, restore customer confidence and welcome passengers back to the skies, safely, as soon as they are ready to travel, the airline said on Friday. Story continues The package, known as a solvent recapitalisation plan, will involve an injection of funds and significant debt reductions for the airline. As part of the deal, shareholders will provide around 600m in support, which includes a 200m investment from Richard Bransons Virgin Group, which owns 51% of the airline. Investment management firm Davidson Kempner Capital is also providing 170m of secured financing, while creditors also approved more than 450m in payment deferrals. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Industry Landscape As per the report presented by Market Research Future, the global premium cosmetics market 2020 is expected to hit to USD 16.8 billion by 2024, registering a CAGR of 3.9% from 2019 to 2024. The report offers an inclusive analysis of the top investment pockets, top winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market size & estimations and varying market trends affected by COVID 19 pandemic. Many industries and market have witnessed adverse effects caused after a deadly virus all over the world. Yet, the global premium cosmetics market expects to stay less-affected and could form a better future through more sales and revenues. Also Read : https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/premium-cosmetics-market-global-business-opportunity-vendors-landscape-regional-framework-covid-19-pandemic-impact-and-industry-scenario-by-forecast-to-2024-2020-08-21 Premium Cosmetics Market Growth Boosters The global premium cosmetics market is showing strong growth, as it is driven by lofty assortment in preferences of the consumer as well as innovations in the field. Currently, the market has been motivated by the developments that are taking place in social media platforms, which is supported by the expansion of urbanization, rise in beauty expenditure, rising life expectancy, and the mount in higher income classes. MRFR has spotted in its study that digitalization has become a foremost driver with a direct sway on the growth rate of the premium cosmetics market. The surged penetration of the internet, and social media has become the foremost mediums in terms of promoting brand awareness. Further, the incursion of information on cosmetics online is also pushing the demand for personalization and for the development of products to meet the individual needs and lifestyle along with professional services. Thus, the study concludes with the fact that such developments will generate several rewarding opportunities for newer market entrants in the progress of unique offerings in the forecasted period. At the same time, the rise in awareness about premium ingredients and its positive result on the skin has led to a considerable shift in consumer preference from traditional or mass-produced cosmetics to premium cosmetics. Besides, there is expanding concern among consumers about various skincare problems spotted as acne, ageing spots, and pigmentation, which is motivating the adoption of premium skincare cosmetics. Thus, these factors have opened chances for global premium skincare cosmetics market to expand double-digit for future expansion. Besides positive factors, some restraints could hamper the market and its growth in the forecasted period. The issue is directed as availability of counterfeit cosmetic products and rigorous government regulations on cosmetics. Segment Review The global Premium cosmetic products Market manufacturers segmentation study has been classified under various segments such as product type and distribution channel. In terms of product type segment, the market has included contouring products, face powder, face products foundation, mascara, eyes products eyeshadow, lip products lipsticks, eyeliners, lip balm, and others. Among these, the face products segment might grab the majority market share, and the same segment is predicted to record the highest CAGR during the review period. The global premium cosmetics market by the segment of the distribution channel has included store-based and non-store-based. The store-based segment has further been categorized into speciality stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets, and others. The store-based segment might account for the superior revenue share of the market. However, the non-store-based segment might exhibit an advanced growth rate during the forecast period of 2019 to 2024. Regional Framework Based on the regional study, Europe led the global premium cosmetics market with a revenue share of 32.1% back in 2017. Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and the U.K. were the top countries globally for their sales of luxury goods. Europe is mounting owing to the presence of fashion capital and the incidence of many premium brands, along with the towering per capita income earning countries. On the other side, the Asia Pacific region is one of the highest growing market places globally on the back of a considerable consumer base. However, brands realize that, in Asian countries, they will face rural and under-developing nations with elevated population growth. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa regions are the fastest and the most opportunistic market place for the premium cosmetic brands in support of the high-income population and luxury lifestyle in the region. Browse Report: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/premium-cosmetics-market-4435 Vendors Landscape L'Oreal S.A. (France), Christian Dior SE (France), Shiseido Company (Japan), Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Inc. (UK), Chanel SAS (France), Huda Beauty FZ-LLC (UAE), LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton (France), Kose Corporation (Japan), Stila Styles, LLC (US), King Kylie, LLC (US), Anastasia Beverly Hills Inc. (US), and The Unilever Group (UK) are the essential vendors in the global premium cosmetics market. NOTE: Our Team of Researchers are Studying Covid19 and its Impact on Various Industry Verticals and wherever required we will be considering Covid19 Footprints for Better Analysis of Market and Industries. Cordially get in Touch for More Details. About Market Research Future At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members. Contact Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com These days, gold-plated stuff whether its smartphones, grillz, massive jewelry pieces, babies' pacifiers, toilets or even cars is no longer the novelty it was almost two decades ago. Today, weve moved past the opulent, with many of the worlds billionaires looking as regular as possible on purpose.This car, a Guinness record holder, no less, was not made for them.September is autoevolutions Porsche Month and, in addition to interesting details from the carmakers storied existence and incredible finds, well also be talking about less than standard Porsche cars and assorted stuff. This is the opposite of standard: a Porsche Boxster completely covered in gold. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the story is that, despite the initial media attention this car got, it almost immediately slipped off the radar and into total oblivion.In 2005, Visualis, a little company from Pforzheim, Germany, announced a bold new project. Pforzheim is home to some of the most famous jewelry and watch-makers in the world, and its often referred to as the city of gold. In keeping with the citys reputation, Visualis decided it would make a gold-plated Porsche. Not a Porsche covered in golden wrap, which is the more common take on this upgrade, but a new custom job using genuine gold.To that end, it commissioned goldsmith and artist Bernd Hoeger with the task of covering the car in beaten gold. One year later, the worlds first golden Porsche was revealed. It was covered in a thin layer of 22-carat gold from the rims to the steering wheel. According to reports at the time, everything about the car had been gilded: the steering wheel, the door knobs, the body throughout, and the alloy rims.No price was ever disclosed for the project, presumably because it was too expensive. Visualis, on the other hand, didnt believe the billionaires of the world would see it that way, so they announced plans to make another 9 such Porsches. In other words, they wanted to release a limited-edition of gold-plated Boxsters.Petra Koehler of Visualis told Bloomberg at the time that curious people are already anxious to know who are going to be the owners of these magnificent automobiles. Neither she nor anyone else ever said anything more.As of the moment of press, there is no trace of this Porsche, and neither are there any clues as to whether Visualis ever got to make the other nine. If they were made, they never even registered with mainstream and specialized media and, lets be real here, this isnt the kind of news that gets lost in the daily cycle.That said, using beaten gold to give luxury cars a new and more personalized look isnt new. At around the same time, London-based Alchemist was telling the New Atlas that this was the future in terms of car customization for the rich. Jacques Blanc, an art director who used to run the Alchemist (its no longer in operation, as far as we can tell), explained that the 3,000-year-old tradition of gilding objects was more like art than just a desire to show off.The Alchemist did several cars, including Bentleys, Porsches and Aston Martins. Their services included just the roof or the entire body of the car, with clients offered the option to insert precious stones in the gold layer. Because nothing says class like the subtlety of a gilded car, fitted with sparkling gemstones.Gold plating implies creating thin layers of gold, which are then applied to the just-polished surface. Another invisible layer goes on top of it, to ensure that the gold cant be scratched off. The gilded surface isnt affected by the elements and, with Visualis record-breaking project, didnt affect the warranty of the Porsche. MICHIGAN CITY Washington Park has reopened, but visitors need an annual sticker to use the parking lot. The City Council passed an ordinance this week aimed at making sure the park was opened this weekend for Labor Day, the last hurrah of summer, but Mayor Duane Parry hasnt signed it. Instead, he issued an executive order following the Friday council workshop that accomplishes much of what the council intended. The executive order, like the ordinance, allows any vehicles with 2019 or 2020 parking stickers to enter the park. The order sets a number of restrictions on the parks visitors. Gatherings are limited to 10 people, except for large families. At the suggestion of Councilman Don Przybylinski, D-At-Large, hours were set at 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Under a previous executive order, the park hours were set at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but Przybylinski argue for a later end time so folks can still come down and enjoy the sunset at the beach. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:35:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CANBERRA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed 700 in Australia after an increase of 59 deaths over the past few months. The national death toll has more than tripled since August when it was at 200. As of Friday afternoon, there had been 26,136 confirmed cases of COIVD-19 in Australia, and the number of new cases in the last 24 hours is 89, with 81 in Victoria and eight in New South Wales. Authorities in the state of Victoria on Friday announced 59 deaths, taking the national death toll to 737 and Victoria's to 650. Of the deaths, six were reported since Thursday and three died earlier this month. The remaining 50 were in July and August and the delay in the figures was attributed to a recent change in reporting obligations. "The State and Federal governments and the aged care sector have worked together to reconcile the data relating to deaths," said a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria on Friday. "Aged care providers are also now reporting deaths to the state's Public Health Unit in addition to the Commonwealth and normal reporting mechanisms." The National Cabinet made up of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders met on Friday to discuss Australia's domestic and international borders. Following the meeting, Morrison said seven of eight states and territories have agreed in principle to develop a new plan for Australia to reopen by Christmas, including the use of the hotspot concept for travel between jurisdictions, with Western Australia (WA) the exception. "Seven out of eight states and territories want us to get back to that position in December of this year and I thank them for that commitment," he told a press conference in Canberra. Five out of eight states and territories agreed to an agricultural workers code that will facilitate the movement of critical agricultural industry workers across domestic borders where border restrictions are in place. The National Cabinet also agreed on Friday to boost the capacity for international arrivals where possible, the cap of which is currently set at 4,000 people per week. It came after Australians stranded overseas said that the cap had made it harder to book flights home. "We want to get more Australians home and we need to do that safely as well, and not compromise the quarantine arrangements we have here as well," Morrison said. Enditem September 04 : Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the makers of the much-anticipated 25th James Bond film 'No Time to Die' dropped a new trailer of the film on social media on Thursday. Actor Daniel Craig plays British spy in the film and just like the first trailer video, the latest one too teased heavy action and gripping mystery. A treat for the action lovers, the trailer was dropped in the James Bond's official Twitter handle. "The mission that changes everything begins...#NoTimeToDiein cinemas this November," the tweet read. The mission that changes everything begins #NoTimeToDie in cinemas this November. pic.twitter.com/nBP6aUrwDy James Bond (@007) September 3, 2020 The new trailer of 'No Time To Die' starts with James Bond in a fortress with bullets showering on him and a car set to crush him. Even though the trailer celebrates Craig in full glory, it also shows very promising performances by Lea Seydoux, Ana de Armas and Lashana Lynch, who is reported to be carrying Craig's baton forward. However, the most captivating among all is Rami Malek with his German accent and diabolical villain Safin, who plans on killing millions. Ralph Fiennes makes a brief but Chilling appearance. The story revolves around Bond (Daniel Craig) enjoying retirement in Jamaica. However, his peaceful days are short-lived, as his old friend from the CIA, Felix Leiter, (Jeffrey Wright) arrives asking for help. Earlier, Daniel Craig played role of James Bond in Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). No Time To Die will be Daniel Craig's sign off film as James Bond. No Time To Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and also stars Jeffrey Wright, Ben Whishlaw, Naomie Harris, Christopher Waltz and Billy Magnussen among others. Watch the trailer It was initially slated to hit screens in April this year but due to corona virus pandemic, the action flick is all set to drop in the United Kingdom and the US on November 12 and November 20 respectively. The worldwide release dates will follow after UK and USA releases. 'No Time to Die' will be released in India in four languages. The makers of the film are eyeing for a November 2020 release in India, however, it is subject to the reopening of cinemas. According to the US newspaper, the reporter was mistreated before her expulsion from the region. She was investigating recent protests against restrictions on Mongolian language teaching in local schools. China is increasingly targeting foreign journalists. For analysts, this is a response to restrictions imposed by Washington on Chinese media in the US. Beijing (AsiaNews) A reporter with the Los Angeles Times was detained and then expelled from Inner Mongolia whilst covering the protests that are shaking the northern Chinese region, the US newspaper reported yesterday on its website. The journalist was stopped near a school in Hohhot where she was gathering information about recent class boycotts by ethnic Mongolian students who have turned against the authorities for limiting the use of their native language in school curricula. According to the Los Angeles Times, the reporter was interrogated at a police station, grabbed by the throat and pushed into a cell and held for more than four hours before being forced to leave the northern Chinese region. She was not allowed to call the US embassy. Foreign journalists, or journalists who work for foreign media, seem to have become a target for Chinese authorities. On 14 August, Chinese police arrested Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist who works for the Chinese state television CGTN. Cheng is now "under surveillance in a designated residence". Under Chinese law, a suspect can be held in custody for up to six months without a formal charge and without the possibility of meeting a lawyer. In January 2019, Yang Hengjun, another Australian reporter of Chinese origin, was detained on charges of espionage. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based organisation that promotes press freedom, China is the country that detains the most journalists in the world. For several observers, the arrest of the Los Angeles Times reporter is Chinas response to the US decision to treat some Chinese media operating in the United States as foreign diplomatic missions. Beijing has already reacted to the Trump administration's move by expelling journalists working for three major US newspapers. Some analysts also believe that the Chinese government is using the arrests of foreign citizens in China as a form of blackmail, to extort concessions in bilateral disputes with the arrested person's country. This is what Beijing is doing to obtain the release of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei and daughter of Ren Zhengfei, founder of the Chinese telecommunications giant. She was arrested in Canada in December 2018 at the request of the US. China followed suit by arresting and jailing two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. (TNS) Personal information of some Oregon State University students and faculty members may have been compromised during a computer security breach this summer.A hacker accessed a computer server for the universitys Ecampus online education program, gaining access to records containing the names and OSU email addresses of about 1,700 students and faculty, the university announced on Thursday.In the case of some of those individuals, the hacker also gained access to their personal mailing addresses and phone numbers.No Social Security numbers or financial data were exposed in the incident, according to university officials.We discovered the security incident on July 27, undertook an investigation of the breach and contacted state and federal authorities, including the FBI, OSU spokesman Steve Clark said.The hacker has not yet been identified, but the FBI is pursuing a criminal investigation into the matter, Clark added.In the meantime, OSU has taken steps to eliminate the security issues that allowed the breach to happen and has put the server back in operation with the new security measures in place.The university has notified everyone affected by the breach and is offering free credit monitoring and other services. Students and faculty can call 541-713-0400 during business hours for more information.Clark said such cyberattacks have become commonplace in recent years. The last computer security breach at OSU happened in May 2019 and affected 630 records.Any number of records being compromised is a matter of importance to the university, Clark added. The universitys efforts to protect its records and advance its security systems is a daily exercise as a result of the pressure global cybercriminals place on security systems. Shanghai reports 3 new imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 12:40, August 30, 2020 Shanghai reported three new imported COVID-19 cases and no increase in domestically-transmitted cases on Saturday, the municipal health commission said Sunday. Among the three cases, two are Russian citizens flying from Russia. The other one is a resident of the Taiwan region. All the cases have been transferred to designated medical institutions for treatment, and 128 close contacts of the patients on the same flights have been put under quarantine. Three cases imported from the Philippines were cured and discharged from a hospital on Saturday. As of Saturday, Shanghai had reported 555 confirmed imported COVID-19 cases and 342 locally transmitted cases. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A leading British pension group has added its weight to demands for greater accountability within Rio Tinto over the destruction of two ancient Aboriginal rock shelters in a further sign the mining giant's response is falling significantly short of expectations. After Rio's board-led internal review into the blasting of the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters limited penalties to bonus cuts for three executives, the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) has described the board's decision as a symbolic step. But it said the disaster exposed a deeper, systemic governance issue that needed to be addressed "more fully and urgently" and called into question the judgement of the company's leadership team. Rio chair Simon Thompson's board has chosen to dock the bonuses of three executives, including those of CEO JS Jacques, over the destruction of Juukan Gorge. Credit:Eddie Jim LAPFF, representing 81 public-sector pension funds managing $545 billion, said it was growing increasingly concerned amid revelations aired at a parliamentary inquiry that a restructure undertaken when chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques assumed the top job in 2016 had moved decision-making for Aboriginal engagement into parts of the company that had "no real or sustained contact with affected communities". Rosenfeld represented Residents Advocating for Land Use and the Environment (RALE), a citizen-led organization that led the fight against the proposed Monrovia Town Center development in Frederick. ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maryland attorney Michele Rosenfeld has prevailed in a years-long land development case pitting the grass-roots organization she represented against real-estate developers. Last week, the Maryland Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, ruled that developers could not build a proposed 1,200-unit housing development near Urbana because of a violation of a state ethics law. Rosenfeld represented Residents Advocating for Land Use and the Environment (RALE), a citizen-led organization that fought the development over violations of ethics codes. Its been an honor to work alongside so many highly-engaged members of our community, and I am very proud to have represented them successfully in this case, Rosenfeld said. Its been a long and difficult road, but it just shows that a solid legal strategy combined with dogged perseverance can be a winning combination. Rosenfeld argued before the Court that former County Commissioner C. Paul Smith violated a state ethics law when he asked a local organization to submit a letter supporting the project. At the time, Mr. Smith was one of five Commissioners who would vote on the pending project. Mr. Smith asked the Frederick Area Committee for Transportation (FACT) to write a letter in support of the development, and violated state law when he did not disclose this conversation. The developers attorney relied on the FACT letter to argue for approval of the project. Marylands highest Court agreed that Mr. Smith violated the state ethics ex parte law and upheld a Court of Special Appeals decision last year reaching the same conclusion. RALE President Matt Seubert said: I was always struck by how Ms. Rosenfeld, as the sole attorney for RALE, faced off against a squad of attorneys for the developer. Former RALE President Steve McKay said: MTC was a community victory and the community is indebted to Ms. Rosenfeld. Her tenacity and professionalism began with the earliest public hearing and carried through to the Court of Appeals. Our victory is her victory! Michele Rosenfeld, a land use and zoning attorney in Rockville, often represents communities concerned about proposed development in their neighborhoods. She was the lead attorney for the Montgomery County Planning Board from 1996 to 2006. More information is available at www.michelerosenfeldllc.com/ Contact: Michele Rosenfeld, Esq. The Law Office of Michele Rosenfeld LLC 301-204-0913 rosenfeldlaw@mail.com Mr Qadri, who was in the government until the beginning of this year, is the latest victim of the pandemic, according to a report in Al-Khabar Former minister in the Syrian government, Eng. Ahmed Fatih al-Qadri, has died of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Al-Qadri, who was Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, died in Al Assad Hospital in Damascus after he faced health complications due to the coronavirus. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform published a Facebook post mourning the death of al-Qadri, without specifying the cause of death. Al-Qadiri, who hails from Hassakeh, was born in 1956 and headed the Qamishli Agricultural Research Center between 1986 and 2000 before being appointed director of the Hassakeh Agriculture directorate between 2000 and 2007, and later Director of the Modern Irrigation Project from 2007 to 2011. He was appointed assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, before becoming Minister in 2013, according to his curriculum vitae, published on the Syrian e-government Portal. Al-Qadri had left his post earlier this year, and was replaced by his former adviser, Mohammad Hassan Qatana. According to the latest Ministry of Health statistics, published yesterday, the number of people who tested positive for the coronavirus in Syria has risen to 2,868 including 661 recoveries and 120 deaths. 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. Space News space history and artifacts articles Messages space history discussion forums Sightings worldwide astronaut appearances Resources selected space history documents advertisements Netflix Mars mission series 'Away' lifts off with nods to NASA history September 4, 2020 In a show that is primarily set aboard a fictional spacecraft flying through simulated space, there is a scene in the new Netflix Mars mission series, "Away," that looks particularly close to the real thing and that is because it is. Towards the end of the one the 10 episodes that began streaming Friday (Sept. 4), astronauts Emma Green and Matt Logan, played by actors Hilary Swank and Josh Charles, are seen getting ready to train using NASA T-38 jets. The aircraft are emblazoned with NASA's iconic insignia and for those in the know, the setting may look familiar. The scene was filmed on location at Ellington Airport (formerly Ellington Field) in Houston, home to NASA's flight operations and its fleet of astronaut training jets. "Thanks for visiting us, Hilary Swank!" NASA's nearby Johnson Space Center posted to its social media accounts in February, after Swank toured the facilities. "We're glad we could take you Away from the real world for a day and show you the home of human spaceflight." "Away" official trailer. Click to view and enlarge video in a new, pop-up window. (Netflix) In "Away," Swank's Green commands an international crew on humanity's first journey to Mars. Loosely based on Esquire magazine writer Chris Jones' account of real-life astronaut Scott Kelly's yearlong mission aboard the International Space Station, "Away" examines the physical and psychological challenges that come as a result of leaving Earth behind for an extended trip into space. Set in the near future, "Away" features spacesuit costumes and spacecraft sets inspired by NASA equipment, as well as the hardware devised and used by other space agencies and commercial spaceflight companies. Like the Ellington shoot, though, there are several details spread throughout the new series that offer more direct nods to real space exploration. Mission patches The sight of the authentic NASA insignia on the tails of the T-38 jets stands out in "Away" because, for the most part, the production replaced the real emblem with a design of their own. "We had to recreate the space agency logos, even NASA's, because you aren't allowed to use that," costume designer Kimberly Adams said in a Netflix interview. "David [Sandefur, production designer] developed something that was just a little bit different, and he did the same thing with the other space agencies as well." NASA requires an agreement before film productions can use its logo. Sandefur also created slightly-off versions of the European Space Agency (ESA), China National Space Administration (CNSA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Russian federal space corporation Roscosmos insignia and their related patches. "It was overwhelming how much work the world of the patches was," said Adams. "Patches in the world of NASA are a huge deal. If you look back at the history of the patches, they're so intricate with so many details blended into them." "From the very beginning, from our first walk on the moon, astronauts have been part of the design process. They're not the ones that physically sketch it out, but they come up with the elements that are important to their mission and to the work they're doing to ensure that those components are reflected in their patches," she said. The astronauts in "Away" including Russian cosmonaut Misha Popov (Mark Ivanir), India's Ram Arya (Ray Panthaki), Chinese astronaut Lu Wang (Vivian Wu) and Kwesi Weisberg-Abban (Ato Essandoh), a British citizen from Ghana wear flight suits that display their respective country's flag on one arm, their mission patch on the other and then on the front, a repetition of the space agency patches. "If you're out in space on the ship in the full suit, you can tell who is near you by their patch and their colors. I found that so interesting," Adams said. Namesakes Green (Swank) and her four fellow astronauts comprise the crew of the Atlas, an interplanetary spacecraft that borrows some of its look from real-world vehicles. "The design connects back to NASA and their Orion mission," said Sandefur. "The engineering that they were putting into their command module is what I used as the inspiration for the design in 'Away.' Everything on the ship is controlled from one panel via touch screens and a number of analog backups, which is what Orion is doing as well. Equally, SpaceX also has their Dragon capsule." Although left unstated in the series, the name "Atlas" also has a connection with NASA's efforts to explore Mars as the name of the rocket that has launched numerous of the space agency's robotic probes and rovers to orbit and land on the Red Planet. The namesakes don't end there, though. The Atlas in "Away" has three key parts that share names with the original components of the International Space Station (ISS). The fictional spacecraft's three large solar arrays are referred to as "Zarya," "Unity" and "Zvezda." In reality, the Zarya (Russian for "Dawn") functional cargo block (FGB) was the first module launched into Earth orbit to begin assembling the ISS in 1998. It was followed by Unity, the first U.S. connecting node, which was docked to Zarya. The Zvezda (Russian for "Star") service module was the third piece to expand the size and utility of the space station in 2000. "[Writer] Chris Jones talks about how the International Space Station came to be and how it was truly an international collaboration. It required the world to work together and countries that normally didn't get along, to get along," series creator Andrew Hinderaker said. "On a global level, that really resonated with me." Sss...space history Many of the challenges that the Atlas crew face were inspired or informed by events from real space history. Some are more obvious than others, but there are also a few times when the "Away" astronauts cite missions by name, setting their timeline within our own. In addition to a passing, but poignant reference to the space shuttle Columbia, which was lost with its crew in 2003, "Away" also acknowledges NASA's past on Mars, including the robotic rovers and landers that preceded the Atlas-1 launch. And then there is the series' ninth episode, which adopts a dramatic event from space history as its title, "Spektr." "Spektr is a Russian ghost story. Only problem is that it actually happened," says Popov (Ivanir), speaking to his crewmates. "In 1997, the space station Mir was hit by an approaching freighter. The module that was punctured was called Spektr," explains Wang (Wu) in response. "Yeah, the story always begins with 'sssss...'" continues Popov. "It is the sound of air rushing out of the capsule into the vacuum of space as astronauts feel change of pressure in their ears and wait for their brains to explode." "Only their brains didn't explode because they were able to get out of the module and close it off in time," says Green (Swank). Name drop Other than hardware, the Atlas crew also name drops a few real-life astronauts. Apollo 11 moonwalkers Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin each get call outs, at separate times for different reasons. The other real-world crossover is Mike Massimino, who was a technical advisor to the series and makes a cameo appearance in the first episode. "I think the biggest challenge is going to be is that they are really going to be, no kidding, away, and that means away from our planet, away from their family..." says Massimino, playing himself a former NASA astronaut who helped service the Hubble Space Telescope on two shuttle missions during an in-episode television interview. Off camera, Massimino said he thinks "Away" will inspire viewers to find out what is possible in space. "We obviously haven't been to Mars yet for real, but through this show, it made me feel that we are getting closer, which is great," he said in an interview with Netflix. "Today I am wearing my astronaut class patch from 1996 and there are flags of the different countries on it that were represented from my class. We also have Mars depicted on our class patch because we were so hopeful back then, over 20 years ago, that one of us in my astronaut class would get a chance to be selected to go to Mars. That didn't happen, but I think it will hopefully happen in the not-too-distant future." "I am just happy that it is going to happen fairly soon here with 'Away' and so I am so glad to be a part of that," Massimino said. Josh Charles and Hilary Swank, as fictional astronauts Matt Logan and Emma Green, sit in front of a real NASA T-38 jets in a scene from the Netflix series "Away" filmed on location in NASA's hangar at Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas. (Netflix) Hilary Swank, as Atlas-1 commander Emma Green, with NASA's Brad Miller and "Away" director David Boyd at Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas in February 2020. (Netflix) Hilary Swank, as astronaut Emma Green, films a scene for the new Netflix series "Away" at Ellington Airport in Houston. (Netflix) Hilary Swank (at right), star of the Netflix series "Away," poses for a photo with NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, in February 2020. (NASA) The crew of the Atlas mission to Mars, from left to right: China's Lu Wang (Vivian Wu), Russia's Misha Popov (Mark Ivanir), the United States' Emma Green (Hilary Swank), India's Ram Arya (Ray Panthaki) and the United Kingdom's Kwesi Weisberg-Abban (Ato Essandoh), as seen in the Netflix dramatic series "Away." (Netflix) Production designer David Sandefur redesigned NASA's insignia for use in "Away," as seen behind George Lane (Brian Markinson) and Darlene (Gabrielle Rose). (Netflix) The Atlas 1 mission patch and NASA Mars Joint Initiative logo from the new Netflix series "Away." (Netflix) Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, who was a technical advisor to the series, films his cameo appearance for the first episode of the Netflix series "Away." (Mike Massimino via Twitter) Hilary Swank, as astronaut Emma Green, wears a spacesuit with NASA and Atlas-1 mission patches in a scene from the Netflix series "Away." (Netflix) 2022 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved. US Attorney Charges Man for Civil Disorder in Portland After DA Declined The U.S. Attorney for Oregon on Thursday charged a man who Portland prosecutors declined three out of four times to pursue charges against for criminal acts during rioting in the city. Kristopher Michael Donnelly, 26, a resident of Kelso, Washington, was charged with civil disorder for assaulting a police officer during riots on two nights last month, U.S. Attorney Billy Williamss office said. According to court documents obtained by The Epoch Times, the defendant was seen using a hammer to smash a window at the Portland Police Bureaus East Precinct late Aug. 5. A short time after, he was throwing empty teargas grenade canisters at police while refusing to disperse despite warnings to do so or face arrest. When an officer tried arresting him, Donnelly forcefully struck the officer in the face, the criminal complaint stated. Several more officers helped the other officer take the man into custody. Donnelly was booked on charges including riot, disorderly conduct, and interfering with a public safety officer. Kristopher Michael Donnelly in recent booking photographs. (Multnomah County Sheriffs Office) Just three days later, Donnelly was again arrested during a riot. Officers saw him launching frozen eggs at officers. He tried fleeing from arrest but was ultimately taken into custody and charged again. Donnelly was also arrested on Aug. 23 and Aug. 30. A Multnomah County District Attorneys Office spokesperson noted that the office did indict Donnelly for felony riot, felony criminal mischief, and resisting arrest for what took place on Aug. 5. However, prosecutors declined to file charges for the other three nights. Prosecutors asked law enforcement for more information on the charges and will re-review the cases if the followup is conducted and information sent, the office said. The prosecutors office announced last month that some charges would be presumptively declined related to protests. Many protests in Portland devolve into riots. Our initial charging decision is based on the available police reports submitted to our office. We cannot legally or ethically issue a case when the information submitted is incomplete. In some circumstances, we will ask the investigating agency to conduct additional follow up and then resubmit the case, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. We have seen a small number of people repeatedly arrested for committing crimes during the nightly protests. We will initiate prosecution for those small number of cases when we identify a strong public safety reason. The public defender representing Donnelly in the federal case said in an emailed statement: The office policy is to talk about pending cases in the courtroom and nowhere else. A lawyer representing the defendant in the other case didnt respond to an inquiry. Donnelly was released pending an arraignment on Sept. 24. He was ordered to stay out of trouble and not possess a firearm or other weapon. The federal civil disorder charge against Donnelly is the fifth brought after investigations by the FBI this week. Portland police and Oregon State Patrol officers work together to arrest a woman during rioting in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 11, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) A Portland woman and Seattle man were hit with the same charge on Wednesday. Authorities charged two others in addition to the Kelso man on Thursday. Hugo Ryan-Bereau-Pavy, 26, of Portland, was charged with civil disorder after allegedly shining a high-powered laser into the eyes of multiple law enforcement officers during unrest on June 13 outside the Multnomah County Justice Center. And Eva Warner, also known as Joshua Warner, 25, of Beaverton, Oregon, was charged with civil disorder for allegedly shining a laser during an Aug. 8 riot. And Kevin Phomma, 26, of Portland, was charged for allegedly using bear spray against police officers during a riot on Aug. 26. Civil disorder charges carry up to five years in federal prison if convicted. Federal law says that the charge can be brought against people who commits or attempts to commit any act to obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function, among others. The charge has become common across the nation as authorities try to deal with the severe escalation in unrest that started with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May, a Department of Justice spokeswoman said on Thursday. City, state, and county authorities have struggled to keep the peace since May 28. Officials have declined offers of federal assistance, including the National Guard, from the Trump administration. But Renn Cannon, who heads the FBI in Portland, told the Associated Press last week that the bureau was shifting agents from fraud and organized crime teams to focus on crimes committed during the unrest. Officials were making the assessment that we should be trying to do a little more than we have, because the cumulative effects and the nature of the problem indicate that the community needs help, Cannon said. India has severely dented future earnings potential of Chinese apps by banning them from the country, which is currently the second largest apps download market in the world. Interestingly, Chinese apps will not be as concerned about the immediate revenue loss. In spite of large user base, revenue from India vis-a-vis other large gaming countries like US, China, Japan or South Korea was always minuscule. India does not even figure among the top 10 revenue generators for these apps. In fact, countries like Canada, Italy and Spain which have users between 30-50 million generate upwards of $2,600 million. But the future potential is lost. "India is one of the fastest growing gaming markets in the world. Today we might impact their revenues to the extent of 5-10% at best. However, since future growth is to come from India, not having a presence will impact them," says Rajan Navani, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, JetSynthesys. TikTok, the worst impacted app in India, had seen 2.1 billion downloads between Android and iOS, of which 30.3 per cent or 611 million were in India-highest in the world. In the last fiscal, Bytedance, which owns TikTok, was making quarterly revenue of Rs 100 - 150 crore in India, and was looking at a target of Rs 1,000 crore. Also read: Apps ban to cost Chinese firms $200 million a year - and a future; PUBG to lose $100 million According to a recent Bloomberg report, Softbank is said to be looking at a consortium bid for ByteDance's India entity, whose entire operations worldwide is said to be valued at over $20 billion dollars. Meanwhile, the ban on Chinese apps has brought the spotlight on Indian app makers - industry insiders believe, it's the best opportunity for them to shine. The ban on Chinese also saw a slew of lookalike Indian apps spring up such as Roposo, Sharechat, Chingari. Roland Landers, CEO, All India Gaming Federation, says the ban will not only safeguard interests of Indian mobile and internet users but also offer a great opportunity for indigenous homegrown game development studios. "We are confident that games like Rogue Heist, a multi-player online shooter game, designed and developed entirely in India and many other similar ones will fill the gap," he says. Also read: Why India banned PUBG Mobile Today, India has around 400 gaming start-ups. Out of the 300 plus million online gamers in India, an estimated 85 per cent are mobile gamers. Indian apps can not just gain market share by drawing these gamers, but also see an increase in their valuations. But the gaming industry is nascent in the country, and even though opportunities exist, non-Chinese global companies can be tough competition. "The opportunity is there, but we have to see whether Indian, Japanese, European or American companies will capture it," says Pankaj Karna, Managing Director - Maple Capital Advisors. He believes that investors will look at quality and user retention to bump up valuations. But for e-sporting companies like Indian Gaming League (IGL), which during the lockdown saw over 1,000% growth in terms of the total views and watch time on its YouTube channel which broadcasts their daily PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile live stream, the viewership loss could be significant. Also read: PUBG Mobile still available for download 24 hours after ban Yash Pariani, CEO, Indian Gaming League (IGL), says that though this may seem like a loss to the E-sports community, there are plenty of other games to fill the void for PUBG and IGL, which have started capitalising on the recent surge of demand. Games such as Call of Duty (COD) Mobile, Free Fire and Fortnite may see a surge in users in India. "However, for the time being, we will see PUBG influencers and players switching to other games to make a living, it may be a setback for them but eventually, their audiences will also respond to the change," he says. The recent ban on 118 apps takes the total number of banned Chinese apps to 224. Some of the other apps that have been banned are WeChat, SHAREIt, UC Browser, CamScanner, Helo and Club Factory. India banned the apps citing data sharing and security concerns. Now that a top Democrat data analytics firm has finally confirmed that Democrats plan to claim victory weeks after the presidential election once enough of their "votes" show up in the mail to be counted, I don't think any rational observer could view this as anything but a promise to destroy the legitimacy of the 2020 election. The Democrats' mission to fracture America permanently should be codenamed "Operation Chaos," because it is chaos they are preparing to unleash. It was not a few thousand dollars' worth of Russian Facebook posts and online internet trolls that nearly destroyed the Union after the 2016 election. It was the way the Obama White House and an intelligencelaw enforcement cabal run by the Democratic Party maliciously and intentionally magnified Russia's limited hijinks into the greatest political hoax in American history. The Democrats preferred to drag the United States through four years of nonsensical conspiracy theories, needless investigations, and cries of high treason rather than to acknowledge that President Trump had legitimately defeated Hillary Clinton. The Democrats chose an unprecedented campaign of sabotage against an American president, and in doing so, they accomplished what Putin's Russia could never have dreamed: they succeeded in convincing half of America that the 2016 election was stolen from them. The Democrats and the Deep State that has aided and abetted their cause have sold bitter acrimony for four years and birthed our precarious pre-civil war tinderbox today. With American peace now hanging in the balance, will Democrats choose country over socialism and temper passions already overinflamed? Of course not. If four years of the Russia hoax has brought our nation to the brink of civil strife, the Democrats' Operation Chaos will make it nearly impossible for wisdom and reason to succeed in the months ahead. This fact alone should disqualify Democrats from office in 2020. A party that is driving the country to civil war cannot be trusted to have the country's best interest at heart. Most Republicans (except the "useful idiots" who will look past corruption and fraud for the chance to remove President Trump) understand how the Democrats plan to use "cheat-by-mail" chaos to elevate a man who can't remember his opponent's name (or even his running mate's) to commander in chief. They have a three-tailed con in play: (1) attempt to win swing states fast and declare victory before fraudulent ballots can be scrutinized; (2) harvest loose ballots after election day until Trump vote leads disappear; (3) throw the whole mess into state and federal courts until a Democrat-leaning judge gives them a Democrat lead. At any time that one of these tails secures a Democrat victory, the "useful idiot" NeverTrumps and hacks in the press will aid the Democrats in quickly declaring the election over and calling for President Trump's concession. (When executing a good con, it's always best to have "disinterested" third parties move the con along.) By that point, offending ballots will be "disappeared" before they can ever be scrutinized again. And at any stage of this dangerous game, if President Trump and his supporters fight the outcome, our efforts not Democrat vote fraud will be framed as "threats to democracy." All the chaos lying ahead was preventable, of course. In the most modern and technically advanced nation in the history of the planet, the idea that the United States cannot vouchsafe the results of a democratic election is absurd. All over the world, successful elections take place without high-tech voting booths or sophisticated methods for tallying votes, but in America, we are plagued with so much uncertainty as to whether our elections are the outcomes of massive fraud that election integrity is impossible. You can't have fair and equitable elections when every single American believes the vote is already rigged. Obviously, if our constitutional republic is to utilize democratic elections to decide whether we choose Donald Trump's "America First" policies or Bernie Sanders's Green New Deal, then safeguarding the American vote is paramount over any other responsibility of our federal and state governments. Instead, because the political establishment in America routinely ignores the wishes of American voters, it has turned a blind eye to the corruption and inaccuracy of American elections. Democrats (and "Republican" enablers like Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan) argue that election fraud is a myth when it is, in fact, well documented. They argue that non-citizen voting occurs in such low numbers as to be meaningless when meaningful elections every year are decided by a few hundred votes. They argue that election judges can be trusted when many have been prosecuted for altering votes and stuffing ballots. They argue that sensible voter identification laws are unnecessary (and racist) when votes routinely show up from dead voters, non-voters, and voters who long ago left the jurisdictions in which they're now cast. They argue that ballot-harvesting is nothing to worry about when the outcomes of elections are overturned days and weeks after election day. They argue that the same U.S. Postal Service that just endorsed the Democratic Party can be trusted to impartially handle Republican votes. By never letting a crisis go to waste, Democrats have so effectively guaranteed "cheat by mail" in swing states this year that stacks of ballots can go out with coupon mailers and come back without proper signatures or any other voter authentications and go right into the ballot box. A recent election in New Jersey was just thrown out after it was determined that mail-in vote fraud had tainted 22% of the total vote, while twenty-eight million mail-in ballots have gone missing in the last four elections. And a top Democrat operative revealed last week how he and others have been committing voter fraud on a "grand scale" for decades. Gone are the days when the United States recognized the solemnity of the vote by securing for each citizen a private and uncoerced secret ballot. Now Democrat election operatives can simply go from hospital bed to hospital bed in nursing homes around the country "collecting" votes or swallow up entire mail drops at apartment buildings before residents even hold them in their hands. Operation Chaos will test the limits of our country's bonds. How does a free country governed by the people destroy itself? When elected representatives make it impossible for the people to believe they are still governing. If we had a functioning free press in this country that hadn't thrown out objectivity and professionalism for partisan entanglements and personal vendettas, the two biggest stories of the last four years would both center on the efforts of the Democratic Party to undermine American elections so completely that the breakup of the Union is not only a real possibility, but the Democrats' likely objective. They sabotaged the peaceful transition of power in 2016 with the Russia hoax. In 2020, whether they can eke out victory or not, they have implemented a "cheat by mail" voting catastrophe that will render the 2020 election outcome unavoidably illegitimate to the losing side. It is a strategy intended to damage the country. It is an operation meant to unleash chaos. Image: GPA PHOTO ARCHIVE KENT COUNTY, MI A 6-year-old girl was airlifted to a Grand Rapids hospital with life-threatening injuries after the driver of the car she was in allegedly ran a stop sign and crashed into an oncoming pickup truck, police say. State troopers responded to the two-vehicle crash at 12:52 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the intersection of Alden Nash Avenue and 84th Street in Bowne Township of Kent County, according to a news release issued by the Michigan State Police. Investigators said a 2016 Jeep Cherokee passenger car was westbound on 84th Street and failed to yield to incoming traffic at a stop sign on the intersection with Alden Nash Avenue. As the Jeep traveled through the intersection, it reportedly crashed with a northbound 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pickup on Alden Nash Avenue. The pickup was pulling an empty horse trailer, according to the release. The driver of the Jeep, a 43-year-old Plainwell woman, was traveling with her 47-year-old husband in the passenger seat, police said. Their daughter, 6, and the childs grandmother were in the rear seats of the Jeep, according to the release. The 6-year-old girl was transported to Helen Devos Childrens Hospital in Grand Rapids by AeroMed Helicopter with life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash, according to the release. The three other occupants of the Jeep were taken by ambulance to Spectrum-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids to be treated for injures that authorities do not believe were life-threatening, according to the release. Police said all occupants in the Jeep were properly restrained. There were no injuries among the people in the Chevrolet pickup, police said. The driver of the pickup was a 64-year-old Morley man, and the passengers were his grandchildren, an 11-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl. Police do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. The intersection where the crash took place was close for about two hours as police investigated. State troopers were assisted on scene by the Bowne Township Fire Department, LIFE Ambulance, AeroMed and J&K Towing. More on MLive: Muskegon prisons coronavirus outbreak worst in the state Heading north? Check these Michigan traffic cams for your Labor Day weekend travels Motorcyclist dies after crashing into cement wall A blog post attributed to a history professor at George Washington University stated that she had assumed a Black identity for much of her career, despite being White. The author, Jessica A. Krug, said she has deceived friends and colleagues by falsely claiming several identities, including "North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness," according to the blog post on Medium. Krug, whose areas of expertise include African American history, Africa and Latin America, is White and Jewish, she admitted. "I am not a culture vulture. I am a culture leech," the post said. "I have thought about ending these lies many times over many years, but my cowardice was always more powerful than my ethics." Krug did not return multiple requests for comment. Crystal Nosal, a university spokesperson, said officials are aware of the Medium post and looking into the situation. She declined to comment further. Krug has taught history courses at GWU since 2012, including classes about the African diaspora and African history, according to the university's website. Aria Sakona, a 21-year-old senior, said she's taking Krug's class on Latin American history this semester. "I was definitely very shocked. I was just completely perplexed since I just had a class with her on Monday," Sakona said about Krug. "She definitely kind of indicated a tie to the Latinx community." Sakona, who is African American, said there are several Hispanic and first-generation students in the class, which is being taught remotely. She hopes the university will find another professor, preferably someone from the Latin American community, to teach the material. "It just breaks my heart that these students came in, very bright-eyed and eager, to learn about Latin heritage and the history," said Sakona, who is studying international affairs with a concentration in Latin American and international development. "We all placed a lot of trust in her." Krug, in the blog post, said she had been "audaciously deceptive." She expressed remorse but did not apologize for her actions. She said she has been battling "unaddressed mental health demons" for her entire life and started to assume a false identity as a child. "But mental health issues can never, will never, neither explain nor justify, neither condone nor excuse, that, in spite of knowing and regularly critiquing any and every non-Black person who appropriates from Black people, my false identity was crafted entirely from the fabric of Black lives," she said. People who reacted on social media to Krug's announcement compared her to Rachel Dolezal, a White civil rights activist and Howard University graduate who claimed to be Black. Dolezal was president of the NAACP chapter in Spokane, Wash., in 2015 when her family exposed the truth about her identity. Krug, like Dolezal, has focused much of her work on the Black community. She has written extensively on the subject of Blackness, and in an essay about the Puerto Rican uprising against its governor in 2019, Krug said she was a "boricua," a term used for Puerto Ricans. She described herself as "an unrepentant and unreformed child of the hood" who has spent much of her time advocating for communities of color and opposing gentrification in New York. Krug's book, "Fugitive Modernities: Politics and Identity Outside the State in Kisama, Angola, and the Americas, c. 1594-Present," earned her spots as a finalist for awards named after Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. She became part of a network of Black scholars, many of whom took to Twitter to condemn Krug's actions. Hari Ziyad, a Black author, screenwriter and editor in chief of the online publication, RaceBaitr, posted a thread of tweets about Krug. Ziyad called Krug "a friend up until this morning." "For years I defended her work, and her from her own self-loathing," Ziyad tweeted. "I always knew there was something off. It was in her persistent negativity and jealousy, her always needing to prove her authenticity at the expense of everything else." Krug said she grew up in suburban Kansas City, but has eschewed her experiences there. Family members said Krug had disassociated herself from the family decades ago but that as a young person she was very smart, active in sports, studious, and very interested in causes, including racial equality - and that today's revelation that she had been presenting herself as something other than a white, blond, Jewish woman from Kansas was astonishing. Krug, in the Medium post, said she had been alienated from her birth family. Yomaira Figueroa, an associate professor at Michigan State University did not know Krug, but knows many who did. "People who were very close to her are devastated," Figueroa said. "People who don't know her are aghast that she would perpetuate these lies and gain access to these spaces in the academy, the resources," such as grants and fellowships to advance herself and thus shutting out others from attaining them. The University of Wisconsin at Madison, where Krug earned a Ph.D in 2012, announced in 2009 that she was one of the recipients of the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowships who would be traveling to Angola and Brazil to study history. A spokeswoman for the Education Department was not immediately able to confirm that. "She was definitely trying to portray herself as having had the worst kinds of experiences," growing up, perpetuating stereotypes that people have about Puerto Rican or Black people, said Figueroa, who is a Black Latina, "and trying to take the kind of clout that would give her." Figueroa, who grew up working poor in Hoboken, N.J. said the deception from a white midwestern woman felt personal. "It's really disgusting," she said. - - - The Washington Post's Alice Crites contributed to this report. Well, as per a new Twitter post by reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong reveals that Google is working on bringing a new Google Maps COVID-19 layer. The coronavirus pandemic seems far from over. Moreover, at the moment, only keeping yourself protected and informed seems to be the only precaution that one can take. Though Google has added several COVID-19 related features to its apps in the past. And it now seems like the turn for the Google Maps application. Advertisement Notably, this feature will show a COVID-19 layer on areas which is the worst hit by the coronavirus. Besides, the leak also shows this new Google Maps COVID-19 layer alongside options for transit, traffic, biking, 3D, and Street View. Google Maps is probably the most commonly used navigation app by millions across the world. The current situation the world is in, demands the people to stay safe and informed. This feature will definitely help the people understand the locations where the COVID-19 outbreaks are at their worst. In fact, the Google Maps COVID-19 layer is simply titled COVID-19. Advertisement When Google Maps COVID-19 layer is in use, it shows distinct lines between states According to the new leaks, when the Google Maps COVID-19 layer is in use, it shows distinct lines between the states in the US. Moreover, it will highlight in color where the COVID-19 outbreak is worse. As far as one knows, Google is sourcing the data from credible institutions across the globe. This involves the New York Times, Wikipedia, John Hopkins University, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Looking at the leaked images reveals that Google Maps collects information on the incidence rate confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This is based on an average of 7 days. Advertisement In fact, it is not clear how the coloring of the contagious areas would be done via this feature. But the image shows some states of the US in yellowish color. Notably, the feature is seen working in the US and Canada. However, since the data is sourced from Indias Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), we expect to be available in other regions including India soon. More importantly, this is a good move by Google to incorporate COVID-19 info on its Google Maps app. There are other social media apps like Facebook, that are implementing COVID-19 info on their apps. Advertisement The feature is yet to go live for all the users However, one should note that this is not an officially announced feature for the app. Meaning that this feature might not make its way to the app, altogether. But considering the fact that it surely will be helpful for the users of Google Maps, we expect this feature to arrive much sooner. We will keep you in the loop until we have more info in this regard. New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/03/2020 -- The soaring investments being made in infrastructural development projects, the flourishing tourism sector, and the increasing number of construction activities in the country are some of the major factors driving the progress of the Saudi Arabia facility management market. As a result, the market attained a value of $32,480.4 million in 2019 and is predicted to reach a revenue of $76,244.9 million in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.3% from 2020 to 2030. The mushrooming infrastructure industry is a major factor responsible for the growth of the market. The Saudi Arabian government is making huge investments in various massive construction projects in the country. For instance, the government launched the 'Smart City' initiative in 2017, under which, it will deploy smart parking solutions, smart lighting devices, environmental pollution tracking and monitoring systems, smart cameras, and smart solid waste disposal systems in various cities across the country. Get the sample pages of this report at: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/saudi-arabia-facility-management-market/report-sample The construction of these smart cities will push up the demand for maintenance services for the smart systems, which will, in turn, boost the advancement of the market. Apart from these mega-infrastructural development projects, the thriving tourism sector of the country is also propelling the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market. This is because the boom of the tourism sector has boosted the requirement of various services needed for maintaining the facility such as catering and security. The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia announced in June 2020 that it intends to launch a special fund for tourism development in the country. Moreover, the Ministry plans to invest $4 billion in the initiative. This initiative will massively bolster the tourism sector in the country in the coming years, which will, in turn, generate huge demand for facility management services across the country and drive the growth of the market in the future. Browse report overview with detailed TOC on "Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market Research Report: By Service (Property {HVAC maintenance, Mechanical and electrical maintenance}, Cleaning, Security, Catering, Support, Environmental Management), End User (Commercial, Industrial, Residential), Mode (In-House, Outsourced {Integrated, Bundled, Single}), Type (Hard, Soft) - Industry Analysis and Demand Forecast to 2030" at:https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/saudi-arabia-facility-management-market Residential, commercial, and industrial are the main categories under the end user segment of the market. Amongst these, the commercial category recorded the highest growth, in terms of revenue, in the market in the last few years. This is credited to the large-scale incorporation of facility management services for managing various commercial facilities such as offices, shopping complexes, recreational spaces, theaters, and malls. Additionally, the high requirement of contract management, property accounting, procurement management, and renting services in commercial spaces propelled the progress of the category in the market. Depending on type, the Saudi Arabia facility management market is divided into soft services and hard services. Between the two categories, the hard services one is predicted to exhibit faster growth in the market in the forthcoming years. This is because the hard services are highly critical and are thus, highly sought after all over the country. In addition to this, the hard services are more expensive than the soft services as they can only be provided by skilled workers. Hence, it can be safely said that with the rising number of infrastructural development and construction activities and the rapid growth of the tourism sector in the country, the market will exhibit substantial progress in the upcoming years. Market Segmentation: Based on Service Property HVAC maintenance Mechanical and electrical maintenance Cleaning Security Catering Support Environmental Management Based on End-Use Commercial Industrial Residential Based on Mode In-House Outsourced Integrated Bundled Single Based on Type Hard Soft Browse More Reports: U.A.E. Facility Management Market Research Report: By Service (Property, Cleaning, Security, Catering, Support, Environmental Management), End User (Commercial, Industrial, Residential), Mode (In-House, Outsourced), Type (Hard, Soft) - Industry Analysis and Demand Forecast to 2030 https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/uae-facility-management-market Genset Market Research Report: By Fuel (Diesel, Gas, Gasoline), Power Rating (5 kVA75 kVA, 76 kVA375 kVA, 376 kVA750 kVA, Above 750 kVA), Application (Commercial, Industrial, Residential) - Global Industry Share Analysis and Demand Forecast to 2030 https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/genset-market Tax officials in Africa estimate governments will collect between 10 and 30 percent less in taxes in 2020 because of the economic downturn. The coronavirus crisis has caused businesses in the hospitality, building and retail industries to suffer. Yet digital companies have made plenty of money as more people stay home and carry out activities online. The situation is driving talks on the continent about how to make sure international companies like Google and Facebook can be taxed. Such companies do not always have a physical presence in countries where they earn profits. Logan Wort is executive secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum, or ATAF. His organization has met online to discuss these issues with government officials, the African Union and members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD. Wort said the coronavirus crisis has led to massive earnings for digital services such as e-commerce and online transactions. Profits in e-commerce are expected to increase by 41 percent, the ATAF says. Wort said, Question: Are we collecting better on these transactions? Are we aware of these transactions? Are the businesses doing these transactions do they have a physical presence in our countries? And, if not, do our regulations provide for them to be taxed? Talks about how to design tax rights laws for transactions across borders are now happening within the OECD. Governments worldwide are concerned there is a conflict between places where profits are reported and places where economic activities happen. Victor Harison leads the economic affairs division in the African Union. Harison has asked more African countries to join in the taxation talks so profits from international companies can be shared more equitably. So far, he said, just 25 African countries are involved, which is a cause [for] concern for the African Union. David Masondo is deputy minister of finance in South Africa. He said Africa needs a central group within the African Union to speak with one voice on tax policies. These unified policies should involve or bring attention to improving the share of tax rights in cross-border transactions. That includes the digital transactions of international companies, Masondo said. The United States has pressed for its companies to be able to opt in and out of worldwide laws on taxing such companies as long as they follow some general rules. Annet Oguttu is a member of the high-level group on financial accountability and transparency. She noted that while Europe is in dispute with the U.S. over the issue, African countries should be included in the discussion, too. She told VOA that much of the discussion seems to be about the U.S. protecting its international companies and the European countries trying to get the best out of it. Oguttu said, Where do we stand as developing countries in Africa? Coming together under the ATAF might present a more united front to be able to deal with these issues, she added. International talks are expected to restart in October now that proposals on taxing technology companies have been shared among governments. Im Alice Bryant. Simon Marks wrote this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story hospitality n. the activity of providing food, drinks, etc. for people who are the guests or customers of an organization retail n. the business of selling things directly to customers for their own use forum n. a place or opportunity for discussing a subject e-commerce n. activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet transaction n. an occurrence in which goods, services or money are passed from one person or account to another affairs n. commercial, professional, public, or personal business opt v. to choose one thing instead of another accountability n. required to explain actions or decisions to someone transparency n. the quality that makes something obvious or easy to understand Russia has reiterated its policy of no arms supply to Pakistan following India's request on the same, according to sources. Russia has reiterated its policy of no arms supply to Pakistan following Indias request on the same, according to sources.Russia made the commitment during the meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Gen Sergey Shoigu in Moscow, sources said. Singh is currently on a three-day visit to Russia for attending the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and participating in the 75th anniversary event to commemorate Victory Day. The one-hour meeting between Singh and his Russian counterpart at the Russian Ministry of Defence covered a broad range of areas of cooperation between the two countries including defence and security.Excellent meeting with the Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu in Moscow today. We talked about a wide range of issues, particularly how to deepen defence and strategic cooperation between both the countries, Singh tweeted on Thursday. Meanwhile, the 11th edition of exercise Indra Navy, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy is scheduled in the Bay of Bengal from September 4 to 5. The Defence Minister noted that these exercises demonstrated the common interests of both countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, according to a statement by Indias Defence Ministry. ALSO READ: Xi Jinpings visit to Pakistan postponed due to Covid-19 Excellent meeting with the Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu in Moscow today. We talked about a wide range of issues, particularly how to deepen defence and strategic cooperation between both the countries. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 3, 2020 There was a substantial commonality in positions with respect to challenges at the regional and international levels in the areas of peace and security, reflective of the deep trust and confidence that both sides enjoy as strategic partners, it said. Singh conveyed appreciation for the steadfast support provided by Russia consistent with the defence and security needs of India, and in this context, particularly noted the timely manner in which the Russian side had responded to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems. Both sides would continue to maintain contacts to ensure the timely delivery, the statement said. The Defence Minister briefed Gen Shoigu on the Make-in-India defence programme in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision. Both sides welcomed the advance stage of discussions for the establishment in India of an India-Russian Joint Venture for the production of AK203 assault rifles, which are considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces. This provides very positive basis for further engagement of Russian defence industry in Make-in-India programme. Gen. Shoigu reiterated commitment of the Russian side to engage actively with Ministry of Defence, Government of India to ensure the success of Make-in-India programme including substantial participation in the forthcoming Aero India Exhibition to be held in February next year, the statement said.Singh extended an invitation for his Russian counterpart to visit India for the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission for Technical and Military Cooperation,, which is expected to be held towards the end of this year. ALSO READ: Japan will offer incentives to companies moving from China to India: Nikkei The state of Maine has, for the last few weeks anyway, been a bright spot for the nation in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.How did they do it? Acknowledging that geography and timing -- and therefore some luck -- was involved, state officials said that a consistent message among state and local leaders and a willingness of the population to take heed of warnings played a major role in flattening the curve of the virus early on and beating it down again when it tried to resurge.In early April, Maine was looking at a coronavirus caseload that was doubling every four days and saw hospitalizations on the rise. Less than two weeks later, the infection rate had leveled off and the state had halted the spread. Again, in May, state officials were worried when a single assisted living facility had 57 new cases on one day. Gov. Janet Mills then postponed the reopening of restaurant dining rooms in three counties and the state hunkered down again.Since then, Maine has kept the infection rate down. Last week, the states per-capita death rate from the coronavirus was second lowest in the country at 1 per 100,000 residents, behind Vermont, and the positivity rate was 0.8 percent.That policy of having a consistent message throughout the state was one of the keys to getting that infection rate down, said Dr. John Alexander, chief medical officer at Central Maine Healthcare.We recognized that we really needed to have a coordinated effort and I would argue that it was as much the fact that we had the same policies or similar policies across all our healthcare within the state as much as it was the policies themselves, Alexander said.Central Maine Healthcare was very aggressive early on in identifying every potential patient encounter with the hospital and determining which of those could be postponed or managed by telephone and then eventually, through video.They set up screening procedures and changed the hospitals physical environment to mitigate the spread of the virus even before testing became available. We wanted to protect our essential workers from the risk of spread of COVID and to protect our patients from the same, Alexander said. As testing became available, then we added that to our risk stratification to test high risk because of the testingwe didnt have testing for everyone so we tested higher risk.Maine has consistently been doing very well and all of these indicators definitely seem incredibly encouraging, Divya Siddarth, a research fellow at Microsoft and co-author of a series of reports on states pandemic response, told the Portland Press Herald. Its not a fluke, something is working.The state has an older population with many over the age of 60 and more vulnerable to the virus. That may have played a role in the compliance as well as a very targeted education campaign from the state.That was an area that we were able to target our education on our residents because there was clearly a link between the coronavirus and an older population with other risk factors, Alexander said. We had really great adherence and Maine is not particularly population dense and that played a significant role in helping to prevent any early significant surge in cases.The state also was a bit fortuitous in that it got to watch and learn as other states, such as Washington and California, began to suffer from the virus. Being in the Northeast, we had the luxury of understanding what was occurring initially out in Washington and California and then quickly developing in New York, so geography played a major role for us.It allowed the state to being to get out the message, which it did in earnest via radio, newspaper and television as well as regular press conferences from the governor and the head of the state Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and other physician leadership. And those messages of wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance and staying away from crowds still persists from the states leadership to its residents.The physician leaders in the state have really strong backgrounds in public health so we were well-equipped to speak to the issues that come up, Alexander said. It feels like we dont function like several health systems but like one health system. Washington: US First Lady Michelle Obama has selected 16-year-old Indian-American Swetha Prabakaran to serve in the inaugural Student Advisory Board of an education campaign which seeks to provide educational opportunities for teenagers in America. Swetha, whose parents immigrated from Tamil Nadus Tirunelveli in 1998, was chosen for Better Make Room campaigns Student Advisory Board in recognition of her efforts to educate youth in the field of computer sciences. The board members will be traveling to the White House on Thursday to attend Michelles School Counselor of the Year Ceremony. Born in Indianapolis, she is among seventeen students selected by the White House to serve on Better Make Room Student Advisory Board. The inaugural Board has 12 high school students and five college students. Swetha, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, is the founder and CEO of Everybody Code Now!, a non-profit body working to empower the next generation of youth to become engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs. She is the only Indian-American in the list. Two-thirds of the Board members are, or will be, the first in their families to attain a postsecondary degree. As proven leaders, organisers, changemakers and innovators, these students will help the country achieve President (Barack) Obamas North Star goal, that our nation will once again lead the world in college completion rates, Better Make Room said in a statement. Founded by Michelle, the board will work to create a college-going, college-persisting and college-graduating culture at their schools while connecting fellow students for any information and resources they need. I am deeply honoured to be able to serve on this board. Creating a college-going and college-graduating culture among youth is something we have worked to encourage through Everybody Code Now!, and I am extremely excited to share this passion with even more students. I look forward to working with The First Ladys Reach Higher Initiative and my fellow Better Make Room Student Advisory members to encourage more students to pursue higher education, Swetha said. Also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Swetha was honoured as a 2015 White House Champion of Change. She was also named to the International Literacy Associations 2016 30 Under 30. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. More COVID Cases Tied to Weekend Gatherings Reported at UW After seven University of Wyoming students exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 tested positive for the virus Wednesday, prompting a five-day pause to UWs phased fall return plan, three have tested positive so far today (Thursday). The pause of five business days was triggered by five positive tests of symptomatic students at the UW Student Health Service clinic before the close of business Wednesday. Two additional positive student test results were reported Wednesday night by the Wyoming Department of Health. Three new positives from rapid testing at the Student Health Service have been reported so far today. That brings the total of positive tests of symptomatic individuals at UW in the past three days to 18. Additionally, two students without symptoms have tested positive as part of the universitys pre-return and random-sample bridge testing this week. And nine students with symptoms are awaiting test results. To the best of our knowledge, the vast majority of the new cases this week are related to two off-campus gatherings last weekend. That gives us some hope that well be able to manage the outbreak and emerge from the pause, says UW epidemiologist Brant Schumaker, who is directing the universitys testing program. But this will only be possible if everyone follows the pause restrictions over Labor Day weekend through Wednesday -- and then continues to follow the guidance on avoiding large gatherings, wearing face protection, practicing physical distancing and taking proper hygiene measures. In all, there were 30 active cases of COVID-19 among the UW community as of noon today: four students living on campus, 22 students living off campus and four employees living off campus. More than half of them were exhibiting symptoms at the time they were tested. In all, UW has reported 96 cases of COVID-19 among students and employees since the pandemic began, with 63 people recovered. Some 72 individuals currently are in quarantine because they had close contact with infected people three quarantined on campus and 69 off campus, including in two Greek Life houses. The universitys Dean of Students Office is conducting an inquiry into last weekends gatherings -- where COVID safety measure reportedly were not followed -- with the intent of pursuing student conduct proceedings. Students hosting or attending such gatherings will be placed on interim suspension from the university and will have their campus access temporarily restricted. Students who are placed on interim suspension may not attend classes until their student conduct cases are resolved. Additionally, all students involved who attend these gatherings will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for conduct proceedings. Possible conduct outcomes include probation, suspension and dismissal from the university. The COVID contingency plan previously approved by UWs Board of Trustees directs that five or more positive tests of symptomatic individuals among UW students and employees in Laramie in a single day would prompt a pause of five business days. By the end of that period Sept. 9, UW President Ed Seidel will determine next steps, such as returning to the phased fall return plan or shifting to a fully virtual environment. Under the pause plan, which may be found here, the university has taken steps that include: -- Instructing students in UW campus housing and others in Laramie to shelter in place. -- Delivering all courses online; no in-person classes will be conducted during the five-day period. -- Directing all employees, with the exception of those designated by supervisors as critical pause personnel, to work remotely. -- Suspending all face-to-face activities, unless approval is given through an exception process. UW students are being instructed to have contact with only members of their pods during a pause. For a student in UWs residence halls, a pod consists of all students on that students floor. For students living off campus or in UW apartments, a pod consists of those living together in the same dwelling. UW Residence Life and Dining Services is making arrangements for food service and activities for residence hall students during the pause. Students in the residence halls who have jobs or other off-campus responsibilities are being allowed to leave for those duties. No on-campus visits or hosting are allowed by students, employees or researchers during the pause. Most campus facilities are closed, with these exceptions: the Early Care and Education Center; the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory; the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic in the Health Sciences Building; and the Psychology Clinic in the Biological Sciences Building. Additionally, the Student Health Service (307-766-2130) continues to operate, including testing of students. And the Wyoming Union remains open for the universitys random-sample testing program, as UW is continuing its surveillance testing of students and employees on campus during the pause. All members of the community are still expected to complete the COVID Pass daily. UWs fall semester classes began Aug. 24 with online course delivery under the universitys phased return plan. More information about the pause is available at www.uwyo.edu/campus-return, which is being updated as information becomes available. During the pause, the university plans to provide daily email updates on the latest developments. Those with questions may also call 307-766-COVD (2683) or email COVID19@uwyo.edu. President Donald Trump speaks with Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, and Jeff Bezos, Chief Executive Officer of Amazon during an American Technology Council roundtable in the State Dinning Room at the White House in Washington on June 19, 2017. The Pentagon said Friday it will stick with Microsoft for a major cloud contract that has been disputed in court for months. The JEDI, or Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, deal has become one of the most hotly contested contracts for the Department of Defense. The contract is intended to modernize the Pentagon's colossal IT infrastructure and could be valued up to $10 billion for services rendered over as many as 10 years. "The Department has completed its comprehensive re-evaluation of the JEDI Cloud proposals and determined that Microsoft's proposal continues to represent the best value to the Government," the Pentagon said in a statement. "The JEDI Cloud contract is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract that will make a full range of cloud computing services available to the DoD. While contract performance will not begin immediately due to the Preliminary Injunction Order issued by the Court of Federal Claims on February 13, 2020, DoD is eager to begin delivering this capability to our men and women in uniform." The outcome represents a loss for Amazon, which challenge the award of the contract after the Pentagon gave it to Microsoft in October. Amazon said in a scathing blog post Friday that it will continue to seek a review of the situation and that the Pentagon's re-evaluation of the companies' proposals simply validated the original decision to go with Microsoft. "On JEDI, President Trump reportedly ordered former Secretary Mattis to 'screw' Amazon, blatantly interfered in an active procurement, directed his subordinate to conduct an unorthodox 'review' prior to a contract award announcement and then stonewalled an investigation into his own political interference," Amazon wrote. "While corrective action can be used to efficiently resolve protests, in reality, this corrective action changed nothing, wasted five months that could have been spent getting to the bottom of these serious concerns, and was designed solely to distract from our broader concerns and reaffirm a decision that was corrupted by the President's self-interest." Microsoft shares briefly moved higher during Friday's trading session following the announcement before closing down 1.4% for the day in a mostly down day for tech stocks. "We appreciate that after careful review, the DoD confirmed that we offered the right technology and the best value. We're ready to get to work and make sure that those who serve our country have access to this much needed technology," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC in an email. In November, Amazon Web Services, Amazon's cloud computing unit, filed a lawsuit in the Court of Federal Claims protesting the JEDI decision. The company argued that President Donald Trump's bias against Amazon and its CEO, Jeff Bezos, influenced the Pentagon to give the contract to Microsoft. Amid the legal battle, the Pentagon invited Amazon and Microsoft to revise and resubmit their proposals for the contract. A Justice Department representative was not immediately available for comment following the Pentagon's statement. The event was attended by Politburo members: permanent member of the Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong; Vice Chairman of National Assembly Tong Thi Phong; Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh; Secretary of Party Central Committee (PCC) cum Head of the PCCs Commission for Communications and Education Vo Van Thuong; and Secretary of the PCC cum Head of the PCCs Commission for Mass Mobilisation Truong Thi Mai. The programme was divided into three chapters featuring many art performances as well as documentary reportages and stories of historical witnesses. The first part reproduced the years in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century when Vietnam, in particular,Indochina and many other countries around the world were colonies. The people in these nations were turned into slaves. However, many resistance wars broke out, aiming to seek independence. The second chapter recalled the story of President Ho Chi Minh leaving Vietnam to seek ways to save the nation. As a result, the victory of the August Revolution helped the Democratic Republic of Vietnam affirmed the nations independence. The third one reflected Vietnamese peoples bravery and will to protect and develop the country following the Independence Day. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Thursday called on Belarus to respect the human rights of its people after footage emerged of riot police detaining students. Junior foreign minister Wendy Morton said she was shocked by BBC footage showing "a very young student being taken away by riot police". "The Belarusian authorities must immediately end this violence and uphold the human rights of their people," she said. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Alistair Smout) The overhaul of WarnerMedia continues, with Jay Levine earning a promotion to a top strategy role and digital chief Tomas Gewecke heading to the exit. The moves come as the companys Studios and Networks Group, a key element of CEO Jason Kilars restructuring plan, takes shape. Levines new position, Chief Strategy Officer and EVP Business Operations, is a new one for the organization. The 11-year studio veteran had been Warner Bros EVP Television Business Strategy and Digital Services. He will continue to report to Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of Warner Bros, whose role was significantly expanded last month by Kilar. In his new role, Levine will work with Sarnoff to develop, modify and execute the operational structure and long-term plans as part of the broader restructuring of AT&T-owned WarnerMedia. He will keep his current responsibilities, which include strategic and operational responsibilities of the WB Television Group and management of the companys interest in the CW Network; both Levine and Sarnoff serve on the CW board. He will also now oversee the Corporate Business Development and Strategy Group and the Worldwide Studio Operations Group. Gewecke, who joined the company as president of digital distribution in 2008, will step down at the end of September as Warner Bros Chief Digital Officer and EVP Strategy and Business Development. He had served in his current role since 2013, supporting the studios worldwide digital growth, managing global business strategy including M&A and investment activities, and overseeing technology efforts. Jay is insightful and future-focused, and I look forward to continue working with him to successfully deliver on the ambitious strategic and operational goals weve set for the Studios and Networks Group, Sarnoff said. She thanked Gewecke for his many contributions to the company and his personal support and partnership over the past year. She added, We will miss his collegiality, his positive spirit and his passionate support for new product and business ideas. Story continues Kilar, a former Amazon executive and the founding CEO of Hulu, has brought a strong digital focus to WarnerMedia and has said that building out HBO Max, the companys three-month-old streaming service, is a key priority. He has already made changes to the org chart in several areas to reflect the new shift, upping Sarnoff and Casey Bloys and letting go of former HBO Max stewards Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly. Warner Bros is an extraordinary place, with an unmatched legacy of iconic storytelling, and my time here has been the highlight of my career, Gewecke said. Im so thankful to the amazing teams Ive had the privilege to work with who have made these past 12 years so rewarding and memorable. Im looking forward to spending more time with my family here in Portland, Oregon, and exploring some new vistas. More from Deadline Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Mumbai, Sep 4 : Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has criticised Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh for stating that she has no right to stay in Mumbai, and compared Mumbai to Taliban. "He is taking his own calls on my democratic rights, from POK to Taliban in one day," Kangana wrote on her verified Twitter account. She also shared a link which reported Deshmukh as saying that Kangana has no right to stay in Mumbai and Maharashtra, and that strict action can be taken against the actress. "I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le (stop me if you can)," tweeted the actress. This comes a day after the actress alleged on Twitter that Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has asked her not to come back to Mumbai. "Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?," the actress had tweeted on Thursday. Kangana is currently in her hometown Manali, where she has spent the lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic with her family. By PTI MUMBAI: Hitting out at actor Kangana Ranaut for comparing Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday urged the Maharashtra government to take against people defaming the city police. He also asked Ranaut to tour the PoK first to see the situation prevailing there. In a tweet, Ranaut had recently asked, "Why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir?". She had tagged a news report by the New Indian Express where Sanjay Raut had purportedly said that she should not come back to Mumbai if she was afraid of the city police. Talking to reporters, Raut on Friday said that Mumbai police had protected the city from all obstacles by sacrificing their lives. "Mumbai is a part of Maharashtra because of the sacrifice of 106 martyrs. If people who have nothing to do with the city malign it and its police, the state government and the home minister, who is in charge of the police force, should take action, or else the morale of the police will take a beating," Raut said. He claimed that there was a conspiracy behind maligning the image of Mumbai police. "I will not take names. But I don't give hollow threats. I believe in action as I am a Shiv sainik. The state health department and the home department should deal with mental cases which are on the rise. Take action as per law. The political parties that are supporting those attacking Maharashtra's 'asmita' (identity) by calling it Pakistan, they have no right to seek votes in the state and Mumbai," Raut said. "Such political parties who got votes in Mumbai should clarify if people of PoK havevoted for them. They should be ashamed of supporting those elements who defame the Mumbai police...Such people have no right to stay here," he said. ALSO READ| She should go to police with proof rather than tweeting: Raut on 'threatening' Kangana "This is an insult of the real Rani of Jhansi, who was a brave daughter of Maharashthra," he said, adding that nationalism has been taken to a new low. "Can't I react to the comments criticising Mumbai police and the state of Maharashtra? What is PoK? Kangana should tour that place first and the situation prevailing there," he said. In a tweet, Ranaut, who is currently in Manali, said she has decided to travel to Mumbai on September 9. Meanwhile, BJP leader Ashish Shelar distanced the party from Ranaut's comments. "Kangana should not try to teach Mumbai, Mumbaikars and Maharashtra. Sanjay Raut should not attack us through Kangana Ranaut. BJP has nothing to do with Kangana. Don't link us to her statements," he said. SUV Despite its humble proportions and modest power output figures, Suzuki s Jimny earned a reputation as one competent off-road machine over the years. Although it may not be a household name in the United States, almost three million units have been sold worldwide since its launch in April 1970. While Suzukis Sidekick and Samurai may have been surprisingly successful on Uncle Sams soil, the manufacturer retired from the U.S. market in 2012.As of the 2020 model in Jimnys range, it features a boxy design that makes it look a lot meaner than it actually is. Length and width wise, this little devils dimensions are similar to a Fiat 500s, but its height is close to that of a Ford Edge. Nonetheless, it prides itself with an incredibly spacious cabin thatll have its occupants wonder how this compactcan possibly be so roomy. As long as youre not expecting any luxury, itll certainly do the trick!Suzukis pocket beast is brought to life by a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter inline-four engine. At 6,000 revs, this powerplant is capable of generating up to 100 bhp, along with 96 pound-feet (130 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission is tasked with channeling this force to an Allgrip Pro all-wheel-drive system, but a four-speed automatic gearbox is optional.All things considered, you can probably guess that the tiny Jimny doesnt exactly deliver what you would call supercar-rivaling performance. It will take its time accelerating 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in approximately twelve seconds, to eventually reach a sluggish top speed of 90 mph (145 kph) when equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox.However, an 88.6-inch (225 cm) wheelbase allows it to tackle treacherous terrain with ease, joined by a two-speed low-range transfer case and recirculating-ball steering, as well as front and rear live axles. Additionally, the cars off-road ability is further enhanced by 15-inch all-season tires that hug its alloy wheels.One things for sure, Suzukis miniature SUV is a highly customizable platform, and a Japanese firm had a fair bit of fun transforming it into imitations of larger 4x4 beasts, such as the Ford Bronco or Mercedes G-Class. The company in question is none other than Damd, a renowned manufacturer of aftermarket components for Japans top automotive brands, including Mazda Subaru and Toyota Among Damds spectacular tuning modules, well come across one of their Jimny-based projects, nicknamed Little D. It consists of a comprehensive body kit that honors Land Rover s almighty first-generation Defender, and Ill have to admit; I dig it.Firstly, you will notice a retro-style grille and a new hood, accompanied by tweaked wheel arches and mud flaps that bring about that vintage aesthetic. The badging was designed to resemble the authentic Land Rover logo, but spell out Little D instead.The front and rear bumpers have been removed, making room for a stunning set of Defender-inspired custom counterparts. In terms of chassis upgrades, this bad boy crawls on 16-inch APIO Wildboar SR wheels. Alternatively, Damds customers may opt for Dean Cross Country wheels.On the other hand, if you were expecting any performance adjustments, Im afraid Ill have to disappoint you; this package only takes care of the visual side of things. For those who might prefer to avoid a full-blown conversion, each and every component can also be purchased individually.Personally, I find it adorable how Suzukis bite-sized Jimny aspires to be more aggressive with these visual enhancements. Dont get me wrong, it manages to look pretty damn vicious, but remains the cute little SUV we all know under its new bodywork. The Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan government appears to have taken a cue from the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradeshs dispensation and wants to give priority to local youths in public sector jobs. The government would bring a proposal to this effect before the state cabinet soon, said a minister. Also read: Assured of safe stay by Priyanka Gandhi, Kafeel Khan arrives in Rajasthan Unlike MP, which has announced reservation for local youths in government jobs, Rajasthan is still exploring the legal options. An amendment to the law will be brought before the cabinet soon. Chief Minister Gehlot has given directions regarding this to the officials, said the minister, who is familiar with the development, requesting anonymity. The CM has asked the departments of personnel, administrative reforms and law to examine and explore the possibilities of reserving government jobs for the states youths in a bid to give the latter maximum employment opportunities. The minister said Gehlot issued directions in this regard during a recent education department review meeting. He hoped the new model is likely to be introduced during the upcoming Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET). The desert state plans to hire 31,000 grade-III teachers. In mid-August, MP CM Chouhan had announced that government jobs in the state would be reserved for local youths and necessary legal provisions would be made for their safeguard. In July 2019, the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government had passed a law making it mandatory for the private sector to hire 75% of local youths. Similarly, the Maharashtra and Haryana governments had also proposed to reserve up to 70% of private sector jobs for local youths. The Rajasthan government had started an exercise last year to introduce a law to reserve 75% of private sector jobs for local youths. The state government had also sought feedback from the Rajasthan Skill and Livelihood Development Corporation (RSLDC); the labour and industry department, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry (FORTI), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) etc on its proposal. Shiv Kumar Sharma, a former judge of the Rajasthan high court (HC), said reservation in jobs on the basis of region is unconstitutional. No reservation can be based on region. Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution states that reservation cannot be based on caste, sect and region. If some states dont give jobs to candidates from other states, the move can be challenged in a court of law, he said. He suggested that if the state wants to encourage locals, then it is at liberty to adopt other measures such as holding examinations or conducting interviews related to Rajasthan, but reserving jobs for local youths is unconstitutional. Sharma cited Article 15 of the Constitution that prohibits discrimination on the ground of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (region). While Article 16 prescribes for equal opportunity for all citizens in the matter of public employment. Political analyst Narayan Bareth said many states have started reserving jobs for local youths in the past five-odd years. When political parties do not have a development model they take refuge in the name of caste, region etc. Many states are reserving jobs for local youths as part of their political agenda, he said. Mukesh Pareek, a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) state unit, said the Gehlot government should come up with viable alternatives for the states unemployed youths. If other states are giving priority to local youths, then Rajasthan should also follow suit, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A man on a bike rides past a city truck on fire outside the Kenosha County Courthouse during riots following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., on Aug. 23, 2020. (Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY via Reuters) Jacob Blake, Kenosha Man Shot by Police, Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old man who was shot by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, reignited nationwide protests, pleaded not guilty on Friday to criminal charges filed prior to the shooting. A complaint accuses Blake of criminal trespass, third-degree sexual assault, and disorderly conduct based on statements by his ex-girlfriend at the time, the mother of three of his children, who told police Blake broke into her home on May 3 and sexually assaulted her before stealing her truck and debit card. Blake entered the plea through his lawyer during a live-streamed court hearing, his first public appearance since he was shot in the back by a white Kenosha police officer on Aug. 23. Blake, who was left paralyzed from the waist down by the shooting, was propped up in his hospital bed, dressed in a blue shirt and yellow tie, with his lawyer, Patrick Cafferty, sitting in a chair to his side. Cafferty noted that Blake had been working as a painter and that he had no prior criminal record or convictions in any state. Blake raised his hand to greet Loren Keating, a Kenosha County judicial court commissioner, when addressed, saying Yes sir, when asked if he could hear clearly and whether he understood the terms of his $10,000 signature bond. The state recognizes that these are serious charges but also that the defendant has serious injuries and hes recovering at the hospital, said Zeke Wiedenfeld, a prosecutor. The court set trial to begin on Nov. 9 with jury selection. The complaint does not identify the ex-girlfriend by name. By Nathan Layne and Jonathan Allen TAIPEI, Taiwan The mayors of Prague and Taipei announced new areas of cooperation for the two sister cities, including orchestra tours, on Friday as a Czech delegation concluded a weeklong visit to Taiwan that was bitterly criticized by China. By Arjuna Ranawana and Waruna Karunatilake COLOMBO (Reuters) - There is no real risk of a spill from a fully loaded supertanker that caught fire off the east coast of Sri Lanka, a senior official in the Indian Ocean nation's navy said on Friday. The fire that broke out in the engine room of the New Diamond on Thursday morning had spread to the bridge of the ship, carrying about 2 million barrels of oil, though it has not reached the cargo area, the Sri Lankan navy said. Director-General of Operations Rear-Admiral Y N Jayarathna told reporters it was the navy's view that ... By Express News Service KOCHI: The Customs probing the Kerala gold smuggling scandal on Friday approached the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Kochi to get the digital evidence collected from Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair, the key accused in the case. The Customs has also approached the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Economic Offence) to interrogate five accused persons, who were arrested in the case, at the jail. After Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair were arrested by the NIA from Bengaluru on July 11, the agency had seized around six digital devices including their mobile phones and laptops. The contents of these digital devices were retrieved by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) in Thiruvananthapuram. The Customs will seek a copy of the retrieved content from C-DAC, officials said. "The digital evidence mainly includes the content in mobile phones and laptops recovered from them," an officer explained. The Customs in its petition filed at the NIA Court said some of the digital evidence collected by the NIA from accused Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair is vital for its probe. The court after hearing the Customs sought the NIA's opinion on the matter. The NIA will file a report in this regard next week. The agency is probing the terror angle in the gold smuggling case. Meanwhile, the Customs also has approached the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Economic Offence) to interrogate the accused persons -- K T Rameez, Mohammad Shafi, Hamjad Ali, Said Alavi, Abdu PT and Hamzath Abdusalaam at the jail. These accused persons are currently lodged at the District Jail in Kakkanad after the court remanded them to judicial custody. "Further interrogation is required to acquire clarity as to the modus operandi and details of the accomplices behind this smuggling activity without further delay," the Customs said in the report. DALLAS, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Securus Technologies today released its weekly update detailing the total number of free calls, video connections, and JPay stamps it has provided since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The offerings are part of an emergency program Securus deployed with its correctional partners on March 13, when the pandemic was declared a national emergency. It was developed to help incarcerated individuals stay connected with loved ones during this challenging time. To date, those free offerings total: 24.8 million free call credits for incarcerated individuals and their families, resulting in 191 million free minutes of phone connections; 5.1 million free video connections to friends and families of incarcerated individuals; 12.1 million free JPay Stamps for electronic messaging; Total accommodations for 398 agencies and 739 sites across the United States . In addition to this ongoing assistance, Securus is offering compassion credits designed to accommodate incarcerated individuals who fall ill with COVID-19. Those credits, which are uploaded onto prepaid cards and distributed by correctional facilities, allow additional free access to Securus phone calls and video connections throughout an individual's medical care. The company is also making free calls available to public defenders at many locations. For those facilities enabled with Securus tablet technology, the company has introduced select free movie and game titles during the COVID-19 pandemic, which have been downloaded almost 2 million times. This expanded assistance is in addition to the no-cost resources, including educational offerings, free eBooks, podcasts and other self-help tools that are always available free of charge. "As we approach the six-month mark of the pandemic, Americans across the country continue to depend on technology to make connections with their loved ones," said Dave Abel, president and CEO of Aventiv Technologies, parent company of Securus Technologies. "Aventiv continues to offer free and reduced rates for our communications services, and we are proud to do our part for incarcerated Americans during this challenging time." The program is a continuation of an ongoing transformation effort by Securus Technologies to improve access to its services and provide greater support for those impacted by incarceration. The company continues to work with its partners to garner feedback about the situation on the ground. All support from Securus will be in accordance with the latest public health guidelines to ensure that the support is tailored and responsive to the unique needs of the incarcerated community. ABOUT SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Aventiv Technologies serves more than 3,450 public safety, law enforcement and corrections agencies and over 1,100,000 incarcerated individuals across North America, Aventiv is committed to serve and connect by providing emergency response, incident management, public information, investigation, biometric analysis, communication, information management, incarcerated self-service, and monitoring products and services in order to make our world a safer place to live. For more information, please visit www.Aventiv.com. Aventiv is a portfolio company of Platinum Equity. Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with a portfolio of approximately 40 operating companies that serve customers around the world. SOURCE Securus Technologies Related Links https://www.aventiv.com/ live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More During his three-decade-long career in India and abroad, Rajiv Lall wore many hats that of an economist and policy expert, an infrastructure financing specialist, and later, that of a commercial banker. After five years IDFC First Bank got banking licence, Lall has decided to quit, citing personal reasons and assuring that the bank has a succession plan in place. But, the former founder managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank is quitting at a time when the banking sector is going through a crisis. IDFC First, like other banks in the industry, has its share of challenges due to the onset of COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent steep slowdown in the economy. The bank has a sizeable chunk of corporate loan book under moratorium, the fate of which is not yet certain. To be precise, IDFC First has about one-third of its loan book under moratorium. Out of this, in retail financing segment, including rural portfolio, 23 per cent loans are under moratorium. In the wholesale financing portfolio, loans under moratorium account for 35 per cent. A high portion of corporate loans being under moratorium could backfire if the economic revival takes too long. In the FY20 annual report of the bank, Lall said the bank has started FY21 with a position of strength. In the year gone by, FY20, the bank weathered several challenges, some quite unprecedented. Despite this, its performance has been extraordinary, Lall said, adding, we are building a bank that we expect will stand the test of time. I am confident the banks inherent strengths and principles will enable us to endure and thrive. However, one needs to wait and watch if Lalls optimism comes true for the bank. The key challenge will be the performance of the loan portfolio under moratorium. It is a difficult estimate to make. "So far around 35 per cent of our loan book has opted for the moratorium. We expect that number to go up with the extension as more customers are likely to come and ask for a moratorium," the banks CEO V Vaidyanathan said in May, 2020. Analysts have a consensus that industry may see about 5-6 per cent of loans going under restructuring which will subsequently increase the provisioning burden on banks. A bank has to set aside at least 10 per cent on the restructured loans. Provisions impact the profitability of banks. The last five years of IDFC First Bank were challenging. It is yet to make the complete transition unlike Bandhan Bank, which has continued with its core focus, said a senior banker who wished not to be named. Prior to joining IDFC First, Lall served as a partner with Warburg Pincus in New York, head of Asian Economic Research with Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, a senior staff member of the World Bank in Washington, and that of the Asian Development Bank in Manila. Lall served on numerous committees of the Indian government and the Reserve Bank of India, including the Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms, the High-Powered Expert Committee for Urban Infrastructure, the High-Level Committee on Financing Infrastructure and the Expert Committee on Modernisation of Indian Railways. IDFC First bank, under the leadership of former ICICI Bank executive Vaidynathan, has a relatively young leadership. Lall, in his parting letter to the bank, said the bank has a well thought out succession plan post his exit. The details of this are not known yet. Lalls exit, five years after IDFC First Bank got its banking permit along with Bandhan Bank, marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the new generation lender. The King and Queen of Spain today put on a sombre display as they attended the funeral of finance CEO Jaime Carvajal Hoyos in Madrid. The CEO of Arcano bank died from a sudden heart attack, aged 56, Spanish media has reported, leaving behind his wife Xandra and three daughters, His father Jaime Carvajal Urquijo was a school friend of King Felipe's father, King Juan Carlos, who moved to the UAE last month a bid in to prevent his personal affairs from undermining his son King Felipe VI's reign. While Juan Carlos is not under formal investigation, officials in Spain and Switzerland are looking into revelations about his financial affairs made by a former mistress, German businesswoman Corinna Larsen. The death of Jaime is the second tragedy to hit his family in recent months, after his wife's father died from Covid-19 in March. Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain put on a sombre display as they attended the funeral of finance CEO Jaime Carvajal Hoyos in Madrid The CEO of Arcano bank died from a sudden heart attack, aged 56, Spanish media has reported, leaving behind his wife Xandra and three daughters. Pictured, Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe VI of Spain attend the funeral Jaime Carvajal Hoyos, studied physics at university and began his banking career in the US after graduating from Princeton, working in mergers and acquisitions at Lehman Brothers, before joining the World Bank in 1997. A year later he married Spanish aristocrat Xandra Falco, the Marchioness of Mirabel, in a ceremony attended by the then Crown Prince Felipe of Spain and his sister. Queen Letizia looked elegant for the occasion in a simple black shirt, teamed with tailored trousers, and she and her husband both wore face masks as they arrived at the funeral service. The couple have continued to put on a united front amid the ongoing scandal surrounding former King Juan Carlos. Queen Letizia of Spain (R) and King Felipe VI of Spain (L) attend Jaime Carvajal funeral chapel at La Paz morgue on September 4, 2020 in Madrid The royal couple (pictured) could be seen walking arm in arm as they arrived at La Paz morgue Queen Letizia looked elegant for the occasion in a simple black shirt, teamed with tailored trousers. Pictured, with King Felipe The royal couple both donned face masks as they arrived at the funeral service in Madrid (pictured) The death of Jaime is the second tragedy to hit his family in recent months, after his wife's father died from Covid-19 in March. Pictured, Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe VI of Spain attend Jaime Carvajal funeral chapel at La Paz morgue Queen Letizia cut a sombre figure in an all-black outfit, which she paired with matching stilettos, as she attended the funeral service In August, they visited Ibiza and paid a visit to the Monographic Museum and Necropolis of 'Puig des Molins', said to be the home of the goddess Tanit and the best preserved necropolis in the Mediterranean. Their trip coincided with the Spanish royal palace confirming the 82-year-old ex-king is residing in the United Arab Emirates, having left his homeland earlier this month after it emerged his finances are under investigation in a major corruption probe. Juan Carlos is believed to be staying with his 'most faithful friend for the past 40 years', 70-year-old Mallorcan interior designer Marta Gaya, in a 10,000-a-night presidential suite at the Emirates Palace Hotel. In a surprise move, Juan Carlos announced on August 3 that he was leaving Spain to prevent his personal affairs from undermining his son King Felipe VI's reign, but did not say where he would be going. King Juan Carlos has denied any wrongdoing and claims he is available should prosecutors need to interview him. The couple (pictured) have continued to put on a united front amid the ongoing scandal surrounding former King Juan Carlos Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe could be seen wearing face masks as they arrived at the service Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe VI of Spain could be seen getting back into a car following the service /* custom css */ .tdi_75_918.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_75_918 .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_75_918.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_75_918.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_75_918.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } Advertisement The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has obtained a prepayment funding of circa US$1b to support the upstream operations of its subsidiary, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). The crude oil prepayment has enabled NNPC to pay NPDCs Tax obligations to the Federal Government of Nigeria, of circa US$700M with the balance utilised to fund NPDCs capital and operating expenditures. The prepayment financing is backed by future oil production of NPDC, and utilises a well-established structure to enable the purchaser of the crude, Eagle Export Funding Limited, to raise financing in the domestic and international markets, to fund an upfront payment to NNPC under a Forward Sale Agreement (FSA). /* custom css */ .tdi_74_88a.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_74_88a .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_74_88a.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_74_88a.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_74_88a.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } The financing which funded the prepayment has been structured over two tranches: a 5 year USD amortizing tranche (Tranche 1) and a 7 year NGN amortizing tranche (Tranche 2). Both tranches benefit from a cash sweep with the 7-year tranche having a 1-year non-call period. These tranches shall be repaid by Eagle Export Funding Limited from the export sale proceeds of the NPDC crude, which in turn are backed by Letters of Credit, issued by banks with a minimum credit rating, in line with market precedent. The export price for the crude is the relevant NNPC Official Selling Price (OSP) for the corresponding calendar month and crude grade. Vitol and Matrix Energy have executed the standard NNPC Crude Oil Sale & Purchase Agreement. The participants in the Eagle Export Funding Limited deal include Standard Chartered Bank, United Bank for Africa, Afrexim Bank, Union Bank and two oil trading companies, Vitol and Matrix Energy. Despite the constrained liquidity situation in the financing markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the pricing and terms obtained for the USD and NGN funding tranches were very competitive and better than precedent transactions. The UK is the third-worst country in the world for healthcare worker deaths related to Covid-19, figures from Amnesty international suggest. The human rights organisation reported some 7,000 workers in the sector worldwide have died over the course of the pandemic, which has claimed the lives of more than 860,000 people. And despite having a significantly smaller population the UK has reported more deaths among its health workforce than Brazil, with the US and Mexico the only nations to have experienced a higher total. Some 649 UK healthcare workers were reported to have died from Covid-19 so far according to the Amnesty International figures up on Brazils 634. Meanwhile some 1,077 people in the sector were found to have died from the disease caused by the Sars-Cov-2 virus in the US, while 1,320 such fatalities were confirmed in Mexico. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Carissa Etienne, director of the PanAmerican Health Organization, said on Wednesday that the Americas has the highest number of health care workers infected in the world. In the US and Mexico which have some of the highest case counts in the world health workers represent one in every seven cases, Ms Etienne said. She added: Countries must ensure that health workers can do their jobs safely. In Mexico healthcare professionals have held protests and rallies over the lack of readily available personal protective equipment (PPE), while critics have raised concerns over the lack of testing being conducted despite a high rate of apparent infection. According to figures released last week, 97,632 nurses, doctors and other hospital employees in Mexico have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began about 17 per cent of all the countrys cases at that point. Steve Cockburn, Amnesty Internationals head of economic and social justice, called the worldwide death toll of over 7,000 health workers a crisis on a staggering scale. Every health worker has the right to be safe at work, and it is a scandal that so many are paying the ultimate price, he said. Mr Cockburn urged an international cooperative effort to ensure that every health care worker has adequate protective equipment. Additional reporting by AP Lets get down to business. After months of anticipation, the time has finally come to see Disneys latest epic, Mulan. The film will be coming to home screens on Premium Access via Disney+on September 4 and it looks like were all in for a real treat. With its incredible locations, spectacular sets, thrilling action, compelling characters and gripping storyline, Mulan has got all the makings of a true classic. Heres everything you need to know about the film. What is the live-action Mulan story? At its core, Mulan will stay true to the legendary tale that we all know and love. A fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honoured warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. Its a familiar tale that will grip audiences right from the start and undoubtedly leave them wanting more. Is there a trailer for Mulan? There is indeed and its whopper. You can watch the trailer below Where can I watch it? The movie will be available on Disney+ from September 4. As we all know, Disney+ is the streaming home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic so it makes sense that one of the biggest releases this year will be shared on the platform. Subscribers can watch Mulan with Premier Access (21.99) on the Disney+ website and select platforms. Once you have premier access to Mulan, you can watch the film as many times as you want on any platform where Disney+ is available. And lets face it, this is a movie youre going to want to see more than once. Who directed the film? Critically-acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker Niki Caro directed Mulan. Caro first gained prominence for her work on Whale Rider in 2002, which was a story about a young Maori girl who aspires to be the chief of her tribe. It was her expertise and cultural sensitivity that ultimately made Caro the perfect fit for telling a story that is based so deeply in Chinese tradition. How does the film celebrate Chinese culture? The film is inspired by the Chinese Ballad of Mulan, a centuries old legend that is still popular in China today. As a result, the film is a celebration of the richness of Chinese culture and the power of female strength. Retelling this story with a modern sensibility didnt mean abandoning its origins. However, the director was insistent that the film respect the culture from which it springs. Its tremendously important to me in this film, and indeed in all the movies Ive made, to be thoughtful and respectful of the culture, and to be collaborative, Caro explains. Every department of this movie did research into Chinese culture, painting, history and accounts of war. Who plays the lead? Caro was very particular about who would play the movies lead. After thousands of auditions, 33-year-old Liu Yifei a renowned Chinese-American actress, known in China as Fairy Sister was chosen to play the heroine. The casting call asked for someone with credible martial arts skill and English language skills so Liu Yifei fits the bill perfectly. What about the other cast members? Mulan features a celebrated international cast. Veteran Chinese actor Donnie Yen (Star Wars: Rogue One, Ip Man) plays Mulans mentor, Commander Tung while Jet Li (Fearless, The One) takes on the role of The Emperor. Gong Li (Memoirs of a Geisha, Miami Vice) plays the role of Xianniang, a close ally of the films villain, Bori Khan played by Jason Scott Lee (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Lilo and Stitch) Heres a quick rundown of the other main characters and who plays them. Utkarsh Ambudkar - con artist Skath Marco Polos Ron Yuan - second in command Chum Ehelepola - Ramtish, another con-artist Actor Yoson An soldier and Mulans love interest Xana Tang - Mulans sister Li Gong - Xian Lang Rosalind Chao - Hua Lia Utkarsh Ambudkar - Skatch Tzi Ma - Hua Zhou Jimmy Wong - Ling Yoson An - Chen Honghui Doua Moua - Po Roger Yuan - Duba Tegin Chen Tang - Yao Where was the film shot? Some 20 locations in China were used, including Hubei province in central China, the so-called Singing Sand Dunes in the Mingsha Shan Desert and Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, as well as studios in Zhejiang province in eastern China. Parts of the film were also shot in New Zealand. With so many great locations, were excited to see the array of different landscapes within the film. What can we expect from the fight scenes? At its heart, Mulan is a tale of war. So, were pretty excited to see the epic battle scenes. The filmmakers brought in specialised stunt teams from China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, New Zealand and Australia to make sure that they were world class. Were told fight scenes typically involved several lead actors, and an army of 100 extras. The complicated sword work in the film was a type of Wushu style, which is said to be very difficult to master. Mulan is exclusively available to Disney+ subscribers with Premier Access. Additional fee required. To find out more visit the Disney+ website. Sponsored by The first Victorian child with a rare inflammatory illness linked to coronavirus has been admitted to a Melbourne hospital. A nine-year-old Victorian boy is in intensive care at Monash Hospital with the severe immune response syndrome PIMS-TS. A child gets tested for COVID-19 in Torrejon de Ardoz, Spain. Credit:AP PIMS-TS is an extremely rare illness that involves swelling of blood vessels in the body. It can trigger a temperature, rash or swollen glands in the neck. In April this year a cluster of cases among children in Britain prompted an urgent alert to doctors across the world. At least three children globally have died after developing the disease. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 13:23:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DHAKA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Huawei, the world's leading ICT solutions provider will offer an online training program to 10 outstanding ICT talents from five renowned universities of Bangladesh. The 10 champion students were announced earlier this week in a virtual gala event for "Seeds for the Future 2020." Huawei has been organizing the Seeds for the Future program in Bangladesh for the past five years. In the previous versions, the chosen students would take two-week study trips to China. But due to COVID-19 pandemic this year, the training has been shifted to an online training program. The five-day online program consists of compulsory courses, live-streamed sessions with Huawei experts and guest speakers, elective courses, and self-learning about Chinese culture. During the gala event, Bangladeshi Deputy Minister of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said ICT will empower the youth and lead them to make a good contribution to society. "This is much appreciable when the localized global ICT leader Huawei is taking the responsibility of grooming ICT talents of Bangladesh," said the deputy minister. Beatrice Kaldun, UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, said, "Huawei, through the Seeds for the Future Program, is supporting talented Bangladeshi youth to acquire the skills and cutting-edge knowledge in areas of ICT that will enable them to thrive in their professional careers and make a contribution to the sustainable development of Bangladesh." Chen Mingjie, vice president of Huawei Asia Pacific Region, said, "We have a huge amazing resource and that is the large portion of youth and talents in Bangladesh." Huawei believes youth is the main engine of development as well as digital advancement, he said. "We value them and praise their competency. And we feel our responsibility to guide them so that they can select the right path, realize their value and contribute to the developments of society," he said. A total of 500 students took part in the selection phases, and from there, 10 champions were selected based on their CGPA (Cumulative Grade Points Average), spot examination and their presentation on new technology and innovative companies. Enditem According to the first research study addressing evolutionary rates of larval and adult life stages at a large scale, the two life stages do not evolve completely independently of each other, as was previously thought. If you have any children in your life, imagine for a moment that they don't look anything like their parents, they don't eat anything humans normally eat, and they're active only while adults sleep. While that might sound like an idea from a work of surreal fiction, it's actually the norm rather than the exception in the animal kingdom. Most animals go through what biologists call a complex life cycle, starting as larvae that often have little, if anything, in common with their parents. To become adults, they have to go through a process known as metamorphosis, which is one of nature's most remarkable feats. During this process, the larval bodies of many animal species undergo dramatic changes that turn them into adults that have little, if any resemblance with their juvenile stage. Butterflies may be the most familiar example of this. Yet, despite complex lifecycles being widespread, surprisingly little is known about how they evolve, specifically the extent to which evolution in one life stage impacts the others. To better understand the evolutionary consequences of a complex life cycle across a large group of related species, University of Arizona biologists studied another familiar example: frogs and their tadpoles. Tung Phung, Joao C. S. Nascimento and John J. Wiens of the UArizona Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology took a closer look at the evolution of body size across 542 frog species belonging to 42 families, most of which have a tadpole stage. The study, which was co-authored by Alexander Novarro of The Nature Conservancy, is published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. "We wanted to know, do large frogs have large tadpoles and small frogs small tadpoles, or are the sizes between the two decoupled?'" Wiens said, alluding to a prevailing hypothesis in evolutionary biology that states that larvae and adults should evolve rather independently, especially in species in which the two life stages have very different lifestyles. If larval and adult stages evolve completely independently of each other, there should be little correlation between larval size and adult size among species. In other words, big frogs could have little tadpoles, and big tadpoles could become small frogs, with no relationship between the size of frogs and tadpoles. The team scoured the scientific literature for data on the sizes of tadpoles and adult frogs for each species, assembled an evolutionary tree among the species, and applied statistical analytical tools. The team discovered that while there is a striking amount of variability among frog families, the association is not completely random. Across frogs as a group, larval and adult body sizes are significantly and positively related. "It's not just 'anything goes,'" Wiens said. "We included almost every family of frogs that has a tadpole stage, and we did find there is constraint. In some cases, it's really strong; adult size strongly predicts larval size in many of the families we looked at." In other families included in the study, the researchers found the relationship to be much more variable. For example, in the spadefoot toad (Scaphiopodidae) family, species with large adults have small tadpoles and species with small adults have large tadpoles. There was also variation in the relative size of adults and tadpoles among families. For example, the paradox frog, Pseudis paradoxa, is a species with normal-sized adults that develop from giant tadpoles that are three to four times bigger than the adult. On the other end of the spectrum are some giant South American toads, whose tadpoles are about a tenth the size of the adult. "Overall, the size of tadpoles relative to adults changes widely across frogs, but why, we don't know," Wiens said. The authors also compared the rates of evolution in body sizes between tadpoles and adults. These were found to be clearly decoupled. For example, in glass frogs, the tadpole stage runs a broad gamut of sizes, indicating it has been evolving very quickly, while the adults vary much less in size. Other groups, such as the true toads, have fast evolutionary rates in both stages, while yet others, such as the African bullfrogs, show the opposite pattern, with adults evolving fast and tadpoles changing slowly. Once tadpoles, which are confined to water, morph into frogs that spend most of their time hopping around on land, their bodies undergo an extreme makeover: The tissues that make up their powerful tail, used to propel them underwater, are recycled into other tissues; appendages begin sprouting beginning with the legs, then the arms, and they lose their feeding apparatus. This feeding system usually consists of a big beak, bordered by five or more rows of tiny teeth, which themselves are surrounded by a ring of short, fleshy tentacles. Inside, a filter system uses streams of slime to extract food from the water. Some tadpoles seem to use the teeth and beak to scrape algae off of rocks. Others suck up decaying organic matter from the bottoms of their freshwater habitats. But some tadpoles are carnivorous and may even be cannibalistic. "Their feeding mechanism is so weird that people still don't know exactly how it works or even what most tadpoles eat," Wiens said. "In adult frogs, the mouthparts are completely different, so they have to take this whole system down and rebuild during metamorphosis." While the huge variability in tadpole size relative to adults makes frogs especially interesting to Wiens and his research team, he said another reason for choosing frogs for this study was their status as endangered animals that are highly beneficial to the natural environment. Of the more than 7,200 frog species that have been described, most live in the tropics, and many have been disappearing at an alarming rate, Wiens said. This is worrisome as they play critical roles in ecosystems across the globe - for example, acting as a natural pest control. "Many of them eat insects that destroy crops, so they are really useful that way," he said. While the current study is limited to amphibians, it does open up questions for other groups of animals, said the paper's first author, Tung Phung, a first-year doctoral student in Wiens' lab who did most of the work while still an undergraduate. "Our study is the first to address evolutionary rates of larval and adult life stages at a large scale," he said. ### From aerospace manufacturers and travel agents to concession shops and other services at all 17 of Canadas international airports, mandated pandemic shutdowns and a lack of direct federal support for the aviation industry is being called a domino effect theyre not sure they will survive. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. From aerospace manufacturers and travel agents to concession shops and other services at all 17 of Canadas international airports, mandated pandemic shutdowns and a lack of direct federal support for the aviation industry is being called a "domino effect" theyre not sure they will survive. Economic experts suggest even if a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed sometime next year, itll likely be until 2025 for airports and other aviation services to go back to normal. Industry executives believe thats why its high time for monetary aid from Ottawa. "Our recovery really depends on if the federal government actually listens to us," says Barry Rempel, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Airports Authority. "While provincially, Manitobas government has helped our airports as much as they can, we keep asking for urgent federal support that we havent seen a single cent towards." "For other provinces, their concerns are even bigger," he said, "because their restrictions are much more stringent." "Our entire industry is in dire need for help and no one has listened yet." Barry Rempel, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Airport Authority. In late May, then-finance minister Bill Morneau announced a "strong immediate and effective" action for the aviation industry by waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government. While that support waived fees for rent, Rempel says the lack of direct financial aid for the aviation industry to date has caused airports to "cut through (their) pockets and eat out cash reserves." "We contribute taxes and hire thousands of workers, with about 18,500 in our airport staff alone," he said, pointing to the $201 million in federal taxes paid last year by Winnipeg airport. "And so even if we bring back our air traffic by 2025, the industry still cant produce the economic output we used to if the whole countrys airports max out their reserves." Currently at a staggering 14 per cent activity, Winnipegs international airport, however, is still a far cry from the average five per cent activity being reported at other airports like in Toronto, Vancouver and St. Johns. Still, that inactivity across Canada has caused all other airport services to cease including shuttered travel agencies, permanently closed concession shops and aerospace manufacturers that have been asked to stop producing aviation parts because of the lack of demand. Companies that both repair airplanes and make airplanes are just sitting by idly, waiting for orders and purchases. And orders that were made before the pandemic are being pushed as far into the future as possible, because airlines just cant afford it anymore. Manitoba Aerospace Inc. president Wendell Wiebe In statements to the Free Press, several airport storefronts like The Exchange News and Gifts run by Paradies Lagardere in Winnipeg, who have reduced operational hours confirmed theyve faced a "disproportionate impact" amid the coronavirus pandemic. "When theres no one flying anywhere, airlines just dont need our services anymore," said Manitoba Aerospace Inc. president Wendell Wiebe, who represents around 30 world-leading aviation repair, maintenance and production companies in the province like Boeing Canada. "Companies that both repair airplanes and make airplanes are just sitting by idly, waiting for orders and purchases," he said. "And orders that were made before the pandemic are being pushed as far into the future as possible, because airlines just cant afford it anymore." Wiebe says Ottawa has not yet offered any direct aid that will help Manitobas aerospace industry weather the pandemic. "I just hope it happens before thats too late." MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Barry Rempel, president and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. Winnipeg travel agent Christine Ward told the Free Press shes sent several letters to the government asking for such support, but has yet to hear back. "Its frustrating because I think they just dont understand how our industry works," she said. Prior to the pandemic, Ward says she had around 400 regular clients per year with at least a dozen more that were seasonal. Those numbers, she added, are on par with several other top travel advisers in the country. "Whats the problem is that theyre giving us the same support theyd give restaurants or other services," she said. "Well, we work in commission and are still closed. It needs to be specific. "What happens when the pandemic is over and we just dont survive? Will tourism be the same again?" 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. Rempel believes, if not monetary support, "at the very least" Ottawa must change its messaging around air travel "reminding travellers that its safe to do so, if necessary because were taking all the precautions we possibly can." "I wish it were as easy as calling this handouts," he said, "theyre simply not. "Our entire industry is in dire need for help and no one has listened yet." Twitter: @temurdur Temur.Durrani@freepress.mb.ca Tucked away on a bottom shelf in Sonia Gomes studio there is a small cardboard box. Inside, two scarves one woven in mustard-coloured cashmere and the other in a printed silk are carefully folded. A handwritten letter sits on top. The thought that a small part of me could become a part of your work really inspires me and makes me smile, it reads. The scarves, from an admirer of her work, are gifts, like the other secondhand textiles stretched across the metal screens on Gomes studio walls and hanging from the hooks in its ceiling an antique wedding dress in layers of cream lace and silk, a sky-blue tablecloth with white embroidered flowers that once belonged to a friends grandmother, fragments of gold lame that used to be parts of a Carnival costume that she combines with everyday materials like furniture, driftwood and wire to create abstract sculptures. The materials were given to Gomes in the hope that she could twist, stuff or stitch them, giving each item a new significance as it becomes part of her work. Thank you for creating such honest work, which is part of you, but is also part of the world, wrote the woman who sent the scarves, souvenirs from trips to Pakistan and China. I feel like people are saying to me, give this new life, dont let it die, Gomes says. Its something so precious to that person that they want it to become something bigger. For Gomes, 72, its that act of giving those materials new life that has helped her heal her own. It took Gomes most of her life to realise that she had always been an artist. As a young girl growing up in Caetanopolis, a small town once known as a manufacturing hub for textiles, she liked to deconstruct her clothes and turn them into something different, using leftover fabric and found materials to make her own jewellery. Its part of this rebelliousness that Ive always had, she says. I still dont like things that are predetermined, that say you have to do things or wear things a certain way. She was 45 when she left behind a career as a lawyer to attend the Guignard School, an art school in her home state of Minas Gerais. There she discovered that not everything is art, but art can be anything, she says, giving her the confidence to move forward with her work, which reclaims the Afro-Brazilian experience and culture, which continue to be diminished and appropriated in the last country in the western world to abolish slavery. Gomes work at the Frieze Los Angeles 2020 art fair (AFP/Getty) (AFP via Getty) One of her assistants, Juliana dos Santos, also a black artist, sees the pain and suffering in the twists in Gomes sculptures, a representation of the racism she has faced throughout her life as a black woman in Brazil. The way the materials come together or are taken apart shows the tension between ideas of conflict and peace, and what Dos Santos interprets as the internal struggles Gomes dealt with because of the prejudice that followed her. Her work isnt about sewing; its about bringing whats inside out, Dos Santos says. Its not immediate. It comes from within. Shes like a researcher. Her work is more about process than product. Gomes likes to let fabrics hang to better understand how theyll look over time. Her process is tactile and she looks to the world immediately around her to draw influence, particularly from marginalised artists and artisans who have remained anonymous. You cant talk about Brazilian art without talking about black people. And were the ones changing things, with our persistence and our resistance Her debut exhibition at Pace Gallery in East Hampton, New York, includes new works and sculptures from previous shows, like Cordao dos Mentecaptos, in which she contorts, wraps, stuffs and sews multicoloured fabrics into varying shapes, linking them together before hanging the finished piece from the ceiling. She has also collaborated on a new mixed-media piece with the painter Marina Perez Simao, who will be part of the September show. (Gomes first solo exhibition with Pace Gallery in Manhattan will take place in 2022.) She is the kind of artist that, when you see the work, youre a believer rather than just an appreciator, says Marc Glimcher, Pace Gallerys chief executive. She is like a conductor, and all of these objects and elements are the orchestra. It just resonates. The artist twists and sculpts forgotten things to create something new (EPA) As a black woman, Gomes says she is regularly expected to tell a certain story with her art and to follow what others think black art should be. But she refuses to be pigeonholed as an activist artist or to have her work branded as handicrafts, a term often used to diminish art made by artists who belong to marginalised groups. When she left the Guignard School, Gomes struggled to survive with what she made. Because she allows her materials to tell her what they want to be and moves comfortably among different media, her pieces occupy a space that falls between what galleries consider fine art and what the handicraft world thinks would sell. But that doesnt bother her. I dont want to be trapped in any boxes, she says. It hinders my freedom. She also knows that working across media isnt the only hurdle that leaves her art outside any conventional categories. As a black woman, she always knew the rules would be different for her. Gomes says more space is slowly starting to open up for black artists in Brazil, and it is because of the efforts of the black artist groups in the country. The young black people she sees in Sao Paulo, where she now lives and works, give her hope that those spaces will continue to multiply. You cant talk about Brazilian art without talking about black people, she says. And were the ones changing things, with our persistence and our resistance. Her art gained recognition outside the country well before it started making waves in Brazil. Gomes was invited to participate in the 2015 Venice Biennale, and in 2017, her work was displayed at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington and the Turner Contemporary in Margate, England, among others. Her first solo shows at well-known Brazilian institutions would follow. In 2018, her work was featured at the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum and at the Museum of Art of Sao Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (Masp), where she was the first living Afro-Brazilian female artist to have a monographic show. You cant talk about Brazilian art without talking about black people (Videobrasil/YouTube) As her pieces began to reach a wider audience, they elicited a variety of interpretations, some that came as a surprise to Gomes. The moment she heard that her work felt like it was meant to heal, she realised that was exactly what it had done for her. While I was working, I was rethinking my entire life, she says. All the difficulties. Ive never had any difficulties because Im a woman. Because before being a woman, Im black. For Gomes, what speaks to her is the history behind the individual materials that make up her art. As they come together, she not only tells her own story, but also the stories of everyone who came before her. Art, for me, was born through this necessity for expression, she says. Now, I feel like I have a voice. The New York Times Child care advocates welcomed Thursdays joint federal-provincial announcement of an additional $147-million to support licensed child care providers in Ontario, but they hope its the last money spent to prop up the current child care system before a new, more expansive one takes its place. This has to be the last announcement thats just keeping the doors open or keeping the status quo, said Carolyn Ferns of the Ontario Coalition for Better Childcare. Because we need both the federal and provincial governments to start shifting to looking at what the long-term plan is for child care. Ferns said she is hoping the federal government will have more to announce on child care in its throne speech later this month. We should see (the COVID-19 pandemic) as an opportunity to move child care to a more solid place, she said. The funding announced in Toronto Thursday by Ahmed Hussen, the federal minister of families, children and social development, and Stephen Lecce, Ontarios minister of education is meant to bolster early learning and child care centres that have struggled during the pandemic by assisting them directly with their operating costs. This will offset the associated costs of COVID-19 closures and reopenings in Ontario, Hussen said. As of this month, child care operators in Ontario are permitted to operate at full capacity, although only about 60 per cent have reopened and most are operating at a reduced capacity, Ferns said. Things really are on a precipice. Hopefully this money will go to shore that up in the immediate term, but we have to move child care to a better place. Lecce said the decision to reopen has to be made by the operators themselves. Were doing everything we can from a governments perspective to incent our operators to reopen as soon as they can, knowing that at the end of the day, safety has got to be the guiding principle. When they are ready, when they are safe, they will reopen. Last year, Doug Fords government cut $80 million from licensed child care, arguing that the costs should be borne by municipal governments. In response to a question Thursday about last years cuts, Lecce said his government remains committed to ensuring parents have access to affordable child care, citing the child care tax credit and other investments. Last year alone 19,000 net new spaces were created as a consequence of good government action at all levels to really encourage the private and non-profit sector to step up and create more access. Thursdays funding is an extension of the bilateral Early Learning and Child Care Agreement signed by Ottawa and the previous provincial government under Kathleen Wynne in 2017. Ontario has also received more than $200 million in federal funds for child care through the Safe Restart Agreement. Both Hussen and Lecce stressed the importance of child care in terms of the reopening of the economy, repeating that it was not a convenience or a luxury, but a necessity. Ferns said the politicians rhetoric doesnt match the reality for many families. I just kept hearing both ministers say, Child care is not a luxury, its a necessity, but its a necessity that parents have to pay nearly $2,000 a month for sometimes more, she said. If its a necessity, how can we continue that? How can parents in the face of an economic recession be expected to continue to pay the highest child care fees in the country? Martha Friendly, the founder and executive director of the national Childcare Resource and Research Unit, said the fact Fords Progressive Conservative government is continuing the agreement that was initially signed by the previous Liberal government is a good thing, but Thursdays funding does little more than maintain the status quo for a beleaguered system that requires a much more substantial reimagining. Its not a roll back, but its not a roll forward either, she said. We need to roll forward into building a system. Like Ferns, Friendly said the way forward needs to be a national child care program. If you really want to have results from child care, if you want to have quality, reliable child care that stands up in a crisis so you can run the economy, you have to build a system. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The new market intelligence report by Persistence Market Research (PMR) reveals that the global pyrogen testing market will reach US $ ~ 800 Mn by the end of 2019, and further exhibit a robust CAGR of 9% through the next decade. The increasing trend of outsourcing drug manufacturing to low-cost production regions by most pharmaceutical companies has been touted to remain a major influencer associated with the growth of pyrogen testing market landscape over the period of assessment, as it allows for low-cost skilled workforce and ease in tax relaxation. Get Sample Copy of Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4259 Company Profiles: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Associates of Cape Cod, Inc. Charles River Laboratories, Inc. GenScript Lonza Hyglos GmbH Wako Chemicals USA, Inc. Microcoat Biotechnologie GmbH Growing Number of Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies to Bring Traction to Pyrogen Testing As medical devices cross the barriers within the body leading to contamination, pyrogen testing could be used by healthcare professionals to detect the harmful substances present in those devices. In addition, growing healthcare awareness also leads to upsurge in the medicine demand, which increases establishment of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries. This in turn, propels the demand for pyrogen testing in these establishments worldwide. Moreover, increase in number of people diagnosed with various diseases results in the rising demand for various injectables, vaccines, tablets, and other medicines in turn, fueling the demand for safety measures such as pyrogen testing. According to the PMR analysis, in end user, pharmaceutical companies will dominate the demand side in the pyrogen testing market by the end of 2019 and will also continue to exploit the highest share in the forecast period. This is due to the growing number of pharmaceutical establishments in developed as well as developing countries, which increases the need for drug safety checks like pyrogen testing. Demand for limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) pyrogen testing is estimated to grow by the end of 2029, as end users demands for user-friendly pyrogen testing method that are cost-effective, and incur low equipment cost as well. Thus, the PMR study report estimates that LAL pyrogen testing method will harness around 60% of the global pyrogen testing market share during the forecast period. Get To Know Methodology of Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/4259 Favorable Government Initiatives to Augur Well for Pyrogen Testing Market Increasing spending by government bodies to develop effective drugs and medical devices is expected to drive the growth of the global pyrogen testing market in the forecast period. Pyrogen is a prominent cause that leads to shock or fatality among a large section of the patient population creating an economic burden on the country. Thus, increasing healthcare spending is expected to result in growing demand for pyrogen testing by various pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Also, government in various countries are focused on of infectious diseases to reduce associated healthcare costs, which in turn prevention is expected to result in high demand for healthcare facilities. In order to further complement this, government is focusing on pyrogen testing policies for contaminant-free medical devices and pharmaceuticals provided to the patient population, which will pave the way for the elevated requirement of pyrogen testing in the market. Access Full Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/4259 Hence, companies operating in the pyrogen testing market are expected to largely benefit from such developments. PMR's analysis also projects groundbreaking perspectives on the competitive business scenario of the pyrogen testing market along with highlights of participants' key business policies and approaches. For instance, many drug manufacturing units are investing in foreign nations, especially in emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America, which hold great future opportunities for the pyrogen testing market. Various pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers are establishing their manufacturing base in India, China, and others in order to tap and cater to the unmet needs of the patient population in these regions, thus escalating the market for pyrogen testing. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Demand for homes has shifted to provinces in the past few months, Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan said, prompting developers to refocus strategies amid the pandemic. Tan, who is next in line in running the property firm-turned-conglomerate, said most businesses have had to reorient policies and priorities to keep up with the "unexpected and unique" global crisis which changed how consumers behave. "During this pandemic, we realized that there is actually growing demand for our residential products outside Metro Manila. Obviously, Metro Manila has now become the sort of hot spot for COVID so we've seen a drastic decline in demand here," the young executive told CNN Philippines' Rico Hizon. "We've seen that a lot of demand shifted outside of Metro Manila, people now want to build homes there so we took advantage of that," he added. Local liquor bans also threatened sales of Emperador, so the company shifted gear and focused on selling brandy and other liquor abroad. The Philippines has been battling the coronavirus outbreak for half a year now, with companies in a race to who can adapt the fastest. For Alliance Global, the first step was to reorganize internally to boost safety and security, which has then extended to policies for townships and communities. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, condominium buildings, hotels, and restaurants have all had to ramp up health protocols, while all other brands had to focus on cost-cutting and loan refinancing to preserve cash positions. The group has had to slash its capital expenditure allotment for the year to 42 billion from 78 billion previously. For now, residential projects and pre-leased office spaces remain priorities, including commercial buildings rented out to call centers and outsourcing companies. However, he hinted that timelines set pre-pandemic may need adjustments. "For all other projects, we just decided we will delay them, not necessarily cancel them, until such time that demand picks up again," the next-generation CEO said, referring to new restaurants and offerings. Alliance Global posted a 4.1 billion profit as of June, down by 67 percent from year-ago levels as the country plunged into recession. Consolidated revenues fell by a fourth to 61.4 billion, dragged down by lockdowns meant to curb rising coronavirus cases. Apart from keeping the company afloat, Tan said he draws wisdom from his father. "I think the most important advice that my dad has given to all of us during this time of uncertainty is that we should be looking beyond our businesses... We have to all strive and seek a higher purpose, not just help our people and customers but also help the Philippines and the Filipino people as we weather these really, really dark times," he said. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Amid heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe met on Friday in the Russian capital of Moscow on Friday night. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes, tweeted the Defence Ministry. "The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes," a tweet read. The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 The talks are being held on the sidelines of a ministerial meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It is the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh in early May. Earlier, Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the row. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Chinese Defence Minister, General Fenghe in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/BDXFAYAVjn / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers on Friday. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. India recently outflanked China by taking control of strategic height near Pangong lake's southern bank. It thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh. At least two rounds of Brigade-Commander level talks have taken place ever since China tried to unilaterally change the status quo. On August 31, the Indian Army had said the Chinese military carried out "provocative military movements" to "unilaterally" change the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 but the attempt was thwarted by the Indian troops. Earlier, in an address at a meeting of the SCO, Singh asserted that a climate of trust, non-aggression, sensitivity towards each other and peaceful resolution of differences are among key aspects to ensuring regional peace and stability. Singh also referred to the Second World War, adding that its memories teach the globe the "folies of aggression" of one state upon another which brings "destruction" to all. His comments came in the midst of a fierce border row between India and China, both members of the SCO, an eight-nation regional grouping which primarily focuses on issues relating to security and defence. Singh made the comments in the presence of Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe. "Peaceful stable and secure region of SCO member states which is home to over 40% of the global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each others interest&peaceful resolution of differences," said Singh. "...let us not forget tens of millions of martyrs and sacrifice of an entire generation suffering destruction and agony in the Second World War or Great Patriotic War, as our Russian brothers and sisters recall those years. The memory of the war teaches us of the follies of aggression of one state upon another, which brings destruction to all," he added. Referring to the threats faced by the world today, Singh said, We need the institutional capacity to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats above all, terrorism, drug-trafficking and transnational crime. As you all are aware, India unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations and condemns its proponents. India values the works of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS). We laud RATS recent work in the cyber domain to prevent the spread of radicalism and extremism. The adoption of anti-terror measures by the SCO Council to counter extremist propaganda and de-radicalisation is a significant decision. The Defence Minister expressed his deep concern about the situation in the Persian Gulf Region. He said, India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all States in the Gulf. We call upon countries in the region all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other. Speaking about the situation in Afghanistan, Singh said, Security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern. India will continue to support the efforts of the people and Government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process. The SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan is useful for exchanging notes among the SCO Member States." Singh reaffirmed Indias commitment to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. Raksha Mantri thanked the Russian Federation for organising the annual anti-terror exercise Peace Mission, which has contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among Defence Forces. The Defence Minister is on an official visit to Moscow from September 3-5 at the invitation of Defence Minister of Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu. The COVID-19 caseload of rose to 3,223 on Friday as 37 more people tested positive for the infection, while one fresh fatality pushed the Union territory's death toll to 48, a health official said. Three new patients have travel history, while 34 infections were detected during contact tracing, he said. The fresh infections have taken the number of active COVID-19 cases in the archipelago to 352, while the number of recoveries rose to 2,823 as 65 more people were cured of the disease, the official said. The administration has so far sent 37,075 samples for COVID-19 tests, of which 36,811 reports have been received and 264 are awaited, he added. Meanwhile, the administration lifted the weekend lockdown imposed in the archipelago after the pronouncement of the Centre's Unlock-4 guidelines, a statement issued by South Andaman Deputy Commissioner Suneel Anchipaka 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.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adrian Wail Akhlas (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 18:50 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42c62b3 1 Business cash-aid,COVID-19,cash-transfer,workers,erick-thohir Free The government's wage subsidy program may continue into next year as the government works to boost peoples purchasing power and stimulate consumer demand, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir said on Wednesday. We are hoping that if the program turns out to be effective, we can continue it [next year]. But the decision now is that the program will run until December, he told reporters on Wednesday. The government will transfer the cash aid for millions of workers in September or October, as well as in November or December, he went on to say. Some 15.7 million workers earning less than Rp 5 million (US$339.6) and who are registered with the Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) will receive Rp 600,000 in monthly assistance over four months. The government has allocated Rp 37.7 trillion from the state budget for the program. The government started the cash aid disbursement last week as part of its latest measure to boost consumer spending. It had transferred the aid to 1.9 million workers as of Wednesday, according to Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah as reported by kompas.com. The government has allocated Rp 695.2 trillion in stimulus to jack up the economy, which is expected to shrink by 1.1 percent at worst or grow by 0.2 percent at best this year, marking the worst economic performance since the 1998 Asian financial crisis. The economy contracted 5.32 percent in the second quarter as household spending, which accounts for more than half of Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP), shrank by 5.51 percent. Despite the falling consumer spending, the government had only disbursed around 28 percent of the stimulus as of Sept. 2, five months after the start of the outbreak, as red tape and a lack of citizens data held up the release of the much-needed assistance. By Gopal Sharma KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Police in Nepal used tear gas and water cannon on Thursday to break up a religious rally that defied a government ban on public gatherings imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the ban, about 2,000 residents poured into a major thoroughfare of Lalitpur, near Nepal's capital Kathmandu, to pull a chariot of the rain god, Rato Machhindranath, a ritual that has been celebrated for countless generations. Authorities imposed temporary curbs in Kathmandu and surrounding areas in August to help contain coronavirus contagion and asked residents to observe festivals at home. "We charged (with) water cannon and tear gas to stop the rally," police official Tek Prasad Rai told Reuters. On Thursday, Nepali Health Ministry spokesman Jageshwor Gautam said the number of coronavirus infections in the Himalayan nation had increased to 42,877, with 257 deaths. Temple-studded Kathmandu Valley recorded 445 new cases, a jump of about 7% from the previous day. Witnesses said the protesters, wearing protective face masks against the virus, threw rocks at baton-wielding police and set a police motorcycle on fire. An injured person was carried away by police, they said. Narayan Prasad Bhatta, the top civil servant of Lalitpur district, said the rally like all other religious and social gatherings had been banned to stem the spread of the pandemic. But participants said they must be allowed to carry on with the rain god tradition that had been celebrated for centuries. Some participants carried placards reading: "We oppose efforts by the administration to interfere in our culture and festivals." (This story corrects spelling of "against" in para 7.) (Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Mayank Bhardwaj and Mark Heinrich) The CPM-led LDF government which has been entangled in a series of controversies over the recent gold smuggling case is now facing another trouble. Alleged links of Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan with the Bengaluru drug racket has put the party in a fix. Controversies are not new to Bineesh who had faced charges of financial fraud and cheating in the past. Mohammad Anoop, one of the masterminds of the celebrity drug supply racket arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) revealed his friendship with Bineesh who gave him financial assistance to start a restaurant in Bengaluru. Bineesh, while responding to the drug peddlers statement, confirmed that he knows Anoop for years and provided him financial assistance too. But the CPM leaders son told TV channels that he was unaware of Anoops drug deal and denied having any links with the racket. He used to book hotel room whenever I visited Bangalore and I have given Rs.6 lakhs to him for his hotel business, he said. It was Youth wing general secretary of Indian Union Muslim League P.K Firoz who levelled allegations against Bineesh during a press conference. He also alleged few young artists from Malayalam film industry too had links to the drug racket. Anoop was caught in Bengaluru along with two other members of the gang including Anika D, a TV serial actress and Rijesh Raveendran. The NCB raided their places and seized MDMA pills (methylenedioxy- methamphetamine) known as party drug and cash, according to reports by regional media. There are reports that Anikhas diary has the names of several Kannada actors who are her clients. The serial actress, who has close links with many actors and film personalities, used to distribute drugs to the celebrities, regional media reports, quoting NCB officials. Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi summoned Soon after the three member gang was caught, the Bengaluru police summoned actress Ragini Dwivedi to appear before the Central Crime Branch (CCB). She was summoned based on a list of celebrities submitted by filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh who are allegedly using synthetic drugs. The CCB has also intensified checks on vehicles including public transport following reports on inter-state drug racket, reports added. Meanwhile, Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala asked chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to order a comprehensive probe into the drug racket and the alleged links with Bineesh. BJP state president K Surendran has also sought a probe into the allegations against Kodiyers son. National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - Vietnam Airlines has prepared a plan to resume domestic flights to safe destinations and meet demand, a representative of the national flag carrier said on September 3. The carrier will resume flights on six routes from September 9: Hanoi - Chu Lai, Hanoi - Tuy Hoa, Hai Phong - Dien Bien, Vinh - Buon Ma Thuot, Vinh - Da Lat, and Hue - Da Lat. One daily round trip will link Hanoi and Chu Lai, three weekly round trips Hanoi and Tuy Hoa, every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and four weekly round trips Vinh and Buon Ma Thuot, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, starting from September 9. Round trips on the Hai Phong - Dien Bien, Vinh - Da Lat, and Hue - Da Lat routes will be conducted every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from September 10. Passengers can buy tickets starting from 546,000 VND, including taxes and fees, from September 4 to October 31, on Vietnam Airlines website and app and at official ticket agents. Further information can be found at www.vietnamairlines.com, www.facebook.com/VietnamAirlines, Vietnam Airlines ticket agents nationwide, or the customer support hotline, 1900 1100. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A man arrested last year with methamphetamine and semiautomatic pistol while driving in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood was sentenced in federal court on Thursday to three years and four months in prison. U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup sentenced Brazil Harris, 30, after Harris pleaded guilty earlier this year to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to federal prosecutors, on Oct. 19, 2019, Harris was driving near Golden Gate Avenue and Larkin Street when police officers pulled him over for a traffic violation. In his car's glove compartment, officers found a Springfield XDS .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol. Also in his possession they also found a bottle containing 275 pills, some of which contained meth, and $260 in cash. Harris admitted he intended to sell the pills, prosecutors said, and pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement. In addition to prison time, Alsup sentenced Harris to three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors said the Tenderloin has been "especially severely impacted by illegal drug dealing," citing San Francisco Police Department figures from the 2017-2018 fiscal year showing that it was the scene of 56 percent of all police arrests or citations related to drug sales. 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. Fifteen patients over the age of 65 have been recently admitted to hospital for Covid-19, it has emerged. It comes amid rising concern about the resurgence in the number of over-75s, in particular, who have been struck by the virus. During the same two-week period, four children who tested positive had to be hospitalised. The 14-day analysis of cases up to last Tuesday comes as the spread of infection increased again yesterday. A further 95 people were newly infected - up from 89 the previous day. Dublin, which is among the worst-hit areas nationally, had 51 new cases of the virus. It was followed by six in Kildare and six in Meath. The other 32 cases are in Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow. A Covid-19 gap between the east and west of the country is also now emerging. In the last two weeks of August, the lowest incidence of the virus was found in Cork, Kerry, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. A high incidence was also seen in Dublin, Kildare and parts of Wicklow, as well as in Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. In Dublin, the highest rate was in Dublin West, the constituency of Tanaiste Leo Varadkar. The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) met yesterday and will convene again next week to see if current restrictions need to be extended or strengthened. Yesterday, Dr Colm Henry of the HSE said now was not the time for the reopening of wet pubs in light of the trajectory of the disease, the start of the school year and the rise in cases among older people. A separate report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre showed most outbreaks of the virus continue to be in private homes. Up to last Saturday, 377 of these were still suffering from the effects of the virus. There were no current outbreaks related to a pub and five were linked to a restaurant or cafe. Another 14 were associated with foreign travel. A number of outbreaks of the virus have also arisen among vulnerable groups, including the Roma community, homeless and residents in direct provision centres. Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said yesterday: "The virus relies on human contact. The virus has not changed and neither have the basic measures that keep us all protected. "It is these basic measures that are most important to keep Covid-19 under control. Remember to wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, to know the safe way to wear a face covering, avoid touching your face, cough into your elbow, reduce your social contacts and keep a physical distance of two metres at the top of your mind when you do meet others." Earlier, the HSE revealed the ongoing resistance by large numbers of people referred for testing to turn up at swab centres. Between 750 and 1,000 people a day, depending on referrals, may not be showing up at the swab centre. A significant number are close contacts of somebody who already tested positive. The turnout is as low as 50pc for the second test they should have seven days later. It means a proportion of people who have the virus are not getting tested and could be a risk to others unless they self-isolate. More than one in two of those who tested positive in the two weeks up to Tuesday were close contacts of a confirmed case. The figures show that 813 people found out they were positive after being contacted by a tracing team. Over the same two weeks, as many as 321 who tested positive for the virus did not know the source of the infection. This highlights the problem of community transmission, which is the most difficult to track. Meanwhile, Nursing Homes Ireland urged people visiting nursing homes to maintain heightened vigilance following reports of an increase in Covid-19 cases among older and vulnerable age groups. Chief executive Tadhg Daly said: "The increase in cases in the community must increase our vigilance surrounding visits to nursing homes. "We urge anyone visiting nursing homes to ensure they follow public health guidelines and individual nursing home advices and measures. "Failing to adhere to this can jeopardise the health and lives of people in our nursing homes. "We take this opportunity to remind people to be vigilant regarding nursing home residents and urge people too to be very attentive in their contact with staff in our nursing homes and those that visit them. "We take this opportunity to thank the public for their continued support for nursing homes." Photo taken on Jan. 12, 2019 shows the White House and a stop sign in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday urged the U.S. State Department to immediately withdraw its decision to impose tighter limitations on Chinese diplomats. "We urge the U.S. State Department to immediately revoke the wrong move, stop obstructing normal exchanges between the two peoples and sabotaging bilateral ties," said spokesperson Hua Chunying when responding to a query about the issue at a daily press briefing held Thursday. China will make a justified and necessary response in light of the situation, she said. Hua's remarks came after the U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that senior Chinese diplomats will be required to seek approval to visit U.S. university campuses and meet with local government officials. Chinese diplomats will also have to get permission to host cultural events with an audience larger than 50 people outside mission properties. The U.S. State Department has ramped up restrictions on Chinese embassy and consulates and their staff performing duties in the United States since October, said Hua. "Such moves severely violate international laws and basic norms governing international relations, and seriously interfere with China-U.S. ties as well as the normal exchanges between the two sides." China has always provided facilitation for U.S. diplomatic and consular personnel to perform their duties in China according to laws and regulations, while the U.S. State Department twice required Chinese diplomats to notify them of plans for activities in October and this June, and even restricted them from carrying out private and social exchanges with local U.S. officials, according to Hua. "This shows that the anti-China forces in the United States have lost their sensibility and confidence and developed anti-China paranoia, which will definitely be met with denunciation and opposition from people with insight," Hua said. Stressing that China-U.S. ties are important to the two countries as well as the world, Hua suggested that both sides maintain a smooth channel of communication at all times. The Chinese embassy and consulates in the United States will continue to maintain normal exchanges with people from all sectors of U.S. society, said Hua, adding that China will continue to support normal exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. US pressuring Saudi Arabia to join Israel-UAE meeting in Abu Dhabi: Report Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 5:53 PM A new report has revealed that the Americans are mounting pressure on Saudi Arabia to join a trilateral summit of Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US, which is due to be held in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said on Sunday that Saudi envoys may arrive in Abu Dhabi on Monday to join the trilateral summit, which will focus on the normalization deal that Washington brokered between Israel and the UAE earlier this month. Earlier, Reuters quoted an informed source as saying that an Israeli airliner will fly to the UAE on Monday with aides to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump aboard to put final touches on the normalization pact. The Israeli report said Jared Kushner, an advisor to Trump, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, US Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz and other US officials will travel to the UAE together with an Israeli delegation led by Meir Ben-Shabbat, the regime's security advisor. Meanwhile, Kushner is also trying to persuade Saudi Arabia to join the signing ceremony of the normalization agreement in October. "Ahead of the planned event in Washington, Kushner and his aides have recently been working with [Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed] bin Salman to approve the dispatching of high-ranking Saudi envoys to Abu Dhabi as early as tomorrow, in parallel with the arrival of the Israeli delegation," Yedioth Ahronoth said. The Middle East Eye news portal had previously revealed that bin Salman had pulled out of a planned visit to Washington DC to meet Netanyahu after he received reports that news of his trip had been leaked. Sources told MEE that Trump and Kushner have been pushing for the meeting to happen to relaunch bin Salman's image as a young Arab peacemaker and shore up regional support for the deal between Israel and the UAE. The US-mediated agreement for the normalization of ties between the UAE and Israel has already drawn stern reactions from the Muslim world, Palestinians in particular, and has been described as an act of treason and betrayal of the cause of Palestine by Palestinians and other Muslims nations. Riyadh has no formal relations with Tel Aviv, but the two regimes have long had clandestine contacts. Under bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, the kingdom has stepped up its overtures towards Israel. Saudi Arabia reacted cautiously to the Israel-UAE deal, saying it will stand by a 2002 Arab peace initiative on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, without condemning the agreement that has angered supporters of the Palestinian cause. In a recent interview with CNBC, Kushner, however, said it was inevitable that the Riyadh regime would follow suit in forging ties with Israel. "I do think that we have other countries that are very interested in moving forward," he added. "And then, as that progresses, I do think it is an inevitability that Saudi Arabia and Israel will have fully normalized relations." In highly controversial comments during an April 2018 visit to the US, bin Salman told the Atlantic that he recognized Israel's "right to exist," distancing himself from the kingdom's longtime policy of opposing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address This week, the joint commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that is, the remaining parties to the Iran nuclear deal (Iran, the European Union, Russia and China) agreed that the United States could not initiate "snapback" sanctions on Iran because the Trump administration withdrew from the deal in May 2018. The decision of the JCPOA signatories as well as the UN Security Council was a rebuke to US diplomacy on Iran. With regard to the nuclear deal, not much has actually changed. Iran remains under brutal US sanctions, and the cat-and-mouse games between Iran and nuclear inspectors, who worry about access to the information about the status of Irans nuclear program, will probably continue. What has changed, and not for the better, is that the Western rift on the nuclear deal means that next month Iran can buy weapons on the international arms market. This is the uneasy state of affairs for now for the JCPOA, whose ultimate fate, in some new form, will only be decided after the US presidential election in November. IAEA staves off inspection crisis The United States had appealed to the UN Security Council in August to reimpose sanctions on Iran in order to stave off the expiration of a UN arms embargo on the Islamic Republic, which is set to expire in October. The United States also noted a worrying report in June by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which oversees inspections of Irans nuclear programs, that said Iran had not allowed access or provided adequate answers regarding two sites that may have been "related to possible undeclared nuclear material and nuclear-related activities in Iran. This is adversely affecting the Agencys ability to clarify and resolve the questions and thereby to provide credible assurance of the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities at these locations in Iran." The IAEAs concerns compelled its director general, Rafael Grossi, to travel to Iran to resolve the questions on access to the sites. A joint statement on Aug. 26, which was cheered by the EU and other parties, said, Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA and facilitating the IAEA verification activities to resolve these issues. Nothing changes on US sanctions The Trump administrations "maximum pressure" on Iran is an us-or-them formulation if another country buys Iranian oil, it will face US sanctions and risk losing access to the US market. No surprise that US allies and partners and most international companies prefer the US market, whatever their differences with Washington on Iran policy. Iran oil exports were more than 2.1 million barrels per day and its full-year oil revenues $55 billion in 2017. Two years later, as a result of US sanctions, Irans exports fell to 651,000 barrels per day and revenues to $19 billion, according to OPEC. The impact has been devastating for Irans economy, which had grown by 12.5% in 2016 (a huge boost from sanctions relief under the JCPOA) and 3.7% in 2017. Then came the Trump administrations maximum pressure, compounded by COVID-19 and declining oil prices. Irans economy contracted by 5.4% in 2018 and 7.6% in 2019 and is projected to fall 6% in 2020, according to the IMF. The EU has been unwilling or unable to implement a workaround to US sanctions, to the indignation of Irans rulers. Russia weighs arms sales So that brings us to the potential for Iran to reenter the international arms market as a buyer, the only tangible outcome of the past few weeks. First up as potential seller is of course Russia, but what happens next may not be as transactional as Tehran might hope. The lifting of the arms embargo presents a challenge for Russias military cooperation with Iran, Anton Mardasov explains. There is an obvious tension between Moscow being interested in supplying Iran with defense equipment and Tehrans wish to purchase offensive arms. Irans toxic reputation is another factor Russia has to take into account, provided that any sales of aircraft or missiles for fighter jets or warships might cause an outcry among both regional players and the United States. However, it is not unfathomable that the Kremlin would approve sales of offensive weapons to Iran, disregarding reputational concerns and possibly turning Russia into a besieged fortress, albeit without the old Soviet ideological baggage. The next Iran deal depends on the US election The fate of the Iranian nuclear deal now depends on the US election. Iran is in no rush to renegotiate until it knows whom it will be dealing with the next four years. No matter who wins, the approach of the next administration will determine whether the nuclear deal survives and if so in what form. US President Donald Trump has said time and again that he is willing to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron tried to facilitate a meeting between Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the UN last year, but Rouhani wouldnt do it. In June, following the release of Michael White, an American who had been held in Iran for two years on charges of insulting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump tweeted, Thank you to Iran. Dont wait until after US Election to make the Big deal. Im going to win. Youll make a better deal now! Rouhani, for his part, said he would negotiate with the United States only if the Trump administration apologizes and compensates Iran for losses from US policies of maximum pressure. Adam Lucente reports that former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign website says that if he wins the election he will reenter the nuclear deal if Iran "returns to compliance using hard-nosed diplomacy and support from our allies to strengthen and extend it, while more effectively pushing back against Irans other destabilizing activities. If Biden wins, he will likely have wide latitude to undo what he considers the wrongheaded policies of the current administration, which in his score includes abandoning the JCPOA. So, in theory, he could simply rejoin the deal by accepting an IAEA report of Irans "compliance." But other questions might give pause to this otherwise straightforward approach. Would Biden simply end all of the post-2018 US sanctions and expect nothing from Iran in return? And if Rouhani insisted on an apology and compensation from a Biden administration in exchange for talks, would Biden do so? Time for a regional security track The next phase of US-Iran engagement on a nuclear deal takes place on a different strategic landscape than 2015, when the JCPOA was finalized under the Barack Obama administration. On the one hand, the wars in Yemen and Syria remain flashpoints for the United States and its partners and Iran, and Tehran has its proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Gaza, Bahrain and elsewhere. More of the same. On the other hand, and this is the good news, there is the Israel-UAE agreement, brokered by the Trump administration. The UAE is now the third Arab state after Egypt and Jordan to make peace with Israel. Other Arab states may follow. Both Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem are close partners of the United States and hard-liners on Iran. They, and others in the region, felt left out of the Iran nuclear deal, and want to be consulted on the next round with Iran. Ben Caspit writes here that while Biden is a tried and true friend of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus anxiety revolves only around whether a Biden administration would resurrect the JCPOA, which he bitterly opposed. In interviews with Al-Monitor, both Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer and UAE Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba offered suggestions for a new Iran nuclear deal based upon zero enrichment of uranium, which at high levels is a key step to weaponization. The UAEs nuclear deal with the United States involves no enrichment. Iran, however, insists that uranium enrichment is a "right." As regional tensions drive conflict and proliferation, "regional security" will need to be part of the next round of talks. It wasnt after the JCPOA, but it needs to be so now, including discussions about the safe use of civilian nuclear power. (TNS) While the nations fourth-largest school district continues to grapple with network outages and cyberattacks that have crippled online learning, Florida's Miami-Dade County Public Schools revealed Wednesday that it never signed the $15.3 million no-bid contract with K12, the for-profit company at the center of the districts unprecedented crisis.School district chief financial officer Ron Steiger dropped that revelation at a School Board meeting to discuss the failures of K12s online platform, My School Online. Tens of thousands of students and teachers have been unable to access the system in what has been a disastrous start to this pandemic-challenged school year.But the contract with K12 was never executed, the CFO said, and is missing only one key signature: Superintendent Alberto Carvalhos. The district hasnt paid K12.The school district has refused to make the contract public under Floridas public records law. School Board members have been asking to see the contract, but the district has yet to provide it. The district has cited an exemption that allows districts to purchase curriculum without board approval.The narrative has changed since Carvalho said Tuesday that there was no mystery to the contract. He said it hadnt been released to the public because he wanted School Board members to see it first which violates the states government-in-the-sunshine laws.Those laws also require records to be turned over in a reasonable amount of time. My School Online was part of the districts reopening plan, which the state approved on July 17.The school district has signed a data management agreement with K12, founded in 1999 by Wall Street financier Ronald Packard, who left the company amid litigation over his pumped-up projections. Packards $10 million investor was Michael Milken, the former junk bond king convicted of fraud and whom President Donald Trump pardoned earlier this year.School Board members, overwhelmed with complaints and outrage from families that a third straight day of teaching and learning was lost to technical difficulties, demanded answers. Some saw a way out of the contract with K12.How did we get here and how do we fix this and how do we get kids learning ASAP? asked board member Marta Perez.Was it a handshake? Was it a pat on the back? Was it an email? Was it a wink? asked vice chair Steve Gallon on how the contract came to be.Perez motioned to hear directly from K12 representatives, but the vote failed in the committee. Some board members said it wasnt appropriate to hear from K12 since they werent involved in the procurement. Others said they voted no based on School Board attorney Walter Harveys advice.If we werent involved in the takeoff, truly I cant be involved in the landing, said board member Lubby Navarro. This did not come through the board so I trust our superintendent and our cabinet to resolve this.She added, If this is not the platform that is serving our students and our community, then we need to look for a solution immediately.Its possible the district could abandon K12 altogether. Chief Academic Officer Marie Izquierdo said district officials have crafted a timeline to continue or end its relationship with the company.We do have a long weekend ahead of us, she said.But Izquierdo gave a warning: The alternative would be to revert to the plan that worked when the pandemic started in the spring, when every teacher used whatever platform they felt most comfortable using.Parents, however, complained that it was too confusing to navigate multiple platforms. Back then, the district could only measure one-time log-ins, not sustained participation which is supposed to be a feature offered by My School Online.The issue, Izquierdo said, is that the school district does not have a uniform learning management system like other school districts have. Broward County, for example, uses a system called Canvas. A request for proposals for a learning management system went out in January and wont be secured until November or December.An email was sent out at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to all secondary teachers asking them to use Microsoft Teams and Zoom until Sept. 11. The district will then assess if grades six through 12 will use K12 beginning Sept. 14 or stick with Microsoft Teams and Zoom.Izquierdo said the K12 platform was not operating effectively on a national level for grades six through 12.I dont believe everything Im told on the 6-12 side of the house right now, she said.She also acknowledged issues with the platform for kindergarten through fifth grade, but said K12 told the district those issues specifically impacted only Miami-Dade while other districts across the country experienced problems in grades 6-12.In an emailed statement, K12 said network outages did impact the My School Online platform.Asked if the issues were national or limited to Miami-Dade, a K12 spokesman said in an email: Yes, we have had some sporadic issues with other schools.The spokesman said K12 understood the districts decision to stop using My School Online for grades six through 12 and that they are working with the district to strengthen the system to allow for a smooth transition across the K12 platform.Teachers have the ability to choose the platform that best meets the needs of their classroom, the spokesman wrote. Whether this is the K12 platform, or an alternative while the system is strengthened, we are working closely with our partners to ensure that students have a continuous option for their education.The company also confirmed that it pledged to donate $100 for every teacher who set up their virtual classrooms by Sunday night via the Foundation of New Education Initiatives, a nonprofit Carvalho chairs.Board chair Perla Tabares Hantman, who is also vice chair of that foundation, asked if qualifying teachers will still receive that money if the district decides to part ways with K12.Regardless of steps that are taken ... that commitment to the teachers shall be satisfied, Carvalho said.Wednesday saw some improvement in teachers and students logging on and staying on. Some schools and teachers have given up on the platform and pivoted to Zoom, while some did not, making for an unequal learning experience. School Board attorney Harvey raised the issue of equity.Izquierdo said that by 8:38 a.m., 35,000 students were on class connect via K12, and 100,000 students had logged in. At 8:50 a.m., there were 80,000 students online and 170,000 students logged into the K12 platform. Those figures dont include the students and teachers on Zoom using Microsoft Teams.Miami-Dade Schools has approximately 275,000 students and nearly 20,000 teachers.Those log-ins took place despite 12 cyberattacks that occurred from 8:19 a.m. to 10:59 a.m. Wednesday, district officials said, and more attacks continued throughout the day.District officials have determined the cyberattackers have demanded no ransom, and some of the attacks came from outside the U.S.Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, has requested a briefing with the Department of Homeland Security on cybersecurity as it relates to school districts.It now appears that hostile actors, including foreign cybercriminals, are now targeting online classrooms in order to further disrupt the lives of Americans, he said in an emailed statement.Miami-Dade Schools Police Chief Edwin Lopez said his officers are trying to link the digital addresses to physical addresses in the U.S. so that federal agents can find the hackers.Lopez didnt say what countries the foreign hackers are believed to be from. He also said detectives arent certain if the attacks were coordinated. It appears the hackers are just trying to disrupt the system, he said, not profit from the attacks.Doug Levin, a cybersecurity expert and president of EdTech Strategies, said the publicly released details of the incident show it is a typical DDoS attack a distributed denial-of-service where computer servers have been flooded with junk traffic that prevents legitimate users from logging in.Based on prior DDoS attacks on schools, if the instigator is not seeking financial gain, it makes it more likely that the individuals could have a connection to the school district.The fact that some of the attacks appear to be coming from overseas, he said, could mean that the servers blocking the schools system are based there not necessarily that the instigator is.Comcast, Miami-Dades server provider, released the following statement Wednesday:Miami Dade County Public Schools today reported that they continue to be targeted by cyber attacks. While we are working hand in hand with the school district on this matter and continue to monitor this around the clock, the security measures we are providing are helping to mitigate the impact of these ongoing attacks. Guwahati, Sep 4 : Ahead of next year's Assembly polls, the Assam government in a bid to encourage entrepreneurship has decided to provide Rs 50,000 each to 2,00,000 youths of the state, Health and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday. The Minister while addressing the media said the Rs 50,000 to 2,00,000 youths would be given under the revamped "Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth Empowerment (SVAYEM)" Yojana, which was originally launched in 2017-18. "Rs 1,000 crore has been earmarked for this scheme. It would continue for an indefinite period," Sarma added. The financial assistance would be provided to the members of self-help groups or joint liability groups registered before September 1. Youths below the age of 40 years and with a minimum qualification of matriculation would be considered eligible for this Yojana. "After launching the Yojana under the Industry and Commerce Department in 2017-18, the initial target was one lakh youths. Due to some technical reasons, the target was not fulfilled and the desired goal was not achieved. "Hence, the state government launched the revamped SVAYEM," the Minister said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 05:10:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai speaks at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties in Washington D.C., the United States, June 18, 2019. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) During WWII, China and the United States fought shoulder to shoulder for peace and justice in the Asian theater, leaving "an indelible mark in the shared history of our two countries," Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai said. WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States "need to recapture the spirit of cooperation from World War II, and join hands to confront our common enemies in the new era," including COVID-19, economic recession, climate change and other global challenges, said Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai on Thursday. The Chinese ambassador to the United States made the remarks in a short video posted Thursday on his Twitter account in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the victory of World War II (WWII) and the World Anti-Fascist War. During WWII, China and the United States fought shoulder to shoulder for peace and justice in the Asian theater, leaving "an indelible mark in the shared history of our two countries," Cui said, adding that since then, Flying Tigers, General Claire Chennault and General Joseph Stilwell have become household names in China. "I have received letters from some members of the Doolittle Raid. In the letters, they recalled with deep gratitude that when they made crash landings in China after raiding Tokyo in WWII, the Chinese people put themselves in harm's way to rescue them and made huge sacrifices for it. This part of history will not be forgotten," he said. Flying Tigers veterans (front) attend the opening ceremony of the 2019 U.S.-China Cultural Tourism Festival in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Fang) The senior Chinese diplomat noted that as the first country to sign the United Nations Charter after WWII, China has always dedicated itself to safeguarding and contributing to the international order. "Over the past 75 years, China, the United States and the world have all gone through tremendous changes, and the growth of our bilateral relations has made significant contribution to the wellbeing of the two peoples and to world peace, stability and prosperity," he said. "Looking back at the history is for a right perspective of the future. Just as President Abraham Lincoln said, 'The best way to predict the future is to create it'," Cui said. "At this moment, China and the United States need to recapture the spirit of cooperation from World War II, and join hands to confront our common enemies in the new era: COVID-19, economic recession, climate change and other global challenges." "Let's work together to realize the vision enshrined in the UN Charter: 'to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war... and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom'," the Chinese ambassador said. VIDEO SHOWS: LIONEL MESSI'S FATHER AND AGENT JORGE MESSI ARRIVING TO MEET LAWYERS FOR TALKS REGARDING MESSI'S DEPARTURE FROM CLUB SHOWS: BARCELONA, SPAIN (SEPTEMBER 4, 2020) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1. LIONEL MESSI'S FATHER AND AGENT JORGE MESSI'S CAR ARRIVING AT MESSI FOUNDATION BUILDING / JORGE MESSI OPENING WINDOW TO OPEN PARKING / REPORTERS ASKING HIM QUESTIONS / CAR DRIVING INTO PARKING 2. EXTERIOR OF MESSI FOUNDATION BUILDING 3. FC BARCELONA FLAG SEEN FROM WINDOW 4. PARKING ENTRANCE TO BUILDING STORY: Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi dodged questions from media on Friday (September 4) as he arrived at the Messi foundation building in Barcelona to continue talks with lawyers regarding his son's request to leave FC Barcelona. Spanish media reported the last talks on Wednesday (September 2) ended in stalemate. The 33-year-old Argentine handed in a transfer request last week, and has been linked with a move to Premier League side Manchester City. Barcelona say Messi is still under contract and anyone who wants to buy him must pay his 700 million euros release clause. However Messi's advisors believe he can leave for free this summer. (Production: Jordi Rubio, May Ponzo) The recent riots in Bengaluru were "pre-planned and organised" and it was "undoubtedly communally motivated", the Citizens for Democracy in its fact finding report submitted to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said. It said the mob during the riots on August 11 night had specifically targeted certain prominent Hindus in the area, and the entire incident qualifies to be a "riot against the state" with the motive of "reducing the faith of common people in the state". Citizens for Democracy is a platform of responsible citizens that claims to be committed to democratic values, safety and security of the citizens of India. Started in 2011, it has conducted various seminars, campaigns on topics of and social importance. Citizens for Democracy in a statement said the fact finding committee comprising prominent representatives of the society was formed to look into recent violence, as it is imperative to survey the incident neutrally without any bias or vested political interests with a sole commitment towards truth. The fact finding panel headed by retired District Judge Srikanth D Babaladi, had retired IAS officer Madan Gopal, retired IFS officer R Raju among others which include retired bureaucrats, journalists, advocates, professors and social workers. Committee members led by Madan Gopal submitted the report to Yediyurappa today. Noting that it is estimated that nearly 36 government vehicles, nearly 300 private vehicles and many houses were destroyed in the violence, the committee has said the damage could be estimated to be nearly Rs 10 to 15 crores. It could be seen from the FIRs and certain interactions with the victims, that local people were also involved in carrying out this riot, the committee said, "it is of the opinion that the locals were not only involved in execution but were also aware about it in advance." "Despite attempts being made to project the same as political rivalry, it was undoubtedly communally motivated. The panel is of the opinion that based on the kind of houses and people targeted, the motive of the riots could also be fear mongering so as to change the demography and turn the area into a Muslim majority one," it said. It was also of the view that SDPI and PFI were involved in planning and execution of this incident. The violence in D J Halli and adjoining areas on August 11 night was unleashed by hundreds of people over an inflammatory social media post allegedly put out by P Naveen, a relative of Pulakeshinagar Congress MLA R Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy. The MLAs residence and a police station at D J Halli were torched by rioters who also set many police and private vehicles afire, and looted the belongings of the legislator and his sister. More than 300 people have been arrested in connection with the violence and investigation is on. Also retired judge Justice H S Kempanna has been appointed as the "Claim Commissioner" for assessment of damages caused during violence and to recover the costs from the culprits. All the costs that have been incurred by the state and individuals have to be recovered by attaching the property of the rioters, the committee in its recommendations said. The pattern of the riots is similar to that of Delhi and Sweden and therefore it is imperative for the state to investigate the incident holistically and not consider them to be isolated and local. Funding received by individuals and religious extremist organisations should be continuously monitored by involving NIA, while potential areas that might face such communal tensions must be identified by the police in advance, it suggested. Establishing a cyber dome to ensure social media is not used for hate mongering, strengthening of intelligence generation mechanisms, are among the other recommendations made by the committee. (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 next train from Kent to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam will not be until 2022, Eurostar has confirmed. It will serve neither Ebbsfleet International in north Kent nor Ashford International in southeast Kent for the remainder of this year and throughout 2021. The train operator, which runs passenger rail services from London St Pancras through the Channel Tunnel to the French, Belgian and Dutch capitals, blames quarantine restrictions. A spokesperson for Eurostar said: Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the travel industry and on our business and we continue to operate in very challenging conditions. We have experienced an unprecedented fall in demand, with bookings down by 90 per cent compared to last year. The environment remains very unpredictable and has been exacerbated by quarantine restrictions which are now across all of our markets. Anyone arriving in the UK on any Eurostar service is required to go home and self-isolate for two weeks. The Eurostar spokesperson said: Given the uncertain outlook, it is crucial that we adapt and take action to reduce our costs so that we protect our business for the future. In 2021, therefore, we will reduce our timetable focusing only on our core routes and destinations where we see the highest demand. As a result, we have had to make the very difficult decision not to reopen Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International stations before 2022. We have not taken this decision lightly and have given this considerable thought, but given the severity of the situation we have to take action. Ebbsfleet, close to the M25, was planned to be a park and ride station, while Ashford has rail connections from across Kent and East Sussex. Mark Smith, founder of the Seat61.com international rail website, tweeted: Throughout 2021, people of Kent might need to rediscover the Dover-Calais P&O ferry from 30 and train direct from Calais to Paris from 15 [13.50] The relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is extremely important for the Government in Bucharest, Prime Minister Ludovic Orban said on Friday, stressing that all support efforts are directed to Moldovan citizens and must be continued in this direction, even when "the government or the president or the authorities are trying to distance the Republic of Moldova and the citizens of the Republic of Moldova from the European course." Orban was asked, during the participation in the "Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum" conference, how the authorities in Bucharest will continue to support the European course of the Republic of Moldova."The relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is extremely important for us. Unfortunately, the authorities governing the Republic of Moldova today have raised extremely many question marks and uncertainties regarding their real commitment to EU integration, respect for values and principles at the European level, to ensure a genuine democracy and a capitalist economy, a free economy. That is why all support efforts are directed to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. There are hundreds of thousands of citizens of the Republic of Moldova who also have Romanian citizenship, and in the relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova we must take into account our affinities, we practically speak the same language, we understand each other very easily. All the efforts we make are efforts to support the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, even when the government the president or the authorities are trying to distance the Republic of Moldova and the citizens of the Republic of Moldova from the European course," said Ludovic Orban.The prime minister mentioned some examples of projects carried out in cooperation with the Moldovan side and pointed out that at the level of collaboration between the local authorities in the two states there are "very many twinnings". Tenn. school district clarifies policy telling parents not to monitor online classes Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A school district in Tennessee has issued a clarification after it faced criticism for asking parents to sign a waiver promising not to listen to or monitor their childrens virtual learning sessions taking place during the coronavirus pandemic. Last month, concern grew among parents after Rutherford County Schools in central Tennessee asked them to sign a waiver that strongly discourages non student observations of online meetings due to the potential of confidential information about a student being revealed. Violation of the waiver agreement could result in a child being removed from the virtual meeting. The waiver, which was intended to protect the academic privacy" of students, comes as many students nationwide are receiving remote instruction during the pandemic and have connected with their teachers through virtual platforms like Zoom. Critics, including Pastor Dale Walker of the Tennessee Pastors Network, fear that that waiver is indicative of a desire to prevent parents from discovering the liberal indoctrination taking place in the classrooms. Rutherford County Schools Communications Director James Evans clarified in a statement to News 4 last week that the district issued new guidance to principals telling them that parents can assist their children during virtual group lessons with permission of the instructor." The guidance stipulated that parents should "refrain from sharing or recording any information about other students in the classroom. Rutherford County Schools also denied having an ulterior motive for the waiver. In a statement given to media outlets, the school district proclaimed that parent involvement is key to successful schools and students. The intent was never to prevent parents from being involved with their children during distance learning, but it was intended to protect the academic privacy of other students in the classroom who are visible during certain virtual class sessions, the school district's statement explains. We are also not attempting to hide what is being taught in the classroom. Our schools use the academic standards adopted by the Tennessee Department of Education, and the curriculum materials our teachers use are readily available and shared with parents. Walker elaborated on his concerns about the waiver in an interview with The Christian Post. In Tennessee, the curriculum has long been an issue, he explained. Walker contended that he has been told of schools teaching students Marxism and socialism. Were told in Tennessee that theres no more Common Core, Walker maintained. Its just been rebranded. Walker claims that the entire American education system needs to be totally revamped. This is going to take a complete overhaul. Put the power back in the hands of the local people, he said. The taxpayers, unfortunately, dont have the control in the school systems that we think we do. The pastor called on the state to give Tennesseans the ability to elect their school superintendents and state director of education. Currently, the director of education is appointed by the governor. We need a conservative director of education in our state, he asserted. I dont think we have a conservative director of education For Heavens sake, shes not even from Tennessee. Throughout the interview, Walker reiterated the importance of local control of education. Schools are the biggest line-item in most counties, Walker added. The taxpayers dont have a say of who is going to run that ship. We dont want Marxism. We dont want socialism, he continued. We should be able to choose a curriculum in America. Walker called on concerned parents to get involved in their childrens education and demand their elected officials take action immediately. The more we allow this to go on, the more this type of activity is going to be the norm, Walker stressed. A man has sentenced to four years in prison after sexually assaulting a teenage girl on a bus in west London. Adam Jeby, then 23, attacked the girl on a bus in Hounslow on September 29 last year, before physically and sexually assaulting her again at a nearby bus stop, injuring her face, police said. The girl was left "scared and vulnerable" after the brutal assault, officers added. Jeby was tracked down nearly a month later on a bus to Heathrow by Metropolitan Police transport detectives and charged with two counts of sexual assault, criminal damage and assault by beating. Windmill Road, near where the second assault took place / Google Maps He pleaded guilty to all charges at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on October 25, 2019. Jeby was sentenced on Friday, more than ten months after pleading guilty, to four years in prison and an extended licence of two years. Detective Constable Tony Barun, who led the investigation, said: Jebys behaviour that afternoon was completely unacceptable and following a thorough investigation he was quickly tracked down by police. He not only sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl on public transport but went on to physically attack her, leaving her feeling scared and vulnerable. "We hope this sentence allows her to move on and shows our commitment to removing dangerous offenders from our streets. New Delhi: Probing the drug angle in the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, the Narcotics Control Bureau on Friday (September 4) night arrested Rhea Chakraborty's brother Showik and the Bollywood star's house manager, Samuel Miranda. The duo was arrested after 10 hours of questioning. They will be produced before a Mumbai court tomorrow (September 5). The duo's arrest clearly shows that the noose around Rhea Chakraborty is tightening, and there is a possibility that she would also be arrested by the NCB, which has already summoned her for questioning on Saturday. According to sources, Showik has confessed to NCB that he used to buy drugs for Sushant Singh on the behest of his sister Riya through Samuel Miranda. Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda has also told NCB that he used to arrange drugs, named Budd, at the behest of Showik for Sushant. The digital records of as many as 12 financial transactions between Samuel Miranda and Showik are there. Rhea Chakraborty's credit card was also used for several transactions. Talking to DNA, Mumbai's eminent criminal lawyer Ujjawal Nikam said that there is a possibility that Rhea Chakraborty can be arrested. The drug angle in the Sushant Singh Rajput case is likely to provide the intention or motive behind providing drugs to the Bollywood star, who was found dead at his Bandra flat on June 14. Nikam said that in this case there are no eyewitnesses, therefore circumstantial evidence would play a key role in establishing the chain. We need to understand why Rhea Chakraborty can be arrested. The first big reason is that Rhea is accused of giving drugs to Sushant Singh, and the same has been confirmed through's Showik Chakraborty's interrogation. On the basis of these grounds, the NCB may arrest Rhea. The CBI can also arrest Rhea because she is accused of making Sushant a drug addict. Sushant Singh's family has accused Rhea of using Sushant's money. It is alleged that she used Sushant's money for buying drugs for herself and meet other requirements of her family. Sushant Singh's family has also alleged that he was separated from his family due to Riya Chakraborty. On August 27, Sushant's father, KK Singh stated that Rhea Chakraborty poisoned his son and should be arrested. He said, "Rhea mere bete ki hatyarin hai, drugs deti thi, giraftar kari jayi (Rhea is the murderess of my son, she used to give him drugs and must be arrested)." KK Singh further stated that Rhea was giving poison to Sushant for a long time, adding "I request CBI to immediately arrest Rhea and her associates." The updates so far in the Sushant Singh case are given below: 1. 5 people have been arrested so far in the alleged drug connection in the Sushant Singh Rajput case 2. NCB today arrested three people, and later in the evening arrested Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda 3. Showik Chakraborty has confessed to buying drugs for Riya Chakraborty 4. Showik told NCB that he used to get drugs from Samuel for Sushant at Riya's behest 5. Prior to arresting them, NCB separately interrogated Showik and Samuel Miranda; they were also questioned face to face 6. During their interrogation, NCB presented evidence of chats on mobile in front of the duo The five key characters in this alleged drug peddling racket are Riya Chakraborty's brother Shovik Chakraborty; Samuel Miranda; drugs peddler Zaid Vilatra, who used to supply drugs to Samuel Miranda; Basit Parihar, who introduced Samuel to Zaid Vilatra; and the fifth character is Fayaz Ahmed, a driver at a resort in Goa. Fayaz used to deliver drugs. So far, 7 people have been arrested in the case related to drugs and two of them have been granted bail. Samuel Miranda earlier told the Mumbai Police and CBI that Sushant Singh's sister and her husband Siddharth had appointed him as a house manager of Sushant. Samuel previously worked on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and after leaving the job, he got this job through a consultancy firm. His job was to manage the house and for that, he used to get a monthly salary of Rs 80,000. Notably, the NCB is currently headed by Rakesh Asthana, who has also been the special director of CBI. The drug connection of the Sushant Singh case is being investigated under his supervision. Earlier in the day, the NCB carried out searches at the residences of Showik and Miranda. The NCB also seized Showik`s laptop and mobile phone. NCB sleuths, accompanied by police officials, raided the residence of Showik Chakraborty in Santa Cruz (West) and Miranda's house in suburban Andheri (West) from 6:30 am. Showik lives with his sister Rhea. Both Showik Chakraborty and Miranda, who is Rajput's house manager, were handed over the summons to join the investigation during the search and were brought to the NCB's zonal office in the Ballard Estate area. NCB is the third Central agency to join the probe into the death of Sushant, after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On August 26, the NCB registered a case as the ED wrote to it about the drugs angle, naming Rhea, her brother, talent manager Jaya Saha, Sushant`s co-manager Shruti Modi, and Goa-based hotelier Gaurav Arya under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. This followed WhatsApp messages between Rhea and Shruti Modi, Miranda, and Sushant`s flatmate Siddharth Pithani coming to light. On the intervening night of August 27-28, the agency carried out searches in Mumbai and arrested Abbas Lakhani and Karan Arora, seizing `bud` (curated marijuana) from their possession. There were a few mentions of `bud` in purported social media messages between people involved in the case. On August 19, the Supreme Court had asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate the case related to the actor`s death, while holding that the FIR registered in Patna was legitimate. The FIR in Patna was registered on a complaint filed by the actor`s father KK Singh. The single-judge bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy had observed that the Bihar government was competent to recommend transferring the case to the CBI. It had also asked the Mumbai Police to hand over all the evidence collected so far in the case to the CBI. The CBI has registered an FIR against Chakraborty and others in connection with the actor`s death after the Centre accepted the Bihar government`s recommendation to transfer the probe in the matter from Patna. Video clips posted on social media overnight showed a car plowing through a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters Thursday night in the heart of New York City. The NYPD tweeted they were looking for the car a black Ford Taurus with a bull bar in front and have asked that anyone with injuries come forward. The New York Daily News reported the car approached 46th Street and Seventh Avenue in Times Square in Manhattan, where a group of about 300 people had gathered about 8:15 p.m. to protest racial injustice over the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester. Protesters lined up on bicycles in an attempt to block traffic and the Taurus rolled up to the line of bikes, according to the report and video from the scene. The car stopped at first, then lurched forward through the crowd, the video showed. It was unclear Friday morning if anyone was hurt. The NYPD has asked that anyone who suffered injuries in the incident to file a report with police. Car drives through protesters, Times Square, New York City, Thursday, September 3, 2020 pic.twitter.com/yMadwNYJSI DataInput (@datainput) September 4, 2020 There is an ongoing investigation into an incident in Times Square involving a black Taurus sedan. This auto is NOT an NYPD vehicle. pic.twitter.com/kBGuXhFtP1 NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 4, 2020 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. She is set to make her Bond debut in the eagerly-anticipated No Time to Die. And Ana de Armas proved she has all the makings of the character as she showcased her epic moves in the new trailer released on Thursday. The Cuban-Spanish actress, 32, is seen fly kicking an enemy in the teaser which also sees Daniel Craig, 52, looking brooding as ever as he comes face to face with chilling villain Safin, portrayed by Rami Malek, 39. She's got the moves: Ana de Armas proved she has all the makings of a Bond Girl as she showcased her epic moves in the new trailer released on Thursday In the clip, fans of the franchise are also given a better look at Ana's character CIA Agent Paloma who Bond meets in Santiago and '00' agent Nomi (Lashana Lynch). Throwing herself wholeheartedly into the action, Ana is seen dazzling in a plunging evening gown with dripping diamonds - yet does not let her get-up stop the action. As she became embroiled in a wild fight, the gun-toting beauty wastes no time hurtling through the air and kicking her enemies. Elsewhere, the nail-biting video opens with 007 narrowly avoiding being hit by a car before smashing into a wall as he embarks on one of his most dangerous missions. Kicking it: The Cuban-Spanish actress, 32, is seen fly kicking an enemy in the teaser which also sees Daniel Craig, 52, looking brooding as ever as he comes face to face with chilling villain Safin, portrayed by Rami Malek, 39 Release: No Time To Die will open in the UK on November 12 and the US on November 20 Work it: In the clip, fans of the franchise are also given a better look at Ana's characyer CIA Agent Paloma who Bond meets in Santiago and '00' agent Nomi (Lashana Lynch) Smoking: As she became embroiled in a wild fight, the gun-toting beauty wastes no time hurtling through the air and kicking her enemies Shots fired! She was shooting guns and firing through the air Where have you been? Agent Paloma scolds Bond for being late before her fight Set to the iconic Bond theme song, fans are re-introduced to villain Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz, who sits in a cage in a prison cell. He tells Bond: 'James, fate draws us back together and now your enemy is my enemy', with the nemesis in question being none other than Safin. In the trailer, 007 is told of the danger Safin presents by Madeleine Swann, (Lea Seydoux) who tells him that he is after 'revenge' and her, suggesting her life will be in danger if his plans come to pass. LBD! Throwing herself wholeheartedly into the action, Ana is seen dazzling in a plunging evening gown with dripping diamonds - yet does not let her get-up stop the action Kicking off: She was ready to be taken on in the epic fight Woah! She proved she was more than ready to be taken on A vision: Fellow Bond girl Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) was seen weeping He's out: Safin appears to see a degree of similarity between himself and 007 as he is overheard eerily proclaiming: 'James Bond, we both eradicate people to try and make the world a better place. I just want to be a little...tidier' High speed! The film was jam-packed with action with car chases upping the drama Shots fired! Bond's car was equipped with guns inside the headlights British star Lashana Lynch, will be given Bond's licence to kill in the 25th movie in the franchise. She's not the new Bond, but a new character who takes over his secret agent number after he leaves MI6. Nomi is clearly a force to be reckoned with as Bond refers to her as a 'disarming young woman' after she attempts to shoot him. Meanwhile, Paloma is seen scolding Bond for being late for his meeting with her before she fights off a group of men while wearing a black evening dress. Safin appears to see a degree of similarity between himself and 007 as he is overheard eerily proclaiming: 'James Bond, we both eradicate people to try and make the world a better place. I just want to be a little...tidier.' Chilling: Rami looked terrifying as he prepared to take on Bond Nice to see you Mr Bond... His villainous was terrifying Speed demon: Elsewhere, the nail-biting video opens with 007 narrowly avoiding being hit by a car before smashing into a wall as he embarks on one of his most dangerous missions Sleek: Bond was seen strutting through the streets in style Several action scenes follow as Bond and Nomi find themselves in a jet with him asking her: 'Have you ever flown one of these before?' to which she says: 'Nope'. Bond is seen driving a motorcycle up a hill as he leaps above a crowd of pedestrians as he is heard saying: 'If we don't do this, there will be nothing left to save'. The trailer's exhilarating conclusion sees Bond armed with a gun in the woods as a truck drives full speed towards him before he manages to dive out of the way before firing at the driver. The video's tagline reads: 'This November, the mission that changes everything begins'. No Time To Die will open in the UK on November 12 and the US on November 20. He's back! Set to the iconic Bond theme song, fans are re-introduced to villain Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz, who sits in a cage in a prison cell Fancy seeing you here: Ever the Lothario, Bond was surrounded by women Sri Lankan and Indian firefighting crews are working to douse a large blaze aboard an oil tanker that has been burning since Thursday, September 3 off the coast of the small South Asian island nation. According to CNN reports, one Filipino crew member has died after the boiler in the main engine room burst into flames causing the fire. All other persons on board, 22 in total, have been successfully rescued from the vessel that is reported to be loaded with 270,000 metric tons of crude oil. READ: Mauritius Oil Spill: Three Clean-up Crewmen Die As Boat Capsizes On Collision With Barge Thick black smoke As per the reports, the photos and video showed thick black smoke released into the atmosphere from one corner of the Panamanian vessel MT New Diamond located 38 nautical miles (70 kilometers) off Sangamankanda Point in southern Sri Lanka. According to the Marine Traffic, a global shipping monitoring agency, the 20-year-old vessel was heading to the Indian port of Paradip from Ahmadi in Kuwait. Sri Lankan Navy Captain Indika Desilva was reported to have said that the fire was "still on" as of Friday morning. READ: Supertanker Continues To Burn Off Sri Lankan Coast, One Missing Crew Member Presumed Dead Sri Lankan and Indian personnel are trying to douse the flames. In response to the initial distress signal from the ship, Sri Lanka dispatched four ships that picked up members of the crew who had escaped the tanker on lifeboats. Since then, the firefighting efforts have been joined by three boats from Sri Lanka, two ships from India, Indian coast guard aircraft and two Sri Lankan tug boats. In addition, two Russian anti-submarine warfare ships that were docked at Hambantota port have also joined rescue operations. Earlier, a Sri Lankan navy spokesperson informed that the fire has not reached the cargo and no oil leakage has been reported. Sri Lankan air force has also released photos of the burning tanker that shows no visible signs of the damage to the ship itself. This is the second oil tanker related disaster that has made headlines in recent weeks. Earlier, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of environmental emergency in the island nation as a grounded Japanese vessel started to leak fuel into its waters earlier this month. The ship was is reported to have been carrying nearly 3,800 tonnes of low-sulphur fuel oil, 207 tonnes of diesel, and 90 tonnes of lube oil. Mauritius saw mass protests last month with tens of thousands of demonstrators taking to streets of the capital Port Louis demanding answers from the government over its delayed actions to the devasting oil spill. Public anger boiled over after reports of dozens of dead dolphins washing ashore reached the island. READ: Flotilla From Sri Lanka, India Try To Douse Oil Tanker Fire READ: Mauritius Oil Spill: Thousands Of People Protest In Port Louis Over Dolphin Deaths State premiers have made Scott Morrison look powerless in his bid to open up Australian social and economic life by Christmas. One state has broken away from national cabinet while others have rejected Morrison's definition of a "hotspot" to decide when coronavirus cases are too high. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has strong levers to influence the states. The question is whether he will use them. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But the Prime Minister is not powerless. He oversees about $133 billion in annual payments to the states and territories. He has rolled out $180 billion in direct spending during the emergency so far. These are strong levers to influence the states. The question is whether he will use them. Ontario has hit another recent high in new COVID-19 cases with 148, including a whopping 72 in Peel that prompted Premier Doug Ford to issue a stern Labour Day warning to the region particularly Brampton where many infections are concentrated. Anyone whos thinking theyre having a big shindig this weekend, forget about it, cancel it, he said Friday, offering to send mobile testing units to the city and threatening to impose restrictions on gatherings as Peels new cases marked a sharp jump from 45 the day before. Peel health officials have said family gatherings and backyard parties have become major vectors of transmission for the highly contagious novel coronavirus, landing some in hospital with serious illness. You cannot be holding these parties in the back yard. I cant stress that enough, Ford told his daily news conference broadcast live on television, cautioning against passing refreshments around because the virus spreads like lightning. They shouldnt be sharing anything. I dont care if its those doobies, joints, whatever you want to call them, or drinks...and wear a face covering, he added. Just follow the protocols, be safe. Ford acknowledged the slow creep upward in cases since mid-August, mostly in the GTA, and said he is concerned about Brampton. We need to strongly limit social gatherings given the spread of COVID-19, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said on Twitter after talking with Ford and requesting a second testing centre. The tally of Ontarians with active infections or requiring hospital care for the virus has reached levels not seen since early August, with a sudden drop Friday in the number of health units reporting no new cases. Active cases, people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days and who are still considered contagious, increased by 33 to 1,282. Fridays tally of 148 new cases was up 12 from the previous day and tied the number from last Friday, which touched levels not seen consistently since early July. It is the ninth day in a row cases have been over 100 after falling below that mark for a week last month. Ontarios chief medical officer, Dr. David Williams, said he wants to keep new infections below 150 daily with kids returning to school this month and to maintain manageable workloads for regional public health staff tracing the many contacts of people who test positive to shut down chains of transmission. In Ottawa, chief federal public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said local public health officials should have no hesitation in reimposing restrictions if things are trending the wrong way for too long. The only way not to go back and have more restrictive public health measures if is everybody actually does their part, she told a news conference. Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said the only health units with double-digit increases were Peel, Toronto with 41 an increase of 10 from the previous day and Ottawa with 13, down from 22. Once again, every other public health unit is reporting five or fewer cases, with 12 units reporting no new cases, she wrote on Twitter. Typically, at least half the provinces 34 health units report no new cases on a daily basis, although officials caution against reading too much into one days statistics. Hamilton reported five new cases, with four in Brant County, three in Halton and two in Durham. Peel has surpassed Toronto for the most active cases, with 374. Toronto has 353 and Ottawa 184. By age group, the largest number of active cases is people in their 20s with 377, followed by 219 residents under 20 and 207 in their 30s. There were 66 people in hospitals across the province for the virus, an increase of six, with 13 requiring intensive care and eight on ventilators to breathe. Those numbers are well within the capacity of the health-care system, which at times has seen more than 1,200 patients with COVID-19. A Star compilation of data from health units at 5 p.m. Friday found 128 new confirmed and probable cases across the province in the previous 24 hours, increasing the total to 44,981 since late January. One additional death increased the toll to 2,851 lives. Nationally, there have been at least 9,141 deaths and 130,493 confirmed cases. Correction Sept. 8, 2020: This story was edited to correct the number of confirmed cases nationwide. Read more about: Brazos Countys total positivity rate the percentage of positive cases to viral tests is 10.10%. Statewide, there were 3,899 new cases reported Thursday, according to state officials. The states positivity rate over seven days is 9%. Nine Brazos County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 were in the hospital Thursday, which is two more than Wednesdays total. Health officials said Thursday that Brazos Countys total hospital bed occupancy was at 81% and intensive care units were at 73% capacity. Those numbers include all patients, not just those with COVID-19. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were 152 hospital beds available in the Brazos Valley Trauma Region as of Thursday afternoon. In the area which includes Brazos, Washington, Leon, Madison, Grimes and Burleson counties there were four ICU beds available. Officials said the region had 61 ventilators available, with 20 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized. To date, 56 Brazos County residents have died after being treated for COVID-19. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Brazos Valley Jodhpur: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday gave consent for an extension in a special category visa that had expired for 410 Hindu refugees left stranded in Pakistan. The MHA made the submission before the Jodhpur Bench of Rajasthan High Court during a hearing of a petition regarding issues and problems of refugees from Pakistan. This comes as a major relief for the immigrants who were staying in India on long-term visa (LTV) and had gone to the neighbouring nation for a short trip on the special NORI visa before the national coronovirus-induced lockdown was first imposed in March this year. The NORI visa allows LTV holders with no Indian citizenship to travel to Pakistan and return within 60 days. Due to the lockdown, the 410 people got stranded there as the visa period of 60 days expired, said Hindu Singh Sodha, President of Seemant Lok Sangathan, a welfare organisation for such refugees. During the previous hearing on August 19, the high court was apprised of the plight of stranded NORI visa holders in Pakistan and had sought a reply from the the Centre about helping them come to India. The MHA, in its reply to the court through its counsel, said, It has been decided that return visa in respect of such LTV holding Pakistani nationals, who had gone to Pakistan on NORI visa before the lockdown and stranded there due to travel restrictions, may be treated as deemed extended for a period up to 15 days from the date on which travel restrictions from Pakistan to India are lifted by the GoI. The extension of the NORI visa will help the stranded immigrants to register with the High Commission of India (HCI) in Islamabad with all supporting documents that would enable the MHA to take up the matter with security agencies. The HCI in Islamabad will have to intimate the MHA with the names and particulars of all such Pakistani nationals, who register with them for return visa extension. The visa extension will be stamped on their passports at Attari border in Punjab on their arrival, where they will be tested for coronavirus after entering India. The issue had hit the headlines in July when one such Hindu refugee, Janta Mali, had gone to visit her ailing mother in Mirpur Khas, Pakistan in February on NORI visa with her husband and children, but was not allowed to return later due to the expiry of her visa. She got stranded there while her husband and children, who are Indian citizens, travelled back to India. Two shuttle services were rolled out after lifting of lockdown curbs for the return of the immigrants in July, but these 410 refugees had been left out due to expiry of their visa period. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor The Panamanian-registered New Diamond was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude from Kuwait to India when the engine room exploded on Thursday killing one Filipino crew member A Panamanian-registered oil tanker burned out of control for a second day off Sri Lanka on Friday, raising fears of a major new oil spill in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan navy and India coastguard vessels fired water cannon while an air force helicopter dropped water on the drifting New Diamond. Just a week after a huge oil slick hit the Mauritious coast, Sri Lanka authorities are preparing for the worst as the navy warned it could take five days to put out the blaze on the 330 metre (1,000 feet) long New Diamond. The ship was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude from Kuwait to India when the engine room exploded on Thursday killing one Filipino crew member. The other 22 crewfive Greek and 17 Filipino - were taken off the vessel. The Sri Lankan navy said there was no immediate danger of the tanker breaking up, despite reports of a two-metre (six-foot) crack in the hull above the water line. Rear Admiral Y. N. Jayaratne said the metal had cracked in the intense heat as the fuel tanks burned when the fire spread from the adjoining engine room. The fire has not yet touched the crude however. Closer to coast "It will take another four to five days to completely put out the fire," Jayaratne said. "Thereafter we should be able to tow it away and let the owners decide what they want to do." Map locating a burning oil tanker off the coast of Sri Lanka The ship was heading for the eastern Indian port of Paradip when it issued a distress signal 60 kilometres (38 miles) from Sri Lanka's east coast. On Friday the stricken vessel had drifted 25 kilometres closer to the shore, Sri Lankan officials said adding that it was now being pushed back. India and Sri Lanka have deployed reconnaissance planes to track the ship. Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre said there was no immediate danger of an environmental disaster. "It is not as bad as it seems," DMC head Sudantha Ranasinghe told AFP. "Once the fire is put out, the vessel will be towed further away into deeper waters." But the head of Sri Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Agency (MEPA) Dharshani Lahandapura said legal action could be taken against the owners, Liberian-registered Porto Emporios Shipping Inc "should the worst happen and the ship breaks up." The New Diamond is carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude Sri Lankan navy officers carry an injured crewman from the stricken oil tanker, the New Diamond Lahandapura told reporters that Sri Lanka did not have the resources to contain a major oil spill. But Ranasinghe said authorities were considering a ship-to-ship transfer of the crude before salvaging the tanker. Maldives fears disaster The vessel is larger than the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which crashed into a reef in Mauritius in July leaking more than 1,000 tonnes of oil into the island nation's pristine waters. Sri Lanka's neighbour Maldives has raised concerns that any oil spill from the New Diamond could cause serious environmental damage in the atoll of 1,192 coral islands that depends on fisheries and tourism. Maldivian minister at the president's office, Ahmed Naseem, called for precautionary measures across the archipelago that is about 1,000 kilometres southwest of Sri Lanka. "Maldives needs to watch this oil spill carefully and take all precautions to prevent it from reaching her shores," Naseem said on Twitter. "This could be a major disaster." Explore further Ship that oozed oil off Mauritius coast splits in two 2020 AFP A federal judge in Florida has dismissed a suit for business interruption insurance payments by a Florida dentist who claimed the damages were caused by COVID-19 virus and related civil authority shutdowns of dental services. U.S. District Court Judge John Badalamenti for the Middle District of Florida dismissed the claim, finding that the dental practices loss or damage asserted was not due to a covered cause of loss and, more importantly, the policy expressly excludes coverage from damages caused by a virus. This Florida dismissal is another in a string of cases where insurers have prevailed in coronavirus business loss cases. The rulings in insurers favor have come from federal courts in California, Texas and New York, a District of Columbia court and a Michigan state court. Meanwhile, federal judges in California and Missouri have thus far declined to dismiss their separate cases against Travelers Insurance and Cincinnati Insurance. In this latest Florida case, Mauricio Martinez, DMD, sued his insurance carrier, Allied Insurance Co. of America for damages that he argued were caused by or result[ing] from a Covered Cause of Loss. The causes of the alleged loss, Martinez maintains, included the impact of the COVID-19 virus and the Florida governors emergency declaration that limited dental services. Specifically, Martinez claims that he incurred costs to decontaminate his dental office of the virus, and lost business income because of the governors limitation of dental services. Allied moved to dismiss the lawsuit, a request the judge has now granted. Allied issued a commercial insurance policy to cover Martinezs dental practice for the period September 28, 2019, to September 28, 2020. On April 1, 2020, Allied denied the claim by Martinez for monetary losses that he said his business sustained because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The insurance policy provides coverage for direct physical loss or damage to covered property at the [plaintiffs] premises that is caused by or result[s] from any Covered Cause of Loss. Allied asserts that there was no direct physical loss or damage to covered property at the dental practices premises as a result of the appointment cancellations or the closure of the dental practice. The policys provision governing loss of business income due to the act of a civil authority states that for losses to be covered the action by a civil authority must prohibit access to the premises and the action of civil authority must be taken in response to dangerous physical conditions resulting from the damage or continuation of the Covered Cause of Loss. The policy contains an exclusion for loss or damage caused directly or indirectly, by [a]ny virus, bacterium or other microorganism that induces or is capable of inducing physical distress, illness or disease. Allied argued that that there had been no action of civil authority prohibiting access to Martinezs dental practice premises, and that the policys virus exclusion bars coverage. Judge Badalamenti found that the dental practices loss or damage asserted was not due to a covered cause of loss and agreed that the policy expressly excludes insurer liability for loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by any virus. Because Martinezs damages resulted from COVID-19, which is clearly a virus, neither the governors executive order narrowing dental services to only emergency procedures nor the disinfection of the dental office of the virus is a Covered Cause of Loss under the plain language of the policys exclusion, the judge wrote. The case is Mauricio Martinez, DMD, v Allied Insurance Co. of America. Topics COVID-19 Legislation Florida Profit Loss Ant Group's late-summer IPO filing drove home why the business - backed by 711 million monthly users that spent $US17 trillion ($23.4 trillion) through its platform - is headed for potentially the world's largest stock debut. Yet investors may do well to focus on the long-term threat to its core businesses from arch rival Tencent. Ant is set to join the top echelon of global finance alongside Bank of America, as it seeks to raise about $US30 billion with a valuation of about $US225 billion in Hong Kong and Shanghai, people familiar have said. Once the dust settles, the crown jewel of Jack Ma's Alibaba Group empire has to contend with a renewed challenge from old nemesis Tencent that's increasingly encroaching on its turf from payments to wealth management. Ant, the crown jewel of Jack Ma's Alibaba Group empire has to contend with a renewed challenge from old nemesis Tencent. Credit:Stefan Postles China's two largest corporations Alibaba and Tencent are wrestling for online leadership in everything from social entertainment to e-commerce and cloud computing. The key to winning the war is to control the means through which a billion Chinese spend their money online. Alibaba's 33 per cent-owned Ant and Tencent's WeChat are the smartphone and payment backbones underpinning the twin internet juggernauts. "Ant should be wary of the wider Tencent ecosystem, which is taking away its payments traffic," said Shawn Yang, a Shenzhen-based managing director for Blue Lotus Capital Advisors Ltd. "Even though Ant has better quality data from the e-commerce transactions it collects, it needs to make sure it's not losing too much share in the other high-frequency verticals like ride-hailing, food delivery and offline retail." (Natural News) For sixty days and counting, the Democrat Party has courted left-wing domestic terrorists who have rioted and pillaged U.S. cities, while attacking law enforcement and murdering innocents. Oregon Governor Kate Brown (D) has repeatedly turned a blind eye to the rioting, looting and violence as she continues to support these left-wing terror groups, Antifa and Black Lives Matter. Now Governor Kate Brown is trying to blame the violence and bloodshed on the right-wing vigilantes and armed white supremacists coming into Oregon. The Democrats are trying to flip the script on the violence that they have openly encouraged. In a new press release, Governor Brown called for an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued Oregons cities, and that starts by blaming the problem on President Trump and his supporters. Oregon Governor Kate Brown is laughing in the face of innocent Americans who have been victimized by ANTIFA and BLM In the summer of 2020, Kate Brown has, so far, done nothing to stop the lefts incessant attacks on law enforcement. Instead, she has instructed law enforcement to stand down, blocking any attempt for law and order. During the summer of left-wing violence, Antifa and BLM groups have persistently attacked police, using commercial grade fireworks, rocks, and lasers. They have vandalized federal buildings, taken over entire city blocks, and shot down those who get in their way, including a member of the group, Patriot Prayer. This murder did not stop Governor Brown from gas-lighting the entire nation, blaming the murder on the victim. In her press release she blamed the right-wing group Patriot Prayer for coming into downtown Portlandarmed and looking for a fight. Every Oregonian has the right to freely express their views without fear of deadly violence, Brown said, vowing that she will not allow Patriot Prayer and armed white supremacists to bring more bloodshed to our streets. The victim of the fatal shooting was Aaron Jay Danielson, who wore a Patriot Prayer hat, and was part of a pro-Trump caravan. By blaming the violence on the victims, Governor Brown is spitting on the grave of those who have been murdered and laughing in the face of everyone who has been attacked by left-wing mobs. Brown balked, Change will not come overnight, and, as we have seen in these last months, it does not come easily either. But we are building a more just future, she continued, promising to bring all voices to the table to help end the nightly confrontations. But that will only come if we commit ourselves to do the hard work to bring about real change and racial justice, she added. According to Browns crooked logic, this essentially means that anyone who doesnt submit to the violence of BLM and Antifa are expendable, do not get a voice, nor do they belong in society. The real justice begins when these left-wing terrorists are hunted down and put on trial The suspect in the fatal shooting of Aaron Jay Danielson is 48-year-old Michael Forest Reinoehl, an alleged member of the Black Lives Matter militia who self-identified on social media as 100% ANTIFA all the way. Reinoehl has taken part in the violence in Portland since May. He was reportedly arrested on weapon charges but was ultimately allowed to go free. The Oregonian reported: On July 5 at one of the demonstrations, Reinoehl was cited at 2:10 a.m. in the 700 block of Southwest Main Street on allegations of possessing a loaded gun in a public place, resisting arrest and interfering with police. The real justice begins when left-wing domestic terrorists are hunted down and put on trial. Just as important, the criminal racket called the Democrat Party must be held to account and that includes Oregon Governor Kate Brown. Read the truth about the Lefts violent overthrow of America at AntifaWatch.News. Sources include: Breitbart.com FoxNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com Portland, Sep 4 : Police have shot dead a man suspected of fatally shooting a right-wing activist during protests in the US city of Portland in Oregon state, officials have said. The victim, Michael Reinoehl, 48, was being investigated for the killing of Aaron Danielson, a supporter of President Donald Trump during last weekend's tension in the city, the BBC reported. A warrant for Reinoehl's arrest was issued and he was located by agents on Thursday in Lacey, Washington about 193 km north of Portland. Thurston County Sheriff's Lieutenant Ray Brady said it was not clear why the suspect was in Lacey and he did not believe Reinoehl lived at the address. Lieutenant Brady said the police were conducting surveillance when the suspect left the apartment and got into a vehicle in the road. "There was a confrontation between the officers that were on scene and the subject. "The information we have at this time is that the subject was armed. There were shots that were fired into the vehicle and the subject fled from the vehicle, at which time there was additional shots that were fired," the BBC quoted Lieutenant Brady as saying. He said four officers fired their weapons. According to the BBC report, Reinoehl was a regular participant in Portland's anti-racism demonstrations and was part of the protesters' security team that aimed to protect demonstrators from potential agitators. Several hundred protesters gathered in Portland following the shooting on Thursday and one sign in the street outside a police station. Reinoehl's killing came amid fights between the Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland. The UK's Stobart Group is in advanced talks to sell its Dublin-based Stobart Air unit, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional service, to aircraft lessor Falko, the Irish Independent has learned. It's believed that the deal could ultimately be worth more than 20m. It would also almost certainly lead to a tie-up between Stobart Air and Dublin-based CityJet, which recently exited examinership and which is controlled by UK-based Falko. It's understood that the value placed on an agreement to buy Stobart Air will be contingent on the carrier securing an extension to its existing Aer Lingus franchise contract, however. The current contract expires in 2022. The deal could also reflect Falko assuming some of the significant liabilities that Stobart Group still has that are linked to Stobart Air. Stock market-listed Stobart Group, whose shares have slumped during the pandemic as the aviation industry is hammered, declined to comment yesterday. Executives at Falko were uncontactable. Stobart Group, whose chief executive is Warwick Brady, also owns London Southend Airport. Last month, EasyJet said it was terminating its base at the airport, prompting Stobart Group to announce that it will cut jobs. Stobart raised 100m (112m) from investors in June to shore up its balance sheet. Some of the funds were earmarked to help Stobart Air, which like other airlines has been left reeling from the impact of the Covid crisis that has seen passenger demand evaporate. In April, when Stobart Group reacquired full control of Stobart Air, the company said that it intended to work with Aer Lingus to identify a new financial partner to support the business for the future, "with Stobart Group exiting its involvement in a controlled way at the appropriate time". In May, IAG chief executive Willie Walsh - who retires from the role next week - said that at that stage Aer Lingus had not signed an extension to Stobart Air's franchise agreement. He said Aer Lingus had also been approached by other carriers interested in providing the Aer Lingus Regional service. Falko, whose chief executive is Jeremy Barnes, is backed by funds controlled by US investment group Fortress. The aircraft and engine lessor, which also offices in Dublin and Singapore, has a managed fleet of more than 100 regional aircraft, including jets and turboprops. It was a significant backer of CityJet, which was founded by Pat Byrne, for a number of years prior to the carrier's examinership that began in April. CityJet had more than 545m in liabilities at the time that process began. CityJet does not fly its own scheduled services, and operates aircraft on behalf of airline customers. Its sole client at the moment is SAS. As part of the deal to exit examinership, Falko executive vice president James Greenstreet was appointed a director of CityJet. CityJet attempted to acquire Stobart Air in 2016, but the planned deal ultimately failed. Stobart Group sold its rail engineering division during the summer for a token amount, with most of the consideration dependent on the outcome of a single contract. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 22:29:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Fireboats extinguish fire of an oil tanker in the seas off Sri Lanka's eastern coast, on Sept. 4, 2020. The Sri Lanka Navy on Friday evening said more vessels had joined the rescue efforts in dousing the flames on board an oil tanker which caught fire on Thursday morning in the seas off Sri Lanka's eastern coast. The oil tanker "MT NewDiamond" was heading to the Paradip Port in India carrying crude oil from Kuwait when a fire broke out in its engine room. (Sri Lanka Air Force Media/Handout via Xinhua) COLOMBO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lanka Navy on Friday evening said more vessels had joined the rescue efforts in dousing the flames on board an oil tanker which caught fire on Thursday morning in the seas off Sri Lanka's eastern coast. The oil tanker "MT NewDiamond" was heading to the Paradip Port in India carrying crude oil from Kuwait when a fire broke out in its engine room. According to the navy, the vessel lies 35 km off the eastern coast. The oil tanker is carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil, heightening the risk of a catastrophic oil spill if the fire is not controlled soon, environmentalists have warned. Sri Lanka Navy Spokesperson Captain Indika de Silva told Xinhua that as of Friday evening, nine vessels -- three from India, three local, and three tugs from the Hambantota Port -- were involved in dousing the flames and as at 6 p.m. local time, naked fire on board could no longer be seen. "What we see now is just very heavy smoke. The navy is holding the tanker, preventing it from drifting towards the coast and although initially, we planned to tow it into deeper seas, we were unable to do it due to heavy currents," de Silva said. More local vessels from the Hambantota Port and capital Colombo were on its way to help in the operations and the navy had made a request to neighboring countries for assistance. The navy had already begun sharing expertise with other naval teams in the region, de Silva said. The navy spokesperson further said one Filipino crew member was presumed dead while another had sustained serious injuries and had been taken to an eastern hospital for treatment. The remaining 21 crew members including the captain and engineer of the vessel had been rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy. Captain de Silva said till Friday evening, there was no threat of an oil spill from the tanker. Five Defense Department medical facilities have been named to participate in research for the newest COVID-19 vaccine candidate to enter Phase III clinical trials. The Pentagon announced Thursday that the military hospitals will support testing of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca, which announced Aug. 31 that it was beginning widespread testing after receiving favorable results from efficacy and safety research. Read Next: Army Reservist Is 7th Service Member to Die From COVID-19 According to the DoD, military beneficiaries who volunteer through Coronavirus Prevention Network and are selected can participate at the eligible facility nearest them if they enter the hospital's code when they fill out their application. The participating military treatment facilities, along with their codes, are: Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMSD) Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio (BAMC) Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, San Antonio (WHASC) Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland (WRMC) Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (FBCH) AstraZeneca is looking to recruit 30,000 volunteers nationwide for the trial, which will examine the vaccine's effectiveness. The inoculation -- or a placebo -- will be used only on volunteers, according to DoD officials. The AstraZeneca vaccine joins two from Moderna Therapeutics and Pfizer Inc. already in the third phase of research, which tests the immunizations for effectiveness. In previous phases of the research, each candidate has shown that it generates an immune response and has had few safety safety concerns. The Defense Department is playing a major role in Operation Warp Speed, the name given to the public-private partnership to develop and deliver 200 million doses of an effective COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year. DoD scientists have played a role in vaccine development and the department is heavily involved in managing the contracts and logistics needed to develop and distribute immunizations and supplies. "The Department of Defense continues to play a key role in the development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine," said Tom McCaffery, assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs. "Now that vaccines have passed the first phases of testing for safety, dosing and response, we are ready to move into the next phase where volunteers are needed to join large clinical studies." AstraZeneca researchers are hoping to enroll adult volunteers at 80 sites across the U.S. to evaluate its vaccine, which was developed by the Jenner Institute at Oxford University and the Oxford Vaccine group. The DNA-based vaccine is designed to induce an immune response by introducing the spike protein found on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus -- the virus that causes COVID-19 -- to a patient. A similar vaccine is being developed by Johnson & Johnson and is expected to enter Phase III trials this month. Moderna and Pfizer's candidates employ a never-before-used mechanism to induce an immune response, relying on messenger RNA to instruct a patient's cells to make their own spike SARS-CoV-2 proteins to generate an immune response. Other candidates that use the more traditional vaccine method -- using the inactivated virus to elicit an immune response -- are being tested by Merck and Sinovac Biotech. GlaxoSmithKline and its partners, along with Eli Lilli and its partners, are developing immunizations based on antibodies. The Defense Department is encouraging beneficiaries with access to military health facilities to consider volunteering for the trials. According to the DoD, researchers are hoping to attract volunteers who may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, such as those in essential jobs; who live in populated residential environments such as dorms, nursing homes or correctional facilities; or are members of communities hard-hit by the pandemic, including older persons; those with underlying health conditions; and certain ethnic groups such as African Americans, Hispanics or Native Americans. The National Academies of Sciences on Tuesday released a draft proposal on vaccine distribution in the U.S., recommending that those at highest risk for contracting the coronavirus be among the first to get a viable vaccine, including health care workers and first responders and vulnerable populations such as the elderly, those at high risk because of existing health conditions and frontline workers like school personnel and those who work in public transportation. The second tier of people would include health workers not directly involved in patient care, those who face challenges accessing quality care, deployed military personnel participating in operations, police and fire personnel, Transportation Security Administration and border personnel, and those who can't remain socially distanced in their home or work environments. The third group would be young adults, children and workers in service and hospitality industries, followed by all others. The National Academy of Sciences is taking public input on its proposal before developing its final recommendation, which will be sent to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention for consideration. The deadline for public comment is Friday. Federal officials say they remain committed to having a vaccine by the end of the year, with enough doses to be delivered by January 2021. States are currently developing plans for distributing and administering the vaccines, CDC Director Robert Redfield said Friday. As of Wednesday, 38,424 U.S. service members have tested positive for COVID-19 and seven have died. Worldwide, more than 26 million people have contracted the coronavirus and 864,801 have died, including 186,293 in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: US Troops May Have a Role in Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Effort Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Denial. Its a multi-billion-dollar business. And Planned Parenthoods newest PresidentAlexis McGill Johnsonknows it. She oversees the $2 billion leading killer of unborn black lives (an estimated 247 per day) but wants to conjure up some fake history about the prolife movement being founded in racism. Her recent OpEd in the Wall Street Journal, In Defense of Margaret Sanger on Eugenics, is as honest as Rachel Dolezal is black. Johnson denies that Sanger promoted eugenics. Sanger didnt merely promote it; she embodied it as a member of the virulently racist American Eugenics Society and one of its ringleaders. The Negro Project, which Johnson was referring to but did not name, was not an altruistic effort despite the official Margaret Sanger Papers Projects laughable denial of Sangers own documented racism (opposition to legal immigration, anti-semitism, and speaking to KKK and other like-minded gatherings in her autobiography). Its objective was to severely reduce or eliminate the birth rate of poorer blacks. The ever duplicitous Sanger proudly proclaimed, in her article entitled The Eugenic Value of Birth Control Propaganda: the campaign for Birth Control is not merely of eugenic value, but is practically identical in ideal, with the final aims of Eugenics. She continued: Possibly drastic and Spartan methods may be forced upon society if it continues complacently to encourage the chance and chaotic breeding that has resulted from our stupidly cruel sentimentalism. The Negro Project failed. Racially targeted birth control still fails today. Its why famed voting rights and anti-poverty activist, Fannie Lou Hamer (who was a victim of eugenic forced sterilization), denounced birth control and abortion saying: Ill tell you the next thing that I dont buy. I dont buy distributing birth control pill[s] and legalizing abortion, because theyre talking about us! If you want to abortionize somebody, do it to yourself because Im going to try to keep the children. Pro-life Hamer was under no illusion which movement was racist. Ethyl Payne, a journalist for the Afro American, described the freedom fighter as a passionate believer in the right to life and that she spoke out strongly against abortion as a means of genocide. Many other black women feel the same way: Dr. Alveda King, Catherine Davis, Day Gardner, Star Parker, Dr. Freda Bush, Connie Eller, Zina Hackworth, Kay Coles James or the late Dr. Mildred Jefferson(who was the first black woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School and the co-founder of the National Right to Life Committee) just to name a few. Im not fooled either. As the founder of The Radiance Foundationan organization that launched the first public ad campaign to illuminate the hugely disproportionate impact of abortion in the black communityweve seen how mainstream media continues to cover for one of the worlds most eugenic organizations. In NYC, where Planned Parenthood was spawned, more black babiesfor yearshave been aborted than born alive. In 2014, when Johnson was Planned Parenthoods Board Chair, there were 1,101 black babies aborted for every 1,000 born alive. Johnson conveniently never talks about that grim reality. Nor does she ever talk about fathers and the massive epidemic of fatherlessness which leads to abortion rates up to five times higher in the black community. Im a black adoptive father with beautifully brown children. I was conceived in rape yet adopted and loved into a racially diverse family of fifteen. My white pro-life parents werent concerned about a falling white birth rate. They wanted to love those who escaped the violence of abortion and were wrongly written off as unwanted and unloved. They adopted nine non-white children (black and biracial, Native American, and Vietnamese) and one Caucasian child. Theres no escaping the truth about Sangers brokenness and the vile anti-human ideology she maintained throughout her life. Planned Parenthood regularly celebrates their eugenicist founder. Birth control itself, often denounced as a violation of natural law, is nothing more or less than the facilitation of the process of weeding out the unfit, of preventing the birth of defectives or of those who will become defectives. These words from chapter 18 in Sangers book, Women and the New Race, define her motivations for reproductive health. Sanger led the effort to join the American Birth Control (which would later be renamed Planned Parenthood) and the American Eugenics Society (AES) to produce a combined journal. One couldnt get enough racist and elitist pseudoscience back then. On March 30, 1928 Sanger met with AES secretary Leon Whitney and other members of both organizations to discuss forging ahead together. (Leon Whitney, by the way, would later be praised by Hitler for his 1934 pro-forced-sterilization manifesto: The Case For Sterilization.) At the time of this hopeful venture, AES was led by Madison Grant, the author of the deeply racist and anti-Semitic book, The Passing of the Great Race. According to the New York Times, Hitlers most valued book on America was The Passing of the Great Race and that Hitler quoted liberally from Grant in his speeches and is said to have sent him a letter describing The Passing of the Great Race as my bible . The AES rejected Sangers offer to merge. Abortion activists can keep trying to defend Margaret Sanger and the unsevered DNA of Planned Parenthood. Pro-life factivists will keep repeating the truth. Johnsons denial of basic historical facts is a pathetic and desperate attempt to rewrite history and project Planned Parenthoods own inherent racism. An industry that was inarguably birthed in eugenic racism and elitism somehow wants people to believe that the leading killer of black lives isnt practicing systemic racism but reproductive justice. Planned Parenthood exemplifies the narrative in The Emperors New Clothes. We can see right through your propaganda, though. When you falsely tweet that black women are safer to have an abortion than to carry a pregnancy to full term, you do the dirty job of white supremacists, while you wrap it up in a deceptive pink bow. Originally posted at theradiancefoundation.org SYDNEY, Sept.2 (Peoples Daily Online) -- Initiated by the Consulate-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Brisbane and organized by Peoples Daily Online Australia, the 2020 China-Australia Short Video Contest officially kicked off on September 1st, 2020. The contest has been held continuously for four years, aiming to deepen the mutual understanding and build the relationship between China and Australia youth. Xu Jie, Chinese Consul-General in Brisbane (Photo/People's Daily) This year, the theme of the contest is "Spot the Similarities and Differences: China VS. Australia". Since 2020 has been a very special year, participants are encouraged to make the videos at home or to use previous materials they have. Dr. Xu Jie, Consul-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Brisbane, expressed that he hopes everyone would take this opportunity to enhance understanding, deepen friendship, encourage and support each other, and overcome this difficult period together. I believe that pursuing a happy and beautiful life is the common aspiration of panda and koala. Lets work together to promote the stable development of China-Australia relationships, he said. The collection period will last for three months from September 1st to November 30th, 2020. Participants need to post their videos on their own social media accounts with the hashtag #koalameetspanda and @one of the event's official accounts: - Facebook: @whenkoalameetspanda - Twitter: @koalameetspanda - Instagram: @whenkoalameetspanda - TikTok: @whenkoalameetspanda The same as before, four Individual Awards and one Final Award will be generated. The four winners of Best Story Award, Best Editing Award, Best Experience Award and Best Presentation Award will receive a certificate and a prize of $1000. The most viewed video of these four on Chinese social media platforms will win the final Most Popular in China Award. The final award winner will be invited to a one-week cultural exchange visit. Just a week before the contest was set to launch, Amy Lyons, Max Silk, and Michael Moryosef, the final winners for the previous three years, shared their experiences of living and studying in China through Youtube Livestream. They exchanged their findings on some cultural differences between China and Australia during the live show and invited young people to join this year. Phuket police train for public assembly, crowd control PHUKET: A total of 166 police officers from across the island are undergoing public assembly and crowd control training as a precaution in case a mass gathering rises in Phuket. policepolitics By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 4 September 2020, 11:16AM A total of 166 police officers from across Phuket have been selected to undergo the training. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A total of 166 police officers from across Phuket have been selected to undergo the training. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A total of 166 police officers from across Phuket have been selected to undergo the training. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A total of 166 police officers from across Phuket have been selected to undergo the training. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A total of 166 police officers from across Phuket have been selected to undergo the training. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The two-day training, which began yesterday (Sept 3), is being held at the gymnasium at Phuket Rajabhat University. The training is being conducted by Provincial Police Training Center Region 8 and officers from the Royal Thai Police crowd control division. At the opening ceremony for the training course yesterday, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Lt Col Chaiwat Uikam explained that the training was mandatory, required by the Public Assembly Act 2015. Section 19 Paragraph 7 states that Public assembly officials and the police officers assigned to oversee public assemblies must be trained to have the skills, understanding and tolerance for situations of public assembly, and must wear uniforms to be clearly identified and may use crowd control tools as prescribed by the Minister, he said. The officers will be trained in basic crowd control tactics and techniques according to UN guidelines, to identify problems, obstacles, and difficulties in the operation of crowd control, he added. Those who pass the training will receive a certificate confirming they had successfully completed the course, he said. Addressing the the officers taking part in the training, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Rungrote Thakurapunyasiri said, According to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, B.E. 2560 (2017), Section 44 provides a provision to certify and protect the freedom of public assembly that a person shall enjoy the freedom of peaceful assembly, and unarmed restriction of liberty cannot be done except by virtue of the provisions of the law to maintain the security of the state, public safety, the peace or for the the good of the people or to protect the rights or freedoms of other persons, for which the law specifically enacted to oversee public assembly is the Public Assembly Act 2015. The Royal Thai Police through Provincial Police Region 8 and the Phuket Provincial Police see the importance of training police officers who will be assigned to supervise public gatherings to foster [among the officers] their knowledge, understanding, increase their skills and tolerance for situations of public assembly, he added. Maj Gen Rungrote continued, We ask the selected trainees that when carrying out the important duty of crowd control to please consider taking care of the [people in the] crowd, to preserve order, and to take care of the security of the people of Phuket. Anon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok breached their bail. For the court, the two activists continued to engage in political activity. Both have declined to post new bail. A call to join an anti-government protest on 19 September is circulating on social media. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Bangkok Criminal Court on Thursday revoked the bail of two Thai anti-government activists for breaching the terms of their bail in earlier arrests over anti-government rallies. Anon Nampa, a 36-year-old human rights lawyer, and Panupong Jadnok, a 24-year-old student activist, could be held for up to 48 days, before the court vets their case. Anon and Panupong, who were first arrested on 7 August and released the next day on bail, continued their political activity, thus violating the terms of their release. The court allowed them to post new bail, but both declined. The two activists are among the most prominent figures of the protest movement, which took to the streets of Bangkok on 18 July to demand an end to the militarys role in the country's politics as well as the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former general and army chief who came to power in 2014 following a coup. Protesters also want the dissolution of Parliament, an end to violence and abuses against government critics, and changes to the Constitution. They have also targeted the lese majesty law, which punishes with up to 15 years in prison anyone who criticise the king or questions the monarchy. The two pro-democracy advocates have been indicted and face several charges, including sedition and violating restrictions on public gatherings. I was honoured to participate in anti-government protests with everyone, said Anon in a message on Facebook. My fight is over, so I invite you to participate in the rally at Thammasat University on September 19 to show that we are right. (Israel Hayom via JNS) - In just 10 days, Israel's "Light Blade" laser system, deployed on the Gaza border, downed 150 explosives-laden balloons launched toward Israel from the Hamas-controlled territory, according to Israel's Border Police, which operates the system. However, Israel's only deployed Light Blade system covers just a small part of the Gaza Strip, and while it's interception rate stands at close to 100 percent, Palestinians in other parts of Gaza continue to launch balloon-borne incendiary and explosive devices over the border fence into the western Negev. While Israel Defen... Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC has described as a big lie the attribution of the Kumawu Water project and other hospitals in the Ashanti Region to former President John Mahama by the leader of United Front Party (UFP) Nana Agyenim Boateng. According to Abronye DC, former President John Agyekum Kufuor initiated the Kumawu water project by securing a loan to provide water for the people of Kumawu and its environs just as he did for the people of Baafikrom, Kwanyarko, Cape Coast, Koforidua, and Tamale water projects. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP disclosed that the Kumawu water project received both Cabinet and Parliamentary approval under former President Kufuor before he left office. He stressed that the then Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Hon. Yaw Baah after the Parliamentary approval said publicly that the people of Kumawu will be relieved due to former President Kufuors water project. In a month later after the election, NPP lost power and then Prof Mills came to continue and he commissioned the Kumawu water project in 2011. How come a water project that Kufuor initiated, today, by force, former President Mahama who says that we should give him another chance has rather hired some people to steal Kufuors project which former President Mills inherited and give the credit to John Mahama instead," he slammed. He reiterated that former President Mahama and the NDC cannot take credit for the Kumawu water project which was initiated by former President Kufuor as per the philosophy of the NDC National Communication Officer Sammy Gyamfi, credit should rather be given to any government that secures a loan for a project and not the one that carries out the actual project. Gyataba who is speaking for his paymaster John Mahama has been disgraced. I am saying this based on the fact that the National Communication Officer of the NDC said that if a government goes for a loan to start a project and another comes to take over and continue the project, then the project is the achievement of the former leader. Therefore, if former Kufuor went for the loan for the Kumawu Water project, why are they claiming the glory for former President Mahama? Gyataba should come back to apologize to Ghanaians for stealing Kufuor and the NPP Water project for former President Mahama, he said. Abronye DC again challenged Gyataba on the hospital projects in the Ashanti Region which the latter is claiming to have been constructed by former President John Dramani Mahama. He, however, recollected that former Minister of Health and the current second deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon Alban Bagbin presenting a cabinet memo in Parliament dated 12th July 2012 said that the NDC led by Atta Mills took over the various Ashanti Regional hospital projects initiated by the previous government in November 2008. Abronye DC quoting from the Cabinet memo presented by Hon Alban Bagbin said the various hospital projects received Cabinet and Parliamentary approval from the previous government to construct 9 hospitals for the ministry of health. Having received both cabinet and parliamentary approval, the project covered the construction of 9 hospitals for the ministry of health as follow; Wa Regional Hospital-160 bed capacity, Salaga-60 bed capacity, Tepa-60 bed capacity, Konongo-Odumase- 60-bed capacity, Nsawkaw-60 bed capacity; Suntreso-250 bed capacity, Twifo-Praso-60 bed capacity, Adenta-Madina-100 bed capacity; 500-bed military hospital capacity in Kumasi for the ministry of defense, he quoted from the Cabinet memo. He said Gyataba and the NDC have been exposed. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/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 A model officetel apartment. (Photo: vnexpress.net) Hanoi - The Hanoi People's Committee recently issued a written request to tighten the management of the investment, construction and business of condotels, tourist villas and officetels. The committee assigned departments, branches and local authorities to strictly implement the Prime Minister's Directive No 5 dated March 1 last year on enhancing the reorganisation of construction and urban planning and development management. The municipal Department of Construction was assigned to control and manage construction works, appraisal of basic and construction design, construction activities to ensure functional use, other criteria consistent with the approved planning; detect, prevent and promptly handle mistakes in project execution by investors. Hanoi also required the city's Department of Planning and Investment to control investor's compliance with the law for construction investment projects with the function of offices combined with accommodation, investment tourist projects such as condotels and resort villas and to strictly control proposed projects to convert non-residential functions into housing. The municipal Department of Planning and Architecture must control the function of land use, ability to meet social and technical infrastructure in the process of making, evaluating, submitting for approval of planning projects, and procedures for planning and architecture of investment projects on condotels, resort villas and officetels, ensuring legal compliance. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment will review approved investment projects and the implementation of land allocation and land lease to determine land use purpose and land use term. The Hanoi Department of Tourism will work with relevant units to inspect business activities of condotels, resort villas and officetels to prevent and handle illegal business activities. Both Bassam Aramin, 52, a Palestinian academic, and Rami Elhanan, 70, an Israeli graphic designer, have lost children to violence in their homeland. They now give lectures around the world calling for peace. Bassam Aramin, left, and Rami Elhanan: "This is the importance of a personal relationship: if I know an Israeli, then I know that they are not all the same." Credit:Sarah Lee/Eyevine/Australscope RAMI: I met Bassam for the first time in 2005 at the birth of Combatants for Peace, the organisation he co-founded with my son Elik. His story amazed me: a Palestinian freedom fighter who from the age of 17 spent seven years in an Israeli jail and became a prisoners leader. The most extraordinary thing for me, as the son of a Holocaust survivor, was the way he changed to non-violent resistance after watching the movie Schindlers List in jail. On January 16, 2007, I was driving with my wife to pick up her mom from Jerusalems airport when I got a phone call telling me that Bassams daughter Abir had been shot in the back of her head outside her school in Anata [a town in the West Bank]. We turned around and went straight to the hospital; we spent two days by her bed. Abir was the third of his six children, and she was born in 1997, the same year my daughter Smadar was killed in a suicide bombing by Palestinian terrorists in Jerusalem. Smadar was the third of my four children. What happened to Abir, for me, was like losing my daughter a second time. I told Bassam I was completely devastated, crushed, and he comforted me. I asked him, What are we going to do now? He said, God is testing us. I looked at him and I thought, If he can go on, I can go on. We share the same pain. Philadelphia Anti-Capitalist Group Claims Responsibility for Violent Attack Near University Campus A far-left extremist group has claimed responsibility for a spree of violence that occurred near the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) campus last week, inflicting extensive damages to school buildings, businesses, and a police vehicle. According to the UPenns Division of Public Safety, a group of approximately 60 people, all dressed in black and wearing black masks, gathered at 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 in a park next to the university campus. The group then proceed to build barricades, smash windows, paint graffiti, and harass passersby before heading back to the park, where they eventually dispersed. Hours after the violent attacks occurred, a post was published on a blog called the Philly Anti-Capitalist, a self-proclaimed anti-authoritarian organization. Solidarity with Kenosha, WI demo was more impressive than usual, the group wrote. Escalation started right away and continued as a group of over 45 people marched through the streets chanting and smashing windows of banks, business and developments. There was a surprising amount of destruction. There was a surprising amount of destruction. There was good communication, barricading, and improvisation, the post continued, praising the collective intelligence of the group. Folks caught and lost a police tail and dispersed smoothly due to barricades and quick decision making all the while staying level headed and tight in stressful moments. We really appreciate everyone who showed up and their energy! The more we do this, the better we get! the group said, adding that it stood in solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement and everyone consistently turning up and inspiring us, while also wishing Jacob Blake get better. Blake, a sexual assault suspect, was seriously injured on Aug. 23 when a Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer shot him seven times as he resisted arrest and leaned into his cartriggering riots in the city. UPenns Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush told student newspaper The Daily Pennsylvanian that the campus police is working closely with Philadelphia Police Department in an effort to identify the people who carried out the violence. These are not protesters. They are anarchists, they are Antifa. That is how they identify themselves, Rush said of the group. While it is not immediately clear about the relationship between Philly Anti-Cap and Philly Antifa, the two apparently bear similarities in terms of anarcho-communist ideology, the so-called black bloc dressing style and tactics, and social justice goals. A number of articles sympathetic to Antifa activities can also be found in the Anti-Cap blog. Rush told The Daily Pennsylvanian that her department is fully staffed and is preparing for similar attempts to damage school property. We are gearing up in case they try this again, she said. Address staffing shortages at long-term care facilities Re: Preparing nursing homes for second wave starts with staffing, Aug. 27 As a person with a loved one in long-term care I am well aware of the staffing shortages which have plagued our nursing homes for well over a decade. I fully agree with the writers that: In most cases, front-line workers cant ensure basic care is provided, such as bathing, feeding and changing. Opportunities to provide emotional support to seniors are non-existent despite an epidemic of loneliness and depression created by COVID-19. The writers note the situation is compounded by family members being denied access to homes for in-person care. The article asks for improved pay and sick leave for staff. The $4 per hour pandemic pay raise for essential staff ended as of Aug. 13. Minimum staffing levels, nonexistent now, need to be established and monitored, the article points out. For those who missed reading the whole piece in its original publication, the online version is easily accessible. Joan WorthingtonSt. Catharines Did Lake Erie swimmer have to quarantine? Re: Julia Notebomer becomes youngest swimmer to cross Lake Erie, Aug. 31 Reporter Paul Forsyth missed the most interesting aspect of Julia Notebomers remarkable achievement in swimming across Lake Erie. Reading the item, I was left with some nagging questions, the answers to which would make for fascinating reading indeed. While I dont know whether Ms. Notebomer holds both Canadian and U.S. citizenship, I remain perplexed as to how she managed to enter the U.S. to start her epic journey and why did she not have to quarantine in New York for 14 days. Also, as a returning Canadian, is she now in self-quarantine? Please, can we have some more information? Bert DandyNiagara Falls Labour Day is an opportunity to rally for a stronger Canada This Labour Day, as we pause to recognize the historic contributions of working people in Canada, it feels like there is little to celebrate and much to hope for. This COVID-19 crisis has been very hard for workers across the country those who have lost loved ones, those who were put out of work, and those who were deemed essential and had to keep working at great risk to themselves and their families. As the dust settles, we need to start to rebuild. We need a robust economy, built around a fair, generous and inclusive society where no one is left behind. The Canadian Labour Congress and Canadas unions are calling on all levels of government to replace lost jobs with better ones by hiring people to build green infrastructure, to educate our youth, to care for others and to give workers paid sick leave and a living wage. Workers are calling for a strengthening of public health care to include mental health, pharmacare and home care, and an end to privatization in the long-term care sector. Workers want reforms to employment insurance, disability benefits, education and training, as well as pensions to make all of these more secure and reliable. We all must reject U.S.-style cuts, austerity and the me-first politics we are seeing in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a very important lesson: Canadas economic, health and social goals are inseparable. Its time to disaster-proof our nation. Lou Ann Binning President, Niagara Regional Labour Council Letters welcome We welcome letters from our readers. Send them to letters@niagaradailies.com or mail to 55 King St., Suite 600, St. Catharines, Ont., L2H 3HR. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of 5,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) of maize from the National Strategic Grains Reserve to support the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) at a subsidised rate. The subsidised rate is N90,000 per MT, as against the current market price of N170, 000. This was conveyed to the Minster of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Sabo Nanono, in a letter from State House. The letter was signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, according to a statement issued by Theodore Ogaziechi, the ministrys Director of Information on Thursday. The Poultry industry, which accounts for about 27 per cent of the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (AGDP) of the economy and provides about 20 million direct and indirect employments, will heave a sigh of relief as this will to a great extent help resolve the challenge of the poultry feeds ravaging the industry, the statement reads. The statement said Mr Nanono had assured the poultry farmers of the readiness of the ministry to immediately comply with the presidential directive in order to salvage the huge investment of about N10 trillion in the industry. Genesis Before now, the CBN had announced the ban on the maize importation in an effort to boost local production. Meanwhile, weeks after the CBN stopped the issuance of forex for the importation of maize, the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), conducted a market survey in Abuja and Akwa Ibom. Findings from the survey showed the prices of poultry and fish feed have increased across the country. Traders and farmers, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES attributed the hike in prices to the scarcity and sudden increase in the cost of the grain. According to the survey, 25kg bag of poultry feed called Starter that sold N4,000 before now, had since risen to N4,200, while the feed meant for older birds, called Finisher now goes for N4,000 from the previous price of N3,700. Also, a 15kg bag of Nigerian-made fish feed that sold for N7,500 for 2mm before the announcement of the policy, has increased to N8,100. Similarly, the same amount of fish feed for 3mm fish size has now increased from N6,300 to N7,500, while its 9mm equivalent has increased to N5,000 from N3,900. Intervention To remedy this, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on August 6, granted approval to four agro processing companies to import 262,000 tons of maize and corn in the bid to complement the anticipated shortfall of the commodity in the country. President Buhari had on Wednesday through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, expressed the concern of his administration about the sudden spiral of food prices, at a time when the economy is already mired in a slowdown occasioned by the global coronavirus situation. The president assured Nigerians that the situation is transient and that his administration has already begun looking and putting in place measures to ameliorate the situation. While providence has been kind to us with the rains and as such an expectation that a bumper harvest would lead to crashing of food prices and ease the burdens on the population, governments concern is that the exploitative market behaviour by actors has significantly increased among traders in the past few years and may make any such relief a short lived one, Mr Buhari was quoted to have said. After the lacklustre Democratic and Republican Party conventions, how will the debates play out in the run up to Novembers US presidential elections The least one can say is that the Democratic and Republican Party conventions, which are held every four years prior to the US presidential elections, went practically unnoticed this year. The reasons for this are many, the most important being the holding of the two conventions online amid concerns surrounding the use of digitisation as one of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of thousands of delegates from the 50 US states and dependent territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands attending the conventions as usual, this number dwindled to between 250 and 300 delegates as a maximum. Many in the US, and indeed in the world as a whole, will be left wondering about the implications of these two conventions, which this year were both colourless and odourless. It is true that the two parties nominated their candidates for president and vice-president at their conventions, but the latter missed the massive publicity and lavish decor that ordinarily go with these events and usually cost millions of dollars. The Democratic Party convention took place from 17 to 20 August in Wisconsin for a few hours over three consecutive days, with most speeches being delivered remotely from across the US. The contender, Joe Biden, and the nominee for vice-president, Kamala Harris, accepted their candidacies remotely for the first time in more than 75 years. Former president Franklin D Roosevelt did so in 1944 when he was standing for a fourth term in office as he was on board a military ship in the Pacific at the time during World War II. The Republican Party conference happened a few days later from 24 to 27 August. It was not much different, except for US President Donald Trump hosting a number of meetings in the White House with ordinary Americans who have attributed their liberation from prisons in Iran, Venezuela and India to Trumps direct intervention. Other meetings featured ordinary Americans testifying that the president had positively affected their lives and that they believe he has made America great again. They had come to pay tribute to the president and express their gratitude to him in person. Because of such scenes the Republican Party convention looked less colourless when compared to its Democratic Party predecessor. Preliminary dates have been set for three debates between the candidates in the presidential elections on 29 September, 15 October and 22 October, while a debate between the candidates for vice-president, Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, will take place on 7 October. The question, however, is whether the two parties will have to observe social-distancing, meaning that these debates lose all the excitement and passion of the face-to-face challenges we experienced in the past. It is still not known what the audience will look like in these debates (if there is one), or whether the candidates will appear in person on stage or appear via video. While the Trump campaign has requested that both candidates appear on stage together, this has not yet been decided as the relevant committee continues to follow the health and security developments of the coronavirus pandemic and has not yet decided whether a direct or a remote debate will be allowed. As for the topics that may arise in the debates, the two candidates stand in sharp contrast to one another. On the coronavirus epidemic and the current presidents belittling of it, Biden has said he will go as far as to put the country in lockdown again should the situation call for it. There are major difference between the candidates on foreign policy and regarding the US relationship with China, North Korea, Iran, and on the Palestinian issue and other crucial areas. On the economy, Trump is expected to boast about the record job growth and prosperity that his administration has achieved. Biden will focus on the administrations difficulties in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to these issues, there are also different viewpoints on healthcare, immigration, the environment and climate change. The intriguing part will be how each candidate will defend each subject from his point of view and who will be the more attractive and persuasive. There is no doubt that the task will not be easy. This is particularly true for the current president, who remains behind his rival Biden by more than ten per cent in opinion polls conducted at state level, though he still insists on his capacity to attract undecided voters. Trump and his supporters have never doubted that he will stay in the White House for a second term. His campaign has already begun to launch attacks on the Democrats, and there has been a bid to rig the elections and produce Trump as the undisputed winner. Biden is not in a better position, as he has been forced to strike a delicate balance between leftists and centrists within his own Democratic Party, and they will watch him closely and hold him accountable for every word. Although Harris is a moderate, Biden cannot overlook or denounce the leftist ideology in the party, as he fears to lose the votes of left-wingers. These have become louder and louder and have been influential among the young, the intellectuals, and more surprisingly also Hollywood. Will Biden divide the campaign between himself and Harris, so that he maintains a centrist position and the vice-presidential candidate swings between the left and the centre-right? Will he venture to give her a role other than the traditional one prevailing in the White House, in other words the complete marginalisation of vice-presidents and the ending of their duties once the election results are out? If Biden and Harris win in November, they will introduce important policy initiatives. Their primary concern may be the healthcare system in the US, which accounts for much domestic controversy, but they will also attempt to deal with climate change and bring the US back into the international fold. In all of this, Biden will be open to the radical reform programmes advocated by senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, both of whom represented the left wing of the Democratic Party in the battle for the presidential nomination. Trump is known to be someone who likes to take the offensive, unlike Biden, although Bidens best course during the debates will be to initiate attacks as well. The past four years have given Biden fertile ground to attack the failures of the present US administration, particularly its failures in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. These will pull the rug out from under the presidents feet and any successes he may be proud of in terms of economic growth rates, overcoming unemployment and other achievements that are now in the past. Finally, it should be remembered, though the Egyptian people are quick to forget, that the Democratic Party administration of former US president Barack Obama favoured the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt on the pretext that it was a democratic government that had come to power through a popular vote. Let us pray that the Democratic Party has turned this page forever. Should Biden win in the November elections, he will need to be more thoughtful about and more familiar with Egypt and the region and more appreciative of its people. The Democratic Party must understand that democracy is not a one-size-fits-all matter, but that every country has a different size when it comes to democracy. Globalisation also does not mean the fusion of all the worlds countries into one mold, but requires, especially in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the preservation of and respect for the specificities of different countries. The writer is former assistant foreign minister for international economic affairs. *A version of this article appears in print in the 3 September, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Report by Antonio Guterres says more than 2,780 people held in centres, with about one fifth of them being children. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has called for the closure of all detention centres holding refugees and migrants in Libya, condemning what he described as human rights violations committed there. Nothing can justify the horrendous conditions under which refugees and migrants are detained in Libya, Guterres said in a report submitted on Thursday to the UN Security Council, according to AFP news agency. I renew my appeal to the Libyan authorities to fulfil their obligations under international law and to close all detention centres, in close coordination with United Nations entities, he added. According to the secretary-generals report, more than 2,780 people were being detained as of July 31 in centres across Libya. Twenty-two percent of the detainees were children. Children should never be detained, particularly when they are unaccompanied or separated from their parents, Guterres said, calling on Libyan authorities to ensure the children are protected until long-term solutions are found. Libya has been mired in chaos since the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, with warring rival administrations based in the countrys west and east battling for power. As the country slid into conflict, traffickers have exploited the unrest to turn the North African country into a key route for migration towards Europe, across the Mediterranean. In the past three years, however, crossings dropped sharply due to European Union and Italian-backed efforts to disrupt trafficking networks and to increase interceptions by Libyas coastguard. Human rights groups have repeatedly criticised the systematic return of migrants intercepted in the Mediterranean to Libya, where they are held in crowded detention centres nominally under the control of the internationally recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli. The conditions in these centres are crazy, Alkaol, 17, a migrant from The Gambia, told Al Jazeera earlier this year. Sometimes you get food, sometimes you dont. If they give you bread, you eat half and save half. You dont know when you will eat next. If you dont have money, your only way out is either escaping or death. If they catch people running away, they shoot at you. They may shoot you in the leg, they may shoot you in the head. Guterres also cited reports of torture, enforced disappearances, and sexual and gender-based violence in the centres, committed by those running the facilities. He also mentioned a reported lack of food and healthcare. Men and boys are routinely threatened with violence when they are calling their families, to pressure them to send ransom money, he wrote. Migrants and refugees have been shot at when they attempted to escape, resulting in injuries and deaths, the report said, alleging that some are even left on the streets or bushes to die when they are deemed too weak to survive. In centres where arms and munitions are stored, some refugees and migrants are recruited by force, while others are forced to repair or reload firearms for armed groups, it said. More than a year after a July 2019 air raid killed more than 50 refugees and migrants and wounded dozens more at a detention centre near Tripoli, no one has been forced to account for the deaths, Guterres said. The attack followed repeated warnings about the vulnerability of people detained close to Libyas conflict zones and raised tough questions about whether it was necessary to lock them up in the first place. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 Trend: The aggressive Armenia is increasing the use of water resources in the occupied Azerbaijani territories as a means of ecological terror against the population living in the districts of Azerbaijan adjacent to the front line, Trend reports. In this regard, the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan has sent a letter to the leadership of the Council of Europe. The rivers flowing from the Upper Karabakh region, which is under the occupation of Armenia, are intentionally blocked by artificial dams, said the letter. The letter highlights illegal construction of canals from the Sarsang reservoir in the direction of plain Karabakh. Armenia, by using water resources, actually made it impossible for the population living in the lower reaches of the rivers to engage in farming, said the letter. Thus, in winter, the Sarsang Dam opens and land suitable for agriculture is eroded by artificial mudflows. In summer, with increased demand for water, Armenia cuts off the watr flows, creating artificial drought, and thus causing serious damage to agriculture, as well as flora and fauna. The letter, citing the final decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on the Chiragov and Others v. Armenia lawsuit and PACE resolution #2085 of 2016 - Inhabitants of frontier regions of Azerbaijan are deliberately deprived of water, exposes a gross violation of the norms and principles of international law by Armenia. The community calls on the PACE to consider this issue in more detail, as well as to take immediate steps to instantly stop the insidious actions of Armenia, which are leading the entire region to humanitarian and environmental disaster. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts. BOULDER CREEK, Santa Cruz County Drivers entering town these days pass a sign with an urgent message: Do not drink or boil the tap water in your home. It may not be safe. This town in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains is the latest California community to grapple with water problems because of a wildfire. The phenomenon is a recent one, and Boulder Creeks entry to the group suggests other places may eventually find themselves in a similar position. For now, local and state officials are still trying to figure out if the CZU Lightning Complex fires contaminated any of the water supply. Authorities hope that tests will allow most homes to safely consume their water again in the near future. But uncertainty lingers, placing Boulder Creek in the company of Santa Rosa and Paradise, each of which had their own water issues following major wildfires. Boulder Creeks situation is distinct, as is the CZU Lightning Complex from the 2017 Tubbs Fire that plagued Santa Rosa and the 2018 Camp Fire that virtually leveled Paradise in Butte County. Yet the water problems in all three places illustrate a widening threat of Northern California wildfires that seem to increasingly collide with rural infrastructure built without the threat of climate change in mind. This seems like kind of a new thing, said Stefan Cajina, chief of the north coastal section in the drinking water division at the State Water Resources Control Board. Prior to 2015, we just were not seeing a lot of fires where the urban interface component did so much damage so quickly. The magic formula, Cajina said, seems to be a very hot wildfire that burns a large number of structures and simultaneously causes the water system to lose pressure, allowing for contamination by harmful chemicals. Cajinas agency, and water managers in Santa Cruz County, are still trying to determine if that happened in Boulder Creek. Early tests have not shown any evidence of water contamination from the fire, and local officials hope that their quick action to isolate vulnerable parts of the system succeeded. But the state water board does know that the fire burned through the area with high heat, destroying homes and causing some parts of the system to lose pressure. That combination of events puts us on the lookout in case this phenomenon took place, Cajina said. About 3,200 Boulder Creek homes served by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District have been told not to drink or use their water. Rick Rogers, the districts manager, called it a strictly precautionary measure and was optimistic that most people could resume their normal water use soon. Regardless, the CZU Lightning Complexs impact on Boulder Creek water infrastructure will be felt in other ways. Thats because flames melted several miles of pipe made of high-density polyethylene, or HDPE a kind of plastic that the district used to transport stream water. The district installed the above-ground pipe about 25 years ago in a difficult-to-access area that required materials to be delivered by helicopter, Rogers said. Sara Gobets / Special to The Chronicle The fire also destroyed pipes that connected to some storage tanks, causing them to release about 4 million gallons of water. District officials are working to replace those pipes, Rogers said. For now, water managers are making up for the surface-water pipeline loss by relying on wells. Its not a huge issue in the short term, Rogers said, because stream flows are always low this time of year. But then, come winter, we turn our wells off to rest and let them recharge, Rogers said. We will not be able to do that this year. A permanent solution will require replacing the melted pipe, and the district may use a stronger material like steel or bury it underground or both. Costs could total as much as $10 million. Now Playing: Chronicle photojournalist Gabrielle Lurie captures the smoke from California State Route 1 on Thursday, August 20. The CZU August Lightning Complex fires have burned about 50,000 acres, 0% containment as of Friday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2020. Video: San Francisco Chronicle Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California The pipes at issue in Santa Rosas Fountaingrove neighborhood three years ago were buried. Some service lines were made of HDPE; others were made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC; and others were copper, according to Jennifer Burke, the citys water director. Unlike in Boulder Creek, burned or melted pipes were not Santa Rosas cause for concern. Rather, the city concluded that melted plastic from burned homes, along with soot and ash, got sucked into the system during the Tubbs Fire, Burke said. Santa Rosa didnt realize the water had been contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical benzene until about one month later, when a resident in one of the few surviving Fountaingrove homes detected a foul odor and taste. We are, as far as we can tell, the first water system that identified this issue, Burke said. After extensive equipment replacement, including using entirely copper service lines, and consistently clear test results, officials removed the water advisory for Santa Rosas affected area in October 2018. Repairs cost about $8 million, according to Burke. Part of the problem in Santa Rosa appears to be the amount of time that the Fountaingrove water sat still when the neighborhood evacuated. In Boulder Creek, officials hope speedy intervention prevented any contaminants from reaching the water supply in the first place. Ultimately, such measures may be the best defense that rural water managers have when another California wildfire threatens their town. Cajina, of the state water board, said his agency is not currently contemplating any new regulations in light of the repeat water system problems caused by fires in the last three years. The industry itself learns a lot from these episodes, he said. I dont expect theres going to be any real implication that HDPE or other types of plastic pipe in and of themselves are a vulnerability. I think it will have a lot more to do with how they are used. J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris Just when you thought the curtain had closed on the Corleone crime family, director Francis Ford Coppola is pulling moviegoers back in to his "Godfather" trilogy. Paramount Pictures announced Thursday it will release a newly edited and restored version of The Godfather Part III, available in select theaters this December along with a later digital and DVD release. It was not meant to be part of a trilogy, but rather a coda to the first two films, and we wished it could be given a different title, one more appropriate," Coppola wrote in his newly penned forward for The Godfather books 50th anniversary. "Neither of us had the power to insist on our title but in my mind, the film will always be called 'The Death of Michael Corleone.' Along with a newly edited beginning and ending, the film will also have a new title that rivals the running time of Coppolas epics: Mario Puzos The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. The third installment in the iconic saga of the Corleone crime family, starring Al Pacino at the helm as Michael Corleone, is a much more haunting and melancholic look at an older Michael who is trying to distance himself from his past transgressions as Don of the Corleone clan. Viewers relive the numerous deaths occurring in The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II, including the time when Michael orders his brother Fredo Corleones death. THE GODFATHER : THE PART III (Alamy) Although Pacino was praised for his performance, the third installment in the series did not live up to the standard set by its predecessors. Now, on the films 30th anniversary, Coppola said this is his chance to rewrite the disappointing conclusion to his Shakespearean series on family, violence and betrayal (cue composer Nina Rotas The Godfather Waltz"). Released on Christmas Day in 1990, the film famously ends with the killing of Mary Corleone, after a failed assassination attempt on her father, Michael. However, Coppola said both he and Mario Puzo the author of the 1969 The Godfather novel on which the films are based had a different vision for the ending of the film that will be fully realized in the re-release. Story continues Al Pacino (The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images) Godfather III as The Death of Michael Corleone is doubly painful because at the end he doesnt die, but he does worse than die, Coppola said in a 2019 interview with Deadline. He loses everything he loves and he lives. There are certain things in life that are worse than death. Critics of Coppolas third film were especially harsh on his casting decision of Mary Corleone, played by Coppola's daughter, Sofia Coppola now an acclaimed director in her own right. Upon seeing the movie, New York Times film critic Janet Maslin wrote, Sofia gives a flat, uneasy performance that seriously damages Mary's impact as the linchpin of this story. Even with its mediocre reviews, the film landed seven Academy Award nominations, including best picture and best director. In total, the trilogy boasts a staggering 28 nominations, taking home nine between the three films. THE GODFATHER : THE PART III (Alamy) In an interview with Deadline, Coppola said he hoped the new version will paint his daughter in a new light because she is so beautiful in it and so touching. She wasnt an actress. But she was the real thing, playing that 19-year-old Italian girl in love with her own cousin. Mr. Coppola oversaw every aspect of the restoration while working on the new edit, ensuring that the film not only looks and sounds pristine, but also meets his personal standards and directorial vision, said senior vice president of Paramount Archives, Andrea Kalas, in a statement. This isnt Coppolas first re-released movie. He put out his nearly four-hour-long Apocalypse Now Redux to audiences in 2001, which featured 49 minutes of never-before-seen footage. Yet, during his interview with Deadline, he said he regrets putting in some scenes and hopes to release Apocalypse Now: Final Cut. His penchant for never being satisfied seemingly stemmed from his friendship with Puzo, with whom he collaborated closely in the making of the "Godfather" films. In fact, before Puzos death on July 2, 1999, Coppola strongly considered making a fourth film in the series and even drafted a script, according to an article in GQ with Coppola. I learned so much from Mario (Puzo), perhaps most importantly the need to rewrite and keep rewriting and not be daunted by doing more and more drafts, he wrote in the forward for The Godfather books 50th anniversary. Chandigarh: The Sonipat district administration has launched a massive contact-tracing drive after 75 workers at two popular eateries in Murthal tested positive for COVID-19, officials said on Friday. Sonipats Deputy Commissioner Shyam Lal Punia said sampling work has been initiated at other eateries also. Sixty-five workers at Amrik-Sukhdev dhaba and 10 at Garam Dharam dhaba had tested positive for coronavirus following which both the eateries were sealed on Thursday till further orders, he told mediapersons. Both eateries are located in Sonipats Murthal and nearly 50 km away from Delhi. Murthal is known for its eateries which dot a stretch on both sides of the Ambala-Delhi national highway. People are seen stopping by for the famous parathas" and other delicacies. The DC said in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, all the eateries had already been directed to maintain a register to record the number of visitors and their contact details. On the basis of these, we are trying to contact as many as possible who have eaten food at these two dhabas during the past few days," he said. Sonipats Chief Medical Officer Dr J S Punia said the majority of those infected at the Sukhdev dhaba were workers who had recently come from Bihar. They all live in a colony near the dhaba and we are tracing and testing all of their local contacts. Moreover, we have also informed health authorities in Bihar about this and as the infected persons could have come into contact with many there as well," the CMO told . Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor New Delhi: Markets ended lower on Thursday led by losses in banking and financials. Despite opening on a positive note, the BSE Sensex ended 95.09 points or 0.24 per cent lower at 38,990.94; while the NSE Nifty closed 7.55 points or 0.07 per cent down at 11,527.45. Here are Stocks in focus on September 4, 2020 Infosys India's second largest IT services firm Infosys on Thursday said it will acquire US-based product design and development firm Kaleidoscope Innovation for up to USD 42 million (about Rs 308 crore). Kaleidoscope Innovation is a full-spectrum product design, development and insights firm innovating across medical, consumer and industrial markets. It designs microsurgical instruments, devices used in minimally invasive surgery, drug delivery devices for ophthalmic therapies and user-centric wearables. Tata Motors State-owned Energy Efficiency Services on Thursday said it has placed order to procure 250 electric vehicles from Tata Motors and Hyundai Motor India. Tata Motors will supply 150 Nexon XZ+ electric compact SUVs, while Hyundai Motor India will provide 100 units of Kona electric Premium SUVs for the government use, a company statement said. Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) presented the letter of award for the tender to Tata Motors and Hyundai Motor India on Thursday, it added. Vodafone Idea The company's board at its meeting will "consider and evaluate any and all proposals for raising of funds in one or more tranches by way of a public issue, preferential allotment, private placement, including a qualified institutions placement or through any other permissible mode and/or combination thereof...By way of issue of equity shares or by way of issue of any instruments." The board will also consider raising funds through securities including securities convertible into equity shares, global depository receipts, American depository receipts or bonds including foreign currency convertible bonds, convertible debentures, warrants, and/or non-convertible debentures including non-convertible debentures along with warrants, which may or may not be listed, it said. Zuari Agro The chemicals company on Thursday reported a 23.2% year-on-year decline in the consolidated loss at Rs 94.5 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. It had posted a net loss of Rs 123.1 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called for boosting cooperation among the five-nation grouping BRICS in dealing with the threat of terrorism during a virtual meeting of the bloc which was also attended by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. In his address, Jaishankar also emphasised the need to reform the United Nations to reflect contemporary global realities, and the feelings of millions of people in the world, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He also called for expansion of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories besides pitching for reforms in international bodies like World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund and World Health Organisation. The BRICS comprises five major emerging countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The meeting was chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended by Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Arajo, China's Wang, South African Foreign Minister Grace Naledi Pandor and Jaishankar. A joint declaration issued after the meeting said the ministers expressed concern at the rise of violence and continuing conflicts in different parts of the world that have significant impact at both the regional and international levels. "They concurred that, irrespective of their historic background and distinctive nature, conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations in line with principles and norms of international law, particularly the UN Charter," it said without referring to any specific conflict. The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting came in the midst of a festering border row between two of its members, India and China. The statement said the ministers referred to the UNSC resolution (2532) demanding a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations on its agenda with the exception of military operations against terrorist groups. It said the ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, adding that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. "They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to contribute further to the global efforts of preventing and countering the threat of terrorism on the basis of respect for international law and the UN Charter, emphasising that States have the primary responsibility in combating terrorism," the declaration said. In his address, Jaishankar said the BRICS has an important role to play in the wake of grave challenges in economic, political and social, health fields. He also highlighted the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative of India as a "dynamic" and mutually beneficial global economic engagement, covering five key pillars, including economy, infrastructure, technology, demography and demand. It's easy of late to be disheartened. Trump, who has a unique style that some find off-putting (I don't), nevertheless managed in three years to bring America to an impressively strong position, whether in terms of national security, economic well-being, or constitutional rights. Overseas, he's forced other nations to abide by their obligations, pushed back against China's unnerving expansion, and may even have succeeded in bringing lasting peace to the Middle East. Trump ought to be a shoo-in for the election, but the Democrats weaponized the Wuhan virus to destroy the economy, piggybacked on an ex-felon's death from an overdose or heart attack to stoke violent racial unrest and anarchy, and are promising massive election fraud. But fear not: a former analyst for the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency offers some hope. I'll share some of what he said with you, and I urge you to read his entire article. Ron Aledo is the CEO of Federal Elite Solutions, an international risk and security consultant. In other words, he makes his money by trying to determine trends so that he can help his clients make smart decisions. His bio is impressive, for he began his intelligence career in the Army before moving on to work for the CIA and DIA. Both organizations have made more than their share of mistakes over the past five decades, but their analysts have still acquired useful skills in understanding available information. Aledo posted a long LinkedIn article entitled "Intelligence Analyst Predicts Trump Victory in 2020." He has 12 bullet points explaining why he can "estimate with high confidence (85%+)" that Trump will win. His predictions intrigued me because they operate from a base of common sense. Take the first bullet point: --1. The Manchurian Candidate/ End of the world Apocalypses candidate cannot be used against Trump this year. It was used against him back in October/November 2016 and did not work. It only can be used once. The Republicans also used that technique against Obama back in October/November 2008. The Manchurian candidate/End of the World candidate strategy means that if a X candidate wins, that candidate will destroy the country and it is going to be the end of the world. Trump demonstrated that he did not destroy the country nor the world by winning back in 2016. People know now the world will not end if he wins in 2020. That is why the Republicans could not use this technique against Obama in 2012 and why the Democrats cannot use it against Trump now in 2020. IT CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE. That point about using the extremist argument only once is right on the money. As Scott Adams was saying in 2016, a lot of air should go out of the Democrat balloon when Trump doesn't (1) put gays and Jews in concentration camps, (2) start wars all over the world (indeed, he went the opposite way and didn't start any wars, unlike his five predecessors), (3) sexually abuse women in the White House (a job left for Kennedy and Clinton), or (4) do any of the other over-the-top things that bloomed in Democrat imaginations. The problem with today's Democrats is that the air didn't leak out when Trump governed like a normal, conservative (indeed, Reagan-esque) president. Instead, they transitioned smoothly from hysteria to insanity without a hiccup in between. Nevertheless, those who are not Democrats, but are instead relatively disinterested politically, have probably noticed (a) that Trump is not Hitler and (b) that the Democrats are crazy. So, yeah, point one makes sense to me. Another point that interested me (Point 3, to be exact) is that Aledo thinks Trump has reassembled the old Reagan Democrat coalition. "The Reagan Democrats," writes Aledo, "are firmly behind Trump and they are the most decisive voter group in the Rust Belt/Mid-West key battleground states, the ones that usually decide the Presidential elections." Again, I agree with Aledo's take. As the endorsements from the Democrat mayors in Minnesota show, the working class understands that the Democrats have abandoned them. While Democrats once represented the little guy, they now represent the leftist guy. Despite thinking Aledo is correct, though, I do worry that the American landscape has changed profoundly since 1980. Technology has shifted the balance of power out of the Midwest, and the past 28 years of governance siphoned many of the Midwest's resources off to China. Are there still enough people in the Midwest who even remember the old values? As you can see, I like Aledo's optimism, and I think his analysis makes a lot of sense, which is why I urge you to check it out. Having said that, I utterly refuse to go overboard with optimism in the face of what may be the first Third Worldstyle election America has ever had because the Democrats opted for violence and corruption over persuasion. Image: Screen grab from the home page of the Trump campaign website. France has strongly backed India and other G4 countries demand for a permanent seat and tangible reforms at the United Nations Security Council. Indias deputy permanent representative to the UN, K Nagaraj Naidu, wrote a letter to the president of UN General assembly, demanding urgent reforms at the 15-member council in line with Common African position. "France strongly supports India and the G4 (India, Brazil, Germany and Japan) in their bid for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council," Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, tweeted on September 2. Naidu urged the UN General Assembly president to not let the process be held hostage, as it has been over a decade, by those who do not want reform. India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, in a common letter, demanded concrete action on UNSC reforms since the process has lagged on for over a decade without progress. In February, the G4 countries had said that the format of the United Nations Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) has long outlived its sell-by date. In a joint statement, the G4 nations stressed that the mandate of the IGN is to achieve reform, not to endlessly debate it. The G4 nations have supported the idea of the webcast of proceedings which can usher in transparency and accountability. Read: Security Council To Meet On Post-COVID-19 Security Threats Read: Belarus Opposition Challenger To Address UN Security Council Expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories According to the G4 nations, the vast majority of member states are in favour of expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Security Council. They have also welcomed the suggestion for maintaining the records of proceedings as a useful way of following the nuances of positions taken. India is set to join the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for a two-year term beginning in January 2021. Naidu said that there has been no tangible progress at all and the IGN process has become more than a convenient smokescreen to hide behind, for those who do not wish to see any reform in the Security Council. Consequently, there is a need to ensure that the IGN process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reform in the Security Council, the letter read. Read: UN Security Council President Rejects US Attempt To Return All Sanctions On Iran Read: Joe Biden To Help India Get Seat On Reformed UN Security Council As US President: Advisor As fears of a tech bubble and stretched valuations become the talk of the town, investors are turning to Wall Street titans for guidance, namely Ken Griffin. Founding hedge fund Citadel in 1990, the firm now boasts over $35 billion worth of assets under management. As a 19-year-old sophomore at Harvard University, Griffin began trading from his dorm room with a fax machine, computer and phone. Now, the CEO of Citadel, whose net worth stands at $15.5 billion, is known as one of the Wall Street greats. Looking at the funds performance during the COVID crisis, its even more clear why Griffin has legendary status. Unlike the average hedge fund, which had a negative return of between 3-4% in the first half of 2020, Citadels flagship Wellington fund saw its returns land between 13-14% for the same period. Bearing this in mind, we wanted to take a closer look at three stocks Citadel snapped up recently. Using TipRanks database, we found out that each ticker has earned a Strong Buy consensus rating from the analyst community. Not to mention all three of them boast massive upside potential. AVEO Pharmaceuticals (AVEO) Hoping to provide better outcomes for patients, AVEO Pharmaceuticals advances targeted medicines for oncology and other unmet medical needs. Following an important regulatory milestone, its no wonder all eyes are on this healthcare name. Griffin is among those singing AVEOs praises. Increasing its holding by a whopping 2,357%, Citadel bought up 383,720 shares in Q2. With the total position now landing at 400,003 shares, it is valued at $1,824,013. H.C. Wainwright analyst Swayampakula Ramakanth reminds investors that on June 1, the FDA accepted the NDA for tivozanib, the company's lead candidate, for review, based on the fact that the TIVO-3 study reported positive final overall survival (OS) data. In the study, AVEOs therapy was compared to sorafenib, marketed as Nexavar by Bayer, for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the third and fourth-line settings. Story continues Looking more closely at the data, which was presented at the ASCO 2020 virtual meeting, the final OS analysis resulted in an overall hazard ratio (HR) of 0.97, which favored tivozanib. Ramakanth was encouraged by the OS results as they suggest tivozanib at least has a similar overall relative risk of deaths compared to sorafenib. Considering that TIVO-3 study met both the primary endpoint of progression free survival (PFS) and the secondary endpoint of overall response rate (ORR), with comparable OS to the active comparator, we believe tivozanib would likely get a green light for the U.S. approval, which could be a major catalyst in the next 12 months, Ramakanth opined. Adding to the good news, the dose escalation for the Phase 1b/2 DEDUCTIVE study, evaluating tivozanib in combination with durvalumab, a monoclonal antibody against PD-L1 marketed as Imfinzi by AstraZeneca in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has been wrapped up, with it progressing to Phase 2. As the CDC estimates about 33,000 patients suffer from liver cancer every year in the U.S., Ramakanth sees an additional opportunity. To this end, Ramakanth rates AVEO a Buy rating along with a $12 price target. Should his thesis play out, a potential twelve-month gain of 163% could be in the cards. (To watch Ramakanths track record, click here) Other analysts dont beg to differ. 3 Buy ratings and no Holds or Sells have been assigned in the last three months. So, the word on the Street is that AVEO is a Strong Buy. The $15 average price target is more aggressive than Ramakanths and implies 229% upside potential. (See AVEO stock analysis on TipRanks) IDEAYA Biosciences (IDYA) Next up we have IDEAYA Biosciences, an oncology-focused precision medicine company that develops targeted therapeutics by using molecular diagnostics. Based on the strength of its technology, this name has scored several fans. Reflecting a new position for Griffin's Citadel, the fund pulled the trigger on 248,005 shares in Q2. As for the value of this holding, it comes in at $2,881,818. Writing for Northland Capital, analyst Tim Chiang believes shares are undervalued based on the future potential of its precision medicine oncology pipeline, which targets specific biomarkers. Expounding on this, he stated, IDEAYA is applying its capabilities across multiple classes of precision medicine, including direct targeting of oncogenic pathways and synthetic lethality which represents an emerging class of precision medicine targets. Part of what makes IDYA a stand-out, in Chiangs opinion, is the fact that its preclinical programs use its synthetic lethality (SL) platform, which targets tumors with MTAP gene deletion and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) including BRCA mutations. We believe the longer-term upside potential with IDYA shares is significant given the potential utility of SL. The first clinically validated SL gene pair was PARP-BRCA1/2, and based on the efficacy of PARP inhibitors, the SL approach to treating cancer has achieved substantial commercial validation, the analyst explained. To back this up, Chiang points out that several PARP inhibitors have already been approved for the treatment of tumors with BRCA and other DNA damage repair alterations, including ovarian, breast and pancreatic cancers. These inhibitors include AstraZeneca's olaparib, GlaxoSmithKline's niraparib, Pfizer's talazoparib and Clovis rucaparib. He added, We estimate these four drugs generated over $1.6 billion in worldwide sales in 2019 and are expected to reach over $6 billion in sales by 2024. It should be noted that multiple IND filings are set to come within the next 4-12 months, with IDYAs lead SL candidate, IDE397, which was designed to inhibit MTAP and MAT2A and thus cause the death of cancerous tumor cells, entering the clinic in 2021. It should come as no surprise, then, that Chiang joined the bulls. To start off his IDYA coverage, he puts an Outperform rating and $28 price target on the stock. This target implies a possible twelve-month rise of 141% could be on the horizon. (To watch Chiangs track record, click here) Similarly, the rest of the Street is getting onboard. 5 Buy ratings assigned in the last three months add up to a Strong Buy analyst consensus. In addition, the $25.20 average price target puts the potential twelve-month gain at 116%. (See IDYA stock analysis on TipRanks) Ocular Therapeutix (OCUL) Using its patented bioresorbable hydrogel-based formulation technology, Ocular Therapeutix develops cutting-edge therapies for diseases and conditions of the eye. The progress of its clinical programs has caught Wall Streets attention, with some arguing that now is the time to get in on the action. Griffin and Citadel didnt want to miss out on an opportunity. Snapping up 161,032 shares during Q2, the hedge fund gave the holding a 272% boost. The total position is now comprised of 220,269 shares and is valued at $1,718,098. Representing Raymond James, 5-star analyst Dane Leone cites the potential to address the unmet needs in the dry eye disease indication as a key component of his bullish thesis. The company boasts two assets targeting the condition, OTX-CSI (chronic) and OTX-DED (acute). OTX-CSI incorporates the FDA-approved immunomodulator cyclosporine as the active drug in the intracanalicular insert, which is released for an estimated three months to increase tear production. When it comes to OTX-DED, Leone argues OCUL was clever in pursuing the development of OTX-DED (a low dose form of DEXTENZA, a corticosteroid intracanalicular insert placed in the punctum, a natural opening in the eye lid, and into the canaliculus to deliver dexamethasone to the ocular surface for up to 30 days without preservatives) for the treatment of episodic dry eye, as the prior safety data from the DEXTENZA approval enabled management to file a Phase 2-enabling IND by YE20. Speaking to the possible opportunity here, both products could provide revenue generation for physicians in the treatment of dry eyes using procedure CPT code 0356T, which could provide incentive for rapid adoption in the dry eye space that is currently valued at $5.1 billion, in Leones opinion. As for the clinical and regulatory pathway, the Phase 2 trial for OTX-DED is set to kick off in 2H21, slightly after OTX-CSI, which will see a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating two different formulations initiated by 4Q20. Based on the short treatment duration of OTX-DED, management thinks it will still be brought to market first. To this end, Leone remains optimistic about the companys long-term growth narrative. As a result, he rates OCUL a Strong Buy along with a $15 price target. This figure implies shares could rise 89% in the year ahead. (To watch Leones track record, click here) Turning now to the rest of the Street, other analysts are on the same page. With 100% Street support, or 3 Buy ratings to be exact, the consensus is unanimous: OCUL is a Strong Buy. The $13.50 average price target brings the upside potential to 70%. (See OCUL stock analysis on TipRanks) 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. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. LATROBE, Pennsylvania President Donald Trump on Thursday honed the law and order message he intends to wield for the next two months against his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, stepping up attacks that his campaign believes are resonating with battleground state voters. Bidens plan is to appease the domestic terrorists and my plan is to arrest them and prosecute them, Trump declared at a rally in Pennsylvania a state that flipped in his favor in 2016, helping to pave his road to victory. The rally comes as Trumps campaign is claiming new signs of momentum, including in the longtime Democratic stronghold that Trump won by less than 45,000 votes in 2016. After months of trepidation, Trump campaign officials have been feeling encouraged in the last few weeks as Trump has responded to mass demonstrations against racial injustice by taking a hardline against protesters and painting Biden as weak. Trump was speaking in front of a crowd of hundreds packed into an airport hangar, where people stood closely together and few were seen wearing masks, despite the ongoing pandemic, which has now killed more than 185,000 people and infected more that 6 million nationwide. Pennsylvania currently restricts indoor gatherings to 25 people and outdoor events to 250 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But Trump has been flouting both local restrictions and his own administrations social distancing guidelines as he insists on campaigning in front of large crowds and tries to project the image that the virus is waning as he pushes to reopen the economy. Trump told the crowd that he is all for wearing masks, and urged them to be careful during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. White House and public health officials have been eyeing the date warily, concerned that it could fuel another spike in cases, like Memorial Day weekend. Theres a tendency of people to be careless, somewhat, with regard to the public health measures that we keep recommending over and over again, Dr. Anthony Fauci told MSNBC Wednesday, pleading for diligence in adhering to safety measures going into the holiday. Fauci is the governments top infectious disease expert At the same time, Trump, who has rarely worn a mask, mocked Biden for wearing one so often. Did you ever see a man who likes a mask as much as him? he asked, proclaiming that it gives him a feeling of security. If I were a psychiatrist, right, you know Id say, This guys got some big issues. Hanging down. Hanging down, he said. The rally came the same day that Biden paid a visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, amid turmoil following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, seven times. Trump mocked Biden for visiting two days after he had, claiming: There was nobody there. He was a little late. I was going to say, Hey listen, we ended that problem. Trumps campaign believes its efforts to paint Biden as weak on crime will help Trump win back suburban voters, and especially women, who supported him in 2016 but have since soured on him. That includes in Pennsylvania, where they argue the president is in a better position than he was in 2016, citing Democrats shrinking voter registration advantage. This time, they believe their get-out-the-vote operation will result in better turnout among working-class rural voters, along with improved margins among African Americans, Latinos and union supporters. At the rally, Trump announced that he had received the endorsement of the Boilermakers Local 154 in Pittsburgh. To that end, Trump and his team have been paying frequent visits to the state as they work to build enthusiasm. On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence held a Workers for Trump rally at a construction company less than 15 miles from Bidens hometown, Scranton. I know were not too far from our opponents boyhood home, but its Trump country now, Pence told the crowd. Trump himself held a small rally last month outside Scranton just hours before Biden accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. At the event, Trump insisted Biden would be the states worst nightmare if elected president. The former vice president often spotlights his early years in the northeast Pennsylvania city as evidence of his middle-class upbringing. Between the record enthusiasm for this President, our unprecedented ground game, and trends in Republican voter registrations, the Commonwealth, once again, is ready to deliver for President Trump this November, Nick Trainer, the Trump campaigns director of battleground strategies, said in a statement. Bidens campaign remains equally confident about his prospects in the state. They have put considerable emphasis on the Pittsburgh metro area, where Democrats lost ground in 2016 but then watched Democratic congressional candidate Conor Lamb pull an upset in a special election. Still, Bidens path in Pennsylvania is seen as more complicated than winning back Wisconsin and Michigan, the two other blue wall states Trump won by less than 1 percentage point four years ago. In Wisconsin and Michigan, Trump benefited from then-rival Hillary Clintons poor performance in the largest, heavily Democratic cities, Milwaukee and Detroit. But Clinton did relatively well in Philadelphia and won more votes that former President Barack Obama in the Philadelphia suburbs, even in defeat. That could put even more pressure on Biden to try to blunt Trumps performance in Pennsylvanias smaller cities and in rural areas. Latrobe, the site of Trumps Thursday rally, is about an hour outside Pittsburgh in Westmoreland County, which Trump won by large margins four years ago. While Democrats still hold a significant voter registration advantage in the state, the number of new Republican registrations has far outpaced the number of new Democrats registering this cycle. Many political observers believe the state, which has many white, older voters, could become even more favorable to Republicans despite having voted Democratic from 1992 until Trumps win in 2016. ___ Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller of The Associated Press wrote this story. Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report. Downing Street has stepped up pressure on Russia over the alleged Novichok poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, warning that there will be "severe consequences" for those responsible. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has urged Moscow to come clean over the attack and will discuss what actions to take with his German counterpart Heiko Maas on Thursday, with No 10 not ruling out sanctions or fresh expulsions of diplomats. Boris Johnson has described the suspected deployment of the same chemical weapon used in the 2018 Salisbury poisonings as "outrageous" and vowed to ensure "justice is done". The prime minister's official spokesman said: "We are committed to working with Germany, allies and international partners to demonstrate that there are severe consequences to the use of banned chemical weapons," the spokesman said. Pressed on whether sanctions could be imposed on Russia or diplomats expelled, the spokesman did not explicitly blame Moscow and said he would not "pre-empt what might happen next". UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 20 January 2022 A jet skier jumps the waves off the coast at Blyth in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 19 January 2022 Britains Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, participate in a therapy session with individuals who have experienced the care system, during a visit to the Foundling Museum in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 18 January 2022 Surfers enter the sea as the sun rises over Tynemouth on the North East coast PA UK news in pictures 17 January 2022 Bonhams Danny McIlwraith holds a Nigerian polycrome carved wood mask during a photocall for the sale of the Jim Lennon Collection at Bonhams in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 16 January 2022 The moon rises above the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 15 January 2022 Demonstrators outside Downing Street during a Kill The Bill protest against The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in London PA UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty He said the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons would play a key role in investigating what he described as an "attempted murder" and said the UK had offered support to the German investigation. OPCW director-general Fernando Arias said the organisation was "ready to engage" on the case. Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons," said Mr Arias. "Such an allegation is a matter of grave concern. States parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention deem the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances as reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community. The OPCW continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to engage with and to assist any states parties that may request its assistance. It is thought likely that the Navalny case was discussed when Mr Johnson and Mr Raab met US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner in London. The opposition politician and anti-corruption investigator fell ill on a flight back to Moscow from Siberia on 20 August and was later transferred to Berlin for treatment, where he remains on a ventilator in intensive care. On Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Mr Navalny was the victim of "attempted murder by poisoning" with Novichok and added that the aim was to "silence" the opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Britain has long accused Russian operatives of using the Soviet-era poison on Sergei Skripal, the former double agent targeted in the 2018 attack in Salisbury, Wiltshire. In response, Mr Johnson as foreign secretary helped corral a wave of expulsions of Russian diplomats across the EU and US after Britain told 23 envoys to leave. Mr Skripal and daughter Yulia were two of five people exposed to the substance in Wiltshire, both spending weeks in hospital recovering. But Dawn Sturgess, 44, of Amesbury, Wiltshire, died in July that year after coming into contact with a perfume bottle thought to originally contain the poison, while her partner Charlie Rowley spent nearly three weeks in hospital. Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey was also exposed to the substance while responding to the attack, and almost died. Sharing Mr Johnson's tweet calling for justice, the officer said: "I have so much that I want to say about this tweet. But I can't, and I won't." The Prime Minister's spokesman again urged the suspects - two alleged agents from the GRU military intelligence service - to return to the UK to face justice. The use of Novichok nerve agent on British soil was a sickening and despicable act, said the spokesman. The prime ministers thoughts are with the victims and families, who will be outraged that this chemical weapon has been used again. We remain determined to deliver justice for what happened at Salisbury. Mr Raab has said Russia has "a clear case to answer" over Mr Navalny's poisoning, with tensions between the UK and Russia already high after Britain accused Moscow of trying to interfere in the 2019 general election. Additional reporting by Press Association Sligo/Leitrim TD, Minister Frank Feighan has welcomed the allocation of almost 400,000 to 12 charity and community organisations in the Sligo Leitrim Constituency by the Minister for Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys T.D this morning (Friday, September 4). Minister Feighan whilst welcoming the allocation from central Government said, The Covid-19 Stability Scheme aims to provide financial support to qualifying organisations who find themselves in difficulty and have seen their fundraising and or traded income drop significantly during the emergency crisis. The Scheme focuses on supporting organisations providing vital supports and services in the charity and community areas. The Scheme was open to community and voluntary organisations, social enterprises and charitable organisations earlier this year which were registered with the charities regulator in Ireland, were an unincorporated organisation, were providing supports and services to vulnerable individuals in Ireland on or before the 1st January 2019 and have a projected loss in traded or fundraising income of 25% or more in 2020. He continued this funding I am announcing today will assist a number of local organisations to better adapt to dealing with the financial difficulties as a result of Covid-19 and I want to congratulate all ten on their successful applications. In Co Sligo a total of 305,942 has been awarded to 6 organisations whilst in Co. Leitrim, 71,559 has been awarded to 4 organisations. In North Roscommon 7029 is being allocated and in Bundoran 12,619 is being awarded. The successful applicants under this scheme are as follows: Leitrim The Organic Centre: 48,359 Fenagh Development Company: 9,506 Mohill Community Development association: 9,617 Tullaghan Development Association: 4,069 Sligo Skreen and Dromard Community Centre: 8,749, Lougharrow Social Project: 67,695 MS Therapy Centre Sligo: 103,333 Sligo Cancer Support Centre: 68,613 Sligo Centre for Independent Living: 53,204 St. Michaels Cloonacool: 4,348 Donegal Bundoran Community Development: 12,619 Roscommon St Ronans Hall, Keadue: 7,029 Gov. Tony Evers on Sunday sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking the president to reconsider his plan to visit Kenosha on Tuesday. A spokesman for Trump said the president plans to meet with local law enforcement and survey damage from recent demonstrations. In Evers letter to Trump, the Democratic governor said Kenosha residents are exhausted and heartbroken with the division that has ripped apart their community, but they are also already working to rebuild, together, and support each other in the face of adversity. It is our job as elected officials to lead by example and to be a calming presence for the people we know are hurting, mourning, and trying to cope with trauma, Evers said in the letter. Now is not the time for divisiveness. Now is not the time for elected officials to ignore armed militants and out-of-state instigators who want to contribute to our anguish. Evers also raised concern that an in-person visit from the president would require a large-scale redirection of resources to support the visit. There is going to be a different outcome now absolutely, said Mark Collins, a lawyer who has defended police officers since 1996 and is defending another in a pending murder case. Citizens want to believe their police force is fair and just and protects them as long as they are following the laws. But every incident we have seen in the last five years erodes that, bit by bit. KYODO NEWS - Sep 4, 2020 - 12:32 | All, Japan The Japanese government said Friday it will provide $5 million in emergency grant aid to Lebanon following the massive warehouse explosion in the country's capital Beirut last month. Japan will offer the humanitarian assistance in areas including food security, shelter and health through the World Food Program, the U.N. Children's Fund, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. The aid will include providing medical equipment and repairs to 13 hospitals and two emergency medical service facilities among others, it said. Japan hopes that the Lebanese government will "implement the administrative, financial and judicial reforms in a swift and transparent manner, and achieve sustainable growth," it said. The explosion that rocked downtown Beirut on the night of Aug. 4 left around 190 people dead and roughly 6,500 people injured, local media reported. The financial assistance follows Tokyo's provision of emergency relief goods to Lebanon, such as blankets, tents and water tanks, announced shortly after the blast. Related coverage: Lebanon blast kills at least 100, injures more than 4,000 Some of the 3D-printed firearms parts seized by police from an Alberta mans home. (ALERT handout) Ghost Guns: Alberta Man Charged for Allegedly Printing 3D Firearms Parts An Alberta man has been charged for allegedly printing 3D firearms parts, in a case that law enforcement officials believe to be the first of its kind in the province. Dan Forsyth, a 53 year-old resident of Picture Butte in southern Alberta, was arrested on Aug. 18 and subsequently charged with allegedly using 3D printers to manufacture firearms parts and attempting to sell them. In April 2019, the Alberta Law Enforcement Team (ALERT) joined up with the RCMPs National Weapons Enforcement Support Team to investigate Forsyth. The investigation began after information was received about a suspect allegedly manufacturing and trafficking in firearm parts, ALERT Lethbridge Staff Sgt. Leon Borbandy said at a press conference on Friday. A search of Forsyths home turned up two 3D printers, blueprints and designs, Borbandy said. In addition, an assortment of manufactured firearm parts were seized from the home, including pistol lower frames, an assault rifle receiver and frame, a bump stock for converting a semi-automatic firearm to fully automatic, and silencers, according to an ALERT news release. The seized items were sent to the RCMP Forensic Science and Identification Services lab which confirmed the 3D parts were functional after examination and testing; this warranted criminal charges, ALERT said. A 3D-printed pistol found in an Alberta mans home. (ALERT handout) This is the first time Im aware of where charges have been laid in relation to 3D components in Alberta, Borbandy said. In regard to his intent, thats part of the investigation and that will be for the courts to rule on his specific intent. He said functional firearms were able to be made from the firearm parts, adding that completed 3D-printed firearms are often referred to as ghost guns. This is a concerning seizure as these ghost guns have no serial numbers and are difficult to trace, he said. Unfortunately, the 3D printing allows people to make their own and traffic them, and use them with very little accountability and traceability. Its something that can be done in somebodys living room. Forsyth is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 7. He is charged with the multiple offences including manufacturing a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, and a prohibited device; possession of firearms and a prohibited device for the purpose of trafficking; unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm, a restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, and a prohibited device; offering to traffic firearms; and possession of a weapon contrary to a prohibition order. Make no mistake, printing 3D firearm parts is a criminal activity, Justice Minister Kaycee Madu said in the ALERT release. Lawful gun owners go to great lengths to comply with provincial and federal gun laws, and our government will not allow those laws to be broken by others. I want to thank the team at ALERT for keeping pace with the use of new technologies to commit crime. On May 1, the federal government announced a sweeping ban on 1,500 models and variations of assault-style firearms, as well as some of their components, enforced through an order in council. The move is being contested in federal court, with five separate lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the ban. The lawsuits claim the government contravened the Firearms Act by not using the legislative process to enact the ban. The spokesman said Victorian authorities had required the verification of a death certificate of anyone suspected to have died from COVID-19, which resulted in delays between aged care homes reporting a death from coronavirus and that death being officially recorded as a COVID-19 death. But there is evidence aged care providers have struggled with data collection. Department of Health secretary Brendan Murphy wrote to Victorian residential aged care providers on August 8, asking that they notify both Victorian and Commonwealth authorities of the death of any residents who had tested positive to COVID-19, in an attempt to create a single set of data. "This request relates to all COVID-19 related deaths, including those involving other causes or comorbidity factors," he wrote. Loading On Friday, Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the discrepancies were linked to Australia's complicated reporting obligations, which fall under various areas of legislation and responsibility. "Death reporting to the Commonwealth is an obligation of those aged care facilities," Professor Sutton said. "No one is doing the wrong thing here ... The notifications of coronavirus to DHHS [the Department of Health and Human Services] in Victoria is an obligation for medical practitioners and laboratories in Victoria, so we have to reconcile those together. We've gone through an audit process to try make that as robust as possible and we want to get it right. " He flatly rejected suggestions DHHS had taken weeks to get its data in order after the federal Health Department intervened. "That's completely inaccurate," he said. "We have worked with the Commonwealth consistently using the public health surveillance system as our centrepiece and to take those notified deaths and to reconcile them appropriately before we come to an agreed figure with the Commonwealth. That's been the process all the way through." Mr Andrews said he would "always prefer that all the data arrived at exactly the right location in as timely a fashion as possible". Loading "The key point here is that there needs to be, and we are reporting today, a greater alignment of information that is held by private aged care providers, Commonwealth authorities and state authorities and having them all together so that we can update the numbers and be as accurate as possible," he said. "That is what we are all working towards. Can I say that there is no quarrel between any of those three parties. We are all trying to be as complete and as accurate as we possibly can." Leading Age Services Australia chief executive Sean Rooney said keeping coronavirus out of aged care homes was "paramount". "This is why all supports necessary must be provided to frontline workers to ensure they are equipped and supported to save lives irrespective of the whether the service is privately owned or state owned. This must include an increased focus on coordinated planning for better protection and mitigation measures, in addition to supports in response to an outbreak." On Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison incorrectly told question time there had been 10 deaths at Baptcare Wyndham Lodge in Werribee. There had been at least 17 deaths at the time. A government spokesman said the discrepancy was due to out-of-date figures remaining on the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre's database. "The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre [VACRC] is working closely with Victoria Department of Health and Human Services and other Victoria agencies to reconcile the data as soon as possible," the spokesman said. The VACRC, a joint state-Commonwealth body set up to respond to the Victorian aged care outbreak, was last month tasked with centralised reporting on infections and deaths after concerns were raised about discrepancies between state and federal figures. Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan said while giving the federal Health Department a COVID-19 update on Thursday that state and Commonwealth authorities were "working extraordinarily hard to improve the accuracy of this data". Thats been our number one priority to take safe care of our patients. Another area of concern to Woods and her team is making sure patients feel comfortable coming in to hospitals to receive care. Because were here to take care of patients when they cant take care of themselves, its really been our goal to make sure that Alabamas hospitals will remain safe and secure for our patients to come, she said. We do know that because of COVID, many patients are putting off going to the doctor or the emergency department, and were seeing the effects of that now where more patients are not surviving heart attacks or strokes because theyre not feeling comfortable coming to the hospitals. I know the steps that are being taken to keep our caregivers safe and our patients safe. I want to do all that I can to make sure that patients dont delay care and they feel safe receiving care in any hospital in Alabama. Simultaneously serving as CEO of a large hospital as well as chairing a statewide organization will be no easy task, but Woods knows she has capable people behind the scenes and alongside her to help shoulder the load. The writer is a journalist who specialises in communications studies and nuclear diplomacy. She is also the author of several books. The Congress is not a regional party and it is expected to give greater importance to a democratic process for electing its leaders A united Congress has a chance to strengthen its ranking; divided, the futures of all party members are at stake The storm created over a letter demanding change in the Congress Partys leadership has certainly dominated newspaper headlines for a while now. Given that no basic change is expected in the partys leadership, what can be inferred from this political drama? One can call it nothing but, considering the nature of the letter, the political stature of its writers and subsequent developments ending in Sonia Gandhi continuing as interim president. Sonia Gandhi has held this post since Rahul Gandhis resignation as president following the dismal performance of the Congress in the 2019 parliamentary polls. Now let us consider this issue from another angle. The letter writers certainly dont seem to have any inclination either to quit the party or be considered for heading it. Also, neither of their names are as strongly associated with the Congress nationwide as are those of the members of the Gandhi family. Their political reach is limited to their regional domain, while others are known more for their professional and intellectual accomplishments than anything else. Without taking any names, in all probability, the average Indian from outside their states is hardly aware of their political importance. And perhaps even their association with the Congress Party. This is not surprising. How many people outside West Bengal know the names of anybody other than Mamata Banerjee with the Trinamul Congress? The same can be said about Mayawati and her Uttar Pradesh-based BSP, Mulayam Singh Yadav/Akhilesh Yadav and the SP as well as Lalu Prasads RJD in Bihar. Of course, the Congress is not a regional party and it is expected to give greater importance to a democratic process for electing its leaders. The Left parties, too, attach importance to following party rules and protocol. Strict adherence to these rules has prevented their senior leaders from rising in political stature. This was why Jyoti Basu of the CPI(M) could not become the countrys Prime Minister in 1996. In 2008, Somnath Chatterjee chose to stick to his guns; as Speaker of Lok Sabha, he did not vote along the party line. He was expelled from the party for this decision. These two examples show that at times strict adherence to party rules can prove extremely costly. Deviation by the CPI(M) in these two cases may have spelled its rise instead of decline. Indias political map may not have been the same as what it is today. Now surely, the democratic culture of any political party cannot solely be decided by its top-ranked members, mostly hailing from the elite and privileged classes? How can that be? Also, it might just be difficult for the average Indian to understand whatever may be communicated to them by elites. Undeniably, Sonia, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra belong to the privileged classes. Nevertheless, party propaganda coupled with media coverage has definitely led to their moves being taken greater notice of by people compared to those by other Congress leaders. Additionally, the effect of their huge presence in nationwide electoral campaigns cannot be ignored. Besides, their party is not the only one that performed miserably in the 2019 general election. Hence, at present, the selection of a non-Gandhi to head the party demands building their image from the grassroots on an extensive scale. Can the party afford to do this? Every Congress leader does not hold the same appeal to the people as the three Gandhis do. Crowds drawn by these leaders certainly help them gain media coverage and also spell a headache for rival parties. Can the same be said about other Congress members? It will probably take a decade for the partys political culture to reach a stage where that is the fact. The party needs to start according importance to image-building exercises for other members, too, from now on. It has nothing to lose by testing and judging the electoral potential of non-Gandhi members in the national domain. The big question is, whether other members are willing to take the risk. Electoral campaigning is not a cakewalk. Gaining media coverage is also not easy for all. It may perhaps be more appropriate for Congress members to deliberate at present on teamwork and possible alliances advantageous to them in the coming Assembly elections. Besides, they need to start planning for the 2024 parliamentary polls from right now and not leave crucial decisions till the last minute. This refers to the formal induction of Priyanka in the party as general secretary of Uttar Pradeshs east wing when just a few months were left for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The political drama that followed the letter has certainly helped the letter writers garner attention. Their simple message apparently is that their roles in party politics must not be sidelined. They have made a point, democratically speaking. The party needs to give greater importance to functioning as a team. A united Congress has a chance to strengthen its ranking; divided, the futures of all party members are at stake! Robert Downey Jr is 'done' with the Marvel cinematic universe. The 55-year-old star, who played Tony Stark in Iron Man and several other spinoffs such as Avengers, made the comments to Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes on their podcast SmartLess. 'That's all done,' said the former child star. 'As far as I'm concerned, I hung up my guns and I'm good to let it go.' No more Tony: Robert Downey Jr is 'done' with the Marvel cinematic universe, he said this week His first Iron Man movie came out in 2008. He then went in to star in 2010's Iron Man 2, next came his role in The Avengers in 2012, then Iron Man 3 in 2013 followed by Avengers: Age Of Ultron in 2015, Captain America: Civil War in 2016, Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). His character was killed in Endgame and he was given a nod in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Robert had a cameo appearance in The Incredible Hulk (2008) and is expected to be seen in Black Widow, likely in a flashback. New news: The 55-year-old star, who played Tony Stark in Iron Man and several other spinoffs such as Avengers, made the comments to Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes on their podcast SmartLess. Seen in Iron Man 2 Over: 'That's all done,' said the former child star. 'As far as I'm concerned, I hung up my guns and I'm good to let it go.' Seen in Iron Man 3 with Gwyneth Paltrow The Less Than Zero actor added on the podcast: 'I also think that Marvel is on this journey now. Theyre trying a bunch of other stuff and you know, Im excited for them to see how all that goes.' This news came after Apple greenlit a straight-to-series order for a brand new drama from Robert and Team Downey, his production company with wife, Susan Downey. The Downeys are teaming with Adam Perlman (Billions, The Good Wife, The Newsroom) for the untitled project that may include Robert playing a supporting role. A spinoff: The veteran actor also starred with Jeremy Renner, Lou Ferrigno, Samuel L Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth in the 2012 film The Avengers Yet in another: In 2018 came Averngers: Infinity War with Robert, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo and Benedict Wong Team Downey and Amanda Burrell (Hot Cities, Perry Mason, Sweet Tooth) will serve as executive producers alongside Pearlman, who will be one of the writers, according to Variety. The series is based on the Toronto Life article The Sting. It was written by Michael Lista, who will also co-executive produce. He will always be Tony to us: Downey Jr attends the Avengers: Endgame Asia Press Conference in April 2019 in Seoul, South Korea It follows a frustrated Canadian detective who decides to investigate a decades-old cold case in hopes of winning a confession and becoming a hero. As the drama begins to play out, the case quickly spirals out of control when the undercover officer attempts an elaborate sting, adding playacting cops, taxpayer resources, and an unexpected friendship with the peculiar target. If Downey Jr. does in fact sign on for a role in the new drama, it would be his first regular TV role since he played Larry Paul in comedy-drama series Ally McBeal (2000-2002) nearly two decades ago. New deal: Robert and his Team Downey production company with wife, Susan Downey, have signed on with Apple for a brand new drama series that may include Robert playing a supporting role; seen with Susan in January So far there's no word on when production will kick-off or who will star in the upcoming series. Team Downey currently produces the HBO drama Perry Mason, starring Matthew Rhys, that premiered in June and has already been renewed for a second season. The cast also includes Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Stephen Root, Gayle Rankin, Nate Corddry, Veronica Falcon, Jefferson Mays, Lili Taylor, Andrew Howard and Eric Lange. The show is a reboot of the Perry Mason TV series that starred Raymond Burr as the title character, which ran for nine seasons between 1957 and 1966. Teen dream: Originally, Downey Jr made a name for himself in Hollywood working in several teen films in the 1980s; he is pictured with co-star Andrew McCarthy in the 1987 film Less Than Zero The Downey's production company is also producing the upcoming Netflix drama series Sweet Tooth, which was ordered to series earlier this year. Originally, Downey Jr. made a name for himself in Hollywood working in several teen films with the group of young actors known as the Brat Pack in the 1980s. In more recent years he's best known to fans for his performances in the Iron Man franchise and other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Susan Downey is a prolific film producer whose credits include Gothika (2003), The Brave One (2005), House Of Wax (2005) and Orphan (2009), Iron Man 2 (2010) and Doolittle (2020). PHOENIX, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Exceptional Pets https://exceptionalpets.com is proud to announce the launch of their brand new online ordering service for all of the pet food products and supplies that they carry in-store. This new service has no fees or additional costs to the customers. Orders are ready for pick up the very same day and orders are delivered curbside to the customer's car without ever having to get out of their vehicle. Additionally, Exceptional Pets will price match any competitor's advertised price on all retail products. Start your online order today at exceptionalpets.com Start your online order today at exceptionalpets.com "Customer service has always been our top priority and this new online ordering is fast, easy, and convenient. We encourage everyone to try it," said Jason Brown, Vice President of Operation. "With our veterinary care, veterinary hospital, grooming salons, resort boarding, day camp, self-wash stations, equine, pet supplies and more, we truly have everything your pets need all under one roof." The new online ordering is available at exceptionalpets.com. Exceptional Pets has five (5) Arizona pet centers in Cave Creek, Chandler, Green Valley/Sahuarita, Maricopa, and Mesa. Exceptional Pets strives to provide the best in Veterinary Care, Veterinary Hospital Care, Grooming, Boarding, Day Camp, Pet Supplies, Pet Food, Self Wash, Equine, Feed, and more for the pets in your life. Our highly trained, passionate associates care about every aspect of your pet's care and will work with you to make sure everything is taken care of, from head to tail. Media Contact: Jason Brown (480) 426-7590 [email protected] SOURCE Exceptional Pets Related Links http://www.exceptionalpets.com The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak appears to have led to the alleged misuse of Hippocrates oath until the law caught up with a south Delhi-based doctor (34) and his aide. The duo would collect swab samples from suspected coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients or those seeking the viral infection tests for employment or travel reasons, dump their samples in dustbin and then issue them fake test results in the names of at least three diagnostic laboratories, the Delhi Police said on Friday. Both the accused are in police custody. The doctor and his aide have issued at least 75 such fake test results and charged 2,400 from each of the recipients, said Atul Kumar Thakur, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (south), Delhi Police. They did not have specific criteria for issuing the Covid-19 test results. If someone had symptoms, then they would issue a Covid-19 positive result. The asymptomatic people were issued Covid-19 negative results, said DCP Thakur. The accused have been identified as Dr Kush Parashar, a general physician who holds a postgraduate degree in medicine from Russia, and his aide, Amit Singh. Their cover was blown, when one of the recipients of the test results found a mismatch in his name and contacted the diagnostic centre to learn that the latter didnt issue any such result, said the DCP. Similarly, two nurses, who were seeking jobs, needed to undergo Covid-19 tests. Their employer recommended them to get tested at Dr Parashars clinic. However, one of the nurses found her name to be spelled wrongly in the report. She called up the diagnostic centre, which had purportedly conducted the test, and sought a fresh report with the correction in her names spelling. The laboratory authorities perused through their records and found that her name didnt exist in their records, said the DCP. An official from the diagnostic centre had a hunch about alleged wrongdoing and approached the Hauz Khas police station, where a case of cheating was registered. The chain of events was traced to Dr Kush Parashar. It turned out that he and his aide Singh were preparing fake Covid-19 test reports on their laptops and then sharing PDF (portable document format) copies on WhatsApp with their patients. The modus operandi didnt raise any suspicion about the authenticity of the reports, the DCP said. Police said Dr Parashar would recommend Covid-19 tests to most of his patients, irrespective of their symptoms. Dr Parashar would tell his patients that he would collect the swab samples from them on behalf of a diagnostic laboratory and then send them to the laboratory to conduct Covid-19 test. But as soon as a patient left his clinic, he would dump the swab samples in dustbin, the DCP added. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru Police arrested Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi in connection with an ongoing probe of drug menace in the film industry. An FIR has been registered at the Cottonpet police station of the city. She is likely to be produced before a magistrate via video conferencing. Earlier in the day, the police had raided her residence. The CCB on Wednesday had issued a notice to the actress to appear before it for investigations on Thursday, but the actress had sent a team of lawyers who had requested for time till Monday. However, CCB police had raided her residence after obtaining a court warrant on Friday. Ragini was detained for questioning and arrested after seven hours of sustained interrogation. Her request for anticipatory bail is pending before the Sessions court which has posted it for hearing on September 7. Earlier in the evening, speaking to reporters at a press conference, Bengaluru Commissioner of Police said the raid had been conducted based on credible information provided by two people Ravishankar and Rahul who have been seized a truck carrying 204 kilograms of marijuana on August 27 which led them to Ravishankar and Rahul. While Ravishankar is said to be a government employee working with RTO (regional transport office) and very close to Ragini, Rahul is a real estate developer said to be close to another actress Sanjana Galrani. Pant did not specify whether any other Kannada film personalities would be called for investigation or arrested cryptically saying, You have only seen the trailer, wait for the full movie. Both of them during interrogation are believed to have confessed to not only using but procuring drugs and selling them to celebrities. Pant said, They have told us who used to supply them and we are investigating. Karnataka home minister Basvaraja Bommai earlier speaking to reporters at his residence had said that the probe into the drug racket in the state would continue till full details emerged. Our investigations indicate deeper links which are being probed and we cannot reveal all information at this stage. Tourism minister C T Ravi said that the government would come down hard on those dealing in illegal drugs. The drug mafia is trying to influence the investigation but our government will not buckle and all those involved will be brought to book. DUBLIN, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Digital Twin Market: Focus on Product Offering (Platform, Hardware, Support Services), Type (Asset, Process, System), Industry (Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy, Healthcare), Impact of COVID-19 - Analysis and Forecast, 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global digital twin market is projected to grow from $2.66 billion in 2020 to $29.57 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 61.94% from 2020 to 2025. The growth in the digital twin market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for asset health optimization, growing market penetration of Industrial IoT solutions, and the rising establishment of smart building infrastructure to ensure optimum energy consumption. This technology has garnered the attention of various industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare to increase their productivity as well as efficiency. Catering to the manufacturing industry, the rising need to meet the on-demand production target with the existing ageing assets is driving the growth of digital twin technology. With digital twin implementation across the automotive value chain, the automotive manufacturers can have the real-time on-road field insights and can predict the failure of any such vehicle equipment for better manufacturing performance before getting it delivered to the customers. The growth of digital twin technology in the healthcare industry is attributed to the increase in the industry's initiative toward maintaining a smart workflow within its premises to provide optimum treatment facilities for the patients. Moreover, digital twin helps the doctors and surgeons in predicting the emergency condition of patients by real-time monitoring of the patient's health. Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Digital Twin Market In 2020, the digital twin market is expected to experience downfall due to COVID-19 pandemic, as the testing and the simulation process for the implementation of the virtual model has been at a standstill. With the lockdown being imposed, there has been a scarcity of resources worldwide, which is expected to impact the global digital twin market for this particular year. However, the growth of the digital twin technology market is expected to revive sparsely from Q3 2020 once the operational activities become normal post lockdown, as the technology would allow the industrialized world to understand the operational behavior of the physical asset from remote locations as well. Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape for the digital twin market demonstrates an inclination toward the companies that are adopting strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures along with mergers and acquisitions for introducing new technologies and enhance their existing product portfolio. With the increasing growth of the global market, companies operating in this industry are compelled to come up with collaborative strategies in order to sustain in the intensely competitive market. For instance, in January 2020, Siemens entered into a partnership with Arm Holdings for the development of the digital twin platform to ensure driver assistance system across the automotive industry. In December 2019, Microsoft Corporation entered into a partnership with Ansys Inc. for the development of IoT enabled digital twin framework to ensure real-time data transfer and to improve the performance of industrial assets. Key Digital Twin Companies Profiled IBM Corporation, Wipro Ltd., Cisco Systems, Microsoft Corporation, SAP SE, Amazon Web Services, Alphabet Inc., PTC Inc., Bentley Systems, Dassault Systemes, AVEVA Group, Autodesk, Ansys, Inc., ABB Ltd, Honeywell International, Rockwell Automation, Emerson Electric, Accenture plc, Capgemini, and Cognizant Regional Market Dynamics The digital twin market holds a prominent share in various countries of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Japan, and the Middle East and Africa. North America is at the forefront of the global digital twin market, with high market penetration rate in the U.S., Canada, and others, which are expected to display robust market growth in the coming five years. During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific and Japan region is expected to flourish as one of the most lucrative markets for digital twin technology. Asia-Pacific and Japan is expected to exhibit significant growth opportunities for digital twin owing to the increasing urban population size, growing market penetration of advance technologies, and favorable government investments on the adaptation of Industry 4.0 standards and policies for enhanced manufacturing and production facilities across all industry verticals. Key Questions Answered What are the key trends and expansion opportunities in the global digital twin market? What are the estimations for the global digital twin market size in terms of revenue for the period 2019-2025, and what is the expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period 2020-2025? What is the expected outlook and revenue to be generated by the different types of product offerings, including digital twin platform, hardware, and support services? What are the estimations for revenue generation by different types of digital twin, namely, asset, process, and system, for the time period 2019-2025? What are the estimations for revenue generation by digital twin solutions in different industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aviation, energy and utilities, healthcare, and logistics for the time period 2019-2025? What is the current market size, forecast, regional market trends of the digital twin across different regions: North America , South America , the U.K., Europe , Asia-Pacific and Japan , China , and the Middle East and Africa ? , , the U.K., , and , , and the and ? What will be the impact of COVID-19 on the market size, market forecast, CAGR, and market dynamics of the global digital twin market across different market segmentations? What are the major driving forces that are expected to increase the demand for the global digital twin market during the forecast period 2020-2025? What are the major restraints inhibiting the growth of the global digital twin market? What kind of new growth strategies (M&A, partnerships, expansions, products, others) are being adopted by the existing market players to expand their market share in the industry? How is the funding and investment landscape in the global digital twin market? Which type of players and stakeholders operate in the market ecosystem of the digital twin, and what are their impacts on the dynamics of the global digital twin market? Which companies have achieved higher market coverage compared to their market potential in the global digital twin market? Which technologies constitute the digital twin ecosystem, and how is their role significant in the global digital twin market? Key Topics Covered 1 Market Dynamics 1.1 Market Drivers 1.1.1 Surge in the Adoption of Industrial IoT 1.1.2 Rise in Establishment of Smart Building Infrastructure 1.2 Market Restraints 1.2.1 Increase in Data Security Risk 1.2.2 High Cost of Deployment 1.3 Market Opportunities 1.3.1 Rise in Adoption of 3D Printing Technology for Manufacturing Industries 1.3.2 Growth of Low Power Wide Area Connectivity in Digital Twin Technology 2 Competitive Landscape 2.1 Key Market Developments and Strategies 2.1.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Joint Ventures 2.1.2 Mergers and Acquisitions 2.1.3 Business Expansion and Contract 2.1.4 Product Launch and Development 2.1.5 Others (Awards and Recognition) 2.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Players in the Global Digital Twin Market 3 Industry Analysis 3.1 Digital Twin Ecosystem 3.1.1 Ecosystem Overview 3.1.2 Digital Twin Stakeholders 3.1.3 Digital Twin Impact Matrix and Analysis 3.1.3.1 Impact of Digital Twin 3.1.3.2 Contribution to Digital Twin 3.1.3.3 Investable Opportunity 3.2 Digital Twin: Key Technologies 3.2.1 Internet of Things (IoT) 3.2.2 Artificial Intelligence (AI) 3.2.3 Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) 3.2.4 Wireless Communication 3.2.5 Blockchain 3.3 Investment and Funding Landscape 4 Global Digital Twin Market (by Product Offering) 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Platforms 4.3 Hardware 4.4 Support Services 5 Global Digital Twin Market (by Type) 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Asset Digital Twin 5.3 Process Digital Twin 5.4 System Digital Twin 6 Global Digital Twin Market (by Industry) 6.1 Market Overview 6.2 Manufacturing 6.3 Automotive 6.4 Aviation 6.5 Energy and Utilities 6.6 Healthcare 6.7 Logistics and Retail 6.8 Others 7 Global Digital Twin Market (by Region) 7.1 North America 7.2 U.K. 7.3 Europe 7.4 China 7.5 Asia-Pacific and Japan 7.6 Middle East and Africa 7.7 South America 8 Company Profiles 8.1 Overview 8.2 Amazon Web Services, Inc. 8.3 Alphabet Inc. 8.4 AVEVA Group plc 8.5 Autodesk, Inc. 8.6 Ansys, Inc. 8.7 Bentley Systems 8.8 CISCO Systems Inc. 8.9 Dassault Systemes SE 8.10 IBM Corporation 8.11 Microsoft Corporation 8.12 PTC Inc. 8.13 SAP SE 8.14 Wipro Limited 8.15 Accenture plc 8.16 Capgemini SE 8.17 Cognizant 8.18 ABB Ltd. 8.19 Emerson Electric Co. 8.20 Honeywell International Inc. 8.21 Rockwell Automation Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mhgtvt 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 The Bachelorette alums Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo celebrated their first anniversary at the most romantic location. Read below for details and photos. The Bachelorette alums Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo | Aruba Tourism Authority Where did Lindsay and Abasolo get married? The Bachelorette couple who made us believe in love on season 13 got married on Aug. 24, 2019. They held their wedding on the rooftop at the Royalton Suites in Cancun, Mexico. They did not televise their wedding like most other Bachelor, and Bachelorette couples commonly do. Married my best friend this weekend! Abasolo wrote on Instagram from their honeymoon in Greece. Without a doubt, the most memorable time of our lives. Huge thanks to our family, friends, and every single one of you for all your love and support throughout our journey! Cant wait to share all our memories with you all soon! RELATED: The Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay Congratulates Former Mean Girl Vanessa Grimaldi on Her Engagement Lindsay commemorated their anniversary with a sweet first anniversary post on Instagram. One year + FOREVER, Lindsay captioned the photo of the two walking down the aisle. I love you and I am beyond thankful for you, The two love to travel, so its no surprise that they went somewhere exotic to celebrate their first anniversary. The Bachelorette couple went to the romantic island of Aruba to celebrate their anniversary Rachel Lindsay and husband Bryan Abasolo went to the Southern Caribbean island of Aruba for a romantic getaway. They stayed at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, an adults-only property listed as one of the most romantic hotels in the world by TripAdvisor. The Bachelorette couple Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo on the island of Aruba | Aruba Tourism Authority RELATED: The Bachelorette: Rachel Lindsay Attacked on Social Media Following Her Comments About Garrett Yrigoyen They spent time on the islands Eagle Beach and went swimming in Arikok National Parks Natural pool during their stay. The couple also spent an evening on the beach for the anniversary dinner. The Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay fed flamingos The Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay feeding flamingos in Aruba | Aruba Tourism Authority RELATED: The Bachelorette: Clare Crawleys Ex Juan Pablo Galavis Reacts to New Promo in a Cryptic Tweet Lindsay was able to feed flamingos on Arubas 40-acre private island, Renaissance Island. Aruba is a Dutch island, located outside of the hurricane belt, and ready for adventure seekers everywhere. Rachel Lindsay hosts MTVs Ghosted Season 2 Ghosted: Love Gone Missing premiered on MTV on Sept. 10, 2019 with hosts Rachel Lindsay and actor Travis Mills. In the series, the hosts help people find and confront their former friends or partners after being ghosted. Season 2 premiered on MTV on Sept. 2, 2020, with Lindsay and Mills as hosts for the second time. This is me the entire episode on TONIGHTS Season Premiere of MTVs Ghosted, Lindsay captioned a video on Instagram. Swipe over to see why and watch tonight on @mtv at 9PMEST. RELATED: Becca Kufrin Finally Breaks Silence Regarding Her Breakup With Garrett Yrigoyen and Turns Off Commenting on Her Post About two years ago, it was reported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that tourists around the world are showing increasing preference for different types of tourism that serve their healthcare and beauty needs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started spreading around the world in early 2020, this type of tourism is becoming more attractive and is even predicted to be a rising trend in the coming time by industry experts as health has become the top concern among people globally, forcing them to change their behaviour, including travel plans, to meet their healthcare goals. ETBrandequity, an India-based news site, recently predicted 25 post-COVID-19 tourism and resort trends, specifying the domination of experiential tourism in the near future. Particularly, health farms and spas, among others, are receiving far more attention in the tourism industry. Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh proves a new trendy magnet to tourism lovers In Vietnam, tourism associated with relaxation, healthcare, and rehabilitation is drawing the attention of tourists. Notably, this trend is shaped and developed with the emergence of a relatively new type hot spring resorts. In May 2020, as soon as the government brought COVID-19 under control, Quang Ninh a province in the northeastern coast of Vietnam rose to the fore as a must-visit destination among holiday-goers with its new trendy tourist magnet: the Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh luxury hot spring resort. On its first opening days, the resort, as the latest product of major developer Sun Group in Quang Ninh, showed its trendy attraction by a sharp jump in the number of service bookings. An experience with numerous health benefits Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh has quickly risen to widespread fame because of the quality of Quang Hanh hot spring and its excellent health benefits. Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh hot spring resort The resort is located about 10km from Halong city and 15km from the centre of Cam Pha to the west. Since the French colonial period, research by French experts flagged Quang Hanh hot spring as one of the most valuable sources of minerals in Vietnam. The analysis of samples collected in Quang Hanh hot spring and sent to Tokyo, Japan showed that this water is rich in valuable minerals, including metasilicic acid and boric acid. Particularly, Na+ and Cl- ions account for more than 20 grammes per litre. It also contains a significant portion of Bromine, up to 40mg per litre," said Wataru Shintaku, a Japanese hot spring expert and the director of Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. As one of three mineral water springs with the highest content of hot mineralised Bromine in the world, Quang Hanh mineral spring is an invaluable natural gift that allows great relaxation and health benefits, especially for the elderly and people working under pressure, Shintaku added. Rock bath and jacuzzi bath at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh With such a high content of precious minerals and Bromine, the mineral water in Quang Hanh Onsen helps eliminate toxins, promotes blood circulation, boosts immunity, supports the treatment of skin diseases, rejuvenates the skin, relaxes the nerves, and helps to get a deep and refreshing sleep easy to sleep after each day of work in addition to reducing fatigue, relieving pain, and quickly restoring musculoskeletal functions. The hot mineral bath is especially good for the elderly, those doing mental work in a stressful environment, and women wishing to have youthful skin and a vibrant body. Pot baths at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh A representative of the resort said that Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh has as many as 27 baths with many different uses. For example, the Silky Bath may be used for cleansing and relaxing the whole body while helping to clear pores and beautifying the skin. First days after its opening, Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, as the latest product of major developer Sun Group in Quang Ninh, showed its trendy attraction by a sharp jump in the number of service bookings. The high concentration CO2 aeration tank (carbonate aeration tank) helps clean the skin, expand capillaries, reduce high blood pressure, and increase the concentration of oxygen in the blood in addition to warming the body from the inside. Japanese research showed that high concentration CO2 aeration tanks help reduce clinical symptoms in diabetic patients. Different types of sauna and spa services after mineral bath are also preferred at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. Loyly rock sauna commonly known as the panacea among the Finns soothes aching muscles for healthy and smooth skin. Meanwhile, Himalayan salt stone sauna will be a great treatment for people with respiratory problems. Cold steam inhalation therapy at temperatures down to 6 degrees Ceslius is also very popular among customers, especially female visitors for its help to smoothen the skin. 25 Japanese-style spa rooms providing massage therapy with Shiatsu reflexology is also a must-try for those who wish to have "everlasting youth" and beauty. Spa services at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh Tran Thi Hanh, a tourist from Cam Pha city, said that her family has spent two weekends at the resort since it opened. Cam Pha people already knew about this mineral spring for a long time. Mineral baths are a good way to renew energy for a healthier body. If possible, taking mineral bath once a week helps take care of both physical and mental health. Rock sauna at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh Nguyen Thanh Binh from Hanoi was also excited when talking about his hot spring bath experience at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. There are many types of baths, which are more diverse, better, and even much more beautiful than those in Japan. After a bath, hot steam then cold steam inhalation therapies, I felt amazingly fresh. This should be a regular destination for healthcare and strengthening resistance to diseases, said Binh. Taking a rest in a pure Japanese space in the middle of the cool Quang Hanh valley surrounded by green forests and mountains while enjoying wonderful mineral bath services with many health benefits make for a compelling case for healthcare resort services like Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. Hong Kong: FS visits testing centre Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited the community testing centre at the Hong Kong Science Park today to inspect the Universal Community Testing Programmes operation and encourage the staff. Mr Chan, accompanied by Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit, was briefed on the operations and watched the workflow from registration to specimen collection. He praised the healthcare staff and civil servants for performing their duties to fight the virus together. Mr Chan said he was very pleased that the Science Park community has responded enthusiastically to the programme, adding that the community testing centre at the park has been fully booked in the past few days. He encouraged those who have yet to register to actively participate in the programme. Mr Chan took the opportunity to tour the InnoCell, which is currently under construction, after inspecting the community testing centre. The InnoCell will provide short to medium term accommodation for the companies in the Science Park. It is expected to commence operation early next year. Mr Chan then moved to the co-working labs and spaces for biomedical technology to understand how Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation's Incu-Bio Programme supports its members. He also met three biomedical technology partner companies of the park. This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Ottawa, Sep 5 : Five people were killed and one wounded in a shooting in an Oshawa home east of Toronto, local media reported. The shooting happened around 0520 GMT on Friday. Police said four males and one female are among the dead, Xinhua news agency reported. The wounded woman found inside the home was transported to the hospital in a serious but non-life-threatening condition. The deceased victims are believed to be three adults and two teens, police media spokesman George Tudos said. One of the dead is the alleged suspect, he said. A husband and wife, who are teachers, have lived at the home with their four children for many years and recently returned home after spending time at a cottage, neighbours said. Police said they were not looking for any more suspects and there were no safety concerns in the community. Investigation into the shooting is underway. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed a plan to reopen frequent international air routes to China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Laos in mid-September. All passengers of these routes will undergo government-mandated 14-day quarantine following their arrival in the Southeast Asian country, according to the proposal. To prevent overcrowding at local quarantine facilities, flights along these air routes will be evenly distributed throughout the week. Their schedule will be arranged so that no two international flights will land at one airport in Vietnam on the same day, CAAV said. The CAAV has worked with authorities in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Laos and agreed on plans to reopen air routes to these destinations on September 15. Accordingly, Vietnam and China have consented on operating one return flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Guangzhou every Monday. The weekly number of passengers arriving and quarantined in Ho Chi Minh City on this route will be capped at 540. Japan has proposed operating a minimum of two flights per week each way with Vietnam. The CAAV suggested that the Hanoi-Tokyo service and the Ho Chi Minh City-Tokyo route be operated once every week each way. The numbers of passengers arriving and quarantined in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City every week are to be limited to 560 for each city. Aviation authorities in Vietnam and South Korea have agreed to operate one return flight between Hanoi and Seoul and one return service between Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul every week. About 650 passengers will be quarantined in each of the two Vietnamese cities after arriving on these routes on a weekly basis. Regarding the Vietnam-Taiwan flights, both sides are expected to operate one return flight along the Hanoi-Taipei route and one return flight along the Ho Chi Minh City-Taipei route each week. The maximum number of quarantined passengers is 620 per week in Hanoi and 700 per week in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam and Cambodia have consented on operating the Can Tho-Phnom Penh route at one two-way flight per week, with 400 passengers expected to land in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho weekly. Laotian authorities have yet to respond to the CAAVs proposed plan on reopening routes between the two countries. If they agree to the scheme, a maximum of 350 passengers are expected to enter Hanoi every week. If all of these plans are carried out, up to 2,200 passengers will arrive in Hanoi, 2,450 in Ho Chi Minh City, and 400 in Can Tho City on a weekly basis from the international destinations. Vietnam began barring entry to foreign nationals on March 22 and suspended international flights from March 25 in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. Since then, international flights to the country have only been arranged to bring in experts, skilled workers, and diplomats, and to repatriate Vietnamese citizens stranded in other nations and territories due to the pandemic. Vietnam has documented 1,046 COVID-19 cases, with 768 having recovered and 35 deaths as of Friday afternoon. The country started charging international arrivals for the cost of their mandatory 14-day quarantine from September 1. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! In early June, as Black Lives Matter activists protested police brutality and killings, the editors of The Maneater, the University of Missouris student newspaper, gathered on a Zoom call to discuss their own part in the nationwide reckoning with racial injustice. Like many other student groups, The Maneater had recently published an Instagram post expressing solidarity with protesters. However, the post struck some staffers as lukewarm. I couldnt believe how bland it was, photo editor Kirubel Mesfian, who is also the papers only Black editor, says. During the call, he urged The Maneater to examine its own complicity in upholding systemic racism, both in its coverage and within its newsroom. Following the hours-long conversation, the brief Instagram post was replaced by an editorial that outlined a series of new initiatives intended to fight for racial justice. In the editorial, The Maneater pledged to mandate social justice training for reporters, to create a diversity committee to oversee race-related coverage, and to include links to Black Lives Matter fundraisers at the end of every article throughout the summer. Such steps may run counter to journalisms status quo ante; as Izzy Colon, then the papers editor in chief, says, her staff wanted to prioritize what is right in terms of social justice. The Maneater is not alone. In recent months, as professional newsrooms have wrestled with their own historical failures, many college papers have explored ways to better support staffers of color and improve their coverage of the underprivilegedat times by transgressing the doctrines of old-school journalism. Some have apologized to readers for historically misrepresenting communities of color, and pledged solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Many have challenged the industrys misguided belief in objectivity, arguing that it exalts the perspectives of white leaders and experts. A recent statement signed by fifteen college editors urged professional journalists to reflect on their long-standing bias against marginalized voices. The Stanford Daily was morally obligated to [stand] against racism and in support of Black Lives Matter, and I think professional newsrooms should do the same, says Holden Foreman. The purpose of journalism is not to reflect public discourse in a perfectly objective way, but to inform the community by reporting on the truth. Newsrooms often use objectivity as a tool to dismiss non-male, nonwhite, and non-wealthy perspectives, Marissa Martinez, editor in chief of the Daily Northwestern and the first Black woman to lead that paper, says. Natalie Oganesyan, editor in chief for the University of Southern Californias Daily Trojan, argues that objective journalism has helped enforce narratives from powerful institutions such as police departments, and adds that ideas of objectivity and neutrality, when applied in journalism, often amount to racist coverage. NEW AT CJR: Canadas oil giants deserve tougher coverage Statements from many student-led newsrooms have gone so far as to urge readers to protest, sign petitions, and donate to organizations that support the Black communityforms of advocacy frequently shunned by professional news outlets. The Stanford Daily shared ways for readers to learn about and support the Black Lives Matter movement. The Emory Wheel pledged to match up to $500 in donations to the National Association of Black Journalists. The Wesleyan Argus provided readers with a list of petitions to support Black lives and encouraged them to contribute to bail funds. Such a stance does not indicate bias, Foreman, the Stanford Daily editor in chief, says, because combating racism is a matter of human rights, not politics. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Many college newsrooms have relaxed policies forbidding reporters from participating in protests or signing petitions. Requiring reporters to remain neutral puts an additional burden on staffers of color, says Sarah Harris, who serves as the editor in chief of the University of California, Berkeleys Daily Californian, whose staffers were previously banned from publicly participating in actions. Harris amended the policy this summer, with help from the papers diversity committee. Although news reporters are still barred from advocating for school-specific issues, such as UC Berkeleys financial aid policy, the updated guidelines otherwise permit staffers to join protests. How do I tell my staff that you cant go and protest in support of Black lives? Harris asks. The policy disproportionately affects students who are protesting for their identity and their lives. Last year, the Daily Texan established a Diversity & Inclusion board to vet sensitive stories about marginalized communities on campus at the University of Texas at Austin. According to its chair Angelica Arinze, the board adds perspectives from students of color to the editing process, because the majority of the Daily Texans editors and reporters are white. This summer, her board pushed the staff to avoid specifying whether a victim of police brutality was armed and to focus on Black students efforts in a story about Black Lives Matter fundraisers. With similar goals in mind, the diversity committee at the Daily Californian is compiling a language handbook on how to report on communities of color. Multiple newsrooms, including the Daily Californian, The Villanovan, and the Huntington News, are instituting anti-racist journalism workshops. Such approaches have, at times, brought intense criticism from professional journalists who argue that student reporters pander too much to their audiences demands. Last month, the Daily Orange, of Syracuse University, fired a columnist who, in an op-ed for another publication, argued that institutional racism is a myth. In response, conservative outlets covered the incident as an example of censorship on liberal campuses. Casey Darnell, the Daily Oranges editor in chief, says he decided to fire the columnist because the op-ed could have dangerous consequences for Black people. Darnell adds that the paper received hundreds of hateful messages, though not from members of the Syracuse University community. The Daily Northwestern faced harsh criticism from professional journalists last fall, when it apologized for its coverage of student demonstrators at a campus event featuring Jeff Sessions. The statement expressed staffers regrets about publishing photographs of protesters, invading their privacy, and covering their story in an insensitive and hurtful manner. At the time, many professional reporters excoriated the student paper and called the apology the end of journalism, Martinez remembers. She thinks that the apology might be viewed more charitably today, as a display of student journalists efforts to understand the consequences of their coverage and to minimize the harm inflicted on marginalized communities. There is no precedent set by legacy papers on how to do this stuff, so we have to come up with innovative ways to make journalism more diverse and inclusive, Martinez says. Professional journalists have more resources and time than us, so Im excited for our industry to change and improve using these initiatives pioneered by college newspapers. ICYMI: Student journalists hold power to account, with fewer protections This story has been updated to clarify a reference to the Huntington News. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Serena Cho is a senior at Yale, where she studies Humanities and Political Theory. She serves as the managing editor of the Yale Daily News and student representative of AAJA NY. Follow her on Twitter at @serenaymcho. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 22:18:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The alleged poisoning of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny should be treated with caution, the Kremlin said on Friday. "In this case, we rely on facts, act consistently and carefully. We also urge everyone else to rely on facts," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a daily briefing. Navalny felt unwell on the flight from the Russian city of Tomsk to Moscow earlier last month. The plane had to make an emergency landing in the city of Omsk. Navalny fell into a coma after being hospitalized in Omsk with suspected poisoning symptoms, and he was later transferred to Germany for treatment. On Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny, who is in intensive care in a Berlin hospital, was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent. Peskov said that he expected German specialists to provide information about the poisoning to the Russian Interior Ministry, which is now conducting a pre-investigation check. An investigation into the case will be opened if there is confirmation of the presence of a poisonous substance, he said. Enditem Its still down a lot, lets not shy away from that, but better than expectations heading into earnings season, says Australian Foundation Investment Company's Mark Freeman. Banks blasted, miners minted Aside from Commonwealth Banks better than expected payout of 98 cents - down from $2.31 a year ago - the big lenders largely underwhelmed on the income front. ANZ's deferred interim dividend of 25 cents a share was cut from 80 cents, and NABs 30 cent payout was down from 83 cents. But Westpac cut its dividend altogether. This alone, according to Janus Henderson's Global Dividend Index Report, accounted for a 60 per cent decline in Asian payouts over the quarter. Banks have also become more cautious in their lending book, particularly in a market where housing is falling, and perhaps have had less collateral then what they realised before February, says Perpetuals Sherwood. "So, as a result, theyre carrying more capital in the balance sheet. But if not all of these mortgagees on welfare find employment again then, at some stage, there is a risk that bad and doubtful debts will increase. And at that stage, that brings risks of not only lower dividends but also more capital raisings. The baton for dividends has been passed from financial giants to iron ore and gold miners sitting atop mountainous commodity prices. Twiggy Forrests iron ore juggernaut Fortescue Metals delivered a $1 final dividend - up from 23 cents - for a total $2.25 billion as it posted a record profit on soaring iron ore prices. Sector titans BHP and Rio Tinto also proved a relative bounty for investors. BHPs reduced payout received a mixed reception from analysts but still came in at US55 cents a share. Rio Tintos interim dividend of $US1.55 a share was a 3 per cent higher than a year ago. Mineral Resources, meanwhile, lifted its payout to 77 cents, from 33 cents while UBS also noted increased payouts from goldminers Newcrest, Northern Star and Evolution. Others, meanwhile, have noted the emergence - and resilience - of tech and health sectors over the past couple of years. Healthcare and technology and the like, theyve generally held up pretty well (this earnings season), AFIC's Freeman says. Cochlear is not paying a dividend because it's more discretionary but youve got the ResMeds, Fisher and Paykels, Sonic (Healthcare) and CSLs. Freeman, who also oversees AFIC stable members Mirrabooka, Djerriwarrh and AMCIL Ltd, said the structural headwinds affecting the traditional big-dividend payers may also herald a shift away from yield and into growth among investors. Increasingly over time youve had businesses like the FAANGs (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google), they dont really pay dividends, they reinvest and they grow their capital base, he says. The sharemarket has been very strong, from share price appreciation, so you get more of your total return in the US market say out of capital growth than you would dividends. Traditionally in Australia dividends were a big contributor to total return and theres a bit of a transition occurring to me, to me anyway. And if we see more technology and more health type stocks come to our market and grow then that trend will continue. Never waste a crisis Further skewing the investment landscape this year is the government stimulus that has filled consumer pockets and shaved costs for retailers - especially those set up to benefit from societys lockdown cocooning. The primary culprit here is JobKeeper, the $1500 per fortnight wage subsidy implemented at the end of March aimed at keeping stood down workers in jobs. Many companies signed on to the program, expecting trade to plummet as the virus forced shoppers to stay home. Instead, online trade boomed for many and shoppers were eager to spend, turning predicted losses into soaring gains, which boards then decided to share with investors. Furniture retailer Nick Scali received a total of $3.9 million in subsidies and raised its dividend 12.5 per cent, netting the founding Scali family a total of $2.5 million, or around two-thirds of the companys total subsidy payments. Youth-focused footwear retailer Accent Group told shareholders it had received a total of $23.9 million in subsidies, and paid almost that entire amount out as a dividend. Chief executive Daniel Agostinelli also received a $1.2 million bonus. Using JobKeeper in this manner was likely not the intention of the government nor the companies who applied for it in March, as sales were required to be down between 30 to 50 per cent in order to be eligible. Regardless, many businesses didnt let a good crisis go to waste, a move which drew the ire of Labor MP Andrew Leigh, who called out the practice in a speech to parliament. In a note to clients this week, Commonwealth Bank analysts said criticism of companies who paid dividends while claiming JobKeeper relied on perfect hindsight, arguing the subsidy had fulfilled its purpose in retaining jobs. Balance sheet strength Perpetuals Sherwood believes the COVID-19 pandemic, which is dragging on for longer than many expected, will still expose cracks in corporate Australia. CAIRO - Sudans transitional government and a powerful rebel group that controls large swaths of the countrys restive south said Friday they have agreed to resume peace talks, a development that boosts hopes of ending the countrys decades-long civil wars. The commitment comes days after the government reached a deal with other rebel groups to quell conflicts stemming from the rule of ousted autocrat Omar al-Bashir. The Sudan Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu, and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok signed a joint letter of intention late on Thursday in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Abada, stressing the necessity of finding a comprehensive and just political solution to the conflicts. It did not specify when the talks would restart. Negotiating an end to the rebellions in Sudans far-flung provinces has been a crucial goal for the transitional government, which took power after the military overthrew al-Bashir in April last year, following months of pro-democracy protests. Cash-strapped authorities are keen to slash military spending, which takes up 80% of the national budget. Al-Hilus faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement-North, also known as SLPM-North, is Sudans single largest rebel group. It engaged in previous rounds of peace talks but remained skeptical of the countrys ruling Sovereign Council, comprised of both civilian leaders and military generals, including some from al-Bashirs tenure. Along with another major rebel group, the faction skipped the signing of the agreement earlier this week in South Sudan between the government and a rebel alliance known as the Sudan Revolutionary Front, dimming prospects for meaningful change on the ground. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Thursdays signing, calling the agreement a positive step, especially in light of the initialing of a peace agreement earlier this week, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The U.N. chief urged another rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Abdul Wahid Al-Nur, to join the peace process so that a comprehensive solution can be found and reiterated his commitment to support all efforts to achieve sustainable peace in Sudan, Dujarric said. The SLPM-North has also threatened to call for self-determination in the vast areas it controls if its demands are not met. Just days ago, al-Hilu accused the transitional government of adopting the evasive tactics of al-Bashirs administration throughout tortuous peace negotiations that have dragged on for nearly a year. To lay the groundwork for a future deal, al-Hilu and Hamdok agreed in principle on a range of political issues that have frustrated efforts to reach a deal in the past. Sudans constitution should be based on the principle of separation of religion and state, the statement said, acknowledging a long-held demand of the ardently secularist SLPM-North. The sides also agreed to let the rebel group retain its weapons until they ink an accord calling for new security arrangements. Al-Hilus movement controls large chunks of territory in the war-scarred Blue Nile and South Kordofan provinces, home to a significant Christian minority that long complained of discrimination under al-Bashir. During al-Bashirs 30 years in power, the Khartoum government extended Islamic rule in Sudan and fanned tensions between the Muslim majority north and mainly Christian and animist south, precipitating brutal wars and ultimately, the secession of South Sudan in 2011. Read more about: After eight years on assembly lines in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Luz says the worst part of her job today isnt the tedium and low pay. Its working nearly shoulder to shoulder with fellow employees. She says close friends and neighbors have caught the coronavirus in Juarez, a dense city of 1.5 million people across the Rio Grande from El Paso with hundreds of factories that assemble and manufacture goods for foreign customers. They cannot separate the people, so what they did was to put in plastic separations, said Luz, who asked to be identified by her first name only. I try to take precautions, but I cant be 100 percent sure. Luz earns about $230 a month for full-time work not enough to take leave, even if it were offered and worries about bringing the virus home to her 67-year-old mother. Because the design of the factory line has not changed, social distancing remains impossible, she said. Her employer, a communications network infrastructure manufacturer, halted operations for only a week in late March, saying it was an essential industry and eligible for an exemption from the requirement to close during the first weeks of the pandemic. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases When the factory reopened, employees say, it did take some health safety measures. It sanitized its workplace. It provided hand sanitizer at work stations and in bathrooms, and installed plastic barriers between workstations. The measures dont satisfy the requirements by the federal government or the employees, who have complained they still feel insecure about their ability to keep the necessary distance to prevent contagion. Labor activists believe the working conditions are contributing to a rising mortality rate among factory workers in Mexico. The secretary of health in the state of Chihuahua, home of Ciudad Juarez, has reported 25 deaths among maquiladora workers there since Mexico reopened factories June 1. Workers across Mexico are complaining about unsafe conditions, according to Mexico City-based Solidarity Network of Workers at Risk, a workers rights group. In Mexico, the government does not traditionally play the role of sanctioning companies, but rather views itself as a company resource to help them reach their desired goals, said Carlos Calvillo Reynoso, a researcher at the organization. Herika Martinez /AFP via Getty Images About 3,000 maquiladoras in Mexico employ more than 1.1 million Mexicans, according to CrossBorderFreight Mexico, a global logistics firm. The maquilas are built in special tariff-free zones along the border and are designed to assemble or manufacture products for export, mostly to the U.S. Like many countries, Mexico instructed most of its businesses, including maquilas, to close in late March, allowing only essential industries to operate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has hit Mexico hard, with roughly 617,000 confirmed cases and about 66,000 deaths as of Thursday. Mexicos Health Ministry has said the real number is at least three times higher. On ExpressNews.com: Mexicos coronavirus battle began late In an effort to balance health concerns and a precarious economic situation, Mexico gradually permitted businesses to open in June, but only on a staggered basis, for those who follow strict health protocols and are in states not as hard hit by the virus. These requirements include a work environment where employees would be at least 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) apart, stipulating that any relocation of the required furniture should be carried out in advance of the restart of work, according to the Labor Ministry. Areas are to be protected by physical barriers, with personal protection equipment offered. Bathrooms should be supplied with sufficient water, soap and disposable paper towels. The National Advisory Board for Maquiladora Industries has said its members are meeting these standards, said Blanca Tabares, the president of the Piedras Negras chapter, who responded in writing to complaints by local maquiladora workers of noncompliance. The actions that all the companies are taking as controls to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 are in the administration areas, in engineering, on the production floor and between our personnel, Tabares said. But workers say these rules are not being followed. The Solidarity Network has received complaints from workers about noncompliant conditions in 75 workplaces, many of them with names familiar in the U.S. An IBM plant in Mexico City, for example, has received complaints from workers that it does not provide antibacterial gel, does not disinfect commonly used equipment between uses and does not provide sufficient ventilation in enclosed work spaces. Christian Chavez /Associated Press Marisol, a worker at a factory in Piedras Negras in the state of Coahuila, said she has observed many of the same infractions at her plant. Where you enter, you can wash your hands at the entrance, but there is no sanitizer and employees are not keeping their distance from each other, said Marisol, who asked to be identified only by her first name. They are frequently gathered together, and no one is forced to keep their masks on. The violations of the health safety rules are coming even as companies are officially reporting to the government that they are taking all the needed steps and should be allowed to stay open. Many companies say publicly that they are taking all the required health measures to be able to open, but once you get inside the plants, it simply is not true, said Julia Quinones, a researcher with the Border Committee of Women Workers, noting that companies have focused on superficial measures, such as disinfectant doormats and measuring temperatures at the entrance. The entrance is window dressing. Conditions in some plants include crowded cafeterias with short lunch hours that require employees to share a small space, Quinones said. Some bathrooms have one or no soap dispensers, requiring employees to gather, and the plants operate under long hours with poor protective equipment. Christian Chavez / Associated Press On ExpressNews.com: Most of Mexicos workers are left out of the coronavirus safety net At Marisols plant, work schedules have been staggered to reduce the number of employees on-site at any one time, and some modifications have been made in the entrance and exits to prevent crowding. Yet the main production floor remains largely the same. In the work area, there is 1 meter of distance in some areas and in others areas, no, Marisol said. The only thing they did to separate the people is to put plastic inserts 1 meters apart. But the workers still have contact with each other. Inspections are taking place, said Kim Nolan, a labor economist and professor at the Mexico City-based Center for Economic Investigation, albeit at a painfully slow pace due to a lack of resources in an extraordinary situation. It is difficult to do inspections the Labor Ministry is completely overwhelmed by COVID and with complaints of companies that are not following the rules, Nolan said, noting that a reported 4 million complaints have been lodged on the government website. Some accuse companies of staying open in violation of the initial closure rules and conducting mass firings, which were also prohibited. File photo At the communications network equipment plant where Luz works, some employees were sufficiently concerned about the work situation to organize a two-day strike, and the company responded first by negotiating a 1,200 peso (about $50) bonus in exchange for returning to work. About three weeks later, they fired all the workers who had participated in the strike, without offering any explanation, Luz said. Workers at the plant felt insecure about the health measures that the company was taking they felt that they were completely insufficient, Luz said. They wanted the plant to be closed, just as the government had mandated. What we are seeing is that these workers, having no say in their workplace, are going through these other channels like us to report the health violations so that we can make them public, Calvillo Reynoso said. For others, the option to pursue complaints on their own is not feasible, Quinones said, noting the workers dont have computers or even power in their houses to do so. The Antifa gunman suspected of fatally shooting a Trump supporter styled himself as a 'security contractor' for BLM protests, called protests 'warfare' and was shot in the elbow during a fight at another demonstration. Michael Reinoehl, 48, was killed last night as a federal task force attempted to apprehend him in Lacey, Washington, a senior Justice Department official said. Reinoehl was the prime suspect in the killing of Aaron 'Jay' Danielson, 39, who was shot in the chest Saturday night, the official said. In an interview with Vice released hours before his death, Reinoehl said he is a 'former military contractor and father of two' who provided 'security' for BLM protests. On Instagram, he painted himself as '100% ANTIFA all the way' - a man who is 'willing to fight for my brothers and sisters'. 'Every Revolution needs people that are willing and ready to fight,' one post reads. 'There are so many of us protesters that are just protesting without a clue of where that will lead. That's just the beginning that's where the fight starts. If that's as far as you can take it thank you for your participation but please stand aside and support the ones that are willing to fight. Self-declared Antifa member Michael Reinoehl, 48, was killed in a shoot-out last night after US Marshals tracked him down at his hideout in Washington State On Instagram, Reinoehl had painted himself as '100% ANTIFA all the way' - a man who is 'willing to fight for my brothers and sisters' In this post, from June 16, he claimed to have served in the army and 'hated it'. He also wrote he was 100% 'ANTIFA' and says 'We do not want violence but we will not run from it either' 'I am 100% ANTIFA all the way! I am willing to fight for my brothers and sisters! Even if some of them are too ignorant to realize what antifa truly stands for. We do not want violence but we will not run from it either! 'If the police continue to pick on and beat up innocent citizens that are peacefully voicing their objections, it must be met with equal force!' The post goes on to briefly describe Reinhoel 'hating' being in the army and warning of an impending 'fight like no other'. He says that 'it will be a war and like all wars there will be casualties', before adding that he needs his children to 'live in a world run by Common Sense [sic].' A US Army spokesperson told DailyMail.com last week they searched their service records for a 48-year-old Michael Forest Reinoehl and were unable to locate this individual in our database. Last night's shoot-out was not Reinoehl's first brush with the law. Police on 5 July cited him on allegations of possessing a loaded gun in a public place, resisting arrest and interfering with police. On 26 July, Reinoehl was shot near his elbow after he got involved in a scuffle between an armed white man and a group of young people of color. The man who was carrying the gun, Aaron Scott Collins, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he and a friend had just left a bar when they saw the group harassing an older Black man. The man's friend began filming them with a phone, and the group confronted them, calling them Nazis, he said. Reinoehl later that day spoke to an AP videographer. His arm was wrapped in a bloody bandage; he said he was on his way to meet protest medics so they could change it. He said he didn't know what had started the altercation between Collins and the group, but that several people had decided to intervene when they saw Collins fighting with minors. 'As soon as the adults jumped in, he pulled out a gun,' Reinoehl said. 'I jumped in there and pulled the gun away from people's heads, avoided being shot in the stomach and I got shot in the arm.' Reinoehl was also wanted on a warrant out of Baker County in Eastern Oregon, where court records show he skipped a hearing related to a June case in which he has been charged with driving under the influence of controlled substances, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm. Police said he drove on an interstate at up to 111 mph, with his daughter in the car, while racing his 17-year-old son, who was in a different vehicle. 'I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn't going to do that,' Reinoehl said in a clip of a video interview published by Vice News on Thursday The news of his death last night broke as President Trump tweeted, 'Why aren't the Portland Police ARRESTING the cold blooded killer of Aaron 'Jay' Danielson. Do your job, and do it fast. Everybody knows who this thug is. No wonder Portland is going to hell! @TheJusticeDept @FBI.' Much is known about Reinhoehl from his social media activism, appearance on Vice, and his criminal record. He had also been a regular presence at anti-racism demonstrations in Portland. Just yesterday, Reinoehl spoke to Vice, suggesting his actions on the night Danielson was slayed had been self defense. 'I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn't going to do that,' Reinoehl said in a clip of a video interview published by Vice News on Thursday. In the fragment of video shown by Vice News ahead of the full interview's release, he does not say outright that he shot Danielson. Vice News reported that Reinoehl said he feared he and his friend would be stabbed, but he did not elaborate on this claim. However, in a Fox News interview, one of Danielson's friends refuted Reinoehl's accusations, alleging the killing was a cold-blooded execution. 'They came up behind us, they shot my friend and killed him,' Chandler Pappas, who was next to the victim, said. Video footage has emerged of a shooting in Portland which appeared to support his version of events. In another post, Reinoehl can be seen lifting his shirt to show off battle wounds inflicted on him during a protest in Portland. 'Tonight's battle scar thanks to an [sic] nasty bean bag shot at me from 20 feet away! #blaklivesmatter [sic] #breonnataylor #anewnation', he wrote. In July, Reinhoel shared a text message he'd received on his Instagram account, which said: 'Hey Mike, I've been getting word from a Patriot group on Facebook that the 4th of July, they are taking back the cities. 'They might probably are hostile w [sic] arms. Watch your and your friends back and don't get cought [sic] in a crossfire.' The victim of Saturday night's shooting in Portland was Aaron 'Jay' Danielson. He was a member of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer and also used the last name Bishop His sister April Reinoehl, 36, believes the man caught on camera in a shooting in the downtown area of the riot-torn Oregon city was her brother and even identified him to local police. This is one of the videos that was circulating on social media from Saturday's shooting. It's unclear if this is the image Reinoehl's sister April had seen Police arrived on the scene 'within a minute' of when gunshots rang out. The victim, later identified as Danielson, is seen wearing a hat with the insignia of Patriot Prayer, a right-wing group whose members have frequently clashed with protesters in Portland in the past His response to the message reads: 'Thank you my friend we are ready.' According to the Heavy.com, Reinoehl's Facebook page, where he liked Bernie Sander's page and described himself as a snowboarder, was filled with pictures of artwork and images of his children. Last week Reinoehl's sister exclusively spoke to DailyMail.com. April Reinoehl, 36, believed the man caught on camera in the shooting of Danielson was her brother, and identified him to local police. In an interview at her Oregon home, April told DailyMail.com her brother had been estranged from their family for three years after stealing medication from their mother who has dementia. For years he would verbally abuse and bring their mother to tears, she said, manipulating her into giving him what little spare money the single, retired teaching assistant had. 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. When University of Pittsburgh senior Stana Topich returned to campus in early August amid the coronavirus pandemic, it wasn't to the 19-story freshman dorms where she had expected to close out her college experience as a resident assistant (RA). Instead, she moved into the Residence Inn Pittsburgh Oakland/University Place, a newly renovated three-star hotel with an indoor pool and stylish suites. Along with two nearby hotels, the property is exclusively hosting Pitt students this semester, with masks required and capacity limitations in place. The school says it's working with area hotels to "de-densify" campus housing and help reserve some dorms for quarantining and testing. The hotel housing comes at no extra cost to students, the University of Pittsburgh told The Washington Post. Housing block agreements between universities and hotels are enabling a return to campus across the United States. For hotels, the partnerships are bringing back business during a time when decreased bookings have meant furloughed workers. But some students are worried the new normal could be an isolating experience. "When I first moved in, walking into this super grand lobby . . . I felt like I was in a movie, kind of like 'Eloise at Christmastime,'" Topich said. But the allure wore off when she realized that her senior year would not be the same. "The best thing about living in the residence halls is being able to walk around the floor when everyone has their door open, and, as weird as it sounds, running into people in the bathroom and striking up a conversation," she said. Graduate Hotels, a chain of 26 college-town properties across the United States, says it has welcomed the new business and now has over 1,000 students living in more than a dozen of its hotels. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students will make up the majority of the guests at chain's location there for the rest of the semester. "We take great pride in being able to provide a solution to parents and students," Graduate Hotels President David Rochefort said. The hotel chain partnered with the Cleveland Clinic to develop its new cleaning guidelines, and it said the other properties hosting students include the Graduate Knoxville, for the University of Tennessee, and the Graduate Cincinnati, for the University of Cincinnati. The trend has spread throughout hotel chains and states. Emerson College in Boston has taken over eight floors of the nearby W Hotel to house 192 students after partially reserving sections of one residence hall, the Paramount Center, for quarantine rooms. The University of Pittsburgh says that 1,100 first-year students have been assigned to the three hotels that are operating exclusively for its students: two separate Residence Inns and the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center. The Wyndham's general manager told The Washington Post that it welcomed the opportunity to house students because it brought back dozens of furloughed Wyndham employees. "Quite frankly, we suffered greatly from mid-March until the summer when we secured this business [from Pitt]" Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center general manager Coleman Hughes said. "It's meant the ability to bring 25 team members back to work, which has been really positive for them and their families." Pitt, Emerson, Wyndham and Graduate Hotels all said their institutions have created joint health and safety protocols to protect returning staff, including limiting interactions between students and requiring masks in all indoor areas - except for when students are in their own rooms alone or with their assigned roommate. Emerson College requires weekly tests for everyone on campus, on top of a mandatory test every student must take before their socially distanced move-in. The college of 3,700 has more than 2,000 students living on its campus in downtown Boston. In the W, Students are relegated to their own designated elevators and entrances, and they are not permitted in sections of the hotel that may be open to non-university guests. "We might increase testing to twice-weekly," Emerson President Lee Pelton said. "I think it's fair to say that almost all colleges and universities in the U.S. have spent half a year reinventing themselves" to allow students to return to campus. Pitt senior Topich said her focus is on ensuring that freshman residents don't gather in groups larger than the six people permitted in rooms, or the two people permitted in elevators. She said that while most students head outside to nearby parks when they want to socialize, she can't control what they do "behind closed doors." Nicole Poitras, an RA at the W Boston, said Emerson students are limited to four students per room and that, so far, her residents seem to be taking the rule seriously. "We have the second floor mezzanine space, usually the hotel conference space, open to us with distancing and masks," she said. "That's the equivalent of what would normally be our common room." Both Poitras and Topich said that despite the new measures in place, and despite fears of loneliness, the hotels have begun to feel like home. "I walk around and see people doing laundry and coming back from class, and it's starting to feel like a normal residence hall," Poitras says. "And that's really awesome, because I was worried I was going to feel isolated in some way . . . but I don't. I know who my residents are here and we're all together." When Carnegie Mellon researchers had the idea to put together a survey asking the general public about their coronavirus symptoms, the scientists knew they needed to collect millions of data points to learn anything meaningful. So they asked Facebook, which has a public team that specializes in using analytics for humanitarian causes called "Data for Good," for its help. The survey, which went live to Facebook's billions of users about six months ago, has so far collected data from more than 30 million people around the world. The survey asks whether they tested positive for the virus, if they wear masks and practice socially distancing as well as if they're currently experiencing symptoms. Respondents also share data about their demographics, like their age, as well as their mental health status and preexisting medical conditions. More than 1.5 million people fill out the survey each week. To preserve privacy, Facebook said it doesn't have direct access to the responses. Carnegie Mellon has now published aggregated data through its COVIDcast API, as well as real-time visualizations. But there's still a few big questions to be answered: Will this data be truly useful? And can it predict the next outbreak of Covid-19 before it happens? To find out, a group of epidemiologists and infectious disease experts from Carnegie Mellon, the University of Maryland, the Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy and Resolve to Save Lives, a nonprofit headed up by former CDC director Tom Frieden, have launched a challenge that's open to any data scientist or researcher. With prize money funded by Facebook, the ultimate goal is to see if the dataset can be used to help find the next Covid-19 surge so public health officials can deploy scarce resources accordingly. "It's a wealth of information I've been stunned isn't in broader use," Dr. Farzad Mostashari, the former national coordinator for health information technology at the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a phone interview. He also helped create the challenge. "If it's better understood, this could be a big step forward." Once submissions are received the first deadline is Sept. 29 a scientific committee of epidemiologists and data scientists will review them. Mostashari, Boston Children's Hospital's John Brownstein and Alex Reinhart, an assistant teaching professor in statistics and data science at Carnegie Mellon, are on the committee, along with about a dozen others working on the frontlines of the pandemic. A judge has ruled that the County of San Diegos climate action plan must be set aside and redone, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the housing industry. San Diego Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor said the plan, adopted earlier this year by the Board of Supervisors, violates the countys General Plan because it allows developers to purchase off-site credits anywhere in the world to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions caused by local developments. The General Plan, the judge said, clearly says developers must reduce emissions within the jurisdictions where their projects are being built. The 2018 (Climate Action Plan) appears to the court to be an attempt to address (Greenhouse Gas Emission) reduction with a window-dressing pronouncement of policy suggesting aggressive action, but the devil is in the details, Taylor said in his final ruling issued Monday. And here, the details allow the bold policy pronouncement to be emasculated by the unfettered access to out-of-region credit purchases. Advertisement The people of the County have a right to expect more from their elected officials, and the Planning and Zoning Law, the General Plan, and (California Environmental Quality Act) all require that they provide more. The ruling is being decried by the building industry, which says it further complicates efforts to build badly needed homes in the unincorporated parts of the county at a time when the region is experiencing a serious housing crisis that threatens the future of the local economy. A spokeswoman for San Diego County, which repeatedly argued that the use of offsets anywhere in the world should be allowed because greenhouse gases dont stay local, said they are disappointed in the courts decision. Staff will evaluate the ruling and determine next steps, said Jessica Northrup, communications officer for the countys Land Use and Environment Group. In the meantime, we will continue our work to reduce GHGs (greenhouse gas emissions) in the region and move towards a more sustainable future. Carbon offsets, bought through online storefronts known as registries, can fund everything from land conservation to sustainable agriculture and logging practices. Roughly 10,000 new housing units in seven developments located throughout the county have been designed using carbon offsets. Those credits would account for nearly 80 percent of project emissions, almost exclusively from car and truck pollution. The impact of the ruling, which could be appealed, will largely depend on how the county chooses to proceed. The county could place an indefinite hold on numerous large housing projects proposed for the unincorporated parts of the county that rely on similar provisions of the climate plan to mitigate emissions. Some of the projects that could be put in limbo include the Lilac Hills Ranch project in Valley Center and the Warner Ranch project in Pala. However, it will be up to the county to decide the next move and the judge did not specifically prohibit the large projects currently in the planning pipeline from going forward. Opponents of large developments in the rural and semi-rural parts of the county fear the county will instead continue to process General Plan Amendment requests in the coming year. Attorney Josh Chatten-Brown, representing the Sierra Club, which challenged the countys plan along with the Golden Door luxury spa, said the judge was unwilling to place a wider injunction on projects that were approved this past year or on ones that could come before the supervisors in 2019. This ruling is a clear rejection of the countys halfhearted preparation of a climate action plan, Chatten-Brown said. It was designed to allow developers to continue their business-as-usual approach. Chatten-Brown said should the county decide to process and approve applications, the developments will have to each be litigated separately. Judge Taylor said in his ruling that the Sierra Clubs position is that most of the projects are using the now invalid mitigation measures, but claim not to be based mainly on a few simple word changes. All rely on off-site carbon credit purchases. The judge said he has faith that the issue will not go unnoticed by other judges asked to rule on ongoing and future cases. Certainly, it would be more efficient to simply bar any out-of-county carbon credit mechanism regardless of moniker, Taylor wrote. But efficiency must yield to due process, and the court has complete confidence in the judges to whom the individual cases have been assigned to sort out, with the participation of the affected project proponent, whether the (greenhouse gas) mitigation measure in any individual instance was a wolf in sheeps clothing. Taylor said several projects approved earlier this year can move forward. They include the 2,135-home Newland Sierra development north of Escondido and the Harmony Grove Village South (453 units) and Valiano (377 units) projects in Harmony Grove. Those projects are the subject of separate lawsuits seeking to overturn the Board of Supervisors approval and themselves are on hold until such time as that litigation is complete. Approval of the Newland Sierra project is also the subject of a March 2020 countywide vote. Borre Winckel, the president of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County, said Californias environmental laws have destroyed middle-income housing production. We anticipate that Judge Taylors decision will deal yet another blow to home building by further delaying or potentially blocking critically needed rental and for-sale housing, Winckel said in a statement released Wednesday. Those in need of a new home can expect to pay more to their landlord or through their mortgage, whether they wish to live in the County area or in any of its cities, he said. It is well to remember that this litigation was brought on by the Sierra Club and the Golden Door. Neither parties have any interest in helping out with solving our housing crisis. The county has had two previous incarnations of its climate plan rejected by the courts in legal battles with the Sierra Club dating back to 2012. The county has been forced to pay roughly $1 million in legal fees so far. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones Another $3.8 million settlement is proposed for police Officer Laura Kubiak. She sued the city and two former bosses because she said she was stripped of her post in the departments Office of News Affairs days after her complaint against another officer was resolved. By PTI BEIJING: China on Friday successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft whose mission details have been kept secret, according to media reports. The spacecraft was launched on a Long March-2F carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. After a period of in-orbit operation, the spacecraft will return to a predetermined landing site in China. It will test reusable technologies during its flight, providing technological support for the peaceful use of space, it said. However, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that the space mission has been shrouded in secrecy. Quoted an official memo circulating on social media, the Post said staffers and visitors to the launch site have been warned against filming the lift-off and even discussing it online. The document also says "all units should strengthen personnel security education and personnel management during missions to ensure that there is no leakage of secrets." A Chinese military source said "there are many firsts in this launch. The spacecraft is new, the launch method is different. That's why we need to make sure there is extra security." The official declined to comment on the details of the mission but suggested "maybe you can take a look at the US X-37B". The X-37B is an unmanned space plane that operates like a smaller version of the Space Shuttle, which is launched by a rocket and cruises back to earth for a runway landing. It has flown four classified missions to date, carrying secret payloads on long-duration flights in Earth orbit, the Post report said. Friday's launch comes weeks after China launched Tianwen-1, the country's first Mars mission, from Hainan in late July. The China National Space Administration said its spacecraft, including an orbiter, lander and rover, was performing well on its way to Mars. A month before that, China completed the network of satellites for its BeiDou navigation network, a competitor to the Global Positioning System (GPS) system of the US. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin David Shepardson (Reuters) Washington, United States Fri, September 4, 2020 14:09 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42b5297 2 News COVID-19,Britain,Airlines,United-Kingdom,united-states,London,New-York-City,coronavirus Free Major airlines want the US and British governments to launch a passenger testing trial for the coronavirus for flights between London and New York to pave the way for a resumption of more international travel. In a letter to government transportation officials seen by Reuters, the chief executives of Airlines for America, Airlines UK, Heathrow Airport and Virgin Atlantic Airways said both governments should "establish passenger testing solutions in air travel. "We believe that in the immediate absence of a vaccine, testing of passengers in aviation provides the best and most effective frontline defense." They urged the governments to establish a testing trial between New York and London by month's end "to gather real world evidence and data". Sharon Pinkerton, senior vice president at Airlines for America, which represents American Airlines Co, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and others, told reporters on Thursday the industry wanted a pilot program to help boost international travel. US international travel has fallen by 87 percent during the coronavirus pandemic, which has battered the airline industry. Read also: US lifts global health coronavirus travel advisory "One of the key steps to recovery is setting up an international pilot program between the US and either Europe, Canada, somewhere in the Pacific," she said, saying that could help eliminate some of the international quarantines now in place. The US Transportation Department said it "stands ready to support the safe resumption of international flights between the US and Europe. Conversations are ongoing between the federal government, international partners, and industry stakeholders on these matters." A UK government representative declined to comment on the proposal. In March, US President Donald Trump barred most non-US citizens who had been in the UK recently from entering the United States - restrictions also imposed on travelers in the European Union and China. Americans can travel to the UK but have been required since spring to spend two weeks in quarantine on arrival Rochester Seven Rochester police officers were suspended on Thursday in the suffocation of a Black man as he was being detained in March, although the mayor and senior state officials faced escalating questions about why more than five months passed before action was taken. The man, Daniel Prude, who suffered from mental illness, was handcuffed by officers on March 23 after he ran into the street naked in the middle of the cold night and told at least one passerby that he had the coronavirus. Prude began spitting, and the officers responded by pulling a mesh hood over his head, according to police body camera footage. When he tried to rise, the officers forced Prude face down on the ground, one of them pushing his head to the pavement, the video footage showed. Prude was held down by the police for two minutes and had to be resuscitated. He died a week later at the hospital. His death did not receive widespread attention until Wednesday, when his family released raw police videos of the encounter, which they had obtained through an open records request. The scene a Black man, handcuffed and sitting in a street, wearing nothing but a white hood seemed a shocking combination of physical helplessness and racist imagery from another era. Rochester, a city of 200,000 in western New York, became the latest city to be roiled by the death of a Black person in police custody, with protesters taking to the streets Wednesday. The disciplinary action against the seven officers was the first in response to Prude's death. In a news conference Thursday afternoon, Mayor Lovely Warren apologized to the Prude family, saying that Prude had been failed "by our police department, our mental health care system, our society. And he was failed by me." Warren did not offer details on why the investigations had taken so long, but suggested that she had been misled by the police chief, La'Ron D. Singletary. "Experiencing and ultimately dying from the drug overdose in police custody, as I was told by the chief, is entirely different than what I ultimately witnessed, on the video," the mayor said. Singletary bristled Wednesday at the suggestion that his department had been trying to keep Prude's death away from public attention. "This is not a cover-up," he said, adding that he ordered criminal and internal investigations hours after the encounter. He stood by the officers' response to what had initially been a mental-health related call: "Our job is to try to get some sort of medical intervention, and that's exactly what happened that night." On Wednesday, state Attorney General Letitia James made her first statement on the case, offering condolences to Prude's family and promising "a fair and independent investigation." "We will work tirelessly to provide the transparency and accountability that all our communities deserve," she said. Investigations into police-related killings of unarmed civilians in New York are overseen by James' office, and findings of fact are not publicized until complete. In Prude's case, James' investigation began in April, and is continuing. Still, in the wake of high-profile police killings around the country, including the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the shooting of Jacob Blake, the lag between Prude's death and public calls for justice by James and Gov. Andrew Cuomo both Democrats who have been outspoken on the issue of police brutality seemed jarring. The Monroe County medical examiner ruled Prude's death a homicide caused by "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint," according to an autopsy report. "Excited delirium" and acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or the drug PCP, were contributing factors, the report said. Interviews, police records and body camera footage offer an unusually detailed timeline of what happened the night that Prude was detained by officers. A light snow was falling, the streets empty and dark at 3 a.m. on March 23, when the call came in over the police radio: A naked man, Prude, 41, was running outside, under the influence of PCP, and shouting that he had the coronavirus. The hours leading up to the encounter with the police were troubled ones for Daniel Prude, who was struggling with some combination of suicidal fantasy and drug use that an hourslong admittance to a hospital did nothing to treat. The day before, Prude had arrived in Rochester. His brother, Joe Prude, had picked him up from a shelter in nearby Buffalo after Daniel Prude had been kicked off a train from Chicago, where he lived, Joe Prude told the police. But soon after, Daniel Prude began behaving erratically, accusing his brother of wanting to kill him and even seemingly trying to take his own life. "He jumped 21 stairs down to my basement, head first," Joe Prude told the police. Joe Prude had his brother admitted to Strong Memorial Hospital for an evaluation. Daniel Prude was released hours later, returning to Joe Prude's home, where he seemed to have calmed down. But then he asked for a cigarette, and when his brother rose to get one, he bolted out a back door, barely dressed. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Joe Prude called the police, giving a description of what his brother had been wearing "white tank top, black long-johns, no shoes, no coat" and saying he seemed to be under the influence of PCP. He told an officer that he feared Daniel may have run toward the sound of an approaching train, to possibly try again to hurt himself. Body camera footage shows officers arriving at 3:16 a.m. near downtown Rochester, their headlights illuminating a naked Daniel Prude in the roadway. The police believe he had broken a store window with a brick, and minutes earlier had stopped a passing tow truck driver and told him he had the coronavirus. An officer stepped out of his police vehicle, pointed a Taser at Prude and ordered him to get on the ground. Prude immediately obeyed, lying face down and spread-eagled. He did not resist as officers handcuffed him behind his back. Prude spit on the ground multiple times, and while not aiming at the officers, his action drew their attention. "Stop spitting," one said. "Anybody got a spit sock?" another asked, referring to the device commonly carried by the police and used by corrections officers. At 3:19 a.m., an officer unfolded a white hood, approached Prude from behind and pulled it over his head, where it hung loosely. Prude began rolling in the road, pleading for it to be taken off. A minute later, after spitting repeatedly inside the hood and shouting, "Give me the gun," Prude seemed to try to rise to his feet. Three officers who had been keeping a distance hurried forward and pushed him to the street. One officer, identified as Mark Vaughn, held Prude's head facedown, seeming to push it to the street as he held a fistful of the hood. Prude's angry protests turned tearful, then devolved into incoherent grunts and gurgling sounds, according to the video. An officer asked him, "You good, man?" There was no reply. "He's puking, just straight water," an officer said. "You see that water come out of his mouth?" An ambulance arrived. "Roll him on his back," a paramedic instructed as officers searched for a handcuff key. A paramedic began performing CPR as Prude remained handcuffed. Finally, the handcuffs were removed, and Prude was placed on a stretcher and into the ambulance, where he was given shots of epinephrine and sodium bicarbonate, and soon after, his heartbeat returned on its own, according to a police report. The same officer who had questioned Prude's brother earlier that morning returned to say Daniel Prude had been found and hospitalized. Joe Prude seemed relieved. "I'm glad he went that way," he told the officer, "and not the way of that damn train." Daniel Prude lived in Chicago with his sister, and had five adult children. One of his three daughters, Tashyra Prude, said she felt "instant rage" when she saw the video this week. "The person that everybody sees in the video is totally different from the person that I knew," she said. She is starting college this fall. "This is something I wanted to go through with my father by my side, and I've just been deprived of this experience because of what happened, and it just breaks my heart," she said. The White professor said she had been audaciously deceptive about her identity. Krug, who grew up in suburban Kansas City, Kan., has claimed multiple identities throughout her life, including North African, Black American and Black Caribbean. In an essay published on Essence.com about the Puerto Rican uprising against its governor in 2019, she called herself a boricua. Hong Kong: Railway settlements exceed limit The construction works of the private development project at Kai Tak Area 1E Site 2 have been suspended after two settlement monitoring checkpoints exceeded the limit. The Mass Transit Railway Corporation reported the issue on September 2. The readings recorded in two settlement monitoring checkpoints installed inside the railway tunnel of the Tuen Ma Line Phase 1 had reached 20.1 millimetres on that day. The pre-set trigger level for works suspension is 20 millimetres. A site inspection conducted at midnight on September 4 reaffirmed the above readings. The Buildings Department deployed staff to inspect the affected railway tunnel and confirmed that it is structurally safe. The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department has reviewed the monitoring data submitted by the MTRC in relation to the railways safe operation and confirmed that the condition of the railway fulfils operational safety requirements. The building works concerned have not affected the structural safety of railway facilities and the railway's safe operation. Both departments and the MTRC will closely monitor the situation. The Buildings Department and the MTRC will request the registered building professionals responsible for the development project to formulate mitigation measures and adopt a construction method to alleviate the effects on the railway facilities. This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A 30-year-old Tajik lawyer has been questioned by security officers after he announced his intention to run for president in the October 11 election. Several officers from the regional office of the State Committee for National Security visited Faromuz Irgashev at his home in the eastern city of Khorugh on September 4, his family said. Current Time, the Russian-language network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, reported that his family said security officers took him "to have a long walk" and talk. On September 3, Irgashev, a member of the Gorno-Badakhshan provincial council, posted a video on social media, announcing his intention to run for president to fight corruption and injustices in the Central Asian country. Irgashev said he had many supporters among the voters. Tajikistans ruling People's Democratic Party officially nominated President Emomali Rahmon, already the longest-serving leader in the former Soviet Union, to run for another term. Many in the tightly-controlled former Soviet republic expect that Rahmon will be announced the winner again. None of Tajikistan's five presidential elections won by Rahmon has been deemed free and fair by Western election observers. Rahmon has been in power since 1992. The opposition Social Democrat Party has recently announced that it will boycott the upcoming vote. The Islamic Renaissance Party, the countrys largest opposition group, was banned as an terrorist organization in 2015. Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect Irgashev was questioned by security services and not detained. With reporting by Akhbor.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. Like many major modern tech innovations, Hood Renovationz started in a small room as the brainchild of some college buddies. Except this one began in Huntington Park, a neighborhood in Southeast Los Angeles County that's 97% Latino. Jobs and Wozniak. Gates and Allen. Page and Brin. That's the vibe I got when I hopped on a Zoom this week with Daisy Figueroa, Francisco Millan and Joseph Rios, three young Brown entrepreneurs who met at UC Berkeley and created Hood Renovationz in a tiny Huntington Park apartment. I like the sound of it: Figueroa, Millan and Rios. The fledgling Latino-owned start-up gives away home renovations to L.A.'s most marginalized residents. It has already raised thousands in micro donations and done several jobs including a kitchen remodel, multiple bedroom renovations, and several small but important repairs. "This is one of the most direct ways that we can impact the community in a positive way," Daisy told me. "Tenants have rights, but oftentimes, there's a language barrier. And if we want to get into more in depth, there is often immigration status that prevents people from speaking up and demanding that the home that they live in is actually habitable or, you know, fixed in a certain way." The trio does all the work and labor themselves, for now. Most people they've worked with so far are renters. They ask landlords for permission, Daisy said, but so far haven't been turned down. After all, she said, "they're not paying." Daisy's from Huntington Park and has an expertise in law and policy. Francisco is the finance guy. He grew up in Pico-Union. Joseph, a fourth-generation Fresnan, is a poet who learned building skills from his grandfather growing up in California's Central Valley. He's been passing that knowledge to Daisy and Francisco. Joseph said, "The house I grew up in, my grandfather built from the ground up. Since I was little, he would always have me [build and repair] stuff. And as he got older, as I got older, he got less capable of doing stuff and I became more capable of doing stuff. He kind of was like the brain and I was the body." One of the free kitchen renovations that Hood Renovationz has done through crowdsourced fundraising. (Courtesy Hood Renovationz) When I spoke to the Hood Renovationz team, they were in the planning stages of building space-saving desks that fold into a bookshelf for kids who don't have a dedicated space to attend school from home. "We started seeing all these students now having to figure out how to go to school from home, and they may never have had a study space dedicated in their house or apartment," Francisco said. AN OVERWHELMING NEED The idea was to donate a desk at random and move on to the next big renovation. Then they announced the giveaway on Instagram. When people started sending in messages about how much a desk would help their kids, they realized there was an overwhelming need. "People shared their stories with us and we're very vulnerable about their living situations," Daisy explained. "Us three, coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, know how personal that is." Having a personal connection to growing up in a place without a lot of resources is how Hood Renovationz began. Daisy grew up with two sisters and her parents, all living in a small one-bedroom apartment on Hood Avenue in Huntington Park. After they all left for college, their parents continued to live modestly in the unit, sleeping in bunk beds and unable to get the landlord to make even minor updates. "There were a lot of things wrong with that room. The front of the floor was broken. It definitely needed a new paint job," Daisy recalled. She decided to renovate the space, ditch the family bunk beds, and give her parents their first real bedroom since they migrated to Los Angeles in the early 1980s. It was her way of giving back. Thanks to her parents' sacrifices and hard work, Daisy was able to attend Berkeley for her undergraduate degree, and then to law school in Boston. "When they migrated here, they left absolutely everything behind," Daisy said. "I don't think that the day goes by without me thanking my parents for all the opportunities I have to live here and pursue life here." Daisy had a vision, not just for remodeling her parents' room but for what could be done for families just like hers. She called her friends Joseph and Francisco up and Hood Renovationz was born. The plan started with that one room and a video that was so full of love, it went viral. "What we did at Daisy's parents' house, on the one hand, was encouraging and sort of empowering to see all these other people expressing that they had grown up in a similar situation, and that they felt seen by what we were doing," Joseph said. But he said it also broke his heart to see how big the need for something like Hood Renovationz was in Los Angeles. "[We] realized just how immense and great the need is in this city and in plenty of other cities. There's very serious housing shortages, and very serious housing issues related to the rising cost of living [especially] now that we're in a pandemic," Joseph explained. The support from people went beyond Instagram comments and messages. They began to donate funds. A lot of donations are for $5 and some can go as high as $200. They raised just under $8,000 on GoFundMe in about a week, enough to get to work on individual projects and begin the legal process of creating a business. The Hood Renovationz team said it isn't quite sure yet how they will take their business model to the next stage. But speaking to these three talented and motivated individuals, I got the feeling that the ceiling is high. One idea Hood Renovationz is considering is a buy-one, give-one model, where someone can buy one of these innovative, affordable desks they've created, which in turn lets the team donate one to a family in need. "I think the spirit of what we started is what we want to continue to transcend, which is really helping out people, and this is one way that we found that we can do it now," Francisco said. "Hood Renovations could transform [as a business model] but what we are trying to do will stay the same, which is helping out marginalized communities by finding ways to improve people's lives." It makes sense to me that people from a community who understand it, and who have incredible empathy for its people and their struggles, are really the best ones to offer solutions to those struggles. These aren't charitable outsiders. The love is homegrown. And I'm hoping that Hood Renovationz becomes known as the next big business innovation started by some college homies, and that many more will follow from small rooms in places like Huntington Park. Southeast L.A. forever! About the Mis Angeles column: Erick Galindo is chronicling life in Los Angeles for LAist. He took on this role after serving as our immigrant communities reporter. Erick came to us last year from LA Taco, where he was the managing editor of a James Beard award-winning staff. MORE FROM ERICK GALINDO: WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS Judges in Arizona and Virginia have ruled that rapper Kanye West cannot appear on ballots as a presidential candidate. In a ruling on Thursday, judge Scott McCoy concluded that an Arizona voter who challenged Mr Wests candidacy had shown possible irreparable harm to elections because the relative hardships favour him. Lawyers had meanwhile argued that having Wests name on the ballot would create confusion for voters. The billionaires campaign had, less than 24 hours before the court decision, turned in almost 58,000 nominating signatures, well over the 39,000 needed to appear on the Arizona ballot. According to the Associated Press, more than 120 people living in other states had also registered in Arizona as paid signature gatherers for Mr West, who announced his presidential campaign on 4 July, in the past 10 days alone. Mr Wests name will appear on the ballot in several states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee and Utah, whilst lawsuits have been submitted in some states where he failed to qualify. Among those states are Ohio, Montana, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Virginia, where a judge also barred Mr West from appearing on ballots on Thursday. Speaking following the decision, an attorney accused the West campaign of acquiring fraudulent nominating signatures. Their signatures are obtained by being told they were doing one thing and then their signature was used for another purpose, said Justin Sheldon, to NBC 12. So their testimony was if they had actually been told what they were going to be used for, they definitely would not have been signing these pieces of paper. The West campaign has been contacted for comment. West will appeal the Arizona ruling in the states supreme court, his lawyer Tim LaSota said on Thursday. Mr LaSota has spent the past month downplaying criticism over Wests apparent attempt at spoiling the Democratic nominee Joe Bidens chances in Arizona and other states, following an admission that he was walking for president. Matt Hancock has defended a government proposal to give former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott a key role forging post-Brexit trade deals for the UK despite concerns about his attitude towards women and homosexuality. The health secretary said a potential appointment was justified purely because of his trade experience, but did not attempt to defend the ex-Australian leaders history of controversial remarks. I bow to nobody in my support for everybody to love who they love, whoever that is, as you know, said Mr Hancock during an awkward interview with Sky News after host Kay Burley pointed out he was wearing an NHS Pride badge. But we need to have the best experts working in their field, and as the former prime minister of Australia, obviously Mr Abbott has got a huge amount of experience. Pressed by Ms Burley as to whether it mattered if Mr Abbott was "a homophobic misogynist," Mr Hancock said: I dont think thats true. When Ms Burley repeated that Mr Abbott was a homophobe and a misogynist, Mr Hancock said: Hes also an expert in trade Hes obviously an enormous expert in the field of trade, [but] it doesnt change my views. The former Australian PM is expected to be appointed joint president of Britains relaunched Board of Trade, according to The Sun, while other reports have suggested he is being lined up for only an advisory position on the body. Mr Abbott confirmed he was in discussions with the government about a possible trade role when appearing before the Commons foreign affairs select committee on Tuesday. He later caused controversy at a Policy Exchange think tank speech in London suggesting that families should be able to consider allowing elderly relatives with the coronavirus to die by letting nature take its course. Tony Abbott appeared before MPs at the foreign affairs select committee (Getty) (Getty Images) The divisive figure has been accused by both the UKs Labour Party and leading political figures in Australia of misogyny, homophobia and downplaying the science on climate change. He was accused of misogyny after he questioned whether men having more power than women was necessarily a bad thing. Mr Abbott also once described a young, female candidate in his own Liberal Party as having sex appeal and campaigned strongly against same-sex marriage. A group of five young Vietnamese spent the National Day holiday going around Ho Chi Minh City to give free meals to people in need. While most people enjoyed National Day, a holiday celebrating Vietnams independence on September 2, doing leisure activities, the five members of Quyet tam manh (Strong Determination) spent the day doing good for others. The group began their day by handing out 450 bottles of water and 600 face masks to workers who were taking a rest and pedestrians on the sidewalk of Hoang Minh Giam Street that runs along Gia Dinh Park in Go Vap District. The members then rushed to prepare 200 free meals for the poor, including lottery ticket sellers and homeless people, on Ung Van Khiem Street in Binh Thanh District and Ba Thang Hai Street in District 10. A member of the group Quyet tam manh gives a bottle of water to a lottery ticket seller in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, September 2, 2020. Photo: Nhat Thinh / Tuoi Tre According to the groups leader Le Quang Van Long, all the expenses for the charitable activities were covered by the group members. The group is a destination for young people who love to do charity work. We want to spread the spirit of thinking of others to the young people, Long said. Its not the value of what they give but the kind hearts of these young people that touched me deeply, said Dao Minh Tram, a beneficiary in Go Vap District. Two members of the group Quyet tam manh prepare free meals for people in need in Ho Chi Minh City, September 2, 2020. Photo: Nhat Thinh / Tuoi Tre A female scrap dealer receives a free meal and a bottle of water from the group Quyet tam manh in Ho Chi Minh City, September 2, 2020. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre Two female scrap dealers eat free meals given by the group Quyet tam manh in Ho Chi Minh City, September 2, 2020. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Possible Salmonella contamination has forced the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to recall imported peaches. Various brand names have been recalled because of the potential contamination, say the agency. Prima Wawona, based out of Fresno, Calif., has recalled fresh white peaches and organic yellow peaches. The peaches were sold in packages and individually, between June 1 and Aug. 22. There is a possibility of further recalls, says the agency, which is conducting its own investigation. The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of illness in humans. The agency is also probing an outbreak of Salmonella illness linked to red onions imported from the United States, which began in late June and has so far sickened at least 379 people across Canada. The Centre has also contacted five domestic and three multinational vaccine makers to understand how soon a candidate vaccine against Covid-19 will be ready. Image used for representational purpose. Photograph: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters. India is preparing a priority list of who will get the Covid-19 vaccine first when it becomes available. A member of the expert group on vaccine administration preparing the list told Business Standard that work had started on an approach paper. The Centre has also contacted five domestic and three multinational vaccine makers to understand how soon a candidate vaccine against Covid-19 will be ready. The person in the group ruled out conducting any nationwide sero-prevalence study to determine which sections of the population will get priority. Sero prevalence is done for two broad objectives -- one is to understand the nature of the spread of the infection, which then feeds into policy-making of containment and surveillance. Secondly, to understand the quantum and quality of antibodies that are formed. This does not necessarily feed into policy-making, he explained. Some experts had felt that India may use sero-prevalence data to weed out people who had developed antibodies from being given a vaccine shot. The presence of antibodies in someones blood shows that they have had the virus. E Sreekumar, chief scientific officer at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, said, There is a possibility that when the vaccine is almost ready, a nationwide sero-prevalence study may be conducted to understand the spread of the infection amongst the population. This data may help to shape policies and also weed out people who have already developed antibodies against the virus and, therefore, dont need a vaccine shot. The expert group, comprising members from different government departments and domain experts, is in touch with the various vaccine makers. The companies are in direct contact with us. It is not only five Indian vaccine makers but also three multinational players whose parents are working on Covid vaccine candidates abroad, said the source, adding that the group was also in talks with a fill-and-finish company that would package the vaccine. Of the five Indian vaccine makers, Panacea Biotec, Biological E and Indian Immunologicals are working on their respective vaccines. The other three -- Serum Institute of India, Cadila Healthcare, and Bharat Biotech -- are in the advanced stages of vaccine development. Their vaccine candidates are already undergoing clinical trials in India. The Serum Institute of India has partnered with British drug major AstraZeneca, which is working with the University of Oxford for the Covishield vaccine and with Novavax for its vaccine candidate. Multinational Sanofi Pasteur, which has a presence in India, is working on a recombinant DNA technology-based vaccine. Pfizer is working with German partner BioNTech. (Enrolment for a 30,000 volunteer US trial to test the vaccine is more than 50 per cent complete). Sanofi Pasteur India spokesperson responded to Business Standard queries on whether they would want to make their Covid-19 vaccine in India: No single company or vaccine can solve this global issue alone. Were glad to see that so many players are working on vaccine development. Sanofi Pasteur will bring its broad global industrial footprint to bear in manufacturing its Covid-19 vaccine(s) and maximise the number of possible doses to help meet demand. Emails sent to Pfizer and AstraZeneca remained unanswered. The Indian regulator and the expert group are keeping a close tab on which global vaccine may be available first, apart from its efficacy and safety. German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz is working on a budget for next year that would see Berlin take on net new debt of at least 80bn to fund more measures in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, a source familiar with the matter said yesterday. The move underlines Mr Scholz's determination to move Germany further away from its former image as Europe's austerity champion and cement Berlin's new role as the biggest spender in the eurozone's struggle to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The exact debt figure for 2021 is still subject to negotiations within Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative-led coalition government, but Mr Scholz is trying to avoid net new debt exceeding 100bn in 2021, the source told Reuters. The step will require another suspension of Germany's constitutionally-enshrined debt limits after Berlin already abandoned them this year, though Mr Scholz is determined to stick to the fiscal rules from 2022 onwards, the source added. A finance ministry spokesman declined to comment. Mr Scholz asked parliament this year to suspend the debt brake in the constitution and allow the federal government to take on record new borrowing of some 218bn. This means that Germany's combined net new debt for 2020 and 2021 in the coronavirus pandemic could surge above 300bn. Officials have said Germany expects its debt-to-GDP ratio to jump to around 77pc in 2020 from just below 60pc in 2019. The overall public sector budget deficit is seen reaching 7.25pc of GDP this year after a budget surplus of 1.5pc last year. The finance ministry plans to update its tax revenue estimates next week. This will be followed by Mr Scholz's proposal for the federal government's budget in 2021 which the cabinet is expected to pass on September 23. Covid has seen all governments spend more. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Contradicting claims were exchanged this week between cryptocurrency analytics firm CipherTrace and the Monero community after a press release from the firm claimed the ability to trace the movement of the Monero cryptocurrency. The CipherTrace press release spawned counters from the Monero community, including videos, public statements, and memes. Many cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, use a transparent blockchain, where sending addresses and receiving addresses are broadcast for all to see. When these addresses are connected to individuals using data outside the blockchain, it discloses the spending and receiving patterns and connections of those individuals. Monero is an open-source community-driven cryptocurrency focused on preventing this type of surveillance. Monero's cryptographic algorithms prevent most blockchain analysis. By looking at the Monero blockchain alone, senders, receivers, and amounts in transactions cannot be determined. This protects Monero users even when an address owner happens to be identified using information outside the blockchain. Because of this, CipherTrace's Monero-tracing claim in its August 21, 2020, press release (ciphertrace.com/ciphertrace-announces-worlds-first-monero-tracing-capabilities) was unprecedented. "Monero (XMR) is one of the most privacy-oriented cryptocurrencies," said Dave Jevans, CEO of CipherTrace, in CipherTrace's press release, and, "CipherTrace is proud to announce the world's first Monero tracing capability." The announced work in part satisfied a US government contract, with Mr. Jevans acknowledging in the press release, "we are grateful for the support of the Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate on this project." CipherTrace has received contracts totaling over $6M, according to funding tracking site govtribe.com (govtribe.com/vendors/ciphertrace-inc-dot-7e0x3). This includes a $3.6M potential-value contract (including options) whose timeline ended on August 29, 2020, with 65% funding for $2.4M, according to govtribe.com (govtribe.com/award/federal-contract-award/definitive-contract-140d7018c0008). The Monero community, which itself develops and promotes the cryptocurrency, reacted to the press release with questions and criticism, as expressed on Reddit and Telegram discussion boards. Members of the Monero community met with Mr. Jevans in a public online discussion (youtube.com/watch?v=w5rtd3md11g). In the discussion, Sarang Noether expressed theoretical concerns with CipherTrace's claims, concerns that remain unresolved. "What is the math behind this?" asked Dr. Noether, without resolution in the discussion. "Saying that this is a 90% or not 90% [for example] likelihood of signing depends entirely on the metrics you are usingit's very subjective." Additionally, after the CipherTrace press release, Monero Outreach published a description of a new algorithmic innovation called Triptych (monerooutreach.org/stories/monero-triptych.html). Triptych promises to even further protect Monero users through obfuscation of the limited information CipherTrace appears to use. Triptych allows the number of funding-source-hiding decoys used in a transaction to surge while blockchain space and processing time drop. It is part of a continual pattern of Monero improvement. "I suppose this kills the concept of CipherTrace before it even got started," stated Reddit user Deif in a discussion of the Triptych breakthrough (reddit.com/r/Monero/comments/ikn8t7/triptych_a_new_algorithm_protecting_monero_users). Competition has formed between government-funded efforts at surveillance and community efforts to protect privacy and liberty. This week gives a snapshot of that struggle through the lens of privacy-focused open-source Monero, where research is active. This week tilted in favor of Monero and privacy, but it's an ongoing battle. For additional information, contact Alex Mutasim at [email protected]. About Monero The cryptocurrency Monero was launched in April 2014 in response to privacy issues present in Bitcoin. Since launch, ongoing improvements have provided better security and privacy and made Monero easier to use. It has attracted over 500 developers, the third highest code contributor count among all cryptocurrencies. Monero advances with the uncompromised priorities of privacy and security, striving to be the most fungible cryptocurrency. Monero Outreach is a semi-autonomous workgroup, separate from Monero's Core Team, focused on Monero public relations, education, and marketing. SOURCE Monero Outreach SOURCE Monero Outreach Related Links https://www.monerooutreach.org There is a regional context that has led to the depreciation of the area's currencies against the euro, said on Friday the spokesman of the National Bank of Romania (BNR), Dan Suciu, when asked about the depreciation of the leu against the euro. He said, however, that no major developments are anticipated in this regard, if public policies continue to be balanced."It is a record only from a" statistical" point of view because the leu has lost only half a penny today, so very little. There is a regional context that has led to the depreciation of currencies in the area against the euro but we do not anticipate major developments in this regard, if our public policies continue to be balanced. Let us not forget that we are in an unprecedented global crisis, and in this context even the discussions involving the weakening of local economic balances have a stronger echo than on other occasions," Dan Suciu tod AGERPRES.The leu depreciated, on Friday, by 0.50 bani against the euro (0.10%), the European currency reaching a new historical maximum, and the exchange rate displayed by the National Bank of Romania (BNR) is 4.8492 lei/euro. On Thursday, the BNR quoted the euro at 4.8442 lei. On the interbank market, the national currency was traded between 4.8425 and 4.8515 lei for one euro. Egypts Ministry of Education and Technical Education signed a deal with mobile operator Orange Egypt to provide school students with easy access to their curriculum online. The three-year protocol, signed on 25 August by Minister of Education and Technical Education Tarek Shawki and CEO and Managing Director of Orange Egypt Yasser Shaker, will enable students to easily access the content of educational subjects. Shawki said in a press release after inking the protocol that by virtue of the agreement, an education platform will be developed in which educational content produced by the ministry can be accessed. The role of Orange Egypt, in coordination with the ministry, will be to provide the platform with modern technology to host content through its data-hosting centres. It will also offer the cloud infrastructure necessary to operate and manage the platform. Students can access content on the platform in exchange for a fee yet to be determined. It can be paid via smart phones. The move, according to Shawki, comes within the framework of the ministrys interest in providing alternatives to traditional forms of education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. All these measures are meant to improve Egypts educational system that will witness a substantial move towards digital learning methods. It is also considered part of the countrys digital transformation comprehensive plan to deal with any possible consequences of Covid-19, Shawki said. The cooperation between the two parties represents a giant step towards implementing the Ministry of Educations plan to move towards e-learning, which is in line with the countrys policies that have succeeded during the last period in adopting modern technologies and linking them to education systems in Egypt, Shaker added. The ministry has been driving the move towards online education for the past couple of years in a bid to overhaul Egypts education system. It already has in place various educational platforms that students have been accessing, including a digital library and a platform to broadcast educational classes. While the agreement is a continuation of remote learning which started in the spring, it was worrisome to some parents. Elham Khedr, a mother of three who lives on the outskirts of Cairo, noted that her family does not have easy access to the Internet. Furthermore, their school does not have computers or smart boards. So how will my children access these lessons, Khedr asked. The same goes for Marwa Salah, a mother of two who lives in Fayoum and earns her living cleaning homes. My childrens school does not have computers, and neither do my children, Salah said, adding that even though her husband is the only family member who owns a smart phone, he works all day and when he is home he does not allow the children to use it. Furthermore, she said her family cannot afford to pay more fees to access the service. Presidential Spokesman Mahmoud Hassouna told Al-Ahram Weekly that ministry officials are aware that not all of the countrys students have easy access to digital lessons. The ministry is exerting its utmost efforts to provide all the countrys schools with digital classes where students can access lessons and study after the end of the school day, Hassouna said. Introducing this facility will take place swiftly, he said. By the end of the upcoming academic year, scheduled to begin on 17 October, more than 90 per cent of the countrys schools will have access to digital learning, Hassouna said. Regarding fees, Hassouna said they would be affordable. The ministry seeks to provide students with a better quality of education, not burden them with further financial demands, he stressed. According to Hassouna, schools and students who are unable to access the digital system for any reason will continue with the traditional way of learning until they set up the necessary arrangements. *A version of this article appears in print in the 3 September, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: But dont expect this administration to take a conservative view of what the law allows a president to do. This is, after all, the same group that tried to cut off Community Oriented Policing Services grants to cities and states that did not want to take on duties best left to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The effort was quickly blocked by a federal judge; three appeals courts have since ruled that the administration didnt have the legal authority to cut off the grants, while one appeals court came to the opposite conclusion. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades Friday denounced Turkey's "aggressiveness" and urged talks to resolve a row over maritime borders and gas drilling rights, warning spiralling Mediterranean tensions risked destabilising the region. "There is an aggressiveness, with an intention to control the whole area actually. So we are experiencing a growing tension, and the situation that evolves is extremely volatile and worrisome," Anastasiades told AFP in an interview. Tensions are running high over Turkey's maritime drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean which Cyprus, and its ally Greece, say violate their sovereignty. On August 10 Ankara deployed the Oruc Reis research vessel and an escorting flotilla of warships to disputed waters between Cyprus and the Greek islands of Kastellorizo and Crete, and has since prolonged the mission three times. Anastasiades said his divided island was facing "a very serious situation", condemning Ankara for what he said were "provocations" as well as "violations of international law" that invade Cyprus's "own exclusive economic zone." Ankara was "putting the stability and the security of the whole region at risk," he warned. "Turkey's continued illegal drilling operations ... have led to the intense militarisation of our neighbourhood," the Cypriot leader added in the interview in his presidential palace in Nicosia. But amid fears of open conflict, Anastasiades stressed that if the United Nations and the international community took the necessary steps "we might avoid any further escalation." Both Greece and Turkey have staged naval drills in the area to assert their sovereign claims to gas resources and exclusive economic zones, and the European Union on August 28 warned Ankara to pull back or face EU sanctions. The Cypriot president insisted his country did not want to see sanctions imposed on Turkey. "It is not our aim, the sanctions. Our aim is to see that through a dialogue we can reach a settlement which would be absolutely compatible with what the international law is saying," he said. He urged Turkey to agree to either take the matter to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, or to international arbitration. "They have to realise that they have to abide by the international law, not to interpret the international law according to their own expansionism," Anastasiades said. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey occupied its northern third in response to a coup engineered by the military junta then ruling in Athens that sought to unite the island with Greece. The breakaway part declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but it is only recognised by Ankara. Decades of stop-start talks, mostly under UN auspices, have failed to achieve reconciliation. The Cypriot leader also praised the "firm stance" taken by France in the current crisis, saying Paris had been "a leading voice in what Europe should do in order to protect the member states from this aggressiveness." Search Keywords: Short link: MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sickle Cell warrior Tahir "StayFresh" Ali of Atlanta, Ga., visits the hospital twice monthly for blood transfusions to reduce complications from sickle cell disease, and manage his potential risk of organ damage or stroke. The 35-year-old music producer and manager estimates he has spent several years of his life in the hospital undergoing treatment for sickle cell disease. Finding a perfectly matched marrow or blood stem cell donor could give StayFresh a chance to live life free of sickle cell and the many complications that the disease presents. September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and Be The Match, the National Marrow Donor Program, is launching several campaigns to help people to learn more about the disease, and take action to help those searching for a matching blood stem cell or marrow donor. StayFresh is like 100,000 African Americans who battle sickle cell disease, an often-misunderstood genetic disease that is "invisible" because unlike many illnesses, people with sickle cell disease can lead active lives. However, people with severe sickle cell can face debilitating episodes of pain crisis and life-threatening complications. StayFresh is working with Be The Match to rally more Black and African Americans to join the Be The Match Registry. Be The Match is also hosting a three-part virtual event series to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, provide free resources for patients and families affected by sickle cell, discuss treatment options, and the need for more Black donors on the Be The Match Registry. The event series and more information can be found at: SickleCellConnect.com. "We are grateful to have a dedicated Patient Services team that is able to produce these informative virtual events to help sickle cell patients and their caregivers learn how to access free resources and advocate for themselves as they navigate their disease," said Erica Jensen, Senior Vice President of Be The Match Member Engagement, Enrollment and Experience. "Nobody with sickle cell disease has to walk alone. Be The Match has a peer connect program, free professional counseling, nurse navigators and strong partnerships with organizations like The Sickle Cell Community Consortium and My Three Sicklers Foundation to ensure we can connect caregivers and sickle cell warriors with the resources they need to best manage this disease." According to the Centers for Disease Control, sickle cell disease is the most common inherited disease, affecting 1 in 365 Black or African Americans and 1 in 16,300 Hispanic Americans. With sickle cell disease, oxygen-carrying red blood cells are misshapen, hard and sticky, which can result in them getting stuck in blood vessels and clog them. This can cause severe pain crisis, infections, organ damage, low blood counts, stroke and other serious health problems. Be The Match has also launched an informative online video called "You Are My Match" to raise awareness of the need for more Black or African American donors on the Be The Match Registry to help Black patients battling sickle cell disease find a potentially life-saving match. The video features a 4-year-old girl named Ruby from Lubbock, TX, who has been hospitalized more than 24 times and had three surgeries due to her sickle cell. Ruby's doctors are recommending a blood stem cell or marrow transplant due to the severity of her condition, but she does not have a perfect match on the Be The Match Registry. Part of the challenge Black patients like Ruby face when searching for a perfect match is low representation of Black or African Americans on the Be The Match Registry. Of the 22 million potential donors on the Be The Match Registry, just 4 percent are Black or African American. Because ethnicity plays a role in finding a match, Black patients will only find a perfect match 23% of the time, which is much lower than other ethnicities, such as White patients, who will find a match 77% of the time. To learn how to access free resources, read stories about people cured of sickle cell disease following a marrow or stem cell transplant and to join the Be The Match Registry, visit: http://www.sicklecellconnect.com. Virtual Event Series: Episodes will be streamed via www.sicklecellconnect.com webpage and viewable on Be The Match Social Channels. Episode 1: What is sickle cell disease? September 10th from 12:00 12:30 p.m. CDT We'll chat about sickle cell disease basics with pediatric hematologist Staci Arnold, MD, hear sickle cell warrior Genesis' story and learn about barriers and disparities that sickle cell patients face from the Health Equity Manager at Be The Match. Episode 2: Living with sickle cell disease September 17th from 12:00 12:30 p.m. CDT We'll chat with a Be The Match Patient Navigator and Social Worker about the free resources available to sickle cell disease patients and hear from the founder of My Three Sicklers Foundation. Episode 3: The future of sickle cell disease September 24th from 12:00 1:00 p.m. CDT We'll cover transplant and gene therapy with Staci Arnold, MD and a certified genetic counselor from Be The Match. Hear about our policy efforts for sickle cell disease, meet sickle cell warrior Dakhiyon, see how Nia Imani Franklin, former Miss America, is advocating for more diverse donors on the Be The Match Registry, plus watch a live swabbing event! SOURCE Be The Match Related Links https://www.sicklecellconnect.com The owner of a San Francisco salon where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi got her hair done indoors in violation of city coronavirus pandemic rules denied that she had set up the Democrat. Erica Kious, who owns e Salon in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, wept during a Zoom news conference Thursday as she responded to Pelosis charge that she had tricked her into receiving hair care that San Francisco salons are prohibited from offering. For the Speaker Pelosi to frame herself as a victim (a) total false narrative while small businesses and workers all over California, the state she represents in Congress, suffer and struggle just to survive, is beyond shameful, Kious said. Pelosis visit Monday went viral after Fox News posted security camera footage of the speaker inside the Union Street business with wet hair and no mask. In her news conference, Kious railed against the city rules that ban her from legitimately bringing customers indoors. The point of releasing this video was, and is: If a woman in a high-risk age group who spends much of her time on TV warning about the dangers of COVID-19 feels safe and comfortable in a San Francisco salon, and can be responsible for being cautious and mindful, why cant the rest of San Francisco, and the rest of America do that too? Kious said. That was my point. Kious, who gave her first two interviews this week to Fox News and the networks conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson, denied Pelosis assertion that she had set up the San Francisco Democrat. On Wednesday, a Southern California attorney representing the stylist who shampooed Pelosis hair released a letter saying Kious had authorized her visit in advance. The letter also accused Kious of making vitriolic and incendiary comments in which she blamed the speaker for forcing her to close during the pandemic. It went on to accuse Kious of having reopened her business in April, in violation of public health orders. Kious said Pelosis representatives had asked the stylist, Joseph DeNardo, for hair service at the speakers home, but that DeNardo said that this was not possible. So he offered to let her into the salon on Monday, she said. As an independent contractor, DeNardo books his own clients and has 24-7 access to the salon via the door code, Kious said. I have nothing to do with this and have never approved or rejected any particular client or service at the salon, Kious said. However, she said that during a tense phone call, she encouraged DeNardo to appeal to Pelosi to help clear a path for salons to open. The thing is, people need to understand, we havent worked. We have no income at all for six months. No money. So if someone went in and took a client to feed their family, or pay their rent you know, I have no control over that. Republicans have used the incident as ammunition against Pelosi. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany gave her press briefing Thursday in front of TV screens playing the few-seconds-long video of Pelosi in the salon on a loop. San Francisco and Alameda counties are alone in the Bay Area in barring salons from having customers indoors. Other counties allowed the businesses to resume indoor service Monday. Pelosi and her staff say she had been having a stylist come to her home during the pandemic, but that when that option was unavailable, she reached out to the salon. Pelosi says the salon told her the business was legally allowed to have one client inside at a time and accepted the appointment. San Francisco has no such provision. I take responsibility for trusting the word of a neighborhood salon that Ive been to over the years many times, Pelosi said at a news conference Wednesday. When they said, Were able to accommodate people one person at a time, and that we could set up that time, I trusted that. As it turns out, it was a setup. So, I take responsibility for falling for a setup. In a short clip of the footage released by Fox News, Pelosi is seen immediately after having had her hair washed, with a mask around her neck. Pelosi says she removed it for the hair washing and otherwise always wears her mask when she is near other people. Pelosi has not explained why she did not know local regulations; she splits her time with her hometown and Washington, where she had been for much of August. In addition to setting off a firestorm in the culture wars over business shutdowns and mask-wearing, news of Pelosis visit touched a nerve in San Francisco, where some salon owners have said they feel confused and singled out by regulations not allowing them to open. Pelosi has no authority over local regulations. Asked about DeNardos allegation that Kious salon has been doing business during the pandemic, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Becca Raybin said, Safety is our priority, so we emphasize compliance over punishment. If we get to a point where education is not enough and enforcement is needed, we are prepared to take appropriate steps to protect public health and safety. Kious, whose Facebook page shows pictures of her spending Californias shutdown in Montana and Tennessee, told Foxs Carlson on Wednesday that she is pretty much done with San Francisco. The hard part of all this is that Ive been in that community for 12 years, Kious said. And this happened, I received nothing but hate text messages, death threats, (saying) theyre going to burn my hair salon down. My Yelp page is just unbelievable with bad reviews. Its just sad. A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the agency for which Becca Raybin is a spokeswoman. It is the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer and Tal Kopan is The Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com, tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Mike Babinski opens applications for voter ballots at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Cleveland AP Photo/Tony Dejak Voting in the 2020 presidential election officially starts on September 4 as North Carolina begins sending out mail ballots. The Tar Heel State, which allows all registered voters to cast votes by mail, is the first state in the nation to start sending mail ballots 60 days before Election Day. Over 643,000 North Carolinians have already requested to vote by mail, a 16-fold increase over the number of North Carolina voters who requested a mail ballot by Sept. 4 in 2016. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The first ballots of the 2020 presidential election are being distributed in North Carolina today, kicking off the final sprint to the last day of in-person voting on Nov. 3. North Carolina allows any registered voter to vote by mail, without them needing an excuse. Sixty days before Election Day, it is the first state in the nation to start sending mail ballots to those who have already requested them, according to the National Council of State Legislatures. A total of 643,000 voters have requested ballots for the presidential election as of Friday, based on University of Florida professor Michael McDonald's analysis of state data. Already that figure represents a nearly four-fold increase over the total of 168,351 North Carolinians who voted by mail in the 2016 presidential election. Mail ballot request rates already substantially outpace 2016 levels of mail voting, the election scholar found. So far, over 9% of North Carolina's approximately 7 million registered voters have requested a ballot. In 2016, 3.5% of North Carolinians who voted in the presidential election cast their ballots by mail, according to US Census data. As of Sept. 3, the number of requests is 16 times higher than the approximately 37,000 North Carolinians who requested mail ballots by the same date in 2016, according to analysis from Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer, who has been tracking North Carolina's ballot request data throughout the summer. Story continues There's also a stark partisan divide in the makeup of those who have requested their ballots so far. Per McDonald's analysis, 52% of the requests received as of Thursday came from registered Democrats, 31% from unaffiliated voters, and 16% from registered Republicans. At the same time in 2016, 37% of requests came from Democrats, 28% from unaffiliated voters, and 35% from Republicans. This year, North Carolina, which accounts for 15 electoral college votes, is a hotly-contested battleground in the presidential race between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. There's also a highly competitive US Senate race between first-term Republican Thom Tillis and Democrat Cal Cunningham, rated as a tossup by most major election forecasters; a gubernatorial election between incumbent Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Lt. Gov Dan Forest; US House elections under the state's newly-drawn congressional map; and several key legislative races that could decide control of both houses of the state legislature. September 4 also marks the first day that voters in all 50 states will be able to request their mail ballot. Mississippi, the latest state to begin taking absentee ballot requests, will also start accepting applications. Several other states will follow North Carolina and begin sending out ballots starting in mid-September to those who have requested them. And some, including Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, will start early in-person voting as early as the week of Sept. 18. The first three hold a form of early voting called "in-person absentee" voting where a voter can cast a paper ballot at their local election office instead of at a traditional polling place. Forty-five days before the election, or September 19 this year, marks the deadline for states to send absentee ballots to overseas and military voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. At a Wednesday event in North Carolina, Trump, who has spent the last several months spreading misinformation that mail voting is inherently fraudulent, suggested that voters should attempt to vote twice, by mail and then in-person on Election Day to test whether the state's voting system can detect voter fraud. It is a federal crime to vote twice in a federal election, and most state laws also ban voting twice in state elections. As the North Carolina State Board of Elections pointed out in a Thursday statement, it is a Class I felony under North Carolina law to vote twice in the same election, and state election officials employ a number of processes to prevent that type of fraud. "Electronic pollbooks with information about who has already voted are used at every early voting site. If a voter tries to check in who has already voted, they will be prevented from voting a regular ballot," Executive Director Karen Binson Bell said. "A voter will be offered a provisional ballot if they insist on voting, and this ballot will be researched after Election Day to determine whether it should be counted." In addition to pollbook systems used within states, election officials also share voter records with other states through programs like the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter rolls and identify potential instances of fraud, including people voting in multiple states in the same election. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think thank that maintains a database of voter fraud cases, has identified 118 criminal convictions or other official findings of duplicate voting between 2004 and 2020. Brinson Bell emphasized that the Board of Elections "strongly discourages" voters from contributing to long lines at in-person polling locations by going to check in-person whether their mail-in vote has been counted. She instead encouraged voters to instead use North Carolina's online ballot tracking system, which is launching in the next few days, to verify that their ballot has been received. Expanded Coverage Module: insider-voter-guide Read the original article on Business Insider HELENA Granting the Trump campaign's request to block a plan to allow Montana counties to conduct all-mail elections in November would "inject chaos into the election," the governor's office said Friday. The statement was included in the state's response to a request by President Donald Trump's campaign and Republican organizations to reduce the amount of time the state has to respond to the lawsuit filed Tuesday challenging the voting plan for the General Election. "To be clear: Montana's local election officials are many weeks past the point at which a traditional primarily in-person election could be conducted (setting aside the inherent safety risks of large gatherings amidst a pandemic)," the state argued. Granting the Trump campaign's motion to block counties from mailing ballots to all registered voters "would inject chaos into the election, and effectively disenfranchise Montanans across the state while inserting immense ethical, constitutional, and safety risks into the election process," Raph Graybill, the governor's chief legal counsel, wrote. Forty-six of the state's 56 counties plan to hold the November election primarily by mail, according to the Secretary of State'as office, with options for early and in-person voting. Counties had until Friday to notify the Secretary of State's office of their plans. The Trump campaign, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Montana Republican State Central Committee waited nearly a month before challenging the governor's Aug. 6 election plan, which was requested by county election officials. The state had an all-mail ballot for the June primary due to the coronavirus pandemic, which "resulted in a safe, secure primary election free of fraud," the state argued. The Republican lawsuit alleges, without evidence, that an all-mail ballot would lead to voter fraud. The campaign has filed similar lawsuits in New Jersey and Nevada, but it's unclear why the campaign and the Republican Party would challenge mail ballots in a state which Trump won by 20 points in 2016. "My best guess ... is that part of the Trump campaign strategy is to sow fear and distrust in the hopes that this will motivate their base and possibly ... to provide a basis to refuse to accept the election results," said Paul Gronke, a professor of political science at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, and director of the Early Voting Information Center. "Unfortunately, they may be listening to the president's incorrect assessment of the partisan effects of all-mail elections," said Priscilla Southwell, a professor emerita in political science at the University of Oregon. "My research and that of others, most recently the working paper done at Stanford, have consistently shown that such elections facilitate voting among all types of voters. " A day after filing the complaint, the Trump campaign and the Republican organizations asked that the case move forward quickly to give the parties time to exhaust all avenues of appeal before ballots are mailed on Oct. 9. They asked that the state be given eight days instead of 14 to respond. "Plaintiffs are not entitled to truncate Governor Bullock's opportunity to respond to their motion ... simply because they chose to wait nearly a month ... to take action," the state argued. Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, a Republican who is also named in the voting lawsuit, has agreed to the expedited briefing schedule, the Trump campaign said in its reply to the governor's response. "Rather than attempt to defend his directive on the merits, the governor seeks to prevent it from being litigated by opposing a motion to expedite that is commonplace in election cases like this one," the plaintiffs wrote in response Friday afternoon. In response to the argument that the plaintiffs waited several weeks to file the complaint, they said that filing earlier was impracticable because, in part, "the deadline for counties to opt-in was not until today. Given the governor's proclaimed success against COVID-19 ... it was not clear whether a critical mass of counties would opt-in" to mail ballots when the governor issued his plan. "Plaintiffs and the Secretary agree that the case should be expedited, which will ensure the case is decided on the merits one way or another well in advance of the time for sending out ballots," attorney Thomas R. McCarthy wrote for the Trump campaign and the Republican organizations. The governor's "attempt to draw out the litigation to threaten that result should not be credited." You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 7 Workplace safety measures crucial to preventing spread of coronavirus, says Economy Minister This article is old - Published: Friday, Sep 4th, 2020 Employers and workers across Wales are being urged to to do all they can to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the workplace. As more businesses reopen and people who cannot work from home return to work, Economy Minister Ken Skates has highlighted the importance of following the golden rules to help keep levels of the virus low in Wales. He is urging everyone to wash their hands frequently and, wherever possible, keep a distance of two metres between them and their work colleagues or customers. Laws made by the Welsh Government require all businesses in Wales to take every reasonable action to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus on their premises. To do so, the starting point is ensuring that their employees can maintain a two metre distance while they are at work. However, the law acknowledges the challenges and impracticality of maintaining physical distancing in some settings. In those circumstances it is particularly important for employers to take other measures to minimise face to face contact, such as erecting screens, rearranging furniture and other fittings or adopting one way systems. Face coverings should also be worn in crowded or confined spaces where other measures arent practical. Good hygiene is vital at all times and all surfaces and equipment should be cleaned regularly. People should also continue to ensure they wash their hands regularly, cover their mouths when they cough and avoid touching their face or face covering. Economy Minister Ken Skates said: Its absolutely vital everyone takes steps to protect themselves and others in the workplace this includes maintaining a two metre physical distance wherever possible. These measures will help us to continue to keep coronavirus cases low in Wales. Employers and employees have taken action to ensure the safety of their workplaces and I want to thank them all for the steps they have put in place. However, I want to remind all businesses operating in Wales they are subject to specific legal requirements that are designed to help contain the virus. Failure to do so could lead to premises having to close. Coronavirus is extremely serious and it is still circulating. We must all do everything we can to stay safe in the workplace and support each other in doing so. Anyone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, should self-isolate and stay away from the workplace until they have had a test to protect their fellow workers and the wider public. Each and every one of us has an important role to play in keeping ourselves, our work colleagues and our clients and customers safe. "Every year, the CSL Corporate Sustainability Report informs our customers, employees and partners on our efforts to improve the environmental and social impacts of our activities and tells the story of CSL's deeply rooted values and commitment to a sustainable global economy," said Louis Martel, President and CEO of The CSL Group. "In 2019, as the shipping industry and CSL continued to modernize and change, we doubled up on our resolve to make sustainability a core driver in our transformation. The way we see it, being socially responsible is good for people, for the planet and for our business." Notable highlights of the 2019 report include: CSL delivered six vessels and began four newbuild and conversion projects. A 3.8 percent reduction in gCO2eq/tonne-nm was achieved for loaded voyages compared to 2018. A wind technology R&D project was launched, and testing was conducted on fuel additive, biofuels and robotic hull cleaning. Ballast treatment systems and oily water discharge protection units were installed in the fleet. An ambitious digital transformation strategy was launched to enhance the customer experience and improve the efficiency and sustainability of the business. CSL was named one of Montreal's Top employers in 2019 and launched a series of initiatives to foster employee engagement and empowerment. Top employers in 2019 and launched a series of initiatives to foster employee engagement and empowerment. CSL donated $540,000 to Georgian College for a state-of the-art simulator and additionally donated approximately 1 percent of total net profit to charitable organizations. The 2019 Report was prepared using the Global Reporting Initiative's G4 Sustainability Guidelines as a reference. The areas in which the report aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were also noted. Click here to read or download the 2019 CSL Corporate Sustainability Report or visit the CSL website at www.cslships.com. Printed copies of the report are available upon request at [email protected] . The CSL Group is the largest owner and operator of self-unloading ships in the world. Headquartered in Montreal with regional operations in the Americas, Australia, Europe and Asia, CSL delivers millions of tonnes of cargo annually for customers in the construction, steel, energy and agri-food sectors. SOURCE The CSL Group Inc. Related Links http://www.csl.ca President Trump and Vice President Pence at the Republican National Convention. (Pool Photo) Triller Mark Swed's How to Listen column on Schubert's B Flat Sonata [The Real Thrills are in the Trills, Aug. 26] brought me back to a world of culture that I so miss during these pandemic times. I brought out my book of Schubert sonatas and slowly played my way through the work he so lovingly described, relishing every note in a way I had almost forgotten. Thank you for keeping us rooted in the arts. Beauty is the best balm. Milania Henley Westlake Village :: I count myself among those who find pleasure and consolation in the Wednesday How to Listen essays by Mark Swed. And while I applaud the choice of Schuberts Sonata in B Flat as the topic of his most recent essay, significant omissions cannot go without comment. Swed directs insightful attention to the moments within the Molto moderato (i) in which trills and silences sound as the embodiment of uncertainty, the more significant with Schuberts death only two months away. The essay only hints, however, at the profound introspection of the Andante sostenuto (ii) in which Schubert can be heard coming to terms with his own mortality. This movement (the positioning and character of which recall The Marche Funebre of Beethovens Symphony n. 3) seems not so much to hide secrets as to reveal an apotheosis. The essay also makes no mention of the knell-like quality in the unharmonized submediant (G) that both announces the lead idea of the Allegro ma non troppo (iv) and echoes the trill of the opening movement. A characterization of boisterous ignores the tonal ambiguity of this idea and the contrasts of light and dark that it discloses in greater relief as the movement unfolds. Schuberts contemplations of mortality are thus not limited to the initial movement as the essay suggests. (Even the Scherzo is inflected with a trio minore.) They rather leaven the whole of this remarkable work. Paul Humphreys Los Angeles A neutral observer Regarding "RNC message: Biden Poses a Threat and COVID Doesn't" [Aug. 29]: Was Lorraine Ali ever a major league umpire? Based on the evidence of this column it appears to me she calls 'em as she sees 'em. Story continues I'd say that takes courage in the environment we're in. Sorry to hear about the hate mail and threats. David Weiss Tarzana READ MORE: The 1970 Chicano Moratorium connection to protests of today Cartoons crossed lines The cartoon "Prickly City" [Aug. 26 - 29] crossed the line with cartoons depicting Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden as senile and unfit. The facts say otherwise. In the art of political cartooning, which has been around for hundreds of years, there is a fine line between clever satire and hollow nastiness. Satire, done well, always has a basis of truth, no matter how small, to justify the art, whereas the hollow nastiness has no regard for facts and must resort to distortion and falsehood. Richard R. McCurdy Burbank READ MORE: Christopher Knight on Breonna Taylor and the grim power of Vanity Fairs unflinching cover portrait :: I'm alarmed that the L.A. Times remains complicit in the openly ageist content routinely on display in this comic strip. The attacks on Joe Biden's cognition show the cowardice of the cartoonist who would rather pick on his advanced years than his progressive platform. John Weidner Pasadena :: The Aug. 30 La Cucaracha cartoon, by Lalo Alcaraz, was very distasteful. It is unacceptable to portray teachers as enjoying time off when in actuality they are learning new methods of teaching. Hours of training and preparation are needed for them to be successful in both virtual instruction and safe in classroom teaching. Susan Grimshaw Rancho Palos Verdes COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - The captain of a tanker that rescued 27 migrants at sea, including a pregnant woman, is calling for immediate help as conditions worsen on board after a month anchored off the coast of Malta having been denied entry by several countries. The migrants have no critical physical issues, but mentally the situation is getting desperate, the Maersk Etienne captain said, saying one migrant had threatened to jump overboard. "We had a difficult time convincing him that jumping overboard will probably kill him. This just to give a picture of how desperate these people are," Volodymyr Yeroshkin said in a video recorded on Tuesday. "We require immediate assistance. These people have to disembark as soon as possible," he said. "They're anxious to get in touch with their loved ones and families. They just simply want to step ashore." The ship's crew rescued the migrants on Aug. 4 from a wooden dinghy that had been at sea for days and sank immediately after the rescue operation. The migrants sleep on mattresses and blankets, some on the deck covered from the sun by impromptu shade sails. "Maersk Etienne is a chemical tanker which is not equipped neither constructed to keeping people onboard. This is a cargo vessel, the crew are professional seafarers and none of them is qualified for medical assistance or for care for rescued people," Yeroshkin said. Maersk Tankers, the operator of Maersk Etienne said that neither the Maltese, Italian nor Libyan authorities would let them come ashore. "It's deeply unfair that we are treated this way for doing the right thing and acting as we are supposed to according to the international seafaring rules," Maersk tankers' Chief Technical Officer Tommy Thomassen said. "The authorities need to provide a solution now." The number of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to land on European shores from countries such as Tunisia and Libya has spiked in the past year. (Reporting by Tim Barsoe; Editing by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Alison Williams) US Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams says it is 'improbable' (although possible) that the nation will have a coronavirus vaccine by November 1, despite CDC guidance telling states to prepare for shots to arrive by the end of October. Speaking Friday on Good Morning America, the nation's top doctor claimed that the guidance was intended to ensure that states have protocols, staff and supplies in place as soon as vaccines arrive, not to hint at an expected arrival date. President Donald Trump said at a Thursday night reelection rally in Pennsylvania that a shot 'really might even be delivered before the end of October...How do you like that?' But the experts in the White House are less sure that's what the CDC's guidance meant. 'It's not just about having a vaccine that is safe and effective, but about being ready to distribute it,' Dr Adams said. 'So on the chance. that a vaccine might be available early, and Dr [Anthony] Fauci and [vaccine czar] Dr [Moncef] Slaoui both say that's possible even though not probable, we want to make sure that states are ready to distribute it, hence the November 1 instructions from the CDC, just in case it's ready, so we can quickly get it to the people who most need it.' US Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams told Good Morning America that it is 'possible, though not probable' that the US will have a coronavirus vaccine by November 1 f He also insisted that not only are politics and Election Day not driving US officials to press vaccine approval to happen too fast, but said it's not possible. 'What people need to understand is that we have a Data and Safety Monitoring Board, who actually blind the data so it won't be possible to move forward unless this independent thinks there is good evidence a vaccine is efficacious,' Dr Adams said. The CDC's guidance, sent to states last week, urges them be ready for one of two coronavirus vaccines to ship, under emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the end of October - just ahead of the November 3 election. Both Moderna and Pfizer have shots in their final stages of human testing. Pfizer CEO Alberta Bourla confirmed Thursday that the company could roll out data from its trials fast enough to know whether its shot works by late-October - and said the company will apply for FDA approval 'immediately' afterward. But he insisted the company will not cut corners to do so. Dr Fauci has said that an early approval for a vaccine is possible if there is overwhelmingly positive data that a coronavirus vaccine works and is safe, but says chances of that happening by the end of next month are slim (left). Vaccine czar Dr Moncef Slaoui (right) said there is a 'very, very low chance' of a vaccine by Halloween Regardless of Bourla's optimism, and the CDC's cue to state health departments, the nation's top doctors have presented a more measured outlook. Dr Fauci did indeed say was possible that a vaccine could be ready by October - but not likely. Even President Trump's appointed vaccine czar, Dr Moncef Slaoui (who gave up his seat as chairman of GlaxoSmithKline to take the job, but kept shares in the company, which is making a vaccine) has cast doubt on the notion a shot could be ready by the end of next month. Dr Slaoui said in an interview with NPR that it is 'extremely unlikely' that a vaccine will be ready by Halloween and before the election. He went a step further and promised to resign 'if there is any undue interference.' But, he added that he is confident a vaccine will come relatively soon. 'I firmly believe that we will have a vaccine available before the end of the year.' And when it does arrive, the experts want states to be ready, and are, for now, certain any shot the gets greenlit will be worth getting. 'I and my family will be in line to get it,' Dr Adams said. CDC instructions sent to states suggest COVID-19 vaccines could be shipped by next month] PREPARE FOR CORONAVIRUS VACCINES BY THE END OF OCTOBER, CDC TELLS STATES - BUT EXPERTS SAY IT'S A POLITICAL 'STUNT' The CDC documents suggest that, if 'Vaccine A' is given emergency use authorization by October, ftwo million doses will be shipped then, with as many as 50 million additional doses going out by year-end. For 'Vaccine B,' up to one million doses could be shipped by the end of October, and up to 35 million by year-end, according to the documents issued last Wednesday. It comes after Dr Anthony Fauci, top infectious disease expert in the US, said that, if data clearly shows that a COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective ahead of planned trial end-dates, an emergency use authorization could be issued early. While Americans are eager for life to return to some semblance of normality, a recent Stat News and Harris Poll survey found that 78 percent of people in the US think that the fast progress toward approval for a coronavirus vaccine is driven not by science, but by politics. And experts share their fears. 'This gives me concern,' Dean of the School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and vaccine delivery expert Dr Peter Hotez told DailyMail.com. 'All of this together gives me the impression that this potentially more of a stunt than an expression of concern for public health, especially coming in the weeks before the election.' The alleged on Thursday that false cases of violation of coronavirus-related restrictions have been registered against its activists. Thirty-four workers of the opposition party surrendered at Sanver police station in the district on Thursday. MLA Jitu Patwari led the protest at Sanver, some 30 km from here. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other BJP leaders are holding huge rallies ahead of Assembly by-elections, but the police are not taking any action against them, Patwari alleged. "When we held a condolence meeting to mourn the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday in Sanver, police lodged an FIR against our workers," he claimed. A local police officer denied that the activists were charged falsely. (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.) But the state Supreme Court sent a letter Thursday to judges and court clerks spelling out the details of the federal moratorium, which applies to renters who are trying to obtain government rental assistance, earning less than $99,000 if single or $198,000 if married, suffering loss of income because of a layoff or medical expenses, and facing the prospect of homelessness or exposure to covid-19. GLEN CARBON Staff members and volunteers have been busy as they prepare to apply for a National Register of Historic Places designation for the villages Yanda Cabin. Jessica Mills, the villages museum coordinator, said this is the culmination of a project started several years ago by the villages historical and museum commission. We have the application finished; were just making sure the photos look good before we send it to Springfield, Mills said Wednesday. As this was Mills first time working with anything for the National Register, she said it was a learning experience. There were technical and Global Information Systems (GIS) aspects that I had to learn. Mills said she had to hone descriptions and other entires to be able to explain why the cabin is important to the area. She worked with commission member, retired archaeologist and resident, Joyce Williams, and her husband, Bob, on the project. Joyce was the applications main author; she and her husband restored the cabin about 30 years ago, Mills said. Mills said that they hope to have the entire application package mailed no later than Sept. 11, although there is no fixed deadline for submissions. They are accepted on a rolling basis that aligns with year-round meetings at the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office. Thirty to 90 days after receiving it, Mills and the others should learn if the cabin has been added to the register. Mills said once it is added, the status change means, among other things, that the cabin cannot be demolished (unless the replacement project can be proven to be in the public interest) and it opens the door for future grant opportunities in the way of funding, programs and renovations. Its also a bragging point for the village, she said. If approved, the cabin would join the villages original firehouse and village hall and Glen Carbon School on the list. The school made the list in 2015; the firehouse in 2018. You can never go wrong with buildings on the National Historic Register, Mills said. Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at 618-659-5735 CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Karamu House and Cleveland Public Theatre are among four Ohio arts and culture organizations to receive much-needed grants to help them get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Both received $50,000 from Arts Midwests share of the United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund. The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Stuarts Opera House in Nelsonville were the other organizations to receive funds. Arts Midwest was one of six regional arts organizations to receive money from the $10 million fund created in response to the coronavirus shutdown and underwritten by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. We are grateful that four Ohio arts organizations were able to receive support through this national funding initiative generously offered by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Arts Midwest, said Donna S. Collins, Ohio Arts Council Executive Director, in a release. We know so many of our colleagues in the arts are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, especially those serving under-resourced communities. We commend their strength, innovation, and perseverance as they continue to work each day to provide transformative arts experiences accessible to all audiences. The fund will distribute a second wave of grants in November. In allocating its $1.5 million share for this round, Arts Midwest focused on rural communities, Indigenous communities and communities of color. Founded in 1915, Karamu House is the oldest producing African American theatre in the nation. Cleveland Public Theatre, recently named winner of the National Theatre Conferences 2020 Outstanding Theatre Award, is home to Teatro Publico de Cleveland, a local Latino theatre company. Last week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued guidelines for the reopening of performing arts venues. However, due to public health concerns and capacity limitations, both Karamu House and Cleveland Public Theatre dont plan on reopening until at least early 2021. Live theater at 15% capacity? What DeWines reopening guidelines mean for performing arts venues The COVID-19 crisis has had an enormous financial impact on the arts, with losses to the creative sector nationally at more than $12.5 billion so far, according to Americans for the Arts. Critically endangered chimpanzee born at Chester Zoo This article is old - Published: Friday, Sep 4th, 2020 A critically endangered Western chimpanzee has been born at Chester Zoo. The baby was safely delivered by 43-year-old mum, Mandy, overnight on Friday 21 August, following an eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy. Primate experts at the zoo are yet to determine the sex of the new arrival but have declared the birth as a hugely significant for the species. New estimates suggest that as few as 18,000 Western chimpanzees remain in Africa and its the first subspecies of chimpanzee to be added to the list of critically endangered apes. Andy Lenihan, Team Manager of the Primates section at Chester Zoo, said: Mandy is a wonderful mum. Shes bonded instantly with her new baby and can be seen protectively cradling it in her left arm at all times. Its a little too soon to tell if her new arrival is male or female as a newborn chimpanzee will remain in the arms of mum for several months until they develop the confidence to start exploring independently. Most importantly though, its bright eyed, alert and getting stronger by the day. A new arrival always creates a lot of excitement its a real extended-family affair as many of the females in the group often want to help to take care of the newcomer while, for some of the juveniles, seeing a mum with a new baby is a completely new experience. Its great to see the other youngsters watching Mandy closely and learning from such a natural mother. A scientific research project, carried out over a decade, has carefully assessed the genetics of all the chimpanzees living in European zoos. The study has confirmed that the genetic make-up of the group at Chester Zoo is vital to the future of the Western chimpanzee subspecies. Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo Animal & Plant Director said: Were incredibly proud to see a precious new baby in the group its a hugely significant addition and a big boost for this species. The chimpanzees here at Chester are a key part of the international efforts working to ensure theres a viable safety-net population of these critically endangered animals. In the wild, the Western chimpanzee is under huge threat from hunting, the illegal bush meat trade and extensive habitat loss all a result of human activity. Western chimpanzee populations have declined extremely quickly and continue to do so with little or no prospect of this decline halting. It makes the conservation populations in zoos extremely important for the future. In tandem with the endangered species breeding programme, involving many of the worlds most progressive zoos, our conservation teams are working alongside our partners in Uganda, Nigeria and Gabon to help protect chimpanzees and their forest homes. Judge: Kansas City payday lender should repay $132.5M KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A judge has recommended that a Kansas City payday lender pay $132.5 million in restitution to borrowers it's accused of duping. The administrative law judge recently made the recommendation in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's case against Integrity Advance . . . Quick note on court victory against a victory bemoaned by middle-class progressives who enjoy the service of bigger, better banks that isn't available to low-rent locals.Read more: Niagara Parks will hold its annual monarch release program, Majestic Monarchs, at the Butterfly Conservatory Saturday. Guests can join Parks staff for the free event as the monarchs are tagged for tracking and released to embark on their journey to Mexico for the winter. Visitors can participate in tagging and releasing of the butterflies, which will take place at each half hour beginning at 12:30 p.m. and running until 4 p.m. The tags allow researchers to effectively track monarch migration patterns and document changes and trends in their behaviour. Any found tags are recorded and posted online, giving participants the chance to see where their tagged butterfly ended its journey. In addition to the release initiative, Niagara Parks staff will be educating visitors on the monarchs life cycle and conservation efforts being taken to support the insects. Organizers said appropriate safety measures will be in place for staff and guests, including the required use of face coverings while participating in the event. Guests should bring their own face coverings. Read more about: New Delhi, Sep 4 : Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan turns into a star Chef as he learns to cook with the best -- MasterChef Shipra Khanna. Shipra Khanna (MasterChef winner) and Saif Ali Khan who is a self-professed good food aficionado, together whip up 12 lip smacking, delightfully rich cheesy dishes with Britannia Cheese. You can catch the duo on Britannia Cheese StarChef which is a 12-part YouTube series keeps you entertained while you create some of the best delectables. This is not the first time Saif Ali Khan has donned the chef's hat and apron; in the 2017 film 'Chef', the actor played the role of chef who travels back to India from the States to discover what he loves cooking while operating a food truck with his son. The movie was based on the 2014 American comedy-drama movie with the same name co-produced and directed by, and starring Jon Favreau. The YouTube is the destination for a plethora of rich, cheesy recipes all made with a selection of the the brands leading cheese products. Shipra Khanna says, "The cheesy affair with Britannia Cheese StarChef makes me believe that in the kitchen a Star can become a Chef and a Chef can become a Star. Shooting with Saif Online was fun and unique, especially with Cheese which is one of my favorite ingredients." (N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The issues between California churches and social distancing guidelines are continuously developing as Jack Trieber, Pastor of North Valley Baptist Church, disclosed Tuesday that Santa Clara County has taken action against his church. The actions consisted of fines against the congregation for $5,000 for each in-person service. For North Valley Baptist Church, they hold two services on Sunday as well as a night service on Wednesday. Trieber reported that these fines added up to a staggering amount of $52,750. The Pastor stated his intentions of fighting the charges claiming that the Government must stop interfering with religious matters. Trieber went on to label the actions taken by the county as harassment and said, "If we don't stop it here ... it's going to sweep all over the United States of America. Government cannot take away our freedom. You cannot take our right to assemble." He went on to ask the county to remove all imposed fines and stop further actions against the church. Prior to when Governor Gavin Newsom issued the statewide mandate prohibiting all religious worship services, Pastor Trieber stated that North Valley Baptist Church stopped all operations. However, the Pastor said, "But I'm in charge of the spiritual health of the people in this city and in this area," he said. "I've been trying to do it for 45 years. Though health is [of the] utmost importance, spiritual health is supreme. Because we've been locked out in this county of churches, suicide is up, domestic violence, addiction is up, homelessness is up, alcoholism is up. We need to get back to worshiping God. I am commanded to worship God." Trieber went on to ask Governor Newsom to reopen churches stating that the community's spiritual health was at risk and will result in "chaos". Chairman Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Founder, also commented on the matter stating that the mandate issued by Newsom is "unconstitutional" and that churches such as North Valley Baptist Church are incurring enormous fines for exercising their constitutional right to worship. Like many others, Chairman Staver commented on the polarized actions taken by the government with Gov. Newsom supporting the tens of thousands of protestors while preventing church gatherings. Chadwick Boseman embodied a James Baldwin dictum: History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history. Boseman carried our history insistently, imbuing titans of the real and imagined worlds with the best parts of himself. He recognized that they, too, make metaphors out of history even as it is being rewritten with every breath. He understood how exhausting it is to be made accountable minute by minute, how small almost all of us become inside that kind of accounting. What does it mean to be a cinematic citizen of the mind cheekbones writ large, smiling like a big idea? Theres self-possession in that understanding, broad-shouldered chin to the sun. Restorer, re-historicizer of the Black backdrop in America and elsewhere. What about masculinity and isolation? What about the unrelenting gravity of community expectations and aspirations? Right in the nexus of need, trying to Mashed Potato between expression, obligation, light bills and wonder. How does history render the heavy load of itself unto itself? In lead roles, Boseman mostly played the outlier: the one with conviction, the one with enough crust and wherewithal to understand that everybody from the high steppers to the low downs is made of antiquity, sunlight and iron. What happens with that mix is the real alchemy, and he used it to re-dimension their largess and redefine their rough multitudes. The human capacity to harm other humans is as inexhaustible as gravity but not as inevitable. During the week Im writing this, Jacob Blake was paralyzed when Kenosha, Wis., police officers shot him in the back seven times in front of his three children. And in the aftermath the W.N.B.A. and the N.B.A. and the M.L.S. and even the M.L.B. all refused to practice or play. And on the same day Jacob Blake was shot, Chadwick Boseman was dying from an illness that was nobody elses business. Jessica A Krug, a professor of African American history at George Washington University, spent years pretending to be of North African, then Caribbean descent despite actually being a white, Jewish woman from Kansas. In a case oddly reminiscent of Rachel Dolezals story from a few years ago, and American academic and author whose worked focused on Africa and African American history spent years pretending to be of African descent. Its not clear why she made the decision to oust herself after so long, but in an article allegedly published by Krug herself she admitted that her career was rooted in a toxic soil of lies. Photo: vojta_kucer/Pixabay To an escalating degree over my adult life, I have eschewed my lived experience as a white Jewish child in suburban Kansas City under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim: first North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness, Jessica A Krug wrote. I have built my life on a violent anti-Black lie, and I have lied in every breath I have taken. Krug, who went by the name Jessica La Bombalera in various activist circles, claims that a traumatic childhood and mental health issues she had been dealing with were associated with her years-long deceit, but clarified that she doesnt consider them excuses for what she did. Mental health issues likely explain why I assumed a false identity initially, as a youth, and why I continued and developed it for so long, Krug wrote in her article. But mental health issues can never, will never, neither explain nor justify, neither condone nor excuse, that, in spite of knowing and regularly critiquing any and every non-Black person who appropriates from Black people, my false identity was crafted entirely from the fabric of Black lives. The American professor, who admitted to using her black persona in personal relationships as well, had berated white New Yorkers for failing to yield their time for Black and Brown indigenous New Yorkers like herself, at a New York public hearing on police brutality, earlier this year. Krug did not give a reason for her shocking confession, but according to screenwriter Hari Ziyad, who had called the academic his friend, it was because her secret had already been found out. Jess Krug is someone I called a friend up until this morning when she gave me a call admitting to everything written here. She didnt do it out of benevolence, Ziyad tweeted. She did it because she had been found out. At the 43:45 mark of the following video, you can also hear Tadge talk about the attention to detail that went into the RHD conversion. Because of the driving-centric design of the cockpit, General Motors had to mirror the tools they use for the American version's interior to create an exact mirror without any compromises.A simple glance at the dashboard is enough to understand how hard that is. As opposed to the simpler designs of older cars, the C8 is very angular and a lot more luxurious than its predecessor although manufacturing errors still occur. Uneven stitching, for example, has been reported a few times already by U.S. owners.Only 300 units are heading to the Land of the Rising Sun for 2021, and believe it or not, Chevrolet sold them all in 60 hours. Of course, the United Kingdom and Australia will follow suit although production numbers are not known at the time of reporting. In the Land Down Under, a new company called GMSV will sell and service the C8 instead of the now-defunct Holden or Holden Special Vehicles.Turning our attention back to Nippon, the JDM cars are converted to right-hand drive from the factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Only the 2LT and 3LT versions of the coupe and 3LT convertible were offered, and all 300 examples of the breed will come standard with the Z51 Performance Package that costs $5,000 in the U.S.Switching the steering wheel to the other side doesnt mean the LT2 small-block V8 produces less power. After all, the engine is out back. Like the American model, the RHD specification is good for 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.As for pricing, well, thats a bit shocking. The 2LT Coupe with the Z51 retailed at 11,800,000 yen, translating to $111,500 at current exchange rates. At the other end of the spectrum, the 3LT Convertible with the Z51 is 15,500,000 yen or $145k. Greek PM cites Ankaras provocations as Turkish FM accuses Athens of lying over intentions to enter dialogue. Tensions between Greece and Turkey over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean have been reignited as political leaders of both countries traded insults amid efforts by NATO to foster dialogue. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Friday his country would only start talks with Turkey to resolve conflicting claims once Turkish provocations ceased. The war of words escalated last month after Turkey dispatched a seismic survey vessel to a disputed area for energy exploration following a maritime deal between Greece and Egypt. Turkey says the pact infringes on its own continental shelf. [Our country] can and wants to discuss the demarcation of maritime zones in the Aegean Sea, in the Eastern Mediterranean, based on international law. But not under threats, Mitsotakis said during a meeting with Chinas top diplomat Yang Jiechi, who is visiting Athens. Once the provocations end, discussions will begin, he said, adding that Greeces foreign minister would deliver a letter from him outlining Athens case to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres when the two meet in New York on Friday. Also on Friday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Greece and Turkey, both members of the Western alliance, had begun technical talks, but they had yet to agree on a deal to avoid accidental clashes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Mitsotakis made the remarks during a meeting with Chinas top diplomat Yang Jiechi [Louisa Gouliamaki/Pool via Reuters] Meanwhile, Turkey on Friday accused Greece of shunning the dialogue and lying by denying it had signed up to NATO-brokered talks. A Greek frigate collided with a Turkish one in August and the two NATO members staged rival war games in the energy-rich but disputed region last week. Stoltenberg has said Greek and Turkish leaders agreed to enter into technical talks at NATO to establish mechanisms for military deconfliction to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents. But Greece said later on Thursday that Athens never agreed to the technical talks, claiming Stoltenbergs statement did not correspond to reality. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Greece did, in fact, agree to the proposal when it was made. Greece denied the secretary generals (remarks) but the one lying here is not the NATO secretary general, its Greece itself, Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara. Greece showed once more than its not in favour of dialogue. AFD partners with Humble ISD to offer EMT course for high school seniors In partnership with Humble ISD, the Atascocita Fire Department AFD) began EMT classes for high school seniors Aug. 17. This is the third year that AFD has offered this program which includes students from Atascocita High School, Humble High School, Kingwood High School and Kingwood Park High School. Upon successful completion of the course in the spring of 2021, the students will be eligible to take the National Registry Exam to become certified as emergency medical technicians, said Jerry Dilliard, public information officer for the AFD. The course is offered to a limited amount of high school students from around the district, who are hand-picked to participate in the program. Each week, we have our students in class for a couple of days a week and they are administered a standard EMT curriculum, said Lt. Hans Grider, program director. This year, we have 13 incoming students, which is an increase from last years graduating class of eight, said Grider. Completing an EMT course during ones high school curriculum saves both time and money in the future, as programs can demand over a hundred hours of participation and thousands of dollars in costs. The program is sponsored and paid for in full by the school district, added Grider. Students can take advantage of this program without any financial repercussions, making this an extra-special opportunity for those interested. A lot of our students see this class as an opportunity for an early advancement in their medical careers. Having an EMT license on your transcript greatly assists in medical school applications, and these students are fortunate to obtain it before their undergraduate years, thereby reducing their future workloads. With an EMT certification, a medical student is able to interact with patients in a way that makes them stand out on applications. A quick Google search renders that One of the biggest negatives about being an EMT as a pre-med is definitely the time commitment, an obstacle which is easily overcome because the students in attendance are able to dedicate their high school hours in a manner that they perhaps could not while attending undergraduate programs. Grider explained that although not all students in attendance are interested in the medical profession, it is nonetheless a great opportunity to expand their future career and opportunities. At a minimum, they have gained a valuable certification and experience that may be of use forever. Grider mentioned that despite the setbacks suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the students in the incoming 2020-2021 class have elected to attend in-person classes at the AFD location, despite being given the option to take the course remotely. The thing I like most about this program is the enthusiasm and the excitement of our students. They show up to class every day dedicated and motivated to work and to succeed in the course, concluded Grider. Because students are hand-picked for the program, contact a counselor for further advice. Hundreds of dead mountain whitefish have washed ashore the Yellowstone River in Montana, launching an investigation into the cause of death. Although the mortality has yet to be confirmed, park officials speculate the fish died due to proliferative kidney disease (PKD) a parasite found lurking in the waters. Biologists on the case have counted around 200 bodies along the river between Big Timber and Livingston. Incident reports began at the end of August, with the largest group discovered over a nine-mile stretch a total of 149 dead fish were collected. Hundreds of dead mountain whitefish have washed ashore the Yellowstone River in Montana, launching an investigation into the cause of death. Biologists on the case have counted around 200 bodies along the river between Big Timber and Livingston (pictured is images of dead fish that died from the same parasite in 2016) Proliferative kidney disease can be spotted by a swollen kidney and spleen, along with pale gills all of which results in the fish becoming anemic. The mountain whitefish is a slender silver creature found in the rivers and streams of Yellowstone, and favors deep pools and clean, clear water. Park officials note that this fish is also very sensitive to pollution. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) noted that reports of dead fish began to surface at the end of August. Proliferative kidney disease can be spotted by a swollen kidney and spleen, along with pale gills all of which results in the fish becoming anemic. (Pictured is images of dead fish that died from the same parasite in 2016) Biologists investigating the deaths have since observed hundreds of more across several areas of the river that stretches 700 miles through Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota Biologists investigating the deaths have since observed hundreds of more across several areas of the river that stretches 700 miles through Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota. The team spotted seven in one day over about nine miles from the Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Site to the Grey Bear Fishing Access Site, upstream from Big Timber. The following day, 149 dead whitefish were found between the Pig Farm Fishing Access Site and the Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Site, downstream of Livingston. And then they counted 38 dead whitefish over 20 miles between the Pine Creek Fishing Access Site and the Highway 89 Bridge Fishing Access Site, upstream from Livingston. FWP will continue to monitor conditions on the Yellowstone River, the statement reads. At this time, no closures or restrictions are expected for the Yellowstone River or its tributaries. A similar incident occurred in 2016 at the park that forced officials to close a 183-mile stretch of the Yellowstone River. A similar incident occurred in 2016 at the park that forced officials to close a 183-mile stretch of the Yellowstone River that killed some 2,000 whitefist However, at this time there were thousands of dead fish washing up on the shore. 'This kill is unprecedented in magnitude. We haven't seen something like this in Montana,' Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokeswoman Andrea Jones said in 2016. Wildlife officials have documented more than 2,000 dead mountain whitefish and believe the total number killed is in the tens of thousands. The closure was put in place to stop fishing, rafting and other activities prevent the spread of the parasite, which may be the solution to the current problem if the death toll continues to rise. DailyMail.com has contacted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for comment and has yet to receive a response. Bengaluru: Actress Ragini Dwivedi arrives to appear before the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in connection with a probe into the alleged drug links in the Kannada film industry, in Bengaluru on Sep 4, 2020. The CCB questioned the actress about the alleg Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru: Actress Ragini Dwivedi arrives to appear before the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in connection with a probe into the alleged drug links in the Kannada film industry, in Bengaluru on Sep 4, 2020. The CCB questioned the actress about the alleg Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, Sep 4 : The Karnataka Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested actress Ragini Dwivedi for alleged use of banned drugs in the Kannada film industry, police said on Friday. "We have arrested Ragini to investigate her alleged involvement in the use of banned drugs and her links with drug peddlers after questioning her day-long," Bengaluru Joint Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil told reporters here. Earlier on Friday, seven CCB sleuths, including a woman police inspector, raided her flat at Yelahanka in the city's northern suburb with a search warrant from a local court to find out if banned drugs were kept in her house. "Ragini will be produced before a magistrate after medical check-up for her custodial interrogation into her use of narcotic substances at rave parties in the city over the months," said Patil. "We have booked Ragini under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act," CCB assistant commissioner of police K.P. Gowtham told IANS. In a related development, the CCB also arrested in New Delhi Viren Khanna, an accused in the drugs case for organising parties for celebrities. "Khanna is being flown to Bengaluru from Delhi by our inspectors Sridhar Pujar and Lakshmikantiah," said Patil. With the arrest of drug peddlers Ravi Shankar on Thursday and Rahul Shetty on Friday, the CCB has taken 4 persons into custody in connection with the abuse of banned drugs like marijuana, cannabis, cocaine and hashish at rave parties of celebrities, including actors of Sandalwood as the Kannada film industry is also known. Ragini, 30, entered the film industry with her debut movie 'Veera Madakari' in 2009 and gained popularity for her stellar role in films like Kempe Gowda, Ragini IPS, Bangari and Shiva. By Raphael Satter September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Seven years after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden blew the whistle on the mass surveillance of Americans telephone records, an appeals court has found the program was unlawful - and that the U.S. intelligence leaders who publicly defended it were not telling the truth. In a ruling handed down on Wednesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said the warrantless telephone dragnet that secretly collected millions of Americans telephone records violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and may well have been unconstitutional. Snowden, who fled to Russia in the aftermath of the 2013 disclosures and still faces U.S. espionage charges, said on Twitter that the ruling was a vindication of his decision to go public with evidence of the National Security Agencys domestic eavesdropping operation. I never imagined that I would live to see our courts condemn the NSAs activities as unlawful and in the same ruling credit me for exposing them, Snowden said in a message posted to Twitter. Evidence that the NSA was secretly building a vast database of U.S. telephone records - the who, the how, the when, and the where of millions of mobile calls - was the first and arguably the most explosive of the Snowden revelations published by the Guardian newspaper in 2013. Up until that moment, top intelligence officials publicly insisted the NSA never knowingly collected information on Americans at all. After the programs exposure, U.S. officials fell back on the argument that the spying had played a crucial role in fighting domestic extremism, citing in particular the case of four San Diego residents who were accused of providing aid to religious fanatics in Somalia. U.S. officials insisted that the four - Basaaly Saeed Moalin, Ahmed Nasir Taalil Mohamud, Mohamed Mohamud, and Issa Doreh - were convicted in 2013 thanks to the NSAs telephone record spying, but the Ninth Circuit ruled Wednesday that those claims were inconsistent with the contents of the classified record. The ruling will not affect the convictions of Moalin and his fellow defendants; the court ruled the illegal surveillance did not taint the evidence introduced at their trial. Nevertheless, watchdog groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, which helped bring the case to appeal, welcomed the judges verdict on the NSAs spy program. Todays ruling is a victory for our privacy rights, the ACLU said in a statement, saying it makes plain that the NSAs bulk collection of Americans phone records violated the Constitution. It looks like that federal prosecutor-ACLU alliance caused some heartburn in the Trump administration, which portrays Democratic mayors as being crime softies and weak on police because within a few days, the acting U.S. attorney reversed gears, walking back suggestions that D.C. police had made bad arrests. Following a mid-week meeting with Newsham, Sherwin, having apparently seen the White House light, wrote in a letter to the chief, you should not take my letter of September 1, 2020, as suggesting that there had been no probable cause for the arrests. In fact, he told Newsham, his office would be charging a number of arrestees. Vice presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, says NDCs Peoples Manifesto is the true reflection of the will of the people. She intimates that the times when leaders sat in Accra and drafted manifestos for the people are long gone. We must make sure the exact cry of the people is incorporated into policy documents to ensure the people benefit directly. She made this known when she took her campaign tour to Kwasiadukrom in the Bodi constituency of the Western North Region. Addressing chiefs and people in the area, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the NDCs yet to be launched manifesto is a document that will address the needs of the people towards national development. She pointed out that The Big Push agenda in the manifesto, for instance, when implemented will ensure job creation for many people, adding that the youth will be given hands-on skills training and projects started by the NDC government, which have been abandoned by the current government, will be completed. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang specifically called on women to rally behind the John and Jane ticket, especially as issues affecting women and children, are on top of the NDC's agenda. This is our time as women and we must take advantage of the opportunity, she said. ---citinewsroom She rose to fame on the cobbled streets of Manchester in the hit TV soap, Coronation Street. But Catherine Tyldesley looked like had just walked off a Hollywood film set as she exuded glamour in a nude knitted midi dress on Friday. The actress, 36, looked sensational as she linked arms with her husband, Tom Pitfield, as they made their way to the Gotham Hotel in Manchester for a date night. Stunning: Catherine Tyldesley cut a stylish figure in a nude knitted midi dress as she made her way to The Gotham Hotel in Manchester with her husband Tom Pitfield on Friday afternoon She wowed in a demure camel-toned dress with a puffed top that accentuated her slender frame and gathered at the ribbed knitted waistband and cuffs. Catherine styled her highlighted chocolate tresses in a side-part and stylish loose wave. The former Strictly dancer complimented her chic outfit with a makeup palette of cool neutral tones. Demure: The actress, 36, looked incredibly chic in a camel-toned number which she paired with a quilted black YSL handbag and complimenting black suede heels She added a designer touch with a black quilted Yves Saint Laurent handbag and she wore a pair of pointed black suede heels. Catherine's partner, Tom, coordinated with her as he sported a nude slim-fitting t-shirt. He finished off with a pair of skinny jeans and brown leather boots as he made his way to the swanky hotel with Catherine. The actress was spotted out on the streets of Manchester during the early morning hours in August as she shot upcoming scenes for her ITV police drama, Viewpoint. The former Corrie star was joined by her costar Noel Clarke, who plays the lead in the surveillance thriller. All smiles: Catherine kept her chocolate tresses in a glamorous loose wave as she posed for pictures beside her partner who wore a nude knitted t-shirt and blue skinny jeans Catherine and Noel were also joined by Dominic Allburn and Alexandra Roach as they filmed in the rain. Her role has not yet been announced but she was seen standing arm in arm with a young girl for her scenes. Viewpoint explores a tense police surveillance investigation into a close Manchester community and questions whether the officers can observe with complete objectivity. Back to work: The actress was spotted out on the streets of Manchester during the early morning hours in August as she shot upcoming scenes for her ITV police drama Viewpoint In the five-part series, DC Martin King sets up his observation post in the home of single mother and secret voyeur, Zoe Sterling, played by Alexandra Roach. Zoe's windows look on to Westbury Square and the home of missing primary school teacher Gemma Hillman, played by Tutenkhamun star Amy Wren. She shares the home with boyfriend and prime suspect in her disappearance, Greg Sullivan, played by I May Destroy You actor Fehinti Balogun. The series is based on an idea by Emmy award-winning director Harry, and is written with Silent Witness creator Ed Whitmore. Loading Pattens office was repeatedly told the State Coroner was lying when he released data showing there had been no increase in the number of people dying by suicide during the pandemic. When Patten pointed out the Australian Medical Association had supported the six-month state of emergency extension, she was asked Why would you trust the AMA?. Its that level of distrust, Patten says. She says fringe groups such as anti-vaxxers and mens rights groups - who already distrust government - are coalescing around COVID-19 conspiracy theories. I honestly dont know how to address this, she adds. Disease and disasters have long been fertile ground for conspiracy theories. When the bubonic plague - spread by fleas - killed about a third of Europes population in the 1300s, Christians accused Jews of poisoning their wells. More recently the 9/11 terror attacks spawned widespread conspiracy theories, including that the US government had been involved and there had been advance warning. Whenever theres any kind of major crisis there is an information vacuum - particularly at the start - when government agencies dont necessarily have all the answers, says Professor Axel Bruns from the Queensland University of Technology. This is compounded by the erosion of public trust in governments and mainstream media across the world. Loading The 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer revealed that none of the four societal institutions that the study measures - government, business, NGOs and the media - is trusted. This pandemic comes at a particularly vulnerable time in many countries because there is so little trust, Bruns says. If people dont feel they are getting the full picture from officials, they look to alternative sources of information. An Essential poll of more than 1000 Australians in May found one in five believed the number of COVID-19 deaths had been exaggerated by the media and governments to scare the population. Twelve per cent believed it was definitely or probably true that the 5G wireless network was being used to spread the COVID-19 virus. Bruns was among a group of researchers who looked at conspiracy theories on Facebook that the virus was caused or exacerbated by 5G technology. This had already led to mobile phone towers being attacked in Britain and the Netherlands in April. The researchers found pre-existing conspiracy groups argued the coronavirus justified and proved their claims. Anti-5G groups, for example, linked COVID-19 to the installation of the technology because Wuhan was one of several Chinese cities where early 5G trials took place. Anti-vaccination groups claimed the pandemic was staged to introduce a mass vaccination program to bring the world population under control. These sort of people are already saying vaccines are population control instruments containing microchips, Bruns says. The virus created a perfect storm for conspiracy theories. The researchers found celebrities and social media fanned misinformation beyond established conspiracist communities. Actor Woody Harrelson posted an article on Instagram - later deleted - that drew links between the virus outbreak in Wuhan and 5G installation there. In Australia, former celebrity chef Pete Evans was fined $25,000 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration after he claimed a device known as a BioCharger, which claimed to replicate light, frequencies, harmonics, pulsed electromagnetic fields and voltage found in nature, could be used in relation to Wuhan Coronavirus. The TGA said this claim had no apparent foundation. Conspiracy theorists also widely circulated Liberal backbencher Craig Kellys claims that "groupthink" and the "complete abandonment of reason" were driving a "war" on hydroxychloroquine, a controversial treatment for COVID-19. Loading Last month acting chief medical officer Professor Paul Kelly said hydroxychloroquine had been used early in the pandemic and it showed promise as a potential preventative or curative medicine. "Its now undergone multiple trials around the world, and everyone has agreed that it ... has not lived up to that promise ... So the medical advice is it is not useful as a medicine," Kelly added. University of Sydney researchers found men and people aged 18 to 25 were more likely to believe COVID-19 myths. Behavioural scientist Dr Carissa Bonner says their initial survey showed younger people and men were more likely to think the benefit of herd immunity was covered up and the threat of COVID-19 was exaggerated. Younger people were more likely to believe cure myths, such as vitamin C and hydroxychloroquine being effective treatments. Those with lower education and more social disadvantage were more likely to believe 5G was being used to spread the virus. However Bonner says the prevalence of the 5G conspiracy theory is very low, with less than 1 per cent of those surveyed holding this belief. The researchers say there is a need for more targeted research with young Australians and men in particular about why some of them believe these myths and what might change their mind. Leading up to Saturday, online activists organised an Australia-wide action known as the Day of Freedom - the latest in a series of protests against COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government. Dr Kaz Ross, a researcher on online communities from the University of Tasmania, says issues raised at these protests often include 5G, government surveillance and vaccinations. She says one general conspiracy theory - QAnon - now unites these disparate groups. Loading QAnon, which started on the anonymous message board 4chan in 2017, is centred on the baseless allegation that US President Donald Trump is working to expose a ring of pedophiles run by figures including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and the deep state. (The term deep state generally refers to a shadow or parallel system of government.) QAnon has grown to encompass other hardcore conspiracies. Trump has shared posts from QAnon followers on his social media accounts and said of the movement: Ive heard these are people that love our country. Republican Marjorie Taylor, a QAnon supporter, is almost certain to be elected to Congress in November. Loading The QAnon movement is also growing in popularity in Australia. An Institute for Strategic Dialogue report in July found the top four countries driving discussion of QAnon on Twitter were the US, Britain, Canada and Australia. If you had surveyed Australians before the pandemic, very few people would have heard of QAnon, Ross says. But she says that since March, people have been increasingly posting QAnon conspiracy theories on social media. These theories include the existence paedophile cabals, children held in tunnels under Melbourne and 5G being rolled out during lockdown so people can be microchipped when the vaccine comes. Ross believes QAnon is attracting followers in Australia because it provides an opportunity for people to share unconventional ideas and concerns without being mocked. It provides an overall framework that is quite familiar to us - a quite comforting narrative of good versus evil and a reassurance that there is a plan, she says. This year does feel very biblical. We have had a summer of fire and brimstone and now we are onto the plague. People are troubled and looking for explanations. On August 19 Facebook announced it was taking action against Facebook pages and groups and Instagram accounts tied to offline anarchist groups that support violent acts amidst protests, US-based militia organisations and QAnon. We have seen growing movements that, while not directly organising violence, have celebrated violent acts, shown that they have weapons and suggest they will use them, or have individual followers with patterns of violent behaviour, Facebook said in a statement. Loading More than 790 groups, 100 pages and 1500 ads tied to QAnon were deleted from Facebook. The previous month Twitter had also cracked down on QAnon accounts, although followers quickly circumvented the ban by introducing new hashtags such as #savethechildren. In one sense of course, banning and removing groups confirms the views of QAnon followers that the deep state is out to get them and suppress the truth. However Bruns, from the Queensland University of Technology, believes the bans have a role to play. They keep ordinary users from being drawn into hardcore and ultimately dangerous conspiracy theories. Ross, from the University of Tasmania, also points to the need for governments and institutions to build trust by being transparent about the reasons for their actions and avoid triggering panic around sensitive issues such as compulsory vaccinations. (Prime Minister Scott Morrison sparked alarm when he spoke of a mandatory vaccine, although he later clarified it was not going to be compulsory.) Cam Smith produces a podcast called The Hypothetical Institute, which examines conspiracies and their theorists. He believes the simplest - although he admits not very conspiratorial - explanation for why conspiracy theories are gaining traction in the pandemic is that people have a lot more time to disappear down rabbit holes on the internet. Smith says people are coming across websites talking about child abuse in tunnels under Melbourne and some believe they are more legitimate than what they are hearing from official sources. We need to look at media literacy and why people are so mistrustful of institutions, Smith says. You cant just solve this by flicking a switch. Surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated by radio-frequency signals applied to interdigital transducers (IDT) control the spin states of optically active color centers in SiC. The coupling strength depends on the spin projection direction of the color centers, which is controlled by an external magnetic field (B). Credit: A. Hernandez-Minguez Researchers from the Paul-Drude-Institut in Berlin, the Helmholtz-Zentrum in Dresden and the Ioffe Institute in St. Petersburg have demonstrated the use of elastic vibrations to manipulate the spin states of optically active color centers in SiC at room temperature. They show a non-trivial dependence of the acoustically induced spin transitions on the spin quantization direction, which can lead to chiral spin-acoustic resonances. These findings are important for applications in future quantum-electronic devices and have recently been published in Physical Review Letters. Color centers in solids are optically active crystallographic defects containing one or more trapped electrons. Of special interest for applications in quantum technologies are optically addressable color centers, that is, lattice defects whose electronic spin states can be selectively initialized and read-out using light. In addition to initialization and read-out, it is also necessary to develop efficient methods to manipulate their spin states, and thus the information stored in them. While this is typically realized by applying microwave fields, an alternative and more efficient method could be the use of mechanical vibrations. Among the different materials for the implementation of such strain-based technologies, SiC is attracting growing attention as a robust material for nano-electromechanical systems with an ultrahigh sensitivity to vibrations that also hosts highly-coherent optically active color centers. In a recent work published in Physical Review Letters, researches from the Paul-Drude-Institut fur Festkorperelektronik, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and the Ioffe Institute have demonstrated the use of elastic vibrations to manipulate the spin states of optically active color centers in SiC at room temperature. In their study, the authors use the periodic modulation of the SiC crystal lattice to induce transitions between the spin levels of the silicon-vacancy center, an optically active color center with spin S=3/2. Of special importance for future applications is the fact that, in contrast to most atom-like light centers, where the observation of strain-induced effects requires cooling the system to very low temperatures, the effects reported here were observed at room temperature. To couple the lattice vibrations to the silicon-vacancy centers, the authors first selectively created such centers by irradiating the SiC with protons. Then they fabricated an acoustic resonator for the excitation of standing surface acoustic waves (SAW) on the SiC. SAWs are elastic vibrations confined to the surface of a solid that resemble seismic waves created during an earthquake. When the frequency of the SAW matches the resonant frequencies of the color centers, the electrons trapped in them can use the energy of the SAW to jump between the different spin sublevels. Due to the special nature of the spin-strain coupling, the SAW can induce jumps between spin states with magnetic quantum number differences m=1 and m=2, while microwave-induced ones are restricted to m=1. This allows to realize full control of the spin states using high-frequency vibrations without the aid of external microwave fields. In addition, due to the intrinsic symmetry of the SAW strain fields combined with the peculiar properties of the half-integer spin system, the intensity of such spin transitions depends on the angle between SAW propagation and spin quantization directions, which can be controlled by an external magnetic field. Moreover, the authors predict a chiral spin-acoustic resonance under traveling SAWs. This means that, under certain experimental conditions, the spin transitions can be switched on or off by inverting the magnetic field or the SAW propagation direction. These findings establish silicon carbide as a highly promising hybrid platform for on-chip spin-optomechanical quantum control enabling engineered interactions at room temperature. Explore further Acoustics put a fresh spin on electron transitions More information: A. Hernandez-Minguez et al. Anisotropic Spin-Acoustic Resonance in Silicon Carbide at Room Temperature, Physical Review Letters (2020). Journal information: Physical Review Letters A. Hernandez-Minguez et al. Anisotropic Spin-Acoustic Resonance in Silicon Carbide at Room Temperature,(2020). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.107702 Xi Jinping straightens the ribbons on a flower basket at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2020. Chinese leaders led by Xi Jinping on Thursday morning attended a commemoration in Beijing for the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The other leaders included Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese leaders led by Xi Jinping on Thursday morning attended a commemoration in Beijing for the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The other leaders included Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan. The event was held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression near Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, in the western suburb of Beijing. It was also attended by representatives from all walks of life, including veterans who took part in the war, relatives of military officers and martyrs who fought in the war, and relatives of foreign friends who contributed to the victory of the war. The commemoration started at 10 a.m. All participants sang the national anthem and then paid a silent tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the war. After the mourning, 14 honor guards laid seven flower baskets, with characters "Eternal Glory to Martyrs Who Died in Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" on their red ribbons, in the entrance hall of the museum. Xi and other leaders ascended the steps and stopped in front of the flower baskets. Xi straightened the ribbons on a basket. Then, other senior officials and representatives from all walks of life presented bouquets of flowers to martyrs. 7 1 [ Editor: WXY ] Crewman killed as oil tanker fire rages for second day off Sri Lanka coast The New Diamond is classified as a very large crude carrier (VLCC), and is about 330 metres (1,080 feet) long A Panamanian-registered oil tanker burned out of control for a second day off Sri Lanka on Friday as authorities confirmed a Filipino crew member was killed in an explosion and fears grew of a major new oil spill in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan navy and Indian coastguard vessels fired water cannon at the blaze on the New Diamond, which issued a distress call Thursday after its engine room exploded. A Sri Lankan helicopter was dropping water from the air on the blaze at the rear of the vessel. The fire had not spread to the 270,000 tonnes of crude and 1,700 tonnes of diesel the tanker is carrying, Sri Lanka's navy said. "Preliminary information from the ship's crew confirmed that a Filipino seaman on board had died in a boiler explosion," the navy said in a statement. All but one of the 23-member crew -- 18 Filipinos and five Greek nationals -- were rescued on Thursday. The ship's third officer, also a Filipino, had suffered burn injuries and was taken to the Kalmunai hospital, 360 kilometres (225 miles) east of the capital Colombo. His condition was stable, the navy spokesman said. Neighbouring India has sent warships and coastguard vessels to help with the rescue, while Sri Lanka's air force deployed a helicopter to douse the flames. The tanker was about 60 kilometres (38 miles) from Sri Lanka's east coast when it sounded the alert and during the night drifted 10 kilometres closer. Sri Lanka's navy said it believed there was no immediate danger to the coastline but remained concerned about the possibility of oil leaking. The New Diamond is classified as a very large crude carrier (VLCC), and is about 330 metres (1,080 feet) long. The stricken vessel is a third larger than the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which crashed into a reef in Mauritius last month leaking over 1,000 tonnes of oil into the island nation's picturesque waters. The New Diamond had been taking the crude from Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip. aj/am/tw/je Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah, the leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry has urged flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama to call his boys to order or forget about being president again. Owusu Bempah is fuming over what he claims to be false allegations and insults directed at him by some persons associated with the NDC. Bempah says some youth who identify with the NDC and its flagbearer have made a habit of attacking him on any platform available to them. The man of God cautioned those persons against peddling falsehood against him. Among the allegations which he says have been made against him is a prophecy that Akufo-Addo will die if he does not build a national cathedral. He asked them to learn from the NPP communicators who in his wisdom speak to issues and not attack personalities. He warned that failure of the NDC to tame its attack dogs will keep them in opposition for eternity. They are alleging that I have said that President Akufo-Addo will die if he doesnt build a national cathedral. I want to say that it is not true and I have never said it anywhere. I dont know where they heard it from but it is not true. You cant use politics and say negative things about me. If Mahama thinks Kevin Taylor can help him win the elections, then he should forget. Because that guys comment and conduct are not good. Abronye and Ernest Owusu Bempah always discuss issues instead of persons. I can equally insult them but its because of my work. Im not afraid of anyone but I am Gods servant. Im not God but I want them to know that the more they insult me, the more they will be in opposition he said on Okay FM. 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 What if we pull the plug too early? In the age of COVID-19, decisions about death are fraught. What if we pull the plug too early? In the age of COVID-19, decisions about death are fraught. For nearly an hour, Nora Rangels husband and son hovered outside her hospital room, hoping she could feel their presence through her sedation. Tears came and went as they contemplated what the doctors were saying that, more than a month into her illness, the 63-year-old was losing her battle with COVID-19. A hospital case worker approached, proffering a form and a business card for hospice care. Had they made a decision? The visit was supposed to help them arrive at one. But at this distance, Noras husband, Enrique, and son, Andy, couldnt discern how she was doing. Through the window, they could barely make out her face, and her motionless body was covered in a sheet. If only they could see her up close, Andy thought. Heavy with worry, father and son walked to the parking lot, where Noras other children were waiting. They decided they werent ready to give up on Nora, the backbone of their family mother of four, grandmother of eight, wife of nearly 44 years. Not yet. As the coronavirus burned through San Antonio this summer, Noras family confronted a series of agonizing choices while she deteriorated at Southwest General Hospital. Many families were facing the same questions, making complex decisions about the medical care of loved ones from a distance. As infection rates soared, hospitals and other health care facilities adopted strict visitation policies that largely kept families from patients bedsides. The physical separation upended some of the most delicate conversations in medicine, those between hospitals and families about the end of life. Hospital staff fielded frequent calls from the families of seriously ill COVID patients, who were hungry for information and desperate for signs that their loved ones were recovering. They tried to bridge the gap through videoconferencing and daily phone calls, but those workarounds could not fully replace face-to-face conversations and extended time at a patients side. How we did this Photographer Lisa Krantz and reporter Lauren Caruba spent more than a month reporting on the family of Nora Rangel after she fell critically ill with COVID-19. Before Nora's death, Krantz photographed her family during their video calls with her and as they held a prayer vigil outside the hospital. Krantz and Caruba both traveled to Del Rio in late July to attend her funeral visitation and burial. In addition to interviewing Nora's four children, Caruba also spoke with palliative care doctors and nurses, a pastoral care director and a bioethics expert. This is not normal, to be separated when your loved one may be dying, said Erin Perez, a palliative care nurse practitioner at University Hospital. All this occurred during a period of crisis for San Antonios hospitals, where overworked staff cared for a flood of COVID patients. The disconnect between families and hospitals was made all the more difficult by COVID itself, a disease that can chart an unpredictable course and lead to lengthy hospitalizations in the most severe cases. Blindsided by an illness no one could have planned for, families have had to grapple with the reality that those closest to them were suddenly dying. Noras family endured weeks of frustration and indecision. They struggled to understand how sick she was becoming. Different hospital workers relayed conflicting information about her condition. During numerous calls among themselves and with her care team at Southwest General, they talked in circles about her prognosis. At times, it felt like the questions they faced had no clear answers. Would a ventilator help or hurt? When was the right time to remove life support? How could they know for sure? You read about so many stories of these people that have COVID for two months, three months, more. Theyre on ventilators even longer than my mom, and theyre walking out of the hospital, said her other son, Henry Rangel. What if we pull the plug too early? How can we live with that? They decided to let their faith guide them. All along, they were praying for a miracle. Before the pandemic, the Rangel family gathered almost every weekend. There was regular traffic between Nora and Enriques house in Del Rio, where their daughter Alex Vasquez also lived, and the San Antonio area, home to her sons and other daughter, Vanessa Dyer. At the center of it all was Nora, whose given name was Leonor. She always seemed to be worrying about everyone but herself cooking her childrens favorite meals, doting on her grandchildren and driving to Mexico to bring food and gifts to relatives. As the coronavirus began spreading across Texas, the Rangels had to resist their instinct to be together. It wasnt until a weekend in early June that the entire family gathered at Vanessas home in Helotes to celebrate her twin daughters second birthday. In San Antonio, coronavirus cases and hospitalizations were rising. They wouldnt begin to spike until the following week. On ExpressNews.com: Night Shift: 18 hours inside a COVID-19 ICU Before the party, Henry developed a cough and felt fatigued. After hearing that a worker at a bar hed patronized had contracted the coronavirus, he decided to get tested before seeing his family. The results were negative, but, still feeling tired, he stationed himself on the couch. The following week, Henrys symptoms worsened. Other family members began to fall ill. Henry got tested again. This time, it showed he was infected. Im sorry that I tested positive, he wrote in a group text to the family, urging them to get tested if they felt sick. I never meant to put anyone at risk, especially the kids. I know this could have happened to any of us, Vanessa replied. You didnt know you were really positive, Alex wrote next. In the end its our own responsibility to stay safe. Vanessa and Andy were developing symptoms consistent with COVID. By June 19, their mother, a diabetic, had a fever, chills and fatigue. At STAT Specialty Hospital, a free-standing emergency center in Del Rio, she registered a fever and low oxygen saturation levels, though she wasnt struggling for breath. The hospital recommended Nora be monitored overnight. Late that night, she was transferred by ambulance to Southwest General. *** The familys expectation that Nora would be released quickly from the hospital dissolved. She was soon transferred to the intensive care unit, where she spent a few days before being moved back to a regular room. Nora, who only spoke Spanish, didnt have access to bilingual nurses. She kept her phone on her lap, and when she needed something, she called her daughters so they could contact the nurses station on her behalf. She had to rely on a translation device to communicate with doctors. Accustomed to being surrounded by loved ones, Nora frequently contacted friends and family. Each morning, she prayed with a friend by phone. Her family members, meanwhile, were coping with their own bouts of COVID. Andy grew depressed while isolating from his wife, son and newborn daughter. Henrys illness was serious enough to land him in a different hospital in San Antonio for three days. Enrique eventually tested positive, too, but his only symptom was lower back pain. Over the next two weeks, the responsibility of communicating with Nora and the hospital fell to Alex and Vanessa, who tested negative but was still quarantining herself as a precaution. On July 5, Nora told Alex the doctor had asked her about a machine but she couldnt provide further details. Alex called the nurse, who confirmed that Noras doctor wanted to know how the family felt about placing her on a ventilator. Later that day, a doctor told Noras daughters that her organs were shutting down, that she was dying. Alex and Vanessa were shocked. They had been under the impression that Nora was fine. The other day, she had been sitting up on her own. Over and over, the family had heard that her oxygen levels were good, not understanding that was due to increasingly aggressive oxygen therapy. They grew more confused when a nurse said that Noras lungs were the only failing organ. They wondered if the doctor was talking about another patient. Clockwise from top: Aiden Dyer, 5, wrote a note to his "Mama," Leonor "Nora" Rangel while his mother and other family members talked to her over FaceTime. (Lisa Krantz | San Antonio Express-News) ; Vanessa, with her twins, Olivia and Sophia, and her son, Aiden, are joined by her sister, Alex, right, and Alex's son, Fabian Vasquez, 8, left, on a video call with Nora. (Lisa Krantz | Express News) ; The nurses helped Nora videoconference with her family every night. Shown are Enrique, from left, Vanessa and Alex on a call with Nora. (Lisa Krantz | Express News) ; Enrique, from left, Vanessa and Alex talk to Nora through a video call that also included Andy and Henry. Nora was hospitalized with COVID-19 on June 19. She was put on a ventilator July 10. Because of coronavirus restrictions, the family wasn't able to be at Nora's bedside during her illness. (Lisa Krantz | Express News) *** The next day, three of Noras children drove to the hospital, intent on straightening things out. They expected to hear that it was all a misunderstanding. Instead, as they crowded into a break room with the doctor, the message was the same: Nora wasnt likely to recover. They had two choices: give her medications and allow her to die comfortably, or transition her to a ventilator. The doctor wasnt optimistic that she would survive intubation. Andy, Henry and Vanessa were allowed to don protective gear to visit Nora, who was receiving oxygen through a BiPAP machine. Through the window to her room, Andy thought she looked exhausted, like a prisoner. At her bedside, her children held her hand and offered words of encouragement, but they didnt relay what the doctor had said. Isolated and unable to communicate easily with hospital workers, Nora had already received anxiety medication. When Alex and Enrique visited later that day, Nora was alert and joking. Alex could not believe the doctors dire prediction. To her, Nora looked and sounded strong. She evaded her mothers questions about the ventilator. Only if its going to help me, Nora said of being hooked to the breathing machine. On ExpressNews.com: A last resort against COVID-19: A ventilator wasn't enough for this 30-year-old patient, so S.A. doctors improvised At Vanessas house that evening, the family discussed their options, explaining to Enrique the choices the doctor had laid out. They agreed being put on a ventilator wasnt what Nora wanted. Noras family was sure their visit had done her good. The next several days, she needed less oxygen and worked with a physical therapist. By the end of the week, it all fell apart. Through a series of frantic calls, the family learned the morning of July 10 that Nora wanted to be put on a ventilator. When Alex finally reached her mother by phone, she explained that the procedure was risky. Nora, a devout Catholic, said she had faith in Jesus Christ. OK, Mom, Alex said. Well do it. Noras other children rushed to the hospital, where the procedure was already underway. Prepared for the worst, they frantically asked various nurses to check on her. They were relieved, and surprised, when one finally told them she was stable. *** The family began researching experimental drugs and procedures to treat COVID, peppering hospital staff with questions, calling around to other hospitals. Anything that could help save Noras life. They fixated on her ventilator settings, growing hopeful any time she needed less oxygen. Each night, hospital staff set up an iPad in Noras hospital room so her family could talk to her through group video calls that eventually stretched to an hour long. They sang and prayed, hoping she could hear them through the sedatives. After about a week, Nora wasnt getting better. Andy got a call from a palliative care doctor, who asked whether the family had considered withdrawing life support. The family wasnt ready to give up. Still, during one call, her children all told her the same thing. Mom, if youre done, you can rest. Were all going to be OK. The next morning, the oxygen on her ventilator was increased to the maximum level. The Rangels conferred again. This time, they decided that if she didnt improve soon, they would remove her from the ventilator. Days passed with little change. They couldnt bring themselves to make the call. Doctors mentioned hospice care. The Rangels werent interested in talking with the palliative care doctor, who didnt respond to their questions about what was being done to help Nora. Andy wanted answers, not attempts to persuade him that all options had been exhausted. The family bristled at doctors suggestions that she was suffering. How could she be, if she was sedated? You might be a doctor, but you cant tell us that shes suffering, Henry said. Andy didnt want his mother to struggle. Could this be the end? Then Vanessa and Alex said something that brought the family clarity. Only God could decide when Nora died. It wasnt their place to choose. *** As the coronavirus reached into every corner of the country, it exposed the cracks in the U.S. health care system, said Serife Tekin, a University of Texas at San Antonio assistant professor who focuses on bioethics. That includes thorny discussions about advanced directives wishes about ventilators, resuscitation and quality of life after a serious illness or injury which can be articulated formally in documents but remain an afterthought for many families. This should serve as a learning lesson for us, just like a lot of points in the history of medicine, Tekin said. We need to use this moment to talk more proactively about end-of-life decisions. But the suddenness of San Antonios coronavirus surge over the summer interfered with that. Throughout July, more than 1,000 people were being treated for COVID in area hospitals on any given day. Hundreds were critically ill. To keep up, hospitals brought on extra staff from contract agencies, the state health department and the military. At Southwest General, three ICUs were opened just for COVID patients. At the height of the surge, the hospital had nearly doubled its normal number of staffed beds, with help from around 150 visiting nurses. In many cases, staff, who were physically and emotionally exhausted, were working alongside strangers. On ExpressNews.com: Were all fearful of what could happen: COVID deaths rise in San Antonio as hospitals are pushed to capacity Death was inescapable. At Northeast Baptist Hospital, where Timothy Cranfill directs pastoral care, deaths were 60 percent higher in July than the same month last year. The cumulative toll of one death after another began to weigh on hospital workers, who at times felt helpless against the ravages of the virus. Stuck on the outside, families might not have fully grasped the crisis hospitals were in or what was happening with their loved ones. At bedside, family members can see swelling as excess fluid builds up in the body. They can hear the machines that are keeping the person artificially alive. They can feel the persons hands, icy cold from medications that draw blood from the extremities to keep the heart pumping. Take away that close contact and families lose those clues about a persons condition. Instead, they can be left bewildered by the diseases progression, including sudden downturns that are a hallmark of COVID. Mixed messaging from different hospital staff, while not intentional, can inadvertently add to families confusion about a loved ones medical care. In some cases, Cranfill said, the families of COVID patients have clung to little pieces of hope that their family member would be the exception to a devastating disease. Sometimes, hope can become desperation. The math just doesnt add up across telephone lines, Cranfill said. *** Even under the best of circumstances, discussions about seriously sick patients can force physicians and families into an uncomfortable spot, said Dr. Jason Morrow, a University Hospital palliative care physician and UT Health San Antonio associate professor who helps lead the medical schools ethics curriculum. Families dont want to hear bad news, and doctors dont want to give it. There is danger of sugarcoating the situation or being overly negative about it. You can either empathize and be kind, or you can be the Grim Reaper, Morrow said. And that feels like an unfair dichotomy. To circumvent that, Morrow tries to connect with families as soon as a person enters the ICU. He lays out two sets of milestones: the ones that would indicate the patient is recovering, and those that are worrisome. This approach, he has found, allows him to be factual during his daily updates with families, who already know the good signs and the bad. Those indicators can help families make choices that are guided by the patients wishes, including whether theyd want extreme life-saving measures. At one point, Morrow treated an elderly man with COVID whose wife also was hospitalized with the virus. They had been married for the better part of a century, and his wife couldnt bear to let him go. But the man, recognizing that his body was failing, had already decided against being put on a ventilator. Before he died, hospital staff brought his wife to his room so they could hold hands and say their goodbyes. On ExpressNews.com: Its going to last a while: Influx of COVID-19 patients threatens to push San Antonio hospitals to the breaking point Vanessa grieves the loss of her mother, Nora. Vanessa and her brother Andy were able to see their mother in person the evening before she died. Vanessa grieves the loss of her mother, Nora. Vanessa and her brother Andy were able to see their mother in person the evening before she died. Photo: Lisa Krantz, Staff Photographer Photo: Lisa Krantz, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close What if we pull the plug too early?: In the age of COVID-19, decisions about death are fraught 1 / 13 Back to Gallery Before the pandemic, Morrow would bring doctors and immediate family together in a room to discuss a critically ill persons prognosis. During these conferences, family members would often turn to each other with a common refrain: What do you think? In the age of COVID, that couldnt happen. Morrows communication with families now revolves around daily video calls, relegating complex conversations and emotions to a digital medium. Morrow said he could see how a surge might pressure hospitals to rush end-of-life decisions. But he is acutely aware that, to each family, only one person matters. He said daily video calls, while time-consuming, were the least the hospital could do under the circumstances. At Northeast Baptist, one of the chaplain residents rigged an iPhone on a selfie stick to a remote-controlled car, so that families could videoconference with patients without health care workers having to enter the room for each call. Steward Health Care, Southwest Generals parent company, declined to comment on the specifics of Noras case. In a statement, a spokesperson said the hospital went above and beyond to provide compassionate care for this patient and to keep the patients family informed through regular communication during an incredibly emotional and difficult time. Jonathan Turton, Southwest Generals president, said the circumstances created by the pandemic were simply impossible. Even as they followed state visitation guidelines and tried to augment communication through video calls, there was no way to fully meet families need for information. Sure, theyre talking to the nurse. Theyre having short, brief conversations with doctors that are carrying tremendous workloads, Turton said. And theyre still not getting enough. Because even if they were getting accurate and complete information, it still doesnt meet the emotional needs of, That is my family member. That is my loved one. I need to know more. I need to see more. On ExpressNews.com: Towards the fire: Still filled with COVID-19 patients, San Antonio hospitals dance on the edge of disaster Dr. Diana Fite, a Houston emergency room physician and president of the Texas Medical Association, said as the coronavirus raged across the state, member physicians complained about limited visitation for the families of critically ill patients. Visitation policies for hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities were hastily drafted at the beginning of the U.S. epidemic, when there were still many unknowns about how the virus spread. In many cases, COVID patients couldnt have any visitors. Such rules were intended to ensure safety, Fite said. But they failed to account for the agony this would put patients families through, nor the stress that it would impose on doctors and nurses, some of whom were at a loss to explain the nuances of a still new disease. On Aug. 12, Fite, along with leaders from the states other medical professional groups, asked the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to allow daily visitation with patients who are likely near death or already in hospice care and in-person meetings to discuss their care. Such a change would hinge on the availability of protective equipment for visitors and staff to guide them. But the public health crisis created by the coronavirus could last for years, the request noted, heightening the need for flexibility in end-of-life situations. Theyre dying, Fite said. There just has to be some consideration to the emotional and mental and spiritual aspect of all of this. *** On July 23, the Rangels and a small group of supporters gathered in the parking lot outside Southwest General. For an hour, they sang and prayed for Noras recovery. It was streamed to a Facebook page Andy created to collect prayers for Nora from friends and family. Both doctors and the nurse believed that mom wouldnt survive the transition to the ventilator, he wrote on the pages description. Mom and God proved them all wrong. He had been posting daily updates on his mothers condition, fervently maintaining faith that she would survive, even as her prognosis grew increasingly dire. The family wanted Nora to be put on dialysis, but doctors said she was too fragile and it would only prolong the inevitable. The kidney doctor mentioned she wasnt showing any dilation in her pupils yesterday and believed she was brain dead, Andy wrote July 25. A nurse also said that mom occasionally takes a breath on her own. I understand these are tiny signs of life but they keep us hopeful. The family had blanched at this assessment. Scared, they pressed doctors for more information. We want to know if shes brain dead and thats going to help our decision, Andy said, referring to his conversation with the doctor. And then hes like, What does it matter if her lungs are already done? That evening, a nurse called. Noras blood pressure and oxygen levels were plummeting. The whole family got on a video call with Nora; and after more than three hours, Andy and Vanessa got permission from the hospital to see her in person. They remained on the phone with their family as they drove. At the hospital, a nurse gave them gowns but blocked Vanessa when she attempted to open the door to Noras room. He apologized as she began to cry. They stood in the hallway for some time, until there were no staff in the area. Vanessa wanted to go inside, but Andy was hesitant. Other family members, still on the phone, encouraged them to take the risk. What did they have to lose? Vanessa made up her mind. She wasnt going to say goodbye through a window. She opened the door and quickly stole inside. When Andy went in next, he was finally close enough to truly see what COVID had done to his mother. He noticed how swollen her body had become, her chapped lips, the crust that had formed on her eyes and nose. He hugged her, ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her stomach. He traced the sign of the cross over her. The hospital didnt have a chaplain, so before they left, they arranged for a priest in Del Rio to say a prayer by phone. A nurse agreed to place a rosary in her room. That night, Vanessa and Andy fell asleep immediately. They felt at ease. Early the next morning, the hospital called again. Nora was fading. Her family rushed to get on a video call with her. Within minutes, she was gone. Clockwise from top: Alex and her husband, Roberto Vasquez Jr., comfort their son, Fabian Vasquez, 8, as he kneels in front of his grandmother's casket during the July 31 visitation at Trinity Mortuary in Del Rio. (Lisa Krantz | Express News) ; Andy pins a flower on his fathers lapel before the Aug. 1 funeral service for Nora, shown in the photo at right. (Lisa Krantz, Staff Photographer | Express News) ; Vanessa, center, grieves for her mother during Noras burial service. Her father, Enrique, is on the left. (Lisa Krantz, Staff Photographer | Express News) ; Alex, left, reaches out to her father, Enrique, during the burial service for Nora at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Del Rio. (Lisa Krantz, Staff Photographer | Express News) *** Five days later, the Rangels filed into the Del Rio funeral homes chapel, where Noras casket lay. Her visitation and rosary would begin in a half-hour. Masks were mandatory. Blue tape roped off alternating pews to encourage physical distancing. A cordon of yellow tape created a buffer of several feet around her casket. A blue surgical mask had been carefully placed on her face. Shortly before their arrival, the funeral home director had called to inform them that the skin around Noras mouth had been damaged by the ventilator and embalming chemicals. The mask was covering the disfigurement. Noras family understood that the mask was there to protect them from further pain. But it almost added insult to injury, Henry thought, considering how she died. He was also bothered by the barrier, which they hadnt been told about beforehand, and the idea that it could ever keep him from touching his mother. One by one, Noras husband and children walked to the side of the casket where the barrier didnt extend, so they could caress her face, hold her hand and whisper in her ear. Noras 8-year-old grandson, Fabian, who had been particularly close to her, knelt at the casket. He bowed his head and began to cry, removing his glasses to wipe away the tears that fell above his mask. For the next four hours, Andy found himself looking up at a screen on a wall, which was playing a slideshow of photos and videos of Nora. Lounging at the beach, celebrating holidays, holding her grandchildren, dancing in a purple dress. That was who his mother was. Not this body that looked nothing like her. Less than a week after her funeral, Enrique and his children visited Noras grave to mark their 44th wedding anniversary. After the emotional roller coaster of Noras illness, her children are grateful for the frequent video calls and the limited visits they did get, that they were on the phone with her when she died. Not all families of COVID patients had such access, especially during the worst of the surge. Still, they wish they had known what questions to ask the hospital. They wish they had earlier understood the severity of her illness. They wish the hospital had more clearly communicated to them what was happening. The whole thing felt excruciating, even cruel, Henry said. His mother was separated from her family when she needed them most. She deserved all of us to be at her bedside. Thats what she deserved, Henry said. Not to be alone, in a bed. Design by Joy-Marie Scott Lauren Caruba covers health care and medicine in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Lauren, become a subscriber. lcaruba@express-news.net | Twitter: @LaurenCaruba Lisa Krantz is a national-award winning photojournalist at the San Antonio Express-News. lkrantz@express-news.net | Twitter: @Lisakrantz Subscribe Real news. Real trust. Real community. Subscribe to the San Antonio Express-News to support quality local journalism. Today's Paper " " Geronimo is one of the most well-known American Indians, but his true story probably isn't how you remember it. Library of Congress Geronimo's life story often veers from his legend: He was depicted in U.S. and Mexican culture as a frighteningly fierce warrior and as a representative of bravery for the World War II paratroopers who yelled his name as they jumped from planes. He was called "the most famous North American Indian of all time," by one of his biographers. But in reality, Geronimo was less of a mythic figure to his people. In fact, he was relatively unknown outside the Chiricahua Apache until he reached middle age, according to The Washington Post. "In our tribe, Geronimo was not a very important person," says Michael Darrow, Fort Sill Apache tribal historian. "He was not a chief." A century ago, Geronimo wouldn't have been a big deal to the tribe. Yet to many Americans in the 19th century, Geronimo epitomized the trope of the fierce warrior Indian. He represented the rhetoric that could be used to justify "protecting" settlers by moving Indians onto reservations. And that rhetoric was applied to the Apache more generally. "One of the things that is very common in writing about Apache is to use the term warriors," Darrow says. However, the Apache language doesn't have a term that translates to warrior. "History books, and as a result, the popular portrayal of Apache in books and movies, are that Apache are fierce and warlike." Geronimo's own telling of his childhood offers a different story. Advertisement Geronimo's Early Life There are two tales about when and where Geronimo was born. According to Robert M. Utley, historian and author of "Geronimo," it was in 1823 in the upper Gila River Valley in what is now New Mexico. But when Geronimo told his life story as an octogenarian in "Geronimo's Story of His Life: As Told to S.M. Barrett, he said he was born in what's now Arizona in 1829. Either way, the territory would have been part of Mexico until the 1848 Mexican Cession following the Mexican-American War and the 1854 Gadsden Purchase. What's not disputed is that Geronimo was born into the Bedonkohe band of the Chiricahua Apache tribe and was named Goyahkla, which means the "one who yawns." He was the fourth child of a family with four boys and four girls. In "Geronimo's Story of His Life: As Told to S.M. Barrett," he described his homeland around the headwaters of the Gila River: This range was our fatherland; among these mountains our wigwams were hidden; the scattered valleys contained our fields; the boundless prairies, stretching away on every side, were our pastures; the rocky caverns were our burying places. Geronimo recounts a childhood spent cultivating crops, harvesting wild-growing tobacco, grinding corn, and taking trips to gather nuts and berries. Around the age of 8 or 10, he joined in "the chase," hunting buffalo, deer, antelope and elk, slaughtering only those the tribe needed. He reported having killed many bears with a spear and mountain lions with arrows. Importantly, Geronimo says that as a youth, he never saw a missionary or a priest. "We had never seen a white man." " " Geronimo (far right) is seen here with his son and two other warriors. Library of Congress Advertisement Tragedy and Revenge In 1858, the Bedonkohe Apache went south to Old Mexico, camping just outside a town the Indians called Kaskiyeh, and going in each day to trade. Women and children remained at the camp. One afternoon, upon returning, the tribesmen learned that Mexican troops had attacked the camp, killed all of the guards, captured the ponies and weapons, and killed many of the women and children. Among the victims were Geronimo's mother, his wife Alope and their three children. From his biography: That night I did not give my vote for or against any measure; but it was decided that as there were only eighty warriors left, and as we were without arms or supplies, and were furthermore surrounded by the Mexicans far inside their own territory, we could not hope to fight successfully. So our chief, Mangus-Colorado, gave the order to start at once in perfect silence for our homes in Arizona, leaving the dead upon the field. I stood until all had passed, hardly knowing what I would do I had no weapon, nor did I hardly wish to fight, neither did I contemplate recovering the bodies of my loved ones, for that was forbidden. I did not pray, nor did I resolve to do anything in particular, for I had no purpose left. I finally followed the tribe silently, keeping just within hearing distance of the soft noise of the feet of the retreating Apaches. A few days later, the tribe returned to its own settlement. Chief Mangus-Colorado (or Mangas Coloradas), called a council. The Bedonkohe were determined to "take the warpath" against Mexico. Geronimo was sent to ask neighboring tribes to help, receiving it from the Chokonen Apache led by Cochise and the Nedni Apache led by Whoa. Geronimo spent the next quarter-century "attacking and evading both Mexican and U.S. troops, vowing to kill as many white men as he could," according to Smithsonian Magazine. But it would be a mistake to think of Geronimo as a patriot chief fighting for the preservation of his homeland, Utley explains in an email. "Wrong on all counts. He wasn't a patriot, or a chief or fighting for his homeland." He was fighting for his own cause. " " Many from the Apache tribe say Geronimo's vengeful actions weren't for the good of the tribe, that he was fighting instead for his own cause. Library of Congress Advertisement Resisting the White Man During the second half of the 19th century, with the takeover of the American Southwest and American westward expansion, the U.S. government forced Apache onto reservations. Geronimo left the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona to which he had been assigned multiple times, resisting capture by and fighting against U.S. soldiers and Mexican alike. "Geronimo's actions kept the Chiricahuas constantly riled up as long as he was on the San Carlos Reservation," Utley says. "If I were to indulge in modern politics, I would compare him to a national leader who keeps the public pot boiling. The Chiricahua trajectory was altered to the effect that they were all sent to Florida because of Geronimo, but didn't deserve it." For many years, Geronimo and the Apache "violently resisted the influx of the white settlers," according to History. Legend has it that he earned his nickname from Mexican soldiers crying out to St. Jerome when facing him. In fact, his notoriety among white settlers was such that they would threaten their children that Geronimo would come for them if they were bad. During his years eluding the U.S. government, Geronimo achieved significant coverage in newspapers. "Some were mere rumors or fabrications, but the stories were bad enough to brand this man a bloody butcher who shot, lanced or knifed dozens of victims throughout his adult life," Utley writes in his book. "[T]he public at large knew the name to stand for terrible atrocities." " " Geronimo stands with other Apache warriors, women and children shortly before his surrender to General George Crook, March 27, 1886. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images Advertisement Treaty Negotiation Not Surrender Before the U.S. government's decision to move all Native Americans in the Southwest to reservations in the 1870s, Geronimo said the greatest wrong ever done to his tribe was in 1863 when chief Mangus-Colorado agreed to a peace treaty with the U.S. General Joseph Rodman West at Apache Tejo, New Mexico, (Fort McLane) in exchange for provisions for his people. Mangus-Colorado took about half of the tribe to New Mexico, where, instead of peace, they were taken into custody. West ordered the chief's execution and he was tortured and killed that night for trying to escape. Geronimo and his followers fled for the mountains out of fear. U.S. troops continually attacked their camps until he was taken as a prisoner of war on the San Carlos Reservation. But in 1885, Geronimo and 135 followers, including men, women and children, broke out and avoided capture for nearly a year. They were pursued for months by as many as 5,000 U.S. soldiers and 3,000 Mexicans led by U.S. General George R. Crook. However, they escaped once again. The pursuit was taken up again by General Nelson Miles, who eventually forced Geronimo to turn himself in near Fort Bowie on Sept. 4, 1886. By that time, the Apache were simply exhausted and outnumbered. His "surrender" is said to have ended the American-Indian Wars. But in Geronimo's mind, he had met with Miles to negotiate a treaty, not surrender. For Miles, claiming to be the military leader who got Geronimo to surrender offered more prestige. "It was certainly not an unconditional surrender as it had been portrayed," Darrow says. After the surrender, Geronimo and 400 Apache were sent to Fort Pickens, Florida, on Sept. 8, 1886. After a few years, they were moved to Alabama and finally to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1894. "Before the imprisonment, Geronimo doesn't seem to have done much to try to benefit the tribe as a whole," explains Darrow. Once the tribe was imprisoned, he did utilize what influence he had to try to get them released. Initially, the Apache had been promised they would not be imprisoned more than two years and would be given their own reservation and homeland. But when Darrow's grandmother was born in 1892, she was a POW in Alabama. " " Geronimo is seen with his warriors on a reservation 1886. He is the one mounted high on the horse. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images Advertisement Geronimo's Death and Legacy Geronimo lived at Fort Sill from 1894 until his death Feb. 17, 1909. During his years on the Oklahoma reservation, Geronimo left for participation in Pawnee Bill's Wild West show, billed as "The Worst Indian That Ever Lived." He took part in the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 and participated in President Theodore Roosevelt's inauguration, where he was put on display even though his requests for the return of Chiricahua land were denied. In February 1909, Geronimo fell off his horse on the way back to Fort Sill from Lawton, Oklahoma, at night. He was found the following morning and developed a cold, which turned into pneumonia. Within the week, he was dead. Still a prisoner of war, Geronimo was buried at Fort Sill. His legend was a sort of excuse for keeping the tribe as POWs for nearly 30 years, according to Darrow. "Nobody was willing to risk their reputation allowing Geronimo to be free," he says. It was in the political interest of the United States government to keep them imprisoned and portray them as a fierce, aggressive people who were potentially dangerous. Now That's Interesting Geronimo dedicated his 1906 autobiography to President Theodore Roosevelt, listing a few reasons for doing so, including "because I believe that he is fair-minded and will cause my people to receive justice in the future." The Fort Sill Chiracahua were not released until 1914, two presidents later. Mark Zuckerberg warned there could civil unrest and violence this November if the result of the election is not immediately known and said his company is doing its part to make sure none of that is organized via Facebook. 'There is, unfortunately, I think, a heightened risk of civil unrest in the period between voting and a result being called,' Zuckerberg told Axios in an interview. 'We're trying to make sure that we do our part to make sure that none of this is organized on Facebook,' he said. 'I think we need to be doing everything that we can to reduce the chances of violence or civil unrest in the wake of this election.' Mark Zuckerberg warned there could civil unrest and violence this November if the result of the election is not immediately known The results of the November election between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden may not be known for weeks due to the large number of people using mail in voting because of the coronavirus pandemic Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook would do its part to keep groups from organizing violent protests if the November election is not immediately decided Groups often use the social media network to organize events. Zuckerberg's comments come after Facebook announced a series of measures to prevent interference in the election. But the plans also addressed what would happen if the results aren't known after the November 3 election date - a scenario seen as increasingly likely given that more than 80 million people are expected to use mail-in ballots to vote because of the coronavirus pandemic. Zuckerberg said Facebook and news organizations needed to start 'preparing the American people that there's nothing illegitimate about this election,' even if it takes 'additional days or even weeks to make sure that all of the votes are counted.' 'So we're going to do a bunch of different messaging around that just to make sure that people know that that's normal,' he told Axios. Facebook will also refute attempts to delegitimize the election, something Democrats fear President Donald Trump will try to do. The president has already claimed that voting by mail can lead to election fraud despite numerous studies showing that it does not. Facebook will add warnings to any content meant to 'delegitimize the outcome of the election or discuss the legitimacy of voting methods, for example, by claiming that lawful methods of voting will lead to fraud,' the company warned in its new policies announced on Thursday. Additionally, Zuckerberg said he's had personal conversations with President Trump about the rhetoric he posts on Facebook, telling him that some of it was 'problematic.' 'I have had certain discussions with him in the past and where I've told him that I thought some of the rhetoric was problematic. If I did talk to him, you know, be clear about how - just the importance of making sure that people have confidence in the election,' Zuckerberg told CBS' 'This Morning.' More than 80 million Americans are expected to vote by mail in the general election due to the coronavirus pandemic Mark Zuckerberg said he's had personal conversations with President Donald Trump about the rhetoric he posts on Facebook Mark Zuckerberg and President Trump in the Oval Office last September; the two men also had dinner together at the White House last November The founder and CEO of Facebook said that Facebook's new election policies would apply to President Trump, who has had previous social media posts flagged for containing misleading information. 'This will definitely apply to the president once this policy goes into place and it will apply to everyone equally,' Zuckerberg told CBS News. It's unclear when Zuckerberg had his conversation with President Trump about his social media postings but the two men had dinner together in the White House last November. In September of last year, Trump posted a picture to his Facebook page of him and Zuckerberg meeting in the Oval Office. As part of its new policies, Facebook will ban all new political advertisements the week before the election but existing ads will still be in play on the social media platform. 'We're going to block new political and issue ads during the final week of the campaign. It's important that campaigns can run get out the vote campaigns, and I generally believe the best antidote to bad speech is more speech, but in the final days of an election there may not be enough time to contest new claims,' Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday. The sweeping set of actions - the biggest the company has announced to date - comes amid what is expected to be a contentious election between President Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Election Day is two months away. 'This election is not going to be business as usual. We all have a responsibility to protect our democracy,' Zuckerberg wrote. The Trump campaign on Thursday slammed the announcement: 'When millions of voters will be making their decisions, the president will be silenced by the Silicon Valley Mafia,' said Samantha Zager, a Trump campaign spokeswoman. Mark Zuckerberg announced a series of sweeping changes to Facebook policy to prevent any interference in the 2020 election FACEBOOK'S ELECTION PLAN All new political ads on Facebook and Instagram banned a week from November 3 - but existing ones can stay be re-used and be re-targeted Company is starting to remove 'misinformation about voting' now, not 72 hours before November 3 as had been planned Group forwarding on Facebook Messenger is suspended so users can only forward 5 messages at a time, instead of bulk groups of contacts. Simila r measures were used on the internationally popular WhatsApp in other countries including India to 'prevent spreading misinformation' Posts with 'implicit' voter suppression will be removed. Zuckerberg highlighted an example of a post saying 'I hear anybody with a driver's license gets a ballot this year'saying 'because it might mislead you about what you need to do to get a ballot, even if that wouldn't necessarily invalidate your vote by itself.' Posts with claims that taking part in voting will lead to getting COVID-19 will be removed Ads making similar claims are banned immediately A 'voting information center' will be at the top of the Instagram and Facebook feeds 'most days' before the election - although a start date was not given The 'voting information center' will tell people 'there is nothing illegitimate about not having a result on election night.' Anyone claiming victory before it has been called by Reuters will have their post flagged with a link to the official results Claims that legal voting methods will lead to fraud will be flagged - but there is no promise to remove th em Advertisement But Democratic digital group Acronym said in a statement that Facebook's move amounted to deciding to 'tip the scales of the election to those with the greatest followings on Facebook - and that includes President Trump and the right-wing media that serves him.' The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The changes were announced amid concerns about the role social media companies will play in the November contest. Facebook has become one of the main campaign battlegrounds between Trump and Biden. The president's campaign and its supporting entities have dropped ad after ad against his Democratic rival - some of which have been banned and others flagged for misleading content. Biden's campaign has been critical of Facebook for not doing more to counter the false information. Zuckerberg's announcement included a warning about possible unrest and voter disenfranchisement in the build up to November 3. 'The U.S. elections are just two months away, and with COVID-19 affecting communities across the country, I'm concerned about the challenges people could face when voting,' he wrote. 'I'm also worried that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or even weeks to be finalized, there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country.' Zuckerberg outlined a series of other changes, including information on how to register to vote and vote by mail available on the social media platform, working with officials to remove misinformation about voting, limiting forwarding on Facebook Messenger, and clamping down on attempts to claim victory should the November results not be known in a timely manner. 'If any candidate or campaign tries to declare victory before the results are in, we'll add a label to their post educating that official results are not yet in and directing people to the official results,' he wrote. The company will also continue to remove conspiracy groups like QAnon from its platform. And Facebook will remove any posts that convey misinformation about COVID-19 and voting. Facebook and other social media companies have been under increased scrutiny this year for any misleading information posted to their platforms meant to influence the election. And Facebook has long been criticized for not fact-checking political ads or limiting how they can be targeted at small groups of people. Joe Biden's campaign has complained to Facebook about misleading information the Trump campaign has posted to Facebook about him The new Facebook policies will apply to President Trump Facebook has been battered by criticism, including from its own employees, since allowing several inflammatory posts by Trump to remain untouched earlier this summer, including one that contained misleading claims about mail-in ballots. Experts on disinformation have also raised the alarm, echoed in threat assessments by Facebook executives, about false claims and conspiracy theories spreading in the increasingly likely scenario that official results are not immediately available on election night. Vanita Gupta, president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, tweeted that Facebook's moves were 'significant improvements and come after much pressure from the civil rights community. But everything - any impact - rests on enforcement. We'll remain vigilant.' Zuckerberg has been to Washington D.C. to defend his company before lawmakers and has shown a reluctance to take down politically-related posts, defending them as free speech. And he has faced heat from his own employees, who have been publicly critical of the company's decision not to take down false information. The social media companies were caught off guard in 2016 by attempts by Russia to interfere in the election. Facebook, Google, Twitter and others companies put safeguards in place to prevent it from happening again. Last year, Twitter banned political ads altogether. Facebook has faced pressure to remove misleading political ads and doctored videos. But the company, in the past, has shown a reluctance to make such a move. In August, Facebook removed a pro-Trump campaign ad because it contained false information about Biden - a rare take down of content. President Trump has been critical of social media companies flagging or banning posts and accused the companies of being discriminatory to content from conservatives. Senior Crown Resorts executives approved the transfer of half a million dollars to a Melbourne drug dealer after being told that he was a "good friend" of one of the casino's junket business partners. The NSW government probity inquiry into Crown heard on Friday that Crown sent $500,000 from the Crown Perth patron account of Zhou Qiyun, a "junket" tour operator linked to the international fugitive Tom "Mr Chinatown" Zhou, to nightclub owner Nan Hu in January 2017. Veng Anh, giving evidence via video link on Friday, said he did not have the authority to question his bosses. Veng Anh, a senior Crown executive who looked after foreign high rollers at Crowns Melbourne and Perth casinos, told the inquiry the junket asked him to transfer the last of its funds from Crown after their business partnership ended in late 2016. When he raised the request with his superiors, Roland Theiler and Jacinta Maguire, Mr Anh said Ms Maguire Crown's then general manager of international business operations raised concerns about the transaction because Mr Hu did not appear to have won the money given he had never gambled at Crown Perth and was not a client of Mr Zhou's junket. By Ali Sawafta RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held a rare meeting with rival factions on Thursday as they sought to present a united front over Israel and the United Arab Emirates' deal to normalise ties. The meeting was held through video-conference between Ramallah in the West Bank and Beirut, where Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Jihad Secretary General Ziyad al-Nakhalah attended. It is rare for Islamist Hamas and Abbass secular Fatah faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization to have such high-level contacts after years of in-fighting. Palestinians were dismayed by the Gulf states normalisation accord with Israel, seeing it as a betrayal likely to weaken a long-standing pan-Arab position that calls for Israel to withdraw from occupied territory. The deal was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Abbas has refused to deal with Trump's administration for more than two years, accusing it of pro-Israel bias, and rejected Trump's Mideast plan, unveiled in January. "Our meeting comes at a very dangerous stage, in which our national cause faces various plots and dangers," Abbas said on Thursday. "In order to stand together in the trench of confrontation and peaceful popular resistance to the occupation, I invite you here to agree on the formation of a national leadership." Speaking from the fortified Palestinian embassy in Beirut, Haniyeh also said it was important to have a unified strategy. We must succeed in ending the division and building a unified Palestinian position, he said. At this stage, failure is forbidden. Senior U.S. and Israeli officials visited Abu Dhabi on Monday on a historic trip to cement the UAE accord. Trump adviser Jared Kushner told Palestinians they should accept the deal, restart negotiations with Israel and not be stuck in the past. [nL8N2FX0SS] (Additional reporting by Rami Ayyub in Jerusalem and Zainah El-Haroun in Ramallah; Editing by Dan Grebler) A Boston resident accused of repeatedly racially harassing his Black neighbors and a Fitchburg property management company accused of ignoring complaints of discrimination against its Latinx tenants are both being sued by the state attorney generals office, authorities said this week. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healeys office announced Friday it had filed two separate lawsuits against Roslindale resident John Carey and the Framingham-based company Taymil Partners, LLC, which manages an apartment complex in Fitchburg, the prosecutor said. Healeys office filed the complaint against Carey in Suffolk Superior Court, accusing the man of violating the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act by harassing, threatening and intimidating several of his Black neighbors at a set of residential rental units in Roslindale. The prosecutor is also seeking a preliminary injunction against the Roslindale man to protect the residents from more alleged hostile attacks at the hands of Carey and to reclaim their right to live in their homes peacefully, according to a statement from the attorney general. In the suit against Taymil Partners, Healeys office accused the company of violating the states consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws by failing to address or prevent ongoing racial harassment of a Latinx family by two white neighbors in their apartment complex. The type of discrimination endured by these tenants is unacceptable, the attorney general said. They were repeatedly harassed because of their race and made to feel unsafe in their own homes. This hateful conduct has no place in our society, and we will take action to address discrimination in our communities. The Boston case Over the course of several months from 2019 to 2020, prosecutors claimed, Carey engaged in a series of unprovoked and increasingly frequent racist attacks against eight Black residents who live in three houses next to his property. He is accused of lodging racist epithets at the residents, taunting them, trespassing into their yard, recording them on camera, unjustly reporting them to the police and calling inspectional services on them about the properties they live on. Overall, Healeys office said, Carey made it increasingly difficult for his Black neighbors to live their daily lives in peace. In May 2020, the man allegedly harassed two of the residents from his backyard. He is accused of giving them the middle finger, shouting racist profanities at them as well as holding up bananas toward them and jumping up and down, according to the prosecutor. The residents understood Careys alleged actions as the racist suggestion that they were monkeys, Healeys office said. The same month, authorities claimed, Carey yelled more racist and inflammatory statements at one of his neighbors, calling the resident a gangster, telling him to drop the gun and to stop threatening Careys family. The mans neighbor did not have any weapon, though, and never threatened him, according to the attorney general. The repeated racial harassment against the residents sparked severe emotional distress, disrupted their daily lives and caused them to fear for their safety and the safety of their families, Healey said. The Fitchburg case The Latinx family in the Fitchburg apart complex was also subjected to severe and erratic racial harassment by their neighbors, the prosecutor alleged, noting that the property manager refused to take action against the discriminatory acts. Two of the familys white neighbors, who live in an adjacent apartment building in the same complex, are accused of making racist and xenophobic remarks against the tenant and her family, according to Healey. The neighbors of the family, authorities claimed, called the residents drug dealers, told them to go back to their country and said the area is a white neighborhood. It is also alleged that the neighbors yelled profanities, waved the middle finger at the Latinx family and shined a flashlight into the tenants apartment during the late evening hours. The tenant and her family made multiple complaints to Taymil Partners staff, who offered no help, Healeys office said. On one occasion, the prosecutor claimed, the family was told by a leasing agent that management could not do anything about their complaints and that if the tenant did not like the situation, she could move out. In November 2016, a Fitchburg police officer even told the buildings managing agent the white neighbors should be evicted. The agent allegedly responded by saying the company would not do so because the neighbors had lived there for six years and paid their rent on time, according to officials. Two years later, the tenant and her family finally applied to rent a new apartment in Fitchburg to escape the alleged racial harassment conduct, but their application was not approved, authorities noted. Taymil failed to provide a required reference on time, according to Healey. Under state law, it is illegal for a business to engage in unfair acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce, such as interfering with, and failing to protect, the tenant and her familys right to quiet enjoyment of their apartment, the prosecutor said. It is also illegal for the managing agent of a building to discriminate against a person because of his or her race, color, national origin or other protected characteristics. Related Content: Some 170 COVID-19 vaccines are in development around the world, according to the World Health Organization, each one promising to protect people from the deadly coronavirus and allow them to go back to work and school. Now, a handful are starting or nearing the final stage of testing. Depending on the results, some companies say their vaccines could be greenlighted for use as soon as this year. The Front-Runners Among the first vaccine candidates to start the final round of testing is one developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca PLC. Also far along are experimental shots from Pfizer Inc. and its partner BioNTech SE, as well as Moderna Inc. China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., or Sinopharm, has a vaccine in Phase 3. A vaccine from another Chinese company, CanSino Biologics, is expected to begin the pivotal testing soon. But remember, many vaccines that show promise in early testing fail during the final round. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is designed to provide protection by delivering into a persons cells the genetic code for the spikes protruding from the coronavirus. Then the cells can produce the spike proteins, generating an immune response that would be able to fight off the coronavirus. Delivering those genetic instructions is a weakened, harmless version of a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. In early testing, the vaccine successfully produced immune responses in humans with only minor side effects. A Phase 3 trial enrolling 30,000 subjects in the U.S. began in August. Other late-stage trials are under way with several thousand volunteers in the U.K., Brazil and South Africa. Production capacity estimate: AstraZeneca aims to make two billion doses available worldwide, and has said that one billion may be available this year. The Moderna vaccine also uses a gene-based technology to provoke an immune response, though the code it delivers takes the form of messenger RNA. Those molecules, commonly referred to as mRNA, are the bodys molecular couriers ferrying DNA instructions for making proteins. The vaccine delivers to cells mRNA for making the coronaviruss spike protein. Moderna and the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases are testing a two-dose shot. It was the first candidate to enter human testing in the U.S. The vaccine produced an immune response in early-stage testing and was generally well-tolerated, with minor side effects observed in test subjects. Final-stage testing is under way in the U.S. with a 30,000-person trial that could yield interim results in the fall. An mRNA vaccine has never been approved for any disease. Production capacity estimate: 500 million to one billion doses a year starting in 2021. The vaccine developed by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE also uses mRNA. In a Phase 1 trial, the vaccine generated neutralizing antibodies that promise to fight off the coronavirus and was generally well tolerated. Phase 3 testing began in the U.S. in July, enrolling about 30,000 people, and will expand overseas to include about 120 sites. The U.S. government has agreed to pay Pfizer and BioNTech nearly $2 billion (U.S.) for 100 million doses. Pfizer aims to seek regulatory approval or an emergency-use authorization in October. Production capacity estimate: up to 100 million doses world-wide by the end of 2020, and about 1.3 billion by the end of 2021. Chinas state-owned Sinopharm is developing two vaccines with the government agencies Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and Beijing Institute of Biological Products. Both are based on an older vaccine-making technique. The group has entered agreements to conduct testing in several countries, including Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The Wuhan Institute has drawn concern over its safety record, including over some of its vaccines for children. The government says it started what it calls emergency use of some of its COVID-19 vaccines on medical workers and border inspection officials in late July. Chinese officials have said they aim to make a vaccine available to the public before the end of the year. Production capacity estimate: about 220 million doses a year. Sinovac, a private Chinese company, began its final-stage trial in July in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where it is testing its vaccine to take advantage of a higher infection rate. Sinovac has also struck a deal with Indonesian state-owned pharmaceutical holding company PT Bio Farma to make up to 250 million vaccine doses each year for the Indonesian public, according to Chinas state news agency. Production capacity estimate: about 300 million doses a year at a Beijing plant. CanSinos vaccine is aimed initially at the Chinese military. Chinese company CanSino developed the shot with the military based on a weakened virus behind the common cold. A Phase 1 study was conducted in March in Wuhan, the early epicentre of Covid-19. The shot got government clearance in June for military use for one year. Production capacity estimate: 100 million to 200 million doses a year starting in 2021. Johnson & Johnson is developing a vaccine that uses a weakened form of a common-cold virus, known as an adenovirus. A single dose of this vaccine provoked a strong immune response in early animal testing. The company plans to launch by late September a 60,000-person global study, which could be the largest late-stage clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine. The company will carry out the study at nearly 180 locations in the U.S. and eight other countries where transmission rates are high, including Brazil, Chile and South Africa. Production capacity estimate: one billion world-wide by the end of 2021, including 100 million doses for the U.S., with an option for an additional 200 million, and 30 million doses for the U.K., with an option for an additional purchase of up to 22 million. The Russian state-owned Gamaleya Research Institute is developing a vaccine based on a combination of two adenoviruses, which it has already tested on volunteers. Russia effectively approved use of the vaccine in early August, though the shot hadnt gone through final-stage testing. The Russian government plans for mass vaccination to start in October, and will aim rollout at high-risk groups including health workers. Production capacity estimate: 500 million doses a year, with mass production starting September 2020. U.S.-based Novavax Inc. is making a vaccine that consists of two shots given 21 days apart that deliver proteins resembling the spike jutting out from the new coronavirus. Researchers hope the proteins will trigger the production of antibodies and immune cells that can fight off the coronavirus. The shots also contain a component, called an adjuvant, to boost the immune response. In Phase 1 testing, the vaccine was generally well-tolerated and produced promising numbers of antibodies. Phase 2 testing began in August, and the company has said Phase 3 could start in September. Production capacity estimate: 100 million doses for use in the U.S., with delivery beginning by the end of this year. Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra unit of Congress party have upped the ante over actor Kangana Ranauts remarks equating Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) by attacking the actor and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has been defending her. Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the political party backing Ranaut over the comments does not have the right to seek votes in Mumbai. Congress secretary and spokesperson Sachin Sawant alleged that Kanganas Twitter account is managed by the IT-cell of the BJP and that Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP should issue an unconditional apology over the issue. In a tweet, Ranaut accused Raut of threatening her. She alleged that Raut had openly threatened her to not return to Mumbai if she has no faith in Mumbai Police. Kangana also added that Mumbai now looks like Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to her. The tweet said: Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader, has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? Without naming the actress, the Sena leader said that Ranauts statements questioning the ability and the intent of Mumbai police is a systemic campaign to defame the city police. The Mumbai police have constantly saved the city in all types of challenges including 1992 riots, terrorist strikes, etc. If some people not connected to Mumbai are making such statements then this a systemic campaign to defame the Mumbai police. The state home minister and police chief should take strong action otherwise the morale of the Mumbai police will be affected. Sawant said that Kangana Team, the official handle of the actor, equals to Kangana + BJP IT Cell. For the past few days, Kangana Ranaut through the IT Cell has been continuously defaming the Mumbai police. Now, she has compared Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir and insulted Maharashtra. Instead of condemning her actions, BJPs Ram Kadam is supporting her, which is utterly shameful, he said in a statement. Also Read: Kangana Ranauts PoK remark: MNS warns against defaming Mumbai Police Raut, meanwhile, refrained from naming the BJP and said, Any political party, backing the one calling Mumbai, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, does not have the right to seek votes in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Their representatives, who are elected from Mumbai, have they been voted in by people from PoK? That party should clarify this and they should be ashamed of equating Mumbai to Pakistan. Does this mean that Mumbai police is Pakistan police? Also Read: Kangana Ranaut responds as Renuka Shahane slams her comment on Mumbai: Were you also waiting like a blood thirsty vulture The Sena leader indirectly said that the actor should seek mental help. I will not name anybody if somebody is saying that I issued a threat, I would say this that I never give empty threats. We dont do such things; I am a Shiv Sainik, and an action-oriented person Such mental cases have increased in Mumbai; they should be treated by the health department and the home minister should immediately take action against people, no matter how big they are, for defaming the Mumbai police, Raut told reporters in Mumbai. ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Range Developments is delighted to announce the appointment of NH International (Caribbean) Ltd (NH), an award-winning Caribbean construction company, as the main structural contractor for its Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada development. The Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada resort is Range Developments' third project in the Caribbean. Range Developments is the world-renowned hospitality developer of citizenship-by-investment funded resorts across the Caribbean. Kamal Shehada, Managing Director and Member of the Board of Range Developments, who oversees the construction of Range Developments' hotels, said: "We are excited to welcome the team of NH onboard and entrust them with construction of our third citizenship-by-investment project in the Caribbean. We have already built a successful business relationship with NH and the synergies in our teams' work will only have a positive impact on the construction process." The development will create hundreds of jobs for Grenadians as was witnessed in the other jurisdictions that Range Developments have developed in. The luxury resort will be part of the luxury portfolio of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, a hotel brand that has been rated the number one hotel brand for the past three years by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Grenada over recent months has become the citizenship-by-Investment destination of choice for high net worth individuals. Citizenship of Grenada provides for global mobility with visa free access to the United Kingdom, the Schengen area, Russia, China and many other countries, as well as settlement opportunities in the United States through the US E2 visa treaty that Grenada is a beneficiary of. The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Right Honorable Keith Mitchell, welcomed the progress being made on the project. "We are delighted that the project has advanced to this stage. Range is a key partner in the development of Grenada's tourism industry bringing much needed investment and hundreds of employment opportunities for our people given the very challenging environment that we are currently facing. We look forward to the timely completion of this project and the creation of even more employment opportunities for workers in the tourism industry." NH is a regional leader in the construction industry with an impressive track record of completed hospitality, housing and civil engineering projects across the Caribbean. NH is one of the Caribbean's most trusted construction and design/build company. The company was also the structural contractor of Range Developments' project in Dominica that opened in 2019 - the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, Dominica. NH recently completed the refurbishment of the Rex Resort in Grenada. Mohammed Asaria, Managing Director and Member of the Board of Range Developments, welcomed the appointment of NH. "Challenging times define companies," he said. "Many participants in the citizenship-by-investment Industry have retreated and retrenched. We are fulfilling our commitments to our investors and all stakeholders. It shows why we are the most trusted developer in the sector, but also our confidence in Grenada and its citizenship by investment program." He further added: "NH committed to hire locally rather than recruit scores of foreign workers - for us this was a key deciding point for us in the tender process." Emile Elias, Executive Chairman of NH International (Caribbean) Ltd congratulated the Prime Minister of Grenada and the Board of Range Developments on this major milestone. "NH is honoured to be a part of the construction of the first Six Senses Resort to be built in the Caribbean, La Sagesse Grenada," he said. "We pledge our continuing contribution towards the development potential of Grenada's tourism sector and look forward to partnering once again with Range Developments on this prestigious initiative that is the epitome of luxury and sustainability." The Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada resort is a government-approved project under the citizenship-by-investment program of Grenada. Investors can obtain citizenship of Grenada through an investment in the Six Senses development for US$220,000. Initial sales momentum has been strong, with investors recognising the capital growth and income generation potential of the resort, in addition to the benefits that citizenship of Grenada provides. Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada is scheduled to be completed in Q4 2022. NOTES TO EDITORS: Range Developments is the leading citizenship-by-investment developer in the Caribbean. The company specializes in the development of ultra-luxury high-end resorts under citizenship-by-investment programs in the Caribbean. Since 2012, Range Developments has developed an unrivalled reputation for delivering on its promises and is the only developer to have completed two 5-star resorts under Citizenship-by-Investment Programs - Park Hyatt St. Kitts and the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, Dominica - world-renowned hotels that have been awarded highest accolades by the international media and guests. Range Developments' third project is the Six Senses Grenada that is scheduled to complete in Q4 2022. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249130/Kamal_Shehada_Keith_Mitchell_Mohammed_Asaria.jpg It seems like the Justice Department is getting ready to file an antitrust lawsuit against Google. According to a new report by the New York Times, that lawsuit will be filed in the coming weeks. The Attorney General. William P. Barr, has set a deadline for this lawsuit, and its by the end of this month. The Attorney General actually overruled career lawyers who said they needed more time in order to build a strong case against Google. The Attorney General wants to file antitrust charges against Google by the end of the month They were told to wrap things up by the end of September. Most of the lawyers did oppose the deadline, though, reports The New York Times. Some of them even said they would not sign the complaint, and a couple of them left the case this summer. Advertisement It seems like pretty much every lawyer that worked the case thought that they can build a strong case, but that they need time. Well, it seems like the Attorney General does not agree. Some of those lawyers also expressed concerns that the Attorney General wanted the case in September so that he can take the credit for this lawsuit under the Trump administration. Mr. Barr, on the other hand, thought that the department had moved too slowly when it comes to this case. He thought that the deadline was kind of unreasonable. Advertisement Mr. Barr also wanted to be involved in this case, heavily, according to a former telecom industry executive. He wanted to receive regular briefings on it, so he received thick binders of information. He also reported back with his own ideas and notes. Whats even more interesting is that a coalition of 50 states and territories support this antitrust action against Google. State attorneys general have been conduction their very own investigation as well. Some lawyers believe that rushing this case will weaken it Some lawyers are even worried that this determination to bring the case forward so soon could weaken it. As a reminder, the inquiry into Alphabet was opened back in June 2019, thats when the whole thing started. Advertisement Google controls about 90-percent of web searches globally. Rivals have complained that Google actually extended its dominance by making its search and browsing tools defaults on phones with Android OS. On top of that, Google captures around one-third of every dollar spent on online advertising. According to three sources, The Justice Department does have some powerful evidence of anticompetitive practices. All in all, we could see this Google antitrust lawsuit take place before the end of this month, as the Justice Department seems to be eager to push it forward. Well keep you posted. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) London, United Kingdom Fri, September 4, 2020 12:30 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42b14ff 2 Lifestyle bbc,social-media,media,Tim-Davie,Britain,Boris-Johnson Free The new boss of the BBC told staff they should not air their own political views on social media because they risked damaging the British broadcaster's reputation for impartiality. Tim Davie, 53, who became the corporation's 17th director general on Tuesday, said too many of its audience thought the broadcaster was shaped by a "particular perspective". "If you want to be an opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner on social media then that is a valid choice, but you should not be working at the BBC," he said on Thursday in his first speech to staff. Davie, who replaced Tony Hall in Britain's most high-profile media job, needs to secure the future of the 98-year-old corporation at a time when its universal funding model, paid by every TV watching household, is under attack from some lawmakers. He said for the avoidance of doubt he did not want a "subscription BBC that served the few", even if he suspected it could do quite well in certain parts of the country. Read also: UK's 'Strictly' to feature first same-sex dance partners He was committed to a publicly funded BBC, he said, but it had to reflect all political views across all of the United Kingdoms and all age groups. "This is not just an obsession with youth, it is a determination, an obligation to make all parts of the UK feel it is their BBC," he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has questioned whether the corporation should be supported by the licence fee, given the growth of subscription services such as Netflix, and many in his Conservative Party have long criticized the BBC for what they perceive to be a left-leaning political bias. Others on the opposite side of the political spectrum have also criticized some of the broadcaster's news coverage. Davie said he had no plans to close any TV channels or radio stations, but he said there would be no "linear expansion" for the broadcaster, with any new services having to find space on its existing networks. TeVido BioDevices (TeVido), a leader in regenerative medicine for repairing loss of pigmentation, today launched Boutique Testing Services for diagnosis of COVID-19. Testing capacity is limited across the country. Many diagnostic laboratories are overwhelmed - causing long lead times for results. Yet many situations require a COVID-Negative test result performed within 72 hours of showing up. Employment requirements, travel, and elective surgeries are just a few examples. Unfortunately, these scenarios have low priority in the testing queue. As we spoke to our TruPigment partners, said Laura Bosworth TeVido CEO, we learned private clinics are struggling to meet the needs of their clients. TeVido will sign up a limited number of clinics for dedicated COVID-19 diagnostic testing. The concierge service turns around results quickly and reliably. Results are typically provided next business day when samples are delivered to TeVido before 10.30 a.m. We work closely with clinic staff to customize a schedule for picking up patient samples that fits the needs of a busy private practice. We provide a saliva sample collection kit that is easy to use and considered more comfortable for patients than traditional nasopharyngeal swabs. Bosworth goes on to say, By maintaining a small number of testing clients, we can meet their needs while continuing to work with TruPigment early adopters. The Company also announced the appointment of Christine Bulot, Ph.D. as Clinical Lab Director. An experienced microbiologist, Dr. Bulot has over 15 years successful lab experience and is certified by the American Board of Bioanalysis as a High Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director and by the College of American Pathologists as a Laboratory Inspector Team Lead. TeVido leverages an existing FDA compliant facility, high complexity test equipment and strength in molecular biology to join the fight against COVID-19. TeVido performs SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests using a well-known laboratory technique called polymerase chain reaction or PCR, to determine if a patient has a current infection. PCR is generally considered the gold standard for testing. The cost for our test is competitive with others and often less expensive. TruPigment, TeVidos lead product, enables physicians to provide skin cell transplants, to treat loss of skin color, without making costly investment in equipment and specialized skills. About TeVido BioDevices: TeVido is a privately-held, commercial stage, Biotechnology Company addressing unmet needs in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, utilizing a patients own living cells. TeVidos state of the art facility is located in Austin, Texas where the Company is headquartered. The Company has invested several years and millions of dollars on research and development of TruPigment and has been the recipient of Small Business Innovation (SBIR) awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute. https://tevidobiodevices.com/covid-19-testing/ For More Information, please contact: Laura Bosworth CEO TeVido BioDevices, Inc bosworth@tevidobiodevices.com 512-828-2596 President Donald Trump is forcefully denying a new report that claims he made disparaging remarks about fallen American troops. According to the new report in The Atlantic by Jeffrey Goldberg, Trump referred to American service members killed in war as "losers" and "suckers" and canceled a visit to a cemetery for American soldiers outside Paris in 2018 because he didn't think it was important to honor them. ABC News has not independently confirmed The Atlantic report, which cites four unnamed sources with direct knowledge in making the claims. MORE: Trump's rain check on honoring Americans killed in WWI prompts backlash Landing in Washington late Thursday night after a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, the president -- visibly angry -- delivered a seven-minute diatribe to reporters who had traveled on Air Force One. "I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There's nobody that respects them more," Trump said. The president insisted the story is fabricated and suggested the anonymous sources were former officials who did not succeed in their roles in the administration. "They made it up and probably it's a couple of people that have been failures in the administration. That I got rid of, and I couldn't get rid of them fast enough. Or it was just made up," he said. PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2020. (Leah Millis/Reuters) Trump again denied the report in a press conference Friday afternoon, calling it a "hoax" and comparing it to the Russia investigation. "There is nobody that feels more strongly about our soldiers, our wounded warriors, our soldiers that died in war, than I do," Trump said. "It's a hoax, just like the fake dossier was a hoax, just like the Russia, Russia, Russia was a hoax. It was a total hoax. No collusion. Just like so many other things, it's a hoax. And you'll hear more of these things, totally unrelated, as we get closer and closer to election." Story continues Two aides who were at the president's side on the trip when the comments were alleged to have happened have also come forward to issue forceful on-the-record denials that the president made the disparaging comments alleged in the report. Former press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted that the story is "total BS." "I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussion -- this never happened," Sanders wrote. The president's deputy chief of staff for communications, Dan Scavino, also tweeted, calling the report "complete lies by 'anonymous sources'" and a "disgusting" attempt to smear the president ahead of the election. MORE: North Carolina officials reject Trump's call for supporters to vote by mail and in person Former national security adviser John Bolton, who wrote a book critical of the president and who was with Trump on the trip to France when the cemetery trip was canceled, told ABC News he didn't hear the president refer to dead American service members as "suckers" or "losers." Bolton said that while he can't rule out that the president made the comments at another time, he was there for discussions on canceling the president's trip to the cemetery and didn't hear anything like what is reported in The Atlantic. The president's forceful denial comes as he seeks to shore up support among the military ahead of the November election, with polls showing the president trailing Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden. "To think I would make statements negative to our military and our fallen heroes when no one has done what I've done-with the budgets, with getting pay raises for our military," Trump said. "All they're trying to do is influence a presidential election." PHOTO:President Donald Trump talks with reporters at Andrews Air Force Base after attending a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pa., Sept. 3, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (Evan Vucci/AP) In remarks Friday, Joe Biden slammed the comments attributed to Trump in The Atlantic article. "If what is written in The Atlantic is true it is disgusting. It affirms what most of us believe to be true. Donald Trump is not fit to be the job of president to be the commander in chief," Biden said. He later added: "If these statements are true, the president should humbly apologize to every gold star mother and father and every blue star family. Who the heck does he think he is?" His campaign spokesperson, Andrew Bates, later added in a statement, "Not only is it a quantifiable reality that Donald Trump is the most dishonest president in American history, but he's also one of the least credible human beings alive. How does that stack up next to the word of senior Marine Corps officers, DoD officials, and four other people with direct knowledge of these statements? Not well." While Trump expressed disbelief at the story's claims, he has a history of making disparaging comments about members of the military who have been prisoners of wars. He most famously attacked the late Sen. John McCain and said the five years McCain spent in a North Vietnam prison do not make him a hero. MORE: The Note: Trump changes the subject -- though not much else -- as voting begins "He's not a war hero," Trump said of McCain in 2015. "I like people that weren't captured. OK? I hate to tell you." Thursday night, Trump tried to recast the narrative of his criticism of McCain by boasting that he approved the plans for McCain's funeral in 2018. "All of that had to be approved by the president. I approved it without hesitation, without complaint. And I felt he deserved it. I disagreed with him. He was a tough guy," Trump said. Again at a press conference Friday the president said he respected McCain, but he "never got along" with the late senator: "That doesn't mean I don't respect him. I respected him. But I really disagreed with him on a lot of things. And I think I was right. I think time has proven me right to a large extent." The president, who has continued to criticize McCain even after his death, was not invited to attend the late senator's funeral. ABC News' Jonathan Karl, Ben Gittleson and Averi Harper contributed to this report. Trump denies report claiming he made disparaging remarks about fallen service members originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Danny Zaragoza, Staff Photographer / Laredo Morning Times Gateway Community Health Center, which serves approximately 30,000 registered patients between their six clinics in the area, recently received $291,000 in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administrations Health Center Cluster Program and the Quality Improvement Awards. The Health Center Cluster Program, which awarded Gateway $167,000, works to achieve health equity in rural and underserved areas. Sanctions will target other officials, while the move will leave a door open for dialog. Alexander Lukashenko will reportedly not be included in the EU sanctions package due to the position voiced by Germany, Italy, and France. That's according to Die Welt citing its sources. Three countries at once agreed that communication "channels with Lukashenko should be kept open", no matter the circumstances. Read alsoBelarus gov't site hacked to put Lukashenko on "wanted list"After all, the publication claims, putting the Belarusian leader on the "black list" would mean severing the dialogue with Minsk. Earlier, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry proposed introducing national sanctions against over a hundred Belarusian officials, as well as personally against President Alexander Lukashenko. An EU official earlier said in a comment to Reuters about a moderate set of sanctions being considered against those responsible for violently dispersing protests in Belarus in August. "What we need to assess is the level of pressure that would be useful versus what would be counterproductive and risk pushing Lukashenko into Russias arms if he sees this as his only possibility to stay in power," said the EU source close to the matter Sanctions on Belarus: background The preliminary results of an independent autopsy obtained by Trayford Pellerin's family were released Thursday along with a prepared statement by the family's attorney, Ronald Haley. Pellerin died in a "hail of gunfire" on Aug. 21, Haley said in the statement, saying Lafayette Police fired a total of 17 shots at close range. Pellerin was walking toward a convenience store when police shot him. Several bullets struck the building "inches away where innocent customers stood," Haley said. +8 Residents call for changes at Lafayette Police Department following Trayford Pellerin shooting death During a meeting marked with protest chants and tears, residents Tuesday called for changes within the Lafayette Police Department 11 days aft After being shot 10 times, Haley said, Pellerin was placed in handcuffs. He also said there was no evidence that Pellerin was struck by a taser before police shot and killed him on Evangeline Thruway. The report indicates Pellerin was shot multiple times including in the lower right arm, the right lateral chest, the abdomen, possibly on the right hip, in the upper right thigh, left torso, left upper thigh, left leg above the knee, mid right back, and left index finger. The death was classified a homicide; the preliminary cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, according to the report. The autopsy, conducted by American Forensics of Mesquite, Texas, found no evidence on Pellerin's body that he was ever struck by a taser nor any defensive markings on Pellerin's body; there were brush burns on the knees as a result of falling to the ground. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In the hours after the shooting, State Police said, "Officers deployed Tasers as they pursued Pellerin, but they were ineffective." Mayor-President Josh Guillory later reiterated that the shooting came after multiple tries to subdue the knife-wielding suspect through the use of tasers." The report also found bruises on Pellerin's wrists that indicated he was handcuffed. Mayor Josh Guillory to meet with Trayford Pellerin's family, The Current reports The family of Trayford Pellerin is scheduled to meet with Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory on Friday morning, The Current reports. "This means that after Lafayette Police shot Mr. Pellerin ten times and [he] lay dying on the concrete, those officers handcuffed Mr. Pellerins limp and lifeless body," Haley said. Haley went on to demand a swift investigation into the shooting, saying, "The incident unmistakably demonstrates a lack of proper training on or utilization of de-escalation tactics and restraint by the Lafayette Police Department." He also demanded transparency from all investigating agencies. On behalf of the family, the lawyer previously demanded body camera footage from the police officers on the scene of the shooting, along with video surveillance footage from the convenience store and any adjacent businesses. He was a career diplomat who was once a foreign policy adviser to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, but he then became the first -- and only -- Belarusian ambassador to support protests against his boss. Now, Ihar Leshchenya is at his dacha near Minsk; he's no longer in the diplomatic service, and hopes he won't be arrested. New Delhi: Amid India's border row with China, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Thursday warned Pakistan to not take advantage of the situation in Ladakh saying Islamabad could suffer "heavy losses" for any "misadventure". He added that a strategy has already been devised to deal with such a scenario. "If any threat develops around our northern borders, Pakistan could take advantage of that and create some trouble for us. Therefore, we have taken adequate precaution to ensure that any such misadventure by Pakistan is sorted and they are not able to succeed in their mission. In fact, they may suffer heavy losses should they attempt any misadventure," Gen Rawat said. Talking about India's overall security challenges, Gen Rawat said India faces the most "complex threats and challenges" spanning the full spectrum of conflict from "nuclear to sub-conventional". He made the remarks during an interactive session at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, he spoke about security implications of China's economic assistance to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the overall economic and diplomatic assistance to Islamabad. The border row between India and China is at its peak following China unsuccessfully attempt to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake. Indian Army manged to thwart the ChineseArmy' move and also managed to occupy several mountain peaks which had been snatched away from India in the 1962 war. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas. China has strongly objected to India's move. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane visited Ladakh on Thursday (September 3) to review the ongoing security situation along the Line of Actual Control in the region. Army sources said that during his 2-day tour of Ladakh, General Naravane will be briefed by senior field commanders on the ground situation along the LAC. She's often seen posing in provocative underwear as an Ann Summers brand ambassador. And former TOWIE star Chloe Ross, 27, was wearing underwear as outerwear on Thursday night, wearing a bondage-style bra under a sheer top for a dinner date. Heading to Roka in London, she also teamed her top with thigh-high leather boots and statement Gucci logo tights. Brunette beauty: TOWIE star, Chloe Ross showed off her bondage-style bra under a sheer black top for a dinner date at Roka in London on Thursday night Strike a pose: Chloe looked stunning, flashing a big smile as she prepared to make her way inside The reality star completed her outfit with a classic beige trench coat to keep away the chill and wore a pair of leather high-waisted shorts. She was seen leaving the eaterie with pal Chris Kowalski, who she had spent the day with, shopping and drinking around the capital. Chloe's brown locks were swept away in a sleek ponytail, showcasing her signature bushy brows and dewy makeup. She documented her day on Instagram, uploading stories of herself and Chris in Selfridges and asking her followers for a little advice on what sunglasses to buy. Keep her warm: Chloe wrapped up in a classic trench coat to fight off the September chill The brunette beauty appeared to have a day of retail therapy as she treated herself to a pair of gold rimmed Jimmy Fairly sunglasses. She told her followers: 'How cool is this shop, so for every pair of sunglasses that they actually sell, they give a pair away to people in need!' Chloe has been returning to the streets of Essex as her and fellow castmates have been filming the upcoming series of ITVBe's The Only Way Is Essex, which will celebrate the show's 10-year anniversary. Friendly faces: Chloe was seen in London with pal, Chris Kowalski The 10th anniversary series was due to start filming in March 2020, but ITV bosses made the tough decision to put the production on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's thought that original cast members were going to make a surprise appearance to celebrate the success of the show. However it is now believed that episodes will show some of TOWIE's most iconic moments, with stars both old and new, commenting on them. Fans of the show have been left without their Essex fix this year, but the wait may be over soon. The show will run for ten episodes, with each installment focusing on one drama filled year of the Brentwood icons. Hetty Berg comes to her new post in Berlin after spending 30 years as a manager and curator at the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam. BERLIN (JTA) - The previous director of the Jewish Museum Berlin left in the wake of a tweet. In May, after the German parliament declared the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel anti-Semitic, the museum tweeted a critique of the decision, arguing that it was undemocratic, and shared an article featuring several Jewish scholars who agreed. Public pressure mounted against the director, Peter Schafer, and a debate about the role of Jewish museums and the legality of the BDS movement ensued. Schafer offered his resignation in June "to avoid further damage." Stepping into... Police dog fired for biting neighbor sent to retirement home in Texas Sunny, the off-duty Hendersonville police dog fired a month ago after he got away from his home and bit a 68-year-old neighbor, has been adopted by a home for retired police and military K9s in Texas, City Manager John Connet told the City Council on Thursday night. A German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, Sunny was removed from the force after the incident and "surplused" by the city. He was deemed a dangerous dog and sent to the home in Texas. "My understanding he's doing well," Connet said. "He will be retrained, or trained, to deal with any dangerous tendency." The officer who worked with Sunny, Sgt. Robert Cantwell, was off duty when the canine ran to a neighbors property in the Majestic Trace neighborhood in Crab Creek. Indian Defence Minister Rajanth Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe met in the Russian capital on Friday to discuss their border dispute. The meeting between Indian and Chinese delegations started at 9.30 p.m. Indian Standard Time. Both the ministers are in Moscow to participate in a joint meeting of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Rajnath Singh, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Defence Secretary and other senior officials, had, earlier in the day, addressed the joint meeting where he stated that India is committed to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. India and China are engaged in four-month-long standoff at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough to the resolve the deadlock, while Chinese's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops had made fresh attempts at incursion attempts into Indian territory late last month. China had made provocative military movements to change the status quo at Pangong Tso lake after Indian soldiers had earlier occupied the heights there to thwart the PLA's land-grabbing bid. On June 15, as many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. UN dismayed over U.S. sanctions on top International Criminal Court officials People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:10, September 03, 2020 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday noted "with concern" the imposition by the United States of sanctions against the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and another senior official, in the latest of a series of unilateral policy moves against the body. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused the ICC of "illegitimate attempts to subject Americans to its jurisdiction," announcing sanctions against Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and the head of the Jurisdiction Complementarity and Cooperation Division, Phakiso Mochochoko, in accordance with a U.S. executive order issued in early June by President Donald Trump involving "Blocking Property of Certain Persons Associated with the ICC." Pompeo made the accusation as The Hague-based court probes whether U.S. forces have committed alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, UN News has reported. On behalf of the UN chief Antonio Guterres, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said "we continue to closely follow developments on this matter." "We will be analyzing any possible implications that this development may have with respect to the implementation of the agreement," he said. Cooperation between the United Nations and the ICC is founded on their Relationship Agreement, which was approved by the General Assembly on Sept. 13, 2004. In line with previous statements of the U.S. secretary of state, Dujarric said, "we trust that any restrictions taken against individuals would be implemented consistently with the host country's obligations" under the UN Headquarters Agreement. As the top prosecutor, Bensouda has visited the United States frequently to attend key meetings in the Security Council. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address STAMFORD Mayor David Martin Friday afternoon transmitted an emergency message, warning residents that the city likely is set for an increase in coronavirus cases. There are early indications that an increased amount of virus is entering the citys wastewater treatment system, Martin said in a blast sent via the citys email alert system. The citys Water Pollution Control Authority has been working with Yale University to detect virus residue at the treatment plant, Martin said. Recently weve seen a spike in this activity, Martin said in the voice message. This normally is an indication that we will see a spike in cases in another week or so, and an indication that there is more coronavirus out there than we are normally able to see. Martin included a plea to residents. I urge you, please, to make certain you follow the guidelines so we step up our game, the mayor said. He repeated safety guidelines to maintain social distancing, wear masks, keep hands clean and do all we can to protect ourselves, our families and our community. I urge you to do this so we dont have a situation where we have to go back to the shutdown, Martin said. We have had 10 weeks since weve been reopened, without a significant increase in cases. I thank you for your support in helping our community be safe. Yales COVID-19 wastewater testing program began in New Haven in March and expanded to Stamford, Bridgeport and New London on Aug. 3. A team led by researchers with the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, working with the state Department of Health, measures levels of coronavirus genetic code in feces. Changes in the amount of genetic code can indicate whether the virus is spreading in a community. Researchers have said it can provide evidence of outbreaks up to seven days earlier than other testing. Friday evening Martins administration issued a notice reminding residents to avoid crowded events, especially over the Labor Day weekend, and to self-quarantine for 14 days and get tested if they show signs of COVID-19 infection. Symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone with any of the symptoms should contact a medical provider immediately. Stamford Director of Health Dr. Jennifer Calder urged residents to follow measures to help control the spread of the virus. Wear a mask or face covering that covers both your nose and face at all times when outside, she said. Social distance; stay six feet away from others. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid crowded events. COVID-19 is still a Public Health Emergency, Martin said. It is everyones responsibility to protect themselves and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Its time for residents to be more vigilant and increase compliance with all health and safety protocols. Driver dies in fiery crash near 39th and Indiana in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A person is dead after a one-vehicle crash at the intersection of 39th Street and Indiana Avenue early Thursday morning. Police were called to the deadly crash just before 5 a.m. on Sept. 3. When they arrived, officers learned a gray Ford Mustang was traveling west on 39th at a high [...] We don't normally post car crash news links but this one was exceptionally tragic. We're hoping the official report stops people so many locals from sharing nasty and degrading snuff pix of the scene on social media. Read more: S cotland Yard has arrested a total of 145 people and seized 56 weapons in a year-long crackdown on violence in south east London. The join operation with British Transport Police and Kent Police was launched in August last to tackle crime around transport hubs. During the 12-month effort, daubed "Operation Avara", officers used tactics like stop and search as well as covert assets, knife arches and drug dogs to bear down on violence in the area. The teams seized 56 weapons including three firearms, 36 knives and 17 other weapons including police-style batons and knuckledusters. The teams seized 56 weapons including three firearms, 36 knives and 17 other weapons including police-style batons and knuckledusters / Met Police The arrests varied from individuals wanted for robbery, burglary, sexual assault and possession of firearms. In one instance, officers stopped one man travelling with a military-style commando knife. The knife was immediately seized and the man was arrested. He was sentenced to 12-weeks in prison. Chief Inspector Mick Chattenton, of the Met South East Command Unit, said: This work has been so successful that we now plan to run the operation proactively for the foreseeable future. During August alone we made 20 arrests, these were for offences such as possession of an offensive weapon and for drug supply. We will continue to be out in force at transport hubs around south east London over the coming months. Superintendent Chris Horton, of the British Transport Police, said: Preventing serious violence and knife crime on the rail network remains one of the highest priorities for BTP, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has a safe journey. By using knife arches and stop and search powers in a controlled way, weve been able to seize over 50 weapons before theyre used to potentially take a life. Fortunately, assaults involving a weapon on the railway are extremely rare, and operations like this are part of our commitment to keeping our network safe. Anyone with information about a crime, someone they suspect of carry a weapon or organised crime should contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Sierra Nevadas 2020 Oktoberfest beer release is a celebration in a bottle. Since the actual Oktoberfest parties in Germany and abroad have been canceled, Sierra Nevada is hosting a virtual Oktoberfest Haus Party experience on September 19th. Revelers can even order a "party pack" with the beer and Oktoberfest seasonal gear to be shipped direct to their home or office. This years Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest is a crisp lager made in the Festbier style featuring German hops and toasty malts for a balanced beer that makes any moment festive. Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest is brewed using a blend of Two-Row Pale, Munich, and Vienna malts, and Spalter and Spalter Select German hops. Together, these ingredients bring notes of fresh bread and floral, fruity character to the brew. At 6% ABV and 28 IBU, this years Oktoberfest is a refreshing ode to beers biggest party. "There's nuance to this beer--some floral and spice, as well as a unique orange zest flavor from the German hops that hits right in the middle of your palate, said Sierra Nevada Lead Pilot Brewer Michael Palmer. But it's also light and extremely drinkable. It's a crusher." The virtual Oktoberfest Haus Party experience will come complete with recipes, yodeling competitions, a mustache competition, Oktoberfest-themed online games, prizes, and more. The party will culminate with a free live-streamed event on Saturday, September 19 via YouTube and Facebook. The event will include live performances by Empire Strikes Brass and The Polka Brothers, and plenty of revelry. To help drinkers bring the party to your haus, Sierra Nevada has also launched Oktoberfest party packs to make it easy for beer-lovers to celebrate while socially distancing at home. The party packs feature steins, costumes, decorations, games, specialty mustards, and more (available nationwide at shop.sierranevada.com from $60-90). Learn more at oktoberfest.sierranevada.com. About Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Inspired by frequent trips to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980. Highly regarded for using only the finest quality ingredients, Sierra Nevada has set the standard for craft brewers worldwide with innovations in the brewhouse and its sustainability efforts. The pioneering spirit that launched Sierra Nevada now spans both coasts with breweries in Chico, California, and Mills River, North Carolina. Sierra Nevada continues to honor its mountain heritage through day-to-day sustainability efforts and programs like Pale Ale for Trails. The brewery is famous for its extensive line of beers including Pale Ale, Hazy Little Thing, Torpedo, Tropical Torpedo, and a host of seasonal, specialty and limited release beers. Learn more at www.sierranevada.com. Imposing Sanctions on Entities for Engaging in Transactions Related to Iran's Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State September 3, 2020 Today, the Department of State imposed sanctions on five entities under section 3(a)(ii) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The Department of State also imposed sanctions under section 5(a)(vii) of E.O. 13846 on three individuals who serve as principal executive officers of the sanctioned entities, or perform similar functions and with similar authorities as a principal executive officer. Iran's petroleum industry is a major source of revenue for the Iranian regime and funds its malign activities throughout the Middle East. Our actions today reaffirm the United States' commitment to denying the Iranian regime the financial resources it needs to fuel terrorism and other destabilizing activities. We call on the regime yet again to stop undermining the Iranian people's prosperity by exploiting Iran's natural resources to sow chaos and destruction. The entities sanctioned today are Iran-based Abadan Refining Company; China based Zhihang Ship Management CO Ltd., New Far International Logistics LLC and Sino Energy Shipping Ltd.; and United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Chemtrans Petrochemicals Trading LLC. The individuals sanctioned today are: Min Shi, employee of New Far; Zuoyou Lin, employee of Sino Energy; and Alireza Amin, employee of Abadan. The Department of the Treasury also imposed sanctions on six entities for their support to Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd., an entity designated by Treasury and State in January 2020, and for related activities. These entities, based in Iran, UAE, and China, support Triliance's continued involvement in the sale of Iranian petrochemical products, including efforts by Triliance to hide or otherwise obscure its involvement in sales contracts. These entities are: Iranian company Zagros Petrochemical Company; UAE-based Petrotech FZE (located in the Hamriya Free Zone, Sharjah, UAE) and Trio Energy DMCC; and Hong Kong-based Chinese entities Jingho Technology Co. Limited, Dynapex Energy Limited, and Dinrin Limited. All entities targeted today continued to facilitate Iran's export of petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemicals contrary to U.S. sanctions. This is another reminder that the United States will not waver in its commitment to sanctions enforcement. Our sanctions will remain in place until Iran changes its behavior. For more information about the sanctioned entities, please see the Department of the Treasury press release. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address (TNS) Warning of attempts by foreign governments namely Russia to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, including targeting American voters with disinformation, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said Connecticut has taken a number of steps to protect its voting processes.There is no doubt that the Russian government intends to try to rig the 2020 election, just as they interfered in the 2016 election, Murphy said Thursday, joined by Merrill at a news conference in Hartford.Connecticut was among 21 states that had their online voter registration databases targeted by Russian hackers during the 2016 election. The hackers were not successful, Merrill said, and Congress subsequently allotted hundreds of millions of dollars to states to strengthen their election infrastructure. Connecticut received $5.1 million , which must be spent by September 2023. It has been used to ensure that municipalities across the state are running secure software and to train local officials how to identify breaches and where to report them.You have to be constantly watching for people trying to get in, and if some Russian adversary group got in through a phishing email in a local registrar or clerk's office, that would impact the entire system, so thats where we put our first energy, Merrill said.Elections are managed at the local level, meaning there are 169 drop points for the voter registry and election management systems the two systems that are actually on the Internet and could be hacked arguably, Merrill said. The election management system is the one to watch because thats where we report results, she said.Following the 2016 election, the Department of Homeland Security made it a priority to give secret security clearances to secretaries of the states across the country so they could have access to classified information about cyberthreats to their election systems. Merrill received her clearance several years ago and has since been in numerous briefings with federal intelligence officials.The briefings have provided an invaluable source of information here in the states because were on the front lines, Merrill said. Were the ones who have to know if something is going on with our systems.Merrill said her office also has hired someone to focus on targeting disinformation, which she anticipates will be spread about candidates and parties but also will be aimed at trying to confuse voters about Election Day.Murphy said Russians are flooding social media sites like Facebook and Twitter with disinformation, so its as important to emphasize the need to target the spread of misinformation as it is to ensure our election processes are protected.I am very worried that this administration is not taking seriously the threat of Russian interference and Im beginning to be more and more worried that this White House is intentionally looking the other way because it knows that the Russian government is ultimately looking to reelect this president, Murphy said.A major cause for his concern, he said, is the announcement last week by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that it will no longer give in-person briefings about election security and foreign election interference to the House and Senate Select Committees on Intelligence. The committees still will have access to finalized, written versions of intelligence reports, but will not be able to question officials in-person about the reports. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / ALT 5 Sigma Inc. an emerging leader in blockchain powered financial platforms provides its daily digital instruments market summary for Bitcoin (BTC/USD), Ether (ETH/USD), Litecoin (LTC/USD). Real-Time Market Data is available at www.alt5pro.com and Real-Time Market Data feed is also available at www.alt5sigma.com ALT 5 Sigma Digital Instrument Market Summary for BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH About ALT 5 Sigma Inc. ALT 5 is a tech company specializing in the development and deployment of digital assets trading and exchange platforms. Alt 5 was founded by financial industry specialists out of the necessity to provide the digital asset economy with security, accessibility, transparency and compliance. ALT 5 provides its clients the ability to buy, sell and hold digital assets in a safe and secure environment deployed with the best practices of the financial industry. ALT 5's products and services are available to Banks, Broker Dealers, Funds, Family Offices, Professional Traders, Retail Traders, Digital Asset Exchanges, Digital Asset Brokers, Blockchain Developers, and Financial Information Providers. ALT 5's digital asset custodian services are secured by GardaWorld. GardaWorld is the world's largest privately-owned business solutions and security services company, offering cash management services. For more information, visit www.alt5sigma.com. Contact: Andre Beauchesne Tel. 1-800-204-6203 info@alt5sigma.com For more information on ALT 5 Pay, visit www.alt5pay.com For more information on ALT 5 Pro, visit www.alt5pro.com SOURCE: ALT 5 Sigma Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604906/ALT-5-Sigma-Digital-Instrument-Market-Summary-for-BTC-ETH-LTC-BCH The Huron Daily Tribune recently joined newspapers across the state in requesting that the state of Michigan begin releasing information about school-related coronavirus outbreaks to the public. The following letter was sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Sept. 1. Dear Governor Whitmer; We are writing to respectfully but urgently request you immediately marshal the resources of state government to compile and publicly release, on a consistent ongoing basis, vital public information regarding school related COVID outbreaks. Right now across this great state, parents, educators and students are wrestling with whether to proceed with virtual or in-school learning in the face of the pandemic. For many families, this is among the most difficult decisions in this extraordinarily difficult year. Yet, to date, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments have failed to provide the public with essential details on the exact location and severity of school related COVID outbreaks. On the verge of the new school year, MDHHS announced: The existence of 14 school related COVID outbreaks statewide well over a week ago. Since then weve learned of several more via social media and local word of mouth. Shortcomings in the states COVID tracking systems, including the systems current inability to track exactly where these school-related outbreaks occur. A pledge to eventually release school-related COVID outbreak details once the tracking system is fixed and county health departments begin submitting to the state more details, including exact locations of COVID-impacted schools. MDHHS has indicated these fixes could take weeks. In the meantime, county health departments, the first level of COVID reporting and tracking, continue to refuse media requests to release essential school-related outbreak details such as names and locations of impacted schools and number of known COVID cases. County health departments have cited confusion, lack of direction from state government, and a desire to protect schools from COVID-related stigma. Respectfully, school related COVID outbreak information belongs to the taxpayers who pay for it, especially parents with school aged children. It is the duty of state and local health departments to protect public health. This includes the duty to inform the public of health risks transparently, rapidly, and fully including the existence of COVID outbreaks in schools at the beginning of this very challenging school year. Media organizations are filing Freedom of Information Act requests, but this is no time for drawn-out transparency battles. We call on you to immediately provide Michigan families, students, educators, and taxpayers with the transparency they deserve. State government has more than 14,000 employees devoted to health and human services. Beyond the weeks-long fix of state computer tracking systems, we call on you to marshal state government resources to immediately, fully, consistently, and continually release school-related COVID outbreak details including the names of impacted schools, their locations, and number of cases to the full Michigan public. In closing, we respectfully remind you that, at the beginning of the pandemic, you declared professional news-gathering organizations an essential public service. We can think of few media public services more essential and urgent in this moment than informing local communities on COVID outbreaks in schools. Eric Young, Editor Huron Daily Tribune Bill Speer, Publisher Alpena News Bradley Massman, Editor Big Rapids Pioneer Stephen Henderson, Project Executive Bridge Detroit John Bebow, President and CEO Bridge Michigan and Center for Michigan Chris Huckle, Publisher Cadillac News Kelly Root, Executive Editor Crains Detroit Business Teresa Brandell, Publisher Crawford County Avalanche Peter Bhatia, Editor and Vice President Detroit Free Press Gary Miles, Editor and Publisher Detroit News Julie Stafford, Publisher Greenville Daily News John Minnis, Publisher Grosse Pointe News Eric Hamp, Publisher Houghton Lake Resorter and Roscommon County Herald News Tanya Whitaker, Editor Independent-Dundee James Brown, Publisher Yale Expositor Beth Konrad, President SPJ Detroit Chapter Stephanie Angel, Editor Lansing State Journal, Livingston County Press and Argus, Battle Creek Enquirer, Port Huron Times-Herald John Elchert, Publisher Leelanau Enterprise Mike Reitz, Executive Vice President Mackinac Center for Public Policy Jeff Payne, Managing Editor Macomb Daily News Lisa McGraw, Vice President Michigan Coalition for Open Government James Tarrant, Executive Director Michigan Press Association Kate Hessling, Editor Midland Daily News John Hiner, Vice President of Content MLive Craig Barnt, Publisher and Editor Pinconning Journal Larry Sobczak, Publisher and Editor Record-Washington Township Wes Mauer, Publisher St. Ignace News Dirk Milliman, Publisher Three Rivers Commercial News Paul Heidbreder, Publisher Nate Payne Editor Traverse City Record Eagle About a decade ago, when Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin was still a new Likud Knesset member, he created big headaches for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As a jurist by profession and a diligent member of the Knesset, Levin was the Likud's most energetic member in the struggle to limit the powers of Israels Supreme Court. At the base of his agenda was the claim that a small, left-wing minority had taken control of the Supreme Court and was trying to impose its left-wing values on the entire society. Levin, together with other Knesset members, tried to introduce new laws aimed at limiting the powers of the justices of the High Court. But ultimately it was Netanyahu himself who blocked these initiatives from behind the scenes. Levin now serves as Knesset speaker, and is one of the most popular and high-ranking of the Likud members. He is also a politician held in high esteem by the prime minister. Ever since Netanyahu was faced with legal entanglements, he has stopped preventing Levin from excoriating the legal system and the High Court, and has even adopted the same worldview himself. The Knesset speaker holds one of the most powerful, high-status positions in Israels government; in fact, it is viewed as one of the symbols of office a government icon. This, however, has not caused Levin to curb his declarations. In fact, the opposite is true. On Sept. 3, at a Law Conference of the Bar Association, Levin accused the High Court of inappropriate and dangerous interference in the work of the Knesset. There is an attempt here to take a certain worldview and impose it on the general public in an undemocratic way," he said. Levin also said that the method of choosing justices for the High Court is a distorted one, in which one friend brings another. True, Levin did not explicitly mention Netanyahus trial which in the past he had described as one of the low points of the justice system. However, the hint was clear. Esther Hayut, chief justice of Israels High Court, spoke after Levin and responded with an attack of her own, saying, True, criticism of others is, of course, legitimate. However, when it is expressed by a highly placed government servant, we expect it to be fair, impartial and not populistic. Unfortunately, the words uttered by the Knesset speaker do not meet these requirements not with regard to content nor to style. His words lack all impartiality. Although Hayut did not specifically mention Netanyahus trial either, it was clear that there was an elephant in the room. As it was, this public confrontation between the Knesset speaker and the chief justice of the High Court did receive little media attention it was overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic announcements Sept. 3 of 3,000 infected Israelis in the last 24 hours. Otherwise, the confrontation would have remained in the public agenda much longer. Levin is no back-row Knesset member nor mere talk-back expert; he is the Knessets top member, its very representative, and he refuses to waive the laws created to limit the powers of the countrys legal authority, the judiciary. Hayut is well aware of this. In Israels entire history, there has never been a period of such epic clashes and confrontations between Israels Knesset and its judiciary as this year. Levins agenda, once viewed as extreme in the Likud, has now become a leading program. Almost all high-level members of the party, on one level or other, support the Override Clause legislation a law that would allow the Knesset to relegislate laws passed by the Knesset that were invalidated by the High Court. On Sept. 1, it was Minister of Public Security Amir Ohana who accused Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit of trying to bring about Netanyahus political demise. In an interview, Ohana who, like Levin, is a jurist by profession said that Mandelblits entire political future rests on bringing Netanyahu down. He said, Should Netanyahu be acquitted, Avichai Mandelblit will not be able to remain in public life one minute longer. It would be a sign of Cain that will never be forgotten after the damage he inflicted on our country. These words also create the impression that Netanyahu is the man behind them, due to his court case. There is no doubt that the prime minister is the engine leading the current agenda, the presenter. But it is also true that there is another element at work: the legal activism of Israels High Court. Netanyahu adopted these views due to his own experience with the legal system, and his belief that he is being persecuted by it. Then, due to the prime ministers public popularity and political power, he was able to convince the Likud members. It is a circular process: The more that Likud voters become convinced that the legal system is of a left-wing orientation and has too much power, the more that Likud Knesset members adopt this view, although they did not do so in the past. We also see that the more this agenda seeps down to the level of the junior Likud members, the less polite it sounds. Likud Knesset member Shlomo Karhi, with an engineering doctorate, jeered Hayuts words that she had uttered at an attorneys conference: Law conference? Its a conference of Israels disconnected juridical oligarchy. Zero self-critique, only their opinions count for anything. Our goal should be clear: We must shatter the legal junta that exists today, and reestablish it from the ground up. Cleaner, more transparent and subject to the law and the decisions made by the people. That is exactly the concern and worry of the legal system and the High Court that talks and planned programs will ultimately become laws. Therefore, what we are witnessing is a fateful battle being waged between two titan systems a battle only likely to gather strength when Netanyahus trial reaches its decisive stages. In another four months, we will reach the "evidence stage" in Netanyahus bribery trial that will be conducted three times a week. Netanyahu has long since decided to wage a public trial, simultaneous with the criminal proceedings, to prove that he is being unjustly persecuted. The flaws of the legal system a system that enjoyed prestige and supremacy in the past have been rising to the surface. Even the discourse on the excessive authorities of the High Court are not disconnected from reality: There are many honored legalists who claim the very same thing. Netanyahu saw this and is using all his talents rhetorical, political and marketing skills to fight the ultimate battle for his political life. With regard to Levin and those associates who share Levins worldview, this confrontation represents the perfect political storm. Kleptopia: How Dirty Money Is Conquering the World By Tom Burgis Harper. 446 pp. $28.99 - - - The United States is a money-laundering mecca. Our legal system, corporate lawyers, bankers, real estate agents, title companies and accountants are eager to turn dirty money into gold. Or yachts. Or sparkling new luxury condos in Manhattan and South Florida. Though the true owners of these clean assets largely hide from view, the fact that America welcomes big dirty money from abroad is no secret. The mystery, however, is why our leaders in Washington have not taken the simple steps to stop this. In June 2019, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on "Combating Kleptocracy: Beneficial Ownership, Money Laundering, and Other Reforms." Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., laid out the problem starkly: "America too often enables global corruption" by providing leaders who loot their countries "the shelter of our rule of law for their ill-gotten gains." The expert witnesses agreed on the need for a critical legal reform: Congress should pass a law to require that the owners of shell companies, including those created just to make cash purchases, be disclosed. Despite bipartisan support in the House and the Senate for such a bill, it is not moving. Even if it passed both chambers, it's unclear whether President Donald Trump would sign it into law. For years, Trump has railed against the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act - the 1977 law that makes it a felony for a U.S. corporation (including its employees) to bribe foreign government officials. Trump told then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in the spring of 2017 that he wanted to get rid of the law, Washington Post reporters Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig disclosed in their book, "A Very Stable Genius." "It's just so unfair that American companies aren't allowed to pay bribes to get business overseas," the president said, according to the book. "We're going to change that." And some have claimed that Trump owes his wealth in part to post-Soviet Eastern European kleptocrats. In the early 2000s, "the influx of Russian money did more than save Trump's business from ruin - it set the stage for the next phase of his career," Craig Unger wrote in the New Republic in 2017. Tom Burgis's new book, "Kleptopia: How Dirty Money Is Conquering the World," is a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand what has already happened here in America and what lies ahead if Trump is reelected in November. It provides a magisterial account of the money and violence behind the world's most powerful dictatorships. "Kleptopia" is a meticulously reported narrative spanning continents over several decades. In it, Burgis, an investigations correspondent for the Financial Times, places Trump within the context of a widening number of international kleptocrats. While Trump is not mentioned by name until Page 250 of this 339-page story, Burgis builds a portrait of him as a player in that murky world. At first, Trump appears in the book as a nameless "American developer" building a skyscraper in Toronto. Burgis later contends that Trump operates among shadowy figures around the world. "Trump was helping to construct a new global alliance suited to the times. It was an alliance of kleptocrats," writes Burgis. "Drain the swamp, they cry, as they luxuriate in it. They have taken hold in central Europe, eastern Europe and Russia, with imitators on every continent: Bolsonaro in Brazil, Duterte in the Philippines, Erdogan in Turkey, Netanyahu in Israel, Maduro in Venezuela, Trump in Washington." After Trump stumbled in business again and again, Burgis argues that Trump regained and maintained his financial footing at the very same time he was associated with many crime-linked business figures. Some who bought condos from him, for example, were members of the Russian emigre mob, whom Burgis refers to as the "violence-to-finance" figures in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach - some of whom were allied with Italian American mafia families in the 1980s. Beyond documenting in great detail corruption across several continents, "Kleptopia" offers a theoretical frame. "Globalization meant that rule by theft and the rule of law were co-existing," Burgis writes. "Such tension could not be maintained indefinitely. One system would have to dominate, leaving the other as a facade." This problem did not arise only after the fall of the Soviet Union and Russia's nominal transformation to a market economy. We have seen this before. Burgis draws on the work of German legal scholar Ernst Fraenkel, who published "The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship" in 1941. "Fraenkel found what he believed to be 'a key to understanding the National Socialist system of rule,' " Burgis writes. "It was the 'concurrent existence of a "normative state" that generally respects its own laws, and a "prerogative state" that violates the very same laws.' " Burgis is a strong storyteller. We can visualize diamonds smuggled in a toothpaste tube for Swiss banking clients. We see a lawyer taking SIM cards with important contacts from her oligarch client and concealing them in a candy wrapper as he fled one snowy night on a private plane from his home country for asylum in London. The story Burgis tells is at times appalling, yet it is also somewhat hopeful, through the book's hero of sorts, Nigel Wilkins. The former head of compliance for BSI, a now-defunct Swiss bank, Wilkins turned into a regulator and later a whistleblower. He desperately "wanted the system to kick in, the counter system of institutions and laws, the system that protected the many." Yet he was fired from his post at Britain's Financial Conduct Authority in 2014 after "his bosses, the guardians of the City's probity, had suspended him after he told them he had evidence that suggested a crime might have taken place." "Kleptopia" offers us this message: "If there is an antidote to kleptocracy," Burgis writes, "it is honesty, the sort of indomitable resistance to lies, obfuscation and bulls---." Yet, he adds, "It is a struggle without end: the struggle for who gets to tell the stories by which we live." - - - Taub is a professor of law at Western New England School of Law and author of "Big Dirty Money: The Shocking Injustice and Unseen Cost of White Collar Crime," to be released Sept. 29. MANILA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Five suspected leftist rebels and a government soldier were killed in fierce fighting in Palawan province of the Philippines on Thursday, a military official said. Brigadier General Nestor Herico, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade, said a 10-minute clash erupted shortly before 6:00 a.m. local time in a village in Palawan province when marine soldiers encountered eight New People's Army (NPA) rebels while conducting reconnaissance security operations in the area. Herico said government troops were sent to the village after villagers tipped off the presence of the rebels in the area. Some of the rebels killed were women cadres, he added. He said troops recovered firearms, laptops, mobile phones, and documents in the clash site. The NPA has been fighting the government since 1969. They concentrate their attacks in rural areas and small-scale skirmishes with the military. The NPA strength is estimated at 3,500, a number significantly lower than its peak strength of around 25,000 in the 1980s. On and off talks to end the decades-old insurgency that killed thousands stalled again last year. FILE PHOTO: A view shows the empty hall of the Bolshoi Theatre, prior to the launch of its project to stream iconic performances online, in Moscow MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's opera aficionados will flock to the Bolshoi Theatre for the first time in almost six months on Sunday, wearing masks and sitting apart in a half-empty auditorium for a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "Don Carlo". The landmark venue in central Moscow closed its doors on March 17 as coronavirus cases mounted in and around the capital, the worst-hit region in the country. Initially managers said the shutdown would last for a few weeks, but finally said they would reopen on Sept. 6, as Russia started to relax some of its toughest restrictions. Couples, or friends who bought their tickets together will be able to sit next to each other. But the hall will be no more than half full due to new curbs to contain the pandemic, said the Bolshoi's director, Vladimir Urin. Temperatures will be checked and anyone over 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit) will be turned away at the door. The lockdown cost the theatre more than 850 million roubles ($11.27 million), Urin said in an interview with state television. He urged visitors to follow the safety precautions. "It's most often the people who don't understand the need to follow these measures who grumble. There is after all an alternative: close the theatre!" The shutdown has played havoc with performers' rehearsal schedules, said dancer Alyona Kovaleva, who will be appearing in "Four Characters in Search of a Plot", which includes four one-act ballets. "We were at home for several months, unable to work in a dance room or stay in shape," she told Reuters. "So, getting ready was tougher. We started gradually - at first we only did classes, then we added rehearsals. Now the period when we just work on a play without performing it on stage is longer." ($1 = 75.4322 roubles) (Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Gennady Novik; editing by Andrew Heavens) A Jobcentre Plus office in north west London. (Nick Ansell/PA Archive/PA Images) Job applications dropped in August, despite the number of roles being advertised steadily increasing, data shows. The number of job applications fell by 8.2% last month, even though job postings rose 2.8% month-on-month, job board CV-Library revealed. Some locations saw significantly larger-than-average drops, with Cardiff and Sheffield, in particular, seeing 15% fewer applications. Newcastle and Leeds also saw larger-than-average fall of 10%, while Portsmouth saw a drop of 9%. Meanwhile, many major cities experienced a significant surge in job postings, the data shows. READ MORE: UK graduate jobs fall but those who get one are getting paid more Taking the lead, Glasgow saw job advertisements shoot up almost a fifth (18%) month-on-month. Meanwhile, Aberdeen (14%), Brighton (14%), Southampton (10%) and Bristol (9%) also had more job opportunities than in July. However, overall job figures are still down by a massive 42.2% year-on-year, CV-Library revealed. Whats more, salaries dropped by 1.5% month-on-month, with key industries such as manufacturing (6%), marketing (6%), retail (5%) and social care (5%) taking harder hits. Its surprising that applications have dropped so significantly; especially given that the governments Job Retention Scheme is coming to an end in a matter of weeks, CV-Libary said. READ MORE: The great jobs that don't require a degree However, it's important to remember that August is typically a slower month for job searching even during a pandemic, founder Lee Biggins explained. He added: If you are actively looking for work, or are concerned that you may lose your job once the furlough scheme is over, its important to use this time to your advantage. Despite the month-on-month drop, the number of applications is still significantly higher than last year up 8.1% since August 2019, CV-Librarys figures show. In fact, some cities saw massive year-on-year increases, such as Brighton, where applications are up 42%. Story continues Southampton (31%) and Bristol (28%) also experienced big rises in job applications. READ MORE: Coronavirus Wage freezes increase, but lower-paid workers receive pay rises The industries which saw the largest jump in applications year-on-year include education (up 49%), IT (up 35.2%), engineering (up 25.8%) and property (up 20.6%). If youre looking for a new job this month, you need to get applying now, Biggins advised. September tends to come with a back to school feeling, where many job seekers will refocus their efforts on finding a new role. Unfortunately, this means you dont have much time before competition ramps back up. Its absolutely vital to put as much effort into your applications as possible. This means researching each company thoroughly and tailoring your CV and cover letter to every role you apply for. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are promising in electrocatalysis processes due to their maximum utilization of active species. However, manipulation of these atomic-scale active sites to satisfy specific reactions is still an essential bottleneck due to their isolation features. Prof. LIU Jian from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and his collaborators proposed a nano-confinement strategy to host multiple Fe and Cu single atoms inside the extremely narrow yet regular surface cavities of graphitic carbon nitride to form "sub-nanometer reactors". The study was published in Advanced Materials on Sept. 2. "These Fe and Cu atoms, highly confined in the sub-nanometer reactors, not only provide stronger interaction with the reactants but also, more importantly, lead to significant synergetic effect due to their unique microenvironments in this extremely narrow space, which is highly favorable for catalysis, especially the tandem processes such as the nitrogen reduction reaction," said Prof. LIANG Ji from Tianjin University, a co-author of the study. "This is the first time that we successfully and conceptually push the nanoreactors towards a much smaller dimension to form sub-nanometer reactors, which brings distinctively different properties from the conventional nanoreactors," added by Prof. LIU. "First principle simulation reveals that this synergistic effect originates from the unique Fe-Cu coordination, which effectively modifies N 2 absorption, improves electron transfer, and offers extra redox couples for nitrogen reduction reaction," said Prof. SUN Chenghua from Swinburne University of Technology, another co-author of the study. The researchers found that this significant synergy caused by the multiple confined atoms led to significant performance enhancement for the model electrocatalytic process, the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Improvements in terms of high ammonia yield and efficiency that are much higher in comparison with the mono-metal counterparts have been achieved. This concept of constructing sub-nanometer reactors not only provides a new strategy of manipulating catalysts active centers at the subnanometer scale, but also sheds light on the design of novel catalysts with a precision spatial location at the sub-nanometer scale for a wide spectrum of catalytic reactions as well. ### Covid-19 Update 45: Policies and Protocols - All you need to know All staff and students are reminded of the approved Wits Covid-19 policy, Emergency Response Plan and other associated protocols. Dear Colleagues and Students We hope that you are well and healthy, and enjoying the return of the warm weather. As we prepare for the phased return of selected cohorts of students (as invited by faculties or the Dean of Students) and some employees (as requested by line managers), it is important for all members of the Wits community to be aware of Wits latest COVID-19 policies and protocols as explained below. Please remember that you should only return to campus if you receive an invitation and permit from your faculty or line manager. In the case of residences, the Office of the Dean of Students will issue invitations and permits for some students to return in this phase, in line with government regulations. If you do not receive an invitation to return to residence by Sunday evening, please continue with the academic programme online from home. Your name will remain on a waiting list and you will be notified as soon as space becomes available, or when the next phase commences. COVID-19 Infections Two staff members and four students reported testing positive for COVID-19 during the past week. These include staff members who are working from home. This is out of a population of approximately 5 500 permanent staff and 37 500 students. Affected staff members and students are self-isolating in line with government directives and University protocols. No of infections 28 Aug 3 Sept 2020 Total Infections Staff 2 100 Students 4 181 The passing of Mr Themba Tshabalala We lost another long-standing member of the Wits community this week. We learnt earlier this week about the passing of Mr Themba Tshabalala, a Library Assistant at the Commerce Library. He will be sorely missed by all who interacted with him in the libraries and the greater Wits community. Mr Tshabalala has served Wits for over 22 years in various capacities. He joined the Wits Health Sciences Library in 1996 and was appointed as an Administrative Assistant in the Librarys Finance and Administration Department in 1999, before taking up the post of Library Assistant in the Commerce Library in 2011. On behalf of the Wits community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family, and those who knew him well. May he rest in peace. SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 WITS COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROTOCOLS The Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management Directorate (OHS&E) would like to remind all staff and students of the approved Wits COVID-19 policy, Emergency Response Plan and other associated protocols. 1. Risk assessment All managers, Heads of Schools (HoS), Section 16.2 Assignees, Directors and Supervisors (as appropriate) must complete a COVID-19 risk assessment for their respective School or entity and implement the necessary risk mitigation measures before the return of staff and students to their respective entities. A copy of the risk assessment must be sent to the School or Units respective OHS&E Officer. Guidelines to carry out the risk assessment are available from the OHS&E Directorate. 2. Relevant Forms A Reporting Form for Employees must be completed for every staff member that contracts COVID-19, irrespective of whether the employee is working from home or on campus. The completed form must be sent to Jo-Anne Zastrau via Dept-OHS-Admin@wits.ac.za. This form has prompts indicating which other University entities should be notified. A Reporting Form for Students must be completed for every student that contracts COVID-19. This form can also be obtained from Anna.Moloi@wits.ac.za from the Campus Health and Wellness Centre and must be returned to her once completed. Line Managers and/or Supervisors are expected to investigate an infection incident involving an employee or student from their respective entity if the infected person was on the Universitys premises 10 days prior to being positively diagnosed. The infected person's HoS, Section 16.2 Assignee, Director or Supervisor must, during such an investigation, attempt to ascertain whether contraction of the virus arose out of or in the course of employment or during student activities while on the University's precincts. They must complete the COVID-19 Investigation Form and send a copy of the completed form to the relevant OHS&E Officer. The form also includes prompts indicating which other University entities should be notified. If an infected employee was on campus within a period of 10 days prior to being positively diagnosed and if there is evidence to suggest that the employee contracted COVID-19 arising out of and in the course of employment, then the infected person's HoS, Director, Supervisor or Section 16.2 assignee must fill in a WCL1 form and any other documents and send these to Ntabiseng.Nzimande@wits.ac.za and copy Dept-OHS-Admin@wits.ac.za so that the infection can be formally reported to the Compensation Commissioner. 3. Reporting Infections In order to manage infections, maintain record-keeping and fulfil all University and legislative and regulatory requirements, certain entities at the University must be informed about staff and student COVID-19 infections. These persons or entities may include, but are not limited to: The Line Manager or Supervisor must immediately be notified by the employee or student to enable the notification of other University entities and to investigate infection incidents; The Line Manager or Supervisor will inform the Human Resources Officer, Manager or Course Co-ordinator of the entity in which the person is employed or studies (to assist with leave of absence arrangements and follow up); In the case of student infections, the Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) is to be notified by the Line Manager or Supervisor and/or the infected person in order to facilitate isolation arrangements if necessary, to record the infection and to follow-up with the infected person, as well as to provide information about isolation and quarantining. Student infections must be reported using the student reporting form and must be sent to CHWC via Anna.Moloi@wits.ac.za In the case of staff infections, the OHS&E Directorate is to be notified by the Line Manager or Supervisor and/or the infected person using the employee reporting form. The OHS&E Directorate records infections in a central register and uses the information to report work-related infections to the relevant authorities (such as the Department of Employment and Labour, insurers and the Compensation Commissioner). Campus Protection Services is to be notified by the Line Manager or Supervisor and the CHWC to ensure that adequate access controls are implemented (i.e. CPS temporarily blocks the infected person's access card while the person completes the obligatory isolation or quarantine period and the card remains blocked until the recovered persons comply with the requirements to be permitted to return to campus); Course coordinators in Schools (such as in the Faculty of Health Sciences) should be informed to facilitate the learning and/or tracking and isolation arrangements of infected and/or affected students; For students and staff in residences, Residence Managers should be notified in order for isolation or quarantine arrangements to be made. Cleaning services should be contacted in all instances where buildings and/or sections within buildings may potentially have been contaminated by an infected person and/or persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The Services Directorate has a cleaning plan that can be obtained from the Director: Services by emailing Israel.Mogomotsi@wits.ac.za. 4. Confidentiality The above designated individuals and those who may be designated to manage operations and who have access to information about an infected person, must keep such information confidential. 5. COVID-19 Symptoms In the event that a person on campus experiences COVID-19 symptoms, this information must also be disclosed to the relevant Line Manager, Supervisor, Course Coordinator, the Campus Health and Wellness Centre, Residence Manager or Campus Protection Services either by the affected employee or student or by any person observing such symptoms (this requirement is not only confined to positively diagnosed persons). The person must be isolated and the protocol for the management of COVID-19 events must be followed. A copy of this protocol can be obtained from Jo-Anne Zastrau by emailing Dept-OHS-Admin@wits.ac.za. 6. Contact tracing In the event that an infected or suspected infected person may have been in close contact with other persons on campus, then efforts will be made by the University to trace or determine (with the assistance of the infected individual) whether any other persons were potentially exposed. It will be expected that the relevant entity or School in which such an infected person functions will assist in the tracing process. The University will contact any affected employee or student and inform them of the potential exposure so that they may take the necessary precautionary measures. The name of the employee or student that is suspected to be infected with the virus must not be disclosed. 7. Return to Campus Readiness Plan The Human Resources team have developed a comprehensive Return to Campus Readiness Plan, which can be obtained from the Senior Director: Human Resources via Kgomotso.Kasonkola@wits.ac.za. 8. Wits COVID-19 webpage An informative COVID-19 webpage reflects Wits protocols as well as other useful COVID-19 information and resources. Please read and share this content as appropriate. 9. COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan The latest version of the Wits COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan is available online and all entities must be aware of the content of this document. 10. COVID-19 Awareness Presentation: View the informative COVID-19 Awareness Presentation online. CONTACT THE OHS&E OFFICE Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the OHS&E Directorate via Jo-Anne Zastrau at Dept-OHS-Admin@wits.ac.za or the Director of OHS&E, Jonathan De Villiers via Jonathan.DeVilliers@wits.ac.za. Thank you GRAND RAPIDS, MI A 28-year-old woman suffered gunshot wounds to her leg in one of two overnight shooting incidents. The woman was shot Thursday, Sept. 3, in a store parking lot in the 100 block of Hall Street. She was getting into a vehicle when she heard gunshots. She realized she had been shot as the driver of the vehicle sped off. While they were fleeing, shots were fired at the vehicle they were riding in. The woman and others in the vehicle told police they did not have a confrontation or contact with anyone before the shooting occurred and had no idea who would have shot at them. The victim arrived at Mercy Heath Saint Marys hospital at 10:37 p.m. She suffered two or three wounds to her thigh area. The injuries are not life-threatening, police said. Meanwhile, police responded around 12:30 a.m. Friday to reports of shots fired in the 1700 block of Kalamazoo Avenue SE. Witnesses reported hearing eight gunshots. A house and a vehicle were both hit once by bullets. Police recovered six shell casings in the middle of the road. Grand Rapids police asked anyone with information on either incident to call investigators at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or go to www.silentobserver.org Read more: 79 animals seized from home in Southwest Michigan In summer of unprecedented violence, Grand Rapids police working to get guns off street Waves push 2 children into rocks at South Haven pier, bystanders make rescue Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said home isolation is proving to be an effective tool for the clinical management of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the state. Sawant is himself under home isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. The 47-year-old BJP leader has said he was asymptomatic. He also appreciated efforts put in by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to provide assistance to patients who are quarantined at home. "Home isolation is proving to be an effective tool for management of asymptomatic COVID-19 positive patients. "The IMA state unit, along with its dedicated member doctors, is doing a valuable job by extending telemedicine support and monitoring patients round-the-clock, said Sawant in a statement released here. The home isolation kit having all essential equipment and medications provided by the IMA is largely beneficial and it has aided me personally to monitor myself, he said. Sawant requested AYUSH (ayurveda, yoga & naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy) doctors to come forward and liaison with the IMA unit to strengthen the fight against COVID-19 in 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.) A Pennsville nurse who allegedly prescribed creams and vitamins to defraud insurance companies out of more than $6 million will permanently lose her license, the Attorney Generals office announced Friday. Ashley Morgan Lyons-Valenti, 63, a Registered Professional Nurse and Advanced Practice Nurse, is accused of submitting fraudulent claims and prescribing medicine to patients who didnt need them in exchange for $90,000 in kickbacks, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a press release. The Swedesboro resident faces a 33-count federal indictment, which alleges she and two other people scammed insurance companies out of millions of dollars. Lyons-Valenti was prescribing vitamin combinations, pain creams, scar creams, anti-fungal creams and libido creams typically the job of a licensed pharmacist when they were medically unnecessary, according to the news release. She also claimed to have reviewed medical records and completed exams on patients she hadnt met. Insurance paid out more than $1.25 million for fraudulent prescriptions from April 2014 through 2016, federal prosecutors claim. Professionals who abuse their position of trust to enrich themselves by breaking the law will be held accountable in New Jersey, said Grewal. Lyons-Valenti faces serious criminal charges as a result of her conduct, and she is banned from the nursing profession in the state for good. She agreed to permanently surrender her nursing license and will pay a $170,000 fine. Lyons-Valenti is facing federal charges of committing health care fraud, depriving her employee and patients of honest service, wire fraud, commercial bribery and receipt of kickbacks, among other counts. The criminal charges and serious fraud allegations faced by this practitioner are clear violations of the professional standards every nurse must abide by, said Paul R. Rodriguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Shes also charged with obstruction of justice to tamper with a grand jury after telling a witness to lie to the FBI, and telling that witness she hadnt received money in exchange for prescriptions. To settle the states claims ahead of the criminal trial, Lyons-Valenti agreed to surrender her prescribing registration and professional licenses, and divest herself from any financial benefit from practicing nursing, according to the statement. Under the consent order, shell also be barred from an RN or APN license in New Jersey. Brian Sokalsky, 42, of Margate, and Vincent Tornari, a 46-year-old Linwood man who worked in pharmaceutical sales, were also previously charged in the scheme. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips There is a "big probability" that the defence ministers of China and India will meet in Moscow amid renewed border tensions, the editor-in-chief of influential Chinese newspaper Global Times said on Friday. It will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh in early May though External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the row. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday evening in Moscow on the sidelines of a ministerial meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), government sources said. Hu Xijin said on his official account on Twitter that arrangements for such a meeting between China's Wei Fenghe and India's Rajnath Singh "has made progress", without citing sources. Will the Chinese and Indian defense ministers meet in Moscow? Based on what I know, this arrangement between the two sides has made progress. The meeting between Wei Fenghe and Rajnath Singh has a big probability to be held. Hu Xijin (@HuXijin_GT) September 4, 2020 The two men are expected to be attending a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member countries' defence ministers in the Russian capital. Rajnath Singh and Wei Fenghe are currently in Moscow to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers on Friday. According to information, the Chinese side conveyed to the Indian mission its keenness to have a meeting between the two defence ministers. However, there is no official confirmation about it. Tensions flared in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake four days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. Army Chief Gen MM Naravane is currently on a two-day visit to Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region in view of the Chinese attempts. India on Thursday said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations. The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) that squarely put the blame on China for the prolonged border standoff came even as Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat asserted that India's armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in "best suitable ways". Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The captain of a superyacht who sailed from Victoria to Queensland with passengers including a Melbourne millionaire has been charged with making a false border declaration. Police launched a criminal investigation into the 15-day journey of Simonds Group executive director Mark Simonds and six others up the NSW coast late last month. None of the passengers has been charged. In an update on Friday afternoon, police said they had issued the 64-year-old "manager of the vessel" with a notice to appear, alleging the man breached the public health act by giving false information to an emergency officer. Police will allege skipper Greg Numa claimed he and his crew members did not leave the vessel during the course of the journey, but details later emerged that contradicted this. The daughter of a California woman murdered by serial killer Phillip Jablonski has recalled the moment she came face to face with her mother's murderer weeks before he shot her dead. Phillip Carl Jablonski was convicted of killing five women, two of which were his former wives, in California and Utah between 1978 and 1991. He was sentenced to death in 1994 but died in San Quentin State Prison at age 73 last December. The serial killer was revealed to have kept an audio diary where he would describe his gruesome crimes and lust for blood in explicit detail. The recordings are featured in a new Investigation Discovery documentary, 'The Serial Killer Among Us: Phillip Jablonski,' which premiered on Thursday. It also includes interviews with the daughter of Fathyma Vann, one of Jablonski's final victims in 1991. Phillip Jablonski as sentenced to death in 1994 after he was convicted of killing five women, including college classmate Fathyma Vann (right) In a new documentary, Fathyma's daughter, Yolonda Robinson-Vann, who became an orphan in 1991 following her death, recalled having a chilling premonition after meeting Jablonski with her mother for the first time In an interview with Fox News ahead of the premiere, Yolonda Robinson-Vann revealed she had a chilling premonition about Jablonsky and nightmares foreshadowing her mom's death after first meeting him. Vann, from Indio, who was 38 at the time she was murdered, had been attending the same community college as Jablonsky at the time. Robinson-Vann, who was also a college student, said she went to go to meet with her mom one day who had been with Jablonsky. 'She introduced me to him. And immediately, without even saying hi to him, I said: "If something happens to my mother, I'm going to come looking for you",' Robinson-Vann said. Jablonsky, she said, replied saying: 'You don't have to worry about me doing anything to her. You should worry about her doing something to me.' 'I said: "Well, we shouldn't have a problem. "Cause if you don't mess with her, she's not going to mess with you". ' 'Just the way he stood there and was looking at my mother, there was just something about him that didn't sit right in my stomach,' she added. After the encounter, Robinson-Vann said she began having dreams that someone was trying to kill her mother, but little did she know they were signs of what was to come. And in April 1991, her nightmares finally came true. Jablonski died in prison in December 2019. The serial killer had a long history of violence against multiple women, dating back to trying to kill his first wife in the 1960s and then murdering his second wife in the 1970s. Jablonsky had offered Vann a ride home from class before killing her and dumping her body in the desert near Indio. Vann had been shot in the head but was found naked and mutilated with multiple stab wounds. Jablonski had also carved the words 'I love Jesus' on her back. Nearly 30 years after the gruesome murder, Robinson-Vann said she's still haunted by what she believed were warning signs before her mom's death. She told Fox she agreed to be featured in the documentary to keep her mother's memory alive. 'My kids always wanted to know about their grandmother. But when you go online and put her name in Google, his face pops up,' she said. 'And you have to remember, I had a conversation with this man. I felt like I was given a warning and I hate the fact that I didn't listen. 'I still wonder, had I not told him anything about messing with her, would she still be alive today? Or was he already plotting to kill her? I live with that.' He was revealed to have kept an audio diary where he would describe his crimes and lust for blood in explicit detail - which are featured in new Investigation Discovery documentary (pictured) A San Mateo County jury sentenced Jablonsky to death in 1994 for the first-degree murders of his third wife, Carol Spadoni, 46, and her mother, Eva Petersen, 72. Spadoni had married him in 1982 while he was serving 12 years in prison for murdering his second wife and mother of his child, Melinda Kimball, in 1978. A year after he was released from prison in 1990 he murdered Spadoni and Petersen by shooting, stabbing and mutilating them before raping the 72-year-old woman after she was dead. It was the latest in what court records say was a long history of violence against multiple women, dating back to trying to kill his first wife in the 1960s and then murdering his second wife in the 1970s. At the time he was an army sergeant who had served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War before he was discharged in 1969 for a 'schizophrenic illness'. He pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder, assault and attempted rape of his second wife, Melinda Kimball. Vann had been shot in the head but was found naked and mutilated with multiple stab wounds. Jablonski had also carved the words 'I love Jesus' on her back He was paroled for good behavior in 1990, despite having tried to strangle his mother with a shoelace during a prison visit in 1985. Jablonski told his parole officer that he wished to live with Spadoni, but she said she did not want him living with her because she was afraid of him, according to court records. The killer was forbidden by his parole conditions from going to Burlingame, where Spadoni lived at a home with her mother, but he still went there and killed them both. Authorities said they recovered a cassette tape in which he then described fatally shooting, stabbing and mutilating Spadoni and her mother. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but a jury found he was sane at the time. Jablonski was later convicted of the deaths of Fathyma Vann and Margie Rogers of Thompson Springs, Utah. Rogers and her husband co-owned a store along Interstate 70 where she was found dead. Jablonski even made a website from prison asking for men and women to write letters to him, in which he described himself as a 'Death Row Teddy Bear'. In the ad titled 'Pen Pals Wanted' he said he was 'seeking open-minded bisexual or straight males and females for unconditional blunt correspondence on a mature and honest level'. Jablonski also begged readers to not 'let the knowledge I am a serial killer...stop you from writing'. In one menacing letter to a New Zealand woman last year he wrote, 'She just wouldn't die!' It is unclear which victim he was said to be referring to. You are here: China Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday made three proposals at the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services via video. Firstly, all countries should jointly foster an open and inclusive environment for cooperation, Xi said. China will stay committed to further opening up, with measures including the establishment of a sound negative list management system in cross-border service trade, and the advancement of constructing open platforms for piloting innovative development of trade in services, Xi said. The country will also continue to ease market access in the service sector and actively expand imports of quality services, he said. Secondly, all countries should work together to invigorate momentum for cooperation driven by innovation. China will work with all countries in enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights and actively promote the development of digital economy and sharing economy, Xi said. Thirdly, Xi called for joint efforts to break new ground in win-win cooperation. All countries should strengthen coordination in their development of trade in services, innovate the ways of cooperation, deepen the areas of cooperation and seek to maximize common interests in development. One of Britain's best-known private equity barons will make 50million when The Hut Group floats this month. Dominic Murphy, who led the 12billion takeover of Boots in 2007 when he was a partner at KKR, is one of a string of City big-hitters set for a significant windfall from the online retailer's 4.5billion stock market listing. He has a stake in The Hut Group believed to be just over 1.1 per cent, which is expected to be valued at around 50m when the company floats, and sits on the board as a non-executive director. Windfall: Dominic Murphy has a stake in The Hut Group believed to be just over 1.1 per cent The Hut Group has emerged as one of the major winners from the shift to online shopping during lockdown, selling a plethora of beauty and health products through its 200 websites. Its founder Matt Moulding's stake is worth 765million. He will receive up to 700million of shares if the company reaches a value of 7.25billion in the next two years. Former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy holds a stake worth 100million, after buying in at a tenth of the price, and is expected to cash out a proportion of his shares. Sir Tom Hunter, the former owner of House of Fraser, has been an investor for ten years after mentoring Moulding. His firm, West Coast Capital, owns a 3.37 per cent stake, which will be worth more than 150million when The Hut lists. Former Debenhams boss Terry Green and Angus Monro, the former boss of Matalan, are also shareholders. Murphy rose to fame at KKR when he helped orchestrate the acquisition of Alliance Boots in 2007 Europe's biggest leveraged buyout and its subsequent 17billion merger with US rival Walgreens. He struck up a relationship with Moulding while he was KKR's London partner and was again a key player when the American private equity giant bought a 20 per cent stake in The Hut Group in 2014. Back then it was valued at 500million. Murphy put his own money into The Hut Group and took a place on the board, which he kept when he left KKR to start his own investment firm 8C Capital. In 2018, in a rare setback, he was forced to abandon 8C's inaugural 890million fundraising when his co-founder quit to re-join KKR, leaving him to 'take stock'. Murphy became head of UK investments at KKR's rival CVC Capital Partners last year. KKR will sell its 17.8 per cent stake when The Hut lists but Murphy will hold on to his shares and his place as a non-executive director. Beauty boom: The Hut Group sells a plethora of products through its 200 websites The firm is planning to sell 920million of shares in the offering. Moulding, the son of a tarmac layer, has been accused of 'awful' corporate governance standards due to his insistence that he hold both the chief executive and executive chairman roles. He insists the role of executive chairman is common at other top global firms, including investment banks JPMorgan and Blackrock. The Hut will also transfer its properties into his personal ownership meaning he will be able to charge it 19.4million in annual rent. One analyst called it an 'outrageous amount'. 04.09.2020 LISTEN The president of the republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo must grow out of the pettiness and deceptive politics that has been associated with his tenure. The pettiness and deception is profoundly manifest in his conduct when it comes to handling of projects started by the NDC government under President John Mahama. We are appalled that HE Nana Addo is billed to cut sod today, 1st September 2020 for the construction of the Sokode Etoe-Adaklu bypass and UHAS internal roads; which roads has been under construction since 2012. It has been the stock-in-trade of this government to dabble in acts that tend to deceive unsuspecting citizens. When this government assumed the reins of power in 2017, the government cut sod for an existing Sokode-Ho dual carriage road project which started in 2016. It is therefore not surprising that H.E. Nana Addo is running away from the challenge thrown to him by President Mahama for the duo to debate their infrastructural records. This government has little to show for the enormous resources made of loans, grants, tax and non-tax revenues that it has had access to for the last four years. The sod cutting aimed at luring the uninformed minds must stop for it is all a facade. The government knowing that it has done next to nothing in the Volta region is employing shenanigans to gain political advantage. The president's action only feeds into why the Volta region was excluded from the 2020 roads budget. Volta region was left out of the budget advertently, else the president would not be cutting sod for an ongoing project which the same government abandoned since it won power. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and the NPP in 2016, chastised HE John Dramani Mahama for cutting sod for same projects in an election. We are utterly gobsmacked to see the same Nana Addo, desperately "re-cutting" sod for the very project his government failed to continue with for a whole political term of four years. Having accused your predecessor for doing so in an election year in 2016, does it not strike any of his litany of advisors that, Nana Addo must not be seen cutting sod for John Dramani Mahama's projects when he has barely three months to be kicked out of power? The Nana Addo government has no plans for the Volta region when it comes to roads and must desist from the trickery forthwith. Devine Ferg Afedo (Convener) Ransford Delali Kasu Secretary 0244435565 Justice Avedzi PRO 0246251701 Apathy a greater threat to religious belief than atheism: J. Warner Wallace Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Apathetic views on spirituality are a greater threat to religious belief than atheism, according to notable Christian apologist and author J. Warner Wallace. Apathy-ism probably is the biggest challenge to theism, not atheism, said Wallace, who talked about annually taking students on a trip to University of California, Berkeley. What were going to encounter most of the time is just apathy. Students on campus, maybe groups on campus are strongly atheistic in some groups. But generally speaking, students were like, Eh, dont really care. Wallace, along with fellow apologist Sean McDowell of Biola University, were interviewed on an episode of the Dallas Theological Seminary podcast The Table posted online last week. Wallace and McDowell had recently released an apologetics book aimed at reaching out to Generation Z Americans, the generation that is currently entering adolescence and adulthood. Titled So the Next Generation Will Know, the authors hope that adults and parents could use their book to help keep Gen Z from leaving their churches. According to a survey by the Barna Group released in 2018, Generation Z (normally defined as those born between 1999 and 2015) are the least Christian generation in United States history. Barna found that 35% of Generation Z teens considered themselves atheist, compared to 30% of millennials, 30% of Generation X and 26% of Baby Boomers. Wallace explained that making an intellectual case for Christianity is only the first step in reaching out with students, calling the first of two why questions. Why should I care? I get it. To you 58-year-old nut jobs or interested in theology, it might be interesting to you guys. But I dont care about that. It has no impact on me, he said. When a 17-year-old calls you to say, what do I do now? You want to be able to show that it turns out that that issue youre talking about on Instagram is described thousands of years ago in a book that describes you the way you really are and your friends the way they really are, and your interaction the way it really is. McDowell noted that another important factor in young people leaving churches was the absence of fathers in the home, citing a 2013 study led by the late social psychologist Vern Bengtson. Across faith practices, the number one factor that would shape why a young person stays in the faith and/or leaves on the reverse, is a quote, warm relationship with the father, McDowell explained. Theres something powerful about relationships in the Body of Christ [and] with a father and teaching kids how to navigate reality. So if one or both of those are missing, the chances sky rocket that a kid is going to walk away from the church and/or their faith. Wallace agreed with the familial influence factor, noting that most people, globally, believe what they believe primarily because their parents believe it. So what happens is, this becomes an exponential problem for us going forward as Christians. The fewer Christians we have in the next generation the fewer Christian parents [we have] to raise up another generation, said Wallace. As a way to help evangelize Gen Z, McDowell explained that forming good relationships is an important part, referencing the work of his father, noted apologist and author Josh McDowell. Today, when everybody has a voice, trust is one of the most important commodities that we have, he noted, and my dads faithfulness in ministry: people hear his name, they see evidence, and to so many people they go, you know what? Thats a voice I can trust. If I build a relationship with these people and they know that I care, theyre going to listen to me. So I work hard to be involved in the conversation with my kids regularly talking about stuff. So when they have a question, they dont first Google. Hopefully, theyll come to me. In 2011, then president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Research Thom Rainer released a book along with his son titled The Millennials: Connecting to America's Largest Generation. Rainer concluded that the Millennial generation, often defined as those born between 1981-1998, were not overtly hostile to religion, but rather were simply not interested in the matter. They are not anti-religious or anti-Christian, but they tend to be totally ambivalent towards anything religious or Christian, said Rainer to The Christian Post at the time. 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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Authorities identified the inmate as Paul Gill, who had been incarcerated for three weeks at the maximum-security Theo Lacy facility in the City of Orange. Gill harmed himself prior to receiving a mental health evaluation, according to Carrie Braun, the public affairs director for the Orange County Sheriffs Department. He was taken to the hospital, where he became unresponsive and succumbed to his injuries. Braun said that while deputies were attempting to transfer Gill for his mental health evaluation, a use of force occurred after he resisted the officers. He had a self-inflicted injury that caused him to need to go to the hospital, but that should not be misinterpreted to say that he committed suicide, Braun told The Epoch Times. Braun said she was not at liberty to discuss specifics regarding the injury or the actions of the deputies. It is part of the investigation that the District Attorneys office will be conducting. It was the deputies who were attempting to move him to a different location for a mental health evaluation, she said. As is the case with all in-custody deaths, the Orange County District Attorneys Office will be investigating Gills death. The office said details would be withheld until the investigation is closed. Kimberly Edds, the public information officer for the Orange County District Attorneys Office, told The Epoch Times that Gills death is a current, open investigation by our office. Our office investigates every in-custody death in Orange County, as well as officer-involved shootings, so were not going to be able to provide any information at this time because its all being investigated, Edds said. According to Braun, Gill was transferred into the Theo Lacy Facility from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department on Aug. 14. He was wanted for allegedly burglarizing residential homes, theft, and other weapons-related offenses in Orange County. HISTORY The Golden Maze Richard Fidler ABC Books, $39.99 The first time I met Richard Fidler was in the back of a car on the way to a winery event for the Adelaide Writers Week. Pretty quickly we started talking about Prague about the books we were trying to write. Mine, about my grandparents, and Fidlers, a sweeping biography of the city. We talked non-stop for the whole journey, and could have talked for hours more if we had had the chance. Prague's famous Charles Bridge, named after King Charles IV. The foundation stone was laid in 1357. Credit: I remember thinking that trying to write a biography of a city with such a complicated history was a huge task, and I was very grateful I was only trying to write a novel [There Was Still Love] set in 1980. But I knew that if anyone could pull it off, it would be Fidler. During our conversation, his intense passion for the city was palpable. When he talks about Prague, his eyes light up and the words spill out, painting a vision of what he is describing. His is a 30-year-old love affair that is still running strong. I first came to the city in the dizzying aftermath of that revolution [of 1989]. Prague was grimy and run down after decades of neglect, but I thought at the time it was the most beautiful and strangest city in the world and I still feel that way, he said to one journalist. The verdict in a personal injury case of a minor hurt at school was, at the time, the 60th highest award for damages in California. TUSTIN, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / Kyle Scott and Keith Bruno's recent $5,750,000 verdict regarding a brain injury to a minor student in the trial Minor v. LBUSD was the 60th largest verdict in the State of California at the time according to the TopVerdict website. Kyle Scott, whose law firm, Kyle Scott Law PLC, is located in Tustin, California was one of the attorneys on record along with Keith J. Bruno of Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, LLP. The case fell under several specifications which included: Dangerous Condition, Negligent Supervision, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, School Safety, Trip & Fall, Brain Injury, Denial of Medical Care, Negligent Maintenance and Negligent Tort. Because of an earlier ruling in the case, the main legal theory given to the jury was the negligence of the physical education instructor, Malcolm Turner. In this case (K.R., Pro Ami v. Long Beach Unified School District, et al.) the attorneys for the Long Beach Unified School District were found to have gone out of their way to minimize the traumatic brain injury Scott's client had suffered. Ronald Gabriel, M.D., a pediatric neurologist appointed by the County of Los Angeles as the County's expert in brain injury cases, testified that Scott's client indeed had a traumatic brain injury. Dr. Gabriel, relying on a CT scan showing a subdural hematoma and bruise on the brain, abnormal EEG, a brain MRI showing brain damage and residual hemosiderin (iron left by blood) and neuropsychological tests showing that Scott's client (a bright young man) said that the client was scoring at a severely low level on IQ tests after the skull fracture and brain injury he suffered. The jury agreed with Scott and the other attorneys and rejected the arguments of the attorneys for Long Beach Unified School District. "I feel great about this verdict," said Scott. "It's one of those things that makes being a personal injury attorney satisfying, and not just for me but especially for my client." Scott likened the verdict to a David vs. Goliath situation in which an individual minor faced a large entity (in this case the LBUSD). "It can seem daunting, going up against the big guys at first, but when you have the evidence and present the case well, even the so-called little guy can see justice done." About Kyle Scott: Kyle Scott has practiced personal injury law in Orange County, California for over 28 years. He has represented clients in areas including car accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, medical malpractice and sexual molestation. The firm's website is https://kjslaw.com. Contact: Kyle Scott kyle@kjslaw.com 714-544-1460 SOURCE: Kyle Scott View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604802/Orange-County-Personal-Injury-Attorney-Kyle-Scott-Secures-575-Million-Verdict Its all inclusive. They not only help with award-winning coffee and coffee shop products, but with location, layout and more. I loved that I could learn in my space rather than having to go to a barista school out of state. The atmosphere in Eureka, Missouri is more friendly these days, thanks to the new Orange Couch Coffee House at 98 Legends Parkway, which opened July 27. Local resident Maggie Schamber modeled her new coffee shop on Central Perk, a favorite fictional hangout of characters in the sitcom Friends. Living up to its name, her shop features an orange couch, similar to the iconic orange couch seen in the show's original opening credits. Schamber said she designed her store to have a Central Perk vibe. I want people to feel that the place is cozy and welcoming, she said. Like many entrepreneurs, Schamber had been dreaming of opening a coffee business for years. I was working for a local credit union in the marketing department, building and maintaining relationships with business partners, she said. I loved the space at 98 Parkway. After the credit union passed, I decided it was the perfect location for my dream coffee house. Although she loved coffee, Schamber knew she had a lot to learn. In researching how to open a coffee shop, she came across Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. The award-winning coffee roaster offers a coffee shop franchise alternative called 7 Steps to Success. Based on Seven Steps to Success, by Founder and President Greg Ubert, the program teaches everything newbies need to run a profitable coffee business. After reading the 7 Steps book and touring the Crimson Cup Innovation Lab in Columbus, I felt I had a good chance of succeeding with their guidance, Schamber said. From concept to opening, developing the Orange Couch Coffee House took over three years. Crimson Cup was there every step of the way. My 7 Steps Trainer, Steve Bayless, is so friendly, accessible and knowledgeable, Schamber said. He answers the phone on the weekend. Crimson Cup cares, not just about their owners but also their farmers. Ubert said the companys goal is to help its small business customers create unique coffee shops tailored to their dreams and the needs of their local communities. When I started Crimson Cup almost thirty years ago, my vision was to create a business that would offer an engaging work life, a fun environment and a culture of giving, he said. Ive been fortunate to realize all three. "A big part of the fun has been helping hundreds of entrepreneurs create their own coffee businesses. The 7 Steps outlined in Uberts book take prospective business owners through scouting a location through writing a successful coffee shop business plan to finding customers. A 7 Steps trainer works with owners every step of the way. We dont just offer barista and manager training although our training is among the best, Ubert said. What sets Crimson Cup apart is that we stay involved in our customers businesses. We dont succeed unless they succeed. Were proud that, even in the current business climate, our customers are finding ways to succeed, he added. Some have even seen year-over-year sales increases! Of all the steps, Schamber found Step Five, Focus on Training, the most helpful. Its all inclusive. They not only help with award-winning coffee and coffee shop products, but with location, layout and more. I loved that I could learn in my space rather than having to go to a barista school out of state, she added. In its first few weeks, the shop is already gaining customers and friends. Great coffee is like your best friend, Schamber said. We hear the drinks are fantastic, the shop looks great, the service is so friendly. People love taking pictures on the couch and with the quotes from the show, she added. They sit down and relax, slow down, and look at the art. And they love the Friends references! Customers choose from a full menu of hot and cold specialty coffee drinks, including handcrafted espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and mochas, plus frozen smoothies, hot chocolate and premium hot and iced teas. Locally baked goodies like chocolate chip cookies and donuts round out the menu. As she begins her new life as a coffee shop owner, Schamber had this advice for others who are thinking about opening a coffee shop: Call Crimson Cup as your first step for sure. Have fun but do it only if youre serious about it. It has to be a passion. Be patient as you nurture your dream into reality. Come up with something different. If people dont know you personally, the theme or name will get them in the door. Once they have experienced your shop and tasted your coffee, they will be back! The Orange Couch Coffee House plans grand opening celebrations Wednesday, September 9. Stop by between 6 am and 6 pm for $1 espresso-based drinks and fun from your new friends. About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is a 2020 Good Food Award winner, 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Since 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced craft coffee in small batches. It sells coffee to consumers and distributes wholesale coffee beans. Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative program, the company teaches entrepreneurs to run successful coffee houses. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into how much it costs to open a coffee shop. Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 38 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also operates several Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The yacht's anchor damaged more than 11,000 square feet of coral colonies in Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Owners of a $41 million superyacht will pay a $100,000 fine after damaging hundreds of coral colonies in Hawaii. The yacht, the Formosa, dropped anchor onto coral, breaking 431 coral colonies across more than 11,000 square feet, Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources said. The yacht's chain inflicted much of the damage by swinging through the coral bed, according to the state. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Owners of a 197-foot superyacht will pay a hefty fine after damaging coral colonies in Hawaii's Kailua Bay in 2018, the state's Department of Land and Natural Resources announced this week. The owners Formosa Wealth Management Group, whose yacht also bears the Formosa name settled with the state to the tune of $100,000, which will fund the restoration and management of coral reefs in West Hawaii, the department said in a statement. The Formosa appears to be up for sale with an asking price north of $41 million. The Formosa. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources The damage occurred in October 2018, the announcement said, when the yacht dropped anchor onto coral, breaking and damaging about 431 coral colonies and approximately 150 square feet of live rock. That constituted a violation of Hawaii Administrative Rules, but the state determined it would be difficult to prosecute the Formosa's owners because the vessel operates under a foreign flag, which many yacht owners do for tax purposes. All told, biologists estimate that the Formosa's anchor impacted coral across an area of more than 11,000 square feet, the department said. Nikki Smith, an aquatic biologist with the department's Division of Aquatic Resources, said in the announcement that much of the damage came from the anchor's chain "swinging through the bed," adding that the impact was "quite extensive." After surveying the damage, biologists from the division took to repairing the affected coral. They went on three dives to reposition more than 50 large colonies and stabilize more than 250 coral fragments. Read the original article on Business Insider Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 11:26:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Fat'hi Bashagha, interior minister of Libya's UN-backed government of National Accord, resumed work on Thursday after five days of suspension. The UN-backed government of Libya on Friday issued a decision to suspend the interior minister and referred him for investigation within three days into protection of protesters and abuses committed against the protesters in several cities in western Libya. Following an investigation session that lasted more than five hours, Bashagha said the questions revolved mainly around the protection of the recent protests. Many Libyans protested in the capital Tripoli against the political and security instability in the country, as well as lack of basic services such as electricity and water. The interior ministry said on Aug. 28 that an armed group had indiscriminately fired at protesters in Tripoli. The UN Support Mission in Libya called for a thorough investigation into the excessive use of force by "pro-GNA security personnel" in the capital. Enditem T here was confusion in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv after a drone dropped hundreds of bags of cannabis over the city centre. The cannabis was dropped on Thursday as a publicity stunt by Green Drone, a campaign group that is pushing to make cannabis legal in Israel. The group said on the Telegram messaging service ahead of the drop: "Its time, my dear brothers. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the green drone, handing out free cannabis from the sky... Enjoy, my beloved brothers, this is your pilot brother, making sure we all get some free love." The message suggested that the drone deliveries could be here to stay, with drug dealers forced by the coronavirus lockdown to adapt. The group added: Were launching the rain of cannabis project, that will include a weekly delivery to different parts of the country of 1 kilo of cannabis divided into free 2 gram bags. People rushed to grab the bags as they hit the ground in Rabin Square in central Tel Aviv, according to local media. Police said they had arrested two men in their thirties suspected of piloting the drone. Officers also found the drone. They added that they had recovered many of the cannabis bags. Cannabis is legal for medicinal purposes in Israel. Recreational use is illegal but largely decriminalised. The man charged in the brutal beating death of a female truck driver on Interstate 59/20 has had his bond revoked after getting another criminal charge while in lockup. Jefferson County Judge David Carpenter revoked bond for 39-year-old Charles Levester Gipson. He is now charged with destruction of governmental property in the Jefferson County Jail. The new charge was brought, authorities said, after he intentionally clogged his toilet and flooded his cell. Gipson is charged with murder in the Aug. 19 blunt force trauma killing of 53-year-old Christine Summers, who was driving for RTR Transportation out of Tennessee. She was a wife, mother, grandmother and had been driving a truck for about 30 years. Gipsons now-revoked bond was set at more than $1.5 million. Also this week, his appointed attorney Horace Kynard asked for a court-ordered mental evaluation of Gipson, saying he is unable to elicit feelings, unable to elicit details of the offense and states he cannot fully remember details of the offense. In addition to murder, Gipson is also charge with two counts of assault after authorities say he used closed fists to swing at two Hueytown police officers shortly after his arrest. Court records show Summers was killed with a blunt object, but they do not identify that object. According to authorities and family members, Summers was on the phone with her husband, Lamer, with whom she used to team drive, when she said she saw someone or something in the road and thought she should stop to make sure she hadnt hit something. She hung up with her husband and stopped to check and called 911. When she got out to check, Gipson was standing there, authorities and family members say, and he attacked her, brutally and unprovoked. Summers was still on the phone with a 911 operator and the killing was reportedly captured on the 911 call. Within moments, Summers body was discovered - about 3:20 a.m. that Wednesday - on the side of the Interstate 59/20 near the Valley Road exit. Truck driver Ozell Johnson said he was driving on the interstate on his way to deliver a load to the Mercedes plant. He said he saw another 18-wheeler on the side of the roadway and looked, as he always does, to make sure it was about to pull out in his path. It was then he noticed a woman now identified as Summers on the ground near her truck. He stopped and approached her to ask if she was OK, but she was unresponsive and bloodied. He then called 911. Johnson said he assumed the woman had fallen from the trucks catwalk. The truck door was locked, and Summers had the truck key and a flashlight beside her. Summers was pronounced dead on the scene. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the interstate, though the State Bureau of Investigation assumed the lead in the probe. Within the hour, Gipson was taken into custody. Hueytown Police Chief Mike Yarbrough said his officers received a call of a man in the middle of Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive. The chief said police quickly determined he was a suspect in a homicide, though he couldnt elaborate. They knew SBI was working that homicide and took Gipson to the Hueytown City Jail to await questioning by state agents. After SBI obtain the murder warrant against Gipson, he was taken to the Jefferson County Jail on Aug. 22 where he has remained since his arrest. North Korean leader visits South Hwanghae Province, Aug. 28. Yonhap By Do Je-hae Pyongyang may be getting ready to showcase a new type of ICBM in October, according to a recent media report. The National Interest, a U.S. international affairs magazine, reported Sept. 2 that North Korea could possibly unveil a more reliable type of ICBM during a military parade Oct. 10, citing officials in Washington. "A senior White House official, as well as multiple U.S. intelligence officials I have spoken with over the last few days, strongly suspect Pyongyang will unveil a solid-fueled intercontinental-range ballistic missile (ICBM) at its Oct. 10 military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea," said Harry J. Kazianis, senior director for Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest in the report. On Sudan's Tuti Island, where the Blue and White Nile meet, the highest river waters since records began have left people struggling to hold back the rising floods. Wedged between the twin cities of Khartoum and Omdurman, people on Tuti fill bags with sand and small stones in an often futile bid to stop the lapping water from swamping their homes. The world's longest river is life-giving, but the Nile also brings misfortune and misery to many. "Three days ago the water invaded my house around midnight," said Swakin Ahmad, dressed in a red headscarf. "We were knee-deep in it. My husband and I, with our five children, fled... carrying a few things in our hands." Every year during the rainy season the river floods, and the people of the island expect the waters to rise. But nothing in the past compares to the floods of today, residents say. - More rain forecast - "In previous years, we would leave our house for two months to live with friends," Ahmad said. "But this year that was impossible, because water had entered their homes too." Civil defence officials say that seasonal floods have killed 94 people, injured 46 and destroyed or damaged over 60,000 homes across Sudan during the current season. The level of the Blue Nile has risen to 17.57 metres (57 feet), the ministry of water and irrigation said this week, breaking all records since measurements began more than a century ago. But many fear the worst is yet to come. Heavy rains are forecast to continue through September, both in Sudan and upstream in neighbouring Ethiopia, the source of the Blue Nile. "Young people tried to rescue things from my house," Ahmad said. "But it was hopeless, because they had water up to their necks and could not see anything." Residents have thrown up makeshift barrages in the path of the water, but their efforts have been engulfed by the rising river. Iqbal Mohamed Abbas, who welcomed many of those forced from their homes at her educational centre, described "the courage with which young people tried with simple means to slow down the flood." Story continues She recalled previous occasions when the island was flooded, remembering a tune her grandparents sang decades ago. "I am proud of these young people who came to try to stop the Nile with their bodies," Abbas said, reciting the lyrics. But this time it appears much worse. Sudan's water ministry predicts that this year's flood is larger than that of 1998, which destroyed tens of thousands of homes in several states and displaced more than a million people. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that more than 380,000 people have already been affected across the country. - Changing weather - The floods come despite the controversial construction upstream of a 145-metre (475-foot) tall hydroelectric dam across the Blue Nile, and the vast reservoir behind that Ethiopia has begun filling. Both Sudan and Egypt view the mega dam as a threat to their water supplies, but heavy rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands has eased fears of water shortages in the short term. But some experts, such as the US-based research and campaign group International Rivers, have warned that changing weather patterns due to climate change could result in irregular episodes of flooding and drought in the Blue Nile's drainage basin. For the people of Tuti, the reason behind the record floods matters little -- it is the loss of their homes that is the tragedy. People preferred to risk drowning rather than leave their property, psychologist Enshirah Sharaf said. "I had to convince them to leave their homes -- it was heartbreaking," Sharaf said. "There was nothing to be done, the water was pouring in everywhere." People's homes were washed away. "I told them it is possible to rebuild your homes, but we wouldn't be able to revive souls that fly away upon drowning," Sharaf said. As residents piled up more sand bags, the army arrived to help. For Sudan, where military dictator Omar al-Bashir was toppled last year, the appearance of soldiers bringing in aid seems like a change from the past. "I saw their eyes red from a lack of sleep," said Hisham Kamal, an army general, who led a convoy of 90 trucks carrying food, and sand to stop the waters. "I came to help," he said. "It is our duty." sk/pjm/dwo/kir NEW DELHI : Wadia Group-owned GoAir will operate over 600 weekly flights as it aims to reach 60% of pre-covid-19 capacity by the upcoming festive season, the airline said in a statement on Friday. The airline, which currently operates about 500 weekly flights, expects to bounce back and reach 45% of pre-covid level by 21 September and 60% by 15 October, it added. The announcement from the no-frill carrier comes days after the Union government announced that airlines could sell seats up to 60% of an aircrafts capacity on domestic flights, up from 45%, further easing curbs on the aviation sector clobbered by the covid outbreak. The Mumbai-based airline will also add new flights and connections on domestic routes in the coming days. These include new connections to and from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Varanasi, Jaipur, Patna, Ranchi, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Leh and Jammu. "The Indian domestic sector is witnessing a gradual growth in demand owing to increased traffic. As the various states start withdrawing travel restrictions, demand will continue to grow," the airline's chief executive Kaushik Khona said in the statement. "These new flights will further strengthen our domestic network," he added. Indian airlines resumed domestic operations on 25 May, after being grounded for two months due to the nationwide lockdown to contain the pandemic. Air traffic has picked up since May, but bookings are not strong enough for most carriers to utilize up to 60% of their pre-covid capacity. As things stand, most airlines are banking on the upcoming festive season for the revival of passenger demand. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. One in Six Central Floridians May Struggle with Hunger This Year Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is accustomed to providing tens of millions of meals each year in the fight against hunger, but this year, the need for donations is greater than ever due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent national survey conducted by Feeding America estimates that one in six Central Floridians may struggle with hunger this year an anticipated 49% increase. In honor of Hunger Action Month, Second Harvest is asking the community to help Stock the Shelves this September. The month-long effort encourages Central Floridians to take action in the fight against hunger. Second Harvest is also making it easy to get involved by featuring at-home and socially distanced activities, such as: Donate 30 non-perishable food items representing each day of the month Host a virtual food drive or FUNdraiser Wear orange on Sept. 10 for Hunger Action Day Donate $30 for 30 days of hunger Donate your Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals after shopping Sign-up to volunteer Dine or shop at local establishments, such as Black Rooster Taqueria, Action Gator Tire and Kendra Scott on select days; a portion of each sale will be donated to Second Harvest Ways to get involved will also be posted on the nonprofits Facebook page throughout the month. Second Harvest encourages participants to share how theyre helping Stock the Shelves on social media by using #StockTheShelves. Now, more than ever, the community should come together to help those in need stock their shelves, said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. With every donation we receive, we are able to help our network of more than 550 feeding partners serve 66,000 people each day across six counties. Every canned good, every volunteer and every awareness effort makes a difference. To learn more about the Stock the Shelves campaign, Hunger Action Month and other ways to get involved with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org. About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida SHFBCF is a member of Feeding America the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. SHFBCF secures and distributes food and grocery products to approximately 550 local nonprofit feeding programs throughout Central Florida. Last year, with the help of food and financial donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank has distributed enough food for 76 million meals to partner programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, womens shelters, senior centers, day care centers and Kids Cafes. In addition, Second Harvests 16-week culinary program teaches foodservice-based technical, life and employability skills to economically hard-pressed adults. Second Harvest is distributing enough food to feed 66,000 people a day. To learn more about SHFBCF, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org. MERIDEN Two city men were arrested Thursday after 7 pounds of marijuana and ammunition were seized, police said. Lt John Mennone said Meriden police, the departments SWAT team, and the Wallingford /Cheshire SWAT team executed a narcotics search warrant at a home in the 300-block of Colony Street, where the two men lived. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises on Friday assured the automobile industry that he will take up the industry's demand for a cut in (GST) for the sector with the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister. Speaking at the virtual Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the minister said that the industry will get some concessions going ahead to boost demand, especially the festival demand. He noted that any decision on GST cut will require the to take into account the socio-economic impact of the decision. Citing the ongoing issue of the GST compensation, which Centre has been unable to pay to the states, he said that as already revenues are very low, such decisions on rate cut would have to be thoroughly looked into. "I hope you will get some good news soon," he said. As the pandemic has worsened the demand scenario of India's automobile segment, which was already going through a slowdown in the past year or so, industry players have been seeking support from the government to push demand in the form of tax cuts. Recently, Finance Minister also said that the will look into the proposal of lowering the GST on two-wheelers, which neither come under luxury nor sin goods. --IANS rrb/sn/dpb (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.) Schools have only partially reopened or shifted to online learning in many parts of the United States, raising fears women could be pushed out of the labor force Setbacks in the US quest to reopen the economy and a deadlock in Congress have cast uncertainty on the labor market ahead of a key government jobs report Friday. The world's largest economy has unraveled in recent months amid a terrifying Covid-19 outbreak that caused more than 186,000 deaths and tens of millions of layoffs as businesses shut down to stop the spread of the virus. Without new stimulus from Congress that many say is sorely needed, and faced with continued high rate of layoffs, analysts are split as to what to expect when the Labor Department releases its August unemployment rate and hiring totals on Friday. The July report showed firms added 1.8 million nonfarm jobs, and the unemployment rate dipped to 10.2 percent, and while the jobless rate is expected to continue to decline in August -- the magnitude of the drop depends on how you read the hazy data coming from an economy facing its worst downturn in a generation. Mickey Levy of Berenberg Capital Markets told AFP he expected a surprisingly good report with as many as 1.6 million jobs added, pointing to the declining numbers of people filing new claims for unemployment benefits each week. He also noted "other economic indicators like retail sales and durable goods orders (that) have continued to improve despite the dampening impact of the second wave of the pandemic." However, Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics said in a research note he only projects a gain of 750,000 new jobs based on surveys showing unremarkable hiring in August in both the public and private sectors. "The key point here is that momentum in employment growth has slowed substantially, and the early signs for September are deeply discouraging," he said. - Safety net, gone - Tens of millions of jobs were lost and the US saw unemployment spike to 14.7 percent in April as business shutdowns took their toll on the economy, climbing from a historically low rate before the pandemic hit. And a report Thursday said job cuts through August already surpassed the previous full-year record. Story continues But despite fears the rate would climb even higher, it has declined in recent months as state and local governments tried to get businesses open again, even as the virus outbreak in the country became the worst in the world. Analysts credit the $2.2 trillion CARES Act spending package that Congress approved in late March which supported consumption by giving jobless people an extra $600 per week, while also providing loans and grants to keep small businesses afloat. But those provisions expired at the end of July, and lawmakers in Washington have failed to reach a deal to extend them despite lengthy negotiations. A report Thursday said job cuts through August already surpassed the previous full-year record, with airlines especially hard hit, while the Labor Department has reported an average of more than one million new claims for jobless benefits filed each week in August. William Spriggs, chief economist of the AFL-CIO union federation, told AFP that points to a weak monthly report. He predicted little movement in the unemployment rate in August and less than one million new jobs added, the consensus forecast for a 1.4 million surge. "The fact that we still have all these people in the system looking for benefits just shows we have a large number of people not attaching to the labor force," he said. "We're looking at long-term unemployment as a huge issue." cs/hs The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded ERC Starting Grants to two researchers from Bielefeld University. They will each receive 1.5 million euros for top-level research in their disciplines. In her project, Professor Dr Martina Hofmanova from the Faculty of Mathematics is investigating fluid flows and studying how they are influenced by randomness. Dr Toni Gomann from the Faculty of Biology is working on epigenetic programming--that is, he is investigating flexible changes in the genomes that control, for example, which genes are activated in body cells. As recipients of this research funding, Hofmanova and Gomann now belong to Europe's best young scientists. 'I join Martina Hofmanova and Toni Gomann in being delighted that they are receiving ERC Starting Grants, and I congratulate them warmly on their success,' says Professor Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Sagerer, Rector of Bielefeld University. 'Both scientists have distinguished themselves through outstanding specialist publications and international scientific cooperations. The research projects that have just been approved are very promising. They are designed to produce ground-breaking findings for their research areas.' How randomness influences equilibria and turbulence The ERC is funding the project 'Mathematical analysis of fluid flows: the challenge of randomness' (FluFloRan) as part of Professor Dr Martina Hofmanova's award. Funding will run for five years from March 2021. Martina Hofmanova's research group is investigating how randomness influences fluid flows. Unlike physicists, she is not using experiments for this purpose, but working with mathematical equations. Like many scientists worldwide, she is working on finding the right equations to describe flows in liquids and gases. One of her major goals is to develop a mathematical theory for the origin of turbulence. 'I am trying to do this by considering randomness--that is, random perturbations on a microscopic level.' Research in this field is relevant to many applications ranging from aerospace engineering to the development of racing bikes. 'If we succeed in preventing turbulent flows or making use of them, this will save energy or power,' says Hofmanova. The further development of corresponding mathematical models is also important for meteorology and will enable it to make more precise predictions. 'The equations we are working with in the project come from physics. We want to clarify them with mathematical methods: Do the equations really have a solution? And if so, is this solution also unique?' says Hofmanova. Experts are familiar with the Navier-Stokes equations and the Euler equations. Engineers and meteorologists use them for simulations. 'However, they repeatedly produce strange, unphysical results that cannot exist in reality,' says Martina Hofmanova. 'I would like to find out how we can use mathematics to distinguish such impossible solutions from the good, physical solutions.' Martina Hofmanova obtained her Master's degree in mathematics at Charles University in Prague, the largest university in the Czech Republic. She obtained her doctorate at the Ecole Normale Superieure Cachan, L'antenne de Bretagne, in France. Before coming to Bielefeld in 2017, she spent a year researching in Leipzig at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences and three years at the Technical University of Berlin. She is a member of the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1283 at Bielefeld University, in which the mathematical theory of randomness plays a central role. Understanding the evolutionary role of epigenetics As part of Dr Toni Gomann's award, the ERC is funding the project 'Deciphering adaptive footprints of epiC evolution on different timescales' (DECAF). Funding will run for five years from February 2021. Toni Gomann's research group is dedicated to epigenetics, a special field of molecular biology. The human organism contains hundreds of cell types. Although they all contain the same DNA sequence, they all differ from each other by tiny markers known as epigenetic marks. Epigenetics is about how these marks control which genetic information becomes effective in the cells. This control can, for example, react to environmental changes such as the outside temperature and make cells more resistant to heat. 'Epigenetics plays a fundamental role not only in the function and regulation of our cells but also in diseases such as cancer,' says Toni Gomann, who works at the Department of Behavioural Research. Experts are currently engaged in a controversial discussion over whether epigenetics is in any way significant for evolution in humans and animals. 'Epigenetic marks are usually not inherited. Therefore, I would like to clarify what role epigenetics plays in evolution--that is, in passing on and modifying genetic traits from generation to generation. This would enable us to draw potential conclusions about diseases and their cure.' Hence, Gomann is investigating those epigenetic marks that actually are hereditary and occur in young cells shortly after fertilization. He is also analysing the genes that are known to be epigenetically activated or silenced. 'For these genes, we then track how and whether they are passed on to the offspring,' says Gomann. Gomann and his team are investigating a specific type of epigenetic mark: DNA methylation. 'It is currently the best understood mark in epigenetics.' Toni Gomann graduated in bioinformatics at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena. He then received his doctorate in biology from the University of Sussex (UK). Afterwards, he carried out research at the University of Hohenheim and the University of Sheffield (UK) before moving to Bielefeld University in 2019. His move to Bielefeld was made possible by the university's 'ERC Preparative Fellowship'. The fellowship is designed to help outstanding young academics prepare a proposal for an ERC Starting Grant. Gomann is an associate member of the Transregio Collaborative Research Centre (SFB/TRR 212) NC at Bielefeld University and the University of Munster that is focusing on the individualization of animals and their ecological niches. The ERC Starting Grant The European Research Council (ERC) awards its Starting Grant to outstanding young researchers in the first seven years after completing their doctorates. The award will fund their research over five years with up to 1.5 million euros. To be eligible for the award, researchers must have already published their own work as first authors and have demonstrated their future leadership role in research. There are two researchers at Bielefeld University who have already been awarded the ERC Starting Grant: the sociologist Professor Dr Minh Nguyen (2018) and the mathematician Dr Dawid Kielak (2019). ### Further information: ERC press release: "ERC Starting Grants 2020: 677 million awarded to unravel scientific mysteries": https://erc.europa.eu/news/StG-recipients-2020 ERC Preparative Fellowship at Bielefeld University: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/verwaltung/dezernat-fft/eu-forschung/erc_preparative_fellowship/ Contact: Prof Dr Martina Hofmanova, Bielefeld University Faculty of Mathematics Telephone: +49 521 106-4795 Email: hofmanova@math.uni-bielefeld.de Dr. Toni Gomann, Bielefeld University Faculty of Biology/ Behavioural Science Telephone: +49 521 106-2734 Email: toni.gossmann@uni-bielefeld.de Public health departments, which have struggled for months to test and trace everyone exposed to the novel coronavirus, are now being told to prepare to distribute COVID-19 vaccines as early as Nov. 1. In a four-page memo this summer, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told health departments across the country to draft vaccination plans by Oct. 1 to coincide with the earliest possible release of COVID-19 vaccine. The CDCs director, Dr. Robert Redfield, also wrote to governors last week about the urgent need to have vaccine distribution sites up and running by Nov. 1. Redfield asked governors to expedite the process for setting up these facilities. McClatchy first reported Redfield's letter. But health departments that have been underfunded for decades say they currently lack the staff, money and tools to educate people about vaccines and then to distribute, administer and track doses to some 330 million people. Nor do they know when, or if, theyll get federal aid to do that. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done to be prepared for this vaccination program and it will not be complete by Nov. 1, said Dr. Kelly Moore, associate director of immunization education at the Immunization Action Coalition, a national vaccine education and advocacy organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. States will need more financial resources than they have now. Dozens of doctors, nurses and health officials interviewed by Kaiser Health News and The Associated Press expressed concern about the countrys readiness to conduct mass vaccinations, as well as frustration with months of inconsistent information from the federal government. The gaps include figuring out how officials will keep track of who has gotten which doses and how theyll keep the workers who give the shots safe, with enough protective gear and syringes to do their jobs. With only about half of Americans saying they would get vaccinated, according to a poll from AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, it also will be crucial to educate people about the benefits of vaccination, said Molly Howell, who manages the North Dakota Department of Healths immunization program. Story continues The unprecedented pace of vaccine development has left many Americans skeptical about the safety of COVID-19 immunizations; others simply dont trust the federal government. Were in a very deep-red state, said Ann Lewis, CEO of CareSouth Carolina, a group of community health centers that serve mostly low-income people in five rural counties in South Carolina. The message that is coming out is not a message of trust and confidence in medical or scientific evidence. PAYING FOR THE ROLLOUT The U.S. has committed more than $10 billion to develop new coronavirus vaccines but hasnt allocated money specifically for distributing and administering vaccines. And while states, territories and 154 large cities and counties received billions in congressional emergency funding, that money can be used for a variety of purposes, including testing and overtime pay. An ongoing investigation by KHN and the AP has detailed how state and local public health departments across the U.S. have been starved for decades, leaving them underfunded and without adequate resources to confront the coronavirus pandemic. The investigation further found that federal coronavirus funds have been slow to reach public health departments, forcing some communities to cancel non-coronavirus vaccine clinics and other essential services. States are allowed to use some of the federal money theyve already received to prepare for immunizations. But AP and KHN found that many health departments are so overwhelmed with the current costs of the pandemic such as for testing and contact tracing that they cant reserve money for the vaccine work to come. Health departments will need to hire people to administer the vaccines and systems to track them, and pay for supplies such as protective medical masks, gowns and gloves, as well as warehouses and refrigerator space. CareSouth Carolina is collaborating with the state health department on testing and the pandemic response. It used federal funding to purchase $140,000 retrofitted vans for mobile testing, which it plans to continue to use to keep vaccines cold and deliver them to residents when the time comes, said Lewis. But most vaccine costs will be new. Pima County, Arizona, for example, is already at least $30 million short of what health officials need to fight the pandemic, let alone plan for vaccines, said Dr. Francisco Garcia, deputy county administrator and chief medical officer. Some federal funds will expire soon. The $150 billion that states and local governments received from a fund in the CARES Act, for example, covers only expenses made through the end of the year, said Gretchen Musicant, health commissioner in Minneapolis. Thats a problem, given vaccine distribution may not have even begun. Although public health officials say they need more money, Congress left Washington for its summer recess without passing a new pandemic relief bill that would include additional funding for vaccine distribution. States are anxious to receive those funds as soon as possible, so they can do what they need to be prepared, said Moore of the Immunization Action Coalition, a national vaccine education and advocacy organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. We cant assume they can take existing funding and attempt the largest vaccination campaign in history. WHATS THE PLAN? Then theres the basic question of scale. The federally funded Vaccines for Children program immunizes 40 million children each year. In 2009 and 2010, the CDC scaled up to vaccinate 81 million people against pandemic H1N1 influenza. And last winter, the country distributed 175 million vaccines for seasonal influenza vaccine, according to the CDC. But for the U.S. to reach herd immunity against the coronavirus, most experts say, the nation would likely need to vaccinate roughly 70% of Americans, which translates to 200 million people and because the first vaccines will require two doses to be effective 400 million shots. Although the CDC has overseen immunization campaigns in the past, the Trump administration created a new program, called Operation Warp Speed, to facilitate vaccine development and distribution. In August, the administration announced that McKesson Corp., which distributed H1N1 vaccines during that pandemic, will also distribute COVID-19 vaccines to doctors offices and clinics. With few exceptions, our commercial distribution partners will be responsible for handling all the vaccines, Operation Warp Speeds Paul Mango said in an email. Were not going to have 300 million doses all at once, said Mango, deputy chief of staff for policy at the Health and Human Services Department, despite earlier government pledges to have many doses ready by the new year. We believe we are maximizing our probability of success of having tens of millions of doses of vaccines by January 2021, which is our goal. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said it will take time for the vaccines to be widespread enough for life to return to whats considered normal. We have to be prepared to deal with this virus in the absence of significant vaccine-induced immunity for a period of maybe a year or longer, Adalja said in August. In preliminary guidance for state vaccine managers, the CDC said doses will be distributed free of charge from a central location. Health departments local vaccination plans may be reviewed by both the CDC and Operation Warp Speed. The CDC spent two days working with vaccine planners in five locations North Dakota, Florida, California, Minnesota and Philadelphia to discuss potential obstacles and solutions. No actual vaccines were distributed during the planning sessions, which focused on how to get vaccines to people in places as different as urban Philadelphia, where pharmacies abound, and rural North Dakota, which has few chain drugstores but many clinics run by the federal Indian Health Service, said Kris Ehresmann, who directs infectious disease control at the Minnesota Department of Health. Those planning sessions have made Ehresmann feel more confident about whos in charge of distributing vaccines. We are getting more specific guidance from CDC on planning now, she said. We feel better about the process, though there are still a lot of unknowns. OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY COULD HAMPER RESPONSE Still, many public health departments will struggle to adequately track who has been vaccinated and when, because a lack of funding in recent decades has left them in the technological dark ages, said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. In Mississippi, for example, health officials still rely on faxes, said the states health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs. You cant manually handle 1,200 faxes a day and expect anything efficient to happen, he said. When COVID-19 vaccines become available, health providers will need to track where and when patients receive their vaccines, said Moore, the medical director of Tennessees immunization plan during the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009 and 2010. And with many different shots in the works, they will need to know exactly which one each patient got, she said. People will need to receive their second COVID-19 dose 21 or 28 days after the first, so health providers will need to remind patients to receive their second shot, Moore said, and ensure that the second dose is the same brand as the first. The CDC will require vaccinators to provide dose-level accounting and reporting for immunizations, so that the agency knows where every dose of COVID-19 vaccine is at any point in time, Moore said. Although the sophistication of these systems has improved dramatically in the past decade, she said, many states will still face major challenges meeting data tracking and reporting expectations. The CDC is developing an app called the Vaccine Administration Monitoring System for health departments whose data systems dont meet standards for COVID-19 response, said Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, a nonprofit based in Rockville, Maryland. Those standards havent been released, Hannan said, so health departments are waiting to invest in necessary IT enhancements. The CDC needs to release standards and data expectations as quickly as possible, she added. Meanwhile, health departments are dealing with what Minnesotas Ehresmann described as legacy vaccine registries, sometimes dating to the late 1980s. A HISTORIC TASK Overwhelmed public health teams are already working long hours to test patients and trace their contacts, a time-consuming process that will need to continue even after vaccines become available. When vaccines are ready, health departments will need more staffers to identify people at high risk for COVID-19, who should get the vaccine first, Moore said. Public health staff also will be needed to educate the public about the importance of vaccines and to administer shots, she said, as well as monitor patients and report serious side effects. At an August meeting about vaccine distribution, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of Illinois health department, said her state will need to recruit additional health professionals to administer the shots, including nursing students, medical students, dentists, dental hygienists and even veterinarians. Such vaccinators will need medical-grade masks, gowns and gloves to keep themselves safe as they handle needles. Many health officials say they feel burned by the countrys struggle to provide hospitals with ventilators last spring, when states found themselves bidding against one another for a limited supply. Those concerns are amplified by the continuing difficulties providing enough testing kits; supplying health workers with personal protective equipment; allocating drugs such as remdesivir; and recruiting contact tracers who track down everyone with whom people diagnosed with COVID-19 have been in contact. Although Ehresmann said shes concerned Minnesota could run out of syringes, she said the CDC has assured her it will provide them. Given that vaccines are far more complex than personal protective equipment and other medical supplies one vaccine candidate must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit Plescia said people should be prepared for shortages, delays and mix-ups. Its probably going to be even worse than the problems with testing and PPE, Plescia said. ___ Szabo is a writer for Kaiser Health News. Associated Press writer Michelle R. Smith and KHN Midwest correspondent Lauren Weber contributed to this report. This story is a collaboration between The Associated Press and KHN, which is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. The Single Most Groundbreaking Tech Stocks Disruption Americas top researchers were stumped. How do you teach a computer to see? By 2012, technology had advanced a great deal. For $199 you could buy a tiny supercomputer called the iPhone 5. You could talk to itand it would talk back. It could hail you a cab, give you driving directions, or play a movie. You could even video call someone living on the other side of the world for practically free. In fact, the iPhone 5 was more powerful than the NASA computer that sent Neil Armstrong to the moon. But computers had one big glaring weakness: they were still laughably bad at recognizing images . Take a look at these pictures: Source: HuffPost.com A toddler could tell you half of them show a chihuahua dog, and the other half show a blueberry muffin. In 2011, researchers showed them to the worlds best image-recognition computer and asked, Is there a dog in this picture? The top performer got it wrong 30% of the time . Computers have always been able to count numbers and read text. But they could never master vision. In fact, about the only thing a computer could do with a pile of photos is sort them by size. If computers couldnt tell a dog from a muffin, what hope was there for world-changing disruptions like self-driving cars and drones that need computers to see? Doctors have long hoped to create an all-seeing computer that could save lives. According to IBM, 90% of medical data is image-based. In other words, doctors take X-rays to see broken bones, ultrasound scans to check a babys health inside a mothers womb, and MRI scans to diagnose potentially cancerous tumors. But human doctors often misjudge whats in these images. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic revealed 88% of the time, diagnoses are revised upon a second evaluation. In other words, doctors get the prognosis wrong all the time. This comes on the heels of a 2015 revelation by the National Academy of Medicine that diagnostic errors cause up to 10% of all patient deaths in the US. Unfortunately, none of these world-changing disruptions are possible without computers that have a set of working eyes. The Big Breakthrough She didnt know it at the time, but in 2010 Fei-Fei Li changed the world forever. Li was studying for a PhD in computer science at the University of Illinois. She was dumbfounded at how shockingly bad machines were at identifying objects. In 2010 Li founded the Olympics of image recognitionImageNet. In short, it was a challenge to her peers to build a machine that could see. ImageNet contained a giant database of over 14 million photos. Teams had to teach computers to identify millions of jumbled photos of everything from cats to churches to traffic lights. The winning team in the first year had an error rate of 30%. Results werent much better in 2011. And then in 2012 Alex Krizhevsky, a University of Toronto student, made a big breakthrough. He created a computer program called AlexNet that mimicked how our brains recognize objects. AlexNet rewired how computers see and swept away its ImageNet competitors, cutting the error rate in half. In short, AlexNet handed computers the gift of sight. This was the first time in history a machine could identify objects like a person. Research teams raced to build better versions of AlexNet. And in just seven years the winning teams score jumped from 70% to 99%. ImageNet was solved. In fact, the competition shut down in 2017 because it was no longer even a challenge. Pretty incredible when you consider that just seven years prior an error rate under 25% was considered the holy grail. Heres the thing: teaching a computer to identify a dog is just the first baby step in this disruptive megatrend. Once you teach a machine to see dogs, you can teach it to see pedestrians and cyclistswhich is crucial for self-driving cars. And asking a computer, Can you see a dog in this picture? becomes the same as, Can you see a broken bone in this X-ray? A New Superpower The ImageNet breakthrough was the catalyst for the computer vision boom happening all around us . As you read this letter, fully robotic self-driving cars are cruising around the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona. These robocars are operated by Googles (GOOG) self-driving car arm, Waymo. In fact, theyve already driven over 20 million miles on American roads. Waymo taught its cars to see by using computer vision programs that learn from every mile driven. Waymos fleet of robo-taxis have gotten so good, it now runs a fully-driverless ride-sharing service. Heres a picture of one zipping around the streets of Phoenix: The 180-year-old farming equipment maker John Deere (DE) is the most unlikely disruptor in the world. But its using computer vision to dramatically slash chemical use on crops. Farmers used to have to decide whether to dose crops with chemicals on a field-by-field basis. But Deeres See and Spray system can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy crops. It allows for targeted bursts of chemicals to be directed at individual plantsslashing herbicide use by up to 90%. Computer vision is also pioneering mind-blowing breakthroughs in medicine. In 2018 researchers from the US and Europe taught a computer to diagnose skin cancer more accurately than leading doctors. In short, they showed the computer more than 100,000 images of potentially cancerous skin lesions. The machine had an error rate of just 5%, versus 14% for the team of 58 dermatologists. A team of scientists at Stanford replicated these results. They fed 14,000 images of skin lesions into a computer and asked it to diagnose them. Two board-certified dermatologists were asked the same. The team concluded: In every test, the network outperformed expert dermatologists. Computer vision start-up Gauss Surgical has created a device allowing hospitals to measure blood loss during surgeries. Right now, doctors rely on their own judgement of blood loss by eyeballing the surgical field. As you can imagine, this is highly inaccurate, and has led to several deaths. Surgeons simply hold a blood-stained sponge in front of Gausss iPad-like device. Its computer vision program then determines the volume of blood lost based on the state of the sponge. In short, computers have finally learned to see. And this new superpower is going to unlock a new world of disruption . The Great Disruptors: 3 Breakthrough Stocks Set to Double Your Money" Get my latest report where I reveal my three favorite stocks that will hand you 100% gains as they disrupt whole industries. Get your free copy here. By Stephen McBride http://www.riskhedge.com 2020 Copyright Stephen McBride - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Catherine Anene, a police spokesperson in Benue state, said police have not been able to unravel what provoked the attack in a community that recently settled its age-long conflict over chieftaincy of the area. Police said the identities of the 20 or so armed men were unknown. confirmed 1,642 new Covid-19 cases, the first time exceeding the 1,600 mark since May, raising the total to 274,943, the Health Ministry announced. Meanwhile, 49 people died in the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 6,511, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying on Thursday. Turkish health professionals conducted 110,225 tests in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall number of tests to 7,466,087. A total of 1,211 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, raising the total recoveries to 248,087 in since the outbreak. reported the first COVID-19 case on March 11. The government has stepped up for normalization, easing the restrictions in the country since June 1, as the daily cases saw a decreasing trend in the second half of May. --IANS ksk/ (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.) BEIJING, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Year 2020 marks the 55th anniversary of the founding of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The life of local people here has drastically changed since then. CGTN dispatched three teams to different parts of the plateau for a special series named "Into Tibet 2020" to showcase a new Tibet. During the journey, they caught up with the Deng people - an ethnic minority in the region, encountered the nomads, played music and performed a song with local musicians. Through their lens, a new Tibet was presented to the audiences, not just as a time-honored tourist destination but a beautiful home to the local people. A new era CGTN's Yang Xinmeng and Spanish vlogger Noel visited the Deng people, also known as Dengba, an ethnic group that lives traditionally in modern times. Deng people live mainly in the valleys of Zayu County, Nyingchi City in Tibet. They record events by tying knots, use reaphook to cultivate farmlands and always carry a knife in a sheath on the belt. They also showed the audiences what the Tibetan knives worth $100,000 look like and how those knives differ from one another. CGTN's Li Jingjing and YouTuber Daniel Dumbrill from the other team talked to some nomads during their visit to a Tibetan black tent, the traditional dwelling of local nomads. Herding is the most important task for the nomads, they move from pasture to pasture to find better grazing areas. Apart from herding and farming, music is also an indispensable part of local people's life. CGTN's Marco and Oscar visited a studio in Lhasa and learned how to play with Dramyin, a traditional folk music lute. In recent years, an increasing number of talented Tibetan musicians have entered the fray, Denchu AD is one of them. He played one of his hit songs "If I Meet You In Lhasa" with two of our reporters in the studio. In Ranwu Town, Baxoi Country, Qamdo City, a tourism plan was initiated in 2000, which included promoting the town's snow-capped mountains, grasslands and the Ranwu Lake, according to a member of the local government. "We only had bicycles, no motorbikes or phones, now every household can afford cars and cellphones," he said. These fascinating stories unfold on this land every day as a new Tibet meets the world through the eyes of CGTN reporters. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLLTCRXuL34 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1248734/Tibetan_Black_Tent.jpg Kolkata, Sep 4 : BJP's West Bengal unit President Dilip Ghosh on Friday said that his party would defeat the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in the next Assembly elections, whether by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or ballots. "We will defeat the Trinamool Congress both through the EVMs and ballots. Trinamool knows it will be defeated. That is why the TMC is scared and the state government not willing to hold elections," Ghosh said at a 'Save Democracy' protest rally. Targeting the TMC government, the BJP leader alleged that law and order had "deteriorated" across West Bangal. "Police has pulled down many temporary structures put up by BJP workers in various districts to hold protests against the government. We have been forced to come out in the streets to protest against such increasing atrocities," he claimed. Meanwhile, two persons were arrested for erecting a makeshift podium in front of a state government office in the South 24-Parganas district on Thursday night. The incident took place in Canning area, when Bharatiya Janata Party workers planned to hold a protest rally outside the Sub-Divisional office there. According to sources, police went to the site late Thursday night and dismantled the stage on the grounds of violation of COVID-19 guidelines. "There have been many such incidents where Mamata Banerjee's police is trying to stop our workers from participating in the demonstrations. They have dismantled some of our set-ups in the districts too," state BJP Vice-President Ritesh Tiwari alleged. The state BJP conducted its 'Save Democracy' campaign on Friday to protest against the state government's alleged atrocities across West Bengal. It is the NSCN-IM which is having the last laugh as speculation grows that Nagaland Governor R N Ravi may have been replaced as Naga interlocutor. Aditi Phadnis reports. IMAGE: Nagaland governor R N Ravi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: ANI Photo. Nagaland Governor R N Ravi must feel bitter. The former deputy national security advisor spent five years (2015-20) talking to militant groups in Nagaland to get them to agree on the Framework Accord between the National Socialist Council of Nagaland Isaak-Muivah (NSCN IM) and the government of India. But he could end up as nothing more than a mention in a file in the ministry of home affairs like those before him: Y D Gundevia, foreign secretary (1965), L P Singh (ICS, former home secretary, 1975), K Padmanabhaiah (former home secretary 1990s), R S Pandey (former Nagaland chief secretary and chief negotiator to talks with Naga rebel groups who chucked it up, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, and is currently MLA from Bagaha in Bihar); and many others in between. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSCN-IM supremo Thuingaleng Muivah signed a Framework Agreement to address Naga identity and sovereignty issues, and end the oldest insurgency in India. Details of the agreement were not made public even to Parliament. Today, after talking for five years, the NSCN-IM says it doesn't want Ravi as the interlocutor anymore because he trashed their reputation by calling them extortionists and thugs. Ravi, on his part, has issued an order asking state government employees to issue declarations that none of their relatives has any dealings with militant groups -- especially the NSCN-IM. The trust deficit is wide and deep. And it is the NSCN-IM which is having the last laugh as speculation grows that Ravi may have been replaced as Naga interlocutor. How did it come to this? On August 17, 2019, Ravi disclosed the prime minister has asked him to conclude talks on the Framework Agreement in three months. "In the last five years, we have resolved all the substantive issues," he said, 'comfortably'. But behind the relaxed air, there was anxiety: The PM was getting restive, had set a deadline, and Ravi was under pressure to get the NSCN-IM to sign on the dotted line. He thought the matter was all but settled: After all, under the deal, hadn't the NSCN-IM, speaking for the Naga people, agreed to give up the idea of Naga sovereignty and settle for a settlement 'within the Indian federation'. But it was much more complex. The government scrapped the special status to Jammu and Kashmir, granted via Article 370, on August 5, 2019. This caused unease in the Northeast, which enjoys extensive protection of its identity via Article 371 (A-H). Union Home Minister Amit Shah's reassurances in Parliament the Northeast could not and would not be equated with Jammu-Kashmir cut no ice. The NSCN-IM began mulling anew the implications of just what it had signed on. Jammu-Kashmir had lost exactly what the group were asking for: Its own flag and constitution. Ravi had his own compulsions. He had to produce an agreement by October 2019. But that was possible only if he could create conditions to pressure the NSCN-IM to the point where it would have no option but to sign it. So he proceeded to use the oldest trick in the book: He got together groups that are rivals of the NSCN-IM, banded together as the National Naga Political Groups (NNPG), and got them to endorse and agree to sign the agreement (which, in the first instance had been with the NSCN-IM, treating them as the sole representative of the Naga people), expecting the fear of being isolated would force the NSCN-IM to come to the negotiating table. But the NSCN-IM has not been India's oldest insurgency for anything. It could see that the Government of India was trying to undermine the group, so gradually it too began ratcheting up the pressure. In an interview to North East Live in February 2019, Muivah said: "Old issues are not resolved -- only one government, integration of all Naga contiguous areas (Nagalim), our flag, our constitutionthis is our stated stand." Ravi retorted: 'This is not what was offered.' On February 28, 2020, according to South Asia Terrorism Portal, in an interview, Ravi said: "Delay in concluding talks is entirely on the part of the NSCN-IM. It seems not prepared for a settlement and is using delaying tactics by giving new mischievous interpretations on the already agreed provisions of contentious issues. "Pan-Naga entity was mutually agreed on to be a cultural body with no political role or executive authority. After October 31, it wants the pan-Naga body to have political and executive influence over the Nagaland government." Recently, the NSCN-IM issued a document titled 'Mr R N Ravi's misdoings as interlocutor', which said the governor has been under the 'NSCN's scanner' from the time he 'twisted the Framework Agreement and misled the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the steps taken to solve the Naga issue'. The group referred to a report furnished by Ravi to the Parliamentary Standing Committee that said the agreement talked of a solution 'within India' and not 'with India'. It pointed out Ravi's letter to the Nagaland government in June referred to the rebel bodies as 'armed groups', accused them of extortion, and charged their 'parallel governments' were in contravention to India's security. The NSCN-IM made it clear it was deeply offended. It said publicly it didn't want to Ravi to be the interlocutor any more. The government might have decided not to throw good money after bad. So, Ravi was missing from the recent meeting between the NSCN-IM and New Delhi. In terms of optics, the NSCN-IM demanded and got what it wanted: Replacement of the interlocutor and a demonstration of strength to other rivals. The next move is Ravi's. This is a crucial and sensitive time: If despite dwindling public support, the NSCN-IM elects to go back to the jungles and the guns start booming again, it can be back to the drawing board. In the Nakura National Park in Kenya, the missing pink-coloured flamingos that had left eight years ago due to rising water levels returned in large flocks searching for food and hanging around in groups in the lakes turquoise waters. The birds have long been a major tourist attraction in the park and their sudden disappearance had left the Rangers wondering. However, on September 3, a large herd was spotted after years forming a sine-wave pattern above the water, coinciding the migrations of the humpback whales on Kenyas coast, according to reports. As Kenya heavily relies on tourism for revenues, the flocks returning to the lake have rekindled hope. Meanwhile, the humpback whales that brave the rough cold seas of Antarctica are also migrating to the warmer ocean waters in Kenya. Lake Nakuru in Kenya is renowned as the flamingo lake par excellence with up to two million flamingoes, a third of the worlds population that visited the warm alkaline water decades ago, as per the Kenyan tourism site Rough Guide. However, the recent flooding in Kenya impacted Rift Valley lakes as the alkaline content and level of salinity in the blue-green algae water declined. And therefore, the gloriously pink flamingos migrated elsewhere and were seen in few at Lake Bogoria. Lake Nakuru in the rift valley region of Kenya has one of the largest flamingo population in the world. pic.twitter.com/xmLYHwpLUO Explore Africa (@olabotafrika) September 3, 2020 Kayp flamingolar geri donuyor Kenya'daki Nakuru Ulusal Park, dev flamingo suruleri ile unluydu, pic.twitter.com/qH6Lz47V4t TC celal (@bermon1) September 3, 2020 Read: Eye Candy: More Than 50,000 Pink Flamingos Mass In France Read: Judge Invalidates Trump Rollback Of Law Protecting Birds Low algae in water prompted birds to leave Millions of visitors came to see the mighty flamingos last year in 2019, according to local media reports. But their population declined severely until totally disappearing one day due to an increase in water level that diminished algae and salinity. The birds relied heavily on algae and larvae as food. Kenyas tourism industry had recently suffered a blow due to the coronavirus pandemic. The return of the migratory birds had rekindled hopes as the flamboyance of the colourfully-feathered creatures clouded the sky and landed on the surface of the lake covering vast swathes. Read: Birds Enjoy 'free Ride' On Elephant's Back, Video Wins Hearts | Watch Read: California Wildfire Destroys Condor Sanctuary, Four Endangered Birds Missing WASHINGTON, D. C. - Champaign County Republican Rep. Jim Jordan on Friday announced that he will investigate the District of Columbias efforts to rebrand facilities including the Jefferson Memorial whose namesakes a city commission deemed to have participated in the oppression of African Americans or other minorities or otherwise contributed to the nations history of systemic racism. Jordan, who is top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, joined with the top Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Kentuckys James Comer, in a letter to District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser. The letter asks Bowser to provide them with documents and communications surrounding the creation of the District of Columbia Facilities and Commemorative Expressions (DCFACES) Working Group and its communications with her office, media enterprises, the Biden campaign, the Democratic National Committee, or any other political action committee. On Tuesday, the DCFACES group released a report that suggests renaming facilities named for historic figures including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, Alexander Graham Bell and Francis Scott Key and urges Bowser to ask the federal government to remove, relocate, or contextualize federal landmarks like the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument as well as federally owned statues of figures like Christopher Columbus. Bowser, who assembled the working group in July, said its recommendations will guide the city as it strives for a more inclusive Washington, D.C. Her press office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Jordans letter. The letter from Jordan and Comer says they were shocked and appalled that that the city would seek to erase the legacy of our nations founders and trivialize their contributions to the American experiment. You must immediately suspend this dangerous attempt at revising American history and desecrating the memory of our nations presidents, war heroes, and visionaries, their letter continued. It said the monuments are in place to represent American values and heritage-not simply to reflect your notion of contemporary DC values. Recommending their removal, relocation, or contextualization is nothing short of an attempt to rewrite the history of our country. A statement that Jordan released along with the letter accused Bowser and other Democrats of trying to cancel institutions and people that have made our country great and suggested that they spend more time addressing left-wing violence and destruction plaguing their cities, instead of tearing down monuments and renaming buildings honoring Americas heroes. The White House greeted the proposal with a statement that accused Bowser of repeating the same left-wing narrative used to incite dangerous riots: demolishing our history and destroying our great heritage, and pledged that the recommendations would go absolutely nowhere as long as President Donald Trump is in office. It said Trump believes these places should be preserved, not torn down; respected, not hated; and passed on for generations to come. Fridays letter marks the second time in a week that Jordan and Comer have targeted Bowser. On Wednesday, they sent her a letter that questioned the citys response to an unruly crowd outside the White House that swarmed Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul last week after Trumps speech to formally accept the Republican presidential nomination. Its also not the first time Jordan has tried to overrule decisions by the District of Columbia. In 2009, he introduced legislation that would have overturned the citys decision to recognize same-sex unions from other states. Jordans legislation didnt go anywhere, and a subsequent U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage throughout the nation. Read more: Sen. Sherrod Brown seeks Treasury Department sanctions against Russia for trying to undermine Joe Biden in 2020 election Cuyahoga and Summit county airports get federal grants to improve runways Sen. Sherrod Brown questions whether HUD Secretary Ben Carson violated the Hatch Act Rep. Jim Jordan questions DC mayors response to crowd that swarmed Sen. Rand Paul outside the White House EPA weakens Obama-era wastewater discharge regulations for coal-fired power plants Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine seeks Defense Department agreement to address PFAS contamination at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Ohios Rob Portmans among Republicans defending Postmaster General Louis DeJoy at Senate hearing Jim Jordan defends President Trumps call to boycott Goodyear and says the company, not Trump, is engaging in cancel culture Post Office says it will hold off on changes until after November election Ohio Democrats in Congress question educational redlining Dismantled equipment behind Cleveland post office raises delivery questions Rep. Marcia Fudge blasts signed letter from President Trump enclosed with food for the needy White House defends President Trumps handling of coronavirus in new report that Sherrod Brown calls propaganda Urban farmers in Cleveland invited to join new U.S. Department of Agriculture committee Northeast Ohio Democrats in Congress slam postal service changes, saying they will hurt mail-in balloting MUSKEGON, MI If theres one lesson Muskegon Superintendent Matthew Cortez learned from virtual learning during the spring, its the importance of students building strong relationships with their teachers. We noticed in the spring that our kids do thrive off of that relationship with their teachers, Cortez told MLive. To be real clear, the single best way that we educate our children is face-to-face. The US will not participate in the World Health Organization-led global effort to develop a vaccine with the Trump administration on Thursday announcing next steps for its withdrawal from the multilateral body and the redirection of American resources. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US is scaling down its engagement with the WHO as the latter had failed to adopt urgently needed reforms. "Today, the @realDonaldTrump Administration continues to move forward with the United States' withdrawal from the @WHO," Secretary Pompeo tweeted on Thursday. "The WHO failed to adopt urgently needed reforms, starting with demonstrating its independence from the Chinese Communist Party," he said. Humanitarian assistance is provided to people around the world with the support of the American taxpayer with the reasonable expectation that it serve an effective purpose, the US State Department said "Unfortunately, the World Health Organization has failed badly by those measures, not only in its response to COVID-19 but to other health crises in recent decades. In addition, WHO has declined to adopt urgently needed reforms, starting with demonstrating its independence from the Chinese Communist Party," US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. This comes a day after the State Department informed the (WHO) that it is reprogramming USD 62 million to finalize its withdrawal from the body. "...we are announcing the remaining portion of the 2020 assessment, slightly more than USD 62 million, will be reprogrammed to the UN to pay other assessments," State Department official Nerissa Cook said on Wednesday. The next steps with respect to the withdrawal from the WHO and the redirection of American resources include reprogramming the remaining balance of its planned the Fiscal Year 2020 assessed WHO contributions to partially pay other UN assessments." "In addition, through July 2021, the United States will scale down its engagement with the WHO, to include recalling the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailees from WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices, and reassigning these experts," Ortagus added. The US officially announced its withdrawal earlier this year and will go into effect on July 6, 2021. It is set to scale down its engagement with the WHO, to include recalling the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailees from WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices, and reassigning these experts. U.S. participation in WHO technical meetings and events will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The US has been the largest financial contributor to the World Health Organization, providing more than USD 400 million to the global agency in 2019. (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.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 08:08 504 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c429e8d1 1 Editorial OJK,Financial-Services-Authority,financial-services,finance,banking-industry,banking-regulation,#Editorial,bank-indonesia Free The rationale behind the establishment of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) as the integrated supervisor of the whole financial service industry since early 2014 still applies today, and it has to do with the perceived complexity of the financial system and the increasing presence of large, complex financial companies with activities across various sectors. But while the OJK is still developing its oversight responsibilities over banks and nonbank financial institutions, including insurance and multifinance companies, pension funds and the stock market, the government has announced its intention to return the banking supervision authority to Bank Indonesia, the central bank. The initiative, which is a setback, is one of three important changes proposed in a bill for the amendment of the 1999 BI Law, which now tops the legislation program of the House of Representatives. The other two changes will expand BIs role in enhancing economic growth but will compromise the political independence of its monetary authority. True, the OJK has performed poorly in its integrated supervision of the financial system, as evident in the recent string of defaults in the financial industry due to corporate governance failings at insurance and multifinance companies, which reportedly caused more than US$3.5 billion in losses to investors. Even the Supreme Audit Agency recently warned the OJK over what it called inadequate supervision of eight banks. There are big risks that these weaknesses could be magnified by the worsening economic situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But solving the lax supervision by restoring BIs bank oversight authority may even weaken bank supervision at a time when financial conditions are quite fragile. How could the OJK bank supervisors work properly now that the threat of disbanding looms over their heads. Instead of depriving the OJK of its banking oversight mandate, the government should help the OJK realign the structure of its organization with its new responsibilities. Moreover, the OJKs poor performance should also partly be blamed on the OJK Law, which stipulates silo-based governance arrangements. These provisions have impeded its transition toward a fully integrated supervisory agency. We dont think returning bank supervision to BI will immediately improve the quality of oversight, because the central bank, which has thus far been responsible only for macroprudential supervision, will have to set up a new organization for microprudential oversight. While the macroprudential approach focuses on the soundness and resilience of the financial system as a whole, the main objective of the microprudential supervisory process is to assess and ensure the safety and soundness of individual banks. This microprudential evaluation includes an assessment of an organizations risk management systems, financial state and compliance with applicable laws and regulations through both on-site examination and inspections and off-site scrutiny and monitoring. Banking supervision will remain heavily challenging even for BI in so far as the banking industry consists of more than 100 commercial banks and thousands of rural banks. BI will need a lot of time to build a capable supervisory team for both on-site examination and inspections and off-site monitoring. Bank supervisors need a clear mandate, adequate resources, operational independence, legal protection and strong governance structures, given the size and complexity of bank conglomeration. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described this year's voter registration as the most violent conducted in the fourth Republic. The Party said the exercise witnessed two cases of murder -Silas Wulo Chameh, a young teacher graduate in Banda and Kofi Stephen in the Dormaa West, all in the Bono Region. Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary of NDC, at a press conference in Accra on the violent conduct of the just ended voter registration exercise, expressed worry about brutal attacks on its members and called on authorities to expedite action on the cases. He appealed to Ghanaians to join the fight to demand for justice for innocent persons who lost their lives during the registration exercise. The NDC General Secretary alleged that the exercise saw several incidences of brutalities including gunshot injuries and attacks on Alhaji Collins Dauda, Member of Parliament for Asutifi South and Alhaji Bawa, MP for Ejura Sekyere Odumase. Mr Nketia said the violent incidences came on the heels of the violent by-elections at Ayawaso West Wuogon and underscored the need for stakeholders to work towards peace ahead of the General Election. He called on civil society organizations and religious bodies to speak against acts of intimidation and violence to prevent any such occurrence in the December polls. 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 Treasury Sanctions Companies for Enabling the Shipment and Sale of Iranian Petrochemicals U.S. Department of the Treasury September 3, 2020 Treasury Designates Front Companies of Triliance Petrochemical and Zagros Petrochemical Washington Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six entities for their support to Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (Triliance), an entity designated by Treasury in January 2020, and related activities. These entities, based in Iran, UAE, and China, support Triliance's continued involvement in the sale of Iranian petrochemical products, including efforts by Triliance to hide or otherwise obscure its involvement in sales contracts. Iranian petrochemical sales remain a key revenue source for the Iranian regime, helping to finance its destabilizing support to corrupt regimes and terrorist groups throughout the Middle East and, more recently, Venezuela. Additionally, the Department of State imposed today sanctions on five entities for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The Department of State also sanctioned three individuals who are principal executive officers of the sanctioned entities. "The Iranian regime uses revenue from petrochemical sales to continue its financing of terrorism and destabilizing foreign agenda," said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. "The Trump administration remains committed to targeting those contributing to Iran's attempts to evade U.S. sanctions by facilitating the illicit sale of Iranian petroleum products around the world." These entities are being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(B) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13846. BACKGROUND In January 2020, OFAC sanctioned Triliance and three other petrochemical and petroleum companies that have collectively transferred the equivalent of hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of exports from the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which helps to finance Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and its terrorist proxies. Iran's petroleum and petrochemical industries are major sources of revenue for the Iranian regime and fund its malign activities throughout the Middle East. Triliance has used various front companies to purchase, or facilitate the purchase and movement of, petrochemical products from Iran, and the entities targeted today help facilitate Iran's petrochemical and petroleum exports in contravention of U.S. economic sanctions. SANCTIONS EVASION In March 2020, Iranian company Zagros Petrochemical Company (Zagros) agreed to sell Triliance hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Iranian petrochemicals during the year 2020. Triliance used Petrotech FZE (Petrotech), a UAE-based entity, as a purchaser of the petrochemical products it purchased from Zagros. Triliance used Petrotech to hide its involvement in petrochemical deals, including directing other companies to bill to Petrotech rather than Triliance. Petrotech has purchased tens of thousands of tons of petrochemicals from Zagros on behalf of Triliance. Triliance uses numerous other companies to hide its involvement in petrochemical sales. Triliance used UAE-based Trio Energy DMCC (Trio Energy) to broker the sales of tens of thousands of metric tons of petroleum products, using Trio Energy accounts to settle fees owed by Triliance. Likewise, Triliance used Jingho Technology Co. Limited and Dynapex Energy Limited, both Chinese entities based in Hong Kong, to facilitate the shipment and resale of tens of thousands of metric tons of petrochemical products worth millions of dollars to an Asian country. OFAC is also designating Dinrin Limited (Dinrin), a Chinese entity based in Hong Kong used by Zagros to hide its involvement in petrochemical sales to Triliance. Dinrin helped process millions of dollars in proceeds of Zagros' sale of petroleum products to companies in Asia, including being the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar payment made for a shipment of a petroleum product that Zagros sold to Petrotech. Zagros Petrochemical Company, Petrotech FZE, Jingho Technology Co. Limited, Dynapex Energy Limited, and Trio Energy DMCC are being designated, pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(B) of E.O. 13846, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Triliance. Dinrin Limited is being designated, pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(B) of E.O. 13846, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Zagros. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS All property and interests in property of these persons designated today subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. In addition, foreign financial institutions that knowingly facilitate significant transactions for, or persons that provide material or certain other support to, the persons designated today risk exposure to sanctions that could sever their access to the U.S. financial system or block their property and interests in property under U.S. jurisdiction. View identifying information on the entities designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Medical specialists in Germany have determined that Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who is being treated in a hospital in Berlin after falling ill on August 20 on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow, was poisoned with a form of the Soviet-developed nerve agent Novichok. The toxin found in Navalny is from the same group of poisons as the one used in the March 2018 poisoning of former Soviet intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, in the English city of Salisbury. Both Skripals survived the attack and were released after spending weeks in the hospital. RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Mark Krutov spoke with Soviet and Russian chemist Vil Mirzayanov about the two incidents. Mirzayanov worked from 1965 until 1992 at the State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology, which was run by the military and the KGB. He was part of the team that developed the Novichok nerve agent in the early 1970s. When he left the institute in 1992, he was the first person to speak publicly of the Novichok group of toxins. RFE/RL: The Novichok that was used in Great Britain caused considerable environmental harm. We all remember seeing emergency workers in hazardous-materials gear working at the places where Sergei and Yulia Skripal had been. One resident of Salisbury died after coming into contact with a perfume bottle containing traces of Novichok. There was talk that whole buildings might have to be evacuated and destroyed. Why did nothing like this happen in Aleksei Navalny's case? Vil Mirzayanov: The key was the method used. Sergei and Yulia Skripal were poisoned by coming into contact with Novichok through the skin. In Navalny's case, most likely, the Novichok entered his system through the digestive tract. I believe that in this case, a different version of Novichok was used, one with the code name A-261. Instead of a substance from the amidine group, they attached [crystalline] guanidine to the Novichok molecule. This was done by the creator of Novichok, Pyotr Kirpichev. For one thing, this enabled them to increase the toxicity of the agent by about 10 times compared to that of the substance used in Salisbury. Also, it is a solid substance. It can be mixed with sugar or added into a packet with tea. You only need a few milligrams to kill someone. RFE/RL: Why didn't Navalny die? Mirzayanov: It is always a question when the target doesn't die. Maybe he was given a nonlethal dose. Maybe the goal was not to kill him but to put him out of commission and leave him disabled. RFE/RL: The doctors in Germany say the indications are that Navalny is slowly recovering. As we all know, the Skripals survived their poisoning. But you seem to think that the effects for Navalny could be permanent. Mirzayanov: That is because I have not heard of any cases of complete recovery following poisoning by an organophosphate chemical-warfare agent. The people who came into contact with such substances during the Soviet period never returned to their previous work. The doctors say that Navalny will recover. But I have my doubts. The [neurotransmitter] acetylcholine is responsible for the transmission of signals in the brain that control many functions -- vision, the muscles, metabolism. As a result of this poisoning, these connections can be irreversibly harmed or destroyed. RFE/RL: If we are indeed talking about a different form of Novichok, is it one that is less dangerous for bystanders? Mirzayanov: Yes. If it is a solid substance, it has a virtually harmless level of vaporization. I would even say no vaporization. It could not even pass through a sheet of paper. It would also be harmless for the "operator," as the terrorist is usually called. He can carry it about and place it into someone's tea even with his bare hands. Kirpichev devised the solid form of Novichok and tested it at the Shikhany laboratory. It proved to be 10 times more lethal than the previously developed forms, A-230 and A-232. I have never seen A-261, but apparently it can be produced in many forms. In this case, most likely it was a powder. RFE/RL: When Navalny was still in the hospital in Omsk, people were saying that they were not letting him be transferred to Germany in order to allow time for the poison to be processed through the body. Does this make sense, or can Novichok be detected even after a period of weeks? I never thought things would reach such a shameful point. Mirzayanov: Of course, the human body tries to get rid of poison. From this point of view, the actions of the Russian authorities make sense. The longer they held him, the more of the poison would be processed. But we know from the example of the Skripals that once Novichok has entered the body, it does not quickly disappear. It can be detected even after a month. RFE/RL: How do you think the German doctors were able to detect the Novichok in Navalny? Mirzayanov: At the hospital in Omsk, they were most likely not able to do the necessary analysis. Most likely, they simply do not have the equipment and the qualified personnel necessary. It is very expensive equipment -- a mass spectrometer alone costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the computers must have known versions of Novichok in their databases. I described these versions in my book, which was originally published in 2007. I imagine that, after it was published, all advanced countries synthesized small quantities and submitted them to mass spectrometry. RFE/RL: The doctors in Omsk said Navalny's analyses were sent to Moscow and that the laboratory there found no evidence of poison. Could it be that Moscow did not have the necessary equipment? Mirzayanov: Of course, Moscow has such equipment, which is required by its participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Within the CWC framework, inspections are carried out and analyses are performed. Of course, it is another matter whether they would want to announce the results of their analyses if they were even carried out. The security services would not allow that. RFE/RL: There were reports that Germany asked England for assistance. And also Bulgaria, where it is believed that arms dealer Emilian Gebrev was poisoned by Novichok in 2015. What do you make of this? Mirzayanov: Well, the more information you have, the better. But I doubt that the Bulgarians would be able to help the Germans much in identifying the poison. The Germans and the English have very good equipment. Most likely, with the Bulgarians they were exchanging information on treatments. RFE/RL: How did you feel personally when you found out that, just two years after the poisoning of the Skripals, Aleksei Navalny had also been poisoned by Novichok? Mirzayanov: As someone who participated in the creation of Novichok, I always feel as if I have a certain amount of guilt in such cases. It always affects me quite negatively. I never thought that the things that we developed and spent so much of our time and abilities on would someday become a weapon of terror. We always thought that it was necessary for the defense of the country. But later I understood that it is simply a weapon of mass murder that affects defenseless people. Not combatants, but civilians. Soldiers can always wear protective gear, and nothing would happen to them even if they were exposed to Novichok. But even after I understood this, I never thought things would reach such a shameful point. By Express News Service KOCHI: Eastern Condiments Pvt Ltd (Eastern), the makers Kerala's oldest branded curry powders and masala blends, controlled by the Kochi-based Meeran family, is being taken over by Oslo, Norway-headquartered Orkla Foods. Orkla Foods on Friday said it has entered into an agreement to acquire 67.8 per cent of the shares in Eastern, which will see the Meeran family get roughly about Rs 1500 crore in cash and stocks. Meeran family owned 74 per cent in Eastern while the remaining 26 per cent is owned by McCormick Ingredients, a US food company. As per the deal, Orkla, through its wholly-owned subsidiary MTR Foods Pvt Ltd, has signed agreements to purchase a 41.8 per cent ownership from the members of the Meeran family. MTR Foods will also acquire the entire ownership stake held by McCormick in Eastern, a statement said here. A quick calculation showed the Eastern family will get Rs 836 crore in cash and Rs 633 crore worth MTR's shares. After the transaction, MTR Foods will own 67.8 per cent stake in Eastern while the Meeran family owns 32.2 per cent. Following the completion of the transaction, MTR Foods will be merged with Eastern. While Orkla will own 90.01 per cent in the merged entity, brothers Firoz and Navas Meeran will own a small 9.99 per cent stake, the statement said. "The parties have agreed on a purchase price that values Eastern (100 per cent) at Rs 2,000 crore on a debt and cash-free basis," the release said. "The merger will result in the union of two iconic Indian brands." The sale of Eastern is the biggest transaction involving a traditional Kerala business house after the 60-year-old Chandrika soap brand was bought by Wipro Consumer Care in 2003 from Irinjalakuda-based SV Products, founded by Kesavan Vaidyar. "Together with MTR, and as part of Orkla, we will have a stronger platform for our successful operations," said Navas Meeran, chairman of Eastern. MTR was established in 1924 and has been a part of Orkla since 2007. Eastern, established in 1983 with headquarters in Kochi by M E Meeran, has been growing at 8 per cent annually in the period 2014-2020. The company employs 2955 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's to a number of public causes, ranging from girl child education to the cleaning of Ganga, from his savings and the proceeds of auctions of the gifts he received exceed Rs 103 crore, sources said on Thursday. The latest among his was the initial corpus of Rs 2.25 lakh to the PM CARES Fund, which was set up in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak to support relief of any kind relating to a public health emergency or any other kind of emergency, calamity or distress. The Fund, set up in March, received Rs 3,076.62 crore in just five days of its formation, as per an account statement made public on Wednesday. Highlighting Modi's to public causes, sources noted that he gave Rs 21 lakh in 2019 from his personal savings to the corpus fund set up for the welfare of sanitation workers of Kumbh Mela. After receiving the Seoul Peace Prize in South Korea in 2019, the prime minister had announced that the entire prize money of Rs 1.30 crore would be given to the Namami Gange project, aimed at cleaning Ganga river, they added. PM Modi has contributed to many public causes. These donations have now exceeded Rs 103 crores, the sources said. During a recent auction of mementoes received by Modi as prime minister, Rs 3.40 crore was collected and donated to the cause of Namami Gange. The sources said Modi had donated Rs 21 lakh from his personal savings towards the education of Gujarat government staff's daughter after he quit as the state chief minister in 2014 to take over as the country's prime minister. He had also raised Rs 89.96 crore by auctioning all gifts he received as chief minister and donated this to the Kanya Kelavani Fund, a scheme for education of the girl child. The prime minister had also initiated the auctioning of gifts he received till then in 2015, and Rs 8.35 crore were raised, with the amount channelled to the Namami Gange Mission, sources 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.) Carlsbad Current-Argus The City of Roswell, Chaves County and American Airlines reached an agreement Aug. 26 to keep air service intact between Dallas-Fort Worth and the Roswell International Air Center, according to Roswell Mayor Dennis Kintigh. American Airlines announced on Aug. 20 flights would be grounded from Oct. 7 to Nov. 3 to 15 cities, including Roswell due to COVID-19, according to American Airlines spokeswoman Stacy Day. In the absence of an extension of the Payroll Support Program were faced with a host of difficult decisions to right-size our airline, given the significant and sustained drop in demand weve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, Day said. Kintigh said the City of Roswell got some help from Denver-based consulting firm Mead and Hunt to mediate the issue. During the conversation last week, Kintigh said all sides discussed revenue support. He said American Airlines has more than 100 airplanes parked in Roswell for maintenance. The parking fee for the month of August is going to be around $53,000, Kintigh said. He said waiving the parking fees was an option that was discussed among Roswell city officials. Something like that would require some (Roswell City) Council action and City Manager action. We were actually working on trying to finalize that, Kintigh said. On Aug. 26, he said he got a phone call from American Airlines that the flights wouldnt be suspended. We had not entered into an agreement yet and planning to have a proposal we would present (to the City Council) the next day. But, they went and eliminated the suspension for Roswell, Kintigh said. As far as we know we are the only one of the 15 cities they have done this for. Kintigh said about 20 American Airlines maintenance personnel work on the planes parked in Roswell. His talent, as genuine as it is precocious, is one of the best replies one can give to the philosophers who wish to deprive those of his nation and his color the faculty of distinguishing themselves in the arts, said a review in Le Mercure de France. After several more concerts in Paris, including one attended by Thomas Jefferson, the Bridgetowers as they then called themselves left for England, where the family created a sensation. With Oriental-inspired clothing in vogue, Frederick played up his presumed exoticism by wearing flowing Turkish robes. Everyone wanted to meet this African prince and his prodigy whose name had now become George. By the fall of 1789, Frederick had arranged for his son to play before King George III and Queen Charlotte, as well as the Prince of Wales, later George IV. George induced general astonishment playing in Bath, according to the Bath Morning Post. At 11, he made his London debut with a Giornovichi concerto between the first two parts of Handels Messiah. He and his father were often at Carlton House, the town residence of the Prince of Wales, who organized regular chamber concerts. On June 2, 1790, the prince sponsored a benefit concert for Bridgetower and another young artist at the Hanover Square Rooms, the premier concert venue for fashionable society. Until then, Frederick had skillfully managed his sons career. But his behavior turned increasingly self-destructive. At a masquerade attended by the prince, Frederick dressed as a caricature of a Black slave, advocating for abolition; this was certainly a worthy cause, but the stunt served to alienate the elites whose favor he had taken pains to cultivate. During a performance of Messiah, he shouted for a repeat of the Hallelujah chorus, and, after a struggle, was thrown out of the theater. There were reports of excessive drinking and womanizing. Charlotte Papendiek, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Charlotte and a prolific journal keeper, wrote that Frederick gambled away his sons money and treated him so brutally that George sought refuge with the Prince of Wales at Carlton House. Frederick was committed to an asylum before being sent back to Germany by the prince, who took 12-year old George under his protection. With less than four months until the end of the Brexit transition period, livestock marts say they will be 'rocks' for farmers through the uncertainty. For producers, every outcome will have a big impact the new UK-EU relationship, non-EU trade agreements, and post-Brexit agri-environment schemes. Scottish livestock farmers are particularly vulnerable to trade disruption: 26% of Scottish lamb sales and 6% of beef sales are exported, the majority to the EU. Neil Wilson, Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), said marts were aware of the impacts on their customers. As auction marts, our business is perhaps not as exposed to the changes ahead as many, since we neither employ large numbers of migrant workers, nor deal directly with the export trade. We are, however, aware of the possible impacts on our customers, and as marts we plan to be a rock of certainty for our customers, on what will likely be a bumpy road ahead. We will continue to work hard to sell their stock and achieve the most transparent, fairest and best prices and to provide a community hub where they can share thoughts. Our auctioneers will still be out on farm - Covid allowing - or at the end of a phone, offering a professional ear and sounding board. IAAS will also continue to lobby hard, added Mr Wilson, as few organisations spoke to so many farmers on a regular basis: "We will continue to use this unique insight to amplify farmers voices in parliament - both in Edinburgh and London. "Because the job of Brexit is far from done, and soon the hard work of detailed policy building really begins. One example, said Mr Wilson, was the sheep producers support scheme in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario. Currently, two versions of the scheme are on the table one that would support prime lambs at the point of slaughter, and the other that would support breeding ewes. We are urging government to ensure that these schemes are fair for all involved and that any support makes its way directly to producers, so that it is not used to subsidise other parts of the chain, he said. IAAS is also urging government to enable trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland to continue as normal, rather than with the added burden of export health certificates. New Delhi, Sep 4 : : A whopping 82 per cent people support the Central Government's new National Health ID, provided it only seeks and stores health-related information and not sensitive personal details such as banking information, sex life, caste, religion, political affiliations, etc. The National Digital Health Mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech. The ambitious initiative will see the creation of health IDs for every citizen that will enable storing personal medical records and disease history electronically. The draft of the policy was released on August 26 with a week stipulated for public feedback. However, on September 1, the government extended the public feedback deadline till September 10. On the basis of 34,000 responses from citizens residing in 272 districts of India, 'Local Circles' attempted to bring out what the masses feel about the idea of creating a citizen digital health id. In the first question, citizens were asked about their views on the creation of such a digital health id. Over 23 per cent said it should be created as it could help in faster access to healthcare, while 18 per cent said it should not be created as it could lead to personal sensitive data getting compromised. As many as 59 per cent said it should be created but data sought should be restricted to just health information. The results of the poll show that 82 per cent support digital health id creation but believe sensitive personal details should not be sought. The main objective of the draft policy has been stated as providing guidance and creating a framework for secure processing of personal data of individuals who are a part of the national digital health ecosystem. NHA has earlier rolled out schemes like Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, which gave health benefits to millions of Indians. The Government in its draft National Health Data Management Policy which proposes to create a digital health id for citizens will be storing the data selectively at three levels -- central, state or UT -- and at the health facility level. Citizens were asked how they feel this should be done. 11 per cent said storage should be at central, state and health facility levels is fine, while 21 per cent said storage should only be at central level and accessed by state and health facility after the citizen's authorisation. At least 10 per cent said storage should be at central and state levels and access by health facility after their authorisation, and 57 per cent said it should only be done for health information and it should be stored only at central level with authorisation needed for use by health facility. This shows that the majority want the digital health id to have just health information with storage only at the central level and authorisation-based access for state government and health facilities. The key concern among people with information storage at state level or at a health facility level is the risk of the information getting compromised. People prefer that their private sensitive information be deleted post usage by these entities. So, while people are okay with their state government and the different health facilities accessing their information upon their authorisation, they do not want this information stored in private hospital computers or in state government and district health facilities. In the next question, citizens were asked what information they approved to be stored in their digital health id under the National Health Data Management policy. At least 79 per cent people approved storage of biometric, health and medical records data only. The remaining 21 per cent were more open and willing to share additional personal sensitive information of different types. With regards to the digital health id creation per the draft National Health Data Management policy, a data fiduciary may make aggregate or anonymised data of people available for the purpose of research, promotion of diagnostic solutions to other external agencies. Citizens were asked if they approve of such data sharing. 48 per cent responded in a clear 'no' while 45 per cent answered in a 'yes'. Six per cent were unsure about it. People seem to be almost divided when it comes to permitting usage of their anonymised health data for purposes of research, diagnostic solution promotion to external agencies, etc. The policy draft outlines how this data would be collected, processed, stored and shared. This indicates that one in two citizens is not willing to give their consent to anonymised sharing of their data for research or to external agencies outside the Government. The Health Data Management Policy adopts the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, which has already been presented in the Parliament, as an anchor. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology also released the National Personal Data Protection Policy draft for public comments in July 2020 which focuses on anonymised and aggregate data of Indians. The Digital Health ID will have to sync itself with both these policies to ensure that the citizens data stays protected and only information that is absolutely essential for availing health services is sought for storage. The biggest benefit of such a digital id to citizens can be in the current Covid-19 pandemic situations where many from rural areas and small towns are coming to metros and tier 1 and 2 cities to get treatment. A digital health id could easily make available to the treating physician all their details on fingertips and the patient can even be directed to the most optimal health facility based on their condition and location. On the flip side, if there are not enough safeguards and such information gets into the wrong hands, an individual could face serious consequences financially and socially, get rejected from a job based on their health condition or find it difficult to rent a home. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 09:22:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Sun Jie (C, front), director of China Cultural Center in Fiji, teaches Chinese Tai Chi at Fiji Marist Brothers High School in Suva, Fiji, Sept. 2, 2020. "What an amazing day!" That was how teachers from the Suva-based Fiji Marist Brothers High School felt after enjoying a special Chinese Tai Chi lesson on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing) By Xinhua writer Zhang Yongxing SUVA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- "What an amazing day!" That was how teachers from the Suva-based Fiji Marist Brothers High School felt after enjoying a special Chinese Tai Chi lesson on Wednesday. The outbreak of COVID-19 has had serious impact on people's everyday lives, but teachers and students have returned to schools across the South Pacific island nation of Fiji as the situation improves day by day. As a well-known high school in the Fijian capital of Suva, the Fiji Marist Brothers High School was established in 1946 with more than 800 teachers and students. For years, the school has enjoyed good relationship with China. To help the teachers cultivate a healthy lifestyle with a relaxed mind and strong body, the school invited the China Cultural Center in Fiji to teach the teachers Chinese Tai Chi, or Tai Chi Quan, an art aimed at balancing the mind, body and spirit. It is also one of the most effective exercises for strengthening the mind and body. Sun Jie, director of China Cultural Center in Fiji, told the teachers that Tai Chi's essential principles include mind integrated with the body; control of movements and breathing; generating internal energy, mindfulness and serenity. The ultimate purpose of Tai Chi is to cultivate the Qi, or life energy, within ourselves to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body, empowered through healthy Qi through the practice of Tai Chi, Sun said. After the introduction, the teachers participated in learning Tai Chi with great interest, as they believed practicing Tai Chi will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle amid the COVID-19 outbreak. "The exercise is on the move, I can realize it. And it can actually change our day," Arieta Sakosese, a 35-year-old English teacher told Xinhua. Echoing her view, 51-year-old teacher Giana Cavuilati said: "Chinese Tai Chi is very interesting. It is something I heard about but I have never done before. So it is really a good experience to go to the motions with our teacher." Aropio Pene, principal of the school, said that Chinese Tai Chi is a new thing for most of the teachers here including himself. "But the more we learn about it, the more we will be able to master the movement." Cultural exchange is a bridge of goodwill between countries, and playing Tai Chi is very useful for people during this difficult time when their lives have been affected by COVID-19 for months, Sun told Xinhua. "After the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, our cultural center carried out a lot of face-to-face cultural exchanges with local Fijians, including this Tai Chi teaching. The purpose of this activity is to help Fijians better understand Chinese culture in order to enhance the mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries," he said. Enditem A glamorous PE teacher will spend at least two years behind bars after she was caught sending sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old boy. Katie Smith, 28, from NSW's Hunter Region befriended the student on Snapchat in Term 4 of 2018 and the pair continued to meet up into Term 1 of the following year. Smith and the teenager kissed and fondled each other on two separate occasions in the school store room and another time in a carpark. Upon appearing at the Newcastle District Court on Friday, the teacher broke down in tears as she was sentenced to three years and ten months jail. Katie Smith, 28, from NSW's Hunter region has been jailed for at least two years after having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student The PE teacher befriended the student on Snapchat and had sent him explicit messages during 2018 and 2019 She was given a non-parole period of two years and three months, The Daily Telegraph reported. The court heard Smith had not wanted to have sex with the student but craved attention due to issues she was facing with her husband. She claimed she just 'wanted to be told I was pretty' and would always 'do anything and everything to get attention'. Smith was found to have sent the teenager pictures of her breasts as well as a video of her rubbing her genitals. The student sent her photos of his erect penis. The relationship between the pair eventually came to an end when Smith learnt about explicit photos of her circulating around the school. The student told his mother who then called police leading to Smith's arrest. The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity, indecent assault of a person under 16 and intentionally sexually touching a child between 10 and 16. The Newcastle District Court heard Smith just 'wanted to be told I was pretty' and had always 'would do anything and everything to get attention' Smith admitted she had been caught up in a range of online sexual encounters as she attempted to seek validation. She also had suffered from eating issues and had a fixation with her appearance, sometimes crying when looking at herself in the mirror. Judge Kara Shead accepted the teacher had a borderline personality disorder and was seeking therapy, but said this did not reduce her moral culpability. The judge noted the 'absolute prohibition on sexual activity with a child' and the serious breach of trust involved in Smith's conduct. She had preyed on the victim and exploited his vulnerability. Courts must send 'a stern message' that sexual crimes against children, particularly by teachers, is unacceptable, the judge said. Soon after learning that Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman had died at age 43, fans urged Marvel Studios not to recast the role, setting up a dilemma for the studio planning a sequel to Hollywoods first major superhero film with a predominantly Black cast. Writers, academics and activists - speaking to Reuters about the films cultural impact and Bosemans performance - believe Marvel and its parent company, Walt Disney Co, should honor Bosemans legacy with a storyline that anoints a new Black Panther from the films existing cast or elsewhere in the Marvel Universe. They should really consider following the storyline of the comic book and advancing Letitia Wright (who plays Shuri, the tech genius sister of Bosemans character) into that central role, said Jamil Smith, a senior writer at Rolling Stone. Weve seen her in action. Weve seen her in the middle of these fights. Why would we not think shed have the courage and strength to become the next Black Panther? That strategy could help ease in fans who would have a hard time seeing a different male actor continue the role. Maybe the answer, for those of us who arent yet ready to see someone else in that suit, is to pass the reins a little earlier than they had expected and allow Shuri to take on the mantle maybe for a Black Panther 2," said April Reign, #OscarsSoWhite creator and vice president of content strategy for Ensemble, a content studio. Other approaches could celebrate Bosemans legacy. Does (his character) come back as little Black Panther? said Nicol Turner Lee, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Does Disney honor the imagination of the young boys and girls who looked up to him? Disney and Marvel declined to comment. The studio has focused on paying tribute to Boseman, broadcasting the film commercial-free last Sunday on Disney-owned ABC, followed by an ABC News special about the actor. According to a report in the Hollywood Reporter, executives were caught by surprise and few people were aware of Bosemans battle with cancer. WAKANDA FOREVER Black Panther, based on the pioneering Marvel Comics character that first appeared in 1966, generated $1.35 billion in box-office sales, three Academy Awards and a best picture Oscar nomination, and acclaim for its titular star, who died on Aug. 28. Marvel was planning to begin production of Black Panther 2 in March, according to the Hollywood Reporter, for a scheduled May 6, 2022, release. Although other studios have experienced the sudden deaths of franchise stars - and have recast, for other reasons, titular roles like Batman and Spider-Man - Marvels decision holds more weight because Black Panther" was a much-celebrated Black superhero movie, starring an actor beloved by fans for the dignity he brought to the role. The 2018 film broke new ground with its predominantly Black cast, helmed by a Black director. Boseman played the character of King TChalla, who presides over the futuristic African nation of Wakanda. Produced with a $200 million budget, it was praised for its diversity, after years of criticism about the lack of actors and filmmakers of color in Hollywood. It shattered at that time for Disney just the myth that you cannot package and distribute feature films with Black people as the starring roles, said Lee. For me, Black Panther represents the fact that inclusivity sells. Black Panther also hit theaters at a time of rising U.S. racial tension. President Donald Trump had recently questioned why the United States would want to have immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as shithole countries. The previous August, he had said both sides" were to blame for violence between white nationalists and counterprotesters at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Then came Wakanda. Black Panther the film was a huge cultural landmark, said Alan Jenkins, a professor of practice at Harvard Law School. One part of what made the film so important was the world of Wakanda and the idea of an African nation unchained by colonialism, slave trade, exploitation. It had dignity, brilliance and technology. Today Black Panther is even more relevant, as Black Americans disproportionately suffer from COVID-19 and die at the hands of police, cultural experts say. The aspirational Wakanda provides an antidote to that suffering. The film certainly didnt cause the activism of today - that was from the tragic killing of George Floyd and others, said Jenkins. But it contributed to an environment where we can see new realities and imagine a world that is more just and equitable than the one in which we live. Google Maps Street ViewBY: KARMA ALLEN, ABC News (MIAMI) -- Police arrested a Miami high school student on Thursday for allegedly carrying out a string of crippling cyberattacks targeting Miami-Dade County Public Schools' online learning system as students headed back to school. The 16-year-old has not been identified by name, but the student is a junior at South Miami Senior High School in Miami-Dade County, Florida, school officials said Thursday. Officials with Miami-Dade County Public Schools said the teen carried out several Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks, which are designed to disrupt a network's server by overwhelming it's system with a flood of internet traffic. The suspect was charged with Computer Use in an Attempt to Defraud -- a third-degree felony, and Interference with an Educational Institution -- a second-degree misdemeanor, according to the district, which serves some 275,000 students. School district officials said the cyberattacks had "maliciously disrupted teaching and learning" across the district, which is the country's fourth-largest school district. Investigators were able to locate the student by tracing an IP address associated with the attacks. The suspect allegedly told authorities that they had orchestrated eight malicious attacks since Monday when Miami public schools began its fall online learning program amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "The student admitted to orchestrating eight Distributed Denial-of-Service cyber attacks, designed to overwhelm District networks, including web-based systems needed for My School Online," the district said in a statement. "The student used an online application to carry out these attack." Miami-Dade County Public Schools said it has been the target of more than a dozen of these types of attacks since the 2020-2021 school year began. Miami-Dade County Public Schools chief Edwin Lopez said he believes there are additional suspects involved, but investigators are working to determine if that's the case. "We believe, based upon our investigation, that other attackers are out there. We will not rest until every one of them is caught and brought to justice," Lopez said in a statement. "Cyber attacks are serious crimes, which have far-reaching negative impacts. Our message to anyone thinking of attempting a criminal act like this is to think twice. We will find you." Miami-Dade superintendent of schools Alberto Carvalho thanked investigators for their "tireless efforts" this week and vowed to move beyond the disruption. "I commend our detectives, the FBI, Secret Service, and FDLE for their tireless efforts to pursue those responsible for these attacks," Carvalho said. "It is disheartening that one of our own students has admitted to intentionally causing this kind of disruption, however, I am confident that the M-DCPS family will continue to show its resilience and commitment to education, in the face of adversity." The district said it was working with the FBI, the Secret Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to ensure a "thorough investigation" is conducted. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Mao-era Chinese dissident Lin Zhao, whose birth name was Peng Lingzhao, was a writer who grew up near Nanjing, in the eastern province of Jiangsu. Initially a star student at the prestigious Peking University, Lin was branded a "rightist" and a "class enemy" in the 1950s for her criticism of then-supreme leader Mao Zedong's Anti-Rightist Movement targeting intellectuals. She was executed by firing squad at Shanghai's Longhua Airport in 1968 at the age of 36, and her family was ordered to pay five cents for the bullet that killed her. Filmmaker Phoebe Liu, director of "5-cent Life," an English-language biopic of Lin Zhao, spoke to Mia Ping-Chieh Chen of RFA's Mandarin Service about the links between her life and Lin's: RFA: Why did you want to make this movie? Phoebe Liu: During the Cultural Revolution, my family was politically persecuted. That is, my father was labeled an active counter-revolutionary and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The government didn't address these injustices until 1979. With such a background, I was even more invested in politics and history. From the very beginning, I felt I wanted to shoot films that would portray the past for future generations. I use my film footage to show these events and people, because they should all be immortalized. It was still possible back in the 1980s in China to make films about politically sensitive subjects. But the censorship regime has gotten much tougher in recent years, so it wasn't easy to do. RFA: Why did you choose Lin Zhao's story? Phoebe Liu: My mission as a filmmaker is to be different from others. I have never sought fame or fortune. I want to remain faithful to my roots. I made movies because ever since I was a child I have been politically persecuted. I experienced tragic events of the worst kind. I saw the tyranny of those in power and the unfairness of society. I saw the human tragedy caused by communism and totalitarian rule. This is what I want to convey. So I said I would make a film. I wanted to use my money to make a film of Lin Zhaos story. After she changed my life and enabled me to become a Christian, I was no longer angry, and could forgive, but I was even more determined to pursue the truth. RFA: Did your conversion happen because Lin Zhao was a Christian? Phoebe Liu: I wanted to learn about Lin Zhao and what gave her that inner strength. Later, I read what she said in her letter ... that as a Christian warrior, her life was given to her by God... She had her faith to support her all along. So I opened the Bible, started reading, and started participating in church activities. It was through Lin Zhao that I was baptized and became a Christian. RFA: I heard that you sold your house to raise funds to film this movie. Phoebe Liu: My father heard that I was making this movie and said that I was a traitor. He said, you studied film studies abroad, and you've been grinding the same arrow for 20 years, and now you want to aim it at the Chinese Communist Party. This is my dad criticizing me. He criticized me using language that others had used to criticize him during the Cultural Revolution. He asked who gave me the money, saying that it must have been overseas anti-communist forces. [But] I don't need money from anti-communist forces or other people's money. I just used my own money. RFA: Why was the film made in English? Phoebe Liu: I couldn't find anyone in China who was willing to act in this movie. So I went to Taiwan, but no Taiwanese actors dared to take part in it either. We couldn't find any Chinese-speaking actors, really, not a single one. RFA: You also changed the names of the characters in the film. Why was that? Phoebe Liu: If you use sensitive keywords, then they won't let you make the film in China. If we had used the original names, we might not have been able to shoot it at all. We were walking on thin ice. Someone actually realized it was Lin Zhao, and refused to work on it. The difficulties I encountered in shooting in China would fill an entire book, but I cant talk about them. All the people who helped me are still living within that system, and they could get into trouble. RFA: You are now working in Hollywood. Do you still feel China's influence there? Phoebe Liu: There are some film festivals that China also sponsors. There are also some film festivals and filmmakers who also want to maintain good relations with China. They wouldn't dare to take on my films, because of their China investments. RFA: Do you worry about China's influence in Hollywood? Phoebe Liu: I'm not worried. The purpose of this movie is not to make money, not to please the world, but to honor God. I know in my heart that I have nothing to fear. Reported by Mia Ping-Chieh Chen for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. A man is fighting for his life this evening following an assault in the Dublin city centre in the early hours of Wednesday. The man, aged in his 40s, is currently in a critical condition at the Mater Hospital in Dublin with serious head injuries following what gardai described as an assault. He was found at approximately 2:50am on Wednesday at Seville Place in Dublin 1. Gardai have not released further details over the assault but confirmed to Independent.ie that his condition is very serious. Meanwhile, gardai are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them, including any road users who may have dash camera or other footage of the area at the time. They are asked to contact gardai at the Store Street garda station on 01 666 8000 or ring the garda confidential on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. In this June 16. 2011, file photo, Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic Airways, attends a news conference in Miami Beach, Fla. Branson announced that Virgin was starting flights between London and Cancun, Mexico. Virgin Atlantic, the airline founded by British businessman Branson, filed Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, for relief from creditors as the virus pandemic hammers the airline industry. The airline made the filing in U.S. federal bankruptcy court in New York after a proceeding in the United Kingdom. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) Virgin Atlantic completed its 1.2 billion-pound ($1.6 billion) restructuring plan and cut 1,150 jobs Friday as the airline sought to rebuild following the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal had been approved by the High Court in London earlier this week, and was formally recognized by a U.S. courtthe last step in the legal process in the long-haul carrier's efforts to rebuild its balance sheet and to emerge from the crisis. It cut jobs as it announced it was putting the plan into place and further downsizing across the business. "After the sacrifices so many of our people have made, further reducing the number of people we employ is heart-breaking but essential for survival," Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said. "I truly hope that as demand returns, we will see many members of our team returning to us." Aviation has been devastated by the spread of the virus, as governments around the world moved to curtail travel to safeguard public health. Airlines have been begging for government help until passengers feel comfortable returning to the skies. Virgin Atlantic appealed for passenger testing and said it was the only way to enable the removal of travel restrictions to open up flying to key markets. The airline announced the refinancing package in July to ensure its survival after passenger numbers dropped 98% in the second quarter. It includes 600 million pounds of support from the airline's owners, Virgin Group and Delta Airlines, 450 million pounds of deferred payments to creditors and 170 million pounds of financing from U.S.-based Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP. Virgin Atlantic, founded in 1984 by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, has already cut 3,550 jobs, shuttered operations at London's Gatwick Airport and announced plans to retire 11 aircraft as it seeks to weather the slowdown in air travel. The airline says it doesn't expect passenger volume to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023. Delta invested $360 million in Virgin Atlantic in December 2012, acquiring a 49% stake in the airline. Virgin Group owns the remaining shares. Virgin flies from London's Heathrow Airport and Manchester to destinations in the U.S., China, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Nigeria, Israel and the Caribbean. Explore further High Court in London backs Virgin Atlantic's rescue plan 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Regarding GOP uses police issue to attack Dem candidates (Sept. 3): For most people who are concerned about police violence against African Americans, the aim is not to abolish the police, rather to diversify the professionals who are tasked with responding to different emergency situations. Its not fair to ask the police to handle situations they are neither trained nor equipped to handle. You wouldnt send a cop to fight a fire, right? We need trained specialists to handle situations like homelessness, mental health crises, domestic disputes, school truancy, burglary reports, etc. specialists who arent police and dont carry weapons, but can get police backup when needed. To a hammer, every problem looks like a nail to the police, every problem looks like a criminal. We can do better for ourselves and our communities by diversifying our emergency responders. John Holme, Oakland Hair styling is non-issue Regarding Pelosi, Dems are hypocrites (Letters, Sept. 3): Wildfires are ruining our air, the COVID-19 pandemic is killing thousands of our citizens, and the president is stoking violence in our cities, but Letters to the Editor are obsessed with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi having gotten her hair styled inside a salon without a proper face covering? While Pelosis behavior was improper, at least she has tried to set a good public example of wearing a mask, which is more than can be said for the conspiracy-promoter-in-chief, who almost never keeps his face covered, and has often derogatorily called Pelosi nasty. President Trumps GOP supporters are hyperventilating about this hair salon horror purely to help boost the presidents low poll numbers, while ignoring the daily tragedies that are occurring on their leaders watch. Carolyn Crawford, San Francisco Mistreated community Regarding Marines release and Party raid (Sept. 3): Two items from News of the Day from Around the World are sad reminders that the LGBTQ community (of which I am a member) is still being mistreated and disregarded. In Marines release, a Philippine court allowed early release for good conduct of a U.S. marine who had choked a Filipino woman to death upon discovering she was transgender. And in Party raid, multiple Indonesian men were arrested at a gay party for violating a pornography law in the worlds most populous Muslim nation. Sadly, the U.S. did not elect an individual for president who, while serving as our secretary of state, told the United Nations that Gay rights are human rights. For those with short memories, that individual was Hillary Clinton. Finn MacLaughlin, Daly City Avoid the controversy As a public official, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has been in office long before I was born, should know better and understand she is held to a higher standard. She is busy putting legislation through Congress to help others, but still finds it appropriate for herself to disregard the laws in order for her to benefit. On top of it, she had the audacity to publicly state that she should be receiving an apology from the owner of the hair salon for sending out the security cam footage of her not wearing a mask. I think Pelosi needs to return to high school for a lesson on the Prohibition. At least people during the 1920s understood that if they were going to manage to drink, they went underground to obtain alcohol. How difficult would it be for Pelosi to have the hair stylist do a blow out at her house and avoid a scandal? However, her scandal made for an interesting day for the media. In the words of my 92-year-old grandmother, if Pelosi bothered to drive 10 miles to San Mateo County, she would have had a legal blowout and avoided this whole thing. Bridget Gregory, San Bruno Treasonous actions It is my understanding that actively suppressing voter rights to cast ballots in an American election is an attack on our Constitution and democracy. I also believe that doing so is an act of treason. So why are President Trump and his enablers not being charged with that crime? It is a rhetorical question, of course. When a budding dictator controls the attorney general, the Senate, the Supreme Court and a major news outlet, what else should we expect? He could not be more obvious with his U.S. Postal Service takeover and false attacks on mail-in voting. Corruption has never been so blatantly employed. The president of the United States of America is a traitor, plain and simple. John Cross, Tiburon Think of the tenants Regarding Failed business (Letters, Sept. 2): The letter writer who suggested that owners of rental property could just go out of business if they lose income and therefore cant afford to pay their expenses just like any other business, ignores the fact that the tenants want to continue to live in their housing, whether or not they pay the rent. Not paying rent but continuing to live in the property is the equivalent of going shopping at the grocery store but avoiding the checkout. We do not ask other businesses to continue to provide service for no compensation. We should not ask property owners to do so, either. If the owner stops paying the mortgage, insurance or property tax bills, the property will be foreclosed on. If the owner cant afford to pay for the maintenance, the property will deteriorate. Eventually, the tenants will probably lose their housing. I dont think this is the result that anyone wants. Mary Oram, Berkeley A need for balance Regarding Lawmakers lost session (Editorial, Sept. 2): Perhaps if Sen. Scott Wiener would take into consideration the homeowners and long-term renters living in the areas that he proposes to forcibly up-zone into a nightmare of density, he might enjoy a greater degree of success! We need lawmakers to understand the need for balance, and to consider the diversity of neighborhoods. I would suggest Wiener stop proposing one-size-fits-all (it never does) legislation. As a concerned member of your constituent, I urge you to work with the Trump administration on the issue of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a dispute involving Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. The multi-billion-dollar dam is currently under construction over the Nile River. The project, funded solely by Ethiopians, will lift millions out of abject poverty and reliance on foreign aid. Advise the Trump administration to: Respect Ethiopias inherent right to use the Nile River equitably, as a contributor of 86% of the water. Maintain an impartial role in negotiations led by the African Union. Refrain from threatening to withhold any assistance - direct aid or loans - as a tool to pressure the Ethiopian government to agree to a deal thats neither fair nor equitable. Refrain from encouraging the World Bank and IMF to withhold loans. Ben Tegene, Mechanicsburg, Pa. A sign warning people to stay away from a dangerous area of mines and waste-rock piles is pictured in Calico Ghost Town, Calif. (Scottthezombie, CC BY-SA) EPA Opens New Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains EPA's new Colorado office to focus on mine clean-up across the West The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains this week to better address the clean-up of legacy mining sites and abandoned mines across the western United States. The new office will be located in Lakewood, Colorado, and will target multi-disciplinary issues unique to the region, assuming oversight responsibilities for hardrock mine remediation sites west of the Mississippi River. According to the EPA, the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains will act as a contact point for states, tribes, and other federal agencies that are stakeholders in such remediation projects, and will also support conservation organizations involved in so-called Good Samaritan mine reclamation projects. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-trump-epa-launches-office-mountains-deserts-and-plains-effectively Done are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach to remediation, said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler at a press conference in Colorado Springs. The West is a special place, with special environmental challenges deserving of its own office within EPA. Under President Trumps leadership, this new office will provide effective solutions, and achieve important milestones in the cleanup of hardrock mining Superfund sites in the American West as well as foster great partnerships with states, tribes, and local communities, Wheeler said. Native American groups also welcomed the news of a dedicated office for mine remediation. The Navajo people have suffered, and continue to suffer, enormous adverse impacts to their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health as a result of the federal governments past investment in uranium extraction from the Navajo Nation, said Jonathan Nez, President of the Navajo Nation in a statement. Consequently, we support and applaud U.S. EPAs establishment of a new office within the Office of Land and Emergency Management whose primary focus will be to expedite the clean-up of abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation. Dedicated Remediation Staff According to the EPA, the new office is the result of lessons the Agency learned at Superfund and remediation sites across the United States, such as the Silver Bow Creek Superfund site in Butte, Montana. Hardrock mining cleanup is a complex process, the Agency says, and Western mining regions have special issues and unique factors that need to be accounted for. The Agency points out that up to now, the EPAs resources in the cleanup and remediation of hardrock mining sites had been diffused across numerous locations, which impeded the Agencys work. According to the EPA, Historical methods for mineral extraction and beneficiation can create environmental problems, including acid mine drainage, erosion and sedimentation, chemical releases, fugitive dust, habitat destruction, surface and groundwater contamination, and subsidence. In addition, many sites across the Western United States do not have viable current or former owners, making it more difficult for such sites to compete with Superfund sites for funding. Todays announcement by @EPAAWheeler shows the @EPAs commitment to the West. Now more than ever we need a strong domestic mining industry and the creation of the office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains is a great step in that direction. https://t.co/XTCPXY74Cr Western Caucus (@westerncaucus) September 2, 2020 Todays announcement is a step in the right direction because it will put decision makers closer to the people who fall under their jurisdiction, said Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). We know that out-of-touch decisions can cause untold challenges for individuals and businesses in Wyoming. I applaud the Trump Administrations efforts to give local stakeholders more control over their communitiesinstead of empowering the federal governmentand todays announcement builds on that trend. For too long, the EPA has ignored the priorities of Western States, the creation of the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains within the EPA means that there will now be dedicated staff living and working in the west focused on the priorities that matter to the people of Arizona, said Congressman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.). From Abandoned mine recovery, to future mine permitting, and other critical issues this EPA office will move forward projects that will create thousands of jobs for the American people. Now more than ever we need a strong domestic mining industry that can meet our own needs without being reliant on foreign adversaries and todays announcement helps to make that possible. 04.09.2020 LISTEN Hollard Insurance, a subsidiary of insurance group, Hollard Ghana swept multiple awards at the 2020 Ghana Insurance Awards, in Accra. The award ceremony honoured deserving insurance companies and individuals for their enormous contributions and innovations in the Ghanaian insurance industry. Hollard received the Commercial Line Insurer of the Year award for its ability to service the multiplicity of its clients needs, including the delivery of innovative enterprise-wide and group business solutions. For its admirably consistent year-on-year business growth, Hollard Insurance picked up Best Growing Company of the year in the Non-Life Insurance Category. Hollard Ghanas groundbreaking product Hollard ChatInsure and its Chatbot, Araba Hollard, the first virtual insurer in the country offering end-to-end insurance services won the Marketing Campaign of the Year awards. Patience Akyianu, Group CEO of Hollard Ghana, was specially recognised at the ceremony, as the Woman of Excellence for the year. The awards give credence to the companys purpose and clearly demonstrates the progress being made by the group in Ghana, she underscored. We are honoured by these wins and believe they are a testament of our purpose to enable more people to create and secure a better future through accessible and reliable insurance, said Mrs. Akyianu While dedicating the awards to company staff, fondly called Hollardites, their customers and partners for enabling their wins, the Managing Director for Hollard Insurance, Daniel Boi Addo, said Weve been relentless in our efforts to increase insurance penetration and were glad to be rewarded. Adding that, the company would continue to champion excellence in the insurance industry while putting its cherished customers first in its innovations. Insurance group, Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life Assurance, combines its deep local knowledge of the market with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but Headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customized to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard was previously Metropolitan Insurance which operated in Ghana for over 25 years. Hollard offers various life and general insurance products including funeral, personal accident, motor, business, home, and more. Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can also find Hollard at Shell Fuel Stations, Welcome Shops, and some Melcom stores for all their insurance needs. By Express News Service CHENNAI: To make violations against social distancing and lockdown a compoundable offence, the Tamil Nadu Governor promulgated the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939 (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2020 on Friday based on the proposal sent by the state government. A press release from Raj Bhavan said despite aggressive information, education and communication campaigns, even now a section of people, institutions and shops do not follow the guidelines, putting themselves and others at risk. Further, violence against persons implementing these measures has also been brought to the notice of the government. "Such acts of violence hinder the measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19 in the community and deter the advancement of public health. It is therefore considered necessary to make the violations against lockdown and social distancing measures taken to contain the spread of COVID-19 compoundable offences and also prohibit the acts of violence against the persons implementing these measures. Hence the government has decided to amend the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939 (Tamil Nadu Act III of 1939," the release added. Spitting in public place, violation of quarantine and social distancing norms will attract a fine of Rs 500; Rs 200 fine for failing to wear mask covering mouth and nose; violation of SOP in salon, spa, gym & commercial establishments will warrant a fine of Rs.5,000 @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/mLIHoERfS0 T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) September 4, 2020 To contain the spread of COVID-19, lockdown and social distancing measures have been taken by the government. Public health experts have been stressing the need for adoption of mandatory wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing, following standard operating procedures for permitted activities and in workplaces and following quarantine if required as essential to prevent the spread of the disease, the release said. Penalties for violations of the TN Public Health Act The Tamil Nadu government has amended sub-section 2 of Section 76 of the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, declaring the following violations as compoundable offences: Offences ** Penalty amount (in Rs) 1. Violation of quarantine measures - Rs. 500 2. Non-wearing of mask covering mouth and nose - Rs. 200 3. Spitting in public places - Rs. 500 4. Violation of social distancing norms by individuals or group - Rs. 500 5. Violation of Standard Operating Procedure in Salon, Spa, Gymnasium and commercial establishments - Rs. 5000 6. Non-adherence to the guidelines in containment zones (I) By Individuals Rs. 500 (II) In respect of vehicles or commercial establishments Rs. 5000 ** All the safety guidelines as ordered by competent authority time to time Representative image As an Israeli El Al flight made history from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi on August 31 with senior White House advisor Jared Kushner leading top United States and Israeli officials and business leaders, some of its distinguished passengers tweeted photos of Satchel bags emblazoned with the title The Abraham Accord. The title of the tripartite agreement announced on August 13 in Washington DC, Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi is symbolic in more ways than one. Abraham, after all, is revered as a prophet in Islam and also as a patriarch for both the Jewish and the Christian faiths. By calling their agreement the Abraham Accord, the parties are trying to signal their intent of rising above centuries of blood feuds that the Christian, Jewish and Muslim descendants of Abraham have put on display. It signals, at least in terms of optics, a desire to shift the narrative from religious conflict to tolerance. Tolerance, both as a term and as a concept is a commodity that has made strong headway over the past few years in the Gulf, a region more than often criticised for its social, political and cultural rigidness that also reflect in the laws of the land there. West Asian countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have over the years developed a poor reputation globally for being home to radical Islam, social archaisms, brutal punishments, intolerance, anti-womens rights, and so on. However, there are clear indications that change is in the air and it is arriving on two separate tracks the first advocating a pro-active approach to promoting interfaith harmony and the second showing an implacable opposition to all forms of radical or extremist ideology in Islam. For example, the recent decree by the Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry to limit mosques in Riyadh to not broadcast religious lectures or lessons over loud speakers, and keeping the volume of said speakers at a lower level, is one such case in point. In 2017, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan was announced as the UAEs first Minister of Tolerance, to lead the states National Tolerance Programme. Over the next subsequent years, the UAE hosted the Pope in 2019, and announced the construction of the first Hindu Temple, and perhaps much more importantly, its first Jewish Synagogue as part of the House of Abraham a multi-faith complex that will host a mosque, a church and a synagogue within the same compound in Abu Dhabi. The State also allowed much more liberalised approach towards other religions and allowing their practice via cultural groups and community centres. With the UAEs success under its leader Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Saudi Crown Prince and heir-in-waiting, Mohammed bin Salman, has also highlighted changes in the conservative countrys outlook. Taking cues, albeit cautiously, from the UAEs examples, Saudi Arabia allowed driving for women in 2017, warding off criticisms from the countrys fairly powerful conservative lobby. Music concerts and films are back, and a recent decree that appoints 10 women to senior positions in the administration of the holy mosques of Mecca and Medina was also announced. The COVID-19 pandemic showcased a shift away from the conservative manner in which a kingdom such as Saudi Arabia governs itself when it comes to matters of religion. In June, Riyadh announced the cancellation of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, risking a significant backlash from the Muslim community around the world. This perhaps helped in curtailing what could have become the Arab worlds super spreader event. Saudis neighbour, the UAE, also exercised great restraint in curtailing the number of cases in its large centres such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, especially when it came to shut down mosques and other religious sites and seminaries. These are major steps that reflect a fundamental shift in mindset that did not occur overnight. The terror strikes of 9/11 by Al Qaeda almost two decades ago were probably the starting point of the change, particularly for the Emiratis. The fact that three of the hijackers were a product of their own affluent society was a wake-up call and they began to quietly address the crisis of radicalisation, not within their own borders, but also within the larger region itself an exercise that demanded a large dose of political courage and tact. The UAEs strict approach against radicalisation and political Islam within its borders was not going to be easy because at least two of the countrys seven emirates had a relatively soft attitude on the subject. Moreover, an entrepot like Dubai thrived on its no-questions asked approach towards financial dealings, including by politico/religious groups of various hues. However, Abu Dhabi has shown its resolve and the approach is now beginning to show results. After the Arab Spring brought forth a Muslim Brotherhood (MB)-led government in Egypt, the UAE quietly deported thousands of Egyptian preachers as well as teachers who were seen to have affiliations with the MB. It also banned the MB-linked Al Islah group and declared the Brotherhood a terror organisation. Going a step further, the State has taken firm control over Friday sermons which are now standardised across the state, taking away power from individual mullahs to preach on radical or regressive or politically-charged themes. In fact, even Egypt, home of the Muslim Brotherhood, has taken to this practice. The UAE also hosts centres such as Hedayah and Sawab, with the former being a premier institution to develop counter-radicalisation and violent extremism narratives while the latter, a joint programme between the UAE and the US, works on countering radicalisation on the Internet. It is pivotal to note here that arguments around restricting political Islam rarely make an appearance when talking about Islamist radicalisation and how to counter it in India even though this is a critical point of counter-terror designs. A societal re-design of this magnitude is bound to attract challenges, and these will be in evidence as Abu Dhabi gets ready to host the embassy of the Jewish State. One major challenge comes from the willingness of influential regional players such as Turkey and Qatar to become the torchbearers for political (Sunni) Islam. Both have provided an alternate base for Muslim Brotherhood leaders ousted by Egypt, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Doha has also hosted Islamist leaders such as former Hamas leader Khaled Al Mashal and firebrand Egyptian cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi. In fact, the rift between Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) came from both Riyadh and Abu Dhabis apprehensions of Dohas support for various Islamist groups, and the use of Al Jazeera Arabic to promote their radical agenda. It is important to note that these developments in Indias near neighbourhood are of profound significance for India. For almost half a century, the Wahhabi clergy of Saudi Arabia was a fountainhead of conservative Islamic ideology in its most regressive form. As that begins to give way to a more tolerant and progressive approach, its impact will be gradually felt across Muslim communities in South Asia. We have a stake in the success of the tolerance agenda being promoted by countries like the UAE, even as India looks to address a rising tide of intolerance itself. (This appeared in the ORF) State health officials announced another 22 coronavirus deaths on Friday, bringing the statewide death count to 8,892 since the start of the pandemic. Officials also confirmed 219 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of at least 120,038 across Massachusetts. Thats based on 17,559 new molecular tests reported on Friday, according to the Department of Public Health. The seven-day average of new positive tests has been below 1% at roughly .9% for the first week of September. There are currently 333 people hospitalized with the virus, including 60 patients in intensive care, DPH reports. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, issued a warning to states at high risk for a surge in COVID cases ahead of Labor Day weekend. In particular, Fauci named North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois, some of which are already experiencing a troubling rise in cases. Those states are starting to see an increase in the percent positive of their testing; that is generally predictive that theres going to be a problem, he said, according to Bloomberg News. There were roughly 45,601 new cases of the virus on Thursday. Overall, new cases have been down about 12% over the last 14 days compared to the height of the pandemic, according to the New York Times. Cases are rising in 19 U.S. states and territories over the past two weeks, the Times reports. Massachusetts is one of 22 states where new cases have remained relatively stable over the past 14 days. Ninety cities and towns in Massachusetts reported higher positive test rates over the last 14 days compared to the prior two weeks, although even more have seen lower infection numbers, according to DPH data released on Wednesday. And 8 cities and towns are at high risk for COVID transmission based on case data analyzed between Aug. 16 through Aug. 29, according to DPH. They are: Chelsea, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Revere, Westhampton and Winthrop. On Thursday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a multilingual campaign aimed at reducing the number of new COVID infections in five Eastern Massachusetts cities, where case numbers remain high and continue to climb. They include Chelsea, Lawrence, Everett, Lynn and Revere. On Friday, Northeastern University said that it dismissed 11 first-year students after they were found gathered together in a room at the Westin Hotel in Boston in violation of the colleges and other public health protocols. As of Friday, here are the number of cases in each Massachusetts county: Barnstable County: 1,654 Berkshire County: 669 Bristol County: 9,296 Dukes County: 56 Essex County: 18,249 Franklin County: 394 Hampden County: 7,718 Hampshire County: 1,183 Middlesex County: 25,558 Nantucket County: 42 Norfolk County: 9,620 Plymouth County: 9,174 Suffolk County: 22,529 Worcester County: 13,551 Unknown location: 345 Related Content: Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank has ceased to be a banking company under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank has said. "We advise that the 'Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Limited' has ceased to be a banking company within the meaning of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with effect from July 28, 2020," the central bank said in a notification. In July last year, Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank had announced it would wind up its banking business on account of "unanticipated developments" that made its economic model "unviable". In November 2019, the Reserve Bank said Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank was headed for liquidation. The payments bank was promoted by Grasim Industries Limited and Vodafone Idea Limited with 51 and 49 per cent shareholdings, respectively. In a regulatory filing in July last year, Vodafone Idea had said the decision to shut operations by the Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank was taken due to "unanticipated developments in the business landscape, which have made the economic model unviable". Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank had received the banking licence to operate as a payments bank in April 2017. It had also got authorisation to work on Prepaid Payments Instrument business. In February 2018, Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank became the fourth entity to begin payments banking operations since the issuance of licences to 11 firms by the RBI in August 2015. In another notification, the RBI has said Westpac Banking Corporation has also ceased to be a banking company. Also read: Aditya Birla Payments Bank shuts operations 18 months after launch Global Britain is one of the three pillars of this governments post-Brexit vision for this country. The idea that Britain, freed of the shackles of the EU, will stride the world as a great trading nation a bridge between East and West is truly inspiring. After all, we have so many natural advantages in our language, our location (within a direct flight of 96 per cent of the global GDP), our legal system and most of all in the ingenuity and entrepreneurialism of our people. A small island doesnt become the fifth-largest economy in the world, or support 33million jobs without being brilliant at international trade. As chief executive of Heathrow Airport, I see this every day, as 40 per cent of the UKs physical exports travel through the airport in the bellyhold of passenger planes. The same planes that carry fresh salmon from a Scottish farm to the sushi markets of Tokyo within 24 hours also carry language students, tourists and the motor company executives who have invested billions in this country. Hamburg, Germany: A traveller has a Covid-19 test performed at the airport by an employee of the German Red Cross (DRK). The introduction of compulsory tests for returnees from hight risk areas went without a hitch at Hamburg Airport in early August, according to authorities John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport (pictured): 'The problem with a blanket quarantine is that it assumes that everyone is carrying Covid-19 which is just not true. Over 99 per cent of the worlds population has never even had the disease.' Those plane seats are also packed with engineers, lawyers and accountants that make Britain one of the worlds great service exporters. It is these exports of goods and services that will be the foundation of Global Britain. And they all travel by air. Heathrows position as the best-connected airport in the world is a huge competitive advantage for this country. No one else can beat a service to New York every 30 minutes, direct flights to over 30 cities in the US, or 12 to China. Except that those flights and the millions of jobs that rely on them are grounded. Over 860,000 passengers travelled through Heathrow in July down 88 per cent on the previous year. Naturally, we all understand that when you are in the middle of a pandemic you need to be very cautious about importing disease from overseas. That is why we supported the blanket quarantine during lockdown, where passengers had to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival into Britain. Moscow, Russia: A medical worker, left, performs a COVID-19 test on a woman at a test center at Vnukovo airport outside Moscow, Russia, August 7, 2020. Hannover, Germany: A member of the Johanniter tests a traveller arriving from abroad at a Covid-19 testing station set up at Hanover-Langenhagen Airport on August 8, 2020 And we supported the Governments pragmatic approach to reopening borders by later allowing free travel from low-risk countries. Most of these were short-haul European markets, which opened just in time for the summer holidays. But our long-haul markets, such as the United States, which are so critical for the success of Global Britain, remain closed. The problem with a blanket quarantine is that it assumes that everyone is carrying Covid-19 which is just not true. Over 99 per cent of the worlds population has never even had the disease. A much better alternative is to test people to make sure that only people without coronavirus are allowed in. At Heathrow, we have already set up a testing facility to administer Public Health Englands preferred PCR (polymerise chain reaction) swab tests for arriving passengers. They are currently sitting idle, as the Government has not given permission for passengers to exit quarantine early if they can prove they dont have the coronavirus. I have even been part of a trial of a 20-second Covid-19 test developed by a British company, which is quicker, cheaper and more accurate than the PCR test. Turin, Italy: Medical staff in full PPE conduct a swab test on travellers after their flight from Ibiza, Spain to Turin on August 26, 2020 Germany, France and around 30 other countries are moving to testing as an alternative to quarantine. This is starting to get their economies moving again and, in fact, both Frankfurt and Charles de Gaulle airports carried more passengers over the last few months than Heathrow. The first time that has ever happened. And this is what will happen if the Government doesnt get a grip and reopen our borders safely. Britain will fall behind. Think about that. If EU airports thrive, while the UKs hub declines, then Brexit Britain will rely on European hubs to get their global goods to market. And when France chooses to close routes to the UK, what do we do then? Britain will become a vassal state of the EU, just after we have left. British businesses that rely on trading around the world are already being strangled while our rivals in France and Germany power ahead. I have already had to cut 1,200 jobs and have just started consulting on further cuts. I want to fight for every job and it makes me angry to see the Government doing nothing to protect jobs when the solution is so obvious. Pictured: Terminal 5 at Heathrow was devoid of tourists as business chiefs call for Britain to get flying again. Heathrow would normally handle around 1,300 flights every day in September, with 220,000 passengers coming and going. Yesterday there were just 504 flights landing and taking off, with many planes far from full What makes me more angry is that we are putting this countrys future at risk. We werent born as one of the worlds great trading nations. We got there through hard work and ingenuity over decades of patiently building up international markets. And all that work will be lost if we stand by and do nothing. Once customers have switched to trading with other countries, it will be twice as hard to get them back. And we shouldnt be waiting to start testing until every other country has done it. Global Britain should be taking a lead. Back in May, I called on the Government to develop a common international standard for aviation testing, so that passengers could be tested for Covid-19 in their home country before they fly and quarantine there if need be. We dont need to negotiate this with every country, just doing it with the US and the EU would bring most other countries with us. With our economic and diplomatic skills, this is where Britain can act as a bridge between East and West. We could start with a pilot of testing at both ends of the LHR-JFK route the most valuable aviation route in the world. I love the vision of Global Britain. But it has to be backed up with action. Lets start by testing on arrival to reopen our borders. Lets help get businesses back to work. And lets do it today. Apple CEO Tim Cook is singing H-E-B's praises, but it's not for the "everyday low prices" or fan favorite Meal Simple options. Cook is lauding the grocery store's expansion in the Apple App Store. The CEO included H-E-B in a tweet with other leading developers who have added to the App Store's growth on Wednesday. RELATED: H-E-B unveils food hall with five restaurants and a bar inside Austin location "Were proud that developers like @Caribu, @HEB & @ShineText are growing their businesses on the App Store," his tweet reads. "Our iOS developer community now supports 2.1 millions jobs across all 50 states, providing opportunities for Americans in the face of immense challenges." Apple further explained the growth in an article posted to the company's newsroom. According to Apple, the App Store economy has added nearly 300,000 new jobs since April 2019. Apple recognized the importance of applications as users make pandemic-era adjustments to every part of their lives. H-E-B contributed to Texas' addition of 36,000 new jobs within the last year, which is a 30 percent increase, according to Apple. Before the pandemic, the grocer launched the new My H-E-B app with a glossy Super Bowl commercial starring Eva Longoria in February. The mobile app makes amenities like curbside and delivery easier and safer for customers. H-E-B has also added features like no-touch coupons, self checkout, in-app donations, and SNAP payment integration. Since launching, the app's monthly active users have increased by an "astonishing" 1,050 percent and H-E-B has reached their 2021 revenue goals in a matter of months, Apple says. H-E-B has grown the digital team by more than 150. H-E-B Digital's Chief Product Officer Mike Georgoff explained how critical the app has been for customers throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Our focus on ease of use turned out to be even more important than wed imagined, and were proud that our app is making it possible for more Texans to take care of their families during the pandemic, he said in the Apple article. Our companys strength is our workforce so much so that we call them partners. It means so much to us to grow that team every year as we expand our footprint and offer our customers new digital services. Some customers reacted to the big name shoutout by asking about the possibility of Apple Pay, a cashless mobile payment option, being offered at H-E-B checkout lanes. The store replied to some of the tweets saying they are "looking into" the option and other ways to minimize contact at the register. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye Chinese Communist officials raid church-run elementary school camp, arrest pastor's wife Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Communist authorities in Chinas Henan province raided an elementary school summer camp hosted by a house church and arrested the pastors wife after accusing the Christians there of conducting illegal religious activities. According to persecution watchdog China Aid, some 30 authorities with Xinyang City Gushi County Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau, Public Security Bureau, and the Joint Chengguan (urban management force) Task Force raided a house church near Gushi Third Middle School North Campus on Aug. 23. The leader of the church, Wang Guangming, told China Aid that the church was hosting summer camp on the day of the raid. Though students were learning piano, guitar, and music theory, authorities accused leaders of conducting religious activities and arrested the pastors wife. I was not present at the church that day, Wang told China Aid. They came and said that we were gathering illegally, and confiscated my personal property, including projector, desks, chairs, fans, and speaker. They have not brought them back as of today. Another member told China Aid that officials from the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau claimed they had received a tip from residents about an illegal house church which sparked the raid. Claiming to be law enforcement, the authorities began videotaping and taking photos. Henan is one of the provinces in China that has the highest number of Christians, with an estimated 5 million to 6 million believers. International Christian Concern notes that the Xinyang City Gushi County Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau previously said that from Aug. 20 to Sept. 20, it would conduct a monthlong investigation to crack down on illegal religious activities. President Xi Jinping has ordered that all religions must "Sinicize" to ensure loyalty to the atheistic party. As a result, the Chinese Communist Party has attempted to curb the spread of Christianity through its legal framework, Sinicization, closure or demolition of churches or places of worship, arresting of Christians, and social pressure. Chinese authorities have also attempted to prevent Christians from transmitting their faith to the next generation. In its 2020 annual report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom noted the Chinese Communist Party has banned youth younger than 18 from participating in religious services. Additionally, Christian leaders are forbidden from organizing any activities with young people or encourage them to consider ministerial vocations. Earlier this year, authorities forcibly removed adopted children from their Christian parents, claiming the adoption papers were no longer valid because their children were trapped by an evil religion. In addition to seizing children from their Christian parents, the CCP also threatened to send Christian children to government re-education camps and ordered parents to refrain from enrolling their children in church schools. In Shangrao, an area of Jiangxi, more than 40 churches have hung a slogan that reads: Non-locals are prohibited from preaching; no underage people allowed in church." Aaron Ma, an Asia-based researcher for Open Doors International, told World Watch Monitor that Christians are an enigma to the government. The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) believes the Church is a destabilizing force, but not because it is bad; in fact, local communities and authorities tend to believe Christians are good people," Ma explained. Some suggest that because Christians allegiance is first and foremost to God and not the Communist Party, there is a conflict of interests that the party believes can potentially hinder the process of unification. Others are more concerned by what they perceive as potential chaos arising from the huge number of Christians. China has also been labeled by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for continuing to engage in particularly severe violations of religious freedom. Experts say Victorians need certainty and clear goals if they are to mentally cope with and follow any extension of hard lockdown restrictions. Continued uncertainty about when stage four restrictions might be eased was contributing to increasing anger among isolated people, some experts suggest. Melbourne residents are allowed one hour of exercise a day outside the home, within 5km of their residence, under stage four restrictions. Credit:Darrian Traynor And they say a further fortnight of lockdown as suggested in leaked draft state government documents on how Victoria could emerge from stage four restrictions could also have a detrimental effect on people's mental health. Jayashri Kulkarni, a professor of psychiatry at Monash University and Alfred Health, said certainty about what the government's goals are is crucial for people if they are to stay the course through further tough restrictions. A young woman passionately kissed her own father live on breakfast radio on Friday. The shocking moment happened on Australia's Kyle and Jackie O Show as part of a challenge called 'Boyfriend or Daddy'. The segment involves a woman coming into the studio with a male companion, then hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have to guess whether it's her boyfriend or her father. Pass the bucket! This is the horrifying moment a woman, 26, makes out with her own father, 49, live on breakfast radio - leaving the hosts completely shocked If the 'couple' are able to trick the hosts, they take home a $1,000 cash prize. Explaining the segment, Jackie said that she and Kyle make their judgements based on 'body language' and how 'uncomfortable' the guests are with certain questions. It's usually fairly easy for them to tell whether the pair are lovers or related, but Friday's guests went the extra mile to convince the hosts they were dating. They shared a quick kiss as they entered the studio, but Jackie said this didn't mean anything because her father also gives her a peck on the lips occasionally. The Kyle and Jackie O Show's newsreader, Brooklyn Ross, also noted that the pair had been holding hands minutes earlier in the green room. Together? The pair are pictured moments after the make out session. 'The things we do for money. This is actually my father!' Stacy revealed, as the studio burst into horrified laughter The older man introduced himself as a 49-year-old named Nick, and the woman said she was a 26-year-old named Stacy. The radio hosts asked the 'couple' what their favourite sexual position was. Despite the uncomfortable nature of the question, they didn't miss a beat. 'I like underneath, absolutely' said Nick, as Stacy nodded in agreement. The sexually charged questions continued, as Kyle asked Nick if he enjoyed oral sex with his much younger 'girlfriend'. Stacy said she 'taught him a lot' about the subject, prompting Kyle to say: 'Okay, this is going to be really weird if it ends up being the father.' Gross! The sexually charged questions continued, as Kyle asked Nick if he enjoyed oral sex with his much younger 'girlfriend'. At one point the camera zoomed in to see if the pair looked at all alike Yuck: The shocking moment happened on Australia's Kyle and Jackie O Show as part of a challenge called 'Boyfriend or Daddy'. Hosts Kyle Sandilands (left) and Jackie 'O' Henderson (right) have to guess whether it's her boyfriend or her father Kyle hastened to add: 'But her job is try and win the money - don't forget. So you can't believe anything she says.' As they reached the end of the segment, Jackie said she was torn and couldn't tell if the pair were a couple or father and daughter. She added that she was slightly in favour of them being related because of their family resemblance. 'There's only one way to decide this,' Jackie said. 'Would you guys be willing to give each other just a little kiss on the lips? 'Because if it's your dad, I wouldn't want to be encouraging a pash or anything...' What? Kyle looked shocked after the father and daughter kissed passionately while on-air in an attempt to take home the $1,000 'Oh, I don't mind!' interrupted Kyle, prompting the guests to share a lingering kiss live on air. 'They are fully kissing! It's a make out,' said Kyle in disbelief. Brooklyn gasped: 'It has to be a boyfriend after seeing that... I'm disturbed.' 'It has to be the boyfriend,' added Jackie. 'It can't be the father. No one kisses their father like that... unless you live in the mountains and don't have any neighbours,' Kyle said. But it turns out Kyle, Jackie and Brooklyn were wrong. 'The things we do for money. This is actually my father!' Stacy revealed, as the studio burst into horrified laughter. 'My boyfriend's going to be mortified...' she confessed. The hosts were shell-shocked, with Jackie yelling: 'No! That didn't just happen!' A group of seven congressional Democrats laid into Saudi Arabias ambassador to the United States on Wednesday for failing to respond to their repeated requests to discuss the kingdoms continued detention of female rights activists. We are deeply disappointed that the Saudi government would violate diplomatic norms by ignoring our request to get answers on the well-being of women activists who remain in prison, the seven House members, including Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Jackie Speier of California, said in a statement. They received no answer to their July letter to Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud asking for a meeting to discuss the imprisonment status of activists Loujain al-Hathloul, Nouf Abdulaziz and Eman al-Nafjan. California Rep. Adam Schiff sent a letter to the diplomat in June requesting an update on Hathlouls confinement, which also went unanswered. The three human rights defenders were arrested along with several other activists in May 2018 as part of a sweeping crackdown on right-to-drive activists and opponents of the male guardianship system. Nafjan was temporarily released pending trial, but Hathloul and Abdulaziz remain in prison, where rights groups say detainees are regularly subjected to solitary confinement and torture. Why it matters: Saudi Arabia has faced backlash in Congress over its human rights violations since the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. But congressional efforts to hold Riyadh accountable have been met with resistance from the White House, which views Saudi Arabia as a bulwark against Iran and has blocked measures to punish the Saudis for Khashoggis murder or end American support for their military campaign in Yemen. Members of Congress have also urged the Donald Trump administration to press Saudi Arabia for information on several dual Saudi-US citizens detained or awaiting trial in the kingdom. Among them is Harvard-educated physician Walid Fitaihi, whom The New York Times reports was tortured in detention. In July, a group of Republican and Democratic senators asked for Trumps help securing the release of Saad Aljabris two children, calling the exiled former Saudi intelligence official a close ally whose counterterrorism work saved thousands of American lives. Whats next: The invite remains open for Princess Reema, the kingdoms first female ambassador to the United States, to discuss the detained activists, the lawmakers said in their letter Wednesday. It is our hope that Ambassador Reema can find common ground in this cause, especially given her own advocacy on behalf of women business owners, they said. Know more: Read more about Hathlouls two-year detention inside Saudi Arabia's notorious maximum security prison and her familys efforts to gain her release. As 41,000 Conroe ISD students return to campus Tuesday, superintendent Curtis Null said the district has been planning for anything and feels confident about keeping school open amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Weve gone through all the emotions over the last few months. Certainly, theres always concern and you plan for everything, that happens every year, Null said. At this point, I think we have done the preparation that needed to be done, we have practiced, and now were just excited to put it in action. This years first day of school on Aug. 12 was an unexpected and understated one as all 65,000 students in the district started classes at home. Now, after several weeks of ramp-up where the district invited back small groups of students at a time, students who have chosen in-class instruction will be back en masse. My confidence level is now much higher than it was six weeks ago because weve now proven that we can do what we said we would to, Null said of the ramp-up plan, and heading into the first day back on campus. Across the country, there are examples of school districts closing just weeks or days after opening due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Null said the district messaging has been consistent; decisions will be made to keep students and staff safe and to keep schools open. For me, its about investment, Null said. Weve invested in the right things. Weve invested in protocol, weve invested in protective equipment, and weve invested in our people in the fact that weve given them time to practice. Over the last few weeks, Null said the district has reacted to problems and made adjustments as they arose. While each campus will come with its own set of problems to solve when it comes to COVID-19 procedures, some of the problems with online instruction have been more general. Related: Conroe ISD details shift to in-class learning set for Sept. 8 One of the early issues with online instruction was communication. For families with multiple students, they began to feel overwhelmed by the number of vague emails being sent from the online learning platform Canvas. Messages were being sent for each assignment, without details about which student or class they were for. I would say that was probably one of the biggest learning moments for us, of things we had to adjust quickly, Null said. External issues have also crept up. As more schools across the country started their year, the online platforms for Zoom and Canvas struggled to function at full capacity with such a large, and quick, influx of users. Its an issue Null said he expects might happen again as more schools start. Looking ahead, Null said his biggest concern heading into this year is on the instruction side. The district has never before had to administer instruction on two parallel platforms at the same time. It was never set up to do both online and in-person instruction. But he has faith in CISD educators and administrators, even while he sees the stress they are under. Were asking them to do so much more than theyve ever had to do, Null said. A lot of the stress is self0inflicted because our teachers are used to being very high performers. Theyre all-stars, thats what they are, and they expect themselves to operate at an all-star level at all times, and right now theyre playing a new game. The district is already tracking students and staff that are in isolation or quarantine, and as cases crop up (as Null knows they will, he has acknowledged the inevitability) the district will conduct its own contact tracing to alert families of possible exposure. The tracing procedure was developed by the district in consultation with the Montgomery County Hospital District and Montgomery County Public Health District. As of Friday afternoon, CISD was reporting 77 employees and 148 students in isolation or quarantine. These numbers can be found on the district website at https://apps.conroeisd.net/covidimpact/. As students return, Null wants to remind the community to keep an eye out for buses and students. Its been a long time for us as a community since weve had that level of traffic, Null said. Lets just please be careful, we want to keep them safe. jamie.swinnerton@chron.com Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on September 4, 2020 2020/09/04 China Daily: The Times carried a report saying that "the number of Chinese diplomats in the UK has risen by almost a quarter in the past decade, prompting renewed concerns over the country's political influence in Britain". What is your comment? Hua Chunying: The Chinese Embassy in the UK is committed to enhancing mutual understanding and win-win cooperation between the two sides. The past 10 years have seen remarkable increases in bilateral trade and investment, personnel exchanges, and cultural and educational interactions. Over the 10 years, trade between the two countries doubled; Chinese investment in the UK grew by almost 20 times; and the number of Chinese students in the UK increased by 100,000. Tangible benefits have been delivered to the two peoples. As the workload of the Chinese Embassy has risen, it is entirely normal, necessary and reasonable to have more staff in the Embassy. In fact, during the same period, the number of Chinese diplomats in the UK is still smaller than that of British diplomats in China. Some people have racked their brains to think of something that may sabotage China-UK relations, but their patch-up work makes no sense at all. I believe their ill intention is already seen through by all. China News Service: US Secretary of State Pompeo and some other US politicians have been viciously attacking the CPC on multiple occasions. But we also noticed President Xi Jinping mentioned the phrase "the Chinese people will never allow" five times during his speech yesterday at a symposium in Beijing as China marked the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. His speech drew wide domestic and international attention. Do you have any comment on that? Hua Chunying: I'd like to advise Pompeo and other US politicians to carefully read the transcript of President Xi's speech at the symposium to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The victory of the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression 75 years ago was the victory of our national spirit to which patriotism is central, the victory of the CPC's crucial role, the victory of all Chinese people uniting together, and the victory of the people of China, anti-fascist allies and other countries fighting side by side. For 75 years there have been flesh and blood ties between the CPC and the Chinese people. The original aspiration and the mission of Chinese Communists is to seek happiness for the Chinese people and great renewal for the Chinese nation. The CPC started with only dozens of members, and today it has grown into a major party with 92 million members and has long been the ruling party in the world's most populous country. The reason for it is that the CPC represents the fundamental interests of the greatest possible majority of the Chinese people, serves the people wholeheartedly, and keeps being a party by the people and for the people. According to surveys conducted by a worldly famous research center, for years the Chinese people's satisfaction and support with the CPC have been ranking first in the world. During the 75 years, the CPC has united and led all Chinese people in making strenuous efforts that yielded remarkable outcomes. By this year, altogether over 850 million people will be out of absolute poverty, the first time in China's history to eliminate absolute poverty. All 1.4 billion Chinese people are blazing a path to modernization. It is unprecedentedly tremendous progress in human history. President Xi stressed at the symposium that to achieve the great renewal of the Chinese nation, the country must stick to the leadership of the CPC, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the people-centric approach, a fighting spirit, and peaceful development. The Chinese people will never allow attempts by anyone or any forces to distort the history of the CPC and vilify its nature and mission. The Chinese people will never allow attempts by anyone or any forces to distort and change the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, deny and vilify the great achievements of the Chinese people in building socialism. The Chinese people will never allow attempts by anyone or any forces to separate the CPC from the Chinese people and set them against each other. The Chinese people will never allow attempts by anyone or any forces to impose their will on China, change its direction of development, and obstruct Chinese people's efforts in building a better life for themselves. The Chinese people will never allow attempts by anyone or any forces to jeopardize their peaceful life and right to development, obstruct their exchanges and cooperation with other peoples, or undermine the noble cause of peace and development for humanity. The phrase of "the Chinese people will never allow" repeated five times is the best answer to the deliberate smears against the CPC and the attempt to drive a wedge between the CPC and the Chinese people by some extremist, anti-China forces in the United States. CCTV: Panelists of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, which is appointed by the World Health Organization to review its coordination of COVID-19 response, were named by the panel's co-chairs during a media briefing on September 3. The panelists include Dr. Zhong Nanshan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Do you have any comment? Hua Chunying: Dr. Zhong Nanshan enjoys high prestige as an authoritative expert in infectious disease prevention and control. We believe his professionalism and experience will contribute to the WHO panel's work. The COVID-19 pandemic is still wreaking havoc around the globe and fighting the virus remains the top priority for all countries. To fight COVID-19, we need to make concerted efforts at the national, regional and global levels and give full play to WHO's central role in coordinating anti-epidemic efforts. The Paper: US State Department Spokesperson Ortagus issued a statement, announcing the next steps with respect to US withdrawal from the WHO and the redirection of American resources. This redirection includes reprogramming the remaining balance of its planned Fiscal Year 2020 assessed WHO contributions to partially pay other UN assessments and scaling down its engagement with the WHO. The WHO has failed badly not only in its response to COVID-19, but also to other health crises in recent decades. In addition, WHO has declined to adopt urgently needed reforms, starting with demonstrating its independence from China. What is your response? Hua Chunying: The US has been shifting the blame to China and WHO for its own failure in handling the epidemic. We have said many times that the timeline and facts of China's fight against COVID-19 are clear. Some people in the US keep saying that "China had the chance to contain the virus". But in the face of this ferocious and unknown virus, China shared with the rest of the world what it has learned about the virus at the earliest time possible, and contained its spread with the firmest measures within the shortest period of time. China has obtained satisfying scores in this unprecedented test. On February 2, the US closed its borders to all Chinese citizens when it reported only more than 10 confirmed cases. The US could have had every opportunity to prevent the epidemic from spreading domestically. But as of yesterday, there were more than 6.11 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 185,000 deaths in the US. One has to ask: when the US had the chance to do better, what was it doing at that time? This deserves some reflection and has been widely discussed by many American media, experts and people from various sectors. Some in the US should do some self-reflection, take up their responsibility towards the people, respect science and facts, and take effective actions to save as many American lives as possible. As for the US dumping blames on WHO, we all know WHO is an international body composed of 194 sovereign states. It cannot serve only one country, let alone bend to the will of the one that pays more money than others. As the epidemic continues to spread around the world, the fight against the epidemic remains a top priority for all countries and requires concerted efforts at the national, regional and global levels. At present, any attempt to oppress or even blackmail WHO is a disregard for human life, a challenge to humanitarianism and a breach of international cooperation against the epidemic, and thus will not be accepted by the international community. As the most authoritative and professional international organization in the field of global public health security, the WHO plays an indispensable, central role in coordinating the global response to COVID-19. We hope the US will stop blaming others for its own failures, as it helps neither its own anti-epidemic efforts nor the international anti-epidemic efforts. What's worse, it will have a serious, negative impact on developing countries in urgent need of international support. We urge the US to fulfill its due international responsibilities and obligations, and call on the international community to build more multilateral consensus, increase support and input to the WHO, and jointly safeguard global public health security. Shenzhen TV: In response to US Secretary of State Pompeo's announcement of sanctions on the ICC personnel for probing into the US war crimes in Afghanistan, the ICC said the other day that these coercive acts are unprecedented and constitute serious attacks against the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice and the rule of law. Yesterday, EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement that the sanctions are "unacceptable and unprecedented measures that attempt to obstruct the court's investigations and judicial proceedings". French foreign minister Le Drian said the measures announced "represent a serious attack on the Court and the States Parties to the Rome Statute, and beyond that, a challenge to multilateralism and the independence of the judiciary." The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General also said that Secretary-General Guterres is concerned about the US decision. Do you have any comment on this? Hua Chunying: We noticed relevant reports. This proves once again that the US diplomacy today has stooped to sanction, coercion and intimidation. It also shows that the US puts its interests above international law and has become a "destroyer" of multilateralism and a "terminator" of international rules and order. Such unilateral bullying acts are encountering stronger opposition from more and more members of the international community. CNR: The US State Department published some latest information on Xinjiang, accusing China on issues including Xinjiang's human rights, religion, forced labor and sterilization. What is your response to this? Hua Chunying: On Xinjiang, the US has been repeating its malicious, baseless lies, which have been refuted time and again by China as we presented facts. I'd like to stress one more time that Xinjiang-related issues are by no means about ethnicity, religion or human rights, but about the fight against violence, terrorism and separatism. Xinjiang once suffered deeply from terrorism and religious extremism that posed great threats to people's safety. Through vocational education and training, Xinjiang has taken preventive counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures, effectively contained the once frequent terrorist activities, and protected the right to life, health and development of all ethnic groups to the best extent. Over the past four years there hasn't been a single terrorist attack in Xinjiang. The US made a lot of vicious claims like "forced labor" and "forced sterilization". However, facts are all too clear. The rights and interests of workers from Xinjiang, who are part of China's large workforce, are protected by China's Labor Law and Labor Contract Law. Is there any "forced labor"? Over the past 40 years, the population of Uyghurs in Xinjiang grew from 5.55 million to more than 12 million. From 2010 to 2018, the population of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang increased by 22 percent, much higher than 13.9 percent, the growth rate of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang over the same period of time. Is there any "forced sterilization"? There is one mosque for every 530 Muslims in Xinjiang, a number higher than that in many Muslim countries. Is there any "suppression of religious freedom"? The intention of the US making one vicious lie after another is to contain China's development and undermine China's stability. Those who have been to Xinjiang or with some sense of rationality and independent judgment can easily see through the hostile lies fabricated by some US politicians and their hidden agenda. We urge the US to stop making political maneuvers, cooking up lies about Xinjiang or taking them as pretexts to interfere in China's internal affairs. No matter how they make up lies, China is determined to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. The US attempt to obstruct Xinjiang's prosperity and stability and suppress China's growth will never succeed. Beijing Daily: In an interview with Fox News on September 2, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said again that China is ripping off the US and destroying jobs in the US, and demanded that China be held accountable for the COVID-19 pandemic. He talked about restrictions imposed on Chinese diplomats' activities in the US, adding that the US bent a knee to China over the past four decades and it's enough. Do you have any comment? Hua Chunying: In disregard of basic facts and moral integrity, Pompeo, as a habitual liar, has tried every possible means to smear China day after day, and his intention to serve his own political gains is all too clear. As Secretary of State, Pompeo's actions have not only eroded his credibility, but also stained the image and reputation of the United States, which has become a notorious example in international relations. Pompeo's claim about China ripping off the United States and destroying American jobs is totally nonsense. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 40 years ago, China-US relations have brought tremendous benefits to both peoples. Statistics show that China-US economic and trade cooperation supports 2.6 million jobs in the United States and trade between the two countries saves every American household $850 a year in their cost of living. China-US economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial in nature. Does anyone believe the United States, as such a major country, can ever allow another country to exploit it for decades? The answer is a big no. On COVID-19 response, the Chinese government has put people and their lives front and center, and our epidemic response can stand the test of time and history. The United States has the best health care resources in the world, but tens of thousands of newly confirmed cases and hundreds or even thousands of deaths are reported every day. In the face of such a severe situation, Pompeo and some other US politicians still keep blaming China in an attempt to divert the attention of the US public. If they still have the slightest sense of responsibility, they should respect facts and science, stop political manipulation, and focus on fighting the epidemics. Yesterday, I made clear China's solemn position on the restrictions imposed by the US side on Chinese diplomats' performance of duties. The US action is illegal, illegitimate and unreasonable. We urge the US side to immediately rescind the wrong decision, stop obstructing the normal people-to-people exchange between the two countries, and stop undermining bilateral relations. China will make legitimate and necessary reactions in light of the development of the situation. With regard to the claim that the US bent a knee to China over the past four decades, I don't know why Pompeo has portrayed the US as so subservient to China, but that's indeed not the case. China is a country of ceremony and propriety. We always believe that all countries, regardless of their sizes, should treat each other as equals. However, by contrast, the United States has long been bullying others with arrogance and willfully resorting to the use of force, the threat of force or the imposition of sanctions against other countries, on which the international community can tell right from wrong. We urge Pompeo to respect basic facts and stop his incessant anti-China remarks. Global Times: US Attorney General William Barr said in an interview on September 2 that China poses a greater threat than Russia and Iran in interfering in the upcoming US presidential election. Do you have any comment? Hua Chunying: This is another proof of the US "diplomacy of lies". We hope the US will stop measuring others by their own yardsticks. Unlike the US, China doesn't have the meme of interfering in others' domestic affairs, nor is it interested or willing to do so. Certain politicians seem so obsessed with making an issue out of China. They've churned out various lies but they're probably still busy seeking and fabricating evidence. The dazzling dramas around the US presidential election have been going on for quite some time. They can by all means save this game for themselves. We don't ever want to be part of it. AFP: A question about the Australian writer Yang Jun who was detained in China last year. His lawyer said that they were allowed to meet each other. Could you tell us why Yang was not allowed to see his lawyer until this week? Hua Chunying: As we learn from relevant department, the case of Yang Jun is still is the process of handling. China is a country ruled by law. The relevant authorities handle cases in strict accordance with law and fully protect the legal rights of relevant personnel. As I understand, the Chinese side and the Australian side have unimpeded channels for consular communication, and we provide necessary assistance for the Australian side to perform consular duties. CCTV: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote to member States recently, saying that the UN is facing serious financial difficulties and the arrears amount to US$1.52 billion. The Secretary-General called on Member States to pay their dues in full and on time to support the UN in completing its work this year. What is China's comment on this? Hua Chunying: As the second largest contributor to the UN, China has always fulfilled its financial obligations to the UN and already paid its membership dues in full this year. We support the UN with concrete actions, and we will continue to earnestly fulfill our financial obligations to the UN as a developing country. China is paying close attention to the current financial difficulties facing the UN, and is concerned that the huge gap in contributions may affect the normal functioning of the United Nations. As the country with the largest cumulative arrears, the United States owes more than 2/3 of the total arrears, which is the main cause of the UN's financial difficulties. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the UN. It serves the common interests of all parties to stick to multilateralism, uphold the UN's central role in international affairs and jointly meet global challenges through solidarity and cooperation. We are ready to work with other countries to actively support the work of the United Nations and its greater role in promoting world peace and development. AFP: Do you have any response to the letter published by UN experts calling the Hong Kong national security law a serious risk to fundamental freedoms? Hua Chunying: I'd like to stress that the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR is not a human rights issue at all. Its purpose is to plug the loopholes in the HKSAR in the field of national security, and to prevent, stop and punish the four categories of criminal acts that seriously endanger national security. It punishes a very few but protects the vast majority. With the lawful rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents not affected in any way, the Law is universally supported and welcomed by Hong Kong residents. In disregard of the facts, some people have maliciously slandered China's human rights situation, blatantly politicized the human rights issue and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs, which seriously violates the mandate and code of conduct of the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council. China is firmly opposed to this. We urge them to earnestly respect the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, discard ignorance, prejudice and double standards, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. Tass News Agency: There's some news that Indian defense minister Singh will meet today with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe in Moscow during some SCO events. Reportedly they will discuss the situation in the Indian-Chinese border. Can you confirm the news and give us some details of this meeting? Hua Chunying: I am not aware of that. I would refer you to China's Ministry of National Defense. On issues left over from history and existing problems regarding the China-India boundary, we always believe that a fair and reasonable solution acceptable to both sides should be found through peaceful and friendly consultations. China and India are in close communication through diplomatic and military channels over the recent developments in the border areas. We hope to properly resolve relevant issues with India through consultations, so as to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas. It will meet the interests of both peoples. A Frenchman who is suffering from an incurable condition has pledged to livestream his death on social media after President Emmanuel Macron turned down his request for euthanasia in a right-to-die case. He has also announced that he will refuse all treatment from now on and will not accept food or drink. Alain Cocq, who suffers from a rare condition where the walls of the arteries stick together, said on Friday that he believed he had less than a week to live and would livestream his death on Facebook from Saturday morning. He had written to Macron asking to be given a substance that would allow him to die in peace but the president wrote back to him explaining this was not allowed under French law. Alain Cocq, suffering from an orphan desease of the blood, rests on his medical bed in his flat in Dijon, northeastern France. Cocq announced Friday that he will cease all treatment from this day on Cocq said on Friday that he believed he had less than a week to live. He had written to Macron asking to be given a substance that would allow him to die in peace. Above, Cocq pictured on August 19 Cocq, 57, has used his plight to draw attention to the situation of terminally-ill patients in France who are unable to be allowed to die in line with their wishes. 'Because I am not above the law, I am not able to comply with your request,' Macron said in a letter to Cocq, which the patient published on his Facebook page. 'I cannot ask anyone to go beyond our current legal framework... Your wish is to request active assistance in dying which is not currently permitted in our country,' said Macron. In order to show France the 'agony' caused by the law in its current state, Cocq said he would broadcast the end of his life on his Facebook page which he believed would come in 'four to five days'. Alain Cocq, 57, in his medical bed he has been confined to for years as a result of a degenerative disease that has no treatment Alain Cocq, suffering from an orphan disease called "Ischemia", rests on his medical bed on August 12. Cocq, 57, has used his plight to draw attention to the situation of terminally-ill patients in France who are unable to be allowed to die in line with their wishes He said he hoped his struggle would be remembered and 'go down in the long term' as a step forwards in changing the law. He would halt all feeding, drinking and treatment from Friday night. Macron said in his latter that 'with emotion, I respect your action.' And the president added a handwritten postscript, saying: 'With all my personal support and profound respect.' An Elysee official told AFP that Macron wanted to hail Cocq's commitment to the rights of the handicapped. Right-to-die cases have long been an emotive issue in France. Cocq said he would broadcast the end of his life on his Facebook page which he believed would come in 'four to five days Most polarising was the case of Vincent Lambert who was left in a vegetative state after a traffic accident in 2008 and died in July last year after doctors removed life support following a long legal battle. The case divided the country as well as Lambert's own family, with his parents using every legal avenue to keep him alive but his wife and nephew insisting he must be allowed to die. A French court in January acquitted the doctor who switched off the life support systems in a verdict that was a formality after prosectors said he 'perfectly respected his legal obligations.' The day before Benjamin Barksdale Jr. tested positive for COVID-19, he had a fever of 101 degrees, body aches and aching joints. I had never experienced pain like that. It was crazy, he said of the disease. It was just weird. It felt like I was 100 years old. While people range wildly with their symptoms of COVID-19, from displaying none at all to requiring ventilators and dying, extreme cases are not the norm. Above video: Some patients recover at home with patient-monitoring program In fact, Harvard health experts have noted that most people are able to recover from the disease at home. Yale doctors have also said most cases are mild, even noting practices where many even most patients did not require hospitalization. For Barksdale, his headache made him feel like his head was going to crack open, and it hurt just to bend his knees. Barksdale, Orlando's fire chief, isolated himself in his high-rise apartment overlooking Lake Eola, even as his wife remained with him. He wore a mask indoors and wiped down everything, and she didnt seem to catch the virus. He stopped working for four days, got sleep and fluids, sought out soups and fruit and stayed away from caffeine. He took Tylenol for the fever, and he felt good about the seventh or eighth day. About the ninth or 10th day, he was ready to go and went back to work on June 29. Most patients don't require hospitalization Because its so unclear how people might react and other factors, physicians urge people to adhere to public health measures that include wearing a mask, physical distancing and proper hand hygiene. But for those who get COVID-19, the disease is manageable. If, God forbid, you get this virus, more than likely, if youre younger than 60 or 65 and you dont have underlying medical problems, youre going to do OK, said Dr. Joshua Septimus, with Houston Methodist. And youre going to recover in a relatively quick fashion. Septimus has had about 25 patients with the disease, and only one required hospitalization, which involved a few nights there without the need for intensive care before going home and recovering. All of his younger patients resumed normal activities within a 10-day period. People in their 70s made full recoveries, too, but underlying medical problems, including obesity, can complicate matters and prolong recoveries. For details on COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if you're sick, click here for info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Doctors stress prevention Because the disease is deadlier than the flu and theres no proven medication to treat COVID-19, Septimus urges people to follow mask and distancing guidelines. He said his patients frequently got the disease from people who dont fully adhere to wearing masks frequently spread the virus at work. We are going to have to live with this virus for a long time, he says. That means its important to continue taking precautions and doing so seriously, Septimus said. Even though most recovering patients are staying home, there's an unpredictability with how one's body might respond, he said. He and other doctors stress theres no typical coronavirus case, and theres such a spectrum in how people's bodies respond to the disease. A typical COVID case doesnt seem to exist, said Dr. Hallie Prescott, of the University of Michigan Health System. I think there is this perception out there that, Im either going to get COVID and Im going to fully recover or Im going to get COVID and Im going to die from it, said Dr. Emily Brigham of Johns Hopkins University. Brigham said there's so much in between that many people don't account for and don't think about. While many people may have mild symptoms that dont impact their daily lives, such as loss of taste or smell, some may have severe symptoms that escalate rapidly, Brigham said. Brigham advises patients who do get the disease to stay in close contact with their doctor. Its a spectrum of outcomes, she said. Its not cut and dry. Reducing COVID-19 severity Some doctors suggest that wearing a mask could further reduce the impact of the disease, making cases milder. Prescott likens it to wearing a seatbelt: Although it doesnt prevent 100% of vehicular deaths, it can make an injury less severe. We cannot overwhelm our hospital systems again and again and again and again, Brigham said. We cannot be having providers get sick, which reduces our capacity as well. We cannot be having more patients than our hospitals can take care of in any given time because that is when death rates will sharply increase, she said. Its so hard to see that happening in some areas of the country and the world right now when there are some interventions that we know work when broadly supported and implemented, Brigham said, which includes mask wearing, social distancing and just being cautious. Frontline workers mitigating spread Orlandos fire department eventually had 108 firefighters test positive for the disease, and an additional 125 had to be in quarantine, affecting nearly half of Barksdales force of 536 firefighters. While the department had a staffing plan in place, Barksdale notes there wasnt a lapse in service. His advice for other agencies? Dont assume that it wont happen to you. People just need to realize its not about you, he said. Its about everyone around you. The search for a coronavirus vaccine has become a key focus in the pandemic, as the introduction of an effective formula could aid countries in protecting citizens while working to eradicate Covid-19. But the research and development into the coronavirus vaccine has hit bumps in the United States following the implementation of Operation Warp Speed a programme created by the Trump administration to facilitate in accelerating the development, manufacturing, and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine and other treatments. A CNN poll published this month found that 40 per cent of Americans would not take the coronavirus vaccine. Part of the hesitancy from the public comes from it being an election year, causing concern that politics could be playing a part into how fast a vaccine would be rolled out to the public. This week it was revealed by the New York Times that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told public officials across the country to prepare to distribute a potential coronavirus vaccine as soon as late October, mere days before the November election. The revelation came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would consider issuing emergency authorisation to a coronavirus vaccine prior to the end Phase 3 human trials if the benefits were to outweigh the risks. We have a convergence of the Covid-19 pandemic with the political season, and were just going to have to get through that and stick to our core principles, FDA Commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn told the Financial Times after being asked if the Trump administration influenced the rush in vaccine development. This is going to be a science, medicine, data decision, he added about the emergency authorisation. This is not going to be a political decision. Experts have warned, though, that the appearance of rushing a vaccine, whether effective or not, could further push the public away specifically if people believe politics influenced the timeline. What does it mean to be in Phase 3 of a vaccine trial? AstraZeneca began Phase 3 of its US human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine on Tuesday with a goal to enrol 30,000 people in the next eight weeks for the shot. The vaccine became the third final-stage trial of a Covid-19 vaccine in the US, with Moderna and Pfizer already in the middle of their Phase 3 trials. Dr William Hartman, a University of Wisconsin lead investigator on the AstraZeneca trial, told The Independent that Phase 1 and Phase 2 offered promising results, which encouraged the group to move on to Phase 3. [The phases] were able to show that after one dose about 90 per cent of people were able to generate antibodies to the spike protein, which is whats in their vaccine, and they also showed that they were able to induce a T-cell response, Dr Hartman said. The vaccines attacked the virus in two ways: neutralizing it with antibodies and attacking it with killer T-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a central part in a bodys immune response. So now, as we move into Phase 3, we still want to make sure that we get the antibodies and get the T-cell response, he added, but we also want to see in the larger population if we can decrease the incidence of a Covid-19 infection in people who get the vaccine. AstraZenecas Phase 3 double blind, randomized trial will last two years with an eight-week enrolment period. Participants will receive a shot, either a placebo or the coronavirus vaccine, on day one and then that same shot on day 29. The two years is really important in terms of how long these antibodies stay in someones system, Dr Hartman said. This information would determine if people need to get a vaccine every year, similar to that of the flu shot, or if the antibodies would last longer to not need it as frequently. But researches will also monitor in the two-year period if anyone develops severe side effects. Thus far with the AstraZeneca vaccine phases, participants have only developed headaches and muscle aches that went away in about one day, Dr Hartman said. How has the timeline for vaccine trials accelerated? Rarely has a vaccine in the past been developed in less than five years. The mumps vaccine, licensed by Mercks & Co, won regulatory approval in 1967, four years after one scientist first started working on the shot, making it one of the fastest developed in US history. Recommended How to avoid catching coronavirus on a flight Compared to the mumps vaccine, the coronavirus vaccine timeline has been significantly accelerated, but there are multiple reasons why researchers have moved quickly from one phase to the next. Never before has there been this type of focus on developing a single vaccine, Dr Hartman said. Oxford University, which created AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, previously worked on a vaccine to treat Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) another form of a coronavirus. Dr Hartman said the work that went into developing the MERS vaccine helped fast-track the development of the current Covid-19 vaccine. You have the people power, the money power, and youre building on top of a vaccine that has already worked before, Dr Hartman said. With all those things, it was kind of a perfect storm of being able to develop a vaccine and carry it through the animal trials and Phase 1 and Phase 2 to get it to this point. Yes, it has gone very fast, which is relatively unprecedented. But also what is unprecedented is all of the effort and all of the money that has gone into developing it, he added. Dr Kathryn Stephenson, director of the Clinical Trials Unit for the Centre for Virology and Vaccine Research at Harvard Universitys Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, told The Independent that the vaccine clinical trials shes seen are all being conducted with the same safety measures as past trials. I wouldnt be conducting a clinical trial that I didnt believe was happening safely, she said, and thats true of everyone I know in this field. Where we see a lot of acceleration occurring in a safe manner is the manufacturing of these products, in the investment of manufacturing earlier in the process, and the scaling up of the clinical trials much faster than we normally would, Dr Stephenson added. All of which requires money and investments but is not sacrificing safety. Dr Stephenson, though, has been one of several health experts calling for an independent commission to review the vaccine research and data prior to one being manufactured and distributed to the public. What is concerning for me ... is that we may actually get really cool, fast results because its been an extraordinary investment and every scientist in the vaccine world that I know has been working tirelessly for months, she said. But Dr Stephenson wanted to make sure that the public understood how researchers reached their conclusions within the trials so they, too, would feel confident receiving the vaccine. The main message is not that I am worried about the vaccines, it is more that I believe in vaccines and I want the public to believe in them as much as I do, she said. Recommended Coronavirus cases surge in 57 countries as world passes 25m Arthur Caplan, director of medical ethics at NYU Langone Health, told CNN he also would like an independent commission to review the data prior to rolling out a vaccine. Were used to this world where if the FDA or the CDC ... says something is safe and effective, thats enough, but I dont think this time thats sufficient to overturn public scepticism, he said. I think we desperately need an independent national commission. The FDA has called for a public meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on 22 October to discuss the development, authorisation, and licenses of Covid-19 vaccines. I want to assure the American people that the process and review for vaccine development will be as open and transparent as possible, Dr Hahn said in a statement released last week. A discussion with this committee, made up of outside scientific and public health experts from around the country, will help ensure clear public understanding regarding clinical development of these vaccines indicated to prevent Covid-19 and the data needed to facilitate their authorization or licensure, he added. It is critical for people to see FDAs expectations for data to support safety and effectiveness. How would a coronavirus vaccine be distributed to the public? If a coronavirus vaccine were to gain emergency authorisation from the FDA, it would then need to be manufactured and distributed across America an effort that would take time. Just because a vaccine is found to be effective in a clinical trial does not mean you have five million vaccines boxed and ready to ship in January 2021, Dr Stephenson said. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and CDC commissioned The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to create a framework for how a coronavirus vaccine should be distributed that would be equitable and most beneficial to the public. In a report released this week, the 18-person panel detailed four criteria to be considered when distributing the vaccine at the beginning: risk of acquiring infection, risk of morbidity and mortality, risk of negative societal impact, and risk of transmitting. Our overarching goal is to maximise societal benefits by reducing illness and death morbidity and mortality caused by the transmission of Covid-19, Dr Helene Gayle, co-chair of the committee, told The Independent. First and highest priority was on reducing the consequences, so people getting sick and dying, she added. But it was also recognised that those on the frontlines, such as healthcare workers, should also take priority when distributing the vaccine. The committee then recommended a four-phased approach to distributing the vaccine, with healthcare workers and vulnerable populations such as people over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions taking priority. The first phase would include about 15 per cent of the US population, the report added. This would be a vaccine that we would hope would be available and effective for the whole population, Dr Gayle said. And that is going to be an important part about how we get our society back to normal and people being able to congregate, etc. But because we know that in the beginning it will probably not be enough to go around for the entire population, that is why we have the phases that we have, she added. Phase two would include essential workers, teachers and people in homeless shelters as well as those in jails, prisons, and detention centres. Then phase three would be made up of young adults, children, and workers essential to the functioning of society, which would mean about 85 to 95 per cent of the population would be vaccinated. The final phase would involve everyone else. Our phases are based on what we think risk is and being able to provide the vaccine first to people who have the highest amount of risk in the four categories we mention, Dr Gayle said. Equity is an also important part of what we try to do because of the disproportionate impact particularly on the communities of colour and people who have limited opportunities to keep themselves safe from getting the infection, she added. The public can provide a comment to the framework and four-phase approach until Friday at 11:59pm EST. Then the committee will review the feedback and provide a final report to the NIH and CDC for their consideration when rolling out a coronavirus vaccine. About 2,000 Ghanaians who could not return to various countries in Europe where they reside because of Covid-19 travel restrictions have been evacuated to their destinations. They were evacuated under an exercise collaborated by Ghana, the Spanish, Italian and German Embassy, as well as the British High Commission and the Joy Diaspora Consult. They were returned to Spain, Germany, Sweden, France, Finland, among others. Mr Jones Owusu Yeboah, the Chief Executive Officer of Joy Diaspora Consult, in a statement issued to the GNA, on Thursday, said the Ghanaian Community in Germany also supported the endeavour, through the Consult, to provide some documentation needed for the return of their counterparts. Mr Yeboah said the Consult was in discussions with the authorities of the Spanish Embassy in Accra over future evacuation exercises. Mr Seibik Bugri, Director of Communication at the Ministry of Inner-City and Zongo Development was part of the discussions hosted by Mr Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga Albala, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Spanish Embassy. Mr Albala, the statement said, expressed the Embassy's commitment to supporting any effort to return stranded Ghanaians to join their families in Spain. Spain, he said, was now safer with regard to COVID-19 so visitors could go there now without any anxiety or fear and thanked the Government of Ghana for granting permission for the evacuation. Mr Yeboah appealed to the travelling public to channel their petitions through the appropriate authorities rather than non-authorised sources to avoid challenges of illegal immigration. 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 Jamaica's ruling party romped to a landslide general election victory Thursday, clinching three-quarters of parliamentary seats as rising coronavirus infections kept many from voting and the country registered its lowest ever turnout. A party-like atmosphere had overtaken the prime minister's constituency in the capital Kingston even before the polls had closed, with scores of supporters -- clothed in the green of the ruling party -- dancing in the streets with little regard for coronavirus protocols. In his virtual victory speech, made Thursday night with just a few journalists and campaign staff present, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said "we will continue our good policies and we will keep Jamaica on the path to prosperity." "We will be responsible with the power that you have given to us," he added. The Jamaica Labour Party won 49 of the 63 parliamentary seats -- a crushing defeat for the opposition People's National Party -- in an election fought on coronavirus control, clamping down on crime, and stamping out corruption. Holness was strongly criticized for his handling of the coronavirus epidemic in the runup to the ballot, with cases soaring in recent weeks. He called the vote six months early, despite the island's virus spike -- a move some said put politics over public health. "He called the election at a time when Covid cases were climbing, not going down... and after he called the election, we started seeing the cases rise by hundreds a day," Dwight Brown, a security guard from Kingston, told AFP. Holness defended his decision during a debate last weekend, saying "the pandemic will only end when there is a safe and widely-distributed vaccine," which he said was expected "well outside the constitutional limits to call an election." But many Jamaicans decided voting wasn't worth the risk, with just 37 percent casting their ballots -- well down on the 48 percent turnout at the last general election in 2016. Story continues All voters had to wear a mask, have their temperature checked, clean their hands before entering polling stations and maintain social distancing. Voters infected with Covid-19 were only allowed to leave isolation and cast their ballots after the polls closed wearing a mask, face shield, gloves and a disposable gown. Jamaica has recorded just under 3,000 coronavirus cases, while the death toll stands at 29, according to a tally by John Hopkins University. - 'Balanced manifesto' - Despite the criticism over his handling of the health crisis, Holness was upbeat before the vote. "I think we have made a good case about performance," he said, talking up his party's "balanced manifesto" that emphasized fiscal prudence. "I hope the public will reward us for being frugal and working in both the personal and national interests." The Caribbean island initially won plaudits for keeping the virus in check, but infections have tripled since early August, when the country celebrated its Emancipation and Independence holidays. The government has been accused of ignoring expert advice by failing to impose restrictions during the celebrations, which have been partly blamed for the soaring caseload. Amid increasing concern and rising criticism that election-related activities would further fuel the spread of the virus, Holness suspended his own campaigning in the runup to the vote. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said the prime minister wanted to "send a strong message to the country that this is the responsible thing to do." str-ft/dw/jh/tom/mtp The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described this year's voter registration as the most violent conducted in the fourth Republic. The Party said the exercise witnessed two cases of murder -Silas Wulo Chameh, a young teacher graduate in Banda and Kofi Stephen in the Dormaa West, all in the Bono Region. Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary of NDC, at a press conference in Accra on the violent conduct of the just ended voter registration exercise, expressed worry about brutal attacks on its members and called on authorities to expedite action on the cases. He appealed to Ghanaians to join the fight to demand for justice for innocent persons who lost their lives during the registration exercise. The NDC General Secretary alleged that the exercise saw several incidences of brutalities including gunshot injuries and attacks on Alhaji Collins Dauda, Member of Parliament for Asutifi South and Alhaji Bawa, MP for Ejura Sekyere Odumase. Mr Nketia said the violent incidences came on the heels of the violent by-elections at Ayawaso West Wuogon and underscored the need for stakeholders to work towards peace ahead of the General Election. He called on civil society organizations and religious bodies to speak against acts of intimidation and violence to prevent any such occurrence in the December polls. GNA As Mexico struggles to pay a water debt to the United States, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday he might personally appeal to President Donald Trump for clemency, or invite United Nations experts to audit water payments. Mexico has fallen behind in the amount of water it must send north from its dams under a 1944 treaty, and time is running out to make up the shortfall by the 24 October deadline. But farmers in the northern state of Chihuahua want the water for their own crops. The water treaty has become a burning political issue in northern Mexico, with conspiracy theories and violent protests springing up. Mr Lopez Obrador has advocated paying the debt, noting that Mexico receives four times more water under the treaty from the Colorado River than it contributes in the Rio Grande area. He claims Mexico has enough water in dams to supply local farmers and repay the debt, which built up over a number of years. I am asking people to help us and trust us, Mr Lopez Obrador said. If there is a problem of a lack of water, I will go to Chihuahua immediately and speak to the US president and seek, as I have done in other cases, understanding of our situation. Given that conspiracy theories have sprung up in Chihuahua that the US may have overstated it water payments, or paid with infrastructure improvements instead of water, Mr Lopez Obrador said he would be open to a review by outside experts. On whether the accounting is bad and whether we are in agreement with the UN verifying whether things are being done correctly, of course we are willing to accept that, but we do not want these to be dilatory practices, legal manoeuvers that would delay us fulfilling our commitment, Mr Lopez Obrador said. The US Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, the bilateral body that oversees treaty issues, said it has not received any proposals from our Mexican counterparts to have the UN come in to audit water deliveries. Under the 1944 treaty, Mexico owes the US almost 345,600 acre-feet (426 million cubic metres) this year that must be paid by 24 October. Payment is made by releasing water from dams in Mexico. Mexico has fallen badly behind in payments from previous years and now has to quickly catch up on water transfers. In mid-July, the US Commissioner of the water commission, Jayne Harkins, said of the International Boundary and Water Commission, said they need to increase their water releases to the United States immediately, adding Mexico has failed to implement releases promised earlier and continuing to delay increases the risk of Mexico failing to meet its delivery obligation. The issue is a difficult one for Mr Lopez Obrador, who said he fears the US government could impose tariffs on Mexican products or close borders in retaliation. Imagine that, for failing to comply, they close the border on us, the president said. A danger lies also in the series of angry protests the issue has sparked. In late July, demonstrators in Chihuahua burned several government vehicles, blocked railway tracks and set afire a government office and highway tollbooths to protest the release of water from local dams to pay the US. Mr Lopez Obrador has said the protests are being fanned by opposition politicians for their own motives. The expansion of water-hungry crops has meant that Mexico has used 71 per cent of the northward-flowing Conchos River, while under the treaty it should use only 62 per cent of the water, letting the rest of it flow into the Rio Bravo, also known as the Rio Grande, on the border. In the past, Mexico has delayed payments, hoping that periodic tropical storms from the Gulf would create occasional windfalls of water. But while Hurricane Hanna made landfall in Texas in July, the storm's rains did not reach far enough inland to fill dams in Chihuahua. AP From the first days of the pandemic it was self-evident this was a twin-barrelled health and economic crisis. In the initial frenetic efforts to protect the community from the virus, governments across Australia were faced with the unenviable task of shutting down much of the nation's economic activity. This week starkly revealed the dire consequences of those actions. On Wednesday it was confirmed that Australia had suffered its deepest economic contraction since the 1930s, with figures showing GDP collapsing by 7 per cent in the June quarter. While it may compare favourably with other nations, the financial hit for many individuals and businesses is going to be crippling. There is a growing expectation that thousands of companies will go broke at the end of this month when rules to help them hibernate through lockdowns are due to end. And the health crisis reached another grim marker on Friday when Victoria's official COVID-19 toll rose by 59, causing Australia's overall figure to climb above 700. While still far short of the many thousands who died during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, this has slowly but surely become a story of personal tragedy for hundreds of families. The two-track crisis has put enormous pressure on governments, who are being called upon in an unprecedented way to enforce a degree of social distancing that will protect our health while attempting to forge a path to easing restrictions with the right policy settings to generate an economic recovery. China Says Czech Senate Speaker's Trip to Taiwan Breaches Sovereignty Sputnik News 11:32 GMT 30.08.2020(updated 11:40 GMT 30.08.2020) PRAGUE (Sputnik) - The Chinese embassy in Prague said on Sunday it saw the trip to Taiwan by Milos Vystrcil, the speaker of the Czech parliament's upper house, as a violation of the one-China policy. "For his own political gains he insisted on a visit to Taiwan, in what is blatant interference in China's domestic affairs and a serious breach of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity", the embassy said. Vystrcil, a member of the opposition and one of the highest-ranking politicians of the central European nation, has gone to Taipei along with 90 entrepreneurs for a week-long business trip. Czech Senate Chairman Milos Vystrcil speaks during an interview with Reuters in Prague, Czech Republic, August 26, 2020. The visit went ahead despite criticism by Czech President Milos Zeman and Prime Minister Andrej Babis who said the country adhered to the one-China policy. It was planned by Vystrcil's predecessor, who died in January. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Denies Involvement As UN Slams Arms Shipments, Foreign Mercenaries In Libya By RFE/RL September 03, 2020 The top UN official for Libya says foreign backers of the war-wracked country's rival governments have ramped up weapons shipments in violation of an international arms embargo. The interim UN envoy for Libya, Stephanie Williams, told the Security Council on September 2 that these shipments were exacerbating conflict and constitute "an alarming breach of Libya's sovereignty, a blatant violation of the UN arms embargo." Since UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last briefed the Security Council on July 8, around 70 resupply flights landed in eastern airports and three cargo ships unloaded weaponry at eastern ports in support of strongman Khalifa Haftar, Williams said. She said another 30 such flights were sent to western Libya to help forces loyal to the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in the capital, Tripoli. Nine cargo ships also docked in western Libya. The UN mission in Libya "continues to receive reports of large-scale presence of foreign mercenaries and operatives," she said. Libya has been torn by civil war since a NATO-backed popular uprising ousted and killed the country's longtime dictator, Colonel Muammar Qaddafi, in 2011. Russia has been helping Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) in the east of the country in its fight against the GNA. France, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates also back Haftar's forces. Turkey, which has deployed troops, drones, and Syrian rebel mercenaries to Libya, supports the government in Tripoli, alongside Qatar and Italy. Russia's UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, rejected any Russian interference in Libya. "Not a single Russian serviceman is currently in Libya," he said. The U.S. military has accused Moscow of supplying Russian mercenaries and military hardware to Libya in an attempt to gain a foothold in the North African country. The Pentagon has said that Russia is using the Vagner Group, a private Russian paramilitary organization believed to be close to the Kremlin, as a "proxy" in Libya. Addressing the Security Council, U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft slammed the presence of Russian mercenaries linked to the Kremlin. "There is no place for foreign mercenaries or proxy forces in Libya, including the Russian Ministry of Defense proxy Vagner Group, which is fighting alongside" Haftar, she said. The Security Council is discussing a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN political mission in Libya. A vote is scheduled for September 14. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/un-slams- arms-shipments-foreign-mercenaries -in-libya/30818083.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 US president has repeatedly asserted that mail-in voting would increase fraud and disrupt the November election US President Donald Trump claps as he arrives for a campaign event at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (AFP) Washington: President Donald Trump has urged residents in the critical political battleground of North Carolina to try to vote twice in the Nov. 3 election, once by mail and once in person, igniting a furor for appearing to urge a potential act of voter fraud. Let them send it in and let them go vote, Trump said in an interview on Wednesday with WECT-TV in Wilmington, North Carolina. And if the system is as good as they say it is, then obviously they wont be able to vote in person. Trump has repeatedly asserted, without evidence, that mail-in voting - expanded by some states because of the coronavirus pandemic - would increase fraud and disrupt the November election, although experts say voter fraud of any kind is extremely rare in the United States. At a rally on Thursday night, Trump repeated his call for voters to go to the polls even if they have mailed in their ballot, and he suggested Democrats would try to steal the election by manipulating the mail-in vote. You have to make sure your vote counts, because the only way theyre gonna beat us is by doing that kind of stuff, Trump said in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a swing state in the election. Voting more than once in an election is illegal, and in some states, including North Carolina, it is a felony not only to vote more than once but also to induce another to do so. Ballots are due to be mailed in North Carolina on Friday. State Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter that the Republican president had outrageously encouraged North Carolinians to break the law in order to help him sow chaos in our election. Stein wrote: Make sure you vote, but do NOT vote twice! I will do everything in my power to make sure the will of the people is upheld in November. Trumps campaign and the White House later denied that he meant to tell people to vote twice. The president is not suggesting anyone do anything unlawful, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News Channel on Thursday. What he said very clearly there is make sure your vote is tabulated and if it is not, then vote. However, in a series of tweets on Thursday morning, Trump again urged his supporters to vote early by mail and then follow up by attempting to vote in person. On Election Day, or Early Voting go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted), Trump wrote. If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE. While some states begin counting mail-in ballots two weeks before the election date, others do not begin counting them until the date of the election, in some cases after polls close. Twitter Inc later placed warnings over Trumps tweets for violating its rules on civic and election integrity. Facebook Inc also placed a new label on Trumps post, in which it said voting by mail has a long history of trustworthiness in the US and the same is predicted this year. Facebook also said it would remove the video of Trump talking about voting twice, if people shared it without any captions or context, or in support of what the president said. A spokesman told Reuters on Thursday afternoon that Facebook had not yet identified or removed such versions of the video. VOTING TWICE A FELONY The Democratic National Committee accused Trump of encouraging voter fraud and said the president was undermining confidence in the fairness of the election. Lets be clear: Voting by mail is a safe and secure way for Americans to participate in our democracy and Trump should be working to make it easier to vote, not harder, Reyna Walters-Morgan, the DNCs director of voter protection, said in a statement. Patrick Gannon, a spokesman for North Carolinas state Board of Elections, said a person would not be able to cast two ballots, regardless of whether they voted by mail or in person first. The first vote that is received and processed is the one that counts, he said. Voting twice in an election is a felony, Gannon said. If you put a ballot in the mail, and it hasnt arrived yet, and then you vote in person before your absentee ballot has arrived, your in-person vote will count. He said if an absentee ballot showed up after a person had voted in person, it would not be counted. Many Americans vote by mail because they cannot make it to the polls. In 2016, nearly one in four voters cast presidential ballots by mail. The coronavirus pandemic is expected to result in a record number of mail-in ballots this year as voters seek to avoid the risk of infection. Experts have cautioned the expected surge means a winner may not be clear on election night given the time it will take to count and verify all the ballots. Trump campaigned on Wednesday in North Carolina, known as a battleground state because its population can swing either to Republicans or Democrats and play a decisive role in presidential elections. National opinion polls show Trump, 74, trailing his Democratic rival Joe Biden, 77, who was vice president under President Barack Obama. Democrats accuse Republicans of trying to suppress the vote to help their side. Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain the review petition filed by ministers of six opposition-ruled states who were seeking review of the court's August 17 order to conduct NEET-UG and JEE (Mains) examinations . The ministers in the plea had claimed that the top court order failed to secure students' "right to life" and ignored "teething logistical difficulties" to be faced in conducting the exams during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state ministers on August 28 moved SC and demanded that the examinations be postponed by at least six to eight weeks keeping in mind the surge in coronavirus cases and health concerns of students. It alleged that the governments decision to go ahead with examinations despite the 3.3 million covid cases with over 60,000 deaths, reveals non application of mind, and is unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious exercise of power". The review plea has been filed by ministers from West Bengal (Moloy Ghatak), Jharkhand (Rameshwar Oraon), Rajasthan (Raghu Sharma), Chhattisgarh (Amarjeet Bhagat), Punjab (B S Sidhu) and Maharashtra (Uday Ravindra Sawant). A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, B R Gavai and Krishna Murari considered the review plea in chambers. The review petitions further stated that the NTA has ignored the logistical difficulties in carrying the examinations on the proposed dates and also failed to balance the competing but equally crucial aspect of conducting the examination and safety of the students. The review petitioners had also raised the issue of lack of mandatory safeguards" for carrying the examinations. Earlier, on 17 August, the apex court bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra ordered for the dismissal of the petition and said Career of students cannot be put under jeopardy for long." Justice Mishra had said "Life cannot be stopped. We have to move ahead with all safeguards and all.... Education should be opened up. COVID may continue for a year more. Are you going to wait another year? Do you know what is the loss to the country and peril to the students." The JEE-Main are being held from 1 to 6 September, while NEET exams for admission to undergraduate courses in medical colleges is scheduled for 13 September. JEE Advanced for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is scheduled for later in September. More than 82% candidates appeared in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)-Main on the third day of the test on Thursday, amid stringent precautions in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said. The Ministry of Education officials said while the Thursdays attendance in the engineering entrance exam was 82.14%, it was 81.08% on Wednesday. Meanwhile, over 150 academicians from various universities in India and abroad have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that delaying JEE-Mains and NEET any further will mean compromising the future of students. "Youths and students are the future of the nation but in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, clouds of uncertainty have gathered over their careers too. There are lot of apprehensions about admission and classes which need to be resolved at the earliest," they have said in their letter. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 09:50:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close QUITO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's Emergency Operations Committee (COE) on Thursday urged people to keep protecting themselves from the novel coronavirus. The COE, which is in charge of the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, reminded citizens of three key steps to avoid infections: using a face mask, washing hands often and practicing social distancing. A total of 903 infections were reported with 29 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the national count to 116,360 cases with 6,648 deaths, the country's health ministry said on Thursday. As the state of emergency declared by the government will expire on Sept. 13, the South American country will no longer impose special restrictions against the pandemic. According to the constitution, the state of emergency cannot be used to tackle issues of an indefinite nature, such as the pandemic, and the president's office has already renewed the emergency state twice since March 16. In the capital city of Quito, authorities reopened two bus terminals on Wednesday to resume transportation between cities, which has been largely suspended since March 17. Enditem Overjoyed James Bond fans have struggled to contain their enthusiasm following the release of a new trailer for No Time To Die. Eager social media users flooded Twitter with memes to show their excitement after the clip's release yesterday. Well-known scenes - from Carlton dancing on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Homer Simpson squealing and Leonardo DiCaprio clapping in The Wolf Of Wall Street - were used by viewers too astounded for words. But some fans didn't tweet with as much delight after recalling that this film would mark Daniel Craig's final outing as James Bond. 'Man, cant believe this is Daniel Craigs last Bond movie. He is by far my favourite Bond,' one upset social media user admitted. Scroll down for video Well-known scenes (seen above) - from Carlton dancing on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Homer Simpson squealing and Leonardo DiCaprio clapping in The Wolf Of Wall Street - were used by fans too excited for words after viewing the new trailer for No Time To Die Another wrote: 'Seeing this movie will be bittersweet knowing that it's Daniel's last turn as Bond. 'What a fantastic job he has done and mark he has left on this awesome franchise. The only movie I will see in theaters this year will be a James Bond movie.' A third added: 'I had not too much of an issue with the first trailer but I must say this here is the Craig-Bond I know. 'Even if he looks as though he feels a little shaky, he's going out to save the world one last time with the same adrenaline first seen in Casino Royale.' Eager social media users flooded Twitter with memes (pictured) to show their joy following the clip's release yesterday Others praised the cinematography of the clip, with one person sharing a meme of Bugs Bunny with hearts in his eyes. Another shared their excitement, saying: 'Whoa! Trailer was insane! This looks really good! There's so much action! 'Seeing Bond reloading a machine gun in a tux is too cool! Very suave! The last outing for Daniel Craig is looking good!' But some fans (above) didn't tweet with as much delight after recalling that this film would mark Daniel Craig's final outing as James Bond Reaction: Social media users were quick to take to Twitter and praise the new trailer following its release yesterday Others praised the cinematography of the clip, with one person sharing a meme of Bugs Bunny with hearts in his eyes (pictured) British actor Daniel, 52, looked as brooding as ever in the trailer, which sees him come to grips with villain Safin, portrayed by Rami Malek, 39, who viewers are told is concocting a plan that could kill 'millions'. The nail-biting video opens with 007 narrowly avoiding being hit by a car before smashing into a wall as he embarks on one of his most dangerous missions yet. Set to the iconic Bond theme song, fans are re-introduced to villain Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz, who sits in a cage in a prison cell. The nail-biting video opens with 007 (pictured) narrowly avoiding being hit by a car before smashing into a wall as he embarks on one of his most dangerous missions yet Nail-biting: At one point in the trailer, Bond spins around in his famous Aston Martin which is riddled with bullet holes Fans of the franchise are also given a better look at CIA Agent Paloma (Ana De Armas) who Bond meets in Santiago, pictured left, as well as villain Safin, portrayed by Rami Malek, pictured right He tells Bond: 'James, fate draws us back together and now your enemy is my enemy', with the nemesis in question being none other than Safin. Fans of the franchise are also given a better look at CIA Agent Paloma (Ana De Armas) who Bond meets in Santiago and '00' agent Nomi (Lashana Lynch). In June it was confirmed that the release date for the anticipated film had been moved forward by two weeks and will open in the UK on November 12 and the US on November 20. The film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, was originally scheduled for release in April, but was pushed back to November 25 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was then brought forward to November 8 before the most recent change. Zubiri Backs Local Farmers against Feed Wheat Imports Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri is lending his support to Mindanao farmers who are struggling against imported feed wheat. Local farmers have approached the Mindanaoan senator to raise their predicament of having to compete with imported wheat feed in the market, amid the harvest season for locally produced corn. This competition puts local farmers at a disadvantage, forcing them to drive their prices down, even below expected farmgate prices. To assist them, Zubiri has reached out to Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar to endorse their concerns. Sec. Dar has, in turn, promised Zubiri that he will look into the matter and direct the Bureau of Plant Industry to do the same. "In line with our campaign to 'Buy Local' and support our local farmers and industries, I ask the Department of Agriculture to time the importation of feed wheat only during the lean season of local corn harvest or production, so as not to compete with our own farmers," Zubiri says. "It is especially vital that we support our local farmers now, in this time of pandemic. We need to help them recover." Six more Niagara Falls students are having their university tuition paid for by billionaire and former city resident John MacBain. The philanthropist, who now lives in Switzerland, started awarding scholarships three years ago through his McCall MacBain Foundation, which he started with his wife Marcy. It was created as part of the 60th anniversary of MacBains former high school, A.N. Myer Secondary School, and inspired by a scholarship which allowed him to attend McGill University in 1977. Having grown up in Niagara Falls, it is an honour to be able to provide support to deserving students from my own community, said MacBain when reached Thursday. I was fortunate to have community support, in particular from excellent teachers who truly believed in me, and I know what a difference that can make in a young persons life. This years recipients are Nadine Bongers and Sofia Acevado from Saint Michael High School, Jessica Zheng and Jordynn Bateman from A.N. Myer, Olivia Sargeson from Stamford Collegiate and Julia Savoie from Saint Paul High School. Each will receive scholarships valued at up to $32,000 over four years. Along with the six graduates, five students will receive one-time grants of $1,000 each towards university. Scholarships are based on strong potential for leadership, positive contributions to their school or community and an overall commitment to excellence. The scholarship supports them over the course of their first undergraduate degree at any Canadian public university. MacBain said students from the programs first two years are thriving at their schools. RELATED STORIES Niagara Region City welcomes back John MacBain MacBain was named valedictorian at McGill in 1980. He would go on to amass a fortune with most all of Canadas Auto Trader magazines which he sold along with other publications in 2006 for $2 billion. He has since donated more than $200 million to charities throughout the world, and last year gave his former university $200 million to start a scholarship program. In 2006, he donated $1 million to MacBain Community Centre in Niagara Falls, named for his parents Al and Viola. The city honoured him at the site in 2016 for John MacBain Day, the same year he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Size is anticipated to reach over USD 1,882.75 Million by 2025 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. Remote patient monitoring technology comprises devices such as glucose meters, blood pressure monitoring system, and other portable devices that are used by patients at a remote location. Growing usage of smartphones and increasing the expansion of the smartphone applications that are linked to the monitoring devices further helps in transmitting and recording persons health-related data to the healthcare suppliers or specialists. Get sample copy of this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-remote-patient-monitoring-devices-market/request-for-sample The rise in the implementation rate of remote patient monitoring devices, increasing number of geriatric population, and growing incidence of patients suffering from different lifestyle diseases are the major factor boosting the global remote patient monitoring devices market. With the increasing development in wireless technology, such monitoring devices are used to remotely monitor the physical parameters of the person such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose level, and provide proper treatment if necessary. However, the high cost associated with this device, stringent reimbursement guidelines and issues correlated with the government regulations are some of the factors anticipated to hinder the global market growth. The global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, end user, and geography. On the basis of product type, the global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market is segmented into Heart Rate Monitors, Heart Monitors, Blood Pressure Monitors, Sleep Apnea Monitors, Breath Monitors, Weight Monitors, Blood Glucose Monitors, Infusion Pumps, and Body Temperature Monitors. On the basis of product type, Heart rate monitor is estimated to dominate the product segment owing to growing global incidences of cardiovascular incidence. The increase in the number of people with cardiac diseases has led to the augmented use of such monitoring devices. On the basis of application, the global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market is segmented into Cancer Treatment, Cardiovascular Diseases Treatment, Diabetes Treatment, Sleep Disorder Treatment, Weight Management and Fitness Monitoring. In 2017, cardiovascular disease treatment is estimated to dominate the market growth majorly owing to the increasing incidences of cardiovascular diseases. On the basis of the end user, the global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market is segmented into Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Homecare settings. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-remote-patient-monitoring-devices-market On the basis of region, the global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America was estimated to dominate the global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market. The dominance is majorly attributed to the increasing occurrences of chronic diseases, growing demand for wireless and portable systems, increased level of healthcare spending, growing number of geriatric population, and favorable reimbursement scenarios in this region. However, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market during the forecast. Rising disposable income, high presence of untapped market opportunities primarily in developing economies, advancement in technology, supportive government initiatives are some of the factors expected to significantly boost the Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market in the Asia Pacific. Some major key players in global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market include Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., AMD Global Telemedicine, Honeywell International Inc., Omron Healthcare, Smiths Medical, Medtronic among others. The object of the key market players is to deliver better chronic care administration while keeping the cost low. In addition, the companies are concentrating on producing easy-to-use monitoring devices that can aid patients to accomplish conditions including diabetes or heart diseases better by avoiding costly medical processes. Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Size and Forecast by Regions North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-remote-patient-monitoring-devices-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 Gujarat: Indian Coast Guard recovers 24 packets of Charas near Jakhau port; 1,200 in 2 months Sri Lankan boat with 100 kgs of Pak drugs intercepted by Coast Guard PM Modi lauds services of Indian Coast Guard on its 45th Raising Day Sri Lankan boat associated with Pak drug network intercepted off Kerala coast with 300 kg heroin, arms How Pakistan uses Sri Lankan vessels to smuggle drugs, arms through Indian waters Cyclone Tauktae: Indian Coast Guard helps mooring oil tanker ships that went adrift off Mumbai coast Indian Coast Guard successfully douse fire in accommodation area onboard Crude oil tanker India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Sep 04: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships successfully doused fire in accommodation area onboard MT New Diamond, a Panama-flagged oil tanker. The ICG had rushed three vessels to the Central-eastern Sri Lankan coast to help fight a massive fire onboard MT New Diamond, a Panama-flagged oil tanker. ICG ship Shaurya is continuously fighting fire with 3 tugs engaged in boundary cooling to prevent reignition. In a swift sea and air coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the Coast Guard said it immediately diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for the firefight on oil tanker New Diamond. "Assistance sought by Sri Lanka Navy from @IndiaCoastGuard for fire and explosion onboard Oil Tanker #MTNewDiamond 37 NM east off Sri Lanka coast. ICG ships and aircraft deployed for immediate assistance, it said in a tweet, tagging the Defence Minister of India and the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, September 4, 2020, 9:31 [IST] Continuano le azioni di Fondo di Garanzia Pmi e prestiti garantiti Sace a sostegno di credito e liquidita per famiglie e imprese The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions against 11 Iranian, Chinese and United Arab Emirates companies accused of helping to bypass the American embargo on Irans oil exports. Iran must stop exploiting its natural resources to fund terror and destruction across the region," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned in a tweet. It was the latest in a series of sanctions that Washington has slapped on foreign companies doing business with Tehran. US President Donald Trump in 2018 pulled out of the international agreement signed with the country to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, which he said was ineffective, and immediately re-established and tightened US sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The US State Department imposed punitive measures on Iran-based Abadan Refining Company, three China-based companies (Zhihang Ship Management CO Ltd., New Far International Logistics LLC, Sino Energy Shipping Ltd) and another based in the UAE (Chemtrans Petrochemicals Trading LLC). Three executives from Abadan, New Far and Sino Energy were also targeted. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has added to its blacklist six firms also based in those countries for doing business with Triliance Petrochemical, a company An enormous rare fish which is one of the worlds most expensive species has washed up on the English coast. The remarkable giant tuna is a delicacy in Japan and one once fetching a record 2.5 million at auction. The 180kg (28 stones 4lbs) tuna mysteriously made its way into Chichester Harbour, West Sussex, where it was found dead. Catch of the day: This giant tuna is a delicacy in Japan with one once fetching a record 2.5 million at auction The two-metre long fish was identified as an Atlantic Bluefin tuna - the largest of the tuna species, which can reach up to 3m in length and weigh more than 600kg. It had to be winched onboard the IFCAs patrol vessel Watchful where marine experts studied the fish. Scientists concluded the fish died recently and showed no signs of damage after examining tissue and bone samples. Tim Dapling, chief fisheries and conservation officer at the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said: This is a very unusual and positive event in terms of fisheries the marine environment and the presence of a key species. Although it is a pity the fish was not alive, it is first time we have an encountered at close quarters a Bluefin tuna specimen in Sussex coastal waters. It was a quite remarkable and impressive fish. 'Why it was in Chichester Harbour or came ashore may never be clear, but we do know species such as mackerel and bass are present in numbers within the harbour and perhaps it entered the harbour to feed and became disorientated. The two-metre long fish which mysteriously turned up at Chichester Harbour is identified as an Atlantic Bluefin tuna This impressive fish was winched onboard the IFCAs patrol vessel Watchful where marine experts studied it Far from your average supermarket tin: Why bluefin tuna can fetch sums in the millions There's only so much bluefin tuna in the sea and so the law of supply and demand is one factor why the fish is outrageously expensive. Limited supply and huge export costs have driven up costs. Japanese demand in the fish has resulted in chefs and restaurateurs going to auctions where bidding is done at extortionate prices. In 2019, CNN reported that Kiyoshi Kimura, paid a record-breaking $3.1 million for a 612-pound bluefin tuna. Conservation groups have blamed the fishs population decline on the sushi and sashimi industry. They warn the species could be endangered unless fishing quotas are introduced. Advertisement Presently we have spring tides, and at low water the channels of the harbour can be relatively shallow and narrow. A fish of this size and species is used to open sea areas where it can swim unconstrained to hunt prey. The adult Bluefin tuna are at the top of the marine food chain and the increasing presence of top predators typically indicates the improving health of ecosystems. Of course, this was just one fish, however Id be surprised if it was the only one in Sussex waters. In January, a Japanese sushi boss forked out almost 2.5m for a Bluefin tuna which weighed 278kg at auction in Tokyo. 3 1 of 3 Texas Department of Public Safety Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Texas Department of Public Safety Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Andy Castillo, 57, is facing charges in the 17-year-old cold case murder of a young mother in Lubbock, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced in a news release on Friday. On July 15, 2003, Cynthia Joann Palacio, who was 21-years-old at the time, was found on a rural road in Southeast Lubbock County, partially nude and strangled, the release stated. Her last known whereabouts were unknown. Palacio is survived by her daughter, who was 2-years-old at the time of her death. Ankara, Sep 4 : Turkey has urged Greece to support a NATO-sponsored initiative aimed to launch technical talks between Athens and Ankara to calm the escalating tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has initiated an initiative to reduce the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and prevent unwanted accidents, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. "These de-confliction negotiations, which are not about the solution of bilateral issues between Greece and Turkey, are primarily related to bilateral arrangements previously discussed between the military authorities of the two countries," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying on Thursday. "We expect Greece to support this initiative of the NATO Secretary-General," it added. The Ministry further said that Ankara is ready for dialogue with Greece, without preconditions, in order to find permanent solutions to all issues between the two countries in the framework of international law. Turkey and Greece have agreed to enter talks to establish "de-confliction mechanisms" in the Eastern Mediterranean, Stoltenberg had announced earlier in the day. Athens and Ankara have been at odds over hydrocarbon rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Ankara dispatched its seismic survey vessel, Oruc Reis, escorted by Turkish warships to the Eastern Mediterranean after Greece and Egypt signed a maritime border agreement on the region. Greece, which has called on Turkey to withdraw its vessels from the area, has also deployed warships to monitor Oruc Reis. While Greece considers the explorations illegal, the Ankara government believes the waters belong to the Turkish continental shelf. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Portland suspect shot dead by police during arrest BBC Online : Police in the US have shot dead a man suspected of fatally shooting a right-wing activist during protests in Portland, Oregon, officials say. Michael Reinoehl, 48, a self-described antifa supporter, was filmed shooting the man during last weekend's tension, and admitted to it before his death. Reinoehl earlier said he acted in self-defence when he shot Aaron Danielson, a supporter of the Patriot Prayer group. Police said he was armed and was shot during a confrontation with officers. Black Lives Matter protests have been taking place nightly in Portland since the killing of black man George Floyd in May. Last Saturday Trump supporters held a large rally and fought with anti-racism protesters in violent exchanges. Reinoehl, who regularly attended the protests, had told Vice News that he had thought he and a friend were going to be stabbed by Danielson. "I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of colour. But I wasn't going to do that," he said. On Thursday President Trump had highlighted the killing of Danielson, tweeting "Why aren't the Portland police arresting the cold blooded killer of Aaron "Jay" Danielson. Do your job, and do it fast.". Antifa, short for "anti-fascist", is a loosely-affiliated network of mainly far-left activists. A warrant for Reinoehl's arrest was issued and he was located by agents on Thursday in Lacey, Washington about 120 miles (193km) north of Portland. Thurston County Sheriff's Lieutenant Ray Brady said it was not clear why the suspect was in Lacey and he did not believe the suspect lived at the address. Lieutenant Brady said the police were conducting surveillance when the suspect left the apartment and got into a vehicle in the road. "There was a confrontation between the officers that were on scene and the subject," he said. "The information we have at this time is that the subject was armed. There were shots that were fired into the vehicle and the subject fled from the vehicle, at which time there was additional shots that were fired." He said four officers fired their weapons. Reinoehl was a regular participant in Portland's anti-racism demonstrations and was part of the protesters' security team that aimed to protect demonstrators from potential agitators. The father-of-two described himself on social media as an army veteran and professional snowboarder. He told Vice News he had not turned himself in to police after shooting Danielson because he believed right-wing protesters were collaborating with police who would not protect him. "I am 100% ANTIFA all the way!" Reinoehl posted on Instagram in June and he suggested that the counter-protesters' tactics amounted to "warfare", according to US media. "Nightly, he would break up fights [...] He wanted change so badly," a friend of Reinoehl, Randal McCorkle, told the New York Times. On 26 July he told AP that he had been shot in his arm after intervening in a fight between an armed white man and a group of young black people. In July, while the protests were ongoing, he was told to appear in court on charges of carrying a loaded gun in public and resisting arrest. In a separate case he was charged with driving under the influence of controlled substances, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm after he raced his 17-year-old son on an interstate road. Several hundred protesters gathered in Portland following the shooting on Thursday and one sign in the street outside a police station read: "There's blood on your hands. You murdered Michael Reinoehl." Reinoehl was suspected of shooting Danielson during clashes on Saturday night when a large procession of supporters of President Trump clashed with Black Lives Matter protesters. The shooting came amid fights between the Trump supporters and BLM protesters in the city centre. Tension rose after a convoy of some 600 vehicles flying flags and carrying an estimated 1,000 Trump backers proceeded through central Portland. Video showed some people firing what local media described as pepper spray and pellets at BLM groups who had tried to prevent them entering the city by blocking streets. The city has become a flashpoint for tension with some violence between between far-right groups, such as Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer, and left-wing counter-demonstrators known as antifa, or anti-fascist movement. On Thursday Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Democratic officials condemned the violence that had taken place in Portland, writing "The violence must stop. There is no place for white supremacy or vigilantism in Oregon. Chicago-based global insurance brokerage HUB International Limited (Hub) has acquired the assets of Hollis Companies L.L.C. (Hollis Companies) and The Employee Benefits Corporation (TEBC), located in Metairie, Louisiana. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. TEBC and Hollis Companies are an employee benefits consulting firm providing benefits solutions, workplace-wellness plans and guidance on compliance issues to clients. Michael Hollis, president and CEO of TEBC and Hollis Companies, will join Hub Gulf South and report to Hub Gulf South President Shaun Norris. Hub International Limited provides property and casualty,life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. Source: Hub International Limited Topics Mergers Louisiana EDWARDSVILLE One year after opening up its curriculum, Edwardsville High School is seeing more students interested in less traditional courses. A local laborers union and area schools partnered with Edwardsville High School (EHS) last year to offer new opportunities to students who may not have their sights set on a four-year university. The programs help students interested in technical and trade career paths and the skills needed to succeed. Programs include the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program, through a partnership with the Illinois Laborers and Contractors; an initiative through Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC); and Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO). Despite a pandemic, students were still offered to take trade courses this fall semester. The programs are not currently offered onsite at EHS, so students attend classes at various centers. Still, the staff has noticed a shift in trade students GPAs. The students enrolled in these programs come from a variety of different backgrounds, EHS assistant principal Paul Stuart said. One consistent theme is that the current curriculum at EHS was lacking for their interests. Each program accepts a limited number of students; some students do get rejected and may have to wait until the next school year. Currently, a total of 41 EHS students are enrolled in these programs. There are six in CEO, 15 in the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program and 20 at CAVC. Last year, there were 15 EHS students enrolled in the apprenticeship program as the other two programs are new to EHS this year. For some students, grades are easier to maintain when they enjoy what they are learning. Stuart sees the same trend at EHS. Their enrollment in these programs has rejuvenated their interest in school. Last year students enrolled in the CEO and Laborers Union program all earned As and Bs in those programs and saw their grades in their other curricular classes raise as well, he said. Though the programs are not currently offered on-site at Edwardsville School District 7, Stuart said it is always a possibility. At this point CEO, CAVC, and the Laborers Program are best suited as partnerships through their respective trades. Working with other area schools to pool our resources to offer these programs, with the support of their parent organizations, enables all participating schools to offer additional opportunities to our students, which is ultimately our goal, he said. If any program became viable from a number of students and financial prospective District 7 would consider adding it to our curriculum. Stuart added that EHS welcomes other unions who interested in a partnership to aid students. No doubt he considers the biggest threat for 2022 as coming from the right and so thats the space that he has to shrink and fill, said Chloe Morin, a public opinion expert at the Fondation Jean-Jaures, a Paris-based research group. Last week, Valeurs Actuelles, a leading right-wing magazine, published a cover with the banner headline of Ensauvagement and under it, 60 days in the France of the new barbarians. The picture on the cover showed a crowd of people, mostly Black or of North African origin, vandalizing a car during what appears to be a protest. In the same issue, the magazine depicted a current Black lawmaker as an enslaved African. An accompanying fictional narrative transported her to 18th-century Africa, where she was enslaved by other Africans, sold to an Arab slave trader and finally saved by a French missionary who brings her back to civilization in France. The magazines issue was roundly condemned, including by Mr. Macron, and prosecutors opened an investigation on the charge of racist insults. But last year, in a concerted appeal to the magazines readers, Mr. Macron gave the publication a rare, exclusive interview during a long flight back from the Indian Ocean. In the interview, Mr. Macron described it as a very good magazine. As with many things in France, an unresolved colonial history lies below the surface of the battle over the word ensauvagement. The word is a direct outgrowth of Frances colonial and slave-trading past, a history that the French have yet to come to terms with and that they have often preferred to ignore, said Pascal Blanchard, a historian on French colonialism and its enduring impact on French society. More than any other imperial power, France justified colonialism by describing it as a civilizing mission, Mr. Blanchard said. September 04 : Investigations into the Sushant Singh Rajput case are getting intensified from various angles. Today, a team of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) raided the residence of Rhea Chakraborty at Juhu Tara road, as well as the late actors house manager and Rheas close aide Samuel Mirandas house under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The raids are been conducted in connection with the drug trafficking probe linked to the death case of Sushant Singh Rajput. After the 2-hour raid, Samuel has been detainted by the NCB under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. He will also be interrogated by the NCB into Sushants death case. Miranda has been whisked away to the NCB office. Rhea and Samuels Whatsapp chats have been recovered where they were seen discussing about drugs and weed. The NCB sleuths scanned all mobiles and computers at Rhea's and Miranda's residences, and searched the cars that belonged to the Chakraborty family. Rheas brother Showik Chakraborty was earlier summoned by the agency for questioning in connection with the case. Samuel Miranda detained by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. https://t.co/SehPI3YMmO ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 A five-member NCB team started the raid at Rheas residence at around 6.30 am, and according to an NCB official, the searches are routine. The drug law enforcement agency conducted a parallel raid at Samuels house this morning. Samuel is accused of procuring drugs on instructions of Showik, according to the NCB. While probing the drug angle in the case, NCB has arrested two Mumbai-based personsBasit Parihar and Zaid Vilatra on Thursday, and according to the agency, they had links with Showik and Samuel. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery The strikes occurred on the border with Iraq and those killed were Iraqi paramilitary fighters loyal to Iran, Al-Araby al-Jadeed says Presumed Israeli air strikes on eastern Syria killed 16 Iran-backed fighters Thursday, a war monitor said, hours after Damascus said it intercepted Israeli missiles fired at a central air base. Those killed were Iraqi paramilitary fighters loyal to Iran, seven of whom were killed outside the city of Mayadeen, Rami Abdul Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said. The other nine were killed in strikes south of the city of Albu Kamal, on the Iraqi border further east. Abdul Rahman said Israel was likely responsible for the attack, which if confirmed, would mark the second such strike in less than 24 hours and the third this week. Late Wednesday, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles fired by an Israeli warplane at the T4 air base in central Syria, state news agency SANA reported. Our air defences intercepted most of them, it said, adding the attack caused only material damage. On Monday, Israeli strikes killed one civilian, three government troops and seven allied foreign fighters, the Observatory said. Mondays strikes hit Syrian army positions south of Damascus and facilities used by Iran-backed paramilitaries, including fighters of Lebanons Hezbollah movement, in the southern province of Daraa, the Observatory said. 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 Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested Sandalwood actor, Ragini Dwivedi in connection with the drug scandal. The police have taken her into custody for further investigation. With her arrest, the police have made four arrests in the case till now. The first arrest was Ragini's friend Ravi Shankar, a clerk in Regional Transport Office (RTO). The second arrest was Rahul Shetty who is a close friend of another actress Sanjjanaa Galrani. Another person identified as Viren Khanna who use to organise big parties has been arrested in Delhi and is being brought to Bengaluru. According to police sources, the officials during the raid found ganja in the actor's house, which was reportedly filled in cigarettes. Sandeep Patil, the Joint Commissioner of the Police (Crime) confirmed the arrest of Ragini and Viren. He said, "during the search in Ragini's house they found important materials and he cannot reveal more details at this stage of the investigation." According to Kamal Pant, police commissioner, they have registered a case in Cottonpet police station in connection with the drug abuse. Pant said that they had conducted raid on the house of the actor before subjecting her for interrogation. The police said that they have got information of many people involved in the drug peddling and drug consuming, they will take further necessary action in the case. Silvio Berlusconi, according to Forza Italia sources, was hospitalized last night at the San Raffale Hospital in Milan as a precautionary measure. The same sources specify that the clinical situation is stable and not worrying. Berlusconi, after being tested positive for the covid-19 virus, had remained in solitary confinement at his family's villa in Arcore, near Milan, stating he was feeling well. "I will be present in the election campaign with interviews on TV and newspapers according to the limitations imposed by my positivity condition. Unfortunately even this has happened to me, but my battle continues" he explained in a telephone statement. It is an insidious disease, which I have never underestimated," said the President of Forza Italia and former Italian Prime Minister, thanking his friends and political opponents for the many messages of affection received in the last few hours. Ph: DELBO ANDREA / Shutterstock.com EDITORS NOTE: NJ Cannabis Insider produces premium, exclusive weekly content and monthly events geared toward those interested in the marijuana and hemp industries. To subscribe, visit njcannabisinsider.biz Outraged by the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25 and energized by the wave of rallies in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Democratic state Sens. Ronald Rice and Teresa Ruiz introduced legislation that would no longer treat the possession and distribution of up to a pound of marijuana as a crime. Then ... nothing. The bill, introduced June 4, has not been scheduled for a hearing and that falls under the purview of Sstate enate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas Scutari, D-Union. Voters in New Jersey are now less than two months away from the Nov. 3 election, when they will be asked to amend the state constitution and allow adult-use weed to be legally sold and taxed. On Tuesday, Rice, D-Essex, issued a blistering statement that accused the lawmakers and his fellow Democratic colleagues of deliberate foot-dragging a move he said benefits the campaign to legalize marijuana. I demand that Senate Bill 2535 be considered by the Judiciary Committee immediately or that it be reassigned to another committee and fast-tracked into law, Rice wrote. I am further compelled to remind my colleagues and all residents of our state that the Black Lives Matter movement is more than a response to state-sanctioned violence to Black bodies and anti-Black racism. It is a call to establish the full social, economic and political justice needed for Black lives to matter in every way, on every level, Rice added. Sweeney told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday he was having discussions about the bill with Ruiz and Sen. Sandra Cunningham, D-Hudson, who also is a sponsor. I know (Rice) wants to get it done. Were having conversations about it, Sweeney said. The state Assembly passed a different decriminalization bill in June, but Sweeney and others dont agree with some of its provisions. And I dont think he (Rice) did either. So is there a chance it could pass before the referendum? Its all up for discussion, Sweeney said. Were looking at it. Then Friday, Rice issued an incendiary statement calling on Sweeney to replace Scutari for failing to hold a hearing on the decriminalization bill. Sen. Scutari has informed me that he wont move the bill because it interferes with what hes trying to accomplish, which we know means getting recreational marijuana legalization passed through the referendum in November, Rices Friday statement said. That refusal to address the legislation critical to the well-being of our residents seems to me to a betrayal of what we come to Trenton for to put our own egos and agendas aside in order to expediently legislate protections and remedies that benefit our fellow citizens. Sen. Sweeney, there comes a time when patience is no longer the most useful virtue and the scale must tilt into full diligence an an unbridled rush for justice. And so, I am asking that you remove Sen. Scutari as chair of the Judicial Committee, Rices letter said. Sweeney declined to comment on Rices latest statement. Decriminalization, in and of itself, will not stop interactions with police over marijuana. Only complete legalization will do that, Scutari said Friday in reaction to Rices comments.. That is why I have been pushing for legalization of marijuana for my entire career. Rice, the chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and a former police officer, is unequivocally opposed to legalizing marijuana. Proponents say legalizing marijuana for adults 21 and older would stop police from arresting Black and brown people at a disproportionate rate for marijuana-related crimes. Legalization would be an act of social justice, they argue. But Rice said making lower-level marijuana crimes punishable by fines instead of jail time would achieve the same social justice goal without allowing investors, insiders and others who seek to profit by forcing recreational marijuana industry into New Jersey - the nations most densely populated state and most ill-suited to absorb the projected harm. Could it be a fear that somehow decriminalization would jeopardize the legalization referendum on Novembers ballot? Rices statement said. A Trenton insider with knowledge of conversations going on in the state Legislature and Gov. Phil Murphys administration said there is some concern that decriminalization, at worst, could derail legalization...At best, it confuses things. I have also seen an uptick of activity against legalization by promoting decriminalization, said the source, requesting anonymity in order to speak freely without alienating his confidences. Amol Sinha, executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, said he doesnt know whats behind the delay. But he sees value in pursuing both legalization and decriminalization. We have over 100 arrests a day for something that most New Jerseyans think should be legal, Sinha said. If we vote yes in November and havent taken steps toward the enabling legislation, there is a lot of potential for confusion out there. People need to know what is legal and what is not. That period between Nov. 3 and when the legislation is effective is going to be problematic if we are still making arrests, he said. Sinha said decriminalization should not be the end of the conversation around marijuana, but the beginning of a conversation. People want the economic justice, job creation and equity, and those are things that only come with legalization. A version of this story first appeared in NJ Cannabis Insider. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Numerated named to CB Insights 2020 Fintech 250 for Digital Banking 2020 is a watershed year for the banking industry, where every financial institution must be branchless ... Were proud of the solutions were bringing to these institutions and humbled to be included alongside so many innovators in this years Fintech 250. BOSTONNumerated, the financial technology company making it easy to purchase business banking products from banks and credit unions digitally, has been named to CB Insights Fintech 250, an exclusive list of the top private technology companies transforming financial services today. Numerated was selected as one of the most promising fintechs from a pool of 16,000 companies following a year of hypergrowth. This includes raising a $15M Series B investment round, welcoming more top-tier business banks as customers, expanding its platform, and rapidly launching digital lending experiences for the Paycheck Protection Program. 2020 is a watershed year for the banking industry, where every financial institution must be branchless, said Dan OMalley, co-founder and CEO of Numerated. Weve grown our partnerships with banks and credit unions 5X so far this year as they move with renewed urgency to stand up digital lending and digital account opening channels for their business customers. Were proud of the solutions were bringing to these institutions and humbled to be included alongside so many innovators in this years Fintech 250. Founded in 2017, Numerated is best known for helping banks and credit unions offer their business customers loans in as few as 5 minutes, completely digitally. Today, the fintech continues to expand its platform to help financial institutions create award-winning digital lending and digital account opening experiences across their full suite of business banking products. Numerated most recently made headlines during the Paycheck Protection Program, where it implemented digital lending experiences for nearly one-hundred banks and credit unions in weeksautomating $16 billion in Small Business Administration approvals for nearly 200,000 small businesses and 2.3 million American workers. Members of The Fintech 250s 2020 cohort were selected based on a number of factors, including company-provided data, companies business models and momentum in the market, and based on CB Insights proprietary algorithm that measures the overall health and growth potential of private companies. "We're proud to, once again, recognize the 250 best private fintech companies globally. This year's Fintech 250 represents 25 countries and spans 19 categories reimagining everything from retail banking and crypto, to insurance and asset management," said CB Insights CEO Anand Sanwal. "The previous Fintech 250 class raised more than $22 billion in investor financing and saw more than 20 exits after being recognized, and we expect this year's class will have similar success as they continue to transform how people and businesses spend, save, borrow, and invest their money." To learn more about Numerated, visit http://www.numerated.com or register for one of our upcoming twice-weekly webinars at http://www.numerated.com/events. About Numerated Numerated makes it easy for businesses to purchase financial products from banks and credit unions. Financial institutions use Numerated to create award-winning digital lending and digital account opening customer experiences powered by rich data integrations and artificial intelligence. Numerated was recently recognized as 2020s Best Overall FinTech Software by FinTech Breakthrough and 2020s Most Innovative Industry Partner by Barlow Research. Numerated is chosen by top business banks, including Bremer Bank, Dollar Bank, Eastern Bank, Hancock Whitney, MidFirst Bank, People's United Bank, Pinnacle Bank and more. About CB Insights At CB Insights, we believe the most complex strategic business questions are best answered with facts. We are a machine intelligence company that synthesizes, analyzes and visualizes millions of documents to give our clients fast, fact-based insights. Serving the majority of the Fortune 100, we give companies the power to make better decisions, take control of their own future, and capitalize on change. 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. The first anniversary of the visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to Mozambique, Mauritius and Madagascar starts from 4 to 10 September 2020. Paul Samasumo Vatican City SECAM Deputy Secretary-General and Coordinator of the Evangelization Commission, Fr. Rafael Simbine Jnr., says that one year after the memorable visit of Pope Francis to the three countries, the warmth of his presence and the richness of his messages are still being felt by the people on the continent -one year on. Everything is lost with war Fr. Simbine Jnr., said in a SECAM Reflection, that Pope Francis messages of peace during the Apostolic voyage to Mozambique, Mauritius and Madagascar reminded the continent of Africa that everything is lost with war and everything is gained with peace. With war, many men, women and children suffer because they have no home to live in, no food, no schools to educate themselves, hospitals to treat their health, Churches to meet for prayer and fields to employ the labour force. Many thousands of people are forced to move in search of security and the means to survive...No to violence and yes to peace! the Pontiff told various Mozambican Authorities, members of the Diplomatic Corps based in Maputo as well as Civil Society on 5 September 2019. Peace is not only the absence of war For the Church, the search for lasting peace is a mission that involves everyone. It is a mission that requires hard, constant, and unrelenting work because peace is like a fragile flower that seeks to blossom among the stones of violence, Fr Simbine Jnr., reiterates. The Church has long said that peace is not only the absence of war but the tireless commitment - especially of those in a position of greater responsibility - to recognise, guarantee and concretely rebuild the dignity, so often forgotten or ignored, of our brothers and sisters, so that they can feel that they are the main protagonists of the destiny of their nation and continent. A culture of peace makes reconciliation possible In his document, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis highlighted the fact that a culture of peace makes reconciliation possible. It is a constant process in which every new generation is involved, wrote Pope Francis. The Holy Father called this an openess to a genuine encounter that recognises the other. Such a meeting point strengthens ties and builds bridges. Africa needs to shun Xenophobia and Tribalism Pope Francis insisted that to make reconciliation possible, it is necessary to overcome division and violence, xenophobia, and tribalism. In this connection, Africa needs to take up the challenge of welcoming and protecting migrants (in their countries) who arrive in search of work and in search of better living conditions for their families," the Pope told Authorities and Diplomats in Mauritius Port Louis at the Presidential Palace on 9 September 2019. It was a message that he had already alluded to during the final Eucharistic Celebration at the Estadio do Zimpeto, a multi-use stadium on the outlying Zimpeto neighbourhood of Maputo. Mozambicans thronged the stadium as early as 4 am on an unusual rainy September morning. They said the light drizzle were the result of papal blessings. Others spent the night at the stadium in readiness for the Pope's arrival. The scourge of poverty The SECAM Deputy Secretary-General says Africa is a continent of contrasts: A rich land yet with so much poverty. According to Fr Simbine Jnr., Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI once said the same thing in an observation contained in the document, Africae Munus. The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation titled, Africae Munus is a document of the Pope Emeritus in which he encouraged the Church in Africa to embrace elements within its culture that serve as the cornerstone for the Gospel, God has provided Africa with important natural resources. Seeing the chronic poverty of its people, victims of exploitation and local and foreign prevarications, the human conscience is shocked by the opulence of some groups, observed the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI. Following in this same tradition, Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium says the way out of this kind of poverty from which it is difficult to escape is, To fight vigorously and decisively against all endemic forms of corruption and speculation, which increase social disparity, and to confront situations of great precariousness and exclusion which always generate conditions of inhuman poverty. Hence the need to establish all the structural mediations that can guarantee a better distribution of income and the integral promotion of all inhabitants, especially the poorest. Such promotion cannot be limited to mere assistance, but requires their recognition as legal subjects called upon to participate fully in the construction of their future, Pope Francis writes in Evangelii Gaudium. Care for our Common Home Another matter that comes to mind on Pope Francis historic visit to Mozambique, Mauritius and Madagascar was the theme regarding the Care for the Common Home. Africa is a continent that is greatly blessed with natural resources but has been on the receiving end of the consequences of climate change. As a continent, Africa contributes little to planetary warming but suffers the consequences of climate change in a disproportionate manner. African leaders, aware of the continents vulnerability almost unanimously support international efforts to combat global warming and climate change. Ray of hope on the continent In his speeches to political authorities, Pope Francis almost always ended by saying, I wish to reaffirm the willingness and readiness of the Catholic Church, in a permanent dialogue with Christians of other faiths, with members of different religions and with all the actors of civil society, to contribute to the advent of a true fraternity which promotes integral human development so that no one is excluded. Notwithstanding ongoing acts of violence still being witnessed in different African countries, including, to some degree, one of those the Holy Father visited last year (Mozambique) there are also signs of hope, in part, due to the personal intervention of Pope Francis himself. The Central African Republic, Mozambique and South Sudan are cases in point. ------------------------------- SECAM is the continental association of African Catholic Bishops. The acronym (SECAM) stands for Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. SECAM has its headquarters in Accra, Ghana. The association was inaugurated by Pope Saint Paul VI in 1969 when he visited Uganda. Police drones tend to be associated with big cities, but a Wisconsin town of about 2,200 people has seen the benefits of a drone program since 2015.Linn, Wis., spans more than 30 square miles. A significant portion of the area is taken up by a lake that cuts into other communities. Historically, Linn Police Department has spent a lot of time and manpower looking for people who drown. On top of that, if a suspect on the run enters a cornfield that covers thousands of acres, finding the suspect might require 30 to 40 people.These practical challenges led the department to buy its first drone in 2015, Chief James Bushey said.Within the first three or four months of the purchase, Busheys department received a call from a resident who couldnt find her husband. Evidence suggested the man was in a particular part of the lake. A drone was launched, and after two minutes of flight time, the police found the husband.Bushey shared another drowning story to illustrate the efficiency of drone technology. In 2016, someone had drowned in an unknown portion of the lake. With six people and 90 minutes of time, the department located the victim.In contrast, Bushey recently offered a drone as a resource during a search for an intoxicated man who had fallen into the lake. The offer was declined, and it took five hours for a team of 13 agencies from Wisconsin and Illinois to find the person without the drone.Bushey cited other recent episodes in which drone technology has made a difference in Linn. One incident involved a man who attempted suicide by overdose. A drone found the man who, according to a doctor, would have died in another hour. In another case, an older individual was discovered lying down in a pasture in the middle of the night. For Bushey, these examples more than demonstrate that drones have proven their value to Linn.Theres not really a dollar value [on peoples lives], he said.One expected benefit for Linn has been the smaller things that drones have accomplished. Town Chairman James Weiss said the drones have helped with building inspections and other tasks that involve surveying.You can cover so much area without physically having to go there, Weiss said.Despite all of the use that Linn has gotten from the drones, Bushey said one has to be aware that drones involve more than an upfront cost. Equipment and training represent two ongoing investments.Theres an outstanding long-term cost, Bushey said.The police department also had to work to build community trust. Weiss pointed out that although the town has heard no negative feedback since the full implementation of the drone program, certain constituents were skeptical when they first learned about the towns investment in drones.We had a smaller newspaper in the area that was very concerned about our use of drones and compared us to George Orwells, Bushey recalled.To show that his department takes ethical concerns seriously, Bushey said he talks openly to the media, invites people into his office if they have any issue with the drones, and provides flight records upon request. These efforts have appeared to work well: Community donations completely paid for the departments latest drones.Another challenge was developing well-rounded policy and procedures for drones. For this process, Bushey looked at what big-city departments had done with drones. Bushey also hired company Lexipol to overhaul his departments policy manual.I like to be able to show people that weve done our homework, Bushey said.Weiss said Linns drone program has shown people that the technology isnt a passing fad or a case of police just wanting new toys.Were blessed to be in a position to be able to afford this type of apparatus, and it really helps to fill a void that we had prior to the drone, Weiss said. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan delivered remarks at the joint defense ministerial meeting of CIS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the CSTO countries. He said that recently escalation of disagreements is observed in the South-Caucasian region, which in his words are the consequence of some countries expanding their ambitions. The dynamically developing military-political developments in our region can be described as a conflict of geopolitical interests, the core factor of which is the absence of a common vision of security, as well as mechanisms for minimizing risks, he said. Regional conflicts dont have a solution by force, and Armenia considers unacceptable both military rhetoric and the attempts of involving new states in these conflicts with further escalation of the situation in the region. Tonoyan stressed that Russias presence in the region, as well as the deepening of the military-political cooperation between Armenia and Russia are highly important suppressing factors which contribute to regional stability and preservation of security. He said that Armenias strategic interests sectors domain includes not only the Caucasian region but the entire CSTO zone, as well as the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean region. The defense minister said Armenia is interested in peace and stability in these regions. In the current conditions the further deepening and expansion of multilateral defense cooperation is becoming especially important, moreover, first of all between the CIS, the SCO and the CSTO, which our countries are members of, Tonoyan said. Our world has become more interconnected, any instability in any given region is fraught with negative consequences globally. In other words, in modern conditions regional security is impossible to be ensured autonomously outside of global security system frameworks. The escalation of any regional issue is very directly impacting overall international security. This relates not only to military-political issues, but also the pandemic, which as the experience of the majority of countries showed grew into a universal security problem, Tonoyan said. The Armenian Defense Minister stressed that the international communitys main objective is to build a sustainable peace which is based on ruling out the creation of new instability hotspots when some countries attempt to impose regional geopolitical ambitions. We proceed from the fact that the undeviating preservation of international law norms and principles plays a core role in preventing conflicts. The Republic of Armenia has always been in favor of the equal application of international law and the right of freedom of choice, reasonable globalization and international security architecture, based on the refraining from the policy from positions of force and maximalist approaches, rhetoric of hate and bellicose statements. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan A office space in San Francisco A office space in San Francisco A office space in San Francisco A WeWork office space in San Francisco Co-working major expects its revenue to grow by 25 per cent this calendar year as demand for flexible workspace remains strong despite COVID-19 pandemic, its CEO Karan Virwani said on Friday. WeWork India, which is owned by Bengaluru-based realty firm Embassy Group, has 34 centres comprising 60,000 desks across six major cities. WeWork Global had in 2017 partnered with Embassy Group to enter Indian market. In an interview with PTI, he said the company will acquire clients first and then take on lease Grade-A office space as against the earlier practice of setting up centres first and then reaching out to potential customers. 'Work Near Home' and decentralized workforce model are some of the new trend emerging in the office segment, Virwani said. has recently leased a large space to a law firm in Bengaluru and is now targeting educational institutions that are exploring to set up their base in coworking centres during this pandemic. Virwani expressed confidence that would become profitable next year and said the company was adequately fundedwith the infusion of Rs 750 crore by WeWork Global in June. "Business is doing good. Customers want more flexible workspace. Not only the new age but traditional businesses are also looking for coworking space to reduce their capex," he told PTI. Virwani said the company lost 15 per cent clients after the outbreak of disease and subsequent lockdown, but the company has gained new clients who are paying more. "We expect our revenue to grow 25 per cent during this calendar year," he said, but declined to share the topline it achieved in 2019. Asked about expansion plan, he said the company has not opened any centre since April but plans to open one in November in Bengaluru comprising over 2 lakh sq ft space. "We will expand based on demand. We will find new clients and then sign up real estate space," Virwani said, indicating a shift in the company's growth strategy. Asked about the structure of the funding from WeWork Global, he said the company raised USD 100 million (about Rs 750 crore) in the form of compulsory convertible debentures (CCDs). Post converison of these debentures which is due next year, Virwani said WeWork Global will have 20 per cent stake in WeWork India. "The fund was raised at a valuation of USD 500 million," he said. Sandeep Mathrani, CEO of WeWork Global, has joined the board of WeWork India. Virwani said the company has adequate capital and there is no immediate plan to raise funds. Being bullish on the coworking segment, he said pandemic has accelerated the shift to flexible workspaces. As the COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for educational institutions around the world, Virwani said WeWork India will offer students flexible space options that are tailor-made for productivity. The company can help educational institutions de-densify their spaces, create decentralized campus hubs in new cities, and bring classrooms to where students are, he added. Corporate clients contribute around 65-70 per cent of the business and it will remain so going forward, he said. Embassy Group is a major player in the Indian real estate market. It has also launched the country's first real estate investment trust (REIT). (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.) A coronavirus vaccine gets underway in Florida: Getty Images Two of the Trump administrations top scientific advisers have said that it is unlikely that there will be a coronavirus vaccine ready by November spelling trouble for Donald Trumps hopes of rolling one out before election day. Dr Moncef Slaoui, the scientific head of vaccine development programme Operation Warp Speed, told NPRs Mary Louise Kelly on Thursday that the vaccine will almost certainly not be cleared this autumn even though it is moving incredibly fast by the standards of vaccine development. Well, its a matter of planning, and the operation has been performing, I have to say, very, very well up to now, even better than I was hoping. There is a very, very low chance that the trials that are running as we speak could read before the end of October, and therefore there could be if all other conditions required for an emergency use authorisation are met and approved, Dr Slaoui said. I think its extremely unlikely but not impossible, and therefore its the right thing to do to be prepared in case, he added. Dr Slaoui went on to explain that the vaccines emergency use authorisation will not come through until it passes stringent efficacy and safety tests in phase three trials. Its not just about having a vaccine that is safe and effective, but about being ready to distribute it, Dr Adams said. So on the chance. that a vaccine might be available early, and Dr [Anthony] Fauci and [vaccine czar] Dr [Moncef] Slaoui both say thats possible even though not probable, we want to make sure that states are ready to distribute it, hence the 1 November instructions from the CDC, just in case its ready, so we can quickly get it to the people who most need it, he added. Dr Adams said that US officials are not rushing the vaccine approval for election day and explained: What people need to understand is that we have a Data and Safety Monitoring Board, who actually blind the data so it wont be possible to move forward unless this independent thinks there is good evidence a vaccine is efficacious. Story continues Both the creation and development of Operation Warp Speed have concerned not just Mr Trumps usual critics but also many public health experts, many of whom worry that any vaccine it produces will be rushed into production before adequate safety trials have been run. At the root of these concerns is the fear that the race for a vaccine is being accelerated for the purposes of Mr Trumps re-election campaign. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) this week notified public health authorities across the country to be ready to distribute a vaccine in early November, even with no definitive indications that an inoculation will be ready by election day. At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Thursday night, Mr Trump doubled down on the claims and said a vaccine might really might even be delivered before the end of October...How do you like that? The CDC and FDA have both come in for criticism recently over actions and statements some have called overly political, with the CDC recently suggesting that fewer Americans need to be tested advice later confirmed to have been urged by the White House, and not signed off by top adviser Dr Anthony Fauci as first claimed. FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn, meanwhile, last week had to apologise for publicly overstating the efficacy of a plasma treatment for Covid-19 patients a treatment whose emergency authorisation was announced on the eve of the Republican National Convention, again raising suspicions it had been pushed out to flatter the administration at a critical moment. However, asked whether he agreed the November date of the CDCs advice had a whiff of politics about it Dr Slaoui agreed, but said the instruction to the states to prepare is less a political ploy than part of a strategy to ensure the country was ready. Dr Slaoui said: I get the point. Youre right. And my reading of that letter, which I like you discovered on the news, is one that says we need to be prepared as of [1 November]. And I do think there is a possibility that the clinical trials albeit very low, as I said before, extremely low but there is a possibility that the trials read out before the end of October. It would be irresponsible not to be ready if that was the case. According to Johns Hopkins University some 6.1m people have now tested positive for coronavirus in the US and the death toll has reached 187,464. Read more Could the coronavirus vaccine be coming too fast to be trusted? Trump condemned after snubbing global coronavirus vaccine scheme Oxford coronavirus vaccine begins final stage of US trials Oxford vaccine professor warns of new flu pandemic Rising risk of animal viruses infecting humans BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Dozens of major hospitals across the U.S. are grappling with whether to ignore a federal decision allowing broader emergency use of blood plasma from recovered COVID patients to treat the disease in favor of dedicating their resources to a gold-standard clinical trial that could help settle the science for good. As many as 45 hospitals from coast to coast have expressed interest in collaborating on a randomized, controlled clinical trial sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said principal investigator Dr. Todd Rice. Officials at some hospitals said they are considering committing only to the clinical trial and either avoiding or minimizing use of convalescent plasma through an emergency use authorization issued Aug. 23 by the federal Food and Drug Administration. The response comes amid concerns that the Trump administration pressured the FDA into approving broader use of convalescent plasma, which already has been administered to more than 77,000 COVID patients in the U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the treatment as a powerful therapy, even as government scientists called for more evidence that COVID plasma is beneficial. A National Institutes of Health panel this week countered the FDAs decision, saying that the therapy should not be considered the standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 and that well-designed trials are needed to determine whether the therapy is helpful. Data so far suggests the treatment could be beneficial, but its not definitive. Its an important scientific question that we dont have the answer to yet, said Rice, an associate professor of medicine and director of VUMCs medical intensive care unit. Convalescent plasma uses an antibody-rich blood product taken from people who have recovered from a viral infection and injects it into people still suffering in the hopes that the therapy will jump-start their immune systems, boosting their ability to fight the virus. The approach has been used on an experimental basis for more than a century to fight other virulent diseases, including the 1918 flu, measles, Ebola, SARS and H1N1 influenza. Story continues Last month, NIH officials awarded $34 million to Rices study, the Passive Immunity Trial of the Nation for COVID-19, dubbed PassItOnII, which has also received funding from country music superstar Dolly Parton. The trial, which aims to enroll 1,000 adult hospitalized patients, could meet its goals by the end of October. If it shows evidence of likely benefit to COVID patients, it could immediately change clinical practice, Rice said. RELATED: No Sign that Plasma from Recovered Patients Is an Effective Coronavirus Treatment, Panel Says Half of the participants will receive convalescent plasma with high levels of disease-fighting antibodies from a stockpile of more than 150 units of the product already collected, Rice said. The other half will receive a placebo solution. Though the trial launched in April, enrollment has been slow. The funding allows enlistment at more than 50 sites nationwide. That has spurred new conversations about joining the trial and about not employing the controversial authorization issued by the FDA, said Dr. Claudia Cohn, director of the Blood Bank Laboratory at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She expected her institution to decide this week. Id rather frame it as not rejecting the FDA, but simply taking the longer view, said Cohn, who is also medical director for the AABB, an international nonprofit focused on transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. RELATED: Trump Announces Emergency Authorization for COVID-19 Plasma Treatment After Attacking FDA At the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, officials have opted to join the trial and are considering making it the first option for COVID patients who qualify, said Dr. Sonal Pannu, an assistant professor and pulmonologist. Many of the academic leaders believe we should do the trial, and we would be severely limiting the emergency use authorization, or EUA, she said, noting that first patients could be enrolled soon. The plasma still could be used under the EUA to treat patients such as prisoners, who are unable to consent to join a clinical trial, she added. Thats the same stance adopted by the University of Washington, said Dr. Nicholas Johnson, an assistant professor of emergency medicine whos leading the trial at the Seattle site. Were really interested in enrolling patients as the first option, he said. The questions are similar to those raised with hydroxychloroquine, another treatment Trump touted for treating COVID-19. FDA officials issued an EUA for the drug in April, only to revoke it in June after data indicated the drug might be harmful. On a couple of occasions, weve allowed clinical practice to get ahead of the science, Johnson said. Weve learned that lesson a couple of times now. FDA officials did not respond to requests for comment. Top federal health leaders, including NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations leading infectious disease doctor, initially resisted the move to issue the EUA for convalescent plasma last month, telling The New York Times that the evidence for it was too weak. Trump has criticized the FDA for moving too slowly to speed approval of treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. He announced the EUA on the eve of the Republican National Convention, calling it a truly historic announcement. Issuing the EUA puts the fate of clinical trials into extreme jeopardy, said Arthur Caplan, a professor of bioethics at the New York University School of Medicine. With convalescent plasma in very short supply, it sets the stage for fights over access and makes sick patients less inclined to join a trial, where they might receive a placebo. If you have the EUA, it starts to damage the trials, Caplan said. Still, given that the FDA has authorized convalescent plasma for patients ill with COVID-19, hospitals that hesitate or refuse to provide it outside a trial are sure to face questions from families. That creates a very interesting and delicate ethics problem, said Cohn. If you commit to the randomized controlled trial only, youre committing to a long-term dedication to science, she said. The question is, is it ethically inappropriate not to provide a therapy that has been shown to be possibly beneficial? Johnson, at the University of Washington, said most patients have been willing even eager to participate in clinical trials once they understand the need for rigorous scientific results. And Caplan, the bioethicist, applauded the decision of hospitals to minimize the EUA and focus on the trial, calling it a pretty feisty action. Its sensible, he said. Its likely to really generate an answer to the question of Does COVID convalescent plasma do anything? Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. The donation consisted of personal protective equipment (PPE) including isolation gowns, gloves and face masks acquired with funds provided by said cooperation agencies to the International Course for Latin American and Caribbean Countries on Training in the Care of Ischemic Diseases. The gathering will not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. La Agencia Mexicana de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo @AMEXCID y la Agencia de Cooperacion Internacional del Japon @jica_direct_en donaron equipos de proteccion personal al @Minsa_Peru, con el apoyo de @apciagencia y @CancilleriaPeru. ?https://t.co/4GAQYdDuDm pic.twitter.com/VSjrzse8wB A police officer in Randolph has been placed on administrative leave after he struck a pedestrian with his car last week, authorities said. Randolph Police Chief William Pace announced Thursday he placed the officer involved in the crash on leave pending an outside investigation of the crash by the Quincy Police Department. On Aug. 25, a 29-year-old Randolph man who was out walking was hit by a police cruiser around 9:20 p.m. in the area of North Main and Grove streets, according to a statement from Pace. The officer who struck the man was en route to a domestic violence call and had his lights and sirens activated, the statement said. He immediately stopped and administered medical aid to the pedestrian before Randolph Fire Department personnel arrived and took the man to a Boston hospital, according to the chief. Police did not disclose the extent of the mans injuries. The first thing I want to express is my sincere empathy to the victim and his family. I have reached out and have spoken with the victims family, Pace said. As the investigation into this matter is still open and being conducted by an outside agency, I am extremely limited in what I can say at this time. In his statement, Pace addressed questions from the community about how the pedestrian was involved in a car crash earlier that evening. An audio recording posted online of the pedestrian and a different officer in the aftermath of the original collision showed them disagreeing about towing the vehicle from the scene, police said. The car could not be safely driven due to the crash. It was also allegedly unregistered and uninsured, and the driver was unlicensed, so the vehicle had to be towed by law, according to authorities. The officer whose cruiser struck the victim was responding to a domestic incident from the police station, Pace said in his statement. Our preliminary reports indicate that the officer did not know who the person he struck was until he was briefed by other officers later. Quincy police are now reconstructing the incident, and an investigation will include reviewing Randolph Police Department policies and determining the speed of the cruiser at the time of the crash, according to the chiefs statement. The department will also retain an independent, outside professional to conduct a thorough administrative review of the original collision, the pedestrian crash and all communications and dispatch procedures before, during and after both incidents, the statement said. The results of the investigation are expected to be made public, to the extent the law allows, police noted. We have absolutely no information at this time to indicate that this was anything other than a deeply unfortunate accident, Paces statement said. An oligarch friend of Vladimir Putin and his ex-wife are still embroiled in a divorce dispute years after telling a judge they had settled their differences over his fortune. Wealthy Russian businessman Arkady Rotenberg, a former judo partner of the Russian President, and his ex-wife Natalia began fighting over money in 2014. Mr Justice Moor oversaw private hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Court of Appeal judges also considered issues. By the end of 2017 an agreement had been reached, which Mr Justice Moor approved. Arkady Rotenberg (pictured with Vladimir Putin) and his ex-wife are still embroiled in dispute in a London court - several years after telling a judge that they had settled their differences But litigation subsequently resumed and, on Friday, Mr Justice Moor oversaw the latest in a number of recent hearings. The judge heard the latest stage of the case in private. He said detail of the current issues could not be revealed but said journalists could report the fact that the hearing had taken place and the dispute was continuing. The litigation hit the headlines in early 2018, when Mr Rotenberg failed in a bid to keep his name out of the newspapers. Mr Rotenberg, a long-time acquaintance of Mr Putin, had argued that his name and that of his ex-wife should not feature in media reports because of safety concerns. The wealthy Russian businessman and his ex-wife Natalia began fighting over money in 2014 Journalists disagreed and editors at the Times persuaded judges to rule the pair should be identified. The newspaper won free speech fights in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Four years earlier, Mr Rotenberg had been one of a number of people made the subject of sanctions by European Union ministers. They froze funds and imposed a 'ban on staying' in EU territories against people whose 'actions' threatened the independence of Ukraine. A ruling published by the General Court of the European Union described Mr Rotenberg as a 'long-time acquaintance' of Mr Putin, and cited business activities which undermined the 'territorial integrity' of Ukraine. Around 43 million Americans are under an excessive heat watch and have been told to stay indoors as record-high temperatures are expected to hit the West Coast for Labor Day weekend. Forecasters warned that a dangerous heat wave is headed for much of California, southern Nevada and western Arizona over the next three days, with temperatures soaring to up to 120 degrees. California is bracing for what could be one of its hottest days in history, at a time when the Golden State is already under the grip of dozens of mammoth wildfires which have so far destroyed more than 1.5 million acres. Fears are mounting that respite from the intense heat will be hard to come by as major utilities warn increased energy demand for much-needed air con units will push the power grid to the brink. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Thursday in efforts to conserve the states energy capacity and prevent a repeat of the power outages seen last month when an August heatwave caused rolling blackouts across thousands of homes. Scroll down for video Around 43 million Americans are under an excessive heat watch and have been told to stay indoors as record-high temperatures are expected to hit the West Coast for Labor Day weekend The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for much of the Southwest including Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. Sweltering temperatures are forecast to be 20 to 25 degrees higher than normal, with several areas likely to record their hottest days ever. The heat watches are forecast to start in the valleys and mountains Friday before reaching coastal areas Saturday, according to NWS. Los Angeles is forecast to be one of the hardest-hit regions, with temperatures soaring as high as 120 degrees Sunday, while Phoenix and Las Vegas could see highs of around 117. Hopes of temperatures cooling as night falls are limited, with overnight lows still expected to be in the 70s and 80s in LA. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain told CNBC: 'I am seriously concerned about this heatwave throughout California. 'All-time record highs are plausible in Central Valley [and] across parts of SoCal. Over a million acres are actively burning across NorCal, and we're still in the middle of a pandemic.' The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for much of the Southwest including Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. The map shows temperatures past 110 Monday along the West Coast California is bracing for what could be one of its hottest days in history, with temperatures in LA soaring as high as 120 degrees Sunday. Pictured Friday's forecast as the heat watch begins The California Independent System Operator, which operates California's power supply, has urged residents to conserve electricity from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST each day over the three-day weekend to help prevent the likelihood of rolling blackouts. Power lines in LA n Thursday NWS LA warned residents that 'all daytime outdoor activities should be limited or canceled' as fears grow that a lack of respite from the heat will cost lives. It also warned of 'extreme stress on our power infrastructure [which] may lead to power outages.' The California Independent System Operator, which operates California's power supply, has urged residents to conserve electricity from 3pm to 9pm PST each day over the three-day weekend to help prevent the likelihood of rolling blackouts. It is also asking utilities to postpone maintenance on generating stations so all available power supplies are at the ready. The high temperatures spark concerns about the threat of yet more wildfires, while the state continues to be ravaged by some of the biggest in its history and emergency crews are still grappling to bring them under control. The Golden State is already under the grip of dozens of mammoth wildfires which have so far destroyed more than 1.5 million acres. The LNU fire in August Wildfires spread across California last month as the state suffered an intense heatwave - a heatwave that was less dangerous than the one experts say is on its way A home ravaged and car burnt out by the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire Friday in Boulder Creek Wildfires spread across California last month as the state suffered an intense heatwave - a heatwave that was less dangerous than the one experts say is on its way. More than 875 wildfires ripped through the state sending thousands of residents fleeing their homes before they were destroyed. Two of the wildfires grew to become the second and third largest in the state's history with the LNU Lightning Complex Fire so far burning more than 375,000 acres and the SCU 391,000 acres. The National Guard was activated to help bring the blazes under control and firefighters flew in from Australia and other states as Governor Newsom pleaded for more resources. One month after a massive explosion at a fertilizer storage facility in Beirut, Pope Francis expresses his and the Churchs solidarity with the troubled nation. At the General Audience, 2 September, he calls for a worldwide day of prayer on Friday, 4 September. The following is the English text of the Pope's words. Dear Brothers and Sisters, One month after the tragedy that struck the city of Beirut, my thoughts turn once again to Lebanon and its people, so sorely tried. The priest beside me has brought the Lebanese flag to this Audience. Today, I would repeat the words spoken by Saint John Paul II thirty years ago, at a crucial moment in Lebanons history: Faced with repeated tragedies which each of the lands inhabitants knows, we are aware of the extreme danger that threatens the very existence of the country: Lebanon cannot be abandoned in its solitude (Apostolic Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the situation in Lebanon, 7 September 1989). For over a hundred years, Lebanon has been a country of hope. Even in the darkest periods of its history, the Lebanese people maintained their faith in God and proved capable of making their land a place of tolerance, respect and coexistence unique in that region. How true it is that Lebanon is more than a State: it is a message of freedom and an example of pluralism, both for the East and for the West (ibid.). For the good of the country and the world, we cannot let this legacy be lost. I encourage all Lebanese to persevere in hope and to summon the strength and energy needed to start anew. I ask political and religious leaders to commit themselves with sincerity and openness to the work of rebuilding, setting aside all partisan interests and looking to the common good and the future of the nation. Once again, I ask the international community to support Lebanon and to help it emerge from this grave crisis, without becoming caught up in regional tensions. In a special way, my thoughts turn to the people of Beirut, who have suffered so greatly from the explosion. Brothers and sisters, take courage once more! Let faith and prayer be your strength. Do not abandon your homes and your heritage. Do not abandon the dreams of those who believed in the dawn of a beautiful and prosperous country. Dear bishops, priests, consecrated and lay persons, continue to accompany the faithful. Of you, bishops and priests, I ask apostolic zeal, poverty and austerity. Be poor together with your poor and suffering people. Be the first to give an example of poverty and humility. Help the faithful and your people to rise again and contribute actively to a new rebirth. May all alike foster concord and renewal in the name of the common good and a genuine culture of encounter, peaceful coexistence and fraternity. Fraternity: a word so dear to Saint Francis. May this concord be a source of renewal in the common interest. This will prove a sure basis for the continuity of the Christian presence and your own inestimable contribution to the country, the Arab world and the whole region, in a spirit of fraternity among all the religious traditions present in Lebanon. For this reason, I would ask everyone to join in a universal day of prayer and fasting for Lebanon on Friday next, 4 September. I intend to send my own representative to Lebanon that day to be present with its people: The Secretary of State will go in my name to express my spiritual closeness and solidarity. Let us pray for Lebanon as a whole and for Beirut. And let us demonstrate our closeness by concrete works of charity, as on other similar occasions. I also invite our brothers and sisters of other religious confessions to join in this initiative in whatever way they deem best, but together as one. And now I ask you to entrust to Mary, Our Lady of Harissa, our hopes and our fears. May she sustain all who grieve for their loved ones and instil courage in those who have lost their homes and, with them, a part of their lives! May she intercede with the Lord Jesus so that the Land of Cedars may flourish once again and spread the fragrance of fraternal coexistence throughout the entire Middle East. And now I ask everyone, to the extent it is possible, to stand and pray in silence for Lebanon. St. Louisan here, so Chuck Berry and Nelly. When I was a teen, I wanted to be from North Carolina so I could truly embrace Raise Up by Petey Pablo during karaoke. Reply Thread Link He's a rapist/kidnapper who treated his significant others like trash. Reply Thread Link https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/465481/big-sean-accepts-plea-deal-in-sexual-assault-case "I am please to announce that after further investigation the Niagra County District Attorney's Office decided not to pursue any of the sexual misconduct allegations against Mr. Anderson," Big Sean's lawyer Scott Leemon states to XXLMag.com. "As a result in order to get this entire ordeal behind him Mr. Anderson agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of unlawful imprisonment with a $750 fine," Leemon continues. "Mr. Anderson regrets any misunderstandings that occurred that day and reiterates he did not engage in any type of sexual misconduct." "I am please to announce that after further investigation the Niagra County District Attorney's Office decided not to pursue any of the sexual misconduct allegations against Mr. Anderson," Big Sean's lawyer Scott Leemon states to XXLMag.com."As a result in order to get this entire ordeal behind him Mr. Anderson agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of unlawful imprisonment with a $750 fine," Leemon continues. "Mr. Anderson regrets any misunderstandings that occurred that day and reiterates he did not engage in any type of sexual misconduct." Reply Parent Thread Link Holy shit Reply Parent Thread Link Ill listen later Reply Thread Link To answer the question, I'm from Baltimore, so we pride ourselves on: Billie Holiday, Tupac, Frank Zappa, Cab Calloway, Cass Elliot, Ric Ocasek, Tori Amos, Adam Duritz, All Time Low, and Sisqo, lol Also writer Mitch Allan. He was the singer in the band SR-71, and has written a lot of pop hits for artists like Demi, Jason Derulo, Jonas Brothers, Avril, etc. Reply Thread Link wait you guys feel pride for all time low? Reply Parent Thread Link Younger folks do, lol I'm just naming the acts people bring up. Reply Parent Thread Link No thank you. And I'm from Chicago. Reply Thread Link What is your city/state's greatest musical contribution? Drake for city and Justin Beiber and Avril Lavigne for province. I'm sorry, world. still bop to One Dance though Reply Thread Link "Eminem, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Post Malone, Justin Bieber" What a list of winners. Reply Thread Link Prince Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Reply Thread Link Richard Marx Reply Parent Thread Link As far as music legends, Bob Dylan is from the region I live in now and of course Prince for the state of MN. My personal fav from MN is Atmosphere. Reply Thread Link little richard, otis redding, allman brothers (not technically from my hometown, but they spent a good chunk of time there and were really embedded into the city, plus the deceased members are buried there) Reply Thread Link Probably U2 and Thin Lizzy. Reply Thread Link Ted Nugent, although he later moved to Texas. I couldnt get out of that town fast enough. Reply Thread Link Lol one of my bffs lives in Redford and Nugent being from there makes sense Reply Parent Thread Link Valesca Popozuda tbh. In a more serious note lol theres so many musicians from Rio its impossible to name them all but a few: Tim Maya, Tom Jobim, Chico Buarque. Edited at 2020-09-04 01:51 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I'm Puerto Rican so, if we go by the country as a whole, I have tons of people to choose from. But if we go by town then... lol, me when I sing in the shower. Reply Thread Link Im from Wilkes-Barre, PA which is next to Scranton so I guess The Office theme song? But really I guess Breaking Benjamin is the most famous. Maybe Title Fight if you listen to shoegazey post-hardcore emo. Reply Thread Link Detroit, so the Temptations, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Eminem etc I always kick myself that Ive still never gone to the Hitsville USA museum Reply Thread Link lol i havent gone either oop Reply Parent Thread Link They're building a whole new proper museum for it, it's gonna be great Reply Parent Thread Link I've never been either, but it's on my bucket list Reply Parent Thread Link Pulling questions from the J! Archive, Stacker has set out to test your knowledge of companies from around the world. From rental car companies to wholesale warehouses and tech giants, read on to see if you can guess the identity of these 25 companies. Students of Ewha Womans University hold signs calling for tuition fee refunds at the campus in central Seoul on June 29. / Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki By Lee Hyo-jin Disputes over tuition fee refunds are likely to reignite in universities as many have begun the fall semester with online classes due to the resurgence in COVID-19 infections mainly in Seoul and its metropolitan area. The refunds have been at the center of debate on campuses during the spring semester. Many college students were unhappy with the quality of online classes that replaced face-to-face lectures and demanded universities refund their tuition fees. After experiencing the first week of the fall semester online, Friday, it seems students are still dissatisfied with the quality of the online lectures. "I expected that the university would have come up with measures to improve the quality of classes by upgrading internet servers," said a junior student surnamed Hong at Korea University. "A lot of students have complained about technological errors in the program during the spring semester, but apparently nothing has changed. "A student joint committee has been urging the university for months to cut the tuition fee or provide financial support, but we haven't been offered any type of compensation yet. I am annoyed that another 3.5 million won ($2,940), my tuition fee, might go to waste." In a recent survey by JobKorea, a recruiting site, 91 percent of 2,555 college students wanted a full or partial refund of their fall semester tuition. The main reasons for the demand were the poor quality of online classes and denied access to school facilities such as libraries or laboratories. Regarding the online lectures in the spring semester, only 21 percent were satisfied with the quality. Some 38 percent found the lectures "substandard." Following student complaints about ill-prepared online classes, some universities have introduced "blended learning" for the fall semester. This combines online education material with traditional face-to-face lessons. But students who have experienced blended learning are skeptical of its effectiveness. "I took a blended-learning class last semester, but it was virtually the same as an online class," a third-year student at Sungkyunkwan University said. "Offline lessons took place only two times during the whole semester, for midterm and final exams. "Online classes without interaction between professors and students will never be the same as face-to-face ones. If the university can't provide offline lectures due to the pandemic, it must compensate students in ways such as scholarships or reduced tuition fees." KYODO NEWS - Sep 4, 2020 - 21:00 | World, All A Czech Republic delegation concluded its high-profile visit to Taiwan on Friday, with strong support received from the United States in the face of China's opposition. Before its departure, the delegation led by Senate President Milos Vystrcil attended an economic forum initiated by the American Institute in Taiwan, Washington's de facto embassy in lieu of formal diplomatic ties with Taipei. Participants included Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Taiwan External Trade Development Council Chairman James Huang and representatives of unofficial missions in Taiwan from the European Union and Japan. Speaking at the event, American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen said that as the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the risks of relying too much on a single country or supplier for critical materials, many are evaluating what changes to the global supply chain are necessary. "One thing is certain. Taiwan has demonstrated time and again that it is a reliable partner and a critical player for moving toward a more sustainable global economy," he said. China has strongly opposed the six-day visit of the 89-member Czech delegation to Taiwan, threatening that Vystrcil will "pay a heavy price" for his "short-sighted behavior and political opportunism." Vystrcil is the highest-level Czech politician to visit Taiwan to date. He is also the first parliament speaker of a foreign country to speak at Taiwan's legislature in 45 years and the first sitting legislative speaker of a country that does not have official ties with Taiwan to do so. Vystrcil was accompanied to Taipei by Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib, a strong supporter of Taiwan who scrapped his city's sister-city agreement with Beijing last October over Chinese pressure to recognize the "one China" policy. Hrib the Czech Republic has its own "one-China policy" that is different from Beijing's "one-China principle" in being more flexible "so I think we definitely can visit who we want to visit and it's not a problem or in conflict with anything." Taiwan and China have been governed separately since they split during the civil war in 1949. Beijing, which regards Taiwan as a renegade province, has since then endeavored to bring the self-ruled island into its fold, by force if necessary. Related coverage: "I am a Taiwanese": Czech speaker tells Taiwan assembly, irking China Czech Senate leader holds talks with Taiwan president in Taipei China, Czech Republic exchange protests over Senate top's Taiwan trip A Filipino crew member from the missing livestock ship, Gulf Livestock 1, is seen after being rescued by the Japan Coast Guard off the coast of Japan, in this still image taken from video Sept. 2, 2020. (Japan Coast Guard, 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters/Handout via Reuters TV) Japanese Coastguard Finds Second Survivor From Capsized Cattle Ship TOKYOThe Japanese coastguard said on Friday they had rescued a man they believe to be the second survivor from a ship carrying cattle from New Zealand to China that capsized in stormy weather in the East China Sea. The coastguard said the man was found unconscious about 75 miles north-northwest of Amami Oshima island and transferred to hospital. It did not provide further details about the mans condition. A life jacket and cattle carcass were also collected from the same area, the coastguard said, and the search was continuing for 41 other crew members who remain missing. Three vessels, one airplane and two divers were taking part in the search for the Gulf Livestock 1, which went missing on Wednesday after it sent a distress call as Typhoon Maysak lashed the area with strong winds and heavy seas. A Filipino crew member believed to be onboard Gulf Livestock 1, a cargo ship carrying livestock and dozens of crew members that went missing after issuing a distress signal due to Typhoon Maysak, is rescued by a Japan Coast Guard boat during their search and rescue operation at the East China Sea, to the west of Amami Oshima island in southwestern Japan, on Sept. 2, 2020. (10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters Japan Coast Guard/Handout via Reuters) United Arab Emirates-based Gulf Navigation issued a statement saying the Panamanian-flagged Gulf Livestock 1 was their vessel. Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time, a Gulf Navigation spokesman said. We also express deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board. We are monitoring the situation closely and working closely with those involved in rescue efforts. We pray that there are other survivors. The ship, with a cargo of nearly 6,000 cows, sent a distress call from the west of Amami Oshima island in southwestern Japan on Wednesday as Typhoon Maysak lashed the area with strong winds and heavy seas. Sareno Edvarodo, a 45-year-old chief officer from the Philippines, was rescued on Wednesday night, Japans coastguard said. The crew of 43 was made up of 39 people from the Philippines, two from New Zealand, and two from Australia, the coastguard said. The coastguard quoted Edvarodo as saying the ship lost an engine before it was hit by a wave and capsized. Scientists from Australias University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and its partners in Vietnam are stepping up activities to carry out cooperation projects between the two sides amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. High-tech sea water monitoring system in Phu Yen province. Photo: UTS Rapido Vietnam UTS Rapido Vietnam: Industry 4.0 for sustainable water systems is funded by the Australian Governments Aus4Innovation Innovation Partnership Grants scheme, an initiative of the Australian Government and managed by the CSIRO. The project equips Vietnamese universities and research institutes with the knowledge and tools to capitalise on their research potential, empowering them to produce working prototypes, and in turn making innovative technologies more accessible to the economy particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A key aim of the project is to demonstrate the UTS Rapido model of technology transfer through pilot activities that introduce new technologies to water systems in two different regions of Vietnam. In Xuan Dai bay, the south-central province of Phu Yen, researchers from UTS and Ho Chi Minh University of Technology (HCMUT) have launched a seawater environment monitoring system that employs cutting edge technology in robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and mechatronics. The first of its kind in Vietnam, it is among very few worldwide that can provide real-time offshore environmental measurements in hostile conditions that include saltwater corrosion and seasonal heavy tropical storms. In the Hong (Red) River delta, improved designs for water filtration systems are increasing access to drinking water for households and communities, while UTS researchers and their local industry partners are working with Vietnam National University University of Engineering and Technology (VNU-UET) to integrate sensing technology with the new systems. An automated treatment plant, currently under construction, will bring brand new technology to peri-urban Hanoi and build capacity in local industry, allowing them to manufacture similar systems and tap in to the manufacturing ability of Vietnam. "The delivery of the seawater environment monitoring system and the water filtration systems during this uncertain time strongly proves UTS deep engagement with partners in Vietnam through our joint research centers with VNU-UET in Hanoi and HCMUT in Ho Chi Minh City. Addressing the internationally emerging challenges in ocean environment and in ground water pollution, the project again highlights the unique strength and impact of UTS practice-oriented research not only in Vietnam but globally," said Prof. Ian Burnett, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, UTS. COVID-19 was an entirely unforseen disruption to the project, as it was for the rest of the world. Nonetheless, the nature of the project and its objectives have allowed it to navigate and even take advantage of restrictions and obstacles imposed by the pandemic, finding new ways to collaborate and engage with industry, and fostering independence in the pilot Rapido teams established in Vietnam. Due to international travel bans, teams of researchers from UTS and partners VNU-UET and HCMUT have worked remotely to plan and implement project activities. Teams in Vietnam have also navigated local travel bans and restricted access to project sites, which are located at a distance from the university hubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The impact of the pandemic has meant adapting to a new normal, where timelines and deliverables are reevaluated and, in some cases, reimagined and there have been plenty of opportunities to innovate. The team delivered a virtual technology transfer workshop early on, harnessing the opportunities presented by teleconferencing platforms and social media networks to extend the reach of the training beyond what was initially planned. A new technology transfer unit, HCMUT Rapido, harnessed the research capabilities of HCMUT to develop an IoT-enabled ventilator at the height of the pandemic in Vietnam. This project, the first self-contained project under the new Rapido Vietnam model, demonstrated the agility and user-focus that are characteristic of the Rapido model. The COVID-19 pandemic has produced disastrous economic and public heath outcomes globally. Yet in this case, it has enabled the growth of HCMUT Rapido, which grasped the opportunity to innovate and test their new capabilities. HCMUT Rapido has gone on to deliver additional projects which address the impact of the virus, from online learning tools that demonstrate how Industry 4.0 technologies can help fight COVID-19, to an ATM which caters to people who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic, while adhering to social distancing. The teams behind UTS Rapido Vietnam have effectively adjusted to COVID-19 restrictions and adapted to the new normal, embracing opportunities to find new ways of doing things in both Australia and Vietnam. This success in navigating the pandemic to deliver the aims of the project can be attributed to the deep working relationships between the Australian and Vietnamese partners, built over many years of close collaboration. said Prof. Eryk Dutkiewicz, UTS Chief Investigator. The strong and cooperative relationships that drive UTS Rapido Vietnam leave it exceptionally well-placed to deliver on its aims throughout the ongoing pandemic, as partners work closely to tailor the UTS Rapido model to Vietnam and establish a blueprint for technology transfer that can be applied to the entire country. By working closely with our partners in Vietnam, we are embedding an innovative technology development and transfer model to the countrys technology start-up ecosystem, starting from universities and R&D institutes, said Dr. Diep N. Nguyen, UTS Co-Investigator./.VNA Bachelor in Paradise wrapped up just under a month ago. But ever since, Ciarran Stott's Instagram following has taken a hit with the reality star losing followers daily. According to The Wash Online the 26-year-old has lost on average 353 followers a day. Losing likes: Ever since Bachelor in Paradise wrapped, Ciarran Stott's (pictured) Instagram following has taken a hit with the reality star losing followers daily Ciarran boasted 126,232 followers on August 20, but those numbers have plummeted to 123,764 as of September 2. His largest unfollowing occurred on August 24 with a whopping 595 fans opting not to keep up to date with the cheeky Brit. Other large losses include 308 on August 27 and 285 on August 23. It is unknown what may have caused the dramatic drop in followers, however Ciarran certainly ruffled feathers during his time on the Channel Ten dating show. Mystery: It is unknown what may have caused the dramatic drop in followers, however Ciarran certainly ruffled feathers during his time on the Channel Ten dating show. Pictured: Ciarran and Timm Hanly (right) Ciarran told the Manchester Evening News in April he was convinced he'd get a 'villain' edit on the show and feared his public image would be tarnished when it went to air. 'I think I'll go from the sweetheart of Australia to the bad boy of Australia so that won't be good,' he said. During his time on the show, Ciarran was embroiled in various hook-ups, first with Abbie Chatfield, 25, before moving on to Jessica Brody, 30. When Kiki Morris, 32, arrived in Paradise, he quickly ditched Jess, with revelations coming to the fore that Ciarran and Kiki had met prior to the show and formulated a plan to couple up once she arrived. Girl trouble: During his time on the show, Ciarran was embroiled in various hook-ups, including with Jessica Brody, 30 (left) Moved on: When Kiki Morris, 32, (left) arrived in Paradise, he quickly ditched Jess, with revelations coming to the fore that Ciarran and Kiki had met prior to the show and formulated a plan to couple up once she arrived Matters were complicated by his ex-girlfriend, Renee Barrett, 26, also appearing on the show, and harbouring the belief that she and Ciarran, who had split just over a week prior to filming, would reunite. Ciarran quit the show shortly before the final rose ceremony, taking Kiki with him - only for the pair to split two months later. Then he had fans fuming during the finale after he said he could get back with his Renee, who was dating Matt Whyatt, 'if he wanted'. 'Another said: 'The way Ciarran blindly admitted to treating women as disposable... throw the whole man out', while a third branded the tattooed British lad a 'misogynist'. An Indian Army officer and a special police officer were injured during a gunbattle with terrorists in a village in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district on Friday. During the exchange of fire, one terrorist was also killed, said Indian Army. However, a police officer said two bodies could be seen at the encounter site. The encounter broke out in Yedipora village in Pattan area on Friday morning. According to a report by PTI, security forces were conducting a search operation in the area and they were fired upon, triggering the encounter. The officer was injured in the initial exchange of firing and has been rushed to a local hospital in Srinagar for treatment, reported PTI. Two to three terrorists are still trapped in a house while personnel of the police, army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are engaged in flushing them out. The area has been cordoned off and the encounter is still underway. In the last two weeks, police and the army have launched several operations in the area after the presence of terrorists was reported. On Thursday evening, multiple checking points were established at Kralhar, after specific input regarding the movement of terrorists in Pattan, said Police. During routine checking, three persons moving from Zangam crossing to main market Pattan on National highway Baramulla were observed moving in a suspicious manner. The individuals were challenged by the personnel at naka Aangam crossing as they tried to flee on being challenged from the spot. The security force personnel cordoned and apprehended the fleeing individuals and recovered three grenades from them, a police spokesperson said on Thursday. The arrested men have been identified as Abid Parvaiz of Andergam, Javaid Hassan Ittoo of Goushbugh, and Jan Nissar Khaliq of Chanderhama Pattan. Police said all three were working as overground workers for Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON TV actor Gaurav Chopra has remembered his parents who were battling coronavirus and passed away in the span of 10 days. The actor said that every time he sees their door it feels like someone has stabbed me in the heart. On August 19, his mother succumbed to the virus, 10 days later, his father, a retired government official, died. My mother was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer three-and-a-half years ago. The doctors gave her just four-six months, but the brave lady, whod been a school principal, defied all the odds and was singing, dancing, travelling and celebrating every festival. Cancer couldnt beat her, the coronavirus did. For the first time, I saw her undying spirit dented, the actor told Mumbai Mirror in an interview. The actor had written a heartbreaking note on Instagram, remembering his father, My Hero. My idol. My inspiration. .Will I ever manage to be a millionth of a man that he was ? Dont think so.. The ideal man , the ideal son,the ideal brother, a man who always put family above EVERYTHING else. An ideal father ...it took me 25 years to even come to terms with the fact that all fathers are not like him.. That he was special .. I was blessed..and as his son thats the legacy I have inherited. Gaurav also said that his father never came to know of his mothers death. My mother died while my father was on the ventilator. So, he didnt hear the news. Their last conversations were about each other. For the last three-and-a-half years, my father was taking care of my mother and thats how they left, together. My mother was doing fine till she learnt about dad. The day she stopped speaking to him, her condition deteriorated, day by day, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON City of San Antonio San Antonio appears to be flattening the curve and city officials are urging residents to keep it that way head of the Labor Day weekend. The June-July surge was largely credited to Fourth of July celebrations that took place despite pleas from health officials to avoid large gatherings. Mayor Ron Nirenberg is asking his constituents again to use caution while enjoying the time off. Promising all support to the automobile industry, Union minister on Friday encouraged automakers to introduce flex-fuel engines in India on a large scale to promote alternative fuel in alignment with the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' drive. To encourage alternative fuel, the government has decided to allow automakers meeting certain criteria to set up own fuel pumps, provided they sell green fuel too, Gadkari said, asserting that carmakers could easily introduce flex engines on par with Brazil, the US and Canada if they could leapfrog from BS-IV norms to BS-VI. "Government has taken a decision that the with a worth of more than Rs 250 crore can start their own petrol/diesels pumps but the condition is that they should have alternative fuel pumps also," Road transport minister Gadkari said addressing SIAM's 60th annual convention 2020 - 'Rebuilding the Nation, Responsibly' through video conference. Gadkari, who also holds the MSME portfolio, said the vision was to make the Indian automobile industry number one manufacturing hub in the globe and cut on huge annual crude imports bill to the tune of Rs 7 lakh crore by promoting alternative fuel. Wondering when automakers like BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota and could manufacture flex-engine vehicles for the US, Canada and Brazil, Gadkari asked why couldn't they start production in India. The minister urged industry to come forward in this direction. "We are going to increase the production of biofuel given (there is) surplus foodgrains. I request you all to bring in flex-engine technology which is a proven technology and already your brand are using all these technologies in Brazil, in USA and in Canada. Why are they not starting this in India. Think about it. Only a filter has to be used," the minister said. Alternative fuel like ethanol, methanol, bio diesel, electric and bio CNG besides LNG were the fuel for future and should be promoted, he said and added a roadmap was being readied for fuel policy. "We will try to bring an integrated fuel road map defining phase-wise introduction of different options and supporting infrastructure," he said and reiterated that there were initial hesitations during leapfrog to BS-VI emission norms too but this could be implemented through industry's commitment. Gadkari said the government has fixed the standards for hydrogen fuel cell and electric, and urged automakers to employ the profitability earned through conventional carmaking in research and innovation in this direction too which he said could result in larger exports and employment generation. "We need your cooperation in alternative fuel choices. We have plans to take the ethanol economy from the present Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore," the minister said and added that the government is allowing making of ethanol from surplus rice and foodgrains. Alternative fuel will minimise pollution which is a huge concern, he said. On battery standards for electric vehicles, the minister said: "I want to assure we will not compromise with the quality and standards. We will specify the quality and standards. We will not allow inferior products." The minister also emphasised the need for reducing logistics cost and expressed hope that through multiple steps and laying of 22 green expressways, it will be reduced. "These are difficult times due to COVID-19 pandemic. Tough times do not last, tough people do," he said and added that the government is aware of its impact on automakers but at the same time is committed to fast track recovery from coronavirus outbreak and acknowledged industry's enormous contribution to nation building and creating employment. "Government is keenly interested to support industry, to increase their productivity," he said and urged them to increase exports. He said the government was open to ideas and suggestions from the industry regarding rules and regulations to improve the sector. He said world-class infrastructure creation was going to support automakers and added that Rs 1 lakh crore Delhi-Mumbai expressway was scheduled to complete in two years, reducing the travel time between both the metros to 12 hours. Work is underway on seven other expressways, he said and added that road building pace has reached 30 km a day from only 2 km in 2014. (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.) On the eve of President Donald Trumps visit to Kenosha, where a police shooting and related protests have spurred calls for reform, Wisconsins Republican-controlled Legislature took a pass on swift action. The Legislature on Monday afternoon opened a special session called by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on police accountability and transparency. But in what is known as a skeletal session, there was no debate and most senators were absent. The session will remain open until Thursday, when it could be closed or extended. Evers ordered the session last week after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha in order to take up legislation he introduced in June that would ban no-knock warrants, mandate training on de-escalation techniques and create statewide standards on police use of force. Trump reiterated late Monday his plan to visit Kenosha amid heightened tensions and a week of protests over Blakes shooting. Trump is moving forward with the visit despite Evers request he cancel because it would distract from the citys healing process. Trump had a different view. It may also increase enthusiasm and it could increase love and respect for our country, and thats why Im going because they did a fantastic job, Trump told reporters, referring to National Guard members who were called to respond to Kenoshas civil unrest. Trump isnt planning to meet with Blakes family, who Trump said wanted to have lawyers involved in any conversation. On Monday, seven members of the 23-member Kenosha County Board urged Trump not to cancel his visit. A quiet start Midday on Monday, Reps. Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, and Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva, gaveled in the Assembly, while Senate Chief Clerk Jeff Renk gaveled in the Senate. Few Republicans were present during the session, while a group of Democrats, including the Legislative Black Caucus, addressed media beforehand. Steineke, addressing reporters in front of a darkened Assembly chamber filled with scaffolding for renovations, said meeting in a spur-of-the-moment special session to debate a package of major legislation is just not how it works. He said the bills should go through the normal legislative process, which would involve months of review by lawmakers and committees before possibly going to the floor. He said a new task force created by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, to examine public safety and police policies and standards will instead review the legislation over the coming months and potentially develop other ideas to address police accountability. Steineke, who was appointed chairman of the task force, said it will be composed of a diverse set of participants, with few legislators. Steineke said he anticipates the Legislature would come to the floor by Jan. 1 with a broad package of bills. I think the momentum for change is clearly with us now, and so I want to capitalize on that, Steineke said when asked why Republicans didnt begin the process of developing policing legislation months ago, after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. Evers cites letdown Under state law, the governor has the power to call lawmakers into session, but cannot force them to act and pass legislation. Republican lawmakers did not take action on Monday, just like in other special sessions called by Evers on topics such as gun control and changes to the spring election in response to COVID-19. The people of Wisconsin dont want another task force or more delays they want action and results, and they want it today, not tomorrow or some day months down the road, Evers said in a statement. Its disappointing that theres no sense of urgency from Republicans, and its a letdown to all the people who are asking us to lead. We have been talking about these bills for months, and Republicans have had plenty of time to consider them on the merits. Outcry over racism Black legislators tore into Republicans for not taking action, and said the bills introduced by Evers are just one step in the right direction. Black leaders also called for the Legislature to take up Medicaid expansion and other policies that would help reduce racial disparities within Wisconsins Black community. Blame for Jacob Blakes shooting does not fall at the hand of just one officer, said Rep. Shelia Stubbs, D-Madison. That day, our community was failed by leaders in action, leaders who have long overlooked the systemic injustices in our policing system. They failed us. On policing, Rep. Kalan Haywood, D-Milwaukee, said he believes not all police officers are bad apples, but that just one or two can affect the entire police force. Why is it that when men, women, children, Black and Brown people are being murdered, we dont change policy? Haywood said. Were faced with barriers, excuses, political posturing and every reason in the world why we cant make change. We must address excessive force immediately. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said last week the chamber over the coming months plans to examine the police accountability legislation put forward by Evers, as well as a package of bills by Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, to increase transparency and community involvement in law enforcement. Fitzgerald, however, provided no details on when, if ever, the Senate would meet to pass legislation. Fitzgerald, who is running for Congress, also said he wants to see legislation that would enhance penalties for violence against police, firefighters and emergency responders. Evers highlights The legislation proposed by Evers would, among other things: Establish statewide use-of-force standards for all law enforcement agencies that would allow deadly force only as a last resort. Prohibit discipline of law enforcement officers for reporting violations of the use-of-force policy. Develop a model use-of-force policy. Require eight hours of annual training on use-of-force options and de-escalation techniques. Ban chokeholds. Require the Department of Justice to publish an annual report on use-of-force incidents. Prohibit no-knock search warrants. Wanggaards highlights Wanggaards package of bills doesnt go as far as Evers on use of force. Among other things, it would: Penalize cities and towns for reducing their law enforcement budgets. Create an Independent Use of Force Review Advisory Board that would investigate police use-of-force incidents and make recommendations on how to prevent similar incidents in the future. Require law enforcement agencies to have a policy on use of force. Require the public be involved in selection of police and fire commissioners in Madison and Milwaukee. Require the Department of Justice to publish an annual report on law enforcement use-of-force incidents. Prohibit training in the use of chokeholds. Photos: Scenes from a week of unrest in Kenosha By Express News Service Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule said senior ministers propagating pseudoscience and issuing unscientific statements should be reprimanded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as these comments pull the country backwards. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP and academician Thamizhachi Thangapandian, agreeing with Sule, pointed out that New Education Policy talks about gurukuls and Indian values instead of universal values and described it as the Manusmriti in a new bottle. Sule and Thangapandian were discussing NEP-2020 with Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director, The New Indian Express, and author and senior journalist Kaveree Bamzai in TNIE Expressions, a series of live webcasts with people who matter. Talking about the NEP and the attitude around it, Sule said she would appreciate if the Prime Minister reprimands senior ministers when they pass comments implying that papad can cure corona. When there in an HRD minister propagating something from the Stone Age, I want the PM to reprimand him and say this is not the thinking we should be propagating and that we should keep education away from this (politics), she said. Thangapandian said the NEP looks like a sugarcoated pill whose every component one needs to be wary of. It is the basic right of every child to avail an education based on scientific temper, critical thinking and creativity. The NEP has the Sangh Parivar colour, more than anything. It has left out two important portions suggested by the Kothari Commission. The commission had insisted on universal values, but the NEP emphasises on Indian values. Also, it has insisted on the common school system which provides equality of education to all the students irrespective of their strata. It is against the federalist system of India as it centralises everything, she said. Reply to a question why Indian values cannot be considered as universal even though it is a culmination of so many cultures, Sule said, I have faith in Indian values but not blind faith. What concerns us is when we see senior ministers talking about concepts from the ancient times which have no scientific basis at all. Thangapandian added that generalising Indian values will be a mistake. Indian value is a very broad term. India is proud of its diversity and multicultural regional components. How can you have a single syllabus for the entire country while they all have their individual identities? she asked. One of the most debated issues of the NEP has been the three-language policy which the southern states have been protesting for ages. Coming from Tamil Nadu which has been at the forefront of that protest, Thangapandian pointed out that the state has internalised the two-language system and it does not want to shift to a three-language policy. The two-language formula that was promised to Tamil Nadu should be kept intact. English is the global communication language and that has been accepted. Why should a three-year-old have to undergo the burden of learning three languages? said the writer and poet turned politician. Sule, however, said she had grown up with the three language policy and had no problem with it being implemented. In a state like Maharashtra, the three language policy has worked and we have no problem with it, unlike other states where Hindi is not spoken. When asked if the NEP was uniting or dividing India, both MPs agreed that it was a failure of the government if a universal subject such as an education policy was being considered as having divided India. Widespread Covid-19 vaccines not expected until mid-2021: WHO Reuters : The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety, reports Reuters. None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a "clear signal" of efficacy at the level of at least 50 per cent sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said. Russia granted regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy. US public health officials and Pfizer Inc said on Thursday a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on Nov 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term. "We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva. "This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate. All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added. The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance are leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute shots fairly. The focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers. COVAX aims to procure and deliver 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021, but some countries that have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals, including the United States, have said they will not join. "Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines," Harris said. By PTI KOLKATA: A newborn baby, who was on ventilator support for more than a week after being diagnosed with COVID-19, was discharged from a hospital in Kolkata on Friday following recovery, a doctor treating him said. The baby boy, born to a couple from the Ripon Street area in central Kolkata, was found to be positive for COVID-19 a few days after his birth, he said. The baby, now 42 days old, was admitted to the hospital on August 17 with high fever, breathing trouble as well as urinary tract infection, the doctor said. "The baby was not responding to dopamine (a neurotransmitter that plays several important roles in the brain) and so was put on the ventilator," he added. "The heart was functioning at 35 per cent and needed ventilator support and several drugs," the doctor said. The baby showed slight improvement when immunoglobulin was administered, he said. "Both the lungs were affected. So, we decided to administer steroids and anti-virals, which are actually meant for adults. It was then that the baby started responding well, and finally, the functioning of his heart and lungs stabilised," he said. "He is now absolutely fine but will require some follow-ups. I am so happy after treating him," the doctor said. A group of Syrian asylum seekers have been left on the streets of Madrid after being deported from the UK to Spain, campaigners have said. The 11 men, all of whom recently crossed the English Channel to Britain, were forcibly removed from the UK on a charter flight on Thursday under an EU law called Dublin III, which in some circumstances enables countries to return people to other EU nations where they have already sought asylum, to register a new claim or continue their previous one. However, when they touched down in Spain, the Spanish authorities didnt accept responsibility for them or provide them with any support, according to welfare group SOAS Detainee Support (SDS). In video footage seen by The Independent, one of the men films himself and other Syrian asylum seekers after arriving in Madrid. They are sitting on the ground with tarpaulin bags in broad daylight outside the airport. The man says in Arabic: Look what the UK did to us, they sent us back to Spain and threw us onto the streets. These are the men who have been returned. God help us. Look at us, look at these men who have been left in the street. The Independent understands that a small number of the men were eventually offered a place to stay on Thursday night by members of the public who had heard about their plight. The others, however, are believed to have slept in an abandoned building with no beds, or out on the street. A separate video taken at 10:30pm on Thursday night shows a number of the men sitting on the streets with their bags. The asylum seeker filming it says: Weve been on the street since the morning without food and water. Its 3 September 2020, were on the street. One of the men, who says he has an aunt and cousins in the UK, said he had refused when UK immigration guards said he was being removed to Spain, saying he had an ongoing legal case, but he was placed in handcuffs, accompanied by five officers to the airport and placed on the flight. In a statement to SDS, the man said he and the other deportees one of whom he said was only 17 arrived in Madrid at around 10am and had their deportation stamped by border officials, before being sent outside. We stayed outside the airport till the evening. No food, no water, nothing. We were in the street. We were still there into the evening. Nothing changed. How can a human person stay 12, 24 hours in the street with nothing, no food no water? Theres no humanity in that, he said. Syrian asylum seekers were forced to spend the night on the streets in Madrid hours after UK deportation We didnt all sleep in the same place. I was with four people in an abandoned house. We didnt have beds or mattresses. No furniture, nothing. Five slept in this abandoned house, six on the street. Some people passed by those in the street and laughed and took pictures. The UK authorities told us the Spanish authorities would sort our stuff out for us in Spain. They said they would treat us well. No one there told us anything. Tom Kemp, from SOAS Detainee Support, said: When the Home Office say they are deporting people to functioning asylum systems in Europe, theyre really saying theyll abandon people to destitution on the streets of Madrid. UK and EU governments are playing games with the lives of refugees. And mutual aid groups are struggling to pick up the pieces. Spains interior ministry said anyone could request international protection in the country, both at the border and at any time during their time there. Boris Johnson calls for legal change to 'send away' more asylum seekers amid surge in migrant boats The Home Office said it was under no obligation to monitor the treatment of asylum seekers who have returned to an EU country responsible for their claim. A spokesperson said: Under the Dublin III process, the time and place of the arrival of [Thursdays] flight had been carefully worked through between the UK and Spain by mutual agreement formal requests were made of Spain in advance and they accepted responsibility for the claimants in accordance with the regulations. Any suggestion that the Home Office has not complied with our obligations is incorrect. A travel or identity document is not required for that country to process an individual as the details of those being returned are shared and agreed in advance. Two US men are accused of helping former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn flee Japan last year in a box on a private jet. A judge in the United States on Friday ruled that two Massachusetts men can be legally extradited to Japan to face charges they helped former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn flee the country last year in a box on a private jet. US Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell in Boston rejected the arguments against extradition by US Army Special Forces veteran Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor. The final decision on extradition rests with the US State Department, however. The Taylors lawyers had argued they could not be extradited because the Japanese penal code does not make it a crime to help someone bail jump, and that they could only be charged if Japanese authorities were already pursuing Ghosn pre-escape. But Cabell rejected that argument, saying their conduct literally brings them squarely within the purview of the law, which makes it a crime to harbour or to enable the escape of someone who has committed a crime. Ghosn fled Japan on December 29, 2019, while awaiting trial on charges that he engaged in financial wrongdoing, including by understating his compensation in Nissans financial statements. The former Nissan Motor Co chairman has denied any wrongdoing. He said he fled Japan because he could not expect a fair trial, was subjected to unfair conditions in detention and was barred from meeting his wife under his bail conditions. US prosecutors say the Taylors facilitated one of the most brazen and well-orchestrated escape acts in recent history, allowing Ghosn to flee to Lebanon. The escape flight went first to Turkey, then to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Lawyers for the Taylors did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters news agency on Friday. Prosecutors said the elder Taylor, a private security specialist, and his son received more than $1.3m from Ghosn and his family members for their services. The pair was arrested in May at Japans request and have been held without bail since then. People wearing face masks as a preventive measure are seen at the Merlion Park during Singapore's National Day on 9 August, 2020.(PHOTO: LightRocket via Getty Images) SINGAPORE The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed 48 new COVID-19 cases as of Thursday (3 September) afternoon, bringing the countrys total to 56,908. All the new cases were asymptomatic. Of them, two were cases in the community, five were imported cases and the remaining 41 were cases residing in dormitories. Both cases in the community a permanent resident and a work permit holder are currently unlinked and were picked up as a result of surveillance and screening, even though they are asymptomatic. Cases 57012 and 57022 were detected as a result of Rostered Routine Testing of workers in the construction, marine and process sectors who are living outside the dormitories. Case 57022s serological test result has come back positive, indicating a likely past infection. Epidemiological investigations of the cases are in progress. Overall, the number of new cases in the community has increased, from an average of two cases per day in the week before, to an average of three per day in the past week. The number of unlinked cases in the community has also increased, from an average of one case per day in the week before, to an average of two per day in the past week. Among the five imported cases, three (57026, 57033 and 57034) two Singaporeans and a permanent residents had returned to Singapore from Bangladesh on 31 August, India on 22 August and the UAE on 22 August. Another case (57014) is a long-term visit pass holder who arrived from India on 23 August. The remaining case (57035) is a work permit holder currently employed in Singapore who arrived from the Philippines on 22 August. All of them had been placed on 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival in Singapore, and had been tested while serving their SHN at dedicated facilities. Among the 41 cases residing in dormitories, 22 had been identified earlier as contacts of previous cases, and had already been quarantined to prevent further transmission. They were tested during quarantine to determine their status. Story continues The remaining 19 cases were detected through surveillance testing, such as the bi-weekly Rostered Routine Testing of workers living in dormitories. Besides the polymerase chain reaction test, serological tests have been conduced to determine if some of these cases are current or past infections. The serological test results for 22 cases have come back positive so far, which indicate likely past infections. There were two more clusters identified at Cochrane Lodge II (49 Admiralty Road West) with 14 cases and at Westlite Toh Guan dormitory (18 Toh Guan Road East) with 18 cases. Over 56,000 cases discharged; no patient in ICU With 137 more patients discharged from hospitals or community isolation facilities on Thursday, 56,028 cases or 98.4 per cent of the total have fully recovered from the infection. Most of the 52 hospitalised cases are stable or improving, while none is in critical condition in the intensive care unit. A total of 801 patients with mild symptoms or are clinically well but still test positive are isolated and cared for at community facilities. Apart from 27 patients who have died from COVID-19 complications, 15 others who tested positive for the virus were determined to have died from unrelated causes, including three whose deaths were attributed to a heart attack and another four, whose deaths were attributed to coronary heart disease. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore More Singapore stories: Pritam Singh v PM Lee Hsien Loong: Opposition ward residents are not 'free riders', says WP chief How much reserves is enough? There's no answer, says Lee Hsien Loong Lessons of COVID-19 must be learned to prepare for 'Disease X': Lee Hsien Loong Singapore's COVID-19 response 'not without shortcomings', would have done some things differently in hindsight: Lee Hsien Loong Trump favored to win reelection as protests turn violent, top JP Morgan analyst says Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Shifting public opinion on violent protests for racial justice coupled with the effects of "cancel culture" will likely lead to President Donald Trumps reelection in November, according to a top analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. In a note to clients Monday, Marko Kolanovic, global head of the macro quantitative and derivatives strategy team at J.P. Morgan, said while many investors are prepared for the possibility of a win for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, the current momentum for victory is behind President Trump. We currently believe that momentum in favor of Trump will continue, while most investors are still positioned for a Biden win, Kolanovic wrote. The impact on sectors and factors (momentum vs value, cyclicals vs tech, ESG) could be dramatic and investment portfolios should adjust for a potential Trump reelection. Kolanovics note, which has been cited by a number of finance publications including the Heisenberg Report, pointed to research from Omar Wasow, a politics professor at Princeton, on how the nature of protests can sway elections. In an interview with the New Yorkers Isaac Chotiner in May, published just days after George Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police officers, Wasow explained how violent and nonviolent protests affect political outcomes differently. I would say that nonviolent protests can be very effective if they are able to get media attention, and that there is a very strong relationship between media coverage and public concern about whatever issues those protesters are raising, Wasow said. But there is a conditional effect of violence, and what that means, in practice, is that groups that are the object of state violence are able to get particularly sympathetic pressand a large amount of media coverage. But that is a very hard strategy to maintain, and what we often see is that, when protesters engage in violence, often in a very understandable response to state repression, that tends to work against their cause and interests, and mobilizes or becomes fodder for the opposition to grow its coalition, the professor added. And using the civil rights movement as a case study, Wasow explained why nonviolent protests are so difficult to maintain. He said images of people observing their kinfolk being brutalized on television helped to foment a more militant wing of the civil rights movement which endorsed violence in self-defense, scaring off moderate white supporters who might have initially been sympathetic to their cause. When we observed a wave of violent protests in the mid to late '60s, those white moderates who supported the Democratic Party after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 defected to the Republican Party in 1968. So when the state was employing violence and protesters were the targets of that violence, the strategy worked well, and when protesters engaged in violencewhether or not the state wasthose voters moved to the law-and-order coalition, Wasow said. Applying that same principle to the 2020 elections, Kolanovic said he expects up to a 10-point shift from Biden to Trump as violent protests continue to be documented by journalists online. It is highly likely that social media distribution of videos of looting in Chicago, L.A. and NYC, arson in Minneapolis, Wisconsin, Portland, Seattle, etc. have led to a significant shift in election odds in favor of Republicans, Kolanovic wrote. Furthermore, by doing statistical simulation of the 1968 election, the author [Wasow] concluded that 1968 demonstrations directly resulted in the election of a Republican president. The impact of protest violence on the 2020 elections may be even larger. The reason is the broad online availability of violent footage (everyone can record and share in real time), but also the ability to influence social media to amplify this message (e.g., similar to the social media spread of Wikileaks emails in 2016), he added. Kolanovic also pointed to the impact of cancel culture on voters honesty in polls giving a misleading picture of the true support for the president. A recent survey by CloudResearch showed that approximately 10% of Trump supporters indicated they were unlikely to be honest in phone polls, while only 5% of Biden supporters said the same. "We find that this 'cancel culture' effect could artificially skew polls in favor of Biden by 5-6%," the JP Morgan analyst wrote. Other factors Kolanovic sees as likely to influence the outcome of the election are developments in the coronavirus pandemic, which could improve in the next two months, and the outcome of the presidential debates. The two million Hindus in the United States are a vital and key voting bloc in several swing states this presidential elections, Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said as he told fellow community members that it was their dharma to exercise their franchise. In his virtual key note address at the formal launch of the Hindu Americans for Biden, Krishnamoorthi, who is the three-time Democratic Congressman from Illinois, urged his community members to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his Indian American running mate Kamala Harris on November 3. I feel it is so important to elect Joe Biden because of a Hindu value Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (entire world is a family) a core tenant of Hindus we believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, he said. It is an old saying in Washington DC, which is, if you dont have a seat at the table, youre on the menu. And none of us on this zoom call or our families, or communities, or Hindu Americans as a whole can afford to be on the menu, and neither can our agenda. Thats why its so important that you vote, he said. This year is the most important election of our lifetime before us. In 60 days, on November 3rd, believe it or not, the two million Hindu, Americans in this country will be a vital and key voting bloc in several swing states. Not only Florida, but Virginia and Pennsylvania and Michigan and Wisconsin, and the list goes on and on. It is our duty, indeed it is our dharma to vote, Krishnamoorthi said. Voting is our Dharma, and its at the heart of our society, said Amit Jani, Biden Campaign National AAPI director. Moderating the launch event, Niki Shah, co-state director of New Jersey, South Asians for Biden, said that hate crimes and acts of vandalism have increased in the last three and half years and that it was unacceptable. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under President Donald Trump, hate crimes against Hindus have tripled, Shah said. It is my very strong believe that when we have that phenomenon going on, that we have a president that has an actual plan Biden is going to make sure there are the resources we need to fight hate crimes, said Machmud Makhmudov, policy analyst, Biden For President. Rajesh Patel, spokesperson, Maninagar Swaminarayan Temple Kentucky, gave a brief presentation on the vandalism of the temple. We, as mandir folks, had never experienced anything like this (hate crime at a mandir), he said. Krishnamoorthi said that Biden is a man of faith, a man of principle, and most importantly, hes a man who believes in equality. He believes that everyone should be treated the same with dignity and respect, he said. This is for the first time that two major political parties have made specific outreach efforts towards the Hindu Americans. While the Trump camp has created the Hindu Voices for Trump campaign, Biden camp launched the Hindu Americans for Biden campaign. Hindus for Trump honours contributions by the millions of Americans of Hindu faith. The inclusive economy, commitment to building up US-Indian relations, and fierce support for religious liberties for all is unmatched. Re-electing President Trump will reduce obstacles to religious freedoms for Hindus in America, the Trump Campaign said. President Trump was the one who first recognised the voting potential of Hindu Americans in 2016, when he not only addressed a rally for Hindus in New Jersey, but also his family members visited Hindu temples in key battle ground States like Virginia and Florida. (JNS) The police arent policing and the teachers arent teaching. While many vital services arent functioning, the useless machinery of the bureaucracy grinds on with no one to pay for it. Locked-down businesses dont generate revenues and the unemployed arent a tax base. Tax revenues in New York City fell 46 percent in June. A third of small businesses in the city are likely to shut down for good and sales tax collections are down by a quarter, amounting to $1.2 billion. Statewide, theres a 37 percent drop, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lefties are call... Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith in 'The Matrix'. (Credit: Warner Bros) Hugo Weaving will not reprise the role of Agent Smith in The Matrix 4 after director Lana Wachowski pulled the plug on his return over scheduling concerns. The star told Coming Soon that Wachowski was initially very keen for him to be involved with the belated sequel, once again playing the AI antagonist. Read more: Reeves reveals whether Neo or John Wick would win in a fight Weaving attended a read-through of the script with returning stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss and agreed to come back, despite having some reservations with elements of the story. I loved a lot of it and wasnt sure about other bits, said the 60-year-old star. Ultimately, we talked about it and, when the offer came through to do it from Warners, I said yes the next day and I talked to Lana. Keanu Reeves and Hugo Weaving face each other in a scene from the 1999 movie 'The Matrix'. (Photo by Siemoneit/Sygma via Getty Images) Wachowski was keen for Weaving to film from February this year until May, but this would have conflicted with existing commitments to a National Theatre production of The Visit. The actor suggested he could film his scenes later and negotiations were progressing, but the filmmaker ultimately decided to move in another direction. Read more: Reeves didnt know about trans subtext in The Matrix He said: Lana decided she didnt think it was going to work. So, she pulled the plug on the negotiations. Thats where it ended up. She basically didnt feel that my commitment to the National Theatre was going to fit in with the dates that she had in mind for me. It was a shame in one way that I couldnt be with them all in Berlin, but that was her call. Lana Wachowski attends a screening of 'Jupiter Ascending' on February 4, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images) Wachowski is directing The Matrix 4 solo, without her sister Lilly, and also co-wrote the script with Aleksander Hemon and David Mitchell. The movie began shooting earlier this year, but was forced to hit the pause button in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more: Brad Pitt turned down The Matrix Weaving added: I dont know how theyre going, but, yeah, it would be lovely to be over there to hang out with them all. Story continues Im very fond of Keanu and Carrie. I havent seen them for a while. But I look forward to seeing it. Laurence Fishburne, Keanu Reeves, Hugo Weaving, and Carrie-Anne Moss at the premiere of 'The Matrix Reloaded' in 2003. (Photo by J. Vespa/WireImage) The plot of The Matrix 4 is still completely shrouded in secrecy, though Reeves noted last year that the script is very ambitious, as it should be. Reeves and Moss are due to reprise their roles from the original trilogy, with Jada Pinkett Smith also returning as Niobe. Morpheus actor Laurence Fishburne previously confirmed that he would not be in the new movie. Read more: Matrix 4 will deliver what the fans want Franchise newcomers include Priyanka Chopra, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Neil Patrick Harris and Jonathan Groff. The Matrix 4 is due to be released into cinemas in April 2022. For many men, social images create an understanding of what their bodies should look like to be considered masculine. Credit: Pixabay Unapproved muscle-building drugs are being sold over the internet. These chemicals, called SARMS or selective androgen receptor modulators, are popular in part due to their perceived safety compared to anabolic steroids, but the health risks of these drugs are still widely unknown and potentially serious. Images in society influence our body image Images of bodies surround us in our daily life, in advertising, media, the Twitterverse and dating apps, informing the way we feel and think about our bodies. We come to understand ourselves through the images circulating in our culture and society that define what it means to belong to a particular gender. For many men, social images create an understanding of what their bodies should look like to be considered masculine. Often the dominant ideal, both celebrated and desired, is fat-free, with bulging muscles and well-defined pecs: a celebration of strength and power. Many men strive to embody this idealized image of masculinity, but it's not one everyone can achieve. The difference between men's actual bodies and the cultural ideas about masculinity that may explain the rise of muscle dysmorphia and anabolic steroid abuse. We suggest that more discussion is needed surrounding both masculine body image ideals and the potential dangers of SARMs in our society. Body image standards affect men differently For many sexually diverse men (gay, bi, pansexual, queer, men who have sex with men, etc.), the consequences of not living up to idealized standards for masculine bodies can be toxic, including negative body image and body dissatisfaction. This can influence the way people live, such as eating and exercising. For example, one study noted a small association with social media use and body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms and thoughts about using anabolic steroids. Sexually diverse men have also reported engaging in intensive anaerobic training, the use of protein powders and the use of anabolic steroids to achieve their desire to become muscular. Ethnicity can also intersect with body image for sexually diverse men. In one study, Black, East/Southeast Asian, South Asian, Latino/Brazilian gay and bisexual men report skipping meals, vomiting and taking steroids to achieve bodies that cultural messages and images define as the most masculine. Potential danger Anabolic steroids can be viewed by men with body dissatisfaction as a way to achieve this idolized masculine body. Now SARMs, which are not steroids per se but act in a similar way by increasing muscle mass and strength, are perceived as a safer alternative to steroids and are easily purchased online: A potential danger for those desperate to achieve these hyper-muscular bodies. SARMS have been researched for more than 20 years as treatments for medical conditions including cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and muscle-wasting, but no SARMs are approved by the FDA for any medical condition yet and they are not authorized for use in Canada. In fact, Health Canada released a public health advisory in March 2020 advocating against the use of SARMs, and reported a seizure of various SARMs from stores in Alberta. We know little about the safety and toxicity of these drugs, which is what makes them risky. A 32-year old male recently suffered severe liver injury after taking a SARM for two weeks, suggesting there are indeed health risks. A factor that may have contributed to this case is that recreational steroid users often take much higher doses than what is prescribed for medical patients. SARMs, like other drugs, can have dose-dependent effects. If men are taking high doses to achieve the dominant image of a masculine body, it is likely that their health risks are higher as well. Although SARMs may end up being safe drugs when properly used for medical conditions, there are still major health concerns involved with taking SARMs currently, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues and testosterone suppression. Furthermore, the purity of SARMs bought online is currently highly questionable. What can we do? In light of these safety concerns, the SARMs Control Act of 2019 was introduced to the United States Congress, which seeks to tighten regulatory control over these drugs. This act effectively equates SARMs with anabolic steroids on a regulatory level. This type of regulation is necessary to help contain a drug with health risks and potential for abuse. Thus, we have a storm brewing. On one hand we have unrealistic masculine body image standards for gay men, which promote and even demand the use of anabolic drugs to reach that goal. On the other hand, SARMs promise the idolized body and are easily available over the internet. We need to honestly discuss the dangers of promoting unattainable masculine body image standards for men of all sexual orientations and warn about easily accessible SARMs that may not be safe to use and almost certainly not safe to abuse. Explore further Performance-enhancing drugs sold via the Internet are inaccurately labeled This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The lead attorney representing accused Kenosha, Wisconsin, gunman Kyle Rittenhouse said he resigned his position with a defense fund expected to benefit his 17-year-old client out of concern for the lawyer's troubled financial history. Attorney John Pierce said Friday that he made the move earlier this week to avoid any "appearance of conflict" related to a series of legal disputes in which Pierce and his firm have been accused of defaulting on millions of dollars in obligations to the firms financiers, according to court documents. Pierce, who has repeatedly promoted the #FightBack Foundation fund on Twitter, has vowed to assemble a "Seal Team" of former prosecutors and defenders to assist his client, accused in last week's shooting that left two dead and another wounded during a night of demonstrations following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse, the lawyer has asserted, acted in self defense. So far, donors have poured more than $700,000 into the fund, founded prior to the shooting with a broader mission to "bring lawsuits to stop the left's lies." Pierce and Lin Wood an attorney who first won notoriety representing Richard Jewell, falsely accused in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing are founding members of the foundation. #FightBack Foundation Inc. was incorporated in Texas effective Aug. 12, according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. More: Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, being charged as an adult for shooting 3 people at Kenosha protests 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse is being charged as an adult for shooting three people, two of them fatally, during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Wood, now the foundation's controlling member, said Friday that he had "no concerns" about Pierce's financial issues, saying that they predate the foundation's formation and the attorney's association with Rittenhouse. He also said the foundation was nearing an agreement with an outside counsel as an additional safeguard on the foundation's operation. "If everybody who needed a lawyer was forced to hire a pristine firm, nobody would ever be able to hire a lawyer," Wood said. Story continues Wood, who has also represented Nick Sandmann of Covington Catholic, Herman Cain and John and Patsy Ramsey, said Pierce's resignation from the foundation was related to separating his work as Rittenhouse's attorney from the foundation, which would be reimbursing Pierce and his associates for any fees and expenses related to the criminal case. Pierce and his firm, which has represented President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, have been involved in a series of financial entanglements with funders of the firm Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht. Earlier this year, Pierce acknowledged failing to pay nearly $4 million as part of an agreement with Karish Kapital, which had provided the firm cash advances, according to court documents filed in New York. An attorney for Karish said the judgment has not yet been satisfied, and declined to comment further. A much larger obligation of about $65 million also looms from a separate funder, Virage Capital. Virage declined to comment. Although Pierce generally acknowledged the pressing financial issues, he declined to comment on how he was moving to reconcile them. Since the Kenosha shooting, Pierce said he has been consumed with his work on behalf of Rittenhouse, who has become a cause celebre for some on the right. "Make no mistake, America, nothing less than your God-given right to defend yourself, your family and your country is on trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin," Pierce tweeted early Friday. "Watch closely and hold your government accountable." Trump, when asked about the shooting earlier this week, appeared to support the lawyer's self-defense argument. Referring to cell phone video of the incident, Trump told reporters Monday that Rittenhouse was "trying to get away from them, I guess, it looks like," and said that protesters "violently attacked him." Trump repeatedly noted the shooting remained under investigation but also appeared to embrace Rittenhouse's defense. While he has stepped back from the foundation, Pierce said he would not stop urging people to donate to the suspect's cause. "I don't think there is anything wrong with helping to raise money for a client's defense," he said. He also expected that his work and that of his associates would be reimbursed by the foundation. All of the work for Rittenhouse, he said, would be done under the auspices of a separate firm, apart from the organization linked to the sizeable default claims. "At some point, you still have to pay the rent and keep the lights on," Pierce said. "But for this case, I would live off the land if I had to." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyle Rittenhouse lawyer steps back from #FightBack defense fund 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 A huge fire has torn through an industrial building after a big, big explosion in Kent. Onlookers reported a mushroom cloud and secondary explosion at the scene as firefighters continued to battle the blaze on Friday afternoon. About 200 people have had to be evacuated while emergency services respond to the incident, although the fire is now under control, the fire service said. A former Royal Engineer who lives nearby said it reminded him of gas explosions he saw while working with the Army. Firefighters have been battling a huge blaze at an industrial building in Kent. (PA) Firefighters were called to the scene in Vicarage Lane in Hoo, near Rochester, at 4.30am on Friday, where flames and a plume of black smoke could be seen. The fire has continued to burn and at one point on Friday morning a billowing mushroom cloud of smoke was seen rising up into the sky. Joe Discipline, who lives nearby, said: Around 4/4.30am a huge explosion shook the house and windows. I jumped out of bed to see the sky was orange. There was then a second explosion, just as big, and thats when I started to record. The video, posted to Twitter by @aspireintegrat1, caught just one of several "explosions" that happened during the blaze. After a fresh surge of fire engulfs the building a woman can be heard in the video saying: "That's the fourth time that has happened." Woken up this morning with huge explosions after a chemical factory is on fire in Hoo kent pic.twitter.com/Dm351rzRWd aspire intergrated (@aspireintegrat1) September 4, 2020 As the fire continued, a huge plume of thick black smoke billowed hundreds of feet into the air, prompting the fire service to tell nearby members of the public to close windows and doors. Gas cylinders were involved in the blaze. No casualties have yet been reported, the fire service added. Paul, 60, who chose not to give his second name, lives on St Marys Island, across the River Medway from the fire, where he awoke and watched from around 5am. Story continues I heard cracking and things exploding, so then started to video it then all of a sudden, boom, it was a big, big explosion, the sales manager told PA. Witnesses took to Twitter to post images of the devastating fire (Twitter) I was thinking, is it going to be like Beirut? At the end of the day, you see the mushroom cloud, then there might have been a secondary explosion which was even bigger, so I was just a little bit worried. It was eventful to wake up to, thats for sure. Paul said the the explosion reminded him of gas explosions he had seen while working with the British Army. I was just concerned that nobody was hurt because of that size of explosion, its going to blow a few windows out, thats for sure, he added. Ten fire engines were sent to the scene as firefighters continued to tackle the blaze. Incident commander, group manager Mark Woodward, said: The smoke plume may look daunting, but really its very similar to what you would get in a house fire. The fire is now under control, however we are going to be here for some time. Residents have been warned to stay in their homes and not open any windows until the fire is brought under control. (Luna Frankland/Twitter) A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said earlier: Kent Fire and Rescue Service is at the scene of an industrial building fire on Vicarage Lane in Hoo, near Rochester. Ten fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and crews are working to tackle the blaze. Firefighters are advising the public to avoid the area while the emergency services deal with the incident. Coronavirus: what happened today Click here to sign up to the latest news, advice and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter New Delhi: For the third consecutive day on Thursday, Trinamool Congress organised protests in Kolkata and across West Bengal over the arrest of its MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay in connection with the Rose Valley chit fund scam. Agitated TMC supporters set up road blockades and shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, accusing the Centre of doing personal vendetta politics. The TMC retinue also burnt effigies of PM Modi and Amit Shah. ALSO READ | BJP-Trinamool tussle: My arrest reflects TMC's good performance in Parl, says Sudip Bandopadhyay State minister Sashi Panja led a rally in the central part of the city to protest against "dictatorship" of the Modi government. A day before, several BJP workers had been injured when TMC activists attacked the party headquarters in the city with stones. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Members of the nefarious British Punitive Expedition of 1897 posing proudly with looted Benin artefacts. 04.09.2020 LISTEN The restitution of those cultural objects which our museums and collections, directly or indirectly, possess thanks to the colonial system and are now being demanded, must also not be postponed with cheap arguments and tricks Gert v. Paczensky and Herbert Ganslmayr, Nofretete will nach Hause (1984) We read with great interest an article appearing in the British Telegraph online of 27 August 2020, under the title The British Museum's 'loot' was bought and paid for, says director. Hartwig Fischer, the director of the museum is quoted as saying that the British Museum was not an organisation of looters because most of its artefacts were bought and paid for. Recent events such as the Black Lives Matter and the consequent removal of statues of imperialist and slave-traders in Bristol and elsewhere have put increasing pressure on the museum urging the return of artefacts that were looted, stolen or acquired under dubious circumstances in the colonial and slave periods. Fischer whose attempt at shallow solidarity with the anti-racist movement failed completely for its patent hypocrisy, now tries to fight back the demand for restitution by saying that not all the 13 million artefacts of the Bloomsbury museum were stolen. Did anybody ever assert that all the items in the museum were looted or stolen? Fischer apparently cannot resist to resort to the old tricks and arguments of the universal museums. You ask for a specific object and they raise their hands in alarm, shouting you want to empty our museums. Even Prime Minister David Cameron, during a visit to India where he was asked about restitution of the Koh-i-Noor diamond said he did not support returnism since this would empty British museums. Fischer knows that the usual demands for restitution relate to Asante, Benin, Egyptian, Ethiopian artefacts, and the Parthenon Marbles. The director admits that the Benin artefacts were looted but says that the Egyptian artefacts were acquired as a result of archaeological excavations. He should tell the truth about the Rosetta Stone which the British seized from the French, another imperialist power that had been taking Egyptian artefacts as it wanted without Egyptian consent. The British taking the Rosetta Stone from the French was like a big-time thief stealing from a small-time robber. Whether in Beijing, (China,1860), Magdala, (Ethiopia, 1868), Kumasi, (Gold Coast, Ghana, 1874) or Benin City, (Nigeria, 1897), the looted objects were not paid for even if some of them later on appeared at auctions. The initial sources were looting with violence. Fischer asserts that many of the artefacts were acquired through purchases, auctions, donations, and treasure finds. He adds gifts and exchanges as modes of acquisition which are not disputed. He argues that it is a great simplification to say that the British Museum is a place of loot and stolen goods. The Sarr-Savoy Report (2018) dealt with all the modes of acquisition in the colonial period and quite rightly recommended restitution of objects taken without the consent of the owners. Queen-Mother Idia, Benin, Nigeria, now in British Museum, London, United Kingdom. Like most explanations from the British Museum, the explanations by its director are partial. It is acknowledged that the Benin artefacts were looted in 1897 by British soldiers. But will the museum also mention the burning and killing that took place in Benin? Would visitors be informed of the demands made since 1897 to recover the precious treasures of the Benin Kingdom and British refusal to contemplate restitution? Even as of today, the British and other European museums are only prepared to offer loans of the Benin artefacts to Nigeria? We have expressed our fundamental objections to Nigerians taking loans of the Benin artefacts from the European looters or their successors. Somebody must explain to the Nigerian public why it is better to take a loan of our artefacts from those who looted them instead of their simply returning them. Director Fischer does not mention the Asante gold works that are acknowledged as being among the finest in the world. Some of the works are also in the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as in the Wallace Collection, London. Fischer mentions acquisition of artefacts at auctions. Would he also inform readers and visitors that the British Museum sent an official of the museum, Richard .R. Holmes, to accompany and advise the notorious invading British troops at Maqdala, Ethiopia, on which artefacts were to be looted. Holmes was also provided with sufficient funds to buy Ethiopian artefacts that were auctioned soon after the defeat of Emperor Tewodros who subsequently committed suicide rather that fall into the hands of the invading imperialist army. Holmes bought for the British Museum some 300 manuscripts and other objects that should be still in the venerable museum unless they have been sold or exchanged for other objects. Fischer, for obvious reasons, does not want to talk too much about the Parthenon Marbles which he mentions. He would have had to explain why despite all these years of Greek demands the British Museum has not moved an inch on its pretence to own legally the Greek treasures that were taken by the notorious Lord Elgin, allegedly with the permission of the Ottoman rulers in Greece who signalled their written consent through a firman that no one has ever seen. Britain has refused all attempts at mediation by UNESCO. United Nations and UNESCO have passed many resolutions since 1972 urging the return of cultural property to their countries of origin but these resolutions have fallen on deaf ears of the Western States that continue, without shame, to follow a lawless path. It is depressing to realize that those who often preach the rule of law and human rights seem not to care much for the human rights of others to an independent cultural development and the right to determine freely the location and use of their artefacts. If the British Museum wants to discard its reputation as a citadel of looted and stolen artefacts of others, it should stop trying to advance baseless arguments and justifications for its illegitimate and unjustifiable detention of artefacts of others. It should stop telling African peoples who want to recover their looted treasures that the museum treats seriously its obligations as universal museum. No one appointed the museum to guard objects looted with force from African and Asian peoples imperialist Britain subjugated. Fischer and his staff should ask themselves how their voracious museum acquired the reputation of being the largest holder of stolen goods in the world. A large portion of the 13million artefacts in the British Museum were clearly acquired under colonial rule with all the force at the disposal of the defunct violent British Empire. The British Museum as well as museums such as Musee du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, and Humboldt Forum should finally admit that there is an undeniable fundamental link between slavery, colonialism. looting of artefacts and racism, all underlined by the availability of unlimited military force under the racist European colonial regimes. Invasions of Kumasi, Maqdala, and Benin are clear evidence of the use of force to acquire cultural artefacts of other nations. Western museum directors are from time to time shaken by events such as the cold-blooded murder of George Floyd and may even express sympathy for the deceased and their families. But how many more Floyds must die before the museums take seriously our demands for restitution or understand that the cruel treatment of Africans, African Americans and Asians are motivated by the same ideology that justifies slavery, colonialism, racism and looting of artefacts under colonial regime? The directors of European and Western museums, who are all well-educated persons, should know that we Africans lost at least 15million persons in the nefarious slave-trade and several millions under colonial rule due to massacres, genocides and other indirect methods of extermination such as depriving peoples of access to water sources or driving them from their land or confiscating their property. The blood antiquities which Fischer and others display for the aesthetic contemplation of visitors represent an extremely high price in terms of lives of the deprived peoples. Can Fischer and co understand all this? Bold assertions on methods of acquisitions of artefacts, not supported by any evidence, will not modify or change the traditional historic image of the British Museum as a den of looted artefacts of other peoples conquered by an aggressive Britain as has recently been confirmed by Geoffrey Robertson in his book, Who Owns History?(2019) Honest restitutions coupled with a genuine abandonment of Enlightenment racist prejudices would certainly help to improve the image of the venerable museum in Bloomsbury. Removing the bust of Hans Sloane, the slave-owing founding collector of the British Museum, from one place in the museum to a more visible place does not help much. At a time when statues of slave owners and other notorious characters are being removed or destroyed, such a gesture might even be seen as provocative. Nobody is asking the museums to show the public their hidden busts and statues. Hans Sloane may be important for the history and anthropology of the British Museum, but nobody has demanded the transfer of his bust to a more visible location in the museum. What has been demanded is to return some of the looted artefacts to Benin City, Kumasi, Maqdala, and Beijing. Once again, the British Museum seems to have misread the public demand. Imagine if the museum had, instead of moving Sloanes bust to another part of the museum, declared it was sending the Queen-mother Idia ivory hip mask to Benin City, Nigeria. Would the British Museum accept that a verification team of experts visit the museum to verify and establish the assertion that the British Museum paid for the artefacts now in the museum? This may settle once and for all the debate on the acquisition methods of the museum and perhaps put an end to the generally- held belief that the museum is a haven of looted artefacts. Our contemporary museum directors could signify their abandonment of imperialist ideology and practice by returning some of the millions of looted artefacts lying in their depots which they cannot even display and which they really do not need. The question of restitution of looted artefacts will not go away and the earlier the holders start to restitute a considerable portion of the artefacts, the better for all of us. African-European relations would certainly improve with the resolution of this matter. Present and coming generations will not have the patience that earlier generations seemed to display on a matter that is already hundred years old. We want to see some of the iconic African treasures returned now to their countries of origin so that African peoples may continue their history and learn about their history before the violent incursion of imperialist European States: The looting of Benin City and Maqdala were British war crimes then and now: it should be a matter of national shame that the spoils are still displayed in the British Museum, or in the museum of any other Western country which procured them by purchase from the British Foreign Office. - Geoffrey Robertson ,Who Owns History (p.169) Kwame Opoku. Mumbai, Sep 4 : Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has thrown an open challenge at Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut asking her not to come back to Mumbai. Kangana took to her verified Twitter account on Friday and stated that she would be arriving in Mumbai on the 9th of September and dared anyone to stop her. "I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le (stop me if you can)," tweeted the actress. Kangana's open challenge comes a day after the actress alleged on Twitter that Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has asked her not to come back to Mumbai. "Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?," the actress had tweeted on Thursday. Kangana is currently in her hometown Manali, where she has spent the Covid-19 lockdown with her family. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Andhra Pradesh Government will complete recruitment of the remaining medical posts for COVID 19 within ten days while the State has been spending Rs 10.18 crore per day on the pandemic and the Chief Minister has instructed that Arogya Mitras should handle Aarogyasri Help Desks to create awareness and guide the patients properly. During a review meeting held here on Friday, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was told that the process for recruitment of 30,887 posts in Health Department will be completed in ten days. So far 21,673 posts were filled on contract basis and for the 9,971 regular posts, 4,676 were filled and recruitment is under progress for the remaining 5,295 posts.The State Government has been spending Rs 10.18 crore per day on COVID-19 care of which Rs 4.3 crore is for tests, Rs 1.31 crore on food for patients and Rs 4.57 crore on medicines. The Officials said the State has 138 Covid care hospitals with 37,441 beds of which 2,462 general beds, 11,177 oxygen -supported beds and 2,651 ICU beds are still vacant and available as on Friday. The Chief Minister directed the officials to set up Help Desks with Arogya Mitras at every Aarogyasri network hospital and said Help Desks should also be available at every empanelled hospitals. Implementation of Aarogyasri scheme in network hospitals should be regularly monitored and severe action would be taken against any hospital flouting the norms, he said. ALSO READ: Likely to conduct compartment exams for classes X, XII by Sept-end: CBSE tells SC Arogya Mmitras should have clear understanding on protocol and they should monitor if Arogya Asara (recuperation allowance) amount is being given to patients treated under Arogyasri scheme. They should take regular feedback on the medical services being provided to Covid patients and submit a report. The Chief Minister said that new medical colleges would strengthen the health system in the State and directed officials to take immediate steps for construction of medical colleges and also to focus on construction of urban health centers. The Chief Minister told the officials to give rating to the hospitals by taking feedback from the patients on food, sanitation, Infrastructure and services of the doctors. Feedback, including Aarogya Asara should be taken from Aarogyasri network hospitals and any discrepancy should be rectified immediately. The Chief Minister directed the officials to make mock calls to call centers everyday to check their work and record the response. He directed the officials to intensify the campaign on what should a person do and whom should he call if he is tested positive for Covid-19. Deputy Chief Minister Alla Nani, Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney, Medical and Health Special Chief Secretary Dr KS Jawahar Reddy were among those who were at the review meeting. ALSO READ: NEET, JEE to go ahead as usual, SC rejects plea filed by 6 oppn states The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana in Tema, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has filed his nomination form to contest the flagbearership position of the People's National Convention (PNC). The 2008 parliamentary candidate on the ticket of the PNC in the Ashaiman Constituency was met by several party supporters who were clad in their party colours at the PNC Headquarters in Accra. Mr. Awingobit presented his filing fee of GH20,000 attached to his nomination forms to the party's leadership, who commended him for his commitment to improve the fortunes of the party. Speaking to the media after his submission, Mr. Awingobit called on Ghanaians to give the PNC a chance in the December 7 elections to enjoy unprecedented policies expected to be rolled out by the party when it assumes office. He said the PNC was dedicated to the peace and stability of the country and would play a role to continue to consolidate the democratic gains. He said when he is elected as the flagbearer for the PNC, he would groom more and strong communication teams in the PNC which would help sell the party and move it to the next level. Daily Guide The transport secretary has said he would have a drink with Tony Abbott only after he had checked the record over some of the former prime minister of Australia's controversial comments. Grant Shapps said if he were to be invited to have a drink with Mr Abbott, he would have to check the former Australian leaders history of controversial remarks, which includes his attitude towards women and homosexuality. Speaking to Sky News Kay Burley, Mr Shapps discussed reports the government has been considering giving Mr Abbott a key role in forging post-Brexit trade deals for the UK. It comes after health secretary Matt Hancock defended the idea, telling Ms Burley on Thursday that Mr Abbott has a huge amount of experience in trade. He said he did not think it was true that Mr Abbott was a homophobic misogynist. On Friday, Mr Shapps stressed that no senior trade role had been handed to Mr Abbott amid pressure to drop the proposals. He said: I hate to bring us back to reality but he hasnt been appointed to anything and as far as I know, there havent been any appointments made. There are lots of people with whom their comments I vehemently disagree but Im not defending people who are not actually carrying out any role for the British government. Downing Street has insisted no decisions have been made, but Mr Abbott is reportedly in talks to become joint president of the relaunched Board of Trade. Critics have pointed out the foreign politicians scepticism over climate change and belief that coronavirus restrictions should be done away with. He also caused controversy during a Policy Exchange think tank speech in London this week in which he suggested families should be able to consider allowing elderly relatives with Covid-19 to die by letting nature take its course. Recommended Dozens more lorry parks to be built to cope with Brexit trading chaos Mr Abbott was also accused of misogyny after he questioned whether men having more power than women was necessarily a bad thing and has been labelled a homophobe by some groups after he campaigned strongly against same-sex marriage. Famous LGBT+ figures, including Sir Ian McKellen and Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, have reportedly signed an open letter together with environmental activists to criticise Mr Abbotts record and urge the British government to reconsider appointing him. The letter, reported by ITV News, said: This is a man who described abortion as the easy way out and suggested that men may be by physiology or temperament more adapted to exercise authority or to issue command. Labour has also written to the government and said it would be completely unacceptable to appoint Mr Abbott because of his offensive and outdated views. Leader Keir Starmer said on Thursday that he has "real concerns" about the former prime minister and would not hire him. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also weighed in and said Mr Abbotts views on the coronavirus pandemic are deeply offensive and wrong and he is not fit to be a trade envoy. Boris Johnsons official spokesperson insisted on Thursday that no decision on the trade boards make-up had been made and declined to comment on political debate surrounding Mr Abbott. Additional reporting by PA She has long been an advocate for clean-beauty products, free of toxic chemicals. And Kourtney Kardashian publicly lobbied California Governor Gavin Newsom to ban toxic chemicals in beauty products by signing bill AB 2762. The 41-year-old star took to Twitter on Thursday night in an attempt to reach the Governor and voice her support for the bill. Lending her name: Kourtney Kardashian publicly lobbied California Governor Gavin Newsom to ban toxic chemicals in beauty products by signing bill AB 2762 (pictured in 2017) 'What are toxic chemicals like #mercury and #formaldehyde doing in cosmetics anyways,' she wrote. Adding: '@CAGovernor @GavinNewsom can lead the way by banning these ingredients from personal care products sold in California,' the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star wrote. 'Just like in the EU.' She was sure to add the hashtag '#AB2762,' which is a recent a recent bill, also known as the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, passed by the California state legislature on Sunday. The law would ban the sale of products containing 12 chemicals including mercury, three types of formaldehyde, certain parabens and phthalates, and the fluorinated compounds known as PFAS, beginning in 2025. Get them out: 'What are toxic chemicals like #mercury and #formaldehyde doing in cosmetics anyways,' she wrote to Twitter on Thursday Lead the way: Adding: '@CAGovernor @GavinNewsom can lead the way by banning these ingredients from personal care products sold in California,' the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star wrote. 'Just like in the EU' (Newsom in June 2020) The chemicals, known as the 'Toxic Twelve' are banned from products in the European Union and a total of 40 countries. It is co-sponsored by activist group Environmental Working Group (EWG), Black Women for Wellness, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and CalPIRG. The mother-of-three went to Washington D.C. in 2018 to lobby for the Personal Care Products Safety Act, alongside EWG. That bill, requiring the FDA to regulate beauty and cosmetics products, was introduced by CA Senator Diane Feinstein in March 2019 but has not yet moved through Congress. Consistent support: The mother-of-three went to Washington D.C. in 2018 to lobby for the Personal Care Products Safety Act, alongside EWG Bonding over beauty: Kourtney has long discussed her love for clean beauty and shared her favorite products, including contour sticks from her little sister Kim Kardashian's KKW Beauty line. Her new BFF, TikTok star Addison Rae is also launching a clean beauty, ITEM Beauty 'As a mom, you really take so much interest in the products and its so crazy,' she said at the time according to Well + Good. 'I would get so many baby gifts and a lot of it was products, skin-care products for my kids. And I would use the things that people sent me just assuming these are baby products and that they should be safe.' She then advocated for regulations to product consumers saying 'You shouldnt have to walk around aimlessly asking "Is this okay?" "Is this not okay?" Everybody should have the right to healthy products.' Kourtney has long discussed her love for clean beauty and shared her favorite products, including contour sticks from her little sister Kim Kardashian's KKW Beauty line. Her new BFF, TikTok star Addison Rae is also launching a clean beauty, ITEM Beauty. Upping the ante on the allotment of plots of a heritage dharmasala in the holy town of Puri to a few lodge owners by the Naveen Patnaik government, the BJP on Thursday started an online petition against the move and pushed for its cancellation. The petition on change.org, seeking cancellation of the allotment of Bagala Dharmasala plots by the state government, was launched by partys national spokesperson Sambit Patra and state unit president Sameer Mohanty. Patra, launching the campaign Bagala bachao andolan, said it was unfortunate that the state government wanted to give away part of the dharmasalas land to influential persons for building their lodge. A Jagannath devotee Kanheya Lal Bagala had donated the land of dharmasala in 1905 to cater to the needs of pilgrims and economically backward devotees as thousands of visitors had to suffer due to lack of accommodation in the holy town. As there was a widespread epidemic at that time, a lot of pilgrims had died. The dharmasala served the poor devotees of Lord Jagannath who used to pay a very negligible amount towards their stay. It is quite sad that the building once meant for housing poor devotees is being given away illegally, alleged Patra. Since August last year, the Puri district administration had gone on a demolition spree, razing several mutts, lodges as well as private houses within 75-metre perimeter of the 12th century Jagannath temple over security threat. As part of relief and rehabilitation package to the lodge owners, the Puri district administration had allotted 0.34 acres of land of Bagala Dharmasala to five lodge owners whose lodges were demolished during the beautification drive last year. The BJP, which over last fortnight has been protesting against the move of the state government, said the act has hurt the sentiments of crores of Jagannath devotees and Odias across the world. This callous action by the state government is a huge humiliation for the Jagannath devotees, said BJP state unit chief Sameer Mohanty. The Odisha government in 2018, said the BJP leaders, had brought the dharmasala under the Central-assisted PRASAD scheme for its renovation work and an amount of Rs 21 crore was sanctioned. The India Tourism Development Corporation started the work and spent approximately Rs 3.26 crore for the pile foundation after being allocated a plot near Jagannath temple. However, the state government abruptly stopped the work without any basis. It now seems the work was stopped so that some land of the dharmasala can be given to some BJD leaders, alleged Patra. BJD leader Amar Satpathy, however, dismissed the charges, saying the BJP did not want development of the heritage city of Puri. Puri district administration said there has been no illegality in the allotment of plot as is being claimed. Just 0.34 acres of land of Bagala Dharmasala has been given to private lodge owners who had lost their commercial establishment as per the Relief and Rehabilitation policy approved by the state government. The lodge owners were given options of taking cash or land in lieu of their commercial establishment. Just six persons opted for government land on the Grand Road and accordingly 0.34 acres out of 2.78 acres land of Bagala Dharmasala was allotted to five of them. One of the five persons is a servitor of the temple, said Singh. The dharmasala building is still standing intact, he said. The rehabilitation policy is being executed to ensure the security of the temple, increase in capacity as well as the provision of better quality accommodation for pilgrims so that Puri emerges as a world heritage centre. We should acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by the servitors donating their centuries-old land properties for the cause of the Jagannath temple, he said. The Offaly branch of the Beef Plan Movement has this week called upon the Evaluation Committee of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) to change its position about the proposed meat processing plant in Banagher called Banagher Chilling Ltd. The plant might generate 150 jobs and it was given planning approval by Offaly County Council in July. However, a group of about twenty local people, many of them living in Banagher, objected to the approval, and sent a signed objection to An Bord Pleanala on August 28. The Board will reveal its decision on the matter on January 4 next. Kieran Delaney, Chairman of the Offaly Beef Plan Movement, said his group strongly wants to see the project to be given the green light. When we heard the County Council had given the go-ahead, he said, we were very pleased, but then came the news last week that the IIP is in disagreement with that decision. We are worried that the IIP's position might influence An Bord Pleanala's thinking and the project will be put into a permanent deep freeze. Ireland needs more meat processing plants because at the moment you have a monopoly of big meat factories who are often giving farmers unfair prices for their cattle. More meat plants coming onstream would mean more competition and therefore farmers would be better off. Jobs are also badly needed and the new plant would become one of the major employers in the South Offaly region. Seeing the project being undermined by the IIP is a major disappointment. If this project was to be mothballed it would be a major loss for farmers in the midlands. This week Deputy Carol Nolan called on the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to supply greater detail and clarity as to the reasons why the application for the proposed new meat processing plant in Banagher was rejected. Deputy Nolan said the decision of the Immigrant Investor Programme evaluation committee to deny support to the Banagher Chilling project could lead to a significant chilling effect being generated with respect to future investments within Offaly and indeed the wider midlands region. The proposed 40 million meat plant at Banagher represented a very welcome and much needed opening for job creation and the injection of vital investment funds within the county. Now that this has been thrown into doubt because of the decision of the evaluation committee, there is a real risk that other potential investors will look at this example and reconsider any interest they may have had. She said the project hadwide-ranging and broad support, not just from farmers but also from state bodies such as Bord Bia and Offaly County Council. That represented a level of agreement and collaboration that should be encouraged. The minister must press the evaluation committee, which ultimately determines the outcomes of applications under the Immigrant Investment Programme, to immediately engage with the level of local concern that has been generated by its almost incomprehensible decision. Offaly and indeed the entire midlands cannot afford to let valuable job creation prospects like the Banagher project pass without a fight. We must have answers from the minister and from the committee on why this project has reached the current impasse. One local person campaigning against the plant said it made no sense during our Climate Change era to be opening a facility which would process meat that would then be transported by air to China. It was first announced in the summer of 2019 that a significant expansion Banagher Chilling Ltd was being planned, and the project was being backed by Chinese investors. The expansion, if given the go-ahead, will be the building of ancillary facilities that will enable the slaughtering and processing of beef cattle. It's estimated the plant will process up to 140 cattle per day, primarily for export to China. The ban on Chinese apps is the start of Indias decoupling from the Chinese economy, say defence and warfare experts. Banning the apps, including the popular PUBG Mobile, is the most visible indication of Indias slow decoupling from China, as it has both an emotional and an economic impact. The Government of India on Wednesday banned 118 Chinese apps, including the popular video game Player Unknowns Battlegrounds (PUBG), as tension with the neighbouring country continued to escalate at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). PUBG has over 50 million players in India. Although the move has been well received in general, a section of social media users and PUBG players are criticising the step. But the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is standing firm. It has issued a statement that the move is a safety measure. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace, said the statement. Sneaky cyber route to information PUBG clocks about 13 million daily users, which, according to defence and warfare experts, can lead to a disastrous personal security breach in the present situation. Commodore Shyam Kaushal (Retd.) of the Indian Navy explains how the ban could help prevent transfer of information to the Chinese government. These apps give information about every individual where they are travelling, and other minute data which China can easily use against India, he says, adding that users are prone to exploitation through these apps. The Chinese already have high-end technology and 5G speed, which make it much easier for them to track precise locations and other details, the Commodore explained. So by banning these apps, we have saved our people from exploitation by the Chinese by accessing their information. In a similar move in July, the Indian government had banned 59 apps including the widely used TikTok. Referring to the apps ban, Lieutenant General Harbhajan Singh PVSM, and former Signal officer-in-chief of the Indian Army says This is symbolism which is very important. These apps are very dangerous because the Chinese can put any bug in the software. When you play games on your phone or on various sites, you send millions of messages to those sites and China can track where the messages are coming from, and that can cause harm to an individual and the nation as a whole. A blow to the economy For years, China has supported Pakistan in its terrorism activities, supplying it with intelligence reports, arms and ammunition and satellite facilities. It has also been encroaching into Indian territory. Banning Chinese apps will put pressure on that country, as its trade will be hugely impacted. Trade is a major strength of Chinas economy, and Indias ban of these apps is a major move to hit their economy, says General Singh. Talking about the present situation at the LAC, Commodore Kaushal explains that in such a hostile situation, a country has four possible avenues of action political, diplomatic, economic and military. Political and diplomatic ways have been going on, and now we are using the economic avenue in responding to China. Banning the app is an economic move and will hit their revenue system. This will not ease the situation at the border, but will impact the people of China, he said. The Chinese will lose ads from Indian markets, and the vacuum that Indians will feel will encourage them to develop their own apps, which will generate good domestic revenue and ultimately hit the Chinese market," he elaborates. In addition, banning the apps is the most visible indication of Indias slow decoupling from China, as it has both an emotional and an economic impact. India is a net importer from China, mostly of finished and semi-finished goods. Our exports are low-value items. The Chinese have seen an opportunity to invest and have brought in FDI of about Rs 2 lakh crore. Millions of Indians are influenced by these apps and it affects their everyday working and leisure time, and the ban is therefore a conspicuous and noticeable statement of political intent, notes Rear Admiral Vineet Bakhshi (Retd). The officer adds that the government needs to continue its responses to China. The question is, will India take it further, to the point where it starts impacting importers and industrialists who profit handsomely, at the cost of the Indian industry? he wonders. Betrayal of trust The Galwan Valley incident in June brought home the fact that the Chinese cannot be trusted, whatever their Ambassador, statesmen or spokespersons in Beijing may say. China is apt to act in a manner which suits it in a given moment, irrespective of any treaties, understandings or the International Law. Chinese are not friends and so its time to let them know that India can respond in other than military ways. China will do whatever it takes to expand. We need to stand against it, asserts Lt.Gen. Singh. In some ways, India is witnessing a repeat of history from the 1950s and 60s, when the country failed to anticipate the Chinese perfidy in taking over Tibet and attacking India. The Government needs to make up its mind that China is Enemy Number One. Thereafter, the requisite policies and actions will follow, sums up Rear Adm. Bakhshi. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has testified before the Congress subcommittee and presented the relief aid that they want to discuss on Tuesday. Mnuchin testified before a Congress subcommittee panel and discussed the need a new relief aid that should be delivered before government operations shut down in October. He laid down the programs needed to be given to the public the soonest possible time. Before Congress is set to meet Tuesday next week, Mnuchin stressed the priorities that both the Republicans and the Democrats must find common ground on coronavirus relief for the millions of Americans. The White House has proposed a relief aid worth $1.3 trillion. During the House subcommittee panel hearing, Mnuchin said: "What's more important is... getting money to American workers, American families, kids. There are tremendous areas of agreement, and that's what we should be doing right away." He also asserted that he is willing to sit down and discuss the next round of stimulus bill with Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi anytime and without any conditions. Mnuchin has blamed the opposition as to why the talks of relief aid impasse. But he believes "a bipartisan agreement still should be reached" to deliver further aid to the people. Aside from the stimulus checks that the Trump administration want to deliver, Mnuchin also said that further details on the eviction moratorium will be disclosed. He noted that the guidelines are designed to ensure that millions of tenants across the country will not be thrown out due to the pandemic. It can be remembered that the CDC released a nationwide eviction moratorium through the power given to the agency by the federal government. This recent order protects the tenants who can no longer pay their rent because they lost their jobs amid the global pandemic. Mnuchin has urged Congress to have financial assistance for the tenants across the country. He even said that this action is very significant and will help around 40 million renters across the country. The CDC issued the moratorium to make sure that people will not be homeless and keep them away from crowded living conditions that could worsen the number of infections in the country. "You will see rolled out... specific guidelines that I think you'll appreciate are quite significant on allowing moratoriums for people who certify, that they can't make their rental payments due to coronavirus related issues," the Treasury Secretary said. Meanwhile, the CDC's order will take effect until the end of this year. However, the agency clarified that tenants should also look into the house eviction law in the state where they belong because the CDC's moratorium has its limitation and does not apply to all renters. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows earlier said that he expected a Republican proposal to be put forward "sometime next week." He noted the "biggest stumbling block" in talks over a new relief bill was funding for state and local governments that have slashed budgets amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The White House and the Republican lawmakers expect that the next relief bill for the country's residents, who are financially and economically impacted by the global pandemic, will be discussed in Congress on Tuesday and eventually the bill will be passed. Why does infrastructure matter? Anthony Rowley, a veteran economic commentator, argues that advanced economies neglect infrastructure at their economic, social and strategic peril and risk being overtaken by more infrastructure-conscious emerging economies. Infrastructure is one of the literal "foundations of the future" and those foundations are in serious danger of being undermined or even collapsing in some advanced economies so far as transportation, energy, water, sanitation and other services are concerned. Communications (including digital infrastructure) generally fare better but without more attention to basic physical infrastructure, economic progress will be set back. Foundations of the Future: The Global Battle for Infrastructure seeks to bridge the gap between economic specialists and the general reader on a subject which is of critical importance in terms of the quality of economic and social life, of public safety, security and of environmental sustainability. The book reveals a history of neglect of infrastructure in recent decades by many advanced economies (the United States especially) while key emerging economies (China in particular) have realised the huge potential advantage strategic as well as structural of investing heavily in this key socio-economic sector. Targeted at general readers, economists, financial analysts, engineers, politicians, diplomats, university students, logistics specialists and academics, Foundations of the Future retails for US$38 / 30 (hardcover) and is also available in electronic formats. To order or know more about the book, visit http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/11765. ### About the Author Anthony Rowley is a veteran journalist and commentator on economic and financial affairs, in Asia especially. A former Business Editor and International Finance Editorof the Far Eastern Economic Review, he has also served as Field Editor (Japan) for Oxford Analytica. He was chief external editor of the World Bank's World Development Report on infratructure in 1994 and contributed moe recently to Asian Development Bank rerports on infrastructure. he is the author of several books. About World Scientific Publishing Co. World Scientific Publishing is a leading international independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research and professional communities. World Scientific collaborates with prestigious organisations like the Nobel Foundation and US National Academies Press to bring high quality academic and professional content to researchers and academics worldwide. The company publishes about 600 books and over 140 journals in various fields annually. To find out more about World Scientific, please visit http://www.worldscientific.com. For more information, contact Amanda at heyun@wspc.com. She was discovered in bed by Chicago Fire Department paramedics and police who were called to a home in the 1000 block of North Lockwood Avenue at 12:36 a.m., according to Chicago police. CROWN POINT The Lake County prosecutor's office filed motions to dismiss charges Thursday against a Region doctor and two advanced practice nurses who were accused of illegally prescribing medications. Dr. Geoffrey Onyeukwu, 69, of Gary, and nurses Francis Nwawueze, 58, of Matteson, Illinois, and Akeem Kareem, 48, of Winfield, each was charged in June after an undercover informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration received prescriptions from them between September 2018 and November 2019. The state cannot reach its burden of proof, according to the motions. Attorney John Cantrell, who represents Onyeukwu, said his client did nothing wrong and he was relieved the state decided to dismiss the case. Onyeukwu was accused of not performing a thorough examination before prescribing medications. However, the doctor looks at each patient's previous history and, if appropriate, refills prescriptions, Cantrell said. "That's what doctors do," he said. "I don't know why he was singled out for being a doctor." ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador says it's adding more buses and hiring new teachers for remote learning as children across the province return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Friday July 3, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador says it's adding more buses and hiring new teachers for remote learning as children across the province return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. The province said Thursday the new initiatives are in response to requests by several groups including several teachers unions and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils. Virtual teaching positions will be added to support students who are immunocompromised, or who have a family member at risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and can't attend class. The province said it was also adding 25 guidance counsellors, hiring up to 25 more custodians and hiring 70 substitute teachers on term contracts for specific schools. Newfoundland and Labrador says it's also purchasing 5,000 laptops for every teacher in kindergarten to Grade 12 and 30,000 Chromebooks for all junior high and high school students. The province says additional buses are being deployed to transport every student eligible for school busing. Premier Andrew Furey said in a statement Thursday, "Our province is in a good place for the safe return to school because of the stewardship of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and the many public health measures being implemented." "We have low prevalence and no community transmission. We are taking every measure to ensure students, teachers and staff are safe in schools." This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 3, 2020. Litter-pickers across the land were yesterday urged to mobilise this Friday to tackle the huge surge in Covid rubbish since lockdown measures were eased. It came as the Environment Secretary urged the public to pull together to defeat the menace. George Eustice said the increase in socialising outside had left the nations parks and beaches inundated with rubbish. He called on the great determination of communities to help clean up Britain as he threw his weight behind the Daily Mails Great British September Clean campaign, in conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy, which starts next Friday. Litter-pickers across the land were yesterday urged to mobilise this Friday as part of the Mail's Great British September Clean to tackle the huge surge in Covid rubbish since lockdown measures were eased. Pictured: Florence, nine, and Harrison Parson, five, after a successful pick in Birchfield Park in Yeovil, Somerset The sight of fast food wrappers, empty bottles and face masks strewn across landscapes has become a familiar one since Britons flocked to beauty spots post-lockdown. The Mail is asking the public to help stamp out this surge in Covid litter by taking part in our September Clean. Between next Friday and September 27, we are encouraging everyone to get together and help pick up rubbish. Go with the Flo and stop dropping your masks Litter stars Florence, nine, and Harrison Parsons, seven who have been helping to pick up litter with their friend Connor Roberts, five, in the area around their home in Yeovil , Somerset At just nine, Florence Parsons has already been litter picking for five years. But the young eco warrior says she has never seen her town of Yeovil as messy as it has been since Britain came out of lockdown. Mother Jude Parsons, 44, said: In an hours litter picking we easily pick up between 20 and 40 pieces of PPE, including disposable masks, gloves and even the full plastic visors. Whenever we pass another mask, Florence just goes urgh! Heres another one. 'Shes fed up. Weve even picked up around 15 fabric masks in the last few weeks which people have just ditched. Florence says she wants to be a council worker when she is older so she can sort the problem out. Advertisement Mr Eustice said: Having grown up on a farm, I know the harm that this littering can cause to animals and wildlife but I also know there is great determination within local communities to stamp it out. We have all wanted to spend more time outside in recent months, but we must now all come together to protect our environment. Mr Eustice added that he was concerned by the amount of single-use face masks littering the streets. He said: Face coverings and PPE are playing a vital role in preventing the spread of the virus. Environment Secretary urged the public to pull together to defeat the the huge surge in Covid rubbish since lockdown measures were eased 'It is incumbent on us all to make sure these are binned properly, and it is concerning to see an anti-social minority forget this or wilfully ignore their impact on their community. How we can all help out The Mail and Keep Britain Tidy are encouraging the public and businesses to help pick up litter between September 11 and September 27. To comply with coronavirus guidelines, stick to small groups of up to six, observe social distancing rules and use litter pickers and thick gloves where possible. Volunteers should also wash their hands thoroughly before and after clean-ups and carry hand sanitiser if possible. You should only pick up what you can store in your home bin unless you have arranged with your council to collect full bags. Litter should be tied up in strong waste sacks. Everyone is welcome to get involved in the Great British September Clean and there are no age restrictions on who can help out. However individuals who are currently shielding, in at risk groups or displaying symptoms of the coronavirus should not litter-pick and follow government guidelines to self-isolate. You can get involved in the countrys biggest mass clean-up in two ways: 1. Pledge to pick. Whether its only 15 minutes while you walk the dog, or while you get away from your home office for a leg stretch, you can feel good about taking care of the environment. 2. Host a clean-up with up to five other people from your household or social bubble, maintaining a safe distance. Afterwards, share your message of support on social media and encourage others to get involved in the Great British September Clean. Visit keepbritaintidy.org/ gbseptemberclean to pledge to pick or register and to find advice about organising a safe clean-up. Advertisement Councils now have the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up to 150 for littering, but we all need to play our part in looking after our environment and keeping our streets and green spaces free from this unnecessary blight. Keep Britain Tidy also voiced its concern over the nations littering habits since lockdown. Deputy chief executive Richard McIlwain called on Mail readers to get involved in the clean-up, adding: We need people to understand the impact their littering behaviour has, on people and on our environment, as well as the massive costs involved in cleaning up after them. It is so important that people do their bit and pledge to pick for the Great British September Clean, not only to help rid our country of the litter that blights it but also to send a clear message to the minority that leave their rubbish behind that their behaviour is thoughtless, selfish and unacceptable. Environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage said coronavirus had caused a new wave of pollution, with an explosion of plastics and masks on beaches and in rivers. It said many businesses had been relying on single-use plastics to deal with the pandemic. Strict hygiene regulations during the pandemic have also led to a spike in Covid litter. Britons are using wet wipes, face masks and bottles of antibacterial gel to keep themselves protected from the virus. But the single-use materials are being left strewn on beaches and in parks and waterways. Surfers Against Sewage spokesman Jack Middleton said: Since lockdown has started to be lifted weve witnessed a new wave of plastic pollution littering our beaches. 'Were used to seeing plastic bottles and bags when were surfing but this new type of plastic pollution is something that no-one could have foreseen. The Government says it is committed to reducing single-use plastics, and is looking at whether PPE can be reused safely. The Great British September Clean is encouraging everyone to hit the streets, parks and beaches in the fight against litter. The Mail has mounted many successful environmental campaigns. This newspapers Turn the Tide on Plastic, Be a Tree Angel, and Curb the Cups movements have helped bring real change to Britains landscapes by winning the war on waste. We also successfully pressed for the plastic bag levy that has slashed the number going to landfill by billions. Jaguar Land Rover will ask its 38,000 staff to join the annual Great British September Clean By XANTHA LEATHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL The countrys biggest car maker is preparing to join the Great British September Clean. Jaguar Land Rover pledged earlier in the year that its huge workforce would take part in the annual litter pick. The clean-up had to be postponed for several months due to the pandemic but is now back on track. Jaguar Land Rover will ask its 38,000 employees to get involved in keeping their local environment clean, either individually or in small groups with family and friends. Jaguar Land Rover will ask its 38,000 employees to get involved in keeping their local environment clean as part of the Great British September Clean It will send out internal messages to all staff encouraging them to do their bit even if it is just for 15 minutes and to spread the word about the campaign as widely as possible. The Great British September Clean doesnt officially start until September 11 but some have already rolled up their sleeves. Adrian Price, the firms Solihull plant operations director, was joined by colleagues yesterday to pick up litter at the start of the working day. He said: Having a positive impact on the communities we are a part of is integral to Jaguar Land Rovers destination zero mission our ambition to make our societies safer and our environment cleaner. Jaguar Land Rover pledged earlier in the year that its huge workforce would take part in the annual litter pick Were delighted to take part in the Great British September Clean and Im really proud of the contribution and positive impact our colleagues can make. Earlier this year the companys chief executive, Sir Ralf Speth, said his colleagues could make a real difference by joining in. The campaign, organised by Keep Britain Tidy and backed by the Daily Mail, has been endorsed by Boris Johnson, the National Trust and even the Wombles of Wimbledon Common. Earlier this year more than a million pledged to take part in the Spring Clean a record-breaking number before it was postponed. "Every year, the CSL Corporate Sustainability Report informs our customers, employees and partners on our efforts to improve the environmental and social impacts of our activities and tells the story of CSL's deeply rooted values and commitment to a sustainable global economy," said Louis Martel, President and CEO of The CSL Group. "In 2019, as the shipping industry and CSL continued to modernize and change, we doubled up on our resolve to make sustainability a core driver in our transformation. The way we see it, being socially responsible is good for people, for the planet and for our business." Notable highlights of the 2019 report include: CSL delivered six vessels and began four newbuild and conversion projects. A 3.8 percent reduction in gCO2eq/tonne-nm was achieved for loaded voyages compared to 2018. A wind technology R&D project was launched, and testing was conducted on fuel additive, biofuels and robotic hull cleaning. Ballast treatment systems and oily water discharge protection units were installed in the fleet. An ambitious digital transformation strategy was launched to enhance the customer experience and improve the efficiency and sustainability of the business. CSL was named one of Montreal's Top employers in 2019 and launched a series of initiatives to foster employee engagement and empowerment. Top employers in 2019 and launched a series of initiatives to foster employee engagement and empowerment. CSL donated $540,000 to Georgian College for a state-of the-art simulator and additionally donated approximately 1 percent of total net profit to charitable organizations. The 2019 Report was prepared using the Global Reporting Initiative's G4 Sustainability Guidelines as a reference. The areas in which the report aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were also noted. Click here to read or download the 2019 CSL Corporate Sustainability Report or visit the CSL website at www.cslships.com. Printed copies of the report are available upon request at [email protected] . The CSL Group is the largest owner and operator of self-unloading ships in the world. Headquartered in Montreal with regional operations in the Americas, Australia, Europe and Asia, CSL delivers millions of tonnes of cargo annually for customers in the construction, steel, energy and agri-food sectors. SOURCE The CSL Group Inc. For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Brigitte Hebert, Director, Communications, 514-982-3854, [email protected] Related Links http://www.csl.ca AGI AGI - Espulsi dall'Italia non possono lasciare il Paese perche privi di vaccino e di super green pass. E la storia di 13 migranti, tra cui gambiani e senegalesi, tutti uomini, che sono rimasti a Siracusa e da giorni, per ripararsi, si sono accampati dentro un parcheggio coperto, a Ortigia, nel suggestivo centro storico della citta. Della vicenda e stato informato il Comune di Siracusa che, grazie a un'associazione di Protezione civile, ha allestito una tendopoli in un'area parcheggio in via Augu File image: Nitin Gadkari Promising all support to the automobile industry, Union minister Nitin Gadkari on September 4 encouraged automakers to introduce flex-fuel engines in India on a large scale to promote alternative fuel in alignment with the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' drive. To encourage alternative fuel, the government has decided to allow automakers meeting certain criteria to set up own fuel pumps, provided they sell green fuel too, Gadkari said, asserting that carmakers could easily introduce flex engines on par with Brazil, the US and Canada if they could leapfrog from BS-IV norms to BS-VI. "Government has taken a decision that the companies with a worth of more than Rs 250 crore can start their own petrol/diesels pumps but the condition is that they should have alternative fuel pumps also," Road transport minister Gadkari said addressing SIAM's 60th annual convention 2020 'Rebuilding the Nation, Responsibly' through video conference. Gadkari, who also holds the MSME portfolio, said the vision was to make the Indian automobile industry number one manufacturing hub in the globe and cut on huge annual crude imports bill to the tune of Rs 7 lakh crore by promoting alternative fuel. Wondering when automakers like BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota and Suzuki could manufacture flex-engine vehicles for the US, Canada and Brazil, Gadkari asked why couldn't they start production in India. The minister urged industry to come forward in this direction. "We are going to increase the production of biofuel given (there is) surplus foodgrains. I request you all to bring in flex-engine technology which is a proven technology and already your brand companies are using all these technologies in Brazil, in USA and in Canada. Why are they not starting this in India. Think about it. Only a filter has to be used," the minister said. Alternative fuel like ethanol, methanol, bio diesel, electric and bio CNG besides LNG were the fuel for future and should be promoted, he said and added a roadmap was being readied for fuel policy. "We will try to bring an integrated fuel road map defining phase-wise introduction of different options and supporting infrastructure," he said and reiterated that there were initial hesitations during leapfrog to BS-VI emission norms too but this could be implemented through industry's commitment. Gadkari said the government has fixed the standards for hydrogen fuel cell and electric, and urged automakers to employ the profitability earned through conventional carmaking in research and innovation in this direction too which he said could result in larger exports and employment generation. "We need your cooperation in alternative fuel choices. We have plans to take the ethanol economy from the present Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore," the minister said and added that the government is allowing making of ethanol from surplus rice and foodgrains. Alternative fuel will minimise pollution which is a huge concern, he said. On battery standards for electric vehicles, the minister said: "I want to assure we will not compromise with the quality and standards. We will specify the quality and standards. We will not allow inferior products." The minister also emphasised the need for reducing logistics cost and expressed hope that through multiple steps and laying of 22 green expressways, it will be reduced. "These are difficult times due to COVID-19 pandemic. Tough times do not last, tough people do," he said and added that the government is aware of its impact on automakers but at the same time is committed to fast track recovery from coronavirus outbreak and acknowledged industry's enormous contribution to nation building and creating employment. "Government is keenly interested to support industry, to increase their productivity," he said and urged them to increase exports. He said the government was open to ideas and suggestions from the industry regarding rules and regulations to improve the sector. He said world-class infrastructure creation was going to support automakers and added that Rs 1 lakh crore Delhi-Mumbai expressway was scheduled to complete in two years, reducing the travel time between both the metros to 12 hours. Work is underway on seven other expressways, he said and added that road building pace has reached 30 km a day from only 2 km in 2014. New Delhi: A CISF official on Thursday allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself from his service revolver at a Delhi Metro station . The incident was reported at around 4.30 PM from Kalkaji station when Sub-Inspector Bhagat Singh allegedly shot himself inside the CCTV control room, officials said. Senior CISF and police officers soon reached the spot and the paramilitary has ordered a Court of Inquiry into the incident, they said. Singh, who joined the force in 2012, was a married man and and hailed from Agra, the officials said. On Friday, a team of Russian scientists published the first report on their Covid-19 vaccine, which had been roundly criticized because of President Vladimir Putins decision last month to approve it before clinical trials had proved it safe and effective. In a small group of volunteers, the scientists found that the vaccine produced a modest level of antibodies against the coronavirus, while causing only mild side effects. The research has not yet shown, however, whether people who are vaccinated are less likely to become infected than those who are not. In August, Mr. Putin announced with great fanfare that the vaccine called Sputnik V works effectively enough to be approved. He declared its approval to be a very important step for our country, and generally for the whole world. But vaccine developers denounced the decision, observing that no data had been published on the vaccine. In addition, the critics pointed out, the Russian scientists had yet to run a large trial of tens of thousands of people, which is required to demonstrate that a vaccine works. John David Washington, left, and Robert Pattinson in the movie "Tenet." (Melinda Sue Gordon/Warner Bros.) Like many of Christopher Nolans films, Tenet centers on a supposition that comes out of real science. Where Interstellar looked at wormholes and time travel, Tenet questions whether its possible to invert the entropy of an object or a human to allow it to move backward through time. In writing Tenet, Nolan took some suggestions from physicist Nobel laureate Kip Thorne, who also advised on Interstellar, but ultimately the filmmaker decided to forgo some elements of reality. I did have Kip Thorne read the script and he helped me out with some of the concepts, though were not going to make any case for this being scientifically accurate, Nolan noted in the films press notes. But it is based roughly on actual science. To find out how much science is behind the action of Tenet, we enlisted professor Claudia De Rham, a theoretical physicist from Imperial College London, to discuss some of the key plot points and break down whether well ever live in a world where time inversion is possible. Warning: Major plot spoilers ahead. If you havent yet seen Tenet (and most of us haven't!), we suggest reading this review or this piece on some eager fans instead. And come back when youve seen it. What did you think of Tenet? I like a good science fiction movie and I like a good action movie. For me, it was a little bit too much of the science fiction being an excuse for action and setting scenes. It was trying to be clever without really being clever. Its science fiction, so I understand: We want to make a movie and we dont need it to be physically possible. I can accept that, but it was maybe a little bit too much for me the plot didnt quite make sense. It was harder for me to appreciate it as much as other movies of the same style. Overall, how does the science hold up? There is some element of physics. There is some element of science. Its trying a little bit. Compared to previous movies, like Interstellar, the gap is maybe bigger. Its far less grounded into physics. There are a lot of times where they use science jargon and its just jargon with no content. If you look at Interstellar and other movies like that, theres a little bit more depth. Not everything is completely wrong. It is true that you think your clock is ticking, that the way you feel time is evolving. This is related to the notion of entropy and its not necessarily incorrect to say that if you could reverse or invert your entropy maybe you could think of things going backwards in time. That element you can accept. But the consequences were not at all explored in a way that made sense. Story continues On a basic level, what is entropy? Entropy is the measure of the level of order or the level of information. Theres a really fundamental law in physics telling us that entropy always increases. On average, things get more and more disorganized. Thats why we grow older our body gets slowly more and more disorganized. Thats why its much easier to destroy something than to construct something. At the physical level, if you have a box and you put some gas in it, the gas will start taking up the whole space. It will spread and get more and more disorganized. When entropy increases, it means things are becoming less and less organized. If you have an object, like a bullet, is it possible to invert its entropy? A fridge, for instance, is a device where you lower the entropy so that things are cooler when things are cooler they have less entropy. If you think of ice, its cooler and static and well organized. When you heat it up, the entropy increases and it becomes liquid and then it becomes a gas and it becomes less organized. A fridge or a freezer inverts it for you. So we know that its very possible to have devices that reverse the entropy. But it doesnt mean that time goes the other way in your fridge. When I put food in my fridge it doesnt get fresher and fresher every day. But its definitely possible to have a device that decreases the entropy of an object. The connection with having the internal clock of that object going backwards is a little bit of an extrapolation. But thats part of the poetry, right? Thats the fiction in the science fiction. In the press notes for the film, Nolan says that all laws of physics are symmetrical except for entropy. Is that true? Thats mostly true. For most laws of physics, theres a time symmetry. Anything that can move forwards, you can think of it moving backwards. Entropy is the only thing we experience so we associate it with the way we experience time in one direction. As a whole, entropy always increases as opposed to decreasing. So you can imagine an alternate world where entropy always decreases and everything goes the other way as opposed to us. People in the alternate world would be living the other way. Thats fine by itself, but when you start making the interaction and making contact with that world then it doesnt make sense from a physical point of view. If a person could move backward through time, would they be unable to breathe normal air? The way you breathe is that you have a balance between the oxygen in your lungs and that in your body. Its true that if you have time going backwards you want the inverse process to happen as well. So it is true, I think, that you would need to bring your own air with you. So if you want to move backwards in time youd need to take your air with you, but youd also need to take everything else with you. The way you see an object, or someone else, you have the light coming from the sun, hitting that object and then coming back at you. You see the object because the light hit the object and then it hit your eye. But if you are immersed in what you think is a backwards world and you havent taken all light with you, then you would have the impression that first light comes out of your eye, hits the object and then hits the sun. So you wouldnt see the object. You would just see the light first. So moving backward through time would be a real struggle. It would be a struggle. While it is true that you would need to take your air with you, you would need to take so much more with you. Like the car. He goes backwards, but the car didnt go through the machine and the car is moving backwards with him. He would need to take the car with him [through the device]. Kenneth Branagh in the movie "Tenet." (Melissa Sue Gordon/Warner Bros.) And if there was an explosion while you were moving backward, like in the car chase scene, would that result in ice rather than fire? Thats absolutely not what would happen. Its like saying, If something was white it would become black. Its not like everything becomes the opposite of each other. The reason we feel heat is because molecules in the air hit a surface. Thats what we feel, the constant hitting of particles on us. If [the molecules] time went backwards with respect to us they would hit the other way, but they would still hit. We would still feel them hitting and we would still feel this notion of heat. Did you find it believable when Robert Pattinsons character says he has a degree in physics? What he was saying was random words. It was radiation and positron with no real content. The only real word he was saying was entropy, but he wasnt explaining anything. He says he has a master's in theoretical physics. Its not much to have a master's in theoretical physics. Dont say that to him, but having a master's in theoretical physics doesnt mean you understand everything in the world. When his character mentions the parallel worlds theory what does he mean? Every time you make a decision or anything happens, like you wake up in the morning and you decide if youre going to have tea or coffee, you can imagine that theres a continuum of parallel worlds. In each one of them a particular reality takes place. You decide here to take a coffee this morning, but in another world you decide to take a tea, and in another world you decide to wake up five minutes late. With every single physical process and interaction, whatever can happen happens, and theres a multiple of worlds with every possible realization that enters. When hes talking about multiple worlds thats what he has in mind that the reality we are in has something happen here, but theres another reality where something else may have happened. And maybe theres a connection between the two if you go back in time or invert time. If you change the decision you made, maybe you shift into a different parallel reality. At some point in the movie they want to explore this possibility, but at the end their conclusion is What happened, happened. That theres just one reality and theres no way to change it: This is the reality we are in and its fixed. In general, is time travel a scientific possibility? One should explore it, but we know that its impossible. In this particular case, they may call it time travel, but what they have in mind is just inverting your entropy. Inverting your notion of time and using that as a device. So there is that notion, or there is the notion of more closed time curves where you go back in time to any other point in your past or future and you can do that multiple times. It depends on what nature will fundamentally be. Our understanding of everything at the moment is going against all of that. The structure of the world and the way we understand time and the way we understand what everything is made out of and how its connecting with one another, it would not make sense if it was possible to imagine going backwards in time. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Bangladesh: 25 Bangladeshis return home from Indian jail September 04,2020 | Source: The Daily Star The 25 Bangladeshis, who were detained by Assam police for violating their tourist visa conditions, returned home today. They returned following an order by an Indian court on Saturday, said SM Abraham Lincoln, a public prosecutor in Kurigram court and also convener of the Bangladesh-India Border Victim Rescue Committee. All 25 Bangladeshis are residents of Beparipara village under Ramna union at Chilmari upazila in Kurigram, he said. They arrived at Bangladesh's Burimari check post in Lalmonirhat around 2:30 pm from India's Changrabandha check post in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, reports our Lalmonirhat correspondent. They were received by relatives at the zero Line of Burimari-Changrabandha border. Sub Inspector (SI) Anwar Hossain, in-charge of immigration police at Burimari check post, said that the Indian immigration police handed over the 25 Bangladeshi nationals to the Bangladesh immigration police after scrutinising documents at the Changrabandha check post in India. "After processing all the documents as per the official rules, we have handed over 25 Bangladeshi nationals to their relatives," he said. Alam Hossain, one of the returnees said, "I am very happy to be back in the country after about eight months. It's nice to see relatives and family members up close. I went to India legally on a tourist visa in December last year. I used to go to India and work on a farm there with the help of my relatives," he added. Manik Miah, another Bangladeshi who returned today, said that he is very happy to come back to his motherland. "I also went to India on a tourist visa in January," he said. Public Prosecutor Abraham Lincoln also said that the Indian prosecution agreed to call off the case -- under the violation of visa rules filed against the 25 Bangladeshis -- following the request of Bangladesh government. In this context, after hearing the lawyers of all the parties, the judge of the Dhubri court acquitted the 25 Bangladeshis, he said. Twenty-six fishermen from Chilmari's Ramna union went to India with valid passports and visas, from December 2019 to February 2020. When they entered India, the country's sudden lockdown put them in a difficult position. They were trying to get to the border to return to Bangladesh on May 2 when they were arrested by India's Dhubri district police of Assam. After coronavirus tests, they were sent for institutional quarantine. When their visa expired, Indian police arrested them and sent them to jail. One of the 26 Bangladeshis -- Bokul Miah -- died in the Indian jail on July 1. Four days later, his body was sent back to Bangladesh. By Express News Service THANJAVUR: The Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Department of Water Resources has replied in Hindi to an RTI query by the Cauvery Rights Retrieval Committee (CRRC). The coordinator of the committee and Tamil nationalist leader P Maniyarasan took strong exception to the reply in Hindi. The outfit had sought to know the quantum of water released by Karnataka. He said he had sent a letter with eight questions under the Right to Information Act (RTI) on whether the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) have been constituted according to the orders of the Supreme Court and whether Karnataka had released the prescribed quantum of water for June-July. The RTI reply in Hindi ALSO READ | How much more people of other languages should sacrifice for not knowing Hindi, asks HD Kumaraswamy The two replies received for the queries are in Hindi, he said, adding in Tamil Nadu, Hindi is neither the medium of instructions nor the official language of the state. In Tamil Nadu, Tamil and English are the official languages. As per the amendments made to the Official languages Act 1963, English continues to be the language of correspondence between the Union and State governments. Replying in Hindi to the RTI query sent from Tamil Nadu is against the law. This is against the provisions of the Constitution, Indian Official Languages Act, and Tamil Nadu Official Languages Act. Answering a question concerning the livelihood of crores of people in a language not known by the applicant is highly condemnable. The Union Government led by Narendra Modi has been imposing Hindi on the state in a planned manner, he said. ALSO READ | You Tamilians are breaking this country: Vetrimaaran shares humiliating experience at Delhi airport for not knowing Hindi Recently, some participants from Tamil Nadu were told to leave a webinar which was conducted in Hindi by the Ayush Ministry. And before that, Maniyarasan said, MP Kanimozhi was insulted by a CISF personnel at an airport for not knowing Hindi. Maniyarasan said he had sent a protest letter to Jal Sakti Ministry and also urged the State Government to take up issues of Hindi imposition with the Union government. Seven out of eight states and territories want domestic borders down by December as part of a new 'road map' to recovery from coronavirus restrictions. But Western Australia, which has had no community transmission for 146 days, has refused to take part. The prime minister and seven leaders agreed on the plan to reunite the country at a national cabinet meeting today. Scott Morrison said he felt like Australia could break apart due to border closures The idea is to use a 'hotspot' model where state borders are open to everywhere except certain designated areas which have high rates of community transmission. The federal government definition of a hotspot is metropolitan location that suffers 30 cases in three days or a regional area with nine cases in three days. 'There will be further discussion on how that can be more specifically defined,' Scott Morrison said. 'This will take some time to get that right.' Mr Morrison wants New Zealand to be included in the hotspot model before Christmas, allowing for international travel for the first time since March. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she wants travel with New Zealand 'as soon as possible'. Mr Morrison said he wants a 'sustainable set of arrangements where Australians could move around, using a hot spot model by Christmas.' 'And whether that's achieved in Western Australia or not, well, that will be up to Western Australia'. WA Premier Mark McGowan has flat-out refused to open his borders to any jurisdiction including areas without community transmission. The tourism industry is terrified that Mr McGowan, who in one poll recorded a 91 per cent approval rating, will keep the border shut until after the state election on 13 March because border closures are so popular. In August, he alluded to this timeframe, saying: 'As to whether it's before the end of the year, as to whether it's before the middle of next year, I cannot put a date on it.' Mr McGowan explained his decision in a press conference today, saying: 'I made it clear that Western Australia will not be agreeing to a hot spot model or a hot spot definition which replaces our successful border controls. 'Western Australia has always avoided setting an arbitrary deadline on borders. A date will be set when our health advice recommends it, but that might be some time away. WA Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) has flat-out refused to open his borders to any jurisdiction Passengers queuing to check in for flights to Queensland at Sydney Domestic Airport in July He added: 'The Prime Minister and other states respect and understand our decision given the unique factors for Western Australia and the very positive direction our economy is heading. 'Unlike the rest of the country, WA is not currently in a recession. If we went too soon it could be deadly, and there would be economic devastation.' He also said: 'WA does not have border communities so we don't face the associated social disruption seen on the eastern coast. Our position is eminently sensible. It's just eminently sensible. Australian state border restrictions Victoria: Completely open, but other states are banning residents from going there NSW: Border with Victoria is closed but others are open without restriction Queensland: Open to everywhere but Victoria, NSW, and the ACT Northern Territory: Open to everywhere but Victoria and Sydney, which must do hotel quarantine South Australia: Closed to Victoria, NSW arrivals must self-isolate, rest are open Tasmania: Closed to Victoria, everywhere else must do hotel quarantine Western Australia: Closed to everywhere without an exemption Advertisement 'If the virus came in, if we brought our border down, adopted some alternative regime that was less effective, which it would be, and virus came in via some FIFO worker out of Melbourne, infected a major mining company and then huge numbers of the mines had to close - as has happened in Brazil - it would be catastrophic for the rest of the country, and for Western Australia.' Western Australia has one tenth of the nation's population but accounts for half of the country's exports, with huge deposits of iron-ore, gold, natural gas and a large agricultural sector. Mr McGowan said of other states: 'They rely on us. You know, where do they think their money comes from? Where do they think, in some places, all the money comes for services and hospitals, and schools, and police forces and public servants? It comes out of Western Australia. 'So, for them to demand that we bring down our borders and then, potentially, impact major income-generating industries in the state is not in their interests.' The prime minster believes that increasing movement between states is essential to save the nation's dying tourism industry, which employs one million workers and is set to lose a staggering $54.6billion this year due to lockdowns and border restrictions. Greater freedom will also help farmers, residents in border towns, and hundreds of thousands of Aussie families who are trapped apart in different states. The prime minister spoke to New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday morning to discuss a travel bubble. 'What I advised her was that Australia will be looking to apply the same hot spot approach to New Zealand,' he said. 'So, that means, when we're in a position to do so, and when the Acting Chief Medical Officer has come to a set of arrangements with New Zealand, then we would be able to have New Zealanders come to Australia. 'That doesn't mean Australians can go to New Zealand. That's a matter for Prime Minister Ardern. 'But if there's no Covid in Christchurch, and there's no Covid in Queensland, then there's no reason both of them can't come to Sydney. And that will mean, I think, an important boost for our tourist economy.' The federal government began travel bubble talks with New Zealand in May but the plan was put on hold when coronavirus cases in Melbourne spiked. Pictured: Fiordland National Park Current caps on overseas arrivals Sydney limit of 350 passenger arrivals per day; Perth limit of 525 passenger arrivals per week; Brisbane limit of 500 passenger arrivals per week; Adelaide limit of 500 passenger arrivals per week; Canberra, Darwin passenger limits on each flight to be discussed with jurisdictions on a case-by-case basis; Hobart no international flights Melbourne - International flights suspended Advertisement The prime minister also announced that national cabinet will no longer require every state and territory to agree to a decision before it can be implemented. 'We've decided this notion of 100 per cent absolute consensus on any issue is not a way the national cabinet can indeed work,' Mr Morrison told reporters. 'What we will do is we will set out areas where we can come together, and get as many states and territories as possible to come around that agreement. 'Not everyone has to get on the bus for the bus to leave the station. But it is important the bus leaves the station, and we all agree on that.' Mr Morrison also asked premiers and chief ministers to endorse a national agricultural code to allow seasonal workers to travel over state lines. Five out of eight jurisdictions signed up, but Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania declined. The national cabinet agreed to relax the weekly limit on stranded Australians returning home from overseas each week. There are more than 23,000 Australians abroad who want to return, a third of them in India. The federal government has imposed a weekly cap of 4,000 international passengers to ease the burden on state hotel quarantine systems. Premiers and chief ministers will look to ease the burden on NSW, which is doing most of the heavy lifting. Australia's coronavirus death toll has passed 700 after Victoria announced 59 new deaths. Fifty of the deaths occurred in July and August but were only reported on Friday. There have now been 737 deaths from coronavirus across the country. National cabinet was also briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology on the upcoming high risk weather season, which is likely to bring bushfires and cyclones. Aramcos staff, who have been working from home during the worst of the pandemic, have started returning to offices and work sites, Bloomberg reports, adding some 75 percent of Aramcos employees have returned to offices and work sites this week. The return, like in many other companies, is taking place amid strict social distancing and hygiene rules. However, unlike tech companies that have made the choice of working from home open to their employees, oil companies also need employees that are physically present at fields. While it would be safe to speculate the pandemic has given a major push to digitalization efforts in the energy industry, the fully digital oilfield is still in the future. Aramco, which earlier this year had plans to boost its production capacity to 13 million bpd, recently announced two new oil, gas, and condensate discoveries in the eastern part of the country. While the company has shelved its production capacity plans amid the persistently low oil prices, it said the new discoveries could add to its natural gas production, which it has been trying to increase. Meanwhile, the energy major has also delayed or shelved several other projects worth billions of dollars as it takes a more cautious approach with its cash, which is tight enough for a company that has pledged it would distribute dividends of $75 billion every year for five years starting in 2020. The company managed to stay in the black when others slipped into losses for the second quarter, but it would have to tighten the strings on its purse to keep its dividend promise. Among the projects delayed was Aramcos planned stake purchase in Sempra Energys Port Arthur LNG terminal, a $20-billion petrochemicals project at home, and a hefty investment in a refinery in India. The company is also reconsidering a $6.6-billion expansion at its Motiva refinery in the United States, according to sources who spoke to the Wall Street Journal. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Liam Fox, candidate to head the WTO, describe its selection process as "somewhere between choosing a pope and the Eurovision Song Contest" The coronavirus pandemic has heaped pressure on the troubled World Trade Organization, a WTO leadership candidate said, warning the crisis could spell the end of rules-based international trade altogether. Liam Fox, Britain's first post-Brexit international trade secretary and one of eight candidates vying to become the WTO's next director-general, voiced concern that countries might turn their backs on its multilateral trading model. "The reaction of some countries to the Covid emergency will be to seek solace in protectionism and to believe that they will get more resilience by ... closing themselves off, if you like, from the global economy," he told AFP Thursday in an interview. "Exactly the opposite I believe is true," he said during a conversation using the video link Zoom, insisting that countries will find more security by opening up and ensuring diversity of supply. "For the rules-based trading system, Covid could be the kiss of life if we embrace the right policies -- or the kiss of death if we don't." Roberto Azevedo stepped down as the WTO chief this week, a year ahead of schedule. His successor will lead an institution that was already facing multiple crises before the pandemic hit. - 'Super-charged' - The Geneva-based organisation is mired in stalled trade talks and struggling to curb trade tensions between the United States and China. The global trade body has also faced relentless attacks from Washington, which has crippled the WTO dispute settlement appeal system and threatened to leave the organisation altogether. And now the WTO, set to remain leaderless for several more months at least, is struggling to help members navigate a severe global economic slump sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. The WTO has presented a timeline for selecting one of the eight leadership candidates -- three Africans, two Europeans, two from Asia and one Latin American -- within a few months. Story continues But increasing politicisation within the organisation, which relies on consensus to reach decisions, has sparked fears that the process could take much longer. Fox acknowledged "there is at least a technical chance that that could be slowed down" by the politicised climate. But he said WTO members were eager to settle quickly on a new director-general to help navigate an increasingly complex reality. "All the issues faced by the new DG are super-charged by the Covid crisis," he said. "I think there is an understanding of the urgency in the process." - Like 'Eurovision' - Fox, 58, said that as a politician with long experience of elections, he found the WTO selection process "highly unusual". It includes elimination rounds during which countries express their preferences in confidential "confessionals". "I would describe it as somewhere between choosing a pope and the Eurovision Song Contest," he quipped. Fox insisted he was the right person to tackle the numerous political issues facing the WTO, and that he could help bring Washington back into the fold and rescue the WTO's appeals system. The Brexit-backer rejected suggestions his chances might be hurt by animosity towards Britain over its decision to leave the European Union. Most countries, including European nations, see challenges facing global trade as going "way beyond the issues of Brexit," the Scot said. "These are very big and important issues... and made more important by the Covid emergency," said Fox. "If we get them wrong, it would make anything that might happen with Brexit look like a picnic." nl/rjm/wai All retired police officers, alongside their spouses, are to henceforth have access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), following approval by the federal government. This was made known in a statement issued on Thursday by the force public relations officer, Frank Mba, adding that the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, has directed the nationwide registration and capturing of all retired police officers from September 7 to September 23, 2020. Following the approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria for the enrolment of retired police officers on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has directed the nationwide registration and capturing of all retired police officers with effect from 7th September to 23rd September, 2020;, the statement emphasised. With this development, all retired police officers, irrespective of their rank on retirement, along with a spouse, will have full access to all NHIS services and benefits covered by the Police Health Organization (Police Maintenance -HMO) Code-073, Mba said. The statement added that the exercise, which will be in three batches, will take place at the various police area commands in the country, stating that all retired police officers are therefore required to visit any police area command close to them. The retirees are to appear with the following basic requirements: national identity number, letter of retirement, and retirees I.D Card. The nationwide registration/capturing exercise is scheduled as follows: Date: Monday, 7th September, 2020 Wednesday, 9th September, 2020 North-West States (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara) North-East States (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe) North-Central States B (FCT and Nasarawa) READ ALSO: Date: Monday, 14th September, 2020 Wednesday, 16th September, 2020 South-West States (Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo) North-Central States A (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Plateau) Date: Monday, 21st September, 2020 Wednesday, 23rd September, 2020 South-South States (Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa) South-East States (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo) The Inspector General of Police also expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for extending the National Health Insurance Scheme to retired police officers. He noted that the development will help address the age-long quest for affordable healthcare services for police retirees and enjoins the senior citizens to take optimum advantage of the scheme. Mr Ralph Apetorgbor, a member of the communications team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC, has urged supporters of the Party to work towards a massive victory in the December 7 general election. We have a huge task ahead of us and it can only take determination, hard work and unity in the rank and file of the NDC to defeat this government, Mr Apetorgbor, also the Deputy Communications Officer for Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, stated at the inauguration of the Anyaa East Ward Campaign Team in Accra. He tasked the members to be serious and adopt door to door campaign strategy with strict adherence to all COVID-19 safety protocols to safeguard them from contracting the virus. Mr Apetorgbor applauded Party members for their commitment to the vision of the NDC and urged them to remain united and vote massively for NDCs Parliamentary Candidates and the flagbearer in the December polls. Mr Patrick Owusu Antwi, Coordinator of the Anyaa East Ward Campaign Team, on behalf of the group, pledged that the team would deliver on the target set by the constituency. The Anyaa East ward of our party will work tirelessly to ensure we win majority of the polling stations to enable the Party win the general electionJohn Mahama and Emmanuel Allotey are our ultimate choices for the general election..., 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 Protesters last night attacked the Portland police headquarters after an Antifa gunman who killed a Trump supporter was shot dead by US Marshalls. Portland Police Department released a press statement at around 2am this morning, detailing the events of the night, which involved a 'mass gathering' of people throwing rocks and projectiles towards the Penumbra Kelly Building and officers. The unrest came just hours after the killing of Michael Reinoehl, 48, who was shot last night as a federal task force tried to apprehend him in Lacey, Washington, a senior Justice Department official said. Reinoehl was the prime suspect in the killing of Aaron 'Jay' Danielson, 39, who was shot in the chest Saturday night, the official said. At around 9.30pm last night, after marching towards the police department, protesters were told to move from the building otherwise they would be subject to arrest for criminal trespass, Portland PD wrote. Police stand guard as protesters are arrested outside the Portland Police Department building in Portland last night Police rush to arrest protesters outside the Portland Police Department building in Portland last night Antifa protesters flee from the scene carrying makeshift shields in Portland last night Despite the warnings, police said the protesters continued to launch projectiles, including rocks and plastic water bottles, for over two hours before officers cracked down and made targeted arrests of two individuals. The side of the Kelly building was also daubed with graffiti during the unrest. Thirty minutes after arrests were made, a vehicle sped through the crowd, narrowly missing members of the group. Pictured: An image of one of the rocks recovered from last night's unrest released by Portland Police Department Police also said that the protesters had brought cars with them, some with their license plates covered with duct tape, in order to purposefully block the roads around the demonstration. A journalist on the scene Andy NGO referred to the group as 'Antifa black bloc' and shared images of the graffiti they wrote along parking lines outside the building. 'Antifa black bloc outside the Kelly Penumbra police building in SE Portland wrote this everywhere on the street: "[Portland Police Bureau] murdered Michael Reinoehl." Reinoehl, the #antifa shooter, was wanted by police for killing Aaron Danielson. He was shot dead last night,' he wrote. Antifa black bloc outside the Kelly Penumbra police building in SE Portland wrote this everywhere on the street: [Portland Police Bureau] murdered Michael Reinoehl." Reinoehl, the #antifa shooter, was wanted by police for killing Aaron Danielson. He was shot dead last night. pic.twitter.com/EE334rQz8X Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 4, 2020 He added that he was disturbed that the group were calling Reinoehl 'the greatest ally' and were not condemning the execution of 39-year-old Danielson last week. Just hours before the shoot-out with police last night, Vice released an interview with Reinoehl, who suggested he was defending a friend from being stabbed on the night Danielson was shot. 'I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn't going to do that,' Reinoehl said in a clip of a video interview published by Vice News on Thursday. In the fragment of video shown by Vice News ahead of the full interview's release, he does not say outright that he shot Danielson. EU defends ICC after US sanctions on prosecutor Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 5:46 PM The European Union says it will defend the International Criminal Court (ICC) after Washington slapped sanctions on the Hague-based tribunal's top prosecutor probing whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Peter Stano, spokesman for EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, told reporters Thursday that the bloc was against attempts to undermine the the world's permanent war crimes court. "The International Criminal Court is facing persistent external challenges and the European Union stands firm against all attempts to undermine the international system of criminal justice by hindering the work of its core institutions," Stano said. "We are committed to strengthen our support to the ICC because this is key factor in fighting against impunity. We are standing by the ICC and we are not happy to see steps which are going against the activities of the ICC." The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over her investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Pompeo said Phakiso Mochochoko, the head of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division, had also been blacklisted under sanctions authorized by President Donald Trump in June that allow for asset freezes and travel bans. The State Department also restricted the issuance of visas for individuals Pompeo said were involved in the court's efforts to investigate US personnel, though he did not name those affected. Pompeo also said that individuals and entities that continue to materially support Bensouda and Mochochoko would risk exposure to sanctions as well. Trump in June had authorized sanctions and additional visa restrictions against the ICC personnel probing whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Pompeo at the time warned that if US troops were targeted, those of US allies in Afghanistan risked the same treatment. Washington has long rejected the ICC's jurisdiction over US citizens, but the court's probe into allegations of atrocities in Afghanistan has seen President Trump's administration turn low-level opposition into a concerted campaign against the institution. Bensouda was given the go-ahead by the court in March to investigate whether war crimes were committed in Afghanistan by the Taliban, Afghan military and US forces. In 2006, the ICC's prosecutors opened a preliminary probe into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Asian nation since 2003. In 2017, prosecutor Bensouda asked judges to allow a full-blown probe, not only into the Taliban and Afghan government personnel but also international forces, US troops and members of the CIA. Washington revoked Bensouda's entry visa last year over the possible Afghanistan inquiry. But under an agreement between the United Nations and Washington, she was still able to regularly travel to New York to brief the UN Security Council on cases it had referred to the court in The Hague. The ICC also condemned the US administration for imposing sanctions on the international tribunal's prosecutor, describing the ban as an attack on international justice and the rule of law. The sanctions are "unprecedented and constitute serious attacks against the Court, the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice, and the rule of law more generally," the court said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Customers have slammed Pret's five drinks-a-day subscription offer as 'still not worth catching the train for' and claimed they would rather 'gargle p***' than drink the chain's 'diabolical' beverages. The beleaguered coffee chain launched the 20-a-month deal today - potentially saving workers hundreds - in a bid to lure customers back to its stores. Those signing up to YourPret Barista can claim up to five coffees, teas, hot chocolates, smoothies or iced coffees a day providing each is purchased for the same person and at least 30 minutes apart. But would-be customers have blasted the chain's deal for revealing how 'overpriced' their drinks really are and criticised the quality of their coffee. Others, however, have heralded it as a bargain and congratulated the chain for 'adapting to the future' instead of 'getting out the begging bowl to Boris or whinging about work-from-home'. Pret A Manger cut almost 3,000 jobs, more than a third of its workforce, in August as it tried to save the business in the wake of lockdown. Pret has launched a 20-a-month coffee scheme in a determined effort to entice customers back into its stores What is the YourPret Barista scheme? A great coffee giveaway is being launched by Pret a Manger potentially saving workers hundreds of pounds a month to encourage a return to high streets. Customers can sign up to a 20 monthly subscription to have up to five drinks a day. The YourPret Barista scheme, which also includes tea, hot chocolate, smoothies and iced coffee, is part of the chains radical remodelling to fit the new normal. Buying five 2.40 Pret cappuccinos over 30 days would normally cost a customer 360. Under the scheme, the drinks have to be bought at least 30 minutes apart and can only be for one person. The innovation is set to trigger a coffee shop price war. Pret is also rolling out a heat me at home range and is now delivering sandwiches, salads and coffee to homes. Advertisement Slamming the scheme one social media user protested that 'no one needs five coffees-a-day' and said they would 'rather spend the same money on fewer but proper quality coffees from an independent'. A second added that Pret is 'overrated' and a third said it had 'over-expanded' in the capital with 'shops barely metres apart and it's affected the quality'. 'Of course I don't want anyone to lose their jobs,' they said, 'but there were too many pre-covid - never mind now'. Criticising the quality of their drinks, a social media user said: 'I'd rather drink my own boiled p*** than Pret coffee. So the idea of paying for a subscription is like... (crazy).' And another said: 'I'd sign up for this were it not for the fact that Pret serves by far the worst coffee on the high street.' Their coffee was described as 'diabolical' and 'dreadful' online with another social media user saying: 'However cheap the subscription, nothing could draw me into drinking Pret coffee.' Social media users also lined up to defend the high street and independent shops. 'I'm not blaming any one for anthing, I'm just saying I have zero sympathy,' said one. 'The coffee shop opened by a small family in my local town would get my support.' Another added sarcastically: 'I look forward to a Pret in every commuter belt, rural town and village.' A third said: 'High street coffee is so overpriced in the UK I feel no sorrow for these money-grabbing businesses.' And a fourth continued: 'Still not worth commuting on a sweaty dirty train for hours every day.' Pret was also criticised for offering the scheme to everyone, instead of just those who have disposable cups. Some social media users felt they should do more to protect the environment. 'Great idea, but should be mandatory to use a reusable cup,' said one, 'but I realise that's not too easy at the moment'. Although the scheme came in for criticism, others voiced their support describing it as a great 'bargain'. 'About time a company instead of getting out the begging bowl to Boris of whinging about work-from-home actually adapted to the future so well done Pret,' said one. 'So you can have up to five coffees a day (30 minutes spaced between each one) every day of the month for 20?!,' said another. 'I must of read the Ts and Cs incorrectly.' A third user congratulated the chain for 'fair play' and said this was clearly a 'really good value scheme', especially as you can have 'smoothies as well'. 'You'd expect to pay 3.50 for a smoothie, and theoretically, you could get 150-a-month. So what would normally cost you over 500 you're getting for 20,' they said. 'If I was going to be commuting regularly to the city again then I'd sign up.' A fourth said: 'If you live near a Pret or are back in the office it's a bargain.' It is thought that Pret has launched the scheme in the hope of enticing people back into the store where they may also buy a sandwich, cookie or croissant. The chain's UK managing director Clare Clough said in a video published on social media this June their promotion of 20 coffees for 20 - which is a separate promotion - boosted their 'attachment rate'. 'We're also starting to see some good increases in the attachment rate,' she said. 'So this measures the number of people that come in to redeem their coffee but also buy a food item. 'We hope to see some driving in that and we've asked shops to start encouraging people to treat themselves to a croissant or a cookie as they redeem their coffee in the next couple of weeks.' The chain lost 'almost a decade of growth' due to the nationwide lockdown and the pandemic, it has said. At the end of August their trade was up, but still about 60 per cent down year-on-year, prompting a wave of redundancies. The coffee chain made almost 3,000 redundancies this month as it fights to survive The job losses added to the bloodbath on the high street. Costa has cut 1,860 jobs The loss of jobs only added to the bloodbath on the high street - with supermarkets, coffee shops and retailers among those announcing redundancies. Costa Coffee was forced to axe 1,860 jobs due to the pandemic, while Marks & Spencer cut 7,000 and the Co-operative bank removed 350. More than 100,000 jobs are thought to have been lost from Britain's high street due to the pandemic. Announcing the 20 for five coffees-a-day for a month scheme, Pret chief executive Pano Christou said: 'AS people across the UK begin to get back to the things they've missed, our new subscription service is perfect for customers who have been craving one of our barista-prepared drinks. 'Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a tea devotee, we hope this new service helps you start your day strong. 'This is just the first step in our plan to bring Pret to more people. We now have the building blocks to establish Pret as a multi-channel, digitally-led business, and YourPret Barista is the first big launch we're able to deliver through our new technology platform. 'Since reopening back in May, our coffee sales have been rising faster than food - evidence that coffee has become an integral part of both our customers' everyday routines.' Britain is proud to be a gateway to the world. From pole to pole, and from the Occident to the Orient, we are a vibrant hub not only for foreign tourism but also crucial international commerce. But with its damaging, misconceived quarantine policy the Government has hung a 'Closed' sign on the door. Padlocking us from the planet is a ridiculous and egregious act of self-harm. Draconian restrictions might have made sense at the start of the pandemic, when the virus tore across Europe and millions of travellers breezed into the UK without even taking a temperature test. Now, making incoming passengers from a relentlessly changing list of destinations declared coronavirus hotspots (including the US, our most important trading partner) spend a fortnight effectively under house arrest is wreaking havoc. Only a masochist would do so! Making incoming passengers from a relentlessly changing list of destinations declared coronavirus hotspots spend a fortnight effectively under house arrest is wreaking havoc Even for an administration accruing an unhappy reputation for policy- making on the hoof, it is head- scratchingly ill-judged. Take our lucrative tourism sector. It contributes 106billion to the economy and supports 2.6million jobs. But without visitors spending lavishly as they enjoy our stately homes, museums, restaurants and pubs, firms will go bust and there will be a tsunami of job losses. London's world-famous West End is a virtual ghost town. Were this a stage show, the Government would be presiding over both a tragedy and a farce. On the carnage goes. The self-isolation rule hammers another nail into the coffin of our profitable airlines industry as fewer people fly. Bosses accuse ministers of 'overseeing the demise of UK aviation'. A damning charge, but few would disagree. And that has a deleterious effect on the Square Mile the economy's engine room and Britain's world-leading aerospace firms, the jewels in our industrial crown, which teeter on the brink of collapse. Meanwhile, for ordinary families trying to escape the Covid gloom, quarantine has turned summer holidays into an expensive game of roulette. Those returning from areas with restrictions suddenly imposed must stay away from work for two weeks often unpaid. The policy's foolishness is glaring. Yesterday it emerged that all passengers entering Scotland and Wales from Portugal must quarantine for 14 days. But those flying into England from Portugal don't have to. What a dog's dinner. Without visitors spending lavishly as they enjoy our stately homes, museums, restaurants and pubs (pictured, an empty row of eateries in the West End), firms will go bust and there will be a tsunami of job losses As an island trading nation with a global outlook, Britain can only flourish by keeping its skies open. By closing air corridors, the UK is putting itself at a competitive disadvantage especially with Europe reopening for business. If they remain shut, the economy will wither denying us the finances to guarantee our security and invest in public services. So today the Mail launches a campaign demanding an end to this shameful debacle. We implore Downing Street: Let's Get Britain Open For Business. Of course, everyone can understand ministers' anxiety to avoid importing coronavirus cases. It would be folly to allow those returning from hotspots to roam Britain freely. There is, though, no evidence of an imminent second wave. Despite local spikes, hospitalisations and deaths are falling both here and across Europe. If Boris Johnson is serious about repairing our shattered economy, he must ditch the sledgehammer of quarantine and replace it with a nimbler system of testing at airports as already happens in 30 other countries. Two swabs one on arrival, then a second after a short period of isolation would pick up the vast majority of cases, say scientists. If negative, tourists and businessmen and women could carry on as normal. A Covid detection facility has been set up at Heathrow airport. But scandalously, ministers are refusing to give the green light. The reason for this inertia? A distasteful turf war between squabbling Whitehall departments. Such childish feuding is unseemly at the best of times. With Britain facing economic annihilation, it is a disgraceful dereliction of duty. Not only is it a shocking sign of dysfunctionality at the heart of this Government, it is a damning indication of a leadership vacuum. Boris Johnson, so inspiring as Mayor of London and during the general election campaign, must raise his game Brexit was supposed to herald a dawn of sovereignty, free from the shackles of the EU. Instead, we risk becoming a solo example of leaden incompetence. Mr Johnson, so inspiring as Mayor of London and during the general election campaign, must raise his game. It is vital he shows the world that Britain is safe and open for trade. While too early to open the champagne, there are encouraging signs the economy is on course for a V-shaped recovery. With lockdown lifted, retail sales have rebounded almost to pre-pandemic levels. The housing market has roared into life. The financial sector is bouncing back. Of course, a bleak winter lies ahead. At conservative estimates, unemployment will top 2.5million next year as once viable firms cut costs or go to the wall. Still, beyond that grim outlook, imagine how much healthier those economic green shoots would look if Britain were fully open for business. Until we throw open our doors, it's no exaggeration to say Britain is sleepwalking to disaster. The Prime Minister must wake up urgently. Burberry kicks off the live catwalk shows at London Fashion Week this month The British Fashion Council on Friday announced the return of live catwalk shows at London Fashion Week, after holding its previous event online because of the coronavirus outbreak. More than 80 designers will showcase their creations at the event, which takes place from September 17 to 22, the organisation, which promotes the sector, said in a statement. Seven of the shows will take place in front of a slimmed-down live audience, 21 will be a mix of physical and digital, with the 50 remaining events taking place online only. June's Fashion Week was held entirely online because of coronavirus restrictions. The September shows are traditionally for womenswear but this year the BFC said it would be a "gender-neutral showcase" featuring men's, women's and mixed collections. "LFW is one of the few international events to still be going ahead in London, proving the industry's resilience, creativity and innovation in difficult times," the BFC said. The body said coronavirus restrictions provided an opportunity to reassess formula and innovate to maintain the industry's influence, particularly in terms of employment. In 2019, the sector contributed 35 billion ($46.5 billion, 39.3 billion euros) to the British economy -- up 9.4 percent on 2018 -- and employed more than 890,000 people. September's shows begin online with Burberry. In June, the company was given a 573,000 government contract to make medical gowns and other protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers battling Covid-19. cdu/phz/jwp/txw Russia is seeking "to undermine public trust in the electoral process" by spreading false claims that mail-in-ballots are riddled with fraud and susceptible to manipulation, according to a new intelligence bulletin by the Department of Homeland Security. Many of the claims made by Russian sources are identical to repeated, unsupported public statements aired by President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr, who have said that mailed ballots aren't trustworthy while warning of the potential for rampant fraud in November's elections. Homeland Security's intelligence office has assessed that Russian actors "are likely to promote allegations of corruption, system failure, and foreign malign interference to sow distrust in Democratic institutions and election outcomes," the bulletin states. Russia spreads these claims through a network of state-controlled media, proxy websites and social media trolls, it adds. The document doesn't identify any of those media sources by name. But current and former officials who have seen it said the assessment is based in part on classified intelligence about the Russian government's efforts to interfere with the 2020 elections, in a repeat of its operations four years ago, which intelligence agencies have unanimously concluded were designed to help Trump win. The intelligence on Russian efforts to undermine voting-by-mail has been assessed as credible and was deemed important enough to share in an unclassified form on Thursday with state and local officials so that they can take steps to protect elections from manipulation, the current and former officials said. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because the information was not intended to be shared publicly. The bulletin doesn't cite any particular statements by Trump, Barr or other U.S. officials, but it states that Russia is "amplifying" claims that mail-in-voting is prone to fraud. This week, Trump, who has railed against mail-in-balloting for months and said it could help Democrats win elections, urged voters to cast ballots twice, by mail and in person, to ensure their votes are counted. Intentionally voting more than once is illegal, and in many states it is a felony. On Wednesday, Barr said in an interview with CNN that "elections that have been held with mail have found substantial fraud and coercion." Barr pointed to a case in Texas in which he said the U.S. had indicted someone who had collected 1,700 ballots from eligible voters and "made them out and voted for the person he wanted to." But federal prosecutors brought no such indictment. Claims about ballot fraud are belied by numerous studies that show it is so rare as to be essentially irrelevant to conducting fair, accurate elections. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, millions more Americans are expected to cast votes by mail this year rather than stand in line at polling places, where they might be suspectable to contracting the illness. ABC News first reported on the DHS bulletin Thursday. Russia may also have tried to undermine confidence among Black voters, the bulletin states. Russian media sites and their proxies "highlighted reductions in the number of in-person polling places in large cities due to the pandemic and the long lines this caused, claiming this would disproportionately suppress voting among African Americans and expose them to the spread of Covid-19," the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. A spokesperson for the department's intelligence office, who would not comment directly on the bulletin, said that "foreign influence activities designed to manipulate American audiences are among the most challenging threats facing our country." "We continue to release intelligence on foreign influence activities - we never stopped - including those targeting U.S. elections and democratic processes, with a constant commitment to doing so with increased timeliness, quality, and quantity," the spokesperson said. The bulletin provides a level of detail about Russian efforts that has rarely been heard publicly from Trump administration officials about this year's elections. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for not releasing more details publicly and for not briefing members of Congress in person about election security threats. Last month, a senior ODNI official in charge of protecting elections from outside interference referred to "a range of measures" Russia was taking, including the use of a pro-Russian lawmaker from Ukraine - who has met with Trump's personal lawyer - "to undermine former vice president [Joe] Biden's candidacy and the Democratic Party." The statement didn't mention Russia's attempts to cast doubt on mail-in-ballots. Democratic lawmakers criticized the statement for appearing to equate Russia's covert intelligence operations with overt political efforts by China to influence U.S. policy positions. Lawmakers who have seen classified intelligence said China's efforts aren't comparable to Russia's attempts to manipulate and mislead voters. Russia has been trying to undermine mail-in-balloting for at least the past six months, according to the DHS bulletin. "Since March 2020, Russian state media and proxy websites have denigrated vote-by-mail processes, alleging they lack transparency and procedural oversight, creating vast opportunities for voter fraud." In the past, investigators and federal prosecutors have pointed to the Kremlin-run RT media network as well as the website Sputnik as primary conduits for Russian disinformation. Last year, the special counsel investigating Russian election interference in 2016 also brought charges against Russian hackers working for the Internet Research Agency, a propaganda and disinformation outfit based in St. Petersburg, The DHS bulletin cites actions Russia took as recently as a few weeks ago. "Russian state media and proxy websites in mid-August 2020 criticized the integrity of expanded and universal vote-by-mail, claiming ineligible voters could receive ballots due to out-of-date voter rolls, leaving a vast amount of ballots unaccounted for and vulnerable to tampering." Russia is also exploiting concerns that mail carriers may be unable to handle a deluge of mail-in and absentee ballots, according to the bulletin. "These websites also alleged that vote-by-mail processes would overburden the U.S. Postal Service and local boards of election, delaying vote tabulation and creating more opportunities for fraud and error." LOS ANGELES, CA, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tailwind Acquisition Corp. (the Company), a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of entering into a business combination with one or more businesses, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 30,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit on September 3, 2020. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trade under the ticker symbol TWND.U beginning on September 4, 2020. Each unit consists of one share of Class A common stock of the Company and one-half of one redeemable warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of Class A common stock of the Company at a price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A common stock and warrants are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols TWND and TWND WS, respectively. Jefferies LLC is serving as sole book-running manager for this offering. The Company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the prospectus may be obtained from: Jefferies LLC, Attn: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10002, by telephone: 877-821-7388 or by email: Prospectus_Department@Jefferies.com. A registration statement relating to the securities became effective on September 3, 2020 in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering is expected to close on September 9, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. About Tailwind Acquisition Corp. The Company is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses in the consumer internet, digital media and marketing technology sectors. The Company is led by Chairman Philip Krim, Chief Executive Officer Chris Hollod and Chief Financial Officer Matt Eby. In addition to the members of its management team and board of directors, the Company has assembled an Advisory Board that will help position the Company as the value-add partner of choice for todays leading entrepreneurs. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Companys registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Companys offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies are available on the SECs website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Contact: Tailwind Acquisition Corp. Advertisement Behind the black panel walls of an unusual beach house on the New South Wales Central Coast lies a breathtaking modern family home that boasts uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. Built 10 years ago on Forresters Beach, between Terrigal and Bateau Bay, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is fitted with a games room, home gym, multiple living rooms, a frameless shower and a courtyard. The architect Matt Thitchener built the property to withstand cyclones if necessary, due to the fact that his parents - who previously owned the house - are structural engineers. It is split across three levels and houses decks on each level, alongside a beautiful spacious rooftop and spa. Behind the black panel walls of an unusual beach house on the New South Wales Central Coast lies a breathtaking modern family home that boasts uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean (exterior pictured from behind) Built 10 years ago on Forresters Beach, between Terrigal and Bateau Bay, the unusual property is split across three stylish levels (exterior pictured from the side) The open-plan house has a sleek Caesarstone kitchen (pictured) that has been fitted with countless modern appliances; there is also a wine cellar within the home While the exterior of the property is striking, the interior is just as special. Alongside the four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the open-plan house has a sleek Caesarstone kitchen, integrated sound system, underfloor heating and a spacious wine cellar. The bathroom is a standout room, thanks to its huge bathtub, rainforest shower area and home spa feel. The home gym is also impressive, filled with weights machines, floor-length mirrors and a TV screen so you can relax while you work out. While the exterior of the property is striking, the interior is just as special, thanks to multiple open-plan entertaining spaces (one of the living areas pictured) The floor-to-ceiling windows mean there are sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean throughout the property (views from one of the living areas pictured) The home gym (pictured) is also impressive, filled with weights machines, floor-length mirrors and a TV screen so you can relax while you work out The house has two double garages joined by an undercover passage dubbed 'The Bunker', which offers parking for another four cars. There is a track that leads directly to Forresters Beach via the adjoining Wyrrabalond National Park. 'The house is extremely private and on a clear day, you have views all the way to Cape Three Points past Terrigal,' real estate agent Baraka Leporte told FEMAIL. 'It's a home that easily accommodates friends and family with superb flexibility and a thoroughly modern edge.' The house also has two double garages joined by an undercover passage dubbed 'The Bunker', which offers parking for another four cars (garage pictured) The house has four spacious double bedrooms (one of the bedrooms pictured), all of which have their own private deck space to enjoy Much of the home is focused on indoor and outdoor 'flow', so that the entertaining spaces (pictured) are always connected to the outdoors The home (pictured from below) has recently sold to new owners for $3.5 million, making it the second most expensive house ever to sell in Forresters Beach according to agent Baraka The buyers are reportedly a Sydney family who had never heard of Forresters Beach (pictured) before being shown the property The home has recently sold to new owners for $3.5 million, making it the second most expensive house ever to sell in Forresters Beach according to agent Baraka. The buyers are reportedly a Sydney family who had never heard of Forresters Beach before being shown the property. They intend to use the space as a 'weekender' or holiday home when they want to get away from the city. Hamilton police will organize a public town hall meeting to address ongoing calls for reform and reallocation of funds. Mayor Fred Eisenberger suggested such a broader community conversation amid pressure from activists to slash the police budget and address systemic racism. I think its an important thing to do, Eisenberger, whos chair of the police services board, told the governing bodys members Thursday. The board asked Chief Eric Girt to work out how and when the town hall virtual due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic would be held. Eisenberger and other board members said advocates calling for a 20 per cent reduction to polices $171.5-million budget dont represent the sentiment of most city residents. We tend to hear from one slice of the community and not the broader community as a whole. While the board met Thursday afternoon, roughly 100 people calling for the defunding of police held a community teach-in outside city hall, where Eisenberger chaired the virtual meeting. Members of HWDSB Kids Need Help, a student activist group that hosted the rally, and other speakers addressed the crowd while police on horseback and bikes patrolled. Our demands are clear. Defund the Hamilton police and put that money into the community, Rows Mohamed told the crowd, dismissing polices commitment to a diversity audit and consultation. Community safety is a collective effort that does not involve police. We take care of that, Mohamed added. The board, meanwhile, heard a presentation from Girt who noted a 20 per cent cut from the budget would have a significant impact on front-line officers and reduce response times. The $34.3-million reduction would equal 279 officers since salaries and benefits represent more than 90 per cent of the budget, he pointed out. That would affect polices ability to handle everything from domestic violence calls to homicide investigations and fatal car crashes, he said. Moreover, the chief said collaborative efforts with social-service and health organizations to respond to crisis calls would also suffer. They would all be impacted. But Girt added police are not proprietary when it comes to duties and are open to discussing how other agencies could handle some of them. Thats a topic of conversation for a provincially mandated community safety and well-being plan the municipality, police and other local sectors are shaping, he said. Again, were just one seat at the table. Girts report resulted from Coun. Chad Collins request to analyze how a 20 per cent cut would affect operations. The presentation is exactly what hed hoped for, Collins said, calling it great information for the public with police falling under the microscope. It offers police the chance to highlight successes, including its hybrid units, which pair officers with paramedics and mental-health workers for calls involving vulnerable people and those in crisis. But those units Social Navigator, Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Unit and COAST are the product of investing, not divesting, funds, Collins said. For me, defunding police is one of the most dangerous social and political movements, at least, that Ive witnessed in recent memory. I think financially neutering the police does more harm than good. Collins added the vast majority of his Ward 5 constituents want more police visibility in their neighbourhoods, not less. After the death of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis in May, protests over police brutality and systemic racism have caught fire across the globe. More recently, police in Kenosha, Wis., fired several shots into the back of Jacob Blake, also a Black man, leading to more outrage in the United States. In Hamilton, advocates, citing cases of police-involved deaths and systemic racism in Canada as well, have held rallies in downtown parks and streets. In June, public school board trustees ended a long-standing police liaison program in response to pressure by HWDSB Kids Need Help and others. Two city councillors, Nrinder Nann and Maureen Wilson, have expressed support for the calls to cut the police budget to reinvest funds in other services. Hamilton police have weathered heavy criticism for how it responded to violence at Pride celebrations in Gage Park in 2019. An independent review the board ordered found the response was inadequate and made recommendations police are working to implement. Some critics have dismissed the police board itself as a rubber-stamp body that lacks diversity and expertise. A recent request from councillors for the chief to appear before them to answer questions amid the calls for reform went nowhere at the board. However, on Thursday, Girt said it was important to report to the board first about the implications of defunding but would be happy to appear before councillors later in the fall. Attending a peaceful show of support for not removing the monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus in Syracuse, I sensed the strong emotions of the Italian ancestry shared by those present. The magnificent monument of Columbus is a tribute for Columbus' voyage to the new world, adding to the great pride of the Italian immigrants who settled in Syracuse. Those Italian families came to America with empty pockets, only carrying a sack on their backs, but very spirited and proud to have arrived in America, their new adopted land, offering new life and the American dream. Their faith in God was primary, as often they would exclaim, "Se Dio vuole," or "If God allows." The Italian immigrants shared nothing but pride, amore, and well-being among themselves and with others too; continuously they would open up their doors to welcome their neighbors, saying: "Avanti, avanti, come in, please make your self at home." Their homes full of joy, were of large families that never despaired, never asking for any public assistance, and under many obstacle, oppression, discrimination and insults due to the language barriers, and often receiving threats, it would not break their resilience. With each passing year, they proved themselves, to have their next generations to continue their "dream" becoming scientist, educators, astronauts, engineers, governors, sculptors, physicists, researchers, enriching their ancestry. Wherever Italian communities existed, monuments were erected with pride for their Italian lineage. In Syracuse, the present monument of Cristoforo Colombo was proudly erected at the site with the full support of the city administration. The Italian families, who could barely support their own family, together raised funds on their own to erect the monument to their heritage at no cost to the city administration. Christopher Columbus sailed out to find a new world for the future generations that would harvest a new life, with great achievements. He had deep faith in God, courage to challenge the unknown. Setting foot in the new world, he dedicated it, to his Holy Saviour, San Salvador, the Holy Reedemer. The Columbus monument that stands at the Columbus Circle should remain, as it was solely paid by those Italian families whose generations are now proud citizens of Syracuse. How sad to see that the American History is changing rapidly to the cling-clang of those who are instigated, directed by the various factions, organizers, who behind the curtain, are setting up scenes to destroy the American culture and history. Paolo Saltarello Throop Love 7 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 KENOSHA, Wis. Drawing a sharp contrast with President Trump, Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Thursday aligned himself strongly and sympathetically with protesters of racial injustice and with Black voters during an afternoon of raw interactions with people still grappling with the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Two days after Mr. Trump traveled to Kenosha to focus attention on street violence and disorder, Mr. Biden sought to strike a drastically different tone, as he repudiated the presidents divisive approach to matters of racial injustice and civil unrest and offered an alternative vision focused on national unity. In his first day of campaigning outside his home state of Delaware or neighboring Pennsylvania since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, Mr. Biden met for about an hour with Mr. Blakes family and legal team immediately after landing in the critical battleground state of Wisconsin, and spoke with Mr. Blake himself by phone. Mr. Biden also hosted a listening session with activists, elected officials, clergy members, businesspeople and a few law enforcement officers, aiming to appeal to a broader cross-section of the community than Mr. Trump did on his trip. The former vice president emphasized his commitment to correcting decades of systemic racism, as he acknowledged racial disparities in health care, education and the criminal justice system and said that were finally now getting to the point of addressing the original sin: slavery. And all the vestiges of it. Flash David Schenker, U.S. assistant secretary of state for near east affairs, said Thursday that the U.S. is preparing to impose new sanctions against some Lebanese officials. Schenker, who arrived in Beirut on Wednesday for a two-day visit, said he won't mention the names of the officials who will be targeted by the new sanctions for the time being, MTV local channel reported. Schenker noted that the U.S. is coordinating with France with regard to the Lebanese crisis. "We are in continuous contact with France and we agreed with the European country on the need for reforms in Lebanon," Schenker said. French President Emmanuel Macron said two days ago during his visit to Lebanon that some countries will attempt to impose sanctions against Lebanese officials if authorities in Lebanon fail to implement the needed structural reforms within eight weeks. Lebanon has been going through the worst economic and financial crisis in its history amid shortage of U.S. dollars and the weakening of local currency, in addition to high unemployment and poverty rates. Lebanon has been urged to implement serious reforms in order to unlock billions of dollars in aid from the international community to save its collapsing economy. An illustration of Matthew Maguire in the Sept. 24, 1896 issue of the Lewiston Teller; Portrait of Peter J. McGuire An illustration of Matthew Maguire in the Sept. 24, 1896, issue of the Lewiston Teller; Portrait of Peter J. McGuire Credit - Idaho State Historical Society/Library of Congress; Lambert Studios/Getty Images Labor Days broad roots in the Labor movement are clear: President Grover Cleveland signed legislation on June 28, 1894, designating Labor Day a national holiday in the U.S. as a peace offering following a deadly railroad workers strike. But exactly who should count as the founder of Labor Day, which is celebrated on the first Monday in September, has been the subject of debate since the 1890s. The two men who get the most credit are Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire, who not only have similar-sounding names, but were also both active unionists of Irish descent who lived in New Jersey and campaigned for an eight-hour workday. McGuire is often credited for coming up with the idea of Labor Day and outlining its purpose, while Maguire (whose first name sometimes appears spelled as Mathew) is often credited for executing the idea. The first known Labor Day Parade was held in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882more than a decade before Labor Day became a national holidayand was organized by the Central Labor Union; it drew between 10,000 and 25,000 attendees. Even that one event bore the touches of both McGuire and Maguire. The AFL-CIO says it was Peter McGuire who introduced a resolution at a Central Labor Union meeting earlier that year calling for a street parade of workers on the first Monday in September, but according to the New Jersey Historical Society it was Matthew Maguiresecretary and one of the leaders of the Central Labor Unionwho sent out announcements of the parade and invitations to attendees, and rode in the carriage leading the parade. In one area, at least, the two men differed. While Maguire is said not to have talked about his position in Labor Day history often, McGuire asserted his role clearly in the 1897 article Labor DayIts Birth and Significance in the American Federationist. In the piece, he wrote that at a Central Labor Union meeting on May 8, 1882, he urged the setting aside one day in the year for a Labor Day. He envisioned the holiday would be celebrated by a grand street parade to show the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations, followed by a celebratory picnic. Labor Day, he wrote, would be a time to honor the toilers of the earth, and pay homage to those who from rude nature have delved and carved all the comfort and the grandeur we behold. Story continues But given that McGuire wrote his account 15 years after the first Labor Day parade, some experts suggest there may have been other factors in playor one factor in particular: in the intervening years, Matthew Maguire had run for Vice President. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter Because the AFL was very non-political, the fact that Mathew Maguire had the effrontery to run as the Vice Presidential candidate on the National Socialist Labor Party ticket in 1896 erased his chances of recognition as the father of Labor Day, wrote Ted Watts in the booklet The First Labor Day Parade, suggesting that Maguire was deliberately left out of the narrative because the union had decided that McGuires politics were more in line with the image they wanted to project. Indeed, while McGuire held similar radical views as a young man, he had modified them as he got older, gaining the reputation of being an important member of the union establishment, U.S. Department of Labor historian Jonathan Grossman wrote in 2001. Furthermore, a Sept. 4, 1967, Morning Call article reported that the Socialist Labor Party was opposed to Labor Day in general, believing it detracted from May Day, which it considered the superior workers holiday. That said, Maguire had his proponents too. The Sept. 6, 1891, edition of the socialist newspaper The People reported that the first great labor day paradewas arranged by the Central Labor Union through the instrumentality of its first Secretary, Matthew Maguire. Researchers at MyHeritage, who recently investigated the question of Labor Days founding, dug up a Paterson News article from July 10, 1896a year before McGuires accountreporting that Maguire claims to be the author of Labor Day and, It was he who first issued a proclamation as secretary of the Central Labor Union for a labor festival. In 1897, William McCabe, the Grand Marshall of the first Labor Day parade, recalled that Maguire had suggested the parade. Books on the history of holidays and popular customs, like the 1898 book Curiosities of Popular Customs and the 1912 book The Days and Deeds, have likewise credited Maguire with executing the first Labor Day and coordinating with various labor groups. And MyHeritage also showed TIME a typed document from Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, stating that Maguire was interred on Jan. 1, 1917, at the age of 65, and including the handwritten comment, This man founded Labor Day. Perhaps no moment illustrates the tensions between the two camps so well as what happened when the pen that President Cleveland used to sign the legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was given to AFL head Samuel Gompers, who was McGuires friend. A July 2, 1894, editorial headlined Honor to Whom Honor is Due in the Paterson, N.J., newspaper the Morning Call reported that local labor union representatives believed Matthew Maguire, by then an alderman in the city, deserved the pen instead, for being the undisputed author of Labor Day as a holiday. The dueling narratives of the first Labor Day continued to face off throughout the first half of the 20th century. By the 1950s, it appeared that one story may have prevailed. In August 1952, a memorial to Peter J. McGuire went up in Pennsauken, N.J. Four years later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower invited McGuires descendants to the White House for the unveiling of a labor-themed U.S. postage stamp. But over the years, questions over details in both accounts have only heightened the confusion. Grossman, the Labor Department historian, has written that T.V. Powderly, Grand Master Workman of the Knights of Labor, claimed Peter McGuire allegedly admitted that his name might have been mixed up with that of Matthew Maguire. In the late 1960s, Maguires granddaughter Doris Atherton gave the Paterson Morning Call her copy of Maguires 1917 obituary which said, while it is not generally known, the deceased was in reality the originator of the national holiday known as Labor Day.' She claimed her father told her that Peter McGuire was present at the bill signing, and when President Cleveland congratulated him, it was only because he confused the two men; she also claimed that Cleveland sent her grandfather a letter of apology, since lost, telling him that he deserved credit for the idea of Labor Day. Furthermore, around Labor Day 1968, the Paterson Morning Call argued that the May 8, 1882, meeting in which McGuire supposedly called for a parade never even occurred in the first placeand if it had occurred some other day, that it wouldnt have been the site of the first mention of a Labor Day parade. According to research conducted for the article by George Pearlman, a member of a machinist union of which Maguire had been a part, T.V. Powderly wrote in 1893 that the Knights of Labor of N.Y. (a group that only Maguire was part of) had been quietly discussing the idea for a labor holiday even before 1882. The frequent misspelling of Matthew Maguire as Matthew McGuire, and the continued misspelling of Maguires name in subsequent accounts and directories, led Maguires family and supporters to believe that Maguire had been confused for McGuire the whole time. N.J. Congressman Charles S. Joelson submitted the Morning Call reporting to the congressional record on Sep. 9, 1968, stating that it indicates conclusively that Maguire is the true originator of Labor Day. That same year, U.S. Secretary of Labor Willard Wirtz declared that insofar as the Department of Labor is concerned the Father of Labor Day was Matthew Maguire. And in 1972, Maguire descendants founded the Matthew Maguire Association to continue promoting the idea that Maguire founded Labor Day for years to come, a Sept. 2, 1973, Bergen County Record newspaper article, found by MyHeritage, shows. That research hasnt tamped down the enthusiasm of McGuires supporters, however. The memorial to McGuire was just added to the National Registrar of Historic Places in 2019, and a bill was introduced in Congress to make it a historic landmark. Over the years, unionists have made pilgrimages to McGuires grave in Pennsauken, N.J., which also describes him as the father of Labor Day. All these years later, the question may never be resolved for sureand, in the view of some labor boosters, thats perfectly fine. From available records it is impossible to determine whether Peter J. McGuire or Matthew Maguire, or some other labor leader was the moving spirit, wrote Grossman. But both can claim some credit for the success of Labor Day. After all, while the New York City parade was a success, it didnt make Labor Day an important American holiday on its own. Labor Day is the creation of the labor movement, with the cooperation of local, state, and federal government, Grossman points out. Like many ideas and institutions, it was created because its time had come. Because Labor Day met the needs of the age, many men participated in its development. TOKYO/SINGAPORE: A third crewman from a cargo ship that capsized this week off the coast of Japan with more than 40 crew and some 6,000 cattle on board was found alive on Friday after he was spotted by a search plane, Japans coastguard said. The man, 30-year-old Filipino Jay-nel Rosals, was found on a liferaft waving for help 2 km (1.2 miles) off Kodakarajima, a small island in Japans southern Kagoshima prefecture, the coastguard said. He was conscious and was able to walk when the coast guard rescued him. Rescuers also found an overturned orange lifeboat floating at sea some 4 km off Kodakarajima, but no one was found on that boat. Rosals was only the third crew member to be found so far from the Gulf Livestock 1, which capsized in the East China Sea on Wednesday and is believed to have sunk. The ship, with 43 crew on board and a cargo of 6,000 cattle, had sent a distress call amid strong winds and heavy seas whipped up by Typhoon Maysak. Earlier on Friday it emerged the vessel had a history of mechanical issues. Rosals rescue came hours after another crewman died after being pulled unconscious from the water by the coastguard. The search is still on for the remaining 40 crew members. Rescuers have also found a life jacket and cattle carcasses in the area where the ship is believed to have sunk. Gulf Livestock 1, owned by UAE-based Gulf Navigation, lost engine power before it was hit by a massive wave, according to Chief Officer Sareno Edvarodo, who was rescued on Wednesday. Edvarodo, a 45-year-old Filipino, remains in hospital. The crew was made up of 39 people from the Philippines, two from New Zealand, and two from Australia, the coastguard said. The ship is technically managed and crewed by Germanys Marconsult Schiffarht GMBH, while the commercial manager is Jordan-based Hijazi & Ghosheh Co. We are monitoring the situation closely," a spokesman for Gulf Navigation said in an emailed statement. Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time." The company is working with those involved in rescue efforts and regrets the loss of livestock, he added. Several maritime reports logged over the past two years showed the ship may have had some mechanical defects and revealed operational concerns. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 01:57:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with all parties to promote an initiative on facilitating the cross-border movement of people and goods, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday when attending a video conference of the Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers. Wang said it was very necessary and timely for the conference to focus on personnel exchanges and border control issues. All parties should gradually and orderly expand personnel exchanges and upgrade the established bilateral channels to multilateral networks under the premise to ensure COVID-19 pandemic prevention. All parties should strengthen mutual reporting on pandemic information, implement remote nucleic acid testing, and mutually recognize test results and health codes. All parties should also build a "green channel" for goods, improve the efficiency of customs clearance, unclog the supply chains and the industrial chains, and explore the feasibility of implementing zero tariffs on important medical materials and products, he said. "If G20 members can take the initiative and strengthen cooperation in this regard, it will not only help us to restore growth but also play an important leading role in the recovery and reconstruction of the world economy," Wang said. The G20 members should strengthen cooperation in vaccine development and establish an "anti-pandemic firewall," said Wang, adding that China is actively considering putting forward a proposal on maintaining data security. The G20 members should enhance cooperation in solidarity, promote vaccine accessibility and affordability, release the potential of the digital economy, and increase support for countries that were severely hit by the pandemic, he said. The conference was chaired by Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, which is chairing the G20 this year. Foreign ministers or representatives of G20 members and guests, as well as leaders of relevant international organizations, attended the meeting. All parties agreed that the pandemic has caused an economic recession, and barricaded personnel exchanges and trade in goods. The G20 should act as pioneers and strengthen cooperation to play an important leading role in reducing the impact of the pandemic and restoring the world economy. Enditem Panjab University Teachers Association (PUTA) on Friday announced that it will hold elections on September 25. Returning officer and former Panjab University department of laws chairperson professor Vijay Nagpal said, Nomination papers for PUTA elections will be received virtually but polling will take place in person. All safety protocols will be observed. The modalities will be fixed in the coming days. We are planning on providing slots and extending the timing of polling. The votes will be counted on September 26. The returning officers proposals regarding the election were unanimously endorsed by the teachers body. In view of the pandemic, annual subscription fee will not be taken from existing PUTA members. However, retired faculty will cease to be members of PUTA. Teachers who could not enrol last year will be given a chance to become PUTA members. SPRINGFIELD - Dr. Nada Kawar, who represented her native Jordan in the shot put both at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic games, had plans to be an orthopedic surgeon. However, a rotation in obstetrics and gynecology in her third year of medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, changed her focus to womens health. She went on to a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at University of California San Francisco Medical Center and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology and breast surgery at Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island that taught her how entwined breast and gynecologic cancers can be. Her extensive training as a gynecologic oncologist she is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology, and certified in breast disease as well as breast surgery and in the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery qualifies her to both diagnose as well as provide surgical and medical treatment for womens cancers, including cancers of the breast, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina and vulva. Kawar, who was an undergraduate at the University of California in Los Angeles when studies were emerging on inherited risks for womens cancers and how they can overlap, now practices at Mercy Medical Centers recently opened Center for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology, formerly its Breast Health Center, under Dr. James Frank, and feels very lucky to have the one-stop location adjacent to the Sister Caritas Cancer Center for her patients who sometimes have overlapping cancers. This vision of seeing everyone in the same building, sharing resources, imagining my career in a different way - I am very lucky to be here, said Kawar, noting that inherited mutations in certain genes can put a small percentage of the population at risk for breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer and cancer of the endometrium-uterus. I have already seen lots of patients who have both cancers of the breast as well as gynecologic. Here, they can come to one space, see one doctor or other doctors and do not have to go to other locations. She sees such an approach where a physician like herself provides comprehensive care for female cancers in one location as all about womens cancer care. Kawar added patients at the center have access to a genetics counselor who can help determine cancer risk based on inherited factors and treatment options that range from surgery to reduce such risk to minimally invasive surgeries as well as radical procedures for those with malignancies. She said that as medicine evolved over the last century that there was this sort of arbitrary separation of breast surgery into the field of general surgery where gynecologic oncology evolved within a subspecialty of gynecology and obstetrics. There was this separation and finally care of breast cancers separate from gynecologic and pelvic cancers, Kawar said. Breast cancers are mostly uniquely female, although some men get breast cancer, it is a very much a womans cancer. The greater prevalence of breast cancer and the growing number of disease survivors, Kawar added, has helped generated much greater publicity and funding around it than cancers of the reproductive organs that are much less common though can be related. Kawar said patients are most often referred to her by their gynecologist after an imaging study indicating a tumor or some other abnormality. She said the most common gynecologic cancers she sees in patients are uterine cancer, which is often found early due to abnormal bleeding or pain and has a high five-year survival rate when detected in the localized state; ovarian cancer which she termed much more deadly as it is often detected when the disease is more advanced; and cervical cancer that is often caused by exposure to certain strains of the human papillomavirus and for which there is now a vaccine to help prevent. Screening for cervical cancer can be done by the HPV or Pap test and the five-year survival rate is very high when detected at the localized stage. Risk factors for uterine or endometrial cancer, Kawar said, include metabolic syndrome, whose conditions include high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, but just how this syndrome contributes to the development of the cancer is unknown. She said too much of the hormone estrogen without the presence of progesterone can also pose a risk. Kawar said hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, often related to certain mutations in the BRCA1 or the BRCA2 gene, can elevate an individuals risk for both as well as other cancers. She noted that there is no good screening test for ovarian cancer and one recommendation for women with a known inherited risk for the disease is risk-reducing surgery to remove the Fallopian tubes and ovaries after child bearing years. She added, The symptoms of ovarian cancer are normally very vague - urinary symptoms like urgency or frequency, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly - these usually cause women to ultimately seek care and are often have their symptoms mistaken for stomach problems or indigestion and with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer quite late because of that. Anyone with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancers should seek genetic counseling and possibly genetic testing because that is one way to become aware of the risk for ovarian cancer, Kawar said. Other risk factors include infertility - not being able to bear children - and age. It normally affects women age 60 and above. Kawar said not all women referred to the center end up being treated for a malignant condition, but surgery is sometimes needed because of a concern for cancer. When a woman is referred to me with a pelvic mass found on imaging, I will talk about the possibility of cancer with the goal of surgery to remove the mass and determine diagnosis and if it is cancer, to recommend the appropriate treatment which may include more extensive surgery or chemotherapy, Kawar said. I often treat women for endometriosis which is a benign condition but can mimic cancer in the problems it causes and might require a large-scale surgical approach. I often see women for uterine bleeding that may end up being polyps and not necessarily cancer. Kawar noted that this is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, and next month brings Breast Cancer Awareness Month. September brings awareness of all the problems of the gynecologic cancers and the importance to survival of catching them early, Kawar said. With a lot of emphasis on breast cancer in October. The American Cancer Society estimates this year that 42,170 women will die of breast cancer, and some 33,602 will die of cancers of the genital system. These include 13,940 of ovarian cancer, 12,590 of uterine cancer, 4,290 of cervical cancer, 1,350 of vulva cancer and 1,450 of vaginal and related cancers. CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co., Ltd. ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider, published half-year financial reports for 2020 on Aug 26. It shows a sharp increase in sales of PV products and PV systems, which the company attributes to its years of operational experience and effective risk control mechanisms. Total revenue for the first six months of 2020 reaches RMB 12.55 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16.56%, while net profits-belonging to shareholders of the listed company-hit RMB 493 million, up 245.81% on the previous year. Jifan Gao, chairman and CEO of Trina Solar, pointed out that Trina and other leading global PV companies had achieved growth despite the global economic downturn brought about by Covid-19 in the first half of the year. "The Chinese PV industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds as we enter the ultra-high-efficiency era," he said. "Companies with outstanding sustainable development capabilities and those who are leaders in the global PV market are thriving. Having led the way into the ultra-high-efficiency era, Trina Solar now plans to step up the rollout of advanced production capacity and the application of innovative technologies in our products in order to boost profits further." Customers would remain at the heart of the company's operations, and the company would constantly improve the quality of its products and services to create more value for customers and produce even better returns for society and stakeholders, added Mr. Gao. Innovative and Technological Breakthroughs Demonstrate Core Competitiveness In the first half of 2020, Trina Solar invested RMB 860 million in R&D. The company has accumulated 852 patents, including 310 innovation patents, and has consistently maintained its investment in the research and development of advanced technologies for high-efficiency cells, high-power modules and smart tracking mounts, focusing on the development of cutting-edge technologies while simultaneously continuing to improve its mass-production capacity. With regard to solar cells, Trina went through third-party testing by the ISFH CalLab in Germany to confirm conversion efficiency of 23.39% in its PERC cell, which was produced with standardized industrial equipment and was the highest-efficiency industrial PERC cell to pass the international ISO/IEC 17025 standard at that time. Trina is an industry leader in the scale production of PERC cell technology, with cell efficiency on the company's newly built PERC production line averaging 22.8%-22.9%. Trina Solar's HJT cell achieves efficiency of 23.8% or more in mass production, and TuV certification and marketing of its HJT products are expected imminently. Trina's TOPCon high-efficiency cell has recorded laboratory efficiency of 24.58%, with the highest average batch efficiency in mass production reaching 23.8%. With respect to PV modules, Trina's new Vertex series of high-power module products incorporates numerous forward-looking innovations including a 210 mm silicon wafer, high-density encapsulation and multi-busbar (MBB) technology, keeping Trina at the forefront of the industry as it leads the way into the ultra-high-power era. Trina's partners in and around the supply chain are already fully equipped with the associated production facilities. In terms of PV systems, the company launched its new TrinaPro Mega solution, equipped with industry-leading 500W+ ultra-high-power modules, which established lower unit costs and will further increase power plant returns, including higher compatibility of parts, lower system costs and smarter services. Trina has already established a test line for electric and electronic products as well as an outdoor empirical model application platform, and has completed small-batch production and product test verification processes for the AC version and module string version of its TCU/NCU smart tracking controllers. The two versions are compatible with various mount structures and are projected to hit the market at the end of September and the end of December, respectively. Global Brand and Layout Enable Growth Despite the Downturn Thanks to its global brand and global business layout, Trina Solar effectively withstood the shock of Covid-19 in the first half of 2020, not only overcoming the impact of the pandemic on production and logistics, but actually further increasing its market share in certain market regions. In the first half of the year, the company achieved total module shipments of 5.84 GW, up 37% over the same period in 2019. February 2020 saw a new market breakthrough for Trina, with the release of the world's first 500W+ module, Vertex, and in July the company went one better with its 600W+ module to lead the industry into the 600W era. By the release date of the half-year report, the Vertex module was already approaching 1 GW worth of orders. The company's TrinaPro business showed fast and steady growth, with orders for 882 MW delivered worldwide-over 100% more than the same period last year. Trina Solar also signed a deal with The Rise Fund, part of one of the world's largest alternative asset management companies, TPG Group, for project contracts worth a total of approximately US$700 million and covering a total scale of 1 GW. Trina's domestic power plant systems business continues to grow steadily, with close to 1 GW worth of PV price-bidding and price-parity projects won during the reporting period, a year-on-year increase of over 25%. Further Scaling Up of Global Advanced Production Capacity and Business Layout Within the industry, Trina Solar is an active proponent of ultra-high-power module products based on large-sized cells, aiming to drive home its advantages in terms of large-scale advanced module production capacity for large cells. The company forecasts total cell production capacity of around 26 GW by the end of 2021, of which the large 210 mm cells are expected to account for some 70%. All of the module production capacity due to be built from the second half of 2020 onwards will be for ultra-high-power modules, with total module production capacity forecast to reach around 22 GW by the end of 2020 and around 50 GW by the end of 2021. The company also aims to further consolidate its industry-leading advantages in the fields of large high-efficiency cells and modules, with plans to promote upstream-downstream interconnectivity in the supply chain based on the "600W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance" and to accelerate the transformation of the "supply chain" to the "value chain". Drawing on the strengths of its global brand and channels, as well as advanced module product capacity and the coordinated development of the companies in the open innovation eco-alliance, Trina is well set to offer customers maximum value by providing them with higher-value integrated solutions and outstanding professional services. About Trina Solar (688599. SH) Founded in 1997, Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solution provider. The company engages in PV products R&D, manufacture and sales; PV projects development, EPC, O&M; smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales, as well as energy cloud-platform operation. In 2018, Trina Solar launched its Energy IoT brand, established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China and around the world, and founded the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center. With these actions, Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT, as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy. In June 2020, Trina Solar listed on the STAR Market of Shanghai Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com. Communist China has a history of experimenting with contagious viruses. In 2013 scientists at the Harbin China Veterinary Research Institute produced a new virus by combining the HSN1 bird-flu with a 2009 H1N1 flu virus, and the resultant virus was highly contagious among humans. In 2019 the COVID-19 virus most likely came from the Chinese Virology Laboratory in Wuhan China which was experimenting with COVID-19 bats. U.S. scientists and intelligence officials said COVID-19 was not manmade or engineered in a laboratory, but they are investigating the COVID-19 source to be bats infecting workers at the Wuhan laboratory who then transmitted the virus to the public. The COVIID-19 pandemic throughout the world has caused over 350,000 deaths with an adverse economic impact of $3 to $5 trillion. Communist China should pay reparations to the world for the economic damage it has caused. The value on human life is difficult to quantify, but Communist China should have to compensate relatives of deceased people. We must punish Communist China to ensure countries with research laboratories have strong safety and security procedures to prevent viral infestations. Also, China covered up the outbreak and hoarded PPE. We must bring back manufacturing to the U.S. Donald Moskowitz, Londonderry, NH, Penn State University class of 1963 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 3, 2020 / Sun Peak Metals Corp (the "Company" or "Sun Peak", TSXV:PEAK) is pleased to provide an outlook for planned diamond drilling exploration activities for the remainder of 2020 at the Company's gold and base metal Shire Project, located in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. The program will consist of approximately 8,000 meters of diamond drilling, utilizing three drills scheduled to begin October 2020. One drill will focus on the Meli VMS project, located about 40 km southwest of the town of Shire. This drilling will target the extension of the gold and copper VMS style mineralization at the Meli Eastern gossan that was drill tested with 7 shallow holes in March of this year, as well as other targets in the immediate vicinity. The drill highlights from these 7 drill holes (see website - reported by the Company June 18, 2020) are: ML-001 - 15.30 meters averaging 3.18 g/t gold, 25.0 g/t silver, 2.2% copper, and 1.4% zinc ML-002 - 37.23 meters averaging 2.45 g/t gold, 29.4 g/t silver, 2.4% copper, and 1.3% zinc ML-003 - 35.43 meters averaging 2.52 g/t gold, 22.3 g/t silver, 1.8% copper, and 1.5% zinc In addition, two drills will be testing key gold and base metal VMS targets, developed during exploration work previously conducted by the Company on the Terer and Nefasit exploration licenses, located 40 km north of the town of Shire. "For almost 20 years, our team has been refining our exploration techniques for VMS deposits in the Arabian-Nubian Shield. That work is culminating in our next Shire Project drill program," states Greg Davis, Sun Peak President and C.E.O. "Over the final months of 2020 we will drill test several of the high priority gold and copper targets that have been developed over the last several of years." Figure 1: Shire Project - Exploration License Map with Key Targets scheduled to be drilled in 2020 labeled. Additional details on each target will be provided by the Company upon the commencement of drilling. Story continues Meli Exploration License The drill program at Meli will expand on the gold and copper mineralization previously intercepted by the 7 shallow diamond drill holes completed at the beginning of March this year. The drill program was suspended in March by the Company due to measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from Sun Peak's initial program demonstrated the Meli primary sulfide zones are copper and gold rich VMS style mineralization. The higher gold grades could indicate the mineralization is near a VMS vent (or vents) and the potential of massive sulfide mineralized layers near to these vents. Drilling will focus on expanding this zone along strike and to depth. Drilling at Meli will also test mineralized zones in the immediate vicinity. These targets were defined by exploration work conducted by the Company over the last two years and include detailed gravity anomalies and VTEM conductors. Figure 2: Meli VMS Target Map showing VTEM Results Terer and Nefasit Exploration Licenses Two diamond drills will be assigned to a series of high priority gold and base metal VMS targets located on the Terer and Nefasit Exploration Licenses. These targets have been developed over the previous two years and are defined by soil and stream geochemistry, ground gravity, airborne VTEM surveys, and detailed geological and structural mapping. Figure 3: Key Targets to be tested on Terer and Nefasit Exploration Licences with VTEM Results Drill targets from north to south include Hamlo, Terer, Angoda North, Angoda, and Meda. Hamlo VMS Target: Prominent VMS gossan outcrops mapped over 800 meters along strike and up to 80 meters wide. Grab samples from the gossans returned gold values of up to 2 g/t. The Hamlo VMS gossans are also defined by coincident VTEM conductors and a gravity high anomaly. Terer VMS Target: Located approximately 2 km south of the Hamlo target and defined by 1 km long gossan outcrops with soil geochemistry anomalies of precious and base metals, gravity high anomaly, and strong VTEM conductors. Angoda North VMS Target: Defined by a strong soil geochemistry anomaly, detailed ground gravity high anomalies, VTEM conductor, and 800 meters long gossan outcrops. The gossan outcrops were defined in recent geological mapping work which was following up on the anomalies identified by the geophysical and geochemistry surveys. Angoda VMS Target: Defined by a greater than 1.5 kilometer long mineralized zone of gossans and hydrothermal alteration horizons, that plunges to the east and increase in size. The target is identified by a copper and zinc soil geochemistry anomaly and a gravity high coincident with a VTEM conductor. Meda VMS Target: Defined for over a 1 kilometer long by a gold, silver, copper, and zinc soil geochemistry anomaly, several gossan outcrops, and a gravity high anomaly. A single historic vertical RC hole was drilled in 2004 into the gossan which assayed 18 meters of 2.77 g/t gold from surface. Sun Peak is well funded with approximately C$11.5M cash. Drilling activities planned to begin in October, and for the remainder of the year 2020, have taken Covid19 measures into account, including new travel rules and restrictions. The Company will provide further updates and details before drilling begins. Qualified Person David Daoud, P. Geo, Vice President Exploration is a Qualified Person overseeing Sun Peak's exploration projects in Ethiopia and has reviewed the information in the release and approved this press release. About Sun Peak Metals Corp. Sun Peak Metals Corp. is exploring the district-scale Shire Project in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. The Shire Project is comprised of four exploration licenses: Nefasit, Adi Dairo, Terer & Meli, and covers approximately 900 square kilometers in the prospective Arabian Nubian Shield. The licenses are in the same geological environment as both the Bisha Mine and the Asmara Projects to the north in Eritrea and Newmont's Project, also in northern Ethiopia, to the south. The Sun Peak team have worked together in East Africa for almost two decades and the Company's strategy is to apply exploration techniques that have worked successfully in the region before in significant discoveries, to build assets through major discoveries. Sun Peak Metals Corp. Greg Davis President, CEO, and Director Contact Information gdavis@sunpeakmetals.com Direct: +1 (604) 999-1099 Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain information and statements in this news release may be considered forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for purposes of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflect the expectations of management regarding its disclosure and amendments thereto. Forward-looking statements consist of information or statements that are not purely historical, including any information or statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information or statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the planned timing and scope of the exploration programs on the Shire Projects and the extent that COVID-19 may impact the timing or execution of these plans. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. 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 Sun Peak will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: the risk that the results of the planned exploration programs at the Shire Project to not meet expected results. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, Sun Peak assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section in the Prospectus filed with Canadian security regulators. SOURCE: Sun Peak Metals Corp View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/604611/Sun-Peak-Metals-Corp-Outlook-on-Drilling-Activities-Planned-on-Shire-Project Thrissur : Sep 4 (IANS) The 68-year-old mother of Congress legislator Anil Akkara on Friday wrote to CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury expressing her deep anguish at the way a top CPI-M Kerala leader addressed her son as Satan's son. In her letter, the mother Lilly Antony said they were not going to lodge any case or a police complaint against CPI-M leader Baby John for his outrageous statement. "I do not know if I should write a letter like this to a very top leader. But I am doing it because I am deeply pained when my son is called Satan's son. In fact, my husband, a farmer and a driver by profession, who passed away in 2004, and Anil Akkara belong to two different political parties. (Anil is in the Congress, while his father was a CPI-M leader here). I am deeply pained when a CPI-M leader addressed my son as Satan's son," said Lilly. "Whatever and however much your leaders try to belittle him, he will follow his path of politics. My only request to you is please be kind enough to teach your leaders not to abuse political adversaries calling them names. Any mother would be deeply hurt, when she hears such a name. Moreover, your party is one which gives respect to women," wrote Lilly. Akkara, who represents the Wadakkanchery Assembly constituency in Thrissur district, has been critical of the pet project of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- Life Mission, which builds homes for the landless and homeless in his constituency. The project has landed in a soup ever since it was revealed that the prime accused in the gold smuggling case, Swapna Suresh got Rs 4.25 crore as commission for bringing in a sponsor Red Crescent -- a charity organisation based in the UAE -- for this project. The land for this housing project was given by the Vijayan government, and after the controversy erupted, Vijayan tried to wash his hands off the project. He said the government has nothing to do with it, but later Akkara came up with numerous documents thus calling Vijayan's bluff. Since then Akkara has come under fire from the CPI-M. At a recent public meeting, John attacked Akkara and referred to him as Satan's son who is out to destroy a project which would be a boon for the homeless. According to Aravot.am, today, upon the decision of Judge Vahe Jivanyan of the general jurisdiction court of Armavir, journalist Armenak (Armen) Davtyan was released from prison through conditional early release. The penitentiary and probation services of the Ministry of Justice have provided positive reports based on which the court rendered its decision. Armen said he is grateful to all those who did everything they could to help him throughout the past five years and three months. I would especially like to thank Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly Naira Zohrabyan and President of the Union of Journalists of Armenia Satik Seyranyan for sending letters of recommendation to the court. I am sincerely grateful to deputies of the My Step faction of the National Assembly Vahagn Tevosyan, Gayane Abrahamyan and Tigran Karapetyan and independent MP Arman Babajanyan who were always willing to support me, the journalist said during a phone call from Armavir Penitentiary Institution. Those wishing to be laid to rest in an environmentally friendly way now have the option of a natural burial. The Whakatane district bylaws were amended yesterday to allow both natural burials and burials on a Sunday to occur. Whakatane District Council received 16 submissions on the bylaw, all of which were in favour of the changes. When buried naturally, a body is placed in a shallow plot, in an environmentally friendly coffin made of soft, untreated wood or cardboard or a shroud. Compost is placed with the body and a native tree planted on top. Eventually the natural cemetery becomes 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. Ruth Gerzon from Eastern Bay Villages and Mark Blackham from Natural Burials New Zealand are both on hand yesterday to answer any questions councillors might have had when making the decision to allow natural burials. Gerzon told councillors many Eastern Bay Villages members were considering natural burials when their time came and there were huge environmental benefits associated with the practice. She says natural burial cemeteries are eventually turned into bush and became places of quiet reflection for the community. In response to feedback from the public, council staff have lowered the fee for a natural burial from the proposed $3485 to $3035 - $100 lower than the average fee charged by other councils in New Zealand. This cost includes the plot purchase, the internment fee, a tree and compost. There was some discussion amongst councillors as to whether this charge was too high, however, Mr Blackham says people are unlikely to be put off by paying more and he believes it's necessary for councils to recover the actual costs of a burial. He says people would be saving money on a coffin, embalming and a headstone, by choosing a natural burial. The council also saved money as less maintenance was needed in a natural burial site. Natural burial plots are more expensive as they require more land than traditional burial sites and compost. Natural burial advocates believe Karaponga Reserve is a perfect natural burial site, however it is yet to be investigated for suitability by council. CHARLOTTE JONES / LDR Councillor Gavin Dennis asked if it is necessary for a tree to be planted and whether that was for practical reasons such as decomposition or for memorial reasons. Blackham says planting a tree was not necessary and if the deceased is placed in an area that was already wooded, the surrounding trees would do the job. He says Whangarei District Council had decided to put its natural cemetery inside an already wooded area and although this encouraged people to choose a natural burial because the site was already beautiful, it did cause some issues such as having to cut through tree roots when digging the burial site. At this stage, the Whakatane council has set aside some land at the Hillcrest Cemetery, which is expected to provide for between 50 and 100 natural burial sites depending on how far up they can go on the hillside. The Hillcrest Cemetery is an ideal spot as it is tranquil with established totara and rimu. Many submissions on the bylaw called for council to consider Karaponga Reserve near Braemar Road as a natural burial site. Council staff says they will investigate other options but did not commit to the Karaponga Reserve. Councillor Andrew Iles asked why not, as the reserve was beautiful and fit the criteria for a natural burial plot. Community services general manager Mike Naude says there are a lot of factors the council had to consider first such as slope, soil type, and the water table before it could commit to any one spot. He says the reserve is currently classified as reserve reservoir and was leased out by the council for cattle grazing and used for the generation of electricity. Naude says to change the status of the reserve would take several years and legally public consultation would be required. He also noted that Braemar residents had complained of the damage freedom campers caused at the site and it would be hard to monitor. While other sites were investigated, he said the Hillcrest site would provide for at least seven years of natural burials. All councillors voted to accept the revised bylaw. This overhead view of the Hillcrest Cemetery shows an indicative area where natural burials could occur. SUPPLIED Burials on a Sunday Burials on a Sunday were proposed by the Wairaka Marae Committee as it believed not to allow them interfered with whanaus tangihanga practices. Kaumatua Charlie Bluett says in his submission to the council that tangihanga required three days of mourning and that nehu (burial) was carried out on the third day. He says the marae recently had an occasion where the deceased arrived on a Thursday, which meant the burial should have occurred on Sunday, but could not, due to the old bylaw. Bluett said this added extra expense to the whanau for an additional day of tangihanga costs and they suffered cultural whakama (shame). It is our view that the present bylaw is an example of institutional racism that was enacted in ignorance of the requirements of our cultural practice of tangihanga, he says. The bylaw was amended to allow burials on a Sunday however these will come with an additional cost. Natural burials information session To introduce natural burials to the district, Whakatane District Council will be holding an information session at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall on Monday. Mark Blackham from Natural Burials New Zealand will be on hand to answer any questions the public may have about the practice. Blackham was inspired to advocate for natural burials in New Zealand after his daughter, Ceitein, died at birth and he was unable to say goodbye to her in the way he wanted. At the time, natural burials were unheard of in New Zealand and he was disappointed that he could not bury his newborn amongst trees. It just seemed peaceful to me and I resolved then to make it an option, he says. In 2008, Blackham was successful in advocating for a natural cemetery to be opened in Wellington. Since then several other councils, including now Whakatane, have moved to allow natural burials in their districts. Anyone who is interested to hear more about the practice is welcome to attend. The information session will run from 11am to 12.30pm. New Delhi: Even as India reports more than 80,000 COVID-19 infections in a single day, two people in Delhi have been arrested for running a fake COVID-19 testing scam. A doctor and his accomplice has been arrested by the Delhi Police for conducting fake tests on as many as 75 people. He would charge Rs 2,400 per test and issue a false COVID-19 report. The samples collected would be destroyed. On August 30, the Hauz Khas police station received a complaint that some people were making fake coronavirus reports and using the name of a renowned laboratory. After an investigation, the police arrested a doctor and his partner, both of whom used to issue the fake coronavirus reports. Police arrested Dr Kush Parashar who runs a clinic in Malviya Nagar, he was using the name of a renowned path lab to make fake COVID-19 reports and give it to people. During police interrogation, Dr Parashar said that so far he had duped 75 people by issuing such fake reports. On August 30, a person who had a business of providing nurse facilities, approached Dr Parashar to conduct COVID-19 tests on two of his nurses. Parashar took the money and collected the sample but instead of submitting it to a lab, the doctor with the help of his colleague Amit Singh, made a fake negative report of Corona and sent it to the person. Amit, who was preparing the report, made a mistake and messed up the name of a nurse and that alerted the complainant. He then went to the lab mentioned in the fake report and found that was no patient with that name registered in the record nor was any test done there. In the investigation of the police, it was found that so far that the duo had extorted money from more than 75 people by issuing such fake reports. For Corona's test, the accused took Rs. 2400 from each person. Not only that, the samples were destroyed. A case has been registered and the police is trying to find the others who were issued fake coronavirus test reports. Many of the cyberattacks on state, local, tribal and territorial governments are not complicated and could be avoided through simple steps such as improved cyber hygiene and two-factor authentication, a new report states. Since 2017, attacks which the report defines as targeted instances of intrusion, fraud or damage by malicious cyber actors rather than discovery of insecure databases or accidental online leaks rose an average of almost 50%, according to the State and Local Government Security Report that BlueVoyant, a cybersecurity firm, released Aug. 27. That amount that is likely only a fraction of the true number, the report adds. The research confirmed the companys belief that active threat targeting happens across the board. For every selected countys online footprint, evidence showed some sign of intentional targeting, the report states. Whats more, five counties -- or 17% of the 28 studied -- showed signs of potential compromise, indicating that traffic from governments assets was reaching out to malicious networks. Theres a collective risk here because there is no standardization, said Austin Berglas, former FBI special agent in New York and head of ransomware/incident response at BlueVoyant. You have certain state and locals that are on dot-coms and dot-us or dot-orgs. One would think that these should be on the dot-gov domain because [that] means that you not only check the box as being a certified government site, but you get forced two-factor authentication and youre always going to have HTTPS. Ransomware is the main way municipal assets are attacked. Whats more concerning than the growing number of attacks, however, is the increase in how much bad actors demand in ransom, the report states. Average ransom demands rose from a monthly average of $30,000 to nearly half a million dollars, with total monetary value of ransom demands reaching into the millions. Even when cities dont pay, the costs can be staggering. For instance, the 2019 ransomware attack on Baltimore cost the city more than $18 million in damages and remediation. The notion of Hey, Im small. The bad guys arent going to be targeting me is no longer applicable, Berglas said. The bad guys know how valuable state and local government data is, so they go after the personally identifiable information in tax records or disrupt entire networks in an extortion attempt. Weve personally seen a municipality in the past year get completely compromised, locked up with ransomware and the entire 911 system was locked down. Other attack vectors include data breaches and typosquatting, in which threat actors impersonate trusted domains with near-identical website URLs, according to the report. Such sites are often created as a means of advanced threat infrastructure: pre-positioning for many phishing, spear-phishing and [social media] influence campaigns, it states. The coronavirus response and upcoming presidential election have helped put cybersecurity in the limelight. We immediately expanded our attack surface immensely, Berglas said of the pandemic. If Im an IT section of a company and Ive got the responsibility of protecting and maintaining the endpoints -- the laptops, the computers, the phones -- and all of a sudden that just tripled, quadrupled in number and now my company is allowing people to use their own devices, [I need to know how] those devices managed, he said. Are there endpoint sensors on those devices to protect them? Are there containers that separate work from personal information? Is there data-loss protection capability on there? All of these questions come into play. In terms of election security, whats at stake is not the potential for changing votes, but rather undermining faith in the process, he added. For instance, when people vote by mail, could votes tallied on a spreadsheet be locked up by a ransomware attack? State and local governments can take three immediate steps to improve their security postures, Berglas said. The first is to implement password hygiene, or the use of complex passwords that automation would struggle to detect. Second is two-factor authentication, which deters bad actors who dont want to have to take extra steps to gain access, and the third is a review of remote desktop protocols, including ensuring that ports are closed after employees finish using them. Agencies can build on their security from there by accounting for sufficient backups, planning for defense-in-depth and following the least-privilege principle, which states that people on the network can access only the information they need to do their jobs. On top of that, Berglas said, agencies need visibility into the entire network so they can monitor it round-the-clock. Resiliency takes a front seat here, he said. CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts -- The allegations, if true, of bribery and unlawful lobbying by regulated utilities and affiliates to pass a bill requiring all Ohio electric consumers to pay a surcharge to provide subsidies for nuclear and coal plants (not all of them in Ohio) may pose a fundamental threat to the states regulatory system. While the substance of the House Bill 6 legislation is questionable, given its bestowing more private than public benefits and its adverse impact on the electricity market, the charges related to unlawful lobbying for its passage raise critical issues for both prosecutors and state regulators. Based entirely on the public record, the situation demands accountability. Criminal prosecution, alone, is insufficient. There are important issues that go to the functionality and integrity of the Ohios regulatory process. The two most critical issues are: 1. Whether ratepayer money was used for lobbying and/or bribery; and 2. Possible deficiencies in corporate governance. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) cannot stand by while the credibility of the regulatory process is eroded. It has tools which have been used in the past that should be deployed without disrupting the ongoing criminal investigations. The first issue is the source of money for lobbying and/or alleged bribery. The governing principle, of which breaches have occurred in the past, is that, while a utility can use its own funds, no ratepayer money can be used to lobby, much less bribe, public officials on its behalf. It is not clear in the public record from where the money used to carry out the activities described in the in the indictment and related documents came from, but it is crystal clear that full public accounting for any nontrivial amounts is necessary. A transparent, detailed financial audit is needed to paint the money trail that definitively establishes whether funds used for lobbying or alleged bribery came from ratepayers. If none did, it is important to establish that in the public record. If, on the other hand, significant ratepayer dollars were used, then the PUCO should make that public and decide how to compensate consumers for misuse of their money. The PUCO should order and oversee such an audit by competent, independent personnel. In regard to corporate governance, regulation depends on a triad of regulators providing economic signals to regulated company boards, who, in turn, take those signals and use them to set objectives and policies for management. If that triad is functional, regulators refrain from undue interference in internal corporate affairs. When there is evidence that the triad is broken, regulators can and should intervene. During my tenure at the commission, the PUCO did so twice -- to rectify exceptionally poor service by General Telephone, and to end the purchase of above-market-priced natural gas from corporate affiliates by Columbia Gas (which culminated in the PUCO removing the companys board). The tool used on both occasions was a management audit. Ashley C. Brown is a former two-term commissioner of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. It is not clear on the public record how the corporate governance system functioned at any involved utility, but the information in the public record constitutes, at a minimum, a prima facie case of a breakdown at companies on two fronts, at least where the involvement was nontrivial or merely reactive. The first relates to compliance with applicable law and ethics. The second is whether the legally required wall between the utility and its generating affiliates was breached. Both matters are essential elements of a functional regulatory system and a competitive electricity market. If breakdowns occurred, they must be unmasked, and made transparent, with an eye toward remedying the deficiencies identified. An independent management audit of what occurred and of the corporate processes is imperative if the regulatory system itself is to be fully functional. Ashley C. Brown is executive director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group at the Kennedy School at Harvard University. He served two full terms as a PUCO commissioner from 1983-1993. He also co-authored The World Banks Manual for Evaluating Infrastructure Regulation. The views expressed are his alone. Disclosure by the author: American Electric Power is a current contributor to the Harvard Electricity Policy Group. FirstEnergy and Duke Power have contributed at various times in the past, but do not do so currently. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions, comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - From September 9, casinos in New York will start functioning statewide at 25 percent capacity, and malls in New York City will reopen accommodating half of their capacity. Governor Andrew Cuomo took the decision to partially reopen as new COVID cases remain low in New York, the worst-affected U.S. state that was once the country's pandemic hot spot. Announcing the move, Coumo said, 'While this pandemic is far from over, our numbers have remained steadily low, so we know our phased, data-driven approach to reopening is the right one.' 'Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, we are at a point in our fight against this virus where we can safely reopen malls in New York City as long as they adhere to strict health and safety protocols. Masks, enhanced air ventilation systems, and social distancing will be mandatory. 'This is good news and the right next step in our data-driven, phased reopening which is working,' he added. The Governor commended New Yorkers for doing an 'extraordinary job.' 'We flattened the curve in a way that no expert thought was possible,' Cuomo said. All malls that reopen will be subject to strict safety protocols. This include face coverings; social distancing; additional staff to control occupancy, traffic flow and seating to avoid crowding; and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols. Malls will be allowed to open only with enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards in place. The Governor's order stipulates that no indoor dining, loitering or unnecessary congregation will be permitted in malls. All these safety protocols are mandatory for casinos and video lottery terminal facilities that reopen next week. Casinos must leave six feet of distance between operating machines. No table games will be allowed unless physical barriers are erected between players. No beverage or food service will be allowed on the gaming floor. The State Gaming Commission will be deployed to monitor casinos and ensure strict enforcement of these measures. With 1051 new deaths reporting in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-related casualties in the United States rose to 186798 as of Johns Hopkins University's latest update Friday. 36,230 new cases were reported in the same period, taking the national total to 6150999. Coumo lashed out at President Donald Trump over the magnitude of the pandemic in the country. 'Trump as Commander in Chief fighting the Covid war has been a disgrace. He would be court-martialed for abandoning his post and aiding the enemy,' he wrote on Twitter. 'Yesterday Italy had 6 deaths, Germany had 8, France had 25, and the US had 1,074. Trump's incompetence causes American deaths,' said the Democrat Governor, who is a sharp critic of the President. He cited the state's COVID data, which is far better than most other U.S. states. 'Of the 88,981 tests reported yesterday, 889 were positive (0.99% of total). Total hospitalizations fell to 430. Sadly, there were 7 COVID fatalities yesterday,' he tweeted. Although COVID19 cases in many states declined over the last 7 days, daily cases are now increasing in some states, particularly in the upper Great Plains, Midwest, and South, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) (OTCQB: SYHBF) (Frankfurt: SC1P) (the Company) announces that the Company has granted 1,800,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to officers, directors and consultants of the Company. The Options are exercisable at $0.20 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant. The Options have been granted under and are governed by the terms of the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan. About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.: Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with six drill-ready projects. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone with drill results returning up to 6.0% U3O8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U3O8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Skyharbour has signed option agreements with Orano Canada Inc. and Azincourt Energy whereby Orano and Azincourt can earn in up to 70% of the Preston Project through a combined $9,800,000 in total exploration expenditures, as well as $1,700,000 in total cash payments and Azincourt shares. 4 Preston is a large, geologically prospective property proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin which contains a NI 43- 101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U3O8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO2 at 0.023%. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco, where high-grade uranium mineralization was recently discovered. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions Skyharbours Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin: http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/SYH_Landpackage_2014.jpg To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) visit the Companys website at www.skyharbourltd.com . SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD. Jordan Trimble Jordan Trimble President and CEO For further information contact myself at: Telephone: 604-639-3856 Or: Simon Dyakowski Corporate Development and Communications Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Telephone: 604-639-3850 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@skyharbourltd.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Actor Sushant Singh Rajputs US-based brother-in-law Vishal Singh Kirti has penned a blog to illustrate how close the actors family was. The blog appears to be a response to actors girlfriend Rhea Chakrabortys claims that the family had a strained relationship. Sushants father, KK Singh, has filed an abetment to suicide FIR against Rhea and the case is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Enforcement Directorate and the Narcotics Control Bureau have also launched separate investigations in the case. Vishal wrote in a blog titled Five times my wife left me behind in America to be with her brother, that even though it sounds like he is complaining, he is really writing the blog in appreciation of the strength of the Singh Rajput family bond I have seen over the years. He is married to Sushants elder sister, Shweta Singh Kirti. Also Watch | Sushant death: NCB raids Rheas home; Samuel Miranda detained l Latest updates He then goes on to illustrate those five occasions, starting from 2014. Talking about how Shweta brought forward her visit to India that year after she got to know that a family function was being organized and Sushant will be attending, he wrote, She cancelled her summer ticket and rushed to India at short notice. I joined her next month in June with my daughter and spent some quality time with Sushant as well. He said that she again visited Sushant in Ranchi in 2015 where he was shooting for the MS Dhoni biopic. In 2016, it was decided that the entire Singh Rajput family would watch the movie MS Dhoni together. Again at very short notice, Shweta made a 3-day trip from the US to India, just to watch the movie together as a family and celebrate Sushants success. She spent 2-days flying and 3-days in India with the entire family. Can you imagine the jetlag? Shweta also tweeted, It was Oct of 2016,Bhai had asked me to fly down from USA so that all of us can watch Dhoni Movie together in the Theatre.I was so proud of him & so excited that I took the first plane I got, to reach India and celebrate Bhais success together Red heart#MissUBhai #GodGiveMeTheStrength. He said in 2017 he could join the family along with Shweta. It was Oct of 2016,Bhai had asked me to fly down from USA so that all of us can watch Dhoni Movie together in the Theatre.I was so proud of him & so excited that I took the first plane I got, to reach India and celebrate Bhais success together #MissUBhai #GodGiveMeTheStrength pic.twitter.com/cKE9EKlzd0 shweta singh kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) September 3, 2020 Talking about a visit she made to Chandigarh in 2020 on short notice, he says it was held under such circumstances that she didnt even get to meet Sushant. Its sad that she wont be making such trips anymore (the happy ones, prior to 2019) because the shining star of the family is gone. How many families can claim such dedication and it hurts me when aspersions are cast on a wonderful family like Sushants. My wife is a married professional businesswoman living in the US with two kids (its a very busy lifestyle) but she prioritized to be with her family when the family needed her, despite all the limitations. Such is the Singh Rajput family, he wrote. Rhea had said in her interviews that the family had a difficult relationship and would often end up fighting even when they met. She had also claimed that they were aware of Sushants mental health. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan has been rescheduled in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing. Rawalpindi [Pakistan], September 4 (ANI): The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan has been rescheduled in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing. The Pakistani and Chinese governments are currently working on a plan to finalise the new date for the trip, which will be announced soon, Yao was quoted as saying by The News International on Thursday while interacting with media persons at Giga Mall here. The Ambassador said that the Chinese President was invited by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Pakistan. The visit, if it had taken place, would have come in the backdrop of border tensions between China and India in eastern Ladakh for the last few months. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi criticizes Modi govt, calls demonetisation an attack on the unorganised sector ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput death case LIVE news updates: Maharashtra HM accepts PIL filed by ex IPS officers over Mumbai Police being targetted On the intervening night of August 29-30, the Indian Army thwarted an incursion attempt by the Chinese troops to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh. India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June. The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant General-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far. (ANI) ALSO READ: Indias Covid-19 tally crosses 38L mark with highest single-day spike of 83k+ cases Part of Donald Trump's border wall is set to collapse just months after it was constructed due to erosion, a new engineering report has warned. The report, which is one of two studies to be filed to federal court later this week, found that the border wall along the shore of Rio Grande is at risk of buckling due to construction flaws. The three-mile private border was only built earlier this year by North Dakota-based Fisher Sand and Gravel, the Texas Tribune reported. A three-mile stretch of Donald Trump's private border wall at Rio Grande (above) is in danger of collapse due to erosion, a new engineering report has warned The documents, which were initially reported on by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, found that sections of the fence were at risk of overturning if the erosion was not fixed and maintained. Tommy Fisher, the company's owner, had previously dismissed the concerns as normal post-construction issues. The border wall was partly funded by private donors from We Build the Wall nonprofit, who raised more than $25million to help President Donald Trump's project. But the organisation is at the centre of an indictment after founder Brian Kolfage, former Trump chief strategist Bannon, 66, and two others linked with the firm are accused of siphoning donor money to pay off personal debt. All four men have pleaded not guilty. Bannon, who was forced out of the White House, is accused of getting $1million in the alleged scheme, spending hundreds of thousands on 'expenses'. We Build the Wall had also hired Fisher's company to build a half-mile section of the fence in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Fisher previously deemed the Rio Grande fence the 'Lamborghini' of border walls, bragging that 'the wall will stand for 150 years'. But engineer Alex Mayor, a civil engineering professor at the University of Texas, instead likened the wall to a '$500 used car'. He added: 'It seems like they are cutting corners everywhere.' The wall was partly funded by donors from We Build the Wall nonprofit. But founder Brian Kolfage and Steve Bannon (above) are among those accused of siphoning donor money Last year, Fisher agreed to an inspection of the border as part of ongoing lawsuits, filed by the National Butterfly Centre and the International Boundary and Water Commission. But the proceedings did not convince a federal judge to halt construction of the wall until the impact of the Rio Grande section were discovered. Environmental engineer Mark Tompkins said in a separate report that there had been erosion and scouring at the border due to heavy rain. The river management expert concluded: 'Fisher Industries' private bollard fence will fail during extreme high flow events.' Tompkins also slammed Fisher Sand and Gravel's quarterly inspection maintenance plans as 'completely inadequate'. But Donald Trump has attempted to distance himself from the project this month. He said: 'I know nothing about the project, other than I didn't like when I read about it, I didn't like it. I said, "This is for government. This isn't for private people".' Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:54:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Nick Kolyohin JERUSALEM, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Despite mutual willingness with U.S. sponsorship, the first-ever Israeli delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not enough to sign a breakthrough agreement. During their two-day official meeting on Monday and Tuesday, Israel and the UAE both held a tough position, even with the mediation of the senior U.S. presidential advisor Jared Kushner. Shaul Yanai, an expert from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and researcher at the Forum for Regional Thinking, said Kushner lacks the expertise of a professional diplomat especially when the U.S. presidential elections loom. "His all authority derives from his family relationship with Trump. So maybe in two or three months if Trump loses the election, Kushner will lose all his power and influence, so he is not that important, and anybody here, in the UAE and the region, understands it," Yanai told Xinhua. In fact, more obstacles, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, lie ahead before the final signing of a peace agreement between the UAE and Israel, according to Yanai. Israel signed a peace agreement with Egypt in 1979 and with Jordan in 1994. Until the current peace talks with the UAE, many Israelis believed peace with more Arab states was not possible as long as the conflict with Palestinians remains unsolved. Yoel Guzansky, a senior fellow researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, said another possible hindrance to the signing of the peace deal is Israel's unwillingness to see "Americans sell all kinds of sophisticated weaponry to the UAE." Arab countries think about what they can benefit from peace with Israel, as well as which gestures, such as weapons, they can get in exchange from the United States, Guzansky noted. Uzi Rabi, director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University, told Xinhua that the agreement of the UAE to normalize its relations with Israel has broken many of the taboos in the Middle East, creating a rift in the Arab League's boycott of Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that after years of efforts, Israeli planes would be allowed to fly over Saudi Arabia and the UAE to the East. On Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that the first protocol of understandings had been signed between Israel and the UAE on cooperation in banking and financial services. "These understandings will assist us in advancing mutual investments and widespread cooperation. We will soon announce additional agreements in aviation, tourism, trade, and others," he said. Enditem China or US ? Philippines Foreign Policy Plays Both Sides By Ralph Jennings September 03, 2020 The Philippines, an old U.S. ally and more recent friend of China, is awkwardly bouncing one superpower off the other on its way to a neutral foreign policy that will give the Southeast Asian country benefits from both sides, specialists say. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin told the Philippine-based ANC News Channel last week "we need the U.S. presence" in Asia. That remark follows years of anti-American thundering by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has also sought friendship with China since he took office in 2016. Like Asian neighbors such as Indonesia and Vietnam, the strategically located Philippines intends eventually to keep equal relations with both world powers, analysts believe. Asian countries with a neutral stance often get development aid and investment from China along with military support to resist China -- from the United States. For that reason, scholars say, officials in Manila make statements that outsiders find conflicting. "It's something like, when you say something bad against China you have to compensate it," said Eduardo Araral, associate professor at the National University of Singapore's public policy school. "It's an ongoing show, I would say, so I would have to take [Locsin's] pronouncements in that bigger context of this balancing game," he said. The impoverished Philippines sees Beijing as a source of investment and development aid despite a decades-old dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea. Duterte resents U.S. presence in the country. However, Duterte's military and much of the Philippine public want the country to keep close ties with the United States, especially as China gets stronger just offshore in waters claimed by Manila. "Duterte may still be extremely popular with Filipinos, but Beijing decidedly is not," Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a February study. The Philippine defense community remains "extremely worried," he added. For Washington, the Philippines represents part of a Western Pacific island chain of political allies that work together as needed to stop Chinese maritime expansion. The United States and the Philippines have lived by a mutual defense treaty since 1951. China hopes strong ties with the Philippines will reduce U.S. clout in the South China Sea dispute, where the People's Liberation Army has a lead over neighboring states. U.S. officials periodically warn Beijing to leave the South China Sea open for international use. Washington doesn't claim the sea but periodically sends naval ships over to show that the waterway is still open. In 2016, China pledged $24 billion in aid and investment to the Philippines. A neutral foreign policy in the Philippines will come in hot and cold spurts aimed at both superpowers, scholars say. Duterte said in early August, for example, that he would avoid joining military exercises with the United States in the sea that his government disputes with China. In July and August, though, the Philippine navy participated in the multicountry Rim of the Pacific exercises that the U.S. government hosts every two years. Duterte notified Washington in February of his intention to terminate the 21-year-old Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, a pact that lets U.S. troops fluidly move in and out of the Philippines. Manila suspended that plan in June. The Philippines should eventually formulate a "more dignified" foreign policy so China and the United States know what to expect, said Enrico Cau, Southeast Asia specialist with the Taiwan Strategy Research Association. Manila need not worry about losing the support of either side, he said. China wants stronger relations in Southeast Asia, he said, while the U.S. hopes to keep its military toehold. Neither superpower has cut ties with a smaller country over strong ties with the other. "You take just an equidistant standing, which is constant, and that actually improves relations with everybody also allows China and the United States to know what to expect," Cau said. A cementing of foreign policy will wait until after the U.S. presidential election in November, said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Metro Manila-based advocacy group Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. The Philippines is not "moving in either direction" today, he said. Incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has stepped up military support for the five Asian governments that oppose Beijing's expansion in the South China Sea over the past decade. It's unclear whether challenger Joe Biden would continue that direction. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japanese authorities racing to find dozens of missing sailors from a cargo ship that sank in a typhoon found a second survivor on Friday, as another, much more powerful storm drew near. The Gulf Livestock 1, which was carrying 6,000 cows, issued a distress call early Wednesday as Typhoon Maysak passed through the area, setting off a desperate search for the 43 crew on board. A first survivor was found on Wednesday evening, with the body of a second crew member recovered at sea early Friday, as hopes began to fade for the operation and powerful Typhoon Haishen barrelled towards the area. But the coast guard said they found a second survivor on Friday afternoon, a 30-year-old Filipino who was spotted in a life raft several kilometres from Kodakarajima, a remote island in southwestern Japan. The man, identified as a deckhand, was reached by a patrol boat and was alone in the raft. He was able to walk unassisted, the coastguard said. The first survivor from the ship, a 45-year-old Filipino chief officer, told rescuers he had put on a life jacket and jumped into the sea after a warning announcement on board. He said one of the boat's engines had stalled and the vessel was overturned by a powerful wave before eventually sinking. Precisely when and where it sank remained unclear. Dramatic footage of Wednesday's rescue showed the man bobbing in the open ocean in an orange lift jacket and rescuers battling violent waves to pull him on to their boat with a rope. After he was moved to a larger boat and wrapped with blankets, he asked for water and thanked his rescuers. "I am the only one? No other one?" he asked. The ship is believed to have been caught up in Typhoon Maysak, which moved through the area with gusts of up to 160 kilometres per hour. But Haishen is a much stronger storm, and is expected to affect Japan from late Saturday, with winds of up to 290 kilometres per hour (180 miles per hour), making it a "violent" storm -- the top level on Japan's classification scale. Story continues - 'Water started coming in' - There has been little sign so far of other survivors, with the coast guard spotting an empty rubber dinghy and a life jacket during their search. Dead cows from the boat have also been seen in the waves. In Manila, relatives of the crew were waiting desperately for news. Captain Dante Addug's sister told AFP that he had been in touch with his girlfriend shortly before the boat sank. "He told her there was an engine failure but they were able to restart it after an hour," Fredelyne Sanchez said. "But then the big waves worsened and water started coming in." Four coastguard vessels, a defence ministry plane and specially trained divers are involved in the search. But it is unclear how much longer their efforts can continue, with Haishen heading towards the area. The storm was expected to begin affecting areas including Okinawa in southern Japan and parts of western Kyushu from Saturday night to Monday, and the government warned residents to prepare. "In the region that the typhoon is approaching, record rains, storms, high waves and high tides are feared," government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Friday. In preparation, water was being emptied from behind dams to make room for heavy rainfall and a quick response system to warn residents was being activated, he added. The Gulf Livestock 1 crew was made up of 39 Filipinos, two New Zealanders and two Australians. The boat was travelling from Napier in New Zealand to the Chinese port of Tangshan. It had experienced engine problems before: a 2019 observer report by Australian authorities noted that the boat was forced to drift at sea for 25 hours after an issue with its main engine while en route to China. burs-nf/sah/je The tiny Pacific nation of Palau has urged the United States military to build bases on its territory -- which lies in a region where Washington is pushing back against growing Chinese influence. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper visited the island nation last week and accused Beijing of "ongoing destabilising activities" in the Pacific. Palau President Tommy Remengesau later revealed he told Esper the US military was welcome to build facilities in his country, an archipelago about 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) east of the Philippines. "Palau's request to the US military remains simple -- build joint-use facilities, then come and use them regularly," he said in a letter to the US defence chief that his office released this week. The note, addressed to Esper and marked "by hand delivery, Koror. Palau," said the nation of 22,000 was open to hosting land bases, port facilities and airfields for the US military. Remengesau also suggested a US Coast Guard presence in Palau to help patrol its vast marine reserve, which covers an area of ocean the size of Spain and is difficult for the tiny nation to monitor. While Palau is an independent nation, it has no military and the US is responsible for its defence under an agreement with Washington called the Compact of Free Association. Under the deal, the US military has access to the islands, although it currently has no troops permanently stationed there. "We should use the mechanisms of the Compact to establish a regular US military presence in Palau," Remengesau said. "The US military's right to establish defence sites in the Republic of Palau has been under-utilised for the entire duration of the Compact." - 'Predatory economics' - He said bases in Palau would not only increase US military preparedness but also help the local economy, which is struggling as the Covid-19 pandemic has halted tourism, its main industry. Palau was the scene of bloody fighting between US and Japanese forces in World War II but Washington focused on bases in the Philippines and Guam after the war. Story continues A US military radar facility is planned for Palau but construction has been suspended because of the pandemic, with the island nation keen to retain its virus-free status. In addition to its close US ties, Palau is also one of Taiwan's four remaining allies in the Pacific and only 15 worldwide. China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory, has set about trying to win over Taipei's allies in the Pacific, persuading the Solomon Islands and Kiribati to switch sides last year. Palau has refused, prompting Beijing to effectively ban its tourists from visiting the country in 2018. "It would appear that President Remengesau sees this, in part, as a potential economic solution to counter Palau's significant dependence on tourism -- including Chinese tourism" said Anna Powles, an expert in Pacific security at New Zealand's Massey University. "Palau is also feeling the pressures of proximity with respect to China and Beijings efforts to persuade Palau to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China," she told AFP. While not naming China directly, Remengesau told Esper "destabilising actors have already stepped forward to take advantage" of the virus-related economic crises that small island nations were experiencing. "Mr. Secretary, it has been a great relief to hear you, and other top US officials, recognise the complex reality of Indo-Pacific security -- which is as threatened by predatory economics as it is by military aggression," he wrote. During Esper's visit last week, which lasted barely three hours, Remengesau said China was offering cheap loans to island nations to win their loyalty. "That has an impact on how people view the relationship with those who help them," he said. str-ns-arb/mtp Paul Goldenberg, Chairman and President of Cardinal Point Strategies, Senior Fellow at Rutgers University Miller Center and Distinguished Visiting Fellow for Transnational Security at University of Ottawa has been named one of Americas Most Influential Persons in Security by Security magazine, the industrys foremost publication. Each year this leading voice in the security industry honors top security executives, nominated by their colleagues and associates, who are positively impacting the security industry, their enterprise, their colleagues and their peers. I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized among the most influential group of security executives of 2020, Goldenberg said. 2020 has indeed tested our nations endurance and fortitude. In this new paradigm, security and law enforcement professionals will need to focus more on programs that promote civility, endurance, prevention, and resiliency." Since 2013, Goldenberg has been a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), serving at the request of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Through his work as a member of the HSAC, he has played a key role in setting domestic and international policy for the legislation and investigation of domestic terrorism, insider threat, countering violent extremism, information sharing, cybersecurity policy and launching public-private partnerships across the world. In addition, Goldenberg has served as chair or co-chair of several critical DHS subcommittees: National Cybersecurity Task Force; Faith-based Security Advisory and Communications Council; Foreign Fighters Task Force; Countering Violent Extremism Working Group; Countering Foreign Influence Subcommittee; and the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith Based Communities and Domestic Terrorism Subcommittee. Goldenberg currently co-chairs the US Department of Homeland Security National Task Force centered on Youth Radicalization and Violence. "Paul Goldenberg's unparalleled, and frankly, courageous experience on these exact matters made this report possible. Without Paul's leadership we could not have completed this report which has the personal attention of the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, as well as that of the US Congress. He continues to be a vital actor in defending the very finest of American values," said Four-Star General John Allen (ret.) President, The Brookings Institution. In the wake of Europes recent terror attacks, working with Rutgers University, Goldenberg advised leaders across Europe to help build capacity between targeted communities and national police. To that end, Goldenberg and former Attorney General of New Jersey John Farmer, Executive Director of the Eagleton Institute, responded to cities across Europe to facilitate the project. Paul has worked tirelessly for decades to improve the culture of police-community relations, realizing that safety and security depend on a healthy relationship between law enforcement and the communities it serves. His work has never been more timely or important, Farmer said. Dr. Amir Rostami, Office of the Commissioner and Chief Superintendent, Stockholm Police, commented, when Sweden was plagued with record targeted violence attacks from extremists and gangs, we knew of Pauls work on the ground in Europe and asked him to lead a distinguished team of experts from Rutgers University, the New Jersey State Police, ATF, and DHS. Paul led the team that rapidly deployed to trouble spots across Sweden, working with us to build and strengthen our anti-violence programs Goldenbergs career also included more than two decades as a senior law enforcement official of the New Jersey State Attorney Generals Office. He also served as director of the nations sixth largest county social service and juvenile justice system, and as a police executive who led investigation efforts for significant cases of domestic terrorism, political corruption, and organized crime. Throughout the early 1980s, Goldenberg served as special agent in a long-term undercover role as part of the renowned South Florida Organized Crime Task Force. After a four-year undercover assignment, his accomplishments included 100 felony arrests, the breakup of a major organized crime cartel, and the recovery of millions of dollars in stolen property. For his efforts, Goldenberg was selected as recipient of South Floridas single most distinguished policing decoration: Officer of the Year. Goldenberg leads Cardinal Point Strategies and CP Insights, a strategic advisory and public policy consulting firm specializing in homeland security, law enforcement and public safety matters. CPS is a consortium of highly regarded experts who offer innovative solutions to crisis management, cutting-edge programs to mitigate risk and improve outcomes, and proactive strategies that deliver the desired results. Goldenberg appears regularly before congress, participates in congressional briefings, and has authored expertise reports on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security and other public safety organizations on matters of global security and public safety. For more information on Paul Goldenberg, visit CardinalPointStrategies.com. To review the complete list of 2020 Most Influential People in Security visit securitymagazine.com. NEW HAVEN A city teen suffered non-life-threatening injuries in an early-morning shooting Friday, police said. New Haven police and fire units responded to a 911 call at 12:11 a.m. of a person shot in the hand on Ivy Street near Butler Street, according to Capt. Anthony Duff. The 18-year-old victim told officers the shooting occurred outside a nearby Shepard Street home, Duff said. An ambulance took the victim to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. Police canvassed areas of the Newhallville neighborhood, including Shepard Street between Bassett Street and the Hamden town line near Goodrich Street. There were some road closures as police investigated that have since reopened. Anyone with information is asked to call the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304. Callers can remain anonymous. WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Potomac Law Group ("Potomac Law") announced today that highly regarded patent litigator Pablo Hendler has joined the firm as Partner in its New York office. The fifth attorney to join Potomac Law's Intellectual Property and Litigation practices in the past five months, Hendler brings a wealth of insight and 25 years of experience on intellectual property matters to the group. He will work closely with clients on complex litigation in the life sciences field, including in the areas of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices. Hendler adds to the firm's diverse and growing team of esteemed professionals available to handle complex matters involving intellectual property across a wide range of sophisticated technologies. Intellectual property partners who have joined Potomac Law since April include Michael J. Lennon and Douglas E. Ringel, both long-time Kenyon & Kenyon lawyers; Julia Anne Matheson, who joined from Hogan Lovells; and Shailendra ("Shalu") Maheshwari, who joined from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. "We are excited to add Pablo, who brings more depth and capabilities to our fast-growing IP practice. His unique combination of skills as a chemical engineer, inventor and experienced patent litigator is the perfect addition to our vibrant practice and a great asset for clients," noted Marlene Laro, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Potomac Law. At a time when almost all lawyers have been tested under stay-at-home orders, many are recognizing and appreciating the flexibility of working from home, outside of a traditional office setting, while continuing to provide seamless legal service to their clients, without the burdensome overhead. "We've had a significant uptick in interest from lawyers in firms with traditional models, and have welcomed eight high-caliber lawyers, including Pablo, to the firm since the pandemic began. They appreciate the benefits of working remotely, including the time efficiency and the absence of a commute," noted Benjamin Lieber, Potomac Law founder and Managing Partner. Hendler is an experienced researcher, inventor (U.S. Patent Nos. 5,348,928 and 5,266,188) and litigator, having represented some of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies in Hatch-Waxman patent litigation, including Purdue Pharma and AstraZeneca. He also helps clients to successfully navigate the intersection of FDA and patent law. He was recognized as an industry leader by "IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Practitioners," which identifies the top patent professionals, nationally and internationally. An active member with various bar and industry associations, he is frequently called upon to provide commentary and analysis on patent-related topics. Hendler received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan, magna cum laude, and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Northwestern University. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Partner at Jones Day. ABOUT: Potomac Law, a new model law firm with offices in 19 states, is known for its experienced lawyers, efficient management and collaborative culture. Potomac Law Online: https://www.potomaclaw.com/ . MEDIA CONTACT: Susan E. Jacobsen [email protected] | +1 202.251.8184 Related Images potomac-law-group.png Potomac Law Group A new model law firm with offices in 19 states known for its experienced lawyers, efficient management & and collaborative culture. SOURCE Potomac Law Group Related Links https://www.potomaclaw.com This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! Mr Trump tweeted. The allegations were reported in The Atlantic. A senior defence department official with firsthand knowledge of events and a senior US Marine Corps officer who was told about Mr Trumps comments confirmed some of the remarks to The Associated Press, including the 2018 cemetery comments. The White House swiftly mounted a concerted defence of the president, with Mr Trumps campaign and allies taking to social media and broadcast interviews to denounce the report. In the article, defence officials said Mr Trump made the comments as he cancelled visiting the cemetery outside Paris during a meeting following his presidential daily briefing on the morning of November 10 2018. Staffers from the National Security Council and the Secret Service told Mr Trump that rainy weather made helicopter travel to the cemetery risky, but they could drive there. Advertisement Mr Trump responded by saying he did not want to visit the cemetery because it was filled with losers, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorised to discuss it publicly. The White House blamed the cancelled visit on poor weather at the time. In another conversation on the trip, The Atlantic said, Mr Trump referred to the 1,800 Marines who died in the First World War battle of Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed. Mr Trump, who travelled to Pennsylvania on Thursday, told reporters after he returned to Washington that the Atlantic report was a disgraceful situation by a terrible magazine. I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes, Mr Trump told the reporters, gathered on the tarmac in the dark. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? Mr Trump also reiterated the White House explanation of why he did not visit the cemetery. The helicopter could not fly, he said, because of the rain and fog. The Secret Service told me you cant do it. They would never have been able to get the police and everybody else in line to have a president go through a very crowded, very congested area. Advertisement Its sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody, said White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox & Friends that he was with the president for a good part of the trip to France. I never heard him use the words that are described in that article, Mr Pompeo said. Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that she was part of the discussion about visiting the cemetery. This never happened, she said. I have sat in the room when our president called family members after their sons were killed in action and it was heart-wrenching. I am disgusted by this false attack. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said that if the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States. Heres my promise to you: If I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice. Always. https://t.co/wMFHHscD51 Advertisement Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 4, 2020 Duty, honour, country those are the values that drive our service members, Mr Biden said in a statement, adding that if he is elected president, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. Mr Bidens son Beau served in Iraq in 2008-09. The defence officials also confirmed reporting in The Atlantic that Mr Trump on Memorial Day 2017 had gone with his chief of staff, John Kelly, to visit the Arlington Cemetery gravesite of Mr Kellys son, Robert, who was killed in 2010 in Afghanistan, and said to Mr Kelly: I dont get it. What was in it for them? The senior Marine Corps officer and The Atlantic, citing sources with firsthand knowledge, also reported that Mr Trump said he did not want to support the August 2018 funeral of Republican Senator John McCain, a decorated Navy veteran who spent years as a Vietnam prisoner of war, because he was a loser. The Atlantic also reported that Mr Trump was angered that flags were flown at half-staff for Mr McCain, saying: What the f*** are we doing that for? Guy was a f****** loser. Mr Trump acknowledged he was never a fan of Mr McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Mr Trump publicly blasted Mr McCain, saying: Hes not a war hero. He added: I like people who werent captured. Mr Trump only amplified his criticism of Mr McCain as the Arizona politician grew critical of his acerbic style of politics, culminating in a late-night no vote scuttling Mr Trumps plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That vote shattered what few partisan loyalties bound the two men, and Mr Trump has continued to attack Mr McCain for that vote, even posthumously. The magazine said Mr Trump also referred to former president George H.W. Bush as a loser because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in the Second World War. After multiple flash sales, Xiaomi has now made the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max available on open sale. This means that customers no longer need to wait for online sales to get their hands on the device. Launched alongside the regular Note 9 Pro in March, the handset is very similar in terms of design and features when compared to the Note 9 Pro with minor differences. Customers can go ahead and purchase the handset from Mi.com and Amazon India. The handset comes with a 6.67-inch LCD display with a punch-hole placed on top center and a quad-camera setup in a square module. Like the previous Redmi Note 8 series, it has Gorilla Glass on the front and back, but this time the cameras are also protected with the same. Other notable design features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner similar to the Poco X2 and the Realme 6 series. The device is powered by the 8nm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G which should be more efficient and slightly more powerful than the 730G. The smartphone will be offered in a total of three variants including 6GB RAM with either 64GB or 128GB of storage and an 8GB RAM option with 128GB internal storage. There is also a dedicated microSD card slot to expand the storage further. The square camera module is placed at the center and is raised from the main body. It includes a 64-megapixel main sensor next to an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. There is also a 5-megapixel macro camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. At the front, there is a 32-megapixel selfie camera placed in the punch hole. According to the company, the camera is capable of shooting RAW photography and some nifty tricks in pro mode while shooting video. The battery unit is rated at 5,020mAh which is said to be the biggest on a Redmi Note device. It supports 33W fast charging (provided in the box) as well. Rest of the features include support for 4G VoLTE, NaVIC GPS, dual-SIM card slots, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, P2i coating, USB Type-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The handset will come with Android 10 with MIUI 11. There are three colour options to choose from including Aurora Blue, Glacier White, and Interstellar Black. As for the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max pricing, the 6GB + 64GB variant is priced at Rs 16,499, the 6GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs 17,999 while 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs 19,999. The pricing is different from what we saw during the launch due to revised GST rates in the country. As an added bonus, Airtel is offering double data benefits with Rs 298 and Rs 398 unlimited packs. PARIS SMCP, the group behind accessible luxury labels Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot and De Fursac, reported a loss of 88.5 million euros in the first half as consumption was heavily disrupted by the coronavirus crisis. Striking a note of optimism, the company said it is positioned to weather the crisis thanks to its geographic balance, e-commerce system and agility. More from WWD The group is well equipped to face this challenging period as its fundamentals remain solid, SMCP chief executive officer Daniel Lalonde said in a statement. The executive announced plans to update investors Oct. 37 on its efforts to adapt to the changed retail landscape. The company has been cutting costs, streamlining collections, reining in the fast pace of store expansion that fuelled growth in the past and helped it widen its international reach beyond France into Asia and the Americas and plans to focus on sustainability. The first half loss compares to a net profit of 17.2 million euros for the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings before interest tax, amortisation and depreciation was 55.1 million euros, compared to 141 million euros for the same period in 2019. Sales for the first half were down 31 percent to 372.8 million euros, with declines in all markets over the period when lockdown measures swept across the globe in a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19. The Asia-Pacific region performed better than other markets, with a return to growth in China in June. SMCP was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange in 2017. Chinese textile group Ruyi Group owns around 54 percent of SMCP. The company said it has a solid cash position of 219 million euros at the end of June. Supermajor Total continues to invest in clean energy by creating a joint venture with automaker Groupe PSA to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles in Europea project expected to mobilize investment of more than US$5.9 billion (5 billion euro). Total, via its subsidiary SAFT, will contribute to the project with industrialization and research and development (R&D) expertise, while PSA will contribute its automotive production experience, the French oil giant said in a statement. An R&D center in Bordeaux and a pilot site in Nersac, France, have already launched work to develop new high-performance lithium-ion technologies. The companies plan to launch mass production after the R&D phase ends at two gigafactories in Europe, one in Douvrin, France, and one in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The joint venture plans to "ensure industrial independence in Europe for the conception and manufacture of batteries, with an initial capacity of 8 GWh, reaching a cumulative capacity of 48 GWh on both sites by 2030," Total said. The new joint venture, Automotive Cells Company (ACC), has received financial support from the French and German authorities and is expected to begin manufacturing batteries from 2023. "The creation of ACC illustrates Total's commitment to meet the challenge of climate change and to develop as a broad energy company, a major player in the energy transition, by continuing to provide affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy," Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman of Total, said. "Our ambition is to leverage the recognized expertise of our subsidiary SAFT in batteries and the industrial know-how of our partner PSA to meet the strong growth of electric vehicles in Europe," the executive added. Apart from EV batteries, Total has been heavily investing in solar projects and storage systems in recent years. The announcement for the upcoming gigafactories from European companies came just as Elon Musk was visiting Gigafactory Berlin to see how work on Tesla's first Gigafactory in Europe was progressing. "Great trip to Germany. Support from government & people is super appreciated!" Musk said on Thursday. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The chief of said Thursday that and have agreed to start technical talks aimed at helping to reduce the risks of military incidents and accidents in the eastern Mediterranean, where the allies have been locked in a tense standoff over offshore energy rights. But an official in Athens quickly denied any such agreement, saying must first withdraw its warships from the area where it's carrying out research. There was no immediate reaction from Ankara. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced the possible diplomatic opening in a statement on the military alliance's website the same day that announced that Russia plans to conduct live-fire naval exercises this month in the eastern Mediterranean. and Turkey are valued Allies, and is an important platform for consultations on all issues that affect our shared security, the statement read. I remain in close touch with all concerned Allies to find a solution to the tensions in the spirit of NATO solidarity. A Greek official told The Associated Press that talk of an agreement does not not correspond with reality. "In any case, we have noted the NATO Secretary-General's intention to work to create mechanisms for de-escalation within the framework of NATO, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to comment on the record. Nevertheless, de-escalation would only be achieved with the immediate withdrawal of all Turkish ships from the Greek continental shelf,he said. Turkey announced the Russian exercises in a navigational notice that said they would take place Sept. 8-22 and Sept. 17-25 in areas of the Mediterranean Sea where Turkish research vessels are doing seismic work for oil and gas exploration. says the disputed area is over its continental shelf. There was no immediate comment from Moscow on the exercises, which Turkey announced after the United States said it was partially lifting a 33-year-old arms embargo against ethnically divided Cyprus. Like Greece, Cyprus has been in a dispute with Turkey over drilling rights in the Mediterranean. In Athens, Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said the planned Russian exercises were being monitored by all the countries in the region, as well as our NATO allies and European Union partners. It's unclear why NATO-member Turkey announced such drills on Russia's behalf, but the two countries have in recent years significantly strengthened their military, political and economic ties. They are coordinating closely on their military presence in Syria, while Turkey has purchased Russia's advanced S-400 missiles and has broken ground on a Russian-built nuclear power plant on its southern coast. Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said that Russia notifies Cypriot authorities directly about navigation notices. He said Cyprus has no issue with Russia and that its only complaint concerns Turkey's attempts to take advantage of the situation. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone on Thursday. Germany currently holds the European Union's rotating presidency and has been trying to informally mediate the dispute over drilling in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. A statement from Erdogan's office said the Turkish leader wants an arrangement in which resources are shared fairly and complained that Greece, Greek Cypriots and countries backing the two were the ones escalating tensions. The Turkish government has reacted angrily to the U.S. move on the Cyprus arms embargo, saying it went against the spirit of alliance between Washington and Ankara. It also warned that it would harm efforts to reunify Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nation which is split between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities. Turkish officials have also vowed to take steps to guarantee the security of the self-declared Turkish state in the island's north. The Russian exercises come at a time of increased friction between Turkey on the one side and Greece and Cyprus on the other over offshore energy exploration rights. Warships from Greece and Turkey have shadowed each other in recent weeks as Turkish survey vessels and drill ships continue to prospect for hydrocarbons in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights. Greek and Turkish armed forces held their own exercises in the area last month. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Thursday that the lifting of the embargo against would lead to a deadlock. If you lift the embargo and try to disrupt the balance in this way, this will bring conflict, not peace. This will create a deadlock, not a solution, he said. Cyprus split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Turkey is the only nation to recognize a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and it maintains more than 35,000 troops in northern Cyprus. Akar also took aim at France, which joined Greece and Cyprus for military exercises in the region, accusing it of bullying, making claims and playing the role of a guardian angel. U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Judith Garber said the embargo lifting had no connection to valued partner and ally Turkey, but aimed to strengthen regional security and to counter malign actors in the region. We believe that Russia is playing a very destabilizing role in the region, especially in Syria, Garber 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.) Cathleen OCarroll Dalschaert, 90, a retired violinist and longtime resident of Cherry Hill, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, of a brain hemorrhage at her home. Ms. Dalschaert was a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra for 24 years, playing with the first violin section from the time she joined the organization. She was called Cathleen, and anyone who tried to address her informally was corrected, said her daughter Andree Dalschaert. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised in Sydney, Australia, Ms. Dalschaert came from a musical family. Seven of the 10 children became professional musicians. She began studying the violin at age 5 and received a scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, from which she graduated with highest honors. Starting at age 13, she appeared in concerts and recitals. Many were aired by the Australian Broadcasting Commission. She also appeared as a soloist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, performing the Beethoven Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. After graduation, Ms. Dalschaert won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she was awarded seven of the eight available prizes for violin performance over three years. She won a second scholarship to the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where she studied with violinists Andre Gertler and Arthur Grumiaux, and cellist Pablo Casals. She met her future husband, violinist and violin bow maker Stephane Dalschaert of Brussels, on a concert tour of Spain. They married in 1958. That same year, the couple moved to Louisiana to join the New Orleans Symphony. They stayed for two years, then played for the Cleveland Orchestra for seven seasons under conductor George Szell before joining the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1967. Larry Grika, a retired Philadelphia Orchestra violinist, said Ms. Dalschaert and he were stand partners, meaning they sat next to each other on stage and shared a musical score. She was a full-blooded musician, he said. She played with her heart and emotion all the time. She had that same quality as a person. He said Ms. Dalschaert and her husband came to the orchestra seeking a more lush sound than they had been part of in previous orchestras. When youre practicing with an instrument, youre trying to get the most beautiful sound possible, Grika said. Everybody contributed, including Cathleen. In addition to playing, she also participated in negotiations between the musicians union and orchestra management. She had a very sharp brain and was vocal when she had to be, Grika said. She was spirited during negotiations and worked hard for the betterment of the orchestra. While keeping an orchestra playing schedule, Ms. Dalschaert continued to perform as a soloist in Australia, London, Europe, and elsewhere in the United States. She retired from the orchestra in 1991. In the 1960s, well before it was mainstream, Ms. Dalschaert was a working mother with two children. Being a musician meant pursuing a lifestyle that was nontraditional. By choosing that pathway, her family said, she showed herself to be a proponent of womens rights. If you played in an orchestra, you are working when everybody else is home with their families. You are playing concerts, not going to parties, her daughter Andree said. Ms. Dalschaert was quick-witted, very smart, clever, her daughter said. Both her mother and father had emigrated from Ireland and Ms. Dalschaert was proud of her Irish heritage. Her husband, who also came from a large family of musicians, died of a heart attack in 2007. Besides her daughter Andree, Ms. Dalschaert is survived by another daughter, Natalie Dalschaert; two grandchildren; a great-grandson; and two brothers in Sydney. There will be no funeral. Burial is private. Memorial donations may be made to the Australian Wildlife Rescue Organization at wires.org.au/donate/give-in-memory. The U.S. economy added more jobs than economists expected last month, but the diminishing rate of monthly new hires is ominous, National Urban League CEO Marc Morial said Friday on CNBC. The August Labor Department employment report shows payrolls increased by 1.37 million with most hires coming in government and retail. "There ought to be a cautionary note on this report, because this report portends, I think, some tough and difficult days ahead," Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, said in a "Power Lunch" interview. "We've got to look at this report in the context of what's happened over the last several months and the uncertainty of the months ahead." Morial said he is concerned about both where employment expansion was concentrated and the slowdown in new additions compared with prior months. The August figure is the second straight month-over-month decline, down from 1.7 million new payrolls in July and 4.8 million in June, as the country attempts recovery from a lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus that battered the global economy. About 10.6 million jobs have been added since May, bringing the unemployment rate back down to 8.4%, down from a peak of 22.8% in April, when tens of millions of jobs were a casualty of nonessential business closures. More than 40% of the new jobs came in the form of government and retail hires. About 344,000 hires were made by the federal government, in large part temporary workers to run the 2020 Census. Leisure and hospitality, one of the industries harmed most by travel restrictions and physical distancing efforts, saw 174,000 additions. About 75% of that came in the area of food services and drinking establishments. Employment in food services and drinking places remains 2.5 million below its February levels. "There's no doubt we're seeing, as people are called back to work, the hospitality sector, the service sector, the restaurant sector still lags behind," Morial said. "A continuing concern that we have is, as cooler months lie ahead, we cannot predict what the impact will be on Covid-19 and whether the number of cases may necessarily spike, therefore causing further, if you will, reversals of some of the efforts to reopen the economy." Job creation in August represents a continued improvement in the U.S. economy but a full recovery won't happen until the coronavirus pandemic is under control, Boston Federal Reserve President Eric Rosengren said Friday. The economy is in a "very significant recession" with the unemployment rate at 8.4%, and the ongoing pandemic can delay the recovery in the jobs market without a widely accessible coronavirus vaccine, Rosengren said on "The Exchange." Morial, who leads the largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization, also highlighted the disparate levels of unemployment across racial groups. While the jobless rate fell across the board, the jobless rate for Black people stood at 13%, compared with 10.7% for Asians and 10.5% for Hispanics. For White people, the rate stood at 7.3%. The federal stimulus measures passed earlier this year have helped to drive some of the job creation, but the future is in peril without more aid, Morial said. Vice President Mike Pence said Friday morning that the Trump administration had reached a consensus with congressional Democrats to avoid a potential government shutdown, but it does not include coronavirus relief. Lawmakers are expected to pick back up on pandemic aid discussions when they return to Capitol Hill after Labor Day, with the November election less than two months away. "Let's get a robust stimulus plan in place, nothing small, something significant to continue the march back in this economy," Morial said. Montreal Area Real Estate Market Residential Sales August 2020 Residential Sales August 2020 LILE-DES-SURS, Quebec, Sept. 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) has just released its most recent residential real estate market statistics for the Montreal Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), based on the real estate brokers Centris provincial database. In total, 4,878 residential sales transactions were concluded in August 2020. This represents a 39 per cent increase compared to August of last year and the highest number of transactions ever recorded for a month of August since the Centris system began compiling market data (2000). The loss of transactions due to the confinement period in early spring have almost all been recovered thanks to phenomenal sales activity in July and August, which are usually among the quietest months of the year, said Julie. Saucier, president and chief executive officer of the QPAREB. The pandemic is clearly having an unexpected impact on buyer behaviour as there is a renewed interest in buying properties, particularly single-family homes. Against all expectations, this enthusiasm is supported by a notable increase in the savings rate of many buyers in recent months. The situation is particularly present in the suburbs, where cases of overbidding are increasing and market conditions are still extremely favourable to sellers, she added. Sales by geographic area Geographically, all six of the Montreal CMAs main areas registered a remarkable increase in sales in August. Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the North Shore and Laval led the way with respective increases of 62, 51 and 48 per cent, compared to August of last year. The South Shore (+39 per cent), the Island of Montreal (+29 per cent) and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (+17 per cent) also performed well. Sales by property category Across the CMA, single-family home sales (2,601 transactions) registered the largest increase at 47 per cent. Condominium sales jumped by 36 per cent (1,861 transactions), while sales of plexes (two to five dwellings) rose by 12 per cent (410 transactions). Story continues Prices Property prices surged across the CMA in August for all three property categories. The median price of single-family homes increased by 24 per cent compared to August of last year, reaching $427,500. This was the highest increase ever recorded since Centris began compiling statistics. It should be noted that single-family home sales above $1 million more than doubled compared to August of last year (+136 per cent), which had an impact on the increase in median price. The median price of condominiums stood at $312,000, a 12 per cent increase compared to August 2019, while the median price of plexes stood at $599,500, a 13 per cent increase. Number of properties for sale With 12,953 active residential listings in the Centris system, the number of properties for sale continued to drop, falling by 21 per cent year over year. The last time there was a similar level of active listings in the Montreal CMA was back in August of 2003. For August 2020 and year-to-date statistics charts, click here . About the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) is a non-profit association that brings together more than 13,000 real estate brokers and agencies. It is responsible for promoting and defending their interests while taking into account the issues facing the profession and the various professional and regional realities of its members. The QPAREB is also an important player in many real estate dossiers, including the implementation of measures that promote homeownership. The Association reports on Quebec's residential real estate market statistics, provides training, tools and services relating to real estate, and facilitates the collection, dissemination and exchange of information. The QPAREB is headquartered in Quebec City and has its administrative offices in Montreal. It has two subsidiaries: Centris Inc. and the College de l'immobilier du Quebec. Follow its activities at qpareb.ca or via its social media pages: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. About Centris Centris.ca is Quebecs real estate industry website for consumers, grouping all properties for sale by a real estate broker under the same address. Societe Centris provides real estate industry stakeholders with access to real estate data and a wide range of technology tools. Centris also manages the collaboration system used by more than 13,000 real estate brokers in Quebec. For more information: Taissa Hrycay Director Communications and Marketing 1-888-762-2440 or 514-762-2440, ext. 157 media@qpareb.ca A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2ee0711-b051-42a5-9c00-a203de898fad The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday told the Supreme Court that it is likely to conduct compartment examination for students of classes X and XII by September-end and examination centres have been increased to 1,278. New Delhi [India], September 4 (ANI): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday told the Supreme Court that it is likely to conduct compartment examination for students of classes X and XII by September-end and examination centres have been increased to 1,278. The Bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna asked the CBSE to file an affidavit with regard to conducting compartment examinations and posted the matter for hearing on September 10. Advocate Rupesh Kumar appearing for the CBSE told the bench that all precautions will be taken to conduct compartment examinations in view of COVID-19. Centres for compartment exams have been increased to 1,278. We (CBSE) can conduct exams. We have taken a decision that in a class where 40 students could sit, now only 12 will sit. We are taking all precautions for conducting exams. Today notification is expected to be issued, CBSE counsel told the court. ALSO READ: Bihar SSC Mains exam date 2020 announced: Apply online for 1st Inter Level CC exam @bssc.bih.nic.in. The Counsel appearing for the petitioner stated that the main exam was not conducted so why can there not be a scheme to cancel compartment exams. The court was hearing a plea filed by students who were placed in the compartment category, after CBSE declared the result for the said classes, based on an alternative evaluation method, in July this year. The petitioners contended that it shall be impossible for CBSE to safely conduct the compartment examination amid the pandemic and since the compartment exams were not conducted in July, students have been unable to take admissions in Universities. It sought a direction for CBSE to cancel the compartment exam and also sought setting aside of its August 6 and 12 notifications dated mandating compartment examination. (ANI) ALSO READ: IAF AFCAT 2020 exam postponed to October: Check dates,exam pattern below One year ago, the French government opened a series of public consultations to address domestic violence. The initiatives have been slow to get off the ground, particularly in terms of emergency housing, according to women's groups. They are concerned by a rise in cases of abuse and the long term effects of the Covid-19 crisis. During a visit to the women's shelter La maison des femmes in Saint-Denis in the northern suburbs of Paris, the French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that the government would allocate funds to create a further 1,000 places for emergency housing for victims of domestic violence. This adds to the 1,000 places created on 3 September 2019 during a series of public consultations, known as a "grenelle", between government ministers, medical staff, advocacy groups and other. "This brings us to 6,500 places in total, for women and children," added Minister for Equality Elisabeth Moreno, who added that 15 new centres to house violent partners will open this year, and 15 more in 2021. Where is the accommodation? However, women's groups are saying the initial 1,000 places for women have not yet materialised. To express their disappointment at what they see is a limited roll-out of the new measures, women's groups organised a march in support of victims' families in Paris on Thursday. "We still don't know where these places were created. Nor if any associations have been able to access them. Even the minister can't say," says Anne-Cecile Mailfert, president of Fondation des Femmes. Moreno's office responded by insisting the places had been created, and that her staff were in the process of carrying out an audit, which would be ready by the end of November. Mailfert has raised questions over the type of accommodation that will be made available. "With emergency accommodation, there is no room for quality follow-up and support," she says. "It's often in a hotel for social services. The woman could find herself in a room next door to a man who has just been released from prison situations which would be frightening for women." Femicides on the rise These concerns come against a backdrop of the crisis brought about by Covid-19, and the marked rise in the number of femicides nationwide. According to a report released by the interior ministry on 17 August, 146 women were killed by their partner or ex-partner in 2019 25 more than in 2018. "The measures in place are still too random, in terms of their application. It all depends on the police, the courts and the department in charge," Frederique Martz, the director of Women Safe, told RFI, adding that many women don't know about the services available to them. The coronavirus lockdown period exacerbated difficulties facing women and girls and the organisations who try to help them. During this time, Martz explains, some violent offenders were released temporarily and allowed to return home, which meant women found themselves confined in dangerous circumstances. Long-term solutions Martz says that structures like Women Safe that help victims of domestic abuse were "completely overwhelmed" during lockdown, despite the government's new measures. Funding is "sorely needed", she says. But in addition to money for emergency cases, thought needs to be put into the longer term solutions for accommodation especially when children are involved. One key problem is that in many cases, women are not owners of their property, so their partners can force them to leave. Martz agrees with other women's groups: the government's promises have only been partly fulfilled. Traceability into offenders' criminal past is not adequate, with offences committed in non-European countries not included in their files. "Police don't make connections with past offences, which speaks for itself." The confiscation of weapons from violent offenders is also only a partial fix, Martz says. To take the measure further, there have been calls for violent partners to be forced to wear electronic monitoring bracelets. Former minister for equality Marlene Schiappa told France Inter radio on Thursday that this measure would be rolled out in the coming weeks. The Karnataka Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested actress Ragini Dwivedi for alleged use of banned drugs in the Kannada film industry, police said. In this photo, Ragini is seen at the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in connection with a probe into the alleged drug links in the Kannada film industry, in Bengaluru. (Image: Amlan Paliwal) Patients at Britains best-known childrens hospital can expect faster treatment thanks to a major donation by Mail Force one which comes with a royal seal of approval. Great Ormond Street will receive 300,000 of a pioneering new Covid-19 testing equipment. This will provide rapid diagnosis for children, families and medical staff, thus ensuring quicker access to medical care. Last night, hospital bosses welcomed the incredible donation from the charity, saying it would greatly enhance its treatment of some of the most vulnerable patients. Patients at Britains best-known childrens hospital can expect faster treatment thanks to a major donation by Mail Force, supported by tens of thousands of Mail readers and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall (pictured), who made a private donation early in the campaign Great Ormond Street will receive 300,000 of a pioneering new Covid-19 testing equipment Mail Force created by this newspaper at the start of the pandemic has now raised more than 11million to help combat the coronavirus. Supporters have included tens of thousands of Mail readers, some of Britains leading philanthropists and public figures including the Duchess of Cornwall who made a private donation early in the campaign. Yesterday, the duchess sent the charity a simple, heartfelt message: Huge congratulations to a brilliant cause. That sentiment was echoed last night by Matthew Shaw, chief executive of Great Ormond Street Hospital Foundation Trust. Mail Force created by this newspaper at the start of the pandemic has now raised more than 11million to help combat the coronavirus On behalf of all our staff, patients and their families, I would like to say a massive thank you to Mail Force for this, he said. It is crucial that all those children who require GOSHs specialist care feel confident about coming into hospital. We have worked really hard to make the hospital a safe space for them and their families and the equipment generously funded by Mail Force will make a real difference in helping us keep it that way. Not only does it enable us to rapidly test patients before and during their stay with us, but it also helps us to keep staff protected so they can deliver the vital care these children need. HERE'S HOW TO DONATE Mail Force Charity has been launched with one aim to help support NHS staff, volunteers and care workers fight back against Covid-19 in the UK. Mail Force is a separate charity established and supported by the Daily Mail and General Trust. The money raised will fund essential equipment required by the NHS and care workers. This equipment is vital in protecting the heroic staff whilst they perform their fantastic work in helping the UK overcome this pandemic. If we raise more money than is needed for vital Covid-19 equipment, we will apply all funds to support the work of the NHS in other ways. Click the button below to make a donation: DONATE NOW If the button is not visible, click here Advertisement The latest donation consists of three separate components. A US-designed Hamilton STAR robotic laboratory unit the first of its kind to be used at Great Ormond Street will provide extra capacity for pre-admission screening of all patients and asymptomatic staff. Mail Force is also purchasing a QIAsymphony robotic unit from Germany which will carry out ongoing testing of those already in hospital. Additionally, the hospital will receive an American QuantStudio system for swift analysis of up to 300 swabs at a time. Until now, Mail Force has focused on providing personal protective equipment for hospitals, care homes and charities. We have sourced masks, aprons, gowns, face shields and coveralls from Lancashire, Yorkshire and as far afield as Turkey and Shanghai. That work continues all over Britain as the charity works closely with Department of Health officials to ensure that Mail Force is meeting a pressing need and protecting healthcare workers. In addition to expanding the range of PPE, the trustees and the NHS have also been exploring new ways of protecting medical staff. One solution is to help Great Ormond Street expand its testing system to allow for rapid, large-scale testing at all hours. Until now, the hospital has been using borrowed or repurposed testing kit. The new machinery will transform the testing regime. Louise Parkes, chief executive of GOSH Charity, said: Since the start of this crisis, we have been working really hard to respond to the hospitals needs. But we have been caught in a perfect storm with those needs increasing at a time when we are also facing our own significant shortfall in donations. It is thanks to the generous support of donors like Mail Force that we are able to support the hospital as it continues to give the very best life-saving care to those children who so desperately need it. For that I would like to say a massive thank-you. Their names are angrily chanted at demonstrations across the United States: they are the African Americans who suffered violence this year -- mostly deadly bloodshed at the hands of police -- that has galvanized protests around the world. - Breonna Taylor - A 26-year-old paramedic, she was killed in a police shooting in her own apartment. The incident took place on March 13 in the large southern city of Louisville, Kentucky, when three plainclothes police officers executing a search warrant burst into Taylor's apartment late at night. Taylor's boyfriend, who was in bed with her, grabbed a gun and exchanged fire with the officers. He later said he thought they were criminals. The officers, who had not activated their body cameras as required, shot Taylor eight times, killing her; a police sergeant was also injured. The three later filed an after-action report that was found to be rife with errors. They were subsequently suspended. But more than five months later, none has been arrested or charged, and tensions in the Kentucky community remain sharp. Black stars like Beyonce, LeBron James and Oprah Winfrey have repeatedly demanded that justice be done in the case. - George Floyd - The 46-year-old resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota died on May 25 after being pinned while handcuffed to the pavement by a white officer who kept his knee on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes -- even as Floyd gasped that he could not breathe. The shockingly public nature of Floyd's death -- which bystanders filmed and then posted on social media -- sparked an enormous mobilization nationwide, as protesters took to the streets to denounce systemic racism and police brutality. The groundswell of outrage reached beyond American borders, prompting huge demonstrations around the world against the mistreatment of ethnic minorities and the rewriting of colonial history. The face of Floyd, a father of three whose last job was as a security guard, has become a symbol brandished in anti-racist marches everywhere. Story continues - Ahmaud Arbery - This unarmed 25-year-old was gunned down in broad daylight in February as he was jogging in a residential neighborhood in the town of Brunswick, in southern Georgia. Two white men, a father and a son, had pursued him in their truck after taking him for a burglar. Outrage over the incident exploded after a video, taken by a third man, emerged on social media -- particularly because two months after the shooting, no arrests had been made. Amid spreading public indignation, retired police officer Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, were charged with murder alongside William Bryan, 50, who filmed the killing. But six months on, it remains unclear why it took 74 days for charges to be filed when the facts of the incident were known long before that. - Jacob Blake - The 29-year-old was gravely wounded when a policeman fired seven or eight shots at him as he tried to get into his car on August 23 in Kenosha, in the Midwestern state of Wisconsin. The scene was filmed by bystanders and the two police officers who were trying to stop or arrest Blake have been suspended. With damage to his spinal cord, Blake is likely to be permanently paralyzed, his father said. A family lawyer said Blake had attempted to break up an argument between two women. He was shot by a policeman pursuing him as he opened the door to his car -- as three of his children watched in horror. Coming three months after the death of George Floyd, Blake's shooting has touched off a new round of sometimes violent demonstrations in several cities. In Kenosha, two people were killed by a shooter suspected of being part of a vigilante group allegedly trying to prevent vandalism. A 17-year-old teenager was arrested on murder charges in connection with the shootings. - Daniel Prude - The 41-year-old, who had mental health issues, died of asphyxiation after police arrested him on March 23 in Rochester, in the state of New York. Even though Prude was naked in near-freezing temperatures, the arresting officers pinned him to the ground and put a cloth hood over his head which they said was meant to keep him from spitting. The case only became widely known on Wednesday after his family obtained and broadcast police footage of the arrest. The mayor of Rochester ordered the suspension of the seven officers involved. bur-jh/ft Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has set aside an order of the city Police Commissioner that suspended the telecast of an Assamese TV serial Begum Jaan for two months. The order for suspension of Begum Jaans telecast was issued on August 24 based on the recommendations of a 10-member district level monitoring committee after some groups and individuals had lodged complaints with the police demanding a complete ban on the serial alleging that it was promoting love jihad. After Police Commissioner Munna Prasad Gupta had issued the prohibitory order under the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995, the channel moved the court. The petitioners counsel argued that a representative from the electronic media was not included in the committee as mandated as per the latest guidelines of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Also, the counsel said, it is the Central government which is authorized to initiate action in the matter and the monitoring committee is only empowered to make a suitable recommendation to the government after hearing both parties. However, in the present case, not to speak of any opportunity of hearing to the writ petitioners, the authorities did not even forward the copies of the complaints received by it to the petitioners before issuing the impugned order banning the telecast of the serial for a period of two months, the petitioners counsel said. ALSO READ | Assamese TV serial 'Begum Jaan' banned for 2 months for promoting love jihad After observing that the impugned order was passed without hearing the affected parties and without conforming to the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, 1994, the court of Justice Suman Shyam set aside the ban. Since the impugned order has been set aside by this Court, the writ petitioners would be at liberty to telecast the serial Begum Jaan, if so advised, the court ordered. At the same time, it advised the channels managing director to air Begum Jaan only after he reaches his personal satisfaction to the effect that any content of the serial which is deemed to be universally objectionable on the ground of violation of communal harmony or which may contain anything that may harm the religious sentiment of any community, is deleted... Subject to observation of the above condition, it would be open for the petitioners to telecast the TV serial Begum Jaan in accordance with law. Preety Kongkana, who plays the role of protagonist, said love jihad in Begum Jaan was a figment of some peoples imagination. This is basically about a Hindu girl being caught in a difficult situation and is helped by a Muslim man. However, rumour is spread that Janmoni (her character) eloped with the Muslim man. Theres no communal angle in it. It, in fact, depicts humanity above faith, she had said recently. The committee of vice-chancellors of all universities in Maharashtra in its report has recommended to the state government that each paper for final-year examinations of professional and non-professional courses can be of 50 marks with a duration of one hour for completion. Oral examinations or viva can be held through applications such as Skype or over phone. The state government has asked the vice-chancellors to submit the timetable of exams and other such details by September 7, following which the same will be placed before state disaster management authority for final approval, state higher and technical education minister Uday Samant confirmed. Following the Supreme Court ruling that students cannot be promoted without writing examinations, the state had formed a committee of vice-chancellors headed by Suhas Pednekar, vice-chancellor of University of Mumbai to suggest how the process can be conducted safely. The committee submitted its report to the state higher and technical education department on Friday with 11 recommendations. The committee has recommended that the students should be allowed to appear for exams from home. It has also recommended that each paper can be of 50 marks with a duration of one hour to complete. Oral exams or viva can be held through Skype and other such application or over phone. The format of exams will have to be decided by the Board of Examinations and Academic Council of the universities, said Samant, adding that they have many options available such as open book exams, multiple choice question (MCQ), optical mark recognition (OMR) and assignment-based exams. The committee has also recommended to seek extension up to October 31 from University Grants Commission (UGC) to complete the examination process. Offline or physical exams will be conducted only where the student is not in a position to appear for same online, Samant said. According to the report, 90% of the students have mobile phones or desktops which can be used for online exams. The 10% students, who dont have either of the two or have internet connectivity issues, can be allowed to appear for the exams physically at Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) centres, officials said. The report states that the examination process, including declaration of results, can be completed by October 31 and admission for the next academic year can start from November 1, said an official. It also states that practical exams can be held between September 15 and 30. Samant has already declared that final-year examinations can be conducted from the first week of October. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON RTHK: Malaysia drops criminal cases against Goldman Sachs Malaysian prosecutors on Friday withdrew criminal charges against three Goldman Sachs units accused of misleading investors over US$6.5 billion in bond sales they helped organise for a state fund, the Bernama state news agency reported. The move comes after Goldman Sachs agreed to pay US$3.9 billion to Malaysia to settle a probe into its alleged role in the scandal involving the fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which counts former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak as one of its co-founders. The US Department of Justice estimates US$4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB between 2009 and 2014, including some of the funds that Goldman Sachs helped raise. The units based in London, Hong Kong and Singapore had pleaded not guilty in February and the bank has consistently denied wrongdoing. "Goldman Sachs International Ltd, Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC and Goldman Sachs (Singapore) are therefore discharged amounting to an acquittal from all four charges made against them," Bernama quoted High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan as saying as he granted prosecutors the request. Lawyers for Goldman Sachs and the prosecution could not be immediately reached for comment. As part of its deal with Malaysia, Goldman has paid US$2.5 billion in cash and guaranteed the return of US$1.4 billion in 1MDB assets seized around the world. At least six countries including Switzerland and Singapore have opened money laundering and graft probes into 1MDB in a scandal that implicated Najib and high-level officials of the fund. In July, Najib was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to 12 years in prison in the first of several trials he faces over 1MDB. Najib has maintained that he is innocent. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Before the vaccine, about four million people contracted the virus each year in the U.S.; more than 10,500 of those were hospitalized, and about 100 to 150 died. All 50 states and the District of Columbia required children to receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine before starting school; the first dose given around 12 months old, and the second between ages 4 and 6. That said, some parents may opt to vaccinate their children earlier, especially if a parent is experiencing a shingles episode. If the child has no immunization and is healthy, get their first shot right away, said Dr. Anne Gershon, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease specialist and researcher at Columbia Universitys Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. There is also no need to wait until age 4 for a booster dose. Give them the second shot early, she said. You could give it at 18 months. Dr. Gershon led the U.S. clinical trials in the early 1970s that first tested the chickenpox vaccine on 575 children with underlying leukemia. Researchers braced for potential side effects, but there were none. After those data were published, people began to be interested in vaccinating healthy children, she said. Consider your risk factors for getting shingles More than 95 percent of adults in the U.S. had chickenpox before age 18, and about one in three will develop shingles in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, shingles cases in the U.S. have more than quadrupled between 1945 and 2007, even in younger adults. It does seem to be continuing to increase in a linear kind of way, without accelerating or decelerating, just a steady increase over time, said Dr. Rafael Harpaz, M.D., a medical epidemiologist with the C.D.C.s Division of Viral Diseases. The cause of the increase isnt clear, but Dr. Harpaz noted that shingles is more prevalent in older adults and estimated that cases will likely continue to increase 2.5 percent per year for all ages, especially if they have a chronic illness that leads to a weakened immune system or a family history of shingles. Dr. Harpaz said that while adults under 50 are getting shingles at a higher rate than previously reported, studying and tracking it is challenging because those who have milder symptoms might mistake them as symptoms of another ailment. Younger patients may never seek a shingles diagnosis or treatment, or (as in my case) not realize they are exposing their own child to the virus that causes it. New Delhi, Sep 4 : While most of us have stayed at home for an extended period of time, people throughout India have kept themselves busy by picking up new skills, or immersing into newfound or long lost hobbies. From learning new recipes to rediscovering their creative flair, as travel restrictions are slowly easing across the country, travellers can now look forward to giving their hobbies new life. Booking.com, one of the leading digital travel brands delved into its endorsement data from previous Indian traveller insights to reveal the top endorsed domestic destinations for food, walking, yoga, art and photography. The endorsement data from travellers reveal recommendations on destinations based on popular activities to curate the top local destinations to visit, to bring your favourite hobby recently perfected to life, when it's safe to do so again. Top endorsed destinations by Indian travellers travelling within India: Glorious food in Bengaluru, Karnataka Cooking and baking has been a fine form of escapism while socially distancing; from learning new recipes to expanding our culinary repertoire or just making delicious home comforts to pass the time, food has kept many of us entertained and our tummies satisfied. For anyone looking for a culinary adventure, Bengaluru is making its mark on the Indian foodie map, offering a range of delicacies including dosas, Bisi Bele Bhath and Mysore pak. Besides Bengaluru, the most endorsed destinations for food within India by Indian travellers include: New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Amristsar. If you are looking for local food, the most endorsed destinations for local food in India by Indian travellers include: New Delhi, Amritsar, Mumbai, Jaipur and Chennai. Walk around to embrace the French colonized trails of Puducherry, Tamil Nadu For those looking to stretch their legs on their domestic getaway, the sophisticated coastal town of Puducherry is the ideal escape. Home to many pristine beaches, it is perfect for those looking to take advantage of fresh air to exercise and explore. Puducherry is one of the top endorsed destinations on Booking.com by travellers who love walking and those looking for a relaxing trip. The town entails the French legacy preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside trail runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial. Apart from exploring the trails, one can also embrace spirituality at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, enjoy South Indian and French cuisine and learn scuba diving, when it is safe to do so. After Puducherry, Shimla, Rishikesh, Kodaikanal and Varanasi were ranked as top destination endorsed by Indian travellers for walking in India Munnar, Madikeri, Ooty, Kodaikanal and Manali were endorsed by Indian travellers for nature walks in India A brush with creativity in Jaipur, Rajasthan Many have used this time spent at home to reconnect with their inner creativity, so what better than a trip to a destination that's called the 'Pink City' of India, for when it's safe to do so. Jaipur, recognised as one of the top three most recommended destinations on Booking.com for Art, is a must-see for artsy travellers. Home to a hundred art galleries, ancient forts, sculptors and famous independent designers, Jaipur is the place calling you to help you find inspiration in the arts. Must-sees include the famous Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Albert Hall Museum and Amber Fort. This paradise city will leave you feeling colourful to bits as you engage in creating art through traditional art like bandhani, block printing, stone carving or pottery making. After Jaipur, Udaipur, Kochi, Kolkata and New Delhi are the top most endorsed destinations in India for art by travellers from India. Detox with Yoga at the tranquility of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand The lockdown has given a lot of perspective to many people, giving them the opportunity to introspect their sanity amid the chaos and meditate, and yoga has been one of the many ways people are detoxing. As people also look to build their health and immunity during the testing times, people also dream in practicing the form at peaceful and serene destinations such as Rishikesh. Home to the many yoga ashrams and known as the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh attracts many travellers who come in search for detoxification and peace. Coupled with the views of the mighty hills surrounding the destination, Rishikesh is the home of Hatha Yoga, Shivananda Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga and rich with Vedic spiritual history and yogic ashram culture. Rishikesh, followed by Varkala, Goa, Varanasi and Kovalam are some of the other top destinations endorsed by Indian travellers to experience and practice yoga. Hike with a panoramic view in Himachal Pradesh Travellers who have spent their lockdown doing fitness training and workouts, can look forward to putting that training to great use in the Himalayas. Kasol, recognised as one of the most recommended destinations on Booking.com for hiking, is a must visit for travellers who have missed being in the mountains. Amidst the Parvati Valley, Kasol is the base point for popular treks like the Kheerganga Trek, the Sar Pass Trek, Malana, Tosh and Rasol. When it's safe to travel again, this beautiful city of Himachal Pradesh will leave you breathless and definitely test your stamina! Kasol, followed by Manali, Munnar, Rishikesh and McLeod Ganj are some of the other top destinations endorsed by travellers for hiking Ooty, Rishikesh, Lonanavala, Munnar and Leh were endorsed by travellers for mountaineering. Reconnect with photography with the colourful yet pink city of India - Jaipur, Rajasthan Every shot is breathtaking when the location is rich with colours depicting culture, majestic forts and heritage sites. Home to colorful culture with artistic elements through bandhani, block printing, and stone carving, Jaipur is a photographer's paradise as it offers them more than scenic views. Once it is safe to travel, pick your camera up and head to Jaipur to capture that perfect shot while you enjoy the vibe and the culture of the city. Jaipur followed by Ooty, Varanasi, Munnar and Udaipur are the top destinations in India endorsed by Indian travellers for photography. Ritu Mehrotra, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives at Booking.com said: "This lockdown has inspired many of us to look inward and gave us the opportunity to try new hobbies or rediscover some old ones. With India being such a diverse country and restrictions slowly easing in places, travellers will eventually be able to live and explore these hobbies through their travel stories. And as always, Booking.com will be committed to making it easier for everyone to experience the world and turn these hobbies and personal passions into reality, as and when it's safe to do so." (IANSlife Features can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Villagers protest new Phuket shipyard PHUKET: Some 200 people from Phukets fishing industry gathered at a public meeting held yesterday (Sept 3) to protest the governments support for a new shipyard to be built on Koh Siray. marineconstructioneconomicsenvironmenttourismviolence By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 4 September 2020, 01:09PM Marsan Public Company Limited held the public hearing to gain feedback on the project, which will see a new shipyard and boat repair yard built on 66 rai near Phuket Fishing Pier belonging to the Phuket Fishing Pier Fisheries Organization. Marsan has been selected to develop the project. Led by Somyot Wongboonyakul, President of the Phuket Fishermens Association, the 200-strong group of protesters held banners denouncing the project, accusing it of being conducted only for personal gain and claiming that Phukets fishing fleet did not need another shipyard. The group urged the government to stop supporting the project, and asked for the shipyard to be built elsewhere. Phatthawin Chongwisarn, Chief Executive Officer of Marson Public Company Limited, explained that the shipyard was to support the building and repair of fishing boats, cruise ships and yachts from the tourism industry. The aim of the project was to have more vessels built and repaired in Phuket, instead of going outside the country to have shipworks completed abroad. In the past, our company has developed quality systems and certified standards in all aspects. Therefore, in developing a part of the area at the Phuket Fishing Port to become a shipyard and ship repair facility, we can be confident that we will be able to manage the project efficiently and provide quality work, and not affect the environment, and uphold the necessary occupational health and safety standards, he said. The company has assigned Innovation Consultant Company Limited to prepare a report on the study of measures to prevent and correct the impact on the quality of life of local residents, protect the environment and uphold the safety of the project required in order to apply for a factory business license. If the villagers still do not agree, this will be further reviewed, he said. The project was one of the complaints presented to MP Rangsiman Rome, who is spokesman of the House of Law, Justice and Human Rights committee, during his visit to Phuket last month. Also of note is that the project is to be built in Moo 1 Rassada, where local villagers have already held a protest calling for an investigation into allegations of corruption against village chief Maitri Duangchan. For 10 years as the village head, he has never held any public hearings about anything that affects us, villager Suthon Pontha said during the protest last month. This headman never informed villagers about a construction project at Koh Siray that affected the lives of local residents. He also has asked for bribes from fishing pier owners and taxi drivers at the queues at a hotel on Koh Siray, he alleged. In the Presidents last but one COVID-19 address, he reported the startling finding in a Ghana Health Service (GHS) survey that 82 percent of people in the sample had the overall intention to use a mask. Regular mask-wearing watchers such as the writer of this column challenged the GHS to provide details of the survey because those figures did not match up with what we all see around us. In the 16th address, the President acknowledged that the latest survey report paints a far worse figure than the previous one. The President did not mention the figure in the new survey, but we understand that to be in the 40s range, with that outrageously optimistic. Again, as with all survey reports, the devil is in the details. It appears that the figures being used by officials on mask wearing are way out of variance with what one observes in real life in many parts of the country. In surveys, especially where the subject concerns a law or regulation to which people are expected to comply, it is unlikely to find respondents admitting to breaking the law. Surveys It appears from the Presidents repeated citing of these GHS surveys on masks that the government puts a large store by its own survey reports. Of course, it is important that the government conducts these surveys, but if the result is going to be used as a basis for policy, it has to make sure that they are based on reality. We must be concerned that these figures seem to be out of sync with what we can all see. I spent last Sunday in a part of the Volta Region travelling on the Sogakope-Adidome-Ho Road to Kpetoe. Of course, with this columns stated concern, I took an extra special interest in masks. The report, as with what I have observed in other parts of the country, is abysmal. There was very little evidence of mask-wearing anywhere, not even in the more urban settings where one would think people would comply with the government directives. The situation is even worse in the places where people congregate to do their business cheek by jowl. At the scenic Lower Volta Bridge, where women and children sell all kinds of foods to passengers, the vendors who rushed to vehicles as they stopped to pay the road toll, were all maskless as were the Okada riders waiting for passengers at major road intersections. We stopped at Adaklu to admire the majestic Adaklu Mountain and because it was Sunday, saw many people going to church at that time. They were not masked. Perhaps, they would wear their masks at the entrance to the church. The truth is that they wore no masks and there was nothing to suggest that face masks have been accepted as part of the culture in those parts of the country. Concern We must be concerned that the government appears to believe that Ghanaians are wearing masks and bases its policies partly on that assumption, when in reality, we are not complying. In parts of Accra, especially in the posh areas where government people live, people are likely to comply, but in many of the inner-city and outlying areas, the situation is as dire as it is in the rural areas. In fact, the attitude one has to confront is that people appear to think that the pandemic is over, if they ever believed it to be real. Maybe, the governments communication is the victim of its own success. As the President keeps emphasising, we have been spared the worst of the pandemic so far. New infections are low and the high recovery rates mean that we have a reducing number of active cases in the country. Many people have taken this good news to mean that the pandemic is over. The President was right to start his last address on this subject and to give a warning that people will be punished if they ignore the directive on face mask. However, as we all know in Ghana and as has become part of our discourse, the problem is with implementation. When it comes to fine laws and regulations beautifully written, Ghana must be the envy of the world. But when it comes to how those laws and regulations are implemented, we are the country of zero. We cannot expect the President to come on the street to physically enforce our laws. There are agencies that have the mandate to carry out their tasks; most of the time, they are either unwilling or unable to do their job. Readers of this column would know the repeated references to traffic regulations for motorcycle riders in the country. Basically, they are not enforced so riders are a law unto themselves. I have often wondered why this was the case. Astonishing Three weeks ago, I met a top commander of the traffic police unit in Kumasi where the MTTD had organised a workshop. I engaged the boss on this subject. What he told me was astonishing. The police could not keep up with motorcycle riders breaking the law. When they drive through red lights, we cant chase them, he said. It is as simple as that! It is incredible that in the 21st century, the police cannot use technology or any other resource to stop motorcyclists committing traffic offences or worse using their bikes for crime. That is another story. We shall return. Now, back to masks. The country is being returned to normal piecemeal. We are grateful to the President and the government for its leadership in the management of the disease. But the whole thing can unravel if they do not ensure that the effort is sustained. The Accra International Airport has opened and people from overseas are coming into the country again. This is happening at a time when countries in Europe may be going through the so-called second wave. It is expected to get worse in the winter months. We would not have forgotten so soon that the first cases of COVID-19 in Ghana were imported into the country through that same airport. However, the numbers grew and the sad death toll got to where it is because of community spread. Therefore, we ought to recognize that the combination of factors second wave in Europe, lax application of protocols in our communities, and the influx of people from Europe poses a risk for our wellbeing. The government cannot relax now. We know that the President is determined to provide the leadership with clarity and energy but the government must translate that into a coherent plan of action to get us to do what we must do to keep our nation healthy and safe. Source: Graphiconline.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 Susan Rice criticized over calling Pompeos overtly religious beliefs problematic Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice has garnered controversy over her criticizing Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for having overtly religious beliefs. In an interview last week on MSNBC, Rice talked with concern about Pompeos decision to give a speech for the Republican National Convention from Jerusalem while on a diplomatic trip. Secretaries of State are supposed to honor the principle that politics end at the waters edge and when you go overseas, as secretary or as a junior foreign service officer, youre representing the country, not a political party, said Rice. What Mike Pompeo is doing from Jerusalem is absolutely outrageous, its an abuse of his office, it undermines the integrity of the State Department, it violates his own rules that he promulgated and is holding every other official in the State Department to. The former Obama administration official also expressed concern about how open Pompeo is about his evangelical Christian beliefs. Mike Pompeo has been an overtly religious secretary of state, which in itself is problematic because, again, hes supposed to represent all of America, all of our religions, all of our threads, she added. Ashley McGuire of The Catholic Association told the Washington Free Beacon that she believed Rices comment perpetuates the Democratic Partys pattern of anti-religious bigotry. Democrats have made it clear that they think faith has no place out in the open in America, said McGuire. In fact it is Americas long-standing tradition of protecting the right of people of all faiths, including those who hold public office, to speak openly about their beliefs, that has made this a pluralistic country. Terry Schilling, executive director of the American Principles Project, also denounced Rices comments, arguing that they hold significance for the 2020 presidential election. We know Democrats will be even more hostile to religious Americans should they gain the White House and Congress next year, so Rice's comments should be another giant warning sign for voters of faith, Schilling told the Beacon. Democrats like Susan Rice can't help but show their disgust when conservative Christians dare to even mention their faith. Emerald Robinson, a correspondent with NewsMax and formerly with OANN, took to Twitter to denounce the comment Rice made about Pompeo. Susan Rice doesnt like Christians. Susan Rice doesnt like Republicans. And no one ever accused Susan Rice of being religious, she tweeted earlier this week, getting more than 1,400 likes as of Wednesday. This is not the first time that progressives have taken issue with Pompeo openly expressing his religious beliefs while serving as secretary of state. Last October, Pompeo garnered controversy over a speech at the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, titled Being a Christian Leader. During the speech, Pompeo told the counselors that, just like them, he draws on the wisdom of God to help him be a force for good in the life of human beings. In response, Americans United for Separation of Church & State called for Pompeo to be investigated for propagating an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. While Mr. Pompeo is entirely free to engage in religious activities in his personal capacity, he must not use his official role as Secretary of State to promote his religion, stated the group in a letter to the Office of the Inspector General. In his role as secretary, delivering a speech that enthusiastically endorses Christianity is a violation of the Establishment Clause. GOVERNMENT has acquired drones for surveillance and patrolling of the countrys porous borders as part of efforts to capacitate security personnel in addressing security challenges posed by border jumpers and smugglers. Border jumpers and smugglers have also been identified as groups that contribute to the spread of Covid-19 by avoiding compulsory quarantine and testing. The development comes as Covid-19 cases continue to surge in Zimbabwe with most of the local transmissions blamed on returnees from other countries who are skipping the border to evade mandatory quarantine. In the wake of the outbreak of the virus and as part of precautionary measures, all returning residents into the country are subject to mandatory quarantine at designated centres to allow them to be screened and tested for the novel virus before going home. However, a spike in the number of returnees going straight to their homes after jumping the border, especially from South Africa and Mozambique, taking advantage of the expansive and porous border between Zimbabwe and the two counties is giving authorities headaches. The defence forces and the police are involved in joint border patrols to curb the illegal border crossings by returning residents, which have reportedly been on the increase since the closure of the official borders in March as part of measures to contain the global pandemic. Smuggling, ineffective border controls and customs loopholes at Beitbridge Border Post are costing the Government nearly a US$1 billion a year in unpaid customs duty. The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, one of Zimbabwes largest business lobby groups, said research and market surveillance had shown that the country might be losing an estimated US$80 million monthly due to porous borders, lax customs and security systems, translating to almost US$1 billion annually. Customs duty is one of Zimbabwes largest sources of tax revenue, along with individual tax, accounting for billions of dollars in annual State revenue that finances key Government programmes and pays civil servants. Zimbabwe has borders with South Africa (255km), Botswana (813km), Mozambique (1 231km) and Zambia (767km) adding up to a stretch of 3 066km. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who is on a countrywide tour of facilities falling under his ministry, yesterday told the Chronicle that the borders would be adequately patrolled using drones. He said although the problem of smuggling is common at many of Zimbabwes ports of entry, the vice was more widespread and entrenched at Beitbridge, the country and regions busiest inland port of entry that connects the continents north and south trade corridors with Africas largest economy, South Africa. We have increased deployment of security personnel along our borders, especially in Beitbridge where smuggling and border jumping are rampant. We are aware the border stretch is quite long and therefore, it is impossible to have adequate manpower at each and every point, he said. We have beefed up security personnel, but over and above that, we are also in the process of deploying new technologies and so far Treasury has bought drones to be used to patrol those areas and we have also requested from the Treasury for them to buy us vehicles that will be deployed there. Minister Kazembe also warned members of the public who harbour border jumpers and quarantine centre escapees, saying they risk being arrested and prosecuted. In view of the pandemic, as Zimbabweans we need to work with police and immigration Those who harbour relatives who would have jumped the border risk being prosecuted. People coming from outside through border jumping should be reported immediately as they fuel the pandemic, he said. Archaeologists have unearthed the magnificent stone remains of a 2,500-year-old royal palace outside the walls of Jerusalem that was curiously carefully buried. The remains which include ornate 'capitals' that would have topped stone columns date to the time of the Kings of Judah, archaeologists have determined. The palace would have overlooked King Solomon's Temple in the heart of Jerusalem, but is believed to have been destroyed in 586 BC by Babylonian invaders. The remains which include ornate 'capitals' that would have topped stone columns, pictured date to the time of the Kings of Judah, archaeologists have determined Archaeologists have unearthed the magnificent stone remains of a 2,500-year-old royal palace (illustrated) outside the walls of Jerusalem that was curiously carefully buried According to the experts, the so-called 'proto-Aeolian' style seen on the capitals was typical of royal buildings raising the possibility that the palace belonged to a king. 'This is a very exciting discovery. The level of workmanship on these capitals is the best seen to date, and the degree of preservation of the items is rare,' said lead archaeologist Yaakov Billig of the Israel Antiquities Authority. However, the archaeologists are puzzled as to why these parts of the palace were neatly buried and thereby preserved, when the rest was plundered. 'At this point it is still difficult to say who hid the capitals in the way they were discovered and why they did so,' Professor Billig explained. 'There is no doubt that this is one of the mysteries at this unique site to which we will try to offer a solution,' he added. Experts believe that the palace was built at some point between the failed Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC and the destruction of the city by the Babylonian forces of Nebuchadnezzar II in approximately 586 BC. During that time, Jerusalem was reigned over by a succession of eight different kings five of whom are named in the Bible as ancestors of Christ. The association between these ancient kings and the style of the artefacts is so close that a likeness of the stonework actually appears on modern Israel's five shekel coin. The fact that the palace was built outside the city walls reflected a degree of confidence, experts believe. According to the experts, the so-called 'proto-Aeolian' style seen on the capitals, pictured, was typical of royal buildings raising the possibility that the palace belonged to a king 'This discovery attests to a new revival in the city and somewhat of an "exit from the walls" of the First Temple period after the Assyrian siege,' said Professor Billig. 'We have revealed villas, mansions and government buildings in the area outside the walls of the city,' he continued. 'This testifies to the relief felt by the city's residents and the recovery of Jerusalem's development after the Assyrian threat was over.' Pictured, an illustration of the palace 'At this point it is still difficult to say who hid the capitals in the way they were discovered and why they did so,' Professor Billig explained. 'There is no doubt that this is one of the mysteries at this unique site to which we will try to offer a solution,' he added 'This discovery attests to a new revival in the city and somewhat of an "exit from the walls" of the First Temple period after the Assyrian siege,' said Professor Billig. 'We have revealed villas, mansions and government buildings in the area outside the walls of the city,' he continued. 'This testifies to the relief felt by the city's residents and the recovery of Jerusalem's development after the Assyrian threat was over.' The artefacts from the palace which are carved from soft limestone will be exhibited in Jerusalem over the coming days. Experts believe that the palace was built at some point between the failed Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC and the destruction of the city by the Babylonian forces of Nebuchadnezzar II in approximately 586 BC. During that time, Jerusalem was reigned over by a succession of eight different kings five of whom are named in the Bible as ancestors of Christ. The association between these ancient kings and the style of the artefacts is so close that a likeness of the stonework actually appears on modern Israel's five shekel coin, pictured Dr. Kafeel Khan, who has emerged as a poster boy for atrocities on Muslims in the Yogi Adityanath regime, is likely to opt for a political career in the coming days. The doctor who has shifted to Jaipur "before I am implicated in another case and put in jail" has been getting feelers from some opposition parties. He has, however, shown an inclination towards the "During the tough times, Vadra supported me. She even spoke to me on the phone after my release from the Mathura jail," he said. Khan has chosen to find refuge in Rajasthan, a Congress-ruled state. Former Legislature Party leader, Pradeep Mathur, who was present at the jail when Kafeel was released, said, "On the direction of senior party leaders, I was in regular touch with the district administrations of Mathura and Aligarh to complete formalities for the release of Kafeel. I escorted him to the border as well." The leader said, "Priyanka had raised her voice in his support for the sake of humanity and to oppose the atrocities committed by the Yogi government on innocent people in It's for Kafeel to decide if he wishes to work for the Congress." The doctor has already announced that he will visit Bihar, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to organise a health camp in the flood-hit areas. A senior Congress leader, who did not want to be named, said Kafeel had potential to become the Muslim face of the party in the crucial 2022 Assembly election, for which the party is working to regain the lost ground. "His constant battle against the state government and his victimisation has earned him a large support base among his community members in as well as in other states," he said. Meanwhile, a family source said that Kafeel had suffered enough in the past three years and, perhaps, the only way left for him was to join politics. "There are offers from various parties, but he will decide which one to join. It will probably be the Congress, which has a pan-India presence," the family member said. Dr. was first arrested in August 2017, following the oxygen tragedy in the B. R. D. Medical College, Gorakhpur in which about 70 children had died over three days. The departmental inquiry gave him a clean chit later, but Khan has not been reinstated yet. --IANS amita/dpb (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.) CHARLOTTE, NC The end of summer: Parades, beaches, travel and big parties make up the plans for Labor Day weekend most years. But 2020 is unlike any other year, and the holiday that celebrates American workers will look different in Charlotte, and everywhere else in the United States, with the coronavirus pandemic in its sixth month. Many of the nation's largest end-of-summer parades and festivals have either been canceled or minimized to allow for social distancing and to prevent the further spread of the virus. Here are five things to know about the holiday: 1. Some businesses and offices around town will be closed. Labor Day 2020 will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 7, marking the unofficial end of summer. While most schools, banks and government offices will be closed in observance of the holiday, many businesses and some services will be operational as usual. Here's a list of what's closed in Charlotte. 2. How It All Began: History Of Labor Day The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated in 1882, with a parade in New York City, but the question of who first proposed the idea of a holiday to honor workers is in dispute more than a century later. Congress didn't recognize the holiday until what History.com calls a "watershed moment" in American labor history: the 1894 Pullman Palace Car Company strike in Chicago. The strike led to sending federal troops into the city to quell rioters. Just days later, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making Labor Day, the first Monday of September, a national holiday. 3. In A Year, The Unemployment Rate Has Nearly Tripled The unemployment rate has nearly tripled over the past year due to the pandemic. Numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported the national unemployment rate in July was at 10.2 percent. That's down from the earlier months of the pandemic but still far higher than the 3.7 percent rate the bureau reported in July 2019. About 30 million American jobs have been lost, a June U.S. Department of Labor report details. Story continues 4. Don't Spread The Virus Health experts are warning Labor Day weekend planners against causing a spike in coronavirus cases. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said the upcoming holiday weekend will be key in determining if the country gets a "running start" at controlling the virus in the fall. He stressed the importance of preventing surges that occurred after Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. One large Fourth of July party in New York led to positive coronavirus diagnoses in one-third of its attendees. The nation's largest yearly Labor Day parade, held in downtown Pittsburgh, was canceled in July due to coronavirus concerns. In 2019, the parade featured about 10,000 marchers. Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips, chief clinical officer of Providence Health, said on CNN earlier this week: "Don't gather in big groups. Do wash your hands." "Don't continue to pass this on," she said. 5. Top Travel Destinations Labor Day the holiday that marks the end of summer and the start of the school year is among the busiest travel holidays of the year. Even as the coronavirus plays spoiler to many plans, a number of them are still on. A Travel Pulse report citing numbers from Tripit from Concur shows Las Vegas, Denver, Orlando, Chicago and Seattle are the most popular big city American destinations for the weekend. This article originally appeared on the Charlotte Patch The US Justice Department on Friday confirmed it had seized the fuel cargo aboard four tankers sent by Iran to crisis-wracked Venezuela, tying the shipments to Tehrans Revolutionary Guards. With the assistance of foreign partners, this seized property is now in US custody," the Justice Department said, putting the total at more than one million barrels of petroleum and calling it the largest-ever seizure of fuel shipments from Iran. The department had issued a warrant last month to seize the cargo of the tankers Bella, Bering, Pandi and Luna. Arizona Man Allegedly Attempted to Kidnap Infant at Flagstaff Grocery Store: Police Police are investigating after a 59-year-old man was accused of trying to kidnap an infant at a self-checkout line in Arizona. The Flagstaff Police Department said that the woman was buying groceries at 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 3 in a Flagstaff store when a man who was using the self-checkout area finished and took the womans shopping cart with the infant still inside. The man attempted to leave the store. The woman stopped him from leaving with the infant. Officials identified the suspect as Jeffrey Roholt, according to Flagstaff police. Investigators said that during an interview with police, Roholt told them that he thought the shopping cart was his and attempted to leave the store. Flagstaff Police said that he is now being charged with kidnapping. At approximately 1:35 p.m. Detectives were able to view nearby Wal-Mart property video recordings to identify a suspect vehicle. Additional investigation by Detectives led to the identification of the male in the Bashas video and photographs, police said. Other details about the case were not provided. Its not clear if Roholt has an attorney. Police said an investigation is ongoing. (Photo : Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images) WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 19: Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex wave as they leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo : Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 19: In this photo illustration the Netflix logo is seen on September 19, 2014 in Paris, France. Netflix September 15 launched service in France, the first of six European countries planned in the coming months. (Photo : GOR/Getty Images) WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: A general view of Frogmore Cottage at Frogmore Cottage on April 10, 2019 in Windsor, England. The cottage is situated on the Frogmore Estate, itself part of Home Park, Windsor, in Berkshire. It is the new home of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. It seems Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not really got a way of their royal past as the palace will be checking on the couple's recent Netflix deal. The couple agreed on getting royal authorities' approval on all of their commercial ventures when they ditched their royal duties in March. Tech Times earlier reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a hefty $150 million deal with Netflix as they vowed to provide 'hope and inspiration' content through their own production company. New York Times reported that the production company will produce scripted shows, feature films, children's programs, and documentaries. Netflix will have exclusive rights over these productions. The deal allegedly includes similar agreements between the streaming company and the Obamas, who also air their own programming over Netflix. Meanwhile, the palace will be following up on the royal couple's $3.1 million debt, which they used to renovate their U.K. abode, the Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. They promised to repay the taxpayer's money, but it is still yet to happen. According to reports, the couple will be paying about 18,000 or $24,000 per month to ensure the couple could keep the Frogmore Cottage as "their official British base." In a "rental-plus" arrangement, the couple would pay more than the commercial rate, which would enable them the renovation costs over time. However, at $24,000 per month, it would take them about 11 years to fully pay their renovation debt. It still does not include the property's maintenance cost as well as additional interest if there is any. In July, Harry and Meghan bought a $14.7 million house in Montecito where various stars like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres also live. Read also: Pay Tribute to Chadwick Boseman in Fortnite's Marvel Edition Map-Here's How to Spot the Black Panther Statue Royal approval: All ventures are subject to discussion A source told Mirror that the Royal Family and senior courtiers will be scrutinizing the project, which is part of the conditions the couple agreed to when they decided to drop their royal duties. "They agreed any commercial deals would be subject to discussion," the source added. Although Harry and Meghan got the authorization to get into commercial ventures in January, the Queen will be reviewing these projects after a year. Also, the historic agreement stated that the couple needs to refund the renovation cost, drop their HRH titles, and stop receiving public funds. All these, so they could quit their royal duties and expand their Sussex Royal brand. For the recent Netflix deal, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex vowed to make "impactful content that unlocks action," including documentaries on nature, mental health as well as animated series about women and community service shows. The streaming company immediately aired its interest working with the royal couple soon after they decided to drop their royal duties. "Who wouldn't be interested?" Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos said during the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January. The couple's production will be an interesting addition to the company's wide range of content that caters to over 190 million Netflix subscribers. Meanwhile, public relations expert Mark Borowski said that getting Harry and Meghan is a "huge publicity for Netflix." Read also: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Inks $150 Million Deal with Netflix; to Produce Exclusive Content with Their Own Production Company This is owned by Tech Times Written by CJ Robles 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The chief adviser for the White House vaccine program said Thursday it was "extremely unlikely, but not impossible" that a vaccine could be available by the end of October. Speaking with National Public Radio, Dr. Moncef Slaoui said that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance to states to prepare for a vaccine as early as late October was "the right thing to do" in case a vaccine was ready by that time. "It would be irresponsible not to be ready if that was the case," Slaoui said, adding that he first heard about the new CDC guidance from media reports, the Washington Post said. Still, Slaoui, the chief scientific adviser for Operation Warp Speed, described getting a vaccine by late October as a "very, very low chance." That message ran counter to optimistic claims from the White House that a vaccine could be ready for distribution before the November presidential election. During the National Republican Convention, President Trump announced that a vaccine could be ready "before the end of the year or maybe even sooner." Slaoui did confirm that the two main vaccine candidates, referred to as Vaccine A and Vaccine B by the CDC, were being developed by Pfizer and Moderna, respectively. He said there was "no intent" to introduce a vaccine before clinical trials were completed. The trials would only be completed when an independent safety monitoring board affirmed the effectiveness of the vaccine, he added. While expressing doubt about an October timeline, Slaoui believes "that we will have a vaccine available before the end of the year and it will be available in quantities that can immunize patients, subjects at the highest risk." By the end of the year, there should be enough doses of the vaccine ready to immunize "probably between 20 and 25 million people." There should be enough doses to immunize the U.S. population "by the middle of 2021," he added. Antibody study suggests lasting COVID immunity In a finding that should encourage scientists who are racing to develop coronavirus vaccines, a new study out of Iceland suggests that immunity to the disease may not be as fleeting as first thought. Among 30,000 Icelandic residents who were tested for antibodies to COVID-19, researchers discovered the antibodies stayed in people's systems for at least four months, the study found. Of those who tested positive for the coronavirus, 487 had received multiple antibody tests. In the first two months after a patient was diagnosed, the antibodies that can confer immunity rose significantly. For the next two months, antibody levels remained stable, according to the study published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. In a commentary that accompanied the study, scientists from Harvard University and the U.S. National Institutes of Health noted that while the Icelandic research focused on a largely homogeneous population, "this study provides hope that host immunity to this unpredictable and highly contagious virus may not be fleeting and may be similar to that elicited by most other viral infections." Earlier research on coronavirus antibodies had indicated that immunity might be short-lived, leaving people vulnerable to reinfection. But the Icelandic study offers hope that a vaccine that triggers a strong immune response will have a longer-lasting effect than some had believed. The Icelandic researchers also found that women, nonsmokers and older patients had higher levels of antibodies, as did those who had suffered more severe infections, the newspaper said. Cases keep mounting By Friday, the U.S. coronavirus case count passed 6.1 million as the death toll passed 186,700, according to a New York Times tally. According to the same tally, the top five states in coronavirus cases as of Friday were: California with over 727,000; Texas with more than 653,000; Florida with over 637,000; New York with nearly 442,000; and Georgia with over 261,000. Curbing the spread of the coronavirus in the rest of the world remains challenging. India has now surpassed Mexico in the number of deaths caused by the coronavirus. The nation of 1.3 billion people now has the world's third-highest death toll at more than 68,000, according to a Johns Hopkins tally. It is behind only Brazil and the United States. As of Friday, more than 3.9 million coronavirus cases have been reported in that country. Brazil is also a hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, with over 4 million confirmed infections by Friday, according to the Hopkins tally. It has the second-highest number of cases, behind only the United States. Cases are also spiking in Russia: The country's coronavirus case count has passed 1 million, the Times reported. Cases continue to rise by about 5,000 per day, despite an official declaration in early August that the country had a vaccine. As of Friday, the death toll in Russia was 17,598. When President Vladimir Putin announced the vaccine, health officials said mass vaccination would start in October. But the country's health ministry has pushed back that timeline to November or December, the Times reported. Worldwide, the number of reported infections passed 26.3 million on Friday, with over 869,000 deaths, according to the Hopkins tally. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. MEXICO CITY - Satellite data indicate that a large Chinese fishing fleet remained in international waters near Ecuadors Galapagos archipelago at the beginning of this month, even as China said it would temporarily ban fishing near the UNESCO world heritage site. Vessel tracking data displayed on the public map created by Global Fishing Watch, a group that tracks commercial fishing vessels, shows that the fleet was massed until at least Sept. 1 along the southern border of the exclusive economic zone around the Galapagos, which extends 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) from the islands. That is roughly where the fleet, estimated at several hundred vessels, had been since June, escalating concerns about overfishing and the threat to vulnerable marine species in the nutrient-rich waters around the archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin in the development of his theory of evolution. China has said the fleet is not doing anything illegal, though Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Aug. 6 that the Chinese fisheries authority would implement a ban on fishing near the Galapagos from September to November to contribute to the protection of fishery resources in the region. Allegations that the Chinese fleet is depleting marine resources in the southeastern Pacific fed into broader tensions between China and the United States. On Aug. 27, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said reports that Chinese vessels near the Galapagos were disabling tracking systems, changing ship names, and leaving marine debris are deeply troubling. A day later, the Chinese embassy in Ecuador accused Pompeo of peddling false information. China requires its fishing vessels to operate tracking systems that report locations once an hour, which is far superior to the international practice of reporting every four hours, the embassy said. No tracking system of any Chinese fishing vessel in the southeast Pacific has been turned off, except for a few hours when the satellite signal was delayed or temporarily lost, it said. Ecuadors defence minister, Oswaldo Jarrin, previously said that nearly half of the Chinese fleet had turned off its tracking systems. The Ecuadorian navy reported Aug. 31 that one of its vessels conducted exercises with a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the USCGC Bertholf, and that the two exchanged information about foreign fishing fleets near the Galapagos. At the same time, Ecuador has been heavily indebted to China for years. President Lenin Moreno on Wednesday announced another $2 billion in Chinese loans on Wednesday, following $6.5 billion in support that was agreed to with the International Monetary Fund last week. Ecuadors economy, fragile even before it was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and a slump in oil prices, is expected to shrink by 11 per cent this year, according to the IMF. The Chinese fishing fleet has appeared near the Galapagos for years, though the latest flotilla is among the biggest. Even if a fishing moratorium is implemented, conservationists say long-term pressure on marine life around the archipelago will only increase. This years fleet fished for squid with selective lines that only catch squid, they do not fish anything else, said Pablo Guerrero, director of marine conservation for WWF-Ecuador. But he said he was very concerned because there is very poor monitoring over this fleet. Read more about: Massachusetts State Trooper Thomas Devlin, 58, died on Thursday, two years after he was struck by a passing car during a traffic stop A Massachusetts State Trooper has died two years after he was hit by a passing car during a traffic stop. Massachusetts State Trooper Thomas Devlin, 58, of Wilmington, Massachusetts, died Thursday of injuries suffered in the crash in Billerica, Massachusetts, on July 26, 2018, agency spokesman David Procopio said in an emailed statement. 'Tom Devlin was a remarkable husband, father, brother and friend,' his family said in a statement obtained by The Sun of Lowell. 'He loved and honored his family in every aspect in the way he lived his life. Tom devoted his life to Christ, his wife and children, and the Massachusetts State Police.' Devlin, a father of four and a Trooper since 1985, suffered multiple injuries and underwent several surgeries following the July 2018 incident. At about 2.16pm that day, he had pulled over a car in Billerica, exited his cruiser and began talking with the driver of the stopped car, at which point he was hit by a passing Toyota Prius. At the time, the Massachusetts State Police said that the Prius had drifted from the right lane into the breakdown lane, pinning Devlin between the two cars. Devlin (pictured) was talking with the driver of the stopped car when police said a second car drifted from the right lane into the breakdown lane and pinned Devlin between the cars Devlin (pictured in the hospital in January 2020, and with his wife, right) sustained multiple injuries to his upper and lower body and endured several surgeries following the incident The scene of the July 2018 incident is pictured at left, while Devlin is pictured at right Devlin sustained serious injuries to both his upper and lower body during the incident. The driver of the vehicle - since identified as Kevin Francis, 53, of Haverhill, Massachusetts - that struck Devlin was charged with negligent operation, marked lanes violation, and failure to move over for an emergency vehicle. It's unclear what led Francis to allegedly drift between lanes. A spokesperson for the Middlesex District Attorneys Office told The Sun of Lowell that charges against Francis are still pending and that it was too early to comment on whether Francis could face upgraded or additional charges following Devlin's death. 'Trooper Thomas Devlin upheld the highest ideals of the Massachusetts State Police: integrity, dedication to duty, and service to others,' Col. Christopher Mason said in a written statement. 'He loved and respected the job, and the job loved and respected him.' Devlin (second right) is pictured in a photo along with his wife and children in August 2019 One of Devlin's daughters posted a tribute to him (in navy blue shirt) following his death Mason also said: 'Trooper Devlin was known in the Department for his hard work, his rock solid character, and his commitment to be being a reliable friend, co-worker and public servant a Trooper who could be counted on by his colleagues and the public. It was in service to the public, in the act of keeping our roads safe, that he gave his last, and the ultimate, sacrifice. We are lesser today for his loss and we will miss his smile.' Devlin worked much of his career out of the Concord barracks. He is survived by his wife Nancy and their four children, Matthew, Paul, Rachel and Hannah, WCVB reported. Francis is scheduled to go on trial on January 26, 2021. On Friday morning, Robert Leger called police in Barre, saying that he killed his neighbor and requesting officers respond to 113 Town Farm Road with no sirens, according to court documents. Massachusetts State Police and the office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. confirmed on Friday that a person had been killed in Barre. Authorities had not yet released more details as a suspect awaited arraignment in East Brookfield District Court. Documents filed in court identify Leger, 71, as the suspect in the killing and Michael J. Hannon as the victim. Leger is charged with murder and carrying a firearm without a license. In his call to Barre police, Leger told dispatchers that the gun used was unloaded on the counter of his residence, which is listed in documents as 113 Town Farm Road. When police got to the address, they found a man slouched between the drivers seat and door of a green Toyota Prius parked in the driveway, documents indicate. Then, Leger walked out of the residence and was put into the rear of a cruiser. He said to an officer, I thought it would be weird to be in this position, to shoot someone, documents read. Hannon was pronounced dead at the scene around 8:40 a.m., authorities said. After being read his Miranda rights, and before invoking his right to counsel, Leger admitted to killing someone, according to court documents. Another neighbor on Town Farm Road told police that she heard gunshots, looked out her window and saw someone she knows as Hobie Leger walking away from a man lying at the door of a vehicle. Then, Hobie knocked on the womans door. When she answered, he handed her an envelope with money inside stating it was for the girls, which may have been referring to the victims granddaughters, court documents read. The woman said she asked Hobie if he was going to Vermont, to which he made a statement about going to prison and that he had killed him, according to documents. The victim had multiple gunshot wounds on his back and head and projectiles were found inside the car, authorities said. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner plans to perform an autopsy at the agencys Westfield office. Leger does not have an active license to carry a firearm, according to documents. MassLive reporter Jackson Cote contributed to this story. Related Content: College towns across America are eager to see students return to classes this month and help local businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic. But as Mariama Diallo reports, local business owners are also worried there will be a surge in new cases. You are here: White clouds and green mountains, neat and beautiful dwellings, clean and tidy streets lining up in a picturesque manner -- these are all mixed together to render a sense of peace and belonging for people in Huamao village, a small town in southwest China's Guizhou province. Aerial photo taken on Nov. 22, 2017, shows a view of Huamao village of Zunyi city, southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo by Sun Tao/China.org.cn] The once poverty-stricken village is located in the remote and mountainous Guizhou, formerly one of China's poorest and least developed provinces. The village was called "Huangmaotian" in the past, meaning a desolate and barren place. Over the years, the local government and villagers made tireless efforts in exploring cultural and rural tourism and developing efficient modern agriculture. They turned the barren land into a symbol of prosperity and gave it a new name, "Huamao" (meaning flowers blooming). Returning to the hometown Pan Kegang, First Secretary of Huamao, recalled that nearly half of the villagers used to leave the village to look for jobs due to the lack of transportation and difficulties in accessing drinking water and medical care in Huamao. "We only had 4,000 villagers and about 2,000 of them left, making Huamao a 'left-behind' village where only the elderly and children lived," he said. Zhang Shengdi is one of the 2,000 natives who left Huamao for work. She found success in the brewery industry and established her own company in Maotai town, Guizhou province. In 2015, Zhang learned from the news of President Xi Jinping's visit to her hometown. During the visit, President Xi said of Huamao village, "No wonder so many people come here. Their homesickness is relieved here." Zhang said the president's words made her feel quite nostalgic for the place where she grew up, and she finally decided to go back. "I should do something for my fellow villagers," the 46-year-old entrepreneur said. Making paper by boiling the bark of mulberry trees is an old tradition in the village. Zhang returned and started a papermaking workshop using this ancient method. Zhang said she believes the root cause for poverty lies in the lack of culture, and that she hopes to revive the traditional crafts as part of the efforts to reduce poverty. She set up a cultural brand called Huamao Renjia, which means "households of Huamao." Twelve local villagers are now working in Zhang's workshop, which receives more than half a million tourists every year. As cultural tourism prospers, more migrant workers are returning to Huamao village. For Zhang, her dream of helping Huamao village to end poverty through reviving traditional culture appears to be coming true. A man killed his wife's ex-husband Thursday night after they exchanged gunfire at a residence in the Denver Harbor area, Houston police said. The ex-husband went to the couple's home in the 7500 block of Bonham Street about 10:30 p.m. and an altercation happened inside the residence, said Detective Moss of the department's homicide division. The two men exchanged gunfire. The SBOE voted Sept. 2 that every student attending classes in person during the previous school year will still generate 100% of state tuition support this year, regardless of how that instruction is being delivered, on ADM (average daily membership) day. This year ADM day will remain Sept. 18. That current form of instruction, the SBOE voted, includes virtual learning, which the state defines as instruction provided in an interactive environment, in which the student is separated from a teacher by time or space. Marie Baker, president of Local 73, said the union wants full-time status for its members. Since were part-time, they can do what they want with us, said Baker, 91, a paraprofessional for 33 years, currently at Lincoln Elementary. Baker considers herself and other paraprofessionals as teachers in their own right. Guillen added, All the layoffs affect everyone clerks, custodians, secretaries, paraprofessionals. Its all of us. Guillen held a sign with this message: Schools need paras. Teachers need paras. Students need paras. Some at the rally also addressed the need for higher wages. Diane Dodds meets apprentice engineering tutor Michael Gargan and student Joshua Church at Impact Training, Belfast (Department for the Economy/PA) Employers are set to receive up to 3,700 for every apprentice brought into the workplace. Last week the Stormont economy committee heard concerns from further education college principals over a significant shortfall in apprenticeships. The new funding will see employers offered 3,700 for every apprentice that they bring back from furlough and retain until they have completed their apprenticeship. In addition, 3,000 per apprentice will be available to employers for each new apprenticeship opportunity created between April 1 2020 and March 31 2021. Economy Minister Diane Dodds said the 17.2 million Apprenticeship Recovery Package is aimed to minimise apprenticeship job losses, maintain and grow the supply of apprenticeship opportunities and support apprentices who have been displaced and lost their apprenticeship. All of the further education colleges are committed to working alongside employers to create fulfilling opportunities for apprentices. Ken Webb The scheme will begin on November 1 2020, when the UK-wide Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends. An Apprenticeship Challenge Fund will also be launched in late September to support innovative approaches and new collaborations to increase apprenticeship opportunities in Northern Ireland. I am committed to doing everything within my power to ensure the continued development of an effective skills pipeline which will support the needs of both employers and our economy whilst also providing valuable employment for our young people, Ms Dodds said. Ken Webb, who is principal of South Eastern Regional College and chairman of the Further Education Colleges Principals Group, welcomed the initiatives. What we have been hearing from employers is that they are still committed to apprenticeships but need more financial support to take this forward, he said. These new initiatives will enable employers to put in place plans for the future, including committing to the recruitment of new apprentices and ensuring Northern Irelands skills needs are met. All of the further education colleges are committed to working alongside employers to create fulfilling opportunities for apprentices. We know that having a skilled workforce will be necessary in driving forward Northern Irelands economic recovery and it is really encouraging to see the Economy Minister and Executive invest heavily in apprenticeships. Mark Huddleston, managing director of employers JHE Solutions, said: This support provides an opportunity for business to retain talent and skills. Significant investment has been made by employers and training providers in developing skills and this funding enables apprentices to complete their apprenticeship. Importantly, it also provides a significant incentive to maintain apprenticeship training through recruitment support, creating much needed opportunities for young people. Richard Kirk, chief executive officer of Workplus, added: This is not only good news in the short term, but in the long-run this supports a new apprenticeship culture across all sectors in Northern Ireland, placing people at the heart of our economic recovery. SoftBank Is Said to Consider Bid for TikTok in India (Bloomberg) -- SoftBank Group Corp. is exploring assembling a group of bidders for TikToks India assets and has been actively looking for local partners, according to people familiar with the matter. Over the past month, the Japanese conglomerate, which owns a stake in TikToks Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd., has held talks with the heads of Indias Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and Bharti Airtel Ltd., the people said, asking not to be identified because the details are private. While discussions have fizzled since, SoftBank is still exploring options, according to the people. Representatives for SoftBank, ByteDance, Reliance and Bharti Airtel declined to comment. SoftBank shares slid 3.2% in Tokyo. TikTok is considering selling its operations in several countries after local governments shut out the app, citing fears that sensitive user data was passing into the hands of the Chinese state. India, a long-time regional rival, has taken a particularly tough stance, banning 59 of Chinas largest internet services in July, including TikTok. The move came less than a month after 20 Indian soldiers died in border clashes amid heightening nationalism stoked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.SoftBank would almost certainly need a local partner to cut a deal that would win government approval. Before the ban, India was one of TikTok's largest markets, with more than 200 million users. In the U.S., President Donald Trump threatened to ban TikTok and then ordered ByteDance to sell its assets in the country because of national security concerns. Despite holding only a minor stake in ByteDance, SoftBank has played a particularly active role in negotiations. In the U.S., the Japanese company brought in Walmart Inc. as the main investor in a group of bidders that also included Google parent Alphabet Inc. But the consortium fell apart after the Trump administration insisted a U.S. tech company lead the investments, one of the people said. Google said it is no longer interested, while Walmart joined a bid led by Microsoft Corp. Its unclear which group SoftBank is currently working with in the country. Story continues Centricus Asset Management Ltd., which is also a frequent adviser to SoftBank, teamed up with Triller Inc. in a bid for TikToks operations in the U.S. and several other countries for $20 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has a long history of investing in India and a deep network of local business connections. Local startups backed by Son include e-commerce provider Snapdeal.com, ride-hailing service Ola Cabs and hotel-booking app Oyo Rooms. In December, SoftBank poured $275 million into eye-care provider Lenskart, minting Indias latest unicorn. The company is also part of a solar power joint venture with Bharti Enterprises Pvt. Son helped pave the way for Walmarts entry into the country by selling its stake in Flipkart Online Services Pvt Ltd. in 2018. Son has been on a $42 billion asset selling spree, offloading stakes in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., T-Mobile US Inc. and SoftBanks domestic telecom unit, SoftBank Corp. Son is also looking to sell or list Arm Ltd., the chip design firm that he bought four years ago for $32 billion. (Updates with SoftBank shares in the third paragraph. A previous version of this story was corrected to show SoftBanks solar venture no longer includes Foxconn.) 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. A plurality of Canadians support Ottawas moves to get people off the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) income-support program, according to a new poll by Innovative Research Group at least for now. Company president Greg Lyle said the online poll results held good news for the government because its changes to the CERB are enjoying support, but the bad news for Ottawa is few people are following those changes. The issue is, how firm is this? Lyle said. Thats where youd be nervous if you were the government. A lot of people are not paying very close attention right now. The results of the poll show 43 per cent of respondents supported the CERB changes to different degrees while 19 per cent opposed them. Twenty-six per cent of those polled neither supported nor opposed the changes. Twelve per cent said they did not know. Of the respondents who were personally receiving CERB, 39 per cent either strongly or somewhat supported the changes versus 30 per cent either strongly or somewhat opposing them. Lyle said the results show the government had a positive launch to the program changes, while also carrying the threat of the changes becoming unpopular down the road. Thats because few Canadians are paying close attention, Lyle says, and their views may not have solidified. Of the nearly 2,300 polled, 12 per cent said they are following the CERB changes very closely while 35 and 17 per cent said they are not following them closely or at all. Thirty per cent of respondents said they are following somewhat closely. Even among the people on the program only 25 per cent said they are looking at this very closely, Lyle said. So they may not actually understand what they say it is they are supporting. As of late August about 4 million people in Canada were receiving the CERB payments of $500 per week. With the new changes, those still needing the benefit will be transitioned over to the EI program at $400 per week for 26 weeks. Those not eligible for EI, such as self-employed people or contract workers, will be able to access the same funds for the same time period via a new benefit program. Eighteen per cent of respondents to the Innovative Research Group poll said they had received the CERB themselves with 14 per cent saying someone in their home has received it. But, among recipients, interest in the changes is still low. Those who are following the CERB changes very closely were more likely to strongly support them at 37 per cent with another 21 per cent of those saying they somewhat support the changes. Sixteen per cent of those following very closely opposed the changes. Liberal partisans were found to be monitoring news of the changes more closely than others. The poll of 2,287 people, aged 18 or older, was conducted from Aug. 20 to Sept. 1 via Innovative Research Groups 20/20 national research panel as well as respondents via online survey company Lucid. The company said a margin of error could not be calculated because it was not a random probability based sample instead using a panel. The results were weighted based on census data to reflect the Canadian population, according to the polls methodology. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: The official number of those killed in a landslide early last month at a tea plantation in the southern Indian state of Kerala has climbed to 65. The tea estate was at Rajamala, near Munnar, in the Idukki district. Plantation workers and their family members died when the massive landslide buried a row of 20 estate workers homes in the early hours of August 7. According to media reports, over 80 people lived in the dwellingsmost of them single-room shacks. Only 12 people survived the disaster and five remain missing, presumed dead. Most of the estate workers came from families that originally migrated from Tamil Nadu and had been living in the area for three generations. Rescue and search operations were suspended after three weeks due to rising water levels in a nearby river. Several victims are believed to have been washed away. The landslides occurred at around 2 a.m. The area, which is part of the Eravikulam National Park lacks decent road access. Munnar, the nearest town, is some 30 kilometres away. Workers were only allowed to live in the national park because of the presence of plantations. The estates are owned by the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company, which took over from Tata Tea Limited, when the latter withdrew from most of its plantations in Munnar to focus on the growth of its branded tea business. Nearly 12,000 people are employed by Kanan Devan Hills, which has seven tea estates, covering an area of 24,000 hectares, and 16 tea manufacturing units with an annual production of 22 million kilograms. While preliminary analysis of the disaster points to the heavy rain in the area, landslides are not simply a natural calamity. Government authorities have failed to provide the most basic public infrastructure to the region even though Munnar is Keralas premium hill station and tourist spot. A general hospital, owned by Tata, is the only medical facility in the area. The nearest specialist hospital, the Government Medical College Hospital, is in Kottayam around 136 kilometres away. Rescue operation teams, moreover, were not able to quickly reach the area because the temporary Periavarai Bridge, which is the only way to get to the scene of the disaster, had been washed away by the heavy rain. The permanent bridge collapsed two years ago and a new bridge was under construction. Rescue vehicles and ambulances had to wait for hours until the temporary bridge was repaired. Keralas Left Democratic Front (LDF) state government, which is led by the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist)-CPM, blamed poor access to the area for rescue operation delays. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a CPM leader, blamed the lack of adequate electricity, telecommunications and roads to the region while taking no responsibility for his governments refusal to provide this basic infrastructure. According to media reports, the area had no electricity for more than four days before the calamity. Questioned about this, Kerala State Electricity Board authorities attempted to wash their hands of any responsibility by declaring that power supplies to the area were under the control of the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company. Along with the grossly inadequate infrastructure, the poverty-stricken estate employees face disastrous working and living conditions, which they fought to change for many years. In 2015, nearly 300,000 plantation workers at state-owned and private tea and rubber estates in Kerala began indefinite state-wide strike action demanding higher wages and better conditions. The plantation unions called the stoppage not to mobilise workers in an independent struggle to challenge the employers and the state government, but to dissipate workers mounting hostility towards the unions and their collaboration with estate management. The walkout was a response to widespread popular support for a militant nine-day strike by about 6,000, mainly women workers in Munnar from the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company the previous September. The Munnar workers, who rebelled against their unions attacking, barring officials from their meetings, demanded a 500-rupee daily wage (less than $US7 per day) and a 20 percent bonus. After winning the state elections in May 2016, CPM Chief Minister Vijayan visited Munnar and told the estate workers that their wages would be increased to 500-rupees per day. It remains another broken pledge. In an attempt to contain mounting working-class anger over last months landslide disaster, Vijayan announced a 500,000-rupee payment to the surviving families. Given his governments previous failure to deliver on official promises, even this meagre amount is unlikely to be delivered. The opposition, Congress-led United Democratic Front, which has also headed numerous Kerala state governments, is equally responsible for the terrible conditions facing plantation workers and the latest disaster. 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 organic personal care market is anticipated to reach over USD 27,276.5 million by 2026. In 2017, the skin care segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue during the forecast period. A significant increase in disposable income, changing lifestyles, and initiatives by market players to promote natural and organic personal care products drive the growth of this market. Other driving factors include growing inclination towards use of natural and organic products, and increasing awareness regarding use of chemical free personal care products. Increasing demand from developing nations is expected provide numerous growth opportunities to the market players during the forecast period. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/organic-personal-care-market/request-for-sample There has been a shift towards e-commerce and consumers are increasingly purchasing organic personal care through online platforms. The variety of choices available coupled with ease of purchase offered by online platforms encourages consumers to buy organic personal care products online, supplementing the growth of the market. Improvement in lifestyle due to rise in income level, especially in the developing countries of Asia-Pacific fuels the demand for organic personal care market. Factors such as increase in per capita income and changes in consumer behavior are expected to accelerate the adoption of organic personal care in the coming years. North America generated the highest revenue in the market in 2017, and is expected to lead the global market throughout the forecast period. The increasing geriatric population in the region coupled with high disposable income drives the market growth. The increasing demand of organic personal care in the region is owing to high consumer awareness regarding the benefits of natural and organic personal care products and rising environmental concerns. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to increasing disposable incomes in developing countries of this region, and rising awareness. The different types of organic personal care products available in the market include skin care, hair care, oral care, cosmetics, and others. In 2017, the skin care segment accounted for the highest market share. Use of organic skin care products offers benefits and reduces the risk of skin irritations and allergies. Growing awareness regarding use of natural ingredients in skin care products is expected to support market growth during the forecast period. Browse for full research summary: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/organic-personal-care-market The well-known companies profiled in the report include The Body Shop International PLC, Amway Corporation, Aubrey Organics, Oriflame Cosmetics S.A., Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Arbonne International, LLC, Aveda Corporation, Aveda Corporation, Burts Bee, The Hain Celestial Group, Yves Rocher, Bare Escentuals, Inc., and LOccitane en Provence 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. Organic Personal Care Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Product Type Skin Care Hair Care Oral Care Cosmetics Others Organic Personal Care Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Distribution Channel Offline Stores Online Platforms Organic Personal Care 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/organic-personal-care-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 GODFREY Lewis and Clark Community College and North Greene Unit District No. 3 have teamed up to offer an innovative welding program to meet the needs of students, community members and local employers. The program, which is funded through a Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant awarded by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), is designed to support the improvement and innovation of CTE programming throughout Illinois. This welding program, which is open to high school students and, as of Spring 2021, members of the public as available, is designed to meet the needs of local employers and will allow participants to earn multiple welding certificates and an Associate of Applied Science in Welding. According to L&C Associate Dean of Adult Education Valorie Harris, the grant, which will fund up to $100,000, began Aug. 1 and runs through Dec. 2021. The primary audience is North Green High School students, Harris said. Its exciting that beginning in the Spring 2021 semester at the earliest, classes may also include out-of-school youth and adults from the community, depending on need and the availability of seats. If there arent enough seats and there are enough potential students, theres a possibility that an evening section may be offered. Cheri Madson of the North Greene Education Foundation recognizes the potential impact for NGUD No. 3 and the local economy. The North Greene Educational Foundation wants the welding program at North Greene High School to add a curriculum option that ensures our students are employable locally upon graduation, Madson said. The vision for this program is to expand by offering classes that are open to community members as well. The welding program, which will eliminate the long commute to L&Cs main campus, isnt the first time L&C and NGUD No. 3 have partnered. In 2019, a successful Certified Nurse Assisting (CNA) program was established with a CTE Leadership grant. Were excited to build on our strong working relationship with the North Greene School District, L&Cs Dean of Career Programs Sue Czerwinski said. This innovative program not only serves high school students but meets the needs of community members and local employers. For more information on adult education opportunities at L&C, contact Harris at (618) 468-4100 or vharris@lc.edu or visit www.lc.edu/adulted. Euromonitor International is the world's leading independent provider of strategic and tactical market research. We create data and analysis on thousands of products and services around the world. Three UW Wyoming Science Fair Students Advance to Final 300 of Broadcom MASTERS Asriyah Islam, a student at Laramie Middle School, advanced to the top 300 applicants of Broadcom MASTERS, the nations premier STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) competition for middle school students. (Erin Stoesz Photo) For the first time ever, three Wyoming middle school students -- all female -- advanced to the top 300 applicants of Broadcom MASTERS, the nations premier STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) competition for middle school students. The Broadcom MASTERS program seeks to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators to solve the grand challenges of the 21st century. These three girls all exhibited wonderful science research at the 2020 Wyoming State Science Fair, which earned them the nomination to apply for Broadcom MASTERS, says Erin Stoesz, the Wyoming State Science Fair (WSSF) director and an assistant lecturer in the University of Wyoming Science and Math Teaching Center. To be named one of the top 300 in this national competition is a big deal. I believe this is the first year weve had three students receive this honor in a single year. The WSSF, an outreach program at UW since 1998, opens otherwise inaccessible opportunities to Wyoming middle and high school students. The three students, seventh graders at the time they conducted their research, listed by their schools and projects, are: Carey Junior High School (Cheyenne) -- Shelby Scout Hoobler, Leave It to Beaver Dam Analogs to Change Soil Moisture. Laramie Middle School -- Asriyah Islam, Effect of Silicic Acid on Growth, Productivity and Quality of Alfalfa; and Padmalakshmi Ramesh, Interaction of Light with Water Under Clear and Algal Bloom Conditions. The top 300 MASTERS are honored for their work with a $125 cash prize, through the Society for Science & the Publics partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense as a member of the Defense STEM Education Consortium. Top 300 MASTERS also receive a prize package that includes an award ribbon; a top 300 MASTERS certificate of accomplishment; a Broadcom MASTERS backpack and decal; a one-year family digital subscription to Science News magazine; an Inventors Notebook, courtesy of The Lemelson Foundation; a one-year subscription to Wolfram Mathematica software, courtesy of Wolfram Research; and a special prize from Jeff Glassman, CEO of Covington Capital Management. The top 300 MASTERS include more girls than boys, with 52 percent females and 47 percent males selected from 3,476 applicants. The students come from 34 states, plus Puerto Rico, with 88 from California, 37 from Florida and 24 from Texas. Of the top 300, 167 students attend public schools; 90 come from private schools; 23 go to charter schools; 10 attend magnet schools and 10 are home-schooled. Padmalakshmi Ramesh, a student at Laramie Middle School, advanced to the top 300 applicants of Broadcom MASTERS, the nations premier STEM competition for middle school students. (Erin Stoesz Photo) Thirty finalists will be chosen from this select pool to compete for more than $100,000 in awards and prizes. Finalists will be announced Sept. 16. This year, a record 15 WSSF competitors who received Broadcom MASTERS nominations completed their applications, Stoesz says. Entering these national competitions begins at the Wyoming regional science fairs and the WSSF. Other Wyoming middle school students who completed their applications for the Broadcom MASTERS competition are: Cody Middle School -- Kassie Hansen. Excel Academy Private School (Casper) -- Cole Garretson and Ilyanna Haigler. Home school (Lander) -- Brighton Gould. Lander Middle School -- Grace Butler, Josey Johnson, Lara Robertson and Annika Wilmot. Lingle-Fort Laramie Middle School -- Isabella Izzy Spears and Nolan Spears. Powell Middle School -- Dexter Opps and Korbyn Warren. For more information about Broadcom MASTERS, go to www.societyforscience.org/broadcom-masters. For students interested in more information about the WSSF, go to www.uwyo.edu/sciencefair or email Stoesz at wyostatefair@gmail.com. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) talks to Chinese President Xi Jingping during the BRICS meeting in Goa, India, on October 16, 2016. Prakash Singh | AFP | Getty Images India's crackdown on Chinese apps could help the country's homegrown technology firms grow, analysts told CNBC. This also presents an opportunity for U.S. giants which have long seen the world's fifth-largest economy as critical to their future growth prospects, they said. On Wednesday, India banned 118 Chinese apps including major hit games from Tencent and NetEase as well as services from the likes of Baidu and Alibaba affiliate, Ant Group. India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology claimed the apps were "engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity" of the country. The government also alleged these services sent citizens' data to servers located outside of India. Earlier in June, India banned 59 Chinese apps. Tensions between the two nations have been on the rise since June, when a border clash left 20 Indian soldiers dead in the disputed Himalayan mountain border in the region of Ladakh. And those tensions have been flaring up again. "Chinese firms are learning a painful lesson. And, that is, the foreign policy of China has hijacked their business. China's geopolitics with India has led to a nationwide fallout for Chinese firms," Abishur Prakash, a geopolitical specialist at the Center for Innovating the Future (CIF), a Toronto, Canada-based consulting firm, told CNBC by email. The Indian government has specifically targeted apps. But Bloomberg reported last month that Chinese telecoms equipment makers Huawei and ZTE are also set to be shut out of India's 5G trials. If it happens, India would be following others including Australia and the U.K. in excluding Huawei from its next-generation mobile networks. The crackdown on Chinese technology presents opportunities for both Indian and U.S. tech firms. "Certainly, we have seen the Indians taking even a more aggressive stance on banning Chinese apps, Chinese technology, than the United States has proffered in its battle with the Chinese," Rodger Baker, senior vice president of strategic analysis at Stratfor, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday. "Part of that is the Indians trying to stir their own domestic technology, really incentivize the development of their technology sector and try to position themselves also as a place for other countries to be able to invest in technology development." 'Win-win' for India and the U.S. India has proved attractive to China's technology firms as they have looked to expand outside their domestic market. Chinese investors and companies have been investing in local companies, putting in an estimated $4 billion into Indian start-ups, according to think tank Gateway House. And 18 of India's 30 so-called unicorns or start-ups valued at over $1 billion are now Chinese-funded. Chinese technology firms know that the days of expanding freely across the world are over. Abishur Prakash Center for Innovating the Future Chinese apps like short video-sharing platform TikTok, meanwhile, have managed to challenge big U.S. giants like Facebook and Google, while Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi have cemented leading positions in India. So there is a lot on the line, not just for Chinese technology companies in India but start-ups relying on money from the world's second-largest economy. "Chinese technology firms know that the days of expanding freely across the world are over," Prakash said. But it also presents an opportunity for American giants in India, a market they've touted as a major future growth driver and one they've tried to crack with varying degrees of success. "The banning of Chinese apps leaves a big gap to fill for the industry," Neil Shah, research director at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC. "It offers more opportunities for established players from U.S. and elsewhere to expand market share. For example, banning on TikTok is benefiting Instagram Reels," he added, referring to Instagram's TikTok rival. India's backlash against Chinese technology comes as the U.S. continues to put pressure on China's biggest firms. In August, President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning transactions with Tencent and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. Washington earlier this year also amended a rule that looks to cut Huawei off from critical semiconductor supplies. "Both India and U.S. are seeing their interests converge. Prime Minister Modi's biggest rule is self-reliance. From defense to e-commerce, he doesn't want India reliant on anything foreign. And, while India has built its own domestic software industry, it lags in hardware, like chips," Prakash said. "At the same time, U.S. firms are looking for a new base to build hardware and a new consumer base to take their products to. It's a win-win." Silicon Valley bets on India Silicon Valley's tech giants have been looking to expand their presence in India. Apple, which only has a 1% market share in the country, started selling iPhone XR phones assembled in India last year. The Cupertino giant also said it was "eager" to open its first retail store in India. India's smartphone market is dominated by Xiaomi and Samsung which collectively have over 50% market share, according to Counterpoint Research. Counterpoint's Shah said Apple is not just seeing India as a key market for smartphone demand but also as a manufacturing location as it looks to reduce reliance on China. "India has more than half a billion smartphone users and second largest smartphone market in the world, and with consumers buying their third or fourth smartphone in (the) coming years, they tend to buy a better phone which opens up opportunities for Apple in premium segment," Shah said. "Further with anti-China sentiment, it could eventually work in Apple's favor as currently (in) the premium segment, OnePlus is giving tough competition to Apple." OnePlus is a phone brand owned by Chinese firm BBK Electronics. Meanwhile, India has proved popular for Facebook and its WhatsApp messaging service, as well as Google's Android and YouTube video platform. Both Facebook and Google recently invested over $10 billion collectively into Indian digital services firm Jio Platforms. Jio Platforms has a number of brands including its telecommunications business Reliance Jio which has grown rapidly, thanks to competitive pricing to become the number one mobile carrier in India by revenue and subscriber base. The investment was seen as a way for both technology giants to get a bigger foothold in the Indian market. "Google and Facebook, unlike Apple don't have access to (the) world's largest smartphone market China. So India is the only large, huge scale smartphone market for these companies," Shah said. "So partnering with India's largest, most ambitious and influential telco, gives them a great partner to cement their position and scale in the Indian market." Perfect harmony? 46 pct of multinational firms in Vietnam want to expand: WB The LG Electronics factory in Trang Due Industrial Park in northern Hai Phong City. Photo courtesy of LG Vietnam. Nearly half of multinational firms operating in Vietnam have expansion plans in the next three years, a World Bank report said. The countrys 46 percent figure was higher than for Thailand (43 percent), Malaysia (40 percent), Turkey (35 percent), and China (17 percent), the report, which polled 2,400 executives working for global companies in 10 middle-income countries, found. It was behind Nigeria (81 percent), India (64 percent), Indonesia (57 percent), and Brazil (49 percent). In Vietnam, 45 percent said they would keep operations at the same level for the next three years, 1 percent plan to contract their operations and the rest did not have plans, the report released this week said. Asked about the biggest obstacles to operating in Vietnam, they said investment approvals, local sourcing requirements and expatriate restrictions. In terms of competitive pressure, 31 percent said they face pressure from other global firms operating locally, 30 percent listed foreign firms in other markets and 24 percent said Vietnamese firms. "In Vietnam, FDI allowed more than 350,000 individuals to enter formal manufacturing employment between 2007 and 2016," the World Bank said. Bui Ngoc Son from the Institute of World Economy and Politics said Vietnam still lacks several factors that multinational companies need such as infrastructure, logistics, low costs rents and skilled labor. FDI has been a key driver of Vietnams economic growth. Foreign companies account for around 70 percent of the countrys exports. FDI rose 7.2 percent to $38 billion last year. CreditAccess Grameen rose 2.45% to Rs 706.25 on BSE after the company's board of directors approved a proposal for fund raising by way of issue of equity shares of Rs 1,000 crore. The microfinance company on Thursday announced that the company's board has approved issue of equity through permissible mode including private offerings, follow on public offering, preferential issue and/or qualified institutions placement (QIP), or any combination thereof up to an amount not exceeding Rs 1000 crore. The company reported 24.9% drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 72 crore on 64.6% rise in total income to Rs 619.87 crore in Q1 June 2020 over Q1 June 2019. CreditAccess Grameen is a microfinance institution focused on providing micro-loans to women customers predominantly in rural areas across India. The company is now operating in 230 districts in the 13 states and one union territory in the country through 929 branches. 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| 2020-09-04 17:38:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- As Nepal is facing time and cost overrun in most of the big infrastructure projects, a Chinese contractor completed the tunnel work of one of the most important irrigation projects largely within deadline. China Overseas Engineering Group Co. Ltd. completed the tunnel work of Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project, located at Surkhet district of Karnali Province in western Nepal which aims to irrigate 51,000 hectares of land in Banke and Bardiya districts in southwestern Nepal throughout the year. "We issued a takeover certificate to the Chinese contractor on Thursday after necessary testing of the tunnel," Krishna Prasad Upadhyay, information officer of Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project, told Xinhua on Thursday. The contractor was supposed to complete the work in March but it got delayed by a few months due to lockdown imposed by the Nepali government to control coronavirus pandemic. "So, we have considered that the work was completed in time," he said. Even more important contribution of the Chinese contractor involved in this project is that the Nepali government could make saving of its resources due to timely completion of work. Inaugurated in 2015, the project's tunnel digging work was completed in April last year, one year before the original deadline and the entire work of the tunnel was completed a year later. One of the main reasons behind timely completion of the task is that the Chinese contractor used the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in a first practice in Nepal that helped to accelerate the tunnel digging work. "The main credit of completing the tunnel goes to the Chinese contractor although there is also contribution from the supervisor consultant and the project office," said Upadhyay. The irrigation-cum-hydroelectric project is one of the strategic projects of Nepal that is in dire need to ease the food crisis in the region by increasing agricultural yield. Enditem JEFFERSON CITY College-age residents are powering Missouris continued rise in COVID-19 cases, but Gov. Mike Parson said he believes the states higher education community has the outbreak in hand. I know there is a lot of concern right now regarding college students, but I want to assure you that our colleges and our universities have plans in place and are taking all steps necessary to keep their students and communities as safe as possible, said Parson, who has pushed to reopen the economy after the deadly virus began circulating in March. His comments come as 7,000 people in the state ages 18-24 have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past month, corresponding with the return of students to campuses that had been mostly empty since the outbreak began. In other states, universities are already giving up on the idea of safely conducting in-person classes. At the State University of New Yorks Oneonta campus, officials are planning to send students home after a surge of more than 380 cases in the past month. Temple University in Philadelphia is going online-only for the semester, and San Diego State University is putting in-person classes on pause for a month. Boone County, home to University of Missouris flagship campus in Columbia, reported 859 active cases on Thursday. Of those, 116 were new cases, with 85 of them in the 18-22 age range. In all, the university reported 551 active student cases, with 35 new cases reported Friday. Missouri State University in Springfield, which launched in-person classes on Aug. 17, had 382 cases over the past week, according to its online dashboard. Truman State University in Kirksville reported nine active cases among students, with 23 listed as recovered. In Joplin, Missouri Southern State University had 30 cases, according to its website. Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla reported 58 cases since classes began. Statewide, the Department of Health and Senior Services reported the total number of cases topped 90,000 Friday, with 1,605 new cases and 17 additional fatalities, bringing the death toll to 1,562. With the surge, schools are adjusting plans in order to avoid a return to online-only classes. At Mizzou, the school is punishing 330 students for violating COVID-19 safety rules, with penalties as stiff as a semester-long suspension. The director of Boone County Public Health and Human Services mandated bars in Columbia to stop serving alcohol at 9 p.m. and limited private gatherings to 20 people or fewer. The university says it could pivot to online-only classes based on a variety of metrics, including the number of active cases, availability of hospital care and the availability of personal protective equipment. Given the fluidity of the situation, MU is working closely with local and state health departments and MU Health Care to monitor the spread of COVID-19, the schools COVID-19 dashboard notes. {p class=gntarbp}MSU is providing housing for students who live on campus but were required to quarantine. At the University of Missouri-St. Louis, students are required to wear face coverings when entering or occupying a physical building or facility owned, operated or managed by the university. Some say steps taken by universities have not gone far enough. The Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Faculty Association sounded an alarm earlier this week, saying administrators need to do more to help control the spread on the campus. If our university administration fails to roll out a mandatory surveillance testing by Labor Day, then we should move all classes online. Otherwise, our university will be complicit in contributing to preventable deaths, the association said in an open letter. Thus far, SIUE has not seen a major outbreak. Its online dashboard said four students and three faculty tested positive in the most recent week. But the school lies within a designated hot spot in the Metro East, where Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has imposed tighter restrictions on bar and restaurant openings. As things stand now, the Metro East is an outbreak risk to our campus community, just as the sudden influx of college students has been an outbreak risk to Edwardsville, the faculty association said. While Parson has refused to issue a statewide mask mandate in Missouri, he and top state health officials nonetheless recommend wearing them when in public. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, has made a point in recent weeks to remind students to wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible. At various press briefings, Williams has shown off a mask with a sports team logo in hopes of connecting with younger people. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Virginias health commissioner on Thursday said plans have been underway for months to figure out how to get a COVID-19 vaccine quickly to millions of people. When we get the vaccine, we are going to be in an unprecedented effort to vaccinate millions of people in the commonwealth of Virginia to protect the population from this disease, Dr. Norman Oliver told the states Board of Health during its quarterly meeting. It will be a huge number of people we will be attempting to vaccinate in a very short time. Oliver said an incident command center has been working since June to develop policies and to lay the groundwork for stockpiling necessary supplies, integrating technology and, what might prove the most difficult part, educating and communicating with the public. There is huge distrust around this issue because of politicization. Thatll present a huge challenge to us, Oliver said. He said he would be shocked if a vaccine is approved before the November election, as President Donald Trump predicts. Rather, he said it would likely be late winter before one of the three vaccines now in late-stage trials will be ready. A year ago, Texas farmers were hurting. Caught in the crossfire of a bruising trade war between the United States and China, their crops were piling up in storage bins and silos. Fast forward to mid-August six months into a new trade deal between China and the U.S. and grain traders at the Port of Brownsville were loading 33,000 metric tons of grain sorghum onto a ship bound for China. We were excited about the trade deal. Because China, you can talk all you want about how they can be a bad actor, and theres probably a lot of truth to it. But they have the biggest population of any country in the world. They are the second-biggest economy in the world, so a trade deal with them was important, said Russell Boening, a crop farmer and cattle rancher just south of Floresville. Essentially, the trade deal calls for China to purchase over the next two years $200 billion more in U.S. goods mostly agricultural and energy products than it did in 2017. It also secured loose commitments from China on market access, as well as intellectual property protection. U.S. and Chinese officials agreed to the Phase One deal earlier this year, and it went into effect in mid-February. Since then, Texas farmers and ranchers have seen exports of their products rebound closer to normal levels, driven primarily by large sales of farm goods to China this summer. On ExpressNews.com: Trade war weighs on Texas farmers as exports plummet From 2010 to 2018, Texas exported more than $1 billion annually in agricultural goods to China, which purchased, on average, 14 percent of Texas statewide farm exports. Last year, when China stopped buying agricultural goods as the trade war raged, producers in the state shipped just $539 million in farm products to the economic giant. Through the first six months of this year, Texas already has exported $709 million in agricultural goods to buyers in China. Over the past several weeks, especially the last two to four weeks, China has been in the market for grain sorghum, said Boening, whos also president of the Texas Farm Bureau. Sorghum is very important to Texas, especially to South Texas; and just over the past month or so, weve seen some very good purchases and seen some nice price increases for grain sorghum. So thats a positive. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer Grain sorghum is a major crop for Texas, which has produced roughly 53 percent of all U.S. sorghum exports since 2015, according to USDA data. Its also in high demand in China, where buyers each year purchase more sorghum from the U.S. than the rest of the world combined and since 2015 have bought 86 percent of Texas sorghum exports. Wed love for some of that grain sorghum to spread out over five countries rather than one, but with that being said, if we dont have those other four countries, then we as farmers are going to take China, Boening said. We are expanding some of our other markets, especially in South Asia Taiwan, Vietnam and different countries. But when it comes to sheer volume, they just wont have the people or livestock (as China) that are going to need that much sorghum. On ExpressNews.com: Texas exporters line up new markets as China trade war continues The importance of China to Texas sorghum farmers can be seen in the export numbers for 2019 and 2020. Last year, Texas growers exported less than $200 million worth of sorghum. In the first six months of 2020, that number increased to $344 million. The large mid-August shipment of sorghum from Brownsville to China was a signal of the resumption of more normal trade, said Wayne Cleveland, executive director of the Texas Grain Sorghum Producers, which connects sorghum growers in the state to international buyers in China and elsewhere. For sorghum growers, (the U.S.-China trade deal) has been incredibly good. It was everything that was promised, Cleveland said. I would say a large number of our guys were very supportive of the trade war. They understood it, and they paid the price. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer China also has ramped up imports of U.S. corn, soybeans and cotton in recent months. That spike in exports to China indicate the nation is serious about maintaining the trade deal, experts said. Nevertheless, questions have arisen over whether China is meeting the requirements it agreed to in the trade deal. For China to reach the level of imports it agreed to, the country would have to buy between $33.4 billion and $36.6 billion of U.S. agricultural goods this year, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan think tank. Thats well above the record $26 billion in U.S. farm products that China bought in 2012. Research by the institute shows that through July, China had bought less than $10 billion worth, not even a third of its 2020 commitment. China cant go back to zero (imports) because no other country can supply what were supplying, said Luis Ribera, an agricultural economist and professor at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Were going to start to export more grains to China. The main supplier for China of soybeans and corn is Brazil and the U.S., so in the U.S. when we start harvesting in September through January, theyre going to buy a lot of grain from us. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer If China fails to import enough U.S. goods to fulfill the agreement, it could be unwelcome news for farmers in Texas, Ribera said. About one-third of farm income comes from exports, so whatever happens overseas is very important, Ribera said. You made your planting decisions months ago expecting that China is going to buy that much on top of your other markets. So if China is going to buy $32 billion of agricultural products, you said OK, Im going to probably plant a little more soybeans, corn things they demand in China. SA Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox Farmers have been sensitive to the back-and-forth volleys lobbed between officials in China and the U.S. In recent months, U.S. officials have moved to block Chinese companies from the United States amid criticism of Chinas government over human rights and data security abuses, among other disputes. In response, Chinas government in late August updated its export control rules to attempt to scuttle the forced sale of the Chinese social media app TikTok to a U.S. company. We try to figure out and understand (U.S.-China) relations, how theyre going. So, yes, it does matter to us, because we rely on the export side. We do need China, said Bryce Wilde, who grows cotton, sorghum and sugar cane at Anaqua Farms in Willacy County. So weve been very concerned because it comes down to a certain amount of crop youre willing to invest in and put down on paper and then in the field. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer Many Texas agricultural producers are calling on officials to take a do no harm approach on trade moving forward. Nevertheless, they have largely supported President Donald Trump through the trade war. In addition to trade relations between U.S. and China, the COVID-19 pandemic also has affected Texas agricultural producers, causing prices for beef and other products important to Texas to fall. Then Hurricane Hanna hit cotton farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. Although theyve largely recovered from the pandemic-related economic shock, theres still a great deal of uncertainty over how the global economy will recover in the coming months. This year and going forward, its just been so much volatility and variability in the markets, in the growing seasons, so every day it just seems like theres more weight around every decision we make these last few years, especially with trade relations the way they are, Wilde said. Youre trying to make decisions going forward where you can set yourself up to be on the best side of these deals. Diego Mendoza-Moyers covers manufacturing, the automotive industry and the energy sector. To read more from Diego, become a subscriber. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net | Twitter: @dmendozamoyers A 34-year-old doctor and his associate were arrested for allegedly providing forged COVID-19 test reports to people in the national capital, police said on Friday. The accused have been identified as Kush Bihari Parashar, a resident of Malviya Nagar, and his associate Amit Singh, they said. Police said they received a complaint from a reputed testing lab regarding forgery of COVID-19 test reports, following which a case under relevant sections was registered at Hauz Khas police station. On August 30, one person, who runs a business of providing nursing staff to patients, asked doctor Parashar for COVID-19 test reports of his two nursing staff before they were engaged in the job, a senior police officer said. Parashar forged the reports and sent them to the businessman who, in turn, sent it to his client on her mobile. Spotting a mistake in the name in the report, the client contacted the diagnostic centre and asked for a new report with correction, the officer said. On verifying the details of the patients, it came to notice of the diagnostic centre that no such patient exists in their record. Later, a case was registered at Hauz Khas police station. The accused were arrested on Thursday. "Parashar used to recommend patients for COVID-19 tests and collect the sample. With the help of co-accused Singh, he used to make forged test report of the renowned diagnostic centre or of the labs as desired by the patients, Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Atul Kumar Thakur said. As the reports were prepared in PDF format on a computer and same were sent to patients on WhatsApp, it was difficult to differentiate between the forged and the genuine report, the DCP said. Parashar admitted that he had given forged COVID-19 test reports to more than 75 patients using names of diagnostic centres such as CRL Diagnostics Lab, Modern Diagnostics and Research Centre, Dr P Bhasin Pathlabs (P) Ltd and Prognosis Laboratories. Parashar said that he had been doing this forgery for the past two-and-a-half months and used to charge Rs 2,400 per test. There was no specific criterion for deciding negative or positive. Just as per the symptoms of the patient, the reports were prepared. Sample taken were destroyed, police said. Further investigation is in progress and efforts are being made to trace the other persons involved in the nexus, police 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.) Jim Carrey has taken aim at Donald Trump in a recently published heartfelt essay. In an article penned for The Atlantic, the comedian stated: Untold American lives have been ruined by the presidency of Donald Trump. Carrey asked, How did a bourgeois New York con artist convince so many people he was on their side? before joking, Was it the truckers hat? The Ace Ventura star also condemned the fawning coverage of the president on cable news. I know funny; Fox News is a joke thats not funny, and its being told at the expense of our democracy, wrote the actor. He then criticised Trump and his acolytes for their Totally Illegal COVID-19 Super-Spread Spectacular at the White House last week. Jim Carrey arrives at the 2018 BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Friday, 26 October 2018 (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) In the article, the Bruce Almighty actor also asked, Where did the modern Republican Partys cruelty come from? The comedian compared the experience of watching Trump accept the nomination of the Republic Party during a pandemic he exacerbated to watching The Godfathers Michael Corleone swear a second oath while his underlings settled scores across the city. The president accepted the GOP nomination from the South Lawn of the White House last week. Carrey also spoke out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement: Black Americans, who have endured half a millennium of wickedness and brutality, now face more injustice and death. Invoking Trumps favourite nickname for liberals, the comedian implored people to vote in the forthcoming election: In November, we must vote in historic numbers, gathering all the snowflakes until there is a blizzard on Capitol Hill that no corrupt politician can survive. The 58-year-old has long been a vocal critic of the president, with Trump often the subject of the actors satirical cartoons. Dubbed versions of the newly released trailer for No Time to Die may contain an unintended spoiler. As well as offering action-packed scenes and a better look at Rami Malek as villain Safin, viewers of the trailers international versions may have been let in on a major plot point. The English-language trailer sees Bond played by Daniel Craig on the phone saying, Well, Ive met your new 00 in reference to Lashana Lynchs character, Nomi. However, as pointed out by the popular James Bond fan site MI6-HQ, in both the Spanish and Italian dubbed versions of the trailer, Bond says 007 instead. Some fans have taken this apparent slip-up as confirmation of the rumours that Nomi will assume the agents famous spy code following his retirement seen at the start of the movie. Daniel Craig returns as 007 in the latest franchise instalment, No Time to Die (Universal Pictures) Lynch addressed the reports herself last year after rumours of her taking the mantle caused a backlash among some fans. However, the actor did not confirm or deny them. The alleged spoiler is still majorly speculative. As recently as 2018, producer Barbara Broccoli declared that 007 will remain male in future installations. The film, which is the 25th Bond adaptation, is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, making him the first US director to take charge on a Bond project. No Time to Die was originally scheduled for release in April 2020, but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will now debut in UK cinemas on 12 November. New Delhi: Afghanistan's new envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has called the nation a "generous neighbour who has stood with us in difficult times and have shared their bread with us". Farid who was earlier the senior political advisor at the Afghan National Security Council tweeted on his appointment, "I am honoured & humbled to have been designated as the new Afghan ambassador to India, a traditional and historic friend of Afghanistan." Calling India a "strategic partner with strong historical, political and cultural links" he said he would "further strengthen our ties at all levels for a peaceful & prosperous Afghanistan and India". He also tweeted in Hindi which translates to "I wish for our friendship to last forever". India has been the biggest development partner of Afghanistan in the region and has built mega infrastructure projects like India Afghan friendship dam and the Afghanistan Parliament. Farid was also Deputy Director General at the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) which is an Afghan government agency for all local administrations in the country. His appointment comes even as intra-Afghan talks between the Afghanistan government and Taliban are expected to begin. The Charge d'Affaires at the Afghan mission in Delhi, Tahir Qadiry, welcomed the appointment of new Afghan envoy and said, "As a CDA here for over 1 year, I realized the indispensability & vitality of Indo-Afghan ties & this decision will only bolster our Mission to further strengthen our bilateral ties". Meanwhile, under the air bubble agreement between the two countries, Air India and Ariana will resume their operations between Delhi-Kabul in the near future. Air transport across the world had come to a halt due to the COVID-19 crisis, and India is now in talks for air transport bubbles with many countries so that international cross border movement begins. Air Serbia will be adding flights on its service between Belgrade and Istanbul starting September 19, with the carrier to maintain daily operations, outstripping its pre-pandemic frequencies. The development will come just over a month after Air Serbia and Turkish Airlines inked a wide-ranging codeshare agreement . As a result, Air Serbia will offer 2.016 seats per week to Turkeys largest city. Adding two weekly flight to Istanbul is a clear indicator of the increasing demand by our passengers for flights to the city on the Bosphorus, as well as the good connections Air Serbia offers via Belgrade to Vienna, Berlin, Zurich, Paris, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Ljubljana, Podgorica, Prague, Tivat, Zagreb, Stuttgart and other European cities, Air Serbias General Manager for Commercial and Strategy, Jiri Marek, said. The Serbian carrier resumed flights to Istanbul in December 2019 following a two-year hiatus. Welcome to the weekend! In need of inspiring fado music, a museum tour with the kids, or a night walk around Betzdorf? Or is your bike broken and needs fixing? We've got you covered! 1. Enjoy mesmerising fado concert What: Joana Amendoeira live in concert Where: Neimenster, 28 rue Munster, L-2160 Luxembourg When: Sunday, 6 September at 6pm - reservation obligatory Fado is a beautiful traditional form of music that is often traced back to early 19th century Lisbon, but most likely with much older roots from South America. Fadistas often sing melancholic, mournful songs, describing love, loss or fate. The emotion put in will give you goosebumps. In this concert, Joana Amendoeira will pay tribute to the diva of fado from a century ago, Amalia Rodrigues. 2. Rewatch classic: Monty Python and the Holy Grail What: Greatest comedy of all time? Where: Cinematheque, 17, place du Theatre, L-2613 Luxembourg When: Friday, 4 September at 8.30pm - info here A comedic send-up of the grim circumstances of the Middle Ages as told through the story of King Arthur and framed by a modern-day murder investigation. When the mythical king of the Britons leads his knights on a quest for the Holy Grail, they face a wide array of horrors, including a persistent Black Knight, a three-headed giant, a cadre of shrubbery-challenged knights, the perilous Castle Anthrax, a killer rabbit, a house of virgins, and a handful of rude Frenchmen. Now, that's your Friday evening sorted. 3. Download the Luxembourg Museum kids app What: Interactive guided tour Where: Luxembourg City Museum, 14, rue du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg When: Friday, 4 September - Sunday, 6 September between 10am-6pm This is something cool and innovative! The Letzebuerg City Museum has provided its public with a mobile app titled "Letzebuerg City Museum The Luxembourg Story. Join Mil and Edouard on the "Kids Tour", a simplified audio guide specially for the little visitors. Through informative and lively conversations, Mil and Edouard invite you on a 1000-year time journey through the exhibition. Additionally, the app offers a quiz at the end to test your newly acquired knowledge. Will the kids beat the parents? 4. Make your own moisturising hand cream What: Some love for your hands Where: Les Ateliers de Caroline, 6, Kraierbucherstrooss, 8533 Elvange When: Saturday, 5 September at 3pm - info here Les Ateliers de Caroline are organising something very important in times of corona. Our hands are being put to the test every day with the frequent washing and the hydroalcoholic gel at the entrance of every store. During this workshop, you will create a hand cream from scratch with camellia oil from Luxembourg's region, cosmetic active ingredients and essential oils. All ingredients are organic. This cream repairs damaged and dehydrated hands without leaving a greasy feel. Your hands will be grateful! 5. Check out Friday evening Apero concert What: Upcoming jazz quartet Where: Trifolion, 2 Porte St Willibrord, 6486 Echternach, Luxembourg When: Friday, 4 September at 5pm - free entry, but ticket reservation required SPACE are four young jazz musicians who meet in Cologne and in Luxembourg to share their own music and classic jazz standards. The project is the result of intense collective music making that occurred towards the end of lockdown. Reinel and Daniel Oetz have been students in the Hochschule fur Musik und Tanz Koln for two years, Mathieu is a "Jungstudent", also in Cologne. The band name describes the musicians freedom of expression during the performance as well as the SPACE they create trying to bring people back together. Enjoy their promising performance at the Trifolion this Friday evening. 6. Have a midnight walk around Betzdorf What: Stargazing and nature at night Where: Meet near Rood-Sur-Syre station When: Saturday, 5 September at 8pm - info here Join a group of walking buddies on a circular route around the municipality of Betzdorf. The event states that there is time "to look for witches", but also to gaze at the stars, the moon, and meet new people on the walk. Make sure to bring food, water, and a flashlight. Warm clothes are also recommended. The tour is 13km and will take roughly three hours. I'm sure you'll be as excited as this bird: 7. Learn new skills at Bike Repair Kafe What: DIY bike repairs, meet new people Where: Escher Kafe, 55 rue Clair Chene 4061 Esch-sur-Alzette When: Saturday, 5 September at 3pm - info here Everybody's bike breaks down once in a while. But how capable are you of fixing it yourself? (Your editor is Dutch and is embarrassingly incapable himself, so he will probably be attending...secretly, in the back corner....silently). Check out this gathering, bring your broken bike and let's see if and how it can be fixed! Do note that there is no big stock of parts available, so informing the organisers of the problem in advance will be helpful to make the most out of the session. Pedal on! Is there an event you think we'd enjoy and like to share with our audience? Feel free to let us know through audience@rtltoday.lu and we may consider it for next week's agenda. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government plans to declare quarantine after the end of the current coronavirus-related state of emergency, Deputy justice minister Rafik Grigoryan said during todays extraordinary session in the parliament, introducing the legislative package which enables not to extend the state of emergency. The goal of initiating this legislative package is to provide such set of tools which will allow to fight the pandemic without the state of emergency legal regime. If the legislative package is adopted and enters into force before September 11, the government, yes, plans to declare quarantine and continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as it is not over yet, the deputy justice minister said. Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Industry Update Appointment 4 September 2020 Jeff Ouradnik Appointed Director of Sales & Marketing At Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs - CA, USA Jeff Ouradnik, joins Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs with more than 15 years of hospitality, sales, and marketing experience. Most recently, he served as the director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Regency Austin and fulfilled similar roles at several other Hyatt branded properties, including Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego, California, and Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Seattle, Washington. Ouradnik will oversee all sales efforts and strategic positioning for this oasis in the desert to reflect the Palm Springs locale. Davidson Hospitality Group Davidson Hospitality Group is an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company comprised of 61 existing hotels and resorts; more than 150 restaurants, bars and lounges; and nearly 1.5 million square feet of meeting space across the United States. more information Recent Appointments at Davidson Patrick Broderick - VP, Sales and Revenue Management 28 October 2021 Davidson Hospitality Group announces the appointment of Patrick Broderick as Vice President, Sales and Revenue Management for the leading hospitality management company's Resorts division. Broderick brings more than 33 years of hotel sales and revenue management experience to the Resorts team and its portfolio of 12 highly activated, large-scale properties in the upper-upscale to luxury categories. read more David Jurcak - President of Operations 28 October 2021 The historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is pleased to announce the appointment of David Jurcak as the hotel's new President of Operations. In his role, Jurcak will oversee the operating strategies, standards, practices, and procedures of Grand Hotel. read more Survey by Save the Children finds parents in Italy worried about return to school. The reopening of Italy's schools and the return of students after a six-month school closure due to the covid-19 pandemic is causing worry for 7 out of 10 parents, according to a survey published by NGO Save the Children. The main causes for concern include uncertainty and financial insecurity according to the survey which was conducted by research institute Ipsos between 4 and 18 August, based on a sample of 2,370 people. The principal anxiety among parents relates to uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools (60 per cent), followed by the risks associated with a lack of physical distance (51 per cent), reports Italian news agency ANSA. At the time of the survey, two thirds of parents were aware of the reopening date of their childrens' schools, but almost 7 out of 10 had not received any communication on their schools' reopening plan. Also of concern were that possible variations in the time of entry / exit from school may not be compatible with the work commitments of parents (37 per cent), especially for parents of 4-6 year olds (45 per cent). Grandparents once again become the pillar of family life for 22 per cent of the parents interviewed, reports TgCom24. Giving up work or reducing working hours was another option being considered by families, in particular those with younger children. However this choice, reflecting a gender gap in Italy, would fall mainly on mothers (14 per cent) more than fathers (2 per cent). The survey also found that 1 in 10 parents believe they will not be able to afford to buy books, while 2 out of 10 fear they can no longer afford the cost of the school canteen, reports ANSA. Italy's schools reopened on 1 September for catch-up lessons, with the 2020-21 academic year beginning officially in Italy on 14 September. New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart in Moscow, government sources said today. "We have received a meeting request. Meeting is likely," said the sources. It is believed that the Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi have asked for a meeting on the basis of of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet. While the Chinese side has shown its keenness to have an interaction with the two defence ministers. Top US general says military won't play role in 2020 election Global Times Source: Xinhua Published: 2020/8/30 9:38:50 The US military will not play a role in this year's election, according to the country's top general. "In the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections, by law US courts and the US Congress are required to resolve any disputes, not the US military," Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, wrote in a letter released on Friday responding to questions from two House lawmakers. "I believe deeply in the principle of an apolitical US military," Milley continued. "I foresee no role for the US Armed Forces in this process." The answers came as presidential nominees stoke questions about military involvement in this year's election. US President and 2020 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has raised the prospect that he won't accept the results in November, claiming without providing any evidence that mail-in voting could lead to widespread voter fraud. "I have to see," Trump told Fox News's Chris Wallace last month when asked if he would accept the election results. "No, I'm not just going to say yes, I'm not going to say no, and I didn't last time either." Former US Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said in June that he's "absolutely convinced" that the military would step in if Trump rejected the results. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Central Crime Branch (CCB) to file a suo-moto case against actress Ragini Dwivedi in Cottonpet Police Station today (September 4) after questioning her in connection with the Sandalwood drug racket. According to TV9 Kannada report, Kamal Pant, the Police Commissioner of Bangalore, informed media that a suo moto case will be registered against the Sandalwood actress. Today, the CCB conducted a raid at Ragini Dwivedi's house in Bangalore after taking orders from the court. Apparently, the actress was supposed to appear before the CCB for questioning yesterday, but couldn't make it and asked her lawyers to present her case. Later, she confirmed that she will be appear for questioning on Monday. But as per India Today report, Ragini changed her mobile phone yesterday night. Hence, the CCB raided her house today and took her to the Headquarters for further questioning. While updating about Ragini Dwivedi, CP of Bangalore told the media, "She is currently being questioned. That's the status for now. We can't reveal more. The case is under investigation and two people (Ravi Shankar and Rahul) have been arrested." Also Read : Sandalwood Drug Racket: CCB Takes Ragini Dwivedi Into Custody After Conducting Raid At Her House More details awaited. Also Read : Ragini Dwivedi Confirms She'll Appear Before CCB On Monday For Probe, Says 'I Have Nothing To Hide' Calls mounted yesterday for tough action by the West against Russia over the suspected poisoning of Alexei Navalny, the prominent Kremlin critic. Senior German politicians compared Vladimir Putin to President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and demanded Europe go further than it did in response to the poisoning in Salisbury, in the UK, in 2018. The Kremlin has refused to back down and senior figures close to Mr Putin sought to claim that Mr Navalny may have been poisoned by Germany as a "deliberate provocation". Talks are under way to agree a common Western response after it emerged that Mr Navalny was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok. "We are committed to working with Germany, our allies and international partners to demonstrate that there are severe consequences for the use of banned chemical weapons," a Downing Street spokesman said ahead of Dominic Raab, the UK Foreign Secretary, meeting Heiko Maas, his German counterpart. "The Putin regime is on the same level as those who have used chemical weapons against their own civilian population in Syria," Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the German defence minister, said. "I expect the European Union to take a common stand to make Russia fully investigate the crime." Josep Borrell, the EU's chief diplomat, later warned that the bloc could now impose sanctions on Russia. Jurgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrat party, said: "The Kremlin isn't even bothering to try to dispel suspicions. It's part of the Russian system of repression to let the opposition know what can happen to them." Mr Navalny is in a coma in a Berlin hospital, after Russia bowed to international pressure and allowed him to be moved to Germany for treatment. The discovery of traces of Novichok in his body by a German military laboratory makes the Kremlin the prime suspect. The nerve agent was used in the 2018 attempt to murder Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, and Britain is understood to have offered Germany "extensive expertise" acquired from its own experience. Ms Merkel is now facing questions over her backing for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. In the United States, Kayleigh McEnany, president Donald Trump's press secretary, said: "We're working with our allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable, wherever the evidence leads." However, Democrats accused the White House of failing to take a stand. "Donald Trump has refused to confront Putin," Joe Biden, their presidential candidate, said. "He has yet to condemn the attack on Mr Navalny. His silence is complicity." Mr Putin has yet to comment but one of his allies, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Russian parliament, said: "This is a planned action in order to introduce new sanctions and try to restrain the development of our country." Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, claimed: "Before the patient was brought to Berlin, a battery of tests were carried out in our country... and no toxic substances were found." (Natural News) In a recent national survey, more than 44 percent of Americans stated that they were in favor of shutting the country down again if it was necessary to fight the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). The poll, conducted by Big Data Poll on behalf of the Epoch Times on August 26, was created in response to a statement made by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the same month that he would shut the country down again should scientists and health experts recommend it. I would shut it down. I would listen to the scientists, Biden said in an interview with ABCs David Muir. Those who opposed the idea only accounted for 36 percent, while those who were undecided made up only 19.5 percent. More Democrats support a shut down than Republicans Based on the survey, Americans views on the issues seem to be influenced by their political affiliation. A majority of those who identify as Democrat 63.2 percent support a shutdown, while a smaller majority of those who identify as Republicans 54.9 percent oppose it. In addition, age also plays a factor in regards to support for a nationwide shutdown. Younger people in general are more open to a shutdown compared to their older peers. Only around 24 percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 those who have the lowest risk of suffering serious effects of COVID-19 opposed a national lockdown. This percentage, however, grows the older the respondents get. More than 49 percent of respondents aged 65 and above say they opposed shutting the country down again. Meanwhile, women tended to support another shut down more than men with 48.2 percent supporting the idea, while only 30.6 percent opposing it. Men on the other hand were more opposed to it with only 39.5 percent supporting a new shutdown and 42.8 percent opposing the idea. The national poll interviewed 2,169 likely voters nationwide from August 26 to 30, 2020. These respondents were sourced via voter file-verified online survey panels. The results were weighted based on gender, age, race, education and region. In terms of political affiliation, 36 percent of those surveyed identified as Democrat while 32 percent identified as Republican, with the remaining 32 percent saying they were independent or supported something else. These figures mirror those from the Aristotle National Voter File Database. Biden has criticized Trumps coronavirus response Bidens campaign has been using President Donald Trumps handling of the coronavirus pandemic as the formers main line of attack. The former vice presidents statements on other issues regularly segway into criticisms of the Trump administrations coronavirus response. (Related: Hillary Clinton orders Joe Biden not to concede the election to President Trump under ANY circumstances even if Biden loses.) When the pandemic first struck America in spring, Trump limited his executive action on lockdowns to a set of guidelines and left it up to state governors to make lockdown decisions. He let the governors make their own decisions on how to handle the pandemic in their states, as it was felt that they could better take steps based on local conditions. Recently, Biden has criticized what he has called the fundamental flaw of the Trump administrations response to the coronavirus pandemic. He stated that the nation cannot recover economically until the virus is under control. I will be prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives because we cannot get the country moving, until we control the virus, Biden said. That is the fundamental flaw of this administrations thinking to begin with. In order to keep the country running and moving and the economy growing, and people employed, you have to fix the virus, you have to deal with the virus. Most of Bidens proposed solutions, however, largely mirror the actions that have already been taken by the Trump administration. The only notable exception is a national mask mandate. America currently has around 6,152,000 coronavirus cases and 186,000 deaths according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Stay up to date with news on the coronavirus by following Pandemic.news. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com ABCNews.GO.com Coronavirus.JHU.edu Members of the mainland nucleic acid testing team attend a welcome ceremony at Metropark Hotel Kowloon in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 3, 2020. Another 117 members of the mainland nucleic acid testing team arrived in Hong Kong Thursday for the Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) that started on Sept. 1, bringing the total number of the team members to 427. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) HONG KONG, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Another 117 members of the mainland nucleic acid testing team arrived in Hong Kong Thursday for the Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) that started on Sept. 1, bringing the total number of the team members to 427. Among them, 207 are from Guangdong Province, 109 from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 110 from Fujian Province and there is also a team leader. Amid a resurgence of the novel coronavirus, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has sought assistance from the central government to launch a universal screening for the virus. Sophia Chan, secretary for food and health of the HKSAR government, expressed gratitude once again to the support and assistance from the central government at the welcome ceremony. She said about 820,000 residents had registered for the universal community testing program as of 8 a.m. Thursday, adding that with the support from the mainland testing team, silent carriers will be identified more quickly. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR government Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said the smooth operation of the UCTP could not be realized without the efforts of the mainland team, pointing out that the HKSAR government could not possibly launch such a large-scale screening in such a short period of time without the assistance of the central government. He Jing, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said the central government has attached great importance to Hong Kong since the third wave of the epidemic, and swiftly sent a testing team to assist COVID-19 fight. He said the testing work has been going smoothly and efficiently, which will hopefully help the HKSAR government to break the transmission chain as far as possible. He Jing, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), addresses a ceremony to welcome the arrival of the mainland nucleic acid testing team at Metropark Hotel Kowloon in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 3, 2020. Another 117 members of the mainland nucleic acid testing team arrived in Hong Kong Thursday for the Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) that started on Sept. 1, bringing the total number of the team members to 427. The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has pledged to do whatever is necessary to strengthen the already-strong relations between Ghana and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to President Akufo-Addo, it is important for the progress of West Africa and, indeed, Africa, that Ghana and Nigeria are seen to be working together, and has assured that the two countries will continue down that path. The President made this known on Thursday, 3rd September 2020, when the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila, paid a courtesy call on him at Jubilee House, at the end of his 2-day visit to Ghana, at the invitation of the Speaker of Ghanas Parliament, Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye. Welcoming Nigerias Speaker and his delegation to Ghana, President Akufo-Addo explained that when the statement from the Nigerian Minister for Information warning Ghana over incessant harassment of Nigerians came out, he was very much alarmed. I was alarmed because, if they were the sentiments and attitudes of the Federal Government of Nigeria, then we were in a really serious problem, he said. The President continued, I thought it best to speak to Mr. President (Muhammadu Buhari) as soon as possible, which I did, and then I was informed by the Speaker (of Ghanas Parliament) that he had taken an independent course of action in the matter by speaking to you (the Speaker of Nigerias Parliament), and inviting you to come to Ghana to talk about the issues that emerged from the statement, he said. Commending Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila for taking up the invitation, President Akufo-Addo stated that the result of the meeting between the Ghanaian and Nigerian Speakers is the way forward, and very acceptable to him. The idea of legislation to promote a Ghana-Nigeria Business Council, that will have superintendence over trade and investment matters between our two countries, is well overdue. It is events that produces institutions, and the time has come for it to be done, he said. Additionally, the President stated that it will be a good idea also to set up a joint Ministerial Committee for Ministers on both sides, who would be responsible for shepherding Ghana-Nigerian issues, and reporting to both Presidents at any time when matters occur, and how they should be resolved. In concluding, President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians and Nigerians to build on the strong relations that have existed between the two countries, or, at the very least, make sure that the current status quo is preserved. He reassured Speaker Gbajabiamila that the Nigerian population in Ghana are safe, many of them have lived for centuries trading and doing business in Ghana without any difficulties, and that culture of co-operation and brotherliness will continue. 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 Seattle: A man being investigated for the fatal shooting of a right-wing activist who was part of a pro-Trump caravan in Portland, Oregon, was killed on Thursday night (Friday AEST) when authorities moved to arrest him, according to three law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation. The officials said the suspect, Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, was killed during the encounter in Lacey, Washington, south-west of Seattle, when a federal fugitive taskforce moved to apprehend him. Michael Reinoehl (right) during a protest in front of mayor Ted Wheeler's residence in Portland, Oregon, last month. Credit:AP The Associated Press reported an official said Reinoehl had pulled a gun during the encounter and was shot by law enforcement. The official could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. An arrest warrant had been issued by the Portland police earlier on Thursday on the same day that Vice News published an interview with Reinoehl in which he appeared to admit to the shooting, saying, "I had no choice." Riots have broken out amidst recent anti-police demonstrations in Kenosha. The riots followed the shooting of Jacob Blake on August 23. The Wisconsin Department of Justice stated that officers were notified that "a female caller reported that her boyfriend was present and was not supposed to be on the premises." After two failed arrest attempts with a taser, the officers shot Jacob Blake 7 times in front of his children once he managed to lean into his car. It was later verified that Blake possessed a knife, which has been recovered from within the vehicle. On September 1, President Donald Trump visited Kenosha in areas affected by the riots. After his visit, President Trump held a conference to determine the best approach to repairing damages. The Trump Administration will provide $1 million to the Kenosha Police Department to better defuse riots and disorder. It will additionally give $4 million to specifically aid small businesses that have suffered due to the riots alongside $42 million for statewide law enforcement efforts. During the conference, President Trump made it clear that he stands with police during this time of civil unrest. He declared, "Reckless far-left politicians continue to push the destructive message that our nation and our law enforcement are oppressive or racist." He also went on to state, "they may be there for 15 years and have a spotless record. And all of a sudden, they're faced with a decision. They have a quarter of a second ... to make a decision." President Trump recently also showed support for Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old shooter that killed two and injured another in Kenosha on August 25. The President stated during a White House press conference, "He was trying to get away from them, I guess it looks like, and he fell and then they very violently attacked him." MINNEAPOLIS - Two men who prosecutors say are members of an anti-government extremist group, who toted guns on Minneapolis streets during unrest following the death of George Floyd and spoke about shooting police, blowing up a courthouse and killing politicians, have been charged with federal terrorism counts. Michael Robert Solomon, 30, of New Brighton, Minnesota, and Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22, of Hampstead, North Carolina, are members of the Boogaloo Bois, authorities say. They are charged with conspiring to provide and attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, for allegedly building firearms suppressors that they believed they sold to Hamas, and for allegedly offering to fight as mercenaries for the group. Assistant Attorney General John Demers said in a statement that people who seek to engage in terrorist activity will be held accountable, no matter what witchs brew of ideological motivations inspire them. Solomon and Teeter made their first court appearances via videoconference Friday in U.S. District Court. They were both appointed federal defenders, but attorneys were not immediately assigned to comment on their behalf. Floyd, a Black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for nearly eight minutes, as Floyd repeatedly said he couldnt breathe. His death, captured on bystander video, sparked protests in Minneapolis and beyond. Authorities began investigating the Boogaloo Bois after learning that some members were discussing violence and were armed during the unrest in Minneapolis. Boogaloo supporters, who use the movements name as a slang term for a second civil war or collapse of civilization, frequently show up at protests armed with rifles and wearing Hawaiian shirts. According to an FBI affidavit, Solomon posted a message on Facebook on May 26 asking people to contact him on an encrypted platform. That same day, Teeter publicly posted: Lock and load boys. Boog flags are in the air, and the national network is going off. His public posts show he then travelled from North Carolina to Minnesota. A witness told the FBI that Solomon was seen openly carrying a firearm and said he was part of a Boogaloo Bois subgroup called the Boojahideen, and was willing to protect the witness from police, white supremacists and looters. Solomon allegedly said his mission was to get police out of the city. Later, the witness invited Solomon, Teeter and another person to stay at the witnesss house, where they spoke about committing acts of violence against police and other targets, the affidavit says. The witness said Solomon and Teeter talked about attacking a National Guard Armory to steal weapons and bombs. A paid informant, whom Teeter and Solomon believed to belong to Hamas, later recorded a conversation in which Solomon, Teeter and another person talked about shooting police. During many conversations, Solomon and Teeter told the informant that the views of Hamas a Palestinian Islamic political party aligned with their own anti-government views and that they wanted to work as mercenaries on behalf of Hamas armed wing so they could earn cash for the Boogaloo movement. They said they needed money to recruit members and buy land for a Boogaloo training compound. According to the affidavit, they came up with a plot to blow up a historical county courthouse in northern Minnesota so they could make a statement, but then delayed that plan. Solomon later said: I want to murder a bunch of U.S. politicians. Thats the statement I want to make. Solomon and Teeter met an undercover FBI employee, whom they believed to be a more senior member of Hamas, and offered to build firearms suppressors and other weapons for the group. They believed the suppressors they sold went to Hamas to be used overseas to attack Israeli and U.S. forces, the affidavit said. When the undercover FBI employee asked to explain killing politicians, Solomon said he would build a gallows ... in front of the Congress building in D.C. and just start hanging politicians left and right. When discussing possible security, Teeter said he can shoot from a distance and, you cant stop threats that you cant see,? the affidavit said. ___ Follow Amy Forliti on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyforliti There are several states that are at risk for surging, namely North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview this week, Bloomberg reported. Those states are starting to see an increase in the percent positive of their testing; that is generally predictive that theres going to be a problem. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 02:26:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Falcon 9 rocket lifts off at 8:46 a.m. EDT, Sept. 3, 2020, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the United States. (Photo source: arstechnica) Starlink is targeting service in the Northern United States and Canada in 2020, rapidly expanding to near global coverage of the populated world by 2021. WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. private space company SpaceX successfully launched its 12th Starlink mission on Thursday, carrying 60 Starlink satellites to orbit. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 8:46 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Following stage separation, SpaceX's Falcon 9 first stage landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The Starlink satellites were deployed approximately 15 minutes after liftoff, said SpaceX. Starlink will deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable, according to SpaceX. Starlink is targeting service in the Northern United States and Canada in 2020, rapidly expanding to near global coverage of the populated world by 2021. SpaceX planned to launch into space about 12,000 Starlink satellites by 2024, and has revealed a bigger plan to launch 30,000 additional ones, bringing the total to 42,000. Each satellite weighs about 260 kilograms and features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of the launch capabilities of the Falcon 9 rocket, according to SpaceX. OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 3, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, participated in the inaugural meeting of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, where she invited the 25 members who were selected from over 800 applicants from across the country to share their perspectives on the future of the sector. As the whole government is working to develop a green economic recovery plan, Minister Bibeau wants young people to be able to share their aspirations. Over the course of the meetings, their perspectives will help to articulate Canada's vision and the programs that will result from it, leading to a sustainable and prosperous agriculture and agri-food sector. Canada's agricultural sector is an important driver of economic growth, responsible for one in eight jobs in Canada. The sector contributes over $143 billion to our gross domestic product and over $66 billion in agri-food exports. Earlier this year, Minister Bibeau announced the creation of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council to help bolster Canada's strong agenda for agriculture and agri-food and continue to build diversity across the agricultural sector. Discussions at the inaugural meeting focused on various issues, including the future of the sector, sustainable agriculture, rural vitality, skills and labour, and mental health. Over the coming months, the Council will also meet with policy leaders, as well as senior departmental officials. Members will have the opportunity to offer suggestions on Government priorities, as well as to identify problems and propose solutions on a wide range of important issues, all while developing leadership skills and building professional relationships. They will help advise the Minister and the Department on agriculture-related policies and programs that are important to them. See the full list of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council members. Quotes "Young Canadians in the agriculture and agri-food sector are engaged and passionate. The Youth Council is a significant opportunity for them to be heard and to influence the future of the sector. As the first woman federal Minister of Agriculture, I am increasing the opportunities to give a voice to young people and women, whose contributions are essential to our economic growth and to the vitality of our regions." - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Quick facts Council members were announced in July and represent a diverse mix of representatives from across the agriculture and agri-food sector, as well as from every province and the North. Youth who applied and were not selected may be contacted to participate in other forums with the Minister and the Department in the future. The application process included a series of questions on each candidate's experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector, a short essay on a significant issue facing youth in the sector and how they proposed to address it. Associated links Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada For further information: Jean-Sebastien Comeau, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected], 343-549-2326; Media Relations: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected] Related Links www.agr.gc.ca Courtesy The Ballad of Mulan has captivated the world for over 1500 years, but many unfamiliar with its epic story were enchanted for the first time when Disney released the animated adaptation in 1998. And the world is set to be dazzled yet again when the movie hits Disney+ on Sept. 4 with a live action remake, starring Liu Yifei as Mulan, alongside icons like Donnie Yen, Jet Li, and Li Gong. Despite the fact that the big-budget film was set to be released in the U.S. in late March, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its efforts until now, with many theaters around the country still closed. However, the classic is still expected to do record streaming numbers, with Niki Caro as director of the $200 million flick. To add to the magic, Caro tapped one of her longtime collaborators Denise Kum to come onboard for Mulan as its hair, makeup, and prosthetics designer. However, the undertaking was literal years in the making, as preparation and research for a movie of this magnitude took Kum around two years, starting long before the films lead had even been chosen. What I love about Mulan is that as much as its a Chinese story, its also an incredibly universal story, Kum tells InStyle. It can fit into any culture that has ideas of oppression, but also ideas of freedom. Its very much a story about self-discovery, empowerment, and in essence, doing whats right. It sounds very moral, but its really a reawakening of yourself and that can happen in any culture. We spoke with Kum to find out more about taking on such an epic story, how she honored the Tang Dynasty through her hair and makeup design, what working through a public health crisis is like, and more. RELATED: Disneys Live-Action Mulan Will Premiere on Disney+ But There's a Catch We're so excited about Mulan! It feels like weve been waiting a long time for this to be released, and the aesthetics of the movie are incredible. Wed love to hear more about how you prepped to take on a film of this magnitude. Story continues It felt never-ending to be honest. When I first got involved with the film, at that stage, Niki hadnt cast and found her Mulan. So, we started doing some preparation, but then the film got postponed because the casting was so essential to find our heroine. I kept doing a lot of historical research, but I was on another project at the time because the film got pushed quite significantly. My initial research was finding out about the original Ballad of Mulan and its importance to China. I knew about it as a little girl, as Im Chinese and born in New Zealand, so it was quite nice to have a personal connection to it, apart from knowing it was this huge Disney animation movie with historical significance. I was aware of the magnitude through all of that and from a makeup perspective, I just started reading about the art of that time and looking at when the ballad was written, as well as other culturally significant stories around that time starting at the source really. I was looking at a lot of the artwork at the time because, of course, there were no photographs. Then, when we started to go into pre-production, substantial research had already been undertaken by all the departments because the art department had been up and running for some time. We also had cultural advisors from an early stage we could consult or run ideas past. We are all aware of just how important of a Chinese story it is to Chinese people, let alone what it represents to Disney. I started looking at the social anthropology of ancient China to picture how things may have looked back then. So, when we started putting things together for the film, I wanted to mix this history with a modern edge to engage a contemporary audience and a new audience. How long was the process of researching and putting things together before you started to shoot? I probably started thinking about it a couple of years before we went into production. Niki also had to do a presentation to the studios, so they had a pre-shoot and she had a model she wanted to do iconic looks on. She consulted me for a bit of that. Then, we had breaks in between before we went into production. I did a few weeks in London researching and in pre-production and then we were 16 weeks in proper pre-production on the ground. Disney Over the last few years, Ive really been getting into a lot of dynastic Asian dramas. Hair and makeup were so important to these dynasties. When it came to the Tang Dynasty, how did you honor it? People are documenting social history through their paintings, sculptures, and scrolls, so I was looking at and collecting a lot of artifacts. You start to see symbolism thats often repeated and youre dealing with a time when people had belief structures the Chinese are very big on things bringing them luck and having symbolic meaning. This is also true of color, which I used to inform the makeup. In terms of the authenticity, you can soak yourself in history. So many of the stories of why things happened trace back to a myth or legend, like a plum falling from a tree onto the emperors concubines face, making a mark, and that turning into the red cherry blossom mark. Things like this are documented and shaped through whispers, so makeup really formed based on events that had transpired to important people in royal courts. So, I played with some of these ideas. Theres also so much research from Chinese scholars on what hairstyles meant. In any social structure, people emulate those who are revered whether theyre gods, myths, legends, or the upper class. So, we wanted to have fun with that, particularly in the matchmaker scene. The hair we did there and in the emperors palace generally when it comes to womens hair, it was related to a lot of the sculptures of that period. And for the mens hair, it harks back to the terracotta warriors and a lot of the people that have been documented socially at that time. VIDEO: 'Mulan' Star Liu Yifei Wore the Most Glamorous Ballgown to Her Film's Premiere 'Mulan' Star Liu Yifei Wore the Most Glamorous Ballgown to Her Film's Premiere Liu Yifei arrived at the Dolby Theatre in an Elie Saab gown befitting an IRL Disney princess. The glittering strapless dress, which bore golden embroidery down the bodice and skirt, swept across the red carpet with a voluminous and lengthy train. What type of makeup did you use? Were there specific brands that you wanted to work with? When we were airbrushing white to get a certain look, we were just looking at whats available and looking at what we could mix with it. We basically called in various products and did a big think thank to test. We had to experiment because you also have to find what will work with the skin and how it will layer with other ideas. I wanted the makeup to look like pigments and like nature from the rice flower or the idea of something being ground into a paste and applied. It was a mix of using pigments, fashion makeup, and conventional makeup. We also mixed in some theatrical makeup, so there were a lot of brands we used. It was more painterly Id say. It certainly looks artful! Even just from the trailer, I know one of the most stunning scenes for hair and makeup was the betrothal scene or as youve called it the matchmaking scene. Could you explain the look in more detail for us? In all the research I did, China absolutely had and still has ideals of beauty. During the Tang Dynasty period, there was always this idea that you had to be presentable. If you look at a lot of the old scrolls, theres an artist called Zhou Fang and I looked at a lot of his paintings of women. Women were always adorned with a white panel on the top of their forehead and the bridge of their nose. This was said to have then inspired the geisha makeup which happened later in Japan, though their whiteness spanned their entire face. And then even to pre-Victorian times when they would mix it with lead powder to get that whitening. It has existed in many different cultures. In China when it originated, it had a bit of lead, but was mainly rice powder which they pressed onto their face to get that pale complexion which was thought to be very beautiful. I took that idea because it was so prevalent in the depictions of ladies and courtesans at the time and included yellow which was very popular in the Tang dynasty because it was believed that yellow had a certain aura around the forehead and it was thought to be extremely auspicious. So in the story, this mom was trying to help her daughter bring good luck and auspiciousness to the family by marrying well. Chuck that in for good measure, too was kind of the idea because why not have more good luck? Thats where the yellow on the forehead comes from. Her eyebrows are painted blue based on a dark blue pigment that was inspired by peacock feathers to bring a colorful decoration to the look. The red rouge was then added and each stage was layered on to be painterly. I wanted it to also be pigments that the mom would find if she had mixed them with paste or the rice flower. Thats why theres a bit of a humor in it that shes being painted so elaborately. And then the forehead decoration has a very lovely story with it. Its called a Huadian and sometimes it was made with flecks of gold, silver, or even feathers. And theyre always a little motif, like a moon or a coin. We just went for a simplified flower. The origin story is that a princess had gone for a walk and a cherry blossom fell from a tree, leaving an imprint. I wanted to ask you about that because the betrothal scene hair and makeup became this viral makeup challenge in China after the trailer was released. Had you naturally seen that while browsing social media or did someone tell you about it, and how do you feel about it? I agree! Im not someone who lives vicariously through social media at all and Im always amazed by how some people are just great at it. Its its own living thing to be honest, isnt it? But I found out about it because Niki emailed me with a very generous and cute message because I often keep in touch with her, the costume designer Bina, and our director of photography Mandy. It was this fantastic moment of not quite breaking the internet, but look what this has done by them trying to outdo one another and interpret the makeup. I thought it was fantastic, from little kids, to men, to professionals, to the outrageous. Disney Aside from Mulan, youve worked on some incredible films like Aeon Flux and Captain America: The First Avenger. But we're living in strange times right now, where we're not able to be close to people and that's kind of the essence of your job. How have you felt throughout this time when things have been at a standstill? Weve just picked things back up a few weeks ago and Im in Prague now, which feels a lot safer than it does in London. But I do think theres a lot of generosity towards people wanting to work, however, its difficult in my line of work because it requires touch. I started doing a lot of research about safety and COVID-19, but more than that with our department which is hair, makeup, and prosthetics, weve always been incredibly conscious of others, your space around them, and hygiene. So, were even more aware of it now and I have an incredible amount of respect for those working in hospitals because we too are working in full PPE including the KN95 masks, eye goggles, and shields. Were carrying on with our jobs, but weve got less comfort and were more unencumbered. You have to often take breaks to breathe. Were being tested all the time and the actors are being tested all the time. Its great to be back at work, but youre constantly being reminded of being careful and aware of each other because theres so much still unknown about COVID-19. As much as all the studios need content which is why were working it's also very different because when will we go to a cinema again? A lot of harmful and hurtful things are being said about China and Chinese people and I think Mulan presents an opportunity to bring us back to the right place with an appreciation of culture, free of the insults. Theres the chance it will give people an idea, however artful, of what it means to be Chinese and insight into Chinese history. Have you talked about that impact with anyone else on the crew? I think youre bang on there because I think everyone has felt like its full-on lately. At times it seems weve got too much information, too much reaction, and too much news though rightfully so in some cases. What I love about Mulan is that as much as its a Chinese story, its also an incredibly universal story. It can fit into any culture that has ideas of oppression, but also ideas of freedom. Its very much a story about self-discovery, empowerment, and in essence, doing whats right. It sounds very moral, but its really a reawakening of yourself and that can happen in any culture. Its really a strength that the director Niki has, making a story true to a culture, but also making it universal. She has done this in many of the films shes done and its a tough thing to do, to give that open perspective. With COVID-19 and the U.S. president calling it the Chinese virus," its not great. People must grow themselves and grow a greater compassion and understanding for others. JOHANNESBURG - At least 14 dead dolphins have washed up on the coast of the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, where a Japanese ship ran aground last month and spilled more than 1,000 tons of fuel, environmental groups and experts said Wednesday. Other dolphins stranded on shore and appeared seriously ill, environmental consultant Sunil Dowarkasing said. This is a terrible day. We are seeing these dolphins swim up to the shore in distress and then die, said Dowarkasing, a former member of parliament. We have never seen deaths of these very intelligent marine mammals like this. Never. More dolphins may have died out at sea and tests will be done to determine the cause of death of those found on shore, he said. I think there are two possibilities: Either they died from tons of fuel spilled in the sea, or they were poisoned by the toxic materials on the bow of the ship that was sunk offshore, Dowarkasing told The Associated Press. Weve been worried about this. The oil spill and sinking of the bow are ruining what had been the best-preserved area of our island, he said. The Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef near the eastern coast of Mauritius on July 25. Pounded by the surf for days, the ships hull cracked and on Aug. 6 it began leaking fuel into the waters of the Mahebourg Lagoon, fouling a protected wetlands area, mangroves and a small island that was a bird and wildlife sanctuary. The ship later broke in two and the bow, the smaller of the two pieces, was towed out to sea and sunk. The ships captain and first officer have been charged with endangering safe navigation. Its not yet clear why the ship strayed miles off course. The environmental group Greenpeace has called for an investigation. This is a deeply sad and alarming day for the people of Mauritius and for its singular biodiversity, said Happy Khambule, Greenpeace Africas senior climate and energy campaign manager. The long-term impacts of the oil spill will likely affect whales, turtles, seabirds and much of the marine life in the area, Greenpeace warned. Greenpeace Africa and Greenpeace Japan joined a Mauritius human rights organization, Dis Moi, in a letter to the government on Monday calling for greater transparency and accountability in its handling of the crisis and calling for wide-ranging investigations. The ocean is part of who we are. The whole country including coastal communities depend on its health, Vijay Naraidoo, co-director of Dis Moi, said. File image: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster Slamming Beijings plan to further tighten control over Tibet, Democratic presidential candidate and former vice president Joe Biden has said that if voted to power, his administration will sanction Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Tibet. My administration will sanction Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Tibet, and step up support for the Tibetan people, including by expanding Tibetan language services at Radio Free Asia and Voice of America to get information from the outside world into Tibet, Biden said. Biden vowed that as president he will meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, appoint a new Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, and insist that the Chinese government restore access to Tibet for US citizens, including our diplomats and journalists. Noting that this past weekend, the Chinese government announced plans to further tighten control over Tibet, thereby continuing to erode the human rights, religious freedoms, and dignity of the Tibetan people, Biden said that these are only the latest efforts by Beijing to crush ethnic minorities that seek to preserve their distinct culture, language, and beliefs. Where (President Donald) Trump has turned a blind eye, a Biden-Harris administration will stand up for the people of Tibet, Biden said. Where (President Donald) Trump has turned a blind eye, a Biden-Harris administration will stand up for the people of Tibet, Biden said. In his statement, Biden alleged that Trump has been weak on his China policy. Once again, the silence from President Trump has been deafening, as he focuses instead on his empty trade deal with Beijing and protecting his very good friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Its disgraceful, though not surprising, that Trump is the first American president in three decades who has not met or spoken with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he said. Trump hasnt even fulfilled the statutory requirement to appoint a Special Coordinator to lead Americas efforts on this vital issue. Its no wonder Chinas leaders believe they have a free hand to deepen repression in Tibet, just as they have in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Biden said. A day earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called upon Beijing to enter into dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions, to reach a settlement that resolves their differences. Were also concerned about Chinese actions in Tibet, in light of the general secretarys recent calls to Sinicise Tibetan Buddhism and fight splittism there, Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday. Teresa Giudice is officially single. The RHONJ stars divorce from Joe Giudice is final. The couple split after 20 years of marriage and Joes deportation to his native Italy. In addition to doing away without her wedding ring, Teresa is also getting rid of her marital home. She recently put her custom-built New Jersey mansion on the market for $2.5 million. Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice | Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudices divorce Reality television has been a blessing and a curse for this once happy couple. They appeared to have it all with a mansion that viewers watched Joe build during season 1. But it all began crashing down when federal agents accused the Giudices of fraud. Teresa insists that she had no idea of any fraudulent activities on Joes behalf. Both served jail time. Teresa spent 15 months in prison and Joe spent three and a half years and was also deported back to Italy. Source: YouTube RELATED: Will RHONJ Star Teresa Guidice Stand by Husband, Joe, as He Awaits Appeal From Italy? During that time, the couple put on a united front but Teresa eventually began feeling resentful and it grew when her mother died. She blames Joe for losing out on precious time with her sick mother. Theres a lot of resentment that Im going through, Teresa said during the RHONJ season 10 finale. He was supposed to be my protector, but he let me down. They announced their separation in December 2019. Joe is living in Italy and appealing his deportation case, which his legal team, unfortunately, says he may not win. Luckily, Teresa continues to be a source of emotional support for her ex and still has love for him. Joe and Teresa are in an amazing place and are very supportive of one another, a source tells PEOPLE Magazine. They still have love for each other, they just arent in love with each other. A look inside of Teresa Giudices mansion; why shes selling her home Joe and Teresas Montville, New Jersey mansion is currently on the market for $2.5 million, according to Page Six. The 10,000-square-foot home has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and sits on four acres. The home boasts a Cinderella staircase, a gourmet kitchen, and a private wine cellar. Teresa also recently added a pool and upgraded her great room. Source: YouTube RELATED: RHONJ: Which Cast Member Has The Highest Net Worth? The new owners will also enjoy an exquisite master suite that features three walk-in closets, a dressing room, and a gas fireplace. Outside awaits a three-car garage and a two-car detached garage. As for why shes selling the home, a source tells Page Six, Teresas just ready to start a new chapter. She also says the upkeep of the home is expensive. Additionally, Teresas children are growing and she may no longer need such a large space. Her eldest daughter Gia is in her second year of college. Her youngest daughter is 10. Viewers will get to see Teresas transition on the upcoming 11th season of RHONJ. COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental insurance and products in the U.S., is set to commemorate the month, including honoring the health care heroes who care for, educate and support childhood cancer patients and their families. Among other initiatives, the company has invested in new additions to its award-winning My Special Aflac Duck program and has been conducting a yearlong social media campaign to honor 25 individuals treated throughout the 25-year history of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. My Special Aflac Duck, a robotic duck designed by Sproutel, impacts children facing cancer by providing comfort and joy through interactive technology and medical play. To date, Aflac has delivered more than 9,000 ducks, free of charge to children through 270 hospitals in 48 states. "The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center has been a constant North Star for our company for 25 years and continues to instill pride for our employees and our independent field force, which gives so generously so that these precious children receive the highest level of care that they need and deserve," said The Aflac Foundation, Inc. President Kathelen Amos. "From its beginnings in 1995 as a fine regional pediatric cancer program, the Aflac Cancer Center, whose dedicated doctors, nurses and health care professionals work tirelessly to innovate and improve care for children and their families, is now one of America's top-10 childhood cancer facilities, according to U.S. News and World Report. This National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month we pledge to continue our ongoing commitment to finding cures and providing more hope to more families." "I have been chief executive officer of Aflac Incorporated for 30 years, and in that time, we have seen the company grow from a successful insurance company into an international industry leader with $22 billion in annual revenues, but nothing we have done over that time period is more meaningful than raising awareness of childhood cancer, supporting the Aflac Cancer Center for 25 years and growing the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign into what it is today," said Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos. "We continue to be humbled by the work done at the Cancer Center and by the dedicated support of our employees and independent agents. Our goal remains to see a time when all kids have the opportunity to live a long, healthy life." During the month-long celebration, Aflac will pay tribute to frontline workers helping children facing cancer, beginning with the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation awarding $2,500 grants to 10 child life programs across the U.S. to commemorate Aflac's 25-year history of supporting the cause. The grants, which are in addition to Aflac's ongoing $146 million support for childhood cancer, are the result of careful selection of recipients chosen among nearly 60 applicants. "Child life professionals are the unsung heroes in the fight against childhood cancer," said Kerry Hand, president of the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation. "They are the frontline workers who have incredible resolve in their mission to make each child's experience better. Their impact on the pediatric oncology family support system is immeasurable, and we are proud and pleased to provide these grants that will help them improve the services they provide." This month, Aflac is also introducing the latest innovation for My Special Aflac Duck, a robotic duck designed to help children cope with cancer. The company again teamed up with Sproutel, a patient-centered design studio, to create a new care kit that includes medical play accessories that child life specialists can use as part of their program to help children cope with their treatments. Although the new play accessories were originally intended solely for child life specialists, the company decided to include them in future My Special Aflac Duck orders for all child cancer patients, as well. To date, Aflac has provided more than 9,000 My Special Aflac Ducks to children ages 3 and over at more than 270 hospitals and childhood cancer organizations across the nation. "When we saw the new medical play accessories, we knew children would love them, so we are making the investment to include them with all of the new ducks we distribute," Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Communications Officer Catherine Hernandez-Blades said. "The kits include a faux pulse oximeter, thermometer, syringe and stethoscope to help pediatric cancer patients emulate the treatments they receive along with their duck, making them feel more comfortable and familiar with procedures they may encounter on their journey. Also, instead of arriving in a backpack, My Special Aflac Duck will now arrive in a case that doubles as an MRI machine, so children can engage in medical play prior to going through the procedure themselves." To further commemorate National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Aflac is celebrating its 25th year of supporting childhood cancer by celebrating 25 childhood cancer heroes through its "25 for 25" Facebook campaign. The company will also recognize four special pediatric cancer survivors treated at the Aflac Cancer Center and who are now health care providers at the very hospital at which they were treated as children. Aflac is offering special merchandise such as the Childhood Cancer Awareness collectible plush duck lauding the medical professionals who support these courageous children. This year's 6-inch plush duck sells for $10, with 100% of net proceeds going to The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation to benefit pediatric cancer programs at participating hospitals around the country. This and other merchandise are available at AflacChildhoodCancer.org. In addition, Aflac will launch its "Do Good" community newsletter for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, spotlighting insights, ideas and individuals making a difference in the pediatric cancer community. To learn more about these programs and Aflac's decades-long commitment to pediatric cancer research and treatment, visit AflacChildhoodCancer.org. About Aflac Incorporated Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is a Fortune 500 company, helping provide protection to more than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S., where it is a leading supplemental insurer by paying cash fast when policyholders get sick or injured. For more than six decades, insurance policies of Aflac Incorporated's subsidiaries have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance in Japan where it insures 1 in 4 households. For 14 consecutive years, Aflac Incorporated has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2020, Fortune included Aflac Incorporated on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 19th time, and Bloomberg added Aflac Incorporated to its Gender-Equality Index, which tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation and transparency. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Aflac herein means Aflac and/or Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999. Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706.573.7610 or [email protected] Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or [email protected] SOURCE Aflac Related Links http://www.aflac.com Labor Day is almost here again. You've worked hard, so enjoy the day off. But don't count on having a job much longer. Structural changes in the economy are killing jobs at a record pace and most are not coming back. If this sounds alarmist, think about the current COVID-19-induced recession in light of the three-decade history of "jobless recoveries" following recessions. For many companies, the pandemic provides an opportunity to "streamline" operations as they announce hundreds and even thousands of permanent layoffs. As in other recent recessions, businesses are replacing people with job-killing robotics and other advanced technology in virtually every sector of the economy. According to former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and a slew of other observers, all jobs, from white collar workers to domestic aides, fast-food and assembly line workers, could soon disappear. Yang says that the COVID-19 recession will permanently kill about 16 million jobs, a number generally supported by Mark Muro of the Brookings Institute. There's nothing new about this threat to human labor. Decades ago, the French philosopher Andre Gorz forecast of a jobless future, which he viewed as an opportunity to create a utopian paradise. Given the gridlock and ideological bias of America's political system, Gorz's dream of utopia may soon become an American nightmare. Many mainstream economists dismiss the idea of a jobless future. But they need to take their heads out of the sand and look at the facts. Machines don't get salaries, pensions, or costly health care coverage, and they certainly don't waste time at the water cooler. Robotics and computerized services are just business' most recent tools for reducing labor and overhead costs to increase productivity and profit. It's no surprise that the recessions of 1991, 2001 and 2008 were accompanied by spurts in the introduction of labor saving artificial intelligence. Machines, of course, require workers to build and maintain them, but their immediate impact is to displace far more jobs than they create. Increased reliance on robotics helps explain why labor market recovery on average has taken 51 months after each recession. The slow recovery of the labor market leads many of us to uncritically accept the concept of a "jobless recovery" as natural, but "jobless recovery" is as natural as the idea of a "dry rain." McDonald's is planning to bring artificial intelligence into all of its 14,000 U.S. locations in the next few years. But it's not just fast-food jobs that are threatened. Ride share companies such as Uber and Lyft are hoping to soon introduce driverless cars. Since 2000, robotics have replaced 260,000 manufacturing jobs in the United States, and Muro, among others, thinks A.I. has the potential to replace almost 50 percent of all American jobs, including high-paying white collar occupations. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. It is unlikely that tens of millions of American workers will lose their jobs in the immediate future. But if the trends continue and the forecasts are correct, millions of jobs will disappear in the next decade or two. How will we as a society respond to this crisis? Will government provide jobs by rebuilding our decaying infrastructure? Will it address massive unemployment and climate change simultaneously with a Green New Deal? Will we share jobs? Shorten the work week? Will we follow the model of other industrialized democracies and build a real social safety net? Or does government do nothing as what's left of the middle class disappears and millions of the permanently unemployed slip into poverty, creating unimaginable levels of economic inequality, hunger, crime, disease and homelessness. If so, will our future even have a Labor Day to celebrate? If what is written in The Atlantic is true, its disgusting, Mr. Biden said. And it affirms what most of us believe to be true: that Donald Trump is not fit to do the job of president, to be the commander in chief. In recent months, political groups devoted to veteran and military families have raised millions of dollars to target veterans with advertising, working with the types of sophisticated data lists usually used by Democrats to go after minority and swing voters. On Friday, less than 12 hours after The Atlantic published its article, the largest liberal veteran organization, VoteVets, released an online ad featuring the parents of troops slain in Iraq and Afghanistan, one speaking in Spanish. In the first five hours after it went up, the group said it raised $100,000 from 2,500 donors. The Democratic Party is also leaning heavily on its most popular veterans, like Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., and a former Democratic presidential candidate, to attack the president on his treatment of veterans and the military something that would traditionally be a strength for an incumbent Republican president but which is increasingly becoming a weak spot for Mr. Trump. Over 70 current and former elected Democrats with national security backgrounds also released an open letter to Mr. Trump seeking an apology. For years there has been a movement away from the old assumption that the Republican Party is the party of national security, Mr. Buttigieg said. These revelations help push that over the tipping point. He added, I think that voters need to hear from those who did serve. I am planning to be part of a chorus of veterans from different generations speaking to why this is wrong. Right now here's a glimpse at the danger of rising boredom in the Golden Ghetto along with the proliferation of guns with very little emphasis on training and responsibility. Checkit: Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has visited Minsk in an apparent show of support. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has reshuffled his top security posts in what is widely being seen as a move to consolidate power. It coincides with a visit from Russias prime minister. Moscow says it is ready to send police to Belarus to help deal with the continuing protests. Al Jazeeras Priyanka Gupta reports. By Kazeem Ugbodaga The Federal Government on Thursday told state governments and school administrators to be prepared for the full reopening of schools. This is as a result of decline in COVID-19 infections across the nation. National Coordinator, Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, at a briefing in Abuja said the full reopening of schools should be done in phases. Aliyu said for educational institutions which include daycare, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, they should begin the process of working towards potentially reopening within this phase. He, however, strongly recommended that states conduct risk assessment to ensure all schools were at a level of compliance and create a monitoring mechanism to assess, create, and monitor this level of preparedness. According to him, for the meantime, all daycares and educational institutions were to remain closed to in-classes until this level of risk was assessed. He said if there would be opening of schools, it must be staged and preferably carried out in phases to ensure that this did not pose a risk to the general public and in particular to vulnerable groups that might end up getting infected by students going back home. Some States have already announced reopening of schools. One of such states is Lagos, where the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered tertiary institutions to reopen on 14 September and primary and secondary schools, 21 September. Share this post with your friends: YEREVAN. It will be possible to hold rallies in Armenia during the quarantine periodbut only with face masks. Deputy minister of justice Rafik Grigoryan stated this at Fridays special session of the National Assembly during which the package of bills on making amendments and addenda to the law on ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population and to the related laws are being debated on. According to the minister, everything will depend on quarantine regulations. "If it is announced in the whole territory of the republic, then rallies are allowed only with masks and on the condition of maintaining social distance. If the quarantine is not nationwide but local, the city halls or provincial halls will be able to announce it. But even in that case, they have to get a [respective] decision from the Ministry of Health," Grigoryan explained. Russian Supreme Court to take on case of life-sentence ex-senator after ECHR ruling RAPSI 10:48 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) The Presidium of Russias Supreme Court will decide on the possibility of the review of a case against ex-senator for Russias Bashkortostan Igor Izmestyev sentenced to life for organizing terror attacks and murders following a ruling of the European Court of Human Righs (ECHR) upon the convicts complaint, RAPSI was told in the courts press service on Friday. The hearing is set for September 30. The former Federation Council member was arrested in January 2007. According to investigators, in 1992, Izmestyev with 12 other people organized a criminal gang that committed over 20 serious crimes, including 12 murders. He was suspected of involvement in the attempted murder of Ural Rakhimov, a son of former President of Russia's republic of Bashkortostan Murtaza Rakhimov and ex-CEO of oil company Bashneft. In December 2010, the Moscow City Court sentenced Izmestyev to life in prison for organizing terrorist attacks and murders. According to human rights advocates, there were about 120 violations in those court proceedings. In 2017, now-deceased head of the Moscow Helsinki Group Lyudmila Alekseyeva asked President Vladimir Putin to pardon Izmestyev. 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. 2020 might be remembered as one of the worst years in recent human history, excluding one thing and one thing only: mountain lion kittens. National Park Service biologists have found a record number of lion dens over the past three months in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills -- five to be exact, with 13 kittens tucked inside. This is the first time in the 18-year-long study of the species that this many dens has been found within such a short period of time, according to the park service. The highest previous record was four dens, found across a 10-month span in 2015. The record is surprising, given that the Woolsey Fire burned about half of the lions' habitat. That said, scientists are currently studying how the pandemic, which greatly reduced human activity, has affected wildlife behavior. Researchers have been studying the cougars since 2002 -- so far they've identified and tracked about 94 of them with GPS collars. Two kittens from P-65's litter (Courtesy Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area) Jeff Sikich is one of the wildlife biologists who's been studying the local mountain lion population. "We found these dens because a number of females were traveling with males," he told our newsroom's culture and local news show Take Two, which airs on the radio at 89.3 KPCC. "And mountain lions are solitary animals so, males and females are typically only together during breeding events." He explained that once researchers saw the mountain lions together, they counted 90 days on the calendar (the gestation period for the species) and watched the females to see if they were exhibiting "denning" behavior. Sikich and his team then waited for the mother to leave the dens to hunt, tracking her by GPS. While she was gone, the team: Went into the dens to gave each kitten a general health check Took various body measurements and biological samples Took photos and videos (Thank you, scientists) Placed an identifing ear tag on each of the kittens Returned them to the den before the mother came back He said all of the 13 kittens looked "good and healthy." But the job was no small task. Sikich said even with the GPS tracking, the dens can sometimes take hours to find, since they're hidden in extremely dense chapparal. All that work is worth it, though. "It's amazing, even at two or three weeks of age, they'll start to open their eyes," he said. "And they have these beautiful blue eyes. Even at a young age, though, they're still snarling at you." And now, kitten photos, courtesy of the National Park Service via the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Flickr page. P-54's den, home to babies P-82, P-83 and P-84, who like to sleep cuddled in a tiny ball/ swat at each other with their paws. The video also shows them feeding. [Note: the "P" in their names is for puma, another name used for these big cats.] P-65's den with kittens P-88, P-89 and P-90. There are some pretty loud wild kitten screams in this one, be warned. A kitten from P-80's litter. P-67's baby. Two more from P-67. P-67's litter again. P-65's litter has the most dramatic eyes. FIERCE. This is a mood. P19's litter P19's litter P19's litter WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS NJSC Naftogaz increased gas price by 45% but why you shouldn't rush and purchase gas for future use and long-term just yet Vladimir Shvedky, CEO of ETG.UA, an independent energy provider. Not many private consumers know that the natural gas market has been opened for the public A month of freedom in the market that was closed for 25 years is very little to speak about consumer awareness about the possibilities that have opened for them. I believe that not more than 1% of the population know about opening of the gas market. The reasons include low season and absence of information, as the new players are only starting to introduce education/awareness programs on the possibility of switching the supplier for the public. It is still early to talk about substantial changes in the operation of this market segment or interesting offers of the players. I believe that the majority of the suppliers planning to emerge on this market are in the position, when they have to prepare their models to work effectively with consumers within the shortest possible time prior to the beginning of the heating season, just as we are. Price competition is surging Free market of natural gas supplies to the public is open and we are observing competition. It is a positive factor; this was the purpose of the market reform. NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine has entered the segment of gas sale to the private consumers. The companys plans to win over a share of private consumers are forcing the suppliers, which currently control 98% portfolio of this market, feel competition and form their loyal price offers. The consumers, however, do not need to hurry to make a decision and well tell you why. A new PSO or how NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine is enjoying monopoly on Ukrainian gas NJSC Naftogaz has made its offer of gas prices for the public, having proposed to fix it for a year in advance. Its analysis indicates that the company substantially increased its prices merely a month into the operation on the free market. Specifically, in the beginning of August, the company offered gas at UAH 3,200 per 1,000 m3, while in the end of August, Naftogaz announced its September price at UAH 4,700 per 1,000 m3, up by over 45%. So, it turns out that the gas that the state-owned company produced in Ukraine, which was sold in August at UAH 3,200, is now offered for us at UAH 4,700 for no apparent reason for an increase. The production costs have not changed much over the specified period. The monopoly for cheap domestic gas resource and 45% price increase in less than a month provides for a highly profitable business. We believe Naftogazs margin from the sales of gas to the public with this kind of pricing policy will exceed 20%. Meanwhile, having the resources it has, the company could have been selling gas to the private consumers at much lower prices. At the same time, other operating suppliers form the price following the so-called purchase plus principle. This is economically reasonable, as they purchase gas on the market. Its price includes the expenses for servicing, dispatching, covering imbalances and payment risks. And this pricing model is transparent and understandable. The current pricing model of NJSC Naftogaz is unpredictable, non-transparent, while the prices are overstated for no apparent reason. This spurs the market players to speak about emergence of some new Public Service Obligations (PSO) and a shift away from the principles of fair competition by this player, as the national company is using natural monopoly for cheap resource, Ukrainian gas extracted by Ukrgazvydobuvannya, to compete with the current suppliers. No premises for further price increase The energy prices on global exchanges are at a 20-year low. Natural gas in Ukraine is sold under import parity+ conditions. It is tied to exchange quotations of the European Union. We believe there are currently no premises for substantial escalation of prices for natural gas during the winter period due to the following reasons: - overproduction of natural gas is still observed in the world; - natural gas stocks in the EU reservoirs are at 80% capacity, which is a high indicator; - Underground gas storage reservoirs are at over 80% capacity. It is expected that by the beginning of the heating season, this indicator will increase to 95%. This factor can hold the prices at the level of todays quotations. Gas prices for natural gas in Europe increased, but not for long Over the past several weeks, we have observed increase of natural gas prices on European exchanges by over 20%. This aggressive price escalation is due to the transfer of the majority of energy generation in Europe from coal and other sources to gas, which was spurred by the global drop in gas prices. Price decrease and high temperatures in the EU stimulate energy consumption and, accordingly natural gas consumption for production of 1 kW of electricity. We expect that the prices for natural gas in EU stabilize and return to the level of the previous periods as early as September. Why August prices in Ukraine were lower than import prices Gas price in Ukraine in August formed at the level of UAH 4,500-4,600 per 1,000 m3. At that, the prices on "import parity+" conditions were slightly higher at UAH 4,800-4,900 per 1,000 m3. This means that during a certain period, Ukrainian gas was sold at a lower price than imported gas, which gave the suppliers an opportunity to form prices for consumers lower than "import parity+" indicators. Why it is not advisable to fix gas prices for a lengthy period? As there are now offers for private consumers on the market to purchase gas a year in advance at fixed prices, let me voice my opinion on the matter. First. We do not recommend households to undertake risks and sign the so-called long contracts with a fixed price in the coming heating season. The situation with global consumption is complicates and there is a probability of a new quarantine being introduced. If it is introduced, we will observe reduction of natural gas consumption in the EU, which will cause the prices to remain at the current level. So, there is no sense in paying extra. Second. We believe this offer is ill-timed. The buyers are not ready to hedge price increase through fixing it during summer, as the buyers do not feel or understand the risks the supplier is putting on them. These kinds of offers will be more popular during the second-third year of market operation, which the choice of suppliers and price offers will be an informed one. Our company is forming the price of the resource for private individual mostly every month, before the 25th, as is required by the market rules, as well as a possibility to purchase a specific volume for the period and use it as required. We have planned all activities in this segment of work for the beginning of the heating season, when choice of the supplier and loyal price will be relevant for the buyers. When can gas reserves in Ukraine become indicative for Europe? Due to high reserves of gas in the underground reservoirs, we expect a rather high supply of gas inside the country this season. It would have had a very positive effect on the prices for private consumers had Ukraine had internal indicatives, its own functional gas hub, where the players would be able to form domestic price from the existing demand and supply. With the gas reserves available in the reservoirs today, Ukraine could have become a liquid natural gas source in the EU. Unfortunately, in the past five years neither the national company nor the Energy Ministry of Ukraine have done the necessary work for the gas hub and internal indicative price to appear in Ukraine. Creation of a gas exchange would have allowed the players inside the country to have a baseline in the form of the continuous supply and demand and also indicative prices and market quotations. NJSC Naftogaz has the possibilities and instruments to become a domestic market benchmark, and the company is still expected to introduce the changes that would be highly useful for the market. Advice for the buyers The following factors that I described could maintain the natural gas prices at the current level or lead to their decrease: unpredictability of the epidemiological situation, low predictability of natural gas production and consumption balance in the world. Therefore, we would advise the consumers not to hurry to undertake the risks for natural gas price increase. We believe that in the current situation, it is more advisable to purchase gas at prices, formed for the following month. We recommend those willing to change their supplier to exercise their right to free choice. However, you need to be very careful and analyze the suppliers, as if they were banking institutions. Do not chase the low price, but consider other criteria as well, for example how long the supplier has been operating on the market, how many active clients the supplier has, the reputation on the market and in mass media and what services it offers and whether they are convenient. May you choose the best! Capt Amarinder Singh and Arvind Kejriwal Chandigarh: Even as he trashed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claims of successful Covid management by the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday expressed shock that the party leaders in Punjab had chosen to put their petty vested political interests even above the security concerns of the state and the welfare of its people. On the one hand they talk of working together to fight the unprecedented crisis, and on the other, they are blatantly and shamelessly ignoring the persistent attempts by Pakistan to foment fresh trouble in our state by spreading false propaganda over the pandemic, said the Chief Minister. Advertisement Arvind Kejriwal and Capt Amarinder In a hard-hitting reaction to the press and video statements of some AAP Punjab leaders, the Chief Minister said they seemed more focused on launching a personal attack against him rather than on condemning the Covid disinformation campaign being spread by anti-social elements in the states villages. Captain Amarinder said this showed the extent to which AAP was ready to stoop to further their political agenda in the state, where they had completely lost the confidence of the people. Not a word from AAP on the fake news videos, which appear to have emanated from Pakistan, to spread fear and disinformation among the people of Punjab on Covid. No reaction to the arrest of an AAP activist for disseminating such a video, quipped the Chief Minister. Advertisement This clearly indicates that they do not want the people to become aware of the fabrication, but in fact want to leverage to their political benefit, he said, asking Does this not amount to playing into the hands of the anti-social anti-Punjab agents operating from across the border? Capt AmarinderCaptain Amarinder said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals announcement on AAP workers going around Punjab villages with Oxymeters further exposed their desperation to woo the people of our state, where they have no political standing left. Unlike the Kejriwal government, which had to beg for help from the Centre when the cases peaked in the national capital, Punjab was full prepared to handle the crisis, he said, adding that while 10000 Pulse Oxymeters had already been procured and distributed, a tender had also been placed for another 50000 to further support the frontline health workers, home isolation patients etc. Advertisement There was no dearth of equipment in Punjab, said the Chief Minister, adding that it was Delhi which seemed to be perpetually in need of help from others, reminding AAP of how the Union Home and Health Ministers had to personally and directly step in to micro manage the Covid crisis in the national capital. Nailing the lies of the AAP leaders on the handling of Covid by the Delhi government, Captain Amarinder pointed to the 4500+ deaths in the national capital as against Punjabs 1690, with deaths per million for the two at 268.6 and 60.9 respectively. Capt Amarinder Singh and Arvind Kejriwal Advertisement The pathetic situation in Delhi is further evident in its case load (6th in the country as against Punjabs 17th position), and 14151 beds against 21431 in Punjab, Captain Amarinder further pointed out, adding that these figures showed the ill-preparedness of Delhi, which had 2.8 crore population against Punjabs 3.2 crore. As far as testing was concerned, from April 10 to September 2, Delhi had increased testing by 154 times and Punjab by 519.1 times, said the Chief Minister, pointing out even there, the national capital was facing criticism over its massive dependence on Rapid Antigen Testing instead of the gold standard RT-PCR. No wonder Delhi was witnessing another surge even as AAP was busy touting the Delhi model as an example for other states to follow, he remarked. The UK Government has been asked to explain how it intends to comply with a Supreme Court ruling for a human rights compliant probe into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has also asked the Government how it intends to tackle the long list of outstanding investigations into incidents in Northern Irelands troubled past. It has demanded concrete information by October 22. The Northern Ireland based Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) said if the deadline is not met, the Committee of Ministers is likely to issue an interim resolution against the UK. The Committee of Ministers issued an eight-point document on Friday, which included a call that it is urgent that the authorities take such a decision without further delay over the Finucane probe. A general measure further expressed concern at the lack of detail in the Governments approach to mechanisms to deal with the past. Mr Finucane was shot by loyalist paramilitaries in front of his family in Belfast in 1989 amid claims of collusion with state security forces. Story continues In February last year, the Supreme Court ruled that investigations into the fatal shooting of the Belfast solicitor have not been effective and fell short of international human rights standards. Mr Finucanes widow Geraldine welcomed the statement by the Committee of Ministers. I am very pleased that the Committee of Ministers has made a firm request of the UK Government for concrete proposals in the case of my late husband, she said. Geraldine Finucane, the widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane (Dominic Lipinski/PA) It is disappointing that the UK Government must be compelled in this way, given the ruling of the UK Supreme Court in February 2019 that past investigations into the murder were legally deficit. A full and properly compliant investigation into the murder of Pat Finucane has still not been carried out. The UK Government has simply adopted a continuing policy of delay and obfuscation. It would appear that the Committee of Ministers has now run out of patience and, like me, is demanding clear answers. The solicitor for the Finucane family, Peter Madden, said it was a highly unusual step from the Committee of Ministers to directly rebuke a government. Successive secretaries of state have prevaricated and delayed their decision on whether to hold a public inquiry into Pats murder, which is the only manner in which the government can lawfully discharge its obligations under the Convention, he said. Geraldine Finucane is now challenging that delay at a hearing in the High Court on 9 October. A UK Government spokesperson responded in a statement saying: As the Government set out to the CoM, it is committed to taking forward these important issues as soon as possible. We are clear that we want to see a greater emphasis placed on gathering information for families; moving at a faster pace to retrieve knowledge before it is lost; and doing more to help individuals and society to share and understand the tragic experiences of the past. Our priority is to develop a way forward which is fair, balanced and proportionate and which delivers for all those who have been affected by the events of the past. At least no fewer than six persons have been arrested by the police in Delta State following a cult clash that led to at least two deaths. The victims include a yet to be identified 14-year-old boy and another simply identified as Morku. The violence occured in the Lower Erejuwa axis of Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area of the state. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that one of the deceased was hit by a stray bullet in the head from the vigilante group trying to quell the clash. A resident of the area, Udogun Blessing, said the security operatives responded to distress calls by residents of the area over the disturbing clash between the rival cult groups. Mr Blessing said, One of the dead persons was said to be a 14-year-old boy who was hit on the back of his head by a stray bullet. They said he is the only child of his mother. The other deceased, identified simply as Morku, was one of the suspected cultists. He was said to have sustained a gunshot injury on his leg from the bullet of one of the vigilante members in the area. The vigilante group tried to stop the clash between the warring cult groups because it had degenerated to attacking innocent people around the area. Residents were said to have been dispossessed of their belongings in the melee which caused tension in the area before the police later came to quell the clash. READ ALSO: Another source, who is resident in Effurun, Uvwie LGA, said policemen from Ekpan Police Division, in the neighbouring Uvwie LGA, were the ones that came to restore peace in the area, adding that some female cultists were among the six arrested. The state Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, on Friday, confirmed the arrest of six persons in connection with the clash but said only one person was hit by a bullet. Yes, I can confirm that six persons have been arrested in connection with the clash but I am yet to be informed that two people died. I only got a briefing that one person was hit by a bullet in the leg, along with others arrested. My men acted on the information, they arrested about five or six of them who were involved in the violent cult clash. I am in Abuja right now, but will get the full details later, Mr Inuwa said. A second person in Northern Ireland has been issued with a fine for breaking Covid-19 travel rules. The individual was handed a 1,000 fine on Friday for a breach of international travel regulations, police said. It is the second fine issued this week, following the first to a man in Co Fermanagh on Tuesday. Travellers must self-isolate for 14 days after returning to Northern Ireland from countries including France and Spain. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said that since March 30, there have been 745 community resolution notices and 479 fines issued over coronavirus regulations. Expand Close Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd (David Young/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd (David Young/PA) By Friday morning no fines had been issued in relation to the wearing of face masks on public transport. A key role for the Police Service of Northern Ireland is to support our public health colleagues and the NI Executive to ensure we all play our part in stopping the spread of the coronavirus and help save lives, Mr Todd said. Throughout the period of the pandemic the Police Service of Northern Ireland has worked closely with our colleagues in the Department of Health and other partner agencies to ensure that policing operations fully supported the joint effort to protect the public and save lives. Between 30 March to 4 September there has been a total of 1,224 community resolution notices (CRNs) and PNDs (fines) issued. Of this, 745 CRNs have been issued, while 479 fines have also been issued. At this time, no fines have been issued in relation to the wearing of face masks on public transport. Two 1,000 fines have been issued this week on Tuesday and today for breach of the international travel regulations. Our approach has always been Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforcement, with any emphasises on Enforcement being fully considered with all our partners. The Department of Health #COVID19 dashboard has been updated with latest data on tests. 61 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. One death has been recorded.https://t.co/YN16dmGzhv pic.twitter.com/DNkuKzuKWs Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 4, 2020 The Department of Health earlier announced that another 61 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland. Some 439 new cases of the virus have been detected in the last seven days, bringing the total in the region to 7,503. One further death was reported on Friday, bringing the total to 564. Mumbai/Bengaluru, Sept 4: The Meeran family that runs leading spices maker Eastern Condiments has agreed to sell its majority stake to Norwegian packaged food major Orkla for over Rs 1,350 crore, the family said in a statement. The Kochi-based Eastern Condiments sells a variety of spices, pickles and veg and non-veg ready-to-eat items under the brand name of Eastern and is the largest exporter of spices from the country. Under the agreement, the Meeran brothers Firoz and Navas Meeran who now own 74 per cent in the company, will sell 41.8 per cent to Orkla, which owns MTR Foods. The acquisition will be done through MTR, and the Norwegian company will also buy out the McCormick Ingredients SE Asia, the foreign investor in Eastern that owns 26 per cent. It will take the ownership in the first step of the transaction to 67.8 per cent for Rs 1,356 crore, valuing Eastern at Rs 2,000 crore. Later, when Eastern is merged with MTR, the Meerans will exit Eastern by selling their remaining 32.2 per cent and in return will get 9.99 percent of the merged entity, the statement said. The deal completion or merger is expected to be over in 15 months. The domestic spices industry is around Rs 22,000 crore and has been annually clipping at 13 per cent over the past eight years ended March 2020. After the deal, Eastern will be merged with MTR, and Orkla hopes to double its sales in the country with the Eastern deal. MTR under Orkla has grown five-times since 2007. Following the completion of these transactions, a merger application will be filed with the intention of merging Eastern into MTR," the statement said. It added that the merged company will be jointly owned by Orkla and the two brothers Firoz and Navas Meeran and will own 90.01 per cent and 9.99 per cent, respectively." Eastern has seven production facilities in four states and employs around 2,955 people. Orkla is a leading supplier of branded consumer goods and concept solutions to the consumer, out-of-home and bakery markets in the Nordics, Baltics and selected markets in central Europe and India. Listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, Orkla is listed is headquarters in Oslo. In 2019, the group had a turnover of NOK 43.6 billion NOK (Norwegian currency), and employs 18,350. The acquisition expands Orklas already strong presence in the countrys food and spices segment through MTR Foods, which it had acquired in 2007 and is a fully-owned subsidiary now. With this move, Orkla hopes to double its sales in the country. Navas Meeran, chairman of Eastern, said, Orkla is known for its strong, local brands and holds leadership positions across multiple FMCG categories in several markets. Together with MTR, and as part of Orkla, we will have a stronger platform for our successful operations." Anshul Agarwal, executive director at Avendus Capital, said Eastern and MTR combined have significant synergy potential in terms of product portfolio and geography. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Facebook, along with its sister website Instagram, is willing to pay tens of thousands to people who are willing to quit the apps ahead of the U.S. elections as part of a study that they are conducting. Facebook is Looking for Volunteers According to a Business Insider report, the announcement has been made by The Washington Post journalist Elizabeth Dwoskin on her official Twitter account, wherein she posted images of screenshots of the announcement on Instagram. The company has recently announced its plans to start a study with the help of 17 outside academic researchers to "better understand the impact of Facebook and Instagram on key political attitudes and behaviors." Basically, the company aims to know how the impact of the platform on politics. "It will examine the impact of how people interact with our products, including content shared in News Feed and across Instagram, and the role of features like content ranking systems," a company spokesperson said. The images the journalist published online shows a survey by the company, asking how much users are willing to be paid to deactivate from the social media apps. So Facebook is now going to pay people to deactivate their IG and FB accounts before Election Day. Its part of the research experiment announced Monday but WOW. This notice went out this week. pic.twitter.com/tV7DAw8F5I Elizabeth Dwoskin (@lizzadwoskin) September 3, 2020 Expect Payment in Exchange for Deactivating Based on the survey, the users will have to deactivate for either one week or six weeks, but they will be unable to choose which of these time periods they will have to deactivate as they will only know when the study starts. When the study starts, they will have to stop using the apps for the entire time they have been chosen to deactivate. So, how much will they be paid? According to the survey, the willing participants will be paid weekly, depending on how long they are chosen to deactivate. For example, those who are willing to deactivate for a week can receive $10 if they are chosen, while those who are willing to endure without Instagram or Facebook longer can receive around $60. The survey needs volunteers to check how much they are willing to be paid, either at $10 per week (payment ranges from $10 to $60), $15 per week (payment ranges from $15 to $90), or $20 per week (payment ranges from $20 to $120). Moreover, regardless of how long they are chosen to deactivate, they can also be paid for taking a survey right after the U.S. elections on November 3. Read Also: Elon Musk Shares Physics Homework on Twitter With a Note 'Sorry Sir I Think I Have Momentinertiaphobia' Further Details Coming Soon Those who will be chosen to deactivate for the entire duration of the election will have to answer the survey before they can reactivate their account. Willing participants will be able to know the full details of the study later this month, including how long they will have to deactivate. According to the news outlet, Facebook expects around 200,000 to 400,000 people will eventually. Facebook spokesperson Liz Bourgeois replied on Dwoskin's tweet, saying that anyone who chooses to participate in the study, whether by deactivating their Facebook or Instagram accounts or by simply answering the survey, will be compensated and that it's the norm in these types of academic researches. The company also said they are not expecting the study results by "mid-2021 at the earliest." Read Also: Apple App Store Faces Japan Antitrust Probe Amid Ongoing Feud With Fortnite's Epic Games This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Nhx Tingson 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The on Thursday declined to entertain a plea by women officers, seeking grant of pensionable service benefits to women SSC officers, who had completed 14 years in service after the cut-off date applicable in the court's February 17 verdict, which directed permanent commission be granted to women in the army. A bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud, K.M. Joseph and Indu Malhotra said allowing one batch of officers cannot be done, because then the other batches can also ask for similar orders. Dismissing the plea, Justice Chandrachud said it is difficult to address these matters as they all are in the service of the nation. "We feel that they should be able to do something for them, but where do we draw the line?" said the bench. In its order, the top court said: "The relief which has been sought in the interlocutory applications would, in substance, amount to a review of the directions contained in sub paragraphs (c) and (d) of paragraph 69.1 of the judgment dated 17 February 2020 of this court." On February 17, the top court in the landmark judgement directed Centre to consider within three months, all serving SSC women for permanent commissions, irrespective of them having crossed 14 years, or as the case may be, 20 years of service. The top court noted that to allow the plea for one batch of officers, who had completed 14 years of service in March 2020, to avail benefits associated with permanent commissions, may have serious implications, and this plea effectively amounts to review of February judgement. Counsel representing the women officers argued that the apex court verdict came in February and the officers completed 14 years in service in March. Therefore, they should get benefits, as the government began implementing orders only in July. Advocate Col. Balasubramanian, representing the Defence Ministry, contested this argument. He submitted before the bench that on July 16, the government passed the orders in connection with permanent commission, and all those who completed 14 years in service as on the cut-off date of February 17 will get benefits. Balasubramanian argued that if the matter remains open-ended, then it will become difficult for the government to implement the order. "Every six months, a batch gets commissioned. We cannot allow them to get benefits like this," he added. The bench noted that according to its judgement, those who had completed 14 years of service as on the date of the judgment will get pension and permanent commission benefits. "The cut-off is the date of the judgment. If we modify it, then we will have to modify for successive batches," said the bench. Justice Chandrachud said these women officers had completed 14 years in March and the court had given a cut-off date. "The government order came later. How far back can we go?" he added. "We are, therefore, not inclined to entertain the interlocutory applications since they are not maintainable. The miscellaneous applications are accordingly dismissed." --IANS ss/vd (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.) An international environmental watchdog says there's convincing evidence that oilsands tailings ponds are leaking. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. An oil sands extraction facility is reflected in a tailings pond near the city of Fort McMurray, Alta., on June 1, 2014. An international environmental watchdog says there's convincing evidence that oilsands tailings ponds are leaking. But after three years of investigation, a body set up under the North American free trade agreement can't tell if the federal government is enforcing its own laws forbidding such releases. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson An international environmental watchdog says there's convincing evidence that oilsands tailings ponds are leaking. "There is strong scientifically valid evidence of ... seepage into near-field groundwater around tailings ponds," says a report from the Commission on Environmental Co-operation, a body set up under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said he found the conclusion "troubling." "The findings in the report cannot be ignored," he said. "I absolutely take these findings to heart." The commission also found that Alberta and Canada aren't working together when it comes to keeping a handle on the industry, despite numerous agreements to do so. "The (commission) could not locate any information supporting any relationship between Alberta and Canada with respect to releases from tailings ponds," says the report, released Thursday. In 2017, the commission was asked by two environmental groups and a member of the K'ahsho Got'ine Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories to look into whether Canada had done enough to investigate seepage from the ponds and if Fisheries Act water protections were being ignored. The act forbids releasing any "deleterious" substance into water that may contain fish. Bitumen residue has always been found in northern Alberta's Athabasca River, its tributaries and area groundwater. Both Environment Canada and industry have long contended it's impossible to tell whether that residue is from industry or natural. Alberta's acting Chief Scientist Garry Scrimgeour suggested that may still be the case. "I'm not sure if we're at a point where we'd be able to discriminate the two types of materials," he said. "It's fresh off the press and we need to take the time to review it and then we need to take the time to digest it. It's going to take an appropriate amount of time." The commission, relying on years of peer-reviewed research as well as international experts, concluded that's no longer true. It says oilsands wastewater is seeping into both the groundwater under the tailings ponds as well as into two tributaries of the Athabasca River. Although it says there's inconclusive evidence of oilsands residue in the river itself, there are "indications" it has reached river sediments. The report also draws on industry data which acknowledges seepage from the ponds. "Data presented in the Syncrude monitoring report shows consistent evidence of seepage," it says. Syncrude estimated that 785,000 cubic metres of tailings pond water enough for 314 Olympic-size swimming pools had seeped from one of its ponds in 2017. The commission said it couldn't find any evidence that the federal and provincial governments were working together to stop that. "The (Commission) could not locate any information supporting any relationship between Alberta and Canada with respect to releases from tailings ponds," it says. Wilkinson said Alberta and Ottawa work well together on oilsands monitoring, but there's room for improvement. "The tailings ponds issue needs to be addressed and that will require more enhanced co-operation and an enhanced level of urgency on the part of both governments." Scrimgeour said the two levels of government are working well together, pointing out the oilsands monitoring program is co-chaired by the provincial and federal governments. "That's a longstanding collaboration that runs very deeply." Daniel Smith, Environment Canada's regional director for the area, said government scientists are now using technology that enables them to track oilsands contamination to its source and are analyzing samples taken in 2019. "We realized we needed to improve the science," he said. "If Environment Canada officers find violations (of the Fisheries Act), we will take enforcement action." Dale Marshall of Environmental Defence, one of the groups that brought the original complaint, said the report vindicated its concerns. He said the lack of co-operation between Edmonton and Ottawa has meant enforcement has "fallen through the cracks." He wants to see action right away. "I don't know what else we need," he said, pointing out the industry's own data suggests the law is being broken. "The federal government has all the evidence it needs," he said. "Just do something about it." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 3, 2020. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain As domestic violence skyrockets amid COVID-19, women's health experts are calling for compulsory training of obstetric health practitioners to ensure they can recognize the signs of coercive control for women in their care. The recommendation follows new research by the University of South Australia and the University Melbourne that identifies the vital role that health professionals play in a woman's decision to stay or leave an abusive relationship. Exploring women's experiences of coercive control during pregnancy, birth and post-delivery, the study showed that obstetric health practitionersdoctors, midwives, nurses and social workerswere in a unique position to offer empathy, support and information. UniSA researcher, Dr. Fiona Buchanan, says a greater understanding of coercive control and domestic violence is essential for health practitioners working in pediatrics and obstetrics. "Coercive control is a form of psychological entrapment, achieved through behavior that victimizes women through acts, words and gestures designed to isolate, frighten and demean them," Dr. Buchanan says. "Disturbingly, women with children are three times more likely to experience domestic violence than women without children and, perhaps worse, is that the frequency and severity of domestic violence is twice as high for women during pregnancy. In this study, women said that they felt less isolated and distressed when others acknowledged it was happeningalmost as if sharing the burden helped validate their worth and affirm their feelings. When concerned health practitioners empathized with their patients and provided information and support, this helped relieve some of this distress. This support was singularly important to women's perceptions of themselves and precipitated their decision to leave abusive partners." In Australia, 25 percent of women have experienced emotional abuse from a current or previous partner. Disturbingly, one woman is killed every nine days as a result of domestic abuse. Alarmingly, in the 2017-2019 NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Report, 99 percent of domestic violence-related homicides were characterized by coercive control, highlighting the immense dangers surrounding this form of psychological abuse. Co-researcher Professor Cathy Humphreys from the University of Melbourne says health professionals hold a position of trust that enables them to offer first-line support. She says that there are key behaviors that are indicative of psychological abuse and control. "During pregnancy, instances of overbearing behaviors or alternatively a lack of interest in antenatal care may indicate that a partner is using coercive control tactics," Professor Humphreys says. "Signs of abuse could be limiting a woman's contact with doctors; refusing to come to scans and appointments; and even making a scene when a visit is running late. Similarly, a lack of support or self-focus by partners is also worrisome, with some women saying that their partners blamed them for having too long a labor. This damaging behavior also extends across motherhood, where partners may isolate women from family and friends, as well as criticize them on their mothering abilities. All these acts exemplify ways that partners shame and demean women, and all are important warning signals for health practitioners to look out for." Professor Humphries says that health practitioners' responses either helped women to identify their partners' behaviors as abusive, or exacerbated women's feelings of isolation and helplessness. "We must find ways to ensure that all obstetric health practitioners can identify coercive control, so that we can help women to act and protect themselves and their children from further abuse. There's no excuse for abuse and it's everyone's responsibility to prevent it." Explore further Mothering in domestic violence: Protecting children behind closed doors More information: Fiona Buchanan et al, Coercive Control During Pregnancy, Birthing and Postpartum: Women's Experiences and Perspectives on Health Practitioners' Responses, Journal of Family Violence (2020). DOI: 10.1007/s10896-020-00161-5 Alpha Aviation Academy successfully installs A320 Flight Simulation Training Device. Image: Alpha Aviation Academy The FSTD is equipped with both Classic CFM-ceo and the new CFM-neo LEAP engine options by the world-renowned Airbus A320 engine provider and global leading supplier of jet engines for commercial airplanes, CFM International. The simulator has an advanced RSI visual system that delivers sharp images with vivid colours supported by 1920 x 1200 high-definition resolution of high-detail airports including: Sharjah International Airport Dubai International Airport Cairo International Airport Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport Amsterdam Airport Schipol Singapore Changi Airport Heathrow Airport Gatwick Airport The Airbus A320 FSTD will allow Alpha Aviation to provide additional capacity for its Type-Rating and MPL training for pilots. MPS previously installed an A320 FSTD at Alpha Aviation Group in Clarke, Philippines. AAAs general manager, Captain Nadhem AlHamad: We are very happy to partner with MPS to acquire a sophisticated device with the latest Airbus A320 2.0 simulator standard which is currently the highest and most-advanced in the market. Alpha Aviation will be utilising the new simulator for the Basic Phase of the MPL training programme and extending its services to pilots who can benefit from refresher trainings during such unprecedented times. If you want to know who really controls The Scottish Investment Trust PLC (LON:SCIN), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. Large companies usually have institutions as shareholders, and we usually see insiders owning shares in smaller companies. We also tend to see lower insider ownership in companies that were previously publicly owned. Scottish Investment Trust is not a large company by global standards. It has a market capitalization of UK528m, which means it wouldn't have the attention of many institutional investors. Taking a look at our data on the ownership groups (below), it seems that institutions are noticeable on the share registry. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Scottish Investment Trust. Check out our latest analysis for Scottish Investment Trust What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Scottish Investment Trust? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. Scottish Investment Trust already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Scottish Investment Trust's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Scottish Investment Trust. A J Bell Holdings Limited, Asset Management Arm is currently the largest shareholder, with 22% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 5.9% and 5.8%, of the shares outstanding, respectively. Story continues We did some more digging and found that 8 of the top shareholders account for roughly 50% of the register, implying that along with larger shareholders, there are a few smaller shareholders, thereby balancing out each others interests somewhat. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. As far I can tell there isn't analyst coverage of the company, so it is probably flying under the radar. Insider Ownership Of Scottish Investment Trust The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. Our information suggests that The Scottish Investment Trust PLC insiders own under 1% of the company. However, it's possible that insiders might have an indirect interest through a more complex structure. It appears that the board holds about UK230k worth of stock. This compares to a market capitalization of UK528m. Many tend to prefer to see a board with bigger shareholdings. A good next step might be to take a look at this free summary of insider buying and selling. General Public Ownership With a 22% ownership, the general public have some degree of sway over Scottish Investment Trust. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Take risks for example - Scottish Investment Trust has 3 warning signs (and 2 which are a bit concerning) we think you should know about. If you would prefer check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, backed by strong financial data. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. 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. FRANKFURT, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- For 52-year-old businessman Stefan Doboczky, the train heading for China on Aug. 20 from Vienna with 41 containers of products on board made by his company the Lenzing Group also carried his confidence in the Chinese market. "For the first time in the history of Austria, a local company is sending goods that are 100 percent produced in Austria directly to China by train," the Lenzing Group, an Austria-based fibers producer, said in a press statement. "With this new transport route, we can meet the high demand from our customers for sustainably produced fibers more quickly. Thanks to train transport, the urgently needed fibers arrive at our customers in China twice as quickly as by sea freight," said Doboczky, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Lenzing Group. The products on the train, mainly fibers and pulp used for textiles, had a total value of 1.8 million euros (2.1 million U.S. dollars). According to Rail Cargo Austria, a freight transportation company, the number of trains running on the China-Austria rail freight route is expected to exceed 900 this year. China is the first major economy to resume growth since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. European companies have continued to regard China as an important market and an indispensable player in global supply chains, and have been ready to tap new potential in the post-pandemic era. The China-Europe freight services, among other things, have been a barometer for the transcontinental economic exchanges. Data from China State Railway Group published in August showed that the number of trains operating on the freight routes rose 68 percent in July from a year earlier, following high growth rates already seen in the previous three months. "China is for us the most important country in the world in terms of sales. We will continue to invest in China, and we will continue to bring products from here to China," Doboczky told Xinhua. On the other hand, seeing the importance of the Chinese market in the long run, several European multinational companies have recently made investment moves, at a time when the crisis-led economic shocks left companies in general more cautious about making investment decisions. In late May, German carmaker Volkswagen said that it would invest around 2.1 billion euros (2.49 billion dollars) in electric mobility in China, of which 1 billion euros (1.18 billion dollars) will be used to raise its stake in the e-mobility joint venture with Chinese JAC Motors to 75 percent and to acquire a 50-percent stake in JAC's parent company JAG. In July, French food giant Danone announced an investment of 100 million euros (118.3 million dollars) to strengthen specialized nutrition business in China, including the opening of a research center in Shanghai and the acquisition of local infant milk formula capabilities. "The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the Chinese government from promoting a new round of high-level opening-up," said Li Jian, senior vice president of Danone Greater China, citing the implementation of the country's foreign investment law, as well as pilot projects in free trade zones and cross-border e-commerce zones. For German truck manufacturer KION, the past August witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of its new plant in east China's Shandong Province. The project, first unveiled in March, attracted an investment of 100 million euros (118.3 million dollars) and is expected to create more than 800 new jobs by 2025. "China has recovered quickly from the coronavirus crisis and as one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide, it plays a key role in our strategy," said Gordon Riske, CEO of KION Group AG. French cosmetic giant L'Oreal regarded the Chinese market as one of the key factors that contributed to the company's resilience during the COVID-19 crisis. In Chinese mainland, the company's turnover grew by 17.5 percent in the January-June period this year. "The situation in China is improving every day following the COVID-19 outbreak. Consumption, in particular, is rebounding very quickly and strongly as consumers have developed more aspiration for higher-quality and safer products, services and experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown," commented L'Oreal CEO Jean-Paul Agon on the financial results. China's recent economic figures have given hope for the recovery of the world economy, Stefan Franzke, CEO of Berlin Partner for Business and Technology GmbH, told Xinhua. After the initial containment measures, China's economy is benefiting from the government's recent proactive course, which pursues the goal of getting the pandemic under control and at the same time limiting its economic impact, Franzke said. "The Chinese government has taken swift action to alleviate the immediate consequences of the severe economic slowdown on companies and the workforce," he added. Franzke said he believes that Germany and China can and will work together in the future even more closely in many areas, such as digital health, e-education, future mobility, energy storage and smart city projects. "The Chinese market has become an important growth driver because of its size and its continuing expansion," Rudolf Minsch, chief economist at Swiss national business federation Economiesuisse, said in an interview with Xinhua in August. In his view, the most important part of the Chinese economic policy today is the government's commitment to widening the door to the world despite the difficulty arising from the coronavirus crisis, Minsch said. The hacking of the Twitter handle associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal website was not related to the hacks of high profile accounts in July earlier this year. According to the early investigation by Twitter, the account was most likely compromised exploiting possible vulnerabilities from the user's end. "As per our investigation, this was not due to a compromise of Twitter's systems or service" Twitter sources familiar with the development told India Today. Twitter was informed about the hack following a series of suspicious tweets posted by the compromised account asking people to donate money in the form of untraceable crypto-currency. This led to the restoration of the account resulting in the deletion of the said tweets. One of the messages posted on Twitter account of PM Modi's personal website read: "I appeal to you all to donate generously to PM National Relief Fund for Covid-19, Now India begin with crypto currency, Kindly Donate eth to 0xae073DB1e5752faFF169B1ede7E8E94bF7f80Be6." "We're aware of this activity and have taken steps to secure the compromised account. We are actively investigating the situation. At this time, we are not aware of additional accounts being impacted," a Twitter spokesperson had said in an emailed statement on Thursday. Internal investigation by the social media platform has revealed that the pattern of attack was different from the July hack which saw accounts of Uber, Apple, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and several others, being compromised from Twitter's end. "There is no indication or evidence of any correlation between this account compromise and the incident that took place in July," Twitter sources said. While several reports described the hack as a ransomware attack, India Today has learnt that no ransom was paid to the hackers to retrieve the account. Also read: Twitter account of PM Modi's personal website hacked Also read: PM Modi 2nd most followed leader on Twitter after Donald Trump but with wider reach NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite passed over the Philippine Sea on Sept. 4 and provided a visible image of Haishen that had strengthened into a super typhoon. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard Suomi NPP provided a visible image of Haishen that revealed a large, circular, organized structure of strong thunderstorms circling the open eye. The eyewall, the strong thunderstorms that circle the open eye, is estimated to be 81 nautical miles-wide. Satellite data indicate the eye is about 31 nautical miles wide. The storm is at least 450 miles in diameter, as tropical storm-force winds extend up to 225 miles from the center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) in Honolulu, Hawaii noted at 5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC) on Sept. 4, that Super Typhoon Haishen had maximum sustained winds near 135 knots (155 mph/250 kph). It is currently a Category 4 hurricane/typhoon. It was centered near latitude 22.2 degrees north and longitude 134.3 degrees east, about 439 nautical miles southeast of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Island, Japan. The storm was moving to the northwest. JTWC forecasters expect Haishen will turn to the north-northwest while intensifying more. It is expected to peak later on Sept. 4 with sustained winds near 140 knots (161 mph/259 kph) which would make it equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. JWTC forecasts Haishen to pass west of Kyushu, Japan and make landfall in South Korea after 3 days. ### NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA's expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting. For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America's leadership in space and scientific exploration. By Rob Gutro NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center OTTAWAWhen the Liberal government suspended Parliament so it could write a new blueprint for the pandemic recovery, it shelved a potentially damaging look at Canadas foot-dragging on diversity hiring targets. It also halted the work by a special committee studying racism in policing. Now, there are private signals that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will unveil his long-promised anti-racism strategy as part of a new throne speech on Sept. 23. The Prime Ministers Office refuses to confirm that. NDP MP Matthew Green, critic for public services, says even if Trudeau does lay out a strategy, he believes the Liberal government has already shown when it comes to fighting anti-Indigenous racism or anti-Black racism, it is more interested in talk than action. While this government can prorogue Parliament, they are unwilling and unable to prorogue racism in this country, he said in an interview. It still continues without any substantive action from this government. That they would use it as a leverage point in the throne speech rather than deal with these issues shows that at every step along the way they use the language of social justice for their political calculus. Green said at every point it has been tokenistic and symbolic at best, cynical and manipulative at worst. Nearly two months ago, as protests mounted over George Floyds death and after Trudeau took a knee in solidarity with demonstrators on Parliament Hill, the prime minister vowed action to root out racism in Canada. It was June 5. Within days, there was a flurry of parliamentary activity. On June 19, all 10 members of Parliaments government operations committee, from all parties, voted to support an NDP motion requiring disclosure of federal documents that were expected to reveal whether the federal government uses tools it already has to advance equity in the private sector. Large companies with more than 100 employees that bid on federal contracts worth $1 million or more are required to set and meet targets when it comes to recruiting women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and disabled Canadians, and Ottawa is supposed to take steps to ensure those companies comply with their obligations. The committee also ordered the federal government to reveal to what extent businesses owned by Black Canadians and others in those under-represented groups have received COVID-19-related contracts. The motion gave the federal government a two-month window in which to disclose its records. Green said Liberals agreed to support the motion on the condition that we give staff some time to collect the documents, and that time always ended up being at the end of August. Similarly, on June 23, Liberal MPs voted to support a motion for a special study by the public safety committee on racism in policing. That committee heard from 36 witnesses before Trudeau prorogued Parliament on Aug. 18, and the work of all such committees ceased. We all in good faith agreed to move our reports back to the end of August, so that by the time we returned in September wed have time to fully understand the documents and then fully debate them at committee. Proroguing Parliament ceased other work too, including the work of a committee examining Canadas relationship with China and two other committees looking into the WE Charity controversy over a student volunteer program that collapsed under the weight of ethical questions surrounding Trudeau and then-finance minister Bill Morneaus ties to the charity. Documents related to the WE scandal had by then already been submitted to the finance committee and were later released. Last week, Green asked the government operations committees clerk to obtain and release the diversity hiring targets documents anyway given they were likely ready or close to it. But the clerk had already told federal departments the committees work was halted, and advised Green given prorogation he could not legally receive the documents even if they were available. A government official speaking for background purposes only said statistics are important, but we already know theres more work to do and pointed to the prime ministers declaration on the day he suspended Parliament, that there is hard work to do to close the gaps facing racialized and Indigenous Canadians. Ministers are working on different aspects of how that should happen, and continuing work that was begun before George Floyds death, the official said, including work on Black entrepreneurship. Once Parliament resumes for a high-stakes throne speech, followed by a debate and a confidence vote, committees may be reconstituted, and their work restarted. If MPs ask for the documents, the official said, Im sure the departments will provide stats with the information they have. Green says hell again push for the documents, saying its never too late to uncover the reality of the situation within government. However, he believes Canadians should realize that even if the government comes back with a strategy in the throne speech, theyre doing it absent of what I believe to be evidence that everything theyve said around diversity, around racism, has been just that: empty words. The reality is theyre not even following their own policies, he said, adding that the documents would have demonstrated ways in which, from procurement, from employment, their idea of equity has been just gender-based and mostly geared towards white women, specifically. I have a feeling they knew they were going to prorogue because when we were passing motions, he said. Read more about: Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, who represents a key swing district in New Jersey, has long been careful about criticizing President Trump. But she didnt hold back on Friday. We had set out to discuss the doomsday scenario for this election that in an unprecedented time, in which the president is already suggesting that he may not accept the outcome if he loses, he will sow chaos at the polls and even try to call in the military. Then the Atlantic dropped a blockbuster story, vehemently denied by the White House, that Trump has disparaged fallen soldiers, much like hes publicly called John McCain a loser and mocked him for being captured. The morning after it broke, Sherrill, a former Navy pilot, spoke to editorial writer Julie OConnor. Here is a transcript, edited for space. Q. First, I have to ask: Losers and suckers? What do you think of this report that Trump disparaged American soldiers killed in combat? A. I was really sickened by it. I was always incredibly proud to serve alongside people who really took words like responsibility and sacrifice and service seriously. And I dont think the president understands the concept of those words. To have a commander in chief who would disparage people who have done so much for this country, who have put their lives on the line to have so little faith, I guess, in our country and our values, that a sacrifice to our country is something that he could never even envision, was incredibly offensive to me. Weve seen his treatment of John McCain and Gold Star families, and even the Russian bounty story. I said, point blank, in the situation room when I was getting briefed on it, that he has to get to the bottom of this and commit that he will hold Russia accountable. And hes refused to do that. Its just striking. But this was another level of disdain from the president. So I just think hes totally unfit to be the Commander in Chief of the United States of America. Q. Joe Biden was already ahead in polls with active duty troops. I wonder if this will make that gap even bigger. A. I served for almost 10 years, and I know its hard to believe now, but at the time, I didnt really know the political persuasion of most of the people in my squadron. I probably would have been correct in guessing that about 90 percent were Republicans. So to see a Republican president with this low of an approval rating is somewhat surprising but on the other hand, given how he treats the military, how he treats military families, how he treats service and sacrifice, not very surprising. Q. Lets discuss this idea that was once virtually unthinkable, that a United States president might involve the military in our election. What led you to confront top Pentagon officials about that? A. The president continues to try to undermine our democratic elections, which is really unacceptable. He has refused to commit to honoring the results of our election. I think it was just yesterday that he was encouraging people to vote twice, which is illegal. Hes been trying to undermine the postal system, when many states like mine are voting by mail, and calling into question our elective system. I began to grow very concerned with not only his failure to ensure that we have free and fair elections, but his attempts to undermine our ability to do so. And then, when we had the protests in Lafayette Square in Washington, he threatened to call in federal troops. Now, after hearing that he wants to put federal law enforcement at the polls, I wanted to make sure he didnt use our military to try, in any way, to subvert the election system. Q. Youve said that getting these officials on record is like setting the rules of engagement. A. In the military, you never assume everyone understands the rules, because the stakes are too high. You sit through hours of briefs just to make sure everything is clear. This is, as we go into this election, critically important: That every single person in our government understands their roles and their responsibilities to our country. I was unsurprised that Gen. Mark Milley gave the answers that the military should not be utilized as a partisan political tool, and he understood his role and responsibility to the constitution and our laws. Q. He and Defense Secretary Mark Esper did appear with the president in Lafayette Square, after the teargassing of peaceful protestors by law enforcement so Trump could get a photo of himself holding the Bible. Do you think they learned from that? A. I dont want to put words into their mouths. But judging from their comments in the aftermath, they felt ill-used in that instance, and that they did not well represent the United States military and its responsibilities and its role. Q. Even if the military doesnt get involved, Trumps campaign is trying to recruit an army of 50,000 poll watchers, which some operatives suggest might include military veterans and off-duty cops to go into inner city precincts to stop alleged voter fraud. Whats the history here? A. Even in New Jersey, people may be surprised to hear that weve had instances of police at the polls, with signs that say its a felony to break any of our voting laws, trying to really intimidate people. Anything that undermines a free and fair election, anything that makes people feel fear to go vote, is something that the president and every member of this country should be against. This seems to me to be a blatant attempt to scare people and to create division and chaos in towns where these people are thinking theyre going to go be poll watchers. As a candidate, I send poll watchers, and my opponent does, but to simply watch and make sure everybody gets a chance to vote not in any way to try and block them from voting, intimidate them or scare them. Q. Because nearly half of Democrats are expected to vote by mail, and those ballots take longer to count, Trump will almost certainly be ahead on Election night. He might even prematurely declare victory. How can we tamp down the national anxiety if there is a so-called Red Mirage? A. I think with transparency, and by making sure we have enough money to conduct our elections in a fair way. A lot of this is really educating the public on what to expect from voting, so there arent surprises, and there isnt room for people to suggest theres something unfair or untoward going on. Q. Thats something that Trumps already suggesting, that its a rigged election. Do you have worries about the peaceful transfer of power here? A. In my lifetime, Ive not heard a president in any way attempt to undermine our democracy. We have sent people to train other countries on how to run free and fair elections. So the fact that this president doesnt think his administration is capable of overseeing this is striking. And if he doesnt think its fair, he should ensure that we have the money to run the fair election. But instead, hes spending all his time trying to undermine it. Because, as he has suggested, he may not concede. Thats why I thought it was important, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, to get the leadership of the military on the record. I think cabinet secretaries are important in a peaceful transition of power. And Ive advocated for members of the judiciary to ensure Attorney General William Barr is on the record, that he understands his responsibilities. I think we should be doing everything we can now to ensure that we are following the precepts of our democracy. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. 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. The poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is in intensive care in a Berlin hospital, is damaging to Russia's leadership and makes it harder for Germany to cooperate with Moscow, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said. Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him and that Berlin would consult its NATO allies about how to respond. Russia has said there is no evidence of a crime when Navalny fell ill in Siberia last month and until now not opened a criminal investigation. Steinmeier, a former German foreign minister with the Social Democrats (SPD), told media group RND that Moscow must explain what had happened to Navalny. "The fact that opposition and critical voices in Russia have to fear for their health or their lives is without doubt a heavy burden on the credibility of the Russian leadership and makes cooperation more difficult," he said in comments released on Friday. "We do not want hostility towards Russia or the Russian people. But injustice must be called out clearly." The firm tone to his comments is significant as many SPD politicians tread a softer line on Russia ties than members of Merkel's conservatives, some of whom want to reconsider the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will take gas from Russia to Germany. The SPD is now junior partner in Merkel's ruling coalition. Steinmeier said it was up to Berlin to draw the consequences of the case "in coordination with our European partners". "Navalny has been severely poisoned with the aim of silencing him. The most urgent questions are now directed at the government in Moscow." Navalny, 44, is an outspoken opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has specialised in high-impact investigations into official corruption. He was airlifted to Germany last month after collapsing on a domestic Russian flight after drinking a cup of tea that his allies said was poisoned. Search Keywords: Short link: 5 things to know about the killing of Trump supporter Aaron Danielson in Portland Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Many questions have been raised in the aftermath of the killing of a Trump supporter in Portland, Oregon, Saturday amid an altercation between rioters and supporters of a pro-Trump activist group. The man killed has been identified as Aaron Jay Danielson, a supporter of Patriot Prayer, a group that has held several rallies throughout the region in support of Trump. According to authorities, Danielson was murdered hours after a large pro-Trump caravan drove through downtown Portland, an area that has been gripped by protests, demonstrations, and riots the past several months amid national unrest following months of lockdowns and the death of George Floyd. The killing comes just days after the killing of two rioters and the injuring of a third in Kenosha, Wisconsin, by 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse. The following pages list five things to know about the circumstances surrounding Danielsons death. Turkey and the United States have been NATO Allies for almost 70 years. The partnership is based on mutual interests and respect and is focused on areas such as regional security and stability, economic cooperation, and human rights progress. The United States also stands in solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism. Counter terrorism cooperation is a key element of our strategic partnership. It is precisely because our countries are united in combatting the threat from terrorism that the United States recently voiced its strong objection to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosting two Hamas leaders in Istanbul on August 22. As State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus noted in a written statement, Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU, and both officials hosted by President Erdogan are Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of Israel and to the creation of an Islamic state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. Its targets are often civilians, and its weapons include missiles, suicide bombs, knives, and terror tunnels. Ismail Haniyeh, a senior political leader of Hamas, is one of the men President Erdogan met with in Istanbul. When Haniyeh was added to the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists in 2018, the State Department called him a key terrorist leader who is threatening the stability of the Middle East, undermining the peace process, and attacking our allies Egypt and Israel. The second individual President Erdogan hosted is Hamas deputy chief Salih al-Aruri. Al-Aruri has been linked to several terrorist attacks, hijackings and kidnappings. He was the person who announced Hamas responsibility for the 2014 terrorist attack that kidnapped and killed three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank, and he praised the murders as a heroic operation. The United States Rewards for Justice Program is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest. As State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus noted, the August meeting was the second time President Erdogan welcomed Hamas leadership to Turkey this year. President Erdogans continued outreach to this terrorist organization, she said, only serves to isolate Turkey from the international community, harms the interests of the Palestinian people, and undercuts global efforts to prevent terrorist attacks launched from Gaza. We continue to raise our concerns about the Turkish governments relationship with Hamas at the highest levels. Hi, my name is Matthew. I am 21 years old and live in Auckland, New Zealand. Early life I grew up in a Christian family in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). I am the eldest of three children and was fortunate enough to live with both of my parents. Even though I grew up in a Christian household, there comes a time for any Christian where they must decide to claim their faith as their own. For me, this wasnt a decision I made in a moment. Rather, it was a series of small choices I made overtime that helped me claim my faith as my own. One of those defining choices I can remember was when I decided to read my Bible regularly when I was 12. It played a big part in building the foundation of my belief. Also, it involved a personal sacrifice of my time beyond just going to church on a Sunday with my parents. Through that time of regularly reading my Bible, along with other choices I made, my faith became firmly mine. Move to NZ We moved to New Zealand in July 2013. Moving here remains the hardest, but best thing we have done as a family. My dad left in search of job in February of that year. He only had a 6-month window in which he had to find a job. After 6 months, he would have to return to SA for another 6 months before trying again. He eventually found one about 3 weeks before the 6-month window was up. As you can imagine, it was a stressful time for the family. We had sold our house, packed a shipping container and I was being home-schooled in preparation for this move. Yet, that time of waiting remains one of the most influential in my faith. It formed the foundation of my understanding on Biblical peace. Peace Often, we think that peace is mutually exclusive to suffering, pain, and confusion. During those times, when the flood waters rush in and it feels like were drowning, it can feel as if God isnt there and that He doesnt care. But sometimes, instead of sending us a rescue boat like we might want Him to, God says: Trust me and keep swimming. Instead of complete relief, He offers us peace. Peace, as Ive come to realise, is regardless of the circumstances or the outcomes, knowing that with God everything is going to be okay (Romans chapter 8, verse 28). The waiting, the uncertainty, the unknown is still worrying and scary. Treading water is never comfortable. But you know, Gods peace gives rest and comfort amongst the discomfort. Climbing I like to think of my journey to where I am today as a hike up a mountain during an overcast day. Those days that are so overcast that you cant see the summit. During days like that, the only choice you have is to take it one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Eventually the clouds will clear, youll look up at the summit, and it might be so much higher than you anticipated. So much so that you might think to yourself that you wouldnt even have started if you knew how far you had to go. But then you also look back, and you see how far you have come, and it gives you strength to keep going. It reminds me of the verse in Psalm 119: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light to my path (verse 105). The lamps in those days were only strong enough to illuminate a small area around the holder. Only showing them their very immediate surroundings. When it comes to God leading us, He often only reveals to us enough to illuminate our next step, but not enough to show us how high we have to climb. It is less daunting that way, and it forces us to have faith. Without complete knowledge of what lies ahead, we must put our faith and trust in God with each step. I know if my family knew all that was ahead, we probably wouldnt have made the move. But we are so grateful we did. Writing I began writing in high. Initially, I felt nudges to write during times I felt inspired. I would write whatever came to my mind and send it to my youth group leaders for feedback. About three years (2018) into me writing casually, I felt this sense that there was a real opportunity on the horizon. It wasnt long after that my senior pastor put an ad for writing for Christian Today. When I saw it, it all clicked, and I jumped at the opportunity. Im so grateful for the growth Ive experienced through writing. The present Im currently in my third year of five studying an engineering/commerce conjoint degree. I really struggled to decide what to do after high school, but now I feel as if Im exactly where Im supposed to be. Yet, being in this position is not my own doing. I hope that my story is a testament to Gods grace and provision in my life. Even though I dont know what the future may hold, Im glad I have God on my side. Knowing how far He has brought me allows me to move forward in freedom and in hope. [Editor - Last year Matthew Thornton was awarded a BRONZE in the new writer category from the Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA) and this year the Tronson Award from Press Service International NZ young writers for both consistency and participation as one of the coordinators in the Kiwi young writer program] T he Duke of Cambridge has led national tributes honouring the sacrifices of emergency workers during the Covid-19 outbreak. Prince William was joined by a Matt Hancock and devolved leaders, Nicola Sturgeon, Arlene Foster and Mark Drakeford in an online celebration of 999 Heroes for . The annual Emergency Services Festival of Thanksgiving held online due to the pandemic, commemorates 999 staff who have died in the line of duty. And this year a number of NHS and emergency workers who it is claimed have died after contracting Covid-19 while on duty. The duke, who has worked as an air ambulance helicopter pilot, said in a pre-recorded video message: This year, more than ever, we have been repeatedly reminded of the sacrifices made by all those in the emergency responder community, as they work tirelessly to protect us against Covid-19 and keep the country going in the most challenging circumstances. Nicola Sturgeon paid tributes to emergency workers / PA Having had the privilege of working alongside emergency responders. Ive always been struck by the remarkable can-do attitude in the face of even the gravest of emergencies. They showcase the very best that our country has to offer and this is never more apparent than at times like these. Tragically, some will pay the ultimate price as a result of their efforts in the line of duty, while others will experience lasting effects on their physical health or mental wellbeing. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to support this community and to remember their efforts to keep us safe, as well as the many sacrifices made by both them and their families, which is why todays service is so important. Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via Reuters Mia, aged 8, and Jack, aged 5, take part in "PE with Joe" a daily live workout with Joe Wicks on Youtube to help kids stay fit who have to stay indoors due to the Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters Matt Raw, a British national who returned from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China, leaves quaratine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside PA Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images During the online festival, which was delayed by more than three hours due to technical problems, the audience watched the Blue Light Choir, whose members are emergency workers and supporters, perform from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Station. In his video message Mr Hancock thanked emergency staff for their tireless work and said: You may not see yourselves as heroes, but you certainly are, and I want to reiterate our thanks for all the incredible emergency service workers today. You keep us safe, protect us and have been at the forefront of helping us turn the battle against coronavirus. Thanks to you, we can now begin to return to our daily lives, safely and securely. Arelene Foster joined the event / PA And finally, in particular, I want to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, including during the pandemic we must always remember and honour the courage of those who have laid down their own lives for us. His words were echoed by the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who had also recorded video messages of support for the festival. Ms Sturgeon said: In recent months, we have been reminded of the extraordinary contribution of our emergency services. Mark Drakeford also joined the event / PA They have been at the forefront of our countrys response to the Covid pandemic. In addition, here in Scotland, our emergency services have had to respond to two major incidents, the knife attack in Glasgow and the train derailment in Stonehaven. And they have done an outstanding job. During the service, two minutes silence was observed in memory of more than 7,500 emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty, and wreaths were laid at locations in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England by leaders from the emergency services. Mrs Foster also remembered those who had lost their lives while on duty: Over this last number of months, as we have combated a new risk to life, we have seen our emergency services take on this task like no other. They have faced up to this challenge and provide a response that is exemplary and world-class. And I do want to take a moment to recall all of those who have lost their lives as a result of their service. They have made the ultimate sacrifice and we will never forget them. Mr Hancock highlighted the efforts of the National Emergency Services Memorial, which is raising at least 3.2 million to build the 999 Cenotaph a national memorial dedicated to all emergency services personnel and service animals. Thomas Scholes-Fogg, a serving police officer, is the founder and chief executive of the UKs national Emergency Services Day, the Emergency Services Festival of Thanksgiving and the 999 Cenotaph. Mr Drakeford paid tribute, saying: As a nation we try to express our gratitude we put rainbows in our windows, we clapped together on our doorsteps, but we know it will never be enough. For your part has been to be there, when people are at their most scared and vulnerable. When we all need someone else the most. Kodagu : , Sep 5 (IANS) Karnataka forest department officials have arrested a venison hunting gang of five people in Kodagu district for shooting at a tiger and decamping with its claws and canines from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, an official said on Friday. "We have arrested five people for shooting at a tiger and decamping with its claws and canines," D. Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) and Director of Rajiv Gandhi National Park told IANS. The main accused is Santosh, followed by Sashi, Sharanu, Ranjit and Raju. All of them come from a village which abuts the national park. They used a licensed double barrel gun to shoot the wild animals. Santosh, Sashi and Ranjit are from wealthy families who own coffee estates while Raju is a labourer. All the accused have been arrested under multiple acts such as the Wildlife Protection Act, hunting, collection of animal parts, illegally entering a national park, using a firearm and others. The accused have been produced in the court and are currently in judicial custody. Incidentally, forest officials noticed the unnatural death of a 4-5 year old male tiger on August 25 with its paws and canines missing, they were chopped off. "We had no clue about the unnatural death because the tiger's nails and canines were removed though its skin was intact. Next day, on August 26 we conducted a post mortem on the animal to find a gunshot," said Kumar. Guided by some leads on the same day, officials arrested one person but could not recover any of the stolen tiger parts. "Subsequently, from August 28, a series of arrests have happened because we got a lead that some tiger nails were hidden in one of the coffee estates and succeeded in recovering seven nails," he said. Following this development, Kumar set multiple forest teams in motion to go after a chain of additional leads in search of the remaining tiger parts and the accused in places as far as Bengaluru and some other towns, leading to the arrest of another person in Ramanagara. Consequently, a total of five people have been arrested in the tiger death and mutilation case. "We have recovered 13 tiger nails. A tiger has 18 claws and four canines. Out of these, we recovered 13 claws and two canines," said the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) official. Every tiger has five toes on its fore paws with five nails each and four toes on its hind paws with four nails each, totalling 18 nails. All the nails are retractable and can stretch up to four inches forward for grip and preying. The first arrested person misled the forest officials that he did not have any tiger parts with him but on arresting four others from the gang, they had confessing that the first person had some parts with him. Officials are still searching for the reaming five nails as they continue their investigation. Of the four canines, the forest department managed to seize two of them. During post mortem, one canine got shattered even as the officials are on the lookout for the last canine. Tigers have two big canines on the upper jaw, measuring up to three inches and two more on the lower one, altogether four. "The accused used sharp knives to cut the tiger's canines as they are very strong. They used knives similar to the ones used in the meat shops," he said. To extract the nails, they chopped off the paws of the big cat and shared the tiger's spoils among themselves. The accused extracted some nails at the spot of the wildlife crime itself while others were taken to their homes to be extracted later. Curiously, the five accused spared the tiger's skin because they are not professionals and do not how to deskin a tiger. "If they were professionals, they would have deskinned the entire tiger," said Kumar, considering a tiger's skin is a sought after prize. Astonishingly, officials have corroborated that the five did not come hunting for a tiger but in search of venison, deer meat. "They had come looking for deer meat and also succeeded in killing a deer, taking its flesh and also managed to pull out the tigers claws and canines, resulting in a double hunting case," said the official. According to Kumar, Coorg or Kodagu district people are exempted from the Arms Act as they have a tradition of owning guns and showcasing them, it is a privilege enjoyed by them. They showcase their guns for functions like marriages and other events. Though people are allowed to keep guns, Kumar said they are not exempted from entering a national park illegally and with a gun. Explaining how the accused laid their hands on the big cat, they told the officials that the tiger was lying by a water body and did not move even after the five people were near it. "So they thought it was already injured or dead and shot it on the back. After approaching the tiger, they realized that the tiger was already smelling, indicating it could have died earlier from unknown reasons," he said. Officials are yet to determine the exact cause of the tiger's death which is still being probed whether it was poisoned or indulged in any territorial war with another tiger and so on. Other than the gunshot injury, there was no other injury on the animal. In addition to the tiger parts, two kg venison was also confiscated from one of the accused homes while the balance amount of the deer meat was already consumed. "We could not retrieve more than two kg meat nor acertain if the deer was male of female but managed to seize its hooves. We also confiscated the firearm," said Kumar. Some of them accused are from quite well to do families and had committed the crime in an inebriated condition near a place called Thattekere. On interrogation, the accused told that they wanted to use the nails to craft pendants for flaunting around the neck and also as ornaments for their children Officials are investigating whether they also had any intention to sell the tiger trophies. Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (NGT), which stretches between Kodagu and Mysuru districts and was a protected reserve from the time of the Wodeyar dynasty, rulers of the erstwhile kingdom of Mysuru. Nagarhole, which served as an exclusive hunting reserve of the Wodeyars, was made a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, covering an area of 284 square km - later stretched up to 643 square km. It was upgraded to a national park in 1988 and was brought into the fold of Project Tiger after being declared a tiger reserve in 1999. NGT has three sub-divisions, and eight ranges. Some of the animals which thrive in the reserve include tigers, panthers, wild dogs, elephants, bisons, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bears, wild boars, common langurs, bonnet macaque and a variety of reptiles and birds. (Sharon Thambala can be contacted at thambalasharon@gmail.com) (@FahadShabbir) An innovative Japanese ultra-absorbent fiber will be used to clear the oil patch leaked from a wrecked Japanese tanker last month near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Yuki Takenoshita, the chief project manager at M-TechX, the company producing the fiber, told Sputnik on Thursday TOKYO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd September, 2020) An innovative Japanese ultra-absorbent fiber will be used to clear the oil patch leaked from a wrecked Japanese tanker last month near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Yuki Takenoshita, the chief project manager at M-TechX, the company producing the fiber, told Sputnik on Thursday. "A group of government experts took our fiber to Mauritius to find out how we can use it on the spot. The supply should be enough to absorb 1,200 liters of fuel, or around 1 tonne. The fiber is compact and light a 30x30 centimeter [12x12 inch] patch weighing 20 grams [0.7 ounces] is enough to absorb one liter [34 ounces]. We sent it as a gratuitous aid," Takenoshita said. Magic Fiber was originally designed to be used in restaurants and other food services for the easy disposal of oil waste. Its potential for broader applicability became obvious after authorities used it to clear an industrial fuel leak in the Saga prefecture last year. According to Takenoshita, the innovative fiber produces little waste. The fiber also prevents repeated pollution of water when it is withdrawn from the accident site as it locks in the absorbed oil. Notably, it absorbs only oil and fuel, leaving the water intact. Japan's Wakashio cargo vessel ran aground near Mauritius on July 26 en route from China to Brazil. The wrecked ship leaked some 1,000 tonnes of heavy oil into the ocean off Mauritius, endangering a land and sea conservation area with rare species. The Mauritian government declared an environmental state of emergency following the incident and demanded that Japan pay $34 million in compensation to local fishermen who were left without the regular source of income. The Japanese government has vowed long-and medium-term assistance to Mauritius to tackle the consequences of the accident. The Turkish subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) on Thursday was granted the "Best Investment Banking of the Year Award" by the Turkish Capital Market Association (TCMA). Istanbul Stock Exchange Deputy General Manager Korkmaz Enes Ergun presented the award to Gao Xiangyang, chairman of ICBC Turkey, at the fifth Annual Capital Market Awards Ceremony hosted by the TCMA in Istanbul, according to a press release issued after the event. Ergun praised ICBC Turkey for its "outstanding contributions" to the Turkish capital market, the release said, noting that this was the third consecutive time that it won the award from the association since 2017. The award of the TCMA, a self-regulatory organization which has been offering services to investors to contribute to the development of the national economy, is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the Turkish capital market. The release quoted Gao as saying that the ICBC would continue to provide high-quality financial services to Chinese and Turkish customers and contribute to the development of bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries. ICBC Turkey has supported several medical and health projects, including the financing of two city hospitals, and has been playing an important role in the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the release added. The Turkish subsidiary of the ICBC was established after the lender purchased a majority of shares of Turkey's Tekstilbank in 2015 and has been licensed for commercial banking, investment banking, and asset management. Over the years, ICBC Turkey has been financing major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and supporting Turkey's economic, industrial, and social development. FAIRFIELD Sacred Heart University said students who live off-campus in Bridgeport will be required to take classes from home, amid a spike in new cases of COVID-19. The school said the decision was made after 10 cases of the coronavirus were found among students living off-campus in Bridgeport. Some 2,500 students live off-campus throughout the surrounding communities, according to the university. Altogether, 26 SHU students have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of August, according to the schools database. Sacred Heart said none of its cases are on-campus. Are you a Connecticut student going to college during the COVID-19 pandemic? We want to hear about your experience. Email us at tips@ctnews.com The spike comes as the state as a whole continues to see low COVID-19 numbers, with Fridays report showing 156 new cases out of 19,431 tests a rate of 0.8 percent. The report had zero new deaths for the day, leaving the total at 4,468 fatalities since March, and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 stood at 58 on Friday. The bump of cases among college students prompted the state Department of Public Health to issue an alert for all of Connecticut ahead of the Labor Day weekend. Acting Commissioner Deidre Gifford said small gatherings are a major source of infection. In the past several weeks in Connecticut, we are seeing small gatherings of friends and family leading to COVID-19 infection, the commissioner said in a prepared statement Friday. If you are getting together with anyone who doesnt live with you, please wear your mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer. At Sacred Heart, 16 of the 26 students tested positive before school started and are not allowed to come to campus until they have recovered, according to the schools dashboard. Six students tested positive on Wednesday alone, according to the university. School officials say the spike will likely lead to more than the 10 cases already reported. Because of a recent spike in positive COVID-19 cases among students who live in Bridgeport, the university has made the difficult, but necessary decision to require off-campus students living in Bridgeport to take all classes from home and not to come on campus until further notice, the university said in a statement posted to its website Thursday. Deborah Noack, SHU executive director of communications, said the school suspects the cases in Bridgeport could be related to a party or gathering, but declined to elaborate, citing privacy concerns. The ban does not apply to students who live in Sacred Heart housing in Bridgeport. It also does not apply to students who live with their families in single-family homes without other Sacred Heart students, and it does not include university staff and faculty who live in Bridgeport. Students who violate the order will be suspended for 30 days, the school said. University officials said the decision to allow Bridgeport students back on campus will be made over the holiday weekend, and the school hopes to have students back on campus early next week. This is how its going to work when we have cases were going to shut down and assess the situation, she said, noting that the school took similar steps when Danbury experienced a spike of COVID-19 infections last month, banning students and staff from campus who live in that city. We need as much as possible to keep this from spreading off of campus, which would shut us down completely, she added. Were doing everything we can to prevent that from happening. SHU plans to test a group of students living off campus over the weekend as part of its decision to allow the Bridgeport students back on campus, university officials said. The school has raised its alert level to yellow, which means areas with higher cases will go to online-only learning, rather than a mix of in-person and online instruction. The heightened alert also means more restrictions on the number of people who can attend events. Visitors are not allowed in residential buildings, and parents and family members can only visit outdoors, according to the university. The school said contact tracers are working to determine who was in touch with the 10 cases among off-campus students. We know you miss socializing with your friends, having parties and going on outings. And, we know that it is not easy to be told to study from home, the school said in a statement on its website. But as with the spike in Danbury and now this flare-up in Bridgeport, we need to be highly cautious and proactive in our decisions. We all want the same thing to finish this semester on campus, the statement said. The alert came as the University of Connecticut reported four new cases among residential students on its Storrs campus Friday, and one new case among commuter students at the campus. The school has 67 active cases on campus. Forty-seven other students have recovered after testing positive at Storrs. Note: An earlier version of this story claimed 2,500 Sacred Heart students live off campus. The university has since clarified that number includes students who live off campus in other cities and towns. This story has been updated. At least 10 soldiers killed in the attack in the countrys west, according to the Malian militarys Twitter account. At least 10 Malian soldiers have been killed in a night-time attack in the countrys west near its border with Mauritania. In Thursdays attack, the biggest on the military since it staged a coup on August 18, the Malian army mission in Guire suffered deaths, injuries and material damage in the attack on Thursday, according to the Malian militarys Twitter account. Reinforcements have been dispatched there, it said. The attack comes as Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the Malian president overthrown in the military coup, was moved to his residence after hospitalisation at a private clinic under the tight security of the military government, according to family members. The 75-year-olds health condition was not immediately known and it is unclear if he will be evacuated abroad, though leaders of the military government have said they are open to whatever treatment he needs to get, even if in another country. The military government, which calls itself the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, is now running Mali under the leadership of Assimi Goita. They have proposed taking three years to set up a transition to civilian rule. The countrys longtime political opposition, international community and the West African regional bloc are demanding the military government speed up that transition. The regional bloc, known as ECOWAS, has cut financial flows to Mali, and neighbouring countries have closed their borders in a bid to step up pressure on the coup leaders. Attacks on the army have continued, including one last week when four soldiers were killed and 12 others wounded in an ambush on an anti-poaching unit by fighters in central Mali about 25km (15 miles) from Konna, the military said. 4 September 2020 Clean Invest Africa plc ("Clean Invest Africa", the "Company" or the "Group") Notice of AGM The Company's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be held at 10.30am on 30 September 2020. In accordance with the provisions in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting will not be held in any particular place and shareholders will not be entitled to attend the meeting, therefore shareholders who wish to vote must submit a valid Form of Proxy to the Company's Registrars, Neville Registrars Limited, Neville House, Steelpark Road, Halesowen B62 8HD. However, any shareholders who have questions they would like answered in advance of the meeting can send them to enquiry@coaltechenergy.com and they will be responded to promptly. Shareholders can return their proxy forms by post, or by email to info@nevilleregistrars.co.uk (please include "Clean Invest Africa" and your full name in the subject line of the email) to arrive not later than two business days before the time appointed for holding the AGM. The Notice of AGM is reproduced in full below. It will be dispatched, along with Forms of Proxy, to shareholders later today and will also be available on the website at www.cleaninvestafrica.com . The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. - ENDS - Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement. ENQUIRIES : Clean Invest Africa plc Filippo Fantechi (Executive Director) +973 3969 6273 Shaikh Mohamed Abdulla Khalifa AlKhalifa (Non-Executive Chairman) +973 3969 2299 Peterhouse Capital Limited Corporate Adviser +44 20 7469 0930 Guy Miller/Mark Anwyl References to time in this document and the Notice of Annual General Meeting are to British Summer Time. LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF CLEAN INVEST AFRICA PLC 4 September 2020 To Shareholders and, for information only, to Warrant Holders Notice of Annual General Meeting Dear Shareholder, Introduction As a result of the public safety measures introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic which were passed into law in England and Wales on 26 March 2020, and measures relating to the conduct of general meetings recently introduced by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act, the Board is adopting a number of changes to the traditional running of the Annual General Meeting ("AGM"). The meeting will not be held in any particular place, and shareholders will not be entitled to attend the meeting. However, any shareholders who have questions they would like answered in advance of the meeting can send them to enquiry@coaltechenergy.comand they will be responded to promptly. The resolutions are explained below, and are set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting at the end of this document. General Meeting Ordinary business at the AGM Resolution 1: Re-appointment of Director The Board recommends the re-appointment of Paul Ryan in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association ("Articles") and, being eligible, he offers himself for re-appointment as a director. Resolution 2: Re-appointment of Director The Board recommends the re-appointment of Noel Lyons in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association ("Articles") and, being eligible, he offers himself for re-appointment as a director. Resolution 3: Re-appointment of Director The Board recommends the re-appointment of Filippo Fantechi in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association ("Articles") and, being eligible, he offers himself for re-appointment as a director. Resolution 4: Auditors' reappointment and remuneration This resolution relating to the auditors' re-appointment and remuneration constitutes usual business for the AGM. Special business at the AGM Resolution 5: Section 551 authority This is an ordinary resolution authorising the Directors to allot relevant securities (including warrant shares and option shares) up to an aggregate nominal amount of 5,000,000. Such authority, unless previously revoked or varied by the Company in a General Meeting, will expire at the commencement of the Company's next Annual General Meeting following this meeting or 30 September 2021, whichever is the earlier. Resolution 6: Section 570 authority and dis-application of Section 561(1) This is a special resolution authorising the Directors to issue equity securities (including warrant shares and option shares) wholly for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution number 5 above. This will allow the Board to allot shares without recourse to the Company's shareholders so that it can move quickly from time to time as it deems appropriate. Such authority, unless previously revoked or varied by the Company in a General Meeting, will expire at the commencement of the next Annual General Meeting following this meeting or 30 September 2021, whichever is the earlier. Action to be taken Shareholders will find a form of proxy enclosed for use at the AGM. In accordance with the provisions in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act the meeting will not be held in any particular place, therefore if you wish to cast your vote you are requested to complete and return the form of proxy in accordance with the instructions printed thereon as soon as possible. To be valid, forms of proxy must be received by the Company's Registrars, Neville Registrars Limited, Neville House, Steelpark Road, Halesowen B62 8HD, not later than two business days before the time appointed for holding the Annual General Meeting. Shareholders can return their proxy forms by email to info@nevilleregistrars.co.uk (please include "Clean Invest Africa" and your full name in the subject line of the email. You are entitled to appoint a proxy to vote instead of you. Your attention is drawn to the notes to the forms of proxy. Form of Proxy A Form of Proxy for use at the AGM is enclosed. Please complete and sign the Form of Proxy and return it to the Company's Registrars at the address set out above, so as to arrive no later than 48 hours excluding non-business days before the time fixed for the AGM (being 10.30am on 30 September 2020). In accordance with the provisions in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act the meeting will not be held in any particular place, therefore you will only be able to vote if you return a valid Form of Proxy as explained above. Board Recommendation The Board considers that each of the Resolutions to be proposed at the AGM are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole and it unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favour of each of them as the Board intend to do so in respect of the Ordinary Shares held by them. Yours faithfully Shaikh Mohamed Abdulla Khalifa AlKhalifa Non-Executive Chairman CLEAN INVEST AFRICA PLC Incorporated in England and Wales as a public limited company under number10967142 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (the "AGM") of the members of Clean Invest Africa plc ("the Company") will be held at 10.30am on 30 September 2020. In accordance with the provisions in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act the meeting will not be held in any particular place. The resolutions are set out below: Ordinary Business To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions which shall be proposed as ordinary resolutions: 1. To re-appoint Paul Ryan, as a Director of the Company, in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association ("Articles") and, being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment as a director. 2. To re-appoint Noel Lyons, as a Director of the Company, in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association ("Articles") and, being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment as a director. 3. To re-appoint Filippo Fantechi, as a Director of the Company, in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association ("Articles") and, being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment as a director. 4. To re-appoint PKF Littlejohn LLP as auditors of the Company, to hold office until the commencement of the Company's next Annual General Meeting and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration. Special Business To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions, of which resolution 5 will be proposed as an Ordinary Resolution and resolution 6 will be proposed as a Special Resolution: 5. THAT, the Directors be and are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of Section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the "Act") to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560 of the Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of 5,000,000 to such persons and at such times and conditions as the Directors think proper, provided that such authority, unless previously revoked or varied by the Company in a General Meeting, shall expire at the commencement of the Annual General Meeting next held after the passing of this resolution or 30 September 2021 (whichever is the earlier to occur) save that the Company may pursuant to the authority make an offer or agreement or other arrangement before the expiry of the authority which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expiry, and the Directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement or other arrangement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired. This authority is in substitution for all previous authorities conferred upon the Directors pursuant to Section 551 of the Act, but without prejudice to the allotment of any relevant securities already made or to be made pursuant to such authorities. 6. THAT (subject to and conditional upon the passing of Resolution 5 above), the Directors be and are hereby empowered pursuant to Section 570 of the Act to allot equity securities (within the meaning of Section 560 of the Act) wholly for cash pursuant to the general authority conferred by Resolution 5 as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to allotments of equity securities: (i) in connection with or pursuant to an offer by way of rights, open offer or other pre-emptive offer to the holders of shares in the Company and other persons entitled to participate therein in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to their respective holdings, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may consider necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems under the laws of any territory or the regulations or requirements of any regulatory authority or any stock exchange in any territory; and (ii) otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) above, up to an aggregate nominal amount of 5,000,000; and such power, unless previously revoked or varied by the Company at a General Meeting, shall expire at the commencement of the Annual General Meeting next held after the passing of this resolution or 30 September 2021 (whichever is the earlier to occur) but so that the Company may before such expiry make an offer or agreement or other arrangement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted or treasury shares to be sold after such expiry, and the Directors may allot equity securities or sell treasury shares in pursuance of any such offer or agreement or other arrangement as if the power conferred by this resolution had not expired. The power hereby conferred shall operate in substitution for and to the exclusion of any previous power given to the Directors pursuant to Section 570 of the Act. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD MSP Corporate Services Limited Company Secretary 4 September 2020 Registered Office: 27-28 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DH NOTES: 1. A member normally entitled to attend, speak and vote at the AGM is entitled to appoint a proxy to vote on his/her behalf. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. 2. Forms of proxy, together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is executed or a notarially certified copy thereof, must be completed and, to be valid, must reach the Company's Registrars at Neville Registrars Limited, Neville House, Steelpark Road, Halesowen B62 8HD not less than 48 hours not including non-business days before the time appointed for the holding of the meeting. 3. If the appointer is a corporation, the form of proxy must be under its common seal or under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorised. 4. In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, will be accepted to the exclusion of the vote of the other registered holder(s) and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the register of members. 5. Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/3755) Reg. 41(1) and (2) and paragraph 18 (c) The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) (Uncertificated Securities) Order 2009, only those shareholders on the Register of Members at 48 hours not including non-business days before the time appointed for the holding of the meeting shall be entitled to vote in respect of the number of shares registered in their names at that time. If the meeting is adjourned by more than 48 hours, then to be so entitled, a shareholder must be entered on the Company's Register of Members at the time which is 48 hours excluding non-business days before the time appointed for holding the adjourned meeting or, if the Company gives notice of the adjourned meeting, at the time specified in that notice. 6. To appoint more than one proxy, you may photocopy the form of proxy. Please indicate the proxy holder's name and the number of shares in relation to which they are authorised to act as your proxy (which in aggregate shall not exceed the number of shares held by you). Please also indicate if the proxy is part of a multiple set of instructions being given. All forms must be signed and should be returned together in the same envelope. A failure to specify the number of shares each proxy appointment relates to or specifying a number in excess of those held by you, may result in the appointment being invalid. If you do not have a proxy form and believe that you should have one, or if you require additional forms, please contact the Company's registrar. 7. As at the close of business on 31 August 2020, the Company's issued share capital comprised 1,179,755,301 ordinary shares of 0.25p each. Each ordinary share carries the right to one vote at a general meeting of the Company, and therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company as at the time and date given above is 1,179,755,301. END A woman was allegedly savagely stabbed while she was out jogging in broad daylight in a quiet Melbourne street. The woman in her 20s was jogging near Primula Boulevard in Gowanbrae about 10.20am on Thursday when she was allegedly attacked and stabbed, police said. She suffered injuries to her back and hand and was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital where she underwent surgery. She remains in a stable condition. The woman in her 20s was jogging near Primula Boulevard in Gowanbrae (pictured) about 10.20am on Thursday when she was allegedly attacked and stabbed, police said Following a police investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at a Gowanbrae home where they arrested an 18-year-old man. He was then charged with intentionally causing serious injury, stalking, assault with weapon, assault with intent to commit sexual assault and common law assault. The man was also charged in relation to another reported sexual assault on the same walking path which occurred on April 7. He was remanded in custody overnight and is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said Friday it has begun withdrawing troops from various camps around the country where tens of thousands of civilians sought protection during its civil war. The camps were set up in the capital Juba and other key cities after civil war erupted in 2013, prompting thousands to flee to UN bases in search of protection, particularly from brutal ethnic atrocities which characterised the conflict. Currently just over 180,000 still live in the camps in white tents, but UNMISS said that they are no longer under threat, six months after the country's main rivals President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar formed a unity government. UN special envoy to South Sudan David Shearer told a press conference that UNMISS has started "to progressively withdraw" its troops and police from camps in central Bor and northwestern Wau. "That has occurred because we assessed that, any threats that existed a few years ago, are no longer in existence today," he said. The sites will be designated as more conventional camps for internally displaced persons under the control of Juba, rather than those being protected by the UN. 'Humanitarian services will continue' War erupted in 2013 after a falling out between Kiir and Machar, and resisted multiple peace efforts until a peace deal was inked in September 2018, giving rise to the current unity government. "Nobody will be pushed out or asked to leave when UNMISS withdraws. Humanitarian services will continue," Shearer said, explaining the sites will no longer be under UNMISS control and government has to take "responsibility". "The South Sudan National Police Service will be responsible for law and order," Shearer said. The UN has 17 permanent peacekeeping bases in South Sudan, with additional temporary bases in the dry season, and around 14,000 troops. Shearer said that at least 150 soldiers and one or two companies of police -- each about 150 strong -- were involved in protecting the camps every day. He said troops who had been occupied at the camps can now be redeployed to hotspots where violence has surged in recent months, such as eastern Jonglei. UNMISS said some 600 people had been killed in ethnic clashes between local communities in the region in the past six months, in what Shearer said was a threat to the peace process. "UNMISS has rapidly deployed peacekeepers to the areas most affected to deter further violence and to support reconciliation and mediation between the groups." Meanwhile this week the UN announced it was establishing a temporary base in Lobonok in Central Equatoria, after the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebel group -- which refused to sign the peace deal -- stepped up attacks on civilians and aid workers. "This surge in violence is deeply disturbing and is leading to clashes" between government forces and NAS rebels, said Shearer. In his message, Francis affirms that the pandemic has highlighted the unity of the human family and therefore the need for a new model of development. "Now, more than ever, Europe is called to show leadership in a creative effort to emerge from the straits of the technocratic paradigm as applied to politics and the economy." Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Aiming for an "ecological reconversion" of the economy, "without giving in to the acceleration of time, human and technological processes, but returning to lived and not consumed relationships" and being "creative", to build New and original paths for the common good. These are the ideas that Pope Francis suggests in a message to politicians and economists participating in the European House - Ambrosetti Forum, gathered in Cernobbio, published today. Francis starts from the affirmation that having failed to show solidarity in wealth and in the sharing of resources, we have learned to experience solidarity in suffering" created by the pandemic. Moreover, it . It has shown us the greatness of science, but also its limits. It has called into question the scale of values that sets money and power over all else. By forcing us to stay at home together, parents and children, young and old, it has once again made us aware of the joys and difficulties involved in our relationships. "In the face of a future that appears uncertain and full of challenges, especially on the social and economic level, we have been moved to spend this time discerning what is lasting from what is fleeting, what is necessary from what is not. In this situation, economics oeconomia in its deepest human meaning as the governance of our earthly home takes on even greater importance, due to its close connection with the concrete life situations of individual men and women. Economics ought to become the expression of a care and concern that does not exclude but seeks to include, that does not demean but seeks to uplift and give life. A care and concern that refuses to sacrifice human dignity to the idols of finance, that does not give rise to violence and inequality, and that uses financial resources not to dominate but to serve (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 53-60). For genuine profit comes from treasures accessible to all. That which I truly own is what I can offer to others (cf. General Audience, 7 November 2018)." "Where nature and, even more, persons are involved, another way of thinking is needed, one that can broaden our gaze and guide technology towards the service of a different model of development, more healthy, more human, more social and more integral. The present is a time for discernment in light of the principles of ethics and the common good, for the sake of the recovery desired by all. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, frequently employs the term discernment in his writings, drawing from the great sapiential tradition of the Bible and, above all, the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. Christ urged all who heard him, and ourselves today, not to stop at externals, but to discern sagely the signs of the times. To do so, two things are demanded, conversion and creativity. We need to experience an ecological conversion, in order to slow down our inhuman pace of consumption and production, and to learn once more how to understand and contemplate nature. To reconnect with the world around us. To work for an ecological retooling of our economy, without yielding to the pressures of time and of human and technological processes, but rather by returning to relationships that are experienced, not consumed. We are also called to be creative, like artisans, devising fresh new ways to pursue the common good. That creativity can only come from openness to the breath of the Spirit, who inspires us to attempt new, timely and indeed bold decisions, as men and women capable of shaping that integral human development to which we all aspire. The creativity of a love that can restore meaning to the present, in order to open it to a better future." This conversion and creativity necessarily imply training and encouraging the next generation of economists and entrepreneurs. For this reason, I have invited them to meet from 19 to 21 November next in Assisi, the town of the young Saint Francis, who stripped himself of everything in order to choose God as the compass of his life, becoming poor with the poor, a brother to all." Finally, the Pope, referring to the theme of an agenda for Europe, also among those foreseen at the Forum, recalls that seventy years have passed since the Schuman declaration which in 1950 "paved the way for todays European Union. Now, more than ever, Europe is called to show leadership in a creative effort to emerge from the straits of the technocratic paradigm as applied to politics and the economy. This creative effort must be one of solidarity, the sole antidote to the virus of selfishness, a virus far more potent than Covid-19. Back then, the concern was for solidarity in production; today, solidarity must extend to a more precious good: the human person. The human person must take its rightful place at the heart of our educational, healthcare, social and economic policies. Persons must be welcomed, protected, accompanied and integrated when they come knocking on our doors, seeking a future of hope. (FP) A British tourist has bragged about making a tube of Pringles last 'four hours' so he could avoid wearing a face mask on his flight to Tenerife. Holidaymaker Michael Richards, 41, bought the tube of salt and vinegar Pringles on board the easyJet flight and nibbled on one every two-and-a-half minutes. He later boasted on Facebook he had avoided wearing his 'uncomfortable' mask for the entire journey except for ten minutes during a toilet break and to put his suitcase in the overhead compartment. Alongside a picture of a tube of Pringles and a disposable coffee cup, he wrote: 'You can take your mask off while eating and drinking on the plane. 'Can't believe I made those Pringles last four hours. That's one pringle every two-and-a-half minutes.' Holidaymaker Michael Richards (pictured), 41, bought the tube of salt and vinegar Pringles on board the easyJet flight and nibbled on one every two-and-a-half minutes He later boasted on Facebook he had avoided wearing his 'uncomfortable' mask for the entire journey except for ten minutes during a toilet break and to put his suitcase in the overhead compartment. Pictured, his tube of Pringles Mr Richards travelled from his home in Huddersfield to Tenerife South Airport with his wife Della Richards, 37, and their two children Sapphire Richards, six, and Zarina Richards, 10, on Tuesday, August 25, for two weeks in the sun. It's currently against easyJet's flight regulations for customers to travel without wearing a mask. But Mr Richards said: 'I thought I'd take my time eating these Pringles to see how long they'd last, and I kept nibbling away, but it was hard because once you pop you can't stop, you know. 'When we landed, I Googled how many Pringles were in a tube and it's about 100 Pringles, then I divided that by the time of the flight and that's one per two and a half minutes. Alongside a picture of a tube of Pringles and a disposable coffee cup, he wrote: 'You can take your mask off while eating and drinking on the plane' 'So if you sat there munching, you can pretty much get through a whole flight without wearing a mask.' Mr Richards said he hadn't planned on not wearing a mask but wanted to test whether he would get away with it for the entire flight. Some users commented to say how impressed they were he had managed to get away with it. One said: 'Good idea. I'm doing this next time.' One commented: 'My husband did similar but he had more than Pringles.' However, one concerned user wrote: 'Glad I was not on that plane.' Mr Richards said the criticism didn't bother him because 'they're sitting at home in the UK in rainy weather and we're sunning it up in Tenerife'. Mr Richards travelled from his home in Huddersfield to Tenerife South Airport with his wife Della Richards, 37, and their two children Sapphire Richards, six, and Zarina Richards, 10, on Tuesday, August 25, for two weeks in the sun Although he doesn't like wearing masks, he said he understands why they're needed and wears them in shops. Masks are a requirement in many countries because they are thought to reduce the chance of spreading Covid-19 through particles released during a cough or sneeze. 'People don't like wearing masks, and even the air hostesses said they don't like wearing masks, but we all know we've got to wear them,' Mr Richards added. 'I'm not anti-mask or anything and I've been wearing them on holiday and at home, in shops, so I'm all for looking after people. Some users commented to say how impressed they were he had managed to get away with it 'It was just a bit of a light-hearted go at the mask subject, really, because there's so much depression in the world now, people like to be uplifted.' An EasyJet spokesman said no other passengers had complained Mr Richards was not wearing a mask on the flight. They added: 'Passengers receive clear communications before they travel and via announcements onboard to ensure they are aware that, in line with new guidelines, they are required to wear a face mask onboard except when eating or drinking. 'Whilst our cabin crew will always try to be vigilant to ensure that passengers comply with the requirement to wear a mask, no issues were raised with the crew about this passenger's behaviour during the flight. 'It is the responsibility of all onboard to adhere to these measures for the health and safety of everyone onboard.' Today, Hong Kongs liberty is a guttering candle because Chinese dictator Xi Jinping meant what he said in 2017: The wheels of history roll on, the tides of the times are vast and mighty. Tides with wheels? Never mind. Xi said: History looks kindly on those with resolve, with drive and ambition, and with plenty of guts; it wont wait for the hesitant. From the bloodshed on the China-India border to the lawless aggressiveness in the South China Sea to the coarse bullying by Chinas Wolf Warrior diplomats, especially in Europe, China is demonstrating the arrogance that begets recklessness. Donald Trump has been left fuming by a story in The Atlantic that describes him as unwilling to honour the USs war dead, instead repeatedly calling lost service members and prisoners of war losers and suckers. Written by the magazines editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg and drawing on multiple anonymous sources, the story has been met with outrage from the presidents supporters and Mr Trump himself. At the core of the articles analysis is a picture of a cynical, frustrated president who simply does not understand non-transactional life choices, and who therefore cannot but view military volunteers as suckers who failed to secure anything for themselves. It also quotes various sources describing assorted unflattering incidents involving war dead. One describes him refusing to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris on the basis that its filled with losers; another recalls him telling his staff not to include amputee veterans in a military parade, allegedly saying nobody wants to see that. Mr Trump has fiercely denied the articles claims, asking what animal would say that? and suggested its quotes came from disgruntled former staffers. Recommended White House told Navy to hide USS John McCain during Trump Japan visit Probably its a couple of people that have been failures in the administration that I got rid of, Mr Trump said to journalists on the tarmac as he arrived back in Washington after a campaign stop on Thursday. And I couldnt get rid of them fast enough. Or it was just made up Theres not much more I can say. All theyre trying to do is influence a presidential election. The president, however, has publicly expressed contempt for fallen or captured service members before, in particular during his first presidential campaign. When the parents of Humayun Khan, a soldier killed in the Iraq War, appeared at Hillary Clintons nominating convention in 2016, Mr Trump suggested that his mother had been barred from speaking. He also ran into trouble over a 2017 call of condolence he made to Mayeshia Johnson, whose husband Sgt La David Johnson was killed in Niger by Islamic militants. Ms Johnson said that Mr Trumps tone of voice made her cry, that Mr Trump could not remember her husbands name, and that he blithely told her he knew what he signed up for. Mr Trump said her account was fabricated. More notoriously still, he denigrated the service of senator John McCain, then widely considered one of the nations greatest living war heroes. At a 2015 event, he dismissed Mr McCains service as failure. Hes not a war hero, said Mr Trump of the man who spent years being tortured in a Vietnamese jail. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured. In the Atlantic piece, he is quoted privately insisting that his administration not support Mr McCain's 2018 funeral and ranting about flags flown at half-mast in his honour. What the fuck are we doing that for? Guy was a fucking loser, he reportedly said. After the articles publication, he defended his well-known personal dislike of Mr McCain on Twitter but maintained that he gave the green light to a full-scale funeral while also complaining that the article as a whole is an assault on his own presidential campaign. I never called John a loser and swear on whatever, or whoever, I was asked to swear on, that I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES, he wrote. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! In a statement to The Atlantic, the White House said the story has no basis in fact, and listed various of his administrations moves to improve military lives. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Fri, September 4, 2020 07:02 504 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c429d2d8 2 News coronavirus,COVID-19,Maldives,travel,tourism Free The Maldives has tightened entry requirements for tourists after a spike in coronavirus infections at more than a dozen resorts, the foreign ministry said Wednesday. The Indian Ocean archipelago re-opened its luxury resort islets in mid-July after a months-long lockdown, and did not require visitors to be tested or carry virus-free certificates when entering the country. Since then, 29 local staff and 16 foreigners have tested positive at the resorts, officials said, where they were also being isolated. Under the new guidelines, all tourists will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival. Tourism is the major economic driver for the Maldives, a tropical island paradise popular with honeymooners and celebrities. Authorities had hoped tourists would flock back to the archipelago of 1,190 tiny coral islets after international flights restarted. Read also: Five tourism trends to expect after COVID-19 But only 5,200 tourists visited the country in the month since July 15a fraction of the pre-pandemic 141,000 monthly average. Meanwhile, the Maldives recorded more than 1,000 new infections in just the past week to take the total number of cases to 8,003. Most of the infections since the start of the pandemic have been among poor migrant laborers and locals in the densely populated capital Male. The government had imposed a night curfew in Male and neighboring inhabited islands from early August to contain the sharp rise in cases there. Some 29 people have so far died from COVID-19 in the nation of 340,000 people. It couldnt have been choreographed any better. Three outdoor dance performances (albeit, one virtual) are scheduled to take place on separate days in three different Essex County towns over the weekend of Sept. 11 to Sept. 13. And just to raise the barre a little further, theres also a dance-themed art exhibit opening at a local gallery. (See North Jersey art gallery relies on fancy footwork for its reopening.) Stepping off the weekend will be Freespace Dances A Moving Experience, a site-specific work on the grounds of the Oakside Cultural Center in Bloomfield, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. Freespace Dance artistic director Donna Scro Samori will be one of the dancers in "A Moving Performance," taking place 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Oakeside Manor in Bloomfield.freespacedance.com Freespace Dance is a contemporary modern dance company based in Upper Montclair and headed by artistic director Donna Scro Samori, a former principal dancer with the Nikolais/Louis Dance Company and a founding member of Sean Curran Company. Tickets for A Moving Performance are $25 (wine and bubbly served) and can be reserved online. Oakeside is located at 240 Bellevelle Ave. Rain date is Friday, Sept. 18. The South Orange-based Lydia Johnson Dance will mount a free live street performance 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, near the outdoor dining area at the intersection of Highland Street and Maplewood Avenue in Maplewood. Lydia Johnson Dance will present a live outdoor performance 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Highland Street-Maplewood Avenue intersection in Maplewood.freespacedance.com The program will feature dancers Laura Di Orio, Katie Martin-Lohiya, MinSeon Kim, Amanda Egan, Catherine Gurr, Emily Sarkissian and Lauren Stucko in the closing section of Johnsons ballet Clearing, set to music by Philip Glass. The piece will be modified, with the dancers distanced from one another. Mask and social distancing will be required of all in attendance. Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 19. Capping the weekend will be the annual Dance on the Lawn free outdoor festival, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in Montclair. The festival, celebrating its seventh year, has opted to go virtual this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts will be one of the New Jersey dance schools featured in the "Dance on the Lawn" virtual Montclair Dance Festival 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, which will stream clips of highlights from previous years.freespacedance.com Taking advantage of the move to online, this years edition will be built around a best of selection of archival video footage from past performances dating back to the festivals inception in 2014, along with panel discussions. Dance on the Lawn was conceived by Montclair resident Charmaine Warren to bring professional and emerging companies together with dance students from around the state to perform in a community setting. The event takes place every September, normally on the front lawn of St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 73 S. Fullerton Ave. in Montclair. This years virtual lineup will include: New Jersey Companies Alborada Dance, Freespace Dance Company, 10 Hairy Legs, Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, MeenMoves, Mignolo Dance and Maurice Chestnut. New Jersey Schools Sharron Millers Academy for the Performing Arts, DanceWorks & Co., New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble and Grooves Unlimited Dance Studio. Dance on the Lawn Emerging Commissioned New Jersey Choreographers Robert Mark Burke, Kyle Marshall, Lauren Connolly, Javier Padilla and Oluwadamilare Dare Ayorinde. First-time participants expected to share videos and discussion will include Bhaarat Nritya Academy, Movement Arts Project/Dance for Joy, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Inimois Dance, New Jersey Ballet and 277dance project. The festival can be viewed on its website, YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo. Heres a video excerpt from 2019: Patrick OShea maybe reached at poshea@njadvancemedia.com. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Small home appliances have become increasingly popular among Chinese consumers, thanks to young peoples higher expectations for quality of life and online marketing channels. (Photo/Pixabay.com) When Chen Wei, a post-90s woman who works for a company in Beijing, prepares breakfast for herself, she usually toasts a sandwich in three minutes with her newly bought breakfast machine, fries an egg in one minute, squeezes a cup of juice with her juicer, and then enjoys a nutritious meal. I can make a quick and healthy breakfast and meet the standards for a high quality of life, Chen said. Chen is just one of the many fans of mini home appliances in China. Small home appliances devised for a specific function, such as breakfast machines, juicers and multifunctional glass kettles, are enjoying increasing popularity among Chinese consumers. With the homebody economy gaining momentum in the country during the COVID-19 epidemic, advertisements for these small home appliances can be seen all over Chinese social media, livestreaming platforms, and short video platforms. Last year, the total value of exports of large home appliances exceeded $25.7 billion, a decline of 1 percent year on year, while that of small home appliances hit $32.4 billion, up 6.2 percent year on year, according to a report compiled by the National Household Appliance Industry Information Center. Due to the epidemic, sales of small home appliances dropped slightly. However, some leading enterprises in the sector saw a significant increase in revenue. For example, the revenue of Bear Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. in south Chinas Guangdong province grew 17.3 percent year on year in the first quarter this year, while Guangdong Xinbao Electrical Appliances Holdings Co., Ltd. witnessed a year-on-year increase of 4.1 percent in its revenue during the same period. Statistics from Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba show that the overall sales volume of mini kitchen appliances in the first quarter of this year reached 13.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.8 percent. Chinas booming market has led to the emergence of more and more small household products, and countless new mini household products have sprung up in recent years. Joyoung, a long-established kitchenware brand, has launched a series of new small home appliances such as juicers, air fryers, and food processors in the last few years. We found that pretty mini kitchen appliances with simple-to-use features that clean easily have become popular in recent years, with more application environments including living rooms, offices and hotels, said Pan Zhifeng, the operation manager of Joyoungs e-commerce sector, adding that the company will continue to launch new products to meet consumers needs. A blind student who was 'dragged out' of the Oxford Union has been paid several thousands of pounds in compensation. Ebenezer Azamati was 'pushed' out of the exclusive debating chamber by security on October 17. Footage of him being 'manhandled' went viral after the ex-president, Brandan McGrath - who wasn't there that evening - claimed Mr Azamati was behaving aggressively and banned him for two terms. In a statement tweeted by the union, which is independent from the university, the president apologised days later for the 'distress' and 'reputational damage'. But now, nearly a year later, the union have made another public statement saying: 'Ebenezer Azamati, a member of the Oxford Union, sought to attend one of its debates. Mr Azamati is blind and Black. Mr Azamati was initially turned away. 'He was subsequently admitted but then steps were taken to remove him by force. 'He eventually left voluntarily. Shortly afterwards, disciplinary proceedings were wrongly brought against Mr Azamati alleging violence and dishonesty. Ebenezer Azamati (pictured above) had tried to reserve a seat at the debate as he was worried there were no provision in place for disabled students Ebenezer Azamati,was 'manhandled' by security guards while attending a debate at the Oxford Union 'The allegations and initial findings against him were made public. All the allegations against him were withdrawn on appeal, the findings were set aside and he was rightly cleared of any wrongdoing.' Ebenezer Azamati was expelled from a debate at the Oxford Union after he attempted to attend a talk on the motion 'This House has no confidence in HM Government'. The 25-year-old arrived early at the Oxford Union on October 17 to reserve a seat as he was worried there were no special provisions for disabled students. He placed a book on an accessible seat near the entrance to the chamber to reserve it and went back to his college for dinner. When he returned later, accompanied by a friend and sat down, officials refused his attendance and were seen manhandling him out of his seat. Mr Azamati, who is a postgraduate from Ghana studying international relations, became distressed at the situation. Video footage from the event shows the student's white cane to be visible, while an official pulls him out of his seat. Officials were seen talking to Mr Azamati and touching his arm (left) before they removed him from the debating chamber Mr Azamati has since said he feels 'unwelcome' in Britain following the incident. He said at the time: 'In being publicly removed from the Oxford Union Society made me feel unwelcome in the Union, Oxford and even the country. 'I felt that I was treated as not being human enough to deserve justice and fair treatment.' Today the statement continued: 'We accept that the allegations of dishonesty and violence made against Mr Azamati by the union have caused acute distress to [him] and serious harm to his reputation. 'We accept that those allegations are wholly unfounded and untrue, and we apologise for making the statements that contained them.' Domestic budget carrier GoAir has announced more than 100 additional flights from Mumbai to various Indian cities beginning from today (September 5). The new routes include flights to and from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Leh and Jammu, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar and Varanasi, the airline said on September 4. The new services, set to begin from September 5, include two daily Mumbai-Delhi flights; one flight each from Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Mumbai-Chennai, Mumbai-Nagpur, Mumbai-Jaipur, Mumbai-Patna, Mumbai-Ranchi and Mumbai-Varanasi; four flights from Mumbai to Lucknow. There are also two new flights from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Patna and Srinagar to Mumbai; besides one daily flight between Delhi-Guwahati, Delhi-Hyderabad, Delhi-Leh and Jammu, Delhi-Lucknow, Delhi-Pune, and Delhi-Varanasi. Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here GoAir will also operate one Guwahati-Delhi flight; and two Srinagar-Chandigarh flights; three Srinagar-Delhi flights; one flight each between Srinagar-Jammu, Srinagar-Chandigarh; Leh-Delhi; Jammu-Delhi and Jammu-Srinagar. Four flights have also been added from Bengaluru-Kolkata; and one flight each from Bengaluru-Ahmedabad, Bengaluru-Chennai, Bengaluru-Lucknow, Bengaluru-Patna, Bengaluru-Pune and Bengaluru-Ranchi; besides two flights between Chennai-Hyderabad; and one flight each from Chennai-Bengaluru and Chennai-Mumbai. The airline will also operate two flights from Ahmedabad-Hyderabad; and one flight each from Ahmedabad-Bengaluru, Ahmedabad-Delhi, Ahmedabad-Lucknow, Ahmedabad-Mumbai, Ahmedabad-Nagpur, and Ahmedabad-Varanasi. Other routes are two flights each from Hyderabad-Chennai and Hyderabad-Kolkata; three flights from Hyderabad-Ahmedabad; and one flight each from Hyderabad-Delhi, Hyderabad-Patna and Hyderabad-Ranchi. GoAir CEO Kaushik Khona told PTI that Indias aviation sector is witnessing a gradual growth in demand due to increased traffic, which he expects to further spike as states lift travel restrictions and ease lockdown norms. "As the various states start withdrawing travel restrictions, demand will continue to grow and GoAir has always been responsive to market conditions and provided enhanced travel options to our guests, Khona added. GoAir has also stated that beginning from September 5 it will not cancel any services to enhance customer experience, and if we do, we will ensure that the refunds are processed back and not move into the 'Protect Your PNR' scheme. The airline said it expects to reach 45 percent of pre-COVID-19 capacity by September 21, and 60 percent of pre-pandemic passenger capacity by October 15. (With inputs from PTI) After a nearly six-month delay, Mulan is finally being released on-demand on Disney+, meaning that Disney fans will finally get to see all the horseback riding and sword fighting co-star Jason Scott Lee put into his performance as the villainous Bori Khan. In an interview with TheWrap filmed in March prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lee discussed the changes made by director Niki Caro and her team to the 1998 animated film, as Disneys newest remake blends elements from its predecessor with other elements from Chinese culture and history, including the original 4th century ballad that has inspired countless adaptations. I was doing my research on Bori Khan because I was interested in seeing whether he was a historical figure, and he was, he said. A lot of it is taking this memory of what [China] would look like, what it would be like, and creating this world that was roughly 500 A.D. Also Read: 'Mulan' Ushers In New Phase in Hollywood's Premium On-Demand Experiment Just as Niki Caros remake makes several changes from the 1998 animated Disney film, Bori Khan has some notable differences from his cartoon counterpart, the black-eyed Hun leader Shan Yu. While Shan Yu was merely focused on conquest, Bori Khans attack on China is far more personal as he seeks revenge on the Emperor (played by Jet Li) for the death of his father. Weve taken a more historical tack with the Rouran people, who were sort of northern invaders, Lee said. Bori Khans sort of stripped down, lean and mean, and hes working alongside a witch [played by Gong Li] to take over China. This isnt Lees first go-around with Disney. Hes also lent his voice to David, the laid-back Hawaiian surfer in Lilo & Stitch, which is also due up for a live-actoin remake. To hear his thoughts on possibly coming back for that film, check out the clip above.Mulan is available to Disney+ subscribers for $29.99 starting this Friday and will be available for no additional cost on the streaming service starting Dec. 4. Read original story Jason Scott Lee Explains How His Mulan Villain Differs From the Animated Version (Video) At TheWrap 'We first need to acknowledge the truth.' 'We are trying to diminish the problem and say, everything is okay and green shoots are emerging.' 'Imagine you are a doctor and not getting accurate medical reports, how do you diagnose and treat the illness?' 'We are not dealing with a terminal illness here, we are dealing with BP and cholesterol, which are imminently curable.' "This government has been delivering all that they had promised on the socio-political side, but their ideology is not very clear when it comes to economics," Professor Ananth Narayan -- the well known financial expert who is a faculty member at the S P Jain Institute of Management and Research and the RBI's nominee director on the board of Yes Bank -- tells Shobha Warrier/Rediff.com in the concluding segment of the interview. But there was no demand even before the pandemic. The complaint by industry was that people were not spending. Again, a couple of things. One is the growth in M3 is much higher now than before the pandemic. If M3 was growing at 9% to 10% then, it is growing at 13% to 14% now. So, the quantity of money has gone up. The second thing is, there has been an improvement in the terms of trade for the rural sector. What it means is, more money has gone more into rural hands than urban hands. This is fabulous for consumption because the propensity of rural people to spend is higher than urban people. In terms of monetary stimulus, I think ample money has been put into the system and some more money will come from the government. Second, and the most critical, is what needs to be done alongside a demand stimulus. It is not enough if just consumption goes up. Historically, every time India starts consuming in a big way, particularly rural India, we see imports going up and the domestic production not going up the same way. In simple terms, we don't produce enough for domestic consumption, and we end up importing everything -- it's not just crude oil and gold -- it's also everything from electronics to plastics to toys to chemicals; in fact almost everything. So, it is a fallacy to say that all India needs is demand, and everything else will be taken care of. We have shown in the last 20 years that we are unable to produce enough to meet our growth in consumption, and we end up net importing more goods and services. Then, how much will this Aatma Nirbhar Bharat slogan work when every sector, from pharma to electronics to textiles depends on imports from China? I have still not understood what Aatma Nirbhar Bharat means. I am waiting for full clarity. The prime minister has outlined all the right principles. Now, the mandarins in New Delhi are tying themselves up in knots, trying to explain why Aatma Nirbhar Bharat is not the old failed import substitution policy. I still await clarity on the real components of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. The bottom line is, we need to be able to create jobs and output in India. Why is it that our entrepreneurs are closing down garment factories in Tirupur, and shifting to Dhaka and Vietnam? Why is it that every small thing has to be imported? Why is it that the Ganesh murtis at our local temple is made in China? You go to any hotel, the bulk of the fittings are imported. If we need to create domestic jobs and output, we have to clean the banking and financial ecosystem first. It is in a mess right now. It is no position to fund growth in India. Because of the NPA crisis? It is obviously because of the NPA crisis. Actually, I think we need four sets of things, to get jobs and output going in India. First, clean up the financial sector ecosystem. Second, address issues in chronically stressed sectors like power, real estate, telecom, airline and shipping, MSME. These are all in a mess, and they have been in a mess for many, many years. But we are closing our eyes and acting like an ostrich and wishing the problem away. Third, we have to improve ease of doing investments. We have to make it easy for people to open factories and businesses and employ people. There is a huge opportunity for us. So many companies want to move out of China. Many companies want to sell in India. There is a huge opportunity for us in both Make for India and Make in India. Finally, we need to invest in healthcare, nutrition and education for our kids. But if you talk to any entrepreneur, he says it is extremely frustrating to start a business in India as you need thousands of applications and approvals. Where is the ease of doing business? Though I am not an expert, experts like Manish Sabharwal of Teamlease talk all the time about regulatory cholesterol which comes in the way of creating jobs. Ease of doing investment is missing, and that requires a lot of land reforms, labour reforms, legal reforms, capital reforms, policy stability, etc. And we have not sorted this out in the last 20 years. I am not convinced that the government has a medium-term plan for the four critical areas I have mentioned earlier. Do you feel they are tinkering here and there, and not repairing it properly? To be fair, doing all this is not easy. As a professor, it is easy for me to sit down and give armchair gyan. But these are extremely tough reforms, even tougher than the 1991 reforms. The good news is that a lot of experts have recommended what is to be done. But they are not easy to implement. The P J Naik committee says that all bureaucracy and politicians should get out of day to day banking. The report says, give PSB bankers professional autonomy and a level playing field, and hold them accountable. That would mean that the babus and netas have to do reforms, which will get them out of banking! Why would a babu or a neta give up their control over banking? What you need for tough reforms are: first, political leadership with clear ideas. Second, you need external experts who are empowered. For example, Nandan Nilekani, a technocrat, was given the task of creating the Aadhar card. Likewise in 1991, you had empowered technocrats like Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Manmohan Singh. You said we need strong political leadership to carry out such tough reforms. Do you feel in 1991, when the economy was in deep crisis, because P V Narasimha Rao had the political will and he also had experts to guide him, they were able to liberalise? No two situations are comparable. 1991 was very different and 2020 is very different. Because this is taking bitter medicine, nobody will be happy. So, you need a leadership that can say, this is the bitter medicine. You have to have it. There is no other way. Yes, in 1991, you had a good competent bureaucracy with people like Dr Y V Reddy, Dr Subbarao etc. At present, it seems the bureaucracy in the PMO is running much of the economic reforms. You don't have enough of external empowered experts, and we don't have an all-encompassing economic vision. From the political leadership perspective, I don't think there is clarity in the message on what exactly is required to get India to the goalpost. Is it big government, small government? Is it external capital, local capital? Is it Socialism, Communism or Capitalism? This government has immense political capital even now. There is no threat to their existence. Then, what is preventing them from giving the bitter pill? If you look at the 2019 BJP manifesto, it had complete clarity on socio-political objectives. And they have done admirably in following up on those promises. Equally, the manifesto was very light on the economic ideology. On their vision for the economy, the one thing it said was, the government would spend more than Rs 100 lakh on infrastructure. But where will that money come from? Where will we spend it? How will that translate into jobs and output? There was little clarity around all that. This government has been delivering all that they had promised on the socio-political side, but their ideology is not very clear when it comes to economics. Raghuram Rajan said they have managed to put the economy in a coma. How long do you think it will take for the Indian economy to come out of the coma? I still think our future is extremely bright because our biggest strength is our people. No problem in India is unsolvable. For now, our already weak economy has taken a body blow from the pandemic. I expect a double-digit contraction of the GDP. I expect deep distress for people and business. We first need to acknowledge the truth. We are trying to diminish the problem and say, everything is okay and green shoots are emerging. We have to acknowledge first the true extent of NPAs, fiscal deficit, sectoral problems, issues around ease of investment. Imagine you are a doctor and not getting accurate medical reports, how do you diagnose and treat the illness? Ignoring the reports will not make everything fine. We are not dealing with a terminal illness here, we are dealing with BP and cholesterol, which are imminently curable. But we have to understand that there is no master stroke or short cut to solve the current problem. Without creating jobs and output, we are waiting for a disaster to come. Facing pressure from the US, China wants to develop its own chip-making technology, sources tell Bloomberg. China is planning a sweeping set of new government policies to develop its domestic semiconductor industry and counter Trump administration restrictions, conferring the same kind of priority on the effort it accorded to building its atomic capability, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Beijing is preparing broad support for so-called third-generation semiconductors for the five years through 2025, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing government deliberations. A suite of measures to bolster research, education and financing for the industry has been added to a draft of the countrys 14th five-year plan, which will be presented to the countrys top leaders in October, the people said. Chinas top leaders will gather next month to lay out their economic strategy for the next half decade, including efforts to ramp up domestic consumption and make critical technology at home. President Xi Jinping has pledged an estimated $1.4 trillion through 2025 for technologies ranging from wireless networks to artificial intelligence. Semiconductors are fundamental to virtually every component of Chinas technology ambitions and an increasingly aggressive Trump administration threatens to cut off their supply from abroad. The Chinese leadership realizes that semiconductors underpin all advanced technologies, and that it can no longer dependably rely on American supplies, said Dan Wang, technology analyst at research firm Gavekal Dragonomics. In the face of stricter U.S. restrictions on chip access, Chinas response can only be to keep pushing its own industry to develop. Shares in several major Chinese chipmakers gained. Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group Co. finished 4.3% higher in Hong Kong. On mainland bourses, Will Semiconductor Ltd. the second most valuable listed Chinese chip firm rose almost 10%. Xiamen Changelight Co. closed 14% up while Focus Lightings Tech Co. jumped 5.6%. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which is responsible for drafting the tech-related goals, did not reply to a request for comment. China imports more than $300 billion worth of integrated circuits each year and its semiconductor developers rely on U.S.-made chip design tools and patents, as well as critical manufacturing technologies from U.S. allies. But deteriorating ties between Beijing and Washington have made it increasingly difficult for Chinese companies to source components and chipmaking technologies from overseas. The U.S. government has blacklisted dozens of Chinas tech companies so they cant buy American parts, and slapped bans on ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok and Tencent Holdings Ltd.s WeChat. In the case of technology giant Huawei Technologies Co., the Trump administration sanctioned the company and pressed allies to ban the companys equipment from their telecom networks. This month, Huawei, the countrys largest handset maker, will even lose access to chips from the likes of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. under new American regulations that prohibit suppliers anywhere in the world from working with the company if those suppliers use American equipment. The tighter rules have raised the urgency of building domestic alternatives in Beijing. Third-generation semiconductors are mainly chipsets made of materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride. They can operate at high frequency and in higher power and temperature environments, and are widely used in fifth-generation radio frequency chips, military-grade radars and electric vehicles. [Bloomberg] Since no single country now dominates the fledgling, third-generation technology, Chinas gamble is its corporations can compete if they accelerate research into the field now. Global leaders such as U.S.-based CREE Inc. and Japans Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. are just beginning to grow this business, while Chinese tech giants such as Sanan Optoelectronics Co. Ltd. and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corp. have made inroads on third-generation chipsets. The countrys other chipmakers, which include Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., Will Semiconductor Ltd. and National Silicon Industry Group Co., may benefit more broadly from the state support. This is a sector about to see explosive growth, Alan Zhou, managing partner of Fujian-based chip investment fund An Xin Capital Co., told an industry forum last week. Because of Chinas increasing demand and investment, this is an area that could create a world-class Chinese chip giant. India on Friday said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf and called upon the countries in the region to resolve their differences by dialogue based on mutual respect. A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the US and the UAE in recent weeks have flared up tension in the region. We are deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in his address at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here. Noting that India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all states in the Gulf, Singh called upon the countries in the region to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect. We call upon countries in the region all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs of each other, he said in his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states. Last month, Iranian navy briefly seized control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in what the US said were international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States tries to strangle its economy. According to the US Energy Information Administration, 21 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil flowed through it in 2018, or the equivalent of about 21 per cent of global petroleum liquids demand at the time. Iran has observer status in the SCO, which was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017. The Central Bureau of Investigation has told a special judge that the agencys probe against Moin Qureshi and former CBI chief AP Singh was impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is resuming the investigation in the case that lay at the center of the agencys two top officers, Rakesh Asthana and Alok Verma, feuding with each other. The CBIs status report, submitted to special judge Sanjeev Aggarwal last month, said it had earlier halted this probe pending completion of the investigation in the 2018 bribery complaint filed by one of the suspects, Sathish Babu Sana. This complaint was directed at Rakesh Asthana who was supervising the probe. Asthanas name was cleared in February this year. However, not much progress could be made in the instant case since March 2020 onwards because of Covid-19 pandemic situation, the CBI status report said. At an earlier hearing in early August, the judge had frowned at the lack of forward movement in the February 2017 case registered against millionaire meat exporter Moin Qureshi. In this FIR, the CBI had alleged that Moin Qureshi, apart from his day job of a meat exporter, also worked as a middleman for certain public servants and was helped by AP Singh who retired as CBI chief in 2012. JUDGE FLAGS 9 POINTS FOR CBI How many documents have been collected/witnesses examined What action has been taken against private persons who figure in BlackBerry messenger chats What action has been taken / proposed to be taken against those public servants of whom Moin Akhtar Qureshi was allegedly acting as a middleman, as stated in FIR What favours were obtained in lieu of bribes allegedly paid to Mr Moin Akhtar Qureshi? By whom, through whom Whether any arrest proposal was made or drafted regarding the arrest of any of the suspects in this case till date Whether ex-director of CBI AP Singh was ever examined in this case Whether role of any CBI officer was examined in this case or that of any other public servant of any other department Does, as mentioned in para 8 of the reply filed by CBI as above, merely because one person is complainant in RC 13(A)/2018/CBI?AC-III give him immunity in other cases or present case? What is the provisional timeline under which, final report in this case is proposed to be finalised by the investigating agency? The judge noted that the Moin Qureshi case, registered in February 2017 on information from the Enforcement Directorate, was yet to reach its logical end. It appears to be moving at snails pace, Aggarwal said, contrasting the pace with the offshoot of this case where a charge sheet had been filed earlier this year. Therefore, such open-ended investigations which keep on gathering dust for years together may seriously erode the credibility/faith of public at large in premier investigating agency of india i.e. CBI, which is deleterious to rule of law, more so, when one of the accused in the above RC is Sh A.P. Singh Ex. CZAR or Ex. Director of CBI, Aggarwal wrote in his 7 August order. Investigations into this case had gone for a toss after Sathish Sana Babu filed a corruption complaint against Rakesh Asthana. The allegation came around the time Asthana, who was overseeing the CBIs special team put together to probe a bunch of complaints against Moin Qureshi, was pushing for Sathish Sana Babus arrest. Asthana had alleged that Sathish Sana Babu had paid off some CBI officials to stay out of trouble. In this FIR registered by the CBI in October when Alok Verma was still the director, Babu alleged that he had paid a 2 crore bribe to Asthana via Dubai-based brothers - Manoj Prasad and Somesh Prasad - to be spared any action in the investigation linked to Qureshi. The money, he alleged, was paid over a 10-month period -- starting from December 2017. The CBI found no evidence to back this allegation against Asthana. Mercedes-Benz Korea Ltd. said Friday that Thomas Klein in charge of Mercedes-Benz Middle East will head South Korean operations starting next year. In May, Mercedes-Benz appointed Bjorn Hauber in charge of the German carmaker's Sweden and Denmark operations as president and CEO of Korean operations, but his appointment was canceled due to personal reasons. Kim Jee-seop, vice president of the customer service department at Mercedes-Benz Korea, has served as interim head of the company since July, when former Mercedes-Benz Korea President and CEO Dimitris Psillakis left Korea, the company said in a statement. Kim will continue his role until December, and Psillakis began his new position as head of Mercedes-Benz Canada from September, a company spokesman said. "I will work towards further enhancing the Korean customers' satisfaction for the Mercedes-Benz brand through new and exciting brand experiences amid the global automotive industry's transformation," Klein said in the statement. In the January-August period, Mercedes-Benz Korea sold 47,613 vehicles in Asia's fourth-biggest economy despite the coronavirus outbreak, up 0.9 percent from 47,201 units a year earlier, according to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association. German brands, including Audi-Volkswagen and BMW, sold a combined 113,799 autos in the first eight months, up 39 percent from 82,066 units a year ago, it said. When it comes to market share, they accounted for 67 percent of the Korean imported passenger vehicle market during the eight-month period, which means 7 out of 10 imported cars sold here were from Germany. (Yonhap) Traffic moves along the M6 motorway near Birmingham, England, on May 18, 2020. (Rui Vieira/AP Photo) Freight Firms Warn of Brexit Disruption amid UK-EU Deadlock LONDONBritish freight haulers and storage companies are demanding an urgent meeting with government leaders because of concern that gaps in preparations for Brexit may threaten supplies of critical goods. Trade associations representing the companies wrote to Michael Gove, the minister overseeing Britains exit from the European Union, saying that improvements to border posts and computer systems are behind schedule. Most of Britains food comes from the EU, much of it on trucks through the Channel port of Dover, and the freight industry is warning there could be major logjams when customs checks and other procedures have to be imposed on Jan. 1. The groups say that if the issues arent addressed, UK business and the supply chain that we all rely so heavily on will be severely disrupted. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said Friday he was confident goods would keep flowing. The British government is investing millions in new IT systems and border facilities and recruiting thousands of customs staff to deal with the new arrangements. More than 40 years of seamless trade with the EU will end on Jan. 1 after an 11-month transition period that followed Britains formal departure from the bloc earlier this year. The UK will leave the blocs single market and customs union, and its unclear whether there will be tariffs and other obstacles to trade. The two sides hope to strike a free-trade deal, but negotiations are deadlocked with just months to go. The trade groups, including the UK Warehousing Association, Logistics UK and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, said the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of a supply chain that works properly. With transition occurring at the same time as a potential second COVID spike, it is critical we ensure the supply chain is protected, they said. EU and British negotiators are due to meet in London on Monday for a crucial week of talkstheir eighth round in negotiations that have made little progress. The EU says a deal has to be struck before November to allow time for parliamentary approval and legal vetting before the transition period expires at years end. But the talks are deadlocked over fishing rights and rules for state aid to businesses. The EU is insisting on a level-playing field for companies, so British firms cant undercut the blocs environmental or workplace standards, or pump public money into UK industries. Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said this week that he was worried and disappointed by the lack of progress. So far the UK has not, frankly speaking, engaged constructively, Barnier told an event hosted by an Irish think tank. The UK is still looking to keep the benefits of the EU and the single market without the obligations. Britain accuses the bloc of making demands that it has not imposed on other countries it has free trade deals with, such as Canada, and is also vexed by EU demands for long-term access to British fishing waters. Supporters of Brexit say leaving the EUs single market for goods and services will let Britain strike new trade deals around the world. Talks are underway with major countries including the U.S.which have made slow progressand Japan. Most economists say new trade deals are unlikely to make up for the economic hit of erecting barriers with the EU, which accounts for almost half of Britains trade. by Danica Kirka and Jill Lawless Rajkumari Sharma Tankha By Express News Service The master of anecdotal comedy, Anubhav Singh Bassi, never planned to be a comedian. He studied to be a lawyer and was practicing law when his life took a turn. I thought of switching to an inhouse legal position. It was in November 2017, I had to appear for a job interview in Gurugram. And on the same day, I had a performance at Canvas Laugh Club (Gurugram), where I had registered as I wanted to try my hand at comedy as a hobby. My performance garnered a great response from the audience, which made me do it again and again. And here I am. I think I was destined to be a stand-up comedian, shares Bassi. Born and raised in Parikshit Garh near Meerut to a dad who is an agriculturalist and mother, a homemaker, Bassi went to pursue his BA LLB (H) from Lucknows National Law University. As comedy didnt start out as a conscious career change, and it was something he was still exploring, Bassi never felt the need to disclose it to his parents. Over time, I started enjoying comedy, the acts and the audiences. Once I decided to pursue it full-time, I called my parents to my show so that they could witness first-hand what I did. They were aware about stand-up comedy through my sisters who knew what I was doing so I didnt get any dramatic reactions from them. Now, all is good. Before he decided to delve into stand-up, Bassi says he was doing quite well practising law at the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. Then, I decided to sit for UPSC exams, but couldnt clear the preliminary exams. After I flunked the second time, I realised it wasnt for me. Then, Bassi set up a restaurant in New Delhi, but had to shut shop after six months as it wasnt working well. I consider these (low points) as pitstops on my journey to wherever I am today and wherever I will go from here, says the huge Kapil Sharma and Zakir Khan fan. He admires Sharma for his comic timing and Khan for his storytelling skills. The others who inspire me for their craft are Sumit Anand, Nishant Suri, Pratyush Chaubey who are very skilled at writing and Manik Mahna, Rahul Dua, Devesh Dixit who can captivate their audiences really well. Also, I find Harsh Gujral, Gaurav Gupta and Gaurav Kapoor extremely witty. Bassis format of doing comedy is purely anecdotal. It is based on what I have experienced myself and observed being with friends and family. I gather all that information, and try to express it in the most interesting and funny way, he puts in. On the perception that people who make others laugh are hiding their sorrows, Bassi says that this is everyones story. Of course, I get sad, and all these failures I talked about did not make me happy when I faced them. I just happened to find comedy in my personal tragedy. I am not a funny person off stage. Being a comedian doesnt mean you have to be funny 24x7. I am a good performer and I know how to tell a good story on stage, he avers, adding he finds audiences in Bengaluru and Delhi the best in terms of understanding jokes, sarcasms and acts. Gurgaon and Jaipur are up there as well, says Bassi. To his audiences and fans, he says: Be happy and live your journey. Everyone has the same destination, so just enjoy whatsoever comes your way. Chill maro, aish karo! Kali9/iStockBy MEREDITH DELISO, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- Washington, D.C., police released body camera footage Thursday of the fatal police shooting of an 18-year-old Black man, following protests outside a police station and Mayor Muriel Bowser's home. The footage was shared less than 24 hours after Deon Kay was shot and killed by a patrol officer from the Metropolitan Police Department's Seventh District in southeast Washington, D.C. "Our community is hurting, and we know that they want answers," Bowser said at a press briefing Thursday. "We are still gathering all the facts in MPD, and my administration will conduct a full investigation of this incident." According to MPD Police Chief Peter Newsham, officers responded to reports of "a man with a gun" at approximately 3:49 p.m. Police had seen a livestream on social media of the man, whom they knew, he said. Newsham did not indicate if the man was Kay. As police arrived on the scene, two individuals left a car and allegedly fled on foot with the officers in pursuit. The officer involved in the shooting was following one of the men, but stopped when the suspect "gained too much distance," the chief said. When the officer turned around, "that's when Deon Kay approached and displayed a handgun. And in response to that the officer fired one round," Newsham said. Kay was shot once in the chest, Newsham said. Police rendered first aid and he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the chief said. The officer saw Kay allegedly throw the firearm at some point during the incident. A handgun believed to be Kay's was found nearly 100 feet from the scene of the shooting, Newsham said. Newsham described Kay as a "validated gang member" from the area. "I know that he's had multiple touches with the criminal justice system," he said, adding that it's clear that Kay "fell through multiple safety nets before yesterday afternoon." Two people at the scene were arrested, police said. A 19-year-old was charged with carrying a pistol without a license. He was allegedly in possession of an unregistered "ghost gun," according to Newsham. An 18-year-old was charged with no permit for not having a driver's license. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is conducting an independent review surrounding the use of force, Newsham said. The officer who discharged his weapon was identified as Alexander Alvarez, in compliance with police reforms enacted in July that requires MPD to release the names of officers involved in the use of deadly or serious force. The reforms also require MPD to release body camera footage within five days of such an incident. The legislation passed amid protests over police brutality after the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. Newsham encouraged people to watch the footage and "draw your own conclusions, in hindsight or not," when asked at which point Kay allegedly discarded a gun. "One of the reasons we put it out as quickly as we did is because there's a lot of misinformation in the current climate that we have, not only here in Washington, D.C., but across the country," Newsham said. "Misinformation can lead potentially to some disturbances in our city, and that's the last thing that we wanted to see." In the bodycam footage of the incident released Thursday, Alvarez can be seen exiting the passenger side of a squad car and immediately running through the parking lot of an apartment complex. During the shaky, quick-moving footage, he can be heard saying "Don't move" several times before the sound of gunfire. Kay is then seen falling to the ground. Following the shooting, an officer can be heard saying, "He tossed it down there." Alvarez then appears to look for a gun. "I gotta find it," he says. About two minutes after the shooting, he says, "I got it right here." "This is the one that he was holding," Alvarez can be heard telling a second officer, whose face is blurred. Alvarez later asks the other officer, "Is he in bad shape?" To which the officer responds, "Don't worry about it right now." Alvarez starts to move back toward the scene of the shooting when the officer tells him to "stay right there." "I know you're worried about everything that's going on. Don't worry, people are taking care of everything else," the officer says. During the footage, the second officer can be heard talking to a dispatcher about a suspect that had allegedly fled on foot. "It's a possibility he might be armed as well," the officer says. On Thursday, the department shared images of two recovered handguns. Following news of the police-involved shooting, protesters gathered outside of the Seventh District police station Wednesday night. More than two dozen protesters also demonstrated in front of Bowser's home Thursday morning, demanding that the police chief be fired. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Democratic presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha Wisconsin - AFP Joe Biden last night spoke to and prayed with Jacob Blake, the black man who was shot seven times in the back by police. The shooting of Mr Blake, 29, in front of his three children, in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Aug 23 sparked days of rioting and escalated racial tensions across America. On a visit to Kenosha, Mr Biden met with his family for 90 minutes at an airport and Mr Blake, who is now paralysed, phoned in from his hospital bed. His mother led everyone, including Mr Biden, in a prayer for his recovery. An emotional Mr Biden later said: "I had an opportunity to spend some time with Jacob on the phone. He's out of ICU [intensive care). We spoke for about 15 minutes. "He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not, he was not going to give up. "His mother said 'I'm praying for Jacob and I'm praying for the policeman as well. I'm praying that things change'. A lot of people understand fear doesn't solve problems, only hope does." Image taken from police bodycam video released by the Rochester, New York, Police Department, shows police arresting Daniel Prude after allegedly putting a hood on him - AFP Ben Crump, the family's lawyer, who was present, said: "Jacob shared about the pain he is enduring, and the vice president commiserated. It was very obvious that Vice President Biden cared, as he extended to Jacob a sense of humanity, treating him as a person worthy of consideration and prayer." The meeting came two days after Mr Trump visited Kenosha and, in a stark contrast to Mr Biden, declined to meet with Mr Blake's family while offering full-throated support for police. Speaking to a small socially distanced group at the Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Mr Biden condemned Mr Trump for exploiting the "dark side". People reflect by a makeshift memorial on Jefferson Avenue following the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude - Reuters He said: "I made a mistake. I thought you could defeat hate. Hate only hides, it hides. When someone in authority breathes oxygen under those rocks, it legitimises those folks to come out from under those rocks. It legitimises the dark side of human nature." The Democrat nominee, wearing a mask, added: "As much as they say that Black Lives Matter has lost some standing since the presidents gone on this rant about law and order, you still have more than 50 percent of people supporting it. People are beginning to figure out who we are as a country. This is not who we are." Story continues Mr Biden arrived in Kenosha shortly after shattering the monthly US record for election fundraising, collecting $364.5 million in August. The candidate said he was "humbled" by donations from families suffering in the pandemic. Biden speaks at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha Wisconsin - AFP It was his first campaign visit to the key state of Wisconsin, which Mr Trump won unexpectedly in 2016. David Bowen, a Democrat Wisconsin state representative, said: "Mr Trump came here to fan the flames and it's important for Joe Biden to come with a fire extinguisher, to come with a hug." Mr Trump mocked his opponent's rare foray out of his home state of Delaware, calling him "Joe Hiden," and Republicans accused Mr Biden of politicising events in Kenosha. Bill Stepien, Mr Trumps campaign manager, said: "This is not the time to be injecting politics into a really serious situation that the president helped solve." Meanwhile, new protests erupted in Rochester, New York over the death of an unarmed black man who suffocated when police put a bag over his head. Daniel Prude, 41, who was mentally ill, unarmed and running naked through the street, died after officers used a "spit hood" and pressed down on his scalp for two minutes as he shouted "Youre trying to kill me!" Justin Blake, uncle of Jacob Blake, protests outside the Grace Lutheran Church where Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden spoke earlier - AP The incident happened on March 23 but footage was only released this week. Rochester's mayor last night suspended seven police officers involved. Joe Prude, the dead man's brother who had called emergency services, said: "I placed a phone call for my brother to get help. Not for my brother to get lynched." BAKU, Azerbaijan, Aug. 31 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 34 times, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. Armenian armed forces were using large-caliber machine guns. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Turkeys broadcasting watchdog will order Netflix to block local access to French film Cuties, on the grounds that it contains images of child exploitation. The ruling comes after Turkeys Family Ministry requested that the board evaluate the films potential impact on children. Reuters reported that Radio and Television High Council (RTUK) announced that the verdict to block the films screening was decided unanimously. It was determined that the film contained exploitation and abuse which might lead to potential child exploitation behaviour patterns. Cuties, titled Mignonnes in France, became the subject of controversy after Netflix was accused of sexualising 11-year-old girls in its promotional poster for the film, which was vastly different from the French version. (Netflix (Netflix) Recently, director Maimouna Doucoure said she received death threats after Netflix released the tone-deaf poster for her film. The streaming giant ended up removing it and issuing an apology for the inappropriate artwork. Doucoure told Deadline she received a private apology from Ted Sarandos, Netflixs co-CEO, after the incident. The movie, which won a directing award at the Sundance Film Festival this year, tells the story of an 11-year-old Muslim girl who starts to rebel against her conservative familys traditions when she becomes fascinated with a free-spirited dance crew. The decision to block the screening of Cuties in Turkey follows recent media reports of Turkish government interference in another Netflix series titled If Only, due to the shows inclusion of a gay character. (Israel Hayom via JNS) Former U.S. Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Jason Greenblatt on Wednesday called on those who oppose the suspension of Israels sovereignty initiative in favor of peace with the United Arab Emirates to reconsider their approach. Greenblatt, one of the architects of U.S. President Donald Trumps Middle East peace plan, said he hopes Israeli sovereignty isnt a matter of if, but when. Q: Why was the sovereignty bid essentially taken off the table? After all, President Trump declared that Israel can apply [its] law in the areas in... Downing Street has said it regrets the decision of Donald Trumps administration to sanction senior figures in the International Criminal Court. The rebuke came as the US presidents son-in-law and close adviser Jared Kushner visited London for talks with foreign secretary Dominic Raab. It was not immediately clear whether the ICC move was discussed in the meeting at the Foreign Office, which was joined briefly by Boris Johnson. Mr Trump issued an executive order in June allowing the US to block the assets of ICC employees and stop them entering the country. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko, the head of the Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division, were to be sanctioned under this order. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA UK news in pictures 29 November 2021 Home Secretary Priti Patel is greeted by a police dog at a special memorial service for Met Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana Getty UK news in pictures 28 November 2021 Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City battles for possession with Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United during a match at the Etihad during snow Manchester City/Getty UK news in pictures 27 November 2021 Residents clear branches from a fallen tree in Birkenhead, north west England as Storm Arwen triggered a rare red weather warning AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 26 November 2021 A killer whale (orca in the fjord of Skjervoy, northern Norway AFP/Getty The US is one of a dozen states which have not signed up to the ICC, and the current move was being seen as a response into ongoing investigations into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Responding to the US action, Mr Johnsons official spokesman said: The UK regrets the measures taken by the US against ICC employees. These officials must be able to carry out their work independently and impartially, without fear of sanction. Mr Kushner stopped off in London on his way back to the US from a tour of the Middle East, where he has been attempting to broker a breakthrough in the peace process and create a coalition to counter Iranian influence in the region. His talks at the Foreign Office are thought to have focused on the prospects for peace in the Middle East. Kushner, who has been leading the Trump administrations work on a peace deal, was on board the first direct commercial passenger flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel on Monday to mark a US-brokered deal to normalise relations. Mr Raab welcomed US peace plans released by the White House in January as a serious proposal, reflecting extensive time and effort, though they were widely dismissed as excessively favourable towards Israel. Lionel Messi continues to delay a final decision on his future as the Barcelona board were potentially thrown into more turmoil on Thursday night by a report in Spanish outlet El Mundo suggesting they are subject to allegations of corruption. El Mundo reported that the Catalan police force have filed a report to the judge investigating Barcelona's hiring of social media consultancy I3 Ventures to monitor its online presence that concluded 'possible economic crimes'. The allegation, according to El Mundo, is that Barcelona paid up to 600 per cent above the going rate for the services of I3 Ventures who were employed to monitor Barcelona's social media. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his board have been accused of corruption Lionel Messi delayed a decision on his future after the accusations came to light on Thursday The investigating judge will have to decide whether or not to act on the report and could ask Barcelona directors to testify. Controversy around Barcelona's link to I3 Ventures emerged in February when Cadena Ser reported that the company hired to monitor social media were linked to a series of social media accounts that ran negative stories about club figures who were in potential opposition to president Josep Bartomeu. Barcelona cancelled their contract with I3 Ventures shortly afterwards. Bartomeu and Messi have been at war after the captain made it known that he wanted to leave In July, Barcelona made public the findings of an investigation by audit company PWC that ruled they did not commission I3 Ventures to run a smear campaign against important club figures. The audit also suggested they did not pay over the market price for the services but El Mundo reported that the police report argues that an audit commissioned by an interested party could not be 'conclusive'. The latest twist to the drama at Barcelona comes following news on Wednesday evening that club captain Messi was close to admitting defeat in his battle to leave the club for Manchester City, according to reports in Argentina. Messi looked as though he was going to leave the club yet this week has brought fresh chaos Barcelona asked Messi's father and agent Jorge to help persuade his son to reconsider his attempt to force his way out of the club, in a 90-minute meeting with Nou Camp president Josep Bartomeu on Wednesday night. With neither side appearing willing to back down, the stalemate looked set to continue - but the message has been relayed to the Barcelona captain and he is understood to be considering his options. Several media in Argentina, who first reported that Messi had sent a burofax to Barcelona requesting a free transfer, even suggested he was now '90 per cent likely to stay'. Jorge Messi held showdown talks with Barcelona president Bartomeu on Wednesday Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann has expressed his desire for Messi to stay at the Camp Nou. Messi's future at Barcelona remains unresolved, and Griezmann admitted that he doesn't have any inside information about whether his exalted team-mate will stay. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Griezmann said: 'We try to have news, but what happens is between the club and him. We just hope he stays. We listen to a bit of everything but we don't know more on our part'. By PTI NEW DELHI: Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is understood to have sought a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of a key Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet in Moscow, people familiar with the development said on Thursday. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a tense border row in eastern Ladakh for nearly four months now. Singh and Wei are currently in Moscow to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers on Friday. According to information, the Chinese side conveyed to the Indian mission its keenness to have a meeting between the two defence ministers. However, there is no official confirmation about it. Tensions flared in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake four days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. ALSO READ | Totally convinced solution to India-China border row has to be found in domain of diplomacy: Jaishankar India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. India on Thursday said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations. ALSO READ | LAC situation direct result of Chinese actions: New Delhi lashes out at Beijing The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) that squarely put the blame on China for the prolonged border standoff came even as Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat asserted that India's armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in "best suitable ways". While understanding of COVID has grown significantly , its still not known why some people become extremely ill and others dont. Not everyone is willing to be patient until the remaining questions are answered, and a surprising number of citizens seem to believe that scientists and public health officials are working against them. recent survey by the Brookings Institution found that 11 percent of the Americans who dont wear a mask in public are motivated by the belief that the pandemic is a conspiracy. Almost a third of Americans, and two-thirds of Republicans, believe that the death toll has been exaggerated A climate of divisiveness and finger pointing is fertile ground for lawsuits, and a number of states have acted to protect businesses, caregivers, schools and government itself from liability relating to injury and death resulting from COVID-19. Dozens of bills have been put forward in recent months, all creating a shield against civil liability in the absence of definitive proof that a specific act on the order of gross negligence can be connected to a specific injury.Here are brief summaries of some of these bills, with complete details available through the links provided:Among other provisions, Nevada SB4 establishes that business that have been in substantial compliance with health standards are immune from liability from claims relating to COVID injury or death, unless the plaintiff can prove that an act of gross negligence was the proximate cause of injury or death. Nursing homes, hospitals, independent emergency care facilities and similar facilities are not included within the term business as defined by the bill, whether operated for profit or by nonprofit organizations. The bill was signed by Gov. Steve Sisolak on Aug. 11. HB59 , a Louisiana bill enacted in July, provides public schools, charter schools and public post-secondary education institutions with immunity from civil liability related to injury or death resulting from actual or alleged COVID-19 exposures. This immunity extends to actions taken in response to the COVID public health emergency. It may not be claimed if the entity in question is found to have engaged in gross negligence or wanton or reckless misconduct.Tennessee HB8013 would make governmental entities in the state immune from COVID-19-related claims unless a claimant can provide clear and convincing evidence that their injury was the result of an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence. Government employees are also protected, though not if it can be proved that an act or omission that was willful, malicious, criminal or performed for personal financial gain directly caused an injury. SB5098 , in Virginia, includes liability protection for designers, manufacturers and distributors of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Persons protected from liability under the act include individuals, corporations, nonprofits, associations, joint ventures and other legal or commercial entities as well as the commonwealth, its subdivisions, local governments, its agents and persons acting on its behalf. Provisions of the bill expire two years after states of emergency are declared to be ended.In addition to protection for businesses and those involved in providing PPE, Michigan SB1024 also provides protection for those who design, sell, distribute, manufacture or provide insurance coverage for cleaning and disinfecting supplies, as well as those who order them. Qualified products include medications prescribed for off-label use as COVID-19 treatments. It extends immunity to those who provide health care services, shelter patients and first responders for quarantine purposes. As in other bills, this protections may be withdrawn in cases of gross negligence. The German mother suspected of killing five of her own children had prevented her husband from trying to take his own life in April, it has emerged. The man's suicide attempt was stopped by 27-year-old Christiane K, who tried to end her own life jumping on railway tracks on Thursday after allegedly poisoning her five children. According to Bild, the man was the father of some of the younger children and his suicide attempt in late April drew the attention of police in the town of Solingen, but their offer of help was turned away. A neighbour told RTL that police and social services had been to the apartment block before and that the father had repeatedly been ordered out of the flat. Christiane K.'s sixth and eldest child, Marcel, 11, was unharmed and is now being looked after by his relatives (pictured: the mother kissing her eldest) A female forensic investigator enters the apartment building where five children were found dead in Solingen on Thursday Funeral workers carry a body to a hearse under the protection of uniformed police officers wearing masks outside the apartment building Teddy bears and candles are left out in tribute to the five children who died in what the state's interior minister called a 'family tragedy' Police are thought to have made contact with the father after the bodies of the five children were discovered on Thursday, while an elder 11-year-old child is being looked after by other relatives after allegedly witnessing his siblings' deaths. His mother took him on a train to Duesseldorf where she got out and jumped on the tracks, but survived with serious injuries while the boy, Marcel, travelled on to his grandmother's house. The five dead children were three girls aged one, two and three, and two boys aged six and eight. According to Bild, Marcel's younger brothers were called Luca and Timo, while the three young daughters were Sophie, Leonie and Melina. Police have made contact with the children's father, it is believed, after forensic officers scoured the apartment building on Thursday afternoon. In 2014, the mother told her social media contacts that she had 'lost the love of her life' - before suffering a further personal crisis when her apartment burned down. However, the motive for the alleged killings is not known and police said it was too early to speak about it. One criminologist warned that possible warning signs might have gone unnoticed because of the pandemic and resulting lockdown. A hand-print is seen in the window of the apartment building where forensic investigators continued working as darkness fell on Thursday A policewoman stands in front of the apartment building in Solingen, Germany, on Thursday night Police officers investigate the scene at the apartment complex in Solingen on Thursday evening Police said they were alerted by the children's grandmother in nearby Moenchengladbach, who had recently been in contact with the mother. 'We were informed shortly before 2pm that five children had died and this has unfortunately been confirmed,' police spokesman Stefan Weiand said. 'At the moment we believe that the 27-year-old mother appears to be responsible,' he added. The mother was not at the apartment when they arrived at the scene, they said. She is now in hospital but not yet in a fit state to speak to police. Asked about reports that medication was involved in the children's deaths, Weiand said: 'We are investigating in that direction.' Emergency personnel outside the apartment block in Solingen where five children were found dead in Germany on Thursday An investigator in forensic gear works on the balcony of the apartment building where a mother is suspected of having killed her five children Rescuers themselves were said to be traumatised by what they found in the building, and also shocked by the state of the flat. One report said that rescuers had tried to resuscitate the children but arrived too late to save their lives. Detectives are now awaiting the results of toxicological tests on the children, who did not have any visible injuries. After leaving the apartment, 11-year-old Marcel travelled with his mother to Duesseldorf and continued on alone to his grandmother in Moenchengladbach. It is unclear whether he witnessed his mother's suicide attempt. The woman was rescued from between two track beds and taken to a local hospital for treatment, emergency services said. German railway operator DB said there were temporary closures in Dusseldorf because an emergency doctor had been needed on the track. The bodies were discovered at an apartment building in Solingen, 20 miles from Cologne in western Germany Police officers stand behind lines of tape at the entrance of the apartment block in Solingen A police officer lifts up a line of tape for an investigator in forensic gear to enter the building Several police officers could be seen around the apartment building in the early evening, along with ambulances and police vehicles in a cordoned-off area. Police said more than 40 officers were dispatched to the scene. 'The family tragedy in Solingen fills me with great sadness and at the moment my thoughts and prayers are with the five small children whose lives were snatched from them so terribly early,' said Herbert Reul, interior minister for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Tim Kurzbach, the mayor of Solingen, said: 'I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news that five dead children have been found in our city.' Solingen is a city of 160,000 people around 20 miles from Duesseldorf and Cologne. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. German police have found the bodies of five children in a building in the town of Solingen (pictured, emergency vehicles in front of the house) The balcony of an apartment at the Solingen residential block, where emergency rescuers were said to be traumatised by what they found Because Trump's followers are members of a cult, they will either deny Trump described American war dead as "losers" and "suckers" or they will wait for Tucker Carlson to explain why it's a good thing Trump said it. From The Atlantic: Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day. In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers." In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as "suckers" for getting killed. Belleau Wood is a consequential battle in American history, and the ground on which it was fought is venerated by the Marine Corps. America and its allies stopped the German advance toward Paris there in the spring of 1918. But Trump, on that same trip, asked aides, "Who were the good guys in this war?" He also said that he didn't understand why the United States would intervene on the side of the Allies. The age of sexual consent is 12 years in the Philippines, one of the lowest in the world. The Congress of the Philippines has filed a bill raising the age of statutory rape to 16 years from 12, which happens to be one of the lowest ages of consent in the world. And rights groups in the Philippines say despite efforts to advance the rights of women and young girls in the country, progress is slow compared with other countries. Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan reports from Manila, Philippines. Speedo International has launched an investigation following a report claiming human rights abuse by its Indian partner Page Industries.

The company is the exclusive licensee of the swimwear distributor in India and Sri Lanka.

Its a large business - with more than 20,000 employees by 2018 and operations across 15 sites in India.

It's been dropped by Norway's trillion dollar wealth fund - which is accusing it of consistent violations.

The findings, from Norway's wealth fund ethics council report, claims the abuse is not a one off- but a "pattern of behaviour" in its factories in the southern city of Bengaluru.

The Council of Ethics' findings is also accusing Page manufacturers of risking health and safety of its staff by violating national rules on fire safety.

It says the organisation "does little" to protect employees rights and failed to permit an inspection of the factory.

The fund believes these alleged reasons combined make it a company with "unacceptable risk".

However, despite the Indian manufacturer found to be compliant in an audit, Speedo says it is "naturally concerned" about the report's findings.

A spokesperson for the brand said: "We will investigate and follow up with the licensee as a matter of urgency."

Page Industries is yet to comment on the accusations in the report, or on the decision by Norway's fund to take it off its books.

Broward had the most new signed contracts in August compared to its neighboring South Florida counties. Its no surprise, one Realtor said, with more buyers both from out-of-state and Miami searching for a sweet middle ground when it comes to density. Most of our buyers are not looking to go to a rural area. They feel that Broward is a compromise of having some of the advantages of a big city, said Dan Teixeira, a Realtor for Douglas Elliman. New signed contracts more than doubled year-over-year in Broward, by a 135.6% increase for single-family homes and a 161.1% growth for condos, according to the Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel August 2020 report. Miami-Dade experienced a year-over-year increase of 18.5% for single-family home sales and by 2.2% for condos. The report compared the number of newly signed contracts for homes priced between $200,000 to above $1 million on the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, in August 2019 versus August 2020. The market is robust in Broward, Teixeira said. We handled long before Covid the quality of life issues. The buyers that are coming up here from Miami and, predominantly, from New York have sensed that Broward offers them a lot of options, from boating to the beach promenade. Related story lead image Sign Up: Re | source The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show put Broward on the map for out-of-state buyers, Teixeira said. Most, if not all, Broward buyers want a waterfront home. Fort Lauderdale beach is attracting condo buyers and Harbor Beach, Las Olas Isles, and Sunrise Intracoastal is drawing those searching for a single-family home. Buyers from the Northeast and California are driving sales in South Florida, said Teixeira and Dina Goldentayer, executive director of sales at Douglas Elliman. The amount of new listings is not keeping up with growing demand, according to the report. Except for a 12% year-over-year increase in new listings for single-family homes in Miami-Dade, the number of new listings fell in Miami-Dade and Broward. Story continues The pandemic has made people realize that they either love their home and will never sell or want to sell and want something different, Goldentayer said. Miami-Dade New signed contracts for single-family homes grew from 1,248 in August 2019 to 1,479 in August 2020. This year, the majority of contracts were for homes priced between $300,000 to $399,999 while homes priced below $200,000 experienced the least amount of activity. The number of new listings increased from 942 in August 2019 to 1,055 in August 2020. Most of the homes added this year were priced between $400,000 to $499,999. New signed contracts for condos increased from 1,308 in August 2019 to 1,337 in August 2020. Condos listed from $200,000 to $299,999 sold the most with the least amount of sales happening for homes priced from $800,000 to $999,999. The number of new listings fell by 45.3%, from 3,674 in August 2019 to 2,010 in August 2020. Most of the condos added in August were priced between $200,000 to $299,999. Broward New signed contracts for single-family homes increased from 334 in August 2019 to 787 in August 2020. The majority of buyers bought homes priced between $300,000 to $399,999 in August 2020. Single-family homes priced from $800,000 to $999,999 saw the least amount of activity. A total of 1,122 single-family homes were added in August 2019 compared to 1,010 in August 2020, a 10% year-over-year decrease. Most of the houses added to the market were listed from $300,000 to $399,999. The county saw 334 condo sales in August 2019 compared to 872 in August 2020. Most buyers gravitated to units listed below $200,000 in 2020 with the least amount signing contracts for units listed above $1 million. The market received 1,521 new condo listings in August 2019 compared to 1,276 in August 2020, a 16.1% year-over-year decline in new listings. Most of the homes added were listed below $200,000. By PTI NEW DELHI: India's total COVID-19 recoveries crossed the 30 lakh-mark on Friday, taking the recovery rate to over 77 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday, asserting that the figures show that the number of patients recovering is steadily rising. One of the goals of the 'Test-Track-Treat' strategy of the Centre is to reduce COVID mortality and keep the case fatality rate low, the ministry said in a statement. There has been sharp attention on sustaining high levels of recoveries and to strengthen the clinical treatment protocols to provide a uniform standardised level of medical care to save lives, it said. "Not only is India's case fatality rate lower than the global average and progressively declining (current figure is 1.74 per cent), but a very small proportion of active cases, amounting to less than 0.5 per cent, are on ventilator support," the ministry said. CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES OF COVID-19 It said that data also shows that two per cent cases are in ICUs and less than 3.5 per cent of the active cases occupy oxygen supported beds. As a result of these measures, India's total COVID-19 recoveries crossed 30 lakh (30,37,151) on Friday. The ministry said that with the recovery of 66,659 patients in the last 24 hours, India has continued its trajectory of posting more than 60,000 recoveries for the eighth consecutive day. The recovery rate amongst COVID-19 patients is 77.15 per cent demonstrating that the number of patients recovering is steadily rising over the past several months, it said. The higher number of recoveries has also led to a steady enhancement in the difference between the recovered and active cases, and this difference has crossed 22 lakh, as on date. This ensured that the actual caseload of the country (8,31,124 which are under active medical care), has reduced and currently comprises only 21.11 per cent of the total positive cases. The total number of COVID-19 cases mounted to 39,36,747, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 68,472 with 1,096 people succumbing to it in a day, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. Henry Black has been bartending for several years, and he said hes grateful for all that hes learned about life and the service industry along the way. Black was born in Papillion, Nebraska, but he grew up in Persia. He was a student in the Tri-Center Community School District for his elementary and middle school years, but his fathers military career had his family moving all across the country during his childhood. His family later moved to Council Bluffs and he attended Abraham Lincoln High School, where he graduated in 2012. Black has lived in Council Bluffs ever since, and hes been an active member of the service industry throughout. He worked at a handful of watering holes in the metro area before landing at The BLK Squirrel, 154 W. Broadway, where hes been slinging drinks for more than four years now. Black said he loves working in smaller bars such as The BLK Squirrel, saying he enjoys the more intimate atmosphere. He said the staff and regulars are great, and hes made several lasting connections over the years. He said its a unique line of work that leads him to expanding his tastes and meeting all walks of life. Black said one of the best parts of his craft is experimenting with new ingredients. The bar recently brought in a shipment of buzz button flowers, which when consumed produce a buzzy, numb feeling on the tongue that also heighten tastebud sensitivity. He said hes been putting them in his daquiris, which help bring out the sweetness of the rum and the sour flavors of the fresh lime juice. He said The BLK Squirrel prides itself on making several of its cocktail ingredients in-house. Black said he enjoys being a part of the 100 Block. calling it a very neighborly community, and he always like to share conversations and drinks with fellow service industry workers, customers and other business members. Black said that anyone looking to have a quality drink and conversation should look him up at The BLK Squirrel. Before the Covid-19 pandemic slashed global fuel demand and sent prices to record lows, the U.S. was a significant supplier of tanker-borne gas to northwest Europe. But U.S. fuel must be chilled into a liquid form and shipped across the Atlantic at great cost. Russia is transporting its gas mostly through the worlds largest network of pipelines that have been in place for decades. This year transatlantic LNG shipments have become even less economic. Yet U.S. suppliers are focused on long-term prospects, and have had some success securing deals with Poland. More broadly, they have to hope for a resolution of the trade war between the U.S. and China, whose imports of U.S. gas have slumped since the government in Beijing applied tariffs in retaliation to levies imposed by the White House. The International Energy Agency expects the U.S. to become the worlds biggest LNG seller in 2025. Mumbai, Sep 4 : A Mumbai court on Friday sent alleged peddler Abdul Basit Parihar in the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) custody till September 9 in a drugs case. This comes a day after the court sent another accused Zaid Vilatra in NCB custody till September 9. Parihar was arrested on Thursday, a day after he was detained for questioning following revelations made by Vilatra regarding the supply of drugs. Both the arrests were made after the NCB registered a case on August 26 on the request of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after alleged WhatsApp messages between late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and his ex-manager Shruti Modi, Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda and flatmate Siddharth Pithani came to light. After registering the case, the NCB conducted searches in Mumbai on August 27-28 night and arrested Abbas Lakhani and Karan Arora and seized 'bud' (marijuana product) from their possession. There was mention of 'bud' in the alleged social media messages between those involved. An official had claimed that a detailed analysis and follow-up investigation had helped uncover the link between Lakhani and Vilatra, who allegedly disclosed that he earned a substantial amount through peddling, especially of 'bud'. "Based on Vilatra's interrogation, Parihar was made to join investigation. Parihar's links with other accused were also established, based on preliminary inquiry by the ED," the official said. An NCB source said that Parihar had connections with Miranda, who was also a close associate of Rhea. Miranda is accused of procuring drugs on the instructions of Showik Chakraborty. Earlier in the day, the NCB carried out searches at the residence of Showik and Miranda and took them for questioning at its office. The NCB also seized a laptop and diary of Showik. The NCB source said that it will summon others named in the case soon for questioning. The NCB registered a case against Rhea, her brother Showik, talent manager Jaya Saha, Shruti Modi, and Goa-based hotelier Gaurav Arya under Sections 20 (b), 28, and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery EDWARDSVILLE The Scott Credit Union family is mourning the loss this week of former long-term board chair Betty Renth. Renth, who retired from the SCU Board of Directors in 2016, passed away this week. She had volunteered as a director and chairman of the board for over 60 years. It is with great sadness that we are mourning the loss of someone who played a major role in our success for six decades, said Scott Credit Union President & CEO Frank Padak. Its hard to put into words the impact that Betty had on Scott Credit Union over her years of volunteer service. Renth, who had lived in New Baden and had served on the SCU Board from 1955 through 2016, was a driving force in Scott Credit Unions growth and development over that time, according to Padak. Renth had served as SCUs Board Chair since 1971. When she retired, we elected Betty as an Emeritus Director, Padak added. Betty was truly an inspiration, a mentor and friend to many people over the years here at Scott Credit Union. Renth was presented with a lifetime achievement award upon her retirement to mark her years of service as a leader. Bettys service to Scott Credit Union set a standard of excellence and dedication that will likely be unmatched, Padak said. Betty truly defined the greatness we want Scott Credit Union to achieve each and every day. Bettys service to Scott Credit Union is synonymous with excellence. We were extremely fortunate to have Betty as a leader in our organization. Renth received national and state recognition for her dedication and service to SCU and the credit union industry. Starting in 1988, she served two three-year terms on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen. In 1997, Betty was awarded the Spirit of Service Award and named Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Credit Union System. She was inducted into the Illinois Credit Union Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2005, Betty was honored during the national annual convention of the National Center for Credit Unions as a second runner up for the Director of the Year Award. The award was a national contest to acknowledge the work of the top three credit union directors in the nation, Padak noted. In 2006, Betty was inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor was established to acknowledging individuals whose exceptional contributions over the years have made a significant difference in the defense credit union community. In 2008, Renth was inducted into Whos Who in Americas Credit Unions. She was honored among the top leaders for her accomplishments and service in the credit union industry. Whos Who in Americas Credit Unions annually recognizes those who have contributed most to the nations credit union movement. In 2012, Scott Credit Unions state-of-the-art Home Office building was named the Betty Renth Building, Padak added. A couple say their travel company has threatened them with bailiffs unless they pay for a holiday they no longer feel safe going on. Months before the pandemic hit, in January, Leah Maybourne and Ben Johnson from Maidstone, Kent, had booked a week in Turkey through TUI. They were due to fly to Belek in the province of Antalya on September 21 and stay in TUI's Magic Life Masmavi five star resort. They paid a 100 deposit at the time, but now they want to reschedule the trip amid health fears over the threat of coronavirus. Ben Johnson and Leah Maybourne say TUI staff threatened them with bailiffs unless they pay for 2,000 holiday to Turkey they no longer feel safe going on because of coronavirus Pictured: TUI's Magic Life Masmavi five star resort in Turkey. TUI say an investigation will be launched into branch staff but that policy stands because the holiday has not been cancelled Mr Johnson, a 62-year-old lorry driver, is in a vulnerable group as he suffers from asthma. Miss Maybourne said TUI initially told her over the phone she could transfer the dates to next year free of charge but when she went into the branch, her experience was not so straight forward. The 42-year-old said: 'The staff told us to change the dates we would have to pay a cancellation fee of about 1,700 when the holiday was only about 2,000 in the first place. 'The lady said if we don't pay they will send the bailiffs round. 'The staff in the shop were laughing at me because I said I didn't want to go because I don't feel safe. 'I started having a panic attack and so we just had to leave before it got any worse. 'I'm absolutely disgusted with the way we were treated.' The couple say they now fear a court order coming through the door when all they wanted was the company's help. Leah claims staff at the branch in Maidstone threatened laughed at her when she said she feared travelling to Turkey because of the number of coronavirus cases reported recently More than 20,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Turkey in the last 14 days but the country is not on the government's restrict travel list. According to Money Saving Expert's website, if a holiday is still going ahead but you no longer wish to go, to get a refund, usually the firm needs to be the one to cancel. It adds, if you choose to cancel yourself, there is no guarantee of any money back even with insurance. While understanding of the changing rules, Miss Maybourne and Mr Johnson just want their deposit back after the ordeal in store. A TUI UK spokesman said: 'We're very disappointed to hear of these claims and would like to apologise to the customer for their experience. 'We will be conducting an internal investigation with our Maidstone store. 'As the customer's holiday is still due to operate as planned, our normal booking terms and conditions apply.' The UK government warns that any country sustaining a level above 20 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 citizens over the course of a week is likely to be stripped of quarantine exemption. Turkey is currently ranked 18th in the world, having recorded a total of 274,943 cases of coronavirus and 6,511 deaths. They have recorded daily increases of at least 1,500 for the past week and the country's health minister has warned it is going through the second peak of the first wave of the coronavirus. According to Turkish government figures the infection rate over the past week was 11.31 per 100,000. Last week health officials confirmed seven people on TUI flight 6215 from Zante to Cardiff tested positive for coronavirus. All passengers and crew members on board were contacted and told to self isolate for 14 days. At the moment, all arrivals to Turkey will have to undergo a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including a temperature check. It is also compulsory to wear a face mask particularly on all public transport and in crowded places such as markets and shops and hairdressers. House arrest of Golunov drug planting case approver extended until December Moskva city news agency, Kirill Zykov 11:31 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) Moscows Basmanny District Court on Friday extended house arrest of ex-police officer Denis Konovalov, who had confessed in a case over planting drugs on journalist Ivan Golunov, until December 7, a RAPSI correspondent reported from the courtroom. Konovalov is the only defendant who pleaded guilty and gave testimony against the others. Four more ex-policemen involved in the case are Igor Lyakhovets, Maxim Umetbayev, Akbar Sergaliyev and Roman Feofanov. They are in detention. In late February, Alexey Kovrizhkin, the lawyer for Lyakhovets, told RAPSI that another defendant Konovalov had testified against his client, saying it was him who had ordered to plant drugs on Golunovs bag and apartment. Investigators believe Lyakhovets, who does not admit guilt, is the organizer of the crime. The defendants are charged with abuse of power, evidence tampering and illegal drug trafficking. Only Konovalov pleaded guilty. He was later released from detention and put under house arrest. Investigators believe that they planted drugs on Golunov. Thus, they falsified the results of operative search activity that later became inculpatory evidence against Golunov in a drug dealing case; however, the drugs had been earlier illegally bought and kept by the police officers, according the Investigative Committee. In late December 2019, investigators opened the case over arrest of Golunov. The journalist was recognized as an injured party. All five defendants in the case have been dismissed from police. Golunov was arrested in Moscow on June 6, 2019. On June 8, the Nikulinsky District Court of Moscow placed him under house arrest for 2 months. According to the Interior Ministrys official statement, police seized nearly 4 grams of methylmethedrone from Golunov. The journalist pleaded not guilty, insisted that the drugs were planted on him during the arrest and claimed that his prosecution is related to his journalistic investigations. According to his defense, an examination showed no drugs in his biomaterial. On June 11, 2019, charges against Golunov were dropped because of a lack of evidence that he participated in the crime, and the journalist was released. On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed two generals of police on the back of the arrest of Golunov. MILAN La Perla is the latest brand to embrace the digital format to launch the anniversary collections of its Maison line. In particular, the Italian luxury innerwear company developed two new iterations of its best-selling collection, which is turning 25 this year. To mark the milestone and showcase the new styles, the brand created the Villa La Perla virtual experience that will launch on Sept. 6. After being welcomed by a video of the labels creative director Alessandra Bertuzzi, users of the brands web site will be invited to navigate their way through different virtual rooms to explore the Maison lines archive and discover the craftsmanship behind the range, which is still produced in the brands atelier in Bologna where it was first conceived, made with Italian silk satin sourced from Como and finished by hand with the intricate Frastaglio Florentine embroidery technique. Also showcased on the digital platform, the lines newest iterations Maison Rainbow and Maison Metallic reinvent signature La Perla styles in new color ways. Available from this month, the former comprises silk camisoles, short robes, slip dresses and French knickers rendered in rose and pale mint and adorned with multicolored embroidered tulle. The inspiration comes from the desire to bring a touch of cheerfulness and glamour to our iconic collection. The rainbow is a timely reminder of the current times. This collection serves as a representation of our resilience, uniting us in a message of hope, said Bertuzzi, defining the theme as a signal of hope and rebirth. Launching in November for the festive season, the Maison Metallic line is defined by more subdued colors embellished with embroideries made of gold, bronze and platinum-toned threads. With price tags ranging from 380 euros for the knickers to 1,010 euros for the robes, the anniversary collections will be available on the brands e-commerce and at its 80 international flagships, including its units in Milan, London, Paris, Barcelona and Los Angeles. Story continues Maison is our most timeless collection. Its the personification of our DNA, our luxury Italian heritage and our dedication to revolutionary craftsmanship, said Bertuzzi, who was promoted to head creative designer of the label after the departure of Julia Haart in 2018. The designer underscored that the line best embodies the mission of corsetry maker Ada Masotti, who founded La Perla in 1954 and was nicknamed golden scissors for her cutting and tailoring expertise. She identified the beauty and luxury of simplicity as key elements contributing to the longevity of the range. These are certainly rich and ornamental pieces, but the lines are clean, essential and tailored. Theyre garments that can be worn and matched in many different moments and ways you could wear the camisole and culottes as a nightwear set or the camisole on its own paired with trousers or a skirt for the day, said Bertuzzi. Since her appointment, the main challenges for the designer were to do the right thing, be innovative yet commercial at the same time. To make a desirable product, suitable for all women and to be consistent and offer a luxury product that can be worn every day. Asked about the evolution of La Perlas customers and their newest demands, Bertuzzi said they are increasingly aware of their role and the world in which they live. In our customer we want [to see] leaders who reflect our essence of empowered femininityOur commitment and goal remains the same: to accompany women in their lives making them feel good, supported, listened to and empowered. This is not the first anniversary collection Bertuzzi has developed for the brand. As reported, last year the company turned 65 and launched Macrame Noir, a limited-edition capsule range of all-black sensual and multifunctional pieces, during Milan Fashion Week. As reported, Amsterdam-based private equity firm Sapinda Holding BV took over the brand in 2018. Since then, Sapinda Holding has been carrying out a restructuring of the La Perla business and its operations, with the goal of improving profitability and transforming it into a leading luxury player. The private equity firm bought the company from Italian entrepreneur Silvio Scaglia, who had controlled La Perla since 2013 and built on the brands lifestyle offering. Previously, Alberto Masotti, son of the companys founder, headed the business until it was sold to San Francisco-based private equity player JH Partners in 2007, which later sold the firm to Scaglias Pacific Global Management. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Russias Investigative Committee branch in Siberia to probe possibility someone tried to kill Kremlin critic. Russias Investigative Committee has asked one of its regional branches in Siberia to probe the possibility that someone tried to murder Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, the RIA news agency reported on Friday. Germany has said Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent and has called for the perpetrators to be held to account. Russia has until now not opened a criminal investigation and said there is no evidence yet of a crime. Navalny, 44, one of Russian President Vladimir Putins fiercest critics, fell ill on a flight returning to Moscow from Siberia on August 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk after the plane made an emergency landing. He was later transferred to Berlins Charite hospital, where doctors last week said there were indications he had been poisoned. He remains in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator, but his condition is reportedly improving. The Russian doctors who treated Navalny in Siberia have repeatedly contested the German hospitals conclusion, saying they ruled out poisoning as a diagnosis and their tests for poisonous substances came back negative. On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow rejected any suggestion that Russia was responsible and warned other countries against jumping to hasty conclusions. Western pressure mounts Meanwhile, Western leaders and organisations are stepping up calls for answers. Britain and German ministers agreed to work together to hold Russia accountable in the case Navalny, saying any use of Novichok was a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, a statement from Britains foreign office said. On Thursday, in a statement regarding Navalny, the global chemical weapons agency said the poisoning of any individual with a toxic nerve agent would be considered the use of a banned chemical weapon. Any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons. Such an allegation is a matter of grave concern, said the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which banned Novichok this year. Meanwhile, more than 100 European parliamentarians are calling for sanctions against those responsible for attacks on opposition figures and journalists in Russia following the poisoning of Navalny. In an open letter to EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, published on Friday, members of various political groups in the European Parliament called for a full and transparent investigation into the case. However, we remain extremely sceptical that Russian authorities are fit and willing to investigate the real background of this crime, they said, citing the murders of a range of figures critical of the Russian government, such as Anna Politkovskaya and Sergei Skripal. Borrell on Thursday evening stressed the possibility of taking further steps. Highlighting that the use of chemical weapons is completely unacceptable under any circumstance, Borrell openly threatened Russia with sanctions. The European Union calls for a joint international response and reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures, he said. The North Atlantic Council will meet on Friday to discuss the affair, but concrete actions are limited. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General William Barr said on Wednesday that mail-in ballots for the Nov. 3 election could be vulnerable to fraud, echoing an argument President Donald Trump has made to denounce the use of voting by mail. "People trying to change the rules to this methodology, which, as a matter of logic, is very open to fraud and coercion. It's reckless and dangerous, and people are playing with fire," Barr said in an interview with CNN. Voting by mail is not new in the United States - nearly one in four voters cast presidential ballots in 2016 that way. Experts say voter fraud of any kind is exceedingly rare in the United States. Barr cited a 2005 report by the Commission on Federal Election Reform https://bit.ly/3jGm9Rb, chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker, which concluded that absentee ballots are the largest source of potential voter fraud. "Since that time, there have been in the newspapers, in networks, academic studies, saying it is open to fraud and coercion," Barr said. "The only time the narrative changed is after this administration came in." He said there are a number of ongoing investigations into voter fraud, "some very big ones in states." A record number of mail-in ballots are expected for the Nov. 3 election due to concerns about in-person voting during the coronavirus pandemic. Trump has accused Democrats of trying to steal the election by pushing the use of mail-in voting. Democrats have said Trump and fellow Republicans are attempting to suppress the vote to help their side. In an interview with WECT-TV in Wilmington, North Carolina, Trump suggested voters should vote twice, once by mail and once in person, to make sure their vote was counted. "So, let them send it in and let them go vote," he said. "And if the system is as good as they say it is then obviously they won't be able to vote" in person. Voting more than once in an election is illegal. Story continues Barr said arrangements could be made at polling stations to protect people from the coronavirus and that people with pre-existing conditions who are particularly vulnerable could get an absentee ballot. He also raised the specter of a foreign government counterfeiting U.S. ballots, although he said he had seen no evidence of such an effort. Barr said he believes China is more of a threat than Russia when it comes to interfering in the election. "I've seen intelligence. That's what I've concluded," he said, without offering details. But Barr said there was "some preliminary activity that suggests" Russia might try to interfere again in the election. "It wouldn't surprise me if Russia tries something again," he said. Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia used a campaign of propaganda and hacking to boost Trump's candidacy in the 2016 election. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Richard Pullin and Leslie Adler) Motorola stepped up its 5G game in the mid-range, in conjunction with this years IFA 2020, with its Motorola One 5G. The company has not only priced the Motorola One 5G to compete. Motorola also went out of its way to ensure that this handset meets the competition head-on. Thats in terms of both specs and 5G support. Among the most distinguishing features, and earning the Motorola One 5G its place among the best of IFA devices, is its 5G support. Thats because this phone will be sold on US carriers with full support for their best networks. For AT&T users, that means sub-6GHz 5G support for the carriers nationwide network. For Verizon, that means support for the companys widespread 4G network and incredibly fast mmWave 5G. Aside from 5G, Motorola also packed this handset with other newer connectivity technology. that includes the usual GPS, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. Theres a USB-C port for fast charging its 5,000mAh battery at 15W. A 3.5mm audio jack is part of the build too, bound to be a popular feature for many users. Advertisement The Motorola One 5G may actually be best described as a sum of its parts Measuring in at 168 x 74mm by 9mm thin, with a weight of 207 grams, the polycarbonate-built Motorola One 5G is not the smallest phone around. But, thanks to its smoothly curved edges and rounded build, this 6.7-inch CinemaVision LCD-enhanced device should still feel great in-hand. That screen is a FullHD+ panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 21:9 aspect ration, by the way. Thats setting aside support for both HDR and HDR10 content. Motorola embedded a dual-punch-hold cutout in that display for two front-facing cameras. Thats a 16-megapixel primary sensor and an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor for selfies. Around the back, in a square-shaped housing, the company includes a 48-megapixel primary sensor with another 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Thats coupled with a 5-megapixel macro camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a bar-shaped LED flash. The macro camera has its own LED ring to prevent over-shadowy regions in the closest shots. Advertisement Theress no fingerprint scanner at the back, since thats been embedded in the power button. Powering that package is a powerful Snapdragon 765 SoC. Thats among the most powerful mid-range chips on the market and among the most powerful chips overall, subsequently. Thats backed by 4GB RAM and 128GB of expandable storage up to 1TB. Pricing and availability As noted above, the Motorola One 5G will be available from AT&T and Verizon, primarily. And there wont be any unlocked version in the US. That serves as the only immediately apparent drawback for this handset. It isnt immediately clear whether T-Mobile will get a variant of its own. And final pricing hasnt been confirmed just yet, either. Advertisement However, Motorola has said that the cost will be below $500, making this an ultra-affordable option. At least as far as 5G handsets are concerned. The sole color configuration will be a stunning, tone-shifting Oxford Blue. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 17:27:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Fiji reported two more COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the caseload to 31 since March 19 when the island nation detected its first COVID-19 infection. Fiji's Acting Permanent Secretary for the Health Ministry James Fong said the two male Fijians, one is aged 55 and the other is 22, returned to Fiji from a repatriation flight from India's New Delhi on Aug. 27. After testing positive of COVID-19, both men have been isolated in a Nadi hospital. All 83 other passengers on board the flight have returned negative results, but they have to stay in a government designated quarantine facility for a mandatory 14-day quarantine. He stressed that Fiji's border quarantine and infection prevention control protocols are as strict as they come. So long as they are upheld there is no risk to the Fijian public from border quarantine cases. So far Fiji has recorded two deaths of COVID-19. Fiji still maintains a strict travel restriction for foreign visitors and it has been keeping a nationwide curfew effective from March 30. Enditem IndiGo is aiming to gradually expand its flight operations and reach the pre-COVID-19 full capacity by the end of 2020-21 financial year, its president Wolfgang Prock-Schauer said on Thursday, adding that passenger and corporate bookings are bouncing back. Currently, the country's largest airline in terms of market share is operating around 600 flights per day, which is around 42 per cent of its pre-COVID-19 domestic schedule of around 1,420 services. Prock-Schauer, who is also the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of IndiGo, told PTI in an interview that the airline is looking to resume flights to the neighbouring countries where it used to operate services before the coronavirus pandemic halted air travel. "We are waiting for the Indian government to conclude its discussions with the neighbouring countries and establish bilateral air bubble arrangements," said the COO. IndiGo used to operate flights to neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal before the pandemic. Currently, IndiGo is operating special international flights to the UAE, Qatar and Maldives under the air bubble arrangements. Also read: IndiGo commences Kochi-Male flights under India-Maldives air bubble pact Under a bilateral air bubble pact, airlines of both the countries can operate special international passenger flights with certain restrictions. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic. IndiGo was allowed to operate 1,420 domestic passenger flights per day in its summer schedule during pre-coronavirus times, the COO said. It means the airline is currently operating around 42 per cent of its pre-COVID-19 domestic services. When domestic passenger flights resumed in India on May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Aviation Ministry allowed the airlines to operate not more than one-third of their pre-COVID domestic flights. On June 26, the limit was increased to 45 per cent. Two days back, it was further increased to 60 per cent. Prock-Schauer said, "There is a lot of uncertainty but every company must have its goals. The goal is to achieve a 60 per cent target by Diwali." Also read: DGCA mounts pressure on IndiGo over Pratt and Whitney engine issue "Depending upon the government guidelines, we would like to achieve around 80 per cent by Christmas and then have the full operations by the end of the financial year," he added. Talking about the occupancy rate or load factors in flights currently, the COO said, "There are days when the load factor is in the low 70s (per cent), which is an okay number but we need to further....It is improving gradually". He said that during the initial phase post resumption of domestic flights in May, a significant section of traffic was unidirectional towards eastern part of India as people were leaving the big cities to go to their home states. "Now it has been less unidirectional as people are also coming back to the big cities...You will see that it will become a more normal traffic pattern going forward," he stated. He noted corporate bookings are also coming back now. "It is not to the level it has been but the corporate demand is coming back," he stated. Also read: IndiGo flew over 800 international charter flights in last 3 months to repatriate 1.5 lakh passengers KYODO NEWS - Sep 4, 2020 - 16:30 | All, Japan, World, Coronavirus In the central African country of Rwanda, single mothers employed at a Japanese eatery have found a new source of income after their jobs took a hit from the novel coronavirus pandemic: babysitting Japanese kids online. Despite the seven-hour time difference, the cross-cultural service sees women play and sing with children 12,000 kilometers away in Japan via the videoconferencing app Zoom. The mothers will sometimes stream themselves shopping, chopping vegetables and cooking, to the delight of the kids' parents as well. The service is provided twice a day for an hour each in a mix of local languages, English, and Japanese. "There's a groove that you can't experience in neighborhood eurythmic classes," said Toyochika Kamekawa, 36, from Takahama in Fukui Prefecture. His 2-year-old son regularly takes part in the online sessions and sings songs he has been taught, accompanying himself on his toy drum. The initiative was started up by Rwanda resident Mio Yamada, 38, who hires single mothers to work at her Japanese restaurant in the capital city of Kigali, and her acquaintance Yushi Nakashima, 30. Yamada, who studied Swahili at university and now has three sons, moved to Rwanda with her husband in 2016 and opened her restaurant the following year. In April, Nakashima and Kamekawa had been chatting together in a virtual bar during the pandemic when Kamekawa mentioned he wanted his child, who was stuck at home because his nursery was closed, to be able to experience online exchanges too. Nakashima thought it was a good idea and proposed it to Yamada, who is originally from Ikeda in Osaka Prefecture and as a student had gone on a six-month bicycle trip through eight African countries. Meanwhile, Yamada's restaurant had been struggling, following a nationwide lockdown in Rwanda that started in March. But after she decided on a monthly income for the sitter's position of 3,000 yen ($28) -- equal to the single mothers' monthly restaurant wages -- around 20 of her employees took on the job. "To be able to use such a service from a small town in Japan is something I couldn't have imagined before the pandemic," Kamekawa said. "I think my son will come to some realization (about the economic disparity between countries) when he's older and compares his allowance with the sitters' wages." The African country underwent a genocide during the Rwandan Civil War from 1990 to 1994 when extremists from the majority Hutu tribe massacred members of the Tutsi minority. Approximately 800,000 people are estimated to have been killed within 100 days in 1994. Some of the songs performed by the sitters touch on these darker themes. In one that foreshadows the conflict, the lyrics implore a child to stop crying with the words that when the war begins, they will be given milk from a cow that isn't sad. According to Yamada, milk in Rwanda is a metaphor for neighborly love. "I'll be satisfied if (the sessions) provide an experience that will change perceptions and go beyond what we take for granted in Japan," Yamada said. Related coverage: More parents in Japan turn to apps for child care as virus shuts schools Japan raises travel advisory for 13 countries mainly in Africa Preliminary hearing of tax evasion case against businessman Ponomarev set for September 10 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 09:55 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) - A court in Solnechnogorsk, a town near Moscow, will conduct a preliminary hearing in a case over tax evasion and attempted fraud against businessman Konstantin Ponomarev already convicted of false denunciation on September 10, his attorney Vladimir Postanyuk told RAPSI on Friday. Investigators believe that after one of the victories in court against IKEA Ponomarevs company received 25 billion rubles from the furniture corporation and the businessman transferred the money to his own bank account. In this situation, he was to pay income taxes and VAT but failed. Thus, the total amount of unpaid taxes was estimated as 9.7 billion rubles, according to the investigation. Ponomarev and his defense insist in turn that the company did not simply transfer the funds but transferred them in accordance with a custodial services contract. Therefore, an income tax must not be demanded by officials. A secont count is related to the lend lease of diesel generators for prime power organization in Crimea. Investigators claim that the entrepreneur demanded over 5.4 billion rubles in court from lease takers. This is the second case against Ponomarev. On July 9, 2019, a court in Lyubertsy, a town in the Moscow Region, found Ponomarev guilty of false denunciation and passed the sentence on him. His lawyer Maxim Zagorsky received 7 years and 8 months behind bars. He was also banned from practicing law for 3 years. A judge held that the defendants committed several crimes related to evidence simulation. The attorney was an organizer of the criminal group, the ruling read. In mid-October 2019, the Moscow Regional Court recalculated the term of actual punishment given to Ponomarev and reduced it by 6.5 months. Actual punishment of Zagorsky in the case was also recalculated. The sentence came into force. The trial of Ponomarev and Zagorsky began in December 2018. Investigators considered initiation of criminal proceedings by a private person on Ponomarevs appeal as false denunciation. The defendants pleaded not guilty and insisted on acquittal. Ponomarev was embroiled in a long-standing dispute with IKEA that opted to rent diesel generators to power its shopping malls in St. Petersburg. Five criminal cases were opened against the businessman at the request of the Swedish retailer. However, a probe over alleged fraud found nothing, and the cases were dropped. The businessman believes that the false denunciation case was resulted from the conflict with IKEA. Ponomarev claims that the company thus wants to stretch the time and siphon assets in order to avoid paying a multibillion debt to him. The company behind the Chinese app PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), Tencent said on Thursday that it will engage with Indian authorities to ensure continued availability of its apps in India. In response to the government's ban on Chinese apps, the gaming and social media group stated that it takes the protection of its users' privacy and data seriously. India had on Wednesday, September 2, banned 118 Chinese mobile apps, including the popular video game PUBG Mobile. The government proscribed the applications citing data security concerns stating that the apps were a threat to India's security and sovereignty. Also Read: PUBG banned in India, but you can still play the game; here's how The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), issued a notification in this regarding saying the apps were engaged in activities "prejudicial to Sovereignty and Integrity of India, Defence of India, Security of State and Public Order". With this, the total count of Chinese mobile apps banned by the government has gone up to 224. The Centre had first proscribed 59 Chinese apps days after the violent conflict between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley of eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June this year. Also Read: PUBG Mobile among 118 Chinese apps banned in India: Here's the full list It was followed by another restraint order in which 49 more Chinese apps were prohibited in India. The ministry banned these apps invoking its power under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, adding that the decision was taken in the wake of the emerging nature of threats. The September 2 ban is the latest move by the Centre against Chinese companies in India amid a months-long standoff over a disputed border issue. Eight-year-old Kormeri Jones has only been playing piano for eight months. So she was surprised, yet happy, when she won a nationwide talent contest for military children. It felt amazing and I want to compete again, Kormeri said. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation hosted the Military Kids Have Talent virtual contest via Facebook. Entries were accepted in late May and early June and a virtual finale performance was held on Facebook. National voting was held until Aug. 14 to determine winners from 36 finalists, all children and survivors of military service members and veterans. Winners were announced earlier this week. Kormeri, the daughter of Will and Seu Jones of Enterprise, won the top prize for the 7-9 age group by performing Spanish Caballero on her piano chosen because its her dads favorite, she said. And while Kormeri said it took her a long time to learn to play the piece, her father said it really didnt take her that long. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} United States President Donald Trump on Friday announced normalisation of economic ties between Serbia and Kosovo, saying that the two countries were able to reach a "real breakthrough" on economic cooperation across a broad range of issues. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks hosts a signing ceremony with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti at the White House in Washington, DC. Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters "Today, I am pleased to announce yet another historic commitment. Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalisation," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House. He was accompanied by President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti of Kosovo. Moments later, the two leaders along with the President Trump signed the agreements. Trump said that he looks forward to seeing Serbia and Kosovo prosper as "we work together on economic cooperation in the region going forward." Although most of Kosovo is ethnically Albanian, many Serbs consider it their native homeland and a cradle of their culture. Some 13,000 people were killed in the 1998-1999 war, sparked by clashes between the forces of the rump Yugoslav state -- Serbia and Montenegro -- and Kosovo separatists. The conflict ended when NATO carried out an air campaign against Serbia. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence in 2008, but Serbia and its ally Russia have yet to recognise its sovereignty. "After a violent and tragic history and years of failed negotiations, my administration proposed a new way of bridging the divide. By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a real breakthrough on economic cooperation across a broad range of issues," Trump said. "We have also made additional progress on reaching peace in the Middle East. Kosovo and Israel have agreed to normalisation of ties and the establishment of diplomatic relations. Serbia has committed to opening a commercial office in Jerusalem this month and to move its embassy to Jerusalem by July," he said. "It has taken tremendous bravery by President Vucic of Serbia and Prime Minister Hoti of Kosovo to embark on these talks and to come to Washington to finalise these commitments. By doing so, they have made their countries, the Balkans, and the world safer," he said. During the signing ceremony, President Vucic said that Trump had done a 'great job' and praised his commitment to the region. Inviting him to Serbia, he said that Trump would be the first US president since Jimmy Carter visited the country in 1980. Prime Minister Hoti termed it as a huge step forward. Terming it as a historic day, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brian said the focus is on economic cooperation. US Vice President Mike Pence said that this is an important step for peace in the Balkans. Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin said that people from the two countries would see the benefit of economic agreement. Contributed Photo / Bjoern Wylezich - TNS COLCHESTER A town woman will spend half a year in federal prison after she embezzled more than $400,000 from her employer, according to authorities. On Thursday, a judge sentenced 57-year-old Vicki Miller, of Colchester, to serve six months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Over past decades, Vietnam has weathered all difficulties to orchestrate economic miracles, with its deepened international integration bringing about massive opportunities to expand trade and investment. The World Banks projections indicate that Vietnam could be the fifth-fastest growing economy in 2020. Photo: Le Toan Spending a few hours walking around in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or any other locality in Vietnam, one cannot help but notice the immense energy and vitality. All streets and corners are bustling with dynamism featured by scooters and cars. People are using smartphones, one of the symbols of Industry 4.0 sweeping through the entire nation. Compared to just a couple of decades ago, Vietnam is now young, growing, and anything feels possible. Before the Southeast Asian nation was opened to the wider world, Vietnam was one of the poorest in the world. By the mid-1980s, per capita GDP was stuck between $200 and $300. But in 1986, the government introduced the hallmark doi moi featured by a series of economic and political reforms, steering the country to becoming a socialist-oriented market economy. Vietnam, after two decades of rapid economic growth, is today considered a development success story. Political and economic reforms have transformed Vietnam from one of the poorest nations in the world to a middle-income country within a quarter of a century, states the United Nations Development Programme in its introduction about the country on its website. Currently, Vietnam is one of the stars of the emerging markets universe. Last year, the countrys GDP was $266 billion, representing a GDP per capita of $2,800, the highest in history. Its total export-import turnover reached $517.26 billion, up $36.7 billion against 2018. The export turnover hit $264.2 billion, up 8.4 per cent on-year, and the import turnover was $253.07 billion, up 6.8 per cent on-year. Many global groups have set their firm niches in the ASEAN nation, including Samsung, Intel, Honda, Toyota, LG, GE, Cargill, Unilever, and Panasonic. Vietnam has also developed a large number of domestic private groups such as Vingroup, Hoa Phat, TH, Techcombank, VPBank, THACO, and Masan. Peter Vanham, head of Communications at the Chairmans Office under the World Economic Forum, cited analysts from the World Bank and the United States think tank Brookings Institution as stating that Vietnams economic rise can be explained by many factors such as efforts of the government in reforming the domestic business and investment climate, and trade liberalisation. Expanding trade Vietnam has step-by-step expanded its relations with many nations. It has also actively and responsibly partaken in international forums and organisations. Especially over recent years, the country has successfully negotiated and inked many free trade agreements (FTAs). To date, Vietnam has joined 16 FTAs comprising of seven as a member of ASEAN; five FTAs signed bilaterally with Chile, Japan, South Korea, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the EU (EVFTA); one as a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); and three others currently under negotiations the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, an FTA with the European Free Trade Association, and one with Israel. Moreover, Vietnam is also preparing for negotiations of an FTA with the United Kingdom. Vietnam has also joined many high-profile forums and organisations such as the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Currently, it is acting as ASEAN chair and is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Its participation in FTAs and international organisations has given Vietnam both opportunities and challenges. Together with the roadmap in implementing its commitments in opening the Vietnamese market wider, the economys sectors/activities, including the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI), have been directly and indirectly impacted by FTAs, Lam Thi Quynh Anh, head of Division under the Office of the Inter-agency Steering Committee for International Economic Integration, told VIR. According to Anh, FTAs contribute to further increasing trade relations between Vietnam and partners via the removal of trade barriers, which facilitates the attraction of FDI from the partners. With 13 FTAs that have come into force and three others currently under negotiations, Vietnam will have FTA-based relations with nearly 100 partners in the world. The deals have helped Vietnam strengthen its trade cooperation with many nations, accordingly prompting foreign investors to pay more attention to the Vietnamese market, Anh said. This has opened up big opportunities in investment and business cooperation between Vietnam and foreign investors. Statistics from the Ministry of Planning and Investment show that as of August 20, there were 137 nations and territories investing in Vietnam, with total registered capital of $381.16 billion. The leading investment partners are also key trade partners in FTAs that have already taken effect, including South Korea ($70.15 billion), Japan ($60.25 billion), and Singapore ($55 billion). According to Anh, though commitments in FTAs are largely focused on opening markets for goods via tariff reduction and removal, there are also provisions directly relevant to the opening of the service and investment market and to policies for foreign investors. This is clearly featured in FTAs having been negotiated and inked since 2012, especially new-generation FTAs like the CPTPP and the EVFTA, she said. Best performer Since early this year the whole world has been hit seriously by COVID-19, causing disruption in supply and production chains. Given its deep integration with the global economy, Vietnam has been hit hard by the pandemic. Yet, the health impact of the outbreak has not been as severe in Vietnam as in other countries due to proactive measures at the national and subnational levels. According to analysis from Singapore-based ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), which covers the ASEAN partners of China, Japan, and South Korea, Vietnam is forecast to have the highest growth rate this year and next year, at 3.1 and 7 per cent, respectively, in the region (see box), thanks to the nations effective anti-virus measures and favourable structural economy, as well as skilful macro-monitoring from the government. Furthermore, despite a serious decline in local production caused by the pandemic, Vietnam is also projected by the World Bank to be one of the fastest-growing nations worldwide in 2020, with the economy forecast to stay among a few nations with positive growth globally. According to the World Bank, assuming a gradual improvement in the world economy expected to decline by -5.2 per cent this year, Vietnams GDP should rebound in the second half of 2020 so that the economy will grow around 2.8 per cent for the entire year. It should further expand by 6.8 per cent in 2021 (baseline scenario). With less favourable external conditions, the economy will expand by only 1.5 per cent in 2020 and 4.5 per cent in 2021 (downside scenario). Regardless of scenario, Vietnam is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in 2020. This projected performance means that Vietnam would be the fifth-fastest growing country in the world in 2020, said Stefanie Stallmeister, acting country director of the World Bank in Vietnam. The bank explained that COVID-19 is a health shock that has forced governments around the world to make hard choices between saving lives and economic restrictions. While many countries hesitated in their decision process, Vietnam reacted quickly and boldly. The combination of early measures targeted testing and tracking as well as innovative information campaigns has proved to be highly effective. Also citing the same reason, global data analysts and provider FocusEconomics told VIR in a statement that despite numerous difficulties caused by disrupted production chains due to COVID-19, Vietnam should still be by far the strongest performer in ASEAN thanks in part to a rapid resumption of domestic activity, as well as the effective health response allowed the swift lifting of restrictions from late April. FocusEconomics panellists project the economy will expand 2.7 per cent in 2020, and 7.5 per cent in 2021. VIR Thanh Thu VN to remain ASEAN's strongest growth performer despite Covid-19 outbreak: HSBC Amid global uncertainty, Vietnam continues to attract fresh FDI and remains an exception to a subdued private investment outlook of the Southeast Asian region in recent quarters. Then-Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman (l) and Health Ministry Director-General Ronni Gamzu attend a press conference at the Health Ministry in Jerusalem on Aug. 7, 2011. (JNS) - Israel's national coronavirus project coordinator Ronni Gamzu apologized on Thursday for bypassing the country's political echelon and directly contacting Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ask that he bar Chassidic pilgrims from visiting the city of Uman in September. Many thousands of Jews visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov every year around Rosh Hashanah. In his letter to the Ukrainian leader, Gamzu warned of the massive spread of the virus that could be caused by allowing such a pilgrimage to take place this year. "I apologize that I did not inform the prime min... Filmmaker says new movie The Trump I Know humanizes the president, highlights his faith and family Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The upcoming film, The Trump I Know, aims to give viewers a look into the faith and family life of President Donald Trump, as told from the perspective of the women in his family and those who've worked with him in the White House. Producer Joe Knopp is gearing up for his latest film release set to premiere in October. In this new film, Knopp gives viewers a glimpse behind the scenes into the life of the 45th president of the United States from the perspective of those who know him best. The documentary was born after Knopp struck up a friendship with Lara Trump, the president's daughter-in-law, while premiering his pro-life film, UnPlanned, for the White House staff. Lara Trump then introduced the filmmaker to other women in the Trump family, as well as those who work in his administration and for his reelection campaign. Knopp said each person provided him with insights into a side of the president that the world has yet to see. My passion for this story began when I met Lara Trump and she shared stories of the first family that I never heard before, Knopp told The Christian Post in an interview on Wednesday. Instantly, those stories humanized the family for me and I feel God wanted me to share the why behind their stories. God takes us on journeys usually in preparation for future events. When I listened to Lara, I began to understand why God placed their family in the White House during the most critical years our country has faced in decades, if not a century, the Christian filmmaker continued. The documentary is shown through the lens of the conversations Knopp had with Lara Trump, Kellyanne Conway, Mercedes Schlapp, Katrina Pierson, Paula White Cain, head of the White House's Faith and Opportunity Initiative, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, as well as the president himself and his sons, Don Jr. and Eric Trump. The movie was in production for months but all filming was kept secret. Those featured in the documentary were interviewed by Knopp about what it's like to work for Trump, and discussed the importance of their faith and prayer, as well as what it's like for them being working moms at the White House. There is definitely a thread of faith that organically became part of these stories. Almost every woman interviewed began her own story, humbly thanking God for leading her to the White House. Most give God the credit for them enduring the hardest aspects of their jobs, Knopp told CP. The women spoke of their reliance on God. It was more than just words, the women were able to reflect on their journeys and highlight Gods direction in their own lives, he added. McEnany shared in the film that the president has stood for religious freedom for all Americans, regardless of the faith or denomination. And on the pro-life issue, hes been an unashamed voice for the pro-life movement. Trump's spiritual advisor, Paula White recounts in the film a conversation she had with Trump before he ran for president. He said, I want you to pray. I said, About what? He said, Im thinking about running for president. I really need to hear from God. Ive got to make a pretty big decision. Can you bring some people around to pray? So we brought about 20 pastors. We went there to Trump Tower. We prayed for six hours, White recalled. Knopp maintained that people cannot dispute the real-life accounts of others. You cant argue with the truth, that is what I have found with storytelling. The problem in politics is everyone distorts the truth, he said. This documentary highlights over a dozen stories by women of the Trump administration, campaign and organization, that know the President well, and all have great respect and appreciation for him. I truly believe the audience will gain an admiration and emotional connection to these women and begin rooting for them all, Knopp ended. The audience will recognize what President Trump values in his staff and applaud the President on his selection of these inspiring, God-fearing women that are mothers and leaders of this administration. Directed by Matthew Thayer, the Wolf Rock Pictures film will be available on Oct. 1. Other producers of the film include Daryl Lefever and Joy Thayer. For more information, visit www.thetrumpiknow.com live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More RBL Bank on Thursday said it has launched cardless cash withdrawal facility from ATMs, leveraging the Instant Money Transfer (IMT) system. The private sector lender said it has tied-up with Empays Payment Systems, a global financial technology provider, to offer this service. RBL Bank customers can withdraw cash without their debit cards from 389 IMT-enabled automated teller machines (ATMs) of the bank or more than 40,000 other bank ATMs across the country, it said in a release. To avail the service a customer has to log into RBL Banks MoBank app to locate an ATM that supports the IMT function and initiate cash withdrawal by either using his or her mobile number linked to the account or by following a few easy steps on the app. The customer selects the IMT button on the mobile app, gets a code, and uses it to withdraw money from the ATM. "We have been investing heavily in technology and the cardless cash withdrawal facility through Empays Payment Systems is the latest value-added service in our growing contactless banking suite. "We will continue to innovate in our effort to deliver seamless, relevant and convenient services for our customers, said Surinder Chawla, Head Retail Liabilities and Wealth Management, RBL Bank. Ravi Rajagopalan, Founder and CEO, Empays Payment Systems, said this tie-up will provide the bank an extra element of safety and convenience to its customers. Licensed by Reserve Bank of India as a national payment system, the IMT Payment System is the worlds largest cardless ATM system, RBL Bank said. ATMs of a number of member-banks are already linked to the IMT Switch, which enables customers of a particular bank to use the ATMs of any member-bank to withdraw cash from their accounts or remit money. Dutch authorities are planning to send their sewage to the U.K. Using sludge as fertilizer is allowed in the U.K. but is prohibited in the Netherlands. Instead, Netherlands prefers incineration, but after an Amsterdam incineration company experienced difficulties, the country was left with little disposal options. In February, the U.K.'s Environmental Agency issued a permit for the shipment of 27,500 tonnes of municipal sewage sludge, Greenpeace disclosed. READ: Practicing Soil Conservation Benefits Farmers and Their Crops, Study Says Concerns on the Safety of Sewage Sludge as fertilizers An Environmental Agency report from 2017 cited that the use of sewage for fertilizers is laden with human health risks. The sludge contains E Coli, salmonella, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and microplastics. The report also revealed that the sludges are contaminated with microplastics, making soil "unsuitable for agriculture." Another concern raised is that sewage fertilizer encourages the growth of superbugs, which are resistant to antibiotics. The sewage can be a source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues. The Sewage Sludge from the Netherlands The sludge's origin is from the Amstel, Gooi, and Vechtwater board but was not revealed. In the U.K., sewage sludge as fertilizer on farmlands is legal, but it must be treated first and then applied as fertilizer in compliance with strict safety regulations. However, rules are not always followed, according to the U.K.'s Environment Agency. According to the Environmental Agency's report, the supply chain that handles the sewage from its origins in the Netherlands to its destination was "convoluted," making circumventing regulations and contamination of farmland possible. According to David Spurgeon, an ecotoxicological researcher at the U.K. Center for Ecology and Hydrology, using sewage on farmlands has many benefits. It returns the nutrient to soil, thereby reducing the use of mineral fertilizers. Soil structures also strengthen, which helps in avoiding erosion. Carbons are also replaced to the ground, thus meeting the targets for carbon reduction. However, although sewage treatment removes numerous chemicals, some chemicals survive treatment. Contaminants and pathogens also get into the food chain. Using sludge on land needs some management; thus, a code of practice is in place to limit any issues, Spurgeon said. READ ALSO: Agriculture Now the Largest Source of Sulfur to the Environment John Sauven, the executive director of Greenpeace U.K., said the government had failed its oversight functions. He cited several cases in the past years where the rules have been violated, noting that the sewage sludge's supply chain is filled with shady intermediaries and waste brokers. They are exploiting the opacity and regulatory failures. "This is why the sludge that is spread on to our farms and fields has become such a toxic cocktail of plastics, chemicals, and bacteria," Sauven said. On the other hand, U.K.'s Environment Agency said that the farmers' strategy to use sludge as fertilizer is backed with scientific data. The agency added that the sewage sludge fertilizers have beneficial impacts and assured the public that the practice must not harm the environment. They will also not hesitate to take appropriate actions against those who cannot manage the safety risk appropriately. READ NEXT: A Pioneering Process Could Help Detect and Remove Wastewater Pollutants Check out more news and information on Sludge and Waste Management on Nature World News. A photo posted to the WeChat account of the Xinjiang Judicial Administration shows Uyghur detainees listening to a 'de-radicalization' speech at a re-education camp in Hotan prefecture's Lop county, April 2017. The one-time prosecutor of ex-Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic on Friday launched an independent tribunal to judge allegations of mass atrocities crimes committed against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Sir Geoffrey Nice, a U.K.-based human rights attorney who in 2002 led the prosecutions case linking atrocities to Milosevic at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague, agreed to chair the Uyghur Tribunal in response to a June request by Dolkun Isa, head of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress exile group, the tribunal said in a statement. Established in cooperation with the Coalition for Genocide Response, the tribunal will investigate ongoing atrocities and possible genocide against the Uyghur people in the XUAR, where authorities are believed to have held up to 1.8 million people in a vast network of internment camps since April 2017. Other reports suggest that Beijing has perpetrated crimes in the region that include murder, enslavement, wrongful imprisonment, torture, rape and other sexual violence, enforced sterilization, enforced disappearance, separation of children from their parents, forced marriage, and forced organ harvesting. According to the tribunal, such acts could show Beijings intention to destroy the Uyghurs as a group and constitute genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, to which China is a signatory. The allegations cannot be graver but the Uyghur Tribunal will deal with the evidence and the law, and the evidence and the law alone, in coming to its determination, Nice said. According to the statement, the tribunal will comprise no fewer than seven members who will act as a jury. Two multi-day hearings are expected to be held in London based on evidence submitted by members of the Uyghur diaspora, with a judgment likely to be delivered by the end of 2021. While the tribunal lacks government support, it is the latest effort to hold China accountable for rights abuses in the XUAR. Beijing describes its three-year-old network of camps as voluntary vocational centers, but reporting by RFA and other media outlets shows that detainees are mostly held against their will in poor conditions, where they are forced to endure inhumane treatment and political indoctrination. Chinas government has also defended its policies in the region as part of an official bid to combat extremism. International court unlikely Fridays statement noted that while China is a party to the Genocide Convention, it holds a reservation that would likely prevent a case from being heard before the International Court of Justice or any other formal international court. There is no realistic possibility of these charges being considered in a formally constituted court, but the Uyghur Tribunal provides an opportunity to secure an authoritative and impartial judgement, Isa said. Genocide against the Uyghurs has been alleged, but has never been properly explored, Nice said. It is the duty of citizens everywhere, through their elected representatives, to save other citizens anywhere in the world from genocide, he said. But governments and international bodies will rarely say publicly that genocide has been, or is being, committed because of what such a determination about genocide would require them to do. The citizen is, thus, left without reliable and authoritative information on whether genocide has been or is being committed and whether her/his government is acting in accordance with its international legal obligations. Nice said that all evidence presented at the tribunal, as well as the bodys final judgment, will be given in public and available online in a transparent manner. Citizens, governments and international bodies will then be better able to assess whether obligations to act are identified by evidence carefully and publicly analyzed, he said. Nicholas Vetch, vice chair of the tribunal, told RFA's Uyghur Service the tribunal will "consider a body of evidence and make a determination ... based on the evidence and the law." "[It's] for others to do what they want with it, so whether that's governments or citizens or corporations or whoever, but at least we will have made a determination," he said, adding that the exercise will also result in "the accumulation of a significant body of evidence." Genocide designation In July, two Uyghur exile groups filed a dossier of evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, accusing top Chinese officialsincluding President Xi Jinpingof genocide and crimes against humanity related to the crackdown on Uyghurs in the XUAR. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, of The Gambia, must receive approval from judges to open a formal investigation after completing her preliminary examination of the evidence and it could take months before she issues a response. The filing follows a June 29 report about a dramatic increase in recent years in the number of forced sterilizations and abortions targeting Uyghurs in the region, which the author, German researcher Adrian Zenz, said may amount to a government-led campaign of genocide under United Nations definitions. China did not make a spokesperson available for comment on the report, but when Zenzs study on forced birth control came out in June, official media vilified him and said Beijing is considering suing him for libel, while the foreign ministry denounced him. Preliminary discussions about a possible genocide designation have been held by U.S. officials at the State Department, National Security Council, and Department of Homeland Security, administration officials said last month. Reported by Joshua Lipes and Nuriman for RFA's Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. President Akufo-Addo has debunked accusations that Ghanaian officials are maltreating Nigerian traders in Ghana. Nana Akufo-Addo says the claims are wrong, unfounded and an attempt to hurt diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria. The President spoke at a meeting with the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. I was alarmed because, if they were the sentiments and attitudes of the Federal Government of Nigeria, then we were in a really serious problem. You have to know that the Nigerian population in Ghana is safe. They are in the home of brothers. Many of them have been here over centuries trading and doing business here without any difficulties, and that culture of co-operation and brotherliness will continue. President Akufo-Addo commended the leadership of Parliament of both countries for meeting to find a lasting solution to the tussle. He also said it would be a good idea to set up a Joint Ministerial Committee for Ministers on both sides, who would be responsible for shepherding Ghana-Nigerian issues and reporting to both Presidents at any time when matters occur. The idea of legislation to promote a Ghana-Nigeria Business Council, that will superintend over trade and investment matters between our two countries, is well overdue. It is events that produce institutions, and the time has come for it to be done, he said. The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigeria served a strong warning to the Government of Ghana stating it will no longer tolerate any form of alleged harassment of its citizens residing in Ghana. Nigeria's government insists its citizens have over time endured a series of progressive acts of hostility allegedly meted out to them by Ghanaian authorities. The Nigerian Government is deeply concerned by the incessant harassment of its citizens in Ghana and the progressive acts of hostility towards the country by Ghanaian authorities, and will no longer tolerate such. In this regard, the Federal Government is urgently considering a number of options aimed at ameliorating the situation, a statement from the countrys authorities noted. Subsequently, the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila led a high-powered Nigerian delegation for a two-day visit to the Parliament of Ghana. The two held talks on matters pertaining to relations between the two countries following the implementation of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act 2013, Act 865. ---citinewsroom COLUMBIA, S.C., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- South Carolina's top-of-the-line mobile workshop for skilled trades, Be Pro Be Proud SC, became a reality yesterday. At a launch event held at the State Farmers Market in West Columbia, Gov. Henry McMaster and Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee County, helped cut the ribbon on this Public Private Partnership that will promote skilled trades careers throughout South Carolina. Carolinas AGC (CAGC) is the only Commercial Construction Association that has been at the table since day one and we are thrilled about the endless possibilities the mobile workshop will offer. The 53-foot, double-expandable 18-wheeler will offer students and parents the chance to learn more about skilled trades and the career opportunities that are abundant in South Carolina, including thousands of well-paying construction jobs now available. Nice and shiny on the outside, the blue, silver and black truck features South Carolina's palmetto tree and crescent moon logo as well as an array of sponsor names and logos. Inside, visitors will feel as if they have walked into an upscale arcade where they will be scored on how well they can drive a commercial truck, weld, operate a piece of heavy equipment, and run a forklift. There are also virtual reality games that teach the techniques of carpentry and diesel mechanics. But, most importantly, visitors will walk away with resources and information on how they can begin a career that is essential and in high demand. The state of Arkansas built the first Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop in 2016. Since then, more than 98,000 individuals have participated in the 540-stop tour that spanned 285 cities. South Carolina becomes the first state to partner with Arkansas to launch a similar skilled trades mobile workshop. Yesterday's event kicks off the 2020-2021 tour that will have the Be Pro Be Proud SC truck visiting schools, fairs, career centers, conventions, and government events across the state. To date, over 30 stops have already been scheduled. Sen. Alexander talked about the importance of the "coordination, communication, and collaboration" that got us to this point. "This is about workforce, the citizens of South Carolina, and our young people; a way for them to connect their interest and skills with a job that will be a career for them and will help them be productive citizens in their communities. That is what I see when I look at this truck". Gov. Henry McMaster, a supporter of skilled trade careers and a proponent of the funding for the truck spoke of the importance of the construction industry and the many other featured trades saying "we are going to wake up a lot of young people and some older people too after they see, feel, and touch this truck". "Wow! What a journey this has been. I could not be more excited for our members in the construction industry, but also for the many, many students who will have the chance to learn more about these skilled trade careers. We hope this mobile workshop will help educate students as well as parents and in turn will begin to build a pipeline of workers for the construction industry," Leslie Clark, VP of Operations, Carolinas AGC. To learn more about this initiative https://www.beprobeproudsc.org/ or to book a free tour stop https://www.beprobeproudsc.org/book-a-tour-stop/. Carolinas AGC is the construction industry association in the Carolinas, bringing value to our thousands of members through networking, government relations, job leads, meetings with owners/designers, and education and training involving such issues as safety and open shop, and community development. Visit us at www.cagc.org, connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Media contact: Leslie Clark, Vice President, Operations and Director, SC Government Relations & Divisions, (704) 372-1450 x5515, [email protected]. SOURCE Carolinas AGC Related Links https://www.cagc.org Scientists propose nano-confinement strategy to form sub-nanometer reactors Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are promising in electrocatalysis processes due to their maximum utilization of active species. However, manipulation of these atomic-scale active sites to satisfy specific reactions is still an essential bottleneck due to their isolation features. Prof. LIU Jian from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and his collaborators proposed a nano-confinement strategy to host multiple Fe and Cu single atoms inside the extremely narrow yet regular surface cavities of graphitic carbon nitride to form "sub-nanometer reactors". The study was published in Advanced Materials on Sept. 2. "These Fe and Cu atoms, highly confined in the sub-nanometer reactors, not only provide stronger interaction with the reactants but also, more importantly, lead to significant synergetic effect due to their unique microenvironments in this extremely narrow space, which is highly favorable for catalysis, especially the tandem processes such as the nitrogen reduction reaction," said Prof. LIANG Ji from Tianjin University, a co-author of the study. "This is the first time that we successfully and conceptually push the nanoreactors towards a much smaller dimension to form sub-nanometer reactors, which brings distinctively different properties from the conventional nanoreactors," added by Prof. LIU. "First principle simulation reveals that this synergistic effect originates from the unique Fe-Cu coordination, which effectively modifies N 2 absorption, improves electron transfer, and offers extra redox couples for nitrogen reduction reaction," said Prof. SUN Chenghua from Swinburne University of Technology, another co-author of the study. The researchers found that this significant synergy caused by the multiple confined atoms led to significant performance enhancement for the model electrocatalytic process, the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Improvements in terms of high ammonia yield and efficiency that are much higher in comparison with the mono-metal counterparts have been achieved. This concept of constructing sub-nanometer reactors not only provides a new strategy of manipulating catalysts active centers at the subnanometer scale, but also sheds light on the design of novel catalysts with a precision spatial location at the sub-nanometer scale for a wide spectrum of catalytic reactions as well. ### This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The Congress on Friday hit out at the government over the alleged rise in and poverty, as it demanded that solutions must be provided for the problems being faced by the youth. Former Congress president attacked the government over a media report which claimed that rate has gone up in August as rural jobs dipped. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also slammed the government over the alleged rise in and privatisation. She raised the issue of Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Exams allegedly being in a state of limbo. "2017- No appointments till now under SSC CGL. 2018 - Even results are not out of the CGL exam. 2019 - CGL exam was not held. 2020 SSC CGL - No vacancies taken out," Priyanka Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi. "If vacancies come out, then no exams. If exams take place, then no results. If results come out, then no recruitment," she said. "The future of the youth is being ruined by private sector layoffs and a halt on government recruitment, but the government is serving lies in advertisements and speeches to hide the truth," Priyanka Gandhi tweeted with the hashtag 'stop privatization'. In a tweet in Hindi, appealed to the government for "employment, reinstatement, results of exams". "Provide solutions to the problems being faced by the youth of the country," he tweeted. Meanwhile, Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala attacked the government over alleged rise in poverty. He cited growth and poverty figures from the UPA era to hit out at the current dispensation. Citing a UN report, he said it shows a rapid rise in poverty among women. He also claimed that according to the International Labour Organization, 40 crore Indians are being pushed below the poverty line. The Congress has stepped up its attack on the government after the country's economy suffered its worst slump on record in April-June, with the gross domestic product (GDP) contracting by 23.9 per cent as the coronavirus-related lockdowns weighed on the already-declining consumer demand and investment. (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.) (Natural News) Despite being constantly portrayed as such in popular media, not all extinction events involve the apocalyptic and instantaneous dying off of complex creatures such as the dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts some of them are more gradual and happen over longer periods of time and deal with creatures that are on the microscopic scale. Such was the case for a previously unknown extinction event from 2.4 billion years ago that, according to researchers, effectively wiped out more than 80 percent of all the species on Earth at that time. As noted by an international team of researchers, this extinction event likely happened as a result of the so-called Great Oxidation, a geologic event in which a vast amount of free oxygen was released into the Earths atmosphere for the first time by photosynthetic cyanobacteria. These microscopic organisms, more commonly known as blue-green algae, eventually exploded in their numbers, thus spelling the end for anaerobic bacteria, which died en masse due to the steady influx of oxygen. The tables would soon turn for the oxygen-producing cyanobacteria population, however, with researchers noting that despite them gaining an initial foothold, the photosynthetic organisms eventually experienced a similar crash in their numbers a direct result of their depletion of the primordial oceans nutrient stores. This, researchers noted, was the worlds first mass extinction event. (Related: Study: Multiple supernovae triggered a mass extinction millions of years ago.) According to researcher Malcolm Hodgskiss, this event is proof that die-offs can occur even in a microbe-dominated environment. This shows that even when biology on Earth is comprised entirely of microbes, you can still have what could be considered an enormous die-off event that otherwise is not recorded in the fossil record, Hodgskiss, a geologist from Stanford University, explained, noting that this extinction is greater in scale when compared to other extinction events such as the so-called Great Dying that happened some 252 million years ago and the Cretaceous-Tertiary (KT) extinction event that killed off the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. Hodgskiss and fellow researcher Peter Crockford, in a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, noted that this die-off ultimately paved the way for larger, more complex animals and plants to thrive. A snapshot of the past The researchers, assisted by experts from Nanjing University, the University of Colorado-Boulder and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, examined several samples of the mineral barite, which they collected from the Belcher Islands in Canadas Hudson Bay. This particular mineral can store a record of the levels of oxygen found in the atmosphere at the time it was formed, thus helping to provide a snapshot of the extent of lifes productivity during that particular period in time. The research team found that around 2.05 billion years ago, the earths biosphere experienced a sudden drop in life. According to the researchers, this sudden drop may be linked to the declining oxygen levels from the latter part of the Great Oxidation, as the two events occurred at roughly the same time in the geologic scale. Findings confirm Oxygen Overshoot hypothesis The findings support a hypothesis concerning the Great Oxidation event called the oxygen overshoot. This hypothesis states that while oxygen-releasing microorganisms would initially flourish in the earths primordial oceans, they would inevitably hit a critical peak, which would then be followed by a massive die-off and eventually, a subsequent decrease in atmospheric oxygen. Some of these oxygen estimates likely require too many microorganisms living in the ocean in Earths past, Crockford, a postdoctoral researcher at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Princeton University, said. According to Crockford, their findings, which reveal the significant biological consequences of oxygen levels above or below the capacity of the planet, can help other scientists hone their estimates regarding the size of the oxygen overshoot. We can now start to narrow in on what the composition of the atmosphere could have been through this biological angle, Crockford explained. Learn more about the mass extinctions that Earth has experienced at Extinction.news. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com Slate.com DailyMail.co.uk Earth.com PNAS.org Eurekalert.com The government is negotiating with unions and business leaders how to extend the national furloughing programme (ERTEs) when the current Covid-19 scheme runs out on 30 September. On the table at a meeting between the different sides in Palma de Mallorca on Monday will be allowing extensions in sectors linked to tourism. On Thursday this week, the Minister of Work, Yolanda Diaz, said that the government is looking to "redesign a protective mechanism" that covers not just the tourism sector in the strictest sense, "but the whole chain [of supply]". In her comments she mentioned as likely firms: travel agents, transport companies, leisure operators and cultural firms. The minister also confirmed, "without a doubt", that the ERTEs would be extended in some form and that these measures would last, "until necessary". Firms in the tourism sector have been asking for an extension until Easter. Among the issues being debated today is how much of a furloughed worker's salary should be paid out by Social Security. Currently it is 70 per cent, but the law reduces this to 50 per cent after six months. The government has said it is open to reviewing this. Data released this week showed that in August, in Malaga province, eight of every ten workers who were furloughed were back at work. Now the peak tourist season is over, uncertainty about jobs is back again. Federal standardized testing requirements for K-12 schools will be enforced during the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced to state leaders on Thursday. DeVos sent Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice a letter advising that states will not have the option of waiving federal testing during the 2020-2021 school year, as they did in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a Friday statement said DeVos isnt protecting nor improving public education by mandating federal testing, but trying to strip dollars away from schools in need of critical funding. President Donald Trumps administration faced backlash in July for threatening to withhold federal funding from school districts that dont reestablish in-person education. Michigan officials also sued the Secretary of Education, arguing guidance for distributing federal funding pushes money toward private schools. This virus has had an unprecedented impact on our kids and forcing them to take these assessments during a time when families everywhere are working around the clock to stay safe is cruel, Whitmer said. Betsy DeVos should do the right thing and waive these requirements for our kids. Related: Betsy DeVos loses first round against Michigan in coronavirus school funding suit DeVos said in the Sept. 3 letter that after speaking with state superintendents, she has decided the best way to assess where students are in their education is through testing. Almost every student experienced some level of disruption, DeVos said. Moving forward, meeting the needs of all students will require tremendous effort. To be successful, we must use data to guide our decision-making. DeVos said waiving federal testing in March was the right call then, given the limited information available about the virus at the time and the need to stop its spread, as well as the practical realities limiting the administration of assessments. But this school year, states will be required to carry out testing under the Every Student Succeeds Act, she announced. Grand Rapids Public Schools planned on administering testing regardless of what was coming out of Lansing or Washington, said John Helmholdt, the districts executive director of communications and external affairs. And thats really to measure growth and to set growth benchmarks for each individual child, Helmholdt said. It allows the teacher to differentiate instruction to specifically meet the needs of that individual child. We understand the need to continue to assess students. I think where the concern really goes is how its used with educator evaluation in particular. Forty percent of a teachers evaluation is based on how well their students do on tests, Helmholdt said. Teachers strive to be rated effective or highly effective in their instruction. If a teacher is found to be ineffective for three consecutive years, Helmholdt said thats grounds for termination. Teachers are concerned because students have had three times the usual learning loss they experience over the summer, according to Helmholdt. The research is crystal clear: Across the board, students at high-poverty, high-need schools are more susceptible to summer learning loss, Helmholdt said. The district will continue with a rigorous virtual learning plan, but Helmholdt said the reality is we dont know yet how (the pandemic) is impacting academic achievement. And so it should not be used as a punitive measure against teachers and educators on their evaluation, Helmholdt said. The only way to assess a students learning attainment without impacting the evaluation of a teacher is through an executive order or if the legislature changes the law. Related: Betsy DeVos has long been the boogeyman of public education. Critics say her push to reopen schools shows why. Whitmer condemned DeVos letter, arguing the Secretary of Education is forcing high-stakes testing on our children during a global pandemic. Students, educators, and families everywhere deserve leaders in Washington who will help them succeed, Whitmer said. I will continue to work closely with districts and educators across the state to ensure our kids can get a great education as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic. DeVos said states will have to determine how to administer the tests and that her office is open to discussions about what, if any, actions may be needed to adjust how the results of assessments are used in your states school accountability determinations. In closing, lets remember that Americans are resourceful people and can accomplish great things even during the most challenging of times, DeVos said in the letter. 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 executive orders requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. See an explanation of what that means here. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. For more data on COVID-19 in Michigan, click here. Indonesias Parliament will consider recommendations to overhaul how the central bank operates, raising market fears that Bank Indonesia (BI) will lose independence and its policymaking could be at risk. Whats being proposed? A panel of experts issued recommendations this week to revise the 1999 central bank Act to a Parliament panel. The recommendations include expanding BIs mandate to cover economic growth and employment. The panel recommended Cabinet ministers be given voting rights at monthly monetary policy reviews. It also suggested the ... Actor John Boyega he played Finn in the most recent Star Wars trilogy is the feature of this month's GQ cover story. There are lots of great insights and anecdotes throughout the lengthy interview, especially as Boyega discusses his diasporic experiences in Nigeria, his mental health, Black fashion, and shifting perspectives of racism that form in hindsight; it's all worth reading. But the parts that have received the most attention naturally, and understandably had to do with Star Wars. "What I would say to Disney is do not bring out a black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are and then have them pushed to the side. It's not good. I'll say it straight up." He is talking about himself here about the character of Finn, the former Stormtrooper who wielded a lightsaber in the first film before being somewhat nudged to the periphery. But he is also talking about other people of colour in the cast Naomi Ackie and Kelly Marie Tran and even Oscar Isaac ("a brother from Guatemala") who he feels suffered the same treatment; he is acknowledging that some people will say he's "crazy" or "making it up", but the reordered character hierarchy of The Last Jedi was particularly hard to take. "Like, you guys knew what to do with Daisy Ridley, you knew what to do with Adam Driver," he says. "You knew what to do with these other people, but when it came to Kelly Marie Tran, when it came to John Boyega, you know fuck all. So what do you want me to say? What they want you to say is, 'I enjoyed being a part of it. It was a great experience' Nah, nah, nah. I'll take that deal when it's a great experience. They gave all the nuance to Adam Driver, all the nuance to Daisy Ridley. Let's be honest. Daisy knows this. Adam knows this. Everybody knows. I'm not exposing anything." Boyega does defend JJ Abrams ("Everybody needs to leave my boy alone. He wasn't even supposed to come back and try to save your shit"), and seemed to be particularly frustrated with his experience on The Last Jedi. I've always defended that movie as a brilliant love letter deconstruction of the Star Wars saga, but Boyega's experiences are valid and real and even the movie's most ardent defenders will likely acknowledge that Finn had the most disappointing and sidelined story arc. I'll admit, I hadn't considered how much race may have played into that, regardless of whether it came down from Disney or from Rian Johnson. Boyega's other Star Wars comments in the interview, however, are something I was more aware of. But I think it's important that he acknowledges the issue as bluntly and directly as he does: "I'm the only cast member who had their own unique experience of that franchise based on their race," he says, holding my gaze. "Let's just leave it like that. It makes you angry with a process like that. It makes you much more militant; it changes you. Because you realise, 'I got given this opportunity but I'm in an industry that wasn't even ready for me.' Nobody else in the cast had people saying they were going to boycott the movie because [they were in it]. Nobody else had the uproar and death threats sent to their Instagram DMs and social media, saying, 'Black this and black that and you shouldn't be a Stormtrooper.' Nobody else had that experience. But yet people are surprised that I'm this way. That's my frustration." Star Wars is such an important cultural myth that I think it's particularly important that we reflect on Boyega's experience. Once you've done that, I think it's even more important to read the rest of the interview, and take in the full picture of a life experience that Boyega paints with his words. John Boyega: 'I'm the only cast member whose experience of Star Wars was based on their race' [Jimi Famurewa / GQ] QuantaDose UV Test Card Every day people are being taken advantage of by online scammers simply because consumers do not have access to a simple tool like the QuantaDose to test UVC light products Ultraviolet-C (UVC) light is produced by the sun, except it is different from UV known for causing sunburns and skin cancer. Unlike UVA and UVB, UVC is blocked by the earths atmosphere and does not occur naturally on the Earths surface. Hence, we rely on human-made sources of UVC light at precise accumulated dosage levels to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous pathogens that gather in homes, schools, and other communal areas. QuantaDose was designed with this in mind to quickly visualize UVC intensity for the most effective disinfection process. UVC technology has been implemented for decades in the medical industry to disinfect and safeguard hospitals and other medical facilities. In these environments, the correct UVC intensity and the dosage is the most critical part of the disinfection process. Unfortunately, were seeing everyday people being taken advantage of by scammers simply because they do not have access to a simple tool like the QuantaDose that can tell them if the UVC light sterilizer wands, PPE disinfection boxes, or anything else they have purchased for UV disenfection is an effective method of inactivating viruses and other pathogens in their home, says CEO Katie Webb. Webb adds: QuantaDose has quickly answered the critical unmet need for a broadly adoptable, low-cost, miniaturized, and accurate visualization tool to quickly enable informed decision making when choosing UV protection as a pandemic countermeasure to protect family and loved ones. The company currently offers a two-card package containing 1st & 2nd Edition QuantaDose Reusable UVC Test Card; both test cards are calibrated for 300 W/cm minimum intensity combined with a narrow-band UVGI wavelength indicator between 200 nm -275 nm for $15.00 and a UVC Installer Package (6 Card Pack) for $49.95, that includes a 3-watt UVC light wand for UVC test card calibration. About the Company: Founded in 2020, Quanta X Technology LLC has acquired a vast pool of engineering and biochemistry expertise, pioneering a world-leadership position in non-pharmaceutical pandemic countermeasures that include germicidal communications research, new innovative Far-UV, and UVC intensity testing methods, and the worlds first scalable solution for nucleophilic attack strategies through hydroxylated humidification, Far-UV directed energy and Conventional UVC. The companys mission is to create the best pandemic and post-pandemic era quality of life solutions by engaging in research, design, manufacture, and sale of photon and proton management technologies that are designed to mitigate the impact of epidemics for future pandemic prevention. Virtual Platform to Lease & Finance Cars Now Accessible to Dealerships in Five States and to nearly 100 Million Americans VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / PowerBand Solutions Inc. (TSXV:PBX) (OTCQB:PWWBF) (Frankfurt:1ZVA) ("PowerBand", "PBX" or the "Company") and its U.S. leasing division, MUSA Auto Finance, LLC ("MUSA") are accelerating expansion across the United States with dealerships and drivers in Arizona and Oklahoma now able to use its ground-breaking digital-transaction platform. The additions of Arizona and Oklahoma, with a population of almost seven million, are in addition to MUSA already being available to the 90-million residents of California, Texas and Florida. This means that almost 100 million Americans can now access MUSA, to lease and finance a car from their smart phones and other digital devices, with lease approvals in seconds. MUSA is in the process of adding an additional 15 states to its platform, which when combined with the existing 5 states, will make its cloud-based leasing platform available to a population of more than 200 million. PowerBand is transforming the auto industry by making it possible for dealers and drivers to buy, sell, lease, trade and finance cars from a single platform, on smart phones or other digital devices, as easily as buying on Amazon. The use of PowerBand's platform is also accelerating in the United States amongst dealers. Dozens of dealerships in California, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and Arizona, which sell thousands of cars a month, have now signed up and are able to use MUSA's services. Similar deals are being negotiated in other states and a list of dealers wishing to use MUSA is growing. "Our agents are signing up dealerships daily to our digital transaction platform," said PowerBand CEO Kelly Jennings. "PowerBand is now in full commercialization mode, an exciting new revenue-generating phase for the Company as we expand across the United States." The PowerBand virtual platform has a unique suite of services that allows dealers and drivers to buy, sell, lease, auction and finance their vehicles with an ease that is unique to the automotive industry. MUSA has already secured an initial USD $300-million finance facility with a major U.S. financial institution. Once that financing facility has been utilized it will be securitized, resulting in the replenishing of the original USD $300 million, which the company believes will happen many times annually. Other significant funding facility negotiations are in advanced stages to power the Company's virtual platform, which is proving particularly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing drivers to purchase and sell cars from any location. MUSA, which is 60-per-cent owned by PowerBand, was founded in 2016 and is leading the modernization of the new- and pre-owned vehicle leasing experience, providing dealers and consumers with the most advanced on-line leasing options in the industry. The technology takes an application, calculates a lease, auto-decisions the application, provides an approval back to dealer partners and prefills a lease contract accurately. Approvals can occur in less than eight seconds. As a result of its proprietary technology, MUSA was awarded a contract by Tesla Motors to become a national leasing partner in 2018. About PowerBand Solutions Inc. PowerBand Solutions Inc., listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and the OTCQB markets, is a fintech provider disrupting the automotive industry. PowerBand's integrated, cloud-based transaction platform facilitates transactions amongst consumers, dealers, funders and manufacturers (OEMs). It enables them to buy, sell, trade, finance, and lease new and used, electric- and non-electric vehicles, on smart phones or any other online digital devices, from any location. PowerBand's transaction platform - being trademarked under DRIVRZ - is being made available across North American and global markets. For further information, please contact: Richard Goldman, VP Corporate Development P: 1-866-768-7653 rgoldman@powerbandsolutions.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company 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 future plans and objectives of 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. 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, we 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 at the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. SOURCE: PowerBand Solutions Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604796/PowerBands-US-Leasing-Division-MUSA-Now-Being-Used-in-Two-More-States-Arizona-And-Oklahoma KYODO NEWS - Sep 4, 2020 - 02:12 | Japan, All Amazon.com Inc.'s Japan unit has submitted to the country's antitrust watchdog a set of proposed reforms including returning money to its suppliers after having them shoulder part of the costs to cover discounts the online retailer applied on goods, sources close to the matter said Thursday. Should the Japan Fair Trade Commission accept the reforms, Amazon Japan K.K. will be exempted from administrative penalties after it was investigated in 2018 for allegedly violating the antitrust law. The law prohibits companies from abusing their superior positions to illicitly earn profits from other parties by making demands, including for money. The suppliers are thought to have complied with Amazon's demand to continue selling their products through its wide sales network. The sources said the Japan unit started asking them to shoulder part of the costs around 2017. Amazon Japan was notified in July that it can give the commission proposals, including measures to prevent a similar reoccurrence of business misconduct. "We have no comment. We will continue to cooperate with the Fair Trade Commission," Amazon Japan told Kyodo News. This is not the first time Amazon Japan was suspected of being in breach of the country's antitrust law. In 2019, the commission started an investigation over the company's plan to offer reward points to all products sold on its site over concerns that small merchants were forced to shoulder the cost of the points. The investigation ended once the plan was axed. Amazon Japan was also investigated by the watchdog in 2016 on suspicion of signing contracts with suppliers under which they agreed to make their product lineups and prices competitive or at least equal compared with rival online retailers. The probe ended in 2017 after the company retracted such conditions, and there was no decision on whether the antitrust law had been violated. One of the men charged over the fatal drive-by shootings outside Melbourne's Love Machine nightclub is back in custody over allegations he committed an offence while on bail. Moussa Hamka has pleaded not guilty to assisting an offender after the shootings outside the Prahran venue on April 14 last year, in which security guard Aaron Osmani and patron Richard Arow were fatally shot. Mr Osmani, 37, was killed at the scene and Mr Arow, 28, died in hospital days later. Moussa Hamka. Credit:Facebook Police allege Mr Hamka, 26, took a gun used in the shootings in the weeks afterwards and hid it in his bedroom, where it stayed until his arrest in late June last year. Mr Hamka is not accused of being involved in the shootings. But he and the accused gunmen, Jacob Elliott, 19, and Allan Fares, 22, are awaiting trial. Mr Elliott and Mr Fares have each pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and the attempted murder of three other people. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a media conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 9, 2020. (David Gray/Getty Images) Australian State and Federal Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Border Issues Australias political leaders have met to discuss state border closures, an agriculture worker code, and extreme weather risks over the upcoming summer season. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has scolded stubborn state premiers after failing to secure consensus on easing border restrictions or allowing the free movement of agricultural workers. The prime minister is changing the rules and lowering expectations of national cabinet after chairing a fortnightly meeting of premiers and chief ministers. Weve decided this notion of 100 percent absolute consensus on any issue is not a way the national cabinet can indeed work, Morrison told reporters in Canberra on Friday. What we will do is we will set out areas where we can come together, and get as many states and territories as possible to come around that agreement. Not everyone has to get on the bus for the bus to leave the station. But it is important the bus leaves the station, and we all agree on that. State border closures dominated the national cabinet meeting as the Commonwealth pushed for a national definition of a coronavirus hotspot. Premiers and chief ministers agreed to pursue a consistent model, but refused to endorse a definition provided by the countrys acting chief medical officer. There will be further discussion on how that can be more specifically defined, Morrison said. This will take some time to get that right, he said. States have total control over who crosses their borders but the Commonwealth is cranky it carries the lions share of the economic cost. Morrison also asked premier and chief ministers to endorse a national agricultural code to allow seasonal workers to travel over state lines. Five out of eight jurisdictions signed up, but Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania declined. All states and territories except Western Australia also pledged to reach the third and final stage of easing business restrictions by Christmas. As well, the national cabinet agreed to relax the weekly limit on stranded Australians returning home from overseas each week. There are more than 23,000 Australians abroad who want to return, a third of them in India. The federal government has imposed a weekly cap of 4000 international passengers to ease the burden on state hotel quarantine systems. Premiers and chief ministers will look to ease the burden on NSW, which is doing most of the heavy lifting. Australias coronavirus death toll has passed 700 after Victoria announced 59 new deaths. Fifty of the deaths occurred in July and August but were only reported on Friday. There have now been 737 deaths from coronavirus across the country. National cabinet was also briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology on the upcoming high-risk weather season, which is likely to bring bushfires and cyclones. Daniel McCulloch (Bloomberg Opinion) -- If you believe the message from the Kremlin, Russia currently has no plans to send police or military forces into neighboring Belarus. But it has sent in some reinforcements to the news media, as part of a strategy that should stand as a warning to democracies around the world. Of course, President Vladimir Putin mused last week, Russia may eventually need to intervene in Belarus militarily. But as his spokesman put it this week: At present we see that the situation is under control. Putin is trying to convey the impression that he is just a concerned neighbor in a crisis that has exploded in national unrest since Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko declared victory in a stolen election last month. Russia, Putin wants the world to believe, is holding back. This perception is deceiving. In reality, Russia is waging a kind of stealth intervention in Belarus, the first part of which is taking place in the media. Belarusian state television has replaced Belarusian journalists with those from the Kremlin-financed RT network, which Lukashenko confirmed this week in an interview. You understand how important you were to us during this difficult period, he told an RT correspondent. And what you demonstrated technically, your IT specialists, and journalists, and correspondents, and so on ... and your manager. This is worth a lot. An early warning about the Russian takeover of Belarusian state television came from George Barros, who works for the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. Barros wrote on Aug. 20 about new montage videos that depicted the U.S. and NATO as fomenting unrest in Belarus, as well as slick propaganda videos being released through Belarus interior ministry. State TV was engaged in an effort to humanize Belarusian officials, he told me in an interview, while portraying protesters as threatening the families and lives of security personnel. This is the opposite of what was happening in Belarus. The state began arresting thousands of protesters indiscriminately after the disputed election last month. The BBC has reported that some of those detained said they were tortured in jail. Story continues Russias assistance to Lukashenko did not end there, either. Barros and his colleague Mason Clark have also tracked three flights in mid-August of government-owned passenger jets from Moscow to Minsk. The first such plane, they say, belonged to the FSB, the Russian Federal Security Service. There is no direct evidence that FSB officers were on those flights. But Barros says there is circumstantial evidence that the FSB is advising Lukashenko on how to disperse the protests. After that first flight on Aug. 18, for example, the Belarusian security services ended a policy of mass arrests, which fueled unrest, and began a strategy of targeted detentions of organizers and opposition leaders. In an interview with reporters this week, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said there was little doubt that Russia was exercising some level of influence in Belarus, and said that publicly available flight tracking data showed that elite aircraft from the FSB intelligence service has flown into Minsk on more than a couple of occasions. What all this means for the future of Belarus is not good. If Lukashenko is able to retain power, he will have to reverse any policies or stances that sought or promoted greater independence from Moscow. What will happen to his opposition to an economic and political union between Belarus and Russia? Will he still tout his anti-Russian bonafides, as he did during the presidential campaign, when Belarusian law enforcement agencies arrested 33 Russian mercenaries? More broadly, Putins offensive in Belarus is yet more evidence that Russia considers the media landscape a battlefield for its own brand of hybrid warfare. Sometimes, the war requires actual troops, as in 2014 in Ukraine. Other times, the goal is to sow chaos and mistrust in democracy. This time, in Belarus, it appears that Russia is trying to quell a democratic uprising without firing a single shot. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Eli Lake is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering national security and foreign policy. He was the senior national security correspondent for the Daily Beast and covered national security and intelligence for the Washington Times, the New York Sun and UPI. 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. President Donald Trump In statements and tweets this week, President Donald Trump continued to cast exaggerated doubt on mail-in voting in the upcoming November election against Joe Biden. While visiting North Carolina on Wednesday, Trump who has frequently criticized mail-in voting, claiming widespread fraud that experts say doesn't exist said that residents should try to vote twice in November, once by mail and then again in person, in case their mail ballot wasn't counted. In keeping with his history of claims without evidence, Trump gave no basis for his theory mail ballots won't be counted. He has previously said the problem with mail ballots would be that there would be too many of them and even dogs and dead people might be able to vote not that ballots would be ignored. It is illegal to vote more than once in an election. "Let them send it in and let them go vote, and if their system's as good as they say it is, then obviously they won't be able to vote. If it isn't tabulated, they'll be able to vote," Trump, 74, said when asked about the mail-in voting system in North Carolina, according to NBC News. "If it's as good as they say it is, then obviously they won't be able to vote. If it isn't tabulated, they'll be able to vote. So that's the way it is. And that's what they should do," he added. On Twitter Thursday, Trump expanded his argument, mixing together some of his earlier claims: "[I]n order for you to MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS & IS COUNTED, SIGN & MAIL IN your Ballot as EARLY as possible go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted). If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizens right to do)." Twitter put a disclaimer on some of Trump's above tweets, saying they violated a policy "about civic and election integrity." Story continues RELATED: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Says Trump Joked She 'Take One for the Team' with Kim Jong Un: Reports Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, issued a statement Thursday morning warning that voting twice is a felony under North Carolina law. "The State Board has a dedicated investigations team that investigates allegations of double voting, which are referred to prosecutors when warranted," Bell said, according to NPR. North Carolina's attorney general, Josh Stein, similarly criticized the president's remarks. Today, President Trump outrageously encouraged NCians to break the law in order to help him sow chaos in our election. Make sure you vote, but do NOT vote twice! I will do everything in my power to make sure the will of the people is upheld in November. Josh Stein (@JoshStein_) September 2, 2020 "Today, President Trump outrageously encouraged NCians to break the law in order to help him sow chaos in our election," Stein wrote. "Make sure you vote, but do NOT vote twice! I will do everything in my power to make sure the will of the people is upheld in November." Trump has repeatedly criticized mail-in voting, an option that states across the country have considered expanding amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. His re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee have even sued states who have made moves to expand access to mail-in voting due to the pandemic, including Nevada, New Jersey and Montana. RELATED: Melania Trump Used Private Email Accounts While in the White House, Says Her Former Friend White House spokesman Judd Deere told NPR in a statement on Thursday that the media was taking the president's North Carolina remarks out of context. "No one has fought harder for an election system that is fair and free from fraud and abuse than President Trump," Deere said. "This idea that he is encouraging people to vote twice is yet another example of the media taking him out of context." For a party that has adopted the successful social re-engineering model from Gujarat, Rajasthan and across the rest of the Hindi belt over the past decades, Tamil Nadu continues to remain a tricky customer, says N Sathiya Moorthy. IMAGE: (From right) The BJPs Tamil Nadu president L Ganesan with newly admitted party member K Annamalai, IPS, with national president JP Nadda and general secretary Muralidhar Rao at the party headquarters in New Delhi on August 25, 2020. Photograph: Courtesy, BJP Tamilnadu on Facebook. In a double whammy for the Bharatiya Janata Party in southern Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court has upheld the three per cent reservations within reservations granted to the Arundathiyar sub-sect within the larger Scheduled Castes, granted by the then Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam state government in 2009, even as Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has declared that his All India Anna DMK would be leading the alliance in next years assembly election. The two issues assume significance for the state BJP ahead of the assembly polls, as only recently the party began promoting the Arudathiyar sub-sect as a prospective vote-bank, with some leaders also claiming that they would lead the electoral combine (implying that the AIADMK would work with/under them). The Arundathiyar sub-quota issue did not help the then ruling DMK win the 2011 assembly elections, especially after the 2G scam hit national headlines and received international attention. Yet, a new traction began when the BJP, after much delay, appointed L Murugan, from the Arundathiyar community, as the state unit chief, despite his lack of exposure even in TN party circles. It became a talking point, though, only after Murugan effected the cross-over of fellow Arundathiyar and DMK veteran, V P Duraisswamy, also from native Namakkal, and made him a state BJP vice president in recent weeks. Suddenly now, the state BJP is finding out that the SC verdict has revived forgotten memories, if any, of the Karunanidhi initiative. This, in turn, was aimed at improving the DMKs chances in the AIADMK-dominated western region -- but did not work at the time. The BJPs initiative in appointing Murugan made the Arundathiyar issue, if not the internal reservations, a talking point for sections of the state media, especially social media. Murugan facilitating Duraiswamis defection, followed by his instant elevation, all put a greater focus on the subject. Now, the SC verdict, overnight, has reversed the focus onto the DMK, Karunanidhis chief ministership and his quota within quota scheme which did not, however, find favour with a section of the state bureaucracy. According to the dissenters, SC-ST reservations having been mandated by the Constitution at birth, any modification could be effected only by Parliament -- or, at least by Parliament endorsing a state government decision. Now, though mainly in connection with a Punjab case, a five-Judge Constitution Bench has indicated that the creamy layer provision, enunciated by the court in the Mandal case (Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, 1992) should be applicable to the SC reservations also. After seemingly strenuous homework over the past several years, after keeping the post vacant for months following the elevation of incumbent Tamizhisai Soundararajan as Telangana governor, the BJP carefully named an Arundathiyar in L Murugan as the state party chief earlier this year. There was no denying the backwardness of the sub-sect among various Dalit sects in the state, despite their relatively substantial numbers. In turn, DMKs V P Duraiswamy, another Arundathiyar with roots in western Namakkal town, became the first target for Murugan for being inducted into the party, and as a state vice president. Even the caste and sub-caste equations became a talking matter outside of party circles, not when Murugan was named TN unit chief but only when Duraiswamy crossed over. It also owes to the kind of support base the media perceives the BJP has, or does not have in the state -- and the kind of stirrings a second-line DMK leaders defection may impact on the latter. Needless to recall, the Duraiswamy defection has since been followed by a DMK legislator, Ku Ka Selvam, joining the BJP. Sections of the social media have begun adding one or the other of senior DMK leaders, including former state and central ministers, and also incumbent MLAs and MPs, but that phase has died down, at least for now. In between, the real problem for the BJP at the grassroots-level came to be felt in the traditionally communally-sensitive southern Tirunelveli, where some caste Hindu leaders are reportedly considering putting in their papers, to protest against the appointment of a Dalit as district party secretary. According to reports, they have since handed over their resignations to Nainar Nagendran, who was a senior leader in the ruling AIADMK when Jayalalithaa was around, and is reportedly upset over his continued retention as one of the many state party vice presidents. That way, free distribution of party posts to newcomers is creating heartburn among long-standing members. The conferment of state party vice presidency on K Annamalai, a young IPS officer from Tamil Nadu who quit the service as a Karnataka cadre officer and later joined the party, has not gone down well with old loyalists. It came out clear when state party secretary K T Raghavan had to end up defending Annamalais posting to the media. When important people join the party, we need to honour them. That has not created any rift or heartburn in our old-time loyalists, Raghavan said. However, camp followers like those of Tirunelvelis Nainar Nagendran, for instance, quip if equating their man, a electoral and political veteran and a greenhorn, is one and the same. They had expected Nagendran to be named the state unit chief. A month ago, Murugan visited the other in his Tirunelveli residence, after rumours began doing the rounds that he was crossing over to the DMK. Annamalais induction has created another minor ripple for the BJP, as fans of superstar Rajinikanth are upset with the other two. According to them, after Rajinikanth declared that he would identify a honest, qualified person as his promised partys chief minister candidate, Annamalai is reported to have claimed that he was Rajinis choice. Now for the BJP to woo him to its side and still expect Rajinikanth to bless the party and his fans to work for the party is not on, say many fans of the superstar. For a party that has adopted the successful social re-engineering model from Gujarat, Rajasthan and across the rest of the Hindi belt over the past decades, Tamil Nadu continues to remain a tricky customer. The party was able to make huge inroads into southern Kanyakumari district, which continues to be a stronghold of the Congress rival at the national level. The unexpected death of H Vasanthakumar, incumbent Congress member of the Lok Sabha, due to Covid related complications, has led to a by-election. It is likely that the it will be conducted along with the state assembly elections. While the BJP has a substantial support base in the constituency, the party should still be worried about the whopping 2.61-lakh vote margin of Vasanthakumar over the BJPs incumbent MP, Pon Radhakrishnan, in 2019. It is unclear as yet if the swing away from the BJP and Radhakrishnan owed to the traditional BJP voters antipathy to the party or the candidate -- or, to the relative popularity of Vasanthakumar even among traditional BJP voters, what with the Congress vote-share remaining constant. But jockeying for BJP nomination is already on within the district party, and also within the Congress rival, where even local chieftains of alliance leader DMK are talking about the party taking back the seta from the partner in the by-election. For a section of the state BJP, which had hoped to use the alliance leadership card as a bargaining chip vis a vis the ruling AIADMK for the assembly polls, Chief Minister EPSs declaration that his party alone would lead the alliance, has come as a premature shocker. BJP stalwarts were ready to concede that in the final round, only the AIADMK would get to lead the electoral combine, but they had hoped to use the card as a bargaining chip for seats negotiations. That is now not to be. The AIADMK, on the other hand, is keen to find out if the very idea was created by someone in the state BJP or by some party strategist at New Delhi, or at least had the blessings of the top two, namely Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. In turn, it implies that the AIADMK too would be preparing to drive a hard bargain in terms of number of seats ad also in the identification of constituencies. More importantly, the AIADMK will have to take stock of the cadre mood on aligning with the BJP in the first place, as there is a strong sentiment in the party that the LS poll washout last year owed to identifying (too much) with the saffron party. A similar but opposite feeling is there also in the state BJP, where cadres cite Modis magic sweeping the rest of the country but losing so very badly in the state only because of association with the corrupt AIADMK. Their idea is that the BJP should still contest all future elections on its own, as in neighbouring Kerala, and wait for the partys turn -- without compromising on the partys clean image among traditional voters. After all, they say, We are not going to come anywhere close to forming a government in the state, nor can we afford to underwrite the corrupt ways of the AIADMK if the alliance won and we insist on power-sharing. Whatever it be, state BJP leaders should be happy for one thing For weeks now, and possibly all the way up to the assembly polls, the party is going to be in big-time news, every now and again. It will be even more so if either there are further high-profile defections engineered from other parties, or there are protests from within the ranks about ignoring their legitimate claims over the exigencies of electoral politics, a la its Congress rival from the past. N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and political analyst, is Distinguished Fellow and Head-Chennai Initiative, Observer Research Foundation. Prisoners who pose a terror threat may have to remain behind bars far beyond their normal release date. Hundreds of inmates jailed for non-terror offences who are feared to hold extremist sympathies could be refused the right to automatic release. The radical changes to sentencing rules will be the centrepiece of legislation set to be published early next year. Sources said the measures would apply to criminals numbering 'in the low hundreds'. Hundreds of inmates jailed for non-terror offences who are feared to hold extremist sympathies could be refused the right to automatic release (pictured, the Westminster terror attack) The proposals would fundamentally change the way the criminal justice system handles the release of extremists and terror suspects and are likely to put ministers on a collision course with human rights lawyers. Currently, the security services are powerless to keep extremists behind bars if they were found guilty of non-terror offences. Some of the offenders who are expected to be subject to the new rules may have been acquitted of terror charges but convicted of other crimes, such as firearms or fraud. In such cases, they are entitled to automatic release from jail after serving just half of their sentence. Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, an anti-extremism think-tank, has described existing sentencing rules as a 'loophole', adding: 'The Government need to close it, and fast.' Under the proposals, such offenders will have automatic release cancelled and their cases will be referred to the Parole Board. They will be freed only when experts on the board agree they no longer pose a danger to the public meaning they could remain behind bars until the very end of the jail term handed down by a judge. The bid to extend sentences is likely to face challenges. Previous moves have led to appeals under human rights laws. The Government's emergency measures, passed earlier this year in the wake of the London Bridge and Streatham terror attacks, have been controversial because they extended automatic release to the two thirds point of a jail term for anyone convicted of terror offences. A man who admitted terror offences challenged the measures in the courts, claiming they unfairly targeted Muslims. Mohammed Zahir Khan, a former shopkeeper from Sunderland, pleaded guilty in 2018 to five counts of encouraging terrorism, one count of dissemination of an Islamic State terrorist publication and two counts of stirring up religious hatred. Khan appealed against the measures on the grounds they were discriminatory but his claim was rejected by judges last month. The new measures are to be included in a white paper due to be published within weeks. It will be followed by a sentencing Bill to be brought before Parliament by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland early next year, it is understood. A Ministry of Justice spokesman last night declined to comment but added: 'A white paper will be published shortly.' How new rules could have stopped Westminster attack By David Barrett The Westminster Bridge terrorist could have been kept in prison for longer had the latest detention proposals been in operation at the time of his original sentences. Before his murderous rampage in 2017 which killed five, including PC Keith Palmer, Khalid Masood had been in jail for a series of non-terror offences. Before his murderous rampage in 2017 which killed five, including PC Keith Palmer, Khalid Masood (pictured) had been in jail for a series of non-terror offences Masood, 52, drove a 4x4 vehicle at pedestrians at speeds of up to 76mph before fatally stabbing the police officer outside the Houses of Parliament and then being shot dead. Although it is unlikely that such new laws would have led to Masood still being imprisoned at the time of the attack, they could have led to closer scrutiny of his beliefs during and after his various spells in prison. The proposed tough measures could also in theory have been deployed in the case of gunrunner Nathan Cuffy. The 30-year-old Muslim convert, from west London, who is also known as Ismael, was cleared of preparing terrorist acts and conspiracy to murder but convicted under firearms laws, and handed an 11-year sentence in 2016. The security services and the Government were powerless to prevent Cuffys release earlier this year. If these new powers had been in force Cuffy could potentially have been kept inside until 2027. Another terror attack, which claimed a number of lives, could potentially have been prevented by the measures had they been in force. The alleged assailant in that case cannot be named for legal reasons. With an outstretched gloved hand, a volunteer helps a woman up the steps of the Mosaic Community Center Food Pantry to receive donated food in Queens on July 31 With an outstretched gloved hand, a volunteer helps a woman up the steps of the Mosaic Community Center Food Pantry to receive donated food in Queens on July 31 Credit - Anthony BeharSipa USA/AP As Congress struggles to agree on a new stimulus bill to support people during the COVID-19 pandemic, its vital that we recognize what didnt work in the first stimulus through the CARES Act. One thing has become shamefully clear: Congressional leaders lack of attention to the deep structural racial inequities that undergird economic fragility and joblessness in the first place has resulted in far too many Black and Latinx Americans being left out and left behind. There is still an operating belief in a rising tide lifts all boats, a term attributed to President John F. Kennedy that proclaims government economic policy should focus on broad economic efforts. However, racial disparities are primarily produced and maintained by colorblind policies and practices. A stark historical example is the race-neutral GI Bill passed after World War II, which provided young men who might otherwise not have had the opportunity for post-high school education to receive college and vocational training and low-interest government-backed mortgages to buy their first homes. These programs unleashed massive wealth opportunities for white Americans, but due to discrimination in college admissions and in the housing markets, Black veterans were essentially shut out of all wealth-building opportunities. This is one reason among many that Black Americans now have a mere $0.10 for every $1 dollar of wealth owned by white people. Without accounting for structural racism, the well-intended CARES Act became a race-neutral policy. While the $1,200 cash payment had many successes, the legislation overlooked the many marginalized Americans who are unbanked (60% of Black and Latinx families have no or limited access to banks), those who are undocumented, and those whose earnings are so low that they dont file taxes. Families who didnt file a group with a high makeup of Black and Latinx Americans were required to submit an additional application to receive the funds. Many people were not aware of or were confused by this process, and as a result, experienced delays in receiving payments or didnt receive them at all. Story continues According to a study by the Tax Policy Center, 74% of eligible white adults received stimulus checks, in contrast to 69% of Black American and 64% of Latinx Americans. Angelica Morenilla, an Afro-Latinx recruiter for an adoption and foster care agency in Oakland, CA, has yet to receive her cash payment. Its a hard pill to swallow when almost everyone around you has received a stimulus check, and you are still waiting, she shared. I thought the money would help me finally get ahead for a change and help out my mom. To actually have an equitable impact, policy making must be race conscious. Creating a race conscious policy means centering racial equity in the design process and making active efforts to overcome obstacles to access that may exist. A race-conscious policy like the recently proposed Just Futures Fund that provides universal cash payments to adults and children and adjusts the child transfer amount based on family wealth, will provide financial support to everyone, but will have a greater positive impact on Black and Latinx people, simply because those families have been systemically denied wealth building opportunities to begin with. The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) included in the CARES Act has also failed to adequately reach Black and Latinx business owners. The application process was run through commercial banks, which meant that while well-connected businesses were able to swiftly access the funds, businesses without easy access to banking institutions had their applications delayed or blocked altogether. A survey of 500 Black and Latinx businesses uncovered that only about 1 in 10 (12%) received the assistance they requested. The total number of Black-owned and Latinx businesses in the US fell by 41% and 32%, respectively, from February to April of this year, compared to a drop of 22% for businesses overall. Congress is moving away from race-conscious policymaking rather than toward it. The additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits was one of the few provisions in the CARES Act that did offer strong support to Black and Latinx working people, since they experienced disproportionate job loss during the pandemic. The rate of joblessness among Latinx workers went from 4.8% in February to a peak of 18.5% in April before dropping to 14.5% in June, while joblessness among Black people is now 16.%. But even this aid failed to reach Black workers equitably new research shows that, despite having the highest rates of unemployment in the wake of the pandemic, Black workers have received unemployment benefits at about half the rate of their white counterparts. One reason for the discrepancy is that many states with higher Black populations have made it harder to access benefits in recent years. This is not a coincidence, it is by design this is due to decades of policy based on the incorrect stereotype that Black people are more likely to access benefits, when the truth is white Americans have always been the largest share of safety net beneficiaries. Now, our lack of race-conscious policymaking is hurting us all. Trumps recent cuts to boosted unemployment benefits will push millions of families closer to economic catastrophe. Instead of slashing aid in the midst of an economic crisis, Congress should maintain unemployment support where it has been, as well as making race-conscious fixes to the distribution of further stimulus checks by the IRS. Open up the process to ITIN filers, send recurring checks instead of band-aid stop gaps, coordinate with other social service agencies to identify people without prior tax returns, and invest in outreach efforts and infrastructure needed to ensure Black and Latinx people know about this support and how they can receive it. At the same time, allow everyone who didnt receive their first stimulus check to claim it now. In this dual crisis moment of a global pandemic and surging unemployment, millions of Americans are on the verge of falling into financial destitution. A race-conscious stimulus package would provide the lifeline that families need to make it through. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to U.S. troops, with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani standing behind him, during an unannounced visit to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, November 28, 2019. The White House denied a blistering report published Thursday that claimed President Donald Trump called dead American service members "losers" and "suckers." "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump told aides after he scrapped a visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 to honor the dead service members, according to The Atlantic, which cited four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion. Trump, on the same trip, later referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who lost their lives in the Battle of Belleau Wood in France as "suckers" for getting killed, the magazine reported. The comments are in stark contrast with the president's public persona as a champion of the military and a fighter for veterans. The Battle of Belleau Wood, which lasted 20 days in June 1918 and ended with German forces soundly defeated, was a defining moment in World War I for the Marine Corps. "What animal would say such a thing?" Trump said Thursday night as he returned from a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. "And especially since I've done more, I think more than almost anybody, to help our military to get the budgets, to get the pay raises for our military. So I just think it's a horrible thing that they are allowed to write that. We can refute it. We have other people that will refute it." "It is a disgraceful situation by a magazine that is a terrible magazine," Trump added. "I don't read it. I just heard about it, but they made it up. Probably it's a couple of people that have been failures in the administration." The White House also denied the report. "This report is false. President Trump holds the military in the highest regard. He's demonstrated his commitment to them at every turn: delivering on his promise to give our troops a much-needed pay raise, increasing military spending, signing critical veterans reforms, and supporting military spouses. This has no basis in fact," White House communications director Alyssa Farah told NBC News in a statement. Deputy press secretary Judd Deere also denied the report in a tweet, calling it an "anonymously sourced story." The Atlantic said it spoke with multiple sources on condition of anonymity. The Associated Press said it had confirmed some details in the Atlantic report. NBC News has not independently verified the report. Tweet In 2018, the White House claimed that Trump canceled the trip because a rainy forecast for the city made it too risky for him to fly there safely. Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, criticized Trump in a statement Thursday. "If the revelations in today's Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States," Biden said, adding, "And if I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice always." It is not the first time Trump's boasting about the military has been at odds with his statements. He lashed out at Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. "He's not a war hero," Trump, then a Republican candidate for president, said in 2015 at a town hall in Iowa. "I like people who weren't captured." At the same event, Trump said "I don't like losers" after having talked about McCain's losing the 2008 presidential election. "I supported him. He lost. He let us down. But, you know, he lost. So I have never liked him as much after that, because I don't like losers," he said. As a candidate, he also attacked Khizr and Ghazala Khan, a Gold Star family whose son Humayun Khan was killed in Iraq in 2004 while serving as an Army captain. The magazine also reported Thursday that when McCain died in August 2018, Trump told his aides, "We're not going to support that loser's funeral," citing three sources with direct knowledge of the remark. The magazine said Trump, who was not invited to McCain's funeral, became furious when he saw flags that had been lowered to half-staff to honor McCain, citing witnesses to the event. "What the f--- are we doing that for? Guy was a f-----g loser," the president said, according to The Atlantic. Meghan McCain, the late senator's daughter, said in a pair of tweets Thursday that she was hurt by the reported remarks. Tweet "No one is more acutely aware of how vile and disgusting Trump has been to my family, it is still hard to understand - America knows who this man is...," she wrote, adding, "This never stops being incredibly painful, triggering, and it rips off new layers of grief that wreak havoc on my life. I wouldn't wish any of it on my worst enemy. I truly pray for peace for my family, our grief, and for this country." In a series of tweets Thursday night, Trump called the story "a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election." Tweet Trump said that he "was never a big fan of" McCain's and disagreed with him on "many things" but that he approved the lowering of flags and using Air Force One to fly his body from Arizona to Washington "without hesitation or complaint." "Also, I never called John a loser and swear on whatever, or whoever, I was asked to swear on, that I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election!" he wrote. Western leaders have demanded answers from Kremlin after Berlin said there was evidence that he had been afflicted by the infamous Novichok Russian police carry opposition leader Alexei Navalny, center, from a demonstration against President Vladimir Putin in Pushkin Square in Moscow, Russia. (AP File) Brussels: The poisoning of Alexei Navalny will be discussed at an urgent NATO meeting on Friday after European leaders threatened fresh sanctions against Moscow, which has furiously denied targeting the Russian opposition leader. The 44-year-old lawyer, one of President Vladimir Putin's chief critics, fell ill on a flight last month and was evacuated to Germany for treatment. Western leaders have demanded answers from the Kremlin after Berlin said there was "unequivocal evidence" that he had been afflicted by the infamous Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. The same substance was used against Russian ex-double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English town of Salisbury two years ago, and Germany's claim prompted widespread condemnation. Germany will brief a special meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at 12:30pm Brussels time (1030 GMT), with the alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to hold a press conference after it concludes. The Skripal case -- the first offensive use of chemical weapons in Europe since World War II -- prompted NATO to expel seven Russian diplomats in retaliation. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell earlier called on Moscow to cooperate with an international probe into the poisoning and said the 27-nation bloc would not rule out sanctions. Brussels condemned "in the strongest possible terms the assassination attempt", the Borrell statement said. The EU said the use of chemical weapon "is completely unacceptable under any circumstances (and) constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards." 'Do its utmost' The Russian government "must do its utmost to investigate this crime thoroughly in full transparency and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity must not and will not be tolerated," Borrell said. The EU wants Russia to cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is based in The Hague, to "ensure an impartial international investigation" needed to identify those responsible. In Washington, Democratic senators pressed the US Treasury to impose sanctions on Russian organisations and individuals for interfering in the election, saying intelligence shows Moscow is seeking to damage Joe Biden's candidacy. The Navalny poisoning is the latest in a long series of assassination attempts against Kremlin critics. Russia denies there is any evidence that Navalny was poisoned and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Berlin had not provided Moscow with proof. "There is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Peskov said, rejecting talk of economic sanctions and urging the West not to "rush to judgement". 'Poisoned relations with West' Already suffering from wide-ranging Western sanctions imposed over its 2014 annexation of Crimea, as well as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the drop in oil prices, Moscow will be anxious to avoid any further pressure on its economy. Germany's announcement sent the ruble plunging to its lowest level against the euro since 2016 and Moscow's RTS stock exchange fell more than three percent. "Russia's relations with the West have once again been poisoned by Novichok," wrote business daily Kommersant. "The main question is, how far will they decide to go?" it said. Navalny's top ally Ivan Zhdanov told AFP that the poisoning opened a "new chapter" in a Kremlin crackdown on dissent saying this is the first time a banned warfare agent was used against a top opposition leader on Russian soil. Navalny fell ill after boarding a plane in Siberia last month, with aides saying they suspect he drank a cup of spiked tea at the airport. He was initially treated in a local hospital, where doctors said they were unable to find any toxic substances in his blood, before he was flown to Berlin for specialised treatment on August 22. The charismatic Yale-educated lawyer is still in the intensive care unit and remains on a ventilator. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh on Thursday warned his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal against trying to exploit the Covid-19 crisis to instigate people in Punjabs villages and advised him to instead focus on managing the pandemic in the national capital. The blunt missive came a day after Kejriwal asked his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers to travel across Punjab with an oximeter to measure oxygen levels in the blood and identify potential Covid-19 patients. We dont need your oximeters. We just need you to rein in your workers in Punjab, where they are trying to incite my people into not going to hospitals to get tested and treated for Covid, Amarinder said. Kejriwals call to party workers raised the hackles of the Punjab government that is worried about attacks on health workers in rural areas by people resisting COVID-19 testing following circulation of fake news and provocative videos. At least one such fake video was found to have originated in a foreign country, most likely Pakistan, and circulated by an AAP worker who has now been arrested by Punjab Police. Amrinder Singh, 31, a resident of Mishriwala village of Ferozepur, has been booked under IT Act, 54 DMA and 153 IPC for circulation of false and misleading posts on social media platforms and provoking people not to cooperate with health authorities. Singh was an aspirant for a ticket from Ferozepur seat in the Assembly polls. He is being questioned to ascertain who instigated him to circulate the outrageous post of a body to mislead the people into believing that organs of deceased patients were being removed. Such rumours are provoking a section of the community to resist proper medical care which needs to be provided to all Covid affected citizens, which is a clear case of a deadly criminal conspiracy against the people of the state, said Amarinder. There were enough indications of a massive plot by elements inimical to the interests of Punjab, he added. Amarinder said Kejriwals announcement in the midst of such dangerous rumour mongering raised serious questions on the AAPs role in the conspiracy to undermine the Punjab governments efforts to contain the pandemic. He warned the Delhi CM against playing into the hands of anti-India forces who are trying to use the pandemic to foment fresh trouble in the state. Rush Transcript: Governor Cuomo Announces New Record High Number of COVID-19 Tests Reported to New York State August 30, 2020 A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below: Good morning, everyone. Happy Sunday. I'm joined on the phone by Melissa DeRosa, Howard Zucker, Jim Malatras and Gareth Rhodes. Let me give you some numbers to start. Today is day 183. Yesterday we did 100,000 tests. That's the most tests that we have ever done in a single day. On that number of tests, 100,000, the infection rate was .69. That is great, great news. That's the 23rd day we're under 1 percent so that is really great news, especially when you consider what's going on around the country and around the world which I'll get to in a minute. Eight New Yorkers passed away yesterday. They're in our thoughts and prayers. 429 hospitalized - that's down by about 30. That number is a new low since March 16, the 429 New Yorkers hospitalized. 12 COVID patients in ICU - that's down a couple. 47 patients intubated, down 1, but the number of intubated is also a new low since mid-March so you have, the number of intubated are a new low, the number hospitalized are a new low, highest level of tests, 100,000, and the infection rate .69, 23 days under 1 percent. So the state is doing extraordinarily well and again, kudos to all New Yorkers because there is no mystery as to how this happens. It's a social action. We talk about social action. This is social action. This is the community of the people of the State of New York acting out of mutuality and concern for one another - community action. Worked at it all my life but never seen it on this scale before and it's all good. Western New York for those of you who are interested, we've been watching Western New York. It has been, we have a caution flag up on Western New York. The infection rate yesterday was 1.6 percent. That's still the highest in the state. Every other region was below 1 percent. We've started a focused testing effort with rapid turnaround. We set up eight sites. We did 1,000 people. Those numbers for 1 day show about a 3.4 percent infection rate for one day. That is a very high number but that is not a random number. These are people who decided to come in to be tested. Normally you get a high infection rate under those circumstances because these are people who think they may be infected, right? That tends to be the driving motivation for people who show up so 3.4 is high but again it's not random. What is interesting is you do see different geographic variations. The City of Buffalo was at 5.5; the County of Erie, 1.5; County of Niagara, 2.9; Chautauqua, 1.5. So we're going to use that information and continue testing and start to focus on those geographic areas that are showing higher numbers. In general, we have not hit what people talked about as the second wave. The second wave discussion was on the theory that the virus would mutate and come back and that was going to be the second wave parallel to the 1918 flu pandemic. We're still in the first wave but what we're seeing across the world and across the nation is a difficulty in the first wave. It's a rebounding of the first wave, right? And it's the one wave going back and forth and we're still struggling with that first wave. And it's troubling. You look at places in Europe, you have France, you have Spain, you have Germany that are seeing numbers tick up, parts in this country where you're seeing numbers tick up. New York is very much the exception to what's going on around the world with COVID and I'm very pleased with the progress. All New Yorkers should be but we have to protect that progress and what you see again going on around the country and around the world should keep us on high alert. We're especially seeing the challenges that will come in the fall when people start to go back to school. Colleges are opening - colleges open sooner than K-12 and high schools. And colleges are having issues. There are already 25 colleges across the country that are having significant issues, over 250 cases. The 25 colleges are all around the country. It's Florida, it's Texas, it's North Carolina. It's also Michigan. It's also the state of Washington. So colleges to me are very much a canary in the coalmine. Colleges very much show what happens when you bring back a concentration of people. Even with all the precautions. Even with everything we know, because you still run into human behavior. I've spoken to a number of college presidents, private college presidents, and I've said to them, look, I get it, you go back to college, you want to see your friends, part of the college experience is socializing, I know many people who are on this phone call when they were in college, they socialized, I know many of them went to parties, many of them consumed alcohol and did all those things. I studied when I was in college but I know not everyone was in the library when I was there. I understand, and I understand that colleges want to have a good relationship with the student body, but if the students act irresponsibly or the precautions are not in place, then the virus will spread and more dramatic action is going to have to be taken and needs to be taken. And if there is an outbreak on a college it's a concern for the college but it's also a concern for that community, local community and for the state. We have a new chancellor of the State University System of New York and he happens to be on the phone with us, Jim Malatras. SUNY, I think, is lucky because Jim has been involved with the entire COVID management system from day one so he gets it clearly. He's brought that orientation to SUNY - he's action today at Oneonta that I think is right and we have him on the phone and I'd like him to speak about the situation at Oneonta and the actions he's taking today. Chancellor Malatras? Chancellor Malatras: Thank you, Governor. Thank you, everyone. We have had reports of several large parties of our students at Oneonta last week, and unfortunately because of those larger gatherings, there were several students who were symptomatic of COVID and upon testing we found that 20 were positive for the COVID virus. As a result, we deployed the SUNY Upstate Medical Team to down to SUNY Oneonta, one of our premier medical research facilities to test all students, the nearly 3,000 or so at Oneonta, which began on Friday and right now as of this morning we have 71 positive confirmed cases up from 20. And because of our efforts, we're confirming another 34 tests, so we're about 105 positive tests at SUNY Oneonta, which is about 3 percent of the total student and faculty population that are on campus at SUNY Oneonta this year. As a result of the increase of tests - the positive tests for COVID - we are going to be closing the SUNY Oneonta campus for two weeks for instruction and we will assess the situation working with the state and local health departments after two weeks. I want to thank the Governor and Commissioner Zucker; they've deployed case investigators and contact tracers to help with the situation and the state is deploying a SWAT team to come into the Oneonta community to set up three rapid results testing facilities so that any resident of the Oneonta community can be tested. It's a 15-minute test. The hotline will be, and the locations will be, released on Monday and we will start testing on Wednesday because many of the students, of course, live off-campus. There's a lot of interaction in the community. There's a private college nearby, so we want to manage the, any potential spread and address it immediately. But we're taking this action because we think it's necessary in order to show folks that this can spread quickly and we have to address it quickly - and the other piece that we wanted to mention, because the Governor mentioned it, we understand students are coming back, we understand people want to party. But individual responsibility plays into the collective good, so your individual actions have enormous consequences on everyone else in your college community. Five students in Oneonta have been suspended for holding parties against the college policy. Three organizations, campus organizations, have been suspended and that goes along - we're going to be tough not because we want to ruin their fun, but this is a different time and this goes to what other campuses have been doing. We had to suspend 43 students at SUNY Plattsburgh for similar things because we have to address this during the new-normal. So, we will be doing that today. We're going to be meeting with the local community leaders and the school to go discuss that at 1 p.m. today, so thank you, Governor. Governor Cuomo: Thank you very much, Jim. And just to echo what Mr. Malatras discussed and this should be a message to the private colleges also. I understand college life. Jim said, "students like to party." I never used the expression "party;" I said "socialize," which I thought was a more appropriate term to use in the academic setting. But we understand that and I understand the tension between the school administration and the student population, but if you the lesson is always the same. If you are not prepared, if you don't have the right precautions, or if you don't enforce the precautions, then the virus spreads and then you have to take more dramatic action which is more disruptive and generates a more energy, a more negative energy. So private colleges, I think if you are slow to enforce the rules, then the virus will spread and then you will have to take more dramatic action. If a private college doesn't take the dramatic action, the local health department can make the college take close-down procedures. If the local community doesn't do it, the state can do it. A 3 percent infection rate, you know, that's a high infection rate in a congregate situation. Three percent is high in a dense environment, like a dense urban environment where you have people taking public transportation; it's a crowded environment. Three percent is high, so I think the Chancellor is doing the exact right thing at Oneonta and I think he's taking the right actions across SUNY, and I think the private colleges should really follow the example. As I said before, I think the colleges are the canary in the coal mine. I think what we're seeing at colleges we're going to see at the K-12 setting when those schools start to reopen. I know there's a lot of conversation in districts across the state. I speak to many school administrators, many parents about this. They have to have the right plan in place. Look at the colleges. Look at what's going on. Have the right plan and be in a position to actually implement the plan. Some school districts were having conversations about testing and what they'll do in terms of testing. It's one thing to have a plan that says you're going to do X number of tests. It's another thing to actually have the capacity to do that number of tests. So it's not just the plan. It's the implementation of the plan, right? And bureaucracies are not the best change-oriented systems and this is a major change for a bureaucracy and this is a test that has to be completed quickly so it's an entirely new system, an entirely new task that has to be completed very quickly so a plan on paper is one thing. Being able to do it is a second question that has to be asked and my advice to the K-12 is the same - air on the side of caution. Air on the side of caution. If you go to in-person education and you are not prepared or you can't actually implement the plan and do it on day one, you will see the numbers go up and then you'll see more disruption. So air on the side of caution, smart plan you can implement, and if you're not ready, better you start when you are ready. You know? Everybody is anxious to get back to school. I get it. But everybody should be anxious to get back to a safe school, right? We're opening safe schools this year - that's what we're doing. Not just schools - we're opening safe schools. With that, Dr. Zucker has an announcement and then we'll take questions. Dr. Zucker? Dr. Howard Zucker: Thank you, Governor. With flu season around the corner, the Department of Health will put out regulations tomorrow saying that all deaths involving respiratory illnesses need to be tested for COVID-19 and for the flu. This will maintain the integrity of our data. It will remove any reporting of presumed cases. This is very important information to have. I want to add that I urge everyone to get their flu shot unless there's a medical reason not to do so. Every year I urge people to get their flu shot and this year is no different, especially with the COVID-19 virus that's circulating the community, so we will have those regulations out tomorrow. Thank you, Governor. Governor Cuomo: Thank you, Doctor. I'm ready for my flu shot whenever you're ready. I will take it without grimacing. Like I did that test with the nasal swab. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former President John Dramani Mahama has accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of what he claims as 'insecurity' in the country. He claims there is rampant armed robbery in the country and appears to say the NPP is not committed to fighting the supposed menace. The former President, who has been campaigning in the Upper West Region in his bid to return to power after being defeated heavily in 2016 as incumbent, said at Nadowli that anywhere I have gone in the Upper West Region and I have asked about their issues, they have told me it is armed robbery every day. They take our money; they take our mobile phones, he claimed the people there told him, adding the little capital our mothers have to trade with is being taken away from them. Tribal Campaign He once again started playing his trademark tribal card, telling the gathering without providing proof that President Akufo-Addo had been supervising the sharing of state resources for the benefit of a select few. There is hope and that hope is on 7th December 2020. All of us will come out in our numbers and vote for a government that will think about all Ghanaians and not only a few Ghanaians because this country belongs to all of us, he said, adding nobody is more Ghanaian than another. All of us Dagartis, Gonjas, Ashantis, Ewes Fantis, Nzemas, Kanjagas are one people and the opportunities of this country must be opened to all of us, not just a few people. When he got to Wechiau, he claimed President Akufo-Addo had created opportunities for a few, but the National Democratic Congress (NDC) he led created opportunities for all. Today life is hard. Whatever work you do it is not going anywhere.Farmers are complaining. You cannot get market for your produce and that is because people don't have money, he said at Nadowli. If you have money, you will go to the market and buy but people don't have and so you grow your corn, maize, yam, beans and you go to the market and you will sit there if you don't sell it at a low price and cut your losses and go back home. If you are not lucky you will not even have transport money to go back home (sic), he claimed. When you have sold it and you are coming back home and you are not lucky armed robbers will cross you and steal the money from you because Ghana is no longer safe, he added. Mr. Mahama said at Wechiau that the NPP's $1 million per constituency agenda is a 'lie' despite the government showing evidence of disbursement and also mocked the government's 'One District One Factory' initiative which has seen the country getting back to its industrial status. When it is coming to an election, politicians promise everything and the mantra is that after all it is politics. When you promise what you can't deliver and you get the mandate eventually you will be exposed, he said, adding if you go and say you will build a factory in every district, you will give every constituency $1 million every year, this kind of lie! The day will come when you will be exposed (sic). He claimed that the NDC made specific promises and even delivered more than what was promised, saying in NDC we don't say what we can't do. We make specific promises that we know are achievable and we don't only achieve those promises, we do more than the promises that we delivered. We know those who made false promises. They have been exposed. And we must be wary of them again when they come giving those false promises. ---Daily Guide Advertisement An Antifa gunman who admitted to shooting dead a supporter of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer in Portland, Oregon, has been killed in a shoot-out with U.S. Marshals as they tried to arrest him on Thursday night. Michael Reinoehl, 48, was shot dead by members of a federal task force in Washington, after they attempted to apprehend him on murder charges in the killing of Aaron 'Jay' Danielson, 39. Danielson was allegedly shot in the chest by Reinoehl after clashes between Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protesters broke out during a rally on Saturday night. Authorities on Friday said federal agents executed an arrest warrant and located Reinoehl outside of an apartment building near Lacey, Washington, about 120 miles north of Portland, around 7.30pm. Reinoehl, who was armed with a handgun, then got into his car and attempted to flee, officials said. 'During the attempt to apprehend him, shots were fired at the suspect in the vehicle and he fled from the vehicle on foot. Additional shots were fired at the suspect and he was later pronounced deceased at the location,' the Thurston County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Earlier, the Marshals Service said federal agents had opened fire after Reinoehl produced a firearm and threatened officers' lives. Witnesses told the Olympian they saw a man open fire and heard 40 or 50 shots from what they believe was a semi-automatic rifle before officers returned fire and shot him dead. But authorities are yet to confirm whether Reinoehl fired the weapon. Scroll down for video The body of Antifa gunman Michael Reinoehl at the scene in Lacey, Washington where he was shot dead by federal officers in a shootout. Witnesses say he opened fire with a semi automatic rifle Michael Reinoehl, 48, (left) was killed by police on Thursday as a federal task force attempted to apprehend him on a warrant for the homicide of Aaron 'Jay' Danielson, 39 (right) Officers are seen attempting in vain to render life-saving aid after the confrontation around 7pm on Thursday in Lacey, Washington that left Reinoehl dead Officials work at a scene in Lacey, Washington late Thursday, where a man suspected of fatally shooting a supporter of a right-wing group in Portland was killed by police A car with shattered windows and likely bullet holes stands in the area where Reinoehl died in the confrontation with police. Cops say he ran from an apartment armed with a gun A Washington State Patrol official walks near evidence markers and a car with broken windows last night in Lacey, Wash. at the scene where Michael Reinoehl was killed as investigators moved in to arrest him President Donald Trump tweeted about the Aaron Danielson case as the shoot-out unfolded in Reinoehl was killed at around 7pm on Thursday in the 7600 block of 3rd Way Southeast in Tanglewilde, a small community outside of Lacey about 55 miles southwest of Seattle. Authorities said they do not believe he lived at the address where he was shot TIMELINE OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO ANTIFA GUNMAN MICHAEL REINOEHL'S DEATH AUGUST 29 Reinoel shoots and kills Trump supporter and Prayer Patriot member Aaron 'Jay' Danielson during a protest in Portland. AUGUST 30 Reinoel is reported to be under investigation in connection to the murder. SEPTEMBER 3 Portland Police Bureau issues warrant for Reinoel's arrest. 7PM Federal task force locate Reinoehl outside an apartment complex in Tanglewilde, Washington. Reinoehl gets into the vehicle and a 'confrontation' with police ensues. Reinoehl runs out of the car and fires '40 to 50' shots at law enforcement officers. Officers return fire and fatally shoot Reinoehl. Reinoehl is pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement The U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task forces, comprised of deputy marshals, other federal agents and local law enforcement officers from a variety of agencies, are responsible for apprehending violent felons and other wanted suspects. In a statement released on Friday, Attorney General Bill Barr said Reinoehl, who lived in the Portland area, had fled to Washington after Saturday's shooting. 'The tracking down of Reinoehl - a dangerous fugitive, admitted Antifa member, and suspected murderer - is a significant accomplishment in the ongoing effort to restore law and order to Portland and other cities,' Barr said. 'The streets of our cities are safer with this violent agitator removed, and the actions that led to his location are an unmistakable demonstration that the United States will be governed by law, not violent mobs,' he added. Local officials confirmed that Reinoehl was killed at around 7pm on the 7600 block of 3rd Way Southeast in Tanglewilde, a small community outside of Lacey about 55 miles southwest of Seattle. A fugitive apprehension team was in the area looking for a wanted homicide suspect when they saw the suspect, who appeared to be armed, coming out of an apartment to a vehicle, Thurston County Sheriff's Lt Ray Brady told The Olympian. The events that followed however, remain unclear as officials have not specified details that led up to the shooting or have confirmed who fired first. Pierce County sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer told the publication officers had 'attempted to put him into custody and shots were fired.' According to Brady, law enforcement officers had fired shots into the vehicle and Reinoehl ran from the car and pulled out a weapon. Officers then fired more shots, he told the news outlet. Witnesses Chad Smith and Chase Cutler, who were just 150ft away from the gunman, said they saw the man get out of the car and fire '40 to 50 shots' at law enforcement before he was shot dead. Cutler said the scene reminded him of 'a video game'. Investigators haven't yet determined how many rounds were fired, Brady said. He said Reinoehl was alone at the time of the shooting, with no children or other people present. Brady said he doesn't think the suspect lived at the address where he was shot, and it's not clear what brought him to Lacey. 'We don't know that specifically yet,' Brady said. 'I do not believe that was his residence.' Police would not immediately confirm whether Reinoehl had fired his weapon, but said that no officers were injured in the confrontation. Evidence markers are placed on the ground last night in Lacey, Wash. at the scene where Michael Reinoehl was killed Thursday night as investigators moved in to arrest him. Reinoehl had been suspected of fatally shooting a supporter of a right-wing group in Portland, Oregon, last week after a caravan of Donald Trump backers rode through downtown Portland. Police walk past evidence markers at the scene where Michael Reinoehl was killed Michael Reinoehl, 48, was killed as a federal task force attempted to apprehend him in Lacey, a senior Justice Department official said. Reinoehl was the prime suspect in the killing of 39-year-old Aaron 'Jay' Danielson, who was shot in the chest Saturday night What appears to be a body is seen as officers work the scene of the fatal confrontation Investigators work the scene at Tanglewilde Terrace where law enforcement shot and killed a man who is reportedly Michael Forest Reinoehl last night in Lacey, Washington A Facebook Live video posted by witness Jashon Spencer and seen by The Olympian, appeared to show Reinoehl lying on the ground after the shoot out. 'I was sitting in my backyard and all I heard was pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. I come outside and there's a million sheriffs out here, and theres a dude laying out here by the mailbox and he's bleeding. They hit him,' Spencer says. 'You see all of those yellow markings. They're bullets. They let loose on him.' Officers were seen attempting CPR on Reinoehl at the scene. Brady confirmed that four officers fired their weapons. He said the officers were from the Department of Corrections, Pierce County Sheriff's Office and Lakewood Police. Reinoehl's death came on same day that he appeared to confess to shooting Danielson in an video interview, claiming that he acted in self-defense. 'I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn't going to do that,' Reinoehl, 48, said in a clip of a video interview published by Vice News on Thursday. Reinoehl did not say outright that he shot Danielson in the fragment of video shown by Vice News before the full interview is aired on Thursday night, but did say his actions that night were in self-defense. Vice News reported that Reinoehl said he feared he and his friend would be stabbed, but he did not elaborate on this claim. However, Chandler Pappas, a friend of Danielson who was standing next to him when he was killed, has blasted Reinoehl's statements, saying that there was no confrontation or provocation prior to the shooting. 'I know they will not produce anything to corroborate that story whatsoever,' Pappas said of Reinoehl's claims. On the same day a warrant was issued for his arrest, Vice News published this interview with Reinoehl, in which he admitted his role in the shooting death of Danielson The victim of Saturday night's shooting in Portland was Aaron 'Jay' Danielson. He was a member of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer and also used the last name Bishop Police arrived on the scene 'within a minute' of when gunshots rang out. The victim, later identified as Danielson, is seen wearing a hat with the insignia of Patriot Prayer 'They came up behind us, they shot my friend and killed him,' Pappas said in an interview with Fox News on Thursday. 'When they started yelling at us, we turned around. I didn't even have time to register that someone was pointing a gun at us before those shots went off,' Pappas said. Pappas identified the shooter as 'a white guy' and noted: 'He was the only person downtown that night, other than myself, who was wearing a white shirt.' Pappas said that he was not armed during the incident. He said that a cloud of smoke seen in bystander video of the shooting is from a can of bear mace that Danielson was carrying, which he says was punctured by one of the bullets. The bystander video of the shooting appears to show Danielson and Pappas crossing the street toward a parking garage, before someone shouts 'We got another here!' Danielson's friend Chandler Pappas (right) said in a separate interview that the shooting occurred from behind and without provocation Danielson is treated by medics after being shot Saturday in Portland, Oregon. Fights broke out in downtown Portland as a large caravan of supporters of Trump drove through the city Police are seen holding back Chandler Pappas as medics attempt to revive his friend Another person is heard asking 'Here?' immediately before two shots ring out. Pappas said that no words were exchanged before the shots were fired. He said all he heard before the shots were words to the effect of 'we got a couple right here' and someone shouting 'pull it out.' The shooting occurred after a day of tense clashes between Trump supporters and far-left groups in Portland, with activists seen trying to block a vehicles of the Trump supporters and throwing objects at them, and Trump supporters spraying mace and firing a paintball gun from vehicles. Pappas and Danielson had participated in the pro-Trump rally, and Pappas said they were returning home when Danielson was killed. Reinoehl emerged as a suspect in the case after The Oregonian newspaper reported he was under investigation in the killing. Reinoehl, who declared himself '100% Antifa', was active in Black Lives Matter demonstrations against racism and police brutality in Portland that have gone on for nearly 100 days, according to messages and videos on his Instagram feed. Antifa is a far-left movement that is anti-capitalist, and which seeks to confront those it views as racist or authoritarian. Reinoehl said in posts on Facebook and Instagram he was a professional snowboarder and a U.S. Army veteran and was prepared to fight 'to change the course of humanity.' However, a US Army spokesperson told DailyMail.com they searched their service records for a 48-year-old Michael Forest Reinoehl and were 'unable to locate this individual in our database.' The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 states it is a federal crime to fraudulently claim military service in order to get money or any other kind of benefit. In the Vice interview, Reinoehl said that he is a 'former military contractor' who provided 'security' for Black Lives Matter protests. 'I am 100% ANTIFA,' Reinoehl said in a June 16 post, using the term for the anti-fascist movement. 'We truly have an opportunity right now to fix everything. But it will be a fight like no other! It will be a war and like all wars there will be casualties.' His Facebook page says he is from Gresham, Oregon, a community around 15 miles east of Portland. Michael Reinoehl (above) was the prime suspect in the killing of Aaron 'Jay' Danielson, a member of Patriot Prayer who was shot to death at a protest Reinoehl is seen left displaying a bruise from a rubber bullet and right snowboarding In this post, from June 16, he claimed to have served in the army and 'hated it'. He also wrote he was 100% 'ANTIFA' and says 'We do not want violence but we will not run from it either' Reinoehl had been previously accused of taking a loaded gun to an earlier Portland protest and social media posts show him attending Black Lives Matter protests. And the 48-year-old former professional snowboarder has had several previous run-ins with the police. In June, he was charged for allegedly racing with his 17-year-old son at speeds of up to 111mph on Interstate 84 with his 11-year-old daughter in the passenger seat. Police said they found 'usable amounts of marijuana and unidentified prescription pills' in Reinoehl's 2005 Cadillac STS and a loaded, concealed Glock pistol. The father of two was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. Reinoehl also was wanted on a bench warrant out of Baker County in Eastern Oregon in connection with that case, after court records showed he skipped a hearing. The full video of Reinoehl's interview with Vice News was published less than an hour after his death. 'I hate to say it, but I see a civil war right around the corner,' he said in the interview. 'That shot felt like the beginning of a war.' Tyler Perry has reached billionaire status. The filmmaker and philanthropist was named Hollywood's latest member of the wildly exclusive club in a recent issue of Forbes. The publicationwhich famous tracks the wealth of celebrities and business leaders across the globerevealed in a recent cover story on the director that he's taken in $1.4 billion in pre-tax income since 2005, and is currently worth $1 billion in total. According to Forbes, Perry's immense wealth is a result of his shrewd business prowess, and the fact that he owns 100 per cent of everything he creates. This includes a bevy of TV series, dozens of films and multiple successful stage productions. The filmmaker also recently changed the filmmaking game for himself when he opened his own 330-acre studio lot in Atlanta, Georgia, of which he gave Forbes a tour for their profile pie. Forbes further broke down Perry's wealth with a graph showing $300 million resides in investments and cash, $60 million comes from his stake in BET, $280 million comes from the value of his studio lot, and $40 million resides in his homes and personal material assets, or 'toys' as the publication refers to them. The largest source of Perry's wealth, according to Etonline, comes from his library of film and TV media rights, which values at $320 million. Perry joins a short list of celebrity billionaires which includes Kanye West, JAY-Z, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. The filmmaker, however, has made sure to put a great deal of his wealth to good causes. The media mogul's philanthropy and hard work through his charitable foundation, The Perry Foundation, has even earned him a special Emmy, which he will receive at the ceremony later this month. In August, Perry spoke with ET's Nischelle Turner, and he opened up about how his late mother, Willie Maxine Perry, is the inspiration for his charitable spirit. That's the DNA of my mother. My mother was just such a kind woman, Perry boasted, adding that he especially tries to give back around her birthday in February and around the holidays. I'm thinking of her because I know that she would be smiling from heaven. I realize that people aren't out there struggling because they want to. There are people that just need a hand up and that little bit of motivation can take them a long way, he said. I'll never forget being in the grocery store, in Winn-Dixie in Atlanta, trying to pay for some food and couldn't pay for it. I was at Kroger. I couldn't pay for it. There was a woman behind me who gave me the money to get the food that I needed. Never knew her again. But that little act of kindness made me feel like I could go on. So that's what those moments are about for me, he added. Just making people feel like they can go on. India reported a disastrous 83,883 new COVID-19 infections on Thursdaythe highest daily total of any country since the pandemic began. When taken together with a death toll increasing by approximately 1,000 per day, it is manifestly evident that the Indian ruling elite has failed abysmally to contain the pandemic. The ill-prepared, ten-week nationwide lockdown imposed by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, beginning on March 25, had devastating social consequences for hundreds of millions of workers and their families, while failing to halt the pandemics spread. This was above all because the ruling elite failed to use the time gained by the lockdown to invest in the countrys chronically underfunded health care system, and establish a strong network of testing and contact tracing to combat the virus. Additionally, it refused to provide and organize anything beyond token financial and social support to impoverished workers and rural toilers. The central and state governments subsequently exploited the social crisis to launch a back-to-work campaign that began in late April and went into high gear at the start of June, so as to enable big business to resume raking in large profits. The return to work has triggered a sharp and ever-expanding rise in infections, with the number of confirmed cases rising by almost 500,000 in June, 1.1 million in July, and just shy of 2 million in August. Even as the spread of the virus continues to accelerate, Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government have made it clear there will not be another countrywide lockdown. In fact, the government is continuing to ease restrictions. Last week it unveiled its Unlock 4.0 plan, which is now being implemented with the support of the state governments. Under Unlock 4.0, poorly ventilated subway trains will be permitted to run for the first time since March starting from September 7. As of September 21, sports, social, and cultural gatherings with a maximum of 100 attendees will be allowed. The guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs say that states are no longer permitted to impose lockdowns outside of containment zones without the Centre's permission, a provision that all but rules out widespread lockdowns ever being re-imposed. In addition, state governments are prohibited from sealing their borders. As governments move to abandon the last remnants of any public health restrictions, active coronavirus infections across India have risen above 800,000. According to official figures, which are widely considered to be a vast underestimation, 68,584 Indians have died from the virus. On Thursday, the authorities reported 1,043 deaths in the preceding 24 hours. In August alone, India reported close to 2 million COVID-19 cases, which is the highest number any country has recorded during any month since the pandemic erupted in China last January. August also saw a surge in death from the virus with 28,859 fatalities, a 50 percent jump from the previous month's toll. Like the Trump administration, Indian authorities have tried to explain away the exponential growth in COVID-19 cases by attributing it to increased testing. While it is true India has dramatically scaled up its testing over the past two months, its testing rate still remains one of the lowest in the world. As of September 1, India had performed a mere 32.13 tests per one thousand people. This is less than half the rate of South Africa, and eight times lower than the US. Medical experts have repeatedly stressed that the official figures only provide a pale reflection of the pandemics true impact. In an interview with the website Wire, Professor Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, noted on Monday that the true number of infections could be as high as 30 million. "We are only picking up about 70,000-80,000 or 15 percent of that and missing 85 percent, he commented. In the days and weeks ahead the number of infections is going to rise. Pointing to India's under-investment in its health system for decades, Professor Jha added, The cost of that is really catching up to us. We dont have primary care (due to) inadequate investment from the government. ... And the cost of that will be borne by the people. Successive governments, including those led by the Congress Party and supported by Indias twin Stalinist parties, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India, limited health care spending to 1.5 percent of GDP or less. The entire ruling elite has now embraced the murderous policy of herd immunity, which allows the virus to spread unchecked with the claim that eventually it will exhaust itself by running out of people to infect. Advocates of this policy, including senior government advisors, have openly admitted that this will result in a death toll in the millions. However, the ruling class considers this a price worth paying to protect the profits and wealth of Indias billionaires and corporate elite. The virus has spread so widely that infections have even been detected on the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&N), which are located over 1,000 kilometres from the mainland. At least 10 infections have been recorded among members of local tribes, who live in extreme poverty and isolation and are thus very vulnerable to the virus. The pandemic has also put millions of patients at risk who suffer from other major diseases, like diabetes and heart conditions. Sameer Gupta, an interventional cardiologist at the Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute in Delhi, told the IndiaSpend website on August 26 that COVID-19 is damaging patients hearts, and those with a pre-existing heart condition are especially at risk of succumbing to the disease. He also stressed that recovered COVID-19 patients are returning to hospitals with stress cardiomyopathya temporary weakening of the heart muscleand myocarditis, a weakness of the heart muscle due to inflammation. The ruling class, however, is much more concerned by the threat to their wealth from the deepening economic crisis, which Modi is proposing to overcome by implementing a fresh wave of investor-friendly reforms, including the gutting of labour laws and a fire-sale of public sector enterprises. Data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on August 31 showed that Indias GDP fell by 23.9 percent in the April-June quarter. This was the largest decline of any major economy, according to Bloomberg. Indias 28 state governments have slashed spending and, as their financial positions worsen, many are delaying paying state government workers. According to one estimate, the shortfall in revenue from the Goods and Service Tax (GST) has reached 2.35 trillion rupees ($US 32.18 billion). In a calculated move designed to enforce spending cuts, the BJP government has withheld paying the states their designated share of GST revenues and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has told them to make up for the shortfalls by borrowing from the Reserve Bank of India under its special borrowing window. Several states, including many led by the opposition parties, have rejected the governments proposal, urging the central government to borrow the money and pass it on to the states. However this dispute is resolved, the revenue shortfall will result in increased burdens being placed on the workers and rural toilers through intensified austerity measures. Conditions for the vast majority of workers are already disastrous. Immediately after Modi declared the COVID-19 lockdown in March, more than 100 million workers in the so-called informal sector, mostly migrant workers from far-away rural districts, lost their jobs overnight. Many relied on food handouts from charities to survive because the government provided them with little more than famine rations. Workers employed on a permanent basis have also not been spared. New data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), an independent body that measures and tracks economic indicators, estimated that 18.9 million permanent jobs were lost between April and July. Despite the escalating social disaster produced by the spreading of the virus throughout the country, Indias mainstream media is giving it little attention. Instead, it has focused on the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput, a famous Bollywood actor, which took place in mid-June. Media outlets have also intensified their efforts to whip up a bellicose Indian nationalist atmosphere over the ongoing India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two countries. The corporate medias indifference to the mass suffering and death is in line with the callous and ignorant attitude of the Indian ruling class as a whole. This is true not only of Modis ruling Hindu supremacist BJP but also of the opposition parties, including Congress and the various regional and caste-based bourgeois parties. A 27-year-old German woman is suspected of smothering five of her children as she was feeling 'emotionally overwhelmed', German police confirmed. The woman, known only as Christiane K, lived in the Solingen in North Rhine-Westphalia. She then attempted suicide by throwing herself under a train, before being rescued with serious but not life threatening injuries, said lead investigator Marcel Maierhofer. She is believed to have 'carried out the act while she was feeling emotionally overwhelmed, and that too is the motive,' said the investigator. Local media reported that police who discovered the bodies 'left in tears'. Christiane K.'s sixth and eldest child, Marcel, 11, was unharmed and is now being looked after by his relatives (pictured: the mother kissing her eldest) A female forensic investigator enters the apartment building where five children were found dead in Solingen on Thursday Funeral workers carry a body to a hearse under the protection of uniformed police officers wearing masks outside the apartment building Teddy bears and candles are left out in tribute to the five children who died in what the state's interior minister called a 'family tragedy' Police believe that the three girls aged one, two and three, and two boys aged six and eight were sedated and then smothered to death either on Wednesday or Thursday. A sixth child, aged 11, survived. He had told schoolmates in a group chat that all his siblings were dead, said investigators. He was likely able to avoid the grim fate of his siblings because he was in school at the time of their killing, said Maierhofer. Police found the bodies in the suspect's apartment in the city of Solingen in North rhine-Westphalia state after they were alerted by the suspect's mother, who had herself learnt of her grandchildren's fate from her daughter. The suspect is believed to be emotionally distressed after a separation from her third husband a year ago. The man is the father of four of the six children. A hand-print is seen in the window of the apartment building where forensic investigators continued working as darkness fell on Thursday A policewoman stands in front of the apartment building in Solingen, Germany, on Thursday night Police officers investigate the scene at the apartment complex in Solingen on Thursday evening Police said they were alerted by the children's grandmother in nearby Moenchengladbach, who had recently been in contact with the mother. 'We were informed shortly before 2pm that five children had died and this has unfortunately been confirmed,' police spokesman Stefan Weiand said. 'At the moment we believe that the 27-year-old mother appears to be responsible,' he added. The mother was not at the apartment when they arrived at the scene, they said. She is now in hospital but not yet in a fit state to speak to police. Asked about reports that medication was involved in the children's deaths, Weiand said: 'We are investigating in that direction.' Emergency personnel outside the apartment block in Solingen where five children were found dead in Germany on Thursday An investigator in forensic gear works on the balcony of the apartment building where a mother is suspected of having killed her five children Rescuers themselves were said to be traumatised by what they found in the building, and also shocked by the state of the flat. One report said that rescuers had tried to resuscitate the children but arrived too late to save their lives. Detectives are now awaiting the results of toxicological tests on the children, who did not have any visible injuries. After leaving the apartment, 11-year-old Marcel travelled with his mother to Duesseldorf and continued on alone to his grandmother in Moenchengladbach. It is unclear whether he witnessed his mother's suicide attempt. The woman was rescued from between two track beds and taken to a local hospital for treatment, emergency services said. German railway operator DB said there were temporary closures in Dusseldorf because an emergency doctor had been needed on the track. The bodies were discovered at an apartment building in Solingen, 20 miles from Cologne in western Germany Police officers stand behind lines of tape at the entrance of the apartment block in Solingen A police officer lifts up a line of tape for an investigator in forensic gear to enter the building Several police officers could be seen around the apartment building in the early evening, along with ambulances and police vehicles in a cordoned-off area. Police said more than 40 officers were dispatched to the scene. 'The family tragedy in Solingen fills me with great sadness and at the moment my thoughts and prayers are with the five small children whose lives were snatched from them so terribly early,' said Herbert Reul, interior minister for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Tim Kurzbach, the mayor of Solingen, said: 'I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news that five dead children have been found in our city.' Solingen is a city of 160,000 people around 20 miles from Duesseldorf and Cologne. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. German police have found the bodies of five children in a building in the town of Solingen (pictured, emergency vehicles in front of the house) The balcony of an apartment at the Solingen residential block, where emergency rescuers were said to be traumatised by what they found Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia says government is in discussion with the University of Development Studies (UDS) to set up a satellite campus in Yendi. In addition, he announced plans to convert the Pong Tamale Veterinary College into a university of agriculture. Vice President Bawumia announced this when he paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Na Abukari II at the Gbewaa Palace, Yendi on Thursday, as part of his working visit to the northern regions. The Vice President expressed the Akufo-Addo led government's commitment to provide critical infrastructure such as roads, education and health facilities in the five northern regions. He enumerated some government's flagship interventions that had impacted lives positively including the Free Senior High School Policy, Planting for Food and Jobs, and One-Village, One-Dam, One- Ambulance, One- Constituency. Dr Bawumia would commission some government projects in the five northern regions. Earlier, Ya Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, lauded President Akufo-Addo for ensuring the current wind of peace and stability in the Dagbon Kingdom "Today is a special day in the life of the people of the North. A moment of pride which reflects the development through which Yendi, and for that matter Dagbon, has gone through the last three years," the Ya Na Abukari said. "His Royal Majesty Ndan Ya Na Abukari II wish to express his gratitude for the inviable contribution of Dagbon Malti Naa I, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and the people for the ensuring peace we enjoy today in Dagbon. "I wish to state categorically that the state of Dagbon is being affirmed with each passing day and is a factor of peace and stability in the country," he stated. Ya Na Abukari acknowledged President Akufo-Addo's commitment towards the progress of Dagbon, and appreciated the President's presence at last year's Damba Festival. "Dagbon is particularly grateful to His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for gracing last year's Damba Featival and most importantly, his accompanied august guest, Her Excellency Mia Amar Motley, QC, MP, the Prime Minister of Barbados and her high level dignitaries and Ambassadors, which automatically catapulted our previously local Damba celebration onto the international arena." "We are also deeply grateful for the commissioning of the Yendi Water Supply Project in July, 2020," he added. The Ya Na commended Vice President Bawumia for his efforts at ensuring development in the north. Government officials accompanying the Vice President were; Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister of Defence, Hajia Alima Mahama, the Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Mr Anthony Karbo, a Deputy Minister of Roads, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, a Deputy Energy Minister, Hassan Tampuli, the CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, and Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama Zakaria, Deputy CEO of MASLOC. 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 AG Bill Barr says 'epidemic' of cops shooting unarmed black men is a 'false narrative' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Attorney General William Barr declared that the belief that there's an epidemic of cops shooting unarmed black men in the United States is a false narrative. I think the narrative that the police are on some epidemic of shooting unarmed black men is simply a false narrative and also a narrative that is based on race, the 70-year-old Barr said during an interview on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." The fact is that its very rare for an unarmed African American to be shot by a white police officer. The attorney generals comments come as there have been months of protests, demonstrations, and riots in cities across the U.S. following the officer-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the shootings of African Americans Breonna Taylor and Jacob Blake, among other incidents. Thousands flocked to the nations capital last Friday to call for racial justice, police reform and accountability. Demonstrators have argued that African Americans are being disproportionately killed by police officers and that such killings are some sort of sign of systemic racism in the U.S. While Barr stressed that there's not an epidemic of white police officers shooting black Americans, he admitted that there are situations within the justice system where statistics would suggest that they are treated differently. But I don't think that that's necessarily racism," Barr said. "Didn't Jesse Jackson say that when he looks behind him and he sees a group of young black males walking behind him, he's more scared than when he sees a group of white youths walking behind him," Barr added. "Does that make him a racist?" Data compiled between 2009 and 2012 by the National Institutes of Health through the National Violent Death Reporting System indicate that 52% of people who are shot by police officers are white. About 32% of people shot by police in the U.S. are black. The data also shows that 83% of people who were shot by police officers were armed. The data also indicated that a higher percentage of black people who were shot by police were unarmed (14.8%), while 9.4% of white police shooting victims and 5.8% of Hispanic victims were unarmed. The online data portal Statista reported Monday that between 2017 and 2020 at least 1,468 white people, 790 black people, and 565 Hispanic people have been shot and killed by police. Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 661 civilians having been shot, 123 of whom were black, as of August 30, 2020, the Statista report explains. In 2018, there were 996 fatal police shootings, and in 2019 this figure increased to 1,004. Additionally, the rate of fatal police shootings among black Americans was much higher than that for any other ethnicity, standing at 31 fatal shootings per million of the population as of August 2020. Statista also released a report on the rate of fatal police shootings in the U.S. from 2015 to August 2020. Among African Americans, the rate of fatal police shootings between 2015 and August 2020 stood at 32 per million of the population. By comparison for white Americans, the rate is about 13 fatal police shootings per million. Criminal justice advocates have long complained that there is a disproportionately high percentage of African Americans in prison in the U.S. as a result of over-policing in urban, minority communities. However, a Pew Research report citing data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics released last year suggests that the gap between white and black people in prisons has steadily narrowed over the last decade. The killing of African Americans by police officers in altercations continues to make headlines and inspire protests nationwide. Wednesday night, police in Washington, D.C., shot an 18-year-old black man named Deon Kay as they were investigating reports of a man with a gun at an apartment complex. According to police, Kay ran from police officers in Southeast Washington and pulled out a gun. During the chase, an officer shot him. On Thursday, police released nearly 11 minutes of bodycam footage from the incident. An officer can be seen yelling at Kay to stop moving several times. In the next few moments, as officers chase the assailant, who appeared to have something in his right hand, he's shot. The footage shows an officer looking around for a gun that Kay allegedly threw into a nearby playground before the weapon was found about 98 feet from the scene. In a community briefing video, police said that in a slow-motion play of the bodycam footage, Kay can be seen brandishing a firearm. Kay's death comes about a week-and-a-half after police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shot and paralyzed Jacob Blake on Aug. 23 while he resisted arrest. Blake had a warrant out for his arrest for one felony count of third-degree sexual assault, trespassing and disorderly conduct related to domestic abuse, court records show. A woman called police to report that Blake was unlawfully at her residence and had stolen her keys. On Monday, Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies fatally shot 29-year-old African American Dijon Kizzee during a confrontation after stopping him for a vehicle code violation. Sheriff's Lt. Brandon Dean told media that the suspect punched a deputy in the face and dropped clothes he was carrying. After a handgun fell along with the clothes Kizzee was carrying, Dean said officers fired upon him. However, attorney Ben Crump claims Kizzee was not a threat to the officers at the time of the shooting and claims he was "executed" "in cold blood." WCC, ACT Alliance, Middle East Council of Churches Appeal for Addressing Needs in Lebanon NEWS PROVIDED BY World Council of Churches Sept. 4, 2020 GENEVE, Sept. 4, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a joint statement, the World Council of Churches, ACT Alliance, and Middle East Council of Churches appealed to address the most urgent needs in the wake of the catastrophic explosion that ripped through the heart of Beirut on 4 August. "We stand in solidarity with the bereaved, the injured, the displaced and the suffering," reads the appeal. "On behalf of the international ecumenical community, ACT Alliance is launching an appeal as part of the international humanitarian response to this disaster, and we join in calling on the international community for a comprehensive humanitarian mechanism of coordination and collaboration with Lebanese civil society." The three organizations also recognize and lift up the swift and effective actions taken by Lebanese civil society to respond and to alleviate the suffering of those affected. "The civil society response to the disaster is a significant sign of hope, strengthening people's capacity to overcome this enormous crisis and to restore hope in the society for the future of the nation," reads the statement. "There must be real accountability for this disaster, through an independent investigation." The organizations call on the international community, through the UN, to ensure that the causes of this disaster are investigated and established by a credible independent process, that those responsible are brought to justice, and that impunity is avoided. "While immediate humanitarian assistance is essential and fundamental, ensuring long-term resilience is crucial for Lebanon's sustainable recovery from multiple shocks bringing together humanitarian, development and peace and human security components in a comprehensive systemic approach," the statement reads. "The explosion and its consequences compound a deep pre-existing economic and social crisis, with 50% of Lebanese people living under the poverty line and 400,000 suffering displacement." The statement urges a comprehensive, detailed and sustained engagement to ensure lasting positive impact. "This is a critical and historical existential moment for Lebanon - a haven for religious and social diversity in the Middle East - and as such, we are all concerned and called upon to help ensure Lebanon's survival," reads the statement. "With all the tragedies and challenges of its past and present, Lebanon stands as a sign and symbol of living together in diversity." Read full statement Solidarity with churches in the Middle East SOURCE World Council of Churches CONTACT: Media Office +41 79 507 6363, media@wcc-coe.org Related Links www.oikoumene.org/press Nearly four months after the Srinagar terrorist attack in which two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans were martyred, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday arrested five Islamic State in Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK) terrorists and seized four vehicles. On May 20, three terrorists launched an attack in Soura near Pandach area of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. An FIR was filed under section 302 and 395 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), sections 7/25, 7/ 27 of the Arms Act, sections 16, 18, 19, 23 of the ULAP Act in Soura Police Station. The terrorists helped in transportation, logistics, planning and executing the attack. In the course of the investigation, four vehicles were detained which includes two private ambulances functioning at the SKIMS Hospital, a bike and a scooter. Accordingly, the approval for the seizure of the above vehicles was sought from J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh to which he agreed. It is pertinent to mention that the ambulance (JK01AD0915) was used to transport the terrorists from Bijbehara to Pandach and back. The bike (JK01AH2989) and Scooty (JK01V 8288) were used to carry out the attack and escape after looting of weapons from the injured jawans. Furthermore, categorized terrorists of ISJK involved in the attack have also been neutralized in two separate encounters at Zadibal, Srinagar and Hatigam, Bijbehara and looted weapons of BSF jawans have also been recovered. A total of nine people were involved in the case of which four got killed in different encounters. In Zoonimar, Srinagar on June 21, in an encounter three terrorists were killed including Mohsin, a resident of Anchar, Soura and Shaqoor, a resident of Qamarwari, Srinagar who were involved. In Waghama, Bijbehara, on June 30, in another encounter, two terrorists of ISJK including Yawar, a resident of Hathigam Sirgufawaa was neutralized. On July 2, ISJK Commander Zahid Das, a resident of Waghama Bijbehara, who was the mastermind of Pandach attack, was killed in an encounter with police and CRPF at Malabagh, Nigeen, Srinagar. He was also the mastermind of the Bijbehara attack in which a child and a CRPF jawan were martyred. The bike-borne terrorists fired at the two jawans at around 5.10 pm and also snatched two weapons from the BSF, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar had said. The two jawans, Rana Mondol and Jiaul Haque, belonged to the 37 Battalion and were deployed as a part of Adhoc K-7. They were attacked when the troops were on their Road Opening Party (ROP) duty. The injured jawans were rushed to the hospital but they died on the way. Kumar had said, Two BSF jawans on Naka Duty at the outskirts of Srinagar city at Pandach Chowk were fired upon by 3 bike-borne terrorists," adding, one jawan died at the spot while one succumbed on way to the hospital. Eyewitnesses said that the terrorists fired discriminately at the BSF personnel, resulting in serious injuries to two personnel who were evacuated to nearby SKIMS hospital in Soura, Srinagar. Soon after the attack, the area was cordoned and a search was launched to nab the attackers. All the entry and exit points were sealed. The battalion was deployed in the Pandach area under Ganderbal district for law and order duty since August 2019. The city of New Baltimore has been awarded a federal grant to help cover the cost of a new fire truck. U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced Sept. 1 the city will receive the $370,699 grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant COVID-19 Supplemental program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant program. The city is required to provide matching funds of about $18,500, Mayor John Dupray said. The grant will pay for about half of the cost of a new truck, city officials said. New fire trucks typically cost $1 million-plus. We will use the grant to purchase a heavy rescue type of vehicle, Dupray said. This truck will respond to medical runs, traffic accidents, and because it also is equipped with a water tank and hoses, will respond and give assistance to structure fires. This addition will significantly increase the health and safety of our residents. The expected delivery date of the new truck is uncertain, the mayor said, as it is a specialized vehicle. It could be as soon as this November or as late as next spring, he said. This does not affect the (departments current) ladder truck which is still in service and performing well, Dupray added. We expect this truck to have a complete reconditioning and recertification several years from now. New Baltimore is one of four communities to receive grants. The Dearborn Fire Department will receive $90,400; the Canton Township Fire Department will receive $190,202, and the Rockwood Fire Department will receive $151,013. The expected delivery date of the new truck is uncertain, the mayor said, as it is a specialized vehicle. It could be as soon as this November or as late as next spring, he said. This does not affect the ladder truck which is still in service and performing well, Dupray added. We expect this truck to have a complete reconditioning and recertification several years from now. Firefighters and first responders are on the front lines, ensuring our communities are safe when emergencies strike, Peters said in the release. These federal funds will help ensure first responders across southeast Michigan have the resources and equipment needed to do their jobs safely and effectively. New Baltimore officials have continued to work out plans to finance the citys police and fire departments. At an Aug. 17 work study, the city council voted to allocate $400,000 from the general fund for immediate police and fire needs, which will likely include radio upgrades, fire turnout gear and computers. At their Aug. 24 regular meeting, council members discussed the possibility of a establishing a special assessment levy for police and fire. I do support council looking at the special assessment district for our police and fire departments, council member Flo Hayman said. I think theyre both needed and I think that we need to do it in a timely fashion. I, in no way, will ever support just levying a millage or assessment on the citizens without a vote, Mayor Pro-Tem David Duffy said. So I would like us to see what our real needs are and make sure it goes to a vote of the people. Low staffing levels in both the police and fire departments are also posing a challenge. The fire department currently has 12 members, officials said. The city is hoping to hire a new full-time firefighter. Also on Aug. 24, the council unanimously approved a $7,500 quote from Prat LLC to provide diversity/implicit bias training to city employees, including any elected officials who would like to attend. We have partnered up with Macomb County, their Leadership Macomb group, Dupray said. Our goal is for this to be in person in the park in September so that itll still be warm enough and we can spread it out and have the proper social distancing. We need to have this training, he added. Its a good piece of education, thats for sure, council member Laura Szymanski noted. The motion to approve the quote was made by council member Jacob Dittrich, supported by council member Carl Weinreich and unanimously approved. Katelyn Larese is a Local News Editor at The Voice. She can be contacted at 586-273-6196 or klarese@medianewsgroup.com. "We are sure that the problem can be resolved fully through talks," the Army chief added. New Delhi: The Army chief, General MM Naravane, said on Friday that the situation along the LAC with China is slightly tense and the Army has undertaken precautionary deployment in some areas along the LAC for our own safety and security. The troops are prepared for all contingencies that may arise, asserted General Naravane, who was on a two-day visit to forward areas in Ladakh. "We are sure that the problem can be resolved fully through talks," the Army chief added. Army chief said that he spent time with the commanders and troops for a first-hand assessment of the situation along the border. It was very satisfying to see our soldiers and local commanders in high morale and good health. It gives me confidence that they are well prepared to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation. The Indian Army is known for its commitment and resolve. The nation can count on us, said General Naravane. The Army chief said that in the past three months, India and China have been engaged in resolving the situation. Military and diplomatic channels are functioning. Indian side is firmly committed to resolve the current situation along the LAC through engagement, he said. Army chief said that all existing mechanisms will be utilised to reduce tension and to ensure that the status quo is not unilaterally changed. The Army chief visited forward areas for a firsthand assessment of the situation along the LAC. He urged all ranks to remain vigilant and maintain a high order of operational readiness. He was also briefed by Northern Commander Lt. Gen. Y.K. Joshi and Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps chief Lt. General Harinder Singh on the state of operational preparedness and on the logistics arrangements for sustenance of forces in winters. Army chief expressed satisfaction on the efforts being made to ensure operational effectiveness and capability enhancement of the forces. Gen. Naravanes visit to Leh at this time is crucial as Chinese have not taken well to Indias moves to preempt them and occupy over two dozen strategic peaks on the southern banks of Pangong Tso and Spanggur gap. Both armies are now face to face in Chushul sector and the sector is on a razor edge. Brigadier level talks are being held between the Indian and the Chinese Army after Indian troops thwarted the PLA's attempts to transgress into areas in Ladakh on the intervening night of August 29-30. India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala. ~ Shameful that Inspector General and Minister not taking Health Care Serious, MERX~ PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Consumer Coalition and pensioners are planning to drag the Minister of Health Richard Panneflek, Inspector General Dr. Earl Best, and USZV to court for the faulty diabetic monitors that are being distributed by Medicosmetics. Raymond Jessurun from the Consumer Coalition, along with Attorney at Law Cor Merx and a pensioner identified as Wilson said on a Facebook Live that they have knocked on all doors trying to get USZV to attend to the complaints that were lodged with USZV, several doctors, and the Minister of VSA Richard Panneflek and the Inspector General Dr. Earl Best but none of the parties seems interested in finding a solution for the problem that are plaguing diabetic patients. Complaints were also lodged with the Ombudsman whom they said are busy conducting an investigation that will take up more time. Attorney Merx said that he dispatched several emails to the Minister of Health Richard Panneflek USZV, and the Inspector General Dr. Earl Best however, Dr. Best and the Minister never responded to his emails. Merx described the actions of the Inspector General and the Minister as shameful saying that both men should take their jobs seriously. Merx is calling on the general public to mobilize themselves and to provide as much information to him since he will be approaching the Court of First Instance for the judge to render a decision on behalf of his clients and Consumer Coalition. The case is expected to be filed within the next 15 days. It should be noted that the problems with the faulty monitors are those distributed by Medicosmetics since the other providers seem to have monitors that are accurate with its reading. Kim Jong-un's regime remains under strict international sanctions - AFP A new investigation into companies trading in the Chinese city of Dandong, on the border with North Korea, has shed a spotlight on Pyongyangs global money laundering networks and raised fresh questions about Chinas complicity in bypassing United Nations sanctions against Kim Jong-uns regime. The Billion Dollar Border Town, a report published on Friday by the Royal United Services Institute, reveals how companies in Dandong, in Chinas northeast Liaoning province, have allegedly helped North Korean entities construct complex sanctions evasion networks across various jurisdictions. Data obtained by researchers indicated a small core of 150 companies was involved in $2.9 billion worth of shipments between September 2014 and February 2017, at a time when North Korea was escalating its nuclear and weapons programmes and the UN imposed wide-ranging sanctions in response. As a result, these 150 companies alone could have accounted for around 20 per cent of North Koreas total reported global trade value in that time period. These include multiple Dandong firms being involved in coal and iron imports even as ever more stringent measures on such commodities were imposed by the UN Security Council in 2016 and 2017, said Joseph Byrne, a research analyst at RUSIs Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Team, and one of the reports authors. The UN imposed sanctions on North Korea to curb its nuclear and missiles programmes - HOGP/KCNA via KNS Many of these shipments, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, could have been in breach of UN resolutions at the time should the key provisions not have been properly met by those importers. The concentration of trade between Dandong and North Korea highlights the potential economic impact sanctions would have on the reclusive regime if strictly enforced. However, the investigation found that only 15 out of the 150 companies were listed as closed as of January 2020, while several continued to attend trade fairs in Pyongyang. Unfortunately, by ceasing to report shipment-level trade data, Chinese authorities have made it more difficult to determine if these companies are abiding by UNSC resolutions, concludes the report, urging China to resume the publication of the data. Story continues Several other sources of evidence including official Chinese and North Korean records - indicate that sanctions breaches are continuing, and that a significant number of companies from the original dataset use addresses in an area of Dandong known to host North Korean front companies. Further analysis suggests that some businesses have played an important role in facilitating North Koreas access to the international financial system and its procurement of foreign goods. Nuclear talks between Pyongyang and the US and South Korea collapsed last year - HOGP/KCNA via KNS In one example cited by the report, the revenue raised by Dandongs largest trading company was funneled to FTB (foreign trade bank) front companies operated by North Korean and Chinese nationals active in China and Libya. This finding was backed by a recent US indictment of the FTB, which detailed the alleged involvement of Dandong firms in making payments to FTB front companies linked to the bank's covert branch in Libya. RUSI researchers believe that an individual involved in these Dandong related financial transfers may also have ties to a known North Korean arms trading company linked to the country's intelligence agency. They also uncovered a wide network of individuals and entities operating across Liaoning province and in Libya, including a number of companies that exported large amounts of machinery and equipment to North Korea. The discovery potentially illuminates Pyongyangs money laundering operations, and how dollars generated by the sale of coal and other resources are redeployed and put to use by the regime. In another example raising concerns about Pyongyangs procurement and proliferation activities, a Dandong company which imported resources worth nearly $500 million from North Korea over the period in question, also exported goods to Iran, Syria and Myanmar. The research, dubbed Project Sandstone, highlights Dandongs apparently crucial role in Pyongyangs procurement chain to boost the countrys nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes while also helping it export weapons and illicit technology abroad. This all raises further questions about Chinas implementation of sanctions when they were imposed, to say nothing of the more contemporary breaches identified more recently in Chinese waters by our reports and by independent UN investigations, said Mr Byrne. In this screenshot from the RNC's livestream of the 2020 Republican National Convention, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) addresses the virtual convention on August 26, 2020. WASHINGTON (JTA) - Lee Zeldin, the Jewish Long Island Republican congressman, made the case for President Donald Trump by talking up his own service to his constituents and telling a harrowing personal story. In getting a good word in for himself, Zeldin's pitch for Trump Wednesday night was affecting and also typical of the genre: He described the premature birth of his twins, and how the expertise of the medical staff who saved them engendered an affection that helped spur him to ask Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to rush personal protective equipment to his district's first res... In Hollywood Shuffle, Bobby Taylor observed how Theres always work at the post office. But is there? In the 1987 Black comedy Hollywood Shuffle, Bobby Taylor, the character played by director-star Robert Townsend, shrewdly stated: Theres always work at the post office. But is there? For years, scholars have written that Black postal workers have played a critical role in the U.S. labor and Black equality movements. Yet, recent measures implemented by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy have raised concerns that the supposedly cost-cutting changes could seriously disrupt how the U.S. Postal Service has been a source of African American middle-class prosperity for generations. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testifies during a hearing before last months House Oversight and Reform Committee on Capitol Hill. Over 27 percent of postal service employees are Black. (Photo by Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images) In a recent report from NPR, a retired Philadelphia mail carrier said that the agency helped him provide his family with a good life. I was able to raise them, help pay for my sons college education, provide a good middle-class lifestyle for us, said Garry Simmons, who retired from the agency in 2017. Read More: Postal chief DeJoy has long leveraged connections, dollars The NPR report notes that the USPS has employed African Americans since the end of the Civil War, when Congress passed a law that ended Whites-only hiring practices for the mail delivery service. African Americans, starting with Union Army veterans, abolitionists and others, began finding their way into this government job, says Phil Rubio, a history professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University whose also written several books on African American workers and the USPS. Over 27% of postal service employees are Black. Read More: Baltimore postal facility sat on 68,000 pieces of election mail for 5 days before primary Actor Danny Glover has advocated for the preservation of Black employment at the USPS. In 2018, the actor wrote an opinion piece opposing the privatization of the agency. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $25 billion aid package in August, but the Senate is not expected to take up the bill, and the White House has threatened to veto it. Story continues Read More: US Intel bulletin warns Russia is amplifying claims of mail-in voter fraud The USPS finds itself in the spotlight as millions of absentee ballots for Novembers 2020 presidential election are expected to be used across the nation amid Americas coronavirus pandemic. Postmaster General DeJoy has suspended his controversial budget-cutting measures until after the election in November. Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now! The post Black postal workers worry USPS changes could impact job security appeared first on TheGrio. This Saturday marks the running of the 146th Kentucky Derby. Like everything else in the COVID-19 era, schedules have been rearranged; sacrifices, concessions, and adjustments have been made; and new traditions have been born. Normally, the "Run for the Roses" occurs on the first weekend in May; now it is the first weekend in September. Normally, the race is the first in the Triple Crown series; now it is the second. However, one aspect that remains intact from 146 years of tradition is the depth and competitiveness of the field, accompanied by the potential to cash some juicy tickets ... just not at the window this year. Unfortunately, theres more news on the Derby attrition front. Things started earlier this week with Art Collector pulling out over a foot injury. Late Thursday night, it was announced that King Guillermo will also be missing the Derby because of a fever. Before pulling out, King Guillermo had started gaining momentum as a popular upset pick. Nevertheless, the 16-horse field is still stacked with long shots offering the potential for a great payday. Of the 16 runners, only three are under double-figure odds to win. Conveniently, all three of these runners have been placed alongside each other on outside posts. The group is led by overwhelming favorite No. 17 Tiz The Law (1-1). Tiz The Law is coming off a string of both statistically and aesthetically impressive victories, most recently capped by a dominating performance in the Aug. 8 Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. This Barclay Tagg-trained colt also took down the first leg of the Triple Crown Series on June 20 with his Belmont Stakes win. In a race like the Kentucky Derby where the field of runners is so massive and talented, the margin for error is razor-thin. Subsequently, the threat of poor placement puts the onus on runners and jockeys to get in the mix and be forwardly placed early. Thats what makes natural speed talent so valuable in these instances. Take the top favorites Tiz The Law and No. 16 Honor A.P., for example. Both these runners would be considered stalkers (horses that intentionally maintain a position slightly behind the leaders, then push for the lead down the stretch). However, their exceptional speed makes them arguably the two fastest in the field. As a result, with clean trips, the two will likely get to the front early with little exertion and still have a lot left in the tank for their respective stretch runs, thus forcing the rest of the field to play catch-up the whole trip. Story continues Kentucky Derby entry Tiz The Law runs during a workout at Churchill Downs on Friday morning in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) The favorites No. 17 Tiz the Law (1-1): The only law Tiz The Law lives by is that he wins. Hes won six of his last seven races, going 4-for-4 in 2020 with each performance more impressive than the last. In the Travers Stakes, Tiz The Law showed another level of dominance with his eye-popping 109 speed figure, by far his best to this point. Jockey Manny Franco executed a perfectly time stalking trip, very much on-brand for Tiz The Law. As the prohibitive favorite here, Tiz The Law is now eyeing immortality in becoming the 14th horse to win the Triple Crown, and given his prowess and sharp form heading into Saturday, you'll be hard-pressed to find a legitimate cause to doubt the possibility. The only knock against TIz The Law, through no fault of his own, is the considerable step up in competition he will be facing Saturday. He hasnt faced speed that is comparable to his own, let alone from multiple foes in the same race. The potential adversity that can present itself in a field of this size is also a wild-card factor to consider. Sandwiching Tiz The Law are the second and third favorites, No. 16 Honor A.P. (8-1) directly to his inside, and No. 18 Authentic (9-1) to the outside. Both runners are more than game and given that all three runners have exceptional natural speed, they will likely look to push Tiz The Law from the onset. No. 16 Honor A.P. (8-1): Honor A.P. has a pretty tough draw in terms of post position. Historically, this is a horse that tends to be content working from the middle of the pack. He doesn't have the blazing, out-of-the-gate running speed you see with Authentic (9-1) or even Ny Traffic (18-1), but at the same time is not a closer either. With a far-out No. 16 post, lined up directly next to the speed horses of the race in Tiz The Law and Authentic, if Honor A.P. comes out and plays his game, he will be vulnerable to having a wide trip if he cannot make a significant move early to join the fray. In a large field like the Kentucky Derby, a wide trip often leads to a disappointing afternoon. To combat this concern, expect to see jockey Mike Smith push Honor A.P. harder, faster and earlier than he is accustomed to. While he certainly has the overall speed to hang with any foe, its the way that speed is managed and placed that will be key for Honor A.P. No. 18 Authentic (9-1): Authentic basically has one speed floor it. Provided he has a clean break, look for Authentic to shoot for the lead early. He has won four of his five career starts, the lone loss (second place) coming in a decisive defeat by Honor A.P. back in the June 6 Santa Anita Derby. Coming down the stretch, Authentic appeared spent, and while he was the best of the rest, he was not on par with Honor A.P. The question: Was it the 1 -mile distance of the Santa Anita Derby that did Authentic in? That was the furthest hed run to that point, but that possibility didnt discourage the horse's handlers from attempting that distance again in the July 18 Haskell. Authentic took the Haskell field gate-to-wire, but again showed signs that the distance may be a problem. Down the stretch, Authentic appeared to run out of gas and just narrowly missed being caught by a late-charging Ny Traffic (No. 15). Needless to say, stretching out even further Saturday to 1 mile could prove problematic. Given the outside post position of this group of favorites and the anticipated contentious duel to get to the lead early, itll be interesting to see their respective strategies to establish strong positioning entering the first turn, which will likely decide their fates. Kentucky Derby entry Ny Traffic runs during an early-morning workout at Churchill Downs on Friday in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Thinning the field Now you may say, Thats all well and good with the favorites, but Im looking to get paid. So youre inclined to bet across the board on all runners 15-1 and above. As tempting as many of these long-shot options may be, an important detail to be mindful of that may temper your excitement a bit is that 27 of the last 29 Derby winners won with a triple-digit Beyer speed figure (a metric commonly used to quantify the speed of a horse for a particular race). If youre willing to accept that as compelling enough information and basis to eliminate contenders, heres the first round of cuts: No. 3 Enforceable (23-1), No. 4 Storm the Court (25-1), No. 5 Major Fed (28-1), No. 9 Mr. Big News (47-1), No. 11 Necker Island (43-1), and No. 14 Winning Impression (49-1). None of these runners has sniffed triple-digit figures, let alone consistently register in the 90s. Accordingly, eliminating a significant portion of the field early on will make the scope of your handicapping a lot more manageable, and youll save a considerable amount of money on hopeless runners in the long run. The one caveat to this practice would be if you have no intention of being in it for the long run and are just concerned with the singular event that is Derby Day. While it would still be fiscally prudent to exercise some discretion on your investments, if you budgeted enough funds to bet and hope for chaos once a year, why not? With that said, after those preliminary eliminations youre left with a much more manageable pool of long shots to sift through, and still some large value opportunities. Underdog watch list No. 15 Ny Traffic (18-1): Ny Traffic has made significant statistical improvements every race over the last year. His most recent effort was an impressive second in the July 18 G1 Haskell Stakes, where he came up just short after digging in down the stretch, to No. 18 Authentic. The favorable post position for Ny Traffic puts him in the drivers seat to dictate this race early. Hes outwardly placed, yet directly to the inside of the three favorites in the race, and given his frontrunning ability, jockey Paco Lopez will be in a great position to push the tempo early and be forwardly placed early, if not claim the lead. While there is cause to be hopeful that Ny Traffic will be in the mix down the stretch, will he be able to ascend beyond just being in the mix? He has placed in four straight graded stakes races but has yet to actually win a stakes. But this horse is a live candidate for all exotic wagering. No. 10 Thousand Words (10-1): Thousand Words is coming off an impressive gate-to-wire win in the Aug. 1 Shared Beliefs Stakes, where he posted his highest career speed figure of 104 (second-highest career figure in the field outside of Tiz The Law). Although facing a short field that day (four runners), he demonstrated the ability to secure an early lead, maintain it, and fend off a late charge from the Derbys second favorite, Honor A.P. Normally a proficient stalker, Thousand Words proved that hes a versatile runner that can win both as a stalker and frontrunner, an especially valuable skill to have with so many question marks on how the pace of the race will play out. No. 7 Money Moves (15-1): Money Moves trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Derby twice before with Always Dreaming in 2017 and Super Saver in 2010, so he knows what it takes. This is the primary reason the seeming lack of experience for Money Moves should not be a deterrent. If anything, the fact that Pletcher has seen enough after three starts should be a sign of encouragement. His speed figures, already comparable to the tops in the field, have improved in each start, so his ceiling hasnt been established yet. He finishes strong so the new distance likely wont be an issue, and hes a proven winner, having won two out of those three starts with one place. Wager summary Its always challenging to give precise advice on how to wager on the races, because so much of it comes down to the allocated budget of the player and their respective risk tolerance. Are you looking to swing for the fences or just get on base? That could be the difference between a show bet (betting that your selection will come in at least third) or a win. Furthermore, that could be the difference between a win bet and a superfecta bet (picking the correct order of the first four finishers). It all depends on the risk willing to be taken. In a race with such large odds, theres the possibility for a major payoff even on basic win, place, or show bets if theres an upset. But there most certainly will be large payoffs on all exotic wagers (bets that focus on selecting the exact order of finishers). Exotic wagering works best when you have a strong opinion about multiple horses. Here are a few ways you can bet: Win: No. 10 Thousand Words (15-1), No. 15 Ny Traffic (20-1), No. 7 Money Moves (30-1) Although you might want to put a $2 win bet on Tiz the Law simply for the potential of always being able to say you bet on a Triple Crown winner. Trifecta Box: Money Moves, Thousand Words, Honor A.P., Ny Traffic, Authentic, Tiz the Law While one of the favorites of the race may very well win, unless you are willing to bet a significant amount, especially in the case of Tiz The Law, the risk may not outweigh the potential reward. So by betting the preferred long shots to pull off the upset youll be guaranteed a major payoff. But with Trifecta wagering, you can now bring in those favorites and put yourself in a position to get the most out of a shorter odds win, especially when successfully coupled with long shots. Opportunities to witness true greatness at its peak are seldom. So when they present themselves, they should be appreciated and celebrated. Thats what Tiz The Law offers. And with a field ripe with so many long shots and compelling cases to be made for so many different runners, it merely adds to the intrigue and excitement. Sure, circumstances are not ideal in virtually every facet of life at the moment, but Saturdays Kentucky Derby will give you something to root for, and hopefully youll walk away with your own stimulus package, courtesy of the track. More from Yahoo Sports: New rules requiring restaurants and pubs that serve food to keep a record of their customers and what they ordered have sparked a backlash. Publicans have asked the Data Protection Commissioner to urgently review requirements on them to keep such records for 28 days. The measure risks turning Ireland into a police state, said Fianna Fail's Marc MacSharry, who contacted Taoiseach Micheal Martin to demand it be reversed. He was soon joined in his criticisms by other Fianna Fail TDs including junior minister Anne Rabbitte, who told the Herald last night that she is "gobsmacked" by the regulations and argued they are "a step too far". Pressure The Government is under mounting pressure to allow so-called wet pubs - those that do not serve food - to reopen after nearly six months of pandemic restrictions. It comes as a bill giving gardai the power to seek the temporary closure of pubs breaching Covid regulations was overwhelmingly supported by TDs when it was put to a second stage vote in the Dail with only 10, including rural Independents, opposing it. Serious concerns have now been raised about accompanying regulations requiring the retention of the information. The Taoiseach last night off- ered no commitment on when wet pubs will be allowed to reopen, but suggested guidance on the reopening of all pubs will be forthcoming soon. Elsewhere, HSE clinical dir- ector Dr Colm Henry warned that now is not the right time for them to reopen. He said the combination of alcohol, congregated settings and being indoors in a pub represented a Covid risk. However, the new regulations for those that have reopened as they serve food prompted unrest among publicans and Fianna Fail TDs. Failte Ireland's latest update to its Covid-19 guidelines for the hospitality industry comes on foot of new regulations signed by Fianna Fail Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. Restaurants, cafes and pubs that serve food must now ensure that no more than six people from a maximum of three households are at one table. They also require the logging of every patron's individual meal and the retention of that record for 28 days. The Licensed Vintners' Asso- ciation (LVA) and the Restaur- ants Association of Ireland have written to the Data Protection Commission asking for an urgent review. "No thought has been put into the burden this is going to create. How is it going to help protect public health knowing what topping was on a customer's pizza or what way their potatoes were cooked?" said an LVA spokesperson. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) said the introduction of the requirement to record all individual food orders and keep that data for 28 days will further burden struggling businesses. Crazy "This is crazy stuff. The idea that a pub must record all food ordered by each customer and then store it for 28 days is bureaucracy gone mad," said VFI chief executive Padraig Cribben. "Not only is it too impractical to implement, but why does the Government think this law will help in the fight against Covid? It's madness." In raising concerns about the issue with his senior party colleagues, Mr MacSharry last night urged the Taoiseach and Fianna Fail ministers to reverse restrictions he described as "authoritarian and unnecessary". Joining the chorus of criticism was TD Ms Rabbitte, who said: "We said of nosey people long ago that they'd want to know what you had for breakfast. "There's a moment when you go a step too far. That's what we're doing here. We're also filing work on top of work on top of work for businesses. It's ridiculous." Last night, Health Minister Mr Donnelly's spokesperson said: "The regulation will simply require restaurants to keep receipts. This is normal business practice for the majority of restaurants. "The purpose of this regulation is to protect the vast majority of proprietors who are complying with the requirement of providing a substantial meal and to allow for enforcement powers to be used on those who do not comply." The national leader of the Proud Boys announced Thursday that the loosely organized right-wing group plans another rally in Portland, this time in response to ongoing protests against police violence and racial injustice. The groups chairman, Enrique Tarrio, said in a statement from Florida that people will gather for a rally on Sept. 26 in Terry Schrunk Plaza, a federal park in downtown. The General Services Administration, which oversees the plaza, said it had no permit requests to use the space for that date. The group criticized Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Gov. Kate Brown for not reining in vandalism and confrontations with police that have become a fixture of the nightly demonstrations for almost 100 days. Wheeler and Brown have condemned the destruction, including fires, smashed windows, objects thrown and widespread graffiti. But the two also have criticized police both local and federal officers -- for using tear gas, crowd-control munitions and force that have ensnared peaceful demonstrators and journalists. Last year, the Proud Boys joined other outside agitators in targeting Portland for its progressive self-image and its collection of active leftists. The rally was organized by Joe Biggs, a Florida resident and former InfoWars staffer, with help from Tarrio. The Proud Boys describe themselves as patriots and Western chauvinists. A number of their members support misogynistic, racist or xenophobic sentiments. Others are prone to violence. Hundreds of supporters and opponents faced off along Portlands waterfront at the rally on Aug. 17, 2019, called to denounce self-described anti-fascists or antifa. Police ended up arresting more than a dozen people but generally succeeded in keeping the factions apart. On the day of the rally, President Donald Trump highlighted a congressional resolution to have left-wing activists labeled as domestic terrorists and challenged Portlands mayor to properly do his job. Wheeler responded that the presidents comment added to the noise and doesnt do anything to support or help the efforts that are going on here in Portland. Trump and Wheeler have exchanged similar comments in the wake of recent protests in Portland. Portland police spokesman Lt. Greg Pashley said incident commanders will prepare for the Sept. 26 event but much of how they respond is contingent on who arrives and what they do. For the rally last year, the Police Bureau drew on local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to provide 700 officers for the day. Wheeler and then-Police Chief Danielle Outlaw pledged to keep the city safe and urged trouble-seeking participants to stay away from Portland. This time, the bureau also likely will ask for officers from other agencies for help, Pashley said, even though several surrounding departments have expressed reluctance to work on the current protests. He noted Portland police have faced criticism for not separating right-wing demonstrators and left-wing counterprotesters outside the Justice Center downtown on Aug. 22 and repeated the explanation that police didnt have enough officers to respond and didnt want to escalate the tension by wading into the crowd. Pashley said the bureau faces a conundrum of people increasingly demanding that officers step in to take action at a time when the agency has had its budget cut and positions reduced. Which is it? Do you want more police involvement or less? he said. Its an odd or unfortunate position to be in. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive Police have opened an investigation into whether the German Madeleine McCann suspect carried out a sexual offence against a 10-year-old girl in Portugal just weeks before Madeleine disappeared. Christian Brueckner allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old girl and masturbated in front of her on Salema beach in April 2007 - just weeks before Madeleine disappeared on May 3, reported Spiegel. She was saved when adults rushed to her aid - causing the man to flee the scene. The attack happened just six miles from the Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz where Madeleine is thought to have been taken from her bed in the middle of the night. Christian Brueckner (pictured) allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old girl and masturbated in front of her on Salema beach in April 2007 - just weeks before Madeleine disappeared on May 3, reported Spiegel German judicial authorities have been aware of the case of the ten-year-old, who has not been named, since last year through a survey of sexual offences from Portugal. She was playing with other children during a trip to the beach with her parents and family friends when a naked man grabbed hold of her. He then touched himself while holding onto her, the girl told Portuguese investigators at the time. Her father was forced to chase the man away from his daughter. According to the magazine, the investigation against Brueckner has already been closed because the victim, who is from Germany, could not identify him in pictures. Madeleine McCann went missing while on holiday in Portugal with her family in May 2007 However, after the investigation against him in the Madeleine case became known, the young woman contacted the police again and stated that she was now '99 percent' sure that he was the perpetrator. The investigation has resumed. The German is considered by the Braunschweig prosecutor's office as a suspect in the spectacular criminal case surrounding the disappearance of Madeleine. Brueckner has numerous and considerable criminal convictions, including for sexual offences against children. The shocking allegations came to light after Brueckner gave a rare insight into his life behind bars by drawing a pencil sketch of his cramped prison cell. The drawing emerged as police continue to investigate his role in the three-year-old's disappearance in Portugal in 2007. Brueckner complained that he suffers from being unable to exercise properly as he has been confined to solitary for his own protection since June when German police named him as the prime suspect in the case. The 43-year-old's only daily contact is with prison warders and the inmate who dishes out his meals. His lawyer Freidrich Fulcher is his only visitor. Brueckner spends 23 hours a day in the cramped cell in the Kiel high security prison in northern Germany, where he serving a three-year-sentence for drug dealing. Brueckner has given a rare insight into his life behind bars by drawing a pencil sketch of his cramped prison cell (pictured) A seven-year conviction for the rape of an American pensioner in Portugal has still to be confirmed. His living space measures three-metre long and has 60cm open area between his bed and his desk. There is a shelf on the wall, where he stores legal files about his case in folders. There is a sink and a toilet behind a curtain. All the furniture is screwed in to the floor, except the chair. He also has his own television, from where he keeps abreast of the latest developments in the Madeleine McCann case, it has been reported. His meals include stew on Mondays, fish on Thursdays and a roast dinner on Sundays. The attack on the girl, ten, happened just six miles from the Ocean Club (pictured) in Praia Da Luz where Madeleine is thought to have been taken from her bed in the middle of the night Brueckner has made three applications for more exercise time to prison authorities but all have been refused. The German drifter lived in a ramshackle cottage just 15-minutes-drive from the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Algarve, from where Madeleine McCann went missing in May 2007. Mobile phone evidence places Brueckner in the tourist village on the night the youngster disappeared and he has been linked with a series of 25 break-ins throughout the resort. Brueckner has been convicted for a string of sex crimes, including the sexual assault of children. Friedrich Fulcher, his lawyer, maintains his client is innocent. But that doesnt mean Trump, who lost Virginia four years ago, wont be a dominating presence here. The 7th District campaign is likely to be framed by Democrats as a referendum on the U.S. response to a public health pandemic that has killed almost 190,000 Americans. Republicans are likely to frame it as a mandate for law and order in the face of sometimes violent protests against racial injustice that have roiled Richmond since the end of May. Spanberger and Freitas, who both turned 41 in August, are competing in a 10-county district rooted in the Richmond suburbs of Henrico and Chesterfield counties, branching from Nottoway County in rural Southside to Culpeper County in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both have backgrounds in national security Spanberger as a former federal agent for the U.S. Postal Service and case officer for the Central Intelligence Agency, and Freitas as a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces who served twice in the Iraq War. New Delhi also made it clear that Beijing should not take any provocative action or escalate matters New Delhi: Blaming China for the situation over the last four months in the Ladakh sector that was a direct result of China trying to unilaterally change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control, India on Thursday clearly said the way ahead was negotiations through both military and diplomatic channels. New Delhi added it was firmly committed to a peaceful dialogue and urged China to sincerely engage India to restore peace and tranquillity at the LAC. New Delhi also made it clear that Beijing should not take any provocative action or escalate matters, which comes after the latest round of Chinese military actions at Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh both on the night of August 29 and on August 31. In an escalation of the war of words, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi said in a statement that it was seriously concerned over and firmly opposed the Indian governments decision on Wednesday to block 118 mobile apps (on the grounds of being prejudicial to Indias security), saying these national security grounds were an excuse and it urges the Indian government to rectify the discriminatory practices violating World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. Beijing said suppression, self-seclusion and restrictions cannot benefit one countrys development, and told New Delhi to return to the right path of win-win cooperation. New Delhi, however, remained firm on its decision, and the external affairs ministry said Thursday that companies needed to follow Indian laws. Observers see Indias decision as another instance of New Delhi seeking to impose economic costs on Beijing for the Chinese military provocations in the Ladakh sector. The MEA also confirmed that defence minister Rajnath Singhs visit to Moscow for a defence ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member countries would include a bilateral meeting with the Russian defence minister, but that there was no information on any similar meeting with the Chinese defence minister, which is seen as another snub to Beijing. The MEA also confirmed that external affairs minister S. Jaishankar would also travel to Moscow for a SCO foreign ministers meeting on September 10. All eyes are on that visit to see if Mr Jaishankar would meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi or not. In yet another signal to Beijing, the MEA also said India looked forward to hosting a meeting of the four-nation Quadrilateral -- comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia -- that focuses on the maintenance of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. The MEA added a meeting of the 2+2 bilateral dialogue at the foreign and defence ministers level with the United States would also be held. But it was New Delhis firm message on Thursday on developments in Ladakh that are being seen as an indication of the Indian governments resolve to continue to hold firm. In a statement at his weekly briefing on Thursday evening, MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava said: I can say that the ground commanders are still holding discussions to resolve the situation. We reiterate the consensus reached between the two foreign ministers and special representatives that the situation at the border should be handled in a responsible manner and either side should not take any provocative action or escalate matters. The MEA spokesman added: It is clear that the situation we witnessed over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo. These actions resulted in violation of the bilateral agreements and protocol which ensured peace and tranquility in the border areas for close to three decades. Now the way ahead is negotiations, both through the diplomatic and military channels. The Indian side is firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue. The MEA added: We strongly urge the Chinese side to sincerely engage the Indian side with the objective of expeditiously restoring peace and tranquility in the border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols. Lovely Warren, mayor of Rochester, speaks during a press conference on the death of Daniel Prude, in Rochester, New York, on Sept. 3, 2020. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) 7 Rochester Police Officers Suspended by Mayor Over Daniel Prude Death Seven police officers in Rochester, New York, involved in the arrest of Daniel Prude, who died in March, will be immediately suspended, the citys mayor announced on Thursday afternoon. I am suspending the officers in question today against counsels advice, and I urge the attorney general to complete her investigation, Mayor Lovely Warren said at a news conference. Prude, 41, was arrested on March 23 by Rochester police officers. Prudes relatives had called police to report that he was suffering from a mental episode. Officers found him running naked in the street. He initially complied when officers asked him to put his hands behind his back to be handcuffed. Later, Prude sat up and began spitting at the officers while saying he had contracted the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, also known as the novel coronavirus. This undated photo shows Daniel Prude. Prude. (Courtesy Roth and Roth LLP via AP) Officers then put a spit guard over his head and pinned him to the ground face down for about two minutes to restrain him, after which he stopped breathing. Prude received CPR on the scene and was taken to hospital. He died seven days later, on March 30, after being taken off life support. A medical examiner concluded that Prudes death was a homicide caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint. The report lists excited delirium and acute intoxication by the recreational drug phencyclidine, or PCP, as contributing factors. The names of the seven arresting officers are: Sgt. Michael Magri, Officer Josiah Harris, Officer Paul Ricotta, Officer Francisco Santiago, Officer Andrew Specksgoor, Officer Troy Taladay, and Officer Mark Vaughn. They would still be paid due to contract rules, Warren said. New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office took over the investigation of Prudes death in April. The investigation is ongoing. James said in a statement on Thursday, The Prude family and the greater Rochester community deserve answers, and we will continue to work around the clock to provide them. The mayor said on Thursday that she only became aware that Prudes death involved the use of force on Aug. 4, and that Police Chief LaRon Singletary initially portrayed it as a drug overdose. She said that was entirely different to what she saw on the body camera video. Warren said she told the chief she was deeply, personally, and professionally disappointed in his communication to her about what happened to Prude. Approached at a community event, Singletary declined to comment but said he would speak later, reported The Associated Press. Prude was failed by the police department, our mental health care system, our society, and he was failed by me, Warren said, amid criticism that the city kept quiet about Prudes death for months. I understand that the union may sue the city for this, she said, referring to the announcement of the suspensions. They shall feel free to do so. The police union representing the Rochester officers did not immediately respond for comment requests by The Associated Press. Prudes family held a news conference on Wednesday and released police body camera video that was obtained through a public records request that captured Prudes interaction with the officers. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Prime Minister Imran Khan's top aide Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa resigned on Friday after allegations that he used his offices to help family set up several off-shore businesses. Former Army spokesman Bajwa, who also served as Commander of the Southern Command, rejected the allegations against him and resigned as special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on information and broadcasting. However, he would continue working as chairman of the China- Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority. The development followed after a report on a website alleged that Bajwa had used his offices in setting up off-shore businesses of his wife, sons and brothers. The report alleged that Bajwa's younger brothers opened their first Papa John's pizza restaurant in 2002, the year he started working as a Lieutenant Colonel on the General Pervez Musharraf's staff. It claimed that his brother Nadeem Bajwa, 53, who started as a delivery driver for the pizza restaurant franchise, another three brothers, his wife Farrukh Zeba and three sons now own a business empire which set up 99 companies in four countries, including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated USD 39.9 million. Out of the total 99 firms, 66 are main companies, 33 are branch companies of some of the main companies while five firms are dead now. The Bajwa family's companies spent an estimated USD 52.2 million to develop their businesses and USD 14.5 million to purchase properties in the United States, according to the report. His wife was a shareholder in all the foreign businesses and also associated with or is a shareholder in 85 companies including 82 foreign companies (71 in United States, seven in UAE and four in Canada). The report showed that some of these American companies (all jointly owned by Zeba) also have investments in the real estate sector and own 13 commercial properties in the US, including two shopping centres. Interestingly, Bajwa after joining the Cabinet declared his assets in June this year which did not mention his wife's foreign assets. Bajwa has rejected the allegations, saying they are incorrect and false and he was ready to prove it to any judicial forum. I have not shied away to explain the allegations shamelessly levelled against me. These allegations have been hurled at me to tarnish my image, he claimed. (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.) Doug Schultz, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Health, said the department asked people who had tested positive for the virus about their activities during the time when they were most likely exposed. He said the department had attributed cases to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally only if there was no other likely source of infection or if it was the most plausible source. The signing of the MOU between Green Lava and the Greiggs Rastafarian Progressive Society, a licensed cannabis cultivator, in Nov. 2019. The path is now cleared for the first cannabis pharmacy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to begin operations. This after Cabinet approved the first cannabis dispensing licence to Green Lava (SVG) Inc., a medical marijuana company with its headquarters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Green Lava Inc can now procure and dispense medicinal cannabis products legally in the country. This milestone act comes after a process that first involved an application for a Retail Pharmacy Permit, which received approval from the SVG Pharmacy Council on July 28, 2020. Pursuant to the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act and its regulations, an application was then submitted to the Medicinal Cannabis Authority for a dispensing licence. Cabinet subsequently approved the granting of this licence on August 10, 2020. And this comes following the company being the first to receive the approval of Cabinet for a medicinal cannabis licence on July 10, 2019, leading to an official launch of operations on November 15, 2019 when it unveiled its 5-acre medicinal cannabis farm at Queensbury, Vermont. The gazetting of the Patient Access to Medicinal Cannabis Regulations by the Government on May 6, 2020 provided the ground works for Green Lava to receive Cabinet approval for the medical dispensing licence. The company will now roll-out its business model with the establishment of a pharmacy to provide medicinal cannabis products to persons with qualifying medical conditions including pain associated with cancer,; severe and treatment resistant nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy; Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, sickle cell anaemia, anxiety, sleep disorders and chronic pain. Green Lava has also signed agreements with two local traditional cultivators groups to obtain raw cannabis product from their farms. Three rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) have urged Azerbaijan to review the case of opposition politician Tofiq Yaqublu, who was sentenced to four years and three months in prison on charges of "hooliganism." A court in Baku on September 3 found Yaqublu, deputy chairman of the opposition Musavat Party and a senior politician in the National Council of Democratic Forces, guilty and sentenced him the same day. "We are deeply concerned by [Yaqublu's] lawyers' accusations that the trial was unfair, closed to the public and that all the defense motions were rejected," said PACE's monitoring co-rapporteurs for Azerbaijan, Sir Roger Gale and Stefan Schennach, together with PACE's rapporteur on reported cases of political prisoners in Azerbaijan, Sunna AEvarsdottir. "We are particularly alarmed by the severity of the sentence and [Yaqublu's] decision to start a hunger strike," they added. On September 2, Yaqublu started a hunger strike after Judge Nariman Mehdiyev prevented him from making a final statement in court. In the statement, which Yaqublu began to read before being halted by the judge, he questioned the legality of the case against him, calling it politically motivated. Yaqublu was arrested in March after a car hit his vehicle in Baku and the driver of the car started a heated argument with the politician. Investigators accused Yaqublu of "using a wrench to conduct an act of hooliganism" against the driver, which the politician has denied. Yaqublu and human rights groups say the car accident most likely was staged to be used for the case. Yaqublu frequently criticizes the government and authoritarian President Ilham Aliyev. Critics of Aliyev's government say authorities in the oil-rich Caspian Sea state frequently seek to silence dissent by jailing opposition activists, journalists, and civil-society advocates on trumped-up charges. Aliyev has ruled Azerbaijan since 2003, taking over for his father, Heydar Aliyev, who served as president for a decade. Eric Metaxas on why pastors need to address politics, Black Lives Matter, and 'woke' Christianity Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Ahead of an election he believes is crucial for the future of the American Church, Eric Metaxas has made a case for why Christians have a moral obligation to vote Republican this November and why pastors need to boldly address political issues from the pulpit before its too late. In an interview with The Christian Post on Aug. 25, Metaxas argued that evangelicals who suggest there are biblical reasons to vote for either party this election are wrong and misreading current events. The conservative author and radio host clarified that while agrees with the basic principle of refusing to make an idol out of politics, to say you could vote for either candidate and it's OK is another thing. Were not in a position where we can play that game, the 57-year-old New York native warned. The Democratic Party of the past, he said, is a whole other story than the dramatically radically left party of today, pointing out that both Bill Clinton and John F. Kenney were centrists who understood that big government can be a problem. The Democratic Party today is in bed with cultural Marxism, whether overtly or by not calling it out, he said. If I believed the Joe Biden of today would be the Joe Biden of 30 years ago, we could have a conversation about that. But the idea that a man who is a husk of his former self and who will effectively be a frontman for what has become a dramatically radically left party I think people should understand what that means for religious liberty and every kind of liberty. Metaxas pointed out that from day one, Biden vowed to sign the Equality Act, a move the conservative author believes will effectively cripple religious liberty across America. People don't seem to think that that kind of bad thing can happen in America because we've been so blessed with religious liberty and prosperity, he said. Its important to understand that religious liberty is not a small thing; when the government gets involved and starts telling us what we can and cannot do, that's no different than the Nazi Party infiltrating churches and saying, We're not going to allow you to preach the Gospel anymore. You have to Nazi-fy your doctrine, we dont want you talking about the Jewishness of Jesus. When Americans begin kowtowing to the government on big issues like sexuality, marriage, and issues of life, theyre no longer free, Metaxas stressed. If Biden is elected, he will immediately put in place those kinds of things, he said. Its going to harm churches in a way that we've never imagined in America. If the church is harmed, the whole country suffers because the church is supposed to be God's hands in the world. I really believe that that is so crucial. The Democratic party has also made a common cause with openly Marxist organizations like Black Lives Matter and Antifa, Metaxas said a fact that should scare people if they really understood what that means. While the Democratic Party of the past said abortion should be safe, legal and rare, todays party is staunchly advocating for late-term abortion, Metaxas argued. I remember when the Democrats had something to offer and we could have a dialogue, he said. But things have gotten so divided and the Democratic Party has rather cynically decided to lurch as far left as possible. You now have an entire party that no longer has pro-life candidates. I think it's tragic. Metaxas also criticized professing Christians for participating in Black Lives Matter protests or supporting the organization. Those who truly care about the urban poor and really believe black lives matter must reject the organization called Black Lives Matter and Antifa because they are explicitly Marxist, he contended. Americans need to understand just how dark a vision they present. They offer us utopia, but its like offering Heaven without the cross, he said. The problem is, theyre singing a song we havent yet heard in this country, so some of us are lured by it. Many young Christians, in particular, buy into woke ideologies because they dont understand the basics of civics, of what it means to be an American, and why the United States is great, according to the popular talk show host. This country is not great because the blood running in American veins is better than the blood running in somebody else's veins, he stressed. It's great because of the ideas that the founders gave us of self-government. If you don't teach young people, that even though our founders were flawed people, they did some great things; if you are unwilling to recognize the greatness of what they did, you're simply being foolish. You're throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The Republican Party, he said, created a system that was able to abolish slavery, abolish Jim Crow, and could give us a black president and a hero like Martin Luther King who, based on Christian principles, called those founding documents promissory notes. He understood that these notes were great and we needed to fulfill them. Unfortunately, according to Metaxas, many schools are taken over by people with an anti-American narrative or teachers unions that have a certain bias, which, he said, harms the whole nation. To hold to the belief that the United States is immune from descending into chaos is "foolish," Metaxas said, pointing out that other great nations have taken turns in the wrong direction Nazi-era Germany with devastating effects. People have to pray hard that we don't take that wrong turn because there's no reason that we shouldn't, he warned. It has to be the perfect storm; things going just right or just wrong. If circumstances are a certain way, nations can lurch horribly to tragedy. Its vital that those of us who understand these parallels and these object lessons from history communicate this as much as we can. All we can do is pray and do what we can and leave it in God's hands. But I do know that we haven't taught this stuff for generations. So we shouldn't be surprised that young people in the United States are attracted to these things. Theyve not seen how wicked certain governments can be and how little freedom people can have. If they see that, they get a different perspective. Metaxas is the author of popular books like Amazing Grace, Miracles, and Bonhoeffer, and most recently, a series of humorous childrens books that includes Donald Drains the Swamp, Donald and the Fake News and Donald Builds the Wall. The Donald series is political humor in the form of a kids' book, Metaxas said. Most people need to laugh at some of what's happening, maybe because it is so serious. You need to know you're not crazy. I thought that by putting it in the form of these humor books, were able to celebrate a little bit of what is happening in a good way in the country because not everybody thinks the country is falling apart or falling under the sway of an authoritarian leader. Though the books are funny, they give people permission to say, I'm not the only person seeing what is happening, Metaxas said. I think people who have been pro-Trump need something to celebrate with; often it's the left that creates the culture and the stories and that do the satire, and it's important that you get that from both sides. Acknowledging that many Christians find Trump distasteful, Metaxas offered the reminder that a vote for Donald Trump is not necessarily a vote for Donald Trump; its a vote for policies. Christians need to realize that while it isnt woke to vote for Trump, they need to do so, not because they like the guy but because his policies and the people he puts in place have a basic American constitutional view, which will, in the end, be fairer and present more opportunities to everybody, he said. If I care about the poor, which policies are going to bless the poor? Forget about me and my rights; God commands me to care for the poor. The policies of the left are going to harm the poor and black lives. The rhetoric not only is meaningless but its a smokescreen. The reality is, those policies for over 50 years have been taking the black vote for granted and have been destroying those communities. Churches must be bolder in understanding they have a role to speak about politics, he emphasized. You have to make a moral choice and you can't divide politics and your faith. If your faith is lived out, it's going to have to deal with policy and laws and morality. I think it is the job of pastors to know how far they can go with their congregations. If you're worried about losing parishioners, you're worried about the wrong things. You should fear God and fear not speaking when He calls you to speak. Thats the role of what it is to lead spiritually. Metaxas applauded the pastors that do address political issues and challenged those who do not to get on your knees and ask God to give you the courage to say what He would have you say in this hour before it's too late. Sometimes we don't get a second chance, he said. And I think, unfortunately, this election is one of those times. Pedestrians wear masks while walking along a busy street in downtown Ottawa on March 16. (Brian Morris/CBC - image credit) Recent developments: Ottawa is reporting 74 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and one death. What's the latest? Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recorded 74 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and one death. The capital's largest shelter outbreak is over and OPH has passed its target of vaccinating 75 per cent of retirement home residents. Ottawa moves into the red zone on Ontario's pandemic scale today, limiting the size of gatherings and the number of people allowed inside restaurants and gyms. Several hospitals in the Ottawa area are at or over full capacity, but not because of COVID-19 patients many people who don't have the illness are delaying going to hospital. Ontario residents born in or before 1946 can make COVID-19 vaccine appointments starting Monday. Also starting Monday, anyone in the Kingston area above age 60 can contact participating pharmacies for a vaccine. How many cases are there? As of Friday, 15,914 Ottawa residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. There are currently 668 known active cases, 14,795 resolved cases and 451 deaths. Public health officials have reported more than 28,300 COVID-19 cases across eastern Ontario and western Quebec, including more than 26,300 resolved cases. Elsewhere in eastern Ontario, 134 people have died of COVID-19 and 168 people have died in western Quebec. Akwesasne has had more than 250 residents test positive on the Canadian side of the border, eight of them active cases, and seven deaths. It's had more than 500 cases combined with its southern section. Kitigan Zibi has had 22 confirmed cases and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory has had eight, with one death. CBC Ottawa is profiling those who've died of COVID-19. If you'd like to share your loved one's story, please get in touch . What can I do? The province's science advisors are among the experts saying Ontario is in its 3rd wave of the pandemic. Eastern Ontario now ranges from red to green under the province's colour-coded pandemic scale. Story continues Restaurants, gyms, personal care services and non-essential businesses are open across the region. Outside red zones, social gatherings can have up to 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors. Organized events can be larger. WATCH | Ontario's 3rd wave of COVID-19 could hit younger adults harder: With Ottawa in the red zone, all gatherings are capped at five people inside and 25 outside. Indoor dining is limited to 10 people at a time. Theatres are closed and team sports games or scrimmages are not allowed. Going red means only leaving home for essential reasons and not having inside visitors. Ottawa Public Health said Thursday its spread of COVID-19 is getting out of control. Local health units can also set their own rules, like what Kingston's is doing around gatherings and Lanark County's is doing for sports. Western Quebec's gyms and restaurants can open under its orange zone rules, as can non-essential businesses. Outdoor gatherings of up to eight people are allowed. The region's curfew hours are 9:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Grenville-sur-la-Rouge and some of the surrounding area remains in red. Next week local high schoolers can return to in-class learning full time and sports rules will be relaxed. People in all these areas are asked to only have close contact with people they live with, be masked and distanced for all other in-person contact and only travel for essential reasons, especially between differently coloured zones. Distancing and isolating The novel coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when an infected person speaks, coughs, sneezes, or breathes onto someone or something. These droplets can hang in the air. People can be contagious without symptoms, even after getting a vaccine. New coronavirus variants can be more contagious and are spreading quickly in some places. This means it is important to take precautions now and in the future like staying home while sick and getting help with costs if needed keeping hands and surfaces clean and maintaining distance from anyone you don't live with, even with a mask on. Masks, preferably ones that fit snugly and have three layers, are mandatory in indoor public settings in Ontario and Quebec . OPH says residents should wear masks outside their homes whenever possible. People standing outside a storefront in the ByWard Market on March 17. (Brian Morris/CBC) Health Canada recommends older adults and people with underlying medical conditions and/or weakened immune systems stay home as much as possible and get help with errands. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate, as should those who've been ordered to do so by their public health unit. The length varies in Quebec and Ontario. People have to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test to enter Canada by land without a fine and have to pay for their stay in a quarantine hotel if entering by air. Vaccines Four COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in Canada. Canada's task force said first doses offer such strong protection that people can wait up to four months to get a second, meaning jurisdictions can spread first doses widely. About 195,000 doses have been given out in the wider region since mid-December, including more than 88,000 doses in Ottawa and about 24,000 in western Quebec. Ontario's first doses generally went to care home residents and health-care workers. The provincewide campaign has expanded further into Phase 1 to include more priority groups such as all people over age 80. On Monday, it's anyone above 75. People can book appointments online or over the phone. Local health units have some flexibility in the larger framework, so check their websites as they're asking people to keep their phone lines clear for details. People who are above age 60 to 64 or will be turning 60 or 65 this year in the Kingston area can contact one of nearly 50 pharmacies for a vaccine appointment as part of a pilot project. It's anyone above 60 as of Monday. Phase 2 should include people with underlying health conditions in April, then people who can't work from home and down in age to 60 in June. Phase 3 in July will have vaccines for everybody over age 16. Quebec also started by vaccinating people in care homes and health-care workers. The vaccination plan has moved to people age 65 and older at six western Quebec clinics, then essential workers and finally the general public. Officials expect everyone over the age of 65 to be vaccinated by mid-April and everyone who wants a shot to be able to get one by by Fete nationale June 24. People who qualify can make an appointment online or over the phone. Pharmacists there will also be giving shots. Symptoms and testing COVID-19 can range from a cold-like illness to a severe lung infection, with common symptoms including fever, a cough, vomiting and loss of taste or smell. Children tend to have an upset stomach and/or a rash. If you have severe symptoms, call 911. Mental health can also be affected by the pandemic, and resources are available to help . In eastern Ontario: Anyone seeking a test should book an appointment . Ontario recommends only getting tested if you have symptoms, if you've been told to by your health unit or the province, or if you fit certain other criteria. People without symptoms but who are part of the province's targeted testing strategy can make an appointment at select pharmacies. Travellers who need a test have very few local options to pay for one. Check with your area's health unit for clinic locations and hours. Some are offering pop-up or mobile clinics. In western Quebec: Tests are strongly recommended for people with symptoms and their contacts. Outaouais residents can make an appointment in Gatineau at 135 blvd. Saint-Raymond or 617 ave. Buckingham. They can check the wait time for the Saint-Raymond site. There are recurring clinics by appointment in communities such as Maniwaki and Petite-Nation. Call 1-877-644-4545 with questions, including if walk-in testing is available nearby. First Nations, Inuit and Metis: Akwesasne has a COVID-19 test site by appointment only and a curfew of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Anyone returning to the community on the Canadian side of the international border who's been farther than 160 kilometres away or visited Montreal for non-essential reasons is asked to self-isolate for 14 days. People in Pikwakanagan can book a COVID-19 test by calling 613-625-1175. Anyone in Tyendinaga who's interested in a test can call 613-967-3603 and in Kitigan Zibi, 819-449-5593. Inuit in Ottawa can call the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team at 613-740-0999 for service, including testing and vaccines, in Inuktitut or English on weekdays. For more information SAGINAW, MI A man is accused of stabbing another man near a Saginaw homeless shelter where they were both residing. Prosecutors allege that about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, 51-year-old Perry Booth III had argued with a 47-year-old man at Restoration Community Outreach, 1205 Norman St. Both men were living at the shelter, which was founded in 1991 to assist homeless men. The argument progressed to the point that Booth stabbed the younger man multiple times outside the shelter, prosecutors contend. Booth stabbed the other man with a pair of scissors, added Saginaw Police Detective Sgt. Matthew Gerow. Police responded to the scene and found Booth walking nearby, Gerow said. They arrested him and lodged him in the Saginaw County Jail less than two hours after the stabbing occurred. Booth on Wednesday, Sept. 2, appeared in Saginaw County District Court for arraignment on one count of assault with intent to murder, a life offense. The arraigning judge set Booths bond at $500,000 cash-surety. The Michigan Department of Corrections paroled Booth on Nov. 5; he was to be on it until Nov. 5, 2021. A Saginaw County judge in January 2005 sentenced Booth to 14 to 30 years in prison on convictions of third-degree criminal sexual conduct using force or coercion and kidnapping, crimes Booth committed in December 2003. A Jackson County judge in December 2015 sentenced Booth to one to five years on a conviction of prisoner in possession of a weapon. Booths next court date is pending. Read more: Central Michigan University drops professor who used racial slur from website, report says hes gone Man charged after police say he tried robbing 2 Bay County gas stations within minutes State police release report on fired Saginaw police officer, but you cant read most of it BOSTON The question seemed to trail him everywhere, from the day Joe Kennedy announced hed challenge Sen. Ed Markey in the Democratic primary to the final hours of the campaign: Why are you running? In a year of campaigning across Massachusetts, Kennedy never seemed to come up with a satisfactory answer. In the end, he simply gave up trying. Instead, in a primary-eve speech in East Boston, the neighborhood where his famous family has its roots and where he launched his Senate bid in 2019, the 39-year-old congressman sought to dismiss the idea that his motivation for running mattered at all. "I've spent the last weeks and months on the roads across our commonwealth in cities like Lowell, and in Chelsea and in Gloucester. In neighborhoods like East Boston," Kennedy said. "And not one person in those cities, not one, has asked me why I am running for the Senate. The only thing they ask: What can you do to make this better, and when I need you, will you be there?" He lost every precinct in East Boston Tuesday. Kennedys failure to lay out a rationale for taking on Markey wasnt the sole cause of his defeat. Rather, it was symptomatic of a campaign that was too confident, for too long it didnt think the usual rules applied, or that the 74-year-old Markey had enough fight in him to fend off one of the Democratic Partys brightest young stars. "There was a really strong reason for running. I don't think they were ever able to articulate it. That's the problem," said political consultant Doug Rubin, who supported Kennedy. "I've always felt that the best campaigns are the ones with the right candidate at the right moment. I actually thought Joe was the right candidate for this moment, and for whatever reason, they were never able to win that argument and frame the race that way." The outcome was a far cry from last summer, when the consensus in Massachusetts political circles was that Kennedy would be so formidable that Markey ought to retire to avoid an embarrassing defeat. Polls showed Kennedy with a double-digit lead, and the running joke was that Markey was more likely to be seen at a Starbucks in suburban Washington than a Dunkin' Donuts near his home in Malden. Story continues Kennedy built his campaign on the promise that he would show up in Massachusetts, as opposed to his opponent, who spent too much time in Washington. The scion of the states iconic political dynasty would win by assembling a coalition of voters of color who didnt always vote similar to how Rep. Ayanna Pressley upset a veteran Massachusetts incumbent two years earlier, former Congressman Michael Capuano. His candidacy was designed around the idea that a vote for Kennedy was an investment in his seemingly limitless political future, while Markey was already on his way out the door. What Kennedy didn't envision was the way Markey would reinvent himself as a darling of the progressive left over the course of the year, harnessing the energy of young voters and climate activists. Sitting on a sizable lead in the polls for much of the race, Kennedys campaign was reluctant to go negative on Markey. That gave the low-key incumbent, who lived in the shadow of more prominent Bay State Democrats like Elizabeth Warren and John Kerry, the chance to define himself on his own terms. His signature look became Nike sneakers and an oversized green jacket straight out of an Urban Outfitters ad campaign. (Markey wore the sneakers with his suit when he declared victory on Tuesday night.) More important, Markey stepped into the political vacuum created by the departures of Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders from the presidential primary. Progressives were devastated by the collapse of the two campaigns, which came just before the coronavirus pandemic hit Massachusetts, leaving a cohort of newly unemployed presidential campaign staffers and volunteers and young high school and college activists stuck at home with time on their hands. They turned their attention to Markey. "Here is my #1 hot take as a newly-free Warren staffer: THE F------ CO-AUTHOR OF THE GODDAMN GREEN NEW DEAL MIGHT LOSE HIS SEAT IN THE SENATE TO A MODERATE AND YOURE ALL JUST SLEEPING ON IT," tweeted Emma Friend, a staffer on Warren's presidential campaign. Markey raised $57,000 off the viral post, and he hired Friend to the campaign a month later. Dozens of Markey fan accounts began to pop up on Twitter. As young activists churned out pro-Markey memes and videos, he brought them into the fold as digital fellows. It helped that Markey won endorsements from New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, his partner on the Green New Deal, and the Sunrise Movement. The Markey campaign spent almost half a million dollars airing an ad that only featured AOC, and not Markey, in the weeks leading up to the primary. "Markey and his campaign were very eager to fight that fight with us. We got in early, making it an issues-focused, policy-centered campaign which was mostly centered around Markey's leadership on the Green New Deal and climate crisis," said Evan Weber, co-founder of the Sunrise Movement. "We also did a lot of work to rile up young people and the youths and progressives." As Markey's popularity grew, so did frustration within the Kennedy campaign. In Kennedy's eyes, Markey's new image didn't square with his record, which was more in line with Joe Biden than Sanders or Warren. Kennedy often pointed to Markey's support of the 1994 crime bill and the Iraq War on the debate stage, but that didn't matter to Markey's energetic online base. "The Markey campaign did a masterful job convincing voters Ed is someone he is not," one Democratic strategist with Massachusetts ties said after the primary results were tallied. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Edward Markey celebrates with wife Susan, left, in Malden, Mass., after defeating U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III in the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary. Kennedy advisers concede that the campaign should have gone negative earlier and defined the incumbent while his polling numbers were low. But the campaign also blamed the press and the left wing of the party for giving Markey a free pass to reinvent himself. "This goes to show you that the left doesn't do their homework and they're easily won over by bright shiny objects," said one Kennedy ally. For a well-liked candidate accustomed to largely flattering coverage since his election to Congress in 2017, for example, Town and Country magazine ran a feature on the congressman under the headline: "Meet the Next President Kennedy" the inability to shape coverage came as a surprise. His campaign warred with the media as the spring and summer went on, perhaps most famously after the Boston Globe opted to endorse Markey. "If you are one of the Globe's disproportionately white, well-off, well-educated readers, the past few decades have been pretty good for you. The status quo has delivered. Ed Markey has done just fine," Kennedy campaign manager Nick Clemons wrote in a memo to supporters, which roasted one prominent Globe columnist by name. "But if you are one of the hundreds of thousands of normal, working people in this Commonwealth, if you are Black or Brown, if you are an immigrant or a veteran, if you are sick or struggling or suffering you know that business as usual isn't working." The campaign at times seemed more interested in litigating what journalists and political observers were saying on Twitter than answering persistent questions about Kennedy's rationale for running. The campaign was also caught flat-footed by Markeys late attempts to do the unthinkable: Weaponize Kennedy's last name. After the homage to his ancestors at his East Boston campaign launch, Kennedy was reluctant to talk about his famous family on the trail. It wasn't until Markey used the Kennedy name as a political wedge in the final months of the race that the congressman leaned into the legacy. As part of an effort to frame the contest as a choice between a son of the working class and an entitled scion, Markey hammered Kennedy over reports that his father, former Rep. Joe Kennedy II, was prepared to pour money into a super PAC to help his son. Markey's risky attack proved effective at rallying his progressive base and small-dollar donor operation. Even powerful Massachusetts House Speaker Bob DeLeo was photographed holding up a derisive T-shirt that read "Tell Ya Fatha." DeLeo privately offered an apology to Kennedy, saying he did not realize what the shirt meant when he posed for the photo, according to five people familiar with the situation. Kennedy unleashed his family in full in the final weeks. His grandmother Ethel Kennedy cut a video for her grandson and Vicki Kennedy, wife of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, hit the campaign trail. A pro-Kennedy super PAC sent campaign mail that featured a photo of Kennedy beside a photo of his grandfather. But sources close to the campaign say the congressman's embrace of the family came too late. Kennedy's internal polls showed him losing traction weeks before the election, according to a person familiar with the polling data. Kennedy had already lost his cash advantage over Markey months earlier after spending $2.4 million in television ads in the spring that failed to move the dial a critical mistake, according to several allies. In the final months, Kennedy replaced his TV consultant. "The definition of the Kennedy family changed for the current electorate. That's a hard thing for him to go and identify with," said Drew O'Brien, a former adviser to Kerry and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. "I've known Ed Markey, I've known Joe Kennedy for a long time. That Ed Markey could become the darling of the young Sunrise Movement and the progressive movement, it's pretty astounding. And good for him." James Arkin contributed to this report. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghi against the backdrop of rising tensions between the two nations on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), news agency ANI has reported, quoting sources. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Chinese Defence Minister, General Fenghe in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/BDXFAYAVjn / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 Earlier reports had suggested that the meeting would take place on the sidelines of a key Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Moscow. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a tense border row in eastern Ladakh for nearly four months now. Singh and Wei are currently in Moscow to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers on September 4. Reports had earlier suggested that the Chinese side conveyed to the Indian mission its keenness for a meeting between the two defence ministers. Tensions flared in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory on the southern bank of Pangong lake four days back, even as the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. ALSO READ: China 'deliberately' provoked India in fresh clash in eastern Ladakh: US intelligence India on September 3 said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a 'direct result' of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday reached actor Rhea Chakrabortys residence in Mumbai to conduct a search in connection with its probe in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, news agency ANI reported. The houses of Chakrabortys brother, Showik Chakraborty, and Samuel Miranda, who is Rajputs former housekeeping manager, are also being searched according to rule under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, said NCB, according to ANI. Miranda was appointed by Rhea Chakraborty in May last year. He used to manage all the household expenses. Rajputs family has alleged that Miranda helped Chakraborty in siphoning off his money and supplying drugs. ALSO WATCH | Rhea Chakraborty questioned by CBI for 2nd time in Sushants death case So far, NCB has arrested five people in the drugs angle in Rajput case. The bureau had said on Wednesday that it arrested Abdul Basit Parihar from Mumbais Bandra. He had a connection with Samuel Miranda. Miranda is accused of procuring drugs on instructions of Showik Chakraborty, ANI quoted an NCB official as saying. NCB has also arrested Zaid Vilatra from Mumbai in connection with the case, ANI reported. Zaid is understood to be involved in the supply of narcotics like bud or curated marijuana to the high-end party circles of Mumbai, news agency PTI reported quoting NCB officials. Agency sleuths claimed he was arrested after they obtained some vital leads into the narcotics case registered against Chakraborty and others, according to PTI. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also probing the case of Rajputs death and has questioned Rhea Chakraborty and several others so far. It called Chakrabortys father for the second round of interrogation on Wednesday. The agency had questioned Rhea Chakrabortys parents for the first time in connection with Rajputs death on Tuesday. The CBI continued the interrogation of Showik, who was called for questioning for the first time last week, on Tuesday also, an official said. Rhea Chakraborty and her parents are among those named in the first information report (FIR) registered by the Patna Police after a complaint from Rajputs father, who has accused her of abetting his suicide and misappropriating his sons money. The 28-year-old actor has been questioned for around 35 hours by the CBI in the last four days. Rajput (34) was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14. The Supreme Court last week (not last week. Check the date and correct) upheld the transfer of the FIR lodged in Patna to the CBI. PBS seeks to restore glory, but leader still recuperating Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Maximus Johnity Ongkili will still lead the party in the upcoming state elections while recovering from an ailment. Ongkili - in his sixth term as Kota Marudu MP - was notably absent from crucial Dewan Rakyat votes in May and July. He sought a leave of absence due to medical problems. This has sparked speculation on whether Ongkili would be healthy enough to lead PBS into the high stakes Sabah election. Party leaders have assured Malaysiakini that Ongkili was making good progress. Moreover, he was said to be making crucial decisions for the party and may even join the campaign. PBS deputy president Radin Malleh said Ongkili was discharged from the hospital last week. When asked if Ongkili would be present during nomination day on Sept 12, Radin replied: "God willing." PBS - which once ruled Sabah between 1985 and 1994 - is hoping to make a major splash in the upcoming state election by fielding 30 candidates, up from 13 in 2018. Furthermore, PBS has stated that it would not be using the BN nor Perikatan Nasional (PN) logo, despite Ongkili being a minister in the PN federal government. 'He is involved in everything' In 2018, Ongkili, 66, took over the party from his uncle Joseph Pairin Kitingan who founded the party in 1985 and was its leader for 33 years. When Pairin was leading PBS, Ongkili served as the former's officer and later rose up the party ranks and became deputy president. PBS information chief Joniston Bangkuai told Malaysiakini that Ongkili was very much involved in the party's election preparations, even when the latter was still recuperating. He said Ongkili was involved in the candidate selection process and even seat negotiations. "He might not be physically present, but he is very much involved in everything. He is taking the lead and strategising. "He is trying his best. While his health is our primary concern, the interest and what happens to the state is very important to him," he said. Story continues Joniston, the incumbent Kiulu lawmaker, said morale was still high among party members and supporters so far. Reclaiming strongholds The upcoming Sabah state elections will be the second time Ongkili will lead the party into an election since the Sandakan by-election in May 2019. According to Joniston, PBS' strategy was to focus on seats in Sabah's west coast, northern region, and interior. He said 20 to 23 seats targeted are Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) majority seats. Among seats being targeted are Api-Api and Kapayan, which are currently held by PKR and DAP respectively. He said the party was also looking to take back Tambunan from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) as the constituency is named after the town where PBS was born. Tambunan is currently represented by Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan, Pairin's younger brother. Despite PBS' ambitious 30 seat target, Joniston conceded that much will depend on negotiations with other opposition allies as the goal was to dethrone Warisan in the state. "We need to sit down to discuss in the interest of defeating Warisan and there has been no decision. We made known our stand on that," he said. Malaysia Agreement 1963 PBS had won elections and formed the Sabah government on its own before but since rejoining BN in 2002, the number of candidates it has allowed to nominate was second to Umno. Its support levels also appeared to be on the wane. The party had 13 state lawmakers after the 2004 elections and had only six after the 2018 elections. If there are no changes to the current plans, then PBS' "handshake" logo will make a return at a state election for the first time in 16 years. Joniston explained that PBS was formed to pursue the fulfilling of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and using the logo for the election symbolises that the party has never wavered from this position. "When PBS was in power, (our opponents) were not supportive of this cause. But now, they just copy (from us)," he said. 'Katak' syndrome Universiti Malaysia Sarawak senior lecturer and political analyst specialising in Borneo affairs Jeniri Amir did not share Joniston's optimism as history has shown that Sabah's voters are not known for strict party affiliation. He pointed to the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), which ruled the state between 1967 and 1976 but dissolved in 1996, and Sabah's People United Front (Berjaya), which came to power in 1976 but was defeated by PBS in 1985 before becoming irrelevant. "Sabah politics are always like that. It is difficult for the established parties which fell from power to come back, unless they can find a leader of the same stature as Pairin," he said. Another setback for PBS, said Jeniri, was the fact that PBS lawmakers had a reputation of defecting once elected. This happened after the 1985 elections, which forced a snap election in 1986, and again in 1994 which forced Pairin to resign as chief minister. This happened again after the 2018 election. PBS' lawmakers for Tandek and Labuk switched allegiances and backed Warisan, allowing the latter to form a new government. In July, a group of ruling party lawmakers switched sides again - including the lawmakers for Tandek and Labuk - which led to the dissolution of the legislative assembly. "(PBS' history with defections) had tarnished their image. They need to put up new people with integrity," added Jeniri. PN has image problem Former Penang Institute analyst and Sabah native Esther Sinirisan Chong said PBS still has sway among non-Muslim bumiputera voters, however this message was being carried today by Warisan. "The difference is that the PBS leader is a non-Muslim bumiputera while Warisan leader is a Muslim bumiputera," she told Malaysiakini. On PBS choosing to use its own logo again, Chong believed that the party needed to distance itself from BN and PN because of the failed attempt to form a "backdoor state government" in July. "The people harbour a negative perception towards PN because it tried to form a government outside of elections. "If you stand too close to Musa Aman, people will look at you as part of the political coup," said Chong. Musa, the Sungai Sibuga lawmaker and former Sabah Umno leader, along with Jeffrey Kitingan, were the faces of the effort to topple the Warisan government in July through defections. Chong expected PBS to exploit growing distrust among KDM voters for Warisan, which was perceived to have fared poorly on immigration problems or tackling basic infrastructure problems. Follow Malaysiakini's coverage of the Sabah state election here. It happened after Memorial Day, and after July Fourth too. People in Southeast Texas attended barbecues or swimming parties over the holiday weekend, had a good time, enjoyed a drink or two, maybe let down their guard a bit and contracted the coronavirus. Thats no way to celebrate a holiday. Lets all try to make sure that doesnt happen this Labor Day weekend. The virus is still out there. It may have diminished a bit in Southeast Texas and the entire state, but it is still a force to be reckoned with. In fact, the history of this virus since March has shown a persistent pattern: It recedes, we cautiously venture back out to businesses or restaurants, and it ticks up again. The only way to beat this virus is to stop it from spreading so much from one person who has it to another who doesnt. The way to do that and yes, you have heard this before is to wear masks, keep your distance from strangers and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. These arent complicated steps, but many of us are tired of following them after all these months. We think we can relax for just a brief period like the Labor Day weekend. But thats all it takes for one new person to become a victim of this relentless disease. Our challenge is even greater this weekend because many of us have returned to Southeast Texas after evacuating for Hurricane Laura. We came into contact with all kinds of people who have may had the virus, from hotel clerks to restaurant workers, and now were bringing that danger home. We may have spent a night or two in a crowded shelter, or in a packed vehicle on the highway for hours at a time. Our region has also seen an influx of utility workers and first-responders coming from other places and possibly bringing the virus with them. All of that is a recipe for more spread, particularly in rural areas. Everybody kind of broke protocol all over trying to work the hurricane, the evacuations and shelters, said Jasper County Judge Mark Allen. Everyone tried to adhere as much as they could, but sometimes it wasnt possible. So, I do anticipate a bump in the numbers in the next week or two. Thats not what anyone wants to hear after a hurricane, when many are still without electricity and many Orange County residents are starting to repair their homes and businesses. But this is the hand we have been dealt, and we must respond accordingly. If we continue to exercise precautions that work, well avoid a big spike in cases after Labor Day and be one step closer to full reopening. Enjoy the Labor Day holiday, but in a way that doesnt bring you or someone you love more problems later on. New Parliament building cost likely to go up by Rs 200 cr, CPWD expected to get approval 160 unstarred questions will be answered in Parliament every day India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Sep 04: The government has said that it will answer every question asked in Parliament and 160 "unstarred" questions will be answered every day during the upcoming Monsoon session starting September 14, sources said. Countering the Opposition charge of curtailing the Question Hour, the sources in the government said this is not the first time that the Question Hour will not be taken up during a session as it was dispensed with in 2004 and 2009, besides also in 1991 as well as in 1962, 1975 and 1976 for various reasons. After opposition uproar, 30 minute Question Hour permitted during Monsoon Session of Parliament A research conducted by the Rajya Sabha also revealed that 60 per cent of Question Hour time was not availed during the last five years with only 40 per cent utilisation. Sources said the Question Hour was first done away with during the Emergency in 1975 and 1976, when everything was functioning normally except opposition leaders, who were put behind bars, and the media, which was censored. Unlike then, the government has argued that it is a real health emergency in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the session is being held under extraordinary circumstances even as there is a paucity of time. The presiding officers of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha have received a letter from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, informing them that the government has consulted different political parties and that there is a broad consensus, barring one political party, on doing away with the Question Hour. It is based on this consensus among the opposition parties that the government has requested the presiding officers to do away with the Question Hour and Private Members' Business for this session, the sources said. To corner government, 22 opposition parties to meet ahead of Parliament session Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi had not consulted all the opposition leaders. He said doing away with the Question Hour, not holding the government accountable to the questions of public interest raised in Parliament in the "starred" category "is an assault on India's democracy and a sinister design to undermine the Parliament of the country and Parliamentary practices". He said in the "starred" question category, the minister concerned has to answer supplementary questions. The idea is to hold the government accountable to ensure that public welfare steps are taken and fix accountability of the government to Parliament and through it, to the 130 crore people of India, the Congress leader said. Besides the "unstarred" questions, up to 10 special mentions would also be taken up to bring matters of importance to the government's notice, the sources said. Both houses will also discuss important issues like the pandemic, the state of the economy and other developments and there will be provisions for short-duration discussions, besides calling attention notices will also be taken up, they said. The Opposition has criticised the government for its decision not to have the Question Hour and the Private Members' Business, alleging that it is trying to "murder" democracy in the name of COVID-19 and the session is being convened to bring legislative proposals to replace ordinances. "By abolishing the Question Hour, the government is running scared of answering relevant questions to the people of India through their elected representatives. The Modi government does not want to answer questions on the transgressions by China, about India's economy and the free fall of the GDP. As Parliament gets Covid ready, here is list of all that is being done "The Modi government does not want to be held accountable in the coronavirus (pandemic). It does not want to be held accountable for the closure of businesses and industries. The Modi government does not want to be held accountable for the sinister stifling of democracy and that is why it wants to end the Question Hour. The Congress party will oppose it tooth and nail," Surjewala said at an online media briefing. Government sources have argued that there has been no Question Hour in assemblies in states ruled by the Congress or other opposition parties during the pandemic and that sessions are being held for only one to three days. The research conducted by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat revealed that during 2015-19, only about 40 per cent of the Question Hour time was available to raise questions and obtain oral responses of the government and 60 per cent of it went unused on account of disruptions. In the said period, the Rajya Sabha held a total of 332 sittings, during which a total time of 332 hours was available for the Question Hour, but only 133 hours and 17 minutes were spent on raising questions and obtaining oral replies from the ministers concerned. The actual time spent on the Question Hour was 18 hours and seven minutes in 2015, 34 hours and 48 minutes in 2016, the maximum of 35 hours and 13 minutes in 2017 and the minimum of 14 hours and 29 minutes in 2018. Only 30 hours and 40 minutes were spent in 2019. President Donald Trump tours an area on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, damaged during demonstrations after a police officer shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis. Read more President Donald Trump, visiting what the Associated Press called the epicenter of the latest eruption over racial injustice in America on Tuesday, was asked: Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in this country? Trump, who had just toured an arson-scarred neighborhood in Kenosha, Wis., used 451 words to circumnavigate the question without answering it. He brushed aside the questioners context of countless nonviolent protests happening around the country and instead cited violence four times. Thats Trumps game plan: blame Democratic nominee Joe Biden for racial strife and outbreaks of violence and paint himself as (stop us if youve heard this before) the only one who can fix it. Trump was telling a different tale four years ago this week. He came to Philadelphia for a private meeting with a dozen Black voters best described as supporters or at least Trump-curious, telling them he was not a bigot. Protesters outside had other ideas. A day later Trump told the congregation of a Black church in Detroit, I fully understand that the African American community has suffered from discrimination and that there are many wrongs that must still be made right and they will be right. Clout wondered how Trumps words from that 2016 Philly meeting resonate as he runs for reelection. So we checked in with two Black pastors with ties to the event. Pastor Todd Johnson, who attended, said he was a skeptical Trump supporter then. Hes all in now and insists Republican presidential candidates always get tagged as bigots by the Democratic Party. And to some degree it works, because they stoke those fears in people in minority communities because they dont make them to be independent thinkers, Johnson said this week in his North Philadelphia church. Asked if Trump had ever said anything about race that made him uncomfortable, Johnson said, Ive heard him be misquoted. Ive heard his words taken out of context. For that, he blames so-called fact-checkers in the media. READ MORE: Were supposed to be Democrats: Black Trump supporters in Philly on why they back the president Trumps campaign four years ago rented a North Broad Street catering hall run by a nonprofit controlled by Greater Exodus Baptist Church. The Rev. Herb Lusk II took pains at the time to note that providing space for the event was no endorsement and that he was undecided in the presidential election. Lusk, a former Eagles running back who served as an adviser to former President George W. Bush and spoke at the 2000 Republican National Convention, sounds like his sentiments havent shifted much. He said Trump and Biden should be reaching out to the Black voters in this country. This race for president is so polarizing I choose not to add to it, Lusk said when asked if he would vote for Trump. My vote for president in the toxic environment will be between me and my God. I will tell you that Im open enough to see positives and negatives in both candidates. A dark-money group is sending Pa. voters mail ballot applications as Trump keeps attacking mail voting For all the trash Trump talks about voting by mail, he and his political allies sure want you to mail in your ballot for the election nine weeks from now. A new dark-money group, Common Sense Voters of America LLC, last week sent Pennsylvania voters two unsolicited applications for mail ballots in election guide mailers stuffed with language that makes clear the group favors Trump over Biden. Who did this? Who paid for it? How many mail ballot applications were sent? Were they sent to voters in other states? These are some of Clouts questions the group refused to answer. Im not authorized by my client to comment, said Chris Finney, a Cincinnati lawyer active in Republican and conservative politics who registered the group as a nonprofit in Ohio on June 29. The mailers list a Pennsylvania Avenue address in Washington that tracks back to a company offering virtual office space for tenants to show a powerful presence near the White House. Trump, who votes by mail in Florida, last week railed on Twitter again about unsolicited mail ballot applications sent to voters. His central claim, which is false, is that mail ballots lead to widespread election fraud. The mailers dont explicitly tell voters how to vote for president. But they do ask, Are these your Pennsylvania values, with a photograph manipulated to look like Biden is holding news headlines saying he supports Sanctuary Cities, federal funding for abortions and LGBTQ rights. As Clout told you in May, Trumps reelection campaign, along with the Republican National Committee and the Pennsylvania Republican Party, have all urged voters to use mail ballots. A Pew Research Center national poll in mid-August found a majority of Trump supporters (80%) want to vote in person on Election Day, while a majority of Biden backers (58%) want to vote by mail. Quotable: They will vote and then they are going to have to check their vote by going to the poll and voting that way because if it tabulates then they wont be able to do that. So, let them send it in and let them go vote. And if the system is as good as they say it is, then they obviously wont be able to vote. If it isnt tabulated, they will be able to vote. President Donald Trump in North Carolina on Wednesday, suggesting his supporters should try to vote both by mail and in person. Sara Joy Kuhlen poses on her Audubon, NJ, porch as her creation, a mannequin named 'Hope A. Bounds,' poses in the front yard. A music therapist and mother of two, Kuhlen designed and built Hope and dresses her in a wide range of outfits, drawing smiles from people passing -- and plenty of attention on social media. Read more Sara Joy Kuhlen built a mannequin and named her Hope A. Bounds to amuse Audubon, N.J., kids during the long, hot, pandemic summer. She didnt expect that a lady with legs made of swimming pool noodles and a wig stand for a head would become a local celebrity. Hope does look lifelike to a degree, so I decided to have a Facebook page for her. Thats where the whole personality thing came in, said Kuhlen, 38. She responds in Hopes character to messages posted by her 200-plus Facebook fans, and also expresses Hopes cheerful thoughts or uplifting themes of the day. I created her so kids walking by the house would smile, said Kuhlen. But the adults in town seem to be gravitating toward her. Said fan Sandy Johnston, 70, an artist and longtime borough resident: Theres so much negativity right now that its nice to know you can see something positive. She [Kuhlen] is so creative! And Audubon is such a close-knit town, Im not surprised this is happening here. A music therapist, Kuhlen lives in her childhood home on Chestnut Street with her husband, Matt, and their two children. She got the idea that became Hope after the pandemic hit in March, closing her kids schools and disrupting her therapy practice. Spring was very stressful, said Kuhlen. It helped having a creative outlet to focus on. She undertook the painstaking task of designing and fabricating from scratch a six-foot-tall mannequin, mostly using recycled or repurposed materials such as the plastic toy balls that help Hopes joints function. Kuhlen had never taken on such a project before. But she has a methodical streak that came in handy during many trial-and-error periods having to do with Hopes body parts. I wanted her to be fully pose-able, Kuhlen said. I didnt want her to be unable to lift her arm and wave. Hope made a low-key debut June 1, just sitting in a chair next to the peach tree and waving, said Kuhlen. She continues to enjoy sitting, smiling, and waving, but is also an action figure: Doing a headstand yoga pose one day, hitting a shuttlecock with a badminton racket on another, and even bowling. Hope posed with Chinese takeout containers during Restaurant Week, and promoted the borough-wide yard sale as well as a local food drive. Sometimes she holds signs or wears clothes bearing messages about causes such as Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ pride, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. But Hope isnt big on partisan politics. I dont want her to be polarizing, Kuhlen said. Hope certainly is versatile, however, having impersonated Elvis, Darth Vader, and Bruce Springsteen, as well as a 1920s flapper and a high school graduate tossing a mortarboard skyward. Hope borrows many of her outfits from her creator, and models a fabulous array of wigs in many hues. Coming up with themes, assembling outfits, and finding or arranging props for a more elaborate tableau sometimes takes more than an hour. But Hope has only missed two days since June 1, Kuhlen said. I would hesitate to call her a working girl, but I kind of figure this is her job. Shes out on the lawn for 10 hours in the hot sun. Hope also has a husband, named Herman (get it?), who was introduced to the public on Fathers Day. Herman relaxed on the front lawn in an arm chair, a remote in one hand and a drink in the other, clad in an Eagles shirt and gazing at a clunky old TV. Despite the fun poses and the theme weeks, such as Name That Tune, Hope does have a few detractors. One individual even made suggestive comments (Hope informed him she is not that sort of mannequin). And one day, the young occupants of a passing car yelled creep! Kuhlen said she can understand that kind of reaction. If I were a single man setting this female mannequin outside on my lawn, that would be different, she said. And I dont know what people are saying under their breath when they walk by. But theres a reason Hope is out here. It isnt just that I decided to put a mannequin on my lawn. Ann Haeffner, a teacher who lives in town, said she became a huge fan once she understood what Hope is about. Shes trying to cheer people up, and its wonderful, said Haeffner. When she was collecting food, people got together. It was something happy to think about, something happy to do." Steve Radie is the founder of a grassroots group called Audubon Peer-to-Peer AID, for which Hope publicized a food drive that yielded bags full of groceries for families in the borough. Hope, Radie said, lightens up the mood of the town. She takes your mind off everything else were dealing with as the world collapses around us. Hope will remain on daily duty only through Labor Day, and on weekends through Nov. 1. But Kuhlen promised that fans can look forward to seeing her again during the holiday season. On Hopes wish list, she said, theres a Santa suit. Students at Expedition Academy gather after marching in the homecoming parade last year. The school offers students an alternate means of earning a diploma, while introducing them to the community through various service projects The greatest hope is to empower students to become innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers and inspired learners that are prepared for the choices in their lives according to Expedition Academy's website. The school, operating in Green River since 1999, has worked to provide a safe and challenging family environment where students can find a comfortable place to learn. It provides an alternate means of earning a diploma, as well as a place to get more connected with the community. Yet, throughout the community, people often label the school as a place where troublesome students, on the verge of being kicked out of the school district, are sent. However, for the students, faculty and residents who have spent time at the school, those claims couldn't be further from the truth. One of the students currently attending the school is Skylar Johnston. Johnston is a senior who will graduate in October. He attended Green River High School before transferring to EA his junior year, attracted to the alternative high school because of its smaller classes. The smaller classes offer a chance for extra one-on-one help between teachers and students. "Not only does EA go out of their way to help their students," Johnston said. "But the school also provides a family environment unlike any school I have gone to before." Johnston's favorite part of the school is the environment, the longer class periods and unique courses offered, such as Wildlife Conservation. "You will never find another school that has teachers as willing to help a student as the EA staff," Johnston said. He believes some of the major differences between the two schools is the difference in schedules, the population and the credits. EA operates on a block schedule, meaning there are only four classes a day, with each class lasting 87 minutes apiece. With this schedule, classes are completed in a quarter rather than a full semester at GRHS. The similarities between the schools are technical things such as dress code, phone policy and other rules. Johnston believes the school is beneficial to the city and county because it finds ways to give back to the community. Expedition students perform a great amount of community service which includes cleaning up highway trash, volunteering at Golden Hour Senior Center and participating in programs such as Bowls of Caring. The school also does their fair share of hosting and participating in community events. The school hosts a Santa's Workshop for kindergarteners, in which they get to decorate cookies, make crafts and sit with Santa and his elves. Students also volunteer at the library, participating in its Harry Potter party and have participated in the homecoming parade last year. The man in charge Ralph Obray has been the principal at EA for seven years. Obray's wife originally found the job posting while visiting family in Idaho for Christmas. During this time, Obray was working as a staff member of a school in Casper. According to Obray, his wife told him it was the perfect job for him and after reading the description himself he agreed. He put in his application and not too long after, was offered the job. Obray said he has always loved working with children, especially the kids who needed help and said he couldn't have been more excited to start the job at EA. Some of the first things he heard about the school were the most common misconceptions, such as it being referred to as the 'bad kids school' or a school for kids 'who aren't smart enough for regular high school.' This upset Obray, but more than anything it made him even more excited to prove those naysayers wrong. At his previous job, Obray often handled disciplinary problems, but he always seemed to get along great with the kids that were sent to him. He said most of the time there was a misunderstanding or a valid reason for their behavior. With this past experience, he did not have any prejudices going into the job. After working at the school for over half a decade, his view on both the school and its students has only changed for the better. Before starting the job, he was under the assumption that his students would be the same as any students. However, he said he was pleasantly surprised about the students being exceptional young adults. "The students and the staff are all incredible people," Obray said. A supportive legislator John Freeman, a state legislator and former teacher had similar experiences to Obray while working at an alternative high school. Freeman worked at the alternative high school in Rock Springs for 23 years and heard many of the same initial thoughts about alternative schools while working there. However, he has always remained a huge supporter alternative schools in the state. Freeman, after working in an alternative school and observing EA in particular, believes that alternative schools are one of the most important things school districts offer. After working with EA many different times and getting to talk to the students there, he said the school allows the students to explore what is important to them. "Green River High School is an excellent school," Freeman stated in an interview. "But, it can't meet every student's needs." Freeman also feels as though a lot of alternative students feel left out or unwanted in the community. Expedition Academy and other alternative schools give those kids a place where they feel included, wanted and cared about. EA also opens doors for it's students in the community, through the amount of community service they do. This gives students the opportunity to talk with members of the community and establish relationships with them. Photo courtesy of Expedition Academy EA students pose with the trash they collected during a cleanup project students were involved in. Freeman has helped to sponsor and pass several bills regarding alternative schools. When he first arrived in the legislature, the state would not allow more alternative schools than those that were already established. He helped to change that rule and six more schools have opened in the following years. He also sponsored bills to have requirements for graduating from an alternative school altered as they were initially very difficult to meet. Freeman pushed the idea that alternative schools are just as good as public high schools. "Alternative schools are not failures." Freeman stated. Freeman and Obray both said that they could not be more proud to have been part of alternative schools. "I am truly amazed by what these kids can accomplish," Freeman said. A thankful graduate Johnston said that he would not have graduated until next school year had he not chose to go to EA. He said that EA pushed him to be his best and to make sure that he gave back to his community. "I am so thankful for all that EA has done for me," Johnston said. "I don't know how far I would have gotten without them." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5) - Another Filipino seafarer from the missing Panamanian cargo ship off Japans water was rescued, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). DFA said the second Filipino sailor survivor was found alone in a life raft. It added that he is conscious and able to walk. However, DFA withheld the identity while waiting for his consent to publish his name. Meanwhile, the first Filipino sailor rescued, identified as Chief Officer Edwardo Serrano, is currently recovering in the hospital and will return to the Philippines soon. Serrano was rescued by the Japanese Coast Guard, after more than half a day in the water. The search for the thirty-seven other Filipino crew members of Gulf Livestock 1 is still ongoing. A report by CNN said that the second sailor was found on Friday morning near Japan's Amami Oshima island, about midway between Okinawa and Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island. He was already brought to the hospital. DFA added that an incoming storm is forecasted to hit the searching area on the evening of September 5 and might affect the search and rescue operations by the Japanese Coast Guard. The cargo ship was supposedly bound for Tangshan, China from Napier, New Zealand. It transmitted a distress signal early Wednesday when it was about 185 kilometers (115 miles) west of Amami Oshima island. Greenes leave does not immediately affect the status of the criminal charges, which brought Lucas to Portsmouth General District Court on Friday morning for an arraignment a legally perfunctory appearance that drew Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) to the courthouse in support of Lucas. Fairfax, who presides over the state Senate, spoke to reporters with the senator at his side. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 15:21 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42bb597 1 City West-Jakarta,Cengkareng,firefighters,rescue,rescued-cat,kitten,Fire-and-Rescue-Agency,Jakarta-Fire-and-Rescue-Agency Free West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency officers have rescued a kitten stuck inside a 19-liter water jug in Tegal Alur, Cengkareng, West Jakarta. Eko Sumarno, the agencys operational chief, said residents had found the animal inside the vessel. They felt sorry for the cat, so they took it to a fire station in Cengkareng, he said on Friday, as quoted by kompas.com. The kittens head was stuck in the neck of the jug. Eko said it let forth a pained meow as it struggled to escape. Read also: The multifaceted roles of Jakarta firefighters The firefighters cut out the bottom of the receptacle and made a cut in its neck remove the cat. They used a spoon to shield the cat from the blade. It took about 30 minutes to get the cat out of the jug, said Eko, adding that the residents took the cat home after the rescue. Firefighters in Jakarta have received a number of emergency requests unrelated to fires, including removing a ring stuck on someones finger and rescuing cat from the bottom of a well. (mfp) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 3, 2020) - Evermount Ventures Inc. (TSXV: ETV.H) ("Evermount"), a capital pool company, announced today that it has entered into a definitive Securities Exchange Agreement dated September 1, 2020, with Video Commerce Group Ltd. ("VCG" d.b.a "OOOOO"), a private company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, and the shareholder(s) of VCG. The transaction (the "Transaction") as outlined in the Share Exchange Agreement will constitute Evermount's "Qualifying Transaction" pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") policy 2.4 Capital Pool Companies. Transaction Summary Pursuant to the Transaction, Evermount will acquire all of the outstanding securities of VCG at the closing time in consideration for 51 million Evermount common shares at a deemed price of $0.40 per share. In connection with the Transaction, Evermount will complete a private placement of up to 10 million common shares (or subscription receipts convertible into common shares) at a price of $0.40 per security for gross proceeds of up to $4 million. The net proceeds from the financing are intended to be used for enhancements to the OOOOO social commerce platform, retention of key influencers, market awareness and working capital and general corporate purposes. Subject to TSXV approval, Evermount will provide VCG with refundable bridge financing of $225,000 to be utilized for general corporate purposes and transaction related costs. On closing of the Transaction, Evermount intends to change its name to "OOOOO Social Commerce Ltd." or such other name as VCG may determine and is approved by the TSXV. VCG and its Business VCG, a private company incorporated under the laws of England & Wales in March 2020, is based in Oxford, United Kingdom and was founded by Samuel Jones, former Managing Director at Wish.com, and Eric Zhang, former engineer at Musical.ly and Tiktok. As of the date hereof, VCG is controlled by Samuel Jones. OOOOO Limited, a private company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VCG. Story continues The "OOOOO" platform is capitalizing on the implosion on a global scale of two relatively recent, but separate, phenomena - social media and mobile shopping. OOOOO is a social commerce platform that connects brands, creators and shoppers through short videos and live, interactive broadcasts. In this way, the OOOOO platform is much more than a traditional e-commerce website that requires users to scroll through still images, titles and descriptions. The OOOOO platform allows creators, such as make-up artists, stylists and beauty influencers to create, edit and share video content reviews that are linked to products which can be purchased on the platform. The platform cuts out the 'middle-person' by directly connecting product manufacturers to consumers who can buy through a fun, dynamic, social shopping experience. Once a consumer finds a product that he/she wishes to buy, he/she can simply click a link to seamlessly complete the purchase. While OOOOO is partnering with leading beauty brands, only authentic creator videos are permitted on the platform. In this way, OOOOO helps consumers get real product reviews from real people who are knowledgeable about the products they are reviewing. "We believe interactive, social commerce is inevitable" commented Sam Jones, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of OOOOO. "Shoppers today seek authentic opinions about products from people they trust. Our platform is made up of a diverse community of beauty creators that we believe will replace the need for beauty counters. In turn, we measure and reward this influence properly." The OOOOO platform has already completed testing in Australia and Brazil, and is scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom within the next few months with a focus on beauty and cosmetic products. OOOOO expects to initially showcase approximately 150 beauty brands on the platform, with a significant number of additional brands to be added each month. Management of the Resulting Issuer VCG is committed to a merit-based system for selecting a diverse slate of directors drawing upon different experiences, professions, education, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, national origin and sexual orientation, among many other factors. VCG believes a diverse slate of directors is important in maximizing opportunities for innovation through diverse perspectives on the board which reflect the diverse backgrounds and unique life experiences of the users of the OOOOO platform. Under the articles of Evermount and applicable corporate law, the maximum number of directors that may be appointed without shareholder approval is four. At this time, on completion of the Transaction, the board is expected to consist of: Sam Jones, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Sam is a serial entrepreneur. Sam started his career at Accenture as a technology consultant in 1999, before a career in executive search where he ran a leading firm specializing in investment banking. Sam spent 10 years in Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong. Sam started three technology companies over the course of five years from 2012 to 2017 that all related to data. Sam joined eCommerce unicorn Wish as Managing Director of Marketing in 2017, which currently has a valuation of approximately US$11 billion. Sam founded VCG with Eric Zhang. Eric Zhang, Director. Eric started his career as a mobile software engineer at Huawei before becoming a founding member of the Musical.ly startup team as an engineering team lead, helping grow the company from its infancy to 10 million daily active users. Post the acquisition of Musical.ly by Bytddance Ltd., Eric was a leader across Douyin and TikTok research and development teams, to promote user growth in all major markets. Eric is responsible for growth strategy VCG and oversight of the China team. Ash Kandhari, Director. Ash started his business career in his family wholesale business Welch and Tidy, accelerating its growth to a market leading position within its sector in only a few short years, picking up accolades including a Queen's Award for Enterprise and a position on the coveted Fast Track 100 list. Ash subsequently went on to build Rex Brown into a leader in the provision of ecommerce infrastructure services, helping many of the world's largest consumer goods companies expand their ecommerce proposition. Wayne Lloyd, Director. Wayne is an entrepreneur and technology executive with extensive capital markets experience. Wayne is the Chief Executive Officer of Tracesafe Inc and founder of Consensus Core. Wayne has experience in scaling startups, special situation investing and completing complex M&A transactions in the technology sector. Wayne has helped raise millions in capital to grow businesses and has a proven track record of attracting world class talent to startup ventures. Wayne earned a CFA Charterholder designation in 2015. In addition to the foregoing directors, the resulting issuer plans to constitute a temporary advisory board whose members will be nominated as directors of Evermount at the next annual general meeting of shareholders. The advisory board will be constituted with the diversity principles described above. While the resulting issuer does not intend to adopt formal targets for gender diversity representation, VCG expects, and is in discussions with, woman candidates to fill the advisory board roles. Additional information on the advisory board members, as well as additional officer information, including the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, will be provided in a subsequent news release. Article Amendments Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Agreement and subject to TSXV approval, Evermount is required to amend its articles of association in order to provide for a dual-class voting structure for its common shares. The common shares will rank parri passu with each other in all material respects (including distributions and on any winding-up), other than the class to be received by Sam Jones, which will have super-majority voting rights, expected on a 3:1 basis compared to the ordinary common shares. The amendment to Evermount's articles will require the approval of Evermount's shareholders. As the Transaction is not expected to require shareholder approval, Evermount, in consultation with VCG, intends to seek approval of the amendment to its articles at the next meeting of shareholders of Evermount. Additional information on such amendment will be set forth in the filing statement (described below) and the management information circular prepared in connection with the meeting approving the amendment. Prior to closing, Evermount intends, subject to TSXV approval, to enter into a voting rights agreement, effective as of completion of the Transaction, that will provide Sam Jones with a right to nominate at least 50% of Evermount's directors, on such terms and conditions as shall be set forth in a definitive voting rights agreement. The voting rights agreement will lapse at the effective time of the foregoing article amendment, provided that if such amendment is not approved by Evermount's shareholders, the voting rights agreement will remain in full force and effect. Additional information on the voting rights agreement, including its expected duration if not approved by Evermount shareholders as aforesaid, will be provided in a subsequent news release. Additional Transaction Information The proposed Transaction is not a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" within the meaning of TSXV Policy 2.4 Capital Pool Companies, therefore, unless otherwise required by the TSXV, approval of Evermount's shareholders is not required. Evermount will prepare a filing statement in respect of the Qualifying Transaction which will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com no less than seven business days prior to completion. The filing statement will contain detailed information concerning VCG and its business and operations, including audited financial statements. Subject to TSXV approval, a fee payable in 3 million Evermount common shares, representing approximately 5% of deal value (inclusive of the financing) will be paid to the following arm's length parties on completion of the Transaction: (i) Wayne Lloyd, as to 1.5 million Evermount common shares and (ii) Pimlico Partners LLC, as to 1.5 million Evermount common shares. Mr. Lloyed is slated to join the board of directors of the resulting issuer on closing of the Transaction. Evermount will be seeking a waiver of the sponsorship requirements of TSXV Policy 2.2 Sponsorship and Sponsorship Requirements, but there is no assurance that such waiver will be granted. Trading in the Evermount shares has been halted as a result of the signing of the Share Exchange Agreement for the Transaction. Trading in the Evermount shares will remain halted pending the review of the proposed Transaction by the TSXV. There can be no assurance that trading in the Evermount shares will resume prior to the completion of the Transaction. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. For further information, contact: Evermount Ventures Inc. Joanne Yan joanne@joyco.ca (604) 961-8188 Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. Statements about the closing of the Transaction, expected terms of the Transaction, the number of securities of Evermount that may be issued in connection with the Transaction, the private placement financing, waiver of sponsorship, the business and operations of VCG, including expected launch dates and product offerings, and the parties' ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals are all forward-looking information. 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 the Transaction will occur or that, if the Transaction does occur, it will be completed on the terms described above. Evermount assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. 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 press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63216 Dale Manor had a plan for 2020: Unearth an ancient Canaanite shrine in the lowlands of Judah, about 20 miles west of Jerusalem. Like so many plans for 2020, it was interrupted by a global pandemic. So now the professor emeritus of archaeology and Bible at Harding University in Arkansas has a plan for 2021: Unearth that Canaanite shrine in Beth Shemesh, the city where the Philistines returned the captured Ark of the Covenant to Israel in 1 Samuel 6. There are some drawbacks to putting an excavation on hold, Manor told Christianity Today. There is an increased risk of site deterioration, both from the elements and plundering, he said. A highway also runs through the ancient Beth Shemesh site, and it is in the process of being widened. There have been some conflicts in Israel between the people who want the road and the people trying to preserve the biblical history buried underneath it. The pause couldnt be avoided, however. For biblical archaeologists, 2020 will be remembered as the summer without digs. Most projects were stopped as the coronavirus spread and international travel was suspended. There were a few exceptions. An Israeli team did about a month of work at Tel Azekah, the site of the confrontation between David and Goliath (1 Sam. 17:1) and a Babylonian siege (Jer. 34:7). Manor and other archaeologists said they used this summer to catch up on their analysis of artifacts and writing, while remaining hopeful that excavation work can resume again next year. Archaeology didnt stop, they said, even if excavation did. For now, biblical cities and sites wait across the Holy Land, their treasures yet to be revealed. On the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, excavation has stopped at a city that might be the true location of Bethsaida, home of the disciples Phillip, Peter, and Andrew. Archaeologists made some discoveries in 2019 that led them to think el-Araj could be the historic city, challenging the claim of nearby el-Tell. Steven Notley, the academic director of the project and professor of New Testament at Nyack College in New York, believes some ornate mosaic floors found last year demonstrate that el-Araj was Bethsaida. Recent flooding has experts worried about damage to the site, however, and the damage cannot be fully assessed until next year at the earliest. At Tel Shiloh, the excavation of a building from the time when Shiloh was the worship center of Israel (Josh. 18:1) will have to wait until 2021. In three seasons of excavation, we have uncovered significant evidence of the ancient Israelite sacrificial system at Shiloh, said excavation director Scott Stripling, who is provost of The Bible Seminary in Texas. Excavations at a site in far northern Israel, Tel Abel Beth Maacah, were originally postponed from June to August but then postponed further to 2021, according to co-director Robert Mullins, chair of the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at the Azusa Pacific University School of Theology in California. However, Mullinss two Israeli co-directors were able to lead a team of eight Hebrew University students on a five-day excavation. Abel Beth Maacah is most famously the city where King Davids general Joab convinced a wise woman to have her fellow residents throw the head of the rebel Sheba son of Bikri over the wall (2 Sam. 20:1422), ending the conflict there. A glazed ceramic head of a bearded manbelieved to be a king from the time of Ahabwas found in the citadel area at the summit of the mound in 2017. This summer, the Hebrew University students found a cylinder seal in a nearby building. Cynthia Shafer-Elliott, professor of Hebrew Bible and archaeology at William Jessup University in California, would normally have spent part of her year supervising one square of the excavation at Abel Beth Maacah. Instead, she had to watch via social media. Shafer-Elliot said that being home instead of in the field allowed her to make some progress on other projects, but she still regretted not being there. Mullins also said he was glad for an unplanned study season to make headway on an academic article. Still, hes eager to get back to digging on the citadel. Another digthe Tel Dan excavation in northern Israelhas also been halted. Jonathan Greer, associate director of the excavation and professor of Old Testament at Cornerstone University in Michigan, said he hoped work on a temple complex on the northern edge of the dig would resume in 2021. I am most interested in learning more about the worship of Yahweh in the Northern Kingdom as it compares and contrasts with Judah and the way this relates to biblical priestly texts, he said. New Orleans Baptist Seminary professor Daniel Warner is looking forward to getting back into the field at Tel Hadid next year, where he is co-director. The location, near Ben-Gurion airport, has significant potential to be a key site to fill in some needed information about the expansion of Israel into the Coastal Plain and lowlands, Warner said. One early discovery: the largest screw-type wine press ever found in Israel. A small team of students from Tel Aviv University worked at Tel Hadid for a couple of weeks this summer, digging test pits. The pits will help Warner and his co-directors decide where to continue their excavations next year. But in the meantime, he has been writing up the report on the Tel Gezer water system. Canaanites are believed to have chiseled the system out of solid rock 4,000 years ago. It took archaeologists about nine years to muck out the water and sediment that flooded the ancient system. Its the earliest of its kind anywhere in the ancient world, Warner said. The only thing similar are underground tunnels dug within the pyramids at Giza. Gezer is mentioned more than a dozen times in the Bible. It was presented to Solomon in 1 Kings 9:16 as the dowry of Egyptian pharaohs daughter. The water system is a feat of engineering and probably gave Canaanite residents access to drinking water. But during his research, Warner has also come to believe it was likely religious too. The tunnel is perfectly aligned east-west, he said, which may imply theyre trying to capture the morning sun for their rituals. Warner would like to spend a couple more weeks excavating an area between the water tunnel and a nearby Bronze Age city gate to help him better understand the significance of the water system. He also wants to get back to Tel Hadid. But for now, he and other US archaeologists have to wait out the summer of no digs. Rescue operations were ongoing in Beirut, Lebanon, on Thursday, September 3, after a Chilean search and rescue dog discovered the possibility of a survivor amid the rubble of a building that collapsed after the Beirut blast on August 4. Flash, a search dog with the Chilean rescue team, detected signs of life nearly 30 days after the deadly explosion, according to reports. The search was suspended on Thursday night, after officials declared the integrity of the adjacent buildings unsafe. One rescue organization told reporters that specialist equipment had detected a slow heartbeat amid the rubble and there was the possibility that there were two people buried, one of whom was dead. However it was also possible there were no bodies nor survivors amid the debris. This footage shows the rubble and the Lebanese Civil Defense arriving to the scene, and workers searching amongst the rubble. Credit: Paula Naoufal via Storyful Delhi recorded 2,914 fresh COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest single-day spike here in 69 days, as the tally mounted to over 1.85 lakh, while a senior official claimed that there was no chance of another lockdown as it wasnt an alarming surge". This is the fourth successive day in September when over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in a day. Also, over 36,000 tests were conducted on Friday. A senior Delhi government official when asked about the spiralling number of COVID-29 cases, and whether there could be another lockdown, however, said, cases have increased as testing has been ramped up, so, it is not that cases are rising alarmingly, and hence there is no chance of going back to lockdown". Thirteen fatalities have been recorded in the national capital in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 4,513, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi Health Department. Medical experts have already flagged multiple reasons that could have led to surge in cases in the past one week or so, including, reopening of economy and many people not wearing masks and adhering to social distancing norms in public. On June 27, the city had recorded 2,948 COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike before September 3. On Thursday, 19 deaths were reported and the daily cases count was 2,737. On September 1 and 2, the fresh cases count stood at 2,312 and 2,509, respectively. The active cases tally on Friday rose to 18,842 from 17,692 the previous day. On June 23, the national capital had reported the highest single-day spike of 3,947 cases, till date. The death toll from COVID-19 in Delhi stood at 4,500 on Thursday. The Friday bulletin said the death toll from coronavirus infection has risen to 4,513 and the total number of cases climbed to 1,85,220. The positivity rate on Friday stood at 8 per cent while the recovery rate was over 87 per cent, as per the bulletin. Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain held a meeting with medical directors and medical superintendents of all Delhi government hospitals to review the status of testing, the bulletin said. Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev Delhi held a meeting on COVID-19 management, through video conferencing. The number of fresh and active cases have shown an increase in the last several days. The senior government official claimed that the rise in COVID-19 cases lately is because testing has been increased significantly". Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had recently announced to double its scale to 40,000 tests per day. Also, the increase to some extent is due to opening up of various activities under unlock process, the official said. When testing was at 10,000-12,000 per day level, daily cases numbered around 2,000-3,000. Now, when testing has increased to over 36,000 per day, the number of COVID-19 positive cases were just over 2,900 today," he said. However, on Friday, the number of containment zones jumped to 949 from 922 the previous day, according to the bulletin. Last week, Jain had said that the increase in number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi was due to various reasons, including outside patients coming to Delhi, and increased scale of testing. He had also said that the number of tests were lower as people had stayed home during the recent festivals and now tests have increased and so has the number of positive cases. The last week of August saw a 35 per cent increase in coronavirus cases as compared to the previous week, with 30 to 40 per cent of the new cases coming from the same family, according to an analysis done by the Delhi governments Health Department. The health department analysed the cases in August, which saw a spike, and found that the infection was spilling over to rural and middle-class pockets and there are increasing incidences of cases in migrant habitations. Delhi has seen a fluctuation in the number of novel coronavirus cases since the beginning of this month. On August 1, the city recorded 1,118 fresh cases while for the next three days, the number of infections reported in a single-day stayed below the 1,000-mark. From August 5 to 9, the number of fresh COVID-19 cases again stayed above the 1,000-mark only to come down to 707 on August 10. Since August 18, cases again have been coming in four-figure count. According to the bulletin, out of 1,4159 total number of beds in COVID hospitals, 9,429 are vacant. Also, 2,805 beds in COVID care centres are occupied by persons under quarantine, including travellers who have returned by the Vande Bharat Mission and bubble flights, it said. According to the bulletin, 1,61,865 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far. The number of people in home isolation stands at 9,822. The number of Rapid Antigen Tests conducted on Friday stood at 27,731 while the RT-PCR, CBNAAT and True NAAT tests figures were 8,488 in all adding to 32,834, the bulletin said. The total number of tests done till date in Delhi stands at 17,05,571. The number of tests done per million as on Friday was 89,767, it said. Kenyan design studio BellTower has been named Grand-Prix winner of the 2020 Lexus Design Award for its innovative clean-water collection and storage unit. It marks the first time a design team from Africa has won the award in its eight year history. BellTowers design, called Open Source Communities, addresses a common challenge in developing countriesdevising a structure that can collect and store clean drinking water. Open Source Communities tackles and solves that challenge. The Lexus Design Awards Grand Prix was founded in 2013 by the luxury car company to nurture the next generation of designers. It funds and showcases their work, while equipping them with the skills to address present and future obstacles. Photo: Courtesy of Lexus In January six finalists were chosen from among more than 2,000 submissions from 79 different countries. In addition to BellTower, they featured U.S.-based studio Sutherlin Santo, U.K.-based Theophile Peju and Salvatore Cicero, Russian creative Irina Samoilova, Chinese designer Yaokun Wu, and Pakistani industrial designer Aqsa Ajmal. This years virtual jury included architect Jeanne Gang, Publicis Sapient chief experience officer John Maeda, MoMA design curator Paola Antonelli and Toyota chief designer Simon Humphries. Their decision was based on the finalists ability to anticipate, innovate, and captivate in the quest for a better tomorrow, Lexus says. Gang said the judges were impressed with how BellTower looked beyond design to the materials and economics of their proposal. Today with our world plagued with the enormous issues of climate change and social inequity, she observed, there is a design imperative for systemic design solutions. By addressing how their project will be manufactured and sustained economically, she added, BellTower broadens ideas about what design could be. While the project is an apparatus to collect and store rainwater for safe drinking, it is also a financial game plan for empowering a community, Gang explained. Story continues Some 40 percent of Kenyas 50 million citizens get their water from ponds, rivers, and other untreated sources, according to the global nonprofit, Water.org. Kibera Photo: Getty Images Kibera, in the capital, Nairobi, is the largest slum in Africa, home to 1.2 million people. Water pipes built in the 1950s provide water but leave residents susceptible to typhoid and cholera. And many connections are rationed or turned off for months at a time. Access to clean water means more than just reduced waterborne illnesses, explained BellTower designer John Brian Kamau. It enables Kenyans to wash their hands effectively and reduce the spread of COVID-19. And it means children can spend less time getting drinking water for their families and more time attending school. Residents of Kibera can walk up to three miles a day to procure potable water. This is a proven, powerful, long-term solutionthat gives families more time to pursue education and work opportunities that will help them break the cycle of poverty, Kamau says. Kamau founded BellTower in 2014 with designers Joyce Wairimu Gachiri, Ian Githegi Kamau, Esther Wanjiku Kamau, and Arvin Booker Kamau. Photo: Courtesy of Lexus The Open Source Communities unit is constructed using bamboo and recycled plastic composites, which are less expensive than standard materials. A prefabricated model costs about $10,000 and can be assembled by five trained workers in 10 days. Each 46-square-foot unit has space for both water collection tanks and a resource room for training. An adjustable roof panel provides cooling, ventilation, and natural light. The structures slanted design maximizes its ability to collect rainwater. According to Kamau, a 30-minute rain shower can provide more than 2,600 gallons of water. A thousand units scattered across Kibera would reduce the time spent collecting water by about 90 percent, he added, and cut child and maternal mortality rates by more than half. Our journey began with many challenges, Kamau said. However, we persevered to showcase our ambitious concept. Our experience has taught us invaluable lifelong lessons. All our future designs will be aligned with the key principles we learned as part of the Lexus family. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest The agreement would keep the government funded after the end of September which is the end of the US fiscal year. The Trump administration has reached a deal with lawmakers in Congress to ensure the United States government is funded past September 30, US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday, removing the threat of a near-term government shutdown. Pence told CNBC news channel the agreement reached this week by the Republican administration would keep the government funded when the fiscal year runs out at the end of the month and clear the way to focus on another coronavirus relief bill. A Democratic aide in the US House of Representatives said Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin agreed this week to keep any stopgap funding bill free of controversial items. The aide said many details of the temporary spending bill had yet to be resolved, including the duration of the funding and a long list of special changes to current law requested by the White House. The Congress had faced a tight deadline to avoid a government shutdown as lawmakers begin returning to Washington, DC, next week, complicated by bitter conflicts between Republicans and Democrats over the next package of coronavirus aid. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows have held several rounds of negotiations over coronavirus relief since early August [File: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters] The Republican-led Senate is due back on Tuesday, while the Democratic-led House plans to hold votes on bills starting the following week. With congressional elections on November 3, both chambers have very few days left to finish work as lawmakers plan to campaign in their home states for much of October. Congress is widely expected to pass a temporary measure mainly funding the government at current levels, leaving budget decisions for after election day. But the issue is complicated by rancour over how best to address the coronavirus, especially amid the yawning federal budget deficit. There had been talks of merging a funding bill with a further round of pandemic-related economic relief, but Pences remarks suggested the two issues would be handled separately. President Donald Trump would have to sign off on any deal. During some past funding fights, he has reversed course on legislation he had initially signalled to support. Many federal government operations would have to be suspended on October 1 if Congress and the White House failed to reach a deal by then for at least part of the new fiscal year. On Wednesday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the fiscal 2020 deficit would hit $3.3 trillion, or 16 percent of gross domestic product, fuelled by emergency pandemic aid already enacted into law. More than $3 trillion in coronavirus relief was enacted earlier this year. But the Republican-led Senate left town last month without taking up another $3 trillion aid package the House passed in May or an alternative. The two parties are sharply divided, but there are also disputes among Trumps fellow Republicans. Many of the Senates 53 Republicans are on record opposing additional federal coronavirus relief, and most of the others want to pass a far smaller bill than the Houses. One senior Senate Republican aide said disagreement among Republicans was so great that it was not clear whether a smaller, partisan bill could come up for a vote. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has said he opposes a so-called skinny coronavirus bill and his party could block one from passing. President Trump is running for re-election, and one-third of the 100-member Senate and all 435 House seats are up for grabs when voters head to the polls on November 3. A government shutdown just before the elections, as the coronavirus pandemic continues, could be particularly damaging to Republican prospects since they control the White House and the Senate. After monetising Jio Platforms -- which houses the firm's telecom arm and digital ventures, richest Indian Mukesh Ambani is looking to rope in investors in the retail business. US private equity firm Silver Lake Partners is said to be in talks to invest $1 billion in the retail arm of Reliance Industries at a valuation of roughly $57 billion. Financial Times reported that the company is looking to sell about 10 per cent of Reliance Retail. "Silver Lake is in talks to invest about $1 billion in Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Retail," it said, citing sources. Reliance and Silver Lake did not immediately respond to e-mails sent for comments. After monetising Jio Platforms -- which houses the firm's telecom arm and digital ventures, richest Indian Mukesh Ambani is looking to rope in investors in the retail business. Last week, Reliance acquired the retail and logistics businesses of Future Group for Rs 24,713 crore to boost its retail vertical. Silver Lake was the first US private equity firm to invest in Jio after tech giant Facebook took a 9.99 per cent stake in the company for Rs 43,573.62 crore. Silver Lake bought 2.08 per cent in Jio in two tranches for a total of Rs 10,202.55 crore. Rival private equity groups KKR, Vista and General Atlantic followed Silver Lake to take stakes in Jio. Other notable investors included Google and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala. Commenting on the report, CLSA said the $57 billion valuation for Reliance Retail is 15 per cent lower than the value it had assigned for the company. "Reliance is reportedly in discussion with Silver Lake Partners for a $1 billion stake sale in Reliance Retail at a valuation of $57 billion (implying 1.75 per cent stake sale)," it said. All investors in Jio Platforms including Silver Lake have been offered a chance to explore investing in Reliance Retail, it said. Ambani had at the company's recent annual general meeting stated that it had been approached by strategic/financial investors for a stake in Reliance Retail. CLSA said as this possible stake sale would also include the recently acquired retail business of Future Group, the valuation suggested in the report is lower than its expectations. "Interestingly, this is also a massive 30 per cent lower than the rumoured private market valuation of retail," it said. Using the valuation of the recent deal in Jio Platforms (enterprise value of $65 billion), the proposed deal for oil-to-chemicals business with Saudi Aramco (EV of $75 billion) and the one proposed in retail ($57 billion), gives a $197 billion EV for Reliance's three segments. "Adjusting for minority interest ($25 billion) in Jio and Retail as well as $4.6 billion of net debt likely to remain by March 2021 gives a value of $174 billion, net to Reliance. This means the current market-cap (adj for treasury) offers no upside based on deal benchmark valuations," it added. Unlike the Jio Platform deals, this deal valuation may be a bit underwhelming as it does not bring in a new marquee strategic player and the fact that debt is no more seen as a concern, CLSA said. Reliance, it said, may now have exhausted its large near-term inorganic triggers even as organic earnings may struggle to deliver big surprises in the current environment. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks on upon his arrival before a meeting at Necessidades Palace in Lisbon on June 24, 2017. Chinese state media slammed India's ban of more than 100 Chinese apps, calling it a move to build nationalist sentiment and decouple economically from China. On Tuesday, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released a list of 118 apps that would be banned in the country, including major gaming titles from Tencent and NetEase and services from Baidu and Alibaba affiliate Ant Group. The Indian government cited national security concerns as a reason behind the ban. India's move comes against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions with China over the disputed Himalayan mountain border in the region of Ladakh. Tensions have flared up again after a fatal clash between the two nations left 20 Indian soldiers dead in June. China's state media has criticized India's actions. Global Times, a tabloid under the People's Daily, which is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, said India's app ban shows a "reckless intention to further decouple" with the world's second-largest economy economically. "The move is a double-edged sword which will cause losses to both China and India, while offering a perfect opportunity for the US to take over the market." Experts also told CNBC that U.S. technology giants like Facebook and Google could take advantage of a broader crackdown on Chinese technology by India, while helping the country's domestic start-ups. Chinese companies and investors have put an estimated $4 billion into India's start-ups, according to think tank Gateway House. "Actual reasons lurking behind the highly symbolic move are New Delhi's intention to antagonize China and cause losses to Chinese investors," the Global Times claimed, adding that American capital will "embrace the rosy opportunity to squeeze in and take over Chinese investors' market share.' China Daily, another Chinese state-backed publication, called New Delhi's actions "a misguided move that, except for fanning nationalist sentiment and jingoism in India, serves no interests." A Tencent-developed game called "PUBG Mobile Nordic Map: Livik" was on the list of banned apps. It was the highest grossing app in terms of revenue on the entire list, according to Sensor Tower. China Daily claimed banning it will deal a "heavy blow" to the streamers, professional players and businesses whose "livelihoods depend on it." "Yet all this is not in the minds of politicians in New Delhi, whose only concern is how to whip up hostility toward China, no matter the consequences, for their own political gain," the state-backed publication said. India's economy plunged 23.9% in the second quarter of this year while it is struggling to contain the coronavirus outbreak. China Daily alleged the border spat with China is "a handy tool to divert public attention from the virus and cover up their ineptitude in governance." Smoke In Yosemite View Photo The Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the Central Sierra Foothills, the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada through 6 PM Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, strong high pressure will result in daily and monthly record breaking heat today and (Labor Day) Monday across the Mother Lode, the Northern San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada below 5,500 feet. The heat risks will range from moderate to very high levels during this time, which could impact the general population, especially those spending an extended time outdoors. The hottest temperatures are expected today. There will be slight cooling on Tuesday, but triple digit heat will continue throughout the entire Central Valley. Expect dangerously hot conditions with afternoon highs ranging from 105 to 114 degrees in the Central Valley. In the Mother Lode, the highs will range from 95 to 110 degrees. The overnight lows in both the Central Valley and the Mother Lode will range from the upper 60s to the low eighties. The afternoon highs in the Sierra Nevada mountains will range from 80 to 105 degrees. Any localized dense smoke and haze will impact those temperatures. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can occur due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures. People most vulnerable include those who spend lots of time outdoors, those without air conditioning, those without adequate hydration young children, the elderly and those with chronic illness. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. Additionally, the Mariposa County and Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control Districts have issued an Air Quality Alert for both Mariposa and Tuolumne counties, due to smoke impacts from surrounding wildfires. The Air Quality Alert will likely remain in effect until the fires are extinguished. Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravated lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. Residents are advised to use caution as conditions warrant, People with heart and lung diseases should follow their doctor`s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion, as conditions dictate. Finally, a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for the Mother Lode, the Stanislaus National Forest and the Northern San Joaquin Valley from Monday evening through Wednesday morning. After the extended period of hot and dry weather, gusty northerly and easterly winds are possible early next week. Poor humidity recovery is expected during this time frame as well, with daytime humidities falling into the single digits and teens. Expect northerly and easterly winds. Mountain and foothill winds will be around 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. Central Valley winds will be around 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Humidity will range from 5 to 20 percent during the day. Overnight humidity will be between 10 and 50 percent. The higher recovery is expected in the Central Valley. Numerous wild fires are already occurring throughout California. These conditions may impact any ongoing wildfires. Extreme caution should be taken to prevent any additional fires. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Continue to monitor mymotherlode.com for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. The United States has added more entities to its sanctions list for actions that it said violated current sanctions on Iran that seek to limit its oil trade, according to a U.S. Department of the Treasury press release. The U.S. Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) placed six additional entities on the sanctions list for their dealings with Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd. The entities include companies based not only in Iran, but in the UAE and China as well, for their support of Triliance, whose continued involvement in the sale of Iranian petrochemical products, which earned itself a spot on the sanctions list back in January. The Treasury Department also added five names to the sanctions list for engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. Three individualsthe heads of the sanctioned entitieswere also placed on the list. Petrochemicals are a huge revenue source for Iran, where petrochemical investments reached $10 billion since March, IRNA reported this month. Additionally, Iran has plans to launch another 17 petrochemical projects by the end of its year that will be capable of producing 100 million tons annually. The revenue from those additional projects could reach $25 billion. The sanctions have not diminished Irans rhetoric that portrays a country with oil-rich ambitions. The sanctioned country stated earlier this month that it is already in the process of building an onshore oil pipeline worth $1.8 billion that would bypass the Strait of Hormuzthe worlds most critical oil chokepoint. Sanctions would become much harder to implement for oil transported via pipeline. One tanker tracking company, TankerTrackers.com, stated that their data shows Iran is exporting more oil that U.S. figures suggest. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: During fire season, I hit the PurpleAir website and check San Francisco every hour or so. Each sensor shows up as a circle on the map, with colors ranging from green for excellent air, to yellow and red for medium haze, and dark purple for air so dirty it can cause health problems. A couple of weeks ago, I bought a sensor of my own. Its roughly the size and shape of a coffee mug, and I mounted it easily on a wall near my balcony. Other people mount them in backyards, just outside apartment windows, or on utility poles at intersections. They work by sucking in air, shooting it past a laser, and using a detector to count how many particles reflect the lasers light. Put simply, the more particles there are, the worse the air. Though its usually obvious from the smell when the air is bad outside, PurpleAir shows me when things are starting to improve. As breezes come off the Pacific in the afternoon, a color gradient washes over the city. Starting at Ocean Beach, the red sensors turn yellow, then green. Eventually the wave of yellow sweeps over the hills of Twin Peaks and into the Mission and downtown areas to the east. Often, by late afternoon, the city is a vivid green. Ive never been so aware of the winds and microclimates around me. It took a disaster and a high-tech sensor network to bring me closer to the natural cycles of my environment. And thats exactly the point. Adrian Dybwad, an engineer and the founder of PurpleAir, started tinkering with air quality sensors five years ago. The gravel mine next to his house in Utah was filling the air with so much dust that it turned the sky red. Geneva Rock, which owns the mine, announced plans to expand. Mr. Dybwad knew it couldnt be healthy to have so much dust in the air, and he wanted an objective measure of the pollution he and his neighbors were inhaling. After he gave away roughly 80 of the sensors, people began to ask about buying them. And so PurpleAir was born. Mr. Dybwad said most of his customers are driven by health concerns. People with asthma use PurpleAir to figure out whether its safe to go outside. For agricultural workers, air-quality data can be used to determine when its safe to spend hours picking fruit outside and when to stay home or wear fitted N-95 masks. When I consider whether to go outside, PurpleAir is what stands between me and potential lung disease. We used to rely on the government to warn us about dangerous conditions, but with a president who denies climate change and has ordered deep budget cuts at the E.P.A., we have to rely on each other. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland police officer and an unknown man are dead after a shooting and car crash Thursday night on the citys West Side, officials said. Update: Cleveland police officer working undercover when fatally shot, sources say Det. James Skernivitz, 53, was killed in the shooting, according to three sources with knowledge of the investigation. He was hired in 1998. The shooting happened about 10 p.m. on West 65th Street near Storer Avenue in the citys Stockyards neighborhood. Cleveland police released limited information in the ongoing investigation. Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia said no arrests have been made and investigators are still searching for the shooter or shooters. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, alongside Mayor Frank Jackson, gave a brief statement to reporters gathered at MetroHealth. He did not identify the officer but described him as excellent and a veteran of the citys police force. Cleveland lost one of its finest tonight in the line of duty, Williams said. He was doing what all police officers do trying to protect this city, and he gave his life. Cleveland Police Patrolmens Association President Jeff Follmer confirmed the officer died. He said a second person, who was not a police officer but was in the officers car, also died in the shooting. He has not been identified. The officers car crashed after the shooting, Follmer said. Follmer declined to identify the officer. He was a great person and a great officer, Follmer said. An ambulance took the officer to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he died. Dozens of police officers swarmed an area near Constellation Schools Stockyard Elementary School and the nearby Shaker Valley Foods grocery store. Investigators shuffled in and out of the crime scene. Some hugged each other, while others searched outside homes and businesses as far as three blocks away. Large black SUVs rolled in an out of the area as a police helicopter hovered overhead, scanning the neighborhood. More officers came in and out of MetroHealths emergency room, along with Williams and Jackson. At 3 a.m., a line of about three dozen police cars escorted Skernivitzs body from the hospital to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office. Its the second time someone shot a Cleveland police officer in less than two months. A man shot 26-year-old officer Jennifer Kilnapp as she responded to an incident where a man threatened a woman and fired a shot through the floor. The man shot Kilnapp in the arm and back. She survived. Skernivitz is the first on-duty Cleveland police officer to die since Vu Nguyen died July 7, 2017, after he collapsed of heatstroke during a training exercise and the first to be fatally shot on duty since Derek Owens on Feb. 29, 2008. Lamidi Kafaru fatally shot Owens as Owens chased after him after breaking up a party and witnessing a drug deal. Kafaru is serving a sentence of life in prison without parole eligibility. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams talks to reporters outside MetroHealth after a Cleveland police officer and another man were shot and killed. Read more from cleveland.com: Cleveland Council members say crime in the city is out of control Canton couple accused of keeping 7-year-old in dog cage Judge declares Cleveland man who spent two decades on death row wrongfully imprisoned Afghan Prisoner Swap Ends, Peace Talks to Finally Begin By Ayaz Gul September 03, 2020 Authorities in Afghanistan said Thursday the last group of about 400 Taliban prisoners has been released, concluding a protracted swap between the two adversaries and finally setting the stage for Afghan rivals to launch peace talks brokered by the United States. An Afghan government spokesman, Javid Faisal, announced the conclusion of the prisoner exchange, noting the fate of a small group of inmates was still to be determined. He explained that some Western countries have opposed the release of the men for their involvement in deadly attacks against foreign citizens. "Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. We expect direct talks to start promptly," Faisal said. Meanwhile, officials in Kabul said a national team of peace negotiators, including politicians, civil society activists and government officials, will fly to Doha, Qatar, to begin the talks with the Taliban. Officials say women will be among the negotiators. The insurgent group's negotiating team is based in the capital city of the Gulf state. It was not immediately known when the dialogue, known as the intra-Afghan negotiations, will begin, though some reports said it could be as soon as Saturday. Taliban sources also have confirmed the release of all their 5,000 prisoners from Afghan jails in return for more than 1,000 government security forces the insurgent group held captive. They have acknowledged, however, that a group of seven Taliban prisoners would be transferred to Doha, where they would be kept under supervision of the host government. Taliban spokespersons did not respond to VOA requests for comment on the latest developments. U.S.-Taliban deal The peace talks stem from a landmark agreement between the United States and the Taliban that aims to end the nearly two-decade Afghan war, America's longest. The deal, sealed Feb. 29 in Doha, binds the Afghan government and the Taliban to negotiate a permanent cease-fire and a political settlement to govern the war-shattered country after the withdrawal of all American and allied troops. President Donald Trump's administration has reduced the number of U.S. forces from about 13,000 to 8,600 since signing the pact and officials say the "conditions-based" drawdown will see all American troops out of the Afghanistan by mid-2021. In return, the Taliban has committed to fight terrorism and politically reconcile with other Afghan factions to end decades of hostilities. Pakistan's role Leaders in neighboring Pakistan, which is credited with playing a crucial role in facilitating the U.S.-Taliban talks, have warned the proposed intra-Afghan negotiations could be a long and frustrating process. "This 19 years of war in Afghanistan has created such divisions in the society, there's been so much bloodshed that for anyone to believe in this utopia that suddenly they will all get together and there will be peace, I am afraid it's a very complicated situation," Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan told Al Jazeera TV on Thursday. "The longer this war went, the more the rivalries, the hatred, the divisions and the more difficult it is to actually sit down together with all the antagonists. But this is the nearest we have got to peace in Afghanistan and a political solution," Khan emphasized. "This is a miracle that it is actually happening. We pray that this happens," he added. Allegations that Pakistan sheltered and covertly supported the Taliban insurgency have long strained Islamabad's turbulent relations with Kabul and Washington. Khan said his government has used whatever influence it had with the insurgents to push them to the table for peace talks. The effort, he insisted, has led to Pakistan's improved relationship with the U.S. "We probably have the best relationship with the United States right now because we are partners in peace in Afghanistan. We did not have such a good relationship a few years back," said the Pakistani prime minister. U.N. support At the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, the U.N.'s top envoy to Afghanistan welcomed the prospect of intra-Afghan talks, saying it is a "historic moment," but one that comes with many challenges. Deborah Lyons noted that violence continues to kill and injure hundreds every week and she urged a humanitarian cease-fire to accompany negotiations. "The last few weeks have seen near-record numbers of security incidents, including egregious attacks by spoilers targeting civilians involved in the peace process," Lyons said. She noted that a pledging conference planned for November will take place in parallel with the intra-Afghan negotiations. "Each process must reinforce the other," she said. "Combined, these two processes will set the course for Afghanistan's future along with the political will and the incredible resilience of the Afghan people." The United Nations and many voices in the international community have stressed the need for women to be involved in the peace process. Only four of the 21 negotiators on the Afghan government's team are women and, unsurprisingly, the Taliban has none. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft said women must be allowed to meaningfully participate in the peace process and have their freedoms protected. "The United States has spoken clearly on what will happen if these rights aren't maintained," she said. "No current, nor future Afghan government should count on international donor support if that government restricts or represses the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls." United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Customers clicking 'add to cart' may help give the economy a much-needed lift, a Cabinet official said. Virtual sales and promos will help "revitalize and re-stimulate demand in the economy," Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told CNN Philippines' Rico Hizon on Friday. This is a strategy employed by business chambers and organizations in Cebu, with the province gearing up for its first-ever virtual industry-wide sale. Over a hundred businesses are teaming up for the Great Cebu Sale, which will be featuring products such as clothing brands, appliances, gadgets, furniture and food. The sale will run from September 15 from October 31. To avoid crowding, orders will be placed online or by phone. Shoppers may either get their items delivered to their homes or claim their orders at designated pick-up points. "Now that weve been downgraded to (the) lowest alert level MGCQ (modified general community quarantine), what we really need right now is to stir up consumer confidence," said Camille Aldeguer, vice president of the Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu. Lopez supported the sale, saying Cebu set a "good example" and the department will be encouraging its commercial centers to conduct similar events. Job stability to help restore consumer confidence Lopez said people will spend more if they see job stability. "Pag may trabaho ang tao, komportable siyang gumastos at bumili and that will stimulate again the economy," the Trade chief explained. [Translation: If one has a job, he feels more comfortable spending and shopping and that will stimulate again the economy.] He also welcomed the easing jobless numbers, with more people going back to the daily grind as quarantine restrictions are eased. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported a 10 percent unemployment rate around 4.6 million jobless adults in July, lower than April's all-time high of 17.7 percent or 7.3 million Filipinos without work. CNN Philippines correspondent in Cebu Dale Israel and senior correspondent Lois Calderon contributed to this report. A number of conservationists claim cats are a zombie apocalypse for biodiversity that need to be removed from the outdoors by any means necessary coded language for shooting, trapping and poisoning. Various media outlets have portrayed cats as murderous superpredators. Australia has even declared an official war against cats. Moral panics emerge when people perceive an existential threat to themselves, society or the environment. When in the grip of a moral panic, the ability to think clearly and act responsibly is compromised. While the moral panic over cats arises from valid concerns over threats to native species, it obscures the real driver: humanitys exploitative treatment of the natural world. Crucially, errors of scientific reasoning also underwrite this false crisis. Conservationists and the media often claim that cats are a main contributor to a mass extinction, a catastrophic loss of species due to human activities, like habitat degradation and the killing of wildlife. As an interdisciplinary team of scientists and ethicists studying animals in conservation, we examined this claim and found it wanting. It is true that like any other predator, cats can suppress the populations of their prey. Yet the extent of this effect is ecologically complex. The potential impact of cats differs between urban environments, small islands and remote deserts. When humans denude regions of vegetation, small animals are particularly at risk from cats because they have no shelter in which to hide. Small animals are similarly vulnerable when humans kill apex predators that normally would suppress cat densities and activity. For instance, in the U.S., cats are a favorite meal for urban coyotes, who moderate feline impact; and in Australia, dingoes hunt wild cats, which relieves pressure on native small animals. Add in contrary evidence and the case against cats gets even shakier. For instance, in some ecological contexts, cats contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, by preying on rats and mice. There are also documented cases of coexistence between cats and native prey species. The fact is, cats play different predatory roles in different natural and humanized landscapes. Scientists cannot assume that because cats are a problem for some wildlife in some places, they are a problem in every place. Faulty scientific reasoning In our most recent publication in the journal Conservation Biology, we examine an error of reasoning that props up the moral panic over cats. Scientists do not simply collect data and analyze the results. They also establish a logical argument to explain what they observe. Thus, the reasoning behind a factual claim is equally important to the observations used to make that claim. And it is this reasoning about cats where claims about their threat to global biodiversity founder. In our analysis, we found it happens because many scientists take specific, local studies and overgeneralize those findings to the world at large. Even when specific studies are good overall, projecting the combined results onto the world at large can cause unscientific overgeneralizations, particularly when ecological context is ignored. It is akin to pulling a quote out of context and then assuming you understand its meaning. Ways forward So how might citizens and scientists chart a way forward to a more nuanced understanding of cat ecology and conservation? First, those examining this issue on all sides can acknowledge that both the well-being of cats and the survival of threatened species are legitimate concerns. Second, cats, like any other predator, affect their ecological communities. Whether that impact is good or bad is a complex value judgment, not a scientific fact. Third, there is a need for a more rigorous approach to the study of cats. Such an approach must be mindful of the importance of ecological context and avoid the pitfalls of faulty reasoning. It also means resisting the siren call of a silver (lethal) bullet. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Yet there are many options to consider. Protecting apex predators and their habitat is fundamental to enabling threatened species to coexist with cats. In some cases, people may choose to segregate domestic cats from vulnerable wildlife: for instance, with catios where cats can enjoy the outdoors while being kept apart from wildlife. In other cases, unhomed cats may be managed with trap-neuter-return programs and sanctuaries. Finally, contrary to the framing of some scientists and journalists, the dispute over cats is not primarily about the science. Rather, it evokes an ongoing debate over the ethics that ought to guide humanitys relationship with other animals and nature. This is the root of the moral panic over cats: the struggle to move beyond treating other beings with domination and control, toward fostering a relationship rooted in compassion and justice. About the authors: William S. Lynn, research scientist, Clark University; Arian Wallach, lecturer, Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology Sydney; and Francisco J. Santiago-Avila, postdoctoral researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Joann Lindenmayer, DVM, MPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University and contributed to this article. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. September is one of the most changeable months of weather across Michigan. Its a month when we lose a lot of sunlight, and that influences the weather. The sun is moving lower on the horizon in September. That means the heating ability of the sun is being reduced each day of the month. The more glancing blow of sunlight cant heat the ground as strongly as the more overhead sunlight of August. At the same time, the jetstream, which is a strong river of air high in the atmosphere, is starting to get wavy to our north and move southward. This means the storm track that has moved north into Canada in summer is going to move back over Michigan. This usually happens gradually during September. The center of storm systems are often tracking over at least northern Michigan by the end of September. Its those two big-picture changes that bring the day-to-day changes in our weather through the month of September. Below are the normal high temperatures for September 1 and September 30. Normal high temperature for September 1 Normal high temperature on September 30 Most cities are on average 11 to 12 degrees colder in the afternoon at the end of September as compared to the beginning of September. By the end of the month the average high in the upper 60s means we often need a light jacket. But you might feel the real fallish chill comes in the morning. You are correct. Look at the progression of average low temperatures from early September to late September. Normal low temperature at beginning of September Normal low temperature for September 30 In southern Lower Michigan, the average low temperature falls from the upper 50s to the middle 40s. Northern Michigans mornings go from an average in the middle 50s to the lower 40s. With average low temperatures near 40, that means the first frosts start to blanket northern Michigan lawns by months end. In southern Lower, the really cold, low spots can have a light, spotty frost at the end of September. In the last 10 years, a September frost has been rare in southern Michigan. September can have some hot days. The southern half of Lower Michigan averages one 90-degree day in September, although 1939 had seven 90-degree days. There was even one day in September that hit 100 degrees in southern Michigan. Days that warm to 80 degrees or higher are more common. Southern Lower typically has eight 80-degree days. Traverse City in northern Michigan averages six 80-degree days in September. But its the loss of daylight you probably notice most. We lose about one hour and 23 minutes of daylight from beginning to end of September. We lose almost three minutes of daylight per day. We lose another four hours of daylight by the winter solstice in late December. The days with precipitation start to go up in September as the storm track shifts southward into Michigan. We average 10 days in the month with at least one-hundredth of an inch of rain. So one in three days in September will have some rain. The monthly total amount of rain is around three inches. In Pearland, the mayor doesnt get to vote on proposed city laws except when theres a tie among City Council members. But mayoral candidates Kevin Cole and Quentin Wiltz each say they see the job as an important way to serve as the voice of the city and set the agenda to enhance economic development and bridge geographical, political and cultural divides in the community. The Nov. 3 election delayed from May because of the coronavirus pandemic will fill the mayors post for the first time in years with someone other than Tom Reid, who is retiring. Both Cole and Wiltz have been active in local leadership roles Cole as a former three-term City Council member and former member of the citys Planning & Zoning Commission and Wiltz as a former chairman of the Pearland Parks and Recreation Board and former board director for the Pearland Chamber of Commerce. Each has run for the mayor position before. Both recently participated in forums with community members and law enforcement officers to discuss their candidacies, their visions for Pearland and how they hope to reach and represent all city residents. To do that, each said he would establish quarterly town halls if elected. They said creating dialogues between Pearlanders from all parts of town is an important part of building unity. Another local entity, Pearland ISD, initiated town hall meetings last year. Cole, 55, whose background is in real estate development, said as mayor he hopes to be the conscience of the council and representative of the citizens through intentional engagement. As mayor Im gonna be open to anybody and everybody, Cole said. Diversity is one of our biggest strengths, and I would fail as a mayor if I didnt tap into the diversity of our people. He advocated for refraining from referring to the city as having east and west sides, and instead suggested saying east end or west end. Side has a negative us-against-them connotation, he said. Cole added that residents should focus on the common issues the city faces, including traffic and property taxes. If elected, Wiltz, 40, who works as an executive for a private Houston company in the oil and gas industry said he would focus on addressing cultural and geographic divisions and advocate for removing west or east references from buildings. It starts with psychologically identifying that were one city, he said. Wiltz plans include creating a diversity-and-inclusion board to encourage people of different backgrounds to participate in city boards and commissions. The candidates have each spoken about traffic concerns. Cole has experience advocating for road improvements, most notably his work to push the Texas 288 project to the attention of Houston and state decision makers. Moving forward, he said he wants Pearland to invest in upgrading facilities, including making sure city traffic signals are strategically timed to keep traffic moving. Wiltz, who has experience enduring long commutes to Houston, said he wants to destigmatize public transportation. People have to get over the stigma of who rides and how we ride, he said, adding traffic solutions must move past just widening roads and instead include a well-rounded solution to moving people. Both men said the property tax burden on homeowners is an issue. Both recognize the need to focus on economic development, retaining existing businesses and drawing new ones. Wiltz supports elimination of municipal utility district taxes once the utilities are paid off. Cole said challenging city staff to closely examine the budget to find cuts, including in large-scale capital improvement projects, is something he accomplished during his tenure on City Council and would aim to do again if elected mayor. He suggested looking at vacant land along Texas 35 and near Pearland High School for development potential which would not only increase the tax base but also create hometown jobs, potentially relieving some residents of long commutes out of town. The candidates also said maintaining good relations between police officers and citizens, thereby ensuring public safety, is important. Recently both candidates have discussed law enforcement in light of recent national events surrounding shootings of Black men by law enforcement officers. Wiltz recently hosted an online forum with Black officers from Pearland and Houston to discuss the challenges surrounding policing today, how to earn and/or keep public trust and how to maintain integrity, accountability and transparency as a police department. Wiltz said he understands Pearland police officers and all of its first responders need to have their needs met to do their job properly and to support their families. He said his idea to create a diversity inclusion board is one way to create community conversations on policing. It would bring together law enforcement and others, he said. I cant solve this problem alone. It takes collective effort to talk about how we interact. Cole stressed his desire to be a champion of the citys police officers and emphasized his stance on not wanting to defund the police department. However, he said officers must be properly trained and ready to de-escalate potentially violent interactions with those they serve to ensure no one is hurt or killed. The campaign website for Cole is at coleforpearland.com and Wiltzs site is at wiltzformayor.com. It's been 20 years since I voted for a Republican, and that certainly won't be changing now, with the party's nominee a know-nothing conman who spends his days shredding the civic fabric of the nation for the sake of advancing his personal lust for power, wealth, and attention. But that doesn't mean that as a centrist I don't struggle to keep my bearings in the storm that is American politics in 2020. The center is always somewhat hard to hold, but it's especially challenging today, with full-force partisan gales blowing from both directions. Nothing would be easier, it sometimes seems, than to give in to the gusts and allow myself to be shoved toward one or the other extreme. It's not just that the center of gravity in each of the parties is giving way to the powerful centrifugal forces at work in our politics and culture. As I'll explain in a moment, that process is unfolding differently in the two parties, which is one reason I favor the Democrats and consider the Republicans an unacceptable option. But politics is now less about what the two parties actually stand for than about what each party can convincingly claim the other stands for, using the most unhinged, radical statement of anyone within the other party's electoral coalition as evidence that supposedly reveals its hidden essence and agenda. This is more than mere negative partisanship, which has been intensifying rapidly over the past few decades, with Republicans and Democrats both increasingly motivated to cast their votes more against the other party than for their own. What we see now is often an amped-up virtual-reality form of negative partisanship that exploits the human tendency to fall into the fallacy of composition. This is the temptation to treat a part (and often an unrepresentative part) of a larger whole as uniquely revealing of the character of that whole. The right does this all the time in its reporting on colleges blowing up an ill-informed far-left statement from a random humanities professor and using it as evidence of the uniformly pernicious influence of universities as such. Story continues There was some of this kind of thing at the Democratic National Convention, but the fallacy is less egregious when Democrats do it because the part of the GOP saying and doing the most extreme and outrageous things is often the head of the party and president of the United States the part of the party that's supposed to represent the whole. But Trump goes even further, to embrace even the most radical and delusional factions and personalities in the GOP as long as they offer him their support. This renders the fallacy of composition somewhat less fallacious when applied to the Trumpified Republican Party. The same cannot be said of the reverse. The Republican National Convention was a wall-to-wall orgy of unjustified generalizations. Democratic voters had more than two dozen options before them in the run-up to the primaries this time around, many of them much further left than the last Democrat to win the White House. Yet the voters opted for Joe Biden, a lifelong moderate with a long track record of seeking conciliation across the aisle, a candidate who promised broad continuity with and modest expansion on the work begun by the solidly center-left administration in which he served as vice president. Instead of taking issue with this Biden and this Democratic Party, the RNC gave viewers a fun-house version of both. The "real" Democrats are those who want to burn down America, who hate the country and its history, who want to transform it into something wholly different and thoroughly ominous some kind of a socialist-anarchist dystopia in which criminals run rampant, raping, stealing, and murdering with impunity. Biden might not endorse these aims, but he's too old, feeble, and ideologically enervated to stand against it. He's a Trojan Horse who will deliver these throngs of anti-American radicals to power and then stand impotently by while they ruin everything great about the United States. It's nonsense. But it's potent nonsense, because it serves as a constant reminder of what's worst both farcical and civically destructive about the contemporary left. There's an awful lot of examples at the moment. They range from the woke revolution at The New York Times, to the local government of Washington, D.C., proposing to remove or "contextualize" the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, to universities and corporations forcing employees to participate in ritualized and performative self-denunciations of their own racism, to riots and looting destroying communities and people's livelihoods in Portland, Seattle, Chicago, and other cities. Just last week, in one of the less well-publicized incidents of left-wing "street politics," a parade of self-described "anti-capitalist" protesters in West Philadelphia tore up a neighborhood adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania, where I teach. Businesses had their windows smashed, and buildings were vandalized including "a PNC bank, a coffee shop, a pizza parlor, a bar, [and] the Free Library branch at 40th and Walnut Streets." And for what? No doubt the 60-odd people behind the mayhem rationalized their tantrum-throwing as some noble act of resistance against structural injustice. In reality their actions accomplished nothing positive at all. No effort at police reform will be advanced, no Black lives will be saved, because a library was sacked, some small-business owners took a hit, and a community lost some of its lifeblood. Those who inflicted the damage were just a mob out to break things for the demonic joy of it. Trump and his Republican parrots are wrong to treat roving bands of self-righteous criminals as uniquely revealing of the true soul of the Democratic Party. They aren't. But in a country with just one major left-of-center party, they are a (small) part of its electoral coalition, just as a less volatile but somewhat larger segment of the party is hesitant to call out such acts both because they feel the troublemakers' hearts are in the right place even if their tactics are a little too extreme, and because they fear empowering the right with any sign of dissension within the ranks of the left. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are not in either camp and they need to reinforce that fact as often and as forthrightly as they can. They need to do this not just because the Trump campaign has shown that it will be hitting the Biden ticket on the issue every day from now until Nov. 3, and that over time the strategy could prove to be politically potent in the battleground states that the Democrats desperately have to win. They also need to do it because riots and looting and setting fire to the high-rise apartment building that the mayor of a major American city and hundreds of others call their home is wrong and should have no place whatsoever in the politics of a civilized society. Regardless of what happens over the next 60 days, Donald Trump will deserve to lose the upcoming election. In taking a consistent, unapologetic stand against those on his own side who merit their place on the outer margins of our politics, Biden can demonstrate decisively that he speaks for the center of the country and that he actually deserves to win. More stories from theweek.com 5 scathingly funny cartoons about Nancy Pelosi's salon visit Climate change has arrived Former RNC and new Lincoln Project member pillories GOP for 'capitulation' to Trump The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has alleged that the violence that characterized the voter registration exercise is part of a grand scheme by the ruling NPP to rig the December 7 elections. The Electoral Commission (EC) in July this year commenced a voter registration exercise and ended on August 6. The exercise was characterized by pockets of violence in some registration centres. Both NPP and NDC accused each other of the violent clashes. But the opposition party noted that the ruling NPP is planning to rig the upcoming 2020 elections with several of such schemes. At a press conference in Accra today, the NDC has insisted that the violence recorded was all part of a bigger plan by the ruling NPP to clinch on to power against the will of the people. These violence-ridden registration exercise coming on the heels of an equally violent by-Elections at Ayawaso West Wuoguon is further testimony of the NPP Governments grand scheme to apply violence and other undemocratic intimidation tactics to rig and perpetuate itself in power against the will of the people, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah who addressed the press conference told journalists. Ahead of the December 7 polls, the NDC is charging all peace-loving Ghanaians to push the president and the EC to walk their talk by ridding the new voter register of the 66 Ivorians who were surreptitiously brought in by the NPP Parliamentary Candidate in Banda to register and punish severely all the perpetrators involved. Below is the speech read by Johnson Asiedu Nketiah at the NDC's press conference today: PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE HON JOHNSON ASIEDU NKETIAH ON THE VIOLENT CONDUCT OF THE 2020 MASS VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE PARTICULARLY THE BRUTAL ATTACKS ON EWES AND INNOCENT CITIZENS IN BANDA DURING THE EXERCISE. Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, you are welcome to the headquarters of the National Democratic Congress for this all important engagement. We are grateful for the importance you attach to our invitations and the alacrity with which you report of our conversation. You have been invited to discuss a few pertinent issues arising from the just ended mass voter registration exercise. Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, the just-ended voter registration will go down in history as by far the most violent voter registration exercise ever conducted in the 4th Republic of Ghana. This simple exercise of compiling a voter role witnessed at least two (2) cases of murder, including that of a young teacher at Banda and the other at Nkrakwanta in the Dormaa West Constituency all in the Bono Region. The Exercise witnessed several incidences of brutalities including gunshot injuries, near fatal attacks on at least 2 sitting Members of Parliament (Hon. Alhaji Bawa of Ejura Sekyere Odumase Constituency and Hon. Alhaji Collins Dauda of Asutifi South Constituency) and physical molestation of innocent citizens in a manner that has never been seen before in Ghana. There were also widespread reports of open display of weapons and open shots of live ammunition by highly placed government officials such as Minister for Special Developments, Mavis Hawa Koomsons and Hon Joe Danquah, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Banda. Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, there were also widely reported incidence of brutalities on opposition party agents in the Tano South Constituency and surrounding areas by NPP Vigilantes under the direct instruction of the Deputy Regional Minister of the Ahafo Region, Hon. Yeboah Sekyere Benjamin. The Central Region was no exception of the NPPs cocktail of violence perpetuated during the registration exercise. In Ejumako Enyan Essiam amidst several brutalities of innocent citizens and sporadic gunshots, some NPP hoodlums were arrested with a pile of weapons. These violence ridden registration exercise coming on the heels of an equally voilent by-Elections at Ayawaso West Wuoguon, is further testimony of the NPP Governments grand scheme to apply violence and other undemocratic intimidation tactics to rig and perpetuate itself in power against the will of the people. A further confirmation of this grand agenda is contained in an NPP leaked audio capturing the voice of the Deputy Regional Minister of the Bono East Region addressing a session of the NPP Invisible forces and Delta forces at a meeting held deep in the night at a secret location immediately before their deployment to cause mayhem in most parts of the Country during the registration exercise. In this leaked audio tape, the Deputy Regional Minister Hon. Oti Gyaaka popularly known as Homeboy was caught giving explicit instructions to the NPP Vigilante to among other things maim and commit murder where necessary with the promise of state protection and reward instead of prosecution. Insert: play leaked tape Again on the leaked tape, the minister claimed that the media and all the state institution such as EC, the Judiciary and security agencies are fully behind the NPP in prosecuting this diabolic agenda and that it has been agreed that immediately any crime is committed by them, the NPP will rush to the press feigning to be victims and accuse the NDC of all such crimes. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, at this point permit me to focus on the specific case of atrocities in the Banda Constituency, since the NPP has peddled a plethora of lies and misinformation about my involvement in the Banda incidences as a person. I have therefore decided to dedicate the rest of this presser to address and expose the deliberate concocted lies of the NPP in relation to happenings in Banda before, during and after the registration exercise. Ladies and Gentlemen, you will recall that on 18th April, 2020, a group of NPP Vigilantes clothed in Military uniform led by one Prince Debrah under the instruction of Hon. Joe Danquah, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate of Banda attacked and burnt homes of fishing communities along the Bui lake fish landing site, under the guise of a redevelopment programme by the Bui power authority at the site. The reportage of this incidence caused a national uproar, leading to the intervention of the Volta Caucus of the Minority in Parliament to visit the crime scene to commiserate with the victims. This visit and the reaction of the Banda youth against the Bui Power Authority led to the suspension of the demolishing exercise, the repairing of homes in affected areas and the rendering of unqualified apology by the Bui Power Authority to the people of Banda. Subsequent to this peaceful settlement, the former Banda Constituency Organizer of the NPP who is a leading member of the NPP Vigilantes toured the remaining Villages in the company of one Okyeame Boakye who doubles as a member of the NPP vigilante and the Okyeame of Bongase and threatened the inhabitants, mostly Voltarians and Ada fisher folks, and caused Public announcements to be made to warn all non-indigenes of Banda to refrain from registering in the upcoming registration exercise threatening that whoever tries to register does so at the peril of their own lives. The Banda Traditional Council which over the years has recognized these settler communities and given them representation on the Council, summoned the NPPs Alhaji Soldier to the Palace for questioning. During the interrogation he admitted before a meeting of Banda Traditional Council to have issued that threat, but indicated that he was acting under instruction of his party leaders, both in Bono Region and in Accra, and not in the name of the Banda Traditional Council. At this point let me share with you the instructions given by Joe Danquah, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Banda to this Party followers and his vigilante Team on his official Whatsapp platform dubbed Joe Danquah 2020 platform. Insert quote on screen Ladies and Gentlemen, two weeks to the registration exercise a combined Team of National Security personnel otherwise known as Azugu Boys, were camped at a Guest house in Bongase from where they conducted raids at the settler communities and to fire gunshots to warn them about the NPPs intention to execute the threats issued by Alhaji Soldier. After a week, a team of Military men from the 3rd Battalion of infantry Sunyani joined the vigilantes at the same Guest House and continued the harassment and intimidation of the fisher folks. At the commencement of the registration exercise, this group escalated their activities around the landing beach site, using gunshots to threaten the fisher folks from approaching their registration centers in Bongase and other places. The district police command in Banda dispatched a team to arrest two of the perpetrators namely Siaka Salley and Gadafi who were detained at the Banda District Police Headquarters and released minutes later, following what the police claim to be orders from above. They immediately returned to the landing beach and continued the attacks. On the 11th of July, when the registration was still ongoing, a group of vigilante boys under the command of one Mr. Afrane, the younger brother of Joe Danquah, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate in an NPP campaign Vehicle were apprehended by the Police and searched. Several sophisticated weapons and ammunition were retrieved from the vehicle near a registration centre at Banda Nyire. Minutes after their arrest they were set free also under guise of order from above. This then sparked jubilation on the part of NPP at that registration centre with the claim that because they are in power, they could do anything and get away with it, including murder. Ladies and Gentlemen, this same group of hoodlums led by Joe Danquah himself in bullet proof jacket, invaded the residence of the NDC MP for Banda, Hon Ahmed Ibrahim in Banda Ahenkro and attacked his brother Moro Ibrahim leaving him with life threatening head injuries on 13th July, 2020. Insert: Moro Ibrahims head injury video Seeing that the police were helpless in addressing these violent attacks and are unable to protect the people, the youth of Banda mobilized and burnt down a BMW vehicle being used by this NPP vigilante group in their operations at Banda Ahenkro. The NPP vigilantes in reaction to this action by the youth, mounted a barrier at Kabronno, a stronghold of the NPP and started searching all passenger vehicles coming through Banda from Wenchi for inhabitants of Banda Ahenkro. On one such passenger vehicle was a freshly trained teacher who was returning from Wenchi upon a visit to his pastor at Wenchi Methodist Diocese. Unaware of the happenings in the district he was innocently identified and stabbed in cold blood in the full glare of eye witnesses, by a person identified to be one of the boys arrested and released at the instance of the Regional Police Commander in the Banda Nyire incident. After the murder incident, The Banda Traditional council wrote to the Bono Regional Minister and Regional Security Council as well as the EC to express their disquiet about the deliberate orchestrations of the NPP government to prevent the settler communities mostly the Voltarian fisher folks from registering, a group that have coexisted with the people of Banda for so many years, have participated in all elections over the years and have installed Ewe chief at the Banda Traditional Council. The Regional Minister conveyed a REGSEC meeting and invited the two main political parties to address the issues and a communique was signed at the end of the meeting, conveying the agreement of all political parties to abide by the rules governing the registration process. Specifically, the communique stated Inter-alia that; 1. Parties should stop physically preventing people from registration and resort to the challenge process if they suspected any registrant to be ineligible. 2. Parties should stop the practice of busing registrants who are non-residents of the constituency to register. 3. Party leaders must communicate widely the content of the communique to their followers to ensure peace during the rest of the registration period. 4. The police promised to arrest and deal with the perpetrators of the murder and other infractions to demonstrate that nobody is above the law. Upon the return of the two candidates to the constituency, whiles Hon. Ahmed organized all his followers, chiefs and Assembly members to brief them on the communique and urged them to abide by the terms of the communique, Mr. Joe Danquah chose to circulate the following information to his supporter through social media. Insert on projector Joe Danquahs Whatsapp post As expected, the NPP vigilantes embedded in the military detachment continued the intimidation unabated. Upon receiving all these reports, I paid a working visit to the Banda constituency as part of my nationwide monitoring tour as the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress. Upon entering the district, my first point of call was the Banda Traditional council, where I was handed a copy of their petition to the Regional Minister and the other relevant bodies. Insert copy of Letter on Screen. They also recounted an encounter by Nana Osiakwanhene of Banda Traditional Area, Nana Bankwade with military men in front of his house close to a registration center. Insert: Please find on the screen details of the encounter From the Omanhene's palace, I proceeded to the Bongase Palace where the same stories of intimidation were confirmed. I then decided to engage all the heads of the security agencies deployed in the Banda Area. Each of the security agencies flatly denied all the stories of intimidation in the presence of TV cameras. I then proceeded to the landing site where the shooting and intimidation had allegedly been taking place. I met a gathering of about 2000 inhabitants who claimed they have been prevented from accessing the registration centres at Bongase Akanyakrom and Banda Ahenkro. I assured them of their rights as citizens who have resided in Banda for over 5 years to register and vote. I further encouraged them to move to the registration centre to register to enable us to determine who was telling the truth and who was lying. Insert: My encounter was captured on TV3, UTV as shown on the screen) After that, we decided to move back to the commander at Akanyakrom to brief him of the information we had received which was contrary to his earlier claims. On our way to Akanyakrom we recieved a distress call from one of the Ewe Community leaders calling us to come and see for ourselves, a road block that had been mounted by the soldiers between the landing site and Bongase. We quickly rushed back to the scene, and lo and behold we saw KIA Trucks, Tricycles and pick-ups loaded with Fisher folks who were being ordered by the military to get down and go back to their Villages because they were Togolese. I got down from my vehicle and in the company of the MP for Banda accosted the armed military men to find out what was happening. When they confirmed that they were under strict instructions to block the fishermen from having access to the registration centres because they were Togolese, I decided to call the military commander to also come and witness what his boys were doing. The Commander upon his arrival appeared embarrassed, but helpless. After we insisted he did the right thing by clearing the illegal road block. He eventually conceded and ordered the complete removal of the roadblock to allow the vehicles move on after which I left the constituency. Insert: video on encounter with Military The final day of registration on 6th August, 2020 a kia truck with an Ivorian registration number plate entered the district with 66 occupants and drove straight to Kabrono registration centre. The occupants disembarked and attempted to register. The MP for Banda, Hon Ahmed was alerted and he lodged an official complain to the Ghana Police Service and Immigration Service wondering how these Ivorians had managed to enter the country when boarders were supposed to have been closed. The District Police commander advised that the NDC agentS comply with the law by challenging the Ivorians, but added that they did not have the capacity to impound the foreign vehicle and its occupants. Forty seven (47) of them were identified and challenged by the NDC party agent Insert: Documents about the Challenge Unfortunately the EC official under pressure from the NPP and security commanders present at the scene, decided to disobey their own rules concerning the challenge process and release the completed voter ID cards to the person challenged making their subsequent appearance at review committee unnecessary. Insert: footages of the cards that were release when they were arrested Insert: Pictures of the seized cards from the Ivorians Fearing that they could be attacked by the youth outside the NPP stronghold, the vehicle was parked at Kabrono overnight and the occupants passed the night. At dawn of the following day, the vehicle then under the cover of darkness left with its occupants toward Ivory Coast. Following a tip off, the NDC youth in Dorbor an NDC stronghold close to the border with the assistance of Comrades from Sampa, intercepted the foreign registered vehicle by physically blocking the road leading to coteDviore. At this point the NDC invited the media to the scene and made it impossible for the immigration officials not to act. The media captured some of the Ivorians with their carte d'identite and the voter ID cards and they confessed having been brought in by one Yao to register and get a payment of 300ghc each Insert. Find on the screen footages of the action Whiles at it, the NPP in the line with their strategy as captured in the Deputy Ministers audio rushed to the media to allege that the Ivorians have been brought in by my good self. Followed by another press conference by my colleague General Secretary of NPP, John Boadu confirming the lies that has been told by his Regional Chairman Insert: John Boadus presser The EC quickly came out to promise to open an investigation into the matter, apparently acting in a wrong belief that Asiedu Nketiah may have been trapped at last. They promised to investigate and publish their findings while punishing anybody involved in the wrongdoing. We are still waiting for their report. Ladies and Gentlemen, after my initial rebuttals at joy FM, I decided to stay put investing my hopes in the EC to conduct the said thorough investigation and for the Ghana Police Service and the Immigration Service to do the right thing by dealing with the culprits according to law. After waiting 27 clear days for action on this urgent matter, very little or no action appears to have taken by way of serving the course of justice. Rather, what we have witnessed is a desperate attempt to cover up the perpetrators of the heinous crimes. Ladies and Gentlemen, two incidents that have occurred recently, leading to my heightened suspicion that, whatever crimes that had been committed during the registration exercise country wide and in particular Banda, had happened with President Akufo Addos complicity. Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, it is instructive to note that after the arrest of the Ivorians at Dorbor they were quickly processed at the Sunyani Circuit court and were quickly granted bail at the instance of the NPP Regional Women Organiser, Madam, Ama Amponsah and the case was subsequently adjourned indefinitely. Insert: footages of Ama Amponsah in the company of the Ivorians after the bail The second is the president's attempt to embark on a campaign of misinformation to cover up these misdeeds. His Excellency has made several statements to commend the peaceful nature of the registration exercise without mentioning a single act of violence during the exercise, including that perpetrated by his own appointees. On his recent tour of the Volta Region, instead of using the opportunity to apologize for his unwarranted ethnic discrimination against the Voltarians, he claimed ignorance of all the bad things enumerated above and stated rather shamelessly that he has no evil agenda against them Voltarians. This is the 21st Century Ghana under Nana Addo..!!!! Conclusion Ladies and Gentlemen, in conclusion, the NDC will like to appeal to all peace loving Ghanaians to join the fight for justice for innocent Silas Wulo Chameh who was brutally murdered by the NPP hoodlums and impress upon the President and the EC to walk their talk by ridding the new voter register of the 66 Ivorians who were surreptitiously brought in by the NPP Parliamentary Candidate in Banda to register and punish severely all the perpetrators involved. Let me use this opportunity to invite the International Community to impress upon Nana Akuffo Addos Government and the relevant state institutions mentioned in the leaked tape to take immediate steps to abandon any grand agenda of collusion with the NPP to perpetrate violence, intimidation and injustice on the people of this country whose only offence is to insist on their right of self-determination and choose the path of peace, justice and fairness to help sustain our young fragile democracy which is appears to be under threat from the Akufo Addo-Bawumia government. May God bless our Homeland Ghana. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Despite a denial from Greece, the chief of NATO chief said Friday that Greece and Turkey have started technical discussions aimed at reducing the risk of conflict or accidents amid military tensions between the allies over offshore energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean. No agreement has been reached from the military-level talks, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. Greeces foreign minister, meanwhile, headed to New York to discuss the regional dispute centered around maritime boundaries and drilling rights. Neighbors and NATO allies Greece and Turkey have been locked for weeks in a tense standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is prospecting the seabed for energy reserves in an area Greece claims as its own continental shelf. Ankara says it has every right to prospect there and accuses Greece of trying to grab an unfair share of maritime resources. Stoltenberg announced Thursday that the two sides had agreed to start technical talks to reduce the risks of military incidents and accidents. But Athens quickly denied any such agreement, saying Turkey must first withdraw its ships from the area where it is carrying out gas and oil prospecting. Ankara said it backed Stoltenbergs initiative for military and technical talks and called on Greece to do the same. On Friday, the NATO chief said Greek, Turkish and allied military officers had begun talks aimed at ensuring that some of the standoffs between the two countries armed forces in the Mediterranean dont break out into open conflict. NATO officials said the first talks were held Thursday. As long as we have so many ships in the eastern Mediterranean, we believe that there is a need to have technical talks on how to develop enhanced mechanisms for deconfliction, Stoltenberg told reporters. No agreement has been reached yet, but the talks have started. While its relatively rare for NATO to have to step in to reduce tensions between member nations, the military alliance has helped set up similar systems in the past, including communications hotlines for use in case of emergencies. Story continues Stoltenberg underlined that the military-level talks are only aimed at avoiding any incident between Greece and Turkey and are very distinct from the diplomatic efforts to find a long-term solution to the standoff. These are technical talks rather than negotiations on the underlying dispute between Greece and Turkey and as such they are meant to complement, not replace, the efforts led by Germany for political mediation towards deescalation, he said. Since Turkey dispatched a vessel accompanied by warships to do expoaratory research in the disputed area, Greeces armed forces have been placed on alert. Both countries sent warships to the area and carried out live-fire exercises between the islands of Crete and Cyprus and Turkeys southern coast. Simulated dogfights between Greek and Turkish fighter pilots have multiplied over the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. A Turkish and a Greek frigate collided last month, reportedly causing minor damage to the Turkish frigate but no injuries. The current crisis is the most serious in the two countries relations in decades. The neighbors have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over maritime resources in the Aegean Sea. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias' meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will focus on issues of international and regional interest, with an emphasis on current developments in the eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue, as well as the role of the U.N.." the Greek Foreign Ministry said. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Dendias would be delivering a letter from him to Guterres detailing what he said was Turkey's illegal activity in the region. Speaking with Chinas top diplomat Yang Jiechi in Athens, Mitsotakis said Greece faces aggression from Turkey and actions that dispute every rule of the U.N. charter, with a rhetoric that distorts history and changes geography, undermining legality and with actions that are endangering security in the entire Mediterranean. Mitsotakis said Friday that Greece supports good neighborly relations, and he noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he is open to dialogue. And to this I reply with six clear words: The provocations stop, the dialogue starts, Mitsotakis said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu meanwhile accused Greece of lying about the NATO initiative, saying Stoltenberg had consulted with Ankara and Athens and both agreed to the technical talks before making his announcement. Greece has refuted the NATO secretary general, Cavusoglu told reporters. But it isn't the NATO secretary general who is lying, it's Greece itself who is lying....Greece has once again shown that it does not favor a dialogue." Meanwhile, the spokesman for Turkeys ruling party, Omer Celik, said the European Union could no longer count on Turkeys cooperation in stemming the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe if it goes ahead with plans to sanction Turkey over its exploration operations in the eastern Mediterranean. I don't expect things to come to the point of sanctions. The EU should not expect cooperation on refugees after that time, Celik said in an interview with Turkey's NTV news channel. They should not think that they can sanction (Turkey) in the eastern Mediterranean and continue to cooperate in other areas. Earlier this year, tens of thousands of migrants gathered at Turkey's border with Greece, demanding to be allowed to cross, after the Turkish president declared the borders with Europe open to migrants wanting to head into EU nations. __ Associated Press Writer Suzan Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed. The State Department limits the movement of Chinese diplomats in the wake of recent controversies with China. American officials have long suspected China's activities. The United States has informed that all senior Chinese diplomats will have to get State Department approval before going to U.S. universities and cultural events. This will apply if there are more than 50 people expected to be there, and outside the embassy. This immediately drew the ire of Beijing as it was imposed on them. According to Washington, this is a stern reaction to the same limitations that are put on American diplomatic representative in China. Recent attempts to steal data and to develop spy rings by the Chinese have prompted this reaction, reported Al Jazeera. It even goes as far as the identification of all the accounts of the Chinese consular services and embassies tagged by the authorities. No exception or diplomatic privileges are applied too. According to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a press brief, Wednesday, he said it was about what the Chinese have done to American diplomats. Reciprocity. Why allow unlimited access when they do otherwise in China. Keeping tabs on these Chinese consuls is the proper response to what they did. China says it violates the Vienna conventions In Washington, the Chinese Embassy said it was a violation of their diplomatic rights, or the U.S. just did not apply the rules of the Vienna Conventions. The Global times went to work by saying the U.S. should support the activities of Chinese diplomats and not hinder them. It should be amended and corrected. But Pompeo has blasted China many times for its spying activities which the Chinese have not commented on. Also: Attorney General Barr Says That China Is a Dangerous Country and Wants America Out A cold war is brewing and getting worse as squabbles over trade, an alliance with Taiwan, Tibet, human rights, clamping on Hong Kong, and the COVID-19 pandemic that is driving America at loggerheads to stop China. The past months have brought President Trump to charge Beijing for the COVID-19 pandemic, which has its origin from Wuhan last year, cited CNBC. It spawned several problems with the World Health Organization, and even a pull out coming in July next year. But, that's only the tip of the iceberg for the chilling relations that is not getting better. Needless to say, President Xi Jinping and the CCP have clashed swords with the Trump administration that seems to be endless. From last year, Trump has been knocking the Chinese with many restrictions and sanctions on Chinese representatives to keep them in check. One of the biggest blows to China is the closure of the Houston Consulate that forced Beijing to do the same thing. In Chengdu, they forced the Americans out as well, noted The New York Times. Not satisfied with just hacking, they use universities as sources to steal technology by sending spies who are students. They harvest information from schools and take them home to the Chinese Communist Party. China is willing to give all kinds of come-ons to acquire anything they can, by hook or crook. Restricting Chinese diplomats is just the icing, with the lengths China does to gain information and technology which the U.S. government is blocking. Related article: China Spy Nabbed After Trying to Leave US With Bio-Inspired Computer Code @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Beirut, Sep 4 : Outgoing Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab became the country's highest ranking official to be questioned over the August 4 Port of Beirut blasts that claimed the lives of 191 people and caused widespread destruction in the capital city. Diab was questioned by judicial investigator Fadi Sawan on Thursday, reports Xinhua news agency. Sources has previously said that the Lebanese judicial system will also question current and former public works ministers over the explosions. The system has so far arrested several employees at Beirut's port and investigations are still ongoing into the biggest disaster witnessed in Lebanon since the assassination of late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2005. Reports revealed that a number of Lebanese officials were aware about the existence of chemicals at the port. Besides the victims, the blasts also injured about 6,500 people. It also destroyed a big part of the city and the damage was estimated to be over $15 billion. On Thursday, the new director of Beirut's port revealed the existence of around 4.35 tonnes of ammonium nNitrate near the entrance of the port, urging authorities to re-export the materials to prevent another disaster. On August 11, Diab, who was appointed Prime Minister in January after months of deadlock, announced his cabinet's resignation after many people accused the country's leaders of culpability through their alleged negligence and corruption. On Monday, Mustapha Adib, the country's former Ambassador to Germany, was named the new Prime Minister. Although the Healthcare Heroes parade was canceled due to Hurricane Laura, Congressman Pete Olson put on his superhero costume anyway and headed over to Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land to surprise workers last August. Outside the hospital, Olson took a picture of himself wearing a Spider-Man mask and posted it to Twitter with a message tagging Houston Methodist Hospital. #ALLIN for our Healthcare Heroes #HonkForHeroes! No planned car parade because of #HurricaneLaura, so I put on my superhero Spiderman mask to honor the real superheroes: the doctors and nurses at @MethodistSLHospital fighting to #StopTheSpread of #COVID1 Olson wrote. Well, grab your Spider-Man mask, Congressman Olson. Healthcare Heroes Week is back on. Sugar Land city officials recently the citys community-wide week long celebration honoring front-line hospital workers is now set for Sept. 21 to Sept. 25. The sacrifices being made by our medical professionals, first-responders and their families on the front lines of COVID doesnt go unnoticed in Sugar Land, City Manager Michael W. Goodrum said in a statement. We are incredibly appreciative of their dedication and tireless efforts to keep us all safe, and we recognize that they have willingly placed themselves in harms way to serve our community during this time of need. I want to thank each every one of you for making a difference. In honor of the citys healthcare workers, city, community and hospital buildings will be lighted blue during Healthcare Heroes Week, Residents and community groups are also encouraged to replace porch lights with blue bulbs and tie blue ribbons around trees in their yards. Related: Federal lawmakers approve $8.3 billion emergency funding to deal with coronavirus impacts Healthcare Heroes week will also feature drive-by parades at all three of the citys major hospitals with citizens invited to decorate their vehicles and join with Sugar Land firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other city employees as they pay tribute to hospital workers. The first parade is scheduled to honor workers at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, located at 16655 Southwest Freeway, on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. A parade will be held to pay tribute to hospital workers at CHI St. Lukes Health - Sugar Land Hospital, located at 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. The final parade is set for Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital located at 17500 West Grand Parkway South. During the parades, city officials say gift cards and snacks for hospital workers will be dropped off at each hospital. Residents can also participate through Sugar Lands Sweet Cash Program. Gift card benefiting local businesses purchased through the program will provide a free gift card donation to be given to a healthcare worker. City officials say so far more than 675 gift cards have been distributed to frontline workers as part of the Sweet Cash program. To participate in the Sweet Cash Program or for more information, visit allinforSLTX.com Residents may also join Congressman Olson by participating in a group photo project by taking a picture wearing a super hero costume or a cape while holding a sign sharing support for Sugar Land healthcare workers and sharing it with city officials. Super Hero pictures can be submitted via email to: slheroes@sugarlandtx.gov. On HoustonChronicle.com: COVID-19 infections spike among Fort Bend County young adults Residents are also invited to participate in Healthcare Heroes Week residents via other creative do-it-yourself options such as writing a thank you note to health care workers letting them know their work is appreciated. Younger participants may consider printing one of Sugar Lands online coloring pages and sending it with a hand written note of support to hospital workers. Sugar Land colored pages can be found at www.sugarlandtx.gov/healthcareheroes. Letters and artwork can be scanned and sent via email to slheroes@sugarlandtx.gov City workers are also available to deliver letters, which can be dropped at any of the following locations: Sugar Land City Hall located at 2700 Town Center Blvd. North Imperial Park Recreation Center located at 234 Matlage Way Sugar Land Public Works located at 111 Gillingham Lane. The deadline to drop off items is Sept. 17. During Healthcare Heroes Week, residents from various neighborhoods are encouraged to show their support by posting outdoor messages in their yards or displaying an image of a blue heart a front door or window. Blood donations are also encouraged as a sign of support. For information about locations, visit www.giveblood.org/where-to-donate/neighborhood-donor-centers/sugar-land/. For more information about Healthcare Heroes Week, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/healthcareheroes Hamiltons school boards are warning parents and guardians of serious delays from school buses due to a shortage of drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a memo sent out to families Friday afternoon, the boards said the Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services (HWSTS) notified them of the difficulties in hiring enough drivers in time for the school year, which begins next week. The boards were hoping to develop bussing plans by Friday, but the release of the schedules has been postponed to early next week and may be subject to change, said Alex Johnstone, chair of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), and Pat Daly, chair of the Catholic board, in a joint statement. Bus schedules, which will be shared with families early next week, are subject to change as boards receive new information from families who have opted out of transportation and indicated remote, virtual/online learning, the statement says. Parents and guardians can access their child/rens bus route information through the HWSTS Parent Portal on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Families are asked to check the HWSTS Parent Portal frequently and before the first bus pick-up to ensure the most up-to-date times. Buses will be running in time for schools reopenings, but there will be fewer of them and they may be running behind schedule, Daly told The Spec. There could be delays in terms of when buses arrive in the morning, when buses drop off the kids. We dont know where these delays might be exactly which schools, which routes but we wanted to alert all parents anyways to be prepared for delays, said Daly. Daly said the driver shortage is largely due to the pandemic, though the Hamilton-Wentworth area has experienced driver shortages for years. The problem has certainly been exacerbated this year. Obviously, because of some of the demographics of drivers, some are concerned with their own situation. Neither boards have disclosed how many drivers have been hired so far. Earlier this week, Johnstone expressed concern about overcrowded school buses with children who wont be able to safely distance from their peers. This is an issue that I have personally been raising with the Ministry (of Education) since July, she told reporters at a news conference at Ancaster High School. Weve historically had problems recruiting drivers and finding space for students on buses. We need significantly more funding for drivers this year. Both boards have received additional funding from the province to reduce the number of students on buses. The province recently gave an additional $400,693 to the HWDSB for buses. All students are required to wear masks while riding buses and the drivers are tasked with cleaning the vehicles three times a day. But drivers have noted that a lack of supervision and overcrowding could turn the vehicles into conduits for the spread of COVID-19. Theyre going to be worse than the classrooms, Karen Dailous, a local bus driver, warned earlier this month. Kids come to school with fevers, bad colds, earaches you name it. The parents just want to get their kid to school as quickly as possible so they can get on with their day. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:29:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUWAIT CITY, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait on Friday reported 865 new COVID-19 cases and one more death, raising the tally of infections to 88,243 and the death toll to 537, the Health Ministry said in a statement. Currently, 8,289 patients are receiving treatment, including 94 in ICU, according to the statement. The ministry also announced the recovery of 626 more patients, raising the total recoveries in the country to 79,417. On Aug. 30, the Kuwaiti government lifted a nationwide partial curfew, while activities, including celebrations, parties, weddings, gatherings, banquets and funerals, will remain restricted to curb the spread of the coronavirus. On Aug. 18, Kuwait moved into the fourth phase of its five-phase plan to return to normal life, during which, salons, gyms, barbershops, and spas reopened and restaurants can offer more services. Kuwait and China have been supporting each other and cooperating closely in combating the COVID-19. Kuwait donated medical supplies worth 3 million U.S. dollars to China at the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, while China has been facilitating the procurement of medical supplies by Kuwait. On April 27, a team of Chinese medical experts visited Kuwait to assist the Gulf country's anti-coronavirus fight, through sharing with Kuwaiti counterparts their experience and expertise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Enditem Phan Van Tam, 28, lies in his bed at the Cho Ray Hospital in HCMC. Photo courtesy of the Cho Ray Hospital. A man hospitalized with a three-meter king cobra coiled around his arm last month has recovered after spending weeks in intensive care. Phan Van Tam, 38, on Thursday said he is now healthier and able to breathe on his own. The patient is being treated at HCMC's Cho Ray Hospital. "I'm about 70 percent recovered. As a farmer who's not very good with words, I can only thank the doctors who have treated me and those who have helped me lately," he said. Tam had some stomach and thigh tissue removed due to necrosis, said Doctor Nguyen Qui Hung of the hospital's ICU department. His lung and heart functions have also returned to normal, Hung added. "The patient has recovered well. However, he still needs multiple skin grafts to restore necrotic skin sections on his stomach," he said. Tam is expected to be transferred to the Tropical Diseases department within Thursday for further treatment and monitoring. On August 19, Tam was rushed to the hospital in his hometown Tay Ninh Province, which borders HCMC, after a three-meter king cobra bit him and coiled itself around his arm. That morning, he spotted the giant snake right by his feet and reflexively used a hand to grab it. But the snake eluded his grasp, bit his right thigh and coiled itself around an arm and his neck. Unable to shake it off, he grabbed its head with another hand, before people tied a cloth around his leg as a tourniquet, taped the snake's mouth and brought him to the hospital. Nguyen Van Tam with the king cobra around his arm at the Tay Ninh General Hospital on August 19, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Vu. Tam's condition soon took a turn for the worse, prompting a transfer from Tay Ninh General Hospital to Cho Ray Hospital. The venom damaged his kidneys, forcing doctors to put him on ventilation and constant blood filtration. Tam also suffered paralysis and swelling due to the venom, with doctors injecting him with antivenom and antibiotics to survive. There were times when doctors weren't sure whether he would make it or not. The snake died. Tam and his wife, 28-year-old Bui Thi Ngoc Tuoi, are raising two small children, aged two and nine, in poverty. Tam used to work as a bricklayer, but broke his leg in a traffic accident earlier this year. After surgery, Tam was no longer able to do heavy-duty work, and so resorted to catching snakes to help pay for his children's tuition. Snakes are purchased in Vietnam as food or for making snake wine. "I'm never catching snakes again," Tam said. The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), the worlds longest venomous snake, delivers enough poison in a single bite to kill an elephant. The fatality rate is high if victims are not promptly treated. The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a ban on bidders from certain countries for public procurement citing the Centres directions in this regard amid ongoing border tensions with China. No country has been named in the order aimed at bidders from the countries India shares borders with. The order does not cover the countries where India is engaged in development projects. Also read: In Uttar Pradesh, Kafeel Khan becomes hot property for political parties In an order dated August 26, joint secretary (finance) Sanjay Kumar Mishra asked all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries, to take necessary action regarding the matter. Mishra also circulated a copy of a letter dated July 23 from the Union governments secretary (expenditure) TV Somanathan, citing Indias national security and defence. The government of Indias general financial rules have been amended to provide for restrictions on procurement from bidders from a country or countries or class of countries on grounds of defence of India or matters directly or indirectly related thereto, including national security. Keeping in view the circumstances, it is imperative for the defence of India and national security that the same restrictions be applied in respect of procurement by state governments and their public undertakings, as well as in public private partnership projects receiving financing from state governments, said Somanathan. The Centre has asked the state government to set up a competent authority for prior registration of bidders. In another order, department of expenditures public procurement division joint secretary, Sanjay Prasad, clarified the ban order will not affect the bidders from neighbouring countries where India is engaged in development projects. We have forwarded the Union governments letter directly to the departments to avoid any confusion. We are not sure how many bidders will be affected by the decision, said a state government official on condition of anonymity. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Knowing it may be met with some skepticism, the Trump administration Thursday announced a sweeping plan that officials say will transform health care in rural America. Even before the coronavirus pandemic reached into the nation's less-populated regions, rural Americans were sicker, poorer and older than the rest of the country. Hospitals are shuttering at record rates, and health care experts have long called for changes. The new plan, released by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, acknowledges the gaps in health care and other problems facing rural America. It lists a litany of projects and directives, with many already underway or announced within federal agencies. "We cannot just tinker around the edges of a rural healthcare system that has struggled for too long," Azar said in a prepared statement. Yet, that is exactly what experts say the administration continues to do. "They tinker around the edges," said Tommy Barnhart, former president of the National Rural Health Association. And, he added, "there's a lot of political hype" that has happened under President Donald Trump, as well as previous presidents. In the past few months, rural health care has increasingly become a focus for Trump, whose polling numbers are souring as COVID-19 kills hundreds of Americans every day, drives down restaurant demand for some farm products and spreads through meatpacking plants. Rural states including Iowa and the Dakotas are reporting the latest surges in cases. This announcement comes in response to Trump's executive order last month calling for improved rural health and telehealth access. Earlier this week, three federal agencies also announced they would team up to address gaps in rural broadband service a key need as large portions of the plan seek to expand telehealth. The plan is more than 70 pages long and the word "telehealth" appears more than 90 times, with a focus on projects across HHS, including the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Barnhart said CMS has passed some public health emergency waivers since the beginning of the pandemic that helped rural facilities get more funding, including one that specifically was designed to provide additional money for telehealth services. However, those waivers are set to expire when the coronavirus emergency ends. Officials have not yet set a date for when the federal emergency will end. Andrew Jay Schwartzman, senior counselor to the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, a private foundation that works to ensure greater internet access, said there are multiple challenges with implementing telehealth across the nation. Many initiatives for robust telehealth programs need fast bandwidth, yet getting the money and setting up the necessary infrastructure is very difficult, he said. "It will be a long time before this kind of technology will be readily available to much of the country," he said. Ge Bai, associate professor of accounting and health policy at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, noted that telehealth was short on funding in the HHS initiative. However, she said, the focus on telehealth, as well as a proposed shift in payment for small rural hospitals and changing workforce licensing requirements, had good potential. "We are so close to the election that this is probably more of a messaging issue to cater to rural residents," Bai said. "But it doesn't matter who will be president. This report will give the next administration useful guidance." The American Hospital Association, representing 5,000 hospitals nationwide, sent a letter to Trump last week recommending a host of steps the administration could take. As of late Thursday, AHA was still reviewing the HHS plan but said it was "encouraged by the increased attention on rural health care." Buried within the HHS announcement are technical initiatives, such as a contract to help clinics and hospitals integrate care, and detailed efforts to address gaps in care, including a proposal to increase funding for school-based mental health programs in the president's 2021 budget. A senior HHS official said that while some actions have been taken in recent months to improve rural health such as the $11 billion provided to rural hospitals through coronavirus relief funding more is needed. "We're putting our stake in the ground that the time for talk is over," he said. "We're going to move forward." Description GIS 04 September 2020: A Youth Dialogue held, today, with students from the College Sainte Marie, in Palma, highlighted the key challenges which the young generation considers as crucial and need to be addressed in the next 25 years. The challenges are: climate change and environmental protection, gender inequality, poverty, human rights and digitalisation. The event was organised by the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinators Office for Mauritius in the context of the 75th anniversary of the UN. The UN Secretary General had in fact initiated the Dialogue in January 2020 to drive conversation in all segments of society - from classrooms to boardrooms, Parliaments to village halls on peoples visions, hopes and fears for the future. The views and ideas that are generated will be presented to world leaders and senior UN officials at a high-profile event during the 75th Session of the General Assembly in September this year. The event was attended by the Acting Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group (R-UNSDG) for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr Charles Kwenin, the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius, Mrs Christine N Umutoni, the Head of the IOM Office in Mauritius, Mrs Celine Lemmel, and Mrs Sandra Mayotte and Mrs Teenah Jutton, Members of Parliament. During the dialogue, the students called for more equitable and progressive opportunities and solutions in their societies and for greater youth participation in how policies and strategies are shaped. For his part, Mr Kwenin lauded the young people for their views and determination. He highlighted that the youth should be recognised as agents of change, entrusted with fulfilling their own potential and ensuring a world fit for future generations. Jammu and Kashmirs director general of police (DGP), Dilbag Singh gave an approval for seizure of five vehicles, used in terror crimes in different parts of Kashmir, during counter-terrorism operations after it was established that they were proceeds of terrorism. One such vehicle was seized on April 24 in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, when forces got an input that police constable Sartaj Ahmad Ittoo had been kidnapped by some unknown militants in a Santro car. A search operation was launched by police along with other security agencies in Kharpora Frisal to nab the terrorists who were reportedly moving in a Santro vehicle. Subsequently, a Santro vehicle bearing registration No JK02-9795 was intercepted. When stopped by security forces, the terrorists sitting in the vehicle came out and started firing indiscriminately on security forces, police spokesman said, adding that two terrorists were neutralized on the spot in return fire by the forces and the kidnapped policeman was rescued safely. Driver Irfan Ahmad Dar of Wandena, Shopian, was apprehended and the vehicle was taken into possession. Upon investigation, a huge quantity of arms/ammunition and explosive substances were recovered. It was established that the vehicle, used to facilitate the movement of terrorists from one place to another, falls within the ambit of proceeds of terrorism and is accordingly liable to be seized, the police spokesperson said. In another incident, on June 4, the station house officer of Yaripora police station, while patrolling at the main market, noticed a Santro car without a registration number and signaled it to stop for checking. As the police party moved towards the vehicle, the terrorists sitting inside, four in number, started firing indiscriminately on the police party. The fire was retaliated to and the terrorists sitting in the Santro vehicle managed to flee from the spot leaving behind the vehicle, from which, a doctors slip, a waterproof jacket, two registration number plates and one VIVO phone were found, the spokesman said. During investigations, the identity of the driver of the vehicle was ascertained as Hilal Ahmad Malik of Tazipora Mehmoodpora, Kulgam. He was an associate of proscribed terror outfit LeT and after the commission of this crime, he became an active LeT terrorist, the spokesman said, adding that during the investigation, it surfaced that the accused Hilal Ahmad Malik had ferried the militants in the above Santro vehicle for committing a terrorist act. Also Read: J&K: Army officer injured in Baramulla encounter with terrorists The spokesperson added that Malik also used a motorcycle bearing registration No JK02BF-6620 and a truck bearing registration No JK03E-8904 for the transportation of terrorists and arms/ammunition from one place to another. All the vehicles including the Santro, truck and the motorcycle were taken into possession as they fall within the ambit of proceeds of terrorism and are accordingly liable to be seized, according to the spokesman. Also Read: PDP leaders prevented from leaving home for party meeting In another incident in May, police said the incharge of counter insurgency unit, Nowbugh, stopped an i-20 vehicle bearing registration no JK01V-0180 at Kilkadal Chadoora for checking. During the search, 10 posters, 01 matrix sheet of proscribed terror outfit JeM and cash of RS 42,000/- were recovered from the possession of Mohd. Lateef Koka and Younus Manzoor Waza, who were boarding the said vehicle. During the investigation, it was established that the vehicle has been used to facilitate the movement of terrorists and incriminating material from one place to another which falls within the proceeds of terrorism. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 01:12:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China has outlined more moves for higher-level opening-up as the country seeks to strengthen global cooperation and competition to achieve stronger development. In its latest move to open up the economy, a negative list for cross-border trade in services is being drawn up and will be rolled out by the end of this year, Xian Guoyi, an official with the Ministry of Commerce, told a press briefing on Thursday. "It is an important attempt to promote institutional opening-up in the field," said Xian, adding that the country aims to establish open platforms to enhance international cooperation and communication in service trade while accelerating institutional construction of service trade innovation. The move came as China vowed to pursue higher-level opening-up to provide a strong impetus for establishing a new development pattern, which was stressed at the 15th meeting of the central committee for deepening overall reform on Tuesday. Facing a world with growing anti-globalization sentiment, experts said the country needs to accelerate domestic reforms while stimulating vitality through deeper-level reforms and forming new advantages in global cooperation and competition through high-level opening-up. "A fundamental restraint for China's opening-up push comes from domestic mechanisms," said Xu Qiyuan, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, adding that resources in both domestic and international markets should be given full play to achieve stronger and more sustainable development. Tuesday's meeting reviewed and approved the guideline on innovative developments of foreign trade in tandem with the country's endeavors to further promote the opening-up. China has been making unwavering efforts to honor its opening-up promise despite the rise of anti-globalization sentiment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in May, China issued a financial support guideline for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, followed by a master plan, released in June, on building the southern island province of Hainan into a globally influential free trade port. The country also shortened the negative list for foreign investment in the 2020 version in late June. On top of these measures, Tuesday's meeting stressed the need to link the construction of a new development pattern with the implementation of a strategy for coordinated regional development and the construction of pilot free trade zones. To forge new advantages in international cooperation and competition, China will need to promote high-quality development driven by reform and opening-up, while improving weak links and leveraging strengths to meet challenges, said Guan Tao, chief economist with BOC International. The China International Fair for Trade in Services, to be held in Beijing from Sept. 4 to Sept. 9, is expected to see the announcement of fresh opening-up policies. Enditem A Novichok poisoning survivor has said that the latest chemical attack has made him feel Russia could "get away with almost anything". Charlie Rowley was exposed to the substance in the 2018 attack targeting former double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Mr Rowley said he felt "devastated" the nerve agent had been used again in the alleged Novichok poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "I felt devastated that it had happened again. I thought it was over, but it clearly isn't," he said, speaking to ITV News. Novichok nerve agent found in Russian opposition figure Navalny, says Germany "I think it gives the Russians some strength that they can do their business and get away with it. "It's made me feel that it could happen again any time and it's made me feel that they could get away with almost anything." Mr Skripal and daughter Yulia were two of five people exposed to the substance in Wiltshire, both spending weeks in hospital recovering. But Dawn Sturgess, 44, of Amesbury, Wiltshire, died in July that year after coming into contact with a perfume bottle thought to originally contain the poison, while her partner Mr Rowley spent nearly three weeks in hospital. Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey was also exposed to the substance while responding to the attack, and almost died. Mr Rowley said that since coming into contact with Novichok he had suffered from a range of health issues. He added: "I suffered with memory, my eyesight was affected, and my general health, physical and mental." Mr Rowley said he still does not feel that "justice has been served" but hopes the latest incident will lead to "some truth". He added: "I feel justice hasn't been served and I hope this new incident will bring on more news and we will get some truth. "I don't think I'll actually ever get over it because I don't know the outcome of what's to come to be honest. "I'm not the same guy I used to be. It's taken a toll on me... I'd feel so much better if we could find out the truth as to who's behind it all." Tata Motors Ltd is quoting at Rs 153.05, up 0.79% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 29.65% in last one year as compared to a 5.12% jump in NIFTY and a 17.04% jump in the Nifty Auto. Tata Motors Ltd gained for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 153.05, up 0.79% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 1.08% on the day, quoting at 11402.8. The Sensex is at 38570.91, down 1.08%. Tata Motors Ltd has gained around 32.63% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Tata Motors Ltd is a constituent, has gained around 8.18% in last one month and is currently quoting at 8049.55, up 0.64% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 541.59 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 826.95 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark September futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 153.45, up 0.79% on the day. Tata Motors Ltd is up 29.65% in last one year as compared to a 5.12% jump in NIFTY and a 17.04% jump in the Nifty Auto index. The PE of the stock is 0 based on TTM earnings ending June 20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Banks in China are likely to record greater declines in profits in the second half of this year as bad loans are set to rise further as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Fitch Ratings. In January to June this year, the net profit of Chinese banks fell 9.4% to around 1 trillion yuan ($146.2 billion), compared with the first half of 2019 on lower margins and higher expected loan losses, the ratings agency said in a Wednesday report. The five Chinese mega banks reported at least 10% year-on-year fall in profit their biggest earnings declines in at least a decade. Fitch said Chinese authorities have aimed to dispose 3.4 trillion yuan ($497 billion) worth of bad loans from the banking sector this year. Only around one-third of that or 1.1 trillion yuan ($160.8 billion) were written off in the first half of 2020, the agency added. China, the first country hit by the coronavirus, is among the earliest to mark a recovery in its economy. But many challenges remain and the pressure on Chinese banks' profitability could persist into the next year, said Fitch. SGF Atlanta welcomes reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Valerie Libby. I am honored and thrilled to join SGF Atlanta. The first time I met with SGF, I learned about their core values of integrity, empathy, and increasing access to carevalues directly aligned with my own. Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) Atlanta is proud to announce board certified OB/GYN and board-eligible reproductive endocrinologist Valerie Libby, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG, has joined the practices award-winning Atlanta medical team. Dr. Libby will join Atlanta physicians Drs. Desiree McCarthy-Keith, Anne Namnoum, Pavna Brahma, and Mark Perloe, and will begin seeing patients in SGFs Atlanta - Northside location in late September 2020. Dr. Libby will provide a full range of state-of-the-art, in-house diagnostic and treatment options for female and male infertility, elective egg freezing, LGBTQ family building, and fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. Dr. Libby earned her medical degree at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Parkland Hospital, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Libby went on to complete her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Libby has published several peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, book chapters, and review articles in many leading scientific journals in the fields of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Her specific research interest is fertility preservation and egg freezing. She is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of numerous medical organizations. Dr. Libbys clinical interests include any aspect of female and male infertility, in particular, making advances in in vitro fertilization, oocyte donation, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility preservation, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I am honored and thrilled to join SGF Atlanta. The first time I met with SGF, I learned about their core values of integrity, empathy, and increasing access to carevalues directly aligned with my own, says Libby. SGF Atlanta, who was named Best Reproductive Endocrinology Practice by Kudzu and Top Doctors by Atlanta Magazine, currently has four locations in the greater Atlanta region. Patients also have access to SGF Atlantas unique financial options that help make fertility treatment more affordable. As a fertility patient myself, I understand the financial burden of IVF, Libby explains. SGF mitigates this risk significantly by sharing financial risk with the patients. SGF was one of the first fertility practices to create a refund guarantee program for IVF and donor egg and is constantly maintaining and improving their standards of care with evidence-based practices. We are honored to have Dr. Valerie Libby join the SGF Atlanta medical team. With now five reproductive endocrinologists in the Atlanta region, patients have even more convenient access than ever before to highly specialized fertility care from an esteemed team of physicians, says Dr. Desiree McCarthy-Keith, Medical Director of SGF Atlanta. Patients may schedule an appointment with Dr. Libby at SGFs Atlanta-Northside location by calling 1-877-761-1967 or submit this brief form. About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and counting. With 37 locations throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients virtual physician consults, individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com. There are a lot of different and heated positions on this. No two people tend to think the same thing when you talk about this, and I think the diversity of views was reflected in the working groups initial report, Bowser said. I understand, however, that people will intentionally misconstrue things, and that is why the report was adjusted so the federal portion was removed. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 19:03:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' overall balance of payments (BOP) continued to post a surplus at 8 million U.S. dollars in July, bringing the year-to-date surplus to 4.12 billion U.S. dollars, the Philippine central bank said on Friday. "The BOP surplus in July 2020 reflected mainly the inflows from the national government's foreign loan proceeds that were deposited with the BSP as well as the BSP's income from its investments abroad," the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a statement. "These inflows were offset, however, by the foreign currency withdrawals made by the national government to pay its foreign currency debt obligations during the month in review," the BSP added. Notwithstanding, the central bank said the continued expansion in the country's overall external position, cumulative BOP surplus was lower than the 5.04-billion-U.S. dollar surplus recorded for the same period a year ago. The BSP said the current overall BOP surplus was supported mainly by foreign borrowings of the national government, the bulk of which were drawn in April up to July, and the lower merchandise trade deficit. "These positive outcomes negated fully the impact of higher net outflows of foreign portfolio investments, and lower net inflows from foreign direct investments, trade in services, and personal remittances," the BSP said. According to the bank, the BOP position reflects a record high final gross international reserves (GIR) level of 98.6 billion U.S. dollars as of end-July 2020. At this level, the BSP said the GIR represents an ample external liquidity buffer, which can cushion the domestic economy against external shocks. "This is equivalent to 8.9 months' worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income," the BSP said. Moreover, the BSP said it is also about 7.6 times the country's short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.9 times based on residual maturity. Enditem Throughout the pandemic, Chinese Authorities have been removing crosses and demolishing churches. Over the years, many underground churches and secret believers faced hardship and legal actions for providing illegal services. The Chinese Communist Party even offered money to anyone who reports illegal activities targeting most Christians. Chinese believers claim over 50 kilograms of printed material was removed from the church and they were told that the literature must be 'burned to prevent it from being used.' It is stated that Christian literature is 'made' to conceal their efforts under the guise of saving its citizens from 'pornographic and harmful' books. According to Doors of Hope, provincial and municipal governments have begun to remove all publications from state-run churches that are not officially approved by the state since April. "Only bibles and hymn books published by one of the two state-run organizations were allowed to remain in the church." Chinese authorities have been burning down bibles and literature related to Christianity. However, to this day, it is announced that religious books are published without the state's permission. An anonymous source within the Religious Affairs Bureau was quoted as saying that "Even materials printed for personal use are purged. It is even illegal to print out unofficial Bibles downloaded from the internet." Experiencing how strict the CCP can be, many Chinese believers are more afraid than before. It is believed that most legal churches in the country have 'illegal' publications. Chinese Officials have also threatened churches that continue to publish or acquire non-government-sanctioned literature, will face serious legal-action. TEMPE takes an individuals temperatures from either their forehead or wrist in only one second In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure students, teachers and staff can safely return to schools and classrooms across the United States, IntraLogic Solutions, a leading national school security technology developer, has added TEMPE to its technology product line. TEMPE is a non-contact, wall-mounted scanning thermometer that rapidly checks body temperatures. When a level exceeds a set limit, an alarm will sound alerting staff and teachers. TEMPE is cost-effective and eliminates the expense for a thermal camera or costly temperature-taking devices. TEMPE takes an individuals temperature from either their forehead or wrist. Often, units are mounted on walls or in doorways where staff and students quickly run their wrist by the sensor. A video demonstrating how the device works can be found on the TEMPE website: https://www.tempecheck.com/. At IntraLogic Solutions, we are experts in identifying and providing to schools technology that will meet their ever-changing needs. When it became clear that schools across the United States needed technology that would allow them to quickly identify if students or staff members have a fever, we found a cost-effective solution in TEMPE. This high-quality technology is expandable in the future as well as easy-to-use and install, said Lee Mandel, CEO of IntraLogic Solutions. As schools across the United States open for the 2020-2021 academic year, many will have in-person classes on campuses and in classrooms. Due to ongoing health concerns about COVID-19 and the flu, health screenings have now become essential and mandatory in order to enter a school or a campus building. TEMPE is eligible for Federal funding assistance under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. To help cover the purchase of TEMPE devices, IntraLogic Solutions is offering assistance to school districts and other institutions in navigating the CARES Act grant application process. TEMPE is accurate and takes only one second to perform its measurement, allowing the scanning of approximately 50 people per minute. This eliminates bottlenecks and crowding at school and classroom entrance points during the school day such as morning drop-off for the beginning of class. TEMPE can also be used on school buses and outside at school sporting events. With TEMPE, schools now have technology that allows them to efficiently and effectively monitor the health status of students, teachers, staff and vendors, taking a proactive step that will help keep schools open and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Schools that have already opened for the 2020-2021 school year and are using TEMPE have been pleased with the results and its usefulness in its monitoring of the health of students, staff and visitors to campuses. For over 15 years, IntraLogic Solutions has been offering comprehensive school security technology solutions. Its state-of-the-art suite of products and services are focused on protecting and enhancing the health and safety of students, teachers, staff and facilities. To learn more about TEMPE or for additional information, please visit http://www.tempecheck.com, call (954) 634-2330 or email, tempe@ilsny.com. # # # About IntraLogic Solutions, LLC IntraLogic Solutions, LLC provides cutting edge and user-friendly security solutions to businesses, municipalities, government agencies and school districts. The Companys fully integrated security solution ties together video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, fire and burglar alarms, visitor authentication and management capabilities into a single common operating platform that is instantly shared between onsite personnel and first responders. The Companys technology includes its patent-pending software, which allows Critical Video and Security Information Sharing with Law Enforcement and its One Button Lockdown System, which enables facilities to initiate a lockdown with multiple automatic actions and announcements via a single click. The Company also provides a unique remote video monitoring service via its 24/7/365 Incident Awareness Center. IntraLogic Solutions is based in Massapequa, NY and has offices in Albany, NY and South Florida. For more information about IntraLogic Solutions products and services, visit http://www.ilsny.com. Kangana Ranaut-Renuka Sahane Engage In Twitter War; Latter Says 'It Was Naive To Expect Any Better From You' - Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo took to social media to share lovely photos of all her kids and grandkids - The actress excitedly revealed that they came to visit her in December 2019 - Patience said that was the first time in seven years of having all her family members with her PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB Feed Despite the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor remains grateful for life, family, and everything that concerns her. Counting down to her birthday which is on September 14, the veteran started sharing all the things that she is grateful for and according to her, her children and grandchildren are one of them. READ ALSO: Murang'a: 2 girls cry for help after their parents abandoned them Patience Ozokwo with all her children and grandkids. Source: @patienceozokwo Source: UGC READ ALSO: Mike Sonko condoles Oliech's family following passing of Kevin Opiyo According to her, in 2019, all her children and grandchildren came to spend Christmas with her. The actress revealed that it was the first time in seven years that she had her children and grandchildren together with her. READ ALSO: Mimi ndio hutafuta chuma, mtangazaji Lilian Muli asema The film star stated there were no plans before hand for the reunion and that her children only happened to be home at the same time. She said it was a blessing in disguise as they were not even aware that the coronavirus would happen to grind the world to a halt. "Thank you God for making my kids to all come home last Christmas solely to spend time with me. The first time in seven years we were all together. There was no ceremony planned, they came back just for us to be together. God knew we would not be free to travel this year. I am blessed indeed," she wrote. READ ALSO: I still cry: Ruth Matete says she now understands why God took away her husband In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported of a Ukrainian woman who was banned from flying after opening a planes emergency exit and hopping on the wing following what she termed as too much heat. According to Ukraine International Airlines, the lady cracked open the door after the airplane landed and rushed to the wing. The Sun reported the mother of two had just arrived in Turkey and wanted to get some fresh air. The incident took place a little after other passengers had already exited the vessel but the woman seemingly thought she needed to cool off first. A passenger said the womans kids got outside and shouted this is our mum when they saw the woman seated calmly on the wing. 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. Follow up: My husband's family took everything from me after he died and called my children garbage /TUKO TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Lionel Messi is staying at Barcelona and Julio Maldonado 'Maldini' believes that club president Josep Maria Bartomeu deserves praise for standing firm and ensuring that the star forward remained at the Camp Nou. The player wanted to leave, but the president wouldn't allow him to and MARCA analyst Maldini believes this is what Bartomeu had to do. "Messi staying in LaLiga is a magnificent piece of news for Barcelona and for LaLiga," he said after Friday's announcement. "From Messi's point of view, it's clear that he wanted to go and he hasn't left because he couldn't leave, not because he didn't want to. "There was no club that really could push for taking Barcelona to court over this. "Messi didn't have any real possibility of leaving, given how Barcelona responded to this. "I think Bartomeu did well and did what any president of a club like Barcelona should, doing everything possible to keep his star. "He did the best for the club. "You can like or not the manner of it. "But I think Bartomeu has done what was best for the club, with Messi staying at Barcelona being fundamental for the club for next season. "Messi will fight 100 percent in every match, as always. "So, Barcelona will be a lot better next season with Messi than without Messi. "People will enjoy Messi's goals again and all this will be pushed to the background." Students will have to wear masks on the bus. When entering school. And in the halls. But when it comes to classrooms, some Central New York school districts say the masks can come off when kids are seated six feet apart in class and receiving instruction from the teacher. Nearly 500 Burundian refugees living in Rwanda returned to their home country on Thursday, the first group to return after five years in exile following deadly political violence sent many fleeing. The United Nations has said hundreds of people were killed in the turmoil following the late President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision in 2015 to seek a third term, which critics called unconstitutional. Some Burundian refugees told The Associated Press that they are hopeful that they can rebuild their lives now that a new president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has taken power. He took office in June after winning the election, his swearing-in was moved up by several weeks after Nkurunziza died of a heart attack according to the government. The new president has invited all those in exile to return and build a new nation. Neighboring Rwanda currently hosts close to 72,000 refugees, and 471 of them on Thursday started their journey home. Rwanda's government said this was the first organized voluntary repatriation process, and the country will collaborate with the UN refugee agency on similar operations as more refugees wish to go home. U.S. natural gas prices posted a gain of nearly 50% for August the largest monthly increase in more than a decade. Natural gas for October delivery settled at $2.63 per MMBtu on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Aug 31. For the month, prices surged 46%, the highest since September 2009. The stunning rally follows an unprecedented decline in June to the commoditys lowest level since 1995 due to weak consumption from a warmer-than-expected winter 2019-2020 and a coronavirus-induced drop off in usage. Here are three key reasons for the resurgence: Bump in Cooling Demand: The onset of hotter weather has helped lift natural gas prices by more than 75% since late June. With the commodity being the primary U.S. power plant fuel, firms in natural gas business have gained from the bump in cooling-related usage. Already on the back of a scorching June and July, and continued heat wave in August, natural gas has experienced a ramp-up in air conditioning use. Riding on this positive momentum, prices recently rose to another 2020 high. Decline in Production: The novel coronavirus outbreak remains a big catalyst for balancing the natural gas market. Analysts believe that the brake in skyrocketing shale oil production growth tied to the crude price collapse will also limit associated gas output, thereby cutting the massive supply glut. As a proof of the impending supply drop, the EIA expects the United States to churn out 88.7 billion cubic feet a day (Bcf/d) of dry natural gas this year, down from the 2019 average of 92.2 Bcf/d. Rebounding LNG Exports: The steady improvement in shipments of LNG for export has also facilitated the natural gas market. Volumes flowing to LNG export plants dropped to multi-month lows earlier in the year due to weak international demand. However, there has been a sustained increase in feed gas volumes over the past few weeks on the back of a better demand outlook. This is likely to have translated into rising LNG shipments in August the first in six months and a bullish demand factor for U.S. natural gas prices. Story continues Want to Make the Most of Rising Natural Gas Prices? While all gas-focused stocks stand to benefit from rising commodity prices, companies in the exploration and production (E&P) space are the best placed, as they are able to extract more value for their products. A few of them are also seeing solid activity on the earnings estimate revision front. These positive earnings estimate revisions suggest that analysts are becoming more optimistic on the industrys earnings for the current year. In fact, consensus estimates have moved higher for the period over the past four weeks, suggesting that the firms could be solid choices for investors. We present four companies whose consensus estimates for 2020 have moved higher over four weeks, suggesting that they should be in investors watchlist. SilverBow Resources, Inc. SBOW: A pure-play upstream operator in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas, SilverBow Resources is a natural gas-focused E&P company. Over 30 days, the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 increase 16.9%. SilverBow controls 165,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford and 79% of its total output comprises natural gas. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Range Resources Corporation RRC: The company, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), has a strong footing in the prolific Appalachian Basin. In the gas-rich resource, the upstream firm has huge inventories of low-risk drilling sites that are likely to provide production for several decades. About 70% of the companys total output is natural gas. Over 30 days, Range Resources has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 increase 110.5%. Comstock Resources, Inc. CRK: Comstock is a leading operator in the Haynesville shale a premier natural gas basin - with 307,000 net acres. About 98% of the Zacks Rank #3 companys total output is natural gas. Over 30 days, Comstock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 increase 22.2%. Gulfport Energy Corporation GPOR: The company's asset base primarily focused on natural gas is concentrated on the Utica Shale of Ohio and the SCOOP play in Oklahoma. Gulfport has a combined inventory in excess of 3,000 gross drilling locations in its two primary plays. Of Gulfports total output, nearly 90% comprises natural gas. Over 30 days, the #3 Ranked company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 increase 113.9%. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2021. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Comstock Resources, Inc. (CRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Range Resources Corporation (RRC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR) : Free Stock Analysis Report SilverBow Resources Inc. (SBOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research E nglish holidaymakers in Portugal and Greece can breathe a sigh of relief after the Government decided to keep them on the travel corridor. But travellers from Wales who had decided to venture to the two countries have not been so lucky, and Scotland has also imposed restrictions. However, the rules are not clear cut and in some cases apply to only part of a country, creating a great deal of confusion among travellers. Here's a guide to the ever-changing situation: -Which countries are off the travel-safe list in England? Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on Thursday there would be no change to the travel corridor list, despite predictions that both Greece and Portugal would be declared unsafe. Mr Shapps said: "We continue to keep the travel corridor list under constant review & won't hesitate to remove countries if needed. However, there are no English additions or removals today. "Nonetheless, holidaymakers are reminded - 14-day quarantine countries can & do change at very short notice." -Has Scotland made any changes? Scotland imposed restrictions on Greece on Tuesday and announced on Thursday evening that Portugal and French Polynesia had been blacklisted. Anyone who returned to Scotland from Greece had to be back by 4am on Thursday to avoid quarantine while those returning from Portugal and French Polynesia have until 4am on Saturday. -Who's off the Welsh list? Wales also removed Portugal, although granted exemptions to its Atlantic archipelagos - the Azores and Madeira. Those returning from Gibraltar, French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros, Antiparos and Crete have also been hit with quarantine restrictions as of 4am on Friday. -I want to book a holiday - where should I avoid? Good question. None of the countries in the UK are providing a list of the countries that are subject to 14-day quarantine restrictions for returning travellers, or even a figure for the number that have been blacklisted. Travellers can check the list of travel-safe countries on the UK Government's website and for that of the Welsh and Scottish governments. -I've got a holiday booked to a country that is not on the travel corridor list, what should I do? The Foreign Office advises British nationals against "all but essential travel" to the countries that have not been declared travel corridors. In England, those who still decide to travel to one of these countries must self-isolate for 14 days upon their return or risk a fine of up to 1,000, and of up to 3,200 if they falsify details on their contact tracing form. Scotland is issuing fixed penalty notices of 480 for those who fail to quarantine while Wales will also fine travellers up to 1,000 if they refuse to comply with the rules. -My holiday destination still has no self-isolation requirement, will that change? Those who head to a country on the travel corridor list must keep a close eye on their respective government's announcements to ensure their destination's status does not change while they are abroad. Some tourists have had to fork out hundreds of pounds for the next flight home to make it back before the quarantine requirement comes into force. The UK Government and the devolved administrations make their decisions based on the fluctuating rate of transmission rates in each foreign country. Scotland has already warned Gibraltar is on the verge of losing its travel-safe status. -What about employers whose employees have to quarantine? Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has previously said no worker following quarantine guidance should be penalised by employers, including by being put on to sick pay. He said that if someone is following the law in relation to quarantine and self-isolating, "they can't have penalties taken against them". "The Government is urging employers to be understanding of those returning from these destinations who now will need to self-isolate", he DfT said. A team of LSU Health New Orleans radiologists investigated the usefulness of chest X-rays in COVID-19 and found they could aid in a rapid diagnosis of the disease, especially in areas with limited testing capacity or delayed test results. Their findings are published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, available here. "In mid to late March of this year, when COVID-19 cases were spiking in New Orleans, we recognized an unusual pattern on chest x-rays that seemed to correlate with COVID positivity," notes David Smith, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine. The radiologists conducted a retrospective study of nearly 400 persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 in New Orleans. They reviewed the patients' chest X-rays along with concurrent reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) virus tests. Using well-documented COVID-19 imaging patterns, two experienced radiologists categorized each chest x-ray as characteristic, nonspecific, or negative in appearance for COVID-19. The radiologists found a characteristic chest x-ray appearance is highly specific (96.6%) and has a high positive predictive value of 83.8% for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the setting of pandemic. "The presence of patchy and/or confluent, band-like ground glass opacity or consolidation in a peripheral and mid-to-lower lung zone distribution on a chest radiograph is highly suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection and should be used in conjunction with clinical judgment to make a diagnosis," says Bradley Spieler MD, Associate Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and Vice Chairman of Research in the Department of Radiology at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine. The chest radiograph, while low in sensitivity, can indicate COVID-19 in patients whose radiographs exhibit characteristic COVID-19 findings, when used in concert with clinical factors. While not a substitute for RT-PCR virus tests or Chest CT, radiographs could provide a rapid, cost-effective diagnosis of COVID-19 in a subset of infected patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The utility of this technique is described in the context of known disadvantages of RT-PCR, considered the gold standard in COVID-19 diagnosis, and Chest CT, which is currently not recommended for COVID-19 diagnosis. " John-Paul Grenier, MD, LSU Health New Orleans Radiology Resident "This discovery is useful to aid in diagnosis in the setting of pandemic spread of COVID-19, especially when adequate testing is lacking," says Dr. Smith. "We believe this work has great potential to aid all health care providers in the fight against COVID-19," concludes Dr. Spieler. Catherine Batte, MS, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Louisiana State University, also collaborated on the study. "The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially tough on the people of New Orleans," declares Dr. Grenier. "We hope that the insights we've gained from studying this disease in our community can be used to help other communities across the globe." By PTI BEIJING: China on Thursday said India's decision to ban 118 Chinese APPs is not beneficial to the Indian users nor to China's businesses and claimed it violated WTO rules. India on Wednesday banned 118 more mobile apps with Chinese links, including the popular game PUBG, citing data privacy concerns and a threat to national security, taking the total count of Chinese-linked mobile apps banned by New Delhi to 224. India's move came amid fresh border tensions with China in eastern Ladakh. Responding to a question on India's fresh ban on Chinese apps at a Commerce Ministry briefing here, spokesman Gao Feng said, "the Indian side abused the concept of 'national security' and adopted discriminatory restrictive measures against Chinese companies, violating relevant World Trade Organisation rules. China urges India to correct its wrong practices." "China-India economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. It is hoped that the two countries will jointly maintain the hard-won cooperation and development situation and create an open and fair business environment for international investors and service providers, including Chinese companies," state-run CGTN quoted Gao as saying. At a separate Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesperson Hua Chunying in her reaction to the ban on Chinese apps, said, "the Indian user's rights and interests are first harmed. And, Chinese business's rights and interests will also be harmed. So, what India has done is not beneficial to anyone." ALSO READ | Itching for a virtual fight after PUBG ban, gamers explore other battle royale apps She also noted that the US State Department on the same day cited New Delhi's ban and called on other countries to join India to roll out the clean network initiative. "So, I don't know if there is any correlation or interaction between India and the US," she claimed. "But India is an ancient civilisation with wise people. They should know what the US has done in cyber security for example Dirtbox, prism, Irritant Horn, Muscular and under-sea cable tapping Indian people must have the wisdom to tell whether the US practice on cybersecurity is clean or dirty," Hua said. "We hope India could stay committed to its precious independence in decision-making," she said. "We hope the people of China and the people of India can conduct normal exchange or cooperation in all sectors. And they should not because of temporary short-sightedness hurt the long-term interests of both countries and peoples," she said, any avoiding any reference to the border tensions. ALSO READ | India bans PUBG, 117 other Chinese apps as border standoff lingers Stating that India and China are ancient civilisations with splendid cultures and the exchange between the two sides have been going on for thousands of years, she referred to the popularity of Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore in China and referred to his poem "we misread the world". "Also, Yoga is becoming more and more popular in China including myself. I am very fond of Indian culture. But we do not think that Indian culture or the poems or other things are infiltrating here or are posing any threat to the Chinese culture," she said. She said the intermingling of different cultures is conducive to promoting people's mutual understanding and friendship. "So, we hope that the Indian side can bear in mind the friendship of the two peoples and long-term interests and work to promote bilateral exchange and cooperation," the spokesperson said. A cyclist who allegedly left a pensioner with a broken jaw in a road rage attack has handed himself into police. Graeme Gibb, 76, was allegedly punched by a lycra-wearing cyclist while en route to his weekly Sunday walk at Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast. On Friday, a 46-year-old man was charged with one count of serious assault after he handed himself to police. The cyclist took himself to the station after a photograph of him and his grey Trek bicycle was shared hundreds of times on social media. Graeme Gibb, 76, (pictured with daughter Alisha) was allegedly punched by a lycra-wearing cyclist while en route to his weekly Sunday walk at Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast Mr Gibb said he holds no ill will to his alleged attacker, despite claiming the ordeal could have been fatal. 'In reality he could have killed me, I could have fallen down, hit my head on the concrete, I could have had a brain malfunction,' he told Daily Mail Australia. The great grandfather feared for his family if he didn't survive the alleged attack. 'I have three children and ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren and they are all young and to lose their pa, their grandpa, their father and their great grandfather,' he said. 'They would have to live the rest of their lives without me.' Mr Gibb is not allowed to eat solid foods for at least six weeks and if his broken jaw doesn't heal he will be forced to get screws and metal plates put in. He has been making good use of his blender since he isn't able to chew anymore. 'The police told me to save every single receipt that you've got because he's going to be paying for it,' Mr Gibb said. The cyclist took himself to the station after a photograph of him and his grey Trek bicycle was shared hundreds of times on social media Mr Gibb has three children, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren (pictured) Mr Gibb said he did not fight back at the cyclist during the alleged ordeal. 'I didn't have any anger. I never even picked up my hand to him. I didn't even touch him, so it's kind of sad,' he said. Mr Gibb has since become friends with the woman who photographed the alleged culprit. The chain of events unfolded after Mr Gibb made an offhand comment to two cyclists travelling along the road. He was driving from his gym session to the Miami Hotel car park when he came across the cyclists taking up the lane. Mr Gibb said he holds no ill will to his attacker, despite claiming the ordeal could have been fatal Mr Gibb's daugher Alisha said she is thankful for the community support following the alleged assault He leaned out the window and called out to them. 'I said why don't you guys cycle in a single lane?' he said. Mr Gibb passed the cyclists but when he parked his vehicle in the car park, he was approached by one of the riders. 'They kind of looked threatening to me... and then I just got an almighty whack to the chin, and down on the knees I went,' he said. Bystanders surrounded the accused and snapped his photo before he allegedly fled on foot. Before taking off, the cyclist allegedly picked up the retiree's car keys and hurled them on top of the roof at Dan Murphy's. Pictured: Graeme Gibb with his daughter Alisha Gibb and her two children Mr Gibb's daugher Alisha said she is thankful for the community support following the alleged assault. 'Nobody deserves to be treated by someone the way my Dad did, especially at his age,' she told the Courier Mail. 'It's overwhelming the amount of people who jumped in so quickly to help him. 'I'm very pleased ... that my Dad can now move on from this and recover.' The 46-year-old will face Southport Magistrates Court on September 25. CCI approves SABIC's additional acquisition in Clariant A Gunder The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved acquisition of an additional 6.51 per cent stake in Clariant A Gunder by SABIC International Holdings BV. The proposed combination relates to an incremental acquisition of 6.51% shareholding in Clariant AG by SABIC BV (a wholly owned affiliate of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). SABIC is a listed joint stock company established by royal decree of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SABIC is listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange and has operations in over 50 countries. SABIC BV is the holding company of SABIC's international operations, including SABIC's investments in the specialties sector. The four product segments in which SABIC is mainly active are petrochemicals, agri-nutrients, metals, and specialties materials. Clariant AG is a Swiss chemicals company headquartered in Muttenz, and is listed on the Swiss Exchange. It is active in the production and worldwide distribution of specialty chemicals. Clariant supplies its products to a variety of downstream sectors, including personal care, oil and mining, crop solutions and industrial applications. Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited, the Indian arm of Clariant AG, last month reported profit before tax of Rs4.1 crore for the quarter ended June 2020, against a profit before tax of Rs10.5 crore for the quarter ended June 2019 following a drop of 61 per cent caused by the impact of Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent continued nationwide lockdown. The company saw sales decline by 39 per cent to Rs128.9 crore for the quarter ended June 2020 against Rs209.8 crore for the corresponding quarter in the previous year. The approval of the CCI is without prejudice to the proceedings under Section 43A of the Act. CCI said it would come out with a detailed order later. MATTAWAN, MI -- Two teachers and one support staff member from Mattawan Consolidated School are quarantining away from others after the support staff member tested positive for COVID-19, school leaders say. A support staff member at Later Elementary School tested positive for the virus Thursday, Sept. 3, Superintendent Randy Fleenor told MLive Friday. Two teachers who were in close contact with the staff member are quarantining out of precaution, he said. Mattawan students began the school year completely virtual, Fleenor said. No students were identified as having been in close contact with the staff member, he said. After the staff member tested positive, the district implemented its protocols and is following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local health department, Fleenor said. The two teachers now quarantined met the CDCs definition of close contact, which is defined as any individual who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before the onset of illness. The teachers are excluded from school until 14 days after their last day of close contact, according to district protocols. Because of the districts decision for a fully virtual start to the 2020-21 school year, students are not learning inside buildings with teachers during Stage A of Mattawans Return to Learning plan. The school district plans to decide this week whether it will move to a hybrid model, Stage B, beginning on Sept. 21, Fleenor said, which would include in-person instruction options. Also on MLive: Coronavirus in local schools is inevitable, Kalamazoo County health director says Whitmer reopens gyms, giving the green light to high school sports No in-person classes? No problem. This Michigan school has a personal solution Eight in ten migrants who reach Britain in small boats are refused asylum, Home Office chiefs revealed yesterday. Around 2,500 of this year's 5,500 arrivals have had their claims assessed yet only 20 per cent were successful. It means roughly 2,000 should be deported but very few have been just 185 since as far back as October 2018. Yesterday 11 migrants were returned to Spain but it came a day after a record 416 more reached the UK from France. Around 2,500 of this year's 5,500 arrivals have had their claims assessed yet only 20 per cent were successful (pictured, migrants in a dinghy sail towards south coast of England) The deportation flight was finally sanctioned when a judge dismissed a 'large number of legal challenges' at a hearing that went on until 2am. The removal of 17 migrants to another safe European country was blocked by similar last-minute legal challenges, the Commons home affairs committee was told yesterday. Most asylum applications are rejected because the claimants passed through countries where they should have applied to stay first. The former Royal Marine tasked with halting the crossings told MPs on the committee that efforts were failing. 'Nobody in the world has solved this problem,' said Dan O'Mahoney. 'Ruthless criminals are taking advantage of the vulnerability of these migrants, some of whom don't even want to come to the UK. We are hearing a lot of stories about migrants who are literally forced on to boats. They have no idea where they are when they get to the UK.' Mr O'Mahoney said 'unprecedented weather patterns' in July and August had led to the surge in arrivals. The 5,500 total this year is already three times the figure for 2019. Strong winds and choppy waters meant there were no arrivals yesterday. Downing Street said the record daily number of crossings on Wednesday was 'completely unacceptable'. French police stopped another 200 migrants from launching small boats on beaches near Calais, one with 63 passengers. The Prime Minister's spokesman said 34 people smugglers have been jailed this year as a result of UK investigations and more than 3,000 attempts had been stopped by French authorities. The figures on unsuccessful asylum claims were given to the Commons committee by Abi Tierney, a Home Office immigration chief. The huge numbers have put Home Secretary Priti Patel under renewed pressure. Eight in ten migrants who reach Britain in small boats are refused asylum, Home Office chiefs revealed yesterday (pictured, RNLI boat brings people thought to be migrants into Dover) A source said she was 'straining every sinew' and 'won't stop until small boat crossings are totally unviable'. The source added: 'Despite the best efforts of the activist lawyers and the intransigence of certain EU countries we have again today kicked people out of the country who have no right to be here.' Miss Patel is seeking an agreement with the French to allow migrant boats to be turned back to Calais. None has been forthcoming despite the UK giving 114million to Paris over five years to fund anti-migrant patrols. Adam Holloway, Tory MP for Gravesham in Kent, said: 'We have to send out the message that if you arrive in Britain illegally, smashing down the door of our immigration laws, then you will not stay in Britain. 'We've got very large numbers of fit young men who have spent many, many thousands of dollars travelling through various places around the world who are seeking asylum, but are coming in with the knowledge that they will eventually be given political asylum.' Josie Norris, Staff / San Antonio Express-News San Antonio will likely see rainfall and showers for Labor Day weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Eric Poatt, National Weather Service meteorologist, told mySA.com showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon in San Antonio, mainly in the Northern area of Bexar County. My father fears what Im about to say will make me unable to find a job in the future. He may be right. My whole family worries about my health, as do I, and we have good reason to do so. I feel now more than ever that I must speak up regardless of consequence or retribution because to remain silent about this truly and uniquely American experience would be wrong. I did all the ... (click for more) - Akufo-Addo said Ghana and Nigeria will live and work freely without any inhibitions - According to him Nigerians living in Ghana are safe and can continue to live, work, and trade in the country peacefully. - He made the comments when Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday, September 3 - Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pledged to do whatever is necessary to strengthen the already-strong relations between Ghana and Nigeria. According to President Akufo-Addo, it is important for the progress of West Africa and, indeed, Africa, Ghana and Nigeria are seen to be working together. The President made this known on Thursday, September 3, 2020, when the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila, paid a courtesy call on him at Jubilee House, Ghanaian Times reported. Akufo-Addo holds discussion with Nigerian speaker of Parliament. Source: Jubilee House. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Gabby Otchere-Darkos law firm pocketed US$103,000 from Agyapa deal - Kweku Baako blows alarm Welcoming Nigerias Speaker and his delegation to Ghana, Akufo-Addo explained that when the statement from the Nigerian Minister for Information warning Ghana over incessant harassment of Nigerians came out, he was very much alarmed. I was alarmed because, if they were the sentiments and attitudes of the Federal Government of Nigeria, then we were in a really serious problem, he said. Commending Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila for taking up the invitation, President Akufo-Addo stated that the result of the meeting between the Ghanaian and Nigerian Speakers is the way forward, and very acceptable to him. The idea of legislation to promote a Ghana-Nigeria Business Council, that will have superintendence over trade and investment matters between our two countries, is well overdue. President Nana Addo also stated that it will be a good idea also to set up a joint Ministerial Committee for Ministers on both sides, who would be responsible for shepherding Ghana-Nigerian issues. READ ALSO: Dagbon is deeply grateful to President Akufo-Addo - Ya Na President Akufo-Addo finally urged Ghanaians and Nigerians to build on the strong relations that have existed between the two countries YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the leader of the Minority in parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has sent a stern warning to the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to the NDC man, the NPP should note that they are not the only violent group in the country. In an interview with TV XYZ, the lawyer said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not countenance any form of violence from the ruling government in the upcoming elections. "Akufo-Addo deserves more than 8 years" - Ghanaian woman commends | #Yencomgh READ ALSO: COVID-19: Ghanas coronavirus death toll hits 280; active cases below 1000 Got a story you think we should know about? Get interactive via our Facebook page! Source: YEN.com.gh Former Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan became the latest Republican to publicly rebuke President Trump and endorse former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. for president. In a column posted Thursday by USA Today and the Detroit Free Press, Mr. Snyder called Mr. Trump a bully who didnt deserve to be re-elected. He joined a number of other prominent Republican officials who have thrown their support behind the Democratic nominee. When elected to office, you do not represent only your supporters, you represent all of your constituents, Mr. Snyder wrote. I was at the nations Capitol when Trump gave his inaugural address. I had hoped this first speech as president would be a message to unify a divided nation. Instead, I heard a speech directed at how he would help the people who supported him. And sadly, that is how President Trump continues to govern. He called Mr. Biden a man with strong moral character and empathy who would bring civility back to a nation that is badly divided. As the region is witnessing a new wave of normalization with Israel, Iraqi Jews are seeking an opportunity to visit their homeland, Iraq, just as Israelis are now able to visit the United Arab Emirates. Yesterday we celebrated the first flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi, Linda Menuhin Abdul Aziz said in a video posted on her Facebook page. We are passionately waiting for the time that we can fly from Tel Aviv to Baghdad and we welcome you as well here in Israel. Linda is an Iraqi Jewish political analyst who left Iraq in 1971 after her father went missing. Almost 70 years after stripping them from their nationality and forcibly expelling them from their homeland, Iraqi Jews still have not forgotten Iraq and they do not miss an opportunity in raising their demands for the restoration of their Iraqi citizenship. On the eve of your meetings with the US administration in Washington, please allow me to put before you this appeal, with the sincere hope that you will take a courageous stand to ensure justice is served for the Iraqi Jewish community, which has suffered decades of ostracism and exclusion, Edwin Shuker, vice president of the board of deputies of British Jews and former vice president of the European Jewish Congress, wrote in a letter Aug. 19 addressed to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The Iraqi Jewish community numbered about 150,000 in 1947, a year before the establishment of the State of Israel. A census taken in the early part of the 20th century concluded that 40% of the total population of the capital Baghdad was Jewish. Stripped of their nationality and forcibly deported, the only option for the vast majority of Iraqi Jews was immigrating to Israel. Today, Jews of Iraqi origin in Israel also known as Bavlim (Hebrew for Babylonians) now number close to half a million. A small number of them had the opportunity to settle in Europe and North America. Shuker is among those few. His family stayed in Iraq until the summer of 1971 and were later granted asylum in the United Kingdom, where they have been living ever since. We feel the time has come to put a stop to the policy of exclusion based on race or religion, Shuker told Kadhimi in his letter. Shuker visited Iraq several times and he went to Baghdad, Mosul and even the holy Shiite city of Najaf. He visited several Jewish holy sites in different parts of Iraq, from the north to the far south. He produced a film called "Remember Baghdad" on Iraq's last Jews telling the story of their homeland Iraq. Al-Monitor asked Shuker about the intention behind demanding his citizenship back. I was born in Baghdad on July 23, 1955, to Iraqi parents and my ancestors have been living on this land since 586 B.C., he said. My right for nationality is guaranteed by the Iraqi Constitution. After the removal of the Baath party in Iraq in 2003, Iraq's Nationality Law was amended in 2006. The new law provides the right to restore nationality for Iraqis who had lost theirs as a result of political, racial or sectarian factors. But Article 17/II of this law expressly excludes Jews and only Jews from pursuing this option. Iraq cannot begin to build a civil society with rights to its citizens until it reconciles with the injustice committed against many of its components including the Jews, Shuker said. It is time to start this process. Menuhin believes that demanding the right to citizenship is a moral matter for Jews. They are not thinking of returning to Iraq, especially in these critical circumstances, but they would like to keep the connection. Jews were excluded from returning to Iraq, even though they were the original inhabitants of Mesopotamia and carry a history of 2,600 years, she said. They contributed to building Iraq in all periods especially in the modern era. Israel opened a virtual embassy in Iraq in 2018, which has attracted thousands of Iraqis on Facebook. Restoration of citizenship for Iraqi Jews contributes to implanting cultural pluralism in Iraq and promote justice, Menuhin noted. For the above reason, Iraqi civil society actually is pushing toward this goal much more than the Iraqi Jews themselves. In the same vein, Shuker told Kadhimi, The opportunity is there for Your Excellency to reverse the policy of exclusion and begin an era of building bridges, ending past injustices and connecting with Iraqis in the diaspora who would welcome the opportunity to help rebuild the country with their skills. Kadhimi has been talking about turning Iraq from a battleground into a place of peace and cooperation, highlighting this goal frequently. Despite all the sufferings of the Iraqi Jewish community during their painful journey from Iraq to Israel and elsewhere, many of them managed to preserve the Arabic language and Iraqi culture. Iraqi Jews still have a strong sense of belonging to the country in which they and their parents and grandparents were born, David Basson, an Iraqi Jewish writer, told Al-Monitor. We are an extinct generation, so our children and grandchildren have no relationship with Iraq. We try to remind them that we are from the roots of Iraq and without Babylon there would have been no Jewish people or a Jewish religion. Shuker and Menuhin explain that there is no political agenda behind the demands to regain their citizenship. For me Iraq is my roots, my heritage and my identity, as I am a descendant of a people who lived continuously in Mesopotamia for over 2,600 years, Shuker noted. I want to be able to pass on this lineage and this legacy to my children because it is their right and it is their DNA. Iraqi Jews simply want to keep their connection with their cultural roots, according to Menuhin, who believes that there are many benefits for Iraq as well in restoring the Jewish citizenship. Iraqi Jews have been a powerful community in Iraq in the fields of economy, education and technology, and so they can participate in Iraqs reconstruction. Moreover, there are many religious sites and historical attractions that can make Iraq a most desirable destination for religious and cultural tourism. The historic and cultural heritage should be preserved and cherished as a symbol of the glorious civilizations that graced this land and is the very identity of Mesopotamia, Shuker told Kadhimi in his letter. Since 2003, the millennial religious heritage of the Jews of Iraq and their properties have been systematically stolen and plundered. The shrine of the Prophet Ezekiel in Al-Kifl being a prime example of cultural expropriation. Shuker told Al-Monitor that Jews should be able to visit the shrines of their prophets, their cemeteries and their historical landmarks regardless of the status of the relationship between Iraq and Israel. A political dispute should not have become a religious one, he concluded. An Alliance councillor said he watched on "in complete frustration" as a row erupted during a meeting of Belfast City Council over the term "North Of Ireland" during a debate. At one stage Michael Long told his fellow councillors to "catch themselves on" after a half hour session of "Punch and Judy, pantomime politics". DUP and Sinn Fein members exchanged petulant jibes on Tuesday night over the use of the term "North Of Ireland" in a debate over housing standards. They reprimanded each other as "petty" and "childish" after the DUP's Dale Pankhurst asked for an amendment on a Sinn Fein housing motion, which involved changing the words "North of Ireland" to "Northern Ireland". "It was so frustrating that when we actually had the DUP and Sinn Fein agreeing over a policy, they had to resort back to Punch and Judy, pantomime politics in front of everyone," said Mr Long. "It looks sad and petty to everyone watching on in despair, but it's typical of what we have to put up with on Belfast City Council. "In the end I just had to say what everyone else was thinking: 'Catch yourselves on'." The debate on the matter, which involved more time spent on the terminology of the region than housing conditions, ended with the council agreeing to use the term "this district". "It was terribly disappointing to have to watch that," added Alliance's Peter McReynolds. "It was a remote meeting and when the bickering started you could just see the faces drop on the screen. "The atmosphere completely changed from one of being positive to one of 'here we go again'. "It's a shame that a petty squabble is detracting from a meeting which saw so many positive things happening. "As a council we need to be seen to be doing positive things for the city. "This is 2020. There are much better things we could be spending our time doing other than embarrassing the council like this. "People don't want to see it. They want us to be making their lives better, not giving up our meetings to petulant, childish jibes back and forth. We're in the middle of a global pandemic and people deserve better." Sinn Fein's Claire Canavan had forwarded the motion urging a Stormont review of housing standards. The motion asked councillors to note "that the current housing fitness standard that is applied to private rented housing in the North of Ireland is the statutory minimum physical standard which focuses on the most basic structural standards for human habitation and applies to all tenures. It was last updated in 1992". Mr Pankhurst said: "The DUP agrees with the sentiment of this motion. "I deal with more housing cases than I do anything else." But he proposed two amendments to replace the term North of Ireland with Northern Ireland, and to add paragraphs on social housing. Green councillor Mal O'Hara added: "I want to express exasperation that amendments have corrected other people's terminology in what they call this place. I think we could do with a lot more respect." Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough, senior leadership of India and China finally meet aiming to resolve the four months long tension brewing along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe met for the first time on Friday in Russia to discuss the ongoing standoff in the eastern Ladakh. Both the leaders are in Russia to attend the SCO Defence Minister meeting. The meeting holds significance as the armies of India and China are deployed in standoff positions with mirror deployment of the infantry, armoured, artillery, missiles and combat aircrafts positioned to react swiftly in case of any eventuality. Rajnath Singh, while addressing the Combined Meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Member States in Moscow during the day had emphasised that, Peaceful, stable and secure region of SCO member states which is home to over 40 per cent of global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each others interest and peaceful resolution of differences. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Chinese Defence Minister, General Fenghe in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/BDXFAYAVjn / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 ALSO READ | New headache for Delhi? China funding anti-India stir on Nepal border, say sources The ongoing tension turned ugly on 15 June with a deadly clash taking place in Galwan Valley which lead to casualties on the both sides. While India made public the death of its 20 soldiers, China did not make public the casualty figure even after publicly acknowledging it. While Chinese PLA ingressed into areas of Finger 4 and Depsang where the claim lines of India and China on the 826 kilometers long Line of Actual Control in Ladakh have a difference of perception, Indian Army repositioned its deployment on the intervening night of August 29/30. Indian soldiers have not only occupied heights between Chushul and Spanggur Gap which is on the southern Bank of Pangong Tso, they have respositioned to a better tactical position on the North bank of Pangong Lake with soldiers reaching the ridge areas of the Finger 4 which are on the level of the Chinese positions. India has been reiterating its stand to resolve the matter peacefully with dialogue. The two countries have done precautionary deployment all along the 3488 km long LAC. Decoding SHEIN, online clothing giant By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-09-04 08:42 While Donald Trump is banning TikTok in the US, another Chinese fashion brand SHEIN has now come under the spotlight as it is on the list of 59 Chinese mobile apps restricted in India. Despite being a Chinese company, it was little known by Chinese consumers before the trade wars exploded. When it popped into the Chinese publics eye, it was already a global industry champion with an estimated value of 15 billion dollars. SHEIN is one of the biggest online retail brands in India, with an established reputation of delivering designer clothes and stylish garments at reasonable prices. It finished its series E funding on August 4 and in the previous five rounds of funding, it had garnered more than 553 million USD investment from Sequoia Capital, IDG Capital and Shunwei Capital, among others. With the United States, Europe and the Middle East being SHEINs major overseas markets, the brands territory covers 220 countries and regions, including India. In the first six months of 2020, the brands sales volume surpassed 40 billion RMB (5.86 billion USD). Considering the growth of global online e-commerce spurred by COVID-19, it is possible for SHEIN to reach the goal of 2020 set last year despite the economic turbulence, said a former middle manager of SHEIN. (The brand has 12.6 million followers on Instagram.) The brand was founded in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province in 2008. Twelve years passed, and many companies are copying SHEINs mode of supply chain. But few of them previously knew how the brand has grown step by step. Its competitiveness lies largely in a strong back-end supply chain ecosystem. 95% of SHEINs global products are shipped from a domestic warehouse in Foshan, Guangdong Province. At the same time, the company has many overseas transit warehousesin Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Italy, Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia. As datafrom 2019 show, the inventory of the Foshan warehouse was approximately 30 million pieces (about 400,000-500,000 SKUs) compared with 10 million pieces in overseas warehouse (about 150,000 SKUs). There are also operational warehouses inHong Kong,Belgium, Delhi, and the northern and western parts of the US, responsible for the distribution of goods in surrounding areas. They cover about 5%of SHEINs global shipments. Moreover, SHEIN has a complicated supply chain information system, which is hard for competitors to duplicate, because for different supply chain links, it has a distinctive information system. At present, most people in the market like to compare SHEIN with Spanish fashion group ZARA. With 2,270 stores in 202 markets around the world, the annual net revenue of ZARA in 2019 reached 19.56 billion euros, while the sales of SHEIN in 2019 were between 1/5 and 1/6 of ZARA. Sales volume, for sure, is not the only criterion if SHEIN wants to beat ZARA. However, be it asset scaleandglobal supply chain network, orbrand building and corporate culture,SHEIN still has a long way to go to surpass the Spanish fast fashion brand. Photos by Jiemian.com Asuran is a story of a Dalit, Sivasamy (played by Dhanush), and his family. It is an unusual story in that it doesnt succumb to violence or revenge, but rises about it. Historically, Indian cinema exploited the labour of Dalits in its making, whilst erasing or appropriating their stories. This was not an accidental practice. When their stories were told on screen, it would be by savarnas who also played their characters with patriarchal, sexist and casteist undertones. The scenario has slowly changed, and the identity of Dalit characters in cinema directed by a Dalit (and a few non-Dalit) filmmakers has become explicit, transcending boundaries of caste and class. These filmmakers have helped shape visual storytelling that combines justice with aesthetics. Justice with aesthetics was rarely present in cinema made by savarnas, or it was seldom honest. Dalit-Bahujan filmmakers have filled this gap, while creating a new wave of cinema that is more appealing to a Dalit-Bahujan audience. In this series, we examine 10 Indian films that count not only among the finest cinema the country has produced, but are also intertwined with justice, politics, and aesthetic. *** Drawn by its trailer and the presence of Dhanush, I found myself seated in a theatre in October 2019, watching Asuran. I was possibly among the few non-Tamil audience members, but confident Id be able to follow the film with the help of subtitles, I settled in. The lights dimmed and the film came on. The subtitles, however, didnt. I decided to attempt to follow the story nonetheless. I did not understand the language, the words, but I understood the story. Yes, a story is more than the language in which it is told I was convinced of it that day. A story told trough cinema is altogether different because it is incorporates sound, colour, expression and exhibition of touch, with its context. In this sense, a story of cinema exists beyond language, or sometimes without language as well. When you share the sounds, colours, expressions and context of touch from the movie in your life, you converge into that story. You become a part of it, ceasing to be a mere viewer. The reason this needs to be understood is because the viewership in India that comprises Dalit-Bahujan people rarely finds this convergence when watching mainstream cinema, produced by savarnas. Further, the language of Bollywood cinema Hindi may be understood by most of northern, western and central India, but it cannot be said that everyone who understands the language, relates to it. In this light, it might become easier to see why Asuran, a Tamil movie, can be perfectly understood by Dalit-Bahujan masses across northern-western-central India. This attests to the universality of the stories of Dalits, which transcends the boundaries of language. Asuran provides us a new national hero, who in his vision is fundamentally democratic and upholds the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity. Asuran is the hero we need, long invisible-ised (and in due course erased) by mainstream cinema and Bollywood. *** Asuran is a story of a Dalit, Sivasamy (played by Dhanush), and his family. It is an unusual story in that it doesnt succumb to violence or revenge, but rises about it. Sivasamy and his younger son Chidambaram are on the run after the latter slays an upper caste landlord Narasimhan, responsible for the brutal murder of Velmurugan, Sivasamys older son. Chidambaram is now being sought by Narasimhans vengeful brother. We see flashbacks to Sivasamys past, when he was a young man employed by a liquor brewer and landlord. When Sivasamys lover and her family, and his brother are all killed, he avenges them all. He leaves the village and starts life anew elsewhere, working on a farm and raising a family with Pachaiyamma (Manju Warier). When violence returns to his life, Sivasamy wants to surrender before the court on behalf of Chidambaram. But their way to court is dogged by Narasimhans brother at every step, with their lives in jeopardy. In a previous essay, I examined how Asurans climax and Sivasamys dialogue in it showcased the makers vision. The movie creates a strong impact because it dares to go, in its climax scene, beyond the revenge of its protagonist, Sivasamy. He moves past his history of assertion, of violence and bloodshed. As someone prone to humiliation but resisting it from time to time, in the last scene of the movie, he tells Chidambaran, If we own farmland, they will seize it. If we carry money they will snatch it. But if we have education they can never take it from us. And smiles. Sivasamis smile symbolises the arrival and the acquisition of meaning in the life of this rebel, who fights landlords and their casteism, and stands up for a dignified life. As I concluded then, Asuran is not a revenge drama; it is the rebel biopic of an entire community, who from being called untouchables have recently shed their victimhood; whove adapted democratic means and asserted that with education a world with justice, fraternity and liberty is possible. Where revenge dramas end with the killing of the enemy, Asuran tells the story of how Dalits live, each day in their own way, fighting, resisting, trying to make sense of what comes from Ambedkar: educate, organise, agitate. Indeed, Asurans climax is phenomenal in the context of the history of Dalit characters in Indian cinema. Since Dalits were assumed and portrayed in movies out of savarna fantasies largely, none of whom have social engagement with Dalits emotional world, these characters remained agency-less. Savarna society hailed Dalits as the lowest of the low and the same belief has been replicated into their movies. Asuran breaks this stereotype, and challenges the ideological locations of savarna heroes. It captures the entire Dalit communitys realisation over the years that they have no better way to liberate themselves than education. Such a large community, whose perceptions, aesthetics, dreams were never captured honestly by movies in India Asuran is the film that changes this. It is rise of the Dalit hero in the national imagination. * Yogesh Maitreya is a poet, translator and founder of Panther's Paw Publication, an anti-caste publishing house. He is pursuing a PhD at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. 'Role models' for KC: Chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award Ten Kansas City companies - including a handful of up-and-coming startups and popular food and beverage hotspots - are vying for the Chamber's top honor: the coveted Mr. K award. "Today's the day!" said Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, announcing the top 10 small business of the year finalists Friday morning across social media. Well deserved accolades for these locals who are still in biz and enjoy a great deal of free advertising and love from local media.Read more: A Lecturer at the Global Health Department of the School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology KNUST (KNUST), Dr. John Amoasi, has urged Ghanaians to tread cautiously to prevent a spike of COVID-19 active cases following the easing up of restrictions. He noted that Ghana was currently recording a reduction of new active cases but could experience a rebound if the laid down protocols were not strictly observed. The Lecturer, who was speaking during an interview on Accra based Joy FM on Friday, September 4, said upcoming events such as political rallies and other activities prior and during the 2020 December elections could trigger an increase in new active cases. He noted that the government must also focus on ensuring that the laid done protocols, particularly at the airport were observed. We are at the point where people gather, therefore, we must put in place measures that will reduce the spread of the disease, and identify, isolate, and treat visitors that come into the country. If we follow through with exactly what we have proposed then we anticipate that very few people would slip through, and those with the disease will be isolated and treated," he added. Ghanas case According to the Ghana Health Service's latest update on COVID-19 in the country, active cases have dropped below the 1,000 case mark to 856, the lowest in months. The data also reveals four new deaths bringing the death toll to 280. The positivity rate has also dropped from 65 per cent at the start of August, to 10 per cent on September 1. The countrys case count is 44,713, out of which 97.5 per cent of the patients have recovered. So far four of the 16 regions are without any active case, with other regions only reporting single and double-digit figures. Only three regions Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti have active cases above 100. Cumulative Cases per Region Greater Accra Region 22,363 Ashanti Region 10,878 Western Region 2,959 Eastern Region 2,320 Central Region 1,878 Bono East Region 777 Volta Region 666 Western North Region 619 Northern Region 528 Ahafo Region 524 Bono Region 511 Upper East Region 282 Oti Region 237 Upper West Region 90 Savannah Region 62 North East Region 19 Source: Graphiconline.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 Republican Congressman for Kentucky Thomas Massie claims he would not convict Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse as he believes the teen showed incredible restraint with protesters and 'didn't empty a magazine into a crowd'. In a radio interview with WVHU on Thursday, Massie said that the 17-year-old, who fatally shot two protesters and injured a third on August 25, was acting in self-defense and that video of the incident proves it. Rittenhouse is charged with two counts of first-degree homicide and several other felony counts for the shooting deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber but his lawyers plan to argue he was protecting himself from protesters. Scroll down for video Republican Congressman for Kentucky Thomas Massie, pictured, has defended teen Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, and even praised him for acting to stop lawlessness Rittenhouse is charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the shooting death of two Black Lives Matter protesters in Kenosha last week, and for wounding a third man On Kyle Rittenhouse, "The strongest thing in his favor is actually the video of the event...the video of him running down the street and falling. He was fulfilling his obligation to retreat...he fell down...he responded in self defense...I would not convict," Rep. Thomas Massie. pic.twitter.com/K8STedCJnh Eva McKend (@evamckend) September 3, 2020 The teenager has become a focus point of the debates over the recent protests and unrest as some regard him as a domestic terrorist, while others see him as a hero who took up arms to help people who were left unprotected. Rittenhouse, a self-described militia member, had traveled to Kenosha from his home in Illinois after days of unrest in the city following video that went public of Jacob Blake being shot in the back seven times by a police officer. 'He also exhibited incredible restraint and presence and situational awareness,' Massie said of his actions. 'He didn't empty a magazine into a crowd.' 'There were people around him who could have caused him harm but as soon as they showed any sign of retreat of non-aggression, he did not shoot them. He exhibited more restraint than a lot of the police videos that I have seen.' 'I think the strongest thing he has for him is the actual video evidence,' Massie continued. 'And if I were on a jury and all I had was the evidence that I have been able to acquire through social media and the videos that are out there, I would not convict him of a single one of these charges.' Massie added that he believed the video of Rittenhouse shooting the final two individuals showed him 'fulfilling his obligation to retreat' after his first fatal shooting of Rosenbaum before 'responding with self defense' when he fell. 'Probably a lot of people are going to get upset that I'm even trying to educate people on this,' he said of Rittenhouse not being convicted. 'If you think that its an unjust application of law, or that the law is unjust, this is why we have juries. The congressman also praised the teen for taking it upon himself to act when protests in Kenosha turned violent. 'What does it say about our country where this lawlessness is going on to this extent that a 17-year-old feels compelled to stop it?' Massie asked. 'To be the one to turn the tide? I think it says a lot for the 17-year-old.' Massie repeated his defense of Rittenhouse on Twitter on Thursday His comments were slammed by Democrats in Kentucky His opponent in the November election, Alexandra Owensby, condemned the praise He repeated his comments in a tweet later that day, stating: 'True. If I were on a jury, I would NOT vote to convict Kyle Rittenhouse of any of the charges against him.' Massie was criticized by Kentucky Democrats for the praise, which they branded 'unbelievable'. 'Thomas Massie defends accused Kenosha murderer Kyle Rittenhouse. The @kygop @Team_Mitch and other Kentucky Republicans need to disavow Massies comments immediately,' they wrote. His Democratic rival in the November election, Alexandra Owensby, also tweeted her disgust saying that Massie's words were 'dangerous & encouraging youth to be vigilantes & mass murderers'. She later released a statement saying that she disagreed with the rioters vandalizing businesses, 'this in no way justifies youth vigilantes traveling across state lines, illegally arming themselves with assault rifles, and shooting protesters in the back'. 'I hope and pray no parent finds out their child became a mass murderer overnight,' she said. Yet Massie's words echo those of other top conservatives with President Trump refusing to condemn Rittenhouse's actions. Rittenhouse, pictured, has been praised by some for protecting businesses with his actions Last week, Fox News host Tucker Carlson claimed the teen was 'maintaining order when no one else would'. 'Are we really surprised this looting and arson accelerated to murder? How shocked are we that 17-year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would? Everyone can see what was happening in Kenosha,' he said. On Monday, President Trump also defended him, claiming the 17-year-old 'probably would have been killed' by an angry mob if he hadn't fired at them with the illegal gun he was carrying. 'He was trying to get away from them I guess, it looks like, and he fell on then they very violently attacked him,' Trump said. And in Kenosha itself, the GOP chairwoman claimed that 80 percent of people support Rittenhouse, and that the other 20 percent are people who 'can't stand the president'. Rittenhouse is currently being detained in his home state of Illinois while he awaits extradition. He handed himself in to police after he shot and killed 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum while with an armed militia group who claimed they were seeking to protect businesses from looters. Rittenhouse then ran from the scene of the shooting but was chased by a group of demonstrators and stumbled. In a video from the night, a second protester, 26-year-old Anthony Huber is seen swinging a skateboard at the teen, before Rittenhouse fatally shoots him in the chest. The two men who were killed were Rosenbaum, 36, of Kenosha, (left) and Anthony Huber, 26, of Silver Lake, (right) about 15 miles west of the city. A third person was also injured In a video from the night, protester, 26-year-old Anthony Huber is seen swinging a skateboard at the teen, before Rittenhouse fatally shoots him in the chest A third man, Gaige Grosskreutz, 26, approached the teen and was shot in the arm. Images show that Grosskreutz was holding a handgun when he was shot. One of his lawyers, John Pierce, has praised the teenager for his actions and argued that he was only defending himself against a 'relentless' mob trying to disarm and hurt him. 'This is 100 percent self defense,' Pierce told Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight. 'The only individuals Kyle shot were the three individuals attacking him and putting him at risk. This is a 17-year-old kid, this is amazing what he did.' In addition to his AR-15-style rifle, Rittenhouse's lawyer said the teenager also had had a first aid kit with him to help treat injured protesters. Pierce said the incident escalated when a shot was fired as Rittenhouse tried to retreat from a group of protesters who, he claims, became enraged that the teen was trying to put out fires. 'They began screaming that Kyle needed to be killed and they were going to kill him. They started relentlessly hunting him as prey as he ran down the street attempting to retreat,' Pierce said. 'Mr Rosenbaum, who was leading the attack on him, set upon him immediately... began to assault him from behind, attempted to take his weapon, take his firearm, and Kyle, when he turned, he instantaneously had no choice but to defend himself by firing because he was in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.' Pierce also denied that Rittenhouse brought the AR-15 across state lines from Illinois to Wisconsin. He says the teen acquired it from a friend in the state. 'That firearm never crossed state lines. It is a legal firearm in Wisconsin,' Pierce said, adding they would be arguing it is within his Second Amendment rights. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott would not be the right person to conduct post-Brexit trade deals on behalf of the UK. Mr Abbott is in talks to join Britains relaunched Board of Trade, but the leader of the opposition said he had concerns about him taking up any senior role. I have real concerns about Tony Abbott and I dont think hes the right person for the job, said Sir Keir. And if I was prime minister I wouldnt appoint him. Prime minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman today declined to comment on whether Mr Abbott was a fit person for the position, but indicated that a decision on his appointment has not yet been made. "No decisions on the Board of Trad have been made," the spokesman told reporters at a regular daily briefing. Mr Abbott has been accused by leading political figures in both Australia and the UK of misogyny, homophobia and downplaying the science on climate change. Mr Abbott confirmed he was in discussions with the government about a possible trade role when appearing before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday. Earlier today Matt Hancock defended a government proposal to give the former Australian prime minister a key role forging trade deals. The health secretary said a potential appointment was justified purely because of his trade experience, but did not attempt to defend the ex-Australian leaders history of controversial remarks. During his time in Australian politics Mr Abbott questioned whether men having more power than women was necessarily a bad thing and once described a young, female candidate in his own Liberal Party as having sex appeal. He also campaigned strongly against same-sex marriage and suggested climate change is probably doing good. Tony Abbott is in discussions about a UK trade role (Getty) (Getty Images) Mr Abbott caused controversy at a Policy Exchange think tank speech in London on Tuesday suggesting that families should be able to consider allowing elderly relatives with the coronavirus to die by letting nature take its course. Labour, the Lib Dems and SNP have all now expressed their concerns about Mr Abbott representing the UK around the world. Scotlands first minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Thursday: If I had anything to do with the decision he wouldnt be a trade envoy for the United Kingdom. She added: Hes a misogynist, hes a sexist, hes a climate change denier. In my view hes not the kind of person who should be a trade envoy or any kind of envoy for the UK. The right-wing House candidateand presumed future congresswomanin Georgia known for her previous support of QAnon on Thursday posted a photo of herself with a rifle and a threatening message directed at the progressive women of color known as the Squad. In the photo, which was posted on Facebook, Marjorie Taylor Greene holds an assault-style rifle next to black-and-white photos of Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Squads worst nightmare, a banner at the bottom of the image proclaims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our country is on the line. America needs fighters who speak the truth, Greene wrote in the post. We need strong conservative Christians to go on the offense against these socialists who want to rip our country apart. Americans must take our country back. Advertisement Advertisement Facebook has since removed the post for violating its rules against inciting violence. In a tweet Friday, Omar said that the post had already led to death threats. Posting a photo with an assault rifle next to the faces of three women of color is not advertising. Its incitement, she wrote. Facebook should remove this violent provocation. More importantly: @realdonaldtrump @GOPLeader, this rests squarely on your shoulders. You have incited attacks on us since we were sworn in. You have told us to go back where we came from. This is your party now. Dangerous and disgraceful. Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) September 4, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Greene is expected to win her race for the 14th Congressional District in Georgia, which is overwhelmingly Republican. She defeated her opponent in the primary runoff in August and would be the first member of Congress to have publicly supported the unfounded conspiracy theories of QAnon. Theres a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take this global cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles out, and I think we have the president to do it, she said in 2017. After her win, President Donald Trump tweeted out his support for her, calling her a real WINNER and future Republican Star who is strong on everything. Advertisement Advertisement But while Trump endorsed Greene, and several others in her party have thrown their support behind her, some Republican leaders have expressed discomfort with the fringe candidate. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Steve Scalise have called comments she made appalling and disgusting. In June, Politico reported on a number of offensive remarks she had made in recent years. Greene had promoted anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about George Soros, said Black people were slaves of the Democratic Party, said unemployment was the result of bad choices and being lazy, made a comment about white people that are as lazy and sorry and probably worse than Black people, and said that white men are the most mistreated group of people in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she focused most of her vitriol on Muslims, who she believes should not be allowed in government. She conflated Sharia law with Islamic law in general and described it as a system in which men have sex with little boys, little girls, and marry their sisters and cousins. She told those who want Islam to stay in the Middle East and have a whole bunch of wives, or goats, or sheep, or whatever you want. Her threats against Omar and Tlaib are unsurprising given her previous complaints that the 2018 election, in which the two became the first Muslim women elected to Congress, heralded an Islamic invasion of our government. Since winning her primary, Greene has not moderated her presence on social media. She has offered to give away a rifle she used in a campaign video in a raffle, telling the Washington Examiner that she was doing so to trigger the angry gun-grabbing socialist-left that hates America. She also recently defended the gunman Kyle Rittenhouse as someone who acted in self defense against violent radical adult men and told ungrateful Americans to leave the country. Earlier, she tweeted her defense of calling Nancy Pelosi a bitch in her victory speech (She is a nasty, horrible person. And it was the first word that came to mind!) and called Michelle Obama the #1 racist in America, among other inflammatory comments. YEREVAN. The Bright Armenia Party will vote against this legislative initiative, as it not only does not solve the existing problems, but also creates new ones. Edmon Marukyan, chairman of the opposition Bright Armenia Party and head of its parliamentary faction, stated this at Fridays special session of the National Assembly (NA) during which the package of bills on making amendments and addenda to the law on ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population and to the related laws are being debated on. According to him, Bright Armenia was proposing to pass to a new regimen for 3-4 months and not to constantly extend the current coronavirus-related state of emergency in Armenia, as, according to him, it causes irreparable damage to the country. "Now we are offered a legislative package that will allow setting quarantine for up to six months; but this will create new problems," Marukyan explained. The MP noted that the government and lawmakers can discuss other options, at least replacing the term "quarantine" with something else. As reported earlier, the NA has already passed this law initiative in the first reading. As per this package of bills introduced by the government, in case of spread of infectious diseases, outbreaks and emergencies in Armenia, the provincial governors or the mayor of Yerevan can declare quarantine at the corresponding administrative departmentsand at the suggestion of the authorized state body: the Ministry of Justice. All local children can continue to get free meals after the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday reversed its previous stance. The Agriculture Department had blocked an extension of a coronavirus-related waiver extension that allowed schools to serve all children breakfast and lunch for free through the end of the calendar year, or until funding runs out. Local school officials said the waiver is great news for the communities and students. Before the waiver extension, school districts were developing systems to record student lunch PINs in order to charge each child the correct amount. Several districts were meeting the new challenge with technology. In Castle Rock, the district was developing an app for parents to pre-order meals, and in Longview staff were adapting the Chromebooks they typically use at lunch to be mobile. Districts can now return to the system they used over the summer: Simply giving any child who wants one a meal, whether or not the child is enrolled in the district. Kelso Chief Financial Officer Scott Westlund said the district will most likely keep the current summer schedule of meal locations and times through December. (See the June 18 TDN story Kelso school summer meal program to start July 1, EBT help also available for a full list, or visit the district website.) Longview district spokesman Rick Parrish said another change the USDA made thats particularly helpful is allowing parents to pick up meals without the children being present. Its making sure to accommodate families who have kids at home learning, Parrish said. Say Im at home and Ive got my three kids, two high school kids and a middle school kid, and Im watching my friends three kids. I can leave one of the high school kids in charge while I run down and get meals for them all. That makes it easier for the district to reach kids who might not otherwise get a meal, he added. The pickup locations will be the same as over the summer. (See the June 8 TDN story Longview schools will start summer meals June 21 for a full list, or visit the district website.) However, he asked that students still fill out and return the free and reduced price lunch application forms to the district, to make the transition back to the normal meal program easier when it comes. We encourage families to plan and prepare for when the program ends, he said. The form can be downloaded on the district website. In addition, Parrish said the percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced price meals is used as a metric for some school funding. If fewer students turn in forms showing they qualify, the district might lose more federal funding. Castle Rock Superintendent Ryan Greene said the district will stop using its application system. The reason that we were using that system was to track the lunches to charge the parent if they needed to pay for meals, he said. Now we are able to offer food for anyone, we will have six drop-off spots that parents can go to pick up both breakfast and lunch free for anyone 0-18 years old. Those locations will be available on the district website. In a Monday press release, Superintendent of schools Chris Reykdal said he planned to continue our advocacy efforts to get the USDA and Congress to fully fund this program through the entire 202021 school year. This pandemic requires our education system to be flexible and innovative in order to respond to student needs. Im grateful to the advocates across the state who pushed for these waiver extensions with us, he said in the press release. He added that the waiver will allow schools to continue providing healthy, nutritious meals at no cost to all students who need them, like in the spring when more than 28 million meals were distributed statewide. And Washington Education Association President Larry Delaney said in a press release that the extension will provide critical supports for students and will help students focus on school. WEA applauds this effort to ensure that all students get the meals they need in this time of distance learning, he said in a prepared statement. Love 1 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. IBERA NATIONAL PARK, ARGENTINAThey had a big job to do, drafted as the first few jaguars to be reintroduced to Argentinas wetlands after more than seven decades of absence. But they were a troubled bunch. Tobuna came from an Argentine zoo and was fat and lethargic, in the twilight of her reproductive life. Her daughter, Tania, had been hidden from view in the same zoo because a tiger had mauled one of her legs as a cub. Nahuel required custom dental work to ease the exasperating toothache that made him constantly grumpy, and never in the mood to mate. Then there was Jatobazinho, who had stumbled into a rural school in neighboring Brazil in 2017, severely dehydrated and famished, having lost the ability to fend for himself in a region where farmland gobbles up more jungle canopy each year. They all had pretty traumatic stories, said Sebastian Di Martino, a biologist who oversees conservation projects at the Rewilding Argentina Foundation, an initiative to restore the health of the countrys ecosystems by reintroducing species wiped out by human activity. But in the tough business of rewilding, where obtaining breedable animals is often costly and logistically vexing, beggars cant be choosers. So Di Martino was thrilled to get any and all jaguars for the most challenging phase of a yearslong effort to create vast wildlife sanctuaries across Chile and Argentina. For these imperfect jaguars, most of whom came from zoos, the splendor of their new home, Ibera National Park, must have seemed like paradise, filled with quarry. On a recent visit, packs of howler monkeys looked like acrobats as they swung from tree to tree, yelping loudly. Swamp deer and capybaras grazed placidly as storks cruised overhead. The jaguars arent the parks only meat eaters. When kayakers glide down narrow streams, they must navigate around stoic caimans, absorbing the waning afternoon rays. The idea of rewilding jaguars grew out of a project of Kristine and Douglas Tompkins, who ran the outdoor equipment and clothing companies Patagonia and the North Face before turning full time to environmental causes. In the 1990s, they began snapping up millions of dollars worth of land in the Southern Cone of South America. The goal of the American couple (Douglas Tomkins died in 2015) was to acquire the first building blocks of what would eventually become national parks. But it struck them early on that simply halting the degradation of forests felt insufficient. Landscape without wildlife is just scenery, Kristine Tompkins heard someone say soon after she and her husband bought an old cattle ranch in Argentinas Corrientes province in 1998, which later became part of the Ibera park, tucked in the countrys northeast corner. For us it was an epiphany and an opportunity. Across the Southern Cone, which includes Brazil, ecosystems are perishing at a staggering rate. Loggers, miners and farmers raze vast areas of the Amazon and other biomes each year, turning more and more emerald green canopy into grasslands. The enormous scale of destruction across the region can make even Ibera, and its some 5,000 square miles of swamps and lakes, feel like a very small-scale utopia in comparison. And bringing back jaguars to this bucolic landscape seems like just a tiny advance against an overbearing current. The difficulty of making a difference is not lost on the conservationists who spend their days and nights at the remote sanctuary obsessing over how to get the jaguars, giant river otters and giant anteaters to mate and ultimately to survive on their own. But its a challenge theyre willing to accept. We cant just be in the trenches resisting, Di Martino said. Now more than ever we have to go beyond conservation and restore, which means going to battle. The battlegrounds the Tompkinses picked have at times been rather hostile. As they began acquiring land, they were often greeted with suspicion. In Corrientes province, some warned that the American couple would bottle up the areas spring water and leave behind a parched wasteland. There were rumors they were going to take all the water all the way to the United States, said Diana Frete, a deputy mayor of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a tiny town that serves as a gateway for the wetlands. There were a lot of doubts and distrust. But the naysayers were proved wrong as the conservation efforts at Ibera, and the buzz surrounding the jaguars return, transformed the park into an emerging tourist destination. This was a town where everyone used to leave, said Frete, noting that now some 80% of her constituents work in tourism. Today, were better off tying our fate to protecting nature. Jaguars were a dominant predator in North and South America for millenniums, and played a vital role in keeping ecosystems in harmony. But the conversion of land to agriculture over the past two centuries drove jaguars to extinction in several of their former domains, including Corrientes province. With just 200 wild jaguars estimated to be remaining elsewhere in Argentina, the majestic cats are critically endangered. Tompkins said that by reintroducing the imposing cats alongside giant river otters, giant anteaters and red and green macaws, she wants to demonstrate this form of conservation is not only possible but scalable. Yet it takes plenty of human meddling to begin to return places like Ibera to a state closer to what they were like before humans spoiled them. Di Martino leads a group of dozens of biologists, veterinarians and volunteers who have spent untold hours in recent years coaxing the jaguars to mate from a safe and respectful distance. Before they are fully released back into the wild, the jaguars are being kept in large, enclosed pens where their hunting skills, and sexual arousal, are tracked by a web of security cameras. Setting the right mood for sex between jaguars requires a long and complicated courtship. Females in heat are placed in pens adjoining a male prospect, allowing the biologists to glean whether their body language is conveying aggression or desire. When there is interest, the female starts rolling on the ground and scratching the earth, said Magali Longo, a biologist who monitors the animals on television screens showing live surveillance footage. Thats when you know shes game. The first major reproductive breakthrough came in 2018 when Tania, the jaguar missing a leg, gave birth to two cubs. Along with Jatobazinho, the Brazilian cub who nearly starved, theyre among the five jaguars whose ability to hunt on their own is being assessed by biologists. This assessment requires releasing the animals into ever larger pens, where instead of slabs of meat, theyre given live prey including wild boar and capybaras to sharpen their survival skills. If all goes as planned, the project hopes to release the first jaguars fully into the wild later this year or early in 2021. If they do well, Ibera could be home to a population of some 100 jaguars in the next few decades. The prospect makes Longo beam. Were fixing the damage weve done, and it feels great to start seeing results, she said. Were working to make our jobs extinct, but thats a good thing. Read more about: Indias automobile industry needs government support through a cut in vehicle taxes to make them more affordable and an incentive-linked scrappage policy to help revive consumer sentiment and sales in a coronavirus-hit market, said Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and chief executive officer, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. The government will be able to offset revenue loss from a reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) on automobiles through increased vehicle sales as companies pass on the tax benefits to consumers, Ayukawa said on Friday at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). Domestic passenger vehicle sales in August grew compared to last year, but this is not significant as the increase came off the low base of the last fiscal when sales had declined 15-25% across categories, he said. We understand that if the government wants to do good for the country, it needs funds. Government revenues come from the taxes on the gross domestic product (GDP) that we generate. So, it is important for us to maximize production and sales volume. This will help protect livelihoods and also keep government revenues healthy to fund welfare initiatives," Ayukawa said. We will eagerly wait for the GST reduction and scrappage scheme. We believe that the taxes on the increased turnover will be more than the governments expenditure on this scrappage scheme or (the revenue loss from the) GST rate reduction," he said. Automobile sales in India have been on the downtrend since the second half of FY19 when the bankruptcy of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services caused a liquidity crisis among non-banking financial companies who are some of the major lenders to the auto industry. Higher fuel prices, weak consumer sentiment in a slowing economy and an increase in vehicle prices to meet new government rules on safety and emissions led to the decline in annual car sales in FY20. Siam has forecast vehicle sales across categories to decline 25%-45% this fiscal. Passenger vehicles sales fell 62.73% year-on-year (y-o-y) from April to July to 336,513 units with car sales falling 67.6% and sport-utility vehicles recording a 51.41% drop. We are currently constrained by supply chain issues that arise out of health concerns. The growth we have seen in August is on a low base of last year when vehicle sales declined by 18%. We are also not sure whether this demand is sustainable. At some point of time, we will definitely need support from the government," Ayukawa said. The government may not be able to immediately take a decision on lowering GST, but it is working on a plan to incentivize companies that export goods from India, heavy industries minister Prakash Javadekar said at the Siam convention. The Union government has already identified some sectors and companies will be incentivized on the basis of the amount of goods they export. We are already working on the details of this scheme," he said. Siam also named Ayukawa as its president for the next two years. He will take over from Rajan Wadhera, former president of the automotive business of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. 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 Nightlife king Nick Russian and his influencer wife Rozalia could be Melbourne's new power couple if he decides to run for Lord Mayor and wins. Mr Russian was reportedly called by 'senior people within the Liberal Party' who asked him to run for Lord Mayor of Melbourne on Wednesday night. 'I am certainly honoured to be approached to run. Small business has and will always be in my blood and I have worked in Melbourne for my whole life,' Mr Russian told The Herald Sun. 'I will consider with my family in coming days.' Hospitality honcho Nick Russian (left) and his influencer wife Rozalia (right) could be Melbourne's new power couple if he decides to run for Lord Mayor and wins Mr Russian was reportedly called by 'senior people within the Liberal Party' who asked him to run for Lord Mayor of Melbourne on Wednesday night The Liberal Party does not normally endorse local government candidates but is reportedly trying to take advantage of anti-Labor sentiment during Melbourne's Stage 4 lockdown. After taking a five-year break from Twitter, Mr Russian has returned to the platform during the lockdown by retweeting posts that are critical of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Melburnians are currently banned from dining in at hospitality venues under the lockdown and can only use takeaway or delivery options. 'Rebuilding business must be a key to the city's recovery and Nick (Russian) has the runs on the board and respect for this,' a Liberal Party insider told The Herald Sun. The hospitality honcho is married to ballerina-turned-influencer Rozalia Russian (pictured), who has more than 255,000 followers on Instagram. Mr and Mrs Russian tied the knot in 2013 and share two children - daughter Willow, 6, and son Kingston, 3 The father-of-two used to run popular nightclub Eve Bar, where he met celebrities like Kanye West and Britney Spears, before selling the venue in 2015. He now runs Together Events, which is 'a luxury lifestyle and events brand created for sophisticated, fun and fashion conscious individuals'. The hospitality honcho is married to ballerina-turned-influencer Rozalia Russian, who has more than 255,000 followers on Instagram. She has collaborated with brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton and L'Oreal Paris. Mr and Mrs Russian tied the knot in 2013 and share two children - daughter Willow, 6, and son Kingston, 3. Candidate nominations for the city council election begin on September 17 while the election period kicks of five days later on September 22. Mr Russian is yet to formally confirm he will be running. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With the citys school bus negotiations stuck in limbo amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Education (DOE) -- which is legally responsible for transporting both public and non-public school students -- has begun distributing MetroCards to supplement service that may not be in place by the first day of classes. While the start of New York City public schools has been delayed until Sept. 21, giving the city some additional time to finalize transportation plans for those students, many Catholic schools throughout the city are pressing on with plans to open on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The boss of Debenhams has warned they will close sites in deserted city centres unless workers return to the office soon. Chairman Mark Gifford said his firm needed to see a strong recovery to keep stores in Edinburgh, Leeds and central London open long-term. At the same time Pret A Manger's boss Pano Christou said there was 'no doubt' workers will come into the office less as he predicted a long-term shift to home working. Warning: Chairman Mark Gifford said his firm needed to see a strong recovery to keep stores in Edinburgh, Leeds and central London open long-term Many of Britain's largest companies have said they will not require staff to return to the office until next year, sucking the life out of local economies that feed off lunchtime and after-work footfall. Figures from the British Retail Consortium this week painted a grim picture of 'ghost cities', with footfall down by 41.7 per cent in August compared to the same month last year. Gifford said: 'The city centre stores are really experiencing the most difficult conditions. 'There are less tourists around and less city workers, and that's all contributing to them trading less well than we would like. 'And for them to be long-term viable stores we really do need to see a stronger recovery than what we are seeing.' Pret a Manger made 2,890 staff redundant last week and has launched a coffee delivery service to drum up business. Christou told the BBC: 'There's no doubt that workers will come into the office less often, and I think from Pret's perspective very early on we said: 'This is not for us to decide.' File image of Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani pitched for close cooperation with the US in giving impetus to startups and asserted that the rich diaspora of Gujaratis in America was a testimony of growing mutual trust between the two countries. Addressing the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum through video conferencing, Rupani said Gujarats sister state agreements with New Jersey and Delaware announced a new era of enhanced and increased collaboration between our two countries. Industries in Gujarat and a rich diaspora of Gujaratis in the USA is a testimony of our growing mutual trust. "I propose formalizing the startup engagement programme and appointing a nodal officer to facilitate investment by American companies in Gujarat. We want to grow with the US together, he said. USA and India are one. Borders do not exist between us. The growing investment of US industries in Gujarat and a rich diaspora of Gujaratis in the USA is a testimony of our growing mutual trust, Rupani said. By Yi Whan-woo President Moon Jae-in's approval rating has barely outrun his disapproval rating for three consecutive weeks, a poll showed Friday, amid a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. In the poll of 1,002 adults conducted by Gallup Korea from Sept. 1 to 3, 45 percent of respondents positively assessed the President's job performance while 44 percent had a negative view. Moon's job approval ratings led disapproval ratings 47 percent to 43 percent a week earlier, and 47 percent to 45 percent two weeks ago. Each of the three polls had a 3.1 percent margin of error. Among this week's survey takers who believed Moon is doing a good job, 44 percent attributed the assessment to the government's response to a rise in new coronavirus cases. Nine percent said Moon should be lauded for "stability" in state management while 6 percent said he "is doing his best." Of those who negatively assessed Moon's job performances, 19 percent said it was because of the latest real estate policy fiasco while 9 percent said the President "is generally incapable of" state management, and 8 percent said he "falls short" in coping with the pandemic. Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea had approval ratings of 39 percent support against the newly rebranded main opposition People's Power Party's at 20 percent Two of the three minor oppositions the Justice Party and People's Party received support of 4 percent, while the Open Democratic Party garnered 3 percent. Haiti has long been a fragile nation, where most people live on less than $2 a day. Police in Haiti have placed the nation on alert after a series of gang-related killings. Gangs are allegedly targeting anyone that criticises the government. Protesters have accused the president of being complicit in the murders, an accusation he denies. Al Jazeeras Andy Gallacher reports. Afghan government says almost all Taliban prisoners freed, ready for talks Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 3:01 PM The Afghan government has released the remaining 400 Taliban prisoners, the final hurdle in long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides. Afghan authorities said on Thursday that they expect direct talks to start soon after they released the inmates they had been detaining. "The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has received our commandos held hostage by Taliban, after which the Gov't released the remaining 400 convicts, except the few for which our partners have reservations," National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said on Twitter. "Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. We expect direct talks to start promptly." A drawn-out contentious release of hundreds of hardened militants has delayed the start of planned negotiations between the two warring sides, scheduled to take place in the Qatari capital, Doha. A Taliban source confirmed the prisoners had been freed and that those opposed by France and Australia were still in the Afghan government custody. "Australia and France have some considerations about them," the sources said. "The Kabul administration will send them to Qatar where they will be in custody during the intra-Afghan talks." Australia and France are reportedly opposed to the release of some Taliban prisoners jailed for killing foreign soldiers in Afghanistan. At least seven would be transferred to Qatar, where they will remain under surveillance until the issue is resolved. Najia Anwari, spokeswoman for the State Ministry for Peace Affairs, has called for the start of direct talks with the Taliban. The date for talks to start is yet to be fixed. "The Afghan government has removed all the obstacles for the direct talks to start," said Anwari. "The negotiation team of the Islamic republic is now in full preparation to attend the talks." Officials said the government-backed negotiating team was heading to Doha later on Wednesday. The Afghan government earlier this week resumed the release of Taliban captives after days of vacillating because they had been involved in serious crimes. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that Kabul had "fulfilled all its commitments." "The release of Taliban prisoners is a clear demonstration of the government's commitment to peace," Ghani said. Afghanistan's Loya Jirga, or grand assembly of elders, had earlier approved the release of 400 imprisoned Taliban militants who had been involved in serious crimes in Afghanistan and whom the Afghan government was hesitant to release. The prisoner swap, part of a deal between the Taliban and the United States, was considered a prelude to peace talks between the militants and Kabul. Under the deal with the US, the militant group agreed to stop its attacks on international forces in return for the US military's phased withdrawal from Afghanistan and the prisoner swap with the government. The Afghan government is a party neither to the negotiations nor to the deal, but it has been acting in accordance with its terms, including by agreeing to free Taliban prisoners. Official data shows bombings and other assaults by the Taliban have surged 70 percent since the militant group signed the deal with the United States in February. The deal envisages a complete withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, and the Taliban have pledged not to attack American and other foreign forces. Washington invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban-run government in 2001 on the pretext of fighting terrorism following the September 11 attacks in New York. Afghanistan has been gripped by insecurity since the US and its allies invaded the country as part of Washington's so-called war on terror in 2001. Many parts of the country remain plagued by militancy despite the presence of foreign troops. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mister Rogers widow does not want President Trump as her neighbor. Joanne Rogers, the 92-year-old wife of the late Fred Rogers, blasted the president on Thursday, calling him a horrible person who seldom tells the truth.' She made the remarks on the same day Trump held a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, which is Fred Rogers home town, located about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. For 31 seasons, Fred Rogers hosted the half-hour educational show for children, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which aired nationally on public television. Joanne Rogers (left), 92, the widow of Fred Rogers, tore into President Trump (right) on Thursday, the same day he held a rally in her late husband's hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania For 31 seasons, Fred Rogers hosted the half-hour educational show for children, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which aired nationally on public television. The above image is from a show in 1989 Joanne Rogers is seen left on the set of her husband's show in this undated file photo The final episode aired on August 31, 2001. There has been renewed interest in Fred Rogers' life and work, particularly since Tom Hanks portrayed him in last year's hit film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Rogers died in 2003, leaving behind his wife of 51 years, Joanne, and their two children. Trump held a rally on Thursday at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, but Joanne Rogers doesn't appear eager to welcome him to her neighborhood. This man is pathologically ill. Mentally ill, Rogers told The Daily Beast. When asked what she would do if Trump won re-election, she replied: I will probably go into mourning. I cant even imagine. I would feel so badly. Rogers said her husband never discussed politics because he was doing a childrens television show and feared it could disrupt the kids lives within their households. There has been renewed interest in Fred Rogers' life and work, particularly since Tom Hanks portrayed him in last year's hit film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Fred tried to stay pretty quiet about politics, basically because his program was for children, she said. Joanne Rogers, on the other hand, feels free to speak her mind. Im alone now, she said. I dont do a program for children. When asked why she dislikes the president, she said: I think maybe the fact that Mr. Trump seldom tells the truth. If he does, its just a fluke, I think. But the fact [is] that I cant believe anything he says, not even the simplest thing. Rogers said she is enthusiastically supporting Trumps Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden. I am a very big Biden fan, Rogers said. Joanne Rogers said she was moved by the story of Brayden Harrington, 13, who appeared during last month's Democratic National Convention and read a speech about meeting Joe Biden and getting advice about how to manage a stutter The DNC made a video out of Harrington's telling of the encounter When asked why she is backing Biden, Rogers said he is what the country needs right now. I think hes kind, she said. I think we all need somebody like Biden who can give us little pats on the back. Joanne Rogers also defended Biden over accusations that he was too physical in his interactions with women. Many accusations against Biden stem from awkward photographs, including one in 2015 when he is shown grabbing the shoulders of Stephanie Carter from behind and whispering in her ear as her husband Ash Carter was delivering his Secretary of Defense acceptance speech. Other photos show him awkwardly groping Amie Parnes, a reporter with The Hill, during a 2013 holiday party. And another image captured the then-vice president getting so close with a woman during a 2012 campaign stop in Ohio that his forehead touched the side of her head. Joanne Rogers said Biden's kindness toward Harrington reminded her of her husband's friendship with Jeffrey Erlanger, who in 1981 appeared on his show. Erlanger (seen left when he was 10 years old alongside Rogers) was a quadriplegic who had a tumor removed from his spine when he was 7 months old But the most serious accusations came in March 2019, when Nevada lawmaker Lucy Flores revealed in New York Magazine that Biden grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her hair during a campaign event in Las Vegas in 2014 she was 35 at the time. 'I felt him get closer to me from behind. He leaned further in and inhaled my hair' then 'proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head,' Flores wrote. Biden critics pounced on the revelations and the hashtag 'Creepy Joe' quickly began trending on Twitter. Trump has often dubbed Biden as 'Creepy Joe' in Twitter attacks he has also called his Democratic rival 'Sleepy Joe.' Joanne Rogers said she would be happy to receive a hug from the Democratic nominee. I said, Listen, I understand that completely, Im a hugger, and I would certainly want a hug from him, she said. When asked if she thought Biden was too old to be president, she replied: Seventy-seven seems still pretty young to me. Biden critics, including the president and his supporters, have claimed that the former vice president is showing signs of cognitive decline. But supporters of Biden, including Rogers, believe his frequent verbal gaffes are the result of a stutter. Sometimes when Biden gets in trouble with his speech, I think it has to do with that old stutter, she said. Joanne Rogers also defended Biden against accusations that he is too physical in his interactions with women. Biden has come under fire for several awkward and too-close-for-comfort physical interactions with women oftentimes captured on camera. Biden is seen far right with supporters in Iowa in January 2020 Rogers said she was reminded of her husband while watching a video of Biden encourage a young boy who was struggling with a stuttering problem. In a clip that was broadcast during last months Democratic National Convention, Brayden Harrington, 13, said he met Biden a few months ago during the primaries, and discussed the obstacle they both share. Biden had a serious stutter as a child, and says he had to spend hours practicing and learn special techniques to find a way to work through it. He said Biden 'made me feel more confident about something that's bothered me my whole life.' Joanne Rogers said it reminded her of her husbands favorite episode of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, when her husband welcomed a 10-year-old boy, Jeffrey Erlanger, to his show in 1981. Erlanger, who at that time was a young boy from Madison, Wisconsin, was confined to a wheelchair after he was diagnosed with a spinal tumor when he was just 7 months old. Surgeons removed the tumor, but the condition left him a quadriplegic. Before his surgery, his parents asked him what he wanted. Erlanger told them he wanted to meet Mister Rogers. His sister wrote a letter to Fred Rogers and the family arranged to meet in a restaurant in nearby Milwaukee. Several years later, Erlanger appeared on Mister Rogers show, where he talked about his electric wheelchair. The two became friends from then on. When Fred Rogers was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999, Erlanger surprised him and the rest of the audience by appearing to introduce him at the podium on stage. After Fred Rogers died in 2003, Erlanger attended the memorial service in Pittsburgh to honor him. Erlanger, who spent his life as an activist, died at the age of 36 in June 2007. He spent three weeks in a coma after choking on food before succumbing. That was Freds favorite, Joanne Rogers said. It is just a fabulous segment. UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said the university is merely being open about coronavirus cases and has no desire to shame the Greek houses. Four sororities and one fraternity at UNL are in quarantine because of the coronavirus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 23:13:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Japan will provide five million U.S. dollars in emergency grant aid to Lebanon in the wake of the devastating warehouse explosion in Beirut last month, the country's Foreign Ministry said Friday. According to the ministry, the humanitarian assistance will be offered through the World Food Programme, the U.N. Children's Fund, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. It will be allocated to help provide assistance in areas spanning food security to health and welfare, as well as providing medical equipment and repairs to medical facilities, the ministry said. Japan hopes the Lebanese government will "implement the administrative, financial and judicial reforms in a swift and transparent manner, and achieve sustainable growth," the ministry was quoted by local media as saying. Following the massive blast, Japan sent practical supplies to Lebanon such as tents, water tanks and blankets. Enditem [M]edian salaries for undergraduates, four years after degree completion, appear surprisingly similar across the selectivity spectrum. Even more telling, it appears that the premium for graduating from a selective institution may have actually decreased materially over time. Over half of low-income students who enrolled in public and nonprofit universities in the early 2000s moved up to one of the highest two income quintiles by the time they reached their late 20s or early 30s. But not all postsecondary institutions deliver an education that puts students on an upward path. Consequently, it is a matter of great importance for students, families, and policymakers to understand the variation among colleges in the rates at which their students climb the income ladder. Many students come to regret their choice of college. They expect that getting a degree will mean a significant boost in their labor market prospects, but often their college "investment" fails to pay off.That might be due to a lack of effort on the student's part. Quite a few enroll in college mainly for the partying the Beer and Circus, as professor Murray Sperber entitled his 2000 book. Others, however, do their best but still find that their college choice didn't pay off. The school's curriculum might have been ill-suited to the student's abilities and goals, or perhaps the cost of attending was just too high for whatever advantages were gained.The good news is that two recent reports issued by the American Enterprise Institute can help students avoid college decisions they'll later regret.The first of the two is entitled " Does Attending a More Selective College Equal a Bigger Paycheck? " Co-authored by Joseph Fuller and Frederick Hess, the report says that going to a more selective college will not necessarily result in a payoff after graduation.Students are often advised to go to the most prestigious college they can, but that can be bad advice. The authors put it this way:Could it really be that someone who chose a non-selective college, even with open admissions, might fare as well after graduation as someone who spent far more to get a degree from a prestigious school? Fuller and Hess answer yes. Their data show that four years after graduation, students who attended a very selective school earned, on average, just 10 percent more than graduates from both minimally selective and moderately selective colleges.That finding is perfectly consistent with the argument made by advocates of the "screening" theory of higher education: What a college degree does is mainly to signal that the person might be worth hiring, not that he or she has left college with important knowledge that will be compensated for. (That argument was recently made by professor Bryan Caplan in his book The Case Against Education .) Most of what a worker needs to know is learned on the job, not in the classroom, and employers won't pay much of any premium just for an impressive educational pedigree.The Fuller/Hess report dovetails perfectly with a 2015 book by New York Times writer Frank Bruni, Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be, which I reviewed HERE Bruni argued that students can do very well in life, whether they graduate from an elite institution or one that's far down the prestige ladder.he wrote,He proceeded to give plenty of examples, among them former National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, who graduated not from an Ivy League school, but the University of Denver.Therefore, there is no reason for students to go to the added expense just to get into a highly selective school. It's unlikely to make much difference over the span of their careers because how well someone does depends on job performance, not the diploma hanging on the wall at home.The other AEI study is entitled " Winners and Losers ," authored by Jorge Klor de Alva and Cody Christensen. Their interest is in how well higher education helps students achieve upward mobility. Nearly all schools claim that they transform their students in ways that will make them better off financially, but does that really happen? And if so, which institutions seem to be the most helpful?Here's what they conclude:That is quite encouraging. Many students from low-income families do very well after college. This fact is a strong refutation of the often-heard claims that America has little income mobility-that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.The report's finding also undermines the so-called "Chivas Regal" effect, namely the belief that colleges that cost a lot must be better.Klor de Alva and Christensen write,In other words, higher college spending does not guarantee better student outcomes.Even more striking is the data showing that some students who come from fairly well-to-do families actually decline. The authors report that 18 percent of students from the top income quintile had slid into the lowest two quintiles by the time they were in their late 20s to early 30s. So, much as they may believe it, the wealthy can't guarantee that their children will remain wealthy by putting them through prestigious colleges.That finding supports the anecdotal evidence in Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa's 2014 book Aspiring Adults Adrift (a follow up to their 2011 book Academically Adrift , which showed that many college students learn little during their years of study): Some students who had earned degrees from prestigious schools were nevertheless unemployed or underemployed several years after graduation.A key part of the Klor de Alva and Christensen report is its school-specific information regarding income mobility of students. Some of the colleges with income mobility outcomes below expected levels are competitive to highly competitive, including Evergreen State University, Ohio University, Miami University, and SUNY-Purchase.On the other hand, some schools that have student mobility outcomes above expectations are low on the competitiveness ladder, such as Dickinson State University, University of Texas at Arlington, and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.This study doesn't prove that certain schools ensure success and others don't. It's not that simple. What it can do, however, is to keep students and their families from selecting a college for the wrong reasons because it's "selective" or that it has high tuition. It is still up to the student to figure out how to make the most of the educational opportunities at whatever school he or she decides on.Klor de Alva and Christensen's work should also be of interest to college officials, especially those where many students appear not to be making much economic progress after graduation. They should be thinking,These two AEI studies provide students, parents, college leaders, and policymakers with a lot to think about. Smithsonian's National Zoo En espanol | Melynda Wilcox feels a sense of awe watching giant panda Mei Xiang cradle her tiny new cub, born the size of a stick of butter, in her broad black paws. By tuning into the Smithsonian's National Zoo giant panda cam. Wilcox, 56, gets a front-row seat as Mei Xiang snuggles the baby panda, nurses, and even leaves the baby squirming in the hay for a few moments, "I just love watching her, says Wilcox. She is so amazing with that tiny, little thing." Wilcox regularly took her panda-obsessed daughters, who just graduated from college, to visit Mei Xiang throughout their childhoods. For the past couple of weeks, Wilcox has kept a tab of the panda cam livestream open on her computer, so she can check on the mother and baby throughout the day. "Because of the pandemic, we're all grasping for something that shows emotion and the connection between two living beings, Wilcox says. We're missing so much of that in our own lives." UW Northern Arapaho Scholarship Fund Reaches $100,000 The Sky People Higher Education Scholarship at the University of Wyoming has reached $100,000, thanks to Sky People Higher Education, the Northern Arapaho Business Council and an anonymous donor. The Sky People Higher Education Scholarship supports UW Northern Arapaho students. The endowment was created in early 2019 by Sky People Higher Education, an organization that promotes postsecondary education among the Northern Arapaho population. Since its creation in April 1979, the Sky People Higher Education programs priority is to provide our young people with opportunities they typically wouldnt have or even have dreamed about, says Joseph Smith Jr., Sky People Higher Education executive director. Sky People Higher Education promotes the education of the Northern Arapaho Tribe by providing students with scholarships and other educational resources. A very special thanks to the anonymous donor for helping keep this special endowment moving forward to help Northern Arapaho tribal students at UW. Sky People Higher Education gifted $25,000 to create the endowment. The Northern Arapaho Business Council matched the gift, bringing the scholarship to $50,000. The remaining $50,000 was donated through private funding by a generous anonymous donor. As Chief Black Coal said, Educating our children is their only chance for survival. His words remain true for our Arapaho children today, says Lee Spoonhunter, chairman of the Northern Arapaho Business Council. The Northern Arapaho General Council named education its highest priority because we know this is what ensures our Arapaho people have the knowledge, job skills and cultural values they need to succeed and walk in both worlds as residents of Indian Country and American citizens. We are proud to support the Sky People Higher Education Scholarship at the University of Wyoming, which continues to lift up tribal students and provide them a means to better their own lives and those of their fellow tribal members. The Sky People Higher Education Scholarship is structured to complement the existing Northern Arapaho Endowment Fund, which produces approximately $90,000 in scholarship aid to Northern Arapaho students at UW. The Northern Arapaho Endowment Scholarship supports primarily juniors and seniors at UW, while the Sky People Higher Education Scholarship will focus on awarding funds to freshmen and sophomores. Recipients of this scholarship will be selected by the Northern Arapaho Endowment Committee. Those eligible for funding must attend UW and must be able to provide proof of tribal enrollment in the Northern Arapaho Tribe. The Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming is located between the scenic Wind River Range and Owl Creek Mountains on the Wind River Indian Reservation, which is shared by over 4,216 Eastern Shoshone and 9,862 Northern Arapaho. Swiss-Belhotel International has launched a global room promotion at all its Swiss-Belhotel and Zest Hotel properties worldwide as well as a special social media campaign (#TogetherApartWithSBI) throughout September to celebrate its 33rd anniversary. Founded on September 25, 1987, Swiss-Belhotel International, the Hong Kong-based international hotel management Group now offers 14 distinctive brands across 23 countries with more than 145 hotels, resorts and projects. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: We are proud of our accomplishments over the years and look forward to an exciting future. Propelled by a winning partnership philosophy of working hand-in-hand with our owners and investors, excellent teamwork, and guest satisfaction focus we have come a long way to be among the top 100 hotel management companies in the world. Our uncompromising quest for perfection and the drive for innovation, Passion and Professionalism is part of our DNA and culture. It forms the basis of the sustained success of our brand. Faull continued: We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with every guest we serve. It is an opportunity for us to create magical moments and spread the joy of togetherness while staying apart and reassuring our guests that their safety and wellbeing is our first priority. We owe our success to our guests. Powered by countless triumphs, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world's fastest-growing hospitality management groups. It has been awarded Indonesia's Leading Global Hotel Chain for nine consecutive years and has bagged numerous prestigious international accolades and honours during this exhilarating journey. In line with the groups 33rd anniversary celebrations, all Swiss-Belhotel and Zest Hotel properties will be rolling out the following stay offer and social media activity that will enable guests to commemorate the brands rich legacy and achievements.-- Tradearabia News Service Aviation bosses last night accused ministers of completely disengaging from the industry over airport coronavirus tests. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has not held an official meeting with Heathrow airport in recent weeks despite mounting evidence of an industry in crisis. Derek Provan, the boss of Southampton, Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: We are isolated as an industry and they are not interested in talking to us about testing. We are trying to tell the Government we are experts in transport but they are completely disregarding us. Why can they not at least have a conversation about it? Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) has not held an official meeting with Heathrow airport in recent weeks despite mounting evidence of an industry in crisis A senior aviation source said that a fortnight ago, as criticism of the quarantine policy mounted, the Department for Transport stopped all engagement with the industry this was a crazy move given the severity of the crisis. The source added: Many in the industry are very angry at the lack of engagement. It has been a wall of silence. John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow, is in regular contact with Mr Shapps but has told of his frustration at the lack of official meetings to discuss testing. He has pointed out that the boss of Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris has had numerous official meetings with the transport minister in France, where airport testing is in place and passenger numbers are recovering. Pressure is now mounting on Mr Shapps to hold urgent crisis talks with Airlines UK and the Airport Operators Association, the trade bodies representing Britains aviation sector, as well as Heathrow. Heathrow said: We urge all decision makers to start more effective engagement to ensure the right and safe solution is found. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: We urgently need to get passenger connectivity with key markets going again and that needs a smart testing regime instead of quarantine. The urgency cannot be overstated and we are losing time. The DfT said it has held regular meetings with the industry and work is being done to consider if and how testing could be used to reduce the self-isolation period. Anger for British families caught in Portugal fiasco By John Stevens and Liz Hull for the Daily Mail Ministers faced a furious backlash from holidaymakers yesterday as they were forced to admit the Governments quarantine policy was confusing passengers. Angry travellers branded the quarantine policy a shambles after racing home from Portugal and Greece only for both to unexpectedly remain on Englands travel corridor list. At the same time, the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales imposed restrictions on travellers arriving from the two countries, leading to a divide across the UK. Last night, there were questions over whether the Government had heeded the recommendations of its Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), which advises on the threat faced by travel from foreign nations. Downing Street did not deny that the advice from the JBC had been that travel from Portugal and the six Greek islands restricted by Wales should be subject to quarantine. Angry travellers branded the quarantine policy a shambles after racing home from Portugal (pictured) and Greece Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tried to defend taking a different decision from Scotland and Wales, but accepted it created problems for travellers. I do realise it creates confusion for people not to have a single rule, but we do have this devolved approach throughout the United Kingdom and I can only be responsible for the English part of that, he told Sky News. The Cabinet minister said he had concluded no changes were necessary partly because test positivity for example in Portugal actually came down, while the number of cases overall in Greece had fallen. But Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said he had acted in line with the risk assessments from the Governments own advisers. Scotland and Wales imposed 14 days of isolation on arrivals from Portugal, while Scotland included Greece on its quarantine list, and Wales added seven Greek islands. A No 10 spokesman said: Ministers assess the data which is provided by JBC and the JBC risk assessments are assessed by ministers. Jonathan Lake, from Cardiff (pictured) is on holiday with his family in Crete, which was added to the Welsh Governments red list yesterday Hundreds of Britons forked out thousands of pounds for return flights as they cut short their holidays over concerns a rise in coronavirus cases in Portugal in particular would prompt ministers to bring in restrictions. Others cancelled their breaks amid fears they would not be able to work or their children go to school on their return. Jonathan Lake, from Cardiff, is on holiday with his family in Crete, which was added to the Welsh Governments red list yesterday. He said: Its the lack of consistent messaging and management across the whole UK Government that Im really angry about now. People on that flight from England, they can just go and live their life as normal, but because I live in Wales, Vaughan Gething has said, screw you, Im going to make you sit in your house for 14 days. Its a joke, an absolute joke. Bristol father John Cushing said he had to cut his Portugal holiday short to beat the quarantine that never happened and get his daughter Georgie, 12, back to school. He paid 1,000 for flights home on Thursday after seeing reports it could have been added to the list. He said: My daughter was in tears yesterday at the thought of not being able to go back to school and see her friends. The airlines have us over a barrel. Boris Johnson insisted last night that overwhelmingly the UK is proceeding as one. He said different devolved administrations had different rates of infectivity and approaches to the crisis. But he added: I think you will find if you dig below the surface... you will find overwhelmingly the UK takes the same approach. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 06:25:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A "small number" of sailors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier tested positive for the novel coronavirus while underway in the Pacific region, the U.S. Navy announced on Friday. "A small number of sailors on board the ship tested positive for COVID-19 while underway on Aug 27, 2020," Reann Mommsen, spokesperson for the U.S. 7th Fleet, said in a statement. "There are currently no positive COVID sailors aboard USS Ronald Reagan," she said, adding that the sailors received "immediate medical treatment" and were taken off the ship. None have been hospitalized, Mommsen said, noting that "an investigation is underway to determine the source of infection." The aircraft carrier made a brief port visit in Guam from Aug. 22 to Aug. 26, according to a The Hill report. A coronavirus outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier sidelined the ship for months earlier this year, leaving one killed and more than 1,000 sailors sickened. Enditem Heres a list of top ten stocks that may be in news on Friday: Banks and financial services: The Supreme Court has directed banks not to tag loans that were standard as on 31 August as non-performing even if there was a default, till further orders. Also, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked banks to roll out resolution plans for covid-hit accounts by 15 September. Reliance Industries: Private equity firm Silver Lake Partners is in talks to invest $1 billion in Reliance Retail, the Financial Times reported, quoting sources. The investment would value RIL's retail at about $57 billion. Vodafone Idea: The mobile service provider's board meets on Friday to consider fund raising options after the Supreme Court directed all telecom operators to pay 10% of the total adjusted gross revenue-related dues in 2020-21 and the rest in equal instalments over 10 years, starting FY22. Infosys: The IT major has entered a definitive agreement to acquire US-based product design and development firm Kaleidoscope Innovation for up to $42 million. The acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Tata Motors: Energy Efficiency Service Ltd, a joint venture between public sector units under ministry of Power, has announced procurement of 250 long range electric vehicles (EVs) from the company and also Hyundai Motor India, to be used by government officials. State Bank of India: The lender is likely to raise up to 4,000 crore in perpetual bonds. It may offer interest in the range of 7.40-7.5% for the quasi-equity securities that are likely to come up for bidding on Monday, The Economic Times reported. InterGlobe Aviation: IndiGo, Indias largest airline, operated by the company, is betting big on the festive season, trying to revive passenger demand following an increase in flight bookings as states ease travel restrictions. Hindustan Aeronautics: The government has proposed to offer 5.02 lakh shares to eligible employees of the company at a discounted price of 950.95 per share in an offer for sale that will remain open during 4-9 September. CreditAccess Grameen: The board of the NBFC has approved issue of equity shares, through private placement, FPO, preferential issue, QIP and others, up to 1000 crore. PNB Housing Finance: The mortgage lender is likely to lay off about 5-7% of its employees to rationalize cost amid shrinking business, The Economic Times reported. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Every name on the BrandBucket marketplace is exclusively listed with BrandBucket. That means that all of our sellers are very responsive, making for quick domain transfers. A dedicated BrandBucket agent will manage your domain transfer from beginning to end, ensuring a secure and easy transaction. They will manage the receipt of the domain into one of BrandBuckets secure registrar accounts and then complete the transfer to you. 1. Verification and registrar choice After we receive the payment and verify it, we will reach out via email to confirm which registrar you want the domain transferred to. We also provide a link to our tracking system, where you can communicate with us, check on the status of your transfer, view your invoice, and download your logo files. In most cases, if a domain is moved between accounts at a single registrar, the transfer is quick and usually completes within 48 hours. If a domain changes registrars (in other words, you would like to move it away from where it is currently registered), the transfer is slower. The total transfer time can then be anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days. BrandBucket has vetted and supports the following registrars: GoDaddy Namesilo Uniregistry NameCheap Google Domains Network Solutions Name.com Dynadot Amazon Route 53 123 Reg Gandi 2. We request the name from the seller. Once we know where you would like the domain transferred, BrandBucket will request the domain from the seller. All of our sellers are very responsive, making for a quick process. 3. Transfer the name into your account As soon as we receive the name from the seller, we start the transfer into your account and guide you through the whole process. 4. Verify with the buyer that the transfer is complete Once we confirm that you have received the name, we consider the escrow process to be complete. Only then do we release payment to the domain seller. Wyatt Evans (left) and brother Reid were recommended for commutation after nearly 40 years in prison. Read more Eight people serving life sentences were recommended for clemency Friday by Pennsylvanias Board of Pardons, which held sessions via Zoom video conference (and in the face of repeated technological failures) for the first time in the boards 148-year history due to the coronavirus pandemic. Twenty-two men and women, including people in their 70s who have served more than 40 years in prison but are not eligible for parole, had asked the board to support their applications. A unanimous recommendation is necessary before Gov. Tom Wolf can commute their terms to lifetime parole. The tense four-day session brought raw, often tearful testimony from the family members of victims and supporters of those imprisoned for committing murders or participating in felonies that resulted in deaths. Groups as wide-ranging as Americans for Prosperity, the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, and a coalition of Jewish faith leaders had urged the board to show mercy. Among those who received the boards support were Philadelphia brothers Reid and Wyatt Evans, who have served close to 40 years in prison for their roles in the 1980 gunpoint carjacking of 68-year-old Leonard Leichter outside a City Avenue supermarket. The brothers and friend Marc Blackwell dropped Leichter off at a pay phone, but he died of a heart attack and the robbery became a murder. Nancy Leichter, the victims daughter, told the board that since Blackwell, the ringleader in the crime, was paroled in 2018, it was a matter of equity to grant the Evans brothers application. My mother, who died about 18 years ago ... she would always say to me: You have to forgive. You have to forgive. You have to forgive. I believe she would have forgiven them. I believe that the way to honor both my mother and my father is to forgive them. Only then will we be able to come full circle. READ MORE: Two sets of brothers spent decades in prison. This may be their last chance to get out. Their father, W.K. Evans Jr., 86 watched the livestream from his home in Philadelphia. I just got finished crying, he said. I cant hardly contain myself. It means everything to me right now. My sons been in there since they was boys. We made so many trips up there, that was our second home. Other applications were denied or held under advisement, as board members clashed repeatedly during public hearings as they wrestled with hazy details of decades-old criminal behavior and murky records produced by the Department of Corrections. This isnt about voting yes or no on a commutation. Its about being able to vote at all on it, said Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who was often seen in opposition to Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, the boards chairman and a vocal advocate for broader use of clemency. Shapiro said that much more work needs to be done to fix this process. For instance, he expressed frustration over missing court transcripts for Dennis and Lee Horton, brothers from Philadelphia who have maintained their innocence while serving 27 years for robbery and a fatal shooting at a Hunting Park bar. The board agreed to hold the brothers cases under advisement, which means it will render its decision at a later date. READ MORE: An accomplice will die in prison while the killer goes free: The strange justice of Pennsylvanias felony-murder law Fetterman said their record should stand on its own: No prison misconducts. Unheard of zero risk-assessment score. And glowing reviews from prison officials. These two gentlemen stand out. They just dont belong in prison, Deputy Superintendent Mark Wahl told the board, describing their work within the prison as leaders for rehabilitation. I am excited for them to get out here in their community and use the same skills. There are things that are unknowable quite frankly after 30 or 40 years or more have passed. The Horton brothers were described by the Department of Corrections as the best inmates we have out of thousands of inmates. You seem preoccupied with drilling down on a transcript, Fetterman told Shapiro. You encouraged them to acknowledge their guilt multiple occasions during questioning, and they maintained their innocence, as they have for 27 years. Still, the board moved ahead to recommend clemency for Avis Lee, Henrietta Harris and Mildred Strickland a 75-year-old great-grandmother who in 1985 reportedly fended off an assault by an abusive boyfriend and ended up stabbing him to death. They also supported the application of Daniel Cummings, 75. And they gave approval to Gregory Stover, 52, who was convicted of serving as an accomplice to the murder of Darris Joyner. This came despite the anguished objections of Joyners sister, Dawn Moton, who told the board, He completely destroyed a family. One of those recommended was Francisco Mojica, 58, who has been incarcerated 29 years on a second-degree murder conviction, in which the shooter, Mojicas older brother, served just 12 years. Lydia Mojica, his wife of more than 40 years and a Spanish speaker, expressed gratitude and disbelief when she heard the news. I guess shes speechless, said Luis Torres, who was translating for her. Torres was incarcerated for 29 years with Mojica, a prison hospice worker known for his gentle dedication. I was in a really bad accident, and I had both of my hips replaced. And he was the person that fed me, that bathed me, that gave me therapy, he said. A lot of people at the prison didnt want anyone else [but Mojica] taking care of them. He was really patient. He has a gift. Speaking by phone from SCI Phoenix Friday evening, Mojica expressed optimism. For years I was asking for help and nobody listened to me, he said. Im so happy Im jumping up and down. He said hed watched TV coverage of Shapiros recent drug bust in Kensington and took the opportunity in his hearing to offer to help to contribute a youth job-training program to the neighborhood hes from. Its good to clean the neighborhood, he said, but once you do, you have to put something else there. Gold, Silver prices in India on September 4: Gold traded mildly higher for the second consecutive session on Friday, amid a marginal pullback in global equity markets. Traders said investors rushed to the safe-haven asset ahead of the release of US Monthly payroll data, scheduled later in the day. On the Multi-Commodity Exchange platform, gold traded a tad higher tracking international commodity markets. Gold October Futures gained Rs 80 at Rs 50,882, after hitting an intraday high of Rs 50,977 against the previous close of Rs 50,742 per 10 gm. MCX gold futures currently trade over Rs 5,300 lower than the lifetime high of Rs 56,191 per 10 gm, hit on August 7. On MCX, the yellow metal has risen 41.5% to life-time high since the beginning of the year. Share Market News Live: Sensex drops 450 points, Nifty at 11,390; Hindalco, Kotak Bank, Axis Bank top losers Silver September Futures, on the other hand, traded flat at Rs 66,875 per kg today after they touched an intraday low of Rs 66,711 per kg. Silver Futures hit a lifetime high of Rs 77,949 on August 7. Gold prices may fall below Rs 50,000 in coming days; should you buy or wait? In the international spot market, gold and silver continued positive momentum, despite rising dollar. Spot gold was up 0.3% at $1,935 per ounce after 1.4% fall yesterday. While Comex gold was rising 0.35% at $1,934 per ounce, US gold futures gained 0.2% to $1,941. Silver gained 0.2% to $26.67 per ounce. A weak momentum in the equity market also helped the bullion recover from its recent fall this week. Domestic as well as international equity markets were trading majorly lower today. Most Asian indices were falling on Friday tracking overnight plunge in US markets. Stocks on Wall Street closed sharply lower as economic data raised concerns. Rising coronavirus cases also helped the commodity cap losses. Worldwide, there were 264 lakh confirmed cases and 8.73 lakh deaths from COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, India's death toll from COVID-19 infections rose to 68,569 and total coronavirus cases to 39.36 lakh as of Friday. The price of bullion metal has slipped 1.5% this week overseas, on the back of strong comeback in manufacturing activities in major economies, denting the safe-haven appeal. In India, 24-carat bullion per 10 gram in the national capital traded at Rs 54,120. Price of 24-carat gold stood at Rs 53,210 per 10 gram in Chennai. In Mumbai and Kolkata, the rate for 24-Carat gold stood at Rs 50,350 and 52,700, respectively. Sixth tranche of Sovereign Gold Bond opens on Aug 31; check out issue price Technical outlook On gold's outlook, Hareesh V, Head of Commodity Research at Geojit Financial Services said," A steady U.S dollar and optimism that the deadly pandemic may be under control soon continue to hit the safe-haven appeal of gold. However, hopes of more fiscal stimulus measures and elevating U.S-China trade tensions would offer firm support to prices. At the same time, traders may be extra cautious today ahead of the key U.S payroll and unemployment data." On London spot technical, he added, "Support of $1900 an ounce needs to be cleared for the continuation of selling pressure. Else, may see a choppy trading session for the day". On Silver futures, Geojit Financial Services in its daily note said, "Support of $26 likely to hold the downside and it may inch prices higher initially. However, a close above $28 is needed to trigger major rallies in the counter. A direct drop below $26 is a signal of liquidation. MCX Silver Nov futures' resistance is placed at Rs 70820 and support at Rs 64300. On Gold, the agency said, "Breaking the immediate support of $1920 is required to continue selloffs in the counter. Else, may see recovery upticks for the day. However, a direct rise above $1974 is a signal of a bullish outlook." As per the agency, Gold futures resistance is placed at 51,850 and support at 50520. Gold price trading flat; silver rate at Rs 68,500 National cabinet was unable to come to a unanimous agreement to create a standard coronavirus hotspot definition to guide the reopenening of borders, leading Prime Minister Scott Morrison to declare the group of state and territory leaders would "evolve" away from consensus-based decision-making. Following the national cabinet meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister said the need to come to an absolute consensus "sets the federation up to fail". Scott Morrison Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "Australia is too diverse a place," he said. "One of the reasons COAG and its predecessors never worked was there was the unrealistic and, frankly, not very practical expectation that it could only ever operate on complete, 100 per cent consensus." BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 8:30 am ET Friday, the U.S Labor Department will release non-farm payrolls data for August. Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major counterparts. While the greenback held steady versus the yen, it recovered against the rest of major rivals. The greenback was worth 106.19 against the yen, 0.9106 against the franc, 1.3266 against the pound and 1.1849 against the euro as of 8:25 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. Afghanistan to send 7 Taliban inmates to Qatar: Report Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 10:13 AM Afghanistan will move seven Taliban prisoners to Qatar, a report says, a few days ahead of peace talks between Kabul and the militant group in the Persian Gulf state. "They will be shifted to Doha" soon, Reuters quoted an unnamed Afghan official as saying on Thursday. The official also said that Kabul had not wanted to free the seven prisoners because they were guilty of killing foreign troops in the country. He also said that top Afghan officials were set to travel to the Qatari capital for the peace negotiations this week. Reuters said that Taliban and a number of Western diplomats had also confirmed the news to the agency. On Monday, the Afghan government resumed the release of Taliban captives after days of vacillating because they had been involved in serious crimes. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that Kabul had "fulfilled all its commitments." "The release of Taliban prisoners is a clear demonstration of the government's commitment to peace," Ghani said. Afghanistan's Loya Jirga, or grand assembly of elders, had earlier approved the release of 400 imprisoned Taliban militants who had been involved in serious crimes in Afghanistan and whom the Afghan government was hesitant to release. The prisoner swap, part of a deal between the Taliban and the United States, was considered a prelude to peace talks between the militants and Kabul. Under the deal with the US, the militant group agreed to stop its attacks on international forces in return for the US military's phased withdrawal from Afghanistan and the prisoner swap with the government. The Taliban have formerly refused to recognize the Afghan government as legitimate. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leaders of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra lashed out at actor Kangana Ranaut on Friday for comparing Mumbai to Pak-occupied-Kashmir, with home minister Anil Deshmukh saying that those who feel unsafe in the city have no right to live here. The opposition -- the Bharatiya Janata Party -- distanced itself from the Bollywood actor, saying it had nothing to do with her. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut asked the state government to take action against those defaming the city police. In a tweet, Ranaut had recently asked "why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir?" and tagged a report where Raut had purportedly said she should not come back to Mumbai if she was afraid of the city police. "If people who have nothing to do with the city malign it and its police, the state government and the home minister... should take action, or else the morale of the police will take a beating," the Sena leader told reporters on Friday, alleging a conspiracy behind the campaign against Mumbai Police. "The state health department and the home department should deal with mental cases which are on rise," he added. Raut also said the political parties which got votes in Mumbai "should be ashamed of supporting the elements who defame the Mumbai police". "What is PoK? Kangana should tour that place first and see the situation prevailing there," he said. Nationalist Congress Party leader and state home minister Anil Deshmukh reacted strongly to the "Queen" actor's comments. Mumbai Police have been often compared to the famed Scotland Yard because of their efficiency, Deshmukh said, adding that it was ridiculous for an actor to make such a statement. "And those who think Mumbai or Maharashtra is not safe for them (to live in), they have no right to live in Mumbai or Maharashtra," he said. City BJP leader Ashish Shelar distanced his party from Ranaut's comments. "Kangana should not try to teach Mumbai, Mumbaikars and Maharashtra... BJP has nothing to do with Kangana. Don't link us to her statements," he said. State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant accused Ranaut of being hand in glove with the BJP to malign the Sena-NCP-Congress government and the Mumbai police. "By equating Mumbai to PoK, the actress has insulted 13 crore Maharashtrians... and all those who love Mumbai, at the behest of BJP," Sawant alleged in a tweet. "We demand an unconditional apology from Devendra Fadnavis and the state BJP for their support to Kangana and party MLA Ram Kadam," the Congress leader said. Kadam, a local MLA, said the BJP did not support any objectionable comment made by Ranaut. "She is ready to expose big names in politics and film industry involved in drugs. Is the state government scared of this? The Mumbai police is being maligned to protect some big names," he said. Earlier, Kadam had demanded that the state government provide security to Ranaut. However, the actor had said that she was more scared ofthe Mumbai police. has reported 1,228 nw cases, the highest single-day spike as the pandemic was raging in the Himalayan country. With the new cases, the national infection tally reached 42,877, according to the Ministry of Health and Population, reports Xinhua news agency. The active cases stood at 18,413. "A total of 1,228 cases were identified in the last 24 hours," Jageshwor Gautam, spokesman at the Ministry, said at a press meet on Thursday. The previous single-day high was on August 30 with 1,221 new cases. Although had been witnessing sharp decline in Covid-19 cases since July 3, the cases started to surge once again after the government ended the lockdown on July 22, allowing almost all economic and social activities to resume. While the cases were mostly confined among the Nepali migrant workers, who had returned home from abroad, particularly from India before the lockdown was lifted, the cases are now spreading to several community clusters, according to Ministry. Suresh Tiwari, a senior official at Ministry, said that around 96 per cent of the cases were now locally transmitted, a reversal of a trend observed until July. Over 70 per cent cases have been concentrated in just 12 districts suggesting the community transmission. The capital Kathmandu has emerged as a new hotspot of the pandemic with over one third of the total cases reported on Thursday. As many as 445 cases were identified in the Kathmandu Valley in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry. So far, there are 7,038 cases reported in the Kathmandu Valley. Government officials have been repeatedly warning against the crowding. But, on Thursday, defying the prohibitory orders, the Machhindranath Jatra was organized in Kathmandu Valley, which led to clashes between police and the locals. Meanwhile, six new Covid-19 fatalities were reported, which took the total death toll to 257. --IANS ksk/ (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.) Islamabad, Sep 4 : A week after allegations were levelled against his familys assets, retired Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said that he was stepping down as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) of Pakistan and would submit his resignation on Friday However, Bajwa said he would continue working as chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, reports Dawn news. He said he had all documents about his family's assets and was ready to present them and money trail before any judicial forum. A few days ago, journalist Ahmed Noorani broke the news on a website alleging that Bajwa had used his offices in setting up of off-shore businesses of his wife, sons and brothers. The report said Bajwa's younger brothers opened their first Papa John's pizza restaurant in 2002, the year he started working as a lieutenant colonel under former President Pervez Musharraf. According to the news report, Nadeem Bajwa, who started as a delivery driver for the pizza restaurant franchise, his brothers and Asim Bajwa's wife and sons now own a business empire which set up 99 companies in four countries, including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated $39.9 million. The news report further said that Bajwa's wife was a shareholder in all the foreign businesses from the very beginning and at present she is associated with or is a shareholder in 85 companies including 82 foreign companies (71 in the US, seven in UAE and four in Canada). Soon after the news surfaced, Asim Bajwa refuted the allegations about his family's assets in strong words and termed them "incorrect and false", Dawn news reported. In a statement on Thursday, he rejected the allegations and said: "The news broken by Ahmed Noorani on an unknown website is vehemently denied as incorrect and false. "I have not shied away to explain the allegations shamelessly levelled against me. These allegations have been hurled at me to tarnish my image." Alabama Montgomery: Halfway through the first quarter, the citys public school system is preparing to reopen its doors to students for in-person instruction come October, with the plan to send families a survey in the next two weeks about their learning preference. The survey, focused on gauging how many families are interested in sending students back into classrooms, will be available Sept. 14-18. If students do return, the district will still offer virtual learning for those who are not comfortable with in-person instruction. Montgomery Public Schools is one of nearly two dozen districts across the state that chose to delay returning to school buildings for the first nine weeks of the year. MPS teachers have been working within the schools to conduct virtual lessons. A request to disclose whether any teachers have tested positive for COVID-19 or had to quarantine due to exposure since the start of the school year was not fulfilled by the district. Alaska Juneau: Gov. Mike Dunleavys decision to expand eligibility has prompted a rush of applications for small-business aid using federal coronavirus relief funds. The eligibility rule changes by the Republican governor prompted a wave of new applications Monday for the state-run program, KTOO reports. Under the previous rules, businesses were not eligible if they had received federal Paycheck Protection Program funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Dunleavy announced his administration was eliminating the restrictions Aug. 20. Businesses had applied for only $169 million of the $290 million budgeted for the program through Aug. 18. A total of $301.3 million had been requested after 812 businesses applied Monday for $55.6 million in expanded funding, said Julie Anderson, commissioner of the state Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Arizona Tempe: Arizona State University has announced that some students living on campus will be moved to reduce the density in the dorms because of an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases. There are 5,000 spaces available in residence halls to begin shifting students housing arrangements, officials said. The announcement came after the university reported that 775 students and 28 faculty members tested positive for COVID-19 as of Monday, shortly after in-person classes started Aug. 20. Among the students, 428 live off campus, 323 are in isolation at the Tempe campus, and the remainder are in isolation at either the Glendale or downtown Phoenix campuses. Theres not one event or one location or one activity that is contributing to the spread, the university said in a statement. Sometimes its just a couple of kids hanging out in a dorm room who take their masks off its a very contagious disease, and its spreading. Story continues Arkansas Little Rock: The number of active cases at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville campus jumped Wednesday to nearly 400. The school reported 185 new cases at its campus between Sunday and Tuesday, bringing its total number of active cases to 399. I realize that part of college life is the socialization that goes on, but in todays environment it is important to keep in mind the social responsibility you bear to the entire society, said Dr. Jose Romero, the states health secretary. Without your help, we cannot bring this pandemic under control. UA has been conducting testing on its campus through Thursday, which Romero has said will give the state a better sense of how prevalent the outbreak is there. Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he expected more than 1,000 test results from college students to come in over the next week. California Los Angeles: People experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County are testing positive for the coronavirus at rates far lower than among the population at large, a health official said Wednesday as he breathed a sigh of relief about the fate of the areas most vulnerable residents. The percentage of homeless people who tested positive for COVID-19 was 1.87% as of Aug. 27, according to LA County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis. At least 1,589 cases of the coronavirus have been identified among the homeless population, with 41 deaths, he said. Los Angeles Countys overall positive rate is 10.2%, according to the Department of Health. Mel Tillekeratne, a leading Los Angeles homeless advocate, said he believes the reason for the lower rate may be that a majority about 70% of the countys homeless live outside. In addition, LAs homeless are increasingly conscientious about wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the virus, he said. Colorado Durango: A motorcycle rally plans to continue with its events scheduled for Labor Day weekend. Organizers for the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally say the three-day event will be scaled down due to coronavirus restrictions. Events have limited their capacity or been canceled altogether. The Hill Climb at Purgatory Resort and concerts at Sky Ute Casino Resort have been canceled. The Hooligan Dirt Dash, which typically draws about 1,500 people, will have a capacity of 100 people. John Oakes, an organizer, said the events will encourage social distancing and face coverings. Typically, it was like a street party, Oakes said. But now, it will be like a seated restaurant. The rally had not received a permit from the city of Durango to hold the event as of Tuesday, the Durango Herald reports. But Alex Wilkinson, the community events administrator for Durango, said the event should receive the green light in time for Friday. Connecticut Hartford: Gov. Ned Lamonts new choice to oversee the Connecticut Department of Correction said Wednesday that he believes the agency is better prepared for a possible new surge of coronavirus infections this fall than it was months ago, when the pandemic began and mistakes were made. Angel Quiros, who will become the departments first Hispanic commissioner, said prison officials have learned much more about the coronavirus since the spring. And some policies such as isolating inmates who tested positive at the states maximum-security prison and not allowing them to shower because of ventilation concerns have been changed. Quiros said the agency has been finishing a second round of mass testing, and the current infection rate is about 3%, compared to 9% earlier in the year. Delaware Wilmington: Latino children in the state have been infected with COVID-19 at a vastly disproportionate rate, an analysis of state data found. Between April and June, about 47% to 60% of children diagnosed with the illness were Latino, according to state data. Latinos make up about 16% of the child population in Delaware. Latinos of all ages, particularly those living in Sussex County, have the highest rate of infection among any racial group in the state five times as high as white residents. That led to state health officials significantly increasing testing in Latino communities. Doctors began knocking on doors, urging people to get tested. Community advocates helped find alternate housing for those who needed to quarantine and organized groceries for those who couldnt leave their homes. In the past month, the state has seen a significant drop in the number of new positive cases among Latino children, but the rate is still disproportionate. District of Columbia Washington: The district has seen far fewer tourists compared to the pre-coronavirus era, WUSA-TV reports. According to data released by Destination D.C., before the pandemic, the city welcomed about 24.6 million visitors, with visitation up 4.1% in 2019. The tourism supported about 78,266 jobs in the city and brought $8.2 billion in visitor spending and $896 million in local tax revenue to the district. With 10 consecutive years of significant visitation growth in the city, Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of DDC, said he believes only about 11 million domestic visitors will travel to the city in 2020. Thats about 53% less than the previous year. Ferguson projected that if a vaccine is available as early as next year, and the economic impact of the pandemic doesnt get worse, visitation could bounce back and climb to 20 million by 2022. Florida Miami: The highbrow Art Basel fair, known for glamorous parties and celebrity sightings, on Wednesday announced the cancellation of this years event amid the coronavirus pandemic. The prestigious December art fair draws collectors, socialites and celebrities from around the world to Miami. But the pandemics impact on international travel restrictions and other quarantine factors left little choice but to postpone the annual event until 2021, according to a statement from the organization. At the same time Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a new $13 million ad campaign to encourage Floridians to vacation in the state. The video ad encourages people to take advantage of the states golf courses, beaches, fishing and other outdoor activities. He made the announcement in Daytona Beach along with Visit Florida CEO and President Dana Young. DeSantis said its safe to visit theme parks and other Florida destinations. Georgia Atlanta: With more than 3,000 public university students and employees across the state testing positive for COVID-19 since Aug. 1, some schools are taking action to slow the spread of the respiratory illness. Georgia Tech is encouraging students to convert to single rooms, moving out roommates over coming weeks to reduce exposure to the coronavirus. Both Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia announced they are renting more off-campus rooms to isolate or quarantine students who have been infected or exposed to the virus. UGA reported 821 new infections for the week ended Saturday, a number that President Jere Morehead said Wednesday is concerning. He urged students to continue to make every effort to prioritize their health and safety by taking the proper steps to avoid exposure to this virus. Hawaii Honolulu: When Japanese military leaders climbed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945, the battleship was packed with U.S. sailors eager to see the end of World War II. On Wednesday, the 75th anniversary of the surrender, some of those same men who served the United States werent able to return to the Missouri in Hawaiis Pearl Harbor because of the worlds new war against the coronavirus. The commemoration initially was supposed to be a blockbuster event with parades, movie premieres, galas, and thousands of people honoring the veterans in their 90s or beyond, some who may be marking the milestone for the last time. Because of the threat of the virus, the ceremony was scaled down to about 50 people, with local veterans and government officials gathering on the USS Missouri in masks. The names were read of surviving WWII veterans, including 14 who were on the ship the day the Japanese surrendered. Idaho Boise: The state will remain in the fourth and final stage of reopening during the coronavirus pandemic for at least another two weeks, Gov. Brad Little said Thursday. Little said hospitalizations of those infected remain too high, but other areas, such as the positivity rate, are improving. He also encouraged getting flu shots, saying that flu patients combined with COVID-19 patients could threaten health care capacity. A shortage of medical supplies or patient beds could cause the state to fall back to more restrictions. These variables threaten our health care capacity the very thing we are trying to protect so that our economic rebound can continue, Little said. Johns Hopkins University data through Wednesday shows Idaho has seen a total of more than 32,000 coronavirus infections and 372 deaths. Illinois Urbana: The University of Illinois is ramping up enforcement of restrictions on student activity after more than 330 COVID-19 cases in two days on the schools Urbana-Champaign campus, school officials said Wednesday. In an email to students, Chancellor Robert Jones said he expects all undergraduates to limit their in-person interactions to only the most essential activities for the next two weeks. These include things like taking twice weekly COVID-19 tests, attending class, purchasing groceries and food, going to work, engaging in individual outdoor activity, attending religious services and seeking medical attention, Jones wrote. Meanwhile, Illinois State University in Normal is reporting about 1,025 students have tested positive for the coronavirus since the start of the fall semester two weeks ago, nearly 5% of the student body. Indiana Indianapolis: Health officials are warning Hoosiers to take coronavirus precautions seriously over the Labor Day weekend even as new statewide COVID-19 risk ratings show most counties with minimal or moderate virus spread. The new county-by-county map available on the Indiana State Department of Healths website Thursday gives a red rating of high spread to only Martin County in rural southwestern Indiana. Seven other counties, including South Bends St. Joseph County, Muncies Delaware County and Terre Hautes Vigo County, have orange ratings of moderate to high spread. The remaining 88 counties received yellow or blue ratings based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents and the percentage of tests confirming COVID-19 infections. The map is meant as a guide for school leaders on whether to keep students in classrooms. Iowa Johnston: As the state sees some of the highest rates of coronavirus cases in the nation, Gov. Kim Reynolds said Wednesday that she will wait to determine whether her move to close bars in six counties slows the viruss spread before considering additional steps. Reynolds said the soaring number of confirmed virus cases is largely due to infections among young people, especially those in the college towns of Iowa City and Ames. Reynolds said she would make $10,000 grants available to the bars, taverns breweries, wineries and other businesses that sell alcohol in those counties to help them get through another shutdown. She also said she supported Iowa States decision to allow 25,000 fans into a Sept. 12 football game, even as Ames sees some of the countrys highest rates of coronavirus infections. However, Iowa State announced a short time later that it had changed its plans and wouldnt allow fans to attend. The game will be televised. Kansas Wichita: Amid intense pressure, the states largest school district has overturned its decision to call off all fall sports and activities because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Board of Education for the 50,000-student Wichita district reversed itself Tuesday after members were flooded with emails and phone calls pleading and demanding that sports be allowed to continue. The outcry included a massive demonstration at Wichita Northwest High School. Athletes also had stood outside the boards meeting space holding signs and chanting following the initial Aug. 20 cancellation decision, The Wichita Eagle reports. District schools will only compete against each other during the regular season but would remain eligible for postseason play. Some of the states other large districts have called off fall sports, including Shawnee Mission and Kansas City, Kansas. Kentucky Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear signaled Wednesday that he expects to extend his mask mandate again later this month, saying the facial covering requirement is more important than ever amid efforts to reopen schools and protect the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. For a second straight day, the governor reported more than 800 new coronavirus cases in Kentucky. He said statewide cases appear to be creeping up, and we need to watch it. He later said the state is in a dangerous place in battling the outbreak. The state is approaching a total of 50,000 cases and nearing 1,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Beshear reported 18 more virus-related deaths Wednesday, raising the death toll to 36 in the past three days. Despite the high number of cases, the Democratic governor insisted his requirement that people wear masks in public is working and indicated the order will be extended again later in the month. Louisiana Baton Rouge: Gov. John Bel Edwards is asking a federal judge to order the states elections chief to broaden the use of absentee-by-mail voting for the fall elections because of the pandemic. The Democratic governor filed the request with the court Wednesday in an ongoing lawsuit by voting rights advocates seeking to widen mail-in balloting options for the Nov. 3 presidential and congressional election and a Dec. 5 state runoff. The governor asks this court to protect the right to vote and just as importantly, the health and safety of the people of Louisiana by ordering the implementation of an election plan that sensibly addresses the current pandemic and safeguards constitutional rights, wrote Edwards executive counsel Matthew Block. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, the Republican who manages Louisianas elections, has proposed a limited expansion of absentee-by-mail voting for those who are confirmed to have COVID-19. Maine Augusta: Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Wednesday extended a state of emergency for a sixth time during the pandemic. In a statement, Mills urged Mainers not to let pandemic fatigue allow them to become complacent, especially as students are returning to schools and universities across the state. The outbreaks which we hear about in other states every day can sometimes feel far away from the relative safety of our state, but recent events prove that one little match can spark a fire that may be very difficult to put out, she said, referring to outbreaks associated with a recent wedding in the Katahdin region. A state of civil emergency allows Maine to draw down critical federal resources and to deploy all available tools to contain COVID-19. Such orders are issued in 30-day increments. Maryland Baltimore: The mayor said Wednesday that the city wont immediately follow some other parts of the state into the third phase of its coronavirus recovery plan. We do not want to erase the gains weve made over the past month, Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young said at a news conference, local media outlets report. Young said he anticipates moving Baltimore into the second recovery phase next week, which would allow restaurants to expand their indoor dining capacity. He said additional details would be announced at a later time. Youngs announcement came a day after Gov. Larry Hogan announced all businesses in Maryland would be able to open later this week under Phase 3. But any local jurisdiction can decide not to open as much as the state plan allows. Massachusetts Boston: Nearly 150 arts and cultural organizations are sharing in $815,000 worth of grants from the citys Arts and Culture COVID-19 Fund, the city announced Thursday. The fund was established this summer with federal stimulus money to support small and midsized nonprofits to help them adapt their programs, spaces and operating models to comply with coronavirus regulations. Supporting the organizations that bring transformative arts programming to every neighborhood in our city is imperative during this unprecedented time, Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement. Bostons arts and culture sector typically generates $1.35 billion in total economic activity, according to Americans for the Arts Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 report, but has been hit hard by the pandemic. The Mass Cultural Council reported that cultural nonprofits in Massachusetts have lost $425 million in revenue with 17,000 jobs. Michigan Detroit: A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday in favor of the state order mandating coronavirus testing for all farmworkers in Michigan. The courts decision was cheered by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and immigrant advocates who say the order protects farmworkers, most of whom are Latino immigrants. In a 3-0 ruling, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request by farm owners in Michigan for a preliminary injunction to block the state order issued Aug. 3. In a lawsuit filed after the order, a group of farm owners had maintained that the state order unfairly targeted farms and was discriminatory because the workers affected are mostly Latino. But in its ruling Wednesday, the federal appeals court said that blocking the testing ... poses a substantial risk of harm to others given that identifying and isolating COVID-19-positive workers limits the spread of the virus. Minnesota Minneapolis: The University of Minnesota announced a plan this week for students to return to three of its campuses after the schools decision to delay move-ins and in-person classes. According to the plan, sent via email to students, faculty and staff from University President Joan Gabel, students will be able to move into dormitories Sept. 9 at the Duluth campus, Sept. 15 at the Twin Cities campus and Sept. 18 at the Rochester campus. The plan comes after a decision last week by the universitys Board of Regents to delay residence hall move-ins and the start of most in-person classes at the three campuses for two weeks. The plan outlines four steps that become increasingly less restrictive over time, including limiting on-campus activities and movement, limiting access to campus facilities, and lifting curfews in later steps. All four steps emphasize students wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. Mississippi Jackson: Republican Gov. Tate Reeves on Wednesday defended his practice of referring to the new coronavirus as the China virus. Reeves has used the phrase several times, including in social media posts. Reeves supports President Donald Trump, who has also used the phrase. During a news conference Wednesday, Reeves was asked about his use of the phrase, including whether such language could be used to bully people of Asian descent. I dont condone anyone bullying them, Reeves said. I dont condone mask bullying, either. Reeves added: Had this virus not escaped from however it occurred from the lab in China, I dont know that wed be having the kind of conversations that were having all day, every day. And thats just a fact. Trump and some of his advisers have repeated the unsubstantiated theory about the virus originating in a virology lab in China. Missouri Kansas City: More than four months after state Attorney General Eric Schmitt sought to hold China and the Chinese Communist Party accountable for the COVID-19 pandemic, the lawsuit remains stalled in federal court. Neither the Chinese government, the Communist Party nor the officials named in the lawsuit have filed a response, KCUR-FM reports. Missouri served the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing with summonses July 17. Under U.S. law, a foreign state or agency has 60 days to respond after being served. That means the defendants deadline to respond could be as soon as late September. But because U.S. law generally grants foreign states immunity, most legal experts agree the case isnt likely to go anywhere even if the defendants do respond. Chris Nuelle, a spokesman for Schmitt, declined to say what steps the attorney generals office would take if China simply ignores the lawsuit. Montana Helena: Gov. Steve Bullock on Thursday announced a new loan program to spur economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus, as applications for unemployment assistance increased in Montana for the third consecutive week. Nearly 2,400 residents submitted new applications during the week ending Aug. 29, an increase of 3% from the previous week, according to figures from the U.S. Employment and Training Administration. Since mid-March, the state has processed more than 141,000 new claims. Nearly one-third of the states workforce has been unemployed at some point during the pandemic. The Montana Working Capital program will provide loans of up to $500,000 to businesses affected by the virus. It will utilize funds that were originally allocated to a loan deferment program, which allowed Montana businesses to defer payments on existing loans. Nebraska Omaha: The University of Nebraska at Omaha has quarantined four of its sports teams after some athletes tested positive for the coronavirus, and data shows the state approaching 400 COVID-19 deaths. UNO shut down workouts this week and quarantined members of its mens basketball, womens softball, mens baseball and womens volleyball teams, the Omaha World-Herald reports. That came after the results of 13 UNO athletes who were tested Friday came back positive for the virus. None of the UNO athletes who tested positive has shown any symptoms, UNO Chancellor Jeffrey Gold said Wednesday. The states online tracker shows that as of Thursday, nearly 35,000 people have tested positive for the virus, and 399 have died from it. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 256.43 new cases per day Aug. 19 to 318 new cases per day Sept. 2. Nevada Las Vegas: A state coronavirus contact-tracing application called COVID Trace launched last week should work well with a similar tool that Google and Apple are rolling out to alert people who might have been exposed to COVID-19, officials said Wednesday. They actually run in parallel and complementary, Julia Peek, deputy Nevada health administrator, said after reporting 20,000 downloads since the state app debuted Aug. 24 for Apple and Android phones. The free app is designed to let phones anonymously and automatically exchange data by Bluetooth and notify a phone user if theyve been near someone who tested positive for COVID-19, if that person has granted permission and added their phone ID to a database of positive cases. Peek told reporters that widening the notification net should also help reach visitors to Nevada from states that dont have similar COVID-19 tracing technology. New Hampshire Concord: State public health officials provided new guidance this week on when schools should switch teaching models based on community transmission of the coronavirus and its impact on individual schools. The guidance sets out criteria for rating the level of community transmission in a county or city as either minimal, moderate or substantial based on the percentage of positive tests, infections per capita in the previous two weeks and the number of new hospitalizations per capita during that time period. School districts also are advised to rate their level of school impact as low, medium or high based on the transmission within the facility, student absenteeism and staff capacity to conduct classes. Using those two levels, districts can consult a matrix that recommends an appropriate teaching model. New Jersey The New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus, N.J. Paramus: The federal government has fined a state-run veterans home in the city more than $21,000 for mixing up the identity of a veteran who died from COVID-19 during the chaos of the pandemic in April and for shortcomings in infection control. Eighty-one residents of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home and a nurses aide have died from complications of coronavirus, and four residents are currently hospitalized, according to the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, which operates the home. The death toll is among the highest in the nation at any long-term-care facility. Two local congressmen have called for the homes CEO, Matthew Schottlander, to resign, and one of the largest state veterans organizations, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, has asked for a criminal investigation into the deaths at Paramus and another state-run veterans home in Menlo Park. New Mexico Santa Fe: A top state health official warned Wednesday that COVID-19 infections are far more prevalent in low-income areas of the New Mexico, potentially straining Medicaid health care. Human Services Secretary David Scrase said an analysis of infection rates by census tract shows that highly impoverished areas have infection rates seven times higher than the most affluent zones. This means Medicaid is going to see way more than its proportionate share of cases in the course of the pandemic, he said. About 38% of New Mexico residents are enrolled in federally subsidized Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program for people living in poverty or on the cusp. Health officials are concerned that socializing over the Labor Day holiday weekend could lead to renewed surges in COVID-19 infections citing the aftermath of Memorial Day and Independence Day holidays. New York Albany: Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he wont let New York City reopen its restaurants for indoor dining until it comes up with a plan to make sure they are following regulations to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The governor said he thinks restaurants should open in New York City, but the state doesnt have enough personnel to monitor the citys 27,000-plus eateries. These institutions are under dire economic circumstances, Cuomo said Thursday. And we know that compliance has to happen. Cuomo is facing pressure from the restaurant industry, which has seen business plummet amid the pandemic and hundreds of workers seeking unemployment assistance. More than 300 restaurant owners who want to reopen have sued New York City and the state, seeking more than $2 billion, over the continued ban on indoor dining. North Carolina Raleigh: The Legislature finalized a plan Thursday to spend $1.1 billion of the states remaining COVID-19 relief funds from Washington, including direct cash payments to nearly 2 million families. The package which also provides a $50 uptick in weekly unemployment benefits and more funds for virus testing, tracing and personal protective equipment cleared its final legislative hurdle with a lopsided House vote. The measure, which cleared the Senate on Wednesday, now heads to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Although many of his spending recommendations were ignored by Republican legislative leaders, Cooper has not publicly criticized the measure and has shown no signs of vetoing it. Money is also being spent to expand rural broadband, help struggling small businesses and recruit poll workers on Election Day. Families with at least one child will receive $335 in stimulus-style payments by mid-December. North Dakota Bismarck: The state set a near-record Thursday for the number of daily positive coronavirus tests and has increased its per-capita figures for the infection to the highest in the country. The state Health Departments update showed that 360 of the 12,629 tests in the past day came back positive, with Cass, Grand Forks and Stark counties each reporting 60 or more positive cases. Of the 32 counties with positive tests, Grand Forks County led the way with 79. The counties of Burleigh and Morton, which have been monitored in recent weeks by a special task force, combined for 43 new cases. North Dakota recorded of high of 373 positive tests statewide Aug. 28. It now ranks first in the country in the number of new COVID-19 cases per capita in the past two weeks, according to figures from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. Ohio Columbus: Student coronavirus cases at Ohio State University jumped by nearly 400 since last week, according to data released by the university late Wednesday. Ohio States data dashboard showed 882 positive cases among students from Aug. 14 through Aug. 31. Thats about 3.13% of all students tested. Test results for Monday, the most recent 24-hour testing period for which data was available, showed higher positivity rates. Among on-campus students, 5.7% tested positive Monday. The same day, about 9.66% of students living off campus tested positive. In an email to the campus community, President Kristina M. Johnson said the 5.7% positivity rate among on-campus students Monday was a slight decrease from the 5.86% rate last Thursday, showing that students who were wearing masks and keeping distance were having an impact, she said. The 9.66% off-campus rate Monday is not as encouraging, she said. Oklahoma Oklahoma City: The state reported 909 newly confirmed coronavirus cases Thursday and 14 more deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 61,027 cases and 835 deaths, up from 60,118 confirmed cases and 821 deaths Wednesday. The actual number of cases in Oklahoma is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick. The White House Coronavirus Task Force continues to recommend a statewide mask mandate, which Gov. Kevin Stitt has said he will not issue. The task forces Aug. 30 report, released Wednesday by the health department, also calls for closing bars and limiting the number of people allowed inside restaurants. The department reported 8,745 active virus cases and said 51,447 people have recovered. Oregon Salem: The rate of positive coronavirus tests in the state dropped to 4.4%, the lowest it has been in two months, officials from Oregons health authority said Wednesday. The weekly amount of cases also continued to decline, decreasing 8.6% from the previous week. The Oregon Health Authority reported three new COVID-19-related deaths and 140 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the state total to 27,075. The states death toll is 468. The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection remains 20 to 29 years old. On Tuesday, Gov. Kate Brown announced she was extending her declaration of state of emergency for an additional 60 days ahead of Labor Day weekend. She also urged Oregonians to continue to follow coronavirus safety regulations during the holiday weekend, warning that celebrations could sow the seeds of COVID-19 outbreaks and set us back for months. Pennsylvania Philadelphia: Temple University announced Thursday that the majority of classes will shift online through the end of the fall semester amid rising numbers of coronavirus cases among students. In a statement attributed to the universitys president and provost, the university said it had tried in-person classes because students had overwhelmingly expressed a preference to come back to campus. But after talking to officials at the city Health Department, the universitys leadership decided to shift about 95% of classes online. Students living on campus can opt to leave by Sept. 13, and the university will refund charges for housing and meal plans. But officials said students will be allowed to stay, and services such as health services will remain in place. The cases at Temple have been the cause of a recent uptick in cases recorded in Philadelphia. The city has worked with the universitys health services department to conduct contact tracing. Rhode Island Providence: Three employees of the contractor that runs a state campground are temporarily off the job after one of them tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement Wednesday from the Department of Environmental Management. The employee who tested positive is part of a team that cleans restrooms at Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown. Because restrooms are closed while being cleaned, the staff has little interaction with public. The workers also wear gloves and masks. The worker, who learned of the positive test result Monday, worked four days while symptomatic, last working Sunday, the department said. The employees co-workers were tested Tuesday and will remain out of work until results come back. The states campgrounds reopened June 30 at limited capacity. At Burlingame, the states largest campground, the state reduced capacity by 15%. South Carolina Columbia: The state Senate agreed Wednesday to allow all voters to cast absentee ballots because of the COVID-19 pandemic but rejected a proposal by Democrats to allow ballots to be placed in drop boxes. Instead, absentee ballots will still have to be mailed in or dropped off in person at voting offices in each county if the bill is approved by the House and signed by the governor. The bill passed unanimously, but the drop box proposal and others, such as allowing early voting, were rejected by 24-16 or 25-16 votes on party lines, with Democrats on the losing side. Republicans spent only a few minutes arguing for their proposed changes during Wednesdays session. Most settled on making small, careful changes that they said balanced safe voting with preventing fraud. Democrats said Republicans were risking the health of people in a state where almost 2,650 people have died from COVID-19. South Dakota Sioux Falls: The state has been named the worst in the nation for COVID-19 after a surge in cases in the past week. The state reported 2,152 cases in the past seven days, or 243 cases per 100,000 people. Thats the highest amount of cases per 100 in the nation, according to tracking done by The New York Times. By the Times count, Iowa is second and North Dakota third. The worst of the spread in South Dakota is in Clay County, home of Vermillion and the University of South Dakota, which has reported 205 cases in the past seven days. Thats 1,457 cases per 100,000 people, according to the Times, and puts Clay as the seventh-worst county in the nation. Other South Dakota counties that are seeing a surge: Potter (650 per 100,000), Gregory (526), Meade (487), Codington (486), Brookings (470) and Fall River (432). Tennessee Nashville: City officials are bracing for the likelihood they will see more violations of Metros public health orders, particularly as they look to expand what residents and businesses are allowed to do during the coronavirus pandemic. But the city is running out of people to enforce those rules. So Mayor John Cooper wants the ability to deputize additional city workers to help. The burden of the citys mask mandate and other orders has stretched the capacity of the Metro Health Department, already tasked with testing, contact tracing and enforcing existing health regulations. Nashville council members will consider two pieces of legislation for final approval Sept. 15 that would broaden enforcement ability in certain Metro departments that already have permitting power and would extend citation authority to any city employee. Texas Austin: The state Supreme Court on Wednesday stopped, for now, a plan to send more than 2 million mail-in ballot applications to registered Houston-area voters before the November election. The temporary stay comes after GOP activists sued Harris County elections officials over intentions to send a mail ballot application to all registered voters in the states most populous county, regardless of whether theyre eligible to vote by mail. Texas generally limits mail voting to citizens with disabilities or those 65 or older and is one of the few states not allowing more people to vote by mail this year over COVID-19 fears. Texas GOP leaders have resisted calls to expand mail balloting, keeping them aligned with President Donald Trump who has claimed that making it more widespread could increase election fraud and uncertainty. There is no evidence of widespread fraud through mail-in voting. Utah Provo: An organization calling itself Utahns for Medical Freedom has filed a referendum to repeal a citywide mandate that would require people to wear facial coverings indoors and outdoors in public areas and at large gatherings during the pandemic. The group filed the referendum Tuesday, KSTU-TV reports. Mayor Michele Kaufusi previously vetoed the ordinance, but the Provo City Council overrode the veto last Thursday. City Recorder Amanda Ercanbrack said the referendum will not appear on this years ballot because the deadline has already passed. Utahns for Medical Freedom must now collect 3,200 signatures to qualify for the November 2021 ballot. Ercanbrack said the city would not implement a stay on the mandate until the petition has received enough signatures. The ordinance is currently in effect and set to expire Nov. 15. Vermont Rutland: Coronavirus testing clinics are being held in the city over three days as the state responds to an outbreak traced to a lodge. The Wednesday-through-Friday testing at the Rutland Regional Medical Center is in addition to the Vermont Health Departments pop-up clinic that was held Wednesday at the Asa Bloomer state office building. Health officials are responding to an outbreak of at least 14 cases traced to people who attended or close contacts of people who attended a private party held Aug. 19 party at the Summit Lodge at Killington. Vermont officials say the lodge followed all the protocols, and officials have helped with the state investigation. In a statement, the Summit Lodge said no members of its staff are exhibiting symptoms of the disease, but two people will be tested as a precautionary measure. Virginia Richmond: The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority brought in $1.2 billion in revenue during the 2020 fiscal year in a nearly $120 million increase from the previous year, even as the coronavirus pandemic left restaurants and bars shuttered for months. Its the second year in a row the liquor agency surpassed $1 billion in gross revenue, which was bolstered by retail sales with the switch to online ordering, curbside pickup and shipping amid the pandemic, the authority announced Wednesday. But the figures revealed the pandemics negative effects on licensed establishments such as restaurants and bars. The authority loosened restrictions to allow for delivery and takeout of alcoholic beverages and expanded patio access, but sales still dropped by 19% as retail sales increased by 18%, news outlets report, citing the data. Washington Seattle: State officials are providing nearly $100 million in rental assistance as a part of the federal coronavirus relief bill. The state Department of Commerce said its program focuses on preventing evictions by paying up to three months of rent to landlords of eligible participants. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee signed off on the funding, which passes the state money through county governments. The county then contracts organizations that have a history of providing rental assistance, said Ted Kelleher, the managing director of the Housing Assistance Unit at the Department of Commerce. I get calls, at least one an hour, from a person who is in a critical situation, Kelleher said. Everyone is working as fast as they can, faster than its ever happened before. He told KING-TV that the $100 million in coronavirus aid bill funding will not be enough but is a good start. West Virginia Morgantown: Two days after bars around West Virginia University were allowed to reopen, Gov. Jim Justice shut them down indefinitely Wednesday, citing crowds of unmasked students and an increase in positive coronavirus cases. Please, kids, we have got to bear down here, Justice said at a news conference. You are absolutely running the risk of killing somebody. Photos circulating on social media showed lines of people without masks outside Morgantown bars as some businesses advertised Taco Tuesday specials. WVU started classes last week. In a letter Wednesday, WVU President Gordon Gee said students must make the right choices in order for the campus to remain open during the pandemic. On Thursday, the university reported its highest number of daily coronavirus cases among students for the second straight day with 48 confirmed cases out of 408 tests given, for a positive case rate of 11.8%. Wisconsin Milwaukee: Milwaukee County has seen a six-week decline in positive COVID-19 cases, signaling that measures taken by the county and the city could be helping slow the spread of the disease. I definitely believe that the mask ordinance is helping, retiring city Commissioner of Health Jeanette Kowalik said. When you look at other communities across the country, you could see the rates were better than the ones that didnt have them. A downward trend in average new cases per day began around the same time the mandate went into effect. The seven-day average in Milwaukee was at one of its highest points July 11 and has continued to drop every week since then. The focus on enforcing the mask ordinance in Milwaukee has been on businesses, which Kowalik said seems to work better than citizen-based enforcement. Wyoming Cheyenne: The Wyoming Public Defenders office faces staffing losses that could severely affect its service to residents because of a 10% budget cut. State budget cuts eliminated about $3 million for the office that provides defense attorneys for court cases, The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports. State Public Defender Diane Lozano told the Legislature last year that her office was overburdened by heavy caseloads and struggled to retain attorneys. Lozano said in May that her office could no longer accept misdemeanor cases in Campbell County because of the overload and lack of attorneys for cases. When Lozano directed the Campbell County office to stop handling misdemeanors, 4.5 public defenders were handling the workload of 7.5 attorneys, a budget document said. From USA TODAY Network and wire reports This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WWII anniversary, liquor boom: News from around our 50 states The sister of Portland antifa protester wanted for 'shooting dead' a Patriot Prayer member last week, responded when informed of her brother's death: 'I wouldn't say at this point that this counts as bad news.' April Reinoehl spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com hours after brother Michael Reinoehl's death at the hands of a federal fugitive task force on Thursday night. Reinoehl was shot by US Marshals in Lacey, Washington after becoming the target of a Portland police murder investigation over the death of a right wing protester Aaron 'Jay' Danielson in the Oregon city last Saturday. His school teacher sister learned of her brother's death when she was contacted by DailyMail.com. In an emotional phone call, the sister of the alleged murderer and Antifa member said she was already bracing herself for the news of his death but believed it would be at the hands of the right wing group Patriot Prayer, whose member he allegedly shot dead at a protest last week. 'I wouldn't say at this point that this counts as bad news. It's just more news,' Reinoehl's sister said. Antifa protestor Michael Reinoehl (pictured) was shot dead by US Marshals on Thursday night in Lacey, Washington. His school teacher sister April learned of her brother's reported death when she was contacted by DailyMail.com, saying: 'I wouldn't say at this point that this counts as bad news. It's just more news' Reinoehl was shot by US Marshals in Lacey, Washington after becoming the target of a Portland police murder investigation. Pictured: Investigators work near a tarpaulin covering Reinoehl's body A car with shattered windows and likely bullet holes stands in the area where Reinoehl died in the confrontation with police. Cops say he ran from an apartment armed with a gun April (pictured) said she was worried her brother would become a martyr and an excuse for more violence after the reported police killing. 'Now we've got two martyrs. That's how the two opposing sides are going to want to spin it,' she said 'Honestly I didn't expect it to be the police, I expected it to be the people who had a contract out for him. I was expecting the angry population of people who were out for blood.' The bereaved sister said she was worried her brother would become a martyr and an excuse for more violence after the reported police killing. Reinoehl allegedly shot dead right wing protester Aaron 'Jay' Danielson (pictured) in the Oregon city last Saturday 'Now we've got two martyrs. That's how the two opposing sides are going to want to spin it,' she said. 'Hatred begets hatred. Anybody who saw him, in their eyes, standing up for the plight of the black people, being killed by a police officer, this is going to validate their feelings in their minds of all the anger that they have whether or not it's correct or righteous.' As the news spread of his reported killing at the hands of federal officers on Thursday night, Antifa group Salish Coast Antifa tweeted 'REST IN POWER Michael Forest Reinoehl.' The news hit just as a 'direct action' protest march was planned to begin in Portland, as the city nears 100 days of protests that have rocked the area. April told DailyMai.com she believed her brother would have tried to fight with federal officers sent to catch him fleeing to the small town 120 miles north of Portland. 'I wouldn't be surprised if he reacted badly to a situation just like he reacted badly to the situation at the riots,' April said. 'He always acted impulsively letting the worst emotions guide his actions, and then he'd try to rationalize afterwards. 'So I'm not surprised he got himself killed. I'm surprised a police officer did it.' As the news spread of his reported killing at the hands of federal officers on Thursday night, Antifa group Salish Coast Antifa tweeted 'REST IN POWER Michael Forest Reinoehl' April told DailyMai.com she believed her brother would have tried to fight with federal officers sent to catch him fleeing to the small town 120 miles north of Portland. 'I wouldn't be surprised if he reacted badly to a situation just like he reacted badly to the situation at the riots,' April said. Pictured: Reinoehl in a Boy Scouts uniform in 1980 The school teacher and mother-of-two said the situation left her feeling hopeless for the country, and worried for her brother's two children, an 18-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, who were already devastated by the news their father could be a murderer. Pictured: Reinoehl with his son in an older, undated photograph 'I feel fear for the nation. I'm mourning the loss of a brother I barely knew. I'm mourning the loss of potential for good every living being possesses,' she told DailyMail.com. Pictured: Reinoehl with his son in an older, undated photograph April continued: 'I'm relieved and also disappointed by that. 'At least it wasn't vigilante justice that got him, because I think that would actually be worse. It would feed the violence a lot more. 'But at the same time the nationwide dispute is very highly black people versus officers, and now you have a member of Antifa killed by an officer. So I can imagine things are going to get worse again.' The school teacher and mother-of-two said the situation left her feeling hopeless for the country, and worried for her brother's two children, an 18-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, who were already devastated by the news their father could be a murderer. 'I'm pretty sure they're already both pretty thoroughly devastated. I don't imagine they're going to take it well,' she said. 'As estranged as we are, as much as I knew it was coming, one way or another. 'I've been saying to people for a while, if he doesn't turn himself in he's going to get himself killed. 'I feel fear for the nation. I'm mourning the loss of a brother I barely knew. I'm mourning the loss of potential for good every living being possesses,' she told DailyMail.com. Reinoehl came close to admitting the killing in an interview with Vice News broadcast around the same time federal agents closed in on the fugitive in Lacey and reportedly shot him Officers are seen attempting in vain to render life-saving aid after the confrontation around 7pm on Thursday in Lacey, Washington that left Reinoehl dead The 48-year-old claimed he acted in self defense, believing he and a friend were about to be stabbed. Pictured: Victim Danielson after he had been shot dead last Saturday 'I know there's nothing I could have done differently to keep him from going down this path, but I wish it was different. 'I have sadness for this whole frickin' situation. Even though he really screwed up, I was really hoping he would take responsibility for what happened with dignity, so that whatever end he faced would be something that meant something good. 'Now it's just going to bring about more pain for more people, more anger, more violence. 'I feel like this nation is further away from peace forever, and we've had far too many victims, and not enough change.' Reinoehl came close to admitting the killing in an interview with Vice News broadcast around the same time federal agents closed in on the fugitive in Lacey and reportedly shot him. The 48-year-old claimed he acted in self defense, believing he and a friend were about to be stabbed. 'You know, lots of lawyers suggest that I shouldn't even be saying anything, but I feel it's important that the world at least gets a little bit of what's really going on,' Reinoehl told the news site. 'I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn't going to do that. 'I felt that my life, and other people around me's lives, were in danger. I felt like I had no choice but to do what I did.' Two months after U.S. Army Spc. Vanessa Guillens remains were discovered outside Fort Hood, another missing soldier was found dead. Sgt. Elder Fernandes, whose body was found Aug. 25, eight days after the 23-year-old was reported missing, became the latest service member stationed at the sprawling U.S. Army post near Killeen to die under murky circumstances. So far this year, nine Fort Hood soldiers have been found dead, including five suspected homicides between March and June. In addition to Guillen, the remains of Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales, a soldier missing since August 2019, were found in a field outside Killeen in June and three soldiers Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans, Spc. Freddy Delacruz and Spc. Shelby Jones were killed in separate shooting incidents. In the previous four years, only two deaths were considered homicides. The numbers are high here, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said on a visit to Fort Hood in early August, according to Stars and Stripes. They are the highest in most cases for sexual assault, harassment, murders, for our entire formation in the U.S. Army. Guillen, who told family members that she had been sexually harassed, was killed on Fort Hood by a fellow soldier who buried her remains in a shallow grave and later killed himself when police closed in, according to authorities. A preliminary autopsy report showed Fernandes, who reported in May that he had been inappropriately touched by a male superior, died of suicide by hanging. An Army investigation concluded that the charges against the supervisor were unsubstantiated, but family attorney Natalie Khawam told the editorial board Fernandes was belittled and bullied after word spread of his report. Service members such as Guillen, who was raised in Houston, Fernandes, who was from Brockton, Mass., and the thousands of others still stationed at Fort Hood, deserve better. Those serve and protect our country are prepared to put their lives on the line abroad, but they should feel safe here at home, on a U.S. military post. They should not have to fear sexual harassment or reprisals for reporting abuse. We support the call by a group of 12 Texas lawmakers and Guillens family for a congressional investigation. Anything other than a thorough transparent investigation into the processes, discipline, and the United States Armys handling of the matters in their aftermath would be a disservice to the families of Guillen and the other service members who have died, wrote Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus members in a letter to Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, members of the Texas congressional delegation, the liaison to Secretary McCarthy, Scott Mras, and Gov. Greg Abbott. We have seen, since Vanessa, other cases of missing soldiers from Fort Hood, state Sen. Carol Alvarado told the editorial board. The response given to her family from the very beginning was inadequate, inappropriate and undeserving. We agree. The Army has taken some steps in the right direction, including removing Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, who oversaw the post when Guillen vanished, as Fort Hood's senior commander. He remains at Fort Hood in a deputy role after being denied a command position at Fort Bliss. The Army also named an independent panel to review the posts command climate. On Tuesday, officials announced the appointment of Gen. John Murray to lead an in-depth investigation into the chain of command actions related to Guillens case. Such investigations could help determine why Fort Hood officials have seemed slow to investigate cases of missing soldiers a charge made by some of the families and what is creating a culture of sexual harassment. In one survey of Fort Hood personnel, for example, 18 of 53 women said they had been sexually harassed this year. But merely changing command is not enough. Neither is letting the Army investigate itself. This does not and will not address the issue of accountability, sexual harassment, sexual assault, retaliation and other issues that still plague our military, said Khawam, who represents both the Guillen and Fernandes families. In addition to calling for a congressional probe, Khawam and the Guillen family are pushing for passage of the #IamVanessaGuillen bill, which would let active duty service members file sexual harassment and sexual assault claims to a third party outside of their chain of command. A recent Pentagon report found 7,825 sexual assault reports involving service members as victims or subjects of sexual harassment in fiscal year 2019, a increase of 3 percent over the previous year. The report also notes that survey participants felt offensive behaviors are not always confronted or addressed, something they attributed to not wanting to jeopardize the career of a higher ranking or better performing Service member. True accountability requires a thorough, independent probe free of conflicting loyalties. A congressional investigation can provide that. That is the least we can do for these service members who were willing to sacrifice so much for our country and for their families who are now needlessly left to mourn. Advertisement The specific amino acid that has caught the researchers' attention is called Lys102 and is found in Smad7. This amino acid binds to particular gene-regulating functions in DNA to increase production of the gene expression HDAC6 and c-Jun. This has the effect that cancer cells become more mobile and more prone to form metastases. Researchers have been able to see a clear connection between all these variables and a negative prognosis for prostate cancer."The good news is that by using treatment with an HDAC6 inhibitor, we can make prostate cancer cells lose their mobility. In that way, novel opportunities can open up for treatments that reduce the risk of metastases," says Marene Landstrom.Clinical trials are now taking place in the UK to find specific HDAC6 inhibitors in patients with solid tumors, which means that treatments using HDAC6 inhibitors can become a complement in the cancer treatment of patients with hard-to-treat forms of disease. Future studies can explore the benefit of indicating expressions of Smad7, HDAC6 and c-Jun to enable new and more specific treatments for men with aggressive prostate cancer.The study also shows an entirely new function of Smad7 in the way that it can recruit Smad2 and Smad3 to the place of transcription for these genes. Previously, it has been thought that Smad7 held the role of inhibitor for TGF beta-Smad2/3 transcriptional activity.Source: Eurekalert Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 23:10:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Finnish national carrier Finnair announced on Friday that it will reopen operations to Nanjing, China, on a weekly basis. The airline said in a press release that the route between Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and Nanjing in eastern China, will be operated with Airbus A350 from Sept. 11 to Oct. 18, 2020. The route supports cargo and passenger travel demand between Europe and China. "We are happy to be able to serve another destination in China, which continues to be a key market for us," said Ole Orver, chief commercial officer of Finnair, adding that Finnair is now flying to China's mainland, including Shanghai and Nanjing, and look forward to further increasing its service to the Chinese market as soon as possible. As the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic in the countries has been assessed as stable, Finland decided in early July to reopen its borders with several countries, including China. In line with opening borders, Finnair then announced to resume flights to some 30 destinations in Europe and Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong in Asia. Two weeks later, the airline reopened weekly flights to Shanghai, eastern China, as of July 23. Currently, Finnair serves about 40 destinations in Europe and Asia, operating a total of 80-90 flights daily. It constantly reviews its traffic plan and has the capability to reopen destinations at a rapid pace, as travel restrictions are lifted and travel demand regains, according to the airline. Enditem Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday told government departments to create livelihood opportunities in different economic sectors while facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patnaik said this while undertaking the weekly review of the pandemic situation in the state. He said challenges have been manifold now after rains, floods and return of normalcy in the transport sector as part of the unlock measures. "The economic sectors such as agriculture, industries. MSME and infrastructure could create livelihood opportunities and departments should explore them," he said. Patnaik was informed that the normalcy is fast returning in the industries, MSME, an official statement released by the Chief Ministers Office said. The chief minister told the officials to immediately resolve issues putting hurdles in the creation of livelihood opportunities. As about 10 lakh people have returned to the state due to pandemic situation across the state, Patnaik said, adding that MSME sector has a major role to provide employment to the migrant workers. Keeping in view the potential of the MSME sector, the state government has decided to give credit of Rs 3,000 to MSME units by end of September, an official said, adding that the normalcy has been restored in industries and mining sector too. However, Patnaik said now the focus should be on the agriculture, MSME, industries and mining sector which provide work to the people. The chief minister told the officials to strengthen the COVID management strategies in Cuttack and Khurdha districts, keeping in view the surge of positive cases. Patnaik directed the District COVID Observers to visit flood affected areas and provide relief package immediately to eligible beneficiaries. He also directed officials to give special attention to the treatment of patients through the arrangement of more ICU beds in COVID Hospitals to facilitate treatment of critical patients. He further directed for adherence of the protocols among government employees in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in view of the spike in COVID cases, the official release said. Patnaik directed the Health and Family Welfare and Information and Public Relations Department to undertake a joint awareness drive on COVID protocols to make people more cautious in such a difficult time. The chief minister, however, expressed satisfaction that around 20 lakh sample tests have been tested in the state. " has 42,404 testing per million which is more than the average while recovery rate and fatality rate are 76.78 per cent and 0.46 per cent respectively," the statement said. On the occasion, the chief minister appreciated the gesture of 100 personnel of Police who donated their plasma after recovering from the highly infectious disease. "This will inspire other eligible plasma donors and boost the confidence of people who are fighting the COVID-19 battle," he 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.) Realme 7 series was launched in India just hours back as the latest mid-range offerings from the company The Realme 7 series was launched in India yesterday as the latest mid-range offerings from the company. The Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro enter the highly volatile budget segment between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 that is headlined by rival Xiaomis Redmi Note 9 series. However, unlike Realme, Xiaomi has three phones in its arsenal, the Redmi Note 9, Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max. So, if youre someone whos looking to purchase a phone in the sub-Rs 15,000 and sub-Rs 20,000 price segment, which one should you go for? Should you choose a phone with a high refresh rate or faster battery charging? Which phone should you buy if you're looking for just a dependable performer under Rs 20,000? We try to find out in this specifications and feature-based comparison between the Realme 7 series and Redmi Note 9 series. Realme 7 series vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro series: Pricing Realme 7 series hits the sweet spot with the Realme 7 priced starting at Rs 14,999 for the base variant with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage and Rs 16,999 for the 8GB+128GB option. We have Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro in the competition that was launched in March and July, respectively. The Redmi Note 9 was launched in India at Rs 11,999 for 4GB+64GB, Rs 13,499 for the 4GB+128GB option and Rs 14,999 for the 6GB+128GB option. On the other hand the Redmi Note 9 Pro starts at Rs 13,999 for the 4GB+64GB variant, Rs 15,999 for the 4GB+128GB storage and Rs 16,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant. Xiaomi offers multiple variants of both the Redmi Note 9 and Note 9 Pro unlike Realme, so users have the option to choose across different price points starting as low as Rs 11,999. The Realme 7 Pro starts at Rs 19,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and Rs 21,999 for the 8GB+128GB option. Its Xiaomi counterpart, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is priced starting at Rs 16,999 for the 6GB+64GB variant, Rs 18,499 for 6GB+128GB variant and Rs 19,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant. Here again, Xiaomi can offer the phone at an aggressive price than Realme and it comes in multiple variants which helps consumers in choosing the perfect option. Realme 7 series vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro series: Design & Display Realme 7, Realme 7 Pro and Redmi Note 9 are built out of plastic and measure 9.4 millimetres, 8.7 millimetres and 8.9 millimetres respectively. The Redmi Note 9 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max have a Gorilla Glass 5 layered back glass cover while the chassis is plastic, both measuring 8.8 millimetres in thickness. The Realme 7 weighs 196 grams, Realme 7 Pro weighs 182 grams, Redmi Note 9 weighs 199 grams, Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max come in the heftiest at 209 grams. The Realme 7, Redmi Note 9 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max have their power buttons doubling up as the fingerprint reader while the Redmi Note 9 has a fingerprint sensor on the back beneath the camera module. Realme 7 Pro is the only contender amongst the five phones to come with an in-screen fingerprint reader. Realme 7 features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) resolution screen that has 90Hz high refresh rate and is topped with a layer of Gorilla Glass 3. Realme 7 Pro, however, has a slightly smaller 6.4-inch AMOLED screen but doesnt support high refresh rate. The Redmi Note 9 has an LCD screen that measures 6.5-inch while the display on the Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max is only a bit bigger at 6.6-inch with a Full HD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) resolution but the screens dont support high refresh rate. The display of the three phones is topped with a layer of Gorilla Glass 5 for added protection against drops. All the five phones have a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera up front. The Realme 7 and Redmi Note 9 each have a cutout on the top-left corner while the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max have the cutout in the top-centre. Realme 7 series vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro series: Under the hood Realme 7 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G95 processor with an octa-core CPU running at 2.05GHz maximum clock speeds. This is paired with a Mali-G76 GPU and Realme UI to boot. The Redmi Note 9 is powered by the Helio G85 processor that comes with an octa-core CPU running at upto 2.0GHz along with Mali-G52 graphics. The Redmi Note 9 Pro, Realme 7 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, on the other hand, are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor with an octa-core CPU running at 2.3GHz clock speeds with Adreno 618 GPU. While the Realme 7 has a newer generation processor than the Redmi Note 9 running at slightly higher clock speeds, the Redmi Note 9 Pro, Note 9 Pro Max and Realme 7 Pro are on a league of their own with the Snapdragon SoC. Notably, Xiaomi also offers multiple RAM and storage variants for each of its smartphones in the Redmi Note 9 series, but Realme only has two variants for each model. Realme 7 series vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro series: Cameras Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro come with the same set of cameras on the back. This consists of a primary 64MP camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor. The rear cameras can record in 4K at 30FPS and is supported by EIS. The Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro have a similar camera setup, in that, both the phones come with 48MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro camera (5MP macro on Note 9 Pro). The rear cameras on the Note 9 can record in 1080p at 30FPS while on the Note 9 Pro, it can record in 4K at 30FPS and 1080p at upto 120FPS. Having said that, Xiaomis real contender for the Realme 7 series is the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max that comes with a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 5MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The rear cameras are assisted by EIS and can record in 4K UHD at 30FPS and 1080p at upto 120FPS. Realme 7 has a 16MP selfie camera housed within the punch-hole cutout while the Redmi Note 9 has a 13MP front-facing camera, followed by Redmi Note 9 Pro with 16MP selfie camera. Realme 7 series vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro series: Battery The Realme 7 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging out-of-the-box. Realme claims that the phone can go from 0-100% in 65 minutes tops. The Redmi Note 9, Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max all come with a 5,020mAh battery with support for 22.5W, 18W and 33W fast charging respectively. However, Realme 7 Pro takes the cake here with its 4,500mAh battery that supports 65W fast charging out-of-the-box. The company claims that the phone can charge fully from 0-100% in 34 minutes tops. CFPB Goes After 6 VA Lenders for Shady Practices The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been on a two-month enforcement tear aimed at mortgage lenders employing deceptive practices in the VA mortgage lending area. The Bureau has issued consent orders against six companies since late July in what it terms a "sweep" in response to concerns about potentially unlawful advertising in the market that the VA identified. CFPB found the companies had sent direct-mail advertisements primarily to military servicemembers and veterans that contained false, misleading, and inaccurate statements or lacked required disclosures. The complaints set forth similar instances of violations of the Consumer Financial Protection Act's (CFPA) prohibition against deceptive acts and practices, the Mortgage Acts and Practices - Advertising Rule (MAP Rule), and Regulation Z. The companies are variously accused of using advertisements that misrepresented advertised loans by stating credit terms that the company was not actually prepared to offer to the consumer such as describing an introductory interest rate as fixed when it was instead adjustable. Advertisements also created the false impression that the companies were affiliated with the government by using words, phrases, images, or designs that are associated with the VA or the Internal Revenue Service. Some advertisements also conveyed the false impression that the company was affiliated with the borrowers existing lender or made false claims about those existing loans while claiming the loans they offered would cure the deficiencies. In addition to various civil penalties, the consent orders also impose injunctive relief to prevent future violations, including requiring the companies to designate an advertising compliance official to review their advertisements for compliance with mortgage advertising laws prior to their use; prohibiting misrepresentations similar to those identified by the Bureau; and requiring the companies to comply with certain enhanced disclosure requirements to prevent them from making future misrepresentations. Here is a summary of the companies affected, their alleged violations, and penalties assessed. The first orders were issued on July 24 against two California Corporations, Sovereign Lending Group and Prime Choice Funding. Prime Choice is licensed as a broker or lender in 35 states and Sovereign in 44 states. Both are also licensed in Washington DC. The consent order against Sovereign requires it to pay a civil penalty of $460,000. The Prime Choice penalty is $645,000. The third consent order was issued on August 21 against Go Direct Lenders, Inc. a California corporation that is licensed as a mortgage broker or lender in about 11 states. Go Direct will be required to pay a civil penalty of $150,000. Number four, on August 26 was PHLoans.com, Inc., formerly known as Pacific Home Loans. This is another California-based lender, licensed in 11 states. The civil penalty assessed is $260,000. Consent orders five and six were announced on September 1, breaking the California string. Hypotec, Inc. is a mortgage broker based in Miami, Florida and licensed in 8 states. Service 1st Mortgage, Inc. is based in Glen Burnie, Maryland and licensed in about 12 states. Hypotec will pay a civil penalty of $50,000. The Service 1st penalty will be $230,000. CFPB has not indicated if the last two orders will complete the sweep. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- The emergence of a handful of people reinfected by SARS-Cov-2 including individuals in Hong Kong, Italy and the U.S. has sparked panic over the future course of the pandemic. Its not difficult to see why. One of the great hopes in tackling the new coronavirus is that partial herd immunity can slow its spread, as the number of cases continues to rise globally. A vaccine seen as the real game changer in the fight against the pathogen also relies on inducing some form of long-lasting antibody reaction in inoculated individuals. But what if immunity wanes, plunging humanity into a never-ending cycle of relapses? This is the stuff of nightmares. Fortunately, things may not be so bad. For now, there are very few cases of confirmed reinfections, suggesting they may be rare. Some doctors also believe that most relapses will be milder than the first infection. (That happened in the Hong Kong reinfection, although not in the U.S. case.) This weakening of the viruss impact will depend on our body learning to fight it, for example via the development of suitable so-called T-cells. A crucial question to gauge the risk of reinfection is how many individuals develop antibodies and how long they last. Some experts worry that only those who suffer the worst Covid-19 cases produce an immune response thats both sizeable enough and protracted enough to build up adequate antibodies. If this is true, the lucky ones who escape the worst symptoms including most kids and young adults will be more vulnerable to reinfection. A study on the pandemic in Iceland published in the New England Journal of Medicine offers some evidence to dispel such fears. The researchers have looked at serum samples from 30,576 individuals, using six different types of antibody testing (since different techniques often produce conflicting results). The papers central findings are that, out of 1,797 tested people whod recovered from Covid, 91.1% produced detectable levels of antibodies. Moreover, these levels hadnt declined four months after the diagnosis. The immune response was higher among older individuals who are at greater risk of developing a more dangerous form of the coronavirus and among those who presented the worst symptoms. Story continues But the broader immune response is potentially good news for the efficacy of any vaccine and appears to confirm that reinfections, at least shortly after the first illness, may indeed be rare. While its also theoretically good news for herd immunity, that doesnt mean were anywhere near achieving that happy state. It is thought that about 70% of a population would need to have antibodies to effectively stop the spread of the virus. The study estimates that less than 1% of the Icelandic population came in contact with SARS-CoV-2. This is even lower than the corresponding estimates for Spain, the U.K. and Italy, and shows how far many countries are from group immunity. It is also too early so say whether these antibody findings will hold over a longer time period. Its possible that immunity will fade as time goes by, leaving us more exposed to the virus. But, for now, theres no reason to fear the worst. The development of vaccines is happening at breakneck speed, and available evidence shows the human body is indeed developing some form of protection. In a year of overwhelmingly grim news, this is very welcome. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Ferdinando Giugliano writes columns and editorials on European economics for Bloomberg View. He is also an economics columnist for La Repubblica and was a member of the editorial board of the Financial Times. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. As Delhi gears up to re-open weekly markets, restaurants and hotels, the capital has seen a steady surge in the number of Covid-19 cases. However, unlike in June, when strict social distancing measures were in place, it is now in the Unlock mode. Additionally, patients from beyond Delhis borders are also steadily streaming in to seek treatment. Of the 14,000 beds, 4,500 are occupied, of which approximately 30%, i.e. 1,500 patients, are not Delhi residents. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News 18s Rupashree Nanda, Delhis Health Minister Satyendar Jain spoke about a range of issues including, the new challenges facing Delhites and the AAP government in their fight against Covid-19. Q. Cases are expected to touch 3,000 soon. Will there be a second wave in Delhi? Satyendar Jain: This is not a question of touching the 3000-mark. We have started testing very aggressively. Yesterday, we had conducted 32,000-33,000 tests. Today, we may go close to 40,000. We are testing very aggressively. And our aim is that not a single person who may be positive goes untraced so that the same person may not spread the disease further. It is possible that in a week, ten days or a bit more, the case count will start falling. Q. So, your reading is that more cases are being reported because you are testing more? Satyendar Jain: Aggressive testing is the main reason. There is an element of fatigue. People are not wearing masks, so there is more chance of contracting the disease. Q. Hasnt the SDMA recommended increasing the fines in cases where people are found not wearing masks? Health Min, Satyendar Jain: Fines are already being imposed. Now it is Rs 500. And that will continue. Q. Apart from testing more aggressively, what other measures is the Delhi government taking to check the spread of coronavirus? Satyendar Jain: In Delhi, on an average, 16,000- 17,000 tests per day were being conducted. Today, it is 38,000. So it is more than double of what it used to be. So we test the maximum number thats possible. Mohalla clinics are being used as testing centres as well. This is to increase the number of testing centres. So the facility of testing is available in all 265 dispensaries and in all hospitals. Q. Last time when Delhi saw a case count of around 2,500-3,500, there was a partial lockdown. Patients from across the borders were also less. But now, the capital city is in Unlock mode and 50% of the ICU beds in private hospitals are occupied by patients from outside Satyendar Jain: Substantial number of patients in private hospitals are from outside Delhi. In some hospitals, when we checked, we found that 50%-70% of the patients were from outside Delhi. Q. What about government hospitals? And is that a cause of concern for the Delhi government, given how cases from within Delhi are also rising? Satyendar Jain: In all, 30% of patients are from outside Delhi. Yes, this is a concern how do we increase bed capacity as much as possible. Right now, the situation is under control. But we dont want a situation where if the occupancy increases, theres a problem. Q. What are the specifics of the third sero survey in Delhi? Satyendar Jain: This sero survey has started on September 1. Over the next one or two days, sample collection will be completed. In the next ten days, results will be out. Samples are being collected district-wise, as well as ward-wise. The sample size is 17,000. Q. How have the sero surveys impacted Delhis Covid-19 strategy? Satyendar Jain: The impact was that we decided to maximise testing. That decision was taken only after looking at the result of the sero survey. Q. Delhi is now almost in full unlock mode bars, restaurants, pubs, hotels will reopen. Metro will re-start. Is the government prepared? Satyendar Jain: When there was a lockdown, even then cases were rising. The most important point is if you wear masks, you can be protected to a great extent. Q. You have been a Covid- 19 patient, and a critical case. What would you tell the people? Satyendar Jain: I would urge people to take precautions and be cautious. Many people are not scared. It is possible that they get corona and recover as well. But this is not the right attitude. It is possible that you may have recovered because your immunity levels are good. But you will be a carrier. In your own house, you will have parents, older people, a kid, or someone who is already ill. You could be a threat to his or her life. It is important to protect oneself as well as protect others. Q. Did you feel scared while you were undergoing treatment? Satyendar Jain: No, I was not scared. I did not feel any acute difficulty. Doctors were more scared than I was. However, after returning home, I faced a lot of difficulties pertaining to my health. Crew member was pulled from the water unconscious on Friday morning and later died, coastguard said. A second survivor from a cattle ship that capsized in a typhoon on its way to China from New Zealand, was pulled unconscious from the waters of the East China Sea on Friday but was pronounced dead in hospital, the Japanese coastguard said. The man was found floating face down and unresponsive about 120 km (75 miles) north-northwest of Amami Oshima island before being transferred to hospital. A life jacket and cattle carcass were also collected from the same area, the coastguard said, and the search was continuing for 41 other crew members. Three vessels, one aeroplane and two divers were taking part in the search for the Gulf Livestock 1, which went missing on Wednesday after it sent a distress call as Typhoon Maysak lashed the area with strong winds and heavy seas. The ship was carrying nearly 6,000 cattle to China when it sank after an engine failed during a typhoon in the East China Sea to the west of Japan [10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters Japan Coast Guard/Handout via Reuters] UAE-based Gulf Navigation issued a statement saying the Panamanian-flagged Gulf Livestock 1 was its vessel. We are monitoring the situation closely, said a spokesman for Gulf Navigation, adding that it was working with those involved in rescue efforts and regretted the loss of livestock. The ship, with a cargo of nearly 6,000 cattle, sent a distress call from the west of Amami Oshima island in southwestern Japan as Typhoon Maysak whipped up strong winds and heavy seas. Sareno Edvarodo, a 45-year-old chief officer from the Philippines, was rescued on Wednesday night after he was found floating in the darkness. Edvarodo was brought on board the coastguard ship and wrapped with blankets. In a video released by the coastguard he was sipping water, before asking after his colleagues. I am the only one? No other one? he asked. The ships 43 crew included 39 people from the Philippines, two from New Zealand and two from Australia. A Filipino crew member from the missing livestock ship, Gulf Livestock 1, was wrapped up in blankets after he was rescued on Wednesday. The ship had 43 crew. Another man was pulled unconscious from the sea on Friday [10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters/Handout via Reuters] Edvarodo told the coastguard one of the ships engines stopped and it was then overturned by a wave. He had put on a lifejacket and dived into the sea. Japan is currently in its annual typhoon season, and a second enormous storm is on course to arrive in the same area around Sunday, according to local forecasters, which could limit the search. The ship had experienced engine problems before: a 2019 observer report by Australian authorities noted that the boat was unable to manoeuvre for 25 hours after an issue with its main engine while en route to China. New Zealands Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) said on Thursday it was temporarily suspending live cattle exports after the accident. MPI wants to understand what happened on the sailing of the Gulf Livestock 1, it said. Agreement reaffirms pledges to establish road and railway links, but leaves movement on political normalisation on hold. An agreement between Serbia and Kosovo to work on economic ties, hailed by US President Donald Trump on Friday as a major breakthrough, has reaffirmed pledges to establish highway and railway links but left movement on political normalisation on hold. Both countries part of the former Yugoslavia agreed, for a year, to freeze campaigns advocating for and against normalising political ties, said US officials, who nevertheless lauded a handful of economic measures as significant progress in the relationship between the two sides. Speaking in the Oval Office flanked by the two countries leaders, Trump said Serbia had also committed to moving its embassy to Jerusalem, and Kosovo and Israel had agreed to normalise ties and establish diplomatic relations. Serbian President Aleksander Vucic told reporters there were still many differences between Serbia and its former province, which declared independence in 2008, but said Fridays agreement marked a huge step forward. He later told Serbian media that Serbias agreement was with the United States, not Kosovo. Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti also welcomed the measures and said they should lead to mutual recognition between the two countries, the key issue dividing them. Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalisation, Trump said. By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a major breakthrough. Political analysts called the agreement underwhelming and hazy, however. In my mind, this is more of a resumption of dialogue between the two sides. Thats good for the region. But its not like some massive, massive breakthrough, said Jasmin Mujanovic, a political scientist who specialises in Eastern Europe. Its mostly vague. Its not even clear on the economic stuff, said Edward Joseph, a senior fellow with Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies. Deal-maker The Republican Trump, who is running for re-election in November, is seeking to play up his deal-making skills on the international stage and recently announced a pact to normalise ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Trump is trailing his Democratic rival Joe Biden, who served as vice president under then-President Barack Obama, in national opinion polls. Fridays event, which came after two days of talks among the leaders and senior Trump aides, was originally scheduled to take place in the White Houses Roosevelt Room, with two tables set up for the leaders to sit at. It was abruptly moved to the Oval Office, with Trumps desk between the two tables. The Serbian and Kosovo leaders appeared to sign separate documents, not one. Trump, meanwhile, signed letters acknowledging that the two countries would work together. Ambassador Richard Grenell, who is serving as a special envoy on the issue but is not a US government employee, said the United States was not a signatory. Serbia would be the first European country to open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, and Kosovo the first with a Muslim majority. Only two countries have done that so far: the United States and Guatemala. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the moves. Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo, which is predominantly Muslim, declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 after a 1999 NATO-led bombing campaign in which the United States took part, to curb a war ignited by years of repressive Serbian rule and to stop ethnic cleansing by Belgrade. Serbia, backed by its traditional Slavic and Orthodox Christian ally Russia, has refused to recognise Kosovos independence, a precondition for Belgrades membership in the European Union. National security adviser Robert OBrien told reporters that expanded economic ties, increased border crossings and mutual recognition of professional licences could pave the way for political solutions in the future. He said the deal would also lead to increased US investment but gave no details. She was spotted for the first time in about six months stepping out with her husband Cook Maroney in New York City last week. And on Thursday, Jennifer Lawrence and the 36-year-old art dealer looked happy in love, as they walked arm-in-arm to dine al fresco on a patio in Manhattan. For their outing, the Oscar-winning actress donned an olive green midriff-baring crop top, which showcased her incredibly taut stomach. Date night: Jennifer Lawrence and her husband Cook Maroney looked happy in love, as they walked arm-in-arm to dine al fresco on a patio in New York City on Thursday She completed her ensemble with a black bucket hat and a pair of figure-hugging white trousers. Once seated, Lawrence peeled off her hat to unveil her slightly wavy blonde hair and set down her elegant black leather Gucci bag, however she left on her Oliver Peoples sunglasses. Meanwhile, Maroney opted for a more laid-back look, which included a white t-shirt, loose slacks and a pair of red, white and blue sneakers. For their outing, the Oscar-winning actress donned an olive green midriff-baring crop top, which showcased her incredibly taut stomach, and a pair of figure-hugging white trousers The Hunger Games star and her man, whom she wed in October of 2019, safely kept their noses and mouths covered under blue surgical masks. Like his wife, who shielded her eyes under a pair of aviator sunglasses, Maroney wore a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. Since Hollywood shut down due to the pandemic, Lawrence's usually busy schedule has lightened up considerably. Staying safe: The Hunger Games star and her man, whom she wed in October of 2019, kept their noses and mouths covered under blue surgical masks She has, however, had a few major milestones occur over the course of lockdown. Earlier this month the American Hustle star quietly celebrated her 30th birthday. Her good friend Kris Jenner took to social media with a celebratory post of Jennifer, whom she called her 'favorite daughter,' to commemorate the big day. Lawrence also finally unloaded her massive New York City penthouse, which had been on the market for a year. Unfortunately for the actress, she took a massive $5.7 million loss on the sprawling property, which she had scooped up for nearly $15.6 million million back in August 2016. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 19:36:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MAPUTO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities in Mozambique will start conducting a study in this month to assess the possibility of using the Tuberculosis vaccine to combat COVID-19 infections in the country, Radio Mozambique reported on Friday. According to the report citing the research coordinator for acute respiratory infections and evasive bacterial diseases at Manhica Health Research Center in Maputo province, the study will be carried out among health professionals. "These studies test a hypothesis that the vaccine may have a positive effect. Recent results that have emerged in the world indicating that the possibility of the Tuberculosis vaccine could have a positive effect in combating COVID-19," said Tembe. The official explained that the study is already funded and the center is currently waiting for authorization. Mozambique is also expected to be part of a larger trial of COVID-19 vaccines developed by other countries, which is already underway in the world. "Different countries, including China and the US, are working to create a vaccine to end COVID-19. We expect our center to be one of the institutions to be reached by the trials of these vaccines," he said. Enditem Bodycam footage from officers involved in arrest and death of Daniel Prude, and unarmed black man, in March: AP Seven Rochester police officers have been suspended by the city mayor after bodycam footage showed a hood being placed over a black man who later died. Daniel Prude, 41, died of asphyxia days after he was detained by police officers in Rochester, New York. "I am suspending the officers in question today against counsel's advice, and I urge the attorney general to complete her investigation," Mayor Lovely Warren said during a Thursday news conference. "I understand that the union may sue the city for this. They shall feel free to do so I have been sued before." The suspension comes one day after Mr Prude's family attorney released footage showing police officers placing a hood, known as a "spit sock" to protect cops from bodily fluids, over the man's head during a March incident. Officers then held Mr Prude down on the ground in a prone position until he stopped breathing. "You're trying to kill me," the man said prior to losing consciousness. The incident first started after Mr Prude's brother Joe called Rochester Police Department on 23 March because his brother was having a mental health episode. Mr Prude, who was naked in the video, was handcuffed by police before he was placed in the middle of a street with the cover over his head. EMTs were called to the scene and performed chest compressions, according to footage. Mr Prude was revived and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced brain dead. He died seven days later after never regaining consciousness. His death was ruled a homicide by the Monroe County medical examiner, stating it was caused by "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint." The report also showed that Mr Prude had a small amount of PCP in his system at the time of his death, which could explain his erratic behaviour. "Mr Daniel Prude was failed by our police department, our mental health care system, our society, and he was failed by me," Ms Warren told reporters. "Daniel Prude's death has proven yet again that many of the challenges that we faced in the past are the same challenges that we face today." Story continues Ms Warren added she was only made aware of the bodycam footage of the March incident on 4 August because of a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request by Mr Prude's family. "What I saw in that video was a man who needed help, a man who needed compassion, and a man who needed humanity, a man who we should have respected, and a man who was in crisis our response to him was wrong," she said. "I failed to serve our community to fight injustice, to stand up to those in need, and ensure everyone has a fighting chance at life." Ms Warren also reprimanded the Rochester Police Department Chief La'Ron Singletary, as she said he told her Mr Prude died due to the drugs in his system. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has now called for answers following the release of the bodycam footage. The seven officers involved were suspended with pay as the city investigates Mr Prude's death. Yves here. I was shocked to learn of David Graebers untimely death. I met Graeber at the instigation of Michael Hudson, who brought Graeber to dinner at Sakagura, a sake bar in Manhattan. If my memory serves me right, this was fall of 2011, shortly after the publication of Graebers blockbuster, Debt: The First 5000 Years, and either during or shortly after Occupy Wall Street camped out in Zuccotti Park. Graeber was energetic and full of academic and leftie political gossip. He kept checking his phone because he was looking to join some fellow activists later in the evening. Our differences over tactics (we had a dustup over Strike Debts Rolling Jubilee) dont diminish the considerable impact that Graeber had on the understanding of how debt operated in ancient societies and how the power balance between borrowers and lenders has changed in the modern era. By Steve Keen. Originally published at his website This is not at all what I thought Id be writing about tonight, let alone what I wanted to do. I am writing a eulogy for my friend and intellectual companion, David Graeber. These are the tweets and DMs that I first sent in reaction to this shock: Oh David! @davidgraeber. . They say only the good die young, but why did you have to be one of them? Theres even more bullshit in the world now that you are no longer with us. It was a pleasure to know you, and it is a tragedy to say goodbye. Im an agnostic and so was David @davidgraeber. But if hes doing anything at all right now, its an anthropological study of Heaven. Preceded by a brief study of Hell, but just for comparative reasons. The Devil was sad to see him go. Im agnostic, but for the very first time, I am wishing that there is life after death, I told @stacyherbert , when she wrote Hes actually trending in America now on Twitter! I wonder if he would be mortified by that or laughing his ass off . . . I suspect the latter? So yes David, this fellow agnostic wishes hes wrong, and I hope you can read this and are laughing at what a sentimental twat Im being. And being jealous of me getting smashed on Tequila as I write thisthough I suppose Heaven has much better Tequila than we get down here on the Purgatory that is Earth in 2020. 2020. Personally, Davids death feels as if 2020 is a mugger, whos watched me escape relatively free from the chaos of 2020, and thought OK boy, Im going to get you where it hurts. So congratulations, 2020, I feelat least to some tiny degreethe suffering that people are going through now, from losing a loved one to the Coronavirus. Id been exempt until now from 2020s travails. I was in Amsterdam during Sydneys fires, which threatened my family, but fortunately they werent affected. I jumped ship from Amsterdam to Thailand when it became apparent that Thailand was doing a much better job of containing it; now it has in fact eliminated itthough in more 2020 Sucks news, Thailand has just reported its community transmission/unknown origin first case in over 100 days). In a year of tragedy, Ive generally managed to be an observer. And now, one of my best friends, one of the people I admired and learnt from, whose company I all too infrequently enjoyed, and who happens to be one of the intrinsically nicest people I have ever known, has died. Take that Keen, says 2020. Im still an observer though, compared to Davids wife, Nika. God knows how she must be feeling now. I was delighted to meet her with David at an Extinction Rebellion meeting in 2018, I enjoyed having dinner and chatting with them. I saw how much happier David was with her in his life, and how happy they were together. I thought they were set for a long life of happiness together. And now he is gone, and she is on her own. They were married only recently, but they met a very long time ago: Ive probably got parts of the story wrong, but they were neighbours in New York, and there was attraction then but Nika was married. That marriage ended and Nika contacted David. The rest is their love story, which I saw and, as one does a great relationship, I envied. They understood and appreciated each other as very few couples do, especially in the contrarian world. Max and Stacy, youre another such couple. Ross and Megan, you too. There are very few double acts in this world: just those three really. And now weve lost one of them. Or, rather we and Nika have lost David. David was special for many, many reasons. The first Ill mention is what I expect is the foundation of Davids appeal to Nika: his trusting innocence. There was a boyish openness and lack of ego in David that made you trust him, because you could. He was, at the same time, extremely intelligent and extremely funny. He had a nervy aspect, very befitting of someone raised in New York. But he was fundamentally funny, and looked on the world with a sense of bemusement, and all the while, incisive insight. He was intrinsically an anthropologist, in that he was capable of living amongst people and seeing their customs more clearly than they could themselves, while all the while celebrating those aspects, the good and the bad, because they were his people as well. There was a selflessness to David too. There wasnt an ounce of Davids body that was in it for Davids benefit alone. Well, he enjoyed his pleasures, but they could never be had at the expense of another person. That made him someone you could trust with your life. On top of that, he was an excellent if sometimes rambling speaker, whose charisma attracted support which was worth giving. David, I believe, came up with the slogan Were the 99%. David, I believe, developed Occupy Wall Streets voting system, which was a very powerful form of democracy that still respected the rights of the minority. He was a true leader in large part because he didnt want to be. He was also an excellent historian of money and debt. If you havent read Debt: the first 5000 Years, buy a copy and do so. Its such a pity that David wont be here to chronicle the start of its next 5000 Years. Thats the other thing: the suddenness. I knew David wasnt feeling wellId exchanged a few messages with Nika where Davids health came up. Maybe it was CovidI still dont know. I wont speculate. The mapping system used by coronavirus test and trace system is sending people on near 500-mile journeys - because it measures the nearest centre 'as the crow flies'. Locator software is picking geographically close testing centres without realising visitors would need to 'walk on water' to get there in a short amount of time or distance. It means families in Ilfracombe, Devon, have been told to drive to Swansea in Wales, which is 30 miles as the crow flies, but 350 miles and seven hours by road. The case is the same in Weston-super-Mare and Felixstowe who have been told to places up to 54 miles away, that look just over ten miles away on a map. Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said: 'It's as if the system thinks people can walk on water to get to their nearest testing centre. The system measures 'as the crow flies' instead of the real distance by road 'It clearly has no appreciation of local circumstances,' he told the Telegraph. Yesterday test and trace boss Dido Harding installed a 75-mile limit on travelling to appointments after it was revealed some patients were being asked to drive almost 300 miles. It came as the number of close contacts of people who tested positive for Covid-19 being reached through Test and Trace is at its lowest since the system was launched, figures show. The latest data also indicates that a total of 6,732 new people tested positive for Covid-19 in England in the week to August 26, an increase of 6% in positive cases on the previous week and the highest weekly number since the week to June 3. The figures come as the system faces criticism for a flaw in its online booking system which tries to direct people to test centres more than 100 miles away. Patients trying to book coronavirus tests in Kent are being told to travel nearly 500 miles to Edinburgh despite their local sites sitting almost empty. One dad, whose two-year-old daughter had symptoms, tried to book a test at Manston Airport in Thanet, Kent, but was told he had to go to Harwich in Essex, a journey of 130 miles. When he turned up at the near-empty Manston site he was told some people had arrived after being told to go to Edinburgh, 470 miles away. Others have been sent from Kent to Manchester, some 300 miles away. Londoners have also seen similar problems, with many being told to go 200 miles to Bradford or Manchester, despite the Heathrow and Twickenham test sites barely being used. Manston Airport COVID test centre, in Kent, without many vehicles in the queue while patients are being told to travel nearly 500 miles from the south of England to Edinburgh, Scotland Anthony Hall, from Broadstairs, Kent, said he tried to book a slot online to have a swab test at Manston for his two-year-old daughter after she started showing symptoms of the virus. But he was only given the option of Harwich Port and he was told others in the area had been sent to Edinburgh. He said: 'The only option I was given was Harwich Port in Essex. 'In the end I drove to Manston, which was empty except for one other car, and one of the guys working there said they'd had people coming in who had been told to go to Edinburgh. 'Because my daughter was showing symptoms they allowed us to be tested, but I've heard from others that this isn't always the case.' Teresa Drury, also from Broadstairs, was told to travel the 300 miles to Manchester Airport when she tried to book and not even given the option of using Manston, just a 10 minute drive from her home. She said: 'We tried three days on the trot. I'd put in my postcode but got offered Manchester, Folkestone and Ashford - Manston didn't even come up as an option when we tried. Teresa Drury, from Broadstairs, was told to travel 300 miles to Manchester Airport when she tried to book and was not given option to use Manston - a 10 minute drive away from her home 'Whenever I drove past the site it was always empty yet we were told we couldn't get tested there without an appointment. It was really frustrating. 'The test was for a family member who, it turns out, had a cold, but she works in retail so had to get tested and she couldn't work until she had. 'The government says it is trying to get the country back on its feet and the economy moving so it's bizarre that this is happening. You can't help but feel suspicious. 'Why isn't something being done to resolve it or even the government admitting there are problems? 'Manston has capacity for 1,200 people a day, yet it's empty. Why don't they run a turn-up system there, where you can just drive up and get tested without an appointment? 'I went there three times, and three times it was empty.' Mrs Drury says when she rang the 119 registration phone line she was firstly told there was an admin error in the booking system and then that Manston was fully booked, despite her driving past and seeing no cars in the testing bays. She added: 'I went past on three occasions, at different times of the day, and each time the site was empty with the people who worked there just standing around.' She is not the only one to have experienced problems with booking. Other residents have seen issues at the testing centre in nearby Ebbsfleet, Kent, where people needing a test are being directed miles from their home. Many have reportedly been offered appointments in Wales and the Midlands, while others claim the Ebbsfleet test site has been 'empty' in recent weeks. Pictured: The test and trace centre in Twickenham which was reportedly fully booked while Londoners were told to travel to Bradford or Manchester in order to receive their test The test and trace swabbing centre at Heathrow Justin Madders, shadow health minister, described the latest figures as 'hugely disappointing' and said there was 'clearly a problem with testing infrastructure'. New figures from the Department of Health and Social Care show that 69.4% of close contacts of people who tested positive for Covid-19 in England were reached through the Test and Trace system in the week ending August 26. This is down from 77.1% in the previous week, and the lowest weekly percentage since Test and Trace was launched in May and is marks the tenth week in a row that the 80% target has not been reached. For cases handled by local health protection teams, 97.3% of contacts were reached and asked to self-isolate in the week to August 26. By contrast, for those cases handled either online or by call centres, 59.8% of close contacts have been reached and asked to self-isolate. Since the launch of Test and Trace, 270,559 close contacts of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 have now been reached through the tracing system and asked to self-isolate. Mr Madders added: 'With cases on the increase and the Government pushing for everyone to return to work, it is more important than ever that test and trace is working to its potential. 'It is therefore hugely disappointing to see that the number of people the system reached went down again in the last week. 'There is also clearly a problem with testing infrastructure as people across the country are sent hundreds of miles for testing appointments.' The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) insists there has been no reduction in national testing capacity. A spokesman said: 'NHS Test and Trace is working - we are working to increase national testing capacity and hundreds of thousands of people are being tested every day. 'There is a high demand for tests and our laboratories continue to turn test results around as quickly as possible. 'To make sure we stay in control of this virus we are targeting our testing capacity at the areas that need it most, including those where there is an outbreak, as well as prioritising at-risk groups. 'We are expanding testing capacity to 500,000 tests a day by the end of October - as well as bringing in new technology to process tests even faster.' STURGIS, MI Former Sturgis public safety chief Geoffrey Smith is still awaiting arraignment in an alleged drunken driving case that led to the resignation of the longtime officer. Moments after the Aug. 15 crash, as depicted in body cam video obtained by MLive, Sturgis officers arrived on scene to find a visibly shook Smith, who was sitting on side of the road complaining of neck pain. Smith requested officers give him a preliminary breath test at the scene, but the officers informed him they would have to let deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriffs Office or Michigan State Police troopers handle the crash scene and ensuing investigation. After Smith received treatment at a nearby hospital for his injuries, according to a city of Sturgis news release, he was booked into the St. Joseph County Jail at about 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 16. Booking records showed he was released a little more than five hours later. The city, the release stated, immediately placed the chief on administrative leave. Ten days later, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, the Sturgis City Commission accepted Smiths resignation. The former chief had accumulated 24 years of service with Sturgis prior to resigning. Smith requested, in an Aug. 21 email to City Manager Mike Hughes, that the city commission meet in closed session on Aug. 26. Related: Sturgis police chief resigns after crash, drunken driving investigation In the email obtained by MLive via the Freedom of Information Act Smith requested the commission meet in closed session for the purpose of a disciplinary hearing to consider the dismissal, suspension or disciplining of an employee. MLive requested copies of all electronic communications between city officials and Smith dated between Aug 15-27. Two other emails were provided in response to the request, both dated Aug. 26. The first was from Hughes at 9:13 a.m. that stated simply, I think this will work, let me know if it doesnt - Mike. A response from Smith to Hughes was sent 20 minutes later that stated It is attached and signed sir. - Geoff. An attachment included in the email exchange was a copy of Smiths resignation agreement. The agreement, also obtained by MLive via a FOIA request, showed Smith tendered his resignation the city, effective 5 p.m. Aug. 26. As part of the terms of the agreement, Smith was allowed to purchase a year of service credit so he could begin to receive his pension benefit on the date on which he is eligible. The city also agreed to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Smith from any costs, damages, or attorney fees that he might incur in any litigation in which he may be named as a defendant and which arise as a result of his employment with the city. In return, Smith agreed that he will not sue or proceed in any manner, whether at law, in equity or otherwise against the city, its departments, officers, commissioners or employees on account of any claim or of any nature whatsoever as a result of his employment with the city, or the termination of said employment. In light of Smiths resignation, Ryan Banaszak has been named Sturgis interim public safety director. In a statement from Smith on Aug. 26, the former chief said, in part: Growing up in Sturgis, I knew Sturgis was where I wanted to live and raise my family. Our community has given me so much support and many opportunities over all of these years for which I am very thankful .... my desire has always been to give back to my community and assist in making it a desirable place for people to want to work and live. I made a mistake. I am human, and accept full responsibility for what I have done. ... I am truly sorry for my actions and the hardships they have brought to my community, family, co-workers and friends. Smith had been scheduled for arraignment Aug. 27 in St. Joseph County on a charge of operating while intoxicated with a high blood alcohol content level but, due to potential conflicts of interest with the court and prosecutors office, a change of venue is occurring. While it will still be a St. Joseph County case, the case will instead be prosecuted by the state attorney generals office and Calhoun County District Judge Paul Beardslee will preside, Smiths attorney Michael Hills told MLive Wednesday, Aug. 26. No court date or venue has been set, a clerk with the St. Joseph County District Court told MLive on Sept. 3. Smith is not the only government official in St. Joseph County facing a drunken driving charge at this time. St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough faces charges stemming from a May 11 alcohol-involved crash near Three Rivers. McDonough, who witnesses said left the crash scene before eventually returning, was defeated handily by fellow Republican David Marvin in the August primary. Also on MLive: Bond set at $500K for former Kalamazoo pastor charged with 11 felony child sex crimes Whitmer reopens gyms, giving the green light to high school sports Spartan Confidential podcast: The summer of Izzo, will Emoni Bates play at Michigan State? South Africa: Parliament mulls Sign Language as official language The Parliamentary Constitutional Review Committee is considering recognising South African Sign Language as the 12th official language. Deputy Minister in the Presidency Department of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize, said Parliament was considering amending Section 30 of the Constitution and the National Official Languages. I want to emphasise that South African Sign Language is a right and not a privilege, and is a language of the first line of commutation for deaf people. The strengthening of inter-sectoral collaboration between the government and the deaf community will make South Africa one of the countries that provide for deaf people's communication mode in their own local language, the Deputy Minister said. She was in Pretoria on Friday, addressing the launch of the South African Sign Language Charter, which was conceptualised to address issues that relate to communication, access to information, facilities, and social justice for the deaf community, including the type of service provided by South African Sign Language interpreters in general. The Charter articulates and affirms the linguistic rights of deaf people in South Africa and is aimed at creating conditions for the development of South African Sign Language. This September marks 62 years of the celebration of the International Month for the Deaf, as declared by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). As part of commemorating this historic milestone, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) launched the South African Sign Language Charter. This Charter seeks to promote recognition of the South African Sign Language as an official language to be included in Sub-Section 6 (1) of the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996, and be adopted in terms of Section 234 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996. The Association of Deaf People has lodged a long, hard struggle to get South African Sing Language to be recognised by government in all its sectors and society at large. It is therefore important to consider the legislating and regulating South African Sign Language by declaring it the 12th official language for the country. This will be available on request or on-demand to assist the deaf community to access services, information, public institutions and education with ease and in the language that they understand, Mkhize said. The Charter has considered the following aspects for instance: Recognition of South African Sign Language as the 12th official language, deaf awareness activities for the South African public, promotion of deaf culture, access to all services and facilities by deaf people, the inclusion of South African Sign Language into the curriculum of all educational level and professionalisation of South African Sign Language. Close captioning, sub-titles and South African Sign Language go hand in hand and the same applies to lip reading, relay interpretation and non-academic hand signs that are most prevalent in the township and rural areas. These services are necessary to teach young deaf children and to promote literacy of South African Sign Language to the deaf community in South Africa. My department is currently negotiating with the SABC to ensure that South African Sign Language is provided for on television, the Deputy Minister said. PanSALB Board Chairperson, Dr David Maahlamela, said the launch of the charter is a huge step towards ensuring the officialisation of South African Sign Language as the 12th South African official language. The SASL Charter is premised on the nothing about us without us disability movement. It is a product of years of extensive consultation with the deaf community that has culminated to this call to action for our government and civil society to rally together, and pledge their commitment to the principles of multilingualism and social cohesion that underpin the provisions of this Charter, said Maahlamela said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Bright and brilliant, the Halloween Window Digital Decoration brings together 13 exquisitely detailed designs in a single animated scene. In spite of this years challenges it was even more important to us to create a variety of decorations to support our fans wanting to express their love of Halloween in fun and colorful ways, says AtmosFX Co-Founder, Pete Reichert. AtmosFX, the holiday decorating company known for inventing projection-based home decorating, today announces five new Halloween decorations, including sequels to three of its most popular collections and two new atmospheric collections. Including these five new titles, AtmosFX now has 30 Halloween-themed digital decoration collections, and a total of 48 for year-round celebrations. Available for use both indoors and out, AtmosFX Digital Decorations are a dynamic option for those who seek to decorate their homes and offices for Halloween and other special occasions. With so many states observing Covid-19 safety protocols, decorating for Halloween is proving to be one way communities can continue to celebrate this tradition while still observing safe behaviors. Nobody knows for certain how some Halloween traditions will change this year. says AtmosFX Co-Founder, Pete Reichert. What we do know, thanks to over 100,000 members of the AtmosFX decorating community, is that people still want to decorate for and celebrate the Halloween season with their family, friends and neighbors. Halloween fans understand that some of the traditions like trick-or-treating or costume parties might not happen in quite the same way this year, Reichert adds. However, they know that they can still bring joy to their community through entertaining decoration displays, while still keeping kids safe and maintaining appropriate social distance. And isnt building community exactly what Halloween is all about? Of the five new AtmosFX Digital Decorations released this season, three are a direct response to fans who asked for sequels of their favorite collections. Ghostly Apparitions 3 is the third installment of one of AtmosFXs most successful decorations ever. Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree 2 brings back the wisecracking pumpkins who sing songs and tell stories. And Bone Chillers 2 returns our beloved dancing and performing skeletons with all new musical and comedic performances. And in addition to these sequels, AtmosFX has also released two new decorative collections that can easily enhance any Halloween holiday display. Inferno brings a varied collection of fires, embers and blaze effects that are perfect for projection mapping, parties, and used in combination with other Halloween decorations. And Halloween Window is our second animated stained glass collection (after last winters Yuletide Window) with 13 exquisitely detailed designs in a single animated scene. In spite of this years challenges it was even more important to us to create a variety of decorations to support our fans wanting to express their love of Halloween in fun and colorful ways, says Reichert. Were glad we could respond to their biggest requests while surprising them with new ideas. We cant wait to see what our fans do with them! 2020 ATMOSFX HALLOWEEN DECORATION RELEASES: All AtmosFX Digital Decorations can be found here: https://atmosfx.com/collections/halloween 1. Inferno Light up your home this Halloween with a combustible collection of fires, embers and blazes. An explosively versatile display of scorching-hot digital effects, Inferno Digital Decoration Collection is perfect for projection mapping, parties, and in combination with other digital decorations. The collection features four different fires, each raging with different intensities and colors. Turn up the heat with your digital decorating with Inferno its no smoke, all fire. Inferno is available here: https://atmosfx.com/collections/halloween/products/inferno 2. Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree 2 Wit and whimsy return this Halloween when our lovable trio of pumpkins bring their infectious chatter to your doorstep. The Jack-O'-Lantern Jamboree 2 Digital Decoration Collection is loaded with more original songs, stories and banter plus even a few scary faces all of which are longer in duration than the original! Stunning on windows, walls or TV, this dynamic display really becomes a showstopper when projected onto uncarved pumpkins! Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree 2 is available here: https://atmosfx.com/collections/halloween/products/jack-o-lantern-jamboree-2 3. Halloween Window The magic of Halloween night is evident is this what illuminates these enchanting stained glass displays? Only the spirits know. Bright and brilliant, the Halloween Window Digital Decoration brings together 13 exquisitely detailed designs in a single animated scene. Perfect for projecting on both vertical and horizontal windows, this gleaming collection of glass pumpkins, skeletons and ghosts captures the wonder of this bewitching night. Halloween Window is available here: https://atmosfx.com/collections/halloween/products/halloween-window 4. Ghostly Apparitions 3 Three restless spirits find no comfort at their gravesite, choosing instead to endlessly roam the earth. Perhaps they can find solace as guests in your home? As part of the Ghostly Apparitions 3 Digital Decoration Collection, these restive phantoms a pirate ghost, a menacing maid and a set of diabolic twins blur the lines between heaven and earth. Ghostly Apparitions 3 will be released in September 2020 and will be available at http://www.atmosfx.com 5. Bone Chillers 2 These rowdy skeletons were never meant to rest quietly underground there is too much going on above the soil! Loaded with dances, music and slapstick routines, the vigorous skeletons of Bone Chillers 2 are sure to delight the entire family. And for those who prefer their skeletons to be a little bit scary, they can do that too. Just be careful what you wish for! Bone Chillers 2 will be released in early October 2020 and will be available at http://www.atmosfx.com About AtmosFX AtmosFX is a Seattle-based company that seeks to dramatically change how people decorate their homes for holidays, parties and other celebrations. Through the use of beautifully animated characters, stories and atmospherics, AtmosFX Digital Decorations are an ingenious and easy way to decorate anywhere, any time of year. Endlessly versatile and entertaining, AtmosFX offers a variety of innovative, Hollywoodquality decorations that can be viewed on any TV or monitor, and projected on surfaces such as windows, walls even thin air. AtmosFX was founded in 2008 by Pete Reichert, a former MTV Producer, and Pete Williams, an animator and show creator. Both were inspired by the visual effects and animations they created for ramusement parks and museums. Today, AtmosFX is the fastest growing digital home decorating company with customers in more than 150 countries around the world. To learn more about AtmosFX, visit http://www.atmosfx.com. A person walk in front of a building with the logo of the insolvent company Wirecard in Aschheim near Munich, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. German opposition parties plan to force the launch of a parliamentary inquiry into the downfall of bankrupt payment company Wirecard. (Peter Kneffel/dpa via AP) BERLIN (AP) German prosecutors said Thursday they have closed an investigation into two journalists with the Financial Times that was launched following reports last year about allegations of irregularities at now-bankrupt payment company Wirecard. Wirecard's shares plunged following the reports in January and February 2019. Germany's financial market regulator issued a two-month ban on short-selling Wirecard shares and later filed a criminal complaint against several people, including the two journalists. Munich prosecutors said they have closed their investigation into suspected violations of securities laws. They said investigations have shown that the reporting was fundamentally accurate" and have shown no evidence of concrete contacts with short-sellers or that the journalists passed on insider information. Investigations against possible short-sellers are continuing, they added. Financial market regulator BaFin said it informed prosecutors that it has no objection to closing the investigation into the journalists, Dan McCrum and Stefania Palma. The Financial Times last year called allegations of inappropriate behavior leveled against its staff in relation to Wirecard baseless and false. One-time tech star Wirecard filed for protection from creditors through insolvency proceedings in June after admitting that 1.9 billion euros ($2.3 billion) that was supposedly held in trust accounts in the Philippines probably did not exist. Former CEO Markus Braun has been arrested, along with the companys former chief financial officer and former head of accounting. They are suspected of defrauding investors of some 3.2 billion euros by inflating the companys balance sheet. Investigators last month issued a wanted notice for former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek. MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon television program, Copyright MMXX, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3 to 4 month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $6,950.00 to $11,995.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by Donald Baillargeon, the producer, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV. 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. Heat waves can dry up vegetation and are often followed by stronger winds, which could exacerbate the fire risk after temperatures fall, Ms. Tolmachoff said. [Want to get our daily newsletter California Today by email? Heres the sign-up.] On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed an emergency proclamation to free up additional energy capacity amid extreme temperatures across California. The California Independent System Operator, which oversees the states electrical grid, issued a statewide alert that called for state residents to conserve energy from 3 to 9 p.m. Alerts were also issued for Sunday and Monday. The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or for families with children schooling at home, it said in a statement on Saturday. However, if a large enough number of consumers conserve even in small ways, they can help grid operators avoid more serious system emergencies. At the Back on the Beach Cafe in Santa Monica, Fred Deni, a co-owner, said that there had been a line of customers into the parking lot at 7:45 a.m. and that business had not slowed, despite the heat wave and the coronavirus pandemic. When I opened at 8, my 28 tables were filled, and we continue to be filled, said Mr. Deni, who has been a co-owner of the beachfront restaurant for more than 40 years. The shoreline looks like its July 4 all over again. Extreme heat is in the forecast for other Western states, too, including Nevada, Utah and Arizona. In Colorado, temperatures in the Denver area are expected to reach the high 90s on Saturday and Sunday, breaking records for early September. U.S. law enforcement officers shot and killed a man suspected of being the gunman who killed another man in Portland, Oregon last week, the U.S. Marshal Service said Friday. Officials identified the suspected gunman as 48-year-old Michael Forest Reinoehl. They said he was killed as federal agents attempted to arrest him near Lacey, Washington. Lacey is about 93 kilometers north of Portland. Reinoehl was wanted in the killing of 39-year-old Aaron Jay Danielson, who was a supporter of the group Patriot Prayer. The U.S. Marshals Service said that the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers. The officers then shot and killed him. On Thursday, Portlands Police Bureau had approved orders calling for Reinoehls arrest. It asked federal law enforcement officials to help find him. Antifa supporter Reinoehl had described himself in a social media post as a snowboarder, former Army soldier and 100% ANTIFA. He reportedly had attended and helped with security for anti-racism demonstrations in Portland. Antifa, short for the term anti-fascists, is a loosely organized political movement. Members oppose groups that they consider fascist. They are also against racial and economic injustice. Reinoehl appeared to say that he was involved in the shooting of Danielson in a Vice News video found on the internet just hours before his death. It was a free for all and the police were letting it happen, Reinoehl said. Had I not acted, I am confident that my friend and Im sure I would have been killed because I wasnt going to stand there and let something happen, he added. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasnt going to do that. Protests, including demonstrations by Black Lives Matter supporters, have taken place daily in Portland since the police killing of George Floyd. The Minnesota man died in May after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Patriot Prayer member Last Saturday, supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump held an event called Trump 2020 Cruise Rally in Portland. About 600 vehicles with Trump signs drove through the city. Videos taken that day show Trump supporters shooting paintballs and spraying Black Lives Matter protesters. They, in turn, threw objects at the vehicles and tried to block them. Aaron Jay Danielson told The Portland Tribune that he was there to provide security services for the event. He had a Patriot Prayer hat, was wearing military clothing and armed with knives, a paintball gun and mace. Danielson was shot to death later that night. The Southern Poverty Law Center describes Patriot Prayer as a far-right group in the Pacific Northwest. It says the group has organized events with Proud Boys and other extremist groups. Joey Gibson, the leader of Patriot Prayer, has urged members and supporters to be armed at these events, saying, Everyone should be carrying around guns at all times, especially people in our situation. As the protests nearing the 100-day mark, Oregons Governor Kate Brown and local leaders called for an end to the violence. Brown wrote, There is no place for white supremacy or vigilantism in Oregon. I'm John Russell. Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English with additional reporting from the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story snowboarder - n. a person who uses a board shaped like wide ski to go downhill fascist - n. an organized society in which government ruled by a dictator loosely - adv. not closely joined or united kneel - v. (past tense, knelt) to move your body in which a knee is on something spray - v. force stream of small drops of liquid (on someone or something) far-right - n. the extreme right wing of a political or a group 16th batch of Chinese peacekeeping engineer contingent all arrives in Sudan PLA Daily Source: China Military Online Editor: Chen Lufan 2020-09-03 16:13:37 BEIJING, Sept. 3 -- The second echelon of 115 members of the 16th Chinese peacekeeping engineer contingent arrived in Khartoum, capital of Sudan on August 31 for their 5-month peacekeeping mission. As of now, all the members have arrived in their mission areas. This engineer contingent is consisted of 225 members, which includes engineering support team, logistic support team, security squadron and a primary hospital. They mainly come from a brigade of the 82nd Group Army under the PLA Central Theater Command. The first echelon of the contingent had arrived in Sudan on August 12. As the only engineering and support force of the UN-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)in the region, the Chinese peacekeeping engineer contingent is mainly responsible for maintenance and upgrading of main roads, laying infrastructure, assembling prefabricated houses, building airports and aprons, etc. Since receiving the assignment, intensive close training has been conducted for each squadron, covering subjects of pandemic prevention and control, security guard and patrol, infrastructure construction and medical rescue. After targeted personal training, each member of the contingent went through assessment to prove their competency in dealing with emergencies. As the COVID-19 continues to bring challenges to their mission, seven types of anti-epidemic supplies totaling several thousand pieces were purchased in an urgent manner and related training had been conducted, introduced Wang Wenxuan, commissar of the contingent. "Being well prepared, we are confident to do our job well," said Wang. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BANGKOK (AP) Thailands prime minister on Wednesday congratulated the nation for having achieved 100 days without a confirmed locally transmitted case of the coronavirus, even as security along the border with Myanmar is being stepped up as a measure against the disease. Health officials did not highlight the achievement, but Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha described it as a good accomplishment toward making the country safe. He used the occasion to urge the government and people to work together to bring the country out of the COVID-19 crisis. If we dont help each other, none of us can move forward and the country cant move forward, and the people will suffer more than they already have, he said. Thailand has sustained relatively light health damage from the pandemic, even though in January it was the first country outside China to confirm a case. But its economy has been devastated by the absence of foreign tourists, who are banned from entry, and by a drop in exports. Thai health authorities reported eight new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, all in people arriving from abroad, bringing the countrys total to 3,425, including 58 deaths. The countrys last locally transmitted case was confirmed on May 24 and announced on May 25. According to the Department of Disease Control, it involved a 56-year-old Thai woman who had end-stage kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension as underlying conditions. She was admitted to the hospital with difficulty breathing and tested positive for the coronavirus, dying the same day as the test results. Only one more person has been listed as dying from the disease since then. New Zealand and Vietnam are two other major countries that have had similar long streaks of no reported cases of local transmission. New Zealand went 102 days before discovering new cases last month, and Vietnam went about 99 days before a new local outbreak. New Zealand reinstituted restrictions after its new outbreak, including a lockdown of the city of Auckland. Taiwan also has gone over 100 days without local transmission. Story continues Thailand has gradually eased most of the virus-fighting restrictions it imposed starting in March, with the significant exception of continuing to bar most foreign visitors. The government has been wary of reopening the country, scuttling or postponing several plans. However, there is a possibility that a pilot project allowing a small number of foreign tourists into the southern tourist island of Phuket under strict conditions may soon be implemented. Most recently, Thai authorities have been alarmed by surges in cases in neighboring Myanmar. Thai officials announced this week that they were temporarily closing several checkpoints on the border with Myanmar in the north and west that have been open mostly for trade. Security was ordered stepped up as well against possible illegal entry across the river that marks much of the border. Controls were also ordered tightened at Thai camps near the border that house thousands of refugees from Myanmar. Identity Verification Provider from Munich welcomes Bettina Pauck as Manager of the Operations Division MUNICH, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IDnow, a leading provider of Identity Verification-as-a-Service solutions, is welcoming Bettina Pauck as Chief Operations Officer to its management team. She will head the Operations division at the Munich site as well as the Leipzig site, which will be part of the IDnow Group as of September. IDnow took this new subsidiary over as part of the acquisition of Wirecard Communication Services. Following the successful takeover of Wirecard Communication Services GmbH at the beginning of this week, IDnow announces the appointment of Bettina Pauck as Chief Operations Officer to the management team of the Munich-based identity verification provider. Within the scope of the acquisition, she has already assisted in the valuation of the company. Her main task in the coming months will be to integrate the former Wirecard Communication Services GmbH - now IDnow Services GmbH - into the existing processes and to optimally position the business unit for the foreseeable growth. In the last 12 years Bettina Pauck has been working with her own company as a consultant for companies like N26, reBuy or Axel Springer and has optimized their customer operations. She has been working in customer service since 2004 and now brings her many years of experience in strategic, tactical and operational customer management as well as in the conception and control of service structures to IDnow. "Identity verification is at the heart of many industries, but most of all it ensures the security and sense of security of many customers. Since the customers are the focus of all my activities, I am particularly pleased to be able to make a real difference for the customers - and for IDnow - in this central function," says Bettina Pauck. "IDnow is a company with a strong vision and my goal is to take the Operations division to a new level together with the outstanding team," she adds. "I am pleased that we were able to win Bettina Pauck as COO for IDnow. She will play a central role in the scaling of our operations area, also and especially in the context of the recent strong increase in demand. With the acquisition of Wirecard Communication Services, we have created additional capacity and infrastructure in order to further improve our range and service quality," says Andreas Bodczek, CEO of IDnow. About IDnow With its Identity Verification-as-a-Service (IVaaS) platform, IDnow has set out to make the connected world a safer place. IDnow's unmanipulable identity verification is used across industries conducting online customer interactions that require a high degree of security. IDnow uses Artificial Intelligence to check all security features on ID documents and can therefore reliably identify forged documents. Potentially, the identities of more than 7 billion customers from 193 different countries can be verified in real-time. In addition to safety, the focus is also on an uncomplicated application for the customer. Achieving five out of five stars on the Trustpilot customer rating portal, IDnow technology is particularly user-friendly. IDnow covers a wide range of use cases both in regulated sectors in Europe and for completely new digital business models worldwide. The platform allows the identity flow to be adapted to different regional, legal, and business requirements on a per use case basis. IDnow is supported by venture capital investors Corsair Capital, BayBG, Seventure Partner, G+D Ventures as well as a consortium of renowned business angels. Its portfolio of over 250 customers includes leading international companies from various industries such as Bank of Scotland, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, eventim, Raisin (Weltsparen), Sixt, solarisBank, Telefonica Deutschland, UBS and Western Union as well as fintechs such as Fidor, N26, smava, and wefox. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1195347/IDnow_Logo.jpg Press contact: Christina Schwinning press@idnow.io +49 89 41324 6054 Yet, scientists around the world have debunked this opinion resisting masks, repeatedly endorsing masks to stop transmission of air droplets that spread the virus. In Wuhan, China, where it first appeared, those without symptoms may have been responsible for nearly 80% of infections, according to Science Magazine. Experts: Sparse Data, Changing Behavior Explain Errors $813,000 For Two Modeling Contracts Actions Will Change The Course Of The Epidemic (TNS) In mid-July, Californias pandemic forecast painted a bleak picture for El Dorado County.The states so-called model of models predicted 45 people with COVID-19 would die within 30 days in the sparsely populated county. With cases surging statewide and more than half of counties on a monitoring list, it was all-but-certain the death toll would soar in the foothills.But there was a problem. The county hadnt yet even tallied a single COVID-19 death.Ultimately, the prediction for El Dorado County was a total bust in the best way possible. The disease caused by the new coronavirus infected just two people who died by Aug. 15, according to state data. Californias pandemic models this summer envisioned a catastrophic scenario in some of the states less-populated counties. But those forecasts proved to be wildly inaccurate, prompting several local health officers to dismiss the states forecasting website altogether if theyd even heard of the effort at all, areview has found.Carla Hass, an El Dorado County spokeswoman, said local public health officials did not use the states predictions in any way when deciding how to respond to the pandemic. The wild swings made the tool not particularly useful.Sutter County, where only four deaths had been recorded in mid-July, would have 70 by mid-August, the model projected. Instead, only seven people died. Rachel Rosenbaum, a county spokeswoman, said their senior-living centers fared well during the pandemic compared to other places, which might explain why deaths didnt spike as forecast. The health team uses models only when theyre properly validated.And Solano Countys deaths were expected to nearly double from 31 to 59 between July 15 and Aug. 15, according to the forecast. Instead, the death count climbed by just 10.Though the forecasts were much more accurate at projecting statewide totals and forecasts for more populated counties, like Sacramento, the inaccurate predictions cast doubt about whether the state can accurately estimate the course of a pandemic in rural counties.Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano Countys health officer, said he was unaware of the states prediction website, largely because he doesnt put much stock in modeling forecasts. Disease modeling rarely pans out, he said, because researchers cannot capture the dynamics inside one county, let alone between them. Garbage in, garbage out, he said.I have come to cynically believe that the only people who value models are modelers and politicians, Matyas said. People who work with disease on the streets just know how impossible it is to model what we see.Modeling experts say overzealous predictions from the spring were lost in translation. They proved to be inaccurate because people took unprecedented action by sheltering in place.Californias Department of Public Health said it stands by the tools. Significant errors in smaller counties should be expected because projections do not account for changes in policy like the distancing rules or mask mandates.Plus, a state spokesperson said, prediction models regularly fail to chart the course of the disease in smaller counties because theres simply less data to work with.There is utility to providing estimates for smaller counties even if the estimates are less reliable, the state said. CDPH has been in active communication with local health jurisdictions as well as several smaller local health jurisdictions on the reliability of county-level estimates.To be sure, Californias model of models an ensemble that uses a blend of forecasts instead of one single tool has fared much better in recent months at predicting aggregate deaths in more populated places,review found.The one-month forecast of deaths statewide was off by only about 1% in mid-August. And with a prediction of 181 deaths in Sacramento County, the model came remarkably close to the reality on the ground of 199.Californias combination of models now forecasts nearly 1,000 people with COVID-19 will die each week through the end of September, pushing the states death toll toward 16,000 by the end of the month.As for that wildly inaccurate projection for El Dorado County? The models adjusted their forecast. It now predicts four COVID-19 deaths by Oct. 2.Its incredibly frustrating, said Michael Saragosa, the mayor of Placerville in El Dorado County. We get it. I want to trust the science. But the numbers are showing we just dont have the rates or the deaths in our area.The modeling was always going to be modeling that could be wrong.In the spring, individual models conveyed disturbing projections about outbreaks, hospital shortages and death tolls.In a letter to President Donald Trump, Gov. Gavin Newsom said models indicated half of the states population would be infected within two months. Newsoms office quickly clarified that the forecast did not take into account social distancing and economic shutdowns.Models from leading research institutions like Harvard and the University of Washington showed how hospitals would be overrun, ventilators would run out, and bodies would stack up in major cities.While some of that happened, like in New York City, where freezer trucks parked outside hospitals overrun with bodies, few of those predictions bore any resemblance to the reality on the ground across the U.S.Thats largely because the models were based on assumptions that did not and could not accurately account for widespread and unprecedented stay-at-home orders and the ripple effect precautions like that would have, experts say. The models often lacked context, and in a fast-paced rush for information, became grossly oversimplified.To better fit what was occurring in the West, California pledged at least $813,000 in modeling contracts to Johns Hopkins University and Stanford, records show. It added another half-dozen modeling efforts to its contingent.After months of requests from journalists and the public for the information, Newsom unveiled in late June a public website called the California COVID-19 Assessment Tool, or CalCAT, an open repository for anyone to download data about cases and projections and look for data-focused solutions.California is home to some of the worlds most accomplished researchers, technologists, scientists, acclaimed universities, and leading technology companies, Newsom said at the time. Today, I am opening more California data for them to help inform our efforts in combating this disease.The data portal marked the first real look under the hood of how Californias health officials used forecasts to predict the spread of COVID-19.But since launching the data website, officials in recent months have not cited models in public comments nearly as frequently as in the spring. Turned off by the oversimplified and incorrect predictions from spring, the public seems also to be less interested in the forecasts.Many people looked at death and infection forecasts like weather forecasts tracking a storm. When those didnt pan out, people tuned the projections out, said Inga Holmdahl, a researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Its a fundamental problem with public health forecasting, said Holmdahl, whose piece in the New England Journal of Medicine spelled out why modeling cannot be the panacea in public health. People can dramatically alter how disease spreads, leaving researchers scrambling to account for changes to social behaviors stemming from shutdowns or mask mandates.We can see an epidemiological model and respond, Holmdahl said in an interview. Our actions will change the course of the epidemic.Experts now are grappling with a scattershot approach to reopening schools and deciding the fate of indoor dining. I think its just really hard to know what the impact of those is going to be, Holmdahl said.Early models oversimplified the situation, looked too far in the future and were miscommunicated to the public. Newer models with more data stand a better chance at getting it right, said Nicholas Reich, a pandemic forecaster and associate professor of biostatistics and epidemiology at The University of Massachusetts Amherst.As cases surge again, we have been given another opportunity to let models inform our understanding about the future of this outbreak, Reich wrote on Twitter. No model is a perfect crystal ball, but their consensus (or lack of it) can tell us something. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday said it will soon arrest Showik Chakraborty, brother of main accused Rhea Chakraborty, and Samuel Miranda in connection with the drugs probe linked to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, officials said. The questioning of the two is in the last stages and they are expected to be placed under arrest in the next few hours, they said. NCB sleuths, accompanied by police officials, raided the residence of Showik Chakraborty in Santa Cruz (West) and Mirandas house in suburban Andheri (West) from 6:30 am. Showik lives with sister Rhea. Both Showik Chakraborty and Miranda, who is Rajputs house manager, were handed over the summons to join the investigation during the search, the officials said. They have intended to go along (with the search team) due to media presence," an officer said. They were later brought to the agencys zonal office in the Ballard Estate area. Boris Johnson broke his own social distancing rules by hosting a meeting of Conservative MPs packed in cheek by jowl, it is alleged. The Liberal Democrats demanded an investigation after at least 50 Tories are thought to have crammed into a room despite a sign on the door warning that only 29 should be allowed. The prime minister is said to have told the meeting that he wanted people across the country to be mixing closely together in the same way by Christmas, witnesses told the Bloomberg website. Yet, just 40 minutes after it finished, the prime ministers office issued a tweet warning people not to attend gatherings of more than 30 people. There is no end to the Tories hypocrisy, protested Wera Hobhouse, a Liberal Democrat MP. Recommended Dozens more lorry parks to be built to cope with Brexit trading chaos The prime minister and his ministers have already evaporated the publics trust in them with their shameless defence of Dominic Cummings, but it appears they have not learned their lesson. The Lib Dems have written to Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, to demand an inquiry and for action to be taken if rules were broken. The controversy comes after Mr Cummings was allowed to stay on as Mr Johnsons chief aide despite flouting lockdown rules with his April trip to and around County Durham. At the start of the pandemic, the prime minister boasted he was shaking hands with everybody and would continue to do so despite his own scientists warning against it. 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 The Independent has asked Downing Street to respond to the claim that the meeting, of the 1922 committee of backbench Tories, broke coronavirus restrictions. People present at the meeting reported that social distancing rules stating that they should stay more than one metre apart were initially observed, with seats spaced out. But three people present, who asked not to be identified because the meeting was private, said that later arrivals crammed together at the back of the room to hear Mr Johnson. The meeting came one day after Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, apologised for shaking hands on his way into a cabinet meeting in Downing Street. Labour has continued with remote meetings of its MPs, but the Tories returned to physical gatherings after backbench criticism of the blizzard of recent policy U-turns. Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 committee, insisted that social distancing rules were observed at the meeting. It is a workplace, and social distancing of one metre plus was maintained as per government guidance for other workplaces, he told Bloomberg. Obviously, it is important that the democratic process is not interrupted. Asked about the event, a Downing Street spokesperson said that, as a civil servant, he was not able to respond to the allegation because it was a political event. Asked whether Mr Johnson obeys his own social distancing rules, the spokesperson replied: Yes. I couldnt be more excited for practice owners and aspiring practice owners to get a chance to peek inside the brilliant of mind of Dr. Tait, noted David Hall, Co-Founder of GeniusVets. Not only does he have some practical and proven tactical exit strategies that hes more than willing to share, While veterinary practices across the country are experiencing a surge in business due to a variety of factors relating to the COVID pandemic, these same businesses have undergone numerous challenges and changes to operating procedures that have increased stress and fueled the desire for many independent veterinary practice owners to sell to large corporate entities. However, Dr. John Tait, one of the most experienced and respected experts in the country on this topic, says that it is a bad idea for veterinary practice owners to sell now. On Wednesday, September 9th, Dr. John Tait will be joining Webinar Wednesdays, presented by GeniusVets, to discuss a variety of topics including maximizing practice value, planning for future vulnerabilities such as economic downturns, and alternative exit strategies that provide significant advantages over selling to a corporate chain. As a former veterinary practice owner, as well as the former President of the American Animal Hospital Association, current VSG Treasurer and Founder of John Tait Veterinary Consulting, Dr. Tait is well-known for his significant and ongoing contributions to the veterinary profession. I couldnt be more excited for practice owners and aspiring practice owners to get a chance to peek inside the brilliant of mind of Dr. Tait, noted David Hall, Co-Founder of GeniusVets. Not only does he have some practical and proven tactical exit strategies that hes more than willing to share, but hes also an expert in how to run an efficient recession and pandemic-proof business. GeniusVetsthe top-performing marketing agency serving the veterinary industryis hosting Dr. Tait as part of their Webinar Wednesday series on September 9 from 4-5 PST. Reservations are required and space is limited. To register for this webinar, visit https://www.geniusvets.com/webinar. About GeniusVets GeniusVets is the premier platform that connects pet parents with quality veterinarians and proven pet care advice from DVMs. The mission of GeniusVets is to create better pet health by educating and uniting pet owners and veterinarians. For more information about GeniusVets, visit geniusvets.com. Contact Harley Orion media@geniusvets.com The battle over who can keep Americans safe after recent deadly protests has emerged as the sharpest dividing line for the presidential campaigns final weeks, with Joe Biden on Monday condemning the violence and President Donald Trump defending a supporter accused of fatally shooting two men. While the president blamed Biden, his Democratic foe, for siding with anarchists, Biden, in his most direct attacks yet, accused Trump of causing the divisions that have ignited the violence. He delivered an uncharacteristically blistering speech and distanced himself from radical forces involved in altercations. Biden said of Trump: He doesnt want to shed light, he wants to generate heat, and hes stroking violence in our cities. He cant stop the violence because for years hes fomented it. Trump blames radical troublemakers whom he says are stirred up and backed by Biden. But when he was asked about one of his own supporters who was charged with killing two men during the mayhem in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he declined to denounce the killings and suggested that 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse was acting in self-defense. After a confrontation in which he fatally shot one man, police say, Rittenhouse fell while being chased by people trying to disarm him. That was an interesting situation, said Trump. He was trying to get away from them, I guess, it looks like, and he fell. And then they very violently attacked him. ... He was in very big trouble. He would have been you probably wouldve been killed. Trumps refusal to condemn the shootings could add to tensions in Kenosha when he visits Tuesday. Hes going despite pleas from Wisconsins Democratic governor to stay away for fears of sparking further tumult. In Kenosha, the National Guard has been deployed to quell demonstrations in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man. Trump said his appearance could increase enthusiasm in Wisconsin, which is a hotly contested battleground state in the presidential race. Biden saw Trumps impact far differently, accusing the president of poisoning the nations values. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at campaign event at Mill 19 in Pittsburgh, Pa., Monday, Aug. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)AP In a statement after Trumps news conference comments, he said: Today, I traveled to Pittsburgh to explain how the president was making America less safe on COVID, on the economy, on crime, on racism, on violence and reiterated my clear message that violence is not the answer to any of these problems. ... Tonight, the president declined to rebuke violence. He wouldnt even repudiate one of his supporters who is charged with murder because of his attacks on others. He is too weak, too scared of the hatred he has stirred to put an end to it. In Pittsburgh, the former vice president also tried to refocus the race on what has been its defining theme Trumps handling of the COVID-19 pandemic that has left more than 180,000 Americans dead after a multi-day onslaught by the presidents team to make the campaign about the violence rattling American cities. Biden himself has largely remained near his home in Delaware to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but he stepped out in a new phase of his campaign on Monday, making a speech in Pittsburgh and a brief stop at a local firehouse. Trump and his campaign team believe that the more the national discourse is about anything other than the virus, the better it is for the president. They have seized upon the recent unrest in Portland, Oregon where a Trump supporter was shot and killed and Kenosha, leaning hard into a defense of law and order while suggesting that Biden is powerless to stop extremists. Biden rejected the charge, firmly decrying the clashes. Set aside Monday were his lofty appeals about the soul of the nation, a staple of his usual stump speech, replaced by an urgent call for action and and his fierce accusation that Trump was a toxic presence in this nation for four years who was poisoning the values this nation has always held dear, poisoning our very democracy. The president and his team continued to hammer away on what they believe is a powerful electoral argument, contending that Biden is in thrall to leftist forces and emphasizing chaotic protest images they believe could send worried suburban and senior voters back to Trumps column. Just watched what Biden had to say, Trump tweeted soon after the former vice president concluded his remarks in Pittsburgh. To me, hes blaming the Police far more than hes blaming the Rioters, Anarchists, Agitators, and Looters, which he could never blame or he would lose the Radical Left Bernie supports! Biden has been pushed by worried Democrats including some voices inside his own campaign to deal with the violence head-on and at greater length, though he had previously condemned it. With Trump pounding the issue in his convention speech, which was then followed by more bloodshed over the weekend, many in Bidens party, still shell-shocked by 2016, urged the former vice president to get ahead of the rare issue that has broken through the national focus on the pandemic. But Biden didnt just play defense, he went on the attack. Following up his Democratic convention address, in which he didnt mention Trumps name, Biden on Monday invoked Trumps name 32 times, directly assailing the president in remarks that seemed intended to silence worries in his party and the Beltways chattering class. He pulled no punches about the violence. Its lawlessness, plain and simple. And those who do it should be prosecuted, Biden said. And he leaned on his own 47-year career in politics to defend himself against Republican attacks. You know me. You know my heart. You know my story, my familys story. Ask yourself: Do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters? Really? He declared that even as Trump is trying to scare America, whats really causing the nations fear is Trumps own failures. You want to talk about fear? Theyre afraid theyre going to get COVID, theyre afraid theyre going to get sick and die, Biden said. For months, Trump has tried to distract from the pandemic, and at times he seemed to receive slight positive bumps in support when touting the possible economic recovery. But other attempts to change the narrative with cultural wedge issues fell flat, including a defense of Confederate monuments, and polling suggested that Trump was far out of step with the Black Lives Matter movement, which enjoyed wide public support. Though a law and order push backfired when the president cleared Lafayette Square, near the White House, of peaceful protesters in early June, the Trump campaign has seized on the violence as a means to drive up Bidens negatives and bring home disenchanted suburban voters. The former vice presidents speech Monday appeared to jump-start the general election campaign a week ahead of its normal Labor Day kickoff, as both Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, will begin venturing out despite the pandemic. Biden, who may make his own visit to Wisconsin this week, has missed the glad-handing of a traditional campaign and managed to have a brief moment of retail politics when he delivered pizzas to Pittsburgh firefighters. The setting for Bidens speech was no accident: Pennsylvania, his native state, is a vital battleground with both candidates competing for its working-class voters. Trump, whose campaign is focusing on the states rural counties, eked out a 44,000-vote win in 2016 but Biden, who is running strong in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia suburbs, also made certain Monday to make a pitch on an issue of local interest. I am not banning fracking, no matter how many times Donald Trump lies about me, he said. Press Release 4 September 2020 It's hard to think of a better antidote to months of confinement than a stay in the great outdoors, enjoying a bit of fresh air, wide open spaces and the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. Travelers seem to be in agreement as our recent research conducted across five countries reveals that getting back to nature was the second most popular type of trip many are hoping to take soon, as it becomes safe to do so*. Imagine swapping your always-on electronics for a glorious display of stars in the night sky, and taking the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, the fresh air around you and (most importantly) yourself. Advertisements Travelers who have not recently (or ever) been camping should keep in mind that camping has completely reinvented itself in recent years. No longer does it mean staying in a wet tent in the middle of an empty field (unless that's what you're after). From rustic campsites and traditional holiday parks to luxurious glamping options such as bubble pods and yurts, there's a whole range of options out there. We have scoured our more than 29 million listings, including close to 2 million options for campsites, glamping, luxury tents and holiday parks, to share some of the most unique stays to make it easier for travelers to rediscover the great outdoors while resting, relaxing and living their best camping life. The ZzzzMoose Photo: Booking.com The ZzzzMoose Photo: Booking.com Birch Plain, on the eastern coast of Nova Scotia in Canada, is the perfect location for any nature enthusiast. Right by the waterfront and an easy drive from Cape Smokey Provincial Park, as well as Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you'll feel a million miles away from city life. With fully furnished, wooden tent-like structures, it's ideal for first-time campers. Whether travelers want to bring their own food and use the BBQ provided or take time off from cooking and enjoy the onsite cafe, it's a great choice for families, and pets are more than welcome, too. Given its stunning location, it's no surprise that this destination is highly endorsed by our travellers for scenery, relaxation and tranquility. Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel Photo: Booking.com Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel Photo: Booking.com Keen to camp but not sure about braving the elements and leaving the modern world behind? A getaway to the luxury bubble pods at the Luxotel in Wadi Rum, Jordan may be just the option for you, as camping doesn't get more fancy than this. Jacuzzis. Spectacular mountain views. Sunset camel rides. Desert off-roading. It all comes together to provide a once-in-a-lifetime traveller experience, not forgetting the opportunity visitors have to brush up on their astronomy skills, all from the comfort of their luxurious bed. It's no surprise therefore to hear that our travellers from around the world listed Wadi Rum as their 4th most endorsed location for stargazing globally. And no need to worry about bringing your own food - or even living without Wi-Fi, definitely not an issue here. A favorite destination for photographers, Wadi Rum is highly endorsed by Booking.com travellers for the desert landscape, scenery, sunsets, stargazing and nature. For Rustic campers: Kenting Houbihu Camping Car B&B, Taiwan Kenting Houbihu Camping Car B&B Photo: Booking.com Kenting Houbihu Camping Car B&B Photo: Booking.com Camping Type: Rustic. If you're after a unique experience that's closer to traditional camping, you may want to consider the Kenting Houbihu Camping Car B&B in Taiwan. Here, guests stay in retro-style static caravans, which come fully equipped with Wi-Fi, BBQ and kitchen facilities. A one-of-a-kind vintage holiday experience for kids, there are a couple of beaches nearby and the Kenting Forest Recreation Area is just a short drive (10 miles) away. This is a place where you can fully appreciate what caravans have to offer - whether you're reminiscing or experiencing it for the first time. This destination at the very southern tip of Taiwan is highly endorsed by our travellers for its old town, beaches, scenery and nature. Orchard Farm Luxury Glamping Photo: Booking.com Orchard Farm Luxury Glamping Photo: Booking.com While a relatively new concept for some, glamping refers to a more decadent, luxurious and decidedly glamorous style of camping and the Orchard Farm Glamping Site in the UK fits that description to a T. Think stylish wooden pods, underfloor heating and smart TVs. Throw in some homemade apple cider and you're there. There's so much for nature lovers to enjoy in this serene, relaxing location. Explore the area on foot, hire a bike, or - if you fancy a day trip - take your pick of Bristol or Bath, each under half an hour away by car. Only three miles from the world-famous Glastonbury site, it's also the ideal basecamp for doing a recce if you're interested in the festival but you've not committed to 'real' camping just yet. This picturesque destination is highly endorsed by Booking.com travellers for its ancient landmarks, history, alternative culture and walks. If thinking about planning a future camping getaway, a great place to start is Booking.com. With more awesome, unique places to stay than any other travel company in the world, travellers can find a perfect stay close to home, or further away whenever it's safe to do so, as well as access to over 60,000 car rental pick-up locations around the globe. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world when it's safe to travel again, Booking.com is also sharing travel offers for travelers to use when looking to sleep under the stars. Whether planning ahead for the summer months or booking last-minute, local options around the corner or further afield, discounts start at 15 percent. *Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months. In total 3,509 respondents were polled including 609 from Germany, 677 from France, 723 from Great Britain, 750 from Italy and 750 from the US. Respondents completed an online survey between 25 and 30 June 2020. Oscar-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance has said Johnny Depp's denial of abuse against his ex-wife is 'completely believable.' Sir Mark told The Times that the accusations made by Amber Heard against Depp were not consistent with the Pirates of the Caribbean star's 'character.' Depp, 57, is awaiting the High Court's judgment in a libel action against The Sun newspaper for an article which labelled him 'a wife beater.' Heard, 34, who met Depp during filming of The Rum Diary in 2011, told the court that her former husband had subjected her to a campaign of abuse. Depp denies the claims and says his ex-wife was violent towards him. Sir Mark Rylance and Johnny Depp pose during a photocall to present the movie Waiting for the Barbarians during the 45th Deauville US Film Festival, on September 8, 2019 in Deauville, France Sir Mark, 60, who is starring alongside Depp in new movie Waiting for the Barbarians, told The Times: 'My impression of him was a very loving, and very sensitive and very trustworthy person.' He added that Depp was 'intensely, intensely, shy.' 'The accusations that were around at the time we were making the film were of physical violence,' Rylance told the paper. 'And he obviously denied this and I found his denial completely believable. It didn't seem to be part of his character at all.' Rylance plays a magistrate in an unnamed colonial outpost seeking an easy retirement in the film adaptation of JM Coetzee's 1980 novel of the same name. He begins to question where his loyalties truly lie with the arrival of the sinister Colonel Joll, played by Depp. Amber Heard, 34, leaves the High Court in London, Britain July 28, 2020 Earlier this week Rylance told the Radio Times: 'With these stars, you read things, you hear things and I wasn't sure what it would be like, whether he would be vain, or shattered, or broken by the things that he's gone through. But it wasn't like that at all. 'I've never, ever heard him say a bad word about anyone. All his stories are loving and amusing.' Depp, who gave days of vivid evidence at the High Court in July, is already suing Heard for $50 million in the US over a column that she wrote for the Washington Post in December 2018. While the article did not mention Depp by name, Heard described herself as 'a public figure representing domestic abuse' which his lawyers argue had the effect of falsely portraying him as violent. COLOMBO/NEW DELHI A new fire broke out on a supertanker carrying about 2 million barrels of oil in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Sri Lanka, spokesmen for the countrys navy said on Thursday, adding that one of its 23 crew was missing and another injured. Navy spokesman Captain Indika de Silva said flames had spread to the New Diamonds bridge, but there was no damage to the cargo area. We will need an international effort, de Silva said. He said earlier navy personnel at the scene had reported the fire was under control. A statement released late on Thursday by the navy said the New Diamond, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), was crewed by 5 Greek and 18 Philippine nationals. One Philippine national was injured and another was missing following the fire, the statement said. Two Russian anti-submarine ships and four Indian ships were assisting in the operation. Authorities are taking steps to mitigate and manage the risk of possible oil spills in future due to this disaster, the statement said. The New Diamond, chartered by Indian Oil Corp (IOC) , was fully loaded with about 2 million barrels of oil, Refinitiv data showed. Photographs taken by Sri Lankas air force showed extensive damage to the tankers funnel, and thick black smoke and flames coming from the bridge, which is just behind the cargo area. Another spokesman, Commander Ranjith Rajapaksa, said the VLCC was ablaze about 20 nautical miles off the east coast of Sri Lanka and that the military had sent an aircraft and two ships to assist. On Twitter, Indias coast guard said it had sent several ships and aircraft to help fight the fire. New Diamond sailed from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait, loaded with Kuwait Export Crude, Refinitiv Eikon tracking data showed. It was heading for the Indian port of Paradip, where state-run IOC has a 300,000 barrel-per-day refinery. Sri Lankas Marine Protection Authority said it would take measures to prevent any possible oil leak from the tanker. Such a spill could cause an environmental disaster, Ashok Sharma, managing director of shipbroker BRS Baxi in Singapore, said. No double-hull VLCC has spilt oil to date, but (it) depends on the damage to the ship, he added. Thursdays incident happened just over a month after a state of environmental emergency was triggered by the spill of about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil from a Japanese bulk carrier, MV Wakashio, when it ran aground on a reef in Mauritius. De Silva said some of the New Diamonds crew were rescued by oil product tanker Helen M, which an industry source said was on a time charter with Indias Reliance Industries. The fire happened at 7.45 a.m. India time, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The nature is explosion and fire and serious injury to the crew. In a statement, the vessels insurer, West of England, said: We can confirm that these two vessels are entered in the West of England. The Club is liaising closely with our members and the relevant authorities and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. The second vessel referred to was the Gulf Livestock 1, sailing to China from New Zealand with 43 crew and nearly 6,000 cattle that sank off Japan on Thursday. IOC, Reliance Industries and Kuwait Petroleum Corp had no immediate comment. Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old Ocean County man in Elizabeth earlier this week, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo announced Friday. Police found Jermaine Lewis, of Barnegat, on the 600 block of Marshall Street shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday with a serious injury, authorities said. He was transported to University Hospital in Newark and died there on Thursday. Multiple agencies are investigating the shooting, including the Union County Homicide Task Force and Elizabeth Police Department. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Prosecutors Office Detective Sean Holcomb at 908-358-8377 or Sgt. Johnny Ho at 908-403-8271. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. The question was put by interviewer Kay Burley on Britains Sky News network to UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Is Tony Abbott the right kind of person to represent us even if hes a homophobic misogynist? Hancock, while preferring to focus on the former Australia Prime Ministers expertise in trade, also performed something of a distancing act. I think the best thing to say is that I am totally focused on the coronavirus crisis and the future of the NHS and social care. Abbott is a man of certain talents, but it is doubtful whether trade is one of them. He is certainly a person of certain tendencies, sharpened by a long and bruising political career. There are few hornets nests he has not kicked, few waters he has not muddied in the name of conviction and madness. For years he was the acceptable face of Australian reactionary politics, entrusted with the task in the Liberal Party of suppressing the moderates and tory wets. His time as prime minister was short lived; his role as political saboteur, lengthy. The prospect of becoming Britains chief trade envoy as part of the Board of Trade has gone down in a good number of circles like a lead balloon. The disturbance has been such as to prompt some caution from a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. No decisions on the Board of Trade have been made. Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has led the pack hoping to change Johnsons mind. I have real concerns about Tony Abbott and dont think hes the right person for the job. Labour MP Marie Rimmer wondered if there were trade experts who arent homophobic and misogynists. The UKs Shadow Trade Secretary Emily Thornberry was beside herself at the prospect of Abbott becoming the UK trade supremo. I find this appointment absolutely staggering, being disgusted by it on a personal level. Johnson had essentially given his blessing to an offensive, leering, cantankerous, climate change-denying, Trump-worshipping misogynist. Were it not so downright humiliating, it would be almost hilarious. Even certain members of the Conservative Party also found it hard to stomach. Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, was dismayed by what she considered the sheer awfulness of the idea. He is a misogynist, he has very poor views on LGBTQ rights. Such a man should never be anywhere near our Board of Trade. Some of the criticism of Johnson has missed the mark. Brexit Britain and Abbott share a common fibre. Much of the movement to leave the European Union could be put down to the politics of sentimental, and sometimes vicious reaction. Telling Johnny Foreigner to sod off shares a certain stinging quality with turn back the boats, the slogan Abbott used so successfully to win government and implement as part of Operation Sovereign Borders. Any political party wishing to win office in Australia must now contend with that seemingly immoveable legacy. Abbotts antipathy to the EU, albeit one that has changed over time (he had been a gruff Remainer), strikes all the right Brexit high notes. The bureaucrats in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg are the faceless terrors of sovereignty; the Brexiteers, the audacious reclaimers of it. The revolt of the British electorate against Brusselss encroachment shows, yet again, he wrote with praise in January, that theres nothing inevitable in the course of history. Britains departure from Europe was no less significant than the fall of the Soviet Union, the end, he suggested, of supranational bodies that stifle and choke in the name of centralising objectives. Abbott is optimistic for Britain, almost to be the point of being gaga. As a former prime minister of a country that has a perfectly satisfactory no deal relationship with the EU, he wrote in the Spectator Australia in March last year, let me assure you: no deal would be no problem. Whatever Britons views of Brexit and the EU, many would part ways with Abbott on his more colourful takes on life. He is a dedicated climate change sceptic, remarking in October 2017 that environmental policies seeking to address climate change resembled the practices of primitive people once killing goats to appease the volcano gods. His views of women are stubbornly unreconstructed, having an old kitchen and home flavour to them. When asked by Labour MP Claudia Webbe of the Commons foreign affairs committee about previous remarks (made in 1998) that mens physiology and temperament was better adapted than women to exercising authority and issuing commands, he feigned ignorance. It doesnt sound like anything Ive said. He also goes weak at the knees for such strongmen as Hungarys Viktor Orban, a person he regards as identifying the correct crisis to confront: not threats posed by climate change (a bit of warming never hurt anyone) but the extinction crisis brought about by our failure to produce more children. Get thee to bed, Christian Europe, and multiply. Johnson, as he tends to when controversy comes over to bang on his door, is hoping interest will wane as the flames die. But Abbott is incapable of lying low. Extra fuel is always ready for the fire. Even amidst the criticism of his suitability, he could not resist flourishing his Social Darwinian streak in a speech to the Policy Exchange, a conservative think tank he enjoys addressing. He accused governments, with the exception of Sweden, of approaching the coronavirus like trauma doctors; instead of thinking like health economists, trained to pose the uncomfortable questions about a level of deaths we might have to live with. On his calculations, Australian lockdown efforts to prevent what were predicted to be 150,000 deaths were rash and insensibly generous. If the average age of those who would have died is 80, even with roughly 10 years of expected life left, thats still $200,000 per quality life year or substantially beyond what governments are usually prepared to pay for life-saving drugs. The international trade secretary, Liz Truss, has adopted guerrilla tactics in the House of Commons, beating off questions on Abbotts suitability by attacking Labour for absolute hypocrisy. That party, she suggested, was hardly pure on the issue of misogyny, preferring to virtue signal and indulge in tokenism rather than take real action to improve the lives of women. When asked about whether Abbotts appointment might signal an embrace of climate change scepticism in future trade deals, Truss stormily accused the left for being intolerant of anyone who doesnt agree with them, but are prepared to defend anything from their own friends. Abbott would approve. Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: [email protected] Is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan using tensions in the Mediterranean to boost his domestic approval and win the yet-unannounced-but-constantly-rumored snap elections? Many of his opponents think so. In his A Look at the Week show with Rusen Cakir on the independent news platform Medyascope on Aug. 28, the journalist Kemal Can underlined an interesting point: Turkeys recent military operations in Syria boost Erdogan's approval ratings. The various crises in Syria prove that while a similar crisis in the eastern Mediterranean may boost Erdogans approvals, the effect will be short-lived. Erdogans attempts to use nationalist rhetoric to undermine his domestic opponents call into question the true aims of his foreign policy moves. Indeed, several Turkish sources who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity warned that Turkeys ongoing conflict with Greece and France in the Mediterranean, along with the announcement of the discovery of large gas reserves under the Black Sea and the decision to turn the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, may be mere ploys to raise Erdogans likeability with religious and nationalist voters. Allegedly, Erdogan wants to boost his approvals reported to have fallen below 30% earlier this year so he can call for snap elections. The far-fetched plan presumes that Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu would quit his post to run against Erdogan. (Under Turkish law, public servants be they appointed or elected must quit their positions when they run for public office.) Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) holds a majority in the Istanbul municipal council, so the city councilmen would elect an Erdogan ally as mayor until the next local elections in 2024. That would allow the AKP to recapture a major source of municipal income for its electoral base. The law of unintended consequences suggests that Erdogan may not get his wish. Recent opinion polls show that the two parties that splintered from the AKP the Democracy and Progress Party led by Erdogans former Economics Minister Ali Babacan and the Future Party of former AKP Chairman and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are increasing their share of the votes at the ruling partys expense. Their numbers are still small at 4% or less, both parties are still busy building their local chapters and they are trying to formulate a coherent communications strategy. However, both Babacan and Davutoglu proved their mettle as able administrators during their AKP years. Their increased exposure may offer new alternatives for Erdogans conservative base. Meanwhile, domestic calculations also seem at play in France. In the wake of the yellow vests protests that began in the fall of 2018, Macron experienced miserable approval ratings until recently. His big break came in July when the people of France credited their president for the successful negotiation of the EUs 750 billion euro stimulus. With his newfound confidence and following in the footsteps of many postwar French presidents to expand his countrys global profile, Macron put his foreign policy activism on overdrive. He visited Lebanon twice since the tragic port explosion in Beirut on Aug. 4 and paid a one-day visit to Iraq on Sept. 2, where he underlined Iraqi sovereignty a clear snub at Turkey, Iran and the United States. Macrons meetings with Iraqi President Barham Salih and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, a close partner of Erdogan, may not be able to challenge Ankaras influence (or that of Tehran or Washington) so quickly. But it attests to Macrons attempts at a dynamic foreign policy bearing to secure a stronger footing at home. While Erdogan and Macron seem too preoccupied to boost their domestic popularity at each others expense, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the odd man out. Evangelos Areteos, a roving correspondent for the Cypriot daily Charavgi and non-resident fellow on EU and Turkey affairs for the Diplomatic Academy at the University of Nicosia, told Al-Monitor, Unlike Erdogan, Mitsotakis does not [need this crisis]. Areteos said that Greek society was very satisfied with Mitsotakis response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Ankaras attempts to use refugees as a bargaining tool earlier this year. He added that the Greek public expects Mitsotakis to focus on the economy, and the prime minister is happy to oblige. If we dont have this crisis tomorrow, Mitsotakis will be the happiest leader in the world. A crisis may be a terrible thing to waste for Erdogan and Macron, but all crises must come to an end. That begs the question as to how the Turkish president will step away from all this. What is Ankaras exit strategy or endgame in the eastern Mediterranean, assuming it has one? After all, Ankara is mostly alone in the Mediterranean and, given Turkeys economic and financial troubles, it can ill afford a war. A defense and security consultant in Istanbul who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity said, I do not see an endgame here. Ankara began to emphasize its rights in the Mediterranean only last year with the maritime boundary agreement with Libya in the wake of Erdogans big loss in the municipal elections. The economy is not doing well; problems abound. I think all of these issues are distractions to mask internal problems. Most Turks (including this author) agree with Erdogans position that Turkey ought to receive a more equitable share from the riches of the eastern Mediterranean. The consultant, however, warns us not to raise our hopes. He said, Turkey has not demonstrated a strong legal standing in resisting Greeces claims under [the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]. Turkey must document all its past objections to Greek arguments. At present, international law gives Greece a stronger hand, and it needs to compromise only a little bit compared to Turkey. For powerful people like Erdogan and Macron, there may be rational reasons to escalate foreign crises. But in a world struck by a merciless pandemic and where hydrocarbon prices have fallen like a rock (they will most likely stay there even after the pandemic recedes), fighting over gas and oil appears too pointless. Jacinda Ardern has extended COVID-19 restrictions. (Getty Images) A man in his 50s has died with coronavirus in New Zealand, the countrys Ministry of Health has announced. It is the nations first death since May and takes the number of coronavirus-linked fatalities to 23. He is also thought to be the youngest victim since the outbreak began. New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern said restrictions put in place to beat the spread of the coronavirus will now remain until at least mid-September. Auckland, the country's largest city and the centre of a fresh outbreak, remains at alert level 2.5 meaning gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people. "The best economic response remains a strong health response. If we get it right we will ultimately shake off restrictions faster and lessen the risk of bouncing around," Ardern said. Other parts of the country will be under alert level 2, which requires people to observe social distancing rules and restricts gathering sizes to no more than 100 people. The settings will be reviewed on 14 September. Members of the public wearing face masks wait for a bus in Auckland. The city is currently at alert level 2.5 while the rest of New Zealand is at alert level 2. (Getty Images) New Zealand's health ministry said a man in his 50s had died in an Auckland hospital on Friday due to COVID-19. He was linked to a known Auckland cluster and was in intensive care for the last few days. The health ministry reported five new COVID-19 cases on Friday three cases of community transmission and two imported cases at managed isolation facilities. The country has had 1,413 coronavirus cases so far, of which 112 are active. The Pacific nation of five million people had appeared to have succeeded in halting community transmission of COVID-19 but Auckland's fresh outbreak prompted the government to place the city back in lockdown last month for two-and-a-half-weeks. The lockdown was mostly lifted on Sunday, allowing schools and offices to reopen, although masks are mandatory on public transport across the country. The Auckland cluster emerged in a family of four in mid-August and has since grown to 152, including three recorded on Friday. Story continues It has proved difficult to eliminate despite a two-and-a-half week lockdown in Auckland that ended on Sunday night. Read more: New Zealand coronavirus outbreak a result of a quarantine breach PM Jacinda Ardern, along with associate health ministers Jenny Salesa and Peeni Henare, pay a visit to an Auckland contact tracing centre. (Getty Images) An aerial view of Auckland in new Zealand. (Getty Images) It remains a mystery how the virus made its way back into the country, as the international border has been closed to foreigners since March and all returning New Zealanders have been forced into mandatory 14-day quarantine. Officials suggested at the time of the new outbreak that the latest batch of infections is a new strain, probably from Australia or the UK, according to genome testing. Ardern said containment of the cluster, compliance to the rules and the impact of restrictions were considered by cabinet. She said that because the source of the Auckland cluster was still not identified, the government had cause to be cautious. "The best economic response becomes the best health response," Ardern said. The country has had 1,413 coronavirus cases so far, of which 112 are active. New Zealand was one of a handful of countries that emerged from the pandemic briefly, as big economies like the US, Britain, India and Brazil continued to grapple with the spreading virus. Many factors contributed to the countrys success in slowing the spread. Ardern won plaudits for acting quickly in the face of the pandemic, even as other western countries appeared remarkably slow to introduce lockdown restrictions. Geography contributed also as the country is a remote nation with a population of just 5 million and its external borders are easily sealed. The country also quickly expanded their test and trace programme early on in the pandemic. Their strategy prioritised case isolation and quarantine of contacts, which the academics said would allow New Zealand to stamp out chains of transmission. Jacinda Ardern has been lauded for her decisive strategy in slowing the spread of the virus in New Zealand. (TVNZ via AP) However, their run of success was brief as in June, two new cases of coronavirus were confirmed to have come from two women who travelled from the UK, shortly after it had declared that the country was coronavirus-free. The cases related to two women from the same family, both of whom had been given special permission to visit a dying parent after being released early from quarantine. Read more: New Zealand extends Auckland lockdown as virus cluster grows The womens travel forced the government to suspend its policy of granting compassionate exemptions to its quarantine rules. Additional reporting by Reuters Coronavirus: what happened today Click here to sign up to the latest news and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon has ordered the military's independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, to cease publication at the end of the month, despite congressional efforts to continue funding the century-old publication. The order to halt publication by Sept. 30, and dissolve the organization by the end of January, follows the Pentagon's move earlier this year to cut the $15.5 million in funding for the paper from the Defense Department budget. And it is a reflection of the Trump administration's broader animosity for the media and members of the press. Members of Congress have objected to the defunding move for months. And senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper this week urging him to reinstate the money. The letter, signed by 15 senators including Republicans and Democrats also warns Esper that the department is legally prohibited from canceling a budget program while a temporary continuing resolution to fund the federal government is in effect. Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nation's freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom, the senators said in the letter. ELECTION 2020: Keep up with all of the latest election-related news and analysis here Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a separate letter to Esper in late August, also voiced opposition to the move, calling Stripes a valued hometown newspaper for the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian employees across the globe. He added that as a veteran who has served overseas, I know the value that the Stars and Stripes brings to its readers. In the memo, the department says Esper made the decision as a result of his department-wide budget review. Signed by Army Col. Paul Haverstick, acting director of the Pentagon's Defense Media Activity, the memo says plans to close the paper are due on Sept. 15 and the last newspaper is to be published on Sept. 30. The memo adds that if the paper continues to be funded by either a continuing resolution or other unforeseen circumstances then Stripes must submit a plan by Sept. 15 to shut down at the end of the next budget year, Sept. 30, 2021. Haversticks memo says that in that case, the last date for publication of the newspaper will be determined based on budget or other circumstances. The Stripes ombudsman, Ernie Gates, told The Associated Press on Friday that shutting the paper down would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations. HOT WATER: Texas Assistant AG who sent bigoted, QAnon-promoting tweets loses job The first newspaper called Stars and Stripes was very briefly produced in 1861 during the Civil War, but the paper began consistent publication during World War I. When the war was over, publication ended, only to restart in 1942 during World War II, providing wartime news written by troops specifically for troops in battle. Although the paper gets funding from the Defense Department, it is editorially independent and is delivered in print and digitally to troops all over the world. The Pentagon proposed cutting the paper's funding when making its budget request earlier this year, triggering angry reactions from members of Congress. The House-passed version of the Pentagon budget contains funding for the paper's publication, but the Senate has not yet finalized a defense funding bill. The vaccine by Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna Inc., generated antibodies similar to those seen in people who have recovered from COVID-19 in a study volunteers who were given either a low or medium dose. Ted S. Warren | AP Most Americans likely won't get immunized with a coronavirus vaccine until the middle of next year, U.S. officials and public health experts say, even as the federal government asks states to prepare to distribute a vaccine as soon as November. U.S. health officials expect to know whether at least one of the three potential vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca in late-stage testing works by the end of the year or sooner. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Thursday the company could have results from its late-stage coronavirus vaccine trial as early as October. Whichever vaccine wins regulatory authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, it will likely be in short supply once it's cleared for public distribution, officials and experts warn. The vaccine will likely require two doses at varying intervals, and states still face logistical challenges such as setting up distribution sites and acquiring enough needles, syringes and bottles needed for immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently asking states to expedite the approval process for medical supply company McKesson so it can set up coronavirus vaccination sites across the U.S. by Nov. 1. The agency said states may need to waive some licensing and permit requirements that could bog down the process. Still, a vaccine ready for public distribution in November is "extremely unlikely," Dr. Moncef Slaoui, who is leading the Trump administration's Operation War Speed initiative, said in an interview with NPR that published Thursday evening. "There is a very, very low chance that the trials that are running as we speak" could be ready before the end of October, he told NPR. "And therefore, there could be if all other conditions required for an Emergency Use Authorization are met an approval. I think it's extremely unlikely but not impossible." He said he "firmly" believes a vaccine will be available before the end of the year and "in quantities that can immunize patients at the highest risk, which means very old people, 70 years and older, and maybe people that are highly exposed on the first line." Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former FDA commissioner, said broad distribution of a coronavirus vaccine in the U.S. is likely "a 2021 event." He said the vaccine will likely be authorized by the FDA in stages where "incremental groups are getting access to the vaccine through the end of this year, assuming that they work and that they're demonstrated to be safe and effective." On Tuesday, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a draft proposal for distributing a vaccine in the U.S. if and when one is approved for public use. The report was requested by the National Institutes of Health and the CDC. The vaccine would be distributed in four phases, with health-care workers, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions getting vaccinated first, according to the group. Essential workers, teachers and people in homeless shelters as well as people in prisons would be next on the list, followed by children and young adults. A Texas oil executive jailed on a $4 billion corruption charge in Venezuela has been out of contact with relatives and attorneys for nearly a week and now his family fears he could be suffering from COVID-19. Jose Pereira, the former president of Houston-based Citgo, was transferred on Aug. 28 to an unknown hospital after complaining in an earlier phone call of a dry cough, his son told The Associated Press on Thursday. Since then, his lawyers and family have been unable to obtain information about his whereabouts, said John Pereira. Jose Pereira's fellow cellmates - who reported to him at Citgo - told loved ones that guards on Wednesday removed the 62-year-old's clothes and medicine from the Caracas prison where the men are being held. Pereira suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, a dislocated disc. His time in prison has made his chronic ailments worse, making him more vulnerable if exposed to COVID-19. 'We're desperate,' said John Pereira, who called on Venezuela's government to provide information about his father's health. 'We need to know what's happening to him.' Jose Pereira, who was the former president of Houston-based Citgo, is being held in a Venezuelan jail with five other American who worked under him at the oil company. The six individuals are accused of plotting to refinance at least $4 billion in Citgo bonds by offering a 50 percent stake in the company as collateral The above photo posted on Twitter on June 18, 2020 by Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, shows CITGO oil executives from left to right: Jose Pereira, Gustavo Cardenas, Jorge Toledo, Jose Luis Zambrano, Tomeu Vadell and Alirio Jose Zambrano, standing outside the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service, in Caracas, Venezuela Chief Prosecutor Tarek William Saab wouldn't comment on Jose Pereira when contacted by the AP on Thursday. Pereira has lived in the U.S. since 2012 and has been a permanent legal resident since 2015. He was arrested in 2017 along with his five colleagues - all of them naturalized American citizens - after being duped into traveling to Caracas right before Thanksgiving for what they were told would be an emergency meeting at the headquarters of Citgo's parent company, state-run oil giant PDVSA. Instead, they were hauled away from a meeting room by masked security forces. They currently are on trial on corruption charges stemming from a never-executed plan to refinance some $4 billion in Citgo bonds by offering a 50 percent stake in the company as collateral. Tuesday's session, which Pereira was expected to attend, was cancelled without a reason. Many believe the so-called Citgo 6 are being held by President Nicolas Maduro as political bargaining chips as relations between the U.S. and Venezuela have deteriorated. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson recently traveled to Caracas to press Maduro for the men's release. Two of the six - Gustavo Cardenas and Jorge Toledo - were later moved to house arrest. The other men who remain jailed in Caracas' famed Helicoide prison are Tomeu Vadell and brothers Alirio and Jose Luis Zambrano. On Monday, after Maduro issued pardons for dozens of his jailed and exiled opponents, Richardson reiterated his hope that the men could soon be reunited with their families. 'The release of political prisoners by the Maduro government is a positive step,' Richardson said on Twitter, adding that he was hopeful his negotiations with a top Maduro aide 'will yield similar positive results' for the Citgo 6. Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Clinton presidency, has opened diplomatic back channels to several hostile governments, including Iran, Cuba and North Korea, to win the release of some 40 Americans. The Maduro government in June released photos and video of the men in orange prison garb exercising and appearing in otherwise good health. 'Given limitations, our conditions here have been good,' Pereira said in the video. 'They treat us with respect regarding our human rights.' Holidaymakers are braced for new travel restrictions as Greece and Portugal could become the latest countries to be added to the UK-wide quarantine list. Pressure is mounting on England to consider imposing quarantine rules on travellers arriving from Greece amid reports of people returning with coronavirus. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said a decision on whether to impose restrictions on the countries would be announced on Friday. Rising Covid cases prompted the Scottish Government to announce travellers from Greece would have to self-isolate for 14 days from Thursday, while Wales began asking arrivals from the island of Zante to enter quarantine. The UK's biggest tour operator Tui has suspended its holidays to the resort of Laganas on Zante. But Greece has insisted it is doing everything in our power to keep UK holidaymakers safe. It comes as rising cases in Portugal were prompting many UK tourists to pay hundreds of pounds to fly home before Saturday. In recent weeks, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced changes to its quarantine exemption list on Thursday nights, with the new rules being imposed on Saturdays at 4am. In Portugal, the seven-day coronavirus cases rate is 22.7, compared with 14.2 for the previous week. A seven-day rate of 20 is the threshold above which the UK Government has considered triggering quarantine conditions. There were 14.3 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in Greece in the seven days to September 1, up from 14.1 a week earlier and a similar rate to the UK. In Buckinghamshire, two groups of people have tested positive for coronavirus after returning from abroad - including a group of teenagers from the Marlow area who are reported to have been on a trip to Zante. Buckinghamshire Council said some of them were pupils at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School and all the affected households were self-isolating. Tour operator Tui also said it was aware of a small number of positive Covid-19 test results following a flight from Heraklion in Crete to London Stansted on August 27. One passenger on the flight, who had been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to self-isolate, complained that hardly anyone on the flight had been wearing a mask. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the PA news agency: Our flight was hideous, hardly anyone wore a mask and the crew didn't do anything about it. We raised the issue twice with the cabin crew who still didn't enforce it. My family is okay but we are having to self-isolate. I'm so sad for my son because he has to miss his first week back at school. A Tui spokeswoman added: We can confirm that no guests tested positive for Covid-19 in our hotels and no symptoms were displayed before or during the flight home by any of the customers. It came after Public Health Wales confirmed at least 16 cases of Covid-19 from three different parties who were on Tui flight 6215 from Zante to Cardiff on August 25. One traveller claimed that the flight was full of selfish 'covidiots', with passengers not wearing their masks properly and disregarding the rules. In a statement, Tui said that cabin crew and other passengers confirmed there were multiple warnings about wearing face masks on the flight. Meanwhile, the Guardian reported that officials had not notified Wizz Airline that eight passengers on a flight back from Crete had tested positive for coronavirus. The teenagers, from Hampshire, were diagnosed after returning to London Luton airport on 25 August, it said. But the Department of Health and Social Care said that it had taken action to advise the necessary people to self-isolate and its contact tracing team had been in touch with Wizz Air. Inflatable beach toys have been described as 'floating killers' by Water Safety Ireland. The group is calling for the devices to be banned. A 5-year-old boy died earlier this summer when he fell from an inflatable dinghy on Lough Mask in Co Mayo. While dozens of others were rescued from inflatable devices on beaches and lakes around the country. A number of councils are considering by-laws to ban the toys. But John Leech from Water Safety Ireland says there should be a nationwide ban. "We have wind changing direction literally by the hour and sometimes by the minute. That is why people are getting caught with these because they are not aware of the wind and they get blown offshore," said Mr Leech. "That is why we are calling for this ban of their use." He said that their members have called them 'floating killers' for years. "Lifeguards and emergency service have been called out too many times this summer." Water Safety Ireland says it is unfair on the rescue services to have to have to respond to these avoidable incidents. It is calling people to consider dumping them for good and not buying them again next summer. A recording which shows the New York City Fire Departments bravery and quick thinking was shared on their official Facebook page on September 1. The almost one-minute-long clip shows a firefighter, named Brian Quinn, performing a rare technique, to save a woman during a high-rise fire. The video showcasing a roof-rope rescue has left many in awe. Firefighters got here quickly and found a woman at the window, panicked on the 16th floor, read the first line of the post, detailing the rescue. As the recording begins, viewers see a woman standing on a window sill of a high rise building. The caption shared alongside the video further explains, Firefighter Brian Quinn, assisted by other members, went out the window on the roof-rope that was secured on the Halligan tool by the team members. All of this while Engine 59 was advancing a hose line in to extinguish the fire. They got to the woman in time, they were able to hold her on that floor, and because of the aggressive attack by 59 Engine, the fire was extinguished enough that they could bring her back into the apartment rather than lowering her to a floor below. Watch the clip which captures Quinn using the top floor window to reach the woman and get her to safety: Since being shared on Facebook, this post has received over 1,000 shares and nearly 250 comments. Here is what netizens had to say about the share. One person said, Truly our finest people. All of them deserve our highest respect, admiration, and gratitude. Another individual wrote, Excellent. You are the real Heroes. Thanks a lot FDNY, read one comment shared under the post. FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro was also quoted in the caption, saying Thanks to their bravery, thanks to their efforts, and thanks to their ingenuity in being able to tie this rope off, we have someone who was saved here on Lenox Avenue. Its a happy day for her, and its a happy day for all of us. What are your thoughts on this share? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Close Donald Trump mocks Joe Biden for not wearing a mask Donald Trump has awarded famed college football coach Lou Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom after the coach made a speech during the Republican National Convention. During his speech, Mr Holtz called into question Joe Biden's Catholic faith. The president's Friday press briefing also involved him accusing Democrats of holding stimulus money "hostage", with claims that $300bn in funding could be available to Americans if the Democrats would just reach a deal with the White House. When asked about the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, Mr Trump said he was "no proof" yet that the man was poisoned, despite Germany reporting it to be true. Mr Trump has also denied reports that he labelled American war dead losers and suckers during a visit to Europe, where he was said to have avoided visiting a cemetery he believed was unimportant. When asked why General John Kelly, his former chief of staff, has not denied the reports, Mr Trump said that General Kelly might be one of The Atlantic's sources. Since the report was released, journalists from The Washington Post, Associated Press, and Fox News have all independently confirmed key information. But the White House has held firm that the president never said disparaging comments against military troops. The US president argued on Thursday that nobody has done what Ive done for war veterans, as he mocked his election opponent Mr Biden for wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. His Democratic rival condemned the president's alleged comments in a furious speech on Friday while delivering remarks on the economy and urging the president work with Congress on extending coronavirus relief. His remarks followed the release of an August jobs report showing unemployment at 8.4 per cent, still more than double February's jobless figures. The president also criticised Mr Biden for visiting Kenosha, Wisconsin, claiming there was nobody there despite the candidate holding a church meeting and speaking with the family of Jacob Blake, who was left paralysed after an officer fired seven rounds into his back. Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load Facebook is studying the impact of social media on democracy and as a part of its investigation, the social media giant will pay users to deactivate accounts head of the 2020 election. Washington Post reporter Elizabeth Dwoskin posted screen shots of a notice from the firm, asking what it would cost to close her Instagram and Facebook accounts. The survey states the account would go dark starting late September for one or six weeks and to participate, users must not access the platforms during that time. The second portion of the note prompts users to select a pay rate, starting at $10 per week to $20 per week. Scroll down for video Washington Post reporter Elizabeth Dwoskin posted screen shots of a notice from the firm, asking what it would cost to close her Instagram and Facebook accounts. The survey states the account would go dark starting late September for one or six weeks and to participate, users must not use the platform during that time A Facebook spokesperson confirmed that the company would be paying users who complete surveys or deactivate as part of its research in a tweet Thursday. 'Anyone who chooses to opt in whether it's completing surveys or deactivating FB or IG for a period of time will be compensated,' Liz Bourgeous, a Facebook spokesperson, wrote. 'This is fairly standard for this type of academic research.' The note includes a statement that notes users who opt-in for the study will be asked to take a survey following the November 3 US presidential election. The second portion of the note prompts users to select a pay rate, starting at $10 per week to $20 per week. Facebook shared a report August 31 revealing its plans conduct research ahead of the election with an outside team of experts Facebook shared a report August 31 revealing its plans conduct research ahead of the election with an outside team of experts who will delve into how social media products may impact voting. 'To continue to amplify all that is good for democracy on social media, and mitigate against that which is not, we need more objective, dispassionate, empirically grounded research,' Facebook explained in a blog post. 'That's why today we are announcing a new research partnership to better understand the impact of Facebook and Instagram on key political attitudes and behaviors during the US 2020 elections.' The post say that scientific samples of people in the US will be selected to participate in the study and will receive a notification in either Facebook or Instagram. And the firm expects between 200,000 and 400,000 users will choose to be involved in the study that includes surveys and 'agreeing to see a different product experience.' The firm expects between 200,000 and 400,000 users will choose to be involved in the study that includes surveys and 'agreeing to see a different product experience' However, Facebook says 'none of the survey data collected for this research effort from consented research participants will be used for ads targeting. Along with understanding the correlation between social media and democracy, the Mark Zuckerberg-owned platform aims to use their research 'to protect elections.' 'As a company, we've looked hard at what went wrong with Russian interference in 2016 and made some big changes,' reads the report. 'There are now three times as many people working on safety and security issues, more than 35,000 in total, and we work closely with government and law enforcement.' 'Facebook has helped fight interference in more than 200 elections since 2017 and reduced fake news on its platform by more than 50%, according to independent studies.' The highly contentious scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies (KEMSA) could just be a tip of the iceberg if the amount of Covid-19 funds misspent in counties is anything to go by. This is according to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Covid-19 whose preliminary investigations indicate that huge amounts of money could have been misappropriated on items that are not Covid-19-related. According to Committee chair Sylvia Kasanga as reported in the Star, details of how counties spent their Covid-19 allocations will shock Kenyans. The biggest scandals could be in the counties. That is what it looks like but we are really looking forward to the Auditor Generals report to expose how the billions were used, she said. Kasanga spoke on Wednesday during a fact-finding mission in Mombasa county. She said after their next stops at Kilifi and Kwale counties, the team will move to Western Kenyan. Already, from the interactions with the doctors, you can tell there is foul play. I dont want to say we have found it because we are still investigating, Kasanga said. She noted that counties have not been allocating any money to frontline health workers despite receiving funds. The allowances doctors have been getting are those that came from the National Government. What then are counties doing to motivate frontline workers? There seems to be no intervention from counties themselves other than what the National Government is doing, she said. From our interaction with doctors, you get a sense that all is not well. According to the Controller of Budget, counties received Sh13.1 billion and only Sh3.43B has been absorbed, with the highest spenders being Nakuru, Wajir and Kiambu counties. Bomet, Embu, Lamu, Marsabit, Nairobi, Kirinyaga and Mandera counties did not report any expenditure on Covid-19. Mombasa did not provide a report on the utilisation of its Covid-19 funds, the Star further reports. Kasanga said her committee requested for a special audit of Covid-19 funds through two letters to Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango on August 4. The nominated Senator said the committee is looking forward to the Auditor Generals report and dismissed claims that they will politicise the matter. I have a seven-man committee of very strong individuals who only care about the truth. In the end Kenyans will see the truth, and Im sure they can see through what is politicised, she said. Reproduction is a driving force across the animal kingdom, with creatures developing diverse strategies to ensure their genes are passed on. Some male butterflies employ a unique technique - they force the female into a 'chastity belt' that prevents her from reproducing with other suitors. In response, some females seemed to have evolved larger, more complex genitalia that are harder to block. The result has been an all-out battle of the sexes, with males devising increasingly ornate mating plugs -some with winglike projections, slippery scales or pointy hooks. Scroll down for video Mating plugs are found in just one percent of butterflies. Simpler plugs may be torn or ripped off by a determined female, but in species with large, complex plugs, researchers rarely encountered a female without one A female butterfly fertilizes most of her eggs with sperm from her last partner, so its to the male's benefit to block access to rivals. But external mating plugs, also known as sphragis, are found in just one percent of all butterflies. Other species employ sphragis, including kangaroos, bees, rats, spiders and several kinds of primates. Typically they ensures paternity, but they can have other benefits for butterflies, too: The Rocky Mountain parnassian's mating plug delivers protein to the female. Researcher Ana Paula dos Santos de Carvalho with butterfly samples at the Florida Museum of Natural History's Kawahara Lab. Carvalho says she was surprised to see the sphragis didn't play a bigger role in the development of new butterfly species Some male butterflies produce a sphragis, or mating plug, that prevents his mate from reproducing with other suitors The zebra longwing butterfly's sphragis includes predatory defense chemicals and an anaphrodisiac that turns off other males. While the female will eventually expel the plug, it may be in place long enough for a male to ensure his sperm have reached the egg and achieved fertilization. Rather than use a mating dance or song, a plug-producing male butterfly will grab a female in midair and drag her down to the ground. After depositing his sperm, he excretes a pre-molded plug from intricate abdominal ducts that give it its shape. It then hardens on the female, blocking her genitalia but leaving the orifice she uses to lay her eggs unobstructed. This natural contraceptive allows him to fertilize more females rather than spend time fending off advances from other males. For the female, though, it's a bummer. Multiple mates mean higher quality sperm that can result in greater genetic diversity of her offspring and more nutritious 'gifts' for herself. Data from specimens at the Florida Museum of Natural History was used to track the evolution of mating plugs across the Acraeini butterfly tribe. Black dots mark the appearance of the trait in various lineages Ana Paula dos Santos de Carvalho, a doctoral candidate at the Florida Museum of Natural History's Kawahara Lab, was curious if this sexual tug-of-war was behind the large diversity of butterfly species. She studied brush-footed butterflies in the museum's collection, analyzing the rate at which new species appeared across the Acraeini tribe. In a study published this month in the journal Systematic Biology, Carvalho found that lineages with and without sphragis evolved at essentially the same rate. That points the finger at some other factor fueling butterfly diversity, which Carvalho said 'came as a surprise.' 'I was expecting to see an association between plugs and new species appearing faster, but my work suggested there was no link at all.' The tentacle-like mating plug of the clearwing swallowtail butterfly. A plug's size and complexity can be a sign of its evolutionary history in a particular species, as males and females compete with one another While a mating plug frees a male from guarding his mate, it's a major investment in resources and time. And simpler plugs may be torn or ripped off by a particularly determined female. In species with large, complex plugs, Carvalho noted she rarely encountered a female without one. When tracing an evolutionary family tree for Acraeini butterflies, Carvalho found some species employed sphragis at one time but then stopped. This likely means the females in that line figured out how to circumvent the plug to the point that it was no longer an effective evolutionary strategy. The variety in shape and size of female butterfly organs also suggests they were evolving to defeat the sphragis. 'Butterflies and moths continue to surprise us,' said co-author Akito Kawahara, curator at the Florida Museum's McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity. 'This study suggests we still have a lot to learn about what drives insect diversity and the role sexual conflict plays in evolution.' India is concerned about the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the local government's efforts for peace, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday. The minister is in Moscow to participate in a joint meeting of the Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Addressing the meeting, he said: "India will continue to support the efforts of the people and the government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process." He appreciated the role of SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan and how it is useful for exchanging notes among SCO member states. The current security situation in Afghanistan remains volatile with both the Taliban and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) stepping up attacks across the country. In its bid to enhance its territory, the Taliban seized control of Yumgan district in the northeastern province of Badakhshan in March, while continuing with its attacks targeting the Afghan security forces. The Taliban have long controlled the Yumgan and Jurm districts of Badakhshan Province until the government forces retook them late in 2019. Rajnath Singh also said that India is also deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf. He asserted that India has vital interests and civilisational links with all states in the Gulf. "We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs," he said. The minister also said that a peaceful stable and secure region of SCO member states - which is home to over 40 per cent of the global population - demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other's interest and peaceful resolution of differences. Vancouver, British Columbia and Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2020) - Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX: PTM) (NYSE American: PLG) ("Platinum Group" or the "Company") reports that it has entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with BMO Capital Markets Corp. ("BMO"), effective as of September 4, 2020. Under the Sales Agreement, Platinum Group may sell its common shares in the capital of the Company from time to time for up to US$12.0 million in aggregate sales proceeds in "at-the-market" transactions. No offers or sales of common shares will be made in Canada, to anyone known by BMO to be a resident of Canada or on or through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") or other trading markets in Canada. For more complete information about the Company and the offering, investors are directed to read the prospectus supplement relating to and describing the terms of the offering, and the related registration statement on Form F-3 and other documents that Platinum Group has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the prospectus supplement relating to the offering may be obtained, when available, from: BMO Capital Markets Corp. 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 Facsimile: (212) 702-1205 Attention: Equity Capital Markets Desk or by emailing bmoprospectus@bmo.com. The Company has relied on the exemption for "Eligible Interlisted Issuers" under Section 602.1 of the TSX Company Manual in connection with the listing of the common shares on the TSX under the offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities being offered, nor may there be any sale of the securities being offered in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction. Story continues The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for its share of pre-development costs on the Waterberg Project, general corporate purposes, partial repayment of debt and other amounts due. About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and Waterberg Project Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is the operator and majority owner of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground palladium, platinum, gold and rhodium deposit located in South Africa. An Independent Definitive Feasibility Study for the Waterberg Project was approved by Waterberg JV Resources Pty Ltd. ("Waterberg JV Co."), the project joint venture company, on December 5, 2019. The Waterberg Project was discovered by Platinum Group and is being jointly advanced with the shareholders of Waterberg JV Co., being Platinum Group, Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Hanwa Co. Ltd. and Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Mnombo"). In 2019 the Company founded Lion Battery Technologies Inc. in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Limited to support the use of palladium and platinum in lithium battery applications. In 2019, the Company founded Lion Battery Technologies Inc. in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Limited to support the use of palladium and platinum in lithium battery applications. On behalf of the Board of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. R. Michael Jones President and CEO For further information contact: R. Michael Jones, President or Kris Begic, VP, Corporate Development Platinum Group Metals Ltd., Vancouver Tel: (604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450 www.platinumgroupmetals.net Disclosure The TSX and the NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and related measures taken by government create uncertainty and have had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on many aspects of the Company's business, including employee health, workforce productivity and availability, travel restrictions, contractor availability, supply availability, the Company's ability to maintain its controls and procedures regarding financial and disclosure matters and the availability of capital and insurance and the costs thereof, some of which, individually or when aggregated with other impacts, may be material to the Company. This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"), including statements with respect to the sale of common shares under the Sales Agreement and the amount and uses of proceeds thereof. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including possible adverse impacts due the global outbreak of COVID-19 (as described above), the Company's inability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise sufficient additional capital to make payment on its indebtedness, and to comply with the terms of such indebtedness; additional financing requirements; the 2019 Sprott Facility is, and any new indebtedness may be, secured and the Company has pledged its shares of Platinum Group Metals (RSA) Proprietary Limited ("PTM RSA"), and PTM RSA has pledged its shares of Waterberg JV Co. to Sprott, under the 2019 Sprott Facility, which potentially could result in the loss of the Company's interest in PTM RSA and the Waterberg Project in the event of a default under the 2019 Sprott Facility or any new secured indebtedness; the Company's history of losses and negative cash flow; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production; uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production; fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Rand and the Canadian Dollar; volatility in metals prices; the uncertainty of alternative funding sources for Waterberg JV Co.; the Company may become subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act; the failure of the Company or the other shareholders to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project; any disputes or disagreements with the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; conflicts of interest; litigation or other administrative proceedings brought against the Company; actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and South Africa; equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire necessary access rights and infrastructure for its mineral properties; environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences; extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits; risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation; the Company's common shares may be delisted from the NYSE American or the TSX if it cannot maintain compliance with the applicable listing requirements; and other risk factors described in the Company's most recent Form 20-F annual report, annual information form and other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa if implemented as proposed would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and potential interest in projects. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63267 Mumbai, Sep 4 : Actress Karisma Kapoor reminisced about the time when she was shooting with superstar Salman Khan in Mauritius. In a Friday afternoon post on Instagram, Karisma shared a still from the song "Pyaar dilon ka mela hai", which was shot on her and Salman in the 2000 release, "Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge". "I vividly remember the sun was setting and we needed to get this shot done while sk was making us all laugh.. fun times in #mauritius Guess the film and song ?" she wrote as caption, with the tags #flashbackfriday #guessinggame #memories. Karisma recently shared that she finds happiness in simple little things. She took to Instagram and posted a picture sitting on her balcony. She makes a casual statement in a black T-shirt and blue jeans in the image. The actress was last seen on screen in the web show, "Mentalhood", which marked her digital debut. -- Syndicated from IANS Enforced disappearances 'rife across the world' UN chief 30 August 2020 - More than a human rights violation against an individual, enforced disappearances have frequently been used as a strategy to spread terror within the whole of society, the United Nations said on Sunday, the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance. "The crime of enforced disappearance is rife across the world", Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his message commemorating the day. "We see new cases almost daily, including the disappearance of defenders of the environment, who are often indigenous peoples". "Meanwhile", he continued, "the excruciating pain of old cases is still acute, as the fate of thousands of disappeared people remains unknown, making the crime a continuous presence in the lives of the loved ones of the lost". Global problem Enforced disappearance has become a global problem not restricted to any specific region of the world. Once largely the product of military dictatorships, enforced disappearances can nowadays be perpetrated in complex situations of internal conflict, especially as a means of political repression of opponents, according to the UN. Shining a spotlight Particular concerns involve the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders, relatives of victims, witnesses and legal counsel dealing with cases of enforced disappearance. The UN Committee and Working Group on Enforced Disappearances have identified additional worrying trends, Mr. Guterres said, "including reprisals against relatives of the victims and members of civil society, often in the name of security and counter-terrorism". "Enforced disappearance also has gendered consequences particularly affecting women and LGBTI persons," he added. Carte blanche Also concerning is the use of enforced disappearance by States of counter-terrorist activities as an excuse for breaching their obligations along with the widespread exemption from punishment for the crime. "Impunity compounds the suffering and anguish," underscored the UN chief maintaining that it is "critical to pursue credible and impartial judicial investigations." Under international human rights law, families and societies have a right to know the truth about what happened. "I call on Member States to fulfil this responsibility", he upheld. Renewing UN commitment Hundreds of thousands of people have vanished during conflicts or periods of repression in at least 85 countries around the world, attests the UN. "With the support of international human rights mechanisms, States have a duty to strengthen their efforts to prevent enforced disappearances, to search for victims, and to increase assistance to victims and their relatives," the top UN official stated. And special attention must be given to vulnerable populations, like children and people with disabilities. "On this International Day, let us renew our commitment to end all enforced disappearances", the Secretary-General said, calling on all States to "ratify the Convention for the Protection of all Persons against Enforced Disappearances and to accept the competence of the Committee to examine individual complaints". He called it "a first, but crucial step, towards the elimination of this atrocious crime". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dozens of armed men stormed Bunia, the capital of DR Congo's northeastern Ituri province on Friday to demand the release of jailed militia fighters but they were peacefully evicted by security forces. The heavily-armed men gathered in the city centre with rockets, AK-47 assault rifles and axes but were then bundled into three cars and driven out of the city, an AFP journalist said. There was no exchange of fire. The region's governor Jean Bamanisa told AFP earlier that the men had gathered outside the central prison to demand the release of their jailed peers. "They are negotiating. We are trying to calm them," he said. However some local sources said the men had come to give themselves up. Several militia and rebel groups have been staging attacks in the region but this was the first time in recent years that they had entered a major city in the Great Lakes area bordering Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Locals blamed the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), an armed group accused of ethnic attacks and killing more than 1,000 civilians since December 2017, according to the United Nations. Map of DR Congo locating Bunia in Ituri province. By Valentina BRESCHI (AFP) CODECO is drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, a predominantly farming community which has historically clashed with the Hema, a group of traders and herders. The two communities were embroiled in a bloody conflict between 1999-2003 which led to the European Union's first foreign military mission, the short-term Operation Artemis. Governor Bamanisa said the men were from a CODECO faction which "unilaterally wants to end hostilities." His deputy Gracien de Saint-Nicolas said: "We will not allow blood to be spilt in Bunia. The CODECO is Congolese and ready to give up arms but you are not facilitating the task for them to be reintegrated into the peace process." UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet visited Ituri in January and denounced what she called "crimes against humanity" there. Spain snatch late draw against Germany in UEFA Nations League Germany\'s Julian Draxler (left) duels for the ball with Spain\'s Sergio Ramos during their UEFA Nations League soccer match at the Mercedes-Benz Arena stadium in Stuttgart, Germany on Thursday. Agency : Jose Luis Gaya's injury-time equalizer canceled out Timo Werner's opener and helped Spain snatch a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Germany in Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday. Germany started brightly on home soil and created the first chance of the game as Toni Kroos' cross into the box allowed Thilo Kehrer to test Spain goalkeeper David de Gea in the 11th minute. Spain responded with a big chance at the other end of the pitch as a misplaced return pass from Emre Can to goalkeeper Kevin Trapp allowed Rodrigo Moreno to intercept the loose ball. However, Trapp denied Moreno after blocking the shot in the nick of time in the 14th minute. Both sides continued to exchange attacks after Leroy Sane unleashed a hammer on target to force De Gea into action once again six minutes later. Moreno remained in the thick of things and kept Germany's defense busy as the striker hit an effort on target from a promising position in the dying seconds of the first half. After the restart, Germany got a perfect start as Werner broke the deadlock on 51 minutes after capitalizing on Robin Gosens' square pass into the penalty area. Germany took the reins and pressed forward whereas Spain looked shocked and unable to respond. As the match progressed, Joachim Low's men retreated with their narrow lead and kept all their men behind the ball. Meanwhile, Spain lacked in penetration and failed to pose danger in front of Germany's goal. Luis Enrique's team left it late and flabbergasted the hosts when Moreno flicked on a cross before Gaya poked home with a turn shot from very close range in the closing seconds of injury-time. "It is of course very painful if you concede a goal in the last seconds of the match but I have to say that my team gave everything. Both sides played an interesting first half with chances at both ends of the green. I am overall satisfied with the performance," said Germany head coach Joachim Low. With the result, Spain and Germany share the spoils and second place in Group 4. The Spaniards clash with frontrunners Ukraine while Switzerland face Germany on Sunday. Occasionally, there was hope. In 2015, she secured an apartment with a housing voucher a hard-to-reach first step to stability for many homeless people. But after a few months of relative calm, Carter was arrested again after she spat on a Metrobus driver. Her apartment was beset by squatters and, after further arrests, she lost her voucher in 2018. Though she found housing with another social service agency the next year, she died after more arrests, jail time and an involuntary psychiatric commitment. BRIDGEPORT There were non-life-threatening injuries in a shooting Friday morning, according to police. Officers responded to St. Vincents Medical Center around 7:30 a.m. for a report of a gunshot wound victim who had been dropped off at the hospitals emergency department. Police said the victims injury seemed to be a non-life-threatening wound to the thigh. There was no immediate word on where the shooting took place, police said. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Bridgeport police at 203-576-TIPS. Democrats, through Antifa and Black Lives Matter, have engaged in urban warfare for months now. They caused five hundred million dollars of damage in Minneapolis, turned six blocks of Seattle into warlord territory, repeatedly looted Chicago's businesses, reduced some sectors of Portland into a scene out of a third-world civil war, and tried to wipe out Kenosha's business sector. Yet Trump has held his fire, refraining from sending in massed federal troops. Believe it or not, this is a wise decision. From the day Trump became the Republican nominee in 2016, the left framed him as a Hitlerian fascist. It didn't matter that Hitler was a socialist and Trump a conservative. They ignored that fascism, like all forms of socialism, is based upon complete government control ("Everything within the state; nothing outside the state; nothing against the state," as Mussolini explained), while Trump has relentlessly worked to shrink the government and limit its power. The Hitler narrative also overlooked Trump's long history of not being racist. Democrats didn't care that, until the moment he became a serious candidate, Trump was famously popular among New York's blacks for the job opportunities he provided and for his generosity. Nor did it matter to them that Trump's most beloved child had converted to Judaism. The media latched onto the "fine people hoax" as a lifeline, which is why Biden repeats it obsessively to this day. For four years, Trump has been steadily chipping away at the Hitler narrative. He hasn't started wars (unlike all past presidents). LGBT people are not in concentration camps. Reporters are getting an earful for their disgraceful behavior, but he's not spying on them, imprisoning them, or killing them. If Trump sends American troops into Democrat-run cities, though, those four years vanish. The media will instantly compare pictures of federal troops in U.S. cities to photos of the Wehrmacht marching down the Champs-Elysees in 1940. You know I'm not exaggerating, because you only have to think how the media reacted when federal agents arrested people attacking a federal courthouse in downtown Portland. The comparisons to secret police were endless. The problem isn't just a media establishment waiting to "Hitlerize" Trump. It's also the fact that the cities that are burning have rebuffed Trump's offers to send in law enforcement help. They are all Democrat-run cities in Democrat-run states. Their politicians side with the protesters' goals the destruction of the existing system, the abolition of police, and a re-segregation with blacks taking on the role of the old Southern Jim Crow demagogues. Indeed, right up until the polls frightened them, the Democrats saw the riots as a benefit, harming Trump's re-election. Now that the polls have shifted, showing that the public prefers law and order, the Democrats cannot afford to let Trump be the one who cleans up the mess. All they can do is try to reframe the Antifa and BLM warriors as "white supremacists" or "white militias." Moreover, as Kurt Schlichter explains in an important post, based upon his experience as a colonel in the California Army National Guard during earthquakes, riots, and fires, it's very difficult for Trump to send troops to cities and states that don't want him, even if he invokes the Insurrection Act. The logistics are complicated enough if the beleaguered city governments invite him. If they don't, just getting to the city becomes a full military action. When the troops hit the streets, it's an invasion. It's no use, either, likening any effort Trump makes to Eisenhower's reluctant decision to send the 101st Airborne to Little Rock after the Supreme Court decided Brown v. Board of Education. In that case, Eisenhower had been negotiating with Gov. Orval Faubus who had been using the Arkansas National Guard to block the Little Rock Nine's access to their high school to give the students safe passage instead. When Faubus reneged on the agreement, Eisenhower felt he had to act, to save face not just in America, but before the world. Additionally, when Eisenhower acted, he had some advantages Trump lacks. Outside the South, both the American people and, more importantly, the media supported desegregation. Eisenhower was also a respected military man. Finally, Eisenhower was dealing with a one-on-one showdown in a specific location (a school) with the limited mandate of guarding students. None of these advantages exists here especially the last. Trump would be required to send troops to multiple American cities and then have his troops engage in active warfare with violent citizens in the streets. Wisely, Trump is holding his fire. He's federalizing local police to bring down protesters one at a time. He's also giving speech after speech with a sunny vision of America's future. Meanwhile, the Democrats are painting a grim picture of a dystopian country and the riots are starting to hang like a millstone around their necks. So be of good cheer. Much as you'd like to see order restored, now is not the time. Image: Army National Guard officer candidates training in 2018, by the Army National Guard; CC BY 2.0. New Delhi: Hindi cinema's one of the finest actors, Rishi Kapoor left this world for his heavenly abode on April 30, 2020. He left behind an illuminating cinematic legacy, grieving fans, family and friends, mourning his irrevocable loss. Rishi Kapoor's darling daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni penned a heartfelt note on father's birth anniversary (September 4). She shared a series of pictures along with a caption which reads: Papa, They say when you lose someone, you cant live without -your heart will badly break! But I know you are living in this broken heart & will be there forever! I know you are watching over all of us & ensuring that we live by the value system you instilled in us! You gave me the gift of compassion -taught me the value of relationships & made me the person I am today! I miss you each day & will always love you! Celebrating you today & always - Happy Birthday Rishi Kapoor breathed his last on April 30, 2020, Thursday at 8.45 am in Mumbai Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital where he was admitted the day before. He was 67. The veteran actor battled Leukemia for two long years and underwent treatment for it in New York where he stayed for almost a year. He is survived by wife and actress Neetu Kapoor, children Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and actor Ranbir Kapoor. U.S. Postal Service police officers barred a Florida congresswoman from scheduled tours at two mail processing complexes Friday, blocking entry to the facilities and threatening to escort her from the property if she refused to leave. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., had arrived at the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center in Opa-Locka, Fla., for a 4 a.m. tour to find the parking lot entry roped off with caution tape and a U.S. Postal Inspection Service cruiser blocking the gate. Local Postal Service officials informed her and union leaders waiting to accompany her into the building that national USPS leadership had directed them to bar the group from the building. At 6:30 a.m., Wasserman Schultz was denied entry at the Miami Processing and Distribution Center 10 miles away by a local Postal Service official as two armed Postal Inspection Service officers stood in front of turnstiles in the lobby. "I'm outraged. I'm angry," Wasserman Schultz said in a phone interview. "I am frustrated for the seniors that aren't getting their medicine, worried for the voters whose rights are going to be impinged and very concerned, because I've been contacted by so many businesses who have had their mail slow and whose businesses are already struggling in this economic downturn. And so for the Postal Service to intentionally be trying to hide behind their locked gates and their excuses, it all lies at the feet of (new Postmaster General) Louis DeJoy because this has all occurred since his appointment." Wasserman Schultz's staff notified Postal Service officials early Thursday afternoon of her intent to observe a typical morning mail-processing shift, she said, and followed the same notification procedure as when she visited the Royal Palm facility earlier in the year. "It wasn't a request," Wasserman Schultz said. "It was a notification." But the Postal Service did not acknowledge that communication until hours later, Wasserman Schultz said, when a member of her staff reached a USPS official by phone. That official said Wasserman Schultz did not provide sufficient advance notice of her intent to visit and that she would be denied entry. "I've been there before," Wasserman Schultz said. "I wasn't told that I had to give any lengthy notice or that there was any rules. So what I did was I decided that I was going to go anyway." In an emailed statement, Postal Service spokeswoman Kimberly Frum said the agency was notified late Thursday afternoon of Wasserman Schultz's request for a tour at 4 a.m. "We spoke with her staff to explain that we were unable to set up the tour on such short notice, but would be happy to accommodate her at another time," Frum wrote. "We look forward to working with the congresswoman and her staff to arrange a visit in the near future." A Postal Inspection Service spokesman wrote in a statement said the officers responding to Wasserman Schultz's visit were based at the Miami processing facility and provide security at both locations. "Ensuring only authorized parties enter nonpublic areas of USPS facilities is part of a Postal Police officer's normal duties," said Postal Inspector Eric Manuel wrote. "The disrespect of a Congress member who sits on the Oversight and Reform Committee that is protecting the post office and they're denying her coming in," said Nick Mosezar, the president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 318 who helped plan Wasserman Schultz's visit. "Unbelievable." But in the months since Wasserman Schultz's last visit to USPS facilities, lawmakers have been highly critical of Postal Service leaders over delivery delays linked to the postmaster general's aggressive cost-cutting agenda. DeJoy, a former supply chain logistics executive and ally of President Donald Trump, imposed stricter dispatch deadlines for mail transportation trucks and barred extra trips to ensure on-time delivery. Postal workers from coast to coast and national union leaders also say workers were told overtime hours would be eliminated and that the directive was issued by the postmaster general. Memos circulated to mid-level managers and obtained by The Washington Post stated that DeJoy planned to eliminate overtime hours. DeJoy denied in sworn testimony ever issuing such an order. "Carriers were ordered off the streets at 5 o'clock whether you finished your route or you didn't finish your route," said Al Friedman, president of the Florida State Association of Letter Carriers. "That was everywhere. That was all over Florida." Problems at the Royal Palm facility had been mounting in recent weeks, Mosezar said. On Thursday afternoon shortly before Wasserman Schultz informed the Postal Service of her planned visit, mail sat in pallets on the shop floor that was supposed to be delivered on July 22 - 43 days late - according to photos of the mail taken by postal workers and provided to Mosezar. The week after DeJoy took office, the Postal Service removed a Flat Sequencing System, a gargantuan machine that sorts "flats," or larger paper mail items such as magazines and ballots, by Zip codes and into delivery sequence for letter carriers. It is one of the 671 high-speed sorting machines the Postal Service planned to remove over the summer, according to documents obtained by The Post. DeJoy on Aug. 18, said he would suspend the removal of any further machines, but by Aug. 1, 658 of them were already scheduled to be scrapped. "When you start turning off and letting those machines no longer run, they're just there," Mosezar said. "They're roped off, and now the area that would be normally used for the processing on that machine is now used as a storage area for delayed mail or a storage area for empty equipment." Wasserman Schultz and DeJoy jousted over the mothballing of those machines in one of more heated exchanges during an emergency hearing by the House Oversight Committee on Aug. 24. Displaying photographs of decommissioned machines and chiding DeJoy for interrupting her questioning, Wasserman Schultz accused the postmaster general of "not being honest with this committee," and "hiding" plans for machine disposal "while removing them at a breakneck pace." Wasserman Schultz asked DeJoy whether he knew of any managers who had asked to reconnect mail-sorting machines. "How would I know that?" DeJoy responded. "You're in charge," Wasserman Schultz shot back. "Do you believe that it is the local handlers' job to decide whether they need a sorting machine?" Wasserman Schultz asked. "And will you give them the freedom to plug the machines back in and bring machines that haven't been taken apart back online in order to make sure we can get the mail out on time, which you acknowledge has gotten worse since your arrival?" "That was a long list of accusations," DeJoy said, but Wasserman Schultz cut in. "No, I just want a simple answer to the question," she said. DeJoy interrupted. "Well it's my time now," he said. "Is it my time?" "No, no," Wasserman Schultz said. "It's always my time. And I'd like an answer to the question." "We have a management team that is responsible for making decisions as to what machines are used and not used," DeJoy said. Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/03/2020 -- Latest released the research study on Global Office Furniture Market offers a primary overview of the Global Office Furniture Market covering different product Definitions, Classifications, and Participants in the industry chain structure. Global Office Furniture Market competitive landscapes provides details by topmost manufactures like Narbutas (Lithuania),Kinnarps (Sweden),Steel case (Netherlands),Vitra AG (Switzerland),Nowy Styl Group (Poland),Royal Ahrend (The Netherlands),Haworth Inc. (United States),USM Modular Furniture (Switzerland),Sedus Stoll AG (Germany),Konig + Neurath (Germany),Flokk (Norway),Interstuhl (Germany),Lista Office Group (Switzerland),Bene Office Furniture GmbH (Austria),Dauphin Human Design (Germany) such as Capacity, Production, Price, Revenue, Cost, Gross, Gross Margin, Sales Volume, Sales Revenue, Consumption, Growth Rate, Import, Export, Supply, Future Strategies, and The Technological Developments that they are making are also included within the Global Office Furniture Market report. The Global Office Furniture market report contains the SWOT analysis of the market. Global Office Furniture Market research report shows the latest market insights, current situation analysis with upcoming trends and breakdown of the products and services. Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/3514-global-office-furniture-market Analyst at AMA have conducted special survey and have connected with opinion leaders and Industry experts from various region to minutely understand impact on growth as well as local reforms to fight the situation. A special chapter in the study presents Impact Analysis of COVID-19 along with tables and graphs related to various country and segments showcasing impact on growth trends. Brief Overview on Office Furniture Office furniture market comprises companies that are involved in manufacturing and distribution of office furniture and store fixtures. Office furniture manufacturers will design according to workspace requirements such as reception area, meeting room, cabinets, bookcase and boardroom. The demand for the office furniture is majorly dependent on the overall economic standing, business developments and expansions, employment rates, or companies need to replace or update the office furniture. In May 2019, Indiana Furniture and Edge Design announced its partnership to design and manufacturing of ergonomic, task, and upholstered seating. Through this partnership company provide seating solutions which flex the design and function of working spaces. What's Driving the Market? - Emergence of Online Furniture Stores - Increasing Adoption of Convertible Workstations - Surge in the Number of Start-Ups - Rising Service Industry across the Globes Market Trend - Integration of Smart Devices to Create Smart Furniture - Shared Office Space Furniture - Open Plan Desking - Using Geometric and Abstract Patterns - Adding Green to Work Market Challenges - Skilled Labor Shortage - Increasing Costs - Fluctuating Customer Demand - Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency Market Opportunities: - Commercial and Office Space Segment Has Witnessed Rapid Growth In Line With the Growth in the Emerging Economies Such As India and Subsequent Demand for Office Space Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Oceania, South America, Middle East & Africa Country Level Break-Up: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Russia, France, Poland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand etc. Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/3514-global-office-furniture-market Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Office Furniture Market: Chapter 01 Executive Summary snapshot of the key findings and key statistics on the whole. market value (US$ million) estimates of the leading segments of the market. Chapter 02 Market Overview Detailed segmentation of the Global Office Furniture market Highlights the inclusions and exclusions Chapter 03 Key Success Factors Strategies adopted by key market participants and factors that have turned into success. Additional viewpoint on global average pricing analysis benchmark, and consumers sentiments' analysis that are likely to contribute to market growth are covered as well. Chapter 04 Covid-19 Crisis Analysis The impact of Covid-19 on economy and also the probable market scenario aftermath. Chapter 05 Global Office Furniture Market - Pricing Analysis Throws light on pricing from the manufacturers' as well as distributers' perspectives. Pricing analysis benchmark is also unleashed. Global market value analysis and forecasts the Global Office Furniture (in US$ Mn) between 2015 and 2027. Chapter 06 Market Background Macroeconomic factors affecting the Global Office Furniture market Explore supply chain and value chain analysis for the market. In-depth information about the market dynamics and their consequences. Chapter 07 -- Global Office Furniture Market Segmentation By Type, Application, End-Users, Region Chapter 08 Key and Emerging Countries Analysis in Global Office Furniture Market How Market will Shape with emerging and developed economies? Chapter 09 Global Office Furniture Market Structure Analysis Tier analysis and market concentration of the key players in the market, along with their market presence analysis by region and product portfolio. Chapter 10 Competitive Analysis Comprehensive list of all the leading stakeholders in the market, along with detailed information about each company, which includes the company overview, revenue shares, strategic overview, and recent developments. Chapter 11 Assumptions and Acronyms list of acronyms and assumptions that provide a base to the information and statistics included in the report. Chapter 12 Research Methodology To obtain various conclusions as well as important qualitative and quantitative information about the Global Office Furniture market. Data Sources & Methodology The primary sources involve the industry experts from the Global Office Furniture Market including the management organizations, processing organizations, analytics service providers of the industry's value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to gather and authenticate qualitative & quantitative information and determine the future prospects. In the extensive primary research process undertaken for this study, the primary sources Postal Surveys, telephone, Online & Face-to-Face Survey were considered to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study. When it comes to secondary sources Company's Annual reports, press Releases, Websites, Investor Presentation, Conference Call transcripts, Webinar, Journals, Regulators, National Customs and Industry Associations were given primary weightage. Get More Information: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/3514-global-office-furniture-market What benefits does AMA research study is going to provide? - Latest industry influencing trends and development scenario - Open up New Markets - To Seize powerful market opportunities - Key decision in planning and to further expand market share - Identify Key Business Segments, Market proposition & Gap Analysis - Assisting in allocating marketing investments Definitively, this report will give you an unmistakable perspective on every single reality of the market without a need to allude to some other research report or an information source. Our report will give all of you the realities about the past, present, and eventual fate of the concerned Market. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. About Advance Market Analytics Advance Market Analytics is Global leaders of Market Research Industry provides the quantified B2B research to Fortune 500 companies on high growth emerging opportunities which will impact more than 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Our Analyst is tracking high growth study with detailed statistical and in-depth analysis of market trends & dynamics that provide a complete overview of the industry. We follow an extensive research methodology coupled with critical insights related industry factors and market forces to generate the best value for our clients. We Provides reliable primary and secondary data sources; our analysts and consultants derive informative and usable data suited for our client's business needs. The research study enables clients to meet varied market objectives a from global footprint expansion to supply chain optimization and from competitor profiling to M&As. Global warming may increase the threat of some infectious diseases by making viruses harder to kill, researchers have warned. Waterborne viruses which have adapted to warmer environments remain infectious for longer and are more resistant to disinfectants such as chlorine, a study by Swiss scientists suggests. This implies that microbial water quality may be worse in warm regions, and the health risks posed by viruses will be greater, Tamar Kohn, associate professor of environmental chemistry at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, told The Independent. Sunlight, high temperatures and other microbes can all deactivate viruses found in surface water, reducing their ability to spread disease. However, scientists expect the way viruses react to their environment will evolve in response to climate change. The Swiss study examined how enteroviruses, a family of viruses which can cause a range of infections including colds, polio and foot-and-mouth disease, may adapt to shifts in conditions. Enteroviruses are typically transmitted through faeces and find their way into the environment through sewage, wastewater and poor sanitation. The team created four different populations of a human enterovirus by incubating samples in flasks of lake water at 10C and 30C, with and without exposure to sunlight. They then exposed the samples to heat and disinfectant. The study, published in the American Chemical Societys Environmental Science and Technology journal, found the warm-adapted viruses were more resistant to being deactivated by heat than the ones incubated in cold water. When moved to cool water, the warm-adapted viruses also remained active longer and withstood exposure to chlorine better. The findings suggest viruses in warmer waters will persist in an infectious state for a longer time, and also be more resistant to disinfection, Prof Kohn said, though she cautioned the laboratory study had yet to be validated in the field. It means global warming could put people more at risk of infection from swimming in or eating foods irrigated by contaminated water. While the 3C rise in average global temperature forecast by climate scientists by the end of the century may not be large enough in itself to impact on virus stability, Prof Kohn said, the accompanying rise in extreme weather may bring with it a heightened disease threat, particularly in hotter countries. We are mainly thinking of the more frequent occurrence and longer duration of extreme heat waves, which could lead to significant warming of water bodies in the affected areas, she added. H undreds of people have been arrested as Extinction Rebellion (XR) protesters descended on central London for the third day of their two-week action. The Metropolitan Police said more than 200 arrests were linked to a demonstration on Lambeth Bridge on Thursday afternoon, with 100 more being made elsewhere. The protests prompted the closure of the bridge to traffic. Earlier in the day, some protesters glued themselves to the ground around Parliament. Extinction Rebellion: London demonstrations 1 /102 Extinction Rebellion: London demonstrations PA PA Extinction Rebellion UK AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images PA AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images PA AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images PA Getty Images Getty Images AFP via Getty Images PA AFP via Getty Images Jeremy Selwyn The environmental campaign group has planned events to be held at several landmarks in the capital PA Extinction Rebellion protesters in Parliament Square, London PA Extinction Rebellion protesters tussle with police officer in Parliament Square PA Extinction Rebellion protesters in Parliament Square PA Actor Juliet Stevenson speaks at an Extinction Rebellion protest PA PA AFP via Getty Images PA PA REUTERS AFP via Getty Images PA Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn PA AFP via Getty Images PA REUTERS PA Reuters AFP via Getty Images Reuters PA Jeremy Selwyn AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Reuters PA Reuters Reuters PA AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images PA PA Reuters Getty Images Getty Images REUTERS AFP via Getty Images Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AP REUTERS AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images PA Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Others staged a sit-in elsewhere around the perimeter of the parliamentary estate, including at the Carriage Gates. Some XR supporters said they jumped the barriers and ran past armed police to glue (themselves) on to the floor outside the House of Lords. A separate protest, carried out by XR ally Animal Rebellion, saw activists glue themselves on top of and inside a pink slaughterhouse truck parked sideways across nearby Victoria Street. The campaigners said they were demanding a plant-based food system as a means to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis and reduce the risk of future pandemics. They have previously used fake blood in their demonstrations. Protests are due to continue on Friday and the Met has imposed conditions meaning the gatherings can only take place off the main roads at Parliament Square between 8am and 7pm. XR wants the Government to declare a climate and ecological emergency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and establish a citizens assembly on climate and ecological justice, and is undertaking 10 days of planned action. Loading.... Some 160 arrests were made on the first day of action on Tuesday, for offences including breaching public order conditions, obstructing the highway, obstructing police and assault on an emergency worker, while 72 people had been arrested as of 5pm on Wednesday, the majority for breaching conditions imposed on the Parliament Square demonstration. Update, Sept. 4, 2020, at 4 p.m.: Shortly after this piece was published, President Donald Trump announced via Twitter that the administration would not cut funding for Stars and Stripes. The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch. It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Original post: The Pentagon is ordering Stars and Stripes, a newspaper that American service members have relied on since the Civil War, to shut down by Sept. 30. On Friday, Kathy Kiely reported in a USA Today op-ed that in August, Defense Department official Col. Paul Haverstick Jr. sent a memo to Stars and Stripes demanding that it come up with a plan by Sept. 15 to dissolve the publication. Haverstick added that if the paper does find a way to secure funding past this year, then it will have to devise another plan to close by Sept. 30, 2021. This seems to be part of the Trump administrations larger efforts to weaken U.S. government-funded journalism outlets. Advertisement Ernie Gates, the ombudsman for Stars and Stripes, told the Associated Press that shuttering the paper would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations. 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. The problems for Stars and Stripes became evident in February, when Defense Secretary Mark Esper first proposed ceasing its operations. At a NATO press conference that month, Esper said, We trimmed the support for Stars and Stripes because we need to invest that money, as we did with many, many other programs, into higher-priority issues. Military subsidies account for about half of the publications budget. Its unusual that the Pentagon is already taking steps to shut the paper down, because it would likely need some form of approval from Congress, which holds constitutional power of the purse. In the memo, Haverstick cited the Trump administrations fiscal year 2021 Defense Department budget request, which strikes out subsidies for Stars and Stripes. However, the House overruled this request when it passed its own budget in July that provides funding for the newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All eyes are now on the Senate, which has yet to release its version of the budget, though early signals suggest that theres some resistance to the administrations plan in the upper chamber as well. A bipartisan group of four Republicans and 11 Democrats wrote a letter to Esper on Wednesday imploring him to rescind the decision to cut funding. Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nations freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom, the letter reads in part. The senators also noted that cutting the papers $15.5 million in yearly funding would be a drop in the bucket that is the Pentagons $700 billion budget. Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham also wrote a separate letter to Esper contending that it would be premature to shutter the publication before the Senate addresses the budget. As a veteran who has served overseas, I know the value Stars and Stripes brings to its readers, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stars and Stripes got its start in 1861 when Union troops in Ulysses S. Grants Army seized a pro-Confederate newsroom in Missouri. Its been publishing regularly since World War II. Though the paper receives funding from the military, it has traditionally operated without editorial direction or interference from top Pentagon officials. Its previously won awards for its stories on exploited Filipina women who cater to U.S. soldiers and the Pentagons efforts to keep tabs on reporters embedded with troops in Afghanistan, and it broke the news about anchor Brian Williams exaggerated war stories. The paper has also helped launched the careers of famed journalists Andy Rooney and author Shel Silverstein. It currently has a readership of more than 1.4 million service members, veterans, and civilians. JAIE is the official publication of the New England Educational Assessment Network , established in 1995 and recognized as one of the leaders in supporting best practices and resources in educational assessment. Its mission is to enhance student learning and development by promoting and supporting evidence-based assessment. The Journal of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness publishes scholarly work on the assessment of student learning at the course, program, institutional, and multi-institutional levels as well as more broadly focused scholarship on institutional effectiveness in relation to mission and emerging directions in higher education assessment. Manuscripts must conform to APA style, as specified in the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. All text must be double-spaced in either 12-point Times New Roman font on 8.5 x 11 inch pages. Text should be left-justified with one-inch margins. You may cite your own work, but be careful not to use wording that identifies you as the manuscripts author. Include your name only on the title page. Submit manuscripts in Microsoft Word format to JAIEs electronic submission system: http://www.editorialmanager.com/jaie/. Paper submissions will not be accepted. Articles are to be not less than twenty (20) or more than thirty (30) double-spaced pages in length, excluding endnotes and appendixes. JAIE will acknowledge receipt of your manuscript via email. Publishing decisions are made within 10 weeks of receipt, except in unusual circumstances. Manuscripts undergo a double-blind review process. If your manuscript is accepted for publication, you will be asked to submit within the time specified an electronic copy of the final version in Microsoft Word format. You also must obtain permission to reproduce any copyrighted materials used in your article. Washington, D.C., Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the Kingdom of the Netherlands commemorates the end of World War II and celebrates 75 years of freedom, the Dutch Embassy today recognized the contributions of the Rosies during a socially distanced ceremony in Washington, D.C. Seventy-five years ago, American women answered the call to duty during World War II to work as Rosies, so named after Rosie the Riveter. The Pentagon estimates that nearly 5 million civilian women served in the defense industry and the commercial sector during the war. The Rosies left high schools and homes to build tanks, planes, and ships so men could fight in the armed forces. Two Rosies attended the ceremony. June Robbins, 94, appeared in person and Mae Krier, 94, appeared via video. Dutch Ambassador Andre Haspels and Defense Attache Paul Herber hosted the ceremony. Robbins became a Rosie at the age of 17 while still in high school. She served the war effort by working at the Cramp Shipbuilding Company in Pennsylvania, where she helped convert a cargo ship into a transport ship. Mae Krier was also 17 when she left home in North Dakota for Seattle to work at the Boeing factory to help make B-17 and B-29 warplanes. The Netherlands owes a debt of gratitude to the Allied Forces who liberated the Dutch during World War II. Ladies like Mrs. Robbins and Mrs. Krier were instrumental in that mission, said Ambassador Haspels. While the Rosies did not wear a military uniform, their dedication on the American home front helped end the war in Europe. Thanks! Plain and Simple, a nonprofit organization headquartered in West Virginia, organized the event with the embassy. Led by Anne Montague, a daughter of a Rosie, Thanks! has developed projects that leave lasting records of Rosies as well as guide people to work together. In 2015, the embassy hosted the Rosies for a ceremony to plant a dogwood tree in their honor. The embassy has participated in events with the organization ever since. Rosies give us great insight into the strength of women and the effects of war. Yet, to most Rosies, the most important thing they did was to show that people will pull together to do highest-quality work for freedom. Thanks! has worked with Rosies to create many projects to unify people such as bell ringing ceremonies and tree plantings. The work being done by the embassy and the Dutch people to know Rosies and continue their legacy is a statement of unity that the world needs today, said Anne Montague. Todays ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque at that dogwood tree. It reads: Rosie the Riveter Tree. This pink dogwood tree honors the women known as Rosie the Riveter, whose invaluable contribution to the World War II effort helped liberate the Netherlands. This tree was planted simultaneously with one at the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek, the Netherlands, on VE Day, May 8, 2015. This plaque was revealed on September 3, 2020, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. A Ringing Tribute to Honor the Rosies also featured a speech by Dutch-American historian Dr. Hugo Keesing on the symbolism of the ringing of bells. Ms. Montague spoke on the significance of the pink dogwood tree to the Rosies, while Mrs. Robbins led the guests in a moment of silence to honor the Rosies who have passed away and rang a ceremonial bell to focus attention on the legacy of the Rosies. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands began commemorating 75 years of freedom last October when it announced a project to renovate the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia. Other events continued that focused on African American World War II liberators, and Remembrance Day and Liberation Day in the Netherlands. ### Attachment South African health workers held protests in Pretoria and Cape Town on Thursday to condemn the poor conditions and limited resources provided for them to do their duty, calling on the government to end the corruption of people taking advantage of the pandemic to make financial profits at the expense of the medical teams' lives. South African authorities had earlier started investigations over illegal grafts made through Covid-19 related tenders that involved heavyweight government officials. Health workers believe that the struggling conditions they have to work in are resulting from this corruption as these tenders were aimed at purchasing protective equipment to be used by medical personnel. Thursday's protests were led by the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers Union which threatened that its 200,000 workers would go on a strike on 10 September if their issues were not resolved by then. South Africa has lost 14,300 lives to the pandemic so far including 230 health workers, as the most seriously-hit African country has reported more than 630,000 confirmed cases out of which 27,300 were health workers. Despite the recent decline in new cases reported compared to the early months of the pandemic, a widespread strike by health workers would significantly worsen the situation in the country as the new cases reported are still averaging around 20,000 cases per day. The demonstrators in Pretoria, the capital, marched in front of the offices of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings, with some protesters holding signs that read Thank You Frontline Workers and Remove Corrupt Officials. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went to an Ibiza superclub during a wild trip to the party isle, it has been revealed. And William was so impressed with the night out that he called up the organiser the next day and told him he'd got him into dance music. Kate and William, both 38, visited the Pacha nightclub and were guests of DJ Erick Morillo, who died this week, and Francisco Ferrer, Pacha's artistic director. The memory was posted by Ibiza party organiser Tony Truman, who said he was 'blown away' when Prince William rang to thank him. Tony - former partner of EastEnders' star Charlie Brooks - revealed the memory on his Instagram account in a tribute to Erick Morillo, who died on Tuesday, just days after being arrested on suspicion of sexual battery. His memory puts their visit in 2008, however the duke and duchess are known to have visited Ibiza in 2006, not long before their infamous split and while William was on a break from military training at Sandhurst. Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 38, went to an Ibiza superclub during a wild trip to the party isle, it has been revealed. Pictured, at Solomon Islands on September 16, 2012 Tony Truman took to Instagram and told how William was so impressed with the night out that he called him up the next day and told him he'd got him into dance music The world-renowned Pacha nightclub. Pictured, inside Pacha nightclub He said Morillo had 'loved life so much' and would be 'properly missed by all.' He then went on: 'A story just came to me about Eric that I will never forget many moons ago (12) or so years I think - HRH Prince William came to Ibiza & I had the pleasure to help arrange his party plans while on the Island with Kate & their entourage. 'I asked Eric & @francisco-ferrerfr to look after him @pachaofficial for Eric's @subliminalrecords night. 'They obviously done a great job as the next day I get a call from HRH William (like u casually do) and Wills says thank you Tony I was not a fan of house music until last night & your friend Eric was amazing, now I love it. The memory was posted by Ibiza party organiser Tony Truman, who said he was 'blown away' when Prince William rang to thank him (pictured) Prince William dances with Vanessa Boateng, watched by Caththe erine Duchess of Cambridge, during a visit to homeless charity 'Centrepoint' in London on 21 December, 2011 Kate Middleton at Richard Branson's Summer and Tennis Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens, London, on 22 June 2006 'I was blown away, not just by Wills casually calling me, but that Eric had got the Royal RnB loving posse into House Music.' According to royal experts, the 2006 trip was one of just a handful where William, then 24, felt able to really let his hair down. Among their group was Pippa, Kate's younger sister, and their brother James, as well as Harry and William's friend Guy Pelly. And it was reported that Kate even had to tell William off for his behaviour at points during the trip. Author and broadcaster Vicky Ward claimed last year that Kate thought he was a bit too at ease. PACHA NIGHTCLUB: IBIZA'S OLDEST NIGHTSPOT Pacha, playground of the rich and famous, is best known for the cherries, VIP tables, and for being Ibiza's oldest, most well-known club. Founded in Ibiza in 1973 in Ibiza Town by Ricardo Urgell, grandson of Spanish painter Modesto Urgell, it has fast become the most dominant clubbing brand in the world. It has a reputation for providing clubbing with style, with revellers hitting the dance floor to the tunes of some of the world's more renowned DJs. Kate and William visited the Pacha nightclub and were guests of DJ Erick Morillo, who died this week, and Francisco Ferrer, Pacha's artistic director The music scene boasts everything from electronic music, mainstream and classics from the past. And according to the website: 'With its whitewashed facade and open floor plan main dancing area, Pacha Ibiza is a sexy message of love to the island.' 'The naked walls enclose a hippie soul combined with the spontaneity of the 70s, and todays technology... 'A night at Pacha is an authentic Ibicenco experience embodying the magical energy of this powerfully alluring setting in the Mediterranean uniting people of eclectic tastes with a common love for music.' Pacha has club franchises in a number of countries including Brazil, United States, Russia, Germany, England, Egypt, Portugal, Austria and several Spanish cities including Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao and Barcelona. Advertisement Writing for Vanity Fair, she said: 'Interestingly, of the tight-knit royal clique who hit the clubs with increasing regularity, perhaps the most aware of the bad impression they were creating was Middleton. 'On vacation in 2006, Prince William and Guy Pelly, an old friend in the group, often referred to as the 'court jester,' were careering around on mopeds in front of a rented house in Ibiza. 'According to a source, Middleton came out of the house and, matron-like, told them to stop. 'She said, 'Anyone could be watching! Go out the back and stop behaving like this!' 'Like chastened schoolboys, the two did what they were told. William may not have liked it, but Middleton's judgment was almost certainly right.' The group - who had rented a villa on the island - were seen on a yacht during their stay, with Pippa and Kate in matching white bikinis. A year later, the duke and duchess temporarily split, blaming the pressure of being in the public eye and too much time apart. Sources also said Kate was left humiliated by William's constant partying. But they got back together and three years later announced their engagement and were married in April 2011. Pacha is one of the world's oldest nightclubs, opening in 1973. FILE PHOTO: The company logo for Johnson & Johnson is displayed on a screen to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the company's listing at the NYSE in New York By Aislinn Laing SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson will seek 20,000 volunteers for late-stage human trials of its experimental coronavirus vaccine in hard-hit Latin America, one-third of the planned global total, one of its public health chiefs in the region said. Josue Bacaltchuk, vice president of medical affairs for Latin America for Janssen, J&J's Belgian unit developing the vaccine prototype, said countries hosting the trials would also likely get preferential access to vaccines once ready. "We expect the majority in Brazil because it's the biggest country and also the one most affected by the pandemic so we expect a lot of people volunteering, but we expect also high numbers in Colombia and in Argentina," Bacaltchuk said. "It's the intention of the company to prioritize the countries that contribute to the development of the vaccine and that will have patients participating in the trials, yes," he added in an interview with Reuters on Thursday. J&J's vaccine is one of over a hundred worldwide being developed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected nearly 26.5 million people and led to some 869,323 deaths. Latin America has become the epicenter of the pandemic. The drugmaker is carrying out tests in the United States and Belgium, and has added Chile, Argentina and Peru to a list of Latin American countries where it plans to conduct Phase III trials along with Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Its trials globally will include 60,000 volunteers. The Latin American countries all have high infection numbers, making them attractive testing sites for vaccine developers since it is easier to obtain dependable trial results in areas with high rates of active transmission and infection. Bacaltchuk said the decision to spread trials so widely was motivated in part by the challenge of securing sufficient volunteer numbers in a region crowded with other pharmaceutical companies conducting trials of their own prototypes. Story continues "I think this is a potential risk and that's why we are going to a number of centers that is higher than the other companies to cover geographies that are not covered by the other studies," he said. He said the response from volunteers in the region has been "quite positive" which he hoped would continue. "This is impacting everybody and it's going to continue to impact even after this is over, the consequences will continue so we need to try and stop it as early as possible," he said. (Reporting by Aislinn Laing in Santiago; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Matthew Lewis) A top U.S. biofuel industry trade group said it has cut lobbying spending as the coronavirus pandemic has slammed members eager to press demands with President Donald Trump, who hopes to win the corn-producing state Iowa in November, Trend reports with reference to Reuters. Reduced clout could complicate the industrys efforts to secure changes to U.S. biofuel policy that producers say would shore up demand for corn-based ethanol, but which face strong opposition from oil refiners. This is a critical time, said one biofuels source, who wished to remain anonymous to speak candidly. The list of things before us is long and people are hemorrhaging money, so youve got to do a lot more with less. A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll this summer showed Iowa, the top ethanol-producing state, appears to be a toss-up between Trump and the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The Renewable Fuels Association spent $339,676 toward lobbying efforts during the second quarter, according to a U.S. Senate database that tracks lobbying disclosures. That was down 12% from the same time last year and 4% from the prior quarter. The group told Reuters it has cut outside consultants while also reducing advertising spending. Our resources are more limited today because of COVID-19 and the impact on the industry, RFA President Geoff Cooper told Reuters. Around 150 biofuel plants of the nations approximately 200 facilities either idled or reduced production after the health crisis struck and drastically reduced global demand for fuel. Biofuels producers and farmers that supply them with raw materials are a major constituency that Trump needs in his reelection bid. Some were hoping to leverage political support in an election year to get demands met. The industry wants the administration to grant fewer waivers exempting small oil refineries from requirements that they blend biofuels into their gasoline under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Trump administration has sharply increased the number of such waivers granted to refiners, upsetting biofuel producers. The refining industry says small refiners need the waivers to stay in business. Oil refiners also took major revenue hits during the pandemic and have also cut their lobbying budget. The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers trade association reported spending $567,144 on lobbying for the second quarter, down more than 30% from a year ago, the Senates database showed. An AFPM spokeswoman said the drop had nothing to do with coronavirus or refining industry economics. Instead, she said last years expenditures were high because of work the group did around a policy for cleaner marine fuel. MEXICO CITY - Mexican officials on Thursday downplayed the countrys rate of coronavirus infections and deaths among medical personnel, appearing to dispute reports this week that Mexico had the highest rate in the world. The Health Department said 1,410 doctors, nurses and other hospital employees had died from COVIED-19, while a total of 104,590 medical workers had tested positive for the coronavirus. Infections among among health care personnel represented about 17% of Mexicos total 616,900 coronavirus cases, though such workers account for only about 1% of the population. Deaths in the sector were only about 2% of Mexicos total deaths, and the government said the fact that health care workers died less frequently than other severe cases showed they werent particularly hard hit by the pandemic. The argument appeared to ignore that health care workers are younger in general than other severe cases almost half of those severely ill from COVID-19 are above retirement age and that they presumably have better medical knowledge and access to care which tend to improve their chances of survival. Only people with severe symptoms are tested in Mexico 99% of Mexicans have never had a coronavirus test, leading most observers to conclude that the countrys infections are vastly under counted. The government acknowledged that only about 283,000 medical workers had gotten tests so far, probably equivalent to one-third or one-fourth of the countrys health care employees, depending on how that is defined. There are about 650,000 government health care workers in Mexico and nearly that many in the private health care sector. The Health Department said as many as 12.3% of front-line medical personnel caring for COVID-19 patients got infected, compared to a confirmed infection rate of only about 0.5% for the population as a whole. Officials sought to deflect criticism that medical workers have not had adequate protective gear by saying workers who took leaves from government hospitals during the pandemic were infected at only slightly lower rates than those who remained on duty. However, many of those on leave had outside jobs, probably at other health care facilities, and many took leaves because their age or underlying health conditions made them more vulnerable to developing severe COVID-19 symptoms if infected. Health professionals have staged protests over a lack of adequate personal protective equipment, and early in the pandemic there were at least two confirmed outbreaks at hospitals that sickened dozens of health care professionals. The government has claimed since March that hospital workers have had all the protective gear they need, but on several occasions hospital employees have blocked streets in Mexico City displaying what they said was ill-fitting, insufficient or substandard gear. In a report Wednesday, Amnesty International said Mexico leads the world in coronavirus deaths among its health care workers, surpassing the United States at 1,077, the United Kingdom at 649, and Brazil at 634. It said nurses accounted for 42% of those infected, doctors made up 27% and other hospital employees such as technicians, aides and maintenance and cleaning staff were 31%. Death statistics vary, depending on who each country classifies as a health care worker, how deaths are considered confirmed, and how they are reported. The Pan American Health Organization, for example, reported 2,506 COVID-19 deaths among all health workers in the Americas, and gave the same numbers for Mexico as Amnesty, but listed only 240 deaths for Brazil and 660 for the United States. Read more about: The iconic Byblos Hotel in Mijas Costa is set to reopen its doors to guests in 2022 after being brought by the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The property, which has been closed since 2010, will be managed by Marugal Hotel Management and will join The Unbound Collection, making it the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Southern Spain. The company announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with a subsidiary of Intriva Capital European Principal Investment Fund - a European private equity fund - to see the iconic hotel redeveloped into a luxury 200-bedroom resort. The hotel, once owned by business tycoon Lord Alan Sugar, will offer an abundance of luxury amenities, including a health club and spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a cinema, a night club, family facilities and conference spaces for private events and business meetings. Popular with royalty Since its original opening in 1986, the hotel has been popular with jet setters and royalty alike and guests have included Princess Diana, the Saudi Royal Family and The Rolling Stones. The resort will join other Hyatt hotels in Spain, which include the Hyatt Centric Grand Via and the Hyatt Regency Hesperia hotels in Madrid, and the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower. "We look forward to working with the local community to bring a new luxury resort to the area. The hotel has a rich and exciting past and we intend to bring it to life once again," a spokesperson for the corporation said. Washington, Sep 4 (UNI) The Pacific nation of Palau has urged the United States to build a joint-use military base for countering Chinas increasing influence in the region, media reports said on Friday. The report by the daily cited a letter written by Palau's President Tommy Remengesau Jr to US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. "Palaus request to the US military remains simple - build joint-use facilities, then come and use them regularly," the letter read. Esper had also visited the island nation late in August. The President also called for the establishment of a regular US military presence in Palau. "There are so many things that the US can show leadership, as you can see China seems to be the main nation showing initiative and aggressively coming to the Pacific and establishing their mark," the President said in the letter, he add that US military bases would help Palaus economy, which has been hit hard due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the tourism industry. Palau has been resisting Chinas dominance in the Pacific and is among the few countries that recognized the independence of Taiwan. Palau and the US signed a compact of free association in 1994, which envisions Washingtons responsibility for the defense of the island nation that has no military of its own. UNI XC RKM JAL 1732 The Narendra Modi governments move to use the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse to scrap Question Hour in Parliaments coming Monsoon Session, starting September 14, should cause little surprise: in the past six years it has always tried to avoid being held accountable for its actions before the House, despite overwhelming numbers in the Lok Sabha. It seems Shashi Tharoors prediction four months ago that strongmen leaders will use the pandemic excuse to stifle democracy and dissent was not far off the mark. In our parliamentary system, where the executive is responsible to the legislature, the device MPs can most effectively employ is to put questions to ministers, and if not satisfied with the ministers reply, by asking follow-up questions on the floor of the House. If a minister fails to answer these properly, the governments prevarication will be visible to all in the House, and since the telecast of parliamentary proceedings from the 1990s, to the country. This is what the government was so desperate to avert, as there are many questions out there -- on its tackling of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, its economic mismanagement, the Chinese aggression in Ladakh and its occupation of Indian territory -- which it is reluctant to answer. What, really, is Parliaments main function? For the government, the answer is to pass the legislation the Cabinet recommends, rubber stamp ordinances promulgated in between sessions, and not stop the executive doing whatever it wants. But for most people, or constitutional experts, it is to hold the government accountable to those who put it in power. Cancelling Question Hour deprives MPs of the lone device they have to exercise some control over the executive. The government says as Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions will be in shifts, to allow distancing in MPs seating, there is no time for Question Hour. The fact is while a normal session sits 30 hours a week, six hours daily, the coming session will have 28 hours: four hours a day, but sitting all days of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. Of this, half an hour will be saved daily as Zero Hour is cut to 30 minutes, and there will be no private members business on Fridays. Trinamul Rajya Sabha MP Derek OBrien calculated that due to the cuts, the coming session has an extra 30 minutes, more than enough time for Question Hour. Then the Centre argued officials would have to visit Parliament to assist ministers, increasing visitors in pandemic times, but the solution is simple: to allow ministers and officials to communicate via phone or video conferencing. While the government claims some Opposition leaders were consulted, MPs asked why an all-party meeting wasnt called, as this will be the first time in Indias history that a regular parliamentary session will be held without Question Hour. Several MPs said this would make Parliament a notice board, saying questioning the government was the oxygen of parliamentary democracy. Others likened it to the general climate of intolerance, with TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweeting: Asking questions in court is contempt. Asking questions outside Parliament is sedition. And now asking questions inside Parliament is forbidden. The government says Zero Hour, where MPs raise vital issues, will continue, though curtailed. But theres a critical difference. Ministers, even if present in the House, need not respond there, unlike in Question Hour, when they must. WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA's Science Mission Directorate will hold a community town hall meeting with Associate Administrator for Science Thomas Zurbuchen and his leadership team at 12 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 10, to discuss updates to NASA's science program and the current status of NASA activities. Members of the science community, academia, the media, and the public are invited to participate by joining at the link below. https://go.nasa.gov/33cTtsD If prompted, please use event number 199 074 4251, followed by event password Zk4n3G48gbd. To ask a question, participants can go to: https://arc.cnf.io/sessions/ce3c/#!/dashboard Users must provide their first and last name and organization and can submit their own questions or vote up questions submitted by others. The meeting leaders will try to answer as many of the submitted questions as possible. Presentation materials will be available for download and a recording will be available later that day at: https://science.nasa.gov SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov IFA may have been postponed for 2020 but that hasnt stopped companies from announcing new products. Among those is the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G, which stands apart as potentially the most budget-friendly 5G smartphone to date. And it will certainly be Samsungs most affordable. Now, this phones release was also effectively unavoidable. The Galaxy A series of smartphones has taken off well following Samsungs decision to consolidate the line-up. This device also follows on the release of other 5G mid-rangers from the Galaxy A71 to the Galaxy A51 from Samsung. And Samsung hasnt laid out the specs in full for this handset either. Or its price. With that said, 5G is quickly becoming more widely available. So its important to award companies who work toward putting the technology in as many hands as possible. The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G does that because it lowers the price of admission. And, if rumors and speculation about this device hold, its not going to be a slouch about it either. Advertisement Samsung Galaxy A42 branding means more than any price details would give away Among many reasons the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has earned its Best of IFA award is that it falls into a select group of Samsung phones, to begin with. Namely, the Galaxy A lineup. The line has become a harbinger of things to come for the companys flagship series in terms of software. As a result, this phone will come packed with a smooth experience, at the very least, that replicates a flagship smartphone. Thats right down to its curvy shape and in-hand fit, if this phone is anything like its predecessors. As shown in the images shared at IFA 2020, that holds through from the distinct four-tone coloration to the use of a quad-camera sensor at the back. The company squeezed the components into a square-shaped housing, just like the latest Galaxy Note and S series flagships. Reports have claimed that will be led by a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. So this should be a more-than-capable camera, for the price. Advertisement Other speculations have also pointed to a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display at FullHD+ resolution with an under-display fingerprint scanner. Under-the-hood, Samsung has purportedly packed in a Snapdragon 690 chipset. And its reportedly backed that with at least 4GB of RAM, with 64GB and 128GB storage variants expected. A 5,000mAh battery with at least 15W fast charging is expected as well. Pricing and availability can be guessed at but are unknown Pricing and availability are a bit harder to guess since Samsung didnt provide any of those details in relation to showing off the images. But the price will certainly fall somewhere between other offerings in the Galaxy A lineup. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G is priced at a healthy mid-range cost of $499.99 at Samsungs site. The Samsung Galaxy A21 is the next device at $249.99. So it would be reasonable to expect a price at or around $350 to $400 for the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. And it will likely be sold effectively everywhere, just as with those other offerings. As unrest has continued into a fourth month in Portland, a detachment of Oregon state troopers specially deputized to act as federal law enforcement agents has been sent to the city to help keep order. The move, first reported by freelance journalist Deborah Bloom, allows them to bring suspects to federal courts for arraignment and prosecution, circumventing local prosecutors who are seen by some law enforcement agencies as excessively lenient with demonstrators. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf at a roundtable on community safety in Kenosha, Wis., on Tuesday. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) It comes as President Trump and acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf are again considering deploying federal officers from various departments to Portland following escalating clashes among pro-Trump activists, armed militants and left-wing demonstrators, which turned deadly last weekend. But the initiative for deputizing state troopers didnt come from the DHS or the White House it appears instead to reflect frustration on the part of Oregon State Police with a policy issued last month by Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt on how to prosecute protest-related offenses. An OSP spokesperson said: OSP is not criticizing any officials and we respect the authority of the District Attorney, but to meet the Governors charge of bringing violence to an end we will use all lawful methods at our disposal. Brian Higgins, a retired police chief of Bergen County, N.J., and current adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, explained that if Oregon State Police officers are deputized as federal officers, they could charge suspects in federal court under federal statutes rather than local or state laws. Higgins said the practice of federally deputizing state or local police officers is not uncommon. As a matter of fact, he said, its done pretty regularly, typically in situations where local officers are asked to serve in a capacity that is outside their normal jurisdiction for example, working on a gang unit or other type of special task force involving federal crimes, or providing security for large-scale national events such as the Super Bowl or political conventions. Story continues In the context of protests, Higgins said hes also seen local officers become deputized to protect federal property. However, the concept of using federally deputized officers to pursue federal charges against people arrested for offenses related to protests is probably a new approach in response to the conflict thats going on in criminal justice right now between prosecutors and law enforcement. Retired Bergen County, N.J., Police Chief Brian Higgins. (Bergen County Police Department) Its almost as if law enforcement is finding another alternative to just protect themselves, said Higgins, explaining that in certain parts of the country, including Portland as well as New York City and Chicago, there is a sense of frustration among law enforcement officials who believe ongoing unrest is being enabled by progressive local prosecutors whove chosen to either downgrade or drop charges stemming from protests against police violence and systemic racism. It almost appears to me as if this lack of charging or downgrading charges in protests, particularly in charges related to assaulting police officers, may contribute to more assaults against police officers because protesters think that they just will not be held accountable, he said. In an email to Yahoo News, Kevin Sonoff, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney for the district of Oregon, confirmed that select Oregon State Police troopers have received special deputation by the U.S. Marshals Service, authorizing them under the federal criminal code to detain and make arrests and, when necessary, to protect and defend federal government buildings and personnel during a civil disturbance. The U.S. Attorneys Office will evaluate all arrests made by Oregon State Police troopers under this authority for federal prosecution, said Sonoff. Sonoff did not respond to multiple follow-up requests for confirmation of when exactly this select group of state troopers received their special deputation, nor did spokespersons for the U.S. Marshals Service. But according to Tim Fox, a public affairs officer with the Oregon State Police, Troopers were originally deputized when we provided protection for the federal courthouse. State troopers were deployed to protect the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse in late July, replacing federal officers who had been sent to guard federal property in Portland over the objections of Gov. Kate Brown and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. An agreement between Brown and Trump administration officials called for the federal officers to withdraw and be replaced by Oregon State Police. A Multnomah County sheriff's deputy points a "less lethal weapon" at protesters in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 30. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) The state police deployment lasted only until Aug. 14, which an OSP spokesperson says was the duration of the commitment. But the OSP statement also included an implicit criticism of the policy of Schmidt, the district attorney, to not prosecute certain protest-related offenses including interfering with police, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, escape and harassment unless the allegations involve deliberate' property damage, theft or force against another person or threats of force. At this time we are inclined to move those resources back to counties where prosecution of criminal conduct is still a priority, the OSP spokesperson said in a statement confirming the withdrawal from Portland. The district attorneys new protest policy also required that any charges of resisting arrest and assaulting a public safety officer be subjected to the highest level of scrutiny by the deputy district attorney reviewing the arrest, with consideration given to the chaos of a protesting environment, especially after tear gas or other less-lethal munitions have been deployed against community members en masse. Since OSP officers left in mid-August, unrest in the city has continued pretty much unabated, with increasingly violent clashes between opposing political factions leading to the fatal shooting on Saturday of Aaron J. Danielson, a Portland resident affiliated with the far-right group Patriot Prayer, which has been at the center of previous clashes with left-wing protesters. (A suspect, Michael Forest Reinoehl, was killed Thursday while federal officers attempted to arrest him near Lacey, Wash., about 120 miles away.) Now the troopers are back. On Sunday, Gov. Brown outlined a unified law enforcement plan calling for assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement resources to protect free speech and bring violence and arson to an end in Portland. While law enforcement officials from neighboring jurisdictions quickly declined the governors request to contribute additional personnel and resources to assist the Portland police, the Oregon State Police sent assistance in the form of state troopers whod been cross-deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown at a news conference in 2015. (Steve Dipaola/Reuters) Higgins said the decision to send federally deputized state troopers to Portland might be a good option for law enforcement there, adding that in certain areas where there is this conflict between prosecutors and law enforcement, I wouldnt be surprised if its done again. I can tell you most law enforcement executives are sitting up a little straighter and taking notice right now, he said. But Higgins said he does not expect this approach to take off across the country, and, perhaps more importantly, I would caution that this not be the norm. In particular, he noted that the rules regarding use of force for federal officers are different, and typically much broader, than the parameters set for police under their respective state and local laws. Allowing officers to operate under two different authorities with drastically different use-of-force limits is kind of a slippery slope, Higgins warned. Thats a concern, and its why we dont have a uniformed federal law enforcement agency throughout the country, he said. It shouldnt come to this, quite frankly, Higgins continued. There should be more of a consensus between prosecutors and law enforcement, and more about public safety and a lot less about politics. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Rush Transcript: Governor Cuomo Deploys SWAT Team to SUNY Oneonta to Contain COVID-19 Cluster August 30, 2020 A rush transcript is available below: Governor Cuomo: We have a new chancellor of the State University System of New York and he happens to be on the phone with us, Jim Malatras. SUNY, I think, is lucky because Jim has been involved with the entire COVID management system from day one so he gets it clearly. He's brought that orientation to SUNY - he's action today at Oneonta that I think is right and we have him on the phone and I'd like him to speak about the situation at Oneonta and the actions he's taking today. Chancellor Malatras? Chancellor Malatras: Thank you, Governor. Thank you, everyone. We have had reports of several large parties of our students at Oneonta last week and unfortunately because of those larger gatherings there were several students who were symptomatic of COVID and upon testing we found that 20 were positive for the COVID virus. As a result, we deployed the SUNY Upstate Medical Team to down to SUNY Oneonta, one of our premier medical research facilities to test all students, the nearly 3,000 or so at Oneonta, which began on Friday and right now as of this morning we have 71 positive confirmed cases up from 20. And because of our efforts, we're confirming another 34 tests, so we're about 105 positive tests at SUNY Oneonta, which is about 3 percent of the total student and faculty population that are on campus at SUNY Oneonta this year. As a result of the increase of tests - the positive tests for COVID - we are going to be closing the SUNY Oneonta campus for two weeks for instruction and we will assess the situation working with the state and local health departments after two weeks. I want to thank the Governor and Commissioner Zucker; they've deployed case investigators and contact tracers to help with the situation and the state is deploying a SWAT team to come into the Oneonta community to set up three rapid results testing facilities so that any resident of the Oneonta community can be tested. It's a 15-minute test. The hotline will be, and the locations will be, released on Monday and we will start testing on Wednesday because many of the students, of course, live off-campus. There's a lot of interaction in the community. There's a private college nearby, so we want to manage the, any potential spread and address it immediately. But we're taking this action because we think it's necessary in order to show folks that this can spread quickly and we have to address it quickly - and the other piece that we wanted to mention, because the Governor mentioned it, we understand students are coming back, we understand people want to party. But individual responsibility plays into the collective good, so your individual actions have enormous consequences on everyone else in your college community. Five students in Oneonta have been suspended for holding parties against the college policy. Three organizations, campus organizations, have been suspended and that goes along - we're going to be tough not because we want to ruin their fun, but this is a different time and this goes to what other campuses have been doing. We had to suspend 43 students at SUNY Plattsburgh for similar things because we have to address this during the new-normal. So, we will be doing that today. We're going to be meeting with the local community leaders and the school to go discuss that at 1 p.m. today, so thank you, Governor. Governor Cuomo: Thank you very much, Jim. And just to echo what Mr. Malatras discussed and this should be a message to the private colleges also. I understand college life. Jim said, "students like to party." I never used the expression "party;" I said "socialize," which I thought was a more appropriate term to use in the academic setting. But we understand that and I understand the tension between the school administration and the student population, but if you the lesson is always the same. If you are not prepared, if you don't have the right precautions, or if you don't enforce the precautions, then the virus spreads and then you have to take more dramatic action which is more disruptive and generates a more energy, a more negative energy. So private colleges, I think if you are slow to enforce the rules, then the virus will spread and then you will have to take more dramatic action. If a private college doesn't take the dramatic action, the local health department can make the college take close-down procedures. If the local community doesn't do it, the state can do it. A 3 percent infection rate, you know, that's a high infection rate in a congregate situation. Three percent is high in a dense environment, like a dense urban environment where you have people taking public transportation; it's a crowded environment. Three percent is high, so I think the Chancellor is doing the exact right thing at Oneonta and I think he's taking the right actions across SUNY, and I think the private colleges should really follow the example. As I said before, I think the colleges are the canary in the coal mine. I think what we're seeing at colleges we're going to see at the K-12 setting when those schools start to reopen. I know there's a lot of conversation in districts across the state. I speak to many school administrators, many parents about this. They have to have the right plan in place. Look at the colleges. Look at what's going on. Have the right plan and be in a position to actually implement the plan. Some school districts were having conversations about testing and what they'll do in terms of testing. It's one thing to have a plan that says you're going to do X number of tests. It's another thing to actually have the capacity to do that number of tests. So it's not just the plan. It's the implementation of the plan, right? And bureaucracies are not the best change-oriented systems and this is a major change for a bureaucracy and this is a test that has to be completed quickly so it's an entirely new system, an entirely new task that has to be completed very quickly so a plan on paper is one thing. Being able to do it is a second question that has to be asked and my advice to the K-12 is the same - err on the side of caution. Err on the side of caution. If you go to in-person education and you are not prepared or you can't actually implement the plan and do it on day one, you will see the numbers go up and then you'll see more disruption. So err on the side of caution, smart plan you can implement, and if you're not ready, better you start when you are ready. You know? Everybody is anxious to get back to school. I get it. But everybody should be anxious to get back to a safe school, right? We're opening safe schools this year - that's what we're doing. Not just schools - we're opening safe schools. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A recent survey from Crescendo Associates, which creates software for charities, found that over 80 percent of nonprofits followed the recommended rates. The other rate that matters is the investment return; the recession has driven those rates down. That could be bad for donors expecting a tax deduction on what is eventually left to the nonprofit because a lower assumed rate of return means more money that needs to be paid back as an annuity and less left over at the end, said Russell James, a professor of personal financial planning at Texas Tech University. In an examination of over 100 years of charitable gift annuities, Dr. Clontz said, only a handful of organizations defaulted on their obligations or had their annuity pools moved to different nonprofits when they ran afoul of the law. In all of these cases, the organizations were not operating as legitimate nonprofits. Instead they were selling gift annuities with false promises as a way to enrich themselves. Several were outright Ponzi schemes that offered unsupportable returns. They were shell entities, Professor James said. There was no hospital there. There was no university there. There was nothing other than these names selling annuity products as if they were nonprofit organizations. In those cases, we didnt have a normal operating charity. If anything, reputable nonprofits treat charitable gift annuities too cautiously. Joe Bull, the president-elect of the American Council on Gift Annuities and previously a gift officer at Ohio State University, said nearly all institutions that adhered to the councils guidelines did not touch the annuity amount until the donor died. The annuity is backed by all the assets of the organization, and the charities dont want to have to dip into other assets to make the payments, Mr. Bull said. For many organizations, the gift annuities are treated like bequests that are locked in. Consider George Washington University, which has an endowment of $1.7 billion. Charitable gift annuities constitute just 1 percent of its annual giving, and the university invests the entire amount of the annuity contract in its reserve fund, said Courtney L. Tsai, assistant vice president in the office of planned giving, development and alumni relations. She has had a triumphant trip at the 77th Venice Film Festival, picking up the event's Lifetime Achievement Award earlier in the week. And Tilda Swinton bid an emotional farewell to the Italian city in a water taxi with her boyfriend Sandro Kopp, 42, on Friday morning. The actress, 59, showed off her signature androgynous chic sense of style as she paired a black short-sleeved jacket with an open-collared white and blue dress. Emotional farewell: Tilda Swinton put on an animated display as she departed the 77th Venice Film Festival with beau Sandro Kopp on Friday morning Tilda covered her cropped auburn locks in a black trilby hat, and she shielded her eyes with a pair of chic shades. The Only Lovers Left Alive star put on an animated display as she blew kisses, held her hand to her chest and waved enthusiastically to onlookers as she departed. Sandro, meanwhile, kept things casual as he donned a light orange t-shirt, and kept safe amid the coronavirus crisis by wearing a matching face mask. Stylish: Tilda showed off her signature androgynous chic sense of style as she paired a black short-sleeved jacket with an open-collared white and blue dress Goodbye for now: The Only Lovers Left Alive star bid an emotional farewell to the event as she blew kisses, held her hand to her chest Animated: TIlda and Sandro waved enthusiastically to onlookers as they left Androgynous chic: Tilda covered her cropped auburn locks in a black trilby hat and shielded her eyes with a pair of chic shades On Thursday, Tilda promoted her short film The Human Voice, which she worked on alongside Pedro Almodovar. Tilda's short drama film is based upon the 1928 play of the same name by Jean Cocteau and marks Almodovar's English-language debut. It centres on one woman (played by Tilda) and final phone conversation with her longtime lover, who has plans to marry another woman. Earlier in the week Tilda honoured the late actor Chadwick Boseman when she accepted an award at the festival by proclaiming 'Wakanda forever' on stage. Farewell: Tilda held up her hat in the air as a means of saying goodbye Casual: Sandro, meanwhile, kept things casual as he donned a light orange t-shirt, and kept safe amid the coronavirus crisis by wearing a matching face mask Busy schedule: On Thursday, Tilda promoted her short film The Human Voice, which she worked on alongside Pedro Almodovar Drama: The film centres on one woman (played by Tilda) and final phone conversation with her longtime lover, who has plans to marry another woman The actress was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award and proudly held her coveted trophy aloft after receiving the honour at the opening ceremony from Cate Blanchett, who heads this year's jury. Tilda looked elated as she was handed the famous Golden Lion prize, as the 77th annual festival kicked off in socially distanced style. At the end of her acceptance speech, Tilda gave a nod to her fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe star Chadwick as she said: 'Viva Venezia. Cinema cinema cinema. Wakanda Forever. Nothing but love'. Tilda portrayed The Ancient One in Doctor Strange and Avengers: Endgame while Chadwick starred as TChalla/Black Panther in the 2018 blockbuster Black Panther, which is set in the fictional country of Wakanda. Grateful: Tilda wore a delighted expression as she headed home after the event Friendly: Tilda took the time to sign memorabilia for fans before leaving Speech: Tilda honoured the late actor Chadwick Boseman as she accepted an award at the Venice International Film Festival earlier this week by proclaiming 'Wakanda forever' on stage Delighted: Screen star Cate Blanchett handed the award to her fellow thespian Chadwick tragically passed away on August 28 following a four-year battle with colon cancer. Tilda has been with in a relationship with the German-born painter Sandro SINCE 2004, but the couple do not often appear in public together. She has daughter Honor, 21, and son Xavier with her former partner John Byrne, 79, a Scottish artist and playwright. Tilda and her daughter recently starred in The Souvenir together, which was directed by British filmmaker Julia Hogg. Legs for days! Italian TV actress Giulia De Lellis put on a leggy display in yellow silk shorts Elegant: Spanish model Nieves Alvarez looked sensational in a dark blue maxi dress Stunner: Model Maty Fall looked stylish in blue paisley print trousers and a black crop top Effortlessly chic: Italian actress Anna Foglietta looked stylish in a simple black jumpsuit Casual chic: Francesca Maria Novello teamed a white blazer with lightwash denim jeans Fashionista: French actress Stacy Martin looked stylish in a black top and striped red, black, and white trousers Glamorous: Cecilia Rodriguez put on a stylish display in a light brown jacket and trousers, which she paired with a dark brown tank top Dapper: Singer Lodo Guenzi wore a logo print shirt with a black blazer Looking sharp: Salvo Nicosia teamed a black shirt with brown striped trousers Photocall: Director Roderick MacKay and actor Ahmed Malek stepped out to promote their film The Furnace at the festival Digital Motors Lands Paul Edmonds as VP of Customer Success IRVINE, Calif.-Digital Motors, the first-of-its-kind digital sales platform to bring the entire car purchasing journey online, today announced that automotive industry veteran Paul Edmonds joined the team as Vice President of Customer Success. On our quest to empower dealerships with a comprehensive online sales platform, Paul will partner with our clients to produce tangible results, said Andreas Hinrichs, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Motors. His wealth of experience and knowledge of the existing pain points make Paul ideally suited to bring our revolutionary solution to more dealerships across the nation. With more than 15 years of experience in digital dealer operations and software sales, Edmonds couples deep industry expertise with a passion for addressing dealer challenges with cutting-edge solutions. Prior to Digital Motors, Edmonds held leadership roles at TrueCar, AutoTrader.com/Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive. Edmonds understands the importance of harmonizing dealerships online and in-store sales, while streamlining operations to maintain efficiency in a rapidly changing landscape. As Vice President of Customer Success, Edmonds will spearhead Digital Motors sales and service teams to deliver unparalleled value to partners and customers. Dealers know they need to innovate the buying process to compete with virtual retailers and they need the right partner to help them, said Edmonds. There is so much noise in the industry around digital retailing, but nothing provides dealers a way to transform their customers interest into transactable deals. Digital Motors gives dealers the toolset to remain competitive with online-only retailers. Digital Motors operates a software-as-a-service business model that enables dealers to start transacting with their customers online in less than 24 hours. The platform is highly configurable to meet any dealerships or vehicle manufacturers guidelines. For more information or a product demo, visit digitalmotors.com. About Digital Motors Digital Motors Corporation is an automotive retail and financial technology platform providing online sales solutions to the automotive industry. Founded in 2018 and based in Irvine, Calif., the companys revolutionary technology serves the growing needs of dealerships, dealer groups, auto lenders, and vehicle manufacturers to provide a secure end-to-end online purchasing and financing journey to their customers. For more information or to request a demo, visit digitalmotors.com. South Africa: Mpumalanga HOD arrested for illegal immigration A Mpumalanga head of department (HOD) has been released on a warning by the Pretoria magistrate court following his arrest for allegedly illegally living in South Africa for 25 years. Kebone Masange (51), HOD for Human Settlements, was on Wednesday arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) and Home Affairs officials following a probe to verify his status in the country. In a statement, the Hawks said an investigation was launched after it emerged that Masange had been allegedly in South Africa illegally since 1995 and was from neighbouring Zimbabwe. According to the national population register, Masange was issued with three different identity documents on different dates. Two of the identity documents, he applied for as a South African citizen and the other one as an exempted Zimbabwean citizen granted in 1997, the statement reads. That, said the Hawks, was at odds with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) amnesty that states that to qualify, an applicant needed to have continuously lived in South Africa since July 1991. A few months before the SADC exemption was approved Masange reportedly submitted an application for notice of birth and his first RSA identity document at Ferreirasdorp regional offices in Johannesburg using the name Kebone Masangeni during March 1997. In the said application he claimed that he was born in Johannesburg. Again in May 1997 through misrepresentation he was issued with another identity document as an RSA citizen but this time he claimed he was born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Masange reportedly managed to assist his then wife to obtain permanent residence status in January 2007. The Hawks said the accused was at some stage summoned to the home affairs offices for an interview after the three different ID numbers attributed to him were picked up on the system. He then deposed a sworn affidavit stating that he was born in Letlhabile, Brits. Masange has clearly misrepresented himself three times to the department and he also failed to surrender both identity documents that he obtained through misrepresentation during the 2010 amnesty that was granted to Zimbabwean nationals, reads the statement. Masange has been charged for fraud in contravention of the Immigration Act. He has been released on a warning and is expected back in court on 11 September 2020 pending further investigation. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. (Newser) An Indiana man murdered his wife in front of one of their three young children and filed for divorce the next day, authorities say. Judson Keith Hoover, 50, was arrested after the child told a counselor at an elementary school that he had seen his father kill his mother in the basement of their home three weeks earlier, NBC reports. Police met Hoover when he arrived to pick up his children that day. He consented to a search of his residence in New Albany in southern Indiana, where blood splatter was found on the basement stairs. Surveillance footage showed Hoover moving a 55-gallon container from a storage unit in the city. Investigators later found the body of Rebecca Hoover, 38, in another storage unit across the river in Louisville, Kentucky. story continues below Police believe Rebecca Hoover was murdered on Aug. 2. Judson Hoover filed for divorce the next day and was granted custody of the children, according to court records. Rebecca Hoover's mother reported her missing on Aug. 4. Hoover pleaded guilty to the murder Thursday. WLKY reports that he pleaded guilty partly because he didn't want his 8-year-son to have to testify. Authorities say the boy told the counselor that he had seen his father stomp on his mother's head and punch her with a set of keys in his hand. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said investigators "put everything into high gear" after hearing about what the boy had told the counselor. "That took a lot of courage," he said, per the Louisville Courier-Journal. (Read more murder stories.) Active preparations are underway for the meeting of the advisors to the countries' leaders. The meeting of foreign ministers of the Normandy Four (Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia) will be held in September, after the advisors to the countries' leaders meet, says Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. "The plan is for the foreign ministers to meet after the advisors to the Normandy format leaders meet," Kuleba told an online briefing on Friday, September 4, according to an UNIAN correspondent. Active preparations are underway for the advisors' meeting, Kuleba added. Read alsoElections in Donbas amid "leaky" border unimaginable KulebaThe minister added that during his latest visit to the Verkhovna Rada for the government Q&A, he was from time to time being distracted for chats with colleagues on the preparation of the advisors' meeting. "As soon as the advisors meet, we will see how this meeting will go and what results will be achieved. I think that if nothing wrong happens at this meeting, nothing of force majeure nature, then conditions will be created for a foreign affairs ministerial to be held," he said. "Both I and the German and French colleagues are disposed to hold the meeting in September, and as far as my colleagues have informed me, the Russian minister, Sergei Lavrov, has no objections to such a meeting either," Kuleba said. Normandy Four talks: background Pranab showed that he was capable in dealing with the intricacies of administration without handing over levers of power to the bureaucrats The last active politician who became President before Pranab Mukherjee was Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1992. So it was not an easy going for Pranab. File Photo The death of former President Pranab Mukherjee on the evening of August 31 after battling medical complications, including Covid-19, has opened the debate, a rightful and meaningful one too, about Pranab Mukherjee the politician and what is to be counted as his legacy, if there is one. Political colleagues and journalists have tried to assess the man and most of them had zeroed in on the elephantine memory and troubleshooter aspects. Some journalists had showed a bit more courage and talked about how he could not become the Prime Minister either in 2004 or in 2009 because he did not seem to inspire Congress president Sonia Gandhis confidence, that was sine qua non for getting the job. It is tempting to rephrase the position of Pranab Dada -- the generic Mukherjee would take away from the man of flesh and blood that he actually was -- as the man who became President because he could not be Prime Minister. But he was not a natural choice for the presidency because he was a politician to reckon with and neither of the two major parties -- the Congress and the BJP -- wanted a seasoned politician to be President. That is why Atal Behari Vajpayee fell back on non-politician A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2002 though his first choice was Indira Gandhi-era bureaucrat P.C. Alexander, and in 2007 Dr Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi chose a little-known politician from Maharashtra, Pratibha Patil. The last active politician who became President before Pranab Mukherjee was Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1992. So it was not an easy going for Pranab. He had to lobby hard, including through Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav with a possible nudge from Reliances Anil Ambani in 2012. Some journalists have thrown in the interesting speculative line about the possibility that never became a reality: that Dr Manmohan Singh should have been sent to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Pranab should have been made the Prime Minister. And how it could have saved the Congress Party many of the blushes and ignominies. Of course, this was never really in the realm of possibility given the intense rivalries and feuds between the senior leaders in the party. And there was of course Sonia Gandhis trust deficit factor. But Pranab was in the habit of taking whatever came his way and making it his own. During his five-year term, he fulfilled the obligations of the high office and used his political judgment every bit of the way, including his acceptance of a BJP government led by Narendra Modi in 2014. It would have been easier for a Congressman to accept a BJP leader other than Narendra Modi. But showed no hesitation in seeing Modi as the popularly elected leader and he accepted the 2014 verdict with an open mind. It is this open mindedness that made him go to address Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers in Nagpur in 2018, after leaving office, and tell them about Indias pluralist traditions. Pranabs political career falls into two clear phases. The first is the Indira Gandhi years, where he was the charismatic leaders trusted lieutenant, but he was no mere loyalist. He brought an intelligent mans grasp to policy matters. There is the general feeling that Indira Gandhi surrounded herself with mindless sycophants. Pranab was not one of them. It is one of the reasons that Indira Gandhi gave him ministerial responsibilities that would have been generally considered far beyond his years. The second phase, and the longer one, began with the tragic assassination of Indira Gandhi. He now had to face rivalries in the party, including the perceived one from Rajiv Gandhi himself, and he was metaphorically swimming in shark-infested waters, as it were. Rajiv Gandhi had his own group of talented people, who were a generation younger to him. He could have thrown in the towel, but he was not the man to do that. He sat out the difficult days. P.V. Narasimha Rao, who became PM once the Congress returned to power after Rajivs assassination, knew Pranabs worth well, but Rao had his own cunning way of handling talent. Pranab being offered the post of deputy chairman of the Planning Commission was no demotion. It was a job that suited Pranab eminently if you forget the fact that the Planning Commission was an antiquated institution. Rao was not a wholehearted votary of the economic reforms that he had launched. He did not give up his own Nehruvian faith in a planned economy. And Pranab too was not a reforms enthusiast, in the manner of Manmohan Singh and P. Chidambaram. It can be said that Pranab really came into his own in the UPA years -- the eight years from 2004 to 2012 where he was the manager of governmental workings even as Sonia Gandhi was managing political affairs for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Pranab showed that he was capable in dealing with the intricacies of administration without handing over the levers of power to the bureaucrats. But he also showed that he was not infallible, and this came out most starkly when he committed the blunder of going to meet yoga guru and agitator Baba Ramdev. It was a clear sign of loss of nerve by the gritty politician, and it was one of the reasons that the Congress fared so badly at the hustings in 2014. Pranabs stint as finance minister from 1982 to 1984 and from 2009 to 2012 remains controversial. In his 1980s stint as finance minister he could be seen encouraging indirectly through budgetary incentives Reliances Dhirubhai Ambani and playing corporate politics. And in his second stint as finance minister he was faced with the 2008 global financial meltdown, and it seemed his misgivings about a free market economy had been confirmed. The stimulus package he had rolled out was a sign of government patronage of the private sector more than a mere policy measure. He believed in state regulation of the economy, where the private sector flourished but it did not have a free run. The strings of power remained with the State -- and that is almost the atavistic economic thinking of Pranab. Arun Jaitley had described Pranabs 2009 Budget as a rollback to the 1980s. But when he was finance minister, Jaitley simply could not resist the temptation of asserting the rule of the State, more than the rule of law, over the economy. Pranab would have approved of it. Anti-lockdown protesters are now divided about whether a large rally should go ahead in Melbourne as debate continues about Victoria Police's response to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. Promoters are touting planned protests in capital cities around the country on Saturday including in Melbourne where stage four lockdown restrictions are in place as "Freedom Day" rallies. A day before the demonstration, scheduled to take place at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, prominent voices in the anti-lockdown movement including former My Kitchen Rules host Pete Evans are calling for the protest to be cancelled. Mr Evans shared a post on his Instagram page saying that key influencers would now "not be supporting the 5th", claiming the Victorian government would use the protest to justify an extension of Melbourne's stage four lockdown. Toke Makinwa shows off her bum Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur and author, Toke Makinwa has left tongues wagging on social media after putting her plastic bum on display. Recall that the she admitted undergoing surgery to make her bum look perfect. She captioned the photo: Shes my woman crush everyday TM the baby girl of life T- money Aka- my love language is cash Stephanie iyawo Abiodun in Therapy. Reacting, a commenter wrote: will dis ur yeye bum put food on hungry people table keep lying to ur self Roll Eyes Roll Eyes. See more photos below: David Cornell will be Albany-Hudson Valley's new Bank of America market president. Cornell, a Saratoga Springs native, will be responsible for marketing banking and investment resources to customers across the Capital and Hudson Valley regions. He will also lead Bank of America's effort to address social concerns and strengthen economic opportunities. His financial services career covers about 20 years. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Amid the ongoing tension at China border, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued orders to all the departments to ban bidders for procurement from certain countries that share their land borders with the country. The move comes after the Centre imposed a ban on Chinese apps on Wednesday. It will, however, not affect the countries where India is already engaged in implementing development projects, said the highly placed sources. However, the sources claimed that the order should be seen in reference to countries like China, Pakistan and Nepal. Releasing the order undersigned by state governments joint secretary (finance) Sanjay Kumar Mishra was issued on August 26, 2020, in compliance of a directive issued by the Centre to the UP government in this connection. ALSO READ | India bans PUBG, 117 other Chinese apps as border standoff lingers The sources claimed that through the order all the additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries were asked to take necessary action as expected by the union government on the issue. The subject of the order is: Ban on bidders from certain countries in public procurement. The Union governments letter has directly been forwarded to the departments to avoid any confusion. We are not sure how many bidders will be affected by the decision, said a senior officer of the state government. Mishra has also circulated a copy of the letter dated July 23, 2020, from the union governments secretary (expenditure) TV Somanathan to the officers of all the departments to enable them to take necessary action as expected in the letter dated July 23, 2020. ALSO READ | Chinese government opposes India's move to ban 118 mobile apps As you are aware, state governments play an important role in national security and the defence of India. The government of Indias general financial rules have been amended to provide for restrictions on procurement from bidders from a country or countries or class of countries on grounds of defence of India or matters directly or indirectly related thereto, including national security. Keeping in view the circumstances, it is imperative for the defence of India and national security that the same restrictions be applied in respect of procurement by state governments and their public undertakings, as well as in public-private partnership projects receiving financing from state governments, said the letter issued by the Centre. The centres letter further apprised the state government about the Union governments decision requiring the state governments to implement the said orders, with respect to procurements by the state government, by state government public undertakings, local bodies and all agencies controlled by them as well as the PPP projects receiving support from state governments or state government undertakings. ALSO READ | Beijing cites Tagore's poem 'we misread the world', attacks India for banning Chinese apps The Union government, however, has asked the state government to set up a competent authority for prior registration of the bidders, saying: The order shall stand modified to the extent that the competent authority for registration shall be constituted by the state government with such membership as it may deem appropriate. However, political clearance from the ministry of external affairs and security clearance from the ministry of home affairs before registration will be necessary, said the Centres communication to the state.

Welsh holidaymakers returning to Cardiff Airport from the Greek islands and now facing a two-week quarantine will be furious that fellow tourists flying into Bristol, just 40 miles away, can go straight back to work.

That's after the governments in Westminster, Cardiff and then Edinburgh within the space of two hours announced three sets of conflicting quarantine rules.

A week of confusion and U-turns has led to demands for airport coronavirus testing intensifying, with Heathrow's boss John Holland-Kaye denouncing the chaos as "quarantine roulette".

Given the rising number of coronavirus cases in Greece and Portugal, it had been expected that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps - who himself had to quarantine after an interrupted Spanish break - would put them back on the so-called "red list".

In what would have been another government U-turn, ministers were said to be on the brink of putting Portugal back on the list just days after it was removed, when the country's coronavirus cases hit 22.7 per 100,000 people, breaking Mr Shapps' quarantine threshold of 20.

But in a surprise move, at 5pm the transport secretary tweeted that there would be no English additions or removals this weekend, though he reminded holidaymakers "14-day quarantine countries can & do change at very short notice".

But minutes later, Vaughan Gething, the health minister thought to be a rising star in the Welsh government, made a shock announcement that will have caused dismay to many holidaymakers from Wales currently on holiday.

"I have decided to remove mainland Portugal (the Azores and Madeira will remain exempt), Gibraltar, French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros and Antiparos and Crete from the list of exempt countries and territories," he said, in what critics will see as a draconian move.

That adds up to six sun-kissed Greek islands, including some of the most popular summer holiday destinations for British tourists, as well as Portugal's hugely popular Algarve, and Gibraltar, the more-British-than-Britain territory popular with ex-forces families who have served there.

But there was worse news for the Welsh from Mr Gething: no time to re-arrange flights before the new rules kick in.

"I will lay the necessary regulations which will come into force at 04:00 on Friday 4 September," he declared.

Draconian the action may have been, but it was entirely predictable.

The Welsh government had already put Zakynthos on the quarantine list 24 hours earlier, after up to 20 passengers on a flight home to Cardiff tested positive for COVID-19.

But the confusion and chaos deepened when less than two hours after the latest Welsh announcement, Nicola Sturgeon's Scottish government announced that passengers arriving into Scotland from Portugal or French Polynesia will have to self-isolate for two weeks as of Saturday.

Yes, Saturday, not Friday, 24 hours after the Welsh rules change.

The Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, a rising star north of the border, tweeted: "If arriving into Scotland from Portugal or French Polynesia from 4am Sat (5th Sept) you'll have to self-isolate for 14 days.

"Gibraltar high up our watch list of countries we are monitoring closely. This week's data shows increase in test positivity & cases per 100k in Portugal."

Scotland imposed restrictions on travellers from Greece earlier this week, although Mr Shapps and the Westminster government refused to follow suit, in the first signs of cracks in a co-ordinated UK-wide strategy.

Critics will claim the contradictory rules from Whitehall, Cardiff and Edinburgh this week, culminating in the massive split as the weekend approaches, mean the UK's quarantine strategy is a mess.

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The Welsh government, it has emerged, had been pressing the UK government for a meeting for 24 hours.

It was originally due to happen in the morning, was then pushed back to the afternoon and finally the evening.

Waiting for the conclusion of the meeting would not have given Cardiff enough time to get the quarantines into law before 4am on Friday, which is why Mr Gething pulled the trigger ahead of the meeting.

Holidaymakers trapped in the Greek islands or elsewhere and forced to miss two weeks' work when they return home won't be interested in the political bickering between the rival governments, however.

They will just wish the politicians could end the confusion, agree a common policy between the four nations of the UK and bring a stop to the quarantine chaos.

Hyundai, Kia recall vehicles for leaks that can cause fires Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 600,000 vehicles in the US and Canada to fix a brake fluid leak that it said could cause engine fires. The recalls cover more than 440,000 Kia Optima midsize sedans from 2013 through 2015 and Kia Sorento SUVs from 2014 and 2015. Hyundai is recalling 203,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs from 2013 to 2015. The automakers say brake fluid can leak inside a hydraulic control unit for the anti-lock brakes, possibly causing an electrical short that can lead to fires. Both carmakers said no injuries due to passengers have been reported. Kia's recall will start on 15 October, while Hyundai's will start on 23 October. Dealers for both companies will inspect the control units for leaks and replace them if needed at no cost to owners. US safety regulators report citing documents posted by Hyundai said it had 15 incidents of engine fires caused by the fluid leaks, while Kia had reported eight such incidents. Hyundai said in a statement that there's no need to park vehicles outdoors before the problem is fixed, but if the anti-lock brake warning light comes on, owners should not drive their vehicles and should contact a dealer. They also should disconnect the 12-volt battery by removing the positive cable, the company said. Hyundai documents said the company received its first complaint about an engine fire in a 2014 Santa Fe in April of 2018, and it started an investigation. Kia began investigating after getting a complaint of a melted control unit in a 2015 Sorento last February. In February, Hyundai recalled nearly 430,000 small cars for a similar type of problem. The company said water can get into the antilock brake computer, cause an electrical short and possibly an engine fire. That recall covered certain 2006 through 2011 Elantra and 2007 through 2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. The company then said the electrical short could cause a fire even when the cars are turned off. Hyundai said the latest recall is unrelated to the previous recalls or the US investigations. The company said it monitors safety concerns, including non-collision fires and acts swiftly to recall any vehicles with safety related defects." " " Shoppers are required to wear masks at Dan Baileys Fly Shop in Livingston, Montana, and at many other stores across the U.S. William Campbell/Getty Images When COVID-19 began to spread through the United States, Mel Rolleri, a supervisor at The Pantry, a gourmet grocery store in Fairfield, Connecticut, quickly instated a mask-wearing policy for employees and customers. The 6,000-square-foot (557-square-meter) store was deemed an essential business that has remained open throughout the pandemic. At first, Rolleri politely let customers know they would have to wear a mask when they shopped. She placed signs on the doors instructing people how to properly wear them. Eventually, the door sign was simplified: No Mask, No Entry. "There has not been a problem lately with people pushing back," Rolleri says. "But in the beginning, I had to hire a security guard." She says she has had shoppers scream, swear and spit at her, and even call her a fascist and Nazi. The first incident was memorable. Rolleri says when she approached a shopper asking her to wear a mask, the woman told her couldn't for health reasons. So Rolleri says she offered to shop for her and take her groceries out. By then The Pantry had launched a significant curbside service in response to the pandemic. Instead of agreeing, the woman moved toward Rolleri and screamed, then refused to leave the store when asked. Finally, Rolleri says she pulled out her phone to call the police, and the woman left the store. Rolleri followed her out just to be sure. "If I'd thought clearer, I would have filmed the whole thing." Advertisement How Much Can Employees Really Do? And even though Rolleri says administering her store's mask-wearing policy and other restrictions doesn't bother her, in some cases, employees are not as mature or as confident as she is. In Pennsylvania, for example, a 17-year-old employee at Sesame Place children's theme park was punched in the face twice for reminding two guests for a second time to wear their facemasks. The teen required surgery to repair his injuries. Videos of many incidents have been gone viral, including a tirade of a woman at Trader Joe's in California and a man spewing hate at employees at Walmart in Alaska. So how much can employees really do to deal with this growing issue of anti-maskers that are violating, not just store policies, but in some cases, city and state health mandates? Mask regulations vary by city, county and state, despite the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's assessment that says "wearing masks can help communities slow the spread of COVID-10 when worn consistently and correctly by a majority of people in public settings and when masks are used along with other preventative measures" like handwashing and social distancing. As of Sept. 3, 34 states and the District of Columbia now mandate face-coverings in public. Retail stores, including big chains like Walmart, Target and Whole Foods, have their own policies and are responsible for enforcing them. That often means it's up to their employees. For example, Whole Foods Market has required all in-store team members to wear masks since April 13, a Whole Foods Market representative confirmed via email. The grocery store now requires its customers to wear masks as well. Likewise, Target has developed a specific mask-wearing policy and has a dedicated page on the company's website that details its response to the coronavirus. "If guests don't want to wear a mask, we'll encourage them to use one of Target's many no-contact fulfillment options, including Drive Up, Target.com or Shipt," a Target spokersperson said via an email statement. In addition to signage and overhead announcements, Target and Whole Foods have both placed team members at the front of the stores to monitor entering shoppers for compliance. Walmart has a similar policy. " " Customer wearing masks shop at a Walmart supermarket in Houston, Texas. Walmart requires both employees and customers to wear masks. China News Service/Getty Images Advertisement Do Police Help With Mask Enforcement? But how much can those front-line employees really do to enforce the company policies? Not much it seems, especially in states like Georgia, where the governor refuses to enact mask mandates. Even when they call on the police for help. Rolleri knows from experience. "A mandate is not a law," she says. Rolleri's correct that mandates are not laws. Mandates are issued by government agencies, like the health department. But just like laws, their powers are derived from the legislature, meaning they can be enforced, it just depends on whether they are enforced. Rolleri learned early on that she couldn't specifically force a person to wear a mask in her store. The only thing she could do was refuse a person service for any reason other than discrimination, and that includes refusing to wear a mask. But after the visceral encounter with the woman who called her a fascist, Rolleri called the police non-emergency number, and the officer told her next time to call 911, because the cops could arrest a customer who refused to leave for trespassing or causing a disturbance. But they couldn't do anything to a customer for refusing to wear a mask. Other states seem to be taking a different approach. Colorado, for instance, established mask enforcement teams after it saw cases of COVID-19 increase in late July. According to reporting from Vox, the team had issued more than 800 mask-related warnings by the end of July. In some cases, though, the pushback on mask mandates is coming from within the police departments. Take Lang Holland, who is Marshall, Arkansas' chief of police. Holland called Governor Asa Hutchinson's mask mandate "a very large overreach of powers," in a press release. Other police chiefs and sheriffs in that state contend they simply don't have the manpower to handle mask-wearing enforcement. In Northern York County, Pennsylvania, Dave Lash, the regional police chief, called the state's mask-wearing order "volatile" and stressed the importance of focusing on "bigger crime problems and issues," as reported by York Dispatch. Advertisement Why Are Masks So Polarizing? Even with specific policies clearly laid out, non-mask wearers have made various claims about why they don't have to wear them. Viral videos have shown every excuse from health risks to religious freedom. Both have been debunked. Dr. Jennifer Ashton told "Good Morning America," that if you are in good health, are able to yell and be outside without oxygen, you can safely wear a mask. A doctor in England even ran 22 miles (35 kilometers) while wearing a three-layered cloth mask to prove that doing so does not affect oxygen levels. And as far as the religious exemption excuse, that is supposedly based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination for a variety of reasons, one of which is religion. However, the Act does not provide an exemption to wearing a mask during a pandemic. In mid-August, the Journal of American Medicine published a paper suggesting states enact mask laws because laws "can be powerful tools for encouraging health behaviors." It went on to suggest Congress could attach federal funds to the laws, similar to drunk driving laws. That, combined with a well-funded health education campaign could significantly increase mask use, the paper says. Now That's Crazy A video went viral earlier of a maskless woman named Lenka Koloma in a California grocery store claiming she was with a group called the Freedom to Breathe Agency (FTBA). Koloma informs a young employee (who says she's only following procedure) that she personally can be sued for her store's mask policy. Obviously, the FTBA does not exist. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) The embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corporation on Friday denied that it has settled by giving away over 600 million to hospitals with claims that were earlier denied due to late filing. "The possibility of these claims being considered for payment under an amnesty program is still subject to issuance of a signed Board resolution as well as specific guidelines thereafter," said Executive Vice President and COO Arnel De Jesus in a statement. "All of these have not yet been realized and therefore no fund release to speak of." He added that PhilHealth will send documents to Congress to support his statement. Surigao Del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers brought up the issue in a hearing on Wednesday on the alleged anomalies in the state health insurer. Barbers said some hospitals from 2011 to 2019 were denied benefit claim payments due to late filing, amounting to almost 4 billion, but on May 14 this year, the PhilHealth board approved to grant them amnesty worth 600 million. "Dahil nga daw po may pandemic at kinailangan ng financial security at capability ang HCIs kaya babayaran ito," he told lawmakers. [Translation: They said it was because there is a pandemic and healthcare institutions need financial security and capability, that is why they needed to pay them.] PhilHealth Corporate Secretary Jonathan Mangaoang confirmed during the session that there was a proposal for that agreement. Earlier, the same topic was discussed in the Senate's investigation. Senate President Tito Sotto brought up the matter again on Tuesday to point out that PhilHealth officials were unable to say how many times the board had granted amnesty in the past. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice said it will wrap up its hearings on the irregularities in PhilHealth by next week with the deadline of its report set on September 14. The National Bureau of Investigation, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Council and Commission on Audit will also try to conclude their probes, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said. Sotto had recently presented recommendations of graft charges against PhilHealth executives, including chairman and Health Secretary Francisco Duque and former President Ricardo Morales, over multiple instances of alleged fraud in the agency. "Let me make it very clear - I will not be changing that course any time soon because you have seen the great results that have been occurring here in Queensland. Loading "I think it is a bit disingenuous for this heightened criticism that is coming from a whole lot of levels when our fundamental concern is to look after Queenslanders and to make sure they are safe during this time. "There is a high risk when there is an outbreak of it going into our aged-care homes. "I do not want to see what has happened in our aged-care sector in NSW and in Victoria happen here in Queensland - that would be a nightmare." She said national cabinet should focus its energy on containing the spread of the virus in other states rather than pressuring others to reopen. "What I said very clearly is if we as a nation can focus on Victoria and NSW and get everything under control there, then the whole country can open up," Ms Palaszczuk said. "I don't think anyone would be against that. "I don't think you'd hear criticism from anyone about that." Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an end to the border wars in Federal Parliament on Thursday. "Australia was not meant to be closed, Australia was meant to be open," he said. On Thursday, Ms Berejiklian said she had a "polite and constructive" discussion with Ms Palaszczuk about healthcare workers crossing the borders. But the NSW Premier said it was a "pretty tall order" for the state to reach Queensland's benchmark before border restrictions were lifted. NSW would need to record 28 days of no community transmission of COVID-19 before Queensland would reopen the borders. "I dont know anywhere on the planet where a society can function openly and productively during a pandemic and give an assurance that you are going to have zero cases of community transmission for a prolonged period," Ms Berejiklian said. Ms Palaszczuk said the country should focus on the risk areas of Victoria and NSW so the borders could reopen. "Let me also just say this. There has been a Federal Court case that has said the states have a right to put in place border measures because if the virus is allowed in, it poses a huge risk to the community" she said. Ms Palaszczuk became emotional during her press conference on Friday morning when discussing the messages of support she had received from Queensland residents. "I have really been overwhelmed with the number of emails that have been coming into the office, personally handwritten cards," she said. "That is what keeps me going." For the first time in 10 days, Queensland recorded no new cases of COVID-19 overnight. The government has also launched a special unit to streamline border exemption requests from NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Nurses, doctors, paramedics and a social worker will form the eight-person team, which will also man a 24-hour hotline. Dr Young said Queensland hospitals had treated 900 NSW residents in the past week. "We are continuing to provide essential and emergency health care to people who live in northern New South Wales because we've always done that, Dr Young said. Fifteen more students at the University of Connecticut have tested positive for COVID-19 across four of the schools campuses since Wednesday including the first case reported at the schools campus in Hartford. The new cases include five more residential students at the UConn Storrs campus, which has seen the largest outbreak of coronavirus infections since students returned to campus in mid-August. Currently, 67 residential students at Storrs are in isolation for the illness. Thirty-seven other students have made a recovery. Out of 5,000 resident students, the campus holds a 1.34 percent positivity rate for the virus, according to the universitys data. Are you a Connecticut student going to college during the COVID-19 pandemic? We want to hear about your experience. Email us at tips@ctnews.com An additional 7 commuter students also tested positive since the day before, bringing the total number of Storrs commuter cases to 25 out of a population of 5,311 students who commute rather than live on campus. Cases among faculty and staff remain at two, according to the schools data. One student who commutes to the schools Hartford campus has also tested positive, the first case recorded on that campus. The remaining two new cases since the day before were both students who commuted to the schools campus in Stamford, according to the schools data. UConns Avery Point campus has reported no cases of COVID-19. As colleges see more cases of the virus crop up among students, federal infectious disease experts have urged students who catch the disease to stay at their school to recover rather than returning home and potentially putting older family members at risk. Dr. Anthony Fauci called students returning home the worst thing (they) could do during an appearance on NBCs Today show, Wednesday, and said students could carry the virus back to their home state. Some schools have taken more extreme measures on contact tracing. In Michigan, Albion College required students to download a location tracking app that was synced to their COVID-19 test results before students could return to school, the New York Post reported Wednesday. Several other Connecticut colleges and universities are reporting cases of COVID-19. Connecticut College in New London reported two new cases of the disease on Thursday, for a total of three active cases all among students. Yale University in New Haven has reported 11 cases since the beginning of August, with no new infections on Tuesday, the most recent testing data available. Central Connecticut State University in New Britain is reporting two cases among commuter students and two cases among residential students, according to its tracker. Eight residential students have been quarantined. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 03:24:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday praised the successful municipal elections in the city of Misurata, some 200 km east of the capital Tripoli. "The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) congratulates the citizens of Misurata on a peaceful and successful electoral process conducted yesterday 03 September 2020," UNSMIL said in a statement. "This election has, once again, demonstrated the Libyans' determination to exercise their democratic rights to elect their representatives, defying the many challenges their city and country are facing in these trying times," said Stephanie Williams, Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of UNSMIL. Williams urged all Libyan potential voters to actively register and further participate in upcoming local elections. UNSMIL reiterated its strong support for the Libyan people in conducting municipal elections and strengthening local governance, as well as to the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections (CCMCE) for its vital role in ensuring municipal elections are conducted democratically and through an inclusive and credible process. The former head of the Municipal Council of Misurata, Mustafa Karwad, died on Monday of COVID-19, according to local media. Enditem Shoppers have accused Superdrug of 'female erasure' after it launched a range of plant-based sanitary towels for 'people who menstruate' rather than 'women'. The 3.99 'Luna' brand is thought to be the first sold by the high street store to adopt more inclusive language on its packaging. But it has caused consternation on social media with women attacking it for 'playing games' with gender and pointing out that 'men don't generally menstruate'. Some have even poked fun at the product saying it would make a great present for their fathers or joking, 'Just wait until JK Rowling hears about this!' Others have, however, welcomed the change as a sign of inclusion and congratulated Superdrug for its efforts. The change comes after the Harry Potter author faced aggressive backlash on social media when she tweeted an article which used the phrase 'people who menstruate'. 'I'm sure there used to be a word for those people,' she said. 'Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?' Shoppers have ridiculed Superdrug for selling 3.99 sanitary towels that are made for 'people who menstruate' rather than women The product description has been accused of 'female erasure' and 'playing with' gender The back of the Luna product, which appeared in stores this summer, reads: 'A person who menstruates will on average have over 400 periods and use around 11,000 period products in a lifetime. 'However, we understand periods are never average so we have created LUNA, a range of period products that suit you as an individual. '(It) is made from organic cotton, certified sustainable pulp and renewable plant-based plastics. Dermatologically tested to make sure it's suitable for sensitive skin, (the product) is soft and breathable, ensuring both your comfort and protection are equally important.' Social media users have lined up to attack the 'woke' product for its failure to mention the word 'women'. 'Not putting women in a product related to menstruation (only women menstruate) sounds pretty erasing to me,' said one. 'Female erasure - cheer it on ladies!,' said a second, while a third expressed dismay at all the women 'cheering about being erased' in the comments. Luna sanitary towel description in full 'A person who menstruates will on average have over 400 periods and use around 11,000 period products in a lifetime. 'However, we understand periods are never average so we have created LUNA, a range of period products that suit you as an individual. 'The word menstruation originates from the Latin word mensis, meaning month, and the Greek word mene, meaning moon, and is also from a time in the past when the lunar cycle and the monthly menstrual cycle were believed to be connected. 'The association with the moon and nature has inspired us to create LUNA, helping you to make kinder choices for you and for the environment, every month. '(It) is made from organic cotton, certified sustainable pulp and renewable plant-based plastics. 'Dermatologically tested to make sure it's suitable for sensitive skin, (the product) is soft and breathable, ensuring both your comfort and protection are equally important.' Advertisement Criticising the product, another woman wrote: 'Sorry, not trying to be rude or ignorant but what am I not getting? Men don't generally menstruate.' And yet another added: 'How environmentally friendly is it to purchase a product one has no real use for?' Some even joked about the Luna product, saying: 'Just wait until JK Rowling hears about this!' And above a picture of a woman clenching her face in anger, one Tweeter wrote: 'A certain children's author reading this right now.' Others have, however, welcomed the product. One Twitter user wrote:' Oh my goodness. I am so, so impressed by Superdrug today; not only are their own brand LUNA pads are entirely plant-based, on the back it says a person who menstruates. A PERSON. YESSSS.' Another added: 'This is brilliant! Well done, Superdrug.. Have been a huge fan of the own brand tampons since I was 15 and this just makes me love the store even more. Period champions!' The communications assistant for LGBTQ+ charity Mermaids, Jake Edwards, also welcomed the change, saying: 'As a trans person who still experiences periods, I dread the days when my supplies start running low. 'I run through a million scenarios of people staring at me, questioning me, laughing behind my back. Now I can confidently walk into a Superdrug and if anyone challenged me I could point to the packet and say "look, this is made for me". 'For many, changes like this might seem pretty small - insignificant even - but for trans people, it can help them feel safe and seen. 'Periods have so much stigma and shame attached to them, especially for trans people. 'For trans men and non-binary people it can be a reminder of something deeply upsetting so anything that combats that can only be a good thing. 'When young trans men are experiencing their first period, making sure theyre acknowledged will bring huge relief. At Mermaids, we applaud Superdrug!' A spokesman for Superdrug explained that the product was created to help them 'champion inclusivity and diversity' as they are 'committed to ensuring all of our employees, communities and customers feel seen and included'. 'When writing the copy for the products we were aware that there could be customers of this range who are currently transitioning from one sex to another or who identify as Non-Binary but will still be menstruating, alongside the women that use the products,' they said. 'We therefore felt person was a more inclusive noun to use than "woman". 'We are continuing to review all new products and the language we use throughout the business, to ensure we are being as inclusive as possible.' Each packet of Luna contains 14 towels. It has achieved a rating of 3.7 stars on their website since it was launched. JK Rowling sparked controversy after tweeting about the phrase 'people who menstraute' The Harry Potter author faced a barrage of criticism for questioning the phrase 'people who menstruate'. In tweet this June, Rowling wrote: 'I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?' JK Rowling sparked controversy in June after tweeting about an article that said 'people who menstruate' instead of 'women'. She faced widespread criticism which led to her handing back a human rights award that she was given by the US Kennedy family after one of its members also criticised her views. The group's president Kerry Kennedy said the 'Harry Potter' creator's words 'diminished the identity' of trans people. Rowling responded on her website: 'Kerry Kennedy recently felt it necessary to publish a statement denouncing my views. 'The statement incorrectly implied that I was transphobic, and that I am responsible for harm to trans people. I absolutely refute the accusation. 'In solidarity with those who have contacted me but who are struggling to make their voices heard, and because of the very serious conflict of views between myself and (The Kennedy Foundation), I feel I have no option but to return the Ripple of Hope award.' Home and Away star Bryan Wiseman has spoken about his years of suffering after he was raped by a school bus driver when he was just 10-years-old. The actor, who played Dr John Wilson for four years on the soap, said he thought he would be able to get some closure after his attacker was sentenced to eight years prison in November 2019. However, Nowra bus driver Trevor Dale, who pleaded guilty to orally and anally raping Mr Wiseman has stayed out of jail after courts granted him multiple extensions to appeal the sentence. Home and Away star Bryan Wiseman has spoken about his years of suffering after he was raped by a school bus driver when he was just 10-years-old Bryan Wiseman (right) leaves the Downing Centre Local Court after giving his victims impact statement in Sydney, Friday, November 8, 2019 Mr Wiseman, 51, said he had to endure a 'life sentence' while his attacker was able to delay justice further adding to his trauma which had been dredged up with the police investigation and court case. 'These extensions are just a slap in the face - I thought it was all over,' Mr Wiseman told Newscorp. 'You've got these people who don't have any remorse and don't appreciate the pain they've caused and the victim gets dragged through it over and over again it's so frustrating,' he said. 'It's like getting stabbed in the back every month there's another extension.' He is calling for an overhaul of the system to provide better support to victims, adding that he only found out he was entitled to $10,000 in compensation when other abuse victims let him know. He said while he was grateful for the money it appeared to be a token amount, which he said should be raised and the 'hoops' victims are required to jump through removed. Mr Wiseman said he was also incredibly frustrated over 'cruel' changes to laws in February which ban victims in Victoria from speaking about their cases under their own identities once their attackers have been found guilty. Those who break the law can be fined $3,000 or be jailed for four months. He said he said he is worried similar laws could be introduced in New South Wales, where he is a resident, and that speaking up had not only helped himself but also other victims. Northern Ireland can be a very weird place. Well, you don't need me to tell you that. But one of the strangest things is the way, when viewed through the warped prism of sectarian politics, everything - and I do mean everything - gets divided up into orange and green. This was particularly pronounced during the Troubles, but it remains ingrained to this day. So Palestinian flags belong to republicans while Israeli flags are flown by loyalists. There were - and for all I know still are - Spanish holiday resorts that are deemed to be the natural destination for one side or the other. Weightlifting is a loyalist thing. Republicans prefer reading poetry, especially Seamus Heaney. It even comes down to bakery goods. Protestant unionists have a special affinity with tray-bakes, apparently. Leave the scones to the Catholics. Nuts, isn't it? Truly farcical. Especially the sectarian patisserie. But that's the way the tribal mindset works. It reduces the whole buzzing, blooming confusion of reality to a system of stupid polar opposites in which all must choose - or be assigned - their side and stick with it regardless. You're either with us or against us. That's the first rule of Fight Club. In Northern Ireland anyway. Now the same mentality seems to be spreading faster than coronavirus well beyond our own insular shores. It's like Northern Ireland sneezed and the whole world caught the bug. One of the nastiest things this mind-set does is to chip away at your basic humanity. You've already surrendered your individuality to the tribe, traded independence of mind for pre-programmed certainty. What happens now is that you lose empathy for anyone who challenges the declared position of your people. Your opponent becomes a legitimate target to be destroyed. You don't care, because to you they're no longer even human. We saw it happen with the bitter, squalid divisions over Brexit. And now, bizarrely, it's happening with Covid along exactly the same lines as Brexit. What does a microscopic virus have to do with the UK's departure from the European Union? Nothing at all, but it provides a convenient vehicle for tribal divisions to be reinforced. So if you're a left-leaning Remainer then your assigned tribe is the lockdown zealots and mask-fanciers, keen to keep us all banged up like New Zealand at whatever cost until a vaccine arrives. Voted to leave the EU? This way please, sir. Meet your gang: a bunch of red-faced, Trump-worshipping gammons and granny-killers whose only concern is protecting their profits. Needless to say these toxic divisions, fuelled by social media, stifle real debate. Instead, we get a kind of vicious pantomime, ever more hysterical, in which fear and rage are the dominant voices. And just as in Northern Ireland, if you try to step outside your perceived community by speaking or acting counter to its de facto political rules, you'll be excoriated. Ex-communicated. Or to put it in more contemporary language, cancelled. For example, as an old-fashioned liberal who values freedom, difference and tolerance above all else (we're a dying species, I fear) I'm dismayed that any expression of dissent from the lockdown-supporting orthodoxy brings frenzied accusations that I am, in fact, Donald Trump. I mean, I know we have similar hair colour, but I really don't like the guy. It seems to me that the case against overly restrictive lockdown measures should naturally belong to the Left. The people who suffer most from the effects of lockdown are the poor, the marginalised and the under-privileged - and the global poor will be worst hit of all. Economic deprivation will always widen inequality. Likewise, if you care about fighting censorship and oppression, and you should, why do you so enthusiastically accept the suspension of civil liberties and the introduction of state surveillance? Why do you lambast the authoritarian Tories, not for their policies of coercion and control, which would certainly be justified, but for not locking us down even harder? Long ago one of my lecturers at Queen's, a man of great insight, warmth and integrity, had a sign on the wall of his tutorial room. It said: 'Question Authority'. That was a fundamental principle of the old Left. Sadly, too many on today's Left seem keener to act as enforcers, making sure we all submit to government authority, no questions asked. If we profess to care about social justice we should always question the evidence-free diktats of over-privileged, over-promoted, power-hungry politicians. Just as we must resist the dangerous allure of tribal politics if we hope to remain human. This is all sorts of awful. This movie was supposed to be so cool. I really loved Aladdin, so I hope the movie is actually good. Reply Thread Link aladdin was a really fun and charming movie Reply Parent Thread Link Will Smith was weird but the two romantic leads were really cute. Reply Parent Thread Link I want to see an all asian movie do well so white execs don't use its failure as an excuse to continue the white reign on entertainment but this is more important. i had no idea she supported mainland china's terror on hong kong. and i had no idea that the behind the scenes personnel were all white. fuck this movie tbh Edited at 2020-09-04 09:14 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Pretty much what I came say. Crap that Disney will view this as anti Asian, anti female led etc, but not like this. Reply Parent Thread Link The media (and here I include internet chatter) will see it as anti-woman and maybe anti-Asian. Unless this reason gets transported very very loudly. But they will probably ignore it and just say it's because of Corona and people don't want to watch it at home for this price. Reply Parent Thread Link the whole hong kong thing is sf scary to me because it's like a live stream of a democracy being killed and there is fucking nothing we can do about it like nothing we're just watching it all go to shit and we're allowing this to happen because of what valuing cheap production over human lives? i hate this planet, like fuck this Reply Thread Link And then my thoughts lead into, higher ups in the US are probably just watching this and taking notes on how to pull the same thing off here. I just don't believe that Trump won't try to pull some horrible shit whether he wins or loses. Reply Parent Thread Link The Hong Kong situation plus the literal Uyghur concentration camps in China. The whole thing is so rotten. I was really looking forward to this movie but I'm not going to watch it. Reply Parent Thread Link https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/meghara/china-new-internment-camps-xinjiang-uighurs-muslims like how the fuck does this fly really shows how fucking useless the un is i mean just casual fucking genocide in 2020 and fucking internment camps like what the fuuuuuuucklike how the fuck does this flyreally shows how fucking useless the un is Reply Parent Thread Expand Link https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/06/24/liu-cixins-war-of-the-worlds When I brought up the mass internment of Muslim Uighursaround a million are now in reeducation camps in the northwestern province of Xinjianghe trotted out the familiar arguments of government-controlled media: Would you rather that they be hacking away at bodies at train stations and schools in terrorist attacks? If anything, the government is helping their economy and trying to lift them out of poverty. The answer duplicated government propaganda so exactly that I couldnt help asking Liu if he ever thought he might have been brainwashed. With the news about the Three Body Problem getting an adaptation, people were circulating this interview with the author Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I feel like this is a dilemma because you have countries likes Haiti, Dominican Republic, and others where the price of dollar only keeps rising and you cant ask those citizens to buy things made in America or where anywhere else where human rights are respected because unfortunately those articles are expensive yet you got this umbrella (for example) that was made in China and its so cheap, ofcourse if its raining a person thats only making 100 to 200 dollars a month is going to prefer buying the cheap one made in China. Unfortunately China knows these countries choose low price more than quality/value when making purchases and thanks to that now they hold so much power in the economy. Reply Parent Thread Link The Canadian government recently said that Canadians who live in Hong Kong should get out and I got so confused because its not reported on enough so I dont know exactly whats going on but it seems like everything is escalating very quickly and then there are all those labour camps for Uighur muslims. Like how is no one acting yet? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm 100% behind Hong Kongers' fight for freedom. So pissed at the silence of the international community. I'm not going to watch it ! I truly hope that Agnes and Joshua and all the democracy fighters will be safe :/ dreading the day they'll die or just randomly disappear... :/ Edited at 2020-09-04 09:20 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link yep theres definitely no honor in supporting police brutality and authoritarianism. pass. Reply Thread Link disappointed to find out that Donnie Yen also supports the HK Police (and did blackface). Can't trust anyone anymore. Reply Thread Link I didn't know that :( Reply Parent Thread Link well that breaks my heart Reply Parent Thread Link it sucks. jackie chan also was against the umbrella movement in the past and thats even more galling since hes an HKer himself Reply Parent Thread Link Jackie Chan has always openly supported China and the CCP. A few years back he pulled in a lot of favours to get his son off the drug charge in China too, I would assume he owes a lot to the party after that. Although I hear the tides are turning on him since he apparently supports the other faction in the party (his property was seized a few days ago). Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Tony Leung too :((((( Reply Parent Thread Expand Link A lot of celebrities in HK are either silent or supportive of the CCP as China is where the real money is to be made. Many stars who start off in HK, end up going to China to film as there's just so much more money and rich people gifting them stuff and if they want to keep making money, they gotta conform to the CCP. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That's disappointing to learn. Reply Parent Thread Link WHAT?! WHEN?! (to both HK police and blackface) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link So this is the equivalent of saying blue lives matter or make America great again, no? I wonder if Disney is gonna step in and offer something for the movie to distract everyone. Fuck her though, and the ccp. Those people deserve their rights and freedoms. Reply Thread Link China has so many human rights abuses to answer for. Edited at 2020-09-04 09:24 pm (UTC) I support the #milkteaalliance <3China has so many human rights abuses to answer for. Reply Thread Link ever since this came out a few months ago i have also supported (delicious and righteous!!), i think there was something about india joining this too lol. love it, all my fave milk teas Reply Parent Thread Link India has no business joining any such alliance after what the Modi government is doing in Kashmir and trying to revoke people's citizenship. All supported by a major elected majority too. For strategic reasons tho, if the milk tea alliance had any real power it'd make sense. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Fucking depressing mess. Also $30 rental..... LAWD. Lmaaaaooooooooo. This shouldnt be in reality. Like wheres the effort? I cannot believe this happened Reply Thread Link In regards to the rental you do keep it as long as you keep your disney+ account. Reply Parent Thread Link so wait... you have to pay for the disney subscription AND the rental? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link People keep saying this like you dont have to keep paying for Disney+ to keep it. If you wait until December you still get to keep it. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Also a Mulan adaptation without Mushu is always going to be the inferior movie. bye. Reply Thread Link Ok so I havent seen mulan and maybe its just been a long quarantine but I would fuck that shirtless cartoon character. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The legend of Mulan existed for centuries without him. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link IA and Ill die on this hill with you! Reply Parent Thread Link good. the best way to get things done in capitalism is to withhold your money. The loss of revenue will have these companies scrambling way more than any death stemming from human rights violations. Reading about Agnes Chow this morning has been nothing short of inspiring. I hope that she is able to stay safe Reply Thread Link You can all attack me now. Okay, if you insist! Like, if you're keeping silent about Hong Kong because they're issuing arrest warrants for US citizens and politicians who've sought asylum in other countries under the new security law, that's one thing. But willingly standing up for that government and the cops attacking protesters? You're authoritarian trash. Her career will be fine, though, because US entertainment companies and sports leagues will do anything to keep the Chinese government happy for that cash. It's more likely that pro-democracy actors would be blacklisted. Reply Thread Link Her career will be fine, though, because US entertainment companies and sports leagues will do anything to keep the Chinese government happy for that cash. Yup. The same government responsible for carrying out a literal genocide against the Uighur people. It's horrible. Reply Parent Thread Link Is that real or not bc ive also seen a lot of evidence that its CIA anti-chinese prop Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Her career will be fine, though, because US entertainment companies and sports leagues will do anything to keep the Chinese government happy for that cash. Not sure how to word this but, I think her career will be fine over here mainly cause the US media, entertainment, government, businesses, etc etc support the police and ignore (or excuse) police brutality as well. Like, her comments are not far off from what we hear over here? Sure, the money helps, but its not like the USs opinion on that topic is actually different or progressive by comparison. (idk, I don't think everybody in entertainment is going against their good morals to get coins from China, most of them simply agree on this). Reply Parent Thread Link Oh btw Liu Yifei is a naturalised American citizen herself. Hypocrite. Reply Parent Thread Link Thats why Im not watching it. Reply Thread Link I mean there are multiple legitimate reasons not to. Whats the point of this since its all rushed into an expensive trainwreck Reply Parent Thread Link This post reminded me that I can resume my illegal download in about 20 minutes. Reply Thread Link how is it? Reply Parent Thread Link it's terrible Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I misremembered, its another two hours Reply Parent Thread Link It was okay. Kind of pointless like the majority of these live action remakes. The entire time we were watching it, we kept wanting to just watch the animated movie instead. It was gorgeous, and the lead actress was okay, but it was overall eh. Probably a 6/10 for me. Reply Parent Thread Link That's the only way to watch it. I have it from this morning but I'll watch it whenever I find the time to. Reply Parent Thread Link As long as that energy is kept for WW84 by some of the same people, honestly even on here I noticed a significant difference in the comment section for Mulan vs WW84. Studios only speak money so boycotting is the right move if you want to send a message, and the right thing to do to protest against those who use their platforms to promote oppressive messages. Edited at 2020-09-04 09:45 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Whats the issue with WW84? Reply Parent Thread Link You kidding me? People cant even pass up on New Mutants in the middle of a damn pandemic, with its blatant racism and lightwashing, And that movie looked terrible. No way half the people going boycott Mulan wont be in WW on release night, gushing about how its the best movie theyve ever seen. ONTD is only progressive when its not in conflict with their personal entertainment. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i'm going to do the sensible thing and pirate it, i do want to watch it but i'm not going to spend a dime on it lol. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeeeeh, I fucking hate the CCP and am v v v much pro HK independence but some of the anger against things like this can feel very disingenuous and lowkey anti-asian when I dont see the same outrage over things like gal gadot. Like yall seem to have a way easier time being outraged over this than similar hr abuses occuring atm marge its true but he shouldnt say it.gif Reply Parent Thread Expand Link my wokeness comes easy to me bc disney remakes and dc movies (ALL of them, shazam is flaming garbage) are crap. hw wont be getting any of my money this whole year cept a 4 dollar contribution to watch bill and ted. Reply Parent Thread Link Exactly what I came here to post. People love the WW film and plan to watch the next one but are boycotting this? What's the difference? Reply Parent Thread Link According to a new shopping behavior study conducted by Bazaarvoice Inc., 80 percent of global consumers vow to stick with new brands purchased during the lockdown. And in a separate report from IBM, researchers there found consumer optimism at an all-time low. Bazaarvoices latest report provides new data and insights from its network of 6,200 brands and retailers that serve to highlight consumer shopping behaviors created by the global pandemic and reveal consumer behaviors that show staying power. Additionally, Bazaarvoice surveyed 8,062 consumers across the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, France and Germany during July about purchase motivators and barriers. Notably, as e-commerce has accelerated within the retail industry in recent months, the report says savvy shoppers have gone digital. Price continues to be an important factor for shoppers in the U.S., with 24 percent of respondents saying it is the most influential factor in any purchases they will make in the next three months. Consumers are also now much more likely to be persuaded by positive reviews and product ratings as they shop online. At the same time, 17 percent of U.S. consumers said the ability to buy products online will be a large factor as they decide how to shop. There is no question that the pandemic and the resulting physical store closures, as well as shoppers concern for safety, has catapulted e-commerce adoption at least five years into the future, said Suzin Wold, senior vice president of marketing at Bazaarvoice. During this time consumers have shopped online in unprecedented numbers and even though brick-and-mortar stores have opened, those numbers continue to be much higher than the same times last year. More than one-third of Gen Z and Millennials said they had connected with a brand app during quarantine with 66 percent saying they use mobile self-checkout methods in physical stores. According to Bazaarvoice, being able to communicate how products work, look, and feel effectively will be crucial for brands as consumers solidify habits of shopping digitally. Story continues Data revealed that subscription services are also on the rise. Subscriptions were an early solution for consumers who struggled to get items at the beginning of quarantine as nonessential stores closed and grocery shelves were reported to be empty. The companys survey found that 25 percent of consumers used a subscription service during quarantine and further found 85 percent of consumers will continue to pay for subscriptions post-lockdown. Consumers told the company ease was a major factor for the continuation of subscription services followed by confidence in product quality and reliable delivery. The result of this acceleration of e-commerce doesnt just mean higher online sales, said Wold. Online consumers are now discovering, and sticking with, new brands, as well as increasingly flocking to subscription models of purchasing. This increasing dependence on the digital world of retail will undoubtedly even further blend the online and offline customer journey as shoppers return to in-person shopping going forward. Meanwhile, IBMs latest COVID-19 consumer survey revealed waning optimism in America. The IBM Institute for Business Values monthly report polled more than 14,500 adults living in highly impacted countries across the globe to track month-to-month changes in consumer perception on the pandemic from April to August. Although previous months have shown indications of workers wanting to continue working from home permanently, new survey data saw a decrease to 50 percent preferring to work remotely compared to 65 percent in July. A third of Americans told the company work preferences had changed due to mental health. Additionally, 47 percent of Americans said they feel strongly that employers should provide special accommodations for child-care needs, up from 41 percent in July. Still, Americans showed optimism for the U.S. economy, with a third of respondents reporting they believe the U.S. economy will recover in 2021. Globally, respondents in India and China were the most optimistic about the economys potential to recover this year. For More WWD Business News: COVID-19 Has Impacted Consumers Attitudes Toward Sustainability As E-commerce Expands, So Does Cybercrime What Trends Will Emerge as the Holiday Season Draws Closer? Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says Nigerians living in Ghana are safe and can continue to live, work and trade in the country peacefully. Nigerian residents in the country have, for the past few months, complained over attacks on their businesses by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA). There have been reports of Nigerian businesses being forced to shut down on the basis that their presence in Ghana is illegal. About three months ago, some Ghanaians invaded the diplomatic premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra and demolished buildings with bulldozers. Despite these developments, President Akufo-Addo, in a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday, said Nigerian residents in Ghana are safe. He said many Nigerians had lived in Ghana for years while several others had intermarried Ghanaians and were raising their families in Ghana. President Akufo-Addo said Ghana and Nigeria had enjoyed years of cordial relationship and, therefore, stressed the need for residents from both countries to live and work freely without any inhibitions. The President suggested the establishment of a joint ministerial committee from both countries to oversee trade and investment activities and protect Nigerian businesses in Ghana and vice-versa. He said the joint ministerial committee would shepherd Ghana Nigeria trade issues and report to the presidents of both countries anytime issues came up. President Akufo-Addo welcomed a call by the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives to take a second look at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act which prevents foreigners from engaging in certain trade activities. He assured that the Ghanaian government would continue to hold discussions with their Nigerian counterparts on how businesses from their countries could operate in each others countries peacefully. He stressed the need for both Ghanaians and Nigerians to continue to live together, adding that the brotherliness must continue. Mr Gbajabiamila, on his part, appealed to the government to consider the possibility of amending the GIPC Act to protect the interest of Nigerians doing genuine business in Ghana. He said if that was not possible, the government should consider a way to reduce the pain and difficulties Nigerian businesses face in Ghana. The Nigerian Speaker further suggested the establishment of a Ghana Nigeria Business Council with legislative backing from both countries to protect trade and investments in each others countries. 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 wildcat kittens have been unveiled to the public (Alyson Houston/RZSS/PA) Four critically endangered Scottish wildcat kittens have been born at the Highland Wildlife Park. The youngsters, named Strom, Eilein, Druim and Vaara by Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) staff, were unveiled to the public this week when the wildcat viewing area at the attraction near Kingussie was reopened. Guests will be encouraged to wear face masks to help keep the animals and other people safe. Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said: We are thrilled to welcome the birth of four kittens, who were born during lockdown in May, to mum Fiain and dad Blair. Expand Close Wildcats are one of Scotlands most threatened mammals (Alyson Houston/RZSS/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Wildcats are one of Scotlands most threatened mammals (Alyson Houston/RZSS/PA) We have one male, Strom, and three females, Eilein, Druim and Vaara. It has been great watching them grow and it is fantastic to now be able to welcome visitors to meet them too. Wildcats are one of Scotlands rarest and most threatened animals. In a survey carried out between 2015 and 2018, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), found that in the wild only 20% of wildcats were fully wildcat, while the remaining 80% were either hybrids or entirely domestic. RZSS is leading a new partnership Saving Wildcats which aims to conserve the species by breeding and releasing wildcats back into the wild. David Barclay, Saving Wildcats conservation manager, said: Following a sad history of habitat loss, persecution and, more recently, breeding with domestic cats, wildcats are on the brink of extinction in Scotland but its not too late. Expand Close The Highland Wildlife Park is part of the conservation effort (Alyson Houston/RZSS/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Highland Wildlife Park is part of the conservation effort (Alyson Houston/RZSS/PA) By bringing together the expertise and skills of national and international organisations, the Saving Wildcats project can secure a future for the Highland tiger by breeding and releasing wildcats into the wild, so every birth is a potential lifeline for the species. Saving Wildcats is also working in partnership with NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Nordens Ark and Junta de Andalucia. Michael Gu has fled Australia owing $350m Michael Gu moved into Sydney's tranquil lower north shore in an appropriately polite style, with his wife Cherry delivering a box of Lindt chocolates to their neighbours' door. With the chocolates was a card introducing the family's 'huge but friendly' Samoyed dog Doughnut and providing a mobile phone number if the neighbours ever needed help. Initially nothing about the couple seemed out of ordinary in quiet Superba Parade, Mosman, where the $10million Gu home stood above Balmoral Beach. Mr Gu was barely even noticed until his garage got so full he began parking a white Lamborghini Urus and a dark Bentley Bentayga on the street. Three years later Mr Gu, his wife and the cars are all gone, with the 32-year-old investor having disappeared owing $350million. Mr Gu has since been dubbed 'Australia's new Christopher Skase' after his iProsperity Group business collapsed and he fled the country for the United States. While he is believed to have flown to Los Angeles via New Zealand, Mr Gu's exact whereabouts are unknown. This week the front entrance of Mr Gu's home was vandalised on three surfaces with Mandarin characters in red paint demanding 'pay the money back'. When Daily Mail Australia visited on Friday the graffiti had been removed and the empty house was locked up securely. Neighbours said they did not know when Mr Gu and his family had moved out and barely saw him when he was home. Michael Gu has fled Australia after his company collapsed owing creditors $350million. Three years ago Mr Gu and his wife moved into a $10million mansion at Mosman on Sydney's lower north shore. This week someone wrote 'pay the money back' in Madarin on his front door Mr Gu arrived in Superba Parade, Mosman, in an appropriately polite fashion, with his wife Cherry delivering a box of chocolates to their neighbours' door. Mr Gu was barely noticed until he began parking a Lamborghini and Bentley on the street. His abandoned home is pictured Gu's four-bedroom five-bathroom Mosman home (marked in red) overlooks Balmoral with views to North Head. On Friday the house was empty and locked securely One said she had left a welcome note for the new residents when they bought their four-bedroom home in April 2017 - 'just doing the neighbourly thing, you know'. Mrs Gu responded some time later by dropping a card and box of Lindt chocolates in the neighbour's letterbox. 'Sorry for the later reply,' the hand-written card from Mrs Gu began. 'Me & Mike was just back from oversea. 'Thank you for your lovely "Balmoral welcome card. We are currently very enjoy the views of the beach. Gu's wife Cherry left a card (pictured) for their neighbours soon after they moved in 'My parents are also here with my 1 year old daughter, also my dog "Doughnut". He is huge but friendly, you may saw him before. He's Samoyed. Ha ha.' Mrs Gu included her mobile phone number and wrote: 'For anything you need me help, please let me know. Have a good day! Regards, Cherry (Fr 10 Superba).' The neighbour said she ate the chocolates, kept the card and never heard from the Gu family again. 'We never saw them or spoke to them,' she said. 'To be honest, they were away a lot. I couldn't tell you what he looked like - or her.' What the neighbour did notice was the Lamborghini and Bentley SUVs parked outside the Gu home, which even in an affluent suburb like Mosman stood out. 'People used to stop and take photographs of themselves with the cars,' she said. 'We used to laugh. I don't know what was in the garage because it was always closed.' 'Me & Mike was just back from oversea,' Cherry Gu wrote to the couple's neighbours. 'Thanks for your lovely "Balmoral" welcome card.' The neighbours had no more contact in three years A certified translator said the graffiti was written in simplified Mandarin and literally meant 'Pay money back' but in the context could be read as 'You pay the/my/our money back!' Presumably rotated through the double garage were Gu's other vehicles: a Rolls Royce Wraith, a Ferrari Spider and a second Lamborghini. Another neighbour said she did not know when Mr Gu had moved out of the house. 'They just seemed to be quiet, nice people,' she said. 'They didn't really draw attention to themselves except for the cars.' A third neighbour had not even noticed that Mr Gu and his wife were gone or seen the graffiti on his door. 'Those Chinese people?' she said. 'I didn't see them move out. The curtains were always drawn. You got the impression they were away a lot and terribly, terribly quiet.' The $10million home (pictured) will likely be sold off in an attempt to recover some of the money owed by Gu's companies, but it is mortgaged to Credit Suisse Michael Gu's luxury Mosman home was painted with graffiti saying 'pay back the money' in Chinese (left) this week. Gu's home had been cleaned of all graffiti by Friday morning (right) A certified translator said the graffiti was written in simplified Mandarin and literally meant 'Pay money back' but in the context could be read as 'You pay the/my/our money back!' Mr Gu and his business associate Harry Huang appear to have fled Australia on July 26 after the Department of Home Affairs allowed them to travel. That permission was granted despite fraud allegations having been levelled against the pair by their creditors. Neither has been charged with any crimes. Mr Gu has been described as a 'modern day Christopher Skase' because he was granted permission to travel and quickly fell off the radar. Skase was an Australian entrepreneur who became one of the country's most wanted fugitives, after his business empire crashed and he fled to Majorca, Spain. He was accused of exaggerating illnesses and died before he could ever be extradited to Australia. The most flashy of Gu's cars was this white-gold Rolls Royce with bright orange leather trim and lambswool mats which was sold at auction last week for $502,000 Gu's last known location was in Los Angeles, but authorities are not certain he is still there. His gold Rolls Royce Wraith with its bright orange leather trim and lambswool mats was sold by liquidators at auction last week for $502,000. That vehicle was one of the few physical items that could be recovered from the collapse of Gu's business, which could cost investors up to $350million. The $10million home will likely also be sold off in an attempt to recover some of the money, but it is mortgaged to Credit Suisse. Mr Gu has been described as a 'modern day Christopher Skase'. Failed entrepreneur Skase (pictured) fled Australia for Spain in 1991 while facing charges over his business activities Mr Gu had been touted as an incredible success story, rising from a mobile phone salesman in western Sydney to a businessman who gained the trust of huge international investors. 'People who would say ''look at the car Michael drives, where he lives, his office'',' one person known to Mr Gu told the Australian Financial Review. 'They believed he was a great success story.' New South Wales Police are in the early stages of investigating Mr Gu over potential fraudulent activity, but by the time authorities put a stop on his passport, he'd already flown out of Australia. Cor Cordis was appointed as administrators of 13 iProsperity companies in July. 'Our urgent focus is on stabilising the iProsperity Group and commencing a full and thorough investigation into its affairs,' Cor Cordis Partner and Voluntary Administrator Barry Wight said. Mr Gu's luxury Mosman home (pictured) was hastily abandoned in late July as he and his business associate Harry Huang fled to Los Angeles via New Zealand Liquidators are still establishing how they can best retrieve as much of the money owing as possible. According to a Cor Cordis report, Mr Gu used $1million of company funds to purchase Vanuatu passports in July last year. A report by KPMG said the 'potential misuse of investor funds' and 'potential improper conduct' likely led to the collapse of one iProsperity company, Capital Management Pty Ltd. Capital Management, which had debts of $60.5 million, was just one of the iProsperity group's 64 operations, the AFR reported. Trump slammed the report late Thursday, after his aides earlier called the allegations 'disgusting, grotesque, reprehensible lies' President Donald Trump speaks to supporters at a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport on September 3, 2020 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (AFP) Washington: US President Donald Trump referred to US Marines buried in a WWI cemetery in France as "losers" and "suckers" for getting killed in action, according to a report Thursday in the Atlantic magazine. The report, penned by the magazine's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, said Trump had refused to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 because "he feared his hair would become dishevelled in the rain," although the official explanation offered by aides was that the helicopter due to take him there could not fly due to weather. "In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, 'Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers,'" the article said. "In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as 'suckers' for getting killed," the Atlantic added, citing four unnamed people it said had firsthand knowledge of the discussions. Trump slammed the report late Thursday, after his aides earlier called the allegations "disgusting, grotesque, reprehensible lies." "Somebody makes up this horrible story that I didn't want to go," he told reporters after returning from a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. "If they really exist, if people really exist that would have said that, they're low lifes and they're liars. And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes," he said. "No animal, nobody, what animal would say such a thing?" 'Disgusting & jealous' However, some critics pointed to Trump's denigrating comments about late senator John McCain, who was captured in Vietnam and was widely regarded as a war hero. Trump said in the run-up to the 2016 election: "He's not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured." The US president acknowledged on Twitter that he was "never a big fan" of McCain, but that lowering of flags after the senator's death and his "first class" funeral in Washington "had to be approved by me, as President, & I did so without hesitation or complaint. Quite the contrary, I felt it was well deserved." "Also, I never called John a loser and swear on whatever, or whoever, I was asked to swear on, that I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES," Trump added. "This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election!" Around 1,800 US Marines died in the battle at Belleau Wood, holding off a German advance toward Paris in 1918. According to the Atlantic, Trump asked aides on his trip to France, "Who were the good guys in this war?" and could not understand why the United States had come to the aid of the Allies. Joe Biden, Trump's rival in the November 3 election, said in a statement that if the article's allegations are true, "then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States." "If I have the honour of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice -- always," Biden said. Intern and resident doctors block Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo's path as he enters the Korea Health Promotion Institute in Seoul, Friday, to sign an agreement with Korea Medical Association President Choi Dae-zip. The KMA agreed to end a nationwide strike by doctors after the government said it would not proceed with a plan to increase admission quotas at medical schools. However, junior doctors claimed the agreement was made without consulting them. / Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye A doctors' association agreed to end a nationwide walkout, Friday, after the government vowed to put a plan to increase admission quotas at medical schools on hold. But many issues still remain unresolved, including internal conflicts in the medical sector, raising concerns that the agreement to end the strike will not be unanimously abided by, and that further confrontation is a possibility. Korea Medical Association (KMA) President Choi Dae-zip and ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) policy committee chief Rep. Han Jeoung-ae signed an agreement at about 10 a.m. in Seoul to restart discussions on the government's medical workforce reform plan from "square one" after the COVID-19 crisis eases. The plan, which triggered the doctors' strike, includes raising admission quotas at medical schools and establishing a new public medical school, which the KMA called a "hasty and unilateral" decision that overlooked the importance of medical education. The agreement defused tensions between the medical sector and the government that began last month amid growing concerns over a second wave of COVID-19 infections. But an internal conflict in the medical sector was on full display Friday, with interns and resident doctors, who had been the most active in staging the strike, claiming they were unaware of the agreement. Park Ji-hyun, the president of the Korean Intern and Resident Association, wrote on Twitter, "I woke up and saw news about an agreement that I didn't know about. Does this mean that the agreement was made without me?" KMA President Choi and Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo were scheduled to sign a separate agreement at 11 a.m. in the Korea Health Promotion Institute in Seoul, halting the push for the medical reform plan, but this was delayed until 2 p.m., with the signing place changed, because about 30 junior doctors blocked Choi and Park from entering. On March 23, just a day after having gone to the hospital for mental health problems, a 41-year-old man named Daniel Prude bolted out of his brother Joes home in Rochester, N.Y, wearing few clothes. Joe was scared about what might happen to his brother. So he did what many Americans do when facing an emergency involving mental illness. He called 911. In the hours that followed, police officers found Daniel Prude walking down a street and handcuffed him. One officer held a knee on his back for two minutes. Unable to breathe, Prude lost consciousness and died a week later. On Thursday, after the Prude family released a video of the confrontation, the mayor of Rochester suspended seven officers. (For a more detailed account, you can read this reconstruction by Times reporters.) The case has raised many of the same questions about racism and police behavior as some other recent deaths of Black men. It has also highlighted a specific issue that many experts believe is crucial to reducing police-related violence: mental illness. Its been a turbulent year for travel, and Australia is no exception. Thanks to The Pandemic, the Land Down Unders normally healthy tourism industry has suffered an $11.7 billion hit. But that doesnt mean were not travelling at all. In fact, as international jaunts have been curtailed, weve seen a number of new trends crop up domestically. Figures from flight booking service Webjet, which show the most booked hotel locations through webjet.com.au (as well as a list of the most popular domestic flight bookings by destination) reveal Australians are heading back to the future when it comes to holiday bookings. How so? Weve always been a nation of surf trips and beach holidays, but in recent decades, with the help of ever-cheaper international flights, have moved somewhat away from that up the coast mentality in search of more cultural experiences. The logic? Why have a basic beach sunrise as your Tinder profile picture when you can have a selfie with steaming Gyoza at an underground Anthony Bourdain themed Tokyo restaurant in Tokyo? You get the gist. However, as COVID slams the door on international travel, the hipsterisation of the restaurant and travel industries has been forced to take a break (on an international level at least) as Australians return to their more humble roots, looking for warm, coastal, natural destinations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by E L I S E (@elisehalina) on Jul 23, 2019 at 4:10am PDT The current top 15 hotel booking locations (according to data drawn from Webjet hotel bookings made between the 1st of June and the 23rd of August 2020) are as follows. Noosa Heads Cairns Surfers Paradise Broadbeach Hamilton Island Broadwater Queenstown Cable Beach Brisbane Port Douglas Sydney Wolgan Valley Byron Bay Palm Cove Darwin Webjet flight bookings (for the same date range) back this beachy trend up, with the following 15 airports taking out the top spots. Brisbane Sydney Cairns Melbourne Townsville Adelaide Gold Coast Perth Darwin Mackay Ballina Broome Rockhampton Canberra Proserpine (Whit Sundays) This comes alongside a reboot in Australias motor home industry. As The Australian Financial Review reports, there has been a substantial lift in campervan and motorhome rentals in states outside Victoria, although it hasnt been enough to offset the loss of international tourists. Luke Trouchet, chief executive of the ASX-listed company Apollo Tourism & Leisure told the AFR the mini-boom (in Western Australia and Queensland from locals) has been a pleasant surprise. People do want to get out and do something. They want to escape the crowds, Mr Trouchet said on Wednesday. Youre kind of self-isolating by default. Until our politicians can work out a safe way of opening borders between states, these kinds of destinations (and trips) will likely remain popular due to the dearth of overseas options (if we cant figure out a way to co-operate domestically, it just goes to show how tough an international bubble would be to implement). One little known tropical island is currently open for West Australians to visit. But other than that the rest of Australia will have to cross their fingers confirmed cases go down (and that the proposed travel corridors with New Zealand and certain Pacific Islands become a safe reality), before spreading their wings any further. Watch this (air) space. Read Next A family-of-five reveal their desperate bid to return home to Australia from South Africa so their youngest child can have surgery. Bill and Cristal Tsouvalas were living in South Africa when the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world and Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged Australians to come home on March 23. The couple, originally from Adelaide, have struggled to bring their nine-month-old daughter Penelope to Australia so she can have surgery for a heart defect ever since, The Advertiser reported. 'My No 1 priority is getting my daughter back to Australia as soon as possible,' Mr Tsouvalas said. The family have had numerous flights back to Australia cancelled, including a business-class booking that cost $23,000. Bill and Cristal Tsouvalas are trying to bring their youngest daughter Penelope home to Australia from South Africa so she can have surgery for a heart defect The family family was granted a repatriation flight but were turned away in Pretoria when they arrived. Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged Australians to come home in March, during the initial peak of COVID-19 but Mr Tsouvalas said it wasn't easy to return at that time as his family had to pack up their lives first. Australian state border restrictions Victoria: Completely open, but other states are banning residents from going there NSW: Border with Victoria is closed but others are open without restriction Queensland: Open to everywhere but Victoria, NSW, and the ACT Northern Territory: Open to everywhere but Victoria and Sydney, which must do hotel quarantine South Australia: Closed to Victoria, NSW arrivals must self-isolate, rest are open Tasmania: Closed to Victoria, everywhere else must do hotel quarantine Western Australia: Closed to everywhere without an exemption Advertisement He also slammed the 'unfair' caps on how many people can return to Australia in a week, suggesting that airlines should be allowed to manage this instead. The caps were introduced in July and further tightened last month, when it was declared only 4,000 Australians could return home every week. Cities such as Melbourne and Hobart aren't taking any international arrivals at this stage. Brisbane and Adelaide have a limit of 500 international arrivals per week while Perth's weekly limit is 525. Canberra and Darwin's limit varies on a week-by-week basis following discussions with other states and territories. Sydney has a limit of 350 passengers per day. There are also strict rules for when Australians can leave the country, which are dictated by the Department of Home Affairs. You can only leave if you have been granted an exemption by the department. These include whether your travel is in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, such as the provision of aid, if it is essential to business, for medical treatment or urgent and unavoidable personal business. Other reasons include if your travel is of national interest, if it is on humanitarian grounds and 'urgent and unavoidable personal business'. No one can leave the country without an exemption based on the mentioned reasons. Mr Morrison (pictured) urged Australians to come home in March, during the initial peak of COVID-19 in Australia A record number of opioid drug overdoses in Winnipeg so far this year has prompted the provincial government to look for other ways to respond to the crisis, Manitoba's health minister acknowledged this week. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/9/2020 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A record number of opioid drug overdoses in Winnipeg so far this year has prompted the provincial government to look for other ways to respond to the crisis, Manitoba's health minister acknowledged this week. In June, the province said it would invest as much as $200,000 to double the access to naloxone kits. The life-saving antidote medication reverses the effects of an overdose. First responders have had to dole out much higher doses of the antidote to counter much more toxic street drugs such as fentanyl and heroin, and as community organizations tasked with distributing take-home naloxone kits reported higher demand. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service administered more naloxone in the first eight months of this year than it did in any of the past four years, according to WFPS data provided to the Free Press. It shows more than 1,550 naloxone doses were given to 909 people as of early August. For the first time since the pandemic was declared, Health Minister Cameron Friesen spoke publicly about the spike in overdoses when asked how the province is responding to them. "We're always concerned. We know that it's a pandemic and we know that the pandemic does not make it easy on people; it doesn't make it easy on people who also suffer from addictions, and so we're aware and concerned about what we're seeing as the increase of overdose in Manitoba, and so we're taking action," Friesen said. He was speaking to reporters following a news conference at Health Sciences Centre Wednesday, during which the government promised to hire more nurses and security guards and devote more mental-health beds for patients with addictions. "Just recently, we expanded the ability for Manitobans to have access to these take-home naloxone kits," Friesen added. "We are thinking about other ways that we can respond. We are taking advice from our experts in the field, and of course on a daily basis, many people on the front line are involved in the continual delivery of services to Manitobans who need them." The Free Press had earlier requested an interview with Friesen about the province's plan to respond to opioid overdoses, including whether the province is considering supervised consumption sites, and was told he wasn't available. 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 an August interview with the Free Press, WFPS public education co-ordinator Cory Guest said crews have seen opioid use, including fentanyl, increase dramatically since this spring. "The lethality of the drugs that we're seeing is something that we've never seen before. And I'm comfortable saying that's not only in Winnipeg, that's globally, for sure. So what does that mean for us? It's challenging in some of our treatment protocols because, (given) the lethality of these drugs, we're having to increase the antidote that we're giving to lots of these patients," Guest said. Advocates have called for better data to inform provincial policies on addictions response. The number of opioid deaths in Manitoba so far this year is unknown; a representative for the medical examiner's office told the Free Press those statistics aren't expected to be available until the end of the year. Data compiled by the federal government from provincial coroners and chief medical examiners show 287 Manitobans died of opioid-related causes from 2016 to 2018. Twenty-six people died from January to September 2019. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay Kremlin tells West not to rush to judgement on Russia over Navalny Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 4:53 PM Russia says the West should not rush to judge it over the alleged poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, adding that there are no grounds to accuse the country of the crime, as talk have intensified in the West of punishing Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Moscow rejected any suggestion that Russia had been behind the attack on Navalny and warned other countries against jumping to conclusions without knowing the full facts. "There are no grounds to accuse the Russian state. And we are not inclined to accept any accusations in this respect," Peskov told reporters. "Of course we would not want our partners in Germany and other European countries to hurry with their assessments." The remarks came a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny had been poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him and that she would consult NATO allies about how to respond. Navalny, 44, is an outspoken opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was airlifted to Germany last month after collapsing on a domestic Russian flight after drinking a cup of tea that his allies said was poisoned. Berlin's Charite hospital, which is treating Navalny, has said he remains in serious condition in an intensive care unit connected to an artificial lung ventilator even though some of his symptoms are receding. Russian prosecutors have said they see no reason to launch a criminal investigation into the Navalny case, because they say they have found no sign a crime was committed against him, though preliminary checks are continuing. The Kremlin spokesman said Russia was eager to find out what had happened to Navalny, but couldn't do so without receiving information from Germany about the tests that had led to Berlin's conclusions about Novichok. 'Western special forces likely behind poisoning' The head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency said that Moscow could not exclude that Western special forces were behind the poisoning of Navalny, RIA news agency reported. Sergei Naryshkin, head of the agency, added that no traces of poison had been found by Russian doctors after Navalny fell ill in Siberia last month. Belarus: Poisoning faked Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed his security forces had intercepted German calls showing that Navalny's poisoning had been faked. Lukashenko told visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Minsk that the call between Berlin and Warsaw showed that the incident was a "falsification." "There was no poisoning of Navalny," Lukashenko told Mishustin during their televised meeting, adding, "They did it -- I quote -- in order to discourage Putin from sticking his nose into Belarus's affairs." Lukashenko provided no further details, but said he would hand over transcripts to Russia's security services. EU says too early for sanctions over Navalny As German officials briefed the other 26 EU countries in Brussels on the matter, the states began discussing their response to the alleged Novichok poisoning of Navalny, but warned it was too early to impose new sanctions until an investigation identified the culprit. Russia must carry out a "thorough, transparent" investigation into the poisoning of Navalny, EU foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano said. "We want to see those responsible brought to justice, but for that the investigation needs to be launched and needs to bring results," Stano told reporters in Brussels when asked whether sanctions could be imposed. "We are not there yet so it's difficult to speak about punishment if you don't have the [person] responsible." Moscow has said it is ready to cooperate with Germany, but it has already insisted there is no reason to blame Russia. OPCW voices 'grave concern' Meanwhile, the head of the world chemical arms watchdog has expressed "grave concern" after Germany's announcement. Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fernando Arias added that the Hague-based body was ready to help any member country that asked for its assistance. "Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons. Such an allegation is a matter of grave concern," Arias claimed in a statement. "The OPCW continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to engage with and to assist any states parties that may request its assistance," Arias added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Stop Digital Voter Suppression Logo "Online disinformation campaigns intended to confuse and discourage Black people from casting their voting ballots are a threat to the integrity of American democracy." Stop Online Violence Against Women (SOVAW), has announced today the launch of a new Stop Digital Voter Suppression Project to ensure Americans votes will not be suppressed by the online disinformation campaigns which have taken root in US politics. The new project, which has the endorsement of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Black Womens Roundtable, MoveOn.org, and others, will focus on messages that use digital media to suppress the votes of targeted communities through disinformation originating from foreign or domestic sources. The data and testimonies collected by the new project are evidence of the most recent digital voter suppression tactics being used in the 2020 US election. The launch of the Stop Digital Voter Suppression Project follows previous reports issued by SOVAW, which was the first organization to publicly identify that Russian Internet Research Agency ads were used for the purposes of the suppression of Black voters in the 2016 and 2018 US elections. Foreign actors and their US-based domestic counterparts are aware of the importance of voters of color, particularly African-American voters, said Mitchell, founder of Stop Online Violence Against Women and lead researcher of the project. While the suppression of Black voters started well before the Jim Crow era, it previously only relied on physical media such as paper fliers or posters. Now, with the social media space, we are documenting election materials distributed from domestically-based actors, as well as from overseas actors, that engage in digital voter suppression, she said. Foreign actors, she added, are free of the confines of law or international doctrines to engage in lies and disinformation to alter the 2020 election for their favor. From now until the end of the year, the Stop Digital Voter Suppression Project will collect data, as well as testimonies and material directly from voters and online sources,and will be issuing status reports on digital voter suppression tactics and their impacts on the 2020 election. The Stop Digital Voter Suppression Project is intended to help ensure a fair and safe election for everyone by identifying effective, enduring strategies to address national, state, local, and regional efforts to silence Black and brown Americans voices and their collective power, Mitchell said. Our project will continue to expose these strategies by bad actors, and will be shared publicly with State leaders and those working towards getting out the vote. No single group of American voters has been targeted by aggressive digital voter suppression campaigns more than Black people, said Melanie Campbell, President & CEO, of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the Black Womens Roundtable. Online disinformation campaigns intended to confuse and discourage Black people from casting their voting ballots are a threat to the integrity of American democracy. This threat presents an urgent need to defend our national security from foreign and domestic voter suppression and election interference. The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and the Black Womens Roundtable (the women and girls empowerment arm of NCBCP) are proud to partner with the Stop Digital Voter Suppression Project in its mission to serve as a watchdog to call out digital voter suppression campaigns that target Black voters and identify fake social media accounts and tactics used to deter Black people from voting. We share in the Stop Digital Voter Suppression Projects belief that bringing awareness and an end to digital voter suppression will help to protect the integrity of elections and ensure that American democracy survives. Brittany Packnett Cunningham, activist, educator and writer said of the project, protecting the vote is one of the single greatest fights we must win to protect the ideals of democracy. Voter suppression of every kind is a major threat to each of our ability to live thriving lives- and digital voter suppression is the insidious new manifestation of injustice that we must pay close attention to, Cunningham said. Stopping digital voter suppression is one of the most important civil rights issues of our time. We must listen closely to what experts are telling us-and act swiftly to protect and expand our most precious franchise The Stop Online Violence Against Womens previous report: On The Ongoing Threat To 2020 Election: Digital Voter Suppression is available here: Stop Online Violence Against Women Inc is a nonprofit that addresses inadequate laws and policies that lack protections for women in particular women of color. We focus on online violence against women, laws and policy changes needed at the local, federal levels. We also focus on technology and social media company accountability. SOVAW serves as a resource of services and options for women and women of color, based on their level of harassment or violence. We report on the diverse issues and impacts for those who are willing to share their stories. (JNS) Each year, tens of thousands of Jews from across the world make a pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, at the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. The leader of the Breslov Chassidic dynasty, Rabbi Nachman passed away in 1810 though urged his followers to spend the holiday with him, and its a tradition that continues. However, with the coronavirus pandemic raging worldwide, there have been calls from officials to avoid visiting the holy site. In a joint statement last week, the Ukrainian and Israeli governments asked Jews to refrain from t... Production crew on The Batman are working round the clock to try and film scenes without Robert Pattinson who is in self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19. The Hollywood actor, 34, who is understood to have turned up on set with a temperature - will have to stay away from filming for 14 days while he recovers and to ensure he doesnt spread the deadly virus. Amid fears that halting production for two weeks could cost as much as 5 million, the films director Matt Reeves is trying to film as much as he can at the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, without his leading man. EXCLUSIVE: Batman crew are working 'round the clock' to shoot without Robert Pattinson after he tested positive for Covid-19 - amid fears a production shutdown could cost 5million Any of the 130-strong crew who did not have direct contact with Pattinson are being asked to return to work and sets that had been prepared are being moved from studio G to another studio. Anything that can be shot and does not involved Pattinson will now go ahead, a set insider told MailOnline. That includes scenes with his body double. The aim is to get as much done as possible before he returns and the hope is that none of the other actors get the virus. 'Crew can be replaced as most are freelance and hired for the duration of the shoot but it would be disastrous if another major actor gets the virus. Halted: The Hollywood actor, 34, who is understood to have turned up on set with a temperature - will have to stay away from filming for 14 days while he recovers and to ensure he doesnt spread the deadly virus Production staff are working round the clock to get things moving and allow some filming to take place. MailOnline revealed how The Batman was thrown into chaos after Pattinson tested positive for Covid 19. He had arrived at the studio and told the on-set nurse he had an 'elevated temperature.' A subsequent electronic temperature test meant he was sent home and told to undergo a test for the virus. The result came back positive on Thursday causing an immediate shut down on production. Without naming Pattinson, a Warner Bros studio statement said: 'A member of The Batman production has tested positive for Covid-19, and is isolating in accordance with established protocols. Filming is temporarily paused.' A source said: Production staff are working round the clock to get things moving and allow some filming to take place' A source on the film confirmed to Vanity Fair that Pattinson was covid positive while it was common knowledge among crew he had led to the shutdown. We have been sent a memo telling us that a member of the crew has had a positive Covid-19 test, the insider told MailOnline. Everyone was talking on the set how Robert Pattinson had an elevated temperature when he turned up for work. It was common knowledge among the crew. We did not know if he is the person who has tested positive, but we all guessed it was. If it was a member of the crew they could be replaced and shooting could continue. Only when filming stops altogether you know its one of the principals involved. As Pattinson is young and fit he is expected to make a full recovery and be able to resume filming which had only resumed this week after being shut down in early March due to the pandemic. Production: Filming of the new movie called 'The Batman' had only resumed three days before after being shut down in early March due to the pandemic A crew member said: 'Everyone was looking forward to getting back to work and its come as a blow that production has stopped just three days after we began filming. 'We have all been told to stand down until further notice and we are not expecting to be back filming for at least two weeks.' The source said many of the crew found it ironic that the Batman movie had been stopped by coronavirus as the killer virus is thought to have originated from bats. 'There is a irony to all this in that you would think Batman would be immune seeing as it all started from bats,' said the insider. Production crews had gathered at the studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, in August to work on sets after most had been placed on furlough. Reeves still has three months of filming to complete with the eagerly anticipated film due to be released to theatres in October 2021. Unrecognisable: Irish star Colin Farrell plays The Penguin and his prosthetic make-up was so realistic that other castmates didn't recognise the actor when he turned up on set Filming at Leavesden, where the Harry Potter movies were made, is taking place under the working title of Vengeance. The shutdown will cost Warner Bros hundreds of thousands of pounds and possibly even delay the release of the movie which is said to be a grittier take on the Marvel comic book hero. When production was halted in March, Robert had to stay in the UK along with other cast members. Others who live in Los Angeles have returned but had to stay in quarantine for two weeks before turning up on the set in accordance with Government guidance. MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Leavesden and Robert Pattinson for comment. Pattinson, best known for his roles in the Twilight movies, took on the role of the caped crusader last year after Ben Affleck, who had been developing the ninth film featuring Batman, dropped out. Irish star Colin Farrell plays The Penguin and his prosthetic make-up was so realistic that other castmates didn't recognise the actor when he turned up on set. Jeffrey Wright, who plays Commissioner Gordon said on The Jess Cagle Show: 'Ive worked with that makeup artist before and its just incredible. 'Colin walked on to set one day and I walked right passed him [laughs] I was like, "OK, hey dude whats happening, wheres Colin? Are we going to shoot?" It was, its pretty remarkable.' The transformation was revealed in a teaser trailer released last week by director Reeves at a fan event in the US. The new film sees Batman pitted against his usual enemies with Paul Dano playing The Riddler. Zoe Kravitz stars as Catwoman and John Turturro portrays crime boss Carmine Falcone. A high school teacher from Bergen County was arrested this week after investigators said tests showed a 4-year-old child in his custody tested positive for marijuana, authorities said. Avi Mandel, 30, of Teaneck, was charged Tuesday with endangering the welfare of a child, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, according to Prosecutor Mark Musella. The states Division of Child Protection and Permanency alerted the prosecutors office that the child was brought to Hackensack University Medical Center lethargic and unable to stand. Medical tests indicated that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, was present in the childs body, Musella said. An investigation revealed the child had been in Mandels custody when the substance was consumed, the prosecutor said. Mandel was released from police custody pending a court hearing, Musella said. It was not immediately known what school Mandel teaches at. 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. UPDATED U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has informed states that they should not count on getting the same waivers from federal testing mandates for this school year that they got last spring as the pandemic shut down schools. In a Thursday letter to chief state school officers , DeVos said that these annual, summative assessments in English/language arts, math, and science are at the very core of the bipartisan agreement behind the Every Student Succeds Act, the main federal K-12 education law. And at a time when vulnerable students have been hurt the most by the pandemic, such tests are among the most reliable tools available to help us understand how children are performing in school. It is now our expectation that states will, in the interest of students, administer summative assessments during the 2020-2021 school year, consistent with the requirements of the law and following the guidance of local health officials, DeVos wrote. As a result, you should not anticipate such waivers being granted again. DeVos letter is not especially surprising. In July, Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development Jim Blew told reporters that the Department of Educations instinct at the time was not to give out those waivers again . But DeVos letter to states does make it clear what the departments position is going forward. Of course, the departments position could eventually change if Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wins the Nov. 3 election. As a candidate, Biden has criticized standardized tests . The letter does not completely shut the door on such waivers being granted again, since the secretary does not say unequivocally that they wont be approved again no matter what. But its bad news for states like Georgia and Michigan that over the summer indicated their desire for such a waiver. The letter squares with DeVos push for schools to excel during the pandemic without special favors or exemptions from federal mandates. In the letter, DeVos also says that necessity is the mother of invention and that it may be time for states to rethink their traditional assessment systems and consider forms of testing like competency and mastery-based assessments. And she also left some wiggle room for states to change how these tests factor into things such as school ratings, telling states, We are open to discussions about what, if any, actions may be needed to adjust how the results of assessments are used in your states school accountability determinations. To support her position, DeVos pointed to groups that have recently called for states to stay the course on annual testing despite the impact of the coronavirus on schools. And she highlighted a survey by the Data Quality Campaign from late April and early May showing that 89 percent of parents are interested in information about how school closures and other COVID-19-related interruptions affected students long-term outcomes. In statements issued Thursday, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the chairman and ranking member of the House and Senate education committees, respectively, backed DeVos stance. However, they also stressed that for the tests to truly matter, Congress must pass a coronavirus relief bill that helps education. Weve got to have data that shows us where were falling short so we can better support those students, Murray said. But let me be clearif President Trump and Republicans are in any way serious about ensuring schools can keep our kids learning, theyve got to stop blocking our bill to finally provide schools with the resources they need. Asked for a response to DeVos Thursday letter, Carolyn Phenicie, a spokeswoman for the Council of Chief State School Officers, referred us to the groups statement in July , which read: We recognize that COVID-19 and its impact on our education system is ever-evolving. CCSSO stands ready to continue supporting every state in navigating these unique circumstances and providing educators with access to the high-quality, relevant tools necessary to measure student academic progress and inform decision-making now and in the future. Richard Woods, the state superintendent of Georgia schools, swiftly criticized DeVos letter in a statement released Thursday. It is disappointing, shows a complete disconnect with the realities of the classroom, and will be a detriment to public education, said Woods, an elected Republican. Read DeVos letter to states below: Photo: U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on Capitol Hill earlier this year. -- Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa . WASHINGTON: Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on the United Nations on Friday to condemn the crackdown by President Alexander Lukashenko on protesters who charge he rigged his re-election victory last month. Speaking to a virtual informal session of the U.N. Security Council, Tsikhanouskaya also urged the United Nations to send an international monitoring mission to Belarus and said the U.N. Human Rights Commission should hold a special session on the human rights situation there. Tsikhanouskaya also called on the international community to impose sanctions on the individuals responsible for electoral violations and crimes against humanity." We, the Belarusian people, need the help of the United Nations, in order to stop blatant human rights violations and cynical disregard for human dignity," Tsikhanouskaya said, making her first call for international involvement in the crisis. We ask the United Nations to condemn the use of excessive force by the Belarusian security services against protesters." The opposition leader spoke from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, where she fled after Lukashenko launched his crackdown. Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, has faced a wave of opposition protests since his Aug. 9 election victory. He has denied accusations by the opposition and Western countries that the vote was rigged and has resisted demands to step down. Human rights experts from the United Nations said this week they had received reports of hundreds of cases of torture, beatings and mistreatment of Belarusian protesters by police. The government has denied abusing detainees and has said its security forces have acted appropriately against demonstrators. SANCTIONS We urge the United Nations to send the needed international authority mission to Belarus to document the situation on the ground," said Tsikhanouskaya, adding that the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Belarus must be allowed free access to and movement in the country. Tsikhanouskaya, a political novice, emerged as the consensus opposition candidate in last months election after better-known figures, including her jailed activist husband, were barred from standing. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia imposed travel bans on Lukashenko and 29 other Belarusian officials last month, signaling impatience with the Wests cautious approach by announcing sanctions without waiting for the rest of the European Union. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States and European partners were together reviewing imposing targeted sanctions on anyone involved in human rights abuses in Belarus. A senior U.S. State Department officials told Reuters this week Washington was considering imposing sanctions on seven Belarusians it believes were involved in falsifying the election results and in violence against peaceful protesters. The EU is still negotiating the exact list of people to be hit with travel bans and asset freezes when its foreign ministers meet on Sept. 21, diplomatic sources said. Belarus is a close ally of Moscow, which sees it as a vital strategic buffer between Russia and NATO. Lukashenko has accused foreign powers of being behind the protests, but has provided no evidence. The opposition has denied that there is foreign involvement in the protests and NATO has also denied his allegations that it is massing forces near the Belarusian border. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor A 2015 IBAC report by retired Supreme Court judge Murray Kellam concluded that while any impropriety by Ms Gobbos police handlers was "substantially mitigated", more senior officers responsible for their supervision were guilty of "negligence of a high order". The report did not recommend criminal charges against individual police but noted: "Such an examination is well beyond the jurisdiction of IBAC in conducting this inquiry and is more properly a matter for consideration by VicPol in conjunction with the Office of Police Prosecutions." IBAC referred its findings to then police chief commissioner Graham Ashton to consider further action. None has been taken against any police in the five years since. When IBAC sent a please explain" letter about this to Victoria Police two years ago, the response from then deputy commissioner Shane Patton, who is now Chief Commissioner, was instructive. Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Credit:Justin McManus Mr Patton said the source development unit which managed Ms Gobbo had been disbanded and most of the senior officers who supervised its work had left the force. He confirmed that no disciplinary action had been taken against any police and no investigation had taken place. There is no recommendation that would suggest that we need to conduct further investigations, there is no recommendation that would suggest discipline or possible criminal offences by any person," Mr Patton wrote. There is nothing to recommend that we need to explore the possibility that any individual has committed a criminal offence." This passive approach towards conduct since described by the High Court as reprehensible" left IBAC incredulous. It wrote back, pointing out that some of the people who supervised the unit were still in senior positions in Victoria Police. While Mr Kellams recommendations did not go to further investigation or disciplinary action regarding individual officers, his findings were clear and created an onus on the Chief Commissioner to respond accordingly." Faruk Orman shortly after his release from jail, with lawyer Ruth Parker. Credit:Justin McManus IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich, a former Supreme Court judge who earlier in his career served as special prosecutor alongside the Costigan royal commission into the waterfront, had just taken up his post at the anti-corruption body when the correspondence was exchanged. Ruth Parker, the lawyer who represented Faruk Orman, the first person to have his gangland conviction overturned following public revelations of Ms Gobbos secret double life, says Victoria needs a special prosecutor or a beefed-up IBAC to conduct a thorough criminal investigation into police. Loading "You cannot spend millions of dollars on a royal commission and then say, 'Well, that was fun,' " Ms Parker said. "This was a systemic and cultural problem. That has been acknowledged by police. The culture will not change while these people are in the job. The problem with the Victoria Police is they always thought they were a law unto themselves. If nothing happens, that is the message that will be taken from the royal commission: we can do whatever we want and nobody will come for us. "They need to be investigated and if there is admissible evidence to justify charges, they should be prosecuted with the same veracity they applied to all those people they used Gobbo against. But in their case, they should receive fair trials." A special prosecutor would need to be appointed and resourced by the state government. Shadow attorney-general Edward ODonohue says any crimes committed through the Lawyer X scandal cannot go unpunished. "The integrity of the Victorian justice system has been shredded because of the shortcuts and rules broken that took place during this shocking and tawdry period in Melbournes history," he said. "It is imperative that Attorney-General Jill Hennessy assures the Victorian community that justice will be done by ensuring any alleged criminal misconduct revealed by the royal commission will be thoroughly investigated and charges brought where warranted." Ms Hennessy declined to comment until Commissioner McMurdo hands down her findings on November 30. Commissioner McMurdo, a former president of Queenslands Court of Appeal, has already announced she will not make any findings that individual police engaged in criminal conduct. Her decision, which went against her counsel assisting, delayed this week's publication of submissions, which were redacted to conceal all references to evidence that Ms Gobbo and individual police may have committed criminal offences. The commissioner's decision came as a shock to some but shouldn't have. She has taken the same approach adopted by Tony Fitzgerald in Queensland in his inquiry in the 1980s and subsequently, James Wood when he examined NSW police in the 1990s. In both those royal commissions into police corruption, no findings of criminal conduct or recommendations to charge were made. As Mr Fitzgerald told The Age: I left that for the criminal justice system." Loading The distinction Mr Fitzgerald refers to is an essential one. Royal commissions are not courts of law and the normal rules of evidence dont apply. In a royal commission, people are compelled to answer questions that might incriminate themselves. As a trade-off, not all information revealed by a royal commission can be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. As Doug Drummond explains it: "The purpose of the commission is to uncover wrongdoing, not to punish wrongdoing. A royal commission is an information gathering exercise, not an evidence gathering exercise, to inform the executive government of the extent of a problem. It then hands it over to the ordinary processes of the law to prosecute if there is criminal conduct." This is why the role played by Mr Drummond in Queensland was vital to bringing justice to crooked cops. The Fitzgerald royal commission was still under way when Queenslands then premier, Mike Ahern, legislated to establish a special prosecutor independent of government to do the hard work of assembling briefs of admissible evidence from what had been revealed. Former Queensland police commissioner Terry Lewis outside the Fitzgerald inquiry in 1988. He went on to be jailed for corruption. Credit: James Wood says that in NSW a special prosecutor was not required. Police corruption unearthed by his inquiry was referred back to police who, under the direction of a police chief determined to clean up his ranks, investigated the crimes. Mr Wood says the situation in Victoria is made more difficult by the nature of the corruption exposed. In NSW, clean cops were more than willing to investigate and prosecute dirty colleagues who had accepted bribes from brothel owners and drug dealers. In Victoria, police engaged in what is described as "noble cause corruption", breaking the rules and potentially the law to put serious criminals behind bars. Mr Wood says it would require a leap of faith for Victoria Police to investigate their own in these circumstances and, if it gets that far, for juries to convict. He also cautions that corruption of this kind is insidious. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday told government departments to create livelihood opportunities in different economic sectors while facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patnaik said this while undertaking the weekly review of the pandemic situation in the state. He said challenges have been manifold now after rains, floods and return of normalcy in the transport sector as part of the unlock measures. "The economic sectors such as agriculture, industries, MSME and infrastructure could create livelihood opportunities and departments should explore them," he said. Patnaik was informed that the normalcy is fast returning in the industries, MSME, an official statement released by the Chief Ministers Office said. The chief minister told the officials to immediately resolve issues putting hurdles in the creation of livelihood opportunities. As about 10 lakh people have returned to the state due to pandemic situation across the state, Patnaik said, adding that MSME sector has a major role to provide employment to the migrant workers. Keeping in view the potential of the MSME sector, the state government has decided to give credit of Rs 3,000 to MSME units by end of September, an official said, adding that the normalcy has been restored in industries and mining sector too. However, Patnaik said now the focus should be on the agriculture, MSME, industries and mining sector which provide work to the people. Also read: India needs to grow at 8-8.5% to create 90 million jobs by 2030 The chief minister told the officials to strengthen the COVID management strategies in Cuttack and Khurdha districts, keeping in view the surge of positive cases. Patnaik directed the District COVID Observers to visit flood affected areas and provide relief package immediately to eligible beneficiaries. He also directed officials to give special attention to the treatment of coronavirus patients through the arrangement of more ICU beds in COVID Hospitals to facilitate treatment of critical patients. He further directed for adherence of the protocols among government employees in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in view of the spike in COVID cases, the official release said. Also read: Odisha disbursed Rs 9,964.47 crore as farm credit to 21 lakh beneficiaries Patnaik directed the Health and Family Welfare and Information and Public Relations Department to undertake a joint awareness drive on COVID protocols to make people more cautious in such a difficult time. The chief minister, however, expressed satisfaction that around 20 lakh sample tests have been tested in the state. "Odisha has 42,404 testing per million which is more than the national average while recovery rate and fatality rate are 76.78 per cent and 0.46 per cent respectively," the statement said. On the occasion, the chief minister appreciated the gesture of 100 personnel of Odisha Police who donated their plasma after recovering from the highly infectious disease. "This will inspire other eligible plasma donors and boost the confidence of people who are fighting the COVID-19 battle," he added. Malaysia drops 1MDB charges against Goldman Sachs The headquarters of Goldman Sachs in New York City Malaysia has dropped criminal charges against Goldman Sachs over its role in the 1MDB scandal, a lawyer for the bank said Friday. Billions of dollars were looted from sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad in a fraud that involved former prime minister Najib Razak and his cronies that spanned the globe. The money was used to buy everything from expensive artwork to real estate and a massive luxury superyacht. Goldman's role came under scrutiny over bond issues totalling $6.5 billion it helped arrange for the investment vehicle, with Malaysia claiming large amounts were misappropriated during the process. Authorities previously pursued all those involved in the scandal and filed charges against the Wall Street titan but state news agency Bernama reported that prosecutors told a Kuala Lumpur court they no longer intended to pursue them. Hisyam Teh, a lawyer for the bank, confirmed to AFP that acquittal orders were granted. Goldman last month paid Malaysia $2.5 billion as part of a settlement over its role in the scandal, with a guarantee that at least $1.4 billion in assets acquired with misappropriated funds would be recovered. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Malaysia would receive a total of $4.5 billion, together with 1MDB-linked funds already handed back from the United States. Najib, who was unseated in 2018 polls in part due to public anger over the scandal, was jailed for 12 years in July after the first of several trials linked to 1MDB. He remains free on bail while he appeals. pl/dan New York State Liquor Authority board have been slammed after board members failed to wear face coverings during a meeting where they issued fines to businesses breaking the safety rule. The SLA chairman Vincent Bradley and commissioners Lily Fan and Greeley Ford did not wear face masks during Wednesday's meeting. The board members, who sat with distance between them, were reviewing bar and restaurant fines during the live-streamed meeting, Times Union reported. State Liquor Authority's chairman Vincent Bradley (centre) and commissioners Lily Fan (right) and Greeley Ford (left) did not wear face masks during Wednesday's meeting A member of staff, who was also not wearing a face covering, enters the meeting at one point and hands papers to Ford, who stands up behind an unmasked Bradley to accept the documents. Around ten minutes after the interaction, the board fined an unnamed organisation $1,500 due to 'employees with no masks'. The panel approved fines against bars and restaurants for safely violations which were identified in recent compliance checks. The panel imposed fines and penalties totalling tens of thousands of dollars during Wednesday's meeting. SLA spokesman William Crowley told Times Union: 'The format of the meeting was designed to provide for social distancing, and we have advised everyone that COVID-related protocols must be followed at all times. 'But let's be clear, comparing this isolated lapse during a distanced board meeting to a crowded bar or restaurant where alcohol is present and patrons are literally shoulder-to-shoulder is a stretch.' The panel members sat with some distance between them, though it is not known if they were six feet apart, as they fined an unnamed firm $1,500 due to 'employees with no masks' During the meeting a member of staff, who was not wearing a face covering, enters and hands papers to Ford (left), passing closely by both Fan and Bradley Safety guidance released by the state in spring asks public and private employees to maintain a 'distance of at least 6ft at all times', unless safety of the activity requires a shorter distance. It added that workers who come within 6ft of each other must wear 'acceptable face coverings' which cover both the nose and mouth. The SLA board members were seated with some distance between them, but it is unclear whether they were positioned six feet apart. This comes after the board have suspended licenses of at least 168 New York businesses due to 'egregious violations', according to SLA records Andy's Place, The New Elbo Room and Mark's Place have all shut down after violations including staff and patrons not wearing face coverings or adhering to social distancing regulations. MailOnline has contacted State Liquor Authority for further comment. Kenneth Branagh is shooting a semi-autobiographical film inspired by his early childhood growing up in Northern Ireland surrounded by a large extended family. And I can reveal that Judi Dench will portray his grandmother. Ciaran Hinds plays Branaghs grandfather. Dublin-born Outlander star Caitriona Balfe and Northern Ireland native Jamie Dornan (of The Fall and Fifty Shades fame) have been cast as Branaghs parents. Kenneth Branagh is shooting a semi-autobiographical film inspired by his early childhood growing up in Northern Ireland surrounded by a large extended family. And I can reveal that Judi Dench will portray his grandmother. Jude Hill has been chosen to play the young boy based on Branagh during his early years in Belfast amid the tumult of the late-1960s. The film is not a straightforward biography of Branaghs childhood, so at present Hills character isnt called Kenneth. It is an ensemble piece. The movie, called Belfast (the actor was born in the north of the city), has started shooting, quietly, on locations in England; though there are plans for some scenes to be filmed in his home town. Dublin-born Outlander star Caitriona Balfe, left, and Northern Ireland native Jamie Dornan, right, (of The Fall and Fifty Shades fame) have been cast as Branaghs parents Ciaran Hinds plays Branaghs grandfather in the film Branagh has often spoken of the city that shaped him, recalling how his parents, Frances and William, were related to half of Belfast and I went to school with the other half. He visited his grandparents twice a week and, at the age of nine, felt the wrench when his dad, a joiner, and mum, who worked in a chip shop, moved to Reading, Berkshire, to escape The Troubles. The award-winning director described the film, in the Belfast Telegraph, as a very personal movie about a place and people I love. His Death On The Nile, in which he stars as Hercule Poirot and also directs is due for release this autumn. Jamie Dornan is pictured above as Christian Grey in the 2017 film Fifty Shades Darker The award-winning director described the film, in the Belfast Telegraph, as a very personal movie about a place and people I love. His Death On The Nile, above, in which he stars as Hercule Poirot and also directs is due for release this autumn Just one story on Sundays 60 Minutes, surrounds abuse charges that were dropped against the family-run Arcade Circus school in Katoomba. Acts alleged to have take between 2014 and 2016 were thrown out of court in February. In a special edition of 60 Minutes, Tara Brown reports on one of the worst miscarriages of justice imaginable: a high-profile criminal investigation where not only were the failings of the police case inexplicable, they caused catastrophic consequences for six innocent, law-abiding Australians. Members of the extended Cook family, from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, ran a much-loved circus school but ended up in prison after being charged with 127 counts of monstrous child sexual abuse. At the time of the arrests, detectives were quick to publicise their success in identifying and stopping a depraved sex ring. The only problem: there wasnt a shred of credible evidence to back up the accusations. Now, having destroyed the lives of blameless people, it might be expected that the New South Wales police would be big enough to apologise for their incompetence. But theyre not. Reporter: Tara Brown Producer: Gareth Harvey 8:30pm (ish) Sunday on Nine. LONDON It had all the ingredients for a juicy skirmish in Britains simmering culture war, so when the BBC announced last week that it would strip the lyrics from two popular patriotic songs in its telecast of a beloved annual concert, Conservative leaders predictably lined up to express their outrage. Its time we stopped our cringing embarrassment about our history, about our traditions, and about our culture, and we stopped this general bout of self-recrimination and wetness, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson to reporters, adding with an indignant flourish, I wanted to get that off my chest. On Wednesday, the BBC reversed itself, announcing it had decided to have a small choir sing the words to Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory after all. Critics say the lyrics evoke a British colonial, imperialist past that is at odds with the values of the Black Lives Matter movement that has spread across the Atlantic. The BBC insisted its original decision had been driven less by politics than by its inability, because of the coronavirus pandemic, to gather an audience to sing along. But after a backlash fueled by the government and pro-government newspapers, it said in a contrite statement, We hope everyone will welcome this solution. Haiti - Insecurity : The Minister of Public Security, wants to be reassuring Rockefeller Vincent the Minister of Justice and Public Security has noted an upsurge in recent days of acts of banditry and terrorism in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. Minister Vincent, who vehemently condemns these acts which stir up many families, reassures the population that urgent measures have already been adopted to restore order, especially in the neighborhoods targeted by the wave of insecurity in Port-au- Prince. Rockefeller Vincent informs that Me Souvenir Jenty, Government Commissioner at the Court of First Instance (TPI) of Port-au-Prince has already received clear instructions in order to crack down with speed and severity against ill-intentioned armed individuals who disturb the public peace. Also, Normil Rameau, the Director General ai of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) is instructed to lend a hand to the Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince and that of Croix-des-Bouquets as part of a proportional response against troublemakers. Minister Vincent ensures that PNH agents are mobilized in the streets of the capital and actively seek out the bandits responsible for the latest criminal acts committed in the metropolitan area. The Minister guarantees the population that everything will be done so that each citizen, continues to go about their activities in peace, affirming "In no case, the Republic can not kneel before people of bad omen who sow mourning in families." Finally, Vincent calls for the collaboration of the population with the police to get their hands on the bandits. HL/ HaitiLibre By Ramzy Baroud September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - It is difficult and futile to argue which American president has historically been more pro-Israel. While former president Barack Obama, for example, has pledged more money to Israel than any other US administration in history, Donald Trump has provided Israel with a blank check of seemingly endless political concessions. Certainly, the unconditional backing and love declared for Israel is common among all US administrations. What they may differ on, however, is their overall motive, primarily their target audience during election time. Both Republicans and Democrats head to the November elections with strong pro-Israel sentiments and outright support, completely ignoring the plight of occupied and oppressed Palestinians. To win the support of the pro-Israeli constituencies, but especially the favour of the Israel lobby in Washington DC, Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, and his running mate, Kamala Harris, have deviated even further from the low standards set by the Democratic Obama administration. Despite his generous financial support for Israel and full political backing, especially during Israels wars on the Gaza Strip, Obama dared, at times, to censure Israel over the expansion of its illegal Jewish settlements. The Biden-Harris ticket, however, is offering Israel unconditional support. Joe Biden has made it clear, Harris was quoted as saying in a telephone call on August 26, he will not tie US security assistance to Israel to political decisions Israel makes, and I couldnt agree more. The call was made to what the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, termed as Jewish supporters. The Jerusalem Post and the Times of Israel referred to this crucial constituency as Jewish donors. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter The references above are sufficient to delineate the nature of the Democratic Party establishments current support for Israel. Although the view of the partys rank and file has significantly shifted against Israel in recent years, the Democratic upper echelon still caters to the Israel lobby and their rich backers, even if this means molding US foreign policy in the entire Middle East region to serve Israeli interests. For Republicans, however, it is a different story. The partys establishment and the rank and file are united in their love and support for Israel. Though the Israel lobby plays an important role in harnessing and channeling this support, Republicans are not entirely motivated by pleasing the pro-Israel lobbyists in Washington DC. The speeches made by Republican leaders at the Republican National Convention (RNC), held in Charlotte, North Carolina, between August 24-27 were all aimed at reassuring Christian Evangelicals often referred to as Christian Zionists who represent the most powerful pro-Israel constituency in the United States. The once relatively marginal impact of Christian Zionists in directly shaping US foreign policy, has morphed over the years, particularly during the Trump presidency to define the core values of the Republican Party. This is apocalyptic foreign policy in a nutshell, tweeted Israeli commentator, Gershom Gorenberg, on August 24. In Republican thinking, Israel is not as a real country but a fantasyland, backdrop for Christian myth. Gorenbergs comments were tweeted hours before the controversial speech made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Americas top diplomat, who delivered his brief notes from beautiful Jerusalem, looking out over the old city. The location, and the reference to it, were clear messages regarding the religious centrality of Israel to US foreign policy, and the unmistakable target audience. Trump was even more obvious during an August 17 speech in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We moved the capital of Israel to Jerusalem, Trump announced to a cheering crowd, and so the Evangelicals you know, its amazing with that the Evangelicals are more excited about that than Jewish people... Its really, its incredible. Unsurprisingly, 22 per cent of Wisconsin residents identify as Evangelical Protestants. This was not the first time that Trump has derided US Jews for not being as supportive of him as they are of his Democrat rivals. A year ago, Trump called Jewish Democrats disloyal to Israel. I think any Jewish people that vote for a Democrat, I think it shows either a total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty, he said in August 2019. This was not a simple case of Trumps typical political insensitivity but, rather, the cognizance that the real Republican prize in the coming elections is not the Jewish vote but the Christian Zionists. In his speech before the RNC on August 27, Trump recounted to this same audience his pro-Israeli accomplishments, including the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018. Unlike many presidents before me, I kept my promise, recognised Israels true capital and moved our embassy to Jerusalem, Trump proclaimed. The moving of the embassy, always a great opportunity to repeat the word Jerusalem before a jubilant crowd, was the buzzword at the RNC, repeated by all top Republicans, including former US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley. President Trump moved our embassy to Jerusalem, and when the UN tried to condemn us, I was proud to cast the American veto, Haley announced proudly, which generated an approving cheer. In all of their references to Israel at the RNC, Republican leaders adhered to specific talking points: Iran, the US embassy move, the recognition of the Occupied Golan Heights as Israeli territories, the fight against anti-Semitism (silencing any criticism of Israel), and so on. However, the Republican discourse seems to be detached from the traditional US foreign policy view that US support for Israel serves the geopolitical and geostrategic interests of Washington. This view, predominant among Democrats, seems to be almost entirely forsaken by Republicans, whose love for Israel is now dedicated to a purely religious mission. In June 2015, when he was still a Congressman from Kansas, Secretary Pompeo once declared before a packed megachurch in Wichita, that the battles against evil is a never-ending struggle, one that will continue until the Rapture, a reference to what some Christians believe to be a sign of the end of times. Addressing the RNC from Jerusalem on August 25, Pompeo must have felt that part of his spiritual mission has already been fulfilled. The US said the companies helped facilitate Irans export of petroleum and petrochemicals in violation of its sanctions. The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on 11 foreign companies, accusing them of helping to facilitate Irans export of petroleum, petroleum products and petrochemicals in violation of American sanctions. The Treasury said it slapped sanctions on six companies based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates and China that it said enable the shipment and sale of Iranian petrochemicals and support Triliance Petrochemical Co Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company blacklisted by the US. The State Department also imposed sanctions on five companies for engaging in transactions related to Irans petroleum and petrochemical industry, as well as on three executive officers of the blacklisted companies. Our actions today reaffirm the United States commitment to denying the Iranian regime the financial resources it needs to fuel terrorism and other destabilizing activities, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a separate statement. The move freezes any US assets of those blacklisted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. The action targets Irans Zagros Petrochemical Co, which the Treasury said agreed to sell Triliance hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Iranian petrochemicals this year. Triliance, a Hong Kong-based broker, was hit with sanctions in January over accusations it ordered the transfer of the equivalent of millions of dollars to the National Iranian Oil Co as payment for Iranian petrochemicals, crude oil, and petroleum products. The Treasury also blacklisted UAE-based Petrotech FZE and Trio Energy DMCC, Hong Kong-based Jingho Technology Co Ltd and Dynapex Energy Ltd, as well as China-based Dinrin Ltd, accusing them of being front companies for Triliance and Zagros. The Iranian regime uses revenue from petrochemical sales to continue its financing of terrorism and destabilizing foreign agenda, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have spiked since Republican President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal struck by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord. Within our jails, theres long been a hierarchy. Those at the bottom of it the ones held most in contempt by their fellow inmates tend to be sex offenders as well as those branded snitches or rats. It appears that radical extremists from would-be terrorists to far-right skinheads are seen in the same light. Its one of the findings by a group of University of Alberta researchers that got unprecedented access to several Canadian jails and set out to explore whether they might be breeding grounds for radicalization. Unlike what happens in other parts of the world, the researchers work indicates thats not the case. Why? Inmates say they wont have it. According to the researchers, a jail subculture exists in Canada in which radicalized inmates are vilified and in which other inmates are willing to break the usual code of silence to out them. Strikingly, researchers say, broad support within the inmate population for multiculturalism means they are generally intolerant of those who spread radical views against other ethnic groups. What our research shows is we shouldnt demonize people who are in prison. We should also think carefully about messages about risk and fear around prison, said Will Schultz, a PhD candidate in sociology at the University of Alberta and lead author of the study, which was just published as a chapter in the book Radicalization and Counter Radicalization, part of an international series of books on the sociology of crime, law and deviance. Terrorism attacks in Europe in recent years have sparked speculation about the role of prisons in radicalization toward violent extremism. Some European scholars have described prisons as incubators of extreme ideas and inmates as captive, susceptible audiences. Spurred on by the dearth of research about radicalization in Canadian jails and prisons, Schultz, who is a former correctional officer, set out to determine what was really going on, with support from University of Alberta professors Sandra Bucerius and Kevin Haggerty. In 2016 and 2017, they gained unprecedented access to four jails in a western Canadian province, which they did not identify, and interviewed almost 600 inmates and about 130 corrections officers in what is believed to be the largest such research project in Canadian history. Their interviews touched on race, ethnicity and religion, as well as whether prisoners had ever observed radical group activity while incarcerated. They kept their definition of radicalization broad to encompass those who identify with extremist religious groups, eco-terrorists, white supremacists and so-called sovereign citizens. While they uncovered pockets of radicalized prisoners, they found no significant evidence that they were able to spread their ideological messages or recruit new people into their groups, they wrote. They pointed to the existence of a subculture that vilified radical inmates in the same way it does skinners or sex offenders, and in which inmates were willing to temporarily work with correctional staff. I try not to get involved in politics at all, one inmate told the researchers. (But) still, if someone tries to come into my country and blow up bombs and things like that, if there was a radical on the unit, he would get severely beat up and sent somewhere else. If I had a choice between a rat, skinner and ISIS, Id get the ISIS first, another inmate said. Rats and skinners are everywhere. ISIS, they dont come around very often, so Id get them first. Inmates also had the same dim view of skinheads and white supremacists, highlighting the fact race relations in Canadian correctional facilities appeared to be less divisive and hostile than in the United States, the researchers found. Yeah, were all Canadians here, one inmate said. Were all big-hearted, even though were all criminals. Despite the fact incarceration of Indigenous and Black people has reached staggering levels in Canada, inmates interviewed largely held firm in their belief in multiculturalism and racial equality and would not tolerate those who spread discriminatory views against other ethnic groups, the researchers wrote. Were sitting inside one of the most unequal places in Canada when it comes to race relations, Schultz told the Star. In the places where we were doing research, sometimes up to 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the population was Indigenous, and yet here weve got these very strong messages about how Canada was a multicultural country, accepting to all beliefs, values and identities. Not only did people mean it, in some cases they were willing to violently enforce that Canadian identity. Correctional officers also had a hand in inhibiting the spread of radicalized messaging, researchers found. Besides reporting suspicions of radicalization to management, a subset of correctional officers admitted to invoking their own measures, including assault, peer pressure and open denigration. One officer said he managed nettlesome inmates who identified as sovereign citizens, those individuals who do not recognize the authority of the state or law enforcement, by inflicting violence on them. Others described attempts to socially isolate radical prisoners from their peers. One officer said there was an inmate who had declared he was planning to go to Syria to fight with the Islamic State after he got out of jail. We used to call him ISIS. He tried to recruit other (prisoners) by giving them individually wrapped Lifesavers (candy), the officer said. So my partner and I went to every cell on the unit and whispered, Dont eat the candy. The study found that officers reported receiving no formal training on identifying radicalized prisoners, and relied on their own perceptions, which, at times, led to accusations of racism by inmates. One inmate alleged that he was placed in a segregation unit after officers falsely perceived he was a terrorist and nicknamed him Kaboom. Researchers acknowledged in their paper the limits of their study, namely that their access was confined to one province, but Bucerius says theyve since been able to conduct interviews at two federal prisons and that their findings appear to hold up. In an email, Correctional Service of Canada spokesperson Isabelle Robitaille said, The proportion of our inmate population designated as radicalized is low. Radicalized offenders and offenders who have been convicted of terrorism-related offences are referred to various programs, psychological services, chaplaincy services and interventions, and education and employment programs designed to make offenders accountable for their behaviour, change attitudes and beliefs, and teach new skills, she wrote. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) continuously reviews and assesses the most effective interventions and management practices for all offenders, including radicalized offenders, that are used nationally and internationally. Amarnath Amarasingam, a Queens University professor and terrorism researcher, applauded the Alberta research teams ability to gain access. Theres never been a study of this scale in Canada looking at the prison population ever, he said. However, Amarasingam said aside from someone who openly goes around and tries to convert other people to their way of thinking, there are still no reliable indicators for identifying whether someone inside a prison is radicalized or not. More research and training are needed, he said. Just as you would train people in what gang culture looks like and gang initiation or recruitment, they should also have solid training in the prison system about what radicalization looks like and what support for extremism looks like, regardless of whether youre talking about the jihadist side or neo-Nazis. Read more about: On July 13, a dozen people from the Union Soldier Campaign protested to get leaders of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to drop "Tar Heels" as the school's nickname.The group, led by UNC alumnus Willian Thorpe, claims that cheering for the "Tar Heels" is cheering " for the essence of white supremacy ." Thorpe cites the Confederate origin story from 1863 where Confederate soldiersHowever, the name isn't so simple. It has a convoluted and controversial history, as detailed by UNC history professor Jim Leloudis . "Tar Heel" comes from two different periods of history. One story stems from Civil War history. Leloudis notes that many Confederate veterans from North Carolina wore a "Tar Heel" as a symbol of state pride during Reconstruction.The other origin story comes from North Carolina's booming turpentine business in the 18th century. North Carolina produced 70 percent of the colonies' tar, a derivative of turpentine, and contributed to the North's shipbuilding industry. Many workers, black and white, were poor and could not afford shoes, so they were seen with tar on their feet. "Tar Heels" became a derogatory term that signaled low socio-economic status.In both stories, the name "Tar Heel" has negative connotations. Since Chapel Hill adopted the nickname in the mid-1880s, it has become a household name that is used with pride.As public institutions of all kinds re-evaluate their ties with racism, renaming buildings or mascots has become an open debate. In 2006, the NCAA approved a policy that required colleges to drop mascots that were "hostile or abusive" to Native Americans. Interpreting "Tar Heel" as a problematic nickname, though, is a recent development. It didn't appear in a 2015 Splinter News article , for instance, that listed offensive college mascots or nicknames. And at least one history professor at Chapel Hill argues against "Tar Heels" being dropped."Tar Heels" has long lost its association with the Confederacy; it has now become identified with UNC without much baggage. As colleges grapple with their racist pasts and present-day legacy, they may cave to activist demands for changes, but not all of them are equally deserving of attention. Montenegro Awaits Results In Elections Testing Pro-Western Government By RFE/RL's Balkan Service August 30, 2020 Montenegro's citizens cast their votes on August 30 for a host of coalitions and parties competing in parliamentary elections, with the outcome too close to call. Neither the long-ruling pro-Western Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) nor the leading opposition pro-Russian and pro-Serbian Democratic Front (DF) is tipped to win a majority in the 81-seat parliament. Election authorities said the turnout was nearly 75 percent as of 7 p.m. local time, up from 71.6 percent at the same time during the previous general vote four years ago. Polls closed at 8 p.m. local time. Observers reported some irregularities, such as voters lacking identification cards. The dominant theme of the campaign, which was mainly conducted online and on social media because of the coronavirus pandemic, was a religious law that the Serbian Orthodox Church says would strip the church of its property in the country. The law, which came into force in January, says religious communities must prove property ownership from before 1918, the year when Montenegro joined the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and its church was subsumed 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 and has held daily protests against it. Montenegrin officials have repeatedly denied the allegations. Montenegro split from Serbia in a referendum in 2006 and further turned away from Belgrade and its Orthodox ally Russia, taking a pro-Western course and joining NATO in 2017. The country has also been negotiating steps toward getting an official invitation from the European Union for membership to the bloc. Serbian nationalists in both countries have never fully recognized Serbia's separation from Montenegro, which they claim is a historic Serbian territory. During the campaign, the support of the Serbian Orthodox Church was seen as a driving force behind some opposition parties, primarily the DF. The government directed the brunt of its campaign at the church and the opposition that supports it. After voting in the capital, Podgorica, President Milo Djukanovic told reporters he expected a majority of Montenegrin voters will opt for the country's "European future." The political future of Djukanovic, who leads the DPS and who has overseen Montenegro's efforts to qualify for EU membership, could be at stake in the election. Though Djukanovic is not up for reelection for three more years, his party has been in power for 30 years in various coalitions. Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is the first in its electoral list. The DF is led by university professor Zdravko Krivokapic, a nonpartisan figure. High on its electoral list is Marko Milacic, who has led an anti-NATO campaign in previous years and who is known for burning the alliance's flags on a few occasions. The elections are the 11th since a multiparty system was established in Montenegro and the fifth since the country regained independence in 2006. An electorate of more than 540,000 had the opportunity to vote. More than 2,000 observers, including 265 foreign observers, are following the elections. Among the parties in power that also are contesting in the elections are the Social Democrats, the Bosniak Party, two coalitions of the ethnic Albanian parties and two parties of the Croatian national minority. The DF is the main constituent of the coalition For the Future of Montenegro. Other opposition coalitions are Peace is Our Nation and the Black on White list. The Social Democratic Party is running on its own. Local elections also are being held in a handful of municipalities along the coast and in the north of the country. The elections are taking place amid an economic crisis in the country caused by coronavirus restrictions that have reduced Montenegro's tourism revenues by 90 percent this year With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/30811084.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 On the same day that he published an op-ed in USA Today supporting Joe Biden, Republican and former governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, appeared on CNN Tonight With Don Lemon. Despite being a life-long member of the GOP, Snyder feels Donald Trump is too divisive to be president. I'm an American first before I'm a partisan political person or belonging to a party, said Snyder. He believes the president is a bully and only focuses on his supporters instead of all citizens. We need to take care of everyone because we need to create an environment where it's not about someone winning and someone losing, said Snyder. We need an America where we can win together. Where we find common ground. We grow the economy together. We benefit together. And I believe Joe Biden can deliver on that. Video Transcript RICK SNYDER: I'm an American first-- DON LEMON: Right. RICK SNYDER: --before I'm a partisan political person or belonging to a party. And I think too many people have forgotten that. - Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appeared on "CNN Tonight with Don Lemon" Thursday just hours after posting an op-ed endorsing Joe Biden, despite being a lifelong Republican. RICK SNYDER: I believe in civility. I believe that success happens in this nation when we all work together for the common good. And I believe Joe Biden can deliver on that. - While Snyder has always supported the GOP in the past, he believes President Trump's divisiveness is tearing the country apart. RICK SNYDER: I talk to young people. I talk to my kids. They all encouraged me to speak up because they said, your voice can make a difference. So I'm doing what I-- I got some good advice from some young people on this one. DON LEMON: I-- I don't know what to say to you [LAUGHS]. - Lemon was so taken aback by Snyder's candid interview that it took him a moment to gather his thoughts. DON LEMON: I am just so grateful to hear someone speak with sense. And it doesn't matter if it's a Democrat or a Republican, but it helps that you are a supporter and that you're in the president's party. Story continues - After witnessing the president divide the country based on party affiliation, Snyder believes it is time to elect someone who can represent all Americans, regardless of politics. DON LEMON: Yeah. RICK SNYDER: We need to take care of everyone because we need to create an environment where it's not about someone winning and someone losing. DON LEMON: Yeah. RICK SNYDER: We need an America where we can win together, where we find common ground, we grow the economy together, we benefit together. And I believe Joe Biden can deliver on that. A Belfast artist is marking the 80th anniversary of the Blitz by producing a collection of works reflecting the untold stories of the event on the city. Dannielle Simpson (28) who has also created some of Belfast's most well-known street murals, teamed up with geneology website, Ancestry as part of a project involving 33 artists across the UK. A total of 80 artworks have been produced which can be viewed online via ancestry.co.uk. Each artwork is based on historical records and true stories from the areas hit hardest by The Blitz. The anniversary collection is also inspired by the War Artists Advisory Committee from World War Two, and is based on records held at The National Archives. Dannielle, who originally hails from Australia's Gold Coast but has been living in Belfast for the last couple of years, said it had been an honour to be involved in the project. The artist, whose mum, Paula is originally from Belfast, said creating her five artworks enabled her to tap into her own family's experience of the Blitz. "It's really opened by eyes. My mum's from Belfast and my granny still lives there, so that's my connection. Speaking to my granny I know that a number of my family members lived through it," she said. Expand Close One of Danielle's works evoking the Belfast blitz / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp One of Danielle's works evoking the Belfast blitz Two of her pieces examine the bravery of the city's citizens, with one bringing to life the story of 15-year-old William Bennett, who rescued three people from a house demolished by a bomb by propping up debris on his back. In the other, she depicts the bravery shown by Belfast man Bruce Graham. During an enemy attack on the city, he maintained communications between the Report Centre and Services in action by carrying operational messages on his motorcycle while Luftwaffe bombs were falling around him. The other three were based on photographs at the time of the German air raids in 1941. "The pictures were quite impactful but the ones I enjoyed were the records. "Obviously I didn't know what they looked like," explained Dannielle. "From that, I just used my creative vision to rework that and tell the story." The artist, who produced the well-known street mural, 'Belfast - You are here, what's the craic?' in North Street, said she hoped people will gain a greater understanding of the Blitz, which devastated Belfast and other UK cities. Russell James, family history expert at Ancestry, echoed her sentiments. "As we mark the 80th anniversary of the start of the Blitz, a time of tragedy but also a time that truly demonstrated the great British spirit we wanted to pay tribute to the original War Artists Advisory Committee," he explained. "By preserving these stories in a new and engaging way, we hope we can shine a light on what our families went through during that time." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 14:33 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42b63ae 1 City COVID-19-Jakarta,referral-hospitals,referral-center,case,spikes,rumah-sakit-covid-19,rumah-sakit-rujukan-COVID-19,lonjakan-kasus Free The Jakarta administration plans to add 11 COVID-19 reference hospitals as cases continue to rise in the capital. Jakarta currently has 67 COVID-19 referral hospitals and 170 hospitals providing services for COVID-19 patients. However, the city has recently been grappling with a rising number of hospitalizations among COVID-19 patients. According to the national COVID-19 task force on Monday, bed occupancy rates in isolation rooms and intensive care units (ICUs) in Jakarta had reached 69 and 77 percent, respectively. The current rate, which task force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito said was "no longer ideal", needs to drop to 60 percent to reduce the burden on healthcare workers. Currently there are 513 ICU beds and 4,054 isolation room beds designated for COVID-19 patients all across Jakarta. Read also: Jakarta to require all COVID-19 patients to be quarantined in hospitals The administration is currently aiming to increase the number to 4,800 isolation room beds and 650 ICU beds. With the addition of the 11 hospitals, the capital city would see 85 more ICUs and 286 isolation rooms for COVID-19 patients. Jakarta Health Agency head Widyastuti said the administration would strengthen the hospital networks around the reference hospitals so that patients with other diseases could still have access to health facilities. "We'll map hospitals in each city, so we can strengthen the hospital network around the area, especially since some patients and conditions need continuous treatment [at hospitals]," she told kompas.com. Read also: Jakarta sees rising COVID-19 hospitalizations On Thursday, the capital city recorded yet another record-high of new COVID-19 cases with 1,406 people, bringing the total number of confirmed cases citywide to 43,709. Jakarta had reported 10,032 active cases as of Thursday with 1,253 fatalities and 32,424 recoveries. In a bid to slow down the rate of transmission, the administration is set to issue a policy that will require COVID-19 patients in the capital to be quarantined at coronavirus referral centers and hospitals. Under the new regulation, self-quarantine will no longer be an option for COVID-19 patients regardless of whether or not they exhibit coronavirus symptoms. (nal) WASHINGTON Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden declared President Donald Trump unfit for the presidency on Friday, delivering an impassioned reaction to a report that Trump who never served in uniform allegedly mocked American war dead. The president and his allies have dismissed the report in The Atlantic as false. The allegations, sourced anonymously, describe multiple offensive comments by the president toward fallen and captured U.S. service members, including calling World War I dead at an American military cemetery in France losers and suckers in 2018. The reported comments, many of which were confirmed independently by The Associated Press, are shining a fresh light on Trumps previous public disparagement of American troops and military families. That opens a new political vulnerability for the president less than two months from Election Day. Voice cracking, Biden told reporters that you know in your gut Trumps comments, if true, are deplorable. Ive just never been as disappointed, in my whole career, with a leader that Ive worked with, president or otherwise, Biden added. If the article is true and it appears to be, based on other things hes said it is absolutely damning. It is a disgrace. He added that the president should humbly apologize to every Gold Star mother and father, to every Blue Star family that hes denigrated. Who the heck does he think he is? Trump, in the Oval Office, said no apology was necessary, because it was a fake story. Trump was alleged to have made the comments in November 2018, as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France. The White House said the visit was scrubbed because foggy weather made the helicopter trip from Paris too risky and a 90-minute drive was deemed infeasible. Speaking Friday in the Oval Office, Trump denied ever uttering such comments: It was a terrible thing that somebody could say the kind of things and especially to me cause Ive done more for the military than almost anyone anybody else. Later, in a press briefing, Trump suggested the source of the story was his former chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly. It could have been a guy like John Kelly, Trump told reporters, saying his former top aide was unable to handle the pressure of this job. Bidens critique was personal. The former vice president often speaks about his pride for his late son Beaus service in the Delaware Army National Guard. As he spoke, Biden grew angry, raising his voice to rebut Trumps alleged comments that Marines who died in battle were suckers for getting killed. When my son was an assistant U.S. attorney and he volunteered to go to Kosovo when the war was going on, as a civilian, he wasnt a sucker, Biden declared. When my son volunteered to join the United States military as the attorney general, he went to Iraq for a year, won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he wasnt a sucker! Beau Biden died of cancer in 2015. Returning to Washington from a Thursday visit to Pennsylvania, Trump told reporters that the Atlantic report was a disgraceful situation by a terrible magazine. I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes, Trump told the reporters, gathered on the tarmac in the dark. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? Biden has framed the election from the start as a referendum on Trumps character. His allies quickly seized on the reported comments in hopes they could drive a wedge between military families and veterans and Trump. They also believe the issue could help win over disaffected Republican voters who are fed up with Trumps constant controversies. In particular, Bidens team believes his well-documented experience, both personally and politically, with military issues could help him make inroads with a population that broadly supported Trump in the 2016 election and could help sway the election this year in a number of close swing states. Biden himself has not served in the military. Military families were broadly supportive of Trump in the 2016 election, and a Pew Research Center survey of veterans conducted in June 2019 found overall that veterans were more supportive of Trump than the general public, and that roughly 60% of the veterans polled identified as Republicans. On a call with reporters hosted by the Biden campaign Friday, Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth lambasted Trump for belittling the sacrifices of those who have shown more bravery than hes capable of. Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who lost both of her legs in the Iraq War, has been a prominent critic of Trumps handling of military issues. Knocking Trump for allegedly inventing an injury to avoid serving in the Vietnam War, Duckworth said shed take my wheelchair and my titanium legs over Donald Trumps supposed bone spurs any day. Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who drew national attention after criticizing Trump during the 2016 Democratic National Convention, joined Duckworth on the call and said Trumps life is a testament to selfishness. Words we say are windows into our souls. So when Donald Trump calls anyone who places their lives in service of others a loser, we understand Trumps soul, he said. Khans son, Humayun, was killed in action in Iraq in 2004. In 2016, Trump responded to the criticism from Khan by claiming hed made sacrifices of his own and by making an Islamophobic attack on Khans wife, Ghazala Khan, who was wearing a headscarf at the Democratic convention, saying: She had nothing to say. She probably maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me. Trump also denied calling the late Arizona Sen. John McCain, a decorated Navy officer who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, a loser after his August 2018 death. Trump acknowledged Thursday he was never a fan of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Trump publicly blasted McCain, saying, Hes not a war hero. He added, I like people who werent captured. At the time, Trump also shared a news article on Twitter calling McCain a loser. Trump only amplified his criticism of McCain as the Arizona lawmaker grew critical of his acerbic style of politics, culminating in a late-night no vote scuttling Trumps plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That vote shattered what few partisan loyalties bound the two men, and Trump has continued to attack McCain for that vote, even posthumously. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox & Friends on Friday that he was with the president for a good part of the trip to France. I never heard him use the words that are described in that article, Pompeo said. Asked Friday about the possibility of seeing Trump when they will both be in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, for the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks next week, Biden said: I didnt know he was going until after I announced on my own. Of course. Asked if hed be willing to share a stage with Trump, he said: Yes. Hes still the president of the United States of America. __ AP writers James LaPorta and Jill Colvin contributed. Today, The Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL) announced that Tara Simon has joined The Estee Lauder Companies as Senior Vice President, Global General Manager, Too Faced, effective August 31, 2020. She will report to John Demsey, Executive Group President, The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC), and will succeed Eric Hohl, who is departing from the company. Tara joins Too Faced from ULTA BEAUTY, where she served most recently as Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Prestige Beauty. In this role, Tara was responsible for the successful business model evolution and elevation of ULTA BEAUTYs luxury brands, spearheading unprecedented growth in the companys total Prestige Beauty market share. As the leader of ULTA BEAUTYs Prestige Merchandising Team, Merchandising Strategy Team, and Emerging Brands Team, Tara dramatically increased the number of prestige brands sold through the retailer by attracting exclusive launches from well-established powerhouse brands like MAC and Clinique, while also aggressively pursuing and successfully launching smaller start-up brands, resulting in increased consumer engagement and loyalty. Having partnered closely with Too Faced founders Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson since 2006, Tara is well versed in the brands uniquely vibrant and unabashedly feminine brand equity. She partnered with the founders both during her time at ULTA BEAUTY and previously during her tenure at Sephora, where she served as Director of Business Development and Divisional Merchandise Manager of Color. Tara is a visionary strategic leader and brand builder with deep experience in prestige beauty and makeup, said Mr. Demsey. She is a force, with unstoppable energy and admirable character. Tara has great respect for the vision, grit and passion with which Jerrod and Jeremy built Too Faced. She will be instrumental in helping to bring the unique brand narrative centered around Jerrods inspiring products and experiences to new audiences globally. Her vast expertise and ability to drive winning business results within the specialty-multi prestige beauty space makes her uniquely suited to bring Too Faced to new levels of success. As Senior Vice President, Global General Manager, Too Faced, Tara will be responsible for guiding and implementing the brands global strategic vision and leading the talented teams across the organization to execute these winning strategies. With her strong background in brand equity and marketing, she will partner closely with Jerrod, Jeremy to leverage a deeper understanding of existing consumers for even stronger affinity and loyalty and also bring new audiences to the brand. At the same time, her operational and retail expertise will enable her to create winning breakthrough service models and merchandising formats by channel to accelerate retail and direct-to-consumer opportunities. Tara has received several awards and honors in recognition of her exceptional career, including a Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Achiever Award in 2018. She sits on Harvard Womens Leadership Board supporting The Kennedy Schools Women and Public Policy Program, is on the National Board of Directors of CEW, and served on the Advisory Board of The NPD Group. About The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the worlds leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The companys products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, MAC, Kiton, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin, Tom Ford, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, GLAMGLOW, By Kilian, BECCA, Too Faced and Dr. Jart+. ELC-L ELC-B View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200904005139/en/ Cleveland Police Officer Dies in Shooting, Informant Also Killed: Authorities Three suspects were in custody in Cleveland on Friday after an officer was shot and killed on Thursday night, officials said. Officer James Skernivitz, 53, who had been with the department since 1998, was shot and killed, officials told news outlets. Skernivitz was working on an undercover drug operation as he and his informant were ambushed while in a car, officials said. Police Chief Calvin Williams told CBS News that Cleveland lost one of its finest with his death. Fran and I are heartbroken to learn of the shooting death of @CLEpolice Det. James Skernivitz. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. In honor of his life, Ive ordered flags lowered on state buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County and Columbus. pic.twitter.com/ewfEfmbijs Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 4, 2020 Detective Skernivitz gave his life trying to keep danger off the streets of Cleveland. This tragedy shows once again the valor and honor of the policeand that there are yet dangerous, evil men in the world who must be brought to justice. My heart breaks for his family and I pray that in their grief, they find solace in his legacy of service and sacrifice, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost told 19 News in Cleveland. Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, offered his condolences to the officers family. According to 19 News, three suspects are now in custody in connection to the officers death. Officials have not released the names of those who are in custody. Officials also confirmed that informant Scott Dingess was also killed. Authorities are still looking for the person responsible for the death of Det. Skernivitz. Anyone with information should immediately contact @FBICleveland at 216-622-6842 or Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME. Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 4, 2020 Anyone with information about the case can call 911 or Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME. So far, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 34 police officers have been shot and killed around the United States between Jan. 1 and Sept. 4, 2020. Thirty-five officers were killed in firearms-related incidents in the same time period last year. Other details about the officers death and case were not provided. Inside Hook Just three days after resuming filming outside of London, production on The Batman has been suspended again after star Robert Pattinson reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Production on the movie was previously shut down back in March when the pandemic initially hit, and it is currently slated for an October 21, 2021 release date. Warner Bros. would not confirm that Pattinson is the person on set who tested positive for the coronavirus, saying only, A member of The Batman production has tested positive for COVID-19, and is isolating in accordance with established protocols. Filming is temporarily paused. Five-nation influential grouping BRICS, which includes India and China, on Friday said conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations irrespective of their historic background. The BRICS stressed on resolution of conflicts in a declaration issued after a virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of the member nations of the grouping. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Though the declaration mentioned about conflicts in various parts of the world, the reference comes at a time when India and China, the two key members of the bloc, are engaged in a bitter border row for four months in mountainous eastern Ladakh region. They concurred that, irrespective of their historic background and distinctive nature, conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations in line with principles and norms of international law, particularly the UN Charter," it said. Besides India and China, the BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia and South Africa. In his address, Jaishankar called for boosting cooperation among the grouping in dealing with the threat of terrorism besides emphasising the need to reform the United Nations to reflect contemporary global realities. Jaishankar also called for expansion of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories besides pitching for reforms in international bodies like World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund and World Health Organisation. The meeting was chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended by Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Arajo, Chinas Wang, South African Foreign Minister Grace Naledi Pandor and Jaishankar. The joint declaration said the ministers expressed concerns at the rise of violence and continuing conflicts in different parts of the world that have significant impact at both the regional and international levels. It said the ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, adding that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to contribute further to the global efforts of preventing and countering the threat of terrorism on the basis of respect for international law and the UN Charter, emphasising that States have the primary responsibility in combating terrorism," the declaration said. The BRICS foreign ministers also called for establishing long-term peace in Afghanistan on the basis of successful, direct and inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations supported by international partners. The peace process should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. They condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks that took place in Afghanistan," it said. It said the ministers noted with appreciation the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in infrastructure and sustainable development financing and its contribution to the efforts of BRICS states to address the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. They welcomed the decision of the NDB Board of Governors to establish an emergency assistance facility up to USD 10 billion to meet related needs and the approval of four loans in the total amount of USD 4 billion," the declaration said. It said the ministers reiterated the pressing need to preserve jobs and income, in particular for the most vulnerable groups of society. They underscored the urgency of restoring international growth and international trade, strengthening markets stability and resilience. The Ministers stressed the value of cooperation between States, both bilaterally and multilaterally," it said. In his address, Jaishankar said the BRICS has an important role to play in the wake of grave challenges in economic, political and social, health fields. He also highlighted the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative of India as a dynamic" and mutually beneficial global economic engagement, covering five key pillars, including economy, infrastructure, technology, demography and demand. Overlooking one of Londons most beautiful parks has many advantages for the residents of Kensington Palace, who include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, as well as Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. But there was horror last weekend when word got round that a body had been retrieved from the ornamental lake in front of the palace. For the family of artist Endellion Lycett Green, granddaughter of much-loved former poet laureate Sir John Betjeman, the discovery was heart-breaking because they were told that the body was hers. Endellion, 51, who is known to her friends and family as Delli, had been missing for a week and the Metropolitan Police had made public appeals for help in finding her. Overlooking one of Londons most beautiful parks has many advantages for the residents of Kensington Palace (pictured) However, the familys grief turned to deep relief when Delli was found alive this week and the corpse turned out to be that of another woman. It had been a case of mistaken identity. My sister Endellion is alive, safe and well, her brother John Lycett Green said in a message shared with grateful friends. Thank you all for the support and love you showed for Delli and her family. Sorry to all of you that, like us, were grieving for the wonder that is Delli. We were told a body was found and was her. It was not, and Delli was found last night. He added: RIP the soul that was found in Kensington Round Pond on Saturday morning. The palace's residents include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured) and their children, as well as Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank Endellion is a distinguished artist and good friend of David Camerons wife, Samantha, and The Wire actor Dominic West. She lives in Wiltshire with her film editor husband Rob Nagel and their two children. A friend of the family tells me: Delli went through a bad patch, but its a huge relief to everyone that she is safe and well. Its been a traumatic week. The body found in the pond remains unidentified. A Scotland Yard spokesman tells me: The death is being treated as unexplained at this time, but is not thought to be suspicious. Inquiries are ongoing. The spokesman says Endellions family were contacted as part of inquiries to establish the identity of the deceased. Advertisement Poor countries may have greater protection against coronavirus because of their harsh living conditions, scientists have suggested. Experts have been puzzled by why some nations where poverty and disease is rife are not suffering massive outbreaks, describing the phenomenon as a 'complete enigma'. At the start of the pandemic, it was feared poorer countries, particularly in Africa, could be devastated by the virus because communities are overcrowded and have poor hygiene and lower quality healthcare systems. But, paradoxically, it is possible these challenging living conditions have actually helped impoverished nations to better cope with the coronavirus. Public health experts say that, because life expectancy is so low in these countries, there are fewer older people, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. Younger populations mean fewer people are dying from the disease or falling ill enough to be hospitalised, which has prevented hospitals from being overwhelmed. For example, South Africa has had more than 600,000 cases - twice the number in the UK - but just 14,000 fatalities, a fraction of Britain's 40,000-plus. And while the median age in Britain is 40, meaning half the population is older and half is younger, it is just 28 in the African nation, showing that people are on average much younger. And people living in the poorest places may have actually been exposed to more coronaviruses and flu bugs because they live in such crowded areas where diseases spread rapidly. Science has repeatedly suggested that exposure to other, similar viruses, may afford people an extra layer of protection against Covid-19. South Africa has recorded twice the number of cases as the UK but just a fraction of the deaths. Experts believe its young population may be the reason Compared to Western nations, African countries have suffered just a fraction of cases and deaths. The UK's death rate, the number of people who catch Covid-19 and eventually die, is 12 per cent, for comparison Africa, which has recorded little over a million cases, has the second lowest death rate in the world. Asia has fared better overall, with impoverished nations like Pakistan and Nepal averting major crises and other countries being better trained to deal with epidemics thanks to previous outbreaks People, covering their faces as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus, visit Entoto Kidane Mehret Church in Ethiopia There have been more than 21,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths in Africa - 10 times fewer than in Europe and 20 times fewer than in the Americas. Africa has recorded little over a million cases, whereas that number is 4.2million in Europe and 13.1million in the Americas. SOUTH AFRICA'S CRISIS LESS DEADLY THAN COMPARABLE OUTBREAKS Data from the World Health Organization, correct at August 31, shows that the coronavirus outbreak in South Africa has been significantly less deadly than those of comparable size that have taken place in other countries. Scientists suggest this could in part be because the country has such a low average age - just 28 compared to 48 in Italy and 40 in the UK (median). Country South Africa USA Colombia Germany Peru Spain Mexico France UK Cases 622,551 5,855,521 590,520 241,771 629,961 439,286 585,783 256,829 332,756 Deaths 13,981 180,689 18,767 9,295 28,471 29,011 63,146 30,465 41,498 Death rate 2.2% 3.1% 3.2% 3.8% 4.5% 6.6% 10.8% 11.9% 12.5% Advertisement Testing in Africa is nowhere near the scale seen in other continents, which means there could be a huge degree of underreporting when it comes to infections and deaths. But the difference is stark, nevertheless. Professor Salim Karim, one of South Africa's top infectious diseases experts, told the BBC: 'Most African countries don't have a peak. I don't understand why. I'm completely at sea. This is an enigma. It's completely unbelievable.' And Professor Shabir Madhi, an epidemiologist who has been advising the South African government in its Covid-19 response, added: 'It seems possible that our struggles, our poor conditions might be working in favour of African countries and our populations.' Some experts have cited young populations for Africa's relatively low infection and death rates. Tim Bromfield, a regional director of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, said age was 'the highest risk factor' and Africa's low life expectancy 'protects it'. The average age of an African is 19, compared to 40 in the UK and most places in Europe and the US. Life expectancy on the impoverished continent is just 64 years, compared to the UK where it is 81. And data shows that Covid-19 has disproportionately affected elderly people - particularly those in their 70s and 80s. This disproportionate effect on older people may be one explanation for why third-world countries appear to be faring much better than their wealthy European and American counterparts, where people live longer. In the Middle East, for example, Afghanistan has a total death rate of 36 per million people, while Yemen's is 19 and Syria's is seven. That figure is 561 in the US and 612 in Britain. Haiti, in the Caribbean, has a death rate of 18.1 per million, while in South Asia Pakistan's is 29 and Nepal's is 8.7. International travel in all of these countries is less common than in the West, which could explain why cases and deaths did not rocket at the beginning, because it took longer for the virus to arrive in high numbers. Elsewhere, other third-world countries appear to be faring much better than their wealthy European and American counterparts Children sit at their desks wearing protective visors, with glass separating each desk to enforce social distancing in Johannesburg, South Africa But Covid-19 is so infectious that it should have eventually have ramped up to high levels seen elsewhere. Scientists at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Analytics unit, at Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, have come up with their own theory as to why third world countries have averted major crises. ARE SOME PEOPLE ALREADY PROTECTED FROM COVID FROM CATCHING COLDS? A growing body of research has suggested that people may already have immunity against they have had similar illnesses in the past. Experts have noticed the infection looks extremely similar to other, milder strains of coronaviruses which cause coughs and colds and circulate regularly. Those who have had these in the past may have some level of 'cross-protection', which means they aren't seriously harmed by Covid-19. While it remains unlikely that people will be totally protected from any infection at all, 'background' immunity could make their illness less severe and death less likely. Theories that even exposure to common colds may protect people from the coronavirus have been floating around for months. There are four other types of coronavirus known to infect humans regularly, which are named NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1. The fifth, known as SARS-CoV-2, is the one that causes Covid-19. If people have had these in the past, their bodies may have developed some immunity to coronaviruses, an Oxford University study suggested in July. The way cross-protection might develop lies in the fact that coronaviruses all have similar structures - that is, they have spike-shaped proteins on the outside. These spikes may look similar to the body's immune system and be recognised as a threat even if someone has not been infected with that particular one before. When the body recognises a protein as a danger it can stoke the immune system into life and immediately send white blood cells and antibodies to destroy the viruses, thereby either preventing illness or making it less severe. The body stores memories of how to fight viruses it has seen in the past and, if it encounters one that looks a lot like another one it has attacked, it may attack that more quickly than usual, too. Immune cells are highly specific and only attack the bugs they are designed to, but if coronaviruses are extremely similar there is a chance that immunity developed to one virus may be compatible with another. While this might not stop infection completely, the fast immune response could make the illness less severe and make it more likely that people will survive. Advertisement They believe people living in the toughest conditions have probably been infected by other coronaviruses that cause common colds, which have given them antibodies to be able to fend off Covid-19. Professor Madhi told the BBC: 'It's a hypothesis. Some level of pre-existing cross-protective immunity might explain why the epidemic didn't unfold (the way it did in other parts of the world). 'The protection might be much more intense in highly populated areas, in African settings. It might explain why the majority (on the continent) have asymptomatic or mild infections. I can't think of anything else that would explain the numbers.' While colds and flu are common around the world, the theory is that the viruses have infect larger populations in poverty-ridden countries more often, because crowded neighbourhoods make it harder for people to distance for others. Sceptics might be quick to point to other developing nations like Brazil, with its its crowded favelas. The South American nation has been obliterated by Covid, with 4million cases and 124,600 deaths, second only to the US. And the outbreak in extremely-densely-populated India is spiralling out of control, with cases closing in on 4million and deaths nearing 70,000. There are four other types of coronavirus known to infect humans regularly, which are named NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1. The fifth, known as SARS-CoV-2, is the one that causes Covid-19. If people have had these in the past, their bodies may have developed some immunity to coronaviruses. Previous research, including one study done by Oxford University in July, has thrown weight to the theory of 'cross immunity'. Experts have noticed the infection looks extremely similar to other, milder strains of coronaviruses which cause coughs and colds and circulate regularly. While it remains unlikely that people will be totally protected from any infection at all, 'background' immunity could make their illness less severe and death less likely. The way cross-protection might develop lies in the fact that coronaviruses all have similar structures - that is, they have spike-shaped proteins on the outside. These spikes may look similar to the body's immune system and be recognised as a threat even if someone has not been infected with that particular one before. When the body recognises a protein as a danger it can stoke the immune system into life and immediately send white blood cells and antibodies to destroy the viruses, thereby either preventing illness or making it less severe. The body stores memories of how to fight viruses it has seen in the past and, if it encounters one that looks a lot like another one it has attacked, it may attack that more quickly than usual, too. Immune cells are highly specific and only attack the bugs they are designed to, but if coronaviruses are extremely similar there is a chance that immunity developed to one virus may be compatible with another. While this might not stop infection completely, the fast immune response could make the illness less severe and make it more likely that people will survive. The South African scientists planned to test their cross protection theory by analysing blood samples from an old infleunza vaccine trial in Soweto in 2015. The samples had been cryogenically frozen for future research projects. But when they went to retrieve the blood vials, they realised the temperature inside the freezers had been unstable and rendered the samples useless. They now plan to reach out to universities and labs around the country to find other samples they can use - but the process could take months. Thirty days ago, the tanker Maersk Etienne responded to requests from Maltese authorities to help a nearby boat in distress. The crew found an overcrowded, wooden fishing boat carrying 27 African migrants including a pregnant woman and a child and quickly shuttled them aboard. The Maersk Etienne then waited for the customary approval to dock and drop off its unexpected passengers. It is still waiting, and the captain says the situation has grown dire. Its a real nightmare, Volodymyr Yeroshkin, the captain of the Maersk Etienne, said in an interview. While there is enough food and water for those onboard now, he said, that will not be the case indefinitely. Denying the discharge of refugees rescued by humanitarian vessels in the central Mediterranean has become the new norm for countries like Italy and Malta that are the front line of the migrant route into Europe. - Government of Ghana will borrow an amount of 22.7 billion within the next three months. - GH19 billion out of the borrowed amount will, be used to settle principal and interest of existing loans - The remaining GH3.05 billion, which will be in fresh issuance will be used to finance government projects Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Information reaching YEN.com.gh indicates that the government of Ghana will borrow an amount of 22.7 billion within the next three months. According to a JoyNews report, the amount is going to be borrowed beginning this month. Per the Bank of Ghana issuance calendar, 19 billion out of the borrowed amount will, be used to settle principal and interest of existing loans. The remaining GH3.05 billion, which will be in fresh issuance will be used to finance government projects. Out of the total amount to be raised, 9.2 billion which is the highest amount, will be issued via a 91-day Treasury bill, the calendar shows. READ ALSO: Government denies suspending controversial Agyapa deal Some 287 million which is the lowest amount to be raised will be issued through a 20-year bond. The 20-year bond will be issued in November. The Finance Ministry has stated that the 91-day and 182-day Treasury bills will be issued every week, whiles the one year Treasury note will be issued every fortnight. This will, however, be done through the primary auction with settlement being the transaction date plus one working day. Securities of two-year up to seven-year will, however, be issued through the book-building method. The additional 3 billion will add to governments total debt of 255 billion, about $45 billion as of the end of June. READ ALSO: Court throws out MTN's case against NCA In other news, an Accra High Court on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, dismissed an application by MTN seeking to quash the directive of the National Communication Authority to classify it as a significant market player in the telecommunications industry. The court, in a 33-page ruling, dismissed the case while awarding a cost of GHc10,000 against MTN. Citinewsroom.com reports that by the decision of the court presided over by Justice Samuel Asiedu, the NCA can now take measures to promote competition to protect the interest of other mobile service operators and consumers. READ ALSO: Gabby Otchere-Darkos law firm pocketed US$103,000 from Agyapa deal - Kweku Baako blows alarm "Akufo-Addo deserves more than 8 years" - Ghanaian woman commends | #Yencomgh Got a story you think we should know about? Get interactive via our Facebook page! Source: YEN.com.gh STOCKHOLM, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RhoVac AB ("RhoVac") announces today September 4th 2020, that it is continuing to strengthen the Scientific Advisory Board with a pediatric immunologist, by appointing Professor Georg Hollander, Action Research Professor and Head of Department at Oxford University, UK and Professor in Development Immunology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and Pediatric Immunology, University of Basel, Switzerland to the Scientific Advisory Board. Professor Hollander is also Director of the Botnar Research Center for Child Health (BRCCH) in Basel, Switzerland. Professor Georg Hollander, MD, PhD, joins RhoVac Scientific Advisory Board with an extensive experience in immunology, were his specific scientific focus concerns the molecular and cellular control of thymus development and function. After his Medical Studies at Basel University, he proceeded his postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, U.S. and held an Assistant Professor before returning to Switzerland. He was then appointed Full Professor in Molecular Medicine in Pediatrics 2003 at Basel University and held several academic positions there including Head of Research at the Basel University Childrens' Hospital. In 2010, he was appointed as Action Research Professor of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, UK and in 2020 as full Professor in Developmental Immunology at Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland. CEO Anders Mansson comments: "We are excited and proud that Professor Hollander, as a renowned expert in the field, wants to join our Scientific Advisory Board. With this recruitment, as well as the earlier ScientificAdvisory Board recruitments of prominent expertise, both pre-clinically and clinically, we now conclude that RhoVac has a scientific team in place that will enable us to stand toe to toe with the potential partners for RV001. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Anders Mansson - CEO, RhoVac AB Phone number: +46 73-751 72 78 E-mail: info@rhovac.com This information is such that RhoVac 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 person set out above, on 4th September 2020. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/rhovac/r/rhovac-appoints-professor-georg-hollander-to-its-scientific-advisory-board,c3188987 The following files are available for download: The Washington Post reports that the Justice Department is expected to file an antitrust lawsuit against Google as soon as this month. The Post claims that Attorney General Barr has overruled dozens of federal attorneys who initially signaled the U.S. government was not ready to bring such a landmark case. Such a suit would be the product of a competition inquiry that, in the Posts words, focuses on Googles sprawling search and advertising empire and the extent to which it harms rivals and consumers. That extent is considerable, I believe. Indeed, as we noted at the time, a bipartisan group of state attorney generals, nearly 50 of them, launched an antitrust probe of Google last year. Its clear, however, that some DOJ attorneys oppose the pace at which Barr is proceeding. According to the Post: This summer, more than 30 attorneys communicated their thoughts in an informal poll about the probe, and the vast majority said at the time they were not ready to file a case yet against Google, according to a third person familiar with the matter. The person said they believed only two people at the time were on board with the idea. It seems odd that such a poll was conducted. When I was a government attorney, we didnt take polls about when to sue. But then, we werent a pipeline to the mainstream media, either. Its too bad the informal poll didnt include a question about party affiliation and presidential preference. I suspect that the vast majority of those polled are Democrats and/or Never Trumpers. The Post hopes to create the impression that Barr wants to bring a suit against Google prematurely for partisan political purposes. I cant speak to the question of Barrs motive. However, based on my experience working for Barr (I was part of a large, multi-firm group of lawyers that Barr oversaw during the telecom litigation of the mid-1990s), I can say that hes an aggressive, hard-charging litigator. He pushes lawyers hard and likes to see litigation move forward. Its easy for me to imagine that, absent any partisan political motive (he had none in the telecom litigation), Barr would press DOJ lawyers to move faster than they feel comfortable doing. Working for Barr is a rewarding experience, but not always a comfortable one. Naturally, I cant say whether, in this case, the reported reservations of DOJ antitrust lawyers are well founded. Im just saying that we shouldnt assume they are and that, whether they are or arent, we shouldnt assume that Barrs motive in pushing ahead is political. Kareena Kapoor Khan believes the renewed debate on nepotism in Bollywood is a result of people getting frustrated by the pandemic and staying locked down at homes. In an interview with Anupama Chopra, Kareena once again said that she doesnt know why everyone has gone on this huge discussion. Kareena said the people cannot assume that just because she is a movie star, her son Taimur will also be one. I think everyone gets what they deserve in their lives, what is there in their destiny. Yeh nahi hai ki Taimur Ali Khan is going to become the biggest star in this country. Hes not. Hes probably the most photographed child in this country, for whatever reason, I have no clue. I will also wish for my son that he be self-sufficient and self-reliant. I am like you do what you want to do in life. You want to be a chef somewhere, a pilot, whatever you want to do. I want him to fly and be happy in his life. And its not necessary that because he has successful parents, he will be successful. His journey is going to start when he wants to start. He has to find his own path. His parents are not going to help him in whatever way, she said. Kareena said that her parents did not help her out in her career either. She said she was known as Karisma Kapoors sister in the beginning but had to make her own way in the industry. So all this nepotism ki ye hoga woh hoga, Taimur star banega.... arre we also dont know, she added. Kareena and her husband Saif are expecting their second child. The couple made the announcement last month. Talking about it, Kareena said she wished she could work through this pregnancy as well but she has to be realistic considering the coronavirus pandemic. She also said that she hopes to have a healthy pregnancy without putting on unnecessary weight. She said she was fed paranthas, milk and besan laddoos last time but will be more cautious now that she has learnt what her body needs. The actor is also looking forward to finishing the shoot for Laal Singh Chaddha with Aamir Khan. Kareena said that Aamir has graciously agreed to shoot her portion in the film first, before she gets huge. She still has 12-15 days of shoot left on the movie. However, Kareena says that Karan Johars Takht has been put on the backburner for now considering the large human resources the period film would have required amid the pandemic. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs brother-in-law counters Rhea Chakrabortys claims: 5 times my wife left me behind to be with her brother Kareena said she is currently reading film scripts and also a few web series. She expressed a great desire to be part of a web series after watching shows such as Mirzapur, Delhi Crime, Sacred Games and Paatal Lok. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The work on land acquisition and tendering for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail corridor may face delays due to Covid-19 and the Bullet Train may fail to meet its 2023 deadline, officials aware of the development said. So far 63 percent land has been acquired for the project, according to the project implementing agency National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL). The project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad has a deadline of December 2023. The Railways had said last month that the high-speed rail corridor is expected to be completed on time despite the Covid-19 outbreak. The project has had to contend with issues ranging from protests by landowners to rising costs because of a widening gap between the Indian rupee and the Japanese yen; 80 percent of the Rs 1 trillion needed to fund the project will come from a 20-year Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) loan. Also read: Vaccine nationalism would prolong coronavirus pandemic, says WHO chief Tedros The estimated total cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project is Rs 1.08 trillion, of which 81 percent cost is planned for funding through the loan from the JICA, may be escalated, officials said. Last year, the company had floated nine civil work tenders which could not be opened due to the pandemic. The deadline of the project is likely to be shifted further due to this, the officials added. Centre has signed a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for providing Rs 15,000 crore, of the total loan amount of Rs 88,000 crore. It is difficult to assess the impact of the pandemic (Covid 19) on the project as it still continuing, NHRCL spokesperson told Hindustan Times. As per the feasibility study, the target date for the completion of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is December 2023. About 63 percent land has been acquired for the project and tenders for civil works for 345 kilometres out of 508 kilometres alignment (68 percent of civil works) is already floated. This includes six MAHSR stations (including one underground station in Mumbai). The works related to utility diversion are progressing well and the construction of Sabarmati passenger hub (a multi-modal hub) in Sabarmati, Gujarat has also started. The hostel building of High-Speed Training Institute (which is presently being used for Covid patients) and training tracks in Vadodara are also completed, he said. One section of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail corridor is likely to be tendered out within three months after nearly 90 percent of the land acquisition for the project is completed, according to railway board chairman VK Yadav, Hindustan Times had reported on August 4. Yadav had said there has been a slowdown in land acquisition due to Covid-19. As on date, we have acquired 60 percent of the land... Due to Covid situation there was some slowdown in land acquisition but it has started picking up now and we are sure over the coming six months, most of the land will be acquired, he had told HT earlier. Indian Railways has so far completed 76 percent of land acquisition in Gujarat and 24 percent in Maharashtra, he said. The national transporter has also begun feasibility studies on seven other potential high-speed corridors to gauge their financial viability and estimated traffic they will attract. The Indian Railways is exploring whether the corridors would be viable to run high-speed Bullet Trains with speeds above 300 kmph. The seven proposed corridors are Delhi-Varanasi, Varanasi-Howrah, DelhiAhmedabad, MumbaiNagpur, MumbaiHyderabad, Chennai-Mysore and DelhiAmritsar. A year-long collection of mosquitoes with self-made traps and over a hundred volunteers in rural Rwanda reporting levels of mosquito nuisance revealed when and where malaria risks were the highest. In addition to their reporting, the volunteers appeared to distribute knowledge and skills on controlling malaria within communities. Studies by Wageningen University & Research and the University of Rwanda show that citizen science has great potential to reduce the disease burden across the globe. Every year, over 200 million malaria cases are reported globally resulting in over 400 thousand deaths. Cases of malaria in Sub-Sahara Africa have been on the rise in recent years. In Rwanda, the number of cases increased from 1.1 million in 2012 to 4.7 million in 2016. This increase was observed across all age groups. The 10 districts with the largest number of cases accounted for more than 62% of all malaria cases, mostly in the eastern and southern provinces. Citizen science to improve surveillance and control The World Health Organization calls for investment in new approaches and tools to accelerate progress in controlling and eliminating malaria. Implementing widespread mosquito surveillance to produce maps of malaria risk is crucial in cost-effective control of malaria. Relatively little is known about how to engage local people in consistent malaria control. In their PhD-studies, Domina Asingizwe and Marilyn Milumbu Murindahabi demonstrated the potential of citizen science in malaria mosquito surveillance and control in low resource settings in the Ruhuha sector of Rwanda. Their research focused on five villages in rural areas where mosquito monitoring was not established. Local citizens played an important role in determining the research activities. Malaria hotspots on the map by reporting mosquito nuisance These studies show that malaria hotspots can be identified by asking people to regularly report the level of mosquito nuisance experienced as well as the occurrence of malaria cases in the household. For one year, more than one hundred households reported the nuisance levels ranging from 1 (no nuisance) to 5 (very much nuisance) every month. Malaria hotspots were found more in the southern part of the Ruhuha Sector, especially in the villages Busasamana and Kibaza. Villages closer to the river and located at lower elevation had more malaria cases. In total, 66% of the households reported at least one confirmed malaria case in their household throughout the study period. Nuisance levels were the highest from December, January and February. During these the months, on average high numbers of mosquitoes were also caught with hand-made traps. Furthermore, Kibaza and Busasamana were the villages where most malaria mosquitoes were collected by the volunteers. The motivation to participate varied between age and gender groups. Young volunteers and women were more motivated to join the programme because of curiosity and a desire to learn new things. In general, adult volunteers and men were motivated to join because of the contribution to malaria control. This means that different segments of the population have different motivations and indicates that in a citizen science program, target groups may require different approaches to recruitment and retention. Improving community health Both volunteers and non-volunteers gained knowledge and skills about the use of malaria control measures in general, and mosquito species in particular among volunteers. Acceptance of the application of indoor residual spraying increased for about half of the participants. The reported knowledge among non-volunteers shows the diffusion of project-related information. This shows that a citizen science programme has the potential to both engage those who are directly involved in the collection and submission of citizen science data and improve community health by addressing public health problems. Broad societal impact Implementing and managing citizen science networks is not easy, but the results show that a citizen science programme for malaria control has potential to extend malaria vector surveillance into areas where mosquito monitoring is not established. It allows for a more detailed insight in the spatial and temporal variation in malaria risk. The active involvement and interaction with citizens results in a much-needed broad societal support for implementing malaria control actions in collaboration with local health authorities. The research findings and lessons learned during the two PhD projects and published in the PhD reports, as well as in a large number of scientific papers, provide a valuable resource for other regions in Africa and elsewhere that aim to control malaria. Dr Christopher Doyle, left, sparked a counter terrorism investigation when he sent Theresa May, right, a picture of her beheaded when she was Prime Minister. (Met Police/ PA) A scientist has been jailed after 245,000 child abuse images were found in his computer in a police search of his home after he sent Theresa May a satirical poster of the then-prime minister decapitated. Dr Christopher Doyle, 54, sparked a counter-terrorism investigation when he sent an envelope marked "C/O: The Nazi Party" along with an angry pro-Russia rant and a mysterious white powder thought to be fake poison. The former Cambridge University researchers letter was intercepted before it reached the Tory leader and the substance found to be harmless citric acid. Doyle, who once worked at the governments top secret laboratory Porton Down, denied sending a substance intending a person to believe it was noxious, claiming he was being set up by MI5. He was found to have 245,505 child abuse images on his computer when his home was searched. Doyle, of Widnes, Cheshire, previously admitted downloading the files - of children as young as six - but suggested to jurors many of them were legal and "artistic". Dr Christopher Doyle sparked a counter-terrorism investigation when he sent the then-PM Theresa May a picture of her beheaded. (Met Police) Police charged Doyle with one count of hoaxes involving noxious substances or things; one count of making indecent photographs of children; and one count of possession of indecent photographs of children. He was found guilty on Thursday and was sentenced over both the fake poison and images at Liverpool Crown Court. Judge Anil Murray said: "This was a serious offence intended by you to induce fear of danger to human life. Read more: Cambridge University cancels face-to-face lectures until summer 2021 During the trial, Joe Allman, prosecuting, said Doyle's letter to the PM was diverted to a screening facility in London on 5 April last year by a "greatly concerned" worker. Specialist police said the envelope was stamped 28 March at Warrington Mail Centre and a mixed DNA profile on the stamp pointed to Doyle. It included a poster of Theresa May decapitated, from satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo. Former prime minister Theresa May during a session in the House of Commons. (PA) Within a second envelope inside was a cartoon of Alexander Litvinenko, who died after he was poisoned in London in 2006, and a volatile message criticising the PM's policy towards alleged Russian involvement in the poisoning of both Mr Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal, who survived being poisoned in Salisbury in 2018. Story continues Doyle said he believed MI5, MI6 or the government had opened his letter, were angered by what he had written, and must have planted the citric acid. He said he was ashamed of his Category C indecent images, which included 188,540 videos. Read more: Man jailed for harrowing murder of pensioner Pritchard said a report showed Doyle had "genuine remorse" for the indecent images, but was still coming to terms with his offending. He said: "The defendant suffers from bipolar affective disorder and has essentially been living with agoraphobia, barely leaving the house, since 2013 following the death of a close friend. Doyle previously worked as a research fellow at Cambridge University. (Getty) "He is a man who has gone from being a successful research fellow at Cambridge University to living in almost isolation. Judge Murray said the scientist sent the fake poison at a time when "the issue of poisoning was high in the nation's consciousness". Doyle eventually accepted the images were indecent at trial. Judge Murray said the letter was "sophisticated enough to cause the fear you wanted to cause" and Doyle was a "highly intelligent man" who had not acted in the "spur of the moment" and had "full insight" into what he was doing. Jailing Doyle for 34 months - two years and 10 months - and also ordered him to sign on the sex offenders register and to comply with a sexual harm prevention order for seven years. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 00:51:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIGA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian government decided Friday to continue the Baltic travel bubble at least for one more week after Estonia and Lithuania asked for postponement of the travel restrictions. On Wednesday, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins warned that free travel inside the territory of the three Baltic states, or the so-called Baltic bubble, will probably end this week amid a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Estonia and Lithuania. He said that Latvia would not exempt travelers arriving from the two other Baltic countries from the self-isolation requirement, citing the need to protect public health. According to the COVID-19 rules currently effective in Latvia, all travelers who arrive in Latvia from countries where the cumulative 14-day COVID-19 incidence exceeds 16 cases per 100,000 population are required to self-isolate for 14 days. However, Latvian Health Minister Ilze Vinkele said Friday that next week arrivals from Lithuania and Estonia will not be required to self-isolate, as updated statistics do not yet rank the two countries among countries with increased COVID-19 risks. At the same time, the government passed special regulations that will allow residents of border areas to cross into the neighboring country under certain conditions for purposes of work, study, etc., should travel restrictions come into force sometime in the future. Enditem G erman prosecutors said they will charge a 27-year-old woman with murder after five of her young children were found dead at their home in the western city of Solingen. Heribert Kaune-Gebhardt, a prosecutor in nearby Wuppertal, told reporters that post-mortem examinations on the dead children showed signs of sedation and suffocation, but it was still unclear how exactly they had died. The mother, who sent her eldest son to stay with his grandmother on Thursday before attempting to take her own life by jumping in front of a train, has not been questioned by police yet, officials said. The killings have caused widespread shock in Germany. Teddy bears and candles are pictured at the entrance of the apartment building / AP Wuppertal police said the childrens grandmother had alerted authorities about a possible crime shortly before 2pm on Thursday. Officers who arrived at the familys home within minutes forced open the door and found three girls, ages one, two and three, and two boys, six and eight, dead in their beds. There were no signs of physical violence, said Marcel Maierhofer of the Wuppertal police force. Forensic scientists investigates an apartment, where five dead children were found in Solingen / AP Investigators have so far determined that the womans 11-year-old son left for school as usual on Thursday morning. His mother later picked him up from school and told him to go to his grandmother, Mr Maierhofer said. The suspect also sent her mother a message stating that she couldnt go on and cited marital problems with the father of her four youngest children. We can only speculate that the motive was the fraught marriage, Mr Maierhofer said. Additional reporting by agencies. The office of Zareh Sinanyan, the Armenian governments high commissioner for Diaspora affairs, says that the vast majority of them have expressed a desire to stay in their ancestral homeland for good. According to various estimates, there are between 80,000 and 120,000 Armenians living in Lebanon at present. The once thriving community struggled to cope with Lebanons ongoing economic crisis even before the August 4 explosion which killed 181 people and left tens of thousands of other Beirut residents homeless. Following the blast the Armenian government faced growing calls to facilitate the repatriation of Lebanese Armenians. Government officials stressed that they are free to immigrate to Armenia, pointing to twice-a-week Beirut-Yerevan flights carried out despite coronavirus-related restrictions imposed in both countries. Aline Galemkerian, an Armenian woman from Beirut, arrived in Yerevan with her two young sons two weeks ago. One of the boys is already taking piano lessons there. Galemkerian said she and her husband had decided to relocate to Armenia and try to start a new life there even before the Beirut blast that seriously damaged their apartment. I wish we had not seen [the blast] and come here much earlier because it affected us a lot in many ways, she told RFE/RLs Armenian service. I kept crying, she said. Tears in my eyes would not dry up for days. We lost many Armenian and Arab friends. Galemkerians husband will join the family soon. If my husband finds a job here we will stay here [for good,] said the young woman. I feel good here. But I dont know if we can have the same [living] standards if we live and work here. Another Beirut Armenian, Elias Kalajian, owned and ran a small company manufacturing furniture in the Lebanese capital until moving to Armenia last week. I arrived alone. My son and his wife are coming here on Monday, he said, adding that his other son plans to join them later on. Kalajian said that he would like to set up a similar furniture firm in Yerevan and has already asked the Armenian Ministry of Economy to help him find and rent premises for his small factory. The ministry has promised to explore the possibility of such assistance. While being mindful of Armenias own economic problems aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic, Kalajian seemed upbeat about doing business in the country. I must definitely try to work and succeed here, he said. Speaking to RFE/RLs Armenian service late last month, Sinanyan said that his office is now working on a social, economic, educational and healthcare package aimed at facilitating the immigration of Lebanese Armenians. We want to bring them to Armenia, said the official. We do not want them to move to another country. Kalajian confirmed that more Lebanese Armenians are now thinking about settling in Armenia. Many friends told me: You go there and well follow you, he said. They want to see what I can achieve here before they decide to come here. If they are encouraged they too will come. Just like me, they have families, children and grandchildren, added the businessman. Everyone wants to come. But they need a bit of encouragement. Last month, a remote Scottish island put out a call that it was looking for residents to live off-grid. At that time, Yahoo! life reported that the Isle of Rum, a rocky island - just eight miles end-to-end - located in Scotlands Inner Hebrides, was actively seeking people who are looking for a slice of the quieter life. The call for new residents came from the Isle of Rum Community Trust, who wished to find occupants for four two-bedroom eco-homes, just built on the outskirts of Kinloch village, to raise the islands population of about 40, the report said. According to the report, only six children currently lived there, so the island wanted to attract more families to fill up schools and provide a future for the island. A Sept. 3 report by Yahoo News said that hundreds of people from across the globe have submitted applications, responding to the call. Some applications mentioned COVID-19 as being a factor. According to the report, applications were submitted from around the world - more than 3,000 of them - coming from Argentina, USA, Australia, Spain and Italy, including a number of bids made by Londoners looking to swap the city for island life. The Isle of Rum Community Trust hopes to raise the population of the island to 60 people, the report said. A higher population will support not only the islands school, which currently enrolls only two, but also future investment and infrastructure projects. The pandemic may have heightened response. Steve Robertson, development manager at the trust, said he was very pleased with the response and said the pandemic may have helped to drive the high level of interest, the report noted. If there is further lockdown, you have all the space on the island, the beaches, the cliffs, the report quoted. He added, There does seem to be something special about the idea of completely breaking from whatever life you have and moving to a small island. It can work really well for people. Who will be considered to live there? According to the report, Robertson said consideration would particularly be given to small families and those who had a business they could take to Rum. He further noted that in order to help drive further population growth, some applicants had shown interest in taking up one of the homes and building other properties on the island, the report said. What jobs are available on the island? The report said that people are able to work from home, since all homes on the island are fitted with high quality fibre broadband, while other jobs include childcare, food production and house maintenance. The report noted that challenges on the island include the lack of healthcare, therefore care will be taken to get the right fit of people. Robertson added: We might not get it perfect but we will do our best to make it clear to newcomers as to what they might expect from moving to Rum, the report quoted. READ MORE: Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 Trend: Recognition of Azerbaijan as a country pursuing independent policy, with its views on global political processes and the system of international relations, ensured the growth of the prestige of Azerbaijan and the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations, MP Nagif Hamzayev, a member of the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union said. The MP noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, thanks to the all-round development of Azerbaijan, strengthening of its economic potential, independent foreign policy, the head of state improved a favorable external environment around the country and took the relations with leading countries based on mutual trust - to a new level. "The opinions expressed yesterday by President Ilham Aliyev when accepting the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan and Greece to Azerbaijan also confirmed that Azerbaijan's foreign policy is based on national interests, partnership, mutual cooperation, and maintaining stability and security in the region," the MP said. At the same time, successful foreign policy pursued by Azerbaijan, which has become unique for cooperation, the principles of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation without prejudice to national interests have brought both political and economic dividends to the country, Hamzayev said. The MP pointed to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Greece, when Azerbaijan re-gained its independence, noting that since then, the relationship took the sustainable development path, and has reached the level of partnership, marked by many important events. "Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to the development of relations with Greece, which has an ancient history and culture. However, since the previous government of Greece came to power, cold relations have developed between the two countries. This didn't happen because of Azerbaijan," said the MP. "President Ilham Aliyev, who is a diplomat by profession, knows diplomatic rules at a high level and always follows them, spoke frankly with the Greek Ambassador," Hamzayev said. "One of the factors complicating Azerbaijan's relations with Greece is the contradictory and conflicting relations between Greece and our country's strategic ally, brotherly Turkey. President Ilham Aliyev said that we do not hesitate to support Turkey and will support it in all cases. We see the same support from our Turkish brothers. They support Azerbaijan on all issues, and we support them on all issues, including exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean," said the MP. "I want you to know our position. This position has already been officially communicated by the Azerbaijani government on my instructions. I can tell you again that Turkey is not only a friendly but also a brotherly country for us and the Turkish people are our brothers. So we will be with them in all matters," said the president of Azerbaijan. While Azerbaijan protects its relations with Turkey from negative influences in the establishment and development of political relations with Greece, Greece's military cooperation with Armenia and Cyprus is a matter of concern, Hamzayev pointed out. "Armenia is a country that has occupied our territories. It has committed an act of genocide in Khojaly, made one million Azerbaijanis homeless, destroyed our historical, cultural and religious monuments, carried out a policy of ethnic cleansing in the occupied territories, is violating international law and does not comply with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and other organizations. In fact, two years ago, the European Union and Azerbaijan initialed a document called Partnership Priorities. In that document, the European Union unequivocally supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized borders," said President Aliyev. These views of the country's president will allow the relatively new government of Greece to reconsider the policy of the previous government towards Azerbaijan, Hamzayev believes. "It should be noted that the Greek ministers who visited Azerbaijan at various times expressedconcern with the non-fulfilment of UN resolutions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by Armenia," he said. "We believe that the new government of Greece will also be interested in the intensive development of relations between our countries and fruitful cooperation," Hamzayev said. A newly surfaced video of a Black man dying in police custody in Rochester, N.Y., has sparked another wave of protests against police violence and systemic racism. On Wednesday, the family of Daniel Prude released a video of the 41-year-old being asphyxiated in police custody. Prude who was suffering from mental health problems died on March 23, but the incident was unknown to the public until this week when his family released body-camera footage they had acquired via a records request. In the 88 minutes of video, Prude did not appear to offer physical resistance to the group of officers present. He was naked when officers cuffed him and placed him on the ground. As he became agitated, however, Prude began spitting at the officers, who then put a spit hood over his head. At that point, officers began pushing him into the pavement, and he became unresponsive. On Thursday, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announced that the seven officers involved would be suspended with pay and that Police Chief LaRon Singletary had not accurately informed her of the details of the incident. Warren also claimed she didnt see footage of the incident until early August. Warren added that the city was in talks with Prudes family lawyers about settling a pending lawsuit. On Thursday evening, videos taken by demonstrators and journalists showed state and local police battling protesters who had gathered outside the citys Public Safety Building to protest Prudes death. Officers fired pepper balls into the crowd and arrested eight protesters, according to the Democrat & Chronicle, a local paper. Rochester police also said that two officers were injured in the confrontations. In this image taken from police body-camera video, Rochester, N.Y., officers prepare to load Daniel Prude into an ambulance on March 23. (Rochester Police via Roth and Roth LLP via AP) Local officials on Friday criticized the actions of the Rochester police and the confrontations with protesters. Its clear that the City Councils request for a respectful, de-escalated interaction with protesters went unheeded, council member Mitch Gruber told the Democrat & Chronicle. [Rochester police] initiated unnecessarily aggressive behavior toward peaceful protesters. Story continues On Friday morning, Yahoo News spoke to City Council member Mary Lupien, who was present at the protest Thursday night. The interview is edited for length and clarity. Yahoo News: What has been happening in the city over the last few days that led to the demonstrations last night? Lupien: Two days ago the community found out that we had a killing in custody, that after viewing the footage is beyond-words disturbing about how this man was treated inhumanely, and the manner of his death was very similar to George Floyds. At our budget hearing about two months ago, the community had been asking after the killing of George Floyd to cut the police budget, and the mayor and police chief all made statements to the effect of We dont have these kind of problems here. Were ahead of the curve, were not Minneapolis, all the while knowing that this had happened. It was shocking to the community to find out that it had been kept secret for so long and to really not have the mayor or police chief give adequate answers as to why. It was stated that [state] Executive Order 147 precluded them from speaking about it, but thats actually not what it says. The officers were still on active duty, and it was said that because the [New York state] attorney general had taken over the investigation that the city wasnt allowed to discipline. The attorney general came back and said, No, actually, please do hold your own investigation. So the community really hasnt been given an apology or seen parties held accountable. Police officers stand watch during a protest on Thursday in Rochester, N.Y. (Zach D. Roberts/NurPhoto via Getty Images) The actual demonstrations started, unfortunately, after [activist group] Free the People Roc held their press conference to let people know about [the footage of Prude dying] along with the family of Daniel Prude. The mayor was [also] going to hold her own press conference, and the family and Free the People Roc would be in attendance. Instead of showing up, the mayor held it at a different location. And when the activists and family tried to attend that press conference, they were barred from attending. And in trying to attend, some of the organizers were arrested, one of them especially in a violent manner. When [local activist] Stanley Martin was arrested, she asked the officer, Why are you arresting me? and he said, Because youre an idiot. And so consistently the police have been escalating the situation instead of treating the community with respect and dignity. That really started the first protest, because people were just gathering to demand the release of the Free the People Roc organizers. [The Thursday night protests occurred] because there was a community meeting being held outside the church, and it was taken over by activists because whatever the answers they felt they were going to get werent enough. Thats what really led to the scene last night. It was very peaceful when it was over on Jefferson Avenue, where the killing occurred. When it moved to the Public Safety Building, thats when the police came out in militaristic force, and I was actually there and saw the escalation when they were really macing and pepper-spraying for no apparent reason and instigating the crowd, which escalated the situation. I was there around 10:45 last night, just on the side, filming and observing. And when they started shooting the crowd with pepper balls, I turned around to walk away and was shot in the back. So you didnt see anything that preceded the police action against attendees from the side of the demonstrators? Initially, but as the scene escalated, the crowd started throwing water bottles and rattling the fence. I cant say there wasnt an escalation on both sides, but from the very beginning of this after the press conference the police were preparing for war. They had called in state troopers. There were hundreds of police in full riot gear setting up the barriers, when there were just news cameras and 20 people across the street. When you prepare for that militaristic response, you invite it. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren takes questions from the community on Thursday in regard to the killing of Daniel Prude. (Zach D. Roberts/NurPhoto via Getty Images) When was the request from the council asking police to not use pepper balls? We sent that out [Thursday] early afternoon. And they used them Thursday night? They did. And I was hit by one. Have the mayor and police chief explained the position they took on how Rochester was different knowing, at that time, there had been a death similar to George Floyds? The mayor has said that her statements were about accountability and instituting some of the 8 Cant Wait reforms and President Obamas recommendations; thats where she said she was coming from, but clearly the perception was that we didnt have police brutality problems here. For the police chief to say that, knowing what had happened the police union president just four days ago said we dont have the type of problems here that other cities have, all the while knowing, I think its very clear, that it was misleading. You have mentioned that there has been conflicting information about why some officers arent displaying their name or badge number. Could you explain whats going on with that? We have some people in the community that have been expressing outrage that officers are covering their badges, and we were told that this was a practice called a mourning band. When theres a fallen officer anywhere, [a black band is] put over [police identification badges], and when the officers funeral happens, then they take it off. So this is absolutely not for their safety. It wasnt a uniform practice either, as some had it covered and some didnt. A community member who was put in touch with the department was told that this is a practice for mourning bands, and were not stopping. They were very defensive of the practice, and its not about officer safety. The Democrat & Chronicle reported that a police spokesperson told it that the removal of name tags or covering of sewn nameplates with tape was an issue of officer safety. I had not heard that until I saw it in print, but I have the emails that state the policy for mourning bands. Activists in Rochester on Thursday protest the death of Daniel Prude as new information comes out about his death at the hands of police. (Zach D. Roberts/NurPhoto via Getty Images) What are some steps that you can take as a council member, or that the mayor or other officials could take, that would improve the situation there in the short term? Thats going to be difficult because its been allowed to escalate so much. The unlikely situation, first of all, that the mayor and police chief take responsibility for knowing and not telling the community and being honest, that would go a long way. The officers right now are on administrative leave with pay. I think if they were fired, that would also go a long way for the community to feel like these people are being held accountable. Going forward, we are looking at a mental health emergency response force to respond to these types of incidents instead of police. There has been buy-in, but there seems to be more since the incident into the CAHOOTS [a Eugene, Ore., program that deploys first responders trained to deal with mental health problems] model, and were talking with the county to see how we could retool or resource an existing forensic intervention team that does this work in a slightly different way. I think that would be absolutely one way going forward, but really there are so many reforms that need to happen in hiring and recruitment and selection of officers. We are in the middle of a negotiation for the union contract, which has a lot of giveaways and things wed like to change, and ultimately Id like to see, and many in the community would like to see, a reduction in the force. What do you think the situation looks like in the city Friday night? Thats a good question I really dont know. Im trying to do what I can to set up kind of a testimony so that the community can express how theyre feeling about the RPD, what theyve gone through; people just really want to be heard, and that potentially could deescalate a little bit. It really depends on the police response tonight. If they come out in military gear and are antagonistic, I dont know whats going to happen. Going beyond policy and procedures, theres a real lack of respect for our community at the hands of [Rochester police]. Of course, its not everyone, but this is one of many incidents that Ive heard of and Ive personally witnessed that people in our community are not treated with respect and dignity, and that needs to be addressed if were going to go forward. I believe that the absolute disregard for Prudes humanity in the video is inexcusable. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Amid the ongoing border tensions with China in eastern Ladakh, Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said the armed forces have taken precautions to thwart any "misadventure" by Pakistan if it tries to take advantage of any threat developing along India's northern borders. 'In fact, they may suffer losses' "Should any threat develop along our northern borders, Pakistan could take advantage of that to create some trouble for us. We have taken precautions that any such misadventure by Pakistan is thwarted. In fact, they may suffer losses should they attempt such misadventure," said General Rawat warning Islamabad. In an interactive session at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, he said Pakistan has been engaged in a proxy war against India and pushing terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, adding Pakistan attempted to spread terrorism in other parts of India as well. General Rawat said India wants peace and tranquillity across its borders. 'We are capable of handling these' He said that there have been some aggressive actions by China and the forces were capable of dealing with threats along the borders. "We want peace and tranquillity across our borders. Off late, we have been seeing some aggressive actions by China but we are capable of handling these. Our tri-services are capable of dealing with threats along our frontiers," he said. READ | Spooked China urges India to roll back ban on 118 apps; cries 'violation of WTO rules' General Rawaat said China's economic cooperation with Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir along with its continued military, economic and diplomatic support requires high levels of "preparations" by India. "At the same time it poses the threat of coordinated action along the northern and western fronts which we have to consider in our defence planning," he said. READ | PM Modi takes a dig at China, says 'global supply chains should be based on trust' General Rawat also said that those who are "deployed on the frontline, flying our aircraft, deployed at our ships at sea, none of them are affected due to COVID-19 so far". The Chief of Defence Staff also said that India and USA have signed several defence agreements with potential for more such agreements in the near future. "We are certain this will enable better strategic collaboration between the two countries, within the autonomy we have maintained so far," he said. READ | MEA says India to host Quad later this year as tensions simmer at LAC with China READ | 'Military option available if talks & diplomacy fail with China,' says CDS Gen Bipin Rawat (With agency inputs) Mr Penny's lawyer says police "violently assaulted" and "racially vilified" his client. However, police say they do not believe excessive force was used during the arrest. Korey Penny, an Aboriginal man from Western Australia working on Melbourne's Metro Tunnel project, says he was violently attacked by police while riding to work on his bike. Credit:Justin McManus Korey Penny, who works on Melbourne's Metro Tunnel project, said he wanted Victoria Police to be held accountable for the incident that hospitalised him, which he said would never have happened to "white guy in a suit". An Aboriginal man says police officers threw him off his bicycle, pinned him to the ground and called him a "black c---" while he was riding to work at dawn without his bike lights on. Loading The 32-year-old father of two, a Menang man from the Noongar nation in south-west WA, said he was riding along St Kilda Road to get to his shift at the Metro Tunnel soon after 5am on Thursday, when he was told by a police officer to get off his bike. Mr Penny said he only had time to look at the officer before he was "spear tackled" to the ground and landed on his arm, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance. Victoria Police confirmed the officer's body camera wasn't turned on. The incident is believed to have been captured on CCTV. Mr Penny said he complained to the officer that his arm hurt while he was pinned to the ground, and when he was let go, crawled to his bike, circled by an estimated 12 officers. Mr Penny claims he still hadnt been told why he had been targeted by police. "I didnt even know what was going on." He said he asked the officers to call a doctor, yet they refused to help him get off the ground. After he managed to stand up and call his boss, Mr Penny said he was grabbed and pushed against a wall and his clothes and bag were searched. "I said, 'You always do this to Aboriginal people', I told them 'I'm from WA' and they said 'You're not in WA now, you black c---'." TAIPEI: Amid simmering tensions between China and Taiwan for the past several days, Beijing on Friday clarified that report claiming that Taiwan shot down one of its Sukhoi-35 aircraft is completely untrue and false information. In response to the internet spread of "Taiwan shot down a CCP SU-35 aircraft?" Air Force Command solemnly refuted today that this is false information, and completely untrue, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China said in a statement. The Air Force Command pointed out that it strongly condemns such malicious acts by deliberately creating and disseminating false information on the Internet in an attempt to confuse the audience, the Ministry added. The reactions from Chinas Air Force came after a video claiming that Taiwan shot down a Chinese fighter jet over alleged intrusion into its airspace went viral on the social media platforms. In the video, it can be clearly seen that the debris of an aircraft has fallen in a colony. It was reported that Taiwan used the US Patriot missile defense system to bring down the Chinese jet. According to media reports, Taiwan had in the past several times warned Chinese aircraft to stay out of Taiwan's airspace. It is being told that the pilot has been injured in this incident. If this incident proves to be true, then a war-like situation may arise before the two hostile countries. America has been supporting Taiwan in its skirmish against China. Taiwan's Navy and Airforce are on the alert to deal with any type of aggression from China. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has made several new announcements to further strengthen the reserve military forces to increase its military strength. Taiwan has resorted to such a stance after China implemented the National Security Act in Hong Kong and also threatened to merge Taiwan under a two-nation system. Apart from this, China has always threatened to combine Taiwan with military force in its country. Japanese authorities have found another survivor from a cargo ship that sank in the East China Sea with 43 crew on board. The Gulf Livestock 1, which was carrying 43 crew and 6,000 cows, issued a distress call early Wednesday as Typhoon Maysak passed through the area, setting off a desperate search for the sailors. A first survivor was found on Wednesday evening, with the body of a deceased second crew member recovered at sea early Friday, as hopes began to fade for the operation and another, more powerful, typhoon barrelled towards the area. But the coast guard said they found a second survivor on Friday afternoon, a 30-year-old Filipino who was spotted in a life raft several kilometres from Kodakarajima, a remote island in southwestern Japan. The Gulf Livestock 1 cargo vessel that capsized with 43 crew and 6000 cattle on board. Source: AP The man, identified as a deckhand, was reached by a patrol boat and was alone in the raft. He was able to walk unassisted, the coastguard said. The first survivor from the ship, a 45-year-old Filipino chief officer, told rescuers he had put on a life jacket and jumped into the sea after a warning announcement on board. He said one of the boat's engines had stalled and the vessel was overturned by a powerful wave before eventually sinking. Precisely when and where it sank remained unclear. Dramatic footage of Wednesday's rescue showed the man bobbing in the open ocean in an orange life jacket and rescuers battling violent waves to pull him on to their boat with a rope. After he was moved to a larger boat and wrapped with blankets, he asked for water and thanked his rescuers. "I am the only one? No other one?" he asked. Japan Coast Guard officers rescue a Filipino crew member of the Gulf Livestock 1 cargo vessel, after it sank during Typhoon Maysak in the East China Sea. Source: AP The ship is believed to have been caught up in Typhoon Maysak, which moved through the area with gusts of up to 160 kilometres per hour. But the oncoming Typhoon Haishen is a much stronger storm, and is expected to affect Japan from late Saturday, with winds of up to 290 kilometres per hour making it a "violent" storm - the top level on Japan's classification scale. 'Water started coming in' Story continues There has been little sign so far of other survivors, with the coast guard spotting an empty rubber dinghy and a life jacket during their search. Dead cows from the boat have also been seen in the waves. In Manila, relatives of the crew were waiting desperately for news. Captain Dante Addug's sister told AFP that he had been in touch with his girlfriend shortly before the boat sank. The body of a cow floats in waters about 120 kilometers northwest of Amami Oshima in the East China Sea, where rescuers have been looking for the Gulf Livestock 1 ship and its missing crew. Source: AP "He told her there was an engine failure but they were able to restart it after an hour," Fredelyne Sanchez said. "But then the big waves worsened and water started coming in." Four coastguard vessels, a defence ministry plane and specially trained divers are involved in the search. But it is unclear how much longer their efforts can continue, with Haishen heading towards the area. The storm was expected to begin affecting areas including Okinawa in southern Japan and parts of western Kyushu from Saturday night to Monday, and the government warned residents to prepare. "In the region that the typhoon is approaching, record rains, storms, high waves and high tides are feared," government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Friday. A crewman from the capsized cattle ship Gulf Livestock 1 en route from New Zealand to China died after being pulled unconscious from water by the Japanese coastguard https://t.co/qZ1u1wO79H pic.twitter.com/i7ssbwFB0F Reuters (@Reuters) September 4, 2020 In preparation, water was being emptied from behind dams to make room for heavy rainfall and a quick response system to warn residents was being activated, he added. The Gulf Livestock 1 crew was made up of 39 Filipinos, two New Zealanders and two Australians. The boat was travelling from Napier in New Zealand to the Chinese port of Tangshan. It had experienced engine problems before: a 2019 observer report by Australian authorities noted that the boat was forced to drift at sea for 25 hours after an issue with its main engine while en route to China. 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. GM, Honda to jointly develop vehicles in North America, expanding consolidation FILE PHOTO: The GM logo is pictured at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Ramos Arizpe By Ben Klayman and Sanjana Shivdas (Reuters) - General Motors and Honda Motor Co <7267.T> on Thursday revealed plans to team up in North America to make a range of vehicles, deepening their ties as the auto industry comes under greater pressure to share technology and costs to meet demands for cleaner vehicles. Under the alliance, Honda and GM said, the companies intend to share common vehicle platforms, including electrified and internal combustion propulsion systems. The companies still need to complete a definitive agreement and officials said greater details on expected cost savings would be available then, but a person familiar with the matter said the savings would run in the billions of dollars for each company. The partnership represents a significant expansion of existing collaborations between the two companies on electric and autonomous vehicles, connected vehicle technology and fuel cells. Honda is an investor in Cruise, the self-driving business that GM majority owns. "Overall, we believe this alliance would help both companies realize significant cost savings in the development of our vehicle portfolios," GM President Mark Reuss said in a statement. The deal marks another milestone in the consolidation of the global auto industry, as pressures to cut emissions and move toward EVs strain the capital and engineering resources of even the largest players. Former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne had for years pushed for consolidation in the global auto industry, arguing it was inevitable to manage prohibitive capital costs. FCA announced a $50 billion merger with France's PSA last year to create the world's fourth largest carmaker, Stellantis, in a move to address cost and scale issues. That deal is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2021. Japan's Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> has been expanding ties with smaller Japanese automakers such as Mazda Motor Corp <7261.T> and Subaru <9778.T>. Ford Motor Co and German automaker Volkswagen AG have forged a wide-ranging alliance covering electric and commercial vehicles and autonomous driving technology. Story continues Analysts and GM investors have been pushing for a transformational change at the Detroit automaker, with repeated questions around the spinoff of its EV operations into a separate company. GM CEO Mary Barra has said such an option was not off the table. GM and Honda said in April they would jointly develop two new EVs for Honda and were planning to explore more ways to expand their alliance. They have already worked together on the design of an autonomous vehicle called Cruise Origin, and also collaborated on fuel cells and batteries. Honda has for years remained largely independent, staying clear of industry mergers. But the GM alliance will give it economies of scale it cannot achieve on its own, Honda Executive Vice President Seji Kuraishi said. North America is Honda's largest market and GM's second largest behind China. GM and Honda said joint development discussions will begin immediately, with engineering work starting in early 2021. The companies plan to explore vehicle platform-sharing possibilities in more than four core segments including crossovers and midsized pickup trucks, along with propulsion systems, infotainment and connectivity services, advanced driver-assist features, vehicle connectivity and other technology. They also will cooperate on purchasing. Credit Suisse analyst Dan Levy said in a research note that it was "encouraging" to see the companies teaming up on gasoline-powered engines as that technology still requires investment even as the industry shifts to EVs. (Reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit and Sanjana Shivdas in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Rachit Vats in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli, Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Steve Orlofsky) At the forthcoming annual general meeting of the Indian Civil and Administrative Services (Central) Association, scheduled for September 5, on the agenda is a proposal to change the associations name to the Central (Indian Administrative Services (IAS) Association. Dropping the Indian Civil Services (ICS) from the nomenclature was long overdue. This would set aside some of the anomalies of the colonial-era ICS and IAS forever. First, contrary to what many commentators still believe, the IAS was not instituted by the colonial rulers. Rather, the then secretary of state wanted to end the covenant of the civilians well before the transfer of power. It was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who, as the interim home minister of the transition government, decided to create the IAS. This had the endorsement of eight of the 11 provinces in British India. Punjab, Bengal and Sindh were the three states that opposed his proposal as their political leaderships did not see their future with India. Patel launched IAS with the stirring words: You will not have a united India, unless you have a good All India service, which has the Independence to speak out its mind. Induction into the IAS started in 1948, and it had a different mandate from its earlier avatar. The two guiding leitmotifs were: Unity of India and independence of mind. While the former is clearly understood, the latter did not mean that service members were completely free to do anything of their choice. What it implies is that members of the service must put across their points of views without fear or favour, and must be non-partisan in their approach. In fact, Article 311, which gives security to the civil service members, has hardly any parallel in the world. It means that the service members are free to give their viewpoints, but they must also accept the mandate of the political executive as envisaged by the Constitution. All new entrants to the civil services take an oath, or make a solemn affirmation to this treatise framed under the chairmanship of BR Ambedkar. Its also the time to break the myth that the ICS was the epitome of good governance. This is clear from the representations ICS members made to the secretary of state regarding supersession, adverse entries and unfair comparisons. In 1947, there was considerable resentment among the Punjabis against Lt Governor Evan Meredith Jenkins, who was junior to the financial commissioner. Many field officers felt that Jenkins conveyed to the Viceroys (Wavell and Mountbatten) only what they wanted to hear. Again, the unfair treatment meted out to Surendra Nath Banerjee and the first set of Indian officers has been well-documented. I would go as far as to say that the IAS is a cut above the ICS. It attracts the best and the brightest women and men. The ICS was a misogynist organisation, which refused to allow women into its fold. In fact, when the first woman IAS officer Anna Rajam Malhotra (nee George) cleared the exam in 1951, the four-member board of the Union Public Service Commission (all ex-ICS officers, led by Chairman RN Banerjee) tried their best to dissuade her from joining the service. But having won her spurs in horse-riding as well as pistol-shooting, which were mandatory in those days she got her first posting. Now, on average, women constitute over one-third of the strength of an IAS batch. It must be said that because the brightest and the best minds join the civil services, one can, and should, expect them to improve systems, deliver better results on the ground and strive for excellence as well as transparency. But it should also be kept in mind that they are not magicians. The context and vision are the driving force. Fortunately for us, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the officer trainees at the Statue of Unity last year, gave the civil services a clear mandate. This, he said, was to fulfil the dream of a New India with the 21st-century thinking dreams are indispensable in our bureaucracy a bureaucracy that is constructive, imaginative, innovative, proactive and polite, professional and progressive, energetic and enabling, efficient and effective, transparent and tech enabled the civil services can, and will deliver in a time frame. In delinking our name from the ICS, the IAS has announced, once and for all, that we cannot be treated in the framework of the Raj. Like the Ship of Theseus, we have been completely transformed--our mandate, outreach, commitment, professionalism as well as the values inculcated in the academy--named after Lal Bahadur Shastri--are quite different from the ICSs syllabus or the first decade when training took place in Delhis Metcalfe House. We have moved ahead a long way and we have moved away. We are now proud to say that we dont any longer need to be tied to the apron strings of the colonial service. Sanjeev Chopra is director, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration The views expressed are personal An Indiana man pleaded guilty to murder on Thursday in the beating death of his wife whose body was found earlier this week, more than three weeks after she was reported missing. During his initial court hearing, Judson Hoover, 50, of New Albany, said he wanted to enter the plea so one of his three children, who witnessed the killing, would not have to testify at a trial. Hoover was arrested on Monday in connection with the death of 38-year-old Rebecca Ruth Hoover. Her body was found that day in a storage unit in Louisville, Kentucky. Judson Hoover, 50 (left), has pleaded guilty to murdering his wife, Rebecca Hoover, 38 (right), and keeping her body in two different storage units for three weeks Judson attacked Rebecca in the basement of their New Albany, Indiana home on August 2 Police are pictured executing a search warrant in connection to Rebecca's death Rebecca was last heard from on August 2. Her mother reported her missing a couple of days later, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said. Court records show that on August 27, the couple's eight-year-old son told a counselor at his elementary school that he saw his father stomp on his mother 20 times and stab her in the stomach with keys in the basement of their home on St Joseph Road. When Judson arrived at school to pick up his children, he gave investigators consent to search the home, the News and Tribune reported. Police found blood spatter at the bottom of the homes basement stairs. Also, surveillance footage showed Judson move a 55-gallon drum from a storage unit on Mount Tabor Road on August 28, just minutes after police officers searched his home in connection to his wife's disappearance. On Monday, police executed a search warrant on a second storage unit on Strawberry Lane in Louisville, where they found Rebecca's body. A tattoo on the victim's back helped positively identify her. An autopsy showed she died from blunt force trauma to the head and torso after being kicked multiple times and struck in the stomach with a weapon. During the plea hearing, it was revealed that Judson also had mutilated his wife's body. Judson said he did not recall that and told the judge that he strangled his wife to death. After the Hoovers' young son reported seeing his father kill his mother, police discovered her body in a 55-gallon drum at a storage facility in Kentucky In April, Judson was arrested for strangling and beating his wife in front of their child A day after the killing, Judson filed for a divorce and asked a judge to grant him custody of the couple's children. Family and friends said the Hoovers had an abusive relationship for many years. Court records indicate that Judson was arrested in April on charges of domestic abuse in the presence of a child younger than 16 years old and strangulation. According to a police report, Rebecca had been trying to get her husband to leave the house when he knocked her to the ground and kicked her in the head, face and neck more than 15 times, and also pressed his foot against her neck. Their eight-year-old son ran to a neighbor's home for help, according to WDRB. Rebecca is survived by her son and two young daughters (pictured above) Judson was arrested on April 17 and released a day later after posting 10 per cent of $10,000 bond. That case against him is still pending. Chris Karraker, who had been friends with Rebecca for 30 years, said he knew about her troubled marriage but never imagined that it would come to this. 'Im sure you can imagine very horrible things in your head that you wouldnt wish on your worst enemy and she probably had every one of them done to her, times ten,' Karraker told WAVE3. When Judson Hoover is sentenced on October 2, he could face up to 65 years in prison. A notorious on-the-run con woman, who is the daughter of a wealthy property tycoon and who is wanted in the UK for fleeing her trial, will remain in custody here while her extradition case moves through the courts. Farah Damji (53), who submitted that she has been working as an artist in Ireland, had earlier this week applied for bail while she awaits the hearing of extradition proceedings brought against her by the UK. However, High Court judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt said this Thursday morning that if he were to ignore Ms Damji's high risk of absconding, the "the casual observer might think I had taken leave of my senses". Ms Damji fled to Ireland in February this year during her trial in which she was convicted in her absence by Southwark Crown Court, London, of twice breaching a restraining order in April and June 2018. Ms Damji, who presented herself as an Icelandic national and was living at an address at Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1, is the daughter of a South African-born property tycoon and has a criminal record for fraud and theft stretching back to the 1990s. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, delivering his judgement refusing bail this Thursday morning, said that Ms Damji was at "high risk" of absconding if granted bail in Ireland. In supplemental submissions this Thursday, the applicant's barrister, Mr Leo Mulrooney BL, told Mr Justice Hunt that medical documents and emails had been supplied to the court corroborating Ms Damji's previous claim that she was not intending to "lay low in Ireland forever". Mr Mulrooney said that Ms Damji was attempting to regularise her position in Ireland and that she had to make arrangements before consenting to her arrest here. Samples of Ms Damji's artwork were also handed in to court as proof she had been working as an artist to supplement living here in Ireland, corroborating what she had said at a previous hearing, where she denied having access to her deceased father's wealth. Mr Justice Hunt said that in the case of a European Arrest Warrant issued in relation to a conviction in absence in a foreign jurisdiction, there was no presumption of bail being granted by the domestic jurisdiction. "In any realistic view, the Minister [for Justice] has established a substantial risk of absconding rooted in real evidence and the previous behaviour [of Ms Damji]," said Mr Justice Hunt. The judge said that Ms Damji had left the UK midway through a trial that was concluded in her absence, a "highly relevant" fact that he said was "intimately connected with the application for surrender". The judge said that because she had absconded from the authority seeking her and from the same trial that convicted Ms Damji that it "gives rise to a very high probability that the same situation may be faced again". Mr Justice Hunt said that "concerns had not been allayed" and noted that Ms Damji had access to and had recourse to use false documents and had also used aliases. "It's not a concern, it's a fact. It's a recent actuality and it feeds heavily into the risk-assessment in this case," said Mr Justice Hunt. The judge said that if he were to ignore this that "the casual observer might think I had taken leave of my senses, regarding the high-risk [of absconding]". The judge acknowledged matters raised by Ms Damji's counsel, Mr Mulrooney, regarding a 2019 diagnosis that she was suffering from complex PTSD but concluded that in the case of Ms Damji that it was not, on its own, enough of a factor to grant or refuse bail. Regarding a concern raised over prison conditions in the UK, Mr Justice Hunt said that all prison systems have a range of physical and mental health concerns. "Of course, custody is stressful across the board, except for those who seem to welcome it, always being in and out of custody," said the judge, who did acknowledge that visiting restrictions were in place. At a previous hearing, Ms Damji said that her delay in return to the UK had extenuating circumstances and that she was in litigation with that State over alleged unlawful detention. Mr Justice Hunt said that Ms Damji's litigation against the UK authorities was unlikely to conclude as long as she was "in effect, a fugitive" from the same authorities. The judge also took into consideration the "very considered manner" in which Ms Damji left the UK and described it as taking "thought and planning", with the use of false documents. Ms Damji had a false UK driver's licence when arrested in Ireland and had used aliases when sourcing accommodation "It is at odds, somewhat, with the condition [complex PTSD] described in the medical report," said the judge. The judge said that he did not know the source of the money Ms Damji travelled to Ireland with and said that her financial situation was "opaque" regarding any bond or independent surety offered. "Nothing goes close to satisfying the substantial risk of absconding, nothing goes close to allay those fears and concerns and in those circumstances the refusal of bail is inevitable," said the judge. The judge asked Mr Mulrooney if his client had made an asylum application, as she had told the court she had been in contact with the Irish Refugee Council, but was told no. "It seems unusual, to be from the UK and apply, but maybe it is not as outlandish as it may have once been," said Mr Justice Hunt. Ms Damji will appear in the court again on October 21 for her extradition hearing. At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Eoin Kane said that Ms Damji was facing 27 months in prison in the UK for the restraining order breaches and that when she was arrested by gardai in Dublin last month, she gave the false, Icelandic name 'Anna Margaret Vignisdottir'. Det Gda Kane had told Ms Emily Farrell BL for the State, that gardai challenged Ms Damji about her true identity when arrested on August 17 of this year. Ms Damji replied, "no comment" and only admitted her real name when in Garda custody. Det Gda Kane had said that Ms Damji used a false name when opening her bank account and did the same when entering into a rental agreement at Bachelor's Walk. The witness had said that Ms Damji was "living under the radar" and that she gave the address of a neighbouring apartment when shipping her personal belongings from the UK before meeting and directing the delivery man to her own apartment. Det Gda Kane had said that Ms Damji's father was a multi-millionaire who passed away 10 years ago and that Ms Damji claimed to gardai that his fortune had been put into a trust for his grandchildren. He added that Ms Damji was a flight-risk with no ties to Ireland and had entered only a short-term rental lease. Ms Damji has six convictions for 28 offences, said Det Gda Kane, which included multiple theft and fraud offences dating back to 1995 and is currently under investigation for alleged offences under the Theft and Fraud Act. Ms Farrell put it to Det Gda Farrell that Ms Damji claimed she was of limited means. "I wouldn't accept that," said Det Gda Kane, who added that Ms Damji was in possession of a Rolex and Breitling watch in her apartment when arrested. In her direct evidence to the court, Ms Damji had said that she had been in contact with several solicitors and with the Irish Refugee Council about her case and had emails and voice notes to prove so. Ms Damji said that she had asked solicitors to write to the Department of Justice to notify authorities that she was in Ireland but that had not happened. Regarding ties to Ireland, Ms Damji said that the father of her daughter and a cousin of hers, a GP, were in Ireland. Ms Damji said that she had a breakdown during her trial in the UK and that she was told by her doctor not to attend court. She added that it was difficult for her solicitors to take instructions "from a six-minute phone call" while in custody. Regarding her deceased father's fortune, she said there were "no hidden trust funds, it's just not true". She added that she did not use a false name on a rental agreement as she didn't have one and that she was unsure if her landlord was a real landlord at all. "He might have an issue about whether or not who is a real tenant - kettle and the pot, is it not?" said the judge. Ms Farrell told the court that Ms Damji had no ties to Ireland, there was no detail supplied about her GP cousin and that Ms Damji's mother and children were in the UK. Counsel said that Ms Damji accepts that she travelled on a false document and that the concern was that she had access to money, had an ability to move countries and that no conditions would satisfy objections to bail. Mr Justice Hunt said to Mr Mulrooney: "If you stopped the average person walking down Parkgate Street and said to them that there was a person in that building there applying for bail and that she is not a risk of flight and yet six short months ago she departed from a trial in the middle of London, what would the average person, or the average judge, say to that?" A Belarusian diplomat who resigned after he openly supported ongoing protests against official results of the August 9 presidential poll that handed victory to incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka says the uprising occurred for the simple reason that people are tired of having their votes "ignored." Ihar Lyashchenya resigned as the ambassador to Slovakia on August 18, two days after he publicly supported the anti-Lukashenka rallies across Belarus. Lyashchenya, who is currently back in Minsk, told Current Time on September 4 that the situation in Belarus was "specific," as the Belarusian "people have been brought to a state where they were ready to vote for any" candidates opposing Lukashenka. Protesters in Belarus insist that the official results -- which gave Lukashenka just over 80 percent of the vote -- were rigged and that Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is currently in Lithuania, in fact won the election. "People were voting for candidates without knowing their programs. Tsikhanouskaya's program was 'I will organize a new election.' That was it. And, of course, there were no clear leaders," Lyashchenya said. "People were against the cheating, against the fact that their votes were ignored. People were angry with lawlessness," he added. "We are talking about people's demands for basic political freedoms." Lyashchenya also expressed hope that Lukashenka, who has garnered the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin amid domestic and international pressure over the crackdown on protests, "will not sign some far-reaching" deals with the Kremlin. Lukashenka, who has run the country since 1994, for many years managed to skillfully maneuver between Moscow and the West, also welcoming Chinese influence and investment in recent years as a buffer to Russian influence. The postelection protests came amid a period of heightened tensions between Minsk and Moscow over Russian loans, subsidized energy, and Kremlin efforts to further integrate Belarus through a union-state treaty signed in the 1990s. While Putin did congratulate Lukashenka on a "victory" at the polls, his statement implied conditions for Russian support, and Moscow is looking for ways to gain leverage over a weakened Lukashenka who is desperate for help. Lyashchenya told Current Time that he thinks that the agenda of the Lukashenka-Putin deal most likely includes nothing more than "political support, some sort of economic support, maybe, some preferences in the current circumstances." Lyashchenya added that he decided to return to Belarus, although Slovakia's government was open to offering him political asylum. "My children, my parents are in Belarus and I must be in Belarus. That is why I returned," Lyashchenya said from his summer house near Minsk via Skype. PARMA, Ohio -- A creamy and tasty gauntlet has been thrown by Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter to his peers in Parma Heights and Seven Hills regarding the 2020 Census, which ends collections on Sept. 30. At this point 10 years ago, our census response rate was 76.5 percent, DeGeeter said. As we sit this week, we were at 78.2 percent. While were up 1.7 percent, we think we can do much better. Were challenging our residents to make sure theyve answered the bell and fill out the census. Were also challenging our neighbors. Seven Hills is a little bit ahead of us, so our goal is to try to at least catch up to them, if not pass them, DeGeeter said. And its no surprise were beating Parma Heights. So were trying to have fun with this and try to get people to be counted. We dont want Honey Hut Ice Cream leaving the city. While the friendly Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills contest involves pride, the mention of Honey Hut Ice Cream is in reference to Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish earlier this week announcing the Census Ice Cream Challenge, which is a two-scoop affair. Not only does the community with the greatest increase through Sept. 18 receive $500 in Honey Hut Ice Cream, but the community with the greatest response through Sept. 30 will receive $2,000 in Honey Hut Ice Cream. Both awards will be distributed by the winning mayor as they wish. The residents of Parma Heights are always up for a challenge, especially if there is ice cream involved, Parma Heights Mayor Michael P. Byrne said. Our residents did an outstanding job recently with a Census Challenge against Brooklyn, which we won by a margin of less than 2 percent. We will get the message out to our residents and hope that everyone who has not already filled out the census takes the time to do so. In the catbird seat is Seven Hills Mayor Anthony D. Biasiotta. We accept the challenge and were going to meet and exceed all expectations, Biasiotta said. Seven Hills is currently second in the entire county. Were gunning for No. 1. Seven Hills residents have always been among the most informed. They understand the value of being fully represented in the census. The 2020 Census results will determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as being used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. This also impacts grant money returning to each community. Besides social distancing and wearing a mask, the most important things you can do in 2020 are vote and complete the census form, DeGeeter said. Were asking residents if a census taker knocks on their door, to answer the questions. It doesnt take that long. They can also do it very easily online as well. Read more news from the Parma Sun Post. Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has criticised Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh for stating that she has no right to stay in Mumbai, and compared Mumbai to Taliban. "He is taking his own calls on my democratic rights, from POK to Taliban in one day," Kangana wrote on her verified Twitter account. She also shared a link which reported Deshmukh as saying that Kangana has no right to stay in Mumbai and Maharashtra, and that strict action can be taken against the actress. He is taking his own calls on my democratic rights, from POK to Taliban in one day https://t.co/oUZ5M7VKAf Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2020 "I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le (stop me if you can)," tweeted the actress. I see many people are threatening me to not come back to Mumbai so I have now decided to travel to Mumbai this coming week on 9th September, I will post the time when I land at the Mumbai airport, kisi ke baap mein himmat hai toh rok le https://t.co/9706wS2qEd Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2020 This comes a day after the actress alleged on Twitter that Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has asked her not to come back to Mumbai. "Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?," the actress had tweeted on Thursday. Kangana is currently in her hometown Manali, where she has spent the lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic with her family. Supporters of doctors in Korea who walked out from their duties in protest against the central government's medical reform scheme hold pickets inside the main building of the Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seoul's Seocho-gu District, Sept. 3. Yonhap Thousands of junior doctors on Friday ended their two-week strike in protest against the government's medical reform scheme after a group of representative doctors reached an agreement with the government and the ruling Democratic Party (DP). Under the agreement, interns and residents, as well as some fellow doctors at general hospitals across the country and those belonging to the Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA), will resume their work at 9:30 a.m. The two sides reached the five-point agreement that includes putting on hold the government plan to increase medical school admission quotas and will discuss the issue once again when the novel coronavirus outbreak eases. The agreement also called for more talks between the medical sector and the health authorities over a variety of issues ranging from the setup of a public medical school to health insurance coverage. In the world of wireless headphones, two things seem to be a consistently sought after feature, and the Skullcandy Crusher Evo wireless headphones have one of them. Those two things are usually long-lasting battery life and/or Active Noise Cancellation. And while it doesnt have the latter, it does have the former. That is, a battery that will last you a surprisingly long time so you dont have to think about charging them very often. Thats not even the best feature though. Skullcandy made it possible to easily find these headphones if you ever happen to lose them. It might be less common for someone to lose a bigger pair of cans like this, but it surely happens from time to time. Advertisement Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones have built-in Tile technology If youre not familiar with Tile, dont sweat it. Tile isnt exactly a technology thats on the level of Apple and Samsung when it comes to brand awareness with the mass majority of consumers. Still, Tile is a technology you want to get to know. Because it helps you find stuff. And The Crusher Evo have that tech built-in. What this allows you to do is ring your headphones if they end up lost. If you need to ring the headphones, the embedded Tile tech will beep and alert you to their location. Its a pretty nifty addition if youre someone who tends to leave your stuff lying around all devil may care. Advertisement Even if thats not you, its still likely better to have this feature than not. Just in case you do ever misplace them at some point. Even if only once. Long-lasting battery life that can go up to 40 hours No one wants to constantly recharge their stuff. Skullcandy is trying to ensure you can do that less often with these headphones. The company boasts a battery life that can last for up to 40 hours. This is likely to vary from user to user depending on how you actually use them, but 40 hours is pretty good. Advertisement In comparison, Sonys new MX1000 M4 headphones will last for up to 30 hours. Those do have Active Noise Cancellation though. On top of a 40-hour battery life, the Crusher Evo can also be charged up very quickly with rapid charge technology. Just ten minutes gets you 4 hours of listening time, which isnt too shabby. Beyond the battery life and Tile tech, youll also find that these come with a streetwear-inspired carry case and they have easy access media controls on the ears. This includes volume adjustment, media playback, voice call controls, and voice activation support for Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri. All that, plus they have an auxiliary port for when you dont want to use up any of that precious battery life. Advertisement You can pick these up right now on Amazon for $199, or you can snag them from Skullcandys official website for the same price. Theyre available in True Black and Chill Gray color options. Hazel-E Baby made her boyfriend sign a management contract in order to stay with her on Thursday's season 17 finale of Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition. 'I know you said you were against pre-nups, but going forward, you sign my management contract,' she told De'Von Waller, 25. 'Since I'm going to help you, we make this fair, so therefore I don't feel like I'm getting completely played.' The former Love & Hip Hop star, 40, had come on the show concerned that her younger boyfriend was with her for 'clout,' aiming to raise his social media profile. Season finale: Hazel-E Baby made her boyfriend sign a management contract in order to stay with her on Thursday's season 17 finale of Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition She'd bought him clothes and gifts, and gotten him coverage on blogs and TV, she saidso the only way she'd feel safe was for her to get a percentage of any income he made from it. De'Von denied that he was chasing fame, but when a lie detector test revealed that he had lied about wanting clout, Hazel-E lost it, fearing that her worries had come true. At her behest, De'Von signed the contract to be with her, not even reading it first. 'Nothing says true love like a management contract!' observed the show's host, Dr. Ish Major. 'Really, is this what we're doing? Hazel, how much control do you want over this man?' Fine print: De'Von eagerly signed the contract to be with her, not even reading it first 'I don't want her to think that I'm using her for clout,' insisted De'Von. 'You certainly aren't now,' Ish retorted, as the couple exchanged rings. In June, Hazel-E gave birth to their first child, Ava Dior Waller. True love: 'Nothing says true love like a management contract!' observed the show's host, Dr. Ish Major. 'Really, is this what we're doing? Hazel, how much control do you want over this man?' As their 10-day stay in the Boot Camp house drew to a close, couples had to decide whether they would be together in the future by giving each other rings. During the ring ceremony, reality star Tahiry Jose, 40, gave herself a promise ring instead of handing one to her boyfriend, the rapper Vado, 35. Vado had attacked Tahiry during an earlier episode of the show, angered by something she'd said in a group meetingand he'd been separated from her ever since. Self love: During the ring ceremony, reality star Tahiry Jose, 40, gave herself a promise ring instead of handing one to her boyfriend, the rapper Vado, 35 The lie detector test had asked Vado if he was truly sorry for what he'd done, but Tahiry didn't even want to read the results. 'In this box, there's a ring,' she told him. 'And I'm keeping it. 'Cause this is self-love.' At the beginning of the day, all of the couples had been given the results of lie detector tests they'd taken on the previous episode, in which they asked each other one burning question. Test results: The lie detector test had asked Vado if he was truly sorry for what he'd done, but Tahiry didn't even want to read the results The results were read out by judge Lynn Toler, 60, who assisted with the show. For actor Medina Islam and lawyer/reality star Phaedra Parks, 46, the question was whether each of them wanted to have sex with each other, something they'd never done. Medina had honestly answered yes, and Phaedra had said no, leading Medina to ask the cameras, 'Why are we here then? This is madness.' Lie detector: The lie detector test results were read out by judge Lynn Toler, 60, who assisted with the show Sex question: For actor Medina Islam and lawyer/reality star Phaedra Parks, 46, the question was whether each of them wanted to have sex with each other, something they'd never done Willie Taylor, 39, and his wife Shanda Taylor had dealt with cheating issues for years, and she wanted to know if he'd stay faithful, while he wondered if she could forgive him. Both of them answered yes, and Willie's results said he'd told the truth, though he elected not to find out whether Shanda had. 'Y'all have my heart,' Lynn told them. 'You guys got so much at stake, but you are so mature and trying so hard. I think you've turned this thing around within the 10 days.' Tense time: The couples anxiously awaited the results of the lie detector tests Heart stolen: 'Y'all have my heart,' Lynn told Willie and Shanda Taylor. 'You guys got so much at stake, but you are so mature and trying so hard. I think you've turned this thing around within the 10 days' Tahiry had been asked by the show's hosts whether she accepted physical violence as a normal part of a relationship after Vado nearly strangled her on the show. While she answered no, the lie detector said she was lying, though Tahiry disagreed with it. Finally, Hazel-E and De'Von were up, with the only question being whether De'Von had gone after Hazel for the fame. Violence question: Tahiry had been asked by the show's hosts whether she accepted physical violence as a normal part of a relationship after Vado nearly strangled her on the show 'Deception was indicated,' Lynn told Hazel-E, who'd recently gone through a miscarriage and so was exempt from questioning herself. As Hazel-E's face turned red, Lynn reminded her that she didn't need a man to be a 'strong, bad chick,' but if she did pick one, she should pick one that brought 'comfort and calm.' Upset, Hazel-E fled outside, throwing water from her bottle and collapsing on a sofa in tears, as Shanda and Phaedra comforted her. Fame seeker: Finally, Hazel-E and De'Von were up, with the only question being whether De'Von had gone after Hazel for the fame 'I just feel completely played, baffled, I feel hustled,' she said in a confessional. 'I feel used, like everybody gonna hit me with a big, 'I told you so.' De'Von approached Hazel-E to tell her he loved her and the results meant nothing. 'You got on TV, you got social media clout, you made blogs, you got a bunch of new s***' she observed. 'You already came the f*** up, so why the f*** are you still here?' Feeling hustled: 'You got on TV, you got social media clout, you made blogs, you got a bunch of new s***' Hazel-E observed. 'You already came the f*** up, so why the f*** are you still here?' 'Because I love you,' De'Von protested, to which Hazel-E responded, 'F***ing thirsty, cool the f*** off,' and tossed water from her bottle at him. De'Von followed her upstairs as she cried, 'What do you want from me? You got what you came for, so go!' Later, Hazel-E spoke to her mother, who advised her to put De'Von on a management contract, so that if he did 'come up' in the world, she would get a percentage. True love: De'Von followed her upstairs as she cried, 'What do you want from me? You got what you came for, so go!' She started to soften, saying to the camera that she'd been in relationships herself where she had 'not the best intentions going in, so I can kind of understand him a little bit.' Still in the meeting room, Lynn sat down with Tahiry to try to understand how she really felt about bearing the brunt of physical violence by a man. She wondered if Tahiry had seen so much of it in the community around her that she may have had an almost 'visceral' reaction to the question, setting off the lie detector. Domestic violence: Still in the meeting room, Lynn sat down with Tahiry to try to understand how she really felt about bearing the brunt of physical violence by a man 'I guess it happens so often to women that the slightest inappropriate touch is not really seen as that big a deal,' Tahiry conceded. At the ring ceremony that evening, Ish watched over the couples as they spoke to each other. Willie and Shanda went first, with Shanda saying she wasn't sure she'd ever forgive his cheating, and Willie concerned that she had all lost respect for him. He knelt down and said, 'Fifteen years of friendship, 12 years of marriage, three kids. And 10 days ago, we didn't know if we could even stand one second with each other.' Ring ceremony: Willie and Shanda went first, with Shanda saying she wasn't sure she'd ever forgive his cheating, and Willie concerned that she had all lost respect for him Opening the box, he added, 'Ten days later, I don't want to live another second without you.' Shanda wept and opened her box, which like Willie's had a ring inside. Hazel-E and De'Von went next, with De'Von telling her he didn't want her to change the way she looked at him just because of the results, noting, 'That's not who I am. That's not why I'm here.' Getting emotional: Shanda wept and opened her box, which like Willie's had a ring inside Privately, Hazel-E responded, 'You just failed this lie detector test, so what I'm not gonna do is make the same mistake again. Before you and me go forward, due to your circumstances, now you have to play in my arena, or get the f*** off the field.' De'Von signed the contract, as Hazel-E said, 'You just do the last page and we'll figure out the rest.' Phaedra and Medina were next, and the actor told her that he loved her spirit but didn't think she was 'ready for a man like me,' with which Phaedra agreed. Contract offer: De'Von signed the contract, as Hazel-E said, 'You just do the last page and we'll figure out the rest' She presented him with a ring, but Medina's box was empty, though he promised to hold onto her ring in case she ever became truly ready. The last couple to go was Tahiry and Vado, and the rapper emphasized that being on the show had made him realize he needed to grow up. From the moment Tahiry looked at him, it was clear she wasn't going back. Empty box: Phaedra presented Medina with a ring, but Medina's box was empty, though he promised to hold onto her ring in case she ever became truly ready 'I gotta do this for young Tahiry,' she reflected, thinking of the abusive relationships she'd been through. 'I gotta do this for me. I gotta do this for every woman in that house that feels like what you did was acceptable. I gotta do it for every little girl and every woman that a shove means nothing to because it's just something that happens in a relationship.' Vado looked at Ish. 'Y'all serious, you bring me up here for this?' to which Ish replied, 'It's her truth.' 'I wanna make all the excuses in the world for you, and every time I blamed me,' Tahiry told Vado. 'When I look at the 10 days we spent here, I'm so mad that you were not able to be here, and I've learned a lot about me, too. Why was I not afraid? That's not normal. And I don't wanna live like that no more.' No fear: 'I wanna make all the excuses in the world for you, and every time I blamed me,' Tahiry told Vado. 'When I look at the 10 days we spent here, I'm so mad that you were not able to be here, and I've learned a lot about me, too. Why was I not afraid? That's not normal. And I don't wanna live like that no more' She kept the ring, and Vado complained that the whole thing was 'bulls***.' Tahiry handed back the unopened answer to his lie detector test, no longer wanting the results. 'This is crazy,' Vado said to Ish. 'I messed up one time, I gotta go through all of this?' 'Yes,' Ish returned. 'Because that was a huge mess-up.' Big mistake: Ish told Vado that he made a mistake and was suffering the consequences He told Vado a van was waiting for him in the driveway, and handed him the envelope with the result of his test, which Vado threw on the floor. 'I got wild love for Ty-Ty,' the rapper offered later. 'The big lesson that I learned? I just want to do right by a woman, and by right, I mean never putting my hands on 'em.' At the very end of the show, Willie finally opened Shanda's envelope. 'Can you truly forgive Willie for his infidelity?' he read aloud, marveling: 'She answered yes. And no deception was indicated.' Wild love: 'I got wild love for Ty-Ty,' Vado offered later. 'The big lesson that I learned? I just want to do right by a woman, and by right, I mean never putting my hands on 'em' Donald Trumps Department of Justice is taking an interest in the civil rights of nursing home residents. Given the disproportionate toll the pandemic has taken on this population, that interest is warranted but it remains unclear whether the interest is selective, or worse, politically motivated. The feds want information about how public elder-care facilities in four states governed by Democrats Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Michigan have handled the spread of the coronavirus. The DOJ announced the move in a press release Aug. 26, midway through the Republican National Convention. Much of the material requested relates to the fact the four states issued directives requiring homes to admit COVID-19 patients who were medically stable enough for discharges from hospitals. The DOJ claims this may have resulted in the deaths of thousands of nursing home residents. Nursing homes have accounted for about 40% of COVID-19 deaths nationwide, even though their residents comprise less than 5% of the American population. This startling fact alone suggests that efforts to get to the bottom of the tragedy should not be dismissed regardless of whether Democratic governors in the presidential election year swing states of Pennsylvania and Michigan are being targeted for partisan purposes. Health officials in Harrisburg and Trenton say their directives aimed to ensure the availability of hospital beds for an expected surge of COVID-19 patients, and that they also generated guidelines for protecting other patients and staff in facilities. The officials also say their actions were in accordance with guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. READ MORE: The Justice Department is mulling a civil rights investigation into COVID deaths at Pa. and N.J. nursing homes GOP elected officials nationwide have been raising questions about the directives for months. The fact is that in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and many other states, the pandemic has laid bare a slapdash elder-care system. Underfunded by Medicaid and undermonitored by the states, facilities can vary widely in adherence to basic hygiene standards and are often understaffed by underpaid and undertrained employees. Advocates say those on the front lines of nursing homes continue to face shortages of personal protective equipment. Advocates and some officials have long tried to raise awareness of challenges that face nursing homes. Last year, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale warned that facilities are unprepared for projected increases in patients as the states population ages. A recent New England Journal of Medicine story cited decades of neglect of long-term care policy. READ MORE: Pa. leaders should heed new reports warnings on COVID-19 nursing home disaster | Editorial A new report on Pennsylvania nursing homes by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE), and six other organizations made 42 recommendations for immediate action to address the COVID-19 crisis in Pennsylvania nursing homes. Among the recommendations: Higher pay and more training for staff, as well as more rigorous inspections and monitoring. New Jersey health officials say they already have implemented 19 of the many dozens of recommendations made in an analysis of the states response to COVID-19. The DOJ has not yet decided whether to open an investigation. The toll of COVID-19 among nursing home residents is so awful that concerns about timing, targeting, and politics should not distract from the larger reforms that are needed right now. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, center, speaks as people gather in the parking lot of Trader Joe's for a vigil honoring the memories of Danny Buckley and Trayford Pellerin Saturday near the intersection of Perkins Road and Acadian Thruway in Baton Rouge. Danny Buckley, 61, was shot and killed by Jace Boyd, 24, while panhandling in the parking lot on Saturday, August 24. Trayford Pellerin was shot and killed by Lafayette Police Department officers Friday, August 21 in Lafayette. An Irish healthcare worker who has contracted Covid-19 has issued a warning about the effectiveness of temperature-checking for the virus. Many shops and workplaces like factories are using temperature-checking systems upon entry to spot potential Covid-19 cases, while regular temperature checks are also carried out on patients and residents in hospitals and long-term care facilities for the same reason. A healthcare worker has called into question this regular method of monitoring. The worker who is from Offaly but works in a residential care facility in Meath said: "We are being told by the HSE to rely on taking temperatures as a sign of Covid-19. I get that every case is different but to be told if you don't have a temperature, you're unlikely to have Covid is completely false." "In my workplace, we have been following the guidelines to the letter and we are still overrun with it. We are a residential service and six or seven people we support are affected by this and nine staff, including myself. None of us were showing a temperature," the worker explained. "It just bugs me how restaurants and workplaces are so reliant upon a temperature check when it doesn't seem to be a safe method. A temperature check is seen as enough to warrant you as 'okay' when you could be silently suffering. "The HSE needs to readvise or inform people that temperature checking isn't 100%," they added. "In our workplace, we do not know how it was contracted, only that one person brought it in and everyone else is suffering the consequences, myself included." The HSE reiterates that the most common symptoms of Covid-19 a fever or high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above, a cough and shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. They also urge employers to follow the government's 'Return to Work Protocol,' which specifically urges them to implement Covid-19 prevention and control measures to minimise the risk to workers. These measures included a pre-return to work form to be filled in by employees, specific safety training, the displaying of Covid-19 symptoms and actions required if symptomatic, as well as the implementation of temperature testing in line with public health advice." Temperature checking is listed among a suite of measures to minimise and control the spread of the virus in the protocols, according to the HSE. Visakhapatnam, Sep 4 : Telugu filmmaker Nutan Naidu, wanted in a Dalit youth's torture and tonsuring case, has been arrested in Karnataka. Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Manish Kumar Sinha said that Nutan Naidu was arrested from Udupi in Karnataka and is being brought here. Telugu 'Big Boss-2' fame Naidu was arrested six days after the police took into custody his wife Madhu Priya and six others for assaulting and tonsuring a Dalit youth at their house on suspicion of mobile phone theft. Sinha said Nutan Naidu was arrested after his involvement in the incident was established. He had made calls to his wife before and after the incident. During investigation, the police also found that he had called some officials using the name of retired IAS officer P.V. Ramesh to save his wife in the case. The police have seized three mobile phones from Nutan Naidu. Ramesh lodged a complaint with the police after the superintendent of King George Hospital informed him that he received calls using his name. During the investigation, it was found that Nutan Naidu had made the calls. The torture and tonsuring incident occurred on August 28 and the next day the police arrested the accused, including four women. CCTV footage showing the accused assaulting 20-year-old P. Srikanth and tonsuring his head had shocked the state. The accused were booked for attempt to murder, wrongful confinement and other charges and sent to judicial custody. The mini churchs steeple wasnt up yet, but the base and building have been making great progress. Andrea Way had searched through catalogs, trying to find the perfect structure. She finally found a mini church building kit after an online search. Andrea Way said the manufacturer of the playhouse church estimated it to take three hours to put together. It will take more than eight hours. Im sorry, this three-hour project isnt three hours, Andrea Way said, laughing. The placement of the playgrounds new addition allows the structure to be seen from the street, something Andrea Way did intentionally. She said she wants to share that symbol of faith with others in the community, not to mention her students. Emmanuel-Lutheran Church Principal Brad Wellmann said having the mini church could help others explore their faith. It might start a conversation between the kids and their friends of family, he said. Other children will also be able to pretend and play in the church, as Little Blessings and the playground are located at Faith Lutheran Church. You hope they will ask questions about God, Way said. You hope they carry that home; if theyre not church-goers, it might bring them back. US President Donald Trump attempted to paint himself as the law and order candidate at an election rally and mocked rival Joe Biden for wearing a mask amid the pandemic. Mr Trump told an audience in Pennsylvania that Mr Biden would appease domestic terrorists while he will arrest them and prosecute them. His words follow the administrations hard line approach to mass demonstrations against racial injustice which have taken place across the country in recent months. The rally came the same day that Mr Biden paid a visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, amid turmoil following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man, seven times. Mr Trump mocked Mr Biden for visiting two days after he had, claiming: There was nobody there. He was a little late. I was going to say, Hey listen, we ended that problem. Mr Trumps campaign believes its efforts to paint his Democratic rival as weak on crime will help him win back suburban voters, and especially women, who supported him in 2016 but have since soured on him. The president was speaking in front of a crowd of hundreds packed into an airport hangar, where people stood closely together and few were seen wearing masks, despite the ongoing pandemic which has now killed more than 185,000 people and infected more than six million nationwide. Pennsylvania currently restricts indoor gatherings to 25 people and outdoor events to 250 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But Mr Trump has been flouting both local restrictions and his own administrations social distancing guidelines as he insists on campaigning in front of large crowds and tries to project the image that the virus is waning as he pushes to reopen the economy. Expand Close President Donald Trump addresses a crowd at a campaign event at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (Keith Srakocic/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump addresses a crowd at a campaign event at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (Keith Srakocic/AP) Mr Trump told the crowd that he is all for wearing masks, and urged them to be careful during the upcoming Labour Day weekend. But at the same time, Mr Trump, who has rarely worn a mask, mocked Mr Biden for wearing one so often. Did you ever see a man who likes a mask as much as him? he asked, proclaiming that it gives him a feeling of security. If I were a psychiatrist, right, you know Id say, This guys got some big issues. Hanging down. Hanging down, he said. WYANDOTTE, MI -- A DoorDash driver says he was shot at and punched by a customer over a $10 McDonalds meal after he delivered food to the woman last week. According to Fox 2 Detroit, Ricky Johnson, was just 10 feet away from the woman when she attempted to fire at him three times -- the gun misfired twice -- following a confrontation when Johnson dropped off the food. The alleged shooter is 32-year-old Michelle York of Wyandotte. York was charged with assault with the intent to commit murder, assault with the intent to do great bodily harm, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and three counts of felony firearm. The assault with the intent to murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, upon conviction. The incident took place in the early hours of Aug. 26 when Johnson received a notification on the app for a food order. After picking up the food, Johnson said he received a call from York who was angry and intoxicated. When Johnson arrived at the house with the food, York was waiting on the porch with a man and a child who Johnson appeared to be between 8 and 10 years old. Johnson said York began calling him names and yelling at him. After he gave her the food and walked away, she allegedly punched him in the back. York then went back in the house and came out with a pistol before she allegedly shot at Johnson. Johnson was in his car calling 911 when the third shot finally fired and he was not hit by the bullet. When police arrived they arrested York following a brief standoff. As for Johnson, he says hes only been driving for the company for a few months, but wont be taking anymore late-night orders. He says hes grateful he wasnt shot as his third child is expected to be born in the next month. READ MORE Police find Michigan man living with wifes decomposing body, 11 animals Whitmer extends coronavirus state of emergency until Oct. 1 Sheriffs deputy was beaten to death by inmate while checking cell doors Activists say Kalamazoo blew it with preliminary report on police response to Proud Boys rally /* custom css */ .tdi_75_8d5.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_75_8d5 .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_75_8d5.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_75_8d5.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_75_8d5.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } Advertisement The Federal Government says that successful applicants for the 774,000 jobs slot, under the Extended Special Public Works Programme, will be paid through bank accounts, using Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said at a news conference he jointly addressed with Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Nasir Ladan, on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Extended Special Public Works Programme is designed to employ 1,000 unskilled workers in each of the 774 Local Government Areas for road rehabilitation, construction, sanitation, among others. Keyamo said that government settled for the measure to entrench a system of transparency and to avoid double payments to applicants during the implementation. /* custom css */ .tdi_74_f21.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_74_f21 .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_74_f21.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_74_f21.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_74_f21.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } He said that biometrics of successful applicants would be captured by the banks during the process. According to him, arrangements with the banks will be concluded in the next few days to ensure that there is transparency in the process. President Muhammadu Buhari has given a clear directive for this programme to be totally free of fraud, everybody will be paid by a bank account and BVN. You must not only have a bank account you must have a BVN so you cannot be paid twice. You cannot open an account under two different names. Everybodys biometrics will be taken by the banks to ensure that you dont have two different accounts. Within the next few weeks we will do that. We are going to conclude with the banks to ensure that we are transparent and the banks will tell Nigerians exactly how they want to go about this in all the local governments in the country, he said. The minister noted that there would be implementation of state selection committees at different levels to ensure proper documentation of those being selected. He also said that the different selection committees would work closely with the banks. They will also select the projects to be done and will supervise the different works that will be done in the various local governments. In other words, we do not want to give people money, sit down in Abuja and assume that the community services are going on everywhere. We are going to have people on the ground, implementation committee supervising the work. Over the next few days the director-general and myself will put our synergise and announce these committees across the country, the minister stated. Ladan said that the agency was ready to start implementation of the programme. The selection committees have sent their reports to us and we have made some corrections and adjustments and we are good to go. As far as I am concerned, issue of special public works is fully ready. We believe the Oct. 1, date as a reality. The programme is expected to gulp N52 billion which will go into payment of the participants at N20,000 per month for three months and other logistic arrangements. The programme, approved by Buhari, is aimed principally at recuriting 774,000 itinerant and unskilled Nigerians. The exercise is expected to begin in October and end in December. The work on land acquisition and tendering for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail corridor may face delays due to Covid-19 and the bullet train may fail to meet its 2023 deadline, officials aware of the development said. Thus far 63% land has been acquired for the project, according to the project implementing agency National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). The project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad has a deadline of December 2023. The Railways had said last month that the high-speed rail corridor is expected to be completed on time despite the Covid-19 outbreak. As per the feasibility study the target date for completion of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project is December 2023. About 63% land has been acquired for the project and tenders for civil works for 345 kms out of 508 kms alignment ( 68% of civil works) is already floated. This includes six MAHSR stations (including one underground station in Mumbai). The works related to utility diversion are progressing well and the construction of Sabarmati passenger hub (a multi modal hub) in Sabarmati, Gujarat has also started, NHSRCL said. The estimated total cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project is Rs 1.08 trillion, of which 81 per cent cost is planned for funding through the loan from JICA, and may also escalate, the official said. Centre has signed a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for providing 15,000 crore, of the total loan amount of 88,000 crore. At this stage its impact is not known in certainty as pandemic is still continuing NHSRCL spokesperson told Hindustan Times. Last year, the company had floated nine civil work tenders which could not be opened due to the pandemic. The deadline of the project is likely to be shifted further due to this, the official said. One section of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail corridor is likely to be tendered out within three months after nearly 90% of the land acquisition for the project is completed, according to railway board chairman VK Yadav, Hindustan Times had reported on August 4. Yadav had said there has been a slowdown in land acquisition due to Covid 19. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By PTI MUMBAI: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that actor Kangana Ranaut should approach the police with evidence and prove that he threatened her rather than "playing on Twitter". Earlier in the day, Ranaut alleged on Twitter that Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, had threatened her openly and asked her not to return to Mumbai. Speaking to reporters here, Raut said without naming the actor that "instead of playing on Twitter, one should approach the police and government with proof." ALSO READ | 'Why is Mumbai feeling like PoK?' Kangana Ranaut says Sena's Sanjay Raut openly threatening her "Why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied- Kashmir," Ranaut had tweeted, and tagged a September 1 news report where Raut purportedly said that she should not come back to Mumbai if she was afraid of city police. The actor had said she feared Mumbai Police more than the "movie mafia". She would require security from Haryana or Himachal Pradesh policeand would not accept protection from Mumbai Police to expose the `drug mafia in Bollywood', she had stated. The "Queen" star has been lashing out at the cliques and nepotism in Bollywood since the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Top US Intelligence Official Ends In-Person Election Security Briefings for Congress By Jeff Seldin August 30, 2020 U.S. counterintelligence officials will no longer brief lawmakers on threats to the upcoming presidential election in November, telling them such in-person briefings have led to leaks of "sensitive intelligence" and the politicization of information. Officials with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence verbally informed key lawmakers and congressional committees of the change Saturday, saying the intelligence on threats to the November 3 presidential election would still be provided, just in a different form. "We are committed to meeting our statutory responsibilities and keeping Congress fully and currently informed," an ODNI official told VOA on the condition of anonymity. "For clarity and to protect sensitive intelligence from unauthorized disclosures, we will primarily do that through written finished intelligence products," the official said, adding, "We are concerned about unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information following recent briefings." Notice sent to Congress Letters with additional justifications for the change were also sent to lawmakers Saturday from Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe. "I believe this approach helps ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that the information ODNI provides the Congress in support of your oversight responsibilities on elections security, foreign malign influence, and election interference is not misunderstood nor politicized," Ratcliffe wrote, according to a copy of the letters obtained by VOA. "It will also better protect our sources and methods and most sensitive intelligence from additional unauthorized disclosures or misuse," Ratcliffe wrote. Ratcliffe's letter did not provide any specific examples of what he considered to be harmful leaks, or misunderstood or politicized intelligence, as a result of previous in-person briefings. However, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested without evidence late Saturday the blame lay with the House Intelligence Committee and its chairman, Congressman Adam Schiff. "Probably Shifty Schiff, but others also, LEAK information to the Fake News," Trump tweeted. "these deranged lowlifes like the Russia, Russia, Russia narrative. Plays better for them. @DNI_Ratcliffe doing a great job!" Schiff responded on Twitter, saying, "As usual, President Trump is lying and projecting. Trump doesn't want the American people to know about Russia's efforts to aid his re-election." Partisan anger The change, coming just more than two months before U.S. voters head to the polls or face deadlines for submitting their ballots by mail, sparked immediate outrage from top Democrats in Congress, who accused ODNI of betraying its responsibility to lawmakers and the public at large. "This is a shocking abdication of its lawful responsibility to keep the Congress currently informed, and a betrayal of the public's right to know how foreign powers are trying to subvert our democracy," Schiff and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. "This is shameful and coming only weeks before the election demonstrates that the Trump administration is engaged in a politicized effort to withhold election-related information from Congress and the American people at the precise moment that greater transparency and accountability is required," their statement said. The top Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, also placed blame for the change on Trump and his administration, accusing them of trying to cover up his attempts to benefit from foreign interference. Official: US Adversaries Taking Sides, Wielding Influence Ahead of Election US counterintelligence officials, splitting with President Trump, warn Russian-linked actors are pulling for his reelection as China and Iran aim to put Democrat Joe Biden in the White House "Our intelligence officials have said there's an active, ongoing assault on our democratic process from Russia," Schumer said in a statement. "President Trump is simply using John Ratcliffe to hide the ugly truth from the American people that the president is again receiving the help of the Kremlin." Democratic lawmakers, ODNI Tensions between Democratic lawmakers and ODNI, which oversees all intelligence-based threat briefings, have been simmering for months. Late last month, top Democrats slammed as insufficient a statement by William Evanina, the director of ODNI's National Counterintelligence and Security Center, for his public assessment of how Russia, China and Iran were seeking to compromise political campaigns and candidates and about the danger to U.S. election infrastructure. "The statement gives a false sense of equivalence to the actions of foreign adversaries," the Democrats' statement said. "The Russians are once again trying to influence the election and divide Americans, and these efforts must be deterred, disrupted and exposed." Earlier this month, Pelosi and Schiff again criticized the ODNI and Evanina, charging that an updated assessment of the threats posed by Russia, China and Iran to the November election understated the threat from Moscow, despite serious allegations against the Kremlin. "Today's (August 7) statement still treats three actors of differing intent and capability as equal," they said at the time. The Democratic lawmakers pointed specifically to Evanina's August 7 warning that while China and Iran would prefer to see Trump lose in November, Russia "is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President [Joe] Biden," Trump's Democratic opponent in the November elections. "Some Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump's candidacy on social media and Russian television," Evanina added. However, Republican Marco Rubio, the acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the behavior of Democratic lawmakers in response to briefings, such as those from Evanina, has been unacceptable. "His reward was to be smeared in vile and personal terms in a letter signed by Democratic leaders of Congress," Rubio said in a statement issued late Saturday. "This situation we now face is due, in no small part, to the willingness of some to commit federal crimes for the purpose of advancing their electoral aims," he said. "I have spoken to the Director Radcliffe, who stated unequivocally, that he will continue to fulfill these obligations. In particular, he made explicitly clear that the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence will continue receiving briefings on all oversight topics, including election matters," Rubio's statement said. It is unclear if the briefings will be in-person or a written report. In contrast, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, called Ratcliffe's action "outrageous" and "an unprecedented attempt to politicize an issue protecting our democracy from foreign intervention that should be non-partisan." Trump - Russia While many Democrats have often pointed to warnings regarding suspected attempts by Russia to aid Trump, the president has repeatedly rejected any suggestions that Russia is trying to help his reelection bid. "I don't care what anybody says," he told reporters following the August 7 threat assessment statement. "The last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody's been tougher on Russia than I have, ever." Trump has also consistently rejected the conclusions of a 2017 report by the U.S. intelligence community that found Russia aspired to help him win the 2016 presidential elections as a "political witch hunt." Questions and concerns Some former intelligence officials are also expressing concerns about the end of in-person briefings. They argue that while written intelligence reports can be helpful, briefings allow lawmakers to ask questions and get additional clarity a sentiment echoed by Senate Intelligence Committee member Angus King of Maine. "I have never been at a congressional hearing where members' questions failed to elicit important information not contained in prefiled written testimony," King said in a statement. "This includes our recent hearing with the director [Ratcliffe] on this very subject." There are other questions, as well. For example, it is not clear how the decision to end in-person election security briefings for lawmakers will affect briefings for congressional candidates or if there will be any changes to the way ODNI briefs the Trump and Biden campaigns. ODNI officials did not respond to repeated questions on that matter from VOA. White House Bureau Chief Steve Herman and congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson contributed to this story. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UPDATE: Former Bethlehem police chief explains the meme post and looks back on long career Bethlehem police Chief Mark DiLuzio has retired, the citys mayor announced Friday morning. His retirement is a result of the consequences of his recent re-posting of an offensive Facebook post, Mayor Bob Donchez said in a news release. Deputy Chief Scott Meixell in now interim chief, Donchez said. DiLuzio on Sunday shared a post that mocked professional athletes protesting the killing of Black men by police. The post as well contained the original authors racist commentary. DiLuzio had apologized to his friends on his private Facebook page and to city council. Two members of council on Thursday said they didnt have confidence that DiLuzio could maintain the trust of the community in a time where important conversations on race and other issues need to be had. The mayor offered similar thoughts on Friday morning. The United States is in the midst of a national discourse on important issues of systemic racism, police conduct and social injustice,. Donchez wrote. The city has been actively engaged with citizens and groups to deal with these numerous and complex issues. Chief DiLuzio has been an important representative of the city in this effort. The credibility and effectiveness of leadership in government is always paramount. These are times when those qualities are critical to managing the numerous challenges we are facing. Chief DiLuzio has accepted that his standing in the community has been compromised. This has happened at a time when the citizens of Bethlehem justly expect the effectiveness of their chief of police to be beyond reproach. DiLuzio has been chief since 2014 and had a nearly 40-year career in law enforcement. I, and many who know him, will not allow it to outweigh our appreciation for the chiefs dedication and service to the city of Bethlehem for the over 30 years., Donchez said. Community group Lehigh Valley Stands Up appeared to have a message for any future chief. This is what the power of the people looks like! Lehigh Valley Stands Up said in a Facebook post. It was incredibly clear that the police chief was not acting in the best interest of every Bethlehem Resident. Let this be a lesson. Racism and bigotry will not be tolerated by the people. Whether its on social media, in policy, or in private conversation. We are holding you accountable. And we will replace you. 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. China has warned the UN to stop 'meddling' in the country's affairs after the agency's special advisors published a letter raising fears for Hong Kong's freedoms stifled by the draconian new security law. In a letter addressed to the Chinese authorities, seven human rights experts affiliated with the UN said that the national security law raised a 'serious risk' and infringed on fundamental rights. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying responded by saying that 'some people disregard facts and... crudely interfere in China's internal affairs,' urging the UN advisors to stop getting involved in China's business. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying (pictured on Tuesday in Beijing) responded by saying that 'some people disregard facts and... crudely interfere in China's internal affairs,' urging the UN advisors to stop getting involved in China's business The Beijing-imposed security law sparked waves of protests in Hong Kong. The file picture shows police detaining a protester after being pepper sprayed during a protest in Causeway Bay before the annual handover march to mark the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover Hong Kong imposed a national security law - approved by Beijing - on June 30, following anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year against a now-withdrawn extradition bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. The national security law makes secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the city's internal affairs. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has insisted that the law will help bring stability back to Hong Kong after months of unrest. Critics say the law effectively ends the 'one country, two systems' framework under which Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy after it was passed from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The law extends beyond Hong Kong, and targets anyone overseas who violates the legislation, although it is not clear how the law would be enforced. Suspects arrested in Hong Kong under the national security law could also be sent to mainland China to stand trial in exceptional circumstances. China has warned the UN to stop 'meddling' in the country's affairs after the agency's special advisors published a letter raising fears for Hong Kong's freedoms stifled by the draconian new security law. The file picture shows United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a session during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 23 Critics fear the legislation will crush wide-ranging freedoms in Hong Kong denied to people in mainland China that are seen as key to its success as a global financial centre. Hong Kong riot police are pictured detaining a protester during a protest in Causeway Bay on June 12 Chinese leader Xi Jinping pushes a button to vote on the new national security law for Hong Kong, which critics say will destroy the autonomy of the former British colony, on May 28 In a letter released Friday, the UN special advisors said the new law posed a 'serious risk' that fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, may be infringed upon. It also highlighted the undermining of the independence judges and lawyers in the semiautonomous Chinese territory. 'We underscore that general assertions of conduct that threatens 'national security' without proper definitions and limitations may severely curtail civic space, the right to participate in public affairs, the rights of minorities and the work of human rights defenders and other civil society actors and their right to associate,' the human rights experts said in the letter dated September 1. The group of experts are independent human rights monitors who work with the UN human rights office, including Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. In a letter released Friday, the UN special advisors said the new law posed a 'serious risk' that fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, may be infringed upon. This file picture taken on June 12 shows protesters lighting up their mobile phones while chanting slogans and singing songs in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong The sweeping legislation has drawn criticism for stipulating that the destruction of government facilities and utilities would be considered subversive, while damaging public transportation facilities constitutes an act of terrorism. In the 14-page letter, the experts called on China to address the concerns of the UN, including its plans to enforce 'extra-territorial jurisdiction,' to ensure that it complies with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights treaty that China has signed. The document sent by the UN is known as an 'other letter,' a communication with governments that examines draft or existing legislation, policy or practice that is deemed out-of-step and noncompliant with international human rights norms. The letter follows the first in-depth appraisal of the Hong Kong security law from the UN human rights system, though officials including UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, have previously expressed concerns about it. Unlike other types of communications from the UN human rights system with governments, which remain confidential for nearly two months to give them time to respond, 'other letters' give governments only two days advance notice. Within two months after the imposition of the sweeping national security law, the city of Hong Kong has undergone massive waves of changes. Of many other shifts to date, there has been textbook censorship in schools, history rewriting, targeting of non-Chinese nationals and protesters captured by the Chinese coast guard while attempting to flee in order to seek asylum. With the spectre of the sweeping law haunting the city, I could be arrested and extradited to Chinas courts immediately in a wink. Even before being thrown behind bars, dissidents in the city are overshadowed by state-sponsored threats. Pro-democracy activists like me have been tailed by unknown cars for weeks, some of which I believe are linked to the police. In recent days, stalkers even harassed me when I went dog-walking in a park. In fact, stalking is often associated with formal arrests, just like my former colleague Agnes Chow, who was arrested after being filmed by suspicious men for days. There are also cases in which businessmen, such as Xiao Jianhua and Lee Bo, were seized by Chinese police and spirited across the border right in the heart of the city. Threats are always knocking at the door. Never for one single second have I underestimated the odds of being extradited to China one day. The cage that Hongkongers are living in is akin to prison itself. Amid Beijings tightening grip, our freedoms are gradually ensnared in chains. Our education minister has just imposed massive textbook censorship in schools, with all mentions of separations of powers, police brutality, protest slogans, human rights problems in Mainland China and even Tiananmen Square Massacre erased from textbooks. While high schoolers actively pushed for democracy through class strikes last year, the new move is considered as a new political screening to remove critical thoughts from schools and turn textbooks into pro-Beijing mouthpieces. Censorship goes with a new counter-narrative used to justify the regimes crackdown of dissidents. While anger rose last year after people witnessed unidentified men attacking unarmed citizens with police nowhere in sight, the police deliberately reframed the narrative by denouncing all relevant footage misleading and flawed and arresting the two pro-democracy lawmakers that mediated the clash at that time. Together with the new media meltdown, where more reporters were barred from the city and Nikkeis office searched, it is worrying that the flow of information is being further interrupted. As Beijing chips away at the citys freedoms and our way of life, some Hongkongers choose to risk their lives and flee for asylum by speedboat. Two weeks ago, on 23 August, 12 asylum seekers were captured. They are now being detained in China. Under the national security law, it could be the first case that Hongkongers will send to Chinas court. Under the stricter national security legislation and other criminal laws in China, all detainees may face graver offences. Throughout the criminal justice process, it could be a complete black box. Two weeks on with no further updates about their situations, the detainees have seemingly been thrown into a black hole. Worse still, since the two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, have been detained for over 620 days without trials, it is worrying that Hong Kongs asylum seekers may face indefinite detention, with blocked access to lawyers and high risk of forced confessions, which are sometimes even nationally televised. For a long time, fleeing by sea has been commonly associated with countries grappling with armed conflicts and repression, as with Syria, Libya and Myanmar. Its tragic that another is set to join them. What was once a semi-autonomous international financial centre has now turned into a tightly controlled region, after Xinjiang. Fleeing has become the only way for the citys freedom fighters to seek liberation. According to Amnesty International, human rights defenders or detainees accused of separatism in China are often exposed to a higher risk of tortures during their pre-trial detention, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme heat or cold, and all forms of physical torture like bending legs backwards forcibly. As every second passes, the fate of the detained Hongkongers becomes more uncertain. To bring them back safe and free from tortures, we hope the world can keep a close watch on developments and speak up for us when our voices are eventually silenced. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 Trend: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov received Serzhan Abdykarimov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Azerbaijan on Sept. 4, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry told Trend. Bayramov spoke about the high-level relations between the two countries based on common historical, cultural, and religious ties. The sides stressed that the friendly and cooperative relations established by the national leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, since the first years of independence are now being successfully continued by the current heads of states. The sides exchanged views on the currently developing relations between the two countries in the political, economic, trade, humanitarian, cultural, scientific, educational, and other fields, as well as the opportunities for further expansion of existing ties. Besides the successfully developing cooperation relations at the bilateral level, the sides discussed issues of ongoing cooperation and mutual support on multilateral platforms, including the Turkish Council, TRACECA, and other organizations. Bayramov briefed the ambassador on Armenia's aggressive policy, which is a major threat to security in the region, including the recent military provocation by Armenia on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border and the tense situation in the region. The Azerbaijani minister noted that the only way for ensuring lasting peace, security, and prosperity in the region is the withdrawal of armed forces of aggressor Armenia from the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, as well as seven adjacent regions, as required by the UN Security Councils resolutions and relevant decisions and documents of other organizations. The ambassador expressed gratitude for the warm reception and delivered the congratulations of the minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Bayramov on his appointment and his best wishes in his activities. Abdykarimov expressed confidence that the existing cooperation for the implementation of several issues on the bilateral cooperation agenda will continue at a high level. As for the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ambassador Serzhan Abdykarimov stressed that Kazakhstan supports the peaceful settlement of the conflict following the UN Security Councils resolutions and within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. The sides also discussed the other issues of mutual interest. State Duma Committee backs bill on use of geolocation data in search for missing persons 17:54 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) The State Duma Committee on Security and Anticorruption has backed a bill aimed at permitting the use of geolocation data in order to facilitate search for missing persons, according to its Chair Vasily Piskarev. Earlier, the lower house of the Russian Parliament adopted a similar law making it possible to search for missing children with the use of geolocation data, with certain corrections, we are proposing to extend the provisions of that law setting forth that in the course of investigative activities law enforcers are to inform a court and obtain a respective decision within 48 hours, Piskarev says. In July 2019, the State Duma approved amendments to a law enforcement operations act permitting to use the data contained in their mobile devices. By Express News Service KOZHIKODE: Sai Swetha, a primary school teacher whose online classes as part of the First Bell virtual learning programme made her a popular figure, has claimed that she was insulted by a man on social media for turning down a movie offer. According to Swetha, the accused had made a Facebook post against her and the fundamental right to make decisions concerning her life. It all started after Swetha received phone calls from Sreejith Perumana, a lawyer. But due to some emergency she couldnt attend the call. Finally when she answered the phone, Sreejith offered her a role in a movie. I told him to contact our family friend because it was difficult to give a sudden reply. My husband also spoke with him. Later, we decided against doing films right now. My family friend also informed him of the decision, she said. However, Sreejith took to Facebook, flaying Swetha for failing to answer his phone calls and turning down the role. He put up a Facebook post insulting me. My right to make personal decisions was also questioned. Its nothing but character assassination. If a woman declines a strangers demand, this is the mindset of some, Swetha added. Meanwhile, reacting to reports, Sreejith said on his FB page that he never intended to insult Swetha . However, Swetha has lodged a petition with the DySP, Vadakara, and the Nadapuram police and decided to pursue legal action. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4 By Jeila Aliyeva - Trend: The market-based reforms planned by the government of Turkmenistan, when implemented, will create additional opportunities for the US companies to work even more closely with their Turkmen counterparts, Stephen Guice, Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Ashgabat told Trend. "The US companies have a long history of successful commercial activities in Turkmenistan and those are likely to continue and increase in the future, added Guice. In particular, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) helps Turkmen entrepreneurs improve their competitiveness, increase revenue, and boost job creation, he noted. Guice pointed out that the US cooperation with Turkmenistan is long-term, and will continue to partner with the people, local businesses, and the government of Turkmenistan on innovative projects that promote the countrys sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. In general, the US continues to cooperate with Turkmenistan in many areas, including through economic ties, cultural collaboration, development, and educational exchanges. As reported, earlier Turkmenistan and the US have discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral partnership in such areas as politics, economy, as well as joint measures to overcome the impact of COVID-19. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @JeilaAliyeva Besides, a higher credit limit has been specified for Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) or Farmers Producers Companies (FPCs) undertaking farming with assured marketing of their produce at a pre-determined price, the central bank added. The loan limits for renewable energy have also been doubled. For improvement of health infrastructure, credit limit for health infrastructure (including those under Ayushman Bharat) has been doubled by the central bank. BEIJING (AP) Beijings main international airport on Thursday began receiving international flights again from a limited number of countries considered at low risk of coronavirus infection. Passengers flying in from Cambodia, Greece, Denmark, Thailand, Pakistan, Austria, Canada and Sweden must have first shown a negative coronavirus test before boarding, city government spokesperson Xu Hejian told reporters. Passenger arrivals will be limited to roughly 500 per day during a trial period and all will need to undergo additional testing for the virus on arrival, followed by two weeks of quarantine. The first flight under the arrangement, Air China Flight 746, arrived from Pnom Penh, Cambodia, just before 7 a.m. Beginning in March, all international flights to Beijing had been redirected to a dozen other cities where passengers were tested and processed before being allowed to travel on to the Chinese capital. China has gone weeks without new cases of local infection and the 11 new cases recorded Thursday were all imported. Beijing's last local outbreak in July was linked to a wholesale food market, and the citys customs department announced Wednesday it would test all imported frozen foods, along with other goods arriving from countries considered to be at high risk. Storage and transportation facilities for imported food would also be disinfected and Beijing customs would work with other cities to ensure the safety of the supply chain. In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region: A prison inmate in Thailand has tested positive for the coronavirus in the countrys first confirmed locally transmitted case in 100 days, health officials said Thursday. They identified the inmate as a 37-year-old man arrested for drug abuse who was brought to prison in Bangkok on Aug. 26 and tested positive Wednesday at the prisons health center. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Wednesday had congratulated the nation for having achieved 100 days without any confirmed local cases of the coronavirus. Thailand has sustained relatively light health damage from the pandemic, even though in January it was the first country outside China to confirm a case. But its economy has been devastated by the absence of foreign tourists, who are banned from entry, and by a drop in exports. Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the Health Ministrys Disease Control Department, stressed that the infected man had been kept in a small group of quarantined inmates in a standard procedure to limit the possible spread of the virus. Story continues India has registered a record single-day spike of 83,883 new cases, driving the country overall tally to 3.85 million. The Health Ministry on Thursday also reported 1,043 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total fatalities up to 67,376. India has been reporting the highest daily increases for more than three weeks. The ministry said the country's fatality rate had declined to 1.76% and its deaths per million population was "one of the lowest in the world. Experts say deaths could be substantially undercounted in several states. South Korea reported its first drop below 200 new coronavirus cases in more than two weeks, but the country's strained hospitals were treating more seriously ill patients after the prolonged recent surge in infections. Thursday's increase of 195 new cases, the first daily increase below 200 in 17 days, indicated the country was beginning to see the effects of stringent social distancing restrictions recently imposed in the greater capital area. However, the number of patients in serious or critical condition with active COVID-19 increased to 154, compared to 14 on Aug. 14 when the country began whats now a 21-day run in triple-digit daily jumps in infections. The country has added more than 5,800 newly ill people to its caseload during the streak, raising fears about overwhelmed hospitals. Hong Kong says just six people have tested positive for the coronavirus out of 128,000 residents who have taken part in the citys mass testing program that began Tuesday. Four of the six people were previous coronavirus patients who were discharged last month and still carried traces of the virus when they were tested. As of Thursday, 850,000 people in the city of 7.5 million have registered to take part in the weeklong free testing program aimed at identifying silent carriers of the virus. The low number of positive cases has drawn criticism that the testing program is not cost-effective, amid privacy concerns and fears that DNA data could be sent to mainland China. Coronavirus infections surged in Hong Kong in early July. At its peak, the territory recorded more than 100 locally transmitted cases a day, after going weeks without any in June. Tough restrictions were imposed, including limiting restaurant dining-in hours and shuttering bars and karaoke lounges, and cases have steadily dwindled. Apart from the six people who tested positive in the mass testing program, Hong Kong reported eight other coronavirus infections on Thursday. It has confirmed a total of 4,839 cases, including 93 deaths. Australias hot spot Victoria state on Thursday recorded its second consecutive day of increased COVID-19 cases. The state health department said there had been 113 new infections and 15 deaths in the latest 24-hour period. There were 90 new infections and six deaths recorded on Wednesday. There were only 70 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the lowest tally since June. A pregnant woman in Australia says she didnt know she was breaking any law when she was handcuffed by police in front of her children and led away in her pajamas for allegedly inciting people to demonstrate against Victoria states pandemic lockdown. Zoe Buhlers partner helped her live stream the arrest on Wednesday at her home where she lives with two children aged 3 and 4 in the city of Ballarat. The video has been viewed millions of times. She has been charged with using social media platforms to incite others to break pandemic restrictions by attending weekend rallies to protest the restrictions. Time To Dance was much the best in The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer, and will return to the scene of his biggest career win this Saturday (Sept. 5) at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park. The 12-dash Saturday card has a 6 p.m. first race post time, with the Gold Cup and Saucer reunion happening in the $3,100 Preferred Pace, carded as race 11. Time To Dance was razor sharp on Aug. 22, winning the crown jewel of Atlantic Canadian harness racing for trainer-driver Marc Campbell and owners Matt McDonald and Brent Campbell. The win in that $60,000 event put the four-year-old pacers lifetime earnings at over $105,000. Gold Cup and Saucer runner-up Lisburn has again drawn post 1 for trainer-driver Kenny Arsenault on Saturday, while Simple Kinda Man will leave from post 3 with Jason Hughes aboard after beating the Preferred class last week. Woodmere Ideal Art, the first Island-bred to make the Gold Cup and Saucer final since 2008, has post 2 with Ken Murphy picking up the catch drive for trainer Sifroi Melanson. The Post Time Picks in Saturdays race program give the edge to Lisburn off his favourable post position draw: Lisburn makes his first start back since that terrific second place finish in the Gold Cup & Saucer. He may get another perfect pocket ride in here and if he does could reach up and get it all. Other entries in the preferred field are $20,000 James (Roach) MacGregor Gold Cup and Saucer consolation winner Avatar J (Brodie MacPhee) and Gold Cup and Saucer fifth-place finisher Rose Run Quest, making his first start in the Gilles Barrieau barn. Jimmy Be Good makes his East Coast debut in the fourth race, as the 26-time winner moves into the Jill MacLean barn for owner David Tierney. MacPherson will hold the lines of the eight-year-old Art Colony pacer who looks to add to his $246,831 in prize earnings. Mick Dundee (Don MacNeill) is the morning line favourite in the $2,300 event. For race programs and more, go to Redshores.ca and wager online at HPIBet.com. To view Saturdays entries, click the following link: Thursday Results Charlottetown Driving Park. (Red Shores) When Ela Kaminski went to visit her husbands grave at Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catharines this week, she was distraught to find it unmarked. The homemade wooden cross crafted by her son to temporarily mark the burial place of Jacek Kaminski until a granite stone arrives had been removed. No words, she just shows up and its gone, said her son, Adam Kaminski. She thought maybe somebody stole it. Nobody contacted her or anything. It was a shock for us. She eventually learned staff removed the wooden cross, which is not allowed under the city-owned cemeterys bylaws. Now the family wants St. Catharines to look closer at its rules, show some compassion and allow them to mark Jacek Kaminskis grave until his permanent stone arrives. Why they removed it without even calling and warning, thats something I dont understand, said Ela, who has since retrieved the cross from the city. Kaminski, a professional mechanical engineer with Handling Specialty and an active member of the Polish community, died March 10 at age 67. Ela said it was unexpected, due to complications from surgery earlier in the year. His death came just days before the country was thrown into the COVID-19 pandemic, which the family said led to delays in getting the permanent monument ordered. Its expected to arrive before the end of October. Adam made the wooden cross with his fathers name for the time being so visitors could find his resting place. How else do you identify the grave for friends or anybody that wants to pay their respects? asked Adam, who lives in Cambridge. I think its disrespectful to have an unmarked grave. As it was, he said, he saw half a dozen other wooden crosses in the area where his fathers plot was. The city did apologize in a message to Adams wife, Crystal, for the way things were handled. It referred the family to its cemetery bylaws and monument regulations. The regulations state no monument may be erected which is composed in whole or part of wood, metal, veneer or several other materials. The city says the regulations are provided to people when they purchase interment rights. But the family says they were distraught after Jaceks unexpected death and dont remember having any discussions about wooden crosses. We probably have the piece of paper that says that, but its an emotional time, Adam said. Who really reads fine print at that time? It was the last thing on my mind. John Bellehumeur, the citys manager of parks, cemeteries, forestry and horticulture, said most cemeteries in the province adhere to the same regulations. He said wooden crosses sometimes fall down or arent maintained over time, and the bases get damaged by weedwackers and tractors. Funeral homes can provide other temporary markers. Although wooden crosses are not permitted, he said, the city will usually allow them to stay up for a day or two before removing them. But he said it can sometimes be up to a year between interment and when a permanent monument arrives, and the wood can deteriorate. The city tends to go in and remove multiple wooden crosses at once, which it did this week. He said theyve had a few complaints from other families as well. This has brought to light the need to review some of our procedures and policies to ensure that were communicating properly and ensuring that we are communicating our bylaws and regulations to families when they do purchase a plot, he said. Part of that review will include looking at whether the city will call people before removals, he said. Elas daughter Kasia Savoy of St. Catharines said burials are expensive and it would be nice to get simple communication in return. She said she doesnt understand why a wooden cross is such a big deal when they see other decorations and artificial flowers left year-round at gravesites. The family would like to be able to put the cross back up until they can get her fathers monument installed. They were aware of the cross. Now the cross is not there. There is no marking. You wont know where he is. The UK government's decision to leave Portugal and some Greek islands off its quarantine list goes against its own official scientific advice, it has emerged. The Welsh government and Scottish governments imposed travel restrictions on the two countries yesterday after experts at the Joint Biosecurity Centre gave them "clear advice" to do so. But despite action from the devolved governments, the countries were not taken off the UK government's list covering travel back to England, despite ministers' repeated claims to be "following the science". Asked about the decision, Boris Johnson official spokesperson told journalists: "The Joint Biosecurity Centre set out risk assessments, we study the data carefully, and the minister this morning set out why there were no changes to the list". He added that it was "for ministers to make assessments of that data" and recommendations provided by the experts. Vaughan Gething, the Welsh government's health minister, said he had made the decision to impose restrictions after having "considered the clear advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre report that travel from the ... countries and territories constitutes a public health risk". But UK government Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: We continue to keep the Travel Corridor list under constant review and wont hesitate to remove countries if needed. However, there are no English additions or removals today. Nonetheless, holidaymakers are reminded 14-day quarantine countries can and do change at very short notice. Travel Corridor factors taken into account by JBC & Ministers inc: Covid-19 prevalence; level & rate of change; extent of in-country tests, regime & test positivity; extent of contained outbreak as opposed to general transmission; govt actions and other epidemiological information. Transport secretary Grant Shapps (REUTERS) The prime minister's spokesperson said that the government had been consistent thus far in only updating the quarantine list on a weekly basis hinting that travellers would not be required to quarantine for at least another week. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Portugal recorded 23.0 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to Wednesday, a substantial rise from 15.3 a week earlier. In Greece there were 13.8 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people over the same period, down from 14.9 a week earlier though there are thought to be significant regional variations with outbreaks on some islands. The UK government has said it considers imposing quarantine restrictions if the seven-day rate is over 20 per 100,000 people. KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) Thousands of protesters defying a government coronavirus lockdown to take part in an religious festival clashed with riot police in Nepal on Thursday, leaving several people injured. The protesters had gathered in the city of Lalitpur where a 5-story-high chariot holding a statue of the deity Rato Machindranath was built but parked for months because of government orders not hold the annual festival due to fear over the spread of the coronavirus. The statue is normally pulled around the city for a month. Police officers in riot gear blocked the protesters when they moved the chariot, dousing them with water cannons. Police fired tear gar to disperse the protesters, who in return threw stones at the police. The clash continued for hours and spread to the small cobble stone alleys in the city, which is south of the capital, Kathmandu. Nepalese authorities have banned outdoor festivals and religious gatherings since March to stop the spread of coronavirus. Kathmandu and surrounding districts have been on a lockdown since last month that prohibits people from leaving their homes. A nationwide lockdown was first imposed in March to stop the spread of the disease, but that was finally lifted in July. However, the number of virus cases kept climbing, prompting the government to impose prohibition orders in districts with the most cases. Travel is still restricted and the airport is allowing only a limited number of international flights since this week. Borders are officially closed and tourists are not allowed to enter Nepal. Nepal has had 42,877 confirmed cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began and 257 deaths. The festival is a month-long event where the chariot with Rato Machindranath a deity whose statue is made from clay and covered in red paint with eyes wide open is pulled around the city for a month in the belief that it will to please gods so they can provide for a generous rainfall, a good harvest and prosperity. It is believed this festival has been held for more than 1,350 years. A person delivers a computer payload while working on a laptop during the 11th International Cybersecurity Forum in Lille, France, on Jan. 22, 2019. (Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images) Australia Losing $29 Billion a Year to Cyberattacks, Report Reveals Australian families and businesses are urged to safeguard their cybersecurity as a new report reveals cyberattacks are ramping up against the country and costing $29 billion a year. The report (pdf) from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) found national security agencies received 59,806 reports of cybercrime over a 12-month period, almost one every 10 minutes. ACSC has also responded to 2,266 major incidents, almost six per day. Individual Australians meanwhile have lost $634 million (US $461 million) to scams in 2019 alone, while cybercrime is estimated to cost the broader economy up to $29 billion (US $21 billion). In June, Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned that public and private organisations were coming under attack from a sophisticated state-based cyber actor. Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House on August 26, 2020, in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Morrison would not reveal which state was responsible. However, experts believe the most likely suspect to be the Chinese communist regime. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the cybersecurity threat continued to climb over the past few months. That threat has not diminished since then. In fact, it has increased, Senator Reynolds told reporters on Sept. 4. The sophistication and quantity of attacks have increased, with the cybersecurity centre seeing a 300 percent jump in call volume since Morrison issued the public warning in June. Increased awareness of the threat may also be a driver behind the spike in calls. Countries unfriendly to Australia are employing hackers or cybercriminals to spread disinformation and interfere in the economy, politics, and critical infrastructure like energy grids. This type of activity really does blur what we previously understood to be peace and war, Reynolds said. We now call it that grey zone in between. Australian Defense Minister Linda Reynolds at the IISS Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, 2019. (Feline Lim/Reuters) Reynolds has been warning of increased grey zone activity in the Indo-Pacific region in recent months. Matt Warren, professor of cybersecurity at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology told The Epoch Times on Sept. 4 that increasing cyberattacks from state-based actors was the new normal. These state-based threat actors have different motivations for their cyberattacks, for China, it is the acquisition of IP and cyber influence, for North Korea it is the acquisition of money for the government, he said. Cyber-criminal networks have a split focus targeting either highly classified information held by the government or concentrating their efforts on individuals to commit fraud and identify theft. At one end of the spectrum there are opportunistic cybercriminals who target Australians and Australian companies for financial gain, Reynolds said. Hands are seen on a keyboard in front of a displayed cyber code in this picture illustration taken Oct. 4, 2018. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters) At the other end of the same spectrum, there are sophisticated and very well-resourced state-based actors who are seeking to interfere in our nation, she added. The most targeted systems were those of the federal government with 436 incidents, while state-level governments followed with 367 incidents. The health sector came in third with 164 incidents. For Warren, this was particularly concerning, Imagine a Victorian hospital dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak and then being a victim of a ransomware attack. Defence Minister Reynolds said responsibility for cybersecurity needed to be shared by the public. Related Coverage Australia to Fund $1.35 Billion for Cyber Security She outlined a series of measures to improve cybersecurity, including regularly changing passwords, updating computers or phones, avoid conducting important transactions on public Wi-Fi, and avoid clicking scam emails. The report also found the most commonly employed tool by hackers was the malicious email, which can capture a persons credentials once they click on a link or attachment, and in turn, use those credentials to gain access to their network. For those who have experienced cybercrime report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at www.cyber.gov.au/report. On Thursday, Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Facebook, wrote of his worry that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or even weeks to be finalized, there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country. So Facebook announced a series of steps designed, Zuckerberg said, to verify election-related content and prevent disinformation or attempts at meddling. In the week leading up to the election, for example, new political ads will be blocked. I generally believe the best antidote to bad speech is more speech, Zuckerberg wrote, but in the final days of an election there may not be enough time to contest new claims. So in the week before the election, we wont accept new political or issue ads. Other steps: removing obvious misinformation, adding an information label to posts that make claims about voting, and limiting the number of times users can forward Facebook messages. In the past, Facebook has been reluctant to manage its pages; this time, Zuckerberg was widely criticized for doing too little, too late. Facebook has repeatedly fumbled its responsibility to protect our democracy, Senator Elizabeth Warren said. Now the stakes are higher than everand they need to do more than make small, performative tweaks. Jackie Speier, a Democrat representing Californias fourteenth district in Congress, said the moves headed in the right direction, but wondered, on Twitter, What about political ad campaigns already pumping out false info; algorithms that amplify lies, violence & misogyny; the refusal to fact check ads or take down distorted videos; & Facebook groups that become echo chambers for false info? Others were underwhelmed, too. As Steve Kovach, of MSNBC, pointed out in a rundown of Facebooks new rules, the changes dont really do anything to stop anyoneincluding Donald Trump and his campaignfrom posting misinformation about voting or about particular candidates on their personal or campaign pages, so long as the posts arent advertisements. Nor is Zuckerberg shutting down misinformation or misleading campaign ads that were created more than a week before the election. The rule that restricts the number of people to whom someone can forward a Facebook messagea change Facebook first made on its WhatsApp messaging service, in an attempt to reduce the spread of misinformation in Indiacan be easily avoided by sharing messages in batches, or as part of a collective action. The new policies are so limited, Kovach said, that theres no chance theyll have any impact on the political discourse and news consumption across the site. ICYMI: Journalisms Gates keepers In some cases, the new rules conflict with each other. Zuckerbergs message promised that Facebook would extend our work with election officials to remove misinformation about voting, but he also wrote that Facebook would attach an informational label to any material that seeks to delegitimize voting methods or the outcome of the election. In other words, it appears that, sometimes, Facebook will remove disinformation about voting; other times, it will just apply a warning label. How will the company determine what to do when? That, like so much of what Facebook does involving content moderation, is unknown. And the fact that a single company has so much control over crucial election information is more than a little disturbing, as Zeynep Tufekci, a technology scholar and sociologist at the University of North Carolina, has pointed out. In typical fashion, responding to a serious threat, Facebook has announced something that sounds vaguely important but, upon review, its nonsense. What comes next is the implementation of these rules, which will be left to a campus full of anonymous twenty-something programmers, under the direction of a single thirty-something multi-billionaire. As Tufekci put it, Mark Zuckerberg, alone, gets to set key ruleswith significant consequencesfor one of the most important elections in recent history. That should not be lost in the dust of who these changes will hurt or benefit. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Heres more on Facebook and disinformation: The scales : Tara McGowan, the chief executive of a liberal nonprofit group called Acronym, said in a statement that the changes by Facebook not only wont help reduce disinformation, but could actually wind up assisting the Trump campaign, according to the New York Times . By banning new political ads in the final critical days of the 2020 election, Facebook has decided to tip the scales of the election to those with the greatest followings on Facebookand that includes President Trump and the right-wing media that serves him, McGowan said. A Trump spokesperson, meanwhile, said that the presidents campaign would be silenced by the Silicon Valley mafia, who will at the same time allow corporate media to run their biased ads to swing voters. War games : Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Reddit are holding regular meetings together, along with federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to discuss potential threats to election integrity, according to a report from Axios , and some of the platforms have also been engaging in war games to practice responding to potential scary scenarios. Between March 1 and August 1, the report said , Twitter practiced its response to situations such as foreign interference, leaks of hacked materials and uncertainty following Election Day. False choice : In April, CJR used its Galley discussion platform to hold a series of interviews with disinformation researchers about what Facebook and the other digital platforms should be doing to confront the problem. The interviewees included Karen Kornbluh and Ellen Goodman, co-authors of a new paper published by the German Marshall Fund called Safeguarding Digital Democracy. The policy debate on disinformation has been hobbled by a false choice between allowing platforms or the government to censor, Kornbluh said . We propose instead empowering citizens through updating offline protections and rights (consumer protection, civil rights, privacy, campaign finance), supporting journalism and increasing accountability of platforms. Other notable stories: Apple is delaying changes to its mobile operating system that could have a significant impact on publishers. The changes, when theyre made, will require apps to ask users whether or not they want their web activity to be tracked; some publishers are afraid that most people will opt out, which would make personalized ad-targeting impossible. In a corporate statement on Thursday, Apple pushed the change to sometime next year, to give app makers a chance to make adjustments to account for the new protocol. In recent days, prominent Republicans have posted several deceptively edited videos to Twitter and Facebook; according to a report from CNN , some racked up millions of views before either platform took action. One was a false video about Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, posted to the Twitter account of Steve Scalise, House Minority Whip. Only after public criticism ensuedand a person in the video attested that his words had been distorteddid Twitter add a label to the post describing the video as manipulated media. The same video was posted to Facebook, which did nothing. Charles Richardson writes for CJR about a local election and the impact of the coronavirus on Macon, Georgia, as part of the Year of Fear series, in which CJR and the Delacorte Review report on whats happening in towns across the United States. This election was shaped by a force that none of the candidates in the runofffor mayor, county commission, or school boardcontrol or predict: COVID-19. Certainly, the pandemic should receive part of the blame for lower turnout. Most houses of worship in the area were still meeting virtually, if at all. Standard ways of campaigning were tossed aside as candidates participated in Zoom debates and virtual town halls. The usual down-home glad-handing was nowhere to be found. Reuters spoke with six freelance journalists who wrote for a site called Peace Data, which Facebook and Twitteracting on a tip from the FBIidentified as the center of a Russian political-influence campaign targeting left-wing voters in the United States, Britain, and other countries. Reuters reviewed emails between the Peace Data contributors and their employer showing that they were paid up to $250 per article. A person who identified herself as Bernadett Plaschil, an associate editor at Peace Data, told Reuters : Were really confused by these accusations and deny all of them. Despite Zuckerbergs assurances that Facebook removed an event page where people discussed gathering in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to shoot and kill protesters, BuzzFeed News reports that Facebook never did. The event page was taken down by the militia group that created it, after two people were killed. More than four hundred complaints were sent to Facebook about the event page, but even after multiple reviews, the company decided it did not violate any rules. Zuckerberg later told employees this represented an operational mistake, and that the event page had been removed. But internal company discussions obtained by BuzzFeed show thats not true. Dan McCrum, of the Financial Times , described the intimidation, surveillance, and conspiracy theories he encountered while conducting a five-year investigation into Wirecard, a much-hyped financial services company that turned out to be a billion-dollar fraud. A couple of years after the Twitter bots attacked me, Wirecard is a smouldering wreck, he wrote. The ex-chief executive, Markus Braun, is in jail, awaiting trial. This is the tale of what it was like to unravel and expose the reality of a criminal enterprise that relied on a network of professional enablers to keep in motion one of the biggest corporate frauds of the modern era. Tim Davie, the BBCs new director general, said that he wants to maintain a mandatory license fee, not impose a voluntary subscription, because doing so would make us just another media company that serves only the few. As the BBC reported , he also spoke to staff about making a renewed commitment to impartiality. It is not simply about left or right, he said. This is more about whether people feel we see the world from their point of view. If you want to be an opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner on social media then that is a valid choice, but you should not be working at the BBC. The editor of the Loyola Phoenix , the student newspaper at Loyola University in Chicago, wrote a column responding to criticism about how her paper reported on Black Lives Matter protests in which several Loyola students were arrested. We werent asked to not record videos and had we been we wouldve declined anyway, the editor wrote. To my knowledge, requests werent made until after the videos were already on Twitter. Our reporters posted videos of the arrests on social media because they occurred in a public spaceNorth Sheridan Road. We dont need consent for videos or photos taken of people in public. We didnt take them down because thats not what media outlets typically do. If something is blatantly wrong or inaccurate, we publish a correction. But nothing was inaccurate here. ICYMI: Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor, and the arbitrariness of the police-shooting news cycle 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. The increasing number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases and related deaths in the national capital has led the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to start an active engagement with the Delhi government and Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal again. Also read: Two dhabas in Haryanas Murthal sealed after 75 workers test positive for Covid-19 Delhi reported 2,737 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, while around 33,000 tests were conducted. This was the highest single-day spike in Covid-19 cases since June-end, the data from the Delhi governments daily health bulletin showed. Delhi also recorded 19 fresh deaths due to the contagion, as the toll tally in the national capital rose to 4,500. The city was recording Covid-19-related deaths in single digits until the third week of August. But the fatality count went up to 22 a day on three occasions in the past two weeks. However, the case fatality ratio (CFR) the number of deaths who tested Covid-19 positive has been on the decline in the national capital. At present, Delhis CFR is 2.47%, but still much higher than the national average of 1.78%. The number of active cases and deaths in Delhi was on a decline, but in the last few weeks both the parametres have gone up. Now, the MHA has started an active engagement with the Delhi government, said Rajesh Bhushan, secretary, ministry of health and family welfare (MoH&FW). He said that Delhi government has been given guidelines to help control the number of Covid-19 cases and related deaths. We are engaging with the Delhi government under the supervision of the MHA. We also held a meeting with the L-G recently, where the representatives from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), MoH&FW, and NITI Aayog were also present. We have given them some guidelines. If the guidelines are effectively followed, then the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths can be controlled, said Bhushan. Bhushan said that Delhi was one of the five states that accounted for 70% of the total deaths in the country. Andhra Pradesh (AP), Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu (TN) are the other worst-hit states as far as the viral outbreak is concerned, he added. Bhsuhan pointed out that Delhi and Karnataka are the two among the five worst-hit states that have reported an uptick in the CFR in the past three weeks. The Delhi government authorities declined to comment. Delhi has ramped up its daily tests over the past two days in line with the Central governments directive. The move has helped lower the positivity rate the number of Covid-19 tests that show positive among the total swab samples tested to 8.34% until Thursday. While the seven-day average positivity rate over the last week was 9.01%. Bhushan has also urged the states to conduct more real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests. There are states, where the optimal capacity of RT-PCR tests, of late, are not being utilised. We have drawn the attention of those states to the fact that they do have an installed capacity of conducting a particular number of RT-PCR tests, and they are doing less than their capacity. They need to scale up their RT-PCR tests, said the secretary. There is no uniform picture across the country, when it comes to RT-PCR and rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests. For instance, TN leads the pack as far as RT-PCR tests are concerned at over 90%. There are other states where the RT-PCR, TruNat (used for detection of tuberculosis), and CBNAAT (cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test) testing capacities are limited. ICMR has laid down guidelines that RAD tests are ideal for screening in densely populated areas, containment and buffer zones. So why not use them? he asked. An expert has a different take on the nation-wide testing pattern. Testing is going up in Delhi. If we test more, we are likely to have more new Covid-19 cases. However, the positivity rate should remain the same. Since, the positivity rate has also gone up, it implies that the transmission of the infection has risen again amid further easing of lockdown restrictions. Hence, there is a need to conduct more RT-PCR tests. But RAD tests cannot be used for large scale diagnosis. If a person gets a false positive report, he may think that he has not been infected and may end up spreading the SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease, among others, said Dr Lalit Kant, a former head of the department of epidemiology and infectious diseases at ICMR. . SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Nigerian movie director, producer, scriptwriter and actor, Tchidi Chikere, wrote a message on his wall to eulogize his late father after 7 years. By Jennifer Okundia A multiple award winner, for his directing including the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008 where he won Best Comedy for the movie Stronger Than Pain and his film Beautiful Soul was nominated for Best Screenplay. His caption after sharing a photo of his late father reads: REMEMBERING MY FATHER TODAY WITH FOND MEMORIES..IT S BEEN 7 YEARS NOW PAPA. A SON NEVER FORGETS. REST ON, NZE V. O CHIKERE. Chikere was nominated twice in the 2012 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards, for Best Actor Diaspora for his role in When Heaven Smiles and for Best Male Act Diaspora (Viewers Choice). As well as a nomination for the Best Original Screenplay at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards for directing/producing Dumebi. The father of 4 has three sons with his first wife, actress Sophia Tchidi Chikere but the marriage ended in 2012. He is currently married to actress Nuella Njubigbo with whom he has a daughter. They held their traditional wedding on March 29, 2014 in his wifes hometown in Anambra State and the white wedding at the Catholic Church of Transfiguration, VGC, Lagos State on June 9, 2018. Tchidi Chikere, a native of Mbaise in Imo State, is the last child of his parents. He studied English Language at the University of Calabar, where he began writing movie scripts. He joined the film industry after graduating from the University. Share this post with your friends: SRINAGAR: Security forces arrested three aides of terrorists from Pattan area of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, the arrests were made on Thursday (September 3). The identities of the arrested terrorists are yet to be ascertained. Further details on the development are awaited. 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. On Thursday, Facebook announced a set of U.S. election season changes to political advertising and content moderation. While Mark Zuckerberg argued that these changes are intended to do Facebooks part to protect our democracy, were concerned that theyll have the opposite effect by suppressing important political speech and neutering get-out-the-vote campaigns at the most important moment in the election. To start, Facebook banned new political advertising beginning Oct. 27, a week before the U.S. election on Nov. 3. Because the ban is for a fixed period and applies only to new advertising, its far more limited than the restrictions Twitter announced in 2019, which banned most political ads. Still, as we pointed out when Twitter announced its policy, bans are likely to muzzle important political speech and disproportionately burden challenger campaigns while benefiting more powerful incumbents with large organic reach on social media platforms. (We should also note that one of us, Matt, previously worked at Facebook as director of public policy.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ostensibly, the intent of this policy is to force political advertisers to make all of their advertising known in advance so third parties, such as fact-checkers and rivals for political office, have a chance to scrutinize them. Thats a good goal. Transparency helps to inform the public about election dynamics and makes people more accountable for deceptive practices. But in practice, the blackout period will likely suppress important political speech. Facebook will cut off new ads precisely at a time when voter mobilization is at its height, hampering get-out-the-vote campaigns, which use social media advertising to provide voters with important time-sensitive information and reminders in key states in the days before an election, such as Early vote ends tomorrow. These appeals are especially important for mobilizing harder-to-reach and less politically engaged voters, such as young people. Advertisement Advertisement Even more, a blackout will prevent campaigns from responding on Facebook to late-breaking events during that final week through paid speech. For instance, during the 2016 election, FBI Director James Comey announced his plan to investigate a new trove of information about Hillary Clintons email servers on Oct. 28, and then stated on Nov. 6 that he had found no evidence of wrongdoing. (The election was held Nov. 8.) Under Facebooks new policy, campaigns could run ads based on the October letter, but couldnt run new ads about the announcement that Clinton had done nothing wrong. Advertisement In other words, what this blackout will likely mean in practice is a de facto ban on campaigns responding to late-breaking events on Facebook. (At least campaigns will still be able to respond on other platforms such as Google and TikTok and through news.) It will also likely mean a significant ban on counterspeech during the final week before the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaigns and consultancies will dump massive amounts of advertising content on Facebook immediately before the deadline so they have maximum flexibility to run them during the blackout period of new ads. With such a flood of new ads, it will be hard to scrutinize them and will diminish the value of making them transparent. Even more, the blackout will prevent rival campaigns from generating new ads that respond to things such as at-the-deadline attacks or false claims. Who does all this likely reward? Candidates with large followings on Facebook who can spread their speech and counterspeech organically. And these changes likely benefit far-right and fake news content that spreads organically through engagement. In addition to the blackout period, Facebook announced that it will make its Voting Information Center more prominent at the top of users news feeds and that it will take additional steps to counter election disinformation, false claims of victory, and early declarations of election outcomes. While making accurate and reliable voter information available at the top of the news feed is a laudable move, its effects may be limited if voters have to seek it out on their own. As an expert working group recently recommended, a better solution is to push reliable information out to users feeds so it is incorporated with the content they see as they scroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facebooks new policies include adding more scrutiny to false claims about polling conditions and expanding its removal of voter suppression to include implicit misrepresentations about voting as well as explicit ones. These are promising, but critical details remain uncertain. How will Facebook define explicit or implicit attempts to suppress the vote? What will be grounds for removing the content versus leaving it up with a label? How long will these policies be in effect? Months, if there is a contested election? To date, labeling has been particularly confusing. When Facebook labels content, it is simply not clear to users whether the company has determined that speech to be false, in need of greater context, or interesting enough to spur further action. For example, when Trump posted on Facebook encouraging people to vote both by mail and in person, the social networks response was to add a label saying that voting by mail is secure. But that label doesnt explicitly say that Trump was encouraging something illegal or that he was spreading false information. Advertisement Advertisement The companys ongoing vacillations also make it hard to feel confident that todays policies will be in place tomorrow. Only a few months ago, Facebook refused to remove or label Donald Trumps posts on voting and racial violence, claiming that political speech by a sitting president shouldnt be mediated by a tech platform. Now, Facebook is taking much more aggressive action against the presidents speech, removing claims it views to be harmful and labeling others. There are benefits to each approach, but swinging from one to the other in a matter of mere months makes it difficult to understand the companys principles and makes it hard for users to know what to expect from the platform. These recent shifts are particularly odd since they come less than a year after Zuckerberg gave an important policy speech attempting to outline a clear philosophy of free speech for the platform. Advertisement Advertisement The reality is that we dont have the data we need to evaluate Facebooks decision-making, so it is simply not clear whether any of these changes in policy or enforcement were the right ones to make, or whether they are enough to stamp out voting disinformation while also preserving speech thats a vital component of free and fair elections. Facebook and others are supporting new research in this area, but its important to get more accurate data on the costs and benefits of paid online speech before deciding to cut it off. Better decision-making will likely come from better data. For instance, most academic research shows that political advertising on social media is generally used to mobilize and that persuasion is difficult, meaning that a blackout period may have little impact on whether people see misinformation, but might have a significant detrimental effect on efforts to get more people to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we said last year, several alternative approaches are more promising. Companies could add product features that make it easier to engage in counterspeech, such as by enabling rival campaigns to publish ads to the same audience. Companies could also focus on ensuring that advertisers dont violate their existing policies by surreptitiously using targeting to undermine voting integrity. Finally, they could ensure that they dont profit financially from paid election speech by committing all political advertising revenue to nonprofits working in election integrity or to their own election integrity products. In the end, decisions about electoral speech should be made by governments, not private companies. Facebooks power to set the terms of political speech reveals a failure of the U.S. to establish a regulatory framework that will secure free and fair electionsa cornerstone of democracy. While we appreciate that Mark Zuckerberg is attentive to his companys role in democracy, two months before the most consequential election of our lifetimes isnt the right time to experiment. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. "Prejudice" in this context means simply to pre-judge certain kinds of criminal cases, and many jurisdictions' Castle Doctrines already do. Florida statute 776.013, "Home protection; use of deadly force; presumption of fear of death or great bodily harm" prejudges a motorist's use of deadly force against a carjacker in favor of the former. "A person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself or herself" if the aggressor was trying to drag the person from his or her car. Common sense says that trying to drag people from vehicles, as practiced by Black Lives Matter and Antifa extremists, puts victims in reasonable fear for their lives regardless of jurisdiction. Prosecutors in left-leaning venues are, however, siding with aggressors by charging people who use firearms or their vehicles against violent assailants. The proverbial twelve people who are too stupid to get out of jury duty and will rubber-stamp these junk prosecutions meanwhile walk among us. They are arguing that a cop should not have shot Jacob Blake despite the latter's apparent access to a knife, and that Kyle Rittenhouse "murdered" his assailants. Maryland Governor Larry Hogans administration even fired an employee for defending Rittenhouse. We must therefore use social media and other channels to prejudice potential jury pools, i.e. all citizens who are eligible to serve on juries, before they are actually selected for jury duty. (It is illegal to do so afterward.) None of the following constitutes an accusation that any prosecutor has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct: "The prosecutor in a criminal case shall: (a) refrain from prosecuting a charge that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause" because I do not have personal knowledge of evidence beyond what I have seen on video. If, however a prosecutor brought any of the first four cases cited below to me as a juror, he would start with two and a half strikes against him before I even heard the defendant's side of the story. Violent Threat Plus Ability to Carry it Out = Reasonable Fear The general prerequisite for deployment of deadly force, such as gunfire or a vehicle used as a weapon, is that the actor be in reasonable fear for his or her life. The best way to understand this is through Colonel Jeff Cooper's color code of situational awareness. When you are in Condition White and oblivious to your surroundings, a thug can run up behind you and bash you over the head with a brick. CBS Baltimore video screen grab Condition Yellow means you are attentive to your surroundings. I make a point of looking around me frequently when walking on a city street. Condition Orange means you think there might be an imminent danger. "Might be" is not however reasonable fear that justifies drawing, much less using, a weapon; Condition Orange happens when you hear somebody running up behind you as shown in the video. He could be just a jogger who is going to pass you, so you have no right to menace him with deadly force. You can and should however keep an eye on him until he has gone by. Condition Red is when you see the upraised brick, and only then are you justified shooting the thug or, if you don't have a gun, ramming a cane or umbrella into him like a bayonet while letting his own momentum do most of the work. Condition Red means therefore that one or more thugs have made a verbal or implied (e.g. body language) threat and displayed the immediate means of acting on it. If a skateboard-wielding thug like Anthony Huber is across the street from you, he lacks the immediate means of hurting you so you can't shoot him. If he is standing over you with it while you are on the ground and unable to escape, then you can shoot him where he stands. Disparity of force that consists of either superior numbers or superior strength also constitutes a deadly threat at close quarters. In addition, the instant somebody like Huber seeks to disarm you, he has just brought a gun -- yours -- into the situation. This is why "disarming a police officer" is far more serious than just rendering the cop temporarily unarmed as the phrase implies. Now let's look at some real scenarios and how prospective jurors should prejudge similar ones. Some Two-Minute Trials Multiple potential assailants surround a woman in a restaurant with menacing body language, and also deny her the option to retreat in complete safety. This one ended luckily with nobody getting hurt but my opinion is that they (1) made at least an implied violent threat and (2) had the immediate means (disparity of force) of completing it. Nikolas Fernandez was charged with felony assault for shooting Daniel Gregory, who reached through the window of Fernandez's car to punch him. Gregory even admitted openly, "I catch him, I punch him in the face." He claims that he was trying to stop Fernandez from running over "demonstrators" but the video shows that Fernandez had come to almost a complete stop by the time Gregory reached into his car. Another "demonstrator" had meanwhile thrown a "hasty roadblock" in front of Fernandez's car so Fernandez had every right to believe reasonably that they meant to drag him from his vehicle and beat him Reginald Denny-style. What they actually intended is irrelevant because Fernandez couldn't read their minds, he had to act on what he saw. Gregory meanwhile appears to really believe that he was protecting people, so he may have acted in good faith, but that does not change the fact that Fernandez was in reasonable fear for his safety. Here is a video in which a tanker truck slowed down for a swarm of unruly individuals who then mobbed the truck and dragged the driver from the vehicle to beat him. The option of retreat in complete safety was not available to the driver due to the fact that the aggressors mobbed the vehicle. Had he run over them instead, all I would need as a juror would be the still image of several aggressors attacking the vehicle from the side and another on the hood trying to kick in the windshield to decide, "Stupid game, stupid prizes, not guilty." My personal opinion is that the driver should have just kept going with the air horn blaring, at perhaps 15 miles an hour (school zone speed) to give the mob plenty of time to get out of the way and also to minimize injury to any who insisted on blocking his path. Here is a picture of two gunmen standing in front of a pickup truck. Had the driver run over them, my decision as a juror would be that they menaced him with deadly force from which retreat in complete safety was impossible because you cannot drive faster than a bullet. I am glad he was able to retreat without using deadly force, but he did not do so in complete safety. This, on the other hand, is not acceptable. The driver was 100 percent right to throw the rioters off his vehicle but he changed from victim to aggressor when he turned to hit somebody who was no longer a threat to him, and he also exposed himself to further attack by lingering near the mob. I might be inclined as a juror to conclude that the driver acted in hot blood rather than with the intent to take the law into his own hands, but it is not something I condone. None of this is legal advice because I am not a lawyer. It is my opinion of what I can see of the incidents in question. If I am in the jury box with the power to at least hang the jury, mine is however the only opinion that counts, and the same goes for everybody who reads this. The prosecutor gets a limited number of peremptory challenges and, if we educate enough potential jurors, he or she won't have enough to exclude everybody who will derail a junk prosecution on sight. Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history, and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. He or she is remaining anonymous due to the likely prospect of being subjected to "cancel culture" for exposing the Big Lie behind Black Lives Matter. F ormer Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been appointed as an adviser to the relaunched Board of Trade, the Department for International Trade said. It follows days of pressure to deny the 62-year-old the role over a series of allegations. Critics raised numerous concerns over allegations agaist Mr Abbott including, misogyny, homophobia, climate change scepticism and belief that coronavirus restrictions should be lifted. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended him, heralding his status as a former leader of freedom-loving and liberal Australia. The Department for International Trade has now formally announced that Mr Abbott will form part of the new-look Board of Trade, in what is said to be an unpaid role. Mr Abbott is named as an adviser alongside senior figures from business, academia and government. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: The new Board of Trade will play an important role in helping Britain make the case for free and fair trade across the UK and around the world. Ms Truss will be president of the Board of Trade / Reuters At a time of increased protectionism and global insecurity, its vital that the UK is a strong voice for open markets and that we play a meaningful role in reshaping global trading rules alongside like-minded countries. The new Board will help us do that, bringing together a diverse group of people who share Britains belief in free enterprise, democracy, and high standards and rules-based trade. Ms Truss will be president of the Board of Trade, and Conservative MP for Yeovil Marcus Fysh will serve as deputy president. The other advisers are Karen Betts, Anne Boden, Daniel Hannan, Patricia Hewitt, Emma Howard Boyd, Michael Liebreich, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, William Russell and Dr Linda Yueh. Ms tweeted: The new Board of Trade will play an important role making the case for free and fair trade. The board brings together a diverse group of people who share Britains belief in free enterprise, democracy, high standards and rules-based trade. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More It was only a few days ago when global rating agency, Moodys downgraded the standalone credit rating of the countrys largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), citing weak asset quality position. Following this, the agency has cut the long-term deposit rating of four government banks. On September 4, Moodys said the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank and United Bank of India were downgraded to Ba1 from Baa3, and their baseline credit assessments (BCAs) to b1 from ba3. The outlook on the ratings of the four banks is negative. What is the key takeaway here? Just like the rater cautioned during SBIs standalone downgrade, the key concern here too is asset quality in the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic. More bad loans are likely to emerge and that will require more capital support for banks from the government. If that support doesnt come on time, the health of public sector banks (PSBs) will weaken further impacting their ratings. Thats the summary of Moodys rating action. The economic shock from the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating an already material slowdown in India's economic growth, weakening borrowers' credit profiles and hurting Indian banks' asset quality, Moodys has cautioned. A prolonged financial stress among households, weak job creation, and a credit crunch among non-banking financial companies will lead to a rise in non-performing assets (NPAs), delaying the ongoing clean-up of banks' balance sheets, the agency has said. To be sure, what Moodys cautioning here isnt something new. Already, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned that the Indian banking system will witness a sharp increase in NPAs by March, 2021. The central bank expects Gross NPAs of Indian banks to worsen to 14.7 per cent of total loans by the end of March, 2021, in a worst case scenario. Banks have been cautioned to raise capital and keep adequate buffer. While most private sector banks have beefed up their capital base, state-run banks arent able to attract investors on account of their cracked balance sheets and government ownership. On September 3, Fitch ratings said private banks, which have stronger loss-absorption buffers than PSBs, are likely to gain market share from their state-owned peers in the medium term. Private banks' loss absorption buffers, in particular their enhanced capital bases, strengthen their ability to recognise losses upfront with less disruption in their efforts to accelerate market share gains," the global rating agency said. If one looks closely, Moodys rating action too reflects similar worries. The BCA downgrades take into consideration rising risks to the banks' asset quality as a result of the severe economic contraction, which will result in an increase in credit costs. This increase in credit costs will hurt profitability and also strain the banks' modest capitalization, reversing recent improvements, Moodys said. PSBs will require significant amount of capital from the government going ahead. Question is whether the government, which is walking a tight rope on fiscal situation, is in a position to infuse money. Analysts have cautioned that investors need to tread carefully while approaching PSBs as they carry a higher risk on account of weak capitalization and high asset quality risk. In a slowing economy, the pressure on asset quality will remain high. PSBs have not seen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their books on account of the RBIs temporary measures such as loan moratorium. However, banks are likely to see potential rise in NPAs as the loan moratorium ended on August 31. Upside risks weigh While taking the rating action, Moodys said a downgrade of the banks' BCAs will lead to a downgrade of their ratings. Moody's will downgrade the banks' BCAs if the rating agency expects their solvency to deteriorate further because of an increase in problem loans, coupled with significant declines in earnings, which would weaken their capitalization. Any indication of diminishing government support for the banks will also lead to a downgrade of their ratings. On the other hand, the rating outlooks could be changed to stable if macroeconomic conditions in India improve or if there are improvements in the banks' standalone credit strength, including strengthening capitalization or a less severe deterioration in asset quality than currently expected, the agency said. Going by the industry cues so far, state-run banks will have to go for restructuring of a sizeable chunk of loans to avoid a sudden increase in bad loans. However, this exercise will require them to make substantial provisions that will, in turn, affect their profitability. In short, Moodys has given a clear message to the government that capital support for PSBs will remain key going ahead. The ball is now in the governments court. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NGA 911, LLC, a leading provider of Next Generation 9-1-1 solutions, today announced that former public safety consultant, Sharon Counterman, joined the company as Senior Project Manager. Sharon Counterman Ms. Counterman comes to the NGA 911 family after working closely with the team on a Next Generation 9-1-1 project in Nevada. "I wanted to be a part of an innovative company that is making history in the 9-1-1 world," Ms. Counterman said. "From the RFP response through implementation, the NGA 911 team was extremely professional. They worked alongside the other parties as though they have always worked together and showed genuine care about customer service. True teamwork and their customer service are what drew me to NGA 911." Counterman brings more than 35 years of emergency communications experience to her new position with NGA 911. Since 2011 she has worked as a consultant drawing on her background as a Deputy Director of the GHC 9-1-1 Emergency Network, Director of the Houston Emergency Center, and Communications Operations Director for the Las Vegas Police Department. In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Counterman serves industry organizations, including the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), where she served as President, Vice President, and Second Vice President, the Texas 9-1-1 Alliance, and APCO International. "We are excited to welcome Sharon to the NGA 911 team. Her laser-like focus on customer needs and ability to anticipate and gracefully handle issues before they become problems corresponds with our value proposition," said NGA 911 CEO Don Ferguson. "Sharon is smart, dedicated, and has a track record of excellence, making her a great fit for the team." Sharon's work with NGA 911 customers will be to guide them and assist them in implementing Next Generation 9-1-1. Counterman says of her role, "I want to play a role in improving public safety emergency communications services with NGA 911, who is a leader in technology implementation. I want to ensure that the telecommunicators and first responders receive the newest technology that will assist them in performing their jobs and that each PSAP receives a state-of-the-art 9-1-1 system." 9-1-1 call delivery is drastically changing and evolving, and the NGA 911 team welcomes Counterman's passion to be part of the change for the future of public safety. About NGA 911 At NGA 911, we are on a mission to revolutionize communication on both sides of the 9-1-1 call. To accomplish the goal of 9-1-1 modernization, we partnered with Amazon Web Services to develop a cloud-based solution for the next generation of 9-1-1. With that comes enhanced cybersecurity, network resiliency, and more accurate call routing resulting in a more effective emergency response. Our solution improves capabilities with functionality, such as real-time text and location-based routing not available in the existing systems. Although PSAPs may not yet be ready for instant messaging, telematics, or medical alerts from wearable devices, our solution was developed with the future in mind and can deliver that information today. Contact: Brandi L. Holder Phone: 1 (877) 899-8337 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE NGA 911 President Donald Trump boards Air Force One before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Sept. 2, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Trump on John McCain: I Was Never a Fan but Respected Him President Donald Trump on Thursday night said that while he did not agree with John McCain, the GOPs 2008 presidential candidate and longtime senator, he still respected him. As John McCain is concerned, Trump said, I was never a fan. I will admit that openly. I disagreed with him on the endless wars. I disagreed with him with respect to the vets and the taking care of the VA, the president said, adding that he wanted to change how the VA, or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was run. So I disagreed with John McCain, but I still respected him. And I had to approve his funeral as president. We lowered the flags, he said. I had to approve that, nobody else, I had to approve it. When you think just thinking back, I had to approve either Air Force One or a military plane to go to Arizona to pick up his casket. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida on Aug. 29, 2012. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Trump was also asked about whether he made disparaging comments about U.S. Marines buried in a cemetery. The Atlantic, citing anonymous sources, carried the report. The president denied making the comments, saying the report was false. To think that I would make statements negative to our military and fallen heroes when nobody has done what Ive done, for the U.S. armed forces, Trump told reporters. Its a total lie Its a disgrace, he said of the report. I was never a big fan of John McCain, disagreed with him on many things including ridiculous endless wars and the lack of success he had in dealing with the VA and our great Vets, but the lowering of our Nations American Flags, and the first class funeral he was given by our. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 McCain was long known for his hawkish positions on foreign policy, openly supporting U.S. military intervention in the first Persian Gulf War in Iraq, as well as the later invasions of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. He was also a dedicated supporter of Israel and backed Trumps decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. When he was a candidate in 2016, Trump made critical comments about Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, for having been captured during the Vietnam war. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured, Trump said in 2015 during the Republican primary. .John a loser and swear on whatever, or whoever, I was asked to swear on, that I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 McCain, who lost to former President Barack Obama in the 2008 general election, died on Aug. 25, 2018. Before that, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. By Kirsty Needham CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia is standing up to China. Watch closely: It may be a harbinger of things to come, as the world's smaller countries respond to the increasingly coercive Asian economic superpower. For years, the Australian political and business establishment had a paramount goal: protect and expand this natural resource powerhouse's booming exports to fast-growing China. Iron ore, coal, natural gas, wine and more: Until COVID-19 struck, Australia had a 29-year run without a single recession as it sent its signature goods to the world's voracious No. 2 economy. Canberra's diplomacy came to focus on balancing the Chinese trade relationship with the nation's equally important defense alliance with the United States. But the paradigm through which the government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison now views China has shifted dramatically, people inside his government told Reuters. The relationship is no longer shaped just by trade, but by a stark view emerging widely inside this continent-spanning country that Beijing poses a threat to Australia's democracy and national sovereignty. Discussions about China inside Morrison's cabinet now revolve around the need to preserve sovereignty and fend off Chinese efforts to sway Australian politics, two government sources told Reuters. Recent steps taken by the prime minister appear to reflect this thinking. He has warned the Australian public about a significant increase in cyber attacks, introduced a national security test for foreign investments, and announced a dramatic jump in defense spending focused on the Indo-Pacific region. Morrison didn't name China when announcing these moves, but government officials said they came in response to Beijing's actions. Australia has also voiced concerns in recent weeks about what it sees as Chinese disinformation campaigns that seek to undermine democracies; suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong over China's imposition of a draconian security law in the city; and filed a declaration with the United Nations rejecting China's maritime claims in the South China Sea. Story continues Of all the actions taken by Australia in recent months, though, it's the government's lobbying of world leaders in April for an inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic that has most enraged Beijing. The world lined up behind the move, with 137 nations co-sponsoring a resolution at the World Health Assembly for an investigation into the pandemic, which first emerged in Wuhan. Beijing also ultimately backed the resolution. An independent panel, headed by former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will deliver an interim report in November. Beijing lashed out angrily, imposing trade sanctions on Australia after the pandemic inquiry move. It suspended some beef imports on a technicality and effectively blocked a $439 million trade in barley by slapping tariffs of 80.5% on the Australian import. China has also launched an anti-dumping probe into Australian wine imports. In August, a Chinese diplomat drew on Roman history to blast Canberra, comparing Australia's call for an inquiry to the betrayal of Julius Caesar by the assassin Brutus. China's foreign ministry said Beijing had never interfered in Australia or used coercion against it. Responding to questions from Reuters, the ministry also called on Australia to "abandon the Cold War mentality," do more to "enhance mutual trust" and not "provoke trouble on issues involving China's core interests." A stable relationship, it said, was in the interests of both countries. Reuters spoke to 19 current and former Australian government officials and two former prime ministers in examining how relations with China have deteriorated. They provided the first comprehensive account of how the government came to adopt its view that Australia must "speak up," as several ministers have said, about Beijing's actions. This shift in Australia's position on China began in 2017, the interviews show, before the sharp deterioration in relations between Beijing and Washington, which threatens to trigger a new Cold War. The change has been led in part by a coterie of Australian officials, some with security and intelligence backgrounds, who hold deeply skeptical views of the Chinese leadership and its global ambitions. In one sign of the times, a bipartisan group of anti-China hawks has formed in the Australian parliament, who dub themselves "the Wolverines." Asked about this shift, Morrison couched his moves with diplomatic care. In a written response to questions from Reuters, he said his government's approach to China has been consistent. "As with any bilateral relationship, Australia's approach is based on our values and principles, and on a clear-eyed assessment of Australia's national interest," he wrote. "We place great store on our relationship with China and we have not sought to put that relationship at risk." Australia had been a great beneficiary of China's economic growth, Morrison said, but "as countries develop they have a responsibility to uphold a stable, prosperous strategic balance in our region." Trade with China remains vitally important to Australia. The stakes are high: Australia has a $172 billion trading relationship with China, and a $51 billion surplus. It's an uneasy balancing act. In response to Australia's push for a pandemic inquiry, Beijing accused Canberra of "dancing to the tune" of Washington. In June, after a fresh threat from Beijing on trade, Morrison said Australia wouldn't yield to "coercion." A visit Morrison paid to Beijing in 2017, when he was Treasurer, set the stage for his stance in the current feud. He came away from the trip convinced his country's trade with the world's second largest economy had two-way benefit. He'd heard from Chinese officials, he told a small group of reporters in Beijing at the time, that Australia's exports of iron ore, which the country produces in vast volumes and high quality, put it in a "unique position." This conviction, that China needs Australia's iron ore, is now buttressing his government's position. "It is a mutually beneficial relationship," Morrison said in his comments to Reuters. "Chinas economy is stronger because they have access to high quality energy, resources, agricultural goods and increasingly services from Australia. And our economy is stronger because we have access to high quality manufactured goods from China." So far, China hasn't mentioned iron ore as a potential target for reprisal. For good reason: Australia makes up 60% of China's imports of iron ore, crucial for powering an economy Beijing is trying to get back to full capacity after it was shuttered by the virus. Despite China's "bluster," it needs Australia, says former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, whose relationship with Beijing became increasingly icy during his tenure from 2015 to 2018. "If China suddenly came across a huge supply of iron ore, at appropriate grades, that they could extract at competitive prices, that was closer to them, they would be all over it - but there's not," he told Reuters. "Chinese companies do not buy Australian commodities, goods or services because they want to do this struggling little island nation a favor - they do it because it's good value, good quality." Responding to a question about its iron ore imports from Australia, China's foreign ministry said trade between the two nations was long established and based on market principles of supply and demand. China hopes Australia will "do more" that is "conducive to friendly exchanges and cooperation," the ministry said. It remains to be seen whether Australia's tougher stance provides a broader model for other mid-sized powers reliant on exports to China, however. Australia's iron ore would be hard for China to replace; other nations may lack such leverage. One former Australian leader, while supporting a firm position on China, questions the government's handling of the relationship. Former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said China is difficult to deal with and respects strength, but he is critical of the Morrison government's "rolling crises" with Beijing. Being "hairy chested on China" has become a competition for advancement in Morrison's Liberal Party, Rudd told Reuters. "China is never going to impose any economic measures against Australia which damage its own interests," said Rudd, a fluent Mandarin speaker and former diplomat in the Beijing embassy. But, he adds, Australia has vulnerabilities: Australian exports beyond iron ore that aren't essential to China could be targeted by Beijing, quickly adding up to an expensive toll. "The atmosphere in Australia does not lend itself to a reasoned discussion on the China relationship, because you are automatically defined as either a hawk or a panda hugger," Rudd said in an interview. SOURED SENTIMENT When the pandemic hit, Australia had already decided it was dealing with a more authoritarian and assertive Chinese government under Xi Jinping, and in the long-term needed to reduce its trade reliance on Beijing, diplomats and government officials told Reuters. The pandemic brought tensions into the open like never before, however. In previous bouts of friction, too, Beijing took punitive economic measures against Australia. But those penalties, such as holding up coal shipments or wine at its ports, were cloaked as customs technicalities. This time, China's ambassador to Canberra, Cheng Jingye, was unequivocal, threatening in an April 27 newspaper interview that in response to Australia's call for an inquiry, the Chinese public could boycott Australian wine, beef and tourism. Beijing then cautioned its students against choosing Australian universities, threatening a $27.5 billion market for educating foreign students. Morrison fired back with his strongest language on China since becoming prime minister. "We are an open-trading nation, mate, but I'm never going to trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes," he told Sydney radio station 2GB in June. Public sentiment toward China has soured. An annual poll by the Lowy Institute, a foreign policy research group, found that trust in China among Australians had plummeted to 23%, compared with 52% in 2018. The survey, released in June, found that 94% of respondents supported reducing economic reliance on China. The government's approach of working with other nations in the region to deal with China enjoys bipartisan support. "In our relationship with China, as with any country, we must always assert our values and our interests including transparency and sovereignty," the opposition Labor Party's foreign affairs spokeswoman, Senator Penny Wong, told Reuters. The United States is Australia's major security ally. But with the election of Donald Trump on an "America First" platform, the officials who have pushed a tougher line on China have also called for Australia to begin seeking wider alliances with so-called middle powers countries like Japan, India and Indonesia. "America under Trump is being seen as erratic, less reliable, and he has the habit of turning on allies from time to time," said Turnbull, who endured a tense call with Trump after the president took office in 2017. Trump grew irate when Turnbull asked if Trump planned to honor an agreement with predecessor Barack Obama to accept 1,250 refugees held in Australian detention centers on Pacific islands. The U.S. Embassy in Canberra declined to comment. THE ERA OF WIN-WIN Australia established diplomatic ties with Communist China in 1972, seven years before the United States fully recognized the People's Republic of China. Trade links with Beijing grew as Australia shipped iron ore, coal and liquefied natural gas to China, fueling the Chinese boom. The economic relationship peaked with the signing of a free trade agreement at the end of 2015 that lowered Chinese tariffs on agriculture, dairy and wine, and promised to open the door for Australian banking and other professional services to China's restricted market. But Australia was jolted within months of the signing when Beijing refused to recognise a 2016 international court ruling that China had no historical claim over disputed islands in the South China Sea. The Turnbull government joined Washington in rebuking China. Canberra was also becoming concerned by growing Chinese attempts at influence in Australia, particularly through political donations from Chinese businessmen to local politicians that had come to light. In December 2017, Turnbull introduced foreign interference laws to parliament. Among the activities the law aimed to curb were the Chinese Communist Party's covert influence over Chinese students on university campuses, interference by Beijing in local Chinese-language media, and attempts by China to shape decisions by Australian politicians, from local councils to federal members of parliament. A report on these and other Chinese activities prepared by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the country's national security agency, had "galvanized us to take action," Turnbull said at the time. Beijing reacted furiously to the foreign interference legislation and responded by freezing diplomatic visits. This included an end to annual leaders' visits. After the 2017 report by ASIO, defense and security agencies took over running China policy, along with key advisers in then-Prime Minister Turnbull's office, three former diplomats said. The foreign ministry, which preferred a lower-key approach, was sidelined. Cyber intrusions were becoming a major concern. Alastair MacGibbon, Turnbull's special adviser on cyber security and former head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, told Reuters that China was probing companies to gather intelligence about resources or investment areas to benefit its state-owned enterprises. "China has very significant capability, and was making strategic grabs of what competitors, friends and foes were doing," said MacGibbon, who is now the chief strategy officer at CyberCX, a private cyber security firm. China's foreign ministry said cyber attacks are hard to trace and Australia needed to show evidence of Beijing's involvement. "In the absence of evidence, it is very irresponsible to unilaterally hype up cyber attack issues against other countries," the ministry said. RISE OF THE CHINA HAWKS In August 2018, Australia became the first country to effectively ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its next-generation 5G telecom network on national security grounds. Turnbull, who co-founded Australia's first major internet service provider, explained the logic behind the move. "If Huawei were to provide your 5G network, or a large portion, does that give Huawei the capability to disrupt large parts of your economy? The answer is yes," Turnbull told Reuters. "Do you want to give a foreign state whose attitude to you may not always be benign the capability to inflict harm? The answer is no." Mike Burgess, then the head of the nation's technology intelligence agency, the Australian Signals Directorate, had advised Turnbull that the technology risk posed by Huawei couldn't be mitigated, Turnbull said. Burgess previously had worked at the defense intelligence base Pine Gap, a top secret U.S. satellite tracking and missile launch detection station in the Australian desert. Burgess declined to comment. Australian security officials raised their concerns about Huawei with Washington, which followed Canberra's lead, imposing a ban on the Chinese firm in May last year. Officials also traveled to Britain to explain Australia's position. The British were focused on Russian interference, MacGibbon said, but the Australian officials argued they also needed to understand the risk from China. Having initially decided Huawei would be allowed a limited role in its 5G network, the UK government reversed course in July, announcing it would ban the company from the country's 5G network by ordering telecom firms to remove its equipment by 2027. GRAPHIC: Hobbling Huawei - Inside the U.S. war on Chinas tech giant: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/huawei-usa-campaign/ Huawei Australia said it did not engage in any efforts to interfere in the country's telecommunication networks and was taken by surprise when Turnbull moved against the company. "Up until that point we were in the process of competing for 5G business with all Australian network operators," Jeremy Mitchell, Huawei Australia's chief corporate affairs officer, told Reuters. China's foreign ministry said the Australian government banned Huawei "under the pretext of national security without any factual basis." One of the officials engaged with London over Huawei was Andrew Shearer, who moved from the Office of National Intelligence to be Morrison's cabinet secretary last year. He has become a powerful voice on China policy in the prime minister's inner circle and has urged closer engagement with Japan and India, government sources told Reuters. In June, Australia sealed a strategic partnership with India that granted the two countries access to each other's military bases and allowed for Australia to provide India with rare earths, metals that are crucial to defense and space programs. Shearer worked in Washington at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), an influential defense and security think tank, between 2016 and 2018. It was a time when attitudes towards Beijing were hardening among U.S. Republicans and Democrats, said CSIS senior vice president for Asia, Michael Green. Appearing before the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services in 2017, Shearer told members China was intent on undermining the liberal world order and the institutions that underpinned it. Shearer worked on issues including China's "gray zone" interference in the East and South China Seas - aggressive moves that stopped short of war, such as erecting and fortifying artificial islands. "We were looking for ways to harness alliances and partnerships to deter Beijing from escalating further," said Green, who formerly served on the U.S. National Security Council. That thinking was evident in Morrison's recent announcement that Australia will boost defense spending by 40% over the next decade. Morrison said his defense strategy would bolster Australia's ability to respond to "operations in the 'gray zone' - falling below the threshold of traditional armed conflict." Shearer declined to comment for this story. Richard Maude, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, led the government's 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper, a major rethink of a world where China and the United States were more likely to clash. "Working with other middle powers, in our own region and globally, makes a lot of sense for Australia in the current environment. It helps show China we are not alone in our concerns," said Maude, a former intelligence agency director-general, who left the department of foreign affairs last year. "It is also a helpful rebuttal of China's narrative that Australia simply does what the United States asks of us." The sharpest public criticism of China has come from a bipartisan group of parliamentarians who call themselves the Wolverines, inspired by a group of teenagers who resist a Soviet invasion in the 1980s movie Red Dawn. The group, none of whom are in the cabinet, coalesced in 2019. The most prominent Wolverine is former special forces soldier and Liberal Party lawmaker Andrew Hastie, who chairs parliament's intelligence oversight committee. In August last year, Hastie compared the West's approach to an authoritarian China to the failure of France to stop the advance of Nazi Germany. China's foreign ministry said that some Australian politicians and think tanks had for some time been "spreading rumors to discredit China and severely poisoning the atmosphere of bilateral relations." Australia has pushed back against Chinese diplomats who object to public criticism of Beijing. Chinese envoys have been told by their Australian counterparts that domestic political debate and the media are beyond the control of the government in a democratic political system. 'AN AWAKENING' When China threatened economic retaliation over Australia's call for a coronavirus investigation in April, the phones started ringing in Trade Minister Simon Birmingham's office as industry heads called to express concern. But publicly, Australian business leaders stayed largely quiet. Iron ore miners have also been largely restrained, as they continued to ship Australia's most valuable resource, extracted from the red, dry dirt of the Western Australian Pilbara region, to Chinese steel makers. In June, Australian iron ore shipments hit a record AU$9.9 billion ($7.2 billion), pushing annual exports past AU$100 billion ($73.2 billion) for the first time, as the only rival supplier, Brazil's Vale, suffered COVID-19 shutdowns. "China needs our commodities - we do have some of the best iron ore in the world. It does mean Australia comes from a position of strength," Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia chief executive Paul Everingham told Reuters. At the same time, he added, the iron ore industry is uncomfortable with the newly "adversarial climate." In the wake of the 2018 diplomatic freeze, the national security agency and the ministry of foreign affairs held briefings for executives in industries exposed to China. The executives have been told that complaining would provide ammunition to Beijing for propaganda against the Australian government, said an agriculture industry source. Companies were advised instead to work with Australian officials to comply with the minutiae of Chinese red tape and expose Beijing's trade retaliation for what it was. The government also told industry it was seeking alternative markets for Australian goods, had negotiated access to Indonesia, and was in talks with Britain, Europe and India. The muted response from the business community is in contrast to 2018, when chief executives complained loudly that the Turnbull government's dispute with China risked damaging trade, and implored him to fly to Beijing to fix it. "So much of the Australian business community, faced with criticism or a difference of opinion between Australia and China, will side with China," Turnbull recalls of the situation he faced as prime minister. But, he adds, "there has been an awakening." (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Canberra. Edited by Peter Hirschberg.) A woman faces a felony hate crime charge after police said she initiated a racist confrontation with three black men at a Chicago beach. Irene Donoshaytis, 65, is accused of aggressively confronting Otis Campbell, 25, and two others near a pier along Lake Michigan in Winnetka, Deputy Police Chief Brian O'Connell said. Donoshaytis, of Northfield in Illinois, was initially charged with battery but the state's attorney's office upgraded the charges to a hate crime on Wednesday. In a video of the confrontation from August 17, Donoshaytis complains to a Winnetka Park District employee that the three men did not possess beach passes. Irene Donoshaytis, 65, faces a felony hate crime charge after police said she initiated a racist confrontation with three black men at a Lake Michigan beach in Winnetka on August 17 But the employee responds and informs her that the men were on public property, where a beach pass is not required. Donoshaytis says to Campbell, 'Are you crazy? What, you want to kill me? No? It feels like it.' 'Why would I want to kill you? Is it because I'm black?' Campbell says, while filming the confrontation. Donoshaytis responds 'yes' and continues nodding her head. She is then seen trying to knock the phone out of Campbell's hands and the recording comes to an end. Campbell also alleged that Donoshaytis hit his arm twice during the incident. At a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Anjana Hansen set Donoshaytis' bond at $10,000 and prohibited her from contact with Campbell or other witnesses. As part of her bail, she was ordered her to surrender her passport and is due to return to court on September 18, records show. Campbell, who grew up in the nearby suburb Skokie, said he was confronted after finishing a 15-mile bike ride with his cousin and friend. Campbell said Donoshaytis told them: 'This is America. This is America. You can't do this. I'm from Winnetka. You need to go back where you're from.' Donoshaytis (above), of Northfield in Illinois, was initially charged with battery but the state's attorney's office decided to upgrade the charges to a hate crime on Wednesday Footage taken by Otis Campbell, shows Donoshaytis complain to a Winnetka Park District employee that Campbell, 25, and two others did not possess beach passes, despite them not being needed for the area He added that he will let the justice system handle the woman's punishment and that he's 'not the one throwing this at her'. 'Right now, it's definitely turning into a learning lesson for her,' Campbell told CBS 2. He added that he was a bit surprised by Donoshaytis getting arrested again and was 'caught out of left field'. But he said he is pleased to see her charged with a hate crime, adding that he hopes she and others learn from the incident. He told CBS 2: 'It should be something that's an example and let people know hey, when you see this standup for yourself, or see your friend going through this, stand up for him anybody going through this.' Donoshaytis's attorney, Jeffrey Fagan, said Donoshaytis was a refugee from the Soviet Union who fled persecution there. 'Her story and version of events amounts to a misunderstanding between the parties that was escalated based on the timing of where we are as a culture,' Fagan said. FILE PHOTO: German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier arrives for a meeting with the leadership of the conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group, in Berlin BRUSSELS (Reuters) - German economy minister Peter Altmaier expressed confidence on Thursday that the United States and European Union could resolve trade difficulties, notably a dispute over aircraft subsidies, with some fresh signs of an easing of transatlantic tensions. Altmaier, speaking to the trade committee of the European Parliament, said a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and former European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in July 2018 had largely prevented an escalation of tensions, but not solved all problems. The two parties have a long-running dispute over subsidies for Boeing and its European rival Airbus. The World Trade Organization gave the United States the right last year to hit the EU with tariffs on $7.5 billion of EU products and is set to determine EU retaliation rights in the coming weeks. Altmaier said both sides had an interest in resolving their differences over these subsidies, adding the European Union had put forward proposals for doing so. "I am, as before, confident that it will be possible to avoid a great escalation. If our partner does not want this, then we will naturally protect European interests," he said. Altmaier referred to talks he had had with former trade commissioner Phil Hogan, who sorted out a mini trade deal with the United States to remove duties on U.S. lobsters [nL8N2FN5GG] before his resignation over a trip to Ireland. [nL8N2FS5OM] "We will continue these talks with all the necessary seriousness. There are the first positive signals and we hope that we can strengthen them," Altmaier said. The EU is still subject to U.S. tariffs on imported steel and aluminium, but Washington has not so far carried through a threat to impose tariffs on EU cars. The two sides are also in dispute over EU plans to tax digital services companies. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, Editing by William Maclean) AT&T is reportedly propping up a call by President Donald Trump for greater web oversight via net neutrality-like regulations. The US president has called for transparency from big tech companies such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter. That includes the signing of an executive order geared at sending complaints about purported bias from social media and search giants alike to the FTC. In this case, the aim is the removal of anti-conservative bias. The Trump administration has further petitioned the FCC to reinterpret Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act in order to limit protections for hosting sites. In effect, opening online platforms to legal action when platforms take down or alter content they deem objectionable. That would include sites like Twitter, which recently began flagging some of the presidents statements. Now, AT&T has taken to its official blog stating that argument is the most important neutrality debate. Advertisement What is AT&T saying about web neutrality? The primary argument from AT&T on neutrality for the web has nothing to do with earlier debates about net neutrality though. In fact, AT&T was one of the carriers to side with the Trump administrations FCC in gutting those rules. AT&T notes that a total of five tech companies Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Google make up 25-percent of the S&P 500. And that the companys make decisions on a daily basis that shape Americas economic, social, and political life. But, it argues, those decisions are effectively made in a void, away from public view. To that end, it argues that online platforms should be more transparent about those decisions. But the carrier took things quite a bit further as well. While the full extent of its proposal has not been published yet, the carrier also wants active enforcement. Chiefly, it wants the FCC to force changes in moderation of content. Summarily, it wants the same legal ramifications to apply to tech companies like Google that apply to traditional publishing platforms. Advertisement How likely is this to happen? For now, there is stiff opposition to reducing legal protections for online platforms. Those are largely based in First Amendments groundings and supported not just by FCC Democrats. Commissioner Michael ORielly has voiced concerns on that front too. It also remains unclear whether or not the FCC has the authority under Congress to enforce any such interpretation of Section 230. Major General Tun Myat Naing (R), commander-in-chief of the Arakan Army, and Nyo Tun Aung (L), the AA's second-in-command, arrive for a dinner commemorating the 30th anniversary of peace-building efforts in Pangkham, capital of Wa self-administered region, in Myanmar's eastern Shan state, April 16, 2019. The leader of the rebel Arakan Army has accused the Myanmar government of exploiting a surge in coronavirus cases to expand the military presence and tighten travel restrictions in conflict-ridden Rakhine state, causing more civilian suffering. In a prerecorded video, AA chief Major General Tun Myat Naing said officials have taken advantage of the health crisis to deploy more troops in active conflict zones and that civilians are being arbitrarily detained, tortured, and killed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Myanmar troops and the AA have engaged in a 21-month-long war in the western state, where the rebel group is fighting for greater autonomy for ethnic Rakhine people. The Myanmar government has branded the AA an illegal association and terrorist group. Myanmar recorded 1,111 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Thursday, including 116 new cases, while the number of fatalities remained at six. Rakhine state has seen the highest number of infections at almost 500. We have seen more restrictions as the COVID-19 outbreak becomes widespread in Rakhine state, said Tun Myat Naing in the video released Wednesday. We can accept if it is because of the pandemic, but the Myanmar army has been moving massive amounts of troops with aircraft and navy ships, he said, adding that more than 600 army soldiers entered the state on Wednesday alone via the Arakan Mountains. Tun Myat Naing also noted that as of mid-August several villagers had been injured or killed by light and heavy artillery fire by Myanmar soldiers in Rathedaung township, while others had been shot in Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun townships. They are among the 283 civilians killed and 627 injured in hostilities since December 2018, according to an RFA tally. Roughly 200,000 others have fled their homes amid the fighting and now live in official or makeshift displacement camps. Four civilians have been killed and 20 injured in mortar shellings and shootings since Aug. 16. No reason to exploit Responding to Tun Myat Naings comments, Myanmar military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said the government army has been fighting the AA in the state but not building up its forces. We are just conducting antiterrorism operations in Rakhine state, he said. We are using forces as needed. We did not increase the forces. Soldiers are only detaining and interrogating villagers suspected of terrorist activities and colluding with the enemy, he added. As for the COVID-19 pandemic, weve provided equipment and material four times to Rakhine state via aircraft, he said. There is no reason to exploit the situation. Instead we are operating without discrimination. One Rakhine resident who declined to give his name for fear of his safety said the Myanmar Army has continued its operations as usual in combat areas with heavy weapons fire, the arrests of civilians, and steady casualty numbers. Both the AA and civilians have accused Myanmar soldiers of intentionally shooting ethnic Rakhines, though the military has denied it. Villagers injured during the clashes have reported that they have not been able to get to hospitals and clinics for treatment because of travel restrictions and a nighttime curfew imposed as measures to contain the spread of the virus. Others say military roadblocks have prevented them from reaching medical facilities when necessary and from leaving their communities to buy rice and other essential items. Government spokesman Zaw Htay told RFA that he would respond to the AAs accusations during a news conference in Naypyidaw on Friday. The Myanmar militarys information team is also expected to address the media that day. Unilateral truce extended The AA and two other ethnic armies the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) said Wednesday that they would extend a temporary unilateral cease-fire until early November, as a contribution to peace efforts and to allow for voting in general elections. The trio of ethnic armies, known as the Brotherhood Alliance, first announced the temporary truce in 2019 and have renewed it several times. They adhere to the cease-fire as long as the Myanmar military does not fire on them first. The renewed truce runs from September 1 to Nov. 9, the day after Myanmars general elections. Myanmar forces also have implemented temporary cease-fires, through they exclude Rakhine state. In June, the government military rejected a proposal by the three ethnic armies to begin cease-fire talks in a bid to kick-start the countrys stalled peace process, instead vowing further retaliation for armed offensives and ambushes. Political and military analyst Maung Maung Soe warned that the ethnic armies and the government military must agree to bilateral truces to end the fighting. If there is no cease-fire agreement, more accusations and more fighting will come, he told RFA. The unilateral cease-fire is not working, and both sides need a bilateral agreement. Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Khin Ei. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Seventeen people were hurt when the newly-relaunched paddle steamer, Waverley, crashed into a pier in Arran, Scotland. Emergency services were called to Brodick Pier at about 5.28pm on Thursday. A total of 17 people reported injuries, and a number were taken to hospital. An image published by The Ardrossan Herald showed damage to the bow of the vessel, the worlds last sea-going paddle steamer. A coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was sent, along with Arran coastguard rescue team. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland also attended. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 17 January 2022 Bonhams Danny McIlwraith holds a Nigerian polycrome carved wood mask during a photocall for the sale of the Jim Lennon Collection at Bonhams in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 16 January 2022 The moon rises above the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 15 January 2022 Demonstrators outside Downing Street during a Kill The Bill protest against The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in London PA UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA UK news in pictures 29 November 2021 Home Secretary Priti Patel is greeted by a police dog at a special memorial service for Met Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana Getty Kay Mulligan, who said she had been on board at the time of the crash, tweeted: Wee trip on the Waverley today which was wonderful as Ive waited 2 years to do it. Then it crashed... Thankfully Ive managed to get away with a few bumps and bruises but so many people got much worse. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed. Waverley resumed sailing last month having been caught in coronavirus lockdown restrictions. She was built in 1946 and recently underwent a 2.3m boiler refit. Additional reporting by Press Association No one envies Robin Swann his role as Health Minister. He inherited a system that was creaking loudly at the seams and before he could even think of tackling the obvious infrastructure deficiences he was confronted by the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. To his credit he is regarded by most people as a man genuinely determined to do his best for both those who work in the NHS and those who use it. He had hardly got behind his desk before he solved the nurses' strike action, and in June launched a document outlining how he sees the health and social care system being rebuilt. However, this must be seen as the tentative first steps on a very long and very steep road. Two respected academics writing in this newspaper today deliver a devastating critique on the state of the health service in the province. Soaring demand, ever-increasing waiting lists, and missed targets for A&E care were historic problems not helped by the fact that politicians decided to abandon their jobs at Stormont for three years, leaving the service without direction and the required drive to tackle the most urgent issues. Of course, the pandemic merely added to the problems, with operations cancelled, cancer care put on a relatively long finger and waiting lists for a first appointment to see a consultant reaching the equivalent level of one-tenth of the population. All this has resulted in a service which has a higher per capita spending than the UK average yet delivers the lowest rate of elective care. It should be remembered that a blueprint for addressing some of the systemic problems of the NHS here has been lying in the Department of Health for four years. The Bengoa Report is recognised as a viable way forward, but in the absence of a Health Minister for three years there was no one able to drive that vision. Its aim was to create a health system that would do more to help people stay well and avoid so much hospital care. That could be seen as the Holy Grail of healthcare, avoiding the situation which occurs now of people being hospitalised and then unable to be sent home because of lack of social care in the community. Mr Swann has proved himself a straight talking Health Minister and he, no doubt, recognises the magnitude of the challenges he faces. Just as we are all in it together to fight Covid-19, so he deserves support from all other parties in taking the tough decisions needed to resuscitate the NHS. Twitter Two famous dhabas in Haryana's Murthal have been sealed by the authorities after some 75 sufferers there tested positive for COVID-19. At least 65 employees of Amrik Sukhdev dhaba and 10 of Garam Dharam, owned by Bollywood actor Dharmendra, have tested positive for COVID-19, Deputy Commissioner Shyam Lal Poonia said. Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1. Victory For Environment As Karnataka HC Stops Cutting Of 8,500 Trees In Bengaluru For Roads bccl/file In a small victory for the environment and concerned citizens fighting to preserve the greenery around them, the Karnataka High Court has restricted Karnataka Road Development Corporation (KRDCL) from axing trees for the widening roads on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Read more 2. 3-Yr-Old Girl Allegedly Raped, Murdered; Over 10 Similar Cases Reported In Last 15 Days From UP freepik - Representational Image In a tragic incident, a three-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in a sugarcane field in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri on Thursday morning, police said. Having injury marks on the head, the toddler's body was recovered from the vicinity of her village in the Singahi area. She has been missing since Wednesday, police said. Read more 3. Gold Smugglers Are Way More Creative And Innovative Than You Think, Here Are Some Of The Tricks bccl In India, Kerala is the capital of gold smuggling and a large portion of the yellow metal that is illegally brought to India, mostly from the middle east enters the country through the southern state. Over the years as the scanning and detection technologies have improved, smugglers too have become innovative and have come up with several techniques to dodge the metal detectors. Read more 4. Indian Coast Guard Help Sri Lanka Navy To Douse Oil Tanker MT New Diamond Fire, One Crew Killed ANI The Sri Lankan Navy on Friday confirmed that a Filipino sailor died in a boiler explosion in the engine room of the Panama registered tanker MT New Diamond that caught fire on Thursday. The Navy said that 22 of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker. Read more 5. This IFS Officers Unique Visiting Card Grows Into A Basil Plant; People Laud The 'Green' Idea Twitter Praveen Kaswan IFS officer Kaswan shared a photo of his personal visiting card that will grow into a plant if buried into soil. The idea in itself has earned a lot of appreciation and as well inspired many to make this initiative a permanent method to be used. Read more Christian psychologist brings hope to kids amid COVID-19 with WWII novel Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Rob Currie, a psychologist-turned-childrens author, believes that in a culture defined by fear and anxiety, kids need to learn from history that its possible to survive even the most devastating of circumstances with Gods help. In an interview with The Christian Post, Currie revealed that his newly-released historical fiction book Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel draws from the horrific events of WWII to drive home lessons relevant for today. There are some similarities between the pandemic and WWII: Both events are unusual in the scope of both a worldwide phenomenon that affects a lot of people and international relations and so on, he said. I think this is a good time for a book like this because it illustrates in story form that people can make it through hard times, particularly with God's help. Intended for 4th to 8th-grade children, Hunger Winter follows the story of 13-year-old Dirk. His father leaves to fight with the Dutch Resistance and then his mother dies. When the Nazis ambush Dirks older sister, the young boy realizes they will come for him next. He leaves home in the middle of the night to trek across the warn-torn Netherlands with his pockets stuffed with food, his little sister Anna asleep in his arms, and his heart heavy with a dark secret. Though a children's novel, the book examines hard-hitting questions. In one scene, Dirk asks his father, "How can you still believe in God when so many bad things have happened?" For children, the message of hope amid scary circumstances is timely: In one study out of China, researchers in Hubei province, where the COVID-19 pandemic originated, examined a sample group of 2,330 schoolchildren for signs of emotional distress. After one month, 22.6% of them reported depressive symptoms and 18.9% were experiencing anxiety. Though the subject material isnt exactly lighthearted, Currie said parents have told him their children are eating up his book highlighting the relevance of its message. Kids love stories where there's an element of danger, he said. You want a winning formula for fiction, put a likable person in a tough spot, and then leave them there for a while, and then let them get out of it by their own wit and grit and skill. The name of the book, Currie said, comes from the final winter of WWII, 1944-45, when the Nazis cut off food and fuel in efforts to crush the Dutch resistance. As a result, 20,000 civilians starved or froze to death, leading the Dutch to call it the Hunger Winter. Initially written as a gift to his son, Hunger Winter is full of important lessons for children, Currie said, including the counter-cultural message that we are capable of greater evil than we know. Most of us think of ourselves as the good people and other people as the bad people, the author said. I do think America has an awful lot on the side of right compared to Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, but one of the lessons from World War Two is that there was a lot of bad stuff going on all over. For example, during WWII, Americans put innocent Japanese Americans in internment camps and failed to treat African-American soldiers like humans. Currie said. It was wrong of us. It feels really good to be the good guy and bask in righteous indignation, but the Bible and history agree there is bad in all of us. We need to humble adopt the attitude of there but for the grace of God, go I to show empathy and compassion to others, Currie said. A Christian psychologist by profession, Currie pointed out that many Americans perhaps unwittingly live by the "just-world" phenomenon, believing that because bad things happen to someone, they did something to deserve the bad things. We think if someone gets really sick or injured or loses their job or experiences some tragedy, it was probably their fault, he explained. They should have chosen a different career or they shouldnt have married that person. If we see our own shortcomings, it brings us down to the level of the hurting person and we see them as someone needing a helping hand. In publishing his book, Currie told CP his goal was twofold: To spark an interest in reading and put out the Gospel message in story-form. I thought it would be helpful if I wrote a book that would just really grab kids attention and it seems to be doing that, he said. I've heard from adults too. One man who was in his mid-50s said this is the first book he's read all the way through since he graduated from college. Half of the proceeds of the book go to Compassion International, a faith-based organization that aims to positively impact the long-term development of children living in poverty globally. The book doesnt preach at you but the Gospel is all throughout the dialogue, he said. I wanted to give some faith content to Christian kids, but I'm marketing this to public schools too. I want kids who will never go to church to read a story because it's interesting to them and get some Gospel truths placed in their hearts. Asiedu Nketiah, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress has demanded of the Electoral Commission to release the report on the investigations into the irregularities that marred the voters' registration exercise. Shortly after the nationwide exercise, the EC conceded that the newly-composed voter roll still had minors and foreigners on it. Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the commission made the admission and promised to investigate and clean up the register. We are aware that a number of minors have found their way onto the register and we are confident that the challenge process initiated at all districts throughout the country will help deal with this illegality and rid the register of those who do not deserve to be there, she said. But nearly a month on from the admission, the EC is yet to disclose the outcome of its investigations and Asiedu Nketiah is not impressed with the development. The NDC scribe suggested in an Okay FM interview that the EC is dragging its feet because some members of the NPP were captured in the investigations. We are demanding from the EC that its investigations are taking too long. No one asked them to announce that they were going to investigate. They said it so they should let us know the report. We want to know how the Ivorians got into the country to register. In the videos, we showed yesterday, some of the Ivorians said someone organized them and brought them to Ghana. Electoral Commission must tell us what happened. I believe theyve regretted what they saw in the investigations, he said 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 Seyitan Babatayo made the allegations herself, on Twitter, posting pictures and details of how the assault had played out. According to her, Dbanj made sexual advances through an assistant. After she refused, he somehow got a copy of her room key, let himself in during the night and raped her. Unlike Ms. Omozuwa, Ms. Babatayo lived to tell her story. And this time the response was very different. Many including a prominent human rights activist cast aspersions on Ms. Babatayo and her perceptions of her experience. Her character was scrutinized (what was she doing in that hotel, anyway?), and her motives became the subject of heated speculation (clearly, she wanted some of Dbanjs fame and money). Her word alone was not enough; to believe her, Nigerians needed her body, too. But Ms. Babatayo had made the great mistake of surviving. The hypocrisy was typical of Nigeria, a country organized around the lethal combination of a violently patriarchal culture and a puritanical relationship to sex. Here, men are actively socialized into the understanding that women exist to submit to them, meet their needs and confirm their masculinity through sexual availability. Men and boys are conditioned to exercise dominance. And the bodies of women and girls are their most ubiquitous training grounds. Between January and May, more than 700 rape cases were reported in Nigeria. Given that rape, even when there is a robust social and judicial framework for addressing the crime, is generally underreported and sexual violence tends to be treated in Nigeria as a taboo or family matter, its safe to infer the true number is far higher. A corrupt police force only makes matters worse. In the past five years, hundreds of women including me have used social media to make credible allegations about sexual violence perpetrated by actors, social media celebrities, lecturers, colleagues, politicians, musicians and pastors. We come forward online because on the internet, we have a better, even if still tiny, chance of being believed and supported. Most survivors who make these claims dont go to the judicial system, because we know our society. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan participated in the Eurasian Economic Commissions board meeting on September 4. The 2025 Eurasian Economic Integration development strategy, as well as recommendations presented by member-states was discussed at the online meeting. The agenda also included the development of the fiscal monitoring system for mutual trade turnover within the Eurasian Economic Union. The Armenian side expressed readiness to participate in the systems pilot program and to contribute to its development, Grigoryans office said. The board discussed and as a result eased the state procurement processes in member-states, which means that a producer in one member state can participate in state procurements of industrial products in another member state. Among other issues on the agenda was the draft agreement regarding the exchange of information of credit records within the framework of the union, which enables member-state residents to request and receive their loan records for taking loans in other member-states. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Calling the holding of JEE and NEET exams 2020 injustice to students", Licypriya Kangujam, an eight-year-old climate activist, on Friday staged a protest outside the official residence of Union Education Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank in Delhi, requesting him to postpone the upcoming JEE and NEET examinations, amid the rising cases of Covid-19 in the country. Licypriya, who had addressed at the United Nations Climate Conference 2019 held in Spain, tweeted, Just did my final protest at the main gate of the official residence of Honble Minister of Education @DrRPNishank to tell it was injustice he is doing to Students forcibly with all his full power in this peak COVID19 situation in the country. YOU WON BY LIE BUT WE WON BY TRUTH." Just did my final protest at the main gate of the official residence of Honble Minister of Education @DrRPNishank to tell it was injustice he is doing to Students forcibly with all his full power in this peak COVID19 situation in the country.YOU WON BY LIE BUT WE WON BY TRUTH. pic.twitter.com/OtOjmWYQOE Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) September 4, 2020 Earlier in the day ahead of the final verdict, she also protested holding a placard, which reads, Postpone NEET JEE and all exams in Covid-19! Justice for students". Protest begin to postpone NEET JEE and all other exams during COVID19 pandemic in front of the Honble Supreme Court of India. NO JUSTICE; NO REST," she had tweeted. Protest begin to postpone NEET JEE and all other exams during COVID19 pandemic in front of the Honble Supreme Court of India .NO JUSTICE; NO REST. pic.twitter.com/MdJHegm3Iu Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) September 4, 2020 However, as soon as the Supreme Court dismissed rejected a review petition seeking the postponement of Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), saying, will go ahead on the dates allotted as scheduled", Licypriya tweeted, We lost but I will come back after doing something. Will not come back freely." We lost but I will come back after doing something. Will not come back freely. Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) September 4, 2020 For the unversed, the Supreme Court today heard the petition filed by ministers of six opposition-ruled states seeking review of its August 17 order allowing holding of NEET and JEE exams physically. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, BR Gavai and Krishna Murari considered the review plea in chambers. The ministers had said the top courts order failed to secure students right to life" and ignored teething logistical difficulties" to be faced in conducting the exams during the coronavirus pandemic. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts both exams, is holding JEE Main Exams from September 1 to September 6, while NEET will be held on September 13. At the age of 8, Licypriya, who is from Manipur, has traveled to 32 countries so far and is one of the youngest climate activists globally. She has been campaigning for climate action in India for two years to pass new laws to control countrys high pollution levels and to make climate change literacy mandatory in all schools. President Donald Trump has, for the second time in weeks, says he's halting planned cuts to a Pentagon program -- this time vowing to keep the Stars and Stripes newspaper running after the Defense Department moved to close it down. Trump tweeted on Friday that funds to Stars and Stripes would not be cut under his watch. "It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military!" the president tweeted. Read Next: Lawmakers Want to Know How the Military Is Fixing Its Racial Injustice Problem That was hours after USA Today reported on a Pentagon memo that said Stars and Stripes would end its publication by the end of September and dissolve the organization by early 2021. The plan to strip Stars and Stripes of more than $15 million was first announced in the Defense Department's 2021 budget request, prompting bipartisan backlash from lawmakers. "We have essentially decided that ... coming into the modern age that a newspaper is probably not the best way that we communicate any longer," Elaine McCusker, former Defense Department comptroller, said at the time. Related: Senators to Esper: Reverse Your Decision to Kill Stars and Stripes Ernie Gates, the ombudsman at Stars and Stripes, said he's glad to see Trump make the commitment to reverse that decision. "I hope to see details beyond the tweet from the Pentagon, to remove any uncertainty about what will happen when the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30," Gates said. "That should avoid disruption under the expected Continuing Resolution. Then the next step is for Congress to pass the 2021 Defense appropriation bill and authorization bill with Stars and Stripes funding ironclad." The Defense Department did not immediately respond to questions about Trump's tweet, including what other programs, if any, would be at risk of losing money if Stripes is funded. The White House also did not respond to requests for comment. Trump's tweet marks the second time in just over two weeks proposed cuts to Pentagon programs were overturned. On Aug. 17, Trump said he "totally rejected" a Pentagon proposal to slash $2.2 billion in spending to the military health care system. "We will do nothing to hurt our great Military professionals & heroes as long as I am your President. Thank you!" he said. Trump's announcement that Stripes funding would continue to help inform members of the military followed a damning Thursday night report from The Atlantic claiming that Trump disparaged fallen World War I troops during a 2018 visit to France. The magazine reported, based on four unnamed sources, that Trump asked why he would visit a cemetery filled with Marines who died at Belleau Wood. They were "suckers" for getting killed, Trump said, according to the Atlantic. "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," he reportedly added, according to the magazine. Trump and other White House officials have denied the claims made in the report, saying they had "no basis in fact." Stars and Stripes has served as an important news outlet for troops dating back to the Civil War. The publication has about 1.3 million print and online readers, The New York Times reported on Friday. Supporters have said the paper is a particularly important news source to troops serving overseas or aboard Navy ships. Jennifer Hlad, a former Stars and Stripes reporter, tweeted on Friday troops she met in Afghanistan had very limited or no internet access. "Troops usually aren't going to go to the USO or use their one hour of access to read news online, which means [Stars and Stripes] is their only news source," she said. Jeff Schogol, another former Stripes reporter now with Task & Purpose, told the Times that as troops are told to leave their phones at home on deployments over electromagnetic signature concerns, they're likely to rely on the paper downrange. "The Russians and Chinese cannot jam or launch a denial of service attack against physical copies of a newspaper," Schogol told the Times. -- Oriana Pawlyk contributed to this report. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Pentagon Orders Shutdown of Stars and Stripes Newspaper NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights Sept. 4, 2020 NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue (pictured) comments on Catholics for Choice: In 1973, in the year that abortion was legalized, an anti-Catholic group was founded to promote abortion rights. But it was not the usual anti-Catholic outfit. This one falsely assumed a Catholic identity. Initially called Catholics for a Free Choice, it would later shorten its name to Catholics for Choice. Having been around for almost a half century, it now looks like it is in disarray. When it was founded in New York City, it did not set up shop in the New York Archdiocese (as did the Catholic League when it moved to the Big Apple in 1992). No, this "Catholic" pro-abortion outfit rented space from Planned Parenthood. Its first president was Father Joseph O'Rourke; he was expelled from the Jesuits in 1974. It now appears that its time is up: It has been curiously without a president this entire year. Jon O'Brien was president of Catholics for Choice for 12 years, having succeeded Frances Kissling, the long-time champion of abortion-on-demand. On December 2, 2019, this well-funded letterhead (it has no members) announced that he resigned. In his place was named an acting president, Sara Hutchinson Ratcliffe. She is still acting president. Ratcliffe honed her abortion-rights skills at Planned Parenthood. Under her tutelage, almost nothing has been done. Its quarterly magazine, "Conscience," stopped publishing in the fall of 2019. In 2020, Catholics for Choice issued a mere seven press releases, and the last time it was cited in the news was March 31, 2020 (before that it was August 16, 2019). By contrast, the Catholic League generates news releases on a steady basis and is cited in the news almost daily. Every presidential-election year, Catholics for Choice tries to convince the public that it is entirely acceptable for Catholics to be pro-abortion. It is not. From the Vatican to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, directives have repeatedly been issued making it clear there are not two legitimate Catholic positions on abortion. There is only one: pro-life. This year, the invisibility of this faux Catholic outlet will not be of any use to Joe Biden. Without funding from the Ford Foundation and other left-wing philanthropies, Catholics for Choice would fold. It's time it should. Even its allies must know that its time is upit is accomplishing nothing. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Los Angeles, United States Fri, September 4, 2020 14:33 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42b617a 2 Entertainment Godfather,Francis-Ford-Coppola,film,The-Godfather Free A new version of The Godfather: Part III -- Francis Ford Coppola's belated follow-up to two of Hollywood's greatest ever films -- will be released in theaters this December, Paramount said Thursday. The concluding movie about the Corleone crime family's rise and fall was relatively poorly received, and the new cut will achieve Coppola and screenwriter Mario Puzo's "original vision for the finale," a statement from the studio said. "For this version of the finale, I created a new beginning and ending, and rearranged some scenes, shots, and music cues," said Coppola in a statement to AFP. "With these changes and the restored footage and sound, to me, it is a more appropriate conclusion to The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II." The new edit, retitled Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone, will be released in limited theaters in December -- marking the original film's 30th anniversary -- before moving to streaming platforms. It "is an acknowledgement of Mario's and my preferred title and our original intentions for what became The Godfather: Part III," said Coppola. Read also: From 'Godfather' to 'Irishman', Mafia is gift that keeps on giving Despite failing to earn the critical acclaim of the first two, The Godfather: Part III was still nominated for seven Oscars including best picture. Coming 16 years after the second installment, the 1990 film followed Al Pacino's Michael Corleone in his 60s as he tries to extract his family from the mafia world. The new version entailed a "painstaking, frame-by-frame restoration" of the original film and previously unseen footage over the course of six months. Work including repairing scratches and stains on the original negatives was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and had to be completed remotely. "Mr. Coppola oversaw every aspect of the restoration while working on the new edit, ensuring that the film not only looks and sounds pristine, but also meets his personal standards and directorial vision," said Andrea Kalas, senior vice president, Paramount Archives. Coppola has previously recut classics including Apocalypse Now. Decision comes after Saudi allowed first direct Israeli commercial flight to use its airspace following UAE-Israel deal. Bahrain has said all flights to and from the United Arab Emirates can cross its airspace, a move that will allow air services between Israel and the UAE to fly over the kingdom. Thursdays decision, which the kingdoms aviation authority said came at the request of the UAE, follows an agreement last month that saw the UAE becoming the third Arab country to reach a deal with Israel about normalising ties. The US-brokered agreement, which capped years of discreet contact between the two countries in commerce and technology, was denounced by the Palestinians as a betrayal of their cause by a major Arab player, while they still lack a state of their own. Bahrain will allow all flights coming to and departing from the United Arab Emirates to all countries to cross its airspace, reported the official Bahrain News Agency, citing an official source at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. The decision cuts flying time between the Middle East states by several hours. Bahrain, which hosts the US Navys Fifth Fleet and a British naval base, has an historic Jewish community. The kingdom has slowly encouraged ties to Israel, with two US-based rabbis in 2017 saying King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa himself promoted the idea of ending the boycott of Israel by Arab nations. Last month, an Israeli official said Bahrain and Oman could be the next Gulf countries to follow the UAE in formalising ties with Israel. But Bahraini state media reported last week that King Hamad had told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who was in Manama as part of a Middle East tour aimed at forging more links between Israel and Arab countries following the UAE-Israel deal that the Gulf state was committed to the creation of a Palestinian state. Earlier this week, Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser, flew with a high-level Israeli delegation to the UAE on the first direct commercial passenger flight between the two countries. While no other Arab country has yet indicated a willingness to follow the UAE, Saudi Arabia allowed the El Al charter flight carrying Kushner and the Israelis to use its airspace. On Wednesday, Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani told Kushner that Doha remained committed to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. In the initiative, Arab nations offered Israel normalised ties in return for a statehood deal with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state and full Israeli withdrawal from territory captured in the 1967 Middle East War. The UAE has promoted the deal as hinging on Israel halting its contentious plan to annex parts of the West Bank sought by the Palestinians for their future state. The deal also may allow Abu Dhabi to buy advanced weaponry from the US, including the F-35 stealth fighter jet. A fast food outlet has been criticised after it gave away 200 free pizzas - resulting in large groups of people congregating in the same place. The offer from the Apache Pizza outlet in Dunboyne led to youngsters gathering without masks and with little evidence of social distancing, according to local councillor Maria Murphy. She also said the free pizzas resulted in a litter problem. On its Facebook page, Apache Pizza said: "Join us with friends and family to Apache Dunboyne on Tuesday, 1st September at 4pm to grab a free pizza," and "Who wants Pizza? We are giving away 200 small pizzas. See you everyone at 4pm. Tag family and friends and let everyone know." Read More Ms Murphy said the free pizza offer was highly irresponsible and encouraged people to have a party and gather in numbers despite the pandemic. In a complaint she sent to Apache Pizza headquarters, she said: "There is something wrong with a company that encourages people to have a party during a pandemic. "It is also socially and morally irresponsible with a company that advertises it is giving away 200 free pizzas at 4pm on the day when all the local schools have reopened for the first full day." Ms Murphy intends to raise the matter with Meath County Council. "There was social responsibility here," she said. "It might have been a different matter if the advert said 10 pizzas each hour or 200 free pizzas in deliveries which suggest some social distancing might be possible." Apache Pizza did not respond to requests for comment last night. This is playing with fire, Barr said during a heated exchange with CNN host Wolf Blitzer. Were a very closely divided country here. And if people have to have confidence in the results of the election and the legitimacy of the government, and people trying to change the rules to this methodology, which, as a matter of logic, is very open to fraud and coercion, is reckless and dangerous. Over 3000 Attendees Participate in LeanIX EAConnectDays; Share Business Transformation Case Studies from Coca Cola European Partners, DHL, Siemens and Other Enterprises LeanIX, a provider of Software-as-a-Service solutions for Enterprise Architecture (EA) and Cloud Governance, today concluded day one of its two-day EA Connect Days conference. The EA peer event was attended by more than 3,000 IT managers and EA experts who heard enterprise architecture implementation case studies by Coca Cola European Partners, DHL, Siemens and others-plus a keynote talk by a former NASA astronaut, Mike Massimino, and leading investor and visionary, Frank Thelen. A recent McKinsey study showed that 70%(1) of digital transformation and cloud migration projects fail. How this business transformation journey can be designed more successfully was the core topic of this year's EA Connect Days 2020, organized by LeanIX. Enterprise architects can become game changers and dramatically improve success percentages if they use action-oriented IT governance solutions to control the entire transformation journey from the current as-is state of the IT landscape to the cloud. Companies shared case studies at EA Connect Days showing how they managed their major business transformation initiatives using modern enterprise architecture practices. Examples included: A fashion retailer that had to transform their entire global supply chain; A global beverage company that had to rationalize IT operations from 3 merged companies; A global electronics manufacturer that used EA to manage operational complexity and avoid the 'dual-edged sword' of microservices implementation. LeanIX CEO and co-founder, Andre Christ, also used EA Connect Days 2020 as an opportunity to provide a sneak peek at several important expansions of the LeanIX Enterprise Architecture Suite to support customers' full transformation journeys, including more integrations with business intelligence systems and other ecosystem vendors, new data centers, and more actionable EA features to reduce technology risk and align IT with business outcomes. Soon to be released from beta testing will be LeanIX's new Business Transformation Management (BTM) module, which enables the planning and implementation of transformation projects from today to a definable state in the future and shows the dependencies on the corporate architecture. Christ compares the functionality with a well-known system: "With the Apple Time Machine, you can have data shown retrospectively to any point in time. The Business Transformation Management module from LeanIX does the same but into the future." EA teams and stakeholders can plan different scenarios for transformation processes in parallel and independently of one another, and see the immediate effects on the architecture look at all the risks and make decisions. "We are familiar with collaborative work on software code. Now there is a solution for collaborative work on transformation similar to a GitHub for architecture management," said Christ of the BTM module. Use cases include upgrading large SAP landscapes to SAP S/4HANA, migrating legacy systems to a cloud native infrastructure, IT consolidations due to company mergers or spin-offs, implementing application rationalization programs, and providing additional powerful remote workstations. LeanIX's SaaS solution for EA and Cloud Governance bridges the gap between business strategic planning and IT project management, and can map IT assets and business processes into a live database in just days, which therefore improves business transformation success rates dramatically. Support for Business Migration to the Cloud Growth for hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform shows the enormous importance of cloud migration. Revenues for these and other cloud infrastructure services (IaaS) is forecast to grow to an estimated $81 billion by 2022 (2). However, the promise of flexibility and agility associated with the cloud is in reality a challenge in IT management for many companies. Christ stated: "If there is a lack of transparency, if responsibilities and the relationship to the business cannot be clearly represented, then the cloud brings, first of all, more complexity, uncontrollable costs and risks, and a slowdown in inquiries. With the Cloud Native Suite, LeanIX offers the option of setting up simple and effective cloud governance. Our vision of a future-oriented enterprise architecture does not stop at taking stock of the current situation or planning the transformation. The aim is to support companies reliably and continuously with just one central database." LeanIX Certification Program The EA Connect Days 2020 also marked the launch of the LeanIX Certification Program, which reflects the growing importance of enterprise architecture among large enterprises. The second day of the EA Connect Days conference was dedicated exclusively to this new training initiative, with several virtual training sessions and qualifications for LeanIX Certified EA Associates. Further information about EA Connect Days and the speaker presentations can be found at www.eaconnectdays.com/eu. EA Connect Days Europe took place for the first time as a hybrid event with an IRL event held at the World Conference Center in Bonn plus a live broadcast on the web. 1) Sources: McKinsey Insights: "Why do most transformations fail? A conversation with Harry Robinson" (July 10, 2019); and "Why transformations fail: A conversation with Seth Goldstrom" (February 10, 2019) 2) Source: Gartner press release: "Gartner Forecasts Worldwide Public Cloud Revenue to Grow 6.3% in 2020" (July 23, 2020) About LeanIX: LeanIX is the single source of truth for Corporate IT and Product IT to create transparency of the present and derive actions, to shape the future in an understandable business context. LeanIX provides its Software-as-a-Service to 300 international customers including well-known brands such as adidas, Atlassian, Dropbox, DHL, Merck, Volkswagen, Vodafone and Zalando. More than 40 certified partners such as Deloitte, Cognizant and PwC rely on the dynamically-growing IT company co-founded in 2012 by LeanIX CEO Andre Christ. With EA Connect Days, LeanIX has been regularly organizing one of the world's most important industry events in the field of Enterprise Architecture since 2014. The company is headquartered in Bonn, Germany with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Munich, Germany; Utrecht, Netherlands; and Hyderabad, India. It has more than 240 employees worldwide. To learn more about LeanIX, visit www.leanix.net, @leanix_net on Twitter, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/leanix-gmbh on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200904005479/en/ Contacts: Rich Mullikin, APR Rocket Science PR, for LeanIX rich@rocketscience.com Telephone: +1 415 464 8110 x216 Mobile: +1 925 354 7444 UN condemns US sanctions on ICC officials Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 8:42 AM The United Nations has condemned "unprecedented" sanctions imposed by the United States on International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor over investigation into US war crimes in Afghanistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced sanctions against the court's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and another senior official, Phakiso Mochochoko, on Wednesday, accusing the Hague-based tribunal of targeting Americans. "We will not tolerate its illegitimate attempts to subject Americans to its jurisdiction," Pompeo said. UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was concerned by the announcement. Dujarric said that "we trust that any restriction taken against individuals will be implemented consistently" with a decades-old US deal with the United Nations to host the world body's headquarters in New York. Member the International Criminal Court hit out against the "unacceptable" US sanctions. "I strongly reject such unprecedented and unacceptable measures against a treaty-based international organization," said O-Gon Kwon, president of the ICC's Assembly of States Parties. Rights groups also condemned the measures, with Human Rights Watch international justice director, Richard Dicker, saying it was a "stunning perversion of US sanctions." "The Trump administration has twisted these sanctions to obstruct justice, not only for certain war crimes victims, but for atrocity victims anywhere looking to the International Criminal Court for justice," Dicker said. In March, the court had given Bensouda permission to open an investigation of grave crimes in Afghanistan. Last year, the US revoked Bensouda's entry visa over possible probes. But under an agreement between the United Nations and Washington, she was still able to regularly travel to New York to brief the UN Security Council on cases it had referred to the court in The Hague. The US invaded Afghanistan to overthrow a ruling the Taliban regime in 2001. American forces have since remained bogged down in the country through the presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Tens of thousands of Afghan citizens and government forces have so far been killed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, governments, hospitals and essential workers scrambled to find personal protective equipment. Health care workers especially nurses said they did not have an adequate supply of equipment, forcing them to reuse N95 masks and, at one Manhattan hospital, use garbage bags when they ran out of gowns. Even with the coronavirus currently under control in New York, workers are still struggling to make sure theyre safe on the job. While workers who interact with the public are now provided with face masks by their employers, a hodgepodge of rules, guidance and executive orders has left employees in a tenuous position. Hospitals continue to struggle to procure enough equipment in advance of a potential second wave of the coronavirus, while other workers who want to speak out against unsafe working conditions remain unprotected by state legislation that stalled. And even if the state passed new laws to make employers duties more clear, global supply chain issues remain a significant hurdle. However, when asked, state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker told the state Legislature during a hearing that, despite media reports and lawsuits from the New York State Nurses Association, health care workers had access to enough protective equipment during the height of the pandemic. We provided 24 million pieces of PPE, and there was available PPE to all those who needed it granted there were different policies put into place about how to preserve some of the PPE equipment, Zucker said last month. A big question to come out of Zuckers controversial comments was whether hospitals should be judged on traditional usage standards for equipment or whether they should be judged by the crisis rationing standards that were put in place when hospitals started depleting their stockpiles. The disconnect has been in that word enough, New York State Nurses Association Executive Director Pat Kane told City & State, referring to Zuckers comments. I think the first thing we have to do is kind of agree that there isnt enough. As long as we are using these conservation methods, that means there isnt enough in the supply chain, by definition. Kane said that even now some nurses are still reusing their protective equipment. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did issue guidance about the reuse of protective equipment, it acknowledged that the equipment was not designed for such use and that it was not as safe as using new supplies. The CDCs optimization guidance was meant to be used when a hospitals supplies are stressed, running low or exhausted, according to its website. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a directive on April 13 that required all hospitals to provide at least one new N95 respirator to health care workers per day upon request. Kane said while the move was appreciated, one new mask per day still did not meet conventional guidelines for the use of protective equipment. In a traditional setting, that same N95 mask would be thrown out in between patients. Even so, The City reported that some hospitals could not comply with that minimal requirement. And last month, an anonymous video from nurses at one Dutchess County hospital alleged that the hospital was repackaging used sterilized masks as new masks. Because of how much hospitals have struggled to build up a stockpile of supplies, its unclear if they will be sufficiently prepared to avoid the widespread reuse of equipment if a second wave of the virus occurs. In May, Cuomo said he would require hospitals to create a 90-day stockpile of protective equipment to prepare for a second wave. Hospitals that failed to do so would risk losing their license. The state Health Department said the 90-day supply must be enough to match the rate that hospitals used protective equipment between April 13 and April 27. This regulation is based (on) a utilization rate that is far higher than current levels and reflects peak demand so that NYS hospitals are prepared for any future outbreaks, state Health Department spokesperson Jonah Bruno said in a statement to City & State. At one point in late March, Northwell Health was using about 25,000 N95 masks per week, according to Politico New York, significantly more than the 20,000 per month on average it used prior to the pandemic. But even that huge number was limited due to rationing. Its for that reason that Kane expressed doubt that the mandated stockpile would actually provide an adequate amount of supplies, since rationing was so common at the height of the pandemic. A 90-day supply of equipment at the rate it was used in April could mean that hospitals would continue to ration equipment at a similar rate, which concerned experts at the time. The Greater New York Hospital Association did not return a request for comment about how common this is among its member hospitals, although some lawmakers said at a legislative hearing that they had heard about hospitals struggling to meet the stockpile mandate. Kane said the state could require hospitals to gather a stockpile that didnt factor in the rationing of equipment, but at the very least she said the state could also be more transparent about what it is doing and why. They could say the supply chains bad and, you know, that means that less conventional guidelines have to be used, so be it, she said. Kane suggested that hospitals could invest in reusable protective equipment to help with the supply chain issues. This means its actually more cost-effective when you look at the cost of disposables, Kane said. And it means we dont have to chase the supply chain. Once you give everyone one of these youre done. Essential workers in other industries are facing their own problems, but they have even less support to ensure their safety. Nothing is technically stopping the state, whether through legislation or executive action, from implementing COVID-19 health and safety measures since the federal government has not issued its own through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. Virginia became the first state in the nation to issue workplace safety standards during the pandemic. New York is in a slightly more tricky situation though. Unlike in Virginia, OSHA handles workplace safety enforcement within the state. While Cuomo has issued executive orders, and state agencies have given official guidelines in light of federal inaction, the state lacks the enforcement apparatus. And federal employees cannot not enforce state guidance. State Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Karines Reyes recently announced legislation to help remedy the situation the New York HERO Act. It would create enforceable safety regulations, including for protective equipment and sanitation, for industries to follow to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect workers. This would go beyond the current guidelines and provide the state Labor Department with the authority to issue fines for workplaces found not in compliance and allow workers to be involved in the enforcement of safety protocols. If we empower workers to have input over their own space and have the ability to monitor and report on violations that are occurring in ways that affect them directly, that will be much more comprehensive, Gianaris told City & State. The legislation has not been introduced yet, but Gianaris hoped that it would be ready to be passed the next time the Legislature meets, which could be in the fall. Another part of the enforcement problem has been the rapidly changing and unclear guidance. For instance, on April 12, Cuomo issued an executive order that required employers to provide face masks, at their own expense, to essential workers. The order didnt include any information on minimal compliance for employers and no enforcement mechanisms aside from giving localities the authority to enforce the order, which was standard for public health mandates issued during the pandemic. A couple days later, the state Health Department issued guidance for that executive order, but still did not say how often employers had to provide masks, while adding that the inability to obtain face coverings did not relieve employers of their requirement. It also did not include information about how the order would be enforced. Newer regulations issued in July expanded the employer mask mandate to cover any worker who interacts with the public. According to the state Health Department, employers who violate this or other safety regulations could face fines of up to $1,000 and up to $10,000 for willful violations. While reopening guidelines for different industries had certain minimal requirements for general safety, the rules did not include a mandate that employers would be responsible for providing protective equipment to their employees besides masks. Employment and labor lawyer Miriam Clark previously told City & State that the amorphous safety guidelines provided little recourse for workers who faced retaliation for speaking out about unsafe working conditions. Clark said improving what she considered the states inadequate whistleblower protections was critical to ensuring that employers would be held liable if they were not protecting their employees. The state Legislature did not pass two pieces of legislation over the summer that would have changed the states whistleblower laws to better protect workers. The state Labor Department said it had conducted about 30,000 inquiries related to COVID-19 and that about 90% of those cases were closed, often voluntarily once an employer was told about any requirements they were not meeting or rules they were breaking. However, the agency did not say whether any of the complaints were about the mask mandate. According to the department, one of the reasons an employee could file a complaint is if an employer was not following health and safety guidelines, including not providing protective equipment for those that interact with the public. The sister of Portland murder suspect Michael Forest Reinoehl, the 48-year-old man killed by police Thursday night in Washington, said she awoke Friday with a flood of emotions. Im worried about his kids. Im still in shock. Im overwhelmed by this and what this means to the country at large. Im sad that this whole thing happened, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive. And, Im a little mad at him, to be honest, that all of this has happened in the first place. Reinoehls sister, an Oregon native who lives in the Portland area and is a 36-year-old married mother of two children, had been estranged from her older brother for the past three years. Reinoehl, who described himself as 100 % ANTIFA, was the suspected gunman in a fatal encounter Saturday with a right-wing demonstrator after a pro-Trump rally rolled through downtown. His sister said she was stunned when she received calls Thursday night telling her hed been killed. I said a lot of What? What? Really? Oh my God ... and then I kind of went numb, she said. She asked that her name not be used because shes afraid of retaliation. She was surprised initially to learn it was police who had shot and killed him. That shocked me that it was the police, at first ... but then I thought about it, Reinoehls sister said. There was no way that the Michael I knew would have gone quietly, although that would have been the right thing to do. I really had hoped he was in custody, because if he was out there, with his history of acting first and rationalizing later, odds were he was going to get himself killed. Officers with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force shot and killed Reinoehl as they tried to arrest him when he walked out of an apartment complex near Lacey around 7:30 p.m. Portland police earlier in the day had obtained a warrant to charge Reinoehl with second-degree murder with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon. Thurston County Sheriffs Lt. Ray Brady confirmed Friday that Reinoehl was armed with a handgun, but we have not determined if he fired any shots at this time. Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, died on a residential street near Lacey, Wash., after he was shot multiple times by police officers attempting to arrest him Thursday night, Sept. 3, 2020, in the 7600 block of Third Avenue, SE, police said.Screenshot from submitted video Reinoehl headed to a station wagon parked in front of the apartment complex and officers shot at the car, Brady said. With the car boxed in by other vehicles, Reinoehl then stepped out and tried to run. Officers fired again. Reinoehl collapsed in the 7600 block of Third Way Southeast, where he died. Area resident Jashon Spencer filmed the aftermath and posted a video on Facebook. I was sitting in my backyard, and I all heard was pop, pop, pop, pop, pop! he said. Come outside, theres a million sheriffs out here and this dude laying by the mailbox. He bleeding...Damn they were not playing. Spencer said he thought it was fireworks at first. As he scanned the roadway where an officer was doing CPR on Reinoels chest, Spencer added, See all those yellow markings. Those are bullets. They let loose on him. Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock said Reinoehl was shot multiple times but he did not know how many. Attorney General William P. Barr in a statement Friday said the streets are safer with this violent agitator removed. The tracking down of Reinoehl a dangerous fugitive, admitted Antifa member, and suspected murderer is a significant accomplishment in the ongoing effort to restore law and order to Portland and other cities, the statement read. The streets of our cities are safer with this violent agitator removed, and the actions that led to his location are an unmistakable demonstration that the United States will be governed by law, not violent mobs. Reinoehl was wanted in connection with the shooting of Patriot Prayer supporter Aaron Jay Danielson, 39. Video of the shooting suggested Reinoehl pulled a gun and fired two shots after Danielson had either grabbed a can of mace or bear spray. Danielson collapsed on Southwest Third Avenue and died from a single wound to the chest. Reinoehl immediately ran from the scene. A police affidavit said it appeared Reinoehl may have targeted Danielson. Reinoehls sister said shes unsure what led her brother to Washington state, and wondered if he had a friend from his snowboarding tour days that lived in that area or if he just went there because it was a place to go. Reinoehls social media posts listed him as a professional snowboarder and construction worker. After her brother was caught on widely circulated video and photos at Saturdays shooting, his sister said she contacted Portland homicide detectives to let them know that the person in the footage was Reinoehl. Police have not reached out to her again, she said. I get it when you care about a cause. I understand it when youve got to make a stand, but bringing a gun to a protest, thats setting yourself up to make a bad decision especially when you have a habit of acting on impulse, she said. Michael Reinoehl has two children, a son and a daughter. The daughter was with family Friday, but Reinoehls sister said no one knows where his teenage son is now. Reinoehl had said on social media that he provided security for the citys ongoing Black Lives Matter protests. In an interview with a freelance journalist published Thursday night by Vice News, Reinoehl appeared to acknowledge his involvement in the shooting, contending he had to act in self-defense because he didnt know if he and a Black friend with him were going to be maced or stabbed. Reinoehl also referenced the pro-Trump caravan, saying every time I see a big truck, especially with a flag on it, I immediately think theyre out to get me. Reinoehls sister said her brother believed this country was already going to war, and he acted accordingly. Look where it got him. Two men dead and one of them is him. She said she fervently hopes his death doesnt spark more violence. The peaceful majority can still talk things out and reason and find solutions, she said. When we were contacted by people filled with anger, we were able to deescalate the situation. No matter how angry they were, when you choose not to reflect back the anger thats reflected on you, you can start a ripple of change that doesnt rely on violence. I just hope my message gets through that peace is possible and dont let the anger dividing this country tear us apart, she said. If you want to change the world, you need to be the change that you want to see. Reinoehls sister said shes not angry at police. She believes officers wanted to put her brother in handcuffs and take him to jail. I think that was their intention. I dont think that was Michaels intention, she said. Theres only so much you can do with someone who doesnt want to be taken in, she said. It wouldnt be fair to blame them. Staff writer Noelle Crombie contributed to this story. -- 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. (Natural News) A group of 20 Republican senators sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration this week asking them to classify the abortion pill as an imminent hazard to the public health that poses a significant threat of danger and remove this pill from the U.S. market. Mifepristone is the first drug given to women in a medical abortion, which occurs when a woman ends a pregnancy by taking pills instead of undergoing surgery. The process usually entails an initial dose of 200 milligrams of mifepristone, which will stop progesterone from going to the fetus. This is followed 24 to 48 hours later by 800 grams of misoprostol, which is either inserted between the cheeks and gums or vaginally and prompts the uterus to contract and empty. In the letter, the senators, who were led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, said that the pill presents a greater risk of complications than surgical abortion in early pregnancy. The pill can cause vomiting, cramping, heavy bleeding and even loss of consciousness. As many as 7 percent of women end up needing follow-up surgical abortions after all. Thousands of women are harmed even by using the drug correctly, not to mention the millions of children who are killed by it. They cited FDA statistics showing that more than 3.7 million preborn lives have been lost to the abortion pill. It has caused 24 maternal deaths and more than 4,195 adverse maternal reactions such as life-threatening infections, severe abdominal pain and hemorrhage. However, many of these adverse events go unreported, so the true number could be significantly higher. The senators applauded the FDA for putting safety protocols in place related to the chemical abortion pill, which is also known as Mifeprex or RU-486. Their letter also noted how President Clinton rushed the pill through the approval process because of political pressure. They added that the accelerated approval process it was given is normally reserved for risky drugs that address life-threatening illnesses. As you are surely aware, pregnancy is not a life-threatening illness, and the abortion pill does not cure or prevent any disease, they wrote in the letter. Women no longer need to see a doctor in person to receive the abortion pill Their letter also referred to a recent federal district court order that eliminates the in-person requirements of the FDAs Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS. These are formal plans the FDA has put in place to determine if the benefits will outweigh the risks before people take high-risk drugs. Under REMS, mifepristone can only be given in doctors offices, clinics or hospitals in person. The providers of the pill must be able to accurately date the pregnancy as it can only be used within 70 days of a womans last menstrual period. They also need to be able to recognize a potential ectopic pregnancy and arrange for a surgical abortion should it be necessary if the pill fails. The abortion industry took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to push for the potentially life-saving measures of REMS to be set aside given the difficulty some women might have in accessing in-person care. The senators said in their letter that this decision, which was handed down by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang, was a case of rogue judicial activism that undermined the authority of the FDA and recklessly endangered women and children. Women who are given the pill via telemedicine are unlikely to get the necessary screening, blood tests and ultrasounds to determine if it is safe to proceed. The letter pointed out that by demedicalizing and deregulating the pill, many women end up carrying out DIY chemical abortions that put their lives in danger while the abortion industry racks up profits. Women deserve to know that these pills are putting their lives in danger. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com Cruz.Senate.gov TheFederalist.com By Aas Mohammed Kaif, TwoCircles.net Uttar Pradesh: Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband, the world-famous seminary is proud of its educational heritage since its inception. Its huge library plays an important role in attracting students and research scholars from all over the world. Dar-ul-Uloom is currently working on a project to digitize its colossal library containing rarest of the rare books and manuscripts with great zeal. Support TwoCircles The man in charge of this overwhelming task is its librarian Maulana Shafique and his team of 13. They are going about their task with enthusiasm and passion. Even though they have no pressure of any deadline, they still realize the sheer enormity of their task which would leave an indelible mark in the pages of history and immortalize their names. This prestigious library preserves Islamic History in the form of more than 2 lakhs books and around 1563 rare manuscripts including the Holy Quran written by the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb and a 750-year-old handwritten book on botany by Imammuddin Zakaria. The age of these historical manuscripts is between 500 to 800 years. Most of this treasure trove is bequeathed to Dar-ul-Uloom as a gift or Hadiya. Dar-ul-Uloom has taken enormous care in preserving and curating these rare books and manuscripts with great seriousness till now. The library has an enormous collection of books on Sufism. According to Maulana Shafique, the library houses hundreds of handwritten books on Tasawwuf (Islamic mysticism). The latest amongst them being 300 years old. This vast collection of books was acquired during the last 150 years. The library which was established in 1866 has more than 2 lakh books. Apart from this mammoth collection, there are about 40 thousand books which are part of the Seminarys syllabus. The most precious collection of this library is those 1563 manuscripts which were handwritten in Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Sanskrit. Out of these about 300 manuscripts have become extremely frail and its contents began to be hazy and illegible which requires immediate curative measures to arrest its further deterioration. This situation caused a great deal of concern amongst the seminarys officials and its Vice-Chancellor Maulana Abdul Khalique Madrasi who decided to take immediate initiative to conserve these priceless books and manuscripts. Since the library houses ancient books in addition to 1563 manuscripts which included a letter from the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) addressed to the Egyptian King, a Quran written by the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb, another Quran written with golden ink, yet another one written completely on one page as well as handwritten copies of Towrah, Vedas, Geeta, Mahabharat and Ramayan and such other antique manuscripts of knowledge which are being conserved and curated by using modern technology. According to Maulana Shafique, the scholars of Dar-ul-Uloom give utmost importance to conserve the treasure of knowledge of this seminary. He narrated the famous incident of the Late Shaikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri when he went to Egypt. He chanced upon a rare ancient book which he wanted to bring for the library. But the owner of the book declined to part with it. Maulana then borrowed this book for reading and he memorized the whole book in just one night. When he returned to India he re-wrote the book Nurul Aza which is part of the Seminarys curriculum. Maulana Shafiq considers the books as the treasure trove of knowledge. These books are an important source of research work. We have research students from all over the world. Hence, we had to protect these books. For this, the Mohtamim (Vice-Chancellor) Maulana Abdul Khaliq Madrasi himself took me to the National Archives of India and got information from there, he said, and added, Later a team of three people attended a seminar organized on the same subject in Jammu. We contacted Iran Culture House in Delhi. The people of Iran Culture House were quite professional and knowledgeable. They agreed to cooperate and conserve the books and manuscripts by using the modern techniques but on a condition that they would retain a copy of each preserved book or manuscript as their fee. However, we did not accept their condition in this regard. Maulana Abdul Khaliq Madrasi Sahabs seriousness reached to the extent of a zeal. We collected all the technical knowledge to undertake this mammoth task all by ourselves by relying on Allah. We commenced our task during the lockdown. Maulana Shafique says that the books are related to a great number of subjects such as Unani Medicine, Biology, Jurisprudence, Law, History, Theology, Culture and Astronomy. He adds that hundreds of books were never opened since centuries because of its delicate and infirm nature to save it from damage. There is a manuscript of the 24th Section of the Holy Quran written by the Moghul Emperor with golden ink. Specialists are conserving the manuscripts at a rate of about 150 to 200 pages a day. They are being scanned, laminated and digitized. A new library has been constructed at Darul Uloom. After its completion, the books will be shifted over there. So far 1 lakh pages have been saved. Preservation of 50 lakh pages is yet to be done, he said. About the digitization process, Maulana Shafiq, in charge of the library, explains that the boys first separate the pages of the manuscripts by inserting a serial number with a pencil and applying a paste of transparent glue, then laminated with a special tissue glass cloth and dried. These pages are then saved sequentially. It is scanned before binding and preserving digitally. Our conservation project includes books of every religion written in about 20 languages. The 95 per cent of books found in the library were acquired as a gift. Darul Ulooms library has an annual budget of Rs 50 lakhs which is included in Darul Ulooms total budget. Sameer Chaudhary of Deoband says that very few in the world know that Darul Uloom has such a wealth of valuable books. The whole world will have a big surprise once our digitization project is completed, he adds. As of now the National Archives of India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Iran have shown great interest in this project and offered help but according to sources, Darul Uloom does not want to accept any help in this regard. Maulana Shafiq informs that earlier he was afraid to touch these ancient books as the paper was falling apart by a mere touch. Now, since the preservation process is being completed these books would come alive and benefit research scholars from around the world. After its digitization, these books would be safe to be handled for thousands of years. The library which was built in 1907 would be considered among the most modern libraries of the country. A new library building is being built within Darul Ulooms campus at a cost of Rs 20 crore. These digitally restored books would then be shifted in the new building. There is a large stock of old books at the library. These include letters written by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the Emperor of Egypt, Quran written by Aurangzebs hand, another one written with gold ink, yet another one completely written on one page as well as an amazing collection of books like Towrah, Vedas, Geeta, Mahabharata and Ramayana. Earlier this summer, a call for public submissions for a new state flag for Mississippi, in accordance with the rules, was introduced. Under the rules adopted by the Legislature, House Bill 1796, the new flag must not contain the Confederate battle flag and must use the words "In God We Trust." The deadline was announced to be August 13 but moved to August 1st to allow time for the selection of finalists process. More than 3,000 submissions meeting the legislative criteria were reviewed and displayed on a public gallery website, and "The New Magnolia" designed by Rocky Vaughn, Sue Anna Joe, and Kara Giles became the final design to be chosen on September 2. The current state flag consists of the Confederate battle flag in its canton, with 13 stars that represent "the number of the original states of the Union." It was adopted on February 7th of 1894 when the Legislature replaced the Civil War era Magnolia Flag with a new one designed by Edward N. Scudder. On June 9, 2020, lawmakers voted to change the state flag of Mississippi, which contained the Confederate battle flag. The action came after weeks of protesting over George Floyd's death; the protest marched outside the Mississippi Governor's Mansion on June 6. TJ Taylor, a policy aide to Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, suggested calling the flag "In God We Trust Flag," which eventually got adopted by other commissioners and officially became the name. Reuben Anderson, the first African American to serve on the Mississippi Supreme Court, gave a brief speech after "The New Magnolia" was voted to replace the current flag. "I grew up in Mississippi in the '40s and '50s, and all of my life Mississippi has been at the bottom, 50th, in whatever category you can think of. Whether income, health care or education, we've always been on the bottom. On Nov. 3, I think that'll start to change. We want to move to the top, but I can assure you we will move. And how in the world is it that Mississippi would be on the bottom with all of the tremendous assets and resources that we have? "We have the greatest people, the most talented and gifted people, the greatest poets and authors and musicians. We are the birthplace of America's music. We have the most fertile soil. Everything will grow in Mississippi. From cotton to watermelons, to catfish - it'll grow here. We have timber and oil and gas, the Mississippi River, and 90 miles of beaches. "There's no reason for us to be on the bottom. We will be on the bottom all of my lifetime, but my children and grandchildren will see us ascend, and it'll happen because of what you have done to bring this great object to the people of Mississippi to vote on." The proposed design of the flag, "The New Magnolia", will be officially adopted as the new state flag during the next legislative session after the referendum happening concurrently with the United States presidential election on November 3, 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 17:40:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Some 68 people were killed and 758 injured in road accidents across Laos in August. According to the Traffic Police Department under Lao Ministry of Public Security, there were 586 road accidents across the country during August, with over 1,000 vehicles damaged. Most road accidents occurred because of drunk driving and excessive speed, Laotian Times reported on Friday. Drunk driving accounted for 141 accidents and speeding was the cause of 129 accidents. Traffic police in the country are concentrating on a road safety campaign, especially in schools, which provides information on traffic regulations and the dangers of careless driving, said the report. Enditem The Union County community is invited to honor the memory of the 60 residents who perished in the World Trade Center attack of 2001, by visiting the Union County September 11th Memorial on Friday, Sept. 11 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. The memorial will be open from the morning hours until 9 p.m. on Sept. 11. The Union County Sheriffs Office will provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the memorial from 6 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to bring and light candles in memory of those lost in the attacks. The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will also contribute candles to the memorial. On this date, we join with those who lost loved ones in honoring the memory of our fellow Union County residents who perished in the attacks, and we remember the many acts of courage that occurred in the midst of a terrible national tragedy, said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. The Union County September 11th Memorial incorporates elements of design that include all three sites where attacks took place on September 11, 2001. Two girders recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center are arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon, and an Eternal Flame represents those who died in Pennsylvania along with members of the Armed Services and emergency responders. In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial. For more details visit ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial. Union County worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to plan and build the Memorial. Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003, the memorial was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost. The memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Union Countys Echo Lake Park, near the Springfield Avenue entrance at the eastern end of the park. Visitors are reminded that COVID-19 prevention rules are in effect in all Union County parks. Masks are strongly recommended and social distance must be observed. For more details visit ucnj.org/parks. Poisoned water, illegal dams and even armed clashes: these days, fishing for precious barbels in Iraq's majestic river marshes involves navigating precarious waters. For centuries, civilisations in southern Iraq have made a living from farming and fishing the whiskered, carp-like fish native to the twin Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Hussein Serhan is a proud descendant of one such family. Like his father and grandfather before him, the 70-year-old has spent his life on the riverbeds of Diwaniyah province. Season after season, he carefully scoured vast stretches of water for schools of the ray-finned barbels he calls his "children." This year, he didn't have to look far. Thousands of tonnes floated up to the surface of the wetland -- dead. "It's an ecological disaster," Serhan told AFP. "We lost all our revenues. We need years to recover." The causes of the mass premature deaths remain unclear, but marsh-based fishermen have some theories. "Gangs," said Hussein Ali, 37, who fishes on another bank of the 325-square kilometre (125 square mile) al-Delmaj marsh, in neighbouring Wasit province. Ali and others blame groups with alleged links to fish importers for poisoning local supplies, although they did not specify what substance may have been used. "They have also installed dams along rivulets that feed the marshes, which means water levels drop," Ali added. He said anyone who tries to remove the dams, installed to horde water levels and fish stocks, is threatened. "More than 2,000 families live off fishing in al-Delmaj. We don't know how to do anything else," Ali said. It's not Iraq's first riverine disaster: in 2018, fish farmers alleged their stocks were poisoned after millions of carp, used in the national dish masgoof, died. In March 2019, a United Nations probe put the cause down to the Koi Herpes Virus, saying overstocking and low-quality river water likely furthered its spread. This year, a preliminary study by the agriculture ministry ruled out any viral or bacterial cause, so allegations of foul play are again floating to the surface. In June, Iraq's water ministry said its employees were shot at as they tried to remove illegal dams. Then, in early August, a local fishing tribe clashed with an armed group that had allegedly erected some dams. Furious locals accuse both federal and provincial authorities of failing to secure the marshes. "Where is the state in all this? Where are they as these disasters threaten to annihilate our fish?" said Ali. Iraq's Agriculture Minister Mohammed al-Khafaji said an investigation had begun. "We are determined to reveal the perpetrators to the public," he said. One speculative theory swirling among Iraqis is that Turkish and Iranian companies that usually import seafood stocks into Iraq had paid people to deliberately poison the marshes or disrupt water flows. The alleged motive? Concerns that Iraqi consumers were opting for increasingly cheap barbels, squeezing the imported seafood out of the market. Barbels are typically sold to neighbouring Gulf countries but this year, with borders closed for months due to Covid-19, the whiskered fish flooded local markets. Iraqis have opted for these affordable domestic catches, stacked high in wooden stalls, instead of imported fish. "We were self-sufficient this year and imports stopped, which frustrated others. That's why they did this," said Khafaji, declining to be more specific. Imad al-Makrud, who farms barbels in Al-Delmaj, noted that domestic demand had indeed swelled. "We lowered our prices to sell. The kilo dropped from 10,000 Iraqi dinars to 2,000 (just over $1.50)," he said. "Iran and Turkey, the main exporters of fish to Iraq, lost a lot of money," said Makrud. The marshes are home to rich flora and fauna, migrant birds and huge water buffalo, whose milk is made into a creamy cheese eaten at Iraqi breakfasts. Hassan al-Rusha, a buffalo herder in Wasit, said poisoned waters killed 50 of his flock and caused more than 135 miscarriages of pregnant buffalo. "I've never seen anything like it," he told AFP. The losses are heavy for his village, which relied on just over 3,000 water buffalo to earn a living. And there could be long-lasting damage to the marshlands' biological diversity, warned Diwaniyah's environmental commissioner Raghad Abdessada. "This environmental catastrophe that took place will affect the region's economy and the people who are living off this work," she told AFP. BELIZE CITY, BELIZE / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / With forex trading growing in popularity along with the artificial intelligence revolution, companies like Loyal Markets are playing its part in helping the industry realise the full potential of artificial intelligence in trading. Both the forex and technology industries are changing and accelerating at an unprecedented rate. As regulation shifts to keep up with the growth, brokers are competing to unveil the latest technological advancements. As such, most have now expanded their offerings to include on-the-go trading through mobile apps. The challenge in the competitive field of forex trading, therefore, is to create a solution that stands out from the pack - one that simultaneously adheres to regulatory changes while also meeting the needs of a new trading generation. Loyal Markets has been using artificial intelligence to create a proprietary system that combines the machine learning of AI. with the discretion of humans to analyse trading insights and to find trading patterns and trends with high odds of success. Some of the most valuable information for retail investors in forex trading is currency patterns and trends. Investors of Loyal Markets can now select various different AI trading solutions from the trading platform to assist in their trading decisions. "With the Intraday Pattern Feed and Trend Prediction Engine, using artificial intelligence to trade forex currency is now significantly simpler," said Will Colmore. "Retail traders and independent investment advisors can use the same technology as Wall Street firms to find patterns early." This technology can also provide insights on the percentage of outcomes that confirm successful trade signals in the past. Pre-calculated through backtesting, this information enables Loyal Market's Fund Management team to make informed decisions about the pattern using artificial intelligence's predictions. About Loyal Markets Loyal Markets is one of the world's leading brokerage firms. The company's mission is to expand internationally and become a global financial powerhouse. Uniting a work-force which specialized investment professionals globally, Loyal Markets also boasts a comprehensive administrative support, state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and excellent risk control protocols. Media Contact Company: Loyal Markets Contact Person: Will Colmore Email: contact@loyalmarkets.com Website: https://www.loyalmarkets.com Telephone: +501 4892 5899 Address: 1782 Coney Dr, Belize City, Belize SOURCE: Loyal Markets View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604797/Loyal-Markets-on-the-FX-Market-and-AI-Technology DANIEL THWAITES PLC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice of Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Daniel Thwaites, Myerscough Road, Mellor Brook, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 7LB on Wednesday 30 September 2020 at 12.00 noon. Having taken into consideration the current measures published by the UK Government restricting public gatherings, the Board has decided that shareholders will not be invited to attend this meeting. The AGM will therefore be conducted as a closed meeting with the business of the AGM limited to the formal business set out below and the necessary quorum will be provided by the Company. Ahead of the meeting we would ask you to return the proxy voting form. Any questions that you have should either be sent with the proxy form or by e-mail to susanwoodward@thwaites.co.uk. A summary of the questions and answers will be published on our website after the AGM. Ordinary Business To consider, and if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions. To re-elect Oscar Yerburgh as a director To reappoint BDO LLP as auditor and authorise the directors to determine their remuneration Special Business To consider, and if thought fit, pass the following resolutions of which resolutions 3 and 5 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolution 4 as a special resolution. THAT, for the purposes of section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) the directors of the Company be and are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all powers of the Company to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) up to an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the authorised but unissued share capital of the Company provided that this authority shall expire (unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting) at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company, save that the Company may before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors of the Company may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired. This authority is in substitution for any and all authorities previously conferred upon the directors for the purposes of section 551 of the Act, without prejudice to any allotments made pursuant to the terms of such authorities. THAT, subject to the passing of resolution 3 above, the directors of the Company be and are hereby empowered pursuant to section 570 of the Act to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 3 above as if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment provided that the power conferred by this resolution shall be limited to: the allotment of equity securities for cash in connection with an issue or offer of equity securities (including, without limitation, under a rights issue, open offer or similar arrangement) to holders of equitysecurities in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings of equity securities subject only to such exclusions or other arrangements as the directors of the Company may consider necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems under the laws of any territory, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange in any territory; and the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to resolution 4.1) of equity securities for cash up to an aggregate nominal amount of 735,343. The power conferred by this resolution 4 shall expire (unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by the Company in general meeting), at such time as the general authority conferred on the directors of the Company by resolution 3 above expires, except that the Company may at any time before such expiry make any offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors of the Company may allot equity securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired. To authorise the Company generally and unconditionally to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the Companies Act 2006) of ordinary shares of 25 pence each in the capital of the Company provided that: the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 5,882,750. Representing 10% of the issued share capital of the Company; the minimum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for each ordinary share is 25 pence. the maximum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for each ordinary share is an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share of the Company (as derived from the NEX Exchange website) for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the purchase is made; and Medvedchuk's companies sell petroleum products to U.S. circumventing sanctions media 09:50, 04.09.20 4148 ExxonMobil bought petroleum products from a Swiss company NewCoal Trading rather than directly from Medvedchuk's firms. Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss has topped seven candidates and edged a tight victory over his closest competitor Jesse Mermell to secure the Democratic nomination for Massachusettss 4th Congressional District, the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Joe Kennedy III. Auchincloss won Franklin with 1,538 votes in an early-morning final ballot counting, according to the Boston Globe. Becky Grossman came in second in the Franklin vote count with 1,382 votes. Mermell came in third with 882 votes. A U.S. Marine veteran who has worked as a product manager for a cybersecurity startup and as a senior manager for new products at Liberty Mutuals innovation lab, Auchinclosss victory came after the vote was too close to call Tuesday against Mermell, formerly a Brookline Select Board member and an adviser to Gov. Deval Patrick. The ballot count as of Wednesday evening showed Auchincloss ahead of Mermell by just over 1,506 votes - with 22.4% and 21.38%, respectively. The final tallies came after election officials throughout Thursday counted ballots in Newton and Wellesley, followed by counts of about 3,000 ballots in Franklin that were not sent to the polls on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Gavin told MassLive. Auchincloss picked up 161 votes in Newton, while Mermell gained 222, totals that Newton City Clerk David Olson told MassLive would be added to the unofficial election results. WBZ reported that Auchincloss and Mermell gained 13 and 18 votes, respectively, in Wellesley. Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin on Wednesday afternoon sought court authorization to allow local elected officials to keep counting ballots, with several local officials reporting they had yet to complete their final ballot counts. Both Auchincloss and Mermell, whos served as executive director of the Massachusetts Womens Political Caucus and vice president for external affairs at the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, called for all the ballots to be counted on Wednesday. Every vote in #MA04 received before 8PM last night must be counted. #mapoli https://t.co/DwMhQSk6k1 Jake Auchincloss (@JakeAuch) September 2, 2020 Mermells campaign had prepared for the possibility of filing a petition for a recount, setting up the website massrecount.org to get the ball rolling on a Friday petition deadline. If the margin between her and Auchincloss was 0.5%, Mermell could file a petition with 500 or more signatures for a district-wide recount, according to state law. State law allows for narrower recounts if the margin remains wider. Just under a dozen candidates were competing Tuesday for the seat currently held by Kennedy, who lost his primary challenge against Sen. Ed Markey. The Democratic contenders included Auchincloss, Becky Grossman, Alan Khazei, Ihssane Leckey, Natalia Linos, Mermell, Ben Sigel, David Cavell and Christopher Zannetos. Auchincloss will face Julie Hall, who was declared the victor in the Republican primary battle. With just over half of precincts reporting, Hall picked up 64% of the vote. The Associated Press called the race for Hall at 11 p.m. Hall squared off against David Rosa for a chance to face one of the Democrats come November. Hall, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and pilot, served as a city councilor in Attleboro and is a longtime advocate for veterans and community service. (Photo : Kasperksy) Irony struck a start-up Boston-based security software company, Cygilant, after being attacked by ransomware that blackmailed the company into various leaks and private information release. Cygilant stated that the company is way ahead of the attack and will ensure its welfare and employees' safety. Cygilant, a security software-as-a-service company founded almost 19 years ago in 2001, experienced one of the nastiest attacks against their systems with ransomware. The company was aware of the attack and is trying to combat the threats and risks presented to them despite the aggressors' malicious deeds. The company is said to be on their every effort to ward-off malicious groups that threaten the people of the internet, including Cygilant's integrity and name. The cybersecurity company was pushed back with the attack's impact that affected a massive part of Cygilant's technology environment. Tech Crunch reports that the company suffered an attack from the notorious organization, NetWalker. This platform enables other people to access its ransomware services to pose threats against specific individuals and groups. NetWalker acts like a hired "hacker" that siphons data and uses malware that, in turn, threatens its specified targets. Cygilant's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Christina Lattuca, explains that the company is way ahead of the attack and makes every effort to combat these vicious attacks. The company already enlisted the help of third-party forensic investigators and law enforcement. Presently, the company did not yet determine the full impact of the attack and how it will affect the company. ALSO READ: Security Company is Urging Android Users to Delete These Six Apps That Can Access Your Bank Account NetWalker's attack to Cygilant Getting attacked by ransomware, with the likes of the group, NetWalker, is no joke, and Cygilant attests to this. Despite its reputation as a security software and cyber threat professional, it has been subjected as prey and feasted upon by the hacker group. Cygilant's internal profile, files, data, and other sensitive information was taken by NetWalker and is reportedly uploaded on the dark web as a screenshot. No reports or news are stating that NetWalker demanded any ransom amount that is asked from the cyber threat company. Currently, Cygilant's data posted on the dark web disappeared and was reportedly taken down by NetWalker. There are also no details that show Cygilant paying or agreeing to pay the ransom to stop the organization from picking at its servers and data. Ransomware, a Threat to Everyone Cygilant is one of the many parties and individuals to be struck by targeted and untargeted hacks made by organizations that mainly thrive in threats and wrongdoings. Despite being a cybersecurity company, Cygilant got "hacked" and had its data taken without them knowing. In turn, this was used against them to do the hacker's bidding. Malwarebytes regards ransomware as one of the forms of malware that threatens more than a compromise in a company or individual's data and files. Ransomware comes in the form of spam e-mails that creates an illusion that it is a legitimate message. The public is advised to remain vigilant and stay alert not to fall for these kinds of traps, especially now when the planet is transitioning to the online and digital world. ALSO READ: This Game Boy-Like Gaming Console is Battery-Free, So You Can Play All You Want Without Recharging This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Margherita USA is thrilled to announce the founding of National Chianti Day to honor its Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva, a wine that embodies the traditions of Tuscany and the Chianti Classico region in Italy. Santa Margherita USA also represents a selection of other Chianti wines under its umbrella, inclusive of Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico, Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva, and Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva 'Gran Selezione.' From today forward, the first Friday of each September will mark the National Holiday, recognized by the National Day Calendar to celebrate the beloved Italian wines. The Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva is from a single vineyard called Salcentino located just outside of the town of Panzano. Dry, rich, and rewarding, this wine has complex aromas of red cherries and plums with a palate that unfolds to berry fruits and licorice, framed by light toasty notes of oak and a finish with a firm structure. Always leading with the Sangiovese grape, the ruby red wine is famous throughout the world and represented by the iconic Gallo Nero logo, a black rooster inside a red circle. The Lamole di Lamole winery has its home in Greve in Chianti (FI), within Italy's oldest and most famous appellations, Chianti Classico. Its vineyards stand on one of the region's highest points, between 1150 and 2000 ft. in elevation, a location which provides the ideal temperature variations, sunlight and winds for excellent ripening of the grapes and gives a particular elegance, richness and persistence to the aroma and flavor potential of its wines. "The Chianti Classico wines are a labor of love created with care, tradition and authenticity," said Vincent Chiaramonte, President and CEO of Santa Margherita USA. "For decades, people have been enjoying our special varietals and their authentic taste of Tuscany. We're proud to announce they now have their own day of significance, so people can officially celebrate this fantastic wine region with loved ones!" Chianti Classico wines have a natural affinity to Italian dishes like pasta carbonara or pizza. Santa Margherita also suggests pairing them with a selection of Italian meats and cheeses, stews, braised dishes, or even a thick-cut porterhouse steak. For a more savory and earthy expression of the wine, look for the word Riserva. Chianti Classico Riserva demands to be aged an additional two years to develop subtle notes of balsamic and espresso notes during that time. About Santa Margherita USA Santa Margherita USA is a fine wine import company representing premium and ultra-premium wine estates. Santa Margherita USA represents over ten world-renowned wineries throughout the United States including Santa Margherita, Ca' del Bosco, Kettmeir, Lamole di Lamole, Sassoregale, Torresella, Feudo Zirtari, Fattoria Sardi, Ca Maiol, Masi and Cantina Mesa. The wine portfolio is a dynamic and diverse mosaic of Italy's finest wine regions including the Veneto, Alto Adige, Franciacorta, Lugana, Tuscany, Sardinia and Sicily. SOURCE Santa Margherita USA China's top justice has called on the country's courts to enhance their capabilities in solving disputes for the public and serving the people, noting efforts in providing more convenient and diversified dispute solutions and litigation services. Zhou Qiang, president of the Supreme People's Court, made the remarks Wednesday at a national conference attended by chiefs of the country's higher people's courts. Zhou also stressed the use of the Internet and intelligent means in judicial services, saying that by the beginning of next year, a network of diversified dispute solving and litigation services with a one-stop experience should be in place. He said judicial services should serve the country's long-term epidemic prevention and control measures as well as economic and social development. He also called for efforts to prevent and solve disputes from the roots and improve social governance at community levels. U.S. pro-Israel groups failed to disclose grants from Israeli government By Aiden Pink September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - More than half of all American states have passed laws designed to combat the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. No advocacy group was more important to this push than the Israel Allies Foundation, an American non-profit that supports a network of pro-Israel legislators across the globe. It was the IAF that in 2014 connected a South Carolina politician with an Israeli legal scholar who drafted the first bill to ban state agencies from contracting with entities that boycott Israel. After that law passed in South Carolina in 2015, the IAF successfully lobbied for nearly-identical anti-BDS bills in 25 other states, including Florida, Pennsylvania and Arizona. Now the group is backing another bill, which has already passed in South Carolina and Florida and been introduced in six more states, which would change civil-rights codes to define antisemitism to include anti-Zionism. Public records obtained by The Forward show that the Israeli government approved a grant of more than $100,000 to the Israel Allies Foundation in 2019. The IAF has not disclosed this or any previous Israeli grants to the United States government, in possible violation of laws requiring American political advocacy groups to disclose foreign-government contributions. The IAF, which reported $1.4 million in revenue in 2018 and features a testimonial on its website from Vice President Mike Pence, did not respond to four emails seeking comment. It is one of 11 American groups that received Israeli government funds, according to the documents, which show that the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs and a quasi-governmental organization it created have given at least $6.6 million to U.S. organizations since 2018. These grants, along with millions more that went to groups in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Israel itself, were to further the countrys public diplomacy efforts, particularly against BDS. The Israeli governments gifts to pro-Israel American entities including more than $1 million each to Christians United for Israel and Aish Hatorahs Hasbara Fellowships were publicly unknown until the last few weeks, after a politician not from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus party took over the ministry and dropped its longstanding stance against releasing its public records. According to the Israeli documents, most of the grants to the American organizations were intended to send those groups members and selected guests on chartered trips to Israel, which often included meetings with Israeli officials. Spending these funds abroad, rather than inside the United States, may have allowed them to avoid onerous federal disclosure requirements designed to thwart foreign influence campaigns. But documents also suggest that some of those trips included instructions for pro-Israel advocacy back home in statehouses and on college campuses which legal experts say may expose not just the recipient groups but also anyone who went on their trips to fines and even prosecution for violating disclosure rules. The documents, which include financial spreadsheets, government memoranda and the minutes of official meetings, were released after a Freedom of Information Act request by the Israeli Freedom of Information Movement and the Israeli news website The Seventh Eye , and shared with the Forward. Many foreign countries try to influence U.S. policy and public opinion, and Israel is no exception. But lobbyists paid by foreign governments are required to register with the Department of Justice and disclose whom they work for, whom they meet with or write to, how much theyre being paid, even whats printed on their pamphlets. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter The law that governs this activity is the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA. It was passed in the 1930s to thwart pro-Nazi propaganda conducted by Americans who were secretly supported by the Third Reich. It exists so that the public can know whose benefit people are acting on behalf of, said Amos Jones, a Washington lawyer who specializes in FARA cases. Many American political advocacy groups reject foreign-government donations, both to avoid accusations of foreign influence and to avoid the cumbersome FARA disclosure process. FARA which experts said was designed to be intentionally broad governs any person who acts as an agent, representative, employee, or servant, or otherwise acts at the order, request, or under the direction or control of a foreign principal. The law calls for up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000 for failure to disclose. While the law was once rarely enforced, there have been several prominent FARA cases in the past few years. As part of their plea deals, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn both admitted to improper compliance with FARA. Many of the payments that Israel made to the IAF and the other American groups were delivered through an organization that was set up, an Israeli official acknowledged in a Knesset hearing this summer, to mask the moneys source. But several experts said that the existence of such an intermediary does not remove the disclosure requirements. They can have all the shell companies they want or whatever you want to call it, said Jones, one of three FARA lawyers who were interviewed for this article. If that is a foreign organization or group of people, then they can be a foreign principal, thereby requiring persons acting under their direction inside the United States to have to register. The other two FARA lawyers concurred with Jones assessments. The ministrys workaround: a company called Concert Israels Ministry of Strategic Affairs was once a backwater agency with unclear purpose. That changed in 2015, when it was placed under the control of the hard-charging, hawkish Gilad Erdan, who convinced Netanyahu, a fellow member of the Likud Party, to quintuple the ministrys budget and add fighting BDS to its portfolio. Ever since, the ministry has been tasked with waging war in the battle of public opinion against Israels critics, especially on social media. It has fought in court to keep some of its activities classified, but it has also published dossiers on pro-BDS activists and hired an Israeli influencer popular on the U.S. college-lecture circuit as a consultant. But as the Forward previously reported, Erdan found that when the ministry offered money to Jewish-American groups in 2017, it was often rebuffed out of concern about the FARA disclosure requirements, that theyd be accused of dual loyalty, or that the grants would complicate their claims that they represent American Jewish interests, which are often similar but not identical to Israeli ones. Such refusals included several prominent American Jewish groups like the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Council of Public Affairs. A spokesperson for the Anti-Defamation League said this month that it, too, had turned down a grant. One official whose organization was solicited, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the Israelis were anxious and frustrated by the rejections. A ministry spokesperson declined to answer questions for this article. Instead, the official sent a three-sentence statement saying that its activities are done in a legal and professional manner, including informing the relevant authorities on issues such as FARA, and is conducted according to the letter of the law. By December 2017, the ministry largely stopped trying to directly give money to major Jewish advocacy organizations. Instead, it helped create a public-benefit company to fight BDS and put a buffer between itself and the American groups. The company was originally called Kela Shlomo, or Solomons Sling, but less than a year later, its name was changed to Concert. In keeping with their penchant for secrecy, officials in the ministry and the company refused to explain the name change to journalists. The ministry pledged to match private donations to Concert, up to $37.5 million over four years. The companys sole purpose was to provide grants to Israeli and Diaspora advocacy groups. It had an independent board, but its steering committee was chaired by the ministrys director-general. This approach meant potentially doubling the amount of money available for the cause, by consolidating private and public funds, and creating an entity much nimbler than the Israeli government to quickly respond to BDS victories or social media spats. Ronen Manelis, the ministrys new director, also said this summer that the strategy was designed in part to make it easier for American groups to accept the grants, because Concerts ties to the Israeli government, while not secret, were also not well known. The understanding was that it would be easier for them to come to terms with a public-benefit company than with an action that the Israeli government is behind, Manelis testified in July at a Knesset oversight hearing. In the end, you see a bank transfer from a non-profit organization, and not a bank transfer from the Israeli government. Thats the idea. In the end, Concert granted around $10.5 million, a little more than half of which went to American groups. Several groups got more than $1 million each; the smallest grant was $15,000. A spokesperson for Concert also refused to answer The Forwards questions, but said in a statement that the organization conducts all of its activities with its partners according to FARA regulations and the law, and as such reports to the relevant authorities and entities. The companys internal documents identify some organizations it funded, but others are redacted. The language describing those beneficiaries activities is vague: defensive and offensive campaigns, research on corporate responsibility, amplification units that would provide support for organizations in a pro-Israeli network. But Concerts internal communications also show frustration that many American pro-Israel groups still refused to take its money, seeing it as essentially a pass-through for government funds. That refusal made sense to several lawyers interviewed who help clients comply with FARA. That entity would count as a foreign principal, said Jones, using the language of the disclosure law. None of the American organizations known to have taken money from Concert, or from the ministry directly, have filed FARA paperwork with the Department of Justice. At first glance, most are able to avoid this disclosure because the payments were designated for activities outside the United States but in some cases, the details raise questions. There is also one unusual situation, in which a well-known pro-Israel group, StandWithUs, was apparently granted Concert funds unknowingly and now plans to reject the money rather than potentially be exposed to a FARA investigation. That situation began in June 2019, when Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, won the $1 million Genesis Prize, which honors individuals for their accomplishments and commitment to Jewish values. Kraft, who at the time was fighting charges of soliciting prostitution, said that he would donate the money to organizations fighting antisemitism and BDS. The Genesis Prize Foundation solicited applications and, in June 2020, announced 26 groups to receive part of the prize, including StandWithUs, which is based in California. The Seventh Eye, the Israeli journalism outlet, reported that Concert had added $1.6 million to Genesis $1 million to expand the pie. Told of Concerts involvement, Roz Rothstein, chief executive of StandWithUs, said earlier this month that the group might have to turn down its grant, which it had not yet received. We thought the funds were coming from Robert Kraft, so we will need to look into it, Rothstein said in a statement. We have not accepted any funds from the Israeli government so there is no reason for us to register under FARA. One of the most prominent beneficiaries of Concert funds and of the foreign-travel disclosure loophole was Christians United for Israel, the largest pro-Israel group in America, which was awarded nearly $1.3 million in February 2019 for 10 week-long pilgrimages to the Holy Land, each containing 30 of what Concert documents call influential Christian clerics from the U.S. Concerts board also approved hundreds of thousands in subsidies for trips run by smaller groups, such as the America-Israel Friendship League. CUFI did not respond to a request for comment. AIFL executive director Wayne Firestone said that Concert had given them approximately $33,000 for one of its trips around a third of the amount the Israeli company approved. Firestone also said that he didnt know Concert was a subsidiary of the ministry, that no amount of the grant was spent inside the United States, and that his group didnt believe it needed to register under FARA. FARA experts said those groups neednt have disclosed the grants if they were indeed solely for travel. But minutes of Concerts board meetings suggest that some groups activities in Israel were closely tied to the politicking on American soil that is the heart of FARA. For example, in discussing the Israel Allies Foundation in January 2019, Concerts board noted with approval that the group has many achievements in promoting pro-Israel policy and legislation, specifically citing the anti-BDS state laws. The board then approved a grant of $118,000 for the foundation to hold a conference in Israel with the organizations top lobbyists to enable the concentration of efforts and the construction of a common strategy among all members. Attendees would also meet with Israeli leaders, from whom they would be expanding and deepening the relevant knowledge, creating and strengthening ties. FARA experts consulted by the Forward said that if such knowledge-expanding involved Israeli leaders telling IAF staff or American lawmakers what strategy Israel preferred, it could leave the group and perhaps the individuals liable for FARA registration. The fact that a request was made outside the United States would not matter if it was related to activities back home, they explained, especially since the Israeli government had helped pay for the trip. In December 2019, the IAF indeed held a conference in Jerusalem, convening 24 lawmakers from 21 countries, including one American: state Rep. Alan Clemmons, the original sponsor of the IAFs anti-BDS law in South Carolina. The attendees met with several Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu; the opposition leader, Yair Lapid; and a member of Knesset named Orit Farkash-Hacohen, who five months later became Minister of Strategic Affairs. They also met with Eugene Kontorovich, the Israeli lawyer who wrote the anti-BDS law that Clemmons and the IAF had helped get passed back in 2015. Clemmons, who was first elected in 2002, is also on the board of the American Legislative Exchange Council, a group that creates and disseminates model legislation to a network of conservative politicians around the country. After the success of his anti-BDS campaign, Clemmons was focused on getting colleagues in other states to pass bills equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism, as he had already done in his state. In the two months after the IAF conference in Jerusalem, legislators introduced such bills in eight statehouses. In five of them, the bills primary sponsor is, like Clemmons, involved with ALEC. Clemmons abruptly resigned in June, a month after winning his party primary, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. In July, he was appointed to the board of the states Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Office. He did not respond to a request for comment. Documents also show that Concert in May 2019 gave more than $1 million to support Hasbara Fellowships, the program run by the Orthodox group Aish Hatorah that takes college students to Israel and trains them to advocate for the Jewish state on campus. Concerts subsidy followed a similar grant, of $882,000 from the Strategic Affairs Ministry to Aish in 2016. The ministry is satisfied with the activities of the organization that creates the necessary infrastructure for pro-Israel activities on U.S. campuses and with the training of students for this activity, Concert said in a May 2019 memo, making clear the connection between Hasbaras Israel tours and their participants campus activism, as well as the ties back to the Israeli government. Aish Hatorah and Hasbara Fellowships did not respond to requests for comment. A review of Hasbaras website does not show any indication that it is backed by the Israeli government (unlike, say, Birthright Israel, which is open about the subsidies it receives). Nor has Hasbara, or its parent group, Aish Hatorah, filed FARA disclosures. If the trips were solely to educate students about Israeli history, culture, and even politics, Hasbara Fellowships would not need to register under FARA. But if those trips contained instructions for how participants should conduct pro-Israel campus activities, lawyers interviewed for this article said, they could be investigated as unregistered agents of a foreign principal. The reason so much about Concerts activities are coming to light is that the Ministry of Strategic Affairs leadership changed once Israel finalized its new coalition government in May. Erdan of the right-wing Likud, who had run the ministry since 2015, was given the much higher-profile role of representative to the United Nations, with a promise to be the next ambassador to the United States. He was replaced by Farkash-Hacohen, of the centrist Blue and White alliance. Erdan had argued that the ministry should be exempt from the countrys public-records laws, and spent years fighting activists and journalists seeking information on its activities. Soon after Farkash-Hacohen took office, she dropped the ministrys objections, allowing years of Erdan-era documents to be released. Among the things they show is that Concert never quite lived up to its promise. Finding private donors proved difficult, in part because of FARA concerns, so Concert only ever got $5.2 million in matching grants from the ministry, about 15% of the originally allocated $37.5 million. Concerts performance was unsatisfactory, Manelis, the ministrys new director-general, told the Knesset oversight hearing this summer. Concerts activities are thus expected to be revamped, Haaretz reported. Still, the combined public and private funds gave Concert a total of around $10.5 million - at least $6 million of which was given to American groups. Whatever the groups future, the ministry maintains the portfolio of fighting BDS and the delegitimization of Israel around the world. The ministry will continue to work with the pro-Israel network in tackling some of the biggest issues facing the Jewish People and the Jewish State through legal means and partnerships wherever possible, it said in a statement. But if more funding of American groups is brought to light whether via Concert or the ministry itself questions will likely continue about their legality under American law. The U.S. and Israel are two different countries, said Jones, the FARA attorney, adding that the fact that theyre allies is not supposed to change the enforcement of the law. Molly Boigon contributed reporting. Aiden Pink is the deputy news editor of the Forward. Contact him at pink@forward.com or follow him on Twitter @aidenpink - " Source " - The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Post your comment below See also Pro-Israel Groups Celebrate Victory in Crucial Massachusetts Primary The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. La ville de Bamenda Archives Officials have banned the use of commercial motorbikes from the centre of the North West regional capital, Bamenda, in a bid to end violence in the city. Motorcycle taxis, a common form of transport in the city, are being used by unidentified armed men, presumably separatist fighters, to carry out attacks, Bamenda's city mayor Achobong Tembeng Paul and North West Governor Lele Lafrique Tchoffo Deben Adolphe said Friday, September 4, 2020. A police inspector was killed on Tuesday when armed men on motorbikes opened fire on a law enforcement patrol team at Small Mankon. Citing the exigencies of security and public order, City Mayor Achobong said public and private motorbike riders will not be allowed to ply the citys urban perimeter until further notice. Fridays Municipal Order is approved by Simon Emile Mooh, Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, for Mezam. It adds to a March 13, 2020, Regional Order of North West Governor Lele prohibiting the circulation of motorbikes from 6 p.m. to 5.30 a.m. in parts of the region. The Governor said the order restricting the circulation of personal, service, and commercial motorbikes within Bamenda is the outcome of a crisis meeting grouping members of the Reformed Motor Bike Riders Union, Drivers Union, Taxi Drivers Syndicate, and other legalised trade unions. The meeting was co-presided by the SDO of Mezam and the City Mayor of Bamenda, Lele added. State forces have been battling to dislodge armed separatists who pitched their tents in the North West and South West Regions since the current crisis transformed into an armed conflict in 2017. Corporate demands by Common Law Lawyers and Anglophone Teachers led to protests in November 2016. The street demonstrations later morphed into ongoing running gun battles between state forces and armed separatist fighters in the predominantly English-speaking regions, leading to untold destruction of human lives, their habitats, and livelihoods. Tit-for-tat killings have become part of daily lives in some parts of the English-speaking regions. Security has been boosted after Tuesday and Wednesday's attacks with soldiers and police searching vehicles, homes, businesses, and people, locals say. "A terrorist group instigated from the diaspora, whose local network has already been identified, specialised in the abduction and killing of teachers, kidnapping and wounding of school children, raping and brutal murder of women, carried out a series of attacks in Bamenda with firearms on board motorbikes on September 1 and 2, 2020 killing a personnel of the public security and obstructing the population of Commercial Avenue from going about their daily activities," Lele said in a press release on Friday. The government has taken elaborate measures to dismantle these terrorist groups, cause them to assume responsibility for their inhuman actions and guarantee the protection of the population and their properties, the Governor assured. Moscow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday congratulated the government and people of Russia for successfully managing the coronavirus pandemic in the country and lauded its scientists for developing a vaccine against the deadly disease. President Vladimir Putin last month announced that Russian scientists had developed the world's first vaccine against COVID-19, Sputnik-V. He said one of his daughters had already been vaccinated with it and that it works "quite effectively" and forms "stable immunity". Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting here on Friday, Singh said, "I congratulate the government and people of Russia for successfully managing the pandemic." "We applaud Russian scientists and health workers for spearheading the Sputnik V vaccine. I wish you all health and success in this time of pandemic!" the minister said. The Russian government has reached out to India seeking a collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial in the country. However, there has been scepticism in some quarters about limited data related to the efficacy of the Russian vaccine. Meanwhile, The Lancet journal on Friday reported the first peer-reviewed results of the Russian vaccine. According to the journal, the 'Sputnik V' COVID-19 vaccine produced antibody response in all participants with no serious adverse events in small human trials. Results from early-phase non-randomised vaccine trials in a total of 76 people show that two formulations of the vaccine have a good safety profile detected over 42 days, and induce antibody responses in all participants within 21 days. Secondary outcomes from the trial suggest the vaccine, approved last month by Russia, also produces a T cell response within 28 days, the researchers said. The coronavirus, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, has claimed 17,598 lives in Russia and the country has over 1 million confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Globally over 869,000 people have died due to COVID-19 and more than 26,344,000 people have been infected, according to JHU. Singh is on a three-day visit to Moscow to attend the meeting of the defence ministers of the eight-member SCO grouping. On Thursday, he held talks with his Russian counterpart Gen. Sergey Shoigu during which Singh appreciated the steadfast support" provided by Russia in response to the countrys defence and security needs. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics Emirates will resume daily passenger flights to Amman next week as Jordan reopens its main airport six months after its closure due to the novel coronavirus. Beginning Sept. 8, three-hour flights between Dubai and the Jordanian capital will operate on an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, the Dubai-owned airline said in a statement Friday. All passengers arriving or passing through Dubai must have obtained a negative COVID-19 test no more than 96 hours before departure, the airline said. After suspending all flights in March, Emirates slowly began to rebuild its flight network in May, with flights to nine destinations in North America, Europe and Australia. The addition of Amman extends the air carriers network to eight cities in the Middle East and brings the total number of destinations to 82. The resumed flights to Amman coincide with the reopening of the city's Queen Alia International Airport, which closed to commercial traffic in mid-March. Under the current guidelines, passengers arriving to Jordan from a designated list of countries will be required to quarantine for two weeks and pass a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before their arrival. Travelers from red-listed countries must also wear tracking bracelets during their home quarantine. Incoming passengers from Canada, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Lithuania, Malaysia, Morocco, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and Tunisia do not need to quarantine upon arrival as long as they present a negative COVID-19 test. Since imposing one of the worlds harshest lockdowns in March, Jordan has weathered the pandemic better than its neighbors. The government began to ease restrictions in late April, but amid fears of a second wave, Jordan extended its overnight curfew last month. On Sunday, Jordan reported 73 new COVID-19 cases in what the Health Ministry said was the countrys single-day tally since the start of the outbreak. Seventy-two more cases Friday bring the total number to 2,333 and 15 deaths. Amid the border tension between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday asserted that there will be no compromise in India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that as a responsible nation, India is always willing to talk and the communication lines are open. "As far as we are concerned, we are firm that there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will not yield on that ground. At the same time, as a responsible nation, we are always willing to engage and talk. Military level and diplomatic talks are going on. Our communication lines are open. We are open to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue," he said. On India-China border tension, he added, "One of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades." The Foreign Secretary also stated that it is an unprecedented situation and India has never had this kind of situation since 1962. "They took unilateral action. We have lost for the first time lives of soldiers which have not happened in the last 40 years," said Shringla. Shringla said, "Our businesses can't go as usual, unless there's peace in our border areas. Normal bilateral relationship will be affected. There is a linkage between what's happening at the border and in our larger relationship. It is evident. We are waiting for the situation to de-escalate." Shringla also highlighted that India is a target of cross-border terrorism. "One of our neighbours has been consistently involved in blocking the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in all of its constructive activities." "I have interacted with my counterparts in all major countries. We have to take benefits from the opportunities during this pandemic crisis. Our aim should be of high value addition activities. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is about India's key participation in global economy. India is a part of a larger community of nations," he stated. "India is the fifth-largest economy of the world. The coronavirus pandemic has brought a major geopolitical shock. We have a world-class pharma industry and India's drugs and medicines has reached more than 80 countries," he said. There's no escaping copper. Go into any trendy bar or hotel and you're bound to spot it, whether it's a statement freestanding tub, vintage lamp or kitchen splashback. But few know about the medical benefits of the metal which has, in fact, been used for millennia. The Egyptians used copper to sterilise their wounds and keep drinking water fresh, while Ancient Aztecs gargled water mixed with copper to fight sore throats. And now it has a new relevance: it can kill coronavirus. Research by Southampton University has found that while the virus can last for 72 hours on plastic or stainless steel, it is destroyed within hours sometimes minutes on copper surfaces. Hot property: A copper worktop in a Treyone kitchen makes the area stand out So, whether you're after new fixtures and fittings or a showstopping bath tub, here's how to incorporate copper in your home. STAR-QUALITY KITCHENS Beaten, distressed, mirrored or polished copper can be finished in a variety of ways. Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, which creates bespoke kitchens, regularly uses copper in his designs. 'I have found that incorporating metals like copper, and researching the different finish possibilities that each has, really does bring a unique star quality to a kitchen.' Copper is surprisingly practical for a kitchen splashback as it withstands heat and oil. The smooth, reflective qualities of a polished copper finish, such as Etsy's Copper Kitchen Satin Splashback (329, 60cm x 75cm, etsy. com)', will introdude warmth to an all-white, contemporary kitchen. For a more traditional country kitchen, go for a dull, hammered or burnished finish which will add to the rustic look. Worktop Express' Rouille Zenith Splashback has a mottled, worn effect with varying copper tones (140 for 3000mm x 600mm, worktop-express.co.uk). Considering worktops are one of the most bacteria-prone surfaces in the home, opting for a copper surface is a wise move. Inzinctive Interiors was set up by copper roofer Alex Bell after discovering that, as well as being a superior roofing material, copper is fantastic for crafting into beautiful but practical worktops.For quotes go to inzinctive.com. When it comes to pots and pans, copper is hugely popular with chefs because it heats quickly and evenly. At the top end, Harrods stocks Italy's Ruffoni range of copper pans, including lidded stockpots from 345 (harrods. com). More affordably, Debenhams has a sale on Jasper Conran's copper collection from 27.50 (debenhams.com). UNBEATABLE BATHROOMS Kitchen and bathroom sinks are among the most frequently used items in the home, so a copper sink can play a role in maintaining a sanitary environment. Copperfield Baths have a range of chic freestanding sinks from 350 (copperfieldbaths.co.uk). A more affordable option is The Super Bath's Rose Gold Stainless Steel MOGRO countertop basin which has been reduced from 487.76 to 157 (superbath.co.uk). Splashing out: The ultimate in copper interiors is the free-standing bath tub - pictured is Victorian Plumbing's Trafalgar Copper Bath Tub But the ultimate in copper interiors is the free-standing bath tub. Though expensive (most start from about 2,000), copper tubs can totally transform a space, and act as the perfect centrepiece. Even the Duke and Duchess of Sussex splashed out on one, opting for a top-of-the-range 5,000 William Holland freestanding copper tub last year for their bathroom at Frogmore Cottage. For a more reasonably priced option, you could try Victorian Plumbing's Trafalgar Copper Bath Tub (1,999.95, victorianplumbing.co.uk). ALL-IMPORTANT ACCESSORIES Copper comes into its own when used with lighting. In the early 2000s, British designer Tom Dixon became one of the first to produce copper statement light with his Void and Copper Shade lamps (available at nest.co.uk, from 215). Appliance makers have followed suit. Smeg has a copper two-slice copper toaster (180, smeg.com), while Dualit has a chic stainless steel kettle with a copper strip (145) and copper hotpot soup kettle (288, dualit.com). For those looking for an immediate and affordable germ fix, it's easy to install copper hardware on touchpoints such as handles, light switches and drawer pulls. Etsy has a huge range of affordable copper, brass and bronze door handles, to help keep those high-traffic areas germ free (etsy.com). Detention of three ex-policemen accused in Golunov drug planting case extended Moskva city news agency, Kirill Zykov 16:26 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) Moscows Basmanny District Court on Friday extended detention of three former police officers until December 7 as part of a case over planting drugs on journalist Ivan Golunov, RAPSI reported from the coutroom. Hearing on the restrictive measure extension for one more defendant, a former chief of the others, Igor Lyakhovets, is to be held separately as his lawyer failed to appear in court. Earlier, the court extended house arrest of ex-police officer Denis Konovalov, who confessed and gave testimony against the others. In late February, Alexey Kovrizhkin, the lawyer for Lyakhovets, told RAPSI that another defendant Konovalov had testified against his client, saying it was him who had ordered to plant drugs on Golunovs bag and apartment. Investigators believe Lyakhovets, who does not admit guilt, is the organizer of the crime. The defendants are charged with abuse of power, evidence tampering and illegal drug trafficking. Only Konovalov pleaded guilty. He was later released from detention and put under house arrest. Investigators believe that they planted drugs on Golunov. Thus, they falsified the results of operative search activity that later became inculpatory evidence against Golunov in a drug dealing case; however, the drugs had been earlier illegally bought and kept by the police officers, according the Investigative Committee. In late December 2019, investigators opened the case over arrest of Golunov. The journalist was recognized as an injured party. All five defendants in the case have been dismissed from police. Golunov was arrested in Moscow on June 6, 2019. On June 8, the Nikulinsky District Court of Moscow placed him under house arrest for 2 months. According to the Interior Ministrys official statement, police seized nearly 4 grams of methylmethedrone from Golunov. The journalist pleaded not guilty, insisted that the drugs were planted on him during the arrest and claimed that his prosecution is related to his journalistic investigations. According to his defense, an examination showed no drugs in his biomaterial. On June 11, 2019, charges against Golunov were dropped because of a lack of evidence that he participated in the crime, and the journalist was released. On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed two generals of police on the back of the arrest of Golunov. On the occasion of Emergency Situations Personnel Day, Mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan today hosted a number of employees, congratulated them and expressed gratitude to them for their dedicated work, as reported Yerevan Municipality. Seeing your work and dedication and that you dont think about your own lives at the most difficult moments, one must realize that the people standing next to them at those moments are real heroes. Be rest assured that Yerevan Municipality will always stand by your side. Yerevan Municipality and the Ministry of Emergency Situations are ensuring our citizens safety, and evidence of this cooperation and joint efforts was the work that was done during the recent explosion on Raynis Street in Yerevan. You are the ones who risk your lives, but know that Yerevan Municipality will always support you without thinking twice, the mayor said. Director of the Rescue Service at the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia Vrezh Gabrielyan was awarded the Gold Medal of the Mayor of Yerevan on the occasion of Emergency Situations Personnel Day and for his active efforts to protect the citizens of Yerevan, for preventing emergency situations, eliminating potential consequences and responding rapidly. Several other employees of the Rescue Service also received certificates. WATERLOO REGION A Cambridge woman is facing fraud-related charges in connection to an online puppy scam. Waterloo Regional Police said between April 3 and 5, 10 people responded to an online advertisement for French bulldog puppies for sale. The seller sent the prospective buyers photos of puppies and spoke to them over the phone, officers said. When the interested parties requested to see the puppies in person, the seller said no viewings would be allowed due to COVID-19. The victims transferred money to the seller, but they never received their puppy. A 24-year-old Cambridge woman has been charged with several fraud-related offences. Police are asking members of the public to pause and think before transferring money online. Confirm the legitimacy of the ad, and trust your instincts before sending money. Make sure you see the animal in person first. When it comes to buying a pet, officers recommend purchasing from known breeders or suppliers, or adopting through a pet rescue centre. Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla on Friday said India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty amid tension on the border with China. He was speaking at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) webinar. As far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, as a responsible nation, we are always willing to talk. Our communication lines are open, Shringla said. He called the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Ladakh unprecedented. This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades. Also, I think if you look at the fact that we have not lost any lives on the border in the last 40 years, we have not seen this magnitude of amassing of forces on the border also in recent years, is something that we have to take stock of, the Foreign Secretary said. At the webinar, the diplomat also spoke about Indias role in undertaking disaster-relief operations and shaping up of people-centric international order. India has been a constructive actor in shaping up of people-centric international order. We have undertaken humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief ops well beyond our immediate neighbourhood, he said. Tuolumne County Public Health View Photos Sonora, CA Tuolumne County Public Health officials report one new case today, for a total of nine active cases and four newly listed as recovered. One COVID-19 positive case remains hospitalized. Public health reports they do not ask for financial, health insurance, or social security information when doing contact or COVID-19 exposure calls, more details are here. Tuolumne County is in Tier 3, the Orange and Moderate Risk category of the 4 tier risk level system with Yellow being the 4th and lowest risk. For a current status map of every county in California click here. The tier status will be updated weekly, as needed. Known Tuolumne tests: 10,116, positive 187 (96 females and 91 males), hospitalized 1, active cases 9, total recovered 176. Daily COVID-19 Cases County Active Date New Today Hospital/ ICU Alpine 0 9/3 0 0 Amador 12 9/2 1 3 Calaveras 41 9/1 21 2 Mariposa 2 9/3 0 1 Madera 383 9/3 13 18 Merced 868 9/3 80 93 Mono 1 9/3 0 0 San Joaquin 1,147 9/3 222 102/31 Stanislaus 781 9/2 116 135/38 Tuolumne 9 9/3 1 1 Totals (Cumulative) COVID-19 Cases County Recovered (increase) Total Positives Deaths Alpine 2 (+0) 2 0 Amador 210(+0) 237 15 Calaveras 214(+5) 257 2 Mariposa 69 (0) 73 2 Madera 3,449(+33) 3,889 57 Merced 7,214(+104) 8,202 120 Mono 159(+0) 162 2 San Joaquin 16,492 (+229) 18,000 361 Stanislaus 13,854 (+140) 14,902 267 Tuolumne 176(+4) 187 2 In alignment with the new State Health Officer Order, Dr. Liza Ortiz, Interim Tuolumne County Health Officer has issued an updated Local Health Officer Order here. This site provides more detailed information on the criteria used to determine the tier into which a county is placed and how counties can move from one tier to another. If you are having COVID-like symptoms, self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider or the Adventist Health Triage Line at 209-536-5166 Mon-Fri, or 209-536-5000 after hours. If you need immediate medical attention, please call ahead and go to Rapid Care or the Emergency Department. You can also visit www.valleycovidhelp.com for more information. The no-cost state testing site is open at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds Tuesday Saturday 7am to 7pm. Appointments can be scheduled ahead of time at: https://lhi.care/covidtesting Appointments are recommended. The site offers to test children ages 3 and older (accompanied by a parent or guardian). Tuolumne County Public Health encourages anyone concerned about possible exposure to go get tested stating; Local COVID-19 testing sites have been processing and reporting their results more expediently lately. It is important that people continue to follow prevention guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including: Practice physical distancing at all times. Keep 6 feet space between yourself and others who are not part of your household. Stay in your household bubble! Wear a face covering in public. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Avoid gatherings of any size with people who are not part of your household. Stay home if you are sick. Avoid unnecessary travel, and limit your outings to essential tasks. Thank you for your support and efforts to protect the safety and health of our community Gyari Dolma, the first woman contesting for the post of Sikyong, or President of the Central Tibetan Administration - Tibets Government-in-Exile - has asked India to abandon its cautious position on Tibet and acknowledge her homelands occupied status. Dolmas nudge to India at a recent webinar came after President Xi Jinpings call to sinicise, or reshape Tibetan Buddhism to bring it in line with the culture of the majority Han community and principles of the Communist Party of China. India must recognise Tibet as an occupied nation and recognise that it shares a border not with China, but with Tibet. India has a legal, international obligation to stand for truth and recognise its relations with Tibet, Dolma said. She was critical of Indias Tibet policy as well, contending that while India has been kind to the Tibetan people, the Indian government had always let its relations with China influence its stand. As the first step, Tibetans have argued India must start calling the China border as the Tibet border. Also Read: 4 months on, India and China to sit across table. Rajnath meeting today the first Xis August 29 call at a meeting of the communist party isnt the first time that the Chinese President has called for sinicisation of Tibetan Buddhism. Back in 2015 also, President Xi spoke about sinicising the five major religions practised in China- Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism and Daoism. This time, it was part of a four-point programme to build an impregnable fortress to maintain stability in Tibet. Also Watch | Amid India-China tension, Tibet govt-in-exile poll process begins | Explained This is necessary, President Xi told the meeting, to strengthen border defence and frontier security of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) that borders India and Bhutan. One of the tasks that President Xi spelt out at the meeting included educating Tibetans in Lhasa and beyond to strengthen the struggle against splittism. President Xis mention of splittism is seen as a reference to the exiled Tibetan supreme spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who is frequently accused by communist Beijing of fueling separatism in TAR. President Xis fresh attempt to wipe out Tibetan identity comes around the time the Peoples Liberation Army is engaged in a bitter stand-off with Indian soldiers in Ladakh, the last stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism, and Beijings deteriorating ties with the United States and its South China Sea neighbours. Also Read: Security along LAC enhanced, situation delicate and serious, says Army chief Naravane It was in this context that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced in July that the US would restrict visas for some Chinese officials involved in blocking diplomatic access to Tibet and engaging in human rights abuses. Pompeo also supported what he referred to as meaningful autonomy for Tibet. Sam Brownback, the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, rejected Xis fresh effort, describing it as the communist partys plan to eliminate the unique culture, religious and linguistic identity of Tibet. The CCP must respect and protect Tibetans human rights and fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom. China watchers say that Xi Jinpings Tibet plan was centred around cementing Chinas grip on whatever autonomy remained of the territories under the Tibet Autonomous Region. Communist China ran over Tibet spread across 2.5 million square kilometres in 1950 in what it described as a peaceful liberation that helped the remote Himalayan region throw off its feudalist past. Buddhists led by the Dalai Lama called it cultural genocide. The Dalai Lama finally crossed into Arunachal Pradeshs Tawang in April 1959 to escape the Chinese. Also Read: In 2012, Dalai Lama spoke of Chinese plot to murder him In 1965, China split half the territory of Tibet as its four provinces Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan. TAR, as it stands, accounts for one-eighth of Chinas area. Lobsang Sangay, the president of the Tibetan Government in Exile, said CCP general secretary Xis address at the 7th Central Symposium on Tibet Work in Beijing was misguided. Evidently, such misguided repressive policies have only enhanced the plight of the Tibetan people leading 154 Tibetans to self-immolate. The Chinese government must acknowledge the failure of its policies in Tibet, Sangay said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BARRIE, Ontario, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQX: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (MediPharm Labs or the Company) a global leader in specialized, research-driven pharmaceutical-quality cannabis extraction, distillation and derivative products, today announced its wholly owned subsidiary MediPharm Labs Inc. will supply premium, formulated cannabis oil to Cann Farm Peru S.A.C., a Lima-based producer and distributor serving Peruvian and other markets in Latin America. This is MediPharm Labs first such agreement in Latin America and the most recent example of the Companys international growth strategy in action. As part of this strategy, the Company has expanded its addressable medical, wellness and adult-use markets to parts of Asia Pacific, Europe and now Latin America. MediPharm Labs is creating footholds in medical, wellness and adult-use markets around the world and in Latin American countries. With a combined population of approximately 580 million - and beginning with its fifth largest country Peru Latin America factors highly in the Companys business plan. As an early mover among Latin American countries, Peru has created a legal framework for producing, importing and selling cannabis for medical use. As a result, Perus market is advancing rapidly and offers the potential to register varied formats of cannabis based products. Using a range of pricing, consumption and patient datasets, the LATAM Cannabis Report by Prohibition Partners(1) forecasts that the LATAM market is expected to exceed US$12 billion by 2028, offering serious growth potential to global cannabis companies. Peru is one of the top medical cannabis markets in the world and Cann Farm is one of very few cannabis companies which hold both a Drogueria licence and cannabis importation licence which makes this agreement of outstanding strategic value to MediPharm Labs, said Pat McCutcheon, CEO, MediPharm Labs. As we pursue our global ambitions, it is vital for us to partner with companies of Cann Farms calibre who know their local markets intimately, have a real appreciation for the needs of patients, an ongoing commitment to scientific advancement and a sound plan for regional expansion. We expect great things from this collaboration. Story continues Under the one-year renewable agreement, MediPharm Labs Inc. will provide a variety of cannabis concentrate formats, with optionality for patient ready formulated products. The products will be distributed to patients through pharmacies in Peru. Cann Farm will in turn obtain all Peruvian registrations, authorizations and approvals required for importation. In the future, Cann Farm may look to MediPharm Labs for further support in commercialization activities. MediPharm Labs anticipates delivery to begin in Q4 2020, pending regulatory approval by applicable health authorities. Cann Farm was created from our deep commitment to patients, who demand reliable, consistent high quality, and proven product integrity; therefore we choose our partners very carefully, said Andres Vazquez Vargas, Executive President, Cann Farm Peru. What impresses us most about MediPharm Labs is their focus on medical markets and their commitment to our production standards, as is seen with their GMP certification, which is the gold standard in pharma production. Its rare to see GMP certification in the cannabis supply chain because its a complex and rigorous process to earn the qualification. This tells us all we need to know about their ability to meet our needs on not only a continuous, but consistent basis. About Perus Market Peru adopted Law 30681 in October 2017 with the objective of allowing access to medical cannabis. Perus medical cannabis market thus far is 100% dependent on imports. The law explicitly allows domestic production, importation and commercialization of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes and mandates the creation of a series of registries within its Ministry of Health. Only certified pharmaceutical laboratories can apply for a production license domestically and retail sales occur only in licensed pharmacies. However, as of mid-2020, no production license has been granted.(2) Physician prescriptions are required and multiple medical conditions can be prescribed cannabis. About Cann Farm Peru S.A.C. Cann Farm is dedicated to cultivating and processing medicinal plants under the highest quality standards and developing from them a broad portfolio of innovative products for the health and well-being of the international community. In addition to the importation and marketing of products derived from cannabis and other plants for medicinal use and cultivation and processing of medicinal plants, both for the Peruvian market and for export, Cann Farm invests in scientific research projects in topics related to the application of medicinal plants for health, as well as in agronomic issues aimed at optimizing their production. About MediPharm Labs Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the production of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis oil and concentrates and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose-built facilities with five primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm Labs formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets. As a global leader, MediPharm Labs has completed commercial exports to Australia and has fully commercialized its Australian extraction facility. MediPharm Labs Australia was established in 2017. For further information, please contact: Laura Lepore, VP, Investor Relations and Communications Telephone: 416-913-7425 ext. 1525 Email: investors@medipharmlabs.com Website: www.medipharmlabs.com CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the successful performance of the agreement and shipping of products thereunder as planned; forecasts regarding the growth of the Peruvian market; and providing further support and commercialization for Cann Farm in the future. 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; the inability of MediPharm Labs to obtain adequate financing; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm Labs filings, available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm Labs assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. All information contained in this press release with respect to Cann Farm was supplied by Cann Farm for inclusion herein. An employee of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands was arrested Tuesday, accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl last week at his home. Ronald Montgomery See, 53, of Willis, is being charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony. See is a 14-year IT employee of St. Anthony of Padua and has been suspended without pay, according to the church on Thursday. He is being held on a $150,000 bond at the Montgomery County Jail, according to jail records. In statement, St. Anthony of Padua said the alleged victim was neither a student at their school or involved in the parish. Sees responsibilities did not include working with minors. He submitted to three criminal background checks by the parish as an employee, with the most recent in 2018, the statement read. We have contacted the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office and have assured them of our complete cooperation in its investigation and prosecution of this matter. The church went on to ask anyone with information on the case to call the sheriffs office special victims unit at 936-538-3502. The case came to light when a sibling of the girl told their mother on Sunday that the 13-year-old had shared a bed with See, a close family friend, when the two children stayed overnight Saturday at his home, according to a probable cause affidavit filed Wednesday by a Montgomery County Sheriffs detective. When the mother confronted See, he contradicted himself, so she took the girls cell phone where she found a messaging app she was unfamiliar with. Searching through the device, she found the password in the phones notes app, according to the affidavit. In the app, she found messages between See and her daughter of a very disturbing nature, the affidavit stated. The girl told her mother See made sexual contact with her on Saturday night in his bedroom. After receiving materials for evidence from the mother, officers advised her to take the girl to undergo a Sexual Assault Nurse Exam at CHI St. Lukes Health-The Woodlands Hospital, according to court records. The following morning, the girl was interviewed at the child advocacy group Childrens Safe Harbor. She told the interviewer, in the presence of a Montgomery County Sheriffs detective, that she and her sibling were at Sees for a movie night. Once she was asleep in the living room, she said See took her into his bedroom, according to court documents. Investigators determined the girl was sent multiple screenshots from Sees phones photo gallery which were of the girl , according to the court documents. In addition, investigators found on the app photos of very expensive wedding rings and conversations about marriage. One message discussed Texas law allowing marriage of a 14-year-old with permission from a parent. Another image found in the thread of messages were of the girl being picked up at school by See, according to court records. In July 2002, See was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. They were lowered to assault threat bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor, after he pleaded guilty later that year, public records show. Montgomery County authorities are already investigating an Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston priest charged with five counts of indecency with a child allegations at Conroes Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The priest, Manuel De La Rosa-Lopez, is slated to go to trial in January after several delays due to the pandemic. jose.gonzalez@chron.com BAY CITY, MI - The USS Edson docked on the Saginaw River near Bay City was quiet and mournful Friday without its beloved and respected leader at the helm. Often referred to as Chief of the Edson, President Mike Kegley of the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum died Thursday, Sept. 3. The USS Edson Museum put a statement on social media about Kegleys death late Thursday. Our beloved Chief Kegley passed away today....We will never forget him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Mary, his children Michael and Debi, his sister Sue, and all of his family and loved ones. Museum Vice President Mike Buda said that Kegleys death has hit the museum hard. Kegley was a fixture at the floating museum who Buda said was always ready to tell a story or work on a solution to a problem. He was the heart and soul of this whole organization. He looked after the ship and looked after the welfare of the people that were there. He was just an all around nice guy, he said. Museum staff are left to figure out what to do next without Kegley. Mike ran the ship, he was the chief and he ran it like a chief. If you were in the service, especially in the Navy and you know how Navy chiefs operated - that was Mike, Buda said. Kegley was dedicated to preserving history and teaching it to the next generation through the USS Edson, a retired Vietnam-era destroyer that people can tour. Kegley often shared stories and lore of the ship and the men who served on it with visitors. Chief had a way of drawing everyones attention when he started telling stories. Even if you heard them 100 times, you always wanted to hear them again, read the museums statement. He worked tirelessly to bring the USS Edson to Bay City as a museum ship and devoted much of his life to making things happen at the museum over the last 23 years. Bangor Township Supervisor Glenn Rowley, who often frequented the museum, fondly recalled the tradition that he had with Kegley. One of my favorite things to do is I would open the door to the gift shop and in a very loud voice Chief, permission to come aboard; and he would always yell from the back, Aye, aye, sir, recalled Rowley. Kegleys impact went beyond his beloved USS Edson, with local government officials expressing their condolences while recalling his dedication to the community. Mike was a dear friend and strong advocate for our veterans causes and devoted much of his later years to working with veterans issues and his great passion, the USS Edson, said Bay County Executive Jim Barcia. He wanted to make sure that people understood the history of our great nations conflicts and wars and the sacrifices that our veterans have made to preserve our American way of life and our freedom. Rowley agreed. I would like to give my very best and well wishes to Mikes family. I appreciate everything that Mike has done not only for Bangor Township but for the entire Bay Community. He was a great man, a great leader, and did amazing things. His work ethic went above and beyond, he said. According to Rowley, he once received a call from a concerned citizen about a veteran with mobility issues who had a tattered and torn American flag flying in his front yard. Rowley reached out to Kegley and explained the situation to him. Kegley soon went with Rowley to the mans house to present a special flag to replace the torn one. We went to this mans house and met the neighbor there, the Chief was able to secure a flag that was flown on a warship and even had a dedication plaque that said where it was flown, the ship and all the details with that, said Rowley. He also was able to get a hold of the Army recruiter and brought him out some Army swag and we had a flag dedication ceremony right there in the mans driveway. Funeral and visitation arrangements for Kegley are pending. Those who wish to do so are asked by the museum take a moment and share a memory of Kegley on the museums Facebook page. Related news: Dick Hardy Community Improvement Awards: Mike Kegley and Dick Janke worked tirelessly to bring USS Edson to Bay County Bay Citys USS Edson loses state funding for new seawall, goes to Plan B Iconic Iosco County gypsum bin to be demolished offshore in Lake Huron Eagle Bay Marina near Standish to close as tribe discusses new use for site SpaceX has revealed early performance information of its Starlink broadband satellite service. The details were shared during the broadcast of the launch of the latest batch of 60 Starlink low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites on Thursday. SpaceX senior program reliability engineer Kate Tice said the company has been carrying out early testing of the constellation with its employees collecting latency statistics and performing standard speed tests of the service. This means that were checking how fast data travels from the satellites to our customers, and then back to the rest of the Internet, Tice explained. She claimed that initial results have been good, noting the team was recording download speeds in excess of 100 megabytes per second (MBps). That converts to around 800 megabits per second (Mbps). However, SpaceX later clarified that the figure was actually 100 megabits per second (100Mbps). Although she did not provide any actual numbers with regards to latency, Tice said the ping was low enough to play the fastest online video games. Getting to 1Gbps SpaceX claimed in its original filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the Starlink service would be capable of 1Gbps speeds. However, it noted it would need to deploy the first full constellation of 4,400 satellites to achieve this. Following Thursdays launch, SpaceX has now put more than 700 satellites in orbit. According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, this is 400 more than needed to offer initial operational capability, whereas the 800-mark will allow Starlink to provide significant operational capabilities. Starlink users will connect to the service via a special terminal which employs a UFO-shaped antenna. Photos of this antenna were previously uncovered in the source code of the Starlink website and shared by Twitter user @flcnhvy. Musk responded to the tweet, appearing to confirm the legitimacy of the pictures. UFO on a stick aka Starlink user terminal looks beautiful pic.twitter.com/1aog0FS1jq Viv (@flcnhvy) July 14, 2020 Data transfer breakthrough Tice also elaborated on a successful data transfer test between two Starlink satellites in orbit. SpaceX managed to transmit hundreds of gigabytes of data between the two spacecraft in packets sent via inter-satellite links it calls space lasers. Once these space lasers are fully deployed, Starlink will be one of the fastest options available to transfer data around the world, Tice said. Starlink is planning to run a public beta of the service in the near future, with interested persons currently able to submit their address on the Starlink site. South Africans can also sign up, however, current indications are that the beta will first go live in the US and Canada. Now read: The best broadband service you can buy for R999 Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Retail is holding early talks with American private equity (PE) firm Silver Lake to sell a 1.7-1.8 per cent stake in the entity for around Rs 7,500 crore. The likely investment, which will value Reliance Retail at over Rs 4.3 lakh crore ($57 billion) comes at a time when the company is aiming to sell about 10 per cent in new shares to raise $5.7 billion, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. Oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) is on a roll to pitch its retail business as a formidable force to woo potential investors. Also Read: Reliance-Future deal: Kishore Biyani, family can't enter retail business for next 15 years The company has raised over $20 billion from foreign investors comprising Facebook Inc by selling stakes in its Jio Platforms digital business and has said that it intends to draw investors to Reliance Retail over the next few quarters. RIL had in August said it would acquire the retail and logistics businesses of Kishore Biyani-led Future Group in a deal valued at $3.38 billion, including debt. The deal was announced on August 29. Here are some important points about the proposed Reliance Retail-Silver Lake deal. 1. If this deal materialises, Reliance Retail will be valued at over Rs 4.3 lakh crore. 2. According to sources, Ambani is in talks with multiple investors to raise funds by selling minority stakes in Reliance Retail. 3. Silver Lake was the first American private equity firm to invest in Reliance Jio following Facebook's investment in the company to buy a $5.7 billion stake in it. 4. Rival PE groups General Atlantic, KKR, and Vista have also bought similar-sized stakes in Reliance Jio for around $1 billion. Other noteworthy investors include Google and Abu Dhabi-based sovereign wealth fund Mubadala. 5. Earlier this year, RIL had sold 32.94% of the Jio Platforms stake to become a debt-free company by March 2021. Also Read: Competition Commission nod biggest challenge in Reliance-Future deal 6. The conglomerate's telecom and digital arm Reliance Jio has raised $20.2 billion of investment from 13 global investors. 7. According to the news report, investors in Jio platforms had been given the opportunity to invest in Reliance Retail as well. 8. Reliance Retail is India's largest retail chain and recently acquired Future Group's retail assets. 9. The deal with Future Group will give RIL control of around one-third of retail stores of the country's otherwise fragmented retail sector. 10. Reliance is also looking to tap into the fast-growing market for online shopping in India. With the launch of its e-commerce venture JioMart this year, RIL aims to take on global giants such as Walmart and Amazon. Boris Johnson today defied a huge Tory backlash to insist coronavirus testing on arrival at airports would only give a 'false sense of security'. MPs voiced frustration as Mr Johnson again poured cold water on the idea, despite desperate pleas to reform the Government's blanket travel quarantine policy in order to prevent the 'demise' of the aviation sector. The premier said Public Health England believed only seven per cent of cases could be caught by screening people on arrival. Speaking during a visit to a HS2 site in Solihull, he said he understood the 'difficulties' faced by the air industry but the 14 day self isolation requirement remained 'vital'. A No10 spokesman added: 'Testing at the border does not work to catch people who may go on to get the virus.' But Conservative MP Henry Smith, who chairs the all-party group on aviation, pointed out that other major countries such as Germany and France were already introducing testing at airports. He said the government could not allow the UK to be at a 'competitive disadvantage'. A growing band of Tory rebels are hoping that airport testing could be the next in a string of government policy U-turns. In a potential chink of light, Grant Shapps today admitted that the move could halve the 14-day quarantine period. While he stressed routine screening was not a 'silver bullet', Mr Shapps suggested that it could be a way of reducing the restrictions on travellers from higher-infection countries. The comments came as the Cabinet minister conceded that the government's quarantine rules are causing 'confusion', after England kept Portugal on the safe list - despite Scotland and Wales imposing curbs. Amid rising anger from bewildered holidaymakers that the system amounts to 'roulette', the he said starkly different approaches within the UK were a problem. But he insisted that the Westminster government had assessed the best evidence and concluded that Portugal was still low-risk, and swiped at Scotland for decreeing that travellers from Greece must self-isolate this week before even seeing the latest data. On a visit to an HS2 site in Solihull today, Boris Johnson said Public Health England believed only 7 per cent of cases could be caught by screening people on arrival at airports Mr Johnson warned that testing at airports could give people a 'false sense of confidence' The UK's key metric for introducing quarantine is how many cases a country has had in total over the past week, adjusted to per 100,000 of population. Spain and France are still well above the level, while Portugal has also crept over it Portugal has been above the trigger threshold for UK quarantine measures for the past few days - but Grant Shapps said they were also looking at the proportion of tests that come back positive, and that had fallen Scotland and Wales have imposed restrictions on Greece, even though the case rates are still relatively low An exclusive poll for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found just 24 per cent believe the quarantine system is working, while 48 per cent say it is not TESTING TRAVELLERS AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF CATCHING CASES, PHE DOCUMENT CLAIMS A paper produced by Public Health England estimated that testing people when they cross a border could be a successful way of stopping the virus being imported, and particularly if they were tested twice. The study, presented to the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) in June, said testing could slash the need for quarantine after international flights. It said that if people were tested on landing and then released from quarantine after two days it would catch 85 per cent of cases, The Independent reported. This, however, would mean 15 of every 100 infected travellers would get 'false negative' results and slip through the net. Double-testing - once on arrival and then once after eight days of isolation - would catch 96 per cent. In that scenario only four out of 100 people carrying the virus would get through the system. And it would still mean quarantine could be shortened from the current two weeks to just one. Timing the tests is important because if it is done too soon after someone has caught the virus, they may not have a substantial enough infection for a test to be able to pick it up. It can take a few days for the virus to really take hold and become detectable. This is called the 'incubation period' and people do not generally feel ill during this time so are silent carriers. The average incubation period for Covid-19 is thought to be five days. PHE said: 'Double testing of travellers significantly reduces the risk of false negatives, and could enable quarantine duration of less than 14 days. 'The optimal days of testing are between days five and eight post-exposure'. Advertisement The desperate defence came amid growing evidence that the public is losing patience with the regime. An exclusive poll for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found just 24 per cent believe it is working, while 48 per cent say it is not. Around a third want more countries added to the list of exempt countries. Mr Johnson said quarantine measures for arrivals from countries deemed high-risk must remain 'a vital part' of the fight against coronavirus. Asked during a visit to Solihull, he said he understands 'the difficulties' the airline industry is going through but said testing at points of entry only identifies 7 per cent of the cases. 'So 93 per cent of the time you could have a real false sense of security, a false sense of confidence when you arrive and take a test,' he said. 'That's why the quarantine system that we have has got to be an important part of our repertoire, of our toolbox, in fighting Covid. 'What we don't want to see is reinfection coming in from abroad and quarantine is a vital part of that.' Mr Smith said testing had to be part of the solution to easing quarantine. 'Countries like Germany, France quite a few others are testing,' he said. 'We are at a competitive disadvantage. Testing also means there is greater confidence for people to travel, and also greater confidence in terms of public health. 'I think it is the answer. I am a little bit frustrated that the government don't seem to be there yet,' He added: 'It seems to be effective. Obviously nothing is foolproof.' Mr Smith said Heathrow had suggested a two-test process with a five-day quarantine. Challenged on the demands for airports testing from across the industry, Mr Shapps told Sky News: 'I know that airport testing is one of those things that sounds so logical. You come in, you get a test, perhaps one of these very quick test and you are free not to quarantine,' he said. 'The problem we have, and this is what I am working with airports on at the moment, and the industry, is that a day zero test as you get home is unlikely to find the vast majority of people who have travelled with coronavirus but are asymptomatic 'There are arguments about this, but PHE say that would perhaps pick up just seven per cent of people who are in fact positive, and allow those people to sort of go off. 'So you probably have to have some kind of quarantine period in here, perhaps seven or eight days, maybe a test then. 'But these are the things that we are working through at the moment.' During his round of interviews, Mr Shapps said there was an 'argument' for judging islands separately from mainland countries. 'I think there is an argument for regionalising it but having said that actually the islands (in Spain) now wouldn't be fine. 'But it is fluid and I do accept there is space to look at those types of things.' Grant Shapps sparks furious row with Scotland and Wales over quarantine travel rules Grant Shapps sparked a bitter row with Scotland and Wales today after accusing them of quarantining Portugal and Greece because they had not inspected the data closely enough. Amid rising anger from bewildered holidaymakers that the system amounts to 'roulette', the Transport Secretary conceded that starkly different approaches within the UK were 'confusing'. But he insisted that the Westminster government had assessed the best evidence and concluded that Portugal was still low-risk, and swiped at Scotland for decreeing that travellers from Greece must self-isolate this week before even seeing the latest data. He said Welsh minister might not have 'noticed' that the proportion of tests coming back positive in Portugal had fallen. However, the Scottish government lashed back by accusing Mr Shapps of 'jumping the gun' by announcing a decision before the nations had discussed the situation. Mr Shapps also hinted that the government could take a more regional approach in future, and admitted that airport testing - demanded by many to save the aviation industry - could cut the 14-day quarantine period in half. Advertisement Expectations had been growing for days that Portugal would be added to the quarantine roll this week after the total weekly cases per 100,000 of population rose above the UK's trigger threshold of 20. Mr Shapps had previously indicated that this was the main metric the government would look at to impose restrictions. But last night, he announced that there would be no change - pointing out that the proportion of tests coming back positive still remained low. The move left some holidaymakers complaining that they had been forced to come home early unnecessarily to avoid quarantine, while others had stayed on and were caught out by the change in the nations. The Cabinet minister took thinly-veiled swipes at Wales and Scotland for their action today. Scotland and Wales are imposing 14 days of isolation on arrivals from Portugal. Scotland is also including Greece on its quarantine list, while Wales added seven Greek islands. Mr Shapps told Sky News: 'I do realise it creates confusion for people not to have a single rule, but we do have this devolved approach throughout the United Kingdom and I can only be responsible for the English part of that.' He said that Welsh ministers 'had not perhaps noticed or seen' that the proportion of positive tests had fallen in Portugal, as the overall number of tests were up. And Mr Shapps claimed that Scotland had taken steps against Greece earlier this week without waiting to see the latest data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre. He said the UK Government's review concluded no changes were necessary partly because test positivity in Portugal came down while the number of cases overall in Greece had fallen. 'If you test more people, of course your number of positives per 100,000 would be more just as a product of having tested more people,' he said. 'We don't want to penalise a country for doing the right thing, what we're additionally interested in is how many of those tests were actually positive. Virgin Atlantic will axe another 1,150 jobs taking total losses during covid pandemic to 4,700 Virgin Atlantic has confirmed it could axe a further 1,150 jobs from across the company taking the total number of job losses to 4,700 during the coronavirus crisis. The company has said they are 'working closely with unions Unite and BALPA' and that a company-wide consultation period of 45 days begins today. It comes less than four months after axing 3,150 roles and announcing the closure of its base at London's Gatwick Airport. The company confirmed a further 400 employees left through voluntary redundancy or early retirement. The announcement has been made just days after securing a 1.2billion rescue deal. Virgin bosses are calling on the UK government to introduce testing measures to help ease restrictions and quarantining rules on transatlantic travel which, they say, makes up 70 per cent of their network. Advertisement 'So it's getting that and in addition how it's been treated, how fast it's moving and whether the government in that country has a plan in place and many other factors that have to do with it.' Ms Shapps said testing at airports is not a 'silver bullet solution' to end quarantining and the 'vast majority' of asymptomatic cases would not be detected by one test alone. But he told Sky News they were not 'ignoring' calls for testing at airports - and it could potentially slash the quarantine period in half. 'I know that airport testing is one of those things that sounds so logical. You come in, you get a test, perhaps one of these very quick test and you are free not to quarantine,' he said. 'The problem we have, and this is what I am working with airports on at the moment, and the industry, is that a day zero test as you get home is unlikely to find the vast majority of people who have travelled with coronavirus but are asymptomatic 'There are arguments about this, but PHE say that would perhaps pick up just seven per cent of people who are in fact positive, and allow those people to sort of go off. 'So you probably have to have some kind of quarantine period in here, perhaps seven or eight days, maybe a test then. 'But these are the things that we are working through at the moment.' Mr Shapps also said there was an 'argument' for judging islands separately from mainland countries. 'I think there is an argument for regionalising it but having said that actually the islands (in Spain) now wouldn't be fine. 'But it is fluid and I do accept there is space to look at those types of things.' There had been speculation that Westminster would reimpose the requirement on Portugal due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, leading many holidaymakers to pay hundreds of pounds to fly home this week. Jonathan Lake with his son. The Welsh father-of-two whose family will have to self-isolate for 14 days after remaining out in Greece has branded the inconsistency between Westminster and Cardiff 'an absolute joke' In a round of interviews today, Grant Shapps admitted the government's coronavirus quarantine rules cause 'confusion' after England kept Portugal on the safe list - despite Scotland and Wales imposing curbs How Germany has nearly DOUBLED its testing rate to screen thousands of returning air passengers While Britain continues to hold out against introducing coronavirus tests at airports, Germany has nearly doubled its testing rate to screen thousands of passengers returning from Covid-19 hotspots abroad. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted today that testing at airports was not a 'silver bullet solution' after the UK's quarantine policy was thrown into confusion when Portugal was unexpectedly kept on the 'travel corridor' list. But in Germany, which has won plaudits for its testing programme since the start of the pandemic, travellers from high-risk areas have been getting free, compulsory coronavirus tests since August 8. Germany's busiest airport in Frankfurt has carried out more than 120,000 tests - with passengers exempted from a 14-day quarantine if they test negative. Results are generally delivered to passengers within three days, with some airports promising them within 24 hours or even on the same day. Mandatory tests will be dropped as the summer ends, but the recent resurgence in cases is already showing signs of slowing in Germany, in contrast to Spain and France where they are continuing to mount. Advertisement In Wales, the need to isolate for 14 days when arriving from Portugal, Gibraltar and seven Greek islands came into force at 4am on Friday. In Scotland, passengers arriving from Portugal will have to quarantine from 4am on Saturday, as well as those arriving from French Polynesia. Scotland began requiring travellers from anywhere in Greece to enter quarantine from Thursday. There were 23 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in Portugal in the seven days to Wednesday, up from 15.3 a week earlier. A seven-day rate of 20 is the threshold above which the UK Government has considered triggering quarantine conditions. Industry leaders and holidaymakers criticised the Government, saying travellers are 'totally confused' by the different approaches in Westminster and the devolved administrations. Critics have labelled the system 'quarantine roulette'. Kelly Jones and her family changed their flights home from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday at a cost of 900 to avoid a potential quarantine, because she did not want her children to miss two weeks of school. The 45-year-old from Birmingham said the situation was 'absolutely disgusting', telling the PA news agency: 'The Government just change the goalposts left, right and centre at the moment. It's embarrassing.' Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy the PC Agency, said: 'The quarantine policy is in tatters and dividing the United Kingdom. 'Consumers are totally confused by the different approaches and it's impossible to understand the Government's own criteria any more on when to add or remove a country.' It came as figures showed the number of close contacts of people who tested positive for Covid-19 being reached through Test and Trace was at its lowest since the system was launched. Thursday also saw the highest daily total of virus cases since June 4, with 1,735 positive results in the 24 hours to 9am. KYIV -- The trial of three defendants suspected of being involved in the high-profile killing of journalist Pavel Sheremet has started in Kyiv with the selection of jurors. The Shevchenko district court on September 4 selected jurors with the participation of defendants Andriy Antonenko, Yana Duhar, and Yulia Kuzmenko, and their legal teams. The court decided to remove two potential members of the jury from the panel due to conflicts of interest and possible bias. The jury will be fully established at the next hearing, scheduled for September 28. Sheremet, a Belarusian-born Russian citizen who had made Kyiv his permanent home, was leaving his apartment to head to the studio where he hosted a morning radio program when an improvised explosive device planted under his vehicle exploded on July 20, 2016, killing him. Antonenko, Duhar, and Kuzmenko were arrested in December as suspects in the case. Duhar was later released and curfew restrictions were imposed on her, while Kuzmenko was transferred to house arrest in August. Antonenko remains in a detention center. All three took part in military operations in different capacities in Ukraine's east, where government forces are fighting against Russia-backed separatists. They deny any involvement in Sheremets killing. Analysts said the murder underscored concerns of a climate of impunity for attacks on journalists and others who challenge the authorities, while the government has faced persistent criticism over a perceived lack of progress in solving the case. In January, the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office said additional evidence was needed for the case to go to trial. Sheremet's mother, Lyudmila Sheremet, told RFE/RL in December that she does not know if the suspects are guilty or not, but that she is afraid "that innocent people may be hurt" as officials try to show they're making headway in the case. Mark-Paul Gosselaar will always be beloved for playing Zack Morris on the hit sitcom Saved By The Bell (1989-1993) as a young teenager. But for the actor himself, those classic old episodes can be hard to watch on his new podcast Zack To The Future, where he and co-host Dashiell Driscoll critique each show of the original series one-by-one. 'I feel like it's a little bit torturous every week for me to go through this process because I am watching my work and it doesn't matter that it's 30 years old, it's still something that I feel like I can improve,' Gosselaar confessed in an interview with Variety. Back to the future: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, now 46, confessed watching old episodes of Saved By The Bell can 'feel a little bit torturous' on his new podcast Zack To The Future , where he and co-host Dashiell Driscoll critique each show of the original series one-by-one The revisiting of his days at Bayside High marks the first time Gosselaar, now 46, is watching the original show in its entirety. Currently his process consists of watching an episode on a Saturday as he takes notes, then go over bullet points with his co-host before rewatching it on Sunday right before taping. Each particular episode is then shown in the background as the two discuss the storyline and performances, as well as any other memory that may pop up during the conversation. 'There are moments where I'm talking with Dashiell[co-host] and I say, "My timing is off there; if I had just done it this way I bet I would have gotten a bigger laugh,"' he added. 'But that's just the perfectionist in me, which is why I don't like to watch my work: I feel like I should leave it on the set.' Walk down memory lane: Gosselaar and his co-host are watching each SBTB episode in their entirety and critiquing them storyline and performances; the cast which also included Tiffani Thiessen, Lark Vorhees, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond and Tori Spelling Gosselaar has been critical of his performances on his new podcast; He is pictured during a scene of the original show that aired in 1990 The podcast, which has been covering one episode per week, has only just got off the ground in early August, so the duo are only in the beginning stages of the sitcom that also starred Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Dennis Haskins, Elizabeth Berkley, Leanna Creel and Ed Alonzo. It followed the group of high school friends and their principal while primarily focusing on lighthearted comedic situations, although it occasionally touched on serious social issues including drug abuse, driving under the influence, homelessness, death, remarriage, environmental issues and women's rights. 'I learned so much from being on that show. It was a classroom on the set for me of how to conduct myself as an actor. Looking back, I bring up things like character protection. But I think that was one of the things that attracted so many people to the show: It was just the innocence of these characters, as well as the actors portraying them,' Gosselaar said. The podcast: Gosselaar and hos Zack To The Future co-host Dashiell Driscoll have been covering and critiquing one old episode per week Reboot: Gosselaar and Lopez are appearing in the Saved By The Bell reboot for Peacock 'A lot of people forget that we were the same age as the characters, so we were going through the same experiences as them. And there was no ego on the set there was no negative energy and when you watch the show you see that bleeding through,' the father of four added. 'So not getting another take now, as an actor I would put my foot down and say I need another one. But I don't know that people were looking that carefully at this show, it was a Saturday morning show.' Gosselaar will also be revisiting the role of Zack Morris in the upcoming Saved By The Bell reboot on Peacock, where he plays the new governor of California, alongside original castmates like Lopez and Berkley. 'I think that Tracey [Wigfield, showrunner] and the writers have done a very good job of staying true to the characters that we portrayed in the past while also moving them into the future and also coming up with a guideline or a blueprint that still works,' he said of the reboot before adding that the adult Zack is a heightened and fun version of what he was like as a teenager. Following a weeks-long battle with the coronavirus, an Argentine college professor died on Wednesday during a virtual zoom lecture, after a struggle to breathe and then collapsing. A report by Fox News said Paola de Simone, 46, was a professor at the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE) in Buenos Aires. According to Clarin, a newspaper in the country, she was married and had a daughter, the report cited. In a Twitter post on Aug 28, De Simone had previously detailed her struggle with COVID-19, writing that her symptoms had failed to subside after four weeks. | ARGENTINA Paola de Simone, profesora universitaria de 46 anos con coronavirus, murio mientras daba una clase virtual. El viernes 28 de agosto habia contado que llevaba cuatro semanas con la enfermedad pic.twitter.com/qUU39tGB1h Coronavirus NEWS (@CoronavirusNewv) September 4, 2020 Fox News said that in the post, De Simone added that her husband - in the medical therapy and emergencies field - was exhausted from working so much as the virus continued to impact the South American city. As her students watched from their own screens during the Zoom lecture, De Simone struggled to breathe, according to MDZ Online, an Argentine newspaper, Fox News cited. Although the students asked for her address in order to call an ambulance, the teacher was barely able to speak. She only responded I cant before passing out, the report cited. According to Fox News, the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa released a statement conveying deep sorrow over her passing. The statement added that she was a professor at the department of government and international relations and had 15 years of experience at the university, Fox News cited. Paola was a passionate and dedicated teacher, and a great person, the school wrote, according to Clarin. Fox News cited. The report said that along with friends and colleagues, Facundo Cruz, an academic coordinator at UADE expressed grief at her passing. Farewell to a friend. We will miss you, he wrote on Twitter, and in a statement had said that she had been teaching with a cough that failed to go away, the report said. She left a lasting impression. The report said that students also expressed what she meant as a teacher, and noted the lessons she forever passed on to them. Fox News reported that In the blog Politlogos al Whiskey, which had the title In memory of Paola de Simone (1973-2020), one student wrote: Paola left, but she first taught us love for what we choose to do, empathy for those around us and curiosity for the world. Thank you teacher, always, the report quoted. Fox News reported that according to data from Johns Hopkins University, as of Friday morning, Argentina has more than 451,198 total coronavirus cases and at least 9,361 deaths from the virus. 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. 4 September 2020 ALTONA ENERGY PLC ("Altona" or "the Company") BUSINESS UPDATE Altona (AQSE: ANR.PL), a mining exploration company with a focus on Rare Earth Element ("REE") mining projects in Africa, announces that it is moving forward on all fronts with regards to its new business strategy. In Malawi, the Company signed, on 1 September, Heads of Agreement with Akatswiri Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd, to acquire up to 75% of the Chambe Rare Earth project in Southern Malawi. The Heads of Agreement are not legally binding but form the basis of progressing towards a legally binding agreement if certain conditions are fulfilling by both parties. These conditions include a successful fund raise by Altona and the completion of due diligence by Altona on Akatswiri Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd. Following the recent general election in Malawi and a change in law regarding the naming of mineral licences, which has caused a back-log of permit approvals, the Company is waiting on the granting of Exploration Licence, APL 0153, which it hopes will happen in the coming weeks, when the Malawian Mining Department holds its next formal meeting. The Company's partner in Malawi, Akatswiri Mineral Resources, has been working closely with the government and local communities since March and, we understand, has now filed all the reports necessary to demonstrate the joint venture's ability to develop the project in a timely and sensitive manner, once the permit has been issued. These reports include, Environmental Social Management Plan, Exploration Plan and Budget, as well as conducting ongoing stakeholder consultation meetings with the Community and District Council of Mulanje. The formalisation of Hilton Banda's appointment to the board of Altona is ongoing and it is expected that Mr Banda will become a director of the Company in conjunction with the granting of the Exploration Licence for Chambe. Mr Banda is Chief Executive Officer of Akatswiri Mineral Resources and a highly experienced qualified geologist. The Company is now in advanced discussions with two other REE projects in different stable African jurisdictions, and the board is confident that it will sign Heads of Agreement with at least one of these companies within the next 30 days. These projects are both Carbonatite bearing REE deposits which have had extensive exploration work including diamond drilling carried out over the past 20 years by previous owners which warrants further exploration. Finally, the proposed capital raise, as announced on 17 July, will be launched via the NR Private Market investor platform (www.NRPrivateMarket.com), once the Exploration Licence has been granted in Malawi, or the Company signs Heads of Agreement with one of the other companies it is negotiating with. The Company will apply to AQSE to restore trading in the shares following a successful fund raise. -ends- For further information, please visit www.altonaenergy.com or contact: Altona Energy plc Christian Taylor-Wilkinson, Interim CEO Philip Sutherland, Non-Executive Director +44 (0) 7795 168 157 +61 (0)402 440 339 Alfred Henry Corporate Finance Ltd (Aquis Corporate Adviser) Jon Isaacs / Nick Michaels +44 (0) 20 3772 0021 Leander (Financial PR) +44 (0) 7795 168 157 Company Information Altona is a mining exploration company focused on the evaluation, development and extraction of Rare Earth Element (REE) metals. The Company was admitted to trading on AIM on 10 March 2005 and was subsequently admitted to Aquis Stock Exchange (previously NEX) on 1 February 2019. A copy of its Admission documents dated 4 March 2005 can be accessed on its website, www.altonaenergy.com. This website is where items can be inspected under Rule 75 of the Aquis Rules for Issuers, from 1 February 2019. Information on the Chambe Rare Earth Project Chambe is a large, ionic adsorption clay-hosted Rare Earth Elements ("REE") project bearing appreciable quantities of critical heavy and light REEs, particularly Ytterbium, Dysprosium, Yttrium, Neodymium and Praseodymium. Extensive exploration work has been carried out on the site since September 2010, suggesting the presence of mineralised Rare Earth Oxide clays, similar to many of the larger REE mines in China. The benefits of extracting REE from ionic clay deposits include lower operating and capital costs, as well as shorter times for development. Information on Minexia and NR Private Market Minexia is a fin-tech business which has been in development for c.4years and launched its investment platform, NR Private Market in Q1 2019, which allows private investors ('Sophisticated' or 'High Net Worth') to access a pipeline of high quality, pre-screened, advanced exploration and or early stage development mining projects. The platform has successfully closed six deals (total value c. 10M) to date and has secured a dozen platform partners and 6,000+ active platform users. Before the coronavirus outbreak, two or three medical emergencies would occur at the prison on a given day. During the worst of the crisis, there were as many as 20 a day. (Associated Press ) San Quentin State Prison has been no match for the coronavirus. Of the nearly 3,200 incarcerated individuals, 2,237 have been infected, more than 100 have been hospitalized, and 26 have died. As we stand over the rubble of this public health disaster, still stunned by the events of the past three months, we are compelled to give our account as front-line physicians and offer some hard-earned lessons for preventing similar outbreaks in correctional facilities. On May 28, we were informed that the state Department of Corrections would transfer 121 inmates from the state prison in Chino, the facility with the largest coronavirus outbreak at the time, to San Quentin. The intent was to move uninfected vulnerable people out of harms way and to a safer setting. However, a move this size, on two days notice, involving older people with serious medical conditions and during a global pandemic, struck us as profoundly ill-advised. San Quentin is the oldest prison in Californias overcrowded system. Many buildings date from the turn of the 20th century. Our patients are often housed two people to a 6-foot-by-10-foot cell with barred doors in five-tier blocks. This degree of overcrowding is the main reason 16 of the 17 largest coronavirus outbreaks in the country have been in correctional institutions. San Quentin has the largest cluster of all. Our careful efforts to avoid such a catastrophic outbreak, put in place in March, were upended by the transfer from Chino. We had developed plans with the prisons correctional staff to test, surveil, isolate, quarantine, triage and treat our patients. We advocated for the basics of infection control masks, soap and water, and staggered yard times. Visitations, volunteer programs and county jail transfers were all eventually suspended. We were judicious when approving offsite visits to specialty care for our patients. By May 28, there were six reported coronavirus cases among the staff, but none among the prison population. Story continues Then the buses from Chino arrived. We soon discovered many of the people transferred had not been tested for several weeks before departure. Some had symptoms upon arrival. Ideally, those transferred would have been moved into an isolated housing unit with their own dedicated staff for at least 14 days. But there was no such space in our overcrowded institution and no time to empty out a housing unit and rearrange staff assignments. Instead, the new arrivals were placed in cells that had bars rather than solid doors on the fourth and fifth floors of a poorly ventilated housing unit. The virus spread easily through the air and via staff movement between buildings. Once the virus took hold, its transmission was swift and widespread. As the virus engulfed the facility, many of those incarcerated at San Quentin opted out of testing and even declined to participate in routine monitoring or divulge COVID-19-like symptoms because they feared that medical isolation would result in solitary confinement. As the number of infections spiraled out of control, we moved quickly to try to mitigate the harm, assessing and treating hundreds of patients a day with limited staff and resources. Still, the amount of suffering, sickness and death has been staggering. Before the outbreak, two or three medical emergencies would occur on a given day; during the worst of the crisis, there were as many as 20 a day. Support has arrived in the form of housing tents, a field hospital and staff. But that help, while appreciated, came weeks past the outbreaks peak. Many of us physicians, nurses and correctional staff have worked more than 80 hours per week during this outbreak. We have shared the fear and anger of our patients while attempting to uphold their constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment in this case, preventable illness from a deadly virus. As the pandemic rages on in this country, the virus will continue to infiltrate and thrive in correctional institutions. San Quentins COVID-19 experience lays bare the injustices of our correctional system and the vulnerabilities of incarcerated people. But there are sensible ways to prevent this from happening elsewhere. First, and most important, we have to further reduce the population in overcrowded prisons and jails to below capacity. This could be done safely by minimizing new incarcerations, releasing those within months of parole or imprisoned on technical charges, and expanding the use of compassionate release for people who are frail and at high medical risk. In Norway, where prison populations have been reduced significantly, coronavirus-related deaths in custody have been almost nonexistent. Second, it is imperative that corrections officials make decisions during a pandemic in partnership with experts in infection control, epidemiology and public health. We need to give local public health officials the jurisdictional breadth and authority to take all necessary measures to protect the health of correctional populations. These local leaders should be supported by regional command centers that can provide additional staffing, isolation housing, rapid testing and data management immediately in the event of an outbreak. Finally, the system needs to listen to the people living within its walls. Those perspectives and experiences will give us better insight into our missteps. A detailed analysis of the San Quentin outbreak and rigorous preparation going forward are the only ways to rebuild our patients trust. We cannot protect our patients, the staff and the surrounding communities without systemic accountability and change. It is time to put health first. The only thing worse than the San Quentin tragedy would be to not learn from it. Haiyan Ramirez Batlle is an internist at San Quentin. John Grant is a family physician at San Quentin. George Beatty and Laura Collins, both physicians at San Quentin, also contributed to this article. They are all members of the Public Policy Committee of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the interim bail plea of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, serving life imprisonment in an 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, filed on health grounds. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, and also comprising Justice A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, said it was not inclined to accept Kumars plea. We will hear you finally someday but cannot grant you bail like this, said the bench. Kumar, through his counsel Vikas Singh, had sought interim bail on health grounds saying he has been in jail for 20 months, has lost nearly 16 kg weight and needs to recover from pre-existing ailments. Singh said Kumar would abide by all the conditions which would be imposed by the court. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who has been appearing for some of the riots victims, opposed the plea and said the required treatment is already being given to Kumar at hospital. Kumar is serving life imprisonment after the Delhi High Court had convicted him and others in the case on December 17, 2018. We are not treating the judgement (of the Delhi High Court which convicted and sentenced Kumar in the case) as faulty merely because it has reversed earlier verdict. We will hear you finally someday, the bench said. The high court had reversed the acquittal of Kumar by the trial court in 2013 in the case related to the killings of five Sikhs in the Raj Nagar Part-I area in Palam Colony in southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and burning down of a gurdwara in Raj Nagar Part- II. The riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her bodyguards. On May 13, the apex court had dismissed the plea by Kumar who had sought interim bail or parole on health grounds, saying he did not need hospitalization as per medical report at the moment. In its verdict, the high court had convicted and sentenced Kumar to imprisonment for remainder of his natural life in the case saying the riots were a crime against humanity perpetrated by those who enjoyed political patronage and aided by an indifferent law enforcement agency. TCN News Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has welcomed the release of Dr Kafeel Khan, who has been repeatedly imprisoned by the Uttar Pradesh government on false criminal charges. Support TwoCircles In its latest statement, IAMC has also welcomed the release of activists Devangana Kalita, Farhan Zuberi and Sharjeel Usmani, lauding the UP High Court for rejecting the governments claim in December last year that Dr Kafeel Khan, the 39-year-old paediatrician had tried to increase hatred, enmity and disharmony towards Hindus. It has expressed that the High Court has unequivocally ruled that Dr Khan did not promote hatred or violence but in fact gave a call for unity among citizens, thus exposing the governments true intent behind incarcerating him. IAMC stated that the Uttar Pradesh government has acted in an appalling manner by repeatedly filing false criminal cases against Dr Khan for three years where he had been falsely accused of negligence causing the death of 70 minor patients at a government hospital while the investigations revealed that he had worked day and night to save hundreds of children from death by arranging oxygen cylinders for them from his own money. IAMC resonated that protesting against the anti-citizenship laws and criticizing the BJP government in India has become a reason for the persecution of Indian Muslims and that the UP state government has been involved in rounding up activists and student leaders for the same. With regards to arrest of students leaders, IAMC Vice President Syed Ali said that the UP government, run by Modis BJP party has viciously attacked, killed and imprisoned hundreds of Muslims over the last seven months in a bid to terrorise Indias largest religious minority and that it is engaging in a full-blown hate campaign to browbeat it into submission to the new citizenship law. Ahsan Khan of IAMC accused the BJP of sabotaging the right to protest and the freedom of expression which have long been the cornerstone of Indian democracy. He discussed that the Indian government must immediately release other human rights defenders such as Ishrat Jahan, Natasha Narwal, Meeran Haider, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi, Akhil Gogoi, Dhairjya Konwar, Bittu Sonowal, Manash Konwar and others who were arrested during the anti-CAA protests. IAMC has also demanded the release of former Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, poet Varavara Rao, Ex-DU Professor GN Saibaba, Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha. Iranians Deserve Freedom Not Bullets, State Department Says Radio Farda August 30, 2020 In response to a tweet by Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accusing the United States government of "murdering" young American protesters, State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said on Saturday that Iranians deserve "freedom and a future, not the Basij's bullets." "Khamenei's thugs killed 1,500 Iranians on the streets of Iran last November," Ortagus wrote, quoting Khamenei's tweet. "At least 23 were children. They deserved freedom and a future." In his tweet on August 27, Khamenei had said that when young Americans go into the street, they can't be sure that they won't be murdered by a gun. Khamenei was apparently referring to recent protests in some U.S. cities against police violence against African-Americans, some of which led to clashes and deaths. In fall 2019, protests erupted across Iran in response to the sudden tripling of gas prices. Thousands were arrested, and according to Amnesty International, at least 304 protesters were killed in 37 Iranian cities, with many of the victims suffering gunshot wounds in the upper part of their chest, evidencing that security forces had a shoot-to-kill order. Reuters, in a December 2019 report, quoted three sources close to Khamenei's inner circle claiming that 1,500 Iranians were killed during the protests. Khamenei had previously told the security forces in a public meeting to "do whatever is necessary to stop" the protests. U.S.' Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, estimated the death toll at around 1,000 protesters killed by Iranian security forces in November 2019. Following the protests, the Iranian government stayed silent on the deaths for nearly seven months, despite criticism by Iranian and international media and political figures, until May 2020, when Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli suggested that the death toll stood around 200 protesters. Regime officials have also claimed that "enemies" and opposition groups, including monarchists, Mujahedi-e Khalq (MEK) and ISIS, were training the protesters for armed conflict, and that some protesters had also killed other protesters. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iranians-deserve- freedom-and-future-not-bullets-state-department -spokesperson-says/30811704.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 03:41:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video conference on regional affairs, particularly the latest tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. "During the video conference, President Erdogan reiterated his commitment to a fair allocation (of energy resources), whereby the rights of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean would be protected, and which would serve the interests of all littoral states," said a statement by the Turkish Presidential Communications Office. Erdogan accused Greece, the Greek Cypriots, and the states supporting them of having been taking steps to escalate the tension, said the statement. Erdogan also stated that he welcomed Merkel's efforts to contribute to the solution of the problem "that has been caused by recent steps by Greece and its supporters, which undermined regional peace." Athens and Ankara have been at odds over hydrocarbon rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey dispatched its seismic survey vessel, Oruc Reis, escorted by Turkish warships to the area after Greece and Egypt signed a maritime border agreement. Greece, which has called on Turkey to withdraw its vessels from the area, also deployed warships to monitor the Turkish activities there. Enditem Victoria's stubborn tail of coronavirus cases should not prevent Premier Daniel Andrews considering reopening the state after next weekend, a number of leading epidemiologists have said, because it was largely healthcare and aged care workers now getting sick. "You can't lock down five million people in Melbourne because you have a certain number of healthcare workers who are contracting COVID-19," Deakin University epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett said. "We have to find a way to shut down that transmission or stop the spread in those workplaces." Daniel Andrews' restrictions announcement is due on Sunday. Credit:Jason South Melbourne University epidemiologist Professor James McCaw broadly agreed, saying there was now "very little circulation within the general community", and adding that it was "very reasonable" to question whether extending Melbourne's stage four lockdown beyond September 13 was the best option. And Professor Tony Blakely, another senior Melbourne University epidemiologist, said it was time for the government to adopt a two-pronged approach to COVID-19 infection control one for the general population and another for complex settings such as aged care and healthcare. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam (Reuters) Karachi, Pakistan Fri, September 4, 2020 13:37 503 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42b5121 2 Science & Tech Grindr,Pakistan,block,dating-app,united-states,LGBTQ Free Grindr said on Thursday it was deeply disappointed by Pakistan's decision this week to block it and four other dating apps including Tinder after they were deemed to be disseminating "immoral content". The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) said on Tuesday it was seeking the removal of "dating services" from apps Tinder, Grindr, Tagged, Skout and SayHi and asking them to moderate live streamed content in accordance with local laws. "We are deeply disappointed by the ... decision to ban Grindr and other dating apps that allow Pakistani citizens to connect with others on our platforms," Grindr's chief operating officer Rick Marini said in an emailed statement to Reuters. He said the US-based company, which describes itself as the world's largest social networking app for gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, was "exploring ways that we can be of service to the LGBTQ community in the region". Pakistan, the second largest Muslim-majority country in the world after Indonesia, is an Islamic nation where extra-marital relationships and homosexuality are illegal. A recent clampdown on online content by the PTA has also seen warnings given to other major platforms. Tinder, a globally popular dating app owned by Match Group, said in an emailed response to Reuters that it was always willing to work with regulators and law enforcement. Read also: Gay dating apps warn over coronavirus as online meetings expected to rise "We welcome the opportunity to discuss our product and moderation efforts with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and look forward to a meaningful conversation," a Tinder spokesperson said. Grindr's statement did not say whether it would seek to discuss the matter further with Pakistani authorities. On Wednesday, the PTA said it had asked video-sharing platform YouTube to immediately block certain content for viewing in Pakistan, for the second time in a week. YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc., was blocked in Pakistan for three years until 2016. Usama Khilji, director of BoloBhi, a Pakistani digital rights advocacy group, said blocking content deemed to offend decency and morality was a way of pressuring social media companies into complying with government requests for user data and censorship of content deemed critical of state policies. "Dating apps are a soft target," he told Reuters. Extinction Rebellion climate crisis activists have glued themselves to the street outside the entrance to parliament to highlight what they said was the governments lack of action to tackle the environmental emergency. The activists said the government had done little to reach its own inadequate targets so they had to take action to ensure politicians took the issue seriously. A number of arrests have been made, according to Reuters. Extinction Rebellion activists were sitting in the entrances to parliament on Thursday morning as MPs made their way into the Palace of Westminster. Nuala Gathercole Lam from Extinction Rebellion told The Independent: We will continue to cause disruption to parliament until serious action is taken following their declaration of emergency over a year ago. Their own advisers said in June that they are neglecting even their own inadequate targets, with only four of 21 indicators on track and only two of 31 milestones reached. If I got that kind of performance evaluation Id be out of a job. Everything we love is at stake so were here until they act. The group said escalation of disruption followed Tuesdays tabling of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill by Green MP Caroline Lucas. If politicians wont take this crisis seriously then we must prevent them from causing more harm, Extinction Rebellion said. We will not be bystanders. Extinction Rebellion member Sarah Lunnon, who previously represented the Green Party for Stroud Central told The Independent: We know that Parliament can act to address an emergency, weve seen the response to Covid 19. This highlights the lack of action taken to protect us from the far greater threat, the unravelling of climate and the natural world. The rebels glued on outside the entrances to Parliament are calling for emergency action, for the government to pass the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill tabled yesterday, sponsored by MPs from seven Political Parties. There is now a parliamentary route to action, we are demanding government take it, for us, for those yet unborn, for the beautiful web of life we share our common home with. The organisation has said the protests, which began this week as MPs returned from the summer recess, were to ensure they start anew with justice, care and life at the heart of it. From [September] 1st we will peacefully disrupt the UK Parliament in London, carrying out pressure building actions over two weeks, until they back the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill and prepare for crisis with a National Citizens Assembly, Extinction Rebellion said on its website. The Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill is a private members bill drafted by scientists, academics and lawyers, and aims to strengthen the Climate Change Act and ensure the UK has a comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore our natural world. The action in London comes as Extinction Rebellion members in Manchester target three branches of Barclays Bank. The group said this was to let customers know that Barclays, among other big banks, funds the fossil fuels worsening the climate crisis. In a statement, Extinction Rebellion said: [Barclays] is the biggest financier of fossil fuel projects in Europe, and has invested 89bn in them since the Paris Agreement was signed promising a transition to clean energy. The people of this country want to be part of that future, yet when investment the money we have deposited is funnelled into dirty energy rather than this transition we are locked into using that instead. Now, a few days later, Daniel is feeling desperate again. Staff at her husband's facility told her it would likely be a month before they'd be ready to begin accepting visitors. She's heard a similar refrain from contacts throughout Florida that few homes are prepared to welcome guests, even though visitation is technically allowed. "It's almost cruel, when you have people saying, Can I go in tomorrow? Can I go in the next day? because the order's enforced. The governor signed this, Daniel says. Florida's announced resumption of nursing home visits has attracted national attention. Most other states have issued guidelines for resuming visits, but Florida is a national bellwether for elder care, says Brian Lee, executive director of Families for Better Care, a nursing home and assisted living advocacy group. The state's plan leaves out some strategies implemented elsewhere, like a regional reopening plan for facilities in certain counties some of which are seeing the coronavirus continue to spread rapidly. Another notable absence: a requirement for testing visitors. Some advocates for nursing home residents worry that Florida's guidelines are so broadly written they'll lead to uncertainty, delays and even death. I'm deeply concerned that this order is going to be used as a blueprint for other states to mirror what Florida has done, says Lee, a former Florida long-term care ombudsman, who was tasked with helping families navigate concerns about facilities. 'People are desperate for information' More than 30 states have resumed certain kinds of visits to nursing homes since the federal government released guidelines for doing so in May, urging extreme caution and saying the facilities should be among the last to reopen in any community. Most states have moved slowly, with many reunions happening outdoors, at a distance and by appointment only. A handful of states have introduced more visits for family members deemed to be essential caregivers. In parts of Arizona, where officials announced a proposal for resuming nursing home visits just a few days before Florida, indoor social calls for most guests are allowed only if they can prove they recently tested negative for the coronavirus. Mandatory-testing states are in the minority, but Lee says that Florida should lead by example. Community transmission of the coronavirus remains high in parts of the state, which regularly reports more than 3,000 new cases a day. It's not just that we rushed it's that we somehow purposefully sidestepped the one thing that would give us some measure of confidence that we could do this safely, says Jeff Johnson, the state director for AARP Florida. You can't do this safely without testing." DeSantis put Daniel on the task force that created the guidelines for this week's announcement, which came via executive order. She says testing was not made mandatory in part because of delays associated with the government's preferred coronavirus antigen tests, which can leave people waiting days for results. Lee and Johnson note that more rapid tests are available. Still, they praise other parts of DeSantis plan. Facilities will be able to accept visitors only if they've been coronavirus-free for two weeks. And visits won't be allowed in residences that aren't sufficiently staffed to handle them. Mike Phillips, Florida's long-term care ombudsman, is hopeful that the state will go a step further in holding facilities accountable for staff shortages, possibly by preventing them from accepting new residents. As of now, facilities that are short-staffed can continue accepting patients while current residents remain cut off from their families. That's the one area that concerns me a bit the reentry into the facilities is contingent upon having sufficient staff, Phillips says. Florida's policy also gives individual facilities lots of discretion. That means a residence won't be pressured by the government to reopen to visitors if it isn't ready, but Daniel wants facilities to be more proactive in developing and sharing their visitation plans. I'm chomping at the bit, she says. People are desperate for information." Across the country, visits still rare Nationwide, long-term care homes have been reluctant to be the first in their state to reopen. Without clearly defined reopening instructions from state officials, facilities don't want to risk exposing residents to the virus. Lee points to Texas, where nursing home reopening guidelines were issued at the beginning of August. Two weeks after facilities were allowed to submit reopening plans to the state, fewer than 30 of the more than 1,200 facilities in Texas had resumed visits, according to a report from the Dallas Morning News. Only a dozen had been approved. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will from September 7 meet customers of the 53 defunct fund management companies. A statement by the SEC stated that all customers of the collapsed fund management companies will be met virtually for the first creditors meeting. SEC in November last year withdrew the licenses of 53 fund management companies. The SEC said the affected companies failed to return client funds which remained locked up in, contravention of the investment rules. Attached is a copy of the statement from SEC and scheduled times to meet customers of the defunct fund management companies. Fund Management companies statement BRADY ANDERSON, Chariho, Wrestling, Sophomore; Anderson finished first in the 152-pound weight class at the Griswold Midseason Invitational tournament. Anderson went 3-0 in the tournament, pinning all of his opponents in the first period. Anderson is 10-4. LYDIA LASKEY, Stonington, Gymnastics, Senior; Laskey finished first in all four events in meets against NFA and Westerly. Laskey had an all-around score of 33.75 against NFA and 34.60 against Westerly. RILEY PELOQUIN, Westerly, Girls Basketball, Sophomore; Peloquin scored 22 points and had 19 rebounds in two games. Peloquin is averaging 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds a game for the Bulldogs. DEONDRE BRANSFORD, Wheeler, Boys Basketball, Sophomore; Bransford scored 25 points and had 28 rebounds in a pair of Wheeler victories. Bransford is averaging 10.6 points and 12.1 rebounds per contest for the Lions. Vote View Results Joe Biden,Jill Biden Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks as he meets with members of the community at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wis., Sept. 3, 2020. Credit - Carolyn KasterAP As Joe Biden met with community leaders in a Kenosha church on Thursday, roughly four dozen of the voters he needs to win Wisconsin waited on the street outside, several layers of brick away from the man running to be their President. The crowd on the street outside Grace Lutheran Church represented the coalition that Biden is counting on to win the White House: moderate suburban women and disaffected Black voters, union workers and remorseful Donald Trump supporters, first-time voters and grizzled activists. Some may still need persuading. When asked why he was here to see Biden, one activist who refused to give his name said, Im not here to see him, he should be here to see us. Except Biden barely saw them. The campaign is extremely concerned about protecting both the candidate and his supporters from COVID-19, which is why Biden has so rarely traveled outside of Delaware since March, and why he has bucked tradition by not holding any in-person rallies. This trip to Kenosha, which came two days after President Trump staged a photo-op in front of buildings burned during the riots after Jacob Blakes shooting, was his first trip to Wisconsin since the pandemic began. The visit took on outsize symbolic importance, both because of Bidens light swing state schedule and because Hillary Clinton ignored Wisconsin in 2016, allowing Trump to narrowly carry a state that helped lift him to victory in the Electoral College. The Vice President started his visit by meeting with members of the Blake family. Then he traveled to Grace Lutheran to hear from local leaders, including activists, business owners, religious leaders and police officers. Apart from a livestream of that conversation, the trip seemed designed to attract as little attention as possible: partly to avoid crowds, the campaign didnt release the location of the event ahead of time, even to press. (I found it only by following road closures and scouting local police movements.) Story continues The voters gathered outside the church didnt seem to care much that they didnt see the Vice President. Many said they planned to vote for him, whether they got a chance to see him in person or not. I think people have formed strong enough opinions at this point, it might not make a difference, says Emma Steidtman, 17, who turns 18 in a few weeks and will be voting in her first election. She plans to vote for Biden simply because hes not Trump. But in conversations with the people waiting outside for a glimpse of the Vice President, it was clear that his Wisconsin coalition was hanging together, if only barely. Justin Blake, uncle of Jacob Blake, protests outside the Grace Lutheran Church where Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to hold an event in Kenosha, Wis., Sept. 3, 2020. Biden met with Blake family members earlier in the day. Morry GashAP Black voters are especially important to Bidens math in Wisconsin, especially in the aftermath of the Blake shooting and the subsequent protests, which have left Kenosha blighted and deepened Americas racial strife. Thats why Biden traveled to Kenosha in the first place: to demonstrate his empathy for grieving families and his capacity to heal the nations wounds. Still, some Black residents greeted Bidens visit with a response that was lukewarm at best. I just hope they get Trump out of office, says Shaletha Mayfield, 36, a pharmacy technician standing on the lawn of a house across the street from the church. Her brother Jamar Mayfield, a 37-year old production technician, snorted, Im voting for Kanye. Mayfield later clarified he was joking about voting for West, whose Presidential campaign has been boosted by GOP operatives in an apparent effort to divide Black voters. But the quip revealed how little he trusted Biden. Both siblings say they voted for Clinton in 2016 and plan to vote for Biden in November, not that it matters. I think its rigged, says Shaletha Mayfield. I dont think Biden stands a chance. Jamar Mayfield said he appreciated that Biden visited Blakes family, but was skeptical of his motives. Is he just trying to get a vote? he said of Biden. Hes said some racist sh-t too. Mayfield added that he liked Bidens running mate Kamala Harris, the first woman of color on a major party presidential ticketespecially the senators track record on rehabilitation programs for young nonviolent offenders. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the daily D.C. Brief newsletter. Next to the Mayfields, Helen LeClaire, 64, wore jean shorts and a paisley-printed top and held a hand-painted sign that said Attn: Suburban Housewives & Children: Wake Up! LeClaire voted for Clinton in 2016, and says she plans to call her two sisters, both married to Trump-supporting Republicans, and say if they love me, they better vote for Biden and not tell their husbands. David Sanchez waved a six-foot long Biden-Harris flag nearby. I didnt want Hillary. The way she spoke, says Sanchez, 65, who says he voted twice for Obama and then for Trump in 2016. Sanchez, wearing a Harley Davidson T-shirt and a black bandana, said Trump lost his support after the President started a public feud with Harley Davidson. He came out of the gate acting like a jerk, he says with a sheepish shrug, adding that he had kept his 2016 vote mostly secret: Youre the third person that Ive told. Other Trump voters in the crowd said they were still undecided. Im scared sometimes hes gonna get us blown up, but hes brought the economy back, says Debby Baartz, 43, who says shes still weighing her options this year. Baartz, who drove over from a nearby town in Illinois, says she was disappointed when Biden didnt come out to greet the gathered crowd as he left. I understand its a very trying time, but this is when we need you, she says. This guy wants to be President? Come out and meet people. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden waves as he participates in a conversation with parents and educators in Wauwatosa, Wis., September 3, 2020. Alex WongGetty Images Trump has attempted to paint the racial unrest as evidence of the dangers of a liberal America, but some Wisconsin voters arent buying it. Dave Swartz, a 56-year old electrician, wore his International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers T-shirt and carried a handmade Dump Trump sign made with red electrical tape. Trump said theres gonna be civil unrest under Bidens presidency, but we have this on Trumps watch, he says. Trump is President, Biden isnt. Swartz says the union leadership supports Biden, but many of the rank-and-file union members are still for Trump. Somebody told me I was drinking the Kool-Aid, he says. But I prefer the blue Kool-Aid to the orange Kool-Aid. Biden ended his visit at a local home on a leafy street nearby, meeting with educators and parents about the challenges of starting a new school year during the pandemic. As he left the meeting, roughly 200 neighbors who had spilled out of their homes to see him from their lawns cheered Lets Go Joe. This time, the Vice President walked out into the street to wave, and to offer a parting message: Dont forget to vote! Arlene Foster made the call after the Irish tricolour was used in the graphic illustrating differing travel quarantine restrictions in place in the different UK regions during Friday mornings show. Mrs Fosters DUP party branded the incident disgraceful. At the end of the programme, presenter Naga Munchetty apologised for the error. We would like to apologise for a mistake we made earlier in the programme, she said. In a graphic sequence explaining the differing travel quarantine rules around the nations of the UK we mistakenly showed the wrong flag for Northern Ireland. At 0811 a graphic was used by @BBCBreakfast wrongly representing NI with an RoI flag. North Antrim MP Ian Paisley emailed the Director General & demanded an immediate apology. The apology (below) at 0858 is welcome but disgraceful that it had to be highlighted. pic.twitter.com/z6H8odWdaC Advertisement DUP (@duponline) September 4, 2020 Mrs Foster welcomed the apology but urged the BBCs new director general Tim Davie to establish what went wrong. She tweeted: @BBCBreakfast were right to apologise swiftly but the BBC DG needs to investigate the editorial process that allowed the inaccurate graphic to air. Very poor. The DUP said one of its MPs, Ian Paisley, had emailed Mr Davie following the error to demand an apology. Oceanside agreed this week to set some rules for flying drones in public places, the result of recent incidents, including one that injured a beachgoer. We just want to establish some protocols so we can be sure people are safe, police Lt. Aaron Doyle told Oceanside City Council members at a meeting Wednesday. The rapid spread of remotely piloted aircraft has some cities looking for ways to control them. Poway was one of the first cities in the area to set limits in 2015, and San Diego adopted its regulations in April. The Federal Aviation Administration also sets regulations for drones, but those rules are administrative and cant be enforced by local police. Oceansides proposal would require operators to get a permit before flying drones over the beach, the pier and a few other places. Among other restrictions, it would require drones to remain within the operators line of sight, outside the flight path of any occupied aircraft, and only operate during daylight. Advertisement Oceanside City Council members unanimously supported the proposal, which would be effective 30 days after a second presentation to the council expected later this year. Three incidents over the summer prompted Oceanside police to request the ordinance, Doyle said. A drone fell onto a beachgoer causing minor injuries in July after the pilot lost sight of his flying machine and it crashed into a palm tree near the city pier, he said. Another narrowly missed a young girl on the beach in August after the operator lost control. Perhaps the most serious problem occurred in June, Doyle said. City and county firefighters were battling an 85-acre blaze near the border of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton. Crews in aircraft delivering water drops on the fire spotted a drone in their flight path, and all aerial operations had to cease for about one hour until it was gone. Not only does the delay hinder firefighting efforts, but a mid-air collision between a remotely operated drone and an occupied aircraft could have tragic results, with fatalities and extensive property damage, the lieutenant said. The proposed ordinance also prohibits drones over occupied schools, or to transmit visual images or audio recordings of anyone who has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Drones must remain within the line of sight of the operator without the use of binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices, and cannot approach any closer than 25 feet to any person but the operator or an assistant. Also, the ordinance requires a pre-approved, one-time city permit to operate a drone over the beach, the pier, the City Hall complex or police and fire stations. The cost of the permit is expected to be about $150, but Councilwoman Esther Sanchez said the amount should be less. Some beautiful videos have made with drones over Oceansides pier, mission and beaches, Sanchez said, and she wants to encourage people to make more of them. Posted on the internet, the videos can boost the citys image and help attract tourists to the area. Councilman Jerry Kern said the cost of the permit should be enough to recover the citys costs for regulating the activity, and that the amount can be adjusted later, if necessary. The technology is moving so rapidly, were playing catch-up, Kern said. The proposed regulations should not prohibit the average person from flying drones they receive as gifts or buy for hobbies, Councilman Jack Feller said. This does not prohibit a guy who gets a drone from flying it in his cul de sac, Feller said. Violators of the ordinance could be subject to fines of $1,000 for each violation, and could have their drone impounded as evidence. philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl DOJ: Missouri Men Arrested on Firearm Charges Near Kenosha After Police Receive Tip of Possible Shooting Two men from Missouri have been arrested and charged after law enforcement received a tip that the pair were traveling to Kenosha, Wisconsin, with assault-style weapons, the Justice Department announced. The arrests come as civil unrest and violence flooded Kenosha after law enforcement shot Jacob Blake seven times after Blake resisted officers attempts to arrest him. The shooting turned Kenosha the latest center of attention for police brutality and reform. During the demonstrations, two people were fatally shot and a third wounded by an alleged 17-year-old boy. His lawyers say he was acting in self-defense. Michael M. Karmo, 40, and Cody E. Smith, 33, were arrested on Sept. 1 on federal charges of illegal possession of firearms at a hotel located near Kenosha, federal officials said. The FBI became alerted about the pair after a law enforcement agency in Iowa received a tip that Karmo and an unidentified male were in possession of firearms and were traveling from Missouri to Kenosha to loot and possible pick people off,' according to court documents (pdf). Text messages between Karmo and the tipster allegedly showed Karmo holding a rifle with another male holding what appeared to be a shotgun. Meanwhile, the tipster told law enforcement that on Aug. 31, Karmo told him that he was going to go to Kenosha with the intention of possibly using the firearms on people, the court documents said. During their investigation, law enforcement found photos of firearms, including assault-style rifles, on a social media account under the name of Michael Karmo. Authorities used information from the tipster and social media to track down Karmo who they found with Smith outside of a Toyota Highlander vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel in Wisconsin. After a search of their vehicle and hotel room, which Karmo and Smith consented to, FBI agents recovered an Armory AR-15 assault rifle, a Mossberg 500 AB 12-Gauge shotgun, two handguns, a silencer, ammunition, body armor, a drone, and other materials, according to the criminal complaint. Federal prosecutors said both Karmo and Smith had prior felony convictions and could not legally possess firearms and ammunition. In an interview, Smith told the FBI that he and Karmo traveled from Missouri, where they were housemates, to attend a President Donald Trump rally on Sept. 1. They had attended to also visit Detroit, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, according to the complaint. Karmo also told the FBI that the pair worked together and are part of the 417 Second Amendment Militia. He said the pair decided to drive to Kenosha to see for themselves what was going on regarding the riots and had planned to go to Portland, Oregon to do the same. He also told agents that he was also willing to take action if police were defunded, the complaint stated. Karmo has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, meanwhile Smith was charged with aiding and abetting a felons possession of firearms, and two counts of possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person. If convicted the two men could face up to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervision after release from prison. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) tears her copy of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address after he delivered it to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Feb. 4, 2020. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo) Republicans Want Barr to Determine Whether Pelosi Committed Crime When She Ripped Trump Speech Two Republican House members have sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr asking whether House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) broke federal law when she ripped up President Donald Trumps State of the Union speech earlier this year. Trump delivered the address in February after an especially contentious period in Congress, coming weeks after the House voted to impeach him. The Senate ultimately did not convict him. Republican Policy Committee Chairman Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Mike Johnson (R-La.) wrote a letter (pdf) to Barr on Tuesday, asking to give an answer whether the speaker committed a criminal act by destroying an official copy of the State of the Union speech delivered to her. We ask the Attorney General to review this scandalous outburst, not simply because it offended every American, but because it set a precedent for radical politicians to hijack state events for partisan performance art and possibly break the law with, thus far, no consequence, Palmer wrote. The lawmakers believe she violated the U.S. Code, which bars the mutilation of official federal records and sets a criminal penalty for destroying documents with up to three years in prison. Pelosis spokesman, in response to the allegation, told Fox News that the claim she violated the law is false. He also noted that the lawmakers listed the wrong date in the letter. At the time, Douglas Cox, professor of law at the City of New York University School of Law, said that Pelosis copy of the State of the Union address is not a government record or government property at all and is personal property. Pelosis office hasnt responded to a request for comment. LOS ANGELES Britney Spears is welcoming public scrutiny of the court conservatorship that has controlled her life and money for 12 years as she seeks to push her father out of power, according to a Thursday court filing. Spears filed an objection, unprecedented in the 12 years of the conservatorship, to a motion from her father, James Spears, to seal a recent filing in the case, forcefully arguing that the public ought to know what is happening to her and tacitly voicing her support for the #FreeBritney movement among fans that her father has shown scorn for. Britneys conservatorship has attracted an unprecedented level of scrutiny from mainstream media and social media alike, the filing says. Far from being a conspiracy theory or a joke as James reportedly told the media, in large part this scrutiny is a reasonable and even predictable result of James aggressive use of the sealing procedure over the years to minimize the amount of meaningful information made available to the public. The world is watching, the filing later says. James Spears and the conservatorships attorneys, who work for him, have constantly sought to have courtrooms closed and filings sealed in the case. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny has routinely approved the moves. But Britney Spears objects to the sealing of her fathers motion to have attorney Andrew Wallet returned to his role of co-conservator along with James Spears. Britney believes it is consistent, not only with her personal best interests but also with good public policy generally, that the decision to appoint a new conservator of her estate be made in as open and transparent a manner as possible, her filing says. The sealing motion is supposedly being brought by her father to protect Britneys interests, but she is adamantly opposed to it. The arguments to seal have said that Britney Spears private medical information, details about her children and trade secrets must be protected. But she argues in her opposition that none of those things are revealed in this or many other filings in the case. A conservatorship, known in many states as guardianship, is usually reserved for people with a severely diminished capacity to make decisions for themselves. In cases like Britney Spears, who was put under control when she was having psychological problems and her life was in a downward spiral in 2008, they rarely last this long. Recent filings showed that Britney Spears assets, which the conservatorship controls, totaled about $50 million at the start of 2020. Her father and Wallet acted for years as her co-conservators, until Wallet stepped aside last year, briefly leaving James Spears in sole control. Citing health concerns, James Spears temporarily stepped down as conservator of his daughters personal affairs, but he stayed conservator of her finances. Jodi Montgomery became conservator of Britneys person. After years of silence on the conservatorship, which Spears has agreed was necessary at first, she has suddenly begun to publicly express her wishes, though she has stopped short of declaring she wants it to end entirely. She said in court papers last month that she wanted Montgomery to stay on permanently and strongly objected to his father retaking her role. And in a new filing Wednesday, she said she wants a financial company, Bessemer Trust, to be the conservator overseeing her money, a move that would push James Spears out entirely. An email seeking comment from James Spears attorneys was not immediately returned. She has also sought a financial role for her sister Jamie Lynn Spears as a trustee in a recent filing. The dueling motions set up a showdown between James and Britney Spears that will be the subject of an October hearing and could stretch into a longer court fight. Thursdays motion also includes what might be called a shout-out to the fans in the #FreeBritney movement, who have collectively called online for her release from court control and have consistently protested outside her court hearings. At this point in her life when she is trying to regain some measure of personal autonomy, the filing says, Britney welcomes and appreciates the informed support of her many fans. Covid-19 cases in India have gone from one million to nearly four million in less than two months, with the daily number of cases registering a global record on some days. The pandemic has spread and the numbers are expected to continue to rise as the country resumes business activity. A few states, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, are contributing to the maximum caseload. Experts believe that this may also be because of better testing infrastructure in these states. While deaths per million are 49 in India against a global average of 111, some states have seen an increase in fatalities in the last two weeks. For instance, Delhi and Karnataka have seen an increase of almost 50 and 10 per cent, respectively, in the average daily Covid deaths on a week-on-week basis from August 13 to September 2. With the total Covid-related deaths in India nearing 70,000, the third highest in the world, experts are worried about states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, especially the rural areas where the virus could cause havoc due to the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure. (Natural News) A California district attorney is requiring her prosecutors to consider looters needs when weighing criminal charges against them, reports Fox News. (Article by John Nolte republished from Breitbart.com) The new mandate, set forth by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diane Becton, makes it tougher to prosecute looting cases in the county, which sits just outside San Francisco, the report says. Shes ordering them to consider five factors, including, Was the theft committed for financial gain or personal need? Need? As in I need to update my stereo system? No one in America needs anything. Unless youre mentally disabled, which is a whole other discussion, you have food and shelter aplenty. Not to mention free schooling and medical care. Not to mention an iPhone, video games, cable TV, Netflix, air conditioning, and Internet. What a load of crapola. When the domestic terrorist groups that call themselves Black Lives Matter and Antifa first organized their riots more than three months ago, I said in no uncertain terms we were only at the beginning of the violence. That the riots would go on and on and on. Some scoffed at that. In the past, even during the turbulent 60s, riots never lasted more than a few days. Either order was restored or the anger burnt itself out. It was obvious from day one, these riots were different. To begin with, they are not really riots. Riots are organic. What we are seeing today are organized terror campaigns. Black Lives Matter and Antifa are nothing more and nothing less than the Democrat Partys Brownshirts. How do we know this? To begin with, the Democrat Party openly sides with the terrorists, as does the corporate media. And not just rhetorically. It is no secret that Joe Bidens VP pick, Kamala Harris, supported a bail fund specifically set up to immediately release those arrested for rioting right back out into the streets of Minneapolis. Twelve paid Biden staffers joined her. What kind of people see looting and burning buildings and support a fund that releases the looters and building burners? The answer is in the asking. Then there are the Democrat governors who have access to enough National Guard troops to restore order and refuse to send them. Thats a deliberate choice. A choice between restoring order and allowing domestic terrorism to continue. These Democrat governors choose to allow the domestic terrorism to continue. The biggest tell, though, is what we are seeing from local prosecutors, such as this Diane Becton. If Democrats such as Kamala Harris are unable to raise enough bail money to build a revolving door that keeps the looters looting, the rioters rioting, and terrorists terrorizing, amoral leftists such as Becton fill the gap. Shes not the only prosecutor looking for any excuse to keep the looters looting, the rioters rioting, and terrorists terrorizing. In one Democrat-run city after another, corrupt prosecutors are bending over backwards to ensure the violence and organized socialist revolution is not hindered by pesky notions such as law and order and equal protection. These are evil people releasing evil people to do evil against the innocent. Lets not forget you have to win an election to become a district attorney. Lets not forget you deserve the leaders you vote for. Read more at: Breitbart.com School leavers have been left hundreds of dollars out of pocket after their end of year celebrations were called off. All official events connected to Schoolies 2020 have been cancelled on the Gold Coast due to the risk of COVID-19. Despite this, many year 12 students have been told they are not eligible for refunds for packages booked on schoolies.com. Instead, they have been offered a credit voucher for the $150 deposit, which will be valid for the next three years. School leavers have been left hundreds of dollars out of pocket after the official cancellation of an Australian rite of passage (Pictured: Holidaymaker prepare to celebrate Schoolies 2019 on the Gold Coast) The money can be used to pay for entry to another event in December next year called 'Green Light Australia'. Other alternatives including selling their ticket to someone else for a future Schoolies event, attending a Schoolies event at a later date or exchanging the ticket for a $200 travel voucher with Travel Online. But hundreds of students are fighting against the decision. A petition has been created by Sunshine Coast 17-year old student Joel Burgess calling on the company to return their money. His call to action has attracted more than 1,300 signatures since being set up in the past 24 hours. Mr Burgess is upset the company is refusing to issue a refund. 'I created a petition after seeing the outcry of many year 12 students wanting their deposit refunded,' he told A Current Affair. 'I don't think they're doing the right thing. I feel like there has been a significant lack of communication.' Interstate revellers who planned to travel to the sunshine state for their post school celebration will be able to use COVID-19 travel restrictions as the basis for a refund A petition has been created online by Sunshine Coast 17-year old student Joel Burgess (pictured) calling on the company to return their money Others are just disappointed they won't be able to celebrate their final hurrah after finishing high school. Year 12 students Nathan Mousalino, Harry Contazza and Sam Ryan were planning to travel to the Gold Coast from Griffith in New South Wales. 'It's the Vegas of Australia, the Gold Coast is synonymous for producing fun times especially for year 12s at the end of the year,' Mr Contazza said. But the boys are now resigned to the fact they won't be going. 'It's something at the end of the year we reward ourselves with and it's unfortunate it can't happen, to be honest with you,' Mr Mousalino said. Meanwhile Sunshine Coast school leaver Karter McEwan was planning to attend celebrations at Surfers Paradise this year. He no longer has any desire to celebrate the rite of passage after being told all organised events have been cancelled. His father Michael McEwan said it's frustrating to see a company let the teenagers down after they worked so hard. Year 12 students Nathan Mousalino, Harry Contazza and Sam Ryan were planning to travel to the Gold Coast from Griffith in New South Wales Sunshine Coast school leaver Karter McEwan (pictured left) was planning to attend celebrations at Surfers Paradise this year. His father Michael McEwan (pictured right) said it's frustrating to see a company let the teenagers down after they worked so hard 'Give the kids their cash back, they paid cash, they don't want travel vouchers, they don't want anything else,' he said. 'They want their cash, they paid hard cash. They work hard, give it to them.' While the events have been cancelled the failure to return student's money has sparked concerns hordes of teenagers may still turn up on the Gold Coast. 'My biggest fear is that we are still going to have thousands of Schoolies and there's not going to be any governmental support in police numbers or support for the groups that help keep Schoolies safe,' Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek said. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk cancelled this year's event on Friday to stop the spread of coronavirus leaving thousands disappointed. Interstate revellers who planned to travel to the sunshine state for their post school celebration will be able to use COVID-19 travel restrictions as the basis for a refund. However youngsters from Queensland looking to celebrate in their home state will need to check the terms and conditions of their bookings for a refund. A group of girls pose on Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise before a Schoolies event in 2019 Fair Trading executive director Brian Bauer told Quest Newspapers Queenslanders may not be able to use coronavirus as an excuse. 'Queensland school leavers are still allowed to travel to the Gold Coast and so are able to take up their bookings and have an end-of-year celebration,' he said. 'But they will need to comply with the restrictions in place, including social distancing and limits on gatherings in holiday units. 'These consumers are unlikely to be automatically entitled to a refund. However they may still have options under their booking provider's terms and conditions.' 'If school leavers need to travel to Queensland from restricted interstate regions like Melbourne and they made their booking pre-COVID-19, then they may be entitled to a refund as these bookings cannot go ahead due to government restrictions imposed after the arrangements were made,' Mr Bauer said. 'It will depend on the terms and conditions of the booking when it was made. Friday, September 4, 2020 Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc. announced a new agreement with a private equity group in the automobile parts aftermarket business to assist with their future acquisition integrations. James J. Talerico, Jr., CEO & Founder of Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc., has more than 30 years of diversified business experience, a solid track record of success, and an A+ BBB rating helping thousands of business owners across the US and in Canada tackle tough business problems to improve their organizational performance "This relationship will benefit this private equity groups better manage their assets by bringing in highly qualified professionals to work on strategic initiatives, as needed, so that the private equity group's resources can remain focused on its vision and mission," says Mr. Talerico. This relationship is an example of the scope and breath of value-added services Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc. can offer to the business community. Private equity groups that would like to learn more about how they can benefit from a strategic relationship with Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc. are encouraged to contact James J. Talerico, Jr. at 1-800-828-7585. NYFA FILMMAKING ALUM PAUL DANO TO STAR AS THE RIDDLER IN MATT REEVES UPCOMING FILM THE BATMAN August 31, 2020 NYFA Filmmaking alum Paul Dano as The Riddler A note for Batman from Paul Danos character The Riddler Daniel Day Lewis (Left) and Paul Dano (Right) in There Will Be Blood Its no secret that one of the most anticipated films of 2021 will be Matt Reeves The Batman. The Caped Crusader returns in a new adaption from the Cloverfield and Dawn of The Planet of The Apes director, featuring a star studded cast including: Robert Pattinson (Batman), Zoe Kravitz (Catwoman), Colin Farrell (The Penguin), and NYFA Filmmaking alum Paul Dano in his most anticipated and career-bending role yet as The Riddler.While fans of the franchise have already had a peek at Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman for many months now, the recent DC FanDome event premiered a teaser trailer for the upcoming film giving fans their first glimpse at Catwoman, Commissioner Gordon, The Penguin, and The Riddler.Fans are already excited for the film, with the trailer revealing the dark and unhinged world of Gotham and villains like Danos Riddler having a huge hand in the chaos as Pattinsons Bruce Wayne tries to find his footing as the masked vigilante.At the DC FanDome, director Matt Reeves had this to share about Danos portrayal of The Riddler: Paul Dano plays a version of The Riddler that no one has ever seen before. What hes doing is, I think, going to blow peoples minds. Danos performance is already being applauded by fans from the trailer alone, with many taking to social media to share their excitement for his upcoming performance, which has similar undertones to the late Heath Ledgers Joker in Christopher Nolans The Dark Knight.Aside from The Batman, Dano has already had an impressive acting career at 36 years old. Dano won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance for L.I.E. and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a cast in a Motion Picture for his role as Dwayne in Little Miss Sunshine; he was also nominated for a BAFTA Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for There Will Be Blood. His other notable credits include Prisoners, Swiss Army Man, The Emperors Club, and The Girl Next Door, among many others. He also made his directorial debut with Wildlife in 2018, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan.With filming pushed back due to Coronavirus concerns, The Batman is expected to be released in 2022. The film will also feature NYFA Acting for Film Conservatory alum Alfredo Tavares , , who is announced to be playing the role of a forensic expert.Watch the full teaser trailer for The Batman below: For 16 years, I had never been one day late in my rent, but COVID closed my business ... I had no income in March, April and May, Ryndak said. Im heartbroken, but I have three children, and they are the love of my life. As a single mother and woman business owner, I put my heart and soul into this restaurant, and my customers were like my family. Yang Kyung Won is confirmed to appear in the upcoming drama "Vicenzo", which stars Song Joong Ki, Jeon Yeo Bin, and many more. The new tvN drama revolves around an Italian lawyer and Mafia consigliere, Vincenzo Cassano, who returns to Korea after getting in conflict with his organization. It's suspense drama with dark villains who meet the "real bad guys" who don't get affected by any justice and lawful methods. This will then be a battle of doing the right ways by terminating the true villains of the society due to their rooted injustice. Yang Kyung Won previously appeared in hit dramas, such as "Crash Landing On You" and "Hi, Bye Mama". He will reunite with Song Joong Ki after their last series, "Arthdal Chronicles". Yang Kyung Won, in character as Lee Cheol Woo who manages a pawnshop along with his wife at Geumga PLaza, will have the appearance of a tough man and with charm as a lover but can't go any further with his wife's fierce authority. The drama is directed by Kim Hee Won ("Money Flower'', "The Crowned Clown") and with screenwriter Park Ja Beum ("Fiery Priest", "Chief Kim"). Studio Dragon will handle the production who made great CGI with dramas like "Crash Landing On You", "The King: Eternal Monarch", "It's Okay To Not be Okay", and more. Considering the above lineup of production, it's a guarantee that the upcoming drama is one of the anticipated comeback dramas of Song Joong Ki after "Arthdal Chronicles". Yang Kwung Won is one of the supporting actors with scene stealer charisma that will surely make the show energetic and interesting. His facial expression and stealer lines will create good chemistry with other actors in the drama. "Vicenzo" will be set to air in the first half of 2020. The actor will join a more star-studded supporting cast like Kwak Dong Yeon, 2PM's Taecyeon, Jo Han Chul, and Kim Yeo Jin. Patna: Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhis HAM Friday reignited its rivalry with the Lok Janshakti Party, warning it will field candidates against LJP if Ram Vilas Paswans party puts up nominees to take on the JD(U) in the Bihar assembly polls, reflecting the unease in the states ruling alliance. The LJP, founded by Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, is a BJP ally but not part of the JD(U)-BJP coalition government in the state where assembly elections are due in October-November. The party, now helmed by Paswans MP son Chirag, has often been critical of the Nitish Kumar government over a variety of issues ranging from alleged corruption in the public distribution system, to road construction and violation of prohibition laws. There have been media reports that the LJP was unhappy over the return of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (secular) into the NDA fold and contempleting fielding candidates against JD(U) nominees. Dalits, who roughly constitute around 16 per cent of the states voters, form the bedrock of support of both the LJP and HAM(S), and some amount of jostling between the two parties for greater share in the electoral pie appeared inevitable after Manjhis return. It doesnt matter who is happy or unhappy (over HAMs return). We have come here to strengthen the hands of Nitish Kumar and not for tickets to contest elections. We will be forced to open our mouth if Chirag Paswan continues to issue threats like he will put up candidates against JD(U) nominees. If that happens, we too will field our candidates against LJP," HAM spokesperson Danish Rizwan said. The LJPs state parliamentary board is meeting on September 7 and there are indications that it would discuss the issue of friendly contests with the JD(U). Chirag Paswan has often voiced unhappiness over the functioning of the Nitish Kumar government and said his alliance is with the BJP. When there were murmurs in the BJP with a section wanting someone from the party to replace Kumar as the next chief ministerial face, before the then saffron party chief Amit Shah quietened them with his statement declaring the NDA will go to the hustings under the JD(U) leader, Chirag Paswan had said it will go by the BJPs decision. It is learnt that Kumar and Chirag Paswan have not spoken to each other in a long time. Not withstanding the LJP presidents strained relations with the JD(U) and HAM, the BJP is happy about Manjhis return to the NDA. It is now clear that in the assembly elections there will be only two habitually corrupt and traditionally dynastic parties against the NDA. This will help people decide who will pursue development with justice and whose intention will be to get land parcels registered in their name in return for favours," Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted in Hindi. He was referring to alleged transfer of huge tracts of land to the family of RJD president Lalu Prasad in return for favours when he was the railway minister. Lalus son and leader of the opposition in the state assembly Tejashwi Yadav is also an accused in the case being probed by the CBI. After Jitan Ram Manjhi left them, the opposition has become just Political Corruption Forum (PCF) of the RJD-Congress. Its now a hoax to call it a grand alliance," Modi said in a series of tweets in hindi. JD(U) leader and Information and Public Relations Minister Neeraj Kumar also welcomed Manjhi to the NDA fold,saying it was in the states interest and result in the RJD-led alliance getting wiped out in the assembly polls. The RJD had drawn a blank in the last Lok Sabha elections. With dalits constituting a significant chunk of the electorate, Manjhi has often clashed with Paswans party. The two had bickered even before the 2014 general elections for a larger share of tickets. Manjhi was then a part of the NDA and the JD(U) a constituent of the grand alliance. HAM(S) has support among Mushar voters. They are a Mahadalit community, which has a substantial population in the state where Paswans are numerically the most influential among a plathora of dalit castes. The LJP believes Kumar wooed back Manjhi to counterbalance Paswans party. The BJP has so far kept itself away from the feud, and insisted the alliance will contest the polls as a cohesive unit. Kumar had facilitated the rise of Manjhi to the chief ministerial chair in 2014 after the JD(U)s drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls, taking responsibility for the defeat. Later, when Kumar wanted his chair back, Manjhi dug in his heels and refused to quit. After initial reluctance, he was forced to step down. He later formed HAM and became part of the NDA, while Nitish Kumar joined hands with the RJD and the Congress to float a grand alliance. When Kumar returned to the NDA in 2017, Manjhi walked over to the grand alliance. American environmentalisms racist roots have shaped global thinking about conservation By Prakash Kashwan September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The United States is having a long-overdue national reckoning with racism. From criminal justice to pro sports to pop culture , Americans increasingly are recognizing how racist ideas have influenced virtually every sphere of life in this country. This includes the environmental movement. Recently the Sierra Club one of the oldest and largest U.S. conservation organizations acknowledged racist views held by its founder, author and conservationist TriggerPhoto/iStockBy ALEXANDER MALLIN, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- Attorney General William Barr argued in an interview Wednesday that President Trump's repeated allegations of "treason" against political opponents he believes targeted his presidency is a phrase that the president uses "colloquially," rather than literally. "Treason is a legal term," Barr told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "I think hes using it colloquially. To commit treason, you actually have to have a state of war with a foreign enemy, but I think he feels that they were involved in an injustice, and if he feels that, he can say it." Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution states that the legal standard for convicting a person of treason "shall consist only in levying war against [the U.S.], or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort." But a review of Trump's frequent past use of the term, which he primarily uses to denigrate those he believes were involved in launching the investigation of his presidential campaign's ties to Russia in 2016, shows how Trump nearly always connects the phrase directly to the prospect of sending his enemies to prison. "If I were a Democrat, this whole thing would have been so different, people would be in jail now two years ago for 50-year terms because this was treason," Trump said in a Tuesday interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham. "This was subversion. This was the overthrow of a country." Trump has in recent months increasingly invoked 'treason' to baselessly tie the launch of the Russia investigation to his election opponent former Vice President Joe Biden as well as former President Obama. A review of the investigation released last year by the Justice Department's inspector general concluded the probe was launched with proper cause by the FBI, despite errors and missteps by bureau and DOJ officials through the course of the investigation. Those findings, however, haven't stopped the president from falsely accusing his opponents of treason dozens of times this year alone. "We caught President Obama and Sleepy Joe spying on our campaign. That's treason. That's illegal," Trump said to reporters in Arizona last month. "These people should take them and do something with them." "So we catch Obama & Biden, not to even mention the rest of their crew, SPYING on my campaign, AND NOTHING HAPPENS?" Trump tweeted in July. "I hope not! If it were the other way around, 50 years for treason. NEVER FORGET!!!!" Though Barr announced in May that neither Biden or Obama were the subjects of any criminal investigation -- and there was never any serious suggestion prior to that announcement that they were, Trump has more recently relied on the ongoing DOJ investigation into the Russia probe by U.S. Attorney John Durham. Barr tasked Durham last year with reviewing whether there was any criminal wrongdoing by officials involved with the Russia investigation, and last month Durham brought his first criminal case when a former FBI lawyer pleaded guilty to altering a document used in a renewal application for surveillance against a former Trump campaign aide. "Nobody has ever seen anything like it," Trump said in a campaign speech reacting to the agent's plea. "You can call it whatever you want. I use the word treason. They got caught." Contrary to the president's accusations, however, the former FBI agent Kevin Clinesmith's plea was for one count of making false statements -- and the charging documents made no allegation regarding a broader conspiracy against Trump or his campaign. Barr's effort to re-contextualize the president's statements wasn't unusual. In the same interview Wednesday, for instance, Barr was asked about comments the president made earlier in the day telling voters in North Carolina they should vote twice, which if done intentionally is a federal crime. They will vote and then they are going to have to check their vote by going to the poll and voting that way because if it tabulates then they wont be able to do that. So, let them send it in, and let them go vote, Trump said Wednesday in an interview with a North Carolina news station WECT. And if the system is as good as they say it is, then they obviously wont be able to vote. If it isnt tabulated, they will be able to vote. So thats the way it is, and thats what they should do. "I dont know exactly what he was saying," Barr said. "But it seems to me what hes saying is -- hes trying to make the point that the ability to monitor the system is not good, and if it was so good, if you tried to vote a second time, you would be caught, if you voted in person." And in an interview with ABC News in July, Barr sought to explain President Trump's incendiary tweets slamming NASCAR for its ban on the Confederate flag, arguing Trump's intentions were likely more directed at those seeking to 'erase history' by defacing statues of Christopher Columbus and George Washington. "I think what he was likely referring to are-- you know, some of the things that people would feel were -- and I'm not talking about the NASCAR thing," Barr said. "From my standpoint, NASCAR was a business decision by NASCAR. They're a private corporation-- private business. They're entitled to make a business decision. But, you know, there's some people who feel that some of our history is being erased, you know, when you take George Washington and start defacing George Washington or Christopher Columbus or others. And you know, that's upsetting to people." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. A few days ago, a 15-year-old girl emerged a hero on the Internet after she valiantly fought off mobile snatchers in Punjabs Jalandhar. The girl suffered injuries on her wrist as the men attacked her with a sharp weapon, but did not give up on her mobile phone. The whole incident was recorded on a camera and police too swung into action and nabbed one of the two accused within a day of the attack. READ: 15-Year-Old Jalandhar Girl Fights Two Mobile Snatchers on Bike in This Viral Video READ: You Go Girl: How 15-year-old Jalandhar Teen Turned Hero after Fighting off Mobile Snatchers The girl, identified as Kusum Kumari, was lauded for putting up a tough fight. But the there was much more than bravery that gave strength to the young girl. Kumari, daughter of a daily wager, told reporters that the smartphone which the snatchers tried to take away from her was bought with great difficulty given her fathers income and she needed it for her online classes. The smartphone didnt come easy. My father toiled hard to purchase it after schools were shut and classes went online due to the pandemic. Its priceless, she was quoted as saying by The Tribune. As coronavirus pandemic has kept schools and educational institutes shut, classes are now being held remotely online. However, this has exposed the deep digital divide with many students not having access to smartphones or Internet. Poor farmers had to sell land and cattle to get funds to buy smartphones for their children. A UNICEF report estimates that at least 463 million children are unable to access remote learning after their schools were shut due to the coronavirus pandemic across the globe. Even when children have the technology and tools at home, they may not be able to learn remotely through those platforms due to competing factors in the home, including pressure to do chores, being forced to work, a poor environment for learning and lack of support in using the online or broadcast curriculum, the report said. Kumari was admitted to a private hospital after she was attacked by the snatchers on September 1. The police had apprehended one of the two accused, 22-year-old Avinash Kumar and was sent on police remand for three days. Avinash is the main accused who tried to snatch phone from the girl and attacked her with a weapon injuring her wrist. He has been charged under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 379 B of the IPC. The other accused has been identified as Vinod Kumar and is still at large. The CCTV footage shows Kumari resisting the attack and grabbing the accuseds hand as well and chasing him. After a brief chase, she managed to grab him by his T-shirt and dragged him off the bike. Her act of bravery was lauded widely, with the Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar announcing to send her name for national and state level bravery awards. DC Ghanshyam Thori also announced a cash award of Rs51,000 in recognition of her bravery. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for western Oregon, warning of extreme fire danger early Monday through Wednesday afternoon. Its unusual for a watch to be issued this far in advance, but computer models suggest an offshore flow event unlike anything normally seen this time of year, according to the weather service. Strong, dry, winds gusting up to 40 mph will flow not only from the Columbia River Gorge toward the Portland metro area and out to the coast, but also could extend across the north Willamette Valley. Forecasts call for northeast winds sustained at 10-20 mph. The wind, relative humidity as low as 10% to 15% and dry fuels cause critical fire danger. The watch is in effect for all the areas in yellow below: National Weather Service/Portland This Labor Day weekend, Oregonians are expected to head outdoors for the holiday and campgrounds are likely to be full. Some agencies have called for complete burning bans. Lincoln County, which includes Lincoln City and Newport, has called for a ban on any flame sources that cannot be turned off with a valve. That would include charcoal barbecues. The county warns that any outdoor cooking devices should be attended at all times. Willamette National Forest has banned all campfires. Northwest Coordination Center Fire Weather Program Manager John Saltenberger said temporary burn regulations would be expected under current conditions. Saltenberger points to a growing trend in fire danger that started in July and continues to rise to nearly record high levels. With an increase in outdoor recreation likely over the holiday weekend, the risk of new large fires is high, said Saltenberger, whose greatest concern is vacationers not making sure all campfires are completely extinguished before they leave an area. The weather service advises extreme caution with any potential ignition sources, including lawn equipment, especially in grassy areas. Outdoor burning is not recommended throughout western Oregon. Despite relatively cooler temperatures Friday and Saturday, extreme caution is urged with fire, as any fires that start this weekend could cause extreme danger when strong, dry east winds begin blowing Monday night and into Tuesday. -- Rosemarie Stein, rstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-4376. Follow on Twitter @TrafficPortland Severo Martinez has waited patiently for months to perform in front of a live audience. On Friday, Sept. 4, he will get his wish. Severo y Grupo Fuego will perform as part of AMP Concerts Zozobra watch party. The band will share the bill not only with Zozobra, but with New Mexico legends Cuarenta y Cinco. This will be our first show since the second week in March, Martinez says. We were competing in a singing competition in Los Angeles at the time. Two days later, New Mexico shut down. Of course, there have been a few Facebook virtual performances, as well as a backyard concert that was filmed for the city of Albuquerque. Not able to perform is quite a change for the band that is used to being booked every weekend. It is known for its fusion of Mexican and Puerto Rican music. Martinez and crew were also gearing up to celebrate their 10th year together as a band. In February, the band released its seventh album, Pura Vida. This year was supposed to be celebrating the two milestones, Martinez says. We havent been able to take our new music out to the fans. People really enjoy purchasing our CDs at shows, and that hasnt been happening. Martinez has spent downtime writing new songs. A bright spot for the band amid the pandemic is that the members created masks with the band logo on them. We have different designs and never imagined that masks would be our biggest-selling merchandise, he says. They are musically inspired, and we create all of them. Martinez says people connect with music more than ever before during this time. Music unites people, and during this quarantine, were still uniting people, he says. They are constantly sending us messages and taking us back. Performing as part of Zozobra weekend is also a treat for Martinez and the band, although he knows it will be a different experience. We got the call from AMP Concerts about the drive-in concert, and I had to ask, What does that even mean? he says. Its something that I wouldnt have thought of. But fans are yearning to listen to live music, and its going to be an awesome opportunity. Thousands of miles of shoreline rim this peninsula lots of beach for physical distance but several times this summer young people collected on public bathing areas and grooved like there was no coronavirus. It was akin to the super-spreader scenes weve gawked at on television, and a portent of the conduct occurring as undergrads return to the university, swelling the population of Marquette by one-third. Students fuel the economy and provide labor in restaurants, coffee shops and bars, but do we really want them back? And do their parents want to pack them into those petri-dish dorms? Lauding the police for their untiring efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked them to sustain the human face of the khaki uniform. Interacting with probationers of the Indian Police Service through a video conference on Friday during the Dikshant Parade of 71 RR (Regular Recruits) at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister said the human face of the khaki uniform has been engraved in public memory due to the good work done by the police especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is very important that you should be proud of your uniform instead of flexing the power of your uniform. Never lose respect for your khaki uniform, PM Modi told the IPS probationers. Stating that policing is a profession where the factor of encountering something unexpected is very high, the PM said all police officials must be alert and prepared for any such situation. There is a higher degree of stress and which is why it is important to keep speaking with your near and dear ones. From time to time, maybe on a day off, meet someone like a teacher or someone whose advice you value, he said. The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of Yoga for those working under stressful conditions. Yoga and Pranayam are good for all those working under stress. If you do any work from your heart, you will always benefit. You will never feel stressed no matter how much work there is, he advised. On terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said the youth of the country need to be prevented from taking the wrong path at the early stage itself. Women police personnel can do that by involving women there, he said. Union home minister Amit Shah also conveyed his best wishes to all the officers on parade and exhorted them to serve with sincerity and integrity for fulfilling the SMART Police Vision (strict and sensitive, modern and mobile, alert and accountable, reliable and responsible, techno-savvy and trained) of the Prime Minister. As many as 131 IPS probationers, including 28 women, have completed their 42 weeks of basic course phase-I training at the academy. They joined the academy on December 17, 2018 after completing their foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie and at Dr Marri Channa Reddy HRD Institute of Telangana, Hyderabad, with those from other central services like IAS and IFS. Director of SVP National Police Academy Atul Karwal presented the trophies to the winners of various competitions. The parade was led by the Best Probationer of the batch D V Kiran Shruti from Tamil Nadu. Ive been in lockdown since January. I was expecting my first baby. Therefore, my movement was restricted to hospital visits for check up. And days after my delivery, the country went into lockdown, and then besides hospital trips for my babys vaccinations, the rest of the day meant preparing myself to take online classes, says Sakshi Verma, assistant professor, PGDAV, Delhi University. During the day, my six-month old keeps me busy, and in the night I record videos that go to my YouTube channel so that students can watch them as and when required since many students are unable to join live classes or have fluctuating network. Sakshi Verma, assistant professor Verma became a lockdown mother and continued to teach her students throughout her pregnancy and post delivery so that the education of her students doesnt suffer. Im usually juggling between household work and preparing PPTs for my students to find them interesting enough to study. During the day, my six-month old keeps me busy, and in the night I record videos that go to my YouTube channel so that students can watch them as and when required since many students are unable to join live classes or have fluctuating network. But, the best part is that our baby is attending meetings and online classes since hes born as my husband and I live alone. The pandemic has been witness to many teachers like Verma, who have been making sacrifices, struggling with teaching students online despite poor internet connection, and still making an effort to reach out to the students personally to check on them. We see our teachers struggling with online teaching and yet acing technology for the sake of their students future. We are proud of them! And we thank them for everything that they are doing for us, says Gayatri Konikara, a student of Physics (Hons), Miranda House, Delhi University. And confessing how these online classes have set new #techgoals for teachers, Geetesh Nirban, professor of Philosophy at Kamala Nehru College, DU, says, Tough time is always a tremendously effective teacher and teachers ought to be life long learners... Students and professors, both have experienced worst effects of the pandemic in the form of physical distancing between the tutor and the taught. But the silver lining has been that as a professor I became an avid learner of technology as source of academic survival and cultivated patience as life skill while observing my students and scholars facing uncertainty with positivity. Despite being between a lot of multi-tasking, to lessen their students anxiety some teachers have taken the compassionate route and decided to not to give any homework. Amrutha V Devan, a student of BSc (Hons) Physics from Miranda House, Delhi University, says, I attend continuous classes from 8.30am to 5pm everyday. Initially I was okay with such packed schedule, but gradually I started feeling stressed and upset. To my surprise, our teachers never showed any sign of tiredness, although we can see that they are going through a lot due to various challenges induced while teaching from home. Yet, they control their anxiety, and mentor us. Some of our teachers have stopped giving us homework, so that we can take a break after classes and clear our headspace. After the sudden shift from classroom teaching to online teaching, we feel we are still physically present in our classes. Our teachers have also brought hope in these difficult times for all of us. They constantly keep motivating us to be strong despite the uncertainty around campus placements, online exams etc. Pallavi Raj , MA student at KMC Students add that they can feel how teachers have been going the extra mile, during the pandemic, to ensure a smoother transition from physical classrooms to virtual sessions. During the pandemic, our relationship with our teachers has been transformed for the better. Imagine in a class of 520 youngsters where its practically not possible to connect with every student, a teacher being patient and interactive at their best! They are not only shouldering this responsibility to make sure our education doesnt suffer. After the sudden shift from classroom teaching to online teaching, we feel we are still physically present in our classes. Our teachers have also brought hope in these difficult times for all of us. They constantly keep motivating us to be strong despite the uncertainty around campus placements, online exams etc. Its quite challenging for them to speak to a screen, continuously. But, they are doing it day after day for hours at length. We salute their spirit, says Pallavi Raj a student of MA at Kirori Mal College, DU. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter In Tamil Nadus Coimbatore, atma-nirbhar smells like Biryani. As the Covid-19 pandemic induced lockdown pushed people indoors, it left a group of ten transwomen without jobs, which often involved cooking at wedding. Even their other source of survival which involved walking upto cars at traffic signals to beg was lost. However, they finally have new jobs now: One with which they can earn both money, and respect. We made a living from cooking biriyani at weddings. The pandemic claimed our work, Sangeetha, president of the Coimbatore District Transgenders Welfare Association, told the New Indian Express. The group is now the bosses of their own restaurant. Called Covai Trans Kitchen, the 32-seater restaurant will be completely run by a team of the team of ten, aged between 18 and 60 years. They will be taking care of orders, cooking, serving, billing and everything else. The group are part of a team of 50 transpeople who took a 20-day training programme at Bishop Appasamy Colleges hotel management department, reports The Times of India. While we initially only knew to make biryani, we were taught to make many chicken side dishes, parottas, variety rice dishes and even some bakery products so we can run a full-fledged hotel, Rakshitha, one the group told TOI. They also taught us how to run and manage a restaurant, apply for Food Safety and Standards Authority licence and others, she added. Covai Trans Kitchen, a 32-seater restaurant on the Venkataswamy Road, RS Puram, Coimbatore will be completely run by a team of 10 transgender people. Kudos Sangeetha (President Coimbatore District Transgender Association) Swasti, & Appasamy College Management (for 6 mt training) pic.twitter.com/uYP9A2k9Pn Satendra Singh, MD (@drsitu) September 4, 2020 This will be the third food outlet to be run and managed by transgenders in the Tamil Nadu. While the other two shut down, this restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.The group will be working in shifts to meet the all day-long rush. Their daily profit target is initially set at Rs 2,000, but they are willing to expand to a second branch if they make enough profits. The restaurant is set to open next week. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump continued to rail Friday against a story first written by the Atlantic that claims the president has frequently disparaged the military, calling it a "fake story" as the Biden campaign released an ad attacking Trump over the allegations. In the Oval Office, Trump was asked whether he owed service members and veterans an apology for the accusations leveled in the article, among them that he had referred to those killed or injured in war "losers." Trump derided the Atlantic, calling its reporting a "disgrace," adding, "especially because I've done more for the military than almost anyone else." "To me they're heroes," Trump said about U.S. service members. "It's even hard to believe how they can do it, the level of bravery, and to me they are absolute heroes." The Biden campaign released an ad with images of U.S. troops, as comments Trump allegedly made about the military appear over them. There are no words spoken, just a somber instrumental. "Mr. President, if you don't respect our troops, you can't lead them," Biden tweeted with the ad. Trump announced he'll be holding a 5 p.m. EDT news conference at which he is likely to be asked again about the accusations. Earlier Friday, Trump tweeted about the report, accusing the Atlantic of making it up "in order to gain some relevance." "Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against," Trump tweeted. "Just like the Fake Dossier. You fight and and fight, and then people realize it was a total fraud!" Though the president claims the Atlantic story has been disproved, senior-level officials confirmed several of the accounts to The Washington Post and other news outlets. Two U.S. lawmakers who served in the military and the father of a slain soldier excoriated Trump on Friday following a report by the Atlantic that the president has called U.S. soldiers injured or killed in war "losers" and "suckers" and questioned the country's reverence for them. During a conference call organized by the Biden campaign, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said she was "appalled" but "not shocked" by the report, which the White House has denied. She said Trump has long demonstrated a lack of respect for military sacrifice. "He doesn't understand other people's bravery and courage because he's never had any of his own," said Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who suffered severe combat wounds in Iraq, causing her to lose both of her legs. That sentiment was echoed by Khizr Khan, the father of an Army captain who was killed in 2004 during the Iraq War. "Words count because they tell us who they are," Khan said of Trump. "He is incapable of understanding service, valor and courage. His soul cannot conceive of integrity and honor. His soul is that of a coward." Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., a former judge advocate in the Marines who prosecuted cases of rape and sexual assault, devoted most of his remarks to praising Biden for his support of military members and their families. "I don't want to waste any more breath on acknowledging the things this person has said or not said," Lamb said of Trump. Separately Friday, the group VoteVets released an ad featuring six Gold Star families who recounted losing their loved ones and said they were not "losers" or "suckers" - two words Trump reportedly used, according to the Atlantic She is an esteemed model with stunning good looks. And Misse Beqiri proved she has all the prowess of a fashionista as she posed up a storm for a sizzling beach shoot earlier this week. The former Real Housewives Of Cheshire star, 33, went topless while pulling her most smouldering pout, while she later cosied up to her beau Jake Hall while sporting a tiny bikini which drew the eye to her taut abs. Stunner: Misse Beqiri proved she has all the prowess of a fashionista as she posed up a storm for a sizzling beach shoot earlier this week. Misse looked stunning as she sizzled for the camera while holding her assets to protect her modesty during the sexy shoot. In another stunning post, she was seen getting up close with her former TOWIE star partner, with whom she shares daughter River, two. The mother-of-two has been using social media in lockdown to document her exercise regime on social media. Misse has joined most of the United Kingdom in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, but revealed in July that she had been separated from her son Julian as he remained in Denmark due to the coronavirus restrictions. Sweet: The former Real Housewives Of Cheshire star, 33, went topless while pulling her most smouldering pout, while she later cosied up to her beau Jake Hall while sporting a tiny bikini which drew the eye to her taut abs Julian and Misse have since been reunited. The star said at the time: 'It just hit me all of a sudden what's going on... We're taking it really seriously and we're staying home and we're trying to help everyone that we can help. 'But I just feel like I wish I could do more. My mum is locked in Sweden, I can't help her. My son is locked in Denmark, I can't see him. So I just feel a bit s**t, to be honest Sizzling: Misse looked stunning as she sizzled for the camera while holding her assets to protect her modesty during the sexy shoot Doting mother: The reality star is pictured with her son Julian, five, and daughter River, two 'After everything I've been through, I feel like I'm trying to keep positive and spread positive energy to everyone.' Misse recently posted pictures from the magical night her 'soulmate and best friend, former TOWIE star, Jake proposed to her on Instagram. She uploaded the romantic snaps to her 238,000 followers and wrote: 'Two years ago the love of my life asked me to marry him. Sizzling: The mother-of-two has been using social media in lockdown to document her exercise regime on social media 'I love you and I can't wait to marry you next year, you've been my rock and my best friend since day one. Thru ups and downs Love always came first and I will love you forever ever. My soulmate. Some memories.' Jake also proposed to Misse for a second time over Christmas after her brother Flamur was murdered on Christmas Eve, signifying how important family is to them. A source told MailOnline: 'The re-proposal signifies a new chapter for them as a family.' New Delhi: In yet another aviation scare, Bengaluru-Delhi Spice Jet flight 136 on Friday made emergency landing due to hydraulic failure at Delhi airport. Delhi-bound SpiceJet aircraft from Bengaluru with 176 persons onboard landed under emergency conditions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Friday morning following partial failure of hydraulic system. All passengers and crew of SpiceJet flight SG 136 are safe, the airline said. The Boeing 737 aircraft landed at around 0845 hours, airport sources said. SpiceJet flight SG 136, Bengaluru to Delhi, experienced, during cruise, partial hydraulic failure due loss of hydraulic fluid. The crew carried out the emergency procedure and landed safely at Delhi. The ATC was kept in the loop. It was an uneventful landing, the airline said. Earlier on December 27, Mumbai-bound jet Airways flight had skidded off the runaway in Goa, injuring 15 passengers. Also read: Jet Airways Goa-Mumbai flight skids off runway: 15 injured 2016 Plane crashes: Civil aviation's safety record marred by series of air disasters For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. He belongs to Keralas Kannur district (in the north) but has been elected several times, both to the Assembly and the Lok Sabha, from Alleppey in the south of the state. A nice Nair boy who has a masters degree in mathematics, he could have got any job he wanted. But he opted for politics. And though his Hindi is a bit wobbly, he was the general secretary dispatched to sort out the recent Congress mess in Rajasthan. At a meeting of top leaders of the party, he said what he thought of them quite bluntly, apparently secure in the confidence that Those Who Matter would back him. ... One Night in Vegas: a gripping and eye-opening tale about the presence of the Mafia in the Catholic Church. One Night in Vegas is the creation of published author, Margaret Joan Neale. Neale writes: This book is about a new adventurelooking for a church and meeting new people, a minister and his wife, and so began my introduction to the Holy Spirit. But trouble is in paradise. The Holy Spirit warned of trouble to comethe Mafia is in the church. They are stealing the protestant churches. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Margaret Joan Neales new book is the fast-paced, intriguing tale of the Devils work within the Catholic Church. Beginning in a small church in Pennsylvania, this story quickly escalates into a tale of deceit, money laundering, gambling, blackmail, and Devil worship, exposing the unthinkable and staggering criminality that exists behind the facade of one of the worlds largest and most highly revered and celebrated institutions. View a synopsis of One Night in Vegas on YouTube. Consumers can purchase One Night in Vegas at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about One Night in Vegas, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. An interim examiner has been appointed to the Cara pharmacy chain, which is controlled by Dragons Den star Ramona Nicholas and her husband Canice. Elm Corporate Credit, which is owed 14m and made the examinership petition to the High Court, said that the chain, with 13 outlets, has been in continuous decline since 2018. It said it sought to have an examiner appointed in order to protect almost 170 jobs at the pharmacy company. Ms Nicholas and her husband, with an address at Dungannon in Co Tyrone, opposed the application to have the interim examiner appointed to their business, which was founded in 2002. The groups business includes the pharmacy outlets and Abbey Healthcare, a firm that provides prescription medicines to nursing homes, long-term care institutions and hospitals. The HSE is its main customer. Expand Close Ramona and Canice Nicholas oppose the application / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ramona and Canice Nicholas oppose the application Elm Corporate Credit is a lending fund controlled by Dublin-based DunPort Capital. Elm Corporate Credit, as the largest creditor of Cara Pharmacy has today petitioned the High Court to appoint an Interim Examiner to the company to protect the business as a going concern and preserve the jobs of 170 employees, said Elm Court in a statement. The High Court has considered the petition and appointed Ken Tyrell of PWC as interim examiner. The financing firm said it and DunPort Capital had sought to constructively assist and support Cara and its directors to address a variety of issues which were contributing to the underperformance of the business. However, the business performance continued to deteriorate through 2019 and into 2020, it added. An independent review undertaken by KPMG earlier this year concluded that Caras financial position was very vulnerable, with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating its difficulties. The High Court heard that Cara ceased trading at three outlets in the last 14 months. It had also planned to sell a warehouse in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, but the proposed sale was not completed. The pharmacy side of the Cara business generated turnover of about 6.7m in the six months to the end of June this year, while the Abbey Healthcare business generated 4.5m. The petition to the High Court noted that the pharmacy groups difficulties had been caused by the challenging retail trading environment, deficiencies in respect of stock control and an unsustainable cost base. The group has struggled to grow sales within its retail division and to meet payments due to trade creditors, rents due to landlords and rates due to local authorities, it added. Apart from appearing on RTEs version of Dragons Den, Ms Nicholas (43) also featured on its Secret Millionaire show. Shes been a high-profile public figure, speaking in interviews about having her second child, and last year telling the Irish Independent how growing up on a farm in Co Tyrone, she always knew she wanted to be a pharmacist. I was lucky, she said. I knew from the age of about 11 that I wanted to be a pharmacist. I dont know if its because I loved the smell of chemists shops, or if it was the idea of having a shop. She added: I love being a pharmacist, but its actually the retail end of it I love now. Counsel Aillil O'Reilly for the group asked the High Court today to adjourn the Elm's application for the appointment of an interim examiner to the group. He said the directors were very concerned about the impact the appointment of an examiner would have on the employees and the communities they serve, as well as their own professional reputations. The company also said that the negative portrayal of Elm of the group's financial system was overstated. At the High Court, Justice Mark Heslin said he was satisfied to appoint experienced insolvency practioner Ken Tyrell of PWC as interim examiner to Cara Pharmacy Unlimited, and a dozen related companies. The court was not prepared to adjourn the application to appoint an interim examiner. Noting the objections raised by the company the judge said his decision "in no way impugns" the director's reputations, skills and professionalism. The judge said that an independent expert's report stated that the group, which operates 13 pharmacies and provides prescriptions to nursing homes, has a reasonable prospect of success if certain steps are taken. Those steps include restructuring of the business, fresh investment in the group, and court approval for a scheme of arrangement put together by an examiner with the group's creditors. The appointment of an examiner, Mr Fanning said, was in the best interests of all the stakeholders, including the 160 employees. Two parties are interested in investing in the group, counsel said. Counsel said Elm was prepared to provide sufficient funds during the examinership period on terms including that any such monies be certified by the examiner. The counsel added that that earlier this year the pharmacy group missed scheduled repayments to Elm totalling 360,000. Elm sought proposals from the group for the repayment of its facilities, but none have been received. Elm was concerned by a lack of explanations over items including a 83,000 directors loan made when the group was experiencing cash-flow problem, a payment of 100,000 to somebody outside the group, and over 37 cheque payments totalling 804,000. Counsel said while it was understandable for businesspeople like the directors to resist the appointment of an examiner over their business, he hoped they would not ultimately oppose the examinership application. The prospect of examinership was flagged to the group well in advance of the court hearing, counsel added. Counsel said given the group's financial situation any objections to the appointment of an examiner were "unrealistic" and compared it to "King Canute telling the sea to go back". The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Geoffrey Thompson for illegally selling more $19 million in unregistered securities. The SEC's complaint alleges that Thompson, a recidivist securities laws violator, and his company, Covalent Collective, Inc., directed numerous offerings of unregistered securities from 2014 to 2019, ultimately raising more than $19 million from approximately 500 investors. As alleged in the complaint, Thompson used numerous mechanisms to solicit investors, including providing investors video and audio recordings in which Thompson encouraged investors to spread the word about the company's securities to friends and family. The complaint further alleges that despite raising nearly $20 million, Covalent never commenced any revenue-generating operations. According to the complaint, Thompson diverted more than $2.7 million of investor funds for his own benefit. The SEC's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that Thompson violated the securities registration provisions of Sections 5(a) and 5(c) the Securities Act of 1933. The SEC seeks injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and prejudgment interest, and civil money penalties. In a related action, the Commission instituted settled administrative proceedings against Covalent. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Ariella Guardi and Pesach Glaser and supervised by C.J. Kerstetter in the Chicago Regional Office. The SEC's litigation will be led by Ben Hanauer. The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) has asked Ghanaians to desist from accusing aged mothers or grandmothers as witch. "We should stamp out this unscrupulous and unacceptable trend of behaviour," the Association said and stated its willingness to avail counselling services to victims. This was contained in a press statement signed by Mrs Joy Anima Debrah, the National Public Relations Officer of the GPA, copied to the Ghana News Agency. It said it was not enough for the Government to outlaw witch camps, "instead, we should go beyond intensive education on matters of this nature and punish perpetrators of this inhumane practice". The Association said it was very much interested in outcomes of the cases and called for multi-sectoral approach to handling such occurrences. The statement called on civil society organisations to pay more attention and resources to changing harmful belief systems, which jeopardized the lives of others, adding, "We seem to forget that these old women are mothers, sisters and friends who need our love and support. The statement said over the past few months, the Association had followed with great concern, troubling media reports of barbaric attacks on old women in the society. It recalled that on the 24th July, various media platforms reported that Madam Akua Denteh, a 90-year-old native of Kafaba in the Savanna Region, had been lynched over witchcraft accusation. "Despite the widespread civil society condemnation of that inhuman act and police action against the perpetrators, barely a month after, we have been confronted with yet another mob attack against a 60-year-old woman in the same region," it said. "Madam Meri Ibrahim from Sumpini is now fighting for her life, with her middle finger severed." It said the story in the media had it that, Madam Meri and other women in that community were alleged to have bewitched a gentleman leading to her brutal ordeal after, which her house was brought down with all her property destroyed. The statement noted that unfortunately, many old women over the years had suffered violations embedded in cultural beliefs. The Association said belief in witchcraft was common in most African societies and Ghana was not exempted and that often, misfortune, ailments as well as mishaps were attributed to witchcraft and the engrained beliefs in ostracizing them was unlawful, outdated and derogated victims. It said the Association acknowledged the hardship and consequent stressful effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on humans, which had also exposed our lack of knowledge in the areas of aging and degenerative mental disorders like dementia that is misinterpreted." The Association said it "endorses more scientific and humanistic paradigms that adopt positive approaches including psychosocial counselling and strictly disapproves any unlawful and criminal behaviours hidden in cultural practices that oppress and discriminate against old women especially". GNA Developers at Halfpricesoft.com have updated the 2020 version of ezPaycheck 2020 to support the new Social Security withholding deferral. ezPaycheck 2020 business payroll software from Halfpricesoft.com has just been released with the updates to support the new Social Security withholding deferral. All current ezPaycheck 2020 customers will get this update at no additional cost. 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Credit: Colorado State University Researchers at Colorado State University have found that teens who practice mindfulness techniques show fewer signs of stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic than those who do not. Although the impacts of COVID-19 vary among individuals and families and are not yet fully understood, past research shows that stressful life experiences can damage mental health, especially for teenagers and college students. During adolescence, individuals are more susceptible to stressful experiences because of dynamic changes occurring in their social worlds, brains and bodies. Most mental health disorders begin during adolescence, making it important to understand how an event like the COVID-19 pandemic affects teenagers and college students, and what they are doing to cope. "Teens who are more mindful report better health and less stress than other teens, but we don't know the extent to which mindfulness helps teens cope with stressful events as disruptive and unique as a pandemic," said Rachel Lucas-Thompson, an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. A group of CSU researchers studied the mental health and mindfulness practices of participants in Campus Connections, a mentoring program that pairs college students at CSU with at-risk youth in the community. They surveyed participants at the beginning of the Spring semester as a baseline, not knowing that a pandemic was just around the corner. When COVID-19 caused schools and universities to begin remote learning, the researchers pivoted their focus to look at the effects of the pandemic, using an online tool to survey 40 college student mentors and 33 of their teen mentees in June and July. Impact of mindfulness Among other things, the research team assessed the effect of mindfulness exercises that participants learned as part of Campus Connections. These techniques include breathing exercises and focusing on the present. Participants also answered questions about their well-being, how COVID-19 has affected their lives, their exposure to media coverage about the pandemic as well as to what extent they were internalizing (for example, exhibiting anxiety and depression) or externalizing (displaying anger or acting out) their COVID-related stress. The project was led by Ph.D. student Reagan Miller with her co-advisors, Lucas-Thompson and Associate Professor Lauren Shomaker, all in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Miller received a College of Health and Human Sciences Dean's Fellowship for 2020-21, which will support her continued work on the project. In addition, the study was funded with a grant from the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station, supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Before the pandemic prompted the university to switch to remote learning in March, the mentors and mentees in Campus Connections had four sessions using "Learning 2 Breathe," a mindfulness intervention for adolescents. Miller said preliminary survey results showed that the mentees who reported using mindfulness techniques also reported fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder due to the pandemic. The researchers also found that overall, neither the mentors nor mentees showed signs of mental health decline as a result of COVID-19. Arguments, stress and media When asked if they were arguing with their parents about social distancing guidelines, 60% of the mentees and 74% of the mentors said rarely or never. "That was very surprising to me, but that's a good thing," Miller said. "Previous research by our team and others has shown how detrimental fighting with parents is for teens' mental and physical health, and their academic success," Lucas-Thompson added. On average, both groups said they were moderately stressed by COVID-19. About 24% of the mentees and 21% of the mentors said that they sometimes worried that their families were in financial danger because of COVID-19. Approximately 23% of mentees and 33% of the college students said that they were sometimes anxious or fearful because of COVID-19. Among the mentees, 75% reported spending less than an hour a day listening to or reading media coverage about COVID-19, while that figure was 46% among the mentors. "It's encouraging that a majority of Fort Collins teens and nearly half of CSU college students in this study were reporting low frequency of media exposure to COVID-19," Shomaker said. "Being informed is good, but excessive or repetitive access to media coverage of the pandemic can be anxiety-provoking and unhelpful, especially for young people." Other findings Among the college students, lower scores on surveys that measured "acting with mindful awareness" and greater problems with sleep disturbance were associated with higher COVID-19 stress. Around 19% of the mentees and 34% of the mentors said they had someone they care about contract COVID-19. Only one respondent, a mentee, had contracted COVID-19. When researchers asked both groups what they were doing to feel less stress around the pandemic, about half reported using mindfulness techniques. "Overall, these initial findings suggest that by helping teenagers to cultivate and practice mindfulness," Miller said, "they may feel more capable of coping with the impacts of COVID-19, as well as other chronic stressors." Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 15:31:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2020 shows the rescue site of the MT New Diamond, an oil tanker, in the seas off Sri Lanka's eastern coast. At least one crew member has been presumed dead as an oil tanker carrying 2.7 million metric tonnes of crude oil continued to be on fire for over 24 hours in the seas off Sri Lanka's eastern coast, the navy said here Friday. The MT New Diamond was heading to the Paradip Port in India carrying crude oil from Kuwait when a fire broke out on Thursday morning while it was in Sri Lanka's eastern seas. The remaining 22 crew members including the captain and engineer of the vessel had been rescued by the navy. (Sri Lanka Air Force Media/Handout via Xinhua) COLOMBO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least one crew member has been presumed dead as an oil tanker carrying 2.7 million metric tonnes of crude oil continued to be on fire for over 24 hours in the seas off Sri Lanka's eastern coast, the navy said here Friday. The MT New Diamond was heading to the Paradip Port in India carrying crude oil from Kuwait when a fire broke out on Thursday morning while it was in Sri Lanka's eastern seas. Navy Spokesman Indika de Silva told Xinhua that one crew member who was inside the engine room where the fire erupted was presumed dead while another who sustained critical injuries had been rescued and transferred to the Kalmunai hospital in the country's east. The remaining 22 crew members including the captain and engineer of the vessel had been rescued by the navy. Indika said that as of Friday noon, the navy was trying to tow the ship into deep seas, away from Sri Lankan waters and they were attempting to douse the flames. Two Russian vessels who had joined the Sri Lanka navy in the rescue efforts on Thursday had withdrawn by Friday morning but presently two Indian naval ships and six tugs were assisting the navy. "Some of these tugs were sent from the Hambantota Port and they are assisting us. Altogether there are eight ships on scene and we have alerted the other countries in the region for assistance. We are trying our best to prevent the fire from reaching the cargo area," the spokesman said. Till Friday noon, there was no threat of an oil spillage as the navy raced against time to douse the fire, but environmentalists have warned that if there is a leak it would have disastrous consequences. Enditem (Natural News) Facebook has confirmed that it will remove posts in support of Kyle Rittenhouse from the social media platform on the grounds that he is a mass murderer. The 17-year-old allegedly killed two people and wounded one in Kenosha, Wisconsin, after he was mobbed and attacked by rioters there. All three of his violent attackers had criminal records, with one being a convicted pedophile. Conservative writer and YouTube personality Mark Dice said that Facebook threatened to suspend his page after he posted a video showing Rittenhouse offering medical help to wounded protestors in Kenosha before the shooting took place. He reported that they also threatened to delete his Facebook account. A spokesperson for Facebook confirmed it was taking action against posts supporting Rittenhouse, saying: Weve designated the shooting in Kenosha a mass murder and are removing posts in support of the shooter, including this one. However, it is worth noting that the post by Dice did not praise him. Instead, it simply described the content of the video. In fact, Dice said he went out of his way to be careful about the words he chose because he suspected that Facebook would have added Rittenhouse to its list of dangerous individuals. He said: [The posts] were all very matter of fact about what happened. No praise, nor celebration, nothing like that because I figured that they added Kyle to the dangerous individual [list]. Video footage shows Rittenhouse acted in self-defense So, lets get this straight: According to Facebook, an act of self-defense makes you a mass murderer, but those rioters who actually do commit murder and other crimes are let off the hook. It is clear that the three men Rittenhouse shot were trying to kill him and that he acted in self-defense. We know this because there is video footage showing him running in a parking lot to get away from a violent rioter who was chasing him. He only turned around and shot the rioter when he got too close. After that, a group of violent rioters chased after him. He fell down during the chase and was attacked by a group of men. One tried to bash his head in with a skateboard; one whipped out a handgun. At this point, he fired his rifle at the assailants. Rittenhouse had told several journalists earlier that day that he was there to protect a local business. When The Daily Callers chief video director, Richie McGinniss, interviewed him, he said he brought his firearm in case a dangerous situation arose. In an interview with Blaze TVs Elijah Schaffer, he also stated he was there to protect private property. Rittenhouse cut the interview short so he could render aid to an individual who had been injured in the riots. Some evidence even suggests that Rittenhouse himself supports the peaceful protests and is against police violence, although he does not support rioting and destroying property. Its believed the rioters initially turned on him after seeing him try to extinguish car fires that had been set at a local church. Dice tweeted a video showing that he used a fire extinguisher to put out a fire: It appears he handed it off to someone else, who put out the (literal) dumpster fire, causing the rioters to begin confronting the peace keepers, resulting in Joe Rosenbaum charging at Kyle Rittenhouse trying to take his gun (eye witness who spoke with police confirms). The mainstream media has been trying to portray his assailants as civil rights heroes, even though their rap sheets include sex crimes with minors, battery and strangulation. And Facebook, as usual, is quick to pile on the censorship to ensure its millions of users only get one side of the story. In addition to banning posts in support of the young man, Facebook has blocked searches on the name Kyle Rittenhouse. They also removed his profile and blocked people from creating new ones using the name. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com TheVerge.com A n NHS doctor who had a crush on TV explorer Levison Wood and left him fearing for his safety with a relentless stalking campaign has been jailed for more than a year. The former paratrooper said the unwanted attentions of paediatrician Dr Fiza Jabeen left him constantly looking over his shoulder and forced him to put his family home up for sale, after she bombarded him with lewd messages and travelled across the country to see him face-to-face. Mr Wood, who appeared in Channel 4 series Walking with Elephants, said he was genuinely fearful for my safety when Jabeen approached him as he walked his dog and asked to accompany him home for a cup of tea. She was flouting a string of court orders banning her from contacting the TV star, leading him to conclude: "She will stop at nothing to get what she wants." At Kingston crown court this afternoon, Judge Georgina Kent sentenced Jabeen to 13 months in prison, telling her: Stalking and harassment have extremely detrimental and negative effects on victims, their families and friends. It interferes with their mental wellbeing and ability to get on with their lives without fearing someone is going to pop up at any time, with the risk of causing them harm or embarassment. Prosecutor Alex Slater said Jabeen, 36, a paediatrician at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital until October last year, started her pursuit of Mr Wood in April this year with comments on social media, emails, and messages of a sexual nature. She was issued with a restraining order and handed a suspended prison sentence to try to stop the stalking campaign, but continued to contact Mr Woods friends and family and on July 10 travelled from her home in Birmingham to where the explorer lives in Surrey. Mr Slater said Jabeen used Companies House to get the address, loitering in a nearby park when it was clear he was not home. He saw her when walking his dog, it was about 1pm and he recognised Ms Jabeen because she has sent him a number of photos of herself, said the prosecutor. She approached him and said something like Im Fiza Jabeen. He knew who she was and told her he knew who she was, and said she shouldnt be near him. She asked Mr Wood if she could enter his address for a cup of tea and to use his Internet. Unsurprisingly, Mr Wood told her in no uncertain terms she would not be allowed to go to his address and he was calling the police. In an impact statement, the TV personality who made his name with documentaries and books about his journeys across Africa, Asia and South America - suggested Jabeen needs mental health intervention, saying: I do not feel anything will stop this lady. I constantly have to look over my shoulder, he said, revealing he worries Jabeen will break into his home and physically attack him or his family. When I found her loitering around outside my house I was genuinely fearful for my safety, he added. She is obsessed, her actions demonstrate she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. It has got to a point where I have now put my house up for sale so she cant trace me. Fiona Dunkley, representing Jabeen, said the qualified doctor gave up work to care for her mother who lost her battle with cancer in March. She said Jabeen, a devout Muslim until recently, has never been in a relationship with a man and described her pursuit of Mr Wood as teenagery crush. She doesnt know how to handle emotions, having not had an emotional attachment with a man, she said. She felt quite isolatedand reached out for help from the person to whom she had a crush. Jabeen, from Birmingham, admitted harassment, stalking, and breaching a suspended prison sentence. The judge imposed a ten year restraining order banning her from contacting Mr Wood or going to the area where he lives. Taiwanese officials have denied that it shot down a Chinese Su-35 fighter jet after social media footage of the wreckage of a plane burning near a building emerged. Footage circulated on Twitter shows the wreckage engulfed in flames and thick smoke. Several online accounts claimed that it was a Sukhoi Su-35 fighter plane that fell down in the city of Guilin in southern Chinese province Guangxi. The military jet was claimed to have been shot down by Taiwan after it intruded into the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, according to the accounts. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence issued a statement today, saying that the claim of it shooting down a Chinese Su-35 fighter jet was 'false information'. Taiwanese officials have denied that it had shot down a Chinese Su-35 fighter jet after social media footage shows a crashed plane burning near a building. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said the claim of it shooting down a Chinese Su-35 fighter jet was 'false information' Terrifying footage shows the wreckage swallowed by blaze while thick smoke billowed from the scene. An onlooker can be heard saying: A plane has fallen. A fighter jet. Another clip shows a man, believed to be the pilot, lying on a stretcher while being surrounded by residents. The pilot is said to have suffered severe injuries, according to the online accounts. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence issued a statement on Friday, denying that it had shot down a Chinese Su-35 fighter jet. 'The Air Force Command solemnly refutes that this is false information and completely untrue,' the notice read. Footage shows the wreckage swallowed by blaze while thick smoke billowed from the scene The statement continued: 'The Air Force Command pointed out that regarding people who intentionally create and spread untrue information online, [we] strongly condemn such malicious acts. 'The Air Force Command emphasised that in order to maintain airspace security, the headquarters will continue to closely monitor the conditions of the sea and airspace around the Taiwan Strait, and provide accurate information in a timely manner to prevent the spread of false information, and to avoid social unrest. We appeal citizens to rest assured.' The Chinese authorities have yet to confirm the alleged incident. In a report published in the journal Lancet on Friday, developers of the vaccine said it appeared to be safe and to prompt an antibody response in all 40 people tested in the second phase of the study within three weeks. However, the authors noted that participants were only followed for 42 days, the study sample was small and there was no placebo or control vaccine used. Four years ago, the death of Islam Karimov, who ruled Uzbekistan for 27 years, sparked a lot of rumors and speculations about the transit of power and changes that would take place in the country. Despite fears of possible public unrest and political clashes, the transition of power went surprisingly smoothly, and the reforms of the new president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, brought the state to a new level. Not by cotton alone From the first days of his presidency, Mirziyoyev headed towards reforms and openness. In 2017, a five-year state development strategy was approved with the emphasis on business liberalization and attracting foreign investment for the development of various sectors. Before, when mentioning Uzbekistan, the first thing that came to mind was cotton, now this analogy is irrelevant. Today, Uzbekistan exports its goods to 42 countries, 59 products were sent abroad for the first time in 2019. Within the framework of the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030, a program is being implemented to create a favorable climate for doing agribusiness. A cluster system has been organized, allowing the rational use of lands, increasing yields and diversifying the crops grown. In cooperation with Russian and Chinese colleagues, Uzbekistan is creating a research base for the further development of agriculture; international organizations provide loans for the implementation of the Uzbek governments programs. In addition to the significant reconstruction of the agricultural sector, Uzbekistan intends to become the world leader in gold production. The government is attracting foreign companies and investors to develop the industry and intends to increase the gold reserve to 474 tons worth $18.75 bln over the next five years In addition, Uzbekistan has begun the development of the digital economy. Since 2018, blockchain technology has been developing in the country; the Digital Trust was created to attract investors and implement projects. In January 2020, the South Korean company Kobea Group opened in Uzbekistan the first crypto exchange in the Central Asian region - Uznex. At the moment, the crypto-turnover in the country is exempt from taxation. Opening borders Four years ago, Uzbekistan was one of the most closed countries in the world, but in April 2017, Mirziyoyev canceled the visa regime for citizens of Australia, Austria, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Finland, Switzerland and Japan entering the country for 30 days. In February 2019, 45 more countries were added to this list, while the procedure for issuing tourist visas for citizens of 39 countries was simplified, electronic visas were introduced as well. Starting in 2020, citizens of Uzbekistan, who were practically restricted to travel abroad, can visit 58 countries without a preliminary visa application. By liberalizing the visa regime, Uzbekistan seeks to develop a promising tourism sector, including both active recreation and travel of a cultural and educational nature. As a result of the visa reform, the number of tourists increased from 240 000 in 2005 to 6.7 mln in 2019. In addition to the simplified procedure for obtaining visas, the government is actively involved in the development of transport infrastructure, promotion of certain types of tourism, as well as attracting foreign investment. Friendly Uzbekistan During the reign of Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan's foreign policy can generally be characterized as protectionist, as a result of which relations with neighboring states - Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan - were cool at best. Favorable trade and economic relations were maintained with Russia, but Eurasian integration clearly was not part of Karimov's plans. Moreover, Uzbekistan twice withdrew from the Collective Security Treaty. However, since 2016 the situation has changed dramatically. Shavkat Mirziyoyev took a course of good-neighborliness and adheres to it so far. Relations with the Central Asian countries are developing in such areas as security, investment, culture and ecology. By the end of 2019, trade with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan increased to $5.2 bln. Delimitation and demarcation of state borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan was implemented, issues of water use and transport corridors are being actively discussed. Relations with Russia have also reached a qualitatively new level - multi-billion dollar contracts have been signed in various sectors, the countries have become strategic partners and allies, and inter-parliamentary dialogue has been established, and active negotiations are underway on Uzbekistan's accession to the EAEU. Russia has become one of the country's largest investment partners. The changes in Uzbekistan over the past four are recognized at the international level both for economic liberalization and in the field of human rights. In 2019, The Economist magazine named Uzbekistan The Country of the Year in terms of implementation of the planned reforms, and in 2020, the Central Asian state for the first time since 2016 was included in the Global Innovation Index, improving its results in such categories as Market Development, Infrastructure and Human Capital and Research. According to Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, Uzbekistan may become one of the 50 economically developed countries by 2035. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Friday that would keep its current restrictions in place until at least mid-September as a precaution. Authorities had earlier lifted a in the city of Auckland following an outbreak there that began last month, but they continue to limit gathering sizes across the country and mandate that people wear masks on public transport. As with last time, a cautious approach is the best long-term strategy to get our economy open and freedoms back faster in the long term, Ardern said. reported five new virus cases Friday, two among returning travelers already in quarantine and three connected to the Auckland outbreak. Ardern also said she'd recently been talking with other world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, about the danger of people experiencing fatigue. In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region: The number of new cases in South Korea has stayed below 200 for the second consecutive day amid toughened social distancing rules. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday it has confirmed 198 additional cases over the past 24 hours The agency says 189 of the new cases were locally infected patients, about 70 per cent of them in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area. South Korea has seen an uptick in infections since early last month, mostly linked to churches, restaurants, schools and fitness centers in the Seoul area. Authorities in the Seoul area have recently restricted dining at restaurants and ordered the shutdown of churches, night establishments and after-school academies. (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.) WASHINGTON - An Atlantic story containing a series of damaging quotes attributed to President Donald Trump about the military and war dead shook up the 2020 presidential race on Thursday night. And Trump was quick to respond with a broad - and, in the case of the late Sen. John McCain, specific - denial. "I never called . . . John a loser and swear on whatever, or whoever, I was asked to swear on, that I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES," Trump tweeted. Except Trump has most definitely called McCain a loser - in fact, he was so proud of doing so that on July 18, 2015, he tweeted a headline of him saying exactly that. Trump's denial may have been intended to mean he never called McCain a loser in this specific instance. But Trump's past commentary makes it utterly believable that he did. And while the anonymously sourced quotes in the Atlantic are remarkably callous, Trump's public commentary on the same subjects also often pushed the bounds of good taste. Below are some of the big quotes from the Atlantic's piece, compared with things Trump has done and said. - McCain as a 'loser' The specific instance in which Trump allegedly called McCain a "loser" was following the Arizona Republican's death in 2018. Via the Atlantic's story: "When McCain died, in August 2018, Trump told his senior staff, according to three sources with direct knowledge of this event, 'We're not going to support that loser's funeral,' and he became furious, according to witnesses, when he saw flags lowered to half-staff. 'What the f--- are we doing that for? Guy was a f---ing loser,' the president told aides." Trump did call McCain a "loser" in 2015, questioning his status as a war hero and saying of the former prisoner of war, "I like people who weren't captured." It was hardly the only time Trump attacked McCain viciously, and he continued to insult McCain even in death. Trump's attacks remained very personal, including going after McCain's academic record. The idea that Trump was sore over giving McCain a state funeral is also believable based upon Trump's actions and comments surrounding the ceremonies. For instance, he complained that the McCains didn't give him sufficient thanks for approving military transportation for the funeral. "I didn't get a thank you, that's OK," Trump said. "We sent him on the way. But I wasn't a fan of John McCain." The White House also notably, after McCain's death, returned its flags to full-staff even as flags as the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument remained at half-staff - later reversing course amid criticism. Former Department of Homeland Security aide Miles Taylor, who has offered a number of very serious allegations about Trump in recent weeks, confirmed that White House staff told him Trump was angry about flags being lowered for McCain. To a Trump tweet that said he "did so without hesitation or complaint," Taylor tweeted on Sept. 4: "Mr. President, this is not true. You were angry that DHS notified federal buildings to lower the flags for Sen. McCain. I would know because your staff called and told me." None of this proves that Trump called the recently deceased McCain a "loser" in 2018, but he most definitely called him a loser before that and suggested he wasn't a war hero. He even suggested he was being magnanimous by complying with the pomp and circumstance of McCain's funeral - as if McCain wasn't necessarily entitled to such things. This isn't the first time Trump has denied calling McCain a loser. He also did so in a February 2016 MSNBC interview - just seven months after the tweet in which he called McCain a loser. - George H.W. Bush as a 'loser' McCain isn't the only war-hero-turned-Republican-politician Trump is described as having attacked as a loser: "On at least two occasions since becoming president, according to three sources with direct knowledge of his views, Trump referred to former president George H.W. Bush as a 'loser' for being shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in World War II," the Atlantic reported. Again, the "I like people who weren't captured" quote applies here. (Bush wasn't captured; Trump's comments suggest he also might not respect people being shot down.) A former senior administration official confirmed to The Post that Trump frequently derided soldiers who were captured and missing in action as "losers." Trump also attacked Bush from time to time over the years, though nothing along the lines of his attacks on McCain. And he publicly offered laudatory comments after Bush's 2018 death. In light of this, a reporter asked him the day after Bush died, "Do you regret any of your comments about George H.W. Bush or the Bush family?" Trump listened to the question, paused and dismissed the reporters in the room without answering. - John Kelly's son, and 'suckers' A particularly poignant section deals with Trump visiting the gravesite of his then-chief of staff John Kelly's son, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010: "According to sources with knowledge of this visit, Trump, while standing by Robert Kelly's grave, turned directly to his father and said, 'I don't get it. What was in it for them?' Kelly (who declined to comment for this story) initially believed, people close to him said, that Trump was making a ham-handed reference to the selflessness of America's all-volunteer force. But later he came to realize that Trump simply does not understand non-transactional life choices." Another stunning section recalls Trump referring to the war dead as "suckers": " 'Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers.' In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as 'suckers' for getting killed. . . . "Trump, on that same trip, asked aides, 'Who were the good guys in this war?' He also said that he didn't understand why the United States would intervene on the side of the Allies." And another scene: "According to eyewitnesses, after a White House briefing given by the then-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joe Dunford, Trump turned to aides and said, 'That guy is smart. Why did he join the military?' " The author of the piece, Jeffrey Goldberg, quotes people around Trump saying he genuinely doesn't have regard for people who died for their country, viewing them as having failed - and has even derided or at least not understood their decisions to serve in the first place. Trump has employed the "sucker" language when it comes to the military and questioned what the United States gets out of protecting Western Europe. After announcing the removal of troops stationed in Germany earlier this year, Trump said, "Germany is not paying for it. So why should we leave them if they were not - we don't want to be the suckers anymore." (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is generally intended to protect the Western world - the "common defense" - not just Germany or even Europe.) Trump in 2017 was also alleged by a congresswoman and the mother of a fallen soldier, Sgt. La David T. Johnson, to say on a phone call with them that Johnson "must have known what he signed up for." Trump has also offered occasionally callous comments about his lack of service and compared his nonmilitary actions to military service. Of his controversial deferment for bone spurs from the Vietnam War, Trump suggested that his actions as president compensated for it. "I would have been honored" to serve, Trump said, "but I think I make up for that right now. Look, $700 billion I gave last year, and this year $716 billion. And I think I'm making up for it rapidly, because we're rebuilding our military at a level it's never seen before." He also responded to Gold Star parent Khizr Khan saying Trump had never sacrificed for his country by saying, "I think I have made a lot of sacrifices. I've worked very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures." The idea that these things could be any kind of substitute for military service isn't generally how military service is understood. But it does suggest a certain view of the value of service. - Not wanting to feature wounded veterans And one final scene, from the end of Goldberg's piece: "In a 2018 White House planning meeting for [a military parade], Trump asked his staff not to include wounded veterans, on grounds that spectators would feel uncomfortable in the presence of amputees. 'Nobody wants to see that,' he said." Trump's public record on this topic is less robust. But as USA Today reported in May, Trump has spent significantly less time visiting wounded warriors than his predecessor. While President Barack Obama visited them 29 times in eight years, Trump had made just three visits in three years. (Trump would make another visit in July.) Trump, however, has held multiple events with the Wounded Warrior Project at the White House. Trump also offered somewhat off-color comments when he was given a replica of a man's Purple Heart at a rally in 2016. "Something very nice just happened to me. A man came up to me and he handed me his Purple Heart," Trump said. "I said to him, is that the real one, or is that a copy? He said, 'That's my real Purple Heart. I have such confidence in you.' And I said, 'Man, that's big stuff.' "I always wanted to get the Purple Heart," Trump continued. "This was much easier." Again, it doesn't prove Trump said what he's reported to have said, but it's relevant. Pictures of the children and grandchildren of Veteran Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor, popular for her villain role in movies, has surfaced on social media. The Nigerian star stated that its the first time in 7 years since her entire family were all together, ahead of her September 14th birthday. Ozokwor won the Best Supporting Actress 2012 and 2013 award at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards. The 61-year-old, born 14 September 1958, was among 100 Nigerians honoured by the government to celebrate the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 2014. In a statement, she said Thank you God for making my kids to all come home last Christmas solely to spend time with me. The first time in 7 years we were all together. There was no ceremony planned, they came back just for us to be together. God knew we would not be free to travel this year. I am blessed indeed. #14DaysOfThanksGiving #JoinMe #14September #MamaGLovers Patience had a passion for acting since she was in primary school, where she would act in different stage plays. She later attended the Institute of management and technology Enugu, where she obtained a degree in fine and applied arts. Prior to starting her acting career, she first made it into radio drama. Ozokwor participated in a soap opera by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) titled Someone Cares. Also known as Mama G, she was born in the village of Amaobo, Ngwo in present-day Enugu State, Nigeria, and attended Abimbola Gibson Memorial School in Lagos. She married at age 19+ and has three children with five adopted ones who all bear her name. The actor lost her husband in 2000 and hasnt remarried since then. Patience Ozokwo is currently a pastor. Share this post with your friends: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on September 3, 2020 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping will address the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services on September 4 in Beijing. As the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the virtual meeting of BRICS foreign ministers on September 4. CCTV: The US State Department issued a statement on September 2, requiring senior PRC diplomats in the US to receive approval to visit US university campuses and to meet with local government officials. Cultural events with an audience larger than 50 people hosted by the PRC embassy and consular posts outside of mission properties will also require approval. What is China's comment? Hua Chunying: Since October last year, the US State Department has continuously imposed restrictions on Chinese embassy and consulates in the US and their personnel, impeding their normal performance of duties in the US. Relevant measures seriously violate international law and basic norms governing international relations, and seriously interfere with China-US relations and normal bilateral exchanges. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the Consular Convention between China and the US, China and the US should fully facilitate each other's diplomatic and consular personnel in their respective countries to perform their duties in accordance with law. China always provides convenience for US embassy and consulates in China and their personnel to conduct normal activities in China in accordance with laws and regulations. By contrast, in October last year and in June this year, the US State Department has twice requested Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel in the US to report their activities in advance. This time, its request for prior approval went even further as to restrict Chinese diplomats' personal and social contacts with US local officials. These requirements are totally contrary to international law and basic norms governing international relations as well as the consular convention between China and the US. They are illegal, illegitimate and unreasonable. This reflects that the anti-China forces in the US have completely lost their rationality and self-confidence and have developed anti-China paranoia. They will continue to be strongly condemned and opposed by clear-minded people from all walks of life. China-US relations are important to both countries and to the world. The two sides should keep communication channels open at all times. The Chinese diplomatic missions in the US will continue to maintain normal exchanges with all sectors of the US community. China will continue to support normal exchanges and cooperation between the two peoples. We urge the US State Department to immediately reverse the erroneous decision, stop obstructing normal personnel exchanges between the two countries and stop undermining bilateral relations. China will make a legitimate and necessary response in light of the development of the situation. China Daily: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo continued to make groundless accusations against China during his press conference on September 2 on the South China Sea, Tibet-related issues and cooperation between China and US universities. What is China's comment? Hua Chunying: Pompeo's fact-distorting and truth-reversing words reflect that the extreme anti-China forces in the US are using all means to smear China and deliberately undermine China-US relations and normal exchanges and cooperation. The evil intentions of Pompeo and others have been seen through by the world since long ago, and their regressive behaviors will continue to be strongly criticized and resolutely opposed by people of all walks of life. China's position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear. China is firmly committed to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, to peacefully resolving disputes through consultation and negotiation with other countries directly concerned, and to working with ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. As a country outside the region, the United States is stirring up quarrels, provoking troubles and sowing discord between China and relevant countries in the South China Sea. The US is the primary perpetrator that creates tension and imposes threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea. We urge the US side to stop being a saboteur of peace and stability and a spoiler of cooperation and development in the South China Sea. Tibet has been China's territory since ancient times, and its affairs are purely China's internal affairs that brook no interference by any external forces. Since its peaceful liberation more than 60 years ago, Tibet has made historic progress in economic, social, cultural, ecological and other fields. We urge the US side to stop finger-pointing and interfering in China's internal affairs on Tibet-related issues. Exchanges and cooperation in the education sector between China and the United States are mutually beneficial. The allegation by US officials that China is infiltrating US schools is totally out of thin air. In their eyes, all Chinese students in the US are spies and all China's exchanges with US universities are infiltration. This is all delusional. Following their logic, are all the large number of Americans living and working in China spies? And all these English learners in China, are they part of the US effort to infiltrate China? What the US officials did goes against the desire of the Chinese and American people to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and undermines the common interests of the two countries. Once again, we urge Pompeo and other politicians to respect the facts, stop harping on anti-China remarks, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop obstructing and undermining normal exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States, and stop going further down the wrong path. Beijing Daily: Reports say the US wants not only "diplomatic reciprocity" but also "reciprocity in media". As we know, in May the US limited visas for Chinese journalists to a maximum three-month stay, and their visas haven't been extended so far. Could you comment on this? Hua Chunying: The US indeed talks a lot about reciprocity, but more and more people now understand the truth of "reciprocity" in the media sector in China and the US. For a long time the US has been practicing a discriminatory visa policy against Chinese journalists stationed in the US. The Chinese journalists can only get single-entry visas, which means they need to re-apply every time they leave the US to visit their families in China or travel overseas. Since 2018 the US has been deliberately setting obstacles to our journalists' visa application. Besides the usual documents, our journalists also need to submit large amounts of additional materials like their social media accounts, outbound travel records in the past 15 years, registration information and structure of their workplace in the US, as well as their social relations. This is not only far beyond the normal requirement of visa application but also in serious violation of their privacy. The US also cited many reasons including administrative review to prolong the process of visa review and approval, and to delay and even deny visa issuance. Since 2018, about 30 Chinese journalists have had experiences. In March the US in effect expelled 60 Chinese journalists. On May 11, the US announced its decision to limit visas for Chinese journalists to a maximum 90-day stay starting from May 8. That is to say, by August 6, all Chinese journalists' visas will expire. All Chinese journalists stationed there followed the US requirement and submitted application for extension in advance. However, none of them ever received a specific answer from the authorities whether the extension can be approved, which gives them a great deal of uncertainties. By contrast, most foreign journalists stationed in China are granted one-year press cards. Since December 2018, the US have demanded multiple Chinese media agencies register as "foreign agents" and "foreign missions". It's harder and harder for our reporters to cover news in the US. When in group press activities, they are often treated differently and sometimes even interrogated. The US also asked some Chinese media reporters to regularly submit certification of employment to the White House and removed some journalists from the list to send invitation emails for small-scale events. Besides, the visa application fee is also raised by the US under the pretext of "reciprocity". Now Chinese journalists need to pay $1,037 every time they apply, while the visa and residency application fee for American journalists stationed in China is only about $350. I think people connect empathically with each other, and you might put yourself in our shoes. The MFA Information Department does our best to make your life and work in China as convenient as possible. We do this for all foreign journalists in China, including US journalists. In order to best protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese and American journalists, we have had many consultations with the US side in good faith and with goodwill. But the United States has outrageously taken the visa extension issue as a hostage to demand that the more than 10 journalists of the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the New York Times, whose press cards were handed back, be allowed to return to China, while no Chinese journalists got visa extension. Things happen for a reason. Those journalists from the three US media outlets were asked to hand back their press cards because it is our justifiable and necessary reaction to the unreasonable expulsion of 60 Chinese journalists by the US side. If the US wants such reciprocity, China is also willing to get even with them on all this. The essence of the media issue between China and the US is the US political persecution and suppression against the Chinese media out of the Cold War mentality and ideological bias. It is an important part of the US crackdown on China in all aspects and fields. It does no good to the normal exchanges and mutual understanding between the Chinese and American people. It also undermines the legal and legitimate rights and interests of the journalists of the two countries. We hope that the US side will realize the gravity of this issue, change its discriminatory practices against the Chinese media, and protect the safety and rights of Chinese journalists stationed in the US. If the US keeps moving further down the wrong path, China has no choice but to make a justifiable and necessary reaction to firmly uphold its legitimate rights. CCTV: Do you have more information on the upcoming virtual BRICS foreign ministers' meeting? Hua Chunying: The BRICS mechanism is an important platform for emerging markets and developing countries to step up solidarity and cooperation and uphold shared interests. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the BRICS leaders, the BRICS countries, following the BRICS spirit of open, inclusive and win-win cooperation, have conducted various and fruitful exchange and cooperation. The BRICS countries have continuously strengthened solidarity and mutual trust, expanded pragmatic cooperation, deepened people-to-people exchange and increased international influence, making the BRICS a model of cooperation mechanism between emerging major countries. The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting is an important mechanism for BRICS cooperation and a key part of the three pillar areas of such cooperation. Facing the complex international landscape, it is of significant importance for BRICS foreign ministers to hold a virtual meeting to exchange views and coordinate position on the current international situation, commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the UN and hotspot issues of mutual interest, to send out strong messages of jointly addressing global challenges, supporting multilateralism and the UN's role, and promoting global economic recovery in a post-COVID era. China will actively participate in this meeting. We hope and believe this meeting will achieve positive outcomes and inject positive energy into world peace and development. NHK: There were protests following the implementation of bilingual education policy in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Can you confirm that? Former Mongolian president Elbegdorj made comments on this in social media. Do you have any response? Hua Chunying: The relevant reports are political speculation with ulterior motives. The national common spoken and written language is a symbol of national sovereignty. It is every citizen's right and duty to learn and use the national common spoken and written language. This is true not only in China, but also in the rest of the world. It is enshrined in China's Constitution, the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy and the Education Law. The Chinese government, in accordance with relevant laws, promotes the use of the national common spoken and written language in ethnic minority areas, upholds the principle of equality in the spoken and written languages of all ethnic groups, and guarantees according to law the freedom of all ethnic groups, including the Mongolian ethnicity, to use and develop their own spoken and written languages. The Education Department of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has released relevant information on unified textbooks. In recent years, the National Textbook Committee has organized experts to compile textbooks in Chinese language and literature, politics and history, which have been used in all primary and secondary schools nationwide since 2017. Starting this year, six provinces and autonomous regions, including Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, have also started using these textbooks. The unified textbooks of the three subjects will not affect the setting of courses of other subjects in schools teaching ethnic languages. The class hours, textbooks, and teaching language of the Mongolian language and literature class will remain unchanged, and the current bilingual education system will not be changed. I wonder if any other country in the world has enacted special laws and taken concrete measures like China to protect the rights of ethnic minorities to use their own spoken and written languages? New York Times: What is the position of the Chinese government on the independence movement in the Malaita region in the Solomon Islands? Hua Chunying: This is an internal affair of the Solomon Islands. China doesn't interfere in other countries' internal affairs. We believe the government of the Solomon Islands can handle its internal matters. CRI: The intra-Afghan talks are expected to be held soon in Doha, capital of Qatar. What is China's comment on this and what does China expect from it? Will you send officials to the talks? Hua Chunying: The intra-Afghan talks are key to the realization of peace and stability in Afghanistan. As the country's biggest neighbor and sincere friend, China has been following the latest developments and supporting the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" principle. We hope relevant parties in Afghanistan can put the interests of the country and people first, abandon differences, move in the same direction and work out a fundamental solution through dialogue and negotiation to realize lasting peace and stability. Comprehensive, lasting peace in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without the broad consensus and support from the international community, especially the regional countries. Promoting peace and facilitating talks is a shared responsibility of all members of the international community, not a job to be done by one or two countries. The whole international community must work toward the same goal to achieve early outcomes of the intra-Afghan talks and steady progress in the peace and reconciliation process. China will continue playing a constructive role to this end. The Paper: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other US officials once again accused China of covering up the epidemic, saying that more people have died in China than in any other country. What is China's comment? Hua Chunying: Actions speak louder than words, and justice prevails. What is false can never be made true. As Zhong Nanshan said at the CCTV program "The First Class of the New Term", the CPC and government have always adhered to the principle of "putting life first and the people first" and carried out epidemic prevention and control with a high sense of solidarity and responsibility and in a science-based manner. Under the strong leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have united as one and ensured that China was able to achieve major strategic results in epidemic prevention and control within a short period of time, which can stand the test of time and history. China's achievements in epidemic prevention and control have been further consolidated, important progress has been made in resuming work and production, and the economic and social order has been restored at a faster pace. These are plain facts. As stationed journalists in China, you must have had a good understanding of this during your stay. I have noticed that recently many friends from the media paid attention to the Wuhan Music Festival at a water park and the Qingdao Beer Festival, which are important signs that for the Chinese people, normal life is coming back. By contrast, the US has been shifting the blame to China, trying to use this as a strategy to cover up its government's incompetence, but its allegations are entirely groundless. On January 23, when China placed Wuhan under lockdown, the US declared only one confirmed case of COVID-19. On January 31, the United States suspended direct flights between China and the US. On February 2, the US closed its borders to all Chinese citizens, by which time the US announced there were just over 10 confirmed cases. The timeline is crystal clear. After China cut off the transmission path of the epidemic to the world, how did the US, boasting the richest medical resources and the most advanced medical technology, step by step became the most severely affected country in the world in just a few months? I am neither willing nor convenient to comment too much. There have been a lot of American media reports on the US administration's epidemic responses, and people from all walks of life in the US have let off their pent-up grievances. Yesterday, the US House Select Subcommittee on Coronavirus Crisis released reports obtained from the White House task force, which demonstrate what the administration's officials told the public are in contradiction with those reports they issued, apparently an effort of cover-up. As Dr. Fauci said, numbers don't lie. Every number indicates a life taken, and reminds us of his or her loved ones. The blaming tricks can only deceive some people for some time, but ultimately defeating the epidemic depends on science and respect for life. We hope the American politicians can realize this simple truth as soon as possible and fulfill their due responsibilities for their country and people. Xinhua News Agency: Today marks the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and we noticed high-level commemorative events held in both China and Russia today. Have the two sides been coordinating on this? Hua Chunying: Today marks the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This morning, President Xi Jinping and other CPC and state leaders, together with representatives of various sectors in Beijing, laid wreaths of flowers to commemorate the martyrs at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Today President Xi and President Putin exchanged congratulatory messages. As you may have also known, Chinese and Russian ambassadors to the United States, Cui Tiankai and Anatoly Antonov, published a joint article. Another article was jointly published by Chinese Ambassador Zhang Hanhui to Russia and Russian Ambassador Andrey Denisov to China. As President Xi Jinping pointed out, exactly 75 years ago, the victory of the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the victory of the Soviet Union against Japan demonstrated the final victory of the world anti-Fascist war. In the war that involved Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania, over 100 million troops and civilians died or injured, which was the heaviest price the human race had ever paid. China and Russia, as the main theaters in Asia and Europe during the war, made tremendous sacrifices for and indelible contributions to its final victory. The two peoples fought together, forged unbreakable friendship and laid solid foundation for the high-level China-Russia ties. The great victory 75 years ago is of special significance to China, Russia and the entire human history, and laid a foundation for the post-war international order. The UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law have played an irreplaceable role in peace, human progress and development since the war ended 75 years ago. The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. The great changes and the global pandemic affects the human society with wide-ranging impacts. The pandemic proves once again that all countries are closely intertwined. However, the world faces rising unilateralism, blatant bullying, a resurgence of Fascism and McCarthyism, and the deliberate attempts to drag the world back into turbulence, war and chaos. To safeguard the post-war international order which was won by people sacrificing their lives, and to safeguard international fairness and justice, we must uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose arbitrary interference in other countries' internal affairs. We must stick to peaceful settlement of disputes and reject the use or threat of force. We must abide by international law, fulfill international obligations, and oppose unilateralism and bullying practices. We must choose solidarity, cooperation and shared responsibility over division, confrontation and blame-shifting. Under the current circumstances, it is even more important for all sides to promote the correct view on WWII and oppose attempts at misrepresenting history or whitewashing Fascism and militarism. As major victorious nations of the WWII and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia share a special duty of safeguarding world peace and security and advancing human progress. China will continue working with Russia and other countries to firmly uphold the outcomes of the victory of the WWII, the status of the UN and multilateralism, and foster a community with a shared future for mankind. Nihon Keizai Shimbun: The Chinese leader laid wreaths of flowers at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, but he didn't make a speech there. Can you tell us why? Is it because China expects improvement in China-Japan relations? Hua Chunying: Today marks the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This morning, President Xi Jinping and other CPC and state leaders, together with representatives of various sectors in Beijing, laid wreaths of flowers to commemorate the martyrs at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Party and state leaders attend relevant events every year to commemorate this important moment in various ways. Since China and Japan are neighbors that cannot be isolated, an improving China-Japan relationship certainly meets the aspiration of the two peoples as it will deliver greater benefits to both sides. This aspiration has been there all the time, which shouldn't be subject to presumptions based on whether there's a speech or not. Do you agree? AFP: Do you have any comment on India's decision yesterday to ban 118 Chinese apps citing national security reasons? Hua Chunying: By banning these hi-tech, easy-to-use and popular apps, the Indian side is sacrificing first and foremost the rights and interests of the Indian users, and damaging those of Chinese companies. Therefore, no one gains from such an action. I noticed that almost on the same day, the US State Department called on other countries to join India in carrying out the so-called "Clean Network" program. I wonder if there's connection or coordination between India and the US on this issue. But India, as a country proudly possessing an ancient civilization, is wise enough to have known about Dirtbox, PRISM, Irritant Horn, Muscular and Undersea Cable Tapping. It knows fully well whether the US is clean or dirty when it comes to US policies and practices. Independence is so precious. We hope that the Indian side will stick to it. No short-sighted decisions shall be made to impede the long-term interests of the two countries and two peoples. I'd like to add a few words. Recently, there have been unfriendly voices in India that raised concern for clear-eyed people in China and India. Both countries are close neighbors and proud of our civilizations. The start of our exchange and mutual learning can date back to 1,000 years ago. The great Indian poet Tagore is very popular in China. He wrote, "We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us." Yoga and Indian movies like "Dangal" are also very popular in China. However, it never crossed our mind that India is trying to infiltrate or pose any threat to our country. We hope that India will attach importance to the two peoples' friendship and long-term interests, and actively support bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Kyodo News: First question, according to Japanese media reports, a Japanese press photographer was recently arrested in Hong Kong. It is said the photographer is a Hong Kong resident, and the Japanese government acknowledged this. Can you confirm it and give us more details? Second question, Taiwan "president" Tsai Ing-wen met with the Czech senate president today in Taipei. Do you have any comment? Hua Chunying: On your first question, I'm not aware of that. On your second question regarding the Czech senate president's visit to Taiwan, we have made clear China's position in the past few days. The Czech senate president, in disregard of opposition from China and the Czech government, insistently visited China's Taiwan region and outrageously supported the "Taiwan independence" forces, which is an open provocation. The one-China policy is an important political basis of the establishment and development of China-Czech diplomatic ties. We noticed that the Czech government also drew a line between them and the senate president, noting that what he has done doesn't represent the government's policy. We hope the Czech side can have a clear understanding of the damage he has caused to bilateral relations, and mmediately take measures to eliminate the bad impact. We solemnly inform the Taiwan authorities and the anti-China forces behind Vystrcil: your acts cannot alter the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and your attempts of political manipulation and "Taiwan independence" separatist activities will never succeed. I also want to correct you that when you mention Tsai Ing-wen in the future, please don't refer to her as the Taiwan "president". She's merely a leader in China's Taiwan region. Prasar Bharati: Regarding the BRICS Foreign Ministers' virtual meeting, is there any interaction between the foreign ministers of India and China? I was asking about if there will be any separate conversation between the foreign ministers of India and China regarding the ongoing India-China issues. Hua Chunying: China and India are both members of BRICS, and tomorrow they will both attend the BRICS foreign ministers' virtual meeting hosted by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. Tomorrow's meeting will focus on the current international situation and BRICS cooperation. I haven't heard of any separate meeting between Chinese and Indian foreign ministers. Bloomberg: The Trump administration is debating the scope and effective date of its bans on Chinese social media apps WeChat and TikTok and will likely make the decisions known around September 20. We are wondering if the foreign ministry has any comment on this? Hua Chunying: It is an open secret that the policies and actions taken and may be taken by the US side on TikTok and WeC hat have nothing to do with national security. They simply aim to cut open, bully and rob Chinese companies. Deep down, it is coerced transaction by government and public negation of the principles of market economy and fair competition that the US always flaunts. We have noted that TikTok and others have issued statements. We urge the US to correct its mistakes and stop unjustified suppression on Chinese companies. For a long time, the US has been cracking down in unspeakable ways on specific Chinese companies by overstretching the concept of national security and abusing state power, while presenting no factual evidence to justify its actions. It gives us a good lesson on undisguised bullying. I know some people in the US call this a digital gunboat policy. But we are in a different era now, and China is capable of taking all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. Global Times: Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command Phil Davidson said on September 2 that "An emboldened Communist Party of China seeks to change the world to one in which Chinese national power is more important than international law." On the same day, US Secretary of State Pompeo once again accused China of violating the UNCLOS. We also noted that he announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor and others investigating US war crimes in Afghanistan. The US government also said that it will not pay some $62 million it owes the World Health Organization in membership fees. Do you have any comment? Hua Chunying: The world has seen so clearly that it is the US that seeks to change the world to one in which its national power is above the international law. What the US has done is hypocrisy, hegemony and double standards at full display. To uphold its maritime hegemony, the US hasn't joined the UNCLOS so far, but it keeps accusing China of violating the UNCLOS. In order to prevent the ICC from probing into the US war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan, the US is now sanctioning the personnel of the ICC. The ICC dismissed these coercive measures as unprecedented, serious attacks against the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice, and the rule of law more generally. The US has wantonly walked away from international treaties and organizations. As of today, it has pulled out of over 10 international agreements. The latest example is the US announcement of withdrawal from the WHO and refusal to pay membership fees. It also owes more than two billion dollars in its share of the UN budget and peacekeeping funds. People couldn't help but wonder if the US in any way behaves like a responsible, normal major country. It is widely believed that the US has become the biggest destabilizing element to world peace and stability, and the biggest threat to international order and international rule of law. Ironically, however, policy makers and practitioners in the US are feeling so good about themselves. We hope they can come to their senses as soon as possible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Published on 2020/09/03 | Source "Search" has unveiled two types of Jang Dong-yoon's military thriller teaser posters. Advertisement "Search" takes place with the Demilitarized Zone as a backdrop and focus on battles between the military and a mysterious unknown enemy. It is produced by Im Dae-woong and written by Goo Mo and Go Myeong-joo. The teaser poster, released on the 3rd, captured the troops' eyes and ears in the middle of the night for a night inspection. At the center of it is Jang Dong-yoon, a very nervous-faced soldier. Why does a soldier who is counting only a few days before his discharge, go out to search the DMZ? Another person's gaze at him, whose story is unclear, adds to the tension. With Jang Dong-yoon's silhouette tangled with dawn fog and fading away, the mysterious gaze that seems to approach him even by cutting through barbed wire dramatically raises the fear that any chaos may come. It coincides with the meaningful copy of 'facing a fear that no one has ever seen' in the Demilitarized Zone, further arouses questions about the unknown being Jang Dong-yoon is searching for. The production team said, "This teaser poster captures realistic fears and fears through the situation and gaze of the search crew searching the DMZ, an unknown land and "Search" will give viewers a strong thrill with fresh materials and genres that have not been seen before". "Search" premieres in October. ___________ "Search" is directed by Im Dae-woong, written by Go Myeong-joo, Goo Mo, and features Jang Dong-yoon, Jung Soo-jung, Yoon Park, Moon Jeong-hee, Lee Hyun-wook-I, Choi Deok-moon. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2020/10~Upcoming, on OCN. Jewish Academy of Orlando welcomed many new "BEEs" this school year. Here are a few photos before the start of school. Jewish Academy of Orlando serves central Florida students of all faiths from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school delivers a whole-child education fostering academic excellence and character education rooted in Jewish values. Jewish Academy of Orlando is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools. To learn more about Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: jewishacademyorlandoorg or follow the school on Facebook https://facebook.com/JewishAcadem... New Delhi, Sep 4 : A doctor and his accomplice have been arrested in Delhi on the charge of forging Covid-19 test reports, police said on Friday. According to the police, Dr Kush B Parashar used to recommend patients for Covid-19 tests, collect samples personally or through his assistant. With the help of co-accused Amit Singh, Dr Parasher used to forge Covid-19 test reports of a renowned diagnostic centre or other labs as per the demand. As the reports were prepared in PDF format on a computer and sent to patients on WhatsApp, it was difficult to detect the forgery. The matter came to light when a person running the business of providing nursing staff to patients asked Dr Parashar for Covid tests on two nursing staff before hiring them. Parashar forged the reports and sent them, which were further forwarded to the client in a PDF format on her mobile, police said. However, seeing a mistake in the mentioned name, the person concerned contacted the diagnostic centre and asked for a new report with correction. On the basis of provided details, the diagnostic centre found that no such patient existed in their records. The centre then lodged a complaint at the Hauz Khas police station in south Delhi, where a case was registered. "During investigation, the forgery was unearthed and Dr Parashar along with Amit Singh were found involved. They were preparing forged Covid test reports without even testing the samples. A racket in forged reports was thus being run. They were using the names of renowned diagnostic labs for the purpose," said Atul Thakur, Deputy Commissioner of Police, south Delhi. The 34-year-old doctor, a resident of Malviya Nagar, and Amit admitted to the crime during questioning. Their accomplice Pramod is absconding, the police officer said. "Dr Parashar admitted to forgery of more than 75 Covid test reports. Efforts are on to trace others involved in the nexus," the officer said. According to police, the doctor charged Rs 2,400 per test for negative or positive reports as per the demand by clients. Moreover, the samples drawn were destroyed. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) La'Darius Marshall, who stared in the Netflix docu-series Cheer, is 'safe at home' with family after sharing a troubling Instagram post. The 22-year-old intimated that he may harm himself, writing that he was a 'broken kid who has lost his fight' and had 'given up,' in the now-deleted social media message shared on Thursday. After the message was deleted, it was replaced by one from his caretaker Debbie Bonner, who explained that the cheerleader was home and getting 'the help he needs.' Concern: La'Darius Marshall, who stared in the Netflix docu-series Cheer, is 'safe at home' with family after sharing a troubling, now-deleted Instagram post that intimated he may harm himself 'Ladarius Marshall is safe are home here in Texas with me @dlbonn,' Debbie wrote. 'Thank you all for carrying for our Boy, he will receive the help he needs I'll make sure of it. We will take good care of him.' While attending Navarro College and filming the Netflix series Cheer, La'Darius lived with Debbie and her family. Along with her caption assuaging the concerns of his nearly 550K followers, Debbie shared a heartwarming photo of La'Darius snuggled up with her and a toddler aged family member on the couch. Debbie's post came in response to an alarming post shared by the athlete the day prior that appeared to suggest that he may have been struggling with suicidal thoughts. 'Ladarius Marshall is safe are home here in Texas with me @dlbonn,' Cheer mom Debbie Bonner wrote. 'Thank you all for carrying for our Boy, he will receive the help he needs I'll make sure of it. We will take good care of him.' In a 'message to my people' Marshall explained that he had been pretending to be happy for the sake of social media and couldn't do it anymore. 'Ladarius Marshall is floating away, going away, fading away. I have hurt people, I have loved people, and I have given all I am to few people,' he wrote in the lengthy since- removed post, according to E! News. 'Some people are strong enough to make it in the end but my fight stops here. I have loved so much that when something falls away it takes a piece of me with it. What's left of me is nothing, I'm empty,' he continued. 'Some people are strong enough to make it in the end but my fight stops here. I have loved so much that when something falls away it takes a piece of me with it. What's left of me is nothing, I'm empty,' La'Darius wrote in the deleted post In one of the more troubling parts, the reality star spoke about how he wanted to be remembered for the 'positive things that I have brought into your life.' 'I am not what my media shows,' he said in the emotional message. 'I'm a broken kid who has lost his fight, his battle, and his war. Carry on with life, but keep me in your memories,' he continued. 'I love each and every single one of you guys. I hope that God shows you the way. Hurt people hurt people, and I'm tired of hurting people. It's ok I'll be smiling wherever I'm going. I have Given up this time.' 'I am not what my media shows,' he said in the emotional message. 'I'm a broken kid who has lost his fight, his battle, and his war. Carry on with life, but keep me in your memories,' he continued. Fans were immediately troubled by the words and the tone and his Navarro friends Jerry Harris and Gabi Butler jumped into the comments to offer their support. 'Please, please, please just know that you are very loved and cared about,' Gabi wrote before the post was deleted. She later confirmed that he was safe and sound in a post on her Instagram story. 'Just to share with you guys, Ladarius is safe and okay,' Gabi wrote. Getting help: Fans were immediately troubled by the words and the tone and his Navarro friends Jerry Harris and Gabi Butler jumped into the comments to offer their support La'Darius was one of the breakout stars of the Netflix docu-series Cheer. He was quite candid on the show about his struggles as a child, including being sexually abused as a child. 'You have to battle yourself and battle your inner demons because they tell you it is socially unacceptable to talk about it and you're being a wuss if you do,' Marshall told The Cut. 'And I just don't see how that culture is even close to being healthy. That's like me going through my entire life and not telling my story.' Adding: 'I never wanted to be perceived as a victim... I don't like the word... I know what I've been through, but look how far I made it.' The coronavirus pandemic prevents people from being in close contact with each other, which makes sexual intercourse complicated. A lead medical doctor from Canada says that it is best to skip kissing and wear a mask in bed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mask during sex Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, issued a public statement on September 2 on staying safe from the coronavirus when engaging in sexual activities, as reported by Today.com. The statement says that sexual health is an important part of a person's overall health. But sex can be complicated in the time of COVID-19, with risks increasing for partners engaging with people outside their household. Dr. Tam advises that the "lowest risk" sexual activity during COVID-19 involves yourself alone. However, for those who are choosing to engage in an in-person sexual encounter outside their bubble, Dr. Tam suggests a number of steps to reduce risk, including avoiding face-to-face contact or closeness. Also Read: Masks With Valves, Face Shields Allow Spread of Virus, According to Study Dr. Tam says that a trusting relationship should be established first, and partners should also consider using a mask that covers the nose and mouth. The statement also says that the current evidence indicates that there is a very low likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus through semen or vaginal fluids. But even if the people involved do not have symptoms, sexual activity with new partners does increase your risk of getting or passing COVID-19 through close contact, like kissing, as reported by Fox8. If your partner has COVID-19, sex should be avoided. Also, limit the use of alcohol and other substances so that you and your partner can make safe decisions. Of course, the most common health advice was also stated, and that is to continue to practice safe sex, including using condoms and knowing the STI status of your partner and yourself. Dr. Tam added that by taking these precautions and staying conscious of the risks, people could find ways to enjoy physical intimacy while safeguarding the progress that the country has made containing COVID-19. In Canada, there are more than 129,000 cases of COVID-19, including 9,135 deaths, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Coronavirus around the world While the rest of the world is slowly containing the spread of the virus, the United States still sees an increase in cases, with more than 195,000 recorded deaths. The world is now looking for a vaccine, and the United States is one of the countries that is almost in the finish line. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that more data is needed to see how effective convalescent plasma is as COVID-19 treatment, according to CNN. Currently, the data does not show strongly one way or the other, whether convalescent plasma is a useful treatment for COVID-19. Fauci stated that it has a EUA that is people would like it, you can get it. Dr. Fauci added that the plasma looks certainly safe. He said that the real question is if it is effective and how effective it is, proper clinical trials are still being done. Related Article: Fauci Says COVID-19 Vaccine Could Be Approved Earlier Than Expected, Might Oblige Researchers to Halt Trials @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Consumers beware of e-swindlers preying on fledgling cashback apps - illustration photo The increasing number of internet users, rising internet penetration, and steady increase of the share of e-commerce in total retail sales in Vietnam make it a core and high-potential market for modern cashback applications attempting to succeed in the digital space, with large marketplaces such as Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo already experiencing record-breaking growth in the past year. However, the Vietnam Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (VCCA) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has warned about scam activities on numerous cashback websites and apps after police in the southern province of Binh Phuoc uncovered violations. According to a police report in the province, there has been an increase in Facebook accounts posting statuses and sharing videos related to consumer rewards app MyAladdinz, encouraging people to install the programme on their smartphones. One person in the province even organised a conference to introduce the app. MyAladdinz offers to pay electricity and water bills, tuition, and insurance fees, as well as buy houses and cars on a hire purchase plan. The highlight of the app is that users can earn up to 80 per cent cashback for bills and payment. The more people who use the app regularly, the more cashback rewards they can enjoy. However, in order to enjoy these incentives, users are forced to place at least $100 into the account and share their private information. The money is converted into gems, each one costing $1. The cashback rewards after each transaction are only calculated with gems instead of real money. Simultaneously, if users invite other people to install this app, they will enjoy commission similar to multi-level marketing models. According to Binh Phuoc Police, this app has yet to be licensed by any state agencies. MyAladdinz does not conduct any trading or manufacturing activities to create products and services. In reality, the model uses the money put in by latter participants to pay commission for previous ones. Once there are no more new participants, the system is prime for collapse. In addition to that, users face the risk of their personal data being used for illegal purposes. In order to prevent an increase in such scams, the VCCA has warned customers about cashback-related programmes. Users are asked to seriously consider the possible outcomes before installing apps that offer rewards equivalent to 80-100 per cent of each purchase they make, as usually rewards are mostly presented in points and users receive only a tiny fraction of the reward in cash. Besides that, the points used by some cashback websites and apps are related to certain types of cryptocurrency or e-wallets such as Gem, CBP, Silling, USDT, and VNDC, which are not recognised by Vietnamese laws. Therefore, consumers will not be protected by the laws if any disputes arise. Meanwhile, the cashback playground has attracted more legitimate players from overseas in the shape of startups and banks. In early August, leading rewards and discovery platform ShopBack debuted its cashback website and app. Accordingly, online shoppers in Vietnam can now earn up to 25 per cent cashback from the groups Vietnamese roster of over 150 merchants. According to Jacky Ha, commercial director of ShopBack Vietnam, the biggest challenge since day one has been consumer education as the cashback concept has existed for decades in other countries but is still relatively new in Asia-Pacific. Furthermore, consumers in this region tend to be more conservative and can be wary about being paid to shop online, even though it is completely free of charge to create an account and use ShopBack, Ha explained. It is an uphill task to first capture consumers attention in the crowded online retail scene and educate them about ShopBacks service and credibility before we can persuade them to embrace and use the service. At the end of the day, Ha added, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Consumers should exercise caution when faced with such a situation, he added. ShopBack is affiliated with merchants that reward commission for referring customers to shop on their sites. ShopBack then shares a portion of that commission with the consumer. Vietnam has the third-largest population in Southeast Asia and has a sizable and young consumer base with growing disposable income 70 per cent of the population is under 35 years of age and its emerging middle-class is expected to reach 26 per cent of the population by 2026. With the potential reach for bright new startups as well as unscrupulous fraudsters, consumers are being urged to carry out research and exercise caution and common sense when dealing with unknown and dubious sites promising to reward cashback. Dr. Joshua Brock Nolin, a native of Eufaula, has been named the new Superintendent of Tallassee City Schools, effective Sept. 1. Nolin is a 1997 graduate of Eufaula High School. He had been serving in the role of Acting Superintendent since July, but has served the Tallassee school system in a variety of roles over the past two decades prior to his new appointment. Dr. Nolin has been the Assistant Superintendent the past year and a half, as well as Federal Programs and Special Education coordinator for the past four years at the central office level. Prior to that time, he was the Assistant Principal at Southside Middle School. He began his career as an agriscience teacher at Wetumpka High School for two years before a nine-year tenure at Tallassee High School. I am honored to have been selected as the next Superintendent of Tallassee City Schools, Dr. Nolin stated. We have a great community and school system, though I acknowledge that we have work to do. I look forward to continued work alongside our excellent school board, faculty and staff, he continued. Hyderabad, Sep 4 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday spoke to Telangana Governor, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, over phone about his video conference on the National Education Policy 2020 scheduled to be held on September 7. The President also interacted with the Governor on the Covid-19 situation and asked about the measures being taken to contain the pandemic in the state. According to the Raj Bhavan, the President wished the people of Telangana to stay safe and to be in good health and help prevent the spread of Covid-19. In his preparatory round of discussions with Soundararajan about the scheduled video conference on the NEP, the President noted that quality of education at all levels and improvement of higher education on a par with the global standards are vital. During the proposed video conference, the President will be interacting with Governors of the states and Ministers of Education, while all the Vice Chancellors of the state universities will also join the meeting. The main objective of the proposed video conference is to create better awareness about the NEP-2020, which is being considered potentially capable of transforming the education system to meet the global standards. The NEP-2020 is aimed at creating a knowledge economy and to make India a knowledge superpower. The Governor informed the President about the various initiatives and the lead she has taken with regard to the NEP-2020 and other key issues in the higher education sector in the state. She apprised the President about the webinar she organised with six eminent personalities, including two members of the UGC, on "Perspectives about National Education Policy-2020: Road Map for Telangana". "A detailed summary report of the webinar outcomes and the suggestions has also been submitted to the Ministry of Education and to the state government," she informed him. Soundararajan also shared about her series of video conferences with the universities' Vice Chancellors, Registrars and other functionaries with an objective to mould the universities into centres of excellence in higher education. The Governor informed the President about her unique initiatives like "Connect Chancellor," to encourage students to hone and exhibit their skills and talents, and "Chancellor Connects Alumni," which is aimed at promoting active contribution and participation of the old students in developing the universities. She also apprised him about her proposed webinar with the eminent personalities in the school education system scheduled to be held on September 5 as part of the Teachers Day celebrations. The President appreciated the initiatives and efforts by the Governor for quality education in universities and at different levels. We cant say when it will happen or how. Maybe more Democratic officeholders why, hello, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot will work up the courage to call for the speaker of the Illinois House to step down. Maybe state party officials humiliated by the relentless percussion of FBI raids, subpoenas, wiretaps and indictments will admit they need a fresh face as state chair. Or maybe itll be a simpler scenario, in which Michael Madigan, master of his own timeline, abruptly quits or announces his retirement. The husband of missing mom Suzanne Morphew is hitting back after it was revealed he spent the night before his wife was reported missing in a cheap hotel room that reeked of chlorine. In an interview with Fox 21 on Friday, Barry Morphew denied any wrongdoing inside his suite at the Holiday Inn in Broomfield, Colorado, following claims his co-worker, Jeff Puckett, made earlier this week. Puckett exclusively told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that he arrived at the hotel room on May 10 to find it scattered with wet towels and mail belonging to Barry. The same day, police started a frantic search for Suzanne, 49, who failed to return to the family home in Maysville, Colorado. On Friday, almost four months after his wife's disappearance, Barry defiantly stated: 'I did nothing wrong in the hotel. There's cameras all over the hotel, I did nothing wrong.' Scroll down for video Barry Morphew, the husband of missing Colorado mom Suzanne Morphew (pictured together) spent the night before she was reported missing in a budget hotel room in Broomfield, Colorado that smelled strongly of chlorine Barry stayed at this Holiday Inn hotel room on May 9, before leaving to return to his hometown of Maysville the following day. His co-worker, Jeff Puckett, then checked in and says he found the room scattered with wet towels and stinking of chlorine Jeff Puckett (pictured) was hired by Barry for work on a landscaping project near Broomfield. But the job never materialized and he told DailyMail.com that the experience has left him suspicious Barry, who works as a landscaper, told Fox 21 he hired Puckett to help him with a job in Broomfield - 150 miles from the $1.5 million Maysville home where he lived with Suzanne. 'I said listen, I need to do this job, I will pay you good money to come and help me,' Barry said of Puckett. Barry checked in to the hotel on May 9 - one day before Suzanne was reported missing by the couple's two adult daughters, Mallory and Macy. He left the Holiday Inn the following day to head home to Maysville to speak with police and join in the search for Suzanne after she failed to return home. Puckett arrived at the hotel room on the evening of May 10, as the landscaping job was set to continue. 'I got there and the room smelled like chlorine real bad,' Puckett told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview. 'It was his room and he'd taken a shower his towels were all over the floor.' Puckett also claimed he discovered a pile of mail in the room, including a letter about property insurance, which he later turned over to the FBI. He told DailyMail.com: 'I found some mail in the hotel room. His mail was in there and I gave it to the FBI. I thought it was kind of odd to have it there. 'Some of it was from an insurance company, like insuring your property, that kind of thing.' Speaking with Fox 21, Barry admitted that the room smelled strongly of chlorine, but claims he had nothing to do with the stench. 'I'm not going to beat around the bush... it smelled [of chlorine] real strong,' he conceded. 'I did not go to the pool and I did not get chlorine. I'm sure that they washed the rooms with that for the COVID. I don't know, but I [smelled] it too when I was in there,' Barry further stated. However, a manager at the $92-a-night property told DailyMail.com that they do not use chlorine to clean guest rooms. The pool is also currently closed. Barry and Suzanne have been married more than two decades, and are parents to daughter Mallory and Macy (pictured) Barry says he has nothing to hide, and has spent more than 30 hours speaking with investigators The couple shared a luxury $1.5 million home in Maysville together Meanwhile, Puckett said there were no tools waiting for him at the hotel and the landscaping job never went ahead. He also never got to see the job site. As a result, he says the experience has left him suspicious. 'It's kind of weird,' he told DailyMail.com. 'My first thought was that this must be like an alibi. That's what it felt like.' He added: 'I hope they find her alive but it's been a long time.' All of Puckett's information has been passed to police by DailyMail.com. Barry told Fox 21 that he does not believe Puckett is a reliable source of information because he 'was in prison for nine years'. Meanwhile, Suzanne's brother, Andy Moorman, said the Holiday Inn hotel room wasn't the only place there was an unusual stench. 'From what I understood secondhand, they said there was an overwhelming smell of bleach in the home,' Moorman told Fox 21. Andy earlier told the news network that he has not had much contact with Barry since his sister vanished. 'The problem I have with that is I don't feel like he's fully cooperating with investigators. 'He should have taken a lie detector and a voice analysis, anything else they ask him to do. And he's gone kinda quiet,' he stated. Andy, an attorney based in Anderson, Indiana, said he has not heard from either of his nieces since their mother vanished. The 58-year-old is now fundraising for a new search for Suzanne due to take place at the end of September and took part in a vigil for his sister on Sunday night during which he said he didn't expect to find her alive. The new round of fundraising comes on top of a GoFundMe page set up by Barry and his nephew Trevor Noel, 36, of Evergreen, Colorado. It has raised almost $33,000 so far with the funds due to be spent on searching for Suzanne although DailyMail.com can reveal that no organized searches are currently taking place. In late May, police took custody of the Morphew family's $1.5 million residence to carry out a search. The home was later released back to Barry and his daughters Suzanne was reported missing on Mother's Day, May 10. Her bike was found the same day by a bridge close to her luxury $1.5 million home, prompting police to theorize she may have set off on a bike ride before she vanished. One week after Suzanne's disappearance, Barry released a video announcing a $100,000 reward for her safe return. He then retreated from the public eye. 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. In late May, police took custody of the Morphew family's $1.5 million 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. A second search was conducted in July, but police did not say whether or not they had obtained anything of interest. Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze says more that a dozen detectives are still working around the clock. Union Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Prakash Javadekar at the 60th Annual Convention of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said that the scrappage policy is ready and will be announced soon. He said, "The scrappage policy has been on the agenda and the government is working on it actively." Javadekar added that all stakeholders have also given their inputs. However, he didn't reveal any details about the exact date of the announcement. Javadekar also assured the auto industry to discuss the suggestion of temporary GST cut with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Every sector including the government has been impacted all over the world. Our revenues have also nosedived. But this year monsoon is very good and the rural economy is on track. And since the rural base is slowly changing, demand for four-wheelers will also rise along with two-wheelers and tractors." said Javadekar while discussing auto slowdown in the country. He added, "The problem, however, arises in the urban sector." Javadekar, while clarifying the government's stand on the GST reduction for the auto sector, said, "Government is open to ideas and making dialogue; there is always a way forward. I will certainly discuss the need for GST reduction in the auto sector with the FM and PM as the industry is asking for GST reduction for a certain period of time and not permanently." When asked if the GST will be announced across the segments, Javadekar replied, "It should come in the sequence of two-wheelers, followed by three-wheelers and public transport and then four-wheelers." Uday Kotak, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank, speaking about vehicle financing, said that money is available and the banks are ready to lend. He added that the challenge is not financing vehicles but getting supply and demand. "We need to get the whole chain working together. On my part, I can assure that the banks are ready, willing and eager to lend money. We just need consumers with a reasonable credit history to buy the vehicles" said Kotak. Earlier this year, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had said, "The scrapping policy will be finalised soon. It is going to boost the industry. It is going to reduce the production cost." SIAM has also been asking the government to formulate a scrappage policy to phase out older vehicles. The scrappage policy is part of the stimulus package requested by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the auto sector's revival in the country. Also Read: GDP CONTROVERSY: At -75% 'annualised' GDP, India still the worst performer Also Read: Hacking of PM Modi's personal website's Twitter handle not related to earlier attacks Also Read: JEE,NEET Exams to go ahead, Supreme Court rejects states' plea to review order Carlos Sainz insists he is not regretting his decision to join Ferrari for 2021. Only after the Spaniard signed to switch from McLaren at the end of the year did the full scale of Ferrari's massive performance slump in 2020 become clear. Sebastian Vettel, the man Sainz is replacing, even admits to feeling some relief that Monza is a 'ghost race' this weekend. "Don't get me wrong, it is very unfortunate that the Tifosi is not here," he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "But in the circumstances I would find it very difficult to drive the Ferrari in front of the fans here at the moment." Marc Surer, a former driver, thinks Ferrari's problem isn't just an underpowered engine in the wake of the 2019 legality saga. He also thinks Maranello produced a "terrible chassis" for 2020. "I don't understand what's going on either," Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko told Osterreich newspaper. "But let's see what happens in Monza. "Maybe there will be a sensational resurrection." But even a boost from the ban on 'party mode' engine settings is likely to be minor. The situation moved F1 sporting boss and former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn to surmise that Sainz might be feeling nervous about his move for 2021. "I've seen enough comments on this type in recent days," Sainz was quoted by EFE news agency when asked about Brawn's comments. "I am 100 percent convinced that Ferrari is the right opportunity for me and one that I cannot miss. It never seems like a bad time to go to Ferrari to me," he added. "I still like the project," Sainz continued. "With Mercedes dominating so much, they also didn't expect to win next year so I trust 100 percent in the project." (GMM) The pipeline is a done deal. It only has some 160 kilometers left to build out of 1220 kilometers. U.S. sanctions have already been doing their best to delay the inevitable, but Merkel isnt going to be the one to pull the plug on a project that is 90 percent complete - and one that is vital to her constituency in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, near the coastal area where Russia has seemingly had carte blanche to do whatever it wishes, either at home or on German territory, without getting any sense that Merkel would respond by pulling out of the pipeline. The assassination of a Georgian, which was likely a Russian state-ordered hit, on the streets of Berlin last summer did not make her flinch. Neither, it would seem, will the confirmed poisoning of Russias opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, who is now in a coma in a hospital in Berlin. While the media like to say that Merkel is being pressured into rethinking NordStream, she is still unlikely to give in readily - even under mounting domestic pressure. Germanys Merkel wants nothing more than Russias NordStream2 pipeline, which will deliver Russian gas directly to Germany, bypassing the two key opposing countries, Ukraine and Poland. Nothing has forced her to waiver from her dedication to NordStream and ensuring the Russian gas noose tightens around Europes neck, including U.S. sanctions threats. NordStream Will Move Ahead, With or Without Poisonings Germanys Merkel wants nothing more than Russias NordStream2 pipeline, which will deliver Russian gas directly to Germany, bypassing the two key opposing countries, Ukraine and Poland. Nothing has forced her to waiver from her dedication to NordStream and ensuring the Russian gas noose tightens around Europes neck, including U.S. sanctions threats. Russia has seemingly had carte blanche to do whatever it wishes, either at home or on German territory, without getting any sense that Merkel would respond by pulling out of the pipeline. The assassination of a Georgian, which was likely a Russian state-ordered hit, on the streets of Berlin last summer did not make her flinch. Neither, it would seem, will the confirmed poisoning of Russias opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, who is now in a coma in a hospital in Berlin. While the media like to say that Merkel is being pressured into rethinking NordStream, she is still unlikely to give in readily - even under mounting domestic pressure. The pipeline is a done deal. It only has some 160 kilometers left to build out of 1220 kilometers. U.S. sanctions have already been doing their best to delay the inevitable, but Merkel isnt going to be the one to pull the plug on a project that is 90 percent complete - and one that is vital to her constituency in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, near the coastal area where the pipeline will run. Instead, Merkel would like very much to separate, as she has noted on many occasions, business operations such as the pipeline, from issues of human rights and politics as they relate to Russia. Merkel, of course, does not believe this herself, and is fully aware that NordStream is far more than merely a business operation. This pipeline is a huge geopolitical victory for Putin. And the Navalny poisoning with a Novichok nerve agent (the same used in an attempted assassination for former Russian intelligence figure Sergei Skripal and his daughter in 2018) will not stop NordStream, but will make it more difficult for Merkel to continue to preach to the German public about peace with Russia via business. Tough times are ahead for Merkel with the opposition latching tightly onto the Navalny poisoning, but Russia has already gotten away with murder in Berlin, and this will not be the end of the pipeline to Putins power. In the meantime, U.S. sanctions are already biting, with German energy company Uniper warning that it might have to halt construction as a result, adding further delays to the project. But this is a legacy project for Merkel. Uniper is one of the five financing partners for Gazprom in the NordStream project. This pipeline is one of the best examples of the intersection of business and geopolitics, and everyone has some skin in this game on one side or the other. For the Trump administration, of course, it is not all about geopolitics and one-upping Russia - it is about getting the European market for all that new American LNG, which wont be necessary once Russian gas is pumping directly into Germany. Stonewall Jackson, a Confederate general under Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War, earned his nickname because of his staunch defensive tactics. He was a war hero from the age of 24, spent eight years as a professor known for having strange quirks and died aged 39 in a military hospital after being shot by one of his own men. The military leader, born Thomas Jonathan Jackson on January 21, 1824, and other drivers of the Confederacy in the southern states of the US between 1961 and 1865 have proved to be controversial in recent years. Civil rights campaigners claim the American Civil War was sparked because President Abraham Lincoln wanted to abolish slavery in the southern states, which relied heavily on slaves for cotton production. Confederate military leaders have since been viewed by some as figureheads of white supremacy. Others think Confederate generals are a sign of southern strength at a time when the more federal north wanted more power over individual states. Stonewall Jackson (pictured), a Confederate general under Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War, earned his nickname because of his staunch defensive tactics Born in Clarkesburg, Virginia, Jackson's parents, Jonathan Jackson and Julia Beckwith Neale, both died while he was under the age of eight. His father and older sister Elizabeth died from typhoid fever when he was just two years old. His mother remarried in 1830 but her new husband didn't like Jackson or his two remaining siblings, and they were sent to live with their father's uncles. Their mother died of complications in childbirth the next year. In 1843 Jackson was enrolled in the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, after the candidate originally chosen by the congressional district dropped out the day after school started. Three years later he graduated 17th in a class of 59 and fought with distinction in the Mexican-American War under General Winfield Scott during the: Siege of Veracruz; Battle of Contreras; Battle of Chapultepec; Battle of Mexico City. After the war ended in 1892 he was promoted to the rank of brevet major and known as a war hero. He retired in 1851 and was offered a professorship at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington Virginia, where he taught natural and experimental philosophy. His students vehemently disliked his cold demeanor and strange quirks - which included constantly holding one arm in the air as he taught because he thought his arms were uneven lengths. Jackson died on May 10, 1863, eight days after he was accidentally shot by friendly fire He married twice during his lifetime. His first wife, Elinor Junkin, died during childbirth a year after their 1853 marriage. She gave birth to a stillborn boy. His second, Mary Ann Morrison, had a daughter two years after their marriage. Born in April 1859, the newborn died a month later. By November Jackson headed back to the army and served as a VMI officer at abolitionist John Brown's execution following Harper's Ferry - when Mr Brown tried to initiate a slave revolt in the southern states by taking over a United States arsenal in the town. In 1862, four years after their first child died, Jackson's wife gave birth to another daughter, Julia. At the same time several southern states had declared their independence and the American Civil War was raging between US federal forces and a Confederate army. Jackson defended his home state of Virginia, despite originally wanting the state to stay part of the US, against the federal army. He was put in command of the VMP Corps of Cadets on April 21, 1861, and later prepared troops for what would later be called Stonewall Bridge. Jackson was promoted to the roles of brigadier commander and brigadier general under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston. It was during the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861, that Jackson earned his nickname. When he charged his army ahead to bridge a gap in the defensive line against a union attack, General Bernard E. Bee, impressed, said: 'There is Jackson standing like a stone wall.' He was promoted to major general for his bravery. After leading the Confederate army to several victories, Jackson was ordered to join General Robert E. Lee - who he had already fought alongside during the Mexican-American War - in 1862. While there he led his soldiers through a number of unlikely victories, including: At the Second Battle of Bull Run in August of 1862, John Pope and his Army of Virginia mistakenly thought Jackson and his soldiers were retreating. It meant General James Longstreet was able to launch a missile assault against the Union Army, ultimately forcing Popes forces to retreat. Jackson managed to hold his Confederate troops in a defensive position during the bloody battle of Antietam, until Lee ordered his Army of Northern Virginia to withdraw back across the Potomac River. In October of 1862, General Lee reorganized his Army of Virginia into two corps. After being promoted to lieutenant general, Jackson took command of the second corps, leading them to a decisive victory at the Battle of Fredericksburg. At the Battle of Chancellorsville in May of 1863, Jackson struck General Joseph Hookers Army of the Potomac from the rear. The attack created so many casualties that, within a few days, Hooker had no choice but to withdraw his troops. Jackson died on May 10, 1863, eight days after he was accidentally shot by friendly fire from the 18th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. At a nearby field hospital, Jacksons arm was amputated. On May 4, Jackson was moved to a second field hospital, in Guinea Station, Virginia. He died there of complications on May 10, 1863, at the age of 39, after uttering the last words, 'Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of trees.' The flagbearer for the Liberal Party of Ghana Kofi Akpaloo has stated that he will implement the free university education if elected as President in his first term. This was disclosed by the partys Flagbearer for the 2020 general election, Kofi Akpaloo. He said the next LPG administration will ensure that students do not pay fees at the university level. All University students will not pay fees, I will implement this policy in my first term if am elected as President of Ghana, Kofi Akpaloo exclusively told Kwaku Owusu Adjei on Pae Mu Ka on Accra-based Kingdom FM 107.7 He stated that the party would change and transform the Ghanaian economy if voted to power, saying, The challenges facing Ghanaians in areas of unemployment, poverty, access to quality education, inadequate infrastructures and housing would be resolved through this manifesto when given the nod. Kofi Akpaloo reiterated that an LPG government would fulfill its promise of paying each unemployed Ghanaian a monthly allowance of GH 300. He further stressed that an LPG government would invest 60 billion dollars in building a new city, stressing that the whole architecture of Accra, Ghanas capital city, would be reconsidered. The firebrand politician disclosed that Ghanas natural resources, including bauxite, gold, timber, coffee, cocoa were enough to change the misfortunes of the country. ---KingdomfmOnline A photograph taken of a young couple celebrating their engagement captured their joy just five minute before the groom-to-be unexpectedly died. Joao Guilherme Torres Fadini, 24, and his fiancee Larissa Campos, 25, joined friends to celebrate their engagement at the Itupararanga Dam, located on the Sorocaba River in the Sorocaba region of the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. The Brazilian businessman who was described as a good swimmer kissed Larissa's forehead just moments before he tragically drowned on 31st August. Larissa Campos, 25, is mourning the loss of her fiance Joao Guilherme Torres Fadini, 24, (pictured) who tragically drowned just five minutes after they posed for photographs to celebrate their engagement Joao and Larissa (pictured) were celebrating their engagement with friends at the Itupararanga Dam in Brazil at the time of the groom-to-be's death Larissa said Joao (pictured) went into the water to compete in a swimming race to the next shore moments after kissing her Larissa told G1 news: 'After the kiss, he took off his shirt and went into the water together with our friends. 'He asked me to wait for him and said he loved me. 'They started a swimming race to the next shore. Almost everyone gave up and there was only him and my brother-in-law Gabriel left.' However, as the pair continued racing Joao suddenly disappeared under the water. The group frantically searched for him and called the emergency services. The Sao Roque Fire Department arrived at the scene following the late afternoon callout and started searching with boats and divers. Brazilian businessman Joao (pictured) was described as a good swimmer and had asked Larissa to wait for him before he went into the water Specialists including military advisors and firemen joined the search for Joao after he disappeared in the water. Pictured: Joao and Larissa They were later joined by specialists, including military advisors and experts from the Sorocaba Institute of Criminalistics. Larissa said: 'While the firemen were on their way we searched everywhere, but without success. 'Almost an hour and a half after the firemen arrived, the divers found his body.' Joao told Larissa that he had already set a May date for the wedding because he said he couldn't wait to start a family with her. Joao revealed to Larissa (pictured) before his death that he had set a date for their wedding and was looking forward to starting a family together Newly engaged Joao and Larissa (pictured) were set to celebrate their second year as a couple in September The couple were due to celebrate their second year together on 8th September. His heartbroken fiancee said: 'He was planning the official proposal, which he said 'would be epic'. 'He had even created a folder with various ideas that he would use on the big day.' She added: 'All I think and dream about is him. Now all I have left are memories of everything we lived and dreamed of experiencing together. Larissa said Joao (pictured) had created a folder of ideas for their big day and was planning an 'epic' official proposal Larissa said all that she thinks and dreams about is Joao (pictured) and the plans they dreamed of experiencing together Larissa explained that they've always been intensely in love and the loss has left all that knew him 'numb and disturbed' 'We have always been very intensely in love. We loved life together.' Mourning the loss of her fiance, Larissa said: 'We are all numb and disturbed, but we have the firm hope that he will be our strength and take care of us.' The couple had planned to backpack around Colombia in 2021 for their honeymoon. Joao Guilherme Torres Fadini was buried in Votorantim on 1st September. It is unclear if his death is under investigation. Larissa and Joao (pictured) had made plans to backpack around Colombia in 2021 for their honeymoon She recently returned from a sun-soaked holiday to Crete with her co-star boyfriend Dan Edgar. And Amber Turner was pining for her Greek getaway as she took to Instagram on Friday to post a stunning throwback snap. The TOWIE star, 27, posed poolside in a strapless white bikini as she gazed into the distance. Greek goddess: Amber Turner was pining for her Greek getaway as she took to Instagram on Friday to post a stunning throwback bikini snap Amber's flaxen locks hung loose, and she accessorised her summer look with a number of gold pendants. The blonde beauty longingly captioned the snap, 'I know where Id rather be', following her return to Essex earlier this week. Amber made the trip with boyfriend and TOWIE co-star Dan Edgar, 30, sharing snaps of the couple as they made the most of the sun-drenched climes. The formerly on-off pair have been stronger than ever after spending lockdown together. Summer goddess: The TOWIE, 27, kept her fans updated with a slew of swimsuit shots as she enjoyed a break in Crete with boyfriend Dan Edgar, 30, last week The couple rekindled their relationship in May last year after a brief split which saw the Lothario pursue a relationship with his co-star Chloe Sims, 37. Amber has previously spoken about how Dan has become a 'changed man' since they gave their romance another go. And on Friday night Amber took to her Instagram story to show things are still going strong post-holiday, as she shared snaps of a night out in London with her love. Wow-factor! The TOWIE star recently unveiled her impressive body transformation in a series of before-and-after snaps during lockdown The TOWIE stars are currently filming scenes for the 10th anniversary edition of The Only Way Is Essex Producers recently released a trailer ahead of its special reunion episodes, which is set to air in September. The hit ITVBe show posted a video to Twitter full of key moments from the show's history including Lauren Goodger pushing ex Mark Wright into a swimming pool. Other hilarious parts include Sam Faiers asking for a vajazzle and Gemma Collins telling people to 'Google her'. Micks said those in inner tubes have little control of their course on the river and said tubing is safest at low water levels, when waters are crystal clear, and currents are not pushing the tube downstream. Its a wonderful way to experience the river as long as you have a PFD on, said Micks. You might be able to use your hands to move left or right a little bit, but you really dont have a lot of control of where youre going. Micks said canoes require greater skill than one might think, and there are several safety factors to consider before setting out in those small boats. If the canoe gets full of water, its going to weigh a ton, and you can get yourself in trouble if youre caught between the boat and a rock on the downstream side and the rivers pushing, said Micks. Alan Mindlin, an avid kayaker for nearly two decades, said some bargain kayaks lack bulkheads covered by hatches, which create trapped air spaces inside the hull of the vessel. Mindlin said not only do those voids provide space for gear during a river trip, but the trapped air inside helps keep the boat afloat in case of an unexpected emergency. Taj Bibi, a mother of five in her 30s, always wears chadori, an all-enveloping blue Afghan veil, whenever she meets strangers. But even with her faced covered, her grief is palpable. Surrounded by her three girls and two boys, she talks about her tumultuous life. Bibi recalls her first marriage nearly 18 years ago in Marawara, a remote mountainous district of Afghanistans eastern Kunar Province. She says she dreamed of a happy life with her first husband, Fateh-ur Rahman. But his familys poverty and a lack of opportunities led him to join the newly created Afghan Army in 2003. The following year, he was killed in a clash with the insurgents and left Bibi a widow. In line with a local Pashtun custom, she married Rahmans younger brother Rahimullah. He was also a soldier in the Afghan Army and was killed in 2013. Bibi then married the next brother, Mohibullah, who was also a soldier. He was killed in 2017. Bibi is now married to the fourth brother of her three late husbands. Like them, he is an army infantryman and is currently posted away from Marawara. Another surviving brother lost his eyesight during fighting. The family is reluctant to share their names to protect their identity. All of them joined the army because of extreme poverty, Bibi told Radio Free Afghanistan, explaining that her in-laws have no land and the men in the family have little education or marketable skills in the remote region. Our lives are now unending grief. Allah is my only hope as I raise our children. Bibi says that whenever she hears the echo of gunshots inside their rented mud house in a remote corner of Marawara, she is haunted by images of her deceased husbands. I immediately pray that Allah may protect my husband and our family, she said, adding that in addition to honoring the local custom of a widow marrying her deceased husbands brother, she did not want to abandon her father and mother-in-law. I hope to raise our children so they can witness better times, she said. Mohammad Rahman, her father-in-law, says the loss of his three sons has broken his soul. Tears roll down his cheeks as he looks at photos of them wearing their Afghan Army uniforms. Allah granted these children to me and then took them back, Rahman, in his 60s with a flowing salt-and-pepper beard, said between sobs. This grief has broken my back and is accentuated by our poverty, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. We still do not have our own house. Mohammad Israr, 11, the eldest among his siblings, still remembers his late father, Rahimullah. He loved me, he recalled. I used to have new shoes and clothes and he brought me everything I asked for. Now most of my classmates have new shoes, clothes, and schoolbags, but I dont have those. Rahman says his best hope now is that his grandchildren can live in a peaceful Afghanistan. After losing my three children and seeing another one live with blindness, I do not wish death or harm to any other Afghans, he said. Our hope is that we all can live in peace without constantly worrying about being killed or grieving after loved ones. Haleem Gul, a tribal leader in Marawara, says residents of the district feel aggrieved for the tragedies Rahmans family have had to endure. We feel sorry for them, but alas there is little we can do to help them, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. Across Kunar, a major recruiting region for the Afghan Army, many families have lost their sons to the fighting. Few, however, have received any tangible benefits from the Afghan government, which in some regions has awarded apartments and plots of land to families of Afghan soldiers killed in battle. Gul Mohammad Baidar, Kunars deputy governor, says authorities in the province continue to pay the monthly salaries of Rahmans sons to his family but have failed to give them a house. We were unsuccessful in helping them get a plot of land in the neighboring provinces of Laghman or Nangarhar, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. This family will be our top priority whenever the central government in Kabul approves our plans for awarding land to the families of martyrs from the security forces. Beyond the governments aid, Bibi says the best way to help her family would be to make sure her children get an education. I see that as our only path to happiness, she said. Abubakar Siddique wrote this story based on Radio Free Afghanistan correspondent Rohullah Anwaris reporting from Marawara, Afghanistan. Update: The suspect accused in the killing of a man Friday morning in Barre has been identified and is expected to be charged with murder, online court records show. Read more here. A person was killed Friday morning in Barre, according to authorities. Troopers as well as local police officers responded to a home on Town Farm Road in the Worcester County town after receiving a call that a homicide had occurred, Massachusetts State Police said in a statement. The scene is secured and is being processed by the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the statement said. There is no threat to public safety. Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr.s office is expected to release more information about the killing later Friday, authorities told MassLive. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. The Communist Party of China (CPC), proclaimed General Secretary Xi Jinping, strives for both the wellbeing of the Chinese people and human progress. Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 and delivers a keynote speech at the summit in Beijing, capital of China, June 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. Certain countries, amid the global spread of COVID-19, increasingly resort to unilateralism, protectionism, bullying and political smear. Across the globe, there emerges greater deficit of governance, trust, peace and development, resulting in mounting uncertainties and destabilising factors. Yet it should also be noted that peace and development remain the theme of our time, together with mutual respect and win-win cooperation as an unstoppable trend. Standing on the right side of history, the CPC is committed not only to rallying the Chinese people and leading them in running our own affairs well, but also to building a community with a shared future for mankind to promote world peace and common development. Moreover, the CPC rises above the Cold War mentality and opposes power politics as it endeavours to nurture and contribute to the lofty cause of world peace and development. The CPC: a firm practitioner of the people first and life first philosophy. As General Secretary Xi Jinping stated, to seek happiness for the Chinese people, share weal and woe and maintain close ties with them is the original aspiration and the lasting pursuit of the Party. Over the past seven decades and more since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, the CPC has led the Chinese people in bringing about rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, both of which are applauded miracles rarely seen worldwide. Chinese peoples sense of fulfillment, happiness and security has been growing constantly. The year 2020 will mark a historic moment for China as the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects will be completed and the battle against poverty will be won under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, eliminating once and for all absolute poverty, a problem plagued the Chinese nation for several thousand years. Chinas achievements in poverty alleviation have been acclaimed by personages from political parties around the world as a miracle in the history of human development. Chinas response to the recent outbreak COVID-19 speaks volumes about the CPCs governance philosophy of putting people first and its core value of serving the people wholeheartedly. At crucial moments of crisis, the nature and distinctive feature of a political party and a political power can be best judged by the paramount item on its agenda. In the face of the sudden outbreak, General Secretary Xi Jinping has been personally directing and planning Chinas response efforts. The CPC has all along been adhering to the governing philosophy of people first and life first by prioritising peoples health and safety. All available resources were mobilised in an all-out effort to treat and save each and every patient. More than 39 million Party members fought tirelessly at the frontline. Among the 40,000 plus medical workers sent from around the country to assist Hubei, 56.1% are Party members. Nearly 400 Party members sacrificed their precious lives in protecting peoples health and safety. In the words of political parties and their leaders from many countries, Chinas response efforts under the leadership of the CPC has demonstrated the Partys profound care for its people and the humanitarian spirit. History and reality have repeatedly shown that the CPC has always shared weal and woe with the Chinese people and maintained close ties with them. The Chinese people are in the best place to make such judgment. According to a recent trust barometer report released by a well-known public relations firm in the US, 95% of the Chinese public trust the Chinese government, the highest among all countries surveyed. The strong bonds between the CPC and the Chinese people are inseparable as flesh and blood. Any attempts to smear the Party or to drive a wedge between the Party and the people are doomed to fail. Putting people first and serving the people wholeheartedly always remain the deepest hallmark and the most distinctive feature of the CPC. The CPC: a staunch guardian of lasting peace and universal security As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, we Chinese Communists know only too well how precious peace is, hence we are resolved to uphold peace. The CPC was born with the peaceful genes that have long run in the blood of the Chinese civilisation. It has led the Chinese nation to a path of peaceful development, which was later solemnly incorporated in the Party Constitution and the Constitution of the Peoples Republic of China. The CPC is committed to settling disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation. It always stands ready to work with world political parties to seek political settlements of international and regional hotspot issues and to meet global challenges including, among others, terrorism, public health crisis and climate change. Many political parties and their leaders pointed out that the CPC, which has never waged a war of aggression in the past seven decades since it came to power, remains an important force for world peace. The world today is undergoing profound and complex changes. Extremism, terrorism and separatism still manifest themselves. Traditional and non-traditional security threats are increasingly interwoven. All of these present more complicated and severe challenges to world peace and tranquility. The CPC will continue to pursue peaceful development, blaze a new trail in international relations that favours dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance. The CPC will never seek hegemony, engage in expansion, or pursue its own sphere of influence. At the same time, it always stands ready to resolutely defend its national independence, sovereignty, security and dignity, and will never yield to any external pressure. The CPC has devoted major efforts to working with world political parties to maintain regional and global peace and stability. By enhancing mutual trust on security issues with political parties of neighbouring countries, facilitating communication and cooperation with them, the CPC has succeeded in helping stabilise the situation in the South China Sea, which has won extensive acclaims from the international community. Over 240 political parties and political organisations and 280 well-known think-tanks and NGOs from over 120 countries have stood up for Chinas stance on the South China Sea issue. Despite continuous attempts by a handful of countries outside the region to instigate tensions on the issue, countries in the region have remain cool-headed and calm in analysing and handling the situation. Many political parties in the region and their leaders offered to inform China of their express position that they will not be fooled by the tricks of certain countries to stir up trouble in the South China Sea as they know the trouble-makers will leave unscathed after setting the fire but its the countries in the region and their peoples who will suffer. The CPC will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with political parties of neighbouring countries to pursue friendly coexistence and shared development. Together we will work to maintain peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region. The CPC: a firm defender of fairness and justice with a strong sense of responsibility. General Secretary Xi Jinping stated that justice is a lofty goal that people of all countries pursue in conducting international relations. However, fairness and justice are still far away from being realised in contemporary international relations. World political parties need to demonstrate their sense of responsibility, uphold international fairness and justice, defend multilateralism, build an open world economy and foster a more fair and equitable international order. Political parties of many countries speak highly of the CPCs efforts to promote international cooperation against COVID-19 and to provide anti-epidemic assistance for the rest of the world while certain countries have been busy scapegoating others and wantonly wielding the stick of sanction. It is easy to tell who is doing the right thing and who is not. More than 240 major political parties from over 110 countries and international political party organisations have issued a joint open letter with the CPC to oppose the politicisation of public health issues, which helps pool strong political consensus for enhancing international anti-epidemic cooperation and building a global community of health for all. Acting in line with the Chinese tradition of valuing righteousness and credibility, the CPC has adhered to the principle of upholding justice while pursuing shared interests in its international exchanges. In pursuing justice, we never succumb to power, nor do we make benefits thereof the first consideration. We have readily shouldered our due responsibilities and played our due role. The CPC unequivocally stands for equality among countries, irrespective of their sizes, resolutely oppose any form of hegemony and bullying, firmly defend and pursue multilateralism, and promote multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations. Our stances and actions have been widely acknowledged by political parties around the world with enthusiastic response. In conducting international exchanges, the CPC values good faith and sincerity, and has thus made many true friends and good friends. At the height of COVID-19 in China, political parties and personages from various sectors of various countries extended their helping hands. Along with ensuring steady progress in containing the epidemic at home, the CPC has reciprocated the kindness we received by providing needed assistance for over 200 political parties and organisations to the best of our ability. Together, we have set a shining example of world political parties overcoming difficulties with solidarity and mutual support. Whats been promised must be done. This is our Partys fine tradition in international exchanges and a distinctive feature of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. As leaders of many developing countries put it, the assistance promised by some countries is more often than not lip service, or comes with harsh political strings. Its another case when it comes to the CPC. It does mean what it says in helping other developing countries. The CPC: a committed promoter of mutual benefits and common development. As General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed, it is the relentless efforts of the Chinese people that have made China what it is today! In rallying the Chinese people and leading them through the extraordinary journey, what our Party relies on are the fine traditions of self-reliance and hard work, the strong awareness of fulfilling our responsibility, and the pioneering spirit of crossing the river by feeling the stones. Meanwhile, by coordinating domestic development and opening up to the outside world, linking Chinas development with that of the world, integrating the common interests of the Chinese people and those of other peoples, our Party has made an important contribution to the world economy and global development. It is the prevailing view of world political parties that the CPC strives for both the wellbeing of the Chinese people and that of people around the world. Chinas reform and opening up, which has changed Chinas destiny and promoted the development of the region and indeed the world, will continue to deliver benefits to all mankind. Staying committed to an opening-up strategy of win-win cooperation, the CPC actively works for an open world economy. To address unbalanced development which constitutes the biggest imbalance confronting the world today, the CPC initiated and promoted the Belt and Road cooperation on the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, to provide an important platform for all countries to achieve mutual benefits and common development. With concerted efforts of all parties, the Belt and Road is becoming a model of cooperation for meeting challenges through solidarity, a model of health for protecting peoples safety and wellbeing, a model of recovery for restoring economic and social activity and a model of growth for unlocking development potential. In many countries, political leaders and general public alike have spoken highly of the Belt and Road Initiative. They all share the view that the BRI is by no means the spheres of influence or debt trap diplomacy portrayed by certain politicians, but a transparent major initiative that leads all countries to common prosperity, and opens up bright prospects for enhancing the common wellbeing of the humanity. It lives up to its reputation as the greatest development initiative of the 21st century. In promoting development, it is better to teach a man how to fish than to just give him fish. The CPC attaches great importance to drawing on its own practices to explore the law governing the evolution of human society and sharing with other countries what it has learned. It is committed to exchanging governance experience with political parties of other countries. Since its 18th National Congress, the CPC has invited tens of thousands of representatives of foreign political parties to visit China, and held discussions and exchanges in various formats with world political parties. In-depth discussion for experience-sharing and closer cooperation have been conducted on topics such as community-level party building, anti-corruption, targeted poverty alleviation, ecological conservation, economic development, and improvement of people's livelihood. Political parties and their leaders from many countries stated that the CPC has not only shared with the world the dividends of economic growth but also the dividends of thoughts and ideas without reservation, offering good reference for other countries, especially developing countries, in their explorations of development paths suited to their own national conditions. The CPC: a champion in upholding openness, inclusiveness, and mutual-learning among civilisations. General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that no two political systems are entirely identical, and a political system cannot be judged in abstract terms without regard for its social and political context, its history, and its cultural traditions. The leadership of the CPC and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics are the choice made by history and by the people. Since its founding, our Party has clearly manifested its political nature as a Marxist political party, which is the scientific foundation and basic reasoning for our full confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. We are committed to our own path. We do not want to import models from other countries, nor do we want to export the Chinese model, still less will we ask other countries to copy the Chinese practice. Our practice of not drawing lines along ideologies in our international exchanges has won wide recognition and praises from political parties worldwide. Political party leaders from many countries concur that a better future for mankind needs to be underpinned by the harmonious coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations, cultures and social systems; and that to attribute disputes between countries to differences between civilisations and systems and use it as an excuse to align with the like-minded and alienate those with different views, and to allow the strong to bully the weak will only gravely undermine the current international order, or even risk plunging different civilisations into estrangement and conflict. The CPC always embraces and approaches the achievements of other cultures with an open mind and a broad perspective. It is important that we overcome cultural misunderstanding, clash and supremacy through exchanges, mutual learning and coexistence. In recent years, the CPC has actively explored the building of a new type of party-to-party relations that seeks to expand common ground while reserving differences and enhances mutual respect and mutual learning. We have maintained regular contacts with nearly 600 political parties and organisations in 168 countries and regions, and built a multi-form, multi-level international network for party-to-party exchanges and cooperation. The success of the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, widely acclaimed by the international community, has demonstrated the great political inclusiveness and moral appeal of our Party, representing a major contribution to the advancement of world political civilisation. ****** General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that the CPC is the largest political party in the world. It must behave in a way commensurate with this status. As a major party that is going to celebrate the centenary of its founding, the CPC is committed to taking Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guide to actions. Bearing in mind the overarching strategic task of rejuvenating the Chinese nation as well as the profound once-in-a-century changes the world is undergoing, the CPC will, as always, contribute its significant share to world peace and tranquility, common development for humanity, and exchanges and mutual learning among civilisations. Working together with political parties around the world, the CPC will strive for gathering mighty synergy toward building a community with a shared future for mankind, and for creating a better tomorrow for the entire world. (The author is Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with the Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers and asked them to respect their job and uniform. He said the human face of the khaki uniform has been engraved within the public reminiscence because of the good work performed by police specifically throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Prime Minister was interacting virtually with IPS probationers during the Dikshant Parade Event at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Yours is a profession where the factor of encountering something unexpected is very high and all of you must be alert and prepared for this. There is a higher degree of stress and which is why it is important to keep speaking with your near and dear ones. From time to time, maybe on a day off, meet someone like a teacher or someone whose advice you value, PM Modi said while addressing the IPS probationers. Talking about terrorism, PM Modi said the youth of the country need to be prevented from taking the wrong path at the early stage itself. PM Modi said he regularly interacts with young IPS officers who have graduated from the academy but was unable to meet them this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. But Im sure that during my tenure, I will surely meet you all at some point, he said. This year, 131 IPS probationers, including 28 women, have completed their 42 weeks of basic course phase-I training at the academy. The IPS probationers joined the academy on December 17, 2018, after completing their foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and at Dr Marri Channa Reddy HRD Institute of Telangana, Hyderabad. NEW DELHI: Nest-In, the construction solutions business venture of Tata Steel, has developed a covid-19 swab collection unit that claims to have a risk-free and safer sample collection process for healthcare workers. The unit ensures contact-less exchange of test-tubes and is equipped with a two-way mic and speaker system that allows clear communication between the healthcare professional and the patient. It is equipped with an in-built disinfectant spray and toughened glasses to ensure clear visibility as well as safety of both healthcare professionals and patients, the company said in a statement. Th unit can be used by hospitals, testing labs as well as by commercial and industrial firms inside their manufacturing plants and townships. Nest-In has developed several customised solutions to help the country in the fight against the pandemic, including quarantine and isolation wards, portable toilets and ICU Cabins. It has quarantine and isolation cabins for a 550-bed covid-19 isolation facility in Kasargod, Kerala, spanning 80,000 sq. ft. The Centre on Thursday pulled up states with high rate of covid cases among healthcare workers and asked them to evaluate the situation. Telangana (18%), Maharashtra (16%), Delhi (14%), Karnataka (13%), Puducherry (12%) and Punjab (11%) have a high rate of infection among healthcare workers. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Araghchi: JCPOA members have consensus to counter US illegal meaures IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Sept 3, IRNA -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said there is a consensus among the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the JCPOA, to confront the illegal moves by the US to return UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic. "The Joint Commission meeting was constructive and the participants agreed that they must counter the unlawful acts by the US, which quit the JCPOA in May 2018 and imposed the most cruel sanctions on Iran," he said. Araghchi pointed out that the meeting was held in a situation created after the recent developments at the [UN] Security Council and the United States' illegal action. He elaborated that the focal point of the discussions at the meeting was the necessity of integrity and unity against the US' action. The Iranian deputy foreign minister added that participants insisted that Washington had quit the JCPOA in 2018 and cannot restore sanctions against Iran through snapback mechanism. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had announced that all UN sanctions against Iran will be reinstated on September 20 after the US activated the snapback mechanism. However, the claim was strongly denounced by other signatories of the nuclear deal including Iran, the EU, Russia, China, and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. 2050**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A giant snowman erected on the bank of Songhua River in Harbin, the capital of Northeast Chinas Heilongjiang province, has drawn much attention online. Around 2,000 cubic meters of snow was used to create the 18.5-meter-tall figure dressed in a red hat and scarf. Since December, ice and snow sculptures featuring Winter Olympics and Lunar New Year elements have popped up across the city famed for its ice festivals, drawing many visitors Jan 20, 2022 06:19 PM The second coronavirus wave in Spain has lost momentum this week, according to the latest figures supplied by the central Health Ministry. On Thursday, a further 8,959 new cases were reported, without counting Murcia, which suffered technical problems reporting its figures. While the virus continues to spread, the number of weekly cases has actually fallen: Monday began with 47,264 cases detected over the last seven days, while the figure reported yesterday was 46,371. It should be pointed out, however, that this is the weekly figure and does not mean that the epidemic has stopped growing nor can a change in be identified. Neither epidemiological experts nor the ministry itself are ruling out a strong uptick in cases in the coming days, as schools reopen and Spaniards return home from their summer vacations. In the midst of a wave, it is difficult to know where it is headed. Whats more, the data can be deceptive, and the lag in time between the development of symptoms and the notification of such a case by the ministry is growing once more. This time frame can be as long as four days, when in June it was fewer than two. This is a result of the rise in cases seen in recent weeks, and increased pressure on healthcare centers, which is once again delaying the process between a person getting sick and their case appearing in the statistics. That said, in March and April, at the peak of the crisis in Spain, this process could take more than a week. The pressure on Spains hospitals continues to grow slowly. The occupation of beds by Covid-19 patients is now somewhere between 6% and 7% This delay of two to four weeks could explain why the cumulative incidence over the last 14 days has grown, according to last nights figures: on Monday the data point was 205.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, while on Thursday the figure had grown to 212.9. The distribution of cases is very uneven according to region. Madrid continues to account for a third of total positives in Spain, and incidence has reached as high as 467 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last two weeks. It is followed by the Basque Country (363.9) and La Rioja (362.2). The rest of Spains territories come in below 300, with Asturias the lowest at 51. This is well above neighboring countries, such as Portugal (35.4), the United Kingdom (24.6), Germany (19.4) and Italy (25.5). France exceeds the figure in Asturias, however, with 93.4, but this is still around half of the overall Spanish average. The pressure on Spains hospitals continues to grow slowly. The occupation of beds by Covid-19 patients is still at 6%, but Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), recognized at a press conference on Thursday evening that it is now very close to 7% (the ministry report does not offer decimal places for the figure). Madrid also has the highest pressure on its hospitals, with 16% of beds occupied by Covid-19 patients, nearly double the figure for August 20, when the ministry began supplying the figure for the first time. It is followed by Aragon (12%), the Balearic Islands and the Basque Country (both 11%). Simon was very cautious on Thursday when it came to anticipating improvements in the figures. With the data that we have we can say that the disease appears to be advancing slower than it was, he explained. Where there were big rises [in infections], they are falling. They could fall in the coming days, but we have to be wary of what we are observing and what we are detecting. The distribution of cases is very uneven according to region. Madrid continues to account for a third of total positives in Spain In the coming days, the CCAES director is predicting a rise in infections in areas with few cases to which people are returning from zones with more infections, but he said he thought that in the provinces where transmission rates are already high, the return to work and school will not have a noticeable effect. One of the jobs of the health authorities in the coming weeks will be to detect whether having students back in the classroom causes infections to go up. If transmission rises among students, but it does so at the same rhythm as in the community, that will mean that schools are not focal points of infection, he explained. If it does so faster, that will mean that schools could be focal points, and this will have to be evaluated from center to center, he continued, expressing his support for the reopening of schools. Simon said he was satisfied with the data from current outbreaks, which are gradually getting smaller. This, in his opinion, means that recent restrictions such as the closure of nightclubs and bars are having an effect. According to the data from the Health Ministry, since the deescalation of confinement measures came to an end in June, a total of 3,061 outbreaks have been reported with 29,500 cases. Nearly 80% are small, with fewer than 10 people affected. The outbreaks with higher numbers of cases, some with more than 100, are taking place in leisure areas, among workers who are in vulnerable situations and in social and health centers, the ministry report states. English version by Simon Hunter. Getty Angela Merkel is under pressure to abandon a giant gas pipeline from being built from Russia to Germany. It comes after members of her party openly accused Vladimir Putin's government of poisoning Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The Green party and Norbert Rottgen, chair of the German parliament's foreign affairs committee, called on Merkel to pull out of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. The 764-mile pipeline is nearly completed and would carry natural gas from Russia to north Germany, and double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream pipeline. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Angela Merkel is under pressure to abandon a giant gas pipeline from being built from Russia to Germany after members of her party openly accused Vladimir Putin's government of poisoning Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Navalny, an activist and politician who has become famous as one of the Russian president's most vocal critics in Russia, was taken ill on a plane to Moscow on August 20 and is being treated at a hospital in Berlin. Merkel announced this week that he had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent, a group of poisons developed in Soviet Russia which is believed to be favoured by the country's secret service operatives. Senior members of Germany's government said that Navalny's poisoning should prompt Merkel to go further than consulting the EU about potential sanctions against Russia. Norbert Rottgen, chair of the German parliament's or Bundestag's foreign affairs committee and a potential successor to Merkel when she steps down as chancellor next year, called on Merkel to pull out of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. The 764-mile pipeline is nearly completed and would carry natural gas from Russia to north Germany, and double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream pipeline, according to The Washington Post. Rottgen said that completing the project would be an implicit endorsement of Putin's "inhuman and contemptuous politics." Story continues "After the poisoning of Navalny we need a strong European answer, which Putin understands," Rottgen said, in comments reported by the Guardian newspaper. "The EU should jointly decide to stop Nord Stream 2 The German Green party, which holds 67 of the Bundestag's 709 seats, also called on the chancellor to pull out of the project, and directly accused the Russian government of orchestrating the attack on Navalny. "This openly attempted murder through the Kremlin's mafia-like structures should not just worry us but needs to have real consequences," said Katrin Goring-Eckardt, co-chair of the Greens in the Bundestag, in comments reported by the Guardian. "Nord Stream 2 is no longer something we can jointly pursue with Russia," Goring-Eckardt added. Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, also called this week for the Russian government to explain its actions in relation to the Navalny poisoning. The EU is considering introducing more sanctions against Russia. The Trump administration has remained largely silent on the issue, although a National Security Council spokesperson said that the US was "deeply troubled" by Germany's announcement that a Novichok nerve agent had been used in the poisoning. Dominic Raab, the UK foreign secretary, spoke to Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas on Thursday. In a statement afterwards, a UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: "The Foreign Secretary and Maas agreed that any use of Novichok was a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and therefore a matter of international concern. "They agreed to work together closely, including in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), to ensure Russia was held accountable for its international obligations." Russia has said that the West should not rush to judgements over Navalny's poisoning, and said there were no grounds to accuse it of the crime. "There are no grounds to accuse the Russian state. And we are not inclined to accept any accusations in this respect," Putin's press spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday, in comments reported by Reuters. Read the original article on Business Insider Earlier in the week she revealed she was planning on charging her fans $14.99 per month on OnlyFans to see her baby bump. But it seems like pregnant American model London Goheen has changed her mind. The 22-year-old fiancee of Tammy Hembrow's ex Reece Hawkins, flaunted her tiny bump in a bikini for free on Friday, posting a glowing picture of her pregnancy figure on Instagram. She's glowing: Reece Hawkins' fiancee London Goheen showed off her baby bump in a bikini on Friday in a photo posted on Instagram The brunette beauty looked gorgeous in a floral two-piece as she gently rested her hand on her stomach. London announced her exciting pregnancy news on Wednesday. But it wasn't long before she was slammed for charging her followers to see photos of her baby bump on OnlyFans. London, who boasts 515,000 Instagram followers, copped backlash after revealing she was going to be charging fans $14.99 per month on the subscription service. Backlash: It comes after the Instagram model was SLAMMED for planning to charge her followers to see pregnancy figure on OnlyFans 'She's literally charging people for her OnlyFans to view pics of her bump? What the f**k,' one follower commented on London's pregnancy announcement on Instagram. Another wrote: 'Wow sis is really charging $9.99 per month to see her pregnancy photos lol.' One fan said that while she's happy for influencer Reece, 25, and London, they just can't comprehend coughing up the cash for the images. 'What the f**k': The 22-year-old, who boasts 515,000 followers, copped backlash after revealing she's going to be charging fans $14.99 per month on the subscription service 'Congratulations. I would love to keep track of everything for your pregnancy. Just like with your relationship to watch you guys grow together... But I don't want to pay for an OnlyFans...' However, another follower said that posting to OnlyFans is a good idea, saying it's 'so much safer and more secure!!' In a statement to Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday, London defended her decision to show off her baby bump on OnlyFans. Baby joy! On Wednesday, Reece and London announced that they're expecting their first child together, just weeks after getting engaged 'I have chosen to show detailed parts of my pregnancy on that platform because I've had to experience harassment and bullying for the last two years over my relationship with Reece,' she explained. 'I have 100 per cent control of my profile and what people have access to and comment on. 'I never said it was compulsory. People can choose if they wish to subscribe or not. If people don't like the idea of it or disagree with my decision then they don't have to be involved... 'I'm pregnant!' London, who recently moved to the Gold Coast to live with Reece, also shared a lengthy statement on her Instagram story, explaining that she'll be posting about her pregnancy journey on another platform, before linking to her OnlyFans account 'We're just doing this to ensure a HAPPY POSITIVE FRUITFUL PREGNANCY.' On Wednesday, Reece and London announced that they're expecting their first child together, just weeks after getting engaged. American model London made the announcement on Instagram, by sharing a sweet image of herself kissing influencer Reece. More secure: She said she made the decision to post on OnlyFans because over the years she and Reece have been 'harassed to the point where we've had to seek legal action' 'Been busy growing a BABY in my belly with this one wbu?' London captioned the image. Reece also shared similar images of the pair, calling London his 'Baby Momma' and the 'love of my life.' 'Baby Momma alert. Having a baby with the love of my life and my best friend,' he wrote. London, who recently moved to the Gold Coast to live with Reece, also shared a lengthy statement on her Instagram story, explaining that she'll be posting about her pregnancy journey on another platform, before linking to her OnlyFans account. Content: London said she'd be posting 'updates, gender reveal and more intimate photos of me and Reece' online 'I'm so excited that I can finally share with y'all the news that I'm PREGNANT!!!' London's post began. She said she made the decision to post on OnlyFans because over the years she and Reece have been 'harassed to the point where we've had to seek legal action.' 'We've also been harassed to the point where we've had to seek legal action a few times due to harassment, bullying and stalking over the last year... with that being said I've decided I'm going to share my pregnancy journey on another platform where I feel SAFE and POSITIVE,' she explained. She added that she wants to welcome her child in a 'happy and healthy environment.' Would you pay? OnlyFans is a subscription-based adult website, where content can range from something as innocent as a suggestive selfie, all the way to hardcore pornography. London is charging fans $14.99 a month for content 'This is the most magical time in my life and I feel so blessed to be able to share my journey and for the people who support us to be involved in watching our family grow together,' she concluded. London said she'd be posting 'updates, gender reveal and more intimate photos of me and Reece' online. OnlyFans is a subscription-based adult website where content can range from something as innocent as a suggestive selfie, all the way to hardcore pornography. London is charging fans $14.99 a month for content. Wedding bells: Reece has been dating the Texas-born beauty since mid-2018, after announcing his split from ex-fiancee Tammy Hembrow, 26. Last month, Reece and London announced their engagement In another post, she clarified that she will still be posting on Instagram but won't be going into 'detail.' 'Hope everyone can understand and if you can't and your angry and you feel the need to tell me about your anger towards me then clearly that shows I've made the right decision,' she wrote in one Instagram story. Reece has been dating the Texas-born beauty since mid-2018, after announcing his split from ex-fiancee Tammy Hembrow, 26, after five years of dating. Last month, Reece and London announced their engagement. Reece shares two children with ex Tammy Hembrow, son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four. The U.S. Navy took delivery of two of its newest 100-class Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Fla., on Aug.2, Christen McCurdy reports on Defense News. The two LCACs were escorted by a development and testing craft from the NSWC. The U.S. Navy took delivery of two of its newest 100-class Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Fla., on Aug.2, Christen McCurdy reports on Defense News. The two LCACs were escorted by a development and testing craft from the NSWC. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Arrival of the two new Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Fla., on Aug. 2 (Picture source : U.S. Navy) The new LCAC model will replace the old LCAC as a high-speed, amphibious connector to deliver sailors and marines and their equipment from ship to shore. Capt. David Back, NSWC PCD's commanding officer, said "Having been in the LCAC program for over 30 years as a Sailor and a civilian, I witnessed and was involved in some way for most of the evolution of the legacy and service life extension program craft," said Martin. "Being able to do that now as part of the team that transits the next generation, first of class LCAC to NSWC PCD, completes the full circle of my LCAC career." Let's remind that, on April 16, 2020, the U.S. Navy awarded a contract for the Fiscal Year 2017-2020 procurement of class-101 Ship to Shore Connector craft. Ship to Shore Connectors are the evolutionary replacement for the existing fleet of Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, and will primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel of the assault elements through varied environmental conditions from amphibious ships over to the beach. Textron Systems was awarded the $386 million fixed price incentive-firm target and firm fixed price contract modification for the construction of 15 craft. Work will be performed primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana. Vietnam's six months at the UN Security Council: Some countries may say Vietnam chooses this or that side. But we affirm that we choose national benefits, the general principles of the UN Charter, and international law to build our stance. Here is the second part of the online roundtable talk organized by VietNamNet with Ambassador Le Luong Minh, former secretary general of ASEAN, former head of the Vietnamese Delegation at the UN, and Do Hung Viet, director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of International Organizations. In the first month at the Security Council, Vietnam proposed an initiative on a cooperation meeting between the United Nations and ASEAN. This initiative creates a first-time cooperation and exchange forum between the two organizations. What can you say about this event? The ASEAN-UN cooperation began in the 1970s mainly in the activities for development. In 2011, the two sides signed a declaration on upgrading the cooperation to a comprehensive partnership, and since then, the two sides have held high-level meetings between the leaders of ASEAN and the UN Secretary General annually. Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh presided over the open discussion session about the UN Charter The fact that the Security Council for the first time organized the ASEAN-UN cooperation session has contributed to heightening the awareness of the role and contribution of ASEAN, as well as the importance of the cooperation between the two sides, and affirmed the ASEAN's central role in maintaining peace, security and stability in the region. And at the same time created opportunities for ASEAN to share with the international community its viewpoints in resolving regional issues. The organization of the first session on the ASEAN-UN cooperation is our great success when taking on dual responsibility chair of ASEAN and non-permanent member of the Security Council. Mr Do Hung Viet, in some cases, where there is difference and disagreement among member countries, how did Vietnam act to show its balanced stance, both meeting the legitimate concerns of countries and the common concerns of the international community? Conflicts occur in many different regions, from America and Europe to Africa and Asia. Therefore, it is a great challenge for us to undertake the role of the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council - the most important mechanism in keeping international peace and security which requires dealing with all complex issues in the context of fierce competition among big countries. I think that stemming from history lessons, behavorial experience in international relations, and the foreign policy which highlights independence and sovereignty, the most important principle must be maintaining independence and sovereignty in any decision we make. It is necessary to define national benefits for Vietnam, which is maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development; benefits in strengthening bilateral relations with big countries, neighboring countries and partner countries; benefits in supporting the Security Council to make decisions to serve common international interests in peace, stability, security and development. The other principle for us when dealing with tough issues is that we always rely on international laws and the UN Charter. Some countries may say Vietnam chooses this or that side. But we affirm that we choose national benefits, the general principles of the UN Charter, and international law to build our stance. In January, Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh presided over the open discussion session with the theme: 75th anniversary of the United Nations: complying with the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security. The event attracted the highest ever number of members of the Security Council. We upheld the role of the United Nations Charter with the basic principles of respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, no interference in internal affairs, no use of force or threats to use force, and resolution of disputes with peaceful means. Based on these principles, we always find reasonable ways of treatment. Sometimes one country or another may say that we choose this or that side. But we always insist on choosing our interests, choosing the general principles of the UN Charter and international laws to build our stances. Ambassador Le Luong Minh, could you please let us know the comments of the international community when Vietnam assumed the role of the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council? Leaders of ASEAN, the United Nations and other countries in general give positive assessments about Vietnam's participation and contribution. They believe that we have a very consistent, balanced, responsible and consistent stance. The countries see Vietnam as a reliable partner, which helps them reflect their stance objectively. Has Vietnam achieved the goals it set when joining the UN Security Council, Mr Do Hung Viet? We have been at the Security Council for six months, or just one fourth of the path. However, we have gained initial important achievements - implementing the foreign policy laid down by the Party and State. We can serve and protect the direct concerning interests of Vietnam, contributing to creating a peaceful and stable environment for development; and raising our voice to help reduce tensiond in many locations, creating conditions for peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance activities in conflicted areas. We can also promote respect for the role of international laws of the UN Charter in international relations. All these things have made important contributions to the protection of the fatherland early and from a distance in accordance with the spirit of the Strategy to protect the Fatherland in the new situation that the Party has adopted. What are the benefits Vietnam has gained in the last six months? Perhaps the great benefit that we have achieved is to contribute a voice to the Security Council, so that the council makes decisions to support the efforts to reduce tension in many conflicts, enabling parties to sit down to discuss solutions for settling disputes with peaceful means. In other words, we create a more stable international environment that directly serves our own interests development. Some friends asked me why Vietnam joined the Security Council, and what benefits Vietnam can get when dealing with the issues in Africa and the Middle East, which are far away from us. If there is peace and stability in the regions, will this bring general stability in the context of mutual reliance. When joining the Security Council, we have the chance to show our views on many issues, such as the conflict between Egypt-Ethiopia and Sudan related to hydropower dam. Our view is that cross-border water sources must be used in a sustainable way. Thereby, we can mention our viewpoint on the important issue for us the sustainable use of Mekong River water. Currently, the competition among big countries is very stiff. Multilateral institutions face challenges as unilateral actions of power that do not respect international laws and infringe territorial integrity tend to increase. So what are the orientations for Vietnam in the remaining 17 months as the non-permanent member of the Security Council, Mr. Do Hung Viet? The path ahead is long and full of difficulties. There are two orientations that we pursue. First, strengthening the role of international laws, the UN Charter, and the role of regional organizations, especially the images and position of ASEAN. Second, in addition to solving regional issues and conflicts, we hope that Vietnam will continue to leave imprints. In order to do this, we have defined some priority issues to promote. The first is the story about overcoming the consequences of war, including dealing with the challenges posed by the problem of mines and ERW. In addition, increasing contributions to UN peacekeeping activities; working to promote humanitarian issues such as the protection of civilians, and the protection of essential infrastructure items in armed conflicts and the protection of women and children. Would you, in the upcoming 17 months, expect to receive the paper of goodwill like the one Le Luong Minh once received? I hope that when finishing the term at the Security Council, I will receive a paper from Minh with the congratulation on task fulfillment. From the international perspective, we just hope that if there is a paper of goodwill, the sender thanks Vietnam for its practical contributions to the activities of the Security Council. VietNamNet Paper of goodwill from ambassador of a powerful country After the announcement of a vote at the UN Security Council was released, the ambassador of a great power forwarded to Vietnamese Ambassador Le Luong Minh a note that said: thank you for a very beautiful decision. VN to remain ASEAN's strongest growth performer despite Covid-19 outbreak: HSBC Amid global uncertainty, Vietnam continues to attract fresh FDI and remains an exception to a subdued private investment outlook of the Southeast Asian region in recent quarters. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The legislative package, submitted by the Armenian government, which proposes not to extend the current coronavirus-related state of emergency and declare quarantine instead, has been adopted by the parliament at the first hearing. The bill was passed with 80 votes in favor and 28 votes against. Before the voting the opposition Bright Armenia and Prosperous Armenia factions announced that they will vote against the package of bills. According to the bill, quarantine may be declared in case of danger of spread of infectious diseases to Armenias territory, outbreaks, epidemic, etc. The state of emergency differs from the new regime with the restriction volumes of rights and intensity of the applying set of tools. Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Donald Trump during a White House briefing - AP Photo/Alex Brando Donald Trump ordered the removal of Britains ambassador in Washington Kim Darroch after leaked cables showed the diplomat making disparaging comments about him, The Telegraph has learned. In a remarkable break with diplomatic norms, the US president is understood to have told his national security adviser John Bolton to get him out of here after the cables were published in July 2019. Mr Bolton told this newspaper after receiving the call he then telephoned Britains top civil servant, Sir Mark Sedwill, and said things are going to get worse unless you can figure out how to get him out. It is understood Sir Mark pushed back hard, with one ex-White House source who helped manage the fallout calling him furious and white hot. But within days Mr Darroch, now Lord Darroch, had quit. A US president demanding the sacking of a sitting UK ambassador is a stark breach of precedent. A historian who once held the top US history post at Cambridge University said he could not think of a similar modern example. Lord Darroch resigned as UK ambassador to the US after some of his cables back to London leaked in July 2019 The episode came to light as this newspaper talked to more than 20 people who saw the UK-US relationship up close under Mr Trump and got details of official meeting notes, revealing the strains placed on the special relationship. It can also be reported: The White House repeatedly lobbied for Mr Trump to stay in Buckingham Palace during his UK state visit last year as Barack Obama had done White House advisers feared Mr Trump would have a hissy fit if he saw protesters during the trip and worked with UK officials to avoid that happening Sir Mark once complained to Mr Trumps top national security adviser about a presidential tweet which he called inaccurate, meddlesome and offensive The US president privately expressed his opposition to Scottish independence and feared it would lead to the end of the British Open golf tournament Mr Trump repeatedly urged Mrs May to take a tougher stance in Brexit talks to create leverage and was frustrated she ignored his advice Story continues The spat over the UK ambassador to the US was triggered when the Mail on Sunday published leaked cables which Lord Darroch, who became a peer after he left government, had sent back to London. In the candid memos never meant to be made public Lord Darroch described Mr Trump as radiating insecurity and called his early administration inept. US broadcasters soon picked up the story. Theresa May was prime minster when the candid cables were published - PAUL GROVER FOR THE TELEGRAPH Mr Bolton, who then was White House national security adviser but has since left, told The Daily Telegraph in detail how the president reacted and what happened next. The hardest US-UK issue really was when some of the cables back from the UK ambassador became public, Mr Bolton said, looking back at his year in the White House. I think the morning they appeared Trump called me and said 'get him out of here'. I mean at like seven in the morning or six in the morning. Early. I was at the office but even for Trump that was early. So I called [Sir Mark] Sedwill. It was out in the press in Britain, obviously everybody knew about it. I said 'this isn't going to end well, you've got to pull him out'. He didn't want to do it obviously. And I said 'I understand why you don't want to do it. I'm just saying we're at a point here where things are going to get worse unless you can figure out how to get him out'. So that dragged on for a couple of days until I think they finally figured this was not a plus for anybody and then withdrew him." John Bolton was Donald Trump's national security adviser between April 2018 and September 2019 - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The accuracy of Mr Boltons messages to London has been confirmed by a well-placed UK source. A third person, a White House official who worked with Mr Bolton, also said the account chimed with their understanding of what happened. Mr Trumps stance, as described by former US officials, is said to have been that it was unacceptable and insulting for Lord Darroch to remain in post after his critical comments. Sir Mark, who is both cabinet secretary and the UK national security adviser, is understood to have pushed back firmly in candid exchanges, arguing a British ambassador could not be run out of town. Lord Darroch eventually resigned. That came after Boris Johnson, then the front-runner in the Tory leadership race, declined to say in a TV debate he would keep Lord Darroch as ambassador if he won. Sir Mark Sedwill is both Britain's top civil servant and national security adviser. He steps down from the roles this month - REUTERS/Luke MacGregor The cables were published on July 7 2019. Lord Darroch announced his resignation on July 10, saying: The current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like. Mr Trump had critcised Lord Darroch in a tweet the day before, calling him a a very stupid guy and a pompous fool but not publicly calling for his sacking. The exact role Mr Trumps private demand played in Lord Darrochs decision is unknown. He has largely avoided public comments since his resignation and is writing a book. Lord Darroch and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. Tuesday Institute for Supply Management: Virtual meeting. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Program: Patrick Jankowski, regional economist and senior vice president of research at the Greater Houston Partnership, will discuss the current and future state of the Houston economy. Cost: $12. Information: http://www.ism-houston.org/events/ or 713-936-4149. One Houston Together Webinar Series: Education and Racial Inequities: Virtual event hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership. Noon-1 p.m. Information: www.houston.org/events. Small Business Updates Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Main Street Lending Program: Virtual event hosted by the UH Bauer College SBDC. 11 a.m.-noon. Information: www.sbdc.uh.edu. CARES Act 2020 Paycheck Protection Program Loan Application: Virtual event hosted by the UH Bauer College SBDC. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Information: www.sbdc.uh.edu. Wednesday Small Business Updates Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness: Virtual event hosted by the UH Bauer College SBDC. 11 a.m.-noon. Information: www.sbdc.uh.edu. Worldwide Employee Benefits Network: Webinar. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Speaker: Tony Stergio, shareholder; Andrews Myers. Topic: COVID-19 Legal Update for Businesses: Return to Work. Registration: https://advancial.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oSHq2poWRoGobVddpxa8-A. Information: Monirah Bacnik monirah@brandtwentyeight.com or 832-463-1434. IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) Houston: Virtual luncheon. Noon-1 p.m. Program: TEDx2 Talks. Stewart Title Chief Economist Ted Jones and IREM National Director of Government Affairs Ted Thurn will discuss the economy and the election. Cost: $25 members; $30 non-members. Information: iremhouston.org Thursday French-American Chamber of Commerce: Webinar. 10-11 a.m. Topic: Artificial intelligence and energy. Hosted by TechnipFMC, Sparkcognition and Sia Partners. Information: www.facchouston.org. Texas Legislative Update: Port Region Infrastructure Funding: Webinar hosted by the Greater Houston Port Bureau. 11-11:45 a.m. Panelists: state Senators Carol Alvarado (D-6), Larry Taylor (R-11); Representatives Mary Ann Perez (D-144), Briscoe Cain (R-128). Program: Current economic situation and funding for the port region infrastructure with Q&A. Cost: Free. Registration: txgulf.org/events. Fort Bend County Bond Election Updates: Zoom webinar hosted by Fort Bend Chamber of Commerces Infrastructure Planning Division. 8-9 a.m. Program: Fort Bend County Engineer Stacy Slawinski will outline the two Fort Bend County bonds scheduled to be on the Nov. 3 ballot. Cost: $20-$30. Information: www.FortBendChamber.com or contact Ryan Husid at 281-566-2163 or Ryan@fortbendcc.org. CARES Act 2020 - PPP Loan Application: Virtual event hosted by the UH Bauer College SBDC. 9:30-1030 a.m. Information: www.sbdc.uh.edu. Small Business Updates Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Main Street Lending Program: Virtual event hosted by the UH Bauer College SBDC. 11 a.m.-noon. Information: www.sbdc.uh.edu. Friday Future of Texas: Digital Access and Connectivity Virtual event hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership. Noon-1 p.m. Information: www.houston.org/events. Small Business Updates Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness: Virtual event hosted by the UH Bauer College SBDC. 11 a.m.-noon. Information: www.sbdc.uh.edu. katherine.feser@chron.com twitter.com/kfeser Police are asking for the publics help identifying a suspicious van that approached a 14-year-old girl pushing a stroller in Binbrook. A white cargo-style van approached a 14-year-old girl pushing a child in a stroller along Bradley Avenue near Magnificent Way in Binbrook shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, police say. Police say the driver, one of the vans two male occupants, told the girl to get in. When she did not comply, he said it again, motioning to the rear of the van. The girl screamed and pushed the stroller to a nearby residence, police say. Police say the van took off, heading northbound on Bradley Avenue. Police say no physical contact was made, nor anyone injured. The driver is described as a white man in his 20s with black hair that is shorter on the sides and longer on the top. He has a black beard and dark-coloured eyes, police say. Police say the vans passenger is also identified as male. No description was provided. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-546-8965 or 905-546-3851. Police are asking residents of the area to check security camera footage for a vehicle matching the description. French Army Officer Accused of Security Breach Amid Reports of Espionage in Favour of Russia Sputnik News 08:49 GMT 30.08.2020(updated 09:29 GMT 30.08.2020) Europe 1 Radio reported that a French Army officer, whose identity was not disclosed, had transferred classified documents to Russia. A senior officer in the French military is under an investigation over a suspected breach of security, French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly told Europe 1 radio on Sunday. "We have taken all the necessary precautions", Parly said, adding that it is now up to the courts to do their job. The minister did not specify what kind of security breach the officer had committed. Europe 1 previously reported that the military official, based in Italy and stationed with NATO, was accused of high treason amid suspicions that he had transferred highly-classified documents to Russian intelligence services. According to the radio, the officer, ranked lieutenant colonel, was arrested by the General Directorate for Internal Security when he was about to return to Italy and was remanded in custody at La Sante Prison. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 08:24 China, Iran and Russia are the three countries that are seeking to undermine US elections, United States National Security Adviser (NSA) Robert O'Brien has alleged noting that some of them prefer Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden as the next White House occupant. When it comes to elections and what the intelligence community has made very clear is that first you have China, which has most massive programme to influence the United States politically. You have Iran and you have Russia. These are all three adversary countries that are seeking to disrupt our elections, O'Brien told reporters at the White House. US presidential elections is scheduled to take place on November 3. President Donald Trump from the Republican party is seeking his second four-year term. He is being challenged by former vice president Joe Biden from the Democratic party. Biden, 77, leads the national polls but Trump has been catching up fast in the last two weeks. Some of them prefer Biden. Some people say some of them prefer the President. My position is it doesn't matter what these countries want, than any country that attempts to interfere with free and fair elections in the United States has to be stopped, O'Brien said in response to a question. We've taken unprecedented action. The President has taken unprecedented action in funding the hardening of our elections infrastructure, whether it's cyber or otherwise, he said. Noting that there are tremendous concerns about mail-in ballots, he said that on the news every night, there seems to be another picture of some apartment building in some city with thousands of ballots stacked up in its foyer and that sort of thing. So, I think there are concerns about mail-in ballots. I think those concerns are very different than being concerned about foreign adversaries trying to influence our elections. And we've made a red line, he said. We have made it very clear to the Chinese, to the Russians, the Iranians and others that haven't been publicly disclosed that anyone who tries to attempt to or anyone that attempts to interfere with American elections will face extraordinary consequences, O'Brien said. Responding to another question, the NSA said that American technology companies have been doing a good job in this regard. "Some of our tech companies are doing a good job... whether it's Facebook or Twitter or others, they're trying to police things in a way they didn't before," he said. Our intelligence community is doing a good job in trying to track these things. Department of Homeland Security, with increased funding from this administration is doing a good job in a hardening our infrastructure to make sure that whether it's the cyber infrastructure or physical infrastructure, we are not susceptible to having the choice that the American people make on election day changed by some foreign party, he said. There's always going to be propaganda, he noted. There's always going to be efforts to influence us. And again, we know that the Chinese have taken the most active role. But the Russians and the Iranians and other countries are involved and as well. So, we're going to keep monitoring it and we're going to do everything we can to protect the sanctity of our election. That's the foundation of our democracy. That's what makes us America, and we're just not going to tolerate these other countries trying to get involved in our elections, O'Brien said. -- PTI Several Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders who are known for their clean image have been approached by I-PAC, the company owned by election strategist Prashant Kishor, for joining the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the assembly polls in 2021. Kishor - who earlier helped the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and the YSR Congress Party win elections - was roped in by chief minister Mamata Banerjee after the BJP won 18 of the states 42 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. The TMCs tally came down from 34 seats to 22. The BJP poses a challenge to Banerjee in the run-up to the assembly polls. Five senior CPI(M) leaders, including a former information technology minister in the erstwhile Left government and a sitting legislator, told HT that they were contacted by Kishors team in August and offered better career prospects in the ruling party. They said they turned down the offer. All the Left leaders said that I-PAC representatives who met them spoke in Hindi and English and said they were from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. They also claimed that the I-PAC teams told them that they were approached only after a survey confirmed their credibility as honest and effective politicians. On August 4, a man called me up and said I had done good work while serving as legislator from the Entally constituency in Kolkata. He said I-PAC would like to interact with me. I said I was not interested and hung up, said Debesh Das, former IT minister and a former professor at Jadavpur University. Laxmi Kanta Roy and Mamata Roy, former CPI(M) legislators, claimed that they were offered funds to contest on the TMC ticket. A man came to my house on August 9. He looked around and asked how could I live in such a small house and why dont I have a car. He said if I work for the TMC I would get funds and anything else that I might need. I told him communists cannot be purchased and asked him to leave, said Mamata Roy. Laxmi Kanta Roy claimed to have had a similar experience. I told the man who came to my home that Communists dont deviate from their ideology and I am happy with my life, said Roy. Rafikul Islam, the CPI(M)s sitting legislator from Harirampur in South Dinajpur district, said, I was urged to visit Kishors office in Kolkata. I said I am 67 and a man does not give up his ideology at this age. A lawyer by profession, Subinay Ghosh, the former CPI(M) MLA from the Krishnanagar North seat in Nadia district, said a man from Hyderabad came to see him at the local court premises. He said I-PAC has formed separate teams for every Lok Sabha and assembly constituency and I was selected during their survey. I said, having served the people as a councillor and MLA, there is nothing more I look forward to in life, said Ghosh. HT contacted I-PAC and a top functionary confirmed that teams from the company are approaching handpicked leaders from the Left parties. It is evident that the TMC and BJP are the main forces in Bengal. It is essentially a two-horse race and the Left is a marginal factor. Our teams are only telling some selected Left leaders that if they really want to serve the people they have a better chance of doing that as part of the TMC. The decision is for them to take, said the I-PAC functionary who spoke strictly on condition of anonymity. Significantly, the functionary bulldozed claims made by a sitting MLA of the Forward Bloc, a partner in the Left Front, that Kishor himself insisted on meeting him and drove down to a star hotel on EM Bypass in Kolkata to offer ministerial berth in the next government. Forward Blocs youth leader Ali Imran Ramz, who won the Chakulia assembly seat in North Dinajpur district in 2011 and 2016, claimed that Kishor came to meet him at the hotel where he had gone to have dinner with his wife on July 17. Anyone can check the hotels security camera footage to verify my statement. My wife and I had tea with Kishor at a lounge between 10 and 11 pm, Ramz told HT. It is a big lie. Ramz was repeatedly telling members of the I-PAC team that his wife is a fan of Kishor and the couple would like to meet him. Kishor has been staying at that hotel ever since he started working in Bengal a year ago. He does not meet MLAs like this. He showed the courtesy only because Ramz came with his wife, said the I-PAC functionary. When they met, Ramz and his wife sought Kishors advice. Ramz said he does not have much future in the Forward Bloc, he added. It is also a lie that the couple had dinner at the hotel. When Kishor offered them to have food with him they said they had come straight from a marriage ceremony where they had their dinner. So, Kishor offered them some tea. The couple had tea and coffee and the bill was paid by Kishor. We have the documents, said the I-PAC functionary. When HT questioned Ramz, he went silent on his claim of having dinner at the hotel and admitted that Kishor paid for the beverages. I was not aware that Kishor was staying at the hotel. But it is not true that it was I who insisted on meeting him. Also, my wife doesnt even know who he is, said Ramz. Senior TMC leader and state panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee dismissed the statements made by the CPI(M) leaders. They lost their heads after losing the elections, he quipped. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) An environmental group is appealing to online businesses to use reusable and eco-friendly packaging as online shopping has become the new normal during the pandemic. Jove Benosa, zero waste campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition, noted the rise in plastic waste from online shopping as e-businesses commonly use bubble wraps and plastic packaging. Stores should consider replacing them with more eco-friendly alternatives, he said. Hangga't maaari kung pwede sana gumamit ng mga lalagyan na reusable para magagamit pa ulit kaysa sa mga disposable items, he said in an interview with CNN Philippines Newsroom Ngayon. [Translation: As much as possible, they can use packaging that are reusable instead of disposable ones.] Benosa suggested that consumers segregate their wastes from online purchases like cardboard and bubble wraps to dispose them accordingly. US to Reduce Troop Levels in Iraq By Sirwan Kajjo August 30, 2020 The United States is planning to reduce its troop levels in Iraq, President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials said. Trump tweeted Saturday that the U.S. is "planning to cut" its military presence in Iraq, without giving further details. The president's tweet included a link to an article reporting that U.S. forces in the region would decrease from 5,200 to 3,500, a figure that was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. U.S. military officials also have confirmed the planned reduction of U.S. forces in Iraq. "We are reducing troop levels as the Iraqi capability to defeat ISIS remnants and prevent its resurgence improves," said Pentagon spokesperson Commander Jessica L. McNulty, using an acronym for the Islamic State (IS) terror group. "Any reduction of U.S. forces in Iraq will be determined through careful coordination with the government of Iraq, as well as with our coalition and NATO partners, and calibrated to our shared security interests and progress in the campaign against ISIS," McNulty said in a statement to VOA. Iraqi officials haven't yet made any announcements about the troop reduction. Discussions between the two countries about the future of U.S. forces in Iraq began earlier this year. The matter was also discussed during last week's visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to the White House. Experts said after defeating IS in major Iraqi cities, including Mosul, the Iraqi military has proved its effectiveness in combating the militants. "The Iraqi armed forces are able to manage the military operations on the ground," said Hussein Ali Allawi, professor of national security at Nahrain University in Baghdad. "But the role of the U.S.-led international coalition remains important for close air support, deep reconnaissance and aerial intelligence that are characteristics of the international coalition's advisory mission in Iraq." He told VOA that while the campaign to destroy IS remnants in Iraq continues, the Iraqi government still needs the expertise of "the international coalition in reorganizing the Iraqi armed forces, reforming the security sector, strengthening intelligence capacity building and bridging civil-military relations." The ultimate objective for Washington and Baghdad is to withdraw the remaining 3,500 U.S. troops from Iraq within three years starting from August, Allawi added. Last week, U.S.-led coalition troops withdrew from Iraq's Taji military base and handed it over to Iraqi security forces. The handover of the base, located north of Baghdad, was the eighth transfer of the coalition portion of an Iraqi base back to Iraqi security forces, the coalition said in a statement. VOA's Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Telanganas healthcare workers have the highest Covid-19 positivity rate of 18 per cent in the country, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revealed on Thursday. According to the Ministrys data, the State beats Maharashtra, where the positivity rate is 16 per cent, despite it recording the highest number of Covid cases overall. Delhi, too, has a 14 per cent positivity rate among healthcare workers. One of the reasons stated for such high infection rate in Telangana is that hospital infection control practices are not being followed. How are healthcare workers getting infected? Are they contracting the disease at hospitals? Is the standard operating protocol for hospital infection control being followed or not? We need to ask these questions, a senior resident doctor from a Covid-designated hospital said. Last week, top health officials in Telangana had said that there were about 2,000 Covid-19 cases among healthcare workers, with about 14 fatalities so far. The doctor also asked if adequate number of PPE kits is being given to doctors and if they are taking precautions in the donning and doffing of the same. Questions were also raised if the buddy system is being encouraged between healthcare workers to check on each other if the PPE suit is worn correctly. Doctors told Express that a limited number of PPE kits, just for isolation ward staff, is being given. The PPE kits are almost see-through. It is lower than 70 gsm even though the claim is that it is 90 gsm. The N95 masks of Venus and 3M are the only ones that meet the health standards. But we are given poor quality masks, a doctor said. In certain hospitals, like the Osmania General Hospital, there is no doffing area and PG doctors take off their PPE suits in the rooms where they rest. This has led to over 270 doctors testing positive for the disease. If the State comes up with a weekly or fortnightly testing rule, many cross-infections can be avoided, Ravinder Manchala, from the Telangana Government Medical Lab Technicians Association, said. OGH still lax about cross-infections The Osmania General Hospital Superintendent on Thursday issued an order dedicating one table to only one operation theatre (OT) for cardiothoracic surgeries. The move comes a day after 20 patients, admitted at the hospitals pre-operative ward, contracted Covid-19. But the Superintendents order has no mention of expanding the ward capacities. It has not addressed several critical issues such as no dedicated operation table for departments and no acute surgical care ward with equipment, Dr P Rothih, president of JUDA, OGH, said. Bengaluru, Sep 4 : In a day of dramatic developments, film actress Ragini Dwivedi was arrested after prolonged interrogation by Bengaluru police's Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths in connection with the alleged drug trade in the 'Sandalwood' (Kannada film) industry, police said on Friday. "We have arrested Ragini to investigate her alleged involvement in the use of banned drugs and her links with drug peddlers after questioning her for over eight hours," Joint Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil told reporters here. Earlier on Friday, seven CCB sleuths, including a woman police inspector, raided her flat to find out if banned drugs were kept there. According to police sources, cigarettes with ganja were found in her flat during the raid. "We also found important materials during the search, which we cannot reveal now as the investigation is under progress," said Patil. "Ragini will be produced before a magistrate after medical check-up and her custody sought for interrogation into her use of narcotic drugs at rave parties in the city over the months," he said. The CCB also filed a FIR against Ragini in the Cottonpet police station in the city centre under the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Services Act. Ragini, 30, entered the film industry with her debut movie "Veera Madakari" in 2009 and gained popularity for her stellar role in films like "Kempe Gowda", "Ragini IPS", "Bangari" and "Shiva". "Preliminary investigation of the drug links in the Kannada film industry revealed that many people were involved in peddling and consuming banned drugs," Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant had told reporters earlier. In a related development, the CCB arrested socialite Viren Khanna from New Delhi, annd he is being flown to Bengaluru by CCB inspectors Sridhar Pujar and Lakshmikantiah, said Patil. The managing director of Viren Khanna Productions, which organises social and cultural events at private locations, farmhouses and nightclubs in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and New Delhi, Khanna, 35, is said to organise high-end parties where narcotics drugs are used by participants, including celebrities, film actors, musicians and socialites. The CCB also arrested Rahul Shetty, a real estate agent in the city, for allegedly peddling drugs to Kannada film actors at rave parties in the city. "We have arrested Shetty on leads we got while investigating the drug links in the Sandalwood industry," Pant said. Shetty is the second peddler to be held a day after accused Ravi Shankar was arrested on Thursday for allegedly supplying drugs to Sandalwood actors at rave or late night parties in the city. He is alleged to be a close friend of Kannada film actress Sanjana Galrani while Shankar is said to be close to Ragini. "Investigations into drug links to Sandalwood has been underway over a month. Seizure of drugs in another case led us to Shankar, who is an official in the state road transport office (RTO) in the city's Jayanagar suburb," Pant said. CCB sluths got more leads from Shankar's mobile phone and statements he made since his arrest and after he was sent to 5-day police custody for interrogation. The CCB sleuths are also questioning a few others who are suspected to be involved in supplying the narcotics to Sandalwood celebrities and other addicts. With the arrests, the CCB has taken four persons for alleged abuse of banned drugs like marijuana, cannabis, cocaine and hashish at rave parties of celebrities, including actors of Sandalwood. The Government of Canada has unveiled additional immigration measures to help Lebanese nationals. Canada offers more immigration assistance to Lebanon The Government of Canada has unveiled additional immigration measures to help Lebanese nationals. Canada offers more immigration assistance to Lebanon The Government of Canada has unveiled additional immigration measures to help Lebanese nationals. Canada offers more immigration assistance to Lebanon The Government of Canada has unveiled additional immigration measures to help Lebanese nationals. Kareem El-Assal Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Canada has unveiled additional immigration support to Lebanese nationals following last months tragic explosion in Beirut. The supports were announced on September 3rd, several weeks after Canada established an immigration task force in support of Lebanese individuals impacted by the explosion. The Canadian government will prioritize travel documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Lebanon, as well as waive some fees in order to help such individuals return to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is also prioritizing visitor visa applications for the immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents that were personally impacted by the Beirut explosion. Immediate family members include: Spouses Common-law partners Dependent children Parents or step-parents IRCC invites individuals in need of assistance to read its dedicated webpage to find out if they are eligible for the special measures Canada has put in place. After reading the webpage, IRCC states that individuals can send their questions to IRCC.SituationLebanon-SituationLiban.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. It will aim to respond to questions within five business days. How to qualify for assistance To qualify for assistance, individuals must: Submit an application between September 3 rd , 2020 and January 31, 2021; , 2020 and January 31, 2021; Follow the instructions listed on IRCCs webpage; Have lived in an affected area at the time of the explosion if you are applying as an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; and Include proof that you were personally impacted by the explosion. Types of proof can include documentation listing your residential address or copy of medical or legal documentation. Visit the Government of Canadas website to learn more Options if you want to immigrate to Canada as a Lebanese skilled worker If you are a Lebanese citizen who wishes to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker, there are over 100 different pathways available to you. There are an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 Lebanese individuals in Canada and around 1,800 Lebanese immigrate to Canada annually. The main way to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker is through the Express Entry system. Canada held an Express Entry draw earlier this week inviting 4,200 successful immigration candidates to apply for permanent residence. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Canada has invited almost 70,000 immigration candidates this year. The first step to being considered for permanent residence under Express Entry is by seeing if you are eligible for it. Get a free Express Entry assessment 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved Bengaluru: BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) Volvo Buses gear up to resume operations in Bengaluru on the first day of the fifth phase of the nationwide lockdown imposed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, on June 1, 2020. (Photo Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru: BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) Volvo Buses gear up to resume operations in Bengaluru on the first day of the fifth phase of the nationwide lockdown imposed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, on June 1, 2020. (Photo Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, Sep 4 : City bus service Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has extended free rides to all students appearing for examinations at present, an official said on Friday. "For the benefit of students who are attending professional, degree, post-graduate and PUC supplementary exams, BMTC has extended free travel facility on examination dates," an official of the road transport corporation said. The free rides have been allowed from the residences of the examinees to their examination centres. All professional, degree and post-graduate students are allowed to travel on examination dates from their residences to the examination centres on production of exam hall ticket along with BMTC student pass, the official said. BMTC extended the rides to students taking PUC supplementary exams as well. A woman who was filmed naked while sleeping at a luxury hotel said the incident has ruined my life as the man responsible was finally brought to justice. Emily Hunt, 41, woke up next to a "creepy" man at the five-star Town Hall Hotel in east London in 2015, with no idea how she got there and her last memory being having lunch with her father. She waived her right to anonymity as she waged a lengthy battle for justice, and was in court today as the man responsible 40-year-old Christopher Killick was sentenced for voyeurism. He was ordered to pay 5,000 in compensation to Ms Hunt, fined 2,000, and ordered to attend rehab sessions under a 30-month community order. Speaking at Stratford magistrates court, Ms Hunt said the incident was profoundly disturbing and debilitating and drove her to the brink of suicide. Christopher Killick, pictured, was ordered to pay compensation to Ms Hunt / Craig Hibbert What he has done, this voyeurism, has ruined my life, she said. What happened that evening five years ago changed my life almost completely. She said learning that the video existed had left her anxious and very distrustful of people around me, telling the court from behind a screen to shield her from Killick: For years I found it almost impossible to form and maintain friendships and deeper relationships, adding to the sense of loneliness and anxiety. Ms Hunt, who lost her job as she struggled with PTSD, said she is plagued by fears that the trophy video was shared with others, leaving her feeling violated over and over again. I am a deeply private person, I dont share intimate pictures with anyone, she added. The communications strategist and mother-of-one said she was naked and terrified when she woke up next Killick on the evening of May 10, 2015, seeing him fully clothed and laughing as he flicked through the TV channels. She asked who he was before collecting her belongings, dressing in the bathroom, and then phoning a friend to ask for the police to be called to the hotel. Ms Hunt, who feared she had been raped, began the task of piecing together the missing five hours between lunch with her father and waking up at the 300-a-night hotel at around 10pm. CCTV images showed her struggling to walk properly as she was led from a bar by Killick and falling backwards as they entered the hotel. Police later told her Killick had insisted they had consensual sex, and the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately decided there was not enough evidence to pursue a rape allegation. She questioned the way toxicology tests had been conducted, and in a relentless pursue of information Ms Hunt also discovered that Killicks rucksack contained condoms, viagra, and a substance believed to be a hallucinogenic drug. Around a year after the incident, Ms Hunt was told by police that Killick had made a 62-second video of her while she was asleep. However the CPS claimed he still could not face a criminal charge. What happened that evening five years ago changed my life almost completely Undeterred, Ms Hunt challenging the CPSs view of the voyeurism law and brought judicial review proceedings, leading to a landmark judgment which said non-sensual filming in a private setting can constitute an offence. Killick was then charged with a single count of voyeurism, which he admitted at a hearing last month. Sentencing him this morning, District Judge Louisa Cieciora told Killick: "The fact of this case are shocking. You knew it was morally wrong and deceitful to record an intimate video, on anyone's view which was invasive and taken without the victim's knowledge or awareness." She said the effect on Ms Hunt had been "devastating", causing her mental breakdown, saying Killick had "prioritised your own desires without any real thought of how it would affect the victim". Prosecutor Varinder Hayre said Ms Hunt suffered a panic attack when she met police in the lobby of the hotel on the night of the offence, having left behind her tights and favourite necklace in the room with Killick as he asked her to stay with him. Mr Killick told her nothing had happened but Ms Hunt didnt know if she believed him, as she had woken up cold and naked with a thin throw that barely covered her, she said. She described the guy as so creepy, smiling and acting as if everything was OK. The court heard Killick told police they had consensual sex before Ms Hunt went to sleep. He then performed a sex act next to Ms Hunt as she lay unconscious, made himself a cup of tea, and then filmed the video of her naked body. This was in case he wanted to masturbate at some point later," added Ms Hayre, summarising his police interview. He wanted to get as much from the experience as possible. The court heard Killick, from Queens Park, has offered an apology to Ms Hunt and did not know making the video could be a criminal offence. He pleaded guilty to a charge of voyeurism and has been banned indefinitely from contacting Ms Hunt. Killick must observe sex offender reporting conditions over the next five years. He was ordered to attend 65 days of rehabilitation as part of his community order, and pay 85 in court costs. Kyrgyzstan Registers 15 Parties For October Parliamentary Elections By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service September 02, 2020 A parliamentary election campaign Kyrgyzstan is set to officially begin on September 4, with 15 political parties to contest 120 seats in the Jogorku Kenesh, or the Supreme Council. The elections will take place on October 4. Kyrgyzstan's Central Elections Commission (CEC) said on September 3 that applications by two parties, Aktiv and Butun Kyrgyzstan, had been rejected as they didn't meet the requirements. The CEC cited "violations" and discrepancies in the documents including the list of candidates submitted by Butun Kyrgyzstan. The newly established Aktiv was unable to provide the registration fee of 5 million soms ($63,500). Pro-government parties, including Birimdik, Mekenim Kyrgyzstan, and Kyrgyzstan as well as the opposition Ata Meken are widely expected to do well in the race. No party is allowed to hold more than 65 seats in the Supreme Council. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan- registers-15-parties-for-october- parliamentary-elections/30819533.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 There seems to be less than meets the eye in the Pelosi Hair Salon Scandal, but it provides a window into the depth of the divisions in the country. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had a hair appointment in San Francisco late last month. She says the business said it could accommodate her within the local pandemic guideline , but the guidelines prohibited the salon from operating at the time. Now its a cause, with Pelosi saying she was set up by the salon owner and President Trump encouraging the owner to run for Congress. Are we all crazy yet? Yes, maybe. In Lincoln, Neb., a resident spoke to the City Council to make a passionate plea. He wants Lincoln to be a social leader in this country by forcing stores and restaurants to stop claiming that chicken tenders are boneless chicken wings. Unless hes from Buffalo, he should stop. By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday said the Justice Department was monitoring the protest movement antifa, saying that it is at the heart of violence in cities around the country. "I've talked to every police chief in every city where there has been major violence and they all have identified antifa as the ramrod for the violence," Barr said in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "They are flying around the country. We know people who are flying around the country." "We see some of the purchases they are making before the riots of weapons to use in those riots," Barr added. "So, we are following them." Antifa is a largely unstructured, far-left movement whose followers broadly aim to confront those they view as authoritarian or racist. Republican President Donald Trump, who has been trailing Democratic rival Joe Biden in opinion polls ahead of the Nov. 3 election, has been appealing to his base of white supporters with a "law and order" message. In a visit Tuesday to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where a 17-year-old Trump supporter has been charged with killing two people during protests following the police shooting of a Black man in the back, Trump said the destruction that occurred was "really domestic terror." Barr on Wednesday also said he thought there was no systemic racism in the U.S. justice system, and that there is a "false narrative" that the country is in an "epidemic" of unarmed Black people being killed by white police officers. "I think our institutions have been reformed in the past 60 years and if anything has been built into it it's a bias toward non-discrimination," Barr said. In a Fox News interview late on Monday, Trump said an investigation was under way into alleged thugs who boarded a plane seeking to cause damage last week during the Republican Party convention, without providing details or evidence. Story continues Law enforcement, intelligence and Congressional officials familiar with official reporting on weeks of protests and related arrests said on Tuesday they were aware of no incidents or reports that would confirm Trumps anecdote. Trump signed a memo on Wednesday that threatens to cut federal funding to "lawless" cities, including Seattle, Portland, New York and Washington. "My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones," said the memo, which was released by the White House. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Twitter that the memo was an "illegal stunt." (Reporting by Eric Beech, Katanga Johnson and Jan Wolfe; Editing by Alistair Bell and Leslie Adler) Donald Trump mocked Joe Biden for wearing a mask Thursday as he addressed supporters at a raucous mini-rally - weeks since he was last seen wearing one himself. The president, speaking in Latrobe in front of Air Force One - his new way round agreeing not to hold full-scale rallies after his disastrous appearance in Tulsa, OK - suggested Biden had 'issues' for wearing one. Trump's own mental health has been in the spotlight after he denied a series of mini-strokes were the reason for his unexpected visit to Walter Reed Hospital last November. His last sighting in a mask was on August 6 at an Ohio factory. Biden wore one in Wisconsin hours before the Trump rally, as he met the family of Jacob Blake and went to Kenosha, but slipped up and shook hands with an aide when his plane landed in Milwaukee. 'Did you ever see a man who likes a mask as much as him?' Trump said. 'He has it hanging down. Because it gives him a feeling of security. If I were a psychiatrist, right, you know I'd say: "This guy's got some big issues. Hanging down. Hanging down."' Trump told the crowd that he is 'all for' wearing masks, and urged them to be careful during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, telling them to keep at a distance and regularly wash their hands, 'and things like that'. 'Distance on the weekend and all of that stuff,' he said. 'Wear your mask when you're close together in particular and wash your hands, all of those things.' President Donald Trump on Thursday honed the 'law and order' message he intends to wield against his Democratic rival, Joe Biden Air Force One lands as crowds cheer before President Donald Trump attends a campaign event at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport The rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport comes as Trump's campaign is claiming new signs of momentum, including in the longtime Democratic stronghold that Trump won by less than 45,000 votes in 2016 Trump was speaking in front of a crowd of hundreds packed into an airport hangar, where people stood closely together and few were seen wearing masks After months of trepidation, Trump campaign officials have been feeling encouraged in the last few weeks as Trump has responded to mass demonstrations against racial injustice by taking a hardline against protesters and painting Biden as weak Pennsylvania currently restricts indoor gatherings to 25 people and outdoor events to 250 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But Trump has been flouting both local restrictions and his own administration's social distancing guidelines as he insists on campaigning in front of large crowds and tries to project the image that the coronavirus is waning as he pushes to reopen the economy. Trump defended his response to the coronavirus during Thursday's rally, but spent far less time discussing the pandemic or the economic hardship it has caused across the country than other issues. 'Before the coronavirus, this election was over,' Trump told the raucous crowd, claiming he'd have been able to cancel campaigning this year if the virus hadn't struck the country as hard as it has. 'We're rounding that turn,' he assured. While the polls insist the presidential election this November will likely prove to be a 'game of inches', Trump assured supporters that Biden is 'dropping like a rock in water'. Trump attributed the Democratic nominee's apparent inevitable demise to idea that Biden's plan 'is to appease the domestic terrorists and my plan is to arrest them and prosecute them.' He went on to accuse the former Vice President of being 'a puppet of the socialist, Marxist and the cop-hating extremists' - a comment met with rapturous applause from the crowd. The Commander-in-Chief also doubled-down on the notion that his supporters should seek to vote twice in November, appearing to promote voter fraud while stoking unfounded fear about the validity of the presidential election results. 'These mail-in ballots are a disgrace and they know it. Sign your mail-in ballot. Sign it and send it in and then you have to follow it. And if on Election Day or early voting, that is not tabulated and counted, you go vote,' Trump said, echoing a similar statement he made in North Carolina on Wednesday. Trump appeared to justify the call to vote twice by telling attendees that if their mail-in ballot came in after they had voted in-person, then it would not get counted. It is illegal to vote twice. 'They are not going to be able to tabulate it because you will have voted. You have to make sure your vote counts. The only way they are going to beat us is by doing that kind of stuff.' Masked contrasts: Biden was last seen wearing a mask on Thursday when he traveled to Kenosha; Trump's last appearance in a mask was at a Whirlpool factory in Clyde, Ohio, on August 6 Trump told the crowd that he is 'all for' wearing masks, and urged them to be careful during the upcoming Labor Day weekend Supporters of US President Donald Trump cheer during a campaign event at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport The rally came the same day that Biden paid a visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, amid turmoil following the police shooting of Jacob Blake On the subject of health, the president dismissed questions about his own well-being and an unexpected hospital visit last fall. 'They want to try to get me to be in Biden's physical level,' Trump said. 'I don't like rumors like that. It's not true.' Trump - who has routinely raised questions about Biden's health and mental acuity - was responding to a new book about the Trump presidency that claimed Vice President Mike Pence had been put on 'standby' to assume presidential powers last year when Trump was admitted to hospital. The White House, however, contested that Trump went to Walter Reed Medical Center as part of his annual physical. Trump has focused on the story in recent days, using the narrative as part of an effort to delegitimize his critics. Yesterday I read that I had strokes ministrokes, they called them,' Trump said. 'I don't know what a ministroke is, but it's not good.' Trump continued that the media is doing all it can to 'let the sleepy guy into the White House.' 'I don't think the public is going to fall for it,' Trump said, adding that Biden was never known for being smart during his time in the US Senate. Trump defended his response to the coronavirus during the rally, but spent far less time discussing the pandemic or the economic hardship it has caused across the country than other issues The rally comes as Trump's campaign is claiming new signs of momentum, including in the longtime Democratic stronghold that Trump won by less than 45,000 votes in 2016. After months of trepidation, Trump campaign officials have been feeling encouraged in the last few weeks as Trump has responded to mass demonstrations against racial injustice by taking a hardline against protesters and painting Biden as weak. In Pennsylvania, Biden holds a 4-point lead over Trump among registered voters and a 1-to-3-point lead among likely voters, according to a Monmouth University Poll this week. Patrick Murray, director of the poll, described the race as a 'game of inches' to USA Today. But Trump decried the poll as 'fake' during the rally, saying pollsters 'fake everything' - calling them 'suppression polls' which are made to make voters feel depressed. The president claimed to have access to the 'real' polls, and in those polls Trump insists he's leading 'everywhere.' He said his base is bigger and the enthusiasm among his supporters is greater than those of Biden's. He continued that his number have been going 'up, up, up like a rocket' since his Mount Rushmore speech in July. The president then quickly sidetracked, telling the crowd that leftists want to 'blow up' Mount Rushmore, and Democrats want to take down the monuments in Washington. The rally was held the same day that Biden paid a visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, amid turmoil following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man who was shot in the back seven times by police. Trump mocked Biden for visiting the city two days after he had, claiming, 'There was nobody there. He was a little late. I was going to say, 'Hey listen, we ended that problem,' but we can end it in Portland,' he said. Trump's campaign believes its efforts to paint Biden as weak on crime will help Trump win back suburban voters, and especially women, who supported him in 2016 but have since soured on him. That includes in Pennsylvania, where they argue the president is in a better position than he was in 2016, citing Democrats shrinking voter registration advantage. This time, they believe their get-out-the-vote operation will result in better turnout among working-class rural voters, along with improved margins among African Americans, Latinos and union supporters. At the rally, Trump announced that he had received the endorsement of the Boilermakers Local 154 in Pittsburgh. To that end, Trump and his team have been paying frequent visits to the state as they work to build enthusiasm. On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence held a Workers for Trump rally at a construction company less than 15 miles from Biden's hometown, Scranton. 'I know were not too far from our opponents boyhood home, but it's Trump country now,' Pence told the crowd. Trump's campaign believes its efforts to paint Biden as weak on crime will help Trump win back suburban voters, and especially women, who supported him in 2016 but have since soured on him Trump supporters pledge allegiance to the flag as they await the arrival of President Donald Trump Trump has been flouting both local restrictions and his own administration's social distancing guidelines as he insists on campaigning in front of large crowds and tries to project the image that the virus is waning as he pushes to reopen the economy Trump told the crowd that he is 'all for' wearing masks, and urged them to be careful during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, telling them to keep at a distance and regularly wash their hand, 'things like that'. In Pennsylvania, Biden holds a 4-point lead over Trump among registered voters and a 1-to-3-point lead among likely voters, according to a Monmouth University Poll Trump himself held a small rally last month outside Scranton just hours before Biden accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. At the event, Trump insisted Biden would be the state's 'worst nightmare' if elected president. The former vice president often spotlights his early years in the northeast Pennsylvania city as evidence of his middle-class upbringing. 'Between the record enthusiasm for this President, our unprecedented ground game, and trends in Republican voter registrations, the Commonwealth, once again, is ready to deliver for President Trump this November,' Nick Trainer, the Trump campaigns director of battleground strategies, said in a statement. Biden's campaign remains equally confident about his prospects in the state. They have put considerable emphasis on the Pittsburgh metro area, where Democrats lost ground in 2016 but then watched Democratic congressional candidate Conor Lamb pull an upset in a special election. Still, Bidens path in Pennsylvania is seen as more complicated than winning back Wisconsin and Michigan, the two other 'blue wall' states Trump won by less than 1 percentage point four years ago. In Wisconsin and Michigan, Trump benefited from then-rival Hillary Clinton's poor performance in the largest, heavily Democratic cities, Milwaukee and Detroit. But Clinton did relatively well in Philadelphia and won more votes that former President Barack Obama in the Philadelphia suburbs, even in defeat. That could put even more pressure on Biden to try to blunt Trump's performance in Pennsylvanias smaller cities and in rural areas. Latrobe, the site of Trump's Thursday rally, is about an hour outside Pittsburgh in Westmoreland County, which Trump won by large margins four years ago. While Democrats still hold a significant voter registration advantage in the state, the number of new Republican registrations has far outpaced the number of new Democrats registering this cycle. Many political observers believe the state, which has many white, older voters, could become even more favorable to Republicans despite having voted Democratic from 1992 until Trump's win in 2016. TOKYO - Japan's coast guard rescued a second survivor from a cargo ship Friday, more than two days after the freighter carrying 43 crew members and thousands of cattle capsized and sank during a typhoon. Jay-nel Rosales, 30, of the Philippines, was found floating alone in a life raft, his orange boat spotted from the island of Kodakarajima in the East China Sea. A plane flew to the spot and plucked him from the sea, the Japanese coast guard said in a statement, adding that he was conscious and able to walk unaided. The Panama-registered ship, Gulf Livestock 1, was carrying about 5,800 cattle from New Zealand to China when it ran into Typhoon Maysak. The rest of the crew - mainly Filipinos, with two Australians and two New Zealanders - remain missing. Contacted in the Philippines, Gina Baulita, Rosales's wife, said her husband is in a hospital after his ordeal. "I couldn't sleep over the past two nights," she said in an interview. "I kept crying. We just kept praying." The couple have a month-old baby. "I really hope the others are found," Baulita added. "We are praying for them, too. God is the only one we can count on." The sinking brought added scrutiny onto shipping livestock by sea. New Zealand on Thursday suspended all live exports, local media reported. The animals on the Gulf Livestock were being shipped to China's dairy industry, Australian Livestock Exporters' Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton told Bloomberg News. Earlier Friday, the body of another man was found "drifting facedown" in the the water 75 miles northwest of the Japanese island of Amami Oshima, authorities said. Coast guard spokesman Takahiro Yamada said the dead man's body was taken to Amami Oshima. He was wearing a lifejacket with the ship's name. The 11,947-ton Gulf Livestock 1 sent a distress call about 1:45 a.m. Wednesday, 115 miles west of Amami Oshima, as Typhoon Maysak unleashed powerful winds and torrential rain, causing turbulent seas in the area, Japanese officials said. Rescuers have also spotted the dead bodies of dozens of cattle floating in the ocean near the areas where the men were found, along with a bundle of orange rope and part of another lifejacket bearing the ship's name. Aircraft, boats and divers continue to scour the ocean. On Wednesday night, a naval P-3C surveillance aircraft spotted a Filipino crew member, 45-year-old Eduardo Sareno, the ship's chief officer, wearing a life vest bobbing up and down in the water. He was rescued from the sea by a coast guard patrol boat. Sareno told the coast guard that one of the ship's engines stopped running, after which the vessel was hit by waves, capsized and sank. There was an announcement on board to wear life jackets as the ship was capsizing, at which point he put on a life jacket and jumped in the sea, the coast guard quoted Sareno as saying. He said he had not seen other crew members by the time he was rescued. The rescue effort was initially hampered by rough seas, strong winds and torrential rain. By the time the dead man was spotted Friday, the weather was cloudy, with winds around 20 mph, the coast guard said. Dubai-based Gulf Navigation Holding, the owner and operator of the stricken ship, issued a statement expressing sympathy for those affected by the disaster. "Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time. We also express deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board. We are monitoring the situation closely and working closely with those involved in rescue efforts. We pray that there are other survivors," it said. - - - Cabato reported from Manila. AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Education Agency today announced the first set of instructional materials covering K-12 Math that will be made available to school systems through the Texas Home Learning 3.0 (THL 3.0) initiative. Like other THL 3.0 offerings, these instructional materials are digitized, customized, and aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)the state standards for what students should know and be able to do. These resources are optional and free to all Texas school systems to utilize. TEA has partnered with Carnegie Learning for 6-12 Math and Great Minds for K-5 Math to develop and deliver this first set of high-quality, TEKS-aligned unit and lesson plans. The first sets of materials are ready for school systems to adopt and adapt and additional materials will be released on a continuous basis. Before release, all THL 3.0 instructional materials undergo a rigorous review process that includes Texas teacher feedback to confirm alignment with TEKS and quality standards. THL 3.0 is a comprehensive initiative to support school systems, teachers, parents, and students during the public health crisis and beyond with high-quality instructional materials, technology solutions, and professional development resources. Additional THL 3.0 instructional materials for other subjects and grade levels will be announced over the coming weeks. TEA has partnered with Carnegie Learning for 6-12 Math and Great Minds for K-5 Math to develop and deliver this first set of high-quality, TEKS-aligned unit and lesson plans. "Texas Home Learning 3.0 is a milestone achievement in Texas public education. The significant ways in which these high-quality, free instructional offerings across core subjects will shape learning throughout the Lone Star State in the months and years to come is hard to gauge at this moment, though we are confident the outcomes will be positive," said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. "Our state's hard-working students and teachers will benefit immensely from this digital TEKS-aligned offering. School systems are having to adjust to these extraordinary timesand we at TEA are doing the same. We will continue to provide our schools with support in all realms so that the learning can continue uninterrupted." The Carnegie Learning Texas Math Solution provides educators and students with free access to its highly rated middle school and high school content to support flexible learning in the 2020-21 school year and beyond. Educators who choose to participate will receive access to TEKS-aligned curriculum materials and adaptive math learning software, MATHia, all customized for Texans to access high quality content that works seamlessly between remote and in-classroom environments. The Texas Math Solution includes daily teacher lesson plans with accessible student materials, guidance for remote learning for teachers, and family guides to support learning regardless of setting. "We are proud to partner with the Texas Education Agency to make our materials available to all who need them during this challenging time," says Barry Malkin, CEO of Carnegie Learning. "Texas educators don't have to compromise on high quality instructional materials in order to have the flexibility they need to transition between in-person and remote learning we're here to support them with both." Great Minds' Eureka Math in Sync TEKS Edition is built specifically for Texas. Crafted by teachers and math scholars, the instructional materials carefully sequence mathematical progressions to maximize coherence across grade levels. The materials are designed to meet the needs of today's hybrid and virtual learning environments, allowing students and teachers to access the Eureka Math in Sync TEKS Edition materials wherever, whenever. Features of these materials include short, digestible videos for each lesson along with downloadable and fillable PDFs so students can show their work and communicate with teachers via annotations and comments. "As a native Texan, I'm proud to see the state's commitment to high quality instructional materials, especially at this unique time in the history of education," said Jill Diniz, Great Minds Chief Academic Officer for math. "We've learned so much about math instruction since my own time in the classroom. It's wonderful to be able to bring that to Texasto teach math as a body of knowledge, not just a set of skills. The TEKS outline high standards. The Eureka Math TEKS Edition will make those standards accessible to all while bringing joy and wonder to students." TEA previously announced that it will offer all Texas school systems a world-class Learning Management System (LMS) from PowerSchool's Schoology for two years at no cost. More than 300 Texas school systems have already signed up, with another 200 more currently engaging with the Schoology team. For more information on Texas Home Learning 3.0, please click here . ICYMI The Texas Education Agency news release is available here. SOURCE Great Minds PBC Related Links www.greatminds.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have outlined who should be among the first people in the United States to get a coronavirus vaccine. The CDC sent out a guidance to officials in all 50 states about the possibility of rolling out a vaccine by late October or early November. There could be an estimated 15 million doses of the vaccine available by the end of the year, according to the CDC. But who would get the vaccine first, and why? Healthcare professionals, essential workers, national security populations and long-term care residents and staff should be first in line, according to the CDC. The CDC lists 672 coronavirus-related deaths among healthcare personnel as of Sept. 3. But Dr. Claire Rezba, an anesthesiologist in Virginia, said she had counted at least 1,000 since tracking healthcare deaths in late March, CBS reported in mid-August. Essential workers, including those in retail, food-processing and meatpacking, are also being hit hard by COVID-19. More police officers have died of the coronavirus this year than from any other cause, according to data from two law enforcement nonprofits. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are coronavirus hotspots, as older adults with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk. A USA Today analysis in June found about 40% of the countrys coronavirus deaths were among long-term care residents and workers, amounting to more than 40,000 deaths over several months. As for national security, about 1,800 Transportation Security Administration employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and six have died since the start of the pandemic, the Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday. The Trump administrations Operation Warp Speed seeks to have 300 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine by January 2021. Dozens of potential coronavirus vaccines are currently in trials, including several in Phase 3 in which thousands of people are given the vaccine to test its effectiveness and safety, The New York Times reported. Story continues Public health experts have expressed concerns about the U.S. Food and Drug Administration using emergency authority to greenlight a COVID-19 vaccine before its ready. I think its extremely critical that we have rigorous evidence of safety and effectiveness supporting a vaccine before the FDA gives its OK, Patricia Zettler, a former FDA associate chief counsel, told The Washington Post. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious diseases expert, said he is optimistic about the release of a vaccine this year. I believe that by the time we get to the end of this calendar year that we will feel comfortable that we do have a safe and effective vaccine, Fauci told NBC News on Wednesday. CDC Director Robert Redfield in a letter to governors this week urged states to prepare a fully operational plan for distributing vaccines. MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / SQID Technologies Limited (CSE:SQID), advises that with effect from September 1, 2020, the remuneration package for Athan Lekkas - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has been revised as follows: 1. Base salary The base salary will increase by AUD $40,000 pa from AUD $140,000 pa to AU$180,000 pa. 2. Incentive arrangements The CEO can receive performance incentive payments up to a maximum of AUD $160,000 pa upon achieving agreed short term and long term strategic objectives as determined by the Board using sound business judgement. The Board also retains the discretion to authorise additional payments in the event of extraordinary outperformance. Incentive payments may be settled in cash, equity entitlements or a combination thereof. These changes to the CEO's remuneration package are aligned with the mission to create shareholder value, by setting market based remuneration packages for key management personnel including an appropriate balance of short term and long term incentives. On behalf of the board of directors. For further information please contact: Mark Pryn Company Secretary E: cosec@sqidpayments.com.au W: www.sqidpayments.com.au T: +61 3 9820 6400 About SQID Technologies SQID Technologies Limited [CSE: SQID] is a payment processor headquartered in Australia with proprietary software for online debit or credit card payments for both retail and wholesale transactions. It provides merchant services and transaction processing to business merchants and ecommerce customers across both 'Business to Business' (B2B) and 'Business to Consumer' (B2C) segments to bridge both retail and wholesale transactions through its platform. The SQID business has a proven model of delivering sustained profitability over time. Revenue growth has been achieved through strong growth from merchants in industries related to training and education. For more information on SQID, please visit https://sqidpayments.com.au/ SQID provides a highly customizable payment-processing platform that seamlessly integrates retail and wholesale payment layers and provide Split Settlements between each layer. Split Settlements enables a single transaction to be simultaneously settled to both the referring merchant and the referred merchant's bank. This allows for say a franchisor to receive settlements in parallel to the franchisee allowing for commission structures and transaction based rewards to be settled at the same time the underlying transaction is settled. The model is applicable to affiliate marketing, rewards programs, franchises, marketplace apps, agencies, and also software companies running reseller programs. The use of Split Payment Settlement also helps optimize merchant sales and operations by providing valuable insights and transaction reports to merchants. THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION Any forward-looking statements in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, its directors and management. SOURCE: SQID Technologies Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604800/Changes-To-CEO-Remuneration Few would quarrel with a kindergarten teachers noble efforts to teach listening skills to 5-year-olds. But as my daughter and her classmates get older, they will run into thornier dilemmas, our eras version of old questions: Are some divides too great for common humanity to bridge? When we attempt to step into the shoes of those very different from us, do we do more harm than good? At the same time, trends in American education have worked at cross-purposes, nurturing social and emotional learning in some ways, hampering it in others. Our capacity to see one another as fellow humans, to connect across differences, is the foundation of a liberal pluralist society. Yet skeptics say that what seems like empathy often may be another form of presumption, condescension or domination. In his 2016 book Against Empathy, the psychologist Paul Bloom argued that empathy can cloud rational judgment and skews toward people who are close to us, those who are similar to us and those we see as more attractive or vulnerable and less scary. The scholar and activist bell hooks put the matter more starkly. White desire to feel Black experience is predatory, exploitative, eating the Other, she wrote. Its impossible to perfectly inhabit another persons experience. The important question is the value of the effort, and whether it leaves us separated by an asymptote or a chasm. Can a straight TV writer create an authentic gay sitcom character? If an author of European descent writes a novel from the perspective of Indigenous people, is it an empathic journey, or an imperialist incursion? I dont want to throw out what empathy is trying to do, Alisha Gaines, a professor of African-American literature at Florida State University, told me. Im very critical of it though. Empathy has to be considered in the context of institutions and power. Ms. Gaines has devoted much of her scholarship to interrogating well-meaning white attempts at empathy for the Black experience, from the white journalist John Howard Griffins 1961 book Black Like Me, an account of his project to pass as a Black man on a trip through the Deep South, to a modern re-enactment of the Underground Railroad whose organizers promised empathy to the extreme,. Ms. Gaines said: If for 90 minutes I run around and look for the lantern in the window, what do I take from this into my everyday life? This is playing a slave, not an enslaved person. The humanity gets evacuated out of it. Yet, as a literature professor, she wants students to see books as passageways to experiences unlike their own. I love books because Im learning something about people I didnt understand. Im connecting, Ms. Gaines told me. I wasnt reflected in books I read as a kid. I understood myself through Anne of Green Gables and Little Women little Black kids often have to understand themselves through white protagonists. At the same time, for me as a little girl reading Anne of Green Gables, as much as I saw myself in her precociousness and her deep feeling, I also knew there wasnt something speaking exactly to me. It was not a perfect mirror. We want to connect to the material on an emotional register and make space for the fact that each story tells a particular story. Greece plan to extend territorial waters could cause war: Turkey Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 9:51 AM Turkey has warned against Greece's controversial plans to extend its territorial waters, saying the move could cause a war between the two nations, which already remain locked up in a dispute over energy resources in the Mediterranean sea. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in parliament this week that the government will extend the western limit of its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea to 12 miles. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu reacted to the plan in televised interview on Saturday, saying that Ankara "won't allow Greece to extend their sea border from 6 miles to 12." He warned that the move "could cause war" in the region. A standoff has already intensified between Turkey and Greece over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. The two have been at loggerheads over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the waters. Turkey's discovery of major gas deposits in waters surrounding Crete and Cyprus has further escalated tensions between them. Cavusoglu also warned France against supporting Greece in the recent escalation, saying that Paris wants to create a security force of the EU against NATO. "NATO is one of the goals of the current escalation," he added. The European Union (EU) has taken the side of Greece in the dispute. Last week, France deployed its naval forces to hold joint military exercises with Greece along with Italy, and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. Greece and Turkey almost went to war in 1974 over Cyprus, which has since been divided, with the northern third run by a Turkish Cypriot administration and the southern two-thirds governed by the Greek Cypriot government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the company's new moves to protect the US election. These include blocking new political advertisements a week before the election and labeling messages containing disinformation, in particular regarding the coronavirus, and messages from politicians announcing victory, before all results are tallied, Charlie Warzel writes for New York Times. Many debate how effective these measures will be in preventing election night chaos during a pandemic. However, the question of how deeply Facebook is embedded in the fabric of democracy does not seem to be up for debate. Zuckerberg's post on election security reminded me of an excerpt from a 2017 article by journalist Max Read. Three years ago, he received a similar pledge from Zuckerberg to ensure the integrity of the German election. He wrote that the commitment was admirable, but also a tacit acknowledgment of Facebook's immense power. This is a statement that Facebook assumes the level of power at the same time outside the state, as a sovereign, self-regulating, supranational organization, within which the states themselves operate. This power is enshrined in the decisions of its CEO. Here's how Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes described Zuckerberg's iron grip last year: "Marks influence is staggering, far beyond that of anyone else in the private sector or in government. He controls three core communications platforms Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp that billions of people use every day. Facebooks board works more like an advisory committee than an overseer, because Mark controls around 60 percent of voting shares. Mark alone can decide how to configure Facebooks algorithms to determine what people see in their News Feeds, what privacy settings they can use and even which messages get delivered. He sets the rules for how to distinguish violent and incendiary speech from the merely offensive, and he can choose to shut down a competitor by acquiring, blocking or copying it." If Mr. Hughes's description seems hyperbolic, it may be because such a consolidation of power is actually difficult to understand. The power of Facebook is self-replicating. On Tuesday, Facebook and other platforms uncovered a covert operation by the Kremlin-backed Internet Research Agency to sow rift ahead of the presidential election by setting up a network of fake user accounts and websites. However, this time around, the agency hired unsuspecting freelance American journalists to create the content. There is a dark cycle of life in this news. Facebook's unprecedented growth and conquest of the digital advertising market - along with Google and others - helped accelerate the collapse of broken journalism business models. This has led to widespread consolidation, shutdown of publications and layoffs of journalists. The dominance of news and Facebook's fickle spreading algorithms have led to the rise of hyperparty pages and websites to fill in the gaps and capitalize on the platform's ability to monetize engagement, which in turn has led to an excess of viral misinformation. Due to its general availability, Facebook has become the preferred platform for political manipulation. These attackers are now hiring and exploiting freelance journalists who have been supplanted by the collapse of the media industry that Facebook helped accelerate. Ultimately, Facebook is taking action to eliminate the attackers, reassuring the country of its commitment to democracy and strengthening its role as an advocate for free and fair elections. Facebook wins in all directions. Its size and power create instability, which Facebook believes is by giving the company additional powers. But this cycle is unstable. This summer has shown that the platform has been a major vector for the most destabilizing forces in American life. Facebook employees seem to understand that the situation is hard-hitting, and internally speak out against Zuckerberg's leadership. With just two months left before the elections, the country has focused on the integrity of the electoral process. According to Zuckerberg, they all have a responsibility to protect their democracy. Opera Australia is being taken to the Fair Work Commission in a dispute over the proposed axing of musicians, choristers and crew. The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance is unhappy with the premiere arts company's plans for redundancies, estimating up to 25 per cent of permanent positions will be lost under the organisational restructure flagged by the company two weeks ago. Opera Australia's Ring Cycle in Brisbane was to have been a box office blockbuster before COVID-19 shut it down. Sixteen of 50 full-time musicians had been asked to meet with management about their future employment, as had another four in the chorus, said Paul Davies, director of MEAA's Musicians section. Similar staff numbers had been targeted in technical and manufacturing departments, including props, costumes and wigs. Twinkle Khanna took to social media to share a picture of a rainbow on her face, and joked that she wanted a halo but is happy with a rainbow instead. Twinkle is seen posing for the camera as the reflection of light on her face gives the appearance of a rainbow. Sharing the picture on her Instagram page, she wrote, There is something to be said about being at the right place at the right time. I was just sitting there, minding my own business when a tired rainbow decided to come rest across my face. #WantedAHaloButARainbowWillDo. Ayushmann Khurranas wife, writer Tahira Kashyap commented, Perfect blush, followed by a heart-eyes emoji. Where have I seen this before, Huma Qureshi teased. Haha , it looks beautiful on you mam, a fan wrote. Lady with class!! Even nature cant resist u, another commented. Twinkle is with Akshay Kumar in the UK, where he is shooting for Bell Bottom. Earlier this week, she watched Christopher Nolans Tenet, which marks the Hollywood debut of her mother, Dimple Kapadia. Also see | Sushmita Sen wishes daughter Renee, her first love, on 21st birthday: What a journey this has been Showering praise on Dimples completely incredible performance, Twinkle wrote in an Instagram post, Finally saw Tenet in the theatre and though my mother is so laid-back that she refuses to do any publicity around it, she has a wonderful part and is completely incredible. Variety writes, A sinister whisper network of international arms dealers emerges, with one of them, Priya (the wonderful Dimple Kapadia, in the films wiliest performance) serving principally to coax the protagonist through the corridors of Nolans storytelling. #MamaMia. Meanwhile, Akshay began shooting for Bell Bottom last month. The film also stars Huma Qureshi, Vaani Kapoor and Lara Dutta. Sharing a video of himself holding a clapboard in one hand and putting a mask on his face with the other, he had written on Instagram, Lights, Camera, Mask On and Action. Following all the new norms and filming on for #BellBottom! Its a difficult time but work has to go on. Need your love and luck. Bell Bottom, set in the 1980s, is a spy thriller said to be inspired by true events. Directed by Ranjit M Tewari, the film is scheduled to release on April 2, 2021. Follow @htshowbiz for more The overall goal of the partnership is to create an open, holistic innovation system for scalable solutions including facilitation of clinical research Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms or C-CAMP has signed a pact with the India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre (ISIC) to jointly identify and nurture frugal innovations and make quality healthcare affordable and accessible for all. This crucial collaboration with the Swedish ecosystem is aimed at building a strong crop of world-class biopharmaceuticals, medtech, diagnostics, nutraceuticals and other healthcare interventions in India, for India, and beyond. The partnership which extends to ISIC Innovation Challenge 2020, is looking to drive sweeping changes in healthcare delivery system in India by providing an innovation platform for continuum of care, encompassing diagnostics, palliative care and therapeutic interventions. The Innovation Challenge 2020 will identify, mentor and provide incubation space cum networking opportunities to healthcare solutions that are inherently scalable and adaptable in India and other geographies. Healthcare is a universal issue not restricted by boundaries. C-CAMP is working towards solving pressing healthcare problems in close collaboration with global partners. This MoU with the India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre is a step in that direction. We look forward to engaging with the Centre to foster disruptive innovations together. Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, C-CAMP CEO and Director said at the partnership announcement. Anders Tofte, Trade Commissioner of Sweden welcomed the MoU and said Innovation and collaborations need a forward-looking culture. Our vision for ISIC is reflected completely by C-CAMP. Delighted to be teaming up with C-CAMP to provide a nurturing environment to ideas and create strong impact together. The overall goal of the partnership is to create an open, holistic innovation system for scalable solutions including facilitation of clinical research, a key aspect of commercialization. By the agreement, C-CAMP and Indian Sweden Healthcare Innovation centre will leverage each others ecosystems to promote high-impact startups from the healthcare arena. In particular, startups will now be able to access the AIIMS Jodhpur incubation facilities and AIIMS Jodhpur labs for carrying out clinical research on their products for a smoother regulatory pathway. ISIC will also provide networking opportunities for gaining international traction. The pact was spurred by ISIC partner Atal Innovation Mission which also supports C-CAMP as an Established Incubation Centre since 2017. Innovation Challenge 2020 is now open. Find application link below - https://www.indiaswedenic.com/startups#innovation-challenge COVID-19 case numbers continue to drop around Texas and some area businesses and residents are beginning to try to return to some form of normalcy. A Houston Chronicle analysis of state data shows the number of statewide COVID-19 cases at a total of 646,407, and a total of 13,276 deaths, as of Friday. Texas positive test rate dropped from 9.64 percent to 8.98 percent. Labor Day weekend: Crowds of up to 500,000 expected on Galveston Island for Labor Day Cases the Houston area have still increased however, by 1,035 to 156,963 in total, and deaths increased by 44 to 3,005, the Houston Chronicle reported Friday. Despite the increase around Houston, Houston airports announced they would be resuming international travel with almost a dozen air carriers to countries such as Mexico, Canada, France and Taiwan. But COVID-19 cases continue to drop around the Cy-Fair area. As of 4 p.m. Friday, Harris County Public Health reported a total of 661 active cases in the area. A drop of more than 300 from last week when the area reported 983 active cases. Case counts were compiled from ZIP codes in the Cypress Creek Mirrors distribution area: 77040, 77041, 77065, 77070, 77086, 77095, 77429 and 77433. 77040 still has the highest case count at 187, with none of the other ZIP codes reaching more than 100 cases, 77433 being the second highest at 92 active cases. Residents can still be tested around the Cy-Fair region. Pridgeon Stadium, 11355 Falcon Road A, is offering tests from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, as well as from 7 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They also offer testing from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Walmart is still testing at three locations in the area: 11425 Barker Cypress Road, 8208 Barker Cypress Road and 12353 FM 1960 W. Appointments are required and can be made at www.doineedacovid19test.com. CVS Pharmacy continues to test at 6089 S. Hwy. 6 N., 11600 FM 1960 W. and 19715 Tomball Parkway. Anyone wishing to be tested must make an appointment at www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing. Lahore: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz and 300 workers of her party were booked on Friday under terrorism charges for allegedly attacking law enforcers and hooliganism. Police included Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 in the FIR registered against the (PML-N) leaders and workers three weeks ago during their clash with police outside the office of national anti-graft body in Lahore where Maryam had come to appear in a land corruption case. PML-N has protested inclusion of terrorism charges in the FIR, saying this has been done at the best of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Imran Khan gets unnerved seeing Maryam Nawaz active in politics. First the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initiated a false land probe against Maryam at Imrans behest and now police booked her and other PML-N men under terrorism charges on the premiers order, PML-N lawmaker Azma Bokhari told reporters in reaction to the police action. Most of the PML-N leaders including Maryams husband Capt (R) Safdar are on bail. Maryam however has yet to seek bail in this case. Azma said the PML-N will challenge inclusion of terrorism charges in the court. Violence had erupted outside the NAB office on August 11 in Lahore as heavy police contingents and workers of the PML-N confronted each other shortly after the arrival of Maryam there in a land acquisition case to record her statement. Several PML-N workers, policemen and NAB officials had suffered injuries during the clash and 58 arrested who were later released on bail. The PML-N had filed a complaint regarding registration of FIR against Prime Minister Imran Khan, NAB chairman Javed Iqbal, PMs adviser Shahzad Akbar and the Punjab government for making an attempt on the life of Maryam Nawaz by attacking on her car, but police refused to register it. Had I not been in a bullet-proof car there could have been a loss of life. There was an organised conspiracy behind calling me to the NAB office. They wanted to cause harm to me, Maryam had said. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor A national audit of cafes, restaurants, fast food and retail businesses that had previously breached workplace laws found 71 per cent were still disobeying rules on pay and conditions. In a year-long audit ending in March the Fair Work Ombudsman, the national wages watchdog, checked 171 food and retail businesses previously caught breaching workplace laws and found 122 were still doing so. Many food and retail businesses were still underpaying their staff after already being caught by the Ombudsman. Credit:Shutterstock The figures underscore the challenge for the Morrison government's industry-union working groups, which are trying to negotiate reforms to fix the problem of persistent underpayment. The ombudsman recovered $709,289 from 84 businesses for 796 employees who had been underpaid, with most of the issues relating to penalty rates and the minimum hourly wage. None of the businesses were taken to court, though 16 were fined a combined $31,000. International travelers in Nigeria have been told to obtain their COVID-19 results before flying in or out of Nigeria. Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, who stated this, on Thursday at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja, assured that all preparations have been completed. The Minister said passengers must register online, pay for COVID-19 test fee and upload the negative result not older than 72 hours before boarding. He reiterated that airlines would be fined $3,500 per passenger without the result, adding that such a traveler will be turned back if he or she was a foreigner. BREAKINGTIMES reports that the government is acting on the principle of reciprocity. This implies that airlines from countries that banned flights from Nigeria will not enter the country. International flights resume on Saturday, September 5. CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico This city was literally built for tourists: a blank expanse at the edge of the desert converted into a haven for gringos looking to get away. Now, Cabo is trying to lure them back in the middle of one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks. For months, some of the worlds most-visited attractions were empty of humans, places normally so saturated with tourists that they were nearly unrecognizable without them. Photos circulated of a depopulated Venice, a vacant Times Square, a shuttered Disney World. The beaches of Cabo, with their peeling, clean waves, once again recalled an untouched desert as Mexico struggled to manage a virus that has infected more than 533,000 people and killed more than 62,000 third most in the world. Throughout the spring, this citys tourism board, hoteliers and restaurateurs held panicked meetings. At what point would Californians and Texans want to fly south of the border? With high caseloads in those states, when should those tourists be encouraged to visit? At stake was nearly all of Cabos economy 80 percent, according to official statistics. Tourism is an economic engine for the country: Its the third-biggest contributor to gross domestic product at nearly 9 percent. During the pandemic, that number dropped close to zero. International flights into Cabo its main source of visitors were down 93 percent from last summer. Its life or death for us, said Rodrigo Esponda, the head of the Los Cabos tourism board. Theres nothing else here. No industrial production. No farming or commercial fishing. Its tourism or nothing. Last month, Cabo San Lucas and neighboring San Jose del Cabo began to reopen to tourists with an advertising campaign that blended the areas natural beauty with coronavirus recommendations. Wear a mask, one ad says, flashing to video of a woman snorkeling. Practice social distancing, it says before displaying an image of a lone surfer. Cabo Wabo, the bar founded by former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar, hung a reopening banner next to its Mas Tequila mural. Shops sold My First Vacation After Covid shirts. The frog outside Senor Frogs was newly cleaned. But just as tourists began to trickle back, the cases in Los Cabos began to rise. It felt like an inevitability as workers returned and international flights resumed, cases increased from about 50 per day in the state of Baja California Sur to about 150. Some of the citys hotels hired doctors as consultants to improve their precautions. But the welcome sign is still out. There are some residents who say, Why put my familys life in danger by inviting more visitors, restarting more flights? said Luis Humberto Araiza Lopez, tourism minister of Baja California Sur. Its a delicate line between trying to support public health and economic growth. Its a challenge at tourist spots across Mexico. In Cancun, the largest tourist destination in Latin America, the collapse of the tourism sector along with other pillars have the economy has led to concerns of a rise in extreme poverty and malnutrition. Last month, the United Nations said the economic collapse in Mexico could compromise the health and nutrition of children. Formal unemployment in the state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, has increased by 23 percent since the pandemic began. Experts say that number would be far higher if the informal sector were included. Mexicos president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has suggested the return of mass tourism is only months away. By the end of the year, he predicted this month, the tourism sector will have normalized. The ministry of tourism, for its part, says conditions wont return to normal until 2023. The sectors collapse is part of the reason the International Monetary Fund predicts Mexicos GDP will fall by more than 10 percent this year, one of the sharpest drops in Latin America. At the Cape, a glittering seaside hotel just outside Cabo San Lucas, guests are given masks and hand sanitizer upon arrival. They walk through a sanitization tunnel before entering the lobby. Signs in the elevator instruct everyone to maintain social distance. Workers are using blowtorch-like cleaning tools. But the management has also prepared for the worst-case scenario, setting aside eight rooms behind a restricted area sign as an isolation ward in the event of suspected cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. It hasnt been used yet. We need to give our clients the assurance that were taking this seriously, said Eduardo Segura, the Capes manager. Its like opening for the first time all over again. Based on the current caseload, the Mexican government is allowing Cabo hotels to fill 30 percent of their rooms. At that ceiling, some hotels said they would lose money and have chosen not to open. The Cape is making a small profit, Segura said. Surprising some, American guests have eagerly returned. This month, Olympic snowboarding champion Shaun White was spotted at poolside after a surf session. NBA player Chandler Parsons dined with friends. Other American guests, including Maggie Galvin, an emergency-room nurse from Los Angeles, were just trying to briefly escape a horrible year as safely as possible. From arrival to every single interaction with hotel staff, I felt 100 percent safe, she said. There was consistency with each staff member in wearing masks and having several hand-sanitizer stations available. But in downtown Cabo San Lucas, normally packed with cruisegoers and other tourists, the citys iconic bars and restaurants, now open, were mostly empty. Its here that the economic impact of Cabos paralysis is most obvious. In recent years, tens of thousands of people from southern Mexico migrated to Cabo to work, including Federico Iniesta, 50, from Chiapas, a bicycle-taxi driver. Before the coronavirus, the gringos came, got drunk, had fun, he said. They took my bicycle taxi maybe eight times a day. He charges $3 per person per ride. Now, he can go days without a customer. He wonders how hell pay his $100-per-year bicycle-taxi license. Noelia Juarez moved to Cabo from Oaxaca 20 years ago and eventually opened a small T-shirt shop. Among the offerings: Keep calm, youre on the fun side of Trumps wall and Buttwiser. For years, she made enough to put her children through private school. Now, I sell one shirt per day if Im lucky, she said. Weve had to start eating less. Others have given up, said Esteban Vargas, the head of one of the largest tourism employee unions in the state. Theyve seen that the work is disappearing, so they prefer to go home to Chiapas, Oaxaca or Guerrero, where life is cheaper, he said. Across the country, government officials, tourism leaders and business owners are trying to lure Mexicans and foreigners. The city of Acapulco tried to attract millennials with an advertisement that was widely criticized as inappropriate. There are no rules. Eat what you want. Have fun during the day, the night and in the wee hours. Wear what you want, the ad said. Relax on your own or with company. Redefine yourself and share your craziness. The ad was quickly pulled. The national tourism board tried a different tack, calling the sector the greatest casualty of the pandemic. Over rising classical music and soaring vistas, the board promised: Well meet again to give you the warmest welcome. On a hot afternoon in downtown Cabo, the waiters and bartenders and souvenir-shop owners were making their own pitch, trying their best to lure the few gringos inside, behind buckets of hand sanitizer. Every once in a while, a few notes of Van Halens anthemic Cabo Wabo could be heard. Theres a sleepy town, south of the border, Hagar croons. If you go there once, youll be there twice. RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy, (NYSE: D), has filed an application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to renew North Anna Power Station's operating licenses for an additional 20-year term. Dominion Energy's filing for the power station, located in Louisa County, Va., makes North Anna the second nuclear station in the Commonwealth to seek a second renewal of its licenses, beyond the original 40-year license terms that were granted in 1978 and 1980 and the extension granted in 2003. The power station operates two nuclear units capable of producing clean electricity for 473,000 homes in Virginia. Dominion Energy filed a similar application to renew the licenses of the two Surry Power Station units in Surry County in 2018. The NRC is currently reviewing that application. Both Surry and North Anna, combined, produce 31 percent of the electricity for the company's 2.5 million customers and 95 percent of the carbon-free electricity in the state. "Our application to renew North Anna Power Station's licenses for another 20-year period is good news for our customers, the regional economy, and the environment," said Dan Stoddard, Dominion Energy's Chief Nuclear Officer. "Our customers will benefit from continuing to receive safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity from the station through 2060. "Renewing the licenses for both of our nuclear units in Virginia is critical to the company meeting the Virginia Clean Economy Act's requirements for zero-carbon electricity by 2045 as well as the company's net zero by 2050 commitment. It also positions Virginia for continued economic growth and will help the Commonwealth remain a leader in the production of clean energy among other states in the mid-Atlantic and South. It supports more than 900 high-paying jobs at the station and produces additional economic and tax benefits." Like all U.S. nuclear units, the North Anna units were originally licensed to operate for 40 years. The units' licenses were renewed for 20 additional years of operation on March 20, 2003, following a stringent review process authorized under federal law. Under its current licenses, North Anna Units 1 and 2 can continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to customers through 2038 and 2040, respectively. With renewed licenses, the units may operate to 2058 and 2060, respectively. The comprehensive and stringent review process assures customers and local communities that the facilities are able to continue to operate in a safe and reliable manner. The nuclear units at North Anna Power Station are both three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactors capable of providing 1,892 net megawatts, or about 20 percent of the electricity our customers receive. About Dominion Energy More than 7 million customers in 20 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more. SOURCE Dominion Energy Related Links http://www.dominionenergy.com BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sino-Japanese economic and trade cooperation has shown strong resilience since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. Bilateral trade between China and Japan dropped by 2.2 percent in the first seven months compared to the same period last year, and the year-on-year decrease rate narrowed by 0.7 percentage points from that in the first six months, Gao Feng, spokesperson for the ministry, told a press conference. The monthly import and export volume has resumed the growth trend since March, he said. In 2019, bilateral trade between China and Japan hit 310 billion U.S. dollars, and the accumulated use of Japanese investment in China exceeded 110 billion U.S. dollars, Gao said. Japan ranked first among countries in terms of the total amount of foreign investment utilized by China, and China's investment in Japan has developed steadily with widening investment fields, he said. China is willing to work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in the fields of economy and trade and promote the construction of Sino-Japanese relations in line with the requirements of the new era. They will also deepen cooperation in economic and social development and fighting COVID-19, and make due contributions to getting rid of the impact of the pandemic and returning to the growth track of the global economy, he said. School attendance rates have been well above 90 per cent across England this week, a Daily Mail audit has found, in a much-needed boost to the Government. Early figures suggest parents have been overwhelmingly happy to send children back to classes, with hundreds of primaries, prep schools and secondaries reporting high numbers of returning pupils. There are no indications so far of any areas where children have been kept away out of fear or had to be sent home after falling ill, with only a handful of absences among families still in quarantine after returning from summer holidays in Covid hotspots. Early figures suggest parents have been happy to send children back to classes, with hundreds of primaries and secondaries reporting high numbers of returning pupils At Kirk Balk Academy in Barnsley, Year 7 recorded 99.3 per cent attendance on Wednesday with Year 11 at 94.9 per cent. St Peter's Preparatory School in Exmouth had an attendance rate of 99.25 per cent on its first day back on Thursday. The only absentee was a pupil whose family was still in quarantine after a trip to Croatia. Paul Whiteman (pictured), NAHT's general secretary, hailed the return to school as a 'remarkable achievement' Most schools in Medway, Kent, reopened to pupils by the end of the week and on Thursday, one secondary in the area reported 99.45 per cent attendance, the council said, and a primary school had 99 per cent in. This newspaper's analysis was last night echoed by a survey carried out by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). Classroom 'as good as staying home' Going to school does not put children at any greater risk of the virus than staying at home, a study claims today. Public Health England calculated that infection rates were 3.9 per 100,000 for pupils under 11, rising to 11.3 per 100,000 amongst teachers. The researchers therefore pointed out that the risk was no greater than if they were at home. The findings based on 12,047 children and teachers at 131 schools are the latest in a series of studies to suggest youngsters are very safe. Only last week Department of Health-funded research found the chance of death from the virus was 'vanishingly rare' for pupils. But this latest study only looked at pre-school and primary school children. It did not include those at secondary school. Lead author Dr Shamez Ladhani said: 'This is the largest study of its kind in the country and suggests attending preschool and primary school brings no additional risk to either staff or students.' Experts believe secondary school pupils are at higher risk of having severe symptoms. Advertisement The union found that 82 per cent of its members reported attendance between 91 and 100 per cent for the first few days of term. In another boost, its poll of 849 heads found that staff had overwhelmingly gone back to classrooms, with attendance above 90 per cent in 98 per cent of schools. Paul Whiteman, NAHT's general secretary, hailed the return to school as a 'remarkable achievement', saying: 'It's great to see that so many young people are back in the classroom, with their teachers and with their friends.' The Mail's snapshot, ahead of the Department for Education publishing the first official nationwide figures next week, will be welcomed in Whitehall as a sign that the push to fully reopen schools was the right decision. And it will help the economy as parents who had to stay at home to look after children for the past six months can finally return to workplaces. In East Anglia, four schools run by the Inspiration Trust recorded high figures with 98.7 per cent attendance at East Point Academy, 97.2 per cent at Stradbroke Primary Academy, the same at Hethersett Academy and 96.2 per cent at Jane Austen College. Officials at Dudley Council had a meeting with primary school head teachers in the week and found that 'attendance in most is between 90 and 97 per cent'. And a church school in Paddington, west London, reported 95 per cent attendance when all year groups went back on Wednesday. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson had insisted to parents that it was safe to let their children return to classes, in the face of warnings from teaching unions that it may be unsafe. Last night he said: 'I'd like to thank staff for their hard work throughout the summer holidays getting all schools and colleges ready for a safe return.' The future of Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia is at risk if Einstein's merger with Thomas Jefferson University is not allowed to be completed, the two Philadelphia nonprofits said in court filings Wednesday. Read more After years of financial losses, Einstein Healthcare Network has no option but to merge with Thomas Jefferson University if its flagship North Philadelphia hospital is to have any chance of surviving in its current form. That is a central argument that Jefferson and Einstein made in a federal court filing this week, as the two Philadelphia nonprofits attempt to overcome opposition to their merger plan from the Federal Trade Commission and Pennsylvania attorney general. A hearing on the regulators preliminary injunction request is scheduled for Sept. 14 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Einstein and Jefferson also face an FTC administrative proceeding, scheduled to start in January. READ MORE: Jefferson Healths expansion hits a deep pothole with large COVID-19 loss The Jefferson-Einstein filing painted a dire picture, declaring that Einstein, which since 2012 has had annual operating profits only twice, is on a path to financial failure, needs an infusion of as much as $500 million for deferred maintenance and other capital investments, and will continue to weaken, as it is forced to cut services or close facilities. Einstein was unable to identify any alternative buyer to Jefferson that possessed the financial strength and scale necessary to address Einsteins financial problems, the filing said. No other potential strategic partners were willing and able to commit to keep EMCP [Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia] open with its current set of services. Unmentioned is the interest of Crozer-Keystone Health Systems owner, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., in acquiring all or part of Einstein. Prospects intent was expressed as recently as June and detailed in a separate court filing. The FTC alleged in its February complaint that the combination of Jefferson and Einstein would lead to higher prices for commercial insurers. This weeks pretrial memorandum estimated that prices would go up by 6.9% at Einsteins general acute-care hospitals if they no longer competed with Jefferson hospitals. That would cost consumers $23.3 million a year, the FTC said. In support of that contention, the FTC said that Einstein offered lower prices to an insurer, whose identity is redacted, if Jeffersons Abington and Lansdale hospitals were excluded from a preferred tier of the insurers network. READ MORE: Temples sale of Fox Chase Cancer Center to Jefferson is scotched As is common in antitrust cases, Jefferson and Einstein disputed the parameters that the FTC used to calculate the impact of the consolidation, arguing that additional hospitals should have been included in the analysis. For Einstein Philadelphia, the FTCs competing hospitals are Temple University Hospital, St. Christophers Hospital for Children, Roxborough Memorial, Cancer Treatment Center of America, and Temples Jeanes Campus. Competitors for Einstein Philadelphia should include Nazareth, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian, and Pennsylvania Hospital because they draw from the same geographic area. They also said the FTCs market-share analysis was flawed because it is did not take into account where the patients live. If that and similar corrections were made for the analysis of Einstein Medical Center Montgomery in East Norriton and MossRehab in Elkins Park, the FTCs measure of market power would drop to a level that didnt deserve such scrutiny, Einstein and Jefferson said. The two health systems also disputed the FTCs emphasis of the deals alleged impact on commercial insurers, given that most of Einstein Philadelphias patients have Medicaid or Medicare and have fewer options for care than those with commercial insurance. Looming in the background is Independence Blue Cross, the largest health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. READ MORE: Tower Health reports steep COVID-19 related losses The FTC is asking the court to ignore the clear risk to the health and welfare of North Philadelphia residents without commercial health insurance, who depend on [Einstein] for their hospital services, based on a flawed prediction of a price increase on commercial insurance companies like Independence Blue Cross, the Einstein-Jefferson filing said. Besides, the filing said, insurers could readily exclude Jefferson and Einstein from their networks rather than accept a significant price increase, especially because Einstein is not a must-have provider for commercial health insurers, given its large Medicare and Medicaid patient population. The insurance argument is particularly noteworthy because Jefferson, which canceled its agreement to buy Fox Chase Cancer Center from Temple University, still has an agreement to buy Temples interest in Health Partners Plans Inc. a nonprofit Medicaid and Medicare insurer. If Jefferson completes that deal and acquires Einstein, it will own 100% of Health Partners, putting it in a position to compete directly with Independence in the insurance market. Jefferson chief executive Stephen K. Klasko told the trade publication HealthLeaders last year that health care could benefit from having more health systems in the insurance business, naming Kaiser Permanente, Intermountain Healthcare, and Pittsburgh-based UPMC as examples. Jefferson, Einstein, and the FTC said they dont comment on ongoing litigation. Racism is toxic poison that is harming us all, ELCA bishop declares at Kenosha prayer vigil Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Just over a week after civil unrest erupted in Kenosha, Wisconsin, over the controversial police shooting of Jacob S. Blake, a Lutheran bishop said the nation needs to repent of its racism, which is a toxic poison that is harming us all. We can choose to regard the events of recent days as an aberration and as an exception to the rule and we can work hard to restore things to how they used to be and get back to normal. Or we can choose to recognize that what we used to call normal was not only killing our siblings who are black and brown it was hurting all of us, Rev. Paul D. Erickson, bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said at a prayer vigil held at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha Wednesday. What we need is a time of radical change and transformation. But before that can happen we need an honest assessment of how we got to where we are. So in our tradition, in the Lutheran confessional tradition we often begin our worship services with a time of confession in which we are invited to be honest with ourselves, with our neighbors and with God about the ways we have contributed to and benefited from the way things are. Erickson argued that while Christians are often tempted to view sin as being like the bad apple on the tree that we just need to pluck down and toss aside or perhaps incarcerate so that the rest of the tree isnt damaged, its much deeper than that. We need to recognize that the challenges facing us are not about simply casting aside the bad apples or even cutting off the branch or even burning down the tree from which that fruit stems. We need to recognize that the very soil in which we all are planted is toxic. And that toxic poison that is harming us all is racism, he said. In the shooting incident, which left Blake, a 29-year-old African-American father paralyzed, police officer Rusten Sheskey shot at his back seven times. The Wisconsin Department of Justice, which is investigating the shooting, released a statement, describing how Blake scuffled with officers and was tasered unsuccessfully. He was shot as he opened the drivers door to an SUV where three of his sons were reportedly inside at the time. Video of the shooting subsequently sparked ongoing rallies, marches and deadly confrontations with armed civilians and visits to the city from both President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. Mary Zorn of the ELCA Outreach Center in Kenosha prayed about the fear people were experiencing in the city in her opening prayer at the vigil. God of grace and mercy, look down on your children in Kenosha. We are afraid. We are afraid to go into our homes and sleep at night. I have seen your children, Lord and they are scared that their children are going to get shot in their windows. God, please bring your peace to that. Send your loving arms and your angels to watch over us in Kenosha. Help those people that have been displaced by these things that have happened here, Zorn prayed. She also prayed that the nations leaders would come up with a solution to create peaceful justice. Lord, help our leaders that they might find a way towards justice. Help us that we might be able to find that way peacefully and that your children wont be afraid anymore and my friends that I see will not be scared to be in the streets at all, that their children can go to playgrounds again, she said. Lord, we see that things are not good sometimes right now and we do lose hope but we know you have everything to give us. And we just need to share it and remember that we are one in Your name." Rev. Jonathan Barker, an activist pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, thanked God that Blake survived the shooting and prayed for his continued recovery. As a church, we must gather to seek justice and pray for justice. We must gather to confess our complicity in the institutional racism that has led to this horrible event. We must come together to lament that black lives are oftentimes violently opposed in our country still and that too often, black lives do not matter in our country. We need justice and we need things to change, he told intercessors at the vigil. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, Thursday in a staged display of sympathy for the family of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old black man who was shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha policeman on August 23 and left paralyzed from the waist down. Bidens appearance was designed to draw a contrast with President Trump, who met Tuesday with police and National Guard officials and small businessmen who suffered property damage but did not meet with the Blake family. But the trip only underscored the right-wing character of the Democratic campaign and the fact that it offers no alternative to the increasingly fascistic direction of Trumps appeals. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden meets with residents of Kenosha at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wis., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Biden met privately with the Blake family in Milwaukee, then spoke with Jacob Blake on a telephone to his hospital bed, before traveling to Kenosha for a community forum at a local black church, where he spoke and took questions for about an hour. All of Bidens remarks were couched in the framework of racial identity politics, aimed at covering up the class function of the police force as the armed defenders of capitalist property against the working class. This was entirely in keeping with the latest wave of television commercials for the Biden campaign, in which he denounces looting and other property crimes, but says nothing about the fascist violence encouraged by the White House. Biden claimed he would address the original sin of the country, slavery, if elected president, treating the rampant poverty and social deprivation afflicting the African American populationalong with the working class as a wholeas though it were a survival of chattel slavery, and not the product of the capitalist system which Biden defends no less than Trump. I promise you, win or lose, Im going to go down fighting. Im going to go down fighting for racial equality, equity across the board, he claimed. There are certain things worth losing over, and this is something worth losing over if we have to, but were not going to lose. The trip was only the second that Biden has made from the East Coast since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis in March, and his first campaign appearance of the year in Wisconsin, one of three states in the Great Lakes region, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania, that provided Trump his margin of victory in 2016 in the Electoral College. On the eve of Bidens arrival, Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian, a Democrat, lifted the curfew imposed on the city after the protests erupted over the shooting of Jacob Blake. Damage estimates issued the same day, with little fanfare, suggest that the Trump administration claims of Kenosha in flames, even in ruins, were grossly exaggerated. Total property damage in the city amounted to $1.95 million, or about $20 per capita for a city of 100,000 people. Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the Biden visit was his silence on the bloodiest event of the past 10 days in Kenosha, the killing of two protesters on August 25 and the serious wounding of a third, carried out by a 17-year-old vigilante gunman who has been hailed as a hero by the fascist right and openly defended by Trump and other Republican officials. The gunman, Kyle Rittenhouse, remains in Antioch, Illinois, just across the state line from Kenosha, where his extradition to Wisconsin on murder and attempted murder charges has been delayed for at least 30 days. Biden did not mention either Rittenhouse or his three victimsJoseph Rosenbaum, 36, Anthony Huber, 26, both shot to death, and Gaige Grosskreutz, also 26, severely woundedin the course of his visit to Kenosha. In part, at least, this is because all three were white working-class men, and thus did not fit into the racial narrative Biden sought to establish for the events of the past week. New press accounts indicate that Rittenhouse had traveled to Kenosha several times in the two months before he opened fire on protesters, with at least one trip leading to a violent confrontation. Social media videos showed Rittenhouse engaged in a fight in downtown Kenosha on July 1 where he is shown throwing punches at a woman. Court records showed that he was cited in Kenosha County for driving without a license and speeding more than 20 miles over the limit less than a week before the August 25 killings. That last fact may explain reports Thursday that Rittenhouses mother Wendy was also under investigation, since she apparently drove her son, armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, the 30 miles to Kenosha and dropped him off to participate in the vigilante operation announced by a militia group calling itself the Kenosha Guard. T he Russian Communist leader Vladimir Lenin had one of the all-time great goatees, but thats not the only reason Ive been thinking about him recently. Its one of his quotes Ive been mulling over: There are decades where nothing happens, and weeks where decades happen. Lenin was wrong about many things but he was on to something when he coined that phrase. Just think about the relatively short period since governments started imposing shutdown policies for the first time in response to a pandemic and how things have changed since then. It would have taken years for e-commerce to expand in the way it has during lockdown, with even my mum forced to buy groceries online for the first time. Meanwhile emerging fields like digital healthcare have grown faster more quickly than anyone predicted. But with so many of us stuck at home for so long, perhaps the biggest seismic shift is happening to the way we work and the places where we work. To be sure, change was afoot well before Covid-19 struck, with progressive companies already adopting hyper-flexible ways of working, and some offices already being reimagined as places of learning and community, rather than just sterile corporate cubicles. But this crisis has led to a giant leap forward in the way teams are thinking about the workplace, and what might previously have been seen as the wacky practices of firms like Google, Facebook or my own business Second Home, are rapidly going mainstream. Its taken a pandemic to spread the idea that your office should be a place of learning and inspiration Of course, to make many of these changes bosses will have to wait until the threat of Covid is over. Some transformations will require a great deal of money. Nevertheless, change is on its way. First, weve always known that soulless high-rise buildings with cramped lifts and dirty recycled air arent good for our health. Thats why companies are trying to create working environments that integrate nature into the office environment. Facebooks new headquarters features a two-acre park on the roof, while Amazons new Seattle HQ has two huge tree-filled biodomes in the middle of it. This isnt tech madness its about understanding that we do better work when were healthy and happy, and bringing nature into the workplace is a smart thing to do. Post-Covid, if youre trying to persuade employees to leave their sofas, theyll have to be convinced that their office is a healthy place to be. That means putting wellbeing front and centre in workplace design. It might take more effort than churning out another horrible grey building with windows that dont even open, but its going to be increasingly essential. A second transformation at work is to do with culture and community. If youve ever been to Googles head office in Silicon Valley, youll know they host cultural events and education classes for employees throughout the working week. They dont do it just because they have so much money (although that helps), its because theyre trying to hire the most talented people, and get the best out of them. Its the same logic at Facebook, and a handful of other companies, but its taken Covid to spread the idea that your office should be a place of learning and inspiration. After all, why stop working from home unless theres a compelling reason to get off the couch? That means that once it is safe, your workspace needs to offer something your living room normally doesnt, like community events, opportunities to learn, and the chance to meet new people. The final shift were likely to see is to do with flexibility. Until Covid, most companies stayed in the same office for years, because they signed up for decade-long leases. In an era when no one knows how long Covid will be around for, or when the next pandemic might strike, those days are over. So dont be surprised if your office starts moving around from place to place as your team tries out different ways of working in different buildings. Tech start-ups have done that for years, but its likely to become much more commonplace across the board. And expect to see the right to work from home at least part of the time to be the new normal, as it has been in the digital sector for years. All these changes to our working lives were happening in some companies already, but its taken a pandemic to turbocharge the pace of evolution. The old way of working is dead. Thank goodness for that. Trump's administration and White House Speaker Nancy Pelosi agreed to an informal deal in order to avoid a devastating government shutdown that would have occurred at the end of the month. On Thursday, two congressional sources said that the risk is a result of the federal government scheduled to run out of funds. Government shutdown imminent On Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin came to an agreement with Pelosi during a phone conversation about the stalled efforts of both sides of politicians to pass a new COVID-19 relief package. According to USA Today, the informal deal aims to extend government funding at the same levels they are operating at right now and would allow politicians of both sides to avoid a series of high-risk negotiations before the November elections start. While more details about the deal have not been made available to the public, several staff-level discussions are scheduled to begin very soon. The congressional sources added that officials had not made a decision on how long they would want to make the bill last. Despite Democrats and Trump's administration resuming talks about another stimulus relief bill that aims to assist Americans and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, experts say it is unclear if stimulus relief would be added to the list of inclusions to the government's spending bill. One source said that neither Pelosi nor Mnuchin openly discussed the possibility and did not rule it out. While the agreement may put the minds of Americans at ease about a government shutdown, it does little to solve the problem of giving out financial support to United States citizens and establishments hampered by the economic effects of the COVID-19 virus. Also Read: Trump Pushes for Nationwide Eviction Moratorium Through 2020 to Keep Americans Off The Streets Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Pelosi, Mnuchin, and Chief of Staff Mark Meadows have been negotiating for weeks about what to include in the next stimulus relief package. The officials have discussed the nearly $3.4 trillion plan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's $1.1 trillion package. Both proposals aim to distribute $1,200 direct payments to Americans who are struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. They also set aside billions of funding to support schools reopening and plans to help businesses from going bankrupt. An avoided catastrophe Government funding was set to expire on September 30, a month before the November elections. The threat meant that if Congress did not agree on legislation, a shutdown was inevitable, as reported by Fox News. At the end of 2018, United States President Donald Trump said he wanted more funding to be able to build his controversial border wall between the US and Mexico. The move caused an immediate backlash and resulted in an unprecedented 35-day government shutdown. Democrats have proposed to provide government funding that would last until early next year, expecting a Biden Administration after the elections. Republicans, on the other hand, want a shorter bill which would last until mid-December. Next week, the Senate will return from its recess and possibly marks the last opportunity for Congress to decide on a coronavirus relief bill while also making sure government funding is sufficient. Republicans revealed that they plan to vote on a smaller coronavirus bill next week. However, the legislation is likely to face Democratic opponents who argue that Americans need more funding to keep local governments and businesses running. Related Article: Senate Republicans Rolling Out New Stimulus Package Next Week @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. She's known for her elegant and glamorous fashion sense. And Vanessa Paradis stunned in another beautiful ensemble as she arrived for the 46th Deauville American Film Festival in France on Friday. The French model, 47, opted for the eye-catching tie-dye peach gown with a dramatic feathered trim as she posed on the red carpet. Gorgeous: Vanessa Paradis stunned in an eye-catching tie-due feathered gown as she arrived for the 46th Deauville American Film Festival in France on Friday Vanessa showcased her slender physique as she posed in the dress which boasted a tie-dye print with pastel shades of peach, pink and yellow. The ex-girlfriend of actor Johnny Depp certainly made a statement in the dress as it boasted an asymmetrical hem with a feathered trim. Vanessa completed her red carpet look with gold heels that boasted 60s-inspired black toes and a bow ankle strap, and her honey tresses styled into loose waves. Beautiful: The actress showcased her slender physique as she posed in the dress which boasted a tie-dye print with pastel shades of peach, pink and yellow Glammed up: The ex-girlfriend of actor Johnny Depp made a statement in the dress as it boasted a fun feathered trim Flawless: Vanessa completed her red carpet ensemble with gold layered necklaces The Deauville American Film Festival is a yearly celebration dedicated to films from US cinema, and is held in the French city of the same name, and this year Vanessa has been appointed President of the Jury. Vanessa's appearance comes after her testimony in her ex Johnny's libel case was cancelled last month. The star, who was in a relationship with Johnny for more than 14 years and had two children with him, had been expected to give evidence in support of the Pirates Of The Caribbean star's case over a videolink. Exciting: Vanessa's attendance comes after she was appointed President of the Jury for the festival, which takes place in Deauville, France A vision: Vanessa's appearance comes after her testimony in her ex Johnny 's libel case was cancelled last month Glamour: She completed her red carpet look with gold heels that boasted 60s-inspired black toes and a bow ankle strap, and her honey tresses styled into loose waves Former flame: Vanessa previously dated actor Johnny for 14 years and they have two children, and had been expected to give evidence in support of the actor's case over a videolink But the court was told that there was no need for her - or his ex-fiancee in the 1990s, actress Winona Ryder - to give evidence because Depp's claim that he has never hit a woman was only tested by the defence regarding Amber Heard. However their bombshell statements were released by the court, showing both stood faithfully by his side. Winona said she was 'absolutely shocked, confused and upset' by the allegations against him. She added in her statement, provided in advance of the trial: 'The idea that he is an incredibly violent person is the farthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved. 'I cannot wrap my head around these accusations. He was never, never violent towards me. He was never, never abusive at all towards me. He has never been violent or abusive towards anybody I have seen,' she added. Johnny is suing The Sun publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) and its executive editor over an April 2018 article which alleged he was violent towards ex-wife Amber, 34, during their tumultuous relationship. The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh is 'tense' and Indian troops are prepared for all possible contingencies, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane said on Friday amid heightened tensions in the region after China's fresh attempts to occupy Indian territory. Wrapping up his two-day visit to Ladakh, Gen Naravane said the Indian Army has undertaken precautionary deployment in some areas and that the force is well prepared to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country. "The nation can count on us," he said. The Army Chief carried out a comprehensive review of India's security preparedness in the region and visited a number of sensitive forward posts to have a first-hand assessment of the situation. "The situation along the LAC is tense. We have undertaken precautionary deployment in some areas. The troops are prepared for all contingencies that may arise. All these actions have been carried out only along the LAC," he said. In his interactions with soldiers and senior commanders at multiple locations, the Army Chief asked them to remain vigilant and maintain a 'high order of operational readiness'. "It was very satisfying to see our soldiers and local commanders in high morale and good health. It gives me confidence that they are well prepared to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation. The Indian Army is known for its commitment and resolve," he said. "We will continue to utilise all existing mechanisms to reduce tension and to ensure that the status quo is not unilaterally changed," he said. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. 'Over the past three months, both sides are engaged in resolving the situation. Military and diplomatic channels are functioning. Indian side is firmly committed to resolve the current situation along the LAC through engagement,' the Army quoted Gen Naravane as saying at the end of the visit. In a statement, the Army said Gen Naravane interacted with soldiers and local commanders deployed in difficult high-altitude forward areas. It said he appreciated their high morale and standards of professionalism exhibited by the units in safeguarding the country's territorial integrity. The Army Chief was briefed about the overall security scenario by Lieutenant General Y K Joshi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command and Lt Gen Harinder Singh, the commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. Gen Naravane was briefed on the state of operational preparedness and on the logistics arrangements for sustenance of forces in winters, the Army said adding, he expressed satisfaction on the efforts being made to ensure operational effectiveness and capability enhancement of the forces. The National Committee (NC) of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) will outdoor the Partys 2020 Presidential Candidate on Saturday, 12th September, 2020. The event would be conducted on a virtual platform at 18:30 hours. A statement signed by Paa Kow Ackon, National Secretary of the PPP and copied to the Ghana News Agency said apart from the Greater Accra Regional executives who would be physically present, all other Regional executives would participate through virtual means. It said Constituency executives were urged to follow the programme through all the PPP social media handles and live feed from some selected media houses. Constituency chairpersons, it said were encouraged to project the event to allow a maximum of 10 persons to watch the programme, strictly observing all the COVID-19 safety protocols. The PPP has a historic function to perform in the winning of the 2020 election, and we shall do our utmost to see that victory is won, it is our time and turn for power, the statement 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 Two months after catastrophic rains and flooding, the citizens of Minnedosa, as well as its businesses, are still living with the effects. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Two months after catastrophic rains and flooding, the citizens of Minnedosa, as well as its businesses, are still living with the effects. Tourism was definitely down this summer in this normally busy southwestern Manitoba tourist mecca, but Mayor Pat Skatch said its hard to tell in some cases which effects are due to COVID-19 and which are due to the flooding. Regardless of flooding, Minnedosa events had to be cancelled because of the pandemic, though Skatch recognizes thats the case with all communities. "We couldnt go ahead with our festivals. We couldnt go ahead with our Manitoba 150 celebrations. All of that because of the nature of the year," Skatch said. "Between the two COVID-19 and flooding there were a lot of tourism things that got cancelled." The Minnedosa District Museum and Heritage Village, as well as the local library, had flood damage, and neither were open during the summer months. The Minnedosa Beach Campground had a good year, even with COVID-19 protocols, as did the Splish Splash Water Park, though the owner of the water park shut down early this year, before Labour Day weekend. As for municipal projects, engineers have been out to see the damage. They will be returning to look at municipal buildings. "All that is positive, and its looking good. I feel good about it. I think well still be dealing with some of it in the spring. But, on the whole, the community is starting to look pretty good," Skatch said. But the town is waiting on financial help from the provincial and federal governments, as are residents. Residents have been restoring damaged homes, Skatch said, but some arent doing as much as they might because they are waiting to learn whether or not a Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program will kick in. "I just had a resident tell me today she had a phone call about the DFA and she was quite excited about it. But she was saying the government still has to do the final decision-making," Skatch said. Businesses are open and dealing with both COVID-19 and the flood restoration, while reeling from the financial effects of both. Meaghan Cann, who owns Farmhouse 50, is also the Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce vice-chair. To her knowledge, the only Main Street business that remains empty or closed is enJoy Salon & Spa. Located on the Main Street block nearest the Little Saskatchewan River, it had to be gutted when the river flooded the downtown area. Cann said the stylists are now operating in other locations. "They got quite substantially affected," she said. Canns own business, Farmhouse 50 a restaurant and specialty shop remained closed for two weeks after the flooding. She estimates approximately $30,000 to $40,000 in damage. "We really have no idea of the formal loss. We were told not to do any of that until the government contacted us regarding the DFA," Cann said. "I know other places in town had more substantial loss than we had. I know our local ski hill, I heard through the grapevine, had suffered substantial damage. Even though they are not right in town, they are one of our chamber members and an important part of our community and our local economy." COVID-19 and flooding meant stop and start, then slow down again, for business owners as 2020 evolved. For several weeks after re-opening post-flood, Cann continued to receive messages asking whether Farmhouse 50 was open. "Yes, were open. Please come," Cann said. "When you close for a period of time, its definitely not right back to normal. It takes a lot of time, work and advertising to get to that point again. I can say were not there, yet." Cann said it has been disheartening, and that spirits in Minnedosas business community go up and down, often depending on what new rules and restrictions the province releases. "Some are pretty optimistic, others are a lot more discouraged," she said. Skatch said the community is awesome and moving forward. Cann expressed the same sentiment, and said the chamber is doing everything it can to support businesses. It meets regularly, discussing how it can directly assist members. "Were currently working on constructing a series of videos that will kind of support our local chamber businesses in town and provide them with some necessary advertising and exposure on social media and kick-start business again," Cann said. Meanwhile, despite the fact Premier Brian Pallister told The Brandon Sun on Aug. 12 that the province would be supporting a Disaster Financial Assistance program through a partnership with the federal government, people are still being told a decision on that hasnt been made. The Sun asked Manitoba Infrastructure how many applications it had received from people, businesses and municipal governments related to the late-June flooding event. "A number of private-sector DFA applications have been received and will continue to be received on an ongoing basis. To date, 26 municipalities have identified impacts related to this event," the department stated. When asked for more detail, the department stated: "We are referring to local authorities that have indicated that they have impacts from the events. We are not referring to applications received." mletourneau@brandonsun.com Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism. In truth, reconceiving the classics reflects what jazz is all about: invention. This is a deeply autobiographical music that remakes old themes and creates new ones according to the performers wishes. Miles Davis and Gil Evans did that with Joaquin Rodrigos Concierto de Aranjuez in the landmark Sketches of Spain album. Jelly Roll Morton routinely did it at the piano, playing his versions of music from Verdis Il Trovatore and other operas in New Orleans bordellos at the turn of the previous century. On a planet where every species counts, saving each one of them is vital to our well-being. Keeping this in mind, a conservation scientist from Bulgaria, Dr. Nikolai Petkov, has adopted the responsibility of saving a fast-disappearing bird - the red-breasted goose or Branta ruficollis. Bulgaria is one of the vital wintering grounds of this magnificent migratory species. These birds fly for nearly 6,000 km from the Russian Arctic to Bulgaria every year. Once numerous, developmental pressures, illegal hunting, and climate change have nearly halved the population of this species since 1990. Urgent conservation action is needed to save them before they are wiped out completely. Red-breasted geese foraging on the ground. Image credit: BPSB Working for the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), Dr. Petkov and his team are doing everything in their capacity to save the migratory bird and its vital wetland habitats. BSPB, also a partner of BirdLife International in Bulgaria, was the first conservation NGO to be registered at the dawn of the political changes in Bulgaria at the end of the 1980s. In 2019, Dr. Petkov's incredible work to save the red-breasted goose was recognized on a global platform when he was awarded the 2019 Whitley Awards or "Green Oscar." World Atlas spoke to Dr. Petkov to learn more about the amazing work done by him and the threatened bird that he and his team are striving to save. Read his story below: How did you develop your passion for wildlife conservation? Wildlife has intrigued me since I was a child. Books by Gerald Durrell and David Attenborough, and also the Red Data Book of Bulgaria helped me to understand the fascinating world of wildlife. In high school, I joined the Jersey Wildlife Conservation Trust (now Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to further my knowledge in the field. In the later years, Dr. Petar Iankov, former President, Conservation Director and Executive Director of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BPSB), also inspired me greatly. His passion for birds is contagious and easily infects all those who come in contact with him. In 1989, I received the golden opportunity to attend the first General Assembly of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds. This event was a major trigger that shaped my future career decisions. When I attended the first field trip organized by the Society, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. The spectacular sight of hundreds of birds of different species flying around made me fall in love with them. It was extremely interesting to learn to identify the birds and the exciting facts associated with them. Since that day, and now 30 years later, these winged creatures continue to engage me like it is always the first time. How did you direct your education and career to allow you to follow your passion? Dr. Nikolai Petkov and his team members studying a satellite-tagged red-breasted goose. After deciding what I wanted to do, there was no looking back. In the early 1990s, I completed an M.Sc. in Vertebrate Zoology and Anthropology from the University of Sofia St Kliment Ochridski where my thesis work involved studying the distribution and breeding ecology of the Ferruginous Duck, a globally threatened species at that time. Following a period of serving the military as part of the obligatory military service still prevalent in Bulgaria in the 1990s, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. to enhance my knowledge. I enrolled for the same at the Laboratory of General Ecology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. My research work focussed on the ecology of the Ferruginous Duck and Common Pochard during the breeding season. When and why did you start working on the conservation of the red-breasted goose? Dr. Petkov examining a red-breasted geese. Image credit: BSPB For several years before becoming a full-fledged conservationist, I participated in a plethora of activities related to waterbirds monitoring and conservation with the BPSB, initially as a volunteer and later as staff. In 1995, I was introduced to the wintering red-breasted goose in the wild for the first time when I participated in a goose monitoring count in Northeast Bulgaria. The birds captured my heart and I decided to explore more about this extraordinary species. Since then, I was a regular attendant of the annual red-breasted goose monitoring counts. In 2004-2005, I played an active role in establishing a partnership agreement between BPSB and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, UK that would fund the red-breasted goose conservation program. In 2005, I became the Conservation Director at BPSB and happily inherited the supervision and coordination of the red-breasted goose conservation work. Please brief us on the current conservation status of the species. Sadly, the red-breasted goose is a threatened species, labeled as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. As per recent population estimates, only around 50,000 of these birds survive today. How has the conservation status changed over the decades? Red-breasted geese release into the wild. Image credit: BSPB Like most wild species, the red-breasted goose has also suffered severely from unfavorable alterations in its habitat brought about by humans. Its population has harshly plummeted over the decades due to the growing number of threats. Till the 1950s to 60s, wintering populations of this species could be seen along the west coast of the Caspian Sea. However, remodelings in agricultural practices in the area and a shift from wheat cultivation to technical monocultures of cotton drove the species out of its former habitat. Now, these birds were spotted along the northern and northwestern coasts of the Black Sea. By this time, the species' population was estimated to have dropped to below 30,000 birds and it was classified as Vulnerable. Protection measures were then implemented to save the fast-disappearing species. By the 1990s, it seemed that efforts to protect the bird bore fruit and the population had recovered to around 97,000 by the late 1990s. However, climate change emerged as one of the biggest threats to their survival at the turn of the century. With winters across Europe becoming milder, the life cycle of these birds was adversely affected. By the early 2000s, it was considered that the population had dropped to a mere 37,000 birds. According to most recent assessments of the red-breasted geese populations, there are around 50,000 birds surviving today with their status remaining Vulnerable. What are some of the fascinating facts about the red-breasted goose? The red-breasted geese are long distance migrants that fly every year from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to their wintering grounds along the northwestern shores of the Black Sea. Image credit: BSPB Everything about this bird is fascinating. Being a long-distance migrant, it takes astoundingly lengthy flights. Every year it flies around 6,000 km to and fro between the Arctic region and the northwestern shores of the Black Sea. It is interesting to watch how these birds build an association with the peregrine falcons during the breeding season. They form small colonies around the nests of these falcons or sometimes other large raptor nests as well. This protects their nests as the raptors are powerful birds that keep other predators away. A close-up of the red-breasted goose. Image credit: BSPB The red-breasted goose is also one of the most splendidly colored species of geese. With its rusty red colored neck, breast, and cheeks contrasting with the white and black color on the rest of its body, the bird adorns a very attractive appearance. It is also a capital breeder. It means that it acquires energy in the form of fat stores in its body at its wintering and spring staging sites and capitalizes on it for breeding. Hence, the environmental conditions at its wintering and spring staging sites have a direct impact on its breeding success. What are the major threats facing the red-breasted goose? The red-breasted goose is a relatively long-lived and slow-breeding species. Even small changes in numbers can significantly affect the survival potential of the species. Changes in agricultural practices, development of wind farms, hunting/poaching and development pressures, high levels of disturbance at roosting and feeding sites (coming from hunting, boating, fishing, deliberate scaring, etc.) are all detrimental to the survival of these birds. Disturbance reduces the time spent on feeding and also leads to energy loss through escape flights. At individual levels, it leads to a poor state of health and more difficult migratory flights. Bird mortality is thus higher. It also adversely affects the breeding productivity of these birds. Poaching of red-breasted goose. A shocking revelation has been made through a recent preliminary analysis of information obtained from satellite-tagged red-breasted geese. Spring and autumn hunting of these birds in southern Russia and northern Kazakhstan accounts for up to 40% of the mortality cases of these birds. And of course, there is the most complex threat of climate change. According to predictions, the species might end up losing nearly 70% of its breeding ground due to climate change by 2070. Wetlands, the primary habitat for the species, are identified among the most climate change vulnerable ecosystems. Extreme floods and droughts are the drivers that change the quality and extent of the habitat and cause severe changes in populations of threatened and vulnerable taxa. The mismatch between the timing of migration and plant development in the Arctic due to earlier spring is a serious problem that starts to emerge in recent studies. What actions are being taken by you and your team to protect the species? Red-breasted geese prepared for X-ray studies as part of research program at BSPB. We have been working hard on wintering grounds in Bulgaria for the past couple of decades to reduce poaching and hunting pressures by involving respective authorities and stakeholders in mixed patrol systems. We work with farmers to develop agri-environmental schemes to reduce conflict on crop damages. We also study and monitor the numbers and distribution of the species and develop a habitat model to pinpoint the key and most vulnerable areas that might be at risk due to the development of a touristic or windfarm industry. What are the major challenges in its conservation? The participants in sustainable waterbird harvesting workshop organised by the BSPB conservation team with Dr. Nikolai Petkov (first from left in front row). Challenges to the conservation work done to save the red-breasted goose are numerous and growing. The major ones are - 1. Inadequate funding Adequate funding to save the red-breasted goose is often lacking. Many of the range countries of these birds are relatively low-income countries that dedicate only a trickle of their budget to saving species. Lack of awareness about the importance of conservation of these birds discourages wealthy companies and individuals from donating to the cause. Conservation organizations thus have to depend a lot on foreign funding. 2. Hunting pressures Hunting is another major threat to red-breasted goose. Although these birds are protected by law throughout their range, their hunting continues unabated in many locations. Often, hunters do not care to distinguish them from other more common and unprotected species of geese. They also ignore the warnings by conservationists and fail to understand the importance of these birds to the ecosystem. Given the trait of these birds to gather in large numbers at a single site, to the lay observer it appears they are thriving. They fail to realize that this might be nearly the whole lot of the species. Also, authorities in many of the range countries lack the power to impose restrictions on hunting of the birds around key sites by going against the strong hunting lobbies. 3. Lack of awareness Public awarenss program on red-breasted goose conservation in Kalmykia, Russia. In many of the range countries of the red-breasted goose, conservation NGOs are viewed as a massive hurdle to the economic development of local communities and the nation as a whole. People fail to realize the long-term consequences of environmental degradation and species loss on their own survival. Conservation efforts like the ones to protect the red-breasted goose suffer a lot due to public apathy. Sometimes, economic investors fund media campaigns against conservation NGOs presenting them as a threat to the prosperity of the people. Such attitudes are often challenging to deal with. However, in our work with the conservation of these birds, we also met communities who have supported our work and taken an active role in protecting them. Dr. Petkov being interviewed by media on red-breasted geese conservation. Positive portrayal of wildlife conservation activities play a major role in promoting the health and well-being of the environment and ecosystems. 4. Climate change Last and in no way the least, climate change has triggered stark changes in the distribution and possibly the number of individuals of the red-breasted goose. Shortstopping during migration is now common. More frequent extreme weather events like sudden cold spells triggered by climate change leave the birds vulnerable to death. Climate modeling predictions suggest that the species might lose almost 70% of its breeding grounds to global warming by the year 2070. Other models suggest that the species will shift its wintering grounds further north. That raises several questions. Would the new range be able to provide adequate wetland habitats and green fields to sustain the population of these birds? Would the birds be able to match their arrival with the earlier arrival of spring and vegetation bloom in the Arctic due to global warming? What are your current goals regarding the conservation of the red-breasted goose? Researchers study a satellite-tagged red-breasted goose. Image credit: BSPB There is a lot left to be done to ensure that the species has a secure future. Currently, we are working with our partners to protect the birds in their staging areas and key sites. We also aim to mitigate the threats faced by these birds along their migratory routes which are, of course, quite challenging. Satellite tracking of these birds as they migrate needs to be continued. Discovering newer locations where these birds rest or hide in winter is important to ensure these places are kept safe for them. What would be your message to the world about why it is important to save the species? The fascinating sight of red-breasted geese in flight. Image credit: BSPB Migratory birds, especially long-distance migrants like the red-breasted geese, are excellent indicators of the health of the ecosystem and environmental changes. Shifts in the paths of these migrants and reduction in their numbers indicate that something is gravely wrong. The changes are bound to adversely affect us as well. Children holding up their paintings of the red-breasted goose. Image credit: BSPB So, by guaranteeing these birds a safe habitat and migration, we secure our survival too. Also, every species has its own right to exist on this planet. We need to keep the biodiversity intact so that our children and grandchildren are left behind not a silent, empty planet, but a vibrant, thriving one. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos (ASWT) and Janet, Janet and Suggs (JJS) filed another lawsuit on behalf of 25 former USC students alleging sexual abuse by USC OB/GYN Dr. George Tyndall. There are now over 800 of Tyndall's victims who have opted out of the class action that USC negotiated within months of the revelations concerning the conduct of Tyndall and USC. Due to the sensitive nature of the conduct involved in the complaint, the plaintiffs are identified only as Jane Does 138-162. The plaintiffs are former undergraduate and graduate students who attended USC from the 1980's through 2017. The timeframe of the allegations contained in the complaint ranges from the late 1980's until Tyndall's dismissal nearly Tyndall's entire tenure at the USC Student Health Center. Dr. Tyndall was placed on leave by USC in 2016 and permitted to retire, with a significant financial settlement, in 2017. Like many of the previously filed actions, this complaint alleges Dr. Tyndall used his position as a trusted and credentialed medical professional to commit a series of abusive acts toward his patients, including: forcing his patients to undress completely in front of him while he watched; groping his patients' breasts; digitally penetrating his patients' vaginas and anuses, often without wearing gloves and with unwashed hands; photographing his patients' genitals and naked bodies; and making racist, misogynistic, and sexually-harassing comments to his patients. Plaintiff 150, who attended USC from 1988-1990, made allegations that go back to the very early years of Tyndall's time at USC, meaning he began abusing women almost from the moment he stepped on campus. The lawsuit claims that although USC was made aware of allegations USC actively and deliberately concealed Tyndall's sexual abuse of female student patients for decades and continued to grant him unfettered sexual access to the young students in his and USC's care. "USC's behavior in this matter is beyond unacceptable, it is disgusting and reprehensible," said ASWT Managing Partner Mike Arias. "USC paid more attention to its own financial gain and chose to protect a sexually deviant doctor instead of thousands upon thousands of women who trusted USC over the course of decades. USC's conduct empowered Tyndall to be an abusive predator for decades." The case is Jane Doe et al. v. University of Southern California, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC715163. For additional information please visit the ASWT information page by clicking here. Those interested may also contact Mike Arias and ASWT toll-free at 1-855-481-1020. ABOUT ARIAS SANGUINETTI WANG & TORRIJOS, LLP (https://aswtlawyers.com/) ABOUT JANET, JANET & SUGGS, LCC (www.jjsjustice.com) SOURCE Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos Adele on Thursday shocked and angered her fans by canceling her Caesar's Palace Las Vegas residency at the last minute, leaving many stranded in the city out of pocket, and unsure whether they can afford the time and money to see her rescheduled show. Fans of the 33-year-old singer had shelled out up to $30,000 for resale tickets for the eagerly-anticipated show - her first live concert in five years. In a video posted to Twitter, Adele sobbed as she said that COVID-19 cases among members of her crew had made it impossible to bring the show to life in time. Adding to her woes were delivery delays that made it 'impossible to finish the show.' She added that she had been awake for 'over 30 hours' trying to solve logistical issues but had simply 'run out of time' to be ready on Friday. Many were sympathetic, but plenty were frustrated. 'This breaks my heart, for you and for me,' tweeted Amy Campbell, a medical professional in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 'I know how hard it is to put on a show, especially with a pandemic. 'But it's also hard to save enough money, to get time off work from a hospital, that is short staffed, book a flight and hotel, fly in two days early and find out 30 hrs before the show, when we are already here, that the reason we came for is not going to happen. 'The people with first weekend show tickets may not be able to afford the time or money to reschedule something like this.' FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE In response to diverse news reports about his views on absentee ballots, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said today, I approve the use of absentee ballots and have been using them for more than five years. President Carter previously endorsed the use of mail in ballots in a May 6, 2020, statement elaborating on the findings of the 2005 Commission on Federal Election Reform, which he co-chaired with former Secretary of State James A. Baker III. That statement is here. The Carter Center recently launched an initiative to strengthen transparency and trust in U.S. elections. Read more here. Contact: Deanna.Congileo@cartercenter.org [The State of Gun Violence on Staten Island: This is part one of a two-part series examining a surge in shootings on Staten Island. Coming Saturday, a look at how District Attorney Michael E. McMahon plans to stem the tide.] STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A confluence of factors have merged into a perfect storm for gun violence on Staten Island, according to District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, as generational gang violence, coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, social tension and a significant reduction in gun arrests have helped contribute to a notably hostile year on the borough. Judge orders nearly 54 hectares of Holbox land private, real estate development set Holbox, Q.R. After nearly five years in trial, a real estate project will move forward on the island of Holbox after receiving land via a judicial order. More than 53 hectares of land was handed over by the island of Holbox to a private company for real estate development. In a statement, the government says the island of Holbox gave 53.87 hectares of ecological reserve to a private company to develop real estate projects. The land was signed over via a judicial order and through an agreement still signed by the now former Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), Victor Manuel Toledo Manzur, to grant all rights over this land to the company. The agreement, published September 1 in the Official Gazette of the Federation, declares the first agreement of May 2, 2016, that cedes this land of almost 54 hectares as a federal maritime-land zone, located in Isla Grande, Holbox, municipality of Lazaro Cardenas, in favor of Desarrollos Inmobiliarios Xunaan SAPI de CV, of which Carlos Alvarez de Alba is the legal representative. The land was officially signed over after nearly five years in trial. It was in 2019, that the federal justice ruled in favor of the Monterrey businessman after the Ministry of the Interior, Chambers of Deputies and Senators, Semarnat, SCT, Turismo, Zofemat and Ambientes Costeros declared a property as public. The judge ordered the Federal Government to compensate the damage and declare it as private property. Now that the land has been deemed private, the real estate company, Stella Holdings, is inviting investors (via their website), into the upcoming tourist development that will be built on the land. A world-class destination, Isla Grande de Holbox is privately owned and is ready to become the most premium tourist destination in Latin America with the most innovative concept of sustainable tourism that awaits worldwide recognition for the environmental awareness of operators and visitors, says Stella Holdings. The Secretariat of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo has made it clear that the land remains protected and that any project must adhere to strict environmental rules. This area is part of the polygon of the declaration of creation of the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on June 6, 1994. It is also protected by the publication of October 5, 2018, of the Management Program in force, so that any intended development will have to comply with the indicated standards. Manitoba's education minister is under fire for a Facebook post in which he defended the rights of people to refuse to get a vaccine. "For those who refuse to get a vaccine, that is absolutely your right! And it should be protected," Kelvin Goertzen, who was previously health minister in Premier Brian Pallister's Progressive Conservative government, said in a post Wednesday. "For everyone else..." the post continued, sharing a CNN story that reported the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told states to prepare to distribute COVID-19 vaccines as early as the end of October. Opposition NDP Leader Wab Kinew said the minister's post on his personal Facebook account is concerning, since Goertzen is the minister in charge of running flu clinics in schools. Kelvin Goertzen/Facebook "It is completely bananas to me ... and it's not just any cabinet minister. This is a guy who's in charge of all the kids going back to school. He's in charge of their safety and their health," Kinew said outside the Manitoba Legislature on Friday. "The questions remain: how do the members of Mr. Pallister's government feel about vaccines, [and] are they with the anti-vaxxers, or are they actually with the public health experts?" Vaccination should be personal choice: minister Goertzen said in a statement Friday he supports vaccination and gets a flu shot every year with his family. He said as the province's former health minister, he also participated in an annual vaccination promotional campaign. "While I personally support vaccination, I also believe that vaccination should be a personal choice. There has never been a mandatory vaccine in Canada federally or provincially," he said. Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu has previously said the federal government wouldn't force Canadians to get a COVID-19 shot, as vaccinations are not federally mandated. In some provinces, though, some vaccinations are required before children can enrol in school. Story continues University of Manitoba ethicist Neil McArthur said in his opinion, Goertzen's post is concerning because of his role in government. "He says he was trying to be factual, and he is factually correct that it's not mandatory to get vaccines, and it will not be mandatory to have a COVID-19 vaccine. "That said, the way he phrased it which was to emphasize the right to refuse vaccines I think potentially plays into the anti-vaxxer movement, and is very problematic coming from an education minister and a former health minister." Warren Kay/CBC McArthur said as a government minister sitting during a pandemic, Goertzen should be promoting a vaccine, instead of highlighting the fact people have the right to refuse it. "What the minister needs to be emphasizing is that we all need to get a vaccine once one is available that is safe and effective, and that it would be an act of irresponsibility not to receive one." Dr. Anand Kumar, a professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba, said in his professional opinion, a vaccine that would protect people against COVID-19 should only be mandatory if there is no other option. "If the vaccine is highly effective, like a lot of the childhood vaccines mumps, measles, rubella, etc. then the fraction of Canadians that surveys suggest would take the vaccine is actually over 80, 85 per cent," he said. "That's sufficiently high that mandatory vaccination would likely not be necessary." But he added that because certain provinces require children to be vaccinated, he doesn't see why a vaccine to protect against COVID-19 shouldn't be required for them as well. Agra: In a heart-wrenching case, a man from Agra has reportedly written a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, seeking permission for euthanasia for his son, Vipin. Still a young man, Vipin, is suffering from aplastic anaemia, ANI reported on Friday. The family says that they have no money to spend on the treatment of their son, hence they have requested for either aide or mercy-killing. Aplastic Anaemia is a rare disease, in which a body stops producing enough new blood cells. This causes a deficiency of all three blood cell types (pancytopenia): red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leukopenia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). Aplastic refers to inability of the stem cells to generate mature blood cells. Though the treatment for aplastic anaemia is available but it is very expensive in India, as it needs whole body bone-marrow transplant. In India, the bone marrow transplant may cost at least Rs 10 lakhs or above. Vipin who has been bed-ridden for some time now said, I want to get well but no hope, so we have written a letter to PM, President and Akhilesh Yadav. Please get my son treated, or give permission for 'iccha mrityu' (euthanasia) if treatment is not possible. We can't afford to spend more, Vipin father said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbais governing civic body, anticipates a spike in Covid-19 cases because of relaxation in restrictions related to the pandemic and the Ganesh festival even as the number of infections has come down gradually with an increase in testing over the last three months. According to Maharashtra health department data, Mumbai reported over 36,000 cases in June, around 35,000 cases in July, and over 30,000 cases in August. The BMC has said the next week is crucial as the effect of festival season is likely to seen during the following seven days. Experts have advised caution saying the curve since last week of August has gone a bit upwards and added testing and tracing needs to be optimised. As many as 238,000 tests were conducted in August, 203,000 in July, 120,000 in May, and 132,000 in June, according to the BMC data. In May, around 3,872 tests were being conducted daily, 4,422 in July, and over 7,600 in August. The overall positivity rate came down to around 18% in August. As many as 792,000 tests have been conducted in Mumbai till date with a positivity rate of 18.74%. The BMC started screening people for Covid-19 on January 18 at the Mumbai Airport. It conducted the first test on February 3. The first positive case was reported on March 11. Mumbai had only around 7,000 cases until April 30. In May, it reported around 31,874 cases, 36,559 cases in June, 35,139 cases in July, and 30,474 cases in August. Mumbai has since August 26 been reporting between 1,100 to 1,800 cases daily. Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of Maharashtras Covid-19 taskforce, said a small upward trend has been observed since the last week of August. We have to ramp up the testing considering we are currently under testing and under tracing. We have to optimise the testing considering our capacity, which is not happening currently, he said. ...we have liberalised testing where anyone can go and test, but if people are not coming out and testing, we will have to go to them and test them. Madhav Sathe, a former microbiology professor at Nair Hospital, said he has been vocal about increasing the daily testing for two months now. In September too, we are testing around 9,000 samples in Mumbai daily whereas we should be testing at least 15,000. We have given an option to citizens to get tested, but we should also enforce testing if that is required for increasing the testing numbers. Also, at least front-line staff or those who come in contact with multiple people daily should all be tested to control the spread. Suresh Kakani, BMCs additional commissioner, said the spike they expected will not be huge. There will be a little spike in the number of cases being reported daily, and it is because we are having many relaxations... During the Ganesh festival, many went out and this might increase our tally, he said. The active cases in the city are around 20,000 and in the coming days, it will be anything above 17,000. ...our constant effort has been to increase the testing. Our capacity is to conduct around 1,4000 to 1,5000 tests daily and we are doing around 9,000 now. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Arjun Kharpal Indias crackdown on Chinese apps could help the countrys homegrown technology firms grow, analysts told CNBC. This also presents an opportunity for U.S. giants which have long seen the worlds fifth-largest economy as critical to their future growth prospects, they said. On Wednesday, India banned 118 Chinese apps including major hit games from Tencent and NetEase as well as services from the likes of Baidu and Alibaba affiliate, Ant Group. Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology claimed the apps were engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of the country. The government also alleged these services sent citizens data to servers located outside of India. Earlier in June, India banned 59 Chinese apps. Tensions between the two nations have been on the rise since June, when a border clash left 20 Indian soldiers dead in the disputed Himalayan mountain border in the region of Ladakh. And those tensions have been flaring up again. Chinese firms are learning a painful lesson. And, that is, the foreign policy of China has hijacked their business. Chinas geopolitics with India has led to a nationwide fallout for Chinese firms, Abishur Prakash, a geopolitical specialist at the Center for Innovating the Future (CIF), a Toronto, Canada-based consulting firm, told CNBC by email. The Indian government has specifically targeted apps. But Bloomberg reported last month that Chinese telecoms equipment makers Huawei and ZTE are also set to be shut out of Indias 5G trials. If it happens, India would be following others including Australia and the U.K. in excluding Huawei from its next-generation mobile networks. The crackdown on Chinese technology presents opportunities for both Indian and U.S. tech firms. Certainly, we have seen the Indians taking even a more aggressive stance on banning Chinese apps, Chinese technology, than the United States has proffered in its battle with the Chinese, Rodger Baker, senior vice president of strategic analysis at Stratfor, told CNBCs Squawk Box Asia on Thursday. Part of that is the Indians trying to stir their own domestic technology, really incentivize the development of their technology sector and try to position themselves also as a place for other countries to be able to invest in technology development. Win-win for India and the U.S. India has proved attractive to Chinas technology firms as they have looked to expand outside their domestic market. Chinese investors and companies have been investing in local companies, putting in an estimated $4 billion into Indian start-ups, according to think tank Gateway House. And 18 of Indias 30 so-called unicorns or start-ups valued at over $1 billion are now Chinese-funded. CENTER FOR INNOVATING THE FUTURE Chinese apps like short video-sharing platform TikTok, meanwhile, have managed to challenge big U.S. giants like Facebook and Google, while Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi have cemented leading positions in India. So there is a lot on the line, not just for Chinese technology companies in India but start-ups relying on money from the worlds second-largest economy. Chinese technology firms know that the days of expanding freely across the world are over, Prakash said. But it also presents an opportunity for American giants in India, a market theyve touted as a major future growth driver and one theyve tried to crack with varying degrees of success. The banning of Chinese apps leaves a big gap to fill for the industry, Neil Shah, research director at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC. It offers more opportunities for established players from U.S. and elsewhere to expand market share. For example, banning on TikTok is benefiting Instagram Reels, he added, referring to Instagrams TikTok rival. Indias ban on Chinese apps partly to drive local tech sector: Stratfor Indias backlash against Chinese technology comes as the U.S. continues to put pressure on Chinas biggest firms. In August, President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning transactions with Tencent and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. Washington earlier this year also amended a rule that looks to cut Huawei off from critical semiconductor supplies. Both India and U.S. are seeing their interests converge. Prime Minister Modis biggest rule is self-reliance. From defense to e-commerce, he doesnt want India reliant on anything foreign. And, while India has built its own domestic software industry, it lags in hardware, like chips, Prakash said. At the same time, U.S. firms are looking for a new base to build hardware and a new consumer base to take their products to. Its a win-win. Silicon Valley bets on India Silicon Valleys tech giants have been looking to expand their presence in India. Apple, which only has a 1% market share in the country, started selling iPhone XR phones assembled in India last year. The Cupertino giant also said it was eager to open its first retail store in India. Indias smartphone market is dominated by Xiaomi and Samsung which collectively have over 50% market share, according to Counterpoint Research. Counterpoints Shah said Apple is not just seeing India as a key market for smartphone demand but also as a manufacturing location as it looks to reduce reliance on China. India has more than half a billion smartphone users and second largest smartphone market in the world, and with consumers buying their third or fourth smartphone in (the) coming years, they tend to buy a better phone which opens up opportunities for Apple in premium segment, Shah said. Further with anti-China sentiment, it could eventually work in Apples favor as currently (in) the premium segment, OnePlus is giving tough competition to Apple. OnePlus is a phone brand owned by Chinese firm BBK Electronics. Meanwhile, India has proved popular for Facebook and its WhatsApp messaging service, as well as Googles Android and YouTube video platform. What is the dispute between China and India all about? Both Facebook and Google recently invested over $10 billion collectively into Indian digital services firm Jio Platforms. Jio Platforms has a number of brands including its telecommunications business Reliance Jio which has grown rapidly, thanks to competitive pricing to become the number one mobile carrier in India by revenue and subscriber base. The investment was seen as a way for both technology giants to get a bigger foothold in the Indian market. Google and Facebook, unlike Apple dont have access to (the) worlds largest smartphone market China. So India is the only large, huge scale smartphone market for these companies, Shah said. So partnering with Indias largest, most ambitious and influential telco, gives them a great partner to cement their position and scale in the Indian market. Perfect harmony? While the latest India-China tensions may dent Chinese tech firms ambitions in India, its unlikely to stop their global expansion, but Chinese firms may be more selective, CIFs Prakash said. They may start building products and services exclusively for certain markets, instead of for the world. This will intensify geopolitical competition between U.S. and China, as Chinese firms build a bigger footprint in certain regions, Prakash said. India is also pushing its own homegrown technology agenda under Modi. While India and the U.S. may be aligned on their pressure on Chinese technology, the relationship could be fragile. In the short term, through technology, New Delhi and Washington may foster one of the most important relationships in the 21st century. But, in the long term, because of technology, U.S. and India may find themselves in a place similar to where the U.S. and China are today, Prakash said. : cnbc.com Fans of The Bachelor suspect that some of the contestants were staying in Airbnbs during the show's 'love in lockdown' episodes. On Thursday's episode, the cast filmed remotely from their homes due to the coronavirus lockdown, which halted on-site production in March. Viewers noticed that Juliette Herrera's small apartment looked far more modest than many of the other women's homes, despite that the fact that she is a successful stylist and the oldest cast member. Suspicion: Fans of The Bachelor suspect that some of the contestants were staying in Airbnbs during the show's 'love in lockdown' episodes. Pictured: Roxi Kenny The 34-year-old's humble home was a far cry from the spacious, beautiful properties that many of the other bachelorettes were filming in. This led viewers to suspect that some of the women may have been staying in Airbnb rentals paid for by the production company. 'Juliette is the only person who seems to have a normal house,' one fan tweeted. 'They must all have been in Airbnbs in Sydney as they may not have been able to return to Sydney so easily a few weeks later,' another added. Modest: Viewers noticed that Juliette Herrera's (pictured) small apartment looked far more modest than many of the other women's homes Hmm! 'Juliette is the only person who seems to have a normal house,' tweeted one viewer 'Love Lockys "apartment" aka Airbnb,' joked one fan, while another added: 'I wish I had been doing lockdown in a fancy Airbnb!' Airbnbs are often used in reality TV, with many of the cast members from Married At First Sight renting them during their homestay visits. The Bachelor mansion was evacuated due to the COVID-19 crisis in mid-March. This week's episodes showed Locky Gilbert and his remaining ladies heading home and processing the news in self-isolation. 'They must all have been in Airbnbs in Sydney as they may not have been able to return to Sydney so easily a few weeks later,' tweeted one viewer 'I wish I had been doing lockdown in a fancy Airbnb!' joked another 'Love Lockys "apartment" aka Airbnb,' joked one fan, who suspected that Locky wasn't filming in his real home Although the thrill seeker's journey continued on Thursday's episode, Locky had to spend time with his bachelorettes via video calls on Zoom. Fans flocked to Twitter to question the point of the virtual episode, with many noticing that the women were joined at home by crew members. 'Top quality filming. Did each girl take a camera man home with them?' tweeted one skeptical viewer, while another added: 'Lol iso... with a camera crew and producer.' It's unclear if the women really did have crew members in their homes, or if they were simply filming themselves and receiving instructions via phone and video. Filming resumed at the Bachelor mansion in Oxford Falls in the first week of July. KALAMAZOO, MI Coronavirus cases have more than doubled since students returned to campus at Western Michigan University, which reported 37 new positive cases of the novel respiratory virus Friday, Sept. 4. The data reported Friday which comprised the total cases reported between Aug. 23 and Sept. 2 is a jump from 16 positive cases reported Aug. 9-22. The university held its first day of in-person and online classes Sept. 2. WMU began welcoming students and staff back to campus Aug. 9. The university held move-in day for freshmen and some returning students Thursday, Aug. 27, under several new precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. RELATED: Western Michigan University reports coronavirus cases as students return to campus Students and employees can receive free COVID-19 testing this fall through the universitys on-campus health facility, Sindecuse Health Center. The university last week reported a full breakdown of the health centers coronavirus test results since March to its COVID-19 Dashboard, where health officials have updated case numbers each Friday. Starting next week, WMU will report cases every Tuesday and Friday. University officials attribute the spike in cases to an increased testing effort on campus over the past two weeks. WMU conducted 1,895 tests between Aug. 23 and Sept. 2, compared to 449 tests conducted between Aug. 9-22. While the number of cases has doubled, the number of tests has more than quadrupled, university spokesperson Paula Davis told MLive Friday. If youre looking at the number of positive cases, its important to say that we have ramped up testing on campus. WMU hosted a six-day rapid testing event on campus last week in an effort to monitor the presence of the virus before the first day of classes, Davis said. As people started school, we were strongly encouraging people to get tested, and we continue to strongly encourage people to get tested, she said. Since March 31, Western Michigan has conducted a total of 3,799 COVID-19 tests and 106 people have tested positive, data shows. In addition to free testing provided by the university, all students, faculty and staff are required to complete a daily health survey before arriving on campus. Masks are required in indoor spaces and outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. WMU President Edward Montgomery has repeatedly warned that the universitys ability to remain open rests largely in the hands of its students. We can have a successful return to campus, but to stay here, we need everyone to behave responsibly at all times, whether on or off campus and regardless of the situation, Montgomery previously said. Dont think that you can let your guard down for one day without consequences to yourself or others. Lets learn from the experiences on some other campuses and avoid allowing one lapse by a few to negatively affect us all. But student gatherings in violation of the universitys new policies have already been happening on campus, students told MLive earlier this week. WMU sophomore Chloe Ammond said Tuesday she has witnessed multiple gatherings that violate the universitys plan since returning to her apartment at Goldsworth Valley Complex, an on-campus student housing complex. RELATED: Party scene at Western Michigan calm so far, police say, as students return amid a pandemic The threshold for large gatherings is currently capped at 10 people in WMUs student code of conduct. But local police said they dont expect to have issues enforcing those limitations. I think that with Western stepping up and doing their student code of conduct, were not going to have the issues like weve seen in the past, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer John Resseguie told MLive Wednesday. There is no plan for anything like we saw on St. Patricks Day, Resseguie said, referring to when the department used a police zone to hold back large crowds predicted around the holiday. University faculty from across the state expressed concerns last month over large student gatherings at schools across the nation, which they said have served as excellent breeding grounds for COVID-19. In an open letter, signed in part by some WMU professors, university faculty from across the state asked Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Aug. 25 to mandate classes that dont require face-to-face teaching be fully online to protect students and their colleagues from the coronavirus. Western Michigan is not alone in its efforts to contain coronavirus among college students. Many of the schools peer institutions including Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University are experiencing rising case numbers since students returned to campus. This week, WMU deployed the Bronco Student Pledge, asking students to promise to being an active participant in mitigating the spread of coronavirus by following health and safety protocols specified in its Safe Return Plan. Some students have protested the schools reopening, expressing a lack of confidence in WMUs plan for returning to campus amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. About a dozen students, all in masks and socially distanced, gathered on campus last week holding signs with phrases like, Preparing for sick students is not a safe plan, The only safe plan is online, and Stop putting profits over people. Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Anderson told MLive Sept. 1 that the university has no plans to enact a campus-wide shutdown or send students home if cases begin to spike. Students are choosing to be here because they want to be here, Anderson said. To help you navigate this complicated fall, were pleased to offer you a simpler way to get all of your education news: Our new Michigan Schools: Education in the COVID Era newsletter delivered right to your inbox. To receive this newsletter, simply click here to sign up. 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 executive orders requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nosewhile in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. See an explanation of what that means here. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. For more data on COVID-19 in Michigan, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/. More on MLive: Western Michigan University freshmen rolling with the punches as they move in during a pandemic 7 things to know about Western Michigan Universitys back-to-campus plans Western Michigan students protest, share concerns with universitys reopening plan Steve Fleming, President and CEO of River City Bank, has been named one of Sacramento's Most Admired CEOs in 2020. Since stepping in as President and CEO of River City Bank in 2008, Steve has evolved the way we do business and enhanced our community-focused initiatives throughout the Sacramento region while also expanding our footprint into promising nearby markets. Steve Fleming, President and CEO of River City Bank, has been named one of Sacramentos top leaders as a member of the inaugural class of Most Admired CEOs from the Sacramento Business Journal. The first annual event recognizes Sacramento CEOs who have made a positive impact through their dedication and leadership both within their business and in the local community as a whole. Recipients of this award were nominated for the distinction by their peers in the Sacramento business community. Since stepping in as President and CEO of River City Bank in 2008, Steve has evolved the way we do business and enhanced our community-focused initiatives throughout the Sacramento region while also expanding our footprint into promising nearby markets, said Shawn Devlin, chairman of the board at River City Bank. His leadership has made the difference between success and failure for many of our communitys important businesses, particularly during the difficult times weve faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to congratulate Steve for this first-of-its-kind distinction, on behalf of the board of directors and the entire River City Bank team. TWEET THIS: @RiverCityBank President and CEO Steve Fleming has been named one of the 25 Most Admired CEOs in #Sacramento, awarded by @sacbiz in its first annual event celebrating #business and community #leadership. In addition to driving strategy and execution at River City Bank, Fleming serves as a leader in various philanthropic and economic organizations, and he spearheads community-focused initiatives throughout the Sacramento region. He is President of the board for the Capital Region Family Business Center, President of the Sacramento chapter of Lambda Alpha International, and a member of the Sacramento Host Committee. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Kelly Foundation and the Greater Sacramento Area Economic Council. Fleming has more than 35 years of banking experience, including more than 20 years with Bank of America in Sacramento and London, England. Immediately prior to joining River City Bank, he was the Founder and CEO of Presidio Bank in San Francisco. He was also the President and CEO of National Bank of the Redwoods in Santa Rosa. Under Flemings leadership, River City Bank has quadrupled in size from $800 million to $3.2 billion in total assets. For more information about River City Bank, visit RiverCityBank.com. ------- About River City Bank Named one of Sacramento Business Journals 50 Fastest Growing Companies for each of the past four years, River City Bank is the Sacramento regions premier business bank with assets of nearly $3.2 billion. River City Bank offers a comprehensive suite of banking services, including loans, deposits and cash management tools to the business, consumer and commercial real estate sectors. With tailored, executive-level service and a Superior financial rating from the nations leading independent bank-rating firm, Bauer Financial, River City Bank redefines the banking experience and every touch point that surrounds it. River City Bank is the largest, independent, locally-owned bank in the Sacramento region with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area and a presence in Southern California. For additional information, please visit RiverCityBank.com or call (916) 567-2600. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Smart cities hold the answer to the modern world's problems including rising population, pollution, traffic congestion, climate change and even global-scale disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, according to experts. A view of HCM City, Vietnam's largest financial and economic centre. VNA Photo Nearly half of ASEAN's population is in urban areas. In a forecast by the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), a collaborative platform which aims to synergise smart city development efforts across ASEAN by facilitating co-operation, there will be 90 million people living in cities across the region by 2030. According to ASCN, those cities, with populations typically ranging from 200,000 to 2 million, will account for as much as 40 per cent of economic growth for ASEAN countries. However, rapid urbanisation has come with challenges such as traffic congestion and accidents, especially in large cities, which caused the region to lose out from 2-5 per cent GDP growth annually. In addition, other pressing issues for large cities included worsening air and water quality, inadequate waste management, rising poverty and crime. IT infrastructure development Countries should look to information technology (IT) for solutions, said Dr Pham Khanh Toan, head of the department of international co-operation under the Ministry of Construction (MoC) Toan said IT and telecommunication infrastructure play a key role as cities seek to meet such challenges. ASEAN countries may also learn valuable lessons in developing smart cities from more advanced economies. Dr Dao Thi Nhu from the MoC's urban development department said ASEAN's smart cities should develop a platform to co-operate and share experience in city development with a focus on sustainability. Vietnam is building three of the first 26 smart cities in the region: Hanoi, HCM City and Da Nang. Nhu said the cities' objectives include increased living standards, building competitive economies and achieving environmental sustainability. In August 2018, the Prime Minister's Office approved a project to develop smart cities in Vietnam for 2018-25 with a vision to 2030 in which the Government identified three pillars of smart city-building: planning, management and utilities. Hanoi, HCM City and Da Nang City have seen the development of public infrastructure to provide residents services in education, health care, transportation, construction and environmental protection. For example, more than 1,500 administrative procedures have been made available online in Hanoi. The capital has also rolled out an online health care management system for nearly 1 million residents. More than 2,700 schools and universities in the city have implemented online communication channels between teachers and parents. Notably, HCM City has been planning to establish Thu Duc City, a city made up of areas currently span District 2, District 9 and Thu Duc District. The new city has been earmarked to become a financial hub and a research and development centre that may account for a third of HCM City's economic output or 7 per cent of the country's, said the city's Party leader Nguyen Thien Nhan. Meanwhile, the city has been building itself as a financial centre in the region to start providing financial services for neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. There are currently more than 2,100 banking and credit institutions in the city, the most in the country. Last year, HCM City accounted for nearly a quarter of the country's capital raised with the HCM City Stock Market Exchange made up 95 per cent of total market capitalisation and some 54 per cent of Vietnam's GDP. VNS E-government growth to closely connect with smart city, digital transformation The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has just held a consultation session with businesses about proper strategies for e-government development in the period from 2021 2025, with a vision to 2030. Pope Francis sends a message to those taking part in the Forum of the European House-Ambrosetti, telling them economics ought to become the expression of a care and concern that does not exclude but seeks to include, that does not demean but seeks to uplift and give life. By Vatican News The Forum of the European House-Ambrosetti is an annual event that brings together Heads of State and government, representatives of European institutions and business leaders to discuss issues of major importance for the economy and society. This 46th edition, which takes place in Northern Italy from 4-5 September, has as its theme, Intelligence on the World, Europe and Italy. In a message to participants, Pope Francis notes that this years Forum deals with significant issues involving society, the economy and innovation that call for extraordinary efforts to meet the challenges created or aggravated by the present medical, economic and social emergency. The experience of the pandemic, the Pope writes, has taught us that none of us is saved alone. We have experienced at first hand the vulnerability of the human condition that is ours and that makes us one family. He points out that, Having failed to show solidarity in wealth and in the sharing of resources, we have learned to experience solidarity in suffering. Challenges of the pandemic In cultural terms, Pope Francis highlights that this time of trial has taught us a number of lessons. While showing the world the greatness of science, it has also laid bare its limits, he says. It has called into question the scale of values that sets money and power over all else. The Pope goes on to say that the pandemic has made us refrain from the superfluous and concentrate on the essential. In the face of a future that appears uncertain and full of challenges, especially on the social and economic level, we have been moved to spend this time discerning what is lasting from what is fleeting, what is necessary from what is not, says Pope Francis Economy In the situation in which the world is living, the Pope stresses that economics in its deepest human meaning as the governance of our earthly home takes on even greater importance. Economics, he explains, ought to become the expression of a care and concern that does not exclude but seeks to include, that does not demean but seeks to uplift and give life. At a time, the Pope says, when science and technology have, of themselves, proved insufficient What has proved decisive instead, is the outpouring of generosity and courage shown by so many persons. What is needed now, Pope Francis underlines, is a new way of thinking, one that can broaden our gaze and guide technology towards the service of a different model of development, more healthy, more human, more social and more integral. Discernment The present, the Pope writes, is a time for discernment in light of the principles of ethics and the common good, for the sake of the recovery desired by all Christ urged all who heard Him, and ourselves today, not to stop at externals, but to discern sagely the signs of the times. To do so, two things are demanded, conversion and creativity. An ecological conversion, he adds, is required to reconnect with the world around us. We are also called to be creative, like artisans, devising fresh new ways to pursue the common good. There needs to be the creativity of love, the Pope emphasizes, that inspires bold decisions and can restore meaning to the present, in order to open it to a better future. The next generation In his message, Pope Francis underlines the importance of investing in young people, which is why -he says - he has invited them to meet from 19-21 November in Assisi, the town of the young Saint Francis. They are the next generation of economists and entrepreneurs who will be the protagonists of tomorrow's economy, prepared to put themselves at the service of the community and the creation of a culture of encounter, says the Pope. The future of Europe Seventy years have passed since the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, which paved the way for todays European Union. Noting that significant date, and the Forums work on a development agenda for Europe, the Pope comments that Europe is called to show leadership in a creative effort. That creative effort, he stresses, is one of solidarity which is the antidote to the virus of selfishness, a virus far more potent than Covid-19. The human person, says the Pope must take centre stage and be at the heart of our educational, healthcare, social and economic policies. Persons must be welcomed, protected, accompanied and integrated when they come knocking on our doors, seeking a future of hope. Concluding his message, Pope Francis expresses the hope that the Forums discussions will prove fruitful. He also urges participants to strive to develop new understandings of the economy and progress, to combat every form of marginalization, to propose new styles of life and to give a voice to those who have none. A Nova Scotia judge has cleared the way for a man to go through with his assisted death, despite his wifes objections. The couple referred to in court documents as Mr. X and Mrs. Y have been married for almost 50 years. Mr. X, who has Stage 3 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a serious and incurable disease, sought access to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in April of this year. He told doctors during his assessments that he suffers from chronic shortness of breath, which causes him extreme fatigue, which in turn prevents him from doing activities previously important to him. And that, he said, causes him severe mental and physical suffering. I have lost my sense of purpose, he told one doctor, according to court documents. After multiple assessments, Mr. X was found to meet all the criteria for assisted dying. He was scheduled for the procedure on July 20. But before that happened, his wife, now estranged, sought an injunction from the courts to prevent his death, arguing that Mr. X did not have the capacity to make decisions about his assisted death and that his death was not reasonably foreseeable, as the law requires. Mr. Xs death was put on hold. In August, Justice Peter Rosinski dismissed that injunction. Mrs. Y, immediately sought a stay from the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, requesting that Mr. Xs MAID procedure be put on hold until the courts could hear her appeal. On Friday, Justice Elizabeth Van den Eynden dismissed that request, saying that Mrs. Y had failed to establish that a stay was warranted, because Mr. X had met all the criteria for the assisted death procedure and all statutory safeguards had been met. Mr. X points out that the decision to pursue MAID is his constitutionally-protected right. It is his decision to make not his spouses, she said in her decision. She also noted that though Mrs. Y claimed she would suffer if the stay were not granted, the consequences for Mr. X were more dire. In conclusion, and with respect, in these circumstances there may be some question whether Mrs. Y will suffer irreparable harm. However, even accepting she would, there is no doubt in my mind that, on balance, Mr. X would suffer greater harm if a stay were granted, she wrote. That decision clears the way for Mr. X to go ahead with his assisted death. Justice Rosinski had previously noted that court dates for a full hearing on Mr. Xs case would be at the very earliest late fall of 2020, or as late as spring 2021. Were very pleased to see the decision by Justice Van den Eynden denying a stay in the case, said Helen Long, CEO of Dying with Dignity Canada. We completely agree with the ruling, and particularly the (judges) statement that Medical Assistance in Dying is a constitutionally protected right, that has already been considered and decided by both the Supreme Court of Canada and Parliament. And were extremely pleased for Mr. X, that he is now able to make the choice that he wants about his end of life and take advantage of those constitutionally protected rights and end the suffering that hes in at a time of his choosing. Hugh Scher, the lawyer representing Mrs. Y, described her reaction on hearing the Justice Van den Eyndens decision. Shes concerned that the court is enabling, effectively, the MAID process to end the life of a person who lacks capacity, and has been found by multiple physicians to lack capacity, he said. Weve submitted a (request for) review to the Chief Justice of the decision, based on the fact that the court has misconstrued its obligation of oversight, to protect vulnerable people, who have been determined by some medical practitioners to lack capacity. In all, Mr. X was assessed by seven clinicians. Five of them said he met all the criteria for MAID. One, a nurse practitioner said Mr. X did not have the capacity to make decisions regarding MAID, and that his disease was not a grievous and irremediable medical condition. Another, a respirologist, commented that the phrase foreseeable future in the law was ambiguous, but that, I do not see that (he) will die from his lungs in the next year. In June 2016, Canada passed federal legislation that allows eligible Canadian adults to request MAID. This was in response to a Supreme Court of Canada decision that some parts of the Criminal Code that prohibited MAID conflicted with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Bill C-14, Canadas assisted dying law, establishes Canadians right to die with medical assistance, provided they meet the MAID criteria. SM Steve McKinley is a Halifax-based reporter for the Star. Reach him via email: stevemckinley@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @smckinley1 Read more about: (Natural News) Video went viral on social media Wednesday of a Black Lives Matter protester screaming at other Black Lives Matter protesters for destroying her Black-owned gas station. (Article by Chis Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) So yall didnt care if this was a Black-owned gas station or not? a woman screams. This is my s**t, yo, I was protesting with yall till yall just broke into my s**t! F*** yall! the woman shouted. She aint lying though, they breaking the wrong s**t, the man filming the video comments. WATCH: Protesters looting protesters. Their own people. pic.twitter.com/iyS5y5fsKL Wolf W. (@wolf_wize) September 2, 2020 The video appears to have first been uploaded to Tiktok. It was reuploaded to Twitter in response to a viral photograph of a pet supply store in Santa Monica, California with a sign to dissuade rioters from destroying a womans shop saying, Single mother-owned, please show mercy, this is all I have. To those asking & wanting to help this mom, judging from the original photo, this looks like its a pet supply store in Santa Monica, CA pic.twitter.com/4eKUNZ7F6v Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) September 2, 2020 Similar signs have gone up throughout the country during the past three months of daily rioting. Healthy society update: doesnt seem healthy for so many small business owners to have to declare their ethnic status pic.twitter.com/MCTnNFynsh Michael Tracey (@mtracey) June 29, 2020 Owner of Mexican convenience store across the street tells me whites also broke into his store and stole items/smashed things before armed security arrived. Heres what he put on the exterior pic.twitter.com/6YtjNUyxAC Michael Tracey (@mtracey) July 1, 2020 Burning, looting and murdering is fine just so long as the target is White people! Read more at: InformationLiberation.com A Canadian who entered Ghana through unapproved routes in defiance of COVID 19 restrictions order, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court. Achi Kobia Champly aka Achi Kobia Champly Cyriage, was charged with failure to comply with Restriction imposed on Travel Ban to Ghana and Entering Ghana through unapproved route. Champly pleaded guilty to the charges. Champly claimed he paid GHS50.00 to an individual who aided him to travel through unapproved route despite the travel ban in Ghana. On the charge of failure to comply with Restriction imposed on Travel, Champly, was ordered to pay a fine of GHS12, 000 in default serve four years in prison. For entering Ghana through unapproved route charge, Champly was ordered to pay a fine of GHS3, 600 in default serve three months imprisonment. Narrating the facts of the court before the Court presided over by Ms. Ellen Ofei Ayeh, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Sylvester Asare said Champly is a Manager of a Canadian Company known as Globe Auto Company. Champly resided in Canada. ASP Asare said on September 1, this year, Champly the bearer of Canadian passport number GM547877 and Ivorian Passport Number 18AT03650 visited INTERPOL Unit and claimed that he had been authorised by his employers to act on their behalf in order to retrieve an alleged Stolen Ford Vehicle. Prosecution said on August 28, this year, Champly indicated that he travelled from Canada to Cote DIvoire and continued his journey to Ghana on August 31, this year. Prosecution said Champly indicated further that he paid GHS50.00 to an individual at Elubo and the said individual aided him to cross to Ghana illegally through an unapproved route and he failed to report himself to the Ghana Immigration Service. Further investigation revealed no disembarkation stamps on both passports, prosecution 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 The following is a summary of one of many cases across the country compiled in a Hearst Connecticut Media investigation of sexual abuse connected in some way to local affiliates of Boys & Girls Club of America, their staff, volunteers, members and/or attendees. Boys & Girls Club of America said that it does not keep a public list of sexual abuse incidents connected to clubs. If you have a story to share, or have information related to this or other incidents, contact us here. A then-director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lufkin in Texas served four years and nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography in 2010. Patrick Sanders, 63, took photos of a 17-year-old child he knew in 2008 and was originally charged by Lufkin police, but the case was later turned over to federal prosecutors, according to local news outlets and his criminal indictment. Police found several images on his work computer during a search, according to the FBI. There is no indication any of the images were of children tied to any Boys & Girls Club, officials have said. Database: Child sexual abuse at Boys & Girls Clubs Steve Davidson, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas, said the club is aware of the arrest and subsequent conviction of a former Lufkin site employee in 2010. At that time, our organization cooperated fully with authorities involved in the legal process, Davidson said. We understand that time does not take away any pain inflicted on the victim and their family, and our hearts remain with them. Our commitment to our Club members, their families, and our community is unwavering. In addition to the recent safety measures adopted by local clubs, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas has a multi-layered approach to safety in place to ensure the well-being of children at its clubs, Davidson said. Sanders, who was ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release after he was released from prison, later violated the conditions of his release when he was found in possession of a cellphone with internet and photographic capabilities in 2017. He admitted to using the cellphone to view images that depict sexually explicit conduct, federal officials said, and he was ordered to serve an additional six months in prison and ordered to serve a new term of six years of supervised release following his prison term. Sanders did not respond to a mailed letter seeking comment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The positive coronavirus test rate in New York state has been under 1% for four consecutive weeks, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday, announcing the previous days percentage was 0.92. Statewide, 93,395 tests were conducted, Cuomo said, with 864 tests returning a positive result. Of the 864 new positive results, 325 were in New York City. In New York City, the three-day rolling average is also under 1% at 0.7%. The governor attributed the low results to New York residents doing their part to continue flattening the curve but noted the opening of malls in the five boroughs will be yet another milestone that must be overcome. But we cannot become complacent we must continue to protect our progress. We must all continue to wear masks, social distance, wash our hands and above all, stay New York tough, Cuomo said. Five coronavirus-related deaths were reported on Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 25,348 since the beginning of the pandemic. No deaths were reported on Staten Island, according to Cuomos office. Four hundred twenty-eight patients were in hospitals across 33 counties yesterday, including 69 new patients. One hundred sixteen of those patients were in the intensive care unit and 61 of those were intubated. There were 52 patient discharges yesterday, bringing that total to 75,307 discharges. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. A judge has barred Kanye West from appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot in Arizona, concluding that a voter who challenged his candidacy had shown he would probably prevail and had established the possibility of an irreparable harm if the rappers name were to appear on the ballot. The ruling Thursday by Judge Scott McCoy said that the voter who challenged Wests bid in Arizona established that the relative hardships favor him. Putting West on the ballot would create confusion for voters, his lawyers argued. The decision came a day after Wests campaign turned in nearly 58,000 nominating signatures, well over the 39,000 needed to appear on the Arizona ballot. Over the last 10 days, more than 120 people living in other states have registered in Arizona as paid signature gatherers for West, who announced his presidential campaign on July 4. West has already qualified to appear on the ballot in several states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee and Utah. He didnt qualify in Ohio, Montana, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and other states, though he has filed lawsuits challenging some of those decisions. Earlier this week, Arizona resident Rasean Clayton filed a lawsuit for West to be barred from appearing on the ballot. The lawsuit accused the rapper of serving as an election spoiler and argued that state law barred him from running as an independent candidate because West is a registered Republican. Wests lawyers said their clients status as a registered Republican in Wyoming was irrelevant to getting on the Arizona ballot. They said when West filed federal election paperwork, he listed his political party as BDY, an abbreviation for Birthday Party. Despite those claims, Claytons attorneys said West remains a registered Republican. They also said nearly all of Wests electors who would cast electoral college votes if he were to win were Republicans until they changed registrations to independent on Monday and Tuesday. Claytons attorneys said the lawsuit had to be resolved quickly because deadlines for printing ballots are approaching. Arizona faces a Sept. 8 deadline for printing ballots for Maricopa, Pima and six other counties. Ballots for the remaining counties must be produced by Sept. 9. Its unclear whether Clayton has any connections to the Democratic Party. He said in a statement that he filed the legal challenge to Wests campaign because he didnt want voters to be confused by seeing unqualified candidates on the ballot. Attorney Tim LaSota, who represents West in the Arizona challenge, has brushed aside criticism that West is trying to be a spoiler aimed at hurting Democratic nominee Joe Bidens chances in Arizona. He said Claytons lawsuit was aimed at denying voters a choice. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Upmarket department store David Jones and the Country Road Group have emerged as the latest major retailers to have underpaid staff, with the companies owing a total of $3.7 million to more than 7000 staff members. The parent company of the two brands, South African retail group Woolworths Holdings, announced on Friday it had undertaken an audit of its payments systems after identifying payment errors in late 2019. There was $1.35 million in underpayments at David Jones, affecting 6200 staff members and largely relating to unpaid superannuation entitlements. Credit:Louie Douvis The results of that audit revealed $1.35 million in underpayments at David Jones, affecting 6200 staff members and largely relating to unpaid superannuation entitlements. Similarly, a $2.36 million unpaid wage bill was uncovered at Country Road Group, which owns retail brands Country Road, Trenery, Mimco, Witchery and Politix. This affected 1100 workers, mainly within the Politix business. Elon Musk's plan to beam high-speed internet to all areas on Earth from the Starlink satellite constellation will make use of "space lasers", according to his company SpaceX. During the latest launch of Starlink satellites on Thursday, senior SpaceX engineer Kate Tice revealed that the firm had successfully tested inter-satellite lasers to transfer data at speeds greater than 100 megabytes per second (Mbps). This would allow the satellite network to beam similar internet speeds back down to Earth, theoretically offering users in remote locations download speeds that are three-times greater than average 5G download speeds in the UK. There are currently around 700 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, with plans to launch at least 11,000 more to provide worldwide coverage. "With performance that far surpasses that of traditional satellite internet, and a global network unbounded by ground infrastructure limitations, Starlink will deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable," states Starlink's mission statement. SpaceX said that it is targeting service in the Northern US and Canada before the end of the year, before rapidly expanding to "near global coverage of the populated world by 2021". Users on the ground will be able to tap into the network using a personal antenna device to pick up the signal. SpaceX's journey through the Solar System Show all 6 1 /6 SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System Early tests of the technology have shown download speeds ranging from 11Mbps to 60Mbps, while upload speeds range from 5Mbps to 18Mbps. It is not clear whether SpaceX was using lasers to assist its network, though speeds are expected to increase as more satellites are added to the Starlink constellation. In its original filing with the Federal Communications Commision, SpaceX said that its space-based network could reach speeds of up to 1Gbps, a speed 10 times faster than 100Mpbs. "Our network, of course, is very much a work in progress," said Ms Tice. "And over time, we will continue to add features to unlock the full capability of that network." SpaceX has faced criticism for its Starlink network, with some astronomers claiming that the satellites disrupt observations of the night's sky. A recent report by the Satellite Constellations 1 (Satcon1) workshop warned that Starlink could fundamentally change ground-based optical and infrared astronomy and hinder scientific progress. We find that the worst-case constellation designs prove extremely impactful to the most severely affected science programs, stated the report, which was published last week. With tens of thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, we find that generally no combination of mitigations can completely avoid the impacts of satellite trails on the science programs of the coming generation of optical astronomy facilities. The second Grand Prix in Bahrain will not be held on the regular Grand Prix circuit. It will be held on the short Outer Loop circuit. Romain Grosjean and Sebastian Vettel are not yet convinced about the new addition to the 2020 calendar. Last week it was announced that the second Grand Prix in Bahrain will not use the normal GP layout of the Bahrain International Circuit. Instead, the Sakhir GP will be held on the Outer Loop. Super fast lap times of less than a minute are expected. Read more LIVE: The second free practice of the Italian GP Grosjean still doubts about circuit The opinions of the drivers are divided on the layout of the track. Esteban Ocon has called it "awesome", while Haas driver Grosjean is not "completely convinced". Grosjean has already spoken to Vettel, who, like Grosjean, is director of the GPDA. "I won't show you the emoji that he replied with on WhatsApp, Grosjean told Autosport.com. The GPDA president Alexander Wurz hasn't spoken to Grosjean yet. "I think it wasn't necessarily the best option to try out, but let's see what it's like. We're certainly going to discuss it, but with the back-to-back races, we haven't had time to talk in between." Read more Ferrari wants answers and continues protest against Racing Point Virgin Australia's creditors on Friday has allowed U.S. private equity company Bain Capital to purchase the airline, Virgin said in a statement, after it filed for bankruptcy protection in April amid a global debt crisis. The airline was badly hit when travel was halted in most countries earlier this year, in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Virgin entered voluntary administration in April, and appointed Deloitte as administrator, after it was unable to find financial support for the business. The transfer of shares to Bain Capital, which must be approved by the Federal Court of Australia, is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, the statement added. "This is an important outcome for Virgin Australia, which brings us closer to exiting administration and allows us to focus on the future," said Paul Scurrah, group chief executive and managing director. "It's been an incredibly tough journey for our people and they should be commended for how they have handled themselves. I'm pleased today gives us some more certainty around the company's future," he said, adding that it is "vital" for Australia to have two major airlines. Still, he noted that Covid-19 remains "very challenging for our business and industry," and the company needs to adapt to the new environment. Viral video highlights Australias lockdown fatigue Zoe Buhler was fed up with the lockdown in her Australian city. So she created a Facebook event encouraging people to come out and protest this weekend. Then the police arrived at her door. Ms. Buhler, 28, livestreamed her arrest in Ballarat on Wednesday, and the video has since been viewed millions of times. In the video, she is heard telling officers that she is pregnant, that she has an ultrasound appointment in an hour and that her children are in the house. When the officers tell her that her Facebook post violated laws, she offers to delete it but to no avail. They then seize her devices. Her arrest has been widely criticized as an overreach of the emergency powers enacted to help control virus spread in the state of Victoria, where Ms. Buhler lives. Those powers have been extended by another six months. Frustration is on the rise throughout the state, where everyone is expected to stay at home except for exercise, shopping for essential goods, medical care and work or education. GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA (SIX: RLF, OTCQB: RLFTF) ("Relief" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company with its lead compound aviptadil in advanced clinical development to treat severe COVID-19 patients, today announced the appointment of Gilles Della Corte, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer, effective immediately. Raghuram (Ram) Selvaraju, Chairman of the Board of Relief, said: "We welcome Gilles to Relief. He brings extensive knowledge in clinical trials planning, conduct from early stage to market and understands all stages of the product development process as well as the importance of planning early to lay the foundation for a successful product launch. He has served in a variety of roles at pharmaceutical companies as well as CROs and has advised many companies, including Relief, on clinical trials strategy and planning. He also has strong expertise in regulatory preparations, including engagement with regulatory authorities and relationship management with CROs and other clinical trial vendors. He will be a great asset to Relief as aviptadil advances in clinical development in Europe and the U.S. and as we hopefully prepare submissions for marketing approval soon." Dr. Della Corte brings over 40 years of professional experience, 30 of that in the biopharmaceutical industry. Dr. Della Corte held several senior clinical research positions at Merck Serono (previously Serono), where he was responsible for the development from proof of concept to life cycle management of projects in several disease areas, including cardiology, rheumatology, oncology and endocrinology. Earlier in his career, he also held positions of increasing responsibility at several CROs, pharmaceutical and start-ups companies including Rhone-Poulenc-Rorer, Servier, Solvay Pharma as well as Phoenix Life Sciences, Larime, Omnicare Clinical Research, Therapharm, Anergis. In 2016, Dr. Della Corte founded Dellmed Consulting, providing strategic advices and hands-on support for clinical development in various therapeutic areas such as dermatology, oncology, allergy and for clinical research organization (CRO) selection, for companies ranging from biotech start-ups to well established pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Della Corte holds an M.D. from Paris-Sud University (Paris XI) and is a Board-certified cardiologist with ten years of hospital practice. At Relief, Dr. Della Corte will be responsible for the clinical development of aviptadil in Europe and coordinating closely with NeuroRx, which will continue to manage clinical trials in the U.S., as well as interactions with and submissions to regulatory authorities. Gilles Della Corte, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Relief, said: "Relief is developing a potentially ground-breaking, life-saving treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients, and I am honored to be part of this important work in a therapeutic area with such a huge unmet medical need. I am also excited that aviptadil has broad potential to help patients with other acute and chronic lung diseases, as well as earlier-stage COVID-19 patients, and also look forward to planning and overseeing clinical development in these areas. As a medical doctor, there is nothing more rewarding than helping patients who are in desperate need of new treatment options." Relief also reported today that the Company has hired Virtuoso Sarl, a strategic and tactical, operational and trial delivery services firm, as Clinical Trials Manager to set up and run aviptadil clinical trials in Europe. Clinical trials in the U.S. will continue to be managed by NeuroRx. About Relief Relief focuses primarily on clinical-stage programs based on molecules of natural origin (peptides and proteins) with a history of clinical testing and use in human patients or a strong scientific rationale. Currently, Relief is concentrating its efforts on developing new treatments for respiratory disease indications. Its lead drug candidate aviptadil, synthetic vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), is being tested in two phase 2/3 trials in COVID-19 induced ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), plus an expanded access program (compassionate use). Aviptadil is the first COVID-19 therapeutic to demonstrate the ability to block replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human lung cells and monocytes, while also preventing synthesis of cytokines in the lung. Aviptadil was granted Fast Track Designation and emergency use IND authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Relief holds orphan drug designations from the U.S. FDA and the European Union for the use of VIP to treat ARDS, pulmonary hypertension, and sarcoidosis. Relief also holds a U.S. patent (US8178489 formulation for aviptadil) for RLF-100 and proprietary manufacturing processes for its synthesis. RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol RLF. CONTACT RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG Raghuram (Ram) Selvaraju Chairman of the Board Mail: contact@relieftherapeutics.com FOR MEDIA INQUIRES: MC Services AG Anne Hennecke / Brittney Sojeva Mail: relief@mc-services.eu Tel.: +49 (0) 211-529-252-14 Disclaimer : This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE: Relief Therapeutics Holdings AG View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604785/Relief-Appoints-Gilles-Della-Corte-MD-as-Chief-Medical-Officer The UN health agency welcomed the fact that a "considerable number" of vaccine candidates had entered final stage trials The World Health Organization says it does not expect widespread immunisation against Covid-19 until mid-2021, despite growing expectations in the United States, the worst-hit nation, that a vaccine could be released within weeks. The Geneva-based WHO also insisted it would never endorse a vaccine that has not proven safe and effective, amid concerns over the rush to develop a jab for Covid-19. The disease has killed nearly 870,000 people and infected more than 26 million others worldwide as well as upended hundreds of millions of lives and wreaked havoc on the global economy. The UN health agency welcomed the fact that a "considerable number" of vaccine candidates had entered final stage trials, which typically involve tens of thousands of people. But "in terms of realistic timelines, we are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said. 'Trials too small' Russia has already approved a vaccine, and research published in The Lancet medical journal on Friday said patients involved in early tests developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events". But scientists cautioned the trials were too smalljust 76 participantsto prove safety and effectiveness. Washington has also urged US states to get ready for a potential vaccine rollout by November 1, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is rushing to begin distributing a vaccine ahead of the November 3 election. Spread of coronavirus The United States has suffered the largest number of deaths and infections of any country in the world. Under normal procedures, test administrators must wait for months or years to verify that vaccine candidates are safe and effective. But there has been massive pressure to roll out a vaccine quickly as the pandemic continues to take its toll. Celebrities hit Celebrities and public figures have not been spared, with Italy's flamboyant former premier Silvio Berlusconi taken to hospital with the disease. The list also includes three Paris Saint-Germain footballers including Brazilian star Neymar. Also on the list are movie stars Tom Hanks and more recently Robert Pattinson, whom Hollywood trade publications said contracted the disease while filming the latest Batman movie in Britain. Berlusconi spent the night in a Milan hospital where he is being treated for a lung infection but where is condition is said to be "encouraging". The 83-year-old billionaire tested positive earlier this week after returning from a holiday on Sardinia's jet-set Emerald Coast. Two of Berlusconi's children have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina. Workers avoiding office All over the world, businesses and individuals are counting the cost of the pandemic, as flare-ups continue to force governments into imposing restrictions. France registered 8,975 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, its highest daily figure since the pandemic swept into the country last March. The rise comes as Paris and other cities have started requiring face masks in all public areas, including for children above 11 who returned to school this week. The 46th Deauville American film festival in Normandy opened Friday evening with people wearing masks and social distancing. But there were few, if any American movie stars this year. Even in areas where curbs have eased, those who can work from home prefer to keep doing so rather than return to the office. In London's normally bustling centre, eateries once packed with customers are suffering. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is trying to encourage people to return to the office, but that is easier said than done. Oil giant BP, which is slashing 10,000 jobs after the pandemic crushed energy demand and prices, is actively encouraging non-frontline staff to work from home. At Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds banks, meanwhile, much of the staff is working remotely. With the end of the summer vacations and the reopening of schools, the British government was expecting a massive return to the business districts, to no avail. Tentative recovery It is not all bad news, though. Both the US and Canadian economies added jobs in August, in a tentative sign of recovery from the pandemic. And for businesses in specific sectors like personal protective equipment, Covid-19 has triggered such fierce demand that they are struggling to keep up. Malaysian rubber glove manufacturer Top Glove said it is seeing orders for 11-12 billion a month, compared with 4.5 billion prior to the pandemic. The downside? Customers must now wait much longer for their orders to be filled than the normal delivery of 30-40 days, said chief executive, Lim Wee Chai. In addition, with raw materials in short supply, production costs are also rising. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut asked the state government to take action against those defaming the city police. Mumbai: Leaders of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra lashed out at actor Kangana Ranaut on Friday for comparing Mumbai to Pak-occupied-Kashmir, with home minister Anil Deshmukh saying that those who feel unsafe in the city have no right to live here. The opposition BJP distanced itself from the Bollywood actor, saying it had nothing to do with her. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut asked the state government to take action against those defaming the city police. In a tweet, Ranaut had recently asked "why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir?" and tagged a report where Raut had purportedly said she should not come back to Mumbai if she was afraid of the city police. "If people who have nothing to do with the city malign it and its police, the state government and the home minister...should take action, or else the morale of the police will take a beating," the Sena leader told reporters on Friday, alleging a conspiracy behind the campaign against Mumbai Police. "The state health department and the home department should deal with mental cases which are on rise," he added. Raut also said the political parties which got votes in Mumbai "should be ashamed of supporting the elements who defame the Mumbai police". "What is PoK? Kangana should tour that place first and see the situation prevailing there," he said. NCP leader and state home minister Anil Deshmukh reacted strongly to the "Queen" actor's comments. Mumbai Police have been often compared to the famed Scotland Yard because of their efficiency, Deshmukh said, adding that it was ridiculous for an actor to make such a statement. "And those who think Mumbai or Maharashtra is not safe for them (to live in), they have no right to live in Mumbai or Maharashtra," he said. City BJP leader Ashish Shelar distanced his party from Ranaut's comments. "Kangana should not try to teach Mumbai, Mumbaikars and Maharashtra....BJP has nothing to do with Kangana. Don't link us to her statements," he said. State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant accused Ranaut of being hand in glove with the BJPto malign the Sena-NCP-Congress government and the Mumbai police. "By equatingMumbai to PoK, the actress has insulted 13 crore Maharashtrians...and all those who love Mumbai, at the behest of BJP," Sawant alleged in a tweet. "We demand an unconditional apology from Devendra Fadnavis and the state BJP for their support to Kangana and party MLA Ram Kadam," the Congress leader said. Kadam, a local MLA, said the BJP did not support any objectionable comment made by Ranaut. "She is ready to expose big names in politics and film industry involved in drugs. Is the state government scared of this? The Mumbai police is being maligned to protect some big names," he said. Earlier, Kadam had demanded that the state government provide security to Ranaut. However, the actor had said that she was more scared of the Mumbai police. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruth Panjaitan (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, September 5 2020 Amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia, the House Representatives and the Law and Human Rights Ministry have continued their deliberation of the controversial Criminal Code revision as a priority bill. The International Commission of Jurists has previously expressed concern that a number of provisions in the bill are inconsistent with Indonesias obligations under international human rights law. These provisions relate to the right to privacy, freedom of speech and freedom of association. There are provisions in the draft that would have dire consequences for womens rights in Indonesia. For instance, if implemented in its current form, the bill would explicitly criminalize cohabitation or the act of two consenting adults living together as heterosexual sexual partners outside of a legal marriage. Persons found guilty of cohabitation would risk up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of approximately Rp 10 million (US$633). 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 Next CDS of India: Rajnath Singh to receive list of probables soon India tells France, have the political will, ability to counter misadventure by China Want to manufacture BrahMos so that no country has audacity to cast evil eye on us: Rajnath Singh IAF chopper crash: Rajnath Singh likely to be apprised of probe team's findings in next couple of days All eyes on Rajnath Singhs meeting with Chinese counterpart at Moscow India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Sep 04: All eyes would be on the meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe. The meeting is scheduled to take place later today on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at Moscow. This would in fact be the first major political contact between the two sides after the People's Liberation Army (PLA) changed the status quo along the Line of Actual Control. With tensions soaring along the border and both sides being deployed in full strength, sources tell OneIndia that the meeting was arranged at the behest of both sides mutually. The meeting is an extremely crucial one both leaders would look to find a way out to end the stalemate. While Singh is the number 2 in the government, General Wei is a former missile force commander and a state councillor and member in the Central Military Commission. This would be followed up by another important meeting. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on September 10 on the same platform in Moscow. Chinese defence ministers wants meeting with Rajnath Singh Tensions flared in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake four days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. India on Thursday said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations. The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) that squarely put the blame on China for the prolonged border standoff came even as Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat asserted that India's armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in "best suitable ways". For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, September 4, 2020, 10:46 [IST] Harish Murali By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday informed the Madras High Court that it had rejected the parole application of Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict AG Perarivalan. Arputham, the mother of Perarivalan, had moved a habeas corpus plea in the court seeking 90 days parole for her son. In her application, she submitted that her son who is in prison for over 29 years needs immediate medical attention in view of various ailments. The additional public prosecutor M Prabhavathi submitted, The government has rejected the application as he was found ineligible for such ordinary leave under the prison rules. Recording the submission, a division bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and VM Velumani adjourned the plea to September 8 for passing orders. The state also argued that the IG for prisons has rejected the application for parole as he was found ineligible under the prison rules. In 2017 as well as in 2019, Perarivalan was granted parole from the prison and it cannot be carried out every year as per the prison rules, contended the APP. It was also added that the application has been forwarded to the state government as it has powers to exempt such conditions and grant leave. The state prisons department, as well as the state, rejected the application that was submitted in the court. After Beijing remarked to a Czech Republic politician who visited Taiwan this week that they would pay a hefty price for their support for the self-governing island facing China's subjugation, Germany has remarked to China to stop pressurizing Europe. Basically, Germany is telling China to stop threatening Europe. Czech Senate President's Taiwan Visit Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil inflamed China by becoming one of the few senior politicians from the European Union to visit Taiwan. Berlin A tension-filled back-and-forth discussion in Berlin on Tuesday displayed how a deliberate Chinese charm offensive in Europe appears to have retaliated, reported Business Insider. Five-Country Travel Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's final stop in his five-nation travel through Europe included his confrontation with German counterpart Heiko Maas for saying he would pay the aforementioned heavy price. Maas indicated that he had spoken by phone with his Czech counterpart and underscored that Europe would not back down, reported Financial Review. Rome In Rome, China's top diplomat was interrogated regarding autonomy and freedom in Hong Kong. He was questioned regarding Beijing's treatment of the Muslim-minority Uighurs in Paris. Retaliation Against China's Threats Germany has reprimanded China for pressurizing Europe after the high-ranking Czech politician's visit to Taiwan displeased Beijing. Amid a joint appearance that underscored Berlin's stable hardening policy directed at China, German foreign minister Maas also prompted his Chinese counterpart to backpedal the oppressive Hong Kong national security law, reported The Times. Vystrcil remarked to its parliamentarians "I am a Taiwanese" in what was understood as a reference to John F. Kennedy's anti-communist 1963 Ich bin ein Berliner speech. Also Read: Fact Check: Fauci, Obama, and Gates Appeared in Wuhan Lab in 2015? President Xi Jinping would like China to reunify with the self-governing and Southeast Asian country Taiwan which was a remnant of non-Communist China. "We as Europeans act in close cooperation -- we offer our international partners respect, and we expect the exact same from them. Threats don't fit in here," according to Maas in an attempt to tell China to stop threatening Europe at a 50-minute press briefing in Berlin along with Wang. Wang was adamant in his stance, indicating that Vystrcil's visit was an intercession in Chinese internal affairs and a contravening to which Beijing's government had to respond. The Chinese diplomat was chastized by the German foreign minister in Berlin for the intimating remarks directed at European officials. Wang Yi headed home on Tuesday after a five-stop European tour that had been designated to patch fences with governments in Europe -- or at least execute a charm offensive following Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling for a Cold War-style alliance of Western democracies against China. The touring of the five European capitals was an attempt to augment his nation's influence before President Xi discusses with Merkel and other European Union leaders in mid-September. According to Beijing, it is armed to retake the island by force if critical. Vystrcil stated during his visit to Taiwan this week, "I am convinced that it is the duty and obligation of every democrat to support all who defend democratic principles and who often find themselves building democracy under difficult conditions." Maas stood up for Vystrcil, as Europeans stood together "shoulder to shoulder," to tell China to stop threatening Europe. Related Article: US Considers Banning TikTok and Other Chinese Social Media Apps @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In Kyiv, Defense Ministers of Ukraine and Iraq, Andriy Taran and Juma Inad Saadoun Al-Juburi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of military cooperation between the defense departments of the two countries. "The signing of the Memorandum will provide an opportunity to continue mutually beneficial cooperation between the defense ministries of the two countries, strengthen partnerships and ensure the implementation of projects in areas that are of mutually beneficial interest," the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said. As noted, on September 3, a delegation of the Iraqi Defense Ministry paid an official visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit of the head of the Iraqi Defense Ministry to Ukraine. The defense ministers of Ukraine and Iraq held bilateral talks. The parties "emphasized the significant potential of partnership regarding the exchange of experience in the conduct of hostilities, cooperation in the area of military education." ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With exactly two months to go until Election Day, the Coalition for American Veterans issued the following statement: "Last month, both the Republicans and Democrats held their national conventions. Along with millions of Americans, we watched both conventions. Our main concern? Which party, and which candidate, will stand up for America's veterans? "The Democratic convention was quite disappointing. It was a bland and boring affair, with too many personal attacks on the President and too little attention to issues of concern to Veterans and all Americans. If the Biden-Harris ticket is elected, we fear that it would mark a return to the Obama-Biden policies of neglect, disrespect, and mistreatment of America's Veterans. "In contrast, the Republican convention featured many ordinary American citizens - Veterans, working people, farmers, small business owners, and families concerned about the increasing wave of looting, rioting, crime, and violence. Indeed, it was surreal to watch Biden, Harris, and the Democrats totally ignore this issue during their convention. "Over the next 60 days, the American people will consider the alternatives, and they will make their choice in November. We at the Coalition for American Veterans are motivated by a desire to advance and protect the interests of our Veterans, America's heroes. We strongly believe there are many, many reasons to 'Say NO! to Joe' on November 3rd, and to reject the Biden-Harris ticket. But the decision is in the hands of the voters." Between now and Election Day, the Coalition for American Veterans is conducting a grassroots outreach effort to stand up for Veterans' issues via videos, rallies, telephone town hall meetings, social media, phone calls, mailings, text messages, email alerts, and literature distribution. SOURCE Coalition for American Veterans Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with IPS officers via video conferencing during the 'Dikshant Parade' of IPS probationers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad via video conferencing and talked about the stress that officials go through while doing their duties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while interacting with IPS officers during the Dikshant Parade of IPS probationers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad on Friday emphasised on changing the culture of our police stations and making these centres of social trust. Have we ever emphasised on the culture of our police stations? How should our police stations become the centres for social trust? Make a list of all the police stations under your command to make changes. Whether or not you can change the person but surely you can change the system and the environment. This should be your priority, he said. Whichever party is in power a democracy, a public representative has great importance. Respect for the public representative means respect for the democratic process, he added. It is very important that you should be proud of your uniform instead of flexing power of your uniform. Never lose the respect for your Khaki uniform, the Prime Minister said. He added that there is a need to prevent youth from taking the wrong path at the early stage itself. Women police personnel can do that by involving females. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi criticizes Modi govt, calls demonetisation an attack on the unorganised sector ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput death case LIVE news updates: Maharashtra HM accepts PIL filed by ex IPS officers over Mumbai Police being targetted He also talked about how technology can be used in a positive way by the police in improving their work. Technology has helped us a lot. It is also helping us in solving cases. You must focus on how to use technology more positively, he added. A total of 131 IPS probationers including 28 lady Probationers have completed 42 weeks of Basic Course Phase-I training at the Academy. They joined the Academy on December 17, 2018, after completing their Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and at Dr Marri Channa Reddy HRD Institute of Telangana, Hyderabad. During the Basic Course Training at SVPNPA, probationers have imparted training in various indoor and outdoor subjects like law, investigation, forensics, leadership and management, criminology, public order and internal security. ALSO READ: Indias Covid-19 tally crosses 38L mark with highest single-day spike of 83k+ cases Shortly before Daniel Prude lost consciousness while the Rochester police held him down, one of the officers had pulled a white hood from his pocket and slipped it over Mr. Prudes head. The mesh hood is a common device that the police and correction officers use, known as a spit hood or spit sock. It was intended to keep Mr. Prude, who had been spitting on the ground, from exposing them to disease. Earlier that night, Mr. Prude, who had a history of mental illness, had run out of his brothers home naked and was behaving erratically, telling at least one person that he had the coronavirus, according to police reports. The officers went on to hold Mr. Prude down on the pavement for two minutes, his head still wrapped in the sack, as he lost consciousness and his pulse stopped. Paramedics restarted his heart, but he died a week later in a hospital. An autopsy found the cause of death was complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint. UN human rights officials have warned China its new national security law imposed upon Hong Kong could be used to squash the territorys freedoms. In a letter to the Chinese government, Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UNs special rapporteur for protecting human rights while tackling terrorism, said the legislation did not meet Hong Kongs international obligations. We are particularly troubled that this legislation may impinge impermissibly on the rights to freedom of opinion, expression and of peaceful assembly as protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the letter states. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said there was proof beyond doubt that Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent amid a widening rift between Western powers and Russia over the suspected attack on the Kremlin critic. Stoltenbergs comments on Friday were in line with statements by Berlin earlier in the week, with a special German military laboratory claiming to have proof a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group was used. Navalny, 44, one of Russian President Vladimir Putins fiercest critics, fell ill on a flight returning to Moscow from Siberia on August 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk after the plane made an emergency landing. He was later transferred to Berlins Charite hospital, where doctors last week said there were indications he had been poisoned. He remains in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator, but his condition is reportedly improving. The Russian doctors who treated Navalny in Siberia have repeatedly contested the German hospitals conclusion, saying they ruled out poisoning as a diagnosis and their tests for poisonous substances came back negative. NATO allies agreed on Friday that Russia must cooperate fully with an impartial investigation to be led by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) into the poisoning of Navalny, the alliances chief said. Any use of chemical weapons shows a total disrespect for human lives, and is an unacceptable breach of international norms and rules, Stoltenberg told reporters. NATO allies agree that Russia now has serious questions it must answer, the Russian government must fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on an impartial international investigation, he said, reporting back from a meeting of the alliances ambassadors. Earlier, Russias Investigative Committee asked one of its regional branches in Siberia to probe the possibility that someone tried to murder Navalny. But overall, the Kremlin has rejected any suggestion that Russia was responsible and has not opened a criminal case, citing a lack of evidence. A Moscow court on Friday dismissed a complaint brought by Navalnys legal team over the inaction of the Russian Investigative Committee, as Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said he saw no grounds, for now, to suspect a crime was committed. In explaining the introduction of the beta, DV said research had shown consumers are more receptive to contextually-relevant ads. In particular it noted that 69% of consumers are more likely to respond to an ad served beside relevant content and 44% have tried a new brand due to seeing a relevant ad beside content they were reading or viewing in the past few months.DVs proprietary contextual targeting segments are said to improve campaign performance by enabling brands to reach consumers based on the relevance of the content they are consuming. Supporting the likes of the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and also noting the recent cookie-deprecation measures taken by Chrome and Safari browsers, Custom Contextual Targeting is designed to answers marketers needs for effective audience targeting based on interest or intent, as opposed to cookie-tracking.At the core of custom contextual targeting is semantic science, using ontology and machine learning to drive content classification at the page level and ensure said DV the deepest, most accurate coverage.Custom contextual targeting also reduces administrative time and complexity associated with setup, deployment and maintenance of contextual controls across an advertisers multiple buying platforms and campaigns. Custom contextual targeting settings can be centrally managed and syndicated to partner DSPs through DV Pinnacle, the companys unified service and analytics platform.Powering media performance in a post-cookie era continues to be a priority area of innovation for the company, explained DoubleVerify CEO Mark Zagorski. Early in 2020, DV launched Authentic Performance, the first data solution in the market to provide real-time, comprehensive prediction data to drive campaign performance from the impact of an ads presentation to key dimensions of consumer engagement. Now, custom contextual targeting adds to our set of performance solutions letting advertisers improve campaign relevance at scale, and designed to assist them with complying with consumer privacy measures.The beta version is now available, with the full roll-out expected later this year. A 45-year-old man is the latest person arrested for failing to comply with a self-quarantine direction after returning to Western Australia. The man will face court after several alleged breaches. Credit:WA Police The man was granted approval to enter WA from New South Wales on August 26. He was issued a direction to self-quarantine for 14 days at an approved residence, but when police did a check on Thursday the man was not present. He was arrested later when he returned. The mans movements were further investigated and it will be alleged he breached the self- quarantine direction several times. BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China is deeply concerned about and firmly opposes India's ban on 118 Chinese mobile apps, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. "The Indian side has abused the concept of national security and taken discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese enterprises, violating the relevant rules and regulations of the World Trade Organization," Gao Feng, spokesperson for the MOC, said at an online press conference. India on Wednesday announced a ban on the use of 118 Chinese mobile apps in the country, describing them as "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order." Gao said that the Indian government's actions were hurting not only the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors and service providers, but also the interests of Indian consumers and the country's investment environment as an open economy. "China urges the Indian side to correct its wrong practices," Gao said, stressing that economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is mutually beneficial, and India should make efforts to create an open, fair and just business environment for international investors and service providers including Chinese businesses. The box of money A Nigerian lady has shocked her boyfriend with a kind gesture by gifting him a box of N40,000 in N1k notes as a birthday present. The story has made some shed joyful tears on social media asking God to bless them with such a woman. The lady by name, Adekemi Iwalewa posted photos of the gift on the platform as she asked ladies what is stopping them from spoiling their men with money. Her post read: I helped a customer send this 40k money box to her boyfriend with a very sweet note. Whats stopping you from spoiling your man with money! She also revealed the story behind the cash gift The real story behind this gift is that there was delay in the actual gift the lady planned to send her man. Fortunately she stumbled upon this on my business page on IG and asked me if I could deliver it even if it was impromptu. Love is sweet abeg See her post below: Even as drugmakers worldwide race against time, the final data on whether a vaccine can prevent people from getting infected will only come by the middle of September from AstraZeneca, according to the analytics company Airfinity which tracks drug trials. AstraZeneca had pledged nearly 30 million doses to the UK by the end of September. Coronavirus vaccine by AstraZeneca has reached phase 3 clinical trials in the US. Furthermore, the vaccine is close to being finalised for approval, US President Donald Trump said on Monday. "I am pleased to announce that AstraZeneca's vaccine has reached Phase 3 clinical trials and has joined various vaccines that are very close to the end. In the United States, we are doing things that people thought were not possible," Trump told reporters. Similarly, the other major contenders to reach phase 3 clinical trials including Moderna, Pfizer and also BioNTech may also come out with early data before a key Food and Drug Administration meeting on October 22. Sinovac Biotech is also expected to have preliminary results soon after the meeting. Meanwhile, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently told health departments across the US to draft vaccination plans by October 1 "to coincide with the earliest possible release of Covid-19 vaccine." But, the health departments that have been underfunded for decades say they currently lack the staff, money and tools to educate people about vaccines and then to distribute, administer and track hundreds of millions of doses. Also read: AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine enters phase 3 trials in US Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Health officials say US not ready to conduct mass vaccinations La Veuve Noirs story begins as a regular '07 model of Ducati s almighty 1098 range. Ill have to point out the obvious and say that the 1098 is a breathtaking masterpiece straight out of the box, period. Not only does it pack a ridiculous amount of untamed power, it is also a genuinely stunning bike!This two-wheeled monstrosity is powered by a fierce L-twin engine, codenamed Testastretta Evoluzione. The liquid-cooled mill is fed by a high-end Marelli electronic fuel injection, and prides itself with a gargantuan displacement of 1099cc. As to its output figures, the leviathan will produce up to 160 hp at 9,750 rpm, accompanied by 90 pound-feet (122 Nm) of torque at 8,000 revs.It is nested inside a tubular steel trellis frame, along with a six-speed transmission that channels power to a chain final drive. At the front, 1098 is supported by a set of fully adjustable 43 mm (1.7 inches) inverted forks from Showa, joined by an adjustable monoshock and a single-sided aluminum swingarm on the opposite end.The whole thing rolls on a pair of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, equipped with dual 330 mm (13 inches) semi-floating discs and radially-mounted Brembo Monoblock four-piston calipers up front, coupled with a single 245 mm (9.65 inches) disc and two-piston caliper at the rear.Despite its humungous powerplant and top-of-the-line equipment, Ducatis beast is surprisingly light. It weighs only 381 lbs (173 kg) dry, while its wheelbase measures 56.3 inches (143 cm). Without going into any other details, its pretty safe to conclude that the 1098 is one hell of a machine, even by todays standards.Back in 2015, Dominik Hermes and Oliver Werner founded Moto Essence near Munich, Germany. Their workshop specializes in everything from spectacular restorations and repairs, to engine refurbishing and tasty custom builds. As you browse their extensive portfolio, you will come across an astounding Ducati 1098-based masterpiece thatll have you awe-struck!One day, a customer requested that they work their magic on his crashed 1098. To make matters worse, the bike had been exposed to harsh weather and corrosion was slowly devouring its bodywork away. Obviously, the Moto Essence duo was up for the task.They began by stripping the marvel bare of its ill-fated body panels and restoring the main frame to its former glory. Next, a new subframe was crafted to serve for housing a gorgeous one-off tail section that might give you an idea as to why this project was named La Veuve Noir (The Black Widow).Speaking of the tail, you will notice an incorporated exhaust muffler, joined by a second eccentric piece to its right. The bikes original dashboard and fuel tank were retained, but its fairing and twin headlights were removed to make room for a vintage-style setup, consisting of a round retro module, gripped by a custom-built bracket.On the other hand, by disposing of 1098s stock fairing, the two-man team uncovered its gruesome electrics. As a result, countless painstaking hours were spent concealing those nasty wires, as well as incorporating the battery into the motorcycles frame. Furthermore, a unique engine cover was created to completely disguise the electrical shebang.Lastly, the Testastretta Evoluzione mill remained mostly untouched, but Ill bet it breathes a lot better thanks to the fresh exhaust system and tweaked air vents. To be fair, we cant blame these folks for choosing not to fiddle with a state-of-the-art engine that generates 160 mighty ponies in its standard form, right?If youre digging this reborn 2007 Ducati 1098 as much as I am, you might want to pay Moto Essence a visit on their Facebook page. Their portfolio is truly fascinating and guarantees to fill your moto-loving heart with pure joy! In this article FB Former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt speaking at an event promoting gender equality on Sept. 28, 2018 in New York City. Leigh Vogel | Getty Images for Procter & Gamble Heavy-handed regulation is not the answer to the social media industry's problems, a member of Facebook's incoming Oversight Board said Friday. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, one of four co-chairs of the independent body set up by Facebook to review its content moderation, warned that an aggressive regulatory approach could infringe freedom of speech. "If regulation gets too heavy, it actually will impact freedom of speech very heavily," she told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Friday. "I believe in regulation, I believe that politics has to play a role." She added: "I also think we have to be a little bit careful than just demanding regulation, because at some point it will just tip over and be a regulation on our freedom of speech, and I don't think any of us want that." She used the example of an internet shutdown that occurred last month in Belarus following the country's election results, in which longstanding President Alexander Lukashenko declared a landslide victory. The situation drew international condemnation, with the EU threatening sanctions on Belarusian officials for violence, repression and election fraud. Before joining the Oversight Board, Thorning-Schmidt was the prime minister of Denmark, and was the first woman to hold the post. She was named as one of the initial members of the group in May. First announced by Facebook back in November 2018, the board will have the power to overrule even Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on whether to delete controversial posts. It will govern appeals from Facebook and Instagram users, and questions from Facebook itself. However, the board is not yet operational, and in July said that it wouldn't be until late Fall. Other members of the board include Alan Rusbridger, former editor-in-chief of The Guardian newspaper, and Andras Sajo, a former judge and VP of the European Court of Human Rights. Environmental activists have rallied around a Philippine diocese in Quezon province demanding the government stop the construction of new coal-fired plants in the area as it is inconsistent with the efforts to mitigate climate change. By Robin Gomes Bishop Mel Rey Uy of Lucena has released a statement, signed by over 100 members of the clergy, calling for plans for the proposed power plants to be scrapped. The diocese argues cancellation of the projects will stand as a decisive rejection of all unsustainable and carbon-intensive practices, not just in Quezon, but in the entire country. We oppose these coal-fired power plants also because they are entirely inconsistent with the care for our common home so desperately needed today, the bishop wrote. He released his statement on Tuesday, September 1, when Christians worldwide marked World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The annual observance kicked off a month-long Season of Creation, which concludes on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, regarded by Christians as the patron of ecology. "Power for People Coalition" The Power for People Coalition (P4P), the countrys widest network of civil society organizations, cooperatives, consumers, and communities against deadly, dirty, costly energy, joined the Diocese of Lucena in opposing the three coal-fired power plant projects in Quezon. No new coal project must stand in Filipinos way to clean and affordable energy for all, said Gerry Arances, convenor of P4P. We stand in solidarity with communities in Quezon in their bid to abandon coal, he said in a statement on Monday. With the countrys growing energy demand, the government has continued to approve new coal-fired plants, raising concerns that it will add more environmental degradation and health risks to our locality, Bishop Uy wrote Coal: dirty, deadly, costly energy Two new coal-fired power plants have been planned for Pagbilao town by SMC Global Power Holdings. Another plant is scheduled to be set up on Atimonan town by Meralco. We call upon these corporations and their power subsidiaries to listen to the cry of the Earth and cancel their plans to set up this dirty, deadly, and costly source of energy, the clergy of Lucena wrote. We appeal to the local and national government and their respective agencies to listen to the cry of the people of Quezon and disallow these projects and any further coal plants in our beloved province. Health hazards, land rights Already, the people of Quezon have suffered respiratory and skin diseases associated with toxic coal plant emissions, Bishop Uy pointed out. They have been robbed of their land, their livelihood, and their rights from pollution, development aggression, and exclusion from decision-making processes. The diocese called on the proponents of the projects to put their efforts and resources in developing Quezons renewable energy sources instead of outdated, profit-oriented and polluting power plants. Municipalities in Lucena Diocese already have an installed coal capacity of at least 1,644 MW. The proposed projects would triple this with an additional 3,330 MW of coal. Earlier in November 2019, P4P along with the Church in Quezon and community members had complained with the governments Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against the Atimonan coal plant for its failure to adhere to environmental and community education requirements. A 3-decades bishops' crusade Over the past 3 decades, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has been issuing a series of pastoral letters on environment-related issues. The 8th and the latest of this series, released on July 16, 2019, urged Church communities to ecological conversion, listen to the cry of the Earth and the poor and act together to mitigate the ill effects of climate change. The letter highlights issues facing the country, such as irresponsible mining, the building of dams, and the growing dependence on fossil fuel-based energy, such as coal. The bishops have also urged Catholic institutions to disinvest their financial resources from dirty energy like coal-fired power plants, mining companies and other destructive extractive projects. As the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for vice president, I denounce the latest mass raids and arrest of thousands of immigrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demand an end to the Trump administrations fascistic attack on immigrants! On Tuesday, ICE announced the arrest of more than 2,000 people in a widespread series of raids over the course of six weeks; it marks the largest anti-immigrant operation undertaken by the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mississippi children protest the August 2019 mass raid that detained 700 poultry plant workers. (Credit: Rogelio V. Solis/AP) Twenty-four US cities were subject to raids, including so-called sanctuary cities; there were 125 arrests in Central and South Texas, and the sanctuary city of Los Angeles alone saw 300 arrests. The cruelty and injustice of ICE are well-documented, and the nature of these at-large raids is such that their focus is to arrest and deport individuals as quickly as possible, not allowing time for the proper observance of the burden of proof, and the easy circumvention of the constitutional right of due process. The raids were conducted at workplaces, including essential businesses, but mainly at homes. Perfectly illustrating the cruel character of ICE, Henry Lucero, the executive official for enforcement and removal operations, explained many raids were intentionally conducted at the homes of immigrants due to the fact that much of the US population is spending a significant amount of time at home to do their part in reducing the spread of the coronavirus. It is clearly a strategic decision by ICE and the US government to conduct these massive deportation sweeps during a time of great vulnerability for tens of millions of workers and their families. ICE, notorious for its misleading and shoddy bookkeeping, declared that approximately 85 percent of the arrests made were against individuals convicted of, or awaiting, criminal charges. According to their calculations, this series of raids saw more than 300 confirmed collateral arrests, desirable to the agency during targeted arrests. In March, ICE issued a statement claiming the agency would focus on the apprehension of public safety risks in light of the conditions of the pandemic. This week, Lucero reminded the public that all criminal aliens supposedly pose a constant threat. We never said we were going to stop arresting individuals, Lucero said, in no uncertain terms, in an interview, We said we were going to prioritize and focus on those that are public safety threats. And thats exactly what we did during this operation. The agency emphasized in its statements its ability to arrest, detain, and remove all categories of immigrants, whether they are individuals with a criminal record, someone overstaying a visa, or an unaccompanied minor or essential workerhere, ICE does not discriminate. In recent weeks, it has also been reported that, over the course of the pandemic thus far, ICE has had more than 660 children held in US hotels waiting for deportation flights out of the United States. The US government arbitrarily classifies unaccompanied children as single minors in order to circumvent pesky legal, and moral, obligations. These children, some as young as 10 years old, often have no means to seek proper legal assistance, no way to contact a legal guardian or parent, and live in a precarious state of fear as they prepare to face the cruelty of deportation alone. Since the agencys acknowledgement of the pandemic in March, more than 5,400 detainees have tested positive for COVID-19 while in ICE custody, and there are six confirmed COVID-19 deaths. A significant number of outbreaks have also been reported among immigrants detained by ICE19 detention centers reporting more than 100 cases, and several with more than 300 coronavirus cases. Despite the agencys supposed observation of the crisis, their concerns appear not to extend to the humane care of those in their custody. ICE is using the coronavirus pandemic as a mere excuse to conduct a devastating series of assaults on the immigrant population of the United States. The United States latest massive show of force against the immigrant population comes during a time of mounting opposition against the Trump administration and the barbarism of the capitalist system. Trump has overseen broad efforts to militarize law enforcement like ICE and has deployed hundreds of armed forces in major domestic sweeps of immigrant communities. These efforts are meant to whip up right-wing nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments and bolster the conditions for the increasingly open adoption of authoritarianism and fascism. The Democratic Party has been complicit in these efforts. The Obama administration established the large network of detention centers that Trump uses to imprison thousands of immigrant children, and adults, and deported millions of immigrants during eight years in power. The Democrats continue to ensure funding for ICE and the catastrophic immigration policies of the United States. Both parties actively support the inhumane and deplorable immigration policies of the United States and are directly responsible for the present immigrant crisis. ICEs latest announcement in celebration of over 2,000 arrests comes directly after the Republican National Conventions (RNC) broadcast in prime-time of Trumps fascistic agenda. During the RNC, Trump declared that he would protect American citizens from illegal aliens, and warned against pro-immigrant sympathies, declaring We will have strong borders. Without borders, we dont have a country. The Trump administrations immigration policies are the outcome of the convergence of the racist, nationalist, and authoritarian tendencies of Trump and fascistic advisors like Stephen Miller. The assault on immigrants across the United States is a threat to the entire working class. The mass raids and arrests have been carried during the one-year anniversary of the largest single immigrant raid on August 7, 2019, when an army of 650 ICE agents and heavily armed SWAT teams descended on seven poultry processing plants in Mississippi, arresting some 700 people regardless of status or citizenship. Anyone who could not prove they were in the US legally were caught up in the sweeps. The day after the raid, 500 children did not show up to school. Attorneys and advocates for the families who were affected say that the devastating aftermath continues. A report on the anniversary in the Clarion Ledger noted that children are falling behind in school, their mothers are prevented from working and kept at home with ankle bracelets awaiting deportation, while their fathers languish in detention centers or have already been deported. The mothers and children rely on church handouts and charity for survival. Terrifying raids where thousands are swept away in a matter of weeks, by an aggressive, merciless armed force were targeted at criminal aliens last month, but, as ICE made clear, any immigrant who is seen as a risk to public safety is eligible for removal. In the near future, the targets of these raids will be the working class in revolt against social inequality and the capitalist system. The potential for this can already be seen in the kidnapping of protesters by police in unmarked vehicles all over the US and the deployment of the Border Patrols BORTAC paramilitary force in recent months to suppress police violence protests in Portland, Oregon. The ruling class, as in its callous response to the pandemic, is working to normalize death and sweeping mass raids as facts of life in the United States. The interests of native-born and immigrant workers are one and the same; the attempts to stoke nationalist rage and fear aim to divide and weaken the collective power of the working class against the oppressive forces of the US government, and the capitalist system. All of the problems confronting mankind are global problems, and the platform of the SEP is the fight for the international unity of the working class. We stand for a socialist policy of open borders: the right of all workers to live in the country they choose, with full equality and citizenship rights. The fight for the rights of immigrants and refugees is inextricably connected to the fight to unify the entire working class in opposition to capitalism and for socialism. I call on all workers to take up this struggle by joining the SEP or one of our sister parties affiliated with our global movementthe International Committee of the Fourth International. Hyderabad, Sep 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked the police force to safeguard and build on the humanitarian image they developed during Covid-19 pandemic. Virtually addressing the probationers of Indian Police Service (IPS) passing out of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVP NPA), Hyderabad, he said the new image built by the force during the crisis had become its biggest asset and there was need to preserve it. Modi said the country saw the human face of 'khaki' during the pandemic as the police personnel were seen singing songs, providing food and water to those living on footpath and risking their lives to carry patients to hospitals. "In the eyes of a common man, by and large the image of police was of a baton, argument and repression. It does not mean that they were not doing any humanitarian work earlier but during Coronavirus for the first time the society felt its collective impact," he said. During an hour-long interaction with probationers from various parts of the country, the Prime Minister shared his thoughts on various issues. He underlined the need for the police to make use of the power of the society which always comes forward to render humanitarian assistance during crises. Modi called for use of technology for intelligence and effective policing. He said while the system of intelligence gathering at the level of constables remained crucial, the police should also make use of technology available. He said big data, artificial intelligence and social media were the new weapons of the police and stressed the need for their effective deployment. Stating that the IPS batch has many people in the batch with technology background, he advised them to form teams to use technology. He pointed out that technology helps in detecting crime through CCTV footage or mobile phone tracking. He also had a word of caution for the police officers. "Technology is also becoming a reason for suspension of policemen. Sometimes they lose their cool and do something and somebody from a distance records this on camera and it goes viral. Pressure builds on the system to suspend the policemen and it become a blot on their career," he said A total of 131 probationers of Indian Police Service (IPS) of 2018 batch passed out on successful completion of their training at the academy. The batch includes 28 women probationers. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text That the first Monday in September is a statutory holiday in Canada has roots that go all the way back to 1872, when Toronto printers went on strike for decent working conditions. Nowadays Labour Day is celebrated more than anything else as a last-gasp holiday before the end of summer. But this holiday Monday, even without the customary parades, cant help but evoke more of its traditional role in calling attention to the need for better pay and conditions for the workers abandoned on the sidelines of economic progress. And not just because the coronavirus has cut into the possibilities for long-weekend fun. As the pandemic laid waste to our economy it ruthless exposed the deep inequalities in our communities and how badly frayed our social safety net has become. It revealed how much is wrong with the labour market and how completely outdated and inadequate are government regulations when it comes to doing anything about it. Millions of Canadians were plunged into unemployment as much of the economy were closed overnight to curtail the coronavirus. So few of them would have qualified for existing unemployment benefits that the federal government had to rush out new support programs to stave off an even bigger economic disaster. The crisis made it impossible to ignore how low-paid and precarious work has become for so many people. And its made it clear thats not just a tragedy for them; its a problem for us all. The use of poorly paid, part-time personal support workers and temp agency staff in long-term-care homes, for example, served to undermine the precautions that could have kept seniors in those homes safer and indeed alive. And on the front lines of essential services, from food production to grocery stores, too many people had no sickness benefits, making it difficult for them to stay home when ill, increasing the risks for everyone. Ontario actually had to recall the legislature to pass a law making it clear that workers cant be fired just for being sick or staying home to care for children at a time of crisis. Thats how bad weve let things get. Already the crisis has forced some improvements. Last month, the Trudeau government announced an overhaul of Canadas antiquated Employment Insurance program, making it easier for people to qualify and increasing the payouts. It also launched three new programs, including an income benefit for the self-employed and contract workers and a COVID-19 caregiver benefit and sickness benefit. The benefits still need to be enacted by Parliament and, even then, theyre meant to be temporary while the government drafts what the Liberals have promised will be a more equitable and inclusive post-pandemic economy. Canadians must hold Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to that promise and keep at bay those who push back against those who will prematurely call for cutting back on government spending. Theres still so much work to do to build the better labour market that workers deserve and Canada needs. We need only look at how quickly businesses Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys and Walmart, to name a few clawed back the $2-per-hour pay premium for their hero front-line workers to know that. Or that food-delivery giant Foodora abruptly left Canada rather than face the possibility of a unionized workforce in a position to demand better pay and conditions. Or that Ontario Premier Doug Ford still doesnt believe in paid sick leave for everyone. Even after all weve learned about how the coronavirus spreads and how many people cant afford to stay home without pay, Ford still doesnt get it. If the mantra of build back better means anything, we must revalue low-paid but essential work and tackle the scourge of precarious work, gig economy jobs and temp agencies that leave workers scrambling just to earn minimum wage. We need to legislate paid sick days for all workers (and not just for those directly affected by COVID-19) and dramatically expand affordable childcare so that women arent held back. Its long past time that our labour laws recognized the current realities of what work is actually like for people on the lower rungs of the economy and the lengths that some businesses will go to undercut worker compensation and protections. The pandemic has shown how essential much low-paid, undervalued work really is, and revealed that people are working in conditions society should no longer tolerate. Having accepted that better job protections and income supports are necessary in a crisis, we cant go back to pretending theyre not needed all the time. Fixing the labour market and ensuring more workers have a chance at a decent job isnt just the right thing to do. Its vital to making Canada more resilient to future upheavals, whether that be another wave of COVID-19 or some other new disaster we havent yet imagined. This Labour Day is a time to reflect on lessons learned the hard way through the pandemic and redouble efforts to create a better future for all workers. Barbie released its second Dia de Muertos doll that you're going to want to add to your collection. Designed by Mexican American designer Javier Meabe, this collectible doll will also celebrate the time-honored tradition of Dia de los Muertos, which many Latino families acknowledge every year as they set up ofrendas (offerings) in honor of their loved ones who have passed. NAVIDAD EN EL BARRIO KEEPING CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ALIVE: Navidad en el Barrio needs 'angels' to keep the Christmas spirit alive for kids across Houston It was very important that the second Dia De Muertos doll felt just as special as the first in the Barbie series," said Meabe in a statement via Mattel. "As a Mexican American designer, it was important to me to use my creative voice to design a doll that celebrates the bright colors and vivid textures of my culture, as well, as have the traditions I grew up with represented and celebrated in Barbie." The toy maker released the first doll in its signature Dia de Muertos collection in 2019. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated every year from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, as many Latino households put together beautiful altars dedicated to their dearly departed loved ones with items that belonged to them, along with their favorite foods. "For this doll, I was inspired by the color gold seen throughout Mexican culture, jewelry, buildings, statues, and artwork, and highlighted it throughout the design," said Meabe. Staying true to tradition, Meabe made sure to include important symbols associated with the holiday like marigold flowers, skeleton details, along with the traditional Calavera make-up design. The doll will also come with a stand and a Certificate of Authenticity. The price is $75 and can be purchased at the website here. Government policies and programmes on poverty reduction have changed the lives of ethnic minority people in the northern border provinces. Women from poor households living in Muong Te District, Lai Chau Province, check loan programmes for production to escape poverty. VNA/VNS Photo Tran Viet Meo Vac District, one of the six poorest districts of the northernmost province of aa Giang, as well as the country as a whole, is eligible for a special government support scheme, the programme 30A a collection of comprehensive poverty alleviation efforts effective since 2008. With support from 30A, the district with its mountainous terrain and rocky soil, has gradually escaped poverty. The poverty rate reduced from 66.01 per cent in 2015 to 35.99 per cent in 2020, according to the local authority's report. Dung A Duong, head of a near-poor household in Xin Cai Commune, is among 20 households trying to climb out of poverty thanks to a project helping them to breed cows. Duong said he is raising a herd of cows and is going to sell two of the animals. The money collected will help his family repay 40 per cent of the support capital provided by the project. Nguyen Cao Cuong, chairman of Meo Vac District People's Committee, said poverty alleviation is an important task for the local government. The local authorities have mobilised resources to create effective poverty reduction models in order to effectively implement the national target programme on poverty reduction, creating better livelihoods for the poor, he said. In Lai Chau Province, the local authorities and border guards have to build breeding and farming models to help ethnic minorities see production efficiency from changing farming methods, as part of efforts to help them rise above poverty. At the beginning of 2018, border soldiers in Muong Te District in co-ordination with the local authorities developed a wet rice cultivation model with two crops a year in Ha Xi Village. They held a meeting to talk about the effectiveness of wet rice cultivation with the residents. But after the meeting, only one household took part in the programme. Hoang Hu Xa, the village pioneer, was supported by the border force to improve 1ha of land and bring water from the stream to the rice fields. They also provided him seeds and fertilisers, as well as teaching him farming and harvesting methods. In the first crop, Xa harvested two tonnes of paddy. The productivity doubled in the second crop. Seeing the effects of the new farming model, many households asked the army to help them. "I am a member of the Party and a village officer. So, I have to be a pioneer to take part in the trial programme on farming wet rice in order to help the residents see the effectiveness of this model," Xa told Viet Nam News Agency. New settlement In order to achieve the goals of economic development and sustainable poverty reduction, some local governments have helped people settle on new land. Nearly 270 Mong ethnic households of seven mountainous communes of Muong Khuong District, Lao Cai Province, have been relocated to new settlement villages for economic development. From the poverty reduction programme, the locality has allocated land and forests for people to cultivate and take care of, creating sustainable livelihoods. Border security forces, the agriculture and rural development office in Muong Khuong District and local authorities called on people to turn wasteland filled with rocks into banana and pineapple farms. Duong Hong Trung, secretary of Ban Lau Commune Party Committee, said: Coc Phuong Village has developed rapidly and become one of the villages with high income in Muong Khuong District. The income per capita reaches VND40 million (US$1,720) a year." "Many households have earned hundreds of millions of dong a year. They build new houses and buy modern conveniences for their daily lives. People do not leave their fields and do not illegally cross borders to seek employment," said Trung. Hundreds of billions of dong have been invested to provide roads, electricity, schools, irrigation and water supply, to help ethnic Mong people in border areas improve their lives and production, Trung said. A farmer raises cows in Ban Me Commune, Si Ma Cai District, Lao Cai Province. VNA/VNS Photo In 2015, 93 households in Ban Me Commune, Si Ma Cai District, took part in a project called "Cow Bank" with 191 breeding cows to escape from poverty and attain a higher standard of living. According to the vice chairman of Ban Me Commune People's Committee Hang Seo Chang, the efficiency of raising cattle is higher than growing corn or rice. It is also less affected by the weather and farmers can earn stable incomes. As a result, poverty reduction in the commune has been implemented quickly and sustainably. The income per capita was VND15.6 million per year in 2015 and reached VND33 million in 2019, Chang said. In recent years, border soldiers and officials in Lai Chau Province have also implemented an economic development model: Four Togethers Eat Together, Live Together, Work Together and Speak the Local Ethnic Language Together. The model aims to improve local life, eradicate hunger and alleviate poverty through practical projects such as breeding cows. Major Tran Ha Nam from the border post of Pa U Commune, said the soldiers also help locals build houses, cultivate crops, and educate children. Vice chairman of People's Committee of Lai Chau, Giang A Tinh affirmed that the investment policies for poverty reduction have reached the right beneficiaries. The infrastructure system has been upgraded, making an important contribution to changing the face of mountainous areas, and basically solving people's needs for electricity, roads, schools, healthcare and promoting socio-economic development. The locals have also brought varieties with high economic efficiency and applied science and technology in production, Tinh said. In Nam Ban Commune, an extremely poor commune of Nam Nhun District, the income per capita was only VND3.5 million per year in 2015, with 80 per cent of the population in poor households. At present, the poverty rate has decreased to 65.67 per cent, with income per capita reaching VND14.5 million per year. Synchronous support policy The implementation of poverty reduction programme in the 2016-20 period in border provinces such as Ha Giang, Lai Chau and Lao Cai has proved the effectiveness of the government support and investment policies to reduce poverty and reach the national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction. However, the support policies are not synchronous and there are overlaps between ministries, agencies and localities. According to Tran Duc Quy, vice chairman of Ha Giang Province People's Committee, the Central Government should study and accelerate the integration of policies to avoid overlaps and dispersion of resources. Administrative procedures need to be simplified, helping localities to effectively implement the national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction. Specifically, in Ha Giang Province, although the income of poor households in poor districts has improved significantly, the poor mainly lack basic services such as housing quality, water sources, hygienic latrines and information. The vice chairman said in order to limit the disadvantages, it is necessary to allocate adequate budgets for ethnic minority people in disadvantaged and extremely disadvantaged groups. Priority should be given to transport, raising cattle, electricity, irrigation and concentrated water supply works, Quy said. VNS Number of poor households among ethnic minority groups remains high: census The percentage of poor and near-poor households in ethnic minority dominated areas in Vietnam is 3.5 times higher than the countrys average, the latest survey conducted by Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs reveals. Covid-19 plunges Vietnams ethnic minority households into poverty: UNDP The coronavirus pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable households in Vietnam, especially those belonging to ethnic minority people, migrant and informal workers, Millions of Britons who never checked their favourite takeaways hygiene rating as long as the food was good are now more vigilant about cleanliness, a poll has found. A study of 2,000 adults found eight in 10 were previously happy to take their chances, often buying a takeaway without looking into how clean the shop was. Instead, three-quarters admitted the quality of the food was their main priority. Now, more than one-quarter said they would "always" check a takeaways hygiene rating before putting in an order. And 64 per cent of those polled by P&G Professional said a clean shop and a good hygiene rating were now the most important considerations when choosing where to purchase food from, above the cost (58 per cent) and customer service (45 per cent). In comparison, research carried out in 2019 saw just 55 per cent name hygiene as a priority. John Molnar, owner of award-winning chain The Cods Scallops, in Nottingham, said: The heightened awareness surrounding infection control means business owners should be paying more attention to their hygiene practices than ever before. Cleaning, and the brands you choose, should be a critical part of your business strategy, especially since these results show the clear impact a low rating or bad impression can have on your bottom line. Kelly Barnes of Krispies, a fish and chip shop in Exmouth, added: To operate successfully, its clear that businesses need to show clearly how processes are managed so visitors feel confident about cleanliness. To keep both customers, and staff safe, were following three simple steps: frequent cleaning, enforcing social distancing, and regular hand washing. The study also found that one in four were likely to pay attention to a restaurants hygiene rating for a quick meal from a takeaway while on the move. But this figure nearly doubled if it was somewhere they wanted to visit for a family meal. The end of a night out is when Britons are least likely to worry about the hygiene score (22 per cent). It also emerged one in three respondents would be more likely to frequent a restaurant or takeaway if the staff used cleaning brands they recognised. Another 68 per cent would feel reassured about how hygienic a fish and chip shop or takeaway is if they see staff physically cleaning while they are in there. A chip shop or other takeaway looking clean and tidy was also found to be what would make adults feel most comfortable when visiting (57 per cent). This came above staff wearing masks (51 per cent), customers wearing masks (29 per cent) and even employees wearing gloves (53 per cent). It also emerged that since the coronavirus outbreak, four in 10 adults are more likely to report breaches of cleanliness in their local takeaways. The study also found that the pandemic hasnt dampened the nations love of a takeaway, with a fifth tucking into a dish like fish and chips once a week or more. And proving the concept of fish and chip Fridays is still relevant, that day was the most likely for people to treat themselves. Fish and chips was also found to be the most popular takeaway during lockdown, with 29 per cent of the vote closely followed by pizza (26 per cent). Two-thirds of chip lovers are also trying to frequent their local chip shop as a way of supporting the local economy, according to the OnePoll figures. Greg Elmore, UK & Ireland country sales lead at P&G Professional, said: As the UK slowly starts to emerge from lockdown, its a great opportunity to support local businesses, and these results show that two thirds of chip lovers are doing just that by frequenting their favourite chippy to boost the economy. Yet the last few months have made a lot of people think more about cleanliness and hygiene, which can only be a good thing particularly where their food is concerned. These statistics show that customers want to know and see how businesses are managing cleanliness, and it is critical that this is communicated clearly to the public. Transparency surrounding cleaning processes will have a profound impact on the success of the food service industry over the next year." SWNS When reached by phone earlier this week, officials at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Chicago declined to comment on the incident at the stately, two-story home, which is flanked by artwork and decorative statuary, and is used as both a residence and a meeting place for visiting dignitaries. Hamilton police will hold off on a body-worn camera test-run to see how they fare elsewhere. But some members of the local police board say its just a matter of time before officers everywhere wear them. I do see them as inevitable, Coun. Chad Collins said during Thursdays board meeting. But a stumbling block right out of the gate for a pilot project is the potential price tag that would accompany a full-fledged program afterward, Collins said. Staff presented a report suggesting a 14-month pilot with 100 cameras would cost roughly $250,000 just for the technology. The test-run would use existing personnel. But Collins said after a pilot, the public would expect full deployment, which Thursdays report pegged at $5 million over five years for a 610-camera program. That expenditure would coincide with a tough budget year with the municipality facing millions in financial pressures due to coronavirus. So were going to start the 2021 budget process behind the 8-ball, Collins said. Its just bad timing. In their report, Supt. Mike Worster and Sgt. Scott Moore noted police services in Canada have already run pilots or plan to do so. Some are moving to permanent programs. However, there are challenges, including long-term data storage, while the fundamental question of the effectiveness of cameras remains unclear and the reviews are mixed. In a deputation via video, Jasmine Tandam asked the board to consider adopting body-worn cameras to offer equal protection for the public and police alike. So its for everybody, and its a way to move forward, she said. The board has heard calls for body-worn cameras before, including from grieving relatives of loved ones killed in police shootings in which officers were later cleared by the Special Investigations Unit. More recently, those calling for cuts to police budgets to reallocate funds elsewhere argue cameras would be a waste. On Thursday, board member Fred Bennink said the crux of the matter is transparency. Im in full favour of doing a pilot. I think we should get out in front of these things, he said. Benninks motion didnt gain traction and the board opted instead ask the province to standardize regulations for digital evidence management and grant funding to municipalities for camera pilots and programs. Read more about: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is all set to share screen space with Rebel Star Prabhas in Nag Ashwin's next untitled sci-fi film. The actress is quite excited for the pan-India project, but as per a report published in a leading portal, she is worried about the financial security of Prabhas 21's producer. For the unversed, Deepika Padukone is known for charging high remuneration for her projects. But this time, due to the pandemic, the Padmaavat actress has reportedly refused to take an advance paycheck from producer of #Prabhas21, Ashwini Dutt. The report suggests that Deepika Padukone wants the Nag Ashwin's sci-fi film to go on floors without any budget issues. She reportedly feels that the producer should invest money properly to make a perfect film, as a lot of producers have faced shortage of finance amid lockdown. However, there is no official confirmation about the same. The Prabhas-starrer is one of the most expensive films in his career. The film will go on floors soon and makers are planning to release it in 2021. The Rebel Star is leaving no stone unturned to make his upcoming projects bigger and better. Also Read : Prabhas 21: Is AR Rahman Demanding Rs 4 Crore For Prabhas And Deepika Padukone Starrer? Apart from #Prabhas21, the actor will also be seen in Radhe Shyam and Adipurush. Radhe Shyam stars Pooja Hegde as the female lead and it's being helmed by Radha Krishna Kumar. On the other hand, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior director Om Raut will be directing the magnum opus Adipurush, which also stars Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist. Also Read : Prabhas 21: Is Deepika Padukone Charging High Remuneration For Nag Ashwin's Sci-Fi Drama? Talking about Deepika Padukone, the actress will next be seen in Kabir Khan's sports-drama, '83 opposite Ranveer Singh. The Cocktail actress is also a part of Shakun Batra's untitled film starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday in pivotal roles. Moderna, one of the developers in the lead for a vaccine to prevent Covid-19, is slowing enrollment slightly in its large clinical trial to ensure it has sufficient representation of minorities most at risk for the disease, its chief executive said. The trial is designed to enroll 30,000 people in the U.S. to prove the vaccine's safety and efficacy. As of Aug. 28, it had enrolled 17,458, 24% of whom are from communities of color. The company provides updates on enrollment numbers every Friday afternoon. Moderna shares, which have a market value of $23.5 billion, were down more than 8% after the news, and had recovered somewhat by early afternoon. The stock has risen 211% since the start of the year. Enrolling the elderly, communities of color and people with underlying health conditions is a priority for the coronavirus vaccine trials, given they're at greater risk from the disease. Public health experts note inclusion of diverse groups is important for ensuring the vaccines work in every population, and for building trust among all communities to take the vaccine if and when it becomes available. "The Black community has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and that's not biological but rather due to socioeconomic inequities resulting from racism," said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health. "It is particularly important to make sure that Black and Latinx participants are represented equitably in the trials and the vaccine shows protective efficacy in different populations of people." Moderna's data show that two-thirds of those enrolled in the study are White, 20% are Hispanic or Latino and 7% are Black. "We believe we could have one of the best vaccines," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told CNBC. "We want to ensure we have data for all the people who could benefit and be protected." Bancel said the company's goal is for enrollment to line up with U.S. Census Bureau numbers. In 2019, the Census Bureau estimated 18.5% of people in the U.S. are Hispanic or Latino, and 13.4% are Black or African-American alone. Moderna started its trial on July 27, the same day as pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Pfizer's CEO said Thursday the company had enrolled 23,000 people of its planned 30,000, ahead of schedule, and that data showing whether the vaccine works could be available as soon as the end of October. As of Monday, 25% of U.S. participants in Pfizer's trial were Asian, Black, Hispanic/LatinX or Native American, the company said. Eight percent were Black. And though the enrollment numbers for minorities lag where experts hoped they'd be, they're still ahead of a national registry for those expressing interest in Covid-19 vaccine trials. NBC News reported this week the registry for the Coronavirus Prevention Network, a group formed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to conduct vaccine and antibody therapy trials, included only 40,000 people from minority groups of 360,000 people total who expressed interest in trials about 11%. White House advisors cast doubt on Pfizer's projection that data could be available as soon as the end of next month. NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN it's "unlikely but not impossible," and that most experts are anticipating November or December for trial data. Moncef Slaoui, lead advisor to the government's Operation Warp Speed, told NPR there's a "very very low chance that the trials... could read [out] before the end of October." Pfizer is part of Operation Warp Speed, but didn't accept government funding or participation for the development and trials of its vaccine, which is partnered with German developer BioNTech. It gets paid $1.95 billion for 100 million doses only if the vaccine is successful. Moderna partnered with Fauci's NIAID early on in the pandemic to develop its vaccine candidate, and has received almost $1 billion in government funding for development, in addition to a purchase order for $1.53 billion for 100 million doses. Bancel didn't provide a new projection for when the study might be fully enrolled or show data. When the trial began, he had told CNBC in an interview that data could be available in October in "a really optimistic scenario; maybe November." Friday he noted "a small delay to have a better quality trial is the right decision in the long run," saying the company has told several clinical trial sites "they need to do better" in reaching minorities. "I would rather we have higher diverse participants and take one extra week," Bancel said. Diversity "matters more to us than speed." Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said he was glad to hear Moderna was ensuring diversity in its trial even if it caused a slight delay. "It is important for when you roll this vaccine out, because people are skittish, groups like the African-American/Black community need to know they've been represented in the trials, and the vaccine has been found to be safe and effective for them," Offit said in an interview. The vaccine needs to be proven to work in "those greater than 65, minority groups, those with certain medical conditions like obesity, because those are the people who are going to get it first," he said. TCN News National Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (NCHRO) has released a report studying the impacts of COVID19 on Indian Society as a part of its outreach programme to support the nations recovery from the pandemic. Support TwoCircles The 37-question online survey started on July 22 with the survey running in 8 languages Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Kannada, Urdu, Telugu, and Malayalam apart from English. Fieldwork was initiated by NCHROs volunteers and network of institutions, covering the poor and the marginalized that rarely have digital access while the research was organized adhering to all COVID protocols. The report covers a wide range of issues starting from public life in general to how livelihoods, personal spaces and work habits have been affected due to the longest physical isolation in recent history. NCHRO has identified everyday lifestyles that can be further developed into understanding how the post-pandemic world can respond to these changes and effectively address them. One of the most significant findings is that Indians have been generally very compliant to government guidelines like mask-wearing and physical distancing, with 94% respondents regularly wearing masks when leaving homes and 85% consciously following physical distancing norms at public places and transport. Some were even reported to using improvised means of covering the nose and the mouth. The report found that attitudes and behavioural responses to COVID-19 situation has resulted in the emergence of seven different practices that 65% population indicated to have adapted to immediately. These seven practices include frequently washing hands, wearing facemasks, physical distancing, minimizing contact with the sick and vulnerable, stocking up of food and medicines, and avoidance of social gatherings and communal prayers. While 34% of respondents stocked up home supplies and medicine, food security concerns shot up to a 30% high. The study has revealed that as COVID19 highest single day infection rates continue to grow in India with no end in sight, people are already facing food insecurity, which is further aggravated as a result of the loss of their traditional jobs. A developing country like India, where most of the population depends on the informal economy for their livelihood, is extremely vulnerable to any disruption. Given the fact that many people would have no income or substantially reduced income in the coming months, a very large number of Indian households would be unable to survive even for relatively short periods without additional assistance. Low-income families and those with a large number of unemployed members were hit the hardest during the pandemic. 75% respondents in the survey agreed that as a country India has failed to address difficulties faced by the migrant labour, the poor and the marginalized. The workers and their families were forced to walk home hundreds of kilometres on empty stomachs whereas the Supreme Court took cognizance of labourers plight only after more than 60 days. The NCHRO report stated that hunger is going to be a major challenge for the country demanding extraordinary measures from the authorities. The fallout from the pandemic is already felt in rural areas, where there is an almost three-fold rise in the number of people requiring food assistance. Immediate action must be taken to provide prompt and direct food aid. With the worsening food insecurity in India, financial instability has also risen. The NCHRO research found that 85% of respondents felt stressed about their finances. Nearly half of the respondents reported losing their job or closing their business (48%) and 31% reported as partially affected. Only 16% said they could survive. Given the low baseline income of many households across all states, Covid-19 is causing an economic crisis for almost all. The national crises created by the pandemic and subsequent economic lockdowns are severely affecting the livelihoods of low-income people all around. While the Indian lifestyle is headed towards a huge change, the socio-economic milieu of society has also received surprising blows during the pandemic, the study revealed. With the Tablighi Jamaat controversy and ostracization of the vulnerable classes, 52% of respondents reported that they would prefer not to interact with a person who was cured of the disease. News reports during the past few months showed incidents of neighbourhoods protesting against cremation or funeral services of a patient who died due to COVID19. Fear made people ostracize the Covid-19 cured or keep away from them. However, a lot of fear was created by fake news which in turn stigmatized those cured. Despite the pain and suffering, the pandemic has caused, 32% of the respondents said they experienced hateful messages, actions, or discriminatory behaviour. Many have endured verbal and physical assaults, and at times, institutional exclusion. It is mostly due to the virulent hate campaign, xenophobic remarks and attacks, posting of fake pictures and videos etc. on social media. In this regard, the NCHRO report calls for better education against rumour-mongering and political slugfest about any medical emergencies including pandemics. The report has also shed light on information broadcast about the COVID19 pandemic, revealing that 82% of respondents depended on conventional sources for news and information about the disease. About 2% stated that they didnt have the information they needed about the authorities handling of the coronavirus. For 59% the medium was either SMS/WhatsApp and 40% relied on information from family, friends, neighbours etc. Apart from lack of mobile phones and access to the Internet as well as a level of education keeping people away from potentially life-saving information, the survey reflected multiple uncertainties about the dynamics between the disease and treatment, public health policies, the economy and society. The study also found that an increasing number of educational institutions who moved to online teaching has created a widening disparity regarding the accessibility of education among students. 41% responded that they did not have the necessary facilities in place for online education for their children, reflecting that the digital divide has far-reaching consequences when it comes to education. In practice, the online classes undermined the concept of Education for All. The pandemic forced most of the public schools to temporarily shut down and many private schools switched exclusively to virtual teaching, thus exacerbating the education gap between rich and poor. Discussing government help during the pandemic, the survey said that 58% respondents believe government intervention had no positive impact on the day to day lives of people, which they are unsure was due to bureaucratic hassles or difficulties in fixing eligibility criteria. Further, 77% of respondents believe that the central government and many state governments have used this pandemic as an opportunity to widen repressive measures and take advantage of executive authority to implement their hidden agenda. While 62% felt that some political parties were trying through NGOs and associations to use funds to promote themselves while distributing government aid, 81% agreed that deep-seated hate-filled propaganda continues to plague the nation. The NCHRO research concluded that COVID19 has transformed peoples lives, especially in India, on an unprecedented scale in just a couple of weeks. What the government does right now would define the future, and yet making decisions and acting with assurance has never been more challenging. It has recommended that in light of this health emergency and new reality, the priority is to protect the health and safety of people. The authorities must have taken quick decisions, and emergent actions, to protect and support the people but in the initial absence, locals and health workers have done a wonderful job with very rare exceptions. As is often the case, the biggest brunt of this downturn is being borne by those with lower educational and income level, people with disabilities, Dalits, Tribals, minorities, and individuals who have other morbidities and the biggest challenge lies ahead for authorities to address the existing disparities in accessibility, education and social security for all. In the midst of heightened tensions in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister is likely to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday evening in Moscow on the sidelines of a ministerial meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), government sources said. It will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the border row escalated in eastern Ladakh in early May though External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held telephonic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the row. Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers on Friday. The sources said the meeting has been requested by the Chinese defence minister. "The meeting is likely to take place," said a source. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. Army Chief Gen MM Naravane is currently on a two-day visit to Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region in view of the Chinese attempts. (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.) Love is in the air for Francesca Farago and Jef Holm. The new couple were spotted jetting into Los Angeles on Friday, where Francesca planted a kiss on her new beau's cheek. Francesca, 26, gazed tenderly towards her beau as he chatted on his phone, perhaps arranging their ride out of the airport. Love is in the air! Francesca Farago and Jef Holm were spotted jetting into Los Angeles on Friday, where Francesca planted a kiss on her new beau's cheek The couple could hardly keep their hands off each other upon returning to the City Of Angels. Francesca tenderly embraced Jef as they waited for their luggage before leaving the transport hub with their dogs in tow. Francesca rolled her suitcase and Louis Vuitton bag across the street while holding the leash to her white Pomeranian, who happily scampered by her side. Bachelorette vet Jef had his hands full with luggage as he strolled beside his girlfriend, supervising their other pooch. XOXO: Francesca tenderly embraced her beau as they waited for their luggage to turn up Eyes only for him: Farago gazed at her beau as he sorted things out over the phone Making comfort a priority for their flight home, Francesca slipped into grey biker shorts, a Harley Davidson T-shirt, and protective black face mask. Jef was equally dressed down in his red flannel shirt, denim cut-offs, and white sneakers. Francesca and Jef appear to have recently returned from Las Vegas, where the Netflix star posted a sizzling lingerie snap from the balcony of her hotel room. Puppy love! Jef supervised one of their pint-sized pooches New flame: Francesca has started dating Jef following the end of her relationship with Too Hot To Handle costar Harry Jowsey Francesca is now dating Jef following the end of her relationship with Too Hot To Handle costar Harry Jowsey. Jef rose to fame after looking for love on The Bachelorette, where he became engaged to Emily Maynard. Like Francesca and Harry, their relationship didn't last. She's Too Hot To Handle! Farago sizzled as she posed in lingerie during her getaway to Las Vegas Fizzled out: Farago has called it quits with her Too Hot To Handle costar, Harry Jowsey While the couple certainly seem infatuated with one another, Jef insists they are taking their relationship one day at a time. 'She's a lot of fun to be around,' Holm told E! News. 'We've been hanging out and getting to know each other. She's a great person inside and out and we have a lot in common. I definitely have a crush on her.' 'People are quick to put a title on things but we're just in the beginning stages and are taking things slow.' Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse University is quarantining approximately 200 students who live in Ernie Davis Hall after the schools wastewater monitoring program detected the coronavirus in water leaving the building. The school announced the quarantine in an e-mail to students on Thursday, asking those who live in Ernie Davis Hall to return to their rooms and remain there. Those students will now be individually tested. They will be required to remain in their rooms until the test results are processed, a timeframe the school projected will take between 24 and 48 hours. The announcement from Syracuse encouraged students not to panic. It was expected that the presence of coronavirus would be found in dorms at various points of the semester and the quarantine is part of the schools effort to prevent a larger outbreak. This is the first time the school has quarantined a dorm this semester because of wastewater monitoring. The density of dorms makes them areas where the virus could spread easily, making it important that cases are found and stamped out quickly. The school has said it plans to test the wastewater in its dorms for the presence of the virus two times per week. It is monitoring all of the residence halls and some other campus buildings to identify cases. It is also using the process to monitor the amount of virus present in off-campus neighborhoods. The system was developed with the help of SUNY Upstate, SUNY ESF and Quadrant Biosciences. The state has invested $500,000 in a pilot program that will expand its usage to communities in Albany, Newburgh and Buffalo. The schools announcement said it would begin room checks at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday for students living in Ernie Davis and would continue conducting them until all students were accounted for. The school said it will provide food and other necessities while students are quarantining. The wastewater monitoring program is one of multiple layers of protection that Syracuse has put in place to try to limit potential outbreaks on campus. School officials have said that about half of infected individuals shed the virus when going to the bathroom. The school believes the test is sensitive enough to detect one individual in a dorm who is shedding the virus. The presence of the virus in the wastewater does not provide an immediate idea of how many students are infected. It could even be the result of the virus being shed from resolved cases. While every college in the country is expected to deal with cases over the course of the semester, through the first two weeks, Syracuses reopening plan has helped it avoid the type of major outbreaks that have shut down some schools and caused substantial worries at others, including at SUNY Oneonta. The plan has worked well enough that faculty members that began the year expressing skepticism that the college would remain open have begun to feel more optimistic. Through Wednesday, the most recent day that data was available, the school was reporting just nine active cases, along with 29 cases in which individuals recovered. Contact Chris Carlson anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1639 MORE CORONAVIRUS IN HIGHER EDUCATION A reason for cautious optimism: Syracuse, other CNY colleges off to good starts SUNY Oneonta ending on-campus classes, activities for fall semester; students going home College students confront falls reality: A lot of people are upset were paying more for less A 40-lawyer team investigating Google was reportedly asked to wrap up by month-end, despite their seeking more time to make a strong case. There were disagreements among the 40-lawyer team over how broad the complaint should be and what Google could do to resolve the problems that the investigation unearthed. The lawyers viewed the September-end deadline as arbitrary. (Photo | Wikimedia Commons - Shrijagannatha) US Attorney General William P Barr plans to bring an antitrust case against Alphabet, Googles parent company, and has dismissed lawyers request for more time to build a strong case, the New York Times reported. Most of the more than 40-member team of lawyers who have been investigating the tech giant were opposed to orders to wrap up by the end of the month, the news organisation reported, quoting five people who were briefed on internal conversations of the Justice Department. While some lawyers expressed concern that Barr was trying to get the case announced before the US election so that the credit would go to the Trump administration for bringing a powerful company to book, a senior Justice department official was quoted as saying to NYT that the Attorney General felt that the investigation had been too slow and that the deadline was not unreasonable. However, the lawyers viewed the deadline as arbitrary and several of them left the case, the report said, adding that some of them argued in a memo of several pages that they could bring a strong case against Alphabet but needed more time. The report also said that there were disagreements in the team over the scope of the complaint against Google and what the company could do to resolve the problems that the investigation unearthed. The case, although it would have bipartisan support considering that a coalition of 50 states and territories support antitrust action against Google, has been overtaken by political considerations as state attorney generals who are conducting their own investigations are split by party allegiances. The democrats are seen to be going slow with the probe so as to bring the case during a Biden administration assuming Joe Biden wins the presidency, and the Republicans are accused of rushing it to gain credit for the Trump administration, NYT said. The Justice Department opened its inquiry into Alphabet in June 2019, and Alphabet, with its obvious dominance, was naturally a candidate for the antitrust investigation. The number of consumers interacting with Alphabet products such as Google search, YouTube, Google Maps and its bevy of online advertising products is massive on an everyday basis. Alphabet uses the information gleaned from these interactions to improve its products, making its technology even more dominant leaving smaller platforms for videos, travel, food and other spheres no chance to keep up. Since 2019, the Justice departments lawyers and staff were reported to have worked in two groups, one investigating Googles dominance in search, and the other its hold over the online advertising ecosystem, the report said. The team had accumulated powerful evidence of anticompetitive practices, three people were quoted as saying. The report also said that Googles lawyers hoped to seize on Trumps politicisation of the matter should the Justice Department sue the company. In2018 the President accused Google of turning up only news that was biased against him when searching for Trump News. Data from Google and YouTube undermines his and other Republicans claims, showing that Republicans are among the most visible figures on their services. In fact, Trump has among the widest reach on social media than perhaps any other public figure. U.S. Sanctions 11 Companies It Says Have Enabled Sales, Shipments Of Iranian Oil By RFE/RL September 03, 2020 The United States has imposed sanctions on 11 foreign companies for their alleged help in the export of Iranian oil and petrochemical products in violation of U.S. sanctions. The Treasury Department said on September 3 the sanctions have been imposed on six companies based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), and China. The United States said Iran's petroleum industry is a major source of revenue for the Iranian regime to fund terrorism and other destabilizing activities in the Middle East. The six companies have enabled the shipment and sale of Iranian petrochemicals and supported Hong Kong-based broker Triliance Petrochemical, which was blacklisted in January by the United States. The companies "support Triliance's continued involvement in the sale of Iranian petrochemical products, including efforts by Triliance to hide or otherwise obscure its involvement in sales contracts," the State Department said in a statement. Among the six companies is Iran's Zagros Petrochemical Company, which the Treasury Department said agreed to sell Triliance hundreds of thousands of tons of Iranian petrochemicals this year. The State Department also imposed sanctions on five other companies for engaging in transactions related to Iran's petroleum and petrochemical industry and on three executive officers of the companies. "Our actions today reaffirm the United States' commitment to denying the Iranian regime the financial resources it needs to fuel terrorism and other destabilizing activities," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in the statement. The move freezes any U.S. assets of the companies and individuals sanctioned and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. The new sanctions add to a long list imposed by the United States since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-sanctions-11-iran- companies-oil-shipments/30819463.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 When looking at the overall four-wheeler segment in India, hatchbacks and SUVs have been the ones doing well. While hatchbacks are favoured for the prices, SUVs are the big car of choice for many people. Sedans, on the other hand, havent been enjoying as much favour. Heres a list of the best-selling sedans in the month of September. Auto industry body SIAM on Friday said that manufacturers were not in a position to invest further in the implementation of upcoming government regulations as the sector was going through an extremely difficult period. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) also noted that government support was required to pursue the targets set under the Automotive Mission Plan 2026 (AMP 2026). For (implementation of) upcoming regulations, investments are very steep and the commensurate revenues have not been realised by the industry due to lack of consumer demand, SIAM President Rajan Wadhera said while speaking at the industry bodys annual convention here. So, the industry does not have the ability to invest further into the implementation of new regulations like Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms from 2022 onwards, he noted. Wadhera also said that there should not be an overdose of regulations as Indias emission standards are already at par with the strictest in the world. Seeking government support to offer some form of demand boosters, Wadhera said: We feel that whatever we are talking on reviving demand will provide the required push to consumers to come to dealerships. Seeking government support to offer some form of demand boosters, Wadhera said: "We feel that whatever we are talking on reviving demand will provide the required push to consumers to come to dealerships. He noted that demand stimulus for the industry is a must in order to achieve targets listed in AMP 2026. AMP 2026 is the collective vision of the government of India and the automotive industry on where the various segments of the automotive and auto component industry need to be by 2026 in terms of size and contribution to the overall Indian economy. The plan envisages taking the auto industrys gross domestic product (GDP) contribution to 12 percent from current 7 percent as also generating 6.5 crore additional jobs over the 3.7 crore jobs that are already there. It also targets to enhance vehicle production to 6.6 crore units by 2026. "We were almost on course (for the AMP 2026), but in the last two years we have only reached (volume of) 2.6 crore vehicles we strongly feel that if we want to stay on course on the plan, demand stimulus is required, Wadhera said. AMP 2026 is important for the industry as it would enhance the scale of the sector, and that in turn would bring in competitiveness making the vehicles cheaper, allowing for increase in exports, he added. While noting that the industry is behind the government in its Make in India initiative, Wadhera also pointed at the ongoing slowdown in auto industry. The domestic auto industry was already undergoing great stress prior to the pandemic, he said. The demand had slowed down due to the various factors like liquidity crisis, increase in ownership cost and also introduction of axle load norms for heavy commercial vehicle segment, Wadhera said. "The passenger vehicle segment witnessed the longest slowdown in the past two decades spanning nine quarters. Similarly, commercial vehicles faced second-longest slowdown in the last 15 years that spanned five quarters, he added. The two-wheelers segment also saw continuous slowdown for six quarters, Wadhera said. In the first quarter of the current fiscal, domestic sales stood at 15 lakh units which has resulted in 75 percent de-growth as compared to corresponding quarter last year and this is the steepest and the longest downturn quarter-on-quarter, he noted. The COVID-19 pandemic further led to deterioration in the business environment, Wadhera said. "The auto industry in India also felt the impact with supply disruptions of critical components from overseas and then of course due to the domestic lockdown. Even then, the industry made best efforts to transition to BS-VI norms from January itself, he added. The industry is also mindful of the draft notification related to environment impact assessment issued by the Ministry of Environment, Wadhera said. SIAM members are committed to comply with government directives, he added. Elaborating on the importance of the automobile industry in the overall economy, he noted that the sector currently contributes 49 percent of the countrys manufacturing GDP. In the overall GDP, the industrys contribution is 7.1 percent and it gives employment to 3.7 crore people directly and indirectly, Wadhera said. The turnover of the industry stood at around USD 120 billion in FY19 and the sector contributed 15 percent to governments overall GST revenue, he noted. MONTREAL - Rogers Communications Inc. sought Friday to reassure Quebecers over its attempt to buy the Canadian assets of Montreal-based Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc., pledging to keep the companies headquarters in the province where theyve been rooted for more than six decades. Upon successful completion of a Cogeco transaction, Rogers would ensure that Cogecos headquarters and management team remain in the province, including the operations of the companys Quebec-based media assets, Rogers said. Gestion Audem Inc., a company controlled by members of the Audet family and which holds the majority of voting shares in Cogeco, earlier this week rejected an unsolicited $10.3-billion takeover proposal from U.S. cable company Altice USA Inc. that would have seen Rogers purchase the companies Canadian assets. The Cogeco boards said their independent members also rebuffed the bid. The proposal prompted backlash from the Quebec government. There is no question of letting this Quebec company move its head office to Ontario, Premier Francois Legault said Wednesday during a radio interview with FM93, a Cogeco-owned station. The premier, who said officials had spoken with Cogeco CEO Louis Audet that morning, did not give details about what steps he would take. In Fridays statement, Rogers CEO Joe Natale emphasized Rogers 35-year history in Quebec and pointed to its 2004 purchase of wireless service provider Fido whose headquarters remain in downtown Montreal as a blueprint for its current bid. Rogers and Fido have deep roots across Quebec and we want to build on them, Natale said in a statement. We are committed to investing in high-quality jobs, delivering both wireless and broadband next-generation technology and helping close the connectivity gap in rural and remote Quebec communities. Now more than ever, we want to grow our local presence here and help to contribute to a strong, vibrant Quebec. Locals may cast a wary eye on Rogers attempts to win them over. Im not sure Quebecers are going to be entirely satisfied. Theyve heard the story before, said Karl Moore, an associate professor at McGill Universitys business school. The concern is a loss of jobs and a loss of strategic decision making, even if the headquarters reside officially in Montreal, he said. In the 70s and 80s we saw a lot of jobs move down the (Highway) 401 to Toronto. So its a flash point in Quebec. The unsolicited bid from Altice included a side arrangement that would see Cogeco sell its Canadian assets to Rogers for $4.9 billion if the Altice deal goes through. Altice would keep Cogecos U.S. assets, including Atlantic Broadband, a cable operator providing residential and business customers with broadband, video and telephone services in 11 U.S. states. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:CCA, TSX:CGO, TSX:RCI.B) Read more about: Bengaluru: Oslo-headquartered Orkla Foods said on Friday it has entered into an agreement to acquire 67.8 per cent of the shares in Kochi-based Eastern Condiments Private Limited. With this move, the Norwegian consumer goods supplier will double its sales in India, the company said in a statement. Orkla said it already holds a strong position in the Indian branded food market with the MTR brand which has grown its sales five-fold since it was acquired by it in 2007. For the last 12 months ending 30 June 2020, MTR had a turnover of Rs 920 crore. With the transaction announced today, Orkla will grow its position as one of the leading branded food players in India and have a platform for further growth in the spice category and in adjacent categories," the statement said. Orkla, through its wholly owned subsidiary MTR Foods Private Limited (MTR"), has signed agreements to purchase a 41.8 per cent ownership stake in Eastern from members of the Meeran family and to acquire the entire ownership stake held by McCormick Ingredients SE Asia PTE. Ltd (McCormick"), which will give Orkla a 67.8 per cent ownership stake after completion of the transactions. Eastern is currently owned by the Meeran family (74 per cent) and McCormick (26 per cent). Following completion of these transactions, a merger application will be filed with the intention of merging Eastern into Orklas wholly owned subsidiary MTR. The merged company will be jointly owned by Orkla and the two brothers Firoz and Navas Meeran, with an ownership stake of 90.01 per cent and 9.99 per cent, respectively, the statement added. The parties have agreed on a purchase price that values Eastern (100 per cent) at Rs 2,000 crore on a debt and cash free basis. The acquirer is Orklas wholly owned subsidiary MTR Foods Private Limited. Eastern has seven production facilities in four states in India and employs around 2,955 people. It was established in 1983 by M E Meeran. Orkla is a leading supplier of branded consumer goods and concept solutions to the consumer, out-of-home and bakery markets in the Nordics, Baltics and selected markets in Central Europe and India, the statement added.. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor A team of scientists from the University of Exeter has surveyed 56 cat owners, some from rural parts of the UK (mostly in south-west England) and some from urban areas (Bristol and Manchester), and found they ranged from conscientious caretakers concerned about cats impact on wildlife and who feel some responsibility to freedom defenders who opposed restrictions on cat behavior altogether; concerned protectors focused on cat safety, tolerant guardians disliked their cats hunting but tended to accept it, and laissez-faire landlords were largely unaware of any issues around cats roaming and hunting. Conservation organizations have long been concerned about the numbers of animals caught by the UKs large population of domestic cats. Most pet cats kill very few wild animals, if any, but with a population of around 10 million cats, the numbers of birds, small mammals and reptiles taken can accumulate. Apart from their role as mousers, most owners find the dead animals brought home an unpleasant reminder of their pets wilder side. Addressing this problem has been difficult because of disagreements between people prioritizing cat welfare and those focusing on wildlife conservation. Although we found a range of views, most UK cat owners valued outdoor access for their cats and opposed the idea of keeping them inside to prevent hunting, said study lead author Dr. Sarah Crowley, a researcher in the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter. Cat confinement policies are therefore unlikely to find support among owners in the UK. However, only one of the owner types viewed hunting as a positive, suggesting the rest might be interested in reducing it by some means. To be most effective, efforts to reduce hunting must be compatible with owners diverse circumstances. Suggested measures to reduce hunting success include fitting cats with brightly colored BirdsBeSafe collar covers. Many owners also fit their cats with bells. Dr. Crowley and colleagues are now examining the effectiveness of these and other new measures and how owners feel about them, with a view to offering different solutions. This latest research we have funded reveals the incredibly diverse perspectives amongst cat owners in regard to their pets hunting behavior, said Tom Streeter, Chairman of SongBird Survival. If nature is to win and endangered species thrive, a pragmatic approach is needed whereby cat owners views are considered as part of wider conservation strategies. The study highlights the urgent need for cat owners and conservationists to work together to find tailored solutions that are cheap, easy to implement, and have a positive effect on wildlife and bird populations across the UK. The finding that many UK cat owners actually care a great deal about wildlife conservation and their cats impact on it, suggests that some owners are receptive to employing cat-friendly ways of reducing hunting, said Dr. Sarah Ellis, iCatCares Head of Cat Advocacy. The right interventions could improve wildlife conservation efforts, maintain good cat mental-wellbeing, and at the same time improve the cat-human relationship. This would be especially true for tolerant guardians and conscientious caretakers, by reducing the internal conflict of loving an animal that often hunts other animals they also care about. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. _____ Sarah L. Crowley et al. Diverse perspectives of cat owners indicate barriers to and opportunities for managing cat predation of wildlife. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, published online September 3, 2020; doi: 10.1002/fee.2254 Scientists believe coronavirus can travel through plumbing - after three families living in a high rise building in China tested positive for the virus despite never coming into contact with each other and living 12 floors apart. Four members of a family-of-five living on the 15th floor of the apartment in Guangzhou, China, had recently returned home from Wuhan - the centre of the outbreak - when two middle aged couples on the 25th and 27th floors started feeling unwell. Footage showed the groups never shared an elevator during the time they were infected, and scientists found no traces of coronavirus on the elevator's buttons. Positive virus samples were found in the family-of-five's apartment - especially in the master bedroom. Four members of a family-of-five living on the 15th floor of the apartment in Guangzhou, China, had recently returned home from Wuhan (pictured) - the centre of the outbreak - when two middle aged couples on the 25th and 27th floors started feeling unwell Now a study has suggested the virus could have travelled through the building's plumbing, in airborne particles called 'bio aerosols'. In a study published on Tuesday, scientists released ethane gas down the family-of-five's toilet and checked for gas in the apartments above. They said it would make sense for the gas to travel upwards because in the winter warm air rises - something called the 'chimney effect'. The gas was found in the two middle-aged couple's apartments as well as two others on the 16th and 21st floors. Now a study has suggested the virus could have travelled through the building's plumbing, in airborne particles called 'bio aerosols' Patients wearing face masks are seen at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China's central Hubei province on September 3 Those couples may have inhaled the coronavirus particles directly or touched the surfaces where they landed to become ill. Coronavirus usually spreads in respiratory droplets after an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Bio aerosols can linger in the air for 30 minutes or more after a toilet is flushed, according to a 2018 study. And researchers found certain environments make airborne transmission more common - including poorly ventilated rooms. A May study showed the amount of coronavirus aerosol cut in half after 30 seconds in a well-ventilated room - compared with five minutes in a room with no ventilation. AIR TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 BEING 'UNDERESTIMATED' Air transmission of Covid-19 is being underestimated - which could impact guidelines on social distancing, ventilation systems and shared spaces, warns new research. Researchers at Heriot-Wyatt University and University of Edinburgh found evidence that both small and large droplets can travel relatively long distances through the air - and not always in predictable directions with airflow. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned aerosol transmission of Covid-19 is being underestimated as a study reveals droplet spread from humans does not always follow airflow. Researchers say the new findings on droplet migration may have important implications for understanding the spread of airborne diseases such as Covid-19. It comes after top US infectious disease specialist Dr Anthony Fauci admitted during a Monday JAMA interview that there is much unknown about how coronavirus spreads through the air and that he himself needs to 'study' papers that suggest big droplets can travel further than six feet. Scientists of the study at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland echoed his sentiments that a better understanding of different droplet behaviors and their spread based on droplet size is also needed. Advertisement The middle-aged couples both said they never opened their bathroom window, meaning the exhaust fans could have been left to circulate the infected air around the room. They also said they rarely used their baths, which could cause the water seals to dry out. This would allow bioaerosols to seep through and into the room. It is not the only known incidence of coronavirus appearing to travel through a building's plumbing. In March a couple on the 32nd floor of an apartment block in Hong Kong may have passed the virus to a man, 59, living two floors above. Then in June another man, 34, also in Hong Kong, seemed to spread the virus to four other apartments that shared the same vertical drainage pipes. Meanwhile, scientists warned coronavirus spreads though air conditioning units on buses - after two dozen cases were linked back to a single passenger in China. Twenty-four passengers on the bus in Zhejiang Province tested positive for the virus after a single hour-and-a-half journey on January 19. Scientists believe the air conditioning unit allowed the transmission of the virus by spreading viral droplets through the bus. Some air conditioners take in air from outdoors and expel it again, while others, called split units, recirculate the same air, which was the case in this instance. British experts last month warned such units need to be either turned off or used with the windows open to prevent the spread of Covid-19. And offices, cinemas, theatres and other indoor amenities in the UK are required to have newly serviced air con units that ensure fresh air is being pushed out. Researchers in April blamed the air conditioning unit for the spread of coronavirus among at least nine other diners who were eating in a restaurant in Guangzhou, China, in January. A research paper which appeared in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases investigated the incident at the eatery in January, where a family had arrived from Wuhan - the city where the Covid-19 pandemic began. Researchers say one member of that family had an asymptomatic case, and barely two weeks later, the patient along with nine others, including members of their family, as well as two other groups on nearby tables in the restaurant, had all become ill with the virus. The affected tables in the windowless venue were around three feet away from each other as the authors claim the most likely cause of this outbreak was droplet transmission. However, they say that droplets only remain in the air for a short time and only travel short distances. Therefore, they concluded, the air conditioner was likely to have spread the virus further between the affected tables. A teen who admits stabbing an 18-year-old in a Dublin park melee allegedly told him: "You don't know who stabbed you," the Central Criminal Court has heard. A witness, giving evidence by video link, told the prosecution there was "chaos" with "everyone just fighting each other" but the melee suddenly stopped when someone shouted "knife". He said he saw Azzam Raguragui (18) running up a hill with the accused behind him holding a knife in his right hand. He added that Azzam slipped and fell on his back and the accused stood over him. Mr Raguragui tried to push the accused away with his legs, the witness said, adding: "The accused hit him to the leg once and then he came down with a swinging motion towards his chest area with the knife." The witness said he had a vivid memory of the incident and dreams about it every night. Following the fight, he said, he remembered one of the teenagers saying to the accused: "What the f*** are you doing?" before the accused, with the knife still in his hand, saying to Mr Raguragui: "You don't remember who stabbed you." The witness added he thinks the accused then ran away. The 17-year-old accused, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of Mr Raguragui on May 10, 2019, at Finsbury Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Under cross-examination the witness told the defence the fight broke out after someone, but not the accused, punched Mr Raguragui during a conversation about a stolen bicycle. A second teenage witness told the prosecution how earlier that day Mr Raguragui approached two members of the other group looking for a bike that had allegedly been stolen. There was no aggression during that conversation, he said, and when the other group said they did not have the bike they went their separate ways. The witness was with Mr Raguragui and others in Finsbury Park that day at about 7.50pm when he saw members of the other group approaching. He said he presumed they were coming to return the bicycle "to resolve the situation". The witness remembered the accused asked who was looking for the bike and Mr Raguragui responded. Words were exchanged, but the witness felt the accused was not aggressive but was confrontational. Problem He said that he told the other group: "If we get the bike back everything is grand. We go our separate ways." At this point the witness did not believe there would be any problem between the two groups and he was leaving the park on his bicycle when the fight broke out. The witness ran towards it and was involved in the fight when he heard someone shout "knife" and everyone suddenly stopped. He said he left at that point, not knowing that his friend had been stabbed. The trial continues in front of Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and six women. WASHINGTON (JTA) Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, highlighted President Donald Trumps Israel policies to make the case he has advanced a robust foreign policy. Haley depicted Joe Biden, the former vice president, and President Barack Obama as practicing a foreign policy of weakness, including their administrations dealings with Iran. Obama and Biden let Iran get away with murder and literally sent them a plane full of cash, Haley said. President Trump did the right thing and ripped up the Iran nuclear deal. Obama and Biden led the Un... Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal The University of New Mexico is investigating a video posted by a UNM police officer that shows a man laying tile with a South Park voice-over saying scanning for Mexicans. The video was posted March 29 on the social media app TikTok, apparently by UNMPD officer Eric Peer. UNM spokeswoman Cinnamon Blair said Peer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. No decisions have been made, she said. The Journal was unable to reach Peer for comment Friday. He has worked at UNM for nearly four years. The video was recorded inside an unspecified house and shows the floor where tile is being laid. The voice of Eric Cartman, a character in the animated Comedy Central show South Park, can be heard saying in a robotic manner scanning for Mexicans as the video camera moves through the house. When it zooms in on a man on the floor laying the tile, Cartmans voice can be heard saying, Ah, weve got a Mexican! The audio on the video is from Season 15, Episode 9 of South Park, titled The Last of the Meheecans, in which Cartman becomes a U.S. Border Patrol agent. It is unclear who the man working in the video is, who recorded the video or where it was recorded. But a recording of Peers video was posted at 10:48 p.m. Thursday by Associated Students of UNM Sen. Emma Hotz the video that caught the attention of UNM administration Friday morning. We are aware of the social media incident related to one of our UNMPD officers, and are investigating immediately and appropriately, UNM President Garnett Stokes wrote in a post on Twitter. @UNM and @unmpd stand against racism and social injustice. Respect and diversity are part of our culture, values and who we are as Lobos. Hotzs video is a screen recording of Peers previously public TikTok page (@505collegecop) a page with more than 11,000 followers and a UNM Lobos logo as the accounts avatar. The page said it was run by Eric but lists No bio yet under the users bio section. Hotzs video shows all eight videos from the officers account, including the scanning for Mexicans voice-over. Just seven videos were left on the account as of midmorning Friday as the one in question had been removed. By noon, the account itself had been removed. The remaining seven videos included four featuring a Great Dane with hashtags like #DogsOfTikTok and three featuring scenes while working for UNMPD.The videos included one of a fellow officer putting out a small fire to the music of Bonnie Tylers 1986 song Holding Out for a Hero, one of various scenes of a UNMPD vehicle parked on the sidewalks around campus and an officer on a bicycle riding in and around various UNM buildings, and of a UNMPD officer on a scooter mimicking a scene from the 1994 Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels movie Dumb and Dumber. UNM boasts several times on its website and often in news releases of its status as the nations only flagship state university that is also a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), a distinction defined as an institute of higher education that has at least 25% undergraduate Hispanic enrollment, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It is unclear if UNMPD has its own social media policy. UNMs social media policy includes such warnings as: You are personally responsible for what you post on blogs and microblogs, social networks, forums, and other social media. Be sure that what you post today will not come back to haunt you. If you are unsure about a work-related posting, seek approval from your supervisor or manager before posting it. Refrain from publishing content that contains slurs, personal insults or attacks, and/or profanity or obscenity. Do not engage in any conduct on a social media site that would not be acceptable in The University of New Mexico workplace. Nearly two months after India banned 59 China-linked apps, the government decided to block 118 mobile apps including the Uber-popular online battle game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, known also as PUBG. While the 'most loved' game is no more available, we list you some alternate games you can download and play. (Image: Network18 Graphics) Pennsylvania officials wont discuss specifics of the U.S. Justice Department probe into whether they forced long-term care facilities to accept people who had COVID-19, allegedly turning the facilities into death traps. They only insist the deaths about 67% of Pennsylvanias total COVID-19 death toll from involves long-term care residents resulted mostly from employees carrying the virus into facilities, where it then spread among residents. But they did go into detail this week about tactics they hope will prevent a repeat of the carnage. One involves extensive testing designed to screen out people who have COVID-19 but arent showing symptoms something they say wasnt possible during spring because of testing shortages. Pro-democracy lawmakers in July held up blank placards in Hong Kong's legislature to protest restrictions on speech. Pro-democracy lawmakers in July held up blank placards in Hong Kong's legislature to protest restrictions on speech. Vincent Yu/Associated Press A sweeping national security law passed on June 30 instantly altered the lives and liberties of Hong Kongs residents, criminalizing words and images that just hours earlier had been legally protected free speech. The next day, thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators tested the limits of the new law. Some carried signs bearing slogans like these, which for months had been lawfully displayed in the streets of the semiautonomous Chinese city. Pro-democracy protests are a regular feature on July 1, the anniversary of Hong Kongs return to Chinese rule from Britain. This years march took place under the shadow of the new security law. Miguel Candela/EPA, via Shutterstock The police have since arrested more than 20 people under the new law, which lays out political crimes punishable by life imprisonment in serious cases, and allows Beijing to intervene directly if it wants. Hong Kong was once a bastion of free speech. It served as a base for the international news media and for rights groups, and as a haven for political refugees, including the student leaders of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. Books on sensitive political topics that are banned in mainland China found a home in the citys bookstores. But the limits of the security law are vaguely defined. As a result, artists, journalists, activists, academics and others risk running afoul of the law for what they say, write, or tweet. The owners of this bubble tea shop, who had earlier publicly supported the protests, removed the pro-democracy ephemera that once decorated their store. Post-It notes with messages supporting the protesters Black T-shirts, worn by protesters, became a symbol of the movement This character became an unofficial protest mascot Protest posters SEPTEMBER 2020 Months later, after the national security law had been passed, the shop's owners removed all of the pro-democracy ephemera. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times DECEMBER 2019 This bubble tea shop proudly displayed its support of the protest movement. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Post-It notes with messages supporting the protesters Black T-shirts, worn by protesters, became a symbol of the movement This character became an unofficial protest mascot Protest posters SEPTEMBER 2020 Months later, after the national security law had been passed, the shop's owners removed all of the pro-democracy ephemera. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times DECEMBER 2019 This bubble tea shop proudly displayed its support of the protest movement. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Post-It notes with messages supporting the protesters Black T-shirts, worn by protesters, became a symbol of the movement This character became an unofficial protest mascot Protest posters DECEMBER 2019 This bubble tea shop proudly displayed its support of the protest movement. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times SEPTEMBER 2020 Months later, after the national security law had been passed, the shop's owners removed all of the pro-democracy ephemera. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Post-It notes with messages supporting the protesters Black T-shirts, worn by protesters, became a symbol of the movement This character became an unofficial protest mascot Protest posters DECEMBER 2019 This bubble tea shop proudly displayed its support of the protest movement. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times SEPTEMBER 2020 Months later, after the national security law had been passed, the shop's owners removed all of the pro-democracy ephemera. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Post-It notes with messages supporting the protesters Black T-shirts, worn by protesters, became a symbol of the movement This character became an unofficial protest mascot Protest posters DECEMBER 2019 This bubble tea shop proudly displayed its support of the protest movement. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times SEPTEMBER 2020 Months later, after the national security law had been passed, the shop's owners removed all of the pro-democracy ephemera. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Post-It notes with messages supporting the protesters Black T-shirts, worn by protesters, became a symbol of the movement This character became an unofficial protest mascot Protest posters DECEMBER 2019 This bubble tea shop proudly displayed its support of the protest movement. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times SEPTEMBER 2020 Months later, after the national security law had been passed, the shop's owners removed all of the pro-democracy ephemera. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times One restaurant took down signs in support of the protests and replaced them with Mao-era propaganda posters, giving the Communist Partys calls for revolution back then an ironic modern twist. Leaflets let protesters know when marches would take place Communist Party propaganda replaced protest posters. United Together to Fight for Bigger Victories Right to Revolution! Right to Rebel! I Get Stronger As I Fight, Meanwhile My Enemies Get Weaker Break the Old World; Create a New World. SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Mao-era propaganda posters, a sly criticism after the law was passed. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times JANUARY 2020 Calendars advertising the date and location of upcoming protests were displayed at the entrance of this restaurant. Dai Todum via Google Maps Leaflets let protesters know when marches would take place Communist Party propaganda replaced protest posters. United Together to Fight for Bigger Victories Right to Revolution! Right to Rebel! Break the Old World; Create a New World. JANUARY 2020 Calendars advertising the date and location of upcoming protests were displayed at the entrance of this restaurant. Dai Todum via Google Maps SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Mao-era propaganda posters, a sly criticism after the law was passed. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Leaflets let protesters know when marches would take place Communist Party propaganda replaced protest posters. Break the Old World; Create a New World. Right to Revolution! Right to Rebel! JANUARY 2020 Calendars advertising the date and location of upcoming protests were displayed at the entrance of this restaurant. Dai Todum via Google Maps SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Mao-era propaganda posters, a sly criticism after the law was passed. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Leaflets let protesters know when marches would take place Communist Party propaganda replaced protest posters. Break the Old World; Create a New World. Right to Revolution! Right to Rebel! JANUARY 2020 Calendars advertising the date and location of upcoming protests were displayed at the entrance of this restaurant. Dai Todum via Google Maps SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Mao-era propaganda posters, a sly criticism after the law was passed. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Leaflets let protesters know when marches would take place JANUARY 2020 Calendars advertising the date and location of upcoming protests were displayed at the entrance of this restaurant. Dai Todum via Google Maps Communist Party propaganda replaced protest posters. Break the Old World; Create a New World. Right to Revolution! Right to Rebel! SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Mao-era propaganda posters, a sly criticism after the law was passed. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times Publishers have hastily rewritten sections of textbooks used in a mandatory high school civics course to avoid the appearance of openly criticizing the government. In one book, a publisher removed a cartoon that raised questions about how Hong Kongs leader is chosen by a small committee stacked with supporters of Beijing. We Oppose Small-Circle Elections! The right to nominate candidates This cartoon criticizing the process by which Hong Kongs chief executive is selected has been removed from Hong Kong Today, a textbook used in a high school civics course, in its latest edition. The right to nominate candidates We Oppose Small-Circle Elections! This cartoon criticizing the process by which Hong Kongs chief executive is selected has been removed from Hong Kong Today, a textbook used in a high school civics course, in its latest edition. The right to nominate candidates We Oppose Small-Circle Elections! This cartoon criticizing the process by which Hong Kongs chief executive is selected has been removed from Hong Kong Today, a textbook used in a high school civics course, in its latest edition. Passages about corrupt party officials and the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on democracy protesters, a topic largely taboo in schools in the mainland, have been amended or removed from new textbooks, a Times analysis has found. The enforcement of the new security law in Hong Kongs schools and universities targets the citys younger residents, who played a critical role in months of protests last year. Forty percent of the 10,000 protesters arrested over the past year were students and about one in six were under the age of 18, according to the police. Libraries have removed books written by democracy activists and placed them under review. And writers working on sensitive topics have sought publishers overseas. Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time Top: The book Our Last Evolution, which documented the pro-democracy protests, was published in Taiwan instead of Hong Kong over concerns about the safety of contributors. Left: The publisher of To Freedom: A Year of Defiance in Hong Kong, a collection of essays about the protests, had trouble finding a printer that would put out the book. The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time Top: The book Our Last Evolution, which documented the pro-democracy protests, was published in Taiwan instead of Hong Kong over concerns about the safety of contributors. Left: The publisher of To Freedom: A Year of Defiance in Hong Kong, a collection of essays about the protests, had trouble finding a printer that would put out the book. The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time Top: The book Our Last Evolution, which documented the pro-democracy protests, was published in Taiwan instead of Hong Kong over concerns about the safety of contributors. Left: The publisher of To Freedom: A Year of Defiance in Hong Kong, a collection of essays about the protests, had trouble finding a printer that would put out the book. The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time Top: The book Our Last Evolution, which documented the pro-democracy protests, was published in Taiwan instead of Hong Kongover concerns about the safety of contributors. Left: The publisher of To Freedom: A Year of Defiance in Hong Kong, a collection of essays about the protests, had trouble finding a printer that would put out the book. The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time Top: The book Our Last Evolution, which documented the pro-democracy protests, was published in Taiwan instead of Hong Kong over concerns about the safety of contributors. Bottom left: The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Bottom middle: The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Bottom right: The publisher of To Freedom: A Year of Defiance in Hong Kong, a collection of essays about the protests, had trouble finding a printer that would put out the book. Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time Top: The book Our Last Evolution, which documented the pro-democracy protests, was published in Taiwan instead of Hong Kong over concerns about the safety of contributors. Bottom left: The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Bottom middle: The books I Am Not A Hero by Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, and My Journeys for Food and Justice by Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, were among those removed from library shelves as they were put under review. Bottom right: The publisher of To Freedom: A Year of Defiance in Hong Kong, a collection of essays about the protests, had trouble finding a printer that would put out the book. Raymond Yeung, the publisher of To Freedom: A Year of Defiance in Hong Kong, said three printers in the city refused to produce his book after news of the law emerged. To get the book published, he said, he had to remove photos that included the slogan Liberate Hong Kong and all mentions of independence for Hong Kong. The security law has also sent a chill through Hong Kongs once freewheeling news media. RTHK, the public broadcaster, removed a political podcast from its website after the authorities warned that an interview with Nathan Law, a democracy activist now living abroad, could be in breach of the new law. In August, Jimmy Lai, the publisher of Apple Daily, a local newspaper, was arrested under the law. During a raid at the office of Mr. Lais newspaper, the police selectively barred several news outlets from getting past their cordon. Lau Kwong Shing, an illustrator known for artwork supporting the protests, said he planned to leave Hong Kong, but in the meantime would take a break from explicitly political drawings. Illustrations by Lau Kwong Shing. The artist has said he will refrain from making overtly political works until he can leave Hong Kong. Illustrations by Lau Kwong Shing. The artist has said he will refrain from making overtly political works until he can leave Hong Kong. Staying in Hong Kong could become dangerous, Mr. Lau said. What I illustrate is just an expression of my thoughts, but that might now come with legal consequences. Others have sought creative ways to skirt the law. They carry blank signs or ones with coded messages. They play protest songs but without lyrics. ORIGINAL The government has said that the protest slogan, Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution of Our Times, could be seditious under the security law. A pro-democracy activist raises a banner reading Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time outside a shopping mall on May 1, 2020. Kin Cheung/Associated Press CONVERTED INTO SHAPES Protesters converted the message into shapes and patterns in order to skirt the law. CONVERTED INTO PATTERNS ORIGINAL The government has said that the protest slogan, Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution of Our Times, could be seditious under the security law. A pro-democracy activist raises a banner reading Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time outside a shopping mall on May 1, 2020. Kin Cheung/Associated Press CONVERTED INTO SHAPES Protesters converted the message into shapes and patterns in order to skirt the law. CONVERTED INTO PATTERNS ORIGINAL The government has said that the protest slogan, Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution of Our Times, could be seditious under the security law. A pro-democracy activist raises a banner reading Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time outside a shopping mall on May 1, 2020. Kin Cheung/Associated Press CONVERTED INTO SHAPES Protesters converted the message into shapes and patterns in order to skirt the law. CONVERTED INTO PATTERNS The government has said that the protest slogan, Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution of Our Times, could be seditious under the security law. A pro-democracy activist raises a banner reading Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time outside a shopping mall on May 1, 2020. Kin Cheung/Associated Press Protesters converted the message into shapes and patterns in order to skirt the law. CONVERTED INTO SHAPES CONVERTED INTO PATTERNS The government has said that the protest slogan, Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution of Our Times, could be seditious under the security law A pro-democracy activist raises a banner reading Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time outside a shopping mall on May 1, 2020. Kin Cheung/Associated Press Protesters converted the message into shapes and patterns in order to skirt the law. CONVERTED INTO SHAPES CONVERTED INTO PATTERNS But there are concerns that even such workarounds may be deemed illegal. The police were giving warnings to young protesters holding blank signs, said Claudia Mo, a pro-democracy lawmaker. They are trying to say: If we say youre expressing a criminal opinion, then thats it, because we are the law. President Donald Trump poses with National Guard troops in Lake Charles, La., on Aug. 29, 2020. President Donald Trump poses with National Guard troops in Lake Charles, La., on Aug. 29, 2020. Credit - Roberto SchmidtAFP/Getty Images This article is part of the The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox every weekday. At this point four years ago, then-candidate Donald Trump held a massive lead of 20 points over Hillary Clinton among military voters. This time around, hes struggling to keep up. A new Military Times poll revealed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden leads Trump by about four percentage points among active-duty troops. And that was before todays bombshell report published in the Atlantic. The article outlines a number of instances when President Donald Trump derided U.S. service members, even describing the countrys war dead as losers and suckers. Trump and several top aides have rushed to deny the allegations. Trump told reporters late Thursday that he would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more. That hasnt dampened a backlash on social media among military veterans. Retired Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, a frequent Trump critic, urged Twitter followers to vote against the president, posting a widely shared video in which he relayed a story about how his father was shot down over Vietnam. I am stunned that anybody in the United States military would consider you anything but a loser or a sucker, Eaton said. Youre no patriot. Other veterans posted similar statements in response to the article, which described how Trump cancelled a scheduled visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 because he didnt see a reason why he should honor people who managed to get themselves killed, nor did he want to get rained upon in front of TV cameras. Why should I go to that cemetery? Its filled with losers, the report quoted Trump as saying. Story continues Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the daily D.C. Brief newsletter. Biden, whose late son, Beau Biden, served in Iraq, issued a statement after the Atlantic article was published Thursday that said the comments were yet another sign Trump is unfit for the presidency. If the quotes are true, he said, its another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States. The anonymous allegations in the Atlantic article would hardly be the first time the president, who received five military deferments, one for bone spurs in his heels that kept him out of the Vietnam War, has disparaged the records of military members. As a candidate in 2015, the president said he was no supporter of Sen John McCain, who was held captive in Vietnam for nearly six years after his airplane was shot down over Hanoi. He was a war hero because he was captured, Trump said. I like people who werent captured. Trumps interactions with military families have also come under scrutiny, particularly the question of how he has expressed sympathy for those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Individual parents and partners have come forward to say whether or not the President contacted them directly. Eleven Gold Star families, those who lost loved ones serving the countrys military, wrote a joint letter in 2016 to the then-Republican presidential nominee, accusing him of cheapening the sacrifice of their deceased relatives in the way he responded to the parents of Captain Humayun S.M. Khan, who died in Iraq in 2004. Trump criticized his father and mother after they spoke out against him at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. In total, there are 1.4 million active duty service members, or less than one half of one percent of the U.S. population. But as a barometer of Trumps base, and an indicator of his ability to drive turnout to counter mobilized Democrats across the country, Trumps tanking numbers with the military are a bad sign for his campaign. SHOTLIST SRI LANKASEPTEMBER 3, 2020SOURCE: SRI LANKA NAVYRESTRICTIONS: NO RESALE 1. Zoom in fire ablaze on oil tanker2. Wide shot water released from aircraft3. Wide shot rescue ship attempting to douse fire on oil tanker4. Wide shot water released from aircraft over oil tanker5. Wide shot water released from aircraft over oil tanker6. Tracking shot black smoke rising from oil tanker7. Tracking shot black smoke rising from oil tanker ///-----------------------------------------------------------AFP TEXT STORY: Crewman killed as oil tanker fire rages for second day off Sri Lanka coast =(File Picture+Picture)= Colombo, Sept 4, 2020 (AFP) - A Panamanian-registered oil tanker burned out of control for a second day off Sri Lanka on Friday as authorities confirmed a Filipino crew member was killed in an explosion and fears grew of a major new oil spill in the Indian Ocean.Sri Lankan navy and Indian coastguard vessels fired water cannon at the blaze on the New Diamond, which issued a distress call Thursday after its engine room exploded.A Sri Lankan helicopter was dropping water from the air on the blaze at the rear of the vessel.The fire had not spread to the 270,000 tonnes of crude and 1,700 tonnes of diesel the tanker is carrying, Sri Lanka's navy said."Preliminary information from the ship's crew confirmed that a Filipino seaman on board had died in a boiler explosion," the navy said in a statement. All but one of the 23-member crew -- 18 Filipinos and five Greek nationals -- were rescued on Thursday.The ship's third officer, also a Filipino, had suffered burn injuries and was taken to the Kalmunai hospital, 360 kilometres (225 miles) east of the capital Colombo. His condition was stable, the navy spokesman said. Neighbouring India has sent warships and coastguard vessels to help with the rescue, while Sri Lanka's air force deployed a helicopter to douse the flames.The tanker was about 60 kilometres (38 miles) from Sri Lanka's east coast when it sounded the alert and during the night drifted 10 kilometres closer. Sri Lanka's navy said it believed there was no immediate danger to the coastline but remained concerned about the possibility of oil leaking.The New Diamond is classified as a very large crude carrier (VLCC), and is about 330 metres (1,080 feet) long. The stricken vessel is a third larger than the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which crashed into a reef in Mauritius last month leaking over 1,000 tonnes of oil into the island nation's picturesque waters. The New Diamond had been taking the crude from Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip.aj/am/tw/je ------------------------------------------------------------- The witness said he ran to Azzam Raguragui (18) when he saw he had been injured during the fight, which followed a dispute between two groups of teenagers over a stolen bicycle. I was telling Azzam he was going to make it and he was telling me he was going to die, the witness told prosecution counsel James Dwyer SC. Azzam suffered five stab wounds during the melee and later died in hospital. The 17-year-old accused in the trial, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of Azzam at Finsbury Park, Dundrum on May 10th, 2019. The deceaseds mother broke down in court as her sons final moments were recounted by the witness. Mr Justice Paul McDermott asked the jury to leave and, when he later brought them back into court, told them that the deceased's mother had become "extremely overwrought". He said that cases of this kind generate "real and understandable emotions particularly to those who have suffered loss." Advertisement The judge explained that the court deals with matters in a clinical way, which although appropriate, "brings its own effects and causes emotions to run very high." He asked the jury to put aside emotion and said that while that may seem "aloof or cold" their job is to consider and analyze the facts in a dispassionate way. Dispute The 17-year-old accused, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of 18-year-old Azzam Raguragui at Finsbury Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14 on May 10th, 2019. The court has heard that a row broke out between two groups of teenagers following a dispute over a stolen bicycle. Mr Raguragui suffered five stab wounds during the melee. Earlier on Friday the jury heard from another teenager who was involved in the fight at Finsbury Park. The witness said that he was with Azzam and a group of friends in Dundrum. He said there had been a dispute with friends of the accused over a stolen bike and later that evening he was with his friends in Finsbury Park when the accused and others approached. The two groups talked for a time but then Mr Raguragui and a member of the other group walked away from the main group. They were talking privately, he said, when the other boy "boxed" Mr Raguragui in the forehead. The witness said a fight broke out and in the middle of the fight he saw Mr Raguragui on the ground trying to kick the accused while the accused stabbed Mr Raguragui. He added: "He couldn't do much because he was getting stabbed but he was backing away on his back and his legs kicking." The fight ended suddenly and the witness ran to his friend and waited for an ambulance to arrive. He said: "It is like you're in a dream that really did not happen." After the ambulance had left he went to a local mosque, believing Azzam would recover and they would have a laugh about it all later. When he found out that night that Azzam was dead he was "shocked". "None of us thought that Azzam was going to die," he said. "When we got the news I was just shook. I couldn't accept it. I didn't want to accept it." Under cross examination the witness denied a suggestion by Michael Bowman SC for the defence that he and his friends at the mosque agreed to say that the first punch was thrown by a member of the accused's group. He insisted that the fight broke out after Azzam was punched. The trial continues in front of Mr Justice McDermott and a jury of six men and six women. ICC condemns "unprecedented, serious" U.S. economic sanctions People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:50, September 03, 2020 THE HAGUE, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- International Criminal Court (ICC) condemns the economic sanctions imposed by the United States on the court's prosecutor and a member of her Office, ICC said on Wednesday in a press release. "These coercive acts, directed at an international judicial institution and its civil servants, are unprecedented and constitute serious attacks against the Court, the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice, and the rule of law more generally," said the ICC. The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and a senior staff member in her office for continuing to investigate war crimes allegations against Americans. The sanctions include a freeze on assets held in the United States or subject to U.S. law, according to foreign media. O-Gon Kwon, president of the Assembly of States Parties of the ICC, also condemned the sanctions, saying that he strongly rejects "such unprecedented and unacceptable measures against a treaty-based international organization." "They only serve to weaken our common endeavor to fight impunity for mass atrocities," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Billionaire Justin Hemmes, 48, is dating model Madeline Holtnazgel, 24, more than two years after confirming his split from designer, Kate Fowler. And according to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, the pub baron's new girlfriend has 'moved into his beachfront apartment in Sydney's Coogee'. The publication understands Justin purchased the three-bedroom property six years ago for $2.1million. Love nest? According to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, model Madeline Holtznagel (pictured), 24, has 'moved into' billionaire boyfriend Justin Hemmes' $2.1million beachfront apartment in Sydney's Coogee It is also believed the father-of-two resides in his family's Vaucluse mansion, visiting Madeline at the Coogee abode. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Justin Hemmes for comment. Justin was spotted aboard his luxury jet Bombardier Challenger last Saturday, celebrating his birthday week with Madeline and several of their friends. When asked about his new romance with the youthful stunner, a coy Justin told The Daily Telegraph: 'We hang out a bit.' Reports: It is understood Justin resides in his family's Vaucluse mansion, visiting Madeline at the Coogee abode (pictured) New romance: When asked about his new romance with the youthful stunner, a coy Justin (left), 48, told The Daily Telegraph last week: 'We hang out a bit' With her stunning features and her sizzling Instagram feed, it's no wonder Justin took a liking to Madeline - who is the younger sister of Australia's Next Top Model finalist Simone Holtznagel. Madeline was one of the four models who was permitted by Justin to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic at his $60million mansion in Sydney's Vaucluse. The businessman himself stayed in the country at another of his properties with his two young daughters, Alexa, four, and Saachi, three. Justin shares his two children with his ex-partner Kate Fowler, 29, who he announced he had split from in July 2018. Loving life: The property tycoon was spotted aboard his luxury jet Bombardier Challenger last Saturday, celebrating his birthday week with Madeline and several of their friends Genetically blessed: With her stunning features and her sizzling Instagram feed, it's no wonder Justin took a liking to Madeline - who is the younger sister of Australia's Next Top Model finalist Simone Holtznagel Kate is the older sister of Victoria's Secret supermodel Georgia Fowler. The Merivale boss told The Sydney Morning Herald at the time: 'Kate and I have the utmost love and respect for each other. 'At the beginning of 2018, Kate and I decided our friendship and respect for family life would become the focus of our relationship,' he continued. 'We love our children dearly and for now, continue to live together happily in our family home. Home: Madeline was one of the four models who was permitted by Justin to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic at his $60million mansion in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Vaucluse 'Kate is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful woman. As for what the future holds, I am not sure.' In August 2018, it was claimed Justin was dating a then-single Australia's Next Top Model star Montana Cox. The brunette beauty denied the reports, telling The Sydney Morning Herald that they are 'just friends'. tech2 News Staff "I think this is going to blow your mind!" says Elon Musk in an hour-long webcast where the billionaire entrepreneur showcased three pig with brain chips in them. The event was supposed to be a product demonstration however, one won't be able to buy any of the products as yet since human trials still need to be conducted. Last year, in a live-streamed event, Musk had a brown and white rat that had a wire attached to its head and transmitted its thoughts to a computer where one could see and hear the crackle of its neurons. The chip was also tested on a monkey that could control a computer with its brain. These crazy animal displays are for Musk's relatively new neuroscience start-up called Neuralink that only went public last year. Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk along with a team of eight other people the company is based out of San Francisco. The start-up wants to make devices that will be implanted into a person's brain and will be able to treat serious brain diseases like Alzheimers, dementia and help paraplegic people. They are also looking into human enhancement where human brains will be able to communicate with computers and fuse humankind with artificial intelligence During the Livestream, Musk showcased the implant and described it as "a Fitbit in your skull with tiny wires". The chip is 23 millimetres in diameter and according to a report by BBC, Musk said that the original Neuralink device, had been simplified and made smaller. The Neuralink implants place wires or what they call threads into the brain. These threads are extremely flexible and are four to six m in width which is thinner than a human hair. According to a report by MIT, the device - which is called a link- is about as thick as the human skull and would 'plop neatly onto the surface of the brain through a drill hole that could then be sealed with superglue. "It actually fits quite nicely in your skull. It could be under your hair and you wouldn't know," he said. He hinted that he could have a chip inserted in his head. "I could have a Neuralink right now and you wouldnt know... Maybe I do." Neuralink is also developing a machine that will automatically embed these threads into the human brain. These threads will be able to transfer high volumes of data as many as 3,072 electrodes per array distributed across 96 threads, states a paper credited to Musk and Neuralink. Three little pigs Musk had a sense of humour on stage when he called on the pigs for a three little pigs demo. From the three pigs, Gertrude is the only pig that currently has an implant. Dorothy had an implant but it was removed and Joyce does not have an implant at all. He said that they were healthy, happy and indistinguishable from a normal pig. Gertrude has had her implant for two months and according to a report by Reuters, is in the part of its brain that controls the snout. She needed some coaxing to appear on camera but soon began eating off of a stool and sniffing straw. This triggered spikes on a graph that tracked the animals neural activity. Dorathy the pig is supposed to show reversibility which Musk explained that if someone wanted to remove the link, they should be able to live a healthy, normal life after that as well. On previous occasion Musk said that human trials would begin by the end of this year however, Musk avoided giving any actual dates or timelines which he could be held to. Matthew MacDougall, a neurosurgeon that works with the company, was cautious when he said that Neuralink was considering implanting the chip in a paralyzed person so that they could type on a computer or form words. Musk was a lot more optimistic and went a step further when he said, I think long-term you can restore someone full-body motion (with the chip)." Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 00:04:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MUSCAT, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Omani health ministry on Thursday announced 256 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the sultanate to 86,380, the official Oman News Agency (ONA) reported. Meanwhile, 824 people recovered during the past 24 hours, taking the overall number of recoveries to 81,828, while 16 new deaths were reported, raising the tally to 705, according to a ministry's statement quoted by ONA. The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee and the ministry of health, as well as staying home and avoiding unnecessary going out. Enditem A new 10 million fund to help farmers and crofters buy new equipment is set to launch as part of Scotland's recovery from Covid-19. The fund has been unveiled as part of the Scottish government's drive to put the rural economy at the centre of the post-Covid recovery plan. The Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) is a pilot and will run for five weeks. It will offer grants of up to 20,000 for farmers and crofters to purchase new equipment. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said farmers and crofters were eager to contribute to Scotland's climate change ambitions. "Helping them to change their practice by ensuring they have access to the right equipment, tools and knowledge is key," he added. These investments will also help support and create jobs and opportunities across the rural economy, including in remote and island communities. He said the scheme was part of a wider 160 million investment in forestry and agriculture. This includes an additional 100 million to increase new planting, alongside 30 million to Forestry and Land Scotland to expand national forests and land. A further 20 million has also been allocated to increase the supply of young trees. Whats new: The boss of internet giant ByteDance Ltd. has gained a much sought-after payment license by taking over all the shares of an online payment firm, public business records (link in Chinese) showed in late August. The online payment company named Wuhan Hezhong Epro Technology Co. Ltd., formerly owned by a Beijing company, is now wholly controlled by a Tianjin-based e-commerce company owned by ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming. Zhang has been mired in trouble over the past weeks, as the U.S. government has urged ByteDance to sell the U.S. operations of its short video app TikTok. Whats the background: Founded in 2012, the Wuhan-based firm obtained an online payment license (link in Chinese) from Chinas central bank in 2014. It mainly provides payment tools for e-commerce and internet finance, among other industries. In recent years, Chinas internet and tech giants have been looking to expand their business in financial services, ranging from payments to online lending, to generate more revenue and profit as growth in their core businesses slows. In the mobile payment sector, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s Alipay and Tencent Holding Ltd.s WeChat Pay have built up an unassailable lead. The two largest Chinese online mobile payment providers held over 90% of the third-party mobile payment market in recent years, according to (link in Chinese) Chinese data analysis firm Analysys. Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. Related: In Depth: Trumps WeChat, TikTok Ban Orders Upset Markets, Breed Confusion In Depth: Upstart ByteDance Takes On Chinas Internet Goliaths Contact editor Heather Mowbray (heathermowbray@caixin.com) Support quality journalism in China. Subscribe to Caixin Global starting at $0.99. After all the months of planning and preparation, a new school year is under way for most Connecticut students, or will be shortly. As students, teachers and staff get used to innovations such as plastic barriers and mask breaks, the important work of educating a new year of students is ready to begin in earnest. No one knows quite what to expect. In a best-case scenario, infection rates will remain low, everyone will be safe and something resembling a regular school year will be allowed to proceed. Given how the last six months have gone, no one is counting on that. Even in our current situation, where Connecticut remains in a good position on coronavirus infections compared with the rest of the nation, there are going to be cases and there are going to be outbreaks. The precautions that have been put into place cant stop that, except maybe in districts that have opted for online-only instruction. The key will be how schools deal with it. The only way it will work is to be upfront. That doesnt mean releasing information only to staff that then leaks out to the public and fuels rumors around town. It means district officials taking ownership of whatever happens and getting information to the public on coronavirus cases as soon as its available. An example of what is going to happen around the state can be found in Greenwich, where officials confirmed this week that three staff members in the public school system are quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19, and a fourth who was exposed to the virus is also in quarantine. The school system is following public health guidelines as to the effect on classrooms, but since students had not yet returned at the time the cases were discovered, the wider public was not initially told. With school back in session, those rules are going to have to change. School plans are more than likely going to be in flux. Some districts that have started in a hybrid model say they will reassess after a few weeks and potentially move to full-time in-school learning. More likely is that schools will have to go in the other direction, increasing distance learning as COVID cases increase. Teachers need to feel safe. While anyone can contract the virus, it is more likely to be a health hazard for older people and those with other medical conditions. That doesnt mean children are without risk, since there have been serious cases reported among young people around the country, as well. But it is faculty and staff who tend to have the greatest worries. Adapting to this new normal requires everyone to have the most up-to-date information. Even if administrators wrongly think it reflects badly on them to have cases in their town, everyone needs to be kept up to speed. Officials will need to be flexible and act quickly as situations inevitably change. Its a cliche to say the only constant is change, but its undeniably true this school year. The only way forward is to keep everyone informed. Coillte has released new figures revealing that there was a large increase in visitor numbers to some recreation forests in Kilkenny. Two of Coilltes recreation forests in Kilkenny, Jenkinstown and Coill na Fhaltaigh, track visitor numbers and these recorded 29,372 visitors between June and August. This was a significant increase on visitor numbers in April and May, during the height of Covid-19 travel restrictions. During March and April 2020, when Covid restrictions were at their most limiting, Coillte saw a large drop in visitor numbers as non-essential travel was restricted. However, since travel restrictions were lifted on June 19, visitors have begun returning to Coilltes forests across Ireland. Coillte is Irelands leading provider of outdoor recreation activities in Ireland with more than 3,000 kilometres of trails, 260 recreation sites and 12 forest parks across the country. Imelda Hurley, Chief Executive of Coillte said: Since restrictions were eased and people could move more than five kilometres from their homes, we, unsurprisingly, saw an immediate large increase in visitor numbers. In fact, there was a significant increase in visitor numbers in two of Coilltes Kilkenny recreation forests since lockdown restrictions were eased in June, Jenkinstown and Coill na Fhaltaigh. This continued, steady increase is heartening for all of those who cherish our amenities. Access to nature is very important for the body, mind and spirit and that is why we work hard to maintain our tracks, parks and outdoor recreational facilities across Kilkenny. We ask that visitors continue to adhere to the social distancing rule of two metres when meeting others outside of their household, as well as the other guidelines on outdoor gatherings announced by the Government. I want to thank the public for adhering to the Governments travel restrictions during the Covid-19 lockdown. If we continue to remain vigilant, we can all play our own part in protecting our communities. In the last 24 hours, India has reported a spike of 83,341 new cases and 1096 deaths. The total number of Covid-19 cases in India now stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated and 68,472 deaths. With the highest single-day spike of 83,883 new coronavirus cases, Indias coronavirus case count crossed 38.50 lakh on Thursday. The death toll reached 67,376 after 1,043 more persons succumbed to the disease in the last 24 hours. The Health Ministry said that the count of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 38,53,407 including 8,15,538 active cases and 29,70,493 cured/discharged/migrated patients. Maharashtra reported 391 deaths and 18,105 new cases of coronavirus today. The total number of reported cases in the state is 8,43,844 including 6,12,484 recovered patients, 2,05,428 active cases and 25,586 deaths. Tamil Nadu reported 5,892 new COVID-19 cases, 6,110 discharges and 92 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking active cases to 52,070, discharges to 3,86,173 and death toll to 7,608. Delhis COVID-19 case count reached 1,82,306 with 2,737 new cases and 19 deaths reported today. The numbers of active and recovered cases are 17,692 and 1,60,114 respectively. The death toll is 4,500, as per the Delhi Government. In Uttar Pradesh, 5,776 new cases, 4,448 recovered cases and 76 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases stands at 2,47,101 in the state including 57,598 active cases, 1,85,812 recovered cases and 3,691 deaths. Also Read: After Pangong Tso bid fails, China seeks meet with Rajnath Singh at SCO meet in Russia Also Read: Amid tensions with China, India to host Quad meet, 2+2 dialogue Madhya Pradesh reported 30 deaths and 1,672 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases in the state is now 68,586 including 14,888 active cases, 52,215 recoveries and 1,483 deaths. Karnataka reported 8,865 new cases, 7,122 recoveries and 104 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total count of cases has gone up to 3,70,206 including 2,68,035 recoveries and 6,054 deaths. The number of active cases stands at 96,098. In Kerala, 10 deaths and 1,553 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today. So far, 57,732 persons have been cured in the state, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. Andhra Pradesh reported 10,199 new coronavirus cases, 9,499 recoveries and 75 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 4,65,730 including 3,57,829 recoveries and 4,200 deaths. The number of active cases stands at 1,03,701, according to state Health Department. Gujarat reported 1,325 positive cases of COVID-19 and 16 deaths in the last 24 hours. With this, the states case count has gone up to 1,00,375 including 16,131 active cases, 81,180 discharges and 3,064 deaths. Punjab reported 1,527 new cases today. The total count of cases in the state is now 58,515 including 15,554 active cases, 41,271 discharged patients and 1,690 deaths. Manipur recorded 102 new COVID-19 cases taking total reported count to 6,609 including 32 deaths, 4,774 recoveries and 1,803 active cases. Goa reported 713 new cases and states count of cases has gone up to 19,355 including 4,782 active cases, 14,361 recovered cases and 212 deaths. Uttarakhand reported 946 new coronavirus cases taking total cases to 22,180 including 14,945 recoveries and 300 deaths. Jammu and Kashmir reported 1,079 new COVID-19 cases, 680 recoveries and 11 deaths today, taking the total count of cases to 39,943, including 30,759 recoveries and 743 deaths. The number of active cases stands at 8,441. Also Read: Covid-19: Five states account for 62% of active cases, says Govt Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:37:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The collapse of the central government in Somalia in the early 1990s affected farming adversely as extension services and export of produce came to a halt. Nevertheless, local farmers like Abdurrahman Hassan Yusuf have adopted modern food production systems to beat hunger and malnutrition amid COVID-19 related disruptions. The university student who is based in Somalia capital of Mogadishu is currently a celebrated greenhouse farmer who has ensured that households have an adequate supply of fresh produce. "After the onset of COVID-19 which resulted in closures and cuts in imports, prices of goods including tomatoes shot up. The tomatoes I grow (plum tomatoes) are imported from Kenya and Ethiopia since they are not cultivated locally," Yusuf told Xinhua during an interview on Thursday. Yusuf said that COVID-19 related restrictions jolted him into action, adding that there was an opportunity to fill the import gap and so he decided to put up a greenhouse which is known to yield more than the conventional open farming system. "At first, I was worried that my project would not succeed because I had seen other people who had started such ventures but they collapsed," Yusuf said at his farm in Daynile district, located on the outskirts of Mogadishu. Somalia youth hardly take up farming owing to stereotypes and lack of capital. But for Yusuf, having acquired the knowledge in his ongoing agricultural studies, it was time to give it a try. "I convinced myself that I have the knowledge that they didn't and then got started," said Yusuf He said his farm produces 500 kilograms of plum tomatoes per week which are sold in markets across Mogadishu. The amount is however a fraction of the demand especially during the COVID-19 period which has seen a decline in imports. "This is the first step and we hope to work hard and add other greenhouses since we have established that the market is quite receptive," Yusuf said. Ahmed Hassan, a distributor of the tomatoes said local clients have been receptive to the fresh produce thanks to its high nutritional value. "People in the market are very positive about our produce. They used to complain about damaged tomatoes imported from abroad but now they get fresh tomatoes from the local farms," said Hassan. Somalis mainly use cherry tomatoes which are grown locally but with the introduction of new varieties, the market is very receptive. Though COVID-19 may have occasioned this new opportunity for Hassan, it too has presented its own downsides. "We buy the seeds from abroad and since there were no international flights coming in, we were forced to use UN flights which cost us a lot of money," said Hassan. Prior to the resumption of international flights last month, the price of a kilogram of imported tomatoes stood at 5 U.S. dollars but it has since dropped to an average of 2 U.S. dollars. "Setting up the business cost us a couple of thousand dollars. We are now projecting to expand our farm and increase the number of crops we cultivate," said Yusuf. Initiatives such as Hassan's are gradually turning the tide in relation to food security in Somalia. The UN announced last week that some 3.5 million in Somalia are food insecure and warns the number could rise owing to projected poor harvests. According to Hassan, there are immense opportunities in the agricultural sector in Somalia which the youth can tap into, to reduce unemployment which the UN estimates hovers around 70 percent. However, lack of capital and technical know-how to run a farm like that of Hassan remains an impediment to many youths amid their desire to take up food production as a full-time venture. Enditem Trump admin. grants $1M to Kenosha Police, $4M to businesses damaged from rioters Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Trump administration will be granting $1 million to the Kenosha Police Department in support of their efforts to defuse the current unrest in the city, according to remarks made by President Donald Trump while visiting Kenosha on Tuesday. Trump told reporters that he will also be granting $4 million to small business recovery for those businesses that have suffered damages from the riots, and $42 million statewide to advance law enforcement efforts. President Trump announces federal aid to Kenosha: - million to Kenosha law enforcement - million to support the small businesses that have suffered - million to support public safety statewidepic.twitter.com/NRsy7BK5pc Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 1, 2020 "We must give far greater support to our law enforcement. Its all about giving them additional support. These are great people. ... These are brave people. Theyre fighting to save people that they never met before, in many cases. And theyre incredible. We must really be thankful that we have them, and we have to help them do their jobs," Trump said. The president traveled to Kenosha to observe the damage from the riots that followed the shooting of Jacob Blake on Aug. 23. Following the tour of the damages, Trump held a roundtable conference joined by Attorney General William Barr, acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wold, Senator Ron Johnson, Congressman Bryan Steil, Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth, Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis, and others. During the conference, Trump asked a pastor to pray for the current situation in Kenosha. "Father, we ask you to forgive us all when weve strayed from your ways and where weve not acknowledged your word. We ask that you would continue to cause this nation to be one nation, under God," Pastor James Ward of Insight Church prayed. Trump described the root of the violence as a message driven by reckless far-left politicians. "To stop the political violence we must also confront the radical ideology that includes this violence. Reckless far-left politicians continue to push the destructive message that our nation and our law enforcement are oppressive or racist they'll throw out any word that comes to them," he said at the roundtable. "We have to condemn the dangerous, anti-police rhetoric." Trump also expressed some sympathy toward police, saying they could have a long "spotless" record but make one "wrong decision" in "a quarter of a second." "Theyre under tremendous pressure. And they may be there for 15 years and have a spotless record. And all of a sudden, theyre faced with a decision. They have a quarter of a second quarter of a second to make a decision. And if they make a wrong decision, one way or the other, theyre either dead or theyre in big trouble. And people have to understand that. They choke sometimes. And its a very tough situation, right? Then people call them 'bad' and 'horrible,'" he said. Blake, 29, was shot seven times in the back by a Wisconsin police officer. He survived but is paralyzed from the waist down, his family said. The Wisconsin Department of Justice, which is investigating the shooting, said officers were dispatched to a residence "after a female caller reported that her boyfriend was present and was not supposed to be on the premises." Officers tried to arrest Blake but after two unsuccessful taser attempts, Blake "walked around his vehicle, opened the drivers side door, and leaned forward. While holding onto Mr. Blakes shirt, Officer Rusten Sheskey fired his service weapon 7 times." Blake admitted afterward during the investigation that he had a knife in his possession. A knife was recovered from the drivers side floorboard of his vehicle. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Blake was trying to intervene in a domestic incident and that his children were in the vehicle when the shooting happened. He argued that Blake was racially profiled. The conversation around the Kenosha riots increased one week ago when 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse shot three rioters, killing two and injuring one, after they chased him down and attacked him. Trump commented on Rittenhouse at a White House press conference on Monday and erred on the side of Rittenhouses defense, saying he was trying to get away from them, referring to the mob who was chasing the armed teenager. He was trying to get away from them, I guess it looks like, and he fell and then they very violently attacked him, and it was something that we are looking at right now and its under investigation. But I guess he was in very big trouble. He probably wouldve been killed. Its under investigation. " " This big fella would definitely limit your time adrift at sea. Stephen Frink/ Getty Images There are many hazards in the ocean if you're sailing or power boating in perfectly sound vessels. If your boat was suddenly rendered useless or capsized, and you had to make do in a life raft, those dangers increase while your chances of survival decrease. Here are the three things most likely to give you trouble: Dehydration: This is going to be your biggest foe. Chances are, if you're stranded in a boat, life raft or just floating in your wetsuit, you won't have a large amount of fresh drinking water stowed away, if any. And, drinking seawater is never a good idea. Most doctors agree that humans can go four to eight weeks without food as long as they have water [source: professorshouse.com]. In hot conditions with no water, dehydration can set in within an hour. We lose water in many ways -- through sweat, feces, urine and even breathing. This water needs to be replaced if our organs are going to continue to work properly. If you're in reasonable shape and adrift in ideal weather conditions, you may be able to survive for three to five days without any water at all. You can read more about the symptoms of dehydration in How long can you go without food and water? Advertisement Hypothermia: Unless you're in the Caribbean, chances are you'll be in some pretty cold water. For this reason, hypothermia is another thing to watch out for if you're adrift at sea. Hypothermia is when your body loses more heat than it produces and your core body temperature drops. If your boat went down, you're probably going to be wet, even if you managed to make it into your raft. Getting wet will speed up the symptoms of hypothermia. To combat this, dry yourself as soon as possible. Cover up with anything warm -- blankets, sleeping bags or pillows. Most heat is lost through your head, so cover it first. If you're with someone and you suspect hypothermia has set in, keep them horizontal and calm -- reassure them that they're going to be fine. Get into a sleeping bag together or simply hug to create warmth. You can read more about hypothermia and its symptoms in How to Avoid Hypothermia. Sharks: If you've made it through starvation, dehydration and hypothermia, you still need to worry about sea creatures, especially if you're floating in a life vest or wetsuit. Sharks don't mean any harm, but if they're hungry they may mistake you for dinner and take a bite. You may be able to fend off a shark if you punch it in its nose area, gouge its eyes or pull its gills. Of course, if you're floating neck-deep in the ocean, you'll probably be pretty exhausted, and unfortunately the probability of fighting off a hungry shark isn't too great. But there's always a chance these defensive techniques could work, so it's worth a try. If you're in a life raft or a disabled boat, do your best to stay in it. You can read more about shark defense tactics in Can I survive a shark attack by gouging out its eyes?. On the next page, we'll look at three different open water scenarios and determine how long you might be able to survive each one. Lake Countys positivity rate the percentage of tests for the virus which are positive was 5.1 percent Aug. 9, and 5.9 percent Wednesday. Pfister said there are a variety of reasons for the climb which is one of the metrics used to determine if an area is placed on alert. Counter-drone tech and state-of-the-art radar for the RAF RAF Typhoons are to be equipped with next generation radar thanks to a 317 million investment, Defence Minister Jeremy Quin today announced. 3 September 2020 The new contract will secure over 600 jobs and make sure the UK remains at the forefront of radar technology development. The RAF is also one step closer in bringing its ORCUS technology into force, which can jam radio signals from drones and has already been successfully deployed during drone sightings at airports. Confirming the news at the Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2020 event, the Minister, said: "It is vital that our Armed Forces are equipped with the latest technology to counter emerging threats from our adversaries." "Today we announce the investment in the latest in radar technology for our fighter jets and pioneering new defence systems to counter threats from drones. This demonstrates our commitment to maintaining security in the air whilst supporting highly-skilled jobs across the UK." Typhoon radar Typhoon aircraft will be equipped with next-generation radar thanks to 317 million investment that will allow it to locate, identify and suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming. The integration of the new European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2, which is based on Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, will provide a capability edge in the increasingly contested battlespace. Currently fitted with mechanically-scanning radar, the Typhoon is designed to be continuously upgraded to meet operational demand no matter the challenge or threat. The ECRS Mk2 will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground in the most challenging environments. Planned to be in service by the mid-2020s, the radar development programme will sustain hundreds of highly skilled jobs, including more than 300 at Leonardo's Edinburgh site and 100 at their Luton site; 120 at BAE Systems' site in Lancashire and 100 at their site in Dunfermline, Fife; and 50 at sub-contractor Meggitt in Stevenage. Counter-drone technology The Royal Air Force's SYNERGIA counter-drone research and development programme has reached a significant milestone with the ORCUS counter-drone capability achieving initial operating capability (IOC). IOC was achieved after ORCUS completed successful testing of a full range of integrated detect, track, ID, and defeat technologies. Vital to protecting UK air bases from hostile drone activity, ORCUS will enable the RAF to evaluate a range of capabilities including advanced radar, electro-optic and radio frequency sensors, plus an electronic attack countermeasure. The device looks similar to a camera module placed on top of a tripod, allowing for unparalleled versatility in operations. The technology is part of the RAF's Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) research and development programme with Leonardo to establish the most effective way to detect, track, identify and defeat hostile drones. Elements of Leonardo's C-UAS equipment played a supporting role in RAF Force Protection in 2018 and 2019, following drone sightings at Gatwick and Heathrow airports, allowing airport operations to resume. The current phase of the programme, which started in 2019, supports more than 50 highly skilled jobs with over 20 at Leonardo, with the primary integration work undertaken at its Basildon and Southampton sites and real-time testing taking place at several MOD locations within the UK. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 57 times, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding 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 It has now come to the attention of the parties that at least the computer that was analyzed that evidence did not predate the death of the decedent, but rather was obtained or accessed after the death of the decedent, Delury said while delivering his decision. Its an important point. In addition, there are concerns about the chain of custody of the blood drawn during the investigation. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Saverio Carroccia asked that Scheid remained detained, but also gave a list of recommended conditions if Delury decided to release her. In the grand scheme of the entire case, where we sit right now, it is a sliver of proof that the state no longer has, he said. Specifically, it is the drug research obtained from the forensic analysis of Miss Scheids computer post-dates the victims death rather than predates. As conditions of her release, Scheid must be fitted with an electronic monitoring device, which may not be available until Wednesday. The Cannabis Corner is a weekly series in the Pioneer designed to give readers a look at the individuals working in the Big Rapids marijuana industry. Those featured will give readers their perspectives on the cannabis community in a Meet Your Neighbor-type Q&A. Name: Ashley King Age: 35 Hometown: South Carolina Occupation: Lumenary at Lume Cannabis Co. in Big Rapids 1. What first got you interested in the marijuana industry? King: I have migraines. Using marijuana has helped my migraines so when I had an opportunity, after the quarantine, to apply for this job I jumped right on it because I knew it was a growing industry. 2. What is the best part of your job? King: Talking to the patients and the customers and getting to know them. Im out there talking to them about their needs, their wants and ways I can help and getting to know them on a personal level. 3. What makes Big Rapids a great city for a marijuana business? King: Its a great hub off of U.S. 131. People stop here on their way to travel to different locations and it brings people to the downtown area. People stop to their vacation spots and we notice a lot of people ask what are some nice restaurants to eat at or places to shop. Big Rapids is a good place for a marijuana business because it brings in other people from outside the community. Those people spend money in our little town. Its also good for the college town. 4. Whats your advice to somebody interested in trying marijuana for the first time? King:Start slow. Ask questions and dont be afraid to try new things. 5. What are your 3 favorite marijuana strains? King: Jenny Kush, Gorilla Glue, and Lightsaber. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti at the White House in Washington, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Leah Millis/Reuters) Trump Oversees Historic Kosovo-Serbia Economic Deal President Donald Trump on Friday oversaw the signing of a landmark, U.S.-brokered deal between Serbia and Kosovo, with the two countries agreeing to normalize economic relations after decades of conflict, which special envoy Richard Grenell said was made possible thanks to Trumps outsider perspective. Trump looked on as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovos Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti put their signatures on the Belgrade-Pristina agreement in the Oval Office, with Trump hailing the deal as historic and saying he looked forward to visiting the two countries soon. Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalization, Trump said. By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a major breakthrough. Serbias president said in a tweet: We reached a good deal & took a step forward. Its essential to address these relations through an agreement coordinated with the worlds greatest power & to address the economy above all. Kosovos former prime minister and leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, said in a tweet: Kosovo is blessed by the friendship with the United States of America. This was once again proven today with the signing of the agreement led by the @WhiteHouse. Advisor to the President on Serbia-Kosovo Richard Grenell said at a press briefing that political talks between the two countries had been stuck for decades and in a bid to break the deadlock, Trump brought an outsider perspective and proposed to find areas of mutual agreement on economic matters and, from that, build towards a political understanding. The only way that this agreement could have happened is from an outsider, he said. All of the insiders in Washington said, Youre not talking about recognition, youre not talking about this symbolic word. And what we tried to do is ignore that and from an outsider perspective, go in and dig deep. Calling the deal truly historic, Grenell said that the way that this came about is that the politics were stuck. Everybody knows that weve been fighting and talking about the same thing for decades. They have been fighting about the same symbolism, words, verbs, adjectives. Its been a nightmare. What President Trump said to me was, Theyre fighting politically about everything. Why dont we give it a try to do something different and creative, why not try to do economics first and let the politics follow the economics, Grenell said, adding that both sides proved eager to adopt this approach. As part of the deal, Serbia agreed to move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, while Israel and Kosovo, which has a large Muslim majority, agreed to mutual recognition. Fridays announcement came after two days of high-level talks among the leaders and senior Trump aides, and follows close on the heels of last months historic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to normalize relations. Sceptics argue that while the deal may be an avenue for much-needed economic growth, Kosovos economy is too small to matter enough to Serbia for it to be enough of an incentive for Belgrade to agree to recognize Kosovar independence, a precondition for Serbias future membership in the European Union. No matter the scope of the administrations economic deal unveiled this week, it will not transform relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Unlike the UAEs and Israels matched economies, Kosovos economy is simply too small to matter to its larger neighbor, wrote Edward P. Joseph, who served for a dozen years in the Balkans, including as Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. In an op-ed in Foreign Policy, Joseph argued that, [a] standing U.S.-EU-NATO dialogue on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights would strengthen international norms against secession, creating space for full recognition of Kosovo by all EU and NATO members. This would open the door for Pristinas accession to NATO, circumventing the Russo-Chinese UN Security Council veto and closing the Kosovo question. Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a NATO-led bombing campaign to curtail ethnic warfare. A top EU official on Monday said EU-led negotiations, which broke down in 2018 but resumed in July, could lead to a deal within months. Reuters contributed to this report. Time to revise labor laws to global standard The Supreme Court ruled Thursday it was illegal to outlaw the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) because it allowed nine dismissed teachers to gain membership. The court said it was unconstitutional to deny the fired workers the right to join a union, because it infringed on labor's three primary rights. With the recent decision, the court overturned the lower court's ruling, sending it back for review. This has also paved the way for the KTU to regain its legal status. In 2013, the former Park Geun-hye government outlawed the progressive teachers' union in an apparent bid to prevent it from carrying out anti-government activities The Park administration relentlessly tried to disable the union as the progressive body had been waging "ideological warfare" against the conservative government. In the course of getting legal rights, numerous KTU members were dismissed or jailed. We welcome the court's ruling in that it honors the workers' right to engage in union activities regardless of employment status. It has been stupid to deny some 60,000 KTU members the right to participate in legal activities over the admission of a handful of fired workers. Opposition has flared over the court decision. Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party issued a statement Thursday, saying: "The judiciary itself has destroyed the principle of independence." They also asserted that the ruling runs counter to the past Constitutional Court's ruling against the KTU. The KTU was founded in 1989 with the motto of promoting "appropriate education," amid growing public expectations and support. In 1999, it acquired legal status after a relevant bill was passed by the National Assembly. But it began to be involved in a "political" struggle against the government, causing public disappointment. If the KTU had refrained from this, the Park administration might not have attempted to outlaw it. The KTU needs to take a lesson from the past to be reborn as a union that fights for teachers' rights. Riding on the court ruling, KTU members should endeavor to focus on the realization of appropriate education by casting off their outdated ideological inclination. The government submitted a motion to the National Assembly in July that sought to guarantee the right of dismissed workers to join unions, in accordance with the principle of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The ILO has repeatedly called on the nation to revise its Labor Law, citing the lack of protection for union members. It is time for the nation to closely cooperate with the international community and revise labor-related laws that have been the target of criticism for failing to meet global standards. Description "Serving countless newlyweds in Hong Kongs go-to one-stop-shop of cheap wedding supplies doesnt exempt Fong from social pressure to marry. Since nodding to Edwards proposal, she has been pushed beyond limits by unaffordable housing, archaic customs, and intrusive in-laws. What befuddles her further is the reappearance of Shuwei, a mainlander shes supposed to be divorced from out of a sham marriage that solved her coming-of-age hardship. Zeroing in on nuts and bolts of modern marriage, My Prince Edward pokes around fixated correlations of freedom with relationship status and geographic residence. Like a breath of fresh air out of the breathless space it navigates, the delightful gem contributes a rare humane take on the worldly metropolis's divisions with humor and wisdom. As Fong redefines her best life and writer-director Norris Wong reclaims her home city's narrative from outsiders, the profound thrills sparked by their courage will make you wholeheartedly cheer for a womans independence and Hong Kong cinemas rejuvenation. (2019, Hong Kong, 88 min., In Cantonese & Mandarin with English Subtitles | dir. Norris Wong)" Cinema Arts Centre PHILIPSBURG:--- Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is once again appealing to the community of Sint Maarten to be prepared as the country is now in the peak period of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Continue to remain vigilant and monitor daily weather reports from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com An average Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. The 2020 season is like no other and has already seen the 15th named storm form. According to forecasters, the 15th named storm like the other storms with letters C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O, have all formed ahead of the other storms on record. There are only six names left in the English alphabet this year for storm names. The World Meteorological Organization will transition to the Greek alphabet which was also the case in 2005 if all names are used up. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce National Hurricane Center (NHC) falls under the NOAA most recent upgraded outlook calls for up to 25-named storms, of which seven to 11 will become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes of Category 3 or more. The remaining storm names for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season are: Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred. Richardson is calling on the community to use the time now to re-check storm preparations and to be prepared for the remaining months of the 2020 hurricane season. The community and new residents are urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your Hurricane Season Readiness Guide and Hurricane Tracking Chart. In addition, you can also download the Disasterprep Sint Maarten app for Android and Apple phones by going to the Google and Apple stores. Richardson added that there was no time to become complacent. Every household and business operation have a personal responsibility to make sure they are storm ready by cleaning-up yards and surroundings of any debris that could blow away in the event of a storm/hurricane. Remember, it only takes one to make it a bad season. The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) reminds residents and business owners to have plans in place for quick action storm ready! The ODM is urging residents to check hurricane shutters and the roof of their home or business, and to make sure windows and shutters close securely. Mariners who are seeking shelter in the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond should also make plans to stay with friends or at a hotel once they have secured their vessel in a timely manner rather than staying on-board the vessel to ride out the passing of a storm. Listen to the Government Radio station 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Are You Ready? Be prepared this hurricane season! Moreover, the lowered punishments apply far beyond assaults on police officers. Assaults on judges, correctional employees, firefighters, emergency medical services workers and volunteers, and those who provide control, care, or treatment of sexually violent predators would all face lower punishments under the legislation. As the federal courthouse in Portland, Ore., has remained under assault from rioters, the bill provides comfort to the forces of disorder and chaos while devaluing the heroic efforts by our first responders during this pandemic. A sign is pictured outside Pfizer Headquarters in the Manhattan borough of New York City ZURICH (Reuters) - U.S. drugmaker Pfizer should know in October if a COVID-19 vaccine it is developing works, Chief Executive Albert Bourla said on Thursday, potentially placing it at the centre of bitter U.S. presidential politics ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Pfizer would submit the candidate for approval immediately if data shows the vaccine, developed with partner, Germany's BioNTech, proves safe and effective, Bourla said at an online briefing sponsored by drug industry group IFPMA. The race for vaccines with Moderna, AstraZeneca Plc, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi and Chinese and Russian competitors comes as President Donald Trump seeks re-election, after committing billions of federal dollars to develop a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, which has killed more than 180,000 Americans. Trump, facing Democratic challenger Joe Biden, hopes to deliver a win on vaccines by Election Day, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already asking states to prepare a distribution plan for high-risk groups as soon as late October. The timing of Pfizer's study's data depends on how quickly scientists work, as well as on the severity of COVID-19 infections in its study locations in the United States, Argentina and Brazil, Bourla said. "Based on our calculations, we are expecting that to be in October," Bourla said, adding Pfizer has enrolled 23,000 patients, so far, with recruitment progressing ahead of original plans. Rival Merck also confirmed aims to start human trials on one COVID-19 vaccine candidate "fairly soon," with trials of second candidate also likely later this year, Chief Executive Kenneth Frazier said at the IFPMA event. Both Merck's Frazier and Pfizer's Bourla pledged to only seek authorization if safety and efficacy data from large groups of people warrants it. People fear politicization of science could lead to a vaccine to be submitted or withheld for political gain, Bourla acknowledged, calling it "the worst situation society can be in". "We will never ourselves submit for authorization or approval any vaccine before we feel it is safe and effective," Bourla said. "We will not cut corners." (Reporting by John Miller in Zurich, Caroline Humer and Michael Erman in New York; Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Susan Fenton and Alistair Bell) Its still too soon to know how Niagaras economy will be impacted as thousands of university and college students study from home instead of on campuses this year. Both Brock University and Niagara College attract students from far and away but learning online can be done from anywhere. How many students from outside of Niagara will choose to return to the region or stay in their hometowns is still a question mark. Definitely, I think we can all agree it will be lower than it has been, but what that impact is right now Im not sure, said Tisha Polocko, executive director of the St. Catharines Downtown Association. If people are still able to rent their apartments, well still have some students that are going to be able to patronize the restaurants and the retailers down here. I just dont know what that percentage is going to be. About five per cent of Brock Universitys nearly 19,000 students will attend in-person classes this fall. Its campus, which has 2,400 beds in eight residences, will house less than 400 students. At Niagara College, about half of its more than 9,000 students will take 100 per cent of their courses online. Brad Clarke, Brocks director of student life and community experience, said it is difficult to quantify the number of university students who are returning to Niagara at this point. He said some students may choose to come back because their rental accommodations provide a better environment for them to study, being away from their home with other students. Some may find being close to campus gives them a better opportunity to make social connections or socialize. Others may return to Niagara, or may never have left, because they have a job in the region. And he said others may find their off-campus accommodations safer than their home environment, which is an unfortunate reality for some. There may not be academic reasons for the vast majority of students to come back to Niagara, but we certainly know there are lots of reasons why students may choose to return to their rental accommodations in Niagara, Clarke said. A 2018 study by Brocks Niagara Community Observatory, that looked at the universitys total economic impact on Niagara, estimated a students monthly expenses were about $1,131, including rent, food, utilities, internet, transit, restaurant visits, recreation and more. Mishka Balsom, chief executive officer of Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, said when it comes to overall student spending in the region this fall, its not just students coming to Niagara that have to be considered. The flip side is students from Niagara who attend post-secondary institutions outside of the region. They may also be spending the next six to nine months taking their courses online from home with their parents in Niagara. For businesses that depend on the economic activity that students would bring to the community, it might be offset by that balance, Balsom said. The economic impact of less students in the region may also be difficult to pinpoint right now due to the overall changes in spending habits because of COVID-19. Balsom said consumer shopping patterns have changed and its not 100 per cent clear yet what the long term looks like and how post-secondary students will fall into that. About 20 per cent of Brocks student population is originally from Niagara while the rest come from elsewhere. Maria Rekrut, president of the Niagara Landlords Association, said there is a mix in the student rental market right now. While some landlords have told her theyre not getting any students this year, others are saying they have student rentals fully leased. Some have had students cancel leases and some have started renting to non-students for the first time. She said some students have continued to live in their rentals because they want to have them for when in-person classes are offered again. If the students dont take it, well all be renting to regular people and then there will be no places for them, she said. I think theyre going back and forth about all of that. TOKYO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Working with Chinese experts to conduct field research on the history of World War II has long been a dream for Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese historian who has been committed to the research of poison gas warfare in Japan's invasive war against China. "It has been 75 years since World War II ended. Some victims of the war may still be alive, and traces may still be found in places where gas bombs were used," said Matsuno, who is a researcher at the International Peace Research Institute at Meiji Gakuin University in Japan. He hopes to carry out empirical historical research in cooperation with Chinese peers to excavate and record the real history so as to jointly lay the foundation for China-Japan friendship. In August 2019, Matsuno published an essay on Sekai, a Japanese magazine, making introduction to and analysis of the invading Japanese troops'"yellow bombs" which used lethal erosive agents for the first time on the battlefield in China in the 1930s. On August 8, 2020, the Chinese version of an essay written by Matsuno, was published in the Journal of Studies of China's Resistance War against Japan by the Institute of Modern History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The paper with nearly 30,000 words elaborates a comprehensive research on the use of "red bombs" by the invading Japanese troops, which could strongly stimulate the respiratory organs, and the paper also attached various detailed pictures, charts, structure charts of weapons and ammunition, among others. "I hope to take this opportunity to deepen research cooperation between Japanese and Chinese historians," Matsuno said. Due to the Japanese invaders' special policy of concealment in chemical warfare and the destruction of a large number of relevant materials before they surrendered, it is difficult to find historical materials in the field of chemical warfare in Japan's invasion, said Gao Yingying, deputy editor-in-chief of the publication. "The historical materials used in Matsuno's thesis are new and of high academic value ... The Japanese troops' implementation of gas warfare in central China and other areas mentioned in the thesis was rarely involved in previous studies," said Gao. Speaking highly of the significance of the paper, Gao said that Matsuno's thesis will not only greatly boost the research on Japanese biological and chemical weapons, but also provide useful and profound academic significance for the research on the history of the war of Japanese aggression against China." "The publication of the paper is of great significance to the historical research community. For example, how the Japanese used chemical weapons against Chinese soldiers and civilians in the war, knowing that they were in violation of international law," said Ryuji Ishida, a researcher at the International Peace Research Institute at Meiji Gakuin University. Ishida has been working together with Matsuno for a long time to study the history of the China's resistance war against Japanese aggression. "The lessons of history are painful," Zhang Hongbo, a professor at Meiji Gakuin University, said, expressing hope that Chinese and Japanese scholars "will share a sense of urgency" and strengthen cooperation in field research in the future. "The damage and impacts caused by Japan's war of aggression against China to the Chinese victims and their families, and the extent to which the Japanese society understands the history, not only directly influence the Japanese society's cognition and education content of the history, but also impact Japan's feelings and public opinions towards China," said Zhang. Matsuno also hopes that the researchers from both countries can work together to further adopt effective methods to record the real history and prevent it from being forgotten as the number of people who have experienced the war is dwindling. "Although historical documents are limited, the facts that people were harmed by chemical weapons and people's oral histories, which are not in the official documents, are also important evidence of the crimes committed by the Japanese troops," he said. Flash This year's UN World Humanitarian Day was held on August 19 with COVID-19 still wreaking havoc around the world. The pandemic, in turn, has offered a window into China's humanitarian aid to foreign countries to combat the coronavirus currently threatening humanity. As of March 2, with the peak COVID-19 period in China coming to an end, the country had received anti-epidemic supplies from 71 countries and nine international organizations. At that time, China also began its push to save lives worldwide as the virus continued to spread. Here we take a look at some of the countries China has assisted in tackling this international health crisis. Italy On March 10, Italy reached a total of 10,149 confirmed cases, making it the first country outside China to exceed 10,000 cases and the epicenter of the pandemic in Europe. Suffering from a shortage of medical supplies and equipment, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called China, expressing hope that it could provide help. On March 12, a nine-member Chinese medical team, along with 31 tons of medical supplies including a large amount of ICU equipment, arrived in Italy. Di Maio expressed his gratitude on Facebook, writing: "Tonight Italy is not alone. Many people in the world are supporting us." According to Italian news agency ANSA on April 7, a local poll suggested 52% of respondents deemed China to have provided the most help to Italy in combatting COVID-19. Only 3% of those surveyed thought the United States had been the most helpful. Serbia On March 15, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a state of emergency during a televised address, stating that Serbia could only turn to China for assistance in containing the coronavirus. A team of six Chinese medical workers with the first batch of donated supplies including ventilators, masks and test kits reached the Belgrade Airport on March 31, where they were greeted with warm applause from President Vucic and other senior government officials. The Chinese medical team spent 82 days in the country, visiting almost all the public hospitals and large clinics to offer medical advice. The hard work from both sides has allowed Serbia to maintain some of the lowest rates of severe cases and deaths in Europe. Students come out after appearing in JEE Main exam, at a centre in Noida. PTI Photo Is geography destiny? Those who inhabit placeless utopias like global citizens with much sought-after skills tend to argue that digital technologies and virtual communications have now erased the inconvenient boundaries of the physical world. But the Covid-19 pandemic has sledgehammered the brutal lesson that geographys death has been hugely exaggerated. Surroundings matter. Where we are affects what happens to us. Mostly. One area where this has been most visible is education. Covid-19 has not only revealed vulnerabilities and inequalities in the education systems across the world, it has also made the situation worse. Students living in areas reeling from floodwaters or where the roads got washed away or where there is no public transport and private transport is beyond what their family could afford trying to reach examination centres far away were not in the same place, literally and figuratively, as those in the big cities. The South Delhi or South Mumbai student who reached the test centre in a private vehicle was not in the same situation as someone else who had to use multiple modes of transport, negotiating difficult terrain, and great uncertainty, even if both were equally well-prepared or at par academically. Competitive exams like the JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) for top-tier engineering courses and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for undergraduate medical and dental courses in India are framed as markers of merit. But every aspirant does not have the same backstory. In several districts of West Bengal, for instance, many JEE aspirants left home as early as 3.30 am to reach the examination hall, battling lack of transport, persistent rain and floods. This is despite the efforts by state governments and civil society outfits to arrange transport for students in difficult situations. Students are also not equally placed when it comes to accessing healthcare. That is why there were students who campaigned to postpone the exam. Students from low-income families in flood-hit areas are handicapped. We dont yet know what awaits them, whether they will get a second chance on a different date without losing a year. In a country where standardised testing is the attempt to gauge a young persons worth, overlooking a lifetimes experience of inequities of various kinds, and the heartbreaking inadequacy of the state-run schooling system in many instances, millions still see competitive exams as the only way out of the ghetto, and a passport to a stable and secure job and a brighter future. What happens to those who dont make it to the exam hall, for no fault of theirs? And it is not just about the JEE and NEET. There are many other competitive tests like National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) -- which millions of young Indians aspire to crack because they see it as the only way out of their social and geographical limitations. The education crisis during Covid-19 was fuelled by deep pre-existing inequalities, says a recent report by Unesco. Education systems responded with distance learning solutions, all of which offered less or more imperfect substitutes for classroom instruction, said the report, noting that while many poorer countries opted for radio and television lessons, 55 per cent of low-income, 73 per cent of lower-middle-income and 93 per cent of upper-middle-income countries adopted for online learning platforms for primary and secondary education. The Covid-19 lockdown has exposed the all-too obvious fact that Digital India does not quite mean the same thing for every Indian. The number of wireless Internet users in the country have been rising but there is still a glaring divide between urban and rural India. Just a little over four per cent of rural households have a computer, against 23.4 per cent of households in urban areas; 14.9 per cent rural households have access to the Internet against 42 per cent households in urban areas, according to the 75th round of the National Sample Survey conducted between July 2017 and June 2018. Within cities too, where you live matters. Sonal Kapoor, founder and chief executive officer of Protsahan India Foundation, a non-profit organisation working with adolescent girls in slum communities of Uttam Nagar in West Delhi, likes to talk about the slum digital lab project that her NGO is running. It was shut during the lockdown months of April and May. It reopened early June. None of the girls we work with have computers at home. Most families have one mobile phone of a most basic type; it is typically with the father or the brother. So, girls come here, follow up on their school homework, do their projects, prepare for competitive exams, learn coding, apply for government schemes online to avail other benefits for their families. Many state governments are making efforts to circumvent the problems on the ground. Even though school education has gone online, states are using parallel methods to try and ensure that geographically or financially disadvantaged students dont completely miss out on learning. They have been using a variety of different approaches simultaneously, alongside online classes. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for example, the department of education has also taken steps to telecast the pre-recorded digital classes through the local cable TV networks for the students of Class 8 to Class 12. These telecasts started on local cable TV channels from April. An alternative learning method was also started for primary and upper primary classes through audio classes on All India Radio, Port Blair. In Bihar, during the lockdown, classes for students of Class 1 to Class 12 are being run on Doordarshan. Classes on television are run in the same way as in the normal classroom. These may seem minor details in the broader narrative of the pandemic, but they impact millions of lives. They also show there are local resourceful adaptations to deal with the education crisis, worsened by Covid-19. This is especially true of school education. These are not perfect solutions, but they grapple with exclusion, which remains a stark reality even in developed and socially progressive states. A Class 9 student set herself ablaze in Keralas Malappuram district because she missed online classes. The family had no television or smartphone at home. The key lesson -- policymakers have to factor in the needs of the most vulnerable. Those on top of the food chain will, and do manage better, even during a crisis. It is those at the bottom who need to be at the top of our policy priorities. In this still image from video, demonstrators stand near the Penumbra Kelly Building in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Roman Balmakov/The Epoch Times) Portland Rioters Arrested After Attacking Sheriffs Office Police arrested some rioters in Portland overnight Thursday after they targeted a sheriffs office and ignored warnings not to trespass on the property. The group gathered at a park before marching to the Penumbra Kelly Building in southeast Portland around 9:30 p.m. The event was organized by groups linked to Antifa, a far-left, anarcho-communist network. People blocked the street in front of the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office building and went onto the property despite warnings about facing arrest or crowd control if trespassing. Others in the crowd hurled rocks and other projectiles at the building, officers, and police vehicles. Some sprayed graffiti on the building. Just before midnight, officers finally confronted the crowd, making targeted arrests of those who threw rocks, according to an incident summary from the Portland Police Bureau. Two people were arrested: Sean Devlin ONeill, 29, for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, and Amanda Lundbom, 37, for interfering with an officer and failure to display a drivers license. One of the rocks thrown at police officers in Portland, Ore., overnight Sept. 3, 2020. (Portland Police Bureau) In this still image from video, demonstrators stand near the Penumbra Kelly Building in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Roman Balmakov/The Epoch Times) In this still image from video, demonstrators stand near the Penumbra Kelly Building in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Roman Balmakov/The Epoch Times) Video footage showed a car speeding past the crowd, igniting anger. Police officers found the vehicle and cited the driver. Officers targeted so-called support vehicles, which include vehicles without license plates or with duct tape covering license plates that are positioned across roadways to help rioters shut down streets. Several were cited and one was towed. The crowd mostly fizzled out by 2 a.m. The crowd was mourning the death of Michael Reinoehl, who was killed by law enforcement officers in Washington state late Thursday. Reinoehl was a suspect in the murder of a man in downtown Portland over the weekend. Just tonight they killed our brother Mike, one man said. Reinoehl was a supporter of Antifa and Black Lives Matter who said earlier this summer that he was prepared to go to war. In an interview recorded in the past few days, the man claimed he shot dead Aaron Jay Danielson late Saturday in self-defense. Protests and riots have taken place every night in Portland since May 28. The body of Michael Reinoehl is lifted onto a stretcher in Lacey, Wash., in the early morning hours of Sept. 4, 2020. (Ted Warren/AP Photo) In this still image from video, the words Michael was murdered are scrawled on the pavement during a demonstration in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Roman Balmakov/The Epoch Times) Earlier Thursday, police officials announced the arrest of Bryan Michael Kelley, 36, who they said was involved in criminal activity around City Hall last week. Kelley allegedly shined a laser in a police officers eyes. He was booked on assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful directing of light from a laser pointer charges. An assault on the police is an assault on the community we are sworn to protect. I commend the officers out there every day and night, and detectives whose follow up makes arrests like this possible. Anyone hiding behind legitimate protests to commit acts of violence should know the investigations keep going even if you get released after your initial arrest, Police Chief Chuck Lovell said in a statement. The FBI recently shifted manpower to tackle the continued violence in Oregons largest city. Investigations from the bureau have led to five civil disorder charges, including one against a man who had been arrested during four nights of unrest but only charged by local prosecutors once. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers returned to the city after Danielsons death. The U.S. Marshals Service cross-deputized many of them in another apparent effort to skirt a recent policy change from Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt. Schmidt announced last month that his office would likely not pursue a number of charges, including riot and disorderly conduct. This policy acknowledges that the factors that lead to the commission of criminal activity during a protest are incredible complex. The protesters are angry, yes, deeply frustrated with what they perceive to be structural inequities in our basic social fabrics. And this frustration can escalate to levels that violate the law, Schmidt told reporters. OSP is not criticizing any officials and we respect the authority of the District Attorney, but to meet the Governors charge of bringing violence to an end we will use all lawful methods at our disposal, a state police spokesman told The Epoch Times this week. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Kazakhstan has exported 109,613 tons of crude petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 23.2 million euros to Austria in June 2020, Eurostat official told Trend. In turn, Kazakhstan exported 13.8 million tons of petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 472.06 million euros to Austria in 1H2020. Thus, the June volume of crude oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals from Kazakhstan to Austria is 4.2 percent more than in volume compared to May 2020 (105,100 tons) and is 68.7 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (351,040 tons). Junes export value is also 58.2 percent more than in May 2020 (14.7 million euros) and is 85.8 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (164.8 million euros). The value of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Austria amounted to $69.5 million over 1H2020, compared to $83.1 million during the same period of 2019. Kazakhstans export to Austria amounted to $2.3 million over the period from January through June 2020, compared to $2.6 million during the same period of 2019. In turn, Kazakhstans imports from Austria stood at about $67.1 million over the reporting period, compared to $80.5 million during the same period of 2019. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh Vietnam affirmed its support for a comprehensive peace process led by Afghans during the UN Security Councils virtual meeting on September 3 on the situation in Afghanistan and the operation of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Taliban prisoners released Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, deputy head of the Vietnamese mission to the UN, stressed the significance of the implementation of the UNSCs Resolution No. 2513 on Afghan peace process, especially the early start of peace talks. The ambassador expressed his concern over attacks by the Taliban and other terrorist organisations, particularly the attacks on women, children and those involved in the peace process. He called for efforts to improve security, promote reconstruction, eliminate poverty, handle food insecurity, and cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Anh also lauded the Afghan governments efforts in promoting gender equality at all-level authorities, and expressed his hope that women will play a more active role in the peace process. Regional countries and organisations have significantly contributed to peace and development in Afghanistan, he said, reiterating Vietnams support for the UNAMA and the need for the UNSC to extend the mission of the UNAMA at this time. The situation in Afghanistan has continued to develop complicatedly over the past time despite the peace agreement reached by the US and the Taliban on February 29. According to the UNAMA, the conflict in Afghanistan is among the bloodiest in the world at present, with more than 10,000 civilians killed or injured in 2019. The number reached 3,500 in the first six months of this year. As of September 2, Afghanistan had recorded more than 38,000 COVID-19 cases, including more than 1,400 deaths. Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary Generals Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UNAMA, briefed the meeting on the progress in preparations for the peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. She, however, warned of challenges during the negotiations, expressing her hope that an agreement on humanitarian ceasefire will top the agenda of the talks, set to take place in Doha, Qatar in the coming days. Lyons also called on the Taliban to ensure womens engagement during the negotiations./.VNA New Delhi, Sep 4 : The newly constituted parliamentary strategy group of the Congress has decided to raise the issue of dropping the Question Hour with the presiding officers of both the Houses. Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Floor leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhry will write to the Speaker, said party sources. The leaders met on Thursday virtually and deliberated on the issues to be raised by the Congress in the upcoming session, while the five member committee constituted by Sonia Gandhi has given its recommendation on ordinance, said sources. Ahead of the Parliament session, which begins on September 14, another meeting is expected to finalise the issues to be raised by the party. The meeting gained significance after the letter bomb and the stormy Congress Working Committee (CWC) meet, where the loyalists and dissenters came face to face. However, sources said only issues related to the Parliament session were discussed, and Azad, who was the prime mover of the letter presided over the meeting. Randeep Surjewala, party chief spokesperson, said: "The central idea is to hold the government accountable, to expose its lies, to ensure that public welfare steps are taken and to fix accountability of the government to Parliament of India and through it to 130 crore people of India. By abolishing the Question Hour, this government is running scared of answering the relevant questions to the people of India through their elected representatives." The Congress has alleged that the Modi government 'does not want to answer on the brazen transgressions by China in the Indian Territory. It does not want to answer about the plunder of the Indian economy and the free fall of GDP. The Centre also does not want to answer as to why, for the first time in 73 years, GDP has fallen by minus 24 per cent. Sources in the government called it a "masterclass in hypocrisy", while taking a dig at the opposition. "The uproar over the Question Hour suspension is nothing but a masterclass in hypocrisy by members of the opposition. It is amusing to see opposition MPs who don't have the power to question even their party president create a fake narrative on this issue," said the government source. The idea of dropping the Question Hour in the mini Parliament session has the opposition up in arms. They are accusing the Centre of stifling its voice. Both the Houses of Parliament will be meeting for the first time since the nationwide lockdown in March. Parliamentary Affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said, "The government has spoken in advance to all the opposition parties for not holding Question Hour and everyone, except West Bengal MP Derek O'Brien, has agreed to the arrangement. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 16:51:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close YANGON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President's Office on Friday issued an order to relieve Kayah state's chief minister from his post. L Phaung Sho, who had served as Chief Minister of Kayah state since March 2016, was dismissed in accordance with the country's constitution, union government and region or state government laws, the presidential order said. The presidential order came after the state parliament recently approved the motion to impeach the former chief minister, with 16 of 20 sitting local parliamentary members in support of the bid. The dismissed chief minister said on his social media page that the president appointed U Boss Ko, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation of Kayah state, as the acting chief minister of the state. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 16:54:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANAMA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain announced on Friday that it will allow all flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to cross its airspace. The state-run Bahrain News Agency quoted an official source from the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry stating that Civil Aviation Affairs had approved a request from its UAE counterpart. The source did not mention the flights between the UAE and Israel which have been recently launched. The new development follows the U.S.-brokered historic UAE-Israel normalization deal. Enditem In this image made from video taken in August 2020, parents confront authorities outside a school in Tongliao in Northwestern China's Inner Mongolia region. Ethnic Mongolians, including students and parents, in Chinas Inner Mongolia region are demonstrating their anger in rare public protests against a new bilingual education policy that they say is endangering the Mongolian language. (AP Photo) US Paper Says Reporter Was Held in Chinas Inner Mongolia BEIJINGAn American newspaper says one of its journalists was detained and then expelled from Chinas Inner Mongolia region while covering tensions over a new policy that reduces the use of the Mongolian language in education. The Los Angeles Times said in a story published online Thursday that the reporter was interrogated at a police station, grabbed by the throat, and pushed into a cell and held for more than four hours before being forced to leave the northern Chinese region. The incident comes amid broader tensions between the United States and China over journalists stationed in each others country. The reporter was surrounded by plainclothes men at a school in Hohhot, the regions capital, and put into a police car to be taken to a police station, according to the account. It says she was not allowed to call the U.S. Embassy. One officer grabbed her throat with both hands and pushed her into a cell, the story says. Three government officials and a police officer went with her to a train station and stood at the window until the train left for Beijing, the Los Angeles Times said. In this image made from video taken in August 2020, parents gather behind a police line outside a school in Tongliao in Northwestern Chinas Inner Mongolia region. (AP Photo) The story did not identify the journalist, but the papers Beijing bureau chief, Alice Su, confirmed that it was her. She declined further comment. The Hohhot city propaganda department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The account came near the end of a story Su wrote on protests and class boycotts that have broken out in Inner Mongolia this week over a move to increase the use of Chinese at schools where Mongolian has been the main language of instruction. Inner Mongolia is a region of 25 million people that borders the country of Mongolia to the north. About 17 percent of the population is ethnic Mongolian while the Han make up 79 percent. Just before the new school year started this week, authorities announced changes for Mongolian-medium schools. Literature classes for elementary and middle school students will switch to a national textbook and instruction in Mandarin Chinese, and some other courses would follow in the coming two years. Opponents see the move as an attempt to force them to assimilate into Chinas majority Han culture. They fear their mother tongue could be wiped out over time. Separately, the United States has designated the American operations of several Chinese state media as foreign missions this year and put a cap on the number of visas for some, forcing them to reduce the size of their Chinese staff. China has retaliated by expelling American journalists working for three U.S. newspapers, and requiring several U.S. news bureaus including The Associated Press to file paperwork similar to whats required of a foreign mission in the United States. Earlier this week, the Australian government said that Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist working for Chinese state television, is being held by authorities in China. It is unclear why she has been detained. Cheng is an anchor for the BizAsia program on CGTN, the English-language channel of China Central Television. She was born in China and worked in finance in Australia before starting a career in journalism with CCTV in Beijing in 2003. Ministers are coming under mounting pressure to reopen the UKs refugee resettlement schemes as charities warn vulnerable refugees are being left to languish in unsafe situations while these routes remained closed. The programmes, which are the only safe and legal way to Britain for most refugees, were closed on 12 March because of coronavirus. No refugees have been resettled in the UK under the schemes since then. Despite this, the immigration minister claimed on Thursday that the programmes provided a safe alternative to crossing the English Channel in small boats. Chris Philp said there were plenty of legal routes by which people can claim asylum, adding: I think we do more than our fair share while protecting vulnerable people. He also told the House of Commons the UK had been resettling people directly from conflict zones. Charities have said they created plans to facilitate the safe arrival of refugees during the first month of the pandemic but that the Home Office has since failed to tell them when the process could resume. The Independent understands that when resettlement was paused in March, there had been plans for more than 600 refugees to arrive who were subsequently blocked, meaning they remain in host countries where the pandemic has exacerbated already poor living conditions. Other developed countries, including Italy, have resumed resettlements after pausing them during the lockdown. According to the UNHCR, at least eight out of 17 resettlement countries are currently receiving refugees, with 597 resettled overall between 1 April and 31 July. Campaigners accused the UK government of prioritising holiday travel over refugees, and warned that the rise in dangerous small boat crossings could be linked to the lack of safe routes to the UK. More than 5,000 have completed the perilous journey from northern France so far in 2020. They also criticised the Home Office for blocking refugee arrivals while continuing deportations. The Independent revealed earlier this month that 285 people were deported from the UK on charter flights between April and June, along with 374 escorts, at a cost to the taxpayer of more than 1m. Louise Calvey, head of resettlement at charity Refugee Action, which usually works with local councils to facilitate the arrival of between 50 to 100 refugees each month, said: Were incredibly disappointed by a lack of information on the Home Offices plans to restart resettlement. Like many of the other refugee organisations in the UK, we are ready to help an arrival while balancing public health concerns. We have developed a Covid arrival plan and are able to support families with necessary public health measures, such as quarantine. Travel corridors re-opened some time ago. We understand that the Home Office have recommenced removal actions. In light of this there can be no significant reason why we cannot plan for the safe arrival of refugees. Between April and September 2019, the UK welcomed 2,732 refugees via its resettlement schemes. In June last year, the Home Office announced that the UK would accept between 5,000 and 6,000 refugees under it in the financial year 2020-21 under a new programme which would merge the existing ones. Recommended Thousands of refugees denied sanctuary in UK after scheme closed However, this new programme known as the UK Resettlement Scheme has not yet started due to the cessation of resettlements, casting doubt over whether it will meet its aim to welcome 5,000 refugees by 31 March 2021, and prompting calls for the Home Office to extend it beyond this date. A briefing published by the UNHCR last month warned that the coronavirus pandemic had fuelled socio-economic vulnerabilities among refugees in countries hosting refugees in the Middle East, which charities said highlighted the urgency to resume UK resettlement schemes. The UNHCR said the Beirut explosion has pushed displaced families further into poverty, while in Yemen, phone call requests from refugees and asylum seekers for financial assistance have increased by 30 per cent in the north, compared to the weeks before. The Independent understands that plans to resume resettlement were put to immigration minister Chris Philp by civil servants in June, but charities and community groups continue to await an update from him. Citizens UK, an organisation that works with the community sponsorship scheme a subset of the resettlement scheme which allows community groups to support refugee families directly said its member organisations were ready and waiting to welcome resettled refugees. While we recognise the importance of putting safety first, every week a vulnerable family is unable to come to the UK is a week where they are left languishing in an unsafe situation, a spokesperson for the organisation said. We call on the government to reopen the scheme urgently, and to commit to extending it beyond March 2021. Kate Brown, co-director of Reset Communities and Refugees, which also facilitates arrivals under the sponsorship scheme, urged the Home Office to resume refugee resettlement as quickly as possible. Refugees wait to cross over Turkish border to Greece Since the outbreak of the pandemic, groups of friends and neighbours have come together to create community sponsorship groups to sponsor refugees to come to the UK. Many groups have now submitted applications to the Home Office to sponsor refugee families and have received approval to do so, she said. But these families cannot be welcomed until flights resume. Communities across the UK are ready to welcome refugees again. A Home Office spokesperson said: We are working on detailed plans to recommence refugee resettlement, and continue to discuss these plans with international and domestic stakeholders. Our plans for restarting depend on a variety of factors, including the lifting of restrictions imposed by the governments of host refugee countries, local authority and central government capacity, and recovery of the asylum system from the impact of Covid-19. We resettle more refugees than any other country in Europe and are in the top five countries worldwide. Since September 2015, we have resettled more than 25,000 vulnerable refugees, with around half being children. Geojit's report on Agri Picks The water level in 123 key reservoirs across the country was 4% higher on year at 139.158 bcm as of yesterday, according to data from the Central Water Commission. It was also 20% higher than the average for the past 10 years. The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization has scaled down its estimate for wheat output for 2020-21 by 1.4 mln tn to 760.4 mln tn because of an expected decrease in wheat production in Argentina, European Union, and the US. The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization's food price index stood at 96.1 points in August, up 1.9% on month. This was the third straight month of a rise in the index. The International Cotton Advisory Committee has raised its 2020-21 (Aug-Jul) forecast for global prices due to a marginal rise in demand, according to its September report. India received 4.8 mm rainfall yesterday, 32% below normal, the India Meteorological Department said. Since Jun 1, the country has received 795.0 mm rainfall, 9% above normal. The average export price of India's 25% broken non-basmati rice rose nearly 1% on month to $367.5 per tn in August, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said in a report. The price was up 0.7% on year. 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 BEIJING, Sept 4 (Reuters) - China is planning a more than 1 trillion yuan ($146 billion) push to accelerate infrastructure investment in Tibet, including new and previously announced projects, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The renewed push to step-up development of the remote and impoverished southwestern region signals Beijing's intent to bolster frontier security amid heightened border tensions with India in recent months, two of the sources said. Last week, during a senior Communist Party meeting on Tibet's future governance, President Xi Jinping ... The optional exams for students seeking improvement of marks in their Class 12 examinations will be held from September 22 to 29 along with the compartment exams for classes 10 and 12, the Central Board of Secondary (CBSE) said on Friday. The board said that examinees will carry hand sanitisers and wear face masks in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The compartment examination for the two classes will begin from September 22 and will conclude on September 29. All candidates will carry their own hand sanitiser in transparent bottles and (their own) water bottles, and will be required to cover their mouth and nose with mask or cloth," Exam Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said in an official notification detailing the exam schedule. Earlier in the day, the opposed in the Supreme Court a plea seeking postponement of compartment exams for Class 12 scheduled this month, saying all "necessary" safety measures for students are being taken in view of COVID-19 pandemic. The plea challenged the CBSE's decision to hold compartment examinations for Class 12 on the ground that it would be detrimental to the health of the examinees in view of rising COVID-19 cases. The apex court will hear the case on September 10. "Optional examination for class 12 students whose result has been declared based on the assessment scheme and wish to improve their performance, will also be conducted with the compartment examination for both class 10 and 12 students. The marks obtained by a candidate in these optional examinations will be treated as final for those who have opted to take these examinations," Bhardwaj said. The results of the board exams, which were cancelled in view of the pandemic, were announced in July on the basis of an alternative assessment scheme. Girls outshone boys by nearly six percentage points in the class 12 examination results. The overall pass percentage increased by 5.38 points this year. While 83.40 per cent students cleared the exam last year, 88.78 per cent students cleared it this year. Marks were awarded on the basis of marks scored by a student in his or her best performing subjects, according to the four-pointer assessment scheme. Students were divided into four categories. The first had students who sat in tests for all their subjects; their results have been declared on the basis of their performance in all the papers. Students in the second category had appeared for more than three subjects. They have been awarded marks for subjects they did not appear for based on the average of the marks obtained by them in the three best performing subjects. The board identified a third category of students who appeared in only three subjects. For them, the average of marks obtained in the two best performing subjects has been awarded in the subjects whose examinations were not conducted. The students in the fourth category were mainly from the February riot-affected northeast Delhi region, where exams had to be postponed. The results of these students have been declared on the basis of their performance in the subjects they took the test for, besides their performance in internal or practical project assessment. The board also decided against announcing a merit list this year in view of the exceptional circumstances. The number of students scoring over 95 per cent in class 12 exam this year is more than double the 2019 figure of 17,693, the CBSE said. This year, when the examinations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the figure more than doubled, with 38,686 students scoring above 95 per cent. Similarly, the number of students who scored above 90 per cent also increased from about 94,000 students in 2019 to almost 1.6 lakh this year, it 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.) (TNS) A task force set up by Gov. Brian Kemp will push to meet the CDCs deadline for having COVID-19 vaccine doses ready to distribute in time for the November election.But the directive, issued to governors last week by CDC Director Robert Redfield, has sparked outrage from the scientific community, which doubts a valid vaccine can be ready that quickly and worries that political motives influenced the agency.What scares me to death is the thought that we would use our distribution system to distribute something that is neither safe nor effective, said Mark Rosenberg, who spent 20 years working for the CDC and 16 years as president and CEO of the Task Force for Global Health.Georgia will have to overcome some hurdles to meet the deadline. Gov. Kemp said Wednesday that the source of funding for a statewide vaccine delivery system hasnt been determined, and he has state attorneys studying whether changes to Georgia laws will be needed to expedite permits. He has tapped acting Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King, a major general in the Georgia National Guard who has been deployed to other states on pandemic-related missions, to head a panel to put all the nuts and bolts together.Were looking at the logistics: Where its going to be, where it needs to go, whos going to get it, Kemp said.The Atlanta-based CDC told state health agencies a month ago that as part of Operation Warp Speed, they should have plans for vaccine distribution drafted by Oct. 1 to coincide with earliest possible release of COVID-19 vaccine. Redfields Aug. 27 letter asked governors to expedite or consider waiving permitting requirements so that the McKesson Corporation, a pharmaceutical company contracting with the CDC, can have distribution centers operating in their states by Nov. 1.The letter was sent the same day that President Trump spoke of a vaccine possibly arriving before the end of the year or maybe even sooner in a speech to the Republican National Convention.Maj. Gen. King told theon Thursday that hes not concerning himself with whether the deadline is politically motivated.The bottom line is, if the vaccines are ready, then we have to move heaven and earth to get these vaccines to Georgians, King said. If it could be done sooner, I want it sooner.King said the task force will include Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey, Community Health Commissioner Frank Berry and Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Chris Stallings.Vaccines supplies will likely be very limited at first, Redfield said on Aug. 28, even though manufacturers have already been producing doses before any vaccine has been authorized. So the first priority will be health care workers and first responders, then later those at greatest risk. Other priorities are still being determined.King said Georgias distribution system could involve a combination of sites operated by Public Health and doses provided to major healthcare systems such as Grady Health and Augusta University Health.Were looking at multiple ways to deliver this, the acting insurance commissioner said. No one community is the same as another.Public health experts told thethey have no qualms with the CDC encouraging states to begin devising ways to administer vaccine shots to millions of people. But some said Redfields setting a distribution date two days before Election Day is yet another blow to the agencys credibility. Before his letter to governors came to light this week, the CDC had been under fire for new testing guidance that said people exposed to the disease but who dont have symptoms dont necessarily need to be tested viewed as lining up with Trumps stated desire for less testing.Neither the CDC nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment for this story.Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, a national organization of health professionals that lobbies at the federal level, said Trump could claim to have a vaccine before the election, whether he really does or not.States, meanwhile, must quickly grapple with an array of logistical challenges for a hypothetical vaccine.Most medical offices dont have the type of cold storage needed to store one of the three vaccines being developed, Benjamin said. That vaccine requires sub-zero temperatures.Complications could arise if the vaccine requires specialized needles and syringes. And in the coming cold months, elderly residents might steer clear of drive-in vaccination sites that expose them to the elements.This is the group thats unable to do the adequate contract tracing. And you want them now to pivot and give vaccinations? Benjamin said. I dont think this vaccines going to ready for prime time until after the first of the year, but I dont think its a bad idea to begin making sure the infrastructures in place to deliver it.Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has said a COVID-19 vaccine could be ready sooner than expected if ongoing clinical trials of 30,000 people produce overwhelmingly positive results and a data and safety monitoring board allows ending the trials early.Experts who spoke with theraised concerns about a rushed vaccine making more effective ones difficult to approve in the future, or of vaccinated people potentially being re-infected more severely.Rosenberg, the former head of the Task Force for Global Health, said people may not trust a vaccine thats viewed as driven by politics. Some parents who are already distrustful of vaccines might start rejecting them altogether.It will increase the percent of vaccine hesitant people from maybe 50% to 95%, Rosenberg said. And for the first time ever, we will be moving our children in our population from herd immunity to herd susceptibility.Gov. Kemp said the distribution program will include an awareness campaign to get the public comfortable with the new vaccine. The governor spoke of returning to normalcy.Youve got to build confidence back for people who want to go to a restaurant, want to go to a convention center, want to do business travel again, Kemp said. Theyre getting more and more comfortable every day going out not everybody is, and if they dont, they dont need to. But I think with a vaccine, it surely would help with that confidence to get people moving more than they are right now. Security Crisis in Rural Nigeria Prompts Calls for Action By Salem Solomon September 03, 2020 It was dusk on July 24 when Emmanuel Ali said he heard the gunshots. A group of armed men entered his village in Nigeria's Kaduna state, he said, and began setting fire to homes. Ali fled to the bush with his family and then returned to rescue his paralyzed mother, who was trapped inside her burning home. "The fire was almost catching her," Ali told VOA's French to Africa service. "I removed my window, that's where I entered, and picked her out from the window." In Nigeria's isolated northern villages, nightfall is fraught with terror as bandits terrorize residents. According to a new report by Amnesty International, bandits are operating with near impunity in the region. At least 1,126 villagers were killed by armed groups between January and June of 2020, Amnesty reported. "When people's homes are raided, the men are targeted and then they are shot at," Osai Ojigho, Amnesty International's Nigeria country director, told VOA. "They used machetes and cutlasses in order to inflict very serious wounds. And there have been cases of children, even as young as babies, being shot at and killed in the attacks that ensued. So, it really is quite shocking, the violence that they've experienced, even when they are not armed." In recent years, Nigeria's security forces have focused on attacks by the extremist group Boko Haram in the far northeast of the country, Ojigho said. This has left a security vacuum in the rural parts of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara states in the central and northwest of the country. The violence has prompted an estimated 78,000 people to flee their homes. "The armed mercenaries seem to want to inflict as much pain and brutality as possible," she said. "And some of the communities are quite shocked by this experience because they weren't expecting it to escalate to this level. And that's why they have this sense of abandonment, like our government has forgotten about us because we are in the villages." The motives for the violence are complex. Some attackers are bandits, stealing goods. Some are kidnapping people for ransom. There is also an ethnic and religious dimension. In Kaduna state, the Christian population lives mostly in the south and are predominantly farmers, and the Muslims are cattle herders and live in the north. They clash over limited fertile land for grazing and planting. "It's nothing else but land," said Jonathan Asake, president of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU). "The indigenous people of these lands have been pushed out gradually and the Fulani militia bring in Fulanis from God knows where to occupy these places." Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai said it is often a conflict between individuals or small groups that escalates into something far worse. "It usually starts with a quarrel between a person from one ethnic group and another," Rufai said. "The individual conflict, instead of being resolved peacefully by going to traditional leaders or religious leaders or other lawful authorities, tends to expand into an ethnic conflict." The violence is now getting wider attention and has prompted large protests in Kaduna and other major cities. The Nigerian military created a special task force, code-named Operation Safe Haven, with the mission of bringing peace back to Kaduna and Plateau states. On August 10, the task force arrested eight suspects in connection with killings in the area. Edward Kallon, the U.N. resident coordinator in Nigeria, said he discussed the issue when he led a delegation to meet President Muhammadu Buhari recently. He believes a multifaceted peace effort is needed. "I told Mr. President that, in addition to the military efforts, there is a need to complement that with some enhanced dialogue and a political process in search of a durable solution to the crisis," Kallon said during a briefing with reporters after the meeting. "So we think that various approaches have to be used to find a solution." Amnesty International's Ojigho said the cycle of violence will stop only when attackers see the consequences of their actions. "One of the reasons why the violence has probably escalated to this point is because of impunity," she said. "If people are not brought to justice, then they know they can get away with it. They will keep perpetuating it. So this needs to change." French to Africa service's Millimono Gilbert Tamba contributed to this report from Abuja. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Social media in general has many different pros and cons. On the pro side of things, one example is that it is great for showing things to families that live far away. Not all families live close together all the time, so being able to share pictures, videos or even word posts online to thos by Pierre Balanian Chilean rescuers and their dog found signs of the presence of "lives" under some rubble, 29 days after the explosions. Many are sceptical, but many others hope. Rubble is being removed hoping for a miracle. AsiaNews continues its campaign to Help devastated Beirut. Beirut (AsiaNews) A month after explosions devastated the Port of Beirut, people continue to search amid the rubble hoping to pull out someone still alive after a search dog working with a group Chilean rescuers picked up some signs yesterday that there might be someone alive under a collapsed building in Mar Mikhael, a mostly Christian neighbourhood in Beirut. Using thermal and ultrasound scanners, the Chilean rescuers detected signs of breathing and a pulse. Thermal images suggest the presence of two people: a lifeless adult on top of a second person, perhaps a child still alive in a wheelchair. Speaking to AsiaNews, a Lebanese civil protection officer said that two people might under two floors, but not too deep in relation to the rescuers, perhaps under less than a metre of debris and rubble. According to other sources, a laser telescopic device introduced this morning into the rubble did not detect any body. The detected pulse might be from animal, or even the vibrations of some a clock still working. Some people are hoping for a miracle on the Day of prayer and fasting for Lebanon, set by Pope Francis for today, exemplified by the presence of Card Pietro Parolin in Beirut today. However, many ordinary Lebanese and many doctors wonder how a human being could survive under a pile of rubble for at least 29 days, without food or water, with high summer temperatures and little oxygen. Upon making their discovery, the Chilean rescuers informed Beirut Governor Marwan Aboud who announced that "two bodies" were found, perhaps "still alive" under the rubble. Quickly, the astonishing news spread around the country, especially via social media. Television and radio broadcasters paid no attention to the rescue operation and continued to broadcast their regular series and talk shows. However, in a few hours, scores of people arrived at the site of the "discovery" to provide moral support for the Chilean and Lebanese rescuers. The Lebanese army immediately cordoned off the area to calm angry bystanders protesting at the lack of action. But protests have continued. Political and religious leaders have stayed away so far. "We asked for a crane, but they sent us nothing. They say none is available, an army lieutenant said. Meanwhile, the scanners indicate that the heartbeats, perhaps of a baby, have gone from 18 per minute to two per minute in a few hours. A woman (picture 3) who survived the explosions managed to find a crane on her own. But eventually, around 2 am, the search was called off. Meanwhile, social media have been inundated by so much criticism that Lebanons new prime minister, Mustafa Diab, felt obligated to tweet a rebuttal, saying that he refused to stop the search for victims under the rubble, especially if we have some hope that lives may be saved. After a loss of precious time, the race against time resumed today. For many Lebanese, Christians and Muslims, this is a divine sign, a message of renaissance for all. In order to help the people of Beirut and Lebanon, as well as Caritas Lebanon, AsiaNews is launching a campaign to Help devastated Beirut. Those who want to contribute can make a donation to: PIME Foundation: - International Bank Account Number (IBAN): IT78C0306909606100000169898 - Bank Identifier Code (BIC): BCITITMM - Reason for transfer: AN04 HELP DEVASTATED BEIRUT A small group of firefighters from The Woodlands Fire Department recently returned from a relief mission in Louisiana, helping clean up the damaged homes of fellow firefighters in two cities hit by Hurricane Laura. On HoustonChronicle.com: Trash, gas leaks and coronavirus: A Louisiana city begins Hurricane Laura recovery Erik Secrest, president of The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association, the union for the department, said he and five other department staffers helped do relief work in both Sulfur, Louisiana, and Lake Charles. The six were part of an 18-person team organized by the Texas State Association of Firefighters and included other fire officials from Conroe, Tyler, Beaumont and Baytown. We were over there Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Sulphur and Lake Charles. We had multiple teams over therethey call it a Go Team that is in place for natural disasters, Secrest said of the volunteer group. (Ive) done this four to five years. When ever something comes up, they deploy us. We went in and there are firefighters who live in the area who were working for five days straight. We were given addresses of all firefighters in the area; we went to their homes and assessed needs. (We) removed trees and did clean up, we then covered their homes with tarps to protect them. Most of these firefighters had not even seen their homes since we were there. Part of the International Association of Fire Fighters Disaster Relief Go-Team, the 18 firefighters worked from Aug. 28 through Aug. 31 and helped with yard clean-up, cutting down of fallen trees and removal of destroyed brush and shrubbery. The teams also distributed supplies and gift cards to those in need in the areas hit by the massive hurricane last week. Related: Woodlands officials preparing for Hurricane Laura; fire department on alert After those efforts were completed along with some other light repairs, Secrest said the teams then covered the homes of the other firefighters with tarps to prevent further damage. With Hurricane Laura largely missing the Houston region and The Woodlands, he added that is was good to be able to help others and not worry about his own home. It is wonderful not being affected and being able to assist our brothers and sisters instead of having to receive the assistance like we got in (Hurricane) Harvey, Secrest added. We interacted with some of the Sulphur firefighters when they came home. They were all extremely appreciative of the assistance we provided them. Theyd been working for five days. We wanted to make sure when they came home, it wasnt to have to do a lot of (clean-up) work. Erin Powers, a spokesperson for the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, stated in an email that the firefighters on the mission trip hailed from departments in The Woodlands, Conroe, Bryan, Baytown, Tyler and Beaumont and the Texas-based and local firefighters were assisted by others from the states of from New York, Florida, North Carolina and Louisiana as part of the International Association of Fire Fighters Disaster Relief Team. (They) worked at 88 damaged firefighter homes in Sulphur and Lakes Charles, Louisiana. They cleared debris, cut fallen trees, and tarped roofs, Powers stated in the release. Between the IAFF and TSAFF, the team issued 257 relief (gift) cards totaling more than $128,000 for displaced firefighters. The group of firefighters was not the only local group to travel to Louisiana and areas where Hurricane Laura wreaked havoc. Township board Chairman Gordy Bunch owns an office in Lake Charles, part of his massive insurance firm, The Woodlands Financial Group. Bunch said he and other TWFG employees went to the affected areas to help clean up and also process insurance claims in-person. Hurricane Laura veered eastward as the strorm approached the coast and largely missed the greater Houston region. Damage from the massive storm included destruction of power grid facilities owned and maintained by Entergy. Although no damage was done to power grid infrastructure in Montgomery County, there was a multi-hour power outage on Aug. 27 due to the damaged power lines in Louisiana. jeff.forward@chron.com Up to a further 29 lorry parks will be built across England in order to cope with border trading chaos after Brexit, under emergency government powers. Local residents will have no say over the construction of the sites, which are required because of growing fears that truck drivers will face long delays to enter the EU, or be turned away altogether. Some are in inland areas Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Solihull while others are in coastal trading hotspots, including in Kent, Essex, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The move, quietly revealed after MPs left Westminster on Thursday, follows the leak of a government document that described the current border preparation plans as unmanageable. Haulage bosses including the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have demanded an urgent meeting with ministers over a blizzard of new IT systems and a lack of training for promised customs agents. The crisis looms regardless of whether the UK avoids crashing out without a trade deal, because the terms of any agreement will also end the current free-flow of goods with the EU. Traders fear that the supply of food and vital medicines will be disrupted, even as the UK risks a second spike of coronavirus infections, when the Brexit transition period expires on 1 January. The regulation triggering the order to build the lorry parks acknowledges that attempts by ports to cope with the vast new red tape have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The government is aware that the impact of coronavirus may have affected the ability of port operators and businesses to provide the necessary infrastructure by the end of the year, it reads. 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 Until now, the only new lorry park identified was a 27-acre site being built in Kent to handle what has been condemned as a vast customs bureaucracy, with costs passed on to the consumer. Ministers have already admitted there will be up to 10 months of border disruption, with emergency traffic control measures in Kent to last until the end of October 2021. As many as 10,000 trucks a day pass through Dover and other ports, and about four-fifths of the food reaching UK supermarkets comes from the EU, according to the British Retail Consortium. The government has pointed to the staggering 705m being spent on infrastructure and technology at the border, to defend its border preparations. We worked closely with industry in its development and will continue to do so as we move towards the end of the transition period, a spokesperson said. Richard Burnett, the RHAs chief executive, urged ministers to address untried and untested IT systems and the lack of customs agents and clear processes for tackling the mountain of red tape traders will face. The governments pace is simply too slow on this, and thats why we the people who run the UKs supply chain need an urgent meeting with those at the top of government dealing with Brexit preparations. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Friday that he wont allow the Pentagon to cut funding for the militarys independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, effectively halting Defense leaders plan to shut the paper down this month. The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch, Trump tweeted. It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military! Trumps tweet came as he fought off new accusations that he called service members killed in World War I losers and suckers during an event in France in 2018. The comments, first reported by The Atlantic and confirmed by The Associated Press, are shining a fresh light on Trumps previous public disparaging of American troops and military families and they delivered a new campaign issue to his Democratic rival Joe Biden, less than two months from Election Day. The Defense Department has ordered the paper to halt publication by Sept. 30, and dissolve the organization by the end of January. The order, in a recent memo to Stripes, follows the Pentagons move earlier this year to cut the $15.5 million in funding for the paper from the Defense Department budget. The Trump White House hadnt spoken out against the Pentagon plan to close the paper before Thursday, even though its been in the works and publicly written about for months. On Friday, however, Trump worked to shore up his reputation as a staunch supporter of the nations armed services. Ive done more for the military than almost anyone else, he said Friday in the Oval Office. Trump was alleged to have made the comments about the war dead as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France in November 2018. Members of Congress have objected to the defunding move for months. And senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper this week urging him to reinstate the money. The letter, signed by 15 senators including Republicans and Democrats also warns Esper that the department is legally prohibited from canceling a budget program while a temporary continuing resolution to fund the federal government is in effect. Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nations freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom, the senators said in the letter. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a separate letter to Esper in late August, also voiced opposition to the move, calling Stripes a valued hometown newspaper for the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian employees across the globe. He added that as a veteran who has served overseas, I know the value that the Stars and Stripes brings to its readers. In the memo, the department says Esper made the decision as a result of his department-wide budget review. Signed by Army Col. Paul Haverstick, acting director of the Pentagons Defense Media Activity, the memo says plans to close the paper are due on Sept. 15 and the last newspaper is to be published on Sept. 30. The memo adds that if the paper continues to be funded by either a continuing resolution or other unforeseen circumstances then Stripes must submit a plan by Sept. 15 to shut down at the end of the next budget year, Sept. 30, 2021. Haversticks memo says that in that case, the last date for publication of the newspaper will be determined based on budget or other circumstances. The Stripes ombudsman, Ernie Gates, told The Associated Press on Friday that shutting the paper down would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations. The first newspaper called Stars and Stripes was very briefly produced in 1861 during the Civil War, but the paper began consistent publication during World War I. When the war was over, publication ended, only to restart in 1942 during World War II, providing wartime news written by troops specifically for troops in battle. Although the paper gets funding from the Defense Department, it is editorially independent and is delivered in print and digitally to troops all over the world. The Pentagon proposed cutting the papers funding when making its budget request earlier this year, triggering angry reactions from members of Congress. The House-passed version of the Pentagon budget contains funding for the papers publication, but the Senate has not yet finalized a defense funding bill. -- The Associated Press During his visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Thursday, Democratic candidate Joe Biden claimed that a black guy invented the lightbulb, not a white guy named Edison. Mr Biden made the claim in a section of a speech delivered at the Grace Lutheran Church following his meeting with the family of Jacob Blake, the black man shot seven times by a police officer in August. Promising to improve the countrys record on racial justice if he wins the election, Mr Biden decried the lack of representation in the teaching of history. Why in God's name don't we teach history in history classes? A black man invented the light bulb. Not a white guy named Edison There's so much. Did anybody know? He also referred to the 1921 Tulsa massacre and destruction of Black Wall Street in Oklahoma, as not being taught in schools. The former vice president appeared to be referring to the black American inventor Lewis Howard Latimer who worked on the development of both the light bulb and the telephone. A Lemelson-MIT biography states that after becoming part of Thomas Edisons elite research team, he made his most important contributions to science by improving the light bulb patented by his employer in 1880. The original prototype for the light bulb was lit by a glowing, electrified filament made of paper, which would quickly burn out. Mr Latimer created a version with a filament made of the much more durable carbon. He sold the patent for the Incandescent Electric Light Bulb with Carbon Filament to the United States Electric Company in 1881. He then went on to patent a process for efficiently manufacturing the carbon filament and developed the threaded socket for the improved bulb. In 1890 Mr Latimer wrote the first book on electric lighting, Incandescent Electric Lighting and supervised the installation of public electric lights throughout New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, and London. Latimer's other inventions include the first toilet for railroad carriages and an early forerunner of the air conditioner. Employed as a draftsman and assistant by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, there have also been claims that it was Mr Latimer that actually invented the telephone, though these are often disregarded as he defended Mr Bells claims to first inventions in court. While it was Mr Edison that invented the first commercially viable light bulb, it was Mr Latimer who made its widespread use possible with his patented improvements. Mr Biden may have overstated Mr Latimers role, but he remains a crucial figure in science and the development of modern life. For his part, president Donald Trump is a big fan of old-style Edison light bulbs, frequently complaining that newer energy efficient models make him look orange. In 2019 his administration rolled back an Obama-era requirement for more energy efficient light bulbs. If God Was A Child Like Me: a noteworthy read that imparts to children the enlightening presence of God that manifests in different people and virtues. If God Was A Child Like Me is the creation of published author Apostle Pearlie Ames-Murray, Ph.D., a mother and grandmother from Cheapside (Cape Charles), Virginia. Apostle Ames-Murray shares, Children of all ages have wondered or asked the question, What does God look like? It is almost impossible to give them understanding that he could look like them and at the same time look like the kid down the street or the kid from another country. This book is humorously written to address that issue while broadening their imaginative minds, sparking laughter, and bringing awareness to the many cultures of children all over the world who are loved and created by God. This book is inspirational and entertaining. Children will enjoy the illustrations and its poetic composition verse by verse. If God Was a Child Like Me! will show your child diversity in families, and no matter how different they may look, they all love to do the same things. It will captivate your childs attention while bringing a greater connection to parent and child as they read together. This book, If God Was a Child Like Me! is delightfully written for children and will remind the reader that no matter how different we look, God loves us all the same, and we should also love one another. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Apostle Pearlie Ames-Murray, Ph.D.s new book instills to young minds the idea that appearance does not hinder God in blessing His love for them. This book is a wonderful tool that adults can use to educate children on faith and Gods likeness that takes form among the faithful. View the synopsis of If God Was A Child Like Me on YouTube. Consumers can purchase If God Was A Child Like Me at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about If God Was A Child Like Me, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Dictators seek love. It is on the love for the despot and on people worshiping him that most totalitarian regimes are built. But the unconditional love of the backward people, deprived not only of democratic values, but also social benefits (dictatorial regimes can never provide for the common wellbeing), is only possible in full isolation. This could last for decades in the late Soviet Union, and it still is in the present-day North Korea, fully separated from the rest of the world. In the open world though, there are always people who are able to find information, critically evaluate it, draw conclusions, and, what's worst for dictators, share it with others. And every dictator seeks to isolate such people from the rest of society, destroy, and intimidate precisely such threats to peace and benevolent love of the loyal people for their monarch. In today's Russia, Putin has managed to find approaches not only to loyal population strata and bureaucrats, but also to reformat the opposition "in his own image and likeness" Vladimir Putin still remains one of the last dictators of such centuries-old type on the planet. For them, it was not the result of authoritarian rule that mattered most but the very process of own deification by the people. And Putin got the "right" kind of people to this end. Upon Russians, ideas of tsarism and adoration for state power have been imposed for centuries. All that Putin needed to do was to restore some historical narratives and translate them onto himself despite him being too insignificant to claim the majestic role of an autocrat. That Putin accomplished successfully. But when, either due to insufficient isolation of society or due to social issues, the public suddenly feels less love for their ruler, a dictator always looks for the cause in some pathogens of tranquility rather in themselves. They blame those who dared to shout out loud that "the king is naked!" In today's Russia, Putin has managed to find approaches not only to loyal population strata and bureaucrats, but also to reformat the opposition "in his own image and likeness." The democratic opposition that was in place during the protests at Bolotnaya Square started to get marginalized and disappear under severe pressure by the FSB after the show-off assassination (or rather say execution) of Boris Nemtsov. Today's opposition, especially personified in their highest-profile leader Alexei Navalny, has already been poisoned by imperial perspective and principles. It's just as naive to look for the old-school national-democratic opposition in modern-day Belarus with any nationalist and anti-Kremlin sentiments. Lukashenko has destroyed it decades ago. So with Nemtsov's assassination, Putin eliminated in the country the very factor of democratic, genuinely European opposition. But suddenly, he faced a much greater threat to his rule. It was not difficult for Putin to neutralize a direct opponent, his antagonist. But with someone analogous, things turned out to be much more problematic It's only in Moscow or St Petersburg where democrats could seal support against the dictator, but for remote areas of the vast Russia democratic values and their promoters are something distant and incomprehensible. At the same time, aggressive leaders, who don't even wink toward democratic stopcocks, are no longer seen as opposition or alternative, they are analogs of the existing regime, only younger, more skillful, and relatable to people. It's these leaders of the new imperial opposition who turned out to be main troublemakers and suddenly began to gain massive public support. Remember how people would go to Navalny's rallies in places where democratic opposition traditionally received no support at all? Remember the protests in Khabarovsk under the sauce of the odious Liberal Democratic Party? It was not difficult for Putin to neutralize a direct opponent, his antagonist. But with someone analogous, things turned out to be much more problematic. Such figures could secure the nation's love just like him. See, they are playing a game: this tsar is bad, but we a candidate to become a better tsar! Such palace coups in Russian history usually saw success, although little changed in the routine of imperial history. There are various ways to counter people such as Navalny. But they can't guarantee efficiency. However, dictators don't care too much about the arsenal of means they will employ if needed. Where the people's love for their leader doesn't help, fear must be imposed onto the elite. This fear must be very distinctive and personalized. It would seem that there are plenty of means of killing dissidents in the secret services' arsenal: from staged accidents to the imitation of murder as a result of a bar brawl. The latter is very easy to achieve in some distant provincial cities like Omsk. And everyone would believe the version because this is the harsh reality of living in the Russian outback. But a series of assassinations of Kremlin's political opponents are being committed just way too openly and brazenly. It's as if Moscow tells the whole world: "Don't even suggest it was a fatal accident! The person stood in our way and was executed for this." And they just can't care less about international scandals and implications. The worse abroad, the closer the trusting nation unites around the ruler, "confronted by the whole world." The Kremlin had long sought to get rid of Boris Nemtsov, but they didn't eventually do it somewhere in a distant province or on Moscow outskirts. They did it right outside the Kremlin walls. Anna Politkovskaya was executed (not just killed, but precisely executed) so that no one would have any doubts, no matter what the official investigation told people later. Then the assassination attempt on defector (traitor in Russia's perception) Sergei Skripal in UK's Salisbury. It was as if an autograph was left on the crime scene: "From Putin with love." After all, novichok was only available in Russian labs, and the West was well aware of this. Moreover, Russia knew that the West knew... The only thing they did poorly was they failed with formal excuses, left too much factual evidence, so the embarrassment did ensue. But it didn't linger for too long. Navalny could have been killed in multiple ways. He could have been thrown behind bars for years, not months. After all, they could have used quarantine excuses to ban evacuation to Germany altogether. He would have been kept in an Omsk clinic, where visiting professors from Moscow would simply run a few experiments while Navalny's in a deep coma, after which he would regain consciousness, but not his memory, remaining a helpless human being for life. And the whole world would have understood everything, without being able to prove anything. That would've been yet another crime left unpunished. But here, again, the autograph was supposed to be put: "From Putin with love," so that things are clear to all. With Navalny's poisoning, Putin seems to have created enormous problems for himself in the Western world, but the main thing for him is to achieve a tough schooling effect at home The more demonstrative and outright the execution, the better the "schooling effect." After all, this "message" sent not to some revolutionary democrats, ready to go for anything to defend their ideas, but rather to relatable people, the ones who could be referred to as an analogy, rather than an alternative, the ones that have something to lose. With Navalny's poisoning, Putin seems to have created enormous problems for himself in the Western world, but the main thing for him is to achieve a tough schooling effect at home. I suppose that Navalny was sent to a German clinic with obvious traces of a poisonous substance from the novichok group (as an autograph in his body) in his body to send certain signals both inward and outward. Putin has faced no consequences for his wars in Georgia and Ukraine. Well, almost none. Campaigns in Syria, the Central Asian Republic, and Libya have gone completely unpunished. The West expressed outrage, but eventually forgot about Alexander Lytvynenko's polonium poisoning in London and then Sergei Skripal's novichok poisoning in Salisbury. Some are still criticizing Russia for the recent Berlin hit job, but they will also get over it eventually, Putin thinks. Russia has definitely turned into an international terrorist and blackmailer state. Today, it intimidates the civilized world: "We can do whatever we want. What will you do about it? Be prepared soon to once again remain silent about some other incident." Russia is feared precisely due to such show-off brazenness and faith in impunity. Let's recall how many of Ukraine's Western partners reacted to Russia's multiple crimes committed in Ukraine: "Yes, this is a war crime, indeed, it's a violation of international law, but why should we anger the Russian bear?" Putin has come to terms with the image of a dictator and an outcast in the international arena. And he has found himself feeling rather comfy playing this role. And, unfortunately, this is a new step away from civilization and toward a new level of threats. First, the country refuses to comply with international law, then breaches the basic principles of life and death defined by the Commandments Meanwhile, we are bound to live on the same piece of land with this set of territories, melted peoples, elites, and leaders, who are united only by a complete rejection of civilizational norms. And we often treat them as if we have another Germany or France across the border So I believe the signal of Navalny's poisoning should be read not only by those whom it was targeting. Taras Chornovil is a Ukrainian political analyst Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) The Department of Budget and Management said more than 300 billion has been allocated for the governments COVID-19 response. Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said during the budget deliberation of the House of Representatives Committee on appropriations that they are proposing a health budget of 212.39 billion for next year to fund COVID-19 response, strategies, and programs that are consistent with the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Act. This will be allocated for the governments insurance program, medical assistance to Indigent patients, as well as procurement of more than 2 million personal protective equipment, GeneXpert machines and cartridges, and COVID-19 vaccine, to mention some. Another 90 billion is allotted to various departments for their COVID-19 response programs, Avisado said. This includes the Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, and the Department of Public Works and Highways. The proposed 4.506 trillion budget for 2021 was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte early-August. This is higher than the 2020 budget at P4.1 trillion, and will focus on projects that will boost the governments response versus the health crisis. Duterte was given special powers to reallocate portions of the 2020 budget for COVID-19 response through the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, or Bayanihan 1. Its second version was already ratified by both houses, and is just awaiting the signature of the President. Some 1.7 million jobs created next year Meanwhile, acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua told lawmakers that with their recovery program, which includes the 2021 proposed budget, there will be 1.7 million jobs to be created next year. NEDAs phased and adaptive recovery program has three phases that includes emergency stage, recovery stage, and the resiliency stage. Emergency stage, which used the Bayanihan 1, addressed issues like subsidy to the poor and low income Filipinos, support to small businesses, support to key sectors like agriculture, and improvement of the countrys healthcare system. Key features of the recovery stage, which will be supported by the Bayanihan 2 along with certain measures like Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, include resumption of priority infrastructure projects, improved implementation of programs under Bayanihan 1, and targeted tax incentives, among others. For the resiliency stage that will be complemented by the 2021 budget, the government targets to formulate structural reforms to create opportunities under the new normal, and to implement other programs to help in the recovery of Filipinos. The creation of jobs will also be supported by higher spending on infrastructure projects, Chua said. For next year, allocated budget for the governments Build, Build, Build program is up 1.121 trillion from 785 billion in 2020, and Avisado said these projects will generate 140,000 up to 200,000 jobs. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Thursday that some 4.6 million Filipinos were out of work in July, with a 10 percent unemployment rate among Filipinos. This lower than 17.7 percent recorded in April this year, but still higher than 5.4 percent in the same period last year. Chua said during the hearing that community restrictions will have a significant impact on employment for the rest of the year. He said they observed that 7.5 million jobs were brought back as the country transitioned to less strict community restrictions between April and July. This May photo shows mail-in primary election ballots being processed at the Chester County Voter Services office in West Chester. Read more Russia is seeking to undermine public trust in the electoral process by spreading false claims that mail-in ballots are riddled with fraud and susceptible to manipulation, according to a new intelligence bulletin by the Department of Homeland Security. Many of the claims made by Russian sources are identical to repeated, unsupported public statements aired by President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr, who have said that mailed ballots aren't trustworthy while warning of the potential for rampant fraud in November's elections. Homeland Security's intelligence office has assessed that Russian actors "are likely to promote allegations of corruption, system failure, and foreign malign interference to sow distrust in Democratic institutions and election outcomes," the bulletin states. Russia spreads these claims through a network of state-controlled media, proxy websites and social media trolls, it adds. The document doesn't identify any of those media sources by name. But current and former officials who have seen it said the assessment is based in part on classified intelligence about the Russian government's efforts to interfere with the 2020 elections, in a repeat of its operations four years ago, which intelligence agencies have unanimously concluded were designed to help Trump win. The intelligence on Russian efforts to undermine voting-by-mail has been assessed as credible and was deemed important enough to share in an unclassified form on Thursday with state and local officials so that they can take steps to protect elections from manipulation, the current and former officials said. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because the information was not intended to be shared publicly. The bulletin doesnt cite any particular statements by Trump, Barr or other U.S. officials, but it states that Russia is amplifying claims that mail-in voting is prone to fraud. This week, Trump, who has railed against mail-in balloting for months and said it could help Democrats win elections, urged voters to cast ballots twice, by mail and in person, to ensure their votes are counted. Intentionally voting more than once is illegal, and in many states it is a felony. READ MORE: Everything you need to know about voting by mail, or in person, in Pennsylvania On Wednesday, Barr said in an interview with CNN that "elections that have been held with mail have found substantial fraud and coercion." Barr pointed to a case in Texas in which he said the U.S. had indicted someone who had collected 1,700 ballots from eligible voters and "made them out and voted for the person he wanted to." But federal prosecutors brought no such indictment. Claims about ballot fraud are belied by numerous studies that show it is so rare as to be essentially irrelevant to conducting fair, accurate elections. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, millions more Americans are expected to cast votes by mail this year rather than stand in line at polling places, where they might be susceptible to contracting the illness. ABC News first reported on the DHS bulletin Thursday. Russia may also have tried to undermine confidence among Black voters, the bulletin states. Russian media sites and their proxies "highlighted reductions in the number of in-person polling places in large cities due to the pandemic and the long lines this caused, claiming this would disproportionately suppress voting among African Americans and expose them to the spread of COVID-19," the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. A spokesperson for the department's intelligence office, who would not comment directly on the bulletin, said that "foreign influence activities designed to manipulate American audiences are among the most challenging threats facing our country." We continue to release intelligence on foreign influence activities we never stopped including those targeting U.S. elections and democratic processes, with a constant commitment to doing so with increased timeliness, quality, and quantity, the spokesperson said. The bulletin provides a level of detail about Russian efforts that has rarely been heard publicly from Trump administration officials about this year's elections. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for not releasing more details publicly and for not briefing members of Congress in person about election security threats. Last month, a senior ODNI official in charge of protecting elections from outside interference referred to "a range of measures" Russia was taking, including the use of a pro-Russian lawmaker from Ukraine who has met with Trump's personal lawyer "to undermine former vice president [Joe] Biden's candidacy and the Democratic Party." The statement didn't mention Russia's attempts to cast doubt on mail-in ballots. Democratic lawmakers criticized the statement for appearing to equate Russia's covert intelligence operations with overt political efforts by China to influence U.S. policy positions. Lawmakers who have seen classified intelligence said China's efforts aren't comparable to Russia's attempts to manipulate and mislead voters. Russia has been trying to undermine mail-in balloting for at least the past six months, according to the DHS bulletin. "Since March 2020, Russian state media and proxy websites have denigrated vote-by-mail processes, alleging they lack transparency and procedural oversight, creating vast opportunities for voter fraud." In the past, investigators and federal prosecutors have pointed to the Kremlin-run RT media network as well as the website Sputnik as primary conduits for Russian disinformation. Last year, the special counsel investigating Russian election interference in 2016 also brought charges against Russian hackers working for the Internet Research Agency, a propaganda and disinformation outfit based in St. Petersburg, The DHS bulletin cites actions Russia took as recently as a few weeks ago. "Russian state media and proxy websites in mid-August 2020 criticized the integrity of expanded and universal vote-by-mail, claiming ineligible voters could receive ballots due to out-of-date voter rolls, leaving a vast amount of ballots unaccounted for and vulnerable to tampering." Russia is also exploiting concerns that mail carriers may be unable to handle a deluge of mail-in and absentee ballots, according to the bulletin. These websites also alleged that vote-by-mail processes would overburden the U.S. Postal Service and local boards of election, delaying vote tabulation and creating more opportunities for fraud and error. Photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows an exterior view of the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Li Ye/Xinhua) "International organizations rarely die but they can become irrelevant. Only when enough governments see the value in doing business at the WTO will it revive," Simon Evenett, professor of international trade at St Gallen University in Switzerland, told Xinhua. by Martina Fuchs GENEVA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- In its first week without a captain, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is not only faced with an unprecedented leadership vacuum or the biggest crisis in its 25-year history, but an urgent need to stay relevant while embracing the technological and geopolitical realities nowadays, trade experts warned. The Geneva-based global trade watchdog has de facto become leaderless on Aug. 31 with the departure of Director-General Roberto Azevedo, who surprisingly announced in May that he would step down one year before the official end of his term. World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Roberto Azevedo attends a press conference at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, July 23, 2020. (Photo by Li Ye/Xinhua) Azevedo, who will join soft drinks and food company PepsiCo as chief corporate affairs officer, is leaving his successor with a massive set of challenges, ranging from intensifying trade tensions between major members, rising protectionism, to the worst economic recession, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, since the Great Depression. QUESTIONS OVER FUNCTION The WTO, which was founded in 1995 to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible. While critics have warned of the imminent "death of the WTO," Bernard Hoekman, professor at the Robert Schuman Center for Advanced Studies in the European University Institute, said such claims were exaggerated. "The real question is whether a critical mass of WTO members will be willing to engage in reform discussions that will make the organization relevant for the global governance of 21st century trade, which centers increasingly on trade in services and policies that affect the growth of the ongoing structural transformation of the economy towards digitization, disintermediation and automation," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. "There are ongoing plurilateral discussions on some of the key policy areas, for example on e-commerce and domestic regulation of services, which is a positive dynamic," he said. "International organizations rarely die but they can become irrelevant. Only when enough governments see the value in doing business at the WTO will it revive," Simon Evenett, professor of international trade at St Gallen University in Switzerland, told Xinhua. REFORMS, REFORMS, REFORMS How to reform the organization and its rule-based multilateral trading system is now hanging like the sword of Damocles over the eight candidates, who threw their hats in the ring for the top job of the WTO. The WTO is due to begin three rounds of consultations this month -- dubbed "confessionals" -- in which all of its 164 members confidentially voice their preferences, gradually eliminating the names on the list. This process is expected to last at least until November, provided that there are no delays. The candidates running for the top post of new director-general meanwhile have promised sweeping reforms of the WTO's three major functions of dispute settlement, multilateral trade negotiations and trade policy. Candidate Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh from Egypt told Xinhua in a recent interview that restoring the deadlocked negotiation function would be his number one priority. Kenya's Amina Mohamed stressed that she would update the WTO's rulebook "so that it's fit for purpose and in sync with the global developments, global aspirations and respond properly to global challenges." "The world has moved on. The question is whether trade diplomats can leave their comfort zone and embrace the realities of 21st century technological and geopolitical rivalry," Evenett said. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PARALYSIS The other pressing issue that needs fixing is the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism, which is currently paralyzed. The Appellate Body, considered as the supreme court for global trade disputes, is supposed to have seven judges and needs a minimum of three to function. The U.S. administration has been blocking new appointments for more than two years, with claims that the court had gone beyond its remit. "Without an effective system to address trade conflicts, there is no incentive to negotiate new agreements. The current crisis is an opportunity to reform the approach taken in the WTO to resolving disputes," Hoekman said. WTO members including China and the European Union set up a temporary arbitration system earlier this year that allows them to overcome the current paralysis and solve trade disputes among themselves. Jesus Seade Kuri, Mexico's candidate for the director-general, told Xinhua that restarting the dispute settlement system would be on top of his reform agenda and suggested creating a new supervision mechanism for the Appellate Body. MORE UNCERTAINTIES Irrespective of who takes the helm, the ultimate winner will have to brace himself or herself for new post-COVID-19 realities, a plunge in global trade and re-establish the WTO as an advocate for international trade. Aerial photo taken on Aug. 25, 2020 shows containers loaded with commodities at the Shihu port in Shishi, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei) According to the body's annual trade forecast published in April, global trade in goods is expected to drop by between 13 percent to 32 percent in 2020, before rebounding by 21-24 percent in 2021. In theory, Azevedo's successor should be selected by Nov. 7, four days after the U.S. presidential election, under an agreed elimination process that is based on consensus. But as the selection process for the new director-general still continues, insiders have cautioned that the leadership void could last for months. With U.S. President Donald Trump having previously threatened to pull the United States out of the WTO, although no firm plans have been announced, another great unknown remains to be how much influence the U.S. will be exerting on that process in the run-up to the appointment of the WTO chief. [ Editor: WXY ] Cory Townes and his father, Jeff Townes, aka DJ Jazzy Jeff, in the Citizens Bank parking lot where Live-In Drive-In concerts are staged. The Towneses will perform together for the first time on Monday as part of the Labor Day Comedy Jam. Read more Cory Townes spent the Christmas holiday break last year in Lagos, Nigeria, playing his first DJ gig outside of the United States. Excited, he texted his father known to the world as DJ Jazzy Jeff to share a life goal for 2020. He was in New Zealand, getting ready for his own gig, Cory recalls. I told him that one of my main goals was for us to be on the same bill together in 2020. He said, Lets do it. Its going to happen. On Monday, it finally will. The Live-In Drive-In summer series in the Citizens Bank Park parking lot will conclude with the two Towneses serving as opening acts at the Labor Day Comedy Jam headlined by comedian Michael Blackson. In non-pandemic circumstances, the challenge of getting a Townes team together would be to coordinate around busy schedules. Instead, father and son have faced obstacles presented by a virus that brought the nightlife industry to a halt, and also threatened Jeff Townes life. Before the shutdown, Cory, 33, was holding down a residency at Brooklyn club Kinfolk, though hes only been DJing since the beginning of 2019. Pre-pandemic DJ Jazzy Jeff, 55, was working the world-travel schedule hes maintained since his rise to fame with Will Smith, which began when he sampled the I Dream of Jeannie theme song on Girls Aint Nothing but Trouble in 1986. But Jeff Townes musical history goes back further than his alliance with Smith, with whom hell reunite along with the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in a 30th anniversary special on HBO Max this fall. Speaking from his Delaware home where hes been quarantining with his wife, Lynette, as well as Cory and four other family members, Jeff says he discovered his lifes work when he went to a West Philly block party in 1975. The DJ made me feel like he was the Pied Piper, the way he made everybody move to the music, he says. The youngest of six children also got a rich musical education at home. My Dad was an emcee for Count Basie, Jeff says. My brothers were into the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Chick Corea. My sisters loved Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Jeff already made a name for himself in Philly by the time of his impromptu pairing with Smith. It came about when he showed up at a gig in Southwest Philly without his then-rapper partner, who hadnt been home when Townes called to tell him about the gig. The party was at 59th and Woodland, next door to Smiths house. He was like, So do you mind if I rock with you, then? Jeff recalls. I said, Sure. And the chemistry was so great, there was never a conversation. Before they knew it, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince were flying to London to perform on Top of the Pops. Jeff has been a turntable innovator ever since he blew minds with the transformer scratch effect on The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff in 1987. After he and Smith split in 1993, he nurtured Philadelphia talents like Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild with his A Touch of Jazz production company. In March, he played a ski resort in Ketchum, Idaho. When he got home, he felt achy. He took a turn for the worse on March 11, and I dont remember the next 14 days of my life, he says. A doctor didnt test for COVID, but diagnosed pneumonia. I couldnt eat, and I didnt open my mouth to speak for about 10 days. He became convinced he had the virus after his wife got a call from a journalist. He said about 10 people had passed away from COVID that had been at the ski resort. I was freaked out. As was Cory, then living in Brooklyn. His father had told him he wasnt feeling well, but then someone texted me and said they heard the news and were so sorry. Confused, he saw reports his father had contracted the virus, with online rumors suggesting he was on life support in an ICU unit. As a celebritys kid, Ive always had that fear Ill find out something through the media, Cory says. The rumors were false. His father recovered by April, and wrote on Instagram: Please take this serious it does not care who you are, what you do or what your plans are. Stay safe. In April, Jeff began performing DJ sets from his home studio for the Adidas show The Do-Over. The response surprised him: I got like nine or 10 thousand people watching it online. Those shows have been joyous, except for the one he did after the death of George Floyd at the end of May. When he told his wife he wasnt up for playing, she told him he had a duty to his fans: Youre their comfort. Inspired by Donny Hathaways Someday Well All Be Free, he built a two-hour mix of protest songs by Curtis Mayfield, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyonce. He called it The Magnificent Resistance. Its posted on the free streaming platform Mixcloud. Jeff wont be putting much socially-conscious seriousness into his set on Monday, though. My job is to take people on a musical journey and eliminate some of their stress, he says. You dont want to completely forget about whats going on. But this is going to be the first time being outside for me and for a lot of these people. I want everybody to throw their hands in the air and have a good time. Cory, he says, always had a great feel for music. But I didnt treat DJing as the family business, like I was a plumber, and I was going to take my son to work. Because this is an art, and I never wanted to push it on him. I wanted him to want it for himself. When the younger Townes decided he did, his father presented him with a controller an all-in-one DJ setup. Cory got to work, practicing in the kitchen of the Brooklyn apartment. He proved a quick study. Soundcloud named him a DJ to watch. When Philly hip-hop promoter Charlie Mack approached Jeff about the Labor Day jam, he had an idea: Why not have Cory open? This is the first time Im going to be on a bill with my son, Jeff says. Its just a level of pride he pauses I dont know how to feel right now. I never thought this would happen. Cory will come on first. I have zero problem opening for the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, he says, and laughs. 2020 has been a roller coaster for many different reasons. I remembered that text exchange we had last year, and to see that come full circle after all weve had to deal with? Its a blessing. London Fashion Week will see the return of live catwalk shows, The British Fashion Council has announced. It comes after the previous event went digital and gender neutral for the first time ever in June due to lockdown restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. The event, which is set to take place between September 12 and 22, will see over 80 designers showcasing their designs, according to France24. While seven of the shows will proceed to take place in front of a condensed live audience, 21 will be an amalgamation of physical and digital, while the other 50 will take place online. Model Kendall Jenner walks the runway at the Burberry show during London Fashion Week February 2020 at the Olympia National on February 17, 2020 in London Bella Hadid during the Burberry show at London Fashion Week February 2020, held at Olympia National, London on February 17, 2020 'LFW is one of the few international events to still be going ahead in London, proving the industry's resilience, creativity and innovation in difficult times,' the BFC commented. In June, in which the London Fashion Week Men's SS21 show is held, a digital event took place instead, hosted on londonfashionweek.co.uk, meaning fashion fans didn't require a ticket or a coveted invite. It was opened to a global public and trade audience, and worked as a meet-up point, which offered interviews, podcasts, designer diaries, webinars and digital showrooms, giving the opportunity to designers to generate sales for both the public through existing collections and the retailers through orders for next season's products. Menswear and womenswear designers were invited to showcase their work from June 12. A representative for the BFC previously told British Vogue that LFW's September iteration will also be gender-agnostic. Pictured: Lena Dunham walks the runway at the 16Arlington show during London Fashion Week February 2020 At the time, BFC chief executive Caroline Rush said it was 'essential' to look at the future and the opportunity to change, collaborate and innovate. 'Many of our businesses have always embraced London Fashion Week as a platform for not just fashion but for its influence on society, identity and culture. The current pandemic is leading us all to reflect more poignantly on the society we live in and how we want to live our lives and build businesses when we get through this,' she said. 'The other side of this crisis, we hope will be about sustainability, creativity and product that you value, respect, cherish. 'By creating a cultural fashion week platform, we are adapting digital innovation to best fit our needs today and enacting something to build on as a global showcase for the future.' The London fashion week wasn't the first to be held digitally - Shanghai hosted an online show a month earlier, while Tokyo livestreamed its fashion week shows in March. However, London was the first city on a major fashion circuit to adopt the online-only model. With containment increasing on multiple wildfires burning around the Bay, air quality has improved this week, but smoke continues to linger and could worsen over the weekend with a heat wave set to push inland temperatures into the 100s. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a Spare the Air Alert for Friday and Saturday, which makes it illegal to burn wood or wood products. Saturday will mark a record-breaking 18 consecutive days of alerts. That's four more days than were issued in 2018 when the previous record was set during the Camp Fire. Aaron Richardson, a spokesperson for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, said the alert could be extended to Sunday if fires intensify or new ones spark. "Heat can make fires burn hotter and push smoke to travel higher aloft," explained Richardson. "Sometimes the smoke doesnt linger at ground level, and it can travel further around the region." With temperatures forecast to soar well above 100 in inland areas, Richardson said an increase in ozone will also be a concern as ozone production accelerates at high temperatures. "Even though smoke impacts are dwindling, depending on how the heat impacts the fires and whether theres a possibility of general summer ozone, well make a decision to extend spare the air alert," he said. Last week, air quality in the Bay Area dropped to unhealthy levels in many areas as firefighters battled flames at four major blazes: the LNU Lightning Complex in the North Bay, the SCU Lightning in the East Bay and Central Valley, the Woodward Fire in Marin and the CZU August Lightning Complex in the Santa Cruz Mountains. All of these are now more than 50% contained and some nearly fully contained. This week, air quality levels have improved, ranging from good to moderate in many spots in recent days. The Woodward Fire in Point Reyes National Seashore continues to send smoke to San Francisco, and the city usually sees its worst air quality in the morning as the overnight inversion layer pushes smoke down to the ground. "The winds are coming from the northwest and it has been bringing smoke down from that Woodward Fire down into the North Bay, San Francisco and the East Bay," Richardson said. "In the afternoon, we get a straight onshore breeze and that blows things out." A similar pattern is expected on Saturday. Richardson also noted the August Complex in Mendocino County has grown to nearly 300,000 acres and is only 23% contained. While the fires in the Bay Area come under control, this Mendocino conflagration could have an impact on Bay Area air quality. "It's going to be a day-by-day thing to forecast the air quality as so many factors are fluctuating," he said. Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com. Several rumours, including alleged organ harvesting of coronavirus patients, have posed a challenge to the Punjab government, which on Friday launched an awareness campaign to counter the rumours Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday accused the Aam Aadmi Party of furthering its political agenda instead of condemning the coronavirus disinformation campaign being run in the states villages. The chief minister also dismissed the AAPs claim of successful coronavirus management by the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi. Attacking state AAP leaders, the chief minister said they seemed "more focused on launching a personal attack" against him rather than "condemning the COVID disinformation campaign" being run by anti-social elements in the state's villages. This showed the extent to which AAP is ready to stoop to further their political agenda in the state, where they have completely lost the confidence of people, the chief minister said in a statement. Several rumours, including alleged organ harvesting of coronavirus patients, have posed a challenge to the Punjab government, which on Friday launched an awareness campaign to counter the rumours. Hitting out at AAP, Singh said though its leaders talk of working together to fight the unprecedented crisis, they are "blatantly and shamelessly ignoring persistent attempts by Pakistan to foment a fresh trouble by spreading false propaganda over the pandemic". Not a word from AAP on the fake videos, which appear to have emanated from Pakistan to spread fear and disinformation among people on COVID. No reaction to the arrest of an AAP activist for disseminating such a video, the chief minister said. This clearly indicates that they do not want people to become aware of the fabrication but in fact want to leverage to their political benefit, he alleged. Reacting to Kejriwal's remarks that AAP workers will go to Punjab villages with oximetres to check oxygen levels of people, Singh said it "exposed their desperation to woo people". Unlike the Kejriwal government, which had to beg for help from the Centre when cases peaked in the national capital, Punjab is fully prepared to handle the crisis, he said, adding that over 4,500 people have died in Delhi against Punjab's 1,690 so far. The pathetic situation in Delhi is further evident in its case load, 6th in the country as against Punjab''s 17th position, and 14,151 beds against 21,431 in Punjab, he said. As far as testing is concerned, from 10 April to 2 September, Delhi had increased testing by 154 times and Punjab by 519.1 times, the chief minister claimed. No wonder Delhi is witnessing another surge even as AAP is busy touting the Delhi model as an example for other states, he remarked. Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan announced on Friday that he would not accept the resignation of his Special Assistant on Information Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa. Bajwa, who is also chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, had earlier said he would continue in that capacity but withdraw from the information portfolio. His resignation came after a story was published by an online investigative news platform that catalogued the retired generals rise to riches along with that of his family members. According to a report published on Fact Focus, Asim Bajwas brothers, wife and two sons own a business empire which set up 99 companies in four countries, including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated $39.9 million. I strongly rebut the baseless allegations levelled against me and my family.Alhamdolillah another attempt to damage our reputation belied/exposed.I have and will always serve Pakistan with pride and dignity. pic.twitter.com/j185UoGhx1 Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimSBajwa) September 3, 2020 The report said that out of the 99 companies, 66 are main companies, 33 companies are branch companies of some of the main companies while five companies are dead. The Bajwa familys companies spent an estimated $52.2 million to develop their businesses and $14.5 million to purchase properties in the United States, while Asim Bajwa and his department were encouraging Pakistanis to invest within their relatively undeveloped country, said the report. Bajwa announced in a TV program on Thursday that he would resign from his position as Special Assistant while at the same time he denied the allegations made in the news report. But on Friday, prime minister Imran Khan said in a statement that he is satisfied with the evidence and explanation presented by him. Bajwa had accused anti-Pakistan elements of being behind the report. In what is being described as a related development, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Joint Director Sajid Gondal went missing from Islamabad on Thursday night, his family confirmed on Friday. Human rights minister Shireen Mazari took notice of the incident and said in a tweet that the police have been directed to register a first information report (FIR). Local media has speculated, however, that Gondal may have supplied information on General Bajwas companies to the reporter who filed the story against him. Newly released bodycam footage shows the moment 'cult mom' Lori Vallow smirked at Hawaii cops as they issued a search warrant a month before her arrest and five months before her children's bodies were found on her husband's property. The video was taken on January 26, a day after Lori, 47, was served with a court order in Idaho to produce her missing kids, Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16, who were last seen in 2019. Cops found items belonging to the children but no evidence they were with Lori and her new husband Chad Daybell, 51, in Hawaii. As she was detained, Lori didn't say much to officers but shrugs and smirks her responses. Scroll down for video 'Cult mom' Lori Vallow smirks at Hawaii cops as they issued a search warrant on January 26, five months before her children's bodies were found on her husband's property Tylee Ryan, 16, and Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, seven, disappeared in September 2019 but were never reported missing by their mother or Chad, whom Lori married in early November Investigators are seen recovering the remains of Tylee and JJ from the backyard of Chad's home in Salem, Idaho, on June 9. Nobody has been charged with their deaths Authorities began searching for the children in November 2019, sparking an investigation that revealed a complicated timeline involving the deaths of both Lori and Chad's former spouses and rumors of a doomsday cult. Lori and Chad married in Kauai, Hawaii, in November just days before concerned relatives asked police to carry out a welfare check on JJ. It emerged that nobody had seen him or Tylee in weeks and when cops carried out a search warrant on Lori's home in Rexburg, they discovered she and Chad had fled Idaho. The video on January 26 was the first time the couple was seen in months as police issued them with two search warrants. Lori was also served with a court order to produce the children to authorities in Idaho in five days. According to Fox 10, the couple had spent the morning on the beach before being stopped by officers at the Kauai Beach Resort in the Black Ford Explorer they had rented. At this time, it was not known that Lori's children were already dead. Cop cars are shown driving up behind their vehicle in a parking lot to block access and officers walk out to surround the car. 'Advise them that we have a search warrant, and don't let them use any communications,' an officer states. 'Step off,' said an officer. 'We have a search warrant for you guys, your car, your belongings.' Lori simply shrugs as she is told by Hawaii officers in January they have a search warrant She says little to the officers as they make her stand away from her rented car for the search Lori was detained but it was another month before her arrest on child abandonment charges Lori steps out of the car and stands by its door as she's issued with the warrant, but simply shrugs and looks unconcerned. She is then led away from the car as an officer stands by her side and the car is searched. Officers say they discovered JJ and Tylee's birth certificates, a bank card issued to Tylee, JJ's iPad, and a second iPad logged into his account, and JJ's school registration receipts from Rexburg, Idaho. There were no signs that the children accompanied Lori and and Chad in Hawaii. Lori is then taken to a cop car to be detained as she puts on her sunglasses and continues to read through the search warrant. It would not be until February 20, however, that Lori was arrested on child abandonment charges. Chad was arrested on June 9, the same day JJ and Tylee's bodies were discovered on his Salem, Idaho, property. At the time of the video, the fate of her children was not known. Their bodies were discovered on June 9 at Chad Daybell's residence in Salem, Idaho, pictured above Investigators search for human remains at Chad Daybell's residence on June 9 Lori is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy to destroy or conceal evidence, as well as three misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing officers, solicitation to commit a crime and contempt of court. She is set to appear at an arraignment on September 10. Chad pleaded not guilty last week to the same two felony counts, and previously pleaded not guilty to two other felony counts for destruction or concealment of evidence. His attorney filed a motion last week for all of the charges against him to be dismissed because there is no evidence to support them. The attorney said that the claims against Chad are 'vague and broad' and argued that the defendant's constitutional rights are being violated because he can not be 'fairly notified and apprised of when, how and what he is accused of doing'. Judge Boyce has not yet responded to the motion. Both defendants are set to face trial in January 2021. This week, Idaho prosecutors asked a judge to combine the cases against Lori and Chad which experts say could help lead to conviction. Madison County Special Prosecutor Rob Wood and the state of Idaho made the request in a motion on Tuesday, arguing that the cases should be joined because both defendants are facing charges for conspiring to hide the remains of the children. Idaho prosecutors have asked a judge to combine the cases against Chad Daybell (left) and Lori Vallow (right) so they can be tried together in a move that could help lead to a conviction. In a motion filed Tuesday, they argued that the cases should be joined because both Chad and Lori are facing charges for conspiring to hide the remains of her children The latest developments in the case came just days before the anniversary of Lori's daughter. Tylee vanished on September 8, 2019, just days before her 17th birthday. Investigators said her body was burned and dismembered before being buried sometime the following day. JJ was last seen two weeks later on September 23. His body was wrapped in duct tape and plastic and buried the same day, investigators said. Authorities believe Lori's now-deceased brother Alex Cox brought the children's bodies to Chad's home to bury them. He was found unresponsive in a bathroom in Arizona on December 12 and died . Months later, an autopsy determined that he died of natural causes while he had the overdose drug Narcan in his system. Neither Chad nor Lori have been accused of harming Tylee and JJ. Authorities have yet to say how the children died, or whether homicide charges will be filed in the future. The story captured nationwide attention with the revelations that police were also investigating at least three suspicious deaths linked to Lori and Chad, as well as relatives' claims that the couple are members of a dangerous doomsday cult. Lori and Chad went on the run the day after police began searching for the children and reopened an investigation into the death of Chad's first wife Tammy Daybell, who died on October 19, 2019. The case on Lori's previous husband Charles Vallow, 52, was also reopened after the children went missing. He was killed by Alex Cox in Arizona on July 10, 2019, after an altercation. Police initially rule that Alex acted in self defense. However, Charles had been seeking a divorce at the time, saying Lori believed she had become a god-like figure who was responsible for ushering in the biblical end times. In August, investigators in Arizona revealed they believe they could charge Lori in relation to Charles' death in 'four to six months'. Canada's only ice shelf broke apart due to a hot summer and climate change, the AP reports. Why it matters: Ice shelves are between hundreds and thousands of years old and bulkier than long-term sea ice. Their disappearance from Canada showcases how the Arctic has warmed faster than the rest of globe. What they're saying: There arent very many ice shelves around the Arctic anymore, University of Ottawa glaciology professor Luke Copland told the AP. It seems weve lost pretty much all of them from northern Greenland and the Russian Arctic. There may be a few in a few protected fjords. By the numbers: Temperatures in the region have been 9 degrees warmer than the 1980-2010 average from May to early August, Copland said. The big picture: The shelf, located on the northwestern boundary of Ellesmere Island, broke into two large icebergs that started drifting away. One is the size of Manhattan. If the icebergs reach warmer waters, the climate could melt them, which would contribute to rising sea levels, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Go deeper: The rising seas global warming has already locked in The more relevant discussion points include new details on the HDMI 2.1 connectors, the new RTX IO feature that relies on SSDs, how the new Ampere architecture effectively doubles the performance of the Turing CUDA cores, PCIe 3.0 vs PCIe 4.0 performance difference, DLSS 2.1 features, power cable recommendations, new decoder capabilities and Nvidia Reflex compatibility for older cards. Working For Notebookcheck Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! English native speakers welcome! News Writer (AUS/NZL based) - Details here Nvidia managed to impress even the more skeptical fans with the RTX 3000 announcement, but, even so, some of the specs like the CUDA core count or the number of pins on the power connectors appeared to contradict the information provided by certain AIB partners. In order to clear up the confusing specs, Nvidia delegated some of its employees to answer most of the pressing fan concerns in a Reddit Q&A session. Here is a list with the more relevant clarifications from the Reddit Q&A session: The HDMI 2.1 ports support the full 48 Gbps bandwidth, and the Nvidia drivers will allow users to switch between 8-bit, 10-bit and 12-bit color depth, which is good news for those who own TVs with limited 40 Gbps HDMI 2.1 connections. RTX IO will accelerate SSD performance regardless of how fast it is, by reducing the CPU load required for I/O, and by enabling GPU-based decompression, allowing game assets to be stored in a compressed format and offloading potentially dozens of CPU cores from doing that work. Compression ratios are typically 2:1, so that would effectively amplify the read performance of any SSD by 2x. RTX IO does not allow the SSD to replace frame buffer memory, but it allows the data from the SSD to get to the GPU, and GPU memory much faster, with much less CPU overhead. Regarding the confusing double CUDA cores, Nvidia states that the new Ampere microarchitecture was designed to achieve twice the throughput for FP32 operations compared to the Turing Streaming Multiprocessors (SM). To accomplish this goal, the Ampere SM includes new datapath designs for FP32 and INT32 operations. One datapath in each partition consists of 16 FP32 CUDA Cores capable of executing 16 FP32 operations per clock. Another datapath consists of both 16 FP32 CUDA Cores and 16 INT32 Cores. As a result of this new design, each Ampere SM partition is capable of executing either 32 FP32 operations per clock, or 16 FP32 and 16 INT32 operations per clock. All four SM partitions combined can execute 128 FP32 operations per clock, which is double the FP32 rate of the Turing SM, or 64 FP32 and 64 INT32 operations per clock. The performance difference between PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 is typically less than a few percent, so Intel users stuck on PCIe 3.0 are not really missing out on any substantial performance gains. Nvidia did not announce anything about DLSS 3.0, but the new RTX 3000 cards will support DLSS 2.1, which includes a new ultra performance mode for 8K resolutions, plus support for VR titles and dynamic resolution. Nvidia recommends the use of two individual 8-pin cables to power the new RTX 3080 cards. Nvidia did not really improve the video encoding capabilities of the Ampere cards, but it added AV1 decode support. Nvidia Reflex - the new feature that reduces rendering latency in competitive games - will work with GTX 900 GPUs and up. Sale off now on Amazon - NVIDIA Geforce RTX 2080 Super Founders Edition Graphics Card Senior Economist Monetary and Economic Department, Financial Markets Torsten Ehlers joined the BIS as an Economist in September 2011, after earning his PhD from the University of Zurich. During his studies he conducted research projects both at the Bank of England and the Bundesbank. Prior to his PhD, he obtained a Masters in Economics from Warwick University, United Kingdom, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dortmund, Germany. From 2013 to 2016 he worked in the BIS representative office in Hong Kong SAR. His research interests cover international banking, derivatives markets, shadow banking and sustainable finance. Fields of interest The protest video is more of a snapshot than a complete story. The most important thing that you do not see is what happened after. My instincts kept telling me this was not a crowd inclined to perpetuate violence with more violence. In the end, someone said lets go, and the protesters moved on. They were not pleased with me, but I was not hurt in any way. No one ever tried to raise my hand for me or threw so much as a paper straw in my direction. BERLIN - German prosecutors said Friday they will charge a 27-year-old woman with murder after five of her young children were found dead at their home in the western city of Solingen. Heribert Kaune-Gebhardt, a prosecutor in nearby Wuppertal, told reporters that postmortem examinations on the dead children showed signs of sedation and suffocation, but it was still unclear how exactly they had died. The mother, who sent her eldest son to stay with his grandmother Thursday before attempting to take her own life by jumping in front of a train, hasnt been questioned by police yet, officials said. The killings have caused widespread shock in Germany. Wuppertal police said the childrens grandmother had alerted authorities about a possible crime shortly before 2 p.m. (1200 GMT) Thursday. Officers who arrived at the familys home within minutes forced open the door and found three girls, ages 1, 2 and 3, and two boys, 6 and 8, dead in their beds. There were no signs of physical violence, said Marcel Maierhofer of the Wuppertal police force. Investigators have so far determined that the womans 11-year-old son left for school as usual on Thursday morning. His mother later picked him up from school and told him to go to his grandmother, Maierhofer said. The suspect also sent her mother a message stating that she couldnt go on and cited marital problems with the father of her four youngest children. We can only speculate that the motive was the fraught marriage, Maierhofer said. Read more about: Mumbai: The Producers Guild of India on Friday called out the media for peddling" what it termed clickbait journalism following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput and trying to paint Bollywood as a murky den of substance abuse and criminality. In a statement issued on social media, the Guild, headed by producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, also asked the media to stop fanning the flames and said common human decency is more important than advertising revenues and ratings. This is the first time thatBollywoods powerful producers body, which has 136 members including biggies like Aditya Chopra, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Vishal Bhardwaj,has formally issued a statement on the media coverage of the film industry, the intense trolling that actors are subjected to and the outsider vs insider debate. In its statement, the Guild defended the industry against criticism that it was a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to, a debate that has not just intensified but also polarised Bollywood since34-year-old Rajput was found dead in his home on June 14 this year. This is to let all aspirants to the film industry know that they should not be misled by the clickbait journalism currently being peddled to advance the sensationalized narrative that the film industry is a terrible place to aspire to work in, the representative body of the Hindi film producers said. These are difficult times for our country and the world, so rather than venting our fears and frustrations on each other with vile and vicious trolling it is more important than ever to come together instead of tearing each other apart, it said. The media, it added, must look in the mirror and stop fanning the flames. There are some things more important than advertising revenues and ratings things like common human decency. Lets show we still have some, the scathing statement read. The Guild also criticised the media for trying to paint Bollywood as a murky den of substance abuse and criminality even as actor Kangana Ranaut asked top actors to submit to a blood test to prove they were not on drugs. The last few months, it said, have seen relentless attacks on the reputation of the Indian film industry across all media. The tragic death of a promising young star has been used by some as a tool to defame and slander the film industry and its members, Guild said. A picture has been painted of the industry as a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to; a place that treats those who dare to enter it with contempt and derision This narrative is salacious enough for the media to exploit to great effect in order to boost its ratings, readership and page views.But it is not the truth, it added. Like any other sector, the Guild said, the film industry also had its imperfections and works towards weeding out unsavoury elements or improper practices holding it back but to paint an entire industry with the same brush is a gross misrepresentation of reality. Criticising the relentless trolling that members of the industry from both sides of the debate have faced, the Guild said women have been subjected to rape and death threats. This is unacceptable and must stop now. Pointing out that thecinema industry is a place that employs hundreds of thousands of people and works as the soft power for India while bringing honour and glory to the nation", the Guild said the industry has generously contributed to national causes in times of need by offering its resources, name, recognition, time and funds. It said it was not negating the personal experiences of hardships, struggles and disappointments of people, but these were no different from the challenges that new entrants face in any field they are not born into, be it politics, law, business, medicine or media. However, a concerted effort has been made to single out the film industry as one that specifically inhibits and prohibits new talent from the outside from thriving. This could not be further from the truth, the statement read, citing the example of many outside talents flourishing across different departments of films. While admitting that being born in the industry afforded the privilege of access and a first break, the film body said success ultimately depends on ones talent. This is a place that ultimately rewards your talent, work ethic and the ability to connect with an audience regardless of your religion, gender, caste or economic strata, the statement, which ended with a two-word comment in solidarity. The statement found wide echo on social media. Using the hashtag of InSolidarity, filmmakers and actors such as Vikramaditya Motwane, Farhan Akhtar, Richa Chadha, Reema Kagti, Riteish Deshmukh, Nikkhil Advani, Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra and others retweeted the statement. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Health Minister, Nelu Tataru, said on Friday that "a lot of work" must be done to accomplish a legislation in the medical domain and said that during the pandemic he noticed personally that the management (of medical units - e.n.) "is lacking", and the Public Health Directorates (DSPs) must be "re-evaluated, re-established, re-adapted" to current demands. "What do we know now? Because there is much work to be done on a legislation, we have a law of reform in healthcare since 2006 that has over 1,500 amendments, so much so that we do not know its initial form, we have a management that, practically evaluated on the spot in all these months and personally by me, is lacking, we have Public Health Directorates (DSPs) that must be re-evaluated, re-established and re-adapted to today's demands. We have some response systems that, just the same, must be adapted to a crisis situation. I want to mention in all the period the very good collaboration with the Department for Emergency Situations," said the minister, at the "Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum"."What have we discovered in this pandemic? We have rediscovered telemedicine and I believe that this re-discovery must not be put down somewhere and must be adapted at least, if not totally, in those areas of the country where access is pretty hard," the minister also showed.Tataru thanked the medical corps for answering "promptly to requests" in the context of the pandemic with the novel coronavirus. The Producers Guild, headed by producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, also asked the media to stop fanning the flames and said common human decency is more important than advertising revenues and ratings The Producers Guild of India on Friday called out the media for "peddling" what it termed clickbait journalism following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput and trying to paint Bollywood as a murky den of substance abuse and criminality. In a statement issued on social media, the Guild, headed by producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, also asked the media to stop fanning the flames and said, common human decency is more important than advertising revenues and ratings. This is the first time that Bollywoods powerful producer's body, which has 136 members including biggies like Aditya Chopra, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Vishal Bhardwaj, has formally issued a statement on the media coverage of the film industry, the intense trolling that actors are subjected to and the outsider vs insider debate. In its statement, the Guild defended the industry against criticism that it was a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to, a debate that has not just intensified but also polarised Bollywood since 34-year-old Rajput was found dead in his home on 14 June this year. This is to let all aspirants to the film industry know that they should not be misled by the clickbait journalism currently being peddled to advance the sensationalised narrative that the film industry is a terrible place to aspire to work in, the representative body of the Hindi film producers said. Check out the full statement here These are difficult times for our country and the world, so rather than venting our fears and frustrations on each other with vile and vicious trolling... it is more important than ever to come together instead of tearing each other apart, it said. The media, it added, must look in the mirror and stop fanning the flames. There are some things more important than advertising revenues and ratings things like common human decency. Let's show we still have some, the scathing statement read. The Guild also criticised the media for trying to paint Bollywood as a murky den of substance abuse and criminality even as actor Kangana Ranaut asked top actors to submit to a blood test to prove they were not on drugs. The last few months, it said, have seen relentless attacks on the reputation of the Indian film industry across all media. The tragic death of a promising young star has been used by some as a tool to defame and slander the film industry and its members, Guild said. A picture has been painted of the industry as a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to; a place that treats those who dare to enter it with contempt and derision... This narrative is salacious enough for the media to exploit to great effect in order to boost its ratings, readership, and page views. But it is not the truth, it added. Like any other sector, the Guild said, the film industry also had its imperfections and works towards weeding out unsavoury elements or improper practices holding it back but to paint an entire industry with the same brush is a gross misrepresentation of reality. Criticising the relentless trolling that members of the industry from both sides of the debate have faced, the Guild said women have been subjected to rape and death threats. This is unacceptable and must stop now. Pointing out that the cinema industry is a place that employs hundreds of thousands of people and works as the soft power for India while bringing honour and glory to the nation", the Guild said the industry has generously contributed to national causes in times of need by offering its resources, name, recognition, time and funds. It said it was not negating the personal experiences of hardships, struggles and disappointments of people, but these were no different from the challenges that new entrants face in any field they are not born into, be it politics, law, business, medicine or media. However, a concerted effort has been made to single out the film industry as one that specifically inhibits and prohibits new talent from the outside from thriving. This could not be further from the truth, the statement read, citing the example of many outside talents flourishing across different departments of films. While admitting that being born in the industry afforded the privilege of access and a first break, the film body said success ultimately depends on ones talent. This is a place that ultimately rewards your talent, work ethic, and the ability to connect with an audience regardless of your religion, gender, caste or economic strata, the statement, which ended with a two-word comment -- in solidarity. The statement found wide echo on social media. Using the hashtag of InSolidarity, filmmakers and actors such as Vikramaditya Motwane, Farhan Akhtar, Richa Chadha, Reema Kagti, Riteish Deshmukh, Nikkhil Advani, Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra, and others retweeted the statement. Federal courts in Chicago have now rejected geofence searches to Google on three occasions. As reported by Arstechnia this means law enforcement agencies now cannot simply ask Google for this information. Geofence searches if granted require Google to supply a list of smartphones in a 100m radius of an area. This all comes after a massive increase in geofence requests over the last few years. Law enforcement authorities naturally want as much access to information as possible and have argued in the past that they should be able to gain access to encrypted messages. However, these rejections demonstrate there are limitations to their access which could have some interesting implications. Advertisement Geofence requests massively on the rise One of the reasons for the rejections was just how often Google has been required to supply this information in the last few years. As mentioned, requests have massively been on the rise since 2017. From 2017-18 there was a 1,500-percent increase in geofence requests. In the next year, they also increased by 600-percent. This resulted in a hundredfold increase since 2017. In 2019 alone Google received 180 requests of this nature. The reasons why Google receives so many requests is because pretty much everyone uses Google products in one way or another. Even those with iPhones tend to run an app like Google Maps. Advertisement Google required to hand over hundreds of users data In a Wisconsin Arson case, Google had to supply over 1500 individuals information to the authorities. Given the Chicago federal court rejected Google geofence searches this could have wide-ranging impacts on how governments can ask for information from tech companies. In one instance, officers in Chicago were investigating a stolen drugs case. To try and apprehend the suspects investigators asked Google for data about every smartphone that was near two prominent locations in the case at a certain time. Initially, the authorities asked for every smartphone within 100m of these locations. However, as this was too broad the request was rejected. Advertisement The authorities then limited its request to compact polygons right around the buildings in question. Then asked for anonymous data that could not identify anyone. The government rejected all three of these requests. This is because they determined that none of these lay within the Fourth Amendments requirement. The main issue was that these areas were busy places so the data captured would have included a lot of innocent bystanders. All person warrants deemed unconstitutional In the rejection of the final request, Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes determined that all person warrants as unconstitutional. To give this some context, if the police wanted to search a bar they do not have the right to search everyone in that bar at the time of the search. Advertisement Therefore, for a geofence search to be granted the authorities need to demonstrate that everyone in that area may have been involved in a crime. However, this is a very fluid point of law and can be overturned by court trial judges. Despite this, these decisions could throw other common law practices into question. The contours of the legality of accessing peoples data are likely to become more clear over the years to come. However, these could be important decisions in understanding how they may shape going forwards. Ambassadors of NATO member states will hold an extraordinary meeting on September 4, the alliances press service informed on Thursday. "The North Atlantic Council at Ambassadorial level will meet at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Friday 4 September 2020," the statement reads. The NATO statement does not specify the topic of the meeting; however, it informs that the event will be translated into Russian. For its part, Bloomberg news agency reported that the participants of the meeting are set to discuss the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Alexei Navalny was hospitalized in Omsk on August 20, after his health deteriorated rapidly during his flight from Tomsk to Moscow. Upon hospitalization, Navalny was in coma and then hooked up to a ventilator. On August 22, he was transferred to the Charite clinic in Berlin. On Wednesday, the German government claimed that Navalnys tests revealed traces of an unidentified poisonous substance from the notorious Novichok group. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed Thursday that Russian specialists discovered no poisonous substance during Navalnys stay at the Omsk hospital. He stressed that Russia is undoubtedly interested in determining the cause of the incident, adding that the information from Germanys authorities would help the investigation understand what happened to Navalny. Peskov mentioned that the Ministry of the Interior is carrying out a pre-investigation inspection and all the necessary investigative procedures. CLEVELAND, Ohio Cleveland has responded to criticism over issues with the Community Police Commission, calling a report about the citys fractured dealings with the panel an extremely negative characterization of its relationship. In documents filed this week in U.S. District Court, the city countered a July report by Hassan Aden, the monitor overseeing the process to reform police. Aden highlighted the commissions work and its difficulties with the city and department. The group, made up of 10 volunteers and three police union representatives, is designed to act as a voice of the community to police. The commission is mandated by a consent decree the city reached with the Justice Department in 2015 to reform a department that has struggled with use-of-force complaints and allegations of police misconduct. The consent decree is overseen by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, who has called the commissions work important. Adens report underscored the hinderances facing the commission. It said the monitoring team sees little in the [citys] relationship with the commission that is positive or productive. It also said: Any cooperation extended by the city and division occurs because it is mandated, not because it is seen as beneficial to the Cleveland community or the long-term success of the Division of Police. Cleveland disagreed. The city does take issue with the monitors extremely negative characterization of its relationship with the Community Police Commission and, by extension, the monitors further comments concerning the citys relationship with the Cleveland community, city attorneys wrote in the filing. City officials said the commissions contributions over the years have been significant in the reform process. Most notably, it worked closely with the city and police on use-of-force and search-and-seizure policies. City attorneys wrote that administrators cannot accept the monitors point that nothing in the city and the divisions relationship with the commission suggests an interest in, or the importance of, the community substantively participating in areas of police reform.' City attorneys said: Such a broad, negative characterization contradicts well-documented and positive [city and police] engagement and participation with the Cleveland community during the period of the consent decree. Gregory White, a former state and federal prosecutor and magistrate judge, is the consent decree coordinator for Cleveland. He acknowledged that there have been bumps in the road recently with the commission, but he stressed that the city and department are working to create an honest dialogue that will help the commission do its work and help the city. The city hosted a retreat for the commission last month. The court filing called it a positive step going forward toward improving communications and interactions between the city, the police department and the commission. Lewis Katz is a member of the police commission and a professor emeritus of law at Case Western Reserve University. He expressed some initial skepticism about the retreat, but he is hopeful about the groups work with the city and department. He said he found nothing inaccurate with Adens report. I agreed with it completely, Katz said. I dont think [Adens report] exaggerated anything. Thats my opinion. The commission meets monthly. The panel and officials from the city and police department, as well as attorneys with the Justice Department, also sit down each month. The city made its response to Adens report in a status report to Oliver. It stressed that the police department has made progress in several areas. For instance, last year, the department responded to 271,078 calls for assistance. Officers needed to use force 344 times, according to the citys filing. In 2018, officers responded to 261,372 calls, and they used force 335 times. The city said that it believes the most important policies and training have been completed. The filing said that administrators and the police department continue to work to establish that the compliance measures outlined in the consent decree are being carried out and achieved. Homeowners being warned to brace for a massive fall in house prices as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the Australian economy. Top bank bosses, Matt Comyn from the Commonwealth Bank, and Shayne Elliot from ANZ, told a parliamentary committee on Friday house prices will likely to fall about 10 per cent over the next year. 'Our base case scenario would see house prices falling somewhere in the order of 10 to 12 per cent,' Mr Comyn said. 'Clearly acknowledging there's a lot of different parts of the market, broadly regional areas and performing better than metropolitan areas.' Those to feel the brunt of the fall are apartment owners relying on capital growth, Mr Comyn said. Top bank bosses, Matt Comyn from the Commonwealth Bank, and Shayne Elliot from ANZ, (pictured) told a parliamentary committee on Friday house prices are likely to fall about 10 per cent over the next year ANZ is forecasting a similar drop in house prices for the financial year, around 10 to 15 per cent. But the banking executives were hesitant to predict the entire housing market would suffer the same impact. 'What we expect is there will be a reduction in house prices but Australia's not one market,' ANZ Chief Executive Shayne Elliot said. This is despite house prices showing positive growth in the past 12 months according to Corelogic figures, reported the Herald Sun. Homeowners being warned to brace for a massive fall in house prices as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the Australian economy House prices rose 11.4 per cent in Hobart, 11 per cent in Sydney, 8.4 per cent in Darwin, 7.9 per cent in Canberra, 6.7 per cent in Adelaide, 6 per cent in Melbourne, 4.3 per cent in Brisbane, and 2.1 per cent in Perth. Back in May the Commonwealth Bank of Australia predicted house prices would drop by up to 32 per cent by the end of 2022. The median price of a house is $986,000 in Sydney, $782,000 in Melbourne, $716,000 in Canberra,$558,000 in Brisbane, $512,000 in Hobart, $476,000 in Darwin, $481,000 in Adelaide and 462,000 in Perth. Apartment owners reliant on capital growth are likely to be hit hardest according to Matt Comyn from the Commonwealth Bank Meanwhile, customers who deferred mortgage payments and personal loans will soon be asked to pay up. Australians owe the Commonwealth Bank of Australia a total of $60billion dollars through the deferral of more than 250,000 loans. While around 84,000 ANZ customers have postponed payments for their mortgages. Customers will be forced to start paying up in September and October. The parliamentary inquiry will continue next Friday with the bosses of National Australia Bank and Westpac to make submissions. CT Audobon Society a beneficiary of bag program The Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield has been selected as a beneficiary of the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program for the month of September. The Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, which launched in May 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work. Connecticut Audubon was selected as the September beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Stop & Shop located at 1160 Kings Highway Cut-Off in Fairfield. Connecticut Audubon will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during September, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag. For more information on the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, visit www.stopandshop.bags4mycause.com. Sweet art display breaking museum attendance record While many museums throughout the United States and the world have closed their doors waiting for CoOVID-19 to disappear, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London is breaking their own in-person attendance records with the exhibition Sweet Dreams: Confectionary Sculpture by artist Peter Anton, of Fairfield. The exhibition opened on June 30 and will run until Oct. 18. Visitors of all ages are traveling from around Connecticut and surrounding states to see the show. Many attendees are familiar with Antons artwork that he has been creating for over 25 years. The exhibition includes some of Antons signature sculptures that have been shown in international and national museums and galleries since the 1990s, including large boxed chocolates, donuts, ice cream cones and sundaes, and giant cakes on pedestals. The labor-intensive works, created in Antons studio in Fairfield are made from a variety of materials, including plaster, wood, metal, resin, clay, and acrylic. The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is located at 625 Williams St., New London. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m and Sunday 1 p.m to 5 p.m. Fairfield nonprofit teams up with March of Dimes Team Woofgang & Co., a Fairfield nonprofit that creates and sells all-natural gourmet dog treats as a means of hands-on vocational training for young adults with disabilities, is teaming up with March of Dimes to fight for the health of all moms and babies with a monthlong nationwide in-store and online fundraising campaign. Team Woofgang & Co. founder, Kris Burbank, and her son, Andrew, are longtime March of Dimes supporters and have participated in March for Babies for over 10 years. It was through the Burbanks years of support and dedication to both organizations that this fundraising partnership came together. Beginning Sept. 1, in-store guests may purchase a March of Dimes paper cut out for $1, $5, or $10, which will be displayed in the store. Team Woofgang & Co., will be selling March of Dimes branded mugs filled with Team Woofgang & Co.s signature organic dog treats for only $20. The Team Woofgang & Co. online shop (woofgangco.org/shop.html) will also feature the mug and treat package, making it available for shipment anywhere in the U.S. as well as curbside pickup. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club welcomes new staff Wakeman Boys & Girls Club has announced Brenda Marsian has assumed the new role of chief development officer as of Aug. 3. Prior to joining WBGC, Brenda was the CDO for Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Prior to joining the YMCA, Brenda was director of development for eight years at Springfield College. Brenda earned a masters in communications from the University of Hartford and a bachelors in English from Western New England University. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club also recently welcomed Shawn Blagmon as program director of leadership and academics at the Southport Clubhouse. Selected in March to lead the Clubs Keystone Club and Torch Club leadership programs along with the After School Programs Power Hour homework program, Shawns start on staff was delayed by the pandemic. Shawn was able to officially come on board in mid-June, helping the Southport Clubhouse get ready to reopen and diving right into summer camp. During the school year. Shawn will also focus on new tween and teen initiatives and SMART Moves programming for all ages. Shawn is a native of Westchester, N.Y. and graduated from Hunter College with a bachelors in communications with a concentration in journalism. He has held numerous leadership positions, including at several YMCAs, before moving to Connecticut last year. CLC awarded grant by United Way of Western Connecticut Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County, the second-largest center-based early childhood education nonprofit in Connecticut, is the recipient of a $35,000 grant from United Way of Western Connecticut. The grant provides critical funding to CLC and helps make it possible for hard-working ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) families to access high-quality early childhood education. CLC serves families of all income levels and offers qualifying families sliding scale fees based on family size and income. CLC recently reopened all eight of its Stamford locations to serve 380 children, enabling nearly 500 parents to go back to work. "We are extremely grateful for this grant from United Way of Western Connecticut. United Way's support and partnership is vital to helping CLC fulfill its mission," stated CLC Chief Executive Officer Marc Jaffe. Even with physical centers open, CLC will continue to provide remote learning and support services to children who can't join classrooms right away. CLC is accepting enrollment inquiries at 203-967-6960. Families interested in enrolling in Early Head Start or Head Start may call 203-989-0228. Ofgem has fined SSE 2m fine for a power plant error. The energy regulator punished the provider for failing to publish information that is likely to have pushed up wholesale electricity costs. Fine: The energy regulator punished the provider for failing to publish information that is likely to have pushed up wholesale electricity costs SSE said in February 2016 that it was going to shut three out of four units at Fiddler's Ferry, a coal-fired power plant in Cheshire. A week before the April 1 closing date, it signed a deal with National Grid that would keep the site on line. But it was not until the day before the units had been meant to shut down that SSE told the market. This resulted in four days' trading without the market knowing that more electricity was likely to be available than it was thought. SSE said it acted in 'good faith'. On Tuesday, the Balearic tourism minister, Iago Negueruela, came to the conclusion that this summers foreign sun and beach tourism could well be over. Could, minister? For Negueruela, this has to be particularly chastening. Several weeks ago, he was talking up Septembers tourism. His original analysis was that while August would be modest, September would be good. He said this before the pilot plan in June and had good reason to make the observation. But, as we know, the hopes raised by the pilot plan and the Spanish governments opening of borders came to very little. The Negueruela conclusion is an obvious one. Everyone knows that it is over and that, even if there were suddenly to be an improvement in the virus data and governments were to change their travel policies, the likelihood of late-season foreign tourists would be minimal. Look at whats happening with Greece and Portugal: one minute ok, the next minute not ok. Travel for holiday purposes this summer was always going to be risky, but it has been shown to be doubly risky because of travel decisions which have been sprung on holidaymakers at short notice. The tourism statistics are also obvious in that no one could have expected anything other than massive decreases in terms of numbers of visitors and of their spending. Nevertheless, obvious or not, the figures are chilling. The one source of consolation for the Balearics was that the region attracted more foreign tourists than any other Spanish region in July. It is small consolation because the number of tourists was small - 830,215 in all, a fall of 70% compared with July last year. Of this number, 588,431 were foreign tourists. They alone were down 75%. Spanish tourism fell by only (only!?) 45.6%. Although there is typically scepticism about the tourist spending statistics, these should require particular attention. A fall of 78% in July tells its own story of economic devastation - a mere 638 million euros over the course of the month. To give this some sort of context, this July spending was equivalent to under two per cent of total GDP in the Balearics last year. The 2,892 million in July 2019 was 8.6% of annual GDP. The August figures are bound to be worse. The value of staycations The Spanish media continues to argue that the UKs quarantine rules this summer were political. There may well have been some politics, but as argued in this column last week a reappraisal of both quarantines is merited, the second in particular. The virus data were low in the Balearics at the time of the announcement, but look at what happened with those data within a week of the announcement. Claiming politics does perhaps rather obscure a need for self-analysis and an explanation as to why the data rose so dramatically. Still, politics or not, the economic benefits of staycations in the UK have been indicated in a report by Parkdean Resorts - an additional 8,240 million pounds, it is estimated. The company says that there has been spectacular growth this summer and that its figures for summer 2021 seem to be even better. In Germany, a Cologne-based data analysis company, TrevoTrend, looked at German tourist demand for the week of August 17 to 23. Holiday trips within Germany rose by six per cent over this period, while trips to Spain were down 33%. Other countries were not immune, albeit the falls were less dramatic: Turkey fell 19%, France ten per cent, and Greece four per cent. The study shows that for that week in 2019, just 1.63% of holiday trips were within Germany, a figure which, I have to say, I find very low, given that parts of Germany, e.g. the Baltic coast and the Bavarian lakes, are not unpopular with German holidaymakers. Nevertheless, the lure of the overseas holiday in the Mediterranean is very strong. The Paradores buck the trend T HE state-owned paradores, hotels in converted historic buildings such as castles, have been having a decent summer by comparison with much of Spains tourism industry. All the 96 paradores opened towards the end of June. Between them, they achieved occupancy of 72% in July and 82% in August. These figures were below last years, but not by much - respectively, 73.8% and 84.6% in July and August 2019. On average, the paradores have 65 rooms. One reason for this performance is that paradores mostly attract Spanish tourists. A second is that they are typically located in remote places and are relatively small in terms of rooms and guests. Allied to protocols in place, these characteristics convey a sense of high health security. There are no paradores in the Balearics. The first, in Ibiza, is scheduled to be ready in 2022. There is an investment of 21 million euros. It isnt just Majorca Iago Negueruela, when not lamenting the likely end of the summer season or presenting dire economic figures, noted the other day that the whole of the Mediterranean has been affected this summer. Hes not wrong in this regard, but certain destinations had been doing rather better than others. Benidorm was one of these. A couple of weeks ago, I noted in this column that occupancy in the province of Castellon and the rest of the Costa Blanca (Benidorm included) was up to 64%. By the end of August, this was down to 50% in Benidorm, and it is now reckoned that because demand has fallen so much, especially the British, there will be no more than around fifteen out of the 140 hotels open by the end of this month. Spanish tourism had been contributing to the occupancy, but in September it wont be to anything like the same extent. A fresh crisis is brewing between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and INTELS Nigeria Limited over the termination of a boat service contract being handled by the logistics company in Nigerian ports. INTELs, partly owned by former Nigerian vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, in a statement Thursday called on the shipping community to disregard a termination notice issued by the NPA with regard to the boat service contract. On Thursday, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) announced the termination of the boat operation contract. In a marine information notice dated September 1, the Lagos Pilotage District (LPD) of the NPA said the service, hitherto handled by Intels, had been terminated. The notice, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, directed all service boats owners and operators to do transactions directly in each port complex of the NPA. Every Service Boat movement must be reported and booked at the office of the Harbour Master of the District, where Pilotage Chits and Master Declaration Forms will be issued and returned after every movement, the notice said. Every enquiry on Service Boat movement should be directed to the office of the Port Manager of the Ports/Harbour Master, Pilotage District. Earlier, a Federal High Court in Lagos had granted an interim injunction stopping the NPA from terminating the role of INTELS Nigeria Limited as manning agent in the Pilotage Districts of Lagos, Warri, Bonny/Port Harcourt and Calabar. The judge, R.M. Aikawa, granted the interim injunction in the suit number FHC/L/CS/1058/2020 based on an application filed by INTELS Nigeria Limited and Deep Offshore Service Nigeria Limited against the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). INTELS and Deep Offshore had requested the court to restrain NPA from preventing them from performing their duties as managing agent, pending the determination of ongoing arbitration proceedings. The court order, dated August 28, reads: That an order is granted restraining the respondent, its servants, agents, and/or privies from giving effect for the purported notice of expiration issued it on 5th August 2020 or taking any other step to prevent the parties from performing their duties and obligations under the agreements between the 1st applicant and respondent dated 11th February 2011 and 24th August 2018, pending the determination of the originating motion dated 12th August 2020 seeking for interim measures of protection in support of the pending arbitration between the parties therein. The court adjourned the matter to September 15 for the originating motion on notice. Consequent upon the court order, the management of INTELS asked the shipping community to disregard the new notice issued by the NPA. As of press time Friday morning, it remained unclear why NPA moved against the company despite the court judgement. Adams Jatto, NPAs spokesperson, told PREMIUM TIMES that he is on leave and could not comment on the new development when contacted. INTELs Kicks In its reaction Thursday, INTELs directed members of the shipping community to disregard the termination notice because, according to the company, it was issued in contempt of the court. We read with surprise, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)s Notice 11 of 2020, dated 1st September 2020 circulated on different public fora today 3rd September 2020; titled MARINE INFORMATION wherein the NPA purported to give notice to all its stakeholders in Nigeria and abroad that the boat service operation hitherto (Previously) handled by a Third-Party Company, the Integrated Logistics Services (Intels) Nigeria has been terminated, the statement said. The NPA went on to further give notice that all Service Boats Owners and Operators are to do transactions directly in each of the Port Complex of the Nigerian Ports Authority. NPAs publication is highly selective, inaccurate and should be disregarded, as it seeks to circumvent legal due process. Indeed, a dispute has arisen over NPAs right to terminate our role as managing agent in the Pilotage Districts of Lagos, Warri, Bonny/Port-Harcourt and Calabar. This dispute has been submitted to arbitration, and the arbitral proceedings have already commenced. Notwithstanding the pendency of arbitral proceedings, NPA issued a letter dated 5th August 2020, wherein it asserted that our appointment will expire by 8th August 2020, and that it will thereafter regard all obligations arising therefrom as closed. INTELs argued that to preserve the status-quo pending the outcome of the arbitration, it instituted legal proceedings before the Federal High Court, Lagos, to restrain the NPA from placing reliance on this letter or from taking any other step to prevent Intels from performing its duties as managing agent, pending the determination of the arbitration proceedings. On Friday 28th August 2020; Honourable Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Lagos granted an interim injunction against the NPA in the following terms, the statement reads further. AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the Respondent, its servants, agents, and/or privies from giving effect to the purported notice of expiration issued by it on 5th August 2020, or taking any other step to prevent the parties from performing their duties and obligations under the agreements between the 1st Applicant and Respondent dated 11th February 2011 and 24th August 2018, pending the determination of the Originating Motion dated 12th August 2020 seeking for interim measures of protection in support of the pending arbitration between the parties herein. Advertisements On the same date, our solicitors dispatched a letter to the NPA to inform it of the existence of the suit and the orders granted by the court. Indeed, a certified true copy of the order has, today, been served on NPA by the bailiff of the court, and the suit will come up for further hearing by the Federal High Court on Tuesday 15th September 2020. Given its knowledge of the restraining orders of the Federal High Court, it is very unfortunate that the NPA would proceed to issue Notice 11 of NPA as well as any other communications of this kind to stakeholders. This publication clearly has no basis as it was issued in contempt of the court; and the general public is advised to entirely disregard it.l Unending disagreements The NPA and Intels have a long history of disagreements about operations in Nigerian ports. In 2017, the Nigerian government moved against Intels. Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the recommendations of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, breaking the near-monopoly of Intels in the handling of oil and gas cargoes in the country. Mr Malami wrote to the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman, directing her to terminate the boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement that the agency had with Intels, saying that the contract was illegal. Mr Malami argued that the agreement which had allowed Intels to receive revenue on behalf of NPA for 17 years, was in contravention of the Nigerian Constitution, especially in view of the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of government. Not done, the NPA terminated the Pilotage Agency Agreement with Intels, several months after both parties had disagreements over the companys operations in Nigerian ports. In its reaction at the time, Intels kicked against the termination of the agreement describing the action as preposterous and highly injurious to Nigeria. T he BBC's new director-general has warned staff over their use of social media, saying sharing their opinions online could harm the broadcaster's reputation for impartiality. Tim Davie said renewing the BBC's commitment to being impartial is the "number one priority" amid accusations of bias from figures across the political spectrum. His remarks come after high profile BBC employees Emily Maitlis and Naga Munchetty were accused of bias. Addressing staff at the BBC's Cardiff office, Davie said: "If you want to be an opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner on social media then that is a valid choice, but you should not be working at the BBC." He added: "Our research shows that too many perceive us to be shaped by a particular perspective." Davie said new rules around employees' use of social media will be introduced and will be "rigorously enforced", while also hinting at a crackdown on the corporation's stars making money from private companies, adding there will be "clearer direction on the declaration of external interests". Davie added: "To be clear, this is not about abandoning democratic values such as championing fair debate or an abhorrence of racism. But it is about being free from political bias, guided by the pursuit of truth, not a particular agenda." Newsnight presenter Maitlis was criticised for her opening monologue about the Government's handling of Dominic Cummings' lockdown trip. The BBC ruled that the introduction "did not meet our standards of due impartiality". And BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty was rebuked last year after commenting on remarks made by US President Donald Trump. Then-chief Lord Tony Hall later reversed the decision. Davie also addressed doubts over the future viability of the licence fee funding model. He said he was not in favour of a Netflix-style subscription fee that would make the BBC "just another media company serving a specific group". He said: "The evidence is unequivocal: the future of a universal BBC can no longer be taken for granted. We have no inalienable right to exist. "We are only as good as the value we deliver our audiences, our customers. We must grow that value. That is our simple mission. "For the avoidance of doubt, I do not want a subscription BBC that serves the few. We could make a decent business out of it, and I suspect it could do quite well in certain postcodes, but it would make us just another media company serving a specific group." Elsewhere Davie, the 17th director-general, suggested there could be a cull of content at the broadcaster. "The truth is that we have tried to cope with increasing competition by making more and spreading ourselves too thinly," he said, "Of course, we need to offer a broad choice as the BBC, and we should not retreat to a narrow offer. But we have been too slow to stop things that don't work." Davie said the BBC will "look in all areas" and "identify how we can have more impact by making less". He added: "I want us to consider what we would do if we could only make 80 per cent of our current hours. What would we stop?" He said the "simple" move was not "about cuts to save money". Davie praised dramas such as Normal People, Line Of Duty, Fleabag, an EastEnders special and documentaries Blue Planet 2 and Once Upon A Time In Iraq. He said Strictly Come Dancing, Wimbledon, comedy This Country, the BBC's VE Day 75 coverage, educational service BBC Bitesize, the World Service and regional and national news were all examples of where the broadcaster builds a connection with the audience. But the BBC must re-allocate "funds to where they generate most value - to ensure that we make our output world-beating and utterly distinctive". He also said there was "too much bureaucracy", adding: "I want every area of the BBC not to moan about bureaucracy but dismantle it." CALGARY, AB, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific's (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. John Brooks, will address the Morgan Stanley 8th Annual Laguna Conference on Sept. 15, 2020, at 11:15 a.m. ET. Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Nadeem Velani, will address the J.P. Morgan U.S. All Stars Conference on Sept. 17, 2020, at 9 a.m. ET. CP will provide access to live audio webcasts for both engagements at investor.cpr.ca. Replays will also be available following the conclusion of each event. About Canadian Pacific Canadian Pacific is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to major ports on the west and east coasts. CP provides North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP. CP-IR SOURCE Canadian Pacific Related Links www.cpr.ca The head of the Vintners' Federation in Co. Louth has described as 'crumbs' an aid package announced by the government. It includes a 40% top-up to the restart grant for those venues that remain closed to assist with their re-opening. Collette Nugent, president of Louth VFI, pulled no punches in her reaction to Friday's announcement. 'How utterly disgraceful this so-called further supports to pubs which are still closed. 'While we are not surprised at the decision again to keep us closed unless we go down the fake food option route, we were assured by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar of upcoming support.' However, Collette said the measures announced don't go far enough. 'Waiving the licence renewal fee, and a 40% top-up on the re-start grant, doesn't even come close to assisting us pubs to remain closed and compliant to help the government tackle COVID-19.' 'The damage is incalculable. We are outraged at this behaviour. 'We asked, no we begged, for support, and they threw us crumbs.' A significantly larger number of wet pubs in Dundalk have opted not to re-open by taking the food option compared to Drogheda. Indeed, Collette said she had been told her own family's Market Bar was the only pub not to have re-opened in the Boyneside town. Of the others, some were only trading for certain hours on certain days. She believed with most premises the social distancing aspect was being adhered to but did not know about the food aspect. Colette said a lot of older publicans believed it immoral to ask pensioners or men and women on low income to pay for a meal so they could have a drink. Some Dundalk publicans have stated they are particularly disadvantaged by being so close to the border with people heading to Northern Ireland to drink. Colette pointed out drinkers are also leaving for the north from Drogheda, and in some instances staying overnight. 'They are not social distancing when they come back.' With the news that the date for all licensed premises to re-open has been pushed back, Colette spoke of the frustration of the 123 VFI members in the county. 'They are numb with anger. We have done all we can do to prove we are capable of opening in compliance with the regulations,' she said. What's more, Colette added it was hard to understand the dynamics of the regulations when Bewley's in Dublin can open at half capacity of 200, when there was a limit of 50 permitted at weddings, for example. 'There is so much confusion on the guidelines, it's mind-boggling. Publicans are disheartened.' Of the wider issue of the continuing threat of COVID-19 she says: 'We are not naive. We know lives are at stake. We also knew we were never getting open in August.' Colette believed if there was a huge spike in the virus as a result of children being back at school, 'it will be the death knell for the licensed trade'. The Godfather Part III was one of the most disappointing ends to the multipart film or series in the history of pop-culture. Now, though, proper cinephiles have a chance to rejoice, as legendary director Francis Ford Coppola has announced that the film will be re-edited into a completely new film, and released soon. Paramount Pictures If you havent watched The Godfather trilogy, you cannot call yourself a cinephile - that is just a fact. No matter who you speak to, everyone loved The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. Since everybody believes that an IMDb rating is a great way to assess & judge a film, consider this - The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather and The Godfather Part II make the best three films to have ever been made. That is how good those two films were. Paramount Pictures The Godfather Part III, however, wasnt that well received. It wasnt a bad film, but it certainly did not match up to Part I & Part II. It remains to be the only Godfather film that didnt win an Oscar. It is also the only Godfather film that does not get featured in IMDBs Top 250 Movies Ever Made list. Paramount Pictures The new version will also have a new name - it will be called Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone, or simply, The Godfather, Coda. This is the second re-edited version of a film that has been announced during the global pandemic. Paramount Pictures The Snyder Cut Of the Justice League, also known as Justice League: Snyder Cut, has had a similar fate. Fans have been petitioning and imploring both the directors, Snyder as well as Coppola to make another one of their magnum opuses. It turns out, fans on the internet do have a certain power. For those wondering how a movie shot on film back in the 1990s will fare in the era of 4K & 8K televisions, and ultra-high-definition theatre screens, don't worry. Coppola will be taking care of that. Paramount Pictures As per a statement released by Paramount Pictures & Coppola, the restoration and production team that Coppola owns, American Zoetrope is almost done with converting raw photonegative reels, into 4K footage, a process which took them 6 months. The films soundstage was originally made in accordance with the standards of Dolby 5.1, which will be refined even more for this release. Paramount Pictures In the statement, Coppola stated that the film will be released sometime by the end of this year, around December. Now, although there are concerns because of the pandemic, fans are understandably excited. So there's a new version of #GODFATHERIII coming out in theatres.... pic.twitter.com/fOfFZA7KnT The Chad Hatter (@RicManJunkie) September 4, 2020 You, know what, not a bad idea. Are you listening, HBO? Fix it. Now. The Worst Godfather Movie Will Get A Much Needed Re-Edit omggggg this has me soooo stoked! Yessss ty Jesus ! now someone fix the #GameOfThrones ending! #GODFATHERIII https://t.co/chrlsl7ZFe LOLA (@xx6LoLaMoDzzz9) September 3, 2020 Thank goodness that soon after its theatrical release, it will have a release on streaming services. We feel now is a pretty good time to analyse Genex Power Limited's (ASX:GNX) business as it appears the company may be on the cusp of a considerable accomplishment. Genex Power Limited engages in the generation and storage of renewable energy in Australia. On 30 June 2020, the AU$105m market-cap company posted a loss of AU$10.5m for its most recent financial year. The most pressing concern for investors is Genex Power's path to profitability when will it breakeven? In this article, we will touch on the expectations for the company's growth and when analysts expect it to become profitable. View our latest analysis for Genex Power Genex Power is bordering on breakeven, according to the 3 Australian Renewable Energy analysts. They anticipate the company to incur a final loss in 2022, before generating positive profits of AU$9.2m in 2023. Therefore, the company is expected to breakeven roughly 3 years from now. In order to meet this breakeven date, we calculated the rate at which the company must grow year-on-year. It turns out an average annual growth rate of 80% is expected, which is extremely buoyant. If this rate turns out to be too aggressive, the company may become profitable much later than analysts predict. Given this is a high-level overview, we wont go into details of Genex Power's upcoming projects, though, keep in mind that by and large a high growth rate is not out of the ordinary, particularly when a company is in a period of investment. One thing we would like to bring into light with Genex Power is its debt-to-equity ratio of over 2x. Generally, the rule of thumb is debt shouldnt exceed 40% of your equity, and the company has considerably exceeded this. A higher level of debt requires more stringent capital management which increases the risk in investing in the loss-making company. Next Steps: This article is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis on Genex Power, so if you are interested in understanding the company at a deeper level, take a look at Genex Power's company page on Simply Wall St. We've also compiled a list of pertinent aspects you should further examine: Valuation: What is Genex Power worth today? Has the future growth potential already been factored into the price? The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether Genex Power is currently mispriced by the market. Management Team: An experienced management team on the helm increases our confidence in the business take a look at who sits on Genex Powers board and the CEOs background. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here. 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. The president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, met for over an hour with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara today to brief him, among other things, on French President Emmanuel Macrons visit this week to Baghdad. Falah Mustafa, a senior Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) official who took part in the talks, told Al-Monitor they were really good. He did not elaborate Barzani returned from Ankara with two Yazidi children, a girl aged 10, and a boy 11, who had been kidnapped by the Islamic State six years ago in Yazidi dominated Sinjar province in northern Iraq, Kurdistan 24, a local news channel reported. Their parents, three brothers, and sister are still missing. Several women enslaved by the Islamic State have been tracked down and rescued in Turkey, as recently as last month. The KRG thanked Turkey in statement for helping rescue the children but it did not say how they had ended up there. Barzani is known to have spent vast sums of his own to buy back the freedom of multiple Yazidi women and children. According to Yazidi Nobel prize laureate Nadia Murad, there are still around 2,000 Yazidi women and children in captivity. Barzani met with Macron in Baghdad on Wednesday. He also met with Iraqs new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The former intelligence chief is deeply unhappy about Turkeys continued airstrikes against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants inside Iraqi territory, which killed two high ranking Iraqi officers on the Turkish-Iraqi border last month. He has been lobbying Arab nations for support for what the Iraqi foreign ministry called a united position to force Turkey to pull out its troops who have infiltrated into Iraq." The strikes have also claimed multiple civilian lives provoking widespread anger among Iraqi Kurds. This in turn has elevated pressure on Iraqi Kurdish leaders to prevent the Turkish attacks, which they say they are powerless to do. Kadhimi raised the issue during talks with President Donald Trump in Washington on Aug. 20 and also with Macron, sources familiar with the substance of those exchanges told Al-Monitor. Macron is the first head of state to visit Iraq since Kadhimi formed a new government in May. Prior to the visit, Macron said he was heading to Baghdad to launch an initiative alongside the United Nations to support a process of sovereignty. The message was directed as much at Iran and the United States as it was at Turkey, which has several thousand troops inside northern Iraq scattered across over a dozen bases. Abbas Kadhim, director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council, a think tank based in Washington, lamented the rising tensions between Iraq and Turkey, saying they have important mutual interests. The best way to handle the disputes among them is by negotiation with the understanding that, if they dont go far, Iraq would go to the UN Security Council and other international entities, he told Al-Monitor. All this can be done without disturbing the economic relations. If that fails, then the economic leverage should be used as a last resort, Kadhim added. Iraq is Turkeys fourth largest market for exports. Baghdad holds another critical card. Its demanding around $25 billion in compensation from Ankara in an international arbitration court for allowing the Iraqi Kurds to export their oil independently of Iraqs central government via a purpose built pipeline running from oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan to Turkeys southern Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. The court is likely to rule in Baghdads favor. The tribunal has delayed its decision because Iraq asked it to do so in response to Ankaras request for time. Its unclear whether Barzanis trip to Ankara was preplanned. Sources in Barzanis entourage were adamant that it was scheduled in advance, part of an effort to clear the air between the sides. Internally divided and still unrecovered from the 2017 independence referendum, the KRG strives for relevance, contended Bilal Wahab, a Wagner fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. A risk that concerns KRG leaders is being sidelined by a possible deal between Ankara and Baghdad over borders, oil and the PKK." Yet, the KRG can play a significant role in helping both sides. This is manifest in Sinjar, which has become a new Kirkuk in terms of complexity. The KRG has also sought relevance by actively engaging coordination among Syrian Kurds, Wahab told Al-Monitor in emailed comments. Wahab was alluding to the oil rich province which the Kurds lost to Iraqi forces following their ill-fated referendum, and which the Kurds say rightfully belongs to them. Turkey has been targeting Sinjar with armed drones on the grounds that the PKK uses the area as a logistical corridor to link up its bases in the Qandil mountains bordering Iran with Kurdish-governed northeast Syria. The instability is preventing tens of thousands of Yazidis displaced by IS to return to their homes in Sinjar. The issue is likely to have come up during Barzani's talks with Erdogan. Ramzy Mardini, an associate at the University of Chicago's Pearson Institute, which studies conflict resolution, contends that Barzani's visit to Ankara was prompted by Macron's visit to Baghdad. Given the competition between France and Turkey over Libya and the eastern Mediterranean, it would only be incumbent on Erdogan to try to balance out Macrons warming relations with Iraqs elites, while also gleaning on what the French president is up to with his neighbor," Mardini told Al-Monitor. Mardini continued, It's hard to see how Erdogan doesnt interpret Macrons use of his sovereignty initiative against foreign interference in Iraq as a way of undermining Turkish foreign policy." He pointed out that Macrons successful trip to Baghdad comes weeks after Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar was denied a scheduled visit given Turkeys ongoing military operations in northern Iraq. Moreover, in recent years the French presidents relations with the Kurds have warmed, with exchanges in delegations and visits in Paris and Erbil. Given its stronger relationship with Baghdad, France is in a unique position to play an external mediating role between the KRG and the Kadhimi government that Turkey is in no position to fulfill. This gives the Kurds an important outside relationship other than Ankara that they need maintained and strengthened, especially now given their current economic woes. France, not Turkey, helped mediate to break the deadlock between the governments in Erbil and Baghdad that followed the Kurdistan referendum for independence. I suspect the visit of Frances president, especially during the current dire circumstances for Iraq, is only likely to enhance Frances mediating role and influence, Mardini concluded. Macron has emerged in recent months as Erdogans biggest bugbear. The French president has pushed back against Turkeys muscle-flexing in the eastern Mediterranean, sending warships in support of Greece. France and Turkey have also butted heads over Libya. Turkey accuses France of backing the eastern warlord Khalifa Hifter. Cavusoglu, who held a breakfast meeting with Barzani today, said In Libya they (France) supported the putschist Haftar and made a grave mistake. Things changed, balances shifted, Hifter was defeated and Macron became hysterical." Editor's note: This article has been updated since its initial publication. President Trump announced Friday that the Defense Department "will NOT be cutting funding" to the military's historic independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes. Driving the news: The Pentagon had ordered the shutdown of the military's independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, despite objections by Congress, per the AP. In February, the agency proposed cutting $15.5 million in funding to the paper. But the House has since passed legislation that includes the funding through the 2021 fiscal year. Details: A Pentagon memo, which was first quoted in an opinion piece in USA Today, ordered the newspaper's publisher to produce a plan by Sept. 15 to "dissolve the Stars and Stripes." "The last newspaper publication (in all forms) will be September 30, 2020," the memo's author, Col. Paul Haverstick Jr., was quoted by USA Today as writing. The other side: A bipartisan group of 15 senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday, urging him to reinstate funding. Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nations freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom, the senators said. The senators note that the House has already passed a bill that includes funding the the paper, and "the Senate has not yet released a defense appropriations bill, nor had an opportunity to conference with the House position, leaving it a real possibility that Congress may not agree with the proposal to eliminate this funding." Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a Trump ally, reportedly sent a separate letter to Esper in late August, calling the paper a valued 'hometown newspaper' for the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian employees across the globe. Stripes ombudsman, Ernie Gates, told the AP that shutting down the paper would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations. Background: Stars and Stripes had a brief first run in 1861 during the Civil War. It was revived during World War I, but was shut down when the war ended. The paper returned to print in 1942 during World War II. According to the paper, it maintains bureaus "around the world including Europe, Pacific, and the Middle East to provide first-hand reporting on events." "Stars and Stripes provides independent news and information to the U.S. military community, including active-duty servicemembers, DoD civilians, veterans, contractors, and their families. Unique among Department of Defense authorized news outlets, Stars and Stripes is governed by the principles of the First Amendment," the paper's website reads. The bottom line: "I read Stars and Stripes on a mountain in Afghanistan when I was a 19 year old aspiring journalist. Now I work there. This doesnt stop the journalism. Im juggling 3 future news stories today," tweeted Stars and Stripes journalist Steve Beynon on Friday. New eco-streetlamps are preventing furious residents in Wiltshire from sleeping because the lights are 'brighter than the sun' - and the council hasn't got the right software to turn them down. The LED-powered lamps were installed in Swindon as part of a 6.9million council-led scheme to help the environment. But people have complained that it's like trying to snooze 'next to Wembley Stadium'. The lights have been installed as Swindon Borough Council replaces 28,000 lights in the area. However, the authorities can't yet control the brightness because they are still waiting for the software to arrive. New eco-streetlamps are preventing residents in Swindon, Wiltshire, from sleeping because the lights are 'brighter than the sun' - and the council hasn't got the right software to turn them down Helena Bowie lives with her husband John in Penhill Drive, where the lamps were replaced in the middle of August - and took this picture of them shining into her home The LED-powered lamps are being installed in Swindon as part of a 6.9m council-led scheme to help the environment. But people have complained that it's like trying to snooze 'next to Wembley Stadium' One resident said: 'We should not have to buy blackout curtains or blinds because the council choose to change the lightbulbs. It's ridiculous.' The lights have been installed as Swindon Borough Council replaces 28,000 lights in the area Swindon Borough Council said on its website: 'Different colour temperatures are available; however, Swindon has chosen a warm white of 3000k'. (Above, one of the new eco-lamps) Helena Bowie lives with her husband John in Penhill Drive, where the lamps were replaced in the middle of August. She said: 'They are so bright. They've got four huge floodlights, and we have three just outside on the roundabout. We're right in the middle of all of it. It's like living next to Wembley Stadium. 'We've got three of those ones on the roundabout shining right at us, plus one to the left of our house. I'm not against the LED bulbs because of what they're for. They're there to be better for the environment. 'But they're just too bright. There's just no shade from them. We're very annoyed. We didn't even know they were being put in. It's just been awful, it's an absolute nightmare. 'You'd think they could dim them a little bit at midnight. What's the point of putting them up if they don't have that software yet? 'We've chosen a warm white': Swindon council's light scheme On Swindon Borough Council's website, residents were given these answers to their concerns... HOW ARE THE LIGHTS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT? LEDs produce a whiter light than given off by old traditional lighting known as high and low pressure sodium which appear orange in colour. Colours become much more identifiable and objects more clear. Different colour temperatures are available; however, Swindon has chosen a warm white of 3000k. WILL THE NEW LIGHTS GIVE THE SAME LIGHT AS THE EXISTING UNITS? All areas to be lit with new LED lights will be checked to ensure that the light levels achieved comply with the minimum standards of the relevant British Standards. Source: www.swindon.gov.uk Advertisement 'We should not have to buy blackout curtains or blinds because the council choose to change the lightbulbs. It's ridiculous.' Her husband is registered legally blind but can see light and shade and is also autistic. Ms Bowie says the lights cause him particular problems: She said: 'Because my husband is visually impaired, when he steps outside at night, the brightness causes his eyes physical pain. They're not even all the same shade - some are brighter than others. 'He has a sensitivity to light because of the autism, and problems with his sight means the light hurts his eyes as well. It is disturbing him and he doesn't sleep well anyway, but it is making it worse. 'People might say we should wear an eye mask or get blackout blinds or curtains, but I don't think we should be forced to do that - for families on a low income, that's a big cost to struggle with.' Other residents are experiencing the same problem and have taken to social media to complain. David Oakley posted in a community page: 'These are bright white and at least four times brighter than the original. They fitted a cover on the old light as that kept me awake. This is much worse. These need to be lower wattage and have diffusers and probably soft white light.' Jane Toomer added: 'We have had them for a while. They were just changed one day with no warning. Nothing keeps the light out of our bedroom and I haven't slept properly since. Hilary Care wrote: 'We've had them fitted and it's like daylight shining in all the time. First time I noticed it had been changed, I thought someone had parked up opposite the house and left their lights on full beam. I hate them.' The council has moved to reassure people that newly installed LED streetlights will be dimmed soon. Regarding the lack of dimming, the council said: 'Unfortunately, the new lanterns cannot be dimmed as soon as they are installed because this needs to be applied via special software. We would like to reassure residents we are working with the contractor to implement the dimming function as quickly as possible' The light installation scheme is expected to take 18months - and will save the council hundreds of thousands of pounds a year A spokesman said: 'Upgrading Swindon's 28,000 streetlights to LED lanterns is a huge programme of work, which will take about 18 months to complete. 'Once installed, the new lights will consume less energy, reduce light pollution and will save the council hundreds of thousands of pounds a year. 'Unfortunately, the new lanterns cannot be dimmed as soon as they are installed because this needs to be applied via special software. 'We would like to reassure residents that we are working with the contractor to implement the dimming function as quickly as possible. 'So far, streetlights are being upgraded in Moredon, Pinehurst, Upper Stratton, Ferndale, Gorse Hill and Highworth, and a number of the streets in those areas are now benefitting from the dimmed lights.' 'Our project team are happy to help any residents who have been experiencing problems with the new lights.' Alain Attias & Guy Jerusalmi (Co-Founders) To be honored is a testament to our continued commitment to lead the market. The success of our clients underscores our commitment to delivering Salesforce best-in-class industry-cloud software for our customers and partners. said Alain Attias, CEO of BayBridgeDigital Inc. magazine revealed that BayBridgeDigital is No. 586 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America and privileged to be included on the Inc. 5000 list said Alain Attias, CEO of BayBridgeDigital. To be honored is a testament to our continued commitment to lead the market. The success of our clients underscores our commitment to delivering Salesforce best-in-class industry-cloud software for our customers and partners. The company was founded in 2017, and it is headquartered in New York with offices in Paris, London, and its technology Hubs in Tel Aviv and Ukraine. The innovative software company operates through a new hybrid model. It helps companies in diverse industries throughout their digital transformation journey by providing a plethora of cutting edge services, including e-commerce, digital marketing, mobile solutions, business insights and analytics, and artificial intelligence. As a Salesforce Consulting & ISV Partner, BayBridgeDigital is one of the fastest growing companies in the ecosystem. Leveraging their expertise in Salesforce and other technologies, BayBridgeDigital developed Bayretail , a state-of-the-art mobile and cloud software that brings businesses to the New Retail Era by providing a 360 view of their customers and their teams as well as a unified commerce platform. As more and more retailers attempt to capitalize on the digital transformation age, BayBridgeDigital is ahead of the curve by providing the best digital solutions for retailers with Bayretail. BayBridgeDigital believes in unifying content, data, and experience to help their clients achieve maximum ROI through superior customer experiences. Our rapid and sustained growth can be attributed to our innovative hybrid model, delivered via structured methodologies by the most experienced digital operations thought leaders in the business and our know-how of industry-focus applications on the Salesforce platform. said Alain Attias. We are deeply committed to finding the best solutions that work for your specific business. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an astounding three-year average growth of over 500 percent, and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000s aggregate revenue was $209.7 billion in 2019, accounting for 582,741 added jobs over the past year. The Inc. 5000 list stands out where it really counts says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. It honors real achievement by a founder or a team of them. No one makes the Inc. 5000 without building something great usually from scratch. That's one of the hardest things to do in business, as every company founder knows. Methodology The 2020 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2016 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2016. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2016 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference, visit http://conference.inc.com/. About BayBridgeDigital: BayBridgeDigital is an innovative global consulting company. Headquartered in New York with offices in Paris, London and its technology Hub in Tel Aviv, BayBridgeDigital helps companies in diverse industries on what they do best through an ever-evolving suite of digital transformation services including e-commerce, digital marketing, mobile solutions, business insights and analytics, artificial intelligence, Salesforce integration, software development, and digital transformation. BayBridgeDigital is a leading provider of retail-specific cloud and mobile software, driving digital transformation for the world's largest companies. BayBridgeDigital is an "industry cloud" pure-player specialized on Salesforce, the world's #1 CRM provider. Recently, the media reported many high-profile bank scandals involving fraudulent loans. Between all the political rhetoric, expert commentaries and sensationalized reporting, it is hard for the casual reader to understand the real reasons behind this breakdown in the Indian banking system. As a chartered accountant, who has audited banks for nearly half a century, I believe this phenomenon is a result of the systematic breakdown of controls that has festered in the Indian banking system for decades. The loans that have been unearthed are only the tip of the iceberg and unless radical changes are made, this concerning trend will continue into the foreseeable future. This article might help the reader understand the real story behind fraudulent loans. Let us cut through the information fog created by all the political rhetoric in the media and call this mess out for what it really is. Governments under all ruling parties have been blamed for protecting willful defaulters. While the Congress party recently alleged that the BJP wrote off loans worth Rs. 68,697 crores of top 50 defaulters, finance minister Sitharaman claimed that between 2009-10 and 2013-14, when the UPA was in power, banks wrote off a much larger amount of 145,226 crores. She further said that neither while in power, nor while in opposition has the Congress party shown any commitment or inclination to stop corruption and cronyism." The fact is that, throughout the history of modern Indias banking system, there have been bank lending scams, CBI enquiries, and arrests of bank officials, politicians, defaulting borrowers and middlemen who were fixing the system." Regardless of which party is in power, the opposition parties claim that the ruling party is a willing participant in crony capitalism". On the other hand, the ruling party blames problem loans as a legacy of the corrupt lending practices of the past government. This pattern has been going on for so long that one is reminded of the words of the French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karrs: plus ca change, plus cest la meme chose," which translate to: The more things change, the more they remain the same. The issue of fraudulent loans is not a problem of a particular political party. It is a natural product of the systematic failure of controls in the Indian banking system that is regularly aided and abetted by bad apples within every political party. One of the worlds most successful investors, Warren Buffett once wrote that it has been far safer to steal a large sum with a pen, than a small sum with a gun. Tragically, his observation has turned out to be true for the Indian banking system. So what ails the Indian banking system and why do we have so many fraudulent loans? During audits, I have had numerous run-ins with bank officials. These experiences have provided invaluable insights on the inner working of the Indian banking system and has laid bare some of the rot that enables both fraudulent borrowing, and lending practices. For some context, bank auditors provide assurance on whether the financial statements of a bank are reasonably stated. To provide this reasonable assurance, one of the audit procedures is to assess the risk of fraud in the lending cycle and design appropriate procedures to assess the collectability of loans. If the loans fail certain criterion for collectability as laid out by the bank regulators, the loan is required to be classified as a non-performing asset (NPA) and a provision for loss is set up for the same in the financial statements of the bank. The results of the audit, control deficiencies identified, including adjustments made pursuant to the audit are provided to the bank, various regulators, and the public in the form of various reports. In addition to irregularities in the performance and monitoring of loans, various issues were also identified in the initial sanction of loans including falsified collateral resulting in amounts being lent to borrowers that were never were expected to be repaid. Numerous creative practices designed to specifically avoid problems loans being classified as an NPA were also noted. These included moving moneys between various facilities/banks to show activity in dormant accounts, reduce overdrawn amounts, or to keep accounts current. In addition, there were cases where additional borrowing facilities were provided to the borrower and these additional funds were used to make an overdue account current (a practice referred to as window dressing). Explanations offered to justify these irregularities were rarely based on merit and were on the likes of: this loan was sourced by Messers X, the bank will lose business if we classify this loan as a NPA, or that if this loan is classified as an NPA, the banks financial position will not look good. On any given day, Messers X could be the chairman of the bank, a member of the board of directors, an auditor, or a politician. There exists a comprehensive machinery to oversee the quality of loans and prevent fraudulent activity in the Indian banking system. This machinery includes the top and mid-management involved in sanctioning and monitoring loans, internal inspection team of the banks, concurrent auditors, stock auditors, internal auditors, and external statutory auditors. In addition, inspectors of the RBI also review and report on sticky loans on a regular basis. The problem is not the absence of checks and balances or a lack of tools: we have lots of that. The real problem is the lack of implementation of checks and balances. The machinery has the tools, and provides the information required to identify breakdown of controls resulting in fraudulent loans. However, due to a lack of tone at the top and lack of accountability, nothing is done with that information. The Indian banking industry clearly suffers from challenges when it comes to ethical practices, financial distress and corporate governance. This is reflected in the cases involving a number of banks including Syndicate Bank, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Indian Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, United Bank of India, and UCO Bank. Chairmen of a large number of these banks were allegedly involved in providing loans for money and some of them were jailed, arrested or are still been investigated by the CBI. The investigations were confined to one or two loans during their tenure. They could have been involved in other loans for money during their tenure as chairman, or during their stint at other banks. We only hear about frauds of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya, Rana Kapoor of Yes Bank, Wadhawans of DHFL, etc. Bankers have the tools, the machinery, and the opportunity to build a good, if not spectacular business. Even if the current recession persists and even if current regulations and statutes stay in force, banks can rule their own fate, and that fate can be a good one. But for that to materialize, they have to be honest with themselves and start setting the right tone at the top. It is high time that the issue of problem loans do not become a part of politics and the country wakes up to work as a nation to reduce future occurrences. After all, large sums of public money are being lost due to these fraudulent lending practices and this has to be stopped. In this challenging economic environment that has been exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic, it is sometimes easy to conclude that the current spate of problem loans is a function of a tough market. Pause before making that conclusion. Is it the challenging economic environment that has resulted in these loans going bad and being revealed as fraudulent or is it that the current lockdown has inadvertently limited the ability to continue window dressing these loans. (The author is a Delhi-based practising senior chartered accountant having vast experience in bank audits, including as central statutory auditor. The views are author's own and do not reflect Mints' editors) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kasthuri Patto (The Jakarta Post) Kuala Lumpur Fri, September 4, 2020 10:12 504 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42ae377 3 Opinion Vietnam,pandemic,minority-groups,minority-rights,human-rights,human-rights-activists,human-rights-abuse Free Many worry that the second wave of coronavirus cases, which emerged after nearly 100 days of zero confirmed new cases in early August, will further restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms in Vietnam. Vietnams actions during the first wave were globally praised from a public health perspective. But Vietnam used other countries preoccupation with the pandemic to deepen its own rights crackdown, using its strong system of surveillance. In one instance, in March, at the height of concern about the COVID -19 pandemic, Vietnamese authorities arrested three leaders of the unregistered religious group named Ha Mon in the Jo Mong mountain region in Gai Lai province. Forced to live in the forest for the last eight years, they now face lengthy imprisonment for the allegation of sabotaging implementation of solidarity policies under Article 116 of the Penal Code. Vietnam does not need a pandemic to enact draconian laws or punish dissenters by way of long and harsh prison sentences. For years, the country has had an abysmal human rights record. Monopolizing power through the government, the Communist Party of Vietnam severely restricts civil and political rights, punishes defenders and activists who dare to challenge the government in power, and represses its religious and belief communities. Calling the landscape a museum of religions and beliefs, the previous United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Heiner Bielefeldt visited Vietnam in 2014. He reported that conditions under which individuals and groups can exercise their right to freedom of religion or belief remain unpredictable. His visit was cut short because of Vietnamese authorities interference in his mission. Reports by Human Rights Watch also note of persecution of religious minorities in the country. The Vietnamese state also regulates legal procedures and conditions of religious and belief groups through the Law on Belief and Religion which was enacted in January 2018. Requiring all religious or belief groups to register and provide information about their activities, the law gives authorities overly broad powers to control and restrict the right to freedom of religion or belief that are seen to violate social morality. For groups that choose not to register or whose application is rejected or ignored, authorities subject them to various levels of harassment, intimidation and violence. Unregistered groups like the ethnic Montagnard and Hmong Christians continue to live under a hostile environment where authorities break up house church gatherings, imprison persons they identify as political activists and ill-treat people belonging to this community. In reality, all religious groups and individuals in Vietnam face some kind of restriction to their right to freedom of religion or belief. Those facing restriction or persecution include, but are not limited to, the independent Cao Dai; independent Buddhists such as the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, Hoa Hao Buddhists and Khmer Krom Buddhists; Montagnard and Hmong Christians; Catholics, indigenous peoples and followers of Duong Van Minh and Falun Gong. Their harassment comes in the form of interrupting and preventing religious services and gatherings, forcing individuals to leave their faith, intimidation, harassment, physical violence, destroying properties and seizing land of religious significance under the excuse of economic development. Several religious leaders and advocates languish in Vietnamese prisons which are known for their poor conditions. One of the more prominent prisoners of conscience is Nguyen Bac Truyen, a Hoa Hao Buddhist and longstanding human rights defender, especially for the rights of religious minorities. On July 30, the third anniversary of his imprisonment, many international advocates called for his unconditional and immediate release. A prominent initiative for Nguyen Bac Truyen was led by ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB). Over 60 current and former parliamentarians from 28 countries around the world, including many from ASEAN countries supported an open letter addressed to Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. In the letter, parliamentarians from ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, and Timor Leste called for the release of Truyen and others who are currently imprisoned for peacefully exercising their human rights. The parliamentarians also urge authorities to adhere to their international human rights obligations and ensure the right to freedom of religion or belief for all in the country. ASEAN nations must rise above themselves to ensure that human rights, including the right to profess and practice ones faith safely and peacefully, are protected and defended in the region. A global pandemic cannot be used as a convenient excuse to stifle civil liberties and the right to freedom of religion and belief. Parliamentarians and civil society have a role to play in this time of heightened anxiety to guarantee appropriate checks and balances on powers exercised by governments. *** Member of Parliament of Malaysia representing Batu Kawan and steering committee member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Rebecca Judd is concerned that Melbourne's stage-four lockdown will be extended, forcing her to stay in her $7.3million Brighton mansion for weeks to come. The footy WAG, 37, expressed her frustration towards Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in an Instagram post on Friday to promote a cardboard company. '@the_little_cardboard_co perfect for iso and upcoming school holidays as it seems Dictator Dan will be locking Victorians in our homes even longer,' she wrote. Speaking out: Rebecca Judd (pictured) is concerned that Melbourne's stage-four lockdown will be extended, forcing her to stay in her $7.3million Brighton mansion for weeks to come The post has since been deleted from Judd's Instagram Stories. The TV presenter and her husband, retired AFL star Chris Judd, have spent the past few months in lockdown with their four children, son Oscar, nine, daughter Billie, six, and three-year-old twins Tom and Darcy, who are all being homeschooled. Victoria just announced a record 59 new coronavirus deaths - its highest daily total during the pandemic - but the number of new cases is falling. Subtle swipe: The media personality, 37, expressed her frustration towards Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in an Instagram post on Friday to promote a cardboard company Health bosses recorded 81 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, a marked drop compared to the 113 reported on Thursday. The latest figures come as bombshell leaked documents reveal Melbourne's strict stage-four lockdown could be extended by another two weeks. While the Victorian government has claimed the leaked road map is 'out of date', Andrews refused on Thursday to rule out continuing stage-four restrictions. Family: The TV presenter and her husband, retired AFL star Chris Judd, have spent the past few months in lockdown with their four children, son Oscar, nine, daughter Billie, six, and three-year-old twins Tom and Darcy, who are all being homeschooled 'Everything is on the table,' Andrews said. 'It will be driven by the data and the science, how many cases there are, the types of cases there are.' Fifty of the deaths announced on Friday were people who had passed away in aged care in July and August, after a federal and state government review of previous deaths in facilities across the state. According to the road map, residents will be given the luxury of two hours of exercise a day, which can be split into two sessions, from September 14 - the official date stage four comes to an end. Numbers: Victoria recorded 81 new cases on Friday. The state's death toll increased by 59, including 50 aged care deaths from July and August, taking the national toll to 737 Single people and single parents will also be given the right to have a nominated visitor at their home. According to the report, which was obtained by the Herald Sun, there are bigger changes coming from September 28, including the curfew being lifted and increased social gatherings. But the Victorian Chamber of Commerce has denied there is a plan to extend stage-four lockdown by two weeks - claiming it is out of date. These are the facts that everyone agrees on. On June 12, 1962, an Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary guard on his morning rounds noticed three inmates had not woken from their slumber. When he pushed at the sleeping frame of one man, his head rolled off the bed. It was a dummy. Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin three career criminals with prior prison break attempts to their names had escaped sometime during the night of June 11. It was a plan months in the making. Scheming began when the men were assigned adjacent cells in December 1961, and took full advantage of Alcatrazs aging facilities and lax security. Over six months, they built an inflatable raft and life vests out of pilfered raincoats. To seal the seams, they pressed the coats against hot steam pipes. They made paddles to row with, dummy heads to buy them time, and they dug and dug. During the daily hour when inmates were allowed to play instruments and sing, the men used the cover of that cacophony to scrape through the backs of their cells. Once through, they had access to an unguarded utility corridor. From there, all they had to do was climb to the roof, remove the bolts from a ventilation shaft, and crawl to freedom. About 10 p.m., authorities believe that the men disembarked from Alcatrazs northeast shore. Together, they paddled out into the dark, cold night. From this point, there are very few facts anyone agrees on. For nearly 60 years, it has remained Alcatrazs greatest mystery. No bodies surfaced, but neither did any sightings that led to arrests. To this day, the U.S. Marshal Service keeps an open file on the escapees. It will be closed only when they each turn 99. If alive today, Morris would be 93, John Anglin 90 and Clarence Anglin 89. Two SFGATE writers with wildly different views on the infamous night, give their takes on what happened next. First, Andrew the romantic, followed by Katie the cynic ... Bettmann/Bettmann Archive Heres why the inmates absolutely survived their escape from Alcatraz and now live in Brazil drinking pina coladas on a termite farm Im not claiming that I could swim from Alcatraz to dry land, but I definitely could. A woman who sells warranties in a car dealership in Burlingame has done it 1,000 times. A 9-year-old swam to the island and back again in 2016. In fact, after our three escapees definitely did it in 1962, another inmate, John Paul Scott, successfully made the swim in December that year, naked, without a raft, in much colder temperatures, only to be found on the beach in San Francisco (before being returned to the island). Even without the adrenaline boost of guard rifles aimed at your back, thousands of people have swum from Alcatraz safely to land. And our inmates, all in their early 30s, could swim. As kids, John and Clarence Anglin became strong swimmers in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, where they spent every summer picking cherries. Frank Morris was smart enough to physically ready himself for the one-mile swim over the six months or more he spent preparing for his bid for freedom. The idea that the swim is impossible or that youll get eaten by sharks was merely a myth concocted by the prison officials to dissuade inmates from attempting it. They may not have even needed to swim anyway they had a fully inflated three-man raft to sail away on. Built over months with 50 raincoats meticulously glued together in their secret workshop. They also had oars, which they probably didnt even need, according to this incredible modeling of the currents that night from PBS, highlighting the likely trajectory of the raft. If they let the water take them, they would have ended up at the Marin Headlands (as it did when the Mythbusters guys successfully re-created the attempt in 2003), or under the bridge, where they could have jumped out for a short paddle to Horseshoe Bay. It also shows how the currents move back around toward Angel Island, which explains why their raft did end up there (despite the FBIs initial claims, more on that later). Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers were probably cracking beers under the moonlight as they drifted toward freedom that night, thinking this would make a great movie one day. So why do some people (ahem, in this newsroom) insist that they drowned, when there is zero proof of death? Two in three bodies from suicides from the Golden Gate Bridge are recovered. In fact, that number is probably higher the Bridge Rail Association estimates that 1,600 people have jumped to their death from the bridge over the years and 1,400 bodies have been recovered, yet none of our three inmates corpses was ever found. From the prison cleaners to the guards to Warden Olin G. Blackwell (who was on vacation at Lake Berryessa at the time), it was in everyones interest at Alcatraz to spread the word that the three men surely drowned. They couldnt possibly have escaped the inescapable maximum security island. If word spread that three men had successfully gotten away, it would almost certainly lead to closure of the expensive, controversial penitentiary. As soon as the jail break was revealed in the media, stories circulated that this could spell the end for the prison island, and the FBI needed to quell that narrative. The brothers Anglin and Frank Morris are not the kind of chaps youd want your sisters to marry, San Francisco Examiner columnist Bob Considine wrote as the manhunt was underway, But if their escape hastened the day when the cells and dungeons of Alcatraz are uprooted and transplanted somewhere else the bloodhounds should be called off, and the men permitted to join Edward M. Gilbert in Brazil. The journalists words were uncannily prophetic. Not only would the prison be closed shortly after the incident, two of the escapees would make it to Brazil (more on that later). Evidence of a long-presumed FBI cover-up was confirmed in a National Geographic documentary in 2012. A U.S. Marshal reveals that, contrary to the original version of events, a previously unseen FBI report stated that the escapees raft was found on Angel Island, and a car was stolen in Marin County a blue 1955 Chevy. Coincidentally, a police report revealed that a blue Chevy with three men in it ran another car off the road in Stockton later that night. Frank Morris was smart (with a tested IQ of 133), too smart to brag about the escape afterward. The Anglin brothers, however, were maybe more liable to let their whereabouts slip. In 2015, a photo emerged of the brothers standing next to a termite mound outside Rio de Janeiro, taken by a family friend in 1975. History Channel A History Channel documentary revealed how the U.S. Marshals service hired an expert to compare physical features and measurements shown in the photo to what they knew about the Anglins in 1962. They concluded that the photo was taken in 1975, and that there was a high likelihood that the men photographed were, in fact, Clarence and John Anglin. It doesnt take an expert to see the likeness, particularly in the features around John Anglins mouth on the right. The FBI had long suspected Brazil as a destination for the escapees. As far back as 1965, they investigated a rumor that Clarence Anglin was living there. It was considered so significant that bureau agents went to South America to find him. The documentary also exhibited Christmas cards with handwriting matching that of the Anglin brothers sent to their family in 1965, and a deathbed confession from a sibling, stating that the brothers had remained in contact from 1963 until 1987. More for you 7 true crime documentaries that aren't on Netflix Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. And finally, just two years ago, KPIX got their hands on a letter originally sent to the SFPD in 2013. The letter, reportedly written by John Anglin (who was 83 at the time), stated that Morris and the brothers barely made it to shore on the night of their escape. It also went on to explain that Morris died in 2008 and Clarence in 2011. The letter read, in part: My name is John Anglin. I escaped from Alcatraz in June 1962 with my brother Clarence and Frank Morris. Im 83 years old and in bad shape. I have cancer. Yes we all made it that night but barely! An FBI examination of the letter and handwriting led to an inconclusive result. Even if the letter, the Christmas cards and the Brazil photo are all false (but really, look at that photo people), to assume that the inmates drowned in the same mile of water a 9-year-old can swim, based on a false FBI cover-up and not much else, would be foolish. The inmates escaped Alcatraz, but you cant escape the facts, Katie. Andrew Chamings Sorry, pal, the Alcatraz escapees didnt make it It is a romantic notion: three Alcatraz inmates, buoyed by their wits and determination, making a prison break against all odds. Although the popular imagination may side with their survival, the evidence does not. Through the years, experts have studied the San Francisco Bays tidal patterns for clues. The most complete study in recent memory was done by scientists at Delft University who used computer modeling to replicate the currents the men would have experienced that night in 1962. They found that there was only one window between when the rushing tide would have sucked them toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the moment that tide started pushing back into the bay that was viable for survival. That time was just around midnight. With all evidence suggesting the men paddled off Alcatraz about 10 p.m., that small window gets even smaller. Experts at the time also agreed. Edward Schultz, a hydraulic engineer who was then the director of the Bay Model, told newspapers the most likely possibility was that they would have been carried out the Golden Gate. Struggling with a makeshift raft would have further complicated their battle against rushing tides and icy water, all done in the disorienting pitch black of night. The Delft model proposed that any debris from the escape would likely have washed up on Angel Island. This is exactly what happened. In the coming days, a paddle and a rubber packet were found off the islands shores. Inside the packet there were photographs of the Anglins and their friends and family, along with a list of names and addresses. Its hard to believe that they would leave their only keepsakes treasured enough to carefully seal into a waterproof bag behind willingly. Assuming the escapees did drown, there is then the question: Why did no bodies ever wash up? FBI files show the agency consulted with CHP and the Marin County coroner, who handled suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge. CHP statistics from 1960-62 recorded 30 suicide jumps from the bridge. Only 17 bodies were ever located. An additional 12 suicides were suspected but no bodies were ever found in those cases either. CHP told the FBI that with an outgoing tide, like on the night of the mens escape, suicide jumpers were rarely recovered. As grim as it is to consider, a shocking number of bodies are never relinquished by the bay. Some are simply swept out into the Pacific, a needle in a giant watery haystack. Others become entangled in debris and sink. Bay Area coroners told the FBI that the bays cold water sometimes prevented bodies from bloating and floating to the surface. Then, there is the final, perhaps most compelling, reason to suggest the men died: Theyve never resurfaced. These men were career criminals. Since their early teens, theyd been in and out of prison. It seems unlikely they suddenly and seamlessly integrated into a world that had, for their entire lives, marginalized and incarcerated them. In order to pull off an escape at all, they would have had to rob someone or something once they made it to land. They left Alcatraz with little more than the highly conspicuous prison clothes on their backs. An inmate accomplice told authorities they planned to break into a store in Marin to steal street clothes; no such robbery was ever reported. Although its been suggested the men stole a blue Chevy in Marin, that evidence is circumstantial. Marin police werent sure when the car was stolen it could have been days before the escape. A sighting that night of a blue Chevy, occupied by three men, angrily driving a car off the road in Modesto was investigated, too. But the license plate was never confirmed to be the same vehicle and, if you were three of the most famous escaped convicts in America, would you start a road rage incident to draw attention to yourself? The Anglins and Morris had their faces in every newspaper in America and possessed a relatively small circle of known contacts. Their hometowns were watched for decades by law enforcement. They waited for phone calls on birthdays and interviewed family members repeatedly. Every name and address on the Anglins list was investigated. The Brazil photo is hardly definitive, especially considering it came from an ex-con whose own family said theyd never heard of his connection to the Alcatraz escapees. Even if the men had gone home, it doesnt sound like they were particularly welcome. When the Examiner interviewed the Anglin parents after the escape, Mrs. Anglin said she hoped her sons were caught and pointed out that at least 10 of her other children turned out good. In order to disappear, you must abandon every vestige of your former life forever. Friends, families, hobbies, haunts. You must live every minute looking over your shoulder. You cant let up for a moment. If John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris managed to pull off that for nearly five decades, then they truly earned their freedom. Katie Dowd Andrew Chamings and Katie Dowd are editors at SFGATE. Contact them at andrew.chamings@sfgate.com and katie.dowd@sfgate.com. Not too long ago, the makers of Bigg Boss Tamil 4 had unveiled the maiden promo of the show featuring host Kamal Haasan. The highly-awaited promo with the theme of going back to work amid COVID-19, received huge appreciation from the netizens. Though not officially confirmed, speculations are rife that the show will likely go on air from either September 27 or October 4, 2020. As per reports, 14 contestants will enter the house with 3 as wild-card entries. Let us tell you that the makers have chosen some well-known faces from the film industry and also a few controversial contestants for the show which is yet to be made official by the team. Though the official list of contestants is not yet out, there are several names doing the rounds on social media. Here's The List Of Probable Contestants for the 4th season of the show Poonam Bajwa Shivani Narayanan Anu Mohan Suriya Devi Gopinath Sanam Shetty Ramya Pandian Pugal Kiran Rathod Vidyulekha Raman Shivangi Manimegalai Amritha Athulya Ravi Interestingly, like the previous seasons, the Ulaganayagan will be seen hosting the show with his candid chit-chats, and serious take on issues related to the house and contestants in weekend episodes. It is to be noted that reportedly the contestants of the show will undergo a COVID-19 test and will also be quarantined for 15 days before entering the house. A team of expert doctors will be monitoring the contestants with daily body checkups. Bigg Boss Tamil 4 will kick-start following several norms and regulations imposed by the state and the central government, keeping social distancing and the 'new-normal' in mind. Bigg Boss Tamil 4 Promo Is Here! Kamal Haasan Looks Uber Cool As He Gives Message On 'New Normal' Bigg Boss Tamil 4 Promo Is Here! Kamal Haasan Looks Uber Cool As He Gives Message On 'New Normal' TANZANIA, Tanzania - The president of the U.N. General Assembly is warning that a vaccine for COVID-19 must be made available to everyone who needs it because if just one country is left out the world will still face a crisis from the coronavirus. As the world looks to a vaccine and a post-COVID-19 world, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande also says that inclusion is key, because without inclusion the suffering of those who are already left behind, will continue and we cannot guarantee peace in that kind of a context. He said in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press that statements from those developing vaccines have said they intend to make them widely available, which he stressed is important. I believe that there will be protocols and agreements to guarantee affordability and accessibility to the product when it is available, he said. Muhammad-Bande said the pandemic, perhaps ironically, has defied initial predictions that developing countries would be hardest hit because many of their health systems are poorer. What has happened, he said, is that death rates and infections are far lower in percentage terms in developing countries, including in Africa, than in the major developed countries of the world. The point that is absolutely fundamental, both in rich and poor countries, developed and developing countries, (is that) it mattered how you responded to the disease, whether you are poor or rich, Muhammad-Bande said. In dealing with the virus, he said, richer countries had better health care and financial support while developing countries reliant on tourism and oil, for example, are suffering from severe economic hardships. Go to each country, see how the pandemic affected differentially rich and poor people, he said. This is the big issue and it has to be addressed. Asked what needs to be done most urgently to return the world to some sense of normality, he said, Solidarity and partnership and empathy for the other I think are key to how we go forward. Muhammad-Bande was interviewed on the day that ambassadors from the 193 U.N. member nations attended their first in-person plenary meeting in the General Assembly chamber since the pandemic forced diplomats from the world body to work remotely. The presidency of the General Assembly rotates annually by region and Muhammad-Bande, who is Nigerias U.N. ambassador, was chosen by the African group for the post. When he took office in September, he was dealing with issues of human rights and development, and focusing especially on education and poverty eradication. The new coronavirus, which just came, created a unique presidency, he said. The United Nations was created to solve problems and the problems keep coming at it, and this is but one unique one, he said. It certainly complicated the way we had worked. It was not easy to work from homes. It was not easy to hammer out agreements or to negotiate, but it was understood that we had to do something we had to work. Members had to agree on difficult issues including what constituted an official meeting and consensus, how to change the rules of procedure, and how to hold remote meetings with simultaneous translation in the U.N.s six official languages English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic, he said. Diplomats credit Muhammad-Bandes calm manner and diplomatic skills for the accomplishments of his past year, first and foremost getting all countries to agree on a declaration commemorating the U.N.s 75th anniversary that is scheduled to be adopted by world leaders Sept. 21. We were able to have a declaration by consensus as to the meaning of our 75-year history that, I think, for me, was remarkable because there were deep differences between countries and regions, Muhammad-Bande said. This is not a small feat for the organization, no question about that. The declaration recalls the U.N.s successes and failure and vows to build a post-pandemic world that is more equal, works together and protects the planet. It calls the COVID-19 pandemic the largest global challenge in the history of the United Nations. When Muhammad-Bande took over the presidency he said the 75th anniversary of the United Nations presents a unique opportunity for us to reduce the trust deficit between nations. And he said if the U.N. is to achieve the vision of its founders, we must ensure that indifference and cynicism do not creep into our organization. Despite agreeing on the declaration, he said, Im not very sure we have pushed the needle beyond what it was for this year, other then to stay the course, to insist that because of the pandemic ... multilateral co-operation is absolutely important for our peace and security. Muhammad-Bande pointed to difficulties in relations of big powers, an issue U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also raised, especially growing U.S.-China tensions. The assembly president also said there are difficulties among members on many other issues that prevented much headway, including expanding the 15-member U.N. Security Council to reflect the 21st century, not the post-World War II world. Looking ahead, Muhammad-Bande said he hopes the General Assembly will adopt an omnibus resolution on COVID-19 before he hands over the presidency to Turkish diplomat and politician Volkan Bozkir on Sept. 15. He said discussions among U.N. members are also under way on a proposal by the Nonaligned Movement, which represents about 125 mainly developing countries, for a special General Assembly session on the pandemic. Muhammad-Bande, who will return to being Nigerias U.N. ambassador full-time Sept. 16, said he has read, seen and heard people make comments that the U.N. doesnt matter. It matters absolutely crucially for the world, he said, pointing to the U.N.s role in setting norms for all countries and providing a space to discuss problems and exchange ideas. Of course, the U.N. has its limitations because its a combination of governments, each with its own sovereignty, he added. But if we dont have the United Nations, the world must create something that will look to the interests beyond official boundaries and borders, Muhammad-Bande said. And there is absolutely for me, no ground of cynicism about the importance of the United Nations. Some critics find Disney's Mulan may have depicted the original story incorrectly. Many observers of the film noticed the trailer's historical inaccuracies, especially the movie's costume design and architectural setting. Also Read: Cobra Kai is Netflix's #1 Streamed Series Since its Release!-What Makes the 80s Karate Homage So Special? They pointed out that they were inaccurate and did not follow the original story's period and geographical location, which is quite different from Disney's 1998 animated film and the new live-action movie. Also Read: The Mandalorian Season 2 Releases on Oct. 30; Fans React Differently, Thanks to Star Wars John Boyega Expose The story's earliest printed version, called the "Ballad of Mulan," which was first featured in an anthology from the 12th century, is still alive. Mulan's ethnicity and narrative have changed over time, just like other adaptations of lots of different historical stories. "Anything not contained in this original poem has been made up by much later authors, and cannot be historically substantiated," said Sanping Chen, the author of "Multicultural China in the Early Middle Ages" and an independent scholar. "As an historian, to me it's very misleading. The story presented in the film is definitely not what the true history should be," added Chen. Why Disney's Mulan is facing calls for boycott in some Asian countries Fans are angry with Liu Yifei, the live-action film's star, after supporting Hong Kong's police, who have been accused of violence towards pro-democracy protesters. Now, Taiwanese and Thai protesters are calling people out to boycott the movie. The actress, a Chinese-born American citizen, shared a post from People's Daily, a government-run Beijing newspaper. "I support the Hong Kong police. You can all attack me now. What a shame for Hong Kong," she wrote on the post. Because of her post, the #BoycottMulan trended on Twitter. Joshua Wong, a prominent activist, also called for "everyone who believes in human rights to #BoycottMulan." https://t.co/utmP1tIWNa This film is released today. But because Disney kowtows to Beijing, and because Liu Yifei openly and proudly endorses police brutality in Hong Kong, I urge everyone who believes in human rights to #BoycottMulan Joshua Wong (@joshuawongcf) September 4, 2020 He said in a Twitter post that Disney "kowtows to Beijing" and Liu Yifei proudly and openly supports police brutality in Hong Kong. Wong claimed that Disney and other Hollywood studios are submissive to Beijing, censoring their movies by changing scripts and character nationalities to ensure distribution in China, the second-biggest film market. For more news updates about Disney's Mulan, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Also Read: Mission Impossible 7: Tom Cruise Rents $700K Ship to Continue Shooting Film Amid Pandemic This article is owned by TechTimes, Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BRIDGEPORT A city man who authorities say was connected with the shooting outside the Golden Hill Street courthouse earlier this year faces another federal charge for being a felon in possession of a gun, officials said. A grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment on Wednesday that charged 23-year-old Asante Gaines with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that Gaines arrest was part of an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, according to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham. Various law enforcement agencies have been actively investigating members of several city-based groups, including the Greene Homes Boys or Hots, a group based in the Charles F. Greene Homes housing complex. The indictment alleges that Gaines had a loaded Glock 9mm handgun on Feb. 15, 2018. He was arrested on state charges that same day. The charge carries a maximum term of 10 years in federal prison. A grand jury previously returned an indictment on Aug. 5 that charged Gaines and four others with multiple federal offenses linked to their alleged involvement in a shooting in front of the state courthouse in the city on Jan. 27. That January afternoon, gunfire pierced the air near the Golden Hill Street courthouse as at least 20 bullets were shot into a parked vehicle, hitting four people. The shooting, police said, was connected with a homicide the previous day. Gaines criminal history includes state felony convictions on charges of gun possession and failure to appear, authorities said. It is a violation of federal law for a person already convicted of a felony to possess a gun or ammunition. Gaines remains in custody. Intercede Group plc's (LON:IGP) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 42.4x might make it look like a strong sell right now compared to the market in the United Kingdom, where around half of the companies have P/E ratios below 16x and even P/E's below 9x are quite common. However, the P/E might be quite high for a reason and it requires further investigation to determine if it's justified. With its earnings growth in positive territory compared to the declining earnings of most other companies, Intercede Group has been doing quite well of late. It seems that many are expecting the company to continue defying the broader market adversity, which has increased investors willingness to pay up for the stock. If not, then existing shareholders might be a little nervous about the viability of the share price. Check out our latest analysis for Intercede Group pe Keen to find out how analysts think Intercede Group's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start. Does Growth Match The High P/E? In order to justify its P/E ratio, Intercede Group would need to produce outstanding growth well in excess of the market. If we review the last year of earnings growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 123%. However, the latest three year period hasn't been as great in aggregate as it didn't manage to provide any growth at all. So it appears to us that the company has had a mixed result in terms of growing earnings over that time. Shifting to the future, estimates from the one analyst covering the company suggest earnings growth will be highly resilient over the next year growing by 15%. That would be an excellent outcome when the market is expected to decline by 1.6%. With this information, we can see why Intercede Group is trading at such a high P/E compared to the market. Right now, investors are willing to pay more for a stock that is shaping up to buck the trend of the broader market going backwards. Story continues What We Can Learn From Intercede Group's P/E? While the price-to-earnings ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of earnings expectations. We've established that Intercede Group maintains its high P/E on the strength of its forecast growth potentially beating a struggling market, as expected. At this stage investors feel the potential for a deterioration in earnings isn't great enough to justify a lower P/E ratio. Our only concern is whether its earnings trajectory can keep outperforming under these tough market conditions. Although, if the company's prospects don't change they will continue to provide strong support to the share price. There are also other vital risk factors to consider and we've discovered 3 warning signs for Intercede Group (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing here. If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on Intercede Group, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there. 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. IndiGo , Indias largest airline, operated by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, is betting big on the festive season, trying to revive passenger demand following an increase in flight bookings as states ease travel restrictions. The airline is seeing its passenger load factor (PLF) come close to 70%, which is a gradual improvement from 55%, said Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, president and chief operating officer, IndiGo. We can see a gradual improvement in PLF. Also, fares are holding on and slightly higher fares and improvement in PLF will lead to improvement in RASK," he said. PLF measures the capacity utilization of airlines. RASK or Revenue per Available Seat-Kilometre measures unit revenue for airlines. However, I am not saying that we are where we want to be. It needs a lot more improvement. I feel that with higher demand coming in the festive season, the situation will improve drastically," he said. The Union government had on Wednesday extended the capacity cap imposed on scheduled airlines on domestic flights to up to 60% of total capacity, up from 45%. Its our top priority to achieve 60% capacity. However, you cant do it at one go as it depends on market demand. As we are about to move into the festive season, our goal is to deploy 60% of our pre-covid capacity by Diwali," Prock-Schauer said. However, people are still avoiding advanced ticket bookings. Most bookings are made only a few days before the travel date, as many are still wary of the frequently changing travel restrictions imposed by states, he said. IndiGo has completed the mandatory replacements of Pratt and Whitney (P&W) engines, which power its Airbus A320neo fleet, with modified engines before the 31 August deadline set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. I firmly believe that P&W snags are behind us. Its now a matured engine and we dont expect any other problems," Prock-Schauer said. Covid-19 hit the aviation industry hard with travel demand remaining muted even after domestic operations resumed in May. Indian airlines are expected to report consolidated loss of $6-6.5 billion in FY21 and an estimated $4.5-5 billion of funding will be required to overcome the crisis, aviation consultancy firm Capa India said in a recent report. IndiGo reported its largest quarterly loss during the three months ended 30 June because of the muted demand because of the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. The company reported a net loss of 2,844.3 crore in the June quarter, compared to a profit of 1,203.14 crore in the year-ago. Lots of new business avenues, such as charter flights and cargo opened up during covid-19 pandemic. We now have 10 aircraft in cargo configurations. These are quick wins. However, the overall goal is to return to profitability. These are steps to it," Prock-Schauer said. At present, IndiGo operates at least 10% more charter and cargo flights than its scheduled commercial flights. IndiGo operates about 600 daily flights. Our priority is to increase our domestic capacity to pre-covid level by the end of the current fiscal. Next would be to re-establish our international network, which will take little more time, because of international restrictions. International flights are only under air bubbles, which have restrictions, so we will wait and see and analyse before starting international operations," he said. The airline is also considering the purchase if wide body planes for long-haul operations. As its a major move, we want to be sure before we decide as we want to earn money from them," he said. 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 Remarks by President Trump in an Emergency Operations Briefing | Orange, TX (August 29, 2020) August 30, 2020 Orange County Convention and Expo Center Orange, Texas August 29, 2020 3:59 P.M. CDT THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much, everybody. I very much appreciate you being here. Thank you. And we we love this state. It's been a great state for me, and it's been a great state for everybody in this room, I can tell you, Governor, right? And we're here to help. We're joined today by Governor Greg Abbott, a very special man. And he's doing a fantastic job for the state of Texas, and he has from day one. And Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, another friend of mine. And thank you, Dan. And I watched you the other night on a very important show, and you did incredibly well representing the state. And State Attorney General Ken Paxton, where he's a very aggressive attorney general, and that's what we like. And you have got some very big ones, including the mail-in ballots, right? "Unsolicited," I call them. The "unsolicited" mail-in ballots, where people are sitting home and they just get hit with mail-in ballots all over the place. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON: That's a good way to put it. THE PRESIDENT: Well, I hope you're going to be successful. I think it's actually a very important case, not only here but for the whole country. So I know you're you're really on top. I think we have about 18 of those cases throughout the country. In Pennsylvania, we have, and North Carolina. We have a lot of them, so we'll see. But you're one of the great leaders. Thank you very much, Ken. I appreciate it. A man who's really been there when we need him, and he's he's been incredible for Texas and he's been my friend: Ted Cruz. Thank you. SENATOR CRUZ: Mr. President, welcome. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Ted. We spent a lot of time before, and we're working on getting Texas everything they need. And we'll bring it back. SENATOR CRUZ: Thank you. THE PRESIDENT: Congressman Brian Babin. Brian, thank you very much. A warrior and a really terrific guy. And Randy where's Randy? Randy, thank you. Randy Weber, congressman. Thank you very much. And we have a couple of people who have been friends of mine, and I won't mention too much, but they got a little shot of COVID. And I understand they're going to be perfect; they're going to be absolutely fine. I want to say hello to Becky Ames. Becky, thank you very much. Beaumont you're doing good, right? Everything okay? MAYOR AMES: Yes, sir. We are. THE PRESIDENT: Were you hit hard? MAYOR AMES: Not as hard as we could've been. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, it could've been a lot harder. MAYOR AMES: It could've been a lot harder. THE PRESIDENT: That's great. MAYOR AMES: And we're recovering, and we appreciate you being here, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much, Becky. I hear you're doing a great job. And again, we were talking before about the path and the path it could have been much more, because the power was incredible. Louisiana took a very, very hard hit, but even Louisiana, who was over just a little bit further, it would have been a record-setting hit because the power was record setting. It was at 185 and 175; it went to 150 150 miles an hour when it hit. But it was even worse than that, and it came quickly. It came very quickly. It came in fact, I guess you would say, Pete, they were looking at that as a storm, and all of a sudden, the storm became a monster. ADMINISTRATOR GAYNOR: Yes, sir. Thirty-six hours, a Cat 4. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. It went from a storm to 185 and 175 miles an hour. And then, when it hit, it was and I think they say it was the most the strongest that they've had in Louisiana and Texas in 150 years. But the path was a little bit lucky, so we got a little bit lucky, so that's great. I want to also introduce Chad Wolf, who, as you know, we just took the "acting" away from his name. And you're doing a fantastic job Homeland Security. And hopefully, Ted, we'll be pushing that very hard, and we'll get him through quickly because he's done a fantastic job. ACTING SECRETARY WOLF: Thank you, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Chad. SENATOR CRUZ: He'll get confirmed. THE PRESIDENT: He'll he'll do it, all right? SENATOR CRUZ: Yeah, we'll get it done, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Good. If he says it, that means it's a good sign. (Laughter.) That's a good sign. And FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, who's been doing this with me for a long time, and we haven't had a loss yet. We haven't had a loser. I'll tell you, we do it good and we do it fast, and we get you back up. And everything, I think, Governor, has been signed and you're ready to go? Right? GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Yes. Yes. THE PRESIDENT: You're ready to go. I will dispense with all of the different numbers; you know what they are. We just sort of did it. We were in Louisiana and we went through, and they have been hit hard. They we went through a couple of areas. I have never seen anything quite like it. You had trees ripped out from the roots. You had pine trees that were broken in half, not even from and you just don't see that kind of power. So we went through something that was pretty, pretty bad. I don't think you got anything like that, and that's good. So we took the emergency declaration. We gave it to the Governor immediately. And Dan called about it also, and I appreciate that call. And between the two of them, that's a great one-two punch. The Governor told me that himself, so I appreciate it. And FEMA has delivered 400,000 liters of water and 250,000 meals already. We've worked with the private sector to restore power to remaining 200,000 residents, and they think the power is going to be restored almost in very good order, I believe. GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Pretty quick. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. I believe so. And all of the other things that we've been doing the infrastructure, all of the elements that we've been working on. And we're working very close with Ted Cruz and with John Cornyn, who I hear is doing very well, by the way. I hear he's doing he's a great senator. He's doing a fantastic job. And and we've been working with the Governor and with Dan, and I think maybe it'd be good if you would tell us how are we doing and what can we do and how can we help you, Governor. GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Sure. First, I need to thank you for the way that you have stepped up. People don't know this, but on midnight, as the storm was crossing the shoreline, you called me. And then so that was 1:00 a.m. your time, and then we spoke again the morning after it happened. You have been there for us every step of the way, helping us. Never have I seen such a swift response to our request as we have received from Administrator Gaynor. We cannot thank you enough. I call him, and it's like he knows in advance I'm going to be calling him. (Laughter.) And so he just says "yes" immediately. And so, of all the storms I've been through which, as you know, has been a lot I've never received a swifter response from the administration. And so on behalf of everybody in this room and everybody across the state of Texas, we want to say "thank you." I want to thank the local officials. Judge Gothia and whose county we're in right now we appreciate you and your leadership. The members of Congress, Becky, and the other mayors in the region, we appreciate everything you do. And of course, Nim Kidd. If I could share some details I know you covered the details in Louisiana just real quick. I have declared a disaster in 62 counties, and the President has similarly declared a disaster in each of those counties. So on behalf of all of those 62 counties, we all say thank you, Mr. President, for that. Right now, our areas of focus are on power, water, points of distribution, safe return of evacuees, and damage assessment. On power and water restoration, peak power outages exceeded 350,000 locations across 35 counties. Current outages, as of 9:00 a.m. this morning, are about 120,000 locations in 23 counties, meaning that emergency repair crews have quickly restored more than 250 I mean, 230 of those power outage incidents. For drinking water assessments, 111 of 171 drinking water system est- or assessments have been completed; 84 are operational; 26 systems are under boil water notice. In addition to things like that, we have 19 points of distribution set up in the impacted region that are providing things like water, ice, MREs, while their power and water systems are remain inoperable. There were over 10,000 evacuees that are in shelters throughout the state in approximately 3,300 hotel rooms. Of the shelter residents, the Texas Division of Emergency Management under Nim Kidd is tracking more than 2,200 shelter residents who are from Louisiana. Very important is that more than 10,000 of those evacuees were in what's called non-congregate settings. What that means is they were in hotel rooms, typically. That is so important because we had to respond to Hurricane Laura while also responding to COVID-19, and the best setting for someone who's an evacuee from a hurricane is not in a large congregate setting, but in separate settings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We succeeded in getting through Hurricane Hanna without this spread of COVID-19, and I believe we will succeed in getting through Hurricane Laura without spreading COVID-19. A total of 808 residents were returned on 43 buses with more missions scheduled for today, and 160 state buses are ready to assist the ongoing re-population efforts. Let's see. That's about it. We continue to assess damages throughout the region. We are on top of this because of the swift and effective leadership of Chief Nim Kidd. But we are better capable and swifter in responding to this hurricane because of the way you and your administration so swiftly stepped up and helped out the people of Texas. THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much, Governor. You're doing a great job in every way. In fact, I notice your COVID you say "COVID-19." Many different names. At least 20 different names, right? But you call it "COVID-19." That's okay with me, at least for today. (Laughter.) Generally, I call it something else. But you're doing very well in that. You're coming down very rapidly Texas and so is Florida and so is Arizona has been incredible; it's down to its lowest numbers. So it's really it's really doing well. So, that's part of this. And I like what you're doing with respect to keeping people separated during this problem with the hurricane. Great job. GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Sure. THE PRESIDENT: Really great job. Thank you very much. GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Sure. Thank you. THE PRESIDENT: Thanks, Greg. Ted, please. SENATOR CRUZ: Well, Mr. President, we appreciate your being down in Texas once again. And let me say something that I just told the FEMA administrator a few minutes ago, which is that the consistent report I've gotten from the Governor, I've gotten from local officials, state officials, is the responsiveness of the administration throughout this hurricane has been extraordinary. In many ways, we had a blessing with this hurricane, and then it could have been much, much worse. There was significant damage from this hurricane, but compared to what we've seen in the past, Texas could have gotten hit much worse. We obviously grieve that our neighbors in Louisiana took the brunt of this storm. And just as Louisiana stepped up and helped Texas, particularly with Hurricane Harvey but other hurricanes as well, we're now stepping up to help our neighbors in Louisiana who are really suffering. But one of the things that's really impressive also is just the level of coordination. You know, Mayor Ames and I were laughing about how we've got an inadvertent and unfortunate expertise right now, and that Texas has been through some major, major disasters. And what we see consistently is a degree of interaction between the city officials, the county officials, the state officials, the federal officials, where you don't get bickering and you don't get turf jockeying. You just get everyone working together. And as these disasters have come, you have reached out repeatedly. I still remember talking with you when Hurricane Harvey was in the Gulf, and I was in the Lucchese factory at El Paso. THE PRESIDENT: That's right. SENATOR CRUZ: And you said then, and it was the case then and the case now you said: Everything Texas needs the federal government, the resources will be there. And thank you for that leadership. It's important, and it's a testament here to the strength and expertise of the Texans at this table working with the federal government that we minimize the damage as much as possible with a very dangerous storm. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Great job. Thank you very much. Dan, please. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK: I was in the state senate when Ike hit. And the difference in your response, personally, and the response of the administration and FEMA is, of scale, they were a 1 and you're a 10. The fact that you called the governor at one in the morning, your time THE PRESIDENT: Well, I knew I knew he was going to be up, so (laugher). With him, I don't have to worry about that. SENATOR CRUZ: Dan, you need to make it at 11, like Spinal Tap. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK: Yes, let's make it 11. I mean, night and day. We went years where we weren't paid by the former administration, where our counties and our cities didn't get paid. THE PRESIDENT: No, I know. I know. I see the records. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK: You've done a fabulous job. Secondly, on COVID, to give you the numbers, our highest point in the hospital was 10,883 in July; we're now under 4,800. THE PRESIDENT: That's great. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK: And on COVID in ICU, we're down almost 60 percent in many hospitals; 70 percent in some hospitals, in the ICU. So the Governor's leadership here and all of Texans working together, we've really turned that corner. THE PRESIDENT: That's great (inaudible). LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK: And then I want to give the judge credit. We were here two days ago, and the Judge said, "Look, we weren't hit as hard as some other areas, so whatever we have that other people need" And so many Texans we respect the Cajun Navy that came for us. We don't have a name for our volunteers the Texas brigade, the Texas volunteers, whatever you want to call them. But I've seen on all the newscasts, thousands of Texans have gone over to Louisiana, and that's the spirit of Americans working together. THE PRESIDENT: That's great. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK: So, Judge, thank you for right away, you said, "Hey, we want to help everyone else." So thank you, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Good job, Judge. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK: You've been here so many times for us. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Dan. I appreciate it. Ken? Please. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON: So, Mr. President, I did not grow up in Texas. My dad was an Air Force pilot; we grew up all over the place. But one of the things I love about Texas is we get stuff done, and you fit the culture of Texas because you get stuff done. So, thank you, because you truly have accelerated the pace of getting relief to our state like nobody else. So thank you. And this governor has been exceptional in dealing with disasters like literally no governor I've ever seen. So I want to give you credit as well. So that's all I wanted to say is: Thank you both. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much. Brian? REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: Yes, sir. Thank you for being here, Mr. President. It's an honor to have you in our district, and I can't thank you and your administration enough for the rapid response. We're still actually cleaning up after Imelda and after Harvey and other storms that have hit us. And your administration has been absolutely on the money. And I'd also like to he's not here today, but I want to I want to brag a little bit on the Orange mayor who is not here. THE PRESIDENT: That's right. REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: His name is Larry spears. He's done a tremendous job. And he is I'm a former mayor myself, and I appreciate Mayor Spears and what he does. But, Mr. President, your your administration has done we're not supposed to get political here, and I realize that, but it has been like night and day from what we've seen in the past, and I just wanted want to say thank you THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Brian. REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: for what you're doing. THE PRESIDENT: Appreciate it. REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: Okay. THE PRESIDENT: And say hello to the mayor. He'll be fine; I know it. Just tell him to get well. REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: I will. I also want to say one quick thing: For Chad Wolf, I met your daddy yesterday. (Laughter.) And I don't know if you did you grow up in Orange at all? ACTING SECRETARY WOLF: I did not. I grew up north of Dallas. REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: That's right. He told me that. But anyway ACTING SECRETARY WOLF: He's right back there. REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: Oh, yeah! There he is. That's right. THE PRESIDENT: You checking him out, right? (Laughter.) He's very good. SENATOR CRUZ: So should we have asked him if Chad should be confirmed? (Laughter.) THE PRESIDENT: He knows more. GOVERNOR ABBOTT: (Inaudible) witness. (Laughter.) THE PRESIDENT: That's great. He's doing a great job. Thank you very much. Thank you, Brian. REPRESENTATIVE BABIN: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Randy? Please. REPRESENTATIVE WEBER: Well, thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for being here. Of course, this is Dr. Babin's district. I'm probably the oldest guy in the room. And that I grew up on the Gulf Coast, never left I've probably been through more hurricanes than anybody here, starting in '61 with Hurricane Carla. I was going into the Texas House in 2008 when Ike hit, and I've never never seen this kind of responsiveness from the federal government. It is a testament to your leadership, Mr. President. So thank you, thank you, thank you. And our great state people are here too: our great Governor; Nim Kidd; Lieutenant Governor; Attorney General. I could run down the list. And you have done everything you said you would do for Texas and more, and my district loves you and we appreciate you. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Randy, very much. You're doing a great job. Chief? Please. CHIEF KIDD: Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank the local officials. And Texas mayors and county judges are the only ones with the authority to mandate an evacuation, and that's a courageous decision to make. And Mayor Spears, Judge, for the work that you did that saved lives. The reason we have the low death count that we have is because you took the evacuation orders in this storm and took them seriously. So thank you for doing that. To my Governor and the state elected leaders here, thanks for giving us the authority and the funding to go do good work. And we try really hard at that. But from our Regional Administrator Tony Robinson to Administrator Gaynor to Secretary Wolf, thank you for the dedicated leadership. Mr. President, we've never had this quick of answers. I've been in this seat for 10 years. I think 17 or 18 major disaster declarations and about 300 (inaudible) later, we've never had this fast of a response, so thank you for that. THE PRESIDENT: Okay, thank you very much. A very important state; a great state. And we're going to take care of the people of Texas. That's all there is to it. Becky, please. MAYOR AMES: Thank you, Mr. President. I echo everything that's been said here. It's been unbelievable. I was elected mayor in 2007, and four months later, we had Umberto, and then shortly after, Ike, and going through Harvey and Imelda. We have had 26 federal declarations since 1953, and 19 of them have been since I was elected mayor in '07. So I've gotten to know all of the people at this table very, very well. And the local officials work very close together and with the state. And Governor Abbott and our Senate and our Congress have been just unbelievable, and I just thank you for coming. It means a lot to us, and it means a lot to the people who live here THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much. MAYOR AMES: to see that our President will take the time to come and say hello to us. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. MAYOR AMES: So we appreciate it. THE PRESIDENT: You're doing a great job. Thank you, Becky, very much. MAYOR AMES: Thank you so much. THE PRESIDENT: Judge, I want to thank you very much. I hear just the job you do is incredible. And I can see the passion you have for it. It's really great. We appreciate it. JUDGE GOTHIA: Well, thank you. You know, it's fantastic. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate you coming. And the governor has been here multiple times. And everybody involved you know, we have a great concern for our community. We have a great concern for Texas. We have a great concern for Louisiana, and we're going to do what we can to help them. But a couple people for sure that and I hate singling people out but, for sure, Chief Kidd, thank you in the response that you and the Governor's office has had and answering the phone calls, because there's been many all the way through COVID down to this. I'm kind of like Mayor Becky Ames: I've been in office four years; this is the sixth disaster number six for me. So it's you know, we're getting good at something we really don't want to be good at, but we're going to be good at it, and we're going to get it taken care of. But when we come to, one of the biggest things we're looking at now, other than the storm itself, was what was caused by that, and that was some of our getting our energy back up and getting our power back up. And we have someone in the building today who is the president and CEO of Entergy Texas, and their team, Sallie Rainer. And she their team is in here in force and getting this power and stuff restored as quickly as possible so that our citizens that are on their way home can have power as quickly as possible to get back to repairing their homes. And so there's so many people that do so much for Texas. You know, one of the big projects we have and I want to recognize General Beck with the Army Corps of Engineers. We've been working for a project. I know the Governor and Senator Cruz Senator Cornyn is not here but everybody is involved with it, which is the Coastal Spine Levee project. Twenty-six miles a day, which will be THE PRESIDENT: How is that going? JUDGE GOTHIA: Well, it's made huge progress in the last three weeks. The state and the General Land Office has helped fund Orange County share of that portion of it, and because of that, we're able to move forward with the Corps. And when you're working at the next legislative session, to continue that and to deal with that, that is huge for us. THE PRESIDENT: Do you think it'll work? Because I love the Army Corps. JUDGE GOTHIA: It's absolutely going to work. THE PRESIDENT: They happen to be building our wall, just so you know. (Laughter.) They're doing a very good job. Ten miles a day. We're up to 300 miles. It's going good. How is that working? GENERAL BECK: Sir, are you asking the wall? THE PRESIDENT: No, the wall I know. The wall is good. (Laughter.) The levee. GENERAL BECK: Sir, that's another one (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Call it the levee. GENERAL BECK: Sir, so, within Orange, we're excited. As the Judge said, we have the ability now with the we're moving forward with design. It'll end with about 25 miles of wall, different types of wall. It'll also end up with about seven pump stations in about 30 days. THE PRESIDENT: So that'll stop the water from pouring in? GENERAL BECK: Sir, we're confident that it will. And also, not only in Orange, but with two neighboring communities in Port Arthur and Freeport, it's going to create a system those two communities have walls. We're going to continue to develop and improve those walls. And, collectively, those three projects are going to improve the protection on over 100,000 residences in this community, critical infrastructure, and also critical energy sector infrastructure. Sir, they're THE PRESIDENT: What is your timing on that? GENERAL BECK: Sir, we're starting to design right now with Orange. Right now we're looking at all three of those projects being completed between '25 and 2025 and 2027. So we're moving forward. And what makes them impressive and the Judge is a great partner in this is we're doing this with the local community. We're doing this with the state. This is a partnership we talked about in allowing us to develop something that not only will withstand, as you said, the storms, but also allow the communities to take care of these projects, and the residents behind them, in the future. THE PRESIDENT: What do you think the cost will be of the entire project? GENERAL BECK: Right now, with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, we got $4 billion to move these three projects forward. So we have that funding in hand and are moving forward. Also, as part of that act, we received additional funds to study the remainder of the Gulf Coast. So we're working hard. We've got a study that we're going to publish an interim report on in the near future, within the next month. And it looks at Houston, it looks at Galveston, it looks at Bolivar Peninsula. THE PRESIDENT: Is that part of the original approval Houston? GENERAL BECK: Sir, that is part of the when we got the Bipartisan Budget Act, that was that study was part of that. THE PRESIDENT: Good. Okay, good. SENATOR CRUZ: So, Mr. President, what Congress THE PRESIDENT: You know, the Governor, Ted, called me. He said, "Would you do me a favor? Just one more favor. That's all I want. It's very small." I said, "How much, Governor?" (Laughter.) He said, "It's not much. Ten billion dollars." I said, "Ten billion dollars?" But he said that would really do something with respect to this tremendous flooding every time you have a hurricane. And so your phase one really, phase one is what we're talking about, but you could do something, and that'll also take care of the Houston area. GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Right. SENATOR CRUZ: So Congress has already directed $3.8 billion, and that was with strong bipartisan support THE PRESIDENT: Good. Yeah. SENATOR CRUZ: and your support. And so that's constructing beginning construction of the Coastal Spine, but we're also studying the continued expansion to complete it. And obviously a lot of a lot of families and homes and a lot of businesses and energy infrastructure is all along the Gulf Coast. THE PRESIDENT: And it will work, right? GENERAL BECK: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: We're not going to build it and we're going to say, "Oops, it sprung a leak," and that's the end of that. It's a big it's a big project, but it will work, right? GENERAL BECK: Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Okay. If you guys do it, it's going to work. From law enforcement down on the other side, and you've done a fantastic job, do you have anything to say? SHERIFF MOONEY: Yes, sir. I would like to, Mr. President. I appreciate you being here. My community appreciates it. Thank you for what you do for our country. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. SHERIFF MOONEY: We really appreciate that. I also want to thank Judge John Gothia and somebody we didn't mention, Joel Ardoin; he's our emergency management coordinator. They've done an outstanding job, and we appreciate the work they've done. I also want to thank everyone in this room that has helped us here in the community. Thank you very much. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. SHERIFF MOONEY: Thank you, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Greg, do you want to finish it off? GOVERNOR ABBOTT: One thing that Texans have shown, whether it be Harvey, whether it be all these other storms you've heard they have been through it, and it shows the resilience and perseverance that Texans have. But we are made even stronger by the swift and profound and effective support that we get from our leaders in Washington, D.C. You are the "Builder President." You are helping to build that Coastal Spine that will protect Texas, but you are right now helping Texas rebuild in the aftermath of this hurricane. And we say thank you. THE PRESIDENT: It's my honor. Thank you very much. Do you have any questions for the Governor or the Senator or anybody? Anybody have any questions? Q For the Governor: Governor, what is the status in Galveston Bay with the refineries and the hundreds of chemical plants? If you could share just an update on the economic and environmental impact. GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Sure. Just real real quick: So the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality continues to monitor those, both with regard to air quality and water quality. They have mobile units engaged to make sure they're going to be able to adequately go to all the impacted areas and do the monitoring and make sure that if there is any type of environmental situation, it will be swiftly contained. THE PRESIDENT: Okay. Anybody else? Q Mr. President. I have a question. This is obviously an important trip to visit these communities. Do you plan to visit Kenosha, Wisconsin, as well another community that's obviously in pain? THE PRESIDENT: Probably so. We've had tremendous success, as you know. We were finally able to get the go-ahead from the local authorities to send in the National Guard. We sent in the National Guard, and within a few minutes of the Guard, everybody cleared out, and it became safe. We have that was three days ago. We've had absolutely no problem. We sent in 1,000 National Guard, and that's not even a big force. We could clean out as an example, Portland: We could fix Portland in, I would say, 45 minutes. And the people in Portland should protest because the mayor doesn't know what he's doing. He has no clue. He doesn't even have a clue. And this has been going on for years in Portland, and it's now been going on 94 days. And if he would call or if they would ask, or if the governor would ask, we would have we would have the National Guard in there in a very short period of time, and that would be cleaned out in a matter of literally minutes, and you'd have a safe Portland. It's ridiculous that they go on like this. So, with Kenosha, it's been in very, very good shape from the moment they set foot in that area. The sheriff has been great. The police commissioner, the police chief has been great. We've been working with all of them. But the governor let us do what we had to do, and we cleaned it out, and we'll see what happens. We have to keep it going. But it's we won't have any problem. Q Can I follow up, sir, with one thing on that? I think yesterday you did comment on the killing of Jacob Blake. You said you didn't like how it looked. THE PRESIDENT: I didn't like it, no. Q I wondered if you could comment about the other shooting that took place in that community. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, I see it. Q You mentioned the National Guard going in law enforcement but this was a young man, 17-year-old, who's facing murder charges for having shot two people. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Q There are some folks who've said conservatives are holding up this young man as you know, having done so within his rights, so sort of self-protect. And I'm wondering if you've read much about this case, if you have concerns about ordinary residents with guns in situations like this and what dangers that might present. THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know, that's under investigation right now, and they'll be reporting back to me over the next 24 hours, 48 hours maybe, max. And we'll have a comment about it. But that is right now, we're being we're looking at it very, very carefully. What we are doing with it's a great state, Wisconsin. Great state. And they should not have to put up with what they went through. And so the National Guard has done a fantastic job. Any other questions? Q Mr. President, why is the DNI no longer going to be updating the House and the Senate on election security issues in person? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I could have Mark answer that question. Mark? Please. MR. MEADOWS: Yeah, I'd be glad to answer it. And I talked to Director Ratcliffe, and as you know, he's been giving briefings. So he's going to ultimately give full briefings in terms of not oral briefings, but full intel briefings. But it really comes down to one simple thing: The last time they gave briefings, a few members went out and talked to the press and disclosed information that they shouldn't have disclosed. And so he's going to make sure that there's the proper tools for their oversight and make sure that they contain it in a way that it does not jeopardize sources and methods for the intel that we gather. THE PRESIDENT: Director Ratcliffe brought information into the committee, and the information leaked. Whether it was Shifty Schiff or somebody else, they leak the information before it gets in. And what's even worse: They leak the wrong information. And he got tired of it. So he wants to do it in a different form, because you have leakers on the committee obviously, leakers that are doing bad things. Probably not even legal to leak. But we'll look into that separately. But they were leaking the information as brought in. How would you you don't have that in Texas. Ken, you wouldn't allow that in Texas. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON: No way. THE PRESIDENT: I guarantee Ken will not be allowing the leakers to be doing that. So we were he wanted to make sure that it doesn't leak. Yeah, please. Q Mr. President, one question about Laura. So in June of this year, NOAA issued a report indicating that climate change is at least in part responsible for increasing sea temperatures, which then, in turn, lead to storms like Laura and Harvey. In an area where petrochemicals and the energy industry are so critical, how do you balance that with, at the same time, attacking climate change so that storms like this don't continue to ravage the Gulf Coast? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I tell you, you've had tremendous storms in Texas for many decades and for many centuries, and that's the way it is. We handle them as they come. All I can do is handle them as they come, and that's what we do, and nobody has ever done a better job of it. And we love the people of Texas. And, Governor, it's an honor to be with you. Thank you very much. Ted, thank you very much. Great job. Thank you, Dan. Please. Thank you very much, everybody. END 4:30 P.M. CDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Many foreign media outlets recently ran articles highlighting Vietnams achievements over the last 75 years and its stature in the international arena on the occasion of the countrys 75th National Day (September 2). Flags of Vietnam and the Party decorate a street in Hanoi in celebration of the 75th National Day September 2 (Photo: VNA) In an article published on September 2, Editor-in-chief of the Pretoria News in South Africa Val Boje quoted Vietnamese Ambassador Hoang Van Loi as saying in an interview that 2020 marked a number of important anniversaries for the country, including 75 years of independence and 25 years of its ASEAN membership. As the current ASEAN Chair, Vietnam has been playing a key role in coordinating the regional response to COVID-19, as Southeast Asian nations are working together to contain the spread of the pandemic and support each other to minimise its socio-economic impacts, Loi said, believing that ASEAN will rise stronger from the pandemic as individual interests have been put aside for the common interests. Being part of ASEAN since 1995 has helped Vietnam integrate into the wider world, according to the article. On the global stage, the country continues to punch above its weight, serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021, with an open-door foreign policy that supports the principles of independence, self-reliance, friendship and cooperation, as well as development, peace and prosperity, the article cited Ambassador Loi. In Algeria, a number of newspapers, both print and online ones, like El Moudjahid, La tribune des lecteurs, Cresus, La tribune diplomatique internationale and Algerie actualite have also written about the August Revolution of Vietnam in 1945, the two countries friendship and Vietnams achievements. They underlined the significance of the August Revolution, considering it the first great victory of the Vietnamese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, thereby wiping out remnants of feudalism and colonialism in the country and heralding a great turning point in its history. The articles also noted that the success of the August Revolution inspired the struggles for national liberation in the countries oppressed and ruled by colonialism and imperialism, including Algeria. Al-Ahram, a prestigious e-newspaper of Egypt, also posted a story by Kamal Gaballa that underlined the outstanding socio-economic achievements Vietnam has gained during national development. In the article Vietnam: A Bright Star in Asia, the Jerusalem Post of Israel noted the Southeast Asian nations foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations and active international integration. This policy has helped Vietnam establish a network of 30 strategic and comprehensive partners, the story said, adding that the country has effectively implemented the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Forbes Israel also published an article reviewing Vietnams economic highlights in the first eight months of 2020, quoting Edward Teather, an ASEAN economist at UBS Research, as saying that Vietnam is suffering some pain from the impact of COVID-19, but the outlook is looking one of the brightest in the region. In Kuwait, many newspapers and websites such as Al-Rai, The Times Kuwait and Q8.Press ran stories praising Vietnams socio-economic attainments over the past 75 years, as well as its growing role in the international arena. Meanwhile, German newspaper Junge Welt wrote that September 2, 1945 is one of the most significant days in Vietnams history, and that international solidarity is one of the most important experiences the country has gained over the last 75 years. According to the article, at a recent banquet in honour of diplomatic corps in Hanoi, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc reiterated Vietnams foreign policy of proactively and actively integrating into the world; being a friend, a trustworthy partner and a responsible member of the international community; promoting cooperation with other countries on the basis of respecting each others independence, sovereignty, equality and mutual benefits; and resolving differences by peaceful means in line with international law. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, the country has greatly contributed to supporting sustainable peace and settlement of COVID-19 impacts, Junge Welt added. Media outlets of Cuba also honoured Vietnams National Day and late President Ho Chi Minh in many recent stories. Granma, the organ of the Communist Party of Cuba, published an article by veteran journalist Marta Rojas, who used to be a war correspondent in Vietnam and also the last foreign reporter to interview Ho Chi Minh. The author reviewed unique milestones in the late leaders great career. Two other articles of the Prensa Latina news agency and e-newspaper Cubadebate looked back on Vietnams unceasing efforts over the last three quarters of a century, from fighting to safeguard the country to developing it. Meanwhile, the Juventud Rebelde daily, the organ of the Young Communist League of Cuba, affirmed the special sentiment that has bonded the two countries Parties, States and peoples. On the occasion, Russias leading daily Independent on September 2 ran a story by Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh entitled Promoting the August Revolution spirit for new successes. In the article, the ambassador reviewed the 75-year path of Vietnam under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with two important victories in 1954 and 1975. Overcoming challenges and difficulties, Vietnam has become a middle-income country with rising position and prestige in the region and the world and set up sound partnerships with many countries. It has maintained fruitful relationships with neighbouring and regional countries, while reinforcing ASEANs relations with outside partners, contributing to the building of the ASEAN Community. Vietnam has actively and responsibly engaged in regional and international forums, while sending officers to UN peacekeeping missions and for the second time performing the role of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Canadian, Russian experts commend Vietnams progress over last 75 years Canadian and Russian experts shared their thoughts on Vietnams path to independence and its accomplishments over the last 75 years at recent events. The Canada-Vietnam Friendship Association held an online programme to screen the documentaries on the life and career of the President and the countrys path to independence and freedom. Celebrating 75 years since the August Revolution and the 75th National Day, the programme was attended by Canadian friends and Vietnamese nationals in the country. Luis Silva, an expert on government relations, said the films helped him understand President Ho Chi Minhs key role in the struggle to liberate Vietnam from the rule of France and Japan. Elizabeth McIninch, Director of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council, said she was moved by Ho Chi Minhs burning desire to free Vietnam from the yoke of colonialism and restore freedom to its people. She noted that the President laid the cornerstone of Vietnams economy today, which she called an emerging star in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is now an important partner of Canada, she went on, which attaches great importance to the Southeast Asian country. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the path ahead will open up endless opportunities for the people of the two countries. Meanwhile, at a recent discussion with Russias Sputnik news agency to mark Vietnams 75th National Day, Professor Vladimir Kolotov, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Institute at the Saint Petersburg State University, said Vietnam has achieved enormous successes since the August Revolution and its establishment on September 2, 1945, including victories in resistance wars to liberate the country from colonialism and reunify the nation. Vietnam is now a sovereign country and has a rapidly-growing economy, he added. He also highlighted the countrys ASEAN chairmanship and non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2020, adding that with only one No vote in the UN General Assemblys secret ballot to choose non-permanent members of the council last year, Vietnam secured an unprecedented level of support. These factors have also confirmed Vietnams profile and reputation in the international arena, the professor added. Meanwhile, Professor Vladimir Mazyrin from the Centre for the Study of Vietnam and ASEAN at the Far Eastern Studies Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, spoke highly of Vietnams economic achievements during its transition to a market economy, which saw it emerging as a rapidly-developing country. Vietnam is a rare example of a country succeeding in keeping up with its more developed counterparts in the region and the world, he said, noting that while most regional countries saw a considerable slowdown in growth in the first half of 2020, Vietnam still posted a positive rate. The professor cited other experts forecasts that, by 2050, Vietnam will be among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of GDP growth. It currently stands in 32nd position; a major feat compared to 75 years and 35 years ago, when it was still among the poorest nations. He expressed his belief that Vietnam will become a developed economy by 2050.VNA UK to Review Offshore Oil Licensing Regime This article was first published on Rigzone here The UK government announced Thursday that it will review its policy on the future UK offshore oil and gas licensing regime as part of a wider aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The review will ensure the government has the information needed to plan for future oil and gas production in the UK in a way that is aligned with tackling climate change, the UK government noted, adding that initial findings and next steps will be published in an upcoming energy white paper. This review follows the outcome of the 32nd licensing round, which was recently announced by the UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA). As part of this round, 113 license areas over 259 blocks, or part-blocks, were offered for award to 65 companies. According to the UK government, the oil and gas sector supports 270,000 jobs across the UK and plays a key role in developing the infrastructure and capability for green technologies. The government added that the sector is also a major source of tax revenue for public services. Over half of our electricity now comes from low-carbon sources, power from coal is at an all-time low, and we have more installed offshore wind capacity than any other country in the world, UK Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said in a government statement. While we have decarbonized our economy faster than any other major country over the past two decades, the oil and gas sector will continue to be needed for the foreseeable future as we move toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050, he added. Our review into future oil and gas licensing rounds will ensure we are able to meet our net zero target, while protecting jobs across the country as part of our plan to build back better with a greener, cleaner economy, Sharma continued. Take control of your future. Search THOUSANDS of Oil & Gas jobs on Rigzone.com Search Now >> The chief executive of industry body Oil & Gas UK, Deirdre Michie, said, this review is an opportunity to shine a light on how our industry is changing. Story continues With commitments to halve emissions in the next decade and committed investment in exciting low carbon solutions, the changing UK oil and gas industry is stepping up to the climate change challenge, Michie added. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we have not stopped working, and our people have continued to work in difficult circumstances to meet as much of the UKs oil and gas needs from domestic resources. The reality is that oil and gas will continue to be part of a diverse energy mix for years to come, Michie continued. We now need a constructive and open conversation about how our oil and gas producing country can transition fairly to a lower carbon future. Working with governments, regulators and through sensible debate, we can protect jobs and affordability while being ultimately accountable for the emissions associated with the oil and gas we use, Michie went on to say. The OGA is currently reviewing its core strategy to ensure that it can assist in working with industry to support the UKs climate change goals. Alongside this, the upcoming North Sea Transition Deal is scheduled to be published within this parliament, according to the government, which noted that the deal will set out more details of how the government plans to work with the sector and key stakeholders to achieve the aim of supporting a transition to low carbon energy sources. To contact the author, email andreas.exarheas@rigzone.com More From Rigzone.com, The Leading Energy Platform: >> Find the latest oil and gas jobs on Rigzone.com << Altice USA made an offer to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Cogeco, and also to sell all the Canadian assets of Cogeco to the largest long-term shareholder of Cogeco, Rogers Communications. Upon completion of the overall transaction, Altice USA would own all the US assets of Cogeco, namely Atlantic Broadband the ninth largest cable operator in the US. Altice USAs proposed deal would involve a subsequent sale of Cogecos Canadian assets to Rogers Communications, currently Cogecos largest long-term shareholder, ultimately giving Altice USA control of Atlantic Broadband and Rogers control of the Canadian operation. However, Cogeco executive chairman Louis Audet and his family (the controlling shareholder) have said they will reject the all-cash offer of C$10.3 billion for Cogeco. Commenting on the offer, Dexter Goei, Chief Executive Officer of Altice USA said: We greatly respect and appreciate the legacy the Audet family has created with Cogeco, building an iconic company across Canada and the US that is driven by superior customer service and continuous investments in technology. We are pleased to present this very attractive offer for Cogeco, and are confident that Mr Audet and the Cogeco boards will act in the best interest of all shareholders and fairly evaluate this offer. We look forward to the opportunity to extend Altice USAs high-quality broadband, video, mobile, and news offerings to more than 1.1 million additional homes and businesses. Hong Kong: Testing programme extended The Universal Community Testing Programme will be extended for four days to September 11. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip made the announcement at a media session this morning. Mr Nip said 19 centres among the 141 community testing centres will close after September 7, adding the public can make appointments from September 5 to take the virus test at the remaining 122 centres between September 8 and 11. He said the programmes purpose is to provide a one-off, free COVID-19 test, adding repeated testing is not recommended. We do not encourage, and actually, there is no need for one who has been tested to do it again. But our system would not preclude people from registering again for two reasons. Firstly, for those who make a booking but subsequently want to reschedule it, then we will allow them to cancel the booking and then book it again. Secondly, there may be members of the public who after tested have high-risk exposure to places or people, and he or she may feel uncomfortable and want to be tested again. Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan urged citizens to take the test. This is very important for us to have this whole picture of whether there are more silent carriers in the community and to cut the COVID-19 transmission chain so that the spread could be stopped. This is very important for the control and prevention of the entire epidemic, in terms of coming up with measures, and also important for us to prepare for the next wave in the winter. As of 11:45am, about 922,000 people have registered to take part in the programme. About 521,000 people have gone to testing centres across the city to have their specimens taken as of 11am. This story has been published on: 2020-09-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:29:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GABORONE, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Botswana has recorded no new elephant deaths since June this year, Oduetse Koboto, the permanent secretary in Botswana's ministry of environment, natural resources conservation and tourism, has said. The southern African country recorded 281 elephant deaths, due to unknown causes, between March and May. "The number of elephant carcasses found in the northern part of the country remains at 281. No more new elephant deaths have been recorded as of June," Koboto told Xinhua in a telephone interview on Thursday. Botswana, home to an estimated 156,000 elephants, the world's largest elephant population, registered a string of elephant deaths with no signs of poaching and human poisoning. Experts suspect that the elephants died of a toxin, which remains unclear if it was natural or man-made. Botswana has sent samples to Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United States to ascertain the cause. Test results from Zimbabwe and South Africa have ruled out any virus, pathogens or bacteria, Koboto said. "We are only waiting for toxicology," he said. Koboto said the Botswana government is waiting for one last batch of test results from the United States. COVID-19 restrictions have hampered efforts to establish what caused the elephant deaths. Neil Fitt, a Botswana-based conservationist, told Xinhua that environmental toxins come and go depending on weather conditions. Enditem Sir Ian McKellen today led calls from environmental and equality activists for the Government not to appoint former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott to a UK trade envoy role. Mr Abbott has been widely tipped to get a prominent job with the Government's relaunched Board of Trade. But Downing Street is under growing pressure not to go ahead with the move amid a furious backlash over Mr Abbott's past comments. An open letter signed by Sir Ian, as well as Doctor Who screenwriter Russell T Davies and 24 other activists, urged ministers to reconsider the appointment and claimed Mr Abbott is 'not fit to be representing the UK'. Mr Abbott is a climate change sceptic who recently said he believes coronavirus lockdown rules should be scrapped, arguing that nature should be allowed to 'take its course'. He has previously said he feels 'a bit threatened' by homosexuality and opposed same-sex marriage. He was accused of misogyny and sexism in Australia's parliament by the then prime minister, Julia Gillard, in 2012. Ms Gillard said this morning she stood by every word of what she said about Mr Abbott eight years ago but would not be drawn on whether he should be appointed to the trade role, saying it is a 'decision for the UK Government'. However, allies of Mr Abbott have leapt to his defence with his sister saying it was 'nothing short of dishonesty' to label her brother a 'homophobe and a misogynist' while former colleagues described him as a 'giant of Australian politics'. Sir Ian McKellen has signed an open letter along with other environmental and equality activists calling on the UK Government not to appoint Tony Abbott to a trade envoy role Mr Abbott, the former prime minister of Australia, has been tipped to join the relaunched Board of Trade but there is a growing backlash over his past comments The open letter from activists said Mr Abbott had 'vigorously campaigned against the ultimately successful referendum in Australia to allow same-sex couples to marry' and 'suggested that climate change is "probably doing good"'. The letter said: 'For all these reasons and more besides, this man is not fit to be representing the UK as our trade envoy. 'If the Government is truly committed to an outward-looking future for Britain, to tackling climate change, and to creating an equal society for all, it should reconsider its proposed appointment of Tony Abbott.' Ms Gillard's comments about Mr Abbott back in 2012 have resurfaced amid the ongoing controversy over his potential appointment to the UK trade role. She told Sky News this morning: 'I said everything I needed to say about that back in October 2012 and that speech is still doing the rounds all of these years later and I stand by every word of it. 'But I don't think I need to add to it so I put my views on the record, of course it is not for me to work out who should be the UK trade envoy or specialist. 'This is a decision for the UK government and ultimately for the views of the people of Britain so I will leave all of that to you.' Mr Abbott's sister, Christine Forster, defended her brother in a statement posted on Twitter. She said: 'It is nothing short of dishonesty for commentators and politicians who do not know Tony to label him a "homophobe and a misogynist" for the purposes of scoring cheap political points. 'As a woman who has always been part of his life and who came out to him as gay in my early 40s, I know incontrovertibly that Tony is neither of those things.' Former Australian PM Julia Gillard accused Mr Abbott of being a 'misogynist' in a speech in 2012. She said today that she stood by what she said but would not be drawn on whether he should be made a trade envoy Mathias Cormann, a senior coalition minister who served under Mr Abbott, said the former PM is 'clearly a giant of Australian politics who has made a great contribution over a long time'. Mr Abbott served as premier in Australia for just two years before being ousted by his own Liberal Party in 2015. Number 10 has so far declined to comment on the 'political debate' surrounding Mr Abbott while ministers have insisted no appointment has yet been made. The Prime Minister's deputy official spokesman said today that 'no final decisions have been made about the Board of Trade and would not be drawn on when an announcement could be made. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News this morning: 'I hate to bring us back to reality but he hasn't been appointed to anything and as far as I know there haven't been any appointments made. 'There are lots of people with whom their comments I vehemently disagree but I'm not into defending people who are not actually carrying out any role for the British Government.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 16:13:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JIUQUAN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- China successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft with a Long March-2F carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Friday. After a period of in-orbit operation, the spacecraft will return to the scheduled landing site in China. It will test reusable technologies during its flight, providing technological support for the peaceful use of space. Friday's launch was the 14th mission of the Long March-2F carrier rocket. Enditem Law Offices of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP If you would like to know more about the Prometric LLC lawsuit, please contact Attorney Nicholas J. De Blouw today by calling (800) 568-8020. The Los Angeles employment law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Prometric LLC, failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses, among other allegations. The Prometric LLC class action lawsuit, Case No. 20STCV29967, is currently pending in the Los Angeles Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Prometric LLC allegedly failed to reimburse and indemnify PLAINTIFF and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members for required business expenses incurred as a direct consequence of discharging their duties on behalf of DEFENDANT. These expenses include, but are not limited to, the use of personal cellular phones. PLAINTIFF and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members were also, from time to time, unable to take off-duty meal breaks or rest periods, which has allegedly resulted in DEFENDANT's failure to pay full wages. The complaint further alleges Prometric LLC committed acts of unfair competition in violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17200, et seq. (the UCL), by engaging in a company-wide policy and procedure which failed to accurately calculate and record all missed meal and rest periods by PLAINTIFF and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members. As a result of DEFENDANTs intentional disregard of the obligation to meet this burden, DEFENDANT allegedly failed to properly calculate and/or pay all required compensation for work performed by the members of the CALIFORNIA CLASS and violated the California Labor Code. If you would like to know more about the Prometric LLC lawsuit, please contact Attorney Nicholas J. De Blouw today by calling (800) 568-8020. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** New Delhi, Sep 4 : The railways on Friday refuted the claims that Rajdhani Express travelled 535 km with a lone woman passenger after she denied to deboard the train. The refutal came after several media reports claimed that the Indian Railways has to take the Rajdhani Express to Ranchi after the woman passenger denied deboarding the train at Daltonganj railway station due to an ongoing agitation of Tana Bhagatas at Tori Junction. Railway Ministry spokesperson DJ Narain said, "Tana Bhagat organisation continue to block the rail tracks. Since, the rake of Rajdhani Express could not have remained stranded at a way side station, it had to be taken to base depot at Ranchi." "Somehow the woman came to know that rake is going to Ranchi and therefore remained in the train. There was certainly no pressure whatsoever from the lady which forced Railway to divert the trains," he said. "She did not force anyone. The empty rake was already in order to move to Ranchi," Narain said adding that whenever there is an unforeseen blockade this is standard protocol. It was earlier claimed that the New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express, which remained stranded at Daltonganj station for several hours on Thursday, due to the ongoing agitation of Tana Bhagats at Tori Junction, reached Ranchi early on Friday with a lone woman passenger. The news reports claimed that the remaining 930 passengers on board the Rajdhani Express were ferried from Daltonganj Station to Ranchi by bus but railway officials could not convince the woman, Ananya, to take an alternative mode of transport arranged by the district administration. The train was diverted via Gaya, Gomoh and Bokaro instead of going to Ranchi directly via Daltonganj. Lawmakers are pressing the Pentagon to show how the military services are creating more developmental opportunities for troops and working to fix the longstanding problem of racial disparities in the military justice system. Reps. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., and Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, sent a letter Thursday to Defense Secretary Mark Esper asking for evidence of the military's progress on addressing inequality in these areas. Read Next: Fort Hood Soldier Dies After Collapsing During Physical Training "While we appreciate Secretary Esper has announced steps to address racial inequalities across the Department of Defense, it is disappointing that the Department and military services have not provided our committee with basic answers to questions about the steps they are taking to address significant and disturbing disparities within the U.S. military justice system as required by last year's National Defense Authorization Act," the lawmakers said. Lynch is the chairman of the subcommittee on National Security, and Raskin the chairman of the subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Esper was due to address their questions by Aug. 28, and to respond to the military services separately by June 26. In July, Esper ordered the services to begin outlining a series of steps aimed at eliminating "discrimination, prejudice and bias in all ranks" and promoting equal opportunity. The policy immediately barred the use of photos in promotion boards, for example, and ordered the development of new hair and grooming standards devoid of racial bias. But the lawmakers first asked the Pentagon about plans specific to the military justice system on June 15, and said the 2020 NDAA mandated that "each service branch record demographic information about victims and the accused for each court-martial action, and to include this information in the service's annual military justice report." "We urge Secretary Esper to respond to our requests so that we can conduct needed oversight to ensure the application of the Uniform Code of Military Justice is equitable for all servicemembers," they said. Some services had launched their own investigations prior to the lawmakers' query. For example, the Air Force Inspector General launched an independent review in June into the service's history of disparity in military punishment and developmental opportunities given to African American service members. The inquiry came weeks after an advocacy organization found that black airmen in junior enlisted ranks are twice as likely to receive discipline as junior troops from other racial demographics. Protect Our Defenders in May found that the Air Force openly acknowledged during a 2017 working group study that racial injustices are prevalent and enduring, according to slides obtained through a federal lawsuit to supplement its Freedom of Information Act request. "Do we have racial disparities in our justice system or not? Yes -- the data reflects a persistent and consistent racial disparity," states one of the unredacted Air Force slides, revealed in the POD report. The most junior ranks are heavily targeted, according to another slide. Separately, in a June 3 letter issued to the JAG corps, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Rockwell, the service's judge advocate general, put out a request for proposals on how to improve the service's justice system, following a call for reform from service leadership. Rockwell at the time said a broader conversation must be had on the reasons that black junior enlisted airmen are punished at a much higher rate than their non-black counterparts. According to slides accompanying Rockwell's letter, the statistics confirmed much of POD's findings, showing that black male airmen "under the age of 25 and with less than 5 years of service receive non-judicial punishments and courts-martial actions at a higher rate than similarly situated white male Airmen." According to data collected between 2006 and 2019, "black airmen received non-judicial punishments at a higher rate for drug offenses (use or possession of marijuana being the highest) and Absence Without Official Leave [reprimands]" explicitly at the E-5 and below levels, one Air Force slide shows. The slide did not provide specific data regarding punishment rates for those offenses for airmen of other races. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: Air Force Launches Review into Racial Disparities in Punishments, Opportunities Today hes turned his back on the kids that were talking about and hes turned his face in favor of the teachers union and what they have to say and what they have to demand and its really shameful, she said. French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a ceremony to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic, at the Pantheon monument (Julien de Rosa/AP) Frances President Emmanuel Macron criticised what he called Islamic separatism in his country and those who seek French citizenship without accepting the right to commit blasphemy. Mr Macron defended satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which published caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed that helped inspire two French-born Islamic extremists to mount a deadly January 2015 attack on the papers newsroom. The weekly republished the images this week as the trial began of 14 people over the attacks on Charlie Hebdo and on a kosher supermarket. To be French is to defend the right to make people laugh, to criticise, to mock, to caricature Emmanuel Macron Speaking at a ceremony celebrating Frances democratic history and naturalising new citizens, the French president said: You dont choose one part of France. You choose France.The Republic will never allow any separatist adventure. Freedom in France, Mr Macron said, includes the freedom to believe or not to believe. But this is inseparable from the freedom of expression up to the right to blasphemy. Expand Close French President Emmanuel Macron, left, congratulates an unidentified new French citizen after he was granted citizenship (Julien de Rosa/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp French President Emmanuel Macron, left, congratulates an unidentified new French citizen after he was granted citizenship (Julien de Rosa/AP) Noting the trial that opened on Wednesday, he said: To be French is to defend the right to make people laugh, to criticise, to mock, to caricature. The 2015 attacks killed 17 people and marked the beginning of a wave of violence by the Islamic State group in Europe. Mr Macrons centrist government has promised a law in the coming months against Islamic separatism but it is not clear yet exactly what it would police. Some critics fear it could unfairly stigmatise Frances largely moderate Muslim population, the largest in western Europe. CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co., Ltd. ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider, published half-year financial reports for 2020 on Aug 26. It shows a sharp increase in sales of PV products and PV systems, which the company attributes to its years of operational experience and effective risk control mechanisms. Total revenue for the first six months of 2020 reaches RMB 12.55 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16.56%, while net profitsbelonging to shareholders of the listed companyhit RMB 493 million, up 245.81% on the previous year. Jifan Gao, chairman and CEO of Trina Solar, pointed out that Trina and other leading global PV companies had achieved growth despite the global economic downturn brought about by Covid-19 in the first half of the year. "The Chinese PV industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds as we enter the ultra-high-efficiency era," he said. "Companies with outstanding sustainable development capabilities and those who are leaders in the global PV market are thriving. Having led the way into the ultra-high-efficiency era, Trina Solar now plans to step up the rollout of advanced production capacity and the application of innovative technologies in our products in order to boost profits further." Customers would remain at the heart of the company's operations, and the company would constantly improve the quality of its products and services to create more value for customers and produce even better returns for society and stakeholders, added Mr. Gao. Innovative and Technological Breakthroughs Demonstrate Core Competitiveness In the first half of 2020, Trina Solar invested RMB 860 million in R&D. The company has accumulated 852 patents, including 310 innovation patents, and has consistently maintained its investment in the research and development of advanced technologies for high-efficiency cells, high-power modules and smart tracking mounts, focusing on the development of cutting-edge technologies while simultaneously continuing to improve its mass-production capacity. With regard to solar cells, Trina went through third-party testing by the ISFH CalLab in Germany to confirm conversion efficiency of 23.39% in its PERC cell, which was produced with standardized industrial equipment and was the highest-efficiency industrial PERC cell to pass the international ISO/IEC 17025 standard at that time. Trina is an industry leader in the scale production of PERC cell technology, with cell efficiency on the company's newly built PERC production line averaging 22.8%-22.9%. Trina Solar's HJT cell achieves efficiency of 23.8% or more in mass production, and TuV certification and marketing of its HJT products are expected imminently. Trina's TOPCon high-efficiency cell has recorded laboratory efficiency of 24.58%, with the highest average batch efficiency in mass production reaching 23.8%. With respect to PV modules, Trina's new Vertex series of high-power module products incorporates numerous forward-looking innovations including a 210 mm silicon wafer, high-density encapsulation and multi-busbar (MBB) technology, keeping Trina at the forefront of the industry as it leads the way into the ultra-high-power era. Trina's partners in and around the supply chain are already fully equipped with the associated production facilities. In terms of PV systems, the company launched its new TrinaPro Mega solution, equipped with industry-leading 500W+ ultra-high-power modules, which established lower unit costs and will further increase power plant returns, including higher compatibility of parts, lower system costs and smarter services. Trina has already established a test line for electric and electronic products as well as an outdoor empirical model application platform, and has completed small-batch production and product test verification processes for the AC version and module string version of its TCU/NCU smart tracking controllers. The two versions are compatible with various mount structures and are projected to hit the market at the end of September and the end of December, respectively. Global Brand and Layout Enable Growth Despite the Downturn Thanks to its global brand and global business layout, Trina Solar effectively withstood the shock of Covid-19 in the first half of 2020, not only overcoming the impact of the pandemic on production and logistics, but actually further increasing its market share in certain market regions. In the first half of the year, the company achieved total module shipments of 5.84 GW, up 37% over the same period in 2019. February 2020 saw a new market breakthrough for Trina, with the release of the world's first 500W+ module, Vertex, and in July the company went one better with its 600W+ module to lead the industry into the 600W era. By the release date of the half-year report, the Vertex module was already approaching 1 GW worth of orders. The company's TrinaPro business showed fast and steady growth, with orders for 882 MW delivered worldwideover 100% more than the same period last year. Trina Solar also signed a deal with The Rise Fund, part of one of the world's largest alternative asset management companies, TPG Group, for project contracts worth a total of approximately US$700 million and covering a total scale of 1 GW. Trina's domestic power plant systems business continues to grow steadily, with close to 1 GW worth of PV price-bidding and price-parity projects won during the reporting period, a year-on-year increase of over 25%. Further Scaling Up of Global Advanced Production Capacity and Business Layout Within the industry, Trina Solar is an active proponent of ultra-high-power module products based on large-sized cells, aiming to drive home its advantages in terms of large-scale advanced module production capacity for large cells. The company forecasts total cell production capacity of around 26 GW by the end of 2021, of which the large 210 mm cells are expected to account for some 70%. All of the module production capacity due to be built from the second half of 2020 onwards will be for ultra-high-power modules, with total module production capacity forecast to reach around 22 GW by the end of 2020 and around 50 GW by the end of 2021. The company also aims to further consolidate its industry-leading advantages in the fields of large high-efficiency cells and modules, with plans to promote upstream-downstream interconnectivity in the supply chain based on the "600W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance" and to accelerate the transformation of the "supply chain" to the "value chain". Drawing on the strengths of its global brand and channels, as well as advanced module product capacity and the coordinated development of the companies in the open innovation eco-alliance, Trina is well set to offer customers maximum value by providing them with higher-value integrated solutions and outstanding professional services. About Trina Solar (688599. SH) Founded in 1997, Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solution provider. The company engages in PV products R&D, manufacture and sales; PV projects development, EPC, O&M; smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales, as well as energy cloud-platform operation. In 2018, Trina Solar launched its Energy IoT brand, established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China and around the world, and founded the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center. With these actions, Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT, as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy. In June 2020, Trina Solar listed on the STAR Market of Shanghai Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com. SOURCE Trina Solar Co., Ltd Related Links http://www.trinasolar.com/ The transcript of Syrian President Assad's speech after swearing in the new government, as reported by state news agency SANA Members of the new Cabinet, chaired by Eng. Hussein Arnous, sworn in before President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday. After the ceremony, the President chaired a meeting of the new cabinet. He addressed the current challenges before his government. Below are Assads remarks as published by the official news agency SANA: President al-Assad, chairing the meeting after the swearing in ceremony, welcomed the new government team, saying the new government means new members with new ideas and old members with renewed ideas which means reformulation with more developed and more active ways through reviewing visions, strategies and developing mechanisms of execution. President Al-Assad said that the first important point in the priorities is the project of the administrative reform, announced for it three years ago, and it is obviously that the right government or institution comes in the good administration. In the same context, if good laws were issued and if there were successful policies put by the government , but there was no good administration to manage these policies and apply those laws, thus, there is no value for the policies and laws, the President said. He added that the same thing is applied for human resources we often talk a lot about the existence of Human resources and say that competencies are there and are available , so why we do not bring these competencies , this is good speech, but it is meaningless without a program. The President clarified that there is an important point for the project of administrative reform which is preventing intersection between institutions and laws inside the institutions. Coordination is a clear mechanism inside institutions when there is contradiction in capacities and when there is contradiction in laws, the talk about coordination becomes just a meaningless motto and the program of administrative reform aims to correct all these things in order to get the best results, the President said. As for combating corruption, President al-Assad said that the Syrian institutions have proven during the past period an anti-corruption policy which means this is not mere slogans, this means that what has been achieved in the fight against corruption is very important, but it does not mean that it is enough and does not mean that we have gone through long stages because corruption is there and I dont want my word to be understood as that the majority of society is corrupt because this illogical , always the majority is good but the few corrupts are the ones that are overwhelming , it has the power and the ability to affect and what we have started in the State needs doubled efforts in the future more than what have been exerted in the past. On the contrary, the largest portion of corruption can be prosecuted through the laws, when we exert efforts, he added. President al- Assad went on to say that in this framework, the most important point for the laws is exceptions, so what is required from every minister is to return to the laws of his/her ministry, of course, in Syria, we have hundreds or thousands of laws, but there are basic laws that directly affect citizens and we must start with them and put regulations and criterion for these exceptions. President Al-Assad added that the other point in corruption is the issue of the judiciary, People always talk about the issue of the judiciary because it plays the role of arbitrator and when the institutions take measures to combat corruption, they do not play the role of the judge, whoever restores rights is the judiciary, but any defect in judiciary, its impact are very dangerous exceeding any other institutions. In this context, the primary role of the Higher Judicial Council should be taken through tightening penalties. President Al-Assad said: If the judiciary is the basis for fighting corruption, then the beginning is from you, from the institutions fighting corruption does not only mean that the official will be honest, but rather he/ she has to be honest and combat corruption. In the end, the fight against corruption must be comprehensive and, of course, through media. The role of media is very important, especially in investigative issues. I am here talking about the traditional media and the professional electronic media. As for the issue of programs and work mechanisms, President Al-Assad said I proposed during my speech to members of the Peoples Assembly recently the subject of the programs. We need a mechanism to achieve coordination between the different institutions and mechanisms. As long as we are talking about priorities, these priorities mean that we need specific sectors to achieve rapid progress and grate results at some point in time. So the program gathers all these parties in one place in order to provide this service and make a big leap forward, one of the examples is the Homeland Wounded project. It has become one project that works in a single-mechanism-of-use, and recently the project takes the developmental trend and this trend is broad. There are funding bodies, there are multiple bodies related to microfinance. Now we are thinking about how to join these bodies to provide loans to the wounded. Those wounded are doing projects, some or most of them are agricultural. Regarding production, the President said that the most important way to confront the blockade is to support the production in general, but it goes without saying that agriculture comes first in Syria in this domain. The infrastructure is available and the environment is agricultural which means that we can achieve a lot of job opportunities in a very short time and at the same time we can achieve the food security, and this means securing the most important factor of the resilience, President al-Assad said. He added But what is required in this regard is to give priority to the agriculture sector, and the ministries concerned have to cooperate for pushing this sector forward as soon as possible, so its necessary in this domain to provide support to all industries that support the agriculture. Regarding the production in general, we have to focus on supporting every industry or service that increases the additional value to the national product, thus it consolidates self reliance, the President affirmed. President al-Assad considered that the other important sector is IT sector as this sector doesnt need a lot of imported raw material, as the basic raw material here is the mind, the youth and creative mind. He added that the development and creativity doors in this sector are open without any limits and they wont be affected by the blockade. President al-Assad pointed out that the electronic payment is another important point, saying that if we think of headlines such as transparency, tax evasion, corruption, the strength of the Syrian pound and other topics, they all put us in front of the electronic pay that contribute to strengthening the Syrian pound through transferring this pound from the random channel to the organized one inside the banks. As for the Syrian media, President al-Assad said that the Syrian media has made good steps in light of difficult conditions, adding the media should continue hunting the places of defect without any hesitation. And the duty of officials is to respond, whether through an interview or through a statement. It is necessary to expand the circle of dialogue whether with citizens, specialists or with officials this raises the level of dialogue and knowledge, as well this raises our capability in the Syrian society to find solutions to the problems with a broadened vision instead of a narrow one. President al-Assad said. The President added that the government has to support media to take its active role and make it a success instead of obstructions. When we use the official media to convey the true and confidential information, thus, we make media a confidential reference of information and by this way, we cut the way against the chaos of internet, President al-Assad said. The President considered that the basis of the success in work for any official is the faith, saying dont be afraid of error because the mistake is part of the human nature and we all know that those who work make mistakes and those who dont work, dont make mistakes our skill is in our ability to see the mistake and later our ability is to correct it. In light of all of the disruptions that the Coronavirus crisis thrust upon us globally, we wanted to focus specifically on leaders that represent the best in business resiliency and diversity & Inclusion Leading Research Consortium Best Practice Institute is inviting nominations from all over the world for its esteemed Best Practice Awards 2020. The most coveted award in leadership and management, the BPI Awards aim to honor executives, innovators, CEOs, practitioners, and consultants who have been able to create a remarkable positive impact on their organizations despite upending cultural and economic norms brought on by Coronavirus. "In light of all of the disruptions that the Coronavirus crisis thrust upon us globally, we wanted to focus specifically on leaders that represent the best in business resiliency and diversity & Inclusion," said Louis Carter, CEO, and founder of the Best Practice Institute. "Presently, we are inviting all interested nominees from all over the world, to apply and show the world how they brought a positive impact on their workplace and the world overall." Award categories include: CEO Award - For CEO leaders that have been committed to developing top talent and have a track record of success connecting business strategy to talent management Practitioner Award - for director or executive level leaders that have successfully implement a program that includes a clear process beginning with a business need, engagement of users, and evidence of its success. Company Founders Award - for entrepreneurs that have demonstrated success in the development of a product that contributes and serves its customers with great care and innovation Thought Leaders Award - For leaders that have built a substantial pool of followers around published articles or works in the field. Nominations for BPI Awards 2020 can be found at https://www.bestpracticeinstitute.org/best-practice-awards. . Several past winners have gone on to join BPI's Senior Executive Board including KeyBank's Chief Human Resources Officer, Brian Fishel and H.W. Kaufman's CHRO Christine Tricoli, among others. 100s of CEOs have received BPI's CEO Award including Dow Chemical Company CEO Andrew Liveris, former Genentech CEO and current Apple Chairman Arthur Levinson, Xerox CEO Anne Mulcahy, FedEx CEO Fred Smith, and others. Nominations for all awards will close by 5 PM Eastern Time on September 18th, and all the finalists will be announced by October 16. What separates BPI Awards from most of the awards is that this elite program extends a huge range of marketing and networking opportunities for all the applicants. The nominees get their own pages onsite to leverage their SEO and social media presence. The application fee is minimal and the applicants also have the ability to add extras like press release writing & distribution and so on. Like every year, this year, too the BPI Awards will be included in the company's Modern Talent Magazine, newsletters, and other materials. All applicants registering for Best Practice Awards 2020 will receive- 1 listing and profile on the BPI Awards website Nomination logo which might be used on websites and social media pages Mention on Modern Talent Magazine which reaches more than 100,000 directors, managers, and executives in leadership development and talent management of big companies to SMEs worldwide. BPI Awards nominees may apply in 4 different award types- Practitioner Award, Company Founders Award, Thought Leaders Award and CEO Award. Best Practice Institute is an award-winning third party professional association/research institute that also acts as a product development incubator, peer network, solutions provider representing over 42,000 individual & corporate learning members from all across the globe. The Best Practice Institute Senior Executive Board represents over 400,000 employees throughout the globe. The organization is backed by top C-level members from Fortune 500 companies including the likes of Kimberly Clark Corporation, The Federal Reserve Bank of NY, J&J, Goodyear, Aramco, and more. Louis Carter, the founder, and the driver behind BPI is a veteran social/organizational psychologist, thought leader, entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author. The Best Practice Award is based on the "best practice method" developed by Carter himself in 1998. Carter had written about it in his first book, "Best Practices in Leadership Development", which he co-authored with Warren Bennis. Carter's method defines the gold standard for evaluating "best practices" deployed by professionals and practitioners in leadership & management and today has grown into a continuously evolving and sustainable system. "Our BPI Awards champions the 'best of the best' in the global leadership and talent management scene. We celebrate those practitioners and professionals who have brought a 'real' change in the world." For more information on Louis Carter, visit: https://louiscarter.com/ For more information on Best Practice Institute, visit: http://www.bestpracticeinstitute.org For the Video Series on Youtube see: https://www.youtube.com/c/LouisCarterChange New Delhi: Shivpal Yadav on Friday held a brief meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in an attempt to settle the Samajwadi Party in-fighting before election commission gives the decision on their feud on January 9. The election commission has asked the two factions of Samajwadi Party to end fight and settle matter before the said date or else it will freeze their election symbol, leaving the party in major debacle days ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in Feb-March, this year. The Friday meeting, as per reports, did not yield any results as both Akhilesh and Shivpal refused to budge from their stand or conditions of settlements, ending the meeting within 5 mins. Here are the live updates: 2:00pm #Mulayam Singh cancels his 4pm press conference 12:15pm #EC asked us to submit affidavits by January 9. Will submit affidavit of MLAs, MLCs, MPs between 3-4pm today (Friday): Ramgopal Yadav to ANI #Out of 229 MLAs, 212 signed affidavit. 56 out of 68 MLCs, 15 out of 24 MPs have signed the affidavit, will submit to EC today (Friday): Ramgopal Yadav to ANI #Party under leadership of Akhilesh Yadav is the real Samajwadi party, and should be seen so. Cycle symbol must be allotted to us:Ramgopal to ANI 11:55am #Meeting underway at Mulayam Singh's residence, Shivpal Yadav and Amar Singh present in the meet: ANI 11:45am #Kiranmoy Nanda reaches Akhilesh's residence 11:40am #Mulayam, Akhilesh and Shivpal to meet again today (Friday) #Amar Singh will Kept away from the meeting, Azam Khan can be part of it #Sources say this meeting could end the Yadav family fued #Formula is ready only final yes is pending: Sources Also read | Yadav family feud: Factions led by Mulayam, Akhilesh still looking for ways to fortify grip over Samajwadi Party The Cycle War The ongoing feud within the Samajwadi Party doesn't seem to die down with Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav continuing their attempts to claim ownership of the ruling party even as further efforts are still being made for a rapprochement between the warring factions led by the father-son duo. The efforts to resolve the issue ahead of the crucial assembly elections seem to go one step forward, two steps backward, and one step to the side. It is clear that both the factions have truce on their minds but at the same time they want to stick to their stand as well. Alliance with Congress on cards? There are also talks of a possible alliance between the SP and the Congress. If Akhilesh decides to go on his own, he might attempt to forge an alliance with Congress but that too will materialise if the chief minister gets hold on the party and its symbol. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Information Regulator of South Africa has received information from a whistleblower regarding data from the Experian data leak being found on the dark web. This data reportedly includes the cellphone numbers, home numbers, work phone numbers, employment details, and identity numbers of individuals. Company data available reportedly includes the names of companies, as well as their contact details, VAT numbers, and banking details. The Regulator is extremely disturbed about the information that it has received from the whistleblower, particularly because during the meeting which it held with Experian last week, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ferdie Pieterse assured the Regulator that Experian had obtained an Anton Piller order and managed to execute the order in terms of which the personal information of data subjects was appropriately secured, said the Information Regulator. According to the Regulator, it wrote to Experian on Wednesday regarding this new development, and Experian responded as follows: I can confirm that we have located the files on the Internet and that we are currently running an analysis on the files to ascertain whether it is an exact match. However, our preliminary investigation indicates that it is reasonable to assume that it is the files that were released to the fraudster and we have issued a public notification to this effect. Later, Experian confirmed to the Regulator that the files found online comprised the same data that was misappropriated in the data attack, although it claimed that the data was not on the dark web, but was rather on a third-party data sharing site. Experian said that this third-party site, which is hosted in Switzerland, has disabled the links and the data has been removed. Whilst the Regulator appreciates the prompt response and cooperation it has received from Experian, it is concerned that the personal information of data subjects continues to be vulnerable and Experian seems to be struggling to secure the protection of personal information of millions of South Africans, said the Regulator. The regulator noted that it is mindful of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) giving parties up to 1 July 2021 to ensure all processing of such personal information conforms to the Act. However, the Regulator would like to advise the public that the grace period provided for in POPIA does not absolve responsible parties from the legal obligation of ensuring that they process personal information in accordance with POPIA, it said. The regulator said it will be conducting an independent review to assess the extent of the data breach and to explore a suitable solution to ensure that affected data is protected. It is working with its counterpart in Switzerland, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner, since the breach involves cross border flow of personal information. Experian responds When asked for comment regarding the situation, Experian said it is continuing to investigate the incident. As a part of this investigation, we have identified files which we believe contain Experian data relating to the incident on the Internet, said Experian. We continue to investigate these files and will take all steps available to us to reduce further dissemination if possible. It also noted that a criminal case was opened last week in South Africa and the matter is now being handled by law enforcement. When we first became aware of the fraudulent incident we took immediate steps to make sure that individuals and businesses in South Africa could take steps to protect themselves, said Experian. The fraudster obtained business information on some South African business entities. We reiterate, however, that no sensitive consumer credit or financial information was obtained by the fraudster in this incident. A 37-year-old man has been jailed for 20 years for the "horrific crime" of repeatedly raping a young girl over a five-year period. From the age of 12, the young girl was repeatedly raped by Adrian Donaldson from January 2015 to January 2020 at an address in Tottenham. Donaldson was sentenced at Wood Green Court on Friday for 20 years, after he admitted to seven counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The court heard how Donaldson would rape the young girl, who was known to him, two to three times a week after he drank alcohol and took drugs. He would also call the victim and ask her to send nude photos. When she visited him, the 37-year-old rapist would make her strip and would rape her. The victim fell pregnant with his child twice during 2017 and 2018 and had an abortion both times. She told her mother that she fell pregnant by her boyfriend at school. Scotland Yard said the young girl felt suicidal and trapped as Donaldson threatened to accuse her of coming on to him if she told anyone. In January the victim's mother found out about the rapes and pregnancies and called the police. Officers attended Donaldsons address and found him drunk and attempting to engage in sexual activity with the victim. Police arrested Donaldson for sexual assault by touching a female under 18-years. In interview, Donaldson denied all allegations and stated that it was fabricated. Detective Sergeant Gill Cousins, of the North Area Basic Command Unit, said: This is a horrific crime and the victim was subjected to a horrendous ordeal. The effects of these crimes on the victim will undoubtedly remain with her forever. I commend the bravery the victim has shown to help us bring this man to justice. I urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault either recently or historically to come forward and speak with police." By Mert Ozkan and Daren Butler ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's broadcasting watchdog said on Thursday it will order Netflix to block access locally to the soon-to-be-released French film "Cuties" on grounds that it contains images of child exploitation. The ruling came ahead of the film's Sept. 9 international release on the U.S. online streaming service, and followed recent media reports of Turkish government interference in a separate planned Netflix series featuring a gay character. The plot of "Cuties" centres on an 11-year-old Muslim girl who "starts to rebel against her conservative family's traditions when she becomes fascinated with a free-spirited dance crew," according to Netflix. After a board meeting, the Radio and Television High Council (RTUK) said: "It was decided unanimously that the broadcaster must remove the relevant programme from its catalogue." A board report judged that such a film, "containing exploitation and abuse, might lead to potential child exploitation behaviour patterns emerging," RTUK said of its first case related to a video-on-demand platform. Netflix, the world's biggest streaming service with more than 1.5 million subscribers in Turkey, could not be immediately reached for comment on the decision. Turkey's Family Ministry last month requested that the board evaluate the film over concerns about its impact, noting it appeared like a children's movie, but had an 18+ rating. STANDOFF "Cuties" was previously criticised internationally over its promotional poster for allegedly sexualising 11-year-old girls. Netflix then apologised for what it called "inappropriate artwork," saying it was not representative of the film. President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, which has Islamist roots, along with its nationalist allies has a majority of members in RTUK. If Netflix goes ahead with screening the film, its licence could be temporarily suspended, Turkish media reports have said. Story continues In July, separate media reports said a dispute had arisen between Netflix and Ankara over a gay character in a planned series. A source familiar with the situation said at the time Netflix decided to cancel the show after authorities denied its filming permit application because of the character, and it was not able to shoot the show with its original script. Erdogan said in July that Turkey would introduce regulations to control social media platforms or shut them down, pressing ahead with government plans after he said his family was insulted online. He referred to Netflix in those comments. (Reporting by Mert Ozkan; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Alexandra Hudson) SV Krishna Chaitanya By Express News Service CHENNAI: As fear of tonnes of crude oil spilling out of MT New Diamond tanker, that caught fire off the coast of Sri Lanka on Thursday morning, looms, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has said that any such spill will not pose an immediate threat to the Indian coast. The Kerala government had expressed fear whether oil or its residue would reach its coast and sought the expert opinion of INCOIS after which a hypothetical oil drift simulation was carried out using the INCOIS oil spill model based on information obtained from the Duty Meteorologist, National Meteorological Center, Department of Meteorology in Colombo. The model was run from the vessel location, which is some 30 nautical miles off the Sri Lanka coast. As per the simulation, the oil drift pattern from the vessel is towards the south and will be moving offshore till Friday midnight. On Saturday, the spill will travel in the southeast direction and on Sunday, the pollutants will drift towards the northeast and move offshore. "The spill will not reach the Indian coast or the Sri Lanka coast. It is drifting offshore into international waters. As per the simulations and considering the worst case scenario of spillage (70,000 MT of crude oil and 1700 MT of diesel oil), the Sri Lankan coast and Indian coast are not under threat of being affected by oil pollutants till September 6 midnight. However, the oil drift pattern will be monitored and updated at periodic intervals," said TM Balakrishnan Nair, Head, Ocean Science and Information Services Group (ISG) of INCOIS to The New Indian Express. He said if the oceanic conditions change drastically and wind starts blowing towards the coast, then things may change. INCOIS is in constant touch with the ground teams including the Sri Lankan navy and Indian coast guard. The INCOIS oil spill trajectory prediction system is based on inputs like details of the oil spill, location, date and time of the spill, quantity and type of oil spilled. The system is linked to the Ocean State Forecast System that provides parameters like wind direction, speed and currents. The model will generate the trajectory and zones that are likely to be affected. MT New Diamond is a very large crude carrier with 2.7 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of crude oil and 1,700 MT of diesel oil on board. The vessel was flagged in Panama and was traveling from Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip when an explosion occurred and a fire broke out in the engine room of the vessel on Thursday. The vessel is chartered by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). TRENTON Someone better get to lobbying. Mayor Reed Gusciora has the tall task of convincing at least one stubborn legislator to change a vote on $83 million in failed bonds for project improvements to Trenton Water Works. The bonds were narrowly introduced 4-3 at Thursdays meeting. The council will decide whether to approve the funding following a public hearing Sept. 17, the same day Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy hears argument on the Department of Environmental Protections lawsuit. In June, DEP sued the capital city for failing to meet deadlines for lead service line replacement and other projects outlined in two consent orders. Council previously approved just $25 million in the more than $100 million in funding requests. Since then, three municipalities have joined the lawsuit calling for the forced sale of the public utility or the awarding of an ownership stake to Ewing, Hamilton and Lawrence. Edward DeHope of the high-powered law firm Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland Perretti LLP, which represents the city against DEPs lawsuit, on Tuesday implored council members to push the bonds forward ahead of the hearing. We would like to go in there saying Trenton is willing, ready and able to meet the consent-order benchmarks, DeHope said. That might help give Trenton leverage to negotiate with DEP over some of its unrealistic and unreachable deadlines, he said. DeHope felt the judge would frown upon the council rejecting the bonds a second time, which is what spurred DEP to sue the capital city in the first place after commissioner Catherine McCabe said her agency exercised patience with the city. Council members have been unwilling to budge on the funding, concerned with saddling taxpayers with more debt. Theyve insisted on a forensic audit, which the administration previously balked over saying it came with a hefty price tag. The administration appears to have softened its stance, and city law director John Morelli said he was working on a proposal for the audit that would likely appear on the next meetings docket. McBride took DEP to task at Tuesdays meeting, partly blaming the state agency for TWWs continuing woes. She claimed DEP has sabotaged the public utility, claiming it tried to force city officials to keep outside contractor Wade Trim. The suburbs have asked the judge to go beyond DEPs demands and award them an ownership stake or force the city to privatize the public utility. Short of that, the municipalities demand increased oversight of TWW from state regulators like the Board of Public Utilities. For more than a decade, the townships say, Trenton has failed to address water-quality issues despite diverting millions in surplus funds that should have gone toward maintaining and repairing crumbling infrastructure. The municipalities estimate TWWs surplus at $14 million, based off a certification from DAG Robert Kinney. The utility had a $14.1 million operating surplus in 2019 and anticipated having a $9 million surplus in the 2020 fiscal year that ended June 30, according to budget documents. McBride felt like DEP has ignored the councils role in improving TWW, including filling dozens of positions left vacant under the previous administration. The funding issues have been only part of the issues for TWW, which is on to its fourth water director, Mark Lavenberg. Shing Fu-Hsueh, one of the states top water quality experts, resigned in part over frustrations with how he was treated by members of the legislative body. His successors have been unable to convince council members to support the funding. The bonds require a super-majority, or five yes votes, to pass. Marge Caldwell-Wilson was one of the four council members who voted to re-introduce the bonds but made no promises shed support them at the next meeting. McBride, Santiago Rodriguez and Robin Vaughn voted against bringing the bonds back. Gusciora did not respond to a phone call on how he hopes to persuade certain council members to change their votes. 09/03/2020 By Edwin L. Aguirre Two faculty researchers in the Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences will study the cause of heat waves and droughts in the Northeast region of the U.S. and how they interact with each other under a three-year, $478,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Our goal is to better understand the physical factors and weather patterns that cause hot and dry weather, and how much hotter can it get when its dry, and how much drier can it get when its hot, says Prof. Mathew Barlow , who is the principal investigator on the project, with Asst. Prof. Christopher Skinner as co-principal investigator. We hope to answer some important questions such as how well can we predict this kind of weather and how much more often will we get this kind of weather in the future, says Barlow. According to NOAA and NASA, 2019 was the second-hottest year on record for Earth , with the average temperature across the globe 1.71 degrees Fahrenheit (0.95 degree Celsius) above the 20th-century average. The hottest year, 2016, exceeded that average by 1.78 degrees Fahrenheit (0.99 degree Celsius). Photo by Edwin L. Aguirre Prof. Mathew Barlow Barlow and Skinner cannot say for certain exactly how climate change would affect regional droughts and heat waves and their interactions; that is, if climate change would accelerate both processes and make them more frequent or intense. Barlow and Skinner cannot say for certain exactly how climate change would affect regional droughts and heat waves and their interactions; that is, if climate change would accelerate both processes and make them more frequent or intense. Well have to do the project to see. Although broadly, we have a high degree of confidence that heat waves will increase in both number and intensity, Barlow says. Droughts are trickier, although we think its likely that the intensity of droughts will increase. He says its the first time this type of research is being done for the Northeast. Technically, there are climate projections already available for heat waves and droughts for the Northeast, says Barlow. What were adding is a much more detailed look at the projections and emphasizing a process-based view rather than just a statistical analysis. Using machine learning and moisture-tracking techniques, the researchers will assess the current climate models ability to simulate and predict these weather phenomena and their interactions. We expect the techniques developed in our project to be directly applicable to other regions of the country, says Barlow. Extreme Weathers Historically, heat waves have not been that frequent for the Northeast and so people are not very well-equipped to handle them, Barlow notes. Many houses don't have central air-conditioning and have to make do, if at all, with inefficient and less-effective window units. This causes a range of impacts health stress for people who dont have good AC, extra cost for people who have window units, and overall strain on the electric grid, he explains. In terms of droughts, they get less attention in states like Massachusetts that arent as agriculturally oriented, but still have important impacts in terms of water quality, recreation, ecosystem health and some agricultural crops. Asst. Prof. Christopher Skinner Skinner says one of the complicating factors with predicting and projecting droughts in the Northeast is that the regions rainfall comes from a lot of different places. Skinner says one of the complicating factors with predicting and projecting droughts in the Northeast is that the regions rainfall comes from a lot of different places. Some of it comes from water that evaporated from the ground in the Midwest, some from the Mid-Atlantic states, some from the Atlantic Ocean and some comes all the way from the Gulf of Mexico, explains Skinner. In this project, we are going to study which of these regions is most important for rainfall and droughts in the Northeast and examine whether climate change may alter the relative importance of those regions. For example, can a drought in the Midwest increase the likelihood of dry, hot conditions in the Northeast? Will a warmer world make the Northeast more or less dependent on certain geographical regions for rainfall? These are questions we hope to answer, he says. Assisting Barlow and Skinner in the project are graduate students Allison Hannigan and Tyler Harrington and postdoctoral researcher Laurie Agel of the departments Climate System Dynamics group Barlow is currently finishing up a four-year, $454,000 project that started in 2016 and is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study extreme rainfall in the Northeast Our NOAA project is a natural extension of that NSF award, to look at the opposite extreme of weather phenomena, he says. The British Fashion Council announced the appointment on Wednesday and voiced hopes of positioning London Fashion Week as the "most innovative and creative showcase." Fashion stylist Jeong Yun-kee, has become the first-ever Korean to be chosen as London Fashion Week ambassador. Jeong will serve for two years. Former ambassadors include model Poppy Delevingne, former British prime minister David Cameron's wife Samantha, Vogue critic Sarah Moore and TV presenter Alexa Chung. "After years of working with the fashion industry in the U.K. and other countries, I began full-fledged exchanges with the British Fashion Council in 2016 when designer Song Zio held a show in Paris and London," Jeong told the Chosun Ilbo on Thursday. "I would like to act as a bridge between the highly creative London Fashion Week and Seoul, which has become a top emerging fashion city." Jeong has helped young Koreans embrace British brands ranging from Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood to Burberry and Victoria Beckham. After starting in 1994 as a stylist, Jeong rose to prominence as fashion consultant to celebrities like Jeon Ji-hyun, Kong Hyo-jin, Kim Hee-ae, Kim Hye-soo and others. He was included alongside Shinsegae Department Store president Chung Yoo-kyung and former Samsung C&T fashion chief Lee Seo-hyun on a list of the Business of Fashion magazine's 500 most influential people in the industry in 2017. He also became well-known in China by assembling the costumes for Jeon's character in the 2013 TV drama "My Love from the Star," which was an enormous hit there. Engineer creates 'AI Clone of Jesus' that recites Bible Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A New York-based engineer has created an artificial intelligence algorithm that's been programmed with passages of Scripture and named AI Jesus. Through the use of a natural-language processing system, engineer George Durendal programmed the AI to read the King James Bible "and nothing else," he said. "I like to describe this A.I. as locking a baby in a room with nothing but a Bible for 15 years. You then open up the room 15 years later and find that it's learned to read, speak, and write using nothing but the Bible," the engineer wrote in an Aug. 25 post on Medium. "In these days of trials and tribulations many have turned to religion. But what religion is left for those who have averted their gaze from the fables of old to the shiny metal toys of today? I present to you A.I. Jesus. An artificial intelligence of my invention created from the King James Bible and nothing else." Durendal explained in an email to The Christian Post on Wednesday that he's not a particularly religious person but did attend a Catholic university, "which has made me a bit more cognizant of the influence of Christianity on Western philosophy." He wrote some of the code for the project three years ago. "With those snippets of code included it took me about two weeks from when I first had the idea. The actual A.I. takes a few hours to train and [it] reads the Bible tens of thousands of times," he explained, adding that in light of the Bible's influence on modern ways of thinking, he thought it was only natural that an A.I. system should learn it. Durendal instructed the artificial intelligence program to write about "the plague," "Caesar," and "The End of Days." "The A.I. is an Boltzmannian natural-language processing model," named after Ludwig Eduard Boltzmann, an Austrian physicist famous for his contributions in the field of statistical mechanics and statistical thermodynamics. This particular model "tries to replicate the style of the King James Bible without quite copying it. But that description doesnt quite have as much cachet as A.I. Jesus," Durendal explained on Medium. Durendal set up a Twitter account for the AI described as "A.I. Generated Clone of Jesus." He also provided a link where people can read "the full corpus written by A.I. Jesus (approx. 60,000 words)." The AI algorithm has been making up its own prophetic utterances, some of which sound foreboding and ominous because of technological glitches. O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; When they saw the angel of the Lord above all the brethren which were in the wilderness and the soldiers of the prophets shall be ashamed of men, one portion reads. Another portion declares: that thou shouldest take him a great multitude of people and the spoil of the wicked shall be the same things that are in the midst of the sea and the sea shall be the father of the devils. Durendal added: "Whether or not God created man or man created God might be a topic of eternal debate. But what surely cannot be debated is mans creation of A.I. Jesus. Perhaps many thousands of years from now people and robots alike will pour over these texts as they do holy books today." Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks in Wilmington, Del., on Wednesday. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) To the editor: Nicholas Goldberg gives former Vice President Joe Biden due credit, but perhaps underestimates the impact of his potential presidency. Call me nuts, but I find the prospect of a Biden presidency with the restoration of decency, ethics and honesty wildly exhilarating. Just imagine a Democratic Congress and a Democratic president who will act boldly on the guidance of scientists to combat climate change and the coronavirus. Envision federal agencies headed by experienced leaders acting solely in the interests of the American people. Conspiracy theories have indeed become tiresome; I can't wait for a president who doesn't continually retweet and mouth them. The economy has crashed and burned under President Trump, exacerbating income, racial and social inequalities. Biden and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris have concrete plans to restore our nation to health. Wendy Blais, North Hills Fellow CNRP activists wives help Seng Chanthorn after security personnel slammed her to the ground in Phnom Penh, Sept. 4, 2020. The wife of an activist with Cambodias banned opposition party was severely injured Friday and several other women were roughed up when security personnel violently dispersed their protest of their husbands pre-trial detention in the capital Phnom Penh, according to one of the women. Seng Chanthorn, the wife of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) activist Sun Thun, was admitted to the hospital after authorities from the citys Prampi Makara district threw her to the street, causing her to pass out, as they broke up the wives weekly Black Friday campaign in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, fellow CNRP wife Prum Chantha told RFAs Khmer Service. After undergoing an examination, doctors determined that Seng Chanthorn had suffered internal injuries during the crackdown, said Prum Chantha, who took part in the protest peacefully demanding the release of the 17 CNRP activists from Prey Sar Prison. A video of the assault was published to Facebook later on Friday, which purportedly shows a security guard slamming a woman onto a paved street, after which she appears to faint. Prum Chantha told RFA that the security personnel intended to kill her and the other CNRP wives to put a stop to further protests. It was extremely brutalwe are weaker and unarmed women, but they pushed us around like animals, she said. They dragged and hauled us. I am very sad that Khmers would assault their own kind like this. According to Prum Chantha, in addition to Seng Chanthorns serious injuries, four other women also suffered scrapes and bruises when security guards broke up the protest. Phnom Penh Municipal Police spokesman Seng Sokseiha told RFA that both the protesters and security guards pushed one another and denied that the guards had violently assaulted any of the CNRP wives, despite the video of the alleged assault. He said the women had held an illegal protest, without elaborating. The authorities must protect [the court], he said. Protesters displaying banners must first seek consent from the Phnom Penh authorities. In past years, protesters in Cambodias capitalparticularly activists demonstrating over land disputeshave been given relatively free rein to air their grievances, in some cases even being permitted to hold gatherings demanding justice outside of the home of Prime Minister Hun Sen. However, after the CNRP received more than 3 million votesaccounting for nearly half of the countrys registered votersand narrowly lost Cambodias 2013 general election to Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), protesters took to the streets amid allegations of voter fraud, prompting more restrictive regulations in the name of maintaining public order. Inappropriate force Ny Sokha, head of the human rights unit for Cambodian rights group Adhoc, told RFA that Fridays protest was peaceful, legal, and complied with the countrys constitution. The actions of the security guards, however, constituted a human rights violation, he said. What we have observed is that the guards used inappropriate force to crack down on the protesters, Ny Sokha said. I believe their intention was to intimidate the protesters, in contravention of the law. Their actions had nothing to do with protecting security, peace, and social order. The CNRP was disbanded by Cambodia's Supreme Court in November 2017 for its alleged role in a plot to overthrow the government. The move to ban the CNRP was part of a wider crackdown by Hun Sen on the political opposition, NGOs, and the independent media that paved the way for the CPP to win all 125 seats in parliament in the countrys July 2018 general election. After being dispersed from in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Friday, the CNRP wives petitioned the German Embassy to intervene in their husband cases. NGO raids Also, on Friday, authorities in the capital carried out a second day of raids on the offices of local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) under the pretext of examining their registration compliance, according to Vorn Pov, president of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA). Vorn Pov told RFA that authorities in Meanchey district visited his NGOs office and informed him they will return to register and record our staff, including foreign staff, and examine the organizational structure on Sept. 10. He said he had already submitted his NGOs registration to the Ministry of Interior, as required by law, and that he is under no requirement to submit a report to local authorities, adding that police had already conducted an inspection of his organization last year. This [new] inspection, without any consent from the Ministry of Interior, is against the law and amounts to a threat [against NGOs], he said. Meanchey District Police Security Section Chief Phin Phal told RFA the inspection will allow authorities to easily manage NGOs and is necessary to register their location within the districts jurisdiction. Another threat Fridays raid came a day after Ouk Chhayavy, president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA), said local police carried out a search of her office, claiming they were conducting a census and demanding information about the groups registration and activities. She called the move yet another threat against the CITA over its repeated calls for the release from detention of the groups former leader and current president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU) Rong Chhun. The union leader was arrested on July 31 and charged with incitement after he criticized the governments handling of a border dispute with Vietnam, prompting near daily protests by supporters. Ouk Chhayavy said she will continue her campaign to demand social justice, despite police intimidation. I appeal to all teachers not to worry because what we have done is legitimate, she said. We should stand up to carry out good deeds and not allow ourselves to be defeated by threats. Our struggle will succeed. Adhoc spokesman Soeung Sengkaruna told RFA that laws regulating NGOs dont require inspections, calling the actions by authorities illegal and a threat to NGO staff. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. The new study suggests that social smokers who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day are not much better off than heavy smokers A new study presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress suggests that social smokers are twice as likely to die of lung disease and eight times more likely to get lung cancer than those who do not smoke at all. Social smokers only smoke when they hang out with their friends. Most people believe that occasional smoking does not do much harm. However, the new study suggests that social smokers who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day are not much better off than heavy smokers who smoke 20 cigarettes per day. Dr Pallavi Balte and Dr Elisabeth Oelsner, the study researchers, said in a news release, Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, but it's easy to assume that if you only smoke a little, the risks won't be too high. The study For the study, the researchers followed 18,730 people from various ethnicities for about 17 years. The average age of the volunteers in the study was 61. In the 17 years, about 649 died of respiratory disease and 560 died of lung cancer. The study included three groups- non-smokers, social smokers (those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day) and heavy smokers (those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day). Here is what they found: About 1.8 percent of people in the non-smokers category died of respiratory diseases and about 0.6 percent died of lung cancer. In the social smokers group, about 3.3 percent died of respiratory diseases and about 4.7 percent died of lung cancer. In the heavy smokers group, over 10 percent died of respiratory diseases and about 12.9 percent died of lung cancer. The rate of death from respiratory diseases in social smokers was found to be about half that of heavy smokers while the rate of death from lung diseases in social smokers was about 1/3rd that of heavy smokers. Jrgen Vestbo, professor of Respiratory Medicine and at the University of Manchester, UK and Chair of the European Respiratory Advocacy Council, said in the news release, Cutting down on smoking is a step in the right direction, as quitting tobacco is one of the best ways to protect the lungs and our overall health, but it's clear that there is no safe level of smoking. Quitting social smoking Experts say that social smokers dont even realise when their habit becomes more frequent. According to an article published on the University of Texas website, here are some ways you can quit your social smoking habit: 1. Educate yourself: Read more to know about the effects of light or social smoking. Along with respiratory diseases and cancer, casual smoking also increases your risk of cataract, heart diseases and premature ageing. 2. Keep a journal: Try and recognise your smoking habits by keeping a journal. Not down the things that trigger you to smoke, why you choose to smoke, how many cigarettes did you smoke and when and where you smoked. 3. Find other ways to spend time with your friends: Instead of smoking, you can find other ways to spend time with your friends, like going for dinner or watching movies for instance. 4. Ask for help: If nothing works, ask your friends and family to help you avoid smoking. Tell them to not offer you a cigarette the next time you are with them. And finally, visit your doctor to know what other options you may have that could help you quit. For more information, read our article on the Effects of smoking on the body. After a heads up battle that lasted over an hour, Italy's Nicolo "Paquitooo" Molinelli has emerged victorious in Event #81: People's Choice Event [Spin the Wheel], winning the biggest share of the nearly $2 million prize pool. He battled through the field of 1,925 runners and won $243,415 including a massive bounty of almost $100,000. With no preset format, the structure of Event #81 was determined based on random spins of a prize wheel. Once they were done, the format for #81 was set as a 6-handed No Limit Hold'em Bounty with a $1,050 buy-in. Check out below how Dan 'Artosis' Stemkoski and Calvin Lee determined the format for this event. WSOP Online Event #81: People's Choice Event [Spin the Wheel] Final Table Results Place Name Country Total Prize Prize Pool 1 Nicolo "Paquitooo" Molinelli Italy $243,415 $144,199 2 Kyle "Eskimo Bro" Menard Canada $128,417 $104,644 3 Lukas "rustyhusky" Hafner Austria $98,899 $75,940 4 Longyun "Mr Li" Li China $66,875 $55,110 5 Sami Kelopuro Finland $47,821 $39,993 6 Aleksandr "Srinavasan" Grishchuk Russian Federation $30,898 $29,023 7 Itai "PokerSmart" Drory Israel $31,303 $21,062 8 Pavel "EzzzGame" Plesuv Moldova $31,078 $15,285 9 Michelle "hu4trollzz" Shah United States $24,920 $11,092 Action of the Day Within an hour of registration closing, the bubble had burst and players were in the money including, once again, GGPoker Ambassador Daniel Negreanu who was one of the players to fall before the late stages. By the time the final table was reached action slowed down significantly compared to the earlier pace. Short stack Michelle "hu4trollzz" Shah busted rapidly in ninth place, but play lasted almost an hour before Pavel "EzzzGame" Plesuv exited in eight after losing the race with fives versus Lucas "rustyhusky" Hafner's ace-king. Itai "PokerSmart" Drory and Aleksandr "Srinavasan" Grishchuk went down pretty quickly after, with Grishchuk nurturing his short stack long enough to sneak in some payjumps. After another hour, high-staker Sami Kelopuro from Finland fell in fifth place when Kyle "Eskimo Bro" Menard's ace-queen cracked his kings. Longyun "Mr Li" Li then ran his short stack into Menard's ace-ten to leave the field with three. Thirty minutes later, Hafner ran into Molinelli's aces to set up a heads-up match that went on for over hour. While Menard was the short stack for most of it he fought on valiantly, chipping up to even stacks at one point, before Molinelli hit a straight against his eights to crush his stack. Menard came back with a double, but it all ended a few hands later when his ace-queen was cracked by king-eight. Chicago-area hospitals are taking a number of steps to get ready. Many hospitals require their employees to get flu shots and have plans in place to free up space for more patients, if need be. Theyre also hoping that large numbers of people in their communities get the flu shot, despite a lingering fear many people have about visiting medical offices amid the pandemic. As Americans reflect on the threat of Russia or China or Iran or other U.S. adversaries wading into November's contest between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden, a new book delivers the score on election interference since the end of the World War II. The United States has messed with more than twice as many elections as Russia/Soviet Union, according to "Meddling in the Ballot Box: The Causes and Effects of Partisan Electoral Interventions," out Sept. 7. The book by Dov H. Levin, a political scientist at the University of Hong Kong, claims to be the first in-depth analysis of electoral interventions "from the dawn of the modern era to the 2016 Russian intervention in the U.S. election." USA TODAY corresponded with Levin about his book. The following Q&A is a lightly edited version of this correspondence. President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit, in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7, 2017. Q: How concerned should Americans be about meddling this November? Levin: Americans have good reason to be seriously concerned with such interference. My research finds that such meddling matters and can potentially determine the election result in 2020, as it is very likely to have done many times in the past both in the U.S. and elsewhere. My research can give two further insights in this regard. First, the impact of covert electoral interventions on the result can be reduced by exposing meddling attempts to the general public before the vote. Accordingly, U.S. intelligence agencies should be far more forthcoming now about any highly credible evidence they have in their possession about covert Russian interference. (There was a warning in August that there is some evidence Russia is intervening covertly in the 2020 election and recent credible media reports from ABC News and others revealed that the Trump administration is preventing U.S. intelligence agencies from divulging all they know about Russian interference attempts.) Facebook: New political ads banned the week before the presidential election Story continues Second, domestic mail-in ballots have never been used by a foreign power to intervene in a foreign election probably due to the great difficulty of forging a sufficiently large number of such ballots without getting caught. So there is little reason for Americans to worry, as President Trump and others have claimed they should, that any expanded use of mail-in ballots due to COVID-19 will create a dangerous opening for interference by a foreign power. Similarly, there's no reason for any U.S. state to try to reduce the availability of mail-in ballots to try to prevent such a highly implausible possibility. Vote by mail?: Democratic group warns Trump may declare victory even if he's losing Trump: North Carolina voters should test mail-in system by trying to vote twice (which is illegal) Q: Why does election meddling happen? Levin: It usually occurs when two conditions exist at the same time. The first condition is a foreign power feels deeply threatened by a candidate or party contesting an election with very divergent preferences than its own. The second condition is a different local actor in that country agrees to collude with the intervener in such meddling. In other words, this local actors agrees to provide the intervener with political information the intervener needs in order to have a chance in succeeding in such activity. Electoral interventions have occurred in the elections of at least 60 different countries of all sizes and populations. My research found that given the overall number of national elections in each region since 1946, the U.S. has been a bit more likely to intervene in elections in Asia, while Russia (or the Soviet Union) has been more likely to meddle in European elections. Who's going to derail the U.S. election: The culprit may be close to home Q: What are most commons tactics used by meddlers? Levin: By far it is the provision of campaign funding to the preferred side in a few cases literally provided by the intervener in big bags or suitcases in scenes similar to those one sees in a movie about the mafia. Other common methods include, for example: pre-election threats or promises by an official representative of the intervening government; training party operatives of the preferred side in advanced campaigning and voter-mobilization techniques; or sudden pre-election aid cutoffs or major economic or other political concessions or promises/threats to the targeted country. The type of meddling methods used by Russia against the U.S. in the 2016 presidential election (hacked emails, targeted misinformation) what I call dirty tricks are the third most common techniques used for this purpose by foreign powers. Q: How does meddling affect the outcomes of elections? Levin: It is usually quite effective in its goal of determining the results. My research finds, for example, that electoral interventions increase on average the vote share of the side aided by the foreign power by 3%. Such interference leads to an even larger increase if the meddling is done by the intervener in public (for example, via a pre-election threat to harm the target if the "wrong side" is elected). I estimate that in many cases the boost from the foreign meddler was enough to determine the election results in favor of the assisted party or candidate. For example, I estimate the U.S.'s 2000 intervention in the elections in then-Yugoslavia on the side of the Serbian opposition played a key role in Slobodan Milosevics defeat in those elections. The U.S. intervention helped lead to an end of a decade of human rights abuses and armed conflicts in the Balkans that Milosevic played a key role in instigating and extending. Q: Which country is the biggest election meddler? Levin: The U.S. has intervened in the most elections between 1946 to 2000: 81 elections in total, followed by the Soviet Union/Russia with 36 examples of interference. Other countries, such as Iran since 1979, Libya under former dictator Muammar Gaddafi and Venezuela under the late authoritarian leader Hugo Chavez are known to have also to have occasionally intervened in elections. Q: Which country is the top target for meddlers? Why? Dov H. Levin. Levin: Italy has been the top target of election interference with 12 cases of interference since 1946 most of them (8) by the U.S. Italy's position as a top target of such meddling is due to a combination of two factors. First, the U.S. was very afraid during the Cold War that an election victory by the Italian communist party, which was closely affiliated with the Soviet Union during much of this era, would lead Italy to exit NATO and eventually join the communist bloc, leading to a major setback for the U.S. in its struggle with the Soviets. Second, unlike the case of many other communist parties in other democracies, the Italian communist party didnt experience a decline in its domestic popularity as the Cold War progressed and remained a strong political force that came very close to winning multiple Italian elections. That is despite the communist partys de facto exclusion from power since 1947. At the same time, the main ruling party during this period, the Italian Christian Democrats, repeatedly asked the U.S. to intervene on its behalf because it suffered from several enduring political weaknesses. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: U.S. interferes in more elections than Russia, 'Meddling' author says External Article 4 September 2020 To say that Covid-19 has hurt the hotel industry, along with travel as a whole, is something of an understatement.According to Hotel News Now, the news division of hotel research company STR, the sector has seen a loss of 5 million jobs since February in the United States alone. And Zachary Sears, a senior economist at Tourism Economics, part of research firm Oxford Economics, says that hotel occupancy in some instances is down 95% versus a year ago."Properties have been forced to close permanently because of the financial loss they've taken," he says.In fact, the American Lodging and Hotel Industry released a report on August 31 that indicates 65% of hotels remain at or below 50% occupancy. The same report states that consumer travel is at an all-time low and that only 38% of Americans say they are likely to take a leisure vacation by the end of the year. In normal circumstances, 70% of Americans take a vacation in any given year.Despite the bleak scenario and the continuing pandemic, there is a bright spot: from Europe and the United States to Africa, Asia and Australia, a spate of new hotels from bigger brands as well as smaller owners are set to open this fall and into the winter."The next several months are a busy time for hotel openings," says Leo Sorcher, the founder of luxury travel company Inhabit the World. "They show a light at the end of this long tunnel."In the United States, The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano in California will open in September in the heart of downtown near the city's famous 19th century church ruins. Also in September, the artists enclave and celebrity hideaway of New Hope, Pennsylvania, will see the opening of luxury boutique property River House at Odette's. Come November, Palm Beach will have White Elephant, the second location of Nantucket's well-known eponymous resort. Eleven first-year students have been dismissed by Northeastern University after there were found gathered together in a room at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in Boston, violating Northeastern and public health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to the university. The students were told to leave the Westin. Additionally, the students must have a coronavirus test taken at Northeastern, the university announced. Though the students have been dismissed for the fall, they will be able to contest their dismissal at an expedited hearing, according to the university. Last month, Northeastern officials said that any students who host or attend large parties during the pandemic will face expulsion from the school. Northeastern expects the same simple, healthy behaviors of each person in its communityto practice healthy distancing, wear face coverings, participate in testing as required, and to comply with university policies and public health guidelines, read a letter to students from Madeleine Estabrook, the senior vice chancellor for student affairs. Northeastern is scheduled to begin in-person classes on Sept. 14. As of Friday, the school has conducted 36,240 coronavirus tests, 20 of which have been positive. Related Content: Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) has announced the sale of its key commercial property, Longley Commerce Center at Reno in Nevada, through its US real estate arm, Mar Gulf Management netting olid returns for its investors, exceeding initial estimates. Launched in March 2018, the investment involves the acquisition and development of a greenfield land parcel into a 270,975 sq ft Class A industrial property. Exceeding promised returns, Markaz continues to outperform with a weighted IRR of 17.6% across the current cycle further strengthening its track record. The exit delivered a net internal rate of return to investors (IRR) of 17.9% percent and a net return on investment (ROI) of 49.3% percent. Despite the negative implications of Covid-19 across the various business sectors, both metrics comfortably exceeded initial estimates driven by strong market selection, excellent execution and a strengthened investment thesis. Mar-Gulf Management President Sami Shabshab said: "The sale of the property in Longley was in line with the initial investment strategy and was our fifth exit over the past one year." "Our remaining international real estate portfolio across the US and Europe is worth over $400 million and consists of eight active and three upcoming investments that have been fully sold to our investors," he stated. Markaz has been active in the US real estate market since 1977 with the launch of its first syndicated transaction. Since 1988, the firm has been conducting real estate transactions in the US through Mar-Gulf. Over the past 30 years, Markaz and Mar-Gulf have been involved in the ownership and development of real estate properties in a variety of segments including industrial, retail, multifamily and office across the US with a total acquisition cost exceeding $1.65 billion. Markaz Executive VP (Wealth Management and Business Development) Abdullatif Al Nusif said: "We are very pleased with the results of our international real estate program and look forward to continue growing both in terms of size and geographical coverage. The investor appetite towards our program continues to grow and I would like to thank them for their continued trust and support." "Our focus remains set towards offering the right mix of products that will enable us to create value to our investors, shareholders and stakeholders. To conclude, the Covid-19 pandemic has no doubt created uncertainty in the market due to the unprecedented nature of the event, however this will create unique opportunities that we at Markaz are ready to capture it," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The Kenosha Unified School board voted again Thursday night to give students the choice to either start the 2020-21 academic year in-person or through virtual learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. School under both choices will begin Sept. 14. The board also voted in favor for the return of fall sports in the district. The plan was voted on again after a technicality over a possible open meetings violation, a complaint filed by the Kenosha Education Association. This vote was 5-2 with board members Yolanda Adams and Rebecca Stevens dissenting, a departure from the unanimous decision of Aug. 18. At the August meeting, the board voted to rescind its decision in July for an all-virtual start and to offer the two learning options following hours of comments and deliberations. However, the item on the August agenda contained notification of the virtual-only plan being voted on and not re-consideration of the choice plan. Not risking legal challenge Rather than risk a legal challenge, the board rescinded its Aug. 18 vote and voted again. The Thursday meeting had been rescheduled at least twice due to civil unrest that forced curfews on the city until Wednesday. Prior to the meeting, at least 25 to 30 people, including community members and teachers, marched outside the Unifieds Educational Support Center reiterating their concerns about safety over pandemic. At the meeting, about 40 people spoke on both sides, including teachers, parents and students who were concerned about safety, mask wearing and the smaller distances within classrooms, as well as exposure to the virus. They favored the district implement an all-virtual opening at the beginning of the school year. Parents, especially those who must work, however, called for the choice to have their children start in person and urged the board to reaffirm its decision made in August. Several were concerned about students with special needs who require hands-on learning, something that virtual learning does not afford them. Union critical of decision Following the vote, the Kenosha Education Associations Tanya Kitts-Lewinski, president of the teachers union, issued a statement expressing disappointment over the boards decision: The School Board had an opportunity to err on the side of caution and make a decision that prioritizes the safety of students and staff in the midst of a global pandemic. Instead of making a decision that was based in science and supported with evidence that our schools can open safely and stay open, they are choosing to risk the lives of students and educators by forcing them into unsafe working and learning conditions, she said. All over the country we are seeing schools shut down because of a surge in positive cases. Kenosha County continues to be an area with high activity and spread. We are the only urban district in Wisconsin that is risking the safety of our community by sending educators and students into unprepared, unsafe working and learning conditions. Opening our schools before every safety procedure and policy has been carefully thought through and implemented is reckless and irresponsible. Unfortunately, it will be our entire community that pays the price, she said. Public comments During public comments, many who spoke were teachers who urged the board to revert to its decision in July for all virtual opening. Others, including parents and students, spoke in favor of opening schools for in-person learning. Harborside Academy teacher Tracy Lowe discussed how she will have to separate herself from her family as her husbands immune system is suppressed because of a recent transplant. I will be exposed to over 100 students a day, she said, concerned that at some point someone at school will be infected. Kate Trudell favored neither option and implored the board to further delay the start of school. She said her family has opted for virtual learning but that parents and students would be notified of their childs schedules just three days before school opens. Thats not enough time to process and prepare and families, she said. Candice Ohm said two of her three children are in special education programs and need the socialization that cannot occur in a virtual environment. Her 10-year-old son, Ayden, told the board he likes that his teachers help him while at school. My teacher pulls me aside and helps me with my school work, he said. It is hard to focus on a computer. Incoming senior Kameron Jester said the option for in-person learning gives her the opportunity to experience homecoming, prom, senior banquet, and graduation, among them, and became overcome with emotion at times. The year 2020 has been filled with so much hate and negativity. By being with my fellow classmates and teachers it will provide us with a sense of security and normalcy, she said, no longer tearful. Wilson Elementary teacher Justine Hammelev-Jones said she has been teaching her students virtually for nearly five weeks and has yet to have parents act negatively to the experience. Teachers wear masks, social interactions are limited between teachers and only school and district employees enter the building. She said, however, she was still concerned with the 3,013 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths in Kenosha County, reflecting three and four percent increases over last week. I dont think our numbers are seriously low enough for students coming back to the school, she said. Hammelev-Jones, who has been teaching for 32 years, said shes tired of teachers being characterized as being evil and not wanting to be around kids. Parent LaDonna King said one of her family members has died from COVID-19, while another is still in the hospital. She did not favor in-person learning. Expecting a child to wear a mask for 6 to 7 hours a day, in my opinion, is ridiculous, she said. She worried if children took off their masks whether teachers could guarantee the safety of other children in the classroom. She wanted to know whether the district gave teachers the option to teach virtually since families have that option now. She listed off a number of states, including Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Georgia, which have had schools reopen and then shut down immediately after due to staff and students testing positive for the virus. Two change votes Stevens and Adams reversed their votes from August, saying they were caught off guard having to vote again in August after making a decision to go all virtual a month earlier. Adams, however, offered an amendment to the plan to include that it could be rescinded if a surge in COVID-19 cases should occur. The amendment was accepted. Adams said she couldnt vote for the plan this time around because she did not feel parents had enough assurances of the safety of schools. During the meeting, Patrick Finnemore, Unifieds facilities director, once again reiterated the requirement that everyone would wear masks, and emphasized the frequent cleaning and sanitizing, especially of common areas. Students who outright refused wearing masks would get three chances before then being referred to learn virtually, according to Sue Valeri, chief of school leadership. A district survey revealed that 57 percent of families preferred in-person learning to virtual learning. However, Adams wasnt convinced as staff could not quantify the safety of schools with rating standards. Are we a 4? Are we at 5? Or are we at 8? she asked. So weve asked parents to make a choice without knowing ourselves how safe the schools are...because of that, I just cannot, in good conscience, support opening schools at this time. Stevens said she was not comfortable opening schools to students and teachers, especially, schools in high-poverty areas that dont have extra support. She also said she was concerned about teachers, a number of which have health issues. We have to look at the whole. We cant just look at one family. We cant just look at sportswe have to look at the whole when were dealing with a very unknown situation, she said referring to the pandemic. Board President Tom Duncan said that unlike when the district closed schools in March, teaching staff now has the tools and the personal protective equipment as good as those with frontline responsibilities. I think were ready. I think were about as close to being as safe as we can, he said. I think were open to interacting in the school buildings or virtually, by your choice. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1 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. Chloe Ferry ensured she caught the eye on Thursday as she made her latest appearance in Marbella. The Geordie Shore star displayed her cleavage in a plunging brown crop top while enjoying the sights with close friend Bethan Kershaw. Chloe, 25, added to her look with a pair of high-slung cream trousers, while seasonal sandals rounded things off. Here she comes: Chloe Ferry ensured she caught the eye on Thursday as she made her latest appearance in Marbella With temperatures soaring, the reality star - who has lost more than two stone in weight - later stripped down to a pair of bikini bottoms as she topped up her tan. The reality star's girly getaway comes after she ignored speculation she had faked a trip to Ibiza and had instead secretly joined her ex boyfriend Sam Gowland, 25, in Dubai. It had recently been reported that the star had back together with her co-star ex - despite being in the throes of filming Celebs Go Dating. Hard to miss: The Geordie Shore star displayed her cleavage in a plunging brown top while enjoying the sights A source told The Sun the former-couple were said to be 'reconnecting'; but fans also connected the dots. An insider said: 'Chloe's taking it really slowly and she's keen to keep it quiet as her friends will all be furious after all the drama. It's a chance for them to reconnect.' MailOnline contacted Chloe and Sam's representatives for comment at the time. Finishing touches: Chloe, 25, added to her look with a pair of high-slung cream trousers, while seasonal sandals rounded things off The present season of Celebs Go Dating signed Chloe up amid what appeared to be the complete end to her and Sam's romance. The couple - who have been on/off for years and had a turbulent relationship since first getting together in 2017 - were believed to split for good in February. This is thought to be what prompted her to sign up for the virtual version of the celebrity dating show. No investigators failure found as to incident with Navalny - court RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov 15:47 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) The Basmanny District Court of Moscow found no act of omission of Russias Investigative Committee failing to open a criminal case over an incident involving Alexey Navalny, RAPSI reported from the courtroom on Friday. A judge dismissed the foundations complaint. Lawyers for Navalnys foundation believe it's been a while since they had notified investigators of the incident. Lawyer Vyacheslav Gimadi has filed an application over attempted murder of the blogger. The application was forwarded to the Siberian Federal District transport police. In late August, investigators of the Siberian Federal District transport police started a pre-investigation check over hospitalization of Navalny in Omsk on August 20. As part of the probe, the police searched a hotel room where Navalny stayed and examined objects and sites on his route. Over 100 items which may be evidence were seized; video records were analyzed. More than 20 criminal examinations are conducted including medical forensic, biological and physical and chemical evaluations. By today, no potent or narcotic substances were found, the police statement reads. On August 20, a plane departed from Tomsk to Moscow with Navalny onboard urgently landed in Omsk after the blogger became heartily sick. He was taken to a hospital in coma. Later, he was transported to Berlin. Russian medics said no poison was found in the bloggers body. New Delhi: As the battle for control over Samajwadi Party continued, party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday held discussions with his close confidante Amar Singh in New Delhi amid talks that they may approach the Election Commission with letters of support from over 50 per cent of the legislators and office bearers. While Mulayams close aides maintained he sought time from the Commission to put forth his stand, the poll panel firmly rejected that any appointment was sought. Then in the evening, hours after coming to Delhi, Mulayam left for Lucknow with his brother Shivpal without approaching the Commission. Sources in the poll watchdog said they have not received any document from the SP founder. In fact, his side is yet to submit the letter removing Ram Gopal Yadav as National General Secretary, an official claimed. Seeking to retain the Samajwadi Party name and its election symbol cycle, Mulayam and Shivpal had rushed to the national capital this morning to furnish details of support he enjoys in the embattled party to the poll panel, while his chief minister son stayed put at his official residence in Lucknow collecting signed affidavits to back his claim of majority support. Akhilesh, who has refused to back down so far despite meeting Mulayam after being urged to do so by peace brokers like minister and SPs Muslim face Azam Khan was claimed to have secured signed affidavits of over 200 MLAs and MLCs, insiders said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Zealand recorded its first Covid-19 death in more than three months on Friday when a man in his 50s died of the virus. The man was part of a second-wave cluster of infections that emerged in Auckland last month, according to health officials. It ended a spell of 102 days free of community transmission in the South Pacific nation. The man was part of a second-wave cluster of infections that emerged in Auckland last month, according to health officials. Pictured, people wearing masks in Auckland on August 31 The death at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital on Friday afternoon takes New Zealand's death toll from the virus to 23, with the most recent previous fatality on May 24. 'I acknowledge the anxiety New Zealanders may be feeling about today's news, both in the wider community and also for the family and whanau (relatives) grieving over this death,' health chief Ashley Bloomfield said in a statement. 'Our thoughts are with his family and community at this time of loss and grief.' The man was reportedly the youngest to die from Covid-19 in New Zealand and health authorities did not say whether he had a pre-existing medical condition. The death at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital on Friday afternoon takes New Zealand's death toll from the virus to 23, with the most recent previous fatality on May 24 (file image) The Auckland cluster emerged in a family of four and has since grown to 152, including three new cases recorded on Friday. It has proved difficult to eliminate despite a two-and-a-half week lockdown in Auckland that ended on Sunday night. 'We have always recognised that further deaths linked to Covid-19 were possible,' Bloomfield said. 'Today's news reinforces the importance of our shared vigilance against Covid-19, the very serious consequences the virus can carry with it.' While Aucklanders were allowed out of their homes this week, the government limited non-school social gatherings in the city of 1.5 million to 10 people and made masks compulsory on public transport nationwide. Authorities said earlier on Friday, before the latest death was announced, that the restriction would remain in place until at least September 16. New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, along with Associate Health Ministers, Jenny Salesa and Peeni Henare (Maori Health) pay a visit to Auckland's contact tracing centre at Auckland Regional Public Health Service on August 31 The source of the Auckland cluster remains unknown but genome testing indicates it is not linked to the virus strain that New Zealand experienced earlier this year, which was largely eliminated in a seven-week lockdown that began in late March. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said indications were that the Auckland cluster was contained but there was no room for complacency. 'We've been prepared and, by going hard and early, particularly with Aucklanders pitching in, we look at this early stage to have contained our resurgence,' she told reporters. 'But (there are) also areas which suggestion caution is very much required... every country has faced second outbreaks in this global pandemic, and some have turned into significant second waves.' New Zealand, with its low death rate of 23 in a population of five million, has been hailed as one of the countries most successful in handling the virus. Its response to the latest outbreak has included a blitz of around 600,000 tests in recent weeks, accompanied by extensive contact tracing and the pre-emptive quarantine of close contacts linked to confirmed cases. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:41:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by international partners, killed two al-Shabab commanders and injured three others in an operation Thursday in the southern region of Middle Juba, a military officer confirmed on Friday. "Two senior al-Shabab commanders in charge of security of the Middle Juba region were killed and three others injured in an airstrike conducted by the partners. Our forces are now pursuing the remnants who fled to the forest," said Isma'il Abdi Malik Malin, commander of the SNA's 16th Unit. He said the army will maintain operations targeting militant hideouts in the region, where extremists have been hiding in the rural areas and conducting ambushes and planting landmines. Enditem President Donald Trump allegedly referred to fallen US veterans as losers and suckers. President Donald Trump is combatting claims that he referred to fallen US veterans with unfavorable language. Read More: Trumps eldest sister makes damning claims about brother in surfaced audio: Donald is cruel According to The Atlantic, POTUS denied a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 because he regarded the dead World War I veterans as suckers and losers. Initially, he claimed bad weather prohibited the trip however the news outlet finds other explanations. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a news conference Monday in the briefing room at the White House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) The official website details the Aisne-Marne as an over 40-acre memorial site. About 60-miles outside of Paris, the cemetery contains the graves of 2,289 war dead Americans and honors 1060 missing after fighting in Marne Valley in the summer of 1918 during World War I. Citing four unnamed senior staffers, the outlet reports Trump had different reasoning for skipping the occasion. The commander in chief was reportedly worried about his hair being ruined by the rain, and showed disregard to the buried at the gravesite. Why should I go to that cemetery? Its filled with losers, the president allegedly remarked according to The Atlantic. The report continues, claiming he also named the fallen Marines suckers for getting killed. Read More: Mary Trump blasts uncle Donald as petty, pathetic little man COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, FRANCE JUNE 06: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron stand as American Battle of Normandy veterans and family members look on during the main ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the World War II Allied D-Day invasion of Normandy at Normandy American Cemetery on June 06, 2019 near Colleville-Sur-Mer, France. Veterans, families, visitors, political leaders and military personnel are gathering in Normandy to commemorate D-Day, which heralded the Allied advance towards Germany and victory about 11 months later. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) On the same trip, Trump reportedly questioned Who were the good guys in this war? saying he did not understand the U.S. decision to fight with the Allies. The president has denied making the statements on Thursday evening. According to the New York Times, during a press conference. Returning from a campaign trip, Trump acknowledged the comments, calling whoever issued the story as liars. If people really exist that would have said that, theyre lowlifes and theyre liars, he said according to NYT. The president continues, and I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more. Story continues Former vice president and current democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden issued a response, saying the statements, if true, prove his competitor unworthy of sitting in the Oval Office. If what is written in The Atlantic is true, its disgusting, Biden said in a speech, according to the Times. It affirms what most of us believe to be true: that Donald Trump is not fit to be commander in chief. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! The post Trump calls fallen US veterans losers, suckers: report appeared first on TheGrio. IAG's new boss will take the helm next week as the airline industry reels from the biggest crisis in its history. Spaniard Luis Gallego succeeds Willie Walsh as chief executive of the British Airways owner at the annual meeting in Madrid on Tuesday. At the same time, investors will vote on the company's plans to raise 2.5billion in a rights issue that has already secured the backing of its biggest shareholder Qatar Airways. A motion to approve a bonus for Walsh of 883,000 at the meeting could inflame tensions, however. The Institutional Shareholder Services advisory group said it should be rejected. IAG is seeking to shore up its creaking finances as the industry battles to survive the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown that has grounded flights around the world. Shares are down 65 per cent this year. The group has already slashed costs at BA, with 12,000 jobs set to go and new terms for some long-serving staff, setting up a bitter clash with unions. Gallego, 52, is chief executive of Spanish airline Iberia, which is also owned by IAG along with Aer Lingus and Vueling. He will now have to steer the company out of the depths of the worst downturn ever to hit the airline industry. A former pilot and dealmaker, 58-year-old Walsh created IAG by pulling BA and Iberia into the modern age of budget flying, taking a tough line on unions and cutting costs to build a group that for years outperformed traditional European peers. Gallego took the helm of Iberia in 2013 and was credited with turning the Spanish airline around. His task now will be to cut group costs at IAG while managing damaged relations with unions and politicians and stepping up the battle with low-cost rivals, Ryanair and Easyjet. The world looked very different when Walsh announced his retirement in January. He was set to leave on a high, with IAG's share price and profits close to record levels. Weeks later, Covid-19 hit and airlines were in the eye of the storm. The Irishman shrugged off questions about his own next move, telling analysts on a final call he would be 'in Mary Mac's pub, and a few other nice pubs in Dublin'. Donald Trump said he will order the federal government to begin the process to defund New York City, Washington, DC, Seattle and Portland, which he has deemed "lawless" by allowing protests and cutting police budgets. The New York Post reported on Wednesday that the president signed a five-page memo ordering all federal agencies to to report to the White House Office of Management and Budget details of any funds that can be redirected away from the cities. The move is part of Mr Trump's "law and order" message going into the 2020 US election. "My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones," Mr Trump said in a memo. Protests in each of the named targets for the president's defunding have been largely contained to small parts of the cities. Residents of Washington, DC, Portland and New York have posted videos and photos to social media in the past week of the cities operating as normal in an effort to counter rumours that their cities have been destroyed by protests. "To ensure that Federal funds are neither unduly wasted nor spent in a manner that directly violates our Government's promise to protect life, liberty and property, it is imperative that the Federal Government review the use of Federal funds by jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence, and destruction in America's cities," he continued in the memo. The president has also called on Attorney General William Barr must develop a list of "anarchist jurisdictions" that "permitted violence and the destruction of property to persist and have refused to undertake reasonable measures" to restore order. It also instructs the White House budget director Russ Vought to give guidance within 30 days to the "heads of agencies on restricting eligibility of or otherwise disfavouring, to the maximum extent permitted by law, anarchist jurisdictions in the receipt of Federal grants." Mr Vought praised the memo in a statement. "American taxpayers who fund the great programmes that our cities rely on deserve to be protected by their local city officials," Mr Vought said. New York City receives about $7bn a year in federal aid. Mr Trump specifically named New York in his memo, including Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. He has criticised the city for not doing enough to stymie a recent rise in crime in the city. The city saw a 177 per cent spike in shootings in July compared to the previous year. The New York City Council approved a $1bn budget cut to the NYPD's annual $6bn budget in the wake of the George Floyd protests. "In light of this unconscionable rise in violence, I have offered to provide Federal law enforcement assistance, but both Mayor de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo have rejected my offer," Mr Trump said. Cities may be wary to accept Mr Trump's help, as federal law enforcement agents sent by the president appeared to exacerbate the level of conflict when they were deployed to Portland. Protesters in Portland claimed the federal agents amplified the violence in Portland by beating, gassing and abducting demonstrators. Eventually Mr Trump removed the federal agents from their original station - a federal courthouse that served as the centre of the protests - and moved them to a part of the city away from the protesters. Mr Trump's memo also attacks the Democratic mayors of other cities. "As a result of these State and local government policies, persistent and outrageous acts of violence and destruction have continued unabated in many of America's cities, such as Portland, Seattle, and New York," the memo said. The move is one of the most stark actions Mr Trump has taken to impose the will of the federal government over the autonomy of state and local governments. Recommended Trump feuds with New York governor as Biden visits Kenosha Republicans have long championed the idea of a "small government" and criticised federal over-reach into the affairs of the state through the use of federal mandates and regulations. Mr Trump's orders break with decades of Republican ideological tradition. Like economic sanctions levied against foreign countries, withholding federal funds from cities will likely be felt most by the most vulnerable residents of those cities who rely on social programmes, like public transportation and public housing initiatives. Angry Akufo-Addo Slams Adongo's 'Akyem Mafia', 'Sakawa Boys' Tag amplified by Mahama on Facebook President Nana Akufo-Addo has angrily condemned a reference to himself and his home townsfolk as Akyem Mafia and Sakawa people by opposition MP Isaac Adongo, which was amplified by former President John Mahama, who shared it on his Facebook timeline a few days ago. The Bolgatanga Central MP, in a statement relating to the controversial Agyapa Roylaties deal, accused the President and his kith of forming a families-and-friends cartel to capture the mineral resources of the state via the deal. At a meeting with the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference at the Jubilee House on Friday, 4 August 2020, President Akufo-Addo not only said he was very disturbed by the ethnocentric tagging his ethnic group, but also said that is the kind of language we dont want in our politics. Sometimes, one would hope when things come out, people will comment on them. The comment made by my opponent: Akyem Sakawa people, I have not heard any public figure in this country or anybody comment on it. If I was to get up to make a comment about northerners or Gonjas, you can imagine the uproar that will be in the country, the President bemoaned. According to him, free speech must not be seen from the perspective of allowing the opposition to go at the government at the least opportunity. If you criticise the government, no matter what you say, it is legitimate. If the government is to respond, that is somehow illegitimate, the President complained, adding: If the President opens his mouth and says something that is unacceptable, he should be reprimanded. In the same way, opposition politicians, if they conduct themselves by their utterances in an unacceptable manner, they should be brought to book. In his statement, Mr Adongo described the Agyapa Royalties deal as a big fraud on Ghana by President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Akyem Mafia. Parliament, in line with the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act, 2018 (Act 978), recently approved some agreements to allow the country to derive maximum value from its mineral resources and monetise the mineral income accruing to Ghana in a sustainable and responsible manner. The move gives Agyapa Royalties Limited the right to secure about $1 billion to enable the government to finance large infrastructural projects. The Minority in Parliament boycotted the deal and accused the government of mortgaging Ghanas gold resources. Former President John Mahama, flagbearer of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also reiterated the Minoritys concerns and said he will not respect the deal should he win the 7 December 2020 polls. Below is Mr Adongos statement which was also shared on Facebook by Mr Mahama: Hon Isaac Adongo writes; Agyapa Royalties Fraud Is The Last Straw: The Akyem Sakawa Boys and Grandpas Must Go Agyapa royalties deal is a big fraud on Ghana by Akufo-Addo and the Akyem Mafia. You mortgaged Getfund proceeds in excess of GHS25 billion for the next 10 years to borrow $1.5 billion and yet you could not expand educational infrastructure and build new schools to end double track, you mortgaged bauxite buried on the ground to Sinohydro to borrow $2 billion but has nothing to show after almost 2 years, you mortgaged ESLA proceeds for the next 10 years worth in excess of GHS30 billion in 10 years to raise energy sector bonds of about $1.3 billion and yet energy sector debts remain unpaid and you have since accumulated over $ 2 billion additional energy sector debt with power producers threatening to shut their power plants. In addition to borrowing $9 billion in 3 years in Eurobonds alone and illegally borrowing $500m term bonds in February 2020 on the capital market without Parliamentary approval in violation of Article 181 of the Constitution, all without anything to show, what magic can you perform with $500m Agyapa theft money? How can 76-year-old Akufo-Addo mortgage revenues of about GHS75 billion of the state for his maladministration to steal without caring about how his children and grandchildren will manage the economy into the future. No wicked man has ever ruled this country and destroyed Ghanas fiscal and debt framework the way Nana Addo and the empty lying Dr Bawumia have done. It is estimated by industry players that only 11 major mining companies in Ghana will give Ghana an average of $250 million a year, $3 billion in 10 years and $4.250 billion in 15 years in royalties payments being planned to hand over to Agyapa Royalties for just $500m. These estimates exclude new mining developments that will come onstream in the next 15 years such as the highly profitable mining development in the Upper East by Cardinal Resources. How did they value $4.250 billion in 15 years to arrive at $500m as 49% of that value? You can't put Lions in charge of sheep and expect to come back and meet the sheep alive. They will now sell us to borrow to satisfy their insatiable corrupt habits if they are allowed 1 more year in office. https://www.facebook.com/JDMahama/posts/3624853437525786 Source: classfmonline.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 U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he makes his way to board Air Force One before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Sept. 1, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Largest US Police Union Endorses Trump for Reelection The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest police union in the United States, announced it is endorsing President Donald Trump, commending him for his calls for law and order in the wake of civil unrest and riots over the summer. Public safety will undoubtedly be a main focus for voters in this years election, FOP President Patrick Yoes said in a statement on Friday. Look at what the national discourse has focused on for the last six months. President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day. The FOP is the largest organization of sworn police officers and has more than 355,000 members in 2,100 lodges. The organization unanimously voted to endorse Trump to reelection. On behalf of the 355,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, we are proud to unanimously endorse @realDonaldTrump for President of the United States. #FOP4Trump pic.twitter.com/uAF6SWNRnA National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) September 4, 2020 The FOP endorsed Trump for president in 2016 and alleged that former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton snubbed them for not seeking their endorsement. During his first four years, President Trump has made it crystal clear that he has our backs, Yoes said in the statement. Our members know that he listens to the concerns of our brothers and sisters in uniform and is able to make tough decisions on the issues most important to law enforcement. President Trump is committed to keeping our communities and families safe. The group didnt back a presidential candidate in 2012 when former Democratic President Barack Obama faced Republican Mitt Romney. Before that, the FOP endorsed Republican candidates in 2000, 2004, and 2008George W. Bush twice and John McCain once. In 1996, it endorsed former President Bill Clintons reelection. Its not the first police union to endorse Trump. Several weeks ago, the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), an affiliate of the massive AFL-CIO union, endorsed Trump for reelection while supporting the presidents plan to send in federal law enforcement agents to hotspots like Portland, Chicago, and Seattle. President Sam A. Cabral said Tuesday that the union was backing the presidents re-election bid as it believes there is no other viable alternative for anyone who desires peace and security in their community. Last month, during the Republican National Convention (RNC), Patrick Lynch, the head of the Police Benevolent Associationthe largest police union in New York Citypublicly endorsed Trump and accused Democratic politicians of capitulating to far-left activists on policing. The radical left doesnt really want better policing, he said. They dont really care about making the justice system fairer. What they want is no policing. What they want is a justice system that stops working altogether. He asserted that Biden would serve as a vehicle for leftist politicians to control the federal government. The message is: police officers are the enemy. The message is: criminals have the right to resist arrest. The message is: if you victimize a vulnerable person, the justice system will not hold you accountable. The criminals have heard that message, and they are taking full advantage, Lynch said. - The county government irregularly awarded a tender to install, supply and commission a solid waste incinerator at the cost of KSh 34.9 million - At least seven companies, most of which were associated with the governor, submitted their bid and Westomaxx Investments Limited won - Westomaxx bought the items from Generation Electronic and Allied Company Limited, a company associated with the governor PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has extended its corruption investigations into the alleged theft of public money in Tharaka Nithi county. As a result, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered the arrest and subsequent prosecution of Governor Muthomi Njuki and 16 other suspects. READ ALSO: KEMSA scandal: David Murathe presents himself at EACC for grilling The items supplied to Tharaka Nithi county were procured from a company associated with Muthomi Njuki. Photo: Muthomi Njuki. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Okoth Obado: Lawyer Donald Kipkorir says integrity laws should be repealed if governor is not impeached According to Noordin, the county government irregularly awarded a tender to install, supply and commission a solid waste incinerator at the cost of KSh 34.9 million. At least seven companies, most of which were associated with the governor, submitted their bid and Westomaxx Investments Limited won. The county issued two different sets of bid item documents to the tenders contrary to the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act. READ ALSO: Kirimi Mbogo: Prominent Meru lawyer rushed to hospital after being shot at his office READ ALSO: Coronavirus: 415 patients recover as 179 test positive Westomaxx supplied and installed the incinerator at the county but investigations showed the said item was purchased from Generation Electronic and Allied Company Limited, a company associated with the governor. Generation Electronic and Allied Company Limited imported the incinerator at a cost of KSh 3.8 million. The audit trail payments to Westomaxx revealed it was wired to bank accounts under Japheth Gitonga who received KSh 8.7 million, Kenneth Ngai got KSh 5.2 million, Kenstar Electrical and Hardware Limited KSh 4.7 million and Caroline Wambui KSh 0.985 million. Full list of suspects under probe; 1. Onesmus Muthomi Njuki governor 2. Fridah Muthoni Murungi Chief Officer of Environment and Natural Resources 3. Floridah Kiende Nywigah Acting Director, procurement 4. Highton Muriithi Njue Finance officer 5. Teresia Kagoji Mburia Finance officer 6. Lee Mwenda Munene Department of Roads, Infrastructure and Housing 7. Japhet Mutugi Nkonge Procurement officer 8. Emily Nkatha Micheni Procurement officer 9. Mike Mwiandi Muriithi Accountant 10. Elosy Kariithi Matti Officer 11. Kenneth Muguiya Ngai Director, Westomaxx Investments Ltd/Kenstar Electricals 12. Caroline Sheila Wambui Director, Westomaxx Investments Ltd/Kenstar Electricals and Hardware Ltd 13. Allan Muriithi Gitonga Director, Gentech Suppliers Ltd 14. George Miano Businessman 15. Joseph Gitonga - Businessman 16. Margaret Muthoni Mugweru - Director, Generation Electronic and Allied Company Limited 17. David Mbugua Mwangi - Director, Generation Electronic and Allied Company Limited 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 wife abandoned me when I needed her most | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke UK and Italy CCP Virus Case Rises Likely Due to Mass Testing, Not Second Wave: Experts The recent increases in CCP virus cases in the UK and Italy, which have similar sized populations, are likely due to mass testing and not to an impending second wave, according to disease experts. In recent weeks, while case numbers have risen, deaths have not. Carl Heneghan, director of the Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) at the University of Oxford, and Tom Jefferson, honorary senior research fellow at CEBM, said this could be because tests are not able to distinguish between whole viruses capable of infecting people and fragments of the virus that are safebut both give a positive test. Out of a population of 67 million people, on Thursday there were 1,735 new confirmed UK cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, yet the data showed only 13 recorded deaths. This is just over 0.7 percent of the number of confirmed cases. At the height of the pandemic, for example on April 8, however, there were 5,128 new cases and 1,072 recorded deaths in the UK, over 20 percent of the number of confirmed cases. Italy is presenting a similar picture of rising cases but low death rates, which are currently at around four deaths a day. Chief doctor Germra Schneider at the emergency department in the municipality of Asker and Baerum tests a person for the CCP virus in a car outside the emergency unit in Sandvika, Norway, on March 2, 2020. (Terje Bendiksby/NTB Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images). A likely cause for this wide gap between new cases and deaths is what Heneghan and Jefferson have dubbed the reality problem associated with mass testing and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that are in widespread use to detect cases of the virus. One likely reason is because the test as currently used is not capable of distinguishing those who harbour live virus (infectious) from those who carry fragments of it (not infectious), Jefferson told The Epoch Times in an email. So we have many cases which are not infectious or dangerous to the health of the public, he said. Heneghan and Jeffersons findings are in contrast to comments made by Dr. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organizations (WHO) Europe regional director, who, referring to increased cases in Europe, said in a statement last month that the risk of resurgence has never been far away. Kluge also said that increases in cases over the previous two months were partly due to the relaxation of public health and social measures, where authorities have been easing some of the restrictions and people have been dropping their guard. A Bit Alarmist Kluges comments are echoed by UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who said on Tuesday that we must do everything in our power to prevent a second wave of the CCP virus. Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist and oncologist at the University of Warwick, told the MailOnline on Wednesday that he thought Hancocks comments were a bit alarmist. Of course, we need to remain alert and it is true that the number of infections across certain parts of Europe are rising as are hospitalizations. But not sure that this is really a second wave rolling across Europe, Young said. Less Virulent Form Other reasons for the big discrepancy between cases and deaths were explored by Jefferson and Heneghan in an article they co-authored in the Spectator on Tuesday. Virus mutation to a less virulent form, improved care of virus sufferers, and the preventative measures that were put in place to slow the spread of the disease may all have contributed. None, however, could fully account for the gap, they said. Heneghan and Jefferson also observed that the demographic of cases testing positive has shifted to a younger age group. The very sensitive PCR tests, they said, are picking up cases which are not infectious but simply clearing harmless virus particles which their immune system has efficiently dealt with. Such people are not contagious because only whole viruses can infect us, they said Young people whose immune systems are relatively more dynamic are exactly in the age group of observed positives and least likely to end with severe disease, they said. These observations again contrasted with Kluges, who said, I am very concerned that more and more young people are counted among reported cases and among deaths. Heneghan and Jefferson suggested the need for an international effort to standardize testing to avoid this dual reality and the dangers of isolating non-infectious people or whole communities. The suspect accused of killing a man Friday morning in Barre has been identified as 71-year-old Robert F. Leger, authorities said. He is expected to be arraigned on a murder charge in East Brookfield District Court in the afternoon, court records online showed. Troopers and local police officers responded to a home on Town Farm Road in the Worcester County town Friday morning after receiving a call that a homicide had occurred, Massachusetts State Police said in a statement. The crime scene was secured, and there is no a threat to public safety, a state police spokesperson said around 10:10 a.m. Authorities have not disclosed any further details surrounding the killing. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Fugitives from the British royal family, yet still living off daddy's money, Prince Harry and his very woke wife, Duchess Meghan Markle, have finally found the pile of money they were looking for in Hollywood, with the announcement of a big-bucks Netflix deal. According to Hot Air's Karen Townsend, who has a marvellously catty report: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have secured a deal with Netflix to create documentaries, documentary series, feature films, scripted shows, and childrens programming, too. Mind you, these two have absolutely no experience in doing any of this but that doesnt matter. Netflix is happy to allow the royals to cash in on their titles and bring their celebrity to the online streaming service. Its a multi-year deal, exclusive to Netflix, which is one of their first since abandoning their royal duties and relocating to California. We know that Duchess Meghan, a D-list actress before her marriage to Prince Harry, planned to use her new position in life as a means of securing more acting jobs because there is video. Townsend notes that Netflix has been known to pay very large dollar deals - neighborhood of $100 million - even to middling Hollywood players, citing a list of people I've never hard of. Netflix has gotten its golden couple with zero experience in making films, but what leaps out here is that they are far from the first. Remember how the Obamas got the same kind of deal, with the same level of fame, yet also the same level of non-experience? According to Variety, reporting in 2018: Netflix has secured a deal with former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to produce series and movies for the streaming service. The former first couple will, according to an announcement Monday from the company, potentially work on scripted and unscripted series as well as docu-series, documentary films, and features under the multi-year deal. One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience, said Barack Obama. Thats why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix we hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world. Which kind of makes Netflix look like some kind of slush fund for celebrity couples of sufficient wokenesss who are between gigs. We do know that Netflix had been seeded early on with previous Obama appointees. We also know that Meghan has been in touch with top Democrats such as Hillary Clinton, and most likely, the Obamas, too. Maybe the Obamas told them how good it could get for them. The Obamas now live first class millionaire lives with multiple mansions in some of America's choiciest locals -- from Kalorama to Martha's Vineyard to probably some place in Hawaii, lecturing the American people on all their racism. We'll now be treated the same by a newly flush Harry and Meghan, Meghan in the lead, of course, Harry selling the family name. What's vivid here is that they'll owe Netflix and be forced to dance to Netflix's tunes. When we talk about the wokester left as being controlled by unseen forces, a good place to look for them is Netflix. With cash like this being flung around and wokesterliness the agenda, it gives less and less reason to watch the Network. They're getting as obnoxious as Twitter and Google. Image credit: Entertainment Tonight, screen shot, via shareable YouTube video. Scott County Attorney Mike Walton announced the finding Thursday in the June 1 shooting death of Marquis Tousant, 23, of Rock Island, Illinois, the Quad-City Times reported. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation found that Tousant was among those who opened fire on an unmarked Davenport police pickup truck that was patrolling the area following an earlier, unrelated shooting that killed a 22-year-old woman, Walton said. On New Yorks First Avenue of Midtown East from 42nd Street to 48th Street, an area that once used to have slaughterhouses, lies the United Nations Headquarters. In less than two weeks from now, the premises will play host to the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (GA), which will open on September 15. In the normal course, the main attraction of the opening of a new session of GA is the high-level debate that brings heads of delegations (HoD), including heads of State, governments and foreign ministers, from 193 Member States to the Big Apple. This debate will be on September 22. The GA has now decided that the heads of State and government will not be physically attending the annual gathering due to the pandemic. They will submit pre-recorded speeches to the event. While taking the debate to the virtual platform will bring some consistency to the yearly exercise, it will take away the importance of the occasion, which is not just restricted to the diplomatic corps. The exercise has a broader meaning to the official as well as non-official delegations and those invested in multilateralism. This years General Assembly session had a special significance as it marks 75 years of the UNs existence. The UN was gearing up to commemorate the occasion. Last year, on April 18, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had announced the appointment of Fabrizio Hochschild of Chile as his Special Adviser on the preparations for the commemoration of the UNs 75th anniversary at the Under-Secretary-General level. The new format of this year will severely dent the commemoration. This year, the high-level debate will be less taxing for the local authorities. Usually, a day before the high-level debate, the midtown east area of Manhattan that provides access to the UNHQ building comes under a tight security cover of New York Police Departments 17th Precinct. Imposing metallic road impediments are deployed at the prominent road arteries that provide vehicular access to the UNHQ to foil any potential suicide attacks. The security is particularly tight for the first two days and incrementally starts decreasing, particularly after the US President leaves the city. The high-level week is not just an occasion for speeches as the Member States organise a number of side-events to bring spotlight over various issues. This year, Member States will have to move all side-events to virtual platforms to limit the footprint and number of people in the UN building. Even with the changed format, there will be some consistencies. Eagerly awaited on the first day of the high-level week is the speech by the host, the United States President. Apart from his speech, the last few years have marked one important emphasis of the US President at the UNHQ on an issue that signals the priority of the US administration. The UN has been no exception to the Sino-US tensions. In the midst of the rising death toll globally due to Covid-19, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) struggled for several months to adopt a draft resolution on the pandemic. In this context, the US took a position that it either wants a broader resolution that calls for reforms and accountability of the WHO or a narrow resolution that reiterates UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appeal for a global ceasefire during the pandemic period. China, on the other hand, was leading the efforts to insist that apart from covering other elements, the resolution should call for support to the WHO. This was inimical to the US position as it had accused the WHO of becoming literally, a pipe organ for China. Though a two-page resolution drafted by France and Tunisia - was finally adopted on July 1, tensions continue between the two on a number of issues, and the high-level debate will reflect those tensions. From the subcontinent, the spat between the HoDs of India and Pakistan has become a consistent feature in recent GA opening sessions. Pakistan raises J&K and cites UN resolutions. India challenges the narrative and asserts that the state is an integral part of the country. India draws attention to the scourge of terrorism emanating from across the border and alleges that Pakistan is the main sponsor of terrorism on its territory. This year, in the context of completion of one year of de-operationalisation of Article 370 and Pakistans continued bid to internationalise the issue, the exchange between both sides is expected to be particularly acerbic. Apart from delivering speeches at the high-level segment, visiting HoDs normally use this opportunity to have bilateral engagements with counterparts of other countries. Devoid of any extravaganza, these engagements usually take place in the common spaces of the UNHQ premises, and it is more of a touch base exercise and normally last 5-10 minutes. Member States will miss these rare opportunities to engage with each other. This year will also be a loss to the activists and members of civil society. In the vicinity of the UNHQ, boisterous protesters of all backgrounds aim to draw the attention of the world leaders and lend different atmospherics from the protocol-ridden and mostly formal developments inside the UNHQ premises. A common sight is of Hasidic Jewish communities from South Williamsburg and Midwood areas of Brooklyn borough of New York city as they voice their perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Jewish population in NYC is around 13%, next only to Tel Aviv in absolute numbers. There is a prosperous Iranian diaspora from Los Angeles, known as Tehrangeles in a lighter vein because of the large number of Iranian-descent Americans living there, who come holding placards against the alleged human rights violations in Iran. The Egyptian diaspora, a community that man most of the Halal food carts in NYC, raise their voice against alleged human rights violations by the Egyptian military. Often, the protesters are challenged by other sets of protesters with their counter-narratives. For instance, the protest of a group of Armenian Americans against the Turkish denial of genocide during World War I is countered by a parallel protest by Turkish Americans. Remarkably, these protests remain disciplined and are free of violence. (The writer is a former member of the UN Secretary-General's Good Offices on Myanmar) Find all of the most important pandemic education news on Educating N.J., a special resource guide created for parents, students and educators. As Lakewood approaches Fridays scheduled start of the new school year with the coronavirus looming, public attention has been focused on a sometimes bitter dispute between district officials and the local teachers union, which was still insisting on Thursday night that the district was not prepared to hold classes full-time and in-person safely. But Lakewoods 6,500 public school students account for just 14% of the townships total elementary and secondary school-age population, which is comprised mostly of 40,000 Orthodox Jewish children and teenagers enrolled in some 135 private yeshivas. Those students have already gone back to school the boys last week and the girls on Thursday all of them in full-time, in-person classes, said Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of the New Office of Agudath Israel of America, an advocacy and social service organization for the countrys Orthodox Jews, including 250,000 children nationwide in nonpublic school. We are up and running, Schnall said in an interview on Thursday. They are all in-person, they are all full-time. Unlike the public school districts, yeshivas are not unionized, Schnall said. Thats the beauty of private schools, he said. You dont like the private schools, you dont have to teach there. To others, however, the beauty of a teachers union is that it can advocate, without fear of retribution, for the safety and well-being not only of its members, but also of students and their families, and the community at large. Thats exactly what the local public school teachers union, the Lakewood Education Association, says it has been doing by challenging the effectiveness, state of repair, or other degrees of readiness of measures the district has put in place to curb transmission of the coronavirus among students, teachers and other staff, in classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums and on school buses. Dawn Hiltner, a spokeswoman for the public school teachers union, said she was unaware of any formal or informal group of Lakewood yeshiva teachers, and she couldnt comment on the readiness of the yeshivas to host full-time, in-person classes safely. Schnall said there had been discussion among administrators and staff of the yeshivas on the issue of in-person classes, but not debate. And the discussions have not been whether to hold classes in person, virtually, or a hybrid approach calling for fewer students in school at any one time and thus easier for social distancing. Rather, Schnall said, the discussion has been over how best to meet social distancing and other anti-coronavirus guidelines laid down by the New Jersey Department of Education in its Road Back program for schools and Gov. Phil Murphys related Executive Order 175, both of which apply to private schools as well as public. There hasnt been a debate about it, theres been a lot of discussions about it, Schnall said. And he added, The discussion was how are we doing this in the safest and most responsive way to comply with the governors orders. Keep up with the latest in N.J. schools coverage. Sign up your email here: Schnall said the yeshivas were implementing the same measures that public and other private schools were, including mandatory masks and social distancing. Every kid walks in, their temperature is checked, theyre making sure that all children have masks. I have seen it, I have children in school, he said. Under Executive Order 175, non-public schools are required to certify to the state that they have anti-coronavirus plans in place that meet the orders guidelines. A spokesman for the education department, Michael Yaple, said that as of Thursday, the state had received certifications from 67 private schools in Lakewood, roughly half the number of yeshivas there. If there are other non-public schools that have yet to submit their statement of assurance or if any of those 67 submitted documentation that is incomplete then our county office of education will reach out the private school to make sure they complete the necessary certification, Yaple said in an email. Under state law, private school transportation busing is financed by the the public school district where those bused children live. (Its a provision that, despite transportation aid from the state, Lakewood public school officials insist has created a perennial cash shortfall for the district.) CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage In an email to Lakewood public and non-public school officials on Thursday, the Lakewood school board attorney, Michael Inzelbuch, urged the reporting of any failure to meet provisions of the districts reopening plan, which includes a reduced occupancy on school buses to better accommodate social distancing. However, Inzelbuch stipulated, non-public routes would not be subject to the reduced occupancy requirement. During an interview on Friday morning, Inzelbuch said reduced bus occupancy is not mandated by the state, and that the district lacks the authority to impose a reduction on nonpublic schools. Schnall, citing the townships 40,000 yeshiva students, said the sheer numbers being bused makes reducing occupancy unworkable, though he acknowledged the capacity situation is problematic and said the yeshivas would monitor the situation. For example, they will ensure compliance with the requirement that students wear masks at all times on buses, and would take whatever action may become necessary. But Schnall said any significant reduction in capacity would create a bus shortage, not to mention a shortage of bus drivers, who were already in short supply long before the coronavirus outbreak. Right now, not every route for the non-public buses is at full capacity, he said. It depends on the school, it depends on the route, whether the children on that bus are able to comply. While transmission of the coronavirus among students is not entirely understood, opponents of in-person education say school children are at risk of transmitting it not only to one another, but to family members, teachers, and the community at large, making the in-person/remote learning question a broader public health issue. Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles said that based on what he had seen over the summer, he believes the yeshivas are doing at least as much as other private and parochial schools to prevent the virus from spreading. Coles said COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on Lakewood, with 2,914 confirmed cases and 197 deaths as of Thursday, Ocean Countys highest totals for either category, though the township is Oceans most populous municipality. And he acknowledged that some members of the Orthodox community had drawn unwanted attention to the township by defying rules against public gatherings early on in the coronavirus outbreak. I dont think the virus hit Lakewood from the schools, I think it was from some of the celebrations, Coles said. As bad as it was in the spring, it really did go down in the summer, Coles added. A lot of the Orthodox community have been in day camps, and I hate to say it out loud because I dont want to jinx us, but theyve been a success. Schnall said one reason the Orthodox community is so committed to full-time, in-person classes is both parents in many of households work outside the home, which makes caring for or supervising younger childrens schooling difficult or impossible. Its similar to the rationale provided by Lakewood public school officials for the districts in-person plans, which are supported by local Latino and immigrant support groups like La Voz Latina and Cochesa Lakewood, many of whose constituents have manual labor jobs that dont allow them to work remotely. In the case of the yeshivas, there are additional reasons, both cultural and pedagogical, why remote learning is problematic. Frist, Schall said, many Orthodox families discourage use of the Internet among children and adolescents, which means remote learning would have to take place telephonically, or via conference call, a far more challenging mode of instruction than a class on Zoom or another online meeting place. And, the rabbi added, the Talmudic studies central to Jewish education involve a constant back-and-forth, question-and-answer process between student and teacher thats difficult to simulate remotely. It was that difficulty yeshivas and their students experienced under mandatory remote learning last spring that reinforced their determination to open with in-person classes this fall, Schnall added. Doing it over the phone, Im not going to say its impossible, but its extremely hard, he said. We need to open, Schnall said. There was no choice. Our children have been out of school for months. There had to be some normality. Lakewood public school students were scheduled to go back to school om Friday, Sept. 4, for in-person learning, using plastic dividers on desks, similar to these from Plantation, Florida.AP Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Greek F-16s Intercept and Escort Out Several Turkish Fighters Invading Country's Airspace Sputnik News Tim Korso. Sputnik International 19:10 GMT 30.08.2020 This is not the first time over the past four weeks that the air forces of the two countries have scrambled jets to intercept each other's fighters for breaching borders. The incidents have intensified amid Ankara's recent decision to renew geological surveys in Cyprus offshore waters, despite protests from Athens. Several Greek Air Force F-16s, which had been dispatched to escort a passing NATO B-52 bomber, diverted from their mission to intercept and expel four Turkish fighter jets that had entered the Athens Flight Information Region on 29 August a zone where Greece takes over air traffic management. Greece's national defence agency called the actions of the Turkish Air Force "provocative and anti-ally". The flight of the B-52 bomber is a part of the "Allied Sky" mission, under which six such bombers crossed the airspace of 30 NATO states in a show of solidarity. The B-52 escorted by the Greek F-16s was transitioning from Turkish airspace, where it had been escorted by the Ankaran forces, as well as performing a mid-air refueling. It is unclear if the four Turkish fighter jets were those escorting the NATO bomber, or why they approached so close to Greek aerial borders. A day prior to the encounter, the Turkish Defence Ministry reported that its F-16s had been scrambled to intercept six Greek F-16 fighter jets on 27 August after they approached the Turkish NAVITEX zone an area close to shore and covered by a NAVITEX ship navigation system. The Greek fighter jets were flying from Crete to the southern part of Cyprus when the Turkish Air Force deployed its F-16s. Tensions between the two countries intensified as they put their militaries on alert amid a re-emerging row over energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey recently announced that it would restart seismic surveys for fossil fuel resources in the waters off of Cyprus, which it claims it owns via an agreement unrecognized by Athens. As Athens does not recognise Ankara's claims, its European allies have thrown their support behind Greece while urging both sides to resolve the issue via dialogue. In a recent statement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that all European Union countries have an obligation to support Greece in this conflict, adding that she has discussed the issue "intensely" with French President Emmanuel Macron. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Ghana Education Service (GES) says it has verified and fully paid every teacher and every member of staff of the service who deserve the legacy arrears. The last tranche of payment was made in December last year to 1,200 members of staff. It, however, said that management, after further checks on some 2,558 members of staff whose eligibility was contested, had approved payment to them and so they were being processed by the Controller and Accountant-Generals Department (CAGD) for payment. The legacy arrears span the period 2012 to 2016 when staff of the GES who were employed were paid only three months remuneration and asked to justify why they were due for the rest. The Ministry of Finance, at the time, explained that the measure was to ensure that only qualified persons received salaries from government coffers because ghost names on the payroll were estimated to be very high. Legacy arrears The Director-General of the GES, Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, in an interview in Accra yesterday, said out of the 97,791 applications received for final audit for the legacy arrears, 83,763 were validated as being owed and the beneficiaries paid in full, explaining that this represents a 100 per cent payment of all validated claims. What GNAT said The explanation by the GES comes barely a week after the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) appealed to its rank and file across the country to remain calm as it tried to sort out the payment of the legacy arrears issue with the GES. It said so far no teacher had been paid the legacy arrears, and that it was in constant touch with the GES to trash out the issue of the actual number of teachers who were to benefit from the arrears. The GES is saying that the number of people we say have not been paid the arrears is outrageous, but we are saying that these are the people who are saying they have not been paid. In fact, last week, we met and the GES said it would come out with a letter outlining the procedure to get this thing clarified, the General Secretary of GNAT, Mr. Thomas Musah, had told the Daily Graphic in Accra last Friday. Disbelief However, the GES expressed surprise and disbelief when it learnt that the General Secretary of GNAT had said no teacher had been paid the legacy arrears. It is the view of the management of the GES that the statement that no teacher has been paid the legacy arrears is not true and could not have been put out by the General Secretary of GNAT, the director-general said. Meeting A statement issued by the GES said in February 2020, the ministries of Finance, Employment and Labour Relations and Education, the GES, the CAGD, the Audit Service, and the various unions in the pre-tertiary education space met with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to deliberate on the issue of legacy debt. The pre-tertiary education unions at that meeting were GNAT, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT-GH) and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU). At that meeting, the President directed that the various factions should reconcile the figures to facilitate the payments, if any. The GES received the data of the 14,028 people, being the outstanding figure from the total applications received from the CAGD, it explained. It added that the management of the GES contended that only 2,558 out of the 14,028 had then not been paid and had subsequently been sent to the CAGD to be processed for payment, and the unions have been duly informed. It said the unions, however, submitted 4,881 as their verified members, adding: These facts are perfectly known to the General Secretary of GNAT and, therefore, the statement attributed to him that so far no teacher has been paid the legacy arrears cannot come from him. Better particulars The management of the GES said it had requested that teachers whose names were on the list who could justify that they were entitled to be paid legacy arrears to submit details to their respective regional/district directorates of Education, the statement said. It listed the details to include appointment letters, the assumption of duty letters and first pay slips, while those whose legacy arrears related to promotion were to provide promotion letters and pay slips on which the first salaries on the promoted grade were paid. This approach has become necessary because the data available to the GES do not justify the payment of the legacy arrears to such people, Prof. Opoku-Amankwa explained, and expressed the hope that the measure would set the records straight and bring finality to the legacy arrears issue. Source: Graphiconline.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 Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, France and Germany from Aug 25 to Sept 1. This European trip is the first overseas tour made by a Chinese foreign minister since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, which fully reflects the importance both sides attach to China-EU relations and indicates that China-EU relations have restarted in the "post-pandemic era." During the eight-day visit, Wang held in-depth talks with leaders and foreign ministers of the five countries, achieving the expected goal of reaching a consensus between Chinese and EU leaders and deepening cooperation with the European side. French President Emmanuel Macron (left) meets visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France on Aug 28, 2020. Photo/Xinhua At a press conference on the last leg of the visit in Germany, which holds the rotating EU presidency, Wang specifically mentioned three points with regard to the broad consensus reached between China and the EU: first, to adhere to multilateralism and resist unilateralism; second, to strengthen unity and cooperation and oppose decoupling; third, to safeguard the overall situation of China-EU relations and properly manage differences. These three major consensus have defined the direction, laid the foundation and accumulated momentum for China-EU relations, maintaining global peace and stability through China-EU cooperation, promoting global development and prosperity, adhering to multilateralism, and improving global governance. First of all, China and the EU have always been devoted defenders, supporters and practitioners of multilateralism and have made positive contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity. Nowadays China and the EU have a greater responsibility to defend multilateralism. More than an abstract slogan, defending multilateralism contains very specific connotations, including upholding multilateral concepts, taking multilateral actions, abiding by multilateral agreements, and strengthening multilateral institutions. It is inevitable for China and the EU to jointly defend multilateralism. Second, in the context of increasing global challenges, both China and the EU recognize the need to further strengthen unity and cooperation. At present, the first and foremost thing is to strengthen global unity in the fight against the COVID-19. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China and the EU have supported each other, demonstrating the friendship between good partners and true friends. Furthermore, how to ensure the normal operation of the global industrial chain and supply chain is a common challenge for all countries in the world. Both China and the EU are clearly opposed to decoupling, as it will drag the world economy into a deeper recession. To this end, China and the EU have indicated that they will take practical actions to contribute to the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain. Wang also particularly stressed that in Chinadual circulation, which takes the domestic market as the mainstay while letting domestic and foreign markets boost each other, China will continue to make more efforts in opening up, which will provide greater market opportunities for European countries in the post-pandemic recovery. Finally, the Chinese side has repeatedly stressed that China and the EU are partners, not opponents, and cooperation far outweighs differences. While there will inevitably be different views on some issues, the deeper the partnership, the wider the scope of cooperation. However, the secret to good partners and true friends lies in frank communication with each other, along with managing differences and not letting them interfere with the overall cooperation between the two sides. At present, some countries are hyping up the idea of a "new Cold War", to which China and Europe have expressed clear opposition. China supports Europe's pursuit of "strategic autonomy," which should also be reflected in making independent choices without being persuaded by certain countries. During Wang's visit to Europe, China and the EU reiterated that they will strive to complete the negotiations on the China-EU bilateral investment agreement within this year and will work to launch a joint feasibility study on the China-EU free trade agreement as soon as possible. In addition, China and the EU have made it clear that they will strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of common concern, such as climate change, green development, digital economy, medicine and health. Moreover, China and the EU will also conclude the China-EU 2025 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, which provides a blueprint and framework for China-EU dialogue and cooperation. China and the EU have taken the lead in pressing the button to restart various political, economic and trade agendas. As two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world, the cooperation between China and the EU will bring more certainty to the uncertain world and make an important contribution to the post COVID-19 recovery of the world economy. A woman in Gujarats Vadodara was thrashed with an iron rod by her husband after she asked him for help in preparing dinner. The woman, in a complaint filed at the Gorwa police station, said that she was brutally thrashed when she asked her husband to chop vegetables for dinner as she was occupied with other chores. The police said the accused was so angered by the wifes request that he picked up an iron rod lying nearby and started assaulting her. He has been booked by the cops and has been absconding since the incident. The iron rod was also allegedly pierced through her foot. The local residents, who reached there after hearing her screams, rushed the woman to a private hospital, where she is undergoing treatment, an officer of Gorwa police station was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. The womans mother-in-law has also been booked in connection with the case. The chief scientific adviser for the Trump administration's effort to accelerate production of a coronavirus vaccine said it was "possible but very unlikely" that a coronavirus vaccine will be ready to distribute by the end of October or early November. The comment by Operation Warp Speed co-chief Moncef Slaoui followed reports this week that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told officials in all 50 states and the U.S. territories to prepare for vaccine distribution for high-priority groups as early as Nov. 1 - two days before the presidential election. In an interview Thursday with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, Slaoui said it was "possible but very unlikely" that a coronavirus vaccine will be ready to distribute by then. "There is a very, very low chance that the trials that are running as we speak could [be completed] before the end of October and therefore there could be - if all other conditions required for an Emergency Use Authorization are met - an approval," Slaoui said. "I think it's extremely unlikely but not impossible, and therefore it's the right thing to do to be prepared, in case." The timeline included in the federal government's guidance for states has raised concerns about political pressure. But Slaoui insisted that politics are not involved in the vaccine production process. "Every day that we can be faster, we try to be faster," he said. "For us, there is absolutely nothing to do with politics, and many of us may or may not be supportive of this administration - it's irrelevant, frankly." He said he thinks the CDC guidance was about preparedness. "There is a possibility that the clinical trials, albeit very low as I said before, extremely low, but there is a possibility that the trials [could end] before the end of October. It would be irresponsible not to be ready if that was the case," Slaoui said. Slaoui told NPR that he "firmly" believes there will be a vaccine available before the end of 2020, with enough doses to immunize the highest-risk groups, such as elderly populations and front-line workers. "We may have enough vaccine by the end of the year to immunize probably I would say between 20 and 25 million people," he said. Then, vaccine dose manufacturing would be ramped up to have "enough vaccine to immunize the U.S. population by the middle of 2021." In a separate interview with Science Magazine's Jon Cohen, Slaoui said he would not tolerate political influence in the vaccine approval process. "I would immediately resign if there is undue interference in this process," he said, adding: "I have to say there has been absolutely no interference." President Donald Trump has placed heavy pressure on the Food and Drug Administration to approve treatments and vaccines, raising alarm among scientists. In the case of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug Trump championed to treat coronavirus despite a lack of evidence, the FDA was forced to withdraw its earlier emergency use authorization in June after clinical trials showed no benefit from the drug. (Jewish Journal via JNS) The Alliance for Academic Freedom, which describes itself as a group of more than 120 progressive and liberal academic scholars, have announced their support for Rose Ritch, who resigned from her position as USC student vice president earlier this month. In an Aug. 24 statement titled Are You Now or Have You Ever Been a Zionist? the AAF noted that then-student president Truman Fritz faced calls for impeachment in June over allegedly racially insensitive remarks; Ritch also faced calls for impeachment for being silent on the matter. Several social-media u... As tensions escalate at the India China border, Rajnath Singh is all set to meet Chinese Defence Minister. Rajnath Singh is currently in Moscow to attend three-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Amid the ongoing border tensions between India and China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to meet Chinese Defence Minister on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, sources said. According to sources, China requested for the meet yesterday. India has urged China to sincerely engage with it to restore peace and tranquillity in border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation. Speaking at the weekly briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the way ahead is negotiations both through diplomatic and military channels. India recently outflanked China by taking control of strategic height near Pangong lakes southern bank. It thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh. Also Read: Amid tensions with China, India to host Quad meet, 2+2 dialogue Also Read: Covid-19: Five states account for 62% of active cases, says Govt At least two rounds of Brigade-Commander level talks have taken place ever since China tried to unilaterally change the status quo. Yesterday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu in Moscow wherein the duo discussed about strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between both the two countries. Singh is on a three-day visit to Russia to attend the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar held a meeting with Dmitry Shugaev, Director, Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia. Also Read: Govt taking all steps to ensure safety of Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA That number is down from the prior months report, which warned of over 17,000 layoffs in Illinois. The July report included notification of pending layoffs of thousands of United Airlines workers in Illinois. Earlier this week, the Chicago-based airline said it planned to furlough more than 16,000 employees nationally Oct. 1 unless it receives more federal aid. Michael Adeshina The Federal Government of Nigeria has reviewed the nationwide curfew earlier put at 10 pm to 4 am to restrict movement in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. The National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, announced that the nationwide curfew is now from 12am to 4am. He made the announcement during a briefing at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday. Aliyu said, I will first of all start with general movement. We are modifying the curfew to commence from 12 midnight to 4am nationwide, effective from 12:00 tonight. This does not apply to people on essential services and international travelers that might be returning from abroad. This makes it the second time the PTF reviewed the curfew following the lifting of the lockdown occasioned by the pandemic. The PTF had on May 4, 2020, imposed a nationwide curfew from 6 pm to 8 am. It later reviewed the timing to between 10 pm and 4 am on June 1, 2020. Share this post with your friends: Conflict in Syria requires political solution without foreign interference: Lavrov tells UN envoy Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 5:27 PM Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stressed the need for a political solution to the conflict in Syria, saying the settlement of the conflict must be in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and without foreign interference. Speaking in a meeting with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen in Moscow on Thursday, Lavrov stated that Russia, as a guarantor country for Syria peace talks in the Astana format, supports UN efforts to facilitate the work of the Syria Constitutional Committee in line with Security Council Resolution 2254. UNSC Resolution 2254 was unanimously adopted on December 18, 2015. It calls for a ceasefire and political settlement in Syria. It calls for the formation of a "credible, inclusive and non-sectarian" government and UN-supervised "free and fair elections." Moscow, Tehran, and Ankara have been mediating peace negotiations between representatives from the Damascus government and Syrian opposition groups in a series of talks held in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, formerly called Astana, since January 2017. Russia has also hosted parallel talks in the resort city of Sochi aimed at solidifying the three countries' cooperation towards returning peace and stability to Syria. Elsewhere in his remarks, Lavrov praised the results of the third round of the Syrian peace talks in Geneva. "Not everything was resolved, not everything was agreed upon, but in general, we consider the meeting fruitful and meaningful," the top Russian diplomat said. The third session of the UN-facilitated Syria peace negotiations convened in Geneva on Monday after a nine-month break, caused by differences over the agenda and the coronavirus pandemic. Lavrov also underlined the need to preserve Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to continue the war on terror until all terrorists operating in the conflict-plagued Arab country are eliminated. "There are grave difficulties concerning the humanitarian situation in Syria, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic, whose solution requires removal of coercive Western economic sanctions imposed on the country," the Russian foreign minister pointed out. Lavrov then called for stepped up efforts in repatriation of Syrian willing to return home, saying it will help ease "the unbearable burden borne by the refugees on host countries, primarily Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey." Pederden, for his part, underscored UN's support for efforts aimed at a political solution to Syria crisis in accordance with UN Resolution 2254, noting that economic sanctions against Syria must be lifted to improve the humanitarian situation there. 'Western sanctions negatively impact war on terror in Syria' Later on Thursday, Pederden met with Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, who said the sanctions imposed on Syria by the Western countries have a negative impact on solving the country's crisis and the anti-terror fight. "There are several factors that negatively affect the effort made to find a solution to the crisis in Syria and combating terrorism, which include in particular the Western sanctions," Sputnik News Agency quoted Shoygu as saying during the meeting. Russia's top military official also chastised foreign parties for violating Syria's sovereignty and plundering its energy resources amid restrictions imposed by the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Shoygu then lauded Syrian government's effort to overcome the existing hurdles in the way of reconstructing the war-torn country. "It is difficult to understand the logic of Western countries, which on the one hand claim to be concerned about the Syrian people, while on the other hand, impose sanctions on them, which practically prevent the supply of medicine and foodstuffs and impede the return of the displaced," Russian defense minister said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Anuja Susan Varghese By Express News Service KOCHI: For an economy that relies heavily on migrant workers, the states best efforts to protect them from the Covid pandemic seem to have been in vain. The number of migrant workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 has gone through the roof, raising widespread concerns in the state. The measures rolled out, including mass antigen testing and quarantine, have fallen flat and some experts now opine that mass antigen testing is detrimental to containment strategy itself since results are not reliable. Covid-positive cases among the migrant community have been reported from several districts including Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kottayam. A whopping 170 cases were reported in the past two weeks in Ernakulam alone. The migrant workers have arrived from many states, with Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Bihar contributing the largest numbers. As many as 37 migrant workers employed at a private hospital in Kochi city and 70 employed at a private warehouse in Payipra near Muvattupuzha tested positive for the virus. In Thrissur district, 30 migrant labourers working in a private establishment had tested positive for the virus in June. The vegetable market at Ettumanoor in Kottayam was shut down last month after 47 people tested positive for Covid, of whom 32 were migrant workers. In Kozhikode, over 30 migrant labourers working in various private establishments had tested positive in July. All migrant workers joining work at establishments in the state are subjected to antigen testing and a mandatory seven- to 14-day quarantine. The widespread infection among them, therefore, raises doubts about the veracity of the tests conducted. We do not know for sure how the infection spread at the hospital in Kochi. Thirty-seven migrant labourers working at the hospital -- in canteens and in maintenance activities including plumbing and building repairs -- tested positive. Later, health staff at the hospital, who had come in contact with these persons, also tested positive. While we have traced the sequence of infection spread, finding the sources of infection of all of them is near impossible, said a source at the private hospital. Ironically, the infected labourers in Ernakulam, who arrived from different states, had all tested negative during the antigen tests conducted on arrival, he said. Earlier, in June this year, the ICMR had recommended that RT-PCR tests should be conducted only on those with clear symptoms of the disease and who have tested negative in the rapid antigen test. Any migrant labourer arriving in the state is supposed to undergo quarantine and antigen test. They cannot be permitted to work unless their test results are negative. The majority of firms would prefer antigen testing, as it involves mass testing and many of the workers are asymptomatic, said a health official. The most reliable testing in the case of migrant workers, who stay together under one roof, is the pooled RT-PCR test, which is conducted by collecting samples of five or six persons in the group rather than affecting the entire staff of the organisation. To an extent, this is practical, but relying completely on the antigen test may be inimical to the districts containment strategy, said Monu Varghese, a pulmonologist based in Kochi. Meanwhile Sreelal K, additional labour commissioner (Enforcement), said strict norms have been formulated for migrant workers. Each district labour officer has been given the responsibility to ensure that they follow these norms. No unusual spread of Covid cases among the migrant workers has come to our notice. Strict actions are being taken against migrant workers who violate quarantine norms in the state, he said. The quarantine hokey cokey continues as all eyes are on the Department for Transport to see whether Greece and Portugal are next in line to be struck from the list of travel corridors. Countries on this list are exempt from the blanket two-week quarantine inflicted on all arrivals into the UK, but eligible destinations are dropping like flies after coronavirus infection rates have been on the increase across Europe. Scotland has now removed Greece and Portugal from its quarantine-exempt list after a surge of new Covid-19 cases, while Wales has imposed self-isolation restrictions on Portugal, Gibraltar and six Greek islands: Antiparos, Crete, Lesbos, Mykonos, Paros and Zante. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed both countries will remain on the travel corridors list for England for now; on 3 September he tweeted: We continue to keep the Travel Corridor list under constant review and wont hesitate to remove countries if needed. However, there are no English additions or removals today. Read all the latest quarantine news below. Talk about sticker shock for Premier Doug Fords Progressive Conservative government. An Ontario court has ruled that Fords mandatory gas-pump decals attacking federal carbon-pricing measures are unconstitutional. In a major victory for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Mr. Justice Edward Morgan of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that the stickers violated business owners freedom of expression. A government or political party can, in the words of Ontarios Minister of Energy (Greg Rickford), stick it to another tier of government of political party as a matter of free speech in an election campaign or otherwise, Morgan wrote in a 17-page decision released Friday. But a government cannot legislate a requirement that private retailers post a sticker designed to accomplish that task. The mandatory fuel pump sticker is an unconstitutional attempt to do just that, the judge continued. Rickford said in a statement that we respect the decision of the court, but our government will always stand up for the people of Ontario when it comes to matters that make everyday life more expensive for hardworking families. The federal carbon tax makes life more unaffordable and hits the wallets of Ontario families and small businesses hardest when it comes to gas prices and home-heating costs, said the minister, who did not say whether the government would appeal the ruling. NDP MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto Danforth) implored the Tories to abandon the stickers, which misleadingly ignored that the federal carbon-pricing regimen included rebates. Appealing this Superior Court decision would be another waste of money, another attack on Ontarios environment, and another attack on peoples constitutional rights, said Tabuns. Unveiled last year, the controversial Tory-blue stickers read the federal carbon tax will cost you. But the civil liberties association took the Ontario government to court, arguing the messages were a form of compelled political expression. The stickers have not been without their problems. There were adhesive issues that infuriated and embarrassed Ford, whose family runs a label business, though his firm did not print the decals. Initially, the Tories threatened scofflaws would fines of up to $10,000 a day for not abiding by the law. That led the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to renounce them as an example of unnecessary red tape. The Canadian Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, which represents gas stations, blasted the Tories heavy-handed approach and warned the decals were a bit partisan. While 25,000 were manufactured at a cost to taxpayers of $4,954 they are routinely vandalized. Green Leader Mike Schreiner countered with similar stickers that warned climate change would be far more costly than higher gasoline and natural gas prices. After the court ruling, Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca said on Twitter that Doug Fords stickers didnt stick and now a court has struck them down. Ford ripped up a plan to combat (the) climate crisis and replaced it with nothing, said Del Duca, referring to the Tories decision to remove Ontario from its cap-and-trade alliance with Quebec and California, which generated $2 billion annually for environmental initiatives. Greenpeaces Keith Stewart mockingly thanked Rickford for making it so easy in court. That was a reference to the ministers April 2019 comment that were going to stick it to the Liberals and remind the people of Ontario how much this job-killing regressive carbon tax costs. Stewart said the stickers were an incredibly dumb idea that never should have seen the light of day. No government should deliberately mislead the public about something as serious as the climate crisis, much less force businesses to do it for them with heavy-handed, unconstitutional legislation, he said. Its time to put the partisan games aside and get to work on protecting Ontarians against the greatest environmental threat our species has ever known. Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: Darren Stars new series Emily in Paris is coming to Netflix next month. The 10 episode romantic comedy series stars Lily Collins (Rules Dont Apply, To the Bone). Lily Collins stars as Emily, an ambitious twenty-something marketing executive from Chicago, unexpectedly lands her dream job in Paris when her company acquires a French luxury marketing company and she is tasked with revamping their social media strategy. Emilys new life in Paris is filled with intoxicating adventures and surprising challenges as she juggles winning over her work colleagues, making friends, and navigating new romances. The series co-stars Ashley Park (Mean Girls on Broadway, Tales of the City) along with Philippine Leroy Beaulieu (Call My Agent!), Lucas Bravo (Smart Ass), Samuel Arnold (Antony & Cleopatra), Camille Razat (The 15:17 to Paris) and Bruno Gouery (Doc Martin). Recurring cast includes Kate Walsh (The Umbrella Academy), William Abadie (Resident Evil: Extinction) and Arnaud Viard (Clara et Moi). Emily in Paris is produced by Darren Star Productions, Jax Media and MTV Studios. In addition to Star, Tony Hernandez and Lilly Burns of Jax Media, and Andrew Fleming serve as executive producers with Lily Collins also serving as producer on the series. Zoe Cassavetes, Andrew Fleming and Peter Lauer direct with Stars longtime collaborator Patricia Field consulting on costume design with Marylin Fitoussi. Friday October 2 on Netflix. French President Emmanuel Macron criticised what he called Islamist separatism in his country and those who seek French citizenship without accepting Frances right to commit blasphemy. Macron on Friday defended satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which published caricatures of Prophet Muhammad that helped inspire two French-born men to mount a deadly January 2015 attack on the papers newsroom. The weekly republished the images this week as the trial began of 14 people over the attacks on Charlie Hebdo and on a kosher supermarket. Speaking at a ceremony on Friday celebrating Frances democratic history and naturalising new citizens, the French president said: You dont choose one part of France. You choose France The Republic will never allow any separatist adventure. Freedom in France, Macron said, includes: The freedom to believe or not to believe. But this is inseparable from the freedom of expression up to the right to blasphemy. Noting the trial that opened on Wednesday, he said, To be French is to defend the right to make people laugh, to criticise, to mock, to caricature. The 2015 attacks killed 17 people and marked the beginning of a wave of violence by the ISIL (ISIS) armed group in Europe. Macrons centrist government has promised a law in the coming months against Islamist separatism but it is not yet clear exactly what it would police. Some critics fear it could unfairly stigmatise Frances Muslim population, the largest in Western Europe. Yves here. I wish this video on how scientists have been flogging their own crap Covid-19 research via preprints and how thats done considerable damage had a transcript, but it is short enough that hopefully you wont find it burdensome to listen to it. Its an addendum of sorts to Lamberts post earlier in the week, Dont Trust the Science, Trust Science While You Hone Your Critical Thinking Skills. If you go to the YouTube page for this video, you find it has a Reference/Reading list that ties into the key claims of the Medlife Crisis video. The video makes some important points, such as shredding preprints (80% of studies published are complete garbage), spending some time on the sad decline of Stanfords Dr. John Ioannidis (Covid-19 is no more dangerous than the flu) as well as describing how a study that claimed that a substantial majority of Covid victims showed heart damage on MRIs was highly suspect. But readers will no doubt take issue with the forceful attack on hydroxychloroquinine, when virtually all studies focused on using it as a treatment, when the recommended use case was as a prophylactic. Again, the plural of anecdote is not data, but there is much more receptivity to hydroxycholorquinine in the Global South. From a June InterPress news story discussing why Covid-19 infection and death rates had been so low in Africa. One factor is a relatively young population. Another is generally good official responses. A third is widespread BCG vaccinations. But a fourth seems to be anti-malarial use: In Senegal and Madagascar for example, COVID-19 patients on hydroxychloroquine and the herbal remedy Artemisia annua have been observed to recover faster from the disease with lower deaths. In both countries, even with rising cases, recovery rates from Covid19 are much higher consistent with the observations in most malaria prone countries. Interestingly, malaria is not prevalent in Africas Covid-19 hotspots of South Africa and North Africa. Regardless, please watch this short video and have fun with it. Even if you disagree with all of its examples, it does illustrate the ongoing corruption of what passes for science. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has urged managers of public universities to strictly adhere to prudent financial management and accounting principles to ensure the judicious use of resources. At its sitting yesterday, the committee observed that failure by the public universities to maintain appropriate accounting regimes did not only result in financial loss to the state but also deprived the institutions of the resources needed for development. The admonition by PAC followed the revelation of some financial irregularities by some of the universities in the 2017 Auditor-General's report. Among other things, the report cited the universities for not keeping updated financial records, failure to account for some expenditure, defaulting in paying the right tax rates and their inability to recover money from debtors. The institutions which appeared before the committee yesterday included the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University of Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE). UMaT At the PAC sitting, it came to light that the UMaT had not properly accounted for GH18,777. When the management of the university, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof J.S.Y, Kuma, appeared before the committee, it was established that GH10,100 of the amount went into the preparation of documents covering three parcels of land of the institution. However, the Finance Director, Mr. Jonathan Sakoe, could not convince the committee with evidence on the whereabouts of the remaining GH8,677. Based on that, the Chairman of the PAC, Mr. James Klutse Avedzi, directed Mr. Sakoe to immediately refund the GH8,677 that could not be accounted for in the 2017 Auditor-General's report. In his explanation, Mr. Sakoe said a former registrar of the UMaT who had supervised the disbursement of the money was now on retirement. He, however, said steps would be taken to retrieve the remaining amount from him. On that premise, Mr. Avedzi, directed Mr. Sakoe to pay the money as a matter of necessity for failing to act to retrieve it. "You are hereby surcharged to refund the GH8,677 to the university yourself, and whatever you do to retrieve the money from the former registrar will be your business," he stressed. Among other irregularities the UMaT was cited for by the Auditor-General's report were delays in lodging funds into the appropriate accounts, expenditure higher than income, leading to deficit, liabilities rising from GH4 million to GH7 million and failure to take receipts on money paid for lands on time. On the issue of the university running into a deficit of about GH500,000, Mr. Sakoe explained that the situation arose because of increased expenditure resulting from increase in staff recruitment, with its related expenditure, as well as increase in student enrolment. When asked what steps were being taken to deal with the deficit, Prof. Kuma said the university had increased its international students intake over the past three years. UCC The Auditor-General's report cited the UCC for failing to provide real-time updates on fees paid by some sandwich students. It said the failure to provide prompt updates put the institution at risk of some students forging pay-in slips. Mr. Avedzi wanted to know if the university had moved all students onto its payment platform, to which the UCC Director of Finance, Mrs. Elizabeth Obese, affirmed that the directive had been followed through. Responding to the issue of the UCC acquiring some vehicles without proper documentation, she explained that the inconsistencies in the registration numbers had been corrected. Additionally, she said, the university had complied with the directive to emboss its insignia on its vehicles. The committee urged the UCC to take steps to recover the GH10,000 that had been with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) for over 10 years. UG The major issue for the University of Ghana had to do with its failure to tax the allowances of its staff, a development that led to a loss of GH4 million to the state. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, who led a team of officials from the university, told the committee that a new accommodation policy had been developed by which the institution now withheld taxes on all allowances and remitted same to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). "We are ensuring that our staff members pay rates that are commensurate with others outside campus. In the new regime, we pay their allowances to them and they pay for rent and utilities," he added. GIJ When the GIJ took its turn at the committee sitting, it was led by the Rector of the institute, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo. The major issue put to the team was how much the institute had been able to recover from the GH37,082 that had been given out to its staff as loans. The Director of Finance of the GIJ, Mr. Mathias Dugu, told the committee that save one member of staff who was yet to repay GH600, all the money had been recovered. On the issue of inconsistencies between lecturers attendant sheet and claims, as cited in the Auditor-General's report, he said the system had improved. NCTE The NCTE had only one issue to respond to the failure to recover car loans and salary advance to staff, amounting to GH31,631. Officials of the council said it had recovered almost all the amount, with only GH1,688 as the outstanding amount to be collected. Source: Graphiconline.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 Parti de legalite socialiste (Socialist Equality Party, PES) calls on teachers, young people and workers to oppose the reopening of schools. Despite the resurgence of the coronavirus, the Macron administration is overseeing the resumption of in-person teaching. Only the independent mobilisation of all workers and youth in a general strike will stop this murderous policy. Millions of youth and teachers will be exposed to the risk of infection in overcrowded classrooms, rundown toilet facilities and public transportation. At least 5,000 new cases are now recorded every day, and the reproduction rate of the virus is growing daily. The Health Ministry has called the exponential spread of the virus very worrying. The decision to resume classes under these conditions testifies to the governments flagrant irresponsibility. The health regulations announced by the Education Ministry are derisory and dangerous. They state that physical distancing is not necessary if it does not permit all students to attend school. Students aged under eleven are not required to wear masks. The local educational body in Brittany, in western France, has announced that the detection of one case of coronavirus in a class is not enough to trigger the quarantining of the other students, and that instead three cases are necessary. Yet scientific studies have established that children transmit the virus and can hold up to one hundred times the viral load in their airway tracts than do adults. The school reopenings in the United States and Brazil have already caused thousands of new infections and school closures in many regions. More than 70 French schools had to be closed when their partial opening in May triggered a wave of infections. In April, two-thirds of parents opposed the restarting of classes after the lockdown. Sixty percent stated that the return to classes was dictated by economic considerations. Indeed, the European Union and its member states have collectively granted 2 trillion euros in credit to the banks and corporations, and the profits to be obtained from this capital are to be extracted from the labor of the working class. But for parents to return to work, their children must be in school, whatever the cost in lives. Macron, the president of the rich, is driving this policy of the EU. We cant bring the country to a halt, he declared. Responding to the fears of the population in the face of the pandemic, Macron added: We must address this anxiety without falling into the doctrine of zero risk. To stifle the fear of the French population without combatting the danger, the state is resorting to lies and misinformation. With thousands of new cases each day, President of the Scientific Council Jean-Francois Delfraissy brazenly declared: It is certainly not a question of a second wave. Other commentators are speculating without evidence that if the number of hospital admissions are rising less quickly than the number infections, the virus must have mutated and become less dangerous. The trade union apparatuses and their political allies serve as the transmission belt for this propaganda campaign by declaring that the policies to treat the pandemic require only minor modifications. The teachers union SNUipp-FSU proposed postponing the school reopening by one week, while the General Federation of Labor (CGT) has called a protest for September 17, two weeks after the restarting of classes. As for Jean-Luc Melenchon, he is demanding social cohesion. His party Unsubmissive France has declared that it is seeking inspiration for obtaining social cohesion by studying the First World War, when the Social Democratic parties used patriotic demagogy and the Sacred union with the extreme-right to suppress workers opposition to the war. Indeed, scientific data refute these irresponsible claims that the virus has become less dangerous. The number of hospital admissions, which always lags behind infections, is already rising fast enough to saturate hospitals in October. Virologists have denied that mutations have made the virus less virulent, or that the danger of a life-threatening immune response has become less likely. Professor Bruno Lina told Le Figaro: All viruses are antigenically identical, and so too therefore is the human immune response they cause in the [human] organism. The governments argument that a physical return to classes is essential to preserve social equality must be rejected. In fact, Macrons contempt for the lives of the working class is an expression of his deeply unequal social policies: the slashing of pensions, the privatization of the national railway network and the destruction of the labor statutes for rail and public sector workers. The school reopenings are aimed at further enriching the financial aristocracy. International resistance to the reopening of schools is already emerging. Hundreds of thousands of teachers, pupils and parents have joined groups hostile to school reopenings on social media in the US, Brazil, UK and elsewhere. Health and safety committees are being formed in the factories, schools and universities in the US, Britain and Germany, independently of the trade unions, which are the bribed allies of the corporations and state. In France, Red Pen Facebook groups have attracted thousands of teachers opposed to the reopening. The PES solidarizes with their struggle and actions. It emphasizes that, to be successful, their struggle must be expanded throughout the entire working class. It is necessary to unify workers and prepare a general strike against the criminal policy of the ruling class. We urge teachers, workers and youth to discuss the following demands: No physical return to classrooms until the pandemic is under control! Learning must be carried out online or in small groups, physically partitioned in safe conditions. Learning must be carried out online or in small groups, physically partitioned in safe conditions. Billions for teachers, schools and online learning! To ensure safe conditions, facilities must be requisitioned or rented and teachers must be hired. Countless students, young adults and professional workers could teach under the direction of qualified teachers if properly paid. Schools and students homes must be provided with broadband internet connection and parents provided with necessary financial support. To ensure safe conditions, facilities must be requisitioned or rented and teachers must be hired. Countless students, young adults and professional workers could teach under the direction of qualified teachers if properly paid. Schools and students homes must be provided with broadband internet connection and parents provided with necessary financial support. For a massive increase in testing and contact tracing! While the Trump administration openly dismisses testing in order to conceal the number of cases, the Macron government is still unable to test one million people per day as pledged. A massive increase in testing of the virus is necessary. While the Trump administration openly dismisses testing in order to conceal the number of cases, the Macron government is still unable to test one million people per day as pledged. A massive increase in testing of the virus is necessary. Halt all non-essential production! As long as the pandemic is not under control, only key industriesfood production, health, logisticsshould continue. Workers in these sectors have the right to the most advanced health protection from the virus. As long as the pandemic is not under control, only key industriesfood production, health, logisticsshould continue. Workers in these sectors have the right to the most advanced health protection from the virus. No layoffs and no bankruptcies of small business! Macron has declared that millions of workers will be laid off and bankruptcies of small businesses will intensify. This is unacceptable. The billions that fill the pockets of the rich and bloat the CAC-40 stock index must be used instead to preserve jobs, provide a decent wage to all, and protect restaurants, tradespersons and other small businesses from the pandemic. The PES calls for the formation of action committees, independent of the unions, to prepare for a general strike and ensure the safety of workplaces in every sector. As in MayJune 1968, a general strike will pose the question of political power and the necessity of tranferring state power to the workers own organizations of struggle. It would be an important link in the mobilisation of workers now emerging in the United States, Latin America, across Europe and the world. The only way to stop the resurgence of the pandemic and the social attacks being prepared is to combat their cause: the capitalist system. This is the perspective of the PES, the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. We urge teachers, youth and workers to contact us in order to organize this opposition, and sign up for the WSWS Educators Newsletter. Scientists at Gayatri Vidya Parishad-Scientific and Industrial Research Centre in Visakhapatnam have developed an indigenous system for real-time remote monitoring of air quality parameters, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) said on Friday. The Air Unique-quality Monitoring (AUM) system is an innovative application of the principles of laser backscattering, statistical mechanics, optoelectronics, artificial intelligence, machine/deep learning, and Internet of Things, a statement said. It can identify, classify and quantify various pollutants simultaneously (of orders of less than one part per billion) and meteorological parameters, with very high precision, sensitivity and accuracy, it said. With the support from DST's Clean Air Research Initiative, professor Rao Tatavarti, the director of Gayatri Vidya Parishad-Scientific and Industrial Research Centre (GVP-SIRC) and GVP College of Engineering in Visakhapatnam, has developed the system. Professor P Arulmozhivarman from the School of Electrical Engineering, VIT University in Vellore and a few others were part of Tatavarti's team. The AUM system was successfully evaluated during laboratory trials. It was also compared in the field with imported systems from France and Australia, and operated by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board under the aegis of the Central Pollution Control Board of India, the statement said. The system had CATS Eco-Systems, Nashik as the technology transfer partner for commercialisation. "It has been found to be highly sensitive and accurate and capable of simultaneous detection and quantification of all air quality parameters and offers a number of merits over any of the currently available conventional systems," the statement said. It is portable, compact, low powered and economical, works on plug and play systems, requires no setting up time, and no additional civil infrastructure for housing. The system also provides information on all gases and meteorological parameters simultaneously. "It is a non-intrusive remote, real-time monitoring system with very high sensitivities and accuracies and is capable of monitoring in both spatial and temporal domains, with very high sampling frequencies," the statement said. "Also, the data from spatially separated sensors can be seamlessly streamed to a cloud server, from where digestible real-time encrypted information on the dashboard is made available to users at any part of the world," it added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 03:25:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said on Thursday that Israel is trying to distract Palestinians from struggle against its occupation to seeking better living conditions under occupation. The international opposition to the Israeli annexation plans has succeeded in suspending them, Ishtaye said during his meeting with visiting Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu, calling on the international community to end the Israeli occupation as soon as possible. He praised the "historical relationships" between Romania and Palestine and Romanians' support for the Palestinians. For his part, Aurescu said Romania supports the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy. Enditem The status of Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict Israel scored two diplomatic gains Friday when majority-Muslim Kosovo agreed to recognize the Jewish state and Serbia said it would move its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Those decisions came out of a White House-brokered agreement between the two Balkan archrivals and announced by President Donald Trump Friday to normalize economic relations two decades after they fought a bitter war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Serbia will become the first European country to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem, following Washington's ground-breaking recognition of contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital almost three years ago. Kosovo will also set up its Israel mission in Jerusalem and in exchange earn Israel's recognition, as it seeks to further legitimize its 2008 declaration of independence and statehood. "I thank my friend the president of Serbia... for the decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to transfer his embassy there," Netanyahu said, saying the controversial move would happen by July 2021. "I would like also to thank my friend President Trump for contributing to this achievement," he said in a statement. It was the second big news out of Washington in a month for Israel on the diplomatic front. In August the United States brokered a deal for the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations with Israel, symbolically marked on Monday by the first commercial air flight between the two countries. The agreement, expected to be signed at a White House ceremony in coming weeks, would be Israel's first with a Gulf nation, and the third with an Arab country after those it reached with its neighbours Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. - Election ploy? - Palestinians reacted with cynicism about the Kosovo and Serbia announcements, suggesting they were more to bolster Trump's reelection prospects in two months while victimizing them. "Palestine has become a victim of the electoral ambitions of President Trump, whose team would take any action, no matter how destructive for peace... to achieve his re-election" in November, tweeted Saeb Erekat, the secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). Story continues "This, just like the UAE-Israel agreement, isn't about Middle East Peace," he added. "What else will Trump procure for Israel before November?" said senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi. But in Washington Trump senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner, a key player in Middle East negotiations, said the moves advance peace and make Americans safer. "Today's breakthrough really is historic," Kushner said at the White House. "This is just another chapter that this administration has been able to write towards making the world a safer and more peaceful place," he said. - Contested Jerusalem - Traditionally, most diplomatic missions in Israel have been in Tel Aviv as countries stayed neutral over the disputed city of Jerusalem, holy to the three Abrahamic faiths, until its status could be settled in an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. Israel seized control of East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in moves never recognised by the international community. Israel considers the city its undivided capital, but Palestinians see the mostly Arab eastern part of Jerusalem, including the Old City with its holy sites, as the illegally occupied capital of their future state. The United Nations and the European Union, Israel's top economic partner, say the city's final status must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians, and say that until then countries should not locate their embassies there. But Trump smashed that taboo in December 2017 by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and shifting the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the city. The decision triggered Palestinian outrage and a diplomatic shockwave. So far only Guatemala has followed in his footsteps, also opening up its diplomatic mission in the holy city in May 2018. dms-gl-pmh/jh Chuck Mealing has always been quick to help others. And now, two women, who have known the lifelong Crystal Beach resident since their childhoods in the lakeside community, want to return the favour. The women have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to purchase a new wheelchair and scooter for Mealing. Hes pushing 60, he needs the help now, said Katie Benner-Spear, who created the campaign along with Tara Hayden. The goal is to raise $15,000, to help Mealing purchase a new wheelchair and scooter to replace his aging manual wheelchair and bike. Hes never owned an electric wheelchair, Benner-Spear said, noting use of the manual device has really taken a toll on Mealings arms and shoulders. So far, the campaign has raised $6,225, a little less than half of its target. Mealing has used a wheelchair since he was 18, when he suffered a spinal cord injury after falling from a ride at the old Crystal Beach Amusement Park on July 22, 1982. In 2008, along with three others, Mealing began a 10,000-kilometre journey across Canada from Victoria, B.C., to St. Johns, N.L., to raise money for spinal cord injuries and research. The group collectively raised $7.4 million. More recently, Mealing has helped out a number of causes, including the breakfast program at the now-closed Crystal Beach Public School, where he was involved for six years. Hayden said Mealing hasnt qualified for enough government funding to cover the cost of the mobility device. They gave him just a really small portion of what you need, she said. Now that Chuck is getting older, he can use the help. Mealing said he appreciates the efforts of the two women. It was kind of a surprise, he said. He has placed his order for a wheelchair-scooter combo and is thankful the community is coming together to help cover the cost. Its amazing to see all the people who want to help, he said. NACKA, Sweden, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fabege is the first real estate company to qualify for GCX. The fact that all investment properties are environmentally certified according to BREEAM In-Use and all new production is certified according to BREEAM-SE is the reason for the inclusion in the index. GCX comprises 50 international shares in companies that make pioneering contributions to tackling global challenges such as climate change, ensuring access to clean drinking water, deforestation, biodiversity, population development, poverty and global governance.The value of products and certificates based on the Global Challenges Index today amounts to over EUR 700 million, which is proof both of how interested the capital market is in truly sustainable investment opportunities and of the index's brilliant results. The initiative for the Global Challenges Index was taken in 2007 by Borsen AG, which operates the stock exchanges in Hamburg and Hanover. Other Swedish companies in GCX are Atlas Copco AB and BillerudKorsnas AB. "Certifications are a great tool for creating long-term sustainable project development and property management through clear management by objectives. Certifying a building is a team effort and I am therefore particularly pleased and proud that this work has garnered attention and recognition. As a plus, the result benefits our entire business, including the opportunity for green funding,"says Mia Haggstrom, Sustainability Manager at Fabege. Fabege AB (publ) For further information, please contact: Mia Haggstrom Head of Sustainability 08-555 148 54 mia.haggstrom@fabege.se This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/fabege/r/fabege-is-included-in-the-sustainability-index-global-challenges--gcx-,c3188463 The following files are available for download: New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Friday the release of prisoners on parole and furlough is not an absolute right and should be on the basis of well-defined norms of eligibility, and directed states that those involved in terrorism and other heinous crimes should not be allowed to go out of jails. In a communication to all States and Union Territories, the home ministry also said that parole and furlough may not be granted as a matter of routine and may be decided by a committee of officers and behavioural experts keeping in view all relevant factors, especially for inmates sentenced for sexual offences, serious crimes such as murder, child abduction and violence. The communication came following reports from different parts of the country that many of those released from jails due to the coronavirus pandemic were indulging in crimes. The video of a recent incident in Punjab where a girl bravely fought against two armed snatchers, who were also released from a prison recently, was widely circulated on the social media. Referring to the Model Prison Manual, 2016, the home ministry said prisoners whose immediate presence in the society may be considered dangerous or otherwise prejudicial to public peace and order by the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police should not be considered for release. Prisoners who are considered dangerous or have been involved in serious prison violence like assault, outbreak of riot, mutiny or escape, or who have been found to be instigating serious violation of prison discipline as per his or her annual good conduct report should not be eligible for release. Prisoners convicted for heinous offences such as dacoity, terrorist crimes, kidnapping for ransom, smuggling of commercial quantity of narcotic and psychotropic substances and such prisoners who in the opinion of the District Magistrate and the District Superintendent of Police may not report back to the prison after completion of the furlough period and should not be released. The home ministry said concerns have been expressed regarding recidivism, as in some cases prison inmates on temporary release from prison either on parole or furlough or on premature release before completion of their sentence, have re-offended or indulged in criminal activities. This underlines the need to carefully regulate the grant of parole, furlough, remission and premature release to prisoners, it said. It is, therefore, important for state authorities to review their guidelines to ensure that the facility and concession given to inmates, by way of parole, furlough and premature release, etc., with the intention of providing them relief and rehabilitation, is not abused and misused by them and their advantage does not turn into disadvantage and nuisance for the society at large. The home ministry suggested that following provisions may be included in the guidelines: i) Grant of parole and furlough to those offenders, whose release may have adverse impact on the security of the State or safety of individuals, may be strictly restricted. ii) Parole rules of States, including the criteria, duration and frequency may be reviewed after making an assessment based on their experience about the benefits and detriments of such parole. iii) Parole and furlough may not be granted as a matter of routine and may be decided by a committee of officers and behavioural experts, who may meet as per requirement, keeping in view all relevant factors, especially for inmates sentenced for sexual offences, serious crimes such as murder, child abduction and violence. iv) It may be useful to invariably include an expert psychologist criminologist, correctional administration expert as a member of the Sentence Review Board and in the committee which decides grant of parole and furlough to inmates and obtain their opinion before such temporary release. The home ministry also drew the attention of the States and UTs to some extracts of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as The Nelson Mandela Rules. In view of the above, the home ministry said, it is requested to review the existing practices and procedures governing grant of parole, furlough and premature release to inmates, especially in light of Model Prison Manual, 2016 and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) and the Apex Court etc. from time to time. It is also requested to include the above mentioned provisions in the protocols developed for the purpose as it is necessary to ensure careful and comprehensive examination of each such case." Further, in order to ensure that inmates released on parole, furlough and premature release etc. do not violate law, systems must be put in place for monitoring and follow up of each case. An action taken report may please be sent to MHA," the communication said. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor An unprecedented meeting of the Palestinian leadership took place Sept. 3 in a sign of a possible reconciliation and agreement on a national strategy. The local heads of Palestinian factions met in the Ramallah presidential headquarters with leaders residing abroad joining in by video conference from Beirut. President Mahmoud Abbas, who called for the meeting, arrived more powerful than he has been in years due to his steadfast opposition to unilateral Israeli and US plans, as well as the US-brokered normalization agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Fatah's Jibril Rajoub, who led the recent reconciliation efforts with Hamas, read out the final communique, which committed the assembled leaders to developing a unified national strategy for peaceful popular resistance and reconciliation. Committees focused on strategy, PLO rehabilitation and reconciliation were formed and given deadlines to present recommendations. Abbas who vowed to be supportive of all recommendations said that the results of this effort will be presented to the Palestine Central Committee within five weeks. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the PLOs executive committee who attended the meeting in Ramallah, told Al-Monitor that decisions made there are important but that their implementation requires political will. We need elections as the mechanism to cause change and to build a unifying democratic process. Such a process can provide opportunities for young and female Palestinians to reach decision-making positions and to tackle the dangers and challenges while carrying out a badly needed corrective effort. Meanwhile, Oraib Rantawi, director of the Al Quds Center for Political Studies, told Al-Monitor that the chances of a quick breakthrough are slim. There is a network of interests that will delay reconciliation. As to the ability to create and lead a robust peaceful resistance movement, this will require a lot of change. Fatah is weak and has become an administrative party, while Hamas is only concerned with the lifting of the siege. In the long term, however, there is hope in the young people and their movements, which are forcing their way to the surface. Ali Jarbawi, a former minister of planning and administrative development and currently a political science professor at Birzeit University in the West Bank, said that there isnt much faith in the current efforts to reach reconciliation. Peaceful popular resistance requires the ability to move people and to gain their trust, and this is not present and cant come by a decision. It requires people to trust their leadership and the viability of the national project. Anees Sweidan, head of Arab relations in the PLO, told Al-Monitor that Palestinians are facing an unprecedented attack from the United States and Israel with the unfortunate cooperation of some Arab states. However, he said, I am optimistic about a genuine breakthrough with the reconciliation effort if the current mood of putting aside personal ambitions and desires and fighting for Palestine is given priority. Khalil Jahshan, director of the Arab Center Washington DC, told Al-Monitor that as a Palestinian he finds the unity effort interesting and important, but as an analyst, he said he is skeptical. This is a significant step at this challenging time. I hope that it goes beyond the symbolic statement and can be translated into action that brings factions together to help the Palestinian people to meet the abnormal challenge that is caused by the declaration of war that the [Donald] Trump administration and Israels [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu has initiated against Palestinians and the Palestinian cause, he said. Jahshan said that he has a feeling of deja vu. The differences between the multiple factions is so wide that it is difficult to reconcile that Fatah is unable to share power and the opposition is unable to govern. [This is a] serious dilemma and I am not sure that these meetings will motivate the leadership to change. And here change is significant deep change of mindset and philosophy and the way they act." He stressed that the leaders "cant continue to play according to the old rules" and questioned whether they would be willing to "pay the price" of change, "which might include people leaving the scene." "They need to [stop operating] as factions and create parties," he concluded. Jamal Dajani, a former spokesman of the Palestinian Prime Ministry, told Al-Monitor that the meeting offered hope that the internal Palestinian division could end. The road to unity is long and will take more than five weeks. I hope I am wrong and a strong strategy will be reached, because Palestinians inside and outside are in sore need of unified leadership. Palestinians abroad also expressed cautious hope. Dima Khatib, a journalist active in the Latin American Palestinian diaspora, told Al-Monitor that the meeting is an opportunity that must be seized. While I dont believe in the present leadership, I realize that the UAE normalization [deal] has awakened us all to agree together on what we need and how we want to get there," said Khatib. The journalist, who was critical that very few women and youth were present in the meeting, called for worldwide elections of the Palestine National Council so as to directly involve Palestinians in the diaspora. Khatib said, We need new leadership blood especially women and young people and we need a clear vision, strategy and a mechanism to accomplish it. There are lots of talented Palestinians in all areas and we need to find a way to engage all of them." With more than half of the 900 plus junior doctors deployed in Covid First Line Treatment Centres (CFLTC) in Kerala yet to receive their monthly salary, they have threatened to resign from their duty from September 10. The doctors have sent notice along with resignation letters to the government. The doctors were appointed in Covid centres for a period of three months, in the wake of a spike in cases of Covid 19 in the state. When asked about the junior doctors decision to submit resignation letters due to nonpayment of salaries and salary cut, the chief minister said;``they may be doing it for their personal interests. To another question whether the government will reconsider the salary cut, the chief minister replied in the negative. The directorate of health services included the junior doctors in the government's salary challenge campaign under which six days' salary has to be contributed to the chief minister's distress relief fund every month. A section of junior doctors claimed that only 400 odd doctors had received salary so far and that too after facing salary challenge cut and tax deduction. "Some of us who received the salary faced a cut of Rs 8200 on account of salary challenge. And after tax deduction what we got in hand was just Rs 27,000," said a doctor posted in a CFLTC in Ernakulam district. The mistreatment of junior doctors comes at a time when Covid - 19 situation in the state is getting worse by the day. According to the government's own estimates the state might witness a daily spike of 10,000 to 15,000 cases during September and early October. The junior doctors are working under extreme pressure. In many CFLTCs more than 100 patients are being managed by just two doctors. Many work continuously for 12 to 16 hours a day, said a doctor in Alappuzha district. Even the one week leave that was promised after 10 days continuous duty is not being given at many places. There have been instances of doctors being recalled after two days of leave. With the rise in patients the workload of the doctors too has increased. Apart from the regular monitoring and treatment of patients, they have to do swab collection of asymptomatic patients and even discharge external duties like random testing among communities. The junior doctors are demanding that they be treated on par with doctors deployed by NHM. Doctors deputed from NHM for CFLTC duties are being paid Rs 52,000 including 20 per cent risk allowance and insurance coverage, said a doctor. 1553 cases of Covid 19 reported in Kerala on Thursday. Kerala on Thursday recorded 1553 cases of Covid-19 even as 1950 persons were cured of the disease. Of the new cases, 1391 contracted the disease through contact, the source of 156 persons is yet to be ascertained, 40 health workers are also infected. The state recorded 10 deaths on Thursday. At a press conference here Chief Minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan said that the increase of cases anticipated by the government has not happened so far. However, the next two weeks would be crucial, he said. During Onam festival there was a huge rush of people in markets and public places. Many restrictions were lifted keeping in view the need to allow social life to move smoothly. However, its impact will be known only after 14 days. "We need to be prepared for a possible surge in cases," he said and added that the slight fall in cases was because of less number of testing in the state, the chief minister added. Philadelphia has logged its first case of West Nile virus in a person for 2020, and officials are asking residents to take precautions to help control illness-spreading mosquitoes. The citys health department did not identify the person or the degree of illness. Meanwhile, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced it had found West Nile virus in mosquito populations in 16 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties. That includes all counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We all have a role in preventing the spread of West Nile virus, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said in a statement. Farley said residents should not only wear mosquito repellent, but also dump any standing water, such as what collects in containers, around their homes. Effective repellents include DEET, Picardin, oil of eucalyptus, or PMD. Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus, and though most infected people dont get sick, one in five comes down with fever and other flu-like symptoms. And one in 150 people infected will develop a severe case that causes inflammation of the brain or spine and can be fatal. People over age 50 are most susceptible. This year hasnt seen a high number of cases in the state. Since 2001, the annual number of severe cases in the city has ranged from zero to 24. The last peak season was 2018. Residents are encouraged to report mosquito problems to the health department by calling 215-685-9000, which may trigger an inspection and possible treatment. The city Health Departments Vector Control Services program treats more than 50,000 storm drain inlets with larvicide to help control breeding, but residents have the most power in stopping mosquitoes. Heres how: Pompeo Raises U.S. Concern About Chinese Investment In Ukraine In Call With Zelenskiy By RFE/RL August 30, 2020 U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about U.S. concerns over China's attempt to purchase a Ukrainian engine manufacturer, the State Department said on August 29. Pompeo raised concerns over "malign" Chinese investment in Ukraine, including Beijing's efforts to acquire the Motor Sich engine manufacturer, in a telephone call on August 26 with Zelenskiy, spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. The United States has previously lobbied against the possible sale of the strategic company and its advanced technology to China. The outgoing U.S. ambassador to Ukraine said late last year that there were U.S. companies studying the possible purchase of Motor Sich, one of the world's top makers of aircraft engines for the defense industry. "There are some serious American and other companies interested in Motor Sich," William Taylor said in an interview on December 26, 2019 with Ukrainian media outlets prior to leaving his post on January 2. He did not disclose the names of the American companies. Motor Sich is privately owned by its chief executive, Vyacheslav Bohuslayev. He reportedly has agreed to sell the bulk of his shares to Chinese companies, but the deal has yet to receive Ukrainian government approval. Ortagus said Pompeo and Zelenskiy also discussed the situation in Belarus, Ukraine's efforts to combat COVID-19, attempts to reach a diplomatic resolution to Russia's aggression in eastern Ukraine, and the restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty in Crimea. Pompeo also congratulated Ukraine on the country's Independence Day on August 24 and emphasized that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people "in order to advance the rule of law, foster economic growth, attract foreign investment, and eliminate endemic corruption that constrains Ukraine's potential." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/30811085.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 Where are the voices calling for economic stimulus in industries that employ women? The boofy boys can get into roads, railways and housing women have different employment needs and skills, of equal importance in getting our economy moving. Alexandra Sharp, Wagstaffe Border closures a divisive issue Annastacia Palaszczuk is out of control. Her treatment of border citizens is abominable and unnecessary. While she remains Premier, NSW should never co-operate on any essential service in Queensland's favour. Australia's borders are a national absurdity that must go. The so-called federation is proving to be a dysfunctional anachronism. The states must be dissolved as quickly as a workable national alternative can be devised. Alynn Pratt, Killara A lot of bluster from Coalition governments about Queensland's border closures. The argument is that borders should be open to ensure a speedy economic recovery. Like many things related to COVID-19 and the Coalition, we are not told the whole story. Have Queensland border closures cut off all interstate freight? Have trucks and trains been turned back at the border? I think not. It is this interstate freight that will lift us out of recession. Yet another example of misdirection by Berejiklian and Morrison, who have the gall to claim that Palaszczuk is playing politics. Ian Caddy, Cheltenham The Palaszczuk border rules confuse me. They are supposedly designed to protect the health of fellow Queenslanders yet AFL players and families are exempt. Michele Thomas, Mollymook Beach Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: I'm sure Daniel Andrews hasn't got everything right. Who has? But the likes of Tony Abbott, Josh Frydenberg and Scott Morrison attacking him without facing difficult daily health decisions themselves, seems less than brave. Charles Kent, Hunters Hill Morrison pounds the proverbial desk demanding states open up borders as we are a federation and all in this together. Meanwhile, the very same person limits the numbers of Australians able to enter their country, effectively locking them out of the country. You can't have it both ways Prime Minister; either open up our national border to Australians wanting to come home or stop criticising states about their border policies. David Sargeant, Jannali Fun in masks In the 16th century a beaked raven mask was worn by doctors as protection from the Black Death, which killed hundreds of thousands (Letters, September 4). This mask became the most popular style at the Carnival of Venice, still seen today. During the current pandemic, fantastical masks could protect us from droplets when we celebrate New Year's Eve, graduation or school end-of-year celebrations. Rosalind Ward, Balmain Some ticket inspectors do not wear face masks because it is not compulsory. Can the Premier announce what the tracing methods will be when one of the inspectors tests positive for COVID-19? Greg Nelson, McMahons Point Out with a bang Seriously folks, you're all party poopers! I, for one, cannot wait to see the back of 2020 and want to see it gone with a bang. Lady Gaga-style face masks, hand sanitiser and social distancing compulsory and NYE done (Letters, September 4). Alice Khatchigian, Ermington Walk on by As an invisible oldie it's easy for me to identify locals here in the Highlands on weekends. We're the ones on the outer edges of the footpath or side-stepping into the gutter to avoid the serried ranks of unmasked city hipsters displaying their impressive insouciance in the face of this virus. David Baird, Burradoo The buck stops with our teachers Oh, Tracey Schreier, as a former teacher and later a senior education officer at State Office in the NSW Department of Education, I feel your pain (''Deciphering teachers' role is proving difficult'', September 4). I, too, am a survivor of bureaucracy at its worst. Far too often the purpose of providing an education, the role of the teacher and the needs of children are lost in the jargon of so-called "experts". Teachers, their knowledge and experiences, are key to this inquiry. Elizabeth Starr, Abbotsford Teachers obviously don't have enough to do. The current Geoff Gallup-headed inquiry Schreier refers to will undoubtedly come up with suggestions and new programs. Thank goodness. Exciting new trends, new syllabi, different ways of measuring, testing and being accountable. Those at the coalface will be asked to take it all on cheerfully without missing a beat in their current workloads. Just as well they've got time on their hands. Steve Fortey, Avoca Beach I finished teachers' college in 1965 and started as a manual arts teacher. Before long, the curriculum changed and I became a technics teacher. A few years later my title was changed to industrial arts teacher. I retired some years ago as a teacher of technology. The subjects remained pretty much the same, the names were changed to protect the innocent. Don Leayr, Albury Empty promises Our blameless PM has become the master of the empty promise. Despite almost a billion pledged to bushfire victims and the arts, he has delivered virtually nothing. Now he tells us there has been $1.5 billion in federal COVID funding into aged care ("Morrison defends Aged Care Minister", September 4). This despite consistent criticism from within his own ranks over neglect in this vulnerable sector and a Senate censure of the dithering Minister and the mounting death toll which neither he, nor the PM, seem capable of dealing with. Phil Bradshaw, Naremburn My 93-year-old mother-in-law resides in a high-quality nursing home and receives excellent, professional care from dedicated staff to whom we are truly thankful for a job more than well done (Letters, September 4). They had an action plan for a COVID-style event months before it became a reality. Tragically, it seems the level of service is directly related to how much people can afford to pay. Roger Johnson, New Lambton Heights Love matters most Thank you, Kirstie Bedford, for sharing the sad story of being unable to be with your father when he died (''I watched Dad die on a video call'', September 4). Terry Keith Davis knew that he had a daughter who loved him. Nothing matters more than that. Mark Porter, New Lambton Right to incite Arrests for "incitement" are hardly new, Brendan Manning (Letters, September 4). In the early 70s it was common for literally hundreds of participants in anti-conscription protests to be arrested and charged for suggesting voteless young men might refuse to register for what was quaintly called "national service" in Vietnam. But then, many of these inciters were spoilt Baby Boomers, so their principled actions are now by definition invisible. And anyway, Dan was probably to blame. Sandy Thomas, Lilyfield Good track record I share Steve Dillon's views on our Premier belittling our manufacturing industries (Letters, September 4). Long before your time, Premier, we had our own Tulloch's at Rhodes that manufactured train carriages and I well remember as a child passing the huge factory on my trips to the city on a reliable train network. OK, they manufactured the old red rattlers, no air-conditioning, no heating or automatic doors and not much comfort seating, but they were made in our own backyard, we could rely on them not to break down and they ran on time. Premier, instead of talking down our industries you should be encouraging more enterprise and investors in our once great manufacturing history. In yours and previous government's estimation, it's cheaper to buy from overseas than keep Australians in employment. Look where it got us. Llieda Wild, Eastwood The Premier stated that "We are not very good at making trains in NSW". That is nonsense. We have built excellent trains for more than 100 years, dating back to the days of steam. Locomotives (steam and diesel), rolling stock and multiple unit trains (diesel and electric) have been successfully built in this state. The problem is cost. Andrew Constance says that having trains built in NSW would add 25 per cent to the cost. Against that it must be remembered that workers building trains in NSW would be paying tax and spending their earnings largely in NSW. Has anyone done a detailed study on how these various factors affect the ultimate economic outcome? Alan Templeman, Wyoming Zero climate sense Who would have thought that England's Tories are more progressive on climate change than our own Liberal right-wingers (''Tory climate laws inspired NSW Premier'', September 4)? Leave it to former British prime minister Theresa May to point out that even Margaret Thatcher embraced action on climate change. While the Morrison government rejects Britain's support of net zero emissions by 2050, May says such targets "focus people's minds and direct effort from a wide range of interests". Our recent clear skies during the pandemic are an indicator that we can make real strides towards a healthier planet if only the Morrison administration will follow the stellar footsteps of Britain and support the 2050 target by investing in clean energy strategies that shift employment into healthier technologies. Larry Woldenberg, Forest Lodge Money bags The relatively trivial $70 fine and loss of the $26,000 paid for a confiscated imported handbag pales against what's suggested about the values and mindset of someone who throws that type of money at any handbag ("Alligator bag worth $26,000 destroyed over unpaid $70 import permit", September 4). During a pandemic and economic crisis no less. Silliness bagged. Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville "More money than sense", as my mother used to say, and no idea of ethical fashion choices. So much for COVID-19 potentially delivering an excess-less life. Lyn Langtry, East Ryde "I can get no remedy against this consumption of the purse" - Henry IV Pt 2: Act 1, Scene 2. Adrian Connelly, Springwood Man in the muzzle It's getting to the stage where US President Donald Trump needs to wear not a mask, but a muzzle in public, to prevent him coming out with stupid statements ("Trump suggests people vote twice. That's illegal, September 4). Joan Brown, Orange There is one thing I finally agree upon with Trump: the upcoming presidential election is likely to be rigged. By him, in every which way known to man. Gary Wulff, North Wahroonga Postscript Donald Trump's strategy to make America hate again; Tony Abbott's unsurprising decision not to heed science; and the travesty of aged care just some of the subjects letter writers focused on this week. Not to mention the never-ending loop of COVID-related topics: the disappointment at proposed tax changes as a recession panacea; not wanting to mandate masks; and the possible explosive mix of coronavirus and fireworks. As the border conflict grew, so did the criticism of the Queensland Premier. Craig Forbes of Lewisham reflected the views of many in suggesting she "should win this week's bloody-minded pandemic parochialism award". Frustration at the politicisation of the pandemic was also on the up. "Our state government dithers about wearing masks on public transport. Our federal government is determined to blame the states for any problem ... they fight for their political factions and not for the country," Manuela Epstein of Pyrmont said. Richard Watts of North Bondi wrote to remind us that like the Spanish flu, COVID-19 will be with us for some time. He stressed the blame is biological not political, and "attacks by the Morrison government on the Andrews government and calls to open the economy fail to learn the lessons of the past". This is a long game, and we need to hasten more slowly to ensure the lasting impact of pandemic is not drawn out, he wrote. Meanwhile, Stewart Copper of Maroubra is finding the variety of subjects covered by letter writers a diversion from the everyday. "There's no doubt about it, the SMH is better than any novel," he writes. "Who needs to go to the library." Keep reading, and keep writing. Pat Stringa, letters editor The official slogan of the Donald Trump-Mike Pence campaign of 2020 is: Promises Made, Promises Kept. But anyone who watched the Republican National Convention would think the campaigns real message is: Victims Are Us. These days, those on the right make up the party of the wronged. If you think the world has treated you unfairly or your fellow Americans have been unkind, this is the club for you. If you agree with the Trump Justice Department under Attorney General William Barr that white people are being systematically discriminated against and kept out of Yale University in much the same way that James Meredith was barred from the University of Mississippi in the early 1960s for being Black, be sure to register as a Republican. Simply put, if your favorite beverage is whine, the new (but not necessarily improved) GOP is where you belong. Just listen to the folks on the presidential ticket. Your vote will decide whether we protect law-abiding Americans or whether we give free rein to violent anarchists, agitators and criminals who threaten our citizens, said President Donald Trump in accepting his partys nomination. And this election will decide whether we will defend the American way of life, or whether we allow a radical movement to completely dismantle and destroy it. In his acceptance speech, Vice President Mike Pence praised his boss for withstanding unrelenting attacks from critics. He also sounded the alarm over Democratic nominee Joe Biden who, Pence claimed, supports open borders, sanctuary cities, and free lawyers and health care for illegal immigrants. Anyone who wants America to remain America must vote Republican, said the vice president. Other convention speakers also hit on the victimhood theme. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley fretted over civil unrest and warned of the dangers of political correctness and cancel culture. And U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., lamented that Americans are bombarded with racially, economically and culturally polarizing news and warned that Democrats would create a socialist utopia full of pain and misery. I didnt appreciate them in their day, but I miss the old Grand Old Party. Republicans used to stand tall and didnt waste time complaining about how they got a raw deal. They just did what needed to be done. Im not even talking about President Dwight Eisenhower, who, in 1957, gave Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus a Democrat a civics lesson on the supremacy of the federal government when he dispatched to Little Rock regular Army soldiers with the 101st Airborne to forcibly integrate Central High School. Id settle for the Republicans who came after Ike those of the World War II generation. They survived the Spanish flu, withstood the Great Depression, and went off to Europe and the Pacific to defeat fascism and preserve democracy all without fussing, complaining, hiring a lawyer or feeling sorry for themselves. They stood tall because they stood for causes larger than themselves. In 1980, it was not uncommon to hear Republicans who rallied around President Ronald Reagan argue that people should stop complaining about their disadvantages and making excuses for their misbehavior. Instead, Republicans said back then, the poor should pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Today, judging from the convention speeches, the party of Donald Trump thinks Americans are being victimized by China, mob violence, trade deals, affirmative action, political correctness, media bias, the so-called deep state and just about everything under the sun. Members of this latest generation of conservatives who back Trump largely Generation Xers born in the 1960s and 1970s spend most of their time in the fetal position. They never stop talking or tweeting about how bad they have it, and how unfair the world has been to them and their kind. The white males among them are condemned to spend their days believing that their lives might have been brighter if they hadnt because of racial preferences been rejected by Stanford to make room for a wise Latina. To be sure, the Democratic Party also has its fair share of this pathetic and defeatist cohort. Those folks usually wind up joining labor unions. But, in 2020, it is Republicans who are making the most serious pitch for anyone who sees himself, or herself, as a victim. Politics is about storytelling. The best narratives inspire people to conquer the world. Unfortunately, at the moment, the only story that Republicans want to tell is one where the world is out to get you. ruben@rubennavarrette.com MEXICO CITY: As Mexico struggles to pay a water debt to the United States, President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador said Thursday he might personally appeal to President Donald Trump for clemency, or invite United Nations experts to audit water payments. Mexico has fallen behind in the amount of water it must send north from its dams under a 1944 treaty, and time is running out to make up the shortfall by the Oct. 24 deadline. But farmers in the northern state of Chihuahua want the water for their own crops. The water treaty has become a burning political issue in northern Mexico, with conspiracy theories and violent protests springing up. Lpez Obrador has advocated paying the debt, noting that Mexico receives four times more water under the treaty from the Colorado River than it contributes in the Rio Grande area. He claims Mexico has enough water in dams to supply local farmers and repay the debt, which built up over a number of years. I am asking people to help us and trust us, Lpez Obrador said. If there is a problem of a lack of water, I will go to Chihuahua immediately and speak to the U.S. president and seek, as I have done in other cases, understanding of our situation. Given that conspiracy theories have sprung up in Chihuahua that the United States may have overstated it water payments, or paid with infrastructure improvements instead of water, Lpez Obrador said he would be open to a review by outside experts. On whether the accounting is bad and whether we are in agreement with the U.N. verifying whether things are being done correctly, of course we are willing to accept that, but we do not want these to be dilatory practices, legal maneuvers that would delay us fulfilling our commitement, Lpez Obrador said. The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, the bilateral body that oversees treaty issues, said it has not received any proposals from our Mexican counterparts to have the UN come in to audit water deliveries. Under the 1944 treaty, Mexico owes the United States almost 345,600 acre-feet (426 million cubic meters) this year that must be paid by Oct. 24. Payment is made by releasing water from dams in Mexico. Mexico has fallen badly behind in payments from previous years and now has to quickly catch up on water transfers. In mid-July, the U.S. Commissioner of the water commission, Jayne Harkins, said of the International Boundary and Water Commission, said they need to increase their water releases to the United States immediately, adding Mexico has failed to implement releases promised earlier and continuing to delay increases the risk of Mexico failing to meet its delivery obligation. The issue is a difficult one for Lpez Obrador, who said he fears the U.S. government could impose tariffs on Mexican products or close borders in retaliation. Imagine that, for failing to comply, they close the border on us, the president said. A danger lies also in the series of angry protests the issue has sparked. In late July, demonstrators in Chihuahua burned several government vehicles, blocked railway tracks and set afire a government office and highway tollbooths to protest the release of water from local dams to pay the U.S. Lpez Obrador has said the protests are being fanned by opposition politicians for their own motives. The expansion of water-hungry crops has meant that Mexico has used 71% of the northward-flowing Conchos River, while under the treaty it should use only 62% of the water, letting the rest of it flow into the Rio Bravo, also known as the Rio Grande, on the border. In the past, Mexico has delayed payments, hoping that periodic tropical storms from the Gulf would create occasional windfalls of water. But while Hanna made landfall in Texas in July, the storms rains did not reach far enough inland to fill dams in Chihuahua. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor By PTI UNITED NATIONS: India has thanked members of the UN Security Council who thwarted Pakistan's bid to get two Indian nationals listed as terrorists by the world body's sanctions committee as well as Islamabad's "blatant attempt" to politicise the UN procedure on terrorism. Pakistan had submitted the names of Angara Appaji and Gobinda Patnaik for designation under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. However, Pakistan's attempt was thwarted on Wednesday as the US, the UK, France, Germany and Belgium blocked the move in the Council to list Appaji and Patnaik. Sources said no evidence was given by Pakistan in its case to get the individuals listed. Similarly, an earlier attempt by Pakistan to list Ajoy Mistry and Venumadhav Dongara was blocked by the Council around June/July. "Pakistan's blatant attempt to politicise 1267 special procedure on terrorism by giving it a religious colour, has been thwarted by UN Security Council. We thank all those Council members who have blocked Pakistan's designs," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted on Wednesday. Last month, India had laid bare a lie by Pakistan about Indian nationals in the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions List of the UN Security Council. In response to the remark by Pakistan that it submitted names of the four Indians to be proscribed under the Sanctions List, India had said the Sanctions List is "public and the world can see none of these individuals are in it. The 1267 Committee works on the basis of evidence and not random accusations thrown in to divert their time and attention". By Mike Judge. Sep 3, 2020 Some Veterans in politics and media have taken it upon themselves to rescue Americans from the "dangers" of firearms, specifically the AR-15. Their contention is that these are "weapons of war" and therefore unfit for civilian use. Pat Ryan, an Iraq War veteran who had run for Congress in New York's 19th district, ran a campaign ad in 2018 expressing his desire to "get rid of assault rifles." In the wake of the Orlando shooting, Congressman Seth Moulton, a former Marine officer, stated on Twitter that "I know assault rifles. I carried one in Iraq. They have no place on America's streets." As a Marine trained on the use of numerous military-grade weapons, Seth and others should know better. The original definition of "assault rifle" from a 1970 Army Field Manual (FSTC-CW-07-03-70) has been re-purposed by the anti-gun movement to nebulously define firearms they believe civilians should not own. One of the four requirements for the field manual's definition of an assault rifle is a "select-fire" option (i.e. you can toggle settings between single shot and fully automatic or burst). The fact that the AR-15 currently sold to civilians in America only has a single fire option means it does not meet their definition of an assault rifle. And, just in case anyone's wondering, the "AR" in AR-15 stands for "Armalite Rifle" not "Assault Rifle." But details like these don't matter to the gun control lobby, and the issue with these anti-gun veterans is that they believe they know better than the rest of us. They tout their combat experience with these "weapons of war," demanding that we trust their message and heed their warning. ..... BRISTOL, Tenn. Three more residents at Christian Care Center of Bristol have died after contracting COVID-19, bumping the facilitys total number of virus-related resident deaths to 10. The increase is based on the latest data posted on the Tennessee Department of Healths website. Jennifer Skaggs, Christian Cares director, said Wednesday that the Bristol-area nursing home remains 100% COVID-19 free at this time. About two weeks ago, on Aug. 17, the nursing home reported seven resident deaths linked to the novel respiratory illness. The facility also reported no active cases of the virus among residents and staff that day. Sarah Dickenson, a public information officer and social media coordinator for the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, said that since Aug. 17, there had been just one new positive case at Christian Care, but that person recovered. She didnt say whether the person was a resident or employee. Asked why the fatalities had increased more than the positive case count, Skaggs said it was because three residents died after technically recovering from COVID-19. Those residents ended up passing away at later dates from other pre-existing and other health-related comorbidities, Skaggs said Wednesday. Since the residents previously had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the state medical examiner requires that they count the deaths as [related to] COVID-19, Skaggs said. In separate emails on Wednesday, Dickenson said that the Sullivan County Regional Health Department received confirmation of those three deaths before Aug. 17 but had to wait for the state to confirm them. The state [medical examiner] must confirm all TN COVID-19 deaths, Dickenson said by email Wednesday. This is not because we were unaware of the cases confirming cause of death just takes time, so it is likely these patients had succumbed to their illness days if not weeks before being counted [among the facilitys COVID-19 fatalities], she said. Christian Care has had at least 109 positive cases of the disease among residents and staff, and state data ranks its outbreak as the fifth worst among long-term care facilities in Tennessee. In its Aug. 17 report, the nursing home stated that 75 residents and 34 employees, 108 people in total, contracted the virus. Christian Care is far from the only nursing home to suffer an outbreak of COVID-19. According to the most recent state data, across Northeast Tennessee alone, 20 nursing homes have had two or more cases of the virus among their employees and residents. Those facilities have had 718 positive cases and 48 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. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: As Delhi reported over 2,000 Covid-19 infections for three consecutive days, Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said it cannot be termed a second wave of coronavirus as cases are not rising after touching zero. You cannot say it is a second wave. We could have called it a second wave if there were no positive cases for one or two months and then cases would have started coming again. The virus is still there in Delhi. You should not stress about numbers, he said. He said the Delhi government wants to ensure there is no positive case in the city and is therefore increasing the daily testing for Covid-19. After a brief lull, Delhi has seen a spurt in the number of Covid-19 cases over the last few days. On Thursday, Delhi recorded 2,737 Covid-19 cases, its highest single-day spike in 67 days, taking the infection tally to over 1.82 lakh, while the death toll mounted to 4,500. This is the third successive day in which over 2,000 new cases have been reported 2,509 cases were reported on Wednesday and 2,312 cases on Tuesday. Jain said Delhis case fatality ratio was 0.75 per cent as on Wednesday, which is a good sign. The case fatality ratio is ratio of number of deaths and total number of cases. Overall, it is 2.5 per cent. Yesterday, it was less than one per cent, which is a good sign. At one time, it was 3.5 per cent, he added. We are increasing (the number of) tests. We are emphasising on testing and working aggressively on it. Yesterday, the number was around 30,000 and today it will be around 35,000. If a case is isolated at home or hospital, it wont be able to infect others. We want that not one positive case should be there, he said. Jain said anybody can get tested at Delhi government dispensaries or hospitals for free. Last week, CM Arvind Kejriwal had announced that his government will double daily COVID-19 tests from 20,000 to 40,000. On Wednesday, a total of 28,835 tests were conducted, the maximum since March. ALSO WATCH: Boost Online Event Revenue With Add-Ons Shipped Directly To Attendees One of the major downsides to live streamed events has been the loss of revenue from merch sales. Here, we look at how shipping add-ons like kits or t-shirts to virtual attendees can actually help to boost revenue. Guest post by Rudi Greenberg of Eventbrite When Britteny Floyd-Mayo, aka Trap Yoga Bae, hosts one of her high-energy vinyasa flow yoga classes at venues across the country, she sticks around after to chat with attendees and sell branded t-shirts and tote bags. Merchandise makes up a key part of her revenue she typically makes $1,400 in merch sales for a 350-person event so when Floyd-Mayo decided to produce her first virtual Trap Yoga Bae experience using Eventbrite in June, she didnt want to lose out on a key segment of her business. Much like her pivot to online events, she changed her merch approach, leveraging Eventbrites add-ons feature (available to Professional and Premium organizers) to sell three different t-shirt designs to attendees as they purchased tickets. Floyd-Mayo drew about 350 attendees to the Zoom event just like a normal in-person event and sold nearly $1,000 worth of playful, branded shirts. That may seem like a loss on paper, but without the overhead of traveling and staying in a hotel (along with other in-person expenses) she actually came out on top. The overhead was something like 8% of what it would have been, Floyd-Mayo says. It did more than balance out it tipped the scales super favorably. For people who buy things that they cant see or touch, I was happy. The Oakland-based wellness mogul was so pleased with the results that its changing her overall outlook on her events moving forward. That first virtual event went really well, she says. Honestly, I was like, Im never doing a live event again this is so awesome! Add-ons provide a physical connection and more revenue As events have moved online in the wake of COVID-19, Floyd-Mayo was able to tap into an element thats often missing from the virtual experience: something tactical, something people can hold onto and remember the event by. Physical merch, DIY kits, and products shipped to attendees homes have increasingly become a successful way for online event creators to expand their reach (and revenue) for virtual events. If you cant bring people together in-person, you might as well bring the event to them by sending something to their door. That idea was a driving force behind Vegas Beverage Groups shift to online beer festivals. Under the companys Rock Star Beer Festivals brand, the group had been hosting beer and music festivals nearly every weekend, drawing an average of 1,000 attendees to each event in a variety of US cities. Now, the company has pivoted to a new model, hosting regionally-focused online beer festivals on YouTube and working with a distribution company to ship 10 featured beers (and swag) directly to attendees, or partnering with a local brewery for in-person pickup. Ticket types offer maximum flexibility Using Eventbrites ticket types feature (available with the Professional and Premium packages), the company is seamlessly able to offer shipping or pickup options for attendees in localities that allow it, such as Denver, Boise, ID, and throughout California. The biggest struggle was how to pull this off operationally, says Ryan Wieczorek, Vegas Beverage Groups director of sales and marketing. Weve been doing in-person events for so long. To take it to a level where people enjoy it from their living room, and were able to get products delivered to their house, took a lot of digging and finding out the rules. Now they work with one point of distribution, which does the literal heavy lifting, directly ordering beers and shipping them out to customers. We can go over there and teach them how to do the shipping and packaging we have to be able to train their staff to package properly, Wieczorek says. Grow your audience with at-home delivery Though Wieczorek says overhead has increased a combination of shipping costs and production costs for each festivals YouTube videos that feature guided beer tastings, musical performances, and trivia delivery has allowed the company to reach a new customer base. Theyre averaging about 2,500 attendees for each festival, a 150% increase from in-person. Its cool because now youve got a whole new audience thats coming to you, along with your existing clientele, Wieczorek says. It gives more opportunity for growth and more options for more people to be at our events. Add-ons help level up your online events Both Floyd-Mayo and Wieczorek think theres a future for online events even when in-person events inevitably return and these physical add-ons make virtual events more sustainable for creators and more attractive to attendees. As long as theres demand for it, were definitely going to keep doing it, Wieczorek says. Even when things do reopen some people may not want to expose themselves. I also think we created a new pathway. Before, virtual events were somewhat unheard of, but now it could be something that stays with us. Engage your audience in their civic duty with HeadCount Creators can also use add-ons and ticket types to engage attendees in the civic process leading up to Novembers presidential election. Thanks to Eventbrites partnership with HeadCount, a non-partisan organization that registers people to vote at events, organizers can add Register to Vote with HeadCount as a free ticket type helping eligible attendees register to vote when buying tickets to their events. Add-ons can help streamline in-person events Floyd-Mayo was half-joking when she said shes never doing an in-person event again, but she does plan to continue using the add-ons feature for both types of events. I love it, she says of add-ons. Now, when we have other events, we can just copy it. I set it up one time and dont have to do it again. Its a huge selling point. She also anticipates using add-ons to pre-sell merch for in-person events, setting up one line after her class for people to pick up their orders, another for on-the-spot purchases. That way we can have that stuff prepared, Floyd-Mayo says. I didnt like bringing merch on tour because you would sell out of some sizes. Now we can have that made for them and brought with us. She also understands what add-ons bring to her bottom line. Its a nice way to maximize revenue, Floyd-Mayo says. It is nine times easier to upsell to someone than to get someone else to purchase a ticket to my class at $25, and a shirt is $25. I am more likely to make that $50 sell to one person than to get two new people to [buy a ticket]. Once people open up their wallet, especially when you can do add-on upsells and incremental buys, then youre winning. Include add-ons with your next event! Rudi Greenberg is a content editor at Eventbrite with a passion for covering music, comedy, and events. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Relix magazine, U.S. News & World Report, and DCist. Share on: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) The lawyer for Joseph Scott Pemberton on Friday asked a local court to dismiss the petition that seeks to delay the release of the United States Marine convicted of killing Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude. Atty. Rowena Garcia Flores filed before the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 her reply to the motion for reconsideration brought by the counsel of the Laude family. Atty. Virginia Suarez wrote the appeal to reconsider the court's decision to allow the early release of Pemberton based on good conduct. Pemberton's camp argued that the motion for reconsideration lacks merit as there is no explanation and proof why the release order should not be carried out. It said the Laude camp merely speculated that the American soldier may not have shown exemplary behavior while in detention, instead of providing proof that he misbehaved while he was locked up. Presiding Judge Roline Ginez Jabalde issued an order on Sept. 1 for the early release of Pemberton, giving him more than four years worth of good conduct time allowance (GCTA) a privilege given to detainees who exhibit exemplary behavior in prison. The lawyer said the GCTA law is applicable in the case of Pemberton as it does not make any exceptions based on nationality or whether they are locked up in a special facility, as in the case of the American trooper who is protected by the Visiting Forces Agreement. Flores also pointed out that Pemberton was convicted of homicide, which is not considered a heinous crime making him eligible for early release. "To treat Pemberton differently from the around 20,000 inmates who have benefited from the GCTA Law since 2013... to justify different treatment is tantamount to asking the Honorable Court to disregard the constitutional guarantee of equal protection of laws," Flores wrote. Flores also insisted Suarez has "no legal personality" to question the court order, saying only the public prosecutor at the Regional Trial Court or the Solicitor General can file such motions. Pemberton remains in detention in Camp Aguinaldo after the Department of Justice on Thursday ordered the Bureau of Corrections to await resolution on the appeal before processing his release. A former Spanish minister was quizzed Thursday by an Argentinian judge investigating his alleged role in 12 deaths during Spains transition to democracy after dictator Francisco Franco died in 1975. In a five-hour video conference session at Argentinas embassy in Madrid, Rodolfo Martin Villa, 85, who served as interior minister in the late 1970s, answered questions from investigating magistrate Maria Servini in Buenos Aires. Servini is investigating the deaths of 12 people who were shot dead by police and ultra-rightwing groups at a time when Spain was beset by attacks by groups on both political extremes as it struggled towards democracy. Martin Villa has protested his innocence. Servini opened her investigation in 2010 into allegations of human rights violations and genocide in Spain during the Franco regime and the turbulent years that followed. The investigation is part of a lawsuit filed by associations representing families of victims killed during the 1939-1975 dictatorship, crimes which cannot generally be tried in Spain due to a 1977 amnesty law. She based her probe on the principle of universal jurisdiction which allows judges to try serious rights abuses committed in other countries. Five of the victims were shot dead by police as they raided a church where protesting workers were sheltering in the northern city of Vitoria in 1976 when he was minister for trade union relations. He also faced questioning over the deaths of seven other people in Madrid and the northern Navarre region at the hands of state security forces when he was interior minister between 1976 and 1979. Martin Villa has said he was willing to cooperate with the probe to prove his innocence. To back his case he submitted letters of support from veteran politicians and union leaders, including Spains last four prime ministers. All of them insisted he always acted with a total commitment to defend the rule of law and reform state security forces, his defence team said in a statement to AFP. The judge now has 10 days to decide whether to charge him and request his extradition. The complaint is a decade old. If Villa is prosecuted, it would be a historic event, Julieta Bandirali, the lawyer in charge of the case in Argentina, told AFP. Deputy prime minister Pablo Iglesias, who heads the radical leftwing Podemos and has often criticised the silence over crimes committed during that period, also hailed the hearing. Today a historic step is being taken in Argentina towards justice and against impunity. Rodolfo Martin Villa will answer for crimes against humanity, he tweeted. The magistrate had tried to have Martin Villa extradited in 2014, but the Spanish authorities refused. In Buenos Aires, Eduardo Fachal, lawyer for the prosecution said that if Servini decides not to prosecute, they would appeal as they wanted to see the case through to the end. Previous attempts to bring Franco-era officials to justice in Spain have been blocked by the amnesty agreement signed by political leaders after Francos death. The agreement was seen as essential to avoid a spiral of score-settling as they tried to unite the country and steer it towards democracy. Spanish authorities still invoke the amnesty law in refusing to investigate alleged atrocities during the Franco era, despite demands by the United Nations that it be scrapped. burs-hmw Kanpur: Thirty migrant workers were injured in an accident in the Taalgram area in Uttar Pradesh`s Kannauj on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway. The accident took place on Thursday after a private bus overturned and caught fire. Police and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPIEDA) personnel swung into action and doused the fire. They suspect overheating of the engine triggered the fire. According to reports, the private bus was heading from Bihar to Delhi when the incident occurred. The injured passengers of the bus were admitted to the Tirwa Medical College and a nearby Community Health Centre. According to police, the incident took place when a private bus carrying migrant labourers from Bettiah in Bihar to Delhi turned turtle after climbing up a road divider at milestone 149 in Taalgram area. The workers were returning to their workplace in Delhi. Circle officer Chhibramau, Shiv Kumar Thapa, said the bus, was carrying nearly 125 migrant workers to Delhi. The officer added that the passengers who escaped unhurt or had sustained minor wounds were sent to their destination in another vehicle. The migrants had booked the private bus from Bettiah district and the accident took place when the driver apparently dozed off and lost control of the bus. Hunterdon County freeholders are calling for the restoration of $2.6 million in state education aid cuts to the 20 school districts in the county impacted by Gov. Phil Murphys new proposed budget, though the budget calls for the state to spend the same amount on all K-12 schools as it did in the 2019-2020 school year. Under Murphys proposed budget, school aid is planned to remain flat at $8.7 billion. Hunterdon County, like all New Jersey counties, has been affected by changes to the school funding formula, creating a $2.6 million shortfall. Because of this, Freeholder John E. Lanza, the boards representative for the New Jersey Association of Counties, suggested that the county mount a lobbying effort directed to their representatives in Trenton in expressing his opposition to the school aid cuts, which have not altered from what Murphy proposed in February. Incredibly, there is no change from the Governors school aid cuts presented in February, Lanza said in a press release shared with NJ Advance Media. This, despite the fact that the Governor proposes borrowing $4 billion dollars to support the state budget for nine months, until next June. Lanza further voiced his dissatisfaction with the budget proposal by emphasizing the majority of public school districts in Hunterdon County will resume in-person learning at the start of the new school year. The Governors school funding cuts are also despite the fact that many of our countys school districts are providing in-school learning, unlike most schools in the state, at a significant cost to those schools in putting in place protections against the spread of the coronavirus, Lanza said. Freeholder Zach Rich, the former mayor of West Amwell, echoed Lanza in stating the proposal really do(es) seem to be unfair to Hunterdon County school children, taxpayers and teachers, and the school districts that plan to offer in-school education, especially in recognition of the states big borrowing plans. I share the frustration expressed by Freeholder Lanza and so many of our school officials in the county and intend to work in pressing our legislators to correct this decision in the final state budget, Rich said in the press release. Alyana Alfaro, spokesperson for the governors office, said the proposed school funding is not a rollback but flat funding. The Governors revised (fiscal year) 2021 budget maintains school funding levels as they were in the (fiscal year) 2020 budget, Alfaro said. In between February and today, we had a pandemic that triggered a $5.6 billion revenue shortfall, which necessitated borrowing and heightened the need for direct cash assistance from the federal government. But we prioritized school funding and managed to keep it flat. She added the budget proposal builds on Murphys commitment to supporting our students, educators and staff. (The proposal) keeps the state on the path to fully and constitutionally funded public schools despite the extraordinary circumstances the state is facing, Alfaro said. Further, this budget commits additional funding for our pre-K students, a measure that will provide support to additional families in need. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com. Revisit the year 2016, when John Nicholson and his family walked from Bratislava to eastern Slovakia. The animated short film, SH_T HAPPENS, won the 2020 Anca Award as the best Slovak animated work at the end of August. It was created by David Stumpf a Michaela Mihalyi. (Source: Fest Anca 2020) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Here's all you need to know about the world of Slovak culture and travel from this week. Let's start in Slovakia's capital. A historic Tatra K2 tram will be parked on Jesensky Street in Bratislava throughout the month of September. It will serve as an information point for the N89 - The Road to Freedom exhibition and the events linked to the Velvet Revolution. In the classic tram, which ran during November 1989, 'passengers' will find newspapers in which they can read about the 1989 revolution. Photo: TASR. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement People can read about the November 1989 events in the N89 tram in Bratislava. (Source: TASR) Travel Piestanys healing water is said to cure a wide range of ailments. But the water also works wonders on visitors ready to indulge in a weekend of pampering. Hiking to the massive rocky mountain starts near the car camping area in Rackova dolina (valley). Take the blue and yellow marked hiking paths to reach the highest located sheep chalet in Slovakia, Koliba pod Klinom. A path to the Klin peak in the Western Tatras. (Source: VaGa) In March 2020, the castle finally found a new owner: the Donjon civic association. Now, they would like to restore the castle to its former glory as seen in historical photos before 1944. The peaks in the High Tatras were measured by aerial laser scanning, the most modern laser technology by plane. Some have turned out to be lower, others higher. Gerlach remains the highest peak. More information about travelling in Slovakia Please see our Please see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide What's on around Slovakia in September The multicultural festival fjuzn will come back to Bratislava this month, Kosice will be taken over by contemporary art during the popular White Night festival. Check out below more events happening in September in Slovakia. Top 10 events in Slovakia: September edition Read more Culture in short HISTORY: Ceramic fragments and stone artefacts in Sucha nad Parnou were discovered below the base of a cellar near a family house. Ceramic fragments and stone artefacts in Sucha nad Parnou were discovered below the base of a cellar near a family house. FESTIVAL: The Cinematik Piestany International Film Festival, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had to reduce the number of spectators to 500 people indoors. The organisers are no longer selling one-time tickets and cancelled night screenings. The festival is held from September 10 to 15. The Cinematik Piestany International Film Festival, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had to reduce the number of spectators to 500 people indoors. The organisers are no longer selling one-time tickets and cancelled night screenings. The festival is held from September 10 to 15. THEATRE: From September 3 to 8, Slovak theatres will perform in Warsaw. The event entitled Dzieje sie obok [Happening Next Door] with the subtitle Overview of Contemporary Slovak Theatre will offer spectators eight successful Slovak theatrical productions. The event is organised by the Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute in Warsaw. FILM: Until September 20, films nominated for the Slnko v sieti [Sun in the Net] film award, including SH_T HAPPENS, are available online. Some are free to watch after completing online registration, others cost 1.50 to 2.50. The winning pictures will be announced on September 9. Until September 20, films nominated for the Slnko v sieti [Sun in the Net] film award, including SH_T HAPPENS, are available online. Some are free to watch after completing online registration, others cost 1.50 to 2.50. The winning pictures will be announced on September 9. PHOTO: The Kuciak murder trial, the February election, climate change and COVID-19 dominated this year's Slovak Press Photo competition. Weekend reads Knowing that the violin is regarded as boring, young Slovak violinist Filip Jancik tries to popularise the instrument among people with his captivating shows. He also collaborated with popstar Avril Lavigne on a song for the 2015 Special Olympics. From our archives: The dream of walking across Slovakia John Nicholson came to Slovakia in 1994, with hopes of one day walking across the whole country. In the summer of 2016, he and his family finally set out on a trip across Slovakia, walking from Devin Castle to Dukliansky priesmyk [Dukla Pass]. Relive his memories in his detailed blog posts. Something to watch: I am Going Out for Cigarettes The 2018 film, created by French Osman Cerfon, won the Fest Anca Award at the end of this August. The animated short film - Je sors acheter des cigarettes - tells the story of teenager Jonathan, who grows up with his mum and sister, but no father. Soon enough, he finds strangers living in their home. The question is: Why? video //www.youtube.com/embed/QOr39LLPuLw That is all for this week. Have a lovely weekend! The next Spectacular Slovakia Weekly: September 11. Read last week's roundup. Art lessons in the quad. Music classes on the lawn. Science experiments in the park. In private schools across St. Louis, teachers and students have moved outside to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Classes are now held entirely outdoors at Forsyth School near Washington University. Half of the students in kindergarten through sixth grades attend in the mornings and half attend in the afternoons, while participating in virtual learning while they arent on the 4.5-acre campus. Students bring their own camping chairs, beach towels and yoga mats to get comfortable on the grass. The school rented 13 tents to serve as classrooms. In the event of thunderstorms or extreme heat or cold, indoor classrooms can be used. But the mostly outdoor plan will stay indefinitely depending on the course of the virus, said Dan Hildebrand, head of school. A little bit of rain doesnt mean we cant have fun and be learning, he said. Were teaching children an appreciation for the natural world. Hildebrand envisions the increased use of outdoor space will continue even post-pandemic as part of teaching children to be active and caring stewards of the environment. The school has received 36 inquiries from families seeking alternatives to virtual learning, he said. Staff members were given the choice to teach from home if they were in high-risk categories for the virus. Those on campus said they appreciate the change in atmosphere and freedom of movement without tables, desks and whiteboards. Knowing my kid gets four hours of fresh air he normally wouldnt is a blessing, said Kristin Veldhuizen, a fourth grade teacher at Forsyth whose son is a second grader at the school. The challenges with outdoor learning include distractions like planes flying overhead, cars driving by and of course the ubiquitous squirrels. Veldhuizen said teachers jobs include more heavy lifting now that they haul class materials in and out each day in a wagon. Learning outdoors reduces stress for students and boosts their performance, said Brenda Hente, seventh grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Olivette. She has added outdoor elements to the curriculum, including classification of natural items in science, angles and scale in math and exploration in history. There are so many ways that we can incorporate learning outside, Hente said. As educators we just need to take the risk of learning outside the normal four-roomed classrooms. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has urged educators to consider holding classes outdoors as a way to alleviate concerns about bringing students back to school buildings Sept. 21. The city made it easier for school principals to apply for permits to close streets and reserve park space if they wanted to move students outdoors. Kids have always loved learning outdoors and being outdoors, de Blasio, a Democrat, said in a news briefing last month. Its also great in terms of health and safety. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations chief infectious-disease expert, has also endorsed the idea of holding school outdoors to cut down on the risk of transmission among students. He has said schools should be doing their best to return children back to classrooms safely, citing the benefits of in-person education. Ive spoken to superintendents and principals and recommend, if possible, outdoors, better than indoors, Fauci said in August. Around St. Louis, outdoor learning opportunities have been mostly limited to private schools. Most public schools moved to all-virtual learning for the first quarter of the year. When they do reopen, there will be cost, space and safety concerns that could limit the outdoor class time, superintendents have said. Those who are able to learn and teach outdoors said they appreciate the opportunity. I like it more outside, it gives us a little bit of a change, said eighth grader Kayla Caughlan, 13, at St. Johns Lutheran School in Arnold. About 25 students transferred from public schools to St. Johns this fall for the in-person experience which includes an outdoor classroom. Students spend their study hall hour at picnic tables, plant vegetables in a garden and go on scavenger hunts. The outdoor classroom also gives the students a break from wearing masks. Its a freeing atmosphere, said eighth grade homeroom teacher Nikki Becker. Its another opportunity we can provide to enjoy learning. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Stay up to date on life and culture in St. Louis. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Bengaluru, Sep 4 : Sleuths of the Karnataka Central Crime Branch (CCB) questioned actress Ragini Dwivedi about the alleged drug links in the Kannada film industry and if she too was an addict, a police official said on Friday. "Ragini is not detained but being questioned in our office on the alleged drug links in the Kannada film industry and if she also takes narcotic drugs," CCB Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) K.P. Gowtham told IANS here. Ragini, 30, drove to the CCB office following a summons hours after its sleuths searched her posh flat in the city's northern suburb to find out if banned drugs were hidden. "Ragini reported to our office in response to our second notice after she failed to appear before our inquiry team on Thursday. Interrogation is underway," said Gowtham. Earlier in the day, seven CCB sleuths, including a woman police inspector raided Ragini's flat with a search warrant from a local court to find if banned drugs like marijuana (ganja), cocaine, cannabis or hashish were kept at her home. "Details of the search will be given after the raid is completed," Bengaluru joint commissioner of police Sandeep Patil told reporters here. Ragini was in the house when the sleuths entered her flat with the search warrant. The search was conducted on a tip-off from her friend Ravi Shankar, who was arrested on Thursday evening for allegedly peddling drugs in the city. "We have seized Ragini's 4 mobile phones and a laptop from her flat," said Patil. "The city police secured Shankar's custody from a local court for five days for interrogation to ascertain to whom all he supplied the banned drugs," Patil said on Thursday evening. According to sources, Shankar is an official in the state Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Jayanagar in the city's upscale suburb. "Shankar is learnt to have attended rave parties with Ragini where drugs were used," said a source. The city police have begun a crackdown since Monday after noted Kannada film producer Inderjit Lankesh alleged that about a dozen actors were into drugs and there was a nexus between them and the drug mafias. Ragini is the first Kannada film actor to be summoned by the CCB after Lankesh on August 29 alleged that actors and musicians were consuming banned drugs during shooting sessions and at rave parties organised by various people. Lankesh's startling revelations about the rampant abuse of banned drugs in the multi-crore film industry came three days after the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) busted a drug trafficking racket in the city and arrested former Kannada television actress D. Anikha and two of her accomplices, R. Ravindran and M. Anoop, on August 26. The central agency also seized a huge cache of drugs from the accused, including 145 ecstasy or MDMA pills and Rs 2.2 lakh in cash from the Royal Suites Hotel Apartment in the city's northeast suburb on August 21 and more pills in a follow-up raid last week. The drug racket is suspected to supply recreational and party drugs to Kannada actors, children of VIPs, students and others. "Noted musicians and actors in the Kannada film industry are under the scanner after their links to drugs came to light," an NCB official had said earlier. Pope Francis said on Friday that the coronavirus pandemic had 'toppled the shaky pillars' of a world economic model built on the idolatry of money and domination by the rich and powerful. In a message to participants of the annual European House-Ambrosetti Workshop, which gathers some 200 top managers, economists, and politicians from around the world, he called for new models that would be more inclusive and reduce social inequality. He also urged 'an ecological retooling' of the economy to save the environment and reduce wasteful consumption. Pope Francis said on Friday that the coronavirus pandemic had 'toppled the shaky pillars' of a world economic model built on the idolatry of money. Above, Pope Francis pictured on Wednesday 'It (the pandemic) has called into question the scale of values that sets money and power over all else,' he said. 'It has toppled the shaky pillars that supported a certain model of development,' he said, adding that social and economic uncertainties had made many people open their eyes to inequality and environmental blight. He said economics should be the expression of a society that 'refuses to sacrifice human dignity to the idols of finance (and) uses financial resources not to dominate but to serve'. The Pope urged 'an ecological retooling' of the economy to save the environment and reduce wasteful consumption. Above, the Pope pictured greeting attendees of a public audience at The Vatican on Wednesday Francis, who has said any eventual COVID-19 vaccine must not be hoarded by rich countries, is believed to be preparing an encyclical letter - the highest form of papal writing - on what he believes the post-pandemic world should look like. The event, which takes place in the northern lakeside town of Cernobbio each September, is Italy's version of the annual Davos Economic Forum in Switzerland. This year, it is taking place mostly virtually because of the pandemic. Apart from a host of Italian ministers, participants include French President Emmanuel Macron, 2016 U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former U.S. national security advisor John Bolton. Hundreds attend 'sacred assembly' in Ohio town; mayor wants Jesus to 'rule Supreme' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Hundreds of residents in a small city in Ohio gathered for a night of prayer and repentance at what was dubbed a sacred assembly in response to the coronavirus lockdowns. Community members from multiple denominations in Ashland, located about 60 miles southwest of Cleveland, attended the assembly that took place at Freer Field on Aug. 23 in which the mayor called for Jesus to reign Supreme over the town. Twenty-five churches associated with the Ashland County Ministerial Association collaborated with local elected officials to put on the event, which featured speakers like Mayor Matt Miller, State Rep. Darrell Kick and County Commissioner Emmitt Justice. In an interview with The Christian Post this week, Pastor Dave McNeely of Ashlands New Life Community Church explained that the sacred assembly was a response to the novel coronavirus and the church closures that came from pandemic gathering restrictions. We really felt at the Ministerial Association that it was time to do something to bring the community together and Scripture teaches us that the best way to do that is to get people to pray together, he said. It was a wonderful, prayerful evening for our community, McNeely recalled. Were going to make it an annual event. Were going to at least do it once a year. In addition to praying and asking for forgiveness, attendees of the assembly professed their love for Christ. As I stand before you tonight, in the bright light of His son, to the extent that I am able, I give this city of Ashland to the LORD Jesus Christ, Miller proclaimed as he spoke at the event, according to Front Line Ohio. The mayor expressed hope that the roughly 20,000 residents of the town would experience Christs love firsthand. May this be a land where He rules supreme, Miller was quoted as saying. May this be a land where His love is genuinely felt by believers and nonbelievers alike. During his remarks, Miller declared that the heart of this city is seeking God. I believe with all my heart that is why God has protected the city of Ashland during one of the most tumultuous times in my lifetime and the citys history, Miller stated. According to The Times-Gazette, Pastor John Bouquet of Bethel Baptist Church in Savannah said that the Old Testament passage of Joel 1:13-14 calls for repentance from our sins and consecration unto God. Because Hes our healer. Hes the reconciler of all human relationships that go wrong. Hes the answer for every question that we have, Bouquet was quoted as saying. And faith is to replace fear. And thats what this event is. McNeely said that Ashland had been spared from the worst of the coronavirus. Ashland County has been pretty blessed, the pastor explained. Weve had very little impact from COVID. ... As of last week, there were no active cases. McNeely told CP that at his church, there was a low impact on job loss due to coronavirus. The church did not see too much of a drop off in offerings. People were mailing in their offerings and doing electronic giving, he added. While McNeely and town leaders see the relatively small impact of COVID-19 as evidence that Gods hand is upon their community, the pastor argued that we are seeing a lot of great God activity in our community. We are having an opportunity where we have five school districts in Ashland County and all five school superintendents and school districts are asking for the Ministerial Association to assist them to get an accredited Bible class back into all of the schools, he said. As of right now, Ohio has a law on the books that allows high school students to receive credit for Bible classes that take place outside of school. LifeWise Academy, a ministry that teaches an accredited Bible class and curriculum, is part of a three-way partnership with the Ashland County Ministerial Association and the school district in Ashland County working to enable students to attend Bible classes during the school day. In a majority of those school districts, we have churches very close to the schools, McNeely explained. And almost all of those churches are willing to open up to allow students to come over and to have their class and then to go back to school. McNeely hopes that the new initiative, which will likely start with the elementary schools first, will be in place at the beginning of the 2021-'22 school year. In the past week, a series of nations and territories around the world have made remarkable adjustments to their anti-COVID-19 policies aiming to bring peoples lives into a new normal. Accordingly, many Asian and European countries have reopened schools after a seemingly endless COVID-19 vacation. In China, when the new school year begins, college students are returning to dormitories in Beijing with strict anti-epidemic measures. The Beijing Educational Committee said universities that apply these measures will be allowed to reopen as planned from September 15. The authorities of Iran, Mongolia and Hong Kong (China) also allow students back to school for the new academic year. In India, more than 2 million students wearing masks have begun exams to enter medical and engineering universities across the country. In Russia, Belgium, France and England, teachers and students aged over 11 must wear face masks when going to school. Many governments insist that they must let students back to school because young people are lacking many important lessons. Furthermore, the continuous placement of students under home quarantine also creates a huge burden on their parents when they must go to work. The UK Secretary of State for Education highlighted the extreme significance of allowing students back to school to the educational sector and the students physical development as well. Activities of people in many Southeast Asian cities have also been gradually restored. In the Philippines, the government has continued to loosen restrictions, allowing gyms, barbershop and internet cafes in the capital of Manila to partially reopen. Under the new regulations, the night-time curfew has also been shortened in most cities surrounding Manila and in remote provinces. Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Indonesian President Joko Widodo affirmed that the pandemic is still under control compared to many countries around the world. European countries, which used to be the epicentre of the pandemic, are also taking steps to bring the peoples life back to normal. The UK government encourages people to go out for dinner, aiming to stimulate consumer spending and assist the catering service industry to recover. The aviation sector in many countries is also on the verge of restarting after a long period of hibernation immersed in debt and losses. The government of Ghana has decided to resume international routes towards restoring the new normal state despite the continued spread of COVID-19. However, it is now a big challenge for governments to revive the economic sectors and the whole economy that has become exhausted due to the disease, as well as to bring the peoples lives back to a new normal. For the aviation and tourism industries, the realisation of the dual goals of ensuring normal business operations and preventing the recurrence of COVID-19 waves is a thorny problem. The Maldives is a prime example. In mid-July, the Maldives reopened its luxury resort islands after months of lockdowns without requiring visitors to do tests or submit a COVID-19-free certificate upon entry. Due to this carelessness, 29 local staff and 16 foreign guests at these resorts have been infected with the novel coronavirus and were placed under quarantine. As a result, the authorities of this island country have recently tightened entry requirements for tourists after infections soared at more than 10 resorts. Revitalising businesses is also a difficult task that carries many risks. In Germany, the Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bank on September 2 warned that the German governments aid to help weak companies cope with COVID-19 could lead to the birth of zombie companies, which would put a heavy burden on the German economy. Furthermore, the new normal state requires active coordination between localities and governments. For example, general regulations on international aviation and tourism need to be agreed upon by the parties in the direction of reciprocity. The restoration of global and regional production and supply chains also requires consultation and consensus of governments to ensure all links run smoothly. It can be seen from the above-mentioned practical requirements that to promptly bring the world into the new normal and maintain this state, all countries must drastically prevent the hidden dangers from the new COVID-19 waves, as well as unanimously work together to revive economic areas and sectors. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 20:34:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GAZA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Five Palestinian ministers arrived on Friday in the besieged Gaza Strip to help its efforts to combat the coronavirus that has been fast spreading in the densely populated enclave since Aug. 24. Headed by Minister of Health Mai al-Kaila, the other four members of the delegation are the minister of culture, the minister of public work, the minister of women affairs and the minister of entrepreneurship and empowerment. The security sources in Gaza said the Palestinian delegation crossed into Gaza through the Israeli-controlled Erez Crossing between the northern Gaza Strip and Israel. Meanwhile, 20 truckloads of medical supplies were sent through the Israeli-controlled commercial crossing point of Kerem Shalom into the southern Gaza Strip. Islamic Hamas movement, which has been ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007, imposed a lockdown after the serious spread of the COVID-19 in the enclave which has already been suffering high rates of poverty and unemployment. The Hamas-run health ministry has confirmed 697 COVID-19 cases since March, including 577 since Aug. 24. In a press statement, the ministry said the deadly virus has claimed the lives of five Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip since March, including four since Aug. 24. Observers in Gaza said the five Palestinian ministers' visit to Gaza could be a positive sign of ending more than 13 years of internal division between Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement. Enditem A three-year-old girl has been raped and strangled in India as part of an on-going feud between rival families, the victims father claims. This is the third such similar incident in the Lakhimpur Kher district, of Uttar Pradesh, of India, in the last 20 days. In the latest incident the child, who had been missing since Wednesday, was found near to her village in the Lakhimpur Kher district, of Uttar Pradesh. A man from the child's village has since been arrested based upon her father's complaint. The child's father alleges that the arrested man kidnapped and killed his daughter due to an old rivalry. The suspect was arrested after the police formed four teams to search for him. Villagers found the body of the three-year-old in an Indian field where she had been raped and strangled She was found in a field on Thursday just 1,600ft from her home and the police said that she had been raped and strangled. This is the third rape-murder of a minor in the district in the last 20 days. The Lakhimpur Kheri district had recently been in the news due to two other similar incidents. A 17-year-old, who had left home in order to complete a scholarship application, was found dead near to her village. The teenager's mutilated body was discovered near to a dry pond just 200 metres from her village. It is alleged that she had also been raped and murdered. Shortly before this a 13-year-old girl was also raped and strangled in the same district. The three-year-old was found in a field just 1,600ft from her home in the Lakhimpur Kheri district, of India She failed to return after going to her fields and her body was found by her family who were looking for the teenager. Her body was found in a sugarcane field. The attacks have led to public anger and both Congress and the Samajwadi Party have attacked the BJP government of Yogi Adityanath citing the worsening law and order situation. Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lalu Tweeted: 'Even after so many incidents our 'tough' Chief Minister has not fixed responsibility. A dying system and a helpless Chief Minister.' The Women and Child Safety Organization was recently created by the state government following a spurt of crimes against women, especially children. It is headed by a senior police officer to handle these cases and to try to ensure the safety of women and children. Ex Ministries founder warns Black Lives Matter movement cannot be separated from organization Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pastor G. Craige Lewis, founder of Ex Ministries, is warning Christians to stop supporting the black lives matter movement, an unstructured protest against racial inequality, because it cannot be separated from the Black Lives Matter organization founded by three lesbian witches. If you are a born-again believer, you cannot be associated with BLM in any kind of way. You cannot promote it in any kind of way. I mean, Ive passed by churches and seen BLM signs on there. Somebody doesnt pray at all. Somebody doesnt have a relationship with the Lord that I read in the Word, Lewis, who is pastor of Adamant Believers Council in Grand Prairie, Texas, said Monday in a Facebook Live broadcast. Listen people, stay away from this BLM movement. Dont fall for it; its pure emotional. It gets into your emotions that make you see things that arent true. Theyre showing you things in the media that arent true. They are saying things that arent true. They are getting you riled up all to just pull you away from the God you serve, he said. In June, the Black Lives Matter movement was supported by two-thirds of U.S. adults across the racial spectrum with the strongest support coming from blacks, according to a Pew Research Center poll. The poll showed 86% support for the movement among blacks, 60% support among whites, 77% among Hispanics, and 75% support for the cause among Asians. A new Politico-Morning Consult poll released Wednesday, however, shows support for the Black Lives Matter movement waning by nine points to a 52% favorable opinion among voters. Among Republican voters alone there was a 13-point drop. Earlier this summer, J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, endorsed the black lives matter movement as a Gospel issue while denouncing the Black Lives Matter organization founded by Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi in 2013. The Black Lives Matter organization gave rise to the movement. Black lives matter, Greear said after acknowledging the SBCs racist past in the wake of ongoing civil unrest over racial inequality following the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. I realize that the movement and the website have been hijacked by some political operatives whose worldview and policy prescriptions would be deeply at odds with my own, but that doesnt mean that the sentiment behind it is untrue. I do not align myself with the Black Lives Matter organization, Greear said, drawing the distinction. In addition to pushing for racial equality, the Black Lives Matter organization says its goals are to "disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure," and "dismantle cisgender privilege." The organization also promotes ancestral worship. Lewis argues that because the movement was spawned from the work of the Black Lives Matter organization, the two groups cannot be separated. Their agenda is right before our eyes. It is a shame that so many churches, especially pastors and shepherds that are supposed to be leading Gods people, are leading them right into this witchcraft lesbian demonic movement called Black Lives Matter, Lewis said. You cannot separate the movement from the founders. You cannot separate the movement from its intent. This was created to steer you away from God into ancestral worship, worship of color, worship of privilege. And this particular movement is even praying to the ancestors, pulling the spirits of the ancestors. All the things that God warned us not to do in the Word they are doing. Its an anti-Christ, anti-God movement, and yet church people are embracing it because the word black is in the Black Lives Matter movements title, he said citing Scripture. He further suggested that the distinction being made between the Black Lives Matter movement and the organization is just a ploy to gain support for the organization and its agenda. This is the biggest movement our African American community has seen and yet it has captured the hearts of so many because theyre trying to separate it. Well, I dont believe in the things theyre saying. I just believe that black lives matter, he said, mimicking the popular argument of many who say they dont support the organization but support the movement. What you dont understand its all intertwined, Lewis insisted. These beliefs are on their website. This is what they are leading you to. You cannot divorce the leadership of the movement from the movement. They created the movement. They are the founders. They created it for this purpose. A White House summit between the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo ended with a twist on Friday: Both countries announced diplomatic breakthroughs not with one another, but with Israel. Driving the news: Serbia has agreed to move its embassy to Jerusalem "by July," President Trump announced, while Kosovo and Israel will grant one another diplomatic recognition. Behind the scenes: To finalize that agreement, Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his meeting on Friday with Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, Netanyahu's office said in a statement. The Israeli statement said that Kosovo would establish an embassy in Jerusalem, making it the first Muslim-majority country to do so. Israel had never recognized Kosovo which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 in part because it did not want to legitimize the recognition of Palestine. It's unclear why Netanyahu's position has shifted. Serbia which has waged a campaign to pressure countries not to recognize Kosovo clarified that it did not approve of Israeli recognition of Kosovo, one of several indications that much remained unresolved following the summit. Between the lines: This unorthodox outcome of a summit between Balkan nations underlines the administration's push to help Israel build deeper diplomatic links around the world, and its desire to score wins where it can before November's election. The other side: Serbia ruled out what would have been a landmark achievement mutual recognition with Kosovo ahead of the summit, and reiterated on Friday that such an agreement was out of the question. The countries did sign what Trump called an "economic normalization" agreement in the Oval Office. But Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told Serbian media that he had signed a bilateral deal with the U.S., not with Kosovo. Richard Grenell, Trump's envoy for Serbia and Kosovo, later clarified that Serbia and Kosovo had signed separate documents that were nearly identical, while Trump had signed a third document signaling his approval for the initiative. Grenell traded barbs with reporters, whom he accused of failing to recognize the significance of the economic agreements. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien added that Serbia and Kosovo would freeze their de-recognition campaigns for a year, to provide "breathing room" for negotiations on that issue. Background: Along with Grenell, O'Brien and Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner have been involved in the Serbia-Kosovo process, U.S. officials say. The three met with Vucic in Washington in March on the sidelines of the AIPAC conference and raised at the time the issue of moving the Serbian Embassy to Jerusalem. In his AIPAC speech, Vucic stopped short of announcing that step but said Serbia would open a commercial office in the city. What to watch: The EU has long overseen negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo, and the White House initiative has moved in parallel with that process. Vucic and Hoti are scheduled to travel to Brussels on Monday for additional talks, per AP. Worth noting: This White House summit was previously slated for June, but was delayed after Kosovo's president, Hashim Thaci, was charged with war crimes. Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden wave to supporters via video teleconference after Biden delivered his acceptance speech on the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention from the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware, Aug. 20, 2020. WASHINGTON (JTA) - There were rabbis, there were arguments, there was fretting over the future, there was mishpacha, but snacks you had to bring yourself. The first virtual convention, held by Democrats online because of the coronavirus pandemic, had many of the same Jewish moments as real-life conventions of the past. They included both rabbinic invocations from the main stage and side rooms with hobnobbing among Jews from across the country, even if those rooms lacked kosher nosh this time around. This year, the mainstage conversation also addressed anti-Semitism explicitly. Here are so... - By Alberto Abaterusso Outlook for gold and silver prices Gold and silver traded lower on Sept. 3 as the U.S. dollar added up for the third straight session. On Thursday, the gold price closed at $1,940.45 per troy ounce on the London bullion market and at $1,937.80 per troy ounce on the Comex, both down approximately 2%. Meanwhile, the silver price closed at $26.90 per troy ounce on the London bullion market and at $26.875 per troy ounce on the Comex, both losing approximately 6.6%. Year to date, prices per ounce remain strongly up as the yellow metal has gained about 26% and the grey metal has grown 49.3%. I think it is likely that gold and silver will continue to go up. Fears about higher inflation possibly following the next manufacturing sector's challenge to realign production with rising demand of goods will likely cause many investors flocking to gold and silver. In search of protection for their assets, investors will increasingly prefer the precious metals to bonds as fixed income securities are less appealing in a low yielding environment triggered by the Federal Reserve's move to keep interest rates near zero and allow inflation to go above 2%. In order to take advantage of rising gold and silver prices, investors may want to consider to increase their positions in gold and silver producers Paramount Gold Nevada Corp (PZG), Pan American Silver Corp (NASDAQ:PAAS) and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (NYSE:AEM), as their shares are performing very well and they possess good growth potential. Paramount Gold Nevada Corp Shares of the Winnemucca, Nevada-based acquirer, explorer and developer of gold and silver deposits in Nevada and Oregon gained 39% so far this year to close at a price of $1.14 per unit on Thursday, for a market capitalization of $37.57 million. Story continues The stock price's year to date performance is in line with the VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) exchange-traded funds, which is the benchmark for the industry. The 14-day Relative Strength Indicator (RSI) of 41 suggests that the stock stands far from overbought levels. Benefit From Gold and Silver Through These 3 Miners Despite the impressive upside in the share price, the stock still appears not expensive as it is trading at 23% discount to the upper limit of the 52-week range of $0.47 to $1.48, and the price-book ratio of 0.72 places substantially below the industry median of 2.25. Furthermore, the share price is currently widely below the 75- and 35-simple moving average (SMA) lines. The enterprise value to Ebitda ratio is negative, as Paramount Gold Nevada Corp is not yet producing any profit from mining activities. Paramount Gold Nevada is focused on increasing the market value of its ore deposits by promoting them to mineral reserves from the lower category of mineral resources through the successful completion of drillings and the obtainment of the necessary permits from the local authorities. These mineral assets will be either sold to or exploited through joint venture agreements with well-known gold and silver miners. The creation of producing assets, where the company will mine the precious metal itself for its own production, is also a possibility. Investing in Paramount Gold Nevada Corp implies a minimal risk, in my view, as all the operator's assets consist of the development of high quality, low cost advanced mineral projects located in the United States, which is a friendly mining jurisdiction. These assets are adjacent to infrastructures and extend for more than 47,500 acres on prolific areas, which are already hosting operating activities of other mining companies. Wall Street recommends to buy shares of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. The target price of $2.40 reflects a 111% upside from Thursday's closing price. Pan American Silver Corp Shares of the Canadian explorer, developer and producer of silver traded at around $35.12 each at close on Thursday, determining a market capitalization of $7.43 billion. The share price increased 48.3% so far this year, placing in between the Global X Silver Miners (SIL) exchange-traded fund (up 47% this year) and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV), which is up 53% this year. The 14-day Relative Strength Indicator (RSI) of 52 tells that the stock is still far from overbought levels. Benefit From Gold and Silver Through These 3 Miners Despite the soar, the share price is still about 12.5% below the upper limit of the 52-week range of $10.61 to $40.11 and slightly below the 35-day SMA line. However, the stock is not at its cheapest as the price-book value is 2.99 compared to the industry median of 2.25 and the enterprise value to Ebitda ratio is 17.39 versus the industry median of 10.74. Pan American Silver Corp's portfolio is equipped with strong operating activities as measured by an Ebitda margin rate of 30.24%, which is exceeding the industry median by nearly 700 basis points. The Ebitda margin ratio is one of the the most reliable indicators of profitability for companies operating in capital-intensive industries. Investors should be aware that they take a considerable risk holding shares of Pan American Silver Corp as 80% of the total production of the company derives from geographical regions where social, political and geophysical factors represent a threat to operating activities. For full 2020, Pan American Silver aims to take advantage of rising metal prices with a mining output of 19 million to 22 million ounces of silver (paying an all-in sustain cost of $10.50 to $12.50 per ounce) and of 525,000 to 575,000 ounces of gold (enduring an AISC of $1,050 to $1,125). The company also forecasts to mine 40,000 to 43,000 tons of zinc, 17,000 to 18,000 tons of lead and 4,300 to 4,900 tons of copper. In the second quarter, as a result of higher precious metals prices, which more than offset the negative effects from lower year over year output of silver (down 57% to 2.8 million) and gold (down 38% to 96,600 ounces), Pan American topped consensus earnings per share (EPS) and revenue predictions. Pan American Silver Corp holds approximately 550 million ounces of silver grading 63 grams per ton and approximately 5.2 million ounces of gold grading 0.61 grams per ton of ore, both hosted in proven and probable mineral reserves as of June 30, 2020. Wall Street recommends an overweight rating for the stock with an an average target price of $42.78 per share, representing a 22% upside from Thursday's closing price. Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd Shares of the Canadian producer of gold from mines in Canada, Mexico and Finland closed at $80.18 per unit on Thursday for a market capitalization of $19.47 billion, following a 30.1% year to date increase. Regardless of the upside, the 14-day RSI of 54 indicates that the share price is still far from overbought levels. Benefit From Gold and Silver Through These 3 Miners The stock is not cheap as its share price is near the upper limit of the 52-week range of $31 to $84.66, the price-book ratio of 3.58 is higher than the industry median of 2.25 and the enterprise value to Ebitda ratio is 14.03 compared to the industry median of 10.74. Also, the share price is currently trading above 35-, 75- and 150-SMA lines. These ratios, plus Wall Street's average target price of $85.60 (which reflects just 7% upside from Thursday's closing price), suggest it might be better to wait for a more favorable entry point to purchase shares. The portfolio of Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd is composed by highly profitable gold deposits as signaled by a trailing 12-month Ebitda margin ratio of 54.2%, which beats the industry median of 22.5%. A beneficial ownership in Agnico implies a minimal to low investment risk as only 10% of the company's total gold production comes from a region where local factors could hamper the regular operation of mining activities and business in general. Looking ahead to the second half and full year of 2020, Agnico Eagle guides for approximately 980,000 ounces and 1.71 million ounces of gold. The company anticipates total cash costs of $690 to $740 per ounce for the second half of this year. The full year AISC per ounce is projected to range between $1,025 and $1,075. The Canadian mining company has about 19.08 million ounces of gold stored in proven and probable mineral reserves for 11 years of production. The stock has an overweight recommendation rating on Wall Street. Disclosure: I have no positions in any security mentioned. Read more here: Not a Premium Member of GuruFocus? Sign up for a free 7-day trial here. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Alice Johnson, who received a life sentence for a first-time drug offense, receives a pardon from President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Aug. 28, 2020. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Alice Johnson Says She Will Vote With Her Conscience After Trump Pardon Alice Johnson, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump and gave a speech praising him at the Republican National Convention, said she will vote her conscience in November. Speaking to CBS News, Johnson was asked a question by CBS host Gayle King about whether she is a pawn for President Trump after she received backlash for speaking at the RNC. After her speech, Trump issued a full pardon for Johnsons life sentence. Im 65 years old, Gayle. And dont no one tell me what to do. I got my own mind. I do what I want to do, she said in the interview on Friday. And since I got my pardon papers, I put those pardon papers in my back pocket. And Im free totally to do whatever I want to do. Johnson said that after her speech at the White House, she was followed by protesters who told her really awful things. However, she added that she supports the Black Lives Matter movement because she is African-American but said the message is being mixed up. We could have a dialogue together. But when youre screaming at me and saying ugly things, thats not really getting the message through, she said. Alice Marie Johnson, who had her sentence commuted by President Donald Trump after she served 21 years in prison for cocaine trafficking, speaks during a celebration of the First Step Act in the East Room of the White House on April 1, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Johnson said that after two decades, she is going to vote but would not say who she would be voting for. You can be assured I will be voting my conscience, Gayle. And I would suggest that everyone vote their conscience, she said. In 2018, the president granted Johnson, who was a first-time nonviolent drug offender, a commutation after reality TV star Kim Kardashian West pleaded for her case at the Oval Office. Johnson served more than 20 years of a life sentence after she was convicted on charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine and attempted possession of cocaine in the mid-1990s. Johnson praised Trumps criminal justice reform efforts such as the First Step Act. It was real justice reform, Johnson said of Trumps First Step Act. And it brought joy, hope, and freedom to thousands of well-deserving people. I hollered, Hallelujah! My faith in justice and mercy was rewarded. Imagine getting to hug your loved ones again. Its a feeling I will never forget. And to think, this first step meant so much to so many. After the speech, Trump granted her a full pardon. We are giving Alice a full pardon. I just told her, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Aug. 28, as Johnson sat next to him. We didnt even discuss it I saw you in the audience last night, and I asked the folks if you could bring Alice over, he said. And were going to give a full pardon. Were going to do it right now. That means you have been fully pardoned. Thats the ultimate thing that can happen. Donald Trump said Democrats want to blow up Mount Rushmore and take down the Washington Monument in his latest attack on cities removing historical statues and renaming landmarks. Speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Mr Trump said his poll numbers have been going up "like a beautiful rocket" ever since his Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore. "If you would see how beautiful this is, it was like this perfect evening. The Sun was setting. The faces of these great, great majestic heroes of our country, right. Heroes of our country," Mr Trump said. "And they want to blow up Mount Rushmore." The president has escalated his rhetoric against the removal or renaming monuments and buildings after Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser this week published a list of historical figures who should be erased or "contextualized" from public property. The report recommended the renaming of dozens of schools, parks, and government buildings, including the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. As well as seven US president, figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Francis Scott Key were named in the report for their connections to slavery and oppression. The White House seized on the recommendations, saying in a statement that the radically liberal mayor should be ashamed for suggesting revisions to monuments that the president believes should be preserved and passed on for generations. Mr Trump continued the criticism on Thursday, joking that "Christopher Columbus is in big trouble". "But how about this one, the Democrats yesterday came out with a plan, did you see it, now, they're the DC Democrats, they want to change the name of the Washington Monument, perhaps take it down," he said. "Thomas Jefferson, pretty good Thomas Jefferson right, you can forget about ever hearing that name again. Abraham Lincoln you can forget about it. They want to take down all statutes all monuments in Washington." Iran FM: 'All options on table' means law of jungle, should wake Americans up Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 4:52 PM Iran's foreign minister says the "all options on the table" threat, which has been a hallmark of the US policy toward other countries, is now being used against citizens of the US itself, expressing hope that this would serve as a "wake-up call" for the Americans. Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks in reaction to statements by acting US Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf who told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday that "all options continue to be on the table" to end violent protests in Portland, Oregon, including sending in federal law enforcement assistance. He described Washington's frequently-used "all options on the table" threat as a "staple" of the country's foreign policy, which "simply means the law of the jungle: disregard for a fundamental principle of int'l law: Non-Use of Force." Zarif's tweet also contains an innuendo to the fact that American officials have frequently used the sentence in an implicit threat of military force against Iran. The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that the regime of US President Donald Trump is now "using the same threat" against the American people. "A wake-up call? God willing," Zarif said. Portland has been the scene of angry protests against police injustice and racial discrimination since May, when George Floyd, a black American, was killed by a white police officer in Minnesota. Tensions in the city intensified in July after the Trump administration deployed federal agents to crack down on the protests. On Saturday, one person was killed after clashes broke out between Black Lives Matter protesters and supporters of Trump, which is blamed for a rise in racism. The New York Times reported that supporters of Trump and counter-protesters engaged in skirmishes on the streets, with people shooting paint ball guns from the beds of pickup trucks and protesters throwing objects back at them. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Government funding will lapse if Congress does not pass legislation before the end of the month. Speculation had grown that congressional leaders could try to include coronavirus relief measures in a spending package as a way to gain leverage in stimulus negotiations that have barely moved forward since they fell apart last month. "Now, we can focus just on another relief bill, and we're continuing to do that in good faith," he told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street." Approving a continuing resolution, which would temporarily set federal spending at current levels, would not inject the heated politics of pandemic aid into efforts to keep the government running. The Trump administration and Congress have agreed to pass a bill to avoid a government shutdown without tying funding to separate measures such as coronavirus relief, Vice President Mike Pence said Friday. US Vice President Mike Pence speaks during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on April 7, 2020, in Washington, DC. Pence's comments Friday indicated the stalemate over how much money to put into boosting the economy could linger. Democrats have pushed the Trump administration to increase the price tag on their stimulus offer to at least $2.2 trillion from about $1.3 trillion. The White House has not yet budged. Pence criticized Democrats over perhaps the largest remaining sticking point in talks. Democratic leaders want more than $900 billion in new aid to cash-crunched state and local governments, while the Trump administration has offered $150 billion. "We're not going to allow Democrats in Congress to use a coronavirus relief bill to bail out poorly run Democratic states," the vice president said. The bipartisan National Governors Association has asked for at least $500 billion more in state and municipal aid. Governments have warned of possible cuts to essential services as they take on more costs and lose revenue during the pandemic. Pence repeatedly made the case for another round of stimulus checks as part of the fifth coronavirus rescue package. He said "nobody wants to give direct payments to American families more than Donald Trump again." The vice president spoke to CNBC after the Labor Department reported U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 1.37 million and the unemployment rate dropped to 8.4%. Pence called the data "real evidence that the American comeback is underway." The jobless rate remains significantly higher than it was before the Covid-19 outbreak hit the U.S. earlier this year. Permanent job losses in August also increased by 534,000 to 3.4 million. "8.4% unemployment is nothing to brag about," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in response to President Donald Trump's Friday morning tweet celebrating the jobs report. Despite four straight months of strong employment growth, the expiration of enhanced unemployment insurance and a federal moratorium on evictions has led to concerns of sharper suffering for many Americans. Even so, after Friday's jobs report, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow told Bloomberg that "we can live with" not striking a coronavirus relief deal, according to Reuters. In the absence of congressional action to address those and other coronavirus relief measures, the Trump administration has taken limited steps to offer aid on its own. On Tuesday, the White House moved to halt evictions until the end of the year using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authority. It followed the administration's executive actions to temporarily extend extra jobless benefits for some Americans, continue student loan assistance and forgive the employee portion of the payroll tax. Senate Republicans aim to take up a narrow pandemic aid plan when they return from their August recess next week. Democrats oppose the roughly $500 billion proposal, meaning it likely will not get through Congress and become law. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. An exhaust fan overheated on the third floor of Alabama State House this morning, forcing evacuation of the building and causing smoke damage, House Public Information Officer Clay Redden said. There were no injuries reported in the incident. After the incident, Alabama House Clerk Jeff Woodard sent employees home for the day out of an abundance of caution, Redden said. The Alabama Legislature is not in session and Redden said the House of Representatives staff has been working from home on a rotating basis, so there was not a full complement of employees in the building. The House is mainly on the fifth floor of the eight-story building. The Senate is mainly on the seventh floor. Pat Harris, secretary of the Senate, told the Montgomery Advertiser there was a lot of smoke and a little flame. Harris said the building has problems because of old electrical wiring. He said there was a fire in his office last week. Villagers from south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region used to be haunted by two problems: obtaining drinking water and making sure it was safe. Nowadays, thanks to the construction of collective water tanks, they can ensure both. An aerial photo of Longlutun residential area. (Photo/Yan Lizheng) In order to collect rain water for human and animal consumption, villagers in the karst mountainous areas in Xincheng county, Guangxi, built household water tanks of all sizes and constructed diversion canals around the stone mountains leading rain water to water tanks in their homes. Due to the generally poor economic conditions of the families, the capacity of the household water tanks was very limited. If it did not rain for 10 days, especially in the late autumn dry season, villagers would have to look for water in other places. Nowadays, a large collective water tank has been re-built in Longlutun residential area of Tongle village. Lan Maogen uses tap water at his home. (Photo/Peng Yuanhe) "This water tank was previously built when I was only 16 years old," said Lan Maogen, a 58-year-old villager in Longlutun and one of the witnesses to the construction of the collective water tank. "The water tank was located on a small hill," said Lan, adding that in 1976, in order to reserve more water, local villagers spent over two years building a water tank for collective use. In November 1978, the collective water tank was completed. It was in the shape of a cylinder, with a diameter of 41 meters, a depth of 8 meters and a water capacity of more than 10,000 cubic meters. After the big water tank was put into use, the whole village found it much easier to obtain drinking water. However, as time goes by, defects gradually emerge, leading to insufficient water supply and poor water quality. The collective water tank at Longlutun residential area. (Photo/Peng Yuanhe) Shi Jie was appointed as the first secretary of Tongle village in March 2018 and took on the task of poverty alleviation. After consulting the public for their opinions, Shi learned that his first job would have to be improving the water tanks. With support from all parties, the number of collective water tanks in Tongle village has increased from 12 to 17. "Almost every residential area has a collective water tank, which is covered and equipped with scientific and sanitary filtering and antivirus equipment, Shi Jie said. The original collective water tanks and household water tanks were virtually uncovered, leading to hidden sanitation and security dangers. Inside the collective water tank at Longlutun residential area. (Photo/Peng Yuanhe) "Things like leaves and weeds could easily fall into the water tanks and affect water quality. When there was a lot of rain water, children would sometimes swim in the water tanks," Shi added. To address this problem, 12 previously built collective water tanks and 98 household water tanks in Tongle village were equipped with safety covers and filtration and disinfection equipment in 2019, which greatly improved the safety of villagers' drinking water. By the end of 2019, all villages and farmer households in Xincheng county had access to safe drinking water. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said widespread vaccinations against COVID-19 are not expected until the mid 2021. A spokesperson for the health agency, Margaret Harris, said none of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials demonstrated a clear sign of efficacy. This is according to a report published on Reuters on Friday. We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination(s) until the middle of next year. None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a clear signal of efficacy at the level of at least 50 per cent, Harris told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. Russia takes lead Meanwhile, the Russian government has announced that it will begin mass vaccinations of its citizens against coronavirus from October. In August, Russia granted regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing, prompting some health experts to question its safety and efficacy. The first peer-reviewed results of Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials of Russias coronavirus vaccine, which is named Sputnik-V, have been published in the medical journal, The Lancet, on Friday, according to CNN. Russia faced criticisms last month when it announced the worlds first approved coronavirus vaccine for public use, even before Phase 3 trials are completed. A vaccine must complete three phases of trials involving randomised controlled trials on large patient groups before it could be considered for approval, according to the WHO. Although the Russian-made vaccine is still undergoing phase 3 of clinical trials, Nigeria received samples of the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia on Friday. The minister of health, Osagie Ehanire, said the vaccine would be quickly referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, amongst other agencies, for review and possible validation. However, health experts in South Africa, the first African country to receive samples of the cure, cautioned against placing much hope on the new vaccine. They said little is known about the efficacy of the vaccine. Trial phases Meanwhile, Harris said the phase 3 of the clinical trials will take a longer time to ensure the efficacy of the vaccine. She said phase 3 in vaccine research is when large clinical trials among people are conducted. ALSO READ: Russia delivers coronavirus vaccine to Nigeria This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is,she said. She said the WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance is leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute curative shots fairly. She noted that focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers. Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines, Harris said. The Nigerian government has said it is working hard to ensure that Nigerians have access to the COVID-19 vaccines when available. Senior Economist Monetary and Economic Department, Emerging Markets Before joining the Emerging Markets section, Aaron Mehrotra worked as a Senior Economist in the Macroeconomic Analysis unit and at the BIS Representative Office for Asia and the Pacific in Hong Kong SAR. Prior to joining the BIS, he was adviser in the Bank of Finland Institute for Economies in Transition (BOFIT). He has authored many papers on the Chinese economy and economic policy, and his other research areas of interest include monetary policy and economic policy in emerging market economies. He holds a PhD from the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Fields of interest GRAND RAPIDS, MI Three red panda cubs at John Ball Zoo finally have names after the votes were tallied in a community naming contest. The cubs Rose, Ruby and Willow were born June 25, at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, according to a news release from the zoo. The names were chosen by voters participating in the naming contest, which also raised a total of $13,124 for red panda conservation, the zoo said. The money was raised by 471 voters from 20 different states plus others casing their ballots from Canada and the United Kingdom, the zoo said. Your donations make a difference not only here at the John Ball Zoo but across the world for Red Panda conservation, CEO Peter DArienzo said in a video announcing the names. The three cubs were born to parents Wasabi and Wyatt. The two pandas were paired as part of the Red Panda Species Survival Program, one of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums many conservation programs. The goal is to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population for these animals in order to increase their numbers, the zoo said. Also on MLive: Miller Lite turned a Michigan lake house into a groovy pad decorated like its 1975 Flint artist paints Saginaw transit bus with poet Theodore Roethke-themed mural Holiday weeekend weather exact details finally consistent Rare 19th Century locomotive set for 900-mile journey from U.P. to Pennsylvania LONDON (Reuters) - Britain could make a decision on Friday on whether to impose a 14-day quarantine on arrivals from Portugal after cases of COVID-19 began to rise in the popular holiday destination, the UK's health minister, Matt Hancock, said on Thursday. Britain allowed holiday-makers to travel to Portugal without any restrictions less than two weeks ago but a rise in the coronavirus there has prompted speculation it will be put back on a list of countries that require quarantine measures. "We follow the data and we make these announcements in an organised way on a Friday lunchtime," Hancock told Sky News. (Reporting by Kate Holton and Guy Faulconbridge; editing by William Schomberg) Considered one of the most important battles in U.S. Marine Corps history, the story of Belleau Wood continues to have a significant impact on military culture today. On the evening of June 1, 1918, the German Army breached the western front and came within just 45 miles of Paris. The Marines weren't going to let them go any further. They positioned themselves and were ready to strike once the orders were passed down. The ensuing battle would last for weeks and was the first large-scale battle fought by American soldiers in World War I. U.S. forces suffered over 9,000 casualties just over 1,800 killed. The German body count is still unknown but it was high. Historians have gone on at length about many of the incredible details of the famous battle, but several aspects have gone largely undiscussed until now. 1. As the Marines were arriving, the French were retreating On June 2, 1918, the Marines arrived on the scene under the command of Capt. Lloyd Williams only to see French troops in retreat from the German enemy. The French told the Marines to turn around and head back to from where they came. Capt. Lloyd Williams replied, "Retreat? Hell, we just got here." Capt. Lloyd Williams, USMC (Public Domain) 2. The Marines finally got their orders On June 6, 1918, Allied powers launched their attack on the Germans who were busying preparing to do the same. Marines maneuvered up Hill 142 to prevent a flanking attack on their French allies. Although 1st Battalion, 5th Marines were heavily outnumbered, that didn't stop them from bravely dashing toward the enemy across an open wheat field. 3. The Marines saw the enemy before they were spotted As Capt. George Wallace Hamilton and the 49th Company were getting into position, he noticed that they were surrounded by German machine guns he had caught them off guard. He and his men stormed the guns with bayonets fixed and secured the guns for friendly forces. Hamilton was awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses and a Navy Cross for his bad*ssery. 4. Twelve on one After enduring the first round of attacks, the Germans rallied and attempted a counterattack on Hill 142. As 12 German soldiers began their advance, they were met by Gunnery Sgt. Ernest Janson, who wasn't fond of their idea. He alone prevented the dozen Germans from going any further by killing two of them with his bayonet. The others quickly fled. For his actions, Janson became the first U.S Marine to earn the Medal of Honor during the war. 5. After 6 attacks, the Germans finally threw in the towel. During the multi-week campaign, the Marines suffered heavy losses, but dealt out ass-kickings in kind. Like much of World War I, the Battle of Belleau Wood was slow-moving and brutal, but the Americans finally claimed victory after attacking six separate times. On Jun. 26, 1918, the Germans decided the battle was unwinnable and retreated from the blood-soaked arena. Check out the Marines video below to watch the footage from an immensely important time in military history. More articles from We Are the Mighty: This is how astronauts pee in space Pound for pound, these were the deadliest boats of World War II These were Britain's 'manned torpedoes' in World War II We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty. Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox. Police went into a tizzy after they received a phone call, which later proved hoax, that a terrorist had entered the famous Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the head priest of the temple. After getting the call on Thursday night, the police swung into action and SP City Kaustibh along with CO Gorakhnath Ratnesh Singh led a strong force to search the entire temple. But they did not find any suspicious thing or man inside or outside the temple, the police said here on Friday. They said someone from the Bansgaon area informed the police control room over the phone around 10 pm on Thursday about the presence of a terrorist in the temple. However, his family members told the police that he was suffering from mental disease. "With a dog and bomb squad the entire Gorakhnath temple was searched and after watching CCTV footage and also asking people, no suspicious thing or man was found. With the help of surveillance, police traced that Shivendra Pratap Singh of Bedouli village under Bansgaon police station limit had called the police control room and gave fake information about the terrorist," the CO said. "The man was not found at home and his family claims that he is under treatment for mental disease for the last 10 years. Police are investigating the claim of his family," he added. The Gorakhnath temple is a temple of the Nath monastic order group of the Nath tradition. The name is derived from the medieval saint, Gorakshanath, a yogi who travelled widely across India and authored a number of texts that form a part of the canon of Nath Sampradaya. Kremlin Rejects Accusations it Was Behind Poisoning of Russian Opposition Leader By Charles Maynes September 03, 2020 The Kremlin rejected accusations it was behind the sudden illness of a leading Russian opposition politician, one day after a highly anticipated German investigation concluded Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny had been poisoned by a Soviet-produced military grade nerve agent. AP Explains: Novichok That Sickened Navalny a Cold War Relic A look at the deadly nerve agent that has left Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in a coma and nearly killed a former Russian spy and his daughter in 2018 The German investigation, whose findings were announced Wednesday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, concluded Navalny was recovering in a Berlin hospital from "Novichok," a Soviet-era toxin that Merkel said was clearly an attempt on the opposition politician's life by state-sponsored actors in Russia. "Alexei Navalny was the victim of an attack with a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group. This poison could be identified unequivocally in tests," said Merkel. "There are serious questions that only the Russian government can answer." Yet the Kremlin immediately cast doubt about the diagnosis, insisting that Russian doctors did analyses that showed no signs of the nerve agent much less poisoning before Navalny was evacuated to Berlin from a Siberian hospital on August 22. "Before the patient was taken to Germany, in accordance with all international standards, a whole series of tests was done in Russia, and no poisonous substance was found," said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesman, reacting to Merkel's announcement. "There are no grounds to accuse the Russian state. And we are not inclined to accept any accusations in this respect," added Peskov. Russia's Foreign Ministry also cast scorn on the report and insisted its ambassador to Germany had been summoned by German authorities but not presented with evidence. "Where are the facts, where are the formulas, at least some kind of information?" asked the ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, in an interview on Russia's state-run Channel One. Yet Navalny's chief strategist, Leonid Volkov, insisted the mere traces of Novichok a banned military-grade weapon first developed in the Soviet Union established the direct complicity of the Russian leadership. "Novichok means it was Putin. It's not something that you can "pick up at the pharmacy," said Volkov in a post to Facebook. Volkov compared the German discovery of the Soviet-made substance to leaving an autograph in blood at the scene of a crime. International ramifications The findings and dueling realties suggested Russia was headed for a repeat clash with western powers similar to fallout after the attempted poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia in Salisbury, England in 2018. Both the Skripal's ultimately survived, British investigators concluded Novichok was "highly likely" behind the poisonings a term widely mocked by Russia's Foreign Ministry and Kremlin state media as evidence of unsubstantiated and politically motivated accusations against Russia. A British woman later died from accidental exposure to the substance. The Salisbury poisonings also triggered the expulsion of more than 100 Russian diplomats and additional sanctions by the U.S., Britain, and other western allies a specter that Chancellor Merkel suggested may be in the offing once again. The chancellor said she had notified EU and NATO partners about the German report and that allies would issue "an appropriate, joint reaction" to Russia. The poisoning also echoed in the U.S. presidential race, with Democratic nominee Joe Biden accusing the Kremlin of an "outrageous and brazen attempt on Mr. Navalny's life" and President Donald Trump of failing to stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump's secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has previously expressed concern about Navalny's condition, and he previously called for an investigation "if the reports prove accurate" about deliberate poisoning. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said Wednesday, "The United States is deeply troubled by the results released today," calling Navalny's poisoning "completely reprehensible." "We will work with allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable, wherever the evidence leads, and restrict funds for their malign activities," Ullyot added. Meanwhile, the lower house of Russia's parliament is launching its own investigation into Navalny's illness arguing the opposition leader was poisoned by western security services in an effort to blacken Russia's reputation and, perhaps, derail a key German-Russian gas project. President Trump has imposed sanctions on European companies that help Russia complete a key gas pipeline deal to Germany known as Nord Stream 2. There were calls Thursday among German lawmakers to reconsider the deal. Sudden illness Navalny fell ill during a flight to Moscow from Siberia August 20 forcing the pilot to carry out an emergency landing in the city of Omsk. Within hours, news broke that the opposition leader was in a coma in a local hospital fighting for his life. Yet Russian doctors initially delayed his transfer for care to Berlin, Germany arguing his condition was too fragile for travel, despite the wishes of Navalny's family. Navalny's family and supporters argue the delays were intended to obscure what toxin had felled the opposition leader. Indeed, in the run-up to the German report, the Kremlin had been arguing there was no basis to even investigate what had caused Navalny's sudden illness. He is currently receiving treatment at Berlin's Charite Hospital, where doctors say he remains gravely ill in an artificially induced coma. Navalny has long been a problematic figure for the Kremlin detailing corruption and excess at the highest levels of the government on his popular YouTube channel. The channel's mix of investigative journalism and caustic humor has resonated with younger Russians in particular and made scores of enemies in government and business circles. Navalny also has made no secret of his own political ambitions. He tried to run a campaign for president in 2018 that ultimately was undone by a lingering criminal conviction. His supporters and the European Court of Human Rights agreed the charges were filed to keep him out of politics. Despite Navalny's prominence as a leading Kremlin critic, government officials have an unofficial policy to never mention Navalny's name a tradition the Kremlin spokesman continued even as he fielded questions about the opposition leader's poisoning. We're without a doubt interested in finding out the cause behind what happened," said Peskov, referring to Navalny merely as "the Berlin patient." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Andrew Osborn and Madeline Chambers MOSCOW/BERLIN (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday the West should not rush to judge it over the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and that there were no grounds to accuse it of the crime, as talk in the West of punishing Moscow intensified. The Kremlin was speaking a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny had been poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him and that she would consult NATO allies about how to respond. Navalny, 44, is an outspoken opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has specialized in high-impact investigations into official corruption. He was airlifted to Germany last month after collapsing on a domestic Russian flight after drinking a cup of tea that his allies said was poisoned. Berlin's Charite hospital, which is treating Navalny, has said he remains in a serious condition in an intensive care unit connected to an artificial lung ventilator even though some of his symptoms are receding. Novichok is the same substance that Britain said was used against a Russian double agent and his daughter in an attack in England in 2018. The deadly group of nerve agents was developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow rejected any suggestion that Russia had been behind the attack on Navalny and warned other countries against jumping to conclusions without knowing the full facts. "There are no grounds to accuse the Russian state. And we are not inclined to accept any accusations in this respect," Peskov told reporters. "Of course we would not want our partners in Germany and other European countries to hurry with their assessments." Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency, said Moscow could not rule out Western intelligence agencies had orchestrated the poisoning to stir up trouble, the RIA news agency reported. Story continues Russian prosecutors have said they see no reason to launch a criminal investigation because they say they have found no sign a crime was committed, though pre-investigation checks are continuing. Peskov said Russia was eager to know what had happened to Navalny, but couldn't do so without receiving information from Germany about the tests that had led to Berlin's conclusions about Novichok. SANCTIONS PRESSURE OPCW, the global chemical weapons agency, said the poisoning of any individual with a toxic nerve agent would be considered use of a banned chemical weapon. The European Commission said the bloc could only slap new sanctions on Russia after an investigation revealed who was responsible for Navalny's poisoning. Lithuania said it would ask EU leaders to discuss the poisoning at their next summit. Merkel said that any German or European response would depend on whether Russia helped clear up the case. After her strong statement on Wednesday, she is under pressure at home to reconsider the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will take gas from Russia to Germany. "We must pursue hard politics, we must respond with the only language (Russian President Vladimir) Putin understands - that is gas sales," Norbert Roettgen, head of Germany's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, told German radio. "If the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is completed now, it would be the maximum confirmation and encouragement for Putin to continue this kind of politics," Roettgen, a member of Merkel's conservatives, told German television separately. Nord Stream 2 is set to double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline in carrying gas directly from Russia to Germany. Led by Russian company Gazprom with Western partners, the project is more than 90% finished and due to operate from early 2021. This may complicate efforts to stop it. It is fiercely opposed by Washington and has divided the European Union, with some countries warning it will undermine the traditional gas transit state, Ukraine, and increase the blocs reliance on Russia. Peskov said the Kremlin regarded talk of trying to thwart Nord Stream 2 as being based on emotions. He said the project was a commercial one which benefited Russia, Germany and Europe. "We don't understand what the reason for any sanctions could be," said Peskov. (Additional reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, Anton Kolodyazhnyy and Maxim Rodionov in Moscow and by Thomas Seythal and Vera Eckert in Berlin and by Gabriela Baczynska, John Chalmers, and Marine Strauss in Brussels, Andrius Sytas in Vilnius and Anthony Deutsch in Amsterdam; Editing by William Maclean) Bloomberg 34 -- Kennedy GroupJason Kennedy 920182020omicron21 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was aware of a Donald Trump administration proposal to sell the advanced F-35 fighter jet to the United Arab Emirates amid negotiations with the Gulf country over normalizing ties with Israel, the New York Times reported Thursday. The news follows similar reports in the Israeli media and comes weeks after Israels Yedioth Ahronot newspaper reported that a secret clause in the agreement included the possibility of the UAE being allowed to purchase the F-35s. Netanyahus office immediately denied the Yedioth Ahronot report, issuing a detailed rebuttal. The New York Times on Thursday cited anonymous officials as saying Netanyahus public statements on the matter were false, and that the prime minister tacitly approved the proposal in hope of seeing the UAE recognize Israel. The paper did not identify the nationality of the officials. Why it matters: The story follows a series of similar revelations by the Israeli press that threaten to tarnish the deal, which Netanyahu is banking on to secure his legacy. The prime minister has already faced protests over his corruption trial and a political crisis over the state budget in over the past several weeks. Last month, Defense Minister Benny Gantz accused Netanyahu of bypassing him to consult with the head of the Israeli air force, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, on policy concerning Arab neighbors obtaining the F-35. Since 1973, the United States has maintained a policy of preserving Israels qualitative military edge in the region. Kushner said last month that the State Department and US military were looking at the possible sale now that the UAE recognized Israel. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought to smooth over criticism of Netanyahu during the top diplomats visit to Israel last week. Pompeo did not plainly deny reports of the F-35 agreement, saying the administration would review its process of selling arms to the UAE to find way that would respect Israels military advantage. Congress barred major weapons sales to the UAE over the Gulf countrys involvement in Yemens civil war. Pompeo issued an emergency certification to bypass the freeze last year, spurring controversy that was amplified when Trump fired the State Department inspector general at Pompeos request. UAE officials pulled out of a planned meeting with US and Israeli officials in Israel just days after the deal in protest of Netanyahus denials, Axios reported. Whats next: A meeting with top Trump administration adviser Jared Kushner and national security adviser Robert OBrien in Israel earlier this week seems to have placated Gantz. Meanwhile, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Sudan all appear to have declined the administrations proposals toward normalizing ties with Israel over the past two weeks. Whether the summit proposed by US and Israeli officials to be held in the UAE in mid-September will pan out remains to be seen. Know more: Mazal Mualem shows how the UAE agreement may have reduced Netanyahus political headache for now, but Rina Bassist suggests the F-35 controversy is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon. A dealer in a large Trenton drug-trafficking ring was sentenced Thursday to over 13 years in prison, federal authorities said. Omar Council, 41, of Trenton, pleaded guilty nearly one year ago to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and was handed a prison sentence of 13 years and 4 months in jail by a federal judge, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said in a release. Council, also known as Stacks or O or Snow, was one of 25 alleged heroin dealers arrested in 2018 by local and federal authorities in a takedown of rival drug dealing operations that flooded the citys west side with drugs, officials said. The dealers moved the drugs in bulk while well-armed with firearms - war ready as authorities put it, from a text message sent by one of the suspects. The case originated from a wiretap of cellphones from about October 2017 until the arrests in October 2018. Officials said the suspects are from two rival drug-dealing gangs and tensions between the two could have been responsible for the rampant shooting at the Art All Night festival in Trenton last summer that left one dead and nearly 30 wounded. Authorities, however, have never been specific as to how they suspect that. 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. Mike Pompeo was angry. The US secretary of state stood in the UN headquarters in New York on August 20 and proclaimed a new axis of evil between former American allies the UK, France and Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran. They chose to side with ayatollahs. Their actions endanger the people of Iraq, of Yemen, of Lebanon, of Syria and indeed, their own citizens as well. Pompeos outburst was prompted by a very bad week for the US in the UN security council. On August 14, only the Dominican Republic supported the Trump Administrations resolution for an extension of the UN arms embargo on Iran, which is due to expire in October. Russia and China voted no. The other 11 members, including the Europeans singled out by Pompeo, abstained. Then the following week, 13 of the 15 members of the security council objected to the US attempt to invoke snapback sanctions on Tehran. The snapback provision was built into Resolution 2231, which underpinned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the Iran nuclear deal. If any of the parties believes another had violated the terms, then a dispute resolution mechanism can be activated. If there is still no resolution, then UN sanctions on Iran dating from 2010 can be reimposed. Pompeo claimed that Iran was in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal it had agreed with the 5+1 Powers (US, UK, France, Germany, China and Russia). But everyone else except for the representative of the Dominican Republic, who said nothing countered that because the Trump administration withdrew from the agreement in May 2018 it had no standing to demand UN sanctions. On August 25, Indonesia, which currently holds the presidency of the UN security council, said no further action would be taken to impose snapback sanctions, drawing further ire from the US. Hoisted by their hard line When the US withdrew in May 2018 and then imposed unilateral, comprehensive sanctions in November that year, Iran was in compliance with the deal. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported at quarterly intervals that Tehran remained within the agreed limits for production of low-grade uranium. Story continues The Rouhani government, citing the US sanctions and failure to establish a European economic link to bypass them, suspended adherence to some provisions from June 2019. In June, the IAEA confirmed that the Iranians are increasing uranium enrichment to 4.5%, breaking the 3.67% limit set in the 2015 deal. However, Tehran has not returned to its pre-2015 production of 20% uranium. The Trump administration has no wish to return to what Donald Trump called the worst deal ever negotiated in American history. Instead, its strategy of maximum pressure on Tehran sought to condemn Irans regional operations in the Persian Gulf and in countries such as Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon. Then, in early January 2020, a US drone strike assassinated Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Quds Force responsible for Iranian military operations outside the country. Read more: What next for Iran's proxy network after killing of Qassem Soleimani Russia, China, the European powers, and almost all other security council members have reached a different conclusion on Iran. They concurred that the deal has to be maintained to prevent further confrontation throughout the Middle East and central Asia. In June, the UK, German and French foreign ministers were blunt in their message to the Trump administration: snapback sanctions would have serious adverse consequences in the security council and they could not support it. Why go it alone? But this leaves the immediate question: why, given the inevitability of defeat on both the arms embargo and the snapback sanctions, did the Trump administration push so hard and so vociferously and continue to do so? A miscalculation of arrogance by Pompeo cant be ruled out. And, of course, there is Trumps relative ignorance of US-Iranian relations and the region even as his camp were shaking a fist of fury, he was talking about the possibility of a high-profile meeting with an Iranian leader. But career staff in Washington will know that these are fantasies. There is no chance of Trump shaking hands with Irans president, Hassan Rouhani, or of the security council agreeing to impose snapback sanctions. Trumps circle, having shredded the diplomatic work of the Obama administration, want to box in a future Biden presidency. Their rhetoric about Iranian duplicity, menace and support of terrorism seeks to raise the domestic political bar for any resumption of talks, let alone a revised nuclear agreement. After November Although its not being said openly, almost everyone except Trumps inner circle is awaiting his departure in January 2021 and the arrival of a Biden administration. That will not bring a simple return to the status quo before the 2015 deal. A Democratic administration, both because of domestic pressure and concerns over Iranian military plans, will want some revision of terms; so will the Europeans, including over Tehrans missile programs. Tehran will seek assurances against another unilateral US withdrawal from a deal and for the removal of comprehensive sanctions. But a return to acceptance of mutual interest in a deal, and of discussions of regional matters, will shift the priority to negotiations rather than confrontation. Still, a second Trump term cannot be ruled out. If Trump is reelected in November, then his administration is likely to pile on more pressure with additional unilateral sanctions, attacks on Iranian infrastructure, and threats to knock out more of Tehrans commanders. The message will be clear: concede or we will break you. Tehran is likely to reply: try it. Even as the Trump administration pursues its quest in isolation, that will turn the regional kaleidoscope into more collision and fragmentation, and force Iranians to endure more sacrifice for their leaders resistance to the US. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Conversation Scott Lucas does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Cebu provincial board members are demanding for an investigation on the extraction of dolomite brought to Manila Bay. The local officials said that they are alarmed after revealing that the extraction of the rocks for the cleanup was done without any permit from the local government. Provincial board member John Ismael Borgonia said that they want to know where the dolomite rocks have been extracted, and have asked the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to investigate. "We want to know if the one who supplied the dolomite has the necessary permit and where they secured it. Why they were able to ship the dolomite without us in the province or any LGU knowing it," Borgonia said. The overlaying of white sand made of refined dolomite rocks on the shore of Manila Bay in Roxas Boulevard has drawn flak from different environment groups, saying that it is entirely for aesthetic purposes. However, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said that the project has been studied thoroughly. May pag-aaral po yan. Hindi naman basta-basta gagawin yan to just please the eyes of the people. May mga engineering intervention na ginawa diyan, he said in a CNN Philippines interview on Friday. [Translation: There have been studies conducted. It was not just made to please the eyes of people. There were engineering interventions that were made there.] According to Antiporda, the rehabilitation project has a 389-million funding, and clarified that it was not spent solely on the dolomite rocks. Dale Israel, CNN Philippines correspondent in Cebu, contributed to this story. (Natural News) Were it not for the police officers who were present at the time when Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and his wife left the White House following President Donald Trumps acceptance speech during the Republican National Convention, Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) terrorists probably would have committed murder. This is the claim of Sen. Paul himself, who told Fox & Friends that the angry mob of violent thugs that was waiting for him outside the White House likely would have taken his life, and possibly the life of his wife, had law enforcement not been there to protect them. It was horrific, the Republican senator stated, explaining that he already had to have part of his lung removed due to a complication arising from a 2017 assault by his neighbor. This latest incident, Sen. Paul told Steve Doocy, was a whole new level of unhinged, revealing the true heart and soul of the Democrat Party. Theyre attempting to push the police over to get to me, so at one point they push a policeman backwards, he stumbles and hes trying to catch his balance and I catch the back of his flak jacket to stabilize him to make sure hes OK because hes our defense, Sen. Paul explained. If hes down, the mobs loose on us. Sen. Paul went on to thank law enforcement for protecting him and his wife, emphasizing that this is exactly why we need police officers present in order to keep the peace and save lives. I truly believe this with every fiber of my being, had they gotten at us they would have gotten us to the ground, we might not have been killed, might just have been injured or been kicked in the head, or kicked in the stomach until we were senseless. If police are abolished, expected to be kicked in the head and left senseless on the curb Many an entitled leftist, observing what is going on from the comfort of her luxury home far away from all the chaos, now believes that abolishing the police is a great way to achieve social justice while ending racism. But as Sen. Paul learned first-hand, the endgame is actually lawlessness, destruction and endless violence. Youve seen the pictures of what they do to you, Sen. Paul explained soberly. If the police are not there, if you defund the police, if we become Portland, if America becomes Portland, whats going to happen is people are going to be pummeled and kicked in the head and left senseless on the curb. That would have happened to us, I promise you, had we not had the D.C. Police to support us, we are thankful we have police, and weve got to wake up, Sen. Paul went on to state. Should Joe Biden and Kamala Harris capture the White House and further this anti-police agenda, the whole country will basically burn to the ground, even worse than it already is currently. We cant have the whole country, we cant have Joe Biden rule the country and have no police, Sen. Paul warns. I mean, we cant walk down the street in D.C. safely now. Thats how bad it is. Sen. Paul, who for years has fought against government encroachments such as the Patriot Act, says he has authored 22 criminal justice reforms with President Trump and former President Barack Obama, recognizing that law enforcement does needs some reforms. Still, BLM and Antifa terrorists were out for blood, yelling at Sen. Paul that horrific evening: Were not going to let you go alive unless youll say youre for criminal justice reform. For more related news about Black Lives Matter and Antifa terrorism, check out CivilWar.news. Sources for this article include: FoxNews.com NaturalNews.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 19:04:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Three militants were killed and two others were injured as their explosive device went off prematurely in northern Afghanistan's Kunduz province on Friday, a local police official Fazal Ahmad said. According to the official, five Taliban insurgents were taking a mine to plant on a road in Qarabator area of Ali Abad district at noon but the device exploded accidentally, killing three on the spot and wounding two others. Taliban militants who are largely relying on suicide and roadside bombings haven't made comment. Enditem Authorities in Middlesex County are seeking leads in the decade-old unsolved murder of a 21-year-old man, who was fatally shot in Malden, prosecutors announced this week. Cory DiSciscio, who was from Stoneham, was shot and killed outside Ronans Bar at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Wyeth Street on Sept. 5, 2010, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden Chief of Police Kevin Molis said in a joint statement. Saturday will mark the 10th anniversary of the 21-year-old mans death. Since the killing of DiSciscio, Malden police and Massachusetts State Police have investigated the circumstances surrounding the mans death. However, a suspect has yet to be apprehended, authorities noted. Based on the investigation, though, police believe multiple people witnessed the shooting. Individuals with information they believe may aid the investigation have been urged to call state police at (781) 897-6600 or Malden police at (781) 397-7171. Members of the public can also submit a tip, named or anonymous, at www.maldenpd.com. Related Content: Leads sought in unsolved 2010 Malden murder of Stoneham man Cory DiSciscio The IFA-PTIA selection is jointly organized by International Data Group and AHK. According to the organizers, the 2020 IFA-PTIA had "Innovating the Technology, Inspiring the Life" as its theme and covered a full range of products representing new breakthroughs in intelligent and innovative technologies in the global consumer electronics industry, including smart home appliances, intelligent devices, wearables, AI applications, and robotics. The 2020 IFA-PTIA presented a total of 19 awards, which went to 14 brands including SIEMENS, SAMSUNG, Midea, Panasonic, BOE, Electrolux, CHiQ, HONOR, Sony, LG, PHILIPS, De'Longhi, iRobot and TECNO in recognition of their groundbreaking in terms of technology, design or application products. China-based global consumer electronics brands have continued to be at the forefront of innovation of the industry. Midea wins "Smart Kitchen Solutions Gold Award" for its new Ifamily kitchen system and "User Experience Innovation Product Gold Award" for its Air Conditioning KFR-35GW/BP3DN8Y-XT100(1); HONOR wins "High-performance Innovative Laptop Gold Award" for its MagicBook Pro and "Outdoor Innovation Wearable Gold Award" for its Watch GS Pro; BOE wins "Innovative Display Technology Gold Award" for its Flexible OLED Full-screen Display; CHiQ wins "Design Innovation TV Gold Award" for its 75Q7ART 8K; and TECNO wins "Camera Technology Innovation Smartphone Gold Award" for its CAMON 16 Premier. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200903005911/en/ Contacts: Beverly Yang Beverly_Yang@idgchina.com.cn Published on 2020/09/03 | Source Actor Kwak Dong-yeon is starring in "Vincenzo". Advertisement The new tvN drama "Vincenzo" is about a Mafia consigliere who comes to Korea from Italy due to conflicts within the organization, gets linked with a veteran evil lawyer and embodies justice in a villain's way, advocating a social comedy genre. It is expected to give catharsis in the way dark heroes deal with mutated villains who can't be punishable by law. In "Vincenzo", Kwak Dong-yeon plays Jang Han-seo, the smart head of Babel Group. Jang Han-seo is a violent and competitive person who holds wealth and power at a young age. On the surface, it looks like he's abusing power and tyranny without guilt, but inside he is full of fear. Kwak is expected to show off his presence with his acting skills that are much wider and deeper than before. In addition, he will work with Song Joong-ki who plays Vincenzo Casano, Jeon Yeo-bin who plays Hong Cha-yeong, and Ok Taecyeon who plays Jang Joon-woo to add synergy to the original material and dynamic development. Kwak Dong-yeon, who made his debut in 2012 with "My Husband Got a Family" met with the public every year through steady work activities such as the drama "Modern Farmer", "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds", "Fight For My Way", "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" and "Doctor Detective". In particular, he gained attention for his solid acting ability to revive the details of his character, and expanded his scope of activities to theater and musical stages. He recently made a special appearance in the tvN "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" as Kwon Ki-do. He perfectly pulled off a young character and heralded a strong and bone-chilling performance. "Vincenzo" which is helmed by Kim Hee-won-II and written by Park Jae-beom-I, is about to go into production soon. The newly constituted parliamentary strategy group of the Congress has decided to raise the issue of dropping the Question Hour with the presiding officers of both the Houses. Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Floor leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhry will write to the Speaker, said party sources. The leaders met on Thursday virtually and deliberated on the issues to be raised by the Congress in the upcoming session, while the five member committee constituted by Sonia Gandhi has given its recommendation on ordinance, said sources. Ahead of the Parliament session, which begins on September 14, another meeting is expected to finalise the issues to be raised by the party. The meeting gained significance after the letter bomb and the stormy Congress Working Committee (CWC) meet, where the loyalists and dissenters came face to face. However, sources said only issues related to the Parliament session were discussed, and Azad, who was the prime mover of the letter presided over the meeting. Randeep Surjewala, party chief spokesperson, said: The central idea is to hold the government accountable, to expose its lies, to ensure that public welfare steps are taken and to fix accountability of the government to Parliament of India and through it to 130 crore people of India. By abolishing the Question Hour, this government is running scared of answering the relevant questions to the people of India through their elected representatives." The Congress has alleged that the Modi government does not want to answer on the brazen transgressions by China in the Indian Territory. It does not want to answer about the plunder of the Indian economy and the free fall of GDP. The Centre also does not want to answer as to why, for the first time in 73 years, GDP has fallen by minus 24 per cent. Sources in the government called it a masterclass in hypocrisy", while taking a dig at the opposition. The uproar over the Question Hour suspension is nothing but a masterclass in hypocrisy by members of the opposition. It is amusing to see opposition MPs who dont have the power to question even their party president create a fake narrative on this issue," said the government source. The idea of dropping the Question Hour in the mini Parliament session has the opposition up in arms. They are accusing the Centre of stifling its voice. Both the Houses of Parliament will be meeting for the first time since the nationwide lockdown in March. Parliamentary Affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said, The government has spoken in advance to all the opposition parties for not holding Question Hour and everyone, except West Bengal MP Derek OBrien, has agreed to the arrangement. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-03 04:26:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rains battering Niger since June have claimed 51 lives and destroyed 26,000 homes, affecting 281,0000 people, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday. Several thousand hectares of cultivated farmland also have been swamped, threatening food production, OCHA said in a statement. The United Nations and humanitarian partners in support of the government's response efforts have supplied non-food items to various regions of one of the world's poorest and driest countries, the humanitarian office said. The world organization has provided 4,700 shelter kits to refugees and internally displaced people in Niamey, the capital, in the south of the Sahel nation, and the Diffa region, in the extreme southeast, near the border of Nigeria. OCHA said more than 72,000 people have received assistance with priority needs of food, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, education and protective services. Additional funding is required to continue providing timely aid to the impacted population, the office said. Its Financial Tracking Service reported the 516 million U.S. dollars required for this year's aid has reached only about 38 percent funding. Enditem (Newser) Seven Rochester, New York, police officers have been suspended over the death of Daniel Prude, the Black man who asphyxiated in March after cops put a hood over his head. His death only just made headlines, after his family released video of the fatal incident; the city's mayor says the police chief did not give her the full details of the encounter until early August, the Democrat and Chronicle reports. "The only way we can confront systemic racism in our city is to face it head-on," Mayor Lovely Warren said Thursday in announcing the immediate suspensions with pay for all officers present at the scene. "There cannot be a justice system for white people and a justice system for Black people." story continues below City Council members had, hours previously, sent her a letter calling for action to be taken. They say they learned of Prude's death the same way everyone else did, when the news media started reporting on it Wednesday. "Im very concerned about all the pieces of the puzzle not being together and being presented to me as a city council member and member of the community in a timely manner," one says. "That is a serious concern." Warren said changes will be made to the policies for reporting deaths of people in police custody, and more funding will be provided for the team that helps individuals with mental health needs and frequent law enforcement contact. Prude was reportedly suffering from mental health problems, WHAM reports. The state attorney general's office has opened an investigation into Prude's death; Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for that probe to be expedited. (Read more police brutality stories.) Global warming is dramatically increasing the risk of extreme hurricanes in the Caribbean, but meeting more ambitious climate change goals could up to halve the likelihood of such disasters in the region, according to new research. The study, led by the University of Bristol, analysed future projections of hurricane rainfall in the Caribbean and found it to be particularly vulnerable to climate change, resulting in extreme hurricane rainfall events being as much as five times more likely in a warmer world. Hurricane research has previously focused on the United States, so we wanted to look at the Caribbean region, which has fewer resources to recover. The findings are alarming and illustrate the urgent need to tackle global warming to reduce the likelihood of extreme rainfall events and their catastrophic consequences, particularly for poorer countries which take many years to recover, said lead author Emily Vosper, Research Student at the School of Computer Science, at the University of Bristol. The researchers generated thousands of synthetic hurricanes under three climate scenarios: present day conditions compared to the Paris Agreement goals of 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2C warming above pre-industrial levels. The main objective of the Paris Agreement, a global framework to tackle climate change, is to hold the global average temperature increase to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and endeavour to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C. Focusing their analysis on the Caribbean region, the study generated rainfall statistics by applying a physics-based model to the synthetic hurricanes. The model takes into account several factors including the land features and large-scale winds, and has been shown to give realistic results compared to observations of real-life hurricanes. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, found that extreme hurricane rainfall events affecting the Caribbean, those which typically happen once every 100 years under the current climate, occur more often under the Paris Agreement scenarios. But a 1.5C warmer world would see significantly fewer intense Caribbean hurricanes, reducing occurrence by as much as half in the Eastern regions, compared to a 2C warmer world. Hurricane Maria brought as much as a quarter of normal annual rainfall to some regions of Puerto Rico when it made landfall in 2017 and storms of this magnitude are roughly once in a 100-year events. The results show that in a 2C warmer world, an event of similar size to Maria would be more than twice (2.3 times) as likely, occurring once every 43 years. Similarly, a 100-year storm affecting the Bahamas would be 4.5 times as likely under the 2C Paris Agreement scenario compared to the present day. Under the more ambitious goal of 1.5C warming, such extreme hurricane rainfall events affecting the Dominican Republic would occur roughly once every 57 years, which is half as likely compared to the 2C warming scenario where they would occur once every 30 years. Emily said: We expected extreme hurricanes to be more prevalent in the 2C global warming scenario, but the scale of the projected increases was surprising and should serve as a stark warning to countries across the globe underscoring the importance of keeping climate change under control. The projections reinforce the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change special report, which concludes that restricting global warming to 1.5C would limit the risk of climate-related hazards, such as torrential rainfall, drought, and temperature extremes. Emily said: Our findings show that the impacts of a 2C warming above pre-industrial levels are set to disproportionately affect the Caribbean. By focusing efforts to stabilise global warming to the more ambitious 1.5C goal, we could dramatically reduce the likelihood of extreme hurricane rainfall events in the area, particularly in the Eastern Caribbean region. It takes at least six years for even the richest of the Caribbean countries to rebuild after a major hurricane hits, stalling economic growth. Building resilient infrastructure throughout the islands is not feasible due to financial and time constraints. The study recommends its findings could be used to inform a multi-hazard, multi-scale approach which identifies the most at-risk areas so resilience funding and strategies can be more effectively targeted. Emily said: Resources to mitigate damage are limited, so our findings could help highlight the hotspots in greatest danger and need. An integrated climate risk approach is needed to fully understand the threat of future hurricanes to Caribbean populations. Further studies could therefore incorporate factors that directly affect the health and well-being of local populations such as storm surge, flood and landslide modelling into the rainfall results to quantify such threats and feed into adaptation and resilience planning. Reducing the likelihood of extreme hurricanes should be the overriding priority. Our research clearly illustrates how vital it is to keep striving to meet the lower global warming temperature target, and the collective responsibility all countries, cities, communities, governments and individuals share to make that happen. Paper 'Extreme hurricane rainfall affecting Caribbean mitigated by the Paris Agreement goals' by Emily Vosper, Dann Mitchell, and Kerry Emanuel in Environmental Research Letters (Newser) Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who has a history of heart and other medical problems, was admitted to a Milan hospital early Friday as a precaution to monitor his coronavirus infection, a top aide said. Sen. Lucia Ronzulli told RAI state TV Friday morning that the media mogul, 83, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, was doing well. She said he was undergoing precautionary monitoring of his infection. He passed the night well,'' she said. State radio later said Berlusconi was admitted to San Raffaele hospital, where his private doctor is based, shortly after midnight, the AP reports. Sky TG24, reporting from outside the hospital, said Berlusconi had the beginnings of pneumonia and was given an oxygen mask to aid breathing. story continues below On Thursday, Berlusconi, speaking from his estate on the outskirts of Milan, told his supporters he no longer had fever or pain. Italian media have said two of his adult children also were recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and are self-isolating. Unfortunately this isn't a cold,'' he told La Stampa. Now it touches mebut not only me, but also my familyI realize more than ever how grave" the pandemic is. "I'm aware of how much sorrow it has sowed in so many families, of how much pain it has caused so many people," he said. On Thursday, the three-time former premier vowed to keep campaigning in upcoming regional elections in Italy for his center-right party, Forza Italia. (Read more Silvio Berlusconi stories.) Ukraine will respond harshly to the unfriendly actions of the Belarusian authorities, rather than statements they make, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said. "We will respond harshly to the actions of Belarus, not to the words of Belarus. [] We did not summon the Belarusian ambassador yesterday. [] There will be a verbal answer to every statement, and there will be an effective answer to every action. For example, when Belarus handed over Wagner group mercenaries to Russia, it was a key moment for me to decide to recall the [Ukrainian] ambassador for consultations, and unfriendly statements that were made were additional arguments, but not the main argument. Therefore, we will respond to words with words, and we will respond to actions with actions," Kuleba said during an online briefing on Friday, September 4. He said that Ukraine's Ambassador to Belarus Ihor Kyzym was still at consultations in Kyiv and this week he took part in a meeting on relations with Belarus in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Kuleba also noted that statements made by the Belarusian side create an extremely negative background for relations, as those statements are completely untrue. "It is especially unpleasant that while the Russian Federation is exercising quite effective control over the events in Belarus, the Belarusian side, our partners, are accusing Ukraine of what it is not doing. Instead, this is exactly what Russia is doing now in Belarus," the diplomat said. According to him, the Ukrainian side understands that this rhetoric will continue. At the same time, he said that Ukraine should approach the Belarusian crisis solely in terms of its national interests. "Firstly, this is national security. Secondly, this is the protection of Ukrainian citizens on the territory of Belarus. Thirdly, this is the protection of our economic interests in relations with Belarus. It is always necessary to consider the situation comprehensively. It is not necessary to rush, to react to every word, because it is a very difficult game, and we have to minimize the negative consequences for Ukraine in this game," Kuleba said. On August 17, Kuleba recalled Ukrainian Ambassador to Belarus Ihor Kyzym for consultations given the political situation in the neighboring country. On August 28, Kuleba said that Ukraine had stopped preparing for and holding all official meetings with Belarus due to the tense situation in the country. op Zero local COVID-19 infections, three imported cases, and 19 recoveries were reported in Vietnam on Friday, according to the Ministry of Health. The Southeast Asian country has documented only one community-based transmission during the past six days, the health ministry said. Three imported cases were confirmed on Friday, all Vietnamese returning from Ukraine. They were registered in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, about 120km from Ho Chi Minh City. The three arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on the same flight on Tuesday. They were quarantined upon entry, as per regulations. The trio, aged eight, 35, and 43, were sampled for COVID-19 testing at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday. Their results came back positive on Friday. They are isolated for treatment at Long Dien District Medical Center in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The health ministry announced 19 recoveries on Friday, including five in Da Nang, 13 in neighboring Quang Nam Province, and one in northern Ha Nam Province. Vietnam has detected 1,049 coronavirus patients, including 691 domestic infections, as of Friday night, with 786 having recovered and 35 having died. A total of 551 local cases, mostly linked to Da Nang, have been registered since July 25, when the beach city reported the first domestic transmission after the nation had gone 99 days without any community-based infection. Vietnam is quarantining 61,968 people who had direct contact with confirmed cases or entered the country from coronavirus-hit regions. The virus exists in the community so everyone should learn to live with the epidemic in order to both fight it and develop the national economy, the health ministry said. Accordingly, the ministry advised people to wear face masks in public, keep a distance from one another, avoid gatherings, disinfect places and sanitize hands, and declare health status. Vietnam plans to reopen frequent international air routes to China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Laos in mid-September, after having suspended commercial international flights since March 25. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Donald Trump has chided his Democratic opponent Joe Biden for visiting Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Thursday, where the former vice president met with the family of Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old man who was shot in the back seven times by local police. The president also doubled down on his suggestion that Americans try to vote twice, which is illegal, if they are worried their mail-in ballots will not be counted. At a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Mr Trump bragged that he had been to Kenosha two days before to survey the damage inflicted upon local businesses by violent pockets of protesters who looted, burned and threw projectiles at shops. "Biden went there today. There was nobody there," Mr Trump said. "He was a little late. I was gonna say, 'Hey, listen, we ended that problem,'" the president said, referring to his decision to send in the National Guard at the request of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to help quell riotous behaviour. Mr Trump's declaration that he "ended that problem" in Kenosha provides a window into how he views a national moment marked by acute racial tensions and deep-seated distrust between minority communities and law enforcement. Namely, that his chief objective is to crush violent elements at anti-police brutality protests around the country, without necessarily addressing the underlying pleas of the vast, peaceful majorities calling for policing reform. Biden's plan is to appease the domestic terrorists. My plan is to arrest them and prosecute them, Mr Trump said at the rally, noting that the Justice Department has now arrested roughly 400 people involved in street riots this summer. While Mr Biden has primarily focused his campaign messaging surrounding the protests on listening to black voices and reforming the operations of police departments around the country, he has taken a more aggressive tone denouncing the pockets of violence on the streets of US cities such as Kenosha and Portland, Oregon. "I condemn violence of every kind by anyone, whether on the left or the right. And I challenge Donald Trump to do the same," Mr Biden said in a lengthy statement earlier this week. Millions of Americans have taken to the streets this summer to protest against the US law enforcement system after the high-profile deaths in police custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and others. Mr Blake, whose family Mr Biden visited on Thursday, was paralysed from the waist down after being shot by an officer last month. Polls, polls, polls A new Fox News poll of likely voters in Wisconsin showed Mr Biden leading Mr Trump on issues pertaining to policing and criminal justice. The survey put Mr Biden 8 percentage points ahead of the president overall, 50-42, just outside the margin of error. Mr Biden was trusted by more voters on the two issues dominating the campaign at this stage the coronavirus pandemic, and policing and criminal justice, the Fox News poll found. He led the president by a 17-point margin on the former (52-35 per cent), and had a five point lead on the latter (47-42 per cent). Mr Trump insisted at his rally on Thursday that his standing among voters had received a post-Republican National Convention bump, despite the RealClearPolitics average for the last week showing him 7.2 percentage points underwater nationally. The president dismissed those public surveys as "fake polls" and proclaimed that his internal campaign polling portended trouble for Mr Biden. "You know, they're called suppression polls. They're meant to make you depressed. Are you depressed? You don't look depressed," Mr Trump said, pointing to a person in the delighted audience. "We have the real numbers. We're leading everywhere. We are leading everywhere, he said. Doubling down on voting twice At the rally, Mr Trump refused to back down on his comments from the previous night urging Americans to try to vote twice once by mail, and again in person if they were concerned someone might tamper with their mail-in ballots. "Sign your mail in ballot, okay? You sign it. And send it in. And then you have to follow it. And if on Election Day or early voting that is not tabulated and counted, you go vote," the president told his supporters in Pennsylvania. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany sought to clarify earlier on Thursday that when Mr Trump tells voters to "go vote" in person, he means they should go cast provisional ballots in case their mail-in ballots get tossed. Mr Trump has not made such a distinction in his own speeches. Biden hits back Mr Biden renewed his criticism of Mr Trump's handling of race relations in the US over the course of his administration on Thursday, saying the president's comments after a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 "exposed what had not been paid enough attention to, the underlying racism that has been institutionalised" in the US. The 2020 Democratic nominee said he had been inspired to re-enter public office following the president's "very fine people" remarks after the Charlottesville episode, referring to demonstrations that included neo-Nazi groups and far-right violence against counter-protesters. "No president has ever said anything like it," the former vice president said at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha on Thursday. "It legitimises the dark side of human nature," he said of Mr Trump. Adding to the yearly CAO chaos is the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc on schools and colleges. New and existing third-level students are facing into a semester that will take a very different form to a normal college year, with so-called "hybrid learning" the new mode of operation for institutions across the State. Breakingnews.ie has put together a quick-guide on when individual colleges are hoping to get back to the classroom and what form that return will take. National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG): NUIG has opted for a what is described as a blended return, with the majority of students resuming classes either online or on-campus on September 28th. Indicative timetables for each course can be found here. Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT): GMIT will have a mixture of remote lectures and on-campus practicals and tutorials for students. Information regarding the amount of onsite class time students will have, in all of GMITs schools, including those in Letterfrack, Mayo and the International Hotel School can be found here. Advertisement Induction for continuing students is due to start on September 21st, while first year students will begin on September 28th. University of Limerick (UL): The autumn semester will start on September 28th for the majority of UL students, with the university creating a "hybrid environment". According to the UL website, an alternate start date may be adopted for some courses, but students will be contacted by their course director if such a change is deemed necessary. First year and taught postgraduate students will be welcomed on-campus on the week commencing September 28th, while all other year groups will have online classes. For the remainder of the semester, year groups will rotate between on-campus and remote classes. First years are scheduled to be on-campus one out of every three weeks, while all other year groups will have in-person classes one out of every four weeks. The year group rota can be viewed here. Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT): LIT students will also have some time on-campus this semester, with their website stating: All students will be timetabled to spend time on campus every week, with tutorials and practicals predominantly on campus, and lectures predominantly delivered remotely. In line with the planned start date for first year students in all Institutes of Technology in the country, the autumn semester will commence for incoming first years on September 28th. Advertisement An indicative outline of the on-campus element of each department is available here but departments such as Sport, Leisure & Tourism, Applied Social Science and Business & Financial Services are yet to confirm their estimated weekly on-campus time requirements. University College Cork (UCC): In Cork, UCC will have a mix of online learning, including live events and pre-made content, along with in-person classes. For first years, individual timetables, including remote and on-campus classes, are generated once the student registers for their course. More information for first years preparing to start in UCC can be found here. For students in other year groups, an email will be sent (between August 18th and September 15th) inviting them to register for the year, after which they will be able to access their personalised timetable with information on the number of in-person classes they will have. Information on registering for the year and subsequent steps to receive your timetable can be accessed here. Cork Institute of Technology (CIT): Similar to LIT, CIT will also adopt a blended approach, with on-campus classes depending on factors such as the needs and requirements of the academic discipline, space considerations, and stage of programme. The general start date for the autumn semester will be September 21st for continuing and part-time students in CIT Bishopstown, CIT Cork School of Music, CIT Crawford College of Art and Design and the National Maritime College of Ireland. Advertisement First year students are due to begin on October 5th, depending on the CAO process. Information for all incoming and continuing CIT students can be found here. Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT): WIT have placed a much bigger emphasis on online learning, announcing that all lectures and tutorials will take place remotely. Labs and workshops will take place on-campus subject to appropriate social distancing and PPE based on the physical layout of the learning spaces according to the WIT website. The WIT website states that each students level of on-campus hours will vary depending on their programme. Orientation for incoming students will take place online between September 21st and 25th, with classes for all students starting on September 28th. Carlow Institute of Technology: Carlow IT will make use of hybrid learning for the upcoming semester, but individual timetables for students detailing their on and off-campus split will be released in due course. First year and taught postgraduate students will begin classes on September 28th, while second, third and fourth years will start on September 21st according to the Carlow IT website. Trinity College Dublin (TCD): Trinity will start their semester on September 28th, again, with a hybrid system being implemented. Orientation of first year students is also due to take place on this date. Advertisement According to the TCD website, a Resumption of Teaching Working Group is working out different scenarios of how to deliver this hybrid teaching format depending on what social distancing protocols will be in force at the time. Their website adds that there will be online lectures for larger class groupings and face-to-face seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes for smaller groups. Additional information can be found here. University College Dublin (UCD): Students in both UCDs Belfield and Blackrock campuses will have a mixture of face-to-face and online classes, but some students have expressed their disappointment that their course is now being fully delivered online with no in-person component whatsoever, according to a statement from UCD students union president, Conor Anderson. UCD has published a Short Guide for Students Returning to Campus, which can be accessed here, saying that laboratory, clinical and professional activities will recommence face-to-face, with physical distancing and the use of PPE as necessary. The guide also adds that learning in small groups is more likely to take place on campus. Mr Andersons statement goes on to say that students were contacted in August with an update on what form this semesters classes would take. He adds that the communication received by students said undergraduates could expect anywhere between 30 per cent and 70 per cent, but for graduate students, those numbers were slashed to between 20 per cent and 86 per cent. We are now being made aware that some courses will have zero per cent in-person teaching, just weeks before classes resume, the students union president said. UCD student timetables are expected to be released next week, at which time students will be able to see how many hours they have on-campus each week. Dublin City University (DCU): First year students will start in DCU on September 28th, with the remainder of students starting a week later, on October 5th. According to the DCU website, their campuses will be open for students to attend all non-academic elements, including sports, clubs and societies activities. The website adds that an attempt will be made to ensure students will be scheduled for on-campus classes for a reasonable length of time to minimise commuting times. Additional information for all students can be found here. Earlier on Thursday (September 3), Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), went to a museum in the suburb of Beijing to commemorate the anniversary. After a minute of silence mourning the fallen heroes, Xi, along with other leaders of the CPC Central Committee, laid wreaths for the martyrs. Speaking at a symposium later in the day with the presence of veterans who survived the war, Xi hailed the Chinese nation's great spirit, stressing patriotism and heroism in the effort to achieve China's national rejuvenation. He said the Chinese nation as a whole fought and won the war with great spirits of patriotism and heroism, which is invaluable today and can motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation. The COVID-19 pandemic has sent the already strained China-U.S. relations on a rapid downward spiral. Despite fast and effective control of the epidemic in China, the U.S. has constantly attacked China over its handling of coronavirus. In recent months, the U.S. government has also escalated attacks on the CPC, viewing it as a "global threat and enemy." Under the CPC's leadership, the Chinese people have not only won the war against Japanese fascism but made remarkable achievements in economic and social developments since then, Xi highlighted in the symposium. China's reform and opening-up have completely overhauled its economy, urbanized society and improved living standards. China is now the second-largest world economy following the U.S., and before the end of 2020, it will lift all people out of poverty. To achieve China's national rejuvenation, Xi said the country must stick to the leadership of the CPC, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the people-centric approach as well as peaceful development. "The Chinese people will never agree with any one or any force that attempts to distort the history of the CPC and stigmatize the nature of the CPC," Xi said. "The Chinese people will never agree with anyone or any force that attempts to distort and divert the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and attempt to deny and stigmatize the great achievement under the path. The Chinese people will never agree with anyone or any force that attempts to split the CPC and the Chinese people." He also rejected the attempts to bully and impose their will on China as well as hinder Chinese people's communication with people in other countries. Little-known facts about the scale of war in China It's important to remember the suffering and loss of World War II, but one must not forget the war in China in extent, consequences and legacy. People from all across the country found themselves embroiled in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). China was the main battlefield against Japanese fascism. Before the Pacific War (1941-1943), Japan deployed about 80-94 percent of its troops in China, and after 1941, Japan still kept over 50 percent of its soldiers in China. When Japan surrendered, a total of 1.86 million Japanese troops were deployed in China, accounting for nearly 52 percent of the total number of combatants sent abroad. During the war over 1.5 million Japanese troops died in China, while more than 35 million Chinese military and civilians died during the war, accounting for nearly 8 percent of China's total population in 1928. China says it suffered more than 100 billion U.S. dollars of direct economic losses and 500 billion U.S. dollars of indirect economic losses (at the price in 1937). Opportunity for reflection In the past decades, China's relations with Japan have experienced ups and downs. During the Osaka meeting last June, leaders of both countries reached a 10-point consensus to jointly promote a healthy development of bilateral relations. Xi also agreed in principle to pay a state visit to Japan, which was interrupted by the COVID-19, turning a new page on ties between the two countries. China and Japan are close neighbors, and a long-term peaceful relationship benefits people from both countries, as well as the stability of Asia and the world, Xi said while reflecting on the war. Properly reflecting on Japanese fascism and its aggression and invasion to China is an important political foundation of the establishment and growth of the China-Japan relations, Xi said. We should take the opportunity to remember and reflect on history as we cherish peace and friendship between the two countries, he said. Original article: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-09-03/Xi-delivers-speech-at-symposium-to-mark-WWII-victory-anniversary-Tud3lrn8Y0/index.html SOURCE CGTN Political pressures surrounding trade talks will inevitably intensify with a key round of EU/UK talks next week. UK lobbying for increased preparation and stronger support will also intensify which will tend to trigger a bigger focus on the issue in currency markets. Logistics companies raise fears over supply-chain disruption Much of the media and market attention remains focussed on the macro-level talks on a new free trade agreement between the UK and EU, but underlying concerns over infrastructure and the trading environment in 2021 remain a key concern. Eight logistics organisations - including the Road Haulage Association, Logistics UK and the United Kingdom Warehousing Association have written to the Cabinet Office and raised concerns over IT systems, the funding to train up customs agents and the pace of physical infrastructure being built. According to the groups, there will be important ramifications if there is no progress. If these issues are not addressed disruption to UK business and the supply chain that we all rely so heavily on will be severely disrupted. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government will work to ensure the "best systems are in place", but admitted that the trade negotiations created some uncertainty. The government has given itself powers to grant emergency planning permission for it to build temporary lorry parks and inspection posts in 29 councils areas across England, without the need for local approval. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) also sounded the alarm over supply chain disruption. Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, commented; Lower prices are already under threat from increased costs associated with implementing coronavirus safety measures and are certain to rise if the UK ends the transition period without a trade deal with the EU. No progress on fishing The latest UK proposals to increase UK quotas for the UK fishing industry were rebuffed rapidly. In an op-ed, the Irish Times commented, It would be tempting to call for urgent efforts to progress the talks and a more realistic approach in some areas from London. But doing so seems pointless. As ever with Brexit, there is a certain inevitability that this will again go to the wire. Jyske Bank commented; "The UK is under pressure from all sides Brexit, COVID-19 and structural capital outflows. However, GBP remains undervalued, UK equities are heavily underweighted, and our main scenario is ultimately a limited, 11th-hour trade agreement with the EU." ING added; "Despite the current standstill in negotiations, we think that a basic FTA is still narrowly the most likely scenario this autumn. We think it's unrealistic to expect a sudden plunge in GDP once the transition period ends." Sterling moves on Friday were influenced more by global risk conditions and dollar moves with markets braced for further volatility after todays US jobs data. Lebanese and Chilean rescuers watching a crane at the site of a collapsed building after getting signals there may be a survivor buried in the rubble, early Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in Beirut, Lebanon.(AP) Beirut: The Lebanese military discovered more than 4 tons of ammonium nitrate near Beirut's port on Thursday, a find that's a chilling reminder of the horrific explosion a month ago that killed 191 people. According to the military, army experts were called in for an inspection and found 4.35 tons of the dangerous chemical in four containers stored near the port. There were no details on the origin of the chemicals or their owner, the find comes almost exactly a month after nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut's port for six years detonated, wreaking death and destruction. Along with 191 people killed, more than 6,000 were injured and entire neighborhoods were devastated. The blast left nearly 300,000 people homeless and caused damage worth billions of dollars. The military statement said that customs officials had called in the army to inspect containers at a facility near the port, where they found 4.35 tons of ammonium nitrate. It said army experts were "dealing with the material," an apparent reference that it was being destroyed. Days after the Aug. 4 blast, French and Italian chemical experts working amid the remains of the port identified more than 20 containers carrying dangerous chemicals. The army later said that these containers were moved and stored safely in locations away from the port. French experts as well as the FBI have taken part in the investigation into the Aug. 4 blast, at the request of Lebanese authorities. Their findings have yet to be released. So far, authorities have detained 25 people over last month's explosion, most of them port and customs officials. Stepanov says the country's healthcare system is "absolutely ready" for tackling disease, but it has limits. Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said there are about 4,000 ventilators and 35,000 beds for COVID-19 patients in hospitals, while laboratories have a supply of tests enough for up to two months. According to the official, 12,704 beds were available and ready to receive patients with COVID-19 at the start of the epidemic outbreak in Ukraine. The number of intensive care beds stood at 324, while 1,183 medics and 5,157 healthcare workers were operating, said Stepanov. Later, hospitals were provided with 536 ventilators, 188 oxygen concentrators, 385 patient monitors, and 365 pulse oximeters. Read alsoDaily COVID-19 spike in Ukraine hits new high with over 2,700 cases on Sept 4"The virology laboratory had test kits for checking 3,000 coronavirus samples, we ran 200 tests a day when I was taking the helm of the ministry. Today we run over 25,000 tests and we have a constant supply of test kits to cover up to two months," Stepanov said at a briefing on Friday, an UNIAN correspondent reports. Stepanov said as of September 2, there are 26,000 beds in 315 hospitals providing assistance to COVID-19 patients, while there are more than 9,000 beds in 213 reserve hospitals, so the total number of beds available in the country is over 35,000. "The number of ventilators in hospitals is about 4,000, currently 227 devices are in use. The situation with other equipment has also significantly changed," he said. According to the minister, the Health Ministry's attention is currently focused on supplying centralized oxygen to beds or providing oxygen concentrators to hospitals, since oxygen therapy is very important in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. "The healthcare system... is absolutely ready for [tackling] the disease, but we must understand that any system has limits. And even if we buy more ventilators or oxygen concentrators, or provide beds, we need people who can use this, those who can provide medical assistance. These are our medics: resuscitators, anesthesiologists, infectious disease experts, virologists, as well as lab assistants, and others, and this is a rather limited resource, taking into account how they have been treated for the past 29 years," the minister added. Stepanov once again emphasized it is impossible to fight the disease without following the Health Ministry's recommendations. Coronavirus in Ukraine: other news 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. Questions are being raised about the tactics used by two sheriff's deputies who fatally shot an African American man in South L.A. on Monday afternoon. The killing has sparked angry protests amid national outrage over the police killings of other Black men and women in the country. Here's what we know about the shooting: Two deputies were on patrol in the Westmont neighborhood tucked near the intersection of the 110 and 105 freeways around 3:15 p.m. The department says the deputies tried to stop Dijon Kizzee, 29, for committing a traffic violation on his bike. Kizzee allegedly dropped the bike and ran about a block before deputies caught up with him in the 1200 block of West 109 th Place. Place. Kizzee allegedly punched one deputy and, as they grappled, a gun fell out of his clothing, according to a statement from the department. Deputies opened fired when Kizzee "made a motion" toward the gun, the statement said. Security video shows Kizzee struggling with one deputy and then attempting to move away as both deputies repeatedly shoot at him -- even after he falls to the ground. Our Public Safety Correspondent Frank Stoltze spoke with A Martinez, who hosts our newsroom's local news and culture show Take Two on 89.3 KPCC, about the shooting: A Martinez: So what are the concerns about the deputies' tactics? Frank Stoltze: The first concern is with the stop itself. The department has not said what part of the vehicle code Kizzee violated that prompted the stop. The Kizzee family attorney Ben Crump -- who also represents the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Jacob Blake -- says Kizzee was profiled. "Dijon Kizzee is stopped for riding a bicycle while Black," Crump said. "And he pays with his life." It's not unfathomable that this was a pretext stop. That's when police stop someone for a minor crime in order to investigate the person for what they suspect could be a more serious crime. A lot of cops would say this was a good stop. But pretext stops are hugely controversial -- and have been condemned by the left and many on the right as often an infringement on people's rights. The Supreme Court's approval of pretext stops, says Johnathan Blanks at the Cato Institute, has provided "virtual carte blanche for police to stop motorists due to innumerable traffic laws -- many of which are vague and subjective - that most drivers violate every time they get behind the wheel." AM: That's the stop. What about other concerns about the deputies' decision to shoot Kizzee? FS: One question is what happened after a gun allegedly fell from Kizzee's clothing. The department says it was on the ground, and that Kizzee "made a motion" toward it. That's unusual language -- police usually talk about a suspect reaching for a weapon. In any case, [a] gun was apparently not in Kizzee's hands when deputies opened fire. That's prompted Black Lives Matter leader Melina Abdullah to say deputies shot and killed an unarmed man. "At the time they shot, he had already dropped the gun," Abdullah said. "According to their own story, he did not have a gun when they killed him." AM: What is the protocol? And why don't police ever shoot just to stop someone from getting away -- like just in the leg -- as opposed to shooting a suspect in a way that's lethal? FS: Once a law enforcement officer decides to use deadly force, they shoot to kill. That's how they are trained. And they are trained to shoot for the middle of a suspect's body because it's the biggest target. Most police officers are average shots -- they are not marksmen who could aim for a leg or shoot a gun out of the hand of a suspect. As for the number of shots fired here, videos suggest at least 15 shots were fired by the two deputies. That seems increasingly common in the modern age with police typically carrying semi-automatic handguns that have 15 bullets instead of the old revolver that had six bullets. Kizzee family attorney Dale Galipo laments their use of force: "You have to de-escalate, you have to give warnings, you're supposed to show a reverence for human life," he said. It's worth noting the shooting has a striking similarity to the [June] shooting a few miles away of a Latino man by sheriff's deputies. According to the sheriff's department, a deputy fatally shot Andres Guardado, 18, after he -- like Kizzee -- allegedly reached for a gun that was on the ground. The coroner found Guardado was shot five times in the back. AM: What do the deputies' body cams show? FS: Nothing. The sheriff's department is the largest law enforcement agency in the country without body cams, which, of course, have provided crucial information in police shootings across the country. After years of delay, the sheriff's department finally begins equipping deputies at five stations in October. It's expected to take a year and a half to equip 5,000 patrol deputies. READ MORE ON THE HISTORY OF POLICING IN LA WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS Grieving families should be allowed to create 'bereavement bubbles' with others in the event of a future coronavirus lockdown, a charity has said. The Sue Ryder charity, which supports people with terminal illnesses, neurological conditions or who've lost a loved one, claims this would help those who are grieving to feel less alone. The charity surveyed 503 grieving adults and found that two-thirds (62 per cent) felt isolated since March, while 59 per cent felt as though their grief had been forgotten. Two-thirds said that being able to form a support bubble would be a 'vital source of support' as they grieved. Current 'support bubble' rules allow one family household to join up with one single occupant household. For example, a family of four could join up with a grandparent who lives alone, and they would not need to social distance amongst one another. The charity is urging the Government to loosen the rules in situations where a family member has died so that relatives can support one another. A spokesman for the charity said it hopes 'the government extends the current support bubble policy to include bereaved people with more than one adult in the household to form a support bubble with any other household, without the need for social distancing, for any future local lockdowns or if the UK enter a second national lockdown.' Grieving families should be allowed to create 'bereavement bubbles' with others during any future coronavirus lockdown, a charity has said (stock picture) Carolyn Harris, MP for Swansea East, is backing the call in a letter to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock. She said: 'Grief is extremely complex even without the added anxieties of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. 'For many people who have been bereaved since lockdown began, this has been an incredibly isolating time. 'The ability to form a bereavement support bubble without the need for social distancing, as single adult households are currently able to do, could make a huge impact for someone who is grieving.' The research also found some 62 per cent felt the nation has become 'desensitised to death' amid the coronavirus pandemic, in which thousands of people have died. A tragic 55 per cent feel their loved ones' deaths became 'just a statistic'. It is not clear if this was in relation to Covid-19 deaths or deaths more broadly. Sue Ryder has seen a spike in demand for its bereavement support services, including online video counselling and an online community forum. Chief executive Heidi Travis said: 'Integral and deeply personal elements of the bereavement journey have been disrupted for so many over the last few months due to social distancing measures. 'So many people have been unable to say goodbye to those who have died, they have then had to grieve in isolation, without the physical presence or touch of those close to them.' Matt Williams, head of information and support at terminal illness charity Marie Curie, added: 'People accessing our bereavement support service are telling us that the absence of normal support networks such as friends and family is proving incredibly tough. 'Many people have not been able to say proper goodbyes, attend funerals or hug friends and family. 'Bereavement bubbles could help alleviate this and the potential long term effect complicated grief can cause.' It comes after Boris Johnson was being branded 'heartless' for snubbing five requests to speak to families bereaved in the wake of Covid-19. The Prime Minister had earlier said 'of course I will meet the bereaved' when questioned last week in an interview about attempts by the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group to secure a meeting. But days later he wrote to the group to say he was 'unable' to meet them, which he later said was due to an ongoing legal challenge. He claimed he would 'certainly' meet them once the litigation is concluded when asked by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons on Wednesday. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Government struggles to secure sickbeds By Jun Ji-hye The government is scrambling to secure hospital beds for COVID-19 patients suffering severe symptoms as their numbers are soaring amid a second wave of infections here, the health authorities said Thursday. Considering the possibility of further increases in the number of critically ill patients, the government will convert some sections of a military hospital to intensive care units to provide more beds, the authorities said. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 195 additional infections Wednesday, including 188 locally transmitted ones, with the total caseload now reaching 20,644. It added that three more patients had died from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 329. The number of daily new cases fell to below 200 for the first time in 17 days, but the number of seriously ill patients hit a record high of 154, increasing by 31 in just a day. The figure has increased rapidly from the 9 recorded Aug. 18. "We will designate hospitals to treat virus patients in a serious condition to secure 110 additional beds for such patients by the end of the month," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health ministry official in charge of containment measures, said during a media briefing. "The Ministry of National Defense will designate eight beds at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital as intensive care beds, Friday." The authorities said they are staying on high alert as the number of serious ill patients has already exceeded a prediction from a panel of health experts who expected the figure to reach about 130 at the beginning of September. They said the government will set up a taskforce with the National Medical Center and other research institutions to analyze how many more seriously ill patients may emerge, and establish appropriate countermeasures. The authorities are also staying vigilant over continuous reports of sporadic infection clusters traced to a variety of places including apartment blocks, nursing homes and gyms as well as churches. Among the virus hotbeds is the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul led by conservative pastor Jun Kwang-hoon who has led several anti-government rallies, with the most recent one held in central Seoul Aug. 15. The rally brought together thousands of demonstrators despite the government's advice to follow social distancing guidelines. According to the KCDC, 22 more infections were traced to the church, raising the total related cases to 1,139, as of noon Thursday. The government and the Seoul Metropolitan Government filed a complaint against Jun, Aug. 16, for violating the country's Infectious Disease Prevention Law by intentionally concealing a list of the names of the church's congregants. Jun himself tested positive for COVID-19, Aug. 17. On Wednesday, when Jun was discharged from a hospital, police raided his house and three other facilities related to the church to secure evidence that the church has disrupted the government's efforts to stem the virus spread. Meanwhile, Lee Jae-hyun, the head of Incheon's Seo-gu, tested positive for the virus, also Wednesday, becoming the first head of local governments confirmed to have COVID-19. SYDNEY: Virgin Australia Holdings Ltds creditors on Friday voted in favour of the purchase of Australias second-biggest airline by U.S. private equity group Bain Capital, according to a statement from the Transport Workers Union. The union, representing some of Virgins 9,000 employees, said it welcomed approval of the deal, which will allow the carrier to exit voluntary administration. Virgin entered administration in April owing A$7 billion ($5.1 billion) to creditors after suffering from a sharp plunge in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. ($1 = 1.3765 Australian dollars) Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Leh, Sep 4 : Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday said that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is tense and the force is prepared for all contingencies. "The nation can count on us," said General Naravane who was on two-day visit to Ladakh where he also met troops deployed at forward locations along the LAC. "The situation along the LAC is tense. We have undertaken precautionary deployment in some areas. The troops are prepared for all contingencies that may arise. All these actions have been carried out only along the LAC," the Army Chief said. General Naravane said that he reached Leh on Thursday morning and spent time with the commanders and troops to make a first-hand assessment of the situation along the borders. Indian Army chief returned to Delhi on Friday afternoon. "It was very satisfying to see our soldiers and local commanders in high morale and good health. It gives me confidence that they are well prepared to safe guard the territorial integrity of our nation," said General Naravane, adding that Indian Army is known for its commitment and resolve. He pointed out that over the past three months, both India and China have been engaged in resolving the situation. "Military and diplomatic channels are functioning. The Indian side is firmly committed to resolve the current situation along the LAC through engagement," he said. General Naravane said that India will continue to utilise all existing mechanisms to reduce tension and to ensure that the status quo is not unilaterally changed. He went to Ladakh after China made fresh incursion attempts and Indian Army thwarted there acts. Chinese's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops had made fresh incursion attempts in India territories along south of Pangong Tso (Lake) on August 29 and again on August 31. On August 31, Chinese troops had indulged in provocative actions after Indian soldiers occupied the heights there to thwart a PLA land-grabbing bid over the weekend. On the intervening night of August 29 and August 30, 2020, PLA troops had violated the previous consensus agreed upon in military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo. Military representatives of both the countries are now engaged in a dialogue to de-escalate tensions. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text NEW DELHI: China has paid Rs 2.5 crore (in Nepali currency) to various organisations based in Nepal to carry out demonstrations against India along the Indo-Nepal border that stretches to over 1,700 km, intelligence agencies said. They added that an anti-India group in Nepal has been asked by China to raise boundary disputes and protest against India. "Chinese Embassy in Nepal has provided financial support to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore (NPR) for organising anti-India protests/demonstrations along India-Nepal border areas highlighting the recent border disputes and interferences of India in Nepal's internal/political matters," the agencies stated. The latest info from the Intelligence agency about Beijing funding anti-India protests along the Indo-Nepal border comes at a time when India and China have been engaged in months-long border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The India-Nepal relation has been strained after China increased its influence on the Himalayan nation. It first began after Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 8, 2020, inaugurated a 80-km long strategically crucial road at 17,000 feet connecting the Lipulekh Pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand. Kathmandu claims the Lipulekh Pass as its territory. Lipulekh is a tri-junction between India, Nepal and China situated atop the Kalapani Valley in Uttarakhand. The road construction was aimed at shortening travel time for pilgrims visiting the Kailash Mansarovar. After this, Nepal brought out a new political map showing the contested area as its own. India rejected the new map saying it was not based on historical facts or evidence. The new political map of Nepal features parts of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura areas which are in Indian territory. Nepal also increased its force deployment across the Indo-Nepal border. It has also planned to increase the number of border posts (BOPs) from 120 to 500 along the 1,751-km border. China has deployed 150 Light Combined Arms Brigade and it was moved in August to Lipulekh tri-junction. China had also reinforced troops in Pala, around 10 km from Indian border. In July itself, around 1,000 troops were deployed near Pala and a permanent post was built there by China. In August, 2,000 more additional troops were deployed at the post. India too directed its armed forces to increase deployment at Lipulekh tri-junction. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which guards the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan border, has increased deployment of 30 companies along the border with Nepal. India and China have been locked in a standoff at multiple points since May this year. China had changed the status quo on the Line of Actual Control at various places, moving inside Indian territories. India has objected to it and is taking up the matter with China at all levels. In June, troops of both sides were involved in violence clashes at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh along the LAC that resulted in deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and almost 45-50 Chinese soldiers. Mark Wright is charged with assaulting his ex-partner and causing criminal damage to her apartment door A Dublin man accused of punching his ex-partner on the head until she bled had also allegedly stolen the family's pet parrot, a court was told. Gardai claimed during a bail hearing on the assault charge that Mark Wright (28) was alleged to have taken the bird, saying it was his. Dublin District Court heard while Mr Wright is only charged with assault and damaging a door, further charges could be brought in the case. Judge John Campbell granted him bail and adjourned the case at Dublin District Court. Mr Wright, with an address at Craigie Court in Finglas, is charged with assault causing harm to his ex-partner at Carrigmore Crescent, Citywest, on August 6. He is also charged with causing criminal damage to her apartment door on another date. Objecting to bail, the prosecuting garda cited the nature and seriousness of the assault allegations. She said it was alleged the accused hit the woman on the head a number of times with his fists, causing her to bleed. The mother-of-three also had bruising to her forearms. The accused was "caught red-handed", the garda alleged. The garda said she could "clearly hear the injured party screaming". She also said it was alleged he stole the family parrot. He had said it was his, the garda said. There was no charge in relation to this. Defence barrister Garrett Casey said there were two charges before the court - assault and criminal damage, to the value of about 500, on another date. The court heard a file was being prepared for the DPP. Mr Casey asked the garda if it was possible that the charges might remain in the district court. She replied that she could not say. Damage Mr Casey said the value of the alleged damage was within the threshold of what was usually dealt with summarily. Whether the assault charge would remain in the district court was more difficult to evaluate, he said. Mr Wright was working as a manager at a car valeting business. The garda said the alleged victim had three small children. Judge Campbell said the accused enjoyed a presumption of innocence and a presumption in favour of a right to bail. He set cash bail at 200, on condition Mr Wright stays away from Citywest and has no contact, directly or indirectly, with the alleged victim. He is to sign on every Monday and Friday at Finglas Garda station between 9am and 9pm. Reaching natural gas production of one billion cubic meters per day (bcm/d) has been one of the three core hydrocarbons resource strategies of Iran since the Islamic Republic began to seriously develop the supergiant South Pars non-associated natural gas field in 1990, alongside producing 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil and building out a world-class petrochemicals sector. According to Oil Price, over the past week or so, Iran has announced a number of initiatives aimed at increasing gas output from South Pars in order to significantly surpass this 1 bcm/d figure as quickly as possible with the corollary boost in export revenues. With an estimated 14.2 trillion cubic meters (tcm) of gas reserves in place plus 18 billion barrels of gas condensate, South Pars already accounts for around 40 percent of Irans total estimated 33.8 tcm of gas reserves and about 60 percent of its gas production. This is set for an immediate boost, with a statement last week from Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC) Phase 13 director, Payam Motamed, that this Phase of South Pars has just completed the standard stages of commissioning and the start of rich gas recovery from its third platform (13C). Following the opening of the wells of 13C and the lighting of its flare stack, after stabilizing the production process, 11.4 mcm of gas to the onshore refinery of Phase 13 came in the first instance from the Platform on 21 August, he said. He added that the 13C satellite platform was connected to the 13A main platform through an 18-inch pipeline and that, in turn, the gas from the 13A platform facilities is sent to the Phase 13 refinery in Kangan through a 32-inch pipeline that extends for over 100 kilometers. Motamed highlighted that the current capacity of rich gas recovery from the offshore Phase 13 platforms alone is 43 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d), with 28.5 mcm/d of this amount provided by the Platforms B and D from the first phase of the project, which came on stream in March 2018, and the remainder coming from Platform C. At around the same time, the head of POGCs offshore section of South Pars Phases 22-24, Mehrdad Kazemi, said that three new wells had become operational in Phase 22 alone, adding an immediate 6 mcm/d to its gas output. In addition, despite the highly publicized withdrawal of Frances Total from Phase 11, and the then on and off involvement of China National Petroleum Corporation in the Phase, Irans Petroleum Minister, Bijan Zanganeh, added that the recent installation of a US$25 million 11B platform jacket in Phase 11 will make it possible to drill 12 more wells on top of the five currently being drilled. With the installation of this jacket and the drilling of five wells, it will be possible to recover an extra 14 million cubic meters per day from this Phase within in the next 14 months, he added. With most of the work on most of the other original 24 phases close to completion - just a handful do not have a 95+ percent completion rating - another relatively under-developed site, Phase 14, is now in focus. The POGCs director of Phase 14, Mohammad Tavasolipour, said recently that the third offshore topside of the project was installed in the middle of 2019 and became fully operational at the end of last year. In conjunction with this, plans are being devised to bring Phase 14s onshore refinery to full production by next June. According to Tavasolipour, the engineering, procurement, and construction section of the Phase 14 refinery has reached more than 83 percent completion, with the first train of the refinery likely to come on-stream by the end of the current Iranian calendar year on 20 March 2021. This refinery will be the last onshore processing facility of the huge gas reservoir that Iran shares with Qatar. As it stands, said Tavasolipour, the offshore section of Phase 14 is now fully operational with 56.8 mcm/d of production capacity, following the last platform coming online in March, it having 14.2 mcm/d of gas production capacity. Thus augmented the other 3 platforms (2 satellite and two main), each with 14.2 mcm/d of gas production capacity. Overall, then, in addition to this natural gas production, Phase 14 is also fully set to produce 75,000 barrels per day (bpd) of gas condensate and 400 tons per day of sulfur, 1 million tons per year (mtpy) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and 1 mtpy of ethane to be fed to petrochemical plants. In tandem with this, according to a comment just over a week ago from the POGCs deputy director of Phase 19, Seyed Hossein Azimi, a single point mooring (SPM) loading system with a capacity of 7,000 square meters per hour of loading capacity recently arrived in Assaluyeh that would augment gas condensate loading capacity of the field. This SPM will allow for the handling of liquid cargo, such as petroleum products, for tanker ships. There will be a few more of these installed in the south, in the Gulf of Oman, in the coming months, as they are very useful in areas where a dedicated facility for loading or unloading liquid cargo is not available, a senior source who works closely with Irans Petroleum Ministry told OilPrice.com. These SPMs will be located many kilometers away from the onshore facilities, connected to them by a series of sub-sea pipelines, and able to handle the biggest of VLCCs. All of this is aimed, of course, at boosting Irans much-pressed finances, with Zanganeh last week stating that currently the country exports around 16 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/y) of natural gas. In addition to the ongoing gas exports to neighboring Iraq, he underlined that Iran currently exports significant quantities of natural gas to Armenia and wants to begin sending gas to Pakistan as well as soon as possible. In addition, according to the chief executive officer of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), Hassan Montazer Torbati, last week, Iran is in the process of considering gas trading in earnest with its neighbors again. We have witnessed increasing gas production in recent years, notably from South Pars, and the NIGC has built over 5,000 kilometers of pipelines in the last seven years, which has provided a rich infrastructure for gas distribution, he said. The issue of gas exports to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey is on the table, we have prepared the ground, and fortunately there is enough capacity for gas swaps...this means that we can receive gas in the northeast and transit and swap it wherever necessary, with the infrastructure now ready, he underlined. Given the relatively recent resumption of Iranian gas exports to Turkey following the halt on 31 March, Zanganeh outlined that - despite some predictions to the contrary in light of a recent gas discovery by Turkey the demand outlook from Turkey for gas will remain significant for the foreseeable future. What was announced was that this reserve holds 320 billion cubic meters of gas but if this 320 billion cubic meters of gas is in place, its extractable gas will be about 220 to 230 billion cubic meters and if you divide this number by 20 years and 20 years by 365 days then 30 to 35 mcm of gas will be produced per day from the reserve, he highlighted. If these figures are accurate then 30 million cubic meters of gas can be produced daily, which is still important for Turkey, but according to the information we have, Turkeys daily gas demand is 130 million cubic meters, which is mostly imported in the scale of 2.5 to 1 from Russia and Iran, and a small amount from the Republic of Azerbaijan, he underlined. Little mention was made by Zanganeh of China, but it should not be forgotten that just after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on 16 January 2016, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) through its Deputy Director of International Affairs for Marketing and Crude Oil Operation, Safar-Ali Karamati stated that Iran planned to double its LPG production in the post-sanctions era. Already one of the biggest and most reliable suppliers of LPG in the world at that time, Iran had lost almost none of its LPG market share under the previous U.S.-led sanctions on its nuclear program and was then producing around eight million tons of LPG annually. Karamati added at that time that when all of the Phases of South Pars came fully online Iran would see at least a doubling of this LPG output figure, allowing it to capture at least 40 percent of the Middle East LPG exports market. Despite U.S.-led sanctions, China was conservatively importing half a million tons of LPG from Iran each month in the first quarter of this year, before the COVID-19 outbreak, generating at least US$200 million per month of revenues for Iran from this product alone. Indeed, if the past is any guide, the worse the trade war becomes, the better for Irans LPG exports to China. Before China placed tariffs on U.S. LPG, it sourced around 20 percent of its total imports from the U.S. After the tariffs were imposed, Chinese buyers turned to Iran principally to make up the difference, so that by last year China accounted for at least 80 percent of all Irans LPG exports. Dozens of armed men marched into a provincial DR Congo capital on Friday to demand the release of jailed fighters but authorities identified them as members of a peace-seeking faction and calmly evicted them. Armed with rockets, AK-47 assault rifles and machetes, the men gathered in the centre of Bunia, capital of northeastern Ituri province, but were then bundled into three cars and driven out of the city, an AFP journalist said. There was no exchange of fire. Several militia and rebel groups have been staging attacks in the region but this was the first time in recent years that they had entered a major city in the Great Lakes area bordering Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Officials said the region's security forces managed to defuse the rage of residents who were shocked at the bold move and wanted to set upon the armed men whom they blamed for atrocities in the region over the last three years. "We have suffered no losses in human lives, nor any property damage," Ituri's deputy governor Martin Shalo told journalists later, expressing pride over how the incident was handled. But the United Nations's DR Congo mission MONUSCO said it had put its troops in Bunia on "maximum alert" on Friday. The region's governor Jean Bamanisa told AFP earlier that the men had gathered outside the central prison to demand the release of their jailed peers but his aides said none had been freed. Want to 'end hostilities' Some local sources said the men had actually come to give themselves up. The armed men triggered people's fear and anger because they were identified as members of the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), an armed group accused of ethnic attacks. Since December 2017, violence in Ituri has claimed nearly 1,000 lives and displaced half a million people, according to an International Crisis Group report in July. The violence escalated after the army launched a crackdown on armed groups in October. But Governor Bamanisa said the men were from a CODECO faction which "unilaterally wants to end hostilities." The national army and Basa Zukpa, a CODECO spokesman, said last month that the militia had agreed to President Felix Tshisekedi's appeal for a ceasefire. Map of DR Congo locating Bunia in Ituri province. By Valentina BRESCHI (AFP) CODECO is drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, a predominantly farming community which has historically clashed with the Hema, a group of traders and herders. The two communities were embroiled in a bloody conflict between 1999 and 2003 which led to the European Union's first foreign military mission, the short-term Operation Artemis. Bamanisa spoke to AFP from the capital Kinshasa, where he met the prime minister a few days earlier to discuss the instability in his province. Ituri politician Gracien de Saint-Nicolas wrote a letter to the governor and military authorities complaining they were not doing enough to promote peace. "We will not allow blood to be spilt in Bunia. The CODECO is Congolese and ready to give up arms but you are not facilitating the task for them to be reintegrated into the peace process," the politician wrote. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet visited Ituri in January and denounced what she called "crimes against humanity" there. Tesla and SpaceX Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elon Musk recently came home to America from his recent trip to Germany, particularly in the company's Gigafactory Berlin that will soon house production of electric vehicles and RNA molecules. Business was not the only accomplishment and endeavor done by the CEO, but he also takes home a soon-to-be intern for Neuralink. A German Tesla Fan, who was in the right place and at the right time, traveled to Berlin to witness the CEO's visit to the country. Silas Heineken, a 14-year-old teenager, went to Berlin to meet Elon Musk, where he, fortunately, conversed with him and asked to intern at Neuralink. Heineken posted an audio clip to his Twitter account that recorded his short conversation with Elon Musk. Silas Heineken is famously known on Twitter as "Tesla Kid Grunheide" (@TeslaKidGiga4) for posting pictures, videos, and drone shots of the famed Gigafactory Berlin for Tesla fans around the world to see. Heineken keeps an updated feed about the Gigafactory, which he shoots with his drone and edits. If You would ask me: Whats the best thing ever happened to you? I would response: Translation: I met Elon today and asked him for an internship at Neuralink and he said: Yeah, I mean its in California, but yes! Totally the best moment of my life! pic.twitter.com/WexZKxmM3c Tesla Kid Grunheide (@TeslaKidGiga4) September 2, 2020 The 14-year-old kid also shared on his Twitter account that this is the best thing that has ever happened to him, meeting Musk in person, talking to the CEO, and getting an internship grant at Neuralink. Tesmania reports that Silas Heineken and his father went to Berlin for the sole purpose of meeting the famed CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. Fortunately for Heineken, he was able to talk to Musk despite the massive attendance of people on-site and even get an internship from the CEO. ALSO READ: Elon Musk Gets German Minister's Full Support in Trip to Berlin Gigafactory Despite Anti-Tesla Protests Elon Musk's Trip To Germany Giga Berlin Mannschaft Vielen Dank fur Ihre hervorragende Arbeit an Giga Berlin!! pic.twitter.com/KVo5mBfnXt Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 3, 2020 Elon Musk had a couple of endeavors and intentions towards his now-ended trip to Germany, which primarily focused on the company's efforts to helping stem the vicious effects of the global pandemic, COVID-19. CureVac Tesla's CEO went to CureVac, his primary venture to the European country, to talk and work with the company to procure a new vaccine that uses RNA molecules to fight off the virus. This revolutionary take on the Novel coronavirus' vaccine utilizes ribonucleic acid molecules and turns them as components that will introduce the virus to the body and help it combat its effects. The two companies' partnership would be mutually beneficial; CureVac, to be doing the medical aspect and formulation of the vaccine. Tesla would be providing support with the company making RNA-factories that will speed up the production and tests to be done. German Government Elon Musk also sat down with some of Germany's government officials and discussed Tesla's plans and future in the country. The diplomatic meeting resulted in the German Economic Minister recognizing Musk's effort in investing in Germany to be the site of the Gigafactory Berlin. This meeting resulted in Musk being offered assistance during his stay in the country. Gigafactory Berlin Elon Musk also went by Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin to view the progress and other technical aspects of the plant's construction. Despite protestors and backlash against the erection of the factory, Musk still went by and monitored the plant's progress. Elon Musk tweeted that his trip to Germany was excellent, and he felt the support from the people and the government. Great trip to Germany. Support from government & people is super appreciated! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 3, 2020 ALSO READ: Elon Musk Would Need 300 'Ready to Die' Persons a Day as Soon as 1,000 Starship Flights are Launched This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An unknown person painted a large mural that reads "Baby Lives Matter" at a Planned Parenthood location in Charlotte. The mural was seen and recorded from above by WBTV. The station then reached out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police to inquire about the department's response to the mural. The department responded on Wednesday and reported that CMPD officers went to South Torrence Street responding to a call regarding vandalism in the street. According to the police, the incident is being investigated and they have also notified the Charlotte Department of Transportation. The mural has since been removed as of September 1, 2020. Jenny Black, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic sent this statement to WBTV: "Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and our Charlotte health center staff remain focused on providing high-quality, affordable health care to everyone who walks in our doors, particularly as the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact our community. This attempt by anti-abortion extremists to co-opt the language of the Movement for Black Lives is shameful and offensive to the fight for racial justice in Charlotte. We are proud to stand with the leaders on the front lines fighting against racism and systemic oppression, including the right for every person to have access to sexual and reproductive care." John Nickerson / Hearst Connecticut Media STAMFORD A former Florida resident pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges linked to the theft of a van from a New York hospital and burglary of a city post office, according to authorities. Leon Clinedinst, 37, formerly of Ocala, Fla., waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before a federal judge in Bridgeport on charges of burglary of a U.S. Post Office and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. THE pandemic pulled the plug on Electric Picnic, but Ryan Tubridy and his Late Late Show team hope to give viewers a flavour of the festival at home. Derry rockers Snow Patrol were due to headline at the Laois festival, but will instead be blasting out the tunes from RTE's Montrose headquarters tonight. There will also be a Late Late performance from The Frank and Walters, who have played many times at the Stradbally event. Read More "This, the first weekend in September, should be Electric Picnic weekend, with tens of thousands descending upon Stradbally. It can't happen this year but we will endeavour to bring a slice of the magic to you at home," said Tubridy. "Much like everyone else in the country, we've had to recalibrate how we do things. But as ever, we have a brilliant line-up of guests and musicians ready to go." The two paddleboarders rescued from Galway Bay and GAA legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh are among the guests kicking off the new season of The Late Late Show. Like last season, the programme will take place without any live studio audience, but will continue to bring in well-known guests for socially-distanced interviews. Now in its 59th season on-air, producers have pulled out all the stops to make sure it's a night to remember. Croke Park was used as a venue for Tubridy's interview with O Muircheartaigh after stadium bosses gave RTE the go-ahead to use the empty stadium. Let that sink in for a minute. Now ask yourself what else can you get for $43,995 in terms of performance and standard equipment. Indeed, ladies and gentlemen; Dodge is willing to set you up with the Challenger R/T Scat Pack for only $39,995 while Ford and Chevrolet ask less than that for the Coyote V8 and small-block V8 in the Mustang GT Fastback and Camaro LT1 Coupe.The question is, what does $6,500 get you over the Civic Type R that we already know and love despite one too many fake air vents? The list of goodies kicks off with Phoenix Yellow paint and gloss-black for the mirrors and roof. Lightweight forged aluminum alloy wheels from BBS save 2.5 pounds per corner, 28 pounds of sound deadening materials have also been removed, and the Michelin tires take full advantage of the retuned suspension system. The Adaptive Damper System, for example, samples inputs 10 times faster than before.Honda has also worked its magic on the electrically assisted power steering, which is why the Type R Limited Edition is the fastest front-wheel-drive production vehicle at the Suzuka circuit in Japan. Oh, and by the way, only 600 examples are going to be imported to the United States market.Under the hood, the rarer and more expensive specification of the hot hatchback doesnt feature any differences over the $37,495 base model. Customers are treated to the same 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque as before, channeled to the front axle by a six-speed manual transmission.A limited-slip differential comes standard, helping the Type R and the Limited Edition carve corners like theres no tomorrow. Last, but certainly not least, three modes are featured in the guise of Comfort, Sport, and +R that vary the steering assistance, damping force, and throttle mapping. by Vladimir Rozanskij The Archbishop of Minsk-Mogilev gives some interviews and speaks of the crisis in his country and his priestly experience. The Belarusian people are peaceful, but they want changes. President Lukashenko was surprised by the turn of events. In forced exile in Poland, the prelate hopes to be able to return to his homeland: I feel the moral support of the Vatican authorities. The Orthodox Bishop of Grodno to the authorities: Stop, you do not act according to the Gospel! Moscow (AsiaNews) - The Metropolitan Archbishop of Minsk-Mogilev, Msgr. Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, head of the Catholic Church in forced exile in Poland, gave several interviews to comment on his situation. Abp. Kondrusiewicz spoke on Radio Svoboda with Father Jakov Krotov, a famous Russian publicist and priest of the Eastern Catholic rite. He retraced the stages of his priestly and episcopal mission, recalling his childhood in the village near Grodno, on the Belarusian border with Poland, where he was stopped by border guards on 31 August. "All the inhabitants of my village were Catholics, and even if there was no priest, we were educated in the Catholic faith by our families. They kicked me out of university because a Catholic cannot become a teacher, then I managed to graduate in engineering in Leningrad ", said the prelate. The young Belarusian student attended the only Catholic church open in the northern capital, that of Our Lady of Lourdes. Sent to Lithuania for work, Kondrusiewicz managed to enter the Catholic seminary of Kaunas, when the priests in his country had almost disappeared. Back home, he served the Church with great difficulty, until he was appointed bishop by John Paul II. The metropolitan archbishop expressed his gratitude to Lithuania, "where the Polish spirit and that of the Baltic countries were united, and prayers were also prayed in Russian. It is a motherland for the faith of all ... I speak Belarusian, Polish, Russian and Lithuanian, but when they ask me what nationality I am, I always replied: 'I am a Christian' ". Belarus is a borderland, and Kondrusiewicz considers the coexistence of various religions as one of the most characteristic features of his people: "Over 60% of the families here are mixed marriages, especially between Catholics and Orthodox, but we also have excellent relations with Protestants, Jews and Muslims. When the protests broke out in Belarus, we started reciting the Our Father every day on the internet at 6 pm, and we were joined by many non-Catholics, all over Europe. The privileged place for our joint prayer was the 'red church' of Saints Simon and Helen "(photo 2), the very church where police have been cracking down on in recent days; 'We invited everyone there, and they came! The church was full every day". Moreover, even in Russia the archbishop has always sought loving coexistence with the Orthodox and all the others. The Belarusian people, as Father Krotov recalls, are considered more peaceful than all their neighbors, and even in the demonstrations of these days we note the lack of aggression of the participants: "It is truly our characteristic, in Belarusian we are called the 'measured '(pomerkovnye), and even if blood has been shed, we want everything to take place in peace and in the desire for good, it is our Christian education that imposes it on us ", explains the metropolitan, recalling St. John Paul II, who in 2000, on the jubilee of Christianity, invited everyone to mutual forgiveness. With regard to the protests of recent days, Msgr. Kondrusiewicz notes that "the atmosphere has been growing quite intense for some years now. Now a different generation is emerging compared to 25-30 years ago, and you can see how the students are expressing themselves these days at the opening of the schools, I see it from the internet even though I can't be in Minsk. The kids want something new, they are always on the web, they travel abroad, have many friends and speak many languages, their reactions don't surprise me ". Young Belarusian Catholics, the prelate stressed, participated with great enthusiasm in the World Youth Days, and the rebirth of faith in ex-Soviet land is today entrusted to them. The Archbishop, among other things, spoke of his personal relations with Lukashenko, recalling that he seemed in favor of dialogue between religions, but even the strong man of Minsk was surprised by the turn of events: "Nobody could have imagined all of this one year ago. It is not easy to change, obviously. The metropolitan hopes that the Belarusian authorities will review the decision to ban him from entering the country, "but I'm almost 75 years old, I will soon present my letter of resignation to the pope. I'm sorry I'm not with my people, but I won't do anything to stir things up. Some reportedly go around waving my photo, but I say to them: 'Forget me, go and pray' ". Archbishop Kondrusiewicz confirmed in all the interviews that he has only one passport, the Belarusian one, and that he is confident in Vatican diplomacy, "even if in fact we are without a nuncio, the new one has not yet arrived". From Rome so far there have been no pronouncements on the case of the exiled archbishop, even though he feels all the "moral support" of the Vatican authorities. The Orthodox bishop of Grodno, Artemij Kishenko (photo 3) released a letter to the Belarusian authorities, launching an appeal for repentance: Stop! You are not acting according to the Gospel, you have raised your hands to Christ ... As the Metropolitan-martyr Philipp Philipp said to Ivan the Terrible, you are bloodthirsty!. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that a climate of trust, non-aggression, sensitivity towards each other and peaceful resolution of differences are among key aspects to ensuring regional peace and stability. In an address at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Moscow, Singh also referred to the Second World War, adding that its memories teach the globe the "folies of aggression" of one state upon another which brings "destruction" to all. His comments came in the midst of a fierce border row between India and China, both members of the SCO, an eight-nation regional grouping which primarily focuses on issues relating to security and defence. Singh made the comments in the presence of Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe. "Peaceful stable and secure region of SCO member states which is home to over 40% of the global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each others interest&peaceful resolution of differences," said Singh. "...let us not forget tens of millions of martyrs and sacrifice of an entire generation suffering destruction and agony in the Second World War or Great Patriotic War, as our Russian brothers and sisters recall those years. The memory of the war teaches us of the follies of aggression of one state upon another, which brings destruction to all," he added. Referring to the threats faced by the world today, Singh said, We need the institutional capacity to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats above all, terrorism, drug-trafficking and transnational crime. As you all are aware, India unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations and condemns its proponents. India values the works of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS). We laud RATS recent work in the cyber domain to prevent the spread of radicalism and extremism. The adoption of anti-terror measures by the SCO Council to counter extremist propaganda and de-radicalisation is a significant decision. The Defence Minister expressed his deep concern about the situation in the Persian Gulf Region. He said, India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all States in the Gulf. We call upon countries in the region all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other. Speaking about the situation in Afghanistan, Singh said, Security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern. India will continue to support the efforts of the people and Government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process. The SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan is useful for exchanging notes among the SCO Member States." Singh reaffirmed Indias commitment to the evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. Raksha Mantri thanked the Russian Federation for organising the annual anti-terror exercise Peace Mission, which has contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among Defence Forces. The Defence Minister is on an official visit to Moscow from September 3-5 at the invitation of Defence Minister of Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu. (Natural News) The Justice Department announced that Operation Legend has led to the arrest of more than two thousand suspects, with almost 150 of these suspects involved in homicide cases, since it was launched in July. Attorney General William Barr announced the initiative on July 8 amid surging crime rates, to begin on the same day in Kansas City. It was expanded two weeks later on July 22 to include Albuquerque, N.M. and Chicago, the latter recently seeing a record high in violent crimes. Operation Legend then expanded to the cities of Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee on July 29. St. Louis and Memphis were included in early August, followed by Indianapolis on Aug. 14. The attorney general said in August that Operation Legend aims to save lives, solve crimes, and take violent offenders off our streets before they can claim more victims. Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District Ohio, said in a Fox & Friends interview that federal arrests under Operation Legend dealt with very violent fugitives and criminals to get them off the streets of the nine cities where the initiative is in place. The initiative is the latest effort by the department to crack down on violent crime across the country and restore public safety by deploying federal agents and resources to aid local and state law enforcement officers. In an update posted on its website, the Department of Justice said that 476 suspects have been charged with federal offenses Under Operation Legend, mostly related to firearms and narcotics. Figures from the programs launch date to Aug. 31 showed that Chicago had the most number of suspects with federal charges at 103, followed by 99 suspects in Kansas City. Aside from the arrests, authorities also seized more than 544 firearms and different kinds of drugs including cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. Operation Legend significantly contributes to nipping violent crime in the bud Named after four-year-old shooting victim LeGend Taliferro, Operation Legend aimed to slash violent crime rates in major U.S. cities. Taliferro was shot and killed while sleeping in his Kansas City, Mo. home; a suspect in his June 29 killing has since been arrested. Attorney General Barr mentioned the sudden increase in violent crimes, specifically homicides and fatal shootings, was caused by a number of reasons including pent-up aggression brought about by local and state quarantine orders, and efforts to vilify and defund law enforcement units. He further added that Operation Legend is the federal governments fundamental response to the increased crime rate by supporting and strengthening police officers instead of demonizing and defunding them. Some cities have reported a decrease in their crime rates after Operation Legend was launched, among them Kansas City where it was first implemented. In an Aug. 25 report, the Kansas City Police Department said that there was a 30 percent decrease in crime rates from July 8 to Aug. 23 compared to a six-week period that ran from May 26 to July 7. Police Chief Richard Smith said: While we cant say Operation Legend is the cause of this decrease, theres certainly a correlation. Is Operation Legend a form of federal overreach? Despite the promising nature of Operation Legend, some local leaders had initial resistance to the program citing recent instances of federal troops putting riots in different cities under control. However, Attorney General Barr noted that the initiative is focused on the traditional work that law enforcement does and had nothing to do with the civil unrest and rioting in different U.S. cities. In response to comments about Operation Legend being a form of federal overreach, U.S. Attorney Herdman answered that the program has the support of the community, local leaders and local police departments. The more than 2000 federal arrests done under the initiative served as proof that people support Operation Legend, he added. The launch of Operation Legend is a much-needed helping hand for police officers dealing with violent crimes, despite recent anti-law enforcement activity and police defunding. A number of law enforcement units in major U.S. cities such as the Los Angeles, Seattle, and Austin, Texas police departments have seen their budgets slashed. Meanwhile, the New York Police Department increased its weekend patrols and reassigned officers for this purpose after overtime pay budgets were reduced. Find out more news about Operation Legend and other law enforcement responses to violent inner-city crimes at PoliceViolence.news. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Justice.gov 1 Justice.gov 2 FoxNews.com KCPD.org ABCNews.go.com WSJ.com A government ministers husband who has branded coronavirus a phantom and a mental illness joined a protest against facemarks and vaccinations. Sandy McFadzean, who is married to Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith, attended Saturdays march in London, reported the Eastern Daily Press. Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy, was arrested and fined 10,000 after the demonstration for holding a gathering of more than 30 people in contravention of rules designed to stop the spread of coronavirus. Before the event, Mr McFadzean is reported to have posted a series of comments on his Twitter feed @stateistoobig, which has since been deleted. A poster for the march, retweeted by Mr McFadzean, called for an end to the governments track and trace programme, social distancing and requirements to wear face coverings. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 January 2022 Surfers enter the sea as the sun rises over Tynemouth on the North East coast PA UK news in pictures 17 January 2022 Bonhams Danny McIlwraith holds a Nigerian polycrome carved wood mask during a photocall for the sale of the Jim Lennon Collection at Bonhams in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 16 January 2022 The moon rises above the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 15 January 2022 Demonstrators outside Downing Street during a Kill The Bill protest against The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in London PA UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA And the EDP reported that the ministers husband had previously sent messages on social media describing Covid-19 as most likely an outbreak of mental illness. He tweeted: Government need to be clear. Either there is a killer virus on the loose or there isnt. (Spoiler alert: There isnt). He has previously retweeted posts describing the government as globalist puppets and tyrants. Chloe Smith (REX) Minister of state for the constitution Ms Smith has voiced her support the governments policies to deal with coronavirus, changing her Twitter profile to reflect the government message of Stay Alert, Save Lives. Ms Smith said: My husband is a private citizen. Everyone is entitled to their views and to debate. I take a different view to his. My own views are on the record and Ill carry right on working for my constituents accordingly. General secretary Xi Jinping on Friday warned that the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will never allow anyone, at home or overseas, to try to change China's "direction of progress." In a speech outlining five "Never Allows," Xi said: "The Chinese people will never allow any individual or any force to impose their will on China through bullying, change China's direction of progress, or obstruct the Chinese people's efforts to create a better life." He said the five red lines, which include allowing anyone to "distort" the official line on China's history, or to try to derail the current system of government, were part of a "national rejuvenation" program, which requires the ruling party to remain in power. In language reminiscent of a draconian national security law recently imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong, which criminalizes anyone anywhere in the world who tries to paint a negative picture of the Hong Kong or Chinese governments to the city's seven million residents, Xi also warned against anyone trying to make a distinction between the Chinese people and the CCP. U.S. officials have sought to draw that distinction repeatedly when announcing a slew of sanctions targeting Chinese officials linked to rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, as well as anyone implementing the national security law for Hong Kong. Xi's speech -- which was published by state news agency Xinhua on Friday -- came amid growing tensions with the United States, which Beijing has repeatedly accused of "interfering in China's internal affairs" over the mass incarceration of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang and over the suppression of dissent in Hong Kong. It also came as students and teachers returning to high schools across the country found changes to history textbooks and teaching materials on the topic of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). The changes blurred the role of late supreme leader Mao Zedong in instigating and sustaining a decade of political violence and social turmoil in a bid to eliminate his political rivals, describing instead a decade of "arduous exploration." Language as power Hu Ping, honorary editor of the U.S.-based Chinese-language political magazine Beijing Spring, said the changes might not appear to be great, but were significant, as the power to define the language used about events also holds the power to direct the narrative around them, and to limit what people can say, or even think. He said the Chinese Communist Party has used language to wield and consolidate political power since taking power in 1949. "Right from the very beginning, anyone reading [Communist Party language] is brought into its theoretical framework because the vocabulary its uses is positively or negatively charged," Hu said. "No sooner do you accept its terminology, than you also find you have to accept its positive and negative evaluations of events," he said. Hu said the political manipulation of language also has a paralyzing effect on people's ability to think critically. "This has the effect of massively eroding the power of the Chinese language," Hu said. "Officialese stifles people's thinking because of its simplicity." Writer and Independent Chinese PEN member Zan Aizong said he continually feels under pressure not to use "sensitive" words in his writing. "I think this damages writing, which should be a true expression of something, but has been forced into irony instead," Zan told RFA. Cruelty, vulgarity Writer Murong Xuecun has previously written about how official insistence on slogans and buzzwords has weakened the Chinese language. Writing in the New York Times, Murong said the key characteristics of Communist Party-influenced Chinese are cruelty and vulgarity. Recently, state broadcaster CCTV has tried to lighten the dull tone of its nightly newscast with social media video clips from its anchors talking about the news topics of the day. But the hosts are no more able to express themselves freely on social media than when they are when reading from an autocue, and speak by stringing together set phrases already pre-approved by government censors and party officials. Online, social media users have developed an elaborate system of puns, acronyms and memes to express sensitive keywords likely to get picked up for deletion by government algorithms. But sooner or later, the new code-words are also discovered, and added to the lists of "sensitive words," according to former Sina Weibo censor Liu Liping, now living in the United States. "You can't escape the net," Liu told RFA. "You can bypass [the censorship algorithms], but once your posts is retweeted or commented on, it will be picked up sooner or later and deleted." "This is done by machine learning." Reported by Wang Yun for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Pictures of the children and grandchildren of Veteran Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor, popular for her villain role in movies, has surfaced on social media. The Nigerian star stated that its the first time in 7 years since her entire family were all together, ahead of her September 14th birthday. Ozokwor won the Best Supporting Actress 2012 and 2013 award at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards. The 61-year-old, born 14 September 1958, was among 100 Nigerians honoured by the government to celebrate the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 2014. In a statement, she said Thank you God for making my kids to all come home last Christmas solely to spend time with me. The first time in 7 years we were all together. There was no ceremony planned, they came back just for us to be together. God knew we would not be free to travel this year. I am blessed indeed. #14DaysOfThanksGiving #JoinMe #14September #MamaGLovers Patience had a passion for acting since she was in primary school, where she would act in different stage plays. She later attended the Institute of management and technology Enugu, where she obtained a degree in fine and applied arts. Prior to starting her acting career, she first made it into radio drama. Ozokwor participated in a soap opera by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) titled Someone Cares. Also known as Mama G, she was born in the village of Amaobo, Ngwo in present-day Enugu State, Nigeria, and attended Abimbola Gibson Memorial School in Lagos. She married at age 19+ and has three children with five adopted ones who all bear her name. The actor lost her husband in 2000 and hasnt remarried since then. Patience Ozokwo is currently a pastor. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates - Murathe arrived at the EACC offices a few minutes past 2pm to record a statement on his alleged involvement in KEMSA tenders - The Jubilee Party vice-chairman was said to be one of the signatories of a company known as Kilig which irregularly secured a tender to supply medical equipment - The former MP previously denied links to the company but admitted one of its directors was his personal friend and business partner PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB Outspoken Jubilee vice chairperson David Murathe has honoured the summon by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged COVID-19 supplies theft. Murathe arrived at the offices a few minutes past 2 pm on Friday, September 4, to record a statement on his alleged involvement in the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) tender scandal. READ ALSO: Coronavirus: 415 patients recover as 179 test positive David Murathe arriving at the EACC offices. Photo: KBC News. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Cyrus Mbembe: Murang'a MCA dies year after losing father KEMSA allegedly awarded Kilig KSh 4 billion tender The powerful Jubilee operative was said to be one of the signatories of a company known as Kilig which irregularly secured a tender to supply medical equipment. The drug agency allegedly awarded Kilig KSh 4 billion by for the supply of 450,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) at an inflated price of KSh 9,000 each. By the time KEMSA was making the order, the complete kit of PPEs was costing KSh 4, 500 but the company doubled the price of each. READ ALSO: Oscar Sudi names 5 suspects he wants investigated over KEMSA scandal READ ALSO: Kai Havertz: Midfielder leaves Germany squad to seal transfer to Chelsea The company was formed just two months to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country and was awarded the multi-billion tender without following due process. Denied links On Wednesday, September 2, Murathe denied links to the company but admitted one of its directors, Willbroad Gatei Gachoka, was his personal friend and business partner. "Yes I know the directors of Kilig. One Willbroad Gachoka and his Chinese partner Zoo. I have partnered with Gachoka in a lot of issues including consultancy in the special economic zones but I have not partnered with him on this one,"he said. The former Gatanga MP, however, claimed Kilig's shares were transferred to close associates of Deputy President William Ruto. We have the evidence. We have the legal transfers, go to Kenya Commercial Bank and find out who the account holders of Kilig Limited are; you will find that they are known partners of DP William Ruto," he added. Others who had earlier on the day been grilled were Nairobi Securities Exchange board chairperson Kiprono Kittony. Also summoned alongside Murathe included Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi's wife Priscilla and former Karachuonyo MP James Rege. 10 other companies under probe At least 10 other companies profiteered from the KEMSA irregular tender including Shop N Buy Limited, Accenture Kenya Limited, Abyssinia Group of Industries, Bell Industries, Medlife Biologicals Limited, and Nanopay Limited. Also under probe were; Light Up Africa Limited, Ginawala Kenya Limited, Wallabis Ventures Limited, and Wanderjoy Party World Limited. 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 wife abandoned me when I needed her most | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke A $26,000 designer handbag has been destroyed by Australian Border Force officers after its owner failed to buy a $70 permit to bring it into the country. The alligator skin bag, purchased from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was confiscated from the West Australian woman at a Perth air cargo depot in January. The bag was seized by ABF officers on suspicion to have been used or otherwise involved in the illegal wildlife trade, which is an offence against the EPBC Act. While alligator products are allowed into Australia, they are regulated and monitored through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The unidentified owner of the $26,313 handbag had arranged a CITES export permit from France but did not apply for a $70 import permit from the Australian CITES Management Authority. The alligator skin hand bag (pictured), purchased from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was confiscated from the West Australian woman at a Perth air cargo depot in January Environment Minister Sussan Ley (pictured) said the handbag confiscation was a costly reminder for importers to ensure they had the correct CITES permits when importing products into Australia CITES protects species which may be adversely affected by trade, and verifies the international movement of listed species is legal and sustainable. Commercial and non-commercial trade of species used in the high-end fashion industry - such as crocodile, python and snake leather - is regulated by CITES. Tourist souvenirs, marine species, scientific specimens, zoo animals, hunting trophies, traditional medicines, instruments and cut flowers are also regulated by CITES. Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the handbag confiscation was a costly reminder for importers to ensure they had the correct CITES permits when importing products into Australia. 'We all need to be aware of what we're purchasing online as restricting the trade of animal products is crucial to the long-term survival of endangered species,' she said in a statement on Friday. What is CITES and how does it work? The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments ensuring wildlife trade does not threaten global populations of plants and animals. About 5,600 animal species and 30,000 plant species are listed for regulation under CITES. These include commercial and non-commercial trade of species used in high-end fashion, traditional medicines, marine species, scientific specimens, transfer of live animals, hunting trophies and musical instruments. Australians importing or exporting any of the animal or plant species listed under CITES must obtain both an export permit from the country of export and a wildlife trade import permit from Australia. Some permit exemptions do, however, apply to moving personal items in to and out of Australia. Tighter restrictions also apply on international imports and exports of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), elephants, rhinos and African lions. Trade in these specimens is only allowed in very limited circumstances, such as for research purposes or if the item is vintage. Australia determines the sustainability of exports of listed wildlife based on the conservation status of the species, management arrangements that are in place, and the scale of harvest and trade. Whether trade is for commercial and non-commercial purposes is also considered. Source: Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Advertisement 'The Morrison Government closely monitors what comes in and out of Australia to stop and deter the illegal wildlife trade.' Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said it was essential Australians made an application for the relevant CITES permits - from both the exporting country and the importing country - when buying products like these overseas. 'The Australian Border Force works closely with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to detect cases of illegally imported exotic wildlife products at the border, including fashion accessories, tourist trinkets, furs, taxidermy animals and ivory,' he said in the statement. 'We would like to remind importers to ensure they have the correct permits in place before attempting to import these items. 'Those who attempt to contravene our border controls to bring in these items without the appropriate permits, should know we are alert to their activities.' The United States has also started taking its own action to protect reptiles, the Sydney Morning Herald reported, with California banning alligator and crocodile products in 2019 to put a stop to wildlife trafficking. The western US state represents about 30 per cent of the alligator skin market worldwide. Despite many products being produced legally and ethically, many animal welfare groups believe some are derived illegally and are pushing for a new global agreement. Since being established in 1975, the amount of flora and fauna being legally traded has boomed from $US2 billion per annum to $US320 billion more recently. Illegal trade is up to $US258 billion each year as well. Donalea Patman, founder of For The Love of Wildlife, told Sydney Morning Herald almost all CITES parties still use a paper-based system which did not integrate with customs. 'There is no traceability of shipments from source to destination,' she said. 'Without traceability and transparency, there is no proof of sustainability and the sustainable-use model is the basis for the legal trade.' Ms Ley's department confirmed the importation of regulated fauna or flora species without the necessary permits was a serious offence under the EPBC Act. It can carry harsh penalties of up to $222,000 for individuals and $1,110,000 for corporations as well as 10 years imprisonment for wildlife trade offences under the Act. Announced at the annual Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando meeting were the new board officers: president - Ming Marx; vice president - Danielle Krise; treasurer - Diane Jacobs; secretary - Rhonda Forest; and immediate past president - Brad Jacobs. New board members and agency representatives:Barbara Weinreich, Edward Zissman, Matthew Broffman, Seth Hyman, Yeosh Bendayan, Leigh Norber, Edward Bromberg, Michael Soll, Rachel Slavkin, Debby Gendzier, and Natalia Goldenberg. Holocaust Center - Scott Miller; Central Florida Hillel - Hank Katzen; Jewish Academy of Orlando - Marc Katzen; Jewish... The July edition of the Media Foundation for West Africas (MFWA) Elections Campaign Language monitoring has cited National Executives of the two major political parties in Ghana, some Members of Parliament, party activists and radio programme hosts for use of indecent expressions on radio. The report specifically cites Johnson Aseidu Nketia, the General Secretary of the leading opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC); John Boadu, the General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP); and Hon. Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, Former NPP MP for Upper Denkyira West as perpetrators of indecent language on radio; Others were Oheneba Boamah Bennie, host of Accra-based Power FMs The Battle Ground and Mugabe Maase, host of Power FMs Inside Politics amongst others. Over the monitoring period (July 1-31), a total of 2,749 radio programmes were monitored on 35 selected radio stations across the country. The programmes included news bulletins, and political/current affairs discussions aired on the 35 radio stations. A total of 66 indecent expressions were recorded by 36 individuals. The 66 indecent expressions are made up of Insulting and Offensive comments; Unsubstantiated allegations; Inciting violence; Gender-specific insults; Expressions or Comments promoting Divisiveness; and expressions promoting Prejudice and Bigotry. The 36 individuals who made the indecent expressions featured on the radio programmes as hosts, discussants/panelists, interviewees and a texter. The NDC within this period recorded the highest number of indecent expressions (27) with NPP and United Front Party (UFP) recording 13 and 3 indecent expressions respectively. 16 out of the 35 radio stations monitored recorded indecent expressions. Accra-based Power FM recorded the highest (22) indecent expressions on three of its major programmes Inside Politics (15), The Battle Grounds (6) and Dwaboase (1). Ahotor FM also based in Accra, recorded seven (7) indecent expressions on its morning show titled Adej kye mu nsem. Accra-based Oman FM followed with six (6) indecent expressions while Kumasi-based Fox FM and Accra-based Okay FM recorded five (5) abusive expressions respectively. The Elections Campaign language monitoring project seeks to promote issues-based campaigning and use of decent language/expression before, during and after Ghanas 2020 elections. In Ghana, the project is being implemented with funding support from STAR Ghana Foundation and OSIWA. The project is also being implemented in Cote dIvoire and Niger with funding support from OSIWA. Details of the full report is available here The instrument being used for the monitoring, which contains the category definitions for tracking and reporting of indecent language on radio is also available here. For further clarifications and media interviews, contact the Programme Manager, Vivian Affoah (0244896588) or Programme Officer, Kwaku Krobea Asante (0248484528). Human trafficking and homelessness have one crucial similarity - both are hidden in plain sight, said Sharron Liggins, its executive director. We must have more awareness brought to the public eye. Too many people do not know how it is so blatantly conducted, with the next potential victim being someone you may know. Our compassion should push for this cause. Its a human tragedy. ASEAN enterprises can register for ABA 2020 at aba2020.vn The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an economic crisis for ASEAN and beyond. According to the UN Policy Brief released in July, supply chain disruptions due to lockdowns and quarantine measures are affecting countries dependent on merchandise trade such as Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Countries reliant on remittances, such as the Philippines, are hit hard as declining remittances weaken consumption and investment. Meanwhile, the measures to contain COVID-19 have affected the labour market. For instance, unemployment is expected to increase in Indonesia by 2.5 percentage points, Malaysia by 1.5 points, and the Philippines by 1.2 points. Negative impacts are inevitable, but many ASEAN enterprises have overcome difficulties, and are making meaningful contributions to pandemic prevention. In the special context of 2020, with the professionalism of the organisers and the support from ASEAN leaders, businesses across the region can see the award as an opportunity to honour their efforts to ensure the sustainable development of the business in the period of economic crisis. Many enterprises in the region had to close or stop production, but there are also enterprises with sustainable development methods, whose solutions have not only maintained operations but made valuable contributions to society to help ASEAN member states overcome the pandemic, said Doan Duy Khuong, chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) in Vietnam. In Singapore, businesses in the city-state not only contribute large amounts of cash and anti-pandemic items but also return or reject payout packages from the government. In May, when the pandemic was at its peak in Singapore, 32 businesses returned a grant of $35 million and another 29 companies stopped receiving payout packages. In addition, in all other countries in the region, enterprises have done a great job in social responsibility by actively contributing to the government with cash, equipment, or facilities for COVID-19 prevention. In particular, a number of Vietnamese enterprises have continuously supported the battle with many different resources. This is also an important factor to help Vietnam become a bright spot in the region and further afield in reducing the impact of the coronavirus. According to Khuong, the contribution of enterprises during the crisis was extremely valuable, which makes this year's ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) more special than ever. As the chair of the ABA 2020 Awards, Nguyen Thi Nga, member of ASEAN BAC Vietnam and chair of BRG Group, said, Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor. COVID-19 is the time when the best businesses and business people can show their bravery and resilience to overcome their difficulties by not only ensuring the sustainable development of businesses but also contributing to pandemic prevention. ABA 2020, therefore, has a special stature, as it honours the outstanding businesses of the entire region, Nga noted. ASEAN BAC interact with ASEAN economic ministers To ensure the transparency and prestige of the awards, Deloitte Vietnam has been selected as a strategic partner for ABA. As a pioneer in the field of consulting and auditing with 30 years of experience in the Vietnamese market and one of the four leading specialised service providers in the world with a wide network of operations, Deloitte worked closely with the Organising Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as ASEAN BAC and other prestigious partners to build up an award system with the most scientific structure and scoring method to select the most deserving businesses and entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. In a special 2020 context, with the professionalism of the organisers and the support from ASEAN leaders at all levels, businesses across the region can see the award as an opportunity to honour their efforts to ensure the sustainable development of the business during the economic crisis. Currently, ASEAN businesses can register for ABA 2020 through the website at aba2020.vn ROME: A month after it rescued migrants in the Mediterranean at Maltas request, a Danish-flagged chemical tanker awaited at sea Friday with low supplies and its passengers so despairing of ever making landfall that they say they feel like jumping into the sea. The Maersk Etienne rescued 27 migrants, including a pregnant woman and a child, from a flimsy fishing boat just before it sank in the central Mediterranean. Its owners, Maersk Tankers, said food and fresh water are running low. But despite weeks of contacts between Maltese authorities and company representatives, the 186-meter-long (610-foot) vessel remains stuck in international waters 17 miles off the small island nation with no solution in sight, Maersk Tankers said. Malta, like Italy, often balks at taking in rescued migrants, insisting that other EU nations should share the burden of caring for people rescued in the central Mediterranean, especially since many of the trafficked migrants want to reach northern Europe. The hardline positions have triggered other standoffs in the central Mediterranean, but this is one of the longest and its not over yet. Whats more, the Etiennes plight could make other cargo ships reluctant to rescue migrants, even though the law of the sea requires them to save lives when possible. Malta had asked the tanker to rescue the migrants on Aug. 4. We still dont have any sight to a clear solution, there is no timeline, and that is adding to the frustration," Tommy Thomassen, the companys chief technical officer, said in a phone interview. The migrants were given blankets by the 21-member crew and have been sleeping on makeshift beds in the stern, where plastic sheeting has been set up to create a section for them. The migrants, most of whom are from northern Africa, have expressed gratitude to the captain and crew for saving their lives, expressing that they were really sorry for being a burden, in a message scribbled on the back of one of the paper plates they are served their food on, Thomassen said. But the last thing the migrants wrote on the plate was: Look, if no one wants us, if there is no solution, then we might as well just go back into the ocean, the company official said. Its simply heartbreaking. The captain, Volodymyr Yeroshkin, pleaded for help. We really need to disembark these people," he said in a video released by the company. But so far, none of those who could authorize disembarkation in some port has done so. These people are not given their basic right to step ashore. The vessel is just paralyzed and cannot sail anywhere with these people," the captain said. The Maltese government has made no public comment on the standoff, but Maltese media have cited government sources as saying Malta was sticking to its policy of insisting there be a European solution to such rescues in the Mediterranean. Thomassen branded the stalemate as a completely unacceptable situation to put the migrants in, to put our people in and to also put the ship owner in. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor New Delhi: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday hinted at the possibility of a GST rate cut for vehicles and hoped that the automotive industry will soon get some "good news". The Heavy Industries Minister also shared that the proposal for the auto scrappage policy was ready and all stakeholders have provided inputs, therefore its announcement was likely "very soon". Elaborating on the possibilities of the GST rate cut on the vehicles segment, he said the details of the proposals are being worked out by the Finance Ministry and he is not privy to all the details. However, Javadekar said, "naturally in a logical sequence, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, public transport vehicles, in that category only, and then 4-wheelers, in that order it should come. I hope that you will get some good news surely very soon". The minister said he will definitely discuss the automotive industry's demand for Goods and Services Tax (GST) reduction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "We may not agree immediately for reduction in GST but that is not a final no. There can definitely be a way forward which I also see, progress will be done," said Javadekar. Two-wheelers are neither a luxury nor sin goods and so merit a GST rate revision, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said at an industry interaction last month. She said a rate revision proposal would be taken up by the GST Council. Two-wheelers currently attract 28 percent GST. The GST rates are decided by a Council chaired by the Union Finance Minister comprising Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the states. He said the government is working with all stakeholders on ways and means to boost demand. Addressing the 60th annual convention of auto industry body SIAM, the minister said "the automotive industry is important for Indian economy and we would like to support the industry by providing incentives for increasing its competitiveness, especially with a focus on exports". Javadekar said a Champion export scheme is also on the anvil. He said details of the Champions scheme for exports are being worked out and it is likely to provide benefits to companies for increasing their sourcing from India, compensate the cost disadvantage in logistics and also provide benefits to firms that have high export potential. The Ministry of Heavy Industry had invited expressions of interest from state transport departments for the deployment of 5,000 electric buses last year. "I have instructed that there are so many good Indian companies manufacturing (electric buses), so concentrate on Indian companies," Javadekar said. The minister said the Centre was reviewing the national automotive mission plan and assured the industry that it "will not experience supply-side bottlenecks now because the movement has been eased out and there will be no lockdown any further, as I hope". Javadekar, who also holds the portfolios of Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said COVID-19 management rests mainly on containment zone management and more testing and wondered how China has been able to contain the disease to one restricted geography. "There are two countries of our size, China and India, and China surprisingly after Wuhan there is not a single patient anywhere so how this happens only China can know about it," Javadekar said. SHOTLIST ROCHESTER, STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATESSEPTEMBER 3, 2020SOURCE: AFPTV 1. Tracking shot protesters shouting at police outside Public Safety Building, police firing pepper balls at protesters2. Mid shot police firing pepper balls at protesters outside Public Safety Building3. Tracking shot a protester falling back after affected by pepper balls4. Wide shot pepper balls fired at protesters 5. Pan left protesters defending against pepper balls, police outside Public Safety Building6. Mid shot protesters holding up umbrellas in defence (CONTENT WARNING: LANGUAGE)7. Low angle shot protesters holding up umbrellas in defence8. Mid shot police stationed at Public Safety Building9. Wide shot protester holding up "Black Lives Matter" flag10. Mid shot protester holding up "Black Lives Matter" flag ///-----------------------------------------------------------AFP TEXT STORY: newseriesNew York probes suffocation of black man hooded by police By Maggy DONALDSON =(Video+Picture)= ATTENTION - UPDATES with protest ///New York, Sept 4, 2020 (AFP) - Several hundred peaceful demonstrators marched Thursday in New York's Times Square over the death of a black man that police hooded and forced face down on the road, according to video footage that prompted a probe from the state's attorney general.The demonstrators gathered under a steady rain to demand justice for Daniel Prude, whose family said he died on March 30 after being removed from life support, seven days after the police encounter upstate in the city of Rochester.Dubbing the footage "deeply disturbing," New York's governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday said he had "full faith" the attorney general's investigation would "ensure that justice is served."The 41-year-old's family and activists made his death public Wednesday, after receiving body cam footage through an open records request.The news of yet another police killing of an African American triggered fresh outrage, three months after protests ignited nationwide over George Floyd, who was choked to death during an arrest while handcuffed.Prude's family demanded legal action against the officers involved, who were suspended on Thursday.Letitia James, New York state's top prosecutor, said an investigation was underway."Mr. Daniel Prude was failed by our police department, our mental health care system, our society and, he was failed by me," Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said. "We cannot continue to fail black lives this way," she told a news conference. "Racism is alive and well in every system in America."Prude's brother told journalists he had called police March 23 as Daniel suffered a mental health episode."I placed a phone call for my brother to get help, not to get lynched," Joe Prude said outside Rochester's City Hall Wednesday."How many brothers have to die for society to understand this has to stop?"When officers arrived Prude was unarmed and naked in the road, according to the video.Police ordered an initially compliant Prude to get on the ground, but after being handcuffed he became increasingly agitated.Officers then put a "spit hood" on him and forced his head to the pavement. Moments later he lost consciousness.He died in hospital a week later, when life support was switched off.Local media said an autopsy ruled the death a homicide caused by "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint."The report also listed a low level of the drug PCP in Prude's blood."He was treated inhumanely and without dignity," community organizer Ashley Gantt said. - Another flashpoint - Rochester police chief La'Ron Singletary acknowledged anger over Prude's death but emphasized the delay in releasing the video was "not a cover-up."Officers generally use spit hoods as defense against blood-borne germs from suspects.But they've been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, as concerns mushroom over their safety.Since the police killing in May of Floyd in Minneapolis, demonstrations linked to the Black Lives Matter movement have rocked the nation, with many calling for significant police reforms including defunding or abolition.The presence of counter-protesters has frequently triggered violent clashes, pushing law and order high up the agenda for November's presidential election.News of Prude's death comes in the wake of social unrest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a black father shot seven times in the back by a white officer in the Wisconsin city of Kenosha. Los Angeles protests broke out this week after police shot and killed Dijon Kizzee, a black man who was riding a bicycle, apparently in violation of vehicle codes.Kizzee fled and when deputies caught him, he allegedly punched one of them and dropped a bundle of clothing, which police say contained a handgun.And in Washington police on Wednesday fatally shot an 18-year-old black man after responding to reports of men with guns in a vehicle. DC police said during a foot pursuit Deon Kay brandished a firearm before an officer shot him.bur-mdo/dw ------------------------------------------------------------- China, France should safeguard JCPOA, other intl. agreements against unilateralism: FM Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 2:26 PM In an implied rebuke of US' unilateral policies, China's foreign minister says Beijing and Paris should work to promote multilateralism and safeguard major international agreements, such as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, in the face of unilateralism. Wang Yi made the remarks in a Saturday meeting with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, in Paris, where he said the two sides "should strengthen coordination and cooperation on international affairs, and safeguard major outcomes of international agreements and multilateral diplomacy, such as the Iran nuclear deal." US President Donald Trump, a hawkish critic of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), unilaterally withdrew Washington from the agreement in May 2018, and unleashed the "toughest ever" sanctions against the Islamic Republic in defiance of global criticism. Following its much-criticized exit, Washington has been attempting to prevent the remaining signatories from abiding by their commitments and thus kill the historic agreement, which is widely viewed as a fruit of international diplomacy. Both China and France are among the remaining parties to the Iran deal. Wang further took an indirect jab at the Trump administration for pulling the US out of major international and multilateral organizations and treaties, saying, "Unilateralism, including irresponsible withdrawal from international organizations or violation of international agreements, is unpopular." He added, "Without multilateralism, the multilateral mechanism and international order established since World War II will be seriously damaged, and small- and medium-sized countries will suffer a huge impact." Wang emphasized that "unilateralism is on the rise today as some countries ignore international agreements and refuse to fulfill their international obligations." The Chinese call comes amid yet another illegal US push at the UN Security Council to use a provision in the JCPOA to renew all UN sanctions against Iran, turning a deaf ear to calls by the remaining signatories that Washington is no longer a party to the deal and is in no position to do so. Trump has made several controversial decisions since he took the oath of office in January 2017, including ones that forced the US out of international treaties in defiance of global outcry. The Trump administration pulled the United States out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) with Russia last year. The 1992 treaty allows member countries to conduct short-notice, unarmed, reconnaissance flights over the other countries to collect data on their military forces and activities. Trump has also pulled his country out of the UN culture and education organization UNESCO, the Paris climate accord and the Human Rights Council. Elsewhere in his remarks, Wang said that maintaining multilateralism was the biggest consensus reached during his trip to Europe, urging China and France, as major responsible countries, to actively promote and practice multilateralism under such circumstances. "The two sides should strengthen multilateral institutions. The United Nations is the most important platform for supporting and practicing multilateralism, and the two sides should support the United Nations in playing its due central role in international affairs," the Chinese foreign minister pointed out. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chennai, Sep 4 : Even as fire fighting efforts were underway on the blazing very large crude carrier (VLCC) New Diamond chartered by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), an experienced marine engineer said that the two-metre long crack near Port aft portion 10 metres above the waterline of the oil laden tanker could likely pose a problem if the crack further increases. On Friday the Indian Coast Guard said the crack was two metre long and has been observed near the Port aft portion, 10 metres above the waterline. The fire fighting operations are continuing for second day in succession, the Coast Guard said. "If the crack propagates, and there is every likelihood of that and cannot be predicted, then the stability of the ship could be affected. A ship standstill is still subjected to tremendous stresses and could break and capsize," M. Kalayanaraman, Technical Editor, Riviera Maritime Media told IANS. He said if the fire is still raging then it means the fuel for the fire is still there in whichever space is on fire. "What is not clear is if any of the cargo tanks are affected, or it could be just the ship bunker fuel tanks," Kalyanaraman said. While towing is also a risky proposition, he added that which port can take in such a large ship. Seeing the pictures of the ship on fire, Kalyanaraman said the engine room is gutted. It has to be seen whether the pump room -- where the pumps to pump out the crude oil are located -- too have been damaged. He said if the pump room is damaged then it will be a great challenge to pump out the oil. "We have to hope and pray the fire is extinguished as soon as possible," he said. The oil tanker caught fire on Thursday morning 37 nautical miles off the Sri Lankan coast. As per www.marinetraffic.com, the 20-year-old VLCC 'New Diamond' sailing under the Panama flag departed from Mina Al Ahmadi on August 23 and was heading to Paradip port in India. The oil tanker was expected to reach Paradip in Odisha on September 5 where IOC has a large refinery. The vessel's deadweight tonnage (DWT) is 2,99,986 t, length is 333 metres and width is 60 metres. The Coast Guard on Thursday said the Sri Lankan Navy had sought assistance to fight the fire and explosion on board New Diamond. So it had diverted three of its ships -- Shaurya, Sarang, Samudra Paheredar and a Dornier aircraft for firefighting operations. However, IOC officials remained silent on the accident. According to reports, another ship Helen M an oil products tanker sailing under the Panama flag on receipt of distress message had gone to the location of New Diamond for rescue. Helen M was sailing from Mangalore to Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text 04.09.2020 LISTEN In this age of biodiversity crises, history has shown us that humans are the architects of our own undoing. As we lurch from one predicament to another, from climate change, pollution, pandemics such as COVID-19, never has the impact of human activities on nature been clearer as it is now. Nature is on a dangerous decline, one million animal and plant species are in danger of extinction, a decline that can be exemplified by the case of Africas vultures. As the world marks International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) today, a less oft highlighted decline, perhaps Africas best-kept biodiversity loss secret is the catastrophic decline of the continents vulture populations over the last 50 years. With declines of up to 97 % in some areas, African vultures are faced with the same predicament as the dodo 400 years ago - extinction. In some African folklore, a vulture is an ominous bird, signifying bad tidings, or even death however; these perceptions are dwarfed by the important role that vultures play in our ecosystems. These birds act as natures clean-up crew, removing rotten carcasses from our environment thanks to their unique and unprecedented scavenging capabilities. It is estimated that a single vulture may be worth as much as $11,000 for these clean-up services alone. Nature abhors a vacuum and the deficit of these important scavengers in the ecosystem, destabilizes the ecological equilibrium, which can have serious social and economic impacts. This was highlighted in the 1990s when vulture populations in Asia crashed by up to 99% as a result of feeding on cattle carcases containing diclofenac - an anti-inflammatory veterinary drug (NSAID) used to treat livestock, which is highly toxic to vultures. A 2008 study conducted on the human and economic consequences of the Asian vulture crash in India indicates that in the absence of vultures, populations of other undesirable scavengers such as rats and feral dogs could significantly increase, which in turn increased the potential for disease transmission from carcasses and between animals and humans. Indeed, cases of human rabies in India increased, parallel to the vulture declines. A Convergence of Threats Poisoning is the biggest threat to vultures across Africa. It accounts for more than 60% of reported vulture mortality and is widespread on the continent. Poisoning comes in two forms intentional poisoning whereby poachers deliberately kill vultures that signal their illegal activities and unintentional poisoning, whereby vultures fall victim to retaliatory poisoning by livestock owners trying to kill predators preying on their livestock. Conflict between local communities and wildlife, driven by increased human population and weak wildlife legislations is taking a toll on the continents vulture populations. Poaching continues elevating the threat of intentional poisoning of vultures as poachers seek to carry out their illegal activities undetected. In 2019, more than 530 Critically Endangered vultures of five different species died from feeding on two poisoned elephant carcasses in northern Botswana. Additionally, vultures are hunted for traditional beliefs, with their parts used for making charms or traditional medicine. In some communities on the continent particularly in West Africa, it is believed that vultures heads contain mystic powers, consequently vulture body parts are often highly sought after, driving them further toward the brink of extinction. In an incident which has been dubbed as the worlds most catastrophic incident of mass vulture poisoning and likely the largest killing of any Critically Endangered bird species, more than 2,000 Critically Endangered Hooded vultures are reported to have died in Guinea-Bissau since late 2019 underlining the precarious situation that these birds find themselves in. A Wake Up Call While we contemplate a world without vultures, the onus is on African states to halt their decline. Because of monumental multi-partner efforts, the wheel does not have to be reinvented thanks to the development and adoption of the CMS Vulture Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures (Vulture MsAP) , adopted by the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) Parties in 2017, which aims to reverse vulture declines through multiple cross-cutting interventions across vulture range states. Innovative solutions heralding a bottom-up approach are needed at the heart of this approach, is engaging local communities in conservation efforts. The need to raise awareness on the importance of vultures is critical. Addressing human-wildlife conflict at a community level, enacting and enforcing stronger wildlife laws that protect vultures, including strict regulation of pesticides used for vulture poisoning and taking actions to stop the illegal trade of vulture parts is imperative. Establishing Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) across the continent that act as safe havens for vultures, free of key threats such as contaminated food, poisoning and habitat disturbance are also innovative ways in which BirdLife alongside other partners, are striving to halt vulture declines. There is a real need for cooperation and concerted action at a continental level, drawing together all 55 African Union (AU) member states. No effort should be spared to stop the loss of Sovereigns of the Africas skies. The writer is vulture conservation officer at BirdLife International Email: [email protected] (Reuters) - Costa Coffee, a unit of Coca-Cola Co , said on Thursday a plan to deal with the hit to its UK stores from the COVID-19 health crisis could result in 1,650 people losing their jobs, becoming the latest British chain to warn of layoffs. The coffee chain, which employs around 16,000 people across 1,600 wholly-owned stores in the UK, said its plan includes removing the role of assistant store manager in the UK business. The business model of coffee shops, located mainly in town centres and cities, has been hammered as many people still work from home. Britain has been encouraging people to get back to their places of work, ramping up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's calls to revive the economy. "While trade is returning, helped by the Government's VAT reduction, which Costa passed on to customers in full, and the recent "Eat Out To Help Out" Scheme, there remain high levels of uncertainty as to when trade will recover to pre-COVID levels," Costa said. Coffee and sandwich chain Pret A Manger had last month said it was cutting 2,800 jobs as part of a lockdown-induced restructuring, while restaurant operator PizzaExpress decided to lay off 1,100 jobs through 73 outlet closures. Costa said it will seek alternative roles within the business for those at-risk where possible and will provide support for those leaving the business. Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa operates in 31 international markets, with over 2,700 coffee shops in the UK and Ireland and more than 1,200 shops globally. Coca-Cola bought Costa for $5.1 billion in 2018 from Premier Inn-owner Whitbread . (Reporting by Tanishaa Nadkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) HARRISBURG Montgomery County, as well as all neighboring counties, experienced upticks in coronavirus positivity rates during the last week, according to the latest data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. For the seven-day period Aug. 28 to Sept. 3 the percent-positivity rate for Montgomery County was 3.2 percent, according to the states COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard. That reflected an increase from the 3.0 percent-positivity rate the county recorded for the previous seven-day period Aug. 21 to Aug. 27. Health officials believe having a positivity rate less than 5 percent indicates a county is controlling the spread of the virus and keeping it suppressed. According to the latest state data, Montgomery County currently has the second lowest percent-positivity rate in southeast Pennsylvania, behind Lehigh County, which recorded a 2.8 percent-positivity rate for the latest seven-day period ending Sept. 3, which was up from 1.4 percent recorded the previous week. Chester and Bucks counties each recorded a 3.6 percent-positivity rate for the period Aug. 28 to Sept. 3, increases from the 2.7 percent-positivity rate each county posted the week before, according to the data. Delaware County recorded a 4.0 percent-positivity rate for the period ending Sept. 3, up from 3.4 percent the previous week. Philadelphia recorded a 4.4 percent-positivity rate during the most recent seven-day period, which was an increase from the 3.3 percent-positivity rate during the previous week. Berks County recorded the highest percent-positivity rate, 4.9, in the southeast region for the period Aug. 28 to Sept. 3. The previous week Berks recorded a 4.8 percent-positivity rate. Gov. Tom Wolf said the states COVID-19 dashboard is designed to provide early warning signs of factors that affect the states mitigation efforts. The data available on the dashboard includes week-over-week case differences, incidence rates, test percent-positivity, and rates of hospitalizations, ventilations and emergency room visits tied to COVID-19. As of Sept. 3, the statewide percent-positivity rate increased to 4.0 percent from 3.2 percent the previous week, according to the dashboard. The virus is still circulating, and we must continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings to keep our numbers low, stop the spread and allow more freedom, Wolf said earlier this week. To keep the positivity rate below 5 percent, Montgomery County Commissioners Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh stressed residents should continue to abide by all mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing recommendations. As we head into Labor Day weekend, I ask all Montgomery County residents to be mindful of the fact that while our positivity rate is hovering around 3%, we are consistently seeing an average of 40 to 45 new cases each day, Arkoosh said this week. Please dont let down your guard over the holiday weekend. If you are traveling, please be extra careful to wear a mask, practice social distancing and have good hand hygiene. These simple practices will help keep you and your family safe, Arkoosh added. Arkoosh also urged residents to cooperate with contact tracers if they test positive. If you get a voice mail from a contact tracer, please, please call them back. Our contact tracers provide a lot of support to the people that they speak with, Arkoosh said during a news briefing this week. Our contact tracers are here to help you. Sushant Singh Rajput Death Anniversary: A Timeline of the of events that have transpired so far At least 6 members of Sushant Singh Rajputs family killed in road accident in Bihar Sushant Singh Case: Rhea Chakraborty's brother arrested over drug charges India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Sep 04: Actor Rhea Chakraborty's brother Showik and Sushant Singh Rajput's house manager Samuel Miranda were arrested on Friday after being questioned by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) which is probing allegations of drug abuse surrounding Sushant Singh Rajput's death in June. Earlier in the day, a team from the NCB accompanied by police officials raided the homes of Showik Chakraborty and Miranda at around 6:30 am. The search teams included women officials and they were seen wearing masks and gloves and using multiple vehicles. NCB Deputy Director (operations) K P S Malhotra, who is heading the probe team of the agency, was seen leading the search and he told journalists that the houses of Showik and Miranda were being searched as a "procedural" action. Showik and Rhea Chakraborty live in the same house. Another senior official said the agency is looking to gather additional evidence and some documents have been seized by the search teams. They said both Showik and Miranda were handed over summons to join the investigation during the search. Later in the day, the two men were taken by the NCB search team and questioned at the agency's office in the city. The NCB so far has arrested two alleged drug dealers operating in the capital city of Maharashtra in this case and detained one person. The two arrested are Zaid Vilatra, 21, and Abdel Basit Parihar while Kaizan Ibrahim is being questioned since Thursday. Parihar is learnt to have "links" with the narcotics case registered against Sushant Singh's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, 28, and others, news agency PTI reported. Parihar is linked to a person who in turn allegedly featured in chats recovered from the mobile phone of Rhea and Showik, officials have said. Rhea has been accused in the death of the 34-year-old actor that is being probed by the NCB, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The NCB began the probing intro the drug angle in this case after inputs from the ED. The NCB has said that it is looking into "the drug citadel in Mumbai, and especially Bollywood" in this case. According to officials, the mobile phone chats and messages indicated procurement, transportation and consumption of drugs and these leads were shared by the ED with the NCB and the CBI. Telecom operator Vodafone Idea plans to raise $1-$1.5 billion via equity sale as it works with potential strategic partners to buy stake. The telco is in talks with both domestic and global investment bankers such as PJT Partners, Prime Securities, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, Axis Capital, Kotak Investment Bank, among others in this regard. "While the foreign-headquartered i-banks would focus on potential overseas investors, domestic i-banks would be responsible for debt syndication and liaison with debenture holders," The Economic Times reported citing an unidentified source. PJT Partners and Prime Securities are said to be the leading contenders, the daily also reported. Vodafone Idea, in a late night regulatory filing on Monday, had said that the meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled on September 4. The board at the meeting will "consider and evaluate any and all proposals for raising of funds in one or more tranches by way of a public issue, preferential allotment, private placement, including a qualified institutions placement or through any other permissible mode and/or combination thereof by way of issue of equity shares or by way of issue of any instruments," the company had said. Shares of Vodafone Idea on Thursday zoomed nearly 30 per cent, its biggest gain since March, amid reports that the US wireless carrier Verizon Communications and Amazon may invest more than $4 billion for a stake in the debt-laden telco. However, the company later dismissed the reports saying its board had no investment proposals from Verizon or Amazon. By Peter Fabricius THE Zimbabwe government wants South Africas help with personal protective equipment (PPE) and othr equipment to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as support in trying to secure international lo ans to tide it over its desperate economic crisis. But Pretoria is evidently withholding the requested support until Zanu PF drops its opposition to President Cyril Ramaphosas three special envoys meeting all Zimbabwean stakeholders to get a broad and true picture of the causes and possible solutions to the crisis. Special envoys Sydney Mufamadi, a former minister of safety and security and of provincial and local government; Baleka Mbete, a former deputy president and speaker of Parliament; and Ngoako Ramatlhodi, a former public service and administration minister, visited Harare on August 10, hoping to meet a broad range of politicians and civil society leaders to assess the crisis. But after they had met President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF, he blocked them from meeting anyone else, including the main opposition party, the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa, as well as a smaller splinter group, the MDC-T lead by Thokozani Khupe. Mnangagwa told the envoys he had understood from his conversations with Ramaphosa that they were presidential envoys and so should meet only him. Mufamadi protested that the envoys had sent him in advance their list of interlocutors with no objections raised, but Mnangagwa would not budge. He suggested that they should go home and report to Ramaphosa on their meeting with him and if necessary they could return to meet other players. However, it is understood that Mnangagwa and Zanu PF are now resisting the idea of a return visit by Ramaphosas envoys to meet these other players. Among those on the original agenda of the special envoys were the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Mnangagwas dialogue forum the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad), and the Zimbabwe Institute as well as the two MDC parties. Pretoria is insisting the envoys should meet whoever they want to meet. Ramaphosa made this clear on Monday when he addressed a press conference after the ANCs National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. He said that in the extensive discussion which his envoys had had with Mnangagwa and Zanu PF on August 10, it became clear that they would need a process in which they would engage with other people. And it was felt we should give consideration to that. And that is obviously something we would want to see happen. In the meantime, he said Mnangagwa had told him that he would like the ANC as a political party to meet Zanu PFs Politburo, and so ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule and his Zanu PF counterpart were now arranging for this visit to take place within days. Ramaphosa added that the NEC had expressed the deep desire that the ANC mission should also have the opportunity of meeting other stakeholders. Clearly, its important we get as broad a view of what is happening as we possibly can, Ramaphosa said because South Africa was feeling the impact of the Zimbabwe crisis on its own borders. This was clearly a reference to the large numbers of Zimbabweans illegally crossing the border into South Africa, mainly to escape economic hardship. Despite the NECs wish for the ANC delegation to meet a broad range of Zimbabwean stakeholders, it is understood that Pretoria feels it would be better for the ANC to meet only its ruling party counterpart, Zanu PF, while Ramaphosas special envoys who have a different mandate as they represent the South African government should meet the other stakeholders, as they had originally intended to do on August 10. Zanu PF would evidently prefer the envoys mission to be merged with that of the ANC and for neither to meet the opposition and civil society. As a result of this intransigence, there are indications that Pretoria might have started to exert economic pressure on Zanu PF something it has rarely done before, if at all. The bankrupt Zanu PF government has requested South African government support in acquiring personal protection and other equipment to fight Covid-19. It has also asked Pretoria to help it secure private international loans, though what form this assistance might take is not clear yet. The ANC governments response to Harare has been to say it cannot justify to its constituency providing such support to Zimbabwe, while Harare is preventing it from meeting all stakeholders to try to resolve the crisis, which has made such South African support necessary in the first place. South Africa has another potential lever in that it is also providing Zimbabwe with significant amounts of grain to prevent starvation in a population where about half are suffering food insecurity. But it is not clear if Pretoria would also use this grain supply which comes in the form of a donation, not a loan as a political lever as it is regarded as humanitarian support. Fabricius is a freelance journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa Brandi Gee has been living in a Georgia hotel with her son for nearly three months after losing her job and her rental home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In Indiana, Jana Miller and her husband jumped at the opportunity to buy their dream home in the town of St. John after the pandemic hit. The coronavirus recession has opened a wide chasm between the haves and have-nots in Americas housing market. Some people can afford to flee cities and upgrade their life at a time when the median price for a home is at its highest ever. But other Americans, like Gee, arent confident that they will ever own a home and face lasting financial damage from the pandemic after a historic wave of job losses, looming evictions, surging home prices and stagnant wages. Gee, who lives in Warner Robins, Georgia, was laid off from her job as a prep chef at a country club in March, a major blow to her finances. The restaurant and bar industry she worked in was among the hardest hit by layoffs caused by coronavirus shutdowns. She was paying rent month-to-month before the pandemic hit, then briefly lived with a friend because she no longer could afford rent. When she struggled to find a new job and brokers didn't return her calls to help find a house or apartment to rent, she was forced to move to an extended-stay hotel, she says. Gee has had a handful of job interviews in the restaurant industry in recent weeks, but nothing has panned out. She fears shell get evicted from the hotel if she doesnt find a job soon. Were barely surviving, Gee, 46, says. Im scared well end up sleeping on the streets. I dont know if Ill ever recover. 'We shouldn't have to beg': Americans struggle without unemployment aid as Congress stalls on extending benefits Housing hurdles: COVID hasn't stopped the housing market, but good luck finding a home you can afford In Indiana, Miller, 40, thought she'd remodel her starter home to get another five to 10 years of use out of it because her family couldnt find a home in their price range. Story continues But in June, the price on a two-story home she'd been eyeing before the pandemic dropped. The sellers said they would accept her offer if she put her home up for sale immediately. Just four days later, she sold her home for $11,000 above asking price after more than a dozen showings. It was a whirlwind, says Miller, a physical therapist. We were really blessed to get our dream home during such a crazy time in this world. Their new home comes with a finished basement and four bedrooms for her growing family of five. Banners against renters eviction reading no job, no rent is displayed on a controlled rent building in Washington, DC on August 9, 2020. (Photo by Eric BARADAT / AFP via Getty Images) Americas housing divide The economic downturn has led to a 8.4% unemployment rate in August, leaving many Americans struggling to buy a home or afford rent, particularly lower-wage workers in hard-hit hospitality and retail jobs. Among renter households earning less than $35,000 a year, 42% have slight or no confidence in their ability to pay September rent, according to a recent U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey. "The level of economic suffering for families is heartbreaking if we dont figure out how to help unemployed Americans pay rent," says Sam Gilman, co-founder of the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. "Eviction leads to horrible consequences for families. It can lead to homelessness, kids not going to school and is linked to deaths of despair." Evictions: Trump administration announces nationwide eviction moratorium through end of the year Rent is due: What the moratorium means for one of the South's most vibrant cities The Trump administration said last week that it is implementing a national four-month moratorium on residential evictions. It took effect Friday and will run through Dec. 31, applying to individuals earning less than $99,000 a year and who are unable to make rent or housing payments. The move comes after Republicans and Democrats in Congress failed to reach a deal on another coronavirus rescue package. The moratorium is a vital step because it will protect millions of Americans from becoming homeless through the December holidays, housing experts say. But it doesnt solve the eviction crisis, they added, because there are loopholes in the moratorium that may leave some renters at risk of removal. The order would meaningfully reduce the number of Americans who are at risk of nonpayment eviction. But it doesnt help renters pay rent, Gilman says. Some experts have argued for extending enhanced unemployment benefits so renters and homeowners who need emergency cash can pay their rent and mortgages. We are only delaying this huge buildup in rental debt and the precursor to eviction. We still need rent relief from Congress to solve the underlying economic conditions," Gilman says. "Once rent comes due after the holidays, the circumstances for millions of Americans likely will not have changed." An estimated 30 million to 40 million Americans are at risk of eviction by the end of the year once the moratorium expires, Gilman says. Homebuying demand signals wealth divide Even as millions of renters fear losing their homes, the housing market has become a bright spot in the economy and could even drive its recovery. That marks a very different trajectory for housing compared with the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, which saw a collapse in real estate prices. Homebuyers with secure, higher-paying jobs and access to cash and credit have been able to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates. Meanwhile, job losses disproportionately affect low-income and Black workers, housing experts say. And there are deep disparities as well. For white households, the national homeownership rate stood at 73.7% in the first quarter of this year, up from 73.2% in the first quarter of 2019, according to a recent report from real estate brokerage Redfin. For Black households, that rate was 44% during the first quarter of 2020, up from 41.1% a year ago. The value many Black families have missed out on because they were impacted by systemic racism in housing could have been passed down to children and grandchildren, paying for things like higher education, child care, starting a business and down payments on their own home," Taylor Marr, economist at Redfin, said in a note. House prices are rising and the home improvement industry is booming during the pandemic as more Americans work from home, leading them to spend money on new properties or customize their living spaces. Some people are suddenly flush with cash and have access to cheap borrowing. Home sales have continued to rise, leading to record-breaking prices despite another spike in coronavirus cases in parts of the U.S. The median national price for a home in July reached $304,100, the first time ever it has topped $300,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. Homebuying is typically a spring and early summer affair, but this year it was delayed because of the pandemic, experts say. Theres still a lot of interest in sellers getting top dollar for their homes and buyers getting more space, says Ted Rossman, industry analyst at Bankrate. The work-from-home trend has legs even beyond the pandemic because many companies have found that workers can be productive from home and it saves them money on office space," Rossman says. "That has big ripple effects for the housing market if work-from-home becomes more permanent. Some splurge on renovations, home upgrades Some Americans are upgrading their life with new appliances, electronics and furniture. And some are planning other home improvements and renovations. Roughly 59% of homeowners have already completed at least $500 worth of home upgrades during the pandemic or plan to before the end of the year, according to a recent survey from Bankrate. Theres a fortunate group of Americans with a steady paycheck that didnt go on a big vacation but did end up buying new furniture, appliances or are renovating, Rossman says. Robin Walpert, a realtor, is one of those people. She and her husband, who live in the Pacific Palisades, on the west side of Los Angeles, began looking for a vacation home in June once she found out her two teenage sons would be doing virtual school for the foreseeable future. She is repairing her house and building a home gym, but she wanted a place for her family to escape, because all of them were stuck there amid the construction. They hunted for a cabin in Lake Arrowhead, California, but she couldnt keep up with the competition after everything flew off the market with multiple bids within days, she says. But theyre about to close on an older cabin that had been with the prior owners for four decades. It needs new flooring, renovated bathrooms and kitchen appliances, but Walpert felt fortunate to find anything. We felt so lucky that we got our hands on something. It was a mad dash, Walpert, 48, says. Everyone went bonkers trying to find something close to L.A. without completely abandoning ship. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Homes near me: COVID-19 causes evictions and a home-buying boom Photo: The Canadian Press People look at the More Justice More Peace Mural created by 17 artists on display to raise awareness of injustices suffered by Black and Indigenous people and other people of colour at Bastion Square in Victoria, B.C., on Friday August 28, 2020.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito The group that sponsored a mural that has been called disrespectful by Victoria's police chief says an anti-police acronym that is part of the work is offensive. The African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island says it cannot condone the appearance in the mural of the acronym ACAB, which is commonly meant to mean "All Cops Are Bastards." Victoria police Chief Del Manak has said the city-sponsored mural on justice issues disrespects members of the police department. A statement from the African Heritage Association says it supports the spirit of the "More Justice, More Peace" mural in the city's Bastion Square, but calls the acronym inappropriate. The association says it is proud of the relationships it has developed with the police department, the City of Victoria and the regional district over the past 16 years and looks forward to continuing conversations about systemic racism and making change. City official Bill Eisenhauer says the city plans to meet with the heritage association and the mural artists to discuss the acronym. The mural, which the association received a city arts grant to complete, is the work of 17 artists and is meant to raise awareness of injustices suffered by Black people, Indigenous people and others. Following the disappearances and deaths of Fort Hood soldiers, including Houston native Vanessa Guillen, Sen. John Cornyn is calling for a Senate hearing into the command culture and climate at the Killeen, Army post. Cornyn, a Republican, joined Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Ed Markey, Democrats from Massachusetts, in requesting on Thursday that the Senate Armed Services Committee hold a public hearing with Army leadership and the independent review panel investigating Fort Hood. The request follows the recent deaths of Specialist Guillen, 20, and Sergeant Elder Fernandes, 23, of Massachusetts. Both soldiers disappeared after they reported sexual violence at the post. As parents and United States Senators, we are heartbroken by the deaths of SGT Fernandes, SPC Guillen, and the other U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Hood, and we are determined to seek justice and answers for their families and to ensure the Army is implementing necessary reforms at Fort Hood, and that Congress is holding the Army accountable, the senators wrote in a Thursday letter. On Tuesday, the Army announced Gen. John Murray, one of the Armys most senior commanders, will lead an in-depth investigation into the string of deaths at the post. The independent review committee consists of five civilian members who will interview Fort Hood personnel and evaluate the posts policies during a two-week probe that began Sunday. Guillen was last seen April 22. Her body was found in late June roughly 30 miles from the base. Authorities said a fellow solider, Aaron Robinson, lured her from the post, killed and buried her. He reportedly shot and killed himself when law enforcement officers confronted him. His girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, was charged with helping dispose of Guillens body. Fernandes body was found last week about 30 miles from Fort Hood near Lake Polk in Temple, a week after he vanished from the post. The independent panel will submit a review to Army leadership, who will consider recommendations and implement appropriate changes, according to the senators letter. We believe that a public hearing that allows the committee to question the panel and Army leadership is an appropriate and necessary step consistent with our oversight responsibilities, the senators wrote. anna.bauman@chron.com By Express News Service NEW DELHI: China has been trying to fuel tensions between India and Nepal and it has paid Rs 2.5 crore (in Nepalese currency) to various Nepal-based organisations to carry out demonstrations against India along the Indo-Nepal border that stretches to over 1,700-km, according to sources in intelligence agencies. Chinese Embassy in Nepal has provided financial support of Rs 2.5 crore (NPR) for organising anti-India protests/demonstrations along India-Nepal border areas highlighting the recent border disputes and interferences of India in Nepals internal/political matters, intelligence agencies said. Earlier this week, the MHA called for heightened vigilance on the India-Nepal border and the tri-junction areas in Uttarakhand and Sikkim anticipating that China might use its influence with Nepal to create trouble. The India-Nepal relation has come under stress after China increased its influence on the Himalayan nation. It was Indias road construction to the Lipulekh at 17,000 feet that had sparked a diplomatic row between India and Nepal as Kathmandu claimed the area to be its territory. The road construction was aimed at shortening travel time for pilgrims visiting the Kailash Mansarovar. Soon thereafter, Nepal brought out a new political map showing the contested area as its own. India rejected the new map saying it was not based on historical facts or evidence. New political map of Nepal features parts of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura areas which are in Indian territory. Nepal also increased its force deployment across Indo-Nepal border. It has also planned to increase the number of border posts (BOPs) from 120 to 500 along 1,751-km border. Recently, MHA also directed border forces to increase deployment at Lipulekh tri-junction. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Night Out Committee has recommended that Deer Park and all other Texas communities postpone the annual celebration of the event until Tuesday, Oct. 6. Originally scheduled for the first Tuesday in August, its hoped cooler weather will increase participation in the 36th annual event. By now, most people know what National Night Out is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The ultimate goal is to decrease and even eliminate crime as neighbors look out for neighbors. This year, you can attend a block party by looking really cool with your very own National Night Out face mask for just $7.75. Party organizers can even provide hand sanitizer gel packets for a mere $1.39 each. Far more neat stuff is available at natw.org/shop. Celebrate on social media by using hashtags #NationalNightOut or #NNO2020. Deer Park Police Department community liaison Sheila Plovanich says the city is indeed planning to participate in the event. If you are thinking about planning a block party and would like a Deer Park police officer to attend, contact Plovanich at 281-930-2118. How about a high-teach treasure hunt? They say theres millions hidden around the world. Theyre little treasures and a few big treasures thats called geocaching. In Houston alone, theres approximately 4,000 geocaches waiting to be discovered again and again. Now the city is getting into the geocaching craze, a craze that got its start on May 3, 2000 in Oregon. On Friday, Oct. 2 From 6-7:30 p.m. Deer Park residents are encouraged to geocache. Its recommended that those who are new to geocaching create an account online through the geocaching app to view a map of treasures possibly already hidden in Deer Park. This specific treasure hunt is for all ages and the entry fee is $10. There will be a prize for the first-place team who finds all the hidden objects at the Claude Burgess Center, located at 4200 Kalwick St. After this adventure, broaden your horizons, spread your wings and go outside the city to do more geocaching. Wills and suffragettes The Deer Park Public Library has two informative programs arriving this month. There will be an online presentation about wills and probate on Monday, Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. Senior Assistant County Attorney Scott Hilsher will discuss whats necessary in a will and how to avoid probate. The second arrives Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. when Nancy Sims, a University of Houston instructor, chats online with the presentation of Lesser-known Sheroes of the Suffrage Movement. Shell discuss the passage of the 19th Amendment and its impact and how it transformed American politics. To participate, call the same number as above or go to the same email address. To register for either program, call the library at 281-478-7208 or email library@deerparktx.org. ravery@hcnonline.com Russia has reiterated its policy of no arms supply to Pakistan following India's request on the same, according to sources. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shakes hand with Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu in Moscow. Photograph: ANI Photo Russia made the commitment during the meeting between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Gen Sergey Shoigu in Moscow, sources said. Singh is currently on a three-day visit to Russia for attending the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and participating in the 75th anniversary event to commemorate Victory Day. The one-hour meeting between Singh and his Russian counterpart at the Russian ministry of defence covered a broad range of areas of cooperation between the two countries including defence and security. "Excellent meeting with the Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu in Moscow today. We talked about a wide range of issues, particularly how to deepen defence and strategic cooperation between both the countries," Singh tweeted on Thursday. Meanwhile, the 11th edition of exercise Indra Navy, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy is scheduled in the Bay of Bengal from September 4 to 5. Singh noted that these exercises demonstrated the common interests of both countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, according to a statement by India's defence ministry. "There was a substantial commonality in positions with respect to challenges at the regional and international levels in the areas of peace and security, reflective of the deep trust and confidence that both sides enjoy as strategic partners," it said. Singh conveyed appreciation for the steadfast support provided by Russia consistent with the defence and security needs of India, and in this context, particularly noted the timely manner in which the Russian side had responded to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems. Both sides would continue to maintain contacts to ensure the timely delivery, the statement said. The defence minister briefed Gen Shoigu on the 'Make-in-India' defence programme in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Both sides welcomed the advance stage of discussions for the establishment in India of an India-Russian Joint Venture for the production of AK203 assault rifles, which are considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces. "This provides very positive basis for further engagement of Russian defence industry in 'Make-in-India' programme. Gen. Shoigu reiterated commitment of the Russian side to engage actively with Ministry of Defence, Government of India to ensure the success of 'Make-in-India' programme including substantial participation in the forthcoming Aero India Exhibition to be held in February next year," the statement said. Singh extended an invitation for his Russian counterpart to visit India for the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission for Technical and Military Cooperation,, which is expected to be held towards the end of this year. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 15:28:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- As the world economy is shivering in a harsh winter amid the coronavirus pandemic, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) opened here on Friday brings a ray of warmth to boost economic recovery and crack open new space for global growth. As one of the world's most comprehensive fairs for trade in services, the CIFTIS provides over the coming five days both online and offline platforms for exhibitions, forums and business negotiations in different services trade sectors. The CIFTIS is one of China's three major open exhibition platforms, together with the China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as Canton Fair, and the China International Import Expo, which have yielded fruitful results over past years. The world economy is now grappling with perhaps the worst recession since the Great Depression in the 1930s, and is desperately searching for a fresh and strong boost. The fair can act as an important gateway for high-quality international services to enter the ever-opening Chinese market, and for China to promote its own competitive services brand names among customers worldwide. China has become an important growth driver in services trade in recent years, according to a 2019 report issued by the World Trade Organization. China's own official statistics show that the country's trade in services grew from 654.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2015 to 785 billion dollars in 2019, with annual average growth hitting 4.7 percent, ranking second in the world. Despite the disruption brought about by the pandemic, Beijing's relentless drive to further press ahead with China's domestic consumption upgrade signifies potential business opportunities for China's services trading partners all around the globe. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, in the first half of this year, China's services trade totaled 320 billion dollars, with the trade deficits narrowed by 46.1 percent year on year. And by further bolstering services trade, China is actively optimizing its trade structure, and deepening its participation in the global value chain. Emerging sectors in services trade featuring digitalization and Internet Plus technologies will be a highlight at this year's CIFTIS, and boast a bright prospect for faster development in the post-pandemic era. From hi-tech financial services, intelligent sports, 5G telecommunications to service robots, manless driving and online education, the CIFTIS booths present a wide array of edge-cutting industries, offering a glimpse of the wave of the future in global industrial advancement. Facing this trend, it is essential for countries worldwide to seize those new growth opportunities as they are striving to weather the COVID economic impact, and jumpstart recovery as soon as possible. And the exhibition can serve as a platform for businesses in those emerging sectors to conduct face-to-face exchanges for future cooperation, an utterly rare chance amid a raging pandemic. The CIFTIS also sends out a strong signal that open cooperation and free trade still prevail in the world, given the rise of trade protectionism and economic nationalism in recent years and the hype of "de-coupling" theory since the COVID-19 outbreak. Statistics show that this year's CIFTIS has attracted 17,000 companies within China and beyond. More than 100 international organizations, embassies in China, commerce associations and institutions will also take part in the event. Those enthusiastic participants can show that the need for broader and deeper connections across the globe is growing rather than shrinking. And by holding the event, Beijing has once again demonstrated its firm belief in free trade and an open global economy, as well as its rock-solid determination to further open up its market to the wider world. During the event, China is expected to release a package of opening-up policies, another major move to consolidate its commitments to open trade and mutually beneficial cooperation. In the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, China has made impressive and widely-acknowledged contributions to helping pull the then hard-hit global economy out of a grievous contraction. As the global economy is facing the risk of being thrust again into deep freeze, the CIFTIS 2020 will open up another opportunity to China and the rest of the world to join efforts, and ignite a new spark for fast and steady global recovery. Enditem U.S. cruise companies express interest in November operations Cozumel, Mahahual, Q.R. American cruise lines have expressed interest in resuming ship activity to the Cozumel, Mahahual regions of Mexico for November. The head of the Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo reports that via virtual meetings, the main cruise lines in the United States expressed interest in restarting operations for the month of November. Head of state tourism Marisol Vanegas Perez, reported that although there has been an expressed interest, such information should not be considered official, but projections made by the companies. She said that it will be them who issue the exact dates of reactivation, which depends greatly on the pandemic and the states epidemiological light. Vanegas Perez noted that cruise destinations such as Cozumel and Mahahual are ready to receive the ships, reiterating that will only happen once the cruise companies officially announce the restart of their operations. Without providing names to avoid speculation, she said that she has been contacted by six of the most recognized U.S. cruise ship companies, all of which, expressed the same November interest. Cruise companies out of the United States continue to wait for restrictions to be lifted after the CDC issued an extended No Sail Order in July. A man (35) allegedly immolated himself inside his house, leading to the compressor of his refrigerator exploding at Rajni Khand locality under the jurisdiction of Ashiana police station in Lucknow, police said. The incident took place early on Friday. Police said no other person was injured in the blast. Locals said the incident had triggered panic in their neighbourhood. They said the blast also damaged the window panes of adjoining houses. The blaze was contained after two fire tenders reached the spot, police added. A preliminary investigation has revealed that the man set himself ablaze in his kitchen by lighting cooking gas, but the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder there was found intact, said Beenu Singh, assistant commissioner of police (ACP), cantonment, Lucknow. The deceased has left behind a note, blaming his family for his death by suicide. The preliminary probe suggested multiple reasons behind his death by suicide. His wife had taken her life on July 27. The man, who was in the real estate business, was also going through an acute financial crisis, the ACP said. His parents had disowned him in 2010 for marrying against their wishes. He had been staying separately since then, the ACP added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The digital work we have here, which comes from a label dubbed j.b.cars, takes the 2021 S-Class sedan and turns it into a two-door that reminds us of the CL that came before the retiring S Coupe The big coupe styling seems to suit the new design of the Merc flagship rather well. And it's worth mentioning that while the previous generation of the machine saw the sedan featuring vertical taillights and the Coupe/Cabriolet using a horizontal layout, the new W223 four-door now makes use of the latter setup.As for a more in-depth explanation of why the two-door S-Class models are getting the axe after the 2021 model year (no typo here), this comes from the automaker itself - Mercedes Chief Operating Officer Markus Schaefer has explained the move in a recent media group call.At the beginning of the previous decade, MB aimed to boost its sales by approaching various niches and diversifying its lineup. That strategy paid out and the carmaker's global annual sales jumped from about 1.3 million in 2010 to over 2.3 million units at the end of the decade.Well, the company states that the addition of electric powertrains has increased the overall complexity level of its operations, so trimming the range was the chosen solution. As it turns out, dealers are also happy to sell a simplified range, since it becomes easier to explain the choices to a customer.Of course, another key factor here is the shrinking demand for two-door models, with more and more customers opting for SUVs and crossovers, models that have started receiving their own "coupe" takes, albeit in the form of a more aggressive roof line.While were talking two-door models wearing the three-pointed star badge, Mercedes is also expected to reinvent the SL, with the all-new 2022 model having been recently spied. Nevertheless, judging by how the prototypes look in this not-so-early development stage, we can't expect the model to gain an extra pair of seats and thus serve as a replacement for the departing S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. So well just have to adore the ones that were already built. BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 50 million people in need received basic living assistance every year in China since 2014, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA). In addition, more than 10 million have received temporary assistance, according to the ministry. The ministry also noted that the urban and rural subsistence allowances have increased by an annual average of 8.7 percent and 14 percent, respectively, in the past five years. However, the problem of unbalanced and insufficient development of social assistance is still prominent at present, said the MCA. According to a directive on reforming and improving the social assistance system, which was released by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, China aims to build a tiered and classified social assistance system with Chinese characteristics for both urban and rural areas over the next two years. To this end, the MCA will actively develop social assistance services, as well as establish and improve the monitoring and early warning mechanism to provide timely assistance to those in need. Besides, efforts will also be made to improve social assistance during major epidemics and other public emergencies, it added. T he number of coronavirus cases in the UK has soared to four-month high after 1,940 new infections were recorded. The UK last recorded figures that high on May 29, when 1,992 cases were recorded while there were much stricter lockdown restrictions in place. It comes after the cases topped 1,700 on Thursday - the first time since June. Official figures show the overall number of confirmed cases recorded in the UK has now reached 342,351 as of 9am on Friday. Meanwhile, the Government said 41,537 people had died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Friday, an increase of 10 on the day before. Separate figures published by the UKs statistics agencies show there have now been 57,300 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. Medical staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) at the back of an ambulance outside Lewisham hospital / REUTERS But the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also said that evidence suggests the rate of new infections in private households in England remains unchanged. An average of 2,000 people per day were estimated to be newly infected with Covid-19 between August 19 and 25. This is similar to previous weeks. The ONS also said there was some evidence of regional differences in the percentage of people testing positive for antibodies to Covid-19. In London, an estimated 11.0 per cent of people have tested positive for antibodies the highest for any region in England. Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via Reuters Mia, aged 8, and Jack, aged 5, take part in "PE with Joe" a daily live workout with Joe Wicks on Youtube to help kids stay fit who have to stay indoors due to the Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters Matt Raw, a British national who returned from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China, leaves quaratine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside PA Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images The lowest regional estimate was 3.5 per cent for south-west England. The estimates, which the ONS has published for the first time, refer to people in private households and are subject to revision. The official Government Covid-19 figures differ from those released separately by devolved authorities. NHS England said on Friday that a further 11 people have died in hospitals in England after contracting coronavirus. Three deaths have been reported in the north west, three in the north east and Yorkshire, and three in the Midlands. One death was reported in London, and one in the south east. No new deaths have been reported in Wales. The death toll remains at 1,596. A further 51 coronavirus cases have been confirmed, bringing the total to 18,206. Meanwhile, no new deaths have been reported in Scotland, while a further 159 cases have been confirmed in the last 24 hours. The death toll remains at 2,496, while the total number of infections now stands at 21,048. London's empty network continues during Coronavirus 1 /32 London's empty network continues during Coronavirus Daniel Hambury Jeremy Selwyn Daniel Hambury Daniel Hambury Daniel Hambury Jeremy Selwyn Daniel Hambury Daniel Hambury Daniel Hambury Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn In Northern Ireland, one further death has been reported, bringing the total to 564. Another 61 people have tested positive for Covid-19, the Department of Health said. Some 439 new cases of the virus have been detected in the last seven days, bringing the total in the region to 7,503. The Department of Health will publish the official daily death toll later, which includes deaths in all settings, including care homes. Installation view of Choi Min-hwa's solo exhibition "Once Upon a Time" at Gallery Hyundai in central Seoul / Courtesy of Gallery Hyundai Minjung art master returns with 'Once Upon a Time' series By Kwon Mee-yoo Artist Choi Min-hwa, who is known for his fiery, realistic Minjung art paintings, has shifted his interest to mythical and historical figures in his latest "Once Upon a Time" series on view at Gallery Hyundai in central Seoul. Choi, 66, is known as a critical figure of Minjung Art, a socio-political art movement that emerged in the 1980s after the Gwangju Democratization Movement. He also contributed to the development of figurative painting of the late 20th century through his "Vagrancy" (1976-1988) and "Pink" (1989~1999) series. For those familiar with his iconic Minjung work, his new series might come as a surprise as he broadens the horizons of humanistic imagination through mythical and historical figures with a wide range of references from the history of art. The "Once Upon a Time" series was conceived in the late 1990s as the artist realized the lack of symbolic images from Korean myths and ancient tales, compared to other countries. Based on "Samguk yusa" (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), which features legends, folktales and historical accounts relating to the Three Kingdoms of Korea compiled by the monk Iryeon in 1281, Choi has interpreted the founding myths of ancient Korean countries such as Gojoseon, Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla as well as the birth and achievements of heroes. This series takes inspiration from a variety of sources encompassing world art history from mural paintings from the tombs of the Goguryeo Kingdom and folk paintings from the Joseon era to Renaissance art and Hindu and Islamic art. Artist Choi Min-hwa poses next to his painting "Bear Woman" on display at Gallery Hyundai. Courtesy of Gallery Hyundai At his first solo exhibition at a commercial gallery, Choi presents some 60 paintings as well as 40 drawings and rough sketches. At first glance, mythical figures might seem remote from modern people's life, but Choi said dealing with a myth is equivalent to that of dealing with contemporary issues such as the joy and sorrow of life existing from ancient times till today. "To understand ancient history properly, we have to break away from the modern concept of history divided by borders, ethnicity, race and religion," Choi said. "The aim of this new series is to relate the rich symbolism and profound cultural heritage with contemporary artistic language and our daily life." The artist paid attention to the origin mythologies of ancient Korean kingdoms, and heroes who founded and contributed to the development of their countries. "These stories are universal as life and death, scared and secular, joy and sorrow, and farming and nomadic lifestyles are jumbled together in the custom of the times," he said. Choi interpreted the tales with his imagination, not based on historical or academic evidence. Choi Min-hwa's "Jumong" / Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Hyundai "Bear Woman" and "Tiger Woman" are inspired by the founding myth of Gojoseon, the first state that emerged on the Korean peninsula. In the legend, the heavenly god's son Hwanung gave garlic and mugwort to a bear and a tiger who wanted to become humans and told them to only eat the scared food for 100 days. The tiger gave up after 20 days, but the bear succeeded and became a woman who married Hwanung and gave birth to Dangun Wanggeom, the founder of Gojoseon. Hwanung handing chives of garlic to the bear is juxtaposed with a scene from the Bible in which Eve gives an apple to Adam. "Hyeokgeose of Alyoung" is based on the legend of Park Hyeokgeose, the founder of Silla Kingdom born in a large egg; and the moment he comes out of the egg is recreated in a Renaissance art style such as "The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo. Jumong, the founder of the Goguryeo Kingdom who became well-known from the 2006 TV series named after him, is portrayed as a muscular man lifting a bow on a horse in the Western style. The image of Joseon painter Shin Yun-bok's "Two Lovers Under the Moon" was adopted to tell the tale of Seodong-yo, an ancient folk song regarding the story of Seodong, a young man in Baekje, marrying Princess Seonhwa from the enemy Silla territory. "Encountering the space-time of antiquity through Choi's work, viewers will experience the possibilities within this contemporary history of painting," the gallery said in a statement. The exhibit runs through Oct. 11. Gallery visits are available on a reservation basis to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For more information, visit www.galleryhyundai.com . NEW DELHI : An oil tanker carrying crude for state-owned Indian Oil Corp. Ltds (IOCs) Paradip refinery from Kuwait caught fire 38 nautical miles off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka on Thursday, a company official said. The fire started in the engine room of the Panama-registered very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT New Diamond, which was chartered by Indias largest refiner and oil marketing company to carry 270,000 thousand tonnes of crude oil. While all 23 crew members were evacuated from the ship, one of them is in a critical condition," said an IOC official requesting anonymity. Indian Coast Guard, in a swift sea and air operation, immediately diverted three ships and a Dornier aircraft for fire-fighting. The island nations navy also deployed three vessels and its air force pressed a Beechcraft aircraft for rescue operations. The VLCC left Kuwait on 23 August and was slated to reach the 15-million tonne Paradip refinery in Odisha on 6 September. An IOC spokesperson didnt respond to Mints queries. India is the worlds third-largest crude buyer and a key refining hub in Asia, with an installed capacity of more than 249.36 million tonnes per annum through 23 refineries. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics NEW DELHI: Global vaccine developers Pfizer Inc and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (MSD) on Thursday said they will not seek regulatory approval for their covid-19 vaccine candidates without successfully completing a phase 3 study. We will not cut corners. Our phase 3 study will be the only one that will allow us to say if we have an effective and safe vaccine. If we dont have result from phase 3 study, we will not submit, neither for approval nor for authorisation," Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla said at a virtual press conference organized by International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations. A similar statement was also made by MSD chairman and CEO Kenneth C. Frazier at the press conference. The assurance come at a time when there is increasing talk whether vaccine developers would seek emergency regulatory authorisation after bypassing the third phase of clinical trials, which is the biggest and most difficult of the phases. In an interview to Financial Times earlier this week, US Food and Drug Administration commissioner Stephen Hahn said the agency would consider authorising a vaccine before phase 3 clinical trials were complete, if they believed the benefits outweighed the risks. The concerns have amplified after China and Russia have both approved or authorised the use of vaccines without completing phase 3 trials, which are the largest and most rigorous of all the tests. Pfizer, along with German firm BioNTech SE, is developing a messenger RNA-based vaccine, which the company has said will be ready to seek some form of regulatory approval as early as October 2020. The vaccine candidate is currently in phase 2/3 trial, and the two companies have so far enrolled 23,000 healthy adults for the trial which will measure how effective the vaccine is in immunising against the infectious respiratory disease. MSDs vaccine candidate, which it has developed with Institute Pasteur, Themis and University of Pittsburg, is currently in phase 1 trials. MSD is also working on a novel antiviral drug MK-4482 in phase 2 clinical trials, with two trials anticipated to start in September 2020 evaluating treatment of both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Ridgeback Biotherapeutics is collaborating with Merck to develop the medicine. 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 TRENTON The city is at a standstill over foreclosing on the long-shuttered capital city hotel. During Thursdays meeting, the legislative body voted down a $250,000 contract with law firm Goldenberg, Mackler, Sayegh, Mintz, Pfeffer, Bonchi & Gill, which would have initiated foreclosure proceeding on the Lafayette Park Hotel & Suites. The hotel has faced a string of well-documented financial and management issues over the years. Last month, the council voted to being the process of foreclosing on the the dormant hotel, which hasnt reopened since state officials shut it down in fall 2017, citing more than 100 safety violations. It was the second time that year the hotel was forced to close due to safety concerns that went unaddressed by owner Deepak Viswanath. Council President Kathy McBride previously exercised her veto power in removing approval of the $250,000 contract with the law firm off last months agenda. The firm specializes in commercial litigation and has experience in those matters that members of the city law department lack, law director John Morelli previously said. City officials were unsuccessful in lobbying council members to support the contract. Some legislators said the city shouldnt be in the foreclosure business. Mayor Reed Gusciora did not immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment on the rejected contract. The future of Trentons lone downtown hotel remains murky. The 197-room hotel has had a long string of financial issues that predated new ownership, and those struggles continued after Edison Broadcasting purchased it at auction for $6 million in November 2013. In 2017, after waiting until the 11th-hour to pay back taxes, Edison came through with nearly $1.2 million and another $33,000 for owed sewer and water charges to settle outstanding tax liens and avert foreclosure. Mooring Tax Asset Group had purchased the tax sale certificate for the hotel for $985,897 and placed a lien on the property. Mooring continued paying the hotels quarterly taxes, which is why the figure ballooned to $1.2 million. The city currently holds a tax lien on the property totaling more than $190,000, according to the tax office. Since the hotel shut its doors, Viswanath has reportedly sought to sell the property for between $8 and $17 million, Gusciora said. The steep asking price hasnt attracted serious offers. And officials said a reverter provision that was included as part of the initial project allows the state to retain partial ownership of the property if new ownership doesnt operate the building as a hotel. That complicates the citys ability to attract redevelopers if and when the city forecloses on the hotel, Gusciora said. Rice export prices in Thailand eased this week, snapping a three-week-long rally as the baht slid following the exit of the country's finance minister, while rates for the Vietnamese grain rose on waning supply. Prices of second-biggest exporter Thailand's 5% broken rice slipped to $500-$513 per metric ton on Thursday from $500-$520 last week. The baht was hit by the sudden resignation of recently appointed finance minister, Predee Daochai, on Tuesday, raising uncertainty in an economy already reeling from the coronavirus. "The day the finance minister resigned, the rice price suddenly dropped by 0.20 baht, so it did have a psychological effect on rice trade," a Bangkok-based trader said. Fresh supplies also contributed to the lower prices. But another trader said the volume of Thailand's off-season crop harvested this month has been underwhelming. Rates for Vietnam's 5% broken rice rose to $490 a metric ton on Thursday from $480-$490 last week on thin supplies, but traders said weak demand should prevent a further rise in coming weeks. Supplies aren't likely to build until the autumn-winter harvest starting November, a Ho Chi Minh City-based trader said. Preliminary government data showed Vietnam's rice shipments in the first eight months likely fell 1.7% to 4.5 million metric tons from last year. Top exporter India's 5% broken parboiled rice rates were unchanged at $384-$390 per metric ton. "Exporters haven't made any changes in prices, but they have to raise prices if rupee rises further," said an exporter based at Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The rupee has appreciated about 3% over the past two weeks. Neighboring Bangladesh continued to grapple with floods, which have destroyed rice crop worth $4.29 billion and led to a fresh price rise. "The decision on importing rice is pending. There's no shortage at the moment," said Sarwar Mahmud, head of the Directorate General of Food. Cinematographer Pankaj Kumar seems well on his way to joining the pantheon of visual artists whose images last for generations. If you watched Rahi Anil Barves 2018 debut feature Tumbbad on the big screen its likely that you felt the incessant rain of the film all around you. (Me, I was drenched to the soul.) Or, if youre a fan of Vishal Bhardwajs Haider, its probably because you could palpably sense not just the plight of the average Kashmiri in the 90s, but also the changing seasons in Kashmir while the Shakespearean saga unfolds. Or, go a little further back, to writer-director Anand Gandhis debut feature Ship of Theseus part-game-changing indie, part-philosophical treatise (from the mind of a former writer on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, no less). Three separate stories in the film, each with its own look, feel and visual grammar, come together in the end. Apart from Gandhi, Ship of Theseus marked the debut of a rare talent the point to this piece, the common link between the three films mentioned above (and some other visual delights of the last decade) cinematographer Pankaj Kumar. Make no mistake, India has produced its fair share of heavyweight cinematographers so far. From Subrata Mitra, who formed a long working partnership with Satyajit Ray, and who was responsible for some of the most iconic frames of Indian cinema; to V. K. Murthy, known for creating fluid poetry-in-black-and-white for Guru Dutt, in films such as Kaagaz Ke Phool and Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam; to recent artists such as Rajeev Ravi, who has shot some modern-day sensory classics for Anurag Kashyap. (Dev.D and the Gangs of Wasseypur duology are iconic, but what really makes my senses tingle is the imagery of 1969 Bombay in Bombay Velvet.) And now, Pankaj Kumar seems well on his way to joining the pantheon of visual artists whose images last for generations. Pankaj Kumar and Vishal Bhardwaj's cumulative artistic journey In the early 2010s, the task of shooting Vishal Bhardwajs ambitious Hamlet adaptation, Haider, fell upon Pankaj Kumar. According to Kumar, he didnt even need to read the script to get on board the prospect of Bhardwajs vision of Hamlet in Kashmir was enticing enough. Haider was only Pankaj Kumars second feature, but it immediately showcased what he was capable of. In a striking sequence in the early part of the film, Shahid Kapoors Haider has just returned to Kashmir, and is visiting the wrecked remains of what was once his home. He reminisces about good times with his father, who has since gone missing (because thats what happens to Kashmiri men.) While Haider is lost in his high-key memories, we see a wide top angle shot of him in a room with his dad, which then dissolves to the present the same room matched with the same wide top angle, except now what we see is a past destroyed by unimaginable violence. It is the kind of craft that instantly relays a noteworthy director-cinematographer partnership. One of the reasons Vishal Bhardwaj has been able to achieve great visuals with all his films is because he gives total freedom. He respects art and artists. It is liberating to work with a filmmaker who understands your art and gives you complete space to film something the way you want to, Kumar says, over a phone conversation about his work. The way Vishal typically directs is that he explains the scene, and he asks all the players involved the actors, the cinematographer to just play it out, the way we feel it. We rehearse the scene on set. We dont discuss shots prior to the rehearsal. Once we see the actors moving, we just make a few changes in where they can move, and then he asks me to go ahead and capture it. Thats the extent of conversation wed have, and I would love every moment of it, he continues. Elaborating further, he says, I observe the actors, the way the light is falling on them. I add a few lights, if required. And then, lets play! This kind of freedom lets me explore my images freely. It was no surprise that Haider effortlessly continued the Vishal Bhardwaj tradition of great-looking cinema; but for me it went a step further with their next collaboration, Rangoon. (Between Haider and Rangoon, Kumar also shot Meghna Gulzars Talvar, which Bhardwaj co-wrote and co-produced. He also shot about 30 percent of Ashim Ahluwalias Daddy a fine, sophisticated gangster film weighed down primarily by Arjun Rampals sincere but sluggish central performance as mob boss Arun Gawli. Scheduling issues led to Kumar joining the project after a majority of it was shot by Canadian cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagne.) It was Rangoon, though, that truly enthralled me. Rangoon has an audacious plot inspired from an oft-forgotten chapter of Indian history. In the midst of World War II, the British Indian Army is busy fighting on the side of its colonisers. But theres another Indian army thats waiting in the shadows, in far-flung Japanese-occupied Burma. Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses revived Indian National Army or Azad Hind Fauj, (which would have been a better forerunner for our armed forces than a relic of the Raj) is busy planning its revolt against the British. A complicated love triangle with a protagonist inspired by Fearless Nadia unfolds in this setting, a truly imaginative, revisionist fantasy. It gave Kumar the chance to produce some of the most stunning big screen cinematography in recent times. The sequence where the spark of romance between Miss Julia and Jamadar Nawab Malik Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor is slowly turning into a raging fire while rolling in mud, a captive Japanese soldier inside a nearby hut trying his best to escape by lighting his own little fire, is a thing of beauty. The scene goes from wet mud outside to the blaze within the hut, culminating in a scathing indictment of what war does to the mind of the ordinary soldier; someone who usually walks into battle not out of choice, but compulsion. The decisions are taken elsewhere. Perhaps the trailer of the film couldnt excite audiences enough to pull them into the theatres, and the ones who did were turned off by poor visual effects in some key scenes in the film; whatever the reason, the film failed to excite audiences. It did hurt me a lot, when I was grading the film, Kumar says, when asked if the below-average quality of VFX in Rangoon affected him, particularly when the rest of it looked so good. It made me cringe so much, especially the climax shots. We kept struggling to get the VFX right one way or the other. There was a constant back-and-forth. Even Vishal was so troubled by the way it was turning out. But in the end, it went out of his hands because of the scheduling problems. It had to release on a particular day, and he had to live with it once they couldnt work on it further. Eventually, we just had to move on. he rues. Still, the Vishal Bhardwaj-Pankaj Kumar partnership is on its way to becoming a seminal one in Hindi cinema. Working with Vishal has always been extremely exciting. He keeps throwing challenges at you, shooting at distant locations that arent easy, the scheduling is never easy, youre always on your feet, and that keeps your mind going. It is taxing, challenging and rewarding, Kumar says. Tumbadd, Raat Akeli Hai and how cinematography can be a character unto its own He doesnt recall a single instance where Bhardwaj and he didnt find themselves on the same page while filming a scene, a stark contrast to his next release, Tumbbad a film that he had been shooting all along, while the ones mentioned above were being shot, wrapped and released. It was the film that he has had the most disagreements with his collaborators on, primarily because his collaborators on it were a bunch of his friends, most of whom he had already worked with on Ship of Theseus. Tumbbad was shot over four monsoons, mostly in artificial rain created during production a decision born out of the fact that over the course of its making, the rain evolved to become another character in the film. Despite the time, effort and creative conflict that went into the making of Tumbbad, it was a film that Kumar still maintains is his most rewarding work yet. (No surprise, then, that the film had an atmosphere unlike anything else in Hindi cinema, as it went on to receive accolades and love from across the globe.) The atmosphere also became a hallmark of his most recent release, the Netflix film Raat Akeli Hai - prolific casting director Honey Trehans first directorial venture. With half of the film set at night, it was classic, gorgeous noir. (Before that came the slick, quirky Judgementall Hai Kya, which drew mixed reactions overall, but was universally appreciated for its look, even earning him a Filmfare nomination for Best Cinematography; thats just trivia, not a metric of anything at all, I must add.) If rain was like another character in Tumbbad, darkness became a character in Raat Akeli Hai. I let the scripts speak out to me. When I read the script of Raat Akeli Hai, it had a certain atmosphere built into the writing. I picked up all my cues from the writing, something I do with all my films. The atmosphere in a film is very important to me. Even in Tumbbad, while the script really didnt mention the rain, it evolved because of the atmosphere in the writing. In Raat Akeli Hai, theres a mystery that pervades through the film. There was a lot of darkness in the characters. We had to enhance that. The look of the film became more concrete when we did a recce and I visited the locations. As we started filming, I released that I didnt need as much ambient light as a normal drama does. So we kept reducing the ambient light lower and lower throughout filming. I started enjoying the darkness, he responds, when asked about how hes able to create such atmospheric visuals. Its a pity that Raat Akeli Hai will never be seen on the big screen, because it has a feel that again few Hindi films have managed to achieve. Directing ambitions and upcoming projects Kumar mentions the work of legendary Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky as one of his early inspirations. It would explain the strong visual language that is apparent in his own work - Tarkovskys cinema pushed every image, every frame for depth, meaning and nuance like few other filmmakers managed. He reveals that he also cares as much about the overall impact of a film, apart from merely how it looks. When he has concerns, he voices them to the director and looks for a way to overcome them. This revelation led to an obvious question does he intend to turn director in the future? The answer was short and came quick; he indeed does. Hes working on something right now, which he hopes to direct next year. Obviously, he intends to shoot it himself, because creating images for the big screen is his one true passion. In the meantime, theres Ayan Mukerjis much-anticipated, much-delayed magnum opus Brahmastra, in which hes one of six cinematographers again something that so happened because of the length of time the film has been in production. Theres also Tumbbad co-producer Aanand L Rais next directorial venture, Atrangi Re, in the pipeline. With seven solo features shot by him, and a couple of others where he was one of several cinematographers involved, Pankaj Kumar has already established himself as one of the most talented cinematographers of our times. Indelible images, yet to be formed, are in the offing. Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said the "best solution" is to test people five or eight days after their arrival in the UK - REUTERS Grant Shapps has rejected airport testing and instead backed a German-style model which could reduce quarantine for holidaymakers and travellers by up to nine days. The Transport Secretary said the best solution to replace blanket quarantine was probably testing incoming travellers for coronavirus five or eight days after their arrival in the UK. A negative result would release them from the 14-day self-isolation. He said this would reduce the chances of missing asymptomatic people if they were tested just on arrival at the airport or the UK border. It is the clearest signal yet of the Governments thinking as it comes under ferocious pressure from the tourism and aviation industry, former ministers and travellers to replace blanket quarantine with testing of international arrivals. The Telegraph has launched a Test4Travel campaign. The Government may also follow Wales with regional air bridges which allow quarantine-free travel to low risk holiday islands such as the Azores and Madeira while maintaining restrictions on mainland Portugal and Greece, according to industry sources. Boris Johnson and his ministers have been accused of dragging their feet after postponing a Cabinet committee meeting two weeks ago which would have considered options including a single delayed test after entry to the UK and a double test with one on arrival and another later from home. The Prime Minister faced further backbench criticism when he insisted Covid testing at airports would only give a false sense of security and maintained that quarantine remained vital as an important part of our repertoire, of our toolbox, in fighting Covid. Citing modelling by the Governments scientific Sage advisers, Mr Shapps yesterday said a Covid test at airports would pick up just seven per cent of potential carriers of the disease by failing to detect those who were asymptomatic. He dismissed airport testing as no silver bullet. However, he said a test after five days increased the detection rate to 85 per cent and up to 95 per cent if it was delayed until the eighth day. What is the solution? You probably need to have some period of quarantine and a test, he said. We are working with the sector on all of these things. Story continues More than 30 other countries have introduced tests of arrivals to allow people to travel from red list countries and sidestep quarantine if they have negative results. However, no decision has yet been taken by the Government on any model for testing even though Mr Shapps admitted yesterday that the current on-off approach to quarantining with different nations in the UK having different regimes creates confusion. Germany this week switched to testing travellers from red list countries five days after their arrival, freeing them from quarantine if negative. It ditched its previous approach of testing passengers only on arrival at airports after scientists detected a spike in cases. Most of the travel industry are calling for Britain to adopt Icelands model where travellers are tested on arrival and then again after five days when a negative test releases them from quarantine. David Evans, chief executive of Collinson, which has set up a Covid testing facility at Heathrow, said it was backed by science and real-world data. Many other countries have adopted this two-test model to great success and our stalling is a stranglehold on the travel industry and wider economy. The Government is also under pressure to follow Wales which reimposed quarantine on Portugal but excluded Madeira and the Azores because of their low Covid rates and policy of testing people on arrival. It also imposed quarantine on six Greek islands but left the mainland free. The Welsh move was based on scientific advice from the Governments Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) and Public Health England (PHE), which advise Westminster ministers. Heathrow's chief executive John Holland-Kaye denounced the Government U-turns and disparate policies as a "quarantine roulette". Meanwhile, Americas biggest businesses and airlines have urged the Government to introduce airport testing to open up Transatlantic travel, as they warn a vital economic artery is in danger of collapse. British American Business (BAB), which represents top US and UK banks and businesses, and Airlines for America warned the current block on Transatlantic travel was unsustainable and the only way to unlock it was a comprehensive testing regime. Whats important to note about graduation rates is that these are cumulative, so its looking at a students performance over eight semesters. So at the end of their seventh semester going into the school closure for COVID, those numbers are already baked. It is highly unlikely that a student who was on track to graduate at the end of their seventh semester would fall off track and not complete school in June. But while there are plenty of virulent racists among the patriots, racism is not usually part of their publicly stated ideology. The Bundys, in particular, became associated with racist dogma when Cliven, Ammons father, gave an infamous speech in 2014 to his supporters about the Negro, suggesting that African Americans might have been better off under slavery. But the speech was an aging mans awkward, offensively anachronistic attempt to embrace minority communities and bring them into the anti-federal-government fold. Ammon Bundy supports Black Lives Matter and efforts to defund the police. Some patriots told me they wished their organizations were more diverse, if only to better counter the perception of widespread racism in their ranks. One banking stock could be about to break out. "JPMorgan is a brand that does everything well," Boris Schlossberg, managing director of FX strategy at BK Asset Management, said Thursday. The stock is the "Apple" of banking, he said on CNBC's "Trading Nation." "I actually love JPMorgan," he added. It "is not the best in everything, but it does everything incredibly well from the consumer side and the corporate side." JPMorgan is down 27% this year as bank stocks have struggled to climb back from the coronavirus sell-off. Financials are the second worst performing sector this year, but Schlossberg thinks it's about time for bank stocks to rise. "The banks are surely due for a bounce. Simply because they've just underperformed the broader market by so much that they are really relatively cheap to the rest of the market. Their underlying business is quite good," he said. The KBE ETF, which tracks bank performance in the S&P 500, seemed to fight off the broader sell-off Thursday before ultimately closing slightly higher. The group held up during the day after Deutsche Bank analysts said the tide was turning in favor of bank stocks. However, Schlossberg does note that bank performance also hinges on another aspect of the market. "It really comes down to rates. The banks become truly a strong buy if we did an up move in the 10-year [Treasury] closer to 1%, but we don't even have to do that. As long as rates stay stationary here, and just moderately move up," he said. Craig Johnson, chief market technician at Piper Sandler, agrees that JPMorgan is the place to be. "This is one of the best-looking companies inside the sector," Johnson said during the same "Trading Nation" segment. "It's been sort of consolidating coming off the March lows, kind of grinding higher, but consolidating. A move above $105 would open the door to $110 on this stock, and we think it's one people should be investing in at this point in time." JPMorgan was 1.6% higher in Friday's premarket above Thursday's close of $101.33. As per the the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4 signed in 2015, the aim is to achieve a one-third reduction in global deaths among those aged between 30 and 70 due to cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and cancer these are all chronic diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and have unhealthy lifestyle habits as their biggest contributing factor. The World Health Organisation reveals that these NCDs are collectively responsible for 70 percent of all deaths worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Because NCDs are recognised as a major global healthcare challenge, world leaders, organisations under the United Nations and their partners signed up for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4 in 2015. The target was to achieve a one-third reduction in global deaths among those aged between 30 and 70 due to the four major NCDs: cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes. But, according to The Lancets NCD Countdown 2030 report, published on 3 September, many member countries are falling short of their goals, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to pose immense obstacles in achieving the set target. The NCD Countdown 2030 report Led by experts from the Imperial College London, WHO and the NCD Alliance, the report states that although premature mortality from NCDs is declining in most countries, for most the pace of change is too slow to achieve SDG target 3.4". The report says that its simply impossible for most countries to achieve the SDG target for 2030 by focusing on a single disease. Instead, there has to be a concerted effort to tackle all the major NCDs simultaneously. The report states that among high-income countries, only Denmark, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and South Korea are on track to meet the 2030 target for both men and women if they maintain or surpass their 2010-2016 average rates of NCD decline. This report also mentions that though NCDs get plenty of political attention globally, action against them has been clearly inadequate in most countries. The report further explains that apart from focusing on tobacco and alcohol control, the following health-system interventions may help reduce NCD-related mortality: Hypertension and diabetes treatment Primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention in high-risk individuals Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Treatment of acute cardiovascular diseases, diabetes complications and exacerbations of asthma and COPD Effective cancer screening and treatment NCDs and the impact of COVID-19 In an editorial published alongside the report, The Lancet explains that COVID-19 and NCDs form a dangerous relationship, experienced as a syndemic that is exacerbating social and economic inequalities". It mentions a modelling study published in The Lancet Global Health in June 2020 which suggested that one in five people worldwide are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 should they become infected, primarily due to underlying NCDs. According to the WHOs rapid assessment survey released in May 2020, 75 percent of its member countries reported interruptions to regular NCD services and care, public health campaigns and disease surveillance efforts. Data reportedly released by the Indian National Health Mission reveals that child immunisations, in particular, declined at alarming rates after the pandemic hit, especially affecting the administration of polio, meningitis and tuberculosis vaccines. The editorial mentioned above states that COVID-19 could not only provide new insights into interactions between immune systems and NCDs, and potentially change the way we understand and treat these diseases, but also generate new long-term disabilities that can add to the global NCD burden. Evidently, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic calls for more vigorous campaigns to reduce the high burden that NCDs place on global health systems, including the one in India. Better disease surveillance, a strong public health system, clear communication with a robust civil society and improved access to resilient healthcare systems are the only ways to reduce the burden of NCDs in the aftermath of COVID-19. For more information, read our article on COVID-19 prevention tips for older people with chronic diseases. Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Iraq on Friday recorded its highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, prompting authorities to warn hospitals may "lose control" in the coming days. According to the Iraqi health ministry, 5,036 new coronavirus infections were confirmed on Friday, bringing the total number of cases across the country to 252,075, of which 191,368 had recovered, but 7,359 had died. The health ministry attributed the spike to recent "large gatherings" that took place without recommended safety measures, including mask-wearing or social distancing. That included the marking on August 30 of Ashura, a major Muslim day of mourning that commemorates the killing of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussein in 680 AD. On that day, tens of thousands of Shiite Muslims converged on the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq. Karbala's authorities introduced new measures to stem the spread of the virus, including restricting access to areas of worship and widespread spraying of disinfectants. But the health ministry warned the measures weren't enough. "The number of cases is expected to escalate further in the coming days, which we fear will lead our health institutions to lose control as they try to deal with these large numbers," its statement on Friday said. "This will lead to an increase in the number of deaths, after we made headway in reducing them over the past few weeks," it added. Iraq's hospitals have already been worn down by decades of conflict and poor investment, with shortages in medicines, hospital beds and even protective equipment for doctors. Ahead of Ashura, the World Health Organization had warned that COVID-19 cases in Iraq were rising at an "alarming rate" and said Iraq should take action to end the community outbreak "at all costs". Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Nearly $16.5 million in coronavirus (COVID-19) relief funds helped benefit the residents of Staten Island during the pandemic following advocacy from Rep. Max Rose, however, more federal funding is needed as Staten Islanders and the economy continue to suffer as a result, the congressman said. Rose (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) helped pass the CARES Act in March and the HEROES Act in May, which received bipartisan support and funded programs that were essential to Staten Islanders staying on their feet during the uncertain times early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The crucial federal funds helped state and city governments through Economic Impact Disaster Loans, extended unemployment benefits for constituents who were left without a job and income, and businesses that needed assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Rose noted the sum of the money was a reflection of how many people in Staten Island and South Brooklyn were relying on federal assistance, however, more is needed to aid those in need. We are standing on the brink of an even worse economic crisis if the Senate does not pass the Heroes Act. If we do not secure unemployment benefits, aid to restaurants, and money for our state and local governments well be on course to match the Great Depression. We cannot play politics with this. We cannot delay. This isnt just about New York, its about America, Rose said. The HEROES Act -- which includes money for essential workers, a second stimulus check and other governmental relief measures -- passed the House but has not yet been brought to the Senate floor for a vote. It included $1 trillion in new funding for cities, states, and counties, and would allow for all of CARES Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) money to be used for lost revenue. He said he never expected a pandemic during his first term in office or the economic crisis that followed it and hes prepared to hear from many more constituents about the hardships they faced as a result. ROSE HELPS RESIDENTS CUT BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE Outside his New Dorp office on Thursday, Rose, alongside several of his constituents, discussed the challenges residents have faced getting owed money and other challenges due to bureaucratic red tape. Bertha and Alex Medinas son had his Social Security and Medicare benefits cancelled after a paperwork snafu with the state that led to both agencies to demand funds, which had already been used for her sons medication, be paid back in full. Through the help of Roses office, the Medinas case was quickly resolved and they were not required to pay the thousands of dollars they were told they owed. Ibrahim Anse, his wife and three children found themselves stuck in Yemen -- where they went to visit family when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck. Anse contacted Roses office for help getting his family back to Staten Island. Rose worked with the Department of State Coronavirus Task Force and successfully got the Anses, and other Yemeni-American families, a flight home -- something that wouldnt have happened without government assistance. In another example, Rep. Max Roses office was able to contact SSDI on my behalf and finally find out what was going on with my disability benefits. They reached out to the payment center and was able to confirm I was to receive almost $64,000 in disability back pay. I am very satisfied with their work, said Anthony A., and Island resident. Rose said the accomplishments for his constituents show that he upheld his campaign promise. When I took the oath of office, I swore that if it mattered to you, it mattered to me. It didnt matter if it was a city, state, or federal issue wed have your back, Rose said. Since Rose took office in January 2019 as Staten Island and South Brooklyns congressional representative, he has helped return millions in owed monies to his constituents from various agencies: Social Security Administration: over $550,000 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund: nearly $500,000 Department of Veterans Affairs: over $135,000 Internal Revenue Service: over $100,000 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: over $45,000 Miscellaneous (e.g. other federal, state, or local government agencies; businesses, banks, utilities, or insurance companies): over $460,000 Small Business Administration over $8,700,000 New York State Department of Labor: over $7,600,000 FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 06:58:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande (front) chairs a meeting of UNGA at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 3, 2020. Adhering to physical-distancing guidelines, the United Nations General Assembly met fully in-person on Thursday for the first time in nearly six months, with its president urging all members to "galvanize multilateral action to deliver for all," as the COVID-19 pandemic continues sweeping the world. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Adhering to physical-distancing guidelines, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) met fully in-person on Thursday for the first time in nearly six months, with its president urging all members to "galvanize multilateral action to deliver for all," as the COVID-19 pandemic continues sweeping the world. "Although we have not convened in this hall since March, New York-based delegations have worked tirelessly to uphold the values and principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations, whilst contending with the COVID-19 pandemic," Tijjani Muhammad-Bande told the downsized delegations from member states. BUSINESS CONTINUITY Calling the UNGA the UN's "chief deliberative body," Muhammad-Bande said that it continued the organization's work, all while forging and deepening partnerships to "build back better." "As the chief deliberative body of the United Nations, this Assembly has continued the work of our organization throughout the period. It has done so in full partnership with the Secretariat and all other UN organs," the UNGA president elaborated. He commended the body for its foresight in adopting and extending Decision 74/544, which has allowed the membership to adopt more than 70 decisions and resolutions and elect main committees' chairs for the upcoming milestone 75th Assembly session. "This has ensured business continuity on issues of critical importance." He recalled the body's physically-distanced elections for the incoming presidents of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UNGA itself; as well as new Security Council members. "We employed virtual methods to gather stakeholders from around the world on Charter Day, and once again at the multi-stakeholder hearing on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW)," said Muhammad-Bande, thanking the Secretariat for its "continued commitment." On May 22, 2019, the UNGA agreed to convene a high-level meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the FWCW, which was held in Beijing, China in September 1995. UNGA Resolution 73/249 calls for a one-day meeting on the margins of the General Debate of the 75th UNGA session. 75TH ANNIVERSARY Muhammad-Bande also applauded the work of the intergovernmental negotiations on the declaration for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. World leaders will mark the UN's 75th anniversary on Sept. 21 at a high-level meeting. On this occasion, they will endorse, through the adoption of a declaration, a renewed vision for collective global action and a set of commitments to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, extreme poverty, armed conflict, disarmament, disruptive technologies and other global challenges. Muhammad-Bande also thanked the member states that had "demonstrated leadership" in responding to the global pandemic by adopting two resolutions "with wide co-sponsorship" calling for solidarity and global access to medicines and medical equipment. Moreover, the UNGA president congratulated the Fifth Committee Chair - responsible for administrative and budgetary matters - for "adopting creative methods" that allowed the resumed session to conclude with 21 draft recommendations, and a peacekeeping budget of 6.5 billion U.S. dollars for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. "Your work has ensured that the United Nations can continue to operate on the ground and meet the needs of the people we serve," he said. MULTILATERALISM PLUS INCLUSION Muhammad-Bande has once and again underscored the importance of inclusion when talking about multilateralism. Speaking at "The UN Charter at 75: Multilateralism in a Fragmented World" in June, Muhammad-Bande said that "for effective governance to work, we need a more inclusive multilateralism guided by the rights of individuals." At today's UNGA meeting, Muhammad-Bande applauded the World Health Organization (WHO) for leading the COVID-19 response from the outset. "The entire UN system has rallied to address the needs of the people we serve," he said, with particular praise for "our humanitarian workers in the field and our peacekeepers," who continue to protect communities in the most complex environments globally. Muhammad-Bande stressed the importance of these efforts "as we begin the Decade of Action and Delivery to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, or as it is likely to become, the decade of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic." The UN will mark its 75th anniversary with a one-day high-level meeting at the opening of the 75th session of the UNGA. The theme for this event will be: "The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism." Multilateralism, as always, remains the guiding principle for the coming UNGA session, but with a special focus this year placed on taking multilateral action to combat the imminent threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "I urge you to galvanize multilateral action now to fulfill our financing for development commitments," the UNGA president said in conclusion. "We remain in this together, as nations, united. Let us continue striving together to deliver for all." A health staff tests human samples for the novel coronavirus in Ho Chi Minh City, April 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. Three people who arrived from Ukraine have taken Vietnam's national count of active Covid-19 cases to 225. They are being treated at the Medical Center of Long Bien District in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the Health Ministry announced Friday evening. "Patient 1047" is an eight-year-old boy from the northern province of Ha Nam, "Patient 1048" is a 35-year-old man from Hanoi, and "Patient 1049" is a 43-year-old man from the central province of Quang Binh. They had landed Tuesday at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport from Ukraine on Vietnam Airlines flight VN28 and were quarantined upon arrival in Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Two days later, their samples were taken by the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City for Covid-19 testing and the results came out positive on Friday. Also Friday, 19 people were announced free from the virus, including five in Da Nang, 13 in nearby Quang Nam Province and one in the northern province of Ha Nam. Fridays new cases have taken the countrys tally to 1049, with 35 deaths. All the fatalities have been of patients with underlying conditions like kidney failure, cancer and diabetes. Of the patients undergoing treatment, 24 have tested negative once, 52 twice and 23 three times. Boris Johnson has defended his prospective trade envoy Tony Abbott despite prominent LGBT+ campaigners signing an open letter urging the government not to hand him a role on the UKs new Board of Trade. Mr Johnson said the former Australian prime minister was a guy who was elected by the people of the great liberal democratic nation of Australia. Asked about some of Mr Abbotts previous remarks and accusations he is a sexist, homophobic and a misogynist, Mr Johnson said: Theres going to be an announcement I think in due course about the composition of the Board of Trade. I dont, obviously dont agree with those sentiments at all, but then I dont agree with everyone who serves the government in an unpaid capacity on hundreds of boards across the country. He added: What I would say about Tony Abbott is this is a guy who was elected by the people of the great liberal democratic nation of Australia. Its an amazing country, its a freedom-loving country, its a liberal country. There you go, I think that speaks for itself. Dozens of prominent figures including Sir Ian McKellen and Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies have signed an open letter asking the government to think again on the proposed idea of giving Mr Abbott a key role. The letter points out that he vigorously campaigned against same-sex marriage during Australias referendum in 2017, and has previously said he felt a bit threatened by homosexuality. It stated: This man is not fit to be representing the UK as our trade envoy. It concluded: If the government is truly committed to an outward-looking future for Britain, to tackling climate change and to creating an equal society for all, it should reconsider its proposed appointment. Separately, LGBT+ charity Stonewall also made clear its opposition to the potential appointment of Mr Abbott, who confirmed earlier this week he was in discussions with the government over a trade role. Sir Ian McKellen was among celebrities and campaigners to sign letter (Getty) Eloise Stonborough, head of policy and research, said: The appointment of an individual with known homophobic and misogynist views risks undermining the governments commitment to defend and promote the rights of LGBT people globally. However, the under-fire former prime minister has been defended by his sister Christine Forster, who said he would make an outstanding UK trade envoy. In a statement posted to Twitter, she wrote: It is nothing short of dishonesty for commentators and politicians who do not know Tony to label him a homophobe and a misogynist for the purposes of scoring cheap political points. As a woman who has always been part of his life and who came out to him as gay in my early 40s, I know incontrovertibly that Tony is neither of those things. Labour MPs Chris Bryant and Wes Streeting accused Matt Hancock of hypocrisy after the health secretary defended Mr Abbotts potential appointment and tweeted about the fantastic new LGBT-inclusive relationships and sex education introduced in schools. Mr Bryant responded: So why on earth would you countenance Tony Abbott as a trade envoy? Mr Streeting tweeted: Matt, We know youre a social liberal with a decent voting record on LGBT equality. Thats why your defence of Tony Abbott was even more nauseating. Earlier on Monday, transport secretary Grant Shapps said he would only have a drink with Mr Abbott after he had checked the record and assess some of the Australian politicians previous remarks. A baby is born to a teen mom every five hours in Bexar County and 54 percent of all pregnancies in Texas are unintended, making it critical that young people receive medically accurate, developmentally appropriate sex education. The State Board of Education, or SBOE, will have an opportunity to vote soon on updated health standards for the first time in more than two decades. The last time they voted on these standards in 1997 the movie Titanic was in theaters. We urge SBOE members to approve the health and sex education standards that were proposed by a working group of experts they appointed. The recommendations include widely agreed upon abstinence-plus sex education standards, which teach students that abstinence is the safest choice but also provide medically accurate and developmentally appropriate information about contraception, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, consent and healthy relationships. They are standards that acknowledge the reality that not all young people will choose to abstain from sex, and those who do not should be given proper information to keep them safe. State Board of Education members will meet this week to review the standards and hear amendments, and will have a final vote in November. As a member of the working group responsible for this update, I can say these standards bring us into the 21st century and acknowledge the world we live in one where understanding topics like consent and contraception, as well as the benefits of abstinence, empower youth to make choices that are right for them and consider their dreams. I worked closely with medical and front-line education professionals from across the state to find consensus in the language and updates, which focus on three critical areas: contraception methods; information about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs; and consent and the pillars of a healthy relationship. We also recommended standards that would include developmentally appropriate and medically accurate information at the middle school level, where health courses are mandatory. If these standards are moved to high school health courses, which are optional, almost three-fourths of students would not have access to them. And to be clear: Parents would retain the authority to opt out of any portion of the lessons. We know that were not alone in wanting to give Texas students information that empowers them to make decisions that secure their futures. The more informed students are, the more likely they are to make choices in favor of abstinence or safe sex. Its why in a recent hearing before the State Board of Education, almost 200 parents, teachers, doctors, students and advocates testified in favor of adopting revised standards that better educate and protect young people. From grandmothers in rural Texas counties who have been lifelong Republicans to teachers on the front lines of our high schools, the majority of Texans agree with sex education that includes more information about contraception, STIs, and consent and healthy relationships. In a recent poll of Texas voters, 75 percent of respondents, including 68 percent of Republicans, said they support teaching abstinence-plus sex education. It is time for Texas students to have all the facts and for us to make good on the promises we make to our own children. The SBOE has a historic chance to vote in favor of health standards that acknowledge the world that we live in and prepare students for lifelong health. Join us in reminding our state leaders what they already know: These standards honor a commitment to providing young people with medically accurate and developmentally appropriate information that protects them and honors their right to knowledge. Evelyn Delgado is executive director of Healthy Futures of Texas. Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service PATNA: More than a decade and a half back, Bihars Kharmouli and its adjoining areas in Begusarai district were affected by Maoist violence. Most of its residents were cattle grazers and small farmers. For the newly appointed headmaster of the High School Kharmauli in Birpur block, this was a hopeless world. But then Sant Kumar Sahni, his vision partially affected since birth, saw a redeeming feature in the innocence of children. Sahni is a postgraduate in Economics, Education and Psychology | EXPRESS Sahni, a postgraduate in Economics, Education and Psychology, is one of the 47 teachers selected for the National Teacher Award-2020 on the occasion of Teachers Day. When I joined the school, there were only 123 students. The number has now gone up to 1,336, and with help of 19 teachers, the school has been showing more than 92% results in matriculation, he said. Sahni, 54, still peddles an old bicycle to villages and encourages the people to send their children to school on time. Soon after joining the school, I decided to give a small pep talk to the children and teachers after the morning prayers. This did wonders for both. The reward came soon enough. In 2005, Rupa Kumari, a student of this school won the 3rd prize in a free-style swimming competition in Patna. This was a first for the school. Since then many students have excelled in inter-district cultural programmes, including quiz, elocution and writing. Impressed by Sahnis enthusiasm, local farmers and labourers still donate milk, sugar and rice regularly for cooking kheer for the students. The Bihar government has upgraded the school to plus-two level and has built 30 classrooms with all facilities, including for smart classes. We have a well-maintained library, laboratory, computer lab and a unique mini-museum in the school, he said. Built in 2015, the museum has rare items, collected from rural localities including grains of 25 crops of ancient times. Sahnis daughter Aditi studies in Class 10 of the school and is a national chess player. BAY CITY, MI A Unionville woman is facing manslaughter charges after police allege she caused two two traffic crashes in western Bay County that killed her mother and a good Samaritan. Ashley N. Katshor, 34, on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 4, appeared before Bay County Chief District Judge Dawn A. Klida via Zoom from the Bay County Jail. Klida arraigned Katshor on two counts of manslaughter, a 15-year felony. The charges stem from two crashes police allege Katshor caused on Wednesday, Sept. 2. About 4:35 p.m. that day, Katshor was a passenger in a Chevrolet Equinox driven by her mother, Lisa Archibald, that was heading east on U.S. 10 through Williams Township, police said. An altercation ensued between the mother and daughter, which culminated with the 52-year-old mother stopping the Equinox on the side of the highway, police said. Archibald exited the vehicle and began walking east along the roadway, police have said. Katshor then tried driving the Equinox east on U.S. 10 and struck her mother, Michigan State Police troopers reported. Kimberly Abela, 50, of Essexville, was also driving on U.S. 10 and stopped her vehicle to render aid to Archibald. While doing so, both she and Archibald were struck by a Chevrolet Impala driven by a 43-year-old Bay City man. Responding personnel pronounced Archibald deceased at the scene. Abela was taken to an area hospital, where she died shortly thereafter, troopers report. The man who drove the Impala is not facing any charges. Bay County Prosecutor Nancy E. Borushko appeared at the Friday arraignment and asked the judge to set a $150,000 bond. Borushko said Katshor has histories of drug abuse and driving while intoxicated. Katshor also did not have a valid drivers license when the Wednesday crashes occurred, Borushko added. Katshor in June was discharged from three years of probation stemming from convictions of larceny in a building and possession of fewer than 25 grams of a narcotic or cocaine, Michigan Department of Corrections records show. Defense attorney Brandon Poltorak said Katshor is unemployed, has mental health issues and is currently in treatment for that and substance abuse. Klida granted Borushkos request and set bond at $150,000 cash-surety. If Katshor posts bond, she is to not consume alcohol or illegal drugs, is to participate in substance abuse counseling, and must submit to testing. You are not to be driving, Klida told Katshor. I realize you dont have a valid license, but when I look at your record, I see two one, operating with a high (blood alcohol content) and another operating while intoxicated as a second offense. You have a serious substance abuse problem and it now has possibly resulted in the loss of life. I cannot in good conscience do anything other than a high bond. Katshor is to appear for a preliminary examination at 2 p.m. on Sept. 24. Read more: Argument leads to 2 crashes on U.S. 10, two women killed, police say Central Michigan University drops professor who used racial slur from website, report says hes gone Man charged after police say he tried robbing 2 Bay County gas stations within minutes State police release report on fired Saginaw police officer, but you cant read most of it A court in Moscow has extended the pretrial arrests for three former police officers suspected in the illegal apprehension of investigative journalist Ivan Golunov last year, a case that sparked a public outcry over wrongdoing by police. The Basmanny district court on September 4 ruled that Akbar Sergaliyev, Roman Feofanov, and Maksim Umetbayev must remain in pretrial detention at least until December 7. A decision to prolong their detention for the fourth former police officer in the case, Igor Lyakhovets, will be made separately because his lawyer did not show up at the September 4 hearing. The former police officers, along with a fifth colleague, Denis Konovalov, were detained on January 29 as suspects in the high-profile case. A day later, they were charged with abuse of service duties, falsification of evidence, and the illegal handling of drugs. Konovalov, who is charged with forging documents related to the probe, was transferred to house arrest from a detention center in February after he made a deal with investigators and testified in court that his former boss, Lyakhovets, had ordered him to plant drugs on the reporter. Investigators said on September 2 that the suspects had been additionally charged with "committing a crime in an organized group," which may lead to even stricter sentences. The 37-year-old Golunov, who works for the Latvia-based information outlet Meduza, was arrested in June in Moscow for allegedly attempting to sell illegal drugs. He was released several days later after the charges were droppedfollowing a public outcry. The case sparked an investigation into his detainment over the charges and also into why Golunov suffered bruises, cuts, a concussion, and a broken rib during the ordeal. In mid-July, police officers who detained Golunov were fired along with their supervisor for violating the journalist's rights. After Golunovs release, Russian President Vladimir Putin fired Major General Yury Devyatkin, the head of the Moscow police department's drug control directorate, and Major General Andrei Puchkov, the police chief in Moscow's West administrative region, over the case. Authorities announced in November that the case had been classified, a decision harshly criticized by Golunov's lawyers, who called the move an attempt to cover up the "wrongful arrest" of their client. In a very rare move, the Prosecutor's Office of Moscow's Western District apologized to Golunov in February for his illegal prosecution. With reporting by TASS and Interfax Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 09:02:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People learn prevention knowledge about COVID-19 at a shopping centre in Port Moresby of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Sept. 4, 2020. PNG officially recorded zero new COVID-19 infections on Thursday, with the nation's total standing at 471 confirmed cases and five deaths, according to a press release from the PNG government late Thursday. (Photo by Bai Xuefei/Xinhua) SYDNEY, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Papua New Guinea (PNG) officially recorded zero new COVID-19 infections on Thursday, with the nation's total standing at 471 confirmed cases and five deaths, according to a press release from the PNG government late Thursday. As of Wednesday 12 provinces had recorded cases, with West New Britain seeing its first two official infections. They were a 50-year old expatriate male and 20-year old female who were swabbed on arrival at the province's main airport. National Pandemic Response Controller, David Manning called for more people with symptoms to come forward for testing. "Let us enhance our testing so we know where the virus is so we can put in measures to stop it from spreading further," Manning said. However, earlier in the week Manning also said that more than half of the people who had tested positive so far had not shown any signs and symptoms of the disease. "This indicates that many people are carrying the virus and unknowingly spreading the virus to their families, friends and other people in the communities," Manning said. PNG adopted relaxed restrictions early last month, allowing for small public gatherings, schools and workplaces to continue operating, while the public adhered to social distancing and hygiene measures. Enditem (CNN) Chadwick Boseman's South Carolina high school has revealed plans to honor the late actor with a scholarship fund in his name. Principal Walter Mayfield at T. L. Hanna High School confirmed on Wednesday that it is in the process of setting up a grant called the Chadwick Boseman Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to one deserving student each year. "It is our intention to honor the memory and legacy of Chadwick Boseman, T. L. Hanna Class of '95, with a memorial scholarship," Mayfield said in a statement to CNN. "We would like to work with Chadwick's family to establish a scholarship fund for graduating seniors at T. L. Hanna." Boseman who died of colon cancer last month, after battling the disease privately for four years graduated from T. L. Hanna High School in 1995. He was 43 when he died. The Hollywood star best known for his leading roles in "Black Panther," as well as "42," "Marshall" and "Get On Up" went on to study directing at Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, DC. While there, he also attended the British American Drama Academy at Oxford in 1998. Benefactors to the new scholarship can send a check to the school or make an online donation. According to the donation page, the Chadwick Boseman Memorial Scholarship is still in the early stages, and details of how it will be awarded "are still being worked out." Meanwhile, 35,000 people and counting have signed an online petition calling for the Anderson Confederate Memorial in Anderson, South Carolina where Boseman is from to be replaced with a statue of the screen star. "He opened many doors for many young black people with his leading roles in movies such as Black Panther or Marshall," the petition reads. "It is only natural that his hometown honors what he did. There is no need for political controversy in this decision." This story was first published on CNN.com "Chadwick Boseman's old high school to set up scholarship in his honor" Representational Image (Wikimedia) The quaint, sugarcane-growing village of Rajewadi in India's west did not have a single confirmed coronavirus case until mid-August. Now one in every four people there is positive for the virus, with police blaming a local religious event for the spread. Such spurts in cases in small towns and villages, where mask wearing and social distancing have nearly vanished and community gatherings are back, explain why India's infections are now rising faster than anywhere else in the world and why the country is soon set to top 4 million cases. Based on current trends, India will overtake Brazil as the second-worst affected nation after the United States in days. The South Asian country reported 83,883 new infections on Thursday, surpassing its previous global record for the highest single-day rise. Cases are accelerating in its towns, villages and smaller cities while the situation has stabilised in the big metropolis of New Delhi and Mumbai. The World Health Organization has said India's relatively low mortality rate could rise as the virus fans out to the vast countryside, where health facilities are basic at best. 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 Rajewadi - a small village of around 360 in India's most-affected state of Maharashtra - authorities launched widespread testing only after an elderly resident was found to have died of COVID-19 on Aug. 17, said Aniruddha Athalye, a senior health official in Satara district where the village is located. Since then, 91 people there have tested positive and the village has been sealed off by police. Government officials, police and residents said days before the death - the village's only fatality from the disease - the person and about 30 others had gathered one night to offer prayers to a local deity. They had dinner together after the rituals, and throughout the function no one wore masks or practiced social distancing. Police said almost all those who attended have tested positive. Police have lodged a complaint against the organiser for violating the state's epidemic act. A person who saw the function but did not attend said "everyone was behaving like coronavirus won't catch them". He declined to be named while police investigate the case. The village is now barricaded with bamboo and wood, with a poster describing it as a containment zone. Sanjay Bhosale, a village grocery shop owner whose son has contracted the virus, said residents had grown tired of the virus rules and started visiting each other like before. "A perception was created that coronavirus was just a hype, that it's not that serious," Bhosale said. "Normal life had resumed for us. Only after the person died, people took it seriously again, but by then the virus had spread across the village. Now we are taking precautions." TESTING INCREASES This trend has played out across India's countryside where 60% of its 1.35 billion people live. As more cases are reported on the back of higher testing, some states such as Assam in the northeast have asked police to tighten enforcement of social distancing and other restrictions. Largely rural Assam has reported one of the highest infection totals in India. In Satara, total cases doubled between Aug. 6 and Aug. 23, the period in which India added 1 million new infections - the fastest such jump in the world. Officials warn the situation will get worse before getting better. "In April and May, people were following all the rules but now the mentality has changed. They have become casual and are taking coronavirus lightly," Satara's civil surgeon Subhash Chavan said. Satara now conducts more than 2,000 tests a day, up from only about 200 weeks ago. Nationally, India's testing has more than doubled in a month to over 1 million a day. That equates to about 32 tests per 1,000 people, higher than many developing countries but much lower than the U.S. rate of 253 per 1,000. Officials say because India's rural health infrastructure is poor, the focus is on testing so patients can be isolated earlier at home, reserving scarce hospital beds for the most critical. Already in rural Maharashtra, both government and private hospitals are running out of beds, authorities say. Still, only 1.76% of confirmed patients have died in India, compared with the global case fatality rate of 3.3%. Staring at the worst economic downturn in its history, India is moving to ease lockdown restrictions, despite the rise in infections. India is set to resume urban metro trains and allow up to 100 people to gather for religious, political and other events starting later this month. "We have to take into consideration the economic angle while dealing with the pandemic," said Himanta Biswa Sarma, the health and finance minister of Assam. "Rather than frequent lockdowns, we must try to maintain social distancing and use masks to contain the virus." Korea reported 198 new coronavirus cases as of Friday morning, the second day in a row that the daily tally has been under 200. Of the new cases, 189 were locally transmitted, most of them in the capital region. Despite the downward trend, however, health officials warned that now is not the time to ease restrictions. Sporadic group infections are still popping up across the nation. The number of patients in serious condition also jumped by 34 in just a day to 157, the highest since the country reported its first case in late January. The government said it plans to mobilize military hospital beds to accommodate them amid growing concerns over shortages. The proportion of untraceable transmissions also reached a record 24.4 percent over the past two weeks. Authorities will decide this weekend whether to extend the current lockdown. Fashion designer Anifa Mvuemba, founder of women's apparel line Hanifa, outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) Anifa Mvuemba, founder of the direct-to-consumer women's apparel line Hanifa, didn't set out to revolutionize the fashion industry when she had a viral 3-D runway show on Instagram this spring. The self-taught designer, who launched Hanifa in 2012 and became known for curve-hugging luxury pieces, was just searching for an innovative way to show her latest collection. Although she had planned to show her pieces during New York Fashion Week, Mvuemba had also dreamed of having a virtual show but hadn't had the time or resources to pull one off. Then the pandemic happened, and she knew she couldn't wait any longer. Mvuemba, who has been fascinated with 3-D technology for several years, studied YouTube and other online resources to learn how to incorporate tech into her designs. Fans came to know and love Hanifa's digitally rendered model, Imani, who has made multiple appearances on the brand's website and social media since early this year. Hanifa's virtually rendered model, Imani, wears the Kinshasa backless mini dress from the Pink Label Congo collection. (Hanifa) "The feedback has always been great, [and] it converted to sales," Mvuemba said. "But I always wondered if it was possible to actually make them move, so that we can actually show our customers the movement of the fabrics." Mvuemba's May 22 show on Instagram Live featured an army of invisible, curvaceous models inspired by Imani's figure strutting graciously on a 3-D runway while wearing Hanifa's flowy, vacation-ready Pink Label Congo collection. Mvuemba said the pieces, which she designed digitally in November, were inspired by her Congolese roots and the stories her mother told her about the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the women who lived there. More than 144,000 people have watched the video (not including re-shares outside of her Instagram page). By the next day, several publications and fashion critics were calling her a trailblazer, and Mvuemba quickly became a go-to thought leader about where the fashion industry is headed. Many couture brands, including Prada and Chanel, have also hosted digital presentations this summer. Story continues We werent prepared for the aftermath of the show, she told The Times over the phone. This was just really a creative expression. I wasnt like, 'This is going to be the craziest thing, the most groundbreaking thing the world has ever seen.' I was like, 'Were in a pandemic. We cant have a show. We cant go to the Congo. We cant shoot. Were putting on a virtual show for everyone.' Since the event, Mvuemba was named one of Fast Companys most creative people in business, and Zendaya and Tracee Ellis Ross have worn Hanifas Kinshasa backless mini dress in the colors of the Congo flag in fashion magazine spreads. In the words of Mvuemba, Hanifa will never be the same. In June, Hanifa was also on stylist and costume designer Zerina Akers curated directory of Black-owned businesses featured on Beyonce's website. Also, Mvuemba signed with Black-run public relations firm Hinton Group, which played a role in the rise of Kerby Jean-Raymond's menswear label Pyer Moss. The Maryland-based designer, whose shapewear line is expected by the end of this year, flew to L.A. this week for a photo shoot. Over two phone calls and an in-person meetup, she told The Times about how the virtual show affected her life, how she plans to continue using technology in her work, and what the future of the fashion industry looks like in the midst of the coronavirus and racial reckonings. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity. A look at 3-D renderings of Hanifa's collection. (Hanifa) How are you and how have things been since the virtual runway show? It's been really crazy. I just honestly wasn't really prepared for the aftermath. But now that we're with the Hinton Group, they've been able to keep things afloat and manage everything well. So we're just planning, taking it day by day and just trying to make the best decisions moving forward with the brand. In what ways has your life changed since the virtual runway show? We say it all the time internally, like, "Hanifa will never be the same since the show." So I think it has definitely [put] more eyes on the brand and more people paying attention to what were doing and what weve been doing. I think in the future, Im interested in seeing what is really going to come out of what happened on May 22. Obviously weve been experiencing a shift. Our sales have increased, but Im also interested in knowing how we can really be a part of the tech industry and maybe different partnerships. In addition to the innovation of using 3-D models, you included a mini documentary in your show to bring awareness to the harsh conditions and labor practices happening in the Congo mining industry. Was this your first time bringing awareness to a social issue through your work? Yeah, it's something Ive struggled with over the years. I felt like Hanifa is there. You know, I have this audience. The business is growing, but I felt like there was a disconnect with the message. Like, "Who are we really? What are we doing? What does this mean? Whats the purpose?" And I really wanted to, with this collection, figure it out. I was like, look, this is the time. Everyone is home. We can really get everyone's attention and share something really [special] while including myself, the culture where I'm from, and talk about a crisis at the same time. And I was really scared. I was like, "I hope I did this right." I was a little nervous about that because Ive never actually been to Congo, so all the research we were doing really was just a lot of reading and trying to connect with other individuals there. I was actually supposed to go to Congo this year but obviously I couldnt go anymore. So this was really Congo in my eyes my perspective from stories that Ive been told, from photos, videos and just a lot of research. Fashion designer Anifa Mveumeba created the Collette T-shirt to commemorate the May 22 runway show and raise donations. (Hanifa) With major fashion houses doing their own versions of virtual shows and New York Fashion Week being condensed to a few days, it seems like the fashion industry is still trying to adapt to a new normal amid the pandemic. What do you think the future of fashion will be? I think right now a lot of people are adapting to what were currently dealing with because honestly, we dont really have a choice. So I think people are really making the best of what they can, and I think the digital world allows people to be able to explore different ways to express themselves, be creative, show their clothing, present their collections to the world. And I think were going to see more of that. I do feel like theres still a need of human connection. I dont think everything should be digital, because I personally miss having photo shoots and I still want to have a runway show of my own one day. I think it's going to be like half and half. For this collection, you also created the Colette T-shirt, of which 20% of proceeds went to an organization called As You Sow that supports initiatives against illegal Coltan mining in Congo. Do you plan to continue discussing social awareness issues in your work? I do. I just want to make sure that whatever we do, its authentic to who we are and aligns with what were doing, just so that it can feel genuine, so that it can really connect with the audience that were sharing it with. So I do plan to do more of that because it was actually the first time for me. So it was really good feedback, honest feedback, genuine support. So yeah, Im looking forward to doing more socially aware campaigns and things like that. Speaking of social awareness, the last time we spoke you were skeptical of how some fashion brands were responding to racial reckonings that we're still experiencing. Now that some time has passed, I'm curious how you feel about how the fashion industry is reacting. My biggest thing with whats going on currently is I hope it's not like a trend. I hope its something that actually sticks. Theres been like a lot of heat. People are speaking up about certain things, and I think thats a big reason why things are shifting, especially with the protests and things like that. But I really hope this is something that can be implemented permanently and not like, "Oh, you know, 2020 during the pandemic and George Floyd and during the protests, this is how the Black peoples voices were heard." But I hope its something that actually lasts [and] that works. Fashion designer Anifa Mvuemba. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) In response to what was happening, Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner and public relations expert Sandrine Charles started the Black in Fashion Council to address these issues and hold brands accountable. You are part of the council. Why do you think this is important? I think when things arise in any industry well, especially let's talk about the fashion industry there really isnt a council or a voice to speak up for the Black community. And I think the Black in Fashion Council is a reflection of that, and its also a great way to hold people accountable while educating them and telling them how to do certain things. You want to support the Black community and you want to hire Black creatives. I think its OK for a company to say, "Look, weve been doing it wrong for so many years, but we want to make it better and we want to learn how to do it." And thats where the Black Fashion Council comes in, so I think its good. Im really excited to see great things come out of this. And I think theyve gotten a really, really great list of companies that have shown a lot of interest, so I think this is going to be like really big. Since holding your show, what have you learned about yourself? We seek validation in the wrong places. And I think throughout my career, I was seeking validation in the wrong places. I wanted to be a part of the industry so bad, and I wanted to do things the way its been taught and how they tell us it should be done. But really I had it wrong this whole time. It was when I finally decided to really just be like, "Im not going to chase this industry that wasnt really built for me to begin with. ... Im going to do my own thing." The fashion industry felt like this elitist world that you cant really be a part of even when you try. Even when you do it the right way, and I was like, "I dont want to do this anymore." And I told myself, "I dont want to be at that table. Im going to create my own table and bring other people along with me." Thats what Ive been trying to accomplish, and thats a reason why I started Concept by Anifa M., where I educate emerging designers. Im pretty much just teaching them everything that I know. I also sample and manufacture for them as well and do mentorship just because I know it's hard to get in. So if there's any way that I can help the generation that's coming up or other people that are trying to do the same thing, I will. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Samantha Armytage has again blasted 'silly' Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk over tough border closures that have left one desperate bush community with no food. The Sunrise host said her 'blood was boiling' on Thursday as Ms Palaszczuk refuses to budge with the border restrictions that have torn families apart and left small country towns struggling to stay afloat. Armytage on Friday slammed the Labor premier again, pointing out how struggling Australians weren't given border exemptions to access food or medical attention - but 400 AFL officials were allowed to enter the state and quarantine in a luxury resort. 'Annastacia Palaszczuk would say she's trying to protect her state,' Armytage said on Friday morning. 'These sorts of things are silly and unnecessary, particularly when you see pictures of AFL executives laying around the pool in what they call quarantine.' Mayor Katrina Humphries called on Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) to open the border and allow Mungindi residents to cross to buy food On Friday morning Sunrise host Samantha Armytage (pictured) called on the Queensland premier to lift border restrictions that were leaving one desperate town with no food The Sunrise host also revealed that after multiple requests to bring the Queensland premier onto the show, she was still refusing to answer questions. A fire tore through Mungindi, a drought-stricken town on both sides of the Queensland and New South Wales border, wiping out its only supermarket and butcher. But due to Ms Palaszczuk's hard border closures, locals have been forced to leave their border bubble to get essentials, or travel 160km to the nearest supermarket within the bubble. Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries said Mungindi's 600 locals would be forced to leave their border bubble to travel to Mooree to buy supplies - 120km away. But this would mean they would be unable to get back into Queensland to access medical appointments and would have to isolate for 14 days. Ms Humphries said she has been trying to speak to Ms Palaszczuk for three weeks but is yet to heard a word. 'I checked my phone five minutes ago and not a word, but I don't really expect to the woman's got no compassion and she's not kind. People have forgotten to be kind,' she said on Sunrise on Friday morning. 'Do these people just not get it? How thick are they? It's an hour and 20 minute drive to Moree, not everyone has a vehicle. 'We'll look after our own because we know that's what we have to do but Queensland wake up to yourselves please.' The Mayor revealed that the community and local councils have taken it upon themselves to create a pop-up grocery store in Mungindi for locals which is expected to be up and running by next week. Speaking to Ms Humphries on Thursday, Armytage said she was 'fed up' with how small towns were being treated in the midst of the COVID-19 border closures. 'My blood is boiling because a lot of things she has done lately. You guys have now got no supermarket and no water and no food, basically,' Armytage said. 'She won't come on the show. I am happy to have it out with her. I'm fed up with what's going on in Queensland.' Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries (pictured) said Mungindi's 600 locals would be forced to leave their border bubble to travel to Mooree to buy supplies and access doctors On Sunrise on Thursday morning, Samantha Armytage slammed Ms Palaszczuk, who she claimed refused to appear on the show Ms Humphries said many elderly residents in Mungindi were too scared to leave the travel bubble. 'Although we are in the shire we aren't all in the bubble, only selected postcodes have been included in it,' she said. 'It's completely split our shire. I've spoken to elderly people who are so frightened that they can't get into Moree to go to the shops because then they'll break the travel bubble.' Ms Humphries called on the premier to 'stop being so heartless' and open the border to allow Mungindi residents to buy food and access medical care. 'It's unnecessary. It doesn't have to be difficult, it can be an easy fix. There are a lot of people and Mungindi that are older and need medical care. It's a human right. It's not that hard,' she said. Former Queensland premier Campbell Newman tweeted: 'So if you are AFL royalty you can get into Queensland, with your family, but if you live in northern NSW with your seriously ill child you can't' Australian state border restrictions Victoria: Completely open, but other states are banning residents from going there NSW: Border with Victoria is closed but others are open without restriction Queensland: Open to everywhere but Victoria, NSW, and the ACT Northern Territory: Open to everywhere but Victoria and Sydney, which must do hotel quarantine South Australia: Closed to Victoria, NSW arrivals must self-isolate, rest are open Tasmania: Closed to Victoria, everywhere else must do hotel quarantine Western Australia: Closed to everywhere without an exemption Advertisement 'We are so close to being a part of Queensland and we never imagined in a million years that through some cruel twist of fate inflamed by some airy cruel-thinking people that we would be denied access to Queensland. Ms Humphries made an impassioned plea for the premier to 'stop being so cruel' and said she needs new policy advisers. 'You're punishing people that do not need to be punished. It is un-Australian is what it is. Please move off your pedestal, open the borders and let business go back to business and let people live their lives.' The Queensland Government will provide $100,000 in emergency funding for temporary store to supply locals with basic essentials, but it won't be up and running for weeks. It comes after 400 AFL officials were allowed to enter into Queensland in preparation for the Grand Final at Brisbane's Gabba on October 24. Footage has since surfaced of WAGs and officials drinking cocktails while soaking up the sun at a resort pool while supposedly meant to be isolating in hotel quarantine. 'We are doing this quarantine the same as everyone else,' AFL boss Gill McLachlan said this week. But images and video that emerged on Thursday tell a different story - with the officials and families hanging out at the four-and-half star Mercure Gold Coast resort. Aerial footage - published by Nine News on Thursday - showed WAGs relaxing by the swimming pool at the quarantine resort as children splashed in the water. Birds eye video footage of the quarantine hotel showed AFL officials and WAGs make the most of the luxury Mercure resort AFL WAGs and officials lounge by the Mercure's pool during their hotel quarantine on the Gold Coast The vision is a world away from the experience of other travellers who have desperately fought to enter Queensland. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg accused the Queensland government of double standards. 'It's just not on that a young woman can lose an unborn child because of confusion at the borders,' he told the Nine Network on Thursday. 'At the same time, footy officials can go down to their hotel bar as they so-called quarantine in Queensland. 'It seems double standards on our borders.' Other Australians that go into hotel quarantine are confined solely to their rooms and are unable to use any of the facility's amenities. A heavily pregnant mother was forced to wait 16 hours for emergency surgery in Sydney after being turned away at the Queensland border, before losing one of her unborn twin babies Ms Palaszczuk was also widely criticised last week for saying Queensland's hospitals were 'for our people only'. A heavily pregnant mother was forced to wait 16 hours for emergency surgery in Sydney after being turned away at the Queensland border, before losing one of her unborn twin babies. Ms Palaszczuk initially did not grant the seriously ill mum-to-be's exemption despite her needing emergency surgery for the unborn twins. The mother, from Ballina in New South Wales which is 88km from the Queensland border, had twins who were just 24 weeks along and needed urgent care. She wasn't initially granted an exemption to cross the border for surgery at the Gold Coast University Hospital 125km away and instead had to wait for 16 hours in Lismore for a flight to Sydney. A lab technician sorts blood samples for a COVID-19 vaccine study at the Research Centers of America in Hollywood, Florida. A Covid-19 vaccine by election day in the US? Experts worry that, facing an uphill battle for reelection, President Donald Trump could press for one to be approved before the November 3 vote, but also before tests prove it is effective and safe for the public. - Where does vaccine testing stand? Two producers, Pfizer and Moderna, began final phase-3 trials on July 27. Paul Mango, a senior official at the US Department of Health, said last week they so far have 15,000 volunteers out of 30,000 needed. Pfizer's vaccine requires two doses in 21 days, and Moderna's two doses in 28 days. They use the same new technology, focusing on messenger RNA, which is promising but has never been proven in a vaccine. In preliminary trials on dozens of test subjects, both vaccines provoked immune responses. But that alone does not prove they would protect against infection. Another vaccine, under development by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, has already moved into Phase 3 testing in several countries, and just began trials in the United States. - What would lead to approval? In trials, half of the participants receive the vaccine and the other half receive a placebo. If the vaccine works, over time more of those receiving the placebo will naturally become infected with and sickened by the coronavirus, but fewer cases will appear among those receiving the real vaccine. To get faster results, the vaccine developers are working in areas with high Covid-19 infection levels. CDC Director Robert Redfield has said that in order to know the vaccine is working, the placebo group needs to register 150-175 coronavirus infections, compared to just a few in the vaccine group. - Who approves a vaccine? In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration reviews the testing data and can give an emergency use approval to allow early release to the public. The RCA center in Holloywood, Florida where coronavirus vaccine research is carried out Paul Offit, who is on the FDA vaccine advisory board, said independent experts on data and safety monitoring panels supervise the trials and review the results. They will have to determine whether and when the Phase 3 data are sufficiently clear to show the vaccines are safe and effective. Manufacturers will then be able to request emergency approval. The final decision goes to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn. Based on his record of signing off on non-proven but Trump-favored but coronavirus treatments like hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma, some experts question Hahn's ability to resist political pressure if the results from the vaccine trials are not clear-cut. - The timeline Most experts say that it is reasonable to expect the Phase 3 tests to be completed by year's end. Anthony Fauci, the country's leading infectious disease expert, said Thursday that the initial results could come in "November or December." But it is clear the White House is aiming for earlier. We "will produce a vaccine before the end of the year, or maybe even sooner," Trump declared to supporters last week at the Republican National Convention. Then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told states to "urgently" get vaccine distribution systems in place so as to be operational "by November 1, 2020." And the administration has pre-purchased hundreds of millions of vaccine dosages to get them out to the public as fast as possible. Fauci, however, said that being ready in October, before the election, would be difficult. "That's unlikely, not impossible," Fauci told CNN. The worry is that, for emergency use approval, the bar for ruling a vaccine safe and effective is lower than that for normal full approvals. "How can you justify a substandard or lesser review for something that would be injected in tens of millions, maybe hundreds of millions of Americans?" said Peter Hotez, a US health and vaccines expert at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. But Fauci insisted that the role of independent experts in the process ensures that the FDA will not take a decision based on politics. "We can have some confidence ... in what the FDA is saying," Fauci said. White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany denied any pressure to get the vaccine out before the election. "No one is pressuring the FDA to do anything," she said Thursday. "The priority here is saving lives." The current period of national unrest and racial turmoil began in Minnesota. It was in Minneapolis that George Floyd died in police custody, sparking protests and a renewed emphasis on criminal-justice reform nationwide. It was in Minneapolis that protests first descended into riots, with other cities soon following suit. Yet while most of the country will eventually move on from this turmoil, Minneapolis will be among the cities facing the greatest difficulty in recovering from the financial devastation that the riots left behind. The economic fallout will haunt it for decades to come. To understand why, its worth revisiting just how much damage was done to the Twin Cities after Floyds death. In the first few days after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police, rioters tore through dense stretches of Minneapolis, St. Paul and other metro communities in retaliation, causing millions in property damage, the Star Tribune summarizes. In their wake, vandals left a trail of smashed doors and windows, covered hundreds of boarded-up businesses with graffiti and set fire to nearly 150 buildings, with dozens burned to the ground. Pharmacies, groceries, liquor stores, tobacco shops and cell phone stores were ransacked, losing thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, the report continues. Many were looted repeatedly over consecutive nights. Other property like gas stations, restaurants and even parked cars was set on fire, with much of it completely destroyed. Then, last week, rioting broke out in Minneapolis once again. This time the outbreak of violence followed not a genuine injustice but false social-media rumors suggesting that police had killed an unarmed black teenager. In reality, an adult murder suspect had committed suicide when police attempted to arrest him. Nonetheless, looters ransacked businesses and started fires in several more nights of unrest. All told, at least 1,500 businesses have been damaged in the greater Twin Cities area, a list of victimized properties that includes mom-and-pop restaurants, minority-owned small businesses, hospitals, and even churches. Story continues The full extent of the damage is more than financial: Many business owners are struggling to find the words to describe what theyve experienced. I would speak for a lot of the business owners downtown that were battle-weary, one restaurateur whose property was looted last week told local news station CBS Minnesota. Im not stressed or even upset. Im numb at this point. Its no surprise that many of these business owners are packing their bags and moving on to greener, or at least safer, pastures. This was it for us, medical supply store owner Lisa Steffes told CBS Minnesota. We are a family-owned business. Its just not worth it anymore being downtown. In another example, the Star Tribune reports that a manufacturing company, 7-Sigma Inc., is leaving the city after burning in the riots, and taking 50 jobs with it. They dont care about my business, owner Kris Wyrobek said of city officials. They didnt protect our people. We were all on our own. An exodus of businesses is exactly what economists would expect to see in an area ravaged by rioting. The underlying reason is not hard to understand: Property rights are the foundation of any market-based economy. There is a long and clearly observed correlation between the strength of property rights and economic growth. Why? Well, private enterprise can only function so long as entrepreneurs know they will be reasonably secure in their property. When entire city blocks are destroyed by wanton rioting while local officials sit on their hands, it sends the message that even an otherwise-profitable investment might not pay off. Investors in such cities must now price in economic risk and insecurity that makes it much less competitive compared to its neighbors. And safety considerations also will come into play. As a result, jobs and economic opportunity are likely to dry up. Property values fall, and the area slips into decline. Whats more, higher insurance rates will make doing business more expensive and leave locals facing higher prices. Does that sound like progress to you? Thanks to rioters who wrap themselves in the rhetoric of social justice, this fate may await Minneapolis, or at least some of it. This isnt mere speculation: Weve seen this scenario play out before in parts of Los Angeles, and in cities such as Detroit and Newark. One study examining the aftermath of the Rodney King riots found that extensive economic fallout haunted Los Angeles. The original $1 billion in property damage was eclipsed by a nearly $4 billion drop in economic activity over the long run, reducing tax revenue by $125 million. Other research into the 1960s civil rights era riots found similar consequences, in particular, negative, persistent, and economically significant effects of riots on the value of black-owned housing and a 10 percent decline in the total value of black-owned property in cities. So, yes, the agitators torching businesses and ransacking storefronts in Minneapolis may say they are doing so in the name of justice. But the evidence suggests that all theyre really doing is threatening the community with the prospect of stagnation and decline. More from National Review A delivery of boxes is wheeled as shoppers walk towards Neiman Marcus at the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, November 22, 2019. Neiman Marcus Group said on Friday it expected to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy by the end of this month under a restructuring plan that is likely to eliminate more than $4 billion of its debt. The luxury department store chain filed for bankruptcy protection in May, in one of the highest-profile retail collapses during the Covid-19 pandemic. The 113-year old company said certain institutional investors will fund a $750 million exit financing package that would fully refinance its debtor-in-possession loan and provide additional liquidity for its business. The Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, approved Neiman Marcus' reorganization plan. Clothing company J.Crew Group said last week it expects to emerge from bankruptcy in early September. I intended to vote for Sarah Iannarone for Portland mayor. Then I watched Laural Porters Straight Talk interview with Iannarone on KGW. Porter asked Iannarone five times if she would denounce the violence that has marred the protests. Porter pointed out that these non-protesters started a fire with people in the building. She told Iannarone that some of the damage was to Black-owned businesses. She also said the Black Lives Matter leaders and other Black community leaders had condemned the rioters, saying they distracted from the movement. Iannarone refused five times to denounce the violence, saying at one point that peaceful means might not be adequate. Iannarones campaign tried the next day to walk back Iannarones position on violence. As Maya Angelou said, When someone shows you who they are, believe them. Mayor Ted Wheeler is honest. He has apologized for his handling of the protests and the rioters, accepted the blame, and is correcting course. He works well with the City Council. Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, with whom he has publicly disagreed, has endorsed him for re-election. Wheeler is not the perfect candidate we dream of. We dont have that option, but a choice between two people. I choose Ted Wheeler. Mickey Harnage, Portland Re: Suit claims harassment at Saint Mary's Hall, Metro, Aug. 13: Even during a global pandemic, bullying in particular, cyberbullying, doesnt stop. More time spent at home usually means more time spent online leading to a rise in online bullying, stalking and harassment. Thats why the ongoing work of the Davids Legacy Foundation, or DLF, remains of critical importance. Created in honor of my son David, who took his life at age 16 after months of intense cyberbullying, DLF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating bullying of children and teens through education, legislation and legal action. Davids experience brought to light the fact that our school systems were missing tools to effectively handle these issues, and that attempts to solve the problem often result in the victim being punished instead of the perpetrator. The passage of Davids Law during Texas 85th legislative session in 2016 was a step in the right direction to bring awareness and new policies to schools to combat cyberbullying, but there is still more to be done, and our fight against those who hide behind a screen continues. The Dont Bully Me Project, or DBM, which shares its initials with my son David Bartlett Molak, offers additional protections to bullying victims with pro bono legal services. The DBM Project bridges the gap between those who are targets of bullying and the civil legal system, helping families to better understand their rights and the resources available to them to help end severe bullying. DBM Project attorneys volunteer their time to assist victims of bullying who have exhausted all attempts to relieve themselves of the abuse with no success. Recently, local attorney Jimmy Carter took the first known cyberbullying case to a Bexar County District Court, citing Davids Law and seeking injunctive relief to protect a young woman from her accused bully. Thanks to his work, Judge Mary Lou Alvarez granted the issuance of a temporary restraining order against the perpetrator. If the perpetrator, or her parents, violate the order, they could be held in contempt of court and subject to penalties, including fines and/or jail time. Additionally, DLF began a series of free online community screenings last week of the powerful IndieFlix trilogy of documentaries: Angst, LIKE and The Upstanders. The docuseries begins with exploring anxiety and the impact of social media on our lives. The third film, The Upstanders, centers on our familys story, detailing how resilience and the power of connection can stem the tide of bullying and cyberbullying. The Upstanders will be released internationally on Oct. 1 in honor of anti-bullying month. Each virtual screening is followed by a panel discussion, with additional free resources for families to continue the conversation at DavidsLegacy.org. More information about the community screenings, including how to register, is also available on the Davids Legacy Foundation Facebook page. Oftentimes, it takes a village to create systemic change, especially when cruelty and hate are so prevalent on social media channels. Rest assured, Davids Legacy Foundation will continue to fight the good fight, protecting those who cannot protect themselves and helping our community realize exhibiting kindness can ultimately be the coolest act we, as humans, have the ability to undertake. Maurine Molak is the interim executive director, secretary, vice president and education co-chair of Davids Legacy Foundation. State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts California Department of Public Health Date: August 30, 2020 Number: NR20-213 Contact: CDPHpress@cdph.ca.gov SACRAMENTO The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California has 699,909 confirmed cases to date. Numbers may not represent true day-over-day change as reporting of test results can be delayed. There were 6,070 newly recorded confirmed cases Saturday. Numbers do not represent true day-over-day change as these results include cases from prior to yesterday. The 7-day positivity rate is 5.2% and the 14-day positivity rate is 5.5%. There have been 11,231,829 tests conducted in California. This represents an increase of 122,199 over the prior 24-hour reporting period. As case numbers continue to rise in California, the total number of individuals who will have serious outcomes will also increase. There have been 12,905 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Blueprint for a Safer Economy Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a statewide plan for reducing COVID-19 and keeping Californians healthy and safe. The plan imposes risk-based criteria on tightening and loosening COVID-19 allowable activities and expands the length of time between changes to assess how any movement affects the trajectory of the disease. Californians can go to covid19.ca.gov to find out where their county falls and what activities are allowable in each county. Data and Tools A wide range of data and analysis guides California's response to COVID-19. The state is making the data and its analytical tools available to researchers, scientists and the public at covid19.ca.gov. Popular links include: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Each week, the California Department of Public Health updates the number of cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) reported in the state. As of August 24, 47 cases of MIS-C have been reported statewide. To protect patient confidentiality in counties with fewer than 11 cases, we are not providing total counts at this time. MIS-C is a rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 that can damage multiple organ systems. MIS-C can require hospitalization and be life threatening. Parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of MIS-C including fever that does not go away, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes or feeling tired. Contact your child's doctor immediately if your child has these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of patients is critical to preventing long-term complications. Racial Demographics A More Complete Picture The California Department of Public Health is committed to health equity and collecting more detailed racial and ethnic data that will provide additional understanding for determining future action. Health outcomes are affected by forces including structural racism, poverty and the disproportionate prevalence of underlying conditions such as asthma and heart disease among Latinos and African American Californians. Only by looking at the full picture can we understand how to ensure the best outcomes for all Californians. The differences in health outcomes related to COVID-19 are most stark in COVID-19 deaths. We have nearly complete data on race and ethnicity for COVID-19 deaths, and we are seeing the following trends. Overall, for adults 18 and older, Latinos, African Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at disproportionately higher levels. The proportion of COVID-19 deaths in African Americans is about double their population representation across all adult age categories. For Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, overall numbers are low, but about three-fold difference between the proportion of COVID-19 deaths and their population representation. More males are dying from COVID-19 than females, in line with national trends. More information is available at COVID-19 Race and Ethnicity Data. Health Care Worker Infection Rates As of August 29, local health departments have reported 32,074 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 151 deaths statewide. Your Actions Save Lives Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense: Staying home except for essential needs/activities following local and state public health guidelines when patronizing approved businesses. To the extent that such sectors are re-opened, Californians may leave their homes to work at, patronize, or otherwise engage with those businesses, establishments or activities. Practicing social distancing. Wearing a cloth face mask when out in public. Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough. Answer the call if a contact tracer from the CA COVID Team or your local health department tries to connect. Contact tracers will connect you to free, confidential testing and other resources, if needed. Following guidance from public health officials. What to Do if You Think You're Sick Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath), call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken. More than 100 community testing sites also offer free, confidential testing: Find a COVID-19 Testing Site. For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California. California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Republican leaders of the General Assembly charged Friday that it is unacceptable to allow Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont five more months of unlimited freedom in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. But Democrats used their majority on a 10-member legislative panel to allow Lamonts extension of emergency powers in the public health crisis that were established in a 2010 law and were set to expire on Sept. 9. I believe that the governor has been both responsible and circumspect in the use of his powers, ever since March, said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, reading from Lamonts extension of the public health and civil preparedness emergencies. If the power and orders were to expire next week, the state would be unprotected in the pandemic, Looney said Every order that the governor has in place, limiting attendance and crowds in certain facilities would end, Looney warned. Bars could open immediately. There would be no regulation, no control. We would be in the position of some of the southern and western states that have seen a rapid spread in the virus, in those states. Until we have a vaccine, there is no over, said state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, co-chairman of the Public Health Committee. There is no opportunity to relax. Steinberg said that while the governor is leading the effort, lawmakers are taking an active part. We have been on multiple weekly calls, Steinberg said. We have had public hearings. Weve had conversations with the Department of (Public) Health, the Department of Social Services, but most importantly with people on the ground, people who have been directly affected by this. The 6-4 party-line vote culminated an hour-and-45-minute meeting in which Republican leaders vented grievances, charging that Lamont has usurped the role of the legislature in tackling the pandemic. And a ranking member of the Public Health Committee, Rep. William Petit, R-Cheshire, complained that at this point in the pandemic, state residents want to gain back some of our personal liberties. The vote was 6-4 against House Minority Leader Themis Klarides motion to reject the extension. Democratic leaders warned that if the vote succeeded, dozens of public health measures ordered by Lamont since early March would expire next Wednesday, possibly throwing open the state to a resurgence of the virus responsible for the deaths of 4,468 residents. Klarides, R-Derby, stressed the need for more legislative collaboration with the governor at this point in the pandemic, when infection rates are less than 1 percent of those thousands of people tested every day. This is about working together to figure out a way to limit the ability, which is right now almost unlimited in regards to anything, any law, any subject matter in regards to this state, Klarides said of Lamont. The meeting of the awkwardly named Declaration of Public Health Emergency Committee took place in a large meeting room in the Legislative Office Building, with the participants spread out in a socially distant manner, with lawmakers wearing their masks for most of the meeting, in which Republicans aired weeks of pent-up complaints. Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said that the Republican charges seem to be tailored for the current legislative election season. I understand whats happening here, because of whats going to happen a couple of months from now, at the election box, Aresimowicz said. I will vote for safety. We did not like the idea of unlimited broad-brush powers by the governor to continue, Klarides replied. I am not going down the road of whos playing politics here. We have told you point blank more than once, that ours caucuses are not happy about these broad executive powers. House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, challenged the four Republicans to name a Lamont rule that they would like overturned. What emergency order is too broad? he asked the group. Can anyone name an executive order they would like repealed? Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano and Klarides said they were unprepared to discussion the details of particular orders they might oppose. We are asking to go through these orders, Klarides said, offering that Connecticuts order prohibiting evictions appears much broader than the federal guidelines of President Trump that have income requirements. This should be a conversation of all of us, Klarides said. We should all have been doing that, the legislature with the executive branch. She added that attempts by Republican lawmakers to secure the targets needed for the state to go into a Phase 3 reopening, which would allow for more indoor seating in restaurants and the reopening of bars, have been withheld by Lamont. I also would challenge the notion that only Gov. Lamont can keep us safe, Fasano, R-North Haven, said. This legislature can keep us safe. This legislature can make the right decisions. Fasano and Klarides charged that communication with the governor, while good during the early days of the pandemic back in March, April and May, deteriorated in June and July and August. We need our voices to be heard, said Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, ranking member of the Public Health Committee. Right now Connecticut is being ruled by one person. Theres only one option, said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk. The one option is to continue along the path weve been on for the last six months. We are in an unprecedented time. Were in a time where we dont know whats going to happen in six months from now, in 10 months from now or a year from now. We take this a little bit at a time. We have learned that we need to continue to allow the nimbleness of these emergency powers, so the governor can make decisions to keep the people of Connecticut safe and healthy. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT Mario Tama/Getty Images En espanol | Visiting a national park like Yellowstone or Yosemite is the highlight of the year for many Americans. Too often, though, careless tourists make a mark on treasured landscapes that lasts well beyond their quick trip. Some damage even lasts decades, such as wayward steps made on the biological soil crusts of Canyonlands, Arches and Capital Reef national parks. Recent years have seen a string of epically bad (even criminal) behavior: crashing a drone into Grand Prismatic Hot Spring in Yellowstone National Park, illegal off-road driving in Death Valley National Park, spray-painting rocks and cacti in Joshua Tree National Park, tagging sandstone with blue dots as some sort of doltish art project in Zion National Park. The egregiousness of some of this conduct is stunning. And yet it's not just boorish behaviors like these that damage the parks. Far too often, well-meaning visitors inadvertently cause harm. They trample rare flowers or 100-year-old moss while hiking to a better vantage point, carelessly let trash blow away from their backpacks, or relieve themselves in inappropriate areas. Even more common are tourists who get too close to elk, deer or bison in an effort to snag the perfect Instagram photo, causing the animals to scamper away. That may not seem much of a concern in the moment, but in northern national parks like Yellowstone, where elk need every calorie they can get to survive the harsh Montana winters, tourists chasing them away even two times a week can add up to enough wasted fat stores that they won't make it through the snow season. Now, with many Americans desperate to get outside and explore, the national parks are seeing a surge in visitors while at the same time struggling with staffing shortages, limited services and social-distancing concerns for both visitors and their staff. National Park Service (NPS) rangers have reported seeing a rise in masks lying along roadways, more feces at trailheads (because of closed bathroom facilities) and first-time visitors generally behaving poorly. And, unfortunately, much of this damage is concentrated in the most popular and scenic areas of each park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which saw a 40 percent decline in visitation from January through May, is finding a surge of visitors in popular areas such as Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove. Our field staff are reporting busy roadways, congested parking areas and crowds at some of our most iconic destinations, says park spokesperson Dana Soehn. So while visitation is down overall, it does seem to be busier than usual in the primary locations. So how do you avoid the crowds and protect the environment at the same time? In many ways, the best advice comes down to using common sense and abiding by the rules that have long been in place. But there are a few smart principles beyond that, too. 1. Leave no trace. This three-word phrase is the bedrock for ethical behavior in the parks, and has long been a staple in backcountry etiquette. But it's more important than ever, with many trash pickup and restroom facilities operating at limited capacities. If you pack it into a park, pack it out. This goes for whether you're backpacking through Zion or just taking a drive through Shenandoah National Park. The park service, particularly during the pandemic, is not set up to clear the trash of thousands of visitors per day. Right now, we have far fewer volunteers that are on the job picking up trash, Soehn says. And we're really seeing the difference. We're seeing a lot more trash being left along the roadside. Pack a small trash bag or use a paper grocery bag. Keep it in the car, add all the junk to it, and then toss it into an appropriate bin once you leave the park again, after you leave the park. Do it at the hotel or a gas station. Leave only footprints and take only photographs, Soehn says. That pretty much sums it up. 2. Bring your own water. Park visitors produce a lot of trash, but one of the most common items is disposable water bottles. Avoid them by bringing along at least one or two small reusable bottles per person. Then buy a reusable 3-gallon water jug. Fill everything up before you hit the road and then again each night at the hotel. You'll have plenty of water to refill the smaller water bottles all day long, and you won't ever need to purchase a disposable one at a convenience store and throw it away later. 3. Stay on trails. The Centre has moved a plea in the seeking review of its direction to publish the draft Impact Assessment (EIA) in all the 22 languages in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan on Friday issued notice to the environmentalist, on whose plea the high court had issued the direction, and sought his response by September 23. The high court in its judgement of June 30 had extended till August 11 the date for giving comments and objections to the draft EIA. It had also directed that the notification be published in all the 22 languages within 10 days of the verdict. The June 30 order had come on the plea moved by environmental conservationist Vikrant Tongad. The Centre had moved an appeal before the Supreme Court against the high court decision. However, the plea was withdrawn after the apex court asked the Centre to first seek a review of the decision. The Supreme Court, while giving the liberty to the Centre to move the high court, also put on hold any contempt proceedings against the government till it files a review plea. (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.) OTTAWA - The fall will bring new risks in the COVID-19 pandemic along with colder weather and indoor family holiday gatherings, Canada's chief public health officer warned Friday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - The fall will bring new risks in the COVID-19 pandemic along with colder weather and indoor family holiday gatherings, Canada's chief public health officer warned Friday. With the final long weekend of the summer season upon us, Dr. Theresa Tam said Canadians need to consider their own risk factors and the details of plans for any in-person gatherings with friends and family. And they should be asking themselves some important questions, she said. "Are you at high risk of developing serious complications if you become infected?" Tam asked rhetorically. "Or if you would have to self-isolate, would this seriously disrupt your upcoming plans?" Knowing the people you're with does not protect you from catching the virus that causes the respiratory illness, Tam warned. And Canadians need to consider whether people they live with are at high risk of contracting the virus, she said. After months of dealing with the novel coronavirus, government agencies, employers and individuals understand COVID-19 better now, so the situation Canadians are facing is different from the one in the spring when the disease first began to spread widely, Tam told reporters in Ottawa. But there is renewed concern that the number of cases could balloon out of control still. An average of 525 COVID-19 cases a day have been reported in Canada the past week, a noticeable uptick from earlier in the summer, and schools are reopening across the country. In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford criticized hosts of backyard parties, whom he blamed for new cases in his province. Friday, Ontario reported 148 new COVID-19 infections, nearly half of them in a suburban region just west of Toronto. Tam said contagion in private settings is a major concern now, but at the same time local health authorities will order fresh closures and reductions in public activities if they're needed to suppress new outbreaks. Those shouldn't be needed if people follow public health advice, she said. British Columbia's top doctor warned this week that there is the potential for an explosive spread of COVID-19 cases over the Labour Day long weekend. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry urged B.C. residents to choose smaller gatherings over larger ones over the weekend in a continuing effort to keep case numbers low. "Choose to spend time with your household bubble instead of a group of strangers and choose to use those layers of protection wherever you go," Henry said Thursday. Quebec Premier Francois Legault declared Friday that the contagion was under control in his province, despite authorities there reporting more than 180 new COVID-19 infections for the second consecutive day. Still, Legault urged Quebecers to be prudent ahead of the long weekend. "I am asking you not to let your guard down," he 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. Tam said downloading the government's COVID Alert app is one way to mitigate the risks of catching and spreading the illness unknowingly although it is currently only operational in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Quebec has said it does not plan to use the app, but announced Friday that it will launch its own alerting system. Health Minister Christian Dube told a Montreal news conference the system will allow regions to be designated by zone, depending on the number of COVID-19 cases found in those regions. Details of the system were to be revealed Tuesday, although Dube compared it to the warning notice boards already found in certain parks in Quebec. As of Friday, Canada had recorded 130,834 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 9,140 deaths. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2020. Job searches in artificial intelligence (AI) have risen 106 percent in June 2020 compared to a year-ago period, said data from recruitment platform Indeed. The data said that job searches around AI-related jobs have seen a 20 percent increase in the last six months alone (March to July), in line with the onset of COVID-19. Indeed says in the report that, in the wake of the global pandemic, industries across the board are witnessing an accelerated adoption of AI-led technologies in order to ensure business continuity during the changed circumstances. Time Period % change in job searches (per million) June 2016 to June 2017 53% June 2017 to June 2018 82% June 2018 to June 2019 80% June 2019 to June 2020 106% It added that an increasing number of functions are being automated, creating a need for more skilled tech talent. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has boosted not only the creation of jobs in the space, but also the interest in AI-related jobs, as job searches have seen a consecutive increase in the last five years. Job openings for AI-related jobs have seen a 28 percent increase from August 2019 to August 2020, while job searches have seen a 91 percent spike. Job postings related to AI have also seen a steady rise in the last two years, with a 46 percent increase between June 2018 and June 2019, and a 51 percent increase between June 2019 and June 2020. The last six months (March to July) alone have seen a rise of 17 percent in job postings in the space. A large number of companies, both within the technology sector and beyond, are seeking talent with specialised skills required to develop and implement machine learning solutions to post-COVID-19 requirements according to the Indeed report. In fact, several companies, and even job seekers independently, are actively pursuing avenues to upskill themselves in order to keep pace with the evolution of new-age technology. Venkata Machavarapu, Head of Engineering, India and Site Director at Indeed India said, Even as businesses work towards regaining momentum in the global economy, it is imperative to ensure that talent is able to keep up with the emerging demands of AI-powered solutions on their skills. With machine learning finding applications across sectors from healthcare, to digital finance to logistics, Indeed said that there are ample opportunities for skilled job seekers to explore. Filmmaker Alexander Payne has denied allegations that he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted actress Rose McGowan in the 1980s when she was just 15 years old. Payne says he and McGowan first crossed paths years later - in 1991 - and went on 'a couple of dates' after she left a note asking him to call her when she auditioned for a part in his first directing job, which was a comic short he was making for the Playboy Channel that required actors who were 'of age'. The acclaimed director broke his silence on Friday, three weeks after McGowan accused him of 'grooming' and having sex with her when she was underage and he was 28 years old. Alexander Payne (left), 59, the Oscar-winning director, has denied claims by Rose McGowan (right), 46, that he raped the actress when she was just 15 years old Payne released a statement to Deadline in which he denies the allegations and says he had 'no reason to question how old she was, since the role she read for required an actor who was of age'. He goes on to add that they went on dates and 'remained on friendly terms of years'. When asked to respond to Payne's denial on Friday, McGowan told Variety: 'F*** him and his lies is my comment.' Payne says he and McGowan first crossed paths years later - in 1991 - and went on 'a couple of dates' after she left a note asking him to call her when she auditioned for a part in his first directing job, which was a comic short he was making for the Playboy Channel that required actors who were 'of age'. The acclaimed director broke his silence on Friday, three weeks after McGowan accused him of 'grooming' and having sex with her when she was underage and he was 28 years old. ALEXANDER PAYNE'S STATEMENT IN FULL Rose McGowan and I have always had very cordial interactions, and I have admired her commitment to activism and her voice in an important, historic movement. However, what she has said about me in recent social media posts is simply untrue. Rose is mistaken in saying we met when she was fifteen, in the late 1980s. I was a full-time film student at UCLA from 1984 until 1990, and I know that our paths never crossed. She claims that I showed her a 'soft-core porn movie' I had directed for Showtime 'under a different name.' This would have been impossible, since I had never directed anything professionally, lurid or otherwise. I have also never worked for Showtime or directed under any name other than my own. Rose and I did meet years later, in 1991, during my first directing job, when she auditioned for a comic short I was making for a Playboy Channel series. Although she did not get the part, she left a note for me at the casting desk asking that I call her. I had no reason to question how old she was, since the role she read for required an actor who was of age. We later went out on a couple of dates and remained on friendly terms for years. While I cannot allow false statements about events twenty-nine years ago to go uncorrected, I will continue to wish only the best for Rose. Alexander Payne September 4, 2020 Advertisement In a social media post last month, McGowan named Payne as the 'well-endowed' man who allegedly 'sat me down and played a soft-core porn movie' when she was 15 - an incident she first described in 2018 without identifying Payne. 'If you are out there trying to have sex with an underage minor, you are committing a crime, even if the minor doesn't know it,' McGowan wrote in the August 18 'bomb of truth' post on Instagram. 'I was attracted to him, so I thought it was on me, but that's not correct. I was not an adult.' But Payne countered on Friday that McGowan has her facts wrong. He wrote: 'Rose is mistaken in saying we met when she was fifteen, in the late 1980s. 'I was a full-time film student at UCLA from 1984 until 1990, and I know that our paths never crossed. 'She claims that I showed her a 'soft-core porn movie' I had directed for Showtime 'under a different name',' Payne writes. 'This would have been impossible, since I had never directed anything professionally, lurid or otherwise. 'I have also never worked for Showtime or directed under any name other than my own.' Payne then recalls the first time he and McGowan met and then briefly dated. He writes: 'Rose and I did meet years later, in 1991, during my first directing job, when she auditioned for a comic short I was making for a Playboy Channel series. 'Although she did not get the part, she left a note for me at the casting desk asking that I call her. 'I had no reason to question how old she was, since the role she read for required an actor who was of age. 'We later went out on a couple of dates and remained on friendly terms for years.' Payne continued: 'While I cannot allow false statements about events twenty-nine years ago to go uncorrected, I will continue to wish only the best for Rose.' McGowan, born in September 1973, would've turned 18 in 1991. Payne, who co-wrote and directed the critically acclaimed films 'Citizen Ruth,' 'Election,' 'About Schmidt,' 'Sideways' and 'The Descendants', has won two Academy Awards. McGowan - a pioneer of the #MeToo movement who was one of the first women to come forward against Harvey Weinstein - said the alleged ordeal led her to quit acting before she returned to Hollywood after being 'discovered' at age 21. McGowan told Variety 'it was time' to name Payne after telling Ronan Farrow in 2018 she had been the victim of a man who 'picked me up when I was 15 years old'. McGowan made her allegations against Payne in a second 'bomb of truth' Instagram post on August 18, having earlier named him on Twitter McGowan had made her first allegation on Twitter on August 17, asking for an 'acknowledgement and an apology' from the director. 'Alexander Payne. You sat me down and played a soft-core porn movie you directed for Showtime under a different name,' she said. 'I still remember your apartment in Silverlake. You are very well-endowed. You left me on a street corner afterwards. I was 15.' Who is Alexander Payne? The Oscar winning director behind About Schmidt and The Descendants Alexander Payne was born in Omaha in 1961 to his restaurant owning parents Peggy and George. Payne co-wrote and directed the critically acclaimed films 'Citizen Ruth,' 'Election,' 'About Schmidt,' 'Sideways' and 'The Descendants.' He also directed the 2013 film 'Nebraska' and the recent sci-fi satire 'Downsizing.' He has been nominated for seven Academy Awards and won two Oscars for best adapted screenplay for 'Sideways' and 'The Descendants.' 'Sideways' also won a Golden Globe award for best motion picture-musical or comedy in 2004. Payne graduated from Creighton Prep in Omaha and earned a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and a master's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. A third-generation Greek-American Payne married second wife Maria Kontos in 2015. The couple have one child, born in 2017. He was previously married to Killing Eve star Sandra Oh for two years. The couple separated in 2005. In 2018 he received an honorary doctorate degree in fine arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Advertisement She also tweeted a picture of herself at age 15, saying: 'I just want an acknowledgement and an apology. I do not want to destroy.' Later that same day, McGowan followed up with a longer Instagram post in which she described the alleged 'grooming'. 'For years I had thought a man I had sexual relations with was a a sexual experience I had. I now know I was groomed,' she said. 'I auditioned for him at 15. After my experience with him, I quit acting entirely until I was 'discovered' at 21. 'When that happened, I was like, f*** it, let's do this. I even tweeted a congratulations on his Oscar win in 2012, that's how deep in the Cult of Hollywood I was. 'It wasn't until three weeks after the Weinstein story broke that I re-evaluated the situation.' She continued: 'I feel badly about throwing a bomb into someone's life and career, but I guess that's social conditioning. 'I'm more sad than angry. Sad for 15 year-old me. Sad for the adult me that still thought it was a choice I made. 'Grooming is real. I want you all to know that it's not your fault if you were mentally massaged into thinking it's okay. It is not. I know this now. 'I would even go up to this director at events and ask him, with a smile, 'remember when you had sex with me at 15?' And I would laugh it off. That is deep societal programming. 'When it happened, I'd recently been left behind in Hollywood by a family member to fend for myself. The wolves preyed. 'Please recognize that if this has happened to you, the shame is not yours, it's theirs. Give it back. Groomers are skilled operators and at 15, I was not aware of the warning signs.' She concluded: 'Goddess bless us all, except for those that abuse their power. Here's to freedom, yours and mine.' The actress, 46, took to Twitter on August 17 to make allegations that the Oscar-winning director, 59, was 'very well-endowed' and had 'left her on a street corner' after showing her the pornographic material McGowan then posted a black and white headshot of herself as a teenager, adding: 'I just want an acknowledgement and an apology. I do not want to destroy. This was me at 15.' Payne and wife Maria Kontos attending a screening in Los Angeles in 2017 (left) and with his ex-wife, Killing Eve star Sandra Oh (right) Payne subsequently rose to fame for movies such as Sideways (2004), Election (1999) and About Schmidt (2002). It was reported in December last year that Payne was set to direct a remake of Babette's Feast. It is not known where these allegations leave the project. McGowan was an early face of the #MeToo movement in the fall of 2017 after she accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her. In January 2018, she gave some details of the Payne allegation - but without identifying the director by name. Speaking to Ronan Farrow, she said she had been the victim of a man who 'picked me up when I was 15 years old'. 'He took he home after he met me and he showed me a soft-porn movie he'd made for Showtime under a different name,' she said at the time. 'And then he had sex with me and then he left me next to Cafe Tropicale in Silverlake standing on a street corner.' McGowan hinted at the time that she would reveal the director's name when she was ready, having previously given the name to Farrow. #MeToo movement: McGowan, 46, who was one of the leading activists of the global movement and accused Harvey Weinstein of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s, has now shared that she is 'in a good place' following his conviction (pictured together in 2007) Convicted: The disgraced movie mogul, 68, was convicted in March in a landmark #MeToo case that ended with six of his accusers sobbing and hugging each other from the front row of the courtroom (pictured outside court on February 24) In May, McGowan said that she is 'in a good place now' that Weinstein is serving a 23-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault. The disgraced movie mogul, 68, was convicted in March in a landmark #MeToo case that ended with six of his accusers sobbing and hugging each other from the front row of the courtroom. Weinstein was convicted of raping an aspiring actress in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006. By ANI RAWALPINDI: The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan has been rescheduled in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing. The Pakistani and Chinese governments are currently working on a plan to finalise the new date for the trip, which will be announced soon, Yao was quoted as saying by The News International on Thursday while interacting with media persons at Giga Mall here. The Ambassador said that the Chinese President was invited by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Pakistan. The visit, if it had taken place, would have come in the backdrop of border tensions between China and India in eastern Ladakh for the last few months. On the intervening night of August 29-30, the Indian Army thwarted an incursion attempt by the Chinese troops to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh. India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June. The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant General-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far. The film industry is an economic driver for the state. During the worldwide production halt since March, the New Mexico State Film Office never stopped working. The office shifted its priorities during the downtime. Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office director, says the office quickly developed four main focuses. The first was to create guidelines for resuming production. I led a film/TV subcommittee focused solely on this goal what a safe and strategic resumption of production looks like in New Mexico, Dodson says. We had an incredible group of people at the table, including unions and guilds, our film partners, and other experts and representatives from the industry. We created Back2One, the catch-all document for New Mexico film/TV production in a COVID-19 world. It will be a continually evolving resource and were very happy with its first iteration. The second project was to streamline workflows, systems and processes. One example is that the Film Office is making the film incentive registration, processing and tracking more efficient both for our office and the end users the production companies, she says. Its essential we continue to upgrade and modernize how we do what we do, especially as we look ahead and anticipate a major influx of work and continued growth. The Film Office also awarded 20 filmmaker grants through the Sen. John Pinto Memorial Fund. Being able to acknowledge and award 20 incredibly talented Native filmmakers, and empower them, thanks to Sen. Shannon Pinto and the late Sen. John Pinto, was a huge bright spot for the film community and New Mexico as a whole during this challenging time in history, Dodson says. The timing was fortunate, as we were able to do something positive, in the immediate, to address inequality and empower underrepresented voices. Also, the Film Office continues to build relationships with hopes of securing projects when production reopens. Weve had a constant stream of calls, Zooms and ongoing dialogues with studios and production companies, weve sent out dozens and dozens of locations packages, and weve had so many interesting conversations with production support businesses, postproduction houses, visual effects houses and more, Dodson says. Our governors leadership has set us apart, and New Mexico is seen as a safe place to be, where the health safety of people is what matters. Health safety is also what matters on set now, more than ever, so we are in a great place, literally and figuratively. Keir Starmer was a near-Bolshevik bruiser with a Bay City Rollers haircut at school, a former classmate has claimed. Right-wing commentator Andrew Sullivan revealed his teenage clashes with the Labour leader over politics in an article for The Spectator magazine. He said he found it "surreal" that he had youthful acquaintances with the leaders of both major parties, having been at school in Surrey with Starmer and at Oxford University with Boris Johnson, but said the Labour leader had obviously matured since his youth while the prime minister seems incapable of that. Describing himself as an uptight young Thatcherite in his youth, Sullivan recalled furious arguments with the left-leaning Starmer. But he said the pair also bonded over their shared love of manic comedy team Monty Python, and were still in touch years after leaving school. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 January 2022 Surfers enter the sea as the sun rises over Tynemouth on the North East coast PA UK news in pictures 17 January 2022 Bonhams Danny McIlwraith holds a Nigerian polycrome carved wood mask during a photocall for the sale of the Jim Lennon Collection at Bonhams in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 16 January 2022 The moon rises above the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 15 January 2022 Demonstrators outside Downing Street during a Kill The Bill protest against The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in London PA UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA Describing the 1980s Johnson as a charming bullsh***er, the journalist said: I liked him because he made me laugh, didnt take himself too seriously, and wouldnt compensate or apologise for his ridiculous toffishness, which was a nice change from all the other Etonians. But he added: I was closer to Keir. Every morning, we both took the 428 and 410 buses, if I recall, from our respective homes, East Grinstead and Oxted, to Reigate Grammar. I was a diminutive, bespectacled, very uptight young Thatcherite, and Keir was a near-Bolshevik bruiser, with a Bay City Rollers haircut, a fat tie, an unbuttoned collar and an air of real roughness. The arguments began on the bus, and got more intense in 1975, when Thatcher became Tory leader, escalating through to 1979, when Keir and I were all but screaming at each other on a daily basis. It wasnt all politics, of course. The morning after the previous nights Monty Python, wed be trying to remember the best lines, shouting over each other, to the general consternation of the good local folk of Godstone and Redhill. Starmer had a haircut like teen pop heartthrobs the Bay City Rollers in the 1970s, former classmate Andrew Sullivan has said (Getty Images) Looking back on the years since his 1970s schooldays, Sullivan added: I guess we both mellowed. But Keir also transformed himself into someone far more polished and professional than I remember. The difference between him and Boris is that Keir has obviously matured, and Boris seems incapable of that. Keir, for his part, still loves hanging out with his old mates, has made time to stay in touch, and weve had some lovely reunions. A new assessment by independent UN sanctions monitors adds credence to reports that Russia doubled down on its military support for Gen. Khalifa Hifter as his offensive against Libyas Tripoli-based government faltered over the past year. The report, seen by Reuters, said the Russian militarys logistical support for the Wagner paramilitary companys activities in Libya significantly increased from January 2020 to June 2020. Some 338 Russian cargo flights arrived in Libya from Syria between November 2019 and the end of July, according to the document, which has not yet been made available to the public. A separate report submitted to the UN sanctions committee in May estimated Wagner had between 800 and 1,200 fighters in Libya. Late last month, a US inspector general report cited the US Africa Command as saying some 3,000 fighters had cycled in and out of Libya between April and June of this year. US Air Force Col. Christopher Karns, a spokesman for AFRICOM, told Al-Monitor today that the command estimates some 2,000 Wagner forces are present in Libya. Though the Kremlin denies any Russian personnel in Libya are there on behalf of the military, the May report said most of Wagners fighters were Russian. Belarusian, Ukrainian, Moldovan and Serbian fighters also have served with the group. AFRICOM commander Gen. Stephen Townsend warned earlier this year that Turkeys introduction of troops and Syrian mercenaries to Libya risked further entrenching Russia and thrusting Libya into a multinational proxy war. Since then, at least one of the Pentagons concerns has come true. In June, a convoy of Wagner mercenaries rolled into the Sharara oilfield, ostensibly to prevent Libyas National Oil Company from restoring the flow, despite international calls to restore Libyas domestic production. Imagery has also circulated online purporting to show a Russian S-300 air defense system in Libya, the deployment of which Townsend previously said could pose a problem for NATOs aerial access to the country, which is on the blocs southern flank. The US military released its own aerial imagery in May that AFRICOM said showed Russian MiG-29 and Su-24 combat aircraft that had been delivered to Libya via Syria. The command also released photographs purporting to show Russian mine-resistant vehicles and a mobile radar system at al-Jufra air base. The Tripoli governments rollback of Hifters offensive this spring and summer led to a surge in civilian deaths, the UN reported. Wagner fighters have been accused of leaving behind explosive booby traps at residential homes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called in June for an investigation after the discovery of at least eight mass graves near Tarhouna, southeast of Tripoli an area that had until recently been occupied by Hifters forces. Stephanie Williams, the UNs acting envoy for Libya, called Wednesday for a demilitarized solution to Libyas stalled conflict, beginning with the contested coastal city of Sirte. US officials have pushed just such a proposal in diplomatic discussions in recent months. Sirte is still held by Hifters forces. A call last month by the Tripoli-based government for a cease-fire was reciprocated by the rival Tobruk-based parliament, but Hifters forces so far have not publicly expressed willingness to abide by one. On Wednesday, a military spokesman for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord accused Hifter's forces of violating the cease-fire for the second time in three days. CYBERSPACEBeginning October 1, the social media platform Facebook will grant itself new rights to censor user content, especially in cases where that content may cause Facebook to get sued. The internet giant made the announcement earlier this week, according to a report by the technology news magazine Fast Company. Effective October 1, 2020, section 3.2 of our Terms of Service will be updated to include: We also can remove or restrict access to your content, services or information if we determine that doing so is reasonably necessary to avoid or mitigate adverse legal or regulatory impacts to Facebook, the company wrote in the announcement, which popped up in Facebook user timelines in the United States, India and Australia. In an indication that the move may be in anticipation of upcoming changes to Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, the law widely known as the First Amendment of the Internet, Facebook also issued a preemptive disclaimer, announcing that the company is not responsible for user content, including advertisements. We also dont control what people and others do and say, and we arent responsible for their (or your) actions or conduct (whether online or offline) or content (including unlawful or objectionable content), the company said in the statement. Section 230 protects platforms from facing lawsuits or criminal proceedings over content posted by users. But legislative efforts to roll back Section 230 protections have come from both sides of the political aisle. The Donald Trump administration has also issued an order to the Federal Communications Commission to review the 24-year-old law, with an eye to weakening the law, and holding platforms more responsible for third-party content. According to the Fast Company analysis, however, the new Terms of Service provision may be a response to a proposed law in Australia, which would require Facebook to make payments to the publishers of news content and other copyrighted material posted by users. Facebook fears that the if successful in Australia, other countries may also adopt the payment demands. In a blog post on August 31, Facebook said that if the Australian law took effect, it would reluctantly ban users in that country from sharing any news articles at all on the social media site. In the post, Facebook called the possible ban on news posts the only way to protect against an outcome that defies logic and will hurt, not help, the long-term vibrancy of Australias news and media sector. Photo By Thomas Ulrich / Pixabay F ootage of the moment Donald Trump referred to John McCain as a "loser" has resurfaced after the president denied calling the late Vietnam war hero the same rude name. Mr Trump denied reports that he referred to US servicemen killed in war as losers and suckers and refused to visit a military cemetery. When Mr McCain, a former Republican presidential candidate and senator who spent years in a prisoner of war camp in Vietnam, died of a brain tumour in 2018, Mr Trump was angry at the official commemoration of his death, the Atlantic reported. Witnesses reported him saying: "Were not going to support that losers funeral and become enraged when he saw flags lowered in respect for Mr McCain, who opposed Mr Trump's presidency. What the f**k are we doing that for? Guy was a f****** loser," the witnesses reported him saying. Thousands queue paying their respects to late senator John McCain 1 /26 Thousands queue paying their respects to late senator John McCain Cindy McCain, wife of US Senator John McCain, touches the casket during a memorial service at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix Reuters Members of the Arizona Army National Guard Honor Guard carry the body of Sen. John McCain to the Arizona State Capitol Rotunda where it will lie in state Getty Images Members of the public line up to pay their respects to Senator John McCain AP Cindy McCain, wife of US Senator John McCain, sits with her sons Jack, Jimmy, and daughter Meghan, at the memorial service AFP/Getty Images U.S. Senator John McCain's daughters Meghan (L) and Bridget (R) follow Senator McCain's casket into the Arizona State Capitol where he will lie in state in Phoenix, Arizona Reuters Cindy McCain, wife of, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. lays her head on the casket during a memorial service at the Arizona Capitol AP Members of the Arizona Department of Public Safety line up before the casket of Senator John McCain is carried by members of the Arizona National Guard to the Arizona State Capitol Rotunda where he will lie in state AFP/Getty Images A former US Marine pays his respects at the casket of US Senator John McCain during a memorial service at the Arizona Capitol AFP/Getty Images Meghan McCain, daughter of US Senator John McCain (R-AZ), grieves over the casket of her father during a memorial service at the Arizona Capitol AFP/Getty Images Mourners filed past the flag-draped casket at the Arizona Capitol AP Jack McCain, son of U.S. Senator John McCain touches the casket during a memorial service at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona Reuters Members of the public line up to pay their respects to Mr McCain AFP/Getty Images Cindy McCain (2nd R), is escorted by her sons Jack (R) and Jimmy (3rd R) behind the casket of her husband, Senator John McCain as he is brought to lie in state at the Arizona State Capitol building in Phoenix, Arizona EPA Meghan McCain, daughter of U.S. Senator John McCain touches the casket during a memorial service at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix Reuters Mourners touch the casket during a memorial service for US Senator John McCain at the Arizona Capitol AFP/Getty Images US Naval cadets walk past the casket during a memorial service for US Senator John McCain at the Arizona Capitol AFP/Getty Images Cindy McCain, wife of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. stands with her sons Jack, Jimmy, and daughter Meghan during a memorial service at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona Reuters Meghan McCain, daughter of the late US Senator John McCain, weeps over the casket during a memorial service for a father AFP/Getty Images The Arizona National Guard carries the casket of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) to his memorial service at the Arizona State Capitol Getty Images Cindy McCain, wife of Sen. John McCain, is escorted to the Arizona State Capitol Rotunda by her sons Jack (L) and Jimmy (R) where her husbands' body will lie in state Getty Images Mr Trump denied reports he was against the funeral, and said in a series of tweets on Thursday night that it was his "honor" to approve the funeral and that he did it "without hesitation or complaint". He added: "Also, I never called John a loser and swear on whatever, or whoever, I was asked to swear on, that I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES. "This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election!" But video from Mr Trump's 2015 campaign shows him calling Mr McCain a "loser" for his defeat in the 2008 presidential race to Barack Obama. He told an interviewer: "He lost, he let us down... I never liked him as much after that because I don't like losers." He dismissed the interviewer's protests that Mr McCain was a war hero, retorting: "He is not a war hero... He is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured." The furore over Mr Trump's comments about John McCain come after two senior defence officials alleged that Mr Trump disparaged US soldiers who died in war during a meeting in Paris on November 10, 2018. Mr Trump was due to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in the city but staff from the National Security Council and the Secret Service told Mr Trump that rainy weather made helicopter travel to the site risky. When they suggested driving there instead, the president allegedly replied that he would rather not go at all because the cemetery was filled with losers. Mr Trump said the story, first reported in The Atlantic, is totally false. At the time the White House blamed the cancelled visit on poor weather. The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Paris / Getty Images In another conversation during the trip, Mr Trump referred to the 1,800 marines who died in the First World War battle of Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed, according to The Atlantic. Again, Mr Trump fiercely denied the claims, calling them disgraceful and branding the publication a terrible magazine. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, whose son served in Iraq, said: If the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States. Duty, honour, country those are the values that drive our service members. I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. White House communications director, Alyssa Farah said: "This report is false. President Trump holds the military in the highest regard. "Hes demonstrated his commitment to them at every turn: delivering on his promise to give our troops a much needed pay raise, increasing military spending, signing critical veterans reforms, and supporting military spouses. This has no basis in fact." WASHINGTON (JTA) Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was among the victims of a gunman who attacked a high school in Parkland, Florida, delivered remarks at the opening night of the Republican convention. Pollack, who voted for Donald Trump in 2016, has praised the president in the past for emphasizing school safety instead of gun control. The president did what he said he would do, Pollack, who is Jewish, said Monday. He took action. He formed the School Safety Commission that issued dozens of recommendations to make schools safe. Pollack faulted far-left Democrats in... Air medical rescue staff take part in a rescue drill in Beijing on Sept 2, 2020. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn] Beijing 999, affiliated to Red Cross Society of China Beijing Branch, will provide non-first aid and air medical rescue services to Beijing residents starting Wednesday. To increase utilization efficiency, Beijing health authorities stipulated in August that from Sept 1, 120 is the number for first aid and 999 is the number for non-first aid. Residents can dial 999 when they want to be transferred home from hospital or be transferred from one province to another. 3 1 [ Editor: SRQ ] The Spectator chairman Andrew Neil has banned Co-op from advertising in his magazine after becoming embroiled in a row about transphobic articles in the publication. (Getty Images) The Spectator chairman Andrew Neil has banned the Co-operative Group from advertising in the magazine after a row about transphobia. The row was prompted by a tweet from a trans customer Lisa Fajita, the Co-op social media team said an investigation into its advertising policy would be launched. Lisa wrote: Hey @coopuk as a trans person I was please [sic] to see your adverts featuring a trans women and celebrating diversity, I visited your stores as a result, but why bother if your going to turn around ignore your members wishes and place adverts and fund transphobia in the spectator. Her comments were in response to a Stop Funding Hate (SFH) statement that criticised the group for advertising in the magazine, headed up by Neil. The row began after Stop Funding Hate criticised the Co Op group for advertising in right-wing magazine The Spectator (Stop Funding Hate/Twitter) SFH said: Many [Co-op members] will be disappointed to see Co-op UK's management supporting a magazine notorious for transphobia and anti-Muslim propaganda. The group alleged that at least one transphobic article appeared in each edition over the past year. In response, a representative from the Co-op promised Lisa an investigation would be launched and said: This advert was placed as part of a package by our media buyers. We are taking up the issue with them with a view to them not using this publication again in the future. However, before any action could be taken or a statement published, Neil responded by banning Co-op from advertising in his publication. He said: No need to bother, Co-op. As of today you are henceforth banned from advertising in The Spectator, in perpetuity. We will not have companies like yours use their financial might to try to influence our editorial content, which is entirely a matter for the editor. No need to bother, Co-op. As of today you are henceforth banned from advertising in The Spectator, in perpetuity. We will not have companies like yours use their financial might to try to influence our editorial content, which is entirely a matter for the editor. https://t.co/Iypkk9Pwrb Andrew Neil (@afneil) September 4, 2020 Neil was supported by Sajid Javid. The MP for Bromsgrove wrote: Great respect for The Spectators tradition of upholding its editorial freedom. You dont win debates by trying to stop them. Story continues The situation escalated further on Friday when a spokesman for the Co-op told Yahoo News UK that the post which went out via the social team did not reflect the companys policy position. He said: Where we advertise is driven by three policy principles which we have used since 2017: We will not seek to affect the editorial independence of publications or channels; we will not undermine the commercial value of our society for our members; and we will ensure our values and principles are clear and undiminished regardless of surrounding content. The Co-op social media team reiterated the position with a tweet: Thats escalated quickly and we want to set the record straight. The tweet sent yesterday was incorrect and does not reflect our advertising position. Our policy supports editorial freedom and you can read more about it here: https://coop.uk/3bs0jhB ^Fi Meanwhile The Spectator tweeted: Sorry to lose the Co-op, but The Spectator cannot work with advertisers who seek to use their commercial clout to stifle debate. Read our coverage of the transgender debate here: https://spectator.co.uk/tag/transgender Sorry to lose the Co-op, but The Spectator cannot work with advertisers who seek to use their commercial clout to stifle debate. Read our coverage of the transgender debate here: https://t.co/NXYpCArayS The Spectator (@spectator) September 4, 2020 Speaking before the clarification of the Co-ops position, Richard Wilson, director at SFH, told Yahoo News UK: The Spectator is notorious for its toxic track record of transphobia and anti-Muslim content. The Co-ops brave move reflects a growing recognition by advertisers that aligning with media that demonise their customers just doesnt make sense for their brand. In doing so, the Co-op is implementing what 96% of its members voted for at the companys 2018 AGM - ensuring that its adverts are not funding media that conflict with co-operative ethics and values. Yahoo News UK contacted The Spectator for comment but had not had a response at the time of going to press. The federal government of Canada and the provincial government of Alberta are each drafting hydrogen strategies to reduce emissions, which, in the case of Alberta, would allow it to cut the carbon intensity of oil sands production and expand it without breaching current caps on provincial emissions. Alberta, the oil-producing province, is preparing a hydrogen strategy to use the so-called blue hydrogen to extract heavy oil at the oil sands, Albertas Associate Minister of Natural Gas Dale Nally told Reuters, noting that the strategy, expected to be unveiled next month, is being coordinated with the federal government. The so-called blue hydrogen is made from natural gas where carbon emissions from the process are captured and stored. Blue hydrogen is a cleaner version of the grey hydrogen which is made from natural gas and coal and currently accounts for most of the hydrogen produced in the world. Reducing the carbon intensity of the oil sands would allow of course more expansion, Nally told Reuters in an interview. Lower emissions in the oil sands, one of the most carbon-intensive forms of oil extraction, could stop investors from the exodus from Canadas oil sands that began in the aftermath of the previous price crash in 2014. Last month, Canadas Natural Resources Minister Seamus ORegan told Reuters that the country must slash the greenhouse gas emissions from its oil production in order to lure companies back to investing in increasing oil and gas production and expanding projects. If you do what is required to lower emissions, you will be rewarded with increased investment. If you dont, youll be punished, ORegan told Reuters. Canadas federal government is also preparing a hydrogen strategy for the oil sector as part of a course for a net-zero emission plan 2050, a source in the government with knowledge of the strategies told Reuters. As long as Alberta stays within its provincial emissions limit, the federal government is not concerned about what greener strategies the province would use to keep within the cap, the source said. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia's Covid-19 vaccine might actually protect people from catching the disease, early studies show as the country finally publishes data about the controversial jab. The vaccine became the first in the world to be approved for mass use last month, with Vladimir Putin eyeing up nationwide injections in October. The move sparked uproar in the scientific community because there was no evidence to prove the vaccine - dubbed Sputnik V - worked or was safe. And it later emerged that British spies had detected a Russian cyber attack on Oxford University scientists who are developing an almost identical vaccine, raising fears that Moscow had tried to steal research from the UK. But results from two early clinical trials done in Moscow and published today in the prestigious British journal The Lancet, indicate the vaccine is safe and effective. The Russian scientists behind the studies said the jab stimulated an immune response in all inoculated participants and did not cause any serious health issues. Production of antibodies seen in the patients suggests the vaccine was able to prepare the body to be able to fend off Covid-19. Independent Western scientists said the results were 'somewhat reassuring' but warned the trials were too small and narrow to justify injecting millions of Russians. Just 76 people were involved in the study, only half of whom were actually jabbed, and volunteers were all healthy and mostly in their 20s and 30s. Vaccines can be more dangerous in elderly and vulnerable because their immune systems are too weak to fight off the tiny amounts of virus in the vaccine. And just because the jab does not cause harm does not mean it can actually prevent infection in real-life situations. More rigorous research will need to be done to prove this. Russia's controversial coronavirus vaccine might actually protect people from catching the disease, early clinical data suggests The vaccine became the first in the world to be approved for mass use last month, with Vladimir Putin eyeing up mass injections in October Scientists in the US and UK, who were not involved with the work, said the results were 'encouraging' and that the vaccine showed 'promise'. They were still concerned, however, about the quality of the research and of jumping the gun and pumping the jab into people too soon. The research was not randomised or placebo-controlled, meaning it was not done to the highest scientific standard and the effects of the jab could not be compared to the health of people who didn't get it. Randomised controlled trials ensure participants do not know if they are really getting the vaccine or a dud and are deemed critical in removing bias. The trials took place in two hospitals in Moscow, the Burdenko Hospital and Sechenov University Hospital. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT RUSSIA'S VACCINE? The Russian jab is a type called a viral vector vaccine, meaning it uses another virus to carry the immune agent - damaged parts of the real coronavirus, which can trigger a reaction but not cause an infection - into human cells. Putin's vaccine uses an adenovirus, a type of virus best known for causing the common cold, which has been weakened so it cannot trigger illness. Oxford University's vaccine candidate uses the same method. Russia claims the jab sped through early trials on monkeys and humans, known as Phase I and II trials, and was safe and effective at producing antibodies against Covid-19. But the scientists behind the vaccine have released no scientific data from the trials, meaning the results likely haven't been scrutinised by independent experts. The Russian jab has also not been put through rigorous Phase 3 trials, which are considered the only way to ensure vaccines are safe and actually work. During these tests, sometimes known as efficacy trials, scientists give the vaccine to tens of thousands of people and wait to see how many become infected. They then compare their results with volunteers who caught the infection after receiving a placebo. Scientists say this final phase is the only way to statistically prove a vaccine prevents infection. And because it's a much larger testing group, the trials can also pick up subtle side effects that may only affect a small percentage of people. These rare side effects can become dangerous when vaccines are scaled up for entire populations of tens of millions of people. Professor Peter Openshaw, an experimental medicine expert at Imperial College London, said today: 'It's important to emphasise that this vaccine has not been approved or even fully tested. The Russian health authorities are discussing the process for possible WHO pre-qualification as an approved vaccine. 'There are currently 19 vaccines that have been tested for the ability to generate antibody (Phase I), another 11 that have passed this stage and gone on to expended testing (Phase II), eight at Phase III and one vaccine approved for limited use. 'So far, it is reported that the Russian vaccine has undergone less than two months of human testing in a total of 38 people. It appears to be at Phase I or II. According to news sources, there is a Phase III trial of 1,600 people planned. That's not actually very large for a vaccine trial and would assume a high rate of infection in the volunteers.' Professor Openshaw suggested that the type of vaccine the Russians have produced would be likely to cause mild side effects such as fever, headache and tiredness. Advertisement Participants were aged between 18 and 60 and all deemed healthy with no underlying health conditions. In phase 1 of the trial, volunteers were given one part of the vaccine to see if they suffered any negative side effects. Nearly 60 per cent of participants suffered some pain at their injection site, while half suffered high temperatures - these are generally considered mild, acceptable effects. Four in 10 reported a sore head, while a quarter felt weak or a lack of energy and 24 per cent had muscle and joint pain. All of these symptoms were mild and quite common in many other adenovirus vaccines, so the Sputnik V was deemed to be safe and well tolerated. An adenovirus is a pathogen which is best known for causing common colds and which can be engineered to match the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. This technique is also being used in the vaccine prototypes developed by Oxford University and China's CanSino. Phase 2 saw volunteers given the full two-dose vaccine so scientists could monitor their bodies' immune response. All 40 subjects given the jab produced high levels of antibodies against Covid-19 within 28 days that, in theory, would be enough to fend off the infection. To analyse the level of immunity each person developed, scientists compared their antibody levels with blood samples taken from patients who had previously been infected with the disease. The authors say the antibody responses appear to be higher in people vaccinated than those with natural immunity. The scientists admit their studies were limited, including that they had a short follow-up (42 days), it was a small study, some parts included only male volunteers, and there was no placebo or control vaccine to compare it to. They say that more research is needed to evaluate the vaccine in different populations, including older age groups, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and people in at-risk groups. The vaccine will now move into phase 3 trials - which will see tens of thousands of people injected with the vaccine and sent back into the community. They will be regularly monitored to see if the jab can actually prevent them from being infected with Covid-19, which is still rife in Russia, in real-life situations. But rigorous phase 3 trials usually take many months - as has been the case with Oxford University's vaccine candidate. Oxford's jab has been in phase 3 studies for more than three months already and has not produced preliminary results yet. But Vladimir Putin has vowed to deliver his country's vaccine by next month and has turned the vaccine race into a matter of national prestige for Russia. There is growing concern that the studies will be rushed and fears the Kremlin is unlikely to admit defeat if it does not end up working in the end. Lead author of the early studies, Professor Alexander Gintsburg, from the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia, said: 'Preclinical and clinical studies have been done, which has made it possible to provisionally approve the vaccine under the current Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of April 3, 2020 no 441. 'This provisional licensure requires a large-scale study, allows vaccination in a consented general population in the context of a phase 3 trial, allows the vaccine to be brought into use in a population under strict pharmacovigilance, and to provide vaccination of risk groups. 'The phase 3 clinical trial of our vaccine was approved on 26 August 2020. It is planned to include 40,000 volunteers from different age and risk groups, and will be undertaken with constant monitoring of volunteers through an online application.' Putin said one of his daughters Maria (left) and Katerina (right) had been injected with a coronavirus vaccine. Reports in Russia say it was the younger Katerina who was inoculated Writing in a linked editorial in the Lancet, Dr Naor Bar-Zeev, from the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said the studies were 'encouraging but small'. He added: 'The immunogenicity [the fact it provokes an antibody response] bodes well, although nothing can be inferred on immunogenicity in older age groups, and clinical efficacy for any COVID-19 vaccine has not yet been shown. 'Showing safety will be crucial with COVID-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly. 'A vaccine that reduces disease but does not prevent infection might paradoxically make things worse. RUSSIAN HACKERS ACCUSED OF TRYING TO STEAL WORK FROM OXFORD UNIVERSITY British spies detected a Russian cyber attack on Oxford University researchers involved in testing for a coronavirus vaccine after installing a security shield around the facility, it emerged in July. Intelligence services feared a possible hacking attempt in March as the pandemic spread throughout the country, as reported by The Times. A cyber-shield was installed by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of GCHQ, who later detected an attack from hacker group Cozy Bear, also known as Advanced Persistent Threat 29 and the Dukes. It is not clear if the group - who are thought to be closely allied to the Russian state - managed to secure any information. It came after the UK, US and Canada issued a bombshell joint statement claiming APT29 is engaged in an ongoing campaign of 'malicious activity'. Security chiefs believe the group is 'almost certainly' operating as part of Russian Intelligence Services, with officials confident the Kremlin has given the green light for the activity. The three nations believe the purpose of the Russian attacks was to steal intellectual property so that Moscow can develop a coronavirus vaccine first or at least at the same time as the UK, US and Canada. Targets have included Oxford University and Imperial College London, which are undertaking world-leading work to develop a vaccine. Security sources said the sophisticated espionage attacks were authorised at the highest levels of the Russian regime, and may have been ordered by Vladimir Putin himself. The vaccine that has since been approved by Mr Putin is remarkably similar to the one being developed at Oxford, widely regarded as the most promising candidate in the world right now. Both use an adenovirus to transport parts of the virus that causes Covid-19 into the body to provoke the immune system. Other jabs are trialling different ways of doing this. Paul Chichester, director of operations at the National Cyber Security Centre, urged organisations involved in coronavirus research to shore up their defences. He added: 'We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic. 'Working with our allies, the NCSC is committed to protecting our most critical assets and our top priority at this time is to protect the health sector.' Advertisement 'It could falsely reassure recipients of personal invulnerability, thus reducing transmission mitigating behaviours. 'In turn, this could lead to increased exposure among older adults in whom efficacy is likely to be lower, or among other higher-risk groups who might have lower vaccine acceptance and uptake.' Commenting on the findings, Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, said: 'The study confirms what has been seen with Adenovirus vectors elsewhere, that they are generally safe and that they generate an immune response to the Sars-CoV-2 protein that is incorporated. 'While the numbers are relatively low the double serotype approach seems to have generated good levels of neutralising antibodies and T-cell activity. 'What everyone wants to know is if this translates the protection in the field and the recently announced phase 3 trials should provide that.' Dr Michael Head, senior researcher in global health at the University of Southampton, added: 'This manuscript confirms some of the public statements from a few weeks ago, namely that this appears to be a promising vaccine candidate. 'Phase 1 and phase 2 trials have been carried out, and there is sufficient reason to scale up into much larger phase 3 trials. 'That would be the right way to go about vaccine development. Concerns do remain around some of the previously-made ambiguous comments that this vaccine is about to be formally approved and licensed. 'At this stage, we do not know if the vaccine actually works that is what the phase 3 trials will tell us. 'Public confidence in any licensed vaccine is vital, and suggestions from both Russia and the USA that a vaccine may be fast-tracked without the proper research having taken place are problematic. 'We must be open and transparent about the effectiveness and safety profiles of all vaccine candidates. Ultimately, we must not pour additional fuel on the anti-vaccine lobby fires.' Russia claims that 20 countries have already ordered a billion doses of the vaccine, which was named Sputnik V after the former Soviet space satellites. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has already struck a deal for millions of doses while India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia have previously expressed an interest in the drug, according to Russian officials. Britain, the US and Canada claimed last month that Russia had tried to hack into Western vaccine research in its quest to win the race. Announcing the approval of the vaccine last month, Putin claimed it had undergone proper testing and been proven safe to use. 'I would like to repeat that it has passed all the necessary tests,' he said. 'The most important thing is to ensure full safety of using the vaccine and its efficiency.' The Russian leader added that one of his two adult daughters has received two shots of the vaccine and is feeling well. 'She has taken part in the experiment,' Putin said. Putin said his daughter had a temperature of 100F (38C) on the day of the first vaccine injection, which then dropped to 99F (37C) on the following day. After the second shot she again had a slight increase in temperature, but then it was all over, Putin said. He did not reveal whether it was his daughter Maria or Katerina who received the vaccine. However, reports in Russia said it was the younger Katerina who was inoculated. Further reports last month claimed that some of Russia's business and political elite had been given access to experimental vaccines as long ago as April. The Russian president said he hoped the country would soon start mass producing the vaccine. The Health Ministry said that the vaccine is expected to provide immunity from the coronavirus for up to two years. Logistics deal catches attention of competition agency - illustration photo/ Shutterstock On August 18, the Vietnam Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (VCCA) requested that Indo Trans Logistics Corporation (ITL) and Southern Logistics JSC (STG) provide information concerning their acquisition deal. On the same day, ITL confirmed the successful completion of its acquisition of STG in a 97-per-cent takeover, officially merging the two businesses into one. The company stated on its website that the merger will be the perfect move to make a complete logistics ecosystem for ITL and an important milestone on our journey to conquer the region and continue to provide our customers and partners with integrated, diversified, and cost-optimised logistics solutions, contributing to bringing more value to Vietnams logistics industry. ITL will purchase 57.199 million shares of STG around 53.8 million shares, equivalent to nearly 55 per cent, were owned by ITL subsidiary Gelex Logistics Co., Ltd. Despite not having directly bought STG shares, ITL has engaged in a contract with Gelex Logistics to purchase 100 per cent shares of the latter. It is said that the VCCA also sent other relevant authorities to uncover whether the deal has been completed or not. ITL, which has been provided with a financing package of $70 million by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, said, ITL is currently carry out diligence documents requested by the VCCA and will announce it later. It added, ITL understands the provisions of the laws and always complies with these regulations, and refused to give further details on its strategy after the deal at the moment when it was touched by VIRs question. Reporting to the Business Registration Management Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Gelex Logistics said that its owner and legal representative had changed to Dang Doan Kien, vice president in charge of ITLs Investment Division, from June 25. Currently, STG is listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange with market capitalisation of VND1.803 trillion ($78.4 million). According to the stock price estimated at the end of August 17 session at VND18,350 (80 US cents), the transaction is expected to be worth more than VND1.78 trillion ($77.4 million). In the information request letter, the VCCA also recommends related parties to comply with the provisions of articles 33 and 34 of the Law on Competition if the merger filing thresholds are met. Merger filing is mandatory for a proposed merger with total assets in the Vietnamese market of the enterprise or group of affiliated enterprises was VND3 trillion ($130.43 million) or more in the financial year immediately preceding the year of the proposed implementation of economic concentration. The threshold is also triggered if total sales turnover or input purchase turnover in the Vietnamese market of the enterprise or group of affiliated enterprises is the same amount in the same situation. Besides that, mergers are also required to be filed if its value is VND1 trillion ($43.47 million) or more. Though the Law on Competition does not prescribe what stage in the timetable the parties shall formally notify the transaction, a proposed merger must be notified before its completion. A fine of up to 5 per cent of each violators total turnover earned from the relevant market in the financial year preceding the incident may be imposed for the breach of filing responsibility. However, the National Competition Commission the legitimate institution with jurisdiction over merger control but has not yet been established would need to launch an investigation into possible merger control infringement within three years of the date the alleged violation is committed. Therefore, it is more pressing than ever that the commission becomes operational and the new Vietnamese merger control regime gets off to a good start. ITL is a premier regional solutions provider for integrated logistics, aviation services, warehousing, freight management, and distribution. In particular, ITL has been leading aviation services in the Indochina region, representing more than 22 airlines such as Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Jetstar, AirFrance, Delta, and Vietnam Airlines and, pre-pandemic, was transporting goods on more than 300 flights every week with capacity of more than 150,000 tonnes of cargo per year. The company also supports local companies to develop their business to international markets with integrated logistics services, including air, sea, rail, ground, multimodal transportation, and customs clearance. Meanwhile, STG is a Vietnamese-based company engaged in the transportation industry with a warehouse system of more than 230,000 square metres located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring areas and industrial zones bordering the Saigon River. This facilitates both road and water freight transportation, as STG provides freight forwarding services, as well as air, rail, water, road, and multimodal freight transportation services. People donning plastic face shields or masks accompanied by a valve could spray droplets over a broad area through coughing or sneezing. Therefore, masks with valves and face shields could still spread the virus as the devices are not effectual in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 when used on their own. Limitation of Face Shields According to a simulation, face shields are limited in order to protect against the novel coronavirus. In Boca Raton, scientists at Florida Atlantic University used laser light to display how face shields are able to bar the initial advancing movement of a simulated cough. However, fine droplets were in motion around the visor. Plastic Face Shields, Masks, Exhalation Valves As numerous people opt to use clear plastic face shields and masks with exhalation valves instead of surgical masks or cloth for comfort, the aforementioned researchers caution that they may not be as efficient to combat the prevalence of the coronavirus, reported Dentistry Today. Upon moving around the visor with relative ease as mentioned earlier, they could prevail over a large area dependent on light ambient interference. Students' Return to Classes Students from college, high school, and elementary are returning to classes, occasionally donning face shields with a cloth mask and at times without such. For instance, in California, the Orange County Health Care Agency, the Orange County Department of Education and school districts nationwide have created precautionary measures for returning to classes. According to their guide, "A face shield is an acceptable alternative for children in this cohort who cannot wear them properly," reported MarketWatch. Also Read: The World's Most Expensive COVID-19 Face Mask Costs $1.5 Million Florida Atlantic University Study The study was published on the 1st of September in the peer-reviewed scientific journal "Physics of Fluids." According to the researchers, they initiated the study to help the public surmise the effectiveness of face shields and masks equipped with exhalation valves which are their increasingly popular alternatives. Warning The scientists cautioned that widespread use of alternatives to medical and cloth masks could have a probable adverse effect on mitigating the pandemic. CDC Advisory According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they do not recommend using face shields in place of masks in efforts to flatten the curve of the pandemic. The aforementioned university visualized invisible droplets from a mannequin's mouth while simulating sneezing and coughing. Face Shields Easier to breathe in, face shields lessen humidity and fogging when worn with glasses. They safeguard the eyes from sprays of infected droplets, enable visual communication for the hearing-impaired, and could be conveniently disinfected and cleaned. Unfavorably, tiny aerosolized droplets could penetrate under the face shield's bottom and from the visor's sides. The scientists discovered that over exposure in a span from one minute to half an hour, it was only 23 percent successful in reducing the droplets' inhalation. Mask With a Valve For the mask with a valve fitted for easy breathing, "a large number of droplets pass through the exhale valve unfiltered, which make it ineffective in stopping the spread the COVID-19 virus if the person wearing the mask is infected," reported Manila Bulletin. Related Article: How to Stay Safe If COVID-19 Is Proven to Be Airborne @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After facing criticism for not responding sooner, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh issued a message to those who joined a massive party in the Dorchester neighborhood Saturday and Sunday: stop endangering people in the middle of a pandemic. Large groups of people gathering together is dangerous right now in Boston and completely unacceptable, the Boston Democrat said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Gathering throughout the night and early morning hurts neighborhoods, and our most vulnerable communities do not deserve to have their health, safety and quality of life negatively impacted by these actions. The Black Boston COVID-19 Coalition blasted Walsh and Gov. Charlie Baker for not publicly responding to word of the incident, which they say drew thousands of people to Talbot Avenue over the weekend. Boston city officials did not respond to inquiries about the size of the crowd. By Saturday night, live videos on social media clearly showed thousands of people, partying. Though many had masks around their necks, shockingly few were wearing the masks, said Dianne Wilkerson, a coalition member. I waited all day Sunday for the news reports and then a press conference by Gov. Baker, Mayor Walsh and other elected officials on Monday. It never happened! Now that we hear that theres another party being planned for the weekend, were sounding the alarm, she added. The Boston Police Department received calls complaining about the gathering and sent officers to the area. The officers set up traffic restrictions. No arrests were made, however, according to city officials. Outreach and engagement coordinators, who are part of the citys Street Outreach, Advocacy and Response program, went out with members of the Boston Public Health Commission and handed out protective gear. When asked about the gathering, Baker said Boston police and Massachusetts State Police officers worked with the attendees to get them to leave peacefully. With all of the tension thats out there these days, that exists between law enforcement and people generally, they handled it exactly the way you would want them to, the Republican governor said Thursday afternoon. Maybe it took too long, and maybe people were unhappy about that, but I know exactly the event youre talking about and people did show up and they handled it the way you would want them to handle it in your neighborhood. Coalition members said partiers set up DJ tables and shared bottles of beer for hours as they accused Walsh and Baker of giving this incident less attention than they did to the complaints against the Bay State Cruise Company, when a photo of a packed cruise ship in July circulated on Twitter. I became a member of BBCC because I, too, felt strongly that COVID-19 in Bostons Black community was not being addressed with the urgency and focused attention the statistics clearly told us is warranted, said member Chioma Nnaji. The lack of even an acknowledgement of what we all watched live-streaming has proven my concerns were warranted! The party is the latest large gathering to come under scrutiny in Massachusetts during the coronavirus pandemic. More than 8,800 people have died from coronavirus-linked complications, and the state has reported more than 119,819 positive tests since March. Baker acknowledged the emotional toll of the isolating nature of the COVID-19 response, saying he missed meeting with cabinet members in person. I also know I cant stress this enough that COVID is all about its contagion, Baker said. Thats what its all about. Thats its super power. The last thing we should do is give it opportunities to follow through on that, as frustrating and as difficult as that can be Related Content: SoftBank Group Corp. is exploring assembling a group of bidders for TikToks India assets and has been actively looking for local partners, according to people familiar with the matter. Over the past month, the Japanese conglomerate, which owns a stake in TikToks Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd., has held talks with the heads of Indias Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and Bharti Airtel Ltd., the people said, asking not to be identified because the details are private. While discussions have fizzled since, SoftBank is still exploring options, according to the people. Representatives for SoftBank, ByteDance, Reliance and Bharti Airtel declined to comment. TikTok is considering selling its operations in several countries after local governments shut out the app, citing fears that sensitive user data was passing into the hands of the Chinese state. India, a long-time regional rival, has taken a particularly tough stance, banning 59 of Chinas largest internet services in July, including TikTok. The move came less than a month after 20 Indian soldiers died in border clashes amid heightening nationalism stoked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.SoftBank would almost certainly need a local partner to cut a deal that would win government approval. Before the ban, India was one of TikToks largest markets, with more than 200 million users. In the U.S., President Donald Trump threatened to ban TikTok and then ordered ByteDance to sell its assets in the country because of national security concerns. Despite holding only a minor stake in ByteDance, SoftBank has played a particularly active role in negotiations. In the U.S., the Japanese company brought in Walmart Inc. as the main investor in a group of bidders that also included Google parent Alphabet Inc. But the consortium fell apart after the Trump administration insisted a U.S. tech company lead the investments, one of the people said. Google said it is no longer interested, while Walmart joined a bid led by Microsoft Corp. Its unclear which group SoftBank is currently working with in the country. Centricus Asset Management Ltd., which is also a frequent adviser to SoftBank, teamed up with Triller Inc. in a bid for TikToks operations in the U.S. and several other countries for $20 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has a long history of investing in India and a deep network of local business connections. Local startups backed by Son include e-commerce provider Snapdeal.com, ride-hailing service Ola Cabs and hotel-booking app Oyo Rooms. In December, SoftBank poured $275 million into eye-care provider Lenskart, minting Indias latest unicorn. The company is also part of a solar power joint venture with Bharti Enterprises Pvt. and Taiwans Foxconn Technology Co. Son helped pave the way for Walmarts entry into the country by selling its stake in Flipkart Online Services Pvt Ltd. in 2018. Son has been on a $42 billion asset selling spree, offloading stakes in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., T-Mobile US Inc. and SoftBanks domestic telecom unit, SoftBank Corp. Son is also looking to sell or list Arm Ltd., the chip design firm that he bought four years ago for $32 billion. By Associated Press COLOMBO: Ships, boats and aircraft from Sri Lanka and India were escalating efforts to douse a fire raging on an oil tanker east of Sri Lanka for a second day Friday. The navy of the Indian Ocean island nation confirmed one crew member from the MT New Diamond had died in a boiler explosion. The fire that started Thursday in an engine room boiler injured one other crew member. The fire is still raging there, Sri Lankan navy spokesman Indika Silva said Friday morning, adding it hasn't spread into the oil storage area of the ship and no oil leakage has been reported. A Sri Lankan air force helicopter was picking up seawater to dump on the fire in a Bambi bucket operation, air force spokesman Group Capt. Dushantha Wijensinghe said. The air force also had an observation aircraft deployed to provide feedback to the authorities. Photos released by the air force showed smoke rising from the engine room of the ship but no visible damage or fire in other areas of the vessel. The Sri Lankan navy sent four ships in response to the alarm it received Thursday, and they picked up 19 crew members who had left the burning tanker on lifeboats, Silva said. As the navy ships tried to put out the fire, the captain and two others abandoned the tanker. Three ships from Sri Lanka, two ships from India, Indian coast guard aircraft and two Sri Lankan tug boats have joined the firefighting efforts. The tanker's 23 crew are 18 Filipinos and five Greeks. The dead and injured crew are both Filipino. The dead crew member was initially reported as missing and on Friday, Sri Lanka navy said preliminary information from crew had confirmed that the missing crew member had died in a boiler explosion. The injured man, identified as the third engineer of the ship, was taken to land and hospitalized. His condition is returning to stable, Silva said. The tanker was carrying 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip. At the time of the fire, the Panamanian-registered ship was about 38 nautical miles (70 kilometers) east of Sri Lanka. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 06:25:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ROME, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Around 8 million students are returning to schools in Italy for the first time since March, as the country reported for the ninth time in 13 days over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday. Thursday was the first day that students began returning to school in Italy, mostly in private schools across the country. Most public school students will return either Sept. 7 or Sept. 14. The return to school risks pushing infection rates even higher, according to Andrea Crisanti, a virologist from the University of Padua. In media interviews this week, Crisanti predicted an infection rate of 2 to 3 percent among students, potentially resulting in as many as 240,000 new infections or nearly as many infections as having been recorded nationally since February. Italy recorded 1,397 new cases of the coronavirus infection on Thursday. It was the ninth time since Aug. 22 that at least 1,000 new cases were recorded. Before that date, the grim 1,000-case milestone had not been surpassed in a single day since May 12. The new cases brought the total number of coronavirus infections in the country to 272,912 since the first infections in February. From mid-March to mid-April, Italy regularly recorded more than 4,000 new cases a day, peaking with 6,554 new infections on a single day. The number of patients in intensive care units has been climbing as well, reaching 120 by Thursday, an increase of 11 from the previous day. Other indicators remained largely under control. Ten deaths were reported across the country on Thursday, an increase from six a day earlier. But the country has not seen more than 15 deaths in a single day since July 16. A total of 289 people were declared recovered from COVID-19 on Thursday, in line with recent days, bringing that total to 208,490. The outbreak was cast in a new light this week after former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi tested positive for the coronavirus. News that Berlusconi was infected broke Wednesday and was front-page news across Italy. A study from the health unit for Reggio-Emilia in central Italy showed that those infected by the coronavirus might still be able to infect others for more than twice as long as previously believed. If further research holds up that data, it could be significant, since quarantine periods for infected individuals is based on the period when they could potentially remain positive. If the quarantine is not long enough, infected individuals could still spread the virus even if they respect strict quarantine rules. Enditem A spokesperson for Warner Bros, the Hollywood studio backing the project spoke to a leading daily. A member of The Batman production has tested positive for Covid-19 and is isolating in accordance with established protocols. Filming is temporarily paused. Although the studio declined to name the member of the film crew, various reports suggest the person who tested positive was Pattinson, the films star. The 34-year-old will now self isolate for the next two weeks. The films shooting was halted in March due to a government-induced lockdown. The crew began shooting in Hertfordshire only three days ago and now have to halt production again. We hope that Pattinson makes a quick recovery and is back on sets soon. British actor Robert Pattinson, whos playing Batman in the next instalment of the franchise, has tested positive for COVID-19. This has resulted in the halting of the films shooting which had begun again just three days ago. The news is sure to send a shiver down the spine of millions of Pattinsons fans, who were blown away with the comic-con footage of the actor playing Batman, which got released recently. Take a look at the video below. Social media in Taiwan on Friday was abuzz with the news of a Chinese Su-35 aircraft being shot down in Guangxi, an autonomous coastal region in southern China, bordering Vietnam. According to several reports, the plane crashed after intruding into the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Several videos, from unknown locations, went viral, showing a jet engulfed in thick smoke. According to news agency ANI, Beijing later refuted the claims and said it was completely untrue". The Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of China issued a statement condemning the circulation of false information" on the internet. The Air Force Command emphasised that in order to maintain airspace security, the headquarters will continue to closely monitor the conditions of the sea and airspace around the Taiwan Strait, and provide correct information in a timely manner to prevent spread of fake and false news, and to avoid social unrest, and appeals to people to rest assured," said a statement from the ministry. The defence ministry of Taiwan also denied these reports, saying, No Chinese Su-35 fighter jet has been shot down by Taiwan." A sheriff in Texas was once trailing badly in his re-election campaign. He met with his political friends to discuss how he might regain the lead. After examining different options, he himself came up with a suggestion on how to damage his opponent. Why dont we say that he commits bestial acts with pigs? he asked. His friends shook their heads dismissively, saying that everybody would know that the accusation was untrue. I know that, replied the sheriff, but lets hear him deny it. This old American political fable was told to me by my father, Claud Cockburn, who was a journalist in the US in the late 1920s and 1930s. But its cynical message remains true today and goes to the heart of Donald Trumps tactics that won him the White House almost four years ago and are fuelling his rebound in the polls today, making it all too possible that he will be re-elected as president on 3 November. As the story about the Texas sheriff shows, Trumps political box of tricks is not new, but he has updated its contents and is expert at using them. Trump says something outrageous and often untrue, such as claiming that the drearily establishment Joe Biden is a radical socialist hand-in-glove with rioters and looters. The charge is attention-grabbing and guaranteed to dominate the news agenda, while Biden is forced onto the political back foot as he rebuts the charge. He is lured onto political terrain favourable to Trump where the focus is on racial fears and hatreds and attention is diverted away from Trumps calamitous handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Politicians like Trump and the present generation of populist nationalist leaders such as Viktor Orban in Hungary, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey and Narendra Modi in India, employ similar tactics. In the House of Commons this week, Boris Johnson accused Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, of being an IRA supporter, eliciting a furious chapter-and-verse denial from Starmer that he had ever had any sympathy for the IRA. As always, it is easier to tell a lie than rebut it and a rebuttal necessarily involves restating the accusation. An advantage for Trump is that his opponents underestimate his political skills because they are contemptuous of his crudity, ignorance and mendacity. But his ability to manipulate information needs to be, and is, greater than leaders like Orban, Erdogan and Modi because he faces a mostly hostile American media, while they have largely stamped critical news outlets out of existence. His critics abuse him as a former reality TV host without realising that his long experience of successfully pursuing ever-higher ratings for his show has honed his media expertise to a level they cannot match. He knows how to say something so shocking that news editors will not be able to ignore it, regardless of whether it is true or false. He long ago learned how to give an impression of spontaneity and authenticity that always outscores pre-scripted remarks. Trump has instinctively understood the great problem of information in the internet age. This is not, as is often imagined, primarily fake facts, but is rather the sheer volume of facts, the great porridge of information, that is now available to everybody. A successful politician must shout louder than ever to attract attention, must never be boring and remember that dullness is never news. Trumps tweets may sound maniacal but they work perfectly as news headlines that jump off the page or off the TV or computer screen. Compare Trumps utterances with those of Biden, or of Hillary Clinton four years ago, and see why they fail to compete. Democrats tend both to underestimate Trump as a political operator and, at the same time, demonise him as evil made flesh to the point that they are blinded by hatred to his strengths and weaknesses. Given the record of his dysfunctional, corrupt and incompetent administration, it is extraordinary how often his enemies have failed to land a punch that drew real political blood. Remember Russia-gate and the impeachment process that were supposed either to bring Trump down or to hole him below the waterline so that he would capsize come election day? Yet this giant offensive failed so dismally that Russia and impeachment were scarcely mentioned during the Democratic convention that chose Biden as candidate. Recommended Joe Biden visits Kenosha to set out vision for racial justice Much attention is rightly given to the division between left and right within the Democratic Party as a reason why it has been such an ineffective opponent of Trump. The party establishment often appeared more determined to defeat Bernie Sanders as a potential presidential candidate than to drive Trump from power. They got their way when Biden became the nominee. But the triumph of the traditional elite within the Democrats creates a weakness not often considered. Biden and his section of the party belong to what has been described as the residual elites, the old political, military and media establishment that were the self-confident rulers of America in the second half of the 20th century. Detesting Trump and all his works, they dream of returning to the years of their youth, when the institutions which they led fought the Cold War against the Soviet Union. Look at the alacrity with which these remnants of what were once the unchallenged powers-that-be in America (and their allies abroad) have sprung to arms to wage a new cold war in opposition to supposed threats from Russia, China and Iran. In opposing Trump, much of the Democratic leadership and Washington elite disappeared down memory lane. Trump was to be unmasked and impeached as a Russian proxy, illegitimately elected through the Kremlins subterranean efforts. Russias capabilities were absurdly exaggerated, doubtless to the joy and amusement of Vladimir Putin. Hillary Clinton needed no foreign agency to lose the election against Trump, as all accounts of her disastrous campaign make clear. Opponents of Trump in America are not alone in their frustration, since populist nationalist governments from Brazil to Israel, Hungary to India and Turkey to the Philippines never seem to be displaced once they have seized the levers of power. Joe Biden says Trump 'legitimises dark side of human nature' in Kenosha speech A common feature of this failure is that the Trumpian regimes (though many predate Trump) have been able to monopolise patriotism at a time when the nation state remains the primary focus of communal loyalty within countries. They have been able to pose successfully as patriotic saviours of the nation, despite doing untold damage to their countries because their opponents have let them do so. Left-wingers in former imperial powers like Britain, France and the US see home-grown nationalism as tainted by colonialism and racism. They sympathise more decisively with self-determination for ex-colonies and subject races. As Jeremy Corbyn predictably found out, this approach is a certain recipe for electoral defeat. Well-educated metropolitan liberals, for their part, view nationalism as old-hat prejudice in a globalising and interdependent world. Nationalism, which can be good or bad, is the glue that binds together the disparate coalitions of interests that back Trump-type regimes. Effective opposition to them must also hold together a loose coalition of powerful but divergent forces by seizing back the patriotic card and portraying the Trumpians as the true enemies of the nation. Dozens of armed men stormed Bunia, the capital of DR Congos northeastern Ituri province on Friday to demand the release of jailed militia fighters but they were peacefully evicted by security forces. The heavily-armed men gathered in the city centre with rockets, AK-47 assault rifles and axes but were then bundled into three cars and driven out of the city, an AFP journalist said. There was no exchange of fire. The regions governor Jean Bamanisa told AFP earlier that the men had gathered outside the central prison to demand the release of their jailed peers. They are negotiating. We are trying to calm them, he said. However some local sources said the men had come to give themselves up. Several militia and rebel groups have been staging attacks in the region but this was the first time in recent years that they had entered a major city in the Great Lakes area bordering Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Locals blamed the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), an armed group accused of ethnic attacks and killing more than 1,000 civilians since December 2017, according to the United Nations. CODECO is drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, a predominantly farming community which has historically clashed with the Hema, a group of traders and herders. The two communities were embroiled in a bloody conflict between 1999-2003 which led to the European Unions first foreign military mission, the short-term Operation Artemis. Governor Bamanisa said the men were from a CODECO faction which unilaterally wants to end hostilities. His deputy Gracien de Saint-Nicolas said: We will not allow blood to be spilt in Bunia. The CODECO is Congolese and ready to give up arms but you are not facilitating the task for them to be reintegrated into the peace process. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet visited Ituri in January and denounced what she called crimes against humanity there. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he is reviewing a measure that would remove control of the Austin Police Department from the capital city, and place them under state authority. Austin became the first Texas city to vote in favor of realigning financial resources, in honor of the Black Lives Matter Protests. The protests have erupted across the nation in response to police brutality against Black Americans. Abbott said the proposal for the state to takeover the Austin Police Department is one strategy he is looking at. "We can't let Austin's defunding & disrespect for law enforcement to endanger the public & invite chaos like in Portland and Seattle," Abbott tweeted on Thursday. The said legislation aims to guide the governor on how to assert state authority in a particular locality that in some manner affects the entire state. It was handed to Abbott last week by former state representative Terry Keel and Ron Wilson. The legislation dictates that a police force in a city that has a population of over one million, with less than two police officers per 1,000 residents, would be able to be part of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Keel said that the letter is basically a roadmap to how the legislature can address the problem in Austin. "Because Austin opened the door to the legislature doing that, by defunding the police and by creating a public safety crisis," Keel was quoted. Austin Mayor Steve Adler pushed back on the governor's announcement. Adler said Austin is the safest big city in Texas and one of the safest countries. Public safety is their priority and support their place. The Austin mayor noted that they are always looking for ways to for everyone to be even more safe. "Not surprising the President's rhetoric is finding its way to Texas as we get closer to November," the mayor said. Protest against police brutality and racial injustices have occurred across the nation after the death of George Floyd. Austin residents have had their own experiences, believing that there is an excessive police force on Black and Hispanic residents. In April, Austin police officers shot killed an unarmed Black and Hispanic man named Mike Ramos. The Austin City on Aug. 14 joined Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities defunding their police departments. The city council unanimously approved a $150 million cut to its police department budget, which is 34 percent of its current total. Councilmember Greg Casar made the three-tiered plan to reduce the police department budget. Casar said that when Austin community demands change, he wants to make sure that the council can respond. He said this has born out of a lot of hurt in the community. He added that they know they have a long way to go. The council's proposal also includes removing 50 vacant officer positions. In this way, the police department will start the fiscal year 2021 without any unfilled sworn positions. Check these out: Migrant Children in Texas Hotel Will Not Be Expelled, Immigration Officials Say Texas Sheriffs Say No to Coronavirus Mask Rule Austin City Council Green-Lights Police Department Budget Cut The globally-acclaimed pianist Lang Lang has told CNBC that he's very worried about the current relationship between China and the U.S., and is planning a virtual concert in December to try and help bring the countries together. "I really worry about the U.S.-China relationship. I really hope that they will go back to the normal speech and the normal way of communication. I really worry about the current situation," he said. Lang, who was born in Shenyang, China, was speaking to CNBC from Bejing about the release of his new album, a recording of Bach's "Goldberg Variations," considered to be one of the most challenging pieces ever written for the piano. He recorded both a live and studio version of the piece in Germany just before the global lockdown. His comments come as he plans a virtual concert which will include input from U.S. schools that he is working with as part of The Lang Lang International Music Foundation. He started the foundation in 2008 to champion music education and inspire the next generation of musicians. Lang, who is also a United Nations Messenger of Peace, added that he hopes music can play an important part in getting China and the U.S. back as "good friends" soon. He has recently returned to Beijing after spending five months in Shanghai during the pandemic crisis, and said life is gradually getting back to normal in China. Concert halls and movie theaters are now open to 50% capacity, and schools are re-opening for the Fall semester. "It certainly is much more hopeful than three months ago," he said. "And I see from here to the main road in Beijing is very crowded So that's a good sign I would say. Normally I hate traffic, but in this case, I take (it) as a good thing." Lang, who plans to return to live performance with an audience in some capacity in the Fall, said he hopes his Bach recordings provides comfort to people during the global pandemic crisis. "Despite the difficult time, we have to make sure life needs to go on, and music is a great way to approach building a bridge to people and to feel more comfortable, to feel more secure and to feel more healed," he said. If you get a document in the mail that you think, I wonder if I need this for my taxes, you should keep it, Devine said. You can always get rid of it. But if you lose it, it will delay the process. KYODO NEWS - Sep 4, 2020 - 21:04 | All, Japan, Coronavirus A Japanese murder suspect was taken into custody in South Africa, where he had been evading arrest for 17 years, as a poverty-stricken life brought on by the coronavirus pandemic forced him to come out of hiding, Japanese police said Friday. So Kamiya, 46, turned himself in on Aug. 21 at the Japanese Embassy in South Africa. An investigative source quoted him as saying, "Life has become tough after losing my job and money. I would like to return to Japan." The police, who had put Kamiya on an international wanted list, arrested him on Thursday at Narita airport near Tokyo after identifying him by his fingerprints. He tested negative for the coronavirus. Kamiya arrived at the airport aboard a special charter flight for Japanese wishing to return from the virus-hit African nation as most international flights to and from South Africa have been grounded. South Africa has reported about 633,000 virus infections, with some 14,560 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University of the United States. Kamiya is suspected of having abducted 26-year-old Shinya Kogawa in September 2003 at a restaurant parking lot in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, and then confined him in a car in Tokyo and neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture. The victim's body parts were found in a mountainous area in Okutama, a town in western Tokyo. Kamiya is believed to have entered South Africa around October 2003. Kogawa was involved in a dispute with Tomoyuki Matsui, 48, who is believed to have ordered the murder, over Kogawa's plan to open a new bar. Matsui, who also fled Japan to South Africa and was put on an international wanted list, is believed to have killed himself in 2016, according to the investigative sources. The Japanese police received the information about the body from the South African police in May via the Japanese Foreign Ministry. The Tokyo police have apprehended around 10 suspects in connection with the case. Related coverage: Crime in Japan accelerates its decline during coronavirus pandemic Wife arrested for trying to kill husband with crossbow, knife in Kobe Thousands of students in the Alamo Colleges have delayed paying tuition or are taking the fall semester off, creating a headwind against the collection of millions of dollars of expected revenue for the districts five community colleges. On Aug. 24, the first day of the semester, more than 2,400 students who had registered for classes had missed the deadline to pay tuition and owed more than $2.4 million to the district. When classes began last year, only about 750 students who had enrolled still owed about $455,000, according to district data. Tuition is $99 per credit hour for residents of Bexar County. Payments this year had been due by Aug. 23 for the traditional 16-week fall semester. But the district has extended that deadline until Monday, giving an additional two weeks to students who might be dealing with pandemic-induced economic hardships. Because of this situation were in, students are not behaving in normal ways, said Adrian Jackson, spokeswoman for St. Philips College. Registration was a bit slower this year than it has been in previous years, and that may be the issue with getting those initial payments in, or it might just be that students are struggling right now in making that payment and meeting their basic needs. Before the deadline was moved, St. Philips administrators opted for an all-hands-on-deck approach, asking some faculty and staff to directly call students with outstanding balances between Aug. 10 and Aug. 21 to remind them that Aug. 23 was fast approaching. In a normal year, students who had not made tuition payments or enrolled in a payment plan by the deadline would have been dropped, or unregistered, in an automatic computer purge before the start of classes. With the purge postponed for two weeks, those enrolled in the Fall Start Two or Fall Flex II semesters have payment deadlines that end on Sept. 20 and Oct. 18, respectively. Students who have not yet paid tuition for the regular fall semester were allowed to start classes which this year is taking place entirely remotely except for some career and technical education courses that require hands-on learning. But they cant continue if they dont pay or enroll in a payment plan with their college by Monday, said Kristi Wyatt, the districts associate vice chancellor for communications. Its not normal to ask faculty and non-advising staff to call students about payments, but were not in normal times, Jackson said. The script they received at St. Philips included a warning that began, To avoid being dropped from your classes, you will need to either pay in full or sign up for an installment plan, listing steps students could take to get on such a plan, check their balance or make a payment. St. Philips had about 3,000 students with no payments on their balances in mid-August, and was able to get that number down to less than 1,000, thanks in part to these calls, Jackson said. The schools total enrollment in 2019 was nearly 13,000 students, according to the colleges website. Something as simple as a non-payment hold or any hold or anything of that nature could prevent a student from realizing their dreams, said Mordecai Brownlee, vice president for student success at St. Philips. We owe it to them to do everything we can do Usually what we end up finding during those calls is that students may really be in need, and thats when we can connect them with our advocacy services. Professors and staff were asked to call students on a voluntary basis, Jackson and Brownlee said, but a staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution said they were not given a choice, providing an email from a dean that introduced the initiative with the sentence, I know we all get tasks that we dont want to do from time to time and this may or may not be one of them. Our division has 500 calls to make to students with balances, it continued. Everyone has a maximum of 10 students to call. The script you will use is attached. The staff member said complying with the directive was uncomfortable, adding, I'm not a debt collector. The number of students who missed their payment deadlines this year was significantly higher than what the district is accustomed to seeing this time of year, Wyatt said. Were also seeing more students registering later, so the pattern is a little different. With COVID, there was a lot of uncertainty with individuals around waiting to see which classes would be online and looking to see what their personal situations would look like, she said. We are still working to reach out to our students to ensure that they can stay in school. We want to give them every opportunity to get on a payment plan or for us to work with them to continue through the semester. The spring semester at the Alamo Colleges was interrupted by the initial arrival of the coronavirus, and the district made subsequent budget decisions to cushion itself against revenue shortfalls and increased expenses, creating a strategic reserve of about $2 million for the 2021 fiscal year to cover any unanticipated expenses or revenue deficits related to the pandemic. In the spring, the district set aside about $10 million to support students who were struggling with the economic effects of the pandemic, using some of those funds to forgive some student balances that were under $500, Wyatt said. We dont want students to fall through the cracks, to get dropped because they missed a payment date, she said. andy.picon@hearst.com Student sues FSU over ouster as student senate president for sharing Catholic beliefs Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Florida State University student on Monday filed a lawsuit against the university over the student government's decision to oust him as senate president for sharing his Catholic beliefs. Jack Denton is suing FSU after he was removed from his leadership position in the universitys Student Government Association after a vote of no-confidence following what he previously described as "mob influence" that got students to change their votes. According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, the removal came after a series of text messages written by Denton were made public. In the texts, Denton told fellow Catholics that they might want to avoid supporting groups like Black Lives Matter, Reclaim the Block and the ACLU. The Student Senate at Florida State University has failed its pedagogical purpose and breached its constitutional obligations by removing its presiding officer, Jack Denton, in retaliation for his private religious speech, the suit states in part. When Mr. Denton tried to resolve his complaint through internal procedures by appealing to the Student Supreme Court, the Student Senate intentionally prevented the Court from hearing his complaint. Furthermore, according to the suit, University officials took no action to correct the Student Senates clear violation of Mr. Dentons rights, despite having the authority and the duty to do so. To vindicate his constitutional rights, Mr. Denton asks this Court to order his reinstatement, compensation, and the expungement of all records relating to the Senates retaliatory and discriminatory actions against him, it continued. Denton is being represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law firm that represents clients in religious liberty cases. ADF Senior Counsel Tyson Langhofer, director of the ADF Center for Academic Freedom, said in a statement released Tuesday that students should be able to peacefully share their personal convictions without fear of retaliation. Florida State should be fostering real diversity of thought, not punishing individuals based on their religious convictions or political beliefs, he added. While FSU students claim theyre creating a safe space, theyve tried to cancel Jacks freedoms and discriminate against him because they dont like his beliefs, in direct violation of the schools SGA Ethics Code, the Student Body Constitution, andmost importantlythe First Amendment. The Christian Post reached out to FSU for comment. In response, the university emailed CP a statement on Wednesday by Carolyn Egan, the universitys General Counsel. Student governments are created by students for the purpose of experiential self-governance, stated Egan, who noted that the university plans to fight the lawsuit. Universities are protected from lawsuits stemming from student government actions, unless the universities have taken action to adopt the decision, which hasn't occurred in this case here at Florida State. We look forward to seeking dismissal of Mr. Denton's claims by the court. An environmental group has cited Thane Municipal Corporations practice of discharging water from artificial idol immersion sites and remnants of thousands of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols pushed into Thane creek as a result annually to highlight the damage it is causing to marine life and water quality. Muse Foundation, the group, first came to know about the practice in 2019 when it received a response under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the corporation that they had been collecting Ganesh idols at 19 artificial ponds and dumping them at Thane Creek. The corporation cleaned the immersion sites using chemicals before releasing the treated water into the Thane creek. The group studied the situation during Ganeshotsav festival this year and found there was no change in the practice and filed complaints, including the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on Thursday, saying it was being done a gross violation of preventive water pollution control measures. PoP idols and associated lead-based paint are toxic for marine life and water quality. Remnants of these idols are disastrous for the marine biodiversity of this creek, which passes through a protected flamingo sanctuary and finally meets the Arabian Sea, polluting an entire ecosystem, said Muse Foundation founder Nishant Bangera. Muse Foundation on Thursday identified one of the locations where a heap of broken idols and decorative material was found dumped. The corporation said 45,000 idols were immersed in 2016, 42,000 to 34,000 from 2017 to 2019, and 21,000 idols this year. The corporation also, under RTI Act, said it spent 11 lakh to construct one of the ponds. If on an average, the cost of the artificial immersion site is about 10 lakh each, with 19 such sites, the total amount runs into crores of rupees. Thus, the current practice renders artificial immersions as a futile exercise using public money since the disposal is finally happening in the Thane Creek itself, said Muse Foundation member Sushank Tomar. The group has requested the Maharashtra government to intervene and direct an end to the practice. Innovative methods at the city level can be used to eliminate PoP from entering the creek..., said Bangera. Manisha Pradhan, who heads the corporations pollution control department, said there has been an increase in suspended solids coming from decorative materials with idols. For this, our treatment practice is effective as KMNo4 [used for the cleaning] acts as an oxidising agent... alum is used to reduce the suspended particles and increase dissolved oxygen in the water. Once discharged into the Thane creek, it does not affect the water quality in any manner as the water easily dissolves and does not affect the biodiversity. Pradhan added this was being done as per MPCB guidelines. PoP contains chemicals like sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium and idols made of it are the cheapest and cost between 500- 1,000. The toxicity from heavy metals in colour used to paint idols is a problem. Lead-based paints used on these idols are poisonous for phytoplanktons [underwater plants] and the poison is further transferred to fish and higher animals, said E Vivekanandan, a marine biologist. Pradhan said they were encouraging citizens to use clay idols and added in the case of PoP ones, they request them to use ammonium bicarbonate. [People in] areas like [Covid-19] containment zones or located away from immersion spots were asked to follow this process wherein idols would be dissolved on site. 100kg ammonium bicarbonate was purchased from us by citizens this year. However, this is not feasible on a large-scale level which requires interventions from the state or Centre to ban the use of PoP completely, said Pradhan. The Central Pollution Control Board in May banned the use of PoP, thermocol, and single-use plastic for making idols and the use of creeks and natural water bodies for immersion. But on May 22, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar deferred the ban by a year to help artisans hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. An MPCB official said they were unaware of the corporations practice. We will check with our regional officer about the issue and based on his response, follow up directions will be issued to... Forest officials said they would check whether water pollution was recorded post immersions at the 1,690 hectare Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. If we find remnants of any idols, we will take corrective action. The matter will be anyway highlighted to other state bodies to check the practice, said Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forest (Mangrove Cell). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been appointed to the UK Government's relaunched Board of Trade despite a furious backlash. The Department for International Trade announced this evening Mr Abbott has been made one of the board's advisers. He had been widely tipped for the role but Downing Street was under intense pressure not to go ahead with the move because of comments he has made in the past. The confirmation of his appointment came after Boris Johnson had defended him and said he is a 'guy who was elected by the people of the great liberal democratic nation of Australia'. The Prime Minister said he did not agree with Mr Abbott's views on some issues 'but then I don't agree with everyone who serves the Government in an unpaid capacity on hundreds of boards across the country'. Sir Ian McKellen had earlier led calls from environmental and equality activists for the Government not to appoint Mr Abbott to the role. An open letter signed by Sir Ian, as well as Doctor Who screenwriter Russell T Davies and 24 other activists, urged ministers to reconsider the appointment and claimed Mr Abbott is 'not fit to be representing the UK'. Mr Abbott is a climate change sceptic who recently said he believes coronavirus lockdown rules should be scrapped, arguing that nature should be allowed to 'take its course'. He has previously said he feels 'a bit threatened' by homosexuality and opposed same-sex marriage. He was accused of misogyny and sexism in Australia's parliament by the then prime minister, Julia Gillard, in 2012. Ms Gillard said this morning she stood by every word of what she said about Mr Abbott eight years ago but would not be drawn on whether he should be appointed to the trade envoy role, saying it was a 'decision for the UK Government'. However, allies of Mr Abbott leapt to his defence with his sister saying it was 'nothing short of dishonesty' to label her brother a 'homophobe and a misogynist' while former colleagues described him as a 'giant of Australian politics'. Boris Johnson today defended Tony Abbott as 'a guy who was elected by the people of the great liberal democratic nation of Australia' Mr Abbott, the former prime minister of Australia, has been appointed to the UK Government's relaunched Board of Trade despite a growing backlash over his past comments WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF TRADE? The appointment of Tony Abbott may have grabbed the headlines but the new-look Board of Trade also sees a return for one former president and a seat for a prominent Tory Brexit campaigner. Ex-Australian prime minister Mr Abbott will be an adviser to the board alongside Patricia Hewitt, a former Labour trade secretary under Tony Blair - a position that saw her lead the board between 2001 and 2005. Dan Hannan, the former Tory MEP and prominent Brexit supporter, will also become an adviser. Lord (Gerry) Grimstone, an advocate for stronger trade relations with China, was listed as part of the new cohort as part of his unpaid Government role as minister for investment. Speaking in April, he told China-Britain Business Focus: 'I am very positive towards China in terms of the mutual advantage this country gets from investment from China into the UK and the advantage UK firms get from investing in China and exporting to China.' Secretaries of state responsible for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will attend board meetings, as will the ministers for exports, international trade and exports 'where relevant', the Government said. Trade Secretary Liz Truss will continue to serve as president and Marcus Fysh MP her deputy, with only those who are Privy Counsellors officially allowed to be deemed 'members'. Other non-ministerial appointments to the board include Scotch Whisky Association chief executive Karen Betts and Fintech chief executive Anne Boden. Ms Betts formerly served in the Foreign and Cabinet Offices, while Ms Boden founded online bank Starling and has previous experience at Lloyds and Allied Irish banks. Other new appointments are Environment Agency chair Emma Howard Boyd and energy transition adviser Michael Liebreich, who was rumoured to have considered running as the Tory candidate for Mayor of London in 2016. Lord Mayor of London William Russell, a financier with 30 years in the industry, and Dr Linda Yueh, an economist at Oxford University, make up the rest of the board. Dr Yueh said: 'I am honoured to advise on trade policy at this important time. Trade will play a key role in supporting the UK's economic growth.' Advertisement The Department for International Trade said the new Board of Trade will meet quarterly and use its influence to 'help Britain make a stronger case for free trade on the international stage'. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the board will bring together a 'diverse group of people who share Britain's belief in free enterprise, democracy, and high standards and rules-based trade'. But the decision to appoint Mr Abbott as one of the board's 16 advisers is likely to cause a political firestorm. Asked during a visit to Solihull this afternoon about accusations Mr Abbott is a sexist, homophobic, misogynist, climate change denier, Mr Johnson said: 'There's going to be an announcement I think in due course about the composition of the Board of Trade. 'I don't, obviously don't agree with those sentiments at all, but then I don't agree with everyone who serves the Government in an unpaid capacity on hundreds of boards across the country. 'And I can't be expected to do so. What I would say about Tony Abbott is this is a guy who was elected by the people of the great liberal democratic nation of Australia. 'It's an amazing country, it's a freedom-loving country, it's a liberal country. There you go, I think that speaks for itself.' An open letter from activists said Mr Abbott had 'vigorously campaigned against the ultimately successful referendum in Australia to allow same-sex couples to marry' and 'suggested that climate change is 'probably doing good''. The letter said: 'For all these reasons and more besides, this man is not fit to be representing the UK as our trade envoy. 'If the Government is truly committed to an outward-looking future for Britain, to tackling climate change, and to creating an equal society for all, it should reconsider its proposed appointment of Tony Abbott.' Ms Gillard's comments about Mr Abbott back in 2012 have resurfaced amid the ongoing controversy over his appointment to the UK trade role. She told Sky News this morning: 'I said everything I needed to say about that back in October 2012 and that speech is still doing the rounds all of these years later and I stand by every word of it. 'But I don't think I need to add to it so I put my views on the record, of course it is not for me to work out who should be the UK trade envoy or specialist. 'This is a decision for the UK government and ultimately for the views of the people of Britain so I will leave all of that to you.' Mr Abbott's sister, Christine Forster, defended her brother in a statement posted on Twitter. She said: 'It is nothing short of dishonesty for commentators and politicians who do not know Tony to label him a 'homophobe and a misogynist' for the purposes of scoring cheap political points. 'As a woman who has always been part of his life and who came out to him as gay in my early 40s, I know incontrovertibly that Tony is neither of those things.' Sir Ian McKellen signed an open letter along with other environmental and equality activists calling on the UK Government not to appoint Mr Abbott to a trade envoy role Former Australian PM Julia Gillard accused Mr Abbott of being a 'misogynist' in a speech in 2012. She said today that she stood by what she said but would not be drawn on whether he should be made a trade envoy Mathias Cormann, a senior coalition minister who served under Mr Abbott, said the former PM is 'clearly a giant of Australian politics who has made a great contribution over a long time'. Mr Abbott served as prime minister in Australia for just two years before being ousted by his own Liberal Party in 2015. Number 10 had previously declined to comment on the 'political debate' surrounding Mr Abbott while ministers had insisted no appointments had yet been made. The Prime Minister's deputy official spokesman said at lunchtime today that 'no final decisions have been made about the Board of Trade' and he would not be drawn on when an announcement could be made. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News this morning: 'I hate to bring us back to reality but he hasn't been appointed to anything and as far as I know there haven't been any appointments made. 'There are lots of people with whom their comments I vehemently disagree but I'm not into defending people who are not actually carrying out any role for the British Government.' A Georgia county lawsuit wants to stop a vote on abolishing its police department in the same county that black man Ahmaud Arbery was fatally shot by armed white men. Glynn County Commission filed a lawsuit on Friday claiming that the two senate bills that cleared the way for the vote are 'patently unconstitutional', The Brunswick News reported. The referendum, set to take place on November 3, would seek to abolish the county police agency and hand law enforcement authority over to the sheriff. Glynn County Commission filed a lawsuit on Friday to stop a vote on the abolishment of the county police department. Pictured, protesters gather at Glynn County Courthouse after Ahmaud Arbery shooting State lawmakers approved the binding referendum in the spring after Arbery was fatally shot in February, but the referendum effort has its roots in earlier scandals. But the Glynn County board of commissioners have opposed the vote, claiming two local Republican lawmakers are trying to help their political ally Sheriff Neal Jump. Glynn County Commissioner Bob Coleman told Action News Jax: 'This whole thing has just gotten so blown up out of proportion and I can't help but throw in the big ugly world "politics".' Abery was fatally shot on February 23 when an armed white father and son pursued the unarmed 25-year-old man, who was jogging in their neighbourhood, authorities said. More than two months passed before Gregory McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, were charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. William 'Roddie' Bryan, a neighbour of the McMichaels, was also subsequently charged with murder. The vote, set to take place on November 3, comes after 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery (above) was shot February 23 by two armed white men Demonstrators gather at the Glynn County courthouse during a court appearance by Gregory and Travis McMichael, two suspects in the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, on June 4, 2020 in Brunswick, Georgia Authorities allege Bryan joined in the pursuit of Arbery and recorded mobile footage of the shooting. All three men remain jailed and awaiting trial. The county police department was the initial investigating agency, but arrests came after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case from local prosecutors. Commissioners want to stop the scheduled vote while Friday's lawsuit is being considered. The lawsuit argues that the General Assembly cannot revoke home rule powers given to county governments in the state Constitution. The county says: 'The General Assembly cannot pass a local act that requires the abolishment of the police department without the input of the county, which is granted constitutional authority .... to provide police protection to its citizens. The county are also arguing that the law is improperly targeted at only Glynn County. The lawsuit claims that it was too late for the election to be held in November, saying that such elections have to be called 90 days in advance. More than two months passed after Ahmaud Arbery was shot before Gregory McMichael (left) and his son, Travis McMichael, were charged with felony murder and aggravated assault William 'Roddie' Bryan, a neighbour of the McMichaels, was subsequently charged with murder. Authorities said he joined in the pursuit of Arbery and filmed the shooting Governor Brian Kemp signed the bills on August 5, exactly 90 days before the proposed election, but official notice to the Glynn County Board of Elections came several days later. The county board initially interpreted the situation to require it to hold an entirely separate election on the same day as the general election. It found that this would include different ballots, machines and poll works and could cost the county an estimated $500,000. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger instead encouraged the board to put it on the same ballot as the other races, but the county's lawsuit has claimed that is illegal. This comes after the county police chief and three former high-ranking officers were indicted in March on charges that they ignored an officer consorting with a drug dealer. A Glynn County narcotics officer was found to have been having sex with two confidential informants. There also have been claims of unjustified shootings by the department's officers. The Sierra Club recently began a process of publicly re-examining aspects of our difficult past, including a reckoning with the history and words of our founder John Muir. Many of the responses weve received to those national headlines have been positive, embracing our move to ground the environmental movement in equity and justice. Others have been more skeptical, urging us to stay in our lane and stick to protecting the environment. A few responses have been less charitable, ranging from calling our efforts reverse discrimination to language taken from a hate group playbook. I want to address the stay in your lane group, a sentiment that is shared by a fair number of the Sierra Clubs nearly 4 million proud members and supporters. I want to tell them that I am listening to them, and also that I cannot help but be in my lane. I want to share the road of environmental advocacy with them. I want them to understand why it is important that the Sierra Clubs lane in the environmental movement be broad enough to encompass people like me. My story begins with a colonized place, where people are often discriminated against and robbed of agency. I am Puerto Rican, I am Latino. Latino is a word that, often enough, is not hyphenated and followed by American. But I am American. Puerto Ricans are Americans, even if not by choice. I have four uncles who fought for the United States in the Korean War against their will. One of them died in battle. Many families like mine were able to thrive in this country thanks to access to opportunity, education and privilege. If not for what some dare to call reverse discrimination, I would not have attended an Ivy League school, and I would not be president of the Sierra Club today. I am proudly, and unapologetically, the result of affirmative action programs. These programs do not exist today, and as a result many students do not receive access to the education they deserve. Before 1967, my parents would not have been able to get married in several states as one is Black and the other white. Those restrictions may seem absurd now, but many were complacent about it back then. Perhaps they thought they were staying in their lane. At that time the Sierra Clubs lane excluded Black people like my father and grandfather from membership. Things are different today, thanks in large part to people of color and white allies who fought to open the doors of organizations like the Sierra Club. But that did not mean an end to discrimination. For many years I was the darkest person in the room, the one with the cute Spanish accent who speaks funny. Even though I can communicate in four languages, English is not my native tongue. Being conscious of these facts has always made me feel like someone walking on eggshells, especially when entering the halls of places like Princeton or the Sierra Club. While most women and people of color would understand what I mean, I wonder how many white men can grasp the full depth of these feelings? Why do we urgently need a critical re-evaluation of our organizations history? Because that is a crucial first step to making people like me feel welcomed. Its a beginning to ensuring that people like me join the Sierra Club, rather than walk away from it. I admire many things that John Muir wrote. But there are no perfect heroes, just as there are no perfect humans. Seeing a person in all their complexity is not sacrilege, it is our responsibility. I have no interest in erasing history, but in learning from it. John Muir was not a eugenicist like David Starr Jordan, nor an owner of human beings like Joseph LeConte, two other early leaders of the Sierra Club. But that is not a reason to beatify Muir. We can learn from his words and vision as well as his flaws. I cannot change lanes, because for me, there is no other lane. The only lane I can be in is one that recognizes and celebrates all of my identities. I hope that Sierra Club supporters concerned about whether we focus on a narrow definition of the environment can find a way to broaden their idea of Sierra Clubs lane and to help me build an organization indeed, an environmental movement that is inclusive, comes to terms with its past, celebrates diversity, fights racism, and centers equity and justice in everything we do. Ramon Cruz is president of the Sierra Club. KATHMANDU : Finance as well as Communication Minister of incumbent government in Nepal, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada has resigned from his post. Khatiwada had tendered his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday late afternoon which was accepted by evening, Press Advisor to Oli, Surya Thapa confirmed. "His resignation comes as per the constitutional provisions. Prime Minister Oli accepted his resignation; both the Ministries which Khatiwada was administering has come under Premier Oli," Thapa told ANI. The jurisdictions of now vacant ministry to Prime Minister Oli also has been acknowledged and approved by the President, a release issued by Office of the President stated. Earlier in day, Khatiwada who held ministerial portfolio of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology along with Finance Ministry had informed media about his step in a press briefing. "Later today, I will be resigning from the post of Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. In today's cabinet meeting I informed Prime Minister about my step and will support government staying out of it. I will contribute in the field of national interest and for its development, to uplift the status of common Nepali and to bring prosperity," Khatiwada said. During farewell address, Khatiwada claimed that he was able to lay a concrete foundation of the country's economy even during the most difficult days. While stating that the days ahead are challenging due to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, Khatiwada said that he was able to bring significant improvements in the country's revenue during his two and half year long stint as the finance minister. Although Prime Minister Oli wanted to retain him as finance minister by nominating him as a member of National Assembly, he was forced to give in to the demand of the rival faction within the party to nominate NCP Vice-Chairman Bam Dev Gautam as a member of National Assembly. Earlier on Friday, a cabinet meeting held at the residence of Prime Minister Oli in Baluwatar had decided to recommend the name of Gautam to President Bidya Bhandari for the appointment of a member of the National Assembly. The post was vacant after Khatiwada's two-year term expired six months ago. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. 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 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riyadi Suparno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 4, 2020 09:28 504 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c42a9cf4 3 Opinion Grab,CSIS,Tenggara-Strategics,gig-economy Free The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted almost all businesses, transformed consumer habits and the world of work in Indonesia. Only digitally savvy businesses and workers survive or even prosper during the pandemic. Brick and mortar businesses suffer most, as more and more consumers move online. Through online platforms, digitally connected consumers order food, buy groceries, consult with doctors, learn high school physics and book housekeeping. Individuals with various levels of skill and businesses at various levels of scale see opportunities to connect directly with consumers via digital platforms, giving rise to the gig economy. The rising gig economy creates employments for millions of people and leads to their increased contribution to the Indonesian economy. More than that, the gig economy support Indonesias economic resilience during the pandemic by continuously offering employment and business opportunities, including for those losing jobs in the formal sector. A 2019 study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Tenggara Strategics on 5,008 Grab partners selected through a systematic random sampling method shows their expanding economic contributions. The partners surveyed across 12 big cities reported that Grab not only provides better economic opportunities for informal workers who account for 56.5 percent of Indonesias labor force but also stimulates small business growth and job creation outside of the Grab platform. GrabBike and GrabCar driver-partners, GrabFood merchant-partners and GrabKios agent-partners with the help of the Grab platform contributed Rp 77.4 trillion (US$5.3 billion) to the Indonesian economy in 2019, up 58.3 percent from Rp 48.9 trillion in 2018. The number is their direct contribution and does not include the multiplier effects of their work and businesses. That the gig work through the Grab platform contributed big to the economy last year is no surprise. First of all, partners across all the four lines of business reported increasing sales and income after joining Grab. GrabFood merchant partners, for example, reported a 35 percent increase in sales after joining Grab, while GrabBike and GrabCar driver partners reported 124 percent and 107 percent increases in their income respectively. Their income level was way above the minimum wages in their respective cities in 2019. Next, the number of partners is increasing every year, and last year saw the highest growth in food merchants. The Grab platform, which offers a vast customer base and a wide fleet of delivery partners, has enticed people to start food businesses. Some 12 percent of GrabFood merchant-partners said they considered starting their businesses because of GrabFood, while 16 percent said they had joined the GrabFood platform from the first day they opened their food businesses. Lastly, the Grab platform introduces a mutually reinforcing ecosystem where GrabFood merchant partners and GrabBike driver partners are interconnected with each other, so they can do business together to meet consumer demand. As GrabFood merchant partners businesses grew, GrabBike driver-partners saw increased earning opportunities from higher demand for food delivery. On average, 37 percent of their trips in 2019 were orders for GrabFood delivery. Such a mutually reinforcing ecosystem proves advantageous during the pandemic, especially for GrabBike driver partners who faced a drastic drop in demand for transportation services. When major cities imposed large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), GrabBike driver partners could continue working by delivering food for GrabFood customers. A follow-up survey by CSIS-Tenggara Strategics on 450 GrabFood, GrabBike and GrabCar partners in Greater Jakarta in June 2020 shows that GrabBike driver-partners are likely to diversify their income sources after the pandemic, with 48 percent saying they will rely on food delivery services, 32 percent on package delivery services and only 20 percent on transportation services. The follow-up survey also found that almost all GrabBike (98 percent), GrabCar (98 percent) and GrabFood (100 percent) partners said they would continue to rely on Grab to earn a living post COVID-19. This indicates that partnering with Grab provides the income stability gig economy workers and businesses desire. Their services will be needed now more than ever as people will likely have to adjust to a new normal where telework, virtual learning and social distancing will be more common than before, creating increased reliance on digital services and deliveries. The findings of the CSIS-Tenggara Strategics studies, both the survey conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic and the followup survey held at the height of the pandemic, suggest that the gig economy, powered by digital platforms like Grab, will have a more important role to play in supporting the economic recovery. Being digital-ready is more important than ever in the new normal. *** The executive director of Tenggara Strategics, a research and business intelligence institute founded by CSIS, The Jakarta Post and Prasetiya Mulya University Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Covid-19 is transforming the banking industry in ways that seemed unlikely in a pre-pandemic world. Even state-owned lenders are following in the footsteps of private-sector peers to consider a work-from-home (WFH) policy for specific functions, to allow employees the flexibility to work from remote locations. Large public sector banks such as State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) are working towards this, with BoB looking for a consultant to design such a policy. Bank of Baroda wants to leverage covid-19 disruption to transform the bank. This transformation will be focused on driving operational efficiencies, addressing changing profiles and behaviour of our customers and targeting new opportunities," it said on 28 August. BoB aims to appoint a consultant to develop the WFH policy, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), selection process of WFH staff, technological feasibility. Many sectors were forced to adopt remote working models during covid, but not many in the banking sector were able to exercise the option, mostly due to security risks around financial data. Even after WFH policies are in place for banks, it will be more beneficial for non-customer-facing roles. Banks have to redeploy existing staff from branches once they levy full-fledged WFH models, with footfall dropping in branches, said Veinu Nehru Dutta, director, financial services, ABC Consultants. However, the change will take more time in small towns where more people use branches compared to Tier-1 cities," said Dutta. SBI is upgrading its existing policy to incorporate a remote working model. Productivity tools, technology are in place to perform administrative work remotely. Work from anywhere reduces commute time that can be utilized for providing better services," Rajnish Kumar, chairman, SBI, wrote in the FY20 annual report. The facility has already been rolled out across 19 foreign offices and domestic operations will soon be covered. Bank of Maharashtra is also trying to implement a WFH policy. Its chief executive A.S. Rajeev told Mint last month that the bank is in the process of initiating a working mode where most employees will be allowed to work from home. 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!! This story starts when Dark Shadows ends. It was 1971, and my mother was set to have me by C-section. Her doctor originally scheduled the procedure for April 1, but my mother balked at having an April Fools baby. Instead, I greeted the world on April 2, a chilly Friday in Cleveland. It was also, much to my mothers alarm, the day her beloved soap opera the supernatural drama Dark Shadows aired its final episode on ABC. As she tells it, she demanded I be delivered in the morning because she sure as Hades wasnt going to miss Dark Shadows that afternoon. She got her wish. I think about devotion these pandemic nights as I stay up late to watch the original Dark Shadows on the streaming service Tubi. When the series debuted on June 27, 1966, it was unlike anything before or, I would say, since. ABC described it as daytime televisions first continuing suspense drama, which is like saying Freddy Krueger is a grumpy guy in a cute sweater. Created by Dan Curtis, Dark Shadows was a macabre and bonkers upside-down of Peyton Place, a more conventional soap opera popular of its time. (Both were equally white.) The story arcs on Dark Shadows traversed the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and centered on the old-money Collins family at the Collinwood estate in small-town Collinsport, Maine. Wallace McBride, the curator of the Collinsport Historical Society, a Dark Shadows fan site, called the series Star Trek for introverts. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2020 / Zinc8 Energy Solutions Inc. ("Zinc8" or the "Company") (CSE:ZAIR)(OTC:MGXRF)(FSE:0E9) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), as described in its News Release dated August 5th, 2020, pursuant to which it has issued an aggregate of 8,750,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.16 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,400,000. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") and one non-transferable share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") for a period of 24 months from the closing date at an exercise price of $0.30. Insiders may participate in the Private Placement. The Company paid finder's fees of $37,560.00 and issued 234,750 share purchase warrants to certain finders in connection with the Private Placement. Certain insiders of the Company subscribed for a total of 2,266,250 Units under the Private Placement, which is a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuances to the insiders are exempt from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.5(b) as the Company's shares are not listed on a specified market and from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration of the securities issued to the related parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. All securities issued in respect of the Private Placement will be subject to a hold period of four (4) months and a day from closing of the Private Placement in accordance with securities laws. The proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for general working capital. About Zinc8 Energy Solutions Inc. Zinc8 has assembled an experienced team to execute the development and commercialization of a dependable low-cost zinc-air battery. This mass storage system offers both environmental and efficiency benefits. Zinc8 strives to meet the growing need for secure and reliable power. To watch a short video outlining Zinc8's technology, please visit: https://zinc8energy.com More about the Zinc8 Energy Storage System (ESS) The Zinc8 ESS is a modular Energy Storage System designed to deliver power in the range 20kW - 50MW with capacity of 8 hours of storage duration or higher. With the advantage of rechargeable zinc-air flow battery technology, the system can be configured to support a wide range of long-duration applications for microgrids and utilities. Since the energy storage capacity of the system is determined only by the size of the zinc storage tank, a very cost-effective and scalable solution now exists as an alternative to the fixed power/energy ratio of the lithium ion battery. Technology The Zinc8 ESS is based upon unique patented zinc-air battery technology. Energy is stored in the form of zinc particles, similar in size to grains of sand. When the system is delivering power, the zinc particles are combined with oxygen drawn from the surrounding air. When the system is recharging, zinc particles are regenerated, and oxygen is returned to the surrounding air. Applications The flexibility of the Zinc8 ESS enables it to service a wide range of applications. Typical examples include: Smoothing energy derived from renewable sources such as wind and solar Commercial/Industrial backup replacing diesel generators Industrial and grid scale, on-demand power for peak shaving and standby reserves Grid-scale services such as alleviating grid congestion, deferring transmission/distribution upgrades, energy trading and arbitrage, and increasing renewable energy penetration. Architecture The Zinc8 ESS is designed according to a modular architecture that enables a wide variety of system configurations to be created from a small number of common subsystems. Each subsystem implements a single element of the technology: The Zinc Regeneration Subsystem (ZRS) provides the recharging function The Fuel Storage Subsystem (FSS) provides the energy storage function The Power Generation Subsystem (PGS) provides the discharging function Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to Zinc8 Energy Solutions that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Zinc8 Energy Solutions which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. All such statements and disclosures, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results or developments that Zinc8 Storage anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this press release include that we can execute the development and commercialization of a dependable low cost zinc-air battery; that our mass storage system offers both environmental and efficiency benefits; and that we can help meet the needs for secure and reliable power. Zinc8 Energy Solutions believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements including, without limitation: that our technology fails to work as expected or at all; that our technology proves to be too expensive to implement broadly; that customers do not adapt our products for being too complex, costly, or not fitting with their current products or plans; our competitors may offer better or cheaper solutions for battery storage; general economic, market and business conditions; increased costs and expenses; inability to retain qualified employees; our patents may not provide protection as expected and we may infringe on the patents of others; and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Zinc8 Energy Solution's public disclosure documents, copies of which are available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Neither the CSE nor any Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information please contact: Incite Capital Markets Kristian Schneck / Eric Negraeff Zinc8 Energy Solutions Inc. Ron MacDonald Ph: 604.493.2004 Email: investors@zinc8energy.com SOURCE: Zinc8 Energy Solutions Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604888/Zinc8-Energy-Solutions-Announces-Closing-of-Private-Placement During his visit to Japan, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, met with Mr. Taro Aso, Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, on 1 September 2020. Deputy Prime Minister Aso expressed his appreciation for the WCOs work during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Japan entered the post-Prime Minister Abe period, Mr. Aso offered assurances that Japan's policy of international engagement and support to international organizations, including the WCO, would continue. Dr. Mikuriya thanked him for this pledge to ensure Japan remained a stable and reliable partner of multilateral institutions, including through its recent financial contribution to the WCOs COVID-19 Project. Secretary General Mikuriya also had a series of meetings with senior government officials in the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs. They discussed ways of increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and visibility of Customs (and the WCO) as a critical institution at borders, having a significant effect on the implementation of major policy areas. Dr. Mikuriya also had a meeting with Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to evaluate the WCO/JICA Joint Project on Trade Facilitation in Africa and to extend its work to the Pacific, in line with the WCO's Small Island Economies initiative. (Natural News) Portlands liberal mayor, Ted Wheeler, recently made a rare statement about the riots that have plagued his city nightly since May 28. Although he has shown a shocking degree of denial over the problems the city is facing previously, he finally admitted that rioters are terrorizing families with children. After saying in no uncertain terms that violent rioters are engaging in criminal acts and pointing out that they destroyed a minority-owned local business, he added: These acts range from stupid, to dangerous, to criminal. The violence must stop. None of this should sit well with any thinking Portlander. Arson and terrorizing families with children does nothing except steal, and distract from, the important message of the racial justice movement. Wheeler also recently announced that he would be moving out of his $840,000 condo in the citys Pearl District after rioters attempted to set it on fire on his birthday on Monday. They damaged the building, left graffiti, and threw burning newspapers into a retail space in the building. Nineteen people were arrested in the demonstration. The building, which has 114 units, has been a regular scene of protests, with people lighting fires, setting off fireworks, and shining lights on it. He said a move would be best for him and his neighbors while apologizing to them for the disruption his residence there has caused to their lives. The mayor has been facing intense criticism for his poor handling of the protests. He has expressed sympathy for rioters, asked cops not to arrest them, and vowed to defund the police, among other questionable moves. Apparently, its a different story when its his own home that comes under attack, although he did accuse rioters of committing attempted murder in early August after they tried to light a police precinct on fire while people were trapped inside. Wheeler said that local and state law enforcement are working to hold those who participate in violence accountable and that they will not tolerate their hateful and destructive actions. Portland is struggling to keep riots under control but wont accept federal help President Trump called Wheeler a wacky Radical Left Do Nothing Democrat Mayor of Portland on Twitter as the mayor gave a speech criticizing the president. He added that Portland will never recover with a fool for a mayor. In an August 31 letter, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf encouraged Wheeler to accept federal assistance in curbing the protests and riots, adding that President Trump has made it abundantly clear that there will come a point when state and local officials fail to protect its citizens from violence, the federal government will have no choice but to protect our American citizens. Police Chief Chuck Lovell issued a statement denouncing the latest escalation of violence in the city. He asked elected officials to draw a line in the sand and to hold people accountable. He pointed out that the families who live inside buildings that were recently set on fire have not done anything to provoke the threat to their lives. He also drew attention to the number of police officers who are needed to respond to the riots and how that is contributing to a rise in crime in the city. As gun violence skyrockets in Portland, emergency calls are going unanswered as they struggle to stay on top of all that is going on in the city. Police officials have said that 911 calls are being placed on hold for hours at a time some nights as personnel get tied up dealing with riots. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NYPost.com The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has issued a circular on Thursday, extending the deadline for the imposition of penalty on brokers for not collecting adequate margins by 15 days from September 1, 2020, to September 15. It has been decided to not levy penalty for client margin short/non- collection and reporting in the Cash and Derivatives segments. This provision shall be applicable for a period of 15 days -- from September 1, 2020 to September 15, 2020 -- to facilitate a smooth transition for members to the new system, the circular said. The NSE has issued the circular after consulting the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The new framework of acceptance of securities as margin by way of pledge/re-pledge mechanism through the depository system from September 1, 2020, has resulted in a system congestion due to a large number of client securities being pledged in TMs/CMs/CCs systems, the circular said. TMs, CMs, and CCs refer to trading members, clearing members and clearing corporations. This has restricted the ability of the members to comply with the requirements of collection of margins, the circular said. The implementation of the margin pledge-repledge system, along with the penalty for non-collection of margin in the cash segment, has led to an unprecedented load on the system of the Depositories and Clearing Corporations, leading to their virtual collapse. The entire pay-in, pay-out system of the National Securities Clearing Corporation Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE, and placing and release of collateral have been significantly affected, leading to practical problems at broker offices. The problems relate to not being able to grant limits on time, inability to effect an early pay-in, auction of securities and the like. Back offices of all brokers are at their wits end due to the collapse of the market infrastructure. What is happening? said a senior official of a Mumbai-based stock broking firm. What is margin pledging? Pledging refers to using stocks as securities to avail a loan. Traders in the F&O segment use pledging to receive margin funding from the broker to invest in deals that involve sizeable initial investment. Margin allows investors to leverage, invest in deals without assuming the full risk at the first stage. When you pledge, your risk exposure gets limited to the securities you have used as collateral. In case you cant repay the margin, the broker liquidates the stocks in the margin account to recover the debt. The broker is the custodian for securities or funds in the margin account. However, on certain occasions, violation of margin collateral was reported to SEBI. Some brokers were found guilty of misusing client funds and collaterals. The new margin pledge policy will help to address this problem. What is margin pledging system? Under the earlier system, investors were not required to pay upfront margin in the cash segment as cash margins were looked after by the broker. From September 1, a new system was introduced. Under the new system, brokers will have to collect margin from investors upfront for both buying and selling of securities. Failing to do so will attract a penalty. The securities in the demat account will not automatically become available to receive margins. The broker also has to report to the exchange the margins collected from investors. Under the new system, depositories should provide margin pledge for pledging clients' securities as margin to the trading member or clearing member. To provide collateral in the form of securities as margin, a client will be required to pledge securities with the trading member. He/she will re-pledge the same to the clearing member, who, in turn, will re-pledge the same with the clearing corporation. SEBI had, on Monday, met brokers, depositories and exchanges on to assess whether they are ready to move into the new margin pledge and re-pledge system from September 1, 2020. While depositories claimed they were fully ready, brokers say that the backend system of more than 75 percent of them is not fully equipped. There are 1,500 brokers. Amid concerns another lockdown may come, government, unions and business leaders are close to agreeing measures to give extra protection to staff who now work from home (WFH). Unions have been pushing for a special law and a draft is being finalised. Public sector workers are likely to be left out however at this stage. The large UGT union has said that the draft is "innovative" and "very balanced" in the rights and responsibilities of WFH staff. The Ministry of Work hopes to issue a final draft shortly after a meeting this week. The government has agreed to increase the threshold of the amount of a worker's time that is regularly spent at home for them to be classed as WFH staff from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, approximately a day and a half a week. Business leaders in the negotiations had complained that the original government threshold of 20 per cent, or one day a week, pushed too many workers into the WFH bracket, as staff frequently are allowed a day out of the office as a flexitime perk. The unions appeared prepared to concede this change, depending on seeing the final document. The new law aims to protect workers with help paying some of their home office expenses and ensuring their free time is respected. WFH staff's duty to their employers is also included. D onald Trump has dismissed claims he referred to US servicemen killed in war as losers and suckers. The US president made a number of disparaging comments about members of the US military who had been captured or killed, according to a report. Two senior defence officials allege that he made the remarks during a meeting in Paris on November 10, 2018. Mr Trump was due to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in the city but staff from the National Security Council and the Secret Service told Mr Trump that rainy weather made helicopter travel to the site risky. The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Paris / Getty Images When they suggested driving there instead, the president allegedly replied that he would rather not go at all because the cemetery was filled with losers. Mr Trump said the story, first reported in The Atlantic, is totally false. At the time the White House blamed the cancelled visit on poor weather. In another conversation during the trip, Mr Trump referred to the 1,800 marines who died in the First World War battle of Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed, according to The Atlantic. Again, Mr Trump fiercely denied the claims, calling them disgraceful and branding the publication a terrible magazine. Donald Trump's visit to Iraq 1 /12 Donald Trump's visit to Iraq President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet members of the military at a hanger rally at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq AP Photo/Andrew Harnik President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive AP Photo/Andrew Harnik Trump embraces some of the military personnel AP Photo/Andrew Harnik AP Photo/Andrew Harnik President Donald Trump, right, jokes with National Security Adviser John Bolton, third from left, and senior military leadership, as he speaks to members of the media AP Photo/Andrew Harnik AP Photo/Andrew Harnik AP Photo/Andrew Harnik AP Photo/Andrew Harnik AP Photo/Andrew Harnik Speaking to reporters after returning from a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Thursday, Mr Trump said: I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? He also reiterated the White House explanation of why he did not visit the cemetery. The helicopter could not fly, he said, because of the rain and fog. The Secret Service told me you cant do it. They would never have been able to get the police and everybody else in line to have a president go through a very crowded, very congested area, he insisted. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said: Its sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, whose son served in Iraq, said: If the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States. Duty, honour, country those are the values that drive our service members. "I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. The defence officials also described a 2017 visit by Mr Trump and chief of staff John Kelly to Arlington Cemetery in Virginia. As the pair visited the grave of Mr Kellys son Robert, who was killed in 2010 in Afghanistan, Mr Trump reportedly turned to his colleague and said: I dont get it. What was in it for them? The senior Marine Corps officer and The Atlantic, citing sources with first-hand knowledge, also reported that Mr Trump said he did not want to support the August 2018 funeral of Republican senator John McCain, a decorated navy veteran who spent years as a Vietnam prisoner of war, because he was a loser. The Atlantic reported that the president was angered that flags were flown at half-mast for Mr McCain, saying: What the f*** are we doing that for? Guy was a f****** loser. On Thursday, Mr Trump acknowledged that he was never a fan of Mr McCain and disagreed with him on a number of issues. However, he insisted he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Mr Trump publicly criticised Mr McCain, saying: Hes not a war hero, adding: I like people who werent captured. The magazine said Mr Trump also referred to former president George HW Bush as a loser because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in the Second World War. Roads are one of the worlds biggest killers, but they do not have to be. Madete is an architectural designer at Buildx Studio, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, and an Aspen 2020 fellow. If you are an average reader, it might take you about four minutes to get to the bottom of this article. In that time, 10 people 10 people who woke up this morning, just like you, with big plans for the day will lose their lives on the worlds roads. Four minutes, 10 deaths. Ten deaths that we know full well how to prevent. For me, that figure is not just a bland statistic. In September 1998, my mum and older sister boarded an eight-person Toyota station wagon in Nairobi headed for western Kenya. To reach their destination, they had to pass through the infamous Salgaa stretch along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, approximately 160km (100 miles) away from Nairobi. Across Kenya, that short stretch of road is known as the highway of death because it has killed hundreds of people over the years. In September 1998, one of those lives was my mothers. When the station wagon they were travelling in crashed, only two of the eight passengers survived. My sister was one of them. As a child, I blamed it on God, the driver, fate. But now, as an architect, I recognise that design also played a part. The so-called highway of death is a straight stretch of road with no bends following an extremely steep downhill slope. Why design a road that encourages freewheeling, speeding, carelessness? In 2019, the Salgaa stretch was converted into a dual carriageway and a concrete step barrier was built on its central reserve to increase safety. The new measures significantly reduced the number of crashes recorded in the area, but they came decades too late. We often casually refer to road traffic crashes as accidents, but more often than not, there is nothing accidental about these tragedies. Measures proven to reduce the risk of road traffic injuries and deaths such as speed management, improvement of infrastructures and post-crash care, enforcement of traffic laws and vehicle safety standards do exist. Acknowledging that most road accidents are totally preventable, the UNs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has set ambitious targets for reducing road traffic injuries and deaths across the globe. Despite all this, road traffic injuries are estimated to be the eighth leading cause of death globally for all age groups and the leading cause of death for children and young people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some 1.35 million people are killed on roads around the world each year. This means, every day more than 3,700 lives are lost on the worlds roads. The situation is even worse in Africa: eight out of the 10 countries with the highest road traffic death rates are on the continent. Most road crashes are blamed on human error, but such errors are rarely tied only to the knowledge and skills of the individuals making them the design of the environment in which the error takes place also plays an important role. Yet, the design of roads is often at the mercy of municipal budgets. Worldwide, road networks are designed to be efficient and cost-saving, just like the mechanical machines that run on them. More than half of all road deaths and severe injuries happen on less than 10 percent of the worlds roads. That shows us that human error is often a direct result of poor design. The parts of the road not used by cars are just as important. More than half of all road traffic deaths are among those not using cars, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Nevertheless, authorities responsible for building roads often view roadside safety measures as an unnecessary added cost. Beyond their incredibly high human cost, traffic crashes are also a significant burden on economies and healthcare systems. People with road traffic injuries are the most frequent users of operating theatres and intensive care units globally, and account for 13 to 31 percent of all injury-related patients and 48 percent of bed occupancy in surgical wards. This is not only catastrophic for struggling, underfunded healthcare systems, but also bad for the economy. Road crashes cost most countries 3 percent of their gross domestic product. A recent study found that in 2000 in the US, the 5.27 million nonfatal road crash injuries cost $31.7bn to treat, placing a tremendous burden on public healthcare services and the finances of road traffic victims and their families. Major injuries, such as those to the brain and spinal cord, cost an average of $332,457 per injury. Solutions to curb traffic-related accidents have been researched for many years and go beyond the traditional speed bump. Traffic calming, for example, is a road safety strategy that uses physical design features in combination with other measures to reduce traffic flow, combat speeding and protect motorists and non-motorists alike. The use of strategically placed rumble strips, raised intersections, bends, intentional serpentine roads, road narrowing, one-way streets, and curb extensions automatically slow vehicles down in high-risk zones and reduce the number of crashes and casualties. Clearly marked or raised pedestrian crossings, distinct cycle lanes and expanded pedestrian refuges, meanwhile, effectively protect pedestrians and cyclists. The introduction of vehicle-free zones in dense urban districts, school zones and residential neighbourhoods is also known to be an effective prevention measure that can significantly reduce the number of traffic crashes. Research shows that having a working public transport system is important too. A car passenger is 10 times more likely to be killed than someone on a bus and 20 times more than someone on a train. With this knowledge in hand, city planners in Bogota, Colombia were able to reduce the number of traffic deaths by 50 percent between 1996 and 2006. They did this by introducing rapid bus transport, 300km (186 miles) of bikeways and 60,000 square metres (14.8 acres) of improved pedestrian infrastructure. Lastly, gathering data on the hotspots of traffic-related accidents is key to understanding where accidents regularly occur. Identifying the factors that increase or decrease the risk of an accident at a particular location can help us design the most effective solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has given us an opportunity to rethink the way we live. As countries slowly start to open up and the cars begin filling the roads again, planners, engineers, and municipalities must drive human-centred road design and make the roads safer for all of us. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks following the ceremonial swearing-in of James Mattis as secretary of defense on January 27, 2017, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON Surrogates for Democratic nominee Joe Biden, including two military veterans and a Gold Star father, ripped into President Donald Trump on Friday following a report that he called fallen U.S. service members "suckers" and "losers" while in office. Trump denies the report. "He is incapable of understanding service, valor and courage. His soul cannot conceive of integrity and honor," Khizr Khan, whose son died in 2004 during the Iraq War, said in a campaign call with reporters. "His soul is that of a coward," Khan said. Trump had previously criticized Khan following the latter's appearance at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. "I'm not shocked, but I am appalled," said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a Purple Heart veteran who lost her legs in Iraq when her helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. "I take my wheelchair and my titanium legs over Donald Trump's supposed bone spurs any day," Duckworth said on the call, sniping at Trump's excuse for not serving in the Vietnam War. Duckworth earlier this year had been viewed as a possible vice presidential pick for Biden, who ultimately selected Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his running mate. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., a Marine Corps reservist, also spoke on the call. The attacks from the Biden camp came a day after The Atlantic reported that Trump declined to visit an American cemetery near Paris in 2018 and referred to U.S. Marines buried there as "losers" and "suckers." He also reportedly expressed concerns that the rain he now says prevented him from flying to the site would mess up his hair. "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump told aides after scrapping the visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, according to The Atlantic. The magazine did not identify the aides. The report said Trump later referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who lost their lives in the Battle of Belleau Wood in France as "suckers" for getting killed. The 1918 Battle of Belleau Wood dragged on for 20 days and ended with U.S. Marines successfully clearing out German camps. The Allied victory became an enduring symbol in U.S. Marine Corps history. Biden himself criticized Trump in a statement Thursday evening. "If the revelations in today's Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States," Biden said. "If I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice always." Trump, who is running for reelection in November, told reporters that the magazine report was "a total lie" and "a disgrace." "To think that I would make statements negative to our military and fallen heroes when nobody has done what I've done," for the U.S. armed forces, Trump told reporters. "It's a total lie ... It's a disgrace." Members of the Trump administration also denied that the president spoke disparagingly about fallen U.S. military personnel buried at the cemetery. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during an interview on "Fox & Friends" that he has "never heard the president use the language that is certainly said in that article about him calling military suckers and losers." "Indeed, just the contrary, he has always had the deepest respect. I'm a veteran, too. I care deeply about these young men and women, and I have watched the president honor them and every situation that I've been in with him as well," Pompeo said. "I wasn't in Paris, but it never happened," Vice President Mike Pence told CNBC on Friday when asked about the report. "I talked to the president that day, I know how disappointed the president was that there was a bad weather call. I've never been with anyone who cares more deeply about the men and women of our armed forces or respects them and their families than President Donald Trump." In a bid to break the deadlock in Ladakh, defence minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Fenghe, on Friday evening on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial in Moscow. This is the first major political contact between India and China since the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) unilaterally changed the status quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May 2020 in east Ladakh. According to people familiar with the developments in Moscow and Delhi, the meeting was arranged at the behest of both sides mutually to find a way out of the current stalemate in Ladakh with both the Indian Army and PLA deployed in full strength to counter each other. That the Ladakh stand-off will be the topic of discussion is evident from the presence of ministry of external affairs joint secretary (East Asia) Naveen Srivastava in Moscow on Friday. Srivastava has held a series of conversations with his Chinese counterpart under the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs towards disengagement and de-escalation of the PLA in the contested sectors. The meeting between two defence ministers is crucial as Rajnath Singh is number two in the Narendra Modi government and a former BJP president, Gen Wei, a former missile force commander, is a state councillor and member of the all-powerful Central Military Commission. The CMC, headed by chairman President Xi Jinping, controls the PLA.with the President as commander-in-chief. Also Watch | Situation along LAC slightly tense: Army Chief speaks on border row with China After this meeting, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the same platform in Moscow on September 10. Also read: The curious link behind Chinas Ladakh moves and a looming food crisis | Analysis The ministerial-level meeting between India and China comes at a time when PLA and the Indian Army are locked in a tense posture in Ladakh and occupied Aksai Chin with the former trying to impose 1960 claim map (demarcated by a green line) on the ground and the latter clear that its claim line (demarcated by a black line) is the true LAC. While PLA initially had made gains on the ground north of Pangong Tso in May and June, the Indian Army has nullified the dominance by repositioning on the heights overlooking Finger four on the lake and make tactical gains on south banks of the contested lake by pre-empting the Chinese troops. It is a game of pressure and time. The first one who blinks loses the match. The only way out is that both sides restore status quo ante and walk out of the military cul de sac respectfully, said a military commander. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The global healthcare company Abbott today announced that it has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for its Ivabradine, once-a-day formulation. For chronic conditions such as cardiac diseases in India, adherence to a treatment is typically low[1], and when medicines have to be taken multiple times a day, convenience becomes a key patient need. To address this unmet need for more convenient dosing, Abbott developed Indias first once daily prolonged release (PR) version of Ivabradine indicated for patients with chronic heart failure and chronic stable angina. This formulation will be more convenient for patients, which will help facilitate treatment adherence with the aim to improve health outcomes. Abbott plans to launch the Ivabradine PR tablets in the Indian market in the coming weeks. In India, estimates of people with heart failure range between 1.3 and 4.6 million, with 0.51.8 million new cases recorded every year[2]. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, an estimated 14.4 million men and 7.7 million women have lost their productive years to coronary heart disease-related disability[3]. While the burden of the disease is high in the country, non-adherence to treatment remains a key challenge. Studies have found that many people with cardiac disease in India dont take their medicines as prescribed by their doctor and an AIIMS study estimates that non-adherence to medication ranges from 24% for people with cardiac disease to 50%-80% for people with hypertension .[4] With its new formulation, Ivabradine PR tablets can be prescribed as a once-a-day medicine compared to the multiple dosing generally required by patients for the management of the disease. A phase 3 clinical study conducted by Abbott across 21 centers in India, the first of its kind to be conducted for this formulation, showed Ivabradine PR once-a-day formulation to be comparable with the conventional Ivabradine twice-a-day, in the management of patients with stable chronic heart failure, with comparable efficacy and safety profile. Talking about Ivabradine as a therapy for heart failure patients, Dr. Bharat Chanana, MD, DM CARD, Maharaja Agrasen Hospital explains, 45% of patients suffering from heart failure have a high heart rate with about 40% being hospitalized. The new once daily formulation of Ivabradine will facilitate patient adherence to treatment by reducing the pill burden. This will help control their heart rate and thus reduce hospitalization and improve quality of life. This formulation has been developed at Abbotts Innovation & Development (I&D) center in Mumbai. The I&D center is an important global innovation hub for Abbotts pharmaceutical business. Researchers at the I&D center use local insights to anticipate patient needs. These insights are linked with existing and innovative technologies to deliver meaningful innovation. Insights from physicians revealed the need for a simpler, more convenient dosing for Ivabradine, which led to the once-a-day solution. Commenting on the new formulation, Abbotts Regional Medical Director, Dr. Balagopal Nair, said, Our goal is to improve health by enhancing medicines to meet patients unmet medical needs. Adherence to therapy is a critical factor to maximize the overall health of people with chronic heart failure or chronic stable angina. We have used the best technology and science to develop this new dosage formulation. The convenient once-a-day formulation will help improve overall treatment adherence, leading to better health outcomes. Chronic heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's demands for oxygen. Chronic stable angina usually occurs due to obstruction or spasm of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Ivabradine helps maintain a stable heart rate and prevent it from spiking, which is an important prerequisite in reducing symptoms and in improving the prognosis of both conditions. CLEVELAND, Ohio The veteran Cleveland police officer killed late Thursday was working undercover when someone opened fire on his car, killing him and a man inside his car, according to three law enforcement sources. Update: Two arrested, one sought in fatal shooting of undercover Cleveland police officer, informant, sources say Det. James Skernivitz worked in the police departments gang unit and worked undercover. Gang unit detectives do not wear body cameras, dress in plain clothes and drive unmarked cars. The three sources said the man who died inside his car was an informant working with Skernivitz. Police and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office have not released his identity. An unknown person shot both men as they sat inside the car. Skernivitiz drove away and crashed his car. Cleveland police have not yet released much information on the case. The shooting happened about 10 p.m. Thursday on West 65th Street near Storer Avenue. Police have not announced any arrests in the case. The FBI and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted Cleveland police homicide detectives at the scene. On Friday, the FBI set up a 24-hour tip line urging anyone with information on the shooting call. Callers can remain anonymous. Skernivitz was hired in 1998 and previously worked in the Third District before taking a position on the gang unit. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a statement Friday morning on the shooting. Detective Skernivitz gave his life trying to keep danger off the streets of Cleveland, Yost said. This tragedy shows once again the valor and honor of the police and that there are yet dangerous, evil men in the world who must be brought to justice. My heart breaks for his family, and I pray that in their grief, they find solace in his legacy of service and sacrifice. Skernivitz is the first on-duty Cleveland police officer to die since Vu Nguyen died in July 2017 after he collapsed of heatstroke during a training exercise. Hes the first officer killed on duty since Derek Owens on Feb. 29, 2008. Lamidi Kafaru fatally shot Owens as Owens chased after him after breaking up a party and witnessing a drug deal. Kafaru is serving a sentence of life in prison without parole eligibility. The FBIs tip line is 216-622-6842. Instagram Kirsten Jones A student at the University of Alabama who friends remembered for her fun-loving" spirit died this week after a nighttime boating excursion turned tragic. The body of Kirsten Jones, 20, was recovered from Black Warrior River on Thursday morning, two days after she and two friends were involved in a boat accident, AL.com reported. Jones, a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, was out with a sorority sister and a male friend on Tuesday when their boat went over the rivers dam around 8 p.m. and all three entered the water, her father Thomas Jones told The Tuscaloosa News. He said the incident happened just 10 minutes into their outing. Jones two companions survived, but authorities were unable to find her, AL.com reported. Divers eventually used sonar and cameras that they put at the bottom of the river to recover her body Thursday morning, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Senior Trooper Freddie Ingram told CBS affiliate WIAT. He also noted that no one on board was wearing a life jacket. Jones death was confirmed in statements both by the University of Alabama and by her sorority, who wrote in a statement that her loss filled them with unimaginable grief. Kirsten was such a source of light to everyone blessed enough to know her and was an amazing sister and friend, the sorority wrote. She was incredibly loved by so many and will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, laugh, and authenticity. She will be in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time. We love you, Kirsten. RELATED: Woman Dies as Part of 'Human Chain' Trying to Rescue Swimmers on Ala. Beach Jones was from Niceville, Florida, and was majoring in health management, with hopes of one day working in a hospital or in the medical field, The Tuscaloosa News reported. Several GoFundMe pages have emerged, including one thats raised $25,000 for a memorial service, and another thats collecting money for her family. This is extremely tragic, Ingram told WIAT. Shes getting into the prime of her life, going through school, trying to figure out what [shes] doing with [her] life and the next step, and then something like this happens. Its a very tragic situation. A spokesperson for Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Back to school season has looked a little different this year as the coronavirus pandemic continues. And with in-person and online classes beginning at Texas' universities, many are tracking COVID-19 cases among students, faculty and staff. Here are some of the universities in Texas and in the Houston area sharing coronavirus case numbers. Numbers of coronavirus cases reported are as of Sept. 4. COVID-19 UPDATES: Houston passes 3K COVID deaths, Texas' positive rate drops University of Houston UH is currently reporting 190 coronavirus cases among students, faculty and staff since March 2020. Rice University Rice has reported 15 positive tests since Aug. 1 among students, faculty and staff. Between March 5 and July 31, the university reported 69 cases, making for a total of 84 positive coronavirus cases since March 5. Before the semester began, Rice University contracted 60,000 coronavirus tests to conduct on campus. Prairie View A&M University Prairie View A&M's dashboard shows several details, including whether it was a student, staff or faculty member who tested positive and when they were last on campus. The university has reported 82 cases since March 27. Sam Houston State University The university's dashboard provides age range, gender, and date reported for each COVID-19 confirmed case. Sam Houston State has reported 206 cases total. The University of Texas at Austin Since March 1, UT-Austin has reported a cumulative total of 600 positive COVID-19 cases. MEET THE TEACHER: Texas businesswoman Kendra Scott joins UT Austin staff to teach women in entrepreneurship course Texas State University Texas State has reported 277 positive cases since March 1. Texas Tech University Texas Tech has reported 671 positive cases of COVID-19 and currently has 477 active cases. The University of North Texas UNT's dashboard only shows active cases among students, faculty and staff. There are currently 41 active cases at the university. Baylor University Baylor reports 759 positive cases since Aug. 1. The university currently has 522 active cases. Texas A&M University Between Aug.21 and Sept. 1, 771 students, faculty and staff self-reported cases of COVID-19 at Texas A&M. Out of tests processed by Texas A&M University Student Health Services, the university reports 747 coronavirus cases since Aug. 2. NJ Transit wants to ban a Jersey City man who was arrested for a fifteenth time for a sex crime Tuesday night from using its trains, buses and light rail system. Darrell Jordan, 25, of Jersey City, was arrested and charged by NJ Transit Police with criminal sexual contact after he allegedly slapped a female passenger on the buttocks while riding a light rail train in Weehawken, police said. The incident happened around 9 p.m. on a Hudson-Bergen Light Rail train, which Jordon fled from at the Port Imperial station in Weehawken, authorities said. Officers from Transit District 3 responded, searched the area and arrested Jordan, police said. But Jordan has an extensive criminal history that includes 14 earlier arrests by NJ Transit police for sexual and public lewdness charges, according to police. There was someone whos a repeat sexual offender grabbing (a) woman on the light rail, our police captured him again, said Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit CEO and president. But we also went back to a judge and said we want to ban him and never have him ride NJ Transit again. The judge has yet to issue a decision on NJ Transits request to ban Jordan, he said. Jordans arrests date back to January 2019, including being charged with criminal sexual contact in June, lewdness/masturbation in public in August, and charges of sexual assault in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a minor in the third degree and public masturbation, also in August, officials said. A transit advocate brought up concerns about the sexual offenses at Mondays NJ Transit Board of Directors operations committee meeting, asking officials what they planned to do about it. Corbett said he wasnt sure if Jordan would be the first person barred from using NJ Transit in its 40 year history. Police said Jordan had just been released from jail over the weekend following his arrest on another charge last week. I want to thank our officers for their quick actions and outstanding police work to get this suspect off of the transit system and held accountable for his actions, said Christopher Trucillo, New Jersey Transit Police Chief. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. VANCOUVERThe federal government has been quietly working on an Indo-Pacific strategy perhaps since last year and one critic says the tight-lipped approach raises questions about the plans progress. As relations with Beijing continue to sour, a renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific area is seen as a way for Canada to diversify its foreign trade away from China and towards the two-dozen-nation region, which includes countries such as India, Australia and Indonesia. The approach has been touted by foreign relations and trade experts as an initiative Ottawa must undertake in the face of an increasingly hostile mainland China. But Conservative MP and a member of Parliaments Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, Garnett Genuis, said hes concerned nothing has been publicly released about the strategy. He said he hadnt even heard the government was working on it until reached by the Star. I cant recall any mention of it being made at any point by ministers or government witnesses, Genuis said. Its further demonstration they are not taking the need for Indo-Pacific engagement as seriously as they should be. According to Statistics Canada, in 2018 Canada imported $46 billion worth of goods from China while exporting $29 billion to the country. The same year Canadas combined exports to top Indo-Pacific countries India and Japan totalled $18 billion while imports from those nations hit $17 billion. Global Affairs Canada said the strategy will involve foreign policy, trade, and development assistance, but would not say when details may be revealed. Global Affairs spokesperson Angela Savard said Canada is engaging in an Indo-Pacific strategy and it will be supported by the countrys participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The 11-nation, free-trade partnership was first signed in late 2018 and involves countries around the Asia-Pacific region. China is not part of the agreement. According to the governments online staff directory Evelyn Puxley, a former director of political and co-ordination with Global Affairs greater China division, is the lead on the strategy. A LinkedIn page appearing to be Puxleys said she was placed in the role last November. She did not return calls made by the Star to her work number. As relations between Canada and China have deteriorated in recent years following the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou at Vancouvers airport at the request of the United States, pressure for Ottawa to seek out new trading partners has grown. Margaret McCuaig-Johnston is a former assistant deputy minister who spent decades helping to build relations between Canada and China and has recently called for Ottawa to focus more on the Indo-Pacific region. Reached by the Star last Friday, McCuaig-Johnston said Canada needs to deepen engagement with countries in the region via health, economics, security and build closer relations with Taiwan. This is all very hypothetical because we dont know what the government might want to do on this, she said. We havent seen any kind of announcement or anybody exploring the idea publicly. Charles Burton, a former diplomat and expert on Canada-China relations with the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute, said Canadas involvement with the CPTPP is a big part of the plan as members of the pact are already Indo-Pacific countries. Now, Burton said, Canada should look at the rest of the countries in the Indo-Pacific region to forge trade and security relations as a common front to counter Chinas influence. He said trade with Indo-Pacific countries could eventually surpass trade with China and lead to more reciprocity and fair trade between Canada and its partner nations. Burton said he thinks the strategy is being kept under wraps for fear of angering Beijing and because many in the civil service who encouraged Canada to grow ties with China over the years may see the plan as an admission their China strategy has failed. He said the approach has hurt Canadian interests in trade and other areas. I think that there is a misrepresentation of the significance of the Chinese economy to Canada, he said, which is then used as a justification for compromise of our Canadians interests in the security area and in the maintenance of norms of governance and fairness and reciprocity. Genuis said the Liberal government has been working on the strategy long enough for some details of the plan to be spoken about publicly, but he worries some in Ottawa have yet to move on from their original vision of Canada-China relations. He said many countries and observers who follow developments regarding China realize relations with Beijing will not snap back to where they were prior to the pandemic. Unfortunately, this government has been slow to recognize the reality that they cant have all their eggs in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) basket, he said. Theres still many people within government who would like to ignore our Indo-Pacific allies and instead focus exclusively appease the PRC and get back to what they see as normal. Read more about: Today, Carhartt unveiled a larger-than-life installation of 1,670 hard hats to represent 1.67 million job openings across construction, manufacturing, mining, logging, transportation, trade, and utilities. Built in the shape of the United States, the installation was unveiled at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville a city hard at work as one of America's construction megacities with three dozen cranes currently up across Nashville skies as of August 2020. "Our company was built on the philosophy that we should be thankful for labor every day, not just on Labor Day," said Mark Valade, Chief Executive Officer at Carhartt. "We know that to build a better world, we need more men and women in the skilled trades. To ensure the future success of America's workforce, we are highlighting and investing in the incredible work our long-standing partner SkillsUSA performs to provide trade and technical school students across the nation with a blueprint for workplace readiness." In honor of the hard work people in the skilled trades put in every day, from sunup to sundown, Carhartt is donating all of its online sales on www.Carhartt.com from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT on Labor Day to SkillsUSA to help train the workforce of the future. As an Official Sponsor of SkillsUSA since 2000, Carhartt has proudly supported SkillsUSA's role in helping thousands of hardworking people every year find a rewarding path into the skilled trades a commitment that will continue well into the future. "We couldn't be more thankful to have a partner like Carhartt that firmly believes in our mission to build America's next skilled workforce," said Chelle Travis, Executive Director at SkillsUSA. "The pandemic has shed a new light on the importance of essential workers which includes the men and women in the skilled trades. There are jobs to be had in these fields and we want to make it as accessible as possible for anyone looking for a new career." Centered around the belief that labor should be celebrated every day, Carhartt also launched its 'Every Day is Labor Day' TV commercial and social video that recognizes those who work from dawn to dusk. The creative spot utilizes the voice of American film director, Peter Berg, who has donated his working fee to SkillsUSA. To extend gratitude for workers even further, Carhartt has also committed to giving its own hard working, essential employees a day's rest by closing all retail stores and U.S. manufacturing facilities for the third year in a row on Labor Day. For more information on Carhartt's Labor Day campaign and how to support the donation to SkillsUSA, please visit www.Carhartt.com/labor-day. About Carhartt, Inc. Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with more than 5,300 associates worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company's founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is a nonprofit partnership of education and industry founded in 1965 to strengthen our nation's skilled workforce. Driven by employer demand, SkillsUSA helps students develop necessary personal and workplace skills along with technical skills grounded in academics. This SkillsUSA Framework empowers every student to succeed at work and in life, while helping to close the skills gap in which millions of positions go unfilled. Through SkillsUSA's championships program and curricula, employers have long ensured schools are teaching relevant technical skills, and with SkillsUSA's new credentialing process, they can now assess how ready potential employees are for the job. SkillsUSA has more than 372,000 annual paid members nationwide in high schools, colleges and middle schools, covering over 130 trade, technical and skilled service occupations, and is recognized by the U.S. departments of Education and Labor as integral to career and technical education. With the addition of our alumni, membership is 434,141. We have served nearly 14 million members since 1965. For more information: www.skillsusa.org. MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Hellebuyck Sr. Public Relations Manager [email protected] (313) 749-6322 Spencer Stewart Zeno Group [email protected] (903) 357-9547 SOURCE Carhartt Related Links http://www.carhartt.com Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin (C) visits the Christian Maronite Church of St. Georges that was damaged in the explosion in Beirut (ANSA) Following the Popes invitation for a universal day of prayer and fasting for Lebanon on Friday, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expresses the Churchs closeness and solidarity with the nation, amid its economic and political crisis exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent explosion in Beirut. By Vatican News Pope Francis, during the Wednesday General Audience, called for a universal day of prayer and fasting on Friday for Lebanon, in the aftermath of the deadly 4 August explosion at the Beirut port, as well as the ongoing economic and political crisis in the country. The Pope also announced he would send Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Lebanon as his representative to be present with its people and to express his solidarity and spiritual closeness. Ahead of the day of prayer, Cardinal Parolin met Thursday with the Lebanese Bishops, representatives of different religious communities, and humanitarian organizations at the St. George Maronite Cathedral in Beirut. Solidarity with Lebanon Addressing the religious leaders during the meeting, Cardinal Parolin explained that his visit was to express the nearness of the Catholic Church throughout the world. He pointed out that the Popes appeal for a day of prayer generated immediate responses from all over the world. You are not alone! he said, assuring Lebanon's leaders. He also called on the nations political leaders, urging them to foster the talents of young people and their aspirations for peace and a better future, adding that only together can we defeat all forms of authoritarianism by promoting inclusive citizenship based on the respect of fundamental rights and duties. Our suffering can help us purify our intentions and strengthen our resolve to live together in peace and dignity, to strive for a better governance that favors responsibility, transparency and accountability, he said. Pointing out the unique value of Lebanon a part of the Holy Land that was visited by Jesus, His apostles, and Our Lady, Cardinal Parolin reminded the religious leaders that they have a primary mission to give hope to an afflicted population, to honor and serve our brothers and sisters in humanity, starting with the most vulnerable. He concluded by encouraging the many "beautiful" examples of solidarity already happening all over Beirut, and appealed to the international community to not leave Lebanon alone, as the world also needs the unique ongoing experiment of pluralism, living together in solidarity and freedom that is Lebanon. Find strength to set out again At a Mass celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, on the same day, Cardinal Parolin encouraged all Lebanese to continue to hope and to find the strength and energy to set out again, despite the economic, social and political crisis which has only been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic and the explosion in August. The Vatican Secretary of State appealed that the reconstruction of the country should be done not only at the material level, but also in a way that fosters a new approach to the management of public affairs based on laws, transparency, collective responsibility and the common good. Cardinal Parolin concluded his homily with Pope Francis's words during the General Audience on Wednesday: "And now I ask you to entrust to Mary, Our Lady of Harissa, our anxieties and our hopes. May she support all those who mourn their loved ones and may she give courage to all those who have lost their homes and, with them, part of their lives! May she intercede before the Lord Jesus so that the Land of Cedars may blossom again and spread the fragrance of living together throughout the Middle East." Hit by coronavirus disruptions and the slowdown in demand, the automotive industry has requested the government to put on hold the next generation emission norms that kick in from 2022. Speaking at the 60th annual general meeting, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Rajan Wadhera said that the new norms should be put off as the industry didn't have the money to invest to meet the regulations. Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javdekar was among the panelist invited for the session. "The industry does not have the ability to invest further for new regulations which are planned in the year 2022 and 2023. Therefore, we make a strong plea and request that the industry is not in a position to invest in new regulations like CAFE and RDE," Wadhera said. The corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) norms propose to improve fuel-efficiency of vehicles by 30 percent from 2022 and 10 percent or more by 2021 end. Under CAFE, a cars mileage will be decided on the litres of fuel its consumes for running 100 km. This will automatically lead to a reduction in carbon footprint. The auto industry collectively invested more than Rs 40,000 crore in switching to BS-VI norms from BS-IV. BS-VI emission norms, which are thought to be the most advanced in the world, kicked in from April 1, 2020. But the implementation of the new norm coincided with the lockdown and COVID-19 disruption. The industry has made huge investments to upgrade to Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) and the depreciation of this investment is also huge. The commensurate revenue has not been realised due to lack of consumer demand," Wadhera said. The introduction of BS-VI also ploughed the way for the launch of real driving emissions (RDE). The test agency will record RDE during the data acquisition phase. Once that happens next year, it will come out with a conformity factor and the RDE regulation will come into force from 2023. RDE is the most preferred emission regulation method since it is aimed at reducing the gap between type-approval emission, which occur during the certification (homologation) testing phase, and those in the real world. Vehicular emission methods took a big knock when German auto giant Volkswagen was accused of fudging data for years in the US. Since then, several countries have put in place stricter norms to check on any intentional and unintentional violations Under RDE norms, the testing agency will ask the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to pick out three customer BS-VI vehicles, which have run for more than six months or 15,000 km or a maximum 100,000 km for five years, every year and test them again on the chassis and prove that the emissions are not violating the norms. While the government is believed to have contemplated enforcing the RDE norms much before April 1, the auto industry requested the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to implement the norms only after BS-VI fuel was made available throughout India. As colleges and universities return for in-person classes, all eyes have been on whether communal learning will lead to COVID-19 outbreaks. The answer is clear in at least one state. "More than 7,000 college-age people in Missouri have tested positive for the coronavirus since classes resumed in mid-August, fueling spikes in confirmed cases in the state's college towns," said Gov. Mike Parson, reports the AP. "Recent single-day positive test rates in some college towns have been as high as 45% for people in the 18-24 age group, Parson said. That's more than eight times the national positivity rate of 5.5% for people of all ages." "Parson said none of the college-age students have become seriously ill," continued the AP, "but he warned that they can spread the disease to more vulnerable people such as the elderly." Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. Missouri is a Hot Zone The statistic continues a run of bad news for the state. Missouri is nearing its record high in cases set the week leading up to August 1. This week they reported 9,473 new cases and 97 deaths with a positivity rate of over 13 percent. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, listed the state as one of seven that need to remain on alert and observe precautions going into Labor Day weekend, along with South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana and Illinois. Meanwhile the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommended a mask mandate for Missouri, as well as college guidelines, in a report this week. "University towns need a comprehensive plan that scales immediately for testing all returning students with routine surveillance testing to immediately identify new cases and outbreaks and isolate and quarantine," the report says. Also: "Bars must be closed." Dr. Fauci Advises Students Stay on Campus if They Test Positive Story continues Dr. Fauci explained on the Today Show that he is adamantly against closing up schools and sending kids home, fearing it could worsen the pandemic. "It's the worst thing you can do," he pointed out. However, he also doesn't recommend leaving potentially infected students in the general population either. "Keep them at the university in a place that's sequestered enough from the other students." So why is he so against sending them home? Because most college students are from cities and states not in the general vicinity as their school, Dr. Fauci is worried that they may carry the virus back with them. "Don't have them go home because they could be spreading in their home state." Some of the Missouri institutions are implementing strict measures to slow the spread. "At Mizzou, the school is punishing 330 students for violating COVID-19 safety rules, with penalties as stiff as a semester-long suspension," reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "At the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus students are required to wear face coverings when entering or occupying a physical building or facility owned, operated or managed by the university." As for yourself, do everything you can to prevent gettingand spreadingCOVID-19 in the first place: Mask up, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars, and house parties), practice social distancing, only run essential errands, wash your hands regularly, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID. Bengaluru: The drug mafia controversy in Sandalwood is slowly tightening noose around film stars, with CCB police taking leading actress Ragini Dwivedi into their custody for questioning. After Ragini dodged CCB notice on Thursday, the sleuths raided the apartment she is staying in at Yelahanka in the early morning on Friday and searched her flat for over three hours, before taking her into custody. Ragini was calm and smiling while being escorted from her Yalahanka apartment, Ananya, before being whisked away in her own car to CCB office in Chamarajpet. In the beginning, Ragini tried protesting the interrogation stating that she was being targeted for being a friend of Ravi Shankar, an employee of the Transport department. First, she denied any knowledge about drugs, but later said that Ravi Shankar might have procured drugs a couple of times for personal consumption, but was never a drug dealer. When the police checked her four mobile phones, they realised that Ragini had uninstalled WhatsApp. Ragini could not give a convincing reply as to why she deleted WhatsApp, which was operational for the last two days. Later, they seized the phone, two laptops, her flat key as well as her car key. A bag and some liquor bottles from her car. Meanwhile, soon after the raid started, two advocates representing Ragini came near the apartment. However, police did not allow them to meet Ragini till the entire search operation was completed. Just before leading Ragini was taken to the police car to take her to CCB office, the two lawyers were allowed to meet her for a brief period. The CCB team headed by ACP Anjumala descended on Ragini's flat at around 6.45 am and continued search till 9.30, before taking her to their custody. The police claimed that Ragini was adamant and at times, gave contradictory replies over the issue. Besides, the police also realised that Ragini had another flat in the same apartment and searched that apartment also. Meanwhile, another team of CCB searched her house in Indiranagar also. Ragini's name cropped up after a Goa-based drug peddler Ahmed confessed that he had supplied drugs to Ravi Shankar, a Transport Department official. Since Ragini was his girlfriend, she was put under the scanner. Later, Ravi Shankar had named Rahul, who had investment in a Casino in Sri Lanka and another relative Karthik Raj Interestingly, Rahul's girlfriend Sanjana Galrani and Karthik Raj's friend Sharmila Mandre are also sandalwood stars. Karthik Raj had recently joined BJP during by-elections and campaigned in Shivajinagar constituency. On Friday morning, CCB left Karthik Raj, but have continued custody of Rahul. Supreme Court has refused to entertain the review petition filed by ministers of six opposition-ruled states who were seeking review of the court's August 17 order to conduct NEET-UG and JEE (Mains) examinations The Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) will proceed on the dates allotted as scheduled ,as a three-judge bench led by Justice Ashok Bhushan of the Supreme Court on Friday rejected a review petition seeking the postponement of exams.The review petition was filed by 6 opposition-ruled states ,namely West Bengal, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh. The petitioners mentioned that the apex court ignores the teething logistical difficulties in conducting the exams at the proposed dates and failed to balance the competing but equally important aspects of conducting the examination and security safety of the students. JEE Main tests for more than 8 lakh engineering applicants had begun on September 1. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate, or NEET 2020, will begin on September 13. The apex court, in its judgment, had maintained the Centers choice to hold the serious assessments and stated, A crucial year of students cannot be wasted and life has to go on while dismissing the students pleas for postponement. ALSO READ: PM Modi interacts with IPS probationers in Hyderabad Supreme Court refuses to entertain the review petition filed by ministers of six states, seeking review of the court's August 17 order to conduct NEET-UG and JEE (Mains) examinations. pic.twitter.com/3kKLm5VX3n ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 In the mean time, in a data released yesterday, the Education Ministry disclosed that out of the total 458,521 students who had registered to sit for the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE)-Mains for admission to engineering colleges, at least 114,563 students dropped out from appearing in the first three days. ALSO READ: Situation along LAC tensed, jawans ready to face any challenge: Army Chief MM Naravane GREENWICH An elderly resident of Greenwich has tested positive for the West Nile virus the first human case in town since 2012, health officials said Friday. The resident is between the ages of 70 and 70 and is recovering, the town Department of Health said. The state Department of Public Health notified the town that the resident became ill in the fourth week of August and was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis. This is the fourth human case of West Nile in the state this year, but the first case in Greenwich in 2020. This case of human illness demonstrates that WNV can cause serious illness and whenever the virus is present, there is a potential for human infection, town Director of Health Caroline Baisley said. There will continue to be infected mosquitoes until the first frost, so persons, particularly those older than 50 years of age, must take personal protection precautions to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors at any time of day, especially during twilight hours. According to Baisley, this is the first human case in Greenwich since 2012, when there were two cases in town. There was one human case in 2011 and three cases in 2010 in town, she said. The virus has also been detected in mosquitoes trapped in Greenwich in early August as well as in 17 other towns in Connecticut. There have also been human cases confirmed in Danbury, Newtown and Waterbury in 2020. The West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which become infected by biting birds that carry the virus. The town will continue its preemptive larvicide program to mitigate the mosquito population and the spread of the virus. The program includes treating public and private roadway catch basins, public school ground catch basins and other property owned by the town. The program began in June and the larvicide is reapplied every four to six weeks into the early fall, Baisley said. Controlling the mosquito population in the larval stage through the application of larvicide has been found to be a prudent action, she said. Although this measure helps reduce the mosquito population, it certainly does not eliminate it. Residents are, therefore encouraged to protect themselves. Town Director of Environmental Services Michael Long added, The general public must be vigilant in eliminating standing water on their own properties and protecting themselves from biting mosquitoes at all times. It is important to recognize that the highest risk of exposure to West Nile virus infected mosquitoes is during the months of August and September. Most people who are bitten by a West Nile virus-infected mosquito are able to fight off the virus with only mild symptoms or none at all, the Department of Health said. General symptoms occur suddenly five to 15 days after the bite and can range from slight fever, headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, malaise and eye pain, to the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, severe muscle weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, coma or death. For the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, the virus can cause serious illness that affects the central nervous system. In a minority of infected persons, especially those over 50, it can cause serious illnesses, including encephalitis and meningitis. Infection can lead to death in 3 percent to 15 percent of the severe cases. The town is recommending several precautions, including avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are the most active, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and using mosquito repellent. The finding of WNV in both humans and mosquitoes within Greenwich emphasizes the need for immediate personal protection measures against biting mosquitoes during the day and at night, Baisley said. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com When President Donald Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018, he blamed rain for the last-minute decision, saying that "the helicopter couldn't fly" and that the Secret Service wouldn't drive him there. Neither claim was true. Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day. In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers." In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as "suckers" for getting killed. On Saturday, I went to the U.S. Ambassador's residence, where Trump was staying, to brief him for his bilateral with [French President Emmanuel Macron]. The weather was bad and [former Chief of Staff John Kelly] and I spoke about whether to travel as planned to the Chateau-Thierry Belleau Woods monuments and nearby American Cemeteries, where many U.S. World War I were buried. Marine One's crew were saying that bad visibility could make it imprudent to chopper to the cemetery. The ceiling was not too low for Marines to fly in combat, but flying POTUS was obviously something very different. If a motorcade were necessary, it could take between ninety and a hundred and twenty minutes each way, along roads that were not exactly freeways, posing an unacceptable risk that we could not get the President out of France quickly enough in case of an emergency. It was a straightforward decision to cancel the visit but very hard for a Marine like Kelly to recommend, having originally been the one to suggest Belleau Wood (an iconic battle in Marine Corps history). Trump agreed, and it was decided that others would drive to the cemetery instead. The press turned canceling the military visit into a story that Trump was afraid of the rain and took glee in pointing out that other world leaders traveled around during the day. Of course, none of them were President of the United States, but the press didn't understand that rules for US presidents are different from the rules for 190 other leaders who don't command the world's greatest military forces. This post appears here courtesy of the The Daily Wire . The author of this post is Tim Pearce Former White House national security adviser John Bolton stated in his memoir that President Trump canceled a visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris over weather, undercutting a key claim in a recent story from The Atlantic that the president scrapped the trip because of the "losers" and "suckers" buried there.Aisne-Marne holds the graves of nearly 2,300 American soldiers, including hundreds of U.S. Marines that died in the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918 during World War I. Trump made plans to visit the war memorial in 2018, marking a century since Belleau Wood, but canceled the visit last-minute over rain and unsafe flying conditions. The Atlantic reported a different version of events on Thursday. The magazine's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg said that Trump scrapped the trip because he thought the rain would mess up his hair. Goldberg also reported a significantly more explosive claim that Trump referred to the American soldiers buried at the site as "losers" and "suckers."Goldberg, citing four anonymous officials, reported:Goldberg makes no mention of the contradicting, on-the-record claim made by Bolton, a prominent Trump critic, months ago in his memoir "The Room Where It Happened." On the canceled trip to Aisne-Marne, Bolton writes Bolton continued: Major aged care outbreaks are likely to blame for Parkville and East Brighton topping lists for active cases in this week's Melbourne postcode coronavirus data. The table below shows the postcodes with the highest rate of active cases as of Thursday this week. Topping the list is postcode 3052, which takes in Parkville and Melbourne University. It has the highest active case rate of any area in Victoria with eight infections per 1000 residents. While it may not account for every single case in the area, there has been a sizeable aged care cluster that may have taken the postcode to the top of the list. Mercy Place aged care facility in Parkville has an outbreak that is currently sitting at 92 cases, including 54 residents, 33 staff and five contact cases - according to the Department of Health. It's a similar situation for the postcode that this week has topped the list of areas with the biggest net increase in active cases. As per the table above, in postcode 3187 - which takes in Brighton East - there are now 20 active cases, 10 more than there were seven days ago. According to the DHHS, there are currently 59 cases linked to Allity's Princeton View aged care in Brighton East. That includes 26 residents, 30 staff and three contact cases. To read more about what's happening postcode by postcode this week in Melbourne's cases, read our full visual story here. Cargo, one of the least glamorous aspects of flying, is proving a rare ray of light for airlines amid the coronavirus gloom. The grounding of passenger planes at a time of increased demand for everything from medical supplies to iPhones has boosted freight rates. With much of the world's population house-bound and shopping online instead of hitting the malls, analysts see no let-up in demand, particularly as the peak year-end Christmas season approaches. "Airfreight is going to be a bright spot for carriers at least for this year because while borders are closed that doesn't mean people aren't buying," said Um Kyung-a, an airline analyst at Shinyoung Securities in Seoul. "That trend is likely to continue as cargo capacity remains limited." With hundreds of passenger planes parked in deserts waiting out the pandemic, airfreight costs have spiralled. Credit:Kate Geraghty The sort of goods moving along this global conveyor belt 30,000 feet in the sky also track the pandemic's unfurling. Masks and gloves have given way to semiconductor chips and PC parts as consumers set up work-from-home arrangements. Fresh produce is also big as people venture out less. Ultimately, once a vaccine is found, airlines will be used to disperse billions of vials quickly and in a temperature-controlled environment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 01:46:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close URUMQI, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The population in Xinjiang has grown continuously in recent years and the so-called "demographic genocide" is baseless, said a research report released by northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Thursday. According to the report by the Xinjiang development research center, the growth of the Uygur ethnic group is higher than that of the total population of the region, and the rights of ethnic minorities, including Uygur people, have been fully guaranteed. Adrian Zenz, an anti-China scholar in Germany, one-sidedly quoted data and reports with ulterior motives, claiming that "Xinjiang's natural population growth has declined dramatically," said the center's report, which was published on the website of the Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences. Zenz's claim neither conforms to scientific research methods and academic norms nor accords with the reality in Xinjiang, it noted. From 2010 to 2018, Xinjiang's permanent population increased by 3.05 million, or 13.99 percent, to reach 24.87 million. In the period, the Uygur population increased by 2.55 million, or 25.04 percent, to 12.72 million, while the population of the Han ethnic group in the region increased by 176,900, or 2.0 percent, to reach 9 million, said the report. The report pointed out the growth of the Uygur population is higher than that of the region's total population, the population of all ethnic minorities, and the Han ethnic group. A decline in Xinjiang's population growth in 2018 is a result of the full implementation of the family planning policy, the economic and social development as well as the change of fertility ideas of people of all ethnic groups, said the research. The trend of world population development shows that the higher the level of economic and social development, the stronger the people's concept of self-value realization and healthy birth and upbringing. Xinjiang is an arid region which faces desertification, a rapidly growing population, and a shortage of arable land, according to the report. The implementation of family planning by Xinjiang is not only an implementation of the basic state policy, but also the objective demand for achieving coordinated and sustainable development of the population, economy, society, environment, and resources, the report said. With the continuous economic and social development in Xinjiang, the living conditions of people of all ethnic groups have fundamentally improved, which has promoted the steady improvement of population quality, it added. Enditem At every level, there needs to be more reporting on what this is, and not just specifically what this candidate has said about these things, but that this thing exists, said Beau Williams, a reporter for Capitol Beat, a nonprofit Georgia news service that provides state government stories to newspapers throughout the state. We need to do a better job of explaining more about what this is and how much of an influence the QAnon theorizing mind-set has in Georgia, if its just a few people or if people have really kind of taken a hold of this. Just because voters selected a QAnon candidate doesnt mean they believe in the theory themselves, he said they might not even know it was part of the candidates beliefs. Rabbi Yehuda "Yudi" Dukes, the longtime director of JNet, a worldwide Chabad educational program, has been among the longest hospitalized COVID-19 patients. (JTA) - At a moment when the world could use a dose of hope, along comes Rabbi Yehuda "Yudi" Dukes. In late March, Dukes was hospitalized in New York with COVID-19, a week after the otherwise healthy 38-year-old rabbi took ill at his Long Island home. Dukes spent a whopping four months on a ventilator, including nine weeks on an artificial lung machine. He endured four collapsed lungs, experienced a stroke and underwent a liver biopsy, among other challenges. He is believed to be among the longest hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the country. And then he began to improve. Earlier this su... Dovetail, a digital MGA in the small commercial insurance market, has announced the launch of Dovetail for Agents, a quote, bind, and issue platform for independent agents in the US. The platform provides agents with a new, intuitive user interface, real-time quotes, end-to-end quote, bind and policy issuance, and access to top insurance carriers, the company said. AmTrust is the first carrier to offer insurance in this case, workers compensation on the platform. Other new and existing partners on Dovetails legacy platform will be onboarded in the coming months. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Kumar, argued that interim bail be granted to Kumar on health grounds New Delhi: The Supreme Court Friday dismissed the plea of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is serving life imprisonment in an 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, seeking interim bail on health grounds. Sorry. We are not inclined. Dismissed, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Kumar, argued that interim bail be granted to Kumar on health grounds as he has been in jail for 20 months, has lost nearly 16 kg weight and needs to recover from past ailments. Singh said Kumar would abide by all the conditions which would be imposed by the court. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who has been appearing for some of the riots victims, opposed the plea and said the required treatment is already being given to Kumar at hospital. We will hear you finally someday but cannot grant you bail like this, said the bench, also comprising Justice A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian. We are not treating the judgement (of the Delhi High Court which convicted and sentenced Kumar in the case) as faulty merely because it has reversed earlier verdict. We will hear you finally someday, the bench said. Kumar is serving life imprisonment after the Delhi High Court had convicted him and others in the case on December 17, 2018. The high court had reversed the acquittal of Kumar by the trial court in 2013 in the case related to the killings of five Sikhs in the Raj Nagar Part-I area in Palam Colony in southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and burning down of a gurdwara in Raj Nagar Part-II. The riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her two Sikh bodyguards. On May 13, the apex court had dismissed the plea by Kumar who had sought interim bail or parole on health grounds, saying he did not need hospitalization as per medical report at the moment. In its verdict, the high court had convicted and sentenced Kumar to imprisonment for "remainder of his natural life" in the case saying the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. WASHINGTON In March, when the Trump administration ordered up a study enabling the widespread release of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19, one of the first questions the director of a government research agency that would oversee the trial asked was: Who has talked with Oracle? The Silicon Valley powerhouse had already started to prepare to help with collecting data about the drug, and its founder, Larry Ellison, talked to President Trump about its possible use. Some tech companies may have shied away from helping to test a drug that many medical experts said had potentially dangerous side effects and might not even work for Covid-19 cases. But Oracle, a business software giant founded in 1977, is a prominent ally of Mr. Trump, whose administration was invested in the drugs use. Oracles involvement in the planned drug study was its latest effort to aid the president and his administration. The company has also backed the administrations trade plans and its positions on major tech policy issues, and its executives played roles in Mr. Trumps transition team in 2016 and have backed his re-election campaign. Bangladeshs crucial textile industry saw a sharp rebound from the coronavirus crisis in August, with exports surging nearly 50 per cent as factories swung into full gear to meet orders from global retailers, officials said Tuesday. Shipments of ready-made clothes hit $3.3 billion, up from $2.3 billion a year earlier, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said. The garment industry is the cornerstone of the economy in Bangladesh, the worlds second largest exporter of the goods after China. The reinstatement of cancelled orders from retail titans including H&M, Primark and Walmart has revived the industry even though Bangladesh is still suffering from the pandemic, BGMEA spokesman Khan Monirul Alam Shuvo told AFP. Some companies say they are now looking for thousands of workers to cope with new orders. The association said in April that western retailers, who normally buy around $30 billion worth of garments each year, cancelled $3.2 billion-worth after the virus forced stores to shut down. Shipments collapsed 83 percent in April and more than 50 per cent in May. Some 80 per cent of those orders have since been reinstated," Shuvo said. Still, we have to wait another five months to see a clear picture." Because of the pandemic, Bangladesh closed factories for one month from March 26. The 4,500 garment factories employ more than four million workers about two-thirds of them women and hundreds of thousands were laid off. Hannan Group, which exports high-end fashion to brands such as Esprit and Casamoda in Europe, said it has recruited nearly 1,600 workers in the past two months. I think the worst is over. Some retailers have placed new orders and revived some old orders. We need new workers to make the shipment deadline," Hannan chairman A.B.M Shamsuddin, whose companies employ 12,000 people, told AFP. Estepona mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano and the owners of the destroyed Laguna Village have both said they will work together to ensure the upscale shopping and leisure complex is open again as soon as possible, ideally by Easter. "The council's priority is to bring back this iconic shopping and tourist area for the town and that the two hundred workers get their jobs back as soon as possible," said Urbano who explained that he would speed up the paperwork to allow this to be fast tracked. Urbano explained that the land Laguna Village is on belongs to the council but is leased out until 2060. The owners of the Laguna Village business have said they are as keen as the mayor to rebuild as soon as possible. Arrested couple released on bail A couple arrested over their possible role in the fire which destroyed the popular beachside complex outside Estepona last Saturday were provisionally released by a judge on Thursday. Those held were a man and a woman, 43 and 51, respectively, of Spanish nationality. They are being investigated over possible arson as a result of serious negligence and electricity supply fraud. Their passports have been withheld and they need to sign in at the local court once a fortnight. Urbano also said this week that the local council could start a private prosecution case against the couple alongside any future public legal action. National Police investigators have concluded that an electrical failure in a household appliance in a makeshift shack on land near the Padron river caused the fire, which was fanned by the wind across to the beach side of the A-7 coastal motorway. The rough structure was 'hooked up illegally' to the mains around 100 metres away by the couple, with power cables running along the ground, investigators believe. Human photobombs are hilarious; however, there is no denying that a cute animal passing your perfectly timed frame unintentionally attempting to photobomb can make a picture perfectas most of the time they have no idea that they are cheesing around in front of the camera. Although animal photobombs appeared on the internet more than a decade ago, here is a gallery of some of the best of unintentional photobombs made by animals that will instantly put a smile on your face. 1. Curious Golden Retriever Poses for a Birthday Photo A golden retriever named Alfie was too curious and didnt want to miss out on a perfect photo opportunity when his owner Sophie Bond was taking a birthday snap with her friends. The dog jumped into the frame just in time, making the picture memorable. 2. Photobombed by a Sea Lion Kirsty Andrews, who works as a lawyer but spends her free time photographing wildlife and diving, was photobombed by an inquisitive sea lion in Penzance, Cornwall, when she went shark spotting 10 miles off the Cornish coast in 2018, according to the Daily Mail. 3. A Turtle Shelfie When a pair of divers, Gabriel Guzman and his partner Shannon Myers, were taking an underwater selfie in Australias Great Barrier Reef, they were surprised to be photobombed by a turtle. The rare moment was captured in Saxon Reef, which is well known for its turtle populations, according to the Daily Mail. The unique photo shows the divers on either side of the inquisitive turtle. 4. A Playful Sea Lion Peeps In When photographer Hannes Klostermann was enjoying a dive off the coast of La Paz, Mexico, a curious sea lion decided to steal the limelight by popping into Klostermanns selfie. Alluding to the moment, Klostermann said, according to The Daily Star: Young sea lions are extremely curious and playful. They are often compared to puppy dogs and I find that every accurate. Additionally, the curious sea lion also began to chew on his fabric while he snapped his picture. 5. A Mischievous Sea Lion Plays With A Diver When photographer Alex Kydd, 29, from Coral Bay, Western Australia, was on a road trip with his friends, the group decided to capture underwater wildlife images at Jurien Bay, three hours north of Perth. As Kydd took the morning dive and was trying to shoot an image of a cheeky sea lion, the naughty animal instead had other ideas and started to put its fins around the photographers ears before head butting into the camera, according to Caters News. We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc. A couple from Byron Bay have almost completely toilet trained their nine-month-old child using a method called 'elimination communication' - and say she gives them signs when she wants to use the bathroom. Montana Lower and her partner Tom Linwood, from northern New South Wales, have been using the 'EC' method with their daughter Blue since she was two weeks old, and she hasn't done a number two in a nappy since. On August 26 they released a video on their YouTube channel On The Way describing how works and why it has been such a positive experience for their family. A Byron Bay couple have almost completely toilet trained their nine-month-old child using 'elimination communication' - and say she gives signs when she wants to use the bathroom What is elimination communication? Elimination communication is a gentle way to respond to a baby's natural hygiene needs, from as early as birth. Like all mammals, human babies don't want to soil themselves, their sleep space, and their caregivers, and they clearly communicate about it from birth. With EC, we learn the signals and assist them with this process until they naturally gain independence (usually by nine to 18 months of age). Source: Go Diaper Free Advertisement EC is the art of looking for 'signs' your baby needs to go to the toilet and then taking them to a bathroom, without relying on a nappy. 'Every mum knows when their baby is hungry and they have cues for that and they have the same cues when they need to go to the toilet. It's just about listening and watching for it,' Tom said at the start of the footage. Blue began by making different faces or even yelling if she needed to go, while some children shake their fist, grunt, squirm or frown. Montana was initially skeptical of EC and the accidents that would ensue, but she believes thinking it was 'crazy' came from not being exposed to it in Western countries. 'But it is practiced all over the world. It's a lot cleaner if you just take them to the toilet,' she said. The couple believe it's empowering for their child to know they are being heard and their needs are being met, which is a 'beautiful theme that leads to connection'. 'It's also a positive association for Blue and her private areas. Many women can feel disassociation and shame when it comes to their genitals and we just want Blue to feel like this is a natural thing, going to the toilet,' Montana said. Blue began by making different faces or even yelling if she needed to go, while some children shake their fist, grunt, squirm or frown Montana was initially skeptical of EC and the accidents that would ensue, but she believes thinking it was 'crazy' came from not being exposed to it in Western countries They don't have to go through the process of 'unteaching' her to use a nappy in another year's time and only rely on one when Blue is sleeping overnight. It gets a big tick for being environmentally savvy as well. 'You're reducing the amount of nappies you use, whether that's in terms of washing and washing detergent for cloth nappies or throwing disposable ones away. We have accidents just like everybody but we use them a lot less,' Tom said. The couple recommend starting in summer when your baby can wear a dress - or far less clothing - making any potential 'accidents' easier to clean up. They also suggest setting one full day aside to begin the child's association with number one and twos and the toilet, and investing in a potty for the back of the car when you're out and about. 'The most common question we get is do you have to be stay-at-home parents. Ideally it does work better if someone is home all the time and committed to this practice,' Montana said. MONTANA AND TOM'S TIPS TO GET STARTED: Montana holding Blue over the potty while she 'eliminates' 1. It's much easier to start EC in summer so you can put your baby in dresses or clothing that doesn't take a long time to remove on the bottom half. 2. Get yourself a potty. It's good to put in the boot of the car for when you're out and about. You can pull over at any time and put the baby on the toilet. 3. Set aside one day to just learn with your child. Blue took one day to realise she needed to use the potty and after that it was up to us to read the signs. 4. Involve friends and family if you want to. It can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Advertisement They don't have to go through the process of 'unteaching' her to use a nappy in a few years time and only rely on one when Blue is sleeping overnight 'A lot of people in the EC community start their babies as soon as they're out of the womb. We don't think there's such thing as too early. For us personally, we see Blue get so much joy out of knowing she is heard and she doesn't have to go in her nappy,' Montana said The couple are currently travelling around Australia in a van, so they're mostly always around Blue together. 'A lot of people in the EC community start their babies as soon as they're out of the womb. We don't think there's such thing as too early. For us personally, we see Blue get so much joy out of knowing she is heard and she doesn't have to go in her nappy.' Toward the end of the video Tom demonstrated the position he holds Blue in so she feels safe and comfortable, which looks like a squat. 'When we take Blue to the toilet we use word association to actually reinforce what we're doing. We use "sheshe" for doing a wee and "poopoo" for doing a number two,' he said. While it's not a method that every family will feel confident adopting, Tom and Montana recommend 'giving it a go' if you've got the time. Toward the end of the video Tom demonstrated the position he holds Blue in so she feels safe and comfortable, which looks like a squat 'When we take Blue to the toilet we use word association to actually reinforce what we're doing. We use "sheshe" for doing a wee and "poopoo" for doing a number two,' he said While it's not a method that every family will feel confident adopting, Tom and Montana recommend 'giving it a go' if you've got the time Edwina O'Connell, who runs EC workshops on the Gold Coast and in northern New South Wales, told the ABC that she had seen an increase in interest since COVID-19 began. 'It's definitely gaining in popularity, some people are saying "we're in lockdown, let's do this",' she said. Edwina was also skeptical before trying the communication method with her two children, but found it worked when both parties are understanding each other. 'I'm not an Earth mother or anything, and I was working four days a week when I first did it,' she said. "This is the opposite of regimented potty training and there are so many benefits: you stop changing nappies, you're not dragging around a nappy bag, you're saving money not buying nappies, and you have a really good connection with your child as well.' You can find Montana, Tom and Blue on their website On The Way. In culture pushing Gospel without God, Sunday School isn't enough for Christian kids, Tim Keller says Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Modern secular culture is on a march to evangelize Christians and Sunday School, church services and youth groups are no longer enough to inoculate Christian children from its new gospel without God, warns founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Tim Keller. In a Q Session discussion with moderator and Q Ideas founder Gabe Lyons Wednesday, Keller warned that secular culture in America is now at a point where the only sin is to tell people that they sin, and traditional Protestant catechism needs to better prepare Christian children to thrive in a world where they are constantly bombarded with the new secular gospel on social media. Roughly speaking, every other culture always taught that the truth is something outside me, it could be family, God, dying for my country; and to be a person of honor and worth, authenticity, you had to find that truth and align your feelings with the truth. Now the understanding is, truth is inside you. You go inside to find the great depths and then you come out and you tell everybody else that you have to now accommodate me, said Keller. What that means is were the first culture not only that does not believe theres a truth out here, its all subjective. Also, its the first culture that doesnt just think Christians are wrong but they are the problem, he explained. Modern secular culture, said Keller, is now at the point where people believe that they need to be saved from the idea that they need salvation from God. And for that to happen and to realize their brand of salvation, Christians must be evangelized. Post-Christian culture is based on liberation from Christianity. If you go to China or Africa and youre talking to animists or Confucianists or people like that, they may think youre wrong. They may even want to kill you because they feel like youre imperialistic. But modern secular people are actually saying the thing we need to be saved from is the idea we need to be saved. The thing we need redemption from is the idea we need redemption, Keller told Lyons. The only sin is to tell people that they sin, which means the only way to be free is actually to liberate yourself from Christianity which means our modern secular culture is not just post-Christian. In some ways, its actually very Christian because it has all the same Christian values. But it wants them without God [and] it needs to change Christians, Keller continued. It has to target us. We really cant be there because were the problem, and so basically its evangelizing us. Maybe I shouldnt say this: they are trying to convert us into being secularists and its extremely important that we convert. While much of the teachings of modern secularists are incoherent, Keller said, their many subjective narratives are being pushed heavily on Christian youth who need more innovative protections beyond traditional Protestant catechism to respond. Charles Taylor, great philosopher Charles Taylor, says that secularism moves forward not with argument but with saying things that are axiomatically taken as just truth. So for example, he would say, he calls them closed world structures but I call them narratives the identity narrative is, you gotta be true to yourself. You have to look inside, see who you are, and be true to yourself. The happiness narrative is, you should never sacrifice your happiness for anybody else. In the end, you cant sacrifice your happiness for other people. The freedom narrative is that as long as Im not harming somebody, I should be actually free to live my life the way I choose, he said. The truth narrative is that all truth claims are socially constructed and yet science is our salvation. The morality claim is that all morality is socially constructed and yet we need to work for justice. Charles Taylor says these claims are not arguments. In fact, theyre kind of incoherent but they are put out there as religious faith assumptions and because of the social media, they are put on you as a given and only evil people disagree with them. And in that sense, they are very religious. They are based on faith, there is no real rational argument for them. They have to be taken on faith. To some degree theyre incoherent. And yet, if you deny them youre vilified, he continued. We dont have as much control over what our kids hear now. ... And social media takes those catechisms, what does it mean to be a self? What does it mean to be free? To be happy? And it goes after your kids. So basically, they are getting catechized. So if you just take them to church and to Sunday school or youth group, thats nothing compared to what theyre getting, the Redeemer Church founder explained. Keller framed the approaches to forming Christian children as outdated. All of our catechisms now are biblical doctrine, youre just putting stuff out there. Youre saying God is triune, Jesus is the son of God, but youre not actually connecting it to these narratives I just mentioned so youre not inoculating your kids to it, he said. When Jesus says you have to lose yourself to find yourself, you have to take up your cross and follow me, that directly goes against the identity narrative. That should be at the very heart of the way we do our doctrine but its not. We are actually not teaching our kids in a way that we are helping them analyze the culture. Were giving them these abstract kinds of doctrine that was formulated 300 or 400 years ago, he explained. I wouldnt change the doctrine, the Bible is the Bible. Its all the same doctrine, but how you present it has got to change otherwise we are not really inoculating our kids to the culture. Were not forming them as Christians. During that same session, founder of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California, Francis Chan, noted that while some Christian parents were worried about not being able to take their children to church during the pandemic, they needed to become more hands on with the spiritual development of their children. I hear in a lot of churches theyve got to meet together again because of our kids. And Im going, 'Man, God should wake you up right there. Parents are supposed to be teaching their kids.' Its a great opportunity for you, dads, to step up and believe the Spirit of the living God is inside of your body and you can lead that family. And if theyre not equipped, then figure it out and man up. Parents, youre supposed to lead your kids, Chan said. A study from the Pew Research Center published in October 2019 noted that only 65% of Americans now identify as Christian while those who identify as religiously unaffiliated a group which includes atheists, agnostics and people who dont identify with any religion swelled to 26% of the population. The drop in the number of Americans identifying as Christian reflected a 12% decline when compared to the general population 10 years ago. The decline was visible across multiple demographics, but particularly among young adults. Research by the Public Religion Research Institute in 2016 on why Americans are leaving religion also pointed to the increasing share of American adults who have been joining the ranks of the religiously unaffiliated, and said it's being fed by an exodus of those who grew up with a religious identity. Younger Americans today are also more likely than seniors to be raised without a religious identity. As schools across New Jersey are days away from reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic, teachers and staff in one Essex County town said they do not feel safe returning to the classroom next Tuesday. The Belleville Education Association, the union representing teachers, nurses, counselors and child study team members at Bellevilles public schools, released a statement saying in no uncertain terms that they do not feel safe returning to the townships public schools on Sept. 8, after inspections showed deficiencies that included poor air quality inside schools. In a union vote Thursday night, a majority said they did not feel safe returning to their classrooms, according to the statement. We are compelled to inform the Belleville community that the Belleville Education Association does not believe that our schools are providing our students and staff with a safe learning environment, association president Mike Mignone said in a statement. Honestly, I would not send my boys back to school under our present conditions. The vote and the statement on behalf of the townships teachers and staff comes just days before school is set to restart following a hybrid model that would mix in-person and remote classes for the start of the year. Find all of the most important pandemic education news on Educating N.J., a special resource guide created for parents, students and educators. According to a video update by Superintendent Richard Tomko posted earlier this week, Bellevilles public schools would do a phased return to in-person classes, with the districts pre-K, kindergarten, School 1 and special education students returning Tuesday, Sept. 8, grades 1 to 3 returning Sept. 14, grades 4 to 6 returning Sept. 21 and middle school and high school students returning Sept. 28. Calls and an email to Tomko requesting comment were not immediately returned. The vote against returning to classrooms next week was the culmination of what the association sees as a wide range of health and safety failures at the townships schools. Many of the schools univents which draw fresh air from outdoors are not working correctly or at all, said Mignone. In some cases, the univents have not yet been installed, with an estimated completion date of late September, weeks after classes are scheduled to start, he said. After several walk-throughs by the Belleville Education Associations Health and Safety Committee, a team of volunteers who have training from several organizations in identifying problems found in schools that impact health and safety, their assessment is grim, Mignone said. On these walk-throughs, many issues presented themselves, but the most outstanding problem is the lack of indoor air quality. Mignone, on behalf of the association, also said school buildings filtration systems are below the MERV 13 level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. MERV 13 is the minimum level that is effective in filtering out the coronavirus. One staff member, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, confirmed the associations claims, going as far as to say that not one of Bellevilles schools has a fully functioning HVAC system. At the middle school, the HVAC system is not operational due to a construction project, the staff member said. Many classrooms have windows that dont work and have tiles stained from water leakage, the staff member said. In the video update, Tomko acknowledged the schools filtration systems were new, but had been approved and installed before COVID-19 and the CDCs guidelines. Tomko said that rather than wait, the schools would do a phased reopening as the filtration systems were refitted. Over the past week and a half after the guidance from the CDC came out, we have been working with our faculty and staff, with our executive teams to see the best that we can do in trying to get some equipment that we need in time to open, Tomko said. The only way we could possibly do this and... effectuate change in a positive way is to do it in a phased opening. Were going to phase students in as we continue to make sure our rooms have these filtration systems, the superintendent added. In the video update, Tomko said he and his staff would do whatever they could to reopen, but acknowledged his decision to phase back in-person classes would be met with opposition. I know for some of you thats not going to be a popular decision, Tomko said. But it is what it is. On Friday, along with their statement, the association sent a letter to Tomko with the results of Thursday nights vote. In that vote, 372 of the 406 people that voted said they did not feel safe with the districts reopening plan, said Mignone, who also claimed that Tomko questioned the votes methodology. In his statement, Mignone said the education association, along with Board of Education Trustee Michael Sheldon, wanted to postpone the districts reopening until it was completely safe for teachers, staff and students. We are confident that if we work together, it can be done right, the union leader said. After all, our teachers, nurses, counselors and CST very much want to get back to in-person learning. Teachers want to teach...we just want to do it safely. 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. The body of Michael Reinoehl is taken away on a stretcher in in Lacey, Wash., early Sept. 4, 2020. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo) Tracking Down of Suspected Portland Murderer a Significant Accomplishment: Barr The tracking down of Michael Forest Reinoehl, a self-described member of Antifa, is a major accomplishment in efforts to restore law and order to Portland, Attorney General William Barr said Friday. The tracking down of Reinoehla dangerous fugitive, admitted Antifa member, and suspected murderer is a significant accomplishment in the ongoing effort to restore law and order to Portland and other cities, Barr said. I applaud the outstanding cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement, particularly the fugitive task force team that located Reinoehl and prevented him from escaping justice. The streets of our cities are safer with this violent agitator removed, and the actions that led to his location are an unmistakable demonstration that the United States will be governed by law, not violent mobs. Unrest has shaken Oregons largest city since May 28. Reinoehl was suspected of shooting dead a supporter of the right-wing Patriot Prayer group over the weekend. He was killed by law enforcement officers in Washington state late Thursday. Attorney General William Barr speaks during a roundtable discussion on Americas seniors hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington on June 15, 2020. (Leah Millis/Reuters) Portland police officials obtained an arrest warrant for Reinoehl, Barr confirmed, saying the suspect fled from Oregon before being located by a fugitive task force. Officers spotted Reinoehl shortly before 7 p.m. after he exited an apartment they were surveilling. He got into a vehicle to leave as officers moved in to apprehend him. When Reinoehl attempted to escape arrest and produced a firearm, he was shot and killed by law enforcement officers, Barr said. The Thurston County Sheriffs Office earlier said the suspect fled from the vehicle on foot before shots were fired at him. We can confirm at this time that the suspect was armed with a handgun, the office said. The U.S. Marshals Service said Reinoehl produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officials. The shooting came shortly after Vice News announced it had interviewed Reinoehl, who had gone underground after being identified by his sister. In this still image from video, Michael Forest Reinoehl speaks to a reporter about the shooting in Portland, Ore., in an undated interview. (Vice News) Reinoehl admitted to killing Aaron Jay Danielson but claimed it was in self-defense. As of now, no evidence supports that portrayal. Portland police declared Danielsons death a homicide this week. Reinoehl described himself on social media as a member of Antifa, a network of far-left, anarcho-communist groups bent on destruction and violence. Portland officials have remained silent on the new development in the case. Most blamed Patriot Prayer and President Donald Trump for the violence, even though a supporter of the group was the one killed. People gathered on Thursday night at a police precinct, where they hurled rocks at officers and mourned the death of Reinoehl, who they claimed was helping fight against right-wing invaders into Portland. A pro-Trump car caravan entered the city on Saturday but the event had concluded by the time of the shooting. A man is being treated by medics after being shot during a confrontation in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 29, 2020. (Paula Bronstein/AP Photo) Groups planned a large gathering on Friday night. According to Antifa-linked groups, they are gathering at 8 p.m. at Kenton Park in Portland to call for no cops, no prisons, total abolition. One demonstrator told The Epoch Times this week that the gatherings wont stop until we get justice. Asked what the demands were, the man added: Stop shooting and killing us. Barrs department is probing the heads of groups behind the rioting nationwide, a top law enforcement official said this week. Ive talked to every police chief in every city where there has been major violence and they all have identified Antifa as the ramrod for the violence, Barr added in a cable news appearance. They are flying around the country. We know people who are flying around the country. We know where theyre going. We see some of the purchases they are making before the riots of weapons to use in those riots, he said. So, we are following them. Roman Balmakov contributed to this report. HONOLULU - I remember setting out for a late afternoon run and the overpowering perfume of plumerias from the tree outside my house. Thats the moment I knew something was up. Normally, for me, getting a whiff of the bright pink flowers requires plucking one and holding it close. That afternoon, I could smell them from afar. I had temporarily developed a superhuman sense of smell when I was pregnant with my daughters, now 9 and 7. So as I breathed in the scent of plumerias, the thought crossed my mind: Could I be pregnant? I brushed it off as part of the longing Ive had for years after the birth of my (until now) youngest. Almost daily, Id daydream about having a third child. I had a miscarriage before my daughters were born, and it felt like our family was incomplete. But I always tell myself its not practical: We live in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Now is an especially bad time. The pandemic has decimated Hawaiis economy. The state has been forced to pull the welcome mat from throngs of tourists who normally purchase the food my husband sells at farmers markets. Im not pregnant, I insisted as I set off on my usual 3-mile route. Then I found myself jogging effortlessly into Waikiki, then back up to my home near Honolulus Punchbowl crater. My running app showed I ran 8.9 miles. Ive read somewhere that thanks to a surge in red blood cells, early pregnancy gives athletes a performance boost. It proved true during my two pregnancies. The next weekend: 10.25 miles my longest run in more than two years. Somewhere in between struggling through remote schooling for my daughters, working from a very hot spare bedroom and worrying about the future of my husbands business, the symptoms became harder to ignore including cravings for pineapple doused in vinegar and for limu, or seaweed. During low tide, I scrambled over craggy reef at a spot near Diamond Head where my mother took me as a child to gather a type of limu called pokpoklo in Ilocano, her Filipino language. I rinsed the sand off right there and ate it -- as if my body desperately needed the chewy, dark green, nutrient-rich seaweed. I knew I should take a test. But I really didnt want to be inside a store, and it seemed awkward to use Targets drive-up service for a home pregnancy test. On Mothers Day, my husband couldnt take it anymore. He had to know. I wanted to wait. (Honestly, I just really wanted a mimosa that day.) He went to the store and returned with a test. I had a feeling there would be no mimosas for many months. I laughed when I saw PREGNANT in the plastic wands tiny window. Then I braced myself for a flood of panic because of the pandemic. But it never arrived. I do worry about not knowing what would happen to the baby if I catch the virus, and I fret about precautions to keep our family safe. But mostly, this pregnancy brings a calming hope. Ive accepted that this one will be different. I have a new obstetrician. I may never know what she looks like without a mask, but she has kind eyes. My husband may not be allowed to witness any ultrasounds, but if youve seen one amorphous fetus image youve seen them all. And if a spike in cases forces hospitals to revert to restrictions on visitors, he may not be at my side when it comes time to deliver. Until then, Ill keep running. On days when Im not bowled over with nausea, I instantly feel better and stronger as soon as my feet hit the pavement under that plumeria tree. ___ Virus Diary, an occasional feature, showcases the coronavirus pandemic through the eyes of Associated Press journalists around the world. Follow Hawaii-based AP reporter Jennifer Sinco Kelleher on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JenHapa Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified a small neutralizing antibody, a so-called nanobody, that has the capacity to block SARS-CoV-2 from entering human cells. The researchers believe this nanobody has the potential to be developed as an antiviral treatment against COVID-19. The results are published in the journal Nature Communications. "We hope our findings can contribute to the amelioration of the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging further examination of this nanobody as a therapeutic candidate against this viral infection," says Gerald McInerney, corresponding author and associate professor of virology at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology at Karolinska Institutet. The search for effective nanobodies--which are fragments of antibodies that occur naturally in camelids and can be adapted for humans--began in February when an alpaca was injected with the new coronavirus' spike protein, which is used to enter our cells. After 60 days, blood samples from the alpaca showed a strong immune response against the spike protein. Next, the researchers cloned, enriched and analysed nanobody sequences from the alpaca's B cells, a type of white blood cell, to determine which nanobodies were best suited for further evaluation. They identified one, Ty1 (named after the alpaca Tyson), that efficiently neutralizes the virus by attaching itself to the part of the spike protein that binds to the receptor ACE2, which is used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. This blocks the virus from slipping into the cells and thus prevents infection. "Using cryo-electron microscopy, we were able to see how the nanobody binds to the viral spike at an epitope which overlaps with the cellular receptor ACE2-binding site, providing a structural understanding for the potent neutralisation activity," says Leo Hanke, postdoc in the McInerney group and first author of the study. Nanobodies offer several advantages over conventional antibodies as candidates for specific therapies. They span less than one-tenth the size of conventional antibodies and are typically easier to produce cost-effectively at scale. Critically, they can be adapted for humans with current protocols and have a proven record of inhibiting viral respiratory infections. "Our results show that Ty1 can bind potently to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and neutralize the virus, with no detectable off-target activity" says Ben Murrell, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology and co-senior author of the publication. "We are now embarking on preclinical animal studies to investigate the neutralizing activity and therapeutic potential of Ty1 in vivo". This project is the first arising from the CoroNAb consortium, which is coordinated by Karolinska Institutet, and funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Additional funding for this project was obtained from the Swedish Research Council, and KI Development Office. The sequence of Ty1 is available in the scientific article and will also be posted on the NCBI GenBank sequence data base under the accession code MT784731. ### Publication: "An alpaca nanobody neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by blocking receptor interaction," Leo Hanke, Laura Vidakovics Perez, Daniel J. Sheward, Hrishikesh Das, Tim Schulte, Ainhoa Moliner-Morro, Martin Corcoran, Adnane Achour, Gunilla B. Karlsson Hedestam, B. Martin Hallberg, Ben Murrell and Gerald M. McInerney, Nature Communications, online September 4, 2020, doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18174-5 BATTLE MOUNTAIN Nevada Vanadium Co. hopes to have the Gibellini Mine in Eureka County producing the critical mineral vanadium by the end of 2023, the companys vice president of environment and sustainability, Ron Espell, said in a virtual U.S. Bureau of Land Management meeting. Production will follow roughly 18 months of construction, and plans call for 120 workers during construction and 113 employees when the mine is completed, with about 30 people on site at one time during the 24-hour operations, he said. This will be the first vanadium mine in the United States, according to the BLM. The open pit mine also will produce a small amount of uranium in the form of yellowcake as a secondary product, Espell said during the Sept. 2 scoping session that was one of two the Battle Mountain BLM District hosted to kick off an environmental impact statement process. There are very small amounts of naturally occurring uranium in the vanadium mine that will be leached along with the vanadium, he said. The uranium yellowcake will be packaged in lined steel drums to ensure low risk, and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services will oversee permitting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the BLM and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for the safety of employees, Espell said. The company expects to see nine to 10 truckloads of sulfuric acid coming from Carlin per day, and the solid vanadium pentoxide product will require one truck a day to a railhead in Carlin. Yellowcake will be shipped in one truck every two months to a licensed uranium facility. There also will be one or two trucks a week carrying diesel to the site, he said. The vanadium project is low cost because production will come from a simple heap leach process using sulfuric acid, and there will be no dewatering or pit lake after mining ends because the bottom of the mine is 110 feet above the water table, Espell said. The mines initial life for the first of five known vanadium targets is seven years, but the company would be much longer if all the targets go into production. Reclamation bonding will be for 30 years. Water from ranch The Gibellini project site is on 6,456 acres of public land in the southeast corner of Eureka County five miles south of the Fish Creek Ranch, and Nevada Vanadium will be acquiring water for the project from the ranch. There is no surface water on the project property. In an agreement with Eureka County, the mine will lease 650 gallons per minute from the Fish Creek Ranch, which in turn will drop one irrigation pivot, Espell said. He said the company has designed the project to avoid environmental impacts where possible, and this effort included the planned placement of water lines, power lines and a road to steer away from sage grouse habitat. Vanadium is a rather obscure metal that is considered strategic that doubles the strength of steel, Espell said. Vanadium is one of the 35 critical minerals the U.S. Geological Survey has identified. According to Nevada Vanadium, the mineral is used for aircraft, missiles and personnel transport, in the production of synthetic rubber, polyester, fiberglass, as a component of catalytic converters, and in batteries, including lithium vanadium batteries for electric vehicles and vanadium redox flow batteries. Production is estimated at 5,000 tons of vanadium a year and 25 tons of uranium. The next step after the scoping sessions and acceptance of written comment on the proposed mine is the draft environmental impact statement, and if all goes as planned, the agency should be able to arrive at a decision in about 12 months, said Jess Harvey, the public affairs specialist for the Battle Mountain BLM district office. Project issues Preliminary issues the BLM identified for the Gibellini proposal included closure of the heap leach after mining ends, special status species, including the golden eagle and sage grouse, wildlife habitat, visual resources, surface and groundwater resources, cultural resources eligible under the National Register of Historic Places and uranium management. Jon Alsad, senior project manager for ICF, the company helping prepare the EIS, said closure of the heap leach facilities will be done in stages, as processing moves from one stage to the next. He estimated active closure of a pad would take four years. Regarding special status species, he said there is one greater sage-grouse lek (breeding ground) 3.8 miles to the west of Gibellini site. There are no active leks that occur in the project area, he said in the virtual meeting. Species to be considered in the study include the sage grouse, bats, burrowing owls, pygmy rabbits and raptors. The golden eagle nest should be closely looked at in the study, one of those asking questions during the session said. Espell said the company looked out 10 miles regarding the golden eagles but the baseline of two miles is the area of highest concern. Roughly 40 people were on the Sept. 2 Zoom scoping meeting, but only a few asked questions. The second meeting was slated for 5 p.m. Sept. 3. Written public comments on the Gibellini project can be submitted to the BLM through Sept. 15 by email to Scott Distel, the agencys project manager, at sdistel@blm.gov or by mail to Scott Distel, 50 Bastian Rd., Battle Mountain, NV 89820. Nevada Vanadium acquired the vanadium project in 2017. Prior operator American Vanadium started the environmental impact statement process for Gibellini with BLM in 2013, but that study was not completed. A BLM document states the EIS was withdrawn in August 2014. Land acquisition Nevada Vanadium is a wholly owned by Vancouver-based Silver Elephant Mining Corp., which changed its name in March of this year from Prophecy Development Corp., and in a related development Nevada Vanadium reported on Aug. 24 that it entered into a binding asset purchase agreement for claims next door to Gibellini. The agreement is with CellCube Energy Storage Systems Inc. to acquire the Bisoni vanadium project that includes 201 lode mining claims accessed by a gravel road extending south from U.S. Highway 50, and is about 25 miles south of the town of Eureka, according to the announcement. The plan calls for parent company Silver Elephant issued 4 million shares and paying $200,000 cash to Cellbube at closing, along with a one-time $500,000 payment of shares should the price of vanadium pentoxide exceed $12 per pound for 30 consecutive business days. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 To help understand which names dominate today, Stacker looked to data from the Social Security Administration. This list ranks names by the number of babies born with that name in 2019. For nearly four years, US President Donald Trump has publicly opposed NATO, demanding that its members pay more for the collective defense of Europe. Privately, Trump went even further, repeatedly talking about a complete withdrawal from the military alliance, the NYT reported, citing sources. And he may have such a chance if re-elected. Recent reports from former senior national security officials in the Trump administration have fueled growing unrest on Capitol Hill and across Europe. They confirm a scenario in which Trump - emboldened by re-election and potentially surrounded by an inexperienced national security team - could finally undermine or even end the US' NATO membership. Former officials have warned that the move would be one of the largest global strategic shifts in generations and a major victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Trump has been known to show interest in the United States' withdrawal from the NATO since 2018, further evidence of his views has emerged ahead of the November elections. This summer, Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton published a book and writes that the president has repeatedly stated his desire to withdraw from the alliance. Bolton suggested last month that Trump might even deliver an 'October surprise' shortly before the election by announcing his intention to withdraw from the alliance. And in a book published this week, Michael S. Schmidt, a reporter for the New York Times, wrote that former Trump chief of staff, John F. Kelly, said in an interview that one of the most difficult challenges he faced with Trump was to prevent him from leaving NATO. While the president regularly demands that other NATO members spend more on defense, he has not publicly threatened to leave the alliance. Actress Kangana Ranaut slammed Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut for asking her not to come back to Mumbai, claiming that the remark seems like an open threat to her. The actress shared the link of a news report stating that Raut has asked Kangana to refrain from travelling back to Mumbai after she made a statement that she feared the city police force more than the movie mafia". Kangana also said that Mumbai feels like Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?" Kangana tweeted from her verified account. Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? https://t.co/5V1VQLSxh1 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 Actress Renuka Shahane did not take kindly to Kangana comparing Mumbai to POK. Without mincing words, she said in response, Dear @KanganaTeam Mumbai is the city where your dream of becoming a Bollywood star has been fulfilled, one would expect you to have some respect for this wonderful city. Its appalling how you compared Mumbai with POK (sic)!" Dear @KanganaTeam Mumbai is the city where your dream of becoming a Bollywood star has been fulfilled, one would expect you to have some respect for this wonderful city. It's appalling how you compared Mumbai with POK! https://t.co/FXjkGxqfBK Renuka Shahane (@renukash) September 3, 2020 Kangana too responded to Renuka writing, Dear @renukash ji when did criticising the poor administration of a government became equal to the place being administered, I dont believe you are that naive, were you also waiting like a blood thirsty vulture to pounce and get a piece of my meat? Expected better from you (sic)." Dear @renukash ji when did criticising the poor administration of a government became equal to the place being administered , I dont believe you are that naive, were you also waiting like a blood thirsty vulture to pounce and get a piece of my meat ? Expected better from you https://t.co/wkR7u05rTB Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 Heres how other Bollywood celebrities reacted to Kanganas statement in which she compares Mumbai with POK. .. sonu sood (@SonuSood) September 3, 2020 Maharashtra is cultural n intellectual face of India..land of Great Shivaji maharaj. Mumbai has fed millions of Indians n given them Name Fame n Glory.Only ungrateful can compare it with POK..Shocked n disgusted #EnoughIsEnough # #mumbaimerijaan # Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) September 3, 2020 Mumbai meri Jaan lived and worked here for almost twenty years. Moved here to live on my own at age 19. This city embraced me with open arms and kept me safe. A cosmopolitan, inclusive, diverse, beautiful city. Dia Mirza (@deespeak) September 3, 2020 Kangana recently alleged that Mumbai Police encouraged crime and bullying against her on social media. She claimed in an interview that 99 percent of Bollywood uses drugs, which has reflected poorly on city administration. (With IANS inputs) El presidente del Consejo de Ministros, @WalterMartosR, junto a los titulares del @Minsa_Peru y de @viviendaperu, viaja a La Libertad para supervisar el desarrollo de la operacion Tayta y liderar reunion de coordinacion con autoridades locales y congresistas de la region. pic.twitter.com/I0bYejjwVs A Mayo gas refinery company has confirmed that three contractors who travelled from the UK to work for the company have tested positive for the coronavirus. Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland Ltd, based in Belmullet Co Mayo, said in a statement that it brought in 70 specialist workers to support maintenance works at Bellanaboy Bridge Gas Terminal in Ballina, Co Mayo. The company said that it pro-actively tests all non-Irish specialist contractors when they arrive into the country and must test negative before beginning work. All of these individuals are required to restrict their movements and follow public health guidance when not at work, reads the statement. The three workers were asymptomatic. Three individuals, all of whom are asymptomatic, were tested in the same day they arrived in Ireland and restricted their movements awaiting their results, the statement added. They will now quarantine for the next 14 days and will be tested again before being allowed to work. As a further precaution we are re-testing all of the contractors who have travelled to Ireland in the past two weeks. The company said that it is following protocols and advice issued by the HSE, the department of the Health and department of Foreign Affairs. We are working closely with our contractors and vendor partners to ensure all works on site are completed safely and together we are taking the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of Covid-19, the statement daid. Our internal Covid-19 protocols have been activated and we are providing support to the individuals. Their close contacts are being identified and contacted by the HSE. We want to assure the community that we are actively managing the situation and working with the HSE and regulators, the statement concluded. Following queries from Independent.ie, the company said that it does not have systematic testing in place. It said that prior to travel, workers have to complete coronavirus self-declaration forms stating that they are symptom-free and have not been exposed to a confirmed case in 14 days. Those who come into the country from abroad undergo a PCR COVID-19 test by a private company and restrict their movements while waiting for test results. A negative result must be obtained prior to being permitted on site to work on the terminal. A positive result will mean the individual will self-isolate and follow HSE Guidance. Visiting contractor personnel are advised of their obligations to restrict their movements when not at work, added the spokesperson. Vermillion said that a coronavirus response team and contingency plan is in place, with employees working from home since March if they are able to. The configuration of the plant and the nature of the work allows for employees to social distance in their day to day work, said a spokesperson. Temperature checks are in place as well as hand sanitation points, with welfare facilities installed to allow social distancing in canteens and changing rooms. Kanye West has been barred from appearing on the ballot in Arizona after a judge said a voter had established the rapper's candidacy would cause irreparable harm to the poll. Lawyers for an Arizona voter argued putting West on the ballot would cause confusion for the electorate as he is registered as a Republican. But West's legal team said his status as a registered Republican in Wyoming was irrelevant to getting on the Arizona ballot, and added they will appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court. They said when West filed federal election paperwork, he listed his political party as BDY, an abbreviation for Birthday Party. Lawyers for an Arizona voter argued putting West (pictured in 2019) on the ballot would cause confusion for the electorate as he is registered as a Republican The ruling by Judge Scott McCoy said the voter who challenged West's bid in Arizona 'established that the relative hardships favour him'. The decision came a day after West's campaign turned in nearly 58,000 nominating signatures, well over the 39,000 needed to appear on the Arizona ballot. West has already qualified to appear on the ballot in several states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee and Utah. He has not qualified in Ohio, Montana, West Virginia, Wisconsin and other states, though he has filed lawsuits challenging some of those decisions. Another judge ordered West's name removed from ballots in Virginia on Thursday, finding that the rapper failed to meet a requirement that 13 people pledge support for his campaign. Rapper Kanye West, left, shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., in October 2018 The judge ruled 11 of the 13 Elector Oaths submitted by the West campaign were invalid, including some that were 'obtained by improper, fraudulent and/or misleading means'. It is not known whether West intends to appeal the Arizona ruling. Earlier this week, Arizona resident Rasean Clayton filed a lawsuit for West to be barred from appearing on the ballot. The lawsuit accused the rapper of serving as an election spoiler and argued that state law barred him from running as an independent candidate because West is a registered Republican. PORTLAND, Ore. - The fatal shooting by law enforcement of a far-left activist who was suspected of killing a far-right activist renewed tensions in this city Friday, as investigators sought to learn more about both incidents and officials braced for further unrest. There were more questions than answers even as prosecutors released a lengthy arrest affidavit detailing what witnesses had said and video had revealed about the initial killing last weekend. Dueling demonstrations are expected in the region in coming days. A protest for racial justice is set for Saturday and a pro-Trump event honoring 39-year-old Aaron "Jay" Danielson, a supporter of the far-right Patriot Prayer group who was shot dead a week ago, is planned for Monday. Oregon Democratic Gov. Kate Brown said at a news briefing that she remained concerned about more violence and urged calm. "There needs to be a community-wide effort to stop the violence," she said. "Because the violence must stop. Period." Portland has experienced more than three consecutive months of protests against police brutality, with some of the demonstrations descending into destruction and mayhem. But the tension intensified when a caravan of President Trump's supporters drove through the city in trucks, sparking skirmishes with those who objected to their presence. After one of those confrontations, Danielson was shot and killed on the street, and police soon identified as their top suspect 48-year-old Michael Forest Reinoehl, an ardent supporter of the far-left antifa movement who had been a fixture at the nightly protests. Then on Thursday, officers working on a federal task force shot and killed Reinoehl when they moved in to arrest him as he approached a vehicle in the southern part of Washington state, about two hours north of Portland. Both shootings remain mired in confusing and incomplete accounts. Reinoehl, a construction contractor and former professional snowboarder, claimed in an interview that aired on "Vice News Tonight" on Thursday that he had acted to defend himself and a friend in the shooting that left Danielson dead, all but admitting he had pulled the trigger. "I was confident that I did not hit anyone innocent, and I made my exit," Reinoehl told Vice News when asked about what happened immediately after the incident. "I see a civil war right around the corner," he added later. "That shot felt like the beginning of a war." But Chandler Pappas, a friend of Danielson's who was with him during the incident, has said it "didn't even register that somebody was pointing a gun at us until the shots went off." He has claimed that whoever fired the shots "recognized our Patriot Prayer hats" and that just before the gunfire, he heard someone say, "We've got a couple of 'em right here. Pull it out. Pull it out." The affidavit released Friday details what investigators have found in Danielson's killing. Police interviewed at least five people who saw some portion of the incident and reviewed video footage, the document says, but their accounts stopped far short of providing a cohesive narrative. Investigators found a loaded, holstered gun on Danielson's body that they do not think was fired during the incident, as well as an expandable metal baton nearby, according to the affidavit. They also recovered from the scene a canister of "Bear Attack Deterrent" that seemed to have been hit by a bullet. One witness, who knew Danielson, told investigators he heard a Black man say, "We're going to [expletive] kill you," saw Danielson pull out a can of mace, then heard two gunshots, according to the affidavit. Another witness said he saw a Black man turn to another person and say, "Hey there's the guy." The witness said he then saw Danielson spray mace and heard two gunshots, according to the affidavit. Pappas told investigators he and Danielson were facing off with two people and one of those people fired a weapon, according to the affidavit. In one chilling detail contained in the affidavit, a Portland police detective wrote that surveillance footage showed Reinoehl looking back toward Danielson and walking into a garage entryway to conceal himself as he watched Danielson walk by. Danielson is seen on the camera walking by, apparently holding a can in his right hand and an expandable baton in his left. Seconds after he passes, Reinoehl emerges, reaching toward his waist. Shortly after, the detective writes, the gunfire rang out but the shooting was not captured on the video. Videos of the incident that have circulated online have also offered little clarity. In one video, men can be heard shouting, followed in rapid succession by the sound of something spraying and then two gunshots. In another video, shouts of "We got a couple right here" and what sounds like "He's pulling it out" can be heard before the gunfire. On Friday, Portland police released a picture of a man who they said witnessed the incident, indicating they were seeking the public's help in locating him and were still investigating Danielson's killing. Trump has praised his supporters who have descended on the city while lashing out at local leaders. Attorney General William Barr issued a fiery statement Friday calling Reinoehl a "a dangerous fugitive, admitted antifa member, and suspected murderer" who was shot by law enforcement after he "attempted to escape arrest and produced a firearm." "The streets of our cities are safer with this violent agitator removed, and the actions that led to his location are an unmistakable demonstration that the United States will be governed by law, not violent mobs," Barr said. Activists who knew Reinoehl disputed that account, describing Reinoehl as a protector over the past several months of protests who was inspired to join because he believed in equality. Elizabeth Pruden, 38, of Salem, said Reinoehl stuck out easily in the crowd of demonstrators because he brought his young daughter. She said she got to know Reinoehl several weeks ago when protesters regrouped outside a downtown Apple Store to avoid police. "Like a lot of us, he came into it with a lot of weight on his shoulders and not being the best person he felt like he could be," Pruden said. "Through the protesting and all the trauma bonding we all went through, he saw himself growing. He saw himself becoming a better father and a better human being. He was becoming a protector." Some activists said the death of Reinoehl - particularly when set against the comparatively uneventful arrest of Kyle Rittenhouse on charges of killing two protesters last month in Kenosha, Wis. - risked inflaming tensions on the streets of Portland. "If the cops want this to stop, how is coming out here and killing us helping? That's literally why we are out here," said Teal Lindseth, a protest organizer who met Reinoehl at a gathering outside the county jail early on in the demonstrations. "They aren't giving us a day in court and are shooting us before asking questions." Lindseth and fellow activist Ronan Williams said protesters who gathered Thursday night after learning of Reinoehl's death were despondent and more irritable while confronting police. The coming days, they said, were laced with uncertainty. "It could literally be the start of something bad or something amazingly nice," Lindseth said. Reinoehl's Instagram page indicates that he had been attending Black Lives Matter demonstrations in recent months, and he told Bloomberg News in July that he was "working security" to protect people in the crowd. In a lengthy post on June 16, he wrote that he was "100% ANTIFA all the way!" and hinted of violence. "I am willing to fight for my brothers and sisters! Even if some of them are too ignorant to realize what antifa truly stands for. We do not want violence but we will not run from it either!" he wrote. His friends, though, said that did not reflect his character and that he did not appear to be part of any organized antifa groups. "He never meant to personally harm someone but to protect us," Lindseth said. "I've never even seen him be violent." It is unclear where Reinoehl went after last Saturday's shooting, or when he was interviewed by Vice News. But about 7:30 p.m. Thursday, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force caught up with him in a quiet residential area near Olympia, Wash., according to a statement from the U.S. Marshals Service. The Marshals Service said that officers were trying to arrest him on a murder warrant in the Portland shooting and that "initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers." Reinoehl was fatally shot, authorities said. Portland police on Friday said in a statement that their officers had obtained an arrest warrant for him a day earlier on two charges stemming from Danielson's death - a charge of murder in the second degree with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon, also with a firearm. Law enforcement officials on Thursday also sought a search warrant for his home, where officials found evidence, including the clothes Reinoehl wore during the shooting, authorities said. Portland police noted their officers were not present when Reinoehl was shot "and defer questions about that incident to agencies involved." Lt. Ray Brady of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the investigation into the shooting of Reinoehl, said that officers were surveilling Reinoehl as he left an apartment complex and confronted him as he made his way to a vehicle. He said that Reinoehl was armed and that officers fired shots into the vehicle, then - after Reinoehl fled - fired more shots. In total, four officers fired shots, Brady said Friday. These officers were from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, the city of Lakewood's police force and the Washington State Department of Corrections, and they were all part of a federal task force run by the Marshals, he said. Trevor Brown, 24, who lives nearby, said he heard gunfire, got up, and saw three or four officers pointing long guns and wearing body armor. He said he could not see whomever they were aiming at. In total, he said, he heard roughly 10 shots - first three that were fired slowly, then a more rapid volley. He said he did not hear anyone say anything, though he might have been too far away to have done so. "Nobody seemed to know who he was," Brown said of Reinoehl. "I have no idea what his connection was with the people out here." Brady said Friday that while "multiple" bullet casings were recovered at the scene, it was too soon to say how many rounds struck Reinoehl or were fired during the encounter. Reinoehl's autopsy should take place sometime in the middle of next week, which should provide more information, Brady said. The Thurston County Sheriff's Office found that Reinoehl had "a semiautomatic handgun" that was found "immediately on his person," Brady said, but he did not know whether Reinoehl fired any shots or brandished the weapon. Brady said he also did not know how investigators tracked Reinoehl to the area. "We do know that he was at an apartment in that complex," Brady said. "But we don't know yet at this time what brought him there, what the ties are between the residents and him." When the sheriff's office finishes its investigation, the case will be sent to the Thurston County prosecuting attorney, Brady said. But he cautioned that there is "quite a bit of evidence and other documentation in this case," so it could take at least a few months. - - - The Washington Post's Julie Tate in Washington contributed to this report. Your browser does not support the audio element. Phu Quoc Island off the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang dubbed Vietnams pearl island thanks to its pristine beauty is facing a trash crisis that threatens to undermine its image as a tourist paradise. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Vietnam releases 1.9 metric tons of plastic waste into the environment annually and only 27 percent of this gets recycled. Nguyen My Quynh, a Vietnamese activist, was shocked the first time she set foot on Phu Quoc Island in 2019. She witnessed trash all along the way from the airport to the heart of the island. Deep in trash Quynh had been warned beforehand by her colleague of the dire situation here, but seeing the trash with her own eyes threw her into dismay. Though she wanted to do something about it, she had no idea where to start, what steps to take, and when to mount a fight against this issue. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)s manager of their Plastic Smart Cities initiative, the situation on Phu Quoc Island is less complicated than those in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but these big cities have the resources, infrastructure, and manpower it takes to cope. Phu Quoc Island is another story, he said. Plastic Smart Cities promotes the commitment of cities and tourist destinations in the combat against plastic pollution. Phu Quoc Island officially joined the initiative in November 2019. The WWF project focuses on three tasks. They call on the authorities to collect and process waste currently on the island, and work closely with local businesses in order to reduce disposable plastic products. They also educate teachers on the impact of plastic waste on biodiversity. One of the biggest changes on the island since the start of the program is the monthly clean-up day. On the first Saturday of each month, Phu Quoc islanders are summoned to clear the beaches of their trash. Over a year, nearly 350 metric tons of trash has been collected thanks to this regular communal activity. That was the first step to saving the island from the gathering waste. Lack of awareness from local residents is a part of the issue; however, ocean currents carry trash from Thailand, Cambodia, and China that washes up on shore as well. For remote communities that do not have trash collection services, there can be serious consequences from both their own waste and the trash from the ocean. Living for a prolonged period in such an environment will turn people blind to the issue, said Quynh. I have seen children playing happily in the midst of garbage mountains. COVID-19 social distancing has also increased the use of plastic waste due to a surge in takeaway products. Many diners have started using disposable plastic cups for drinking water. In other words, the campaign for the last year seems to be back to square one. Education is key Adopting a sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyle takes time and practice, according to Duong Thuy Ly, an environment educator with six years of experience in working in schools all over Vietnam. Luong Ngoc Chung, a graduate from Quang Trung High School in Binh Phuoc Province, was shocked to find out the actual severity of the trash issue in the world. We often hear of environmental issues on TV and social networks and the news, but sometimes people just dont care, Chung said. After recruiting friends with similar thinking, Chung ran several workshops promoting the idea of a green lifestyle to 8th and 9th graders in their local neighborhoods. He believes this matter has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Working with these high school students, Ly realized that environmental education in Vietnam is heavily academic and lacking in best practices that students can apply to their own lives. Students need more hands-on experiences in order to change their awareness and behavior, Ly asserted. Schools that aim to blend environmental awareness programs with their extracurricular activities dont even have a clear syllabus for teachers to adhere to, Ly said. The motivation for change, according to her, is the modest joy every time a student puts trash where it should be, or the feelings they have when exploring nature. Immersing children in nature Ly believes environmental education needs to take diverse approaches. It does not have to focus on frightening and destructive facts. A comic entitled Bi an cua Dao Lon (Secrets of the Large Island) has been given for free to more than 22,000 students on Phu Quoc Island since mid-2020. The book tells the story of three female students and a dog in the fight against the trash league. Knowledge about waste is vividly depicted throughout its pages. If the children get more opportunities to be with nature and know that their house is not just the brick walls but the green space around as well, they will, through their five senses, feel a connection and love for the environment, Ly said. Then, everything will change for the better. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Activists and family members rallied in New Britain Thursday, calling for the release of Tianna LaBoy, a woman who gave birth to her daughter on the toilet in her prison cell. The state of Connecticut failed Tianna when she was repeatedly denied basic medical care during her childs labor and delivery, attorney Kenneth Krayeske said. The Hartford-based lawyer is representing LaBoy in a lawsuit against former Department of Corrections Commissioner Scott Semple, along with an obstetrician-gynecologist, two registered nurses and two prison guards who were present at York Correctional Institutation when LaBoy gave birth in February 2018. The Department of Corrections own investigation found that to be true, but the state attorney general has been dragging his feet and denying justice to Tianna and her family, Krayeske said. The Hartford Courant reported speakers at the rally called for Tianna to be released from Department of Correction custody. She is currently serving a seven-year sentence for first-degree assault. Justice for Tianna, a group advocating for LaBoy, said she was denied adequate medical treatment and was forced to deliver her baby without care. No mother should have to give birth in inhumane conditions. And no baby should be born into incarceration. Karine Laboy, Tiannas mother said. Thats why I am here today urging Attorney General Tong to take action and stop using the power of his office to prevent justice for Tianna and my granddaughter. Karine is also named as a plaintiff alongside Tianna in her lawsuit against Semple and the staff at the Niantic correctional facility. Around 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2018, LaBoy went to use to toilet in her cell after experiencing severe abdominal pain hours before. She used a call button to ask for medical aide, but before prison staff could arrive her child was born in the prison toilet bowl, according to the suit. LaBoy patted the infant on the back to get all the fluid out and the child began breathing, according to the suit. In a tweet Thursday, the ACLU of Connecticut called LaBoys treatment unconscionable. No one should have to endure that kind of inhumane and potentially dangerous treatment, the organization said. Solidarity with those calling for justice for Tianna. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:49:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WINDHOEK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's malaria cases this year increased to 12,507 from 2,841 recorded in 2019, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health availed to Xinhua Friday. The southern African country recorded 31,000 cases of malaria in 2018. The National Vector-borne Diseases Control Program from the Health Ministry which monitors the weekly malaria situation in the country shows that this year alone 12,507 malaria cases where recorded, while 40 deaths occurred. The ministry said the huge difference between 2019 and this year is attributed to the fact that 2019, was a drought year and the rainfall pattern was not similar to 2020 and 2018, hence the decline in malaria cases happened in 2019. According to the ministry, currently the implementation of the program activities amid COVID-19 is on halt due to some bottlenecks. "The COVID-19 regulations have slowed down the implementation of program activities due to restriction on people movement, gatherings of more than 10 people and delayed delivery of antimalarial commodities, resulting in some program activities being canceled," the ministry concluded. Enditem A Birmingham man is under arrest after authorities say he beat a 61-year-old woman until she was unconscious in a parking lot. James Michael Bell, 39, is facing multiple charges after the Thursday incident. It began shortly after 4 p.m. when a patrol deputy driving along Gary Avenue near Valley Avenue in Fairfield saw a man beating a woman in the parking lot of a convenience store. As the deputy approached, said Deputy Chief David Agee, he could see the man continuing to stomp on the womans face, head and stomach even though she was not conscious. The attacker saw the deputy and fled the scene. The deputy then Tased the man who jumped into a car and sped off. The deputy and witnesses gave medical attention to the woman until paramedics arrived. Authorities later located the vehicle and saw Bell walking away. They were able to subdue him and take him into custody. Agee said it is believed the victim could be related to Bell, who told investigators he was angry at something she said to him. He is now charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, attempting to elude, disorderly conduct and failure to possess a felon registration car. Bell is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $9,200. BREAKING: Staten Island Mall allowed to reopen next week; details on school COVID testing; Trump and Cuomo battle of New York. RIP, Tom Seaver. (Hot Zone) Posted by Staten Island Advance on Thursday, September 3, 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 Thursday, we talked about how Cuomo had given the go-ahead for malls in the city to reopen on Sept. 9, including the Staten Island Mall. Eating spots inside the malls will still be off-limits. We also talked about details of the citys random coronavirus testing program for schools, including what happens if parents do not give consent for their kids to be tested. See the video above for those conversations. In the video below, Mark and I discussed criticism of City Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore), who said that restaurants need to be better ventilated before reopening. She said government should provide the money for better filtration systems. But restaurant owners said they want to open now, without upgrading their systems. Were all in this together. Well all get through this together. CLEVELAND, Ohio Rep. Mike Turner, a Dayton Republican, is attacking his Democratic opponent, Desiree Tims, in an ad tying Tims to the $60 million bribery scandal involving GOP former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. The problem? Tims has no connection to the scheme, Householder or anyone else involved. Even stranger is that Turner does. Its an example of how Republicans are trying to turn the scandal around on Democrats amid a contentious election cycle. Householder was one of the most powerful Republicans in the state when federal agents arrested him, a top aide and three lobbyists one of whom is the former chairman of the Ohio Republican Party. The ad itself does not say Tims was involved in the bribery scheme. Rather, it tries to tie her to the same type of government corruption. Its disgraceful. Lobbyists have bought seats in the Ohio Statehouse, the narrator says at the beginning of the ad, with headlines about the ongoing bribery scandal splashed onscreen. Now, Washington lobbyist Desiree Tims has moved back to Ohio and is trying to buy a seat in Congress. At its core, the ad is meant to confuse the viewer and tie Tims to the ongoing scandal that has roiled Columbus and the Republican Party. In reality, Tims has no connection to FirstEnergy, whose dark money donations fueled the scheme, according to federal authorities, or the scandal. And, as with many Republicans in the state, Turner is connected, although tenuously, through past campaign donations from the PACs affiliated with the utility. Baldwin Wallace University political science chair Tom Sutton said Turners ad isnt out of the ordinary in trying to cast Tims as an outsider, but connecting her to the corruption probe is a questionable move. First of all, its an old tactic, he said. Second, it doesnt make sense. Third, youre opening yourself up to the same charges that are probably much more credible, whether its getting money from FirstEnergy or Householder. The Householder scandal rocked Ohio politics with his surprise arrest in July by federal authorities. Householder maneuvered his way into the speakership and pushed House Bill 6 which bailed out two nuclear energy plants via a fee on ratepayers through the Statehouse using a $60 million war chest from FirstEnergy and affiliates, according to the U.S. Justice Department. If I were consulting with any Republican candidate in Ohio, the last thing I would tell them to do is try to tar a Democratic opponent with the brush that has already tarnished the Republican Party with the $60 million scandal, Sutton said. I would try to bury that as deep as I could. Since 2004, Turner has accepted $22,000 from FirstEnergy affiliated PACs, according the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign watchdog organization. However, he has not accepted any money from FirstEnergy in 2020. Turner and Householder also exchanged contributions back in 2002. Matt Borges, the also-indicted former chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, also contributed to Turners campaign in 2002. To be clear, Turner has not been accused, implicated or tied at all to the scandal itself. He was not included in the criminal complaint and the Justice Department investigation has been, as of now, focused on state government and HB6. While he took contributions from the company in most of his elections, they represent a fraction of what he has raised over his nearly two decades in Congress. Tims campaign spokeswoman Eden McKissick-Hawley said the commercial was a cheap campaign tactic. Mike Turner is running scared, which is why he is resorting to lying about Desirees record of fighting for hardworking Ohioans, she said in a statement. In a statement, Turner campaign manager Mason Di Palma did not provide evidence tying Tims to the Householder case or comment on Turners connections to Householder, Borges or FirstEnergy. Read more politics coverage: College coronavirus cases in Ohio significantly contributing to county alert status Gov. Mike DeWine says hes confident President Donald Trump wouldnt rush a coronavirus vaccine Ohio Senate approves bill granting $650 million in coronavirus relief to local governments Attorneys for Kanye West, Sec. of State Frank LaRose trade arguments in Ohio Supreme Court case MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - A South Carolina beach town has renewed its mask mandate as coronavirus cases trend downward following a spike linked to the popular tourist destination this summer. Myrtle Beach on Thursday extended through Sept. 30 the July executive order mandating face coverings to be worn in public places, according to the citys website. The order was set to expire Sept. 9, news outlets reported. This is not the time to stop our efforts, City Manager John Pedersen said during a City Council meeting Thursday. In June and July, some coronavirus clusters in other states, including West Virginia and New Jersey, were linked to vacationers, wedding attendees and others returning from trips to Myrtle Beach. Horry County, which contains Myrtle Beach, also saw a spike in cases. Since then, data shows the county has seen a downward trend in case numbers, according to The Sun News. Pedersen said the area saw fewer tourists in August, which may have contributed to slowing the spread, the newspaper said. He added that businesses within the city were enforcing the mandate. The mandate calls for face masks to be worn in all retail businesses or establishments that are open to the public, including grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, salons, gyms and other buildings, according to the policy. ___ Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak. Even as anxious second-home buyers drive up prices and demand, they havent released the expectation that their getaway house will pay for itself, at least in part, say agents and rental platform executives. Vacasas recent survey found that nearly half of current buyers are expecting to capture rental income, even as they also expect to stay in their getaways sooner and longer. Les membres du cabinet ant pris note que le gouvernement va retirer ses reservces sur les articles 9(2)(d) and 11 de la United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, que le Global Innovation Index Report a place Maurice a la 52e place mondial et 1er dans les pays africains, des changement au Mauritius-Eswatini Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. de limplementation dun National Cyber Incident Response Plan entre autres. 1. Cabinet has agreed to the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity initiating procedures for the withdrawal of the reservations made by Mauritius to Articles 9(2)(d) and 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The UNCRPD ensures that persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Article 9(2)(d) relates to accessibility of disabled persons to buildings. It stipulates that State Parties shall take appropriate actions to provide in buildings and other facilities open to the public signage in braille and in easy-to-read and understand forms. Article 11 concerns situation of risks and humanitarian emergencies. It stipulates that State Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situation of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters. Mauritius is now ready to withdraw the reservations made to Articles 9(2)(d) and 11 in view of the promulgation of Building Control (Accessibility and Gender Compliance in Buildings) Regulations in 2017 which provides, inter alia, for universal design requirement in respect of new buildings and buildings under major renovation works. Furthermore, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act makes provision for persons with disabilities to be catered for in situation of disasters and risks. 2. Cabinet has taken note that the Global Innovation Index Report which is co-published annually by Cornell University of New York, INSEAD (Institut Europeen dAdministration des Affaires) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, a specialised agency of the United Nations had been released on 2 September 2020 and Mauritius had been ranked 52nd globally. It is ranked 1st in the Sub-Saharan Region, 1st among the African countries and 9th among the 37 upper middle income countries. Mauritius was ranked 82nd in 2019. The Global Innovation Index is a leading reference for measuring an economys innovation performance and has an impact on the attractiveness of that economy as an investment destination. 3. Cabinet has taken note that a Protocol has been signed by the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development to amend the Mauritius-Eswatini Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The main changes brought to the DTAA are as follows: (a) The term Kingdom of Swaziland has been changed to Kingdom of Eswatini to reflect the change in the name of the partner country; (b) the term Competent Authority has been updated so that for Mauritius, it now refers to the Director-General, Mauritius Revenue Authority or his authorised representative; (c) the agreement has been amended to clarify that an insurance company would be considered as a Permanent Establishment in a Contracting State; (d) the applicable withholding tax rate on the interest income in the country where such income is sourced has been raised from 5% to 7.5%; (e) the Article on Exchange of Information has been updated and aligned with the international standard as prescribed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development; and (f) a new Article has been introduced in the DTAA for mutual assistance in the collection of tax due to the other Contracting State, as a measure to reinforce the fight against tax evasion. 4. Cabinet has taken note of the proposal of the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), to assist Mauritius in combating trafficking in persons through the implementation of the project Improving Trafficking in Persons Referral Outcome in Comoros and Mauritius. The project proposed by IOM would contribute to Governments and civil societys efforts to combating Trafficking in Persons by improving assistance and care to identified and referred victims of Trafficking in Persons. One component of the project aims at a sustainable transfer of knowledge and expertise, through repeated training, and by supporting the trained officials, in order to establish a pool of expertise as well as the development of standardised tools adapted to the legal environment in the context of Mauritius. It would also support multi-sectoral coordination among relevant stakeholders. 5. Cabinet has agreed to the adoption and implementation of a National Cyber Incident Response Plan, to provide a consolidated approach to the management and coordination of cyber threats or incidents of national significance. The National Cyber Incident Response Plan, which has been developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders and with the support of the Cyber4D Team of the European Union, aims at: (a) defining the roles and capabilities of the vital stakeholders during a crisis situation; (b) advising and guiding towards effective incident resolution; (c) ensuring proper information sharing among stakeholders; and (d) serving as a vehicle for improving the management of cyber incidents and promoting coordination and communication. The plan provides for four incident response phases namely, Preparation; Detection and Analysis; Containment, Eradication and Recovery; and Post Incident Analysis. 6. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius initiating the process of the ratification of the Mauritius-China Free Trade Agreement. The Agreement would see the elimination of tariffs on 8,547 products originating from Mauritius on the Chinese market and would also open up market access opportunities in a number of services sectors. Exceptionally, it provides a quota of 50,000 tonnes of sugar which Mauritius can export on an incremental basis over a period of eight years starting with 15,000 tonnes at the entry into force of the Agreement. 7. Cabinet has taken note of latest developments following the MV Wakashio wreckage, namely,: (a) all booms deployed at the Blue Bay Marine Park had been removed by the National Coast Guard on 2 September 2020. Removal of booms around Ile aux Aigrettes was ongoing and was expected to be completed on 04 September 2020. The booms placed near the wreck were being maintained; (b) cleaning was being undertaken at five public sites, namely, Bambous Virieux (La Case du Pecheur), Bois des Amourettes, Vieux Grand Port (Sattun Babooa Public Beach and area behind church), la Falaise Rouge and Riviere des Creoles Public Beach. Cleaning at Ile aux Fouquets and Pointe dEsny public beach has been completed; (c) some 1,282 metric tons of liquid Heavy Fuel Oil wastes had been collected and had been carted away. Around 1,116 metric tons of contaminated solid wastes and debris had been collected and transferred to the Interim Storage Facility for Hazardous Wastes at La Chaumiere for storage and subsequent exportation; (d) coastal water quality monitoring was being maintained at ten sites; (e) Mauritius has so far benefitted from the assistance of 48 environmental and oil spill experts from France, Japan, India, United Kingdom and the United Nations, as well as from six local experts of the University of Mauritius and Labolink Ltd. The assistance of three experts from the World Health Organization is also being obtained to assess the direct and indirect impacts to the health of inhabitants in the affected areas; and (f) the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, is leading discussions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, the University of Mauritius and the United Nations Development Programme, to look into the socio economic measures to be implemented in the aftermath of the spill and on actions to be taken to alleviate hardships of distressed persons. 8. Cabinet has taken note of the accident which occurred off the coast of Poudre dOr, in the night of 31 August 2020, involving the Mauritius Ports Authoritys tug Sir Gaetan and the barge LAmi Constant owned by Messrs Taylor Smith and has agreed to the setting up of a Court of Investigation under section 10(2) of the Merchant Shipping Act. The composition and terms of reference of the Court of Investigation are being worked out. Cabinet has also taken note of the actions taken to avoid spillage of diesel and lubricating oil. The Indian Navy is also assisting by carrying out a survey of the sunken tug and the divers of the Navy have closed all openings to prevent possible leakage of fuel. The Mauritius Ports Authority has retained the services of Dive Solutions and Polyeco S.A. to remove the diesel and lubricating oil from the tug. 9. Cabinet has taken note of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic prevailing worldwide and in the region. As at 03 September 2020, 356 cases of COVID-19 had been registered in Mauritius. The last local case was registered on 26 April 2020. As at 03 September 2020, there were 11 imported active cases of COVID-19 in Mauritius. Sanitary precautions should be strictly observed in order to avoid any importation or resurgence of COVID-19 in the country. 10. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Dental Council of Mauritius, the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate and the National Board of Examinations, India for the conduct of the Medical Registration Examination and the Dental Registration Examination. The examinations would be organised on 10 September 2020. 11. Cabinet has taken note of the enlistment of 221 Pre-Registration House Officers in the public hospitals. The Medical Council Act was amended to remove the requirement that a person be required to undergo an entry examination before being registered as a Pre-Registration House Officer before his enlistment by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The Medical graduates would follow the compulsory 18-month training following their medical studies. A one-day induction course, would be organised by the Mauritius Institute of Health, for the Pre-Registration House Officers before they report to their respective hospitals to start their training. 12. Cabinet has agreed to the implementation of the recommendations of the Monitoring and Evaluation Report and the user manual prepared by the Citizen Support Unit (CSU) of the Prime Ministers Office. Monitoring and Evaluation is one of the most critical activities undertaken at the level of the CSU with a view to identifying and documenting the complaints/suggestions/queries registered on the Citizen Support Portal. It also serves to evaluate, inter alia, the needs of the citizens, the quality of response by Government agencies, the effectiveness of public service delivery and the efficacy of Government programmes and activities. A User Manual has been prepared with a view to providing proper guidance to all authorities on the use of the Portal. 13. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the National Forum on Housing and Land Use which was held recently. Some 120 stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as NGOs and civil society participated in the Forum. 14. Cabinet has taken note of the revised modus operandi of the Consumer Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic experience and the monitoring and evaluation thereof. The Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection has established a working link with both the Citizen Support Unit (CSU) of the Prime Ministers Office and the National Development Unit of the Ministry of National Infrastructure and Community Development to offer a service de proximite to consumers around the island as mentioned in the Budget 2020-2021. The officers of the Consumer Affairs Unit are physically present in the weekly roadshows of the Citizen Support Unit across the island and on the monthly TV/radio programmes to address any matter related to consumer rights and protection. The Consumer Affairs Officers would be physically present in the CAB offices on specific days to address and respond to complaints. 15. Cabinet has agreed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development promulgating the Contribution Sociale Generalisee Regulations 2020 under the National Pensions Act to charge and collect the Contribution Sociale Generalisee (CSG) as from 1 September 2020. The CSG would be charged on the basic wage or salary of employees. Basic wage or salary has the same meaning as in the Workers Rights Act 2019 and would include any additional remuneration payable. As regards a self-employed individual, he would pay a fixed amount of CSG. 16. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Letter of Agreement by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change and the World Food Programme Organisation of the United Nations under the SADC Regional Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Programme. A Letter of Agreement has to be signed for a financial contribution of USD105,000 to be made in support of the Mauritius Vulnerability Assessment Committee Workplan and Budget for 2020/2021. The Letter of Agreement provides for the disbursement of the funding according to the activity concept notes as well as the due diligence exercise which has to be undertaken by the Mauritius Vulnerability Assessment Committee for implementation of the activities. 17. Cabinet has taken note that the International Day of Older Persons would be celebrated on 1 October 2020 at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre, Pailles. The UN theme for the International Day of Older Persons 2020 is Pandemics: Do they change how we address Age and Ageing? The event would include a cultural programme and performances by local artists. 18. Cabinet has taken note of the various clean-up and embellishment activities being organised to mark the World Clean-up Day celebrated on the third Saturday of September. The activities would start on 12 September and end on 19 September 2020, that is, on the World Clean-Up Day. The main activities which would be held by Municipal and District Councils include: (a) clean-up and embellishment campaigns at the level of towns, villages, roundabouts and motorways; (b) creation of new green spaces, enhancement of existing ones and planting of decorative plants; (c) collection of bulky waste and e-waste to remove eyesores due to illegal dumping along roadsides as well as to prevent obstruction of rivers, canals and natural watercourses, especially during rainy season; (d) cleaning of overgrown barelands which are a nuisance to residential areas; and (e) embellishment and planting of ornamental plants in at least one area/ward/locality or village. Other Government stakeholders would organise activities, namely, the Living Environment Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, the Beach Authority, the Road Development Authority and the Forestry Service of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security. 19. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Executive Committee of the National Women Entrepreneur Council with Mrs Lynda Kok Shun as Chairperson. 20. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Professional Quantity Surveyors Council. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires The massive graveyard of nearly 70 fossilized Columbian mammoths uncovered near Mexico City has turned into 'mammoth central.' The number has risen to at least 200 remains since being first uncovered in 2019 by construction workers clearing land for a new airport in the town of Santa Lucia, located in the central Mexican state of Mexico State. Archaeologists working at the site say discoveries are still being found, including signs that humans may have made tools from the bones of the lumbering animals that died somewhere between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. The team believes there is still a large number of bones to be pulled from the ground, which was once a marshy landscape where the creatures could have been trapped and eventually died. Scroll down for video The massive graveyard of nearly 70 fossilized Columbian mammoths uncovered near Mexico City has turned into 'mammoth central' The first group of skeletons were discovered last year, but images of the findings were not released until this past May. A mammoth exhibit is being planned in the main terminal of the new Felipe Angeles international airport in Santa Lucia when construction finishes. As well as a vast haul of fossil remains, 15 human skulls believed to be from pre-Hispanic burials along with receptacles, obsidian and the remains of dogs were previously found at the site. The new findings are helping experts understand what led to the demise of these massive creatures. The number has risen to at least 200 since being first uncovered in 2019 by construction workers clearing land for a new airport in the town of Santa Lucia, located in the central Mexican state of Mexico State Archaeologists working at the site say discoveries are still being found, including signs that humans may have made tools from the bones of the lumbering animals that died somewhere between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago Along with being killed by ancient humans the team notes that the shores of an ancient lakebed that both attracted and trapped mammoths in its marshy soil, may help solve the riddle of their extinction. Archaeologist Ruben Manzanilla Lopez of the National Institute of Anthropology and History, referring to animals that went extinct in the Americas, said: 'We have about 200 mammoths, about 25 camels, five horse.' The site stretches for 12 miles and reveals man-made pits that may have been used to trap the unsuspecting mammoths, which were re-purposed as tools. The discovery was made at the site of the new Felipe Angeles international airport in the town of Santa Lucia in the central Mexican state of Mexico State The site stretches for 12 miles and reveals man-made pits that may have been used to trap the unsuspecting mammoths, which were re-purposed as tools While tests are still being carried out on the mammoth bones to try to find possible butchering marks, archaeologists have found dozens of mammoth-bone tools, usually shafts used to hold tools or cutting implements, like the ones in Tultepec. 'Here we have found evidence that we have the same kind of tools, but until we can do the laboratory studies to see marks of these tools or possible tools, we can't say we have evidence that is well-founded,' Manzanilla Lopez said. Paleontologist Joaquin Arroyo Cabrales and the team will use this site and remains to test their theories of what happened to these massive creatures was it climate change or humans that led to their demise. The first group of skeletons (pictured) were discovered last year, but images of the findings were not released until this past May Paleontologists will use this site and remains to test their theories of what happened to these massive creatures was it climate change or humans that led to their demise. Pictured are fossils discovered in 2019 While tests are still being carried out on the mammoth bones to try to find possible butchering marks, archaeologists have found dozens of mammoth-bone tools, usually shafts used to hold tools or cutting implements, like the ones in Tultepec. Pictured are skeletons found in 2019 'I think in the end the decision will be that there was a synergy effect between climate change and human presence,' Arroyo Cabrales said. Prior to the discovery in Mexico, North Dakota held the title for the most mammoth remains - about 61 sets of skeletons were uncovered in Hot Springs. Mexican Army Captain Jesus Cantoral, who oversees efforts to preserve remains at the army-led construction site, said 'a large number of excavation sites' are still pending detailed study, and that observers have to accompany diggers and bulldozers every time they break ground at a new spot. The project is so huge, he noted, that the machines can just go work somewhere else while archaeologists study an area. Experts believe some of the animals uncovered at the site may be up to 35,000 years old. The area was rich with wildlife during the era of the mammoths as it was the intersection of four separate valleys and therefore acted like a natural corridor. Pedro Francisco Sanchez Nava, the National Coordinator of Anthropology at the INAH told local media in May: 'Perhaps 15,000 years ago human beings noticed the passage and organised as a society to hunt them.' Columbian mammoths had very little fur, unlike their woolly cousins which lived in frigid tundra. The giants were up to 15ft tall, wigged up to 22,000 pounds and had enormous tusks up to 16ft long. They also had an estimated lifespan of around 65 years. Pictured,artist's impression Humans living in the region may have exploited this prehistoric migration path and laid traps to hunt. Columbian mammoths had very little fur, unlike their woolly cousins which lived in frigid tundra. The giants were up to 15 feet tall, wigged up to 22,000 pounds and had enormous tusks up to 16 feet long. They also had an estimated lifespan of around 65 years. They are one of the last lineages of mammoth to go extinct in the world and were wiped out around 12,000 years ago. The Columbian mammoth inhabited North America as far north as the northern United States and as far south as Costa Rica. Moscow: India finalised a major deal with and Russia on Thursday for the manufacturing of AK-47 203 rifles during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the country, the Russian media reported quoting official sources. The Indian Army has a requirement of 7,70,000 AK-47 203 rifles, of which 1,00,000 will be imported and the rest will be manufactured in India. The AK-47 203 is the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle, which will replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56x45 mm assault rifle. The Ministry of Defence issued a statement, saying: "Both sides welcomed the advance stage of discussions for the establishment in India of an India-Russian Joint Venture for the production of AK203 assault rifles which are considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces." The statement further said, "Gen. Shoigu reiterated Russia's commitment to engage actively with our MOD to ensure the success of the 'Make-in-India' programme." This provides a very positive basis for further engagement of Russian defence industry in the 'Make-in-India' programme, the statement said. The Russian state agency for military exports informed that the rifles will be manufactured in India as part of the joint venture Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), established between the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the Kalashnikov Concern and Rosoboronexport. The OFB would own a majority stake of 50.5 per cent while the Kalashnikov Group would have a sahre of 42 per cent. Rosoboronexport, Russia's state-owned export agency, would own the remaining 7.5%. The Russian weapon will be produced at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Uttar Pradesh, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. The cost of per rifle is expected to be around $1,100 which includes the cost of technology transfer and of setting up the manufacturing unit. The electric stadium and arena rallies that helped propel President Donald Trump to victory four years ago have been grounded this campaign season because of the coronavirus pandemic. But Trump supporters have been gathering by the thousands in bass boats, pontoons, and yachts on rivers, lakes, and oceans nationwide to support the incumbent president during events sometimes dubbed Trumptillas. The so-called boat parades have been promoted online as peaceful and patriotic and a way to be socially distanced while embracing Trumps re-election campaign. The Trump team has embraced the impressive visuals of boaters parading with flags with pictures and videos shared on social media accompanied by hashtags that suggest the large turnouts will equate to a landslide victory on November 3. Thank you very much to our beautiful boaters. I will never let you down! pic.twitter.com/Ot5Ffnjj9G Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2020 In Alabama, pro-Trump boat parades have occurred this summer at Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman County, Lake Tuscaloosa, and Lake Harding at the Florida-Georgia state line. Thousands of boats have assembled for similar events in Orange Beach. A large gathering of boaters, from Dauphin Island to Pensacola, paraded in the Perdido Pass on July 5, to show their support for Trump and other GOP candidates. The events are also becoming a campaign opportunity for local candidates. Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl, who is the GOP nominee for Alabamas 1st congressional district seat, will attend a similar parade Sunday in Orange Beach. Former state Senator Bill Hightower attended the July 5 parade ahead of losing the July 14 Republican runoff contest to Carl. Republican Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville rode in the lead boat during that same parade but is not scheduled to be at Sundays event. Campaigning in boat parades is a great opportunity for candidates, supporters, voters, families and friends to enjoy time together while spreading Republican policy, said Terry Lathan, chairwoman with the Alabama Republican Party. Bob Oldendick, a professor of political science at the University of South Carolina, said the boat parades are occurring more in the background rhythm of a campaign and are not typically important events that generate news attention unless something unusual occurs such as an extremely large crowd attending, or a surprisingly small turnout. Such parades do give people an opportunity to show their support for the president and during the pandemic they provide for a large gathering when in-person events are largely restricted, said Oldendick. The timing of the event during Labor Day weekend is designed to maximize the opportunity for Trump supporters to participate and attendance may be swelled by casual boaters who are there more to enjoy a recreational weekend. Maximize supporters Well-attended boat parades in Alabama are occurring in backdrop of a deep red state where Trump won the 2016 presidential contest by more than 27 percentage points. The president is considered a safe bet to win Alabama in November, and Tuberville is leading polls in his quest to unseat incumbent Democratic Senator Doug Jones, who is considered the chambers most vulnerable incumbent this November. But will the floating pro-Trump events matter in the nationwide presidential contest come November? The parades are often attended by entrenched Trump supporters, and some are occurring in reliably red states like South Carolina. The president, despite the swell of boat parades in his honor, continues to trail former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. According to the website FiveThirtyEight.com, Biden holds a 7.2% lead over Trump in its averaging of national polling following the political conventions last month. The short answer is that I dont know and Im not sure that anyone really knows the for sure about the impact of a single type of campaign event like (boat parades), said Jacob Neiheisel, associate professor of political sciences at the University of Buffalo and an expert on political communication and campaigns. Collectively, however, we know that campaigns matter. We have evidence that other types of campaign activities (e.g., TV ads, voter contacts, campaign appearances) certainly can persuade and mobilize voters, so it stands to reason that any type of event that brings (positive) attention to a candidate and makes people excited about casting a ballot for that candidate can have an effect at the margins. From a political perspective, the most effective boat parades could be occurring in some of the boat-rich states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Those two states along with Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Florida are among the so-called swing states where Trump and Biden are vying for voters in tight electoral contests. A Trumptilla, for instance, is scheduled for Saturday near Detroit. Wisconsin and Michigan rank among the top 10 states in the U.S. for boat registrations. Fellowship Florida leads the nation in the number of boat registrations, and it is the state where the first Trump boat parades occurred in May. The initial parade was organized by Carlos Gavidia, and it ventured from Jupiter to the Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. Gavidia will, once again, lead another Trump boat parade on Labor Day despite being arrested and jailed on Tuesday on accusations that he used anti-Semitic language and sent a threatening text message to a Florida resident. Democrats argue that the boat parades are also attended by boaters parading incendiary images, like the Confederate flag. If need Confederate flag for Trump Boat Parade get it on Canal Rd in Orange Beach AL front Keg Bar. pic.twitter.com/9dpfUtn0fm Richard Taylor (@rhtmobile) August 15, 2020 Every time I see a boat with a Trump flag on it, there is one with a Confederate flag in a line of sight and there are a lot of Confederate flags in these boat parades, said Wade Perry, executive director with the Alabama Democratic Party. He added, while they are playing on their daddys boats and waving their Confederate flags, we are working with real people on things like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Republicans counter that Democrats are out-of-touch with Alabama voters, which includes boaters. There is no doubt that the massive Trump boat parades are an indication of deep enthusiasm for the Trump/Pence ticket, said Lathan, the state party chairwoman. It takes a lot of time and energy to plan these events. Participants are showing up in masses. There is no Joe Biden or Doug Jones excitement in Alabama. Their ship is anchored in left-wing radical politics that Alabamians will continue to throw overboard on November 3. Ahoy @realDonaldTrump Massive Trump Boat Parade in Orange Beach, AL today to #KAG #alpolitics Photos courtesy of Orange Beach Boats pic.twitter.com/Sl8GgM5ayM Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) July 6, 2020 Michael Hoyt, chairman with the Baldwin County Republican Party, said that Perry and other Democratic leaders should address the riots and looting in Democratic-controlled cities and states instead of weighing in on peaceful boat parades. Hoyt said that typically during this part of a campaign season, election rallies are occurring for Senate and congressional candidates at venues around Alabama, but he noted that those are off-limits as the country continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. I do think this is a way for folks who can get together in a socially distanced manner to come out in large numbers and still have fellowship and show support for the president. Oldendick, at the University of South Carolina, said the boat parades are simply that: Events to show support for a politician. And the campaigns will use any such event to their advantage, given how campaigns have had to adjust due to the coronavirus, he said. But their impact on the (overall) outcome is minimal. A month after the devastating blast shook Beirut, rescue workers are hoping against hope that a person might still be alive under the rubble. According to a Reuters report, Lebanese rescue workers detected signs of life in the rubble of a building in a residential area of Beirut, after the explosion at the nearby port. Reuters A member of the TOPOS CHILE rescue team told Al Jazeera that, using a scanning machine, it discovered signs of a pulse and breathing near the ground floor of the collapsed building. The Al Jazeera report states that the body detected by the TOPOS CHILE rescue team most likely belonged to a child, adding that the team also found the presence of at least one body. "These (signs of breathing and pulse) along with the temperature sensor means there is a possibility of life," Reuters quoted rescue worker named Eddy Bitar as saying. The rescue team was setting up floodlights at the site as the sunset, when one of their search dogs ran towards a building and alerted them of human presence. Bitar said a civil defence unit had been called in to help with extra equipment to conduct the search. Rescue workers in bright jackets clambered over the building that had collapsed in the blast, which killed about 190 people and injured 6,000 others. Also Read: 'I Don't Want To Die': How Beirut Blast Displaced 100,000 Kids & Left Them Mentally Traumatised Chilean Rescue Mission in #Beirut enters 13th hour. Its after 4:00 am in Lebanon and teams intensifying search for two bodies, one reportedly with a pulse, been under rubble for 30 days. Flush, the dog that detected pulse, on the scene: pic.twitter.com/7Pve2sUzWJ Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) September 4, 2020 News of the rescue prompted crowds to form at the site, who grew angry as rescue efforts were paused in a city desperate for hope. AP "Shame! Shame! There's a soul in there!" one woman shouted at Lebanese army members guarding the site. Also Read: NASA Maps Beirut Blast Damage Through Satellite Data For Identifying Hot Spots The Lebanese military discovered more than four tonnes of ammonium nitrate near Beirut's port, a find that's a chilling reminder of the horrific explosion a month ago that killed 191 people. According to the military, army experts were called in for an inspection and found 4.35 tonnes of the dangerous chemical in four containers stored near the port. Also Read: Beirut Blast: Journalist Was Conducting Live Interview When Shockwave Ripped Through Her Office Source: Reuters Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo has said that a woman who refused to submit to her husband is disobeying Go... Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo has said that a woman who refused to submit to her husband is disobeying God. He said the only way to a fruitful marriage was total submission on the part of the wife. Oyedepo, on the churchs twitter handle, said until total submission was in place, every other thing she tried to do would be out of place. He added that even when such women were gospel ministers and their husbands were not, they must submit to their husbands. The bishop said a submissive woman is precious in the sight of God. In his words: The only way to a fruitful marriage is total submission on the part of the wife. Until it is in place, every other thing she tries to do will be out of place. A woman who refuses to submit to her husband is disobeying God. As a woman, you might even be a minister of the gospel, and your husband is not, the Word of God still says to submit yourself to him. A submissive woman is precious in the sight of her husband. At least two people were reportedly injured by a car speeding through a Black Lives Matter demonstration in New York City last night after the police separated protesters from supporters of Donald Trump. It follows a series of similar incidents across the US where trucks and cars have been deliberately driven into protests with far-right groups and activists recommending the tactic to each other and spreading memes featuring offensive slogans like All Lives Splatter. The demonstration in Times Square yesterday saw a large crowd of Black Lives Matter and anti-police protesters clashing with a handful of supporters of Donald Trump, whom the police encircled for their protection. One witness broke down the events leading up to the incident, detailing the polices protection of the pro-Trump protesters and then tweeting the cars licence plate. Some users replied that the model of car is used by the NYPD, but the department has issued a statement saying the vehicle does not belong to them. Vehicles have been driven into crowds across the US many times since the start of the mass protests over the death of George Floyd. Many drivers have been arrested, though their motives are not clear in all cases. Recommended Fuel truck drives at crowd of protesters on Minneapolis highway Among this years incidents were one on New Yorks Long Island and another in Bloomington, Indiana both on the same day in July. They came just after a truck rammed through a crowd of protesters in Seattle, killing 24-year-old Summer Taylor. Using vehicles as weapons against pedestrians has in recent years been a preferred tactic of terrorists associating themselves with Isis, but in the US, it is more associated with white supremacists and the far right. The most notorious car attack at a protest in the US remains the lethal incident at Charlottesville, Virginia at 2017s Unite the Right rally, when neo-Nazi James Alex Fields Jr. barrelled into a crowd of protesters, injuring 35 and killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer. But over the last few months in particular, this form of attack has been deployed across the country, and anti-protester car-ramming memes have been spreading fast among various groups and individuals including some police officers. Just after Ms Taylor was fatally struck in July, Seattle detective Mike Brown was suspended for sharing a Facebook post reading All Lives Splatter and Get your a** off the road alongside a cartoon of bodies flying over the front of a truck. That particular meme dates at least as far back as the Charlottesville attack, with a state legislator in South Dakota and a Sheriffs Department in Washington State both sharing it in the aftermath of the murders at Unite the Right. Car-ramming memes more generally were circulating even before that, with some drivers pointing to legislation in some states that gives drivers immunity if they unintentionally strike people who stand in the road. The Duke of Cambridge will speak at the event (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) The Duke of Cambridge is due to take part in an online ceremony to honour the emergency services. The annual Emergency Services Festival of Thanksgiving otherwise known as the 999 Festival is going digital this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Held on the Friday closest to September 9, the multi-faith festival helps commemorate the thousands of emergency responders who have died in the line of duty. The 999 Festival had been scheduled to be hosted in Belfast Cathedral, but will instead be broadcast on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn at 2pm on Friday. William, who was himself an air ambulance pilot, is due to say: This year, more than ever, we have been repeatedly reminded of the sacrifices made by all those in the emergency responder community, as they worked tirelessly to protect us against Covid-19 and keep the country going in the most challenging circumstance. He will add: They showcase the very best that our country has to offer, and this is never more apparent than at times like these. The festival will include music from the Blue Light Choir and videos from the chairs of the Police, Fire and Ambulance Councils and the director of Her Majestys Coastguard. First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and First Minister for Wales Mark Drakeford and Health Secretary Matt Hancock are also due to speak. Expand Close Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Jane Barlow/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Jane Barlow/PA) Tom Scholes-Fogg, founder and chief executive of the 999 Festival, will say: Given events in our country and across the globe we simply could not let this year go by without honouring our 999 heroes. He will add: The emergency services is about partnership, and events such as the 999 Festival where the NHS and emergency services are together as equal partners is important. Those wishing to watch the festival can visit the festivals website at 999festival.org.uk and click on the social media links in the right hand corner of the page. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) the countrys telecommunications regulator has announced a new final date for the long-awaited auction of high-demand spectrum. According to TeleGeography's CommsUpdate, the auction will now be held no later than 31 March 2021, three months later than the previously announced December 2020 deadline. ICASA has confirmed on its website that the Invitation To Apply (ITA) for both the Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN) and the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum, also known as high-demand spectrum, will be published no later than 30 September this year. Among the frequencies to be auctioned will be the 700MHz and 800MHz bands formerly used for analogue TV (which is transitioning to digital), as well as spectrum in the 2300MHz, 2600MHz and 3500MHz bands. Applicants will be bidding for 60MHz (230MHz) in the 700MHz band, 60MHz (230MHz) in the 800MHz band, 40MHz in the 2300MHz band, 170MHz in the 2600MHz band, and 116MHz in the 3500MHz band. There will be a number of conditions regarding data speeds, access for MVNOs and capacity purchase from the WOAN. ICASA says the auction delay, first highlighted in July, was occasioned by, among other factors, the prioritisation of the release of Covid-19 emergency spectrum, additional considerations relating to the viability of the WOAN and also the fact that ICASAs decision-making council was almost inquorate for a period of close to three months. Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, has filed a fresh petition in the Bombay high court seeking that the charges against him be quashed. Purohit was doing his job as a military intelligence officer and was "framed" in the case, his lawyer and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the high court on Friday. The petition also contended that the National Investigation Agency, the prosecuting agency, did not seek a prior sanction under the Code of Criminal Procedure to prosecute him though he was a serving army officer. Arguing before a division bench of Justices S S Shinde and M S Karnik, Rohatgi said that Purohit had been working for the Army's military intelligence unit. He attended conspiracy meetings before the 2008 Malegaon blast while "discharging his duties" as an intelligence officer, the senior counsel said. Hence the NIA should have sought a prior sanction under section 197 of the CrPC to prosecute him, Rohatgi argued. Section 197 makes it mandatory to obtain a sanction from the government before public servants are prosecuted. The army reinstated Purohit in 2017 after the Supreme Court granted him bail, Rohatgi pointed out, adding that the apex court had noted in bail order that Purohit attended conspiracy meetings as part of discharging his duties. "His job was to infiltrate meetings of religious fanatics and report to the army. He was framed in the case and spent eight years in jail until the SC granted him bail," Rohatgi said. The NIA, in its affidavit opposing Purohit's plea, has claimed that while attending the conspiracy meetings, he was not working for the army, so no sanction was required for his prosecution. The trial court as well as the high court had in the past rejected his plea seeking discharge, and a criminal appeal seeking similar relief is already pending before the high court, so he can not file a fresh plea, the NIA said. The high court granted Purohit's lawyers time to respond to the NIA's affidavit and posted the matter for hearing on September 23. Purohit had argued earlier too that he attended the blast conspiracy meetings in Faridabad and Bhopal while doing his job as an intelligence officer with his superiors' permission. Six people were killed and 100 injured when a bomb strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque at Malegaon in north Maharashtra on September 29, 2008. As per the investigators, the bike belonged to co-accused and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pragya Thakur. T he daughter of Daniel Prude, a black man who died at the hands of the police, has spoken out about his death, saying: "My dad is not an animal." Mr Prude, 41, died in March in Rochester, New York, after police handcuffed him, put a restraining hood over his head and pressed his face into the ground for three minutes. He died in hospital several days later, but the incident has only come to light since Mr Prude's family shared police's body camera footage. Tashyra Prude, 18, said in a self-filmed video that her father would be remembered as "vibrant" and the "life of the party." She said: "My dad is not the animal that they treated him like. "That is a human being; that is my father. That is somebody's brother, son, cousin, nephew... "This was one of the most loving people I have ever known in my life. MY father was a protector... he would do anything for his family." Seven officers have been suspended with pay over the incident but Mr Prude's daughter hit out at their treatment as a "paid vacation" and called the officers' suspension "a slap in the face". She added: "I dont understand how anybody could say or feel like he was a threat to the police when he complied with all orders." She later told CBS News: "[The suspension] is just a slap in the face, especially with pay. "That's a paid vacation, if you ask me. That's beyond disrespectful to me, my siblings and the rest of my family and to everybody who cared about my father." Officers were originally called by Mr Prude's family, who dialled 911 to report him missing after he was taken to hospital for suicidal thoughts. A report into his death called it a homicide, attributing it to "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint," as well as "excited delirium" and intoxication with the drug PCP. Ms Prude said she was unaware of her father's mental health problems or drug use. Daniel Prude / AP She added: "So when I look at [the footage], it's just like man, my father was hurting, and he needed help, and it makes me feel bad because as his child, I wish I could have been there to help in a way. I wish I could have been there to calm my father down, and I couldn't do that. So just seeing the footage, it breaks me down." Peaceful protests broke out in Rochester, a city of about 200,000 people, after news emerged of the way Mr Prude died. Activists are demanding that the officers involved be prosecuted on murder charges. Rochester mayor Lovely Warren announced the suspension of officers at a press conference on Thursday. Mr Daniel Prude was failed by the police department, our mental health care system, our society and he was failed by me, Ms Warren said. She said the officers would still be paid because of contract rules. Antonio Romanucci, Ms Prude's lawyer, hit out at Rochester officials for not releasing information earlier. "It's so hard to hear the fact that we're always told 'we're not trying to cover anything up,'" he told CBS News. "Well, you may not be covering it up, but you're certainly hiding it from the public. Five months is an awfully long time for us not to see something that we know is patently wrong." The Rochester police department said case information had not been released earlier because the New York attorney general was investigating. A Salem man with a firearm in his carry-on bag was stopped Thursday at a Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport checkpoint. Airport police responded and seized the gun, which was loaded with five bullets, according to a news release Friday from the Transportation Security Administration. TSA did not identify the man, and it was not immediately clear whether he was criminally charged, although passengers with weapons typically face a misdemeanor offense. The .22-caliber revolver was a pocket gun with a small birds head grip and no trigger guard. Earlier this year, airport officials said that all firearms confiscated at the Roanoke airport are forfeited and destroyed. Thursdays incident is the first of its kind reported by the facility this year. Five guns were seized at checkpoints in 2019 and six in 2018. Statewide, the total fell from 82 to 74 last year. Passengers caught boarding planes with guns face prosecution in state courts as well as civil penalties, but the fines vary and remain unclear. A federal Freedom of Information Act request, filed by The Roanoke Times in November 2018, sought the specific penalties brought against nine people stopped with guns at Roanokes airport over the prior two years; the response, which arrived in April 2020 declined to disclose all but two fines, which were $1,750 and $4,900. A concealed-carry permit does not allow passengers to bring guns with them onto airplanes, but TSA says that by following specific rules, passengers may travel with firearms in checked baggage. Details about those requirements are on TSAs website. In Fridays news release, a TSA official urged travelers to check their luggage thoroughly before packing and traveling in order to avoid inadvertently traveling with a firearm or other prohibited items. Nearly 90% of the 4,432 firearms detected at checkpoints across the United States last year were loaded. 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. Italy has worked well with U.S. President Donald Trump, the country's foreign affairs minister told CNBC, despite tensions over taxation and trade. "We have only had commercial advantages in the Trump era," Luigi di Maio, who previously served as Italy's deputy prime minister, told CNBC's Steve Sedgwick at the European House Ambrosetti Forum on Friday. "Our products, even during the tariff initiatives, were protected," he said in reference to a series of additional duties imposed by the White House. The charges were placed on certain European goods in light of a long-standing transatlantic dispute over aircraft subsidies. The Italian government reportedly lobbied the Trump administration to avoid higher costs on Italian exports. "The export(s) to the U.S. continue to grow, even in this moment of (the) Covid-19 crisis," di Maio added. However, the White House opened an investigation into Italy, and other nations, for planning to put forward new taxes on digital giants. Italy's digital services tax of 3% is seen in Washington as unfair toward American companies. Despite some differences, Luigi di Maio said: "The U.S. is our main partner, our ally and friend." "We've worked well with the Trump administration." Tara Sutaria recently took to Instagram to share a picture of her from the Maldives. In the picture, the actor is seen posing lying down in the sand. She is spotted donning a brown polka-dot bikini. Her look is kept balanced with minimal makeup and open hair look. Tara Sutaria accessorised her look with a choker neckpiece. Not to miss he blue background of water that just made her picture frame even more eye-pleasing. Tara Sutaria posted the picture with the caption, "Afternoons . Fans in huge number complimented her picture. Celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni also praised Tara Sutarias picture. She wrote, So Stunning to compliment her. Take a look at Tara Sutarias Instagram picture. Also Read| Unseen pic of the day: Tara Sutaria and Armaan's photo will give true best friend goals Tara Sutaria's 'dress-up' game In the recent past, Tara Sutaria took to Instagram to share a picture of her playing dress-up. The actor was spotted donning a white button-down shirt. She paired it with black denim and accessorised her look with a gold chained necklace. Tara Sutaria glammed up her look with a pop of colour on her eyes and nude lips. The actor completed her outfit with open hair look. Tara captioned the picture as, "Playing dress-up with @avigowariker @mallika_bhat @manekaharisinghani'. Her picture received heaps of comments from fans. Tara has also been actively preparing cakes at home amid the pandemic. She, time and again, keeps on sharing glimpses of her indoor whereabouts on social media. Earlier, she also dug out a bunch of childhood pictures with Pia and shared them on Instagram. Also Read| Tara Sutaria flaunts 'Bombay romance' with Aadar Jain on a late-night drive; watch video On the work front Tara Sutaria was last seen in Milap Zaveris Marjaavaan. She shared the screen space with Riteish Deshmukh and Siddharth Malhotra. The film was lauded by fans and viewers for its acting and plot. Tara Sutaria also collaborated with Sidharth Malhotra for the song Masakali 2.0. Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria can be seen romancing each other in the music video. Also Read|Tara Sutaria sets the internet on fire as she shares a picture playing dress up Masakali 2.0 has been sung by Tulsi Kumar and Sachet Tandon, with Tanishk Bagchi providing some additional lyrics. The recreation of the song has added female vocals that were not there in the original. She will next be seen in Milan Luthrias Tadap alongside Suniel Shettys son Ahan Shetty. The film is in its pre-production stage and will resume shooting soon. Also Read| Tara Sutaria shares adorable selfie with Pia Sutaria, says 'sisters are special' 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. Former representative Charles W. Boustany Jr. (R-La.) said that he has been deeply concerned by the actions of some of the incoming GOP candidates and that some of his former colleagues appear to be cowed into silence instead of pushing back on the direction the party has taken. It is up to the House GOP leadership, he said, to set candidates using this type of rhetoric on track otherwise, the party is headed for a really bad place and permanent minority status. Repairs, cleanup and grappling with ongoing power outages continues in Orange a week after Hurricane Laura passed through, exacting some of the most severe damage in Southeast Texas closest to the Louisiana border where Laura made landfall early in the morning of August 27. Crews swamp parking lots at area shopping plazas as work to repair damaged utilities, tree removal and more is ongoing round the clock. The comment comes amid public calls for the President to "react" to the ongoing investigation targeting judges of Kyiv's District Administrative Court suspected of running a criminal ring and seizing power. The head of state, Volodymyr Zelensky, has neither right nor obligation to assess rulings handed down by judges or charges pressed forward against them, the President's Office says. The comment, posted on the Office's Facebook page, comes amid public calls for the President to "react" to the ongoing investigation targeting judges of Kyiv's District Administrative Court suspected of running a criminal ring and seizing power. "The Constitution of Ukraine establishes a clear division of power into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This has already been repeatedly interpreted in Constitutional Court judgments and explained in numerous commentaries by legal experts. The body of these texts is easy to study. The president of Ukraine, according to the powers that the Constitution grants them, has neither right nor responsibility to assess judges' rulings or charges pressed against judges. Even if powers are considered within the theoretical concept of so-called inherent powers, which are not laid down in the Constitution, it still seems questionable to require the president to provide such an assessment," the comment reads. Read alsoLenders warn Ukraine of possible issues over anti-graft prosecutor replacementIt also emphasizes that the president cannot overturn the presumption of innocence against individuals. "The president, like any citizen in the country, can share his impressions of certain resonating reports regarding open data of criminal proceedings, no more than that," the Office stated. At the same time, the President's Office noted that they took into account the information about possible violations of law by representatives of the judicial branch, as well as the consideration of the relevant charges by the High Council of Justice. The Bankova expressed hope that the investigation of such a high-profile case would help establish all the true circumstances. It was after the change of power in 2019, the Office recalls, that the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine received all the necessary legislative support for independent operations and conditions were provided for the functioning of the High Anti-Corruption Court. "We hope that this political investment will yield an appropriate result for society and affirmation of the rule of law principle," the comment says. Read alsoUkraine's NABU comments on Constitutional Court's decision on SytnykThe President's Office stressed priority of judicial reform and noted the fact that the current constitutional instruments for protecting the independence of judges and the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial branches significantly limit possibilities not only of the president, but also of the Verkhovna Rada to realize desires for the dismissal of judges and radical restructuring of the judiciary that part of our society express," the comment concludes. District Administrative Court of Kyiv: corruption investigation Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:47:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Uganda says it is fast-tracking efforts to eliminate malaria, which continues to take lives and bleed the country's economy more than any other disease. The disease is responsible for 30 to 40 percent of outpatient hospital visits, 15 to 20 percent of admissions and 10 percent of inpatient deaths, mostly pregnant mothers and children, according to the health ministry figures. The mosquito-transmitted disease remains a serious health problem that continues to stagnate economic growth and social development as man-hours are lost because of absenteeism and the meagre household incomes spent on treatment. To reverse this trend, the east African country is fighting at different fronts against the disease. The country on September 2 launched the board of directors of the Malaria Free Uganda Fund as part of its continued investment to eliminate the disease by 2030, as per the global target. Malaria Free Uganda Fund is a nonprofit public-private partnership established to mainstream responsibility for malaria across all sectors and help remove financial and operational bottlenecks in fighting the disease. The National Malaria Control Program currently faces a three-year 206 U.S. million dollars budget gap, or 33 percent of the total, according to the ministry of health. External donors, according to the ministry, fund over 95 percent of the fight against the disease in the country. The country is now looking at domestic resourcing in view of the global uncertainties like the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting foreign financing. "The talent and experience we have mobilized to this board from the private and civil society will help the government achieve a significant reduction of malaria cases and deaths in Uganda," said Ruth Aceng, minister of health while launching the board here. The ministry late last month launched the use of larvicides in the fight against malaria. Larvicides, according to the ministry are microbial or chemical insecticides put in water bodies or water containers that breed mosquitoes. "The exercise helps reduce the adult population of mosquitoes by killing the aquatic immature forms, so that fewer will develop into adults," said Alfred Mubanginzi, assistant commissioner in charge of Vector Control division. "This should reduce the number of mosquitoes that bite and infect humans with malaria," he said at the launch on August 27 in the northern Ugandan district of Lira. In June, the country launched the distribution of 27 million long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to districts across the country, under the third universal coverage campaign. The countrywide campaign that was meant to kick off in April was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the east African country. Under the free mosquito net distribution, the ministry targets to have all citizens sleep under a mosquito net every night to prevent malaria. The ministry believes that these strategies among others including use of indoor residual spraying will yield good results. "These combined interventions will go a long way in fighting and eventually eliminating malaria from our country," said Aceng. Indeed the country is making notable progress in the fight against the disease. According to the 2018/19 Malaria Indicator Survey, the disease prevalence rate dropped to 9 percent from 19 percent. The progress is attributed to the continuous distribution of mosquito nets, case management, and indoor residual spraying. Enditem Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/03/2020 -- The "COVID-19 Outbreak- Gold Mining - Market Analysis, Trends, and Forecasts 2014-2025?" Study has been added to HTF MI offering. The study focus on both qualitative as well as quantitative side and follows Industry benchmark and NAICS standards to built coverage of players for final compilation of study. Some of the major and emerging players profiled are Goldcorp Inc., Newcrest Mining Ltd, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd, Barrick Gold Corporation, Polyus Gold International Ltd, Kinross Gold Corporation, Gold Fields Ltd, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd & Newmont Mining Corporation. Get Inside Scoop of the report, request for sample @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/2709247-covid-19-outbreak-global-gold-mining-industry-market Investment, Jewelry & Others are the segments analysed and sized in this study by application/end-users, displays the potential growth and various shift for period 2014 to 2025. The changing dynamics supporting the growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the moving pulse of the market. Check which segment will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to overall growth. , Placer Mining & Hardrock (Lode) Mining have been considered for segmenting COVID-19 Outbreak- Gold Mining market by type. Staying on top of market trends & drivers is essential for decision makers to leverage this emerging opportunity. The COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Gold Mining Market research publication released by HTF MI addresses all this aspects and provides the latest scoop and detailed insights on all major & emerging business segments. Order COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Gold Mining Market study now @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2709247 While global mega trends influencing the market routing the primary direction of growth, regional markets are swayed by more granular locally unique market drivers. The market study is sized with regional and country level break for historical and forecast period by revenue and volume and price analysis, stay tuned with the latest updates from the research insights know more which territory is stealing market share gains in coming years. Major Geographies Covered: North America (Covered in Chapter 7 and 14), United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe (Covered in Chapter 8 and 14), Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others, Asia-Pacific (Covered in Chapter 9 and 14), China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, Others, Middle East and Africa (Covered in Chapter 10 and 14), Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Others, South America (Covered in Chapter 11 and 14), Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile & Others etc. ***Sub Regions Included: North America [United States, Canada, Mexico], Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam], Europe [Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe], South America [Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America], Middle East & Africa [GCC Countries, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa] *** Unless until specified in Original TOC of COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Gold Mining Market Study To know more about the table of contents, you can click @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/2709247-covid-19-outbreak-global-gold-mining-industry-market All viewpoints in the report are based on iterative validation by engaging influencer, experts of the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies. Both primary and secondary approach are used and detailed product portfolio / service offering were analysed and have been presented in a separate chapter of competitive landscape along with company profile. Some of the competitors identified in the COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Gold Mining Market study include Goldcorp Inc., Newcrest Mining Ltd, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd, Barrick Gold Corporation, Polyus Gold International Ltd, Kinross Gold Corporation, Gold Fields Ltd, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd & Newmont Mining Corporation. Detailed Insights on Market Concentration Rate ? CR4, CR8 and HHI Index Analysis of Overall Market ? Comparative Market Share Analysis (Y-o-Y) ? Major Companies ? Emerging Players Heat Map Analysis Research Objectives - The primary objective is to underline the competitive structure of COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Gold Mining Industry. - The research includes study of several small to medium-sized companies that compete with each other and large enterprises. - To analyse the competitive developments, such as new product launch and merger & acquisition, in the COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Gold Mining market - Insights on Regulatory & Economic policies by geography giving ease to Market entry. - What product features & benefits offered by Industry players studied and broken down by diverse group of customer class. HTF MI also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research according to clientele objectives. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report like North America, Europe or Asia. Enquire for customization or check for any discount if available @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2709247-covid-19-outbreak-global-gold-mining-industry-market About HTF Market Report HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the "Accurate Forecast" in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their "Goals & Objectives". (CNN) Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is experiencing an unprecedented baby boom in its mountain gorilla population after seven infants were born so far this year, compared to two in the whole of 2019, according to officials. Five of the baby gorillas were born in just six weeks from July 22 to August 31, Bashir Hangi, a spokesman for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), told CNN Thursday. Hangi said there was no clear reason as to why there had been a sudden spate of births, but ruled out any effect of coronavirus lockdown measures because gorillas have a gestation period of about nine months. However, the UWA believes its efforts to adopt a consistent conservation approach, anti-poaching patrols, a round-the-clock veterinary team and 24/7 monitoring of the gorillas is paying off. Of the five most recent gorilla births, two are from the same gorilla group and three are from different groups. On average, Uganda typically records one or two births a year, Hangi said. The newest arrival was born to an 18-year-old gorilla named Ruterana, becoming her third offspring, according to a statement from UWA published Tuesday. Unfortunately, her first infant, born in 2012, died from pneumonia at just two weeks old. The same gorilla family welcomed another newborn at the end of August. Its mother, Kibande, is the most senior female in the family and now has five offspring. "The birth of new mountain gorillas is testimony to Uganda's successful conservation efforts," Sam Mwandha, UWA executive director, said in a statement. "With enhanced integrity of protected areas, there has been a general increase in wildlife populations in Uganda." Recent increases in population numbers saw mountain gorillas removed from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature critically endangered red list in 2018, but the organization still classes them as an endangered species. In July, a man was jailed for 11 years after he confessed to killing a rare silverback gorilla in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The gorilla -- known as Rafiki, which means "friend" in Swahili -- was part of the famed Nkuringo gorilla group. This story was first published on CNN.com Baby boom for Uganda's endangered mountain gorillas The Indian government has extended the term of the NORI (No Objection to Return to India) visas issued to at least 410 Pakistani Hindu immigrants-- who were living in India on long-term visas (LTV) before their intended short-trip to Pakistan earlier this year left them stranded due to the travel restrictions imposed in the wake of Covid-19to facilitate their return to India, according to an office memorandum issued by Union ministry of home affairs. The term of the lapsed NORI visas of such migrants will be treated as deemed extended for a period up to 15 days from the date of lifting of such travel restrictions by the government of India. HT has seen the memorandums sent by the MHA to the external affairs ministry (MEA) and to the additional director of the Bureau of Immigration on July 31, paving the way for the return of such immigrants to India. The migrants stranded in Pakistan include a 33-year-old Janata Mali, who travelled with her husband and three children to see her ailing mother in Mirpur Khas in February before the Covid-19 lockdown was clamped. Being Indian citizens, her husband and children returned to Jodhpur in the last week of June through a shuttle service operated for citizens stuck on both sides of the border but Janata Mali, a Pakistani living in Jodhpur on long-term visa since 2007, was denied permission to travel. The July orders were issued after an earlier decision taken on May 9 to extend the NORI visas could not be implemented properly by the Indian high commission in Islamabad due to some technical difficulties. The MEA then requested the MHA for a review of the order on June 17. Also Read: Pakistan trying to politicise UNSCs terrorist listing process, says India The MEA gave details to MHA of 410 Pak nationals, who held NORI visas issued by India and had been registered with the Indian high commission in Islamabad for the purpose of return to India. It was then decided to allow return of these individuals through the integrated border check post at Attari, subject adherence to the health/ Covid protocols issued by the health ministry. Due endorsement of the physical extension of their Return Visas would be made on their passports at ICP Attari at the time of arrival. The HCI, Islamabad shall intimate to MHA the names and particulars of all such Pak nationals who have registered with them for Return Visa extension, the memorandum stated. Also Read: Russia reiterates it wont supply arms to Pakistan The MEA and the HCI Islamabad have been asked to intimate date and time, along with detailed particulars, of these Pak nationals return to India, well in advance to the MHA to facilitate their arrival and necessary arrangements to quarantine them. The memorandum has also asked for details of other stranded Pak nationals holding NORI visas issued by India if and when they register with the Indian high commission in Islamabad, so that the matter may be taken up with the security agencies for prior clearance. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON EV kW Putin has been on a mission to replace most vehicles on the Presidential convoy with newer, Russia-made models, and hes doing it with help from Aurus. So far, the luxury carmaker has delivered a van, the Presidential Senat limo and the Komendant SUV . Theyre all armored and tech-packed, as befits any prez, but more so since were talking about the Russian tsar.The Escort, which is the dubbing currently attached to the Aurus electric motorcycle, will join the rest of the Aurus Presidential fleet sometime in 2022 as the first (and only). There is no official information on it and only a few minor details are available, but thats the timeline a recent report in Moto Station gives.According to the same media outlet, the Escort will be used primarily in the Presidential motorcade, which explains its massive size and touring bike appearance. With an aluminum frame, the Escort comes with a large and adjustable windscreen, hard side panniers (that could carry anything from emergency supplies to weaponry) and a monoshock on the rear swing arm. The front fork has been replaced with a monoshock similar to that on some BMW bikes.The Escort is bulky, but its also very fast. Power comes from an 112(150 hp) electric motor that will take the bike to speeds of up to 240 kph (150 mph), which is incredibly fast for a bike thats supposed to be used mostly as part of larger convoys.As noted above, the Escort is supposedly coming out two years from now, which means it will be a while before we get anything more specific in terms of specs. The Duke Rating: Some of the screenings at this year's Venice Film Festival are not for the faint-hearted. Last night saw the world premiere of Pieces Of A Woman, a shattering drama starring Vanessa Kirby (Princess Margaret in the first two series of The Crown) as a young mother who loses her baby. But who better than a Great British Eccentric played by Jim Broadbent to lighten the mood here on the Lido? Broadbent and Helen Mirren, as his long-suffering wife, are both wonderful in The Duke, a jaunty but at times extremely moving account of how and more significantly, why a working-class Geordie called Kempton Bunton ended up with Francisco Goya's celebrated 1812 portrait of the Duke of Wellington hidden at the back of his wardrobe. Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren (pictured), are both wonderful in The Duke, a jaunty account of how a Geordie ended up with Francisco Goya's celebrated 1812 portrait of the Duke of Wellington hidden at the back of his wardrobe It's a true story. In 1961, following lavish media coverage of the 140,000 purchase of the Goya 'for the nation', the painting was stolen from the National Gallery. Police suggested that the audacious theft had been carried out to order by an international criminal gang. In fact, Kempton was a myopic, pipe-smoking 60-year-old from Tyneside, a campaigner against social injustice and street-corner orator fired, above all, by his fierce belief that war widows and old-age pensioners should not be forced to pay the BBC licence fee. He sent a series of anonymous notes offering to return the Goya, provided the government stump up 140,000 for the 'common good', which in his view, didn't mean the right to gaze at a 150-year-old painting of the Duke of Wellington. I don't think it counts as a spoiler to add that the ransom was never paid and that Bunton, having confessed to the crime, eventually went on trial at the Old Bailey. Mirren, whose skill as an actress enables her to play frumpy and downtrodden every bit as well as she does elegant hauteur, is a superb foil (pictured) It's a quirky but stirring tale, beautifully scripted (with the odd dollop of dramatic licence) by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman, while director Roger Michell brings the same sureness of comedic touch he applied to the likes of Notting Hill and Venus. Let's not accuse Michell of nepotism over the casting of his wife, Anna Maxwell Martin, in one of the film's small but key supporting roles. Terrific as ever, she plays the affluent wife of a local councillor who employs Kempton's wife Dorothy (Mirren) as what in 1961 was known as a charlady. Matthew Goode adds further class as the urbane defence barrister Jeremy Hutchinson (whose other Sixties clients included Christine Keeler, the spy George Blake and Penguin Books in the Lady Chatterley case). But it is Broadbent and Mirren who are the beating heart of this delightful film. To the end of his extremely long life, Hutchinson (who was 102 when he died in November 2017) recalled Kempton with great affection and Broadbent shows us why, beguilingly breathing life into a kind of British archetype. Kempton is an idealist, a dreamer, big-hearted and self-taught. He's also a know-all and prone to long-windedness, but he's devoted to Dorothy and their two sons, Jackie (Fionn Whitehead) and Kenny (Jack Bandeira), and gripped by a powerful social conscience. Sometimes, the film ladles on the working-class nobility a bit thick. Kempton loses a job as a taxi driver for waiving a disabled war veteran's fare, and another at a bakery for standing up for a Pakistani colleague picked on by a racist supervisor. Helen Mirren shows she can do both frumpy and glamorous But Broadbent keeps it real at every turn and manages a passable Geordie accent to boot. Mirren, whose skill as an actress enables her to play frumpy and downtrodden every bit as well as she does elegant hauteur, is a superb foil. The down-to-earth Dorothy is understandably exasperated by her placard-waving husband, who has pretensions as a playwright. Yet we never doubt that their relationship is rooted in mutual love as well as grief, although they cope in contrasting ways with the tragedy, 13 years earlier, of losing a teenage daughter in a road accident. Cleverly, Michell presents much of this in the style of a Sixties film. His occasional use of split-screen techniques evokes a rather more glamorous story of art theft, 1968's The Thomas Crown Affair, and there's an appealingly retro score, with more than a few nods to those cloth-cap, kitchen-sink dramas of 60 years ago. Indeed, my favourite moment so far of this 77th Venice Film Festival is seeing the Italian sub-titles grapple with Kempton's line, as he presents Dorothy with a tray of placatory tea and biscuits: 'Good dunkers, them ginger nuts.' The Duke is released on November 6. MANILA, Sept 4 (Reuters) - The Philippine health ministry said on Friday it was due to meet representatives of U.S. drugmaker Pfizer Inc and the Russian embassy, as the Southeast Asian country looks to secure a supply of a COVID-19 vaccine. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has pledged that the country, which has reported the region's highest number of coronavirus cases, would be "back to normal" by December, pinning his hopes on access to affordable vaccines from countries like China and Russia. Officials of the president's office and ministries of health and foreign affairs would meet with Pfizer on Friday afternoon, then Russian officials later in the day, health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. "This will not affect our negotiation with other countries ... It is complementary," Vergeire told a regular news conference. The Philippines is among a number of developing countries with large populations keen to secure a supply a COVID-19 vaccine, with expectations of high demand globally. U.S. public health officials and Pfizer said a COVID-19 vaccine could be ready for distribution in the United States as soon as next month. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had asked states to prepare to distribute a vaccine to high-risk groups as soon as late October. Securing vaccines from multiple suppliers would allow the Philippines to inoculate a larger segment of the population, Vergeire said. It plans to buy 40 million doses worth $400 million for 20 million people, about a fifth of its 107 million population. The president's spokesman last month said the Philippines would launch clinical trials for the Russian coronavirus vaccine in October, with Duterte expected to be inoculated as early as May next year. (Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty) Eos Energy Storage Announces Agreement for 1 GWh Project with International Electric Power IEP is pleased to announce this relationship with Eos, which offers, hands down, the best utility scale battery technology in the market. Eos Energy Storage (Eos), a leading manufacturer of safe, low-cost, and long-duration zinc hybrid cathode (Znyth) battery energy storage systems, today announced that it has entered into a binding agreement to supply 1 GWh of standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) to International Electric Power, LLC (IEP) for grid connected projects with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Eos will manufacture, design and deliver multiple integrated AC BESS solutions starting in the third quarter of 2021. IEP has entered into this partnership with Eos to help lead the long duration energy storage transition to new, safer and more reliable alternative technologies to lithium-ion. IEP also benefits from Eos minimal auxiliary power requirements (HVAC systems are not required) and simple operations and maintenance throughout the equipments 20 year life expectancy. IEP aims to identify key locations to build these storage projects to maximize revenue streams in the ERCOT market. ERCOT is an important and growing market for energy storage. Long term energy storage will help mitigate massive investments that are needed in transmission facilities to relieve congestion, commented Dr. Balki Iyer, Chief Commercial Officer of Eos. We are very excited to be partnering with a high quality developer such as IEP on this important project. Our zinc batteries offer the perfect solution to address the projects needs. We are particularly proud to announce that we will be supplying the entire 1 GWh from batteries sourced and manufactured here in the USA. Peter Dailey, Chief Executive Officer of IEP commented, ERCOT offers perhaps the most interesting opportunity for battery plays in the United States, including hourly energy arbitrage, ancillaries and congestion revenue rights. IEP is pleased to announce this relationship with Eos, which offers, hands down, the best utility scale battery technology in the market. About International Electric Power, LLC IEP is a technology agnostic power producer which seeks to build, own and operate a portfolio of generation assets that offer investors attractive financial returns. IEPs core competencies in asset operations and optimization, energy market analysis and contracting, and project financing and deal execution, enables it to manage all aspects of a transaction. About Eos Energy Storage At Eos, we are on a mission to accelerate clean energy by deploying stationary storage solutions that can help deliver the reliable and cost-competitive power that the market expects in a safe and environmentally sustainable way. Armed with a patent for a membrane-free zinc battery technology, Eos has been pursuing this opportunity since 2008 when it was founded. Eos Energy Storage has 10+ years of experience in battery storage testing, development, deployment, and operation. The Eos Aurora system integrates the Companys aqueous, zinc battery technology (Znyth) to provide a safe, scalable, and sustainable alternative to Lithium Ion. To learn more about Eos, please visit: https://eosenergystorage.com. Commuters using C-Tran out of Vancouver will soon be zipping by traffic congestion using bus-only shoulder lanes along Interstates 5 and 205. Buses on southbound I-5 will bypass congestion using the left shoulder from 99th Street to the Interstate Bridge. Buses on I-205 will be on the right shoulder in both directions from the Glenn Jackson Bridge to SR 14 northbound, and from the bridge to Airport Way southbound. Buses will only be allowed in those lanes during heavy congestion times. But with the closure of all northbound lanes of the Interstate Bridge coming Sept. 12, traffic is expected to be dense on both interstates during most commute hours. Buses will use the shoulder lanes when overall traffic flow is less than 35 mph. Transit vehicles are only allowed to go up to 15 mph faster than traffic in other lanes up to a maximum of 35 mph. Priority for shoulder use will be given to emergency vehicles, stalls or breakdowns. Shoulder lane use will begin prior to the Interstate Bridge closure. C-Tran routes that will benefit from the new bus-only shoulder lanes are Routes 60, 65, 67, 105, 134, 157, 164, 190 and 199. Crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Transportation have updated striping and signage in recent weeks along the designated corridors. C-Tran driver training is underway, according to a recent release. The I-5 shoulder lane will remain permanent after the completion of the Interstate Bridge trunnion project. The I-205 corridor will remain as a one-year pilot. C-TRAN reminds all passengers that wearing a face covering is required while riding the bus. Labor Day Law enforcement from metro agencies remind residents to drive sober this holiday weekend. The agencies will be joining forces for targeted DUII enforcement missions along major roadways in Washington County, including U.S. 26 and OR 217. National statistics show higher death rate in traffic crashes during holiday weekends like Labor Day. According to a recent release, this 3-day mission is designed to educate and deter people from getting behind the wheel while impaired and to take enforcement against impaired drivers. Check back throughout the morning for the latest commuting updates and follow us on Twitter: @trafficportland (Alliance News) - The UK competition regulator said Friday it has found "troubling evidence" house developers have handed out "potentially unfair" terms concerning ground rents in leasehold contracts and potential mis-selling. As a result, the Competition & Markets Authority has launched an enforcement action as it believes housebuilders may have broken consumer protection law. The CMA has written to four London-listed developers over the action, outlining its concerns: Barratt Developments PLC, Countryside Properties PLC, Persimmon PLC and Taylor Wimpey PLC. "The move comes after the CMA uncovered troubling evidence of potentially unfair terms concerning ground rents in leasehold contracts and potential mis-selling. It is concerned that leasehold homeowners may have been unfairly treated and that buyers may have been misled by developers," the watchdog said. Barratt responded Friday saying it is "committed to putting its customers first and will continue to cooperate with the CMA whilst it completes its investigation". Taylor Wimpey also noted the enforcement action, adding: "The board takes this very seriously and Taylor Wimpey will continue to fully cooperate with the CMA, provide the further information to be requested by the CMA in the coming weeks and work with them to better understand their position." The CMA will also be investigating certain firms who bought freeholds from these developers and have continued to use the same unfair leasehold contract terms. The watchdog's chief executive, Andrea Coscelli, said: "It is unacceptable for housing developers to mislead or take advantage of homebuyers. That's why we've launched today's enforcement action. "Everyone involved in selling leasehold homes should take note: if our investigation demonstrates that there has been mis-selling or unfair contract terms, these will not be tolerated." How the case proceeds, the CMA noted, will depend on the regulators assessment of the evidence. Possible outcomes include legal commitments from the companies to change the way they do business, or if necessary, the CMA could take firms to court. The CMA also said it will continue to work with the UK government on its reform plans for the leasehold market, including supporting the move to ban the sale of new leasehold houses and reduce ground rents for new leases to zero. Shares in Barratt were down 3.6% in London on Friday morning, while Countryside Properties was down 2.8%, Persimmon was 2.3% lower and Taylor Wimpey was down 1.1%. Separately, Berkeley said Friday its trading has been "resilient" to start financial 2021, the four months to the end of August. As a result, the blue-chip housebuilder has confirmed its existing pretax profit guidance of GBP500 million and has committed to its shareholder returns programme of GBP280 million per annum. In financial 2020, ended April, the Cobham, England-based property developer recorded pretax profit of GBP503.7 million. "The start of this new financial year coincided with the evolving Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown measures introduced to manage its impact upon the whole country. This has set unprecedented challenges for businesses to manage," the company said. Berkeley now expects "a more even split" of profit between the first and second halves of the year, due to levels of production that have been "better than initially anticipated" and its decision not to furlough staff. The housebuilder noted its efficiency levels are now at around 90% of normal, but production continues to be hurt by the need for Covid-modified working. "In overall terms, this has been offset by the continued investment in bringing forward our portfolio of over 25 large regeneration developments accumulated over recent years," Berkeley added. The housebuilder also noted its sales pricing has been "robust". "This has been supported by the demand for Berkeley properties in under-supplied markets, good mortgage availability and the welcome support from government for the sector, including the temporary removal of SDLT for the first GBP500,000 of sales value and the announcement of a brief extension to the current Help to Buy scheme," Berkeley continued. The value of underlying sales reservations for the first four months of the financial year is around 20% below the annualised run rate for last year, Berkeley said, which is "supportive" of forward sales remaining around its year-end position of above GBP1.8 billion. "This is a strong position, providing good visibility over the next two years of earnings," Berkeley added. Berkeley shares were 0.9% lower at 4,608.00 pence in London on Friday. By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. New Delhi, Sep 4 : The Supreme Court on Friday handed out some lessons in English and also cited the Cambridge Dictionary to contextualise the interpretation of clauses under an Article of Constitution, as it dismissed a petition filed by eight judicial officers from Tamil Nadu challenging their non-consideration for elevation to the Madras High Court by its Collegium. The petitioners moved the apex court, stating that despite being the senior-most in the cadre of district judges, they have been overlooked and their juniors were recommended for elevation to the High Court as judges. This was done by the Collegium of the High Court solely on the application of explanation (a) under the Constitution's Article 217(2), argued the petitioners, who wanted their experience as advocates to be considered along with the service rendered by them as judicial officers, for determining their eligibility. A bench of Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian explained the minute details associated with usage of English language in the connection with the interpretation of the Article contested by petitioners. The bench explained the difference between words "has held" and "has been" which appear repeatedly in Article 217(2). "In relation to a person from the category of judicial service, sub clause (a) uses the words 'has held'. But in relation to a person from the category of advocate, sub clause (b) uses the words 'has been'. "This is quite relevant for the reason that even in explanation (a) and (aa) the words 'has held' always preceded the words 'judicial office' and the words 'has been' always preceded the word 'advocate'. In common parlance, the words 'has held' stand in contra distinction to the words is holding or has been holding", said the top court. Citing Cambridge Dictionary's explanation on the usage of "has been", the bench said: "The Cambridge Dictionary states that the words 'has been' are in present perfect continuous form. The Dictionary says that we may use the present perfect continuous, either to talk about a finished activity in the recent past or to talk about a single activity that began at a point in the past and is still continuing." The bench said keeping this in mind, explanation (a) confers the benefit of clubbing, to a limited extent, to a person who has held a judicial office. To be eligible for the limited benefit so conferred, a person should have been an advocate "after he has held any judicial office". "There is no confusion either in the language of Article 217(2) or in our mind," added the bench. The bench noted that Article 217(2) does not guarantee any one with the right to be appointed as a judge of the High Court. "In a way, a person holding a judicial office is better placed, as he is assured of a career progression (though in a limited sense) after being placed in something like a conveyor belt. There is no such assurance for an advocate. Therefore, the argument based upon Article 14 does not impress us," said the bench. In 2017, the Madras High Court Collegium had ignored petitioners' names, and instead recommended officers who were junior to them for appointment as judicial officers in the cadre below that of district judges. After long service, they gained promotion to the post of district judges. But their promotion happened after the date on which the petitioners were directly recruited as district judges. Therefore, the petitioners became seniors to the respondents. The petitioners argued that Article 217(2) of the Constitution, which deals with the qualifications required for a person to be appointed as a High Court Judge, has been incorrectly interpreted. But the court was not convinced. "We are of the considered view that the claim of the writ petitioners is wholly untenable and the writ petition is misconceived. Hence, the writ petition is dismissed," said the top court. Thanks to COVID-19, what was supposed to be the last concert of the 2020 city of Conroes First Thursday Free Concert season turned into the first concert of the year Thursday night. Nearly 400 eager concert goers danced, cheered and sang along to Already Gone, a popular Eagles tribute group. All were united in the feeling that they were happy to be out and about again and once again enjoying live music in downtown Conroe. The annual concert series hosted by the City of Conroe typically starts in April and continues through September. This year it will be presented in a condensed format with another concert Sept. 17 and several concerts in October. But the concert made its return with new procedures and protocols in the era of the pandemic. Concertgoers entered and exited the park through one entrance along Simonton Street. There were hand-washing stations and sanitizing stations along with signage reminding patrons to stay distanced by six feet. The hill and the lawn in front of the stage were segmented in blocks with white paint in hopes that each group would claim their block. The evening began with Market Days which is held in conjunction with the concert series. Many of those vendors were also happy to have their wares for sale after a hiatus. Carmen Overbay, of Carmelitas Restaurant in downtown Conroe, had a booth selling tamales and jalapeno salsa. Shes been a regular at Market Days in the past. She found that patrons were exited to be out and about and so was she. She said this was the first type of event shes had a booth at this year. Overbay said things were slow at her longtime downtown restaurant but things were starting to improve. Ronnie and Christine Whitman had a booth representing their Whitman Farm / The Honey House. They offered a selection of their honey and jams. Its been a good night, said Christine. Its been a while since anyone has seen us, added Ronnie. They are also regular participants in the Grogans Mill Farmers Market in The Woodlands. They work with a lot of churches as well and have lost business due to church closures. But they are still selling their products out of their business The Honey House based in Conroe. Its the music that brought Already Gone fan Ken out. We need this concert, he said before the start of the concert. This is one of the best groups to ever play in Conroe. Ive got to come see the band and listen to the music. The evening also brought out one of Conroes ultimate music fans Charles Tullos, owner of TUTS bar and music venue in Conroe. Im glad this is happening, he said. His establishment has been closed during the pandemic but hes making modifications that will allow it to open soon. To open the concert, Rob Hamilton, Recreation Manager for the City of Conroe, reminded concertgoers to remain socially distanced and that face coverings were recommended but not required. He said the temperature was 95 but felt about 125 as they were setting up. As the evening progressed cloud cover set in and the humidity faded making it a pleasant evening for the 2020 debut. For that the crowd also cheered. Because of the delays, the city will present another concert in September and concerts in October. The concert schedule is Sept. 17: 7:30 p.m. - ESCAPE - Journey Tribute Oct. 1: 7 p.m. - Ropin the Wind - Garth Brooks Tribute Oct. 15: 7 p.m. - Derek Spence Tribute to George Strait Oct. 22: 7 p.m. - Bri Bagwell Oct. 29: 7 p.m. - Cristina Tribute Show - To The Queen of Tejano For more information about the series, visit https://www.cityofconroe.org/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/concert-series or call 936-522-3900. shernandez@hcnonline.com Pakistan's online agony aunt tearing down taboos Kanwal Ahmed founded a female-only online hub where traditionally taboo topics such as sex, divorce, and domestic violence discussed freely in Pakistan "Women in Pakistan are really, really strong. We have a voice. We just dont have enough spaces to use that voice," says Kanwal Ahmed, an agony aunt to some 260,000, determined to change the situation. Her female-only online hub sees traditionally taboo topics such as sex, divorce, and domestic violence discussed freely in a conservative country where there are few avenues for women to discuss personal problems. "I wanted it to be the kind of place where women really opened up without the fear of being attacked or harassed or judged," Ahmed, explains of her Soul Sisters Pakistan network on Facebook. The former make-up artist spotted the need for a safe space after spending time soothing nervous brides as they confided in her from the salon chair. The 31-year-old says her group is somewhere women can "talk about things that they weren't supposed to talk about in society" because they are deemed inappropriate or shameful. In 2018, Facebook selected Ahmed as one of 115 "Community Leaders" using the social network to help others. Chosen from a pool of 6,000 applicants, she received a grant to further develop her project. Soul Sisters Pakistan members say they can speak openly about issues -- such as maternal and mental health, body image and reproductive rights -- with a candour that is impossible in the real world. - No excuse for abuse - One of the most discussed topics is domestic violence, which is common in the patriarchal country. Data from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences suggests 90 percent of women in Pakistan have experienced some form of domestic abuse. Ahmed says many people do not take the problem seriously -- even when wives confide in other family members about abuse. "It is very common for them to be told that they are being too sensitive or to compromise. They aren't given other options," Ahmed explains, adding that women should not have to bear abuse for any reason. Story continues According to the UN, Pakistan has a lack of access to affordable services in "sectors such as health, police, justice and social support" to ensure female safety and protection. Soul Sisters offers informal help to users, ranging from legal advice to emotional support from other members, who call themselves Soulies. A recent thread, #MyBodyIsNotASecret, underlines the changing norms of a generation that has seen the global impact of the #MeToo movement, progress in body positivity, and a backlash against traditional beauty standards and colourism. "There is a lot of shame associated with a woman's body, with the general bodily functions even. They are not talked about," Ahmed says. One member shared her struggle with the medical condition vaginismus, which helped others identify their own symptoms. Ahmed says she lost a family friend to breast cancer after the disease went undiagnosed and untreated for too long because she was "too ashamed to talk about her body with anyone." "This isn't a new story. This is something that happens to a lot of women," Ahmed insists. - Shattering stereotypes - The group provides a welcome respite for its members, who frequently face online abuse when they post publicly, and encourages women to share success stories as well as problems. But the diverse narratives have also brought a range of criticism. Ahmed has been accused of promoting divorce and "wild" behaviour, even as more progressive voices have slammed the group for allowing conservative views to be shared. Her work is challenged from "almost every angle", Ahmed says, pointing to an element of internalised misogyny among some members. But she says her aim is not to "serve a small niche", rather to shatter stereotypes and break norms. "If people were already well aware, we wouldn't need spaces like this. It's exhausting, frustrating and takes every drop of my strength to keep continuing. "But every time someone changes their mind or we get success stories -- instant gratification!" she tweeted recently. Ahmed and her team try to handle conflicts sensitively -- allowing a wide range of views to foster dialogue and debate -- an approach that has seen membership swell. We "just try to tell the women to be who they are, to not be ashamed of being themselves, to speak their minds," she says. Splinter groups have struggled to achieve a fraction of Soul Sisters Pakistan's success or reach -- she says there are three to six million conversations on the site each month. Ahmed used her Facebook grant to launch an online talk show in a bid to win a wider audience -- with each episode getting hundreds of thousands of viewers. The coronavirus pandemic has halted production and Ahmed recently moved to Canada so the programme is on hiatus. But she is committed to challenging a society "scared of women with a voice". She adds: "The lack of acknowledgement about issues women face in society is horrific." kf/ecl/lto/wat/lto Leaked Reports Reveal Financial Crisis in Chinas Dalian City Chinas gross domestic product (GDP) numbers have long been questioned by the international community due to its lack of transparency. Data from recently leaked government internal documents from Dalian city of Liaoning Province reveal a grim picture of Chinas economy amid the resurgence of COVID-19 in different regions since July. While the global economy has declined sharply this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and most countries economies have had negative growth rates, China has reported a 3.2 percent rise in its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the second quarter, compared to the same period last year, according to its National Bureau of Statistics. However, the leaked documents obtained by The Epoch Times reveal that Dalian citys economy took a dive in the first half of 2020 and government debt was ten times above the international warning level set by the European Union. One of the documents titled, The Completion of Estimated Major Economic Indicators, issued by the Statistics Bureau of Lushunkou district in Dalian, reflected a much worse situation than the officially published data for the first five months of this year. On July 24, the Liaoning Provincial Bureau of Statistics issued data, stating that in the first half of 2020, Dalian achieved a regional GDP of 315.50 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 3.5 percent at comparable price/value. In the context of global economic decline caused by COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns, Dalians reported 3.5 percent GDP decline is relatively mild. But experts have long questioned the veracity of Chinas statistics. Take Dalian as an example. Leaked Reports Expose Dalians Double-digit GDP Slump According to data from the Dalian Bureau of Statistics, Dalians GDP in the first half of 2019 reached 367.10 billion yuan ($53 billion). Calculated in absolute terms, then, Dalians GDP in the first half of 2020 actually decreased by 8.6 percent, rather than the officially reported decline of 3.5 percent. The Dalian municipal government also manipulated GDP data. Dalians GDP in 2018 and 2019 were 766.8 billion yuan ($112.1 billion) and 700.17 billion yuan ($102.4 billion) respectively; in absolute terms, last years GDP fell by 9.1 percent from the previous year. However, authorities still used the opaque comparable figures to reverse the sharp decline in Dalians GDP in 2019 to 6.5 percent year-on-year growth. The internal documents obtained by The Epoch Times further confirmed that authorities fudged their data. Leaked internal reports of the Lushunkou District of Dalian, which is one of its seven districts, in the first half of the year revealed that Dalians economy actually experienced a sharp declineseveral times more than what was reported in official data. At present, there are three types of GDP accounting methods in China: production method, income method, and expenditure method. The Chinese regime mainly uses the production method to calculate GDP, while the United States and other international finance organizations use the expenditure method. Three indicatorstotal retail sales of consumer goods, fixed asset investment, and import and export trade surplusare the most important components of GDP accounting in expenditure method, from which the actual changes in Dalians GDP can be seen. The internal report shows that in the first four months of 2020, the absolute number of social fixed asset investment decreased by 25.7 percent year-on-year, and the city-wide growth rate was -17 percent. In the first five months of this year, the year-on-year growth rate was -14.3 percent. The citys growth rate is at -8.9 percent. Total retail sales of consumer goods fell 20.1 percent year-on-year in the first four months, with a citywide decrease of 24.6 percent; in the first five months of this year, there was a year-on-year decrease of 64.2 percent and a citywide decrease of 21.4 percent. Commercial housing sales in the first four months decreased by 53.8 percent year-on-year, and the citys growth rate dropped 14.8 percent; in the first five months of this year, the year-on-year growth rate was -48.1 percent, and the citys growth rate was -21.9 percent. These three elements are similar to the metrics of total retail sales of consumer goods, fixed asset investment, and import and export trade surplus (adverse) in the CCPs official statistics, which can be used as the main basis for calculating local GDP, and can reflect the real changes in the GDP of Lushunkou district and Dalian city. In Lushunkou and Dalian, which has little export or import trade, the two major indicators that have the greatest impact on the GDP are social investment in fixed assets and total retail sales of consumer goods, that have both fallen below nearly 20 percent in the first four months of this year. The total retail sales of consumer goods, which has the greatest impact on GDP, has continued to decline, even falling below 60 percent in Lushunkou. In contrast, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) claims that consumption has contributed as much as 60 to 80 percent of Chinas GDP in the past three years. Dalians commercial housing sales and total retail sales of consumer goods showed an accelerated declinethe decline widened from 14.8 percent in the first four months to 21.9 percent in the first five months. These two indicators reflect the current drop in consumption in China. To sum up, the double-digit decline in economic indicators disclosed in the internal report reveals the truth about Dalians economy this year: not only has its GDP plummeted, but its economic situation is still deteriorating. It is worth mentioning that although the Statistics Bureau of Lushunkou District did not enter quarterly gross product data in its internal statements, it has preset a value of -3.0 percent for the GDP growth rate in the first six months. Lushunkou Districts Debt Ratio Is Alarming In April this year, Chinas Ministry of Finance reported that as of the end of 2019, the local government debt ratio was about 82.9 percent, which was lower than the internationally accepted standard of 100 to 120 percent, and lower than the 60 percent warning line put out by the EU. However, a leaked government document shows a much grimmer picture of government debts. The real numbers are disclosed in Lushunkous Report on Work to Prevent and Resolve Government Debt Risks, submitted to the Dalian municipal government: As of the end of June 2020, the total debt balance of Lushunkou was 27.68 billion yuan, including the 13.292 billion government debt and the 14.388 billion hidden debt. Our district debt ratio is 736.30 percent, and the hidden debt risk level is red, it noted. The district government has actually gone bankrupt, as China current affairs commentator Li Linyi said, after analyzing the data shown on the internal report. Despite the huge debt, Dalian is seemingly operating normally. The leaked documents also disclosed how the local government plans on repaying the huge debt. The district government stated in the report that in 2020, it needs to repay 3.48 billion yuan debt; however, it only has 100 million yuan in budget to pay for it. The Lushunkou district government listed many tactics to find money to pay the remaining 3.38 billion yuan debt, including withdrawing money from the banking industry and land financingmake full use of idle land and taking land to finance through the newly formed State Development & Investment Corporation, the document stated. The Lushunkou district government also disclosed in the document that the report was issued in compliance with instructions from the Dalian Municipal Finance Bureau, in order to assess the risk level of the local governments hidden debt. Li believes that this means that the higher-level CCP authorities are fully aware of the government debt risks, knowing that they could capsize at any time. Thus, they are trying to find out the real internal numbers. This also confirms that the CCPs debt crisis is far beyond the outside worlds imagination and has already exceeded the critical line of a financial crisis, he added. The resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak since July has caused several areas in Dalian to be locked down again. Residential communities in Dalian were continuously sealed off by authorities. Many residents became unemployed and economic production came to a halt. Li pointed out that the CCPs lockdown measures have worsened Dalians economic decline. He Jian contributed to this report TROY Cleaning and disinfecting the cells of women who had head lice wasn't the most disgusting job Dalila Yeend performed while she was detained at the Buffalo Federal Immigration Facility. It was the all the times she was assigned to dig through garbage cans filled with the leftovers of meals served to more than 70 other detainees in search of the occasional missing spork. For five days a week during the two and a half months Yeend was civilly detained, she was paid $1 per day funds that could only be used in the facility's commissary. The money would go fast, she said: Drug store shampoo cost about $5; vending machine snacks ranged from $5 to $10; deodorant cost up to $10; and domestic phone calls had a base fee of $3 per call. Two years after her release from the detention center, Yeend and another former detainee, Bounnam Phimasone, are alleging labor law violations in their lawsuit against Akima Global Services, the private company that operates the detention facility which despite its name is located in Batavia, Genesee County for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. To treat these (detainees) like this and pay them pennies to do this kind of work is bordering on slavery, Yeend told the Times Union. It is absolutely inhumane, and these facilities should be ashamed of themselves. The lawsuit, filed Thursday by the Worker Justice Center of New York in state Supreme Court in Rensselaer County, argues that under the state Constitution and state labor laws, the plaintiff and other detainees should have been paid at least the state minimum wage for each hour they worked, and that it is unconstitutional for their labor to be exploited by a private company to increase its profits. When we look at this particular situation in Batavia, what stands out is that this is a private company that is contracting with the federal government and is making a lot of money off that contract, said Robert McCreanor, one of the lawyers on the case. That is in part due to the free labor that they are getting from immigrants in civil detentions that arent prisoners serving terms for crimes they are immigrants who are detained waiting a resolution for a civil immigration matter. Its a gross violation of their rights. Yeend estimated that during her time at the facility, roughly 90 percent of the women who participated in the program were being civilly and not criminally detained. Akima Global Services did not respond to requests for comment left Thursday with its public relations office and president. The jobs the women performed at the facility varied. Yeend was on meal duty while other women in her unit were in charge of cleaning showers and common areas some did detail cleaning, others waxed and buffed the floors while their peers moved furniture out of the way. Gloria Martinez, board co-chair of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, said that after the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, the jobs posed risks far out of proportion to the low wages. One detainee at the Buffalo facility, she said, was "paid a dollar a day to clean the infirmary and the living quarters of those who contracted COVID. Yeend and Phimasone said they believed other non-detainees at the facility were paid fair rates for the same labor. If youre for-profit and forcing people to work for pennies, its pretty disgusting, Yeend said. The lawsuit isnt the first of its kind. Since 2014, there have been numerous civil actions brought against the so-called Voluntary Work Program across the U.S., in states from Washington to Georgia. A 2012 study found that private companies can save as much as a quarter of their net profits from such programs. In 2017, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights called on the federal Department of Homeland Services and Congress to investigate these programs, saying they could lead to abuse as detainees have been threatened with punishments such as solitary confinement if they refuse to do the work. While neither Yeend nor Phimasone reported being threatened to work, McCreanor said the very nature of the labor arrangement was stacked against them. Whats particularly difficult about immigrant detention facilities is that there are none of the services or activities that exist in prisons. There is nothing to occupy the individuals, he said. When youre confined in this space with very limited access to the outdoors or any type of activity and you need money to communicate with your lawyer, with your family, I think it is inherently coercive. Yeend said she had the option to turn down participation in the work program, but believed getting involved with it could help her with her immigration case. In the moment, from other inmates saying it could potentially help my case, and out of sheer boredom in the unit, I decided to be a part of the work program, she said. A Troy resident, Yeend came to the U.S. from New Zealand with her mother when she was 17. She was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2018 following a traffic stop for rolling through a stop sign in Troy. Today, Yeend has a green card and is a vocal immigration activist who serves on the board of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and is involved with ICE-Free Capital District. After my release and winning my immigration case, she said, I got a chance to reflect on those things and say, This is really inhumane. By ANI MUMBAI: Expressing gratitude to the relentless COVID warriors, megastar Kareena Kapoor Khan has donated anti-microbial T-shirts to doctors and healthcare workers at three hospitals. The 'Heroine' actor has donated these anti-microbial T-shirts to healthcare professionals at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi; Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai and Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru. While wearing PPEs are critical in protecting frontline workers, putting on heavy and layered protective equipment for hours on the stretch is not an easy task. It can be exhausting and extremely uncomfortable. These anti-microbial T-shirts can be a simple, yet effective solution to make wearing PPE kits more comfortable. These T-shirts help control, destroy and suppress the growth of micro-organisms and the effects of odour. The 'Jab We Met' star also shared a special message to the frontline warriors and posted it to Instagram. In the message, Kareena said, "In times when we all are social distancing and doing whatever we can to protect one another, I comment your undaunting spirit and your relentless efforts..." The actor thanked the frontline warriors who have been working round the clock and said, "When the world turned upside down and all of us were at home, you were out there protecting us on the fields...I totally understand that wearing the PPE suits is so important to protect yourselves, however, it must be pretty difficult to wear that heavy protective gear... So as my small gesture of gratitude... please accept from my PUMA family the protective masks and anti-microbial T-shirts... I do hope that these things will send you lots of positivity, and lots of strength and love from me and the PUMA family." Appreciating frontline heroes for putting others ahead of themselves, Kareena sent a heartfelt personalised note thanking them for their heroic efforts. The 'Good Newwz' actor's note said, "Your selflessness is unmatched. Words can't express our heartfelt gratitude for your tireless efforts. This is a small gesture to thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are and will always be #StrongerTogether". DUBLIN, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "US Hand Sanitizer Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Country Analysis by Type; Product form; Application; Distribution Channel" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The US hand sanitizer market was valued at US$ 628.10 Mn in 2018 and is projected to reach US$ 14,492.73 Mn by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31.9% during the forecast period. On the basis of type, the US hand sanitizer market is segmented into alcoholic, quaternary ammonia, and triclosan. In 2018, the alcoholic segment dominated the US hand sanitizer market; the quaternary ammonia segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during forecast period. On the basis of product form, the US hand sanitizer market is segmented into foam sanitizers, gel sanitizers, wipes, and spray sanitizers. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into hospitals, restaurants, educational institutions, household, and others. The US hand sanitizer market based on distribution channel has been segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online, and others. In 2018, the supermarkets and hypermarkets segment accounted for the largest share of the market, whereas the others segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Henkel AG & Company, KGAA, Unilever, The Himalayan Drug Company, Ecolab, 3M, Godrej Industries Limited, GOJO Industries, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc., and S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., are among the major players in the US hand sanitizer market. Key report benefits: Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies. The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the US Hand Sanitizer market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies. Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets. Scrutinize in-depth the market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it. Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Key Takeaways 3. Research Methodology 4. Hand Sanitizer Market Landscape 5. US Hand Sanitizer Market - Key Industry Dynamics 6. Hand Sanitizer - US Market Analysis 7. US Hand Sanitizer Market Analysis - By Type 8. Hand Sanitizer Market Analysis - By Product Form 9. Hand Sanitizer Market Analysis - By Application 10. US Hand Sanitizer Market Analysis - By Distribution Channel 11. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on US Hand Sanitizer Market 12. Company Profiles Henkel AG & COMPANY, KGAA Unilever The Himalaya Drug Company Ecolab 3M Godrej Industries Limited GOJO Industries Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc. Procter & Gamble S.C. Johnson & Son For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a6o6md About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Nancy Pelosi could just have apologized when she was caught violating San Francisco's stringent lockdown rules. A heartfelt apology is a potent thing. But that's not Nancy's style. Instead, she issued a blanket attack against both the salon-owner and her stylist, saying she was the victim of a set-up. Her stylist, refusing to be made a scapegoat, has now blamed the salon-owner. Unfortunately for Pelosi, her stylist's explanation of what happened merely highlights how really awful Pelosi's behavior was. The Pelosi Blow-Dry Scandal arose because Pelosi got her hair washed and blow-dried at a salon that's been forcibly closed because of the Democrats' lockdown obsession. Not only that, but she was caught on the security camera walking around the salon without a mask. Erica Kious, the salon owner, took umbrage at the fact that the woman who stridently supports masks was flouting the mask rule. Kious cared because San Francisco's lockdown rules are so extreme that a salon such as hers, which specializes in coloring, can't function at all now. San Francisco mandates a face-covering when you are within 6 feet of people who don't live with you. You will not be allowed to go into a business or public transportation if you are not wearing a face covering. Personal services, such as hairstylists, may only operate outdoors. Pelosi violated both those rules. On the very day Pelosi stripped off her mask to get her hair done at a locked down salon, she said Trump, by giving his acceptance speech on the White House lawn with attendees wearing masks on a voluntary basis, "slapped science in the face": The same day that Speaker Pelosi got her hair done, she went on MSNBC and said that President Trump "slapped science right in the face" and set a "bad example" with the crowd at his RNC acceptance speech. pic.twitter.com/PhfXO9UwJ6 Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 2, 2020 Once the blow-dry video broke, rather than eating humble pie, Pelosi attacked both Kious and her stylist, claiming they had set her up for a fall. The stylist, who didn't want to take the fall, had his attorney issue a statement saying Kious encouraged stylists to sneak customers into the shop: DeNardo's statement said Kios has encouraged stylists for months to operate despite shutdown orders. "Ms. Kious is seen on photographs and video footage styling various clients' hair, ignoring social distancing guidelines, and not wearing protective equipment (masks), as recently as a few days prior to Speaker Pelosi's arrival at eSalon on August 31, 2020," the statement said. There is no comparison, however, between Kious's actions and Pelosi's. The lockdown and masks rules that Pelosi and other Democrats are imposing are destroying people's lives, especially people who own gyms and salons. These people were pathetically grateful just to be able to conduct business outside last week: "Our industry is literally collapsing," said Billy Polson, owner of Diakadi Fitness. "And it's all based on the fact that SF Department of Health is not making a rational decision about what's open and what's not able to open right now." The owner of two salons said wind and smoke make it difficult to do hair outdoors, but she's grateful for the city's revised rules. "I don't know that I'll be able to operate in a way that's really profitable or beneficial to the business, but at this point, we're so behind on paying our bills that anything is better than nothing," said Katey McKee, owner of Glama-Rama Salon. Any time a government imposes arbitrary and draconian restrictions on businesses, a black market will develop as people try to remain solvent. Kious's attempt to allow some work to continue was a desperate attempt to make it possible to put food on the table for herself and her stylists. It's entirely different and much worse when the architect of the economic disaster flouts the rule for no other reason than convenience and entitlement. Also, if you're wondering why a blow-dry matters so much, rather than being seen (appropriately) as the most stupid issue in America today, it's because Democrats live on visual symbolism. Who can forget this repellant moment after George Floyd died from a drug overdose or heart attack while in police custody? If it's symbolism Democrats want, it's symbolism they'll get. Seeing Nancy violate the rules she repeatedly insists must apply to everyone from the president on down is one powerful symbol. The fact that this whole episode has revealed how desperate the salon-owner was to salvage her livelihood makes Pelosi's hypocrisy and entitlement all the more symbolic of a government that has become way too powerful. The American people elected Trump to cut it down to size. Image: Pelosi gets a blow-dry; publicly available image; adjusted using Pixlr. Samsung launched its first 5G smartphone, the Galaxy S10, back in February 2019. It was the worlds first globally available smartphone with built-in 5G capabilities. Since then, the Korean company has expanded its 5G portfolio to launch numerous 5G devices across various categories and at different price points. Most recently, it launched the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Now, before this ultra-premium Samsung foldable goes on sale, the company has published an infographic that lists its entire 5G portfolio. As you can see in the image below, Samsung has launched a total of 19 5G-enabled mobile devices in the past one and a half years. The journey began with the aforementioned Galaxy S10 5G in February last year. All of Samsungs flagship smartphones in the Galaxy S and Note series have since come with 5G support. Those include the Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+, Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20, and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Advertisement Samsung last year also launched its first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold. Though it initially came without support for the next-gen networking standard, the company later launched a 5G variant as well. Samsung also launched a 5G variant of the Galaxy Z Flip this year. The Galaxy Z Fold 2, on the other hand, comes with 5G as standard. Samsung already has four mid-range 5G smartphones Samsungs 5G portfolio doesnt limit to its flagship offerings. The company has been steadily dropping the price point of 5G-capable smartphones with its mid-range Galaxy A-series models. The Galaxy A90 5G, launched in September last year, was the first 5G phone in the series. The company this year expanded the mid-range 5G lineup with the Galaxy A71 5G and Galaxy A51 5G. The latter currently retails for $500. That price point will go further down once the Galaxy A42 5G goes on sale later this year. Announced earlier this week, Samsungs latest mid-range 5G offering will debut at 369 euros (roughly $436). Advertisement Apart from smartphones, Samsung also has several 5G-capable tablets and a notebook in the offering. The company once again won the distinction of launching the worlds first 5G tablet with its Galaxy Tab S6 5G earlier this year. Although the tablet saw a limited release, its successors the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ both come with 5G support and are available widely. Lastly, Samsung also has the Galaxy Book Flex 5G if youre looking for a 5G-enabled notebook. It is the newest of all 19 5G-capable Samsung devices. Launched on Thursday, the new model comes with upgraded internals including sub-6 GHz 5G antennas, of course, and 11th generation Intel Core processors. Samsung has yet to announce pricing and availability for the Galaxy Book Flex 5G. As far as Samsungs 5G portfolio is concerned, itll continue to grow in the coming months and years. The South Korean giant has been at the forefront in this transition to 5G and will likely maintain this lead for the time being. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 18:05:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close QALA-E-NAW, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces have reopened the highway linking the western Badghis province with Herat after heavy fighting and killing 15 militants, deputy to Baghis police chief, Shir Aqa Alkozay said Friday. The operations backed by fighting planes kicked off early Thursday along the highway connecting Badghis to the neighboring Herat province, the official said, adding the militants fled away after leaving 15 bodies behind. Six more militants were injured and one army soldier was also injured, the official further said. The operations would last until the area is cleared of the insurgents, the official asserted. Taliban militants who are active in parts of the restive Badghis province have yet to make comment. Enditem Job losses at British companies accelerated in August despite an upturn in demand, a survey showed on Thursday, in a bleak sign ahead of the closure of the government's coronavirus furlough scheme at the end of next month. The IHS Markit/CIPS Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), a monthly gauge of activity in services and manufacturing companies, rose to a six-year high of 59.1 from 57.0 in July. Still, that was revised down from a preliminary "flash" reading of 60.3, hinting at a weaker end to activity last month. Some economists view the current strength of the PMI with scepticism because it reflects an inevitable increase in businesses reporting growth as the economy reopens, rather than a recovery in output that could take years. Also read: COVID-19 crisis: UK suffers greatest job losses since 2009 The survey's index of employment declined for the first time in three months - chiming with widespread reports of layoffs from major employers grappling with the hit from the pandemic. Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said companies' ability to cope with the withdrawal of economic support measures like the furlough programme was now the "burning question". Also read: COVID-19 fallout: Britain's public debt crosses $2 trillion for first time The government's job retention scheme has supported almost 10 million jobs in total since its launch in April."Worryingly, many companies are already preparing for tougher times ahead, notably via further fierce job cutting," Williamson said. "Policymakers face a huge challenge in sustaining this recovery and avoiding a 'bounce and fade' scenario." The services PMI rose to 58.8 in August from 56.5 in July, the highest reading since April 2015, although it was revised down from a preliminary reading of 60.1. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/04/2020 ADVERTISEMENT Shawniece and Jephte 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! Elizabeth and Jamie ADVERTISEMENT Deonna and Greg ADVERTISEMENT Ashley and Anthony ADVERTISEMENT Jamie and Doug ADVERTISEMENT Kristine and Keith Jessica and Austin 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 Ashley Petta having a pregnancy scare while planning her baby's gender reveal, Shawniece Jackson and Jephte Pierre taking a positive turn in their marriage, Elizabeth Bice and Jamie Thompson struggling through coronavirus symptoms, and Jamie Otis visiting her family at a trailer park during Thursday night's episode on Lifetime.: 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 Jephte and Shawniece, Season 7 couple Danielle Bergman and Bobby Dodd , Season 8 couple AJ Vollmoeller and Stephanie Sersen , Season 8 couple Kristine Killingsworth and Keith Dewar , Season 9 couple Elizabeth and Jamie Thompson , Season 9 couple Gregory Okotie and Deonna McNeill , 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 13 of : Couples Cam.Jephte returned from visiting his family in New York, and Shawniece said it "wasn't bad" to be apart from her husband and child. The couple had yet to talk about their relationship, but both Shawniece and Jephte seemed to appreciate having space.Shawniece wasn't sure how to move forward with Jephte, especially since their daughter Laura is "a little diva," according to Shawniece, and she couldn't get any alone time with Jephte.Shawniece therefore suggested to Jephte that they go on a little date and watch a sunrise together, and Jephte liked the idea of having a quiet, private moment with his wife.Shawniece is not a morning person, but she woke up at 5:30AM to catch the sunrise with Jephte. The pair walked through a path in the woods in the dark and Shawniece was a little nervous and scared, but they eventually made their way to the water.Shawniece and Jephte watched the sunrise together, and Jephte said it was a fun date with really nice scenery."It was the first step to getting back [to where we were], I know we have a lot more work to do," Jephte said.Later on, Shawniece told her husband to get dressed for dinner, and Jephte went a little overboard. Shawniece said the couple never failed to laugh with each other and that was definitely something that's good for their marriage.Before eating dinner, Shawniece asked Jephte to participate in a relationship-building activity or "trust exercise" and have a little fun with it.Shawniece blindfolded Jephte as a result and fed him food, including shrimp pasta. Jephte had to guess what he was eating, and he was just happy Shawniece had fed him edible things and "not dirt or something."The couple also worked on their communication, and Shawniece said she wanted to focus on the laughter in their relationship going forward rather than their frequent arguments.Elizabeth and Jamie revealed to their MAFS co-stars on a group videochat they had both tested positive for coronavirus after traveling to North Carolina.Elizabeth revealed her symptoms came in "waves" and the virus felt like "an extended version of the flu."On their third day of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, Jamie said "it sucks," and Elizabeth added, "I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy. We haven't been able to get off the couch for literally three days... It hurts so bad."Elizabeth complained of having a fever, chills, stomach aches, headaches and more, and Jamie completely agreed and said he was "over it" already. The next day, Elizabeth apparently suffered from a migraine.On Day 5 of their symptoms, Jamie told his wife that he had no energy and couldn't stop sleeping. Jamie said he had no desire to stand up, but Elizabeth noted, "Today, I feel like a different person."On Day 6 of the couple having coronavirus, Jamie still wasn't feeling good, and he admitted he was hurting "everywhere."The next day, Elizabeth said Jamie was "really, really sick" and looked like "death," and she worried his symptoms were going to get worse.Elizabeth said Jamie was on a downward spiral while she had moments when she felt okay, and so she brought him some orange juice in bed and expressed her love for him.Later on, Elizabeth tried a holistic approach to healing Jamie when he was still feeling under the weather. She included crystals in the wellness treatment, and Jamie told his wife that he was already feeling better.With a quartz crystal on Jamie's head, Elizabeth asked her husband to take a shot of ginger, lemon and cayenne pepper."It burns the corona away," Elizabeth joked, clarifying how that wasn't a scientific fact.Deonna told Greg that he needed to practice his parenting skills since they were trying for a baby, and so the couple watched Deonna's nephew, who belongs to her sister De'Asia.The toddler apparently cried a lot and so Greg definitely had his work cut out for him and was responsible."You're going to be a great dad," Deonna told her husband.Greg said watching Deonna's nephew made him more comfortable about the idea of having a baby. Deonna even called him "the baby whisperer," and Greg predicted he'd definitely rise to the occasion of being a father."It made me realize I want to have my own soon," Greg said."I am really proud of Greg for stepping up to the plate," Deonna shared. "He showed me what I knew he could do this entire time."Greg and Deonna apparently both came down with a case of baby fever, and the couple was getting along great.Ashley and Anthony were shown planning their gender-reveal party, which Anthony joked would be "a sex party."Anthony's brother, who is stationed in Iran in the military, received the results so neither Anthony or Ashley could easily find out whether they have a baby boy or girl on the way.Anthony suggested they could set off fireworks at the party, but Ashley pointed out that would be dangerous. She envisioned setting off little cannons and a barbecue in which they cook up some chicken and ribs.Suddenly, Anthony got a call from Ashley at work while he was watching their daughter Mila at home. Ashley said she needed to go to the emergency room because she was bleeding and there was a lot of blood."I don't think that's good... It's not normal. I just feel like it's over. I feel like this is the end," Ashley vented to her husband over the phone, adding, "I don't have a good feeling about this."Anthony was worried about Ashley and wished he could go to the hospital with her, but Ashley didn't want him sitting in the waiting room and exposing himself to coronavirus as well.Ashley didn't lose the baby, but once she returned home from the emergency room, she was still bleeding and didn't have answers as to why this was happening to her.Ashley was therefore upset and emotional because she was still bleeding "heavily," however, a doctor told her that her ultrasound looked fine and the baby's heartbeat was strong."They didn't really give me any information," Ashley noted. "It just doesn't make any sense because you're not supposed to be bleeding, and I just feel like I'm waiting for the inevitable."Anthony tried to comfort his wife by saying bleeding during a pregnancy can be normal for many women, but Ashley wasn't sure when it was going to stop."I just don't know how I'm supposed to move forward when we're supposed to be planning a gender-reveal party and I don't even know if there's going to be a baby at this point," Ashley cried to her husband.Anthony's whole family was supposed to be coming to the party, and Ashley said she wasn't sure how she was going to get everything ready.Jamie and Doug drove their two-year-old daughter Henley and two-month-old son Hendrix to Ithaca, New York to see Jamie's family. Jamie's mother was about to meet her grandson for the first time.Jamie said she used to be "immensely" ashamed of her past and poor upbringing, but she said she learned it was just a situation she was born into and she's proud of her family now.Jamie and Doug drove up to a trailer park and Jamie reunited with her nephew, grandmother and other family members."I am in heaven!" Jamie gushed.Jamie said being with her loved ones was "awesome" even though they had their fair share of ups and downs. Jamie also thought it was really cool to have four generations of women in her family in the same place.Doug said he's really interested in how and where Jamie grew up, and so he was glad to join her on this trip.Jamie later gave Doug a tour through her hometown and old stomping grounds. She showed Doug her high school and a little creek where she used to play and look for shellfish."As much as I thought I wanted to get away from the trailer park and my hometown, I'm telling you, I miss it," Jamie admitted. "There is no shame in living in a trailer, and I wish I had known that [before]."Jamie called Doug her "rock" and noted she finally felt "at peace" with her childhood and how she had to step up and take care of her siblings at a young age.Doug told Jamie that she should be proud of herself because she had made it very far, and the couple agreed they should return to her hometown later on to do some fishing and ATVing with the kids.Kristine said Keith had been "working like a crazy person," so she decided to set up a spa at home for Keith for his birthday.When Keith came home from work, there was a bouquet of flowers on the living room table, and Kristine asked him to meet her in the bedroom after taking a shower."It's about to go down! Okay! This is what I'm talking about -- birthday stuff... It's time to turn up!" Keith gushed.Kristine surprised Keith with a massage bed surrounded by rose petals and candles, and Keith seemed very happy and pleased.Kristine told Keith to "strip," and he said he couldn't wait for a massage after another exhausting week at work. However, Keith immediately fell asleep on the massage bed, and Kristine joked it was "typical."After Keith's nap, Kristine and Keith did facial masks together, and Keith said his face felt good and his back felt amazing. Keith was grateful to his wife for a lovely evening.Austin was doing some research on The National Guard in attempt to find information. Jessica suggested they should take a study break and clean the apartment, but Austin thought their place was fine.Austin argued that Jessica's cleaning standards are not normal, but Jessica totally disagreed.When Jess was out of the apartment, Austin fully cleaned the place for his wife. He even put her throw pillows on the bed, which he apparently disliked.Jessica said Austin had passed her test, especially because he had removed her hair from their master shower. Jessica was impressed overall -- until she opened her closet and items came pouring out.Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group North Korean soldiers stand guard on the banks of the Yalu River which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese town of Dandong in a file photo. Economic hardship is driving North Koreans who live near China to break strict quarantine rules to move goods across the border in spite of recent orders by authorities that anyone approaching the frontier will be shot, local sources say. North Korea on Aug. 27 ordered military units and police to shoot on sight anyone in the country who goes within one kilometer (0.6 miles) of the Sino-Korean border for any reason, RFA reported, in the latest of Pyongyangs draconian measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In a recent case, a 25-year-old platoon leader in a border guard unit, was arrested in mid-August and accused of working with a Chinese national to bring a large quantity of food sweetener into the now heavily restricted North, a source in North Koreas Ryanggang province told RFA on Sept. 1. The arrest took place in Ryanggang's Samsu County. He received 500 kilograms of saccharine from a Chinese smuggler and handed it over to a local resident while the highest-level emergency quarantine for the coronavirus was in force, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The soldier was quickly caught by North Koreas state security department, the source said, adding that it is unlikely the man will be able to avoid severe punishment and that border guards are now waiting to hear word of his fate. Some residents believe that the platoon leader of the border guards was involved in smuggling not to secure food for himself, but for his troops, the source said, adding that there has been no confirmation of the fate of the North Korean smuggler who worked with him. Traditional smuggling routes, an important means of livelihood for border residents, have now been cut off, as securing the border with China to prevent the spread of coronavirus has been a major priority for North Korea in recent weeks. And as imports from China have become more expensive and difficult to obtain in marketplaces, residents now living in miserable conditions are risking their lives to smuggle goods across the river from China to earn large sums of money, the source said. At the end of August, seven North Korean residents were arrested for smuggling in the border area in Hyesan City, a second source in Ryanggang told RFA, also speaking on condition he not be named. They avoided execution but were sent to political prison camps because they had smuggled during the highest level of the emergency quarantine system, the source said, adding that the group had temporarily halted their activities owing to fears of infection. However, when their lives became too difficult, they jumped back into smuggling and were caught, he said. One was caught at first, and the others were then captured one by one, the source said, citing sources in local law enforcement agencies. They were sentenced to life in prison, and their families were sent into internal exile in the mountain areas. Residents are protesting their punishment, though, saying that death would be better than life in a prison camp, and that the harsh reality of having trouble finding daily food is the reason for the smuggling on the border, he said. Samsu County in North Koreas Ryanggang province, where in mid-August a border guard platoon leader was arrested for receiving 500 kg (1,100 lbs) of saccharine from a Chinese smuggler and breaking coronavirus quarantine rules. Credit: RFA Graphics Border remains porous The Aug. 27 shoot-on-sight order covers the entire 1,420-km (880-mile) border with China, in the four provinces of North Hamgyong, North Pyongan, Chagang and Ryanggang. Though the two countries suspended trade and officially closed the border at the beginning of the pandemic in January, the frontier has remained porous, because North Koreas nascent market economy depends on the smuggling of goods into and out of China. Since January, RFA reported several incidents related to smuggling of goods or movement of people across the border, including the mid-July return of a refugee that had previously escaped. He was undetected during his return, and a reportedly infuriated top leader Kim Jong Un disbanded the military unit responsible for guarding the part of the border he crossed. RFA also previously reported that North Korean elite special forces troops were sent to assist border guard units posted there, but sources said their true purpose was to watch the guards for corruption, as smugglers often pay off the guards to look the other way when they send or receive shipments across the border. North Korea still maintains it is virus-free despite the governments extensive measures against COVID-19, including in April advising citizens in public lectures that the virus at that time had been spreading in the capital and two other regions of the country. It has not reported a single confirmed case. Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Richard Finney. Izzy Sharman-Firth's fun-loving personality landed her the first single date with Locky Gilbert after The Bachelor went into lockdown on Thursday's episode. But fans have doubts about her future in the competition, pointing out that she has a rather bizarre habit that could spell trouble for Locky. After her taco-and-bubble-bath date with the former Australian Survivor star, viewers flocked to Twitter to complain about her hyena-like laugh. Now THAT'S a red flag! The Bachelor's Izzy Sharman-Firth (pictured) has been roasted on social media for a bizarre habit - as viewers beg Locky Gilbert not to give her a rose 'Izzy's laugh. Don't give her a rose. I can't do this again,' one viewer begged. Another added: 'I'm sorry but Izzy is killing me with that laugh.' Frustrated fans compared the 29-year-old HR consultant's shriek to everything from a hyena to the Wicked Witch of the West. Shriek! After her taco-and-bubble-bath date with the former Australian Survivor star, viewers flocked to Twitter to complain about Izzy's (pictured) hyena-like laugh 'I'm sorry but Izzy is killing me with that laugh': One viewer begged Locky to not give the 29-year-old HR consultant a rose 'Is it just me or does Izzy laugh like a hyena?' one asked on Twitter. Others jokingly questioned her real motive behind the over-the-top laugh. 'This is very boring TV. And I feel Izzy's laugh is totally fake, it has to be... sorry Locky's just not that funny,' tweeted one skeptic. Comparisons: Frustrated fans compared Izzy's shriek to everything from a hyena to the Wicked Witch of the West Another added: 'Does Locky really like Izzy or does he just like [that] she laughs hysterically at every unfunny thing he says?' However, there were a handful of viewers who seemed to think that Izzy's laugh was the best thing about the show. 'OMG, Izzy's laugh is the best,' one supporter tweeted. Surprise! During the Zoom date, Locky and Izzy cooked tacos before hopping into a bath Another added: 'Izzy has an infectious laugh.' During the episode, Locky surprised Izzy by having a box delivered to her home containing all the ingredients for a Mexican feast. The pair proceeded to cook tacos together over Zoom before hopping into a bubble bath with a glass of wine. Show me more! Things turned flirty when Izzy jokingly complained that there were 'too many bubbles' in Locky's bath Things turned flirty when Izzy jokingly complained that there were 'too many bubbles' in Locky's bath. 'Are you just getting me to stand up?' he asked, prompting her to respond: 'Yeah, I'd just like to see a little bit more of your skin!' The Bachelor continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10 Like most states, New Jersey has been jolted by budget thunderbolts notably, the unforeseen costs of COVID recovery, and payments on a $4 billion loan that hover over us like an anvil and dealing with them will require creativity. One inspired idea for additional revenue is charging a small fee for certain stock market transactions that take place in our state, which is home to dozens of exchanges specializing in high-frequency trades (HFTs) that move trillions of dollars a year. The argument from our elected officials is sound: If states like Texas can impose severance taxes on gas and oil, a minuscule piece of the revenue on high-frequency transactions produced by New Jerseys electronic infrastructure should be captured by the state that creates that value. The hurdles, however, are considerable: Gov. Murphy, who supports the tax, recognizes that it will invite a torrent of threats and legal challenges from Wall Street, and the timetable for passing legislation in time for this years condensed budget season is tight, since the governor must certify all revenues before signing that budget. But it is time to start the process, one that could someday result in an annual windfall of billions, according to Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex). High frequency trading is the most controversial sector in finance. As detailed by author Michael Lewis in his 2014 bestseller, Flash Boys, major financial institutions use algorithms to analyze market data a fraction of a second ahead of others, allowing them to perform transactions and other complex strategies that are too fast to be seen even on a stock ticker. Many regard this as rigging the market, because the ability of high speed traders to buy and sell in milliseconds drives the prices up for traditional buy-and-hold investors or pension funds competing for the same financial products. Roughly two-thirds of all trades are HFTs. If that doesnt seem fair or honest, McKeon agrees with you, and his bill would tax high quantity processors specifically, anyone who processes 10,000 or more transactions per year through exchange servers located in New Jersey. His draft sets the price at a quarter-cent per transaction (a stock sale, etc.), but he admits it is a work in progress. The Office of Legislative Services has yet to provide a fiscal estimate, but based on volume at a quarter-penny, it could generate as much as $10 billion a year in theory, McKeon said. Theres always room for compromise. Anything with a B' in it as it relates to a new source of revenue, its worth our while to work toward. But there are a lot of ways I can foresee the stakeholders fighting us on this. He can bet on it. Joe Saluzzi, the co-founder of Themis Trading in Chatham, has assailed HFT as an unethical, pernicious practice since 2009, and he predicts that these powerful market makers will fight them like hell. They have tons of money when they fight the SEC in court, the SEC loses. And the thing is, theyll claim the sky is falling, but most of their money is actually made from market data sales, not off high speed transactions. Regardless, this cash cow feeds on New Jerseys turf, because high frequency trades not only require expensive technology, they must have proximity to the stock market. Put simply, the shorter the cable, the faster the market data can move. Thats why the countrys largest exchanges are in places like Secaucus and Mahwah, in warehouses filled with endless rows of computer servers. Your internet connection cannot compete with that, which means the average investor who buys into companies with the motive of funding growth and sharing profits is at a huge disadvantage when the sharks fire up their modems. As the late David Applefield wrote in a June 14 op-ed in the Star-Ledger, Electronic financial data is our states most valuable if neglected resource. Its time for New Jersey to even the playing field, since we own the field. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. 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. Kolkata, Sep 4 : Two persons have been arrested for erecting a makeshift podium in front of a state government office in West Bengal's South 24-Parganas district. The Thursday night incident took place in the Canning area when the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were busy setting up a stage for their protest rally outside the sub-divisional office. The state BJP unit is slated to hold the 'Save Democracy' campaign on Friday protesting against the Mamata Banerjee-led state government's atrocities across West Bengal. According to sources, the local police went there late last night and dismantled the stage on grounds of violating the guidelines in Covid-19 pandemic. The state BJP is supposed to hold protest rallies and sit-in demonstrations at every block in the districts on Friday. "The protest programme will start at 11 a.m. across all the districts. In Kolkata, it will start from 12 noon. There have been many such incidents where Mamata Banerjee's police are trying to stop our workers from participating in the demonstrations. They have dismantled some of our set-ups in the districts, too," state BJP vice-president Ritesh Tiwari said. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > A non Gandhian President for the Congress Party: Need of the Hour | P. S. (...) by P. S. Jayaramu The debate over the need for change in the Presidentship of the Congress Party has been going on for over an year following Rahul Gandhis resignation as Party President in July 2019. Since then he has consistently turned down pleas for his return as Party President, something which was endorsed by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra a few weeks ago. The most recent of such being Sonia Gandhis willingness to resign as interim President at the recent virtual CWC meeting. Sadly, the meeting did not take up the issue of changes suggested by the G-23 about the need for a visible and accessible leadership, election to the CWC along with election to the Party Presidents post at the district level to promote inner party democracy and the reestablishment of the Central Parliamentary Board to guide the functioning of the Party in the Parliament. Instead, the Gandhi loyalists at the CWC termed it a revolt, accusing some of the signatories of acting at the behest of the BJP. The meeting ended with a request to Sonia Gandhi to continue as interim President till the AICC meeting could be held at an appropriate time in the next six months. Though Mrs. Gandhi concluded by striking a conciliatory note that bygones are bygones, those who wrote letters are my valued colleagues and that no action would be initiated against them, that was only a glib statement. Two days later, Mrs. Gandhi set up two groups to handle the upcoming Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions leaving out the deserving senior leaders from the G-23 signalling their marginalisation in the Party and rewarded the loyalists. On their Part, senior members of the the Group of 23 have kept up their demand for changes. In an interview to ANI, Gulab Nabi Azad, emphasised the need for elections to the CWC, State PCCs and district boards arguing that those who win with 51 percent votes enjoy legitimacy and that such elected persons cannot be removed at will. He even went to the extent of saying that if inner party elections are not held, the Congress Party will have to sit in the opposition for the next 50 years! Kapil Sibal has stressed that the letter was drafted in an extremely civilised in manner and expressed his anguish that their letter was not only not even taken up for discussion at the CWC meeting nor the senior members silenced those who attacked them at the meeting. A minister of the Maharashtra cabinet warned the signatories from the State that the signatories to the letter from the State will not be allowed to move freely in the State if they failed to apologise to Sonia Gandhi. That he was not been reprimanded by the Partys central leadership for such utterances shows that he enjoys the tacit support at the highest level. Lauding the services of the Gandhis, another member of the Party recently coined the slogan Gandhis are Congress, Congress is Gandhis, reminiscent of D K Barooughs slogan Indira is India, India is Indira! That the generally sauve Salman Khursheed has praised the Gandhis for their leadership and condemned the letter only goes to show that the Gandhis have emerged stronger after the well orchestrated CWC meeting. For the Gandhis and their loyalists, dynasty is more important that the Party. This is an extremely disappointing and undemocratic development. Keeping in mind the fact the 135 years old Congress Party was led by many important leaders from outside the dynasty in the post independence period like J B Kripalani, Pattabhi Seetaramaiah, Purushottam Das Tandon, K Kamaraj, N Sanjeeva Reddy, S Nijalingappa, Uma Shankar Dikshit, P V Narasimha Rao, to name only a few, the Party does not have to be the prisoner of the Gandhi family. The fact that the country needs a strong Opposition to ensure that the Parliamentary system functions on healthy democratic lines, it is imperative that the Party chooses a group of well wishers, and entrust them with the task of overseeing the elections to the post of Party President. Rahul Gandhi should play the role of a facilitator in finding a suitable person to be democratically elected to the post of President. Needless to say, the democratically elected President should function independently and not be remote controlled by the Gandhi dynasts. The Country needs a strong opposition to confront effectively the Modi Government which has failed to tackle the disastrous economic consequences of the pandemic, with a record fall of GDP by 23.9 percent,the worst in 40 years. It is also critical for the Party to work towards making it cadre based, boost the morale of the Party workers and overcome factional feuds, which is the bane of the Congress. It is equally imperative that the Party rediscovers its left of the centre ideology within a renewed commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution. One final point. If the Gandhi loyalists thwart organisational elections, as an alternative, the pro changers should push forward the idea of establishing a collective leadership to steer the Party in the foreseeable future. After all, the G-23 letter to the interim President also demanded a collective leadership within a participatory framework. The first step in that direction should be to draw up a group consisting of capable men/women, giving representation to the north, east, west and South. With support from the seniors and middle aged experienced Partymen, such a group should be able to work out strategies through a well laid out consultative process involving State level leaders, to handle the crucial issues facing the Party. Such a plan of action is possible, but calls for strong political will to make the Party future ready. The author is former Professor of Political Science, Bangalore University and former Senior Fellow, ICSSR, New Delhi. The municipal corporation (MC) has issued a last warning to officials of A2Z Group, the private company which has been tasked with handling solid waste management in the city, to improve their working. Mayor Balkar Sandhu and MC commissioner Pardeep Sabharwal conducted a meeting with the officials of the A2Z Group at the Mayors camp office on Friday. The officials of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) were also present in the meeting. The MC officials said that apart from its failure in processing over 1,100 metric tonnes of garbage generated in the city on a daily basis, the company had also failed to lift garbage from secondary dumping points in time. Out of the total 27 vehicles deployed for the lifting of garbage, only 16 have been put to work. The company officials claimed that the remaining vehicles need repairs. The officials said that a certain period would be given to the company to improve its working failing which the MC might terminate their contract. Joint commissioner Swati Tiwana said, The mayor and the MC commissioner have given strict instructions to the company to improve the working otherwise the MC will be forced to look for an alternative. The MC will be left with no other option but to terminate the contract. The monitoring committee of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been tightening the noose around the MC and the A2Z Group over the solid waste management issue. Recently, the NGT had asked the MC to deposit Rs 22 lakh as a bank guarantee in favour of PPCB for their failure in dealing with the solid waste and delay in upgrading sewer treatment plants. The PPCB has also encashed Rs 10 lakh bank guarantee which was submitted by the A2Z Group in the past. PPCB to grant consent to operate RDF plant After the intervention of the MC, the PPCB has agreed to give consent to the A2Z Group for operating the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant but the company will have to give an undertaking that the plant would be run at full capacity and no garbage would be dumped at the main dumpsite of the MC at Tajpur road. Earlier on August 21, the PPCB had rejected the consent application submitted by A2Z company to run the RDF plant at the main dumpsite due to anomalies and the operations at the plant were put to halt by the company on August 26. Owing to which, the waste generated in the city has been getting accumulated at the main dumpsite of the MC. As per officials, around 16 lakh tonnes of legacy waste is already dumped at the site. Written by ACM *Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- Replying to an "Eurofora" Question at a Press Conference (See Infra), the New Prefect of Strasbourg's "Great East" Region, Josiane Chevalier, stressed her Wish to develop "Joint Projects" here between France and the 4 Neighbouring European Countries, (Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium), in this unique area at the Heart of Europe. Due to Time constraints, at this massive Return back from Summer Holidays and Entry of Classes, Resumption of Collective Activities, etc., Period of the Beginning of Autumn, added to a Continuing "Bumpy" situation in the Virus' Crisis all over Europe and the World, Exceptionaly, this 1st Venue of the New Prefect in Strasbourg's Press Club, took place at an Unusual Early Time of the Morning (since 8.30 am), and, Moreover, several Journalists were unable to be physiclly present, including, particularly, "Eurofora", for additional unprecedented circumstances. Therefore, we were practicaly Obliged, for the 1st Time, to Raise our Question, at real Time, but by Digital means and remotely, through the Head of Strasbourg's Press Club, (and after having Also Spoken on that with the Head of the Prefecture's Press Office for the "Great East" Region). Here is the Full Original Text of "Eurofora"s Question, as it had been, Earlier, send also by E-Mail : <>. This was, Later, shortly Resumed, (probably for Time constraint reasons), by the Press Club's Head herself, as : - "What is Your Vision for the Trans-Border Cooperation ?" Chevalier's Positive and Interesting Reply's main point, Focusing on "Joint Projects", naturaly Fits Well "Eurofora"s overall approach in these Issues, and the "Great East" Regions' Unique Geo-Political Location, allowing to Bring Together 5 Core European Countries (4 of the EU + Switzerland, of the EEU), all representing and even hosting Exceptionaly Important European, PanEuropean and/or International outlets, Right Accross Geneva and Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels, (which has been a Constant "Eurofora"s Point of reference, with All French Strasbourg's Prefects, Presidents of the "Great East" Region, and Other Top Key Public Authorities here, (See, f.ex., inter alia, also: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/strasbourgregionpresidentrottneronhightech.html , http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/regionpresidentoneuropeantransportlinks.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/firsteuuniversityleadersonhorizon.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/strasbourgpregionprefectontransborderlinks.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/frenchregionschiefrichertquits.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/francogermancoreregionleaderseyescienceandethics.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/prefetfrataccistrasbourgasgebevanyorshanghai.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/frenchprimeministervallsonhightechfunding.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/frenchregionspresidentricherttoeurofora.html http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/strasbourgregionpresidentrichertandfrencheconomyministermacrononhighspeedinternet.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/newbigfrenchregionheadricherton5eustatesandchina.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/newstrasbourgbigregionprefect.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/alsacepresidentrichertonacaleuropeanprojects.html , etc). Curiously, due probably to the Exceptional Circumstances, there were Not Other Questions raised by the Journalists following that Press-Point, (beyond a Dialogue between the Prefect and a Presentator appointed by the Club for this event). + Concerning the above-mentioned "Eurofora"s Question, Chevalier went on to Add that, naturaly, Each Local Vice-Prefect, specialy Competent for the French Districts/Departments of Higher Rhine, Lower Rhine, Moselle or Ardennes, (Parts of the "Great East" Region), should Focus, particularly, on relations with Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, or Belgium, respectively, (herself taking over the Franco-German TransBorder Cooperation, since she is Also Vice-Prefect of Strasbourg's District/Department of "Bas-Rhin", which is adjacent to 2 German Lander). -------------------------- In this regard, she noted that France currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Superior Rhine (Ober-Rhine) Inter-Regional Organisation for 2020, (between Germany, France and Switzerland). The Main thrust of Our Question eyed, however, the Overall Relations between All the "Great East" Region of France, and those 4 Neighbouring European Countries, taken Together, (i.e., f.ex., for Joint Mega-Projects Including All those 5 Regional Actors at Europe's Core, from Geneva to Strasbourg, until Luxembourg and Brussels, included : See the above-mentioned earlier "Eurofora"s NewsReports). But the Exceptional Lack of a Direct Contact, this time, (Comp. Supra), Hindered any such Reminder/Clarification with an eventual Follow-up Question at this specific point... ++ Spontaneously, Chevalier went on to Add, at her own Initiative, that, among the Challenges of such Trans-Border Relations, (Comp. "Eurofora"s Full Original Question, Supra), was also the fact that, all those 5 Neighbouring European Countries, normaly, Should Better "Avoid eventualy Closing their Borders with Anyone among their 4 Neighbours, "particularly even withOut previous Consultation", as she pointed out, (Obviously making Reference, indirectly but surely, to Germany's previous Decision to Suspend Free Movement of Citizens from and to France around its "Great East" Region -Except from Trade traffic, etc- during the Hardest Moment of this Virus' Crisis, a few Months ago, due to a Particularly Elevated percentage of Infections' cases here, then). At any case, "the Virus knows No Borders", she also Claimed, in this regard. Despite the Fact that, Indeed, the above-mentioned UnPrecedented Suspension (around March-April+ 2020) of EU Citizens' Free Movement between France and Germany, concerning particularly the "Europa Bridge" linking Strasbourg to Kehl, etc., did realy Shock a lot of People, here, since the Intra-uroZone, at the Shenghen Area, Freedom of Movement had been Always, until now, Positively Identified by the Local Population as a Fundamental Gain and Advance in the process of European Integration, after the 1990ies, Nevertheless, it's Also true that, in real Practice, things were quite Complicated then... Unfortunately, various (negative or positive) recent Examples from all over Europe as well as throughout the whole World, Proved, during this Virus' Pandemic, that, very Often, a Timely and Proper Border Protection Against real Risks of Infections' Spread, is a quite Effective Measure, (sometimes even Necessary, as, f.ex., Wuhan's Regional Quarantine, notoriously Saved, practicaly, China asap, and Similar Tight Borders' Closure, mutatis - mutandis, Also by Taiwan, Vietnam, initially Russia vis a vis China, etc, proved its Efficiency. While, on the Contrary, France and Germany's Delay to Close Borders towards NW. Italy, as well as Russia's subsequent Under-estimation of Infection Transmission from EU Countries, until it became too late, Attest of Harsh Consequences in case of Laxist Negligence). -------------------------------------------- At any case, it's true that, Diplomaticaly speaking, Prefect Chevalier placed an Accent on the "Concertation" aspect of Such Eventual Suspensions of Trans-Borders' Free Movement (Comp. Supra), while, at least Until Now, Despite a Recent notorious ReBound of Virus' Infections throughout the EU and most of the World, including, particularly France, etc., (and Even if, unfortunately, Strasbourg's "Great East" Region still remains with the Highest Proportion of Deaths in France, Compared to its Population), Nevertheless, this time, Germany did Not Issue any "Travel Warning" against Our Region (Contrary to what it has Just done for Paris', Marseille's and Brussels' areas), Neither, a fortiori, any Border Closure, for the Time being. ---------------------------------- Let's Hope that, at least this time, Trans-Border Cooperation, (and, Eventually, some adequate "Joint Projects" in the Fight Against the Virus, also Preventive, Beyond the really Vital Help by the German Hospitals' which notoriously Hosted, Earlier, Many People affected by the Virus in Strasbourg's area, who were Urgently Transported in order to be Cured there, Easing a serious Overload here, then), might Succesfully Find some Better Solutions, (even if, naturaly, the Number 1 Priority always remains, for all, to Protect Human Lives, from any serious Infection Risks). (../..) ("Draft-News") People arent waiting until November to vote against the economic hardship created by Springfields spending addiction theyve been voting with their feet for the past decade as Illinois has lost more residents than any other state in the nation, Griffin said in a written statement. In that time, two tax increases have already failed to improve our situation, and whats now being marketed to voters under the guise of a fair tax is nothing more than a graduated tax scheme engineered to extract the greatest amount of money possible from all Illinois taxpayers. As weve seen in other states with a graduated tax scheme, everyone inevitably pays a higher rate. Lam's remarks on 'separation of powers' serve as remedial lessons for HK society Global Times By Fan Lingzhi Source: Global Times Published: 2020/9/3 0:15:33 After Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, told the media that there has never been a "separation of powers" in Hong Kong, some legal experts in Hong Kong began debating whether Beijing misunderstood the concept, while experts from the Chinese mainland said Lam's point serves as "remedial lessons" in understanding the constitutional order of the city. Lam told a press conference on Tuesday she agreed with her Education Secretary Kevin Yeung, who called for deleting reference to "separation of powers" from textbooks. The separation of powers is a centuries-old Western construct of government that puts separate powers in the hands of the executive, legislature and courts to ensure that no one branch is more powerful than another. Johannes Chan, a legal scholar with the University of Hong Kong said the Basic Law shows a clear intention to implement the separation of powers and refers only to Hong Kong's legal system itself. This has been misunderstood by the central government, Chan said in a radio interview. A member of the city's Executive Council Ronny Tong Ka-wah, disagreed with the Education Bureau's move to delete the phrase "separation of powers," from text books, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday. "It is precisely because society has a lack of understanding [of this concept] and many people might have the misconception that Hong Kong is a sovereign state and should therefore have separation of powers," Tong was quoted as saying. "Lam's remarks actually serve as 'remedial lessons' for some Hong Kong people, from lawmakers to civil servants. They all need lessons to increase their understanding of the HKSAR's constitutional system," Li Xiaobing, expert on Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, from Nankai University in Tianjin, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Some problems emerged in Hong Kong because courts and some lawmakers from the opposition groups always emphasize "the rights they have" without fully understanding the rule of law in the HKSAR, and some have too shallow thinking about simply inheriting a British left behind - or blindly worshiping the West, Li noted. "We can't simply compare Hong Kong to a state, the executive, legislature and courts should cooperate with the central government as it's a SAR of the country," Li said. Lam also emphasized on Tuesday that under the Basic Law Hong Kong is an inalienable SAR of China, which is an executive-led system. "Removing text on the separation of powers can also be seen as 'a complete overhaul,' and until there is a clear understanding of that, the meaningless anti-government fight will continue among those who lack of vision and understanding of history," Li said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UAE intelligence agents training YPG militants in northern, eastern Syria: Report Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 1:35 PM The United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s spy agency has reportedly been training Kurdish militants affiliated with the anti-Damascus People's Protection Units (YPG) in areas under their occupation in northern and eastern Syria over the past few years. Turkey's official Anadolu news agency, citing multiple sources, reported on Sunday that Signals Intelligence Agency (SIA) officers held secret talks with the Kurdish militants back in 2017, and were dispatched to YPG-held areas in Syria the following year. The report added that SIA agents purportedly train YPG militants to carry out espionage and counter-espionage operations, acts of sabotage as well as assassinations. The Kurdish militants are also being taught how to conduct signal intelligence, information security and cryptography on communication networks. Such training missions are said to be underway in the Kurdish-populated northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli as well as major cities of Hasakah and Dayr al-Zawr. Anadolu further noted that Emirati intelligence officers have even established a secret direct hotline with YPG militants. The UAE has long been accused of sponsoring the militant groups, which have been operating across Syria since early 2011 to topple the Damascus government. The YPG the backbone of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has America's support in its anti-Damascus push. The Kurdish militants seized swathes of land in the northern and eastern parts of Syria from the Takfiri Daesh terror group in 2017, and are now refusing to hand their control back to the central government. Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organization tied to the homegrown Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish region in Turkey since 1984. On October 9, 2019, Turkish forces and Ankara-backed militants launched a cross-border invasion of northeastern Syria in an attempt to push YPG militants away from border areas. Two weeks after the invasion began, Turkey and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding that asserted YPG militants had to withdraw from the Turkish-controlled "safe zone" in northeastern Syria, after which Ankara and Moscow would run joint patrols around the area. Back on June 14, an unnamed security source at the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) told the London-based al-Araby al-Jadeed newspaper that the UAE had allegedly provided financial aid to PKK militants in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. The source said KRG authorities had imposed limitations on money transfers coming from the Persian Gulf state, and that the measure applied to all exchanges in Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address There are only temporary effects of micro-gravity during long-term space travel on astronauts' brains, according to a new study. Scientists analysed the brains of 11 male astronauts who spent an average of about six months in space. The experts found no evidence that spending long periods in weak gravity conditions led to neuro-degeneration or loss of brain tissue. Any changes the researchers observed shortly after the cosmonauts returned to Earth were reversed when their brains were examined again within seven months. Recovery in the upper portion of the brain was more pronounced than in the lower portion of the brain, they found. MRI analysis of the brains of 11 male cosmonauts who spent an average of about six months in space found no evidence that this extensive time in micro-gravity led to neuro-degeneration Previous studies have reported the damaging long-term effects of space travel on the body, but this new research suggests any effects are only temporary. This is good news for NASA astronauts, who are facing longer and longer periods in space in preparation for missions to Mars in the 2030s, although they will take at least nine months to get there. 'Spaceflight does not leave the human body unaffected,' said study author Steven Jillings at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. 'The crew enters an environment of micro-gravity, increased radiation and social isolation. 'Long missions cause widespread physiological changes, although its effect on brain structure remains poorly understood.' Neuro-imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnetic fields and radio waves to scan parts of the body, have recently enabled scientists to uncover changes in the brains structure and function after spaceflight, but there is little data on the long-term effects. While some previous studies measured tissue changes visible to the naked eye, they could also not assess underlying changes in the tissue micro-structure. To study space travels impacts in greater detail, Jillings and colleagues determined the fraction of grey matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid per voxel a single point in 3D space. Grey matter is mostly found on the outer-most layer of the brain, or cortex, and serves to process information, while white matter, the paler tissue towards the centre, speeds up signals between the cells. Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord from injury and nutrients around the brain. Grey matter is mostly found on outer-most layer of the brain, or cortex, and serves to process information The team used MRI to evaluate the brains of cosmonauts from Roscosmos, Russias space program, before and about nine days after long-duration space missions on the International Space Station (ISS), averaging 171 days (nearly six months). The researchers performed additional scans on eight of the cosmonauts about seven months after their return as a follow-up. The team detected increases in the quantity of grey matter in the cerebrum and decreases in grey matter in the ventricles and the Sylvian fissure, which divides the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe. All importantly, however, these were changes in the distribution of tissue caused by shifts in cerebrospinal fluid, but not reductions in the net quantity of grey matter. The brain reorganises itself during long spaceflights on a macro- and micro-scale, thanks to shifts in cerebrospinal fluid, the team say. The shifts in cerebrospinal fluid support previous observations that micro-gravity causes the brain to shift upward inside the skull, however. Larger decreases in the sharpness of cosmonauts vision after spaceflight a symptom caused by a condition called spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) was associated with larger expansions in the brains ventricles, meanwhile. SANS can lead to headaches and seeing floating blurry spots. However, this result contradicts the finding of a previous study, meaning further research is needed to determine the link between SANS and brain-related changes. For logistical reasons, participants could not be examined until nine days after they got back from space travel. 'Earlier scanning sessions could reveal more widespread and pronounced effects of spaceflight on the brain,' said Jillings. The study, which follows much research on the detrimental effects of micro-gravity on the brain, has been published in the journal Science Advances. Former Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov is the record holder of the longest single stay in space in human history, staying aboard the Mir space station for more than 14 months between 1994 and 1995, although he has no reported long-term health problems. Scarlett Johansson in 'Black Widow'. (Credit: Marvel/Disney) Black Widow is reflective of the Me Too movement and addresses the issue head-on, according to star Scarlett Johansson. The 35-year-old MCU veteran told Empire Magazine it is obvious that the character of Natasha Romanoff is a feminist and that this played into her solo movie. Read more: Johansson joins viral stunt fight video Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, the film follows Natasha as she delves into her own past, presumably involving the red in her ledger that has been mentioned in previous movies. Johansson said director Cate Shortland was keen for the movie to address real issues. I think this film in particular is very much reflective of whats going on in regards to the Times Up movement and the Me Too movement, said Johansson. Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh in 'Black Widow'. (Credit: Marvel/Disney) She added: It would be such a miss if we didnt address that stuff, if this film didnt take that head-on. I think, particularly for Cate, it was so important for her to make a movie about women who are helping other women, who lift other women up out of a very difficult situation. Read more: Johansson says Black Widow is a family drama As well as Johansson who has played Natasha seven times in the MCU Black Widow stars Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova and Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff, both of whom also trained as Black Widows. Stranger Things star David Harbour portrays Red Guardian, who serves as father figure to Natasha and Yelena and is effectively a Russian equivalent to Captain America. Scarlett Johansson attends the Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 08, 2020. (Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Black Widow will likely mark Johanssons final appearance in the MCU, as Natasha was killed during the events of Avengers: Endgame. Shortland has revealed that Pughs character will take on a bigger role in future and that this film serves as a passing of the torch. Read more: Florence Pugh worried about Russian accent The movie marks the first installment of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, opening up a new chapter after the huge spectacle of Endgame. Black Widow is currently due to arrive in UK cinemas on 30 October. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that he won't allow the Pentagon to cut funding for the military's independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, effectively halting Defense leaders plan to shut the paper down this month. "The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch," Trump tweeted. "It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military!" Trump's tweet came as he fought off new accusations that he called service members killed in World War I "losers" and "suckers" during an event in France in 2018. The comments, first reported by The Atlantic and confirmed by The Associated Press, are shining a fresh light on Trump's previous public disparaging of American troops and military families and they delivered a new campaign issue to his Democrtic rival Joe Biden, less than two months from Election Day. The Defense Department's has ordered the paper to halt publication by Sept. 30, and dissolve the organization by the end of January. The order, in a recent memo to Stripes, follows the Pentagon's move earlier this year to cut the $15.5 million in funding for the paper from the Defense Department budget. And it is a reflection of the Trump administration's broader animosity for the media and members of the press. The Trump White House hadn't spoken out against the Pentagon plan to close the paper before today, even though it's been in the works and publicly written about for months. On Friday, howeve, Trump worked to shore up his reputation as a staunch supporter of the nation's armed services. "I've done more for the military than almost anyone else," he said Friday in the Oval Office. Trump was alleged to have made the comments about the war dead as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France in Nov. 2018. Members of Congress have objected to the defunding move for months. And senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper this week urging him to reinstate the money. The letter, signed by 15 senators including Republicans and Democrats also warns Esper that the department is legally prohibited from canceling a budget program while a temporary continuing resolution to fund the federal government is in effect. "Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nation's freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom," the senators said in the letter. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a separate letter to Esper in late August, also voiced opposition to the move, calling Stripes "a valued 'hometown newspaper' for the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian employees across the globe." He added that "as a veteran who has served overseas, I know the value that the Stars and Stripes brings to its readers." In the memo, the department says Esper made the decision as a result of his department-wide budget review. Signed by Army Col. Paul Haverstick, acting director of the Pentagon's Defense Media Activity, the memo says plans to close the paper are due on Sept. 15 and the last newspaper is to be published on Sept. 30. The memo adds that if the paper continues to be funded by either a continuing resolution "or other unforeseen circumstances" then Stripes must submit a plan by Sept. 15 to shut down at the end of the next budget year, Sept. 30, 2021. Haverstick's memo says that in that case, the last date for publication of the newspaper will be determined based on budget or other circumstances. The Stripes ombudsman, Ernie Gates, told The Associated Press on Friday that shutting the paper down "would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations." The first newspaper called Stars and Stripes was very briefly produced in 1861 during the Civil War, but the paper began consistent publication during World War I. When the war was over, publication ended, only to restart in 1942 during World War II, providing wartime news written by troops specifically for troops in battle. Although the paper gets funding from the Defense Department, it is editorially independent and is delivered in print and digitally to troops all over the world. The Pentagon proposed cutting the paper's funding when making its budget request earlier this year, triggering angry reactions from members of Congress. The House-passed version of the Pentagon budget contains funding for the paper's publication, but the Senate has not yet finalized a defense funding bill. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Of late, Kangana Ranaut has been trending all over on social media for making sharp and unfiltered statements on several issues including Sushant Singh Rajputs untimely death, consumption of drugs in Bollywood, nepotism and so much more. However, recently, she landed herself in a soup yet again for tweeting that Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, had threatened her openly and asked her not to return to Mumbai. Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? https://t.co/5V1VQLSxh1 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 The 33-year-old actor calling Mumbai Pakistan occupied Kashmir didnt go down well with common people as well as many celebrities on social media. Soon enough, #KanganaPagalHai started trending on Twitter as people started bashing her left, right and centre, calling on the star to have a filter before tweeting her opinions. Retorting to this, she wrote, So all the bullies are having a meltdown now, frustrated but cant come up with anything remotely logical, so now tweeting obscene memes and calling me names, shaming me by trending #KanganaPagalHai and next they will pretend to be Mental illness warriors. #ShameOnSanjayRaut. So all the bullies are having a meltdown now, frustrated but cant come up with anything remotely logical, so now tweeting obscene memes and calling me names, shaming me by trending #KanganaPagalHai and next they will pretend to be Mental illness warriors. #ShameOnSanjayRaut Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 In fact, she also wrote, Mental illness is being used as a slur against me, entire left gang along with mafia is enthusiastically participating in #KanganaPagalHai trend, same way mental illness was used to shame and blackmail Sushant, please dont use mental illness loosely. Mental illness is being used as a slur against me, entire left gang along with mafia is enthusiastically participating in #KanganaPagalHai trend, same way mental illness was used to shame and blackmail Sushant, please dont use mental illness loosely. https://t.co/BOjtuzwOz8 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 Kangana also questioned the people who slammed her for her insensitive comment. SSR death would have been about him, had he not predicted his own murder by movie mafia, also you tell me how Mumbai changed so much in few months that @CPMumbaiPolice has become a troll, rather than assuring me full safety politicians threatening me #Mumbai #ShameOnSanjayRaut https://t.co/WITmLUFFW4 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 Here are some of the celebrities who slammed her for her 'PoK' tweet: Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) September 3, 2020 Maharashtra is cultural n intellectual face of India..land of Great Shivaji maharaj. Mumbai has fed millions of Indians n given them Name Fame n Glory.Only ungrateful can compare it with POK..Shocked n disgusted #EnoughIsEnough # #mumbaimerijaan # Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) September 3, 2020 Mumbai meri Jaan lived and worked here for almost twenty years. Moved here to live on my own at age 19. This city embraced me with open arms and kept me safe. A cosmopolitan, inclusive, diverse, beautiful city. Dia Mirza (@deespeak) September 3, 2020 Dear @KanganaTeam Mumbai is the city where your dream of becoming a Bollywood star has been fulfilled, one would expect you to have some respect for this wonderful city. It's appalling how you compared Mumbai with POK! https://t.co/FXjkGxqfBK Renuka Shahane (@renukash) September 3, 2020 Check out some more reactions on Twitter: Imagine if Aamir Khan or Kiran Rao had compared Mumbai to PoK during Fadnaviss tenure as CM. Imagine the outrage, the twitter boycott trends, the abuse, the TV debates, the threats, the FIRs that would have happened. Just imagine. Rohini Singh (@rohini_sgh) September 3, 2020 Hate the industry Hate the city Hate the police Madam you are not a tree, you can move https://t.co/4rS5oMPJh1 Shivani Chopra (@ShivaniChopra_) September 3, 2020 When Kiran Rao felt unsafe in India, BJP Leaders: Go to Pakistan Kangana: Go To Pakistan But now when Kangana feeling unsafe in Mumbai, Mumbai is Pakistan Sarcasm (@SarcasticRofl) September 3, 2020 The Queen actor has been lashing out unabashedly at the cliques and prevalent nepotism in the Bollywood industry since the tragic death of Sushant Singh Rajput. Tran Quoc Viet, chairman of the Management Board cum general director of Cat Tuong (left), and Tetsuya Fujimoto, director of public affairs at Top Textiles (right), signing the land lease agreement "Prestigious" and "professional" are the words most frequently used when it comes to Cat Tuong Real Estate Group. In the southern region, the success of Cat Tuong Group is marked with a series of completed large-scale projects like Cat Tuong Western Pearl Urban Area (Vi Thanh city, Hau Giang province), Cat Tuong Phu Hung (Dong Xoai city, Binh Phuoc province), or Cat Tuong Phu Sinh (Long An province). To become a leader in the real estate industry, Cat Tuong is gradually scaling up its operation, stretching from commercial real estate to resort and industrial real estate. Aurora IP, also known as Rang Dong Textile and Garment Industrial Park, is located in Ninh Co Economic Zone over a total area of nearly 14,000 hectares, including airports, seaports, and power plants, among others. The area is set to become an international industrial park, attracting domestic and foreign investors. Phase 1 with the total planning of nearly 520ha is almost finished with the completion of associated infrastructure. Aurora IP is now eligible to attract and welcome investors in the fields of garment, textile-dyeing, supporting industries, and other services. Even though the world is undergoing many challenges and difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other complexities, Aurora IP still proves its attractiveness and unique value as a well-invested industrial park by closing a deal with a total investment surpassing $200 million for land lease contracts with two investors to develop high-tech textile and dyeing projects. Top Textile Vietnam is a strategic project of Hong Kong's leading investor group and one of Japan's largest multidisciplinary economic groups. The launch of the project is expected to boost the evolution of the local textile and garment industry as well as an aid to the realisation of the global textile value chain restructuring strategy. Jehong Textile Vietnam also marked success in attracting investors leading the state-of-the-art dyeing technology, enhancing its commitment to contributing to Vietnam's green manufacturing industry. As the global economy has been full of hardships, construction and operation activities in the sector have reflected a good prospect for sustainable growth in textile. It has also demonstrated the effective strategies of Nam Dinh province and capacity of Cat Tuong. In Ohio, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Marshals Service and state law enforcement has chalked up a victory in the war on child trafficking after Operation Safety Net recovered 25 missing children in its first two weeks of operation. But the search is far from over. The ongoing effort, first announced on Aug. 6, so far has found missing children and teens from all over the state and in Florida. Based in Cleveland, the operation has extended into Akron, Mansfield, Euclid, and Willoughby, the agency shared in a press release, reported WBTV. (Illustration Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock) The victims are aged between 13 and 18, and some were located as far away as Miami, Florida. Alarmingly, 25 percent of the children recovered in the operations first month were confirmed to be victims of human trafficking or prostitution. These are kids that have been abused, neglected, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott told WOIO. Sometimes the situations they they go to, believe it or not, may be better than the situations they left from. Weve had some cases where the mother and or father, or both, may have been prostituting their own child. Elliott explained that the assembled task force is trying to play its role in eradicating the scourge of child trafficking. A number of these children have gone to the hospital after weve recovered them to get checked out, he said, so again, this is something we take very seriously. Despite the effort being, in Elliotts words, unchartered territory for the Marshals, its also been effective. Ill tell you this, it will be something well be doing every year, he added. However, there is still more work to be done. There are approximately 200 children reported missing in Northeast Ohio, and the USMS aims to find all of them. (Illustration Yupa Watchanakit/Shutterstock) An estimated 460,000 children are reported missing in the United States every single year, according to the FBIs National Crime Information Center. There has never been a better time to intensify the search than now. Human traffickers actively target vulnerable minors, recruit children who are already missing, or target kids who are neglected at home and can be lured away, Suzanne Lewis-Johnson, a former FBI agent, now CEO at RAHAB Ministries in Ohio, told USA Today. Right now, I believe our children are more vulnerable to traffickers than theyve ever been, she added. We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc Nigerian traders in Ghana have accused local authorities of discrimination after many had their shops closed in the capital Accra. They say it's part of a trade war in the region that has seen foreign businessmen fighting for control over local retail with native Ghanaians since 2019. Since last year the Ghana Union of Traders Association has been pushing for the application of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) laws, which prohibits foreigners from becoming involved in retail trade, and only allowing Ghanaians. This has led to the persistent closure of foreign-owned retail shops with several hundred Nigerian-owned stores being affected in Circle and Kumasi, the capital cities of the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions respectively. Traders have been already suffering with the pandemic that deepened the economic crisis in the region, and the restrictions being imposed now by Ghana authorities are leaving them in an ever more difficult situation, said Ebuka Chukwu who works in Ghana to support his parents in Nigeria and whose store was also closed. According to Chukwuemeka Nnaji, President of the Nigeria Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG), the Ghanaian trade authorities have told them that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals will not be affected by the one million US dollar threshold mandated by the GIPC law for non-citizens who want to invest in Ghana. For Nnaji, the measures being taken by local authorities against Nigerians are not following the ECOWAS protocols on trade, and the NUTAG has petitioned the Nigerian government to intervene. Last week the Nigerian government issued a statement saying it has been registering acts of hostility towards Nigeria and Nigerians by the Ghanaian authorities adding that it will not tolerate such treatment of its citizens. The Ghanaian government has denied the allegations. The fight over retail commerce that some may consider a minor issue, could affect the future of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA), that has still to be ratified by Nigeria, said Louis Afful, an international economic analyst. The race for a covid-19 vaccine: 5 things you need to know As countries brace for a resurgence in covid-19 infections, there is a scramble to be the first to get to a vaccine 2021: YEAR OF THE VACCINE? advertisement advertisement If 2020 was the year of the pandemic, 2021 could turn out to be the year of the vaccine. Recently, Union health and family welfare minister Harsh Vardhan said India could have a vaccine by year-end. Three vaccine candidates are being tested currently in the country. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, to be manufactured by Punes Serum Institute of India, is in combined phase 2 and 3 trials. Bharat Biotech-ICMRs COVAXIN, the first indigenous covid-19 vaccine, and Zydus Cadilas ZyCov-D, are in phase 2 trials. WHY PHASE 3 TRIALS MATTER According to the World Health Organizations (WHOs) draft landscape of covid-19 candidate vaccines, 33 are in clinical evaluation right now. The most important stage is phase 3 trials, when the vaccine is given to thousands of volunteers to see if it can actually offer protection from the novel coronavirus. These trials try to identify side effects that may have been missed out in the earlier phases. According to The New York Times Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, nine vaccines are in large-scale phase 3 efficacy trials. advertisement advertisement JUMPING THE QUEUE Two vaccines in China and one in Russia have been given approval for limited use and early use, respectively. On 30 August, the US too announced that it would consider fast-tracking the approval process to finalize a vaccine. The head of WHOs emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, says this would need intensive monitoringmove too quickly to vaccinate millions, and you may miss certain adverse effects. Photo: Getty Images HOW MANY DOSES DO WE NEED? Vaccine development can take years. But such is the urgency when it comes to checking the spread of covid-19 that manufacturers around the world have already started speeding up parts of the production process to save time when a vaccine candidate is finalized. At present, around 172 countries are working with the COVAX Global Vaccines Facility, WHOs covid-19 vaccine programme, which aims to deliver two billion doses by the end of next year to all participating countries, in proportion to their population. WHO GETS IT FIRST? advertisement advertisement Some wealthy nations have pre-ordered more than two billion doses. In August, the US pre-ordered 800 million doses of six vaccines that are in development. The UK has signed a deal with US company Novavax and Belgian firm Janssen to procure 90 million dosestaking its potential stockpile to around 340 million doses. A Reuters report says Japan too has booked 250 million doses from firms such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer and BioNTech. The scramble could leave low- and middle-income countries struggling. 09:25 Tokens will not be accepted in the Delhi Metro when its services resume after a gap of over five months on September 7, transport minister Kailash Gahlot said on Thursday. The minister held a meeting with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and transport department officers during the day, discussing the standard operating procedure for metro operations. He said Civil Defence volunteers and personnel from the Enforcement wing of the Transport department would be deployed at the stations to help in crowd management and ensure proper social distancing by the passengers. "Tokens will not be allowed in Metro trains in Delhi to ensure protection against COVID-19 infection. Also, all the stations, except those in containment zones, will be open but depending on crowd, only some gates may open," he told PTI. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed opening of Metro train services in the country from September 7 in a graded manner. Its guidelines allow use of token for travel after proper sanitisation. The minister also said some trains may skip a few stations, after origin station, depending on the number of passengers in them and at the stations. After being closed for over five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Delhi Metro services will be resumed in three stages from September 7-12, but stations located in containment zones will remain closed, DMRC officials said on Wednesday. Train services will commence with adequate frequency as they were before March 22, which may be increased or decreased as per requirement. However, due to trains halting for longer duration at stations, there will be minor increase in time required for performing a trip, they said. The total number of entry points at the stations will be heavily curtailed to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety norms, the officials had said. Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev issued an order on Thursday that stated Metro rail services in NCT of Delhi will be allowed with effect from September 7, in a graded manner, subject to strict compliance of broad guidelines issued by MHA and the SOP of DMRC, as well as other guidelines of the government of India and the Delhi government to contain the spread of COVID-19. -- PTI (CNN) - The World Health Organization said that people not countries should be given priority when it comes to possible COVID-19 vaccines. The first priority must be to vaccinate some people in all countries, rather than all people in some countries, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a Friday briefing. We want all people everywhere to have access to vaccines. But initially, when supply is limited, priority must be given to vaccinating essential workers and those most at risk, including older people and those with underlying conditions, he added. Tedros said using vaccines effectively across the world is a global public good and it is in the the national interest of each and every country. Vaccine nationalism will prolong the problem, not shorten it, Tedros said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "People not countries should be given priority for COVID-19 vaccine, WHO says" By Ayan Gupta The Allahabad High Court, in a celebrated order, dropped the charges under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, 1980 [NSA] against Dr Kafeel Khan. Dr Khan had been arrested in the aftermath of a speech given by him on 12 December 2019 at the Aligarh Muslim University [AMU] campus, against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 [CAA]. Support TwoCircles In the aftermath of the speech, the Uttar Pradesh police charged him with promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion. The relevant part of the speech, based on which the charges were filed, was Mota Bhai teaches us that we will become Hindu or Muslim but not human by CAA, we will be made second class citizens after that by the implementation of NRC they will trouble you by saying your fathers documents are not correct you will be made to run around. This is a fight for existence and will have to fight. In the aftermath of these charges, Dr Kafeel was arrested by the police, two months later, in February of 2020. After his arrest, his bail application was approved by the District Magistrate [DM]. Immediately after the bail order, the Deputy Inspector General, Aligarh requested the DM to pass an order for preventive detention under Section 3(2) of the NSA, which allows for a person to be detained when the Central/State Government is satisfied that a person is acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. Accordingly, the DM passed an order for preventive detention reasoning that the violence which took place in Aligarh on 13 December 2019, a day after Dr Khans speech, was caused directly as a result of his speech, and that thus, he caused disturbance to public order. Further, the DM stated that Through discrete inquiry by the district police it has been brought to my knowledge that upon being released on bail there is a strong and complete likelihood of your re-entering district Aligarh and further instigating the students by coming to AMU thereby posing a serious threat to the prevailing public order. The order did not provide any reasoning as to how Dr Khans speech instigated the violence, or on what basis did the district police reach the conclusion that Dr Khan may further instigate violence post his release from Jail. In this context, after Dr Khans appeals to the State and Central Government had been rejected, his mother filed the present petition, which landed before the Allahabad High Court. The petitioners argued that there is no evidence to reach any of the conclusions laid down in the detention order, and further, that the detention order was passed in order to frustrate the approved bail application of Dr Khan; The detention order is bad in law as there was no opportunity afforded to Dr Khan to make a representation against the order and that the grounds of the order were not communicated to him; Finally, that the detention of Dr Kafeel Khan deserves to be revoked as the State of Uttar Pradesh as well as the Central Government failed to decide expeditiously the representation submitted by Dr Khan. On the other hand, the State argued that to pass a detention order under Section 3(2) of the NSA, the DM only is required to record his subjective satisfaction, and thus, the HC cannot substitute its own reasoning for that of the DM. In effect, the state argued that the act gave the DM unrestrained power and that subjective satisfaction is not bound by any limitation, and not subject to judicial review. The Court, however, while agreeing with the State that it cannot substitute the DMs decision for its own, held that subjective satisfaction does not mean that any decision of the DM based on his whim can be sustained. It clarified, by relying on Supreme Court precedent that the subjective satisfaction of the relevant functionary, in the context of preventive detention, must be acceptable to a person with reasonable wisdom and that it must satisfy rationality of normal thinking. Thus, in effect, it must be based on some evidence showing a direct causal link between the instigation (or possibility thereof) and the actions of the accused. Moreover, for the subjective satisfaction to arise, the facts and circumstances that were existing on the day and/or at that point in time of passing of detention order had to be borne in mind. The detention order dated 13.02.2020, that came to be passed two months after the speech was delivered by Dr Khan at AMU, thus, did not fulfil the criteria of subjective satisfaction. It was held that in Dr Khans case, there was no evidence on record to establish any link between his speech and the violence on 13th December. Neither was there any evidence to show that he may try to instigate violence post his release. The Court specifically rejected the Polices contention that Dr Khan had been in contact with unruly elements in jail too, in order to cause violence in Aligarh. There was no evidence, therefore, for any of the allegations forwarded by the prosecution. Thus, no person of reasonable wisdom could have concluded that Dr Khan intended to or was acting in any manner prejudicial to the public order. To drive home the point, the Court does a complete reading of Dr Khans speech, which has been reproduced word for word in the order. The Court observes that the speech in no manner instigates anyone to violence and that the DM did only a selective reading of the speech, choosing to focus only on one paragraph (as reproduced above). Dr Khans speech includes an appeal against causing any violence and instead requests for unity and national integration, which had not been taken into consideration by the DM. The Court specifically observes that, from the speech, there is no prima facie case that Dr Kafeel intended to instigate violence. The Court further noted that the NSA charges were filed only in February 2020 and that if Dr Kafeel would have intended to instigate violence, he couldve easily done so in the 2 months he was roaming free. Further, it was also held that not providing Dr Khan with the notice of preventive detention, and giving him a CD of his speech without any means to play the same, amounts to non-supply of material. For the above said reasons, the Court concluded that Dr Khans detention under Section 3(2) of the NSA is unsustainable in law. The court also held the extension of detention to be illegal, as orders of the extension were never served upon the detenue. It is noteworthy that the Court refused to rely on any of the insinuations offered by the Police, in the absence of any evidence to support such claims. It instead chose to give supremacy to the Liberty, which it called the mother of other Fundamental Rights. Ayan Gupta is a student of Law at National Law University Delhi (NLUD). Key Highlights The 300-year-old industry is working with the government to introduce BIS certification India has over 1000 manufacturers and a Rs 7000-crore worth branded industry India exports agarbattis worth about Rs 900 crore a year to nearly 150 countries The humble and simple agarbattis, which lend a spiritual fragrance to our lives, will now come to our homes and religious congregations with improved quality and health safety. The agarbatti manufacturers are working with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to soon introduce quality standards and certification, says office bearers of the All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association (AIAMA). "We have been working with the BIS and the government to introduce BIS certification scheme for agarbatti manufacturers to ensure quality of our products. Due to COVID-19 situation, it got a bit delayed," said Arjun Ranga, President, AIAMA. The move was started after Indian agarbattis, a 300-plus year old unique Indian industry and made from natural raw materials, was accused a few years ago with unsubstantiated reports of causing pollution and health issues, they said. The Indian agarbatti industry has over 1,000 organised branded manufacturers, mostly second or third generation, with a combined turnover of over Rs 7,000 crore a year, growing at 5-7 per cent a year. The unbranded and unorganised market is estimated to be about Rs 4,000 crore. The average revenue of branded manufacturers is about Rs 15 lakh to Rs 2 crore a year. Most of the brands have a strong regional turf and brand equity. They also export agarbattis worth about Rs 900 crore a year to nearly 150 countries, mainly to the US, the South American continent, Middle East and South East Asia having a strong Indian diaspora. Unlike most other FMGC products, the agarbattis have 11,000-plus exclusive distributors in the country, mostly running the business for generations. Over four lakh people are employed in this cottage industry, mostly women. It is estimated that India lights about 50 crore sticks a day for spiritual blessings, they said. Due to availability of raw materials, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu were the main manufacturing centres until a few decades ago. Now the industry has a PAN-India presence, with manufacturing hubs in places like Ahmedabad, Surat, UP, Nagpur, Balasore in Orissa and some pockets in Madhya Pradesh. Semi-mechanisation has improved production, because cheap labour is an issue to maintain the thin margins. The biggest issue is raw materials - mainly bamboo sticks, Jigat powder made from bark of its tree and charcol. The industry requires about 15,000 tonnes of raw material a month. Jigat is grown in forests and only tribals can harvest as it is classified as a Minor Forest Produce (MFP) item. Now efforts are on to grow bamboo and Jigat in non-forest areas to meet the demand. The fragrance and aroma is a trade secret of the perfumer specialist turned agarbatti manufacturer, who normally inherit the recipe. "Attempts of some large corporates to corner a good share of the market in the past was unsuccessful mainly because of the nature of our industry. Those who still remain in this business outsource from us and only market the products," said Arjun Ranga. He said agarbattis are used in many Buddhist tradition countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, but the nature of ingredients and consumption pattern are different. There was an attempt in the past to dump these incense sticks into the Indian market, but did not succeed. In the west, agarbattis are used as a cheap room freshener than a spiritual product, and aroma industry uses over 500 perfume fragrances for these products. Also Read: GDP CONTROVERSY: At -75% 'annualised' GDP, India still the worst performer Also Read: Hacking of PM Modi's personal website's Twitter handle not related to earlier attacks Also Read: JEE, NEET Exams to go ahead, Supreme Court rejects states' plea to review order fully supports Belarus' sovereignty and independence, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said here while meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "While we are in hospitable Minsk, we would like to stress that fully supports Belarus' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Mishustin said on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.. Pointing out that Belarus shares a close relationship with Russia, Mishustin said, "This is also about hundreds, thousands, or millions of people who are practically one nation." Mishustin also said the governments of the two countries are in regular close contact. --IANS rt/ (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.) A unique opportunity is coming to Jewish high school students in Orlando this fall: The chance to earn two private college credits while exploring the tenets of Judaism. The course is being offered by CTeen U, a collaboration of Yeshiva University and CTeen International. Yeshiva University is the worlds premier Jewish institution for higher education. It is home to a network of undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate programs offer a unique dual curriculum comprising Jewish studies and liberal arts, sciences, and business courses. CTeen, the Chabad Teen Network, is the fa... One-year-old warrior Tessa Hodgson, of Ottawa, Canada, has been battling cancer since she was just 3 months old. However, on Aug. 5, she celebrated her first birthday in grand style, with balloons and a pink princess dress; and most importantly she wore a beaming smile. Tessa is one year old today! her mom, Rachel Pascas, posted on Facebook. We are so proud of this warrior; shes been through so much and shes stronger than ever! On achieving this milestone, Tessas parents couldnt be more elated, as the little fighter has had to face so much in the course of her first year of life. In an email interview with The Epoch Times, Rachel shared her brave-hearted girls journey so far. Tessas Arrival Rachel said that she and her husband, Rob Hodgson, were elated to discover they were pregnant with Tessa back in 2018. Rachel had suffered a miscarriage a few months previously, but her trepidation about carrying another baby was far outweighed by excitement. Baby Tessa was born on Aug. 5, 2019, and all seemed well for the first three months of her life. Then, one day, in November Tessa began vomiting. I was so worried she would become dehydrated that I brought her to the hospital, Rachel recalled. I thought it was acid reflux. The family spent the day in the emergency room. An ultrasound and a followup CT scan reaped a devastating result; Tessa had a 6-by-5-centimeter tumor on the left parietal lobe of her brain. While crediting their physician, Dr. Ritchie, for saving Tessas life, Rachel admitted, We were broken. Tessa is one year old today! We are so proud of this warrior; shes been through so much and shes stronger than ever! Posted by Tessa Hodgson's Battle Against Brain Cancer: ATRT on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Tessas Diagnosis Rachel is a registered neurosurgical nurse at the Ottawa Hospital for adults, so hearing her daughters diagnosis hit especially hard and left the mom of two devastated and terrified. I know too much, she explained. I honestly thought it was a sick joke at first. Tessa underwent her first 12-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor. A shunt was placed weeks later to help remove excess fluid before three rounds of induction chemotherapy in Ottawa and three rounds of intensive chemotherapy and stem cell transplants in Toronto. The baby girl also had two small surgeries in mid-August 2020, one of which inserted a new feeding tube into Tessas stomach, and a bigger surgery on Aug. 25 to remove a cancerous lump under her right arm. Explaining Tessas official diagnosis further, Rachel said that atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) are characterized by recurrent tumors, the symptoms of which include weakness in Tessas right arm and hand and compromised vision in her right eye. The baby girl has also been late reaching her developmental milestones, Rachel shared, largely due to spending so much time in hospital. Trials and Triumphs Looking back on the journey so far in being Tessas mother, Rachel shares the biggest challenge for her lies in separating her roles as nurse and mother and mediating the guilt she feels for giving her baby girl more attention than Tessas older sister, Rylee. However, Tessas sweet temperament, said the mom of two, makes it easy to focus on the positives. Despite needing a number of medications to control chronic pain, Tessa is the happiest baby you will ever meet. Rachel and Rob both describe their daughter as an old soul, who is able to bear her lot in life and find joy despite the hardship that engulfs her. Tessa is truly an angel on earth, said Rachel. She is the strongest warrior; her smile keeps me strong! Meanwhile, throwing a joyful first birthday party for their courageous little girl was a respite for parents Rachel and Rob, and a reminder for the whole family of what prevails when times get tough. Alluding to the special moment, Rachel said: I was so happy for Tessa to have conquered her first grueling year. She further continued, but also worried about how many more birthdays Tessa has to celebrate []She has been through more in one year than most people have to go through in a lifetime. One Day at a Time When The Epoch Times asked Rachel about what the couples philosophy on staying strong is, she said: Rob and I promised ourselves[] that this would not tear us apart, but it would bring us together and make us stronger. She further added: Id say our philosophy is, One day at a time, and, Think positively! God has a plan! Additionally, the parents have also received an outpouring of support from people around the world as they continue to share Tessas journey online. Rachel admitted not knowing quite how her family would have coped without the love and support gleaned from their online community. We are overwhelmed, she said. People are incredible! The couple has also taken the opportunity to create awareness of childhood cancer and let cancer families know that they arent alone in this battle. As for the brave little Tessa, at the time of writing, she is undergoing radiation treatment. Please continue to pray with us, Rachel posted on the Facebook page where she documents Tessas journey. The doctors say this radiation is not curative, but we are fully believing in a miracle! We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc Libya arms embargo totally ineffective: UN official Iran Press TV Thursday, 03 September 2020 8:16 AM A United Nations (UN) official has warned of "blatant" violations of the arms embargo on conflict-ridden Libya, where warring sides have been receiving direct and indirect support from foreign patrons. Stephanie Williams, the interim UN envoy for Libya, raised the alarm on Wednesday and said the foreign supporters of the Libyan warring sides had failed to observe the arms embargo, which has been in place against the country since 2011. The purported violations come despite pledges made by 16 states and organizations during a summit in Berlin in January not to interfere in Libya's internal affairs and its conflict and to "fully respect" the arms embargo. "The arms embargo remains totally ineffective," Williams said, adding that the violations were "extensive, blatant and with complete disregard for the sanctions." Williams said some 70 resupply planes had landed in and three cargo ship had docked at ports in Libya's east, which is the stronghold of the rebels, since July 8. The UN envoy warned that any reckless action "risks igniting large-scale confrontation, with the devastating consequences this would entail for the country and the region at large." The Libyan rebels are supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Jordan. They launched an unsuccessful military offensive to seize the capital, Tripoli, and unseat the government in April 2019. The Libyan military has undone many of the rebels' gains with crucial support from its own patron, Turkey. Libya plunged into chaos when NATO intervened in the country in the middle of an uprising in 2011, toppling its longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Since 2014, the country has been split between the internationally-recognized government in Tripoli, and the eastern-based rebels. Libya discovers new mass grave In another development on Wednesday, the Libyan government said a new mass grave had been found in the southwestern city of Tarhuna, which was the last major stronghold of the rebels before it was recently liberated after 14 months. "The grave contains the remains of an unidentified number of bodies," Abdul Aziz Al-Jaafari, a spokesman for Libya's General Authority for Research and Identification of Missing Persons, told Turkey's Anadolu news agency. The Libyan government has discovered several mass graves in Tripoli and Tarhuna in the wake of the rebels' defeat in his recent offensive on the capital. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More than 100million half price meals were enjoyed under the 'Rishi's Dishes' scheme to breathe new life into restaurants, pubs and cafes. It seems an astonishing 36million meals were eaten on Bank Holiday Monday alone in a final cut price blow out. On the face of it, that was three times more than on the first three days of the scheme at the beginning of August. The 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme has cost the taxpayer 522million to date and the final bill could well top 600million when all the claims are in. This figure should be set against an original estimate of 500million and suggests Britons love a bargain more than they fear the pandemic. Meanwhie Chancellor Rishi Sunak is said to have hinted that the 50 per cent off scheme could return in Britain next year to boost the economy again. Diners eat out in London's Chinatown on Monday evening on the last day of Eat Out to Help Out People enjoy a meal outside in Windsor on Monday afternoon as the scheme came to an end Many restaurants were fully booked when the scheme came to an end on Bank Holiday Monday with some people warned of queues of up to three hours. The Treasury said that 84,700 establishments signed up making 130,000 claims worth 522 million. Officials said the higher than expected spending should be seen as a positive in terms of protecting businesses and jobs. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: 'From the get-go our mission has been to protect jobs, and to do this we needed to be creative, brave and try things that no government has ever done before. 'Today's figures continue to show Eat Out to Help Out has been a success. I want to thank everyone, from restaurant owners to waiters, chefs and diners, for embracing it and helping drive our economic recovery.' According to OpenTable data, restaurant bookings increased by an average of 53 per cent on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the whole of August, compared to the same days in 2019. A large queue of young people forms outside a Wagamama in Brighton city centre on Monday Diners are seen queuing outside this McDonald's branch in Leeds on Monday for table service On Monday, bookings were up 216 per cent compared to the equivalent day in 2019. Could Eat Out to Help Out return next year? Rishi Sunak is said to have hinted that the 50 per cent off Eat Out to Help Out scheme could return in Britain next year. The Chancellor privately told Conservative MPs that the scheme could come back if the economic recovery is slower than hoped, according to The Sun. The newspaper reported that he was asked in a private meeting with Tories atives on Wednesday how the Government might be able to combat a slow comeback. He is said to have told colleagues: 'We know in the short term we can use the tax system to drive economic activity, and depending on how the shape of the recovery is we can look to do more of that.' One Tory MP who was present at the meeting told The Sun: 'It was pretty clear he meant more Eat Out, everyone loves it.' Advertisement There had been an upward trend in the scheme's popularity since it launched, with 10.5m meals claimed for in the first week and 35 million meals by the end of the second. It was 64m in the third and over 100m by August 31. The Chancellor's Plan for Jobs, announced last month, also includes cutting VAT for tourism and hospitality to 5 per cent, a 2billion Kickstart Scheme, which opened for applications this week, and an 8.8billion investment in infrastructure, decarbonisation and maintenance projects. Barclays Group chief executive, Jes Staley, said: 'The scheme has given the industry a real boost, and will hopefully support the jobs of many hardworking restaurant and fast-food employees across the country. 'Consumer feedback was also very encouraging, with almost one in five planning to continue dining out more often to support the industry, and a similar number saying that they will return to restaurants that they would not have visited otherwise.' Chief executive of UK Hospitality, Kate Nicholls, said: 'Our members have reported very strong bookings throughout August at a time when the sector really needed a boost. 'It has helped provide a lift in consumer confidence which is going to be key for hospitality businesses as they look to reopen and help rebuild the economy. 'The scheme has provided a timely boost in trade which will have helped many businesses safeguard jobs all around the UK.' David Page, chairman of Fulham Shore, which owns Franco Manca and The Real Greek, said: 'Eat Out to Help Out immediately increased our restaurant customer numbers by over 50 per cent, thus enabling us to get all our staff back to work. 'In fact, we are now creating new jobs by hiring and training more people as fast as we can.' One thing is for sure, Rolls-Royce has designed the Ghost with a few specific regions in mind such as the Arabic and Chinese-speaking markets. No worries, the Americas and Europe have not been forgotten either, if we are to trust its teasing strategy. It all boils down to the crucial importance of the base sedan for the changing automaker that just premiered its new brand identity a few hours before officially revealing the Ghost to the world.Some will dare to say the new Ghost is just about the same as the predecessor . In absolute terms they wouldnt be entirely mistaken. But when it comes to the stratosphere of luxury, designers tread on such thin ice you would imagine they are actually in chains when in front of their drawing boards. As such, attention to detail is crucial just look at the botched job Bentley did with the Mulsanne.Still, let us guide you through some of the subtle differences between generations. The team of specialists tasked with bringing the new iteration in front of us today was formed no less than six years ago and you might be surprised to learn that just two elements were kept from the previous installment the door-hidden umbrellas and the Spirit of Ecstasy.The rest is brand new and the design is supported by the engineering transition to the company's rigid aluminum Rolls-Royce spaceframe architecture, the same one that underpins the larger Phantom . There was no other way around the styling Rolls-Royce doesnt afford to mess up with the winning formula of its most successful product in 116 years of history.Notable differences include the new (illuminated) corporate grille that relegated the Spirit of Ecstasy further down the hood, a single-element lower air intake with signature lateral wings, and a clear reinterpretation of the rear end.Moving on, underneath the new Post Opulent design philosophy hide a few altered dimensions. The new total length of 5,546 mm (218.34 inches) has grown by 89 mm (3.5 in.) and the overall width has been increased by 30 mm (1.18 in.) to 1,978 mm (77.87 in.) for better proportions and more interior space.Rolls-Royce also moved the 6.75-liter V12 behind the front axle to reach the perfect 50:50 wight distribution. That doesnt seem to have an impact on the cockpit, which is just as luxurious and hospitable as ever.Or more so, according to the company, because the engineers worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible sound insulation level and designers came up with the new Illuminated Fascia dashboard that incorporates the illuminated Ghost calligraphy and no less than 850 LED stars.We are a bit disappointed that Rolls-Royce did not come up with some sort of modern reinterpretation of the classic control elements the wheels for selecting the temperature dont look vintage, they simply seem dated when putting the new innovations in balance.Luxury is at home inside the 2021 Ghost, with a wide choice of leathers, woods, metal and exactly 20 half-hides with 338 panels used for each example.The driver is not exactly the point of focus here, but he could also benefit along with the rest of the passengers, including the backseat stars - from the all-wheel drivetrain, all-wheel steering and redesigned Planar Suspension System, with everything done in the name of the signature Magic Carpet Ride.Everything is effortless nowadays including the door-operating procedure on the new Ghost. The company introduces a new system that not only soft-closes the doors, but also power-assists them when being opened. We hope the Ghost patrons will remember that when exiting the car in a fully packed parking lot...Rolls-Royce has decided that classic V12 power is not to be abandoned so the second generation still uses the same iconic 6.75-liter V12. The twin-turbocharged powerplant packs 563 bhp (571 ps) and 850 Nm / 627 lb. ft. of twist from just 1,600 rpm.That would be enough for the 2,490 kg (5,489.5 lbs.) limousine to effortlessly reach a 155 mph (250 kph) electronically governed maximum speed after powering through the 60-mph sprint in just 4.6 seconds (100 kph in 4.8 seconds). Artist's rendering of development planned for portion of Penn's Landing between Market and Chestnut Streets by developer Hoffman & Associates. Read more Another rival has emerged with a bid for the Penns Landing site that the 76ers are eyeing to rebuild: a group led by developer Hoffman & Associates of Washington. The Hoffman plan calls for a dense cluster of high-rise buildings along the waterfront between Market and Chestnut Streets, north of the planned park that would cap I-95, according to site renderings and a plan summary provided to The Inquirer. The Hoffman proposal also posits a row of shorter towers fronting boat slips to the south between Spruce and Lombard Streets. Our proposal is to create a true world-class waterfront neighborhood for the city of Philadelphia, Hoffman wrote in the summary. We will mix for-sale and rental housing with hotel, office, retail, restaurant, cultural, and entertainment uses together to create a vibrant 18-hour neighborhood which is open and accessible to all people [and] respects the rich history of the site. Hoffman is the third developer known to have submitted proposals to the Delaware River Waterfront Corp., the government-affiliated nonprofit that owns Penns Landing, after the Sixers and New York real estate company the Durst Organization. The Hoffman proposal names concert promoters Live Nation and Bowery Presents as potential music venue operators. As with the Sixers plan, it envisions moving the African American Museum from Seventh and Arch Streets to the waterfront, where it would join an upgraded Seaport Museum. Other proposed collaborators include the Enterprise Center, a West Philadelphia-based employment-development nonprofit, and Asana Partners, a retail-focused real estate group in Charlotte, N.C., that has been an active buyer of Center City property. The project is projected to create nearly 13,000 jobs during its construction and operation, and to generate more than $860 million in annual labor income, according to the summary. The company also said it would not seek any tax breaks for its project beyond standard development tools utilized in Philadelphia and ... customary state and federal grants and other similar programs. This would seem to contrast it with the plan of the 76ers, which seeks especially generous tax treatment. The news website Billy Penn, which was first to report the Hoffman bid, had said that the company would seek to fund its proposal through a method called Tax Increment Financing, or TIF. Such arrangements let companies repay their construction debt with some of the new local tax revenue being generated in an area that they helped redevelop. A person familiar with the Hoffman proposal told The Inquirer that it no longer planned to seek a TIF designation. Hoffmans existing projects include the Wharf, a promenade of restaurants, hotels, shops and residences along the Potomac River in Washington. It was among the bidders for the next phase of redevelopment at the Navy Yard, although it was not selected. The companys main partners on the Penns Landing bid are Gattuso Development Partners, a firm founded by John Gattuso, the former Liberty Property Trust managing director, and Black-owned real estate company the Badger Group, according to the summary. Gattusos previous longtime boss at Liberty, the companys former chief executive, William P. Hankowsky, is on the DRWC board of directors. Both left Liberty, whose previous projects had included Comcasts two Center City high-rises, around the time of its acquisition early this year by industrial real estate group Prologis Inc. A DRWC spokesperson did not immediately respond to a message from The Inquirer Friday asking whether Hankowsky is playing a role in the Penns Landing developers selection, and if so, whether any steps are being taken by the agency in light of his past work with Gattuso. The Penns Landing bids are in response to an announcement by the DRWC last fall that it was seeking developers to construct residential buildings with ground-floor shops and restaurants north and south of the 12-acre park planned over a section of I-95 between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. The 7.4-acre northern development site, bounded by Market and Chestnut, has hosted an ice- and roller-skating rink and, until its recent demolition, a hulking cement tower built for an ill-fated sky tram to Camden. The 3.7-acre southern section consists mostly of a parking lot bounded by Spruce and Lombard Streets. People familiar with the proposal by Sixers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer have said it will include a 19,000-seat arena nestled among apartments, a hotel, museums, a dozen or so restaurants, a supermarket, and a public school building. The Sixers are said to be seeking support through a financing mechanism pioneered in Allentown known as a Neighborhood Improvement Zone NIZ that has been described as a TIF on steroids because it makes state taxes as well as local ones available for use by developers. Durst has not shared any details of its plan or its funding strategies, citing the DRWCs request that bidders for the site not publicly discuss their proposals. Hoffman founder Monty Hoffman confirmed the companys Penns Landing bid in a statement, but provided no further details. Hoffman & Associates has an established history of working with neighbors, stakeholders and other community partners to create innovative, inclusive urban communities that deliver value and shape neighborhoods, he said. We look forward to continuing to work with DRWC through this process. Rawat said the country faces the most 'complex threats and challenges' spanning the full spectrum of conflict from nuclear to sub-conventional New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Thursday warned Pakistan against trying to take advantage of India's border row with China in eastern Ladakh, saying Islamabad could suffer "heavy losses" for any "misadventure". In an interactive session at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, General Rawat said also spoke about security implications of China's economic assistance to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir as well as its overall military, economic and diplomatic support to Islamabad. The Chief of Defence Staff said Pakistan could take advantage of India's border row with China, and it may create some trouble for New Delhi, adding a strategy has already been devised to deal with such a scenario. "If any threat develops around our northern borders, Pakistan could take advantage of that and create some trouble for us," he said. "Therefore, we have taken adequate precaution to ensure that any such misadventure by Pakistan is sorted and they are not able to succeed in their mission. In fact, they may suffer heavy losses should they attempt any misadventure," General Rawat said. He said Pakistan has been engaged in a proxy war against India and pushing terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, adding Pakistan attempted to spread terrorism in other parts of India as well. Talking about India's overall security challenges, the Chief of Defence Staff said the country faces the most "complex threats and challenges" spanning the full spectrum of conflict from "nuclear to sub-conventional". "The proxy war unleashed by Pakistan blocked India's efforts at regional integration besides fomenting terrorism against India and exploiting our diverse faultlines," he said. India has been adopting a tough approach in dealing with cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. India's warplanes pounded a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan in February last year days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. General Rawat said China's economic cooperation with Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir along with its continued military, economic and diplomatic support requires high levels of "preparations" by India. "At the same time it poses the threat of coordinated action along the northern and western fronts which we have to consider in our defence planning," he said. To a question on how the armed forces are dealing with coronavirus, General Rawat said none of the military personnel who are deployed on the frontline, flying aircraft and deployed at at sea are affected by the pandemic. Last year, Amanda Morgan watched a production of My Fair Lady at the Sydney Opera House, drove from Queenstown to Christchurch on New Zealands South Island, roamed through lavender fields in Provence and spent a week in Mykonos. She celebrated Christmas in Amsterdam and New Years Eve in Paris. When the coronavirus struck the United States, Ms. Morgan, 40, canceled this years big trip, which would have taken her to Jordan and Egypt in early May. She spent her vacation neither floating in the Dead Sea nor wandering around the archaeological site of Petra, but kayaking and watching cotton-candy sunsets at the Inns of Aurora, a resort in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. If I can see something truly beautiful four hours away as opposed to halfway across the world then Im fortunate to be able to have that opportunity, said Ms. Morgan, who lives in New York City and works in the financial services industry. U.S. coronavirus deaths projected to more than double to 410,000 by January U.S. deaths from the coronavirus will reach 410,000 by the end of the year, more than double the current death toll, and deaths could soar to 3,000 per day in December, the University of Washington's health institute forecast on Friday. Deaths could be reduced by 30% if more Americans wore face masks as epidemiologists have advised, but mask-wearing is declining, the university's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation said. The U.S. death rate projected by the IHME model, which has been cited by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, would more than triple the current death rate of some 850 per day. This plan will require the intervention of 2,400 members from the National Police (PNP), Armed Forces, municipalities and other State-run entities, who will conduct joint operations to guide, supervise and raise awareness among shopkeepers and consumers. Operational actions kicked off today with a trial phase in the districts of Los Olivos, Comas, Carabayllo and Puente Piedra, where authorities visited markets, hostels, restaurants, bus stops, bus terminals, among others, providing guidance on preventive measures to their managers. The awareness-raising activity collected information on compliance with the documentation and health protocols decreed to prevent infections, including the use of face masks, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and measures to guarantee social distancing. The second phase of this plan will include control operations to be carried out by the municipalities, with the support of law enforcement officers, starting the second week of September. During this stage, fines will be imposed and premises will be shut down, if needed. Said activities will continue progressively in other districts within Lima, Callao and the interior of the country, where law enforcement officers and inspectors will continue to meet with business managers and verify compliance with preventive measures. In this respect, Peruvian National Police General Orlando Velasco remarked that these actions aim to strengthen the control capacity of local governments at the national level, as well as instruct shopkeepers and consumers. El plan Fiscalizando por la salud 2020 reforzara la prevencion en los comercios ante la COVID-19. La @PoliciaPeru, el @CCFFAA_PERU, los municipios y otras entidades orientaran y velaran por el cumplimiento de los protocolos de bioseguridad. ?? https://t.co/oQXaQgJWoG pic.twitter.com/WPtM42NsPp HONG KONG: Financial firms in Hong Kong are scrambling to fortify their compliance operations following U.S. sanctions and Chinas new national security law, even as the sector pushes to cut costs amid the coronavirus pandemic. This underscores the growing challenges for firms operating in the Asian financial hub, which was roiled last year by often-violent pro-democracy, anti-China protests and is now in the crosshairs of mounting Sino-U.S. tensions. International asset managers and Asian banks have stepped up compliance hiring, while some are training existing staff and buying new technology to offset a talent crunch as candidates are unwilling to relocate amid the health crisis and the uncertainty in Hong Kong, bankers, lawyers and headhunters said. Demand for compliance staff has risen by as much as a third from a few months earlier, two headhunters said. In the past three months weve had demand from top-tier asset managers looking for regulatory compliance lawyers because they need experts in place when the U.S. and China keep slapping sanctions on each other," said Olga Yung, regional director at recruiter Michael Page Hong Kong. Because sanctions are a niche area", companies are hiring lawyers with some sanctions expertise and supplementing with external law firms, she said. AN ACTIVE MANDATE The United States has imposed sanctions on Hong Kongs Chief Executive Carrie Lam and 10 other officials for what it says is their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory. The sanctions came after Beijing imposed in late June a sweeping security law on Hong Kong, targeting seditious and subversive activities. A senior banker at an Asian lender in Hong Kong said he gave his compliance team a list of individuals and businesses linked to the sanctioned officials and the immediate response was to either close all those accounts or hire five more sanction-specialists to do a proper audit". The banker, declining to be named because the information was private, said they decided to hire two experts and organise sanctions training for the rest of the team, despite a company-wide attempt to limit spending. Chinese banks are also hiring. A headhunter said his firm received an active mandate" from two of Chinas Big Four banks for compliance experts in Hong Kong following the U.S. sanctions, without giving their names. The penalties levied for breaching sanctions can be large. Global banks operating in Hong Kong, including HSBC and Standard Chartered, paid billions of dollars in fines in recent years for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran and anti-money laundering rules. READING TEA LEAVES It is a Catch-22 situation for financial firms in Hong Kong. There are worries that firms implementing sanctions could run afoul of the security law. But banks also must guard their access to the U.S. financial system. The security law and the U.S. legislation are broadly worded and give much discretion to enforcement officers, adding to the uncertainty, lawyers said. This has pushed up the need for professionals, and means advising on compliance is like reading tea leaves", one added. The phone is ringing off the hook, and everyone doesnt only want work done, they want it immediately," said Benjamin Kostrzewa, an international trade and regulatory lawyer at Hogan Lovells. Its hard to even sign the engagement letter before the next client walks into the Zoom room". However, meeting the demand is difficult. Until recently there was limited need for specific U.S. sanctions knowledge in Hong Kongs legal and financial industries. Recruitment from rival financial hubs has been curtailed because of virus-related curbs and political uncertainty in Hong Kong, say headhunters. Some companies are using technology to bridge the gap. A year ago we were very focused on banks, but now clients are insurers and even casinos and real estate companies", said Bharath Vellore, APAC managing director at Accuity, which provides financial crime and sanctions lists screening software. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor There are things prosecutors dont know about the March 2012 disappearance of 53-year-old Rabihan Seiders, a prosecutor conceded to a Cumberland County jury Friday. Yet, after an eight-day trial, they have proven that Seiders husband, Hap, killed Rabihan, chopped up her body and incinerated it, with only partial success, in the fireplace of their Silver Spring Township home, Chief Deputy District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue insisted. We dont know exactly how Rabihan was killed, LaRue said during her closing argument in Hap Seiders homicide trial. But we do know where it happened. And we do know who did it. Who did it was this defendant, she said, pointing to the 66-year-old Seiders. Defense attorney George Matangos countered that prosecutors have proven no such thing. They havent even proven that a murder occurred, he said. Theres no actual proof that Rabihan is dead, Matangos said. He said it is likely that she fled the country with more than $1 million she stole from her husband, including untraceable gold coins. Matangos posed that she might be living in luxury in Kyrgyzstan, her native country in central Asia. Charred human bones police found in a box near the fireplace of the Seiders home about two weeks after Rabihan disappeared are not hers and were planted there by someone who wanted to frame Hap Seiders for a killing that never occurred, Matangos said. Those bones were subjected to heat far higher than could have been generated in that fireplace, he insisted. And, he stressed, there is no DNA evidenc that those bones are Rabihans. Matangos said Rabihan was a manipulator who was capable of committing such a fraud, Matangos said. Theres no way (prosecutors) have proven that Rabihans dead based on the evidence they have, he told the jurors. Do not allow the government to blow smoke. LaRue argued that Hap Seiders killed his wife because she was trying to free herself from his obsessive control. He said she took the gold coins from a safe in the home after an August 2011 domestic violence incident in an attempt to gain some leverage in their stormy relationship, the prosecutor said. Hap Seiders was obsessed about getting those coins back, LaRue said. He wasnt going to let it go, she said. And because he couldnt let it go, he killed her. He snapped. The jurors began deliberating after Judge Jessica E. Brewbaker instructed them on the law. Joe Biden, the Democratic Party presidential nominee, met with the family of Jacob Blake Thursday in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Blake is the Black man whose shooting by a white police officer set off days of protest and rioting in the midwestern city. Bidens campaign said the former vice president and his wife, Jill Biden, met in private with Blakes father, other family members and one of Blakes lawyers. Biden said he also spoke on the phone with the wounded man, who remains under treatment in a hospital. He "talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not, he was not going to give up, Biden reported. He also said Blake had been moved out of intensive care. Blake is partly paralyzed from the shooting. Biden said his wife and Blakes mother, who was also on the call, both said prayers. Blakes mother said, Im praying for Jacob and Im praying for the policeman as well. Im praying that things change. President Donald Trump, the Republican Party candidate, was in Kenosha two days earlier. He did not meet with Blakes family during the September 1 visit. He walked through damaged areas in the city and met with police officials to discuss how to contain the violence. After the meeting with Blakes family, Biden held a community meeting at a church in the city. Clergy, activists, small business owners and others attended the meeting. Biden spoke about the 2017 white supremacist march in Charlottesville where a man killed a young counter-protester. Biden criticized a comment Trump made after the killing, that theyre very fine people on both sides. It legitimizes the dark side of human nature, Biden said of the comment. Biden added, "We've reached an inflection point in American history. I honest to God believe we have an enormous opportunity now that the screen, the curtain has been pulled back on just whats going on in the country, to do a lot of really positive things. Why Wisconsin? Kenosha is a city of 100,000 people in the important political battleground state of Wisconsin. Trump narrowly won the state in the 2016 election. The latest polls, however, show Biden with a small lead there for the upcoming November 3 election. On Thursday, a small group of Biden supporters, some Black Lives Matter activists and a Trump supporter gathered at a Kenosha park that had been a focal point of demonstrations for days. Michelle Stauder, who was holding a Biden-Harris campaign sign, told the Associated Press, No ones perfect...But Im excited about Biden. And I like that hes here spreading the word of peace and rebuilding. Nearby is Kenneth Turner with a Trump-Pence sign under his arm. He said, Everyone is blaming Trump for everythingBut problems here have been around a long time before Trump. Trumps campaign manager said the candidate went to Kenosha because he is president. He added that Biden is only putting politics into a really serious situation that [the] president helped solve. The president plans to hold a campaign event later Thursday night in the state of Pennsylvania. Biden himself was in Pennsylvania on Monday to praise law enforcement officials and denounce violence. Pennsylvania is another battleground state that Trump narrowly won in 2016. Trump is also running behind Biden in the polls there. I'm Caty Weaver. Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English with additional reporting from the Associated Press. Caty Weaver was the editor. __________________________________________________ Words in This Story paralyzed - adj. unable to move part of the body counter-protester - compound noun: a person who is against the protester legitimize - v. make something acceptable inflection - n. a change enormous - adj. very great in size or amount opportunity - n. a time or situation in which something can be done positive - adj. good or useful Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army stand guard outside The Great Hall of People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on May 25, 2020. (Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images) Watershed Moment Looming for Chinese Regime, Says Victims of Communism Advocate COVID-19 coverup is China's Chernobyla disaster that has destroyed trust in the regime, says chair of Tribute to Liberty Much like Chernobyl was a watershed moment spelling the demise of the Soviet Union, COVID-19 has pushed the Chinese Communist Party onto a similar path of no return, says the chair of the group spearheading Ottawas soon-to-be-built Memorial to Victims of Communism. Polish-born Ludwik Klimkowski, chair of Tribute to Liberty, said he sees parallels between the public mood toward the Soviet Union right before it collapsed and the growing international backlash toward the Chinese regime due to its mishandling and coverup of the virus outbreak. I think were on the pathan expedited pathto basically removing the Chinese Communist Party from the governing of China, Klimkowski said in an interview. No one believes them anymore. No one even wants to come to the table to sign any agreement with the Chinese Communist Party because we know, just like we did know with the Soviet Union representatives of Communist Party, that they just lie. They dont tell us the truth. He notes that the Soviet regime also lied about the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl, claiming that nothing had happened and everything was under control. From 1986, no one believed what the Communist Party of the Soviet Union said afterwards. Ludwik Klimkowski, chair of Tribute to Liberty. (Handout) In 1989, a few years after the disaster, a series of revolutions within Eastern Bloc countriesPoland and Hungary in particularcaused a chain reaction that ultimately resulted in the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The key for the Polish people in resisting the regime was for dissenters to organize and speak out, said Klimkowsi. But they also needed something more, he saysa spark of outside encouragement to give them courage and hope. In Poland, that moment came in Pope John Paul IIs historic 1979 speech that awakened the peoples yearning for independence and helped galvanize the solidarity movement, formed a year later. As the numbers in the solidarity movement grew, it emboldened those on the fringe, who had supported the regime merely for personal benefits or to avoid persecution, to join the resistance and eventually bring down the Iron Curtain. When the tide changed, they left the Communist Party pretty quickly, Klimkowsi said. A worker adds finishing touches to a giant statue of the late Pope John Paul II being readied for unveiling in Czestochowa, Poland, on April 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) He believes the time is ripe for a similar galvanizing force to ignite burgeoning dissent in China. I think our Chinese friends, they need just one voicethat one equivalent of John Paul II who would say, you dont have to be afraid. You can actually leave the Communist Party. You can renounce your membership in that Party and youll be strong. And theres so many of you who can overcome that challenge and make China free, he said. China is already well advanced on the path of resistance, Klimkowsi notes, manifesting in the 360 million Chinese people who have already quit or renounced their membership in the Communist Party through the Tuidang movement. Supporters of the rapidly growing Tuidang movement, in which Chinese people worldwide are renouncing their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 6, 2018, to mark the milestone reached in March 2018 of 300 million Chinese people having quit the CCP and its affiliated youth organizations. (The Epoch Times) Tuidang, meaning Quit the Party in Chinese, is arguably the largest grassroots movement in history. Started in 2004, through the work of volunteers in China and around the world, renunciation statements are collected and posted to the Tuidang Centres Chinese-language website. Increasing international pushback against the regime, in particular from the United States, also bodes well for a free China, says Klimkowski, since western investment and Chinese espionage in western countries were key to the regime attaining its superpower status. Based on Chinese GDP numbers, that Chinese economy is the second-largest economy on this planet. And yet imagine one thing: What would happen in terms of evolution of the Chinese economy if the western civilization would not want to trade with China? The United States and Australia have led international efforts to hold Beijing accountable for the coverup of the virus outbreak in Wuhan, and have called for an independent inquiry into the regimes role. The United States has also introduced widespread measures to counter the regime in recent months, including sanctioning officials responsible for human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Klimkowski points out that if history is any indication, the fall of a despotic regime is often unpredictable and sudden, no matter how formidable it may seem on the surface. I remembered this from my own experience, that if, when you think that communism and the communist system is here to stay, history tells you that thats not true. You can change that system. You can be free. The only thing that stops you from exercising this is you need to energize your fellow citizens. Victims of Communism Memorial Tribute to Liberty has been the main force behind the Victims of Communism Memorial slated for downtown Ottawa that has been in the works since 2009. The aim of the monument is to help victims and their families heal and educate future generations about the reality of life under communist rule. Arc of Memory, the winning design for the monument to victims of communism to be built in Ottawa. (Courtesy of Paul Raff) Klimkowski says the memorial is an important show of respect to the eight million Canadians who can trace their roots to countries that suffered under various oppressive communist regimes, but also to educate future generations. We need to tell our fellow Canadians that the perverted idea of introducing extreme socialism or communism in Canada is something that most of us, if not all of us, are deadly afraid of because we know how it feels, we have lived through it, he said, adding that communism has been responsible for the deaths of about 100 million people since the beginning of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917. We need to tell our fellow citizens, this road was already tried, and what happened was that 100 million people got killed by communists. Construction of the memorial is facing delays due to the pandemic but is slated to be completed in 2021. With reporting by April Zhu CONWAY, Ark. (September 4, 2020) Hendrix College Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Maureen McClung 01 has been working with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) researchers and the Urban Wildlife Information Network (UWIN) to launch a wildlife research project in the cities of Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Maumelle. After planning and laying groundwork since the fall of 2019, the collaboration has yielded photos from its first field season, some of which were released when the project was announced in late August. The Central Arkansas Urban Wildlife Project involved placing a series of 30 cameras in public parks (a mix of city and state, urban and rural locations) to observe the variety of wildlife in the area. The cameras are active for four seasons each year during the months of January, April, July, and October. The goal of the research is to learn more about how wildlife particularly mammals like raccoons, foxes, and deer use urban green spaces. The group is already seeing evidence of animals like foxes and hawks managing rodent populations. Select images of the studys first season were released near the end of August and can be viewed at the projects website, which will be updated with each season. Hendrix students Lauren Berry 22 and Jaclyn Reifeiss 23 received Hendrix Odyssey Program funding for the summer research project, and Tristan Hoerschelmann 22 joined them when his Scott Henderson Fellowship through the AGFC was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It wasnt what I had originally planned, but it was an incredible opportunity to gain valuable research experience and explore a potential career path, said Hoerschelmann. T ogether, the three biology majors worked with McClung and AGFC researchers on camera site selection, setup and maintenance which involved plenty of hiking around parks in June, from urban playgrounds to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, McClung said maintaining and retrieving the gear, downloading the images, and tagging the photos with species identification and notes about any interesting behaviors. For Reifeiss, all the hot-weather hiking became worth it when the team began sorting through the first round of camera photos. We captured images of bobcats, foxes, and deer, all in some of the most frequented parks of Little Rock, she said. Some of these animals I have never had the privilege of seeing in person, so finding out that these creatures are right in the backyards of some of our most populated cities is incredible. All three Hendrix students participating in the study are biology majors, and this project gives them real-world experience studying wildlife populations using remote data collection. In addition to developing scientific skills, the students also benefit from interacting with the various AGFC personnel who make up the team, including a field biologist, social scientist, geographic information systems (GIS) specialists, watchable wildlife coordinator, and administrative analyst. This was my first time working on a research project that will contribute data to the scientific community, Reifeiss said. I was excited to have Odyssey funding this summer to support me while doing research I feel like I was able to get a head start on my career in science. Its a great opportunity to conduct field research, but students also get to see different places their biology degrees could take them in a state agency like AGFC, McClung said. During this semester and the next, these students will help recruit more of their peers to join the project, giving it longevity. The goal is to keep the project running for the foreseeable future, McClung added, so this project represents a research opportunity for generations to come. About Hendrix College A private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College consistently earns recognition as one of the countrys leading liberal arts institutions, and is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges. Its academic quality and rigor, innovation, and value have established Hendrix as a fixture in numerous college guides, lists, and rankings. Founded in 1876, Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. To learn more, visit www.hendrix.edu. While the writer has maintained anonymity, translator Ann Goldstein has attained a visibility rarely afforded to those in the profession. Ferrante had been publishing novels without major fanfare in Italy since 1992, but found access to a global audience after her publishers founded Europa Editions to bring translated works to readers in the UK and US. Ferrante's Neapolitan quartet, which started with 2012's My Brilliant Friend, has been published in 45 languages, adapted into a HBO TV series and sold more than 15 million copies. In Australia, Ferrante's books have sold more than 220,000 copies. Her manuscripts are kept under lock and key, fans line up at midnight and hold reading vigils for new novels, and students at one Australian university studied her work alongside Homer's The Odyssey in a course on "great books that changed the world". The Italian writer's first novel in five years, The Lying Life of Adults, released this week, is a return to the form which turned Ferrante into a cult figure, publishing phenomenon, household name and shorthand for a genre that resists easy classification. The author has never confirmed their identity but you don't even need a pseudonym to know when you're reading an Elena Ferrante novel. There are the sentences that never seem to end; the language charged with carnality; the Naples that is dark yet alluring and the women characters fighting for air in a suffocating city. After submitting a sample of her work to Europa, Goldstein, an editor at The New Yorker, was hired to translate Ferrante'sThe Days of Abandonment into English in 2005. She has since translated all of Ferrante's novels into English and become a stand-in for the writer when it comes to media interviews, writers' festivals and book events. Despite how their fates and fortunes are intimately connected, Goldstein never communicates directly with Ferrante. "I just do my thing and then when I have questions, I ask the editors and they ask her. So it is kind of a three-way process," Goldstein said. While she doesn't keep up with the theories about Ferrante's identity, Goldstein thinks most readers have no burning desire to know. There was backlash when investigative journalist Claudio Gatti published a detailed investigation in 2016 that alleged that Ferrante was an Italian translator. The attempts to "out" Ferrante seem only to prove the point of so much of the writer's work how difficult it can be for women to control their own narratives. Ferrante has said her anonymity is essential to her work, and readers were concerned she might not write again. "I've sort of laid it to rest for myself, in the sense that I'm really not interested in who she is," Goldstein said. "I mean, to me, she's the person I say she she's the person who writes the books, whoever she is." Ferrante's publisher Sandra Ozzola Ferri has said the novelist wanted The Lying Life of Adults to be a "different kind of story" to the quartet, a stand-alone rather than a series. The biggest change for Goldstein when it came to translating Ferrante's new novel was tackling its teenage perspective, that of Giovanna, whose childhood illusions are crushed when she overhears her father say she is "getting the face" of his estranged sister Vittoria. The poor performance of the UKs national coronavirus test and trace system is down to the governments ideology and obsession with using the private sector, a senior public health expert has warned. Professor Anthony Costello, a former director of maternal and child health at the World Health Organisation and former director of UCLs Institute for Global Health, said the system designed by the government had failed and that it was up to experts to raise the alarm. We are seven months into a pandemic, Prof Costello told a briefing hosted by the Independent Sage group. Weve got a fiasco; weve been presenting evidence for months about how contact tracing is failing, and how the national testing system is failing. The whole thing is public health malpractice and its being designed [and] led by government ideology. They wanted a private system; it has failed, and we need to keep saying that. Prof Costello recounted discussions that he had had with GP colleagues who painted a picture of chaos in the testing system, with one describing it as an absolute joke, and another citing problems such as shortage of reagent, reagent in the wrong place, lack of direct access to national testing centres, and testing machine problems. The government has faced sustained criticism over the design of its national test and trace system, which is based on call centres staffed by outsourcing firm Serco. An analysis by the Independent Sage group showed that there had been little improvement in the performance of the scheme in recent weeks. In many outbreak areas, the centralised system is failing to reach clinical targets of tracing 80 per cent of named contacts, which epidemiologists say is necessary for it to be effective. By contrast, public local authority-administered systems are tracing about 95 per cent of contacts. A much-heralded world-beating mobile phone application is also yet to materialise after ministers were sent back to the drawing board. Despite the concerns and calls from experts to redirect resources to the local public health teams, ministers renewed Sercos contract to operate the call centres last month. Labour accused the government of rewarding failure by renewing the 300m deal, arguing that it was ineffective and not fit for purpose but ministers say that the centralised and local versions of the system can coexist. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said last week that the test and trace system at a national level makes the immediate and very rapid first attempt at contact, and if no contact is made, then the local teams can go in, adding that its the combination of the two that works best. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 19 January 2022 Britains Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, participate in a therapy session with individuals who have experienced the care system, during a visit to the Foundling Museum in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 18 January 2022 Surfers enter the sea as the sun rises over Tynemouth on the North East coast PA UK news in pictures 17 January 2022 Bonhams Danny McIlwraith holds a Nigerian polycrome carved wood mask during a photocall for the sale of the Jim Lennon Collection at Bonhams in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 16 January 2022 The moon rises above the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 15 January 2022 Demonstrators outside Downing Street during a Kill The Bill protest against The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in London PA UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA Mr Hancock said he believed that the opposition is making a mistake trying to divide people between public and private whereas actually people are working very hard to deliver, and to deliver the control of this virus. He added: The private companies have been absolutely critical in the working and making sure the whole testing system can be built at the scale that it has. As I just said in my statement, the improvements are continuing and were seeing that local engagement which is critical. Idaho prosecutors have charged a stepmother with murder and her husband with felony injury after police say a nine-year-old boy was discovered starved and covered in bruises in the familys home earlier this week. The child, Emrik Osuna, was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning, just hours after paramedics arrived at his parents' residence in Meridian and found him not breathing, with vomit coming out of his mouth. Online court records show Emrik's stepmother, 27-year-old Monique Osuna, has been charged with murder, and the childs father, Erik Osuna-Gutierrez, 29, has been charged with felony injury to a child, infliction of great bodily harm and destruction of evidence. Monique Osuna, 27, (left), has been charged with murder in the beating death of her nine-year-old stepson. The boy's father, Erik Osuna-Gutierrez, 29 (right), has been charged with felony injury to a child, infliction of great bodily harm and destruction of evidence Emrik Osuna, nine, was found not breathing and without a heartbeat at his family's home in Idaho on Tuesday night Neither of them have had the opportunity to enter a plea, and court records show the Ada County Public Defenders office has been assigned to handle their cases. During a hearing on Thursday, a prosecutor detailed what she described as months of 'horrific' torture that Emrik had endured at the hands of his stepmother, reported KTVB. 'Due to COVID, she's been working from home and since [Emrik] was not in school, she essentially had access to him all day long,' Tamara Kelly said in court. Police and paramedics were called to the Osunas' home in Meridian nearly five hours after Osuna-Gutierrez texted his wife that Emrik needed to go to the hospital Osuna allegedly admitted to kicking her stepson in the groin and beating Emrik with a pan, a wooden spoon, a belt and a dog leash. The torture took place while she worked from home At the time of his death, Emrik was covered in bruises and vomit, and was severely dehydrated and malnourished Osuna reportedly has admitted to police that she had kicked her stepson in the groin and beat him with various household objects, among them a frying pan, a wooden spoon, a backscratcher and a belt, which she later swapped for a dog leash because it was heavier. The married mother-of-four also allegedly tortured Emrik by locking him in a closet at night, feeding him nothing but rice and water for weeks, and subjecting him to strenuous physical exercise as punishment, including protracted wall sits and jumping jacks. According to the prosecutor, Osuna only allowed Emrik to stop exercising when she took a break from work. The boy's father allegedly was aware of the abuse but failed to stop it. The prosecutor also said there is evidence that the couple waited more than four hours to seek help for Emrik as he lay dying at home. Emrik lived with his four step-siblings, ages nine, four and four months (pictured above with his brothers) Osuna-Gutierrez (left and right) allegedly was aware of the abuse targeting his son but failed to stop it At around 5pm on Tuesday, Erik allegedly texted his wife, telling her that they needed to take his son to the hospital, and that he was scared. But it was not until just before 9.40pm that evening that the Meridian Police Department received a 911 call reporting that a child was not breathing. Emergency responders arrived at the Rushmore Apartments in the 1000 block of W. Broadway Avenue and found Emrik with no heartbeat. 'Officers observed that the victim showed signs of abuse,' according to a police press release. EMS crews performed CPR on the nine-year-old before transporting him to St Luke's Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Kelly said in court that an examination revealed that Emrik was severely dehydrated and malnourished, and had numerous injuries all over his body. Osuna allegedly locked Emrik in a closet at night, fed him nothing but rice and water and subjected him to strenuous physical exercise A prosecutor said Osuna-Gutierrez is a flight risk because he is in the US illegally 'Some of the bruises were extremely large and essentially covered the back of his body,' she said. The couple's three other children, ages nine, four and four months, were placed into protective custody with Idaho Health and Welfare. The prosecutor asked the judge to keep both parents in jail and away from their surviving children, and argued that Erik Osuna is a flight risk because he is an undocumented immigrant with few ties to Idaho. The judge ordered the couple held on $2million bond each and barred them from having contact with their children. The parents are due back in court for a preliminary hearing on September 17. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos listens during a cabinet meeting in the East Room of the White House in Washington on May 19, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Trump Admin Unlikely to Grant States Another Waiver for Standardized Tests States should not expect federally-mandated standardized tests to be waived like they were in the spring, as the CCP virus pandemic interrupted education plans, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. In March, the U.S. Department of Education granted waivers to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Bureau of Indian Education, excusing those jurisdictions from testing requirements as they started closing schools. Under the Every Student Succeeds Actthe main federal law that governs K-12 educationstates must test all students for English language arts, math, and science every year from grades three through eight and once in high school. In a Thursday letter (pdf) to chief state school officers, DeVos said that it was the right move to grant nationwide testing waivers the past spring, considering the limited information available about the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus at the time and the need to stop its spread. For the 2020-21 school year, however, the states should not anticipate such waivers being granted again. There is general agreement among the public that a students achievement should be measured, that parents deserve to know how their children are performing, and that it should be no secret how a schools performance as a whole compares to other schools, DeVos wrote. To support her position, DeVos cited a survey by the Data Quality Campaign from late April and early May, which suggested that nearly 90 percent of parents want information about how school closures affect students, and 77 percent of parents agree that states should resume assessments in math and reading in 2021 to better understand how well schools and students are meeting academic standards in the wake of the pandemic. Make no mistake. If we fail to assess students, it will have a lasting effect for years to come, DeVos warned, adding that labor unions are continuing their effort to permanently eliminate standardized testing. If they succeed in eliminating assessments, transparency and accountability will soon follow. The fate of federally mandated assessment tests largely depend on the outcome of the presidential election in November. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who has been endorsed by many powerful teachers unions, pledged last year to abolish standardized testing if he were elected president. Biden made the commitment when he was asked during a MSNBC Public Education Forum if he would consider ending the use of standardized testing in public schools because of its history of racism and eugenics, saying that teachers should be able to determine the curricula in their schools. Im not trying to be nice, said Biden at that time. Theres some lousy teachers out there, ok? Theres lousy politicians. Theres lousy senators. Theres lousy doctors. Im not saying every teacher is a great teacher. What I am saying is: You know what it takes to communicate to a child what in fact they need to now. AUTHORITIES are considering lifting the current coronavirus curfew as the country records increasingly fewer infections and more recoveries from the lethal disease, the Daily News reports. However, medical experts taking into account what the World Health Organisation (WHO) said earlier this week have warned that it is too early to conclude that Covid-19 is definitely under control in the country. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, pictured, said Zimbabwe had flattened the Covid-19 curve, as there was now equilibrium between increases in infections and increases in the recoveries. The success story is pointing to the good mechanisms that we have put in place, including the curfew which we introduced after a very scientific review which analysed our capacity and capability. Decisions that we make are informed, whilst thorough research is done. If and when we are satisfied that the environment is conducive, we will consider that (curfew review). At the moment, there is equilibrium between increases in infections and increases in the recoveries. So, it is important that we continuously review as we improve, Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the head of the Covid-19 taskforce, said. We do have experts who study the situation within our region and also we work very closely with the WHO. At the moment, as I have alluded to, we have reached an equilibrium stage in our statistics. We are satisfied that our interventions are bearing fruit, she added. As of Wednesday, the country had recorded 6 638 positive cases, 206 deaths and 5 250 recoveries. The recovery rate constitutes about 80 percent of the confirmed infections. So far, 205 650 people have been screened for the pandemic nationwide since the disease first broke out in the country in March this year. But health experts warned yesterday that authorities should not take it as a given that Zimbabwe had flattened the Covid-19 curve further imploring them to test more people to be able to conclude scientifically what the exact situation in the country was. It is difficult for now to say we have won the war against Covid-19. We need to do more tests. If we deal properly with the issue of tests, we will be able to know the correct figure of positive cases. For now it is difficult to conclude so. Let us remain focused, Norman Matara, the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZAHDR), told the Daily News. We must know that there are some people who are not going for tests and these people recover at home. So, and for now, we cannot have a definite conclusion. On the ground, we had already relaxed (lockdown measures), but what we need to do is to strengthen our health institutions so that we have the capacity to treat those who come to hospital, he added. The president of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina), Enock Dongo, dismissed outright the authorities conclusion that the Covid-19 curve had flattened saying the low new infection levels were a result of few tests being carried out. Its not true that we have managed to flatten the curve. The government is not doing anything People are not being tested. There is a need to increase tests. People must remain vigilant because cases can go up. People must continue to follow WHO guidelines because the world is still fighting this pandemic, Dongo told the Daily News. This comes as WHO has warned that it is dangerous for countries to open their economies without enough safeguards. Addressing a virtual meeting with journalists earlier this week, WHO director general Tedros Ghebreyesus said coronavirus was still a threat. Eight months into the pandemic, we understand that people are tired and yearn to get on with their lives. We understand that countries want to get their societies and economies going again. Thats what WHO wants too, he said. Stay-at-home orders and other restrictions are something that some countries felt they needed to do to take pressure off their health systems. But they have taken a heavy toll on livelihoods, economies and mental health. WHO fully supports efforts to reopen economies and societies. We want to see children returning to school and people returning to the workplace, but we want to see it done safely, Ghebreyesus added. WHOs warning comes as local authorities are planning to partially reopen learning centres ahead of the forthcoming end of year examinations. However, teachers have claimed that the government has done little to improve infrastructure at schools to enable a safe return to classes. Zimbabwe faces its first test on gatherings of many people when all examination students return to schools for face-to-face learning on September 14. The decision to allow examination classes to reopen has put the authorities at odds with teachers who insist that the government is ill-prepared for the safe relaunch of in-class learning. The teachers have since set tough conditions for their return to face-to-face teaching. Despite the criticism, Muchinguri-Kashiri said this decision was taken after extensive consultations. A lot of research was done by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, together with the ministry of Health, and they are responsible for making recommendations to the taskforce and the task force also recommends to the Cabinet. So, at the moment we are very satisfied that it is the statistics, the interaction which they undertook with all relevant stakeholders, that has been done and both indicated that they are happy. All measures have been put in place to make sure that the environment will be safe to allow examinations to take place, Muchinguri-Kashiri further told Parliament. Chinese defence ministers wants meeting with Rajnath Singh India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Sep 04: Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is understood to have sought a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of a key Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet in Moscow, people familiar with the development said on Thursday. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a tense border row in eastern Ladakh for nearly four months now. Singh and Wei are currently in Moscow to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers on Friday. Convinced India-China row must be solved through diplomacy: Jaishankar According to information, the Chinese side conveyed to the Indian mission its keenness to have a meeting between the two defence ministers. However, there is no official confirmation about it. Tensions flared in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake four days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. Dont meddle in border dispute with India, China tells US China has strongly objected to India's move. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. India on Thursday said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations. The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) that squarely put the blame on China for the prolonged border standoff came even as Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat asserted that India's armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in "best suitable ways". KAMPALA Uganda has once again scored a first on the African continent. Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) officially joined the TMclass and DesignClass on 03rd August 2020, after confirmation by the European Union Intellectual Property Organisation (EUIPO). TMclass offers users the opportunity to search and translate goods and services to and from any of the 44 languages available, while the DesignClass enables search and translation of product indications in 28 languages. The EU trademark classification is a vital tool to support Ugandan enterprises doing business internationally and in the European Union. The system will enable full automation of the front office in a more interactive way that arms the client with the ability to input information and data remotely from anywhere thus delivering improved client service and accessibility, especially in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic that has necessitated re-thinking of service delivery platforms. To cement the collaboration, the European Union Delegation to Uganda signed today a front Office license agreement with URSB under the EUIPO framework of existing cooperation with Uganda on trade and investments, led by the EU Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Attilio Pacifici. The Registrar General, Bemanya Twebaze signed on behalf of URSB. This remarkable achievement marks an important step in collaboration between URSB and EUIPO. This agreement traces its beginnings to a workshop in November 2019, organized by the EUIPO for the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) and Intellectual Property Offices of Member States of ARIPO whose objective was to provide for a collaborative platform that promotes and reinforces cooperation with IP Offices and sharing of knowledge and experience through tools developed under the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN). Speaking at the signing ceremony, Bemanya Twebaze said the partnership was outstanding for Ugandas intellectual property sector, especially for the growing creative industry that needed protection. The process leading up to this agreement has been interactive and the engagements that will follow when this is done herald a greater opportunity for us as an office to improve our customer experience and service delivery but also to recognize the benefits of continued cooperation with our partners the EU through the EUIPO Amb. Pacifici on his part confirmed the importance of this new collaboration. The EU Delegation began in 2018 an effort to promote partnerships between European and Ugandan private sector and key selected public actors with a view of improving the way we do business together and attract more investments. This led to the 1st Uganda-Europe Business Forum earlier this year and the launch of the Sustainable Business for Uganda initiative. The new Partnership struck today between EUIPO and URSB is an important step in that process. We commend both parties for starting this long-term collaboration and confirm the EU Delegations support to this effort. URSBs bilateral cooperation with the EUIPO will help in project identification, protection and promotion of Geographical Indications as well as acquisition, customisation and deployment of EUIPOs Front Office Tool, Trademark Class and Design Class tools to enhance filing and classification activities Related Continue Reading ANN ARBOR, MI People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has sent a letter to State Auditor General Doug Ringler urging an audit of the University of Michigan for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the coronavirus pandemic. The experiments led to the euthanasia of animals in the schools laboratories and wasted state resources allocated to support animal research activities, PETA said. (UMs) experiments on animals were undoubtedly cruel, and apparently not even the school can justify them, PETA Vice President Shalin Gala said. PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste and animal suffering in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place. The letter asks Ringler and his office to investigate: Any and all state-funded activities supporting animal experiments that UM suspended and/or ended in accordance with its response to COVID-19 The number and species of any and all animals used in state-funded research activities at UM The number of animals used in state-funded experiments that are categorized by UM as unnecessary, extraneous, noncritical or nonessential State funds used to purchase, breed, house, feed, maintain or administer veterinary care to any and all animals In March, UM said it ramped down non-critical laboratory research due to the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, the university said it had plans to maintain minimal access to laboratories so critical activities including the maintenance of animals would continue. Soon after UM announced it would slow research activities, PETA sent a letter to UM President Mark Schlissel calling on the university shut down all animal labs. PETA calls on University of Michigan to shut down animal labs as UM ramps down research activities UM understands that as a public research university, there is an obligation to ensure that no animal is used needlessly and animals are spared unnecessary pain and distress, Michigan Medicine spokeswoman Mary Masson said in a statement. We are committed to maintaining mechanisms for providing continued daily care to all animals housed on campus in the event of a natural disaster or other events that may interrupt normal business, including the COVID-19 situation, Masson said. Our top priority is to continue the provision of critical life support services that ensure animal welfare. PETAs letter to Ringler said UM received more than $370 million in state appropriations for fiscal year 2019 and the process of ramping down research activities led to the destruction of hundreds of animals UM deemed extraneous, noncritical or nonessential. If UM is audited, PETA asks that corrective actions are taken to ensure that current state-funded research activities involving animals deemed unnecessary are permanently terminated, new state-funded research activities that include those animals are no longer approved and that the breeding and acquisition of animals considered unnecessary for state-funded research activities are prohibited. When UM buys, breeds, traps, and/or uses animals who at any time not just during the COVID-19 pandemic can be deemed unnecessary, extraneous, nonessential, or noncritical or described using similar terminology, it is squandering limited public resources and flouting the bedrock 3Rs principles of reducing, replacing, and refining the use of animals in experimentation that are enshrined in government regulations and policies, the letter reads. READ MORE: University of Michigan ramping up coronavirus testing to 3,000 per week As classes begin, faculty still pressing University of Michigan to switch to virtual fall semester Consequences of Larry Nassar scandal delays loans for hundreds of Michigan State University law school students ANN ARBOR, MI A lawsuit over anti-Israel protests outside an Ann Arbor synagogue is now headed to the U.S. Court of Appeals, where plaintiffs are challenging U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts dismissal of the case. In a one-page order Thursday, Sept. 3, Roberts denied the plaintiffs motion for reconsideration of her recent ruling. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan is developing a new and expanded electronic service Pension Calculator, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has reported. The service is being developed as part of the e-learning program by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population. It will enable citizens to know in real time when and under what conditions the pension stipulated by the legislation will be assigned. Moreover, the calculator will provide information on the date and the age of eligibility for the old-age pension, as well as the required length of services for all three types of pensions (by age, disability or loss of the family head), pension capital and current pension status. The new electronic service will be provided to citizens within the next month. It should be noted that the average monthly pensions in Azerbaijan increased by 27 percent in the first six months of current year reaching $176.4. Meanwhile, average monthly retirement pensions increased by 25.24 percent to about $194.1 during the reporting period. Likewise, it is expected that as of 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, the retirement age for men will be 65 years and for women 62 years. In addition, Azerbaijan, with an index of 476 international dollars, ranks first among CIS countries for the level of the minimum pension. Azerbaijan has also modernized the system of provision of pensions. The Automated Pension System, which has been in operation since early 2019, is the first proactive service in the country that allows persons entitled to a pension to automatically receive a pension without going to any institution and without having to provide documents. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A Longford solicitor has been named among 17 legal professionals across the country to have been granted the right to become a senior counsel. Patrick Groarke, of Groarke & Partners in Longford town is among the latest batch of legal professionals to be awarded the honour by the Law Society of Ireland. Its president, Michele OBoyle said, I am proud to be at the helm when 17 solicitors made history this week, as the first in the State to be granted the right to use the title of Senior Counsel. "They come from a wide variety of practices right across the country, spanning urban and rural, large practices and small, as well as sole practitioners. It is clear that the depth and breadth of experience and expertise these colleagues collectively possess is of enormous value to the Irish justice system. I hope and expect many more solicitors who possess the necessary skills, knowledge and experience will apply in the coming years, Ms OBoyle added. In particular, I look forward to seeing a balance of male and female solicitors applying for and being granted Patents of Precedence, to reflect the modern legal profession and 21st Century Ireland. On August 21, multimillionaire music star Pharrell Williams released a song featuring billionaire rapper and businessman Jay-Z, entitled, Entrepreneur, as part of a special issue of TIME magazine named The New American Revolution, which Pharrellwho runs a clothing brand called Billionaire Boys Club and is best known for his hit song, Happyalso curated. Following in the footsteps of the New York Times 1619 Project, the TIME issue examines Americas oppressive past and features a series of conversations and essays about creating a more equitable future for Black Americans. Pharrells lead essay is a confused mess, both critiquing and praising the private profit system, Americas past, and patriotism, and ultimately advancing the politics of black nationalism. Pharrell Williams (Photo creditkallerna) Overall, the pieces contained in The New American Revolution are feeble and unserious. They range from academic and Stalinist hack Angela Davis arguing that there is no need for a perfect candidate in order for us to participate in the electoral process (i.e., a cynical, left means of backing Joe Biden) to rapper 21 Savage discussing the importance of financial literacy for black Americans to undo centuries of racist policies, along with black radicalism, microaggressions, and afrofuturism. All put forth the conception that race is the fundamental dividing line in society, rather than class. The most popular component of TIMEs project, however, is Pharrell and Jay-Zs single, Entrepreneur, streamed over five million times on YouTube. Billboard describes the song as focusing on how Black ownership can help erode systemic racism. Presented as empowering and inspirational, the hip-hop song features a stripped-down beat, Pharrells trademark soul-influenced falsetto hooks and embellishments, and a building melodramatic horn and string section. Though the musical content strives for grandiosity, it falls very short, and comes off as lackluster and formulaic. Repeated throughout is a sample of the late US Senator and big business politician Arlen Specter saying, If you want to be led out of here, youre welcome to go. Pharrell whispers his verses, speaking of this position with no choice, the system imprison young black boys, distract with white noise, the brainwashed become hype boys. A sung refrain presents his entrepreneurial solution: You gotta risk it all Or there'll be lots of things you'll never see You gotta let go Cause you never know What's in store Mr. Entrepreneur In the Jay-Z verse that follows, he raps, For every one Gucci, support two FUBUsreferencing the American hip-hop clothing company whose name stands for For Us, By Usand, in a flaunting of wealth common in hip-hop, says, I sip Ace till I throw up, referring to a luxury champagne that costs $300 a bottle. He continues: Stop sittin around waiting for folks to throw you a bone If you can't buy the building, at least stock the shelf Then keep on stacking till you stocking for yourself Jay-Z finally gets to the heart of the matter: Black nation, black builder, black entrepreneur, You in the presence of black excellence and I'm on the board [of trustees], Lord! The refrains of the second half of the song consist of reciting the words Black man over 150 times. The accompanying music video for the song features portraits of financially successful black entrepreneurs and CEOs, whose achievements are highlighted through on-screen text. Included in the video is the owner of a Los Angeles soul food restaurant, pictured with and endorsed by Obama, the CEOs of Black and Mobile, a food delivery service that exclusively delivers for Black-Owned restaurants, as well as a Broadway actor dancing in front of a mansion that was once a plantation where his ancestors were enslaved, which he recently purchasedcash onlyas his home. Such is the stuff of the New American Revolution. In reality, it is not revolution to which these politics and music point, but the propping up of a system that produces ever greater levels of social inequality across all racial groups. Advocates of Black capitalism, first celebrated by Richard Nixon in the late 1960s, seek to advance the interests of an aspiring black bourgeoisie and petty bourgeoisie, not the interests of the broad working class. As the WSWS stated in the report, Perspectives for the coming revolution in America: Race, class and the fight for socialism: That is, not social equality, but the equal distribution of positions of power and affluence among races and minority groups. Not programs to uplift all poor people, or to improve the conditions of the entire working class, but the selective elevation of a small minority to preside over deindustrialization and the destruction of the living conditions of the vast majority. The ideology of black capitalism, along with all forms of identity politics, is employed by the ruling class and its representatives to divide the working class and impede a unified struggle for socialism. Conforming to these aims, and designed to inspire listeners with the possibility of a new American dream in which they, too, might take their place in a neighborhood of mansions paid for with cash, the latest from Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z has little to offer but pandering unreality and the ugliness of racial division. New Delhi, Sep 4 : Cooking gas customers may continue receiving subsidy into their bank accounts post privatisation of PSU oil refiner and retailer Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), with the government clarifying to potential investors that the present system would not be changed post the change of management in the company. Sources said several potential bidders for BPCL in their query have raised the issue of subsidy on cooking gas, whether such subsidy would be borne by the new owners post the sale of government stake in the company. The government head clarified that the present system where the oil companies pay the subsidy amount and the government reimbursed such payments would continue. Private oil companies such as Reliance, Nayara Energy do not get any subsidy support from the government for cooking gas. So if these companies were to sell domestic LPG cylinders, it would be priced at market rates. "The government wants to change the status of more than eight crore cooking gas subscribers with BPCL. They would continue to get subsidy post-privatisation. But since such subsidy first have to be paid by the company, the bidding parameters for BPCL would need to be reworked," said one of the potential bidders for BPCL. The government has allocated Rs 40,915 crore as petroleum subsidy for FY-21, a six per cent increase from Rs 38,569 crore allocated for the last fiscal. Of this the allocation for LPG subsidy has been increased to Rs 37,256.21 crore for the current year. But till now in the first quarter, government had to draw nearly Rs 1,900 crore from subsidy provisions. What concerns companies is government subsidy reimbursement which is often delayed resulting in changes in financial reporting. OMCs gross under-recoveries on LPG in FY-19 was Rs 31,500 crore which was nearly 73 per cent of the total amount. In FY-20, five months of LPG subsidy payments to OMCs has been rolled over. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Jacob Blake's father said Friday that his "happy-go-lucky" son is optimistic for his future, although he remains paralyzed from the waist down after being shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha police officer. A clearly exhausted Jacob Blake Sr., speaking by video chat from a Milwaukee hotel, said that the past two weeks have been "surreal" and "like a dream" and he's mentally worn out. He said he's been receiving death threats, which he said he couldn't talk about in detail. "It's been hard on everybody," said Blake Sr., who drove from North Carolina to be with his hospitalized son. Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot Aug. 23, setting off days of protests that made Wisconsin the epicenter of the nation's ongoing debate over police violence and racial injustice. Over three days, dozens of fires were set and some Kenosha businesses destroyed. On Aug. 25, prosecutors say a 17-year-old from Illinois shot and killed two demonstrators. His attorneys say the teenager, who was patrolling the streets with a rifle, was acting in self-defense. Blake was released from intensive care this week and "is doing a little bit better," his father said. Still, "from the waist down, no movement," Blake Sr. said. "He can't move." Blake Sr. said he talks with his son about what he'll be able to do once he's released from the hospital, rather than his limitations if he remains paralyzed. "We'll go fishing together in the chair," he said. "I've got the perfect spot for us. Things of that nature, things that have nothing to do with the sickness or anything." Five days after the shooting, Blake Sr. followed through on his plans to attend the March on Washington commemoration in the nation's capital. His father had marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and Jacob Blake Sr. said he considered it his "duty" to still attend the march even though his son was hospitalized. Earlier this week, Blake Sr. said another one of his sons had a nervous breakdown and was admitted to the hospital. Two days after that, members of the Blake family met with Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in Kenosha. Jacob Blake spoke to Biden by phone from the hospital. President Donald Trump traveled to Kenosha on Tuesday. He thanked law enforcement for their efforts in quelling violence and met with people whose businesses were destroyed in fires, but he did not meet with Blake's family. Blake Sr. said Trump made clear he has no interest in his family. He said meeting with Biden and his wife was like speaking with an uncle and aunt. "He came in that room with sympathy, empathy, a caring nature," Blake Sr. said. "It was not an interview, it was not a political thing." The Blake family told Biden that they want all police to be required to have body cameras, something the Kenosha officers did not have. Blake Sr. said the family also told the former vice president they want police trained in de-escalation techniques. And they want the officer who shot Blake to be fired. All three officers present when Blake was shot are on administrative leave during the investigation by the state Department of Justice. The state agency said police were sent to the scene after a woman reported her boyfriend was present and wasn't supposed to be on the premises. Blake's attorney Ben Crump has said that Blake was trying to break up a domestic dispute. The Justice Department has said a knife was recovered from an SUV he was leaning into when he was shot, but has not said whether he was holding it when officers tried to arrest him. The man who made widely seen cellphone video of the shooting, 22-year-old Raysean White, said he saw Blake scuffling with three officers and heard them yell, "Drop the knife! Drop the knife!" before gunfire erupted. He said he didn't see a knife in Blake's hands. Watch now: See video of Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Blake Cell phone video appears to show Kenosha police shooting a Black man on Sunday -- the latest racial flashpoint over police actions. The Kenosha police union said Blake had the knife and refused orders to drop it. Blake fought with police, including putting one officer in a headlock, the union said. Police twice used a Taser, which did not stop Blake. Blake Sr. said that two hours before the shooting, he spoke with his son and a grandson who was celebrating a birthday. That child, along with two of Blake's other children, were in the SUV when he was shot. Blake Sr. said he has not talked with his son about what happened just prior to the shooting. "There's nothing that my son did that justifies getting shot seven times in his back," Blake Sr. said. "Nothing." Photos: Scenes from a week of unrest in Kenosha Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 With the Monsoon Session of the Parliament commencing on September 14 in the midst of a raging pandemic, adequate measures have been taken to ensure the safety of all members, staff, and employees. A set of detailed guidelines have been issued by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat in accordance with the recommendations of ICMR and Health Ministry, which have to be followed. All MPs need to have a Covid-19 negative certificate in order to be able to enter the Parliament building. This test needs to be done 72 hours before the session commences. Those MPs who have been unable to undertake the test will need to do so on the day they arrive at the Parliaments reception. If their rapid antigen test comes out negative, they can attend the session, however, if they test positive, they will need to isolate themselves and seek hospitalisation or home isolation as per the advice of the doctors. In the case where a member goes for RT-PCR test, then one needs to wait for the test results. If an MPs staff or family member tests positive, then the said MP will need to self-quarantine for 14 days as per the health ministrys guidelines. No person who has shown any symptoms will be allowed to enter the Parliament. During the course of the proceedings, if any member or staff develop symptoms, he or she would be requested to immediately alert the medical authorities at the site. Here is the list of dos and donts: - The face must be covered at all times and it must be ensured that the mask it is safely disposed of. Members would be encouraged to wear disposable face covers. - Social distancing of 6 feet to be maintained and face to face interaction must be avoided. - Maintaining hand hygiene is advised. Sanitization devices have been set up at various places in the Parliament premises. - MPs would be requested to avoid calling any visitors to Parliament unless absolutely necessary. - Members would be requested to avoid gathering in the lobby, common and dining areas. - MPs would be encouraged to avoid going out of the Parliament during the course of a days proceedings unless necessary to avoid contracting infection externally. - MPs would be requested to avoid carrying paper bills, reports, etc. to Parliament. Digital copies would be encouraged. In case any physical prints have to be taken, the members would need to procure it themselves. Parliament would not supply printed copies as it used to earlier. - Entry to Parliament and exit would also be unidirectional whether at gates or for cars. - Parliament canteen would offer only packed meals, tea and coffee during the course of the session. This, too, would be given in disposable containers. Sources also told News18 that during the Session, the Central Hall would be out of bounds for both media, as well as former MPs, or members of their family. Only a certain number of MPs would be encouraged to sit in the Central Hall at a given time. The sources added that another test would be done on the MPs, their family and staff, Secretariat staff and media after seven days in order to rule out the chances of infection. Camps would be set up in Parliament to facilitate the same. This list of guidelines has been drawn up by both Houses whose Secretariat officers after months of deliberations under the guidance of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to ensure that safety protocol is strictly adhered to while holding a session. The Session is being held amid the coronavirus crisis because of the Constitutional obligation, according to which, a session must be held within six months of the conclusion of the previous one. New research has found that Indigenous knowledge is regularly underutilised and misunderstood when making important environmental decisions. Published in a special edition of the journal People and Nature, the study investigates how to improve collaborations between Indigenous knowledge holders and scientists, and recommends that greater equity is necessary to better inform decision-making and advance common environmental goals. The research, led by Dr. Helen Wheeler of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), involved participants from the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Russia, Canada, and the United States. Indigenous peoples inhabit 25% of the land surface and have strong links to their environment, meaning they can provide unique insights into natural systems. However, the greater resources available to scientists often creates a power imbalance when environmental decisions are made. The study's Indigenous participants identified numerous problems, including that Indigenous knowledge is often perceived as less valuable than scientific knowledge and added as anecdotes to scientific studies. They also felt that Indigenous knowledge was being forced into frameworks that did not match Indigenous people's understanding of the world and is often misinterpreted through scientific validation. One participant expressed the importance of Indigenous knowledge being reviewed by Indigenous knowledge holders, rather than by scientists. Another concern was that while funding for Arctic science was increasing, the same was not happening for research rooted in Indigenous knowledge or conducted by Indigenous peoples. Gunn-Britt Retter, Head of the Arctic and Environmental Unit of the Saami Council, said: "Although funding for Arctic science is increasing, we are not experiencing this same trend for Indigenous knowledge research. "Sometimes Indigenous organisations feel pressured to agree to requests for collaboration with scientists so that we can have some influence in decision-making, even when these collaborations feel tokenistic and do not meet the needs of our communities. This is because there is a lack of funding for Indigenous-led research." Victoria Buschman, Inupiaq Inuit wildlife and conservation biologist at the University of Washington, said: "Much of the research community has not made adequate space for Indigenous knowledge and continues to undermine its potential for information decision-making. We must let go of the narrative that working with Indigenous knowledge is too challenging." The study concludes that values, laws, institutions, funding and mechanisms of support that create equitable power-relations between collaborators are necessary for successful relationships between scientists and Indigenous groups. Lead author Dr. Helen Wheeler, Lecturer in Zoology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: "The aim of this study was to understand how to work better with Indigenous knowledge. For those who do research on Indigenous people's land, such as myself, I think this is an important question to ask. "Our study suggests there are still misconceptions about Indigenous knowledge, particularly around the idea that it is limited in scope or needs verifying by science to be useful. Building capacity for research within Indigenous institutions is also a high priority, which will ensure Indigenous groups have greater power when it comes to informed decision-making. "Indigenous knowledge is increasingly used in decision-making at many levels from developing international policy on biodiversity to local decisions about how to manage wildlife. However, as scientists and decision-makers use knowledge, they must do so in a way that reflects the needs of Indigenous knowledge holders. This should lead to better decisions and more equitable and productive partnerships." Explore further Indigenous people vital for understanding environmental change More information: Helen C. Wheeler et al, The need for transformative changes in the use of Indigenous knowledge along with science for environmental decisionmaking in the Arctic, People and Nature (2020). Helen C. Wheeler et al, The need for transformative changes in the use of Indigenous knowledge along with science for environmental decisionmaking in the Arctic,(2020). DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10131 The Kremlin said on Friday that it wanted dialogue with Germany over the case of opposition politician Alexei Navalny and that Russian doctors who treated him initially were much more transparent that the German doctors treating him now. Germany, where Navalny is in hospital, has said he was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent and wants the perpetrators held to account. Russia has until now not opened a criminal investigation and said there is no evidence yet of a crime. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow wanted to find out through dialogue with ... America Movil cancelled an agreement to acquire 99.3 per cent of Telefonica units in El Salvador, blaming the collapse on regulatory demands. In a statement, America Movil said the decision was mutually agreed with Telefonica: after careful consideration by both parties of the conditions to obtaining regulatory approval established by the Superintendencia de Competencia in their recent ruling on the proposed transaction. Last month the anti-competition regulator greenlit the deal on the condition America Movil, owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, would adhere to regulatory rules set by the regulator to safeguard competition in the country. A key condition set was America Movils local unit Claro, must refrain from using spectrum currently in use by Telefonicas Movistar units until it receives certification to do so. Additionally, Claro will have to continue current and future Movistar marketing campaigns for the next seven years, but tariffs could be updated. Telefonicas Movistar unit operates Moviles El Salvador and Telefonica Multiservicios in the country, America Movil reportedly proposed a $315 million bid for them. America Movil first registered interest back in January 2019, which was knocked back by the regulator, due to Claro not providing sufficient information to predict the deals effect on competition. A completed deal would have continued Telefonica's sweeping plans to divest the majority of its Latin American businesses, to focus on four core markets: the UK, Spain, Germany and Brazil. Telefonica CEO Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, bullishly said plan would add 2 billion a year to group revenues. 03.09.2020 LISTEN Introduction Although wedding and marriage could be viewed as synonyms in general context, they are substantially different in meaning and usage. One thing fundamentally common to the two words is love. Below is the explanation of the differences between wedding and marriage. Wedding WEDDING is the set of ceremonies and rituals performed in honor of a couple to signify the societal attestation and recognition of a romantic relationship between them. The ceremonial and ritual activities (of wedding) differ from culture to culture, religion to religion, race to race, tribe to tribe. Marriage Contrarily, MARRIAGE refers to the expected life-long love relationship between a man and a woman in a traditional context. In contemporary times, however, same-sex marriages - by gays and lesbians - are accepted in many jurisdictions particularly in Europe and the Americas. This implies that MARRIAGE is primarily about the life of the two individuals as lovers, while WEDDING is about the ceremony to symbolize public recognition of the life of the individuals as lovers. Illustrative Sentences To maximize comprehension, we may consider the following illustrative sentences: Wedding Azindoo is in Bawku to attend a WEDDING between Waalida and Hafiz. Yesterday, the WEDDING of Suhudoo and Suglo was an occasion of food galore. In both sentences above, the wedding is a short ceremony NOT a life-long affair. Marriage Following intense external influences, the MARRIAGE between Chalpang and Njelwuni ended on a sad note. In African tradition, MARRIAGE is seen as a source of genealogical continuation. In the two sentences above, MARRIAGE is viewed as life-long NOT ceremonial. Grammar and Usage It is significant to state that wedding and marriage belong to the same grammatical family: nouns. In terms of usage, however, both of them can act as modifiers. This way, they become noun adjuncts - nouns functioning as adjectives and quantifying other nouns. Let us consider some examples in the following sentences: The Maachandi Family has organized a WEDDING party in honor of Waalida. In this sentence, wedding which is a noun functions as an adjective describing the other noun party. MARRIAGE issues are complex in modern society. In this sentence, marriage which is a noun functions as an adjective describing the plural noun issues. Conclusion Conclusively, dear reader, LITERARY DISCOURSE draws the attention of the public to some incorrect phrases in relation to marriage and wedding. An example is invitation to ones marriage. Since wedding is the ceremony, it is only proper that we invite to wedding NOT marriage. In fact, invitation to marriage could be dangerous. For instance, if your wife invites Yong Dasana, a proverbial rapist in Dagbon History, to your marriage (home), the result can be... Allah is The Best Linguist Dedication This discourse is dedicated to the lovely daughter of mine, Madam Waalida, and her husband, Mr. Hafiz, on the occasion of their WEDDING. May Allah bless the union. Ameen By Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Lecturer, University of Applied Management, Ghana Some familiar faces will be taking on the current Jersey City Heights councilman in the upcoming Nov. 3 special election to fill the seat for another year. Patrick Ambrossi, Cynthia Hadjiyannis and Rafael Torres will be challenging Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh in his first election since being appointed by the City Council in May. The four candidates previously sought to fill the position left open by Councilman Michael Yuns death on April from COVID-19 complications. The only new contender in the race is Lenny Lambert, running under the slogan All Lives Matter. Lambert could not be reached for comment. Saleh, 31, the citys first Muslim councilman, said his only concern right now is doing a good job for the people of the Heights. He said he have to prove himself every day as a councilman and really listen to the people. I am solely committed to this role and this is the highest calling ... I have had in my life, Saleh said. We are moving the Heights forward whether its revamping the reservoir, whether its creating a parking deck. We are firing on all pistons when it comes to addressing the issues in the Heights that have been here for a long time. The special election in November will decide who will fill the rest of Yuns unfinished term, which ends Dec. 31, 2021. Saleh, a senior compliance and regulation officer at JP Morgan Chase and a lifelong Jersey City Heights resident, gained council approval with a 6-2 vote in May to replace Yun. He has the support of Mayor Steve Fulop in the special election. Saleh submitted more than 1,000 signed petitions to qualify to run in the race. Those seeking to run in the election only need 100 signatures to be able to run. But Torres, a retired firefighter of 27 years, and Ambrossi, an analyst at the Hudson County Division of Housing, want Saleh to know they are not intimidated. I am glad that he is able to motivate, it is not an easy thing to do, Torres said. I really think the reflection of the people cannot be put in a poll; or you cant look at that statistic as a motivational factor. You really have to understand these people up here. Torres, 61, said he has lived in the Heights for more than 35 years and has logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours with Yun, learning from him as a committee member. Torres ran against the late Ward D councilman in 2017. Ambrossi, 26, a lifelong Heights resident, is the founder and president of the Leonard Gordon Park Conservancy. Compared to the other challengers, we have put in a lot of work beforehand, especially in the summer months, Ambrossi said. At the end of the day, what really separates me from the other candidates track record is the fact that I have been making a difference for most of my life. Hadjiyannis, 51, a local lawyer and president of the Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance, was heavily involved in getting Yun elected as his campaign manager in 2013. She has practiced law for more than 20 years and worked with Union City on several municipal issues. I am looking forward to giving voters a real choice, Hadjiyannis said. A man who allegedly tried to set a police car on fire outside a station after dousing it in petrol has been arrested. Rodney Mutenyi, 28, allegedly filled a jerrycan with petrol at 7-Eleven in Ashfield in Sydney's inner west about 8.45pm on Thursday. He then ran across the street to Ashfield Police Station where he poured petrol onto a marked police vehicle, police will allege. CCTV footage shows a man with a jerrycan at a petrol station Mutenyi then allegedly threw objects at another marked police car and was spotted by an officer who had walked outside. Following a confrontation, the he allegedly became aggressive forcing the officer to use capsicum spray to control him. A police officer suffered minor injuries during the alleged scuffle. Mutenyi was arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station where he was charged with damage property by fire (attempt), resist officer in execution of duty and malicious damage. He is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Friday. Comedian and actor Chris DElia has been accused of sexual misconduct by two more women, according to a new report from CNN. One of the alleged victims is actor Megan Drust, while the other has remained anonymous. The report states that the two women claim that DElia exposed himself to them, in one instance masturbating in front of them without consent. Drust alleges that DElia exposed his genitals while she was in her car, when she was 26. I was very confused because it just didnt fit the moment, she said. Then he took down his zipper and asked me to touch him and I said, What are you doing? No. And because I wouldnt touch him, he started to masturbate. I couldnt believe it. Chris DElia performs on 25 August 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) The other woman claims that DElia exposed himself to her while she was working as a manager at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, in March 2018. According to the claim, DElia was staying there for a performance at the Masonic Cleveland theatre, and rang the front desk at around midnight to ask for help with a broken air conditioner. When she went up to try and offer assistance, DElia allegedly opened the door completely naked. In statement provided to CNN by his attorney Andrew Brettler, DElia denied the allegations and emphatically states that he has never engaged in any sexual conduct with any woman without her consent. In June, the comedian was accused of several instances of sexual misconduct, which included attempting to obtain naked photographs from underaged girls. He denied the allegations at the time, 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. A planned Netflix reality series starring DElia was cancelled in July, in the aftermath of the initial allegations. The Independent has contacted DElias representatives for comment. Michael Reinoehl was allegedly involved in the shooting of Aaron Danielson on Saturday night, police said. Police shot and killed an anti-fascist activist on Thursday as they moved in to arrest him for the alleged fatal shooting of a right-wing activist in Portland, Oregon, last weekend, officials said. Michael Reinoehl, 48, was wanted on a charge of murder when members of a fugitive task force shot and killed him in Olympia, Washington, after he left an apartment building and got in a car, according to police. Initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers, US Marshals Service said in a statement. Thurston County Sheriffs Office is responsible for investigating the incident. The information that we have at this time is that the suspect was armed, said Lieutenant Ray Brady of the Sheriffs Office. There were shots that were fired into the vehicle and the subject fled from the vehicle, at which time there were additional shots that were fired, he said, adding that the exact circumstances had yet to be confirmed. Portland Police earlier on Thursday issued a warrant for Reinoehls arrest and asked the US Marshals to locate him. It sounded like fireworks it was that many shots, witness Jashon Spencer said in an online video. A Portland police officer ties a police line around the scene of the fatal shooting of Aaron Danielson at a pro-Trump rally on August 29, 2020, in Portland, Oregon [Nathan Howard/Getty Images/AFP] Reinoehl, who had provided security for Black Lives Matter protests in Portland, was allegedly involved in the shooting of Aaron Danielson on Saturday night, the US Marshals Service said. Danielson, 39, was among a caravan of supporters of President Donald Trump who rode in pick-up trucks into downtown Portland and clashed with protesters demonstrating against racial injustice and police brutality. Portland has seen escalating clashes between right- and left-wing groups in recent weeks following nearly 100 days of protests since George Floyd, a Black man, died in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white police officer knelt on his neck. Several people involved in overnight protests in Portland were arrested after they threw projectiles at officials, the police said in a statement on Friday. Police said they did not use any crowd control munitions or tear gas to control the crowd. No choice Reinoehl died only hours after Vice News broadcast a video in which he appeared to admit he shot Danielson and said he acted in self-defence. I felt that my life and other people around mes lives were in danger, and I felt like I had no choice but to do what I did, he said. He said he was asked to come into town to protect protesters after hundreds of trucks rolled into Portland. It was a free-for-all and the police were letting it happen, Reinoehl said on the video. I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of colour. But I wasnt going to do that, he said, adding that he feared he would be stabbed. Reinoehl was previously cited for carrying a loaded gun at a July 5 Portland protest, resisting arrest and interfering with police, according to The Oregonian newspaper. The allegations were subsequently dropped, the newspaper reported. Supporters of police and President Trump wave flags outside Gresham City Hall during a demonstration in Gresham, Oregon, US [Caitlin Ochs/Reuters] In social media posts, Reinoehl described himself as a professional snowboarder, a US Army veteran and 100% ANTIFA all the way! We do not want violence but we will not run from it either!. Antifa is a largely unstructured, far-left movement whose followers broadly aim to confront those they view as authoritarian or racist. I am 100 percent anti-fascist, he said on the Vice video. I am not a member of Antifa. Im not a member of anything. Reinoehl had previously said he was prepared to fight to change the course of humanity. It will be a war and like all wars there will be casualties, he said in a June 16 Instagram post. That shot [the one that killed Danielson] felt like the beginning of a war, he said on the video. Why arent the Portland Police ARRESTING the cold blooded killer of Aaron Jay Danielson. Do your job, and do it fast. Everybody knows who this thug is. No wonder Portland is going to hell! @TheJusticeDept @FBI Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020 In July, the Trump administration deployed federal forces to Portland to crack down on the protests. Trump signed a memo on Wednesday that threatened to cut federal funding to lawless cities, including Portland. On Thursday he had demanded police arrest Reinoehl. Why arent the Portland Police ARRESTING the cold blooded killer of Aaron Jay Danielson. Do your job, and do it fast. Everybody knows who this thug is. No wonder Portland is going to hell!, he tweeted. Authorities in Washington D.C. on Thursday released body-camera footage of a police officer fatally shooting an armed Black teenager, hours after protesters surrounded Mayor Muriel Bowsers home and demanded the resignation of the citys police chief. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Bowser said she didnt have anything to say to the protesters, but offered condolences to the mother of the teen, Deon Kay, 18. "Certainly we are very sorry for her loss," Bowser said. "I'm sure she's going to be reliving that moment." Image: Deon Kay (Courtesy Family) Police Chief Peter Newsham at a news conference called the shooting a tragedy and said that Kay had likely fallen though multiple safety nets before an officer, who has not been publicly identified, shot him to death in the citys Southeast section Wednesday afternoon. Newsham said officers were called to the area because of a report of a man with a gun. In the footage, which is disturbing, an officer can be seen opening fire seconds after leaving his patrol car. Kay was struck once in the chest and later died at a hospital, Newsham said. A slowed-down version of the video released by authorities shows Kay appearing to run toward the officer with a gun in his hand. After hed been shot, Newsham said, the officer saw Kay throw the gun. In the footage, the officer can be seen searching in a nearby grassy area for the weapon. It was found roughly 98 feet away, Newsham said. Outraged protesters gathered outside a Southeast police station Wednesday night chanting and calling Kays death a murder. Im sorry that we are still protesting the murders of Black people, one said. Black Americans are 3.2 times more likely than whites to be killed by police, according to researchers at Harvard University. In some metropolitan areas like Chicago, they are six times more likely to die during a fatal police encounter. After Kays death, some observers pointed to Kyle Rittenhouse, the pro-police white teenager accused of killing two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last week. After the shootings, as Rittenhouse walked past officers armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle, witnesses shouted at police that he had shot someone. The officers didnt stop Rittenhouse a response Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis attributed to a chaotic scene. The officers involved in Kays fatal shooting were placed on administrative leave while federal prosecutors conduct an independent review of the shooting, Newsham said. Police have appealed for help to find a 24-year-old man last seen on Thursday morning. Mark Wright was last seen on Holywood Road in east Belfast shortly before 9am. He was wearing a blue hoodie, white t-shirt, grey Nike jogging bottoms and white Londsdale sneakers. He is 59, with a stubble beard and short brown hair. He is also believed to be wearing a green Berghaus coat. If you have any information in relation to his whereabouts police have asked to be contacted on 101 quoting reference number 1798 of 3/9/20 While Britain continues to hold out against introducing coronavirus tests at airports, Germany has nearly doubled its testing rate to screen thousands of passengers returning from Covid-19 hotspots abroad. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted today that testing at airports was not a 'silver bullet solution' after the UK's quarantine policy was thrown into confusion when Portugal was unexpectedly kept on the 'travel corridor' list. But in Germany, which has won plaudits for its testing programme since the start of the pandemic, travellers from high-risk areas have been getting free, compulsory coronavirus tests since August 8. Germany's busiest airport in Frankfurt has carried out more than 120,000 tests - with passengers exempted from a 14-day quarantine if they test negative. Results are generally delivered to passengers within three days, with some airports promising them within 24 hours or even on the same day. Mandatory tests will be dropped as the summer ends, but the recent resurgence in cases is already showing signs of slowing in Germany, in contrast to Spain and France where they are continuing to mount. A German Red Cross worker wearing protective gear and a face shield takes a swab from a traveller at Hamburg Airport after compulsory tests were introduced in Germany Germany's mandatory tests apply to travellers returning from a list of high-risk countries, which include all of Spain and parts of France including Paris. Major airports including Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg have two test centres each to screen arriving passengers. After taking the test, passengers must go home and begin 14 days of isolation - but in most of Germany, the quarantine ends as soon as they receive a negative result. People who test positive must finish their 14-day quarantine, while some states are requiring a second negative test within a few days of the first. Alternatively, passengers can show a negative result from the previous 48 hours if it was carried out in an approved country, such as Britain. Airports are also offering voluntary tests to people arriving from lower-risk countries, such as the Netherlands and some parts of Belgium. According to radio network RND, Frankfurt Airport has already carried out more than 120,000 tests for the virus. 'As many tests as possible are the best way to uncover chains of infection as soon as possible and prevent a second lockdown,' said Peter Bauer of testing provider Centogene, which is carrying out screening in Frankfurt. The German Red Cross also has a test centre in Frankfurt where results generally come back within 24 hours, sometimes even on the same day. Munich Airport says tests carried out before 3pm will generally deliver results on the same day, except at weekends. Germany's testing capacity is now as high as 1.2million per week, the health ministry says - with less than half of it being used before the airport tests began. However, the number of tests performed in Germany nearly doubled to 900,000 per week during the summer holiday period. The health ministry in Berlin says local authorities are carrying out random checks to enforce the rules, with fines for people who refuse to be tested. Positive test results are automatically reported to public health authorities and added to the figures collected by the Robert Koch diseases institute. People arriving in Germany by road or rail may also be subjected to random checks at one of the country's nine land borders. Germany announced last week that the mandatory tests would come to an end as the summer holiday season draws to a close. 'With the end of the vacation period... this risk is going down again,' health minister Jens Spahn told reporters in Berlin. 'We have to focus more on patients with symptoms and those who had contact with Covid patients.' New infections have started to show signs of decline in Germany after several weeks of increase, in contrast to Spain and France where they are still rising Germany's death toll remains low with only sporadic days seeing more than 10 new fatalities The announcement drew criticism from the operators of Frankfurt Airport, who said it would put further pressure on the airline and travel industries. But travellers coming from high-risk areas will still be able to exempt themselves from a 14-day quarantine by taking a test and getting a negative result. When the new rules will take effect is not yet clear, but Germany has already seen signs that the resurgence in virus cases may be slowing. Germany saw 8,907 new cases last week, down from 9,411 the week before - the first week-on-week drop since early July. The foreign ministry in Berlin says the rising numbers in previous weeks 'often have to do with people returning from abroad and bringing the infection with them.' The daily average of 1,063 new cases is lower than it was two weeks ago, and far lower than Spain's 8,429 or France's 5,783. In addition, recent virus patients have been younger than they were at the start of the pandemic, meaning they are less likely to become seriously ill or die. The average age of people who tested positive in the week beginning on August 24 was only 33, compared to a peak of 52 in early April. Britain has also seen an uptick in cases in recent weeks, but the UK government is still playing down the effectiveness of airport tests. Mr Shapps told Sky News that a test on landing is 'unlikely to find the vast majority of people who have travelled with coronavirus and are asymptomatic'. Passengers wearing masks queue at a coronavirus test centre for returning travellers at Frankfurt Airport, the busiest in Germany Adding that airport tests were not a 'silver bullet solution', Mr Shapps acknowledged it 'creates confusion' for England, Wales and Scotland to have different rules. 'I hear the calls from the airports and I spoke last night to John Holland-Kaye who's the boss of Heathrow Airport and many others, it's not that we're ignoring the great work they're doing on trialling tests,' he said. 'But I've spoken to my opposite number, for example my French opposite number, they did put testing in but of course realised it isn't actually the silver bullet solution to this. 'What you've got to be able to do is test further down the line with a period of quarantine as well.' Discussing airport tests again later on Times Radio, Mr Shapps said he 'would absolutely be doing it today' if he believed it was effective. 'The scientists are saying to us it will only pick up about seven per cent of day zero cases,' Mr Shapps said. 'It doesn't mean it's pointless to do - it's a bit like you walk into a building sometimes now and they take your temperature - it's not totally pointless but it doesn't tell you what you need to know about it authoritatively as it suggests about whether you are carrying coronavirus.' The UK's quarantine policy is coming under pressure after some holidaymakers raced to come home from Portugal expecting it to be struck off England's 'travel corridor' list, only for Mr Shapps to announce there were no changes. There were 23 new cases per 100,000 people in Portugal in the seven days to Wednesday, up from 15 a week earlier. Mr Shapps has identified a rate of 20 per 100,000 as the threshold at which the UK is likely to take action. The Cabinet minister said the rate of test positivity in Portugal had come down, meaning no changes were made for England - but Wales has added Portugal to the quarantine list. Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said he was 'very content this is the right thing to do' after taking advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 01:56:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Volunteers distribute free masks to a woman in Khemisset, Morocco, on Sept. 3, 2020. Morocco announced on Thursday 1,402 new COVID-19 infections, taking the tally in the North African country since March 2 to 66,855. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua) RABAT, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Morocco announced on Thursday 1,402 new COVID-19 infections, taking the tally in the North African country since March 2 to 66,855. The number of recoveries from the coronavirus in Morocco increased to 51,223 after 866 more were added, while the death toll rose by 37 to 1,253, the ministry of health said in a statement. Meanwhile, 193 patients are in intensive care units. The COVID-19 fatality rate in Morocco stands at 1.9 percent and the current recovery rate is 76.6 percent. China has helped Morocco in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. A batch of medical supplies donated by the government of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was transported on June 8 to Casablanca-Settat in Morocco.On May 14, China Development Bank sent a batch of donation, including respirators and medical protective masks, to help Morocco fight the COVID-19 pandemic. China's Guizhou Province also donated 15,000 surgical gloves, 20,000 medical masks and 2,000 protective suits to help protect Moroccan medical workers fighting the pandemic. A Reading woman pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and child pornography charges connected to the sexual exploitation of two teen girls, the Department of Justice announced Thursday. Melissa Madera, 27, was charged in 2019 by U.S. Attorney William McSwain on charges of sex trafficking minors and one count each of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography According to McSwains office, Madera trafficked two girls, 15 and 17 years old, from August until October 2017. Madera forced the girl to sell sex for her own financial gain and gave them drugs like ecstasy and cocaine to ensure they would obey. Sometimes the girls would not make it to school the following day because they had been given so many drugs the previous night, Madera said. Madera also possessed sexually explicit images of one of the girls, and posted it to a sex-trafficking website in an advertisement for sex, according to McSwains office. The advertisements said the sexual activity would occur in motels in towns like Wyomissing and Reading. According to McSwains office, Madera would rent two rooms at these hotels. One room is where she would have the girls, while the other was for meeting the men and where they would pay. The 15-year-old girls mother reported her missing to the Reading Police Department in October 2017, McSwains office said. Later, Madera confronted the girl and assaulted her, saying this is what you get for being a rat. McSwain said that sex trafficking is a serious problem in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, one that he is committed to defeating. Here, Madera advertised children like objects to be sold online and gave them drugs so that they werent in their right minds, McSwain said. This is a parents worst nightmare. There was no information on any agreed-upon sentence for Madera. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was the lead on the case. Predators come in many different forms, Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division said. Make no mistake, Melissa Madera fits that bill. She has now admitted to selling minors for sex, drugging them to maintain control of their minds and bodies. Such despicable treatment does serious lasting harm. The FBI is committed to finding and freeing trafficking victims and holding their tormentors accountable. Read more on PennLive: A cargo ship carrying 43 crew and 5,800 cattle that overturned during stormy weather in the East China Sea has renewed concern about animal welfare in the live export trade in Australia and New Zealand. The Japan coast guard continued rescue efforts with three patrol vessels and three aircraft late Friday, in a bid to find at least 40 crew members who are still missing. One seafarer from the Philippines was found alive on a life raft and rescued at 4:07 p.m. local time, according to the agency. Another person pulled from the water earlier Friday was pronounced dead. The Gulf Livestock 1 capsized after engine trouble and as a powerful storm swept through the region, according to seafarer Sareno Edvardo, who was rescued Wednesday. The vessel was transporting cattle from New Zealand to China when it entered the path of Typhoon Maysak. New Zealand on Thursday suspended all live exports in the wake of the incident, local media reported. The government was already reviewing the industry and considering several options for new regulations including a potential total ban on specific types of exports. Any shipments of animals for slaughter already require the approval of the director general of the Ministry for Primary Industries. New Zealand-based animal rights group SAFE called for a total ban on live exports. "This is a high-risk trade that puts the lives of animals at risk," campaigns manager Marianne Macdonald said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the families who are missing their loved ones, but we have to recognise the risk to animals that the live export trade brings," she added in a separate statement. Australasian Global Exports, the Melbourne-based trading company that chartered the Panamanian ship, said in a statement its primary concern was for the safety and well-being of the ship's crew. It declined to comment further. Rigorous approvals processes are in place for all live exports, from both an animal welfare and maritime perspective, Australian Live Exporters' Council Chief Executive Officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said by phone on Friday. However, "now is not the time" for a debate on animal welfare in the sector. "The families are our priority at the moment," he added. The animals on the Gulf Livestock were being shipped for use in China's dairy industry, Harvey-Sutton said. New Zealand's livestock exports, including cattle, deer, goats and sheep, were worth about $36 million (NZ$54 million) in the year to June 2019, according to a government report. It exported about 23,500 cattle during the year, the bulk of which were shipped to China. Australia's live export sector is far bigger and is worth about $580 million (A$800 million) a year, according to the government. It shipped and air freighted almost 2.3 million live animals in the 2018-19 financial year, including about 1 million sheep and 960,000 cattle, to destinations throughout Asia and the Middle East. "The incident underscores the risks that are sometimes involved in conducting our agricultural trade both domestically and internationally," Australia's Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said in an emailed statement. "These risks extend far beyond the farmgate." Arrests Made As Tens Of Thousands Of Protesters Rally In Minsk By RFE/RL's Belarus Service August 30, 2020 MINSK -- Tens of thousands of Belarusians have streamed into the center of the capital for the latest mass demonstration against longtime authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Columns of protesters on August 30 joined what was called a Peace and Independence March toward Minsk's Independence Square, which was previously cordoned off by security forces. Many participants waved banned red-and-white flags that have long been a symbol of opposition to his regime. Riot police blocked crowds from advancing in several areas of the city, and detained at least 125 protesters near Independence Square and elsewhere, according to the Interior Ministry. The protesters were carried away into prisoner transport vehicles as other demonstrators shouted "shame." Armored vehicles were brought into Minsk and parked near the residency of Lukashenka "to strengthen the security of personnel," the Interior Ministry said. Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti on August 30 posted a photograph of Lukashenka walking around his residence with an automatic weapon that it said it received from the Belarusian leader's press secretary. It was unclear whether the photo was taken that day. Some of the protesters began to leave the square late in the day amid heavy rain. Belarus has been rocked by 22 days of protests and strikes over a disputed presidential election that has given Lukashenka a new six-year term. The protests have posed the greatest challenge yet to Lukashenka's 26-year rule. Ahead of the planned march, the Interior Ministry has warned citizens not to take part in the unauthorized rally, while Minsk police recommended journalists covering the rally to stay at least 100 meters away from the protesters "for their own safety." On previous Sundays, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Minsk over an August 9 presidential election widely believed to have been rigged in favor of Lukashenka, who claimed a landslide victory. Anti-government demonstrations held over the past few days have been disbanded and participants detained by riot police. Amid Western condemnation of the vote and the harsh police crackdown on opposition protesters, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart planned face-to-face talks in Moscow in the coming weeks. The two leaders have recently spoken on the phone several times amid the ongoing political crisis in Belarus, including on August 30, when Putin congratulated Lukashenka on his 66th birthday. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen and expand their neighborly alliance, according to the Kremlin. On August 29, a crowd estimated at up to 10,000 people, mainly women, marched through the city center, singing and chanting "Sasha, You're Fired!" -- a reference to Lukashenka. A total of 29 protesters were detained in Minsk and elsewhere in Belarus that day, according to the Interior Ministry. Meanwhile, the national Security Council stripped accreditations from at least 17 journalists from major foreign news organizations who have been covering the country's turmoil. The Foreign Ministry said the decision was taken for security reasons. Attacks On Media Freedom Acting RFE/RL President Daisy Sindelar denounced "a desperate and ominous move by an authoritarian government to stifle the independent media and ruthlessly control the availability of credible information inside Belarus." British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned "these clear attacks on media freedom," while the U.S. Embassy in Minsk called on the Belarusian authorities to "demonstrate restraint." "We stand by our long-term commitment to support Belarus's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian people to choose their leaders and to choose their own path, free from external intervention," the statement said. A spokesman for European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that instead of "intimidating and hindering media in reporting," the authorities should "focus on reflecting on and addressing the desires and aspirations of the Belarusian population." A week ago, public anger drew at least 100,000 demonstrators in the capital despite a brutal police crackdown against protesters and widespread evidence of beatings and torture of those detained. The leading opposition candidate, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has told the European Parliament that at least six people have been killed in the crackdown and dozens of protesters have gone missing after being detained by authorities. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-braces-for- more-postelection-protests-amid-attacks -on-media-freedom/30811205.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 3 imported infections, none in the community among 40 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore on September 4 The Ministry of Health has reported 40 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore as of 12 pm on September 4. This takes the national tally of confirmed infections to 56,948. File photo courtesy: Facebook/Lawrence Wong There are no cases in the community, said the MOH in its preliminary release of figures. There are 3 imported cases, who had all been placed on Stay-Home Notice upon arrival in Singapore. We are still working through the details of the cases, and further updates will be shared via the MOH press release that will be issued tonight, the ministry added. Singapore has seen a re-emergence of COVID-19 clusters in foreign worker dormitories, with two new ones reported on Thursday - Cochrane Lodge II at Admiralty Road West and at Westlite Toh Guan dormitory at Toh Guan Road East. New clusters have also been reported at Sungei Tengah Lodge, Homestay Lodge, Tuas View Dormitory, Changi Lodge II, North Coast Lodge, and Toh Guan Dormitory. President Donald Trump's support has eroded among key groups of voters who backed him in 2016 - a major reason why he continues to trail former Vice President Joe Biden and a prime motivator for the president's re-election strategy of emphasizing violent disorder in the nation's cities. Trump's decline among parts of his 2016 base is a chief finding so far from the USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll, which tracked voter preferences daily four years ago and is doing so again this year. Overall, Trump has lost support from about 9 per cent of voters who backed him in 2016, the poll finds. The poll shows no major shift in the race during the last two weeks, belying much speculation that the back-to-back national political conventions and violence in Portland, Oregon, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, might have changed what has been an unusually stable contest. During the Democratic convention, Biden gained 2 percentage points and Trump lost 2 points; Trump then regained some of that ground during his convention, a week-by-week comparison of the poll's tracking shows. The net result is a Biden lead of 11 points, 52 per cent to 41 per cent, in the poll's latest results as of Monday, after the Republican convention. A rolling average of results over the last week has been virtually the same, 53 per cent to 41 per cent. "Independents who lean toward the Republican Party seem to have been temporarily swayed by Biden's message" during the Democratic convention, said Jill Darling, the survey director for the USC Dornsife poll. That widened Biden's lead for a bit. But "Trump's dark view of the Democrats' agenda seems to have swept them back into the fold, so the overall result is pretty much a wash." Biden's lead is almost double the 6-point lead that the poll showed for Hillary Clinton at this point four years ago. Clinton was then on a downward track, declining from the large boost she had received from her convention. That comparison to four years ago is based on an adjusted version of the 2016 USC Dornsife survey. The poll significantly overstated Trump's support. It showed him leading by October when, in fact, he lost the nationwide vote to Clinton by more than 2 percentage points. An analysis after the election showed that the poll, which tracks the views of a panel of more than 8,000 eligible voters, had over-represented rural Americans, a group who ended up leaning heavily toward Trump. The 6-point lead for Clinton represents her margin at this point four years ago once the poll was re-weighted to fix that mistake. Another big difference from four years ago: Third-party candidates get only 2 per cent support now, much less than in 2016, when smaller parties took 5 per cent of the vote. While a record number of Americans - perhaps as many as 150 million - are expected to vote in this fall's elections, the vast majority already have made up their minds. Over the next two months, the two sides will pour huge amounts of time and money into maximizing turnout among their supporters. At the same time, they'll battle over the small slice of the electorate that remains up for grabs. The poll's findings help pinpoint who those wavering voters are - mostly independents, who are closely divided between Biden and Trump, and less partisan Republicans who may have supported Trump in the past, but have soured on him since. Democrats and independents who lean Democratic have largely consolidated behind Biden, the poll finds. Democrats and their allies have tried to win over swing voters by stressing Trump's failure to control Covid-19 and the personality traits - belligerence, lack of empathy and flouting of traditional norms for presidential behavior - that many of those voters dislike. Trump has countered with dire warnings about violence in American cities and thinly veiled appeals to racial prejudice, especially tied to white fears of Black families moving into predominantly white suburbs. He has depicted Biden as a "puppet" of "radical Democrats." Analysis of which voters Trump has lost since 2016 provides insight into the problem his reelection campaign faces. Because the USC Dornsife panel includes many people who responded to the poll in 2016, its findings provide direct evidence of which voters have changed their minds. Although Trump has lost about 9 per cent of his 2016 voters, about 4 per cent of those who voted for Clinton now say they will vote for Trump. That gives Trump a net loss of 5 percentage points, which may not seem a big number, but sets up a high hurdle for an incumbent who barely eked out victory four years ago, winning by less than 1 point in each of the three states that put him over the top. "You can't lose 9 per cent or 10 per cent of the people who voted for you last time" and still win, said Bob Shrum, the director of USC Center for the Political Future, which co-sponsors the poll, and a veteran Democratic strategist. "If that holds, it would be catastrophic for him." Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-03 09:12:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LIMA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Peru has approved the resumption of international flights on Oct. 1, but under strict safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Transport and Communications Carlos Estremadoyro said on Wednesday. The first routes to resume include those to Mexico and Chile, which form the Pacific Alliance trade bloc with Peru and Colombia. Brazil, the United States and Spain are also among countries with which Peru is coordinating on the restart of flights. According to Estremadoyro, Peruvian authorities are discussing the details of health measures with their counterparts in other countries. He stressed that people who come to his country should do a coronavirus test within one week. Peru suspended international flights in March as part of lockdown measures designed to contain the spread of the virus. Enditem Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal City workers would not get raises, but they might also avoid furloughs and layoffs under Albuquerque Mayor Tim Kellers new budget proposal. Nearly 600 vacant city jobs would remain vacant, but the city would increase spending in select areas, such as senior meals. The city would also move about $7.5 million from various agencies to stand up its new-model community safety department, but it will come at little cost to its traditional police force, which will see its support continue to tick upward. In announcing his proposed fiscal year 2021 budget Thursday, Keller acknowledged that it lands with little fanfare, given the economic reality of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city will put off spending tens of millions of dollars on what he called awesome new ideas and initiatives and fun things in service of targeted priorities, such as public safety and health and, administration officials said, financial prudence. The current proposal has the city ending the year with $49 million in state-mandated reserves, plus $40 million in contingency money. This is more about nuts and bolts, and how were weathering the storm, Keller said at a City Hall news conference, comparing this years budget with past versions. Despite waning gross receipts tax revenue and additional losses at venues such as the zoo, Kellers total budget sits at $1.15 billion a near match for last year. Thats due in large part to $150 million in federal coronavirus relief money the city received in April. The city has spent about a third already, but can apply the remaining funds to some personnel costs, as well as new expenses wrought by the virus. That federal aid has been instrumental in preventing city layoffs and furloughs, though the citys workforce has been hit in other ways. Employees will not get an annual cost-of-living raise, though the city will provide a one-time, $375 payment to cover the increases they will see in health insurance coverage. And, as of August, 583 vacant positions throughout city government have been frozen approximately 9% of the citys job base. That accounts for about $15 million in savings in Kellers proposed budget, but also means residents will see some service slow downs. We have adjusted all sorts of service schedules because now we are understaffed citywide, Keller said. Were committed to continuing basic things like trash pick up, parks and rec (services), but things might take a couple of days longer. Were going to get the job done, but its not going to be quite as fast or on-time as it used to be. But the mayor reiterated Thursday that Albuquerques municipal government is in better shape than most other major American cities, citing new research covered by The New York Times that estimated Albuquerques revenue shortfall to be the second lowest among 40 large cities, second only to Boston. Kellers proposal sets the general fund budget at $592 million compared with last years $641 million. The general fund covers most basic city services, including police, park maintenance and animal shelters. Despite what looks like a massive drop, federal relief money would likely cover an additional $70 million in personnel costs, according to Sanjay Bhakta, the citys chief financial officer. The administration has yet to provide the traditional, department-by-department financial breakdown with its proposal, but has referenced some give-and-take among various agencies. The new community safety department which Keller has said would create a third option for 911 call response outside of the existing police and fire department would cost an estimated $7.5 million and have around 100 employees. The resources would come mostly from other departments, such as Family and Community Services, like the personnel it has addressing homeless encampments, and the Department of Municipal Development, which includes the citys security guards, who have in the past year already begun responding to some 911 calls related to people who look unconscious in public spaces. The new department would also absorb some civilian personnel from the Albuquerque Police Department, though the mayors proposal boosts general fund spending on police to $212 million from $205 million last year. The intent is to hire an additional 100 officers by the fiscal years end. Weve been very clear that our police department has been underfunded, understaffed (in the past), Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair said. The budget now heads to the City Council, which will hold public hearings and work to make possible changes. The final version should reach the mayor some time in mid- to late October for his approval. City Councilor Trudy Jones said Thursday she still wants far more detail about the proposal than she has seen, particularly related to how exactly the mayor has proposed supporting businesses with federal relief funds. Nair noted various planned expenditures during Thursdays news conference, including $1 million in direct relief to small businesses, $1.125 million to help businesses cover personal protective equipment, and $1 million to help cover tents, heaters and other costs associated with businesses moving activity outdoors. But Jones said the aid seems insufficient. (Its) not even close to keep our city (open), and thats our goal we need to keep our city open and our people working, she said. _WebHeadline>EX: New research estimates ABQs revenue shortfall to be second lowest among 40 large cities Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 01:55:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's intensive care unit occupancy rate reached 68 percent due to novel coronavirus, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Friday. The bed occupancy rate across Turkey is 51 percent, the minister told reporters at a press conference in southeastern Diyarbakir city. Turkey confirmed 1,612 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, raising the total diagnosed patients to 276,555, the Turkish Health Ministry announced. Meanwhile, 53 people died in the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 6,564, according to data shared by the ministry. Turkish health professionals conducted 117,113 tests in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall number of tests to 7,583,200. A total of 1,021 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, raising the total recoveries to 249,108 in Turkey since the outbreak. The rate of pneumonia in COVID-19 patients is 7.5 percent and the number of seriously ill patients is 1,076. Turkey reported the first COVID-19 case on March 11. Turkey and China have supported each other in the fight against COVID-19. Chinese doctors and medical experts held video conferences with Turkish counterparts to share China's experience in treating coronavirus patients, protecting medical workers, and controlling the spread of the virus. Enditem Channel 5 viewers were left in 'tears of joy' after following the fate of a baby elephant at a Thai elephant hospital last night. Two-year-old Minnie was being treated for the Elephant Herpes Virus, which can kill the animals, at the Lampang's Elephant Hospital where the show was filmed. 100 sick and wounded elephants are treated at the centre each year, with elephant keepers, called mahouts, looking after them, and wildlife expert Dr Paul O'Donoghue travelled to the hospital to observe their work. Firecracker Minnie was put on an antibiotic course after being diagnosed and tugged at the heartstrings of viewers. Many noted they were disappointed at the fact the hospital used chains on their animal patients. Channel 5 viewers were left in 'tears of joy' following the fate of a baby elephant at a Thai elephant hospital last night. Two-year-old Minnie was being treated for the Elephant Herpes Virus, which can kill the animals, at the Lampang's Elephant Hospital where the show, which aired last night, was filmed In the show we learned that the virus Minnie suffered from had killed 60 baby elephants across Thailand in the past 12 months. Marty, her carer, said he was very worried about her and constantly stayed by her side. He had the difficult job or feeding 60 anti-viral tablets a day to stubborn Minnie, who did not necessarily want to take her medicine. 'Like any baby animals, they don't like taking medicine, but you put it in the bananas and it is their favourite food,' Paul said. Minnie had a fever and her behaviour changed, which tipped the doctors off that something was not right Clever Marty would hide several medicines in the bananas, which he peeled and fed to Minnie everyday. Paul observed the carer and elephant were 'thick as thieves,' and that Marty would rarely leave Minnie's side. The elephant calf triggered alarm bells at the hospital when she appeared to lack energy. Elephant herpes, which was first documented in Asia in 1995, is an hemorrhagic disease particularly fatal to elephant calves. In order for the animal to survive, they need to be treated quickly, and only a third of babies fully recover. Wildlife expert Dr Pau; Donoghue travelled to the Lampangs Elephant Hospital in Thailand to see how it worked One of the first symptoms of the disease is a high temperature, which meant a doctor from the Elephant Hospital had to take Minnie's temperature by keeping a thermometrer in her buttocks for one minute. Minnie's temperature was higher than 90 degree Fahrenheit, confirming the fears she had contracted the virus. She was immediately put on an antibiotic course to fight off the disease. Thankfully, Minnie's treatment proved successful thanks to the relentless care of Marty. Carers, called mahouts, look after the elephants and their calves, making sure they are healthy This was good news to the show's viewers, who had felt for the poor baby elephant. 'Loved seeing Minnie recover, Such a good programme,' one said. 'Well Minnie was a little terror! But so glad to see she recovered!! I now want to shower an elephant to gain its friendship,' said another. 'Wonderful news for Minnie and everyone caring at the Elephant Hospital. Only tissues needed for tears of joy,' said another elephant lover. 'Loving the #ElephantHospital on ch5 but it's already pulling at my heartstrings with the sick baby elephant and her mother staying compassionately close,' said another. Viewers felt for Minnie and celebrated her recovery, however, some noted it was a shame the hospital used chains However, some viewers said they struggled to enjoy the programme, because the hospital kept some elephants still using chains. 'Not loving seeing the chains round the elephants necks & they really shouldnt be ridden any more. Managed 5 minutes of #ElephantHospital & had to turn it off. Shame as theyre my favourite animals,' one said. 'Watching #ElephantHospital not happy about the amount of elephants in chains! Are they just sending the poor creatures back out in to the tourist trade,' said another. Denise Welch has been branded 'dumb and dangerous' by Piers Morgan after being told to 'calm down' during a TV rant about coronavirus 'scaremongering'. The Loose Women panellist, 62, appeared on Friday's This Morning as part of a debate where she argued that the government are scaring people with their overreaction to Covid-19 infection numbers. Things got intense as host Eamonn Holmes, 60, was forced to ask Denise to 'calm down' as she got very passionate during the heated discussion, with Good Morning Britain host Piers giving his opinion via Twitter. The Good Morning Britain host, 55, tweeted: 'Dumb, deluded & dangerous Covid-deniers like Denise Welch need to stop being given airtime. Denise Welch has been branded 'dumb and dangerous' by Piers Morgan after being told to 'calm down' in a TV rant about coronavirus 'scaremongering' Hitting back: The Good Morning Britain host, 55, tweeted: 'Dumb, deluded & dangerous Covid-deniers like Denise Welch need to stop being given airtime' 'Her idiotic, ill-informed ramblings - from a woman who never stops telling us that she suffers from mental illness - will cost lives by persuading people to think the virus isn't a threat.' Appearing via video link from Portugal, Denise hit out at the government for frightening people over the coronavirus pandemic, stating: 'I've never felt so passionate about anything in my life.' Discussing the pandemic, Denise said: 'I'm not saying this is over. I'm not saying how horrendous this virus is and was. 'But at the moment we have a one in two million chance of dying of Covid and I have a one in three chance of getting cancer. So can the government please tell us the proper statistics?' Having his say: Good Morning Britain host Piers was quick to share his views as he reacted to Denise's impassioned appearance on the show The debate, which also featured Dr Sara Kayat, saw Denise also talk about people's mental health and the fact that people who suffer from the likes of cancer and heart disease were failing to receive the treatment they needed. Turning to Dr Sara for her opinion, Eamonn said of Denise: 'She's not extremely right-wing on all of this.' To which Denise immediately snapped: 'Extremely right-wing? I'm not remotely right-wing, Eamonn.' With Denise's passion clearly showing through, Eamonn interjected: 'I'm only using your quote back at you, right? Just calm down, right?' Chat: The Loose Women panelist, 62, appeared on the show to discuss coronavirius 'scaremongering' as she argued that the government are scaring people Keeping the peace: Things got very intense as host Eamonn Holmes, 60, was forced to ask Denise to take things down a notch as she got very passionate During the debate, the former Coronation Street star also criticised media coverage of positive coronavirus news as she questioned why days when 'nobody dies of a corona-related illness', it's not reported. As Eamonn suggested that some of Denise's views may cause panic amongst viewers, she retorted: 'How am I causing panic, Eamonn?!' The debate also saw Ruth Langsford's Loose Women co-star take aim at fellow ITV presenter Piers, as she fumed: 'I'm a T-list celebrity according to megastar Piers Morgan.' Denise did garner the support of several This Morning viewers, who firmly agreed with her points. Views: Appearing via video link from Portugal, Denise hit out at the government for frightening people over the coronavirus pandemic 'Calm down': With Denise's passion clearly showing through, Eamonn interjected: 'I'm only using your quote back at you, right? Just calm down, right?' Taking to Twitter, one viewer shared: 'Can't believe I'm about to say this but I actually agree with Denise Welch on #ThisMorning.' While another tweeted: 'Well said denise! Also need to get doctors back seeing people to catch all the undiagnosed illnesses.' A third remarked: 'Well done Denise!!!!! She needs a question time event with government!! #ThisMorning.' Another added: 'Denise you go girl! You are so right! Government are obsessed and the media are scare mongering. Support: While Piers didn't agree with Denise's opinions, she did garner the support of several This Morning viewers, who firmly agreed with her points 'We need to try and get back to some kind of normal especially the Aviation industry!' Some viewers tuning in didn't agree with her delivery, with many complaining she was 'shouting' too much. One viewer observed: 'On a more serious note, Denise Welch may have some very good points, but they are completely lost in the way in which she is putting them across.' While another fumed: 'Coming across as very RUDE. Why shout and rave at eamon and ruth. Its not there fault denise ffs.' Divided: Some viewers tuning in didn't agree with her delivery, with many complaining she was 'shouting' too much A third wrote: 'I'd just like to be told stuff like this from people like @RealDeniseWelch in a calm way. 'The shouting was too stressful to watch.I can't rmbr what was being said due to the anger. Love Denise, hate shouting. She had a point from what I could make out #ThisMorning.' With an additional person commenting: 'Denise is scaring me somewhat today. please calm down you're gonna burst a vessel in a minute . ( Also please stop losing your temper its very awkward to watch )' (sic) This Morning continues weekdays at 10am on ITV. Sushant Singh Rajput Death Anniversary: A Timeline of the of events that have transpired so far Pure speculation says CBI on Sushant Singh related media reports India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Sep 04: The Central Bureau of Investigation has said that certain media reports with regard to the Sushant Singh Rajput case are speculative. Officials also said that the media reports are speculative and are not based on facts. It is reiterated that as a matter of policy, the CBI does not share details of the ongoing investigation, officials also said. "The CBI is conducting investigation related to death of Sh. Sushant Singh Rajput in a systematic and professional way. Certain media reports attributed to CBI investigation are speculative and not based on facts. It is reiterated that as a matter of Policy, CBI does not share details of ongoing investigation. Sushant Singh Rajput death case: NCB arrests Abdul Basit, links him to Rhea Chakrabortys brother CBI spokesperson or any team member has not shared any details of investigation with media. The details being reported and attributed to CBI are not credible. It is requested that media may please confirm details from CBI Spokesperson before quoting CBI," a statement from the agency read. The CBI is conducting the probe based on a Supreme Court directive. The CBI has questioned several persons including Rhea Chakraborty, who was named as a prime accused in the FIR filed by the Bihar police. The case is also being probed by the Enforcement Directorate and Narcotics Control Bureau. There will be no new exploration and production contracts on the table for private or foreign companies in Mexico under a government plan set to be made public soon. We dont expect that there will be anything new in exploration and extraction in this infrastructure plan, the head of Mexicos oil industry association AMEXHI told Reuters in an interview. The infrastructure plan is the Mexican governments attempt to stimulate economic growth, but according to AMEXHIs head, Merlin Cochran, it will not involve a focus on the energy industry in the form of new projects. New joint ventures for Pemex are also unlikely, Cochran told Reuters. Earlier this week, it emerged that Mexico might have to cut its production target for 2021 as total output continued to fall steadily. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has ambitious plans for reversing this fall, but this plan relies exclusively on state player Pemex, and the company has probably the highest debt pile in the oil industry, despite government efforts to help it prop up its finances. This has made the target of 2 million bpd even harder to achieve. According to government plans, Pemex was supposed to boost oil production by about half a million barrels in 2021. Instead, in July production fell to 1.54 million bpd because of a sharp drop in the output from Pemexs largest offshore field, Maloob. Output from Maloob fell by more than 30 percent on the year. This meant Pemexs total for July fell to a record low. Earlier this year, there were media reports that the Mexican state company would farm out some production to foreign companies. The head of the National Hydrocarbons Commission, the state industry regulator, said he expected farm-out deals to be announced soon. However, this has not happened to date even though, according to NHCs Rogelio Hernandez, Pemex was actively looking for partners. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: John Fockes brief time as the radio play by play voice of the Charlotte Hornets is over. On Thursday, the Hornets released a brief statement announcing that Focke would not return as the teams radio broadcaster due to a violation of the organizations social media policy. Charlotte Hornets Statement: pic.twitter.com/6FS29oU5Yj Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) September 3, 2020 A couple of weeks ago, Focke tweeted out a racial slur when discussing a Jazz-Nuggets game. Focke claimed it was a typo, and the team indefinitely suspended him. He hasnt tweeted since apologizing shortly after his suspension. In an interview with the Charlotte Observer, Focke said his slipup wasnt an auto-correct error, but a legitimate typo caused by typing too fast and not proofing his work. I know some people will complain about the Hornets decision here, but I think think they were justified. And if they kept Focke around, I also think that decision would have been justified. It seemed like the team took their time and made a reasoned decision. They didnt immediately drop the hammer and fire Focke, and they didnt let him writhe on the vine for months. Fockes typo may have been an innocent mistake as he claims (and I have no reason to doubt him), but that doesnt mean that he automatically gets a pass. QINGDAO, Sept. 4 -- The 36th escort taskforce of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy left a military port in Qingdao on September 3rd for the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia to engage in escort missions. A setting-off ceremony for the escort fleet was held at the dock on the morning. Accompanied by loud military music, the ships of the formation slowly left the dock, with sailors manning the rails and bidding farewell . The 36thnaval escort taskforce is comprised of the guided-missile destroyer Guiyang (Hull 119), the missile frigate Zaozhuang (Hull 542), and the comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu(Hull 960), with dozens of special operations soldiers and two ship-borne helicopters on board. They will take over the position of the 35th escort fleet and perform tasks after their arrival in the Gulf of Aden. During the mission preparation period, the escort taskforce strictly implemented the relevant requirements for pandemic prevention and control, carefully organized and carried out targeted training on the subjects of armed rescue of hijacked merchant ships, anti-terrorism and anti-piracy, etc., to further refine and improve their capability to perform tasks. Jaipur, Sep 4 : The Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) workers recently unfurled the saffron flag at the renowned Sonar temple in Rajasthan's Udaipur district and replaced it with their party's flag, leaving the other sections of tribal society annoyed. Protesting the move, the upset members reached the offices of District Collectors and SDMs of different districts and submitted memoranda in the name of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot while demanding tough action against BTP workers, alleging that they were trying to disturb peace and the cultural legacy of tribals. The BTP contested elections from Rajasthan during the 2018 Assembly elections and won two seats. The party was formed in 2017 in Gujarat and since then it has been strongly pitching for a separate Bhil Pradesh by carving out the tribal-dominated areas of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, the recent episode of Sonar temple exposed a faction appearing among the tribals of the state as the other tribals stood united and submitted memoranda to senior officials in different parts of the tribal areas, including Aspur, Simalwada, Sablaa and Hathai. One of the groups also submitted a memorandum to the District Collector in Dungarpur which said that a few tribals from the area were trying to disrupt their ancient cultural legacy and unity for their self-sustaining goals. The cultural harmony, it added, of the tribal-dominated areas was under threat because of such people. Similarly, a memorandum submitted to Aspur SDM Praveen Kumar Meena said the acts of parties like BTP should be checked who were dividing innocent tribals in the name of religion. BTP workers were influencing tribals on the basis of religion and trying to distort the social harmony. He termed such elements as anti-social and demanded strict action against them, added former Pradhan of Aspur Chimanlal Meena. Tribals in Sabla also submitted a memorandum to SDO Badrilal Suthar and alleged that BTP workers were spreading violence in the town. National Tribal Forum also called a meeting on Thursday and said tribals were being misled by certain segments who want them to stand divided which they would never let happen. However, Congress Rajasthan Youth President and MLA Ganesh Ghoghra accused the two BTP MLAs for playing with the sentiments of people while speaking in a local programme, adding, tribals in the state stand united which has been taught to them by their forefathers. Aspur BJP MLA Gopichand Meena also criticised the act of BTP workers and said he will raise his voice against such anti-social elements in the Assembly and will also take the matter to Parliament. President Donald Trump closes his eyes as he visits the American Cemetery of Suresnes, outside Paris, as part of Veterans Day and the commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Nov. 11, 1918, armistice, ending World War I, on Nov. 11, 2018. (Christian Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images) Four On-The-Record Sources Rebut Anonymously Sourced Trump Military Story Four people forcefully rebutted a story that relied entirely on anonymous sources to claim that President Donald Trump decided not to visit a military cemetery in France in 2018 because he feared his hair would become disheveled. The story, from The Atlantic, also claimed that Trump in conversations described not believing it was important to honor Americans killed in war. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the former White House press secretary, said in a statement that the story is total BS, or nonsense. I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussionthis never happened. I have sat in the room when our President called family members after their sons were killed in action and it was heart-wrenching, she wrote. These were some of the moments I witnessed the President show his heart and demonstrate how much he respects the selfless and courageous men and women of our military. I am disgusted by this false attack. Hogan Gidley, a former White House aide who now serves as the Trump campaigns national press secretary, said the story was full of disgusting, grotesque, reprehensible lies. I was there in Paris and the President never said those things, Gidley wrote in a statement, describing the anonymous sources as people who do not have the courage or decency to put their names to these false accusations because they know how completely ludicrous they are. President Donald Trump talks with reporters at Andrews Air Force Base after attending a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pa., at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) White House aide Dan Scavino, who was also on the trip, said the story contained complete lies. A disgraceful attempt to smear POTUS, 60 days before the Presidential Election! Disgusting!! he wrote in a tweet. Stephen Miller, senior advisor to Trump, who was part of the trip, told the Washington Examiner that the story wasnt true. The president deeply wanted to attend the memorial event in question and was deeply displeased by the bad weather call. The next day, he spoke at Suresnes American Cemetery in the pouring rain and refused an umbrella, he said. No one has a bigger, more loving, or more loyal heart for American veterans and fallen heroes than our president. White House communications director Alyssa Farah said in a statement that the piece is offensive and patently false. Trump told reporters in Maryland late Thursday that the story was fake news. Trump said he was ready to go to the ceremony by motorcade because of the inclement weather but the Secret Service blocked the trip, citing operational difficulties. They said, You cant do it. So I said, I want to do it. They said, You cant. There was no way I would have been able to do it. And they would never have been able to get the police and everybody else in line to have a president, go through a very crowded, very congested area, Trump said. So I went and I called home, I spoke to my wife, I said, I hate this, I came here to go to that ceremony. And for the one that was the following day, which I did go to. I said, I feel terrible, and that was the end of it. Now all of a sudden somebody makes up this horrible story that I didnt want to go, and then they make up an even worse story, an even worse story, calling certain names to our fallen heroes. Its a disgrace that a magazine is able to write it. At the time the visit was scuttled to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Trump on social media blamed bad weather. By the way, when the helicopter couldnt fly to the first cemetery in France because of almost zero visibility, I suggested driving. Secret Service said NO, too far from airport & big Paris shutdown. Speech next day at American Cemetery in pouring rain! Little reported-Fake News! he wrote. White House Chief of Staff John F Kelly visits the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, France, on Nov. 10, 2018. (Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP via Getty Images) Former national security adviser John Bolton wrote in his recently published book that a motorcade could take up to two hours each way along roads that were not exactly freeways, posing an unacceptable risk. The press turned canceling the cemetery visit into a story that Trump was afraid of the rain and took glee in pointing out that other world leaders traveled around during the day, Bolton wrote. Of course, none of them were the President of the United States, but the press didnt understand that rules for U.S. Presidents are different from the rules for 190 other leaders who dont command the worlds greatest military forces. White House chief of staff John Kelly ended up going in Trumps stead. The White House said Trumps scheduled trip was canceled due to scheduling and logistical difficulties caused by the weather. Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by BuzzFeed reporter Jason Leopold support that version. U.S. Navy personnel stated that weather will not support todays flight, one document showed. The Atlantic story did not note the documents. Instead, author Jeffrey Goldberg claimed that Trump was lying when he blamed the weather for not being able to go to the cemetery. The media outlet didnt respond to a request for comment when presented with the documents and the on-the-record claims rebutting its story. Goldberg said during an appearance on CNN on Friday that his sources didnt want to go on the record because they dont want to inundated with angry tweets and all the rest. Employees at the magazine have a history of open animus against the president. Conor Friedersdorf, a writer, defended the new story by alleging that Trump has verifiably abysmal character. Goldberg, the editor-in-chief, wrote in 2018 that Trump possesses no ability to explain anything resembling a foreign-policy philosophy. With so many employees trying to juggle the dual responsibilities of work and parenthood, Spring Branch ISD has taken a large step to try to help them. The district opened the Employee Childcare Center on Aug. 24, the first day of instruction, which was virtual for all students. Tools for learning: Spring Branch ISD distributes technology to 14,000 students The center, which is located in an old elementary school building that was refurbished, cares for children from six weeks old to fifth grade so their parents can focus on serving students. The program was funded with money from the $898.4 million voter-approved bond in 2017. The project came about as a result of feedback that employees gave district leaders in late spring about what they needed for a return to school in the fall. The center is an integral part of reopening of SBISD schools, Construction Project Manager Max Buja said in a statement. It is a huge benefit to employees and the district as a whole. Even though the instruction was virtual, teachers were required to be in their classrooms, which created a need for childcare. For children aged six weeks to three years old, the center operates as a childcare facility. For children in Pre-K through fifth grade, it operates somewhat like an instructional center. There are two classrooms for each of those grade levels. They have a maximum of 10 students each for social distancing reasons. Each classroom is staffed with two adults who can help with the students virtual learning. Help needed: Why a Houston Facebook group 'blew up' with desperate parents looking for help For the first time since March when we were all sent home, they are now having that social interaction with peers, with kids of their own age. Theyre also able to form those relationships with their teachers, said center director Lynn Austin, who is also a former SBISD principal. The Employee Childcare Center will continue to operate through at least the end of the 2020-2021 school year. We cannot offer the excellent educational program the SBISD community expects without our wonderful employees, Sharee Cantrell, Director of Early Childhood Programs for the school district said in the write-up. Our goal is to give employees peace of mind that their own children are being well cared for while they work to offer high quality instruction in their classrooms. elliott.lapin@hearst.com New Delhi: In a major development, the Supreme Court on Friday (September 4, 2020) refused to entertain the review petition filed by ministers of six Opposition-ruled states who were seeking a review of the top court's August 17 order to conduct NEET-UG and JEE (Main) examinations. The ministers in their plea had claimed that the top court order failed to secure students' "right to life" and ignored "teething logistical difficulties" to be faced in conducting the exams during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cabinet Ministers of six states had sought a review of the Supreme Court order dated August 17 vide which it had allowed the Centre to hold the National Eligibility cum Entrance test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in September. The States which had filed a review petition are West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan. The states demanded that the examinations be postponed by at least six to eight weeks keeping in mind the surge in coronavirus cases and health concerns of students. They alleged that the governments decision to go ahead with examinations despite the 3.3 million COVID-19 cases with over 60,000 deaths, reveals non-application of mind, and is unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious exercise of power". However, this is the second time that the top court rejected the request to postpone the engineering and medical exams JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). The Supreme Court had earlier rejected such a request by 11 students from 11 states. A Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, on August 17, had dismissed pleas seeking deferment of JEE Main 2020 and NEET UG examinations which are slated to be held in September. Pursuant to the August 17 order of the Apex Court, the National Testing Agency (NTA), earlier this week, notified that the said entrance examination would be conducted as per the revised schedule with the NEET on September 13 and the JEE (Main) that started from September 1. On August 27, the Dallas County District Attorney's office moved to drop It's case against Matthew Tonne, a former associate children's minister at The Village Church. In November 2018, Tonne was arrested and charged with having indecent sexual contact with an 11-year-old child. The office of the District Attorney claimed there was "a lack of probable cause," as the victim could not properly identify Tonne as the offender. J. Mitchell Little, the complainant's attorney and partner with Scheef & Stone LLP, stated, "Our client and her family are shocked and disgusted." Little made clear that the state was "sufficiently satisfied" with the identification of Tonne previously and that his client is "ready to identify" him. He will proceed with a civil lawsuit against The Village Church, demanding $1 million for emotional distress and gross negligence. The Village Church, the only defendant in the civil lawsuit, denied all allegations but dismissed Tonne from his position as a children's minister in June 2018. Recently, The Village Church notified its members of the dropped charges against Matthew Tonne. Tonne, himself, posted on Facebook saying, "In the midst of this time of deep sorrow and hopelessness, injustice and betrayal, there was a faithful group of friends and family who were in my corner to the end, holding me up." The civil suit will hold its jury trial in April 2021. By Trend Iran's Deputy Minister Communications and Information Technology Hamid Fattahi and Russian Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maxim Parshin met and held talks online about cooperation on artificial intelligence, Trend reports citing IRNA. The second meeting of Iran-Russia Cooperation Group on Communications and Information Technology was held online on Thursday. During the online meeting, Iran's official expressed Iran's interest in cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, e-government, smart city, and the development of modern businesses with Russia. Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic in the world, Fattahi said that this pandemic has made the cooperation of countries in the field of communications and information technology a necessity more than before. Pointing to Iran-Russia's growing relations, he reiterated that the ministries of both sides and the Ministers of Iran and Russia had several meetings in this area that the most important consequences of these meetings were held of the quadrilateral meeting among Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. He noted that two documents related to the field of communications and information and space technology were signed by the parties in the first meeting. Referring to Russia's capacities and capabilities in the field of communications and information technology, Parshin said that Russia can share these experiences with Iran in the fields of electronic governance and smart cities. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). A company in Hanoi has been fined VND17.5 million (US$755) for producing and selling a vegan pate product that contains a dangerous toxin. The Peoples Committee in Dong Anh District has imposed the fine upon Loi Song Moi Company for failing to comply with regulations on food safety. Loi Song Moi is the manufacturer of a vegan pate product under the brand Minh Chay, the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) affirmed in a report sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Thursday. Aside from the vegan pate, the firm also produces 12 other food products, the NAFIQAD stated, adding that 21,540 units of the unsafe product have entered the market. About 11,770 customers have bought these products, of whom 7,449 purchased the Minh Chay vegan pate. The Ministry of Health recently warned that the vegan pate product contains Clostridium botulinum type B, an anaerobic bacteria with strong toxins that can damage human health and lead to fatality. Many consumers of the product have been hospitalized with such symptoms as muscle weakness, droopy eyelids, muscle paralysis, limb weakness, and difficulty breathing. The company has also issued warnings on its websites as well as contacted all the customers who had bought the product. The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has suspended all production and business operations of Loi Song Moi Company and invalidated the firms food safety certificate. The NAFIQAD has asked the citys agriculture department to work with relevant agencies to recall and dispose of the unsafe products produced by the company. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! How are things going, Governor Cuomo? How desperate are you these days? We learned that Cuomo said this: "He better have an army if he thinks he's gonna walk down the street in New York. New Yorkers don't want to have anything to do with him," the Democrat said, all but threatening the commander-in-chief. But Cuomo who, like Trump, hails from Queens wasn't done. "He can't have enough bodyguards to walk through New York City, people don't want to have anything to do with him." Sounds like a desperate man to me! Of course, Cuomo is facing the political equivalent of an Aroldis Chapman fastball around your head. On one hand, New York faces a huge budget deficit of about $30 billion. On the other hand, the Trump administration is going to cut some federal aid for defunding the police or acting like "anarchist cities." My guess is that the one who is going to need a lot of bodyguards is Andrew Cuomo. He is the one in deep trouble. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Image: NY MTA Portland; Black Lives Matter; Protest Peaceful protesters march through downtown in solidarity with Jacob Blake on August 27, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. Protests continued across the country Thursday night following the police shooting of Blake in Wisconsin. Nathan Howard/Getty Images In the Age of Trump, Portland, Oregon, is no longer just another city. Now it is a symbol and almost a Rorschach test for the country's deep and explosive political divides. For Trumpists, Republicans and members of the far right, Portland is all that is wrong with "the Left" and "Liberals," a chaotic nightmare zone where Black Lives Matter, antifa and other "enemies" are running amok while they attack "patriotism" and "real American values." To TrumpWorld, Portland and other Democratic-led big cities (which of course is virtually all of them) are hives of scum and villainy, overrun by criminals and "rioters," which must be conquered and overrun by Trump's enforcers and armed vigilante supporters. Trump's "law and order" politics, and its inherent racism and violence, are believed by many to be his path back to the White House. In this view, Portland and other "Democrat cities" and communities are targets of opportunity for the Trump regime. Writing at Washington Monthly, David Atkins explains Trump's mindset: He sees the violence as politically beneficial, a useful cudgel against Democratic nominee Joe Biden even though the violence is happening while Trump himself is president, not Biden. Trump's election theme is that Americans won't be safe in a Biden presidency. The opposite is true. Americans won't be safe as long as a white supremacist president is leading a movement of bigots to incite a civil war, and attempting to ensure that the majority of Americans with cosmopolitan, egalitarian values remain politically disenfranchised and under the thumb of those who fear and despise them. Story continues Trump's campaign of racial authoritarianism and stochastic terrorism, as well as overt threats of "law and order," resulted in a group of his supporters driving into Portland last weekend, armed with mace and paintball guns, to seek confrontation with Black Lives Matter and anti-fascist protesters. During one such encounter, a member of the right-wing militia group Patriot Prayer, Aaron Danielson, was shot and killed. On Thursday night, the apparent shooter, Michael Reinoehl, was himself shot and killed by U.S. marshals in Olympia, Washington. Despite this lamentable violence for which Trump and the right must bear ultimate responsibility for progressives and other people of conscience Portland is a symbol of resistance and hope. As part of the nationwide people's uprising sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis,, protesters have been outside the Portland federal courthouse for more than 100 days. The protests were largely peaceful until Trump and acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf deployed federal police forces to the city in July. Their presence, as designed, escalated the tension and led to increasing levels of property damage and incidents of violence. Previewing Trump's plan for other parts of the nation, these federal shock troops made journalists and reporters a special focus of their violence. They also kidnapped protesters and other "enemies" of Donald Trump's regime off the street as though they were operating in a banana republic. Much of the mainstream American news media's coverage of the recent events in Portland lacks meaningful context. Writing at Medium, a Portland press collective describes one such example of this "parachute journalism": One night last week, during one of the smaller demonstrations, a tall white man in a clean ballistic helmet and brand-new plate carrier emblazoned with "PRESS" strolled through the crowd in front of the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland, Oregon. He stopped by a gaggle of other journalists, most out-of-towners. "I've only been around for the last week," he said, "but the protests in Portland feel a lot more performative than the ones I've seen in other cities. Less genuine." A local journalist mentioned having been present for over 50 nights of the protests, starting in early June. "Yeah, I can only speak for what I've seen this week," said Clean Helmet. "I'm flying back to DC tomorrow." Clean Helmet was on the ground in Portland, by his own description, for less than a week. This means that he was present for approximately 1/10th of Portland's BLM protests, thus far. I'm sure he got some great footage. The Parachutes (as we have come to know them) come with money, and zero community connections. Their goal is the clip that can make the nightly news. They want a story that will dominate the news cycle. They do not know what is happening in Portland, and they do not care. They are coming to a city with a vibrant, scrappy community of street-level journalists. By and large, they do not want the context that those journalists can provide. And soon they will come to a city near you. When the Feds and the Parachutes come to your town, you'll want everyone to understand the context there, too. And they are coming. Clean Helmet is already back in DC, and on to the next assignment. The important context which "the Parachutes" usually omit includes the way Portland is depicted as a liberal oasis in America's popular imagination. In reality, Portland is a very race- and class-segregated city. As historian and activist Walidah Imarisha and others have richly documented, the Oregon territory passed laws in 1844 explicitly excluding Black people from the region under punishment of whippings and other violence. The state of Oregon formally include white supremacy in its constitution, explicitly banning nonwhites. To this day, Oregon remains a redoubt of white supremacy, where white supremacists and other right-wing extremists have a large presence in the state and surrounding region. Portland itself has a long and ongoing history of right-wing violence. Alexander Reid Ross is a doctoral fellow at the Center for Analysis of the Radical Right. His most recent book is "Against the Fascist Creep." Ross has also completed new research which documents more than 500 incidents in which white vigilantes and other right-wing extremists have confronted Black Lives Matter protests. This includes hundreds of acts of intimidation and other threats as well as dozens of examples in which right-wing extremists have assaulted or attacked Black Lives Matter protesters. In this conversation Ross shares his firsthand experiences with the recent George Floyd protests in Portland. He also provides some context for those events and the police and federal response. Ross also details the long history of right-wing paramilitaries and political street gangs in Portland and their relationship with local police and other law enforcement. Reid warns that Portland, the right-wing vigilante killings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the hundreds of other attacks by right-wing extremists on Black Lives Matter protesters is just a preview of the massive violence that Donald Trump and his movement may unleash before and after Election Day perhaps including the arrest or imprisonment of prominent Democrats, journalists, and others deemed to be enemies of the state. After almost four years of Trump and his regime's authoritarian, neofascist behavior, some voices in the mainstream American news media now use that correct and appropriate language to describe the reality of the situation. Why was there so much fear and denial about the obvious? Even when they use the correct terminology, the coverage is largely superficial and avoids serious discussion of the dire implications. You must also take into account that many so-called left-leaning voices have also been interfering with bringing that truth to light. There were writers at the Guardian, for example, who were trying to sound the alarm about the dangers of right-wing extremism and fascism in America, but they were derided by their peers across the political spectrum. I also believe that publications such as the Washington Post and the New York Times saw themselves as being aloof from questions of the mob and political violence in America. There is a tendency among elite voices to want to say that, "We're above political violence here in America and we resolve our differences through conversation. Therefore, let's give everyone a hearing and let's debate these issues, regardless of how extreme they may be. That is what a democratic country should act like." In a sense, they put their faith completely in some abstract idea of "democracy" instead of taking the temperature of what is really happening on the ground. You live in Portland. How is your experience different from the narrative being offered by the mainstream American news media and other outside observers? We in Portland have been dealing with right-wing extremists and police abuse for a long time. Portland has experience with the likes of right-wing extremist groups such as Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys. This is not new to us. I would go out to protests and see how the political violence is not a result of the breakdown in the monopoly of violence held by the police. The political violence was a result of the Proud Boys and the police effectively acting as two different elements of the same side. It wasn't that the police had lost the monopoly of violence. It was the police were shooting us in order to allow the Proud Boys to march through the city without proper permits. Most mainstream news media coverage of the protests which have taken place here in Portland, recently and before, totally fail to acknowledge or even fathom the police involvement in the rise of the far right in this community. That failure has cascaded to the point that we are now at a point where the press is painting the current crisis as some type of grudge match between the feds and the anarchists. In fact, the protest movement is a very diverse group of people especially by Portland standards who are coming out night after night and making extraordinarily clear demands and being absolutely brutalized in the streets every night. What too many reporters in many cases are trying to do is figure out how to resolve the situation, rather than understanding it and properly explaining to the public what is really happening and the context for it. By doing so, too many reporters are creating false equivalencies regarding the various forces at play here in Portland. What does Portland exemplify, in terms of the protests and the Trump's regime's reaction? It is an example of Donald Trump attempting to rise to the level of a right-wing political strongman. Donald Trump is using classic authoritarian tactics that one does not often see in a healthy democracy. Donald Trump is deliberately undermining the Constitution by using federal law to circumvent local governments' control over their police forces. Trump and William Barr's de facto secret police are literally disappearing people off the streets of Portland and in other parts of the country where the Democratic Party is in power. How do you explain what is happening to people who do not live in those communities? Who are not being targeted by Trump and his henchmen? The specific federal forces involved are BORTAC the Border Patrol Tactical Unit and the U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group and others, under the coordination of the Department of Homeland Security. BORTAC have been in Portland shooting at people and launching tear gas. BORTAC is not trained for crowd or riot control. They are trained to engage in raids against migrants and to separate children from their mothers. That is what BORTAC does. They pride themselves on being the most militarized branch and group of the U.S. law enforcement community. BORTAC members are extreme Trump supporters. What is happening in Portland and other parts of the country is the border closing in on the citizens of the United States. BORTAC is loyal to Donald Trump and that's why he is using them. He's not using them because they're the most skilled and adept at riot and crowd control management. That also explains why there are so many incidents of people being shot in the face and otherwise abused here in Portland and other places where BORTAC and other such forces are being deployed by the Trump administration.They don't know what they're doing at all. BORTAC is being used because Trump feels that they are his most loyal forces. That is fully in keeping with the tactics of authoritarian leaders who cultivate secret police whose main function is to serve as the government leader's private force, one that operates outside of any restraints such as internal review. The [former] Chilean dictatorship is explicitly supported by Trump's own supporters, who wear T-shirts that say, "Right-wing death squad" and "Pinochet did nothing wrong." The American mainstream news media is far too charitable with its narrative that "Trump is playing to his base." During the recent protests in Portland, were there moments where you feared that the federal forces were going to start shooting the crowd with lethal rounds? The fear is very real and it's constant. The federal forces have assault rifles. They are loaded with live rounds. There are protesters who were throwing fireworks and things of that sort at the courthouse. What if one of the feds has an itchy trigger finger? What if a firework explodes and they then open fire on an entire group of unarmed people? Trump and their defenders and other apologists will just say, "Well, these poor agents have been overworked for 60 days and look at all the things that have been thrown at them" and so on and so forth. We know what the narrative will be. All a person can do when protesting is to act accordingly and stay focused. You have been documenting what are now almost 500 attacks, acts of intimidation, vehicular assaults, shootings and other threats by Trump supporters and other members of the right against Black Lives Matter protests. What do we know? I have never seen this amount of anti-left vigilantism from the right. During the first year of Barack Obama's administration, the Tea Party was huge, and they mobilized with events all over the country. There were also armed protests in opposition to Obamacare. But those right-wing protesters were not coming out to confront and intimidate a much smaller group of anti-racists. Of course, those anti-Obama Tea Party and anti-health-care type protesters were extremely racist and a breath away from being fascists, but there was not that same energy and menace that we are seeing today. The idea of these right-wing protesters and militia types being "anti-government" again, a narrative circulated by the mainstream American news media is very uncritical, a total misnomer. They are really pro-government. They are entirely in favor of the United States government as controlled by Donald Trump. Their claim to be "libertarians" is a joke. Those right-wing militias and others sympathetic to them are arming in opposition to Democrats, liberals and progressives. Right-wing extremists and other terrorists, including white supremacists and neo-Nazis, are also coordinating at times with the police. They actually say that they are at the protests to "protect the police." Think about that claim: They are "anti-government" vigilantes who promise that they are trying to protect the police. In essence, these right-wing militias and the like are American citizens who believe it is their role not to become police, but to guard the police. Such a claim is ludicrous. It is a paramilitary force. These right-wing forces are coordinating and positioning themselves to be able to launch a coup against American democracy and the Democratic Party, if the latter gains control of the presidency and government. The closest parallel with what we are seeing with Trump's movement would be the "massive resistance" by white people against racial integration in the South during the civil rights movement. I am of the opinion that the United States has not seen such a mobilization of violent, far-right forces to this extent since the 1960s. Recently, a Trumpist and right-wing militia supporter traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin and involved himself in the protests there. He apparently shot three people, killing two of them. He crossed state lines illegally with a weapon he was not allowed to own. He was only a teenager, and was radicalized online into right-wing extremism. He is now being valorized by the right-wing media machine. Trump has defended this young man as a hero who was fighting against "criminals" and "looters." This apparent killer now has hundreds of thousands of dollars pledged to his defense. Trump has defended Kyle Rittenhouse with the claim he was firing in "self-defense." In essence, Donald Trump supports the right-wing vigilante movement, which represents the disintegration of the rule of law. We are witnessing an erosion of democratic norms in this country by Republicans. They accept breaking the law as being viable if it supports "traditional values" meaning racism. As a practical matter, Donald Trump is spearheading the movement of the Republican Party into a full-on violent racist organization that encourages vigilantism. In terms of engaging in the worst type of "both-sides-ism" and false equivalencies that helped Trump win and now keep power, the American mainstream news media is now advancing a "mutual combat" narrative in its coverage of Trump's supporters and the violence in Portland last weekend. How does that narrative contradict what really happened in Portland? The "mutual combat" framing is inane, legally a non-starter, and obviously supportive of the aggressive party, which is typically the Trump supporters. Their strategy is to provoke fights and then call for "law and order" intervention from a corrupt president. Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson has not been leading protests in Portland for a long time. He is a marginal figure, but the American news media has suddenly selected him and lifted him up for no apparent reason other than that he participated in an aggressive and bellicose Trump "caravan" last week during which right-wing vigilantes tried to run people over with their trucks, shot protesters and bystanders with paintball guns, and used pepper spray to attack people. Should Black Lives Matter, antifascist and other human rights and social justice supporters stop protesting in order to deny Trump's supporters and other right-wing hooligans a narrative that could hurt Joe Biden nd the the Democrats? In essence, should they make a tactical withdrawal to deny Trump a strategic victory, because of how events will likely be distorted by the media to his advantage? I will not say what protesters should or shouldn't do. I do not think what they choose to do or not do will matter much. What is significant is that the far right will deepen its insurgency against the left the more that Donald Trump falters and as he continues demanding "law and order." The left would be remiss to engage them on this level. The left is not in the streets to spark a civil war or escalate violent encounters to the point of breaking civil society into protracted sectarian warfare. The left is in the streets to make life better for ordinary people, and to present a version of the future that would be better and more prosperous for everyone. The more the left maintains its sanity against overwhelming odds, the more the right's paranoia and hysteria will marginalize it in American society. This will create new spaces for progressive causes and movements. What do you want to warn the American people about? What do you think happens next? I am worried about crackdowns by Donald Trump and his forces against their direct enemies. This would involve dragging Democrats in front of kangaroo courts and starting to criminalize dissent such that the average American who has a bumper sticker or other affiliation with the Democratic Party or liberal or progressive causes becomes a target for Trump's zealots. I worry that Trump will find some way to round up the leaders of the Democratic Party and put them in jail or execute them. That is the future that right-wing conspiracists such as the QAnon people want. They are the crowd that Donald Trump is signaling to. I do not believe that there is much stopping Donald Trump from following through on his extreme impulses. At this point Donald Trump is desperate. If Trump wins again it will just be more fuel on the fire for his followers. The right wing will follow through on his cues and start attacking regular people, not just protesters, who they believe are Democrats. Related Articles Joe Biden smiles at a press conference in Delaware: REUTERS Joe Biden has won the endorsement of nearly 200 current and former law enforcement officials, as they call Donald Trump a "lawless president". The list, which was announced by the Biden campaign, included former Obama administration Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano as well as dozens of former attorney generals, US attorneys, local police chiefs, and sheriffs. Former Madison, Wisconsin Police Chief Noble Wray called Mr Trump a "lawless president", according to Fox News. "It's ironic that a lawless president claims to be the 'law and order' president," Mr Wray said. "We are at a crossroads with this nation, and we need a president that has always prioritised the safety of Americans and their families." Law enforcement and policing has become a major campaign issue for both candidates following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Mr Trump has pivoted his message in recent months by calling himself a "law and order" president amid the protests erupting across the country in response to police shootings. To swing voters his way, the president has claimed that more riots and looting would occur if Mr Biden were to win in November. He went on to receive an endorsement from the National Association of Police Organisations (NAPO) and the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which is New York City's police union, for his pro-policing rhetoric. Previously, the NAPO endorsed the Obama-Biden campaign in 2008 and 2012 and did not endorse any candidate in 2016. "My agenda is anti-crime and pro-cop all the way, and that's what it's got to be," Mr Trump in August after the PBA endorsement. Mr Biden has attempted to also bring in voters by condemning the rioting, violence, and looting occurring in some American cities, all while supporting the protesters reacting to police shootings. He's also has reminded the public that these instances have all happened in "Trump's America" while slamming Mr Trump's rhetoric for "stoking the violence". Story continues "He has condemned violence of all kinds, and there is no question that I would feel safe in Joe Biden's America," Tom Manger, a former police chief in Montgomery County, Maryland, said in a statement distributed by the Biden campaign. Read more NYPD suffers another hit after 323,911 accusations of misconduct While we wont gather together for Labor Day celebrations this year, now more than ever we recognize what workers mean to our city, our state, and our nation. Clevelands building tradespeople should all be proud of the essential work theyve been performing, without interruption, since day one of the COVID-19 crisis. Since mid-March, union tradespeople, signatory contractors, and building trades unions have worked shoulder-to-shoulder to implement new safety protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In the union construction trades, safety is our calling card, and our workers were up to meeting the pandemics many challenges. Labor and management continue those efforts to keep Cleveland tradespeople and the public safe from coronavirus outbreaks, while completing major construction and infrastructure projects on time and on or under budget, even as other industries face continued shutdowns. Building trades unions exist to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of workers. For over a century, weve been rising to overcome monumental challenges and when union workers rise, all workers rise. This Labor Day, the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council salutes the essential workers and labor unions that keep Ohio moving forward. We all benefit from their courage and will to get the work done. David Wondolowski, Cleveland David Wondolowski is executive secretary/business manager of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council. PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Friday what he called Islamic separatism in his country and those who seek French citizenship without accepting Frances right to commit blasphemy. Macron defended satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which published caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad that helped inspire two French-born Islamic extremists to mount a deadly January 2015 attack on the papers newsroom. The weekly republished the images this week as the trial began of 14 people over the attacks on Charlie Hebdo and on a kosher supermarket. Speaking at a ceremony Friday celebrating Frances democratic history and naturalizing new citizens, the French president said, You dont choose one part of France. You choose France....The Republic will never allow any separatist adventure. Freedom in France, Macron said, includes the freedom to believe or not to believe. But this is inseparable from the freedom of expression up to the right to blasphemy. Noting the trial that opened Wednesday, he said, To be French is to defend the right to make people laugh, to criticize, to mock, to caricature. The 2015 attacks killed 17 people and marked the beginning of a wave of violence by the Islamic State group in Europe. Macrons centrist government has promised a law in the coming months against Islamic separatism but it is not clear yet exactly what it would police. Some critics fear it could unfairly stigmatize Frances largely moderate Muslim population, the largest in western Europe. Read more about: Inc. magazine today revealed that Transparent BPO is No. 4675 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nations fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economys most dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. We are honored to be listed in the Inc. 5000 list for the sixth time and for the fifth year consecutively. To sustain such incredible growth numbers year over year is a testament to the work and dedication of our team members. Said Scott Newman, CEO. An additional thank you to our clients for putting their trust in our business to take good care of their customers. Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists as well. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of over 500 percent, and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for over 1 million jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are also being featured in the September issue of Inc., available on newsstands August 18. The companies on this years Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business, says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism. The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring the companies on the list will be held virtually from October 23 to 27, 2020. As always, speakers will include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation. Transparent BPO was founded in 2009 to provide its clients with superior contact center and business process outsourcing. Transparent BPO consistent growth has led it to become a global provider of these services with expansion of delivery centers in multiple geographies, including the United States, Belize, and the Philippines. Transparent BPOs clients benefit from tenured senior leadership that delivers innovative ideas and proven processes delivering results to the brands we support. Transparent BPOs robust technology infrastructure and technology innovations provide our clients with essential redundancy, flexibility, and critical information security. More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Methodology The 2020 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2016 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2016. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2016 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. About Inc. Media The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference, visit http://conference.inc.com/. MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- Moss Point students will not return to classrooms until Sept. 14 -- one week later than originally planned. Superintendent Shannon Vincent announced the delay Thursday. Since Aug. 17, all students have been participating in virtual learning, with the original plan to bring them back to campuses on Sept. 8. The Moss Point community has been hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak, accounting for 31.1 percent of all Jackson County cases treated by Singing River Hospital System. When students return to classrooms on Sept. 14, they will be phased in by grade and class, with Phase 1 Sept. 14-25 and Phase 2 Sept. 28-Oct. 9, with the ultimate goal of having all students back on campus by Oct. 13. Parents will still have the option of having their children continue virtual learning. Pass Christian man arrested in Ocean Springs for Texas armed robbery OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A routine traffic stop on U.S. 90 in Ocean Springs turned into an arrest for armed robbery Wednesday. Ocean Springs police Capt. Ryan Lemaire said an officer pulled a vehicle over on the highway for a traffic offense, but when he ran a check of the suspects drivers license, he discovered 26-year-old Destan Patrick Dedeaux was wanted in Galveston, Texas, for armed robbery. Dedeaux struggled with the officer, but was quickly subdued and placed into custody. He is currently in the Jackson County Adult Detention Center awaiting extradition proceedings. MGCCC, Halter Marine launch shipbuilding apprentice program PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Halter Marine this week welcomed the inaugural 50-member class into the new joint shipbuilding apprentice program, according to a release from MGCCC. With the exception of pipe welding, each of the apprenticeship programs is four years in length and consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 classroom hours. Pipe welding is three years, with 6,000 hours of on-the-job-training and 432 classroom hours. The apprentices are following Maritime Technology curriculum approved by the Mississippi Community College Board. The curriculum comprises 10-12 classes in support of their craft, plus management/leadership classes. The classes are being taught as noncredit, workforce classes, but the apprentices will have the opportunity to convert their noncredit classes into credit through competency-based exams (CBE). The apprenticeship program is a new workforce-training model for Halter Marine to ensure consistent high-quality shipbuilders, enabling Halter Marine to successfully pursue federal shipbuilding contracts. Six Ingalls foremen recognized for safety record PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Six Ingalls Shipbuilding foremen have been recognized for leading their crews in achieving accident-free records for more than five consecutive years. The safety of our shipbuilders is our top priority, and the importance of safety in our industry and in every area of our shipyard cannot be overstated, said Ingalls president Brian Cuccias. These foremen and their crews have continuously demonstrated their commitment to maintaining a safety-focused culture at Ingalls, and this recognition is well-deserved. Ingalls shipbuilders receive extensive safety training and are instructed to begin each task with a proactive mindset to mitigate potential safety hazards. The foremen honored were: Robert Stringfellow, Hull Lisa Avery, Electrical, DDG 123 William Daniel, Electrical, LPD 29 Calvin Lewis, Electrical, LPD 28 David Welsford, Electrical, LPD 28 Tim Carpenter, Maintenance & Facilities Honorees were recognized at a luncheon and presented with commemorative safety and operations coins, certificates, badges and jackets from Ingalls operations leadership. The honorees were also provided a pizza party and Accident Free Crew badges for each member of their crew. MGCCC recognized as top community college in Mississippi PERKINSTON, Mississippi -- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been recognized as the top community college in Mississippi by a national publication. For over two decades, Schools.com has connected current and prospective students with the tools, resources, schools, career info to assist in finding the right degree program to meet educational goals and career plans. The ranking is based on data gathered from government agencies and other nationally recognized primary sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics and, its data collection program, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and the U.S. Department of Educations College Scorecard. Mauricio Alarcon as new Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Central and West Africa Ltd 04.09.2020 LISTEN Nestle has appointed Mauricio Alarcon as new Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Central and West Africa Ltd, effective September 1, 2020. Mr. Alarcon has a robust and in-depth understanding of Central and West Africa. In 2014, he became Managing Director of Nestle Cote dIvoire where he drove business growth and efficiency. He also headed Nestles operation in Senegal, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Mauritania and Cape Verde. In 2016, he became the Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria, the largest Nestle operation in the region. During his tenure in Nigeria, Mr. Alarcon was a catalyst for change and innovation to achieve superior business performance amidst a volatile environment. He also demonstrated a strong personal commitment to improving the lives of people within the company as well as in the communities it operates. Mr. Alarcon is a Mexican national with a Masters degree in Engineering from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. He worked in the banking sector before joining Nestle Mexico in 1999. In 2004, he was appointed as Marketing Manager for the Ice Cream business in Australia. He moved to Nestles North and Eastern Africa Region as Business Executive Manager for Ice Cream in 2010, transforming the business by doubling turnover and improving profitability. Im honored and excited to lead Nestle Central and West Africa Ltd. I look forward to joining forces with all our stakeholders to deliver Nestles purpose, which is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come, said Mr. Alarcon. We will achieve this by bringing to life our vision of delivering affordable and accessible nutrition to everyone in Central and West Africa. We will also continue to build strong communities by improving livelihoods as well as intensify our efforts to protect our planet for future generations. he added. About Nestle Central and West Africa: In Central and West Africa, Nestle operates in 25 countries and directly employs more than 5,400 people. The region has 9 factories and 3 co-packers. As a company in society, Nestle helps address the specific nutritional needs of the population by offering tastier and healthier foods & beverages; and by promoting balanced diets and healthy lifestyles. Nestles portfolio in Central and West Africa spans food and beverage categories including dairy, culinary, coffee, beverages, infant nutrition and bottled water. MAGGI MILO, CERELAC , GOLDEN MORN, NESCAFE, NIDO and PURE LIFE are just some of our most popular brands in the region. The companys purpose is unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Jeopardy! is returning with a new season featuring Alex Trebek and historic champion Ken Jennings in a brand-new role. The show announced on Thursday that its 37th season would begin on 14 September. In a promotional video, Trebek told viewers: Weve made some changes and I think youre going to like them. He assured them hell remain as host. Jennings, meanwhile, has joined the team as a consulting producer, which will include on-air duties such as announcing categories. Im looking forward to seeing you, Trebek told fans in the clip. Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer, and Brad Rutter on a press tour on 8 January 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) Jennings made history in 2004 when he established the longest winning streak in the shows history, remaining on for 74 episodes in a row. His streak ended when contestant Nancy Zerg beat him. Last year, Jennings faced off with Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer, the other two highest earning contestants in the shows history, for a tournament dubbed Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time. Jennings won and was awarded the title. The new season of Jeopardy! was filmed without a studio audience, and casting was conducted entirely online. A new set enables contestants to stand further apart from one another, and further away from Trebek. Though Ive played my last round of Jeopardy! as a contestant, Im delighted to have the opportunity to remain involved with my favourite show, Jennings told The Associated Press in a statement. Im still in on all the action, but I dont have to worry about phrasing things in the form of a question anymore. Trebek, who has publicly discussed his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, has continued hosting while receiving treatment. He said last month that his doctor expects him to celebrate two years of survivorship next February. Additional reporting by AP Jammu and Kashmir: Amid India's ongoing tension with China, Pakistani terror groups presence in Jammu and Kashmir has instructed to launch attack on Anti-China protest. A recent intelligence input revealed that ISI has instructed the separatist militant group Hizbul Mujahedeen to launch terror attack on anti-China protest in Jammu and Kashmir. The input indicates that Pakistan based Hizbul Mujahedeen is planning to target BJP leaders in Kashmir for organizing protest march against Chinese attack in Galwan valley. The intelligence agency also revealed that Hijbul Mujahedeen has launched mission "clean out " under which anyone who joins BJP in Kashmir will be under their traget. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Over 50 restaurants rallied for a new event called 9/11 Dine Out to Remember. Participating eateries will donate a portion of their sales from the days receipts on Sept. 11 to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. It is sponsored by IROAR, a newly incorporated group of restaurant owners known as the Independent Restaurant Owners Association Rescue. Organizers are Joe Fauci of La Fontana Restaurant in Oakwood and Joe OToole of Joyces Tavern in Eltingville. Only one of the towers is standing as seen from Jersey City overlooking Liberty State Park. 9/11/2001 (JOHN MUNSON / THE STAR-LEDGER)John Munson | The Star-Ledger A Tunnel to Towers Foundation spokesperson said, As we approach September 11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is committed to ensuring all Americans NEVER FORGET the sacrifices made for us that day. We are doing all we can to honor the 2,977 lives lost 19 years ago through our Towers of Light tribute and our September 11 memorial ceremony. It is so encouraging to see the small businesses in our community, the member restaurants of IROAR, stepping up to honor these souls in their own way, and we thank them for their support. Fauci said the fundraiser was inspired by the not-for-profits dedication to read names of 9/11 victims at a 2020 ceremony and its commitment to the annual New York City tradition of remembering the tragic day. As a recap: the 9/11 Museum said in mid-August it would not be reading the names of the deceased in person and rely on a recording. It cited Covid concerns. The Tunnel to Towers organization said it would have its own celebration where names would be read in person. It would also continue with the ceremony exactly the way it had been done over the years. Then, the 9/11 Museum cancelled the Tribute in Light, a 19-year event where two beams of light are shined into the sky in the week leading into September 11. The foundation again stepped in and said it would fund the Tribute in Light. The museum reversed its decision and committed to the light display. Tunnel to Towers went one step further to fund the light shows in Shanksville, Pa. and at the Pentagon, also sites of plane crashes by hijackers on 9/11. The Tribute in Light rises above the lower Manhattan skyline, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)AP The lights are for the people by the people. Its amazing how they almost got away with not reading the names, said Fauci, adding, Tunnel to Towers is a great foundation. Said OToole, They take care of cops, they take care of soldiers. They take care of peoples mortgages if someone gets killed. He added, The Siller Foundation promised to never forget. They will carry on the tradition to read the names and light the towers. They made it possible. We at IROAR are all in support of it and say thank you. Were donating our days sales to carry on the traditions and let them carry on the great work theyre known for. Fauci, OToole and IROAR members plan to present a check at a later date. 9/11 Steel is sent off from Postcards Memorial and retraces the final steps of Stephen Siller on his birthday as it is donated to the Londonderry, New Hampshire Fire Department for a 9/11 memorial. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) Participating restaurants on Staten Island so far in the inaugural event are Joyces Tavern, La Fontana, LaFontana Sorellina, Ruddy and Dean, Marina Cafe, Kettle Black, Hobrah, De Lucas Italian Restaurant, Campania, Randall Manor Tavern, Deninos, West Cork Union Hall, Corner House BBQ, Doc Hennigans, Macs Public House, VINUM, The Richmond, Richmond Republic, Maxs EsCa, Reggianos of Tottenville and Great Kills, Jodys Club Forest, Burrito Bar, Js on the Bay, Nuccis, Mangia, Ws Bar & Grill, Trackside Bar and Grill, Italianissimo, ONeils, The Hop Shoppe, The Pizza Parlor, District, Big Nose Kates, OHenrys Publick House, The Manor House, The Local, Flagship Brewing Co., Main Street Cafe, The Phoenix, Flour & Oak, Angelinas Kitchen, Angelinas, Canlons, Laceys Bridge Tavern, Jimmy Max and Ginos. Brooklyn restaurants include Cebu, Chadwicks, Pour House, Wicked Monk, Ponte Vecchio, Pipins Pub, Tuscany Grill, Salty Dog, Delias, Kettle Black, Campania, Elias, Green House Cafe and Positano. IROAR is behind a lawsuit that will soon be filed on Staten Island. The group accepts donations through its website to fund the fight to reopen eateries around New York City. There is also a petition for food service workers and non-food industry community members to sign in protest of the now almost six-month closure of dining rooms. Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. IN OTHER FOOD NEWS: Councilwoman Roses comment on indoor dining sparks ire among her restaurant constituents Desolate St. George . . . a ghost town highlighting the state of the restaurant industry | Pamelas Food Service Diary NYC restaurant plight illustrated just outside Borough Hall Ins and outs of drive-ins . . . saving the restaurants -- and our sanity | Pamelas Food Service Diary Todays fig news -- fake and otherwise -- from S.I. to Timbuktu | Pamelas Food Service Diary Getting ready for cold-weather dining in NYC Ralphs Ices moves locations on the South Shore Adobe Blues postpones reopening A federal bailout for Americas restaurants: Will this help NYC? Restaurant rally planned for Labor Day The ongoing tug-of-war between the Centre and states on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation issue is a policy-level matter and would be deliberated on Constitutional platforms, Delhi's deputy chief minister and finance minister, Manish Sisodia told Moneycontrol in an exclusive interview. "I think this is a policy-level issue. All the policy-level platforms which are Constitutional like the GST Council and the Parliament of the country should deliberate upon this," he said. At the 41st GST Council meeting on August 27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave states two options under which they could borrow from the market to make up for the estimated deficit of Rs 2.35 lakh crore in FY21, created due to the economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. States could borrow up to Rs 97,000 crore, which is a shortfall arising out of GST implementation or the entire Rs 2.35 lakh crore, which accounts for the Covid-19 situation. In case the first option is chosen, states would have to borrow Rs 97,000 crore through issue of debt under a Special Window coordinated by the Ministry of Finance. In case of the second option, the entire shortfall of Rs 2.35 lakh crore may be borrowed by states through the issue of market debt. Sisodia said the matter on whose obligation it was to pay states, in case of a resource crunch in the future, was settled in the 7th, 8th and 10th GST Council meetings under the chairmanship of then finance minister Arun Jaitley and finance secretary Hasmukh Adhia. "It was already decided in the 2017 meetings. The minutes are there. So after that, what state is saying what is immaterial. When the law was being made, if the chairman and the council assured states that it's the central government's obligation, then there is no question of any discussion on it later," Sisodia said. Edited excerpts: The way things are with the GST Council, plus a resource crunch across the board could possibly affect grants and devolution to states. Is there a risk to the whole concept of cooperative federalism between the centre and states? During the time of a crisis, we all must think in terms of the nation and for the nation. So, our request to the Centre is that please let us think as a nation. In the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council meeting, states had said if we look from the point of view of states, then it would be in the benefit of states to not impose cess after five years. But as a nation we understand that where will the central government get resources from and hence, if necessary we said cess can be continued beyond five years. Which is an additional burden on states also, but still. So states are co-operating. Now, the central government is going back from what they had committed. This is unfortunate. And the damage it will cause is not just to the revenue position as of now, but in the long run, this action of the central government will be taken as a precedence in the future of the country to show that there was a time when the central government betrayed and so the central government can't be trusted. States will get this message and that is very dangerous. As it stands now, most states have come together to reject the government's borrowing proposal to meet the compensation gap. What is the way ahead from here? I personally think there is a possibility to find a way out. We would have another GST Council meeting and I am sure all the discussions that have happened in the last meeting and the ones that have taken place after that through public discourse, the Centre should reconsider its stand. Why should states be asked to borrow when the central government can borrow. The states are already in deficit and states are not asking that the central government provide this money from its own kitty. We are saying that the central government should give the guarantee and get the loan. This loan subsequently after 2022, should be repaid through an additional period over the five years of cess. The Centre's argument is that as per the Compensation to States Act, compensation can only come out of the Compensation Fund and not the Consolidated Fund. What are the states' counter arguments to that? We are not saying give the money from the CFI (Consolidated Fund of India). As per the law, there are only two sources. Either it will come through cess or any other source decided by the Council. Now, what the Council is deciding has to be read with the minutes of the meetings. In the 7th, 8th and 10th meetings, there was a lot of discussion on the source of resource. The then finance minister and finance secretary in clear words had said this is an obligation of the Centre, the Centre will raise resources. So the central government should raise resources. We are never saying give it from the CFI. We understand how would the Centre give it from the CFI. But the Government of India being the central government can always take a loan and disburse to the states as compensation and repay it from the cess being collected in subsequent years. Another point. I had raised this in the GST Council meeting as well that in 2017-18 and 2018-19, the compensation cess collected through the GST process was more than the compensation required actually. It was Rs 47,000 crore extra in two years. Cess was collected more than what was the requirement of the states. So what the Government of India did in 2018 was that they transferred this money into the CFI. I questioned them that when you transfer this money into the CFI on your own, without consulting the GST Council or lawyers. So why not you take the responsibility right now. So when there is extra money, you take it. When there is a shortage, you say states should borrow and also pay the interest on their own. The GST Council had earlier discussed this idea of borrowing to meet the compensation gap. It was something that was proposed by Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac. Wasn't this issue, as to who should borrow, discussed then? What was proposed initially and how is it different from what the Centre has come up with? This matter was settled in the 7th, 8th and 10th GST Council meetings under the chairmanship of then finance minister Arun Jaitley and finance secretary Hasmukh Adhia. These issues were raised there and there they had said in these many words, let me read it to you. In the 7th meeting, then finance minister said, "The honourable chairperson observed that there was Constitutional commitment for the central government to provide 100 percent compensation and how it would be done the Council to decide." So, that it's the central government's obligation, was decided then itself. In the 10th meeting again, secretary stated that "section 8 of the draft Compensation Act provided that cess could be collected for a period of five years or such period may be prescribed on the recommendation of the council". Means, a leeway was given to the council that it can extend this period. This implied that the central government could raise resources by other means for compensation. So this is written in clear terms in the minutes that it has been decided in the meeting of the council that the central government would raise the money. So that's what I am saying. It was already decided in the 2017 meetings. The minutes are there. So after that, what state is saying is immaterial. When the law was being made, if the chairman and the council assured states that it's the central government's obligation, then there is no question of any discussion on it later. So a discussion now on who would borrow and who won't, is a betrayal of the commitment to the states at that point of time. Are states exploring any legal option or will this be up for deliberations only through the GST Council meetings? I think this is a policy-level issue. All the policy-level platforms which are Constitutional like the GST Council and the Parliament of the country should deliberate upon this. I am sure despite being in the majority, any government would always want to think as and for the nation. And they would think as a nation rather than thinking as a party or the central government only. Have states come up with any alternative proposals to the one that the Centre has put forward? Some states, including Delhi have been meeting and talking with each other. Rather than opting from the one or two options provided by the Centre which are illegal and impractical, the council should authorise the central government to borrow and repay it from the cess that can be collected after 2022. Karnataka is the first state that has accepted the Centre's proposals. Have you had discussions with other BJP-ruled states on how to go about with this issue? I am not aware about that (Karnataka accepting) but in the meeting (GST Council) I know and can say this with full authority that most states, including the BJP-ruled ones, were also of the opinion that the Centre should borrow and states should be paid their dues. This proposal was discussed and was coming again and again from those states that are also ruled by the BJP. Terrence Terry Bynoe has, not for the first time, highlighted a concern of residents of Canouan. Social activist Terrence Bynoe has once again highlighted an issue facing the people of his native Canouan. This time, according to Mr. Bynoe, the concern is an ongoing threat by stray dogs. The stray dogs, according to Bynoe, have been attacking and killing the livestock of ordinary residents. Last Sunday, he reported via a Facebook video posting, the loss of at least five dead animals, including a prized goat, from a herd owned by Rev. Frank Garraway, a retiree who depends on rearing small ruminants as a means of supporting himself. The attack on Rev. Garraways herd was just one example of the havoc being reaped on a source of livelihood of many Canouan households. Worse, Bynoe reported, was that the stray dogs have attacked school children, persons while they are on the beach, and persons who make use of the streets for exercise. In Bynoes own words, "There are more dogs than people on Canouan, and the authorities need to do something about the problem. The stray dogs, he warned, could well be diseased, and if they come in contact with people, they could pass on this disease. The social activist reminded people across the state that the owners of animals (e.g. goats) on Canouan have been complying with a request that they tie their livestock, so as to allow others to indulge in their traditional crop planting. All the animals that have been killed so far, according to Bynoe, were tied when they were attacked and killed by the dogs. He is urging that some action be taken by the relevant authorities since, whenever stray dogs are destroyed by residents, they are accused of being "inhumane. In the meantime, he is appealing to dog owners to tie them. Should the spree continue, Bynoe is suggesting that these dogs be "put to sleep, but his greatest fear is that appropriate action might be taken only when a child or some adult is seriously damaged by one of these dogs. Stray dogs attacking and killing animals is not a rare occurrence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Many livestock farmers on mainland St. Vincent have complained of their losses in this regard. Some have had to resort to killing the dogs to prevent further loss. India has ordered tougher scrutiny of visa requests by a Chinese non-profit headed by a senior official of the ruling communist party, designating it as an entity of concern in a broader security sweep, sources involved in the matter say. The closer monitoring of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) comes at a time when India and China are locked in their most serious border dispute in more than half a century. This week India expanded a ban on China's mobile apps in a new move to counter its dominant position in internet services, following tighter approval norms for investment by its firms, and tougher rules for companies joining in government tenders. Its latest step also follows tougher scrutiny of Chinese cultural and language institutions such as Confucius Institutes in the United States and partnerships in Australia. Also read: Apps ban to cost Chinese firms $200 million a year - and a future; PUBG to lose $100 million Indian officials say the well-resourced Beijing-based group is tied to the Communist Party Central Committee's United Front Work Department, which runs influence operations outside China by cultivating leaders, members of think tanks and the media. In an internal memo, the Indian government has listed the body as an entity of concern, signalling that its activities could run counter to national interests, said two officials aware of the matter. The new category means that the body's representatives, or groups it backs, will face a security clearance procedure before visas can be issued, said the officials, who sought anonymity because they were not authorised to speak in public. "Visa requests will be looked at very closely, whether it is think-tankers, businessmen," one of them added. China's Foreign Ministry said the association, headed by Ji Bingxuan, vice chair of China's largely rubber stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, was a non-profit engaged in friendly interaction with social bodies from all countries. "It aims to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people from all over the world, including India," a ministry representative said in response to a Reuters query. "It also strives to promote the exchange between cultures and civilisations." Organisations such as the India-China Economic and Cultural Council based in Beijing that have been sponsoring visas for CAIFU will also be subject to security clearances. India's home and the foreign ministry did not respond to a request from Reuters for comment. The move is part of a broader investigation into Chinese activities in India as political ties sour. "We do know that the government is looking at various China-related outfits operating in India," said Jayadeva Ranade, a China specialist formerly with the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence service. Also read: India-China standoff: Indian Army captures Pangong North Finger 4 in Ladakh SCRUTINY IN US, AUSTRALIA Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the centre that manages Chinese government-funded Confucius Institutes in the United States would have to register as a foreign mission. He called the institutes a malign influence on US campuses. Amid concerns about Chinese state interference in its politics and society, Australia has also looked to improve oversight of some activities by foreign groups and ended other arrangements, while often avoiding naming China specifically. Also read: India a real friend, China took 'naive' US for a ride: Nikki Haley Last week, Australia said it would introduce laws to give the federal government the power to veto any pacts that local authorities, universities and other public institutions have with foreign governments. CAIFU has traditionally been headed by a high-ranking Chinese leader, such as a current or former vice chair of the National People's Congress. Its board comprises a current, and two former, vice ministers from the communist party's International Liaison Department. Also read: Why India banned PUBG Mobile "It has a lot of resources at its disposal, intended to win friends and reduce risk for China abroad," said Srikanth Kondapalli, a China studies expert at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. A Chinese professor, however, said the new move would make little difference as India has traditionally been strict in handing visas to Chinese scholars and organisations. "I think the Indian move is more to appease domestic nationalism than a real security threat about Chinese spies," said Zhang Jiadong, director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. On the fringes of Hollywood everyone is trying to find their role in life. Actress RAINBOW UNDERHILL plays Chakra, a Silver Lake performance artist, bike messenger, and activist, in the independent film Hollywood Fringe, premiering at the Dances With Films Festival this week and live-streaming on Sat. Sept. 5, 2020. Directed and produced by the critically acclaimed team Megan Huber and Wyatt McDill, whose past films have debuted with SXSW, SlamDance, E1, and IFP channel. HOLLYWOOD FRINGE is touted as: fresh and original, ... beautifully cryptic and emotionally drawing... - Kyle Bain, Film Threat/DWF. The film deals with two married, down-on-their-luck actors (Jennifer Prediger, Justin Kirk) who decide to put on a site-specific play about their unsuccessful life in Hollywood. Rainbow Underhill's character Chakra gets involved in their play-within-a-film. Chakra is an idealist and a performance artist, hoping to bring about a utopian society through her acting, while working on the fringes of Hollywood where everyone is trying to find their role in life. Rainbow found her role quickly as an actor. With classical training in theater as her foundation before working in Hollywood film and TV, she reveals, I was a shy child, but once on stage, acting was the easiest thing in the world. When Rainbow was cast as Chakra it was a great fit; the characters desire to bring about change through her art and performance is similar to Rainbows own experience. Like Chakra, when Rainbow decided to become an actor she realized: This wide world is turning, and I have something to contribute before I leave it! Rainbow made her professional debut on stage in the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco as Fanchette in the A.C.T. production of The Marriage of Figaro (dir. Richard E.T. White), and since then, she has been on an upward journey of influence and change through her acting. Having performed at LACMA, MOCA, UCLA Royce Hall, Art Warehouse, LA Shakespeare, and Toy Factory Art Loft in Downtown Los Angeles, she also was lucky enough to work with Broadway stage veterans, and many notable actors including Ewan McGregor, James Marsters, Director Tom OHorgan, Kay Cole, and Leelee Sobieski. Rainbow is set to appear as Marilyn Black in the soon to be released film, Beyond the American Dream, a biopic about Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller. Rainbow and her ex-husband ran the Black Cat Art Gallery for 13 years in Venice; recording music, hosting multi-art events, and headlining them as the final band as well. We had a creative engine going, but eventually the wheels fell off, Rainbow notes. Hollywood Fringe focuses on the challenges reality presents in our everyday lives and how to handle lifes disappointments. I am excited at this time in history to be a part of the film Hollywood Fringe that speaks to what so many creatives are facing in life - especially at this time. The power of performance has the potential to change lives. For Rainbow, it has shaped her in many ways that are sometimes beyond her own understanding, The therapeutic effect that an excellent story and character have on an audience can heal, guide to change, transform, catalyze ... I think it is the power of 'NOW' when experiencing the story that transports a whole audience to also experience a thrilling, in-the-moment presence, or state of being. The most mysterious and awe-inspiring thing is to see a person transformed by the effect of the story. Hollywood Fringe does exactly this by transporting the audience and asking them to question their own lives. The film mirrors the real world and captures the essence of ordinary life and its challenges. As mundane as life may be for the films characters, they do everything in their power to find success. The open-ended nature of the film allows viewers to apply the characters situations to their own lives and personal experiences. Rainbows performance in the film reflects the honest and realistic portrayal of what it means to be a struggling actor on the fringes of Hollywood. For Rainbow, she strongly believes that there is a responsibility there, for me, the performer and storyteller, to stay true to the kernel of what it is to be simply: a conflicted, buffeted, confused, heart-full and heartbreaking, well-rounded person. Fans agree, as early screenings showed her character Chakra to be a fan favorite. Rainbow and the rest of the cast can be seen this week in Hollywood Fringe, a powerful and humorous film that reflects the world today and can resonate with the lives of many during these trying times. Upcoming Live-streaming Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 4.30 pm Link for info and tickets: https://dwfla.com/2020/movies/hollywood-fringe Bahujan Samaj Party chief on Friday alleged that besides Brahmins and Dalits, are being being targeted in the BJP regime in Uttar Pradesh. She also flayed incidents of idols of B R Ambedkar being broken in the state and asked the government to take appropriate steps. "In the SP government, Brahmins and Dalits were oppressed selectively. Now in the present BJP government, along with them, there is a lot of oppression of as well. They are being framed in false cases, which is very sad," charged in a series of tweets in Hindi. "Idols of the messiah of Dalits-Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar- great saints and gurus were broken in SP government, and names of districts and institutions etc. named after them (Dalit icons) changed considerably...In the same way now the present BJP government is also running," she alleged. "Now even the idol of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is being broken. The incidents of Varanasi and now in Jaunpur are extremely condemnable.The government should take appropriate steps in these matters," 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.) French satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo is facing heat on Indian Twitter after it decided to republish a series of controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad. The cartoons had culminated in a terror attack on the papers Paris headquarters, killing 12 including some of Frances renowned cartoonists. The move to republish the cartoons earned stern reactions from Muslim scholars as well as followers of Islam from under the world. On Wednesday, Turkey slammed the newspaper, claiming that it was not possible for the Charlie Hebdo to justify the insult to Islam" by republishing the controversial cartoons in the name of Islam. Responding to criticism, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Friday what he called Islamic separatism in his country and those who seek French citizenship without accepting Frances right to commit blasphemy." Macron defended satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which published caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad that helped inspire two French-born Islamic extremists to mount a deadly January 2015 attack on the papers newsroom. While the international world debated the move, the French publication seems to be gaining unpopularity on Indian Twitter, with the hashtag #ShameOnYouCharlieHebdo trending across states. What is Charlie Hebdo? Charlie Hebdo is a French satirical weekly which has from its inception been known to carry anti-establishment commentary in the form of cartoons and satires that poke fun at religion. Why is #ShameOnYouCharlieHebdo trending? Charlie Hebdo has been in news once again after it decided to republish a series of controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad. The move came in the week leading of trial of the 2015 shootings at the newspapers headquarters in Paris which had been a culmination of reactions against the cartoon. Following the republication of the same cartoons, several Muslim scholars, as well as practitioners of Islam, have raised questions about the decision. #ShameOnCharlieHebdo trended in India on Friday with several Indian Muslims also joining the chorus of criticism after French President Macron defended Hebdo and Frances right to commit blasphemy." What are the controversial cartoons by Charlie Hebdo? It all started when a series of 12 cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammad in various offensive positions first published by the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten in 2005 and then reprinted by Charlie Hebdo the French satirist weekly, known for its rebellious, anti-establishment art- in 2006. One of the cartoons featured the Prophet wearing a bomb on his head with the words All of that for this as the headline in French. The cartoons unleashed a storm of anger across the Muslim world, culminating in an attack on the papers employees in 2015. Cartoonist Jean Cabut, known as Cabu, was one of the 12 who lost their lives in the massacre. Why did Charlie Hebdo republish the cartoons now? Fourteen persons were accused of helping the two brothers carry out the attacks. The perpetrators were killed in the wake of the massacre following a long man-hunt. But 14 alleged accomplices in the attacks, which also targeted a Jewish supermarket, went on trial in Paris on Wednesday. The paper has maintained that now is the right to time to republish the cartoons. We will never lie down. We will never give up," its director Laurent Riss" Sourisseau wrote in an editorial along with the cartoons. Is Charlie Hebdo anti-Islamic? Before it became unpopular for its anti-Islamic cartoons, it has long criticized the Catholic religion as well as Judaism. But it was only after it republished the Danish newspapers cartoons did it become the target of Islamist attacks. Hebdos office had been firebombed in 2011 and the editors and cartoonists working with the paper have been in police protection since. Critics of the Hebdo, however, slammed the magazine for promoting anti-Islamic imagery and stereotypes. The Charlie Hebdo shootings, as well as the shootings at the kosher supermarket in January in Paris, launched a wave of dread and terror across France, resulting in five days of chaos until all the attackers were killed. Following the shooting, massive protests hit the streets of France as well as other parts of the world with protesters chanting Je Suis Charlie (I Am Charlie) in defense of freedom of speech. There are few subjects more in the news today than the Hatch Act. Scroll through any of your favorite social media and on any given day the act will be trending. So what is the Hatch Act, why are we really only learning about it now, and why it is important in 2020? The Hatch Act is a federal rather than a state law. Its full name is the Hatch Act of 1939, An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities. Every federal civilian employee is covered by the Hatch Act except for the vice president and the president. Federal employees are divided into two categories as regards the Hatch Act: less-restricted and further-restricted, and even part-time employees are covered by the act. Per a 2020 opinion by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, most federal executive branch employees are considered less-restricted under the Hatch Act. Less-restricted employees may take an active part in partisan political management or partisan political campaigns. However, further-restricted federal executive branch employees are prohibited from engaging in partisan political management or partisan political campaigns. Further-restricted employees are any employee of one of a large number of federal agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Agency. The motivation behind the 81-year-old act is easy to understand so that we as a nation can prevent abuse of power and corruption, federal employees especially those engaged in fundamentally nonpartisan activities such as diplomacy are prohibited from engaging in a range of political activity. This was deemed important in 1939 and it is arguably more important in 2020 than at any time since the signing of the act. As part of the 2020 Republican National Convention, the campaign to re-elect Donald J. Trump decided to hold part of the convention in the White House and to broadcast a speech from Jerusalem by the Secretary of State. If just these two actions do not shatter the letter of the Hatch Act, there is a weighty argument to be made that they obliterate the spirit of the law. Some political and legal observers were almost speechless as they saw these acts as severe and intentional violations of an act created to protect the foundations of democracy. While some pundits have argued that the Hatch Act exemption of the president and vice president is a kind of legal escape valve for many of the events of the RNC, it is clear that many further-restricted employees must have been involved in, for example, setting up the first ladys RNC speech at the White House. While COVID-19 has admittedly rounded the edges of certain activities the political establishment may have thought twice about in more normal times, it is difficult to make a cogent argument that the Hatch Act has not at least on its face been violated multiple times during the RNC. But even if this is the case, does the Hatch Act have teeth in 2020? While loud voices on the social medium of your choice may rail against perceived egregious violations, how enforceable is the Hatch Act today? Probably not very, is the most practical answer to materialize. The most realistic punishment for the Trump administrations perceived violation of the Hatch Act could come when the national electorate votes in just over two months. The timeline for a Congressional investigation and any sanctions (such as another Impeachment) that might naturally follow are simply unrealistic given the timing of these violations. As happens so frequently in law and politics, what is written can dictate one direction while pressing practical considerations can make enforcement virtually impossible. How history will treat current violations of the Hatch Act as well as other federal election regulations that may have their elasticity tested over the next weeks remains to be seen. There are strong historical antecedents that speak to federal officials having a black mark on their careers after involvement in an administration accused of corrupt activities. Perhaps the real teeth of the Hatch Act and the systems ability to penalize its violators will only be seen months and years from now as legal academics may trace the career paths of some of the people in roles under todays spotlight. As we move forward toward the federal election, it is worth considering the Hatch Act as well as other laws relating to accepted political behavior as we trace the acts and omissions that may influence the nations political future as they test the viability of long standing laws and the judicial interpretations thereof. Bill Goodrich and Josh Geist are attorneys for Goodrich & Geist P.C. in Pittsburgh. MUMBAI: In the latest development in Sushant Singh Rajput, a five-member team of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) probing the drug angle in the actor's death raided Rhea Chakraborty's residence on Friday (September 4) morning. NCB sleuths, also including a female officer, arrived at Rhea's residence at 6:30 am on Friday morning. Sources added that NCB is also conducting a parallel raid at Samuel Miranda's house, a close aide of Sushant Singh Rajput. According to sources, Mumbai Police is also present at Rhea's house and assisting the NCB team, when a massive search is underway at the actress' house. Sources stated that Chakraborty's mobile phone, laptop and car were searched by the team. The latest raids by NCB are aimed at recovering anything that is related to the drug angle in Sushant death case. According to sources, the role of Rhea, her brother Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda came under the scanner of the agency after their purported chats with a few drug peddlers came out. Showik and Miranda are expected to be summoned for questioning soon. The development comes a day after the NCB questioned Kaizan Ibrahim, a suspected drug trafficker, in connection with the drug trafficking probe linked to Sushant death case. A PTI report said that Ibrahim was apprehended after the questioning of Abdel Basit Parihar, who has already been arrested by the agency. The NCB has arrested two people in this probe till now, the other being Zaid Vilatra (21), who was sent to its custody till September 9. Indian currency worth Rs 9.55 lakh and foreign currency (USD 2,081, 180 British Pounds, 15 dirhams), which the NCB claimed are 'proceeds of drug peddling', were recovered from Zaid. "He disclosed that he runs an eatery in Bandra which was not giving any pecuniary gains since lockdown. He also disclosed that he is into drug peddling, especially bud, through which he used to earn a substantial amount of money," the NCB had said, according to the PTI. Zaid came under the scanner after the agency arrested two people, Abbas Lakhani and Karan Arora, in another narcotics case on August 27-28 in Mumbai and recovered a bud consignment from them. Lakhani had linkages with Zaid, the NCB claimed. Bandra resident Parihar was arrested after interrogating Zaid. Parihar is learnt to have links with the narcotics case registered against Rajput's live-in partner Rhea Chakraborty, 28, and others. Parihar is linked to a person who in turn was allegedly reported to be featuring in chats recovered from the mobile phone of Rhea and her brother Showik, they said. Rhea is the main accused in the death case of the 34-year-old actor that is being probed by the NCB, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). By Peter Oborne September 04, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Lets imagine a foreign dissident was being held in Londons Belmarsh Prison charged with supposed espionage offences by the Chinese authorities. And that his real offence was revealing crimes committed by the Chinese Communist Party including publishing video footage of atrocities carried out by Chinese troops. To put it another way, that his real offence was committing the crime of journalism. Let us further suppose the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture said this dissident showed all the symptoms typical for prolonged exposure to psychological torture and that the Chinese were putting pressure on the UK authorities to extradite this individual where he could face up to 175 years in prison. The outrage from the British press would be deafening. There would be calls for protests outside the prison, solemn leaders in the broadsheet newspapers, debates on primetime news programmes, alongside a rush of questions in parliament. The situation I have outlined above is nearly identical to the current plight of Julian Assange. There is one crucial difference. It is the US trying to extradite the co-founder of Wikileaks. Yet there has been scarcely a word in the mainstream British media in his defence. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter The fact that the US is an ally of Britain is perhaps one reason why. That should make no difference as far as the British media is concerned. Indeed, Assanges extradition hearing at the Old Bailey next week marks a profound moment for British journalists. Assange faces 18 charges under the US Espionage Act, which carry a potential sentence of 175 years put away for the rest of his life. But his case represents an attack on journalism and democratic accountability. If Britain capitulates to Trumps America, the right to publish leaked material in the public interest could suffer a devastating blow. The British authorities have it within their power to refuse this extradition. Indeed, more than 160 legal experts wrote to the UK government last month, claiming they are obliged by international law to refuse the US request. These lawyers are joined by human rights campaigners and health professionals, who have been shocked by Assanges treatment in British custody and fear his rights will be further violated if he is sent to the US. The National Union of Journalists supports Assange. General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet has warned that the charges pose a threat that could criminalise the critical work of investigative sources. And yet there has hardly been a sound from the British press. There are many reasons for this relative silence, but before addressing them, the gravity of the situation at hand must be highlighted in the clearest of terms. Assange is accused by the US of conspiring with whistleblower Chelsea Manning to hack a Pentagon computer. The US indictment says Assange agreed to attempt to crack a password (an attempt which was unsuccessful). Crucially, the indictment also charges Assange with actions that are no different to the standard practices of journalism. For example, the indictment alleges that Assange and Manning took measures to conceal Manning as the source of the disclosure of classified records, as any professional journalist would. It claims that Assange encouraged Manning to provide the information. Again, this is how a journalist would act. Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, made the situation clear: It is dangerous to suggest that these actions are somehow criminal rather than steps routinely taken by investigative journalists who communicate with confidential sources to receive classified information of public importance. To criminalise the protection of sources will stop whistleblowers coming forward and will put journalists and publishers at risk. We need look no further than Mannings own leaks to realise what a loss this would be. It was Manning who provided the so-called Iraq and Afghanistan war logs published by Wikileaks in 2010 and revealed the atrocity of US helicopter gunmen laughing as they shot at and killed unarmed civilians in Iraq. Fifteen individuals were killed in the attack, including a Reuters photographer and his assistant. The US military refused to discipline the perpetrators of this grotesque crime. This was a story of momentous importance. There is another, perhaps even more pressing issue that emerges in the use of the Espionage Act to charge Assange. As Alan Rusbridger, former editor of the Guardian and one of Assanges few defenders in the British media, told Press Gazette last month: Its quite a disturbing thing that we should send somebody to another country for supposedly breaking their laws on secrecy. If journalists are not concerned by that, then I think they should be. I couldnt agree more. The US is asserting the right to prosecute a non-US citizen, not living in the US, not publishing in the US, under US laws that deny the right to a public interest defence. Its not difficult to imagine how this precedent could be abused by authoritarian foreign powers. Imagine Saudi Arabia prosecuting a journalist in London for revealing details of the Jamal Khashoggi murder. Or China citing their Official Secrets Act to charge a publisher responsible for disseminating footage of the horrific treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The press would be up in arms and I cannot believe the UK would extradite the individuals concerned. So why the lack of support for Assange? For one thing, the Assange saga is protracted and complex. He was sentenced to 50 weeks by British courts last year for breaching the Bail Act after he was dragged from Ecuadors London embassy. He had taken refuge there in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over sexual assault allegations. This rightly led to questions surrounding Assanges character. Assange denies the allegations and insists he was happy to be questioned in London. The Swedish authorities discontinued their investigation into Assange without him ever being charged. Assanges lawyers argue that fleeing to the embassy was an act of desperation to avoid being passed to the United States. Another contributing factor to Assanges pariah status is that he is not judged to be a journalist by a large part of the industry. Reference is often made to Wikileaks decision to publish huge amounts of unedited documents, which the US has claimed put the lives of sources at risk. I dont deny that makes me uneasy and that he has ethical questions to answer. But it is also true that his case could have a devastating, chilling effect on journalism and the UK government has the ability to prevent this happening. Future generations will never forgive the current generation of journalists unless we raise our game and fight to stop the extradition of Julian Assange. Impressive Lineup Includes Leading Entrepreneurs from Around the World Discussing Today's Most Pressing Topics Impacting Global Investment Ahead of Summit, VIP to Live Stream FTE Briefing on The Future of Greece Greek Innovation on Sept. 9, 2020 VIVA Investment Partners (VIP), the Swiss private equity firm which hosts the Follow the Entrepreneur (FTE) Investment Campaign and Summit, today announces first round of speakers at the upcoming 10th Annual FTE Investor Summit taking place in Athens, Greece on October 10 14, 2020. Each of the following business leaders, technologists and renowned entrepreneurs will be speaking on a specific topic that not only has significant relevance today, but will be major areas of focus (and funding) for years to come. The Future of Digital Securities: Tal Elyashiv, Managing Partner of SPiCE VC Tal Elyashiv, Managing Partner of SPiCE VC How Enterprising Companies Have Been Innovative in Responding to the COVID Crisis: Michael Moszynski, Founder CEO, London Advertising Michael Moszynski, Founder CEO, London Advertising The Future of Private Banking: Eric Sarasin, Chairman of the Board, Singularity Group Eric Sarasin, Chairman of the Board, Singularity Group The Customer-Centric Ecosystem: Vashi Dominguez, Founder, Chairman CEO, Vashi Vashi Dominguez, Founder, Chairman CEO, Vashi The Future of Greece Greek Innovation: Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Development and Investments, Ministry of Development Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Development and Investments, Ministry of Development Real Asset Investments and Innovative Wrapping of Assets Through Fund Structures: Harvey Griffiths, CEO, Horizon Harvey Griffiths, CEO, Horizon The Start-up Ecosystem in India: Mahavir Sharma, Global Chairman, TiE Global Mahavir Sharma, Global Chairman, TiE Global The Future of Biotech Health: Rudy Mazzocchi, Biotech Bio Pharma Entrepreneur Held at the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens, Greece, the FTE Investor Summit Greece 2020 will welcome more than 200 multi-family offices (MFO's), sovereign wealth funds (SWF's), high net worth individuals (HNWI's), venture capital firms (VC's) and corporate investors to share insight, inspiration, intelligence, and networking. The Summit also offers leading global investors and entrepreneurs to learn about new ecosystems and to identify opportunities in which to invest and grow. Sponsors of FTE Investor Summit Greece 2020 will be announced later this month and will include some of the biggest firms in the country. "We couldn't be more thrilled about the powerhouse lineup of leading entrepreneurs and global business titans that have graciously accepted our invitation to speak at what will be the very best FTE Summit to date," said Julie Meyer, Founder CEO, VIP. "We're thankful for all of our speakers, sponsors and participants who will gather to discuss the most promising opportunities, as well as the most critical issues, facing the global business and investment community." Ahead of the live FTE Summit in Athens, The FTE Briefing series offers interested parties and confirmed participants an early preview of the themes that will be addressed. The next FTE Briefing is taking place on Sept. 9, 2020 and is titled: The Future of Greece and Greek Innovation. Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Development and Investments for the Ministry of Development, along with Tassos Iossiphides of Ernst Young, will join Julie Meyer, Founder CEO of VIP, to discuss the technology and venture capital renaissance taking hold in Greece, as it becomes an attractive place for private equity firms to invest in. For an invitation, to purchase tickets or inquire about partnership opportunities, visit www.globalftenetwork.com/buy-tickets/, or contact the VIP Relations Manager at vip@vivacapital.com. About VIVA Investment Partners: VIVA Investment Partners was founded by successful entrepreneurs and venture capital investors to acquire equity stakes in and provide financing to established alternative asset managers (fund investments) and emerging growth companies (direct investments). To learn more about VIP, visit www.vivapartners.net/, or email Liz Whelan at liz@lwprconsulting.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200904005415/en/ Contacts: Liz Whelan liz@lwprconsulting.com +1 (312) 315-0160 Eders of Iruekpen community in Esan West Local Government Area hosting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate on Thursday, lamented the lack of basic amenities and insecurity in the community. The elders expressed hope that the emergence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC as the next Governor of Edo State would herald a new beginning and spark positive changes and development in their community. Chairman of the Edo State APC Media Campaign Council, Prince John Mayaki, in a statement in Benin City on Thursday, indicated that receiving Ize-Iyamu, the Odionwele of Iruekpen, Pa Akhabue Isesele, on behalf of the elders, painted the grim picture of the communitys poor infrastructure. According to Mayaki, he appealed to the APC candidate to improve the operations of the Police by providing a befitting building for the Divisional Police Headquarters within the community, and ensure steady electricity supply by facilitating a stable connection to the national grid if he is elected as Governor on the 19th of September. The Odionwele also pleaded with Ize-Iyamu to carry out a renovation of the magistrate court destroyed by unknown hoodlums 10 years ago to facilitate quick dispensation of justice. The elders were said to have prayed for Ize-Iyamus success at the polls and advised him to abide by the promises contained in his documented manifesto, the SIMPLE Agenda, to move the State forward and restore inclusive governance. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu expressed he was overwhelmed by the prayers and advice of the elders of Iruekpen community. He promised to provide solutions to their expressed concerns and exceed their performance expectations if elected as the next Governor of the State. PV: 7 Publicity photo of actor Ray Bolger promoting his role as the Scarecrow in the 1939 feature film, The Wizard of Oz. (Public Domain) The Scarecrow Effect Commentary One of the all-time great movies, and one of my all-time favorites, is The Wizard of Oz. In the tear-inducing final scene, shortly before Dorothy is returned home, the Wizard addresses the self-assumed shortcomings of her companions. To the Scarecrow, he says: Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of deep learning where men go to become great thinkers. And when they come out, they think deep thoughts, and with no more brains than you have. But they have one thing you havent got: a diploma! The Wizard hands a scroll in a ribbon to the Scarecrow, who immediately pontificates with a wide, proud grin, The sum of the square roots of any two sides of an isosceles triangle is equal to the square root of the remaining side. As a young math student, I was always bothered by this scene. The equation that the Scarecrow recites is wrong. It would have been easy to consult any mathematician, or even high school math student, to get a correct and similarly impressive-sounding statement. It bothered me for years, slightly tarnishing an otherwise perfect gem of a movie. But recently, Ive come to see it as perhaps prophetic. Is it possible that its screenwriters or directors did this on purpose? Could the message be not that the Scarecrow is intelligent but that university graduates are not? Could it be that a degree really has no meaning, that degreed men are no more deep thinkers and no less mistake-prone than others? In the 1930s, that message was probably understood easily by moviegoers. But that message is lost today. This modern reliance on credentials, while ignoring actual ability, is what I call the Scarecrow Effect. I noticed it perhaps first when I graduated with a masters degree in electrical engineering from Stanford. I had mixed feelings about my education. I had met with some great minds among professors and students, but many of my classes lacked any personal interaction. Some professors were excellent at research but obviously had no interest, or skill, at teaching. However, when I left Stanford and looked for a job, interviewers rarely inquired about much beyond my degree from Stanford. Even years later, when I tell people I attended Stanford, their reaction is to remark on how impressed they are, without asking what Ive done or accomplished in the nearly 40 years since then. My degree was all that mattered. This is the Scarecrow Effect. I saw the same attitude when California passed a law to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Since 2015, illegal immigrants in California have been able to apply for a drivers license. Fifteen other states and the District of Columbia have passed similar laws. The theory is that the license will make them good drivers and law-abiding people, despite a history of disregard of immigration law. The license was all that mattered. This is the Scarecrow Effect. For years, test scores of California high school graduates have been dropping, so that now half or less meet the requirements, while graduation rates have been climbing. There has been a push to get kids a high school diploma, without actual life skills or college preparation. In college, many California students have to take remedial classes on subjects they were supposed to have learned in high school. The high school diploma was all that mattered, not the skills its supposed to represent. Getting a college degree is all that matters, not the knowledge thats supposed to be learned. Then-University of California President Janet Napolitano assembled a blue-ribbon panel of leading experts to look into bias of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which has been used for decades as a factor in college admissions. The panel came back this year with a report, unanimously agreed upon by the panel, that the test wasnt biasedit actually increased minority enrollment and was highly correlated with success in college. Not meeting her predetermined decision that she had hoped would be supported by the facts, Napolitano threw out the report and decided to eliminate standardized tests for admissions. After all, its not a students intelligence, knowledge, capabilities, or effort that matters, but only the eventual degree that confers wisdom on the student. The logical conclusion is actually that colleges and universities are unnecessary other than to print degrees and hand them out. This is the Scarecrow Effect. In the latest example of such Wizard of Oz thinking, California has lowered bar exam passing scores in order to increase diversity in the legal profession, while other states have eliminated it altogether out of fairness to students who didnt complete their courses due to the COVID-19 pandemic or who are concerned about taking the test in close quarters. California lawmakers even want the score lowered retroactively, to allow those who failed the exam to practice law. The thinking goes that by handing these students a law degree, these schools have fulfilled their purpose regardless of whether those students actually know and understand the law. Will the same be true soon of doctors? As you go under on the operating table, will you hear the surgeon say, I never saw this thing before, but I have a medical degree, so Ill figure it out? This is the danger of the Scarecrow Effect. Along the theme of the Scarecrow Effect, many schools like to post banners of the following quote from Albert Einstein: Imagination is more important than knowledge. Misunderstanding the phrase, and taking it out of context, many teachers use it to justify the Scarecrow Effect, as if children, and adults, dont need to learn things, they just need to imagine things. Unfortunately, these teachers are products of the same Scarecrow Effect, not understanding or bothering to research the context of his statement. Einstein had as much knowledge of our world as any scientist at the time. He was speaking not to todays society, but to people in his time that took learning seriously. The people of his time accepted knowledge as critical to discovery, something we seem to have forgotten. He followed his statement with the explanation, For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution. It is, strictly speaking, a real factor in scientific research. Its time for reasonable people to pull back the curtain and expose the fraud behind the Scarecrow Effect. Our civilization needs skilled, competent workers in all fields, from construction to auto mechanics to engineering to medicine. People need real knowledge to excel in their careers and to be functioning citizens of our society. Unqualified, unknowledgeable people need to fail, despite the damage to their self-esteem. Its time for parents, teachers, and employers to encourage our children to learn actual skills and obtain actual knowledge, and not worry just about some title or piece of paper. Bob Zeidman has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University. He is an inventor and the founder of successful high-tech Silicon Valley firms including Zeidman Consulting and Software Analysis and Forensic Engineering. He also writes novels; his latest is the political satire Good Intentions. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Reading, PA (19601) Today Mostly clear, breezy, and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills by morning. . Tonight Mostly clear, breezy, and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills by morning. Nigerians have marched in the streets of Osogbo, Osun State capital, in protest against the recent hike in electricity tariff and petrol price in the country. The protest, organised by Coalition for Civil Societies, began early Friday. Hundreds of demonstrators converged at Freedom Park, Osogbo, around 8:30 a.m. before blocking major roads in the state capital. They came out with different placards showing different inscriptions. Some of the inscriptions read: Enough is Enough!, Revert Pump Price Now!, All We Want Is a Better Life, Electricity Tariff Hike Is ill-Conceived, among others. Protesters march in Osun over electricity tariff, fuel price hike One of the protesters, Biodun Alli, told PREMIUM TIMES that he joined the protest on an empty stomach. I have not eaten today but happy to join the rally. We must tell the government that things are not working and a radical approach is not a bad idea, he said. The electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country started the implementation of a new electricity tariff regime, on Tuesday, following the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission instruction that DisCos are to maintain a N4 tariff for all customers consuming less than 50kWh of energy per month. Protesters march in Osun over electricity tariff, fuel price hike In addition, petrol prices have been increased three times in the last three months with a litre now currently sold at N162 since the beginning of September. Many Nigerians have condemned the latest development and called on opposition leaders to lead protests. The Osun State police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, told PREMIUM TIMES that the police are maintaining orderliness at the protest. More and more children could be turning into fussy eaters after a bout of COVID-19, according to smell experts at the UKs University of East Anglia... Read More Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other updates from Hindustan Times. Eyes on economy, Finance Ministry bans creation of new posts in central ministries In a significant move, the Ministry of Finance on Friday issued an order, banning creation of new posts in central ministries, taking into account the current fiscal situation and the consequent pressure on government resources. Read more Supreme Court says JEE, NEET to be held as scheduled The Supreme Court refused to entertain the petition filed by ministers of six opposition-ruled states seeking review of the top courts August 17 order to conduct NEET and JEE (Mains) examinations as scheduled. Read more No compromise in territorial integrity: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla on India-China border dispute Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla on Friday said India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty amid tension on the border with China. Read more Pak PMs top aide Asim Bajwa resigns after report on corruption allegations surfaces Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan announced on Friday that he would not accept the resignation of his Special Assistant on Information Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa. Read more After Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh pulls out of IPL 2020 Terming the current scenario difficult, Chennai Super Kings(CSK) off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday decided to pull out of IPL 2020. Read more Akshay Kumar announces new game FAU-G after PUBG ban Akshay Kumar is launching a made-in-India alternative to popular multiplayer action game PUBG, which was banned by the government earlier this week, amid fresh tensions over Chinese provocation in Ladakh. Read more Twitter thread details hilarious experiences servers had working in the food industry Have you ever gone to give a food or drinks order and accidentally said or done something hilariously incorrect? If yes, then this Twitter thread is meant for you to read. Read More Teachers Day 2020: Quotes, wishes and messages to share with your favourite teachers Annually on September 5, we celebrate National Teachers Day to express our gratitude and honour the teachers in our lives that have influenced us and taught us about everything the world has to offer. Read more Watch: Indian, Russian Navy hold joint maritime exercise in Bay of Bengal GREENWICH Students at Greenwich Catholic School returned to their classrooms on Wednesday for their first day of in-person instruction since the COVID-19 pandemic began back in March. Greenwich Catholic School, which offers instruction from prekindergarten through eighth grade, is set up for in-classroom instruction five days per week for all grades in the new scholastic year. There is one aspect of the Mining Quarterly editors job that has stayed consistent since the earliest days of the magazine, and that is touring the different mines that dot the Nevada landscape. I recently received my formal introduction to a working gold mine courtesy of Nevada Gold Mines, which arranged for a guided tour of its Cortez Gold Mine at the end of July. For someone whose previous experience underground comes from enjoying the stalagmites and stalactites of Virginias Luray Caverns, it was quite the eye-opening experience. After the roughly 90-minute drive out to the mine site with Natacia Eldridge, NGM communications specialist, we arrived at Cortez. After officially checking in and suiting up, we were ready to go underground. We met up with Cortez General Manager Henri Gonin, who took the wheel for our descent into Cortez Hills Underground. During our ride down to the mines 3880 level, I was struck with how complex the underground tunnel system is. As someone who is decently good at directions, I have to admit I was glad to have a guide who knew how to navigate underground. Another aspect I found interesting was the flow of mine traffic underground, and just how many vehicles were operating at once. After reaching our destination at the 3800 level, Gonin began to explain the process of drift and fill mining, which is one of the mining techniques utilized by Cortez Underground. We mine the first level at the top, the A level, and then B, C, D and E levels. Typically by the time you get to E, if the ore-body keeps on extending down, there is another A-level there, so you are really in the gravy train, because you have got backfill all around, Gonin said. Gonin explained that in other parts of the world, overhand cut and fill mining is more common. In other parts of the world they will go overhand cut and fill mining, but in our case, this backfill is a stronger composition of rock than the virgin rock in the ground, he said. We can make it safer to be under than being on top of it. It is just safer and more efficient, Gonin added. Eighteen-year mine employee Jason Bundrock was operating a jumbo drill during the tour, and said that after spending two years on the surface, he is happy to be back working underground. I enjoy it. A lot of people dont like it, they say underground is more dangerous. I disagree, Bundrock said from the cab of his jumbo. Working underground gives a miner more control over their immediate environment, and eliminates any weather complications or outside influences, he said. You are in your own world, so you take care of your heading, you are good, Bundrock said. Gonin said that after the jumbo drills a pattern of holes into the rock wall, it will then be charged with explosives and later, after everyone has left the mine, the explosives will be detonated. After the lockbox is clear, signaling everyone who was underground that day has officially returned to the surface, then and only then will the explosives set that day blast from a central location above ground. It is now time for the mucker to come in and remove the blasted rock material, where it will be taken above ground to an awaiting haul-truck. After cleaning out the immediate area, roof vaults are installed as well as ceiling mesh. Another underground mining method utilized by Nevada Gold Mines is known as longhole stope mining, which is when a drift is developed, along with a second drift between 45-60 feet below the first one. A longhole drill rig is then brought in and used to drill holes in the rock from top down before it is charged with explosives and shot. It falls to the ground and on the bottom level you bring in your mucker and you load all that stuff, Gonin said. Now you have got this big open slot and you can blast again, and again and again, and then we backfill it. Gonin said these mining methods are not necessarily the most efficient, but the mining method used at a mine site is determined by just how big an opening a company can make without ground falling in. In Northern Nevada, where we are, the ground is typically fairly weak. We get places that have really good hard ground, too, but in general fairly weak compared to other parts of the world, he said. Gonin said the practice of lining a mines walls and ceiling with backfill is not used by all mines throughout the world, but in Nevada, a mine must ensure ground stability. There are mines in the world that they would look up at us and ask, why would you use that wire, what is that for? They wouldnt know, he said. We need to use a lot of ground supports, which is the vaults and the mesh and stuff. We dont get to mess around with that, safety depends on that, Gonin added. After leaving the Cortez Underground 3880 level, we made our way to the mines Range Front Declines, where we toured the new feeder-breaker system that will allow Cortez Underground to expand its daily ore production from between 3,600 to 3,800 tons to 5,00 tons each day over time. Gonin said that about 60 feet above the new system, there is a location where ore will be dumped into bins from above. It will then be fed through feeder breakers to reduce its size and then be dropped onto the new conveyor belt system and out of the mine. Right now we are using haul trucks to drive all the way out, dump the load and come back in again, he said. Once this is up and running we will use the trucks in the mine only, and not need to send them all the way out of the mine. The Range Front Declines project at Cortez has been a work in progress since 2017, and Gonin says it has presented some challenges, but they have found solutions and expect to have the new conveyor system operating by the end of August of this year. After making our way back above ground, the tour continued on to the Cortez open pit mine, located on the other side of the property. I was struck by the vastness of the Cortez complex, and how much time can be spent just driving around to the different areas of the mine. Upon arriving at an overlook of the open pit I was greeted by Acting Open Pit Mine Manager Danny Donnelli, who gave me the rundown on the open pit mining process. Donnelli said the mine had about 125 employees working in the open pit that day, and roughly 52 ore-trucks operating. One of my first questions after seeing the open pit mine was about how the trucks and heavy equipment are managed to eliminate congestion and downtime. Gonin said that each piece of equipment is tracked via satellite and wifi systems, and Nevada Gold Mines is able to keep track of exactly where each of its trucks is at all times. The dispatch systems use algorithms to determine how many trucks are needed for a particular shovel loading ore. The algorithms are designed to help eliminate what the mines call standing time, or when a truck is just waiting its turn to be loaded with ore. That is standing time, that truck is not making any money right now, Gonin said. Conversely, when there are no trucks and the shovel is just standing there, it is called hanging time. Donnelli said that in open pit mining their safety concerns include fatigue, as well as accidents that can happen when mounting and dismounting from the heavy equipment. After leaving the open pit mine, our next stop was the mines oxide mill and lab, and then it was time for the drive back to Elko. The mine tour made for quite the interesting day, and I would like to extend a thank you to the crew at Nevada Gold Mines for taking the time to explain the mining process to this industry newcomer. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 'Israeli tanks shell southern Gaza on 24th day of attacks' Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 7:09 AM Israeli tanks have reportedly shelled the southern part of the Gaza Strip for a 24th straight day of incessant attacks by the occupying regime against the besieged territory. The Israeli military alleged in a statement on Sunday that the tank fire had hit positions belonging to the Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas, AFP reported. There was no immediate report of casualties or confirmation from Hamas. The Israeli military claimed that the fire had come in response to balloon-borne incendiary devices flown from the direction of the enclave toward the occupied Palestinian territories. The regime has been using the same excuse to conduct strikes against Gaza since August 6, saying that the alleged devices had caused fires in the part of the occupied territories that are close to Gaza. On Tuesday, a Qatari envoy reportedly met with Palestinian and Israeli officials in an attempt to ease tensions. Gaza has been under Israeli siege since 2007, when Hamas rose to power there. The Israeli regime recently tightened the siege even further by shutting down a crossing through which much of Gaza's necessities entered the enclave, and completely cut off fuel supplies to the territory. The measures have brought about a closure of Gaza's sole power plant. Israel has also barred fishing along Gaza's coast, where armed Israeli vessels conduct regular patrols, denying the Palestinian territory another key source of livelihood. Israel targets medical centers in West Bank Separately, Palestinian media outlets reported that Israeli forces launched a "deliberate" attack against Palestinian medical centers in the occupied West Bank on Sunday. The attacks targeted the ward reserved for treating coronavirus-infected patients at the Aaliyah Medical Center in the city of al-Khalil (Hebron) in the southern West Bank. The media said Israeli forces tear-gassed the patients there, hurting as many as 25 of them. They said a number of medical staff were also harmed during the attack. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Banning the apps, including the popular PUBG Mobile, is the most visible indication of Indias slow decoupling from China, as it has both an emotional and an economic impact. The Government of India on Wednesday banned 118 Chinese apps, including the popular video game Player Unknowns Battlegrounds (PUBG), as tension with the neighbouring country continued to escalate at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). PUBG has over 50 million players in India. Although the move has been well received in general, a section of social media users and PUBG players are criticising the step. But the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is standing firm. It has issued a statement that the move is a safety measure. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace, said the statement. Sneaky cyber route to information PUBG clocks about 13 million daily users, which, according to defence and warfare experts, can lead to a disastrous personal security breach in the present situation. Commodore Shyam Kaushal (Retd.) of the Indian Navy explains how the ban could help prevent transfer of information to the Chinese government. These apps give information about every individual where they are travelling, and other minute data which China can easily use against India, he says, adding that users are prone to exploitation through these apps. The Chinese already have high-end technology and 5G speed, which make it much easier for them to track precise locations and other details, the Commodore explained. So by banning these apps, we have saved our people from exploitation by the Chinese by accessing their information. In a similar move in July, the Indian government had banned 59 apps including the widely used TikTok. Referring to the apps ban, Lieutenant General Harbhajan Singh PVSM, and former Signal officer-in-chief of the Indian Army says This is symbolism which is very important. These apps are very dangerous because the Chinese can put any bug in the software. When you play games on your phone or on various sites, you send millions of messages to those sites and China can track where the messages are coming from, and that can cause harm to an individual and the nation as a whole. A blow to the economy For years, China has supported Pakistan in its terrorism activities, supplying it with intelligence reports, arms and ammunition and satellite facilities. It has also been encroaching into Indian territory. Banning Chinese apps will put pressure on that country, as its trade will be hugely impacted. Trade is a major strength of Chinas economy, and Indias ban of these apps is a major move to hit their economy, says General Singh. Talking about the present situation at the LAC, Commodore Kaushal explains that in such a hostile situation, a country has four possible avenues of action political, diplomatic, economic and military. Political and diplomatic ways have been going on, and now we are using the economic avenue in responding to China. Banning the app is an economic move and will hit their revenue system. This will not ease the situation at the border, but will impact the people of China, he said. The Chinese will lose ads from Indian markets, and the vacuum that Indians will feel will encourage them to develop their own apps, which will generate good domestic revenue and ultimately hit the Chinese market," he elaborates. In addition, banning the apps is the most visible indication of Indias slow decoupling from China, as it has both an emotional and an economic impact. India is a net importer from China, mostly of finished and semi-finished goods. Our exports are low-value items. The Chinese have seen an opportunity to invest and have brought in FDI of about Rs 2 lakh crore. Millions of Indians are influenced by these apps and it affects their everyday working and leisure time, and the ban is therefore a conspicuous and noticeable statement of political intent, notes Rear Admiral Vineet Bakhshi (Retd). The officer adds that the government needs to continue its responses to China. The question is, will India take it further, to the point where it starts impacting importers and industrialists who profit handsomely, at the cost of the Indian industry? he wonders. Betrayal of trust The Galwan Valley incident in June brought home the fact that the Chinese cannot be trusted, whatever their Ambassador, statesmen or spokespersons in Beijing may say. China is apt to act in a manner which suits it in a given moment, irrespective of any treaties, understandings or the International Law. Chinese are not friends and so its time to let them know that India can respond in other than military ways. China will do whatever it takes to expand. We need to stand against it, asserts Lt.Gen. Singh. In some ways, India is witnessing a repeat of history from the 1950s and 60s, when the country failed to anticipate the Chinese perfidy in taking over Tibet and attacking India. The Government needs to make up its mind that China is Enemy Number One. Thereafter, the requisite policies and actions will follow, sums up Rear Adm. Bakhshi. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. People at risk of prison or having parental rights terminated have the right to attorneys at the states expense if they cant afford them. And we get it, right? In cases like these, the stakes losing liberty or a child are too high to expect people to defend themselves in the complex and frightening legal world. People at risk of losing their homes by some estimates, 12.3 million nationwide in coming months are not so lucky. Although free legal help is available through organizations like New Mexico Legal Aid, these services arent funded sufficiently to hire even a fraction of the attorneys needed. The vast majority of tenants facing the drastic upheaval involved in evictions are expected to represent themselves. This doesnt bode well for the many who are behind on rent now that the federal CARES Acts moratorium on evictions has expired. (President Trump recently suspended evictions for many through Dec. 31.) There are still limited legal protections for tenants. The CARES Act itself provides that when the act expires, federally-subsidized landlords must serve a 30-day notice of nonpayment before they can file for eviction. Tenants still have the right to appeal to district court, and filing the appeal puts a legal halt to enforcement of evictions. The N.M. Supreme Courts stay on enforcement of nonpayment evictions may also help, if tenants show their inability to pay. These protections only delay evictions, and only if tenants have the information about their rights and means to enforce them. Amidst the confusing coverage of changing rules, many believe they dont need to respond to eviction cases, and thus lose the chance to show judges their evictions should be stayed. Others will have technical problems that deprive them of fair telephonic hearings. Many of us feel helpless as we wait for the predicted tsunami of evictions. One antidote is to help. If youre a lawyer, get in touch with New Mexico Legal Aid and volunteer to defend some eviction cases. Are you a billionaire philanthropist that wants to write a check for us to hire 50 more housing attorneys? Kidding. How about this: Do you work with some organization that helps people? Ask N.M. Legal Aid to give you and your colleagues basic training on housing rights. Talk to your clients, patients and students about their housing situations. Help them advocate for themselves and apply for legal help. Are you a tenant? You have the right to organize tenant unions, to work together with your neighbors to negotiate with your landlord. Look up our Renters Guide at lawhelpnewmexico.org/node/9/renters-guide to learn about your rights and invite New Mexico Legal Aid to do an online or phone training for your tenants union. No matter who you are, you can help by learning about and supporting tenants rights, and supporting access to lawyers in housing court. Were facing a tsunami. We need all hands on deck. By PTI MUMBAI: Those who think Maharashtra or Mumbai is not safe for them have no right to live in the state, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Friday after Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut likened the megapolis to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and criticised its police. Maharashtra home minister @AnilDeshmukhNCP said if @KanganaTeam feel unsafe in Mumbai, then she has no right stay in Mumbai. Deshmukh also said that the strict actions will be taken against her by insulting sentiments of Maharashtra & calling PoK to Mumbai @NewIndianXpress Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) September 4, 2020 The "Queen" star had also said that she feared the Mumbai Police more than what she called movie mafia. Without naming Ranaut, Deshmukh termed her comments as ridiculous. Deshmukh hailed the Mumbai Police, saying they are often compared with the Scotland Yard of the UK. ALSO READ| Act against those defaming Mumbai police: Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut on Kangana Ranaut "In such a situation, it is ridiculous for an actor to make such a statement. Be it Mumbai or entire Maharashtra, it is safe in the hands of the police,"Deshmukh told reporters in Nagpur. The NCP minister said that the Maharashtra Police are capable of ensuring proper law and order in the state. He added that and those who think Mumbai or Maharashtra is not safe for them (to live in), they have no right to live in Mumbai or Maharashtra. The 33-year-old, Himachal Pradesh-born actress's controversial statements on Mumbai and its police have triggered strong reactions. "Why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied- Kashmir," Ranaut had tweeted, and tagged a September 1 news report where Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut purportedly said she should not come back to Mumbai if she was afraid of the city police. ALSO READ| She should go to police with proof rather than tweeting: Raut on 'threatening' Kangana She would require security from Haryana or Himachal Pradesh police and would not accept protection from the Mumbai police to expose the "drug mafia in Bollywood", the award- winning actor had said. Mumbai: IDFC First Bank on Friday said that Rajiv Lall has stepped down as the part- time non-executive chairman, citing prolonged personal health issues. IDFC FIRST Bank Limited has received an intimation vide a letter dated 4 September 2020 from Rajiv B. Lall, in which he has tendered his resignation as the part time non-executive chairman from the board of the bank with immediate effect citing that he has been dealing with prolonged personal health issues for a while now," the bank said in a stock exchange notification on Friday. Lall in his communication to the bank also said that, in view of his prolonged health issues, the bank has thought through a succession plan for the position. Lall served as the founder managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of IDFC First Bank from 1 October 2015 till 18 December 2018, before he was appointed the chairman of the bank. Before becoming the CEO of IDFC First Bank, he was the executive chairman of infrastructure focused non-banking financial company IDFC Ltd, which later received a banking licence and merged with Capital First to become IDFC First Bank. Prior to joining IDFC, Lall worked as a partner with Warburg Pincus in New York. He has also been the head of Asian economic research at Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, a senior staff member of the World Bank in Washington, D.C., and of the Asian Development Bank in Manila. Lall has served on numerous committees of the government of India and the Reserve Bank of India, including the Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms, the High Powered Expert Committee for Urban Infrastructure, the High Level Committee on Financing Infrastructure, and the Expert Committee on Modernisation of Indian Railways. He has also served as Indias representative to the G-20 Working Group on 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 WASHINGTON Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel privately went along with a plan for the Trump administration to sell advanced weapons to the United Arab Emirates, despite publicly saying later that he opposed the arms deal, according to officials familiar with the negotiations. Mr. Netanyahu chose not to try to block the deal as he took part in a broader effort in recent months to secure a diplomatic breakthrough normalizing relations between Israel and the Emirates, the officials said. President Trump announced the initiative to great fanfare last month, without mentioning the arms discussions that were proceeding on a parallel track. But after news of the arms sale became public late last month, the Israeli prime minister repeatedly denied that he had given assurances to the Trump administration that Israel would not oppose the Emirati arms deal. The officials said Mr. Netanyahus public statements were false. He then stopped publicly complaining about the proposed arms sale after a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Jerusalem last week that brought the Israeli prime minister back in line, the officials said. The White House has accelerated its push in recent weeks to sell a package of cutting-edge weapons to the Emirates, including F-35 fighter jets and Reaper drones. The deal also includes EA-18G Growler jets electronic warfare planes that pave the way for stealth attacks by jamming enemy air defenses. That element of the package has not previously been reported. The partner of an asylum seeking mother found dead with her starving 16-month-old son has told how it was a 'miracle' the baby survived. Mercy Baguma, 34, was found dead with her baby Adriel beside her after her partner Eric Nnanna, 30, had gone to the flat but got no response and heard the baby crying. Mr Nnanna called police who made the tragic discovery in Govan, Glasgow, on August 22, with Adriel so weak from starvation he was unable to stand up in his cot. He had been round two days before and knocked for an hour but got no answer, and wondered if Ms Baguma might have moved, as she had been expecting to do. The couple, who had been together for three years, had lived together at the start of the lockdown, and enjoyed spending time together as a family. Eric Nnanna, 30, with his son Adriel, who was found dead with his partner Mercy Baguma Mercy Baguma, 34, was found dead with her baby Adriel beside her in Govan, Glasgow Ms Baguma, originally from Uganda, was unable to work due to her asylum situation but had been volunteering in a charity shop and wanted to join Police Scotland. Mr Nnanna said: 'When they opened the door they said I shouldn't come into the flat. They said they saw Mercy's body lying in her hallway and Adriel was in his cot. 'He was found there by them. Adriel... when my mind takes me back there I cry. I don't know how to express that. 'Because they obviously imagine that she died on the Tuesday night, so Adriel didn't have food or water or anything from that Tuesday night until that Saturday morning when he was found. 'There was no strength. When I held him I was feeling his spine, his bones and then his nappy, the babygrow that he was wearing was all stained with blood. Money was tight for the couple due to their immigration status, but they made baby food for Adriel (pictured with Mr Nnanna) from scratch 'It was something that I just can't imagine. He couldn't even stand. Adriel when he sees me he is always shouting 'Daddy, daddy, daddy' and I would go and carry him and lift him up. 'But he couldn't even recognise me. It is a miracle he survived. I don't know where he got the strength from, to cry, because he had been there for so many days.' Money was tight for the couple due to their immigration status, but they made baby food for Adriel from scratch. Mr Nnanna was receiving a payment of only 35 a week from the government, and the family was supported by charities and their church. He refuted claims Ms Baguma starved to death, saying: 'There was a lot of fake news going around, the part where they said she starved to death was entirely wrong. Adriel was left so weak from starvation when found that he was unable to stand up in his cot 'Asylum seekers and refugees do not get a lot of support from the government but there are charities that help. 'To say that Mercy died of starvation or hunger is wrong - there were people there to help.' He also recalled the moment he set eyes on his girlfriend, in a phone repair shop in 2017. He had come to the UK from Nigeria in 2008 to study at Aberdeen University and also has an master's degree in petroleum engineering from there. Mr Nnanna said: 'When I saw her she was looking all beautiful and charming so we got talking. Then we exchanged Facebook contacts and started chatting online before we met. I loved her personality. She was calm, so charming and lovely.' Mr Nnanna called police who made the tragic discovery in Govan, Glasgow, on August 22 Adriel was born in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, and was named after a man in the Bible whose name is said to be mean 'God's Helper'. Mr Nnanna added: 'Mercy didn't have a family in the UK and I didn't have a family in the UK also, so looking after Adriel was all for us. 'At night I would stay awake and look after him while she sleeps, then during the day I would try to catch some rest and she looked after him. 'It was all us but I loved it, I really loved it. During lockdown it was financially a struggle but as a family it was really nice.' Mr Nnanna is still reeling from the shock of losing his girlfriend, and says their little boy needs constant reassurance and attention following his harrowing ordeal. Candels a lit during a vigil for Ms Baguma on August 26, four days after her death in Glasgow The father said: 'For those few days when he was in that flat he would have felt abandoned, that there was no one there for him. 'So he needs time to be reassured that his daddy is there and promises him he will never go. 'Right now he doesn't let me go out of his sight, he follows me everywhere, he needs that attention. He needs reassurance and lots and lots of love. 'My hope for him is for him to grow up knowing that his dad will always be there for him, that his dad will love him and care for him and when he grows older I will tell him how loving his mum was.' A spokesman for the Home Office said: 'We will be conducting a full investigation into Ms Baguma's case.' (JNS) Three years later were still quoting, discussing and debating it. If there is a defining moment of the presidency of Donald Trump, it took place at a press conference on Aug. 15, 2017, when he allegedly called the neo-Nazis who conducted a frightening torchlight parade days earlier in Charlottesville, Va., very fine people. According to the narrative about Trump that is believed by most of his critics, that signaled a green light to extremists to attack Jews in their synagogues, as well as African-Americans and Hispanics. It allowed opponents to treat the accusation that... Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday said that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is tense and the force is prepared for all contingencies. "The nation can count on us," said General Naravane who was on two-day visit to Ladakh where he also met troops deployed at forward locations along the LAC. "The situation along the LAC is tense. We have undertaken precautionary deployment in some areas. The troops are prepared for all contingencies that may arise. All these actions have been carried out only along the LAC," the Army Chief said. General Naravane said that he reached Leh on Thursday morning and spent time with the commanders and troops to make a first-hand assessment of the situation along the borders. Indian Army chief returned to Delhi on Friday afternoon. "It was very satisfying to see our soldiers and local commanders in high morale and good health. It gives me confidence that they are well prepared to safe guard the territorial integrity of our nation," said General Naravane, adding that Indian Army is known for its commitment and resolve. He pointed out that over the past three months, both India and China have been engaged in resolving the situation. "Military and diplomatic channels are functioning. The Indian side is firmly committed to resolve the current situation along the LAC through engagement," he said. General Naravane said that India will continue to utilise all existing mechanisms to reduce tension and to ensure that the status quo is not unilaterally changed. He went to Ladakh after China made fresh incursion attempts and Indian Army thwarted there acts. Chinese's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops had made fresh incursion attempts in India territories along south of Pangong Tso (Lake) on August 29 and again on August 31. On August 31, Chinese troops had indulged in provocative actions after Indian soldiers occupied the heights there to thwart a PLA land-grabbing bid over the weekend. On the intervening night of August 29 and August 30, 2020, PLA troops had violated the previous consensus agreed upon in military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo. Military representatives of both the countries are now engaged in a dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Election fraud is exceedingly rare in the United States, including double voting. But numerous states still have rigorous and redundant levels of checking to make sure a voter only casts a ballot once. In North Carolina, electronic poll books are used at polling centers, and are updated regularly with information on who has voted, according to a description of its system the state released Thursday. On Election Day, voters who had already voted absentee are removed from the poll book, and ballots that are received on Election Day are not counted until after the election, when they can be checked against in-person voting to prevent any double ballots. If a voter shows up and insists they did not cast an absentee ballot, they will be allowed to vote provisionally, which officials will also check after Election Day and decide whether it should be counted. Officials in North Carolina warned voters not to follow Mr. Trumps advice even if only to check to see if their mail-in votes were recorded because showing up in person would create confusion and increase the possibility of coronavirus exposure on Election Day. Voters can track their ballots on the states election website. Many states have similar protections. In Ohio, which follows many of the same procedures as North Carolina to check against double voting, the state also has a ballot tracking system, where voters can log onto the state website and track the status of their ballot, keeping unsure voters from attempting to vote twice. The logo of Planned Parenthood is seen outside the Planned Parenthood Reproductive Health Services Center in St. Louis, Mo., on May 30, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Says He Will Fully Defund Planned Parenthood If He Wins Election President Donald Trump promised Thursday that he would work to fully defund the abortion industry, including Planned Parenthood, of taxpayer dollars if re-elected. In a letter (pdf) to the pro-life community seeking their support in the November presidential election, Trump reiterated his commitment to defend unborn children. Since my inauguration, I have proudly governed as the most pro-life president in our nations history, Trump said in his letter, addressed to Pro-Life Leaders and Activists. Trump told his supporters that if reelected, he would work together with them to [f]ully defund the big abortion industry such as Planned Parenthood of our tax dollars. In other promises, he said he would work with his supporters to fill the Supreme Court and lower courts with judges who will respect the Constitution and not legislate an abortion agenda from the bench, and also pass and sign into law the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. In a Twitter post late Thursday, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund responded to the presidents letter, saying, This is Trump attacking your health careand well fight back. The group also wrote, Defunding Planned Parenthood = blocking patients from accessing preventative care. Its a political show with real consequences, harming the 2.4M people a year seeking care. Trump noted in his letter that his administration has achieved so much for unborn children and their mothers, listing out a number of accomplishments, which included the confirmations of Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as stopping some taxpayer funding of the abortion industry through the Title X Protect Life rule. Trump also noted that he has ended taxpayer funding for new medical research using aborted baby body parts at the National Institutes of Health. In a statement on Thursday, Planned Parenthood Votes characterized the pro-life movement as the anti-abortion movement and called Trumps promise one that would [attack] access to safe, legal abortion. Jenny Lawson, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes, said in the statement, If it wasnt clear before, its crystal clear now: A second Trump term would mean four more years of relentless, withering attacks on reproductive health care, including access to safe, legal abortion. Despite record-high support for abortion rights, Trump and his allies in Congress and state legislatures are committed to doing all they can to fill the courts with anti-abortion judges, pass restrictive abortion bans, and try to close Planned Parenthood health centers that provide essential sexual and reproductive health care to 2.4 million patients annually. Its no exaggeration to say our health and rights are on the line this November, and Planned Parenthood Votes is prepared to ensure we elect reproductive health champions up and down the ballot. Contrast to Biden In his letter, Trump drew a sharp distinction between Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Bidens stance on abortion and that of his own administration. As I seek re-election this November, I need your help in contrasting my bold pro-life leadership with Joe Bidens abortion extremism, Trump wrote. The Democratic Party unequivocally supports abortion on-demand, up until the moment of birth, and even infanticideleaving babies to die after failed abortions. He added, Joe Bidens embrace of this extreme position is most evidenced by his support for taxpayer funding of abortion on-demand. Forcing taxpayers to pay for abortions is an abhorrent position that must be defeated at the ballot box. Joe Biden has doubled down on these positions with his selection of abortion extremist Kamala Harris as his running mate. With your help, I will win re-election, ensuring we have another four years to fight in the trenches for unborn children and their mothers. The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment. This article has been updated with further comment from Planned Parenthood. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept.4 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Kazakhstan has exported 39,000 tons of crude petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 6.3 million euros to Croatia in June 2020, Eurostat official told Trend. In turn, Kazakhstan exported 375,884 tons of petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals worth 102.04 million euros to Croatia in 1H2020. Thus, the June volume of petroleum oil and oil obtained from bituminous minerals from Kazakhstan to Croatia is 73.4 percent less than in volume compared to May 2020 (146,877 tons) and is 43.6 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (691,669 tons). Junes export value is also 70.3 percent less than in May 2020 (21.5 million euros) and is 80.9 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (33.5 million euros). The value of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Croatia amounted to $273.8 million over 1H2020, compared to $112.9 million during the same period of 2019. Kazakhstans export to Croatia amounted to $265.05 million over the period from January through June 2020, compared to $109.1 million during the same period of 2019. In turn, Kazakhstans imports from Croatia stood at about $8.7 million over the reporting period, compared to $3.7 million during the same period of 2019. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh In recent weeks, much has been made of teachers unions efforts to prevent private schools from opening while many public schools remain shuttered. The unions goal is to ensure the competition doesnt get (further) ahead. According to results from a study we recently completed about remote learning in spring 2020, teacher unions have reason to be concerned. During the first two weeks of August, we surveyed more than 1,700 parents in public, charter, and private schools across the country. We asked about what schooling at home looked like for their families, what educational resources schools offered, and asked for parents assessment of the experience. Grim real-time descriptions of schooling at home dominated the media in spring 2020. These often-sensationalized stories commonly reported parents found the experience chaotic, bordering on disaster. Our survey showed something different. We found most schools provided educational resources ranging from hardcopy packets and worksheets to live instruction provided online, often on laptops by schools. Teachers maintained frequent contact with families through various communications technologies. In short, the parents we surveyed were generally positive about remote learning, showing that they understood the difficult circumstances and that schools had accumulated some goodwill during the crisis. But parents with children in private schools reported a more positive experience than those in traditional public schools. We found that the remote learning schools provided varied significantly by school type. Eighty-nine percent of private school children received live, online instruction by their teachers. Only 56% of public school children did. Not surprisingly, then, schools also had varying standards for students. Sixty-five percent of private school parents said their teachers graded student assignments and those grades played an important part in the overall assessment for the year. The same was true for only a third of public school children. When asked to evaluate their schools responses to the pandemic, parents in private schools were consistently more positive. Private school parents believed the resources they received from their schools were more helpful, the communication was more effective, and the teachers were more adept at remote instruction. Such findings illustrate the influence of markets on school performance. Throughout the results, private schools frequently appeared to be the most responsive, engaged, and innovative. In debates about school choice, much ink has been spilled arguing the merits of public versus private schools. Choice opponents frequently attribute superior private school outcomes to student differences. Our study, however, isnt about student outcomes. We simply examined differences in the schools themselves. Private schools communicated more frequently with students, created real-time, online programs at greater rates, and set higher expectations. Critics may respond by saying private schools were able to do so because of greater resources. Yet, most private schools in the United States are modest enterprises. The average student body is 150 students. Two-thirds are religious schools. The average tuition is $11,000 (including the small number of elite boarding schools), a figure that is slightly less than the average per pupil expenditure in public schools. Private schools operate with less bureaucracy than public schools, but perhaps the most relevant difference is that private schools operate in a market and public schools largely do not. Because enrollment is the lifeblood of private schools, they worked during COVID-19 closures to retain students by operating more responsively and resourcefully than public schools, whose revenue streams, although reduced, continued throughout the COVID-19 closures. When it comes to student outcomes, some of the disparities between private and public schools do reflect differences in student populations, but the results of our research suggest differences also reflect how the schools operate and reflect the influence of markets on those operations. Teachers unions may hope closing private schools would knee-cap the competition, but spring 2020 shows that to be a false hope. On the same short notice as public schools, private schools built superior online learning programs. Now, with three more months to prepare, their programsif forced to go fully onlinewould likely be even better. For the sake of their students, union members should have spent less time this summer complaining and more time competing. Nancy Pelosi's hair stylist released a statement backing up Pelosi's claims that the house speaker was set up by the San Francisco salon where she was caught on camera getting her hair shampooed and blown dry. A law firm representing Jonathan DeNardo said the stylist got permission from Erica Kious, the owner of eSalon on Union Street, in a phone discussion prior to Pelosi's appointment. "Ms. Kious took special interest in the appointment during this telephone call, wherein she made several vitriolic and incendiary comments about Speaker Pelosi and her purported responsibility for temporarily suspending operations of Ms. Kious business, despite such orders actually being put into place not by Speaker Pelosi, but by Governor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed," a statement released by the firm and posted on Politico said. On Monday, Pelosi visited the salon, which has been closed due to a health order, and footage from her appointment showing her with wet hair and a mask around her neck later appeared on Fox News. Kious told the network she was offended by the House Speaker's visit to her businesses. "It was a slap in the face that she went in, you know, that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff done while no one else can go in, and I can't work," Kious said. "We have been shut down for so long, not just me, but most of the small businesses and I just can't it's a feeling a feeling of being deflated, helpless and honestly beaten down." Pelosi told reporters at an event in Noe Valley on Wednesday that she was "set up." "I take responsibility for trusting the word of the neighborhood salon that Ive been to over the years many times," the Speaker said. "And that when they said, 'We're able to accommodate people one person at a time, and that we can set up a time,' I trusted that. As it turns out, it was a set up, and I take responsibility for falling for a set up. She added, I think that this salon owes me an apology, for setting me up. Pelosi did not acknowledge that the arrangement she described is still a violation of the city's health order, as hair salons in the city are not allowed to serve anyone indoors, even one at a time. Kious denied it was a setup in an interview with Tucker Carlson on Fox News Wednesday night and said her decision to give the network the video wasn't political. "Her assistant had made the appointment, so the appointment was already booked, so there was no way I could have set that up," Kious said. "And I've had a camera system in there for five years. I mean I didn't go in there and turn cameras on as soon as she walked in to set her up." DeNardo's statement said Kious has encouraged stylists for months to operate despite shutdown orders. "Ms. Kious is seen on photographs and video footage styling various clients hair, ignoring social distancing guidelines, and not wearing protective equipment (masks), as recently as a few days prior to Speaker Pelosis arrival at eSalon on August 31, 2020," the statement said. The statement concludes, "The fact that Ms. Kious is now objecting to Speaker Pelosis presence at eSalon, and from a simple surface-level review of Ms. Kious political leanings, it appears Ms. Kious is furthering a setup of Speaker Pelosi for her own vain aspirations." San Francisco Mayor London Breed came to Pelosi's defense. "Its really unfortunate with everything happening in this country, with the fact that we basically have a dictator in charge of running this country," Breed said Wednesday of the attention Pelosi's visit has received. "And we have our Speaker Nancy Pelosi working day and night to fight against the challenges against the White House she has spent her entire career working for this city and working for this country its unfortunate that this conversation has blown up in the way that it has and distracted from the real issue. We dont have good solid federal leadership helping us facilitate this COVID response We have bigger issues as it relates to this country." President Donald Trump called out the incident on Twitter, writing Crazy Nancy Pelosi is being decimated for having a beauty parlor opened, when all others are closed, and for not wearing a Mask despite constantly lecturing everyone else. SFGATE reporter Eric Ting contributed to this story. Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:34:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHIJIAZHUANG, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- An international wine expo opened in north China's Hebei Province on Friday, attracting companies from 10 major world wine production bases to participate. Over 145 companies from countries including Argentina, France, Georgia, Italy, Chile, and South Africa are attending the China Huailai International Wine Expo in Huailai County in the city of Zhangjiakou. The event will run until Sept. 6 and will include winery tours and activities of pairing food with wine. After the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway was put into operation in 2019, it takes only half an hour to arrive at Huailai from Beijing. Wang Xiaoshun, deputy head of the county, said at the opening ceremony that Huailai, as the nearest wine-producing area to Beijing, will create a wine industry cultural cluster close to the capital's core economic circle in the future. The Beijing International Wine and Spirit Exchange, a company engaged in wine trading, joined in the organization of the event. Enditem ATLANTA - Facebook removed a photo illustration showing a Republican congressional candidate in Georgia posing with a rifle next to three Democratic House members, saying Friday that it violated the social media platforms policy against inciting violence. The illustration, a montage of four photos, was posted Thursday by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a candidate who has previously courted controversy with her support of a baseless conspiracy theory involving President Donald Trump and her inflammatory remarks about two Muslim congresswomen. Greene is favoured to win election in a deeply conservative district northwest of Atlanta. She faces Democrat Kevin Van Ausdal in the general election. Greenes post featured four separate photos that had been combined to show her posing with a rifle next to Democratic U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. The three left-wing congresswomen, known as part of the Squad, are often targeted by Republicans. Omar and Tlaib are two of only three Muslim members of Congress. Ocasio-Cortez is Hispanic. Hate America leftists want to take this country down, Greene wrote, later adding, We need strong conservative Christians to go on the offence against these socialists who want to rip our country apart. Facebook said the post violated its policy against calling for violence. Omar said the post was generating death threats. Posting a photo with an assault rifle next to the faces of three women of colour is not advertising, she said in a statement. Its incitement. Tlaib wrote on Twitter that, Its dangerous in a time of rising political violence openly encouraged by this fascist president that a soon-to-be member of Congress thinks a post threatening womens lives is acceptable. Greene has embraced controversy. After her Aug. 11 runoff victory, she inveighed against spineless Republicans and promised to kick Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi out of Congress. But she denied in a statement Friday that she was trying to incite violence. No, those who say that are paranoid and ridiculous, Greene said. Fake news is always looking for the next conspiracy theory. This question is idiotic. She went on to say that Democratic opponents are trying to cancel me out even before Ive taken the oath of office because I scare them so much. Pelosi called on House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to immediately condemn this dangerous threat of violence. In 2019, Greene filmed videos at the U.S. Capitol where she said she was trying to get Omar and Tlaib to re-swear their oaths of office on the Bible instead of the Quran. She accused them of being illegitimate and alleged that the two support Sharia, or Islamic law. In other videos, Greene embraced QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory centred on the baseless belief that Trump is waging a secret campaign against enemies in the deep state and a child sex trafficking ring run by satanic pedophiles and cannibals. In other videos posted since 2017, she said Black and Hispanic men are being held back by gangs and dealing drugs, alleged an Islamic invasion of government offices and accused Jewish billionaire George Soros of collaborating with Nazis. Those videos brought her criticism in the primary, with some Georgia Republicans pulling their support, but opposition eased after her runoff win over neurosurgeon John Cowan. The day after the runoff, Trump congratulated her in a tweet, saying Marjorie is strong on everything and never gives up a real WINNER! Greene was in attendance last week when Trump accepted the Republican presidential nomination at the White House. She is a construction company executive who moved from a suburban Atlanta district to the 14th District to run for Congress after the incumbent announced his retirement. Fierce debate has erupted in the US over whether health regulators should use their emergency authority to clear a coronavirus vaccine before it is formally approved, amid concerns the process may be rushed out before the presidential election. Some scientists have expressed concerns that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which would need to approve any potential vaccine, could be pressured by the White House into clearing an unproven drug before election day on November 3. It emerged this week that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had told state governors and health officials to be ready to distribute a possible coronavirus jab by November 1, which is earlier than predicted. Professor Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, said he worried about the risks of giving a vaccine to millions of healthy Americans without sufficiently rigorous trialling. "The concern is we rush this process without understanding the effectiveness or safety profile of the vaccine. If something unexpected happens, it could undermine confidence in the US Covid-19 programme," he said. The FDA last week used its emergency powers to approve the use of convalescent plasma, where blood cells are taken from patients who have recovered from Covid-19 and developed antibodies against the virus and then infused in sick patients. The treatment has been touted by president Donald Trump as a cure. Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we intend to prove it. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends throughout. Here, they discuss the weeks events with Dave DAlessandro of the Star-Ledger Editorial Board. Q. With painstaking care, Gov. Murphy has opened indoor dining, gyms, and theaters for Labor Day Weekend. But he also rescinded the ban on smoking in casinos, when its possible that coronavirus is transmitted with second-hand smoke. Cognitive dissonance, anyone? Mike: The casino resorts are an economic engine for the state, the largest industry employer in South Jersey and a huge taxpayer. Even with that, the governor has been conservative in his approach to reopening casinos and indoor dining. If individuals are responsible and dont go out when sick, no one will catch it from their second-hand smoke. The governor is doing a good job moving the reopening forward and should continue. Julie: Mike, you had me in line with you on this answer until the if individuals are responsible part. First, we know that many individuals are not responsible (see the many instances of raging house parties in defiance of the governors order). Second, there are plenty of asymptomatic people who will travel to casinos, smoke and spread it to others. Unlike outdoor smoking, indoor smoking transmits much more easily to those who are trapped next to the smoker. The casino carve-out for the indoor smoking ban was always a business decision, rather than a public health decision. Murphy allows smoking in casinos when indoor dining resumes Friday. Some say thats a bad idea. https://t.co/Judw3LJrxY Susan K Livio (@SusanKLivio) September 3, 2020 Q. President Trumps chief COVID advisor, Dr. Scott Atlas, said Monday that we dont lock down schools and the goal is absolutely NOT to stop all spread to asymptomatic or very low-risk individuals. In other words, a radiologist has decided that our public COVID policy should be to adopt a herd immunity strategy. Everyone OK with this? Mike: One of the failures of the president and the federal government has been the lack of a national policy or even strong guidance to people who were starved for it. This observation from Dr. Atlas is not a mandate and is not going to change how any state is figuring out how to deal with COVID. That said, the goal has always been to flatten the curve by taking reasonable precautions, not to isolate everyone so that there is zero risk of any infection ever again. It is not possible. We cannot ignore the virus, and we cannot prevent every possibility of spreading in a free society. Those who pretend either is the right track are wrong. Julie: Dr. Atlas must have missed the statistics requirement on his way to his medical degree, so let me provide him with a few salient numbers: according to the World Health Organization, 213 million people in the United States would need to be infected before we achieve herd immunity, which would result in nearly 1.4 million deaths. Some enterprising journalist should ask Dr. Atlas to describe the profile of a low-risk individual whom he wants to infect. Is it a young child who will then spread COVID to his higher-risk parents? Its pathetic that President Trump keeps shopping around for advisers who will tell Americans what Trump wants to hear, not what scientific and mathematical data dictates. Q. Meanwhile, the presidents CDC has informed states that they should be ready for a coronavirus vaccine in time for Election Day, even though none have completed clinical trials and theres no safety protocol in place. Good people are working on this, and were all hopeful. But would either of you line up for this? Mike: I am very hopeful for a vaccine, but I agree the rollout will be slow, even when available. We all want to be certain of its safety before lining up our kids for shots. Julie: Never in a million years would I inject myself or my child with a vaccine that has been coincidentally approved just in time for the presidential election, all so it can be a Fox News talking point. Trump has accomplished what I never imagined would happen in a million years: He has made reasonable people paranoid anti-vaxxers because he has so politicized the CDC and the vaccination process. Q. Sixty days from the election, President Trumps campaign still portrays America as an urban hellscape, still depicts Joe Biden as an antifa puppet sending thugs to your suburbs, and he still retweets videos of Black men attacking white women and uses Cory Booker as some sort of code for scary Black man. Is this really working? Mike: Seems a bit of a loaded question. I continue to be dismayed with the racial overtones the president has used for years. It makes the party unrecognizable to many of us who believe in the value of the individual over any classism that conservatives used to reject. The president is wrong when he condemns all the looting but gives a pass to a gun-wielding white teenager who killed two people. All that said, average voters know the difference between peaceful protesters and looters. The looting and violence play into Trumps hands. Biden has been smart to condemn the violence while some on the left have excused it. However, other than his convention speech, Biden and has been fairly uninspiring since the primary ended. Don't let the avalanche of fake news peddled at the RNC distract from what was real: Trump will foment racial violence to win. My new Circus @nymag @intelligencer https://t.co/edFfxNsiKw Frank Rich (@frankrichny) August 28, 2020 Julie: Mike said it just about as well as anyone can. I would only quibble with the part about Biden being uninspiring since the convention ended. I thought his speech this week condemning violence and rejecting Trumps loaded rhetoric was very inspiring and probably the best speech of his career. Mike: Youre right, Bidens speech earlier this week was strong, and the campaign made a commercial of it, but he will need to get out of his basement and do more than one strong speech a month to win the most important office in the world. His campaign is better than Hillarys, which is not saying much considering that was the worst-run campaign in the history of America. Q. A Military Times poll of active-duty troops have Trumps favorables at 38 percent, and they favor Biden by a 41-37 margin. At a similar stage in 2016, our enlisted men and women had Trump up by 20 points. What has caused the flip? Mike: Republicans held a strong edge among voters who prioritize a strong national defense for nearly 50 years, since the beginning of the Vietnam War through the end of the Cold War to initial phases of the War on Terror. That began to change when Osama Bin Laden was killed on President Obamas watch. Military families share many of the same concerns as everyone else, even with the extra burden put on them by their sacrifice and service. On foreign affairs, the president has been inconsistent, showing strength in support of Israel, against ISIS and wiping out the Iran nuclear deal. But some military families will not forgive his unwillingness to confront Putin, especially with evidence Russia put bounties on the heads of American soldiers. The lack of consequence for Russia on that will be unforgivable to many military families. Julie: Mike is exactly right. First Trump attacked John McCain as being weak for being captured by the Vietnamese. Then he attacked a Gold Star family. Then he attacked NATO and our European allies. Now, he obsequiously defers to Putin even after widespread reports that the Russians are paying for bounties on our soldiers heads in Afghanistan and are attacking our troops in Syria. Russians are engaging in war games off the coast of Alaska and the president says nothing. At some point, rank and file troops just conclude that enough is enough. Its clear that whatever sway Putin has over Trump takes precedence over Trumps constitutional duties as the commander in chief of the United States military. Q. Senate minority leader Tom Kean Jr., who is challenging Rep. Tom Malinowski in the 7th District, was guest speaker at a fundraiser for a Garwood Council candidate with a history of racist, sexist, and homophobic social media posts. Kean apologized and said the bigot should step aside, but shouldnt a party leader have a better knowledge of what kind of candidate hes helping, and will it leave a mark? Mike: This will have no impact and frankly makes Malinowski look desperate. Tom Kean has been in public service in NJ for 20 years in New Jersey, and he is known, even by those who dont agree with him politically, as a person of great integrity. I have known Tom since before he ever held office. Hes as a good a person and as dedicated a public servant as you will meet, and the insinuation from Malinowski that Tom shares any of these views is laughable and contemptible. Julie: Mike is right that Tom Kean is a good person but throughout his career, he has embraced bad policy. He has sided with bigotry before, like when he led the charge to stop same sex marriage in New Jersey, which makes him the first Kean in this nations history to side against a major civil rights issue. And while its easy to throw a racist, sexist, homophonic councilman from Garwood overboard, Kean has never spoken out against Donald Trump and his racist, sexist, homophobic policies. In fact, he supported them enough to travel to a Trump rally a hundred miles from his district not too long ago. Julie: It reminds me of when Kean was running for Senate years ago and mysteriously got stuck in traffic on Route 1 on the way to a Dick Cheney fundraiser, all so that he could collect the money Cheney raised for him while not appearing in any pictures with an unpopular vice president. I would have thought he would have learned from that debacle and tried to make it clear to voters this time around that he would take principled stands one way or the other. Keans strategy, as I understand it, is to close his eyes really tight, plug his ears, and hope the shadow passes. Its from the same playbook that a deer uses when confronted with a headlight. - @tomamoran https://t.co/4fHfkrZ2Kp Lisa Mandelblatt (@LisaMandelblatt) August 2, 2020 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. 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. Having a cold could help to fight off the flu because it jumpstarts the body's antiviral defences, according to Yale University researchers. Rhinoviruses, the most frequent cause of common colds, may be able to prevent the flu virus from infecting airways because they trigger the same immune response. When looking at health records from more than 13,000 people the scientists noticed that people who had colds never had the flu at the same time. Flu causes similar symptoms to a cold but is usually worse and can leave people bed-ridden with fever, aches and pains and exhaustion, while colds tend to cause coughs and sniffles but are not debilitating. Both are caused by viruses that infect the airways - the cells in the nose, mouth and lungs. And they are both fought off by similar mechanisms, the Yale researchers said, meaning that having one of them can stop the other one getting into the body. Having a cold could help to fight off the flu because it jumpstarts the body's antiviral defences, according to Yale researchers (stock photo) Dr Foxman, assistant professor of laboratory medicine and immunobiology and senior author of the study, said: 'When we looked at the data, it became clear that very few people had both viruses at the same time.' She stressed that scientists do not know whether the annual seasonal spread of the common cold virus will have a similar impact on infection rates of those exposed to the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. 'It is impossible to predict how two viruses will interact without doing the research,' she said. DO COLDS BUILD UP IMMUNITY AGAINST CORONAVIRUS? A growing body of research has suggested that people may already have immunity against they have had similar illnesses in the past. Experts have noticed the infection looks extremely similar to other, milder strains of coronaviruses which cause coughs and colds and circulate regularly. Those who have had these in the past may have some level of 'cross-protection', which means they aren't seriously harmed by Covid-19. While it remains unlikely that people will be totally protected from any infection at all, 'background' immunity could make their illness less severe and death less likely. Theories that even exposure to common colds may protect people from the coronavirus have been floating around for months. There are four other types of coronavirus known to infect humans regularly, which are named NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1. The fifth, known as SARS-CoV-2, is the one that causes Covid-19. If people have had these in the past, their bodies may have developed some immunity to coronaviruses, an Oxford University study suggested in July. The way cross-protection might develop lies in the fact that coronaviruses all have similar structures - that is, they have spike-shaped proteins on the outside. These spikes may look similar to the body's immune system and be recognised as a threat even if someone has not been infected with that particular one before. When the body recognises a protein as a danger it can stoke the immune system into life and immediately send white blood cells and antibodies to destroy the viruses, thereby either preventing illness or making it less severe. The body stores memories of how to fight viruses it has seen in the past and, if it encounters one that looks a lot like another one it has attacked, it may attack that more quickly than usual, too. Immune cells are highly specific and only attack the bugs they are designed to, but if coronaviruses are extremely similar there is a chance that immunity developed to one virus may be compatible with another. While this might not stop infection completely, the fast immune response could make the illness less severe and make it more likely that people will survive. Advertisement To test how the rhinovirus and the influenza virus interact, Dr Foxman's lab created human airway tissue from stem cells that give rise to epithelial cells, which line the airways of the lung and are a chief target of respiratory viruses. They found that after the tissue had been exposed to rhinovirus, the influenza virus was unable to infect the tissue. 'The antiviral defenses were already turned on before the flu virus arrived,' she said. The presence of rhinovirus triggered production of the antiviral agent interferon, which is part of the early immune system response to invasion of pathogens, Dr Foxman said. 'The effect lasted for at least five days,' she added. The study found the presence of rhinovirus triggered production of the antiviral agent interferon, which is part of the early immune system response to invasion of pathogens. Dr Foxman said her lab has begun to study whether introduction of the cold virus before infection by the Covid-19 virus offers a similar type of protection. It comes after Boris Johnson warned on Wednesday there is going to be 'more of this wretched Covid still to come' as he convened his Cabinet and told ministers 'bit by bit' the UK is 'getting back on its feet'. The Prime Minister told his top team that 'we know there will be more outbreaks' but he is 'absolutely confident' the Government will be able to deal with them. One of medics' top concerns is that a surge in coronavirus infections will coincide with flu season this winter. The flu lands thousands of elderly people in hospital every year and puts pressure on wards and emergency units. In a bid to prevent this, the Government is planning the biggest ever flu vaccination drive this weekend and said it hopes to immunise 30million people against the illness. A flu jab won't offer any protection from Covid-19 but it could reduce pressure on hospitals by stopping people catching flu. But the number of vulnerable people getting free flu jabs in England is at an eight-year low. Last winter just 45 per cent of people under 65 with serious health conditions, who are offered the vaccine for free on the NHS, received the jab. This has tumbled from a peak of 52.3 per cent in the winter of 2013 and is the worst uptake since Public Health England's records began in 2012. This year's vaccination programme is pledging to offer jabs to everyone over the age of 50, and 11-year-olds. Officials hope that covering more of the at-risk groups with a flu jab will mean fewer people get seriously ill with the winter virus, which will relieve pressure on hospitals that are expected to face a resurgence of Covid-19 cases. But getting vaccinated against the flu is not compulsory and more than half of vulnerable adults currently do not take up the offer. Coverage is better among the elderly, around three-quarters of whom get the vaccine, but the NHS also recommends it for pregnant women, diabetics, those with serious illnesses like heart disease, children and severely overweight people. Everyone clings to the talks for strategic, tactical, or personal considerations, Asharq al-Awsat says The last round of meetings of the Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva last week saw a new formal approach that almost tackled the content of the new constitution. The recent round the third since the formation of the committee last October was marked by the presence of the governments delegation to Geneva and the relinquishment of its previous demand that the opposition endorses the national pillars before any constitution talks. Those pillars included the rejection of Turkish aggression, adherence to the unity of the Syrian territories and sovereignty and the denouncement of separatist projects and terrorism. However, the delegation headed by Representative Ahmad Al-Kuzbari proposed a new approach, which is based on the agreement over the national identity and its determinants before entering into the discussions over the new constitution. This formal achievement can be attributed to the Russian intervention as the Special Envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev visited Damascus and met with President Bashar al-Assad to secure a positive attitude from the government at the Geneva meetings. Whats also new is that the committees meetings were held in the presence of a Russian advisor in the conference room at the United Nations headquarters. The advisor was taking notes and conversing with participants from all sides, without trying to introduce certain proposals. Nonetheless, the presence of the Russian representative would facilitate an accurate reading of the developments during the meeting between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UN Envoy Geir Pedersen in Moscow. During the talks, the delegation was keen to repeatedly stress that it is not a government delegation, but rather is supported by the government. Sometimes it called itself the national delegation and referred to the other side as the Turkish delegation. Its spokesmen also said that the committee was an independent entity and that the agreements that Pedersen made with both the government and the opposition regarding the rules of the committees work last October were not binding on the governments delegation. Moreover, the delegation also refused the issuance of a joint document at the end of the three-day round, stressing the need to agree first on the national determinants. When the opposition group, headed by Hadi Al-Bahra, said that national determinants were included in the closing statement of the National Dialogue Conference in Sochi at the beginning of 2018, the response was that the outputs of the Sochi meetings were not binding on the delegation supported by the Syrian government. Therefore, it can be said that the sessions were similar to the cultural forums that were held years ago in Damascus. The last round of talks did not bring about a cumulative political action between the delegations representing the government, the opposition, and civil society. They also failed to make the conflicting parties and the civil society delegation adopt Pedersens proposal to hold the next talks on October 5. The meeting ended without agreeing on any agenda for the next round. The problem is that Damascus refuses to receive Pedersen because it says that the committee is a sovereign entity whose work should not be interfered with. Hence, there was no choice but for the UN mediator to knock on the door of Moscow and Ankara to ensure the continuation of the work. However, the guarantors say that the constitutional process should be led by Syria. Despite spinning in this vicious circle, everyone clings to the talks for strategic, tactical, or personal considerations: Damascus reluctantly agreed to participate in an UN-sponsored process in Geneva and cannot tell Moscow that there is no political process. This process also constitutes a mean for Ankara to deprive its Kurdish opponents of the international legitimacy while continuing to maximize the extension of its influence in northern Syria. In a certain way, this also applies to Iran. As for the Syrian opposition, it is adhering to the only platform that gives it a weight similar to that of the government, despite the great difference in reality and the size of external support. Whoever dares to take off this card will be responsible for looking for an alternative! 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. Maize farmers in Nigeria are worried that the approval given to some companies to import maize into the country may affect the price of the crop in the market, most especially as the harvest has begun. After months of pressure from the poultry farmers and feed millers to allow maize importation, the federal government reportedly granted waiver to four companies to import 262,000 metric tons of maize. The companies are WACOT (with combined 60,000 tonnes), Chi Farms limited (60,000), Crown Flour Mills (22,000 tonnes) Premier Feed Mills (120,000) this brings the total import to 262,000 tonnes beginning from August and ending October. The government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria reversed earlier its decision to completely ban food importation. A restricted letter from the Nigeria Customs Service dated August 6 2020 in that regard partly reads: In line with government policy on food security, self-sufficiency and striking a balance between food imports and local production capacities to meet anticipated shortfall, the Central Bank of Nigeria has granted approval for the underlisted companies to import maize. Approval is strictly for the four companies. Currently, the price of maize remains high (N19,000 to N21,000 per 100kg) in some markets. Farmers said they had spent a lot on the inputs and other activities, expressing fears that they might not be able to recoup their expenses if the price falls in the market. John Isah, a large-scale maize farmer in Gauraka the along Kaduna Road, said allowing importation when the farmers are about to harvest is worrisome. I heard about the waiver granted some companies to import maize. Honestly, this is not the best time to do that. If it leads to crash in price of maize in the market, many local farmers will be affected and that will discourage them in the next production, he said. He said the CBN should have defied the pressure and continued its local production policy. Danjuma Ayuba, a maize farmer in Nasarawa State, said the government should not have granted the waiver at a time farmers had begun harvesting. Another farmer, Ibrahim Sunday, said the quantity of rice allowed to be imported was not so huge to crash the maize market. He, however, said the timing was wrong. The national president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Kabiru, said the decision to import maize was absurd and reductive. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates In one of the most significant developments into the investigation of the Sushant Singh Rajput case, Rhea Chakrabortys brother Showik was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau on Friday. The development excited Sushant Singh Rajputs sister Shweta Singh Kirti, who conveyed her gratitude to the Almighty. She hoped that the movement continues to move towards the direction of TRUTH. READ: Sushant Death Probe LIVE Updates: NCB Confirms Showik, Miranda Arrests, Dipesh Called In Sushants sister reacts to Showiks arrest Sharing a screenshot of Republic Bharats post about Showiks arrest, Shweta Singh Kirti hoped that God continues to lead them to fruition. Shweta, who has been leading the movement on behalf of the family, and participated in numerous movements, acknowledged the contribution of all them by using the hashtags like #JusticeForSushantSinghRajput #Warriors4SRR #Flag4SSR. Along with that she also used the #GreatStartNCB, the hashtag she had used when news of the NCB raiding Rheas residence had surfaced earlier in the day. READ:NCB Issues First Statement, To Produce Showik Chakraborty & Miranda In Court After Arrest Hours after raiding the Chakraborty residence early on Friday, the NCB confirmed that they had arrested Showik. Sushants home manager Samuel Miranda has also been arrested, under sections 20B 28 & 29 and 27A. NCB Deputy Director KPS Malhotra revealed that the procedures, like informing the family, and presenting them before the court, was underway. The development came moments after reports that Showik had told NCB that he had procured the drugs on instructions of Rhea. In the latest development, Sushants staff Dipesh has also been called in by the NCB. Though initially it was reported that Rhea will be summoned, Malhotra denied it while speaking to reporters. READ:NCB Arrests Showik Chakraborty, Samuel Miranda After Admitting To Drugs Procurement READ:Showik Chakraborty Names Sister Rhea In Confession To NCB Over drugs Procurement Two off-campus parties held as students return to Laramie have helped spark the spread of the coronavirus there, which on Wednesday prompted the University of Wyoming to hit a five-day pause on all campus activity. Safety measures related to COVID were not followed at the gatherings, the school said. The schools dean of students is now conducting an inquiry into last weekends gatherings with the intent of pursuing student conduct proceedings. For students who hosted or attended the gatherings, that could result in being placed on interim suspension from the university and having access to the campus temporarily restricted. To the best of our knowledge, the vast majority of the new cases this week are related to two off-campus gatherings last weekend. That gives us some hope that well be able to manage the outbreak and emerge from the pause, said UW epidemiologist Brant Schumaker, who is directing the universitys testing program. But this will only be possible if everyone follows the pause restrictions over Labor Day weekend through Wednesday and then continues to follow the guidance on avoiding large gatherings, wearing face protection, practicing physical distancing and taking proper hygiene measures. The school had said it would move fully online, shut down campus and keep on-campus students confined to their dorm room floors if it had five positive, symptomatic cases within a single day. The school almost hit that tally Tuesday and did by Wednesday, when seven positive student tests were recorded. By Thursday evening, the school had tallied 18 positive tests of symptomatic people in three days. While the residence halls are still far from full, students have returned to off-campus housing in recent weeks. In-person schooling had been set to start Monday for first-year students. But all of that is again on hold due in significant part to parties, UW spokesman Chad Baldwin said Thursday. At least some of those gatherings have been held by Greek organizations on campus, he said. Part of this five-day pause will be spent investigating the role of these parties and whether any students should face disciplinary action for their participation. The pause is sort of intended to drill down on that, Baldwin said. Was that it or are there other sources now? Is there some other spread going on? Weve done the best we can to quarantine those whove had close contact in those gatherings and whos tested positive. The pause gives us the chance Alright, where is all this coming from? Students in UW housing will be under a shelter-in-place order during the duration of the pause, with their movement restricted to their floor. All classes will be online which, because in-person classes were set to start for freshmen on Monday, means a two-day delay and nearly all employees will work from home. As of Thursday afternoon, there were 30 active cases among UW students and staff. Four of those were students in on-campus housing, 22 were among off-campus students and four were among staff. Seventy-two students are on a 14-day quarantine all but three of those are off-campus students, including people in two Greek life houses. Sixty-three students and staff have recovered, and the school which is implementing rigorous and regular testing has processed 12,862 samples. Baldwin said that at the end of this five-day pause, UW president Ed Seidel will make a decision on whether to return to the phased reopening plan or to move the rest of the semester online. Baldwin said there was a chance Seidel could institute another pause but added it was more likely that it would be an either-or decision. Seidel will have to weigh not just how many cases are on campus, but also the impact of ending school and then sending students right back to their home communities, in Wyoming and across the country. Baldwin said Seidel really wants in-person but that the decision would boil down to whats the safest move for campus. 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. WASHINGTON - Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Friday that the city had never intended to propose removing or replacing federal monuments in the District, and accused critics of deliberately misinterpreting a report that recommended expansive changes to schools, buildings and public property whose namesakes perpetuated systemic racism. An executive summary of the report, published Tuesday by a committee the mayor assembled after the police killing of George Floyd in May, initially included the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial among a list of eight federal statues that Bowser should consider asking the federal government to "remove, replace or contextualize." Republicans in Congress and other Bowser critics quickly denounced the document, focusing on the suggestion about monuments - prompting Bowser, a moderate Democrat, to remove that page from the report. Asked Friday about the controversial timing and rollout of the report, Bowser cited the need to learn more about people's unease with "questionable" monuments in the city. In June, amid nationwide racial justice demonstrations and calls to remove monuments of historical figures with racist legacies, protesters in the District toppled and burned a statue of Confederate Gen. Albert Pike. "I thought it was a good idea to understand the full breadth of issues of concern, people of concern or markers of concern in the District," Bowser said at a news conference. "It was not our intention to do anything with the federal monuments and memorials." The report recommended renaming dozens of public schools, government buildings and parks in the city named after figures with ties to slavery and oppression, including former U.S. presidents. But Bowser said Friday that critics had run with a misleading narrative - that her committee wanted well-known federal monuments in the city to be significantly changed - causing her to ask the group to refocus its recommendations on local sites in D.C. Congressional backlash around the committee's report continued Friday. Republican Reps. James Comer (Ky.) and Jim Jordan (Ohio) said the working group's recommendations were "absurd," and in a letter called on Bowser to provide them with documents and communications related to the proposals. "D.C.'s radical city leaders want to cancel some of nation's Founding Fathers and erase history," Comer, the ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, said in a statement. The Republican leaders said they were perturbed by the initial report's suggestion to remove or contextualize federal monuments - even though these structures are no longer included in Bowser's committee's recommendations. "There are a lot of different and heated positions on this. No two people tend to think the same thing when you talk about this, and I think the diversity of views was reflected in the working group's initial report," Bowser said. "I understand, however, that people will intentionally misonconstrue things, and that is why the report was adjusted so the federal portion was removed." Agra, Sep 4 : Agra river activists on Friday urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to take action on the Yamuna barrage project, downstream of the Taj Mahal, to start tourist ferry services between Delhi and Agra. Members of the 'River Connect' campaign who met at the Etmauddaula Viewpoint Park on Friday afternoon, asked the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh to take measures to save the dying Yamuna, the lifeline of Agra with three world heritage monuments and several other architectural marvels. They expressed concern and anger at the continued dilly-dallying on the need for restoring the Yamuna, one of the sacred rivers of India, to its original glory. Both Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised before and after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to take concrete steps to save the Yamuna, but till now nothing had been done to save the river, Dr Devashish Bhattacharya, an environmentalist, said. "Gadkari had promised to start a ferry service to bring tourists to Agra from Delhi. But now he has developed cold feet for reasons unexplained," Bhattacharya added. River cleaning, de-silting, and dredging had also been promised but the agencies concerned had not shown any interest. As a result, huge piles of garbage and sewage, including industrial effluents, have increased the pollution in the river impacting the monuments along its banks, said activist Dr Harendra Gupta. Green activists expressed dissatisfaction with the working of the Taj Trapezium Zone Authority which had failed to address the problem of river pollution. The meeting blamed the river police for failing to stop encroachers who had built houses on the flood plains of the river in Vrindavan, Mathura and Agra. The National Green Tribunal has taken more than five years to act against encroachers on the Yamuna flood plains. Only periodic surveys were being conducted, said activist Rahul Raj. Despite the success of the ODF programme, people can still be seen defecating on the river bed, said activist Ranjan Sharma. Goswami Nandan Shrotriya recalled there was a time "When people in Agra would flock to the banks of the Yamuna during the monsoon to watch the river dance in whirlpools or the muddy water form ripples and loops and kids coming to watch tortoises floating lazily. Now the heavy pollution level in the water is keeping everyone away." The river right now is in spate, flowing full after rains during the past two months, offering a fascinating spectacle against the background of the Taj Mahal. This year's annual Tairaki Mela (swimming in the river from Kailash Ghat to Hathi Ghat with banners and flags) attracted very few swimmers due to reports of heavy pollution caused by the discharge of effluents and sewer waste. People do not want to catch fish from the river anymore, fearing the pollution could damage their health, activist Padmini Iyer added. For the tourists, however, watching the Yamuna in spate at the rear of the Taj Mahal was an unforgettable experience. Right till the Mehtab Bagh across the river where Shah Jahan, according to guides, planned to construct a black replica of the Taj, there was only water and dense green cover beyond. Though the river offers a pretty sight nowadays, the people of Agra have long forgotten its beauty and look at it merely as a sewer that brings disease and pollution. "What should have been a protected heritage of the country has been reduced to a river if one can call it that, of sorrow and misery, and unfortunately no government agency, commission, Pollution Board, department or NGO has been able to arrest the rot," lamented activist Shravan Kumar Singh. The river activists said the Union government should draw up a comprehensive National Rivers' Policy and constitute a Central Rivers Authority. Who knew that, last August 10, a powerful summer storm with hurricane-force winds had just slammed large tracts of rural and urban land in the upper Midwest? Apparently, not the establishment news media. Read on. The storm Late that morning, my wife and I were returning from an out-of-town errand to our home on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Weather advisories noted the possibility of afternoon and evening strong convective rainstorm activity, but we planned to be safely home by then. Occasional local severe storms, accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and sometimes tornadoes, are part of life in the American Midwest. We know the drill and simply make this reality part of summer life. As we drove along under a clear blue sky, we noted the impressive acres of field corn, standing erect, vertical, and even interspersed with rich tracts of soybeans. With an abundance of recent seasonal rainfall, they looked to offer an abundant fall harvest. Upon our arrival, weather reports signaled the approach of storm activity much earlier than anticipated. A mere twenty minutes later, the countys outdoor warning system sirens began sounding. Local broadcast radio stations announced the imminent arrival of unusually strong straight-line winds estimated at 80 to 100 miles per hour and urged everyone to take immediate cover. The house lights suddenly flickered and died. We quickly took shelter in the basement under a sturdy workbench and monitored developments with a portable broadcast radio. Within minutes the roar began, accompanied by sounds of heavy objects striking the roof and grounds nearby. The home is in a wooded hilltop community with many tall trees, both evergreen and hardwood. From the racket, it was apparent that numerous specimens were downed. A few more minutes and broadcast radio and cell phone services intermittently faded, then died completely. The aftermath The wind, thunder, and rainfall finally subsided. We cautiously stepped outside and stared at a jaw-dropping spectacle. Everywhere were downed trees, broken tops, and large limbs. The debris, some of it more than six feet high, proved an agility test for anyone trying to step through the area. The only structural damage was to a nearby outbuilding. We would soon learn we were among the lucky ones. (Image from the authors private collection.) Joining our neighbors, we began to explore the area. Debris covered roofs, some with whole uprooted large trees. The shared community road and adjacent public thoroughfare were impassible to wheeled traffic. The immediate primary imperatives were ensuring safety, then reopening the pavement to vehicles. We quickly joined the gathering ad hoc volunteer chainsaw army, residents taking the initiative and clearing the right-of-way. This was a serious, wide-area disaster. As broadcast news service gradually returned over the next few days, we learned of prodigious damage to the electrical power delivery infrastructure, with a proliferation of downed wires, poles, and high-voltage feeder lines, both within the city and over hundreds of miles of rural roads. In this county alone, over 200,000 customers were dark, with some 500,000 statewide. Loss of communication made it impossible to contact friends and family across the city and in distant parts of the country. Most businesses were closed, though some supermarkets operated minimally on emergency power and, without refrigeration, sold nonperishable goods only. Most convenience stores were unable to pump fuel or supply ice. Masses of debris required careful maneuvering while driving, and inoperative traffic control signals forced cautious stop-and-go movement. Coping strategies We began venturing out to gather essentials where we could find them. A trip to an operating gas station in the next town took us past cornfields, alas, flattened. The long line at the station was reminiscent of the gas shortage years of prior decades, but its friendly crew directed traffic expeditiously and efficiently. Official announcements from the public utilities informed area customers that the outage would last many days, and everyone settled in for a protracted minimalist bivouac existence. Residents did all they could to help each other cope with multitudinous challenges: food spoilage from the absence of refrigeration, water shortages, lack of air conditioning on hot, muggy days, no trash collection, and sold-out emergency generators and chainsaws. We were camping out in our homes, using flashlights, and recharging cell phones in our cars. Local line crews, supplemented by teams loaned by other states, diligently set to work in their daily around-the-clock repair activity, even though many were dealing with their own home damage and power outages. They methodically worked their way through neighborhoods, to audible cheers as residents lights sprang back on. Ours were restored on the evening of August 19, the tenth day. The nature of the beast This was a derecho, a sort of inland hurricane. Unlike the derechos coastal counterparts, we dont get days of advance notice. They just pounce, in ways that elude reliable prediction, and can leave profound devastation. This article informs the reader of the nature of this phenomenon, with a discussion about early research and the coining of the term by a nineteenth-century University of Iowa physicist. Tens of miles wide, this storm originated in eastern Nebraska and South Dakota, crossed Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, finally dissipating in Ohio, over 700 miles downwind. Its top reported wind speed in this area was 112 miles per hour, with estimates offered of as much as 130 miles per hour in some locations. The toll Some of the severest damage in the city was to residential and commercial structures in the western parts of the municipal area. Whole buildings had their walls and roofs blown off, or have collapsed entirely, either from the gale winds or large, downed trees. And numerous motor vehicles were rolled or crushed. Several large apartment complexes are no longer habitable. Some of these areas were homes to a sizable population of refugees -- legal immigrants all -- from strife-torn Africa, all working diligently to assimilate into American culture. They were forced to set up makeshift shelters on nearby grounds and now compare this experience to being back in the refugee camp of their native homelands. A prized feature of many Iowa cities is their cathedral-like tree canopies that line avenues and boulevards and provide valuable summertime shade. The storm destroyed an estimated 65 percent of Cedar Rapids treasure, some 23,000 publicly-owned trees. Restoration will take decades and tens of millions of dollars. Remarkably, there were only three deaths statewide related to the storm. Rural areas sustained extensive damage to crops, buildings, and agricultural infrastructure. Iowas governor Kim Reynolds has declared 27 of the states 99 counties as disaster areas and has petitioned Washington for $3.9 billion in federal assistance. President Trump made a brief stop in town on August 18 for a conference on assistance needs with the governor, local leaders, and Senators Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst. Complaints Yes, there were complaints of officialdoms slow response. It is unfortunate that persons with health impairments were without power for medical devices and that people were sleeping on the ground for several days. And there was the predictable election-year political sniping at a governor, senators, and mayor, Republicans all. The complainers fail to consider the scale of this crisis and the truth that first responders, officials, and members of support organizations were themselves encumbered by debris-clogged driveways and streets, and also lacked electricity, radio, or cell phones. News coverage? Though this event was the dominant issue in local and regional news, the national news media were strangely silent for several days, an ironic contrast to their usual epic coverage of Atlantic hurricanes. Typical of the delay was this Washington Post article, published several days later. An appropriately cynical discussion of media disregard comes from Iowa author Cary Jordan. One might speculate that this part of flyover country has significance to the national media only during political caucus season and at the famed Iowa State Fair, with presidential wannabes admiring hogs, schmoozing with farmers, and flipping chops at the Pork Tent. We can do this! My takeaway from this is that Midwesterners, including Iowans, are a resilient lot, accepting hardship and setbacks, and responding with a can-do attitude and industrious sweat, with neighbors helping neighbors, citizens helping their communities and, ultimately, turning setbacks into triumphs. A prime example here is the rebuilding that took place following the 2008 Iowa floods. A glittering jewel in that recovery was the spectacular success in moving, restoring, and expanding the treasured and beautiful National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Were cleaning up, and we will rebuild, better than ever. The Duchess of Cornwall has thanked her supporters for their well-wishes following her birthday - admitting that they were 'especially appreciated this year'. Camilla, who turned 73 on July 17, sent thank you notes to royal fans who had taken the time to send their congratulations - with one delighted receiver sharing the message to her Instagram account yesterday. The card included a snap of the duchess casually dressed in jeans with a blue sweater over a pink shirt, while posing on the steps outside her Scottish home of Birkhall. Capturing Camilla reading All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard, the photo was originally released by Clarence House in April when the royal shared her favourite reads for Easter. The Duchess of Cornwall has thanked her supporters for their well-wishes following her birthday. The thank you card included a snap (above) of the duchess casually dressed in jeans with a blue sweater, while posing on the steps outside her Scottish home of Birkhall Royal fan Katharina of @katsroyalletters shared the card, which included a 'beautiful' message, pictured above Katharina of @katsroyalletters shared the card, which included the message: 'Dear Katharina, thank you so much for remembering my birthday. This year, of all years, your kind message was especially appreciated and very cheering.' The duchess appeared to have personally signed the note in black ink, finishing the note: 'With best wishes, Camilla.' Her distinctive solo royal monogram - boasting her initial C and a coronet - featured at the top of the letter. Fellow royal fans (above) were thrilled with the post, with one commenting: 'Such a beautiful reply, waiting for mine!' Fellow royal fans were thrilled with the post, with one commenting: 'Such a beautiful reply, waiting for mine!' In July, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall thanked royal fans for sending letters during these 'difficult and uncertain times'. Charles, 71, and Camilla sent cards of gratitude to supporters who had taken the time to send their congratulations on the couple's wedding anniversary in April. In July, Charles, 71, and Camilla, 73, sent thank you notes (pictured) to supporters who had taken the time to send their congratulations on the couple's wedding anniversary in April The typed note was printed on the back of a photo of the couple taken last summer during a visit to Cornwall, pictured The letter read: 'It was so very kind of you to think of sending us such a nice message for our 15th wedding anniversary, and we cannot thank you enough for remembering us in these difficult and uncertain times.' The typed note was printed on the back of a photo of the couple taken last summer during a visit to Cornwall. The letter was sent to a number of royal supporters, including the anonymous founder of Instagram account The Royal Mail Box, who specialises in sharing correspondence from European royalty. Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-04 21:44:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- China stands with the Venezuelan people in their fight against COVID-19 and upholds the Venezuelan government's right to safeguard national sovereignty, and national dignity and development, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. Wang made the remarks while holding talks with his Venezuelan counterpart Jorge Arreaza via video link. Noting that Latin America is one of the "epicenters" of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wang said Venezuela is facing the challenge of preventing and controlling the epidemic and resolutely fighting hegemony as well. China and Venezuela share basically similar views on safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, jointly supporting multilateralism, and improving global governance, Wang said, adding that China is willing to provide additional help and support in accordance with Venezuela's needs. Maintaining sovereign equality of nations, resolving disputes by peaceful means, and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs are the most important principles of the UN Charter. But the United States has publicly declared to overthrow the Venezuelan government, and has even escalated its sanctions against Venezuela at this critical anti-epidemic moment, violating the basic humanitarian spirit. "Any external interference runs contrary to the will of the people, and will not be sustainable," Wang said, adding that China believes that Venezuela has the ability and wisdom to resolve the problems it faces through domestic dialogue and China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard. Arreaza said Venezuela appreciated China for dispatching a team of medical experts, providing anti-epidemic material assistance, and speaking up for Venezuela on the international stage to oppose unreasonable unilateral sanctions by the United States. The United States does not want to see the rise of China and emerging market economies. It attempts to delay China's development process and also promote the Monroe Doctrine again in Latin America. These attempts will not succeed, he said. Venezuela firmly supports the one-China principle and believes that China will succeed in its economic and social reform, said Arreaza. Enditem Teachers Day celebrates the unique role that adults play in the lives of young minds and help shape the future of a country. In India, Teachers Day is celebrated annually on September 5 to mark the birthday of the countrys former President, scholar, philosopher and Bharat Ratna awardee, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888. The significance of this day is ever-evolving, including taking lessons from life and making your experiences the teachers you needed to shape you into who you become. For school students, the day also means getting roses, chocolates, gifts including handmade cards to profess their affection for their favourite teachers. For senior students, Teachers day is one of role reversal and celebration. Who was Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan World Teachers Day is celebrated on October 5, but every country celebrates the day on different dates. In India, September 5 is marked as Teachers Day as its the birthday of a highly-respected teacher, philosopher and prolific statesman, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. Dr Radhakrishnan said that teachers should be the best minds in the country. Dr Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of India (19521962) and went on to become the second President of India (1962-1967). He was born in the erstwhile Madras Presidency near the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu border. Being a bright student, he completed his education by winning scholarships, despite lack of finances. After completing his MA in Philosophy in 1908, Dr Radhakrishnan taught the subject at Madras Presidency College. He then held the post of Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936, followed by Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1939, succeeding Madan Mohan Malviya. He was knighted in 1931, and was awarded the Bharat Ratna -- the highest civilian award in India in 1954. He was made an honorary member of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963. Significance The story behind Teachers Day goes that when Dr Radhakrishan took the office of the second President of India in 1962, his students approached him to seek permission to celebrate September 5 as a special day. Dr Radhakrishnan instead made a request of them to observe September 5 as Teachers Day, to recognise the contribution of teachers to the society. Teachers Day is celebrated across schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions. Students put on performances, dances, and host elaborate shows for their most-loved teachers. This year, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, and schools being shut, the celebrations will be given a miss. However, virtual wishes and greetings are a perfect way to tell your teachers you remember them now and always will. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter When the lightning storm began early on the morning of Aug. 17, Alexander Eisele didnt think much of it. His wife and his son stood outside their home in Sage Canyon, in Napa Countys eastern hillsides, photographing the sky. Suddenly, they came running inside. Theyd seen smoke. I grew up out here, and I didnt think it would explode the way it did, said Eisele, the owner of Volker Eisele Family Estate. It wasnt extraordinarily windy at that point. Within a few hours, though, the gusts picked up. Eisele saw a helicopter hovering overhead. And thats when an officer from the sheriffs office showed up and told Eisele that everyone needed to go. He sent his whole vineyard crew away, including an employee who lives on-site, then fetched his 83-year-old mother from her house at the vineyard and drove away. Those were the early hours of the Hennessey Fire, which would eventually destroy hundreds of homes in Napa and Solano counties as part of the 375,000-acre LNU Lightning Complex. Ultimately, it would burn through Volker Eisele Family Estate, one of Napa Valley wines hidden gems, sparing the family home and the 150-year-old redwood winery but destroying most of the vineyards prized 45-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines, which are among the oldest in Napa. Eiseles late father, Volker Eisele, founded his eponymous vineyard and winery in 1974. Its located in remote Chiles Valley, a world away from the bustle of Napa Valleys most famous avenues, Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Volker Eisele was one of the valleys most prominent preservationists, leading the charge on numerous local measures that enacted stricter environmental protections. The vineyard has been farmed organically since 1974, long before sustainability was in vogue. Volker Eisele Family Estate In the five years since his father died, so much has changed in the weather patterns in Chiles Valley, Eisele said, especially the severity of the winds. With wildfires approaching in 2017 and again this year, the familys land is feeling the effects of climate change acutely. I wish I could have that conversation with my dad now, he said. After evacuating, Eisele and his family spent several days at a friends home in Berkeley, wondering the whole time if theyd have anything to come back to. I had this vision of returning to complete ashes, he said. They were fortunate that the home and the winery remained intact, a miracle that Eisele attributes partially to the grapevines themselves, which appear to have acted as partial firebreaks. It burned around our entire vineyard, down to the waters edge in our reservoir, he said. But you can see that in the vineyard blocks that are tilled, theres no fire damage. The areas with high cover crop prime food for fire fared much worse. He credits the surrounding grapevines with the survival of his mothers home. But the loss of most of the old Cabernet vines, planted in 1975, was devastating for Eisele. Virtually all vines of that era were killed by phylloxera, a grape louse that spread in the 1980s, but Volker Eiseles were among the rare plants that had been grafted onto phylloxera-resistant St. George rootstock. Even after all these years, they were perfectly healthy. They had produced the estates greatest wines. Many of the 400-acre propertys oak trees, including some that Eisele estimates to be over 200 years old, also burned. In fact, some are still burning at the base, he said: Every once in a while youll hear a tree drop. Volker Eisele Family Estate This is the first time since his parents arrived in Chiles Valley that a wildfire has seriously threatened their land, Eisele said. But theres evidence that the historic winery, constructed long before their time, had weathered a blaze at least once. One side of the winery building is charred; its been that way for more than 50 years. But the redwood was of a high enough quality, Eisele said, that it withstood it. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Now comes the hard part: assessing the fire and smoke damage to the 60 acres of grapevines, on which Eiseles livelihood depends. Volker Eisele Family Estate makes its own wines, with its top wine selling for $125, and the family also sells grapes to other winemakers. Eisele has already decided not to harvest any of the white grapes, which he said now taste noticeably smoky. I just dont want to take the chance, he said. He hasnt yet made a decision about whether to harvest the reds. Its not a simple decision. Weve worked all year to get to this point, and we depend on the income of the grapes and the wine, Eisele said. To lose the whole years harvest would be devastating. Hes still hopeful. But he knows what his father would have said: Thats farming. To do this, you have to really love it, Eisele said. And I do. Chiles Valley, he continued, may not be the famous area of the Napa Valley, but the people who are here really love it. We feel lucky. Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Most Manitobans want people coming from out of province to self-isolate for two weeks even if the departure location has few COVID-19 cases, a new poll suggests. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Most Manitobans want people coming from out of province to self-isolate for two weeks even if the departure location has few COVID-19 cases, a new poll suggests. The survey of 1,049 Manitobans, done Aug. 19-29 by Probe Research Inc., appears to show opinions are swayed not by overall case numbers, but by active case counts across the country. Nearly nine in 10 said visitors from Southern Ontario and Quebec should self-isolate upon arrival; two-thirds of respondents said the province should also hold those coming from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador to the same standards. Currently, visitors from northwestern Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the three territories can enter Manitoba without self-isolating. More than one-third of those polled said, regardless of where a traveller is coming from in Canada, they should have to self-isolate upon entering Manitoba. (Of that group, about 40 per cent are under the age of 35, and politically are most likely NDP or Liberal supporters.) "I think it shows a lot of Manitobans have become very risk-averse, and very cautious of trying to make sure we dont have tons and tons of cases here," Probe Research principal Curtis Brown said Friday. The report notes Ontario and Quebec currently have lower active cases per 100,000 people than Alberta and British Columbia, but still polled 10 per cent higher as locations travellers coming from should be required to self-isolate. "It doesnt really reflect or match the reality of the number of active cases per 100,000 people, theres such a difference with that while those other places have had lots of active cases, they dont have many (now) and especially not compared to the little spike weve seen in the last month (in Manitoba)," Brown said. Slightly less than half of those polled believe travellers coming from Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon where there have been just 20 cases of COVID-19 diagnosed so far should have to self-isolate. Meanwhile, Manitobans are split on inviting their neighbours in without self-isolation: with 55 per cent saying those coming from Saskatchewan, and 50 per cent saying those from northwestern Ontario, should have to do so. 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. "Theyve been able to come here, people from Manitoba go there very easily the fact that you have slightly over half saying they should have to stay in isolation for 14 days, that really surprised me," Brown said. The numbers appear to contradict recent efforts by Manitoba to encourage visitors from neighbouring provinces (a $2-million campaign highlighting local tourist destinations targeted British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories was announced in July). Brown said it was possible the numbers would be somewhat different if the data was collected earlier in Manitobas time dealing with COVID-19. "The fact that some of the (recent) cases were related to interprovincial travel may have contributed to that as well, that it may have come back here from somewhere else," he said. The survey gave no margin of error, but a random and representative non-convenience sample of 1,049 Manitoba adults would be plus-minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20, Probe said. malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ "Getting to meet them, and hear their stories, is just something super special. I know from speaking with other people that they enjoyed our presence just as much as we enjoyed theirs, and they inspire us to be better." Cadet Second Lieutenant Alexis Nyce. Mumbai, Sep 4 : The film industry has its imperfections, accepts the Producers Guild of India, but it is one of the most important sources of soft power for the nation at a global level, the Guild said on Friday. Following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14, celebrities like Kangana Ranaut have opened up about nepotism and drug abuse in Bollywood. While she has been castigating the industry for the nepotism tendencies of certain influential filmmakers, Kangana recently claimed that 99 per cent of Bollywood was on drugs. In a statement issued on Friday, the Guild said: "The last few months have seen relentless attacks on the reputation of the Indian film industry across all media. The tragic death of a promising young star has been used by some as a tool to defame and slander the film industry and its members." "A picture has been painted of the industry as a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to; a place that treats those who dare to enter it with contempt and derision; a murky den of substance abuse and criminality. This narrative is salacious enough for the media to exploit to great effect in order to boost its ratings, readership and page views." But it is not the truth, the Guild asserted. "Like any other sector there is no doubt that the film industry has its imperfections, and there must always be an ongoing attempt by any industry to improve upon itself, learn and evolve, while weeding out unsavoury elements or improper practices that hold it back. But to paint an entire industry with the same brush is a gross misrepresentation of reality," read the statement. Highlighting the positive aspects of the industry, the Guild added: "The film industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, boosts travel and tourism and is one of the most important sources of soft power for India across the world. It has entertained hundreds of millions of people for over a century and has brought joy, honour and glory to the nation. It has welcomed and embraced talent from across the country - from the worlds of literature, poetry, art and music - and has drawn them in to create a unique cinematic language." "This has ensured that we are one of the few countries in the world to still have a vibrant and thriving local film industry across multiple languages, despite the decades-long onslaught of Hollywood." The industry has contributed generously to "national causes in times of need, and has readily offered its resources - name, recognition, time and funds - whenever called upon to do so, and often even without having to be called upon". They agreed that it's not easy to enter the industry and there are struggles. "We do not negate the personal experiences of anyone from the industry, and undoubtedly many of those entering the business and seeking to establish themselves have faced numerous hardships, struggles and disappointments in the course of building a career here. But that is no different from the challenges and obstacles faced by new entrants in any field that they are not born into - be it politics, law, business, medicine or the media. "However, a concerted effort has been made to single out the film industry as one that specifically inhibits and prohibits new talent from the outside from thriving. This could not be further from the truth." "There are scores of talented actors, directors, writers, musicians, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, production designers, costume designers, art directors and numerous other film professionals across multiple disciplines who have had absolutely no connection to the industry, but who have flourished and produced inspiring and pathbreaking work, which has defined -- and then redefined -- Indian cinema." "Being born into the industry most definitely affords you the privilege of access and a first break, but after that it is up to each individual's talent, hard work and drive to propel them forward." The statement further read: "This is a place that ultimately rewards your talent, work ethic and ability to connect with an audience - regardless of your religion, gender, caste or economic strata. "While it is undoubtedly more difficult for those on the outside to get that first chance to display their talent - with perseverance, persistence and a little bit of luck - you can and do succeed." "These are difficult times for our country and the world, so rather than venting our fears and frustrations on each other with vile and vicious trolling, it is more important than ever to come together instead of tearing each other apart. Members of the industry on both sides of this debate, especially women, have been subjected to rape threats and death threats. This is unacceptable and must stop now," the statement said. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery New Delhi, Sep 4 : The Bar Council of India (BCI) has asked the Bar Council of Delhi to examine the conviction of advocate Prashant Bhushan by the Supreme Court in a contempt case for tweets against the judiciary, and the penalty of Rs 1 it levied and proceed as per law. The state Bar Council grants a licence to a person to practice as a lawyer and has powers to either suspend or take away this right of its members, under certain situations, under the Advocates Act. Bhushan is enrolled as an advocate under the Bar Council of Delhi. The BCI resolution said: "The General Council of the Bar Council of India has unanimously resolved to direct the Bar Council of Delhi, where Prashant Bhushan is enrolled as an Advocate, to examine the matter and proceed as per law and rules to decide the same as expeditiously as possible." The BCI said it is of the view that the tweets and statements made by Bhushan and verdict of the apex court need thorough study and examination by the Bar Council in the light of statutory duties, powers and functions conferred on it under the Advocates Act, 1961. The decision was taken following a meeting held on Thursday. The Supreme Court, imposing a token fine of Re 1 on Bhushan, said it was not afraid of either sentencing Bhushan or of debarring him from the practice. A bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra (since retired), B.R. Gavai and Krishna Murari said: "We are not afraid of sentencing the contemnor either with imprisonment or from debarring him from the practice. His conduct reflects adamance and ego, which has no place to exist in the system of administration of justice and in noble profession, and no remorse is shown for the harm done to the institution to which he belongs." The bench insisted that it never attempted to coerce Bhushan to submit the apology, and instead clearly mentioned that time was given to submit an unconditional apology, "if he so desires". Israel holding secret talks with 'many more Arab leaders': Netanyahu claims Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 4:10 PM Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Tel Aviv is currently engaged in "secret talks" with many more Arab leaders for normalizing bilateral relations, days after a much-condemned agreement on normalization between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was publicized. "There are many more unpublicized meetings with Arab and Muslim leaders to normalize relations with Israel," the Israeli premier claimed on Sunday, on the eve of Israel's first commercial flight to the UAE. The Israel-UAE agreement "will pave the way for other countries to normalize their ties with Israel," Netanyahu added. The development came after Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv announced on August 13 that they had reached an agreement that would lead to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The highly controversial deal, which has since been widely condemned across the occupied Palestinian territories and the Muslim world, was brokered by US President Donald Trump, who has attempted to paint it as a big breakthrough. The UAE-Israel deal marks the third such normalization agreement the occupying regime has struck with an Arab country after Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). The UAE, the first country in the Persian Gulf region to reach such a deal with Tel Aviv, was already believed to have clandestine relations with Israel. On Saturday, the UAE announced it was scrapping its economic boycott against Israel, allowing trade and financial accords between the two sides under the recently-struck deal, which has been unanimously condemned by all Palestinian factions, which describe it as a stab in the back of the oppressed nation. Earlier on Sunday, Israeli regional cooperation minister Ofir Akunis said that Tal Aviv expected to hold a signing ceremony for the agreement in Washington. He added that the precise date for the ceremony could be decided by senior aides to Netanyahu and Trump when they fly to Abu Dhabi on Monday morning for talks. The American delegation is led by White House advisor Jared Kushner, who stood next to Netanyahu during his remarks on Sunday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address This global pandemic has had a negative effect on the arts scene across the world and yet Granard man Joe Regan and his band, State Lights, have manged to push ahead and keep things going. Last Friday, the band released its latest single, Give Me Something Human, which is now available via iTunes, Spotify and all other platforms. Over the past twelve months in particular, State Lights have firmly established themselves as one of Irelands best live acts. The band last year sold out a headline show at Whelans in Dublin and Londons Islington and their track, Let You Go, from earlier this year was Track of the Week on the 2fm Breakfast show with Doireann and Eoghan. State Lights also released their single, Dont Make Plays On My Heart, in June of this year, and have been performing live on Facebook regularly throughout the pandemic, keeping their fans entertained. Their Button Factory headline gig, which was due to take place earlier this year, and then in October, has again been rescheduled to February 20, 2021. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.ie. Keep up to date with State Lights via Facebook (@StateLightsMusic), or @StateLights on Twitter and Instagram. You can also find them on YouTube. Photo: (Photo : Instagram/torbaysweeps) Five Louisiana family members die of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator in their garage.They set it up because they lost electricity after Hurricane Laura hit the city. Early Sunday, the Category 4 hurricane brought a storm surge of 15 feet and 150 mph winds in Lake Charles. Rosalie Lewis, 81, decided to stay with her husband and three other relatives in the area. Due to the health conditions of Rosalie and John Charles Lewis Sr.'s, 84, they could not leave the place. Unable to leave the place When Rosalie's son, Lyle Lewis, 55, found his family the morning after the storm, he was numb. He explained that due to his parents' age, they did not want to take them to a different environment. He said that his mom suffered a couple of strokes while his dad was in the early stages of dementia. It is the reason why they did not want to evacuate. See also: Mom Dies After Black Bear Attacked Her [Family Is Trained and Experienced in Wilderness] Lyle also said that the weather had closed the garage door somewhere in the middle of the night. Because it was a three-car garage, they thought that it was ventilated enough. However, since the door got closed, the ventilation was not enough. In 2005, their home suffered little damage during Hurricane Rita, and now, it has again survived Laura. However, Rosalie, her daughter, Kim Evans, 56, son-in-law Chris Evans, 61, and her brother, Clyde Handy, 72, all died of gas leak. See also: Florida Father Dies of Coronavirus Leaving Children Orphans [Mom Died of Cancer] Carbon monoxide filled the garage According to authorities and relatives, the home garage got filled with carbon monoxide after the family placed a generator during the night. Lyle told The Daily Advertiser that the family left the garage door open for ventilation, but the winds likely blew it closed. It led the poisonous gas to seep into the home. Patrick Perry, a relative, told The Advocate that while the family made it through the storm, an accident had caused them to die. Sheletta Brundidge always remembers what her aunt Rosalie tells everyone. She said that her aunt would always say that happiness is a choice, and that no matter what happens in your life, you can choose to be happy. She was devastated to hear the news of death of her blood relatives. See also: California Woman Dies Tragically on the Same Day She Gives Birth to Miracle Baby John Charles had survived the poisoning and was in critical condition after people took him to the hospital. He was on life support on Wednesday, but on Thursday, his son, Lyle, told The Associated Press that his dad had died. The authorities reported that in Texas and Louisiana, 25 of the people that had died were caused by the storm, and almost half of them died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to unsafe generator operation. After that, she decided she needed to be better prepared, so she began an online appeal in mid-July to raise money to buy earplugs, a respirator mask and goggles. When she posted a link to the fund-raiser in a neighborhood Facebook group, a woman confronted her. Ms. Allen was destroying the city, she said. Ms. Allen fired back, arguing that the police were polluting the city with tear gas. The argument ended with the woman sending her a direct message, which Ms. Allen has saved in her inbox, just to remind herself of the mentality she is fighting against. If I see you on the street, you will be the next Black person hanging from a tree, the woman wrote. Other neighbors were more supportive, and Ms. Allen ended up with about $300 to buy supplies. She got the mask and the goggles, but the helmet she bought did not quite fit. She went without one until another protester gave her a hard hat. Her family eventually followed her into the movement. Sometimes, her aunts took her to marches. Her grandmother watched livestreams of the protests on Twitter to check on her. Even her 12-year-old brother tagged along at a few protests. Im very scared, Laura Vanderlyn, her grandmother, said. No matter what, she feels she has to be out there. Daria is a very, very passionate girl about everything. In the crowds that swarm nightly around downtown Portland, there are many things to fear: projectiles, aggressive protesters, low-flying fireworks, riot police and counterprotesters who sometimes try to antagonize the crowd. Over the weekend, one of the counterprotesters was shot to death. The bill passed in the first reading by 80 votes to 28 involves amendments to several Armenian laws. They empower relevant authorities to impose nationwide or local lockdowns, seal off communities hit by COVID-19 outbreaks, close Armenias borders and isolate people infected with the disease. The authorities can also ban or restrict public gatherings in the country. The government drafted the bill to avoid extending the state of emergency again on September 11. Deputies representing the two parliamentary opposition parties, Prosperous Armenia (BHK) and Bright Armenia (LHK), voted against the measure, saying that the government is hastily pushing it through parliament without a proper debate. The BHKs Naira Zohrabian also claimed that it violates some articles of the Armenian constitution. Both the BHK and the LHK had for months criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians government for repeatedly prolonging emergency rule. Some of their senior members had said that the government is not lifting it in order to keep in place a coronavirus-related ban on street protests. The government lifted the ban last month. It at the same time set strict physical distancing requirements for organizers and participants of rallies. The government used the state of emergency to impose a nationwide lockdown in late March. It began easing lockdown restrictions already in mid-April. With the number of coronavirus cases in the country growing rapidly in the following weeks, the authorities put the emphasis on the enforcement of safety rules requiring Armenians to practice social distancing and wear face masks in all public areas. The daily number of new coronavirus cases has shrunk by more than half since mid-July. Citing this downward trend, the government decided late last month to reopen universities and schools on September 1 and September 15 respectively. The Armenian Ministry of Health said on Friday morning that 190 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing to 44,461 the total number of cases recorded in the country of about 3 million. The ministry also reported the deaths of five more people infected with COVID-19. The official total number of people killed by the disease thus reached 891. According to ministry data, 272 other infected persons have died from other, pre-existing conditions. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Children and young people in the UK with cancers that have come back can now access new personalized treatments quicker than ever before thanks to a national tumor biopsy sequencing platform and clinical trial funded by Cancer Research UK. The genetic code of tumors are sequenced through the Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program, and the molecular information is used to match patients to treatments on the ESMART trial, which is testing multiple new targeted drugs, and treatment combinations not previously available for children and young people. Patients may be placed on ESMART within just a few weeks of having their tumors sequenced, offering children and young people with cancer who have limited treatment options quick access to the targeted drugs most likely to work for them. The Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program is being run by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and ESMART is a European trial that is currently being rolled out across the UK. It is open at the trial's lead center, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Further sites are to open in Birmingham, Newcastle and Great Ormond Street Hospital over the next few months. Radically widening the scope of treatments Cancer in children and young people is rare, and when it does occur, more than 80 percent of those diagnosed survive their cancer for 5 years or more. However, this includes more common and, generally, more curable cancers. For more aggressive cancers such as neuroblastomas, and cases where cancer spreads or comes back after initial treatment, survival can be much lower and treatment options are fewer. For the last two years in the UK, when a young person's cancer comes back, their tumor has been routinely sequenced through the Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program, which has been part-funded by the charity Children with Cancer UK. The findings are discussed by an expert panel of clinicians and scientists who recommend potential treatment options based on the specific gene faults identified in the tumor. But treatments have been very limited, and clinical trials often only test combinations of existing chemotherapy drugs or radiotherapy, or single molecularly targeted drugs. The new ESMART clinical trial is now open in the UK and has been developed to radically widen the scope of treatments available for children and young people. Currently, the trial has 10 treatment arms (plus five more that are awaiting regulatory approval) that are testing an array of therapies on their own or in combination, including targeted drugs, immunotherapies, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. And as researchers develop promising new drugs, they are quickly rolled into the study. Both the ESMART trial and the Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program stem from earlier research funded by one of the ICR's family charity partners, Christopher's Smile, which was founded by Kevin and Karen Capel. The Capels have fundraised and campaigned tirelessly to improve the treatment for children with cancer after their son Christopher died from medulloblastoma in 2008. Valuable information on specific tumor features Professor Louis Chesler, who leads the Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: "Our Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program goes beyond the traditional DNA sequencing of tumors, because the platform also gives us valuable information on specific features of the tumor that could be targeted by precision medicines. This was a big step forward, and it's brilliant to now also have access to the newest treatments that we know could work for our patients. "Combined with the ESMART trial, the Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program gives us an outstanding array of treatments and combinations to choose from to give children and young people the best possible treatment options for them. Combined with our ongoing work of improving the diagnosis of young people's cancer, and understanding more about what is causing treatment resistance and relapse, the future is looking more optimistic for our young patients, which is fantastic news for them and their families." Bringing hope for families Dr. Lynley Marshall, UK chief investigator of the ESMART trial and Oak Foundation Consultant in Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology Drug Development at The Royal Marsden, said: "We've spent years trying to get a more targeted approach to children's cancers in place, and we're really proud to have helped develop ESMART and to have it available in the UK. But more importantly, it brings hope for families that may have lived through multiple relapses. The fact of just knowing that there's something else that they can try with the real possibility of benefit makes all the difference." Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said: "We know that cancer in children and young people is different to that in adults, and that research into them faces its own challenges that can prevent progress. Our research strategy for children and young people's cancers that we launched last year is designed specifically to help address these unique challenges and drive progress in this area. The Stratified Medicine Pediatrics program and ESMART are wonderful examples of the work we fund that is revolutionizing the way children and young people with cancer are treated in the UK, and I look forward to seeing the ways they develop in the future." Explore further Changing the landscape of children's cancer treatment More information: ESMART Trial: ESMART Trial: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02813135 WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Friday that he wont allow the Pentagon to cut funding for the militarys independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, effectively halting Defence leaders plan to shut the paper down this month. The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch, Trump tweeted. It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military! Trumps tweet came as he fought off new accusations that he called service members killed in World War I losers and suckers during an event in France in 2018. The comments, first reported by The Atlantic and confirmed by The Associated Press, are shining a fresh light on Trumps previous public disparaging of American troops and military families and they delivered a new campaign issue to his Democratic rival Joe Biden, less than two months from Election Day. The Defence Department has ordered the paper to halt publication by Sept. 30, and dissolve the organization by the end of January. The order, in a recent memo to Stripes, follows the Pentagons move earlier this year to cut the $15.5 million in funding for the paper from the Defence Department budget. And it is a reflection of the Trump administrations broader animosity for the media and members of the press. The Trump White House hadnt spoken out against the Pentagon plan to close the paper before Friday, even though its been in the works and publicly written about for months and was in the presidents budget request. Friday afternoon, however, Trump worked to shore up his reputation as a staunch supporter of the nations armed services. Ive done more for the military than almost anyone else, he said Friday in the Oval Office. Trump was alleged to have made the comments about the war dead as he was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France in November 2018. The Pentagon had no immediate comment on Trumps tweet or how it may affect Espers plan to ultimately shut down the paper. Members of Congress have objected to the defunding move for months. And senators sent a letter to Defence Secretary Mark Esper this week urging him to reinstate the money. The letter, signed by 15 senators including Republicans and Democrats also warns Esper that the department is legally prohibited from cancelling a budget program while a temporary continuing resolution to fund the federal government is in effect. Stars and Stripes is an essential part of our nations freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom, the senators said in the letter. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a separate letter to Esper in late August, also voiced opposition to the move, calling Stripes a valued hometown newspaper for the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian employees across the globe. He added that as a veteran who has served overseas, I know the value that the Stars and Stripes brings to its readers. In the memo, the department says Esper made the decision as a result of his department-wide budget review. Signed by Army Col. Paul Haverstick, acting director of the Pentagons Defence Media Activity, the memo says plans to close the paper are due on Sept. 15 and the last newspaper is to be published on Sept. 30. The memo adds that if the paper continues to be funded by either a continuing resolution or other unforeseen circumstances then Stripes must submit a plan by Sept. 15 to shut down at the end of the next budget year, Sept. 30, 2021. Haversticks memo says that in that case, the last date for publication of the newspaper will be determined based on budget or other circumstances. The Stripes ombudsman, Ernie Gates, told The Associated Press on Friday that shutting the paper down would be fatal interference and permanent censorship of a unique First Amendment organization that has served U.S. troops reliably for generations. The first newspaper called Stars and Stripes was very briefly produced in 1861 during the Civil War, but the paper began consistent publication during World War I. When the war was over, publication ended, only to restart in 1942 during World War II, providing wartime news written by troops specifically for troops in battle. Although the paper gets funding from the Defence Department, it is editorially independent and is delivered in print and digitally to troops all over the world. The Pentagon proposed cutting the papers funding when making its budget request earlier this year, triggering angry reactions from members of Congress. The House-passed version of the Pentagon budget contains funding for the papers publication, but the Senate has not yet finalized a defence funding bill. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey always feels the support of Azerbaijan, headed by President Ilham Aliyev, in all spheres, a source in Turkish Presidents administration told Trend on September 4. According to the source, Azerbaijan has repeatedly proved its brotherly attitude towards Turkey. "Fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are an example for all Turkic-speaking countries. Azerbaijan always stands for justice and supports it," the source said. As the source noted, Turkey also values relations with Azerbaijan, and they are very important for the two fraternal states. "The strategic relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are not directed against anyone, but are aimed at peace and stability in the region," the source also said. The source added that Turkey, as before, will support Azerbaijan in all spheres, and protect its interests without hesitation, since the interests of Baku are those of Turkey. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu LAKE PLACID A public foot traffic and conservation easement agreement shows trails on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) can be closed by either the state or the lands private owners to protect from undue adverse environmental damage. The easements were filed with Essex County in June 1978, and are now subject to interpretation about implementing hiker limits on the reserve. Trustees of the AMR are also members of the Ausable Club in Keene. They own the gateway to about a dozen High Peaks in the Adirondack Park, and have historically allowed the public to cross some of its land to hike them. On Wednesday, Club President Roland Morris told Adirondack Explorer that after years of collecting visitor data, the club would test out hiking limits next year. It may try a pilot plan to limit use this Columbus Day weekend. A decision on that is expected soon. Its forever wild and we need to protect the hiker experience; we need to protect the resource, Morris said. These are important for the current hiking public and for generations to come, and weve reached a point where at least in the AMRs case we are seriously degrading the resource. According to the easement, the state and AMR with the consent of the other, which shall not unreasonably be withheld may close trails, paths or road and may deny access when there is environmental damage, a fire, drought or other disaster. They may also deny access if there is a threat either to the public health, safety or welfare, or to the natural, aesthetic, scientific and educational resources of the property. The Ausable Club believes that means it has the right to impose limits to protect hikers and the reserve. John Schuler, general manager of the club, emailed Adirondack Explorer the easements, adding that it was put in place to continue the longstanding tradition of allowing access to the hiking community while providing the AMR the right to limit or close access as necessary to protect the resource. Wednesday evening the state Department of Environmental Conservation emailed Adirondack Explorer that it was exploring sustainable use efforts for Columbus Day weekend with the AMR. Thursday morning, a spokesperson said that was the only statement it would be providing at this time and declined to answer if the DEC was interpreting the easements in the same way as the club. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The easements were part of a grand state push for public access to more of the Adirondack Park. The Ausable Club originally owned more property. According to a New York Times article published in September 1977, the state purchased 9,311 acres, which included 11 High Peaks, to complete the public ownership of the 46 High Peaks. It cost the state $744,800, money from the 1972 Environmental Quality Bond Act. Then-president of the Ausable Club William P. Dunham had called it a sad day for the club. It retained about 7,000 acres. Less than a year later, the state and the club worked out the conservation and foot traffic easements on some of the clubs land. Schuler said those easements were donated to the state. This story was first published by the Adirondack Explorer online. Joe Kennedy loses Senate race, first time a Kennedy has lost in Mass. Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment For the first time in history, the Kennedy political dynasty has suffered a loss in Massachusetts. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, R-Mass., lost his bid for Senate to longtime Massachusetts lawmaker, Sen. Ed Markey, despite Kennedy's influential name and an endorsement from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Markey was unapologetic about his uncompromising progressive nature in his victory speech: "We made it clear that we'd rather lose fighting as hard as we could for what we believe in than in finding the middle ground. The progressive movement knows how to fight. We will not surrender." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., whose New Green Deal was endorsed by Markey, appeared in an ad for him, saying he is the leader that we need. "When it comes to progressive leadership, it's not your age that counts, it's the age of your ideas, and Ed Markey is the leader that we need," Ocasio-Cortez said. Markey told The Washington Post his constituents are loyal to him, despite a report of him spending less time in the state than any other member of Congress. Among his listed supporters were Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America, two of the most prominent abortion organizations in the country. Well, the test is effectiveness, says Markey. All of these mayors are with me because Id had their back on everything that they wanted. All of the state representatives and state senators are with me. NARAL [Pro-Choice America] is with me. Planned Parenthood is with me. All the environmental groups in the state are with me. Although Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America backed Kennedy in 2013 when he first ran for Congress, they did not back him in his bid for the Senate and instead threw their support behind Markey's reelection. Joe Kennedy III, 39, has a prestigious lineage of political influencers. He's the son of former Rep. Joseph Kennedy II, the grandson of the late Robert F. Kennedy, who also served as U.S. attorney general for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, the great-nephew of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, and the late President Kennedy. At the beginning of his campaign, Kennedy showed promising indicators of a victory. The young politician was leading in many polls and he offered a generational shift to his 74-year-old opponent. Toward the end of his campaign, polls showed Markey in the lead. Kennedy told CNN in August that the COVID-19 pandemic had hurt his campaign since he would not be as able to connect with people personably, which would be necessary when trying to unseat a long-seated lawmaker. Some have said that his political rhetoric often lacked substantive answers. In his concession speech, Kennedy addressed his children, saying, If there's one message from your dad tonight, it's this: Always spend your life in the ring. It is worth the fight. Disgraced New York attorney Gustavo Vila reportedly stole close to $1 million from a cancer-stricken cop who was awarded the cash from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund A New York state lawyer reportedly stole close to $1 million from a cancer-stricken cop who was awarded the cash from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. The unnamed officer contracted cancer working with the NYPD on the Ground Zero rescue and recovery operation following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. In 2013, the ailing officer hired Westchester attorney Gustavo Vila, 62, to represent him and the pair filed a claim with the Compensation Fund. Vila signed documents authorizing the fund to place any payments into his own bank account. In 2015, Vila was disbarred in 2015 for an unrelated offense, but continued to represent the officer. The following year, the fund awarded $1,030,622 to the cop in order to cover treatment for his 'serious, life-threatening medical conditions' and released the funds into Vila's account. Vila reportedly forwarded on just $103,000 to the officer, saying that the rest of the money had not yet been sent through. The unnamed officer contracted cancer working with the NYPD on the Ground Zero rescue and recovery operation following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center According to The New York Daily News, the disgraced lawyer used some of the cop's money to pay his own taxes. The publication reports that some of the compensation cash was then transferred into an account belonging to Vilas then-wife. In February of this year - nearly four years after the police officer was supposed to have received the funds - he confronted Vila who allegedly admitted to stealing the money. Vila was arrested last month and is now facing a charge of theft of government funds. He was released on $100,000 bail, and is expected to return to court at a later date. If convicted, Vila faces up to 10 years behind bars. Kenneth Dieffenbach, a special-agent-in-charge in the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General, released a statement on Thursday regarding the case, which read: 'Vila allegedly attempted to profit off of the suffering of a retired NYPD officer who risked his life at Ground Zero. 'Because of Vila's alleged greed, the victim never received about $1 million he was awarded from the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund'. Two people were thrown from a motorcycle after a collision with a Jeep on Interstate 84 in East Hartford Thursday afternoon, state police said. The crash, which happened just before 3 p.m. near Exit 57, closed all westbound lanes for hours. The highway closure, just as the afternoon rush hour was beginning, caused near gridlock conditions in East Hartford and Hartford. Vehicles were detoured off I-84 onto local streets. At one point, the state Department of Transportation estimated it took three hours to travel seven miles. The accident report said Miguel Angel Berrios, 53, of Willimantic, was operating a 2007 Honda VT600 motorcycle in the center lane. On the motorcycle with Berrios was a passenger identified as Miltia Mercado, 59, of New Britain. A 2020 Jeep Compass, operated by Marissa Christina Santiago, 25, of Stafford Springs, was traveling behind the motorcycle. After the Jeep struck the motorcycle, it remained in contact with the Honda bike, the report said. Santiago then drove the Jeep to a controlled final rest on the shoulder. During that move, the two on the motorcycle became separated from the bike and sustained serious injuries, the report said. The two were transported to the hospital for treatment. Santiago was also taken to the hospital for examination of suspected minor injuries. The accident remains under investigation. Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Trooper John Wilson #1060, at Troop H, at 860-534-1098 or john.wilson@ct.gov. Furthermore, if anyone was driving through the area at the time of the crash and has a vehicle equipped with a dashboard camera, you are also asked to contact Trooper Wilson. Albany, N.Y. School districts in New York have to start reporting daily coronavirus data to the state starting Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday. Cuomo announced plans yesterday to begin gathering data from school districts to launch an online dashboard. The dashboard will launch Wednesday on the New York Forward website. Districts will have to report the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in each school on a daily basis. They have to send the daily reports to the state Health Department and provide a link to the online dashboard on their websites. Information on the dashboard will be updated every day. The Health Department sent a letter yesterday to all school districts informing them of the new requirements. Cuomo said the goal of the new dashboard is to help teachers and parents feel confident in their districts reopening plans. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Upstate New Yorks non-Indian casinos can reopen: What will it look like? Syracuse University to quarantine about 200 students after coronavirus found in wastewater Masks or no masks for kids in class: Some Central NY districts will not require them. Why? Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah has hailed the Akufo-Addo government for approving the Agyapa Royalties deal. The Agyapa Royalties deal was approved in Parliament to allow the country to float its minerals' shares to maximize the mining sector. Agyapa Royalties Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle, is in charge of the deal and it is to list it on the Ghana and London Stock Exchange markets to raise funds to the tune of about $1 billion. The money is to be used to enhance Ghana's infrastructure development as well as create jobs to resolve the unemployment situation of the economy. However, the Minority in Parliament and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have opposed the deal. They claim the deal is shrouded in secrecy and also suspect acts of corruption. NDC Presidential candidate, John Mahama has also indicated he will scrap the deal when he comes back to power. Touching on the issue, the Regional Minister touted the Agyapa Royalties deal as one of the best initiatives taken by the incumbent government. To him, Ghanaians should not pay attention to the naysayers because there nothing corruptible about the minerals' deal. He described the idea to float the shares as brilliant stressing there will be an equity distribution of the mineral proceeds which means the Government of Ghana and investors will equally share the proceeds which will be win-win situation for the two parties. According to him, contrary to the opposing views, the deal will rather help to develop the nation in many ways. He cited the construction of roads, infrastructure and other development projects that will innure to the benefit of Ghanaians as a few of the good things to come as a result of the Agyapa deal. He further stated that Ghana will have no reason to borrow again because there minerals' proceeds will be enough to undertake its own development projects without foreign assistance. He therefore urged Ghanaians to give their full support behind the government. ''We cannot rely on loans forever because if care is not taken, it will reach a point where the interest payments alone will consume our annual revenues. So, you have to think outside the box and do this deal . . . we cannot keep only borrowing . . . .as source of funding for government projects and government activities. We have to think outside the box," he said on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo'. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Surge in demand for multifunctional ingredients across the globe drives the growth of the global personal care ingredients market. North America contributed the highest share in 2019, and will maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Major personal care products manufacturers across the globe have slowdown their production activities due to disrupted supply of ingredients amid lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic. Portland, OR, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global personal care ingredients market generated $10.3 billion in 2019, and is estimated to reach $14.6 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 5.9% from 2020 to 2027. The report offers an extensive analysis of changing market dynamics, key winning strategies, business performance, major segments, and competitive scenarios. Surge in demand for multifunctional ingredients and rise in purchasing power of consumers in developing nations such as China and India drives the growth of the global personal care ingredients market. However, growing demand for naural ingredients is anticipated to restrain market growth. Furthermore, increasing demand for personal care products across the globe is expected to provide new growth opportunities during the forecast period 2020-2027. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4333 Covid-19 scenario: The personal care products manufacturers across the globe have slowdown their production activities due to disrupted supply of ingredients amid lockdown. The demand for personal care ingredients is expectd to surge during the Covid-19 pandemic due to growing production and demand for personal care products such as sanitizers and soaps to avoid transmission of corona virus. The report offers a detailed segmentation of the global personal care ingredients market based on source, ingredients type, application, and region. Based on source, the synthetic ingredients segment contributed to the largest share in 2019, accounting for more than two-thirds of the total share, and is estimated to maintain its dominant position during the forecast period. However, the natural ingredients segment is estimated to portray the highest CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. Story continues Get Detailed COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Personal Care Ingredients Market @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/4333?reqfor=covid Based on ingredients type, the surfactants segment accounted for the largest share in 2019, holding nearly one-fourth of the total share, and is expected to maintain the largest share throughout the forecast period. However, the rheology control agents segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.1% from 2020 to 2027. Based on region, North America contributed the highest share, accounting for nearly one-third of the total market share in 2019, and will maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. However, Asia-pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.3% from 2020 to 2027. Leading market players analyzed in the research include BASF SE, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Clariant AG, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (The Lubrizol Corporation), DOW, Inc., Croda International Plc, J.M. Huber Corporation , Evonik Industries AG, Solvay S.A., and KCC Corporation (Momentive Performance Materials). Interested in Procuring this Report? Visit Here: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/personal-care-ingredients-market/purchase-options Avenue Basic Plan | Library Access | 1 Year Subscription | Sign up for Avenue subscription to access more than 12,000+ company profiles and 2,000+ niche industry market research reports at $699 per month, per seat. For a year, the client needs to purchase minimum 2 seat plan. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Get more information: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP, based in Portland, Oregon. AMR provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports. CONTACT: Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Toll Free: 1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-855-550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com RIO DE JANEIRO - Alessandro Souza is a gold hunter. He chases it deep into protected Indigenous lands in the Amazon rainforest, traveling days by foot and canoe, and doesn't emerge until his pockets are full. Sometimes he's gone two months. Sometimes six. The only certainty is that he'll be back, because hunting gold is his business, and business is booming. "Today's market quote," Souza messaged his WhatsApp group, Goldminers Without Borders, one recent day: Gold was going for nearly $1,800 an ounce. Souza posted an arrow pointing skyward. The novel coronavirus has devastated Brazil, infecting nearly 4 million people and killing more than 122,000. It's also fueling the largest gold rush in the Amazon in years - with the potential for long-lasting consequences to the rainforest. Driven by the skyrocketing gold prices, surging unemployment and lax enforcement by a distracted government, people are traveling from all over the country to hundreds of illegal mining sites, invading protected Indigenous lands, stripping swaths of forest bare, poisoning rivers with mercury and laundering illegal gold through mineral shops. And they're largely getting away with it. Much of the activity is concentrated in the vast and underpoliced state of Para, where Souza lives in the remote mining hub of Itaituba, and where gold exports have risen sharply this year. As Brazil shifted its attention to the pandemic, exports have more than quadrupled, rising to $245 million during the first six months of this year. Deforestation associated with mining on Indigenous lands, where such activity is illegal, has reached record highs. In interviews, law enforcement officials, Indigenous leaders, federal inspectors and even gold miners say the administration of President Jair Bolsonaro has neglected its responsibility as steward of the Amazon. At a time when scientists say the forest is being dangerously destabilized by deforestation, Bolsonaro has pushed to scale back enforcement and legalize mining on Indigenous land. Bolsonaro, a former army captain, has deputized the military to crack down on environmental destruction, but it has been ineffective. The government's chief environmental enforcement agency, Ibama, has been constrained by budget cuts, unfilled vacancies and Bolsonaro's criticism. It has scaled back the destruction of mining equipment found at illegal gold digs - a tactic advocates say is a key deterrent - and reduced operations to curb criminality in the Amazon. "This moment is different," said Sergio Leitao, the executive director of the Choices Institute, an environmental organization tracking gold mining during the pandemic. "The valuation of gold, the amount of manual labor that will work for almost nothing, the reduction in enforcement, and a government that is supporting the legalization of more gold mining. This is a perfect storm." Bolsonaro's office declined requests for comment. Environment Minister Ricardo Salles initially agreed to be interviewed by The Washington Post, but then canceled. The Defense Ministry defended the government's response. "The country is unjustly accused of not taking care of the region," the ministry said in a statement. It cited its recent enforcement operations and stressed the complexities in patrolling a forest "of continental proportions." Few know better than Souza. He has scoured for gold all over the Amazon, unlicensed and on protected land. Poverty and bureaucracy, he said, has left him without a choice: "We don't have other options." So he does his best to avoid getting caught. This next dig would be so deep into Indigenous forest - six days by canoe and foot - that he didn't expect to run into anyone else. Just forest and gold. - - - Illegal gold mining accounts for only a small fraction of deforestation in the Amazon - far less than agricultural practices - but its effect is more insidious. Mercury is an essential tool in the process, used to collect and purify gold traces found in the soil. Its toxicity seeps into the soil, air and water. Maritime ecologies have collapsed. Indigenous communities have been poisoned. Years after mining, the earth remains barren and lifeless. "It ends up killing nature," said Marilene Nascimento, a cook at illegal gold mining sites outside of Itaituba. "The rivers aren't the same. The fish die. For years and years, they don't come back to normal." After years working on digs, Nascimento has grown ambivalent about her work. She can't forget the environmental devastation she has seen, and last year she swore she wouldn't go back. But then the pandemic hit, other work opportunities dried up, and a friend was calling, asking if she wanted to make some good money. Nascimento would get 30 grams of gold for one month of working as a mining cook. She did a quick calculation using that day's gold prices, and was stunned. She'd make more than $1,200. Far more than last year. And 10 times more than she could earn in the city. "It's hard to see nature being destroyed," Nascimento said. "But you make so much money." The forest has long been a safety net for Brazilians. During the economic downturn in the 1980s, as many as 100,000 people descended on the mine known as Serra Pelada. Another wave followed during the global financial crisis in 2009. And again in 2013. The gold miner became a Brazilian archetype: He wandered into the forest with little more than a hammock and hope. But that's not today's miner. In the last decade, the enterprise has been industrialized and professionalized. Well-financed networks equip miners with expensive, heavy construction equipment like bulldozers and construction trucks. Remote digs have WiFi, cable television and gas stoves. Even some Indigenous people, lured by the technology, have taken it up. Bolsonaro, who was elected in 2018, has promised to expand mining even further. The son of a Serra Pelada miner, he says they aren't criminals, but workers struggling to survive. He has welcomed them into meetings and criticized Ibama for destroying their equipment. Last year the agency burned only 72 heavy mining machines - around a third of the number destroyed in 2015. Officials who oversaw one operation were fired. The military canceled another, blocking Ibama from using its helicopters. Senior Ibama inspectors, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal, said Bolsonaro's rhetoric and policies have emboldened gold miners and made their own work all but impossible. When investigators are allowed to go out, they say, illegal miners mock them. They say nothing will stop them. That the gold is coming out of the forest, one way or another. That Bolsonaro is on their side. "We're getting so much political pressure," one of the officials said. "It's practically impossible to head out into the field. We're being assailed constantly. . . . People aren't being punished." - - - That's common knowledge in Itaituba, a mining town of 100,000 residents deep in the Amazon, where gold is so omnipresent that it's used as currency. Businesses along Rua do Ouro - "Gold Street" - buy illegally mined gold, authorities say, then launder it into export markets. The mayor, a miner himself, recently erected a monument to gold mining. Local journalists don't even pretend to be objective. "More than 70 percent of the mining is illegal," said Mauro Torres, the editor of a local news site. "But I'm on the side of the gold miner." Miners congregate by the thousands on publicly accessible WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages and, without apparent fear of authorities, openly discuss illegal mines, gold, prostitutes and their fealty to the president. "With every video of Bolsonaro, I'm more proud of my vote," reads a typical tribute. Many miners see Bolsonaro as their champion. He has defended them from environmentalists, nongovernment organizations, Indigenous advocates, pressure from foreign leaders and the government itself. For years, they say, Brazilian authorities encouraged mining in the forest. The right to mine is enshrined in the constitution. But then the government made registration so arduous, and protected so much territory, miners say, that honest workers were made into environmental criminals. In Bolsonaro, they say, they finally have a president who sees it as they do. Gold mining is a lifeline. And that has never been so clear as during the pandemic, when it has buffered them from the economic fallout. "There's no poverty in Itaituba," said Jose Antunes, a prominent local lawyer who represents miners. "There never was. People come here to escape poverty." That was the hope of Ronaldo dos Santos, 30, who traveled 1,000 miles from Lago das Pedras, in the state of Maranhao, to reach the gold mines of Itaituba. It was either that, he said, or watch his four children go hungry in Brazil's poorest state. Now he says he could make thousands of dollars per month, mining gold by day, sleeping in a forest hammock by night. He doesn't worry much - not about environmental damage, the law or invading Indigenous land. In fact, he said, mining there is better. "Indigenous land is where you get the good gold," dos Santos said. "Easier to find." That was where Souza was heading. He wasn't looking forward to it. He hated being away from his children and wife for months. But he said he had little choice. "If I stayed in the city to try to find work, I wouldn't be able to put my kids through school," he said. "There's no work." He wished he could tell his family how long he'd be away. "The miner knows that he is leaving," Souza said. "He doesn't know when he'll return." The university's handling of the coronavirus pandemic has forced many students to make difficult choices between attendance and health, making the start of the fall semester memorable for all the wrong reasons. We are pleased to recognize Dr. Casey McCraw 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 Casey McCraw, M.D., Las Vegas Urology in Henderson, NV, has been designated as a UroLift Center of Excellence. The designation recognizes that Dr. McCraw 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. Casey McCraw 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 Prominent Iranian human rights advocate Nasrin Sotoudeh has been on a hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison for more than three weeks to protest the risk that political prisoners in Iran face amid the coronavirus pandemic. Sotoudeh, who launched her hunger strike on August 11, said she will refuse to eat to secure the release of political prisoners who have not been included in temporary prison leaves granted to tens of thousands of detainees, according to Iranian authorities, to prevent the spread of the virus in the countrys overcrowded prisons. Sotoudeh, co-winner of the European Parliament's 2012 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, has been surviving on water, tea, sugar, and salt, amid concerns over her health, her husband told RFE/RL on September 4. "Today is Nasrin's 25th day of the hunger strike," her husband, Reza Khandand, said, adding that her health had deteriorated in recent days. "Her general condition, her sugar [level], her blood pressure has been in fluctuation. She sometimes feels so weak that she is not able to move," he said. Khandan said that at one point in mid-August Sotoudehs condition became critical and she had to be taken to Evin prison's health clinic even though, he said, she had resisted going to the clinic due to concerns over the coronavirus. The Washington-based Boroumand Foundation, which documents human rights violations in Iran, said in a September 2 report that COVID-19 had spread widely in Iranian prisons where, it said, soap and disinfectant are scarce and overcrowding makes social distancing difficult. The pandemic has killed more than 22,000 Iranians and infected over 380,000, according to official figures. Real numbers are believed to be significantly higher. Before her arrest in 2018, the outspoken mother of two defended critics of the Iranian establishment, activists, members of the Baha'i community, juvenile offenders on death row, and others, including most recently women detained for protesting the compulsory wearing of the hijab. Sotoudeh, 58, was sentenced in 2019 to a total of 38 1/2 years in prison and 148 lashes for her work. She must serve 12 years of her sentence to become eligible for parole. The widely respected lawyer was also jailed from 2010 to 2013 over her defense of sensitive political cases. In 2015, she protested for several weeks to be allowed to continue practicing law. Despite her imprisonment, Sotoudeh has remained outspoken. She also went on a hunger strike in March to protest prison conditions. Her defiance appears to have angered the Iranian authorities, who have pressured her by freezing her bank account in May and detaining her 20-year-old daughter, Mehraveh, for several hours on August 18 for the alleged "insult and assault" of a prison guard, in an apparent move to force Sotoudeh to end her hunger strike. Khandan said Mehraveh's detention is one reason why Sotoudeh decided to prolong her hunger strike. "What they did to the child of a prisoner is [beyond belief]," he said. Khandan said that neither he nor his family had told her to end her hunger strike. "We haven't made such a demand, we prefer that she makes her own decision." Many Iranians have taken to social media in past days to express concern over the health of Sotoudeh and call for her release. On September 2, the German Judges Association (DRB) awarded its Human Rights Prize to Sotoudeh to highlight her fate. Nasrin Sotoudeh has become a symbol of the Iranian civil rights movement through her courage and tireless commitment to human rights and the rule of law, the DRB said in a statement. On August 28, PEN America called for her immediate release and for "an end to judicial and legal harassment of her and her family." Sotoudeh "is now facing the direst of consequences for her activism and expression. Her life hangs in the balance," PEN America Director of Free Expression at Risk Programs Karin Deutsch Karlekar said. On August 14, the U.S. State Department expressed concern over Sotoudeh's well-being and called for her release and "all political prisoners unjustly detained in Iran." Iran has in recent years intensified its pressure on human rights lawyers by sentencing them to long prison terms for their defense of political prisoners and silence those pushing for human rights. ROME - Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who tested positive for COVID-19 this week, has an early-stage lung infection but was breathing on his own after being hospitalized in Milan and hasnt been intubated, his personal physician said Friday. Alberto Zangrillo, who is also on the staff of San Raffaele Hospital, where Berlusconi was taken early in the day, told reporters that test results were reassuring and make us optimistic for the 83-year-old business moguls recovery over the next hours and days. I can say now, clearly, looking you in the eye, the clinical indications, backed by diagnostic tests, are calming, comforting regarding Berlusconis condition, the doctor said. Zangrillo said he examined Berlusconi at home a day earlier and decided it best to hospitalize him after detecting bland pulmonary involvement. Berlusconi, he said, resisted at first his moods not the best but agreed to be hospitalized after hearing the details of his condition, Zangrillo said. The decision also took into consideration his age the former three-time premier turns 84 in a few weeks and previous health conditions, which included heart problems that necessitated a pacemaker implant several years ago. Earlier, Italian state radio said tests showed the media mogul had the beginnings of pneumonia in both lungs. But Zangrillo, answering reporters questions, referred to the lung problem as a pulmonary infection in its first stages. He said Berlusconi isnt on a ventilator but is breathing spontaneously. That, along with other medical test results, lets us be optimistic over the next hours and the next days about the prognosist, he said. Zangrillo is in charge of intensive care and anesthesiology at San Raffaele Hospital. However, Zangrillo stressed that his patient isnt in intensive care. Instead, Berlusconi was reported to be in isolation in a 6th floor section of the hospital set aside for VIPs. He had been there several times in past years for previous medical problems. Sky TG24, reporting from outside the hospital, said Berlusconi had been given oxygen to aid his breathing, but Zangrillo made no mention of it. Sky also said he arrived by private car and walked into the hospital. On Thursday, Berlusconi, speaking in a strong but somewhat nasal voice from his estate on the outskirts of Milan, told his supporters via audio hookup he no longer had fever or pain. Italian media have said that two of his adult children, with whom he recently spent time on the island of Capri, were recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Berlusconis companion, a young woman who formerly worked at the office of the soccer team he used to own, also reportedly tested positive for the virus. Asked if any family members were hospitalized, Zangrillo said no. Berlusconi referred to himself and his family when he said about COVID-19 in comments to Italys La Stampa newspaper on Thursday: Unfortunately this isnt a cold...Now I realize more than ever how grave the pandemic is. The newspaper further quoted him as saying that he had a fever and muscle and bone pain earlier in the week, but it passed. In 1997, Berlusconi successfully battled prostate cancer. In 2006, he had heart tests at San Raffaele after fainting during a speech. A few weeks later, he was fitted with a pacemaker at a U.S. hospital. He also has had bowel surgery and suffered an inflammatory eye condition in the past. Berlusconi spent some of his summer vacation at his seaside villa on Sardinias Emerald Coast. Many of Italys recent cases of COVID-19 have been linked to clusters in people who vacationed on Sardinia. After being convicted of tax fraud in 2013, he had to surrender his Senate seat. He is currently a lawmaker in the European Parliament. After testing positive for the virus this week, Berlusconi vowed to keep campaigning for Forza Italia, the centre-right party he created more than 25 years ago, ahead of upcoming regional elections. The party lost its popularity with Italian voters in recent years as he battled legal problems linked to his media empire and his famed bunga bunga parties with young women. ___ Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Tel Aviv, Sep 4 : Israeli flag carrier El Al announced that it will launch the first cargo flight to Dubai, days after its historic commercial passenger flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The cargo flight is scheduled to depart from the Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv, on September 16, Xinhua news agency quoted the airline as saying in a statement on Thursday. The Boeing 747 plane will have a stop in Liege, Belgium, before continuing to Dubai. Its first cargo will include "agricultural and high-tech equipment", according to the statement. El Al said the new route is expected to operate on a weekly basis, with a regular flight departing from Tel Aviv to Dubai on Wednesdays and returning on Fridays. The new flight will enable Israeli companies' "connectivity in import and export from and to Dubai, as well as to destinations in Asia via Dubai", El Al said. The announcement came a day after Riyadh declared it had opened its airspace to "all countries" flying to and from the UAE, a move hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "tremendous breakthrough" that pave the way for direct flights between the two nations. On Monday, El Al carried out the first-ever commercial flight between Israel and Abu Dhabi. Aboard the plane, Israeli and American delegations flew to Abu Dhabi for a two-day discussion in the wake of a US-brokered agreement between the UAE and Israel on August 13 to normalise relarions. But Mr. Trumps denials are hampered by the fact that he has often disdained veterans who had been captured in war, including John McCain, who served as a Republican senator from Arizona. Signs of a growing discontent among troops for the commander in chief are starting to show. A Military Times poll released this week showed a continued decline in active-duty service members views of Mr. Trump, and a slight but significant preference for former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the upcoming election among troops surveyed. The poll, taken in late July and early August, before the political conventions, found that half of 1,018 respondents surveyed had an unfavorable view of Mr. Trump, compared with 38 percent who had a favorable view. In a poll conducted at the start of Mr. Trumps presidency, 37 percent of troops had an unfavorable opinion, and 46 percent had a favorable view. Stars and Stripes first started as a publication for Union troops during the Civil War, when soldiers commanded by Ulysses S. Grant overran Bloomfield, Mo., en route to Cape Girardeau. Former pressmen were among the troops, and they set up shop at a local newspaper office that had been abandoned by its Confederate-sympathizing publisher. Since then, the paper has been on newsstands in military PX shopping areas and command tents in places like Langres, France, during World War II and Afghanistan and Iraq more recently. It has published cartoons that lampooned commanders, as well as news articles and commentary that are often at odds with the official view from the Pentagon or the White House. Max Lederer, the publisher of Stars and Stripes since 2007, said the administrations rolling conflict with the news media had given cover to Pentagon officials to move against the publication. As an example of articles that he said contradicted the administrations narrative, he cited reporting by Stars and Stripes this year on Fort Hood, Texas, which a recent article called the Armys most crime-ridden post after the killing in April of a soldier there, Specialist Vanessa Guillen. While President Donald Trump has insisted that schools physically reopen, the private school his son Barron is attending is sticking with remote learning. Yes, that feels like a double standard, but its more complicated than that. Barron will have a computer and internet access at home. Hell have adults making sure he does his work, and hell be able to eat his fill without free school lunches. In short, affluent children will mostly be fine even without in-person classes. But one study found that almost 17 million American children live in homes without high-speed internet, and more than 7 million dont have a computer at home. For disadvantaged kids, online learning is an oxymoron. Prolonged school closures will worsen dropout rates across the nation, for missing just 10 percent of class days is associated with a sevenfold increased risk of dropping out. Even in normal times, only 53 percent of children attending Bureau of Indian Education schools finish high school. Closures after Hurricane Katrina led many students to leave school for good. I fear that Trumps hyperbolic embrace of reopening schools has led Democrats to be instinctively wary. The risk is that in trying to protect students from the pandemic especially disadvantaged students we may permanently damage their futures. Lets sort through the evidence, which is inconsistent. Its false to assert, as Trump did, that children are virtually immune to the coronavirus, but the direct risk to schoolchildren is small. Those ages 5 through 14 account for fewer than 1 in every 1,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Among all causes of death of children in that age group since February, the coronavirus was responsible less than 1 percent of the time. The greater risk is to elderly teachers and to students grandparents, but advocates of reopening schools note that other countries have successfully operated schools. In most of those places, like Germany, Denmark, Norway and Taiwan, COVID-19 was relatively rare, but Sweden kept its schools open even though it has had a significantly higher per capita death toll than the United States. Ive criticized Swedens approach to the pandemic, which resulted in very high mortality and substantial economic damage, but it does offer a window into what happens when a country with elevated levels of COVID-19 keeps schools open. Sweden found no increased risk to teachers, compared with those in other jobs. One review article by a Swedish epidemiologist, Jonas Ludvigsson, concluded: Children are unlikely to be the main drivers of the pandemic. Opening up schools and kindergartens is unlikely to impact COVID-19 mortality rates in older people. Theres plenty of contrary evidence, however. A study in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that children may carry enough virus to spread the pandemic. The coronavirus raced through a sleepaway camp in Georgia so that 76 percent of campers and staff members for whom test results were available tested positive. Schools in at least five states reopened and then had to close again, at least temporarily, after eruptions of the virus a particular problem in parts of the country that did not take the pandemic seriously. Putting aside the health impact, we also know that low-income children suffer disproportionately not only from the virus, but also from school closures. McKinsey has estimated that prolonged closures could cost students up to 14 months of education and lead to 1 million additional high school dropouts. The educational losses would reduce lifetime earnings of students by $80,000 each, with Black and Latino students suffering percentage drops in incomes twice as great as those among whites, McKinsey calculated. Given all this, the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics seems right, that we do everything possible to allow children to safely resume in-person learning. Thats especially true for special needs students (about 14 percent of enrollment), as well as low-income pupils and those at risk of dropping out. But this isnt about rashly herding children into schools, but about doing all that can be done to make schools safe. That means aggressive testing, mask-wearing, open windows, outdoor classes when possible and grouping students in pods, and it will require much more federal assistance for schools. Lets also embrace Bandwidth for All, modeled on rural electrification in the 1930s and 40s. The internet is as essential today as electricity was then. There will be some places in the United States where coronavirus prevalence is so high that in-person schooling will have to be suspended, but that should be the exception. Its absurd that we have allowed liquor stores, gyms, gun shops, restaurants and marijuana dispensaries to operate while keeping schools shut. Lets also remember that in a larger sense the best way to reopen schools is to demand responsibility from our leaders and all the rest of us. The path is straightforward: Control the virus with masks, business lockdowns, social distancing, aggressive testing and rigorous surveillance (including sewage testing, which gives early warning that the virus is present). If our peer countries can do it, we can, too. Our children are worth it. Contact Nicholas Kristof at Facebook.com/Kristof, Twitter.com/NickKristof. Official White House Photo by Shealah CraigheadBy JORDYN PHELPS, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump is forcefully denying a new report that claims he made disparaging remarks about fallen American troops. According to the new report in The Atlantic by Jeffrey Goldberg, Trump referred to American service members killed in war as losers and "suckers and canceled a visit to a cemetery for American soldiers outside Paris in 2018 because he didnt think it was important to honor them. ABC News has not independently confirmed The Atlantic report, which cites four unnamed sources with direct knowledge in making the claims. Landing in Washington late Thursday night after a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, the president -- visibly angry -- delivered a 7-minute diatribe to reporters who had traveled on Air Force One. I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. Theres nobody that respects them more, Trump said. The president insisted the story is fabricated and suggested the anonymous sources were former officials who did not succeed in their roles in the administration. They made it up and probably its a couple of people that have been failures in the administration. That I got rid of, and I couldnt get rid of them fast enough. Or it was just made up, he said. Two aides who were at the president's side on the trip when the comments were alleged to have happened have also come forward to issue forceful on-the-record denials that the president made the disparaging comments alleged in the report. Former Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted that the story is total BS. "I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussion - this never happened, Sanders wrote. The presidents deputy chief of staff for communications, Dan Scavino, also tweeted, calling the report complete lies by anonymous sources and a disgusting attempt to smear the president ahead of the election. The presidents forceful denial comes as he seeks to shore up support among the military ahead of the November election, with polls showing the president trailing Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden. To think I would make statements negative to our military and our fallen heroes when no one has done what Ive done-with the budgets, with getting pay raises for our military, Trump said. All theyre trying to do is influence a presidential election. While Trump expressed disbelief at the storys claims, he has a history of making disparaging comments about members of the military who have been prisoners of wars. He most famously attacked the late Sen. John McCain and said the five years McCain spent in a North Vietnam prison do not make him a hero. Hes not a war hero, Trump said of McCain in 2015. I like people that weren't captured. OK? I hate to tell you. Thursday night, Trump tried to recast the narrative of his criticism of McCain by boasting that he approved the plans for McCains funeral in 2018. All of that had to be approved by the president. I approved it without hesitation, without complaint. And I felt he deserved it. I disagreed with him. He was a tough guy, Trump said. The president, who has continued to criticize McCain even after his death, was not invited to attend the late senators funeral. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Agreement reached to end two weeks of action after overnight talks with government on its plans for reform. South Korean doctors have agreed to end a two-week strike which has disrupted efforts to curb a new wave of coronavirus, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Friday, following overnight talks about the governments medical reform plans. Chung said the government, the governing party and the Korean Medical Association had reached a dramatic compromise after lengthy negotiations. The discussions led to a five-point agreement, according to the Yonhap news agency. I expect they will sign an agreement today and the doctors will return to their places soon, Chung told a meeting. A Korean Medical Association spokesman said an event to sign an agreement was expected but nothing was final until the event actually takes place. Some 16,000 intern and resident doctors, the backbone of South Koreas coronavirus response in emergency rooms and intensive care units, and temporary testing stations, walked out on August 21. The doctors oppose the reform proposals, which include increasing the number of doctors, building more public medical schools, allowing state insurance to cover more traditional medicine, and expanding telemedicine. Trainee doctors have been taking strike action against government reforms to boost the number of medical schools and students [Daewoung Kim/Reuters] The government argues the initiatives will help South Korea cope better with health crises like the coronavirus, but the doctors worry it will only deepen the concentration of physicians in cities without improving poor medical infrastructure and work conditions in more rural parts of the country. On Friday, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 198 new cases, the second day the country has confirmed fewer than 200 cases since the latest outbreak began in the middle of last month. The continued rise in cases is likely to mean the enhanced social distancing measures imposed in greater Seoul last weekend will be extended for another week, Yonhap reported citing the prime minister. Under the agreement to end the strike, the Health Ministry has agreed to scrub plans to open new medical schools and train more students, according to Yonhap. It will discuss the other issues once the coronavirus has been brought under control. The ministry had previously ordered the doctors to return to work and filed a police complaint against several strike leaders, saying the industrial action had caused disruptions at clinics and worsened bed shortages. Election fraud is exceedingly rare in the US. Numerous states have rigorous methods of of checking to make sure a voter only casts a ballot once. By encouraging North Carolina voters to test the integrity of the elections system by casting both mail and in-person ballots, and repeating some of the same claims in a series of tweets and a speech on Thursday, President Donald Trump seemed to mimic a cynical slogan originating in 20th Century machine politics: Vote early and often. Indeed, Trumps repeated statements suggesting that the nations elections system is riddled with fraud fit a historical pattern: politicians in the Jim Crow South, for example, spread the myth of widespread voter fraud to encourage tighter restrictions on voting. His comments have now created a new headache for state election officials, who are already dealing with the formidable task of holding an election during a pandemic. They insist that the type of double voting once suspected of tipping elections in big cities is virtually impossible today, citing robust systems to prevent a person from voting twice. Douglas A Kellner, co-chairman of the New York State Board of Elections, accused Trump of fueling concern in the minds of voters and, in doing so, adding more work to county elections boards already stretched to the limit by a presidential election and coronavirus. Its hard to imagine how we could add any more stress to the system, said Kellner, a Democrat. In North Carolina, the election board released a statement Thursday saying that it is illegal to vote twice in an election and that state law makes it a Class 1 felony. Similar laws against intentionally voting more than once exist throughout the country, and it is also prohibited by federal law. Elections officials in North Carolina also hinted that the president himself could have committed a crime, stating that attempting to vote twice in an election or soliciting someone to do so also is a violation of North Carolina law. The states Democratic attorney general, Josh Stein, said it was outrageous for the president to suggest that people break the law in order to help him sow chaos in our election. And Jena Griswold, Colorados Democratic secretary of state, said, 2020 has been unprecedented in so many ways, but I never imagined that as secretary of state I would have to inform both the president and the US attorney general that it is illegal to vote twice. That was after Attorney General William Barr suggested during an interview with CNN that he was not sure whether voting twice in North Carolina was illegal. Speaking to reporters in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Trump had suggested that people who vote by mail also then go and vote in person as well. They are going to have to check their vote by going to the poll and voting that way because if it tabulates, then they wont be able to do that, Trump said, responding to a reporters question on election integrity. So let them send it in, and let them go vote. And if their system is as good as they say it is, then obviously they wont be able to vote. If it isnt tabulated, they will be able to vote. On Thursday, after Facebook said it would remove video shares of Trumps comments, suggesting they had encouraged voter fraud, Trump seemed to try to walk back those comments in a series of tweets. Go to your polling place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been tabulated (Counted.) If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly, Trump wrote. On Thursday night, Trump repeated his claims from Wednesday, saying, Send in your early ballot and then go and make sure that ballot is tabulated and counted. And if its not counted, then vote. Then the election staff have the job of making sure they dont count it twice. Election fraud is exceedingly rare in the United States, including double voting. But numerous states still have rigorous and redundant levels of checking to make sure a voter only casts a ballot once. In North Carolina, electronic poll books are used at polling centers, and are updated regularly with information on who has voted, according to a description of its system the state released Thursday. On Election Day, voters who had already voted absentee are removed from the poll book, and ballots that are received on Election Day are not counted until after the election, when they can be checked against in-person voting to prevent any double ballots. If a voter shows up and insists he did not cast an absentee ballot, he will be allowed to vote provisionally, which officials will also check after Election Day and decide whether it should be counted. Officials in North Carolina warned voters not to follow Trumps advice even if only to check to see if their mail-in votes were recorded because showing up in person would create confusion and increase the possibility of coronavirus exposure on Election Day. Voters can track their ballots on the states election website. Many states have similar protections. In Ohio, which follows many of the same procedures as North Carolina to check against double voting, the state also has a ballot tracking system, where voters can log onto the state website and track the status of their ballot, keeping unsure voters from attempting to vote twice. Ohio voters are encouraged to choose one way to vote, as any additional effort to cast a ballot will not be counted and unnecessarily burdens election officials, said Maggie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for Frank LaRose, Ohios Republican secretary of state. Officials in Michigan pointed to this years primary elections, the most recent including a massive expansion of vote by mail, as evidence that their system was reliable. Our election system has been stress-tested by three successful elections already this year, said Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic secretary of state of Michigan. We have protections in place to ensure election officials track and verify every ballot they send and receive, and in every instance we ensure that each person gets only one vote. Reid Magney, a spokesman for the nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission, said that each absentee ballot cast in the state is processed by poll workers on Election Day and checked against poll books to make sure the voter has not already voted in person. In California, some counties use traditional, neighbourhood-based polling places and others use larger, more centralised vote centers. At traditional polling places, voters who receive a mail ballot must surrender it if they decide to vote in person instead. At vote centers, electronic poll books allow officials to check if a voter has cast a ballot elsewhere before permitting them to vote, according to a statement issued Thursday by Sam Mahood, a spokesman for the California secretary of state, Alex Padilla, a Democrat. In New York City, Frederic M Umane, a Republican who sits on the citys Board of Elections, called its system to prevent double voting fail safe. Votes in New York City are immediately uploaded to a central computer, Umane said. When a voter goes to sign in, if they already voted, the system would flag it. And before any mail-in vote is counted, a check is made to see if that person also voted either in early voting or on Election Day. Umane said the city implemented a new electronic poll book system in November and ran a series of tests beforehand to make sure it worked, adding that he was not aware of Trumps comments this week. Im a Republican, Umane said, but I dont necessarily listen to everything Trump says. Stephanie Saul and Nick Corasaniti c.2020 The New York Times Company A day after Kangana Ranaut compared Mumbai to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the row between the Bollywood actor and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut turned murkier with Raut accusing her of acting on somebody elses directions. Kanganas mouth is moving but the loudspeaker that is playing in the background is someone elses. There is a concerted effort to discredit Mumbai police and the Maharashtra government. Why should anyone threaten her? Raut said on Friday. On Thursday, Ranaut took to Twitter to attack the Shiv Sena leader after he asked her to not come back to Mumbai. The actress had previously taken to Twitter to share a screenshot of a Mumbai CP for liking a derogatory tweet on her and had asked if she could be safe in Mumbai. Slamming Sanjay Raut, Kangana wrote, Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?" Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? https://t.co/5V1VQLSxh1 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020 Sanjay Raut had criticised Kanganas statement in Shiv Senas mouthpiece Saamana saying that her treachery" was shameful as she criticised the Mumbai police despite living in the city. He had written, We kindly request her not to come in Mumbai. This is nothing but insult to Mumbai police. The Home Ministry should take action over it. While Kangana had shared a screenshot of a graffiti painted by anonymous street artist with the social media handle Tyler Street Art. She said that the official Twitter handle of CP Mumbai Police had liked the tweet. The Mumbai Police. however, refuted the claim and said they will investigate the screenshot. Kangana Ranaut has been one of the most vocal people demanding justice for the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She has taken to Twitter to ask for security from the Central government to help with the investigation and expose the Bollywood Mafia." She began divorce proceedings this summer, and is already moving on. Rachael Leigh Cook took part in a video interview with TooFab on Thursday, in which she made another reference to her new man, so far known only as Kevin. The She's All That star, 40, was there to chat with Damon Wayans, Jr. about their new Netflix comedy Love, Guaranteed, which dropped that day. Dishing: Rachael Leigh Cook took part in a new video interview on Thursday, in which she made another reference to her new man, so far known only as Kevin The film follows a single man (played by Wayans) who sues a dating app company after being promised he'd find love, which prompted the pair of stars to share their opinion of online dating. 'I have a little bit, you know, it's interesting,' Cook, who split from husband of 15 years Daniel Gillies last year, said of meeting someone online. 'It's the best possible way to talk to a stranger. I like it!' Promo: The She's All That star, 40, was there to chat with Damon Wayans, Jr. about their new Netflix comedy Love, Guaranteed, which dropped that day Love, not guaranteed: The film follows a single man who sues a dating app company after being promised he'd find love, which prompted the stars to share their opinion of online dating However Cook, who shares two children with Gillies, was quick to follow up with the fact that she's no longer on the market. 'But I'm dating someone wonderful now, so I've stopped that,' she stated, referring to her new beau Kevin, to whom she's referred as a 'fancy' producer and swim teacher. And it should be mentioned, Rachael did not meet Kevin online she was reported set up through her dear friend, Jawbreaker star Judy Greer. But Cook did maintain that, 'as an actor,' meeting someone online is 'interesting'. 'It's pretty fun to see the way just as an actor I just think it's interesting to see how people present themselves,' she added during the chat. 'There's a character study moment.' Damon, meanwhile, couldn't help but crack a joke. 'I online date mainly when my wife's asleep,' the Happy Endings actor kidded. Damon couldn't help but crack a joke: 'I online date mainly when my wife's asleep' But he did say he had friends with good online dating stories, as well as those with 'horror stories'. Still, 'I know a couple who have been going strong for probably like three years now and they met online,' he added. Rachael concurred, mentioning her 'friend [who] has been married for five years now to "SilverlakeRob" and we can't call him anything else.' New life: Cook, who split from husband of 15 years Daniel Gillies last year, said that meeting someone online could be 'interesting'; seen on Instagram In an interview with Us Weekly last month, the actress opened up about the new man in her life. 'He's really great. I did good, if I do say so. Definitely hitting out of my league there,' the Minnesota native said. 'I met someone really nice, and I adore him. He's fantastic.' Cook and Gillies, who announced their split over a year ago after about 15 years of marriage, share two children: daughter Charlotte, six, and son Theodore, five. Cook and Gillies, who announced their split over a year ago after about 15 years of marriage, share two children: daughter Charlotte, six, and son Theodore, five According to court documents obtained by Us, Cook is seeking joint custody of their kids in their ongoing divorce proceedings. Of her role in the new comedy Love, Guaranteed, in which she plays the attorney Wayans Jr. hires and eventually falls for, Rachael says she enjoyed it deeply. 'Paying someone who's surprised by love in their life is... it's one of the most fun things to play!' Love, Guaranteed is streamable on Netflix now. New Delhi, Sep 4 : Forty-six years ahead of India's Independence in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi camped in Mauritius for 18 days and initiated the first ever movement in the island nation to ensure civil rights for migrant Indian workers. To highlight the plight of the Indian workers, Gandhi (then 38) sent his friend Manilal Doctor to Mauritius to launch a newspaper, Hindusthani, probably the first ever Hindi newspaper printed outside India. Underlining the key role of the media, particularly Hindi journalism, in the freedom movement of Mauritius, senior TV journalist Sarvesh Tewari revealed in his new book, 'Mauritius: Indian Culture and Media', that influenced by Gandhi's Hindusthani, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam led the freedom struggle of Mauritius in 1935. Three decades later, Mauritius was liberated from the British rule in 1968 with Ramghoolam, a migrant worker of Indian origin, becoming the country's first Prime Minister. The book revealed that Manilal Doctor, who launched Hindusthani, had arrived in Mauritius on October 11, 1907 as an envoy of Gandhi. Being a barrister, Manilal fought for the civil rights of Indian migrant workers. In a bid to strengthen the civil rights movement, Manilal launched Hindusthani, initially in English and Gujarati. However seeing the majority Bhojpuri speaking Indians, the paper started a Hindi edition which instantly captured the minds and hearts of the people. When Hindusthani rolled out from the press in early 1900 in Port Louis, french newspapers were dominating the media in Mauritius. But gradually, over a dozen Hindi newspapers were in print within a few years of Hindusthani's arrival. The inspiration drawn from Hindusthani ignited the migrant workers. The paper and its content united the Indian migrants who mustered courage to participate in the freedom movement. Even today, after years of its Independence, Gandhi's principles and Indian culture have had so much impact on the Indo-Mauritian mindset that the island country reflects the Indian spirit in all walks of life. No wonder, Mauritian President Prithvirajsing Roopan said, "If we call India 'mother' then Mauritius is the 'son'...a reason why people who have settled here for ages wish to visit UP and Bihar to explore their roots." In fact, it was the plantation of sugarcane in Mauritius which saw a huge migration of Indian labourers from Eastern UP and Bihar, mostly coming from the Bhojpuri speaking belt of North India. Between 1834 and and 1923, around 4.50 lakh Indian labourers were brought into Mauritius to work as contractual workers. While 1.5 lakh returned to India at the end of their contract, the rest of the labourers settled in an island which still has a small population of 1.26 million people, majority being Indians. When migrant Indians reached and formed a majority in the beautiful small island located near South Africa, the Dutch had already ceded Mauritius and its dependencies to Great Britain. As a British colony, Mauritius included Rodrigues, Agalega, St. Brandon, Tromeline and, until 1906, the Seychelles. Mauritius remained a primarily plantation-based colony of the UK until independence in 1968. Author Sarvesh Tewari, who worked with top Indian news channels and is presently associated with the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, gives an insight on Mauritius' history and important events which led to the Independence of the country, now seen as one of the most sought after tourism destinations in the world. The author also shares his interaction with the local populace and his rich experience of frequent travelling to Mauritius since the last three decades. Until my dad is fully recovered, Im going to have to pause my life for a little bit, so I can watch out for my dads interests, said Abad, human resources director for the YMCA of San Diego County in California. I will continue to work remotely my job is being very, very flexible and understanding but Ill be up front and looking out for the business. Iowa has become typical of the front line of the pandemica tempest brewing, with cases soaring while the political and corporate establishment turn a blind eye to the devastating public health crisis and initiate policies that will make it even worse by intensifying the back-to-school and back-to-work campaign. With over 67,000 cumulative cases, the seven-day average for COVID-19 cases in Iowa has been steadily climbing. However, the tracking of cases has been mired in willful and calculated ineptitude. With a positivity rate of 18.5 percent, it is a clear indication that the number of cases throughout the state is far higher than reported by authorities. As of September 2, there have been 1,126 total deaths attributed to the infection in a state with a population of only 3.2 million. Fort Dodge, Iowa (Credit: snyder-associates.com) Local news reported yesterday that a special education teacher from Des Moines Public Schools died from complications of COVID-19 infection. The teacher, yet to be identified, worked at Ruby Van Meter School for the intellectually disabled. It remains unclear where the teacher contracted the virus. However, Governor Kim Reynolds is demanding that districts open schools for 50 percent in-person instruction, regardless of the deadliness of the infection, with utter disregard for the lives of the communities being put at risk. On a per-capita basis, Iowa leads with the highest number of COVID-19 cases of any state in the country. With 232 new cases per 100,000 population, it is almost triple the national average of 88 per 100,000. According to the federal coronavirus task force, community transmission continues to be high in rural and urban counties across Iowa, with the increasing transmission in the major university towns. Mask mandates must be in place to decrease transmission. Additional recommendations included the closing of bars and restaurants across 61 counties, which Governor Reynolds has chosen to disregard publicly, limiting the shutdown to major towns. After the July days when COVID-19 cases peaked at more than 70,000 per day in the United States, predominately across the sunbelt states, by August, there were indications that the virus was surging into rural Midwest and Great Plains states. Presently, the seven-day moving average across the US has gradually declined and settled to approximately 42,500 daily cases. Similarly, since the end of July, about 1,000 people are succumbing to COVID-19 each day. The United States will surpass the 200,000-fatality milestone by mid-month. At a candid moment that put her in bad stead with the Trump administration, Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White Houses coronavirus task force, warned early in August, to everybody who lives in a rural area, you are not immune or protected from this virus. If youre in multigenerational households, and theres an outbreak in your rural area or your city, you need to consider wearing a mask at home, assuming that youre positive, if you have individuals in your households with comorbidities. Specifically, rural regions in states like Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota are being identified as new hot spots. Still, due to a lack of infrastructure and accurate reporting, the scope of the outbreaks remains challenging to estimate. The positivity rate for these states ranges from 13.6 to 22.2 percent, indicating a significant unidentified community transmission. Meatpacking plants are notorious for COVID-19 infections, and Iowa counties with the highest rates of infections are also home to these economic centers of rural food processing. Workers in these plants and their families are facing the difficult decision to send their children to school. Dr. Megan Srinivas, an infectious disease specialist from Fort Dodge, Iowa, told the Daily Nonpareil, a local newspaper that serves Council Bluffs, Iowa and the southwest counties, meatpacking plants present a unique challenge to fighting any pandemic including COVID-19. Plants represent a mixing pot. COVID-19 doesnt recognize county lines, and carpooling across counties is commonplace for these workers. Despite the attempt by the media to racialize the pandemic, more conscientious researchers are identifying the connection between socioeconomic index and rates of COVID-19 infection. These plants are run by the labor power of migrants and refugeesAfrican and Central American workersa high-risk population already given the predilection with poverty and health comorbidities of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. These same low-income laborers live in multigenerational families who depend on the paychecks that keep the lights on at night. The vulnerability of these areas is compounded by the returning university students who will usually double the population of small towns and cities during the academic year. These students also provide critical economic stimulus to small businesses and commerce that barely eke out a living and have faced significant financial hardship during the last seven months of the pandemic. Many of the states many small colleges are in proximity to the meatpacking and processing plants. Prestige Foods sits on 160 acres of Iowa farmland with over five miles of conveyor belts, 100,000 square feet of kill floor, and 20,000 square feet of freezers. Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area is also home to a Tyson Fresh Meats plant. The Waterloo, Fort Dodge, and Eagle Grove school districts are home to several small communities in driving vicinity. Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and the University of Iowa in Iowa Cityaccounting for almost 70,000 university studentsare within an hour or two of each other, creating a vibrant network of communities perfect for a highly contagious pathogen. According to the Iowa public health department, Johnson County, home to the University of Iowa, was on a seven-day streak of triple-digit increase of new cases. Since the first day of classes on August 24, there have been at least 1,142 cases of COVID-19 just at the university, including 220 new cases last Wednesday alone. University officials have set aside close to 300 rooms at residence halls for quarantine and isolation purposes. Protests and sickouts have ensued with students challenging the universitys deadly decisions to hold in-person classes. Story County, home to Iowa State University, has a positivity rate of more than 41 percent. As of August 31, an additional 503 people tested positive. Black Hawk County, home to the University of Northern Iowa, ranks fourth out of 99 counties with the highest COVID-19 cases. What is happening in Iowa is only the worst example of a nationwide process which has seen many other states and universities become flashpoints over the last month, from the University of North Carolina to Notre Dame to the University of Alabama and numerous colleges in Arizona. Some 25,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported at colleges and universities across 37 states. The leading US epidemiologist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, publicly urged university officials not to send infected students home. Keep them at the university in a place thats sequestered enough from other students. But dont have them go home, because they could be spreading it in their home state, he told NBCs Today show on Wednesday. It begs the question, why were they placed in this predicament in the first place? Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, told Bloomberg, Its going to be kind of this rolling fire, with certain flare-ups that occur in different parts of the country at different times. This is a virus thats established itself into the population. This assessment is true as far as it goes, but virus conflagration is by political choice and not by mere accident or incompetence. That is why Dr. Scott Atlas has gained the ear of President Trump, who normally scorns the advice of scientists. Dr. Atlass credentials, unfortunately, do not include the study of infectious diseases or public health, which accounts for his popularity at the White House. A senior fellow at Stanford Universitys conservative Hoover Institution, Dr. Atlas has been pressing to institute a broad policy of herd immunity disguised hypocritically as a policy focused on protecting a small population of at-risk individuals to minimize the risk to the rest of the population. Once you get to a certain numberwe use the word herdonce you get to a certain number, its going to go away, Trump told Fox News on Monday. This means a murderous pogrom in which state officials decry the impossibility of mandates, dashboards and statistics are manipulated, medical and public health guidelines change to suit political expediency, all in the name of the financial markets that have seen a return to their pre-pandemic highs. Every effort to save lives, protect communities, and create a cohesive response to COVID-19 is thwarted, and in this regard, the drive to open schools is the reverse of the lockdowns that prevented so many infections and saved countless thousands of lives. Advertisement The driver of a car that plowed into a crowd of Black Lives Matter demonstrators in New York City reportedly attended a Keep America Great counterprotest just hours earlier. The man - who has not yet been publicly named - was caught on camera driving his black Ford Taurus sedan into the crowd in Times Square shortly after 8pm on Thursday evening. NBC quotes police sources as saying the driver was 'was found to be a part of the Keep America Great rally' and that the group had 'exchanged heated words' with the BLM supporters. Photographs taken at the time show cops trying to keep the two groups apart. The sources also shut down speculation that the man was an undercover cop driving an unmarked police car. Video posted to Twitter shows a man in an American flag t-shirt being bundled into the back of the black vehicle shortly before it sped into the crowd. Police were seen shutting the door of the car, but they may have simply been trying to have the Keep America Great counter-protesters leave the area after tensions flared. The NYPD said no one was hurt during the incident, and they are currently investigating. Cell phone footage taken Thursday night shows a group of Black Lives Matter protesters standing in front of a black vehicle The black vehicle accelerates through the crowd, stops briefly and then leaves the scene as protesters call for medics NBC quotes police sources as saying the driver was 'was found to be a part of the Keep America Great rally' and that the group had 'exchanged heated words' with the BLM supporters. Photographs taken at the time show cops trying to keep the two groups apart Police had to separate Black Lives Matter supporters and Keep America Great counter-protesters as tensions flared in Times Square Footage shared by DataInput on Twitter shows hundreds of protesters grouped together in Times Square to protest the death of Daniel Prude - a 41-year-old black man who suffocated to death while in police custody. Video shows the sedan arrive at an intersection with a group of people on bicycles attempting to stop it from moving forward as the crowd walks across the street. However, the car briefly drives forward, pushing the group of protesters back, before suddenly accelerating into the crowd. Screams echo through the crowd as people try to maneuver out of the way and bikes scatter along the street. The vehicle stops for just for a moment before speeding off and out of the area. The New York Police Department said on Twitter that the vehicle in question was not an official department car Also- anyone trying to suggest this wasnt NYPD- heres a video of them escorting MAGA counter protesters from times sq moments before the the same car ran through a line of peaceful protesters pic.twitter.com/lJ24iLBUQd ACG (@aaroncostaganis) September 4, 2020 The department said that no complaints or injuries had been reported around 10pm, but photos and witnesses at the scene said some people sustained minor wounds. Additional footage shared by Gwen Hogan with the Gothamist shows people calling out for medics as people moan in pain. At least one man was bandaged at the scene and other photos showed people with bruises. 'Im in shock. Im just happy to be alive right now,' Lora Gettelfinger, a 33-year-old protester who was struck in the leg by the car, told Gothamist. The small group of counter-protesters draped American flags around their shoulders as they headed out to Times Square. One wore an 'All Lives Matter' t-shirt Police said the incident may be related to a disagreement between the two groups, but this has not yet been confirmed Protesters hit people screaming for medics pic.twitter.com/BxQGnRKmtN Gwynne Hogan (@GwynneFitz) September 4, 2020 Qaaree McDaniel said he was assigned as 'security detail' for the protest when the unidentified driver plowed through the crowd. 'I saw people getting hit, so Im trying to get out of the way. Luckily I made it out just in time, but the car hit my bike, and my bike hit both of my legs,' said McDaniel, 23. He noted that authorities at the scene reportedly had a blase reaction to the incident. 'Just seeing how cops reacted, how they were so passive about it, it goes to show you where they stand,' McDaniel added. A man has his hand bandaged after a car carrying counter protestors fled the scene and drove through a crowd blocking the road during a protest for Daniel Prude and Black Lives Matter in Times Square, Manhattan, New York One woman assesses her injuries after being hit by a car during a Black Lives Matter protest in Times Square Qaaree McDaniel: 'I saw people getting hit, so Im trying to get out of the way. Luckily I made it out just in time, but the car hit my bike, and my bike hit both of my legs' The Black Lives Matter protesters regrouped after the incident and continued marching towards Columbus Circle. In a second video taken by DataInput, protesters at Columbus Circle claimed a someone in a different vehicle at the scene had a gun. The handgun is not visible in footage online, but DailyMail.com has reached out to the NYPD for confirmation. Authorities told ABC 7 that episode may have involved demonstrators from a pro-Trump rally and Black Lives Matter supporters. Thursday's protest in New York City was in response to the death of Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old black man who suffocated to death while in police custody A number of counter protesters, several carrying American flags, were seen at the demonstration as well. Thursday night's commotion mirrors that of a similar incident in Aurora, Colorado, where a Jeep sped through a large Black Lives Matter protest on a blocked highway. The scene turned chaotic after the blue Jeep crashed into another vehicle and one man in the crowd opened fire on I-225 earlier this year. During the incident, several demonstrators were forced to flee from the Jeep and one woman appeared to fall 20 feet off the side of the highway to dodge the vehicle. Three New York City officials have spoken out to condemn the footage and request the New York Police Department hold the driver accountable. Some New York City officials have spoken out after footage of the incident was shared to social media Thursday evening Senator Brad Hoylman was among other politicians who demanded the NYPD investigate the matter Keith Powers: Using a vehicle to hurt peaceful protestors is unacceptable and must be stopped 'This video shows an incredibly reckless and disturbing action through a lawful protest,' wrote Council Speaker Corey Johnson. 'We must get to the bottom of it. We need accountability.' Senator Brad Hoylman also called the incident 'disturbing' and said: 'We have asked the City directly as to the identity of the driver and its investigation.' Hoylman added that since July 6, there have been at least 66 incidents of cars ramming into Black Lives Matter protesters. Council member Kieth Powers said: 'Using a vehicle to hurt peaceful protestors is unacceptable and must be stopped.' The Black Lives Matter protest on Thursday joined several others around the country after Daniel Prude died in March, but footage of the incident resurfaced this month. Daniel Prude was left brain dead after the incident and later died on March 30 after he was taken off of life support seven days after the encounter with police in Rochester Prude was left brain dead after his March 23 encounter with Rochester PD. He died seven days later when he was taken off life support. Prudes brother Joe had phoned 911 for assistance as his sibling began suffering a mental health episode. Prude, who had been visiting Rochester from his hometown of Chicago, walked out of Joes house at around 3am in frigid temperatures, wearing only underwear, a tank top and socks. While the fatal incident occurred on March 23 weeks before George Floyd would die in Minnesota police custody in May, sparking nationwide protests Prudes death received no public attention As he made his way through the neighborhood, he started removing his clothes. Police claim he also smashed windows. Several other people encountered him, with at least one calling 911 to report his erratic behavior. Officers placed a hood over his head and pressed his face into the pavement until he stopped breathing. His family shared video of his final moments to the public this week, prompting Mayor Lovely Warren to suspend all seven officers involved in the death. The Monroe County medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint. The report also listed excited delirium and acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP, as contributing factors. I have never shied away from taking action and holding our police or anyone that fails in their duties in our community accountable, Mayor Warren told reporters Thursday. That is why I am suspending the officers in question today, against the advice of counsel. You cannot stand around and allow these types of things to happen. You have a duty,' she continued. 'Mr. Daniel Prude was failed by the police department, our mental health care system, our society, and he was failed by me.' "The show is very big and has many highlights, covering the needs of hotels at all aspects. I saw various intelligent products were showcased, they satisfied the current needs and development of smart hotels," said a journalist from HRC China, the sourcing directory for hotels and restaurants, "Hotel Plus is the first trade show for the hospitality industry after the epidemic situation is getting better. The large flow of people can be regarded as the vigorous momentum of continued development of the hotel industry." 2,100+ brands gather to form a one-stop sourcing platform for all categories of hotels and commercial space The show reaches an exhibition area of 210,000 sqm and gathers 2,100+ exhibitors, covering 8 exhibition halls of NECC which can be categorized into Hotel Textile & Uniforms (Hall 1.1), Hotel Supplies, Guest Room Appliances & Amenities (Hall 2.1), Cleaning, Air Purification, Facility, Epidemic Prevention (Hall 3.1), Contract Furniture & Hotel Mattress (Hall 4.1), Ceramics, Stones, Bathroom & Hardware Accessories, Engineering Design (Hall 5.1), Building & Decoration, Engineering Design (Hall 6.1), Lighting & Intelligence, Smart Hotel (Hall 7.1), Commercial Space, Vending Machine & Kiosk, Smart Retail (Hall 8.1). The exhibits range over all categories of construction and operation, serving as a one-stop sourcing platform for domestic hotels and commercial space. There are many well-known brands in the industry appeared at the show, including PHILIPS, Panasonic, Haier, GOLD, SSWW, Lamett, 3trees, Kingkoil, Serta, Sleemon, MYGLORY, BSD-Tech, DONGHONG, OPPLE, FLUA, ING+, Yunji Technology, Xie Zhu Technology, Canasin, Sidefu, Suntree, Tong Lang & ZIHUI, UG, COMAC, LYX, Gaussian Robotics, ChaoBao, Hako, Zoomgu, XINGX, KIMMA, Yile, SIXMORE, WISEIN, to name a few. "In recent years, construction projects have become a more mature sales channel for building material suppliers and contractors," says a reporter, "Hotel construction projects is an important part of all channels. Many well-known building material suppliers have a positive attitude. Through expanding sales channels, it is believed that they will usher in a turning point in the second half of this year." A reporter from focus.cn, China's leading real estate online service platform, said, "Building material manufacturers and contractors have established distribution channel for engineering and decoration projects one after another in recent years. Hotel engineering is one of the key sales channels for building material suppliers. Many industry big names are holding a positive attitude about it. I believe they can successfully make a comeback in the market after the epidemic in the second half of the year with the development of channels." 80+ activities and forums help on close communication with industry leaders Get inspired by design thoughts During the show period, several design forums were staged in turn, including China International Building & Interior Design Forum, China International Lighting Design Forum, Digital Business Innovation Forum, New Dining Era - Dining Space Design and Floral Furnishings, Hospitality Design Trend Forum and The Sixth Edition of China Real Estate Architects Summit Forum, comprehensively interpreting case studies and sharing design inspiration on interiors, architecture and lighting, and won the good reputation of the audience. Among them, the China International Building & Interior Design Forum held on 12th August 2020 in Hall 5.1 invited Yang Bangsheng, founder and CEO of YANG and Associates Group, Peter Mackey, Director of Chapman Taylor, Yun Du, Partner and Architectural Director of BLVD International, White Wang, Design Director of HKS Greater China, Angela He, Design and Projects Director of Hilton, Ray Zhou, Founder and Interior Design Creative Director of Vermilion Zhou Design Group, Evan Gu, Technical Director of Gensler Shanghai Branch, Shain Lim, Head of Design of Ezhen, Ben Wu, Founder of WS Group and W.Design, and James Lee, Founder and CEO of L'Avventura and Associates to share their latest projects and industry trends. In the afternoon of Hall 7.1, the Xiangguang Qianxing Lighting Design Forum was organized by Wang Kai, Hu Bin, Zhong Ming, Hu Fang, Yu Xiankai, Xu Qingliu, Bai Wanjun, Pi Wei and other well-known lighting designers, owners of wine management groups, and commercial Space owners and other industry professionals focused on the lighting design of hotels and commercial spaces in the post-epidemic era. Through classic and latest lighting case sharing and design trend analysis, they jointly discussed the new information, new weather and new future of the development of the relevant lighting industry. In the afternoon of the same day in Hall 7.1, Kai Wang, Director of BPI, Bin Hu, Chief Designer and Engineering Director of InterContinental Greater China, Ming Zhong, Founder and Chief Designer of Tungsten Studio, Fang Hu, Founder of Purilighting, Xiankai Yu, General Manager and Design Director of Hanrun International Lighting Design Company, Alex Xu, Principal Design of A&P, Wanjun Bai, General Manager and Creative Director of Bamboo Lighting Design shared their professional experience and design thinking in China International Lighting Design Forum with other well-known lighting designers, delegates from hotel management groups and commercial space owners to discuss post-COVID-19 lighting design trends for hotels and commercial space through presenting classic and latest cases. Focus on Hotels and Cultural Tourism As the iconic events of Hotel Plus, Hotel Uniform Show and Hotel Housekeeping Competition invited staff representatives from several star hotels to compete on the same stage, showing professional grace of hotel staff. In addition, there were a series of summit forums attended by hoteliers, investors, developers and designers including China Hotel AC Index Investment Forum (Shanghai) & Hotel Design Innovation Forum, 2020 Asia Hotel and Travel Forum Annual Meeting, 2020 China Hotel Procurement Conference, The 6th Star Hotel Renovation Forum, and LIWULI Salon - Searching Resources of Hotel Design & Pre-Opening, focusing on future development trend of hospitality and cultural tourism industry. Another highlight of Hotel Plus was Mockup Room Show through which hotel groups, real estate companies and design firms presented their latest hotel brands and concept guest rooms in real scenario. They included BTG Homeinns, Shimao Star Hotels Group, Funyard Hotels & Resorts, Opera Movie Hotel Group, GAI by GREENTOWN, IMAGIN, g.da group, and PFD+, exploring the investment and design trends of hotels and commercial space. Hotel Plus Mockup Room Show is another event highlight joined by hotels, real estates and design firms to build mockup rooms on the show floor. The line-up this year includes BTG Homeinns, Shimao Star Hotels Group, Funyard Hotels & Resorts, Opera Movie Hotel Group, GAI by GREENTOWN, IMAGIN, g.da group, and PFD+, has attracted many professional visitors to stop and appreciate, leading the investment and design development trend of hotels and commercial space. Explore Cleaning and Property Management China Cleaning Skill Competition and 2020 China (Shanghai) Property Management Summit Forum - Best Practices for Commercial Building and Facility Management grabbed the spotlight in the field of cleaning and facility management. The former event presented proficient and professional skills of cleaners while the latter shared domestic and international successful cases on property management and operation from a global perspective. Expand into Commercial and Retail Industry In partnership with China Commerce Association for General Merchandise (CCAGM), the Hotel Plus show fully expanded the resource into commercial and retail industry this year, planed and organized 2020 Shanghai International Shopping Mall Development Forum and The 4th Retail Technology Conference, to empower the commercial recovery in the post-epidemic world and future development of retail technology. Each forum was packed by attendees and received highly recognition from them. More concurrent events have been held successfully such as 2020 China New Business Brand Conference, The 2nd Unmanned Self-Service Retail Conference and New Shopping Trends of Younger Generation. 16 awards were released, witnessing the highlight moment of the industry On 12th August, the "Fusion 2020" Hotel Plus awards ceremony and gala dinner gathered industry insiders together to witness the highlight moment of the industry. The Hotel Plus Awards is focusing on cleaning, retailing, hotel and design, including 16 categories which are Best Cleaning Brand Awards, Cleaning Service Providers' Choice Awards, Most Popular Property and Facility Management Companies Awards, Best Mall Operator Awards, Best Retail Solution Awards, Best Smart Retail Supplier Awards, Best Hotel Supplier Awards, Hoteliers' Choice Awards, Designers' Choice Awards, Best Engineering Decoration Suppliers for Hotels and Commercial Space Awards, Best Lighting Brand for Hotels and Commercial Space Awards, Best Smart Hotel Technology Brand Awards, Best Mockup Room Design Awards, Best Designer Awards, Special Contribution Awards and Gold Awards 2020, to encourage excellent individuals, brands and suppliers who had made great contributions to the industry. See you in Hotel Plus 2021 Thanks to the great support from China Tourist Hotel Association, China Commerce Association for General Merchandise, China Association of Lighting Industry and China Architectural Culture Centre, Hotel Plus 2020 ended perfectly after 3 days Hotel Plus will keep moving forward, digging deep into the industry and contributing to the market revival after the epidemic. Stay tuned for the next edition of Hotel Plus taking place at SNIEC from 30 March - 2 April 2021. SOURCE Sinoexpo Informa Markets US President Donald Trump has pleaded for Iran to spare the life of a 'great and popular wrestling star' condemned to death after being convicted of murder. Navid Afkarai, 27, was found guilty of the 'voluntary homicide' of a water department worker in Shiraz, southern Iran, who was stabbed to death on August 2, 2018, according the judiciary's Mizan Online news agency. 'Hearing that Iran is looking to execute a great and popular wrestling star, 27-year-old Navid Afkarai, whose sole act was an anti-government demonstration on the streets,' Trump tweeted in a rare direct appeal to the Iranian government. 'To the leaders of Iran, I would greatly appreciate if you would spare this young man's life, and not execute him. Thank you!' he tweeted, tagging a Fox News story on the wrestler and the UFC mixed martial arts organization and its president Dana White. Trump is a longtime fan of watching various forms of wrestling and is close to Ms White. However, he has taken an aggressive approach to longtime US foe Iran since becoming president, enacting crippling sanctions. Iran's Supreme Court confirmed two death sentences for wrestler Navid Afkari (pictured) along with six years and six months in prison and 74 lashes. A state television-linked news agency said it was for the murder of a public servant US President Donald Trump pleaded with Iranian authorities to reconsider the 'great and popular wrestling star's' death sentence in a set of Tweets (pictured) An Iranian state television-linked news agency reported Thursday that Afkari had been sentenced to death. Anti-government protests and demonstrations over economic and social hardship were held in Shiraz and several other urban centres across the country in 2018. Reports published abroad say Afkari, aged 27, was condemned on the basis of confessions extracted under torture, prompting online campaigns of support for his release. The Young Journalists Club (YJC) said the wrestler who competed in national tournaments, was convicted on the basis of 'qisas', the Islamic law of retribution. Navid (left) and his brother Vahid (right) were sentenced by Iran's supreme court along with a third brother, Habib According to media close to Iran's conservative camp, several religious establishments were attacked in 'rioting' by demonstrators. Mizan on Wednesday denied the charge. Afkari's lawyer, Hassan Younessi, said the ruling had been approved by Iran's supreme court and could not be appealed, but he would seek a retrial on the basis of new information, YJC reported. The lawyer said the ruling was made without any proof presented in court, although Mizan said surveillance video had identified Afkari as the perpetrator. London-based rights group Amnesty International said Iran executed at least 251 people last year, the world's second highest toll after China. An Iranian opposition group quoted their mother Bahieh Namjou (pictured) as saying the brothers had been arrested by plain-clothes officers without a warrant Iran's Supreme Court confirmed two death sentences for Navid Afkari along with six years and six months in prison and 74 lashes, according to Persian-language broadcaster Iran International on Tuesday. His brother, Vahid Afkari, received a prison sentence of 54 years, while a third brother, Habib, was given 27 years and both will receive 74 lashes. Iran's judiciary charged the brothers with 20 different crimes including 'attending illegal gatherings, assembly and conspiracy to commit crimes against national security, and insulting the supreme leader.' A source close to the brothers said Navid, who has no prior criminal record, and his siblings had joined in the protests 'so the judiciary deemed the participation of all three brothers as the organisation of a group'. It is not clear why two death sentences were handed down to the same person. Pictured: Demonstrators gather during a pro-government demonstration to react to protests due to fuel price increase of Iran, on November 25, 2019 in Tehran, Iran Iran International reported that Navid and Vahid Afkari were severely tortured to give confessions. The US government made similar claims, alleging that 'Khamenei's thugs tortured Navid to the point that he confessed to fake crimes'. 'Those who were not satisfied with trampling on Navid's human dignity have now sentenced him to death,' a Persian-language statement said. The court even heard testimony from witnesses who described the beatings and torture, it is claimed, but judges ignored it. An Iranian opposition group quoted their mother Bahieh Namjou as saying the brothers had been arrested by plain-clothes officers without a warrant. Pictured: Methods of torture allegedly used by police in Iran against citizens who took part in the November 2019 demonstrations against the petrol price hike and the government. Amnesty International released the above images to demonstrate the methods British-Iranian actress Nazanin Boniadi pleaded with Iran not to execute the brothers, saying: 'Champion wrestler Navid Afkari has been sentenced to death for participating in anti-government protests in Iran. 'Those close to him have said he was subjected to a forced confession under torture. Stop executions in Iran.' On Wednesday, Amnesty International accused Iran's security forces of using torture to extract confessions, saying hundreds of people have been jailed since a sweeping crackdown against protests last year. Demonstrations erupted across Iran in November 2019 after a major petrol price hike, but they were put down by security forces with mass arrests amid a near-total internet blackout. The protests divided Iran, with some coming out in support of the government following the demonstrations. Pictured: Iranians burn US flags during a rally to show their support to the Islamic Republic system and to condemn the demonstrators The research done by Amnesty International (pictured, file photo) took 500 names of people who claimed they were subject to torture methods, forcing them to confess to crimes Amnesty said it had gathered dozens of testimonies from the 7,000 people it estimated were arrested, which included children as young as 10. The accounts reveal 'a catalogue of shocking human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture and other ill-treatment', the London-based human rights group said. Torture techniques included water boarding, beating, electric shocks, pepper spraying genitals, sexual violence, mock executions and pulling out finger and toe nails, Amnesty reported. Those arrested were tortured into 'confessions' of involvement in the protests, membership of opposition groups or contact with foreign governments and media, it added. Torture and other ill-treatment by police, intelligence operatives and others 'was widespread', the rights group said. Amnesty said it had recorded the names of more than 500 people 'subjected to unfair criminal proceedings in connection with the protests'. Donald Trump made multiple disparaging remarks about members of the US military who had been captured or killed, and referred to the American war dead at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France as losers and suckers, according to reports. The president said the story, first reported in The Atlantic, is totally false. A senior Defence Department official with first-hand knowledge of events and a senior Marine Corps officer who was told about Mr Trumps comments confirmed some of the remarks to the Associated Press, including the cemetery incident. The officials said he made the comments as he begged off visiting the cemetery outside Paris during a meeting following his presidential daily briefing on the morning of November 10 2018. What animal would say such a thing? Donald Trump Staff from the National Security Council and the Secret Service told Mr Trump that rainy weather made helicopter travel to the cemetery risky, but they could drive there. He responded by saying he did not want to visit the cemetery because it was filled with losers, the official said. At the time the White House blamed the cancelled visit on poor weather. In another conversation on the trip, The Atlantic said, Mr Trump referred to the 1,800 marines who died in the First World War battle of Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed. He denied the Atlantic report, calling it a disgraceful situation by a terrible magazine. Speaking to reporters after he returned to Washington from a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Mr Trump said: I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal nobody what animal would say such a thing? Expand Close John McCain (Cliff Owen/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John McCain (Cliff Owen/PA) He also reiterated the White House explanation of why he did not visit the cemetery. The helicopter could not fly, he said, because of the rain and fog. The Secret Service told me you cant do it. They would never have been able to get the police and everybody else in line to have a president go through a very crowded, very congested area. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said: Its sad the depths that people will go to during a lead-up to a presidential campaign to try to smear somebody. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, whose son served in Iraq, said: If the revelations in todays Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the president of the United States. Duty, honour, country those are the values that drive our service members. I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honour their sacrifice always. The defence officials also confirmed to the AP that Mr Trump, on Memorial Day 2017, had gone with chief of staff John Kelly to visit the Arlington Cemetery gravesite of Mr Kellys son Robert, who was killed in 2010 in Afghanistan, and said to Mr Kelly: I dont get it. What was in it for them? The senior Marine Corps officer and The Atlantic, citing sources with first-hand knowledge, also reported that Mr Trump said he did not want to support the August 2018 funeral of Republican senator John McCain, a decorated navy veteran who spent years as a Vietnam prisoner of war, because he was a loser. The Atlantic reported that the president was angered that flags were flown at half-mast for Mr McCain, saying: What the f*** are we doing that for? Guy was a f****** loser. Trump acknowledged Thursday he was never a fan of McCain and disagreed with him, but said he still respected him and approved everything to do with his first-class triple-A funeral without hesitation because I felt he deserved it. In 2015, shortly after launching his presidential candidacy, Mr Trump publicly criticised Mr McCain, saying: Hes not a war hero, and adding:: I like people who werent captured. The magazine said Mr Trump also referred to former president George HW Bush as a loser because he was shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in the Second World War. Days after the West Bengal government issued an order allowing recommencement of Metro services from September 8, Manoj Joshi, the general manager of the rapid transit system, on Friday said the final date for resuming operations will be fixed shortly. Currently, the modalities for crowd control are being worked out, he said. "The final date (for service resumption) shall be fixed shortly," Joshi told PTI. Earlier in the day, Indrani Banerjee, the spokesperson of Kolkata Metro, said the state government has proposed developing a system for issuing e-passes to commuters. She, however, did not give any further detail on how the system would be put to use. Senior officials of the Metro Railway and the state government met for the second time on Friday to discuss issues related to maintenance of social distancing norms and crowd management. "The state government has proposed developing a system for issuing e-passes to commuters for entering the Metro stations. It has sought certain information to facilitate the process of issuing e-passes. Metro Railway will provide the necessary information," she said. The officials are likely to meet again to finalise the modalities for ensuring strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, with the focus being on managing commuters at the gates of the Metro stations, Banerjee said after the meeting. The Union Home Ministry, in its Unlock 4 guidelines, has granted permission for resumption of Metro Railway services in cities from September 7 in a graded manner. (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.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-05 03:35:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Four members of Yemen's government forces were killed Friday when Saudi Arabia-led coalition "mistakenly" bombed their vehicle in Yemen's northeastern province of al-Jawf, a military official told Xinhua. According to the local military source who asked to remain anonymous, "an airstrike carried out by the Saudi-led coalition mistakenly struck a military vehicle east of Al Hazm area in al-Jawf." He said that the eastern part of Al Hazm has been witnessing non-stop fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters during the past 24 hours. He clarified that "a military vehicle of the government forces advanced towards the Houthi-controlled sites, and that an airstrike accidentally struck it, killing four soldiers and wounding three others." The source indicated that confrontations are still continuing between the two sides and that the coalition warplanes launched a series of air raids against the Houthi rebels there. The Iran-allied Houthi rebels control much of al-Jawf and government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition are attempting to expel the rebels out of the province. Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Houthi group seized control of much of the country's north and forced the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbuh Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. The Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi's government. Enditem Midland County recorded 10 new confirmed coronavirus cases Thursday, bringing the pandemic total to 344 cases, 94 probable cases and 11 deaths, according to the state report. However, the Midland County Health Department, in its weekly report Thursday, showed 347 confirmed cases, 95 probable cases and 11 deaths. Case numbers can change or fluctuate depending on when various laboratory results are received or recorded. "It is impossible to present real time data during this constantly changing event," said Fred Yanoski, Midland County Department of Public Health director/health officer. The health department's Thursday report listed 308 recoveries 24 since a week ago and 31 hospitalizations, two since last week. The age groups in the health department's weekly report that saw the highest case additions were 50-59, with 11 cases, confirmed and probable, and 20-29, with nine cases and 0-19, with seven cases. The 70-79 age group had six cases added, and the 60-69 age group had four cases added, while the 30-39 added three cases and 40-49 added one case and the 80+ added no cases. People younger than 50 make up 64.8% of total Midland County cases, confirmed and probable, as of Thursday, Sept. 3. In the Central Michigan University outbreak, the Central Michigan District Health Department has identified 247 cases (232 confirmed and 15 probable) related to students returning to the Mount Pleasant area. Case counts include current students, former students and those living both inside and outside of the community who were identified as being associated with other cases related to return to school. The state on Thursday reported no deaths in the five-county region Midland, Bay, Gladwin, Isabella and Saginaw counties that the Daily News has been chronicling since the start of the pandemic. Thursday, Sept. 3 daily numbers Bay County: 14 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 761 cases, 89 probable, 42 deaths. Gladwin County: One case was added; pandemic total stands at 72 cases, eight probable, two deaths. Isabella County: 13 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 488 cases, 56 probable, 10 deaths. Saginaw County: 28 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 2,411 cases, 173 probable, 129 deaths and three probable deaths. The state on Thursday added 685 new cases and 10 deaths. Overall, Michigan is at 104,395 cases and 6,519 deaths. Testing The state report shows as of Thursday, Sept. 3, Midland County has performed 11,294 diagnostic tests and 771 serology (antibodies) tests, totaling 12,065 tests. Gladwin County is listed as having administered 4,281 diagnostic tests and 131 serology (antibodies) tests, totaling 4,412 tests. Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on Aug. 31 was listed at 3.2%, and medium risk of spread. Gladwin County was listed at 0.4% and low risk. The Saginaw region, which includes 12 counties, including Midland, Gladwin, Bay and Saginaw counties, was listed at 2.5% and low risk and Michigan at 3%, a medium risk. A positivity rate of less than 3% indicates a lack of community spread, according to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive. As of Aug. 31, MidMichigan Health which covers a 23-county region and has medical centers at seven sites, including Midland has completed a total of 20,503 tests. Of those, 19,430 were negative, 237 positive and 836 are pending. Nursing Homes Brittany Manor in Midland is listed in the state report as having four cumulative cases and one death among residents as of Sept. 2, and five cumulative cases and no deaths among staff. Midland Kings Daughters is reporting one cumulative case among staff and Medilodge of Midland is reporting two cumulative cases among staff. The other reporting facility, Stratford Pines, is reporting no cases. Gladwin Pines Nursing Home is listed as having two cumulative confirmed cases and no deaths among residents as of Aug. 26, and one confirmed case and no deaths among staff. Gladwin Nursing & Rehabilitation Community, the other long-term health facility reporting to the state, is reporting one cumulative confirmed case among residents and three cumulative cases among staff. Recovered As of Sept. 3, the Midland County health department website lists 308 recovered cases and 31 hospitalizations since the pandemic start. The state lists the total recovered at 76,151 cases, as of Aug. 28, which represents COVID-19 confirmed individuals with an onset date on or prior to July 29, according to the state website, mich.gov. Midland County Health Department data People younger than 40 make up 55.4% of total Midland County cases, confirmed and probable, as of Sept. 3. Of Midland Countys 442 confirmed and probable cases, 20.9% cases are in 0-19 age range; 20% in 20-29 age range; 14.5% in 30-39 age range; 13.4% in 40-49 age range; 15.5% in 50-59 age range; 6.6% in 60-69 age range; 5.9% in 70-79 age range, and 3.2% in 80+ age range, as of Sept. 3. Of Midlands 11 deaths, five have been female and six male. One was between the ages of 50-59; four were between ages of 70-79, and six were 80 years and older. As of Sept. 3, 81% of cases have fallen within the 48640 and 48642 (mostly Midland) zip codes. Next highest were 48657 (Sanford) with 6.8% of cases and 48618 (Coleman) with 5.9% of cases. Cases by race, as of Sept. 3: 86.3% were listed as caucasian; 2.4% as Black; 3.3% as Asian; 0.9% listed as two or more races; and 6.4% were unknown. MidMichigan Health statistics Patient census: MidMichigan Health system is listed as having 13 COVID-19 patients, including one COVID-19 patient in ICU, and 57.70% bed occupancy, as of Sept. 3. PPE days on hand as of Sept. 3: The health system reported 7-14 days for N95 masks; 0-6 days for surgical masks; 7-14 days for surgical gowns; 21+ days for shields and 7-14 days for gloves. Recommendations for public Socially distance at least 6 feet from non-household members. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Wear face coverings in public. Stay home when sick. Covering coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues in the trash right after use. Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning wipe or spray. Where to get help If you think you've been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice. If he/she isn't available, call MidMichigan Urgent Care in Midland at 989-633-1350 or MidMichigan Medical Center's Emergency Department in Midland at 989-839-3100. MidMichigan Health has a COVID-19 informational hotline with a reminder of CDC guidelines and recommendations. The hotline can be reached toll-free at 800-445-7356 or 989-794-7600. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also has a hotline number for Michigan residents for questions about COVID-19. The number is 1-888-535-6136 and is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also e-mail COVID19@michigan.gov. E-mails will be answered seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed and feel you need to talk to someone, reach out to Community Mental Health for Central Michigan by calling 800-317-0708. Brie Larson has revealed the Marvel films she auditioned for before landing the lead role in 2019s Captain Marvel. On the actors official YouTube channel, she revealed she had tried out for parts in films way back in the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Iron Man 2 and Thor. It has not been confirmed which roles she was trying out for, but at the time of the Iron Man 2 audition, Larson, now 30, would have still been a teenager. Iron Man 2 was directed by Jon Favreau and released in 2010, while Thor, which was directed by Kenneth Brannagh and starred Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman, was released in 2011. In the video, entitled AUDITION STORYTIME (pt 2), Larson also names a host of other projects which rejected her, and shared some auditioning tips for budding actors. Larson as Captain Marvel (Rex Features) Among the non-Marvel films for which Larson unsuccessfully auditioned were Avatar, Sucker Punch, Gullivers Travels, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, The Book of Eli, Get Him to the Greek, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Juno and Pitch Perfect. What? I didnt even remember that I auditioned for Avatar, she joked. Larson also listed the projects for which she made it through to the final round of the auditioning process, which included the AMC series Halt and Catch Fire. Captain Marvel made more than a billion dollars for its studio last year. Larson is set to reprise the role of superhuman Carol Danvers in a planned sequel. W&M has plan to manage, mitigate impacts of possible positive COVID-19 cases Prevention is key: Protecting the safety and health of the university and surrounding communities is a top goal at William & Mary, as students and employees are required to wear masks and maintain proper physical distancing. Photo by Jim Agnew Safe housing: The rooms at Richmond Hall have beds already made and bath linens placed on the bed. Many essentials, such as bars of soap, a mini-refrigerator, microwave and trash cans with extra liners will be in every room. Submitted photo Photo - of - Hide Caption Protecting the safety and health of the university and surrounding communities is a top goal at William & Mary, as students and employees are required to wear masks and maintain proper physical distancing as outlined in the Healthy Together Community Commitment. The university also has a plan to manage and mitigate the impacts of any positive cases. We know were going to have positive cases, but what we want to be able to do is identify them quickly and separate them from their peers quickly, said Dr. David Dafashy, medical director at the Student Health Center. We know students are not at a high risk for complications from this virus. Theyre not going to get terribly ill, but the likelihood of it spreading is great because so many of them arent going to have symptoms whatsoever. So the very fact that this is not a particularly virulent virus in the 18-to-22-year old age group is exactly what makes it a rather dangerous virus for those that are at a higher risk. {{youtube:medium:right|bk1Otn6upP4, Identification and quick separation}} Many new students arrived on campus a few weeks back, and upperclassmen will return during the Labor Day weekend in advance of the start of in-person undergraduate classes Sept. 8. Prior to students arriving, W&M established a COVID-19 testing program that exceeds state health and CDC guidelines and is designed to be responsive to the most at-risk populations within the community. These testing protocols include mandatory screening of students before they arrive on campus and prevalence testing among students and employees to track campus trends relative to those locally, within Virginia and nationally. Prevalence testing of students and employees began August 25 and results are posted daily to W&Ms public dashboard. On Sept. 4, the university announced that all students who will be on campus this fall will undergo a required second round of testing, administered on-site. More information will be provided next week. W&M may also introduce additional testing tools, such as waste-water testing, as they become available. Moreover, the university has the capability to administer rapid tests to students who show symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. These testing methods will allow W&M to move swiftly in the event positive cases occur within the university community. I think by continuing to do surveillance testing at the rate that were planning on doing, and because the health center is going to be able to determine symptomatic cases very rapidly with the rapid antigen test, we're going to find ourselves better equipped to remove infected individuals from the population rather swiftly, Dafashy said. To me, that is what is going to create an environment that has this under control. Prevention is key During recent walks on campus, Dafashy has been encouraged by what he has seen from students and employees in regards to preventative measures and physical distancing. That, he says, will remain the most important factor in managing positive cases on campus as more students arrive for the fall semester. Recently when I have walked around campus, I have to say Ive been so impressed by the way students and faculty and staff are wearing masks appropriately and maintaining physical space, because those primary preventions are going to be what prevent an outbreak, Dafashy said. {{youtube:medium:right|OeyxrOw6UiQ, Minimizing close contacts}} When positive COVID-19 cases arise, William & Mary has a plan in place to isolate those sick students from the rest of the university community. It also has a plan for quarantining students who have had sustained exposure to the disease, which the CDC defines as being within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Students who experience symptoms are urged to make an appointment with the Student Health Center for a clinical assessment and testing if necessary. In the event of a positive test, students will be required to isolate for 10 days and must be without symptoms for the last 24 hours before they are cleared to return to campus. Through contact tracing, other students known to have had sustained contact with an infected person may be required to quarantine for 14 days. For students who live on campus, that isolation and quarantine will take place at Richmond Hall, a 100-room residence hall that has been outfitted to house students with COVID-19 and those who have been exposed to the disease. Students who live off campus will be required to isolate or quarantine in place in their homes or apartments. Students will also have the option of returning to their permanent homes with family to receive care or complete their isolation or quarantine. Remote access to classes and/or classwork will be made available to all students in isolation and quarantine. Richmond Hall is ideal because of the setup of the space, said Teresa Belback, director of Environmental Health & Safety. For simplicity sake, it allows students to reside there without shared resources like restrooms and kitchens, and then we are able to readily service them with food and other items just by leaving it outside their door and not having to enter their space and have contact with them. Richmond Hall: Clean, safe housing Richmond Hall was selected for isolation and quarantine because it offers the individual air handling system in each room necessary for the cleanest and safest housing, and it also provides bathrooms for each room, thereby eliminating common areas for occupants. It was available for use starting Aug. 12, the first day of First-Year Move-In. The rooms at Richmond Hall have beds already made and bath linens placed at the foot of the bed. Many essentials, such as bars of soap, a mini-refrigerator, microwave and trash cans with extra liners will be in every room. University WiFi is in place to allow students in isolation and quarantine the ability to attend classes remotely. Meal deliveries from Dining Services will occur twice daily, once for lunch and again with that days dinner and the next mornings breakfast. An on-site pantry containing drinks, frozen and shelf stable food and other sundries is also available to students. Support staff at Richmond Hall will be available to assist students during their stays. Staff are required to wear personal protective equipment at all times. One of the most important things to know is that quarantine and isolation housing is supported 24/7, said Mariellynn Maurer, director of W&M Conference & Event Services. We are here from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., but we are on call from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Our main purpose and daily task is to be here to support them and make them as comfortable as possible during a time that might be uncomfortable for them. Students should to bring a ready bag with them to include personal items, such as books, laptop, phone, chargers, prescriptions and clothing to last up to 14 days. We're actually informing people who make appointments here at the Student Health Center of the possibility of not going back to their dorm, so they should bring a bag including items they will need in isolation or quarantine, Dafashy said. William & Mary will have a physician on call 24 hours a day in charge of getting students checked into Richmond Hall in the event they receive a positive test or are informed of contact with an infected person. Medical care will be provided to students at Richmond Hall as deemed necessary. We will call everybody who has COVID-19 Monday through Friday to ask about symptoms or any concerns and to give medical advice, Dafashy said. The students will have access to a nurse line and an on-call physician during the weekend if they have any kind of emergent issues or medical questions. Rooms will be fully sanitized using the decontamination protocols put in place by Environmental Health & Safety after each use. While at Richmond Hall, as part of the universitys Healthy Together Community Commitment and the ongoing effort to safeguard the overall health of the community, students will be restricted to their rooms whether they are in quarantine or isolation. Common areas, offices and entranceways at Richmond Hall will be sanitized multiple times a day. Richmond Halls single gated entrance will be locked to all but very limited university personnel, including medical and cleaning staff. All outside deliveries will be made at the front of the building away from the rooms. Each room will have an outside receptacle for Richmond Hall staff to make touchless door-to-door deliveries. We've got a lot of administrative controls in place for our own staff to be distanced and not have direct contact with anybody whos here, but also we want to keep the public away from them too, Maurer said. High level of disinfection Students and employees who test positive for COVID-19 are asked to visit ReportCOVID.wm.edu as soon as possible to initiate case management that will help them navigate living, study and work after a positive test result, while protecting their privacy. These persons will receive instructions from a William & Mary physician or nurse and plans will be made for on-campus students to isolate for 10 days. Moreover, Environmental Health & Safety will quickly identify locations the student has been for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. If the person has been on campus, we have them identify their dorm room or office if they are an employee. We identify that location and areas that they might have impacted, such as the restroom and kitchen they use, Belback said. And depending on the accessibility of the area, if we can restrict access and allow additional time, like 72 hours, then our custodians will enter the space and will do a high level of disinfection. If the space needs to be accessed immediately, our current protocol is that we will disinfect using electrostatic sprayers and disinfectant, which typically allows the area to be reoccupied within an hour after treatment. W&M purchased electrostatic sprayers to disinfect large areas and has introduced a series of chemicals Vital Oxide, Virex Tb and Spectra 410 that are registered by the EPA as effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. The universitys facilities management cleans and disinfects high-contact areas in classrooms and public spaces on an accelerated schedule, consistent with CDC guidelines. Moreover, the university has installed hand sanitation stations across campus, touch-free technology payments in dining halls, touchless temperature check kiosks and new signage to explain new health protocols. Cleaning and disinfecting is done in tandem by the universitys custodial staff. Custodial workers are assigned areas on campus to monitor throughout the day, wiping down and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Custodial workers are required to wear personal protective equipment at all times. Staff are provided gloves, masks and face shields and have undergone mandatory health and safety training. All frontline custodial staff have been tested for COVID-19. Belback says these preemptive measures, along with students and employees wearing masks, adhering to physical distancing protocols and abiding by good hand hygiene, are the best defense in protecting campus from an outbreak. We've put a lot of controls in place that will reduce the risk of contracting this and we need everyone to adhere to those requirements, and when they do, it makes a significant difference, Belback said. And when they don't follow those requirements, such as the distancing and wearing a mask, they are not only increasing their risk, but the risk of others that they're interacting with. Mumbai, Aug 12 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing the money laundering case in connection with late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has seized the mobile phones of his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik, and her fathe Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Sep 4 : Tightening its noose around Rhea Chakraborty, the Narcotics Control Bureau on Friday night arrested her brother Showik and Sushant Singh Rajput's house manager Samuel Miranda as it probed the drug angle in the death of the Bollywood star. According to NCB officials, the duo was arrested after 10 hours of questioning. Earlier in the day, the NCB also carried out searches at the residences of Showik and Miranda. They also seized Showik's laptop and mobile phone. The NCB had also told a court that Showik used to order ganja and marijuana from drug-peddler Abdul Basit Parihar and make payments to him over Google Pay. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery Right off the bat, Honda knew that it couldnt compete with the Tacoma because of the unibody underpinning from the Pilot three-row crossover. This is one of the reasons the Ridgeline sold 33,334 examples in the U.S. last year, and a question arises as a result. Why is Honda so reluctant to develop a ladder-frame architecture?This question is all the more important if you remember that the Passport from the 1994 model year is actually an Isuzu Rodeo, which was based on a truck. You need to look at the automakers U.S. lineup to understand why a body-on-frame platform makes little sense from a commercial standpoint, even more so if you remember that the competition has more experience and more bragging rights in this segment.Despite this state of affairs, pixel artist Kleber Silva used his Photoshop skills to combine the Ridgelines front fascia with the profile, bed, tailgate, and ladder frame of the GMC Canyon. The resulting rendering isnt half bad although theres no denying the truck is rather generic from an aesthetic standpoint. Honda knows it as well, which is why a new design language is in the pipeline for the 2022 Civic.As far as hauling is concerned, the Ridgeline is rated at 5,000 pounds of towing and 1,580 pounds of payload for the 2021 model year. The more rugged rival is good for up to 1,620 and 7,600 pounds depending on the powertrain and cabin option. In other words, Honda would have to invest a lot of money into an all-new vehicle architecture in order to match the mid-size pickup from General Motors without the guarantee that sales will match or exceed those of the rivaling truck. Oh, and by the way, thats not the only reason the Ridgeline wont get a ladder-frame chassis. Honda is in the middle of a cost-cutting spree, streamlining production all across the world. In addition to closing a handful of the least profitable plants it owns, the Japanese automaker is also investing heavily in electrification technologies. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) Popular Filipino vlogger Lloyd Cadena passed away on Friday, his family confirmed on his official Facebook page. He was 26. His death came more than two weeks before his 27th birthday. It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the untimely demise of our beloved brother Lloyd Cafe Cadena," the post read. "May he be remembered for all the joy and laughter he shared with everyone. My family and I ask for your prayers, respect, and privacy during this time," the Cadena family added, without disclosing details of his demise. Cadena, known for his hilarious videos, began his YouTube channel in 2011 and has since become one of the country's most popular vloggers. He now has more than five million subscribers on the platform and over 6.5 million followers on Facebook. Cadena quickly rose as top trending topic on Twitter as condolences poured out for him, from social media personalities, celebrities, and fans. Mark Averilla, better known as Macoy Dubs, grieved the loss of a friend and fellow Colegio de San Juan de Letran graduate. Ang hirap tanggapin kasi napakabuting kaibigan ni Lloyd sa amin, Averilla said. Deserve niya lahat ng success na na-receive niya. [Translation: It's hard to accept because Lloyd was a very good friend to us. He deserves all the success he has received.] Beauty vlogger Michelle Dy also melted netizens hearts as she mourned Cadenas passing. Lord why did you take away the only one I had, Dy said on her Instagram stories, along with videos of her crying. She shared how Cadena never left her side during the ups and downs in her life and career. Mariah Carey sent her prayers to the family and friends of Cadena, a known fan of the American superstar. "So sad RIP Lloyd, you will be missed ," Carey said, retweeting a post from a fan page. Netizens pointed out how Cadena spent his last days giving his mother a new house and helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. BRIDGEPORT City and federal law enforcement said they arrested a 24-year-old man in possession of a stolen loaded handgun during a SWAT raid on a Butler Avenue apartment Thursday. Jermaine Bethel was charged with the illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and illegal alteration of a firearm. Bridgeport gang unit police, statewide narcotics, FBI and ATF Officers executed a search warrant on Butler Avenue with the Emergency Services Unit , according to a press release from Bridgeport police. When police entered the apartment, they said they found Bethel laying on the couch in possession of a fully loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. He was arrested without incident. Upon further investigation, the firearm was confirmed stolen, police said. Bethel was also charged with failure to properly store a loaded firearm, risk of injury to a child, stealing a firearm, and first-degree violation of a condition of release. His bond was set at $10,000. Bridgeport police previously arrested Bethel in June and charged him with illegal possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, court records show. He was released in that case after posting 10 percent on $1,000 bond, and is due in Bridgeport superior court on Nov. 12 for his arraignment. A CDC study examined mental health symptoms in four different U.S. school districts during 20142018. Based on teacher and parent reports, about 1 in 6 students had enough behavioral or emotional symptoms and impairment to be diagnosed with a childhood mental disorder; rates varied among the different sites. Schools, communities, and healthcare providers can use this information to plan for the healthcare and school service needs of children and adolescents with mental disorders. Screening, identifying, and referring children and adolescents to effective treatments can help prevent or lower the negative effects of mental disorders. Read the scientific summaryexternal icon Main Findings For this study, teachers in selected school districts were first asked to complete a short questionnaire (screening) to determine a students risk for a mental disorder. Then, the parents of selected students were invited to complete a more structured diagnostic interview to determine if their child met criteria for a mental disorder. Overall, 1 in 6 students had enough symptoms and impairment to meet the criteria for one or more childhood mental disorders. Anxiety disorders were the most commonly reported mental disorders, followed by oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Risk for disorders varied greatly from community to community. Based on the screen done by teachers, between 1 in 6 and 1 in 3 students were at high risk for a mental disorder, depending on which community they were from. Teachers identified a higher percentage of boys, non-Hispanic Black students, and students receiving free or reduced-price lunch as high risk for mental disorders than their peers at all or most sites, but there were generally no demographic differences in the percentage of students who met the criteria for a mental disorder based on parent report. This means that estimating effects of race or income on symptoms gave different results depending on the way that symptoms were examined. Helping Students at Risk Schools may consider screening students for mental health concerns and providing effective prevention services external icon . . Pediatric and family medicine clinics can use these estimates to understand how many students may need services. Communities can work with schools to integrate mental health services in schools and provide referral and treatment services. Public health can use these estimates to plan for healthcare and school service needs, as well as to watch changes over time. About This Study The Project to Learn About Youth-Mental Health (PLAYMH) was a school-based study designed to estimate how many K-12 students had specific mental disorders. Information was collected from 20142018 in four different school districts in four U.S. states (Colorado, Florida, Ohio, and South Carolina). The school districts were in urban, suburban, and rural areas, varied in size, and included students from different socio-economic and racial and ethnic backgrounds. Information was collected in two stages. In Stage 1, teachers in selected school districts completed validated screening questionnaires to describe students emotional, behavioral, or tic symptoms. A sample of students at high risk and students at low risk were invited to participate in the second stage. In Stage 2, parents completed a structured diagnostic interview about their childs emotional or behavioral symptoms. The information was used to determine whether children had enough symptoms and impairment to meet the criteria for a mental disorder. Although the students come from four school districts in four states and represent a variety of backgrounds, it is not known whether the same findings would apply to students in other school districts or regions. About Childrens Mental Health Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions that causes distress and problems getting through the day. Many children experience occasional fears and worries, or disruptive behaviors. If symptoms are severe and persistent and interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with a mental disorder. Among the more common mental disorders that can be diagnosed in childhood are ADHD, anxiety, and behavior disorders, such as ODD. It is important to watch for mental disorders in children and understand how they are treated because they can have a significant effect on overall health and relationships throughout life. Identifying problems early can help children get the support they need. Our Work CDCs National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) works to provide a better understanding of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders so affected children and adolescents and their families get the support they need. More Information References on Friday recorded 5,976 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 4,51,827, while 79 fatalities pushed the death toll to 7,687, the Health department said. Active cases stood at 51,633 with 6,334 discharges from various healthcare facilities and in total 3,92,507 have recovered, a health department bulletin said. According to the bulletin, 83,699 samples were tested today, taking the tally to 51,30,741 till date. Chennai clocked 998 new cases while neighbouring Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet districts collectively contributed 784 of the new infections. Ranipet, Tirupattur, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Kallakurichi recorded a total of 875 cases today. Cuddalore and Coimbatore saw a sharp spike of 499 and 595 cases respectively. Madurai recorded 123 new cases while Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Tirunelveli and Trichy saw their numbers going up by over 100 infections each. Of the state's tally of 4,51,827 cases, Chennai's share was 1,39,720, the bulletin said. As many as 25 people who had tested positive today were returnees from various destinations. Of the 79 dead, eight had comorbidities who were between 48 years and 58 years. A 22-year old man from Cuddalore district who was COVID-19 positive with "morbid obesity' was admitted to the district government hospital and died on September 3. The deceased also included two 90-year old men, the bulletin 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.) CHICAGO, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CTEK knows transportation is at the frontline of the COVID-19 battle. This is why CTEK's smart battery chargers are helping ensure batteries in essential and emergency vehicles are charged and ready to go. CTEK's commitment to helping power the fight against COVID-19 has been featured in USA Today's recently published special edition Homeland Security. http://bit.ly/ctekusatoday CTEK's smart battery charges are helping ensure batteries in essential and emergency vehicles are charged and ready to go. CTEK's commitment to helping power the fight against COVID-19 has been featured in USA Today's recently published special edition Homeland Security. CTEK's aim is to make battery charging as reliable, safe, and easy-to-use as possible. Whether it's an ambulance responding to an emergency, a truck conveying critical supplies, an essential worker commuting to work, or a parent taking their child to school, we depend on our vehicles now more than ever. That crucial reliance on vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic is detailed in the USA Today feature. For most, a flat vehicle battery is an inconvenience, but in the fight against COVID-19, it could mean life or death. "We know frontline responders have enough on their minds already. They shouldn't have to worry about a flat vehicle battery," said Bobbie DuMelle, Executive Vice President for CTEK North America. CTEK's aim is to make battery charging as reliable, safe, and easy-to-use as possible. To combat COVID-19, CTEK provided emergency services globally with critical equipment. CTEK chargers are providing reliable power management for ambulances, rapid response vehicles, and health care supply equipment. "In an emergency, time is crucial, and people expect us to arrive as quickly as possible. It's important that our emergency and rapid response vehicles be able to start when we need them to. A flat battery at a critical time could be catastrophic," said Matthew Carlson, deputy fire chief of the Colona Fire Department, in Illinois. "CTEK chargers help our batteries stay charged so we're always ready to answer emergency calls." During this worldwide fight against COVID-19, CTEK chargers are powering sanitizing and disinfecting equipment. "Disinfecting misting machines are used at hospitals and schools across the nation to sanitize and kill viruses and bacteria. CTEK's MXS 5.0 12-volt battery charger is assembled in every Karcher PS 4/7 Bp hospital-grade misting system to ensure the critical sanitizing machine can be reliably recharged and ready for use," explained Jason Mitchell, president of R/A Hoerr Inc., the supplier for CTEK assemblies to disinfecting machine manufacturer Karcher. All across America, COVID-19 has changed driving habits, resulting in an increase in flat vehicle batteries. With work-from-home policies eliminating the daily commute, vehicles are only used for short distances - not giving the alternator enough time to charge the battery - or left parked for long periods of time, leading to sulfation, which can kill a battery. At CTEK, "Maximizing Battery Performance" isn't just a slogan, it's at the heart of everything the company does. "Relying on your battery is important, no matter if you're an EMT responding to an emergency call, a parent going to the store to buy groceries, or a hospital custodian working to disinfect a patient's room," said DuMelle. CTEK chargers are safe and easy to use. Connect and Forget simplicity means a charger can remain connected to the battery and the float/pulse maintenance stage will provide optimal care during periods of inactivity without damaging the battery. For more information about CTEK's efforts to power the frontline or to purchase chargers or accessories, visit www.smartercharger.com. ABOUT CTEK, INC. CTEK is a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries. CTEK's unparalleled knowledge and continuous investment in innovation means they push the boundaries of research and development to bring new and unique battery charging technologies to the global market. CTEK offers the market high-quality, reliable chargers and accessories that are effective, easy to use (plug and play), and, most importantly, safe (for the user, the vehicle electronics, the battery, and the charger). CTEK sells over one million battery chargers globally and supplies chargers to the world's most recognized manufacturers. Contact: Bobbie DuMelle, Executive Vice President CTEK North America (312) 967-1430 [email protected] www.smartercharger.com SOURCE CTEK Elliott, OBryan and others embarked on a legal deception worth millions and they would have got away with it if it wasnt for a retired Adelaide nurse and a curious former bus driver from Ballarat, who saw what a succession of courts couldnt that something wasnt quite right in the $64 million case and refused to be bullied into silence. They wanted to charge ridiculous amounts just to distribute funds, former nurse Wendy Botsman says. But when these legal big guns turned on her after she refused to accept their outrageous claims, she had someone on her side prepared to fire back. To understand what happened over eight years, we first need to understand the nature of class action litigation. In many cases, individuals wronged by big companies do not have the money for a prolonged legal battle and the corporations simply stare them down. But when there are thousands of victims, they can band together in one action under the name of a lead plaintiff. They can get justice without further financial risk. Such cases can be spectacular. Power company SP Ausnet agreed to pay $496 million in compensation to 5000 victims of the 2009 Black Saturday fire in Kilmore. These actions can take years and require a third-party funder financiers (punters in pinstripe suits) who pour in millions to pay the legal costs in exchange for a slice of the final settlement. Where there are big piles of money, there are those with even bigger appetites and some of the funders started to gouge, taking more than was reasonable. In one case, the funders and lawyers wanted $11 million of a $12 million settlement. Then the courts stepped in. A judge would decide what was a reasonable cut (usually between 20 and 30 per cent) of the final pot, taking into account monies spent and risks taken. When done right, class actions meant victims were compensated, unethical or lax corporations punished, funders rewarded and justice served. Enter Mark Elliott, smart, charismatic and with a nose for an opportunity. He had already made a fortune as an investor and executive at Computershare and saw class actions as another business opportunity. Elliott wanted to redefine these big cases with a business model that was clever, unique and as we will see completely unlawful. The late Mark Elliott leaves court during the Myer shareholder class action. Credit:Paul Jeffers He set up Elliott Legal, described as a boutique law firm specialising in ... the conduct of complex class action litigation. In the beginning, Elliott bought small packages of shares in 165 publicly listed companies and lay in wait to launch actions. Under this model, Elliott, as a shareholder, would be a plaintiff (payment one), his firm would run the action (payment two) and he would act as the funder entitled to a large settlement percentage (payment three). He would tell potential clients he was driven by a sense of justice and felt like he was swimming with sharks in the deadly sea of class action litigation. As some of his cases bounced around the courts, judge after judge pointed out there were significant conflicts of interest. So Elliott refined his model. He would move much of the grunt legal work to another firm and finance the process through Australian Funding Partners Limited. He owned 76 per cent of AFPL and the remainder was owned by the wife of Norman OBryan, SC. Elliott launched 18 class actions but one that appeared particularly juicy was Banksia Securities, a Kyabram company that funded property and development projects. It had raised $663 million from 15,622 investors (mostly country retirees) when in 2012 it sank like the Titanic. Within months, Elliott began proceedings against Banksia on behalf of the investors. One was former nurse Wendy Botsman, who had invested about $24,000. Another was former bus driver Keith Pitman, who even in his late 70s would stand in the main streets of Ballarat for hours to sell RSL badges for the Anzac Day Appeal. OBryan was the senior counsel and stood to make millions through the Banksia claim. Even when the obvious conflict of interest was pointed out by Chief Justice Anne Ferguson, they pressed on. When she said OBryan could not act as the lead barrister while his family owned shares in the funding company, he promised to divest that interest. The broader issue was whether there was actually a need for a class action because receivers had been appointed to recover as much money as possible, funds that would be reduced once Elliott took a giant bite. The case rolled on and there was finally a settlement of $64 million (after the receivers took their fees). Then it was up to a court to decide what was a fair slice for Elliotts funding company. In such a case, the court can appoint a contradictor a person to examine all the bills. In January 2018, they argued in the Supreme Court that as they had done everything by the book, appointing a contradictor would waste the money of the poor victims and delay their much-needed payment. Justice Clyde Croft, believing that as officers of the court OBryan and Elliott were telling the truth, found appointing a contradictor would be a gratuitous waste of limited resources". On January 30, 2018, he approved the $64 million settlement and ordered Elliotts company be paid $12.8 million (plus GST) and the legal team $4.75 million (plus GST). Except Pitman smelled a rat. During subsequent hearings, he would rise early, pack a lunch and take a train to the Supreme Court to make sure he wasnt railroaded. Now 84, he had $20,000 invested in Banksia. As one of 10 victims on a committee to oversee the return of investors' money, he saw receivers take $11 million, leaving $64 million. When Elliotts team wanted at least $20 million, I felt this was too steep. It was too much. Elliott had barged his way into this case and then wanted a lot of money for doing very little", Pitman says. Keith Pitman: smelled a rat. Credit:Eddie Jim When Banksia went under, it was devastating but then to find out about conflicts of interest and lawyers looking after themselves, instead of the people theyre supposed to be helping, has been unbelievable. Botsman wasnt comfortable either and unfortunately for Elliott and OBryan, her son, Chris, was a lawyer, then living in Sydney, who specialised in white-collar crime. He was also a heavyweight, having worked for the Financial Conduct Authority and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. He thought the settlement of $64 million was too low and the amount given to the funders and lawyers outrageously high. Chris asked questions on behalf of his mother and received rubbery responses. So he did what good lawyers do: he went to court arguing that a contradictor should be appointed. Wendy Botsman. Here, Elliott and OBryan made a fatal miscalculation, deciding to bully their way to victory. They went to court to stop Wendy Botsman, threatening her with financial ruin through inflated court costs, saying she could be forced to pay $5289 a day if her action failed. Even though they were told to send any documents to her lawyer and son, Chris, they had a process server turn up at her house an act clearly designed to intimidate. It was the legal version of a horses head in the bed. She was asked to provide details on the value of her house and her assets. And so the Banksia class action lawyers her lawyers were using the precise tactics class actions were meant to stop: threatening individual victims with financial ruin if they took on the big guys. It was very stressful, says Botsman, 73, "but Chris was very reassuring. She says if her son and his colleagues had not worked for nothing, no one would have stopped the class action lawyers' scandalous payment. Chris Botsman. Pitman says: If it wasnt for Chris taking them on, none of this would have come to light. The bullies failed and the Court of Appeal ordered a contradictor be appointed. It was the beginning of the end for the Elliott empire. The appointment of Peter Jopling, QC, as the contradictor would prove to be a masterstroke. Like OBryan, Jopling had been a brilliant Melbourne University law student, becoming an associate to High Court judges. Like OBryan, he was a senior barrister at the Bar and both were Order of Australia recipients. The two senior lawyers had contrasting styles. Jopling used the helicopter view, explaining his case in broad terms before returning to forensic detail. OBryan was a bulldozer. His approach was to set out his version of the facts, suggest his view was the only viable version of events and that anyone who thought differently was an idiot. Elliott, OBryan and junior barrister Michael Symons tried to thwart Joplings investigation by threatening him with costs, providing vague answers and delaying the production of documents. If OBryan was ever challenged, he would always double down, a colleague says. For smart lawyers, the Elliott team were particularly dumb. Jopling was exactly the wrong type of person to bully. They could have negotiated a compromise. They could have said that because Botsman was being so stubborn with her court action, they would compromise, taking a smaller slice of the pie to allow their elderly Banksia clients to get their money. Instead, it was the courtroom version of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. But one key player was not there. The architect of the whole dodgy scheme had died unexpectedly. It was reported that on February 13, Mark Elliott was found dead on a property in Flinders. A police report into the death found there was no foul play. On July 27, in front of Supreme Court Justice John Dixon, the final act in this legal tragedy began. There were 13 lawyers including five Silks representing all parties. Legal fees were likely to run at more than $100,000 a day. In one document, OBryan quipped he charged less than Jopling. The difference was Jopling was earning his fee. Behind the scenes, some legal heavyweights tried to persuade Jopling not to rock the boat, but he would not be deterred. Peter Jopling, QC, the man who finally cornered Norman O'Bryan. When Jopling took the stage (it was a remote hearing due to lockdown), he told Justice Dixon he would provide a helicopter view. In reality, he took a flamethrower to OBryan, the late Elliott and Symons. He told the court the team had spent years deceiving courts and had misled seven Supreme Court judges. It was Mr Elliott's idea. Mr O'Bryan joined him in as an equal co-venturer and Mr Symons was their willing and active recruit," Jopling said. The most striking feature of the course of conduct they pursued was that it involved each of them as lawyers acting dishonestly and without any regard to their duties, to their clients or their paramount duty to this court. The business model of AFPL and the lawyer parties was to make demands for costs that had no basis in fact and then to come up with bills to support these demands ... This was a party like no other. In his clipped and cultured voice, Jopling explained how Elliott wanted to charge $20 million and how legal bills were fabricated. He even read a text from Elliott of plans to double-cross the receivers who had done the bulk of the work. Whenever anybody got in the way of the $20 million that they were trying to seize for themselves from this litigation, Elliott, O'Bryan and Symons turned to threats and intimidation. Jopling said that far from getting nearly $20 million, they should get nothing, pay compensation to their clients and shoulder the legal costs. The question was how would the brilliant bareknuckle OBryan, the dux of every class, the lawyer who always doubled down, respond? No one saw it coming. Trapped in Joplings vice-like grip, OBryan tapped the mat and conceded. OBryans lawyer, David Batt, QC, told the court his client would not dispute the claims against him, would accept any financial punishment ordered against him and would not pursue any fees for the Banksia claim. He also accepted he could no longer practise as a barrister and should be struck off. Amid the India-China border tension, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday said there will be no compromise on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and asserted that it cannot be "business as usual" in bilateral ties unless there is peace and tranquility in the border areas. IMAGE: Indian Army convoy carrying reinforcements and supplies, drive towards Leh, on a highway bordering China in Gagangir, India. Photograph: Yawar Nazir/Getty Images He also said it was important that even during the difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China. "The pandemic has not stopped us from engaging. We have used the digital means, we have used the telephone, we have used direct diplomatic contacts between New Delhi and Beijing and we have been talking to each other on this issue," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs webinar. "We remain firmly committed to making sure that we preserve our territorial integrity and our sovereignty and we will not yield on that ground, we will remain firm and resolute. At the same time, we are open to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue," the foreign secretary said. On the challenges being faced by India amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke about the situation along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. "This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades. Also, I think if you look at the fact that we have not lost any lives on the border in the last 40 years, we have not seen this magnitude of amassing of forces on the border also in recent years, is something that we have to take stock of," he said. The tension between the two sides had escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. In response to a question, Shringla said it was an "unprecedented" situation at the India-China border which had not been seen since 1962. "We have also seen that there has been an attempt to take unilateral action that seems to be an effort to change facts on the ground. I have also said that we will be firm and resolute in resisting this. As far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise on our sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. At the same time, he said, as a responsible nation India is always willing to talk and engage. "Our senior commanders have been talking on the ground, diplomats have been talking to each other both in Beijing and in New Delhi," Shringla said. However, he asserted that it cannot be "business as usual" unless there is peace and tranquility in "our border areas" and the normal bilateral relationship between India and China will be affected. "There is a linkage between what is happening on the border and our larger relationship and that fact is very evident," Shringla said. "As we seek to resolve these issues and as we seek to maintain and revert to the status quo that existed before such aggressive actions took place, as we seek to de-escalate and de-engage, I think that could be a way that we could go back to where we were (in the relationship), but not until then," he said. Tensions had again flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. At the ICWA webinar titled 'The broad canvas of Indian diplomacy during the pandemic', Shringla also talked about various foreign policy engagements undertaken by India during the pandemic period both virtually and in person. In that context, he mentioned India's initiative to engage with SAARC nations at the becoming of the pandemic and the establishment of a fund to fight the pandemic. He, however, acknowledged the limitations of SAARC due to the fact that it needs consensus to move forward on cooperation. "One of our neighbours has been consistently involved in blocking the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in all of its constructive activities," Shringla said in an apparent reference to Pakistan. He lauded the BIMSTEC initiative which he said had emerged as an alternative mechanism. Talking about issues that India has strongly taken up, he said the country has been advocating the need for greater global cooperation against terrorism. "We are involved with resisting the threat of terrorism. We are directly a target of global and cross border terrorism," Shringla said. "As a country that has faced terrorism, we are steadfast in seeking action against terrorism and its sponsors. While our efforts in this regard have found global support and resonance, we need to ensure that the world follows an undifferentiated and unambiguous approach to terrorism," he said. On India opting out of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Shringla said it did not seem to be in India's national interest. He also highlighted India's role as the "pharmacy of the world" during the pandemic period and the humanitarian aid provided by it to neighbours and beyond. Defense of convicted ex-Vladivostok mayor to go on trial on obstruction of justice charges RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 14:23 04/09/2020 MOSCOW, September 4 (RAPSI) A Deputy Prosecutor of Russias Primorye approved indictment against two attorneys charged with perverting the course of justice, who had defended ex-mayor of Vladivostok Igor Pushkarev in a bribery case, the press service of the Prosecutor Generals Office told RAPSI on Friday. The case is to be sent to court for hearing. According to the investigation, during the trial of Pushkarev and his accomplices, the lawyers attempted to obstruct justice using illegal methods and ways. They attempted to influence through foul means and threats a representative of a victim, whose testimony uncovered the defendants, inducing him not to testify against Pushkarev. Moreover, the accused lawyers put pressure on a representative of a victim through the Vladivostok administrations officials. However, they could not win them round, the statement reads. In April 2019, Moscows Tverskoy District Court sentenced Pushkarev to 15 years in a high-security prison for receiving bribes, abuse of power and graft. He was also fined 500 million rubles ($7.2 million at the current exchange rate) and barred from holding authority posts for 10 years. Moreover, the court recovered 143 million rubles from Pushkarev in favor of Roads of Vladivostok granting the companys suit. New Delhi, Sep 4 : The Central government's plan to privatise power distribution sector across the country starting with union territories (UT) has evinced interest from state-owned companies such as NTPC and REC, which through their subsidiaries are expected to bid for privatisation projects on offer in the first phase. Sources privy to the development said that the companies would take the special purpose vehicle route (SPV) for bids for each distribution area to prevent transfer of one state-run entity being taken over by another government run enterprise. This would defeat the purpose of privatisation and hence SPV would be set up as complete private entities having professional management capable of running distribution operations efficiently. As part of the Rs two lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) package, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced privatisation of distribution business in the country starting with union territories. The government has also kept tight a deadline of bidding out a few projects by as early as 2021. "We have asked public sector enterprises to look at privatisation of discoms and place their bids. NTPC and REC have some experience in the sector and could be possible candidates to professionalise discoms of UTs," said a top source in the Union Power Ministry asking not to be named. It is expected that NTPC may participate through its subsidiary NTPC Electric Supply Company Ltd (NESCL) and power sector financier REC through its entity REC Power Distribution Co Ltd. NTPC is already in distribution operations through a joint venture in Kerala. The company is also scouting for a professional CEO to look after its power distribution operations where it wants to make a big foray. In the first lot, the UTs of Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli may be put out for bidding under privatisation initiative. Depending on the success, bid documents for other UTS would be finalised. Uzbeks Among Alleged IS Members Apprehended In Turkey By RFE/RL's Uzbek Service September 03, 2020 Several Uzbek nationals have been arrested along with dozens of other alleged members and supporters of the Islamic State (IS) group in Turkey. The arrests on September 1-2 in the cities of Istanbul, Adana, Gaziantep, and Hatay were conducted following the arrest of Mahmut Ozden, whom Turkish investigators call the top IS figure in the country. An official at the Turkish Foreign Ministry told RFE/RL on September 2 that at least 20 Uzbek citizens and other individuals arrested in the special operation by Turkey's security service, are suspected of providing assistance to Ozden, whom the IS calls "the amir," or ruler, of Turkey. According to the official, the special operation was held after investigators found the names and addresses of suspects in computers and other electronic devices confiscated from Ozden. Representatives of two humanitarian organizations based in Turkey also told RFE/RL that there were Uzbek nationals among the suspected IS members arrested by police. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu announced on September 1 that Ozden had been apprehended the day before. The Interior Ministry said later that Ozden and his people planned a massive terrorist act at Istanbul's historic Hagia Sofia -- the former Orthodox Christian cathedral and museum that Turkey recently reconverted into a mosque. IS has conducted many attacks across Turkey, including on a nightclub in Istanbul on January 1, 2017, in which 39 people were killed. Uzbek citizen Abdulkadir Masharipov was identified by Turkish police as the man who carried out that attack and sentenced to life in prison by a Turkish court. With reporting by CNN Turk and Hurriyet Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbeks-among-alleged-is- members-apprehended-in-turkey/30818780.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 With the business potentially at an important milestone, we thought we'd take a closer look at Damstra Holdings Limited's (ASX:DTC) future prospects. Damstra Holdings Limited provides workplace management solutions to various industry segments worldwide. On 30 June 2020, the AU$262m market-cap company posted a loss of AU$3.8m for its most recent financial year. The most pressing concern for investors is Damstra Holdings' path to profitability when will it breakeven? In this article, we will touch on the expectations for the company's growth and when analysts expect it to become profitable. Check out our latest analysis for Damstra Holdings According to the 3 industry analysts covering Damstra Holdings, the consensus is that breakeven is near. They anticipate the company to incur a final loss in 2020, before generating positive profits of AU$1.9m in 2021. Therefore, the company is expected to breakeven roughly a year from now or less! We calculated the rate at which the company must grow to meet the consensus forecasts predicting breakeven within 12 months. It turns out an average annual growth rate of 54% is expected, which signals high confidence from analysts. Should the business grow at a slower rate, it will become profitable at a later date than expected. Underlying developments driving Damstra Holdings' growth isnt the focus of this broad overview, though, keep in mind that typically a high forecast growth rate is not unusual for a company that is currently undergoing an investment period. Before we wrap up, theres one aspect worth mentioning. Damstra Holdings currently has no debt on its balance sheet, which is rare for a loss-making loss-making, growth company, which typically has high debt relative to its equity. This means that the company has been operating purely on its equity investment and has no debt burden. This aspect reduces the risk around investing in the loss-making company. Next Steps: Story continues There are key fundamentals of Damstra Holdings which are not covered in this article, but we must stress again that this is merely a basic overview. For a more comprehensive look at Damstra Holdings, take a look at Damstra Holdings' company page on Simply Wall St. We've also put together a list of pertinent factors you should look at: Valuation: What is Damstra Holdings worth today? Has the future growth potential already been factored into the price? The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether Damstra Holdings is currently mispriced by the market. Management Team: An experienced management team on the helm increases our confidence in the business take a look at who sits on Damstra Holdingss board and the CEOs background. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here. 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. FALLS TOWNSHIP >> In an effort to be fiscally responsible while ridding Falls Township Community Park of Canada geese, the Falls Township Supervisors approved a multi-faceted, year-long geese mitigation plan at a one percent savings over 2021. Stepped up geese management efforts began in 2015 and have significantly reduced the number of geese at the park, Falls Township Parks and Recreation... Some 36.5% of respondents have no trust in government whatsoever. A total of 78% of Ukrainians do not trust state agencies and officials, the latest poll showed, conducted by the Razumkov Center and the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, according to an UNIAN correspondent. Level of trust in government agencies Some 36.5% of respondents have no trust in government and officials. Another 41.2% say they "rather don't trust" them, while 13.3% and 1.4% are more likely to or completely trust government, respectively. It is the state agencies in general that have the highest trust-distrust balance of 63%. Read alsoLatest poll updates Zelensky, Poroshenko's popular ratings"The fact that the leaders of distrust are the state agencies in general (78%) indicates poor communication between government agencies and the public, which leads to a negative assessment of the authorities, except for those structures that ensure country's defense and citizens' safety (the Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the State Emergency Service)," sociologists said. Ukrainians' attitudes toward authorities: background The Razumkov Center notes there is a downward trend in the level of people's trust in the authorities. In December 2019, 51.5% of respondents expressed no confidence in the Cabinet of Ministers, while 72% did not trust it in July 2020. The Verkhovna Rada had 54% and 75% trust, respectively, while president had 31% and 49%, respectively. "While the 'autumn 2019 - spring 2020' political season began with a rapid rise in trust in the authorities, the start of the 'autumn 2020 - spring 2021' season is seeing a drop in trust," reads the report. Level of distrust in judiciary, law enforcement According to the poll, people generally distrust the judicial system as a whole (77.5%), the Supreme Court (69%), and local courts (67.5%). The prosecutor's office sees 73% distrust, the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine has 73%, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has 70.5%, the High Anti-Corruption Court has 70%, and the National Agency for Corruption Prevention has 70%. Read alsoAlmost 40% of Ukrainian millennials report "constant anxiety" about futureAmong law enforcement agencies, distrust in the police and the SBU Security Service of Ukraine is expressed less often (although it also prevails over trust). Some 58% of respondents do not trust the National Police (against 33% who trust them), the patrol police (54% and 35%, respectively), and the SBU (56% and 31%). Some 71% of respondents do not trust political parties, while about 50% do not trust trade unions. Whom Ukrainians trust most Most often, citizens of Ukraine express confidence in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (65%), church (63%), volunteer organizations (63%), the State Emergency Service (53%), volunteer battalions (53%), the State Border Guard Service (52%), Ukrainian media (50%), the National Guard (49%), and NGOs (47%). Distrust in all other institutions is expressed more often than trust. The poll: details The survey was conducted from July 3 to July 9 through face-to-face interviews. Some 2,022 adult respondents were polled in all regions of Ukraine except Crimea and other Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine, namely certain districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The margin of error does not exceed 2.3%. Louis Dreyfus, the Swiss agricultural trading giant, is in talks to sell a minority equity stake to Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ in a move that "could boost food security for the United Arab Emirates" amid the coronavirus pandemic, per Bloomberg. Why it matters: In its 168 years, Louis Dreyfus has never before had a non-family shareholder. EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime Therapeutics LLC (Prime) and RxRevu, the nation's leading prescription price transparency company, are teaming up to offer Real Time Benefit Check, aka Real-Time Prescription Benefit, aiming to improve members' health while bringing down costs and creating a more positive pharmacy experience. Real Time Benefit Check offers prescribers real-time information about available drug options, compares the exact out-of-pocket cost of each drug based on a patient's specific pharmacy benefit plan, and flags whether a pre-authorization is needed for a selected drug. Real Time Benefit Check is embedded within the electronic prescribing function of a health care provider's electronic health record (EHR) system. "The integration of Prime's member data into RxRevu's platform gives prescribers seamless access to benefit information they can trust," said Christine Bent, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Prime. "Real Time Benefit Check makes electronic prescribing easier, faster and more personalized. And it can lead prescribers to choose a lower-cost drug which means fewer surprises for members and lower overall health care costs." Prime recently completed a 14-month pilot processing 700,000 transactions among 25,000 prescribers to understand the nuances in bringing prescription coverage information to prescribers' fingertips. Pilot results showed an average annual savings of $692 for each prescription that was changed as a result of use of the service and total estimated savings due to drug switches of nearly $350,000 for one Blue Plan. By collaborating with RxRevu, who has deployed Real Time Benefit Check across hundreds of health systems nationwide, Prime aims to continue to reduce prescribing friction and improve the member experience. While it's easy to make price comparisons for goods and services online, most people don't know their prescription costs until they visit the pharmacy. Twenty-one percent of older adults don't take their medicines as prescribed because of cost, which can lead to complications from untreated medical conditions.1 Real Time Benefit Check gives prescribers information on members' costs before they write prescriptions by analyzing deductibles and other variables impacting out-of-pocket cost that determine what the member will pay at the pharmacy counter. When embedded into the medication ordering process, Real Time Benefit Check may increase medication adherence, which improves patients' health and provider efficiency, and lowers costs for payers. Under a Medicare rule, companies with prescription drug plans for seniors must offer real-time pricing information by Jan. 1, 2021. Real Time Benefit Check seeks to aid Prime's Medicare Part D sponsors in meeting this requirement and goes a step further by applying it to commercial members. "Prime is an important addition to the RxRevu solution, which includes the most comprehensive and accurate Real-Time Prescription Benefit network available," said Kyle Kiser, President and Chief Strategy Officer at RxRevu. Kiser added, "We are collaborating with the Prime team to deliver our intelligent alternatives solution to ensure prescribers have the most relevant information at their fingertips. This allows for a seamless prescribing experience for the clinician and patient, limiting unnecessary administrative burden and ordering steps." RxRevu specializes in providing prescription price transparency to hospitals, health systems, and clinics across the country. With connections to the largest PBMs nationwide, RxRevu has the most comprehensive and accurate real-time benefit network, providing patient-specific cost and coverage information for millions of people. Since RxRevu has direct connections to PBM data sources, the information displayed at the point-of-care is both accurate and specific, allowing for reduced errors and coverage gaps in the EHR, and an improved prescribing experience. RxRevu's primary focus is bringing unique value to patients, providers, and health systems through innovations in product functionality and support. Select Prime Medicare and Commercial clients will implement Real Time Benefit Check this year. Prime will continue to enrich the offering and roll it out to additional Blue Plans in 2021. The collaboration with RxRevu is Prime's latest endeavor aimed at streamlining medication prescribing and improving transparency of health care costs. 1. 2019 KFF Health Tracking Poll. Kaiser Family Foundation. Accessed July 6, 2020. About Prime Therapeutics Prime Therapeutics LLC (Prime) makes health care work better by helping people get the medicine they need to feel better and live well. Prime provides total drug management solutions for health plans, employers, and government programs including Medicare and Medicaid. The company processes claims and offers clinical services for people with complex medical conditions. Prime serves more than 30 million people. It is collectively owned by 18 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, subsidiaries or affiliates of those plans. For more information visit www.primetherapeutics.com or follow @Prime_PBM on Twitter. About RxRevu RxRevu is a Denver-based company on a mission to improve healthcare through more informed, consistent, and frictionless prescription decisions. RxRevu's Prescription Decision Support technology promotes condition-appropriate prescribing and patient cost transparency to improve overall safety and satisfaction. The SwiftRx platform helps clinicians quickly and easily find affordable alternatives to more costly medications specific to a patient's health needs and out of pocket cost. It also enables health systems to manage and measure clinicians prescribing performance. For more information about RxRevu, its solutions and innovative advancements, visit rxrevu.com. Contact: Jenine Anderson Public Relations Manager Prime Therapeutics 612.777.5629 [email protected] Adam Rosenberg 800.360.4965 [email protected] SOURCE Prime Therapeutics LLC Related Links https://www.primetherapeutics.com Former Essential employees have started their own company, called OSOM Products. The company terms itself as building the next suite of craziness. However, details on its products or services are sketchy at best. Essentials erstwhile Head of R&D, Jason Keats, founded OSOM Products in February this year. He has been promoting and trying to build up a following for OSOM Products these past few months on LinkedIn and Twitter. In a tweet, Jason Keats had confirmed that his former Essential colleagues have joined OSOM Products. These include Wolfgang Muller, JB Theou, Nick Franco, Gary Anderson, Kevin Chen, and Wilson Chan. Advertisement Wolfgang Muller is the new CMO, Kevin Chen is responsible for supply chain management, while Wilson Chan (Essentials erstwhile Head of Operations) is most likely in a similar role at OSOM Products. Gary A and JB Theou are software engineers, and Nick Francos expertise is on the camera side. Based on this mix of expertise, one can argue that OSOM Products would launch a smartphone in the future. However, do take this observation as mere conjecture and with a little bit of salt. As of today, the OSOM Products website does not provide any indication of its product line. The website includes a simple form, using which you can sign up for updates from the company. Advertisement Essentials demise resulted in OSOM Products being formed Android co-founder, Andy Rubin had launched Essential Products in November 2015, after leaving his role at Google. Subsequently, the company launched the Essential Phone in 2017, which went on to develop a cult following. Essential products developed, manufactured, and sold accessories for the Essential Phone, including a 360 Camera. Interestingly, the company had plans to launch a unique phone under its Project GEM, as well as a smart speaker called Essential Home. Unfortunately, Essential Products had to shut down in February 2020, owing in large part to harassment allegations against the companys founder Andy Rubin. However, the companys official blog post lamented that they were shutting down as there was no clear path to deliver their new products to customers. Advertisement Essential founder Andy Rubin is not heading OSOM Products Unsurprisingly, OSOM Products has hired a CEO with no link to the now-dead Essential Products. Andrew Zalasin is heading OSOM Products as the companys CEO. In fact, Jason Keats has confirmed that OSOM Products would be hiring 20-30 new employees by the end of this year. It should be interesting to see how many former Essential employees join OSOM in their erstwhile roles. Advertisement OSOM is thrilled to announce that my former colleagues Wolfgang Muller, JB Theou, Nick Franco, Gary Anderson, Kevin Chen and Wilson Chan have all joined the team here to build something OSOM! So excited to have this team together with me on another insane adventure! Jason Keats (@OSOMKeats) June 17, 2020 Hamas vows to end all forms of Israeli siege on Gaza Iran Press TV Sunday, 30 August 2020 5:38 PM The head of the political bureau of the Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called for an end to more than 12 years of Israeli all-out siege on the coastal enclave, promising that it will spare no effort to achieve this goal. In a statement released by his office on Sunday, Ismail Haniyeh said that Hamas will continue to make efforts to end all forms of blockade on the Gaza Strip. He said "his movement and the people in Gaza are determined to confront the unjust blockade until it is lifted entirely." "The Hamas leadership is keenly following the current situation in the Gaza Strip as well as the contacts and efforts being made by many parties to end the siege on the Strip," the statement read. Elsewhere in the statement, the Hamas leader expressed his confidence in the mediation efforts being made by Egypt and Qatar to end the Israeli blockade on Gaza. In late July, Hamas said that the movement had turned down a $15-billion development aid offer conditioned on disarming. According to Haniyeh, the hefty aid offer had been made in the context of US President Donald Trump's highly provocative 'peace' plan, which would allocate billions to Gaza for development if implemented. Trump had given Tel Aviv the green light to annex large parts of the West Bank and Jordan Valley in his self-proclaimed "deal of the century," which was unveiled in January with the aim of legitimizing Israel's occupation and re-drawing the Middle East map. The scheme has drawn global condemnation. Still, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to carry on with it. Trump's plan largely gives in to Israel's demands while carving out a Palestinian state with limited control over its own security and borders, enshrining the occupied Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's "capital." Under the US scheme, the future Palestinian state will consist of scattered lands linked together via bridges and tunnels. The plan also denies Palestinian refugees the right of return to their homeland, among other controversial terms. Hamas has been defending the Palestinian cause against Israel for years. The Gaza Strip has been under an inhumane Israeli land, air and sea siege since 2007 and witnessed three wars since 2008. Israeli forces conduct regular air raids on Palestinians in Gaza under the pretext of hitting Hamas targets. The Israeli siege has caused a decline in the standard of living as well as unprecedented levels of unemployment and unrelenting poverty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The truth is, I saw something coming this week, but not this. I never expected that it would be peace with another Arab country. It was the subject of speculation on a webinar I hosted this week about what was going on. But I thought it was something military that would involve Israeli F35s and Iranian targets. Perhaps we live in resignation that not having peace with most of our neighbors is the norm, expectations are low, and it caught most Israelis by surprise. Because its not every day that peace breaks out, even with the public secret of years of warming tie... (R) Former Vice {resident Joe Biden delivers a speech at the William Hicks Anderson Community Center in Wilmington, Dela. on July 28, 2020. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)(R) Former Vice {resident Joe Biden delivers a speech at the William Hicks Anderson Community Center in Wilmington, Dela. on July 28, 2020. (Mark Makela/Getty Images) Biden Campaign, Trump Admin Sign Transition Memorandum: GSA President Donald Trumps administration and Democratic nominee Joe Bidens team signed a memorandum of understanding with the General Services Administration (GSA) to start a potential handover of power. A spokesperson for the GSA, an independent agency, confirmed the two parties signed the memorandum on Thursday, according to The Associated Press. The memorandum is required under the 1963 Presidential Transition Act that helps ensure a smooth transition of power. A spokesperson for the agency told AP that the memorandum is expected to be published on the GSAs Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) section next week. According to a White House document published earlier this year (pdf), The Presidential Transition Act promotes the orderly transfer of Executive powers in connection with the expiration of the term of office of a President and the inauguration of a new President. The activities required by the Act are also helpful to prepare for leadership transitions that occur between the first and second terms of Administrations. In 2016, both Hillary Clinton and Trump had offices and staff in the same building preparing for a transition ahead of Election Day. Nearly all of Trumps plan was subsequently shelved after he won the White House. In the coming weeks, both Biden and Trump are ramping up campaigning with key stops at potential swing states. Biden is slated to visit Michigan next week while the president is going to North Carolina. The presidential debates are scheduled for the end of September. A man was shot on Saturday, 29 August in Portland, Oregon. Fights broke out in downtown Portland as a large caravan of supporters of President Donald Trump drove through the city, clashing with counter-protesters: AP Photo/Paula Bronstein Law enforcement officers released details in the shooting death of Michael Forest Reinoehl, a man suspected of shooting a right-wing protester during a rally in Portland. Agents from the FBI and the US Marshal Service killed Reinoehl during an attempt to apprehend him in Lacey, Washington, about 120 miles north of Portland. According to The New York Times, the US Marshals are claiming that Reinoehl shot at agents as they attempted to capture him. "Initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers," the US Marshals said in a statement. "Task force members responded to the threat and struck the suspect who was pronounced dead at the scene." Agents tracked Reinoehl to an apartment complex. Reinoehl left the building and allegedly entered a vehicle. At that point, agents attempted to apprehend him. Law enforcement agents claim Reinoehl drew a weapon while he was attempting to flee. As a result, the agents shot and killed Reinoehl. Lieutenant Ray Brady of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office said that while Reinoehl did have a gun on him, he said "we are not able to confirm at this time if he fired shots." An arrest warrant was issued for Reinoehl on 29 Aug. On the same day, Vice News published an interview with Reinoehl in which he claims he "had no choice"in the shooting, as he was defending the life of his friend. The man Reinoehl was accused of killing was Aaron J Danielson. Mr Danielson was wearing a "Patriot Prayer" hat at the time of the incident, which suggests he was a member of the far-right organisation. Patriot Prayer is an ostensibly Christian far-right organisation that had brawled with left-wing protesters in and around Portland for years. "Over the past three years, the group has hosted and promoted rallies in progressive cities like Portland, frequently engaging in violence against their political opponents," the Southern Poverty Law Centre said in a report. "Patriot Prayer rallies regularly include the Proud Boys, a hate group, and various antigovernment extremist groups." Story continues Reinoehl - who once wrote "I am 100% ANTIFA on his Instagram page - said he previously provided security during Black Lives Matter protests. He told Vice News that he thought Mr Danielson was going to stab him and his friend. "I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of colour. But I wasn't going to do that," Reinoehl said. Reinoehl was a nightly fixture at the Portland protests. He was shot in the arm while attempting to wrestle a gun away from a right-wing protester during a fight. He was also arrested for carrying a loaded gun and for resisting arrest on another occasion. "Nightly, he would break up fights," Randal McCorkle, a regular attendee at the demonstrations and a friend of Reinoehl said. "He wanted change so badly." Teal Lindseth, a main organiser of the protests in Portland, said he was "literally a guardian angel." Before his death, Reinoehl said he and his attorneys were considering a a self defence argument once he turned himself in to authorities. Read more Suspect in Trump supporter shooting in Portland killed by officers Penicillin, a life-saving medicine, is the most common cause of drug allergy, with clinical manifestations ranging from temporary skin reactions to life-threatening systemic syndromes. Thus far, genetic factors have only been found for rare severe allergic reactions to penicillin. However, less is known about the genetics behind milder forms of penicillin hypersensitivity reactions that occur in a larger proportion of the population. A collaborative effort by scientists from the Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Statens Serum Institut, University of Oxford, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and 23andMe sought to identify genetic risk factors underlying penicillin-induced hypersensitivity reactions by harnessing self-reported data and the electronic health records of more than 600,000 participants of European ancestry from the UK Biobank, Estonian Biobank and Vanderbilt University Medical Center's biobank (BioVU). The genome-wide association study (GWAS) of self-reported penicillin allergy in the different biobanks revealed a locus located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I gene HLA-B. Fine-mapping of the association narrowed the signal down to the HLA-B*55:01 allele, which was further confirmed by independent replication in 23andMe's research cohort. Overall, carriers of the allele were found to have a 33% higher relative odds of penicillin allergy. The study also detected a genome-wide significant missense variant in the PTPN22 gene. This variant has been associated with several autoimmune diseases and more recently with drug-induced liver injury. Dr Kristi Krebs, first author of the study, said: "When examining other conditions associated with the HLA-B*55:01 allele, we found a significant association with lower white blood cell counts. Further, the top hit overlapped with regions found to have regulatory function in T-cells and correlated with the expression levels of PSORS1C3, which has previously been associated with hypersensitivity reactions to several medications. These findings together raise the possibility that the variant may predispose to a T-cell-mediated process leading to a delayed penicillin reaction." Dr Joao Fadista, one of the lead authors of the paper, further shared that "a genome-wide genetic correlation analysis of the self-reported penicillin allergy results revealed overlap with the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This, together with the finding in the PTPN22 gene, indicates a possible underlying autoimmune factor in the development of penicillin allergy investigated in our study." Prof. Lili Milani, one of the lead authors of the paper, emphasized the power of biobanks, "We have leveraged data from four large-scale cohorts, including more than 100,000 cases, to provide insights into the genetic architecture associated with self-reported penicillin allergy, and provide robust evidence implicating the HLA-B*55:01 allele and autoimmune factors in this condition. Further studies are necessary to determine the precise underlying immune processes and how these change over time, as several studies have reported that a large proportion of patients labelled as allergic to penicillin develop tolerance over time." A Brandon man is recovering after being stabbed five times in a racist attack, police say. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Brandon man is recovering after being stabbed five times in a racist attack, police say. The Black man was at a Brandon skate park Thursday night when a group four women and one man started a fight by yelling racial slurs at him, the Brandon Police Service said in a news release Friday morning. 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. Witnesses told police the group of people appeared to be Indigenous and joined in punching and kicking the victim, who defended himself until he was stabbed in his abdomen by one of the women. None of the individuals' names have been released. Police reviewed a video of the incident, which has prompted criminal charges including assault and public incitement of hatred against two women. Police are still looking for the other three suspects. One of the women slashed the victim's tires before the stabbing, the police news release said. Afterward, a patrol officer spotted a woman with blood on her clothes who was found to have a bloody knife in her pocket. She was arrested, and another female suspect was arrested a short time later. The two suspects are related to each other, police said. A 23-year-old Brandon woman has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, mischief to property under $5,000, public incitement of hatred and failing to comply with a release order. A 20-year-old Sioux Valley woman is charged with assault, public incitement of hatred, public mischief and failing to comply with a release order. Police said the victim, who underwent emergency surgery, is expected to make a full recovery, and more charges are pending against the suspects. Staff Bhubaneswar, Sep 4 : Odisha BJP legislator Prakash Soren was arrested on Friday for allegedly thrashing an Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) assistant executive engineer, and was later released on bail, police said. The Baripada Town police arrested the MLA on the basis of complaint lodged by engineer Ganapati Jena. Jena alleged that the legislator thrashed him for not awarding contracts to the party men. Soren also demanded to know why the engineer was not giving money to him, Jena said in his complaint. He also alleged that the MLA abused him and also tried to strangulate the engineer. Earlier, the supporters of the legislator staged a road blockade in front of the police station following the detention of Soren. ECRM Taps Global B2B Marketing Veteran to Lead European Division ECRM announced it has hired John van der Valk as CEO of its European business. ECRM announced it has hired John van der Valk as CEO of its European business. SOLON, Ohio, Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECRM, the global leader in driving long-term, critical business relationships for retail, foodservice and pharmacy/medical markets, announced it has hired global B2B marketing veteran John van der Valk as CEO of its European business. In his role, Van der Valk will lead ECRM Europes expansion, and will further develop the portfolio of products that streamlines the interactions between buyers and sellers. He reports to ECRM CEO Greg Farrar. Johns wealth of industry experience and relationships makes him ideal for creating an authentically European business that best serves local markets and maximizes buyer and supplier engagement, said Farrar. He has a track record of building high-performance teams and establishing a culture of excellence within them. Were thrilled to have him leading the charge in Europe. ECRM launched its European business unit in 2017 to expand its capabilities to assist European retailers and distributors in discovering new and emerging global brands in food, health and beauty care, and general merchandise. Headquartered in Utrecht, The Netherlands, it consists of a team of multilingual staff. Van der Valk was most recently President Advance of Informa Markets Digital division, where he spearheaded the expansion of its digital products and services across the exhibition portfolios, as well as the expansion in advanced analytics within the Informa Intelligence division. Prior to this role he was Managing Director of UBM Amsterdam, and was responsible for global trade exhibitions and online activities, primarily in Food and Pharma. Prior to joining UBM, van der Valk held senior management positions at VNU/Nielsen, both in Europe and in the US. For years I have tracked the development of ECRM as an innovator in boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of buyer-seller relationships, both in the U.S. and abroad, said Van der Valk. The ECRM Connect platform is the latest example of this innovation, enabling its customers to conduct meaningful business discussions in the face of travel restrictions. Im looking forward to helping them accelerate the growth of its programs in Europe. Story continues About ECRM: ECRM brings efficiencies and effectiveness to the buying and selling process by propelling connections between buyers and suppliers through key programs that utilize virtual and face-to-face platforms. Rachel Mayfield 440-498-0500 x1253 RMayfield@ECRM.MarketGate.com www.ECRM.MarketGate.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a453484-450a-4d8d-858f-6356ee2df17f Burberry has been given more than 500,000 to make PPE equipment for the NHS, government records state. The luxury retailer has been donating gowns and protective equipment for medical workers from its retail site in West Yorkshire since the beginning of lockdown in April. Thus far, the brand has produced roughly 160,000 items of PPE since the pandemic began. Now, Burberry has been given 573,000 to produce PPE from its Castleford site. Recommended Burberry proposes 500 job cuts amid coronavirus crisis Were proud to extend the support we have provided to the national relief effort by manufacturing personal protective equipment and supplying it at cost, a spokesperson for Burberry said in a statement. Earlier this year, we donated more than 160,000 pieces of PPE to the National Health Service and healthcare charities that we manufactured at our trench coat factory in Castleford, Yorkshire and sourced through our supply chain. We are very pleased to be able to continue to help by using our production line to make non-surgical gowns and masks for medical and care workers. Burberry also stated that it was one of a list of other businesses that have been contracted to supply PPE. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: This partnership with Burberry is already benefitting the frontline and is one of many deals we have made with UK manufacturers to rapidly manufacture, source or distribute PPE to health and social care workers at scale and pace. It is thanks to these deals that we have now delivered over three billion items of PPE to the frontline. The news comes after Burberry revealed it was also funding research into a single-dose vaccine developed by the University of Oxford. The university has one of the worlds best track records in emergency vaccine development, and its Covid-19 vaccine is on course to begin human trials next month, reads a post on the houses Instagram page. Teachers' Day is a special day for the appreciation of teachers, and may include celebrations to honour them for their special contributions in a particular field area, or the community in general. The second president of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, was born on September 5, 1888. This day has been celebrated as Teacher's Day since 1962. Teachers and students across the world share a special bond. On Teachers' Day, students send them emotional messages and thank them for believing in us and guiding us in tough times. A teacher or a mentor may not be restricted to school and college. Anyone may be that person who we can look up to as a role model. Here are the 25 wishes that students can send to their teachers: -I am extremely lucky to have you as my teacher in life. I will never forget your gentle smile! Happy Teachers' Day 2020! -What makes you special is your unwavering faith in me. It's because of your trust in me that I have grown up to be a capable person. Happy Teachers' Day 2020! -Wish you a very Happy Teachers' Day ma'am. I pray to God that you are healthy and happy! Enjoy your day! -Wishing you lots of happiness, you are an amazing teacher. Happy Teachers' Day! -Dear sir, you are my inspiration and I have learnt so much from you. Happy Teachers' Day! -Dear teacher, you are a blessing in my life. What would I do without you. Thank you! Happy Teachers' Day! -The world is a better place because of teachers like you. Happy Teachers' Day 2020! -A wonderful teacher like you deserves the best. I wish you lots of happiness! Have a great Teachers' Day! -No one could have been more kind and patient when I made mistakes. Thank you so much ma'am. Happy Teachers' Day! -I am so fortunate to be your student. I love you so much dear teacher! Wish you a great Teachers' Day! Wishing you joy and happiness, you are an amazing teacher. Heartfelt gratitude! -Happy Teachers' Day to a very special teacher! -Dear sir, you make learning fun for me. I always look forward to see you every day. Happy Teachers' Day! -I don't have enough words to express gratitude! You were not just my teacher but my best friend. Happy Teachers' Day! Sending you warm regards on Teachers' Day. Have a wonderful day sir! -It is because of your consistent efforts that I have topped the exams. Thank you so much! Happy Teachers' Day! -It was wonderful to have you as my teacher. I really miss your classes. Happy Teachers' Day! The classroom lights up when you enter. Happy Teachers' Day to you! THERE GOES UPPER DARBY I agree with Councilman Thomas Wagners description of Upper Darbys mayor in his letter to to editor. The transparency mayor has been anything but transparent since taking office. The fiasco of the trash situation points this out. And the fact that she closed a Senior Center on a whim and greatly diminished the budgets of our volunteer firemen says she doesnt know how to run a municipality the size of Upper Darby. Upper Darbys fire department is unique in that it is a combined volunteer and career force. Volunteers are the lifeline of any municipality and to defund that entity is ludicrous. All the members of council should stand up to the mayor regardless of party loyalty. The constituents you represent deserve that courtesy. The mayor is ruining the township. CHECK YOURSELF OUT I was at the BLM rally. Upon reading certain remarks in in the Aug. 3 Daily Times, corrections and facts are in order. The VFW was never once in danger. The BLM stayed on the corner near Frontier Saloon Until the march began down MacDade. Conversely, the bikers and Trump crowd drove their obnoxiously loud bikes past to drown out speakers, and still, the BLM side kept its calm. Same for finale at the Municipal Building. I myself was accosted by two unhinged (literally physically threatened) Trump women and two unhinged religious zealots. Your problem is not Joe Biden, nor BLM, nor anything external. Kindly consult your warped mirror. SIR PEACE RIOT CAT FOOD HERE WE COME Donald Trump plans on defunding Social Security, which he calls the payroll tax if he is re-elected. There will not be any more Social Security in 2023. Hope all you Trumpers can live without your Social Security checks each month. A SENIOR CITIZEN SOCIALISM IS US This is for the Republican genius last week who detests mail-in voting and hangs out at Acme and Walmart. Guess what, genius, when you drive (on roads) to mail your monthly bills or to Acme or Walmart. Thats socialism. When you use the police or the fire department thats socialism. When you go to the library or have your trash collected thats socialism. When you flush your toilet (sewage systems) thats socialism. And, OMG, Trump and the Republicans that you elected is . . .socialism! Yes, anything paid for with communal tax dollars, like Trumps salary, is by definition . . . socialism. That sound you just heard was a Republicans head exploding. Sorry. SORRY NANCY Nancy Pelosis want a apology from hair salon. Well, Speaker of the House, I as an American want a apology from you when you tore up the State of the Union speech. Youre a bitter, bitter person. Snap out of it. ONE VOTE PER PERSON Hi, attention Democrat and Republican leaders. Please be responsible to all our voters and make information available in any way possible that youre breaking the law if you vote by mail, and then try to vote again at the voting polls. You can vote only one time in any election. Thank you. TRUTH MATTERS SEEING IS BELIEVING Donald Trump continues to prove what a disgusting person he is with his inflammatory rhetoric, trying to bring out the baser instincts in Americans with his supporters. Thats not a problem because your supporters are just as disgusting as you are, but thankfully the majority of the people in this country are good people and they see Trump for just what he is. DEFINE TRUTH CNN is at it again. They are reporting that Trump is telling people to vote twice. Thats not what he said. He said mail in your ballot and then go and try to vote again. If the mail end is legitimate, they will have a record of your mail-in ballot and then you cannot vote again. Why does CNN twist everything around? Everyone at CNN should be fired. They hate Trump and they dont hide their feelings. They have to start reporting the truth. FOX NEWS FOREVER Daily life in Beirut is subject to violence and an ever-changing series of disruptions - a reality that residents refer to as "al-wad" or "the situation." Ghassan Moussawi - an ethnographer and a professor of gender and women's studies and of sociology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign - looks at the daily survival strategies of Beirut's LGBTQ residents in the face of al-wad in his new book "Disruptive Situations: Fractal Orientalism and Queer Strategies in Beirut," which was published this summer. To be in Beirut is to understand 'the situation' without having to explain it. It keeps changing from a lack of resources such as electricity to bombings, war, a garbage strike." Ghassan Moussawi, Ethnographer and Professor, University of Illinois It's similar to the uncertainty and the struggle to adapt to changing circumstances that we all find ourselves in during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. "The book helps us understand what it means to live in a disruptive moment that keeps changing. It has no beginning nor end," Moussawi said. Beirut has been promoted as an exceptional place for LGBTQ people and a gay-friendly destination in the Middle East. Moussawi examined representations of Beirut and how it is positioned as exceptional and modern, likened to Provincetown, Massachusetts. But this gay-friendly Beirut is available along the lines of class and race, and ignores the realities of al-wad, he said. He challenges how sexuality is used to provide an exceptional narrative about Beirut by comparing it with cities in the U.S. and Europe as reference points. Moussawi said "fractal orientalism" implies looking at patterns of representation - traditional versus modern, backward versus progressive - repeating on multiple scales. For example, Lebanon is compared to other countries in the Arab Middle East, and Beirut is compared to both American and European cities and other cities in the Middle East. The West is viewed as more tolerant than the Middle East, Lebanon more tolerant than other Arab countries and Beirut more tolerant than other areas within Lebanon. "They are blanket statements about who is more progressive, who is gay, who is tolerant. In one way, fractal orientalism is the problem I tried to attend to or unpack by looking at queer strategies of everyday survival," he said. Moussawi's book does not document gay life in Beirut, but it uses LGBTQ people's strategies for daily life as a lens to look at how people navigate everyday violence and constant disruption that is always taking new forms. The precarious situation of daily life in Beirut is itself queer, as are the strategies used in order to survive, and they are at odds with descriptions of Beirut and gay life there as exceptional, Moussawi wrote. He is interested in what the tactics of daily life tell us about local and regional politics. The strategies people adopt to deal with al-wad include accepting contradictory messages - for example, nonbinary individuals who see their gender identity as fluid, or those who refuse to reconcile their queer identity with their identity as Muslims because they don't see them as incompatible, he said. "Things don't have to fit neatly," Moussawi said. "In order to live in this situation, you can't try to make sense of it, though you feel its disruptions. Language fails to account for experiences, but affect doesn't." Beirut residents also create "bubbles" - physical or metaphorical spaces that provide a respite from the situation and in which they feel safe. They can be spaces to share their emotions or connect with others. "They are aware (the bubbles) could be taken away at any moment, and they are not accessible to everyone. You have to have some element of privilege to forget that there is ongoing violence," Moussawi said. The strategies Moussawi describes for living with violence and disruptions also can be applied to segregated U.S. cities with high levels of violence and a lack of basic resources due to state neglect, he said. "This applies to spaces that don't have actual war or conflict. It's traumatic but people create certain strategies for survival," he said. Moussawi had to adapt to the changing circumstances in Beirut while conducting his research. It was interrupted at times by violence, just as the pandemic is interrupting travel to research sites, he said. United Nations on Friday, September 4 announced that it has started withdrawing its peacekeeping troops from civilian protection camps in South Sudan. According to the reports, the troops were stationed in the African nation to help people amidst the civil war and sheltered more than 180,000 people two years after the conflict ended. While speaking to the pres, UN special representative David Shearer said that the volunteers must shift to other hotspots where hundreds of people have been killed this year due to intercommunal violence. The UN special representative said, "Its a significant withdrawal of numbers for us" and further said that generally a group of 150 soldiers is assisted by one or two groups of police to keep a vigil at the camps. He also added that noone will be forced to leave the camps assuring South Sudan's government to take responsibility of their safety and security. READ: Sudan's Transitional Authorities And Rebel Alliance Sign Peace Deal READ: South Sudan Plane Crash: 17 People Killed, 1 Critical; Eyewitness Narrates Horror Almost 400,000 people killed South Sudan's five-year-long civil war has killed almost 400,000 people. The conflict started in just two years of South Sudan gaining independence. The civilian camps have witnessed several attacks and atrocities against women. As per reports, the United Nations has stated that it is still not clear how long will the process take for the complete withdrawal of forces but it has begun at the camps in Wau and Bo. The other camps are in Malakal, Bentiu, and the capital Juba. Moreover, the mission has said that South Sudans police will be responsible for law and order once the UN peacekeepers have left. There has been a major concern over crowding at these camps amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN mission data is reported to have marked that more peacekeepers have died this year due to illness but it was not clear how many died from COVID-19. (With AP inputs) READ: Hunger, Squalor Mar South Sudan Post-war Unification Efforts READ: South Sudan Activist Flees To US, Says Kiir Wanted Him Dead If there's anyone who knows what it's like to be a pop star, it's Bieber. To say that DJ Khaled was eager to film the music video for "Popstar" is an understatement. The COVID-19 quarantine has kept American citizens from traveling to the majority of the world, making it difficult for Khaled and Drake to reunite. Finally, we've received the visual to their hit single "Popstar" and they decided to ask their good friend Justin Bieber to star as the celebrity who has everything at his fingertips. The music video opens with Drake being bombarded with messages and videos from DJ Khaled as the Miami-based musician attempts to work out their schedules to film the "Popstar" clip. Then, it shifts to Bieber as a pop star who wakes up in a mansion surrounded by women, money, clothes, a stressed manager (Scooter Braun), and security right by his side. In the end, Bieber wakes up once again, this time next to wife Hailey Bieber and tells her that he had a crazy dream that he starred in Khaled and Drake's video...but maybe it wasn't a dream, at all. Check out the visual to "Popstar" and drop your thoughts. AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Sept. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a decision dated September 1, 2020, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruled in favor of IBC Advanced Technologies, Inc. ("IBC"), and dismissed a motion for contempt brought by Ucore Rare Metals Inc. ("Ucore"). The Nova Scotia Supreme Court also awarded costs to IBC; the amount which IBC will recover has not yet been determined. On August 19, 2020, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court heard submissions concerning Ucore's suggestion that IBC's filing of a Motion for Summary Judgment ("MSJ") in Utah Federal Court was contemptuous. Ucore sought to punish IBC for exercising its legal rights in Utah. The Nova Scotia Supreme Court stated: "Simply put, there is nothing in the plain wording of the Interlocutory Injunction Order which enjoins IBC's ability to pursue its right to take steps in the ongoing litigation in Utah". The Nova Scotia Supreme Court referred to transcripts from Ucore's earlier submissions to that Court and confirmed that Ucore did not try to prohibit IBC from exercising its full rights in the Utah litigation when it requested the Injunction. The Nova Scotia Supreme Court also reaffirmed its earlier denial of Ucore's attempt to limit IBC's ability to market its technology in all sectors. Utah Federal Court On August 5, 2020, the Utah Federal Court stated that it will entertain a more narrowly focused Motion for Summary Judgment at a later date. IBC's MSJ had asked the Court to rule that the Option Agreement with Ucore is unenforceable. The Court's denial of the originally filed MSJ was without prejudice and did not address the merits of IBC's position. In addition, the Utah Court granted IBC's motion to consolidate three Utah cases involving Ucore: IBC's contract action against Ucore for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment or fraudulent non-disclosure, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and fraudulent inducement; IBC's action against Ucore Chief Operating Officer, Michael Schrider , for misappropriation of IBC's intellectual property and breach of contract; and , for misappropriation of IBC's intellectual property and breach of contract; and IBC's shareholders' action, wherein eight (8) shareholders are making claims against Ucore for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and fraudulent inducement; (collectively, the "Utah Consolidated Case"). The Utah Court also denied Ucore's motion for a preliminary injunction in which Ucore sought to force IBC to dismantle and move the Molecular Recognition Technology ("MRT") rare earth element pilot plant. The Utah Consolidated Case will now advance to the discovery phase. IBC is very pleased with the outcome of the proceedings in both Nova Scotia and Utah. IBC welcomes the start of the discovery phase, believes its claims will now be further substantiated through that process, and is highly confident in its position and prospects for success. Background of IBC IBC is an award-winning provider of proprietary and innovative MRT products and processes, based on green chemistry and green engineering, to premier customers worldwide. IBC's SuperLig, AnaLig and MacroLig products and associated processes are used in manufacturing, analytical and laboratory applications. In 1988, IBC was founded by and named after three Brigham Young University professors: Dr. Reed M. Izatt, Dr. Jerald S. Bradshaw and Dr. James J. Christensen. IBC is the proud sponsor of the International Izatt-Christensen Award. This Award, founded in 1991 and named after Dr. Reed M. Izatt and Dr. James J. Christensen, two of the founders of IBC, recognizes excellence in macrocyclic and supramolecular chemistry. It is known as one of the most prestigious small awards in chemistry. The Award is presented annually at the International Symposium on Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry ("ISMSC"). Two of the early recipients of the Award later shared the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The precursor of the ISMSC was founded by Dr. Izatt and Dr. Christensen in 1977. A privately-held Utah corporation, IBC counts among its shareholders a multi-billion dollar international manufacturing company, which has been a major customer and benefactor of IBC for over thirty (30) years. IBC has built its business upon integrity, trust and excellence and values its close association with such top-tier companies. IBC provides proprietary, green chemistry and green engineering SuperLig Molecular Recognition Technology products and processes worldwide. More information can be found at www.ibcmrt.com . SOURCE IBC Advanced Technologies, Inc. Related Links www.ibcmrt.com Australia's bank bosses are gearing up for a surge in failing companies when government supports are withdrawn, with major businesses supporting extensions to safe harbour laws shielding employers from going under. ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott said the changes to the insolvency laws had been appropriate and "there's a logical reason to see those changes maintained for a further period of time thats more aligned with the extension of deferral periods and other government support". ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott. Credit:Claudia Baxter Safe harbour rules relating to insolvency introduced in March to help businesses survive through lockdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic are due to end in late-September. Major government supports, such as wage subsidy scheme JobKeeper, have been extended until March 2021. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this week he would consider extending the insolvency changes.